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sinderella81Title: Choosing Destiny
Author: cinderella81
Beta: lexalicious70
Word Count: 15,012
Rating: NC-17 (for sexual situations)
Pairing/Genre/: Clex, AU drama romance
Summary: Taking place in the middle of Season 8, Clark is living a double life. By day, he is the naïve, stumbling farm boy, working as a reporter at the Daily Planet. At night, he is the lover of Lex Luthor (long presumed dead), battling the secret machinations of Oliver Queen and preparing to take his place as the final authority in the world.
Author’s Notes/Warning/Disclaimer/ Spoilers: Slight spoilers for the whole series. Smallville and its characters do not belong to me, I just enjoy playing with them!
Clark sighed as he padded through the farmhouse, dropping his coat and tie on the kitchen table. The encounter with Maxima had not gone as planned, but now she was safely back on Almerac. Clark laughed as he remembered the look on Maxima’s face when her kiss didn’t get him all hot and bothered.
He stepped outside, glanced around to make sure he was alone, and took off, arriving moments later in the Caribbean to the private island and the small bungalow that was built just for him and his lover.
He stripped as he walked through the small bungalow, crawling into bed and pressing a soft kiss to the pale bare shoulder.
“I missed you,” Clark whispered.
Lex rolled over and gave Clark a loving smile, pressing his body to Clark’s. “I missed you too,” Lex murmured, running his fingers through Clark’s hair.
Clark purred and leaned into the touch. “How much longer do we have to go on like this? Playing the naïve farmboy is getting a little old,” Clark murmured, running his hands over Lex’s body. “It’s getting harder; loving you in private, hating you in public. Not to mention trying to keep Queen and all his cronies off your trail.”
Lex sighed softly and pressed a calming kiss to Clark’s cheek. “I know, my love, and I’m sorry. You knew disappearing was necessary,” Lex murmured, snuggling close to his lover.
“Necessary,” Clark repeated quietly. “I understand … doesn’t make it any easier. I want to drop this façade … be who I was meant to be … rule with you at my side.”
“I know, and it will happen,” Lex replied softly. “Sometime in either May or June of next year, everything will be ready … then we will make our move.”
Clark smiled and pressed Lex to the bed, straddling Lex’s hips. He licked a trail from Lex’s hipbones all the way up to Lex’s neck.
“Perfect.”
Lex sighed happily and arched under Clark’s tongue. “Christ you’re good at that,” he murmured. He would never admit it, but … he was lonely. He’d been on the island for months, only seeing his lover in the evenings and when Clark had free time.
Clark chuckled and leaned back, staring down at Lex. “I’m only myself when I’m with you,” he murmured. He rolled off and curled up next to Lex, memories flooding his brain as he remembered the day everything had changed for them.
*Five Years Ago*
“What is this? What the hell is this?” Clark yelled, spinning in a slow circle. Hanging in the center of the room was a larger than life headshot of himself. All around the room were computer screens showing various simulations … Lex’s Porsche took up a large portion of the room.
“This … is my obsession,” Lex admitted with a sigh.
“This … me?” Clark asked. “The accident? Our first meeting?”
“Everything,” Lex said. “You fascinate me. Why did you save me? How did you save me? Why did God put this gorgeous young man right in my path … right into the path of temptation?” Lex reached up and cupped Clark’s cheek gently.
Clark gulped and looked down at Lex. “I’m your obsession?”
“Everything about you,” Lex whispered. “God Clark, do you have any idea what an anomaly you are? Here you are, a Greek God brought to life and yet … you are the sweetest, most honest man I have ever met.”
“I’m not honest,” Clark murmured. “I’ve kept secrets … the biggest secret.” He leaned into Lex’s gentle touch. “You’ve been the best friend to me … better than Chloe and Pete … and I’ve wanted to tell you.”
“You can tell me, Clark,” Lex murmured. “I’ll keep your secrets …”
“You want to know how I saved you?” Clark asked. At Lex’s nod, Clark stepped back and looked at Lex. “You hit at 60 miles an hour … I flew into the water, pulled the roof off your car and saved you.”
“Pulled the … “ Lex looked over at his Porsche, eyes wide. “Christ … you … what did the meteors do to you?” Lex’d had plenty of experience with the meteor infected in Smallville … ripping the hood off a car was a definite sign of meteors.
Clark dropped his head and looked at his feet. “The meteors didn’t do anything to me,” he murmured. “Lex, the meteors are part of my home planet … Krypton. They … the green ones make me sick, the red … I lose my inhibitions. I’m an alien … the last of my kind.”
“The last of your kind,” Lex murmured. “Oh Clark … how lonely you must have been.”
Clark closed his eyes, feeling the tears well up. No one, not even his parents, had ever understood the great feeling of loneliness that came with his secret. He was alone, the only one of his kind. “I’m the last, Lex … there are no others of my kind,” he whispered.
Lex stepped closer and wrapped his arms around Clark in a gentle hug. “I’m here,” he whispered. “You’re not alone anymore.”
Clark sagged and leaned into Lex’s touch. “I … there was no one for me to talk to,” he said. “When my powers started emerging … I had no one to confide in … “
“That ends now,” Lex murmured, looking up into Clark’s deep green eyes. “You need to talk? Come talk to me … I will always listen.” He ran a hand through Clark’s hair, leaned up, and kissed the young boy gently on the lips.
Clark gasped as Lex’s lips came in contact with his. Instinct immediately took over and he wrapped his arms around the older man, pulling him close. He heard Lex gasp against his lips and gripped him tighter, running his tongue across Lex’s lower lip, begging for entrance.
Lex groaned and pulled back. “Clark … wait,” he gasped, running a finger across Clark’s lips.
“Why?” Clark murmured.
“Because you are an underage high school student,” Lex said.
“I’m seventeen,” Clark said, cupping Lex’s cheek.
“But seventeen is not eighteen,” Lex said. “I would hate for something to happen and for me to end up in jail for statutory rape. Not to mention the fact that now I have to go explain to Helen why I will not be marrying her.”
“You’re not going to … “
“Why would I marry her now? I have what I want,” Lex said with a grin. “I’m certainly not going to jeopardize what I have with you … not after just getting you.”
Clark smiled down at Lex. “This … is all very new,” he murmured.
“Very new,” Lex agreed. “And we’ll take this as slow as you need.”
***
Clark smiled at the memory. From that moment on, he and Lex had been together. They played their roles and convinced the world that they’d been only friends who parted on bad terms. No one had ever known anything different, and that was the way Clark and Lex wanted it, at least for the time being. Clark sighed softly and pressed a kiss to Lex’s cheek.
“Thinking deep thoughts?” Lex asked with a smile.
“Deep and meaningful,” Clark replied with a wink. He snuggled down a bit and rested his head on his lover’s chest, sighing when he felt Lex’s hands in his hair. It was tiring … playing these roles.
“You’re tired,” Lex murmured, kissing his lover’s hair.
“Exhausted,” Clark admitted.
“Stay the night?” Lex asked. “I miss you.”
“I’ll stay,” Clark agreed. “I need this … this reconnection with you … “ His eyes drifted closed and Clark sighed softly.
“Sleep,” Lex whispered. “I’m here … “
* * *
Clark ran his hands through his hair as he hurried down the street, trying to get to the Daily Planet on time. He missed being on the island with Lex, wanted to be there all the time. But, he knew that things had to play out a certain way … there were things that needed to happen before it was safe for him and Lex.
He entered the Planet and headed right down to the basement, where he saw Lois waiting for him.
“Ah, running right on time, Smallville,” Lois said with a grin as she relaxed at her desk.
“Sorry, Lois,” Clark said, knocking over a sheaf of papers as he set his stuff on his desk.
Lois just rolled her eyes and watched him fumble around. “Really graceful,” she said.
Clark glared at her a bit as he picked the papers off the floor and rearranged his desk. “I’m not the one who knocked over my mug of coffee all over my copy last week,” he shot back with a grin.
Lois just huffed and went back to whatever she’d been doing before Clark had arrived.
Clark rolled his eyes and set out all his research and notes for the various stories he was working on. His Blackberry was on his desk, just in case one of his operatives contacted him. He booted up his computer and went to work, typing in his notes from all his various stories.
Lois eyed Clark carefully as she worked. “Something’s different about you,” she said.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Clark mumbled, frowning at the computer screen. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to deliver this copy to Ms. Mercer. Then, I have an appointment.”
“Appointment? What appointment? Why didn’t you tell me?” Lois asked, slightly irritated.
“Because it’s none of your business,” Clark said. “It’s a personal appointment, nothing to do with work … and don’t worry, I cleared it with HR.” He gathered up his papers, pocketed his Blackberry and headed out, uncaring of Lois’ annoyed glare.
* * *
Clark ran a hand through his hair as he sat behind the large desk. The money Lex funneled into the Cayman account he’d set up for Clark had certainly helped him. He was able to buy a small office building and hire himself a small army of operatives. He had goals that needed to be achieved before he could even think of stepping in front of the United Nations.
He was reading through the various reports from his operatives when there was a knock on the door. “Enter,” he said distractedly.
“You know, you should be careful who you just let waltz in here.”
Clark looked up and smiled as Bart bounced in and sat in the easy chair across from his desk. He gave Bart a smile as he closed his files.
“I knew it was you,” Clark said. “Anyone else wouldn’t have made it past the front door of the office building.”
“I know,” Bart said, propping his feet up on Clark’s desk with a grin.
“All right,” Clark said. “Tell me what you know.”
“Queen’s got stashes of Kryptonite, both red and green, all over the world,” Bart said. “He won’t tell me why … yet.” Bart passed over a sheaf of papers to Clark. “Here’s the list of where he’s got them hidden, at least the ones he’s told me about. I don’t know how much he trusts me.”
Clark nodded and looked over the list. “This is good,” he said. “I’ll send Empress to meet up with Acrata in Mexico to decimate the holdings there, burn it to the ground and destroy the Kryptonite.”
Bart nodded, jotting a few notes down. “Faith and Cascade can take on the holdings in Indonesia,” he said.
Clark nodded again. “And I’ll get Huntress to take on the holdings in Gotham,” he said. “That’s a good start.”
“How are Centrix and Arsenal working out?” Bart asked.
“They’re good assets,” Clark said. “They’re helping me search out an other sources of Kryptonite. And Thunder is keeping her eyes peeled here in Metropolis.” Clark relaxed back in his seat as he looked at his friend. Bart had turned out to be a great asset; he’d entrenched himself in Queen’s operation so Clark could find out what the billionaire was up to.
“Good,” Bart said. “You know, when you first approached me about all this … I was a bit unwilling.”
“Unwilling is putting it politely,” Clark said with a laugh. “You called me power hungry, crazy … “
“I know, I was an ass,” Bart said with a smile. “But then … I really started to listen to what you had to say. And … you make more sense than all the politicians in this insane world.”
“They all fight with each other,” Clark said. “Everyone wants to have their own way … everyone has good ideas, but no one will listen to each other. This way, I am the final say … they bring their ideas to me.”
“You’re like the Godfather,” Bart said.
Clark snorted and rolled his eyes. “In a way, I guess so,” he said. “I am the ultimate in neutral party. Hell, I’m not even from this planet. Even though I was raised here, I’m not human … I see things from a whole different perspective. This planet needs one source of power, one person to look up to for guidance. I am this person.”
Bart smiled and nodded. “And … you’re exactly what this world needs,” he said. “A steady hand and a firm hand.”
“Thank you,” Clark replied. “Now … can I steal you away from Queen for a few days?”
“What do you need?” Bart asked.
“I need you to help Thunder out for a few days,” Clark said. “She’s having a bit of trouble keeping the crime at bay and searching for Kryptonite. If you can do a quick sweep of the city for me and report back so Thunder can concentrate on the crime, it would be greatly appreciated.”
“Sure thing,” Bart replied. “Not like Queen’ll miss me. He’s got Cyborg and Black Canary doing his dirty work, and Aquaman warming his bed.”
Clark chuckled softly. “Do you want to be in his bed?” he asked teasingly.
“Hell no!” Bart said. “Are you kidding me? I got Watchtower to warm my bed!”
Clark smiled and thought of his best friend, Chloe Sullivan. She had yet to learn of Clark’s plans, and was sadly working for Oliver Queen in the crime fighting capacity. Bart had assured him that Chloe had no idea about the hoarding of Kryptonite. Clark had politely asked Bart to slip her bits of information so she could start seeing Oliver’s true colors.
“As long as you’re treating her well,” Clark said. “As good a friend as you are, you hurt her and nothing would stop me from destroying you.”
“I know,” Bart said. “I’d never let her get hurt … I’ll pull her out of Queen’s plots before anything happens, I promise.”
Clark smiled and nodded. “I trust you,” he said. “Now, go on. I’d like you to do a round before you go meet your girlfriend.”
Bart chuckled and nodded. “You got it,” he said. “I’ll send you a text tomorrow and let you know what I find.”
“Thanks, Bart,” Clark said. He waited until Bart was gone before closing the office down and speeding off to be with his lover.
* * *
Clark put the two pints of ice cream in the freezer of his and Lex’s island paradise before searching out his lover.
“Marco!” he called.
“Polo!”
Clark laughed and headed in the direction of the bedroom. He smiled when he saw his lover spread out naked on the large bed. “Delicious,” Clark murmured. He stripped down and crawled onto the bed, straddling Lex’s hips. “I brought ice cream.”
“Double chocolate chunk?” Lex asked, arching up into Clark with a smile.
“Of course,” Clark said, leaning down to nibble at Lex’s chest, smiling when Lex whimpered.
“Tease,” Lex gasped.
“Oh, you know me,” Clark said. “I love to tease.” He reached up and tweaked Lex’s nipples as he ground his cock against Lex’s.
“Fuck,” Lex cried, reaching up to grip Clark’s hips.
“Uh-uh,” Clark said, shaking his head. He took Lex’s hands and moved them up to the wrought iron headboard. “Keep them there.”
“Yes,” Lex breathed, gripping the headboard.
“Good boy,” Clark said with a smile. He dipped his head and began to lick and suck at Lex’s collarbone.
“Christ,” Lex cried, wrapping his legs around Clark’s waist. “Clark … please!”
“Let me have my fun,” Clark said softly.
Lex groaned softly, tilting his head to the side to allow Clark more access to his neck. “Have your fun, but … please!”
Clark chuckled against Lex’s neck, his hands caressing Lex’s body lovingly as he bit at Lex’s skin.
Lex groaned and, in the heat of passion, moved his hands from the headboard and wrapped themselves in Clark’s hair, groaning happily.
Clark stilled instantly, staring down at his lover. “You broke my one rule,” he said. “Naughty boy … “
“Please, Clark,” Lex said, quickly putting his hands back on the headboard.
“Naughty boys need to be punished … they’ll never learn if they’re not punished,” Clark said.
Before Lex had a chance to respond, he found himself handcuffed to the bed, his legs spread wide. He gulped a bit and watched as Clark unearthed a bright purple dildo; a delightful toy that had a small prong that stimulated the spot just behind one’s balls as the dildo itself hummed and thumped and vibrated.
“Clark?” Lex murmured.
“Quiet,” Clark said, giving Lex a dark, yet loving, smile. “Now … if you’re a good boy and can keep control … you’ll be rewarded.”
“R-r-rewarded?” Lex breathed, gasping as he felt the dildo slide inside him. His lover has his hands on Lex’s legs, preventing him from bearing down and pushing the dildo in further.
“Mmhmm,” Clark replied. He leaned down and kissed Lex’s chest, running his fingers through the red curls around Lex’s cock, humming softly. He leaned back, sitting astride Lex’s legs, gave his lover a wicked grin, and flipped the switch on the control for the vibrator.
Lex gasped as he felt the dildo start to hum, then thump, the vibrate. Through lust hazed eyes he saw Clark stroking himself as he played with the controls. Lex whimpered and thrashed on the bed, unable to move, unable to get relief. “Please?” he gasped.
“Please, what?” Clark asked, happily stroking himself. “What do you want, my love?”
“Release … “ Lex panted.
Clark smiled and continued to play with the controls on the vibrator for a few more minutes as he stroked himself, as if contemplating his lover’s request. Finally, he removed the vibrator and slid deep inside Lex, thrusting hard and fast, hitting that sweet spot. “Oh you are such a good boy,” he groaned, leaning down to nibble on Lex‘s nipples. “You may come freely.”
Lex felt his lover’s lips and teeth on his nipples and came on the spot, clamping around Clark and crying Clark’s name to the ceiling. “Christ,” he murmured, straining a bit against the handcuffs.
Clark sighed as he gently slid out of Lex and released his lover from the handcuffs, massaging Lex’s arms gently. “My sweet, good boy,” he whispered, pulling Lex into his arms.
“Love you,” Lex said softly, curling into Clark’s embrace. He loved when they were like this … loved this power play, this game of submission. He knew that Clark would never intentionally hurt him … he felt safe in his lover’s arms.
“I love you,” Clark murmured, running his hands up and down Lex’s arms. “I have a meeting early tomorrow morning with Thunder and Bart … I probably won’t stay the whole night … “
“Just stay as long as you can,” Lex said. “It gets … lonely here.”
“I know,” Clark replied. “Just a few more months … we’re getting closer.” He pressed a kiss to Lex’s temple.
Lex yawned and snuggled against Clark as sleep began to claim him. The heat radiating from his lover’s skin and the sound of Clark’s heartbeat soon lulled him to sleep.
* * *
Clark hurried through Metropolis, headed for the café near the Daily Planet to meet Chloe for lunch. His meeting with Bart and Thunder had gone well; crime was down in Metropolis, and pockets of Kryptonite were being found and destroyed.
“Clark!” Chloe called over to him, waving and grinning.
Clark smiled and rushed over, sweeping his friend into a tight hug. “How’re things going?” he asked.
“Oh you know, crime fighting, saving the world,” Chloe replied with a smile.
“Sounds exciting,” Clark said, sitting down at a table outside with his friend.
“It really is,” Chloe said excitedly. “I’m helping stop crime in Metropolis, Clark.”
Clark smiled and nodded, perusing his menu. He wasn’t going to tell Chloe what a backstabbing asshole Oliver Queen was. He could talk to her till his face turned blue, but Chloe Sullivan’s motto was ‘seeing is believing’.
“You know, Clark,” Chloe said after they’d ordered their food. “You could do a lot of good on our team … “
Clark sipped his drink slowly; he’d known that Chloe would want him to join Queen’s team eventually. And as much as he wanted to tell her about Oliver’s dubious and malicious dealings, but he knew that Chloe wouldn’t believe him.
“I don’t know, Chloe,” Clark said quietly. “I think I’m better on my own … I don’t know how I would do on a team.”
Chloe’s eyes widened a bit. “On your own? But … Clark … think of the good you could do.”
“I’m doing good on my own,” Clark said. He didn’t want to get into a fight was one of his best friends, especially not about this.
“But … “ Chloe sighed and leaned back in her chair. “I’m going to force you. I know you, and once you’ve made up your mind, there’s no changing it.”
“You got that right,” Clark said with a smile and a wink. “Just like someone else I know.”
Chloe just rolled her eyes and snorted. “All right, all right, I’m stubborn too.”
“That you are,” Clark said with a grin. “Part of why I love you.”
* * *
Clark rolled his eyes as he followed Lois through the streets of Metropolis. She was hot on the heels of some story, so he was hot on her heels.
“Come on, Smallville, the day’s wasting!” Lois called.
“Lois, it’s only ten in the morning!” Clark yelled at Lois’ back.
“Right,” Lois said. “And we want this to get in the late edition so we need to get it written and off for editing!”
Clark just rolled his eyes again. He really hated playing the dumb farm boy around Lois; she took advantage of it and treated him like he was her charge, not her partner.
Lois wasn’t paying attention to where she was going, so intent on getting to the hospital to get her precious interview that she didn’t even see the girl until they were both flat on the sidewalk.
“Watch where you’re going,” Lois said as she dusted herself off.
“You’re the one who ran into me.” The tall blonde girl stood and dusted herself off, glaring at Lois.
“Well, if you hadn’t been taking up 90% of the sidewalk,” Lois shot back.
“Listen you little - “ The girl caught sight of Clark standing behind Lois and immediately stopped talking and dropped her head.
Clark caught the girl’s vision and shook his head. Lois looked back at Clark and then at the girl. “Whatever. Listen, just keep your eyes on the road and everything will be fine,” Lois said, brushing past the girl and continuing on her mission.
“Meet me later,” Clark murmured to the girl before following his partner to the hospital.
* * *
Later that evening, after Lois’ story had been proofread and sent for publication, Clark sat in his spacious office, reading offer some reports. There was a knock on the door and Clark looked up as Anissa Pierce, otherwise known as Thunder, entered the office.
“Sorry boss,” Anissa said softly, her long blonde hair hanging in her face.
“Thunder … Anissa,” Clark said, smiling when Anissa looked up at him. “Don’t worry about it. You didn’t know you’d get knocked down by Lois.”
“I almost exposed you,” Anissa said.
“Lois was more intent on bitching you out than figuring out why you went silent,” Clark said reasonably. “You didn’t expose me, okay?”
“Okay,” Anissa said.
“So, do you have any news?” Clark asked.
“Impulse is off with Queen, working on some sort of new mission,” Anissa replied.
“New mission,” Clark mused. “Something to do with Kryptonite I assume … “
“Probably,” Anissa said. “I spoke with Aresnal and Faith - it looks like we have most of the Kryptonite cleared. We’re still trying to get a lead on Queen’s secret stashes. He’s got it for a reason, we just don’t know why.”
Clark sighed. “I’m hoping that Queen places some more trust in Bart. I can’t move forward until all the Kryptonite.”
Anissa nodded. “Once we have all the Kryptonite, we’ll all turn our efforts to Queen. Getting his stashes should be cake,” she said with a flip of her hair.
Clark smiled and nodded, closing his various reports, standing and stretching. “Well, since Bart is off with Queen, go ahead and call Faith. I want the two of you to patrol tonight. I‘ll be available by cell phone if you really need me, but I think you two can handle it.” He grabbed a few files and his messenger bag and headed for the door, Anissa following him.
“Of course, sir,” Anissa said. She waited for Clark to open the door and stepped into the hallway. “Have a good night.” She gave Clark a nod before leaving the building.
“I will,” Clark murmured softly.
* * *
Clark dropped his things just inside the door and padded through island bungalow. He smiled when he found Lex fast asleep in their big bed, the French doors wide open to allow in the soft ocean breeze. Clark stripped down to his bare skin and climbed into bed with his lover.
Lex immediately rolled towards the warm body, wrapping himself around Clark’s solid form. “I missed you,” he mumbled sleepily.
“I’m sorry,” Clark replied, rubbing Lex’s back. “I got caught in the city. Had to sleep at the office for a few days … “
“But you’re here now,” Lex murmured, resting his head on Clark’s chest.
“Lex,” Clark said. “What should I do about Chloe?”
“What do you mean?” Lex asked.
“Chloe is following Oliver,” Clark said. “She’s working for him in the crime fighting arena of Oliver’s endeavors, but … “
“But,” Lex prompted gently. He was awake now, tracing patterns on Clark’s chest. “You’re worried about her?”
Clark sighed softly and nodded. “I am,” he murmured. “I’m worried that Oliver is going to pull her into whatever he’s planning with the Kryptonite and I’m going to lose her.”
“She has Bart, right?” Lex asked. “He has some idea of what’s going on with the Kryptonite. You trust him, right?”
“Of course I do,” Clark said. “I wouldn’t put him on my team and have him infiltrate if I didn’t trust him.”
“Then trust him to keep Chloe safe,” Lex said. “He’ll come to you if he’s worried about Chloe’s safety.”
“You’re right,” Clark said, leaning down to kiss his lover gently. “I’m being silly.”
“You’re being protective of your best friend,” Lex reasoned.
“When did you get so smart?” Clark asked with a smile.
“I’ve always been smart,” Lex replied with a wink.
Clark chuckled and kissed Lex again. “I’m sorry I woke you,” he murmured.
“I wasn’t really asleep,” Lex admitted. “I … I don’t sleep as well when you’re not here.”
“Oh Lex,” Clark breathed, pulling Lex close. “I’m sorry … I try to come here as often as I can.”
“Clark, listen to me,” Lex said. “I’m not blaming you, at all. I know that you have things you need to do, and I am happy to support you in this.”
“Once everything is in motion … we’re going to tell the world that you’re alive … you’re going to rule at my side,” Clark said. “There’s no way I’m letting you go.”
“I love you, Clark,” Lex said, wrapping his arms around his lover.
“Love you, too,” Clark replied. “Go to sleep … I have tomorrow off from work, and things are fine with the team. I’ll be here all day tomorrow, okay?”
“That sounds fantastic,” Lex murmured.
“Go to sleep,” Clark murmured. “I’m here.”
Lex sighed softly and let himself drift off to sleep, safe in his lover’s embrace.
* * *
“The sun feels so nice,” Clark murmured as he lay on the warm sand, soaking up the energy from the sun.
“It’s nice to have a day off,” Lex said. He was much safer under a large umbrella, under a large palm tree next to his lover. “Of course, I have all my days off.”
Clark rolled over and gave Lex a sweet kiss. “I’m glad I have today off,” he said. “I haven’t had enough of them since we started our plans. I’ve been so busy with the team and trying to figure out what the hell Oliver’s doing … “
“I know,” Lex murmured, running his hands through Clark’s hair. “Such a busy boy … “
“Very busy,” Clark replied, resting his head on Lex’s chest, sucking idly on one of Lex’s nipples.
Lex hissed and tugged a bit at Clark’s hair, encouraging him. He’d missed being with his lover, even if all they did was tease each other into insanity.
“Like that?” Clark asked with a grin, flicking his tongue on the hard, brown nub.
“You know it,” Lex gasped, arching under Clark’s ministrations.
“Then maybe I shouldn’t stop,” Clark said with a wink, returning his attention to Lex’s chest, licking and sucking at his lover’s nipples.
Lex gasped and whimpered, arching under Clark and gripping his lover’s hips. “Christ, Clark! I’m gonna … just from this alone … “
“Really? Just from this?” Clark said. “Let’s see if we can make that happen.” He slid his hands down Lex’s shorts, and gripped his lover’s ass as he attacked Lex’s nipples.
Lex moaned and whimpered under Clark’s teeth and tongue, gasping Clark’s name as he felt his orgasm approach. “Clark … Christ … please … Fuck!” He felt Clark bite one of his nipples and came hard, groaning as he felt his come coat his inner thighs.
“Wow,” Clark murmured, kissing Lex gently. “You … you are so beautiful when you come. You should see yourself … “
Lex ran his hands through Clark’s hair, humming softly. “I see myself,” he whispered. “I see myself through your eyes … I see the man I can be … “
“The man you are,” Clark breathed. He laid down next to Lex and pulled his lover into his arms. “What you see in my eyes is who you are now … the wonderful, loyal, loving, funny man that I love.”
“I love you, too,” Lex murmured, closing his eyes and resting his head on his lover’s chest.
* * *
Clark sighed as he hurried down the street, headed for his office. He was late for a meeting with his team, all because Lois couldn’t figure out how to work the copy machine. That woman was going to drive him insane.
“Clark! Clark!”
Clark turned and came face to face with Oliver Queen. Clark kept up appearances; playing the friend to Queen even though he was working to bring his former friend down.
“Oliver,” Clark said, forcing a smile. “So good to see you!”
Oliver stepped into Clark’s space and offered his right hand for a handshake. “How have you been?”
Clark felt the Kryptonite start to eat at his system, draining his powers. He fought to keep his face passive and tried to figure out where Oliver was hiding it.
“I’ve been well,” Clark said tightly. “Working at the Daily Planet - with Lois.”
“Lois,” Oliver said slowly. “Yeah … how is she?”
“Why don’t you stop over and see her? Last I saw she was playing tug of war with the copier,” Clark said, forcing a laugh. He was getting weaker, fighting unconsciousness.
Oliver smiled a bit. “Maybe I should go see her,” he said. “She and I had some good times.”
Clark nodded, shoving his hands in his pockets. “If you leave now, you might still catch her,” he said.
“Thanks, man!” Oliver said. He pulled his left hand from his pocket and pat Clark on the arm, the sunlight glinting off the bright green stone in the ring Oliver was wearing on his left index finger. His hand lingered a bit long, almost caressing Clark’s arm before Oliver stepped back, gave Clark a smile and headed in the direction of the Daily Planet.
The second Oliver was out of sight, Clark sagged against the nearest light pole. He turned his back to the fading sunlight, trying to regain control over his senses.
“Clark!” Bart appeared out of nowhere and slid an arm around Clark. “What happened, man?”
“I ran into Oliver,” Clark said softly. “He was wearing a Kryptonite ring.”
“Shit,” Bart said, helping Clark down the street. They weren’t far from Clark’s office and once inside, Clark could get the rest he needed. “Come on, we’ll get you inside and rested.”
Clark gratefully accepted Bart’s help, and once they were at his office, he collapsed on the couch near the window, soaking up the sun.
“I think he’s done something to it,” Clark said.
“What do you mean?” Bart asked as he handed Clark a bottle of water.
“That small a piece never affected me like that,” Clark said, downing the bottle of water in one gulp.
Bart sighed and sat down next to his friend. “Queen still doesn’t trust me enough to tell me what he’s doing with it,” he said.
“Don’t worry too much,” Clark said. “I’m hoping we can get it all destroyed before he does whatever he’s going to do.” He leaned back against the couch and sighed softly.
The rest of the Clark’s team arrived to give Clark an update on their progress.
“We’ve got two more storage places to get,” Arsenal said proudly. “And then we’ll only have one left.”
“Queen’s pissed,” Bart says. “He doesn’t know who’s getting to all of his storage facilities and destroying the Kryptonite.”
“He’ll find out sometime,” Clark murmured, still trying to recover from his encounter with Oliver. What his former friend was doing scared him.
“Hopefully by the time he does, all the Kryptonite will be gone,” Centrix said with a grin.
This was one of the few times that Clark’s whole team was there. He normally met them one on one or in pairs, but once a month he gathered everyone together for one big meeting.
“I want you all to be very careful from now on,” Clark said, finally up to full strength.
Everyone looked around, nodding a bit. “Sure, but why?” Bart asked.
“Oliver’s going to be very angry about losing his stores,” Clark said. “He’s going to start getting paranoid, probably a bit vicious. I don’t want any of you to encounter him. Bart, please, be very careful. Don’t do anything to bring attention to yourself.”
Bart nodded. “Gotcha, boss,” he said with a grin.
“All of you, amp it up,” Clark said. “Be invisible.”
His team all nodded solemnly.
“All right,” Clark said. “Get those two stores and then we’ll all work together to get the last one.”
* * *
Oliver prowled his office high above Metropolis. Things were not going how he’d planned at all. Someone was finding his Kryptonite … and destroying it.
AC entered the office and wrapped his arms around his lover. “What’s wrong, boss dude?” he asked, nibbling on Oliver’s ear.
“I am … frustrated,” Oliver growled, pushing AC away. “Someone has been ruining my plans … stealing my Kryptonite.”
“We’ll find them,” AC said, pressing himself back against Oliver. “Dinah and Victor are patrolling right now, trying to find leads.”
“It’s not good enough,” Oliver said. “I’m down to one stash of Kryptonite … you guys can’t find any more and all of my other storage facilities have been destroyed.”
AC pressed himself up against Oliver and nibbled on his lover’s ear. “Come on, baby,” he said. “I’ll make you feel so good … “
Oliver sighed a bit, feeling his anger drift away just a bit. He turned in AC’s embrace and rested his forehead against his lover’s. “Trying to distract me,” he murmured.
“Is it working?” AC asked with a grin.
“Maybe just a little,” Oliver said, smiling a bit.
“Oliver, I had a - oh, hello AC.” Chloe stopped and dropped her gaze. She’d never get used to walking in on the two of them.
Oliver nudged AC out of the way and gave Chloe a friendly smile. “What can I do for you?” he asked.
“Well, I’m trying to get a hold of Black Canary and Cyborg for their reports from last night,” Chloe said. “And I can’t get a hold of them.”
“They’re doing something for me,” Oliver said quickly. “Don’t worry about it.”
“But, I need to finish the report from last night,” Chloe said.
“Chloe,” Oliver said, his face closing down. “Don’t. Worry. About it.”
“Um … okay,” Chloe said. She’d never seen Oliver that angry before. “I’ll just … wait for them to come back.”
“You do that,” Oliver said.
Chloe gulped a bit and made her exit. She got the strangest feeling that something else was going on. What wasn’t Oliver telling her?
* * *
Bart sped up the stairs and circled his girlfriend twice before wrapping his arms around Chloe. “Hiya cutie!” Bart said, kissing Chloe’s cheek.
Chloe squeaked and wrapped her arms around Bart. “Hi,” she said, kissing his cheek softly. “How was your day?”
“Oh you know, the usual,” Bart said. “What about yours?”
Chloe frowned a bit. “It was okay,” she said slowly.
“What’s wrong?” Bart asked, ushering her over to the couch.
“Do you think we know everything about what Oliver’s doing?” Chloe asked.
“Honestly?” Bart asked. “No. I think we’re all on a ‘need to know basis’ and that there are some things he thinks we don’t need to know.”
Chloe continued to frown. “Dinah and Victor did a patrol last night and didn’t turn in their reports,” she said. “So, I was trying to get in touch with them today and … they were off the grid. So, I went to go see Oliver, and he told me not to worry about it, that they were doing something for him. He got really … angry. I mean, I always get their reports so that I can enter their data. What do you think he’s hiding?”
Bart was quiet, rubbing Chloe’s hand with his thumb. “I don’t know,” he said. “Oliver doesn’t tell me everything … he’s pretty close lipped. But … I don’t think it’s entirely legal.”
“But, Oliver’s always been the good guy … right?” Chloe asked softly.
“Chloe,” Bart said slowly. “I don’t think his moral compass is the same as ours.”
“What do you mean?” Chloe asked, looking up into her boyfriend’s eyes.
“Chloe, he’s got more money than you and I put together,” Bart said. “He’s grown up getting everything he’s ever wanted. I don’t think his ideas of right and wrong are the same as you and me.”
“But, he’s working to clean up Metropolis, to fight crime,” Chloe said.
“True,” Bart said. “But … I don’t think that’s all he’s doing. You’re the computer expert, Chlo. Do a little digging … maybe we can find out what he’s really doing.”
Chloe sighed and nodded. “It just doesn’t feel right,” she said. “He’s done so much good. But … he’s being so secretive.”
Bart smiled a bit and kissed the tip of Chloe’s nose. “Come on, let’s make some popcorn and watch a movie, okay? We’ll just relax and forget about everything that’s going on outside,” he said, pulling her close. “Tomorrow is another day.”
“All right, Scarlett,” Chloe said with a giggle. “You pick the movie, I’ll pop the popcorn.” She slid out of Bart’s arms and padded to the kitchen.
Bart silently cheered. He’d had such a hard time keeping everything from his lover. But, at least now she was getting closer, and maybe with her help, they could find out where the last store of Kryptonite was and destroy it.
* * *
“Soon,” Clark said, his head resting on his lover’s chest.
“You think so?” Lex asked, idly running his hands through Clark’s hair.
“The Kryptonite’s almost all gone,” Clark said. “They’re concentrating on getting Oliver’s final stash … I figure just one more month.”
“What about Oliver?” Lex asked. “He won’t go down without a fight. I don’t … I don’t want to lose you.”
“Lex,” Clark said, looking up to smile at his lover. “I won’t confront him until all the Kryptonite is gone. We’ll make sure that there is no way he can hurt me before I confront him.”
“What about the ring? Oliver must wear that ring all the time,” Lex said softly.
“Bart had a good idea about that,” Clark said. “He’s been slowly dropping hints around AC that Oliver’s cheating on him, and that the ring is a gift from his secret lover.”
“Sneaky,” Lex said softly.
“I’m taking precautions,” Clark said. “I promise. You and I are going to be together for a very long time.”
“Good,” Lex replied, sighing softly. “I couldn’t stand it if I lost you.”
“You will never lose me,” Clark said. “That I can promise you.”
“Soon the world will know the power that you and I have together,” Lex said.
“They will tremble and bow before us,” Clark agreed, hugging Lex tighter. “We’re so close … so damn close.”
“Soon,” Lex murmured, snuggling close to his lover. “Sleep now, my love.”
Clark smiled and curled up with Lex. “You are amazing,” he murmured. “Wonderful and loving and supportive … “ He voice took on a sleepy quality as he started to drift off.
Lex just smiled and kissed Clark’s forehead, watching as he lover finally succumbed to sleep.
* * *
Chloe stared at the computer screen, hardly daring to believe what she was looking at. Oliver wasn’t too careful with his own computers, and it hadn’t taken too much for her to hack through his firewall and get into Oliver’s personal files. Once she got past the homemade porn of Oliver and AC, she delved deeper and deeper into Oliver’s files and was stunned by what she saw. Oliver had been hoarding Kryptonite, with plans to create an army of Kryptonite enhanced mutants. This was not what she’d signed up for.
“Chloe?”
Chloe squeaked and jumped. “Bart! You scared the shit out of me,” she said.
“Sorry, babe,” Bart said, kissing Chloe’s cheek gently. “What are you doing?”
Chloe blushed a bit. “I’m … I’m snooping,” she said.
“Snooping? On who?” Bart asked, sitting down next to Chloe.
“Oliver,” Chloe admitted softly. “Bart … you were right. His moral compass is way off … “
“What do you mean?” Bart asked, tucking a stray strand of hair behind Chloe’s ear.
“He’s been doing experiments with the Kryptonite,” Chloe said. “He’s trying to … create an army.”
While the news shocked Bart, it didn’t really surprise him. “Damn,” he said.
“What are we going to do?” Chloe asked, still poking her nose around in Oliver’s files. “Oh wait, most of his stores have been destroyed.”
“Really?” Bart asked. “That’s good.”
“He’s only got one place left,” Chloe said.
“Where?” Bart said. He needed this information, needed to get it to Clark.
Chloe taps a few more keys, watching as multiple screens pop up. “Looks like … looks like it’s right here in Metropolis,” she said, her eyes following the screens.
“In Metropolis?” Bart said.
“Yeah … looks like he’s got a vault in his penthouse,” Chloe said. “Bart, we should go to the authorities.”
“What are we going to tell them?” Bart asked, rubbing Chloe’s shoulders soothingly. “They don’t know about Kryptonite, and Oliver’s got so much money … “
“Who can we tell?” Chloe asked.
“Clark,” Bart said softly. Now that Chloe knew who Oliver really was, Bart felt safe in telling her about their friend.
“Clark? Clark can’t even be anywhere near Kryptonite, you know that,” Chloe said.
“Chloe, just trust me,” Bart said. “Let’s go tell Clark.”
Chloe was silent, staring at her boyfriend. “Bart Allen, what haven’t you been telling me?” she said. “You’re hiding something from me!”
Bart pulled Chloe into his arms. “Baby, I had to,” he said. “I … I’ve been working undercover for a while now.”
“Undercover?” Chloe said. “Who are you working for?”
“I’m working for Oliver … and Clark,” Bart said softly.
“But … why?” Chloe asked.
“That’s for Clark to tell you, not me,” Bart said.
“Well, where is he? Let’s go talk to him?”
“Not tonight,” Bart said. “He’s not in town tonight.”
“How do you know?” Chloe asked.
“Because I’m his second in command,” Bart said. “He trusted me enough to play both sides … I know his whole schedule and he’s not in town right now.”
Chloe crossed her arms and glared at her lover. “You hid this from me,” she said.
“Honey, you wouldn’t believe it unless you saw it,” Bart said. “I could have talked to you until I was blue in the face … “
“I would believe you,” Chloe said, blinking up at Bart.
Bart gave her a ‘look’. “Really? I could tell you that Oliver was hoarding Kryptonite for nefarious purposes and you would believe me?” he said.
Chloe blinked a few more times. “Okay,” she said. “Maybe I wouldn’t have … “
“But now you know,” Bart said. “And tomorrow we’ll go see Clark, okay?”
“Okay,” Chloe said softly, snuggling a bit into Bart’s embrace. “When did life get complicated?”
Bart sighed and kissed his girlfriend gently. “It’s always been complicated,” he said. “But we’ll get through it, okay?”
“Okay,” Chloe said.
“Come on,” Bart said. “Let’s forget about it, at least for tonight.”
* * *
Clark gave Lex a soft kiss. “I’ll miss you when I ‘m gone today,” he murmured softly.
“I always miss you,” Lex said, stretching a bit. “You need more days off.”
“You know, once I take control, days off are going to be few and far between,” Clark said with a smile.
“You’ll be ruler of the whole world,” Lex said. “Who’s going to tell you that you can’t take a day off?”
Clark laughed and kissed Lex again. “Very true,” he said. “I have a meeting after work with Bart, but I’ll come here right after, okay?”
“Okay,” Lex said. “I’ve been looking for places for your headquarters … I know you have the Fortress, but I think you need someplace closer to the action.”
“What did you have in mind?” Clark asked as he got dressed.
“Perhaps England?” Lex said. “Or Iceland?”
“Both very good possibilities,” Clark said. “Are we sure we don’t want to stay here in the US?”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Lex said. “People look down on the US … It would be wise to pick someplace else as headquarters.”
“I think I might like England,” Clark said, giving Lex one last kiss. “All right, I have a meeting after work at the Planet … I’ll come back after that, okay?”
Lex smiled and nodded, straightening Clark’s tie. “Have a good day, sweetheart,” he said with a wink.
Clark laughed and nodded. “Will do,” he said. He gave Lex a wink and sped away.
“Come back to me,” Lex whispered.
* * *
Chloe followed Bart through Metropolis, biting her tongue to hold back her questions. She had worked the whole day, wondering about her best friend and what was going on.
“Bart, what are we doing … here?” Chloe stepped into the posh office and stared at her friend, who was sitting behind a large cherry wood desk. She blinked a few times as she watched her boyfriend approach Clark and set some papers on the desk.
“Hi Chloe,” Clark said softly, glancing over at Bart. He had known that Chloe would be there when Bart had called him earlier in the day. He was happy that Chloe had finally figured everything out, and was on his side.
“Clark, what is this?” Chloe asked.
“This is my center of operations,” Clark said with a bit of a smile.
“Center of operations?” Chloe said. “For what?”
Clark sighed and leaned back in his chair. “Chloe … what do you think of this great planet we inhabit?” he asked.
Chloe blinked, a bit confused. “I love it! I mean, yeah, we’ve got a few problems - we’re quickly going through natural resources, we’ve got massive overpopulation, people are starving … “
“And the leaders?” Clark asked.
Chloe rolled her eyes a bit. “They can’t stop fighting enough to make the decisions that will help this world,” she said.
“And if there was one authority that everyone could go to?” Clark said.
“I think … oh my God,” Chloe said, her eyes widened. “Clark … but … what about … ?”
“What about what, Chloe?” Clark asked. “This world needs one person, one authority to make the decisions. Everyone bickers too much to make the choices that need to be made. I am that person, Chloe. I have been raised human, but I’m not. I am the ultimate neutral party.”
“How … how long have you been planning this?” Chloe asked softly.
“Since my senior year in high school,” Clark said softly.
“Senior year? Who was helping you with all this?” Chloe asked.
“That’s something that I can’t tell you just yet, Chlo,” Clark said with a soft smile. “Are you okay? Can you handle this?”
Chloe was quiet for a long time, mulling everything over. “You’re not planning on being some jackass dictator, are you? Locking us humans up to do your dirty work?” She gave Clark a teasing wink.
Clark snorted and relaxed. “No dictatorship, no locking humans up,” he promised.
“That’s good,” Chloe said. “What about Kryptonite?”
“Why do you think I have this little base?” Clark said. “I have a whole team that has been searching the whole world for any and all Kryptonite.”
“But, you don’t have all the Kryptonite, yet,” Chloe said. “Oliver Queen’s been hoarding it.”
“I know,” Clark said. “We’ve been working on getting all his stashes, and trying to find out what he’s doing with it.”
“Chloe knows what he’s doing with it,” Bart said proudly.
“Chloe? What do you know?” Clark asked gently.
“Well, Oliver’s been getting pretty testy … and paranoid,” Chloe started. “So, I decided to do a little digging. For someone who has so much money, he doesn’t have very good IT people. It only took me a few minutes to hack his system and get past his firewall. Once I got past the homemade porn, which ew, I discovered that Oliver was hoarding Kryptonite so that he could create his own mutant army.”
“What? An army?” Clark said, fighting to control his anger. “Why that little backstabbing piece of shit!”
“All of his storage facilities have been destroyed,” Chloe started.
“That was all us,” Bart said, preening just a bit.
“We are however, missing one last storage facility,” Clark said, clenching his fists a bit.
“Chloe’s got that covered, too,” Bart said, kissing Chloe’s cheek.
“Chloe?” Clark asked.
“Oliver’s last stash is in a vault in his penthouse,” Chloe said.
“It’s been this close all along?” Clark said, frowning. “I’ll have to pull a team together to get it out.”
“As long as I’m on it,” Bart said.
“You’ll have to pick a time when he’s not home,” Chloe said.
“I’ll talk Lois into taking him out on a date,” Clark said. “She’s slowly trying to repair things with him, and once all the Kryptonite’s gone, he won’t be a threat.”
Chloe frowned a bit. “Now that I know what Oliver’s really doing, I’m not so sure I want Lois out with him,” she said.
“I’ll have someone from my team trail them and keep an eye on her, okay?” Clark asked. “I promise I won’t let anything happen to her.”
Chloe sighed a bit and nodded. “Okay,” she said. “How could I have been so blind to what Oliver was doing?”
Clark came out from behind the desk and gave Chloe a hug. “Oliver put on a good front,” he said. “And he was good at hiding what he was doing from you. Don’t blame yourself.”
Chloe nodded and gave Clark a smile. “And what about you, farm boy? How did I not see all this?”
“I’m really good at hiding it,” Clark said. “And … people see what they want to see. They want to see a dorky farm boy from Smallville who works for the Daily Planet … anything that doesn’t fit they find a way to explain it away.”
“But I’m your best friend,” Chloe said. “I should have seen through all of it.”
“I didn’t want you to,” Clark said. “I had to bide my time and wait for the right moment … wait until I was old enough to be taken seriously, to be listened to.”
“I can understand that,” Chloe said softly. “And people would have just laughed if off if you’d gone about this any earlier.”
“And things are happening fast now,” Clark said. “My companion and I will be going to the United Nations soon … “
“Your companion?” Chloe asked. “And who is this mystery person?”
“My companion will need to remain a mystery for just a bit longer,” Clark said with a wink.
Chloe sighed and rubbed the bridge of her nose. “So many secrets,” she murmured.
“Don’t be angry with me,” Clark said. “It’s all for a purpose … “
“I understand,” Chloe said. “I’m still having a hard time believing that my best friend is preparing to take over the world.”
“Not take it over,” Clark corrected. “Just … to be the final authority. People will still have free will and I’m not going to change laws … much. Some things need to changed, to allow for freedom for everyone. But for the most part, I just want to help this world be the best it can be.”
“I … I think you might be the best thing that’s ever happened to this planet,” Chloe finally said.
Clark gave her that patented farm boy smile and wrapped her in a hug. “Thanks, Chlo,” he said. “That means a lot to me.”
“Just, give me a bit of warning before you make your move, okay? I’d like to be by a television so I can see it,” Chloe said with a smile.
“Promise,” Clark said.
“I’ll come by tomorrow to discuss plans to get the last of the Kryptonite,” Bart said.
“Give Thunder, Arsenal, Centrix, Empress and Faith a call,” Clark said. “You guys will all work together to get that last stash; I’m not taking any chances.”
“Gotcha, boss,” Bart said with a wink and a mock salute. He grabbed Chloe’s hand and helped her stand. “Come on, gorgeous.”
Chloe stood and pressed a friendly kiss to Clark’s cheek. “Be safe,” she said.
“Always,” Clark replied.
“Good,” Chloe said. She gave Clark one last hug before allowing Bart to lead her out.
Clark went back to sit behind the desk, running over everything that had just occurred. It felt as though a weight had been lifted; Chloe knew and she didn’t care. In fact, she had thrown her support behind him. He breathed a sigh of relief as he jotted down some quick plans for his team to get into Oliver’s penthouse.
Link to Part 2
