Author: MitchPell
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: Lex/Clark
Disclaimer: I don’t own anything that has to do with Smallville; it’s characters, DC comics, or the WB. I’m just using their stuff for a little bit of non-profitable fun.
Authors Notes: My thanks goes out to Adri for all the help! I had to through in all of the James. I reminds me so much of my family. My grandpa is named John, my dad is named John, and my brother is named John. Then I have an Uncle Mike and two cousins named Mike. LOL! Luckily everyone has nicknames! This is part of the Slash Advent Calendar Challenge situated at: http://www.kardasi.com/Advent. This is my first NC-17 story, so please rip it apart!
Summary: Most people assume that the Luthor Annual Christmas Party is a big company party. But what if it isn’t?
Email: mitchpell@yahoo.com
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A twenty-two-year-old Lex Luthor bounded up the steps of his Grandfather’s country home. He was in an exceedingly good mood. Which was rare considering where he was headed. But then, it probably had more to do with where he had just come from. He had just come from Clark’s house, or more accurately Clark’s barn, where the two had exchange gifts.
Clark had given him a t-shirt that proudly stated: “God made a few perfect heads, the rest he gave hair,” and a baseball cap that said: “This is not a cap, it is a solar panel cover for a sex machine.” Lex had considered wearing them both to the party tonight, but had decided against it at the last minute. He didn’t think that anyone in his soon to be present company would appreciate it.
Lex had given Clark the go-cart that his grandmother had given him for Christmas when he was six. Well, technically it was his cousin James’s go-cart, but Lex didn’t think James would even notice it was gone. It had just been setting out there in the garage, covered up with a tarp for years. So, Lex had dug it out. Then after some minor modifications, he had given it to Clark.
Ok, so that was a bit of an understatement. The modifications were anything but minor. Lex had his mechanic give it an engine that would allow the little car to go up to fifty miles per hour. Then he had the frame extended, so that Clark’s tall form would be able to fit somewhat comfortably. He had also had better seatbelts installed, along with a radio, which was complete with a CD/cassette player.
It was awesome. It was better than awesome. And during the trial run, Lex had fallen in love with it. So much in fact, that he had had issues with giving it up. Guilt, however, soon got the best of him and he had reluctantly given it to his best friend. Though not before having a passenger seat put in. But then the look on Clark’s face, especially after Lex had explained where it had come from, had made the sacrifice well worth it.
Lex grinned at the memory as he entered the foyer and was greeted by Margaret.
“Hello, Margaret.” Lex greeted, as he handed her his coat. “How are you doing this evening?”
“I’m fine, thank you.” Margaret replied. “I must say you’re in a pleasant mood.”
Lex chuckled. “Don’t look so surprised. Contrary to popular belief, I’m not always despondent.” He told her, before heading down the hallway towards the kitchen.
He entered the room to find his Grandmother sitting at the table and Marie, his Aunt Mel, and his cousin Lydia working on dinner. After four years of college, Lydia finally decided she wanted to take over her mother’s restaurant and had been working along side her mother ever since.
Lex walked up to his grandma and gave her her usual hug and kiss on the cheek. “Hello, Grandma.”
Emma looked at her openly good-humored grandson. “Lex.” She greeted. She watched as he sat down in the chair beside her. “You seem to be in an awfully good mood.” She commented.
Lex frowned. “Is that so unbelievable?” He asked.
A unanimous “yes” was the response he received.
Lex snorted. “Well, you’ll have to forgive me for failing to conforming to yet another Christmas tradition.” He said.
Emma reached over and patted his hand. “That’s alright, Lex. I happen to think that it was one tradition that needed to be broken.” She said as she smiled at him.
“And besides.” His Aunt Mel told him, as she placed the platter of turkey on the table. “We’ve come to expect it from you.”
Lex raised an eyebrow at her. “Really?”
“Yes, really.” She replied before going back to the counter.
“Well, I’d hate for things to get boring.” He replied, receiving various responses from the women in the room.
“So, Lex, how’s Clark?” Lydia asked, while trying to suppress what seemed a knowing smile.
Lex gave her a guarded looked before responding. “He’s fine.”
“That’s good.” She replied. “What’s he doing for the holidays?”
“He’s spending them with his family.” He told her.
“Really?” She asked. “Even New Year’s?”
“As far as I know.” He said, as he regarded her for a moment. “Why the sudden interest in Clark?”
“Oh, just wondering.” She told him, while still smiling.
Lex looked at her quizzically. He paused for a minute then asked, “Why do I get the feeling that I’m being teased?”
“I have no I idea.” Lydia replied.
“Lydia, I’m well aware of what you’re implying.” Lex told her. “But you’re mistaken. Do you understand?”
“Sure, Lex.” Lydia said cheerfully.
Emma listened bemusedly to the conversation between her two grandchildren. She still couldn’t believe how much they had all grown up. It was both pleasing and depressing at the same time. Shaking herself out of her reverie, she turned to Lex. “Your grandfather wants to speak with you.” She told him. “So you’d better head back out to the living room.”
Lex smirked. “Ah, yes.” He said. “I imagined that he would have a few things to say to me.”
“Yes, he does.” Emma said. “And if I were you, I’d wouldn’t keep him waiting much longer. He’s already in a mood as it is.”
He couldn’t help but laugh. “Alright, I’ll go talk to him.” He said, stealing a piece of turkey off the platter that was setting on the table, which earned him a scolding from both his Aunt Mel and Lydia, before getting up and heading for the door.
Lex entered the living room and took an inventory of everyone present. Over the past couple of years their had been a couple additions to the family. Both James and William had gotten married. William and Francis, William’s wife of a couple months, had met when Francis had torn her ACL while skiing. William had been her surgeon, and to thank him for his help, Francis, who was played the violin in the Metropolis Orchestra, she had given him tickets to one of her concerts. The two had met up after the show, and have been together ever since. It was quite the clichéd story, in Lex’s opinion.
Jackie, James’s wife of almost three years, had met her husband when she was hired to redecorate his office. Their romance, unlike William and Francis’s, hadn’t been quiet the fairy tale, but it was just as strong. And the couple was now expecting their first child. In fact, if Jackie’s size was any indication, it looked as if James Luthor III could be arriving at any minute.
Unfortunately, seeing his cousins with their spouses forced up the suppressed memories of Lex’s own short marriage. He just couldn’t imagine Desiree sitting beside him and his father, as they discussed the family business with his grandfather. She just didn’t fit. And in many ways Lex was glad that it had ended almost as soon as it started.
Lex made his way across the room and sat down beside his now blind father and across from his grandfather. “Dad. Grandfather.” He said as a greeting.
“Lex.” His father said. “So glad you could finally make it.”
Lex raised an eyebrow at him, even though he couldn’t see it. “I wasn’t aware of the fact that I was late.” He replied.
“Mm. Your grandfather and I were just talking about your latest form of rebellion.” Lionel told him.
Lex smirked at him. “Really?” He asked. “I’m flattered that LexCorp was even warranted a mention, let alone discussed.”
Laurence snorted. “Just what is this nonsense, Lex?” He asked.
Lex looked at his grandfather. “This isn’t nonsense, Grandfather. I fully intend to expand and build upon this company until it has reached what I deem its full potential.”
“And what exactly do you consider its full potential, Lex?” Lionel asked.
Lex shrugged his shoulders. “The sky’s the limit.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, Alexander.” Laurence told him. “This LexCorp merely consists of a fertilizer plant. Where can you possibly take it?”
Lex raised an eyebrow at him. “If I recall correctly, Grandfather, LuthorCorp began as simply a fertilizer plant.”
Laurence laughed. “You think you can take your company as far as I took LuthorCorp?”
“No.” Lex replied. “I believe I can take it farther.” He suppressed a grin, and merely raised an eyebrow at the glares he received from both his father and his grandfather. “What?” He asked. “You don’t think I’m capable?”
“It’s not a question of your capabilities as a businessman, Lex.” Laurence said. “You’ve been preparing for the job since you were born. However, we didn’t spend all those years grooming you for the family business so you could go out and start you own company.”
“Oh.” Lex replied. “So that’s what this is about. You’re afraid that there won’t be anyone to leave LuthorCorp to. Well, let me put your concerns at ease.” He told them. “I fully intend to fulfill my role in the family as the heir to LuthorCorp. I will take over the company after my father retires. Of course, that’s if I haven’t already acquired it by other means.” He said, unable to keep the smirk off his face.
At that moment Margaret entered the room and announced that dinner was ready.
“We’ll continue this conversation later, Alexander.” Laurence told him as he got up to head to the dining room.
“Of course, Grandfather.” Lex replied, before turning to help his dad.
Once everyone was seated at the table and served, Laurence turned to Lex. “So tell us, Alexander, how do you propose to move your company forward in a fertilizer world dominated by LuthorCorp?” He asked.
Lex smirked at his grandfather. “I don’t plan to limit myself to fertilizer.” He told him.
“Oh really.” Laurence said. “What other areas are you considering delving into?”
“Now, Grandfather, you honestly don’t expect me to sit here and divulge all of my plans to possible competition, do you?” He asked. “You’ve taught me better than that.”
Laurence merely huffed in response, before the conversation was turned to other matters.
After dinner the entire family returned to the sitting room. That was another thing that had changed over the years. Around the time they were eighteen, Lex and his cousins were deemed to old to be sent to the upstairs entertainment room. And were therefore expected to join the rest of the family in the living room. It was at that time that Lex discovered that business was not the sole topic of discussion. It seemed that the after dinner nightcap was reserved for the discussion of everyone’s personal lives. For Lex, it was a part of the evening that he’d prefer to skip.
The family entered the room and took their regular seats. When Jackie had joined the family she had rearranged the room. The new layout made it possible for the family to break off into their separate groups for the pre-dinner conversations. Yet, it also allowed them to speak together as a whole during the nightcap. The arrangement of the room gave off a sense of fondness, a sense of unity, something that tended to make Lex feel slightly trapped or even claustrophobic. Lex sat down on the couch beside his father, before promptly pouring himself a glass of brandy.
“Starting on the alcohol already, Lex?” Emma asked.
Lex just smirked at her, before turning to Jackie. “So, Jackie,” he asked. “When can we be expecting James III?”
Jackie rolled her eyes. “Two weeks.” She told him. “Though, I’ll be damned if my son is going to be another James.”
“Sweetheart,” James said. “We’ve discussed this. I want the child to be named James. It is tradition.”
“Exactly,” Lex’s Uncle James chimed in.
“Yes, well some traditions were meant to be broken.” Jackie replied. “I’m not going to have a father-in-law, a husband, and a son named James.”
“Here, here.” Lex said as he held up his glass in a salute.
“Oh, be quiet, Alexander.” Emma scolded.
“Yes, Alexander.” Laurence said. “At least your cousin has found a suitable wife, and has taken the first steps in continuing the growth of this family. Which is more than you have done.”
“Yeah, Beets.” James said. “Tell us again how long you were married before you wife tried to kill you.”
“Boys, that’s enough!” Emma exclaimed.
“It’s alright, Lex. Don’t worry about Desiree.” Lydia told him. “After all, we all know she wasn’t the one you were meant to be with.”
Lex sighed and rubbed his forehead. “Lydia, how many times do I have to tell you that you’re mistaken, before you’ll believe me?” He asked, his frustration and annoyance evident in his voice.
Lydia just smiled at him. “You can’t convince me otherwise, Lex. So you might as well stop trying.”
“Would one of you please inform the rest of us about what it is you’re talking about?” Emma asked.
“It’s nothing, Grandma.” Lex assured her.
“Nothing?” She demanded. “You’ve been discussing this nothing since you arrived, Alexander. Now quit keeping the rest of us in the dark and tell us who this mystery person is.”
“He’s just a friend, Grandma.” Lex told her. “Nothing else.”
Laurence snorted. “I’d thought you’d put an end to these same-sex relations, Lex.”
Lex pinched the bridge of his nose as he felt the beginnings of a headache. “No, Grandfather.” Lex informed him. “I’d…”
He never got to finish the statement however because his father interrupted. “It’s Clark Kent isn’t it?” Lionel asked. “Won’t Jonathan be thrilled.” He snorted.
“Alright!” Lex said rather loudly. “I’m only going to say this once, so everyone listen. Grandfather, I’m bisexual. I have been for six years now. So, I suggest you deal with it. Lydia, despite whatever fantasies you have, Clark Kent is my friend, no more no less. Do you understand that?” He asked. “Good! Father, there is no aspect of Clark’s and my friendship that Jonathan Kent isn’t aware of. And before you even say anything, he isn’t the reason I chose to stay in Smallville. Now, since we’ve thoroughly discussed my personal life I suggest we move on to someone else’s.”
“Lex…”
“William!” Lex said, efficiently cutting off Lydia. “Tell me, how was the honeymoon?”
After shifting the focus of the conversation off of himself, Lex was grateful that he was able to successfully keep it that way. He sat there, nursing his brandy, while listening to Francis and William babbling on about the private cruse they took and the two weeks they spent touring Europe, and Jackie complaining about the woes of pregnancy. It wasn’t until around ten o’clock that family began to disperse.
As his grandmother and grandfather retired for the evening, Lex attention was drawn back to his cousin James.
“Well, cousins, I believe it is time we all headed upstairs.” James said.
Lex groaned. “Aren’t we a little old to be playing board games, James?” He asked.
James just laughed. “That excuse didn’t work last year, Lex. Nor is it going to work this year. Now lets go.” He said as he stood up, and offered out a hand to his pregnant wife.
Lex watched as James, Jackie, William, Francis, and Lydia filed out of the room and headed for the staircase.
“Let’s go, Beets.” James called from the hallway.
With a sigh, Lex threw back the rest of his brandy before excusing himself and heading up the stairs.
An hour later, Lex found himself in total shock. He couldn’t believe it. He had won. In twenty-two years, he had never won. Yet, there James was, sitting in front of him declaring bankruptcy. He knew he had been ahead, and that James was in serious trouble. But, in Monopoly, the tables could easily turn back to the other person’s favor. But they hadn’t, and Lex had won. He’d won.
He looked down at James’s ship sitting there on his Boardwalk and blinked. He grinned as it started to sink in. He’d won. It took all of his will power not to get up and do a little dance. But he was able to refrain himself, and settle for simply smirking across the board at James.
“Just…shut up, Beets.” James said.
“I don’t believe I said a word, James.” Lex replied smugly.
“Yes, but I know you want to.” James said, to which Lex just continued to smirk.
“Are you two finally finished?” Jackie asked from where she was reading on the couch.
“Yes, Sweetheart. We’re finished.” James replied. “You ready to go to bed?” He asked.
“Yes, James. I was ready half an hour ago.” She said.
James looked at Lex. “The master has spoken.” He said as he stood up. He walked over to the couch and helped Jackie up. “Goodnight, Lex.” He called over his should as he and Jackie walked out the door.
Lex sighed as he looked around the empty room. William and Francis had run off as soon as William was out of the game. It was pretty obvious what the two newlyweds had planned. They were practically stripping each other before they had left the room. Lydia had also left a good ten minutes before the game was up. And now that James and Jackie were gone, Lex was alone. He made quick work of cleaning up the game and putting it away. It was kind of depressing that no one had been there to bask in his glory with him. He ran his hand once over the old worn box, and then left the room.
Lex slowly made his way back to his room. He shut the door behind him, before heading over to his bookshelves. He let his eyes scan over the various volumes. There were all there. He had never gotten rid of any of them, just added more shelves as they were filled. He closed his eyes and traced his fingers over the many books, until randomly selecting one, To Kill a Mockingbird. Lex smiled. For some reason, it seemed oddly appropriate.
He tossed the book on his bed, before quickly changing into a pair of flannel pajama pants and the t-shirt Clark had given him earlier today. He then settle into his bed, and began to read.
Lex woke with a start. He lay there for a minute, trying to gather his bearings. His eyes took in his broken snow globe sitting on his nightstand, causing him to sigh in relief. He didn’t sleep well anymore. He had suffered through too much over the past year. What between Amanda’s brother, Desiree, Rachael Dunleavy, his father, and a ton of others, Lex didn’t feel safe.
With a groan, he lifted his head off the open page of his book then set it on his nightstand. It was two o’clock. Lex sighed as he threw the covers back and got out of bed. He wasn’t going to be able to go back to sleep for a while. So, he left his room and headed downstairs to the kitchen.
Lex entered the large room and flicked on the lights. As always, he made his way over to the refrigerator even though he wasn’t the slightest bit hungry. He scanned the contents of the frig before just deciding on some orange juice. It was tempting to go to the living room for more brandy or maybe even scotch, but he figured he’d had enough alcohol for the night. So he grabbed the pitcher of juice and then made his way over to the cupboard to get a glass.
“You might as well get me down a glass as well, Lex.” Emma Luthor said as she sat down at the kitchen table.
Lex smiled as he pull two glasses out of the cupboard. He walked over to the table, sat down, and poured them each a glass of juice. They sat in comfortable silence for a while, simply being in each other’s company.
“Your cousins seem happy.” Emma finally commented.
Lex nodded before taking a slip from his glass. “Yes, they do.”
“Even Lydia seems to have finally found her place in the world.” Emma told him. She let out a little laugh. “It’s about time.” She said. “That girl was starting to worry me.”
“Mm.”
The two went back to sitting in silence again. But after a few minutes, Emma asked, “What about you, Lex? Are you happy?”
Lex smiled at her. “I’m more content than I have been in a long time.” He honestly told her.
“But?” She prodded.
“But there’s still something lacking.” He said. “I have my own small, though be it, successful business, a close friend, and in some ways my father’s respect. But there is still this void. And I’m not quite sure with what I need to fill it.”
“That can only be for you to decide, Lex. No one else can tell you how to fill that void.” Emma told him.
After a few minutes of silence, Lex asked, “If I were to choose a man as my life partner, do you think they could except that?”
“I believe we’ve discussed this when you were sixteen, Lex.” She said. “Not everyone in this family is as closed-minded as you think.”
“So you’ve told me.” He replied. “But we both know that what people say and how they actually respond are two different things. Everyone in this family knows I’m bisexual. But they’ve never seen me with a man. And quite frankly I don’t think some of them will be able to handle it.”
“This is about Clark Kent isn’t it?” Emma asked.
Lex sighed as he ran a hand over his smooth head. “Clark’s my best friend, Grandma. He is one of the few people I’m comfortable enough around to be myself. He doesn’t judge me by my name, but by my actions. And I won’t do anything to jeopardize that.” He told her. “But, sometimes I look at him and it’s all I can do not to just grab a hold of him and kiss him senseless.”
“Isn’t Clark only sixteen?” Emma asked.
Lex frowned at her over the rim of his glass. “Yes, he is. And as far as I know he’s straight.” He said before pausing for a minute. “He’s young. It’s possible that he hasn’t explored all the aspects of his sexuality. And in a few years, our age difference won’t be considered deplorable.”
Emma furrowed her brow. “You’re placing a considerable amount on hold for this boy.”
“I realize that, Grandma. But I have this feeling that this void is just part of the space reserved for Clark that he hasn’t grown into yet.”
“What if you’re wrong? What if Clark never returns these feelings?” She asked.
Lex just shrugged his shoulders. “Then I’ll have to fill the void with something else.” He then got up and kissed his grandmother’s cheek. “Goodnight, Grandma.” He said before leaving the room and heading up the stairs.
Lex reentered his bedroom and crawled back into bed. His grandmother was right. He was putting a lot on hold for Clark. But something told him it was the right thing to do. He just hoped this feeling wasn’t wrong, because he feared what would fill that void if it wasn’t Clark. Still slightly restless, Lex lay down and looked at his snow globe. He had put so much faith in what had been represented by those figures. And they had broken. But he knew that Clark was stronger than a family made of porcelain.
The next morning, breakfast went by rather quickly. And soon everyone had moved to the sitting room to exchange gifts. However, the calm merriment of the morning was interrupted when Jackie started feelings labor pains. Lex had never seen his cousin James that nervous nor his Uncle James that excited before. His Aunt Mel had simply burst into tears.
His Aunt Meg and Lydia where trying to keep Jackie calm, while his Uncle Robert had went to bring a car around. William and Francis had used the distraction to start making out on the couch. And if someone didn’t stop them soon, there could be a Larkson baby on the way as well. Lionel and Laurence had moved to stand besides his uncle and cousin, giving what support the two cold men could. And Emma was yelling at everyone that it was probably only false labor. That left Lex, who was standing there in the corner of the room he had moved to, not knowing what to do. So he just watched.
It was over almost as soon as it had started. Jackie, James II, James I, Melinda, and Lydia were soon all piled into the car and on their way to Metropolis General. And the rest of the family was left to go back to the traditions of the holiday. Though, after all the excitement, the act of exchanging gifts seemed anticlimactic. Therefore, everyone merely rushed through the process.
Lex barely paid any attention to the gifts he received. Most of them consisted of either books or various pieces of art to put around the mansion and his office. But as always, the one gift he focused on was from his grandmother. She gave him a small finely finished wooden music box. It didn’t have any markings on the outside. It was just a plain oak box that when opened play the song “A Beautiful Friendship,” by Nat King Cole. There was a letter inside the box, however. It was just a short note from his grandmother that explained how his grandfather had given her the box. And how she felt he should pass it down to whomever he chose to spend the rest of his life with.
Lex knew who he wanted to give the box to. But only time would tell if that person would want to claim it. Until then he would keep it safe. Therefore, it was with hope for things to come that Lex Luthor kissed his grandma goodbye, before walking down the front steps of her house, and climbing into his car.
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An extremely nervous twenty-five-year old Lex Luthor led a slightly amused Clark Kent up the front steps of his Grandfather’s country home. Clark and he had been together for almost a year now. And this was their first Christmas as a couple. When they had started to make their holiday plans, Lex never thought that Clark would want to come with him to his Grandfather’s. He figured he’d go alone and then meet up with Clark at his parents later on Christmas Day. But Clark had wanted to come. In fact, much to Lex’s dismay, he had insisted.
It wasn’t that Lex didn’t want Clark to go with him. He just didn’t think Clark would have a very pleasant evening. After all, pleasant and Luthors didn’t mix very well. And he had tried to explain that to Clark. But Clark had pretty much just told him to shut up because he was going whether Lex liked it or not.
So around noon, they had piled into one of Lex’s cars and headed for his Grandfather’s. Lex had spent most of the four hour drive alternating between telling Clark about the family he had practically neglected to mention for the past four years and trying to convince him to change his mind about going. Of course, Clark had listened intently as Lex told him who was who among the Luthors and ignored his attempts to change his mind. Lex found it extremely frustrating that he could convince the business leaders of the world to submit to his demands. But he couldn’t get his significant other to see that spending Christmas with the Luthors was a bad idea.
Lex stopped halfway up the stairs and turned towards Clark. “Are you sure you want to do this?” He asked. “Because if you don’t you can take the car to Smallville and I’ll get my grandmother’s driver to bring me over tomorrow afternoon.”
Clark rolled his eyes at him. “Lex, are you going in that door?” He asked while gesturing at the entranceway behind Lex.
“Yes.” Lex replied.
“Then so am I.”
“What is your problem, Clark?” Lex demanded. “Didn’t you get the flyer on Luthors and how they’re evil and should be avoided at all costs?”
“Yes, I did. But I threw it out with all the rest of the junk mail.” Clark snapped before softening his tone. “Look, Lex,” he said as he reached out and grasped Lex’s hands. “Nothing bad is going to happen. You’re family is going to love me.”
Lex raised an eyebrow at that. “Really?” He asked.
Clark grinned at him and shrugged his shoulders. “Of course.” He replied. “I figure if I can charm one Luthor I can charm them all.”
Lex chuckled at that. “Well you have to remember, Clark, that in my family I’m the old one out.” He told him. “They tend to disagree with most of my views.”
Clark took a step closer, moving into Lex’s personal space. He released one of Lex’s hands and caressed his cheek. “Do you love me?” He asked softly.
Lex closed his eyes and leaned into the touch. “You know I do.” He whispered.
“Then why does it matter what they think?” He asked as he moved forward to kiss him.
Lex placed his hand on Clark’s chest to stop him. “They’re my family, Clark.”
Clark gently squeezed Lex’s hand. “Which is why I want to meet them.”
Lex sighed then leaned his forehead against Clark’s chest. “Alright.” He whispered. He stood there for a minute in Clark’s embrace before lifting his head and smoothing out his shirt. “Let’s do this.”
Clark smiled at him. “Lead on.” He said.
Lex retook Clark’s hand and led him into the foyer where Margaret met them. “Hello, Margaret.” He greeted as he slipped off his coat, gloves, scarf, and hat.
“Hello, Lex.” Margaret replied. “How are you doing this evening?” She asked as she took his things.
“I’m fine, thank you.” Lex answered. “Clark,” he said as he looked at the younger man. “I’d like you to meet Margaret Belle, my grandmother’s housekeeper. Margaret, this is Clark Kent.”
“Nice to meet you.” Clark said as he extended his hand.
“Nice to meet you as well, Clark.” Margaret replied as she shook his hand. “May I take you coat?”
Clark blushed as he shrugged out of his jacket. “Sorry.” He said.
Margaret just smiled at him. “No need to apologize.”
Lex grinned at his lover. “Come on, Clark.” He said as he grabbed a hold of Clark’s hand and pulled him down the hallway towards the kitchen. Lex entered the large room, with Clark in tow, and found his grandmother, his Aunt Mel, Lydia, and Marie. He made his way over to his grandmother, releasing Clark’s hand so he could give her her hug and kiss. “Hello, Grandma.”
“Hello, Lex.” She replied.
“Everyone.” Lex called into the room. “I would like you all to meet Clark Kent.” He said as he gently pulled Clark to stand beside him. “Clark this is my Grandmother, Emma Luthor; my Aunt Melinda; her daughter, Lydia; and my grandmother’s cook, Marie.”
“Nice to meet you all.” Clark said.
“Likewise, Clark.” Emma replied. “It’s good to finally meet you.”
“Yeah, Clark.” Lydia chimed in. “Lex mentions you all the time. But he never really says anything. So it’s nice to finally meet the man behind the mystery.
Lex rolled his eyes at his cousin, before gesturing for Clark to sit down. The two sat side by side across from Emma. “So, how’ve you been, Grandma?” Lex asked.
“Oh, I can’t complain too much.” Emma replied. “My knee’s been acting up more and more. William had a look at it earlier this evening. He wants me to start wearing a brace.”
“You should listen to him.” Lex told her.
“I’m eighty years old, Lex. I’m just glad I can still walk.” She said. “I’d don’t expect to be pain free.”
“Still,” Lex replied. “If it’ll ease the pain you should do it.”
“I’ll think about it.” She said. “Now, what about yourself?” She asked. “How’ve you been?”
Lex glanced over at Clark and smiled. “I’ve been great.”
Emma looked at Clark. “I get the feeling that you have a lot to do with that.” She said.
Clark just blushed and ducked his head.
Lex smirked at his grandmother. “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”
“No, quite the contrary. I’m actually quite please.” She replied.
Lex’s smirk turned into a smile. “Thank you.”
The three of them sat in companionable silence for a few minutes as Melinda, Lydia, and Marie bustled around the kitchen. “Well,” Emma said eventually, “I suppose we should head on over to the living room.”
Lex nodded his head then stood up. He grabbed a piece of turkey off the platter setting in the middle of the kitchen table. He split the piece in half and gave a piece of it to Clark.
“Don’t go spreading you bad manners, Alexander.” His Aunt Melinda scolded.
Lex just grinned at her before leading Clark out of the kitchen and down to the sitting room. As they entered the room, no one paid heed to them, which was typical. Therefore, Lex cleared his throat to gather everyone’s attention. Once the room was quiet, Lex introduced them. “Everyone, I’d like you to meet Clark Kent. Clark, this is my grandfather, Laurence; my Uncle James; his son, James II; his wife, Jackie; their son, James III; my Aunt Megan; her husband, Robert Larkson; their son, William; his wife, Francis; and the newest addition to the family, their son, Walter. And of course you know my father.” Everyone said a few hellos, and then Lex and Clark sat beside Lionel on the couch.
“Lex,” Laurence said. “So glad you could make it.”
“You always say that as if I’m late, Grandfather.” Lex replied. “Which I’m not.”
“No, but you are always the last to arrive.” Lionel pointed out.
Lex merely shrugged his shoulders in response. “That may be true,” He replied. “But I assure you it’s unintentional.”
“I find that hard to believe.” Lionel commented.
“You’re father and I were just discussing his inability to yet put an end to your little rebellion.” Laurence told him.
Lex fought the urge to roll his eyes. “Grandfather, LexCorp is neither a form of rebellion nor little.” Lex informed him. “We now have several branches through out the country. And as I’m sure you noticed, we even made the ‘Fortune 500’ list this year.”
Laurence scoffed. “Yes, I noticed. I also noticed your position on the list.” He said. “Three hundred twenty three isn’t anything to brag about, Alexander.”
“Especially with LuthorCorp ranked ninth.” Lionel added.
Lex sighed. “It might not be the best ranking.” He told them. “But it’s a start.”
“I was actually impressed.” Clark said. “Considering that LexCorp was just a fertilizer plant in Smallville, I think Lex has done an excellent job over the past three years.” He didn’t like how Lionel and Laurence were speaking to his lover, so he decided to stick up for him.
“I suppose you would, Mr. Kent.” Laurence replied rather coldly.
“I suggest that you stay out of matters that don’t concern you, Clark.” Lionel told him.
“If it concerns Lex then it concerns me.” Clark shot back. “I’m…”
“It’s alright, Clark.” Lex said as he placed his hand on Clark’s thigh. He smiled reassuringly at his lover. “Trust me.”
Clark gave him a resigned look, and sunk back into the couch.
Lex turned back to his father and grandfather. “I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t speak to Clark like that.” He told them.
Laurence merely grunted in response.
“I mean it, Grandfather. He is very important to me.”
“You’ll have to forgive me, Alexander, if I don’t particularly care about your little friend.” He grandfather replied.
Lex glared at his grandfather. “Clark is more than just a friend, Grandfather. He is my significant other and you will treat him with the respect that he deserves as such.”
Laurence looked slightly appalled “You brought one of your male lovers into my house?” He asked. “What you do behind closed doors is your business, Alexander. But his is unacceptable.”
“Father,” Lionel interjected. “Unless you want Lex to totally alienate himself from this family I suggest you learn to accept Clark. The two of them cannot be separated. Believe me I’ve tried.”
At that moment Margaret entered the room and announced that dinner was ready.
Lex hung back a little as everyone filed into the dining room. Once they were out of hearing distance he turned to Clark. “I’m sorry, Clark, for the way my grandfather’s treating you.” He said.
Clark just smiled at him. “It’s ok, Lex.” His smile was quickly replaced with a frown. “It kind of gives me an idea of what you have to put up with with my father.” He told him. “You’re dad was the one that surprised me though. What was all that about?”
“I’m not sure.” Lex replied. “I’m going to chalk it up to your mother’s influence.”
Clark gave him a quizzical look. “Lex, my mom stopped working for your dad when he permanently moved back to Metropolis, which was more than a year ago. Don’t you think any influence my mom had would have worn off by now?”
Lex shrugged his shoulders. “Can you think of any other reason?” He asked.
“No.”
“My point exactly.” Lex said as they entered the dining room.
Soon everyone was seated at the table and served. Clark was a little awed at the whole thing. He didn’t have any extended family except for this estranged grandfather. So he found it slightly amazing that the fourteen people sitting at that large table were all related to Lex. Yet, Lex never talked about them. And Clark didn’t understand why.
As usual, diner passed quickly with the normal discussion of business. And afterwards James III was sent upstairs to entertain himself while everyone else moved back into the living room for a nightcap.
As soon as everyone was seated Emma said, “So, Clark, Lex failed to mention what you do.”
“Oh, I’m studying journalism at Metropolis University.” He replied.
At that everyone turned to stare at him. “A reporter, Beets?” His cousin James asked.
Lex smirked at him. “Come on, James.” He replied. “That’s just what this family needs. After all, we already have businessmen, lawyers, doctors, and a judge. Having someone within the media circuit is perfect.”
Emma scoffed at her grandson. “That better not be the reason you’re with him, Alexander.” She scolded.
Clark laughed. “It’s not, Mrs. Luthor.” He assured her. “It’s kind of an inside joke.”
She still cast a wary look at Lex, even though Clark’s assurance seemed to placate her.
“So do you live in the dorms then?” Melinda asked.
Clark couldn’t stop the blush that crept up his cheeks. “Well, I have a dorm room, but I pretty much live with Lex.” He admitted.
Laurence snorted at that.
“Yes. Wasn’t it awfully convenient that Lex moved back to the city a few weeks before you left for school?” Lionel asked.
Lex sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “I moved back to the city because it was becoming too difficult to run LexCorp from Smallville.”
“You needed to move back months before you did.” Lionel countered.
“I won’t tolerate any fighting.” Emma warned, successfully ending the bickering between her son and grandson.
A sharp cry from three-month old Walter cut off any response form either Lionel or Lex. “Sorry.” Francis apologized as she rocked her young son.
Lex smiled at her. “No need to apologize.”
“Speaking of children,” James said. “Jackie and I are expecting another child.”
The chorus of congratulations was followed by Laurence saying, “I suppose we should stop hoping for grandchildren from you, Alexander.”
Clark resisted the urge to just sock Laurence in the face. He treated Lex almost worse than Lionel did. Though thinking better of resorting to physical violence, he said, “I wouldn’t rule him out just yet, Mr. Luthor.”
Laurence raised an eyebrow at Clark. “I find it very difficult to believe that two men can make a child.”
“I would have to agree.” Clark told him. “But there are other options, such as surrogate mothers and adoption.”
“Adoption,” Laurence scoffed. “Why would anyone want to raise another person’s child?”
“Clark was adopted.” Lex informed his grandfather and was rather pleased to watch the older man shift uncomfortably in his seat. “Besides,” he continued. “I don’t believe Clark or I are ready to discuss children.”
The conversation was then shifted off of Clark and Lex. And around ten o’clock, Emma and Laurence retired for the evening.
James then stood up. “Well, I believe we all know what comes next.” He said.
William rolled his eyes. “How could we forget?” He replied as he stood up.
“What’s going on?” Clark asked.
“They play Monopoly every year.” Francis told him.
Clark raised an amused eyebrow at Lex. “Monopoly?” He asked.
“It’s not something I do by choice, Clark.” Lex informed him.
“Don’t let him lie to you, Clark.” Lydia said. “He enjoys it just as much as James does.”
Clark laughed as he watched Lex’s cousins leave the room. “Aren’t we going with them?” He asked.
“Let’s go, Beets!” They heard James call from the hallway.
Lex knocked back the rest of the brandy he’d been drinking then got up. He excused them then he and Clark exited the living room, and headed up the stairs.
“Why does he call you Beets?” Clark asked.
Lex suppressed a groan. “It’s a long story, Clark. Ask me later.” He told him as they entered the upstairs entertainment room just as Jackie was leaving with a sleeping James III in her arms
Clark was a little surprised to see the board setup on the floor. But he quickly shrugged it off and sat down.
James gave him a funny look. “You’re playing?” He asked.
“Well, I thought…I mean…”
Lex laughed. “Relax, Clark. You’re allowed to play. James is just a little surprised because for the past, what, twenty years, it’s only been us four.” He explained.
“Jackie and Francis don’t play?” Clark asked.
William shrugged. “They don’t want to.”
“Oh, well. I don’t want to intrude.” Clark told them.
“Really, Clark, it isn’t a problem.” Lex assured him.
“Yeah,” Lydia chimed in.” Maybe if you play someone besides Jams will win for a change.”
“Hey, I won once.” Lex informed her as he sat down, slide off his shoes, and handed them to her.
“Once, Lex.” Lydia said as she shoved his shoes under the couch. “Once in twenty years.”
Clark watched the exchanged between his lover and his cousin with a curious expression on his face.
“Lex isn’t allowed to be near his shoes.” William told him.
“Why?” Clark asked.
“Because when he was six he threw one at me when he couldn’t accept the fact that he had lost.” James said.
Clark laughed and turned to Lex. “Really?” He asked.
“I was six, Clark.” Lex said in his own defense. When Clark continued to laugh, Lex glared at him. “Can we just start?” He asked.
An hour later Lex and James were still hunched over the game board. Despite Clark’s presence, it had still come down to those two. Lex knew he was about to lose, and he was preparing himself. He rolled the dice, moved his piece then picked up his chance card, which sent him to James’s Marvin Gardens.
“That’s it.” He said, defeated. “I’m bankrupt.”
James grinned at him. “Wow, Lex, what a graceful loss. I commend you.”
Lex didn’t bother to respond to him, but simply retrieved his shoes then stood up. He looked down at Clark who had fallen asleep on the couch then leaned down and kissed him awake.
“Mm.” Clark moaned as he cracked open an eye. “You guys done?” He asked.
“Yeah.” Lex replied. “Come on, we’re going to go back to my room.”
Clark stretched then got up off the couch. Lex took his hand and led him out of the room. “Goodnight, everyone.” He called over his shoulder.
“Yeah, night.” Clark called as well.
Lex led Clark down the hall and into his bedroom. He shut the door behind him and watched as Clark wondered around the room.
Clark walked slowly around the room. He let his eyes roam over Lex’s many bookshelves. He chuckled and turned back to Lex who was still standing by the door. “Dr. Seuss, Lex?” He teased.
Lex pushed himself off the door and walked over to his lover. “I kept everything.” He told him. “I just couldn’t bring myself to throw anything out.”
Clark laughed and gestured around the room. “All there are is books.” He said.
Lex shrugged his shoulders. “I like to read.” He replied.
Clark noticed a frame hanging beside the door. He walked over and read the incased note. “A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart, and sings it back to you when you forget the words.” He read aloud. “Lex, I’ll always remember your song. Love Jason.” Clark looked at Lex. “Who’s Jason?”
“He was one of my best friends.” Lex told him. “He was also the first man I was ever with romantically.” He paused for a minute. “I might have even loved him.”
“What happened?” Clark asked.
“My father put an ocean between us.” Lex replied. At Clark’s puzzled look, he clarified. “My father couldn’t except the fact that I was dating another man. So, when he couldn’t stop me from seeing Jason, he sent me to boarding school in Europe. And when I came back, Jason was gone.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be.” Lex told him. He walked up to Clark and kissed him deeply. “Things seemed to have worked out alright.”
Clark grinned at him. “Just alright?” He asked.
“Perfectly,” Lex whispered. He grasped Clark’s hands and pulled him over to his bed.
Clark gently eased Lex down onto the bed, blanketing the smaller man with his body. He buried his head in the crook of Lex’s neck, kissing his nape. He made his way up from Lex’s neck to his jaw and along his jaw to his lips, biting and kissing as he went. He ran his tongue over Lex’s slightly swollen lips, asking for admittance.
Lex readily permitted Clark’s tongue to enter his mouth, deepening their kiss. He allowed his lover’s tongue to slide over his own as he began to pull Clark’s sweater up and over his head.
They broke their kiss just long enough for Lex to remove Clark’s shirt. And once the offensive garment was out of the way, Clark began to slowly undo the buttons of Lex’s lavender shirt, while continuing to explore his mouth.
As the last button was undone, Clark sat back and pushed the shirt off of Lex’s shoulders. He ran his hands over his lover’s smooth skin, reveling in the feel. “You’re beautiful.” He whispered, looking into Lex’s icy blue eyes, before lowering his head to rake his tongue along the smooth flesh.
Lex threaded his hands through Clark’s silky raven hair as he felt him exploring his chest with his tongue and teeth. He gasped and bucked his hips as Clark nipped at his sensitive nipples.
One of Clark’s strong hands immediately moved to his hip, holding him down, preventing the friction his bound cock desperately craved. Lex whimpered in need. With his free hand Clark undid Lex’s slacks, freeing Lex’s blood gorged cock. He then pulled the slacks and boxers down over his lover’s legs then tossed them on the floor. He sat back and drank in the beautiful site before him.
Frustrated with arousal, Lex demanded, “Touch me, Clark.”
Clark leaned forward and silenced Lex with a deep passionate kiss, devouring the smaller man’s mouth. He made his way down Lex’s body. Down his throat, over his erect nipples, and across his chest, until he buried his face in Lex’s crotch, taking in his scent. His tongue snaked out and he trailed it up the dark vein from the base of Lex’s cock to its head, eliciting a slight whimper from his lover.
“Fuck me, Clark.” Lex moaned. “I want to feel you inside me.”
Clark quickly shed his own pants, his swollen cock held tightly against his stomach. He retrieved a pack of lubrication from his pocket and squeezed a little onto his fingers. He leaned forward and captured Lex in a kiss as he slid one finger inside.
Lex gasped around Clark’s mouth as one of his thick fingers entered his body, stretching him. His face was flushed with desire and his breathing was shallow as pleasure raked through his body. He bit his lip as he felt a second finger enter his body and pushed against the headboard, trying to further impale himself.
But Clark free hand was soon back on his hips, holding him down. “God, Clark, I need you in me.” Lex moaned. “Please.”
Clark slide a third finger inside of his lover then gently stroked his prostate, causing the smaller man to try and buck his hips.
“Please, Clark, so close.” Lex moaned.
Clark withdrew his fingers and quickly slicked up his cock and positioned it over the Lex’s hole. He then slowly started to slide in. He closed his eyes and moaned at the tightness surrounding him. He slid in about halfway and stopped. Lex was wiggling underneath him, trying to fuck himself.
“More.” He whimpered.
Clark plunged deep inside of him, until the tight heat of his lover surrounded his entire cock. He heard Lex’s gasp of pleasure, mixed with pain. He was still for a minute before he slowly started to move.
“Come, Clark, fuck me.” Lex demanded. “Harder.”
So Clark did. He quickened his pace, mercilessly pounding into his lover. The smell of sweat and sex filled the air along with the sound of flesh slapping flesh and the moans of pleasure from both men. Clark shifted his angle ever so slightly so he was hitting Lex’s prostrate with almost ever stroke. He watched as he lover bit his lip, to stop his screams. Clark took his hand and wrapped it around Lex’s weeping cock and stroked it. “Come for me, Lex.” He whispered.
Clark watched as Lex’s body stilled, and his eyes rolled back before he came, cum shooting onto his chest and stomach. The contracting of Lex’s hole was enough to send Clark over the edge and he came, deep inside his over.
Exhausted, Clark lay on top of his lover, trying not to crush the smaller man with his weight. Lex lazily ran his hand through Clark’s hair as they both laid there in post-orgasmic bliss.
“We should clean up.” Lex finally murmured.
“Hm.” Clark replied.
The two lay there for a few more minutes before getting up, sneaking down the hall, and taking a quick shower. They then returned to bed, Lex curled up on his side with Clark spooned around him.
Lex wasn’t sure why he woke. It could have been that the warm chest pressed against his back and the strong arm wrapped around his waist had left. Or it could have been that they took all the blankets with them. Lex rolled over and looked at his lover who was cocooned in his thick comforter. He reached out and ran his fingers through Clark’s silky hair. He wasn’t worried about waking the other man. Clark was a deep sleeper. And many nights Lex would just lay there and watch him sleep.
Since he had been with Clark, Lex had been sleeping better. He had never been much of a cuddler. But he found that a lot of things had changed since he’d been with the younger man. And for some reason sleep found its way to him easier and stayed longer with Clark pressed tightly against him.
He pressed a kiss to his lover’s temple then slipped out of bed. According to the clock on his nightstand it was a little after two. He put on a pair of pajama pants and the t-shirt Clark had given him three years ago then left the room and headed downstairs to the kitchen.
As he entered the large room, Lex flipped on the lights. Then, as habit insisted, he went over to raid the refrigerator. He spotted the bottle of chocolate syrup and smiled. He pulled out the syrup then went to get the vanilla ice cream from the freezer.
Emma Luthor watched her grandson from the doorway. “You know the last time I caught you raiding the freezer you were six years old.” She told him as she went to retrieve two bowls. “You were standing on a chair, jumping up an down, because you couldn’t reach the tub of ice cream. I thought for sure you were going to fall and break you neck. But you didn’t.” She smiled up at him and took the tub of ice cream from his hands. “You’ve always been lucky in that department I guess. Always coming out just by the skin of your teeth.”
Lex laughed as he watched her fill the two dishes. “I suppose your right in that regard.”
Emma glared at him. “Of course I’m right.” She stated as she set the two bowls on the kitchen table in front of Lex. Her expression softened as she watched him cover the ice cream with chocolate syrup. “You sat there across from me, eating your ice cream, and you asked if I thought you’d be a good businessman. You were so worried that you wouldn’t be. Now, look at you. It seems all that worrying was for nothing.”
Lex smirked at her. “Yes, but I don’t think things turned out exactly how grandfather and dad planned.” He said.
Emma shrugged. “Maybe not.” She told him. “But that’s their fault.”
The two sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes until Lex spoke. “What do you think of Clark?” He asked.
“He seems like a fine young man.” She said. “Though I don’t like the fact that he’s to be a reporter.”
Lex chuckled. “Trust me, Grandma. Clark won’t use me for a story.” He told her.
“How can you be so sure?” She asked.
Lex shrugged his shoulders. “Because he’s Clark.”
Emma scoffed. “That’s not an answer, Alexander.”
He smirked at her. “I can’t explain it, Grandma, I just know.”
Emma huffed. “Does he fill your void?” She asked somewhat sarcastically.
Lex couldn’t help stop the blush that crept over his cheeks. He wasn’t usually shy about talking about anything remotely sexual. But if his grandmother knew just what void Clark was filling, he might just die of embarrassment right then and there.
Emma eyed her grandson’s quizzically. Then her eyes widened as she caught the double meaning of her words. “That’s not what I meant, Alexander!” She exclaimed.
Lex cleared his throat. “Sorry. And to answer you’re question, yes, he does.” He honestly replied.
Emma gave him a wiry look. “And will you allow him to remain there?”
“He is more than welcome to stay for as long as he wants.” Lex told her. “I love him.”
Emma smiled at him. “Good. I’m glad that you’re finally happy.” She said. “But I want you to be careful. You’ve been hurt emotionally too much already. And I’d hate to see Clark add at that.”
“I’ll be careful.” Lex promised as he stood up.
“That’s all I ask.”
Lex smiled down at her then kissed her cheek. “Goodnight, Grandma.”
“Goodnight, Lex.”
With that Lex left the room and headed back upstairs. He entered his bedroom to find Clark awake, sitting up in bed holding his snow globe.
“Hey.” Clark said. “Where’d you go?”
“Downstairs.” Lex replied as he walked over to the bed and sat beside his lover.
Clark furrowed his brow in confusion. “Why?” He asked.
Lex shrugged his shoulders and took the broken globe out of Clark’s hands. “To talk to my grandma.”
“At a quarter till three in the morning?”
Lex smiled at him. “I do it every year.” He said as he carefully pulled the figurine of his mother out of the broken globe.
After watching Lex study the figure for a minute, Clark asked, “Is that you’re mom?”
“Yeah, how’d you know?”
Clark grinned. “I recognized your father and the boy looked like a picture of you I saw when you were young.”
Lex put the figure of his mother back in the globe and turned it in his hands. “My grandmother gave this to me when I was five.” He let out a hollow laugh. “She said it was a model for the perfect little family.”
“What happened to it?” Clark asked.
“The Christmas after my mother died was pretty hard to me. I felt really alone. And I came in here and saw this snow globe. It was just setting there reminding me of what I’d lost. So I threw it against that door.” He said as he gestured towards the entranceway to his room. “It shattered.”
“Why didn’t you ever get it fixed?” Clark asked.
Lex shrugged his shoulders. “I wanted to keep it as a reminder. And it just seemed more accurate this way.”
Clark took the broken globe from his hands then pulled Lex up against him. He reached over and switched off the light on the nightstand, making sure too keep one hand securely wrapped around his lover.
Lex pillowed his head on Clark’s chest. “So what did you think of the your first Christmas with the Luthors?” Lex asked.
Clark chuckled. “It was different.” He replied.
“Do you think you could ever bring yourself to come back?”
“I’d come back every year, as long as I’m with you.”
“I love you, Clark.” Lex whispered.
Clark kissed Lex’s smooth scalp and held him closer. “I love you too.” With that the two closed their eyes and drifted off to sleep.
The next morning, breakfast went by quickly as usual. Clark couldn’t believe the lack of food that was set on the table. He didn’t complain, though. He merely ate what was given to him, and hoped it would hold him over until he and Lex got back to his parents. The hostility between Clark and Laurence seemed to have lessened, since the night before. Therefore there was no tension amongst the family as they moved to the living room to exchange gifts.
Clark received a few things from the family as well, which he had not been expecting. Lex got his usual gifts, from most of the family, so there were no surprises there. From his grandmother, Lex received a framed copy of the ‘Fortune 500’ list. Both LexCorp and LuthorCorp were highlighted, and at the bottom in his grandmother’s scrawl was written, “The power will soon shift.” Lex smiled knowingly up at her and whispered a ‘thank you.’
Lex and Clark had discussed if they were going to exchange their gifts at the Kents or the Luthors and had decided on the Luthors. Lex slowly opened the small box from his lover and started wide-eyed at what he found inside. He lifted out the small octagonal disk and the small key made of the same alloy. “Clark is this what I think it is?” He asked.
Clark nodded his head.
“I don’t understand. How can you give this too me?”
Clark smiled at him. “I had a copy made. And I wanted you to have the key to my life as well as the key to my heart.” He told him.
“Thank you.” Lex said, as he smiled at his lover. “Now, open yours.”
Clark grinned as he quickly ripped the paper off his gift. Inside he found a small oak box. He opened it and the song “A Beautiful Friend” started to play. And inside the box was a small note. Clark pulled it out, unfolded it, and read it to himself. “Clark, this box was given to my grandmother by my grandfather when he knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. I don’t expect you to answer right now, under the pressure of my family. But please think about it. Forever yours, Lex Luthor.” Clark refolded the note and as he went to place it back in the box he spotted two solid gold rings. He bit his lip to stop the tears that were threatening to fall. He turned to his extremely nervous looking lover and smiled. “I don’t have to think about it, Lex. My answer is yes.”
Lex threw his arms around Clark and kissed deeply and passionately in front of his entire family. They received a few catcalls from Lydia and several grunts of disapproval, but they didn’t care. They were too caught up in the moment. When they finally broke apart everyone in the room was looking at them expectantly. Clark’s blush crept all the way up to his hairline as he closed the box and clutched it in his lap. While, Lex merely smirked at them.
“Well,” Lydia demanded. “What was that all about?”
Lex looked over at Clark who looked thoroughly embarrassed. “Nothing.” He said, perfectly deadpan.
“That was not nothing, Alexander!” Lydia exclaimed.
Emma patted her granddaughter’s knee. “They’ll tell you when their ready, Lydia.” She said.
Later, as Lex was saying goodbye to the rest of the family, Emma pulled Clark aside. “If you hurt him, you’ll have to deal with me. Do you understand?” She asked.
“Yes, Ma’am.” Clark replied.
“Good.” She said. “Now, welcome to the family.”
Lex walked up to Clark and his grandmother and took a hold of Clark’s hand. He wasn’t sure what the future would hold for him. But for once, he wasn’t worried. Therefore, it was in thorough contentment that Lex Luthor kissed his grandma goodbye, before walking down the front steps of her house, and climbing into his car.
The End
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