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Today's the posting date for the CLFF Wave 10. The stories aren't up at the site yet, but here's mine. Enjoy!
Title: Dorms, Video Games and Unexpected Love
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Lex finally gets his wish.
Disclaimer: If I owned them, they’d actually be happy, dammit.
Feedback address: raijahn@hotmail.com
Note: Thanks to![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
kitkat3979 for helping me figure out *what* to write (even though it turned out a bit different) and to strangefancy for unexpectedly inspiring me to finally finish it. *loves on both of you*
Beta:mlleelizabeth and kitkat3979. *hugs and kisses*
Dorms, Video Games and Unexpected Love
Walking down the hall towards Clark’s dorm room, Lex ducks flying objects, dodges giggling girls begging for a chance to touch his head, and winces when he passes the common room where a group of guys are imitating dying cats to off key music. Pounding on Clark’s door, Lex vows to wait outside next time he has to come pick Clark up.
“Clark! Let’s go!”
Lex rubs the bridge of his nose, feeling a headache coming on as one of the dying cats gets too close to the microphone, causing it to spew feedback. Clark really owes him for this.
The door opens and Clark walks out, grinning brightly. “Hey, Lex! Ready?”
Lex looks at him over the top of his purple sunglasses. “I’m here, aren’t I?” He flinches as Clark’s hand snaps out and catches a football seconds before it hits Lex’s head.
“Shit, are you okay, Lex?”
Lex sighs and leans against the closed door. “I’m fine. You do realize you live in a madhouse, right?”
Clark grins and tosses the football back to one of the jocks practicing in the hallway. “Yeah, so? It’s a dorm, Lex. You can’t say you’re surprised.”
Lex rolls his eyes and drags Clark down to the elevators. “Not surprised, just...” he presses the down button and turns his head to face Clark. “Why do you insist on living here? I have two perfectly good rooms, with their own bathrooms, that are just sitting unused in the penthouse.” The elevator doors open and he shoves Clark inside, quickly hitting the door closed button even as a couple of the girls run towards the elevator, calling out for them to hold the door.
Clark gives him a disapproving look. “Lex, that was just rude.”
Lex snorts, crossing his arms over his chest. “Spare me the lecture, Clark and tell me, yet again, why you insist on living here.”
Clark sighs and shifts from foot to foot. “It’s college, it’s freshman year. I’m supposed to be experiencing all there is to college life, right?”
Lex nods, as the elevator door opens. “Of course, but you can still do all that and *not* live in the dorms, you know.”
“Lex...” Clark sighs and follows him outside to the car. “You know I appreciate the offer, but I *want* to live here, okay?”
Lex nods and tosses the keys to the Aston to Clark. “Okay, fine. Consider the subject dropped.”
Clark narrows his eyes suspiciously, looking from the keys to Lex and back again. “And don’t think letting me drive the Aston is going to change my mind, either.”
Lex holds up his hands and grins. “Wouldn’t dream of it.” He climbs into the passenger side and calls through the window. “Let’s go, frat boy, we’re going to be late.”
Clark snorts and climbs into the car, sliding the key into the ignition, smiling in satisfaction at the low purr. “And don’t call me frat boy, you know I hate that.”
Lex buckles up and settles back against the seat, snickering. “I know. Why do you think I keep doing it?”
Clark groans in exasperation and pulls away from the curb, moving smoothly into the line of traffic. “I don’t why everyone at LexCorp is so afraid of you. You’re nothing but a childish brat with an addiction to video games.”
Lex turns and glares at him. “Take that back.”
Clark laughs and makes the turn onto the freeway heading downtown. “You know it’s true.”
Lex shakes his head, “No, I don’t. You can’t prove it anyway.” Lex smiles smugly.
Clark snickers. “I have pictures, Lex.”
Lex gasps, his eyes wide. “You lie.”
“I have video, too.”
Lex glares at him.
“Blackmail, Lex.”
“You bastard,” Lex mutters playfully. “What are you planning on blackmailing me for?”
Clark shrugs and grins. “Oh, I don’t know. I’m sure I’ll think of something.”
Lex chuckles and turns back around in his seat as Clark pulls off the freeway and down the street to the convention center. “I am not addicted to video games.”
Clark snorts. “Lex, we’re going to a video game competition. And we’re not even competing.”
Lex points to an open parking spot. “Yeah, so?”
Clark parks the car and shuts off the engine, turning to look at Lex, one eyebrow raised. “So? You’re a closet video game geek and I have the pictures to prove it.” They both climb out of the car and Clark sets the alarm. “You just wait, one of these days The Daily Planet’s front page headline will read,” ‘Lex Luthor, CEO of LexCorp, Caught in Video Game Scandal.’” Clark holds his hands up in front of him as though framing the headline.
Lex bursts into laughter. “God, you are such a dork.”
Clark grins at him and wraps an arm around his shoulders. “Yeah, but you love me anyway.”
Lex expression falters for a second before he grins back. “Of course I do, how can anyone *not* love you?”
Clark gives him a smug look as they walk into the convention center. “I know. It’s great, isn’t it?”
Lex shoves him away playfully. “Your ego knows no bounds.”
Clark throws back his head and laughs and Lex wonders why the sound is so painful to hear.
***
Three hours later, the two of them walk back out, Clark talking animatedly about his favorite players.
“You know, Clark, if anyone heard this, they’d know you’re the one that’s addicted, not me.” Lex mutters, his voice hoarse.
Clark grins. “Oh, please, I saw you in there.” He points a finger at Lex. “And I’m not the one who’s losing his voice.”
Lex shakes his head and opens his mouth to retort but before he can he’s interrupted by a short blond jock running up to them. “Clark! Damn, I thought that was you in there.” The blond grasps Clark’s face and kisses him soundly.
Clark kisses him back before pulling away, grinning down at him. “Zach, hi! How are you doing?”
Lex looks between the two of them, eyes narrowed, wondering who the hell this Zach is and how quickly he can destroy him. Lex hates sharing Clark with his simpering blond ‘boyfriends’.
Clark grins and grabs Lex’s arm, pulling him forward. “Lex, this is Zach. Zach, Lex.”
Lex gives Zach a smile that is more baring of teeth than anything else. “Nice to meet you, Zach.”
“You, too, Lex.” He turns back to Clark. “Hey, what are you up to tonight, maybe we can get together?” Zach gives Clark a meaningful look and Lex fights back a growl.
Clark looks at Zach regretfully, “I can’t tonight, Zach, I have plans with Lex. How about tomorrow?”
Zach looks disappointed and shakes his head. “I’m leaving for home tomorrow, spring break.”
Lex frowns at the twist in his stomach at Clark’s look of regret. This should make him happy. He doesn’t want anyone intruding on his time with Clark. But the look on Clark’s face... Dammit. He sighs and closes his eyes briefly. “Come with us, Zach. We’re going back to the penthouse for dinner. It’s big enough for the three of us. I have work I should be doing anyway.”
Clark gives him an unreadable look as Zach gives Lex a huge grin. “Wow, that would be great. Are you sure you don’t mind?”
Lex shakes his head. “No, of course not. It’s fine.” He starts walking towards the car, tuning out Clark and Zach’s discussion. He doesn’t know what possessed him to invite Zach over and then lie about having to work. He rubs the bridge of his nose and curses his weakness when it comes to Clark.
***
Lex walks into the penthouse, dropping his keys and wallet into the dish by the door before heading into the study and his scotch. He ignores Clark and Zach as he pours two fingers into a glass and drinks it quicker than he should.
He hears Clark whisper something to Zach and one of them walk away.
“Lex?” Clark walks towards him, sounding unsure.
Lex turns around to face him, smile on his face. “Yeah, Clark?”
Clark looks at him in concern. “Are you okay?”
Lex nods, “I’m fine. Just a bit of a headache. You know how I hate driving during rush hour.”
“I know. I would’ve driven again, Lex. You should have said something.”
Lex snorts, allowing a real smile to grace his face. “What would it say about me if I let you drive the Aston twice in one day?”
Clark grins, “That you love me madly and would do anything for me?”
Lex’s expression stiffens at the undeniable truth of Clark’s statement.
Clark’s smile fades and his brow furrows. “Hey, what is it?”
Lex shakes his head. “Nothing, nothing. Just the headache.” Lex sets his glass back down and heads out of the study. “I have a bit of work to do, Clark. You and Zach are welcome to stay as long as you’d like.”
Lex pretends he doesn’t hear Clark calling his name and locks himself in his office. Sitting down at his desk, he cradles his head in his hands and groans. Hearing about all of Clark’s boyfriends and conquests and one night stands was one thing but seeing the proof of it? Lex doesn’t think he can handle the reality of Clark being gay and Clark *not* being gay with Lex.
Lex opens his laptop and logs into the LexCorp site, determined to lose himself in work and forget about what may or may not be going on in other parts of the penthouse.
***
Lex closes his laptop and stretches, glancing at the clock, surprised to see that nearly four hours had passed. Rubbing his face with his hands he pushes away from his desk and walks out, heading to the kitchen for something to eat. He’s startled to find Clark sitting on the couch in the darkened living room.
“Clark? What are you doing sitting in the dark?”
Clark looks up and smiles softly. “Hey, Lex. Did you get your work done?”
Lex frowns and walks further into the room, sitting beside Clark. “Yeah, I did. Clark, what’s going on?”
“Zach and I decided to stop seeing each other.”
Lex sighs softly. “Shit, Clark, I’m sorry.”
Clark smiles and shakes his head. “Don’t be. It was a mutual decision.”
Lex looks at Clark curiously. “How come?”
Clark shrugs and looks away. “Zach doesn’t love me and I don’t love him. He kind of pointed that out to me when he figured out that I’m in love with someone else.”
Lex raises an eyebrow, fighting back the little spark of hope Clark’s words produced. “Oh? Does this other person know or feel the same way?”
Clark shrugs again. “I don’t think so. I guess I’m just afraid to find out.”
Lex takes a deep breath and leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “Clark, if you really love this guy, you should take the chance.”
Clark looks at him seriously. “Like you have, Lex?”
Lex frowns. “What do you mean, Clark?”
“I mean, it’s obvious that seeing me with Zach made you uncomfortable. Is it because you love someone and they don’t know?”
Lex shakes his head and lies. “No, Clark, it’s not. I told you, it was just a headache.”
Clark grasps Lex’s shoulder and turns him around, leaning down to look Lex in the eyes. “Lex, I’ve known you for more than four years, I can tell when a headache is bothering you and that’s not what it was. Why can’t you be honest with me?”
Lex looks away. “I can, I am.”
“Oh yeah? Then tell me why you were so uncomfortable seeing Zach and I together?”
Lex shakes his head and gets up, walking over to the fireplace.
“Okay, fine. How about if I tell you who I’m in love with.”
Lex stiffens and swallows hard. That’s the last thing he wants to know. It was one thing for Clark to be dating and having sex with other men, but being in love never factored into it. Lex can live with that. What he can’t live with is the identity of the man Clark loves.
“Lex.”
Lex sighs and turns around. “You don’t have to tell me, Clark. Really.”
Clark gives him a funny little smile and gets up, walking over to him. “That’s too bad, because I just did.”
Lex looks up at him, confused. “What do you mean? You just said...my name.” He says it slowly, unable to believe what Clark’s admitting. “Wait, me?”
Clark smiles and steps closer, cupping Lex’s jaw in his hands. “Yes, you.”
Lex closes his eyes and soaks in the warmth of Clark’s hands. “But, all the guys you were dating?” Lex opens his eyes, reaching up to cup his hands over Clark’s.
Clark looks at him sadly. “I never thought I stood a chance and so I dated guys who are nothing like you and pretended that I could live with only your friendship. Today was the first day I saw that maybe,” his voice softens. “Maybe I wasn’t the only one.”
Lex looks at him in wonder. “You’re not. I do love you. I have for years.”
Clark smiles and pulls Lex closer, whispering against his mouth, “Then it’s a good thing I love you, too. Isn’t it?”
Lex is saved from having to answer by the soft press of lips against his own.
Title: Dorms, Video Games and Unexpected Love
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Lex finally gets his wish.
Disclaimer: If I owned them, they’d actually be happy, dammit.
Feedback address: raijahn@hotmail.com
Note: Thanks to
kitkat3979 for helping me figure out *what* to write (even though it turned out a bit different) and to strangefancy for unexpectedly inspiring me to finally finish it. *loves on both of you*Beta:
mlleelizabeth and kitkat3979. *hugs and kisses*Dorms, Video Games and Unexpected Love
Walking down the hall towards Clark’s dorm room, Lex ducks flying objects, dodges giggling girls begging for a chance to touch his head, and winces when he passes the common room where a group of guys are imitating dying cats to off key music. Pounding on Clark’s door, Lex vows to wait outside next time he has to come pick Clark up.
“Clark! Let’s go!”
Lex rubs the bridge of his nose, feeling a headache coming on as one of the dying cats gets too close to the microphone, causing it to spew feedback. Clark really owes him for this.
The door opens and Clark walks out, grinning brightly. “Hey, Lex! Ready?”
Lex looks at him over the top of his purple sunglasses. “I’m here, aren’t I?” He flinches as Clark’s hand snaps out and catches a football seconds before it hits Lex’s head.
“Shit, are you okay, Lex?”
Lex sighs and leans against the closed door. “I’m fine. You do realize you live in a madhouse, right?”
Clark grins and tosses the football back to one of the jocks practicing in the hallway. “Yeah, so? It’s a dorm, Lex. You can’t say you’re surprised.”
Lex rolls his eyes and drags Clark down to the elevators. “Not surprised, just...” he presses the down button and turns his head to face Clark. “Why do you insist on living here? I have two perfectly good rooms, with their own bathrooms, that are just sitting unused in the penthouse.” The elevator doors open and he shoves Clark inside, quickly hitting the door closed button even as a couple of the girls run towards the elevator, calling out for them to hold the door.
Clark gives him a disapproving look. “Lex, that was just rude.”
Lex snorts, crossing his arms over his chest. “Spare me the lecture, Clark and tell me, yet again, why you insist on living here.”
Clark sighs and shifts from foot to foot. “It’s college, it’s freshman year. I’m supposed to be experiencing all there is to college life, right?”
Lex nods, as the elevator door opens. “Of course, but you can still do all that and *not* live in the dorms, you know.”
“Lex...” Clark sighs and follows him outside to the car. “You know I appreciate the offer, but I *want* to live here, okay?”
Lex nods and tosses the keys to the Aston to Clark. “Okay, fine. Consider the subject dropped.”
Clark narrows his eyes suspiciously, looking from the keys to Lex and back again. “And don’t think letting me drive the Aston is going to change my mind, either.”
Lex holds up his hands and grins. “Wouldn’t dream of it.” He climbs into the passenger side and calls through the window. “Let’s go, frat boy, we’re going to be late.”
Clark snorts and climbs into the car, sliding the key into the ignition, smiling in satisfaction at the low purr. “And don’t call me frat boy, you know I hate that.”
Lex buckles up and settles back against the seat, snickering. “I know. Why do you think I keep doing it?”
Clark groans in exasperation and pulls away from the curb, moving smoothly into the line of traffic. “I don’t why everyone at LexCorp is so afraid of you. You’re nothing but a childish brat with an addiction to video games.”
Lex turns and glares at him. “Take that back.”
Clark laughs and makes the turn onto the freeway heading downtown. “You know it’s true.”
Lex shakes his head, “No, I don’t. You can’t prove it anyway.” Lex smiles smugly.
Clark snickers. “I have pictures, Lex.”
Lex gasps, his eyes wide. “You lie.”
“I have video, too.”
Lex glares at him.
“Blackmail, Lex.”
“You bastard,” Lex mutters playfully. “What are you planning on blackmailing me for?”
Clark shrugs and grins. “Oh, I don’t know. I’m sure I’ll think of something.”
Lex chuckles and turns back around in his seat as Clark pulls off the freeway and down the street to the convention center. “I am not addicted to video games.”
Clark snorts. “Lex, we’re going to a video game competition. And we’re not even competing.”
Lex points to an open parking spot. “Yeah, so?”
Clark parks the car and shuts off the engine, turning to look at Lex, one eyebrow raised. “So? You’re a closet video game geek and I have the pictures to prove it.” They both climb out of the car and Clark sets the alarm. “You just wait, one of these days The Daily Planet’s front page headline will read,” ‘Lex Luthor, CEO of LexCorp, Caught in Video Game Scandal.’” Clark holds his hands up in front of him as though framing the headline.
Lex bursts into laughter. “God, you are such a dork.”
Clark grins at him and wraps an arm around his shoulders. “Yeah, but you love me anyway.”
Lex expression falters for a second before he grins back. “Of course I do, how can anyone *not* love you?”
Clark gives him a smug look as they walk into the convention center. “I know. It’s great, isn’t it?”
Lex shoves him away playfully. “Your ego knows no bounds.”
Clark throws back his head and laughs and Lex wonders why the sound is so painful to hear.
***
Three hours later, the two of them walk back out, Clark talking animatedly about his favorite players.
“You know, Clark, if anyone heard this, they’d know you’re the one that’s addicted, not me.” Lex mutters, his voice hoarse.
Clark grins. “Oh, please, I saw you in there.” He points a finger at Lex. “And I’m not the one who’s losing his voice.”
Lex shakes his head and opens his mouth to retort but before he can he’s interrupted by a short blond jock running up to them. “Clark! Damn, I thought that was you in there.” The blond grasps Clark’s face and kisses him soundly.
Clark kisses him back before pulling away, grinning down at him. “Zach, hi! How are you doing?”
Lex looks between the two of them, eyes narrowed, wondering who the hell this Zach is and how quickly he can destroy him. Lex hates sharing Clark with his simpering blond ‘boyfriends’.
Clark grins and grabs Lex’s arm, pulling him forward. “Lex, this is Zach. Zach, Lex.”
Lex gives Zach a smile that is more baring of teeth than anything else. “Nice to meet you, Zach.”
“You, too, Lex.” He turns back to Clark. “Hey, what are you up to tonight, maybe we can get together?” Zach gives Clark a meaningful look and Lex fights back a growl.
Clark looks at Zach regretfully, “I can’t tonight, Zach, I have plans with Lex. How about tomorrow?”
Zach looks disappointed and shakes his head. “I’m leaving for home tomorrow, spring break.”
Lex frowns at the twist in his stomach at Clark’s look of regret. This should make him happy. He doesn’t want anyone intruding on his time with Clark. But the look on Clark’s face... Dammit. He sighs and closes his eyes briefly. “Come with us, Zach. We’re going back to the penthouse for dinner. It’s big enough for the three of us. I have work I should be doing anyway.”
Clark gives him an unreadable look as Zach gives Lex a huge grin. “Wow, that would be great. Are you sure you don’t mind?”
Lex shakes his head. “No, of course not. It’s fine.” He starts walking towards the car, tuning out Clark and Zach’s discussion. He doesn’t know what possessed him to invite Zach over and then lie about having to work. He rubs the bridge of his nose and curses his weakness when it comes to Clark.
***
Lex walks into the penthouse, dropping his keys and wallet into the dish by the door before heading into the study and his scotch. He ignores Clark and Zach as he pours two fingers into a glass and drinks it quicker than he should.
He hears Clark whisper something to Zach and one of them walk away.
“Lex?” Clark walks towards him, sounding unsure.
Lex turns around to face him, smile on his face. “Yeah, Clark?”
Clark looks at him in concern. “Are you okay?”
Lex nods, “I’m fine. Just a bit of a headache. You know how I hate driving during rush hour.”
“I know. I would’ve driven again, Lex. You should have said something.”
Lex snorts, allowing a real smile to grace his face. “What would it say about me if I let you drive the Aston twice in one day?”
Clark grins, “That you love me madly and would do anything for me?”
Lex’s expression stiffens at the undeniable truth of Clark’s statement.
Clark’s smile fades and his brow furrows. “Hey, what is it?”
Lex shakes his head. “Nothing, nothing. Just the headache.” Lex sets his glass back down and heads out of the study. “I have a bit of work to do, Clark. You and Zach are welcome to stay as long as you’d like.”
Lex pretends he doesn’t hear Clark calling his name and locks himself in his office. Sitting down at his desk, he cradles his head in his hands and groans. Hearing about all of Clark’s boyfriends and conquests and one night stands was one thing but seeing the proof of it? Lex doesn’t think he can handle the reality of Clark being gay and Clark *not* being gay with Lex.
Lex opens his laptop and logs into the LexCorp site, determined to lose himself in work and forget about what may or may not be going on in other parts of the penthouse.
***
Lex closes his laptop and stretches, glancing at the clock, surprised to see that nearly four hours had passed. Rubbing his face with his hands he pushes away from his desk and walks out, heading to the kitchen for something to eat. He’s startled to find Clark sitting on the couch in the darkened living room.
“Clark? What are you doing sitting in the dark?”
Clark looks up and smiles softly. “Hey, Lex. Did you get your work done?”
Lex frowns and walks further into the room, sitting beside Clark. “Yeah, I did. Clark, what’s going on?”
“Zach and I decided to stop seeing each other.”
Lex sighs softly. “Shit, Clark, I’m sorry.”
Clark smiles and shakes his head. “Don’t be. It was a mutual decision.”
Lex looks at Clark curiously. “How come?”
Clark shrugs and looks away. “Zach doesn’t love me and I don’t love him. He kind of pointed that out to me when he figured out that I’m in love with someone else.”
Lex raises an eyebrow, fighting back the little spark of hope Clark’s words produced. “Oh? Does this other person know or feel the same way?”
Clark shrugs again. “I don’t think so. I guess I’m just afraid to find out.”
Lex takes a deep breath and leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “Clark, if you really love this guy, you should take the chance.”
Clark looks at him seriously. “Like you have, Lex?”
Lex frowns. “What do you mean, Clark?”
“I mean, it’s obvious that seeing me with Zach made you uncomfortable. Is it because you love someone and they don’t know?”
Lex shakes his head and lies. “No, Clark, it’s not. I told you, it was just a headache.”
Clark grasps Lex’s shoulder and turns him around, leaning down to look Lex in the eyes. “Lex, I’ve known you for more than four years, I can tell when a headache is bothering you and that’s not what it was. Why can’t you be honest with me?”
Lex looks away. “I can, I am.”
“Oh yeah? Then tell me why you were so uncomfortable seeing Zach and I together?”
Lex shakes his head and gets up, walking over to the fireplace.
“Okay, fine. How about if I tell you who I’m in love with.”
Lex stiffens and swallows hard. That’s the last thing he wants to know. It was one thing for Clark to be dating and having sex with other men, but being in love never factored into it. Lex can live with that. What he can’t live with is the identity of the man Clark loves.
“Lex.”
Lex sighs and turns around. “You don’t have to tell me, Clark. Really.”
Clark gives him a funny little smile and gets up, walking over to him. “That’s too bad, because I just did.”
Lex looks up at him, confused. “What do you mean? You just said...my name.” He says it slowly, unable to believe what Clark’s admitting. “Wait, me?”
Clark smiles and steps closer, cupping Lex’s jaw in his hands. “Yes, you.”
Lex closes his eyes and soaks in the warmth of Clark’s hands. “But, all the guys you were dating?” Lex opens his eyes, reaching up to cup his hands over Clark’s.
Clark looks at him sadly. “I never thought I stood a chance and so I dated guys who are nothing like you and pretended that I could live with only your friendship. Today was the first day I saw that maybe,” his voice softens. “Maybe I wasn’t the only one.”
Lex looks at him in wonder. “You’re not. I do love you. I have for years.”
Clark smiles and pulls Lex closer, whispering against his mouth, “Then it’s a good thing I love you, too. Isn’t it?”
Lex is saved from having to answer by the soft press of lips against his own.
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