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serafina20Still not to the actual episode yet. But, hey, I wrote.
I'm not four season behind. Christ.
Part 1
Part 2
Lex watched in utter bemusement as the quarterback dissolved into a fit of laughter. He had no idea what he'd said was so funny.
"What?"
Whitney blinked his eyes. Tears were standing in them. "It's... really funny to hear you say that."
"That Mark is my friend?" Lex was completely baffled.
"Yeah." He wiped his eyes.
He frowned and tried not to feel... well. Not hurt. Not exactly. But he really didn't like that the reaction to him declaring his friendship was laughter. "I don't understand the humor."
Whitney nodded. He took a sip of his drink. "It's not that I don't believe you. I do. It's just that, when you're with him, you're very. I don't know. Formal, I guess. No, wary. Like you keep expecting him to do something. You give him these looks like you can't understand why he's with you, like you're trying to figure something out. But, really, you're like that with everyone. Except Clark."
Lex's neck stiffened. The pain crawled up the back of his head and came to rest in his temples. "I don't know what you mean."
"Like that." Whitney pointed at him. "You're just like that. All stiff and wary. Only right now you're pissed at me, so it's a little different. It's not that you're angry with him, you just have that look like you're expecting him to stab you at any moment."
"I do not."
Whitney shrugged. "I'm not saying that you don't really like him. I'm really not. You just don't seem comfortable with him. But the only person you really seem comfortable is with Clark. Sometimes Chloe, too, but even her you give these looks to like... like you expect her to grow another head at any second and attack." His brow furrowed. "I'm guessing that you didn't have many people you could trust when you were growing up. That's why you're the way you are."
"Please, don't try to analyze me. That's why I have a therapist."
He knew it was a lot to reveal, but Whitney just smiled.
"Am I hitting anywhere close to the mark?"
Stupid boy. "Perhaps," was Lex's answer. He tried to make it noncommittal, but there was all kinds of agreement in his voice.
Whitney's hand brushed over the book in front of him. "You know, I've read a few case studies about kids who've been abused. How they're wary all the time around people. Feel they can't let their guard down. I..."
"Whitney. Shut up."
The boy blinked. Then grinned. "See! That's what you never do around Mark. Insult him or poke fun. You don't act real. You're always on your best behavior, like if you're not, he might leave or, you know. Bite you."
Now, shut up was hardly the most biting thing Lex had ever said to anyone. But, still. It seemed as if there should be some reaction to his tone. One that wasn't a stupidly attractive grin and enthusiasm.
He also didn't appreciate the unsettling and surprising insights from Whitney Fordman. The kid was supposed to have two purposes: look pretty and make Lex's world a little bit darker because of his interest in Clark. He wasn't supposed to be observing Lex, analyzing his actions, and coming up with explanations.
And Clark wasn't supposed to have such a big fucking mouth.
"I enjoy Mark's company," Lex finally said, aware of how stiff his voice was. "He's a good man. And a good friend. I wouldn't do anything to change that."
"Trusting him wouldn't change that."
Lex glanced at the counter. He wished he had ordered coffee before he'd sat down. He needed a drink. Something to use to mask what he was feeling.
He pulled a coin from his pocket. "It's not that I don't trust him," he said, rolling the coin over his fingers. "I do. Like I said, he's a good man."
"You don't trust him to like who you really are," Whitney said. He watched the play of the coin on Lex's fingers. "You don't trust him enough to let your guard down and just relax."
"Mark and I have slept in the same bed," he replied.
Whitney gave him a lopsided smile and hitched his shoulder. "Okay, that's one kind of trust. But you already know that he's not going to slip a knife into your ribs. And he wouldn't dare try to seduce you, not with both me and Clark waiting in the wings to kill him. So sleep is nothing. And even if you had had sex, I know enough about you to know that sex and trust don't equal the same thing."
He vanished the coin. "They do now," he said, voice soft.
There was a pause. Then, "Sorry, Lex. I didn't mean to imply anything."
"No. You're right. I'll admit to such behaviors in the past. And, even if I don't, there are many newspapers willing to testify to that effect." He raised his eyes and met Whitney's. "I don't know how," he said jerkily, "to. Behave the way I do with Clark with everyone."
Whitney nodded. He leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table. "You're not doing too bad a job right now. It's called being vulnerable, Lex. It's not a bad thing. Not with people who are your friends."
He arched an eyebrow. "Are we friends now?"
"Better than being enemies," Whitney said with a shrug. "I have a feeling we're going to be around one another for a long, long time. We might as well learn to like it, don't you think?"
Damn the boy for making sense. Damn him.
"I," Lex started, but he was cut off by a familiar voice saying, "Well, I don't know about that. How many friends do you know that secretly hope that you're going to break up with your boyfriend so he can get together with another, Lex?"
Lex sighed. "Hello, Lucas."
Lucas swaggered to the table and dropped into a chair, all loose limbs and easy grace. "This dude just told that other guy that you were a creep."
"Ah, if it isn't the infamous Loki himself, here to spread discord."
"Who the hell are you," Lex demanded. "And what have you done with the quarterback?"
Whitney blinked at Lex and asked, "What? I'm not allowed to know mythology?"
"Greek? Maybe. Norse? No. It doesn't go with the stereotype."
"Why, Lex Luthor, who knew you were so hung up on images?" Whitney drawled with a lazy smile.
The boy better stop or Lex might have to deem him attractive. Damn him.
"Hello. I'm sitting right here," Lucas said.
Pay attention to me, he didn't say, but the annoyance in his voice was enough to get that across.
"I see you Lucas," assured Lex. "And as for Whitney calling me a creep, I'm not surprised. Nor am I particularly upset. As he knows, he goes after Clark, I will ruin his life. And not just for taking what's mine. Also for hurting his own boyfriend. I would do anything for my friends."
This time, he deliberately said it to provoke the response. He was gratified when Whitney again dissolved into laughter.
"It's the medication, right?" he asked anyway.
"You want coffee?" Whitney asked, still laughing.
"Decaf, please."
"Of course. Wouldn't want to risk getting anyone fired." Eyes twinkling, Whitney grabbed the cane he'd recently graduated to and limped off to the counter, leaving Lex and Lucas alone.
"He's weird," Lucas said, watching Whitney.
"A bit, yeah. So. How are you?"
Lucas shrugged. "Same old. Living the life. You?"
"Same here."
"You're living on a farm, getting up at five in the morning to milk cows. I've bet you've got shoes that are covered in cow shit. That's not the life."
He smiled. "Depends on how you define the life. I'm living with a loving family and the man I love. Of course, my kitten is getting fat and spoiled, which isn't so good, but that's grandmother's for you."
Lucas's look clearly screamed that he thought Lex was crazy. Or growing another head. "Do you even get to have sex with the man you love?" he asked, eyes rolling.
Lex thought a moment of the rug burns on his back from his and Clark's ill fated attempt to get some relief in the treehouse. They'd learned that they definitely need blankets; Lex's skin was just too sensitive and, by the time they'd realized, he was too uncomfortable to try anything, even with him on top.
"Well. No. But there's more to life than sex." Then he raised an eyebrow. "Are you having sex?"
"No fuckable objects in this town. Or the next." But he glanced at the door for probably the fifth time since he'd sat down. Then he looked at his watch.
Wonderful.
"She doesn't get out of school for another forty-five minutes," he said. "She's also seeing someone who will skin you alive if you so much as breathe on her."
Lucas looked at him, deer in headlights. Then, it faded away. He straightened his shoulders and said, "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Of course not."
"What's the books for?" Lucas asked in an obvious attempt to change the subject.
Lex touched the first two and said, "For the house. I'm finalizing the plans and want to make sure they're feasible." Then he touched the bottom two. "For college. Despite my past inclinations to chemistry, the idea of going into pharmacology has taken root in my brain and is growing strong. I'm doing some research into the field as well as the programs at nearby colleges."
"Nearby? I'd've though you'd want to go Ivy League or something. Yale or whatever. Something snobby."
"I could. But I don't have the money I once did, which limits my options." He inclined his head. "I could, I suppose, apply for a scholarship or a grant. I don't doubt I could easily get one. However, there is Clark to consider."
"How romantic. You're throwing away your education for the man you love, just like a good little housewife."
"Spoken like a man who's never been in love," Whitney said. He had cardboard container with his and Lex's drinks in it, which he set on the table before sitting down. "I mean, I did always figure I'd stick close to home for school, but now it's different. Even if I was thinking about going away for school, there's Mark to consider. Not," he added, "that I think our relationship will fall apart if we go long distance for awhile."
"Nor do I think mine and Clark's would," Lex said, prompting more laughter from Whitney. He ignored it. "But, really, I don't need a degree from a big school to get a good job. That's what my brain is for."
"Wow. You're arrogant."
He smiled. "I know my strengths. But, speaking of colleges, have you thought about enrolling anywhere? You have the money and the stability. And no one is going to turn down a Luthor, not when Dad will line pockets. Even though Dad's got you comfortable right now, he's really into this whole upholding the Luthor image."
Lucas grimace. Looked down at his own coffee and swirled it around in the mug. "Yeah, well. It's not going to happen."
"Lucas," Lex said, concerned. "Look, I know you think you know Dad, but you don't know him like I do. He's not going to hand his company over to someone without a college degree, preferably in business. If you take the initative and do it yourself, it's going to look that much better to Dad. He'll lavish the attention on you and, by attention, I do mean money, presents. Helicopters, whatever it is you want."
"What do you care?" Lucas shot at him. "Shouldn't you be, like, trying to get me to fuck up so Dad will take you back?"
"I'm too happy with my life right now to care," he answered honestly. "But I'm worried about my brother's. If Dad decides to cut you loose and doesn't take me back, I won't have as much to take care of you as I'd like."
"I don't need you."
"Of course not," he said smoothly. "But we are brother's. And family is important." He leaned forward. "Just think about it?"
"There's to think about! I mean, it doesn't matter how much money Dad gives anyone," Lucas practically shouted. "No one's gonna let someone without a high school degree into college so just fucking drop it!"
I'm not four season behind. Christ.
Part 1
Part 2
Lex watched in utter bemusement as the quarterback dissolved into a fit of laughter. He had no idea what he'd said was so funny.
"What?"
Whitney blinked his eyes. Tears were standing in them. "It's... really funny to hear you say that."
"That Mark is my friend?" Lex was completely baffled.
"Yeah." He wiped his eyes.
He frowned and tried not to feel... well. Not hurt. Not exactly. But he really didn't like that the reaction to him declaring his friendship was laughter. "I don't understand the humor."
Whitney nodded. He took a sip of his drink. "It's not that I don't believe you. I do. It's just that, when you're with him, you're very. I don't know. Formal, I guess. No, wary. Like you keep expecting him to do something. You give him these looks like you can't understand why he's with you, like you're trying to figure something out. But, really, you're like that with everyone. Except Clark."
Lex's neck stiffened. The pain crawled up the back of his head and came to rest in his temples. "I don't know what you mean."
"Like that." Whitney pointed at him. "You're just like that. All stiff and wary. Only right now you're pissed at me, so it's a little different. It's not that you're angry with him, you just have that look like you're expecting him to stab you at any moment."
"I do not."
Whitney shrugged. "I'm not saying that you don't really like him. I'm really not. You just don't seem comfortable with him. But the only person you really seem comfortable is with Clark. Sometimes Chloe, too, but even her you give these looks to like... like you expect her to grow another head at any second and attack." His brow furrowed. "I'm guessing that you didn't have many people you could trust when you were growing up. That's why you're the way you are."
"Please, don't try to analyze me. That's why I have a therapist."
He knew it was a lot to reveal, but Whitney just smiled.
"Am I hitting anywhere close to the mark?"
Stupid boy. "Perhaps," was Lex's answer. He tried to make it noncommittal, but there was all kinds of agreement in his voice.
Whitney's hand brushed over the book in front of him. "You know, I've read a few case studies about kids who've been abused. How they're wary all the time around people. Feel they can't let their guard down. I..."
"Whitney. Shut up."
The boy blinked. Then grinned. "See! That's what you never do around Mark. Insult him or poke fun. You don't act real. You're always on your best behavior, like if you're not, he might leave or, you know. Bite you."
Now, shut up was hardly the most biting thing Lex had ever said to anyone. But, still. It seemed as if there should be some reaction to his tone. One that wasn't a stupidly attractive grin and enthusiasm.
He also didn't appreciate the unsettling and surprising insights from Whitney Fordman. The kid was supposed to have two purposes: look pretty and make Lex's world a little bit darker because of his interest in Clark. He wasn't supposed to be observing Lex, analyzing his actions, and coming up with explanations.
And Clark wasn't supposed to have such a big fucking mouth.
"I enjoy Mark's company," Lex finally said, aware of how stiff his voice was. "He's a good man. And a good friend. I wouldn't do anything to change that."
"Trusting him wouldn't change that."
Lex glanced at the counter. He wished he had ordered coffee before he'd sat down. He needed a drink. Something to use to mask what he was feeling.
He pulled a coin from his pocket. "It's not that I don't trust him," he said, rolling the coin over his fingers. "I do. Like I said, he's a good man."
"You don't trust him to like who you really are," Whitney said. He watched the play of the coin on Lex's fingers. "You don't trust him enough to let your guard down and just relax."
"Mark and I have slept in the same bed," he replied.
Whitney gave him a lopsided smile and hitched his shoulder. "Okay, that's one kind of trust. But you already know that he's not going to slip a knife into your ribs. And he wouldn't dare try to seduce you, not with both me and Clark waiting in the wings to kill him. So sleep is nothing. And even if you had had sex, I know enough about you to know that sex and trust don't equal the same thing."
He vanished the coin. "They do now," he said, voice soft.
There was a pause. Then, "Sorry, Lex. I didn't mean to imply anything."
"No. You're right. I'll admit to such behaviors in the past. And, even if I don't, there are many newspapers willing to testify to that effect." He raised his eyes and met Whitney's. "I don't know how," he said jerkily, "to. Behave the way I do with Clark with everyone."
Whitney nodded. He leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table. "You're not doing too bad a job right now. It's called being vulnerable, Lex. It's not a bad thing. Not with people who are your friends."
He arched an eyebrow. "Are we friends now?"
"Better than being enemies," Whitney said with a shrug. "I have a feeling we're going to be around one another for a long, long time. We might as well learn to like it, don't you think?"
Damn the boy for making sense. Damn him.
"I," Lex started, but he was cut off by a familiar voice saying, "Well, I don't know about that. How many friends do you know that secretly hope that you're going to break up with your boyfriend so he can get together with another, Lex?"
Lex sighed. "Hello, Lucas."
Lucas swaggered to the table and dropped into a chair, all loose limbs and easy grace. "This dude just told that other guy that you were a creep."
"Ah, if it isn't the infamous Loki himself, here to spread discord."
"Who the hell are you," Lex demanded. "And what have you done with the quarterback?"
Whitney blinked at Lex and asked, "What? I'm not allowed to know mythology?"
"Greek? Maybe. Norse? No. It doesn't go with the stereotype."
"Why, Lex Luthor, who knew you were so hung up on images?" Whitney drawled with a lazy smile.
The boy better stop or Lex might have to deem him attractive. Damn him.
"Hello. I'm sitting right here," Lucas said.
Pay attention to me, he didn't say, but the annoyance in his voice was enough to get that across.
"I see you Lucas," assured Lex. "And as for Whitney calling me a creep, I'm not surprised. Nor am I particularly upset. As he knows, he goes after Clark, I will ruin his life. And not just for taking what's mine. Also for hurting his own boyfriend. I would do anything for my friends."
This time, he deliberately said it to provoke the response. He was gratified when Whitney again dissolved into laughter.
"It's the medication, right?" he asked anyway.
"You want coffee?" Whitney asked, still laughing.
"Decaf, please."
"Of course. Wouldn't want to risk getting anyone fired." Eyes twinkling, Whitney grabbed the cane he'd recently graduated to and limped off to the counter, leaving Lex and Lucas alone.
"He's weird," Lucas said, watching Whitney.
"A bit, yeah. So. How are you?"
Lucas shrugged. "Same old. Living the life. You?"
"Same here."
"You're living on a farm, getting up at five in the morning to milk cows. I've bet you've got shoes that are covered in cow shit. That's not the life."
He smiled. "Depends on how you define the life. I'm living with a loving family and the man I love. Of course, my kitten is getting fat and spoiled, which isn't so good, but that's grandmother's for you."
Lucas's look clearly screamed that he thought Lex was crazy. Or growing another head. "Do you even get to have sex with the man you love?" he asked, eyes rolling.
Lex thought a moment of the rug burns on his back from his and Clark's ill fated attempt to get some relief in the treehouse. They'd learned that they definitely need blankets; Lex's skin was just too sensitive and, by the time they'd realized, he was too uncomfortable to try anything, even with him on top.
"Well. No. But there's more to life than sex." Then he raised an eyebrow. "Are you having sex?"
"No fuckable objects in this town. Or the next." But he glanced at the door for probably the fifth time since he'd sat down. Then he looked at his watch.
Wonderful.
"She doesn't get out of school for another forty-five minutes," he said. "She's also seeing someone who will skin you alive if you so much as breathe on her."
Lucas looked at him, deer in headlights. Then, it faded away. He straightened his shoulders and said, "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Of course not."
"What's the books for?" Lucas asked in an obvious attempt to change the subject.
Lex touched the first two and said, "For the house. I'm finalizing the plans and want to make sure they're feasible." Then he touched the bottom two. "For college. Despite my past inclinations to chemistry, the idea of going into pharmacology has taken root in my brain and is growing strong. I'm doing some research into the field as well as the programs at nearby colleges."
"Nearby? I'd've though you'd want to go Ivy League or something. Yale or whatever. Something snobby."
"I could. But I don't have the money I once did, which limits my options." He inclined his head. "I could, I suppose, apply for a scholarship or a grant. I don't doubt I could easily get one. However, there is Clark to consider."
"How romantic. You're throwing away your education for the man you love, just like a good little housewife."
"Spoken like a man who's never been in love," Whitney said. He had cardboard container with his and Lex's drinks in it, which he set on the table before sitting down. "I mean, I did always figure I'd stick close to home for school, but now it's different. Even if I was thinking about going away for school, there's Mark to consider. Not," he added, "that I think our relationship will fall apart if we go long distance for awhile."
"Nor do I think mine and Clark's would," Lex said, prompting more laughter from Whitney. He ignored it. "But, really, I don't need a degree from a big school to get a good job. That's what my brain is for."
"Wow. You're arrogant."
He smiled. "I know my strengths. But, speaking of colleges, have you thought about enrolling anywhere? You have the money and the stability. And no one is going to turn down a Luthor, not when Dad will line pockets. Even though Dad's got you comfortable right now, he's really into this whole upholding the Luthor image."
Lucas grimace. Looked down at his own coffee and swirled it around in the mug. "Yeah, well. It's not going to happen."
"Lucas," Lex said, concerned. "Look, I know you think you know Dad, but you don't know him like I do. He's not going to hand his company over to someone without a college degree, preferably in business. If you take the initative and do it yourself, it's going to look that much better to Dad. He'll lavish the attention on you and, by attention, I do mean money, presents. Helicopters, whatever it is you want."
"What do you care?" Lucas shot at him. "Shouldn't you be, like, trying to get me to fuck up so Dad will take you back?"
"I'm too happy with my life right now to care," he answered honestly. "But I'm worried about my brother's. If Dad decides to cut you loose and doesn't take me back, I won't have as much to take care of you as I'd like."
"I don't need you."
"Of course not," he said smoothly. "But we are brother's. And family is important." He leaned forward. "Just think about it?"
"There's to think about! I mean, it doesn't matter how much money Dad gives anyone," Lucas practically shouted. "No one's gonna let someone without a high school degree into college so just fucking drop it!"
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no subject
Date: 2006-09-30 11:26 pm (UTC)It's very easy to imagine that Lex really is just that concerned with Lucas' future, that's what he was really after when he went looking for him. He didn't care about double-crossing Lionel or anything, he just wanted a brother. It's especially true of Lex in this universe, and damn, do I love him. *squishes him*
The boy better stop or Lex might have to deem him attractive. Damn him.
This line made me particularly happy. *g* YAY!
*loves you lots*
no subject
Date: 2006-10-01 01:52 am (UTC)And, yes, Lex really just wants family. Wants to help his baby brother. He's learning to stop playing the game. :)
I hope.
*loves you back*
no subject
Date: 2006-10-01 03:01 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-10-01 03:51 am (UTC)I also like how just because Lucas came in Lex didn't stop his conversation with Whitney. Lucas seems like he is crying out for attention and Lex seems like he seriously wants to help him.
My favorite part though, was the comment about his kitty. :)
no subject
Date: 2006-10-01 05:30 am (UTC)After that ending, I really want Lois to come to Smallville, and she and Lucas could be your token straight couple. LOL!
no subject
Date: 2006-10-01 12:57 pm (UTC)No one's gonna let someone without a high school degree into college so just fucking drop it!"
Does this mean Smallville High gets a new student? ;)
no subject
Date: 2006-10-05 02:53 pm (UTC)I don't care that you're behind, this is your 'verse, your story. We're all just happy to be able to go along for the ride.
*hugs*