Fic: Regret & False Pretense
Title: Regret & False Pretense 11/?
Author: Blue Gold
E-mail: midnightscribbles@gmail.com
Beta:
Archive: midnightscribbles.com
Pairings: Clark/Lex ,
Rating: NC-17
Summary: Clark’s been a little sick. His memory is a little fuzzy, but he remembers the important things like how to be a hero.
Disclaimer: I *sniff* do not any of the characters in this story
Spoilers: General All Episodes,
Warnings: Angst,
Authors Notes: Incorporates aspects of DCU.
Previous Parts Chapters 1-10
CHAPTER 11
Lex stood with Hope at his side frowning. He had a suspicion about what Mercy was up to and why she had vanished with Clark hours before, and it irritated him, and the fact there was now an Armani in his closet in Clark’s measurements collecting dust. He also didn't really like the idea of a Mercy alone with Clark where the Justice League might risk interference.
"She'll be here any minute," Hope said adjusting the straps on the silver shimmering material that was her dress.
"Your stiletto is showing," Lex said adjusting the back of the dress with a hand.
"Thanks boss. Here’s Mercy," Hope said pointing as he heard the ding of the private elevator.
"I feel silly," he could hear Clark muttering.
"Do not insult Prada," Mercy growled appearing before Hope and Lex. She was in a gold dress, which was almost the twin to Hope's except that it had a plunging neckline instead of a plunging back. "Move it farm boy." Mercy snapped when Clark didn't appear.
Clark stepped into the room and Lex wondered how soon he could give Mercy another raise. Clark was indeed in a Prada Navy suit, with a pale blue shirt open at the collar. His hair had been professionally tended to, shortened slightly but left in Clark's trademark mess.
"Wow you look great Hope," Clark said and the woman did a twirl.
"I can see your stiletto," Mercy said with a sigh, "Come on," she said leading Hope to the other side of the room as Lex had a few more moments to savor Clark who was blushing.
"Aren't you going to tell me how nice I look?" Lex teased and if anything Clark's blush deepened.
"You always look good Lex," he said looking at the man.
"Thank you Clark. How did Mercy talk you into this?"
"Torture," Clark said laughing. "She held a care package from mom hostage."
Lex extended a lazy smile at Clark. A Clark who could not remember the days when Mercy was more likely to shoot him, despite the ineffectualness of the bullets; than to tease him into Prada.
"I should warn you, there will be press at this dinner," Lex said.
"No problem, I'm the representative for the Daily Planet," Clark said with a grin. "I talked to Perry while I was being fitted."
"That does not mean Lane will stay away."
"But it does mean you can throw her out without her claiming infringement on freedom of the press."
"I'm impressed Clark, when did you learn to be so devious?"
"I learned from the best." Clark said easily grinning at Lex's smirk. They watched Hope and Mercy remerge and Clark smiled at them both.
"You clean up nice," Hope said hooking her arm around Clark's as Mercy simply fell into step beside Lex as the four of them entered the elevator. In the parking garage, Charity was waiting beside a limo in a white suit.
"Driving duty?" Clark asked surprised.
"Clark Charity or Mercy has always been my driver," Lex pointed out and Clark's frown deepened.
"What about that guy?"
"What guy?" Mercy asked.
"Purple suit and cap? I'm sure he was the driver when we came back from the airport."
"Possibly a reporter who got too close? His outfit could have looked like standard driver's wear," Mercy replied even as she knew no such person was present, she glanced at Lex who shook his head minutely and she knew to drop it at least in Clark's presence.
"I guess," Clark relied with a frown.
"Why are we talking about some reporter? I want to party!" Hope exclaimed doing a twirl in her stiletto heels that would have snapped the ankle of most. The fact that the barely there dress was hiding knives and likely a few guns was just a small indication of how dangerous the women around Lex were.
"Lex," Clark began once they were seated in the limo and had the vague privacy that Hope gave them, as she started a video game, and Mercy sat up front with Charity. "Why are all your guards, and top people women? Weren't most of them in Smallville men?"
"And we saw how well that worked out for me, Clark."
"But, that's not the reason?"
"No. Hope would you like to answer this one?" Lex asked easily.
"Sure boss. Clark, when you look at Charity what do you see?" Hope asked placing the DS aside.
"Um, Lex's personal assistant?"
"What do you remember about her?" Hope prodded.
"She likes, ice cream, hates Lois, and wears a lot of white."
"And how dangerous is she?" Hope asked.
"Knowing Lex she could probably kill me with a paperclip."
"Lex could probably kill you with a paperclip; you with enough motivation could kill with a paperclip. Is she armed?"
"This is Lex, of course she is. He could get kidnapped going to the bathroom.” Clark and Hope laughed ignoring Lex’s scowl.
"The only reason you think Charity is dangerous is because you know Lex. You know that she may be called upon to keep him safe so she has the skills to do it. Most people do not, most people simply believe Lex is building a little Harem for himself, and is not in the least concerned with our skills. There is a reason we are wearing these dresses. I was once asked if once you go bald you never go back, I batted my lashes at the moron instead of feeding him his lungs. It's all about appearances."
"That's-"
"Sneaky? Devious? Brilliant? Scary?" Hope asked scooping up her game in her hands.
"Lex," Clark said with a shake of his head. "What are you playing anyway?"
"Battle for Middle Earth, your fault you know."
"Where do you hide that thing?" Clark asked noting the lack of a purse.
"Wouldn't you like to know," Hope said returning to the game.
"Does that answer your question Clark?"
"Yeah, but how are people so blind?"
"Disguises come in many shapes and forms, society has built this one for us, and I merely use it to its best advantage. Better than some disguises I’ve seen,” Lex said ignoring Hope’s snort.
Clark nodded.
"Why did you choose to be a reporter Clark?"
"At first? Because I could, the Planet would hire me without my B.A., even if it was as a copy boy. It was a start and it was something that I already knew how to do thanks to Chloe. The hours were also really appealing,” Clark admitted with a slight frown. "And great articles just kept falling in my lap. It made moving up a whole lot easier.”
Lex nodded, wondering if Clark had purposely interviewed himself to get a better position or if it was because of his true desire to let the world know as much about him as possible while still being able to remain Clark Kent. And the way Lois Lane had fawned over Superman from the moment he had appeared could not have endeared her to him. Clark likely no longer thought much of her ability to see things right before her eyes.
Pulling up to the hotel, that Lex had selected for the fundraiser, they had access to a grand ballroom, where there would be dinner, dancing, deals made, and flesh pressed And a few side rooms done out to look like more private areas, for smoking and sitting rooms. Lex had even decided to provide a basket with room keys, for things to be done at discretion.
Lex had a moment of surprise when an unnatural wind swept past him. Mercy had her gun out in a second but the wind passed without any major incident. Lex could now feel that there was a letter now ruining the line of his suit. Lex looked at Clark who was staring in the direction the Flash had gone before frowning, and shaking his head. He turned back to Lex and grinned.
“No red carpet?” Clark asked looking around.
“It is not that kind of gala, there will be a small line of press outside the ball room. This hotel is notorious for keeping its guest privacy.”
Clark nodded in understanding and it was no sooner that they had entered the inner doors of the Hotel, being held open by Mercy that the barrage began. Clark was blinded by camera flashes, and had no way to tell the various screamed questions apart. The lights were hurting his eyes more than he thought they should when the sound staggered him.
He felt arms around him righting him, though his vision was laced with white, and black, and he could not see clearly.
“Easy big boy,” Hope said steering him away to one of the sitting rooms. He wondered what had happened to Lex, and he felt Hope slide his cane into his hand, and wondered when he had dropped it. “Just a couple more steps,” Hope whispered and he nodded, regretting it when the world and his stomach spun.
“Sick,” he croaked, even as Hope pushed him into a sitting position onto the couch. A trash can was placed into his hands and despite the nausea, he was not able to actually throw up. Taking a few deep breaths he sat back, eyes closed even as he heard Hope moving around.
A wet cloth was placed over his eyes and he relaxed. “Thanks.”
“What happened?” Hope asked.
“I don’t know, it was just too loud and too bright for a minute there,” Clark said. “And now my head is killing me.”
“Stay in here for a bit, I’ll let the boss know you’re okay.”
“You don’t have microphones for that?”
“We do but there is some kind of interference,” Hope said with a frown.
“Go ahead, I’ll join you in a few minutes,” Clark said. “Better than Lex telling off the mayor to come back here. And I thought I heard Lois, so Mercy will be busy.” He added as he put his feet up and lay back on the couch.
Hope was glad Clark’s eyes were covered, she had seen Lois, and she knew the woman was arguing, about getting into the grand ballroom, with security, almost 300 yards from Clark’s position. To have heard her over the screaming reporters, one would need super hearing; she had more than one reason to get back to Lex quickly.
She wondered if they had in fact not seen the last of the boy in blue. She carefully shut the door behind her, never having seen the man in the shadows of the room. One who had simply entered the room for a moment of respite from his ‘date’ and get his public persona back on even keel. He should have taken Lane, the woman would have dropped him the moment that her real prey had arrived.
He opened and shut the door, knowing Clark couldn’t see him but would hear the noise.
“Lex?” Clark asked and Bruce tried not to growl at the hopeful tone in Clark’s voice, whatever Luthor had done had truly worked a number on the boy.
“No,” he said his voice harsher than he meant. “Too much champagne?” He asked in what he hoped was a kinder disinterested tone.
“No, the reporters, Too many flashing lights I guess,” Clark said making no move to see who he was speaking to or even get into a less vulnerable position. Bruce wanted to shake the alien. He had no regard for his safety. He had no idea who he was speaking to, and would be defenseless if Bruce was armed.
“Oh, you get used to them. Your date must be pretty famous.”
“You could say that,” Clark said with a grin. Bruce kept his expression neutral though his blue eyes were even colder.
“She hot?”
“You could say that,” Clark said with a grin.
“Bruce there you are, Lisa is wondering where you got off to,” A blond head said poking his head into the room, Bruce gestured quickly and Oliver entered without question. He saw Clark lying there and looked at the other man in shock.
“What did you do?” Oliver hissed dragging Bruce to the far end of the room.
“Nothing, its not my fault Lisa got bored, I was only gone a minute.”
Oliver blinked a moment, surprise over taking him at being addressed by the playboy, and not the hero. He knew of the mask Batman wore, but it was still strange to have it directed at him. He glanced over at Clark who had sat up and removed the towel from his eyes.
Whatever it was that had caused the pain seemed to be gone, and it wasn’t as if he had peace and quiet in here. He stood and feeling a slight twinge in his leg, instantly remembered his cane. He may have over done it with Mercy in the Prada store, than salon, then getting the right shoes. The woman seemed adamant about getting him into the perfect outfit, no matter the time it took, or the cost.
Even with all the training with Carla and Lex, Clark knew he wasn’t as active as when he was on the farm, and when he went back to the Planet he would be even less so. He didn’t remember having a gym membership, but there was a good chance he had forgotten it. He still couldn’t remember what article it was that had won him a Pulitzer.
Clark lost in his own thoughts did not realize the effect of using his cane on the other two occupants of the room who, even with the previous evidence could not believe that Superman needed a cane.
Clark looked up at the room’s occupants and smiled at them both, before looking again at Oliver. “Oh hi Oliver.”
“Clark,” Oliver said unsure of what else to say.
“Who’s your friend?”
“What? You know-“ Bruce accidentally jabbed Oliver and took a step forward.
“Bruce Wayne,” He said extending a hand and Clark blushed before shaking the man’s hand.
“Oh, you think I would recognize my boss.”
Bruce laughed. “I get that all the time, you work for Wayne Industries?”
“No, the Daily Planet, you bought it a couple years ago.”
“I did?” Bruce shrugged. “I own a lot of things. I wonder if that was why Lois was so stubborn,” he said more to himself and Clark shook his head.
“Do yourself a favor with Lois, and run,” Clark said shaking his head. “Oliver warn your friend. I have to go find Lex before he sends someone after me.”
“You can’t leave after something like that. Why would Lois not date me?” Bruce asked his expression almost merry. Oliver tried not to stare, it was so much easier to take it all as an act when you only saw stills of Bruce Wayne with a woman on each arm, or the man smiling at some gala or another when he wasn’t being a recluse in his mansion.
“Well you could always wear her down with gifts, isn’t that what you did?” Clark said glancing at Oliver who rolled his eyes.
“Lois and I are ancient history Clark.”
“I really don’t want to talk about Lois,” Clark said opening the door surprised when he stepped into a corridor and not the entrance hall of the hotel like he expected. “Oh, um where’s the ballroom?”
“Come on Clark,” Oliver said taking the lead. He led them back to the ballroom, trying not to laugh at the way Bruce was annoying Clark who was much too polite to say anything, until he realized it was a test. Bruce had dropped a few key words, and names, including that ‘Wonder of a Woman Diana’ and Clark had had no reaction at all.
“Well there’s Lex, it was nice talking to you,” Clark said and practically ran to the table where Lex, Mercy, and Hope were waiting. Lex glared daggers at the two heroes behind Clark but said nothing as everyone took their seats.
He looked over at Mercy who nodded and Lex leaned over to Clark.
“New friends?”
“God, I hope not, Oliver’s the blond, but it was that guy who was screaming ‘dumb blond’ Bruce Wayne is an idiot.”
Lex smirked, “Are you feeling better?”
“Mostly it was weird, it was like everything got real loud all of a sudden, and real bright. Sensory overload,” Clark added as a salad was placed in front of him. “Did I miss all the grand speeches?” Clark asked wondering if he fell asleep.
“No, just a few introductions, and entrances, the speeches are for the end.”
“Oh,” Clark said as he took a bite of his lettuce.
“Yes, as they’ve already given Lex their money no need to torture them,” Hope said spearing a cherry tomato from Clark’s plate.
“I can’t believe you would take such a risk,” Oliver hissed as he dragged Bruce back into the hall after Clark fled.
“I am in neither cape nor cowl, and you are causing a scene,” Bruce hissed before smiling and wandering back to his seat and his date. Oliver ran his fingers through his hair in irritation before making his way to his own ‘date’. Dinah looked none too amused, and he shrugged innocently glad for once that they could not speak freely.
*****
Clark was chatting up the deputy mayor, trying to see what the feeling was that Lex had taken up such a role when he was not a politician and see if there as a story there as well. He had gotten info from a few of the other benefactors, though he had stayed well away from Bruce Wayne.
The one time he had been cornered by the man again, Mercy had thankfully rescued him. And had laughed herself silly, for what Clark still had no idea.
Every once in a while he would spot Lex, and hover in whatever group the man was chatting with for a few minutes. Though the topic seemed to always change to when Lex would finally give politics a run.
Clark was on his fifth or sixth glass of champagne, he was loosing track though he wasn’t overly concerned when he noticed the party was breaking up. There were fewer groups and Lex seemed to have been with the same circle for a while.
It wasn’t until Clark approached that he realized this was the socialite crowd of Metropolis, some of the people Lex would have grown up with. They were laughing, and clearly most of them were quite drunk. Clark could tell Lex was bored, his polite smile was strained, and he just wasn’t one of these people.
Mercy caught his eye from the side of the room and they both nodded, approaching Lex from opposite directions. Clark unsure how to interrupt Lex from the conversation, though he arrived first instead just took his place at Lex’s side.
His hand moving to the small of Lex’s back. The man glanced over at him in question and Clark simply grinned. He wondered what Lex’s jacket was made of, it was exceptionally soft. Rubbing circles across Lex’s back, Mercy reached them and with a few whispered words he nodded and politely took his leave of the group.
Mercy led them into another small room and with a frown explained, Charity had been detained and Hope was getting the Limo.
Clark who had moved his exploration of texture to Lex’s hand blinked when it was pulled gently away.
“You’re drunk Clark,” Lex said sounding more amused than anything else as he watched Clark.
“Oh really? Don’t remember getting drunk before,” Clark said smiling, running his fingers against Lex’s hand again.
“How much champagne did you have?”
“Five or six I th-” Clark said.
“Nine,” Mercy interrupted.
“And you didn’t think to stop him?” Lex said and Mercy frowned.
“Don’t be mad,” Clark said gently, his hands running to Lex’s face and trying to smooth out the expression.
Mercy’s tone was amused as she answered her boss, “It won’t happen again.”
“Good, get Clark some water,” Lex said leading the man to the couch.
“You did good today,” Clark said once they were seated.
“Thank you Clark,” Lex said glad that beyond the excessive touching Clark seemed to be mostly in control of himself. He would have hated if a drunk Clark was similar to that arrogant self absorbed fool he had met before.
“Do a lot of people expect you to go into politics? I didn’t think you were interested after the senate race.”
Ah. Drunk Clark was more straightforward.
“Many people simply expect me to be mayor.”
“That’s not good enough for my Lex. My Lex wants to be president.”
Lex laughed as Mercy returned with the water and handed it to Clark. “But I am not old enough for that office just yet.”
“You should do a term as State Senator, get more name recognition, and be ready for the presidency when you were done.”
Lex smiled, he had a similar plan for the future, though without the six years in senate. It still amused him, that Clark still thought like Lex was twenty one. He had been on the cover of Forbes, Time, and was regularly in The Times, The Planet, The Tribune, just to name a few. Going green was just making his press coverage better.
“Lex.” Lex turned to look at Clark and was pressed into the arm of the couch as Clark kissed him. Lex was stunned, even as the whoop from Hope spurred him into action. He gently pushed Clark away.
“You’re drunk.” Clark stared at Lex and sighed then pouted. “Let’s go,” Lex said and the group made their way to the limo.
“What happened to Charity?”
“She had to see and I quote ‘her friends in the basement’.” Hope said with a shrug. Lex steadied a stumbling Clark to the parking garage.
“Drink your water Clark,” Lex said and Clark looked at the bottle in his hand and took a sip, once done the bottle hanging dangerously from his hand, splashing onto the pavement every once in a while. Lex kept them walking and said nothing to Clark simply handing him a new bottle once they were in the limo.
Lex did not move away from Clark though there was plenty of room in the spacious limo. He had not done it before. Clark for the most part seemed subdued by his rebuff, and simply sat drinking his water, and the second bottle Mercy handed him.
Reaching the penthouse, he sent Clark into the shower first, for the first time concerned about their sleeping arrangements. Clark emerged from the bathroom, and Lex could see that all he had done was change.
He watched Clark climb into bed and fall asleep in moments, and relaxed. He could deal with an embarrassed Clark in the morning. That would be much less of a problem than anything else.
“Rise and shine Clark,” Lex said as he stood in the doorway of the bathroom. Clark’s response was to groan and pull a pillow over his head.
“I let you sleep in, but Carla is here now. What possessed you to have nine glasses of champagne?”
“It never did anything before,” Clark mumbled shuffling out of bed and into the bathroom. He did not even glance at Lex.
“Headache?”
“Mm mummech.”
“Stomach?” Clark grunted in agreement before spitting a gargling. He wiped his face on a towel and looked at Lex who was adjusting a cuff link on a pale blue button down. Clark looked over at Lex and smiled.
Lex returned the smile wondering if Clark had simply forgotten the night, before returning his attention to his cuff links wondering why they were giving him so much trouble this morning. Clark moved to the doorway but did not continue into the bedroom instead standing before Lex.
“Lex.” He looked up almost surprised to find Clark so close, before Clark’s lips descended on his yet again. “I’m sober this time.” Lex blinked looking at Clark.
“I see,” was all he said before dragging Clark’s face back down to his own.
Carla pulled the door shut, sure she could give them a few more minutes, besides if Mercy was correct, Clark would be in no state to do anything for a few hours more.
Author: Blue Gold
E-mail: midnightscribbles@gmail.com
Beta:
Archive: midnightscribbles.com
Pairings: Clark/Lex ,
Rating: NC-17
Summary: Clark’s been a little sick. His memory is a little fuzzy, but he remembers the important things like how to be a hero.
Disclaimer: I *sniff* do not any of the characters in this story
Spoilers: General All Episodes,
Warnings: Angst,
Authors Notes: Incorporates aspects of DCU.
Previous Parts Chapters 1-10
CHAPTER 11
Lex stood with Hope at his side frowning. He had a suspicion about what Mercy was up to and why she had vanished with Clark hours before, and it irritated him, and the fact there was now an Armani in his closet in Clark’s measurements collecting dust. He also didn't really like the idea of a Mercy alone with Clark where the Justice League might risk interference.
"She'll be here any minute," Hope said adjusting the straps on the silver shimmering material that was her dress.
"Your stiletto is showing," Lex said adjusting the back of the dress with a hand.
"Thanks boss. Here’s Mercy," Hope said pointing as he heard the ding of the private elevator.
"I feel silly," he could hear Clark muttering.
"Do not insult Prada," Mercy growled appearing before Hope and Lex. She was in a gold dress, which was almost the twin to Hope's except that it had a plunging neckline instead of a plunging back. "Move it farm boy." Mercy snapped when Clark didn't appear.
Clark stepped into the room and Lex wondered how soon he could give Mercy another raise. Clark was indeed in a Prada Navy suit, with a pale blue shirt open at the collar. His hair had been professionally tended to, shortened slightly but left in Clark's trademark mess.
"Wow you look great Hope," Clark said and the woman did a twirl.
"I can see your stiletto," Mercy said with a sigh, "Come on," she said leading Hope to the other side of the room as Lex had a few more moments to savor Clark who was blushing.
"Aren't you going to tell me how nice I look?" Lex teased and if anything Clark's blush deepened.
"You always look good Lex," he said looking at the man.
"Thank you Clark. How did Mercy talk you into this?"
"Torture," Clark said laughing. "She held a care package from mom hostage."
Lex extended a lazy smile at Clark. A Clark who could not remember the days when Mercy was more likely to shoot him, despite the ineffectualness of the bullets; than to tease him into Prada.
"I should warn you, there will be press at this dinner," Lex said.
"No problem, I'm the representative for the Daily Planet," Clark said with a grin. "I talked to Perry while I was being fitted."
"That does not mean Lane will stay away."
"But it does mean you can throw her out without her claiming infringement on freedom of the press."
"I'm impressed Clark, when did you learn to be so devious?"
"I learned from the best." Clark said easily grinning at Lex's smirk. They watched Hope and Mercy remerge and Clark smiled at them both.
"You clean up nice," Hope said hooking her arm around Clark's as Mercy simply fell into step beside Lex as the four of them entered the elevator. In the parking garage, Charity was waiting beside a limo in a white suit.
"Driving duty?" Clark asked surprised.
"Clark Charity or Mercy has always been my driver," Lex pointed out and Clark's frown deepened.
"What about that guy?"
"What guy?" Mercy asked.
"Purple suit and cap? I'm sure he was the driver when we came back from the airport."
"Possibly a reporter who got too close? His outfit could have looked like standard driver's wear," Mercy replied even as she knew no such person was present, she glanced at Lex who shook his head minutely and she knew to drop it at least in Clark's presence.
"I guess," Clark relied with a frown.
"Why are we talking about some reporter? I want to party!" Hope exclaimed doing a twirl in her stiletto heels that would have snapped the ankle of most. The fact that the barely there dress was hiding knives and likely a few guns was just a small indication of how dangerous the women around Lex were.
"Lex," Clark began once they were seated in the limo and had the vague privacy that Hope gave them, as she started a video game, and Mercy sat up front with Charity. "Why are all your guards, and top people women? Weren't most of them in Smallville men?"
"And we saw how well that worked out for me, Clark."
"But, that's not the reason?"
"No. Hope would you like to answer this one?" Lex asked easily.
"Sure boss. Clark, when you look at Charity what do you see?" Hope asked placing the DS aside.
"Um, Lex's personal assistant?"
"What do you remember about her?" Hope prodded.
"She likes, ice cream, hates Lois, and wears a lot of white."
"And how dangerous is she?" Hope asked.
"Knowing Lex she could probably kill me with a paperclip."
"Lex could probably kill you with a paperclip; you with enough motivation could kill with a paperclip. Is she armed?"
"This is Lex, of course she is. He could get kidnapped going to the bathroom.” Clark and Hope laughed ignoring Lex’s scowl.
"The only reason you think Charity is dangerous is because you know Lex. You know that she may be called upon to keep him safe so she has the skills to do it. Most people do not, most people simply believe Lex is building a little Harem for himself, and is not in the least concerned with our skills. There is a reason we are wearing these dresses. I was once asked if once you go bald you never go back, I batted my lashes at the moron instead of feeding him his lungs. It's all about appearances."
"That's-"
"Sneaky? Devious? Brilliant? Scary?" Hope asked scooping up her game in her hands.
"Lex," Clark said with a shake of his head. "What are you playing anyway?"
"Battle for Middle Earth, your fault you know."
"Where do you hide that thing?" Clark asked noting the lack of a purse.
"Wouldn't you like to know," Hope said returning to the game.
"Does that answer your question Clark?"
"Yeah, but how are people so blind?"
"Disguises come in many shapes and forms, society has built this one for us, and I merely use it to its best advantage. Better than some disguises I’ve seen,” Lex said ignoring Hope’s snort.
Clark nodded.
"Why did you choose to be a reporter Clark?"
"At first? Because I could, the Planet would hire me without my B.A., even if it was as a copy boy. It was a start and it was something that I already knew how to do thanks to Chloe. The hours were also really appealing,” Clark admitted with a slight frown. "And great articles just kept falling in my lap. It made moving up a whole lot easier.”
Lex nodded, wondering if Clark had purposely interviewed himself to get a better position or if it was because of his true desire to let the world know as much about him as possible while still being able to remain Clark Kent. And the way Lois Lane had fawned over Superman from the moment he had appeared could not have endeared her to him. Clark likely no longer thought much of her ability to see things right before her eyes.
Pulling up to the hotel, that Lex had selected for the fundraiser, they had access to a grand ballroom, where there would be dinner, dancing, deals made, and flesh pressed And a few side rooms done out to look like more private areas, for smoking and sitting rooms. Lex had even decided to provide a basket with room keys, for things to be done at discretion.
Lex had a moment of surprise when an unnatural wind swept past him. Mercy had her gun out in a second but the wind passed without any major incident. Lex could now feel that there was a letter now ruining the line of his suit. Lex looked at Clark who was staring in the direction the Flash had gone before frowning, and shaking his head. He turned back to Lex and grinned.
“No red carpet?” Clark asked looking around.
“It is not that kind of gala, there will be a small line of press outside the ball room. This hotel is notorious for keeping its guest privacy.”
Clark nodded in understanding and it was no sooner that they had entered the inner doors of the Hotel, being held open by Mercy that the barrage began. Clark was blinded by camera flashes, and had no way to tell the various screamed questions apart. The lights were hurting his eyes more than he thought they should when the sound staggered him.
He felt arms around him righting him, though his vision was laced with white, and black, and he could not see clearly.
“Easy big boy,” Hope said steering him away to one of the sitting rooms. He wondered what had happened to Lex, and he felt Hope slide his cane into his hand, and wondered when he had dropped it. “Just a couple more steps,” Hope whispered and he nodded, regretting it when the world and his stomach spun.
“Sick,” he croaked, even as Hope pushed him into a sitting position onto the couch. A trash can was placed into his hands and despite the nausea, he was not able to actually throw up. Taking a few deep breaths he sat back, eyes closed even as he heard Hope moving around.
A wet cloth was placed over his eyes and he relaxed. “Thanks.”
“What happened?” Hope asked.
“I don’t know, it was just too loud and too bright for a minute there,” Clark said. “And now my head is killing me.”
“Stay in here for a bit, I’ll let the boss know you’re okay.”
“You don’t have microphones for that?”
“We do but there is some kind of interference,” Hope said with a frown.
“Go ahead, I’ll join you in a few minutes,” Clark said. “Better than Lex telling off the mayor to come back here. And I thought I heard Lois, so Mercy will be busy.” He added as he put his feet up and lay back on the couch.
Hope was glad Clark’s eyes were covered, she had seen Lois, and she knew the woman was arguing, about getting into the grand ballroom, with security, almost 300 yards from Clark’s position. To have heard her over the screaming reporters, one would need super hearing; she had more than one reason to get back to Lex quickly.
She wondered if they had in fact not seen the last of the boy in blue. She carefully shut the door behind her, never having seen the man in the shadows of the room. One who had simply entered the room for a moment of respite from his ‘date’ and get his public persona back on even keel. He should have taken Lane, the woman would have dropped him the moment that her real prey had arrived.
He opened and shut the door, knowing Clark couldn’t see him but would hear the noise.
“Lex?” Clark asked and Bruce tried not to growl at the hopeful tone in Clark’s voice, whatever Luthor had done had truly worked a number on the boy.
“No,” he said his voice harsher than he meant. “Too much champagne?” He asked in what he hoped was a kinder disinterested tone.
“No, the reporters, Too many flashing lights I guess,” Clark said making no move to see who he was speaking to or even get into a less vulnerable position. Bruce wanted to shake the alien. He had no regard for his safety. He had no idea who he was speaking to, and would be defenseless if Bruce was armed.
“Oh, you get used to them. Your date must be pretty famous.”
“You could say that,” Clark said with a grin. Bruce kept his expression neutral though his blue eyes were even colder.
“She hot?”
“You could say that,” Clark said with a grin.
“Bruce there you are, Lisa is wondering where you got off to,” A blond head said poking his head into the room, Bruce gestured quickly and Oliver entered without question. He saw Clark lying there and looked at the other man in shock.
“What did you do?” Oliver hissed dragging Bruce to the far end of the room.
“Nothing, its not my fault Lisa got bored, I was only gone a minute.”
Oliver blinked a moment, surprise over taking him at being addressed by the playboy, and not the hero. He knew of the mask Batman wore, but it was still strange to have it directed at him. He glanced over at Clark who had sat up and removed the towel from his eyes.
Whatever it was that had caused the pain seemed to be gone, and it wasn’t as if he had peace and quiet in here. He stood and feeling a slight twinge in his leg, instantly remembered his cane. He may have over done it with Mercy in the Prada store, than salon, then getting the right shoes. The woman seemed adamant about getting him into the perfect outfit, no matter the time it took, or the cost.
Even with all the training with Carla and Lex, Clark knew he wasn’t as active as when he was on the farm, and when he went back to the Planet he would be even less so. He didn’t remember having a gym membership, but there was a good chance he had forgotten it. He still couldn’t remember what article it was that had won him a Pulitzer.
Clark lost in his own thoughts did not realize the effect of using his cane on the other two occupants of the room who, even with the previous evidence could not believe that Superman needed a cane.
Clark looked up at the room’s occupants and smiled at them both, before looking again at Oliver. “Oh hi Oliver.”
“Clark,” Oliver said unsure of what else to say.
“Who’s your friend?”
“What? You know-“ Bruce accidentally jabbed Oliver and took a step forward.
“Bruce Wayne,” He said extending a hand and Clark blushed before shaking the man’s hand.
“Oh, you think I would recognize my boss.”
Bruce laughed. “I get that all the time, you work for Wayne Industries?”
“No, the Daily Planet, you bought it a couple years ago.”
“I did?” Bruce shrugged. “I own a lot of things. I wonder if that was why Lois was so stubborn,” he said more to himself and Clark shook his head.
“Do yourself a favor with Lois, and run,” Clark said shaking his head. “Oliver warn your friend. I have to go find Lex before he sends someone after me.”
“You can’t leave after something like that. Why would Lois not date me?” Bruce asked his expression almost merry. Oliver tried not to stare, it was so much easier to take it all as an act when you only saw stills of Bruce Wayne with a woman on each arm, or the man smiling at some gala or another when he wasn’t being a recluse in his mansion.
“Well you could always wear her down with gifts, isn’t that what you did?” Clark said glancing at Oliver who rolled his eyes.
“Lois and I are ancient history Clark.”
“I really don’t want to talk about Lois,” Clark said opening the door surprised when he stepped into a corridor and not the entrance hall of the hotel like he expected. “Oh, um where’s the ballroom?”
“Come on Clark,” Oliver said taking the lead. He led them back to the ballroom, trying not to laugh at the way Bruce was annoying Clark who was much too polite to say anything, until he realized it was a test. Bruce had dropped a few key words, and names, including that ‘Wonder of a Woman Diana’ and Clark had had no reaction at all.
“Well there’s Lex, it was nice talking to you,” Clark said and practically ran to the table where Lex, Mercy, and Hope were waiting. Lex glared daggers at the two heroes behind Clark but said nothing as everyone took their seats.
He looked over at Mercy who nodded and Lex leaned over to Clark.
“New friends?”
“God, I hope not, Oliver’s the blond, but it was that guy who was screaming ‘dumb blond’ Bruce Wayne is an idiot.”
Lex smirked, “Are you feeling better?”
“Mostly it was weird, it was like everything got real loud all of a sudden, and real bright. Sensory overload,” Clark added as a salad was placed in front of him. “Did I miss all the grand speeches?” Clark asked wondering if he fell asleep.
“No, just a few introductions, and entrances, the speeches are for the end.”
“Oh,” Clark said as he took a bite of his lettuce.
“Yes, as they’ve already given Lex their money no need to torture them,” Hope said spearing a cherry tomato from Clark’s plate.
“I can’t believe you would take such a risk,” Oliver hissed as he dragged Bruce back into the hall after Clark fled.
“I am in neither cape nor cowl, and you are causing a scene,” Bruce hissed before smiling and wandering back to his seat and his date. Oliver ran his fingers through his hair in irritation before making his way to his own ‘date’. Dinah looked none too amused, and he shrugged innocently glad for once that they could not speak freely.
*****
Clark was chatting up the deputy mayor, trying to see what the feeling was that Lex had taken up such a role when he was not a politician and see if there as a story there as well. He had gotten info from a few of the other benefactors, though he had stayed well away from Bruce Wayne.
The one time he had been cornered by the man again, Mercy had thankfully rescued him. And had laughed herself silly, for what Clark still had no idea.
Every once in a while he would spot Lex, and hover in whatever group the man was chatting with for a few minutes. Though the topic seemed to always change to when Lex would finally give politics a run.
Clark was on his fifth or sixth glass of champagne, he was loosing track though he wasn’t overly concerned when he noticed the party was breaking up. There were fewer groups and Lex seemed to have been with the same circle for a while.
It wasn’t until Clark approached that he realized this was the socialite crowd of Metropolis, some of the people Lex would have grown up with. They were laughing, and clearly most of them were quite drunk. Clark could tell Lex was bored, his polite smile was strained, and he just wasn’t one of these people.
Mercy caught his eye from the side of the room and they both nodded, approaching Lex from opposite directions. Clark unsure how to interrupt Lex from the conversation, though he arrived first instead just took his place at Lex’s side.
His hand moving to the small of Lex’s back. The man glanced over at him in question and Clark simply grinned. He wondered what Lex’s jacket was made of, it was exceptionally soft. Rubbing circles across Lex’s back, Mercy reached them and with a few whispered words he nodded and politely took his leave of the group.
Mercy led them into another small room and with a frown explained, Charity had been detained and Hope was getting the Limo.
Clark who had moved his exploration of texture to Lex’s hand blinked when it was pulled gently away.
“You’re drunk Clark,” Lex said sounding more amused than anything else as he watched Clark.
“Oh really? Don’t remember getting drunk before,” Clark said smiling, running his fingers against Lex’s hand again.
“How much champagne did you have?”
“Five or six I th-” Clark said.
“Nine,” Mercy interrupted.
“And you didn’t think to stop him?” Lex said and Mercy frowned.
“Don’t be mad,” Clark said gently, his hands running to Lex’s face and trying to smooth out the expression.
Mercy’s tone was amused as she answered her boss, “It won’t happen again.”
“Good, get Clark some water,” Lex said leading the man to the couch.
“You did good today,” Clark said once they were seated.
“Thank you Clark,” Lex said glad that beyond the excessive touching Clark seemed to be mostly in control of himself. He would have hated if a drunk Clark was similar to that arrogant self absorbed fool he had met before.
“Do a lot of people expect you to go into politics? I didn’t think you were interested after the senate race.”
Ah. Drunk Clark was more straightforward.
“Many people simply expect me to be mayor.”
“That’s not good enough for my Lex. My Lex wants to be president.”
Lex laughed as Mercy returned with the water and handed it to Clark. “But I am not old enough for that office just yet.”
“You should do a term as State Senator, get more name recognition, and be ready for the presidency when you were done.”
Lex smiled, he had a similar plan for the future, though without the six years in senate. It still amused him, that Clark still thought like Lex was twenty one. He had been on the cover of Forbes, Time, and was regularly in The Times, The Planet, The Tribune, just to name a few. Going green was just making his press coverage better.
“Lex.” Lex turned to look at Clark and was pressed into the arm of the couch as Clark kissed him. Lex was stunned, even as the whoop from Hope spurred him into action. He gently pushed Clark away.
“You’re drunk.” Clark stared at Lex and sighed then pouted. “Let’s go,” Lex said and the group made their way to the limo.
“What happened to Charity?”
“She had to see and I quote ‘her friends in the basement’.” Hope said with a shrug. Lex steadied a stumbling Clark to the parking garage.
“Drink your water Clark,” Lex said and Clark looked at the bottle in his hand and took a sip, once done the bottle hanging dangerously from his hand, splashing onto the pavement every once in a while. Lex kept them walking and said nothing to Clark simply handing him a new bottle once they were in the limo.
Lex did not move away from Clark though there was plenty of room in the spacious limo. He had not done it before. Clark for the most part seemed subdued by his rebuff, and simply sat drinking his water, and the second bottle Mercy handed him.
Reaching the penthouse, he sent Clark into the shower first, for the first time concerned about their sleeping arrangements. Clark emerged from the bathroom, and Lex could see that all he had done was change.
He watched Clark climb into bed and fall asleep in moments, and relaxed. He could deal with an embarrassed Clark in the morning. That would be much less of a problem than anything else.
“Rise and shine Clark,” Lex said as he stood in the doorway of the bathroom. Clark’s response was to groan and pull a pillow over his head.
“I let you sleep in, but Carla is here now. What possessed you to have nine glasses of champagne?”
“It never did anything before,” Clark mumbled shuffling out of bed and into the bathroom. He did not even glance at Lex.
“Headache?”
“Mm mummech.”
“Stomach?” Clark grunted in agreement before spitting a gargling. He wiped his face on a towel and looked at Lex who was adjusting a cuff link on a pale blue button down. Clark looked over at Lex and smiled.
Lex returned the smile wondering if Clark had simply forgotten the night, before returning his attention to his cuff links wondering why they were giving him so much trouble this morning. Clark moved to the doorway but did not continue into the bedroom instead standing before Lex.
“Lex.” He looked up almost surprised to find Clark so close, before Clark’s lips descended on his yet again. “I’m sober this time.” Lex blinked looking at Clark.
“I see,” was all he said before dragging Clark’s face back down to his own.
Carla pulled the door shut, sure she could give them a few more minutes, besides if Mercy was correct, Clark would be in no state to do anything for a few hours more.