Chapter 7: Emails Abound
When Clark checked his e-mail the next day, he was surprised to see that Lex had written not once or twice, but three times and they all had the same subject line……”Kent Answer me!” Clark had flinched at the anger he could feel coming off of the e-mail and he hadn't even opened them yet.
From: Destinysfoil@hotmail.com
Subject: Kent Answer me!
Clark,
What was your father doing at a shopping center in Metropolis? Further more why do I have the feeling that you were with him? Clark I think that there is something seriously wrong with you, will you tell me? Please?!
Lex
Each of the e-mails pretty much said the same thing, but Clark didn't know how to answer the e-mails with out “spilling the beans” so to speak. Clark finally wrote back two days later with the answers that he felt Lex were at least entitled to.
From: Clark_Kent@KentFarms.net
Subject: RE: Kent Answer me!
Lex,
You are right that dad was in Metropolis. You are also right that I was with him.
I will give you some of the details of what is going on, but you must be patient with me. It is hard for me to tell anyone, let alone you.
I am sick Lex, I am really, really sick. Now don't go trying to find me, just wait until I let you know where I am. I will tell you that I am in the hospital and it looks like I will be here for a bit. L Will you please be patient and not go looking for me? I myself am trying to wrap my mind around what is going on.
You will please just wait?
Clark
Clark could only hope that Lex would take the e-mail with the importance that he had given it.
From: Destinysfoil@hotmail.com
Subject: I will try
Clark,
I received your e-mail, and I must admit to being a bit hurt that you will not tell me the whole story. I guess I am can understand why you are hesitant though, but I do wish that you would confine in me. I consider you my best friend, and I would hope that you would feel comfortable with telling me anything.
I will wait until you tell me yourself about what is going on, but know that I will help you and your family in any way that I can, I consider you part of my family and I hope you know that. You have always been apart of my family, since shortly after you rescued me from my own idiocy.
So how is your life going? I don't want to push you, but I would like to build our friendship to be even stronger than what it was before.
Lately my father has been a real bear about getting Desiree to come to the gala event that will occur at the Children's hospital in Metropolis. I did tell you that I have donated to the hospital in the hopes that the Lillian Luthor Comprehensive Children's Cancer Center, to become world class? If I have not, that is very remiss of me I apologize now. So on to other matters, I have totally refused to have her as my escort, but my father some how thinks that I will change my mind once I see the errors of my ways. As if that would happen? I know that she was “seeing” someone else, to put it politely, and I don't think there is anything that would change my mind about her. One would have to drug me to even consider being in the same room with her, let alone take her as my date.
If you are able, I would enjoy your company at the gala. My father would be livid and I would have a good time. Just think about it.
Lex
From: Clark_Kent@KentFarms.net
Subject: RE: I will try
Lex,
I wonder how on earth you compose casual e-mails to sound so formal. Relax, I'm not going any where, literally.
I am sorry about Desiree, in some weird way I feel responsible for the bad things that happen in your life and finding out your girlfriend is “seeing” someone else I would classify as bad.
Things with me are fine, well as fine as they can be with being in the hospital and all that. Mom and dad visit almost every day, but I can tell that dad is getting more tired of the drive to Metropolis. I don't want him to wear himself out, so if you could watch him for me I would really appreciate it. Mom just loves her new job, even though it has been awhile, she still loves it.
How are things at the plant? I heard that there was another employee up rising with you at the helm, is that a good thing? I also heard from dad that you seem to be “hold up in that mansion of his.” At least try and get out some times, will you?
Clark
The next time that Clark checked his e-mail for an update from Lex, he was surprised to see an e-mail from another person sitting in his inbox.
From: Anthony.Giovanni@MetU.edu
Subject: Tutoring
Clark,
Hello, my name is Anthony Giovanni and I have been contacted by the hospital to make arrangements for you to get tutored in your high school classes. I am currently a junior in college, majoring in education.
It has been brought to my attention that you would need to be tutor due to you confinement to the children's hospital at which you are currently staying. I am sorry that you are ill and I wish you the best in getting well.
Now on to other matters… I would like to set up a time to test your level of education. It is done for all of our clients, just to make sure that they are with the standard. I am available on Mondays, Wednesday and Thursdays. If you would pick a time on any of those days, I will come by and meet you and explain further what your tutor will involve.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Anthony “Tony” Giovanni
Clark frowned at the bluntness of the e-mail, he could tell already that he would not like this tutor, but he was going to reserve judgment on him until they met.
From: Clark_Kent@KentFarms.net
Subject: RE: Tutoring
Anthony,
I can say I was honestly surprised that I received an e-mail from you. I did not know that arrangements had been made for me to continue my education while I was in the hospital.
I am pretty open on the days, since I am suck here at the hospital. I guess if I had to pick a day though, I would say if you could come by on Monday sometime in the afternoon would be good.
See you soon,
Clark Kent
After Clark sent out that e-mail he decided to send out an e-mail to Lex to see if he had really stuck to his guns about not finding out anything and putting Anthony Giovanni up to his tutoring.
From: Clark_Kent@KentFarms.net
Subject: Tutoring
Lex,
I just got an e-mail from an Anthony Giovanni from Met U, do you have anything to do with this? It seems that he got a message from the school that a tutor was needed for the hospital that I am staying at.
Mom, dad and I haven't actually talked about what I would do while in the hospital. I am glad that I won't fall too behind. It is bad enough being as behind as I am. Chloe and Pete make fun of me being so old and only being a sophomore. It sucks, but I can't do anything about the late start I got.
I guess I will have to wait until Monday to find out what the deal is.
Clark
Not twenty minutes later did Clark receive an e-mail back from Lex.
From: Destinysfoil@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: Tutoring
Clark,
I can honestly say that I very glad to hear from you. Things at the plant have been hectic these last few days, and are just now settling down.
I haven't enlisted the help of Anthony Giovanni, and have no idea what is going on. I am trying to keep my promise to you Clark, but I am finding it harder and harder to do so. Is there any way that I could see you for just awhile? We could meet anywhere, I just feel as if I need to see you.
Your father has stopped by on occasion to give me “updates” as he calls them about you. This of course makes me want to see you all the more. Are you truly all right?
Lex
When Clark read that e-mail he knew that he needed to do something to alleviate Lex's fears, he just didn't know what to do. On the one hand he could actually take the step of showing Lex how badly things are, or he could try to continue putting Lex off for a while longer. Clark didn't think that the second option would work any more, so Clark called the one person who would at least guide him in the right direction.
“Azure Interprizes, Martha speaking.”
“Hey mom.”
“Clark, what a surprise to hear from you.” Martha said while grinning on the other side.
“Thanks mom. I have a question for you.”
“Sure”
“Lex wrote me and really wants to see me. What should I do? I know if I keep putting him off he is going to get to the point where he will either not care or care too much and find me. I wanted to do this in my own time, but I have a feeling that it is running out. What should I do mom?” Clark asked as he blushed with the thoughts of the bald billionaire coming to visit him in the hospital.
“I think you should do what you think is right. If Lex really does care for you, as he stated then he will wait, but if you really feel that holding out on him is doing more harm than good then just invite him over. It can't hurt any now can it? Just make sure that he understands that what is going on with you is very serious. I think that Lex will understand better than most.” Martha said with a bright smile on her face. She had been hearing rumblings from both Kent men about Lex Luthor and they were all positive things, and if there was one thing that Martha liked to hear was that Jonathan Kent had been wrong about Lex Luthor. It was about time in her mind, that Jonathan quit passing his hate of the father to the son, it just didn't work that way.
“You know what mom?” Clark asked his mother.
“Yes dear?” Martha said trying to hide the excitement from her voice. She knew that Clark was going to take the step to see Lex, and that in her mind should have happened the day that Lex found out that something was going on with Clark.
“I am going to have Lex come and visit me. Is that okay?” Clark was worried that his mom and dad were still angry with the Luthor in question, but Clark felt as if this was the best thing for both he and Lex.
“Dear, that is fine. Just make sure that it is fine with Dr. Rowley. You know with your lowered immune system introducing new things may have to wait.” Martha really didn't want to postpone the visit, but Clark health came first to her and if Dr. Rowley said it was a quarantine time for Clark then Lex would just have to wait.
“Okay, I will ask her now.” Clark said as he watched his doctor walk in with a large smile on her face.
“Clark” Dr. Rowley said as if she had just run a mile. Then again now that Clark thought about it, she always sounded breathless.
“Dr. Rowley”
“Clark, call me Dr. Julie. Dr. Rowley is my father.”
“Dr. Julie, is it okay for me to have some new visitors?” Clark asked hesitantly, he really did not want to be told no.
“Sure you can. I was going to suggest that either your mother or father take you out for the day some time soon. With the first batch of treatment finished for the time being, I don't see a reason why you can't have visitors.”
“Really?” Clark had to blush at the excitement that having Lex coming to visit was creating for him.
“Sure, why don't you get on the laptop you seem so fond of and get some people in this place?” Dr. Julie said as she finished her check of Clark and his physical appearance.
“Thank you Dr. Julie!” Clark said with a bright grin on his face.
“Glad I could help.”
“Mom, she said I could have visitors again!” Clark told his mom as if she hadn't heard the entire conversation.
“Well then write an e-mail to Lex, now shoo I have work to do.” Martha said while laughing at the thought of her large son bouncing in his bed.
“Bye mom!” Clark said a bit distractedly and then hung up.
From: Clark_Kent@KentFarms.net
Subject: A Visit is in Order
Lex,
Well since you have pushed and prodded, and I have the okay from the doc you can come and visit me. Just understand one thing for me Lex; I don't want your pity or anything like that. I just want my best friend to come and cheer me up. I think that Lex Luthor walking around the Lillian Luthor Comprehensive Children's Cancer Center will do that don't you?
So as you can tell I am much sicker than I let on, I am sorry for that but now you understand why.
Stop by any time, I might even let you bust me out of here for a few hours!
Clark was a nervous wreck waiting for a reply from Lex, right up until his mother stopped by on her lunch break with a small present for him.
“Clark here you go.” Martha said smiling at her anxious son.
“What is it?” Clark said as he took the soft feeling gift.
“I got something for you. Just open it already.” Martha couldn't ever understand why he always asked a million questions before opening a gift.
“Mom!” Clark said as he opened the gift to see a black beanie sitting in the now destroyed wrapping paper.
“It's for your head, it is getting chilly out and I refuse to have you sick because you don't have a hat on.”
“But Lex doesn't wear a hat.” Clark whined.
“Lex also doesn't have cancer, Clark. Just wear it if you go out will you?” Martha asked in a worried voice.
“You bet mom, and thanks for thinking about me.” Clark had to sniff a little at the thoughtfulness of his mother in times like these.
“Your welcome dear, now I am off again. See you later, okay?” Martha said as she hugged and kissed her son.
“Sure” Clark said as he started putting on the black hat. He didn't want to look like a complete dork, but his mother had taken the time to either make it or buy it so he felt compelled to wear it.
Twenty minutes later Clark could hear people outside of his room talking in what he thought was supposed to be a cross between business like and seductive manner. Clark could only think of one person that spoke like that and it was Ava Roberts. Clark had just gotten out of his bed to sneak a peek when he door was thrown open by one bald billionaire with a face full of worry. Clark's eyes met Lex's and the rest of the world fell away, he had missed this man so much.
“Clark?!” Lex asked in an almost broken and wild manner.
“Hey Lex” Clark said happily.
“Where…What…Clark” Lex spoke in complete amazement. The last time that Lex had seen Clark, Clark was his usual self. Tall, tanned and the face of a Greek god, what stood before him was a pale imitation of his best friend. The person that stood there was still tall but the tanned skin had been replaced with a much paler complexion and the most noticeable change was the lack of hair on his head.
“Lex” Clark asked shakily.
“Clark, are you all right? No of course you aren't.” Clark didn't get to comment on Lex talking to himself since shortly after the words left Lex's mouth he had his arms full of Lex. Clark was amazed at the affection that Lex was showing to Clark, since Clark knew for a fact that Lex hated showing any signs of what Lionel Luthor would call “weakness” in front of people. Because there were quite a few people standing outside of Clark's door now with most having their mouths hanging open, and one who in fact looked murderous at the whole scene Ava Roberts.
“Lex…Lex, come on Lex. I'm not going anywhere.” Clark said in Lex's ear trying to calm the young businessman down.
“Clark…Clark…Clark” Lex kept repeating over and over again quietly into Clark's chest so that only Clark could hear him. Clark was shocked that Lex was acting this way, since he had always assumed that Lex was always the calm one in their friendship.
“Lex we are creating an audience.” Clark said in what he hoped was a joking manner, he hated that he had to release his friend but Clark knew that Lex would kill him for not at least trying to get him back under control.
“Audience?” Lex mumbled into Clark chest. Lex Luthor was quite happy were he was thank you very much, but he wanted to make sure that Clark wasn't just saying that.
“Yeah, an audience there's about ten people outside of the door watching us. I think I saw Dr. Julie breeze on past at least twice now. I can say that Ava Roberts doesn't look to happy either.”
“Roberts…I know that last name.” Lex said releasing Clark from the vise like hold he had on the younger man, to straighten out his suit.
“Well she is a volunteer here, and Michael said that she has a crush on me. She kind of weirds me out personally.”
“And what does Ms. Roberts do to weird you out, Clark?” Lex drawled as he looked around the room that Clark was staying in and the people that had gathered at the room's door. Any further thought was stopped by the whirlwind that was Dr. Rowley coming into the room, with a bright smile on her face.
“Clark! Mr. Luthor, what a surprise to see you here.” Dr. Rowley said as she watched closely as the two men interacted. It was subtle but she noticed how every few seconds Lex Luthor would reach out and touch the young man next to him, almost as if he was confirming that he was real and not a dream or vision of his imagination.
“Dr. Rowley, what a pleasure it is to see you again.” Lex said in his suave business tone, that Clark couldn't help but snicker a bit at. Only Lex Luthor would try and seduce his doctor.
“No the pleasure is all mine. I see that you have met Clark Kent.” Dr. Rowley said trying to gather more information on the relationship that the two men had with each other.
“Yes, I know Clark from my time in Smallville.” Lex said while reaching out to touch Clark once again. Clark watched all of this in a sort of stupor. He knew that Lex had missed him, what with the amount of e-mails that the two of them had been sending back and forth to each other, what he didn't quite realize was how much Lex missed him. If the touching that Clark felt every few seconds was any indication, Lex missed Clark like you would miss a significant other. That thought alone amazed Clark that the feelings that Lex may have for him were more than just friendly made Clark's heart constrict just a bit.
“Clark, you didn't tell me you knew Mr. Luthor here.” Dr. Rowley admonished Clark lightly.
“I….uh….Well you see…” Clark was saved by Lex speaking for him.
“Is there a reason as to why you would need to know that type of information Dr. Rowley?” Lex asked his voice just a few degrees colder than they had been a few minutes ago. Dr. Rowley knew instantly that she had overstepped the line with that question.
“Oh no, nothing of the sort, I just thought that Clark would have told us something like that.” Dr. Rowley said and then blanched at how wrong her statement sounded.
“Does Clark really strike you as that type of person, Dr. Rowley?” Clark could tell that Lex was about to truly explode on his doctor if he didn't do something and soon.
“Lex, come on. I get to leave for a few hours; don't worry about that, so let's go.” Clark said while trying to drag Lex away from the situation.
“No Clark I would like to hear what Dr. Rowley has to say about the matter at hand” Lex said while he gave, what Clark would call, the evil eye to Dr. Rowley. Clark saw the shutter that went through her body at the look that she had just been given. Clark was about ready to try one more time to pull Lex away, when Ava Roberts sauntered into the room with Clark's lunch. Clark couldn't hide the grimace that he gave the lunch tray from Lex.
“Clark are you okay?” Lex asked worriedly. He had seen the look that had passed across Clark's face and wanted to make sure that the young man was okay.
“Fine Lex, it's just lunch time.” Clark said while watching Ava put the tray down and stand in front of it waiting for Clark to go and see what was for lunch.
“That bad?” Lex asked while eyeing the tray and food that was in front of Clark.
“Its hospital food Lex, could it be good?” Clark asked with a lop-sided smile on his face.
“Clark this is healthy food, now come over here and eat it.” Demanded Ava from her spot behind the tray of food.
“Ms. Roberts I assume?” Lex asked his voice becoming even cooler than it was with Dr. Rowley.
“Yeah” Ava said in a voice that reminded both Clark and Lex of Desiree Atkins.
“Clark won't be here for lunch, so please take his lunch tray back.” Lex said as he began to drag Clark out of the room by the grasp on his wrist. Clark didn't protest since he was not looking forward to Wednesday's chicken smothered in pea sauce anytime soon, Ava some how blocked their exit with the tray in hand and anger written on her face.
“I think it is best that Clark eat what is provided for him.” Ava said, as she got closer to where Clark and Lex were standing.
“Ms. Roberts it would be advisable not to tell Clark what to do since his doctor is standing right here and has yet to object to Clark leaving and having lunch outside of this hospital.”
“Dr. Julie” Ava whined to the doctor in question.
“Ava, I have cleared a day out for Clark and if that includes lunch and dinner so be it.” Dr. Rowley said while looking at Lex as if willing him to understand that she would allow Lex to take Clark for both lunch and dinner.
“But…” Ava didn't get to finish her sentence because she was cut off by Dr. Rowley once again.
“There are no buts Ava. Mr. Luthor is a friend of Clark and I feel that Clark needs to get out and enjoy himself. If you have any issues with what I am doing then maybe you need to go to med school and become a doctor.” With that being said Dr. Rowley escorted the two young men outside of the room. Clark was amazed that Dr. Julie had just stuck up for him to a volunteer and a wealthy one from the information that Michael had given him about the young lady in question.
“Thank you” Clark mumbled with his head down. He didn't want to show Dr. Julie how effected he was by what she had just done.
“Clark, you must remember that I am your doctor and will do what is in your best interests. If that means backing down a volunteer then so be it. Also make sure that you remember that a volunteer has no say so in your medical decisions, only your family and I can make those decisions Clark. So don't let Ava talk you into talking to her about medical issues that you don't feel like speaking with her about. And no thanks are necessary, but make sure that you are back before 9. Got that?” Dr. Rowley said while watching both men in front of her with a small smile on her face.
“Okay” Clark said blushing at the motherly concern that his doctor was showing for him, she was usually all business but this side of her was nice to see.
“Oh and Clark?” Dr. Rowley threw over her shoulder as she made her way back to her office. Clark looked up from the ground to look at Dr. Rowley, and that she looked to be holding back a laugh.
“Yeah?” Clark asked afraid of what Dr. Rowley was about to say to him.
“Cute beanie” Dr. Rowley said with a small chuckle as she made her way into her office at the end of the hall. As soon as the words left her mouth Clark had his hands on his head checking to see if what she said was in fact true. Clark blushed even more red than he was before when he felt the soft knitted yarn on his head, he had totally forgotten that be had put the hat on before Lex's arrival.
“I must agree Clark cute beanie, maybe I should get on.” Lex said trying to calm his young friend down. He could see that Clark was about to panic with the comment that Dr. Rowley had made.
“Huh?” Clark asked as he watched Lex touch his baldhead as a testament that the beanie idea would not be too remiss for him either.
“I said maybe I should get one. How about we go to lunch and then try to find me a beanie to match?”
“Lex why would you need one? You look great with out one…” Clark didn't finish his sentence because the smile that lit up Lex's face took Clark's breath away. Clark rarely saw Lex smile, but when he did it always made Clark feel like the luckiest person on the earth.
“Thanks Clark” Lex said with the smile still on his face. Lex didn't care if people saw him with a smile on his face, the love of his life had just in a round about kind of way told him he was beautiful or close to it, and that ladies and gentlemen was cause for smiling.
By the time that Lex and Clark made it outside, Lex could see that Clark was tired and trying to hide the exhaustion that was written on his face.
“Clark, when was the last time you had a good night's rest?” Lex asked casually while trying to not watch Clark's face.
“Well since I got here, actually. It seems at about the time you fall asleep there is either someone coming in to check my vitals or Ava is there chattering away about nothing.”
“Clark why don't you tell her to leave?” Lex said with his voice tight with anger. He couldn't understand why in the world the girl just couldn't leave Clark be when it was very apparent that Clark was sick and sick for a reason.
“I do Lex, I really do but she just seems to brush it off and continues on. Which is why she weirds me out.” Clark said as he stood next to Lex in the lobby of the hospital.
“I think I may have to do something about that Clark. How about instead of going out to lunch, we have lunch at the penthouse and then we can relax and watch a movie?” Lex said while moving toward the large set of doors that would take them outside and to the car that was awaiting them.
“That sounds great, I wish I could go home and relax but I know that won't happen for awhile. I just hate not seeing mom and dad, and when they do come they both look so tired. I don't know how they do it Lex.” Clark said as he stood on the sidewalk shaking for a chill had entered the air since the last time he was out of his room.
“Clark you are freezing where is your jacket?” Lex asked Clark while waving down the limo that he had taken to get to the hospital.
“I didn't have one when I came and the last time I was out, it wasn't this cold.”
“Well I will have someone bring you a jacket next time, okay?”
“That's fine Lex” Clark said as he watched the limo pull up.
“A limo?” Clark asked trying to change the subject.
“Of course, when I got your e-mail I was still in Smallville so I just made a few calls and here I am.”
“Lex, you didn't have to fly to Metropolis to come and visit.” Clark said blushing as he entered the backseat of the limo.
“I did, Clark. Talking to you in e-mail was fine for the time being, but I haven't seen you in months and add to that the fact that I knew something was going on, I knew the minute I got to the line that said I could visit I would be here today and as fast as possible.” Lex said with an air of conviction that made Clark wonder just how anxious Lex was at seeing him again after months of separation.
“I don't know what to say Lex.” Clark said while staring into his best friends eyes.
“You don't have to say anything. I know you would do the same for me, so don't worry about it.”
“Lex…”
“No Clark, don't worry about it.” Lex said and then slid closer to Clark. Clark took this as an okay to put his head on Lex's shoulder. He was worried that “friends” didn't do this sort of things, but his friendship with Lex has been anything short of normal so he just let it go. Lex on the other hand had to wonder what he had done to get a second chance with the beautiful farm boy sitting next to him.
“Clark, rest and I will let you know when we get to the penthouse.” Lex said his voice a smoothing balm to Clark.
“Okay…Lex can we have grilled cheese sandwiches and some soup for lunch?” Clark asked as he looked into his best friend's eyes with an emotion that Lex would have call love, if he were certain that Clark felt that way about him.
“Clark we can have what ever you want. Is there something you want for dinner too?” Lex asked as he held down the temptation to run his hands over Clark's face.
“Hmmm, how about carp with sour-cream sauce?” Clark asked with a far off look on his face. Clark could remember when he was small and still living in Montenegro, having the women that worked at the orphanage making that as a special treat for everyone when one of the children were adopted.
“Why in the world would you want carp, Clark?” Lex asked with a bit of confusion written on his face. Carp was not something easily come by in the state of Kansas, even in the posh part of Metropolis. This seemed to pull Lex's attention even more than the dreamy look on Clark's face that still rested on his shoulder.
“I like carp, and mom can't get in Smallville. Is it going to be an inconvenience to have that? I can choose something else.” Clark said pulling away from Lex and looking out the car window. He for some reason felt hurt by the question that Lex was asking.
“No, I will have to call Jacque and see if he can find carp. If not, is there something else you would want?” Lex asked trying to sooth the young man that sat next to him. He could tell that something about the conversation earlier had spooked Clark, he just couldn't figure out what.
“Hmm, how about fried chicken then?” Clark asked still looking out of the car window. He didn't even know why he asked for the carp in the first place, but the response he got made he feel as if he shouldn't have said anything in the first place.
“Fried chicken, Clark? You do know that it is going to wreak havoc on your heart in the future?” Lex said with a smirk on his face, he hoped that this small joke would change Clark's mood.
“That may be, but is sure is good going down.” Clark said turning to Lex and having a lop-sided grin on his face. He was feeling better all ready.
“Hmmmm” was Lex's response to the answer that Clark gave.
“How can you say that my mom's fried chicken isn't the best thing you have had, well next to her pies, but the fried chicken is the best.” Clark said with his smile widening as he spoke about his mother's cooking habits.
“I will agree with you on that one, Mr. Kent but don't think I have changed my mind on the healthiness of it.” Lex couldn't help but smile at Clark, after me made that comment. There was just something about being near the younger man that made Lex want to smile and show the world that not all Luthors were like his father.
“Then we shall agree to disagree than.” Clark said still smiling at Lex. The moment was broken by the limo stopping abruptly.
“It looks like we're here Clark.” Lex said as he made himself ready for the driver to open the door to the backside of the car.
“Okay Lex” Clark said watching Lex as he went from Lex to Luthor in the span of a heartbeat. As soon as the words left his mouth the car door opened and Lex made his way out of the car. Clark followed closely looking at everything as he passed; he was still amazed that Lex was as rich as he was. Sometimes Clark had a hard time remembering that Lex was a Luthor, since most of the time you could see at least some sort of small smile on the bald billionaires face when around Clark. They made their way to the penthouse in silence, with Clark looking out the glass elevator as it sped up to the top floor of the building.
“Well here we are, Clark” Lex said making a grand sweeping gesture to the foyer of the penthouse. Clark couldn't help but open his mouth in stunned amazement.
“Lex! This place is amazing.” Clark squeaked sounding like a little girl. All Lex could do in response is laugh.
“Hey!” Clark said indignantly to Lex as they made their way to the den.
“Have a seat Clark, and will get Jacque on lunch and dinner.” Lex said sauntering toward the glass desk that sat next to the wall of windows in the den. Clark tuned out Lex talking to who he assumed was Jacque on the intercom system. Instead Clark sat on the large couch that just called his name, with the day's events leading up to Lex's arrival Clark's tiredness had returned ten-fold. Clark flopped down in the couch and shut his eyes against the sun that was streaming in from the wall of windows where Lex was located.
“Clark are you all right?” Lex asked with obvious concern in his voice.
“No” Clark responded happy for once to be able to tell Lex the truth without worrying too much about what other people would think.
“What's wrong?” Lex asked as he silently made his way over to Clark, truly worried for the young man that sat on his couch.
“Just tired is all, I guess the excitement of stuff got the better of me. I could really go for a nap right about now.” Clark said yawning as if to prove a point. Lex in that time made a spilt decision.
“Up” Lex said as he pushed on Clark to get the younger man to stand up.
“Wha..” Clark said as he stood at Lex's prodding.
“You are going to go and lay down and not on a couch. I have beds here, you are going to use one and I won't hear anything against it.” Lex said as he guided Clark toward his bedroom. He didn't want Clark to be anywhere else, besides in his bed.
“Thank you” Clark said in a faint murmur. He truly was tired and didn't know if he would have been able to stay awake for a movie or much else. As they arrived to a door at the end of the hall, Clark noticed that they had passed quite a few doors. Clark had to wonder if this was the master suite or if Lex had a room that was almost as good as being an apartment in the penthouse. When Lex opened the door, Clark knew then that Lex has taken him to his room in the penthouse but Clark couldn't figure out why Lex would do that.
“Uh Lex?” Clark asked as he made his way into the room where a large king sized bed sat in the middle of the room surrounded by modern furnishings.
“Clark” Lex said making his way toward what Clark assumed was an armoire.
“Is this by chance your room?” Clark asked while blushing at the thought of being in Lex's bed with the possibility of Lex in it with him.
“Does it matter Clark?” Lex said while standing near the open doors of the armoire that seemed to have hid the TV and all the fixings.
“No not really, just I don't want to….” Clark didn't finish his sentence since he realized that what he was about to say would not fly with Lex.
“Clark, don't worry about it. This is the only bedroom with a bathroom attached and personally I would feel more comfortable with you here then in any of the other rooms.” Lex said with a small grimace on his face. Clark could tell for that look alone that there was more to the story then Lex was going to say to him.
“Okay Lex” Clark said tiredly, he wasn't willing to fight about where he would sleep since it was just for a few hours.
“Good” Lex said with a smirk on his face. He was willing to bet LuthorCorp stock that Clark would have taken any excuse he gave the young man about him staying in Lex's room. Clark flopped down onto the bed with a tired sigh. The bed was truly heaven, since for the couple of months Clark had been sleeping in a hospital bed and there was one thing to be said for hospital beds. Tall people and short bed with stiff sheets don't mix. Clark had woken up on multiple occasions on the floor and with huge bruises on his body from the fall. He had to wonder who thought up having short beds were a good idea. With that thought in mind Clark let out a gasp that drew Lex's attention to him.
“Clark?” Lex asked as he made his way to sit next to Clark.
“Huh?” Clark said in a daze.
“Clark are you all right?” Lex couldn't help but wonder how many times he would say that to the dark haired teen today.
“Oh, uhmmm fine.” Clark said slowly while looking everywhere but at Lex. He knew that the minute he looked into those steel blue eyes, he would spill to Lex, all that he had been thinking about.
“Clark” Lex said his voice getting tense.
“Yeah?” Clark said looking at the TV that seemed to have turned itself on some how with out Clark noticing.
“Clark tell me what is going on?” Lex said trying to sound calm. Clark looked at Lex and decided that maybe telling Lex wouldn't be the end of the world, plus in Clark's mind it wasn't that important.
“Oh, well I was just thinking on why they make hospital beds so short. I have fallen out of my bed a few times, and my body doesn't take the fall very well.” Clark said blushing a bit at the peace of dorky information he gave Lex.
“You have bruises from this?” Lex asked truly sounding like a Luthor. Right then Clark didn't know how to answer. He wasn't sure if the tone was directed at him or somewhere else, he figured it was him since he was the only person here for Lex to get angry with.
“Yeah, I fell out the other day.” Clark said slowly while peeking out through his barely there eyelashes that had managed to stay attached to his face no matter what.
“I see” Lex said standing up and making his way over to a phone located on a desk that Clark had not seen until now. Clark waited in silence to see what Lex was about to do.
“Luthor here” Clark heard Lex bark into the phone that was not a good sign Clark knew.
“I want some sort of reason on why a six foot three inch teenager is sleeping in a child sized bed at your hospital.” Clark breathed a sigh of relief when he realized that Lex wasn't mad at him for something that he couldn't figure out.
“Unacceptable” Lex said before hanging up the phone.
“Clark” Lex said as he made his way back over to where Clark was still sprawled out on the bed.
“Lex” Clark said back with a bit of amusement in his voice. He never really noticed how many times Lex said his name when speaking to him, it was almost as if Lex was certain that Clark would disappear if he did not say his name often enough.
“I think you need to take a relaxing bath and then we will have lunch and you can take that nap that you probably desperately need. Sound good?” Lex said watching Clark's face for any sort of argument.
“Sounds excellent” Clark sighed, just thinking about taking a bath in one of Lex's tubs made Clark relax. Clark had seen the bathrooms at the castle and knew that anything Luthor was done in extravagance, which would mean he would be able to actually fit into the tub unlike at home where it was too small or like at the hospital where they didn't have a tub. Lex had to hide a grin at the look of pure bliss what was shining on Clark's face; one had to wonder if it was always this easy to please the farm boy. Lex stood up and made a grand hand gesture that Clark snickered at, only Lex would make a huge deal out of taking a bath.
“Well Clark your tub a waits. I will let Jacque know that we will take lunch a little later than expected. Now get going.” Lex said actually shooing Clark into the bathroom, as they made their way in Clark shifted foot-to-foot looking at the amazing room he had just entered.
“Clark, I will put a few towels on the counter for you and feel free to use any of the bath products here. Do you need shampoo?” Lex asked trying to hold in the smile that was trying to make its way to his face.
“That would be great, if it isn't too much trouble.” Clark said grinning like the big dork that he knew he was. Why in the world would Lex have shampoo, the man didn't even have hair at least not on his head. Clark had to stop that thought before the blush that had started to come would become ever redder.
“I will have to ask Mary to run and get you some, it that alright?”
“Sure, so should I wait?” Clark asked uncertainly. He really did want to just sink down in the tub, but if he needed to wait then he would.
“No, no. You go ahead. Either I or Mary will come and give you the shampoo.” Lex said trying to contain the groan at the thought of a naked Clark Kent in his own private bathroom. He was never, ever going to have the tub or room cleaned after Clark left he decided.
“Okay” Clark as he watched Lex leave the bathroom before turning on the water to the tub and stripping down and waiting for the tub to finish filling. While the tub was filling Clark took a look in the mirror that was behind the sinks. He body had changed greatly since his coming to Metropolis, but he figured being sick would do that to you. Where once stood a six foot three inch body of a dorky teenager, at least in Clark's opinion, now stood a six foot three inch body with multiple bruises near his ribs and his skin a few shades lighter than his normal light caramel complexion. Clark had to wonder how any body could look at him and love him, with the way that he looked now. Clark glanced back to the tub to see that it was full, and ready for Clark to slide his body into for a moment's relaxation and contemplation. Clark slid into the water and sighed at the amazing feeling it gave him, he had to wonder how people did with out baths through out history, but the thought was stopped short by the knock on the door.
“Come in” Clark said as he sat up a bit in the tub. He was hoping and dreading that it was Lex come to deliver the shampoo. As the door opened and the tale-tail sign of the baldhead made its way into the room, Clark had to hope that Lex would not stay long.
“Here you go” Lex said setting the shampoo on the side of the tub closest to him. He was really trying to be a good boy, but seeing Clark's chest made Lex gasp for there on Clark's chest where the bruises that he spoke about.
“Clark!” Lex exclaimed quickly making his way closer to the tub. Clark shifted slightly as Lex made his way over to toward the tub, trying to hide some of his body in the bubbles that he had decided to put in.
“Clark those bruises are horrible.” Lex said reaching out a hand unconsciously to run over the purpled flesh on Clark chest. Clark hissed as Lex's hand connected with the flesh.
“That hurts Lex” Clark ground out, as Lex continued his investigation of the bruises flesh.
“Something will have to be done about this. I am on it.” Lex said as he stood up and then made his way out of the bathroom and then Clark assumed made his way back to the phone in the bedroom.
A half an hour later, found Clark leaving the bathroom with only a bathrobe on and looking around for Lex.
“Clark” Lex said as he looked up to see Clark standing near the bed in only a robe.
“Hey Lex, I was uhmm, wondering if I could barrow something to wear.”
“Sure thing, let me see what I have, okay?” Lex said as he made his way to the large double doors that housed his clothes.
“Sure” Clark said sitting on the bed while watching Lex rummage through this closet.
“These will have to do” Lex said holding out a pair of overly large sweatpants to Clark.
“Thanks” Clark said as he grabbed them and made his way back into the bathroom to put the pants on. He didn't have a shirt, but since Lex had seen the bruises he decided to for go the shirt. As Clark exited the bathroom for the second time, it seemed that Lex had the bed turned down and there was a tray of food waiting next to the bed sitting in a chair.
“Clark have a lay down, Jacque just brought up lunch.” Lex said as he watched Clark move toward the bed with the bruises on his chest fully visible. Lex still couldn't believe that nothing had been done for Clark and his “incidents” with falling out of bed, but he had been on the phone for the last twenty minutes trying to remedy the situation; Clark sunk into the bed with a small sigh from his lips, the bed was pure heaven.
“Clark” Lex startled Clark out of his thoughts about the bed with the calling of this name. As Clark opened eyes that he didn't know he closed he noticed that Lex sat next to him with the tray of food in his arms.
“Grilled cheese and soup?” Clark asked Lex eyeing the tray.
“Of course” Lex said smirking at Clark. If Jacque did not deliver what Clark wanted then the man was out of a job, but he wasn't willing to tell Clark that.
“Good” Clark said as he took the tray and began to eat with a single mindedness that only seemed to come from eating hospital food for too long. Minutes later when the food and tray where cleared away, Lex offered up some form of entertainment that would occupy Clark until he fell asleep.
“So what shall it be? Movie, or the three hundred channel dish that I am paying for but don't use?” Lex said as he stood by the armoire that held the TV and DVD player for the room.
“I haven't seen cable in awhile. How about National Geographic, they always have something cool on.” Clark said blushing at how dorky he sounded to want to watch National Geographic channel.
“Sounds good” Lex said coming back toward the bed with a remote in hand and studying a piece of paper that seemed to have the channel mapped out on it. As Lex sat down he pressed a few buttons and the TV flipped to the channel that seemed to have a commercial about mountains on it.
“Well here it is, wonder what's on?” Lex grossed out loud.
“Guess we'll find out soon enough.” Clark said watching the TV screen while lying back a bit more in bed. Soon the show came back from commercial and what Clark saw almost made him want to run. There on the National Geographic channel was a documentary on Montenegro, the country that he was born and for the first few years raised there in living color for all to see. Clark chanced a glance at Lex to see him frowning slightly. Clark didn't know if he had the guts to ask Lex what was wrong, but it seemed that he need not ask.
“I can't believe this” Lex said staring at the TV screen.
“What?” Clark asked apprehensively.
“I just can't believe a country such as this would not join the EU.” Lex said frowning even more at the screen as the narrator spoke about the culture in Montenegro. Clark frowned at the anger he sensed from Lex.
“What's wrong with that?” Clark asked as he watched Lex get up to pace the floor.
“Joining the EU would be beneficial to the whole country. I just don't understand why a country would allow them selves to not join the EU. With the EU backing, countries like this could flourish in the tourism sector.”
“So are you saying that just because they don't want to join the EU that they are dumb?” Clark said frowning even more, since he didn't seem to understand Lex's words that entirely well.
“Well not dumb, but merely ignorant of the ways of the world and what pleasure they could get from more money in their pockets.” Lex didn't know how much he had just hurt his best friend's feelings with those words. With Clark it would never be about the money, he understood fundamentally that the world worked with money, but Clark was willing to put aside the need for material things as long as he had his loved ones close.
“It isn't about the money, Lex.” Clark said frowning at the thought that maybe he had misread his best friend when they first met.
“Clark, nothing happens without money. You should know that, since your mother had to go to work to pay for your hospital bills.” As the words left his mouth Clark's face fell and the hurt feeling he had in his heart increased ten-fold.
“Oh” was all Clark could say to those words. With the pain he was feeling from his friend's words, Clark had no desire to remain at the penthouse. The silence stretched on for a while before Lex spoke again about the documentary that was on.
“How can those people eat that?” Lex said wrinkling his nose a bit as a man on the TV gutted a lamb for the evening meal that he was to have with his family.
“What do you mean?” Clark asked in a tight voice. He was tired of Lex treating him and his culture with such distain.
“I mean look at what he is doing? I don't think that is safe at all, is there no sort of standards that these people live by? Just another reason for the country to join the EU, to have some sort of standards.” Lex had turned his head away from the family enjoying the meal, and looked at Clark with disgust in his eyes.
“Maybe they enjoy the way things are, Lex.” Clark said his voice as even as he could get it. He was about ready to yell at Lex, but knew better than to fight with the young businessman; he wasn't a billionaire by his father's hands only.
“Change is always for the better, Clark.” Lex said looking back the screen and then wrinkling his nose again as the family dinner played out. Clark didn't know what to do, he didn't want to stay but with an abrupt departure Lex would question him on things he didn't want to even get into with the other man now. The choice of what to do was taken out of his hands by Lex turning off the TV.
“Enough of that, you need to rest.”
“Okay” was Clark's only response. As Clark made his self as comfortable in the now most uncomfortable bed in the world, a few tears escaped his eyes. Clark wiped them quickly away with the back of his hand as he turned on his side with his back facing toward Lex. In what seem like no time at all someone was shaking his shoulder to awaken him from the light sleep that he had fallen into.
“Master Kent” the voice called, Clark knew immediately that it wasn't Lex, which made Clark frown a bit.
“Yeah” Clark responded in a sleep roughen voice.
“Master Lex wishes to take you back to the hospital now.” Clark had to frown even more as to the possible reasons as to why Lex could not come up stairs to wake him.
“Okay, yeah sure.” Clark said as he stumbled out of the bed and then into the bathroom that held the clothes he had come to the penthouse in. It was obvious to Clark that Lex no longer wanted him there, so he was not going to take up any more of Lex's time any longer. Silently tears fell from Clark's eyes as he got dressed, this was the reason why he had not spoken to his friend face-to-face for so long, it was clear to Clark that Lex was either disgusted with the way he looked or angry for Clark's earlier questions about Montenegro, although he didn't think it was the latter, but with Lex one never knew. Clark dashed the few tears that had fallen from his eyes as he tied his shoes with the sleeve of his shirt, and then made his way over to the mirror to see if you could tell that he had been crying. His eyes were puffy, but nothing too terrible to where someone would ask if he was alright and with Lex seemly distancing himself away from Clark, Clark wasn't all the sure that Lex would notice. Clark followed behind what he could only assume was one of the many servants at the penthouse, at Lex's disposal.
“Here you go Master Kent,” the servant said to Clark before quickly disappearing. Clark peeked into the room to see Lex sitting behind his desk with nothing but the TV on in the room on mute, since there was a lack of sound. This only cemented the fact that Lex didn't want to associate with him any longer, it made Clark's heart hurt just a bit more. He had been reluctant to answer Lex's e-mails in the first place, and now to have that bit of hope that he had gotten from those numerous e-mails from Lex not only squashed but also burned and thrown to wind was more than he could handle. He could only hope that none of his emotions made their way to his face, because he was sure that Lex would be even more disgusted at the neediness that Clark seemed to have developed in respect to Lex.
“Hey” Clark whispered at the door. He didn't even dare to go into the room since there would be no need to since Lex was about to take him back anyway.
“Clark” Lex said as he stood up and made his way over to Clark. It seemed that neither man knew what to say as Lex made his way over to Clark; the silence was broken by Lex first.
“So ready to go?” Lex asked as just at that moment his cell phone began to go off. As he looked at the called ID, he swore, just whom he didn't want to talk to, his father. Lex quickly picked up, and didn't notice that Clark face fell for just a moment showing the true pain that he was feeling both mental and physical.
“Hello dad” Lex said sarcastically into the phone. He made a gesture for Clark to follow him out of the penthouse and to the elevator where he carried a conversation with his father the whole way down to the ground level. Clark just stared out into space hoping that this would be all over soon. Clark then followed a talking Lex to a running Ferrari FXX that Clark knew for a fact that was only available in the racing market in Europe. Only one more thing that made Clark feel totally unwanted in Lex's life. As Clark struggled to get in the racing vehicle, he could hear the impatience in Lex's voice.
“Yes dad, I remembered to run the report that you requested.”
Clark after fighting with the seatbelts made his way into the car, only to be flung back in his seat as Lex took off driving way too fast, as per usual. Clark stared out of the window barely taking in the scenery as Lex carried a heated discussion with his father the whole way back to the hospital. The only time that Lex spoke to him was after he made his way out of the car at the hospital.
“Just a second, dad” Lex said impatiently to his father.
“I'll talk to you later” Lex said to Clark before speaking with his father once again and ignoring Clark. Clark closed the car door as quickly and quietly as he could, so as to not disturb Lex any further.
“Don't bother” Clark said to the speeding rear of the vehicle. Clark trudged his way back to his room with a heavy heart. Clark saw his mother waiting in his room with a smile on her face that quickly fell when she saw the pain that her son was in.
“Clark, honey?” Martha asked a now crying Clark.
“Clark” Martha said as she ran over to her son.
“It hurts mom.” Clark said in a chocked sob, the words that Lex had said and his blatant dismissal of Clark was just too much for him to handle any longer.
“Clark what happened?” Martha said as she guided her crying son toward his bed.
“Lex” was all that Clark got out before he broke into another wave of sobs.
“It's okay” Martha said rocking Clark back and forth, trying to sooth her hurt son. Soon enough Clark began to calm down enough to talk again.
“Okay, what happened?” Martha questioned again.
“Lex came over to visit, just like you said he would. Well Dr. Julie allowed me to go out, but you knew that, so we went to the penthouse for the day. I should have known the day would be anything but great when he asked me what I wanted for dinner, and I said carp in a sour-cream sauce. He made some comment on why I would like carp, which is understandable, but after that it went down hill.” Clark said to cry just a bit at the thought of what had happened next.
“Lex wanted to know how was I doing and I told him, not too great with falling out of the bed and having Ava Roberts following me around all the time. He said something about getting that fixed, but whatever. He offered for me to use the bathroom and take a bath, so I did. When I got out lunch was there and so I ate and he turned on the TV. I wanted to watch National Geographic channel, so we did. Guess what was on mom? A documentary about the country on Montenegro, he was not at all happy about the status of the country. He made some comment about them joining to EU and then made some comment about if they joined they would have more money and that is a good thing. I tried to tell him that maybe they liked the way things were there, he basically told me I didn't know what I was talking about and how could they not want more money. Then turned off the TV and told me to take a nap, I was then woken up by one of the servants to have Lex take me home. When I get to Lex he is in the study with the TV one, as if he couldn't stand being in the same room with me; and here is the kicker mom. Lionel calls and he talks to the man the whole way back here, add to that he has some small fancy sports car that I can barely get into and then he says “I'll talk to you later” as if he barely could stand to be pulled away from talking to his father.” Clark said all this and then buried his face in the crook of his mother neck. Martha Kent on the other hand was trying not to show how angry she really was at what Clark had told her. She knew that Clark had been taken out by Lex, and even approved of the time away for her son, but for him to come back so broken over what Lex had done unintentionally or not made her want to roar with anger at someone or something, but first things first she had to sooth her son.
“It will be okay, Clark.” She knew it would be a long time before Clark would recoup from the blow that Lex had thrown at her son.
“I thought he was friend and understood.” Clark said as he allowed his mother to maneuver him into the bathroom for him to change into the new pajamas that she had bought him. Clark allowed his mother to change his clothes and place him into the small bed, without complaint. Martha then knew how seriously her son was hurt by the Luthor heir's words then and there; she had to do something to sooth her son's hurt.
“Clark, maybe it is best if you don't speak to Lex for awhile. It is obvious that he doesn't understand. I know it hurts, but you need to find friends that care regardless of money, status, and sickness. I would say in some cases that friendship is like a marriage, there are just some marriages worth fighting for and some not, and it is the same with friendships. It is up to you to make the decision on whether your friendship with Lex is worth fighting for or not.” Martha said this while sitting on the bed next to her son who had a quiet thoughtfulness around him.
“Your right mom.” Clark said with a sad tone coloring his voice. It would take heavy contemplation on his behalf on if his friendship with Lex was worth it. What he didn't know was that his decision would be almost made for him in the coming days.