Stocking Stuffer #15: Life 2.0
Stocking Stuffer #15: Life 2.0
Fic by Clexmas Elf Sue Dreams
If there’s a worst thing about being disowned and disinherited, it might well be having to pay for his own car insurance. Lex gave up roadside assistance to be able to afford a better apartment and now he’s thinking he could have handled the drug lord neighbor in the second place he looked, if it wouldn’t have left him stuck on the side of the road nearing midnight in a part of town where the doors are barred and the streets are frighteningly bare.
He looks up at the sky and purposely doesn’t think of all the ways his life could have gone. “Too bad Superman doesn’t change flat tires,” he mumbles to the overlit canopy overhead. The streets here might be dark, but the overall light pollution of the city means that you’ll never see the stars from street level.
There’s a brush of air that seems unnatural and Lex is half expecting the voice before it speaks. “You look like you could use some help.”
Lex turns and confirms the bright blue suit before he allows himself to relax. Metropolis might be the apparent home of Superman, but it also has its share of villains, thugs, and vigilantes. “I wouldn’t say no,” Lex finally answers.
With inhuman strength and speed, Lex’s car was road-ready quickly. “Thank you, Superman.”
“My pleasure,” the hero answers. He flies up, but stops at a hover only about thirty feet up. Lex gets into his arm and starts the engine. When he looks up again, Superman seems to be gone.
* * *
If there is a best part of Lex’s new life of independence, it would be this; walking down his hallway and catching the door across from his ajar. By the time Lex unlocks his door most nights - when the door is ajar, which isn’t every night - the door is open and his neighbor is there.
“You’re back late tonight,” Clark says, leaning against his doorjamb.
Lex turns to lean against his own jamb. “Worked late.” He didn’t feel any need to mention the flat tire. Clark has a tendency to worry and Lex would rather keep him smiling. “You’re up late.”
Clark ducks his head. “Just haven’t gotten to bed yet.”
There’s a pause that’s not entirely comfortable, but Lex doesn’t want to go alone into his apartment and nothing seems forthcoming from Clark. For a few more minutes, maybe, Lex can get away with just being with Clark.
It’s been amazing, the difference from this life to the one he had before. He works less hours, brings home less work. He eats healthier. He feels respected, instead of feared. And with Clark, he feels like someone is looking out for him, instead of watching and waiting for failure.
He’s rediscovered optimism. For the first time, he feels like he’s discovered the potential for love.
“Good night, Clark,” he finally says.
Clark is still smiling, but when Lex goes to take a step back, Clark is suddenly directly in front of him and reaching to stop the closing of Lex’s door. “Do you want a cup of tea before you settle in?”
“You have the kettle ready?” Lex asks. He’s more than willing to be enticed.
“It will be,” Clark replies. It sounds like a promise. “Come on over?”
Fic by Clexmas Elf Sue Dreams
If there’s a worst thing about being disowned and disinherited, it might well be having to pay for his own car insurance. Lex gave up roadside assistance to be able to afford a better apartment and now he’s thinking he could have handled the drug lord neighbor in the second place he looked, if it wouldn’t have left him stuck on the side of the road nearing midnight in a part of town where the doors are barred and the streets are frighteningly bare.
He looks up at the sky and purposely doesn’t think of all the ways his life could have gone. “Too bad Superman doesn’t change flat tires,” he mumbles to the overlit canopy overhead. The streets here might be dark, but the overall light pollution of the city means that you’ll never see the stars from street level.
There’s a brush of air that seems unnatural and Lex is half expecting the voice before it speaks. “You look like you could use some help.”
Lex turns and confirms the bright blue suit before he allows himself to relax. Metropolis might be the apparent home of Superman, but it also has its share of villains, thugs, and vigilantes. “I wouldn’t say no,” Lex finally answers.
With inhuman strength and speed, Lex’s car was road-ready quickly. “Thank you, Superman.”
“My pleasure,” the hero answers. He flies up, but stops at a hover only about thirty feet up. Lex gets into his arm and starts the engine. When he looks up again, Superman seems to be gone.
* * *
If there is a best part of Lex’s new life of independence, it would be this; walking down his hallway and catching the door across from his ajar. By the time Lex unlocks his door most nights - when the door is ajar, which isn’t every night - the door is open and his neighbor is there.
“You’re back late tonight,” Clark says, leaning against his doorjamb.
Lex turns to lean against his own jamb. “Worked late.” He didn’t feel any need to mention the flat tire. Clark has a tendency to worry and Lex would rather keep him smiling. “You’re up late.”
Clark ducks his head. “Just haven’t gotten to bed yet.”
There’s a pause that’s not entirely comfortable, but Lex doesn’t want to go alone into his apartment and nothing seems forthcoming from Clark. For a few more minutes, maybe, Lex can get away with just being with Clark.
It’s been amazing, the difference from this life to the one he had before. He works less hours, brings home less work. He eats healthier. He feels respected, instead of feared. And with Clark, he feels like someone is looking out for him, instead of watching and waiting for failure.
He’s rediscovered optimism. For the first time, he feels like he’s discovered the potential for love.
“Good night, Clark,” he finally says.
Clark is still smiling, but when Lex goes to take a step back, Clark is suddenly directly in front of him and reaching to stop the closing of Lex’s door. “Do you want a cup of tea before you settle in?”
“You have the kettle ready?” Lex asks. He’s more than willing to be enticed.
“It will be,” Clark replies. It sounds like a promise. “Come on over?”