Fic: Against All Odds (1/?)
Title: Against All Odds
Authors: hils and lexalicious70
Paring: Clark/Lex with hints of Clark/Rod and Clark/Rod/Lex
Spoilers: None
Rating: NC-17
Summary: Sequel to Highway to Hell and So Long Sylvia. In the aftermath of the alien encounter Lex receives some startling news
WARNING: MPREG!
Lex stared at his doctor, eyes wide with disbelief. If the man hadn't been his physician since the aftermath of the meteor shower in which Lex had lost his hair, he'd have walked out of the door this instant. "What you're telling me is impossible. I can't be pregnant."
The doctor glanced at a sheaf of papers he held in his hand. "Mr. Luthor, we've run every test possible. All of them have given us the same results."
"But it's not physically possible! I'm sure you don't need me to tell you that." Even in the word of meteor infected weirdness this was above and beyond anything Lex had ever experienced before. "How has this happened? Or more to the point WHEN did it happen?"
"According to the tests, about eight to nine weeks ago. The tests confirm it, Mr. Luthor. You're nearly two months pregnant."
He rubbed his fingers against his temples, feeling the onset of another headache. They'd been coming regularly ever since...well, ever since the aliens. Oh god. "And what do you propose I do?"
"We can do an ultrasound to confirm the presence of a fetus, and then if you wish, we can terminate the pregnancy." The doctor cleared his throat. "Is there something you haven't told me, Lex?"
He paused for a moment, weighing up telling the truth over keeping the secret he'd been keeping ever since Clark had rescued him. "No, nothing. Can we do the ultrasound now?"
"Yes, of course." The doctor adjusted his glasses. "I assume you don't wish to . . . to contact anyone before we do?"
"No. Let's just get on with it, shall we?"
"Of course. This way." He led Lex into a smaller room where the machinery was, and pulled down a fresh paper covering over the padded table after handing Lex a blue cotton gown. "Put this on please."
As he removed his clothes Lex glanced down at his stomach, almost as though he expected a bump to be there now that he'd had this bombshell dropped on him. Everything was as it had been this morning though, and he quickly pulled on the gown.
"Lie back here." The doctor gestured to the table and took down a bottle of clear gel down from a cabinet. The gel was cool as it was smeared onto his stomach and Lex had to hold in a hiss as the scanner was rubbed over him.
"What can you see?"
"Sorry . . . I know it's cold." The doctor gave a half-smile as he watched the screen before him, but then it faded. "My God. You . . . you seem to have formed a-- a womb."
Lex raised his head sharply, craning to see the screen that was currently being blocked by the doctor. "What? How?"
"I can't explain how, Mr. Luthor. But it is there . . . as well as the fetus." He turned the screen so Lex could see and traced the head of the fetus. "Here . . . and here."
Lex stared, his breath caught in his throat. The womb was remarkable in itself but what captured his attention more was the tiny heartbeat pounding rapidly. There was a life growing inside him. A baby. His baby. "I...I see."
Dr. Alan pulled the monitor aside and set the paddle down. "We can terminate this entity easily, Mr. Luthor, and with a minimal amount of pain."
"NO!" He yelled, softening his voice only when he noticed the panicked look on the doctors face. "What I mean is, think of what we can learn from this. If this pregnancy is a success, think of what it will mean in terms of scientific progress."
The doctor looked mildly surprised. "Mr. Luthor, we cannot be sure how this pregnancy will continue. It may affect your body and your health in ways that may result in serious injury, or even death."
"I'm willing to take that chance, doctor. I assume I can rely on your discretion during this."
"Of course, Mr. Luthor." He paused and adjusted his glasses. "Can I assume that you won't be confiding in your father in this matter?"
Lex's eyes widened at the mere suggestion. "Absolutely not. It is imperative he never finds out about this. I'm sure you can appreciate why."
"Yes sir." The doctor wrote out two prescriptions and handed them to Lex. "One is for pre-natal vitamins and one is an anti-nausea medication. Neither will harm the fetus."
Lex folded the slips of paper and put them into his breast pocket. "Any further advice?"
"None for now, Mr. Luthor. I'll see you again in two weeks. If you have any unusual symptoms, please let me know."
With a curt nod and his mind still reeling Lex rose to his feet and shook the doctors hand. "Thank you. I'll see you again soon."
"Take care, Mr. Luthor." The doctor watched him go, and then glanced down at the results again. "Incredible," He muttered.
Lex's hand was already around his cell phone when he got into the carpark, torn between calling Clark and not. Finally he shook his head and got into the car, deciding it was best if Clark was left out of it. Lex was used to dealing with things on his own and this was no different. Before he could start the car, Lex's cell rang. He glanced down at the caller ID and frowned before answering it. "Hello?"
A hesitant voice replied, "Yes . . . hello, is this Lex Luthor?"
"Yes. Who is this?"
"I don't know if you remember me, but this is Rod. Rod Hardwick? We . . . uh, we met a few months ago?"
Of course. Rod Hardwick was not a name he was going to forget any time soon. "How can I help you Mr. Hardwick?"
"I was wondering if we could meet for a cup of coffee? There's something I need to discuss with you."
Lex closed his eyes. He really didn't need this on today of all days, but he also remembered the look of pride on Clark's face when he'd given Rod his business card. "Yes, of course. Would this afternoon suit you?"
"That'd be fine, Mr. Luthor. Do you know where the Route Seven diner is?"
He didn't, it not sounding the sort of place Luthors would be encouraged to dine. "I'll find it. Shall we say 3pm?"
"That'd be great. I'll see you then, Mr. Luthor." Rod broke the connection.
Lex raised an eyebrow, not used to anyone but his father hanging up on him. He had to admit he was curious now, and more than a little wary. He had honestly hoped that he would never have to see Rod Hardwick again, but when did he ever get what he wanted. He started the engine and drove home, wondering what this afternoon would hold for him.
* * *
Standing in the living room of his small house, Rod hung up the phone slowly and put the heels of his hands to the sides of his head and squeezed his eyes shut. The headaches were getting worse, as were the strange dreams of Lex Luthor at night, dreams that were so real that upon awakening, Rod expected to open his eyes and see Lex laying in bed next to him. He didn't understand this strange compulsion to see the enigmatic young man again, but Rod knew he'd never feel right again until he met with Lex, and found out what happened during the day he could no longer remember. He glanced at his watch. Still a few hours before he needed to leave to meet Lex, but his house felt so confined these days that he could scarcely stand to be in it any more. He decided to go for a drive, hoping it would clear his head a little and give him some relief for the pain.
And then there was the mark on his inner thigh. Where that had come from he had no idea, but it had been there ever since the day he'd blacked out. There we so many questions and somehow he had a feeling that Lex Luthor held the answers. He got into his car and started to drive.
* * *
As three o'clock came, Lex found the small diner that Rod had told him about, and pulled in. He glanced up at the buzzing neon sign, which was shaped like a cup of coffee, and sighed impatiently. His father would have a field day if he could see his son frequenting a place like this, which now that he thought about it made going inside a little more bearable. He ordered an ice tea, the thought of coffee making his stomach roll, and he waited.
The chime over the door jingled about ten minutes later, and Rod came over to the counter. He was wearing jeans, a white tank top, and a dark green overshirt over the tank. He cleared his throat. "Mr. Luthor."
Lex forced a smile. "Mr. Hardwick. Have a seat, please."
"Thank you, sir." Rod sat down and pulled off his dark sunglasses as he smoothed his moustache with two fingers. "I appreciate you meeting with me. I know how busy you must be."
Trying to keep his tone cordial, even while sitting close to the man who had attacked and kidnapped him, Lex simply nodded. "It sounded urgent. How can I help you?" It was almost ludicrous him offering to help the man who had assaulted him but he carried on.
Rod chewed on his lower lip a moment before replying. "I need you to tell me what happened that day, Mr. Luthor. Ever since then, my life has been a wreck. I don't sleep much because I have these bizarre dreams, I have headaches, and--" Rod reached down and rubbed his thigh, where the mark stood out on his skin. "Just-- please. Tell me what happened."
Lex took a sip of his tea, using the time to allow himself a moment to think. "I appreciate this is frustrating for you, and I can recommend a doctor to help you with your headaches and sleeplessness, but really you have to trust me when I say you're better off not knowing what happened."
"Please." Rod reached over and took one of Lex's hand's imploringly. "Mr. Luthor, the dreams I'm having . . . I think they're more than just dreams. I know that sounds crazy, but if you can tell me anything that might help, I have to know!"
Inwardly Lex recoiled at the man touching him again and he quickly reached for his tea, using it as an excuse to move his hand. "Why don't you tell me about your dreams."
"It's going to sound crazy." Rod ran a hand through his short gingery hair. "But . . . in the dreams, I'm in my house, and there's this weird sobbing sound, right? And it sounds like a man crying for help, almost, but when I follow the sound, it turns into the bleating of a sheep. Baaaa, like that. And when I finally trace the sound to the source, I'm back in my bedroom, and you're there, and . . . the bleating noise has turned into a baby's crying. You're in my bed, holding a baby in your arms."
It took ever fibre of Lex's being for him to keep his face neutral as he listened to Rod's dream confirming what he already suspected. "Do you remember anything about that day? Anything at all? Because you have to understand that your dream doesn't make any sense."
He felt bad for lying to him but it was a necessity to keep his baby safe
"I know it doesn't make sense! A lot of things haven't since that day!" Rod almost shouted, and then wiped his face with one hand. "Look . . . I don't want anything from you but the truth. I'm not after money, or to sell my story to the tabloids . . . I just need to know. Please, Mr. Luthor. I can't remember."
Lex looked at Rod and the obvious distress he was in, remember how he felt when he realised he'd lost seven weeks of his own life after his time in Belle Reve. As much as he wanted to he couldn't bring himself to inflict that on another person. "Alright. I'll tell you what you need to know but not here. Come to my house this evening and I'll tell you what you want to know. I will warn you though, you're not going to like it so if you change your mind before tonight I'll understand."
"No . . . no, I won't." Rod took Lex's hand again and squeezed it gently. "Thank you, Mr. Luthor. Thank you."
Lex wasn't sure that he'd be thanking by the end of the evening but he nodded and finished his tea. "I'll see you tonight then." He was suddenly very, very tired and he desperately wanted to see Clark.
Rod nodded and smiled. "Yes, tonight! Thank you again, Mr. Luthor!"
Lex rose when it became apparent Rod was in no hurry to leave. "I'll inform my staff you're coming. Goodbye." The walk to his car seemed to take an age.
Rod watched him go, his expression slightly feverish. There was something so secretive, so enigmatic, about the pale young man.
Once he was seated in his car Lex found he lacked the energy to do anything except sit there and stare ahead. This had been an exhausting few hours and tonight wasn't going to be any easier. How do you tell someone that they raped and kidnapped you? What he wouldn't give for the simple farmboy life that Clark had.
* * *
Clark stood at the wide open doors of his hayloft fortress as he looked out over the horizon. His heart was heavy for reasons he couldn't quite place; things had been quiet in town, and Lex seemed no worse for his experience with the temporarily crazed policeman, Rod Hardwick.
Maybe that was the problem. Ever since the shock therapy that had robbed Lex of weeks of his life and the knowledge of Clark's secret, he'd been different; closed down emotionally and distant. It wasn't his Lex and Clark knew it was his fault for letting him get taken in the first place and then failing to save him in time. He would carry the guilt of that around with him forever.
The sound of a high performance motor shook Clark from his thoughts and he looked down to see Lex pulling up alongside the barn. He smiled in spite of himself and called out to Lex as he got out of the car.
As soon as he saw Clark Lex felt himself relax. It really was a wonder how just being close to him allowed him to feel so at ease. He smiled and waved up at Clark before entering the barn
He climbed the steps and smiled at his young friend. "Hey Clark, how are you?"
"Hey Lex, I'm good. How are you?" He frowned when Lex stepped into the light. "You look tired."
"I'm all right, Clark, I assure you." Lex looked around the loft. "You really like it up here, don't you."
Clark shrugged and moved aside so Lex could come up the steps. "Yeah, it's quiet here. Peaceful."
Lex came to stand beside his quiet friend. "It is. Maybe that's why I find myself coming here, too. I have very few places in my life that are peaceful."
Clark smiled and wrapped a friendly arm around Lex's shoulders. "You can come here whenever you want, Lex. Even if I'm not around."
"Thank you, Clark. I appreciate that." Lex said, even as he longed to lean into Clark's solid form and take refuge in his quiet strength.
"Have you eaten?" Clark asked, reluctantly removing his arm. "I think my mom just finished cooking dinner."
The thought of food made Lex's stomach roll, but at the same time, he knew he had to try and eat a substantial meal to maintain the baby's well-being. "Your mom is an amazing cook, so perhaps I can be persuaded." He offered Clark a tired smile.
Clark beamed, glad he'd been able to talk Lex into staying for a little while. His visits were infrequent and short these days. "Great, let's go."
Lex headed down the stairs with Clark, walking a few steps ahead, when suddenly a dizzy spell washed over him. He swayed on the fifth step from the bottom, his hands instantly rising up to break the fall he knew he was about to take.
It was the sound that alerted Clark first, his sensitive hearing picking up the softest of gasps coming from Lex. He turned just in time to catch him as he fell. "Lex!"
Lex reached out and gripped the steely muscles of Clark's big right arm, steadying himself as he waited for the dizziness to pass. "All right, Clark," He gasped. "I'm all right. Just . . . got a bit dizzy for a moment."
"Have you eaten today at all? Are you getting sick? What is it?" He couldn't stop the stream of questions falling from his lips but he was worried. Lex never got sick. Something was wrong.
"Clark, please." Lex squeezed his eyes shut, praying to whatever god favoured fools and Luthors, if there were any, that he wouldn't vomit in front of, or worse yet, on his friend. "I need to sit down a moment."
Clark cursed himself for not thinking of Lex first. "Of course. Lean on me for minute and we'll go back up to the couch." What he actually wanted to do was pick Lex up and carry him to save his friend any further discomfort.
Lex nodded wearily and leaned on Clark as they made it back up the stairs. His stomach was still roiling miserably.
Once Lex was sat down Clark took a step back, not really sure what to do now. "Do you need anything? A glass of water maybe? Should I call a doctor? Or get my mom?"
"No! No doctor. And please don't disturb you mother." Lex closed his eyes. "A glass of cool water would be good though, Clark, thank you."
He had to almost physically restrain himself from using his speed as he walked back to the house and got a glass of water for Lex. Seeing Lex weak and sick like this just served as a reminder of how Lex had been in Belle Reve. Whatever was wrong with Lex now, Clark would do whatever he could to make it better.
"Here you are," he said with a worried smile as he handed the glass to Lex.
"Thank you, Clark." Lex managed a weak smile as he sipped the water. He rested the cool glass against his forehead for a moment to clear the fog there, and then took another sip.
"How are you feeling?" Clark asked softy, biting back the surges of questions that were running through his head. "Is there anything else I can do?"
Almost without being aware of it, Lex put his free hand on his belly and rested it there. "No, Clark." He said softly. "Not at the moment . . . I'm just very glad you're here."
Clark gave a small smile and carefully took a seat beside Lex. "You'll tell me if you need anything, right? I hate to see you sick like this."
"I'm quite all right, Clark." Lex took another sip of the water. "Just a dizzy spell."
Clark didn't believe him. He'd known Lex long enough to know when he was keeping things to himself, but he let it slide. He was hardly one to accuse others of keeping secrets. "You should probably eat something. Let me know when you're ready and we'll have another go at walking to the house."
Lex nodded weakly. "I'll try, Clark."
Standing up Clark extended a hand to Lex. "Let me help you."
Lex took the offered hand and allowed Clark to help him to his feet. Clark paused, waiting to see if Lex needed support or whether he wanted to walk on his own. Lex took a deep breath and then headed for the steps, moving slowly but purposefully. Clark followed, tensed and ready to move if Lex show so much as a sign that he was going to fall. Thankfully they made it to the house without further incident. "Mom! Clark called as they entered. It's ok if Lex stays for dinner isn't it? He's not feeling so good."
Martha looked up. "Lex, sweetheart? What is it?" She went to him instantly and put a hand on his forehead. Lex allowed the touch, but frowned slightly. "It's nothing, Mrs. Kent. I just had a brief dizzy spell. I suppose I haven't eaten much."
She pulled her hand away when there was no sign of fever. "Well, sit down. Dinner's almost ready. Clark, can you help your father set the table. Would you like something to drink, Lex?"
"I had some water Mrs. Kent, but I wouldn't mind a bit of fruit juice, if you have any. It'll help raise my blood sugar."
"Of course. Just make yourself comfortable. You really should take better care of yourself though." She took some juice out of the fridge and poured some into a large glass before handing it to Lex.
"Thank you, Mrs. Kent. I try my best." He toasted her with the glass and took a sip.
Clark busied himself in the kitchen getting plates ready but every few moments he would glance over at Lex, just to make sure he was ok.
Lex sipped the juice and felt the dizziness fade, only to be replaced by a sudden ravenous hunger. His stomach growled loudly and Martha looked over, amused. "Well Lex! I guess you haven't eaten much, have you!"
She went over and checked the food, satisfied that it was ready. As soon as Clark was done putting out the plates she set an enormous pie and several different types of vegetable on the table. "Well, I know one of us is hungry. I hope the rest of you are too."
Lex smiled as Clark eyed the pie with obvious eagerness. "Everything smells wonderful, Mrs. Kent."
"Well, no use in us all just staring at it. Clark, do you want serve. Guests first, remember."
Clark nodded. "I know, mom." He made Lex a plate with heaping portions of chicken, potatoes and mixed veggies, which he set in front of Lex with a hopeful smile.
Martha smiled encouragingly. "Don't wait for us, Lex. You start. It sounds like you need it."
Lex gave the redhead another smile, unable to be annoyed by her words. Something in her touched his heart in a way that no woman had since his mother had died. He tasted the chicken and nodded. "It's delicious."
Martha smiled happily and nodded to her son and husband that they could start eating. They mostly ate in silence, with Lex eating slowly and sipping his juice. He stole glances at Clark in the meantime, and several times, he caught the young man stealing glances at him as well.
"What are you doing this evening, Lex?" Clark finally asked between mouthfuls of food. "Can you stay for a bit after dinner?"
"Actually Clark, I have an appointment, but I thank you for the invitation."
Clark's face fell. He knew it was too much to hope to have Lex for more than a couple of hours. He was always so busy. "Oh, ok."
Lex hesitated. "Actually, Clark . . . I was hoping you'd accompany me."
Startled Clark glanced at his parents. "Is it a business meeting?" Lex had never before invited him to any of his meetings and Clark was more than a little curious.
"Ah . . . not quite. Actually I'm meeting with Rodney Hardwick? Do you remember him, Clark?"
Clark's eyes widened. "Lex, why are you meeting with him!"
"It's at his request, Clark. There's questions he needs the answers to."
"Who is Rodney Hardwick?" Jonathan asked with a frown
Lex glanced up, almost having forgotten the elder Kents were in the room. "He's a young man who I became acquainted with several weeks ago, Mr. Kent. A policeman."
Clark fell silent. He certainly wasn't going to discuss exactly how they knew him in front of his parents. "Can I go?"
Jonathan reached for a biscuit. "A cop? Lex, have you gotten into some sort of trouble?"
Lex shook his head. "I can assure you Mr. Kent, it's not a legal or criminal matter."
Clark's eyes flitted between the two men he cared about most. Wondering who would win what he was sure was about to turn into a battle.
Jonathan sighed and looked over at Clark. "You're getting old enough to make your own decisions now, son . . . but I want you to promise me that you haven't gotten yourself mixed up in anything illegal?"
A hurt look crossed Clark's face. "Of course not, dad."
Jonathan nodded at his son. "All right, son. We're trusting you on this."
Lex felt his hackles rise. "Mr. Kent, you know I'd never get Clark involved in--"
"I don't know that, Lex. But what I do know is that I have to trust my son to make the right choices." Jonathan said sharply.
"Dad, I promise there's nothing wrong. You need to trust Lex as well as me, you know. He's my friend."
Jonathan buttered his biscuit and sighed. "I know, Clark." He glanced up as Martha gave him a warning look, and knew then he had to back down. He gave Lex a decidedly patronizing nod, and Lex returned it briskly before eating more of his chicken.
Clark frowned, wanting nothing more than to storm out to show his dad how strongly he felt about this. There was no way he was leaving Lex on his own here though. "Can you manage dessert? He finally asked, deciding that a change of subject might be the best course of action.
Lex smiled. "Perhaps a small slice of pie, Clark, thank you."
Martha rose from her seat. "I'll get it. Jonathan, can you clear away the dinner dishes."
Jonathan nodded to his wife and followed her after stacking up a few plates, leaving Clark and Lex alone at the table.
"What's going on, Lex?" Clark asked in a hissed whisper. "Has he remembered what he did to you?"
"No, but he desperately wants those memories back, Clark. He wants me to tell him what happened that day."
Clark had to admit he had wondered about that himself. Lex had never told him the full story beyond the fact that Rod had kidnapped him while under the control of aliens. "Are you going to tell him?"
Lex sighed. "I wanted the truth when I lost my memories at Bell Reve, Clark. I understand how he feels.
lark winced. He'd come close on more than one occasion to telling Lex what he'd witness before losing his memories. "Lex, what did happen before I found you?"
The corners of Lex's mouth tightened. "Clark, I...."
Clark placed his hand over his. "Whatever it is you can tell me. I'm your friend and I care about you."
Lex swallowed hard. "He pulled me over on Route 19. At first I thought he was going to ticket me for speeding, but then--"
Clark gave his hand a reassuring squeeze
"He.... he pushed me up against the car. He was talking very strangely... and then he started touching me."
Clark's eyes widened. "Oh, god, Lex."
Lex sighed. "I fought him, naturally. But he tied my hands."
Right now Clark was torn between pulling Lex into holding Lex close and running out, finding Rod and ripping him to shreds.
"There was little I could do, Clark." Lex said softly.
"Of course not, Lex. God, I wish I'd been there to stop him."
"I wish you had too, Clark. But there's not much use in dwelling on that. What's done is done, and now . . . " Lex shook his head. "Something's happened, Clark. Something that must have been the result of Rod's possession by the alien influence."
Clark frowned. "What is it?"
"According to my physician and over a dozen of the best medical tests money can buy . . . I'm pregnant, Clark."
Clark's eyes widened. "What? You can't be. There must be some sort of mistake." He narrowed his eyes and quickly scanned Lex, almost falling off his chair when he saw inside his friend. "Oh, Lex..."
The corners of Lex's mouth tightened as he fought for control. Until now, he had managed his emotions quite well, but Clark's sympathy was nearly enough to undo him. "I'm all right, Clark." He said softly.
It was obvious to Clark that Lex was far from all right. He might have been able to hide it from everyone else, but Clark knew when Lex was keeping things in. Without a moment’s thought, he moved around the table and wrapped his arms around his friend.
Lex stiffened in surprise, but then felt his body relaxing in Clark's arms. He was so warm, so solid. "Clark, your parents . . . “But even as he said it, his arms were sliding around Clark's lean waist.
"I don't care about my parents right now," Clark whispered. "I care about you."
Lex swallowed hard. "I don't know what to do, Clark. The doctor says it seems like a normal pregnancy, but how can it be normal at all, if I'm the one who's pregnant?"
"I don't know Lex, but you don't have to go through this by yourself. I'm your friend and if you need to talk or if you need anything promise you'll come to me." He paused for a moment before letting go of Lex and stepping back. "I don't think you should see Rod tonight. What if he knows about the baby and he wants to hurt you."
"I think he would have hurt me already if that was his intent. Besides . . . I know you'd never let that happen."
Clark clenched his jaw and nodded. "I'm not going to let anything happen to you again, Lex, I promise."
Martha gently cleared her throat from the doorway. "Clark? Lex? Would you like some more pie?"
Clark flushed as he saw his mom standing there. How long had she been watching them? What had she heard? "I'm ok, mom. What about you, Lex?"
"I'm quite full, thank you Mrs. Kent. In fact, Clark and I should be going now." He stood and smiled at her. "Thank you for dinner, it was delicious."
She flashed him a small smile. "You're welcome. Clark, don't stay out too late. You have school tomorrow."
"I won't, mom." Clark smiled at her and then headed for the front door with Lex following.
Chapter 2
Authors: hils and lexalicious70
Paring: Clark/Lex with hints of Clark/Rod and Clark/Rod/Lex
Spoilers: None
Rating: NC-17
Summary: Sequel to Highway to Hell and So Long Sylvia. In the aftermath of the alien encounter Lex receives some startling news
WARNING: MPREG!
Lex stared at his doctor, eyes wide with disbelief. If the man hadn't been his physician since the aftermath of the meteor shower in which Lex had lost his hair, he'd have walked out of the door this instant. "What you're telling me is impossible. I can't be pregnant."
The doctor glanced at a sheaf of papers he held in his hand. "Mr. Luthor, we've run every test possible. All of them have given us the same results."
"But it's not physically possible! I'm sure you don't need me to tell you that." Even in the word of meteor infected weirdness this was above and beyond anything Lex had ever experienced before. "How has this happened? Or more to the point WHEN did it happen?"
"According to the tests, about eight to nine weeks ago. The tests confirm it, Mr. Luthor. You're nearly two months pregnant."
He rubbed his fingers against his temples, feeling the onset of another headache. They'd been coming regularly ever since...well, ever since the aliens. Oh god. "And what do you propose I do?"
"We can do an ultrasound to confirm the presence of a fetus, and then if you wish, we can terminate the pregnancy." The doctor cleared his throat. "Is there something you haven't told me, Lex?"
He paused for a moment, weighing up telling the truth over keeping the secret he'd been keeping ever since Clark had rescued him. "No, nothing. Can we do the ultrasound now?"
"Yes, of course." The doctor adjusted his glasses. "I assume you don't wish to . . . to contact anyone before we do?"
"No. Let's just get on with it, shall we?"
"Of course. This way." He led Lex into a smaller room where the machinery was, and pulled down a fresh paper covering over the padded table after handing Lex a blue cotton gown. "Put this on please."
As he removed his clothes Lex glanced down at his stomach, almost as though he expected a bump to be there now that he'd had this bombshell dropped on him. Everything was as it had been this morning though, and he quickly pulled on the gown.
"Lie back here." The doctor gestured to the table and took down a bottle of clear gel down from a cabinet. The gel was cool as it was smeared onto his stomach and Lex had to hold in a hiss as the scanner was rubbed over him.
"What can you see?"
"Sorry . . . I know it's cold." The doctor gave a half-smile as he watched the screen before him, but then it faded. "My God. You . . . you seem to have formed a-- a womb."
Lex raised his head sharply, craning to see the screen that was currently being blocked by the doctor. "What? How?"
"I can't explain how, Mr. Luthor. But it is there . . . as well as the fetus." He turned the screen so Lex could see and traced the head of the fetus. "Here . . . and here."
Lex stared, his breath caught in his throat. The womb was remarkable in itself but what captured his attention more was the tiny heartbeat pounding rapidly. There was a life growing inside him. A baby. His baby. "I...I see."
Dr. Alan pulled the monitor aside and set the paddle down. "We can terminate this entity easily, Mr. Luthor, and with a minimal amount of pain."
"NO!" He yelled, softening his voice only when he noticed the panicked look on the doctors face. "What I mean is, think of what we can learn from this. If this pregnancy is a success, think of what it will mean in terms of scientific progress."
The doctor looked mildly surprised. "Mr. Luthor, we cannot be sure how this pregnancy will continue. It may affect your body and your health in ways that may result in serious injury, or even death."
"I'm willing to take that chance, doctor. I assume I can rely on your discretion during this."
"Of course, Mr. Luthor." He paused and adjusted his glasses. "Can I assume that you won't be confiding in your father in this matter?"
Lex's eyes widened at the mere suggestion. "Absolutely not. It is imperative he never finds out about this. I'm sure you can appreciate why."
"Yes sir." The doctor wrote out two prescriptions and handed them to Lex. "One is for pre-natal vitamins and one is an anti-nausea medication. Neither will harm the fetus."
Lex folded the slips of paper and put them into his breast pocket. "Any further advice?"
"None for now, Mr. Luthor. I'll see you again in two weeks. If you have any unusual symptoms, please let me know."
With a curt nod and his mind still reeling Lex rose to his feet and shook the doctors hand. "Thank you. I'll see you again soon."
"Take care, Mr. Luthor." The doctor watched him go, and then glanced down at the results again. "Incredible," He muttered.
Lex's hand was already around his cell phone when he got into the carpark, torn between calling Clark and not. Finally he shook his head and got into the car, deciding it was best if Clark was left out of it. Lex was used to dealing with things on his own and this was no different. Before he could start the car, Lex's cell rang. He glanced down at the caller ID and frowned before answering it. "Hello?"
A hesitant voice replied, "Yes . . . hello, is this Lex Luthor?"
"Yes. Who is this?"
"I don't know if you remember me, but this is Rod. Rod Hardwick? We . . . uh, we met a few months ago?"
Of course. Rod Hardwick was not a name he was going to forget any time soon. "How can I help you Mr. Hardwick?"
"I was wondering if we could meet for a cup of coffee? There's something I need to discuss with you."
Lex closed his eyes. He really didn't need this on today of all days, but he also remembered the look of pride on Clark's face when he'd given Rod his business card. "Yes, of course. Would this afternoon suit you?"
"That'd be fine, Mr. Luthor. Do you know where the Route Seven diner is?"
He didn't, it not sounding the sort of place Luthors would be encouraged to dine. "I'll find it. Shall we say 3pm?"
"That'd be great. I'll see you then, Mr. Luthor." Rod broke the connection.
Lex raised an eyebrow, not used to anyone but his father hanging up on him. He had to admit he was curious now, and more than a little wary. He had honestly hoped that he would never have to see Rod Hardwick again, but when did he ever get what he wanted. He started the engine and drove home, wondering what this afternoon would hold for him.
* * *
Standing in the living room of his small house, Rod hung up the phone slowly and put the heels of his hands to the sides of his head and squeezed his eyes shut. The headaches were getting worse, as were the strange dreams of Lex Luthor at night, dreams that were so real that upon awakening, Rod expected to open his eyes and see Lex laying in bed next to him. He didn't understand this strange compulsion to see the enigmatic young man again, but Rod knew he'd never feel right again until he met with Lex, and found out what happened during the day he could no longer remember. He glanced at his watch. Still a few hours before he needed to leave to meet Lex, but his house felt so confined these days that he could scarcely stand to be in it any more. He decided to go for a drive, hoping it would clear his head a little and give him some relief for the pain.
And then there was the mark on his inner thigh. Where that had come from he had no idea, but it had been there ever since the day he'd blacked out. There we so many questions and somehow he had a feeling that Lex Luthor held the answers. He got into his car and started to drive.
* * *
As three o'clock came, Lex found the small diner that Rod had told him about, and pulled in. He glanced up at the buzzing neon sign, which was shaped like a cup of coffee, and sighed impatiently. His father would have a field day if he could see his son frequenting a place like this, which now that he thought about it made going inside a little more bearable. He ordered an ice tea, the thought of coffee making his stomach roll, and he waited.
The chime over the door jingled about ten minutes later, and Rod came over to the counter. He was wearing jeans, a white tank top, and a dark green overshirt over the tank. He cleared his throat. "Mr. Luthor."
Lex forced a smile. "Mr. Hardwick. Have a seat, please."
"Thank you, sir." Rod sat down and pulled off his dark sunglasses as he smoothed his moustache with two fingers. "I appreciate you meeting with me. I know how busy you must be."
Trying to keep his tone cordial, even while sitting close to the man who had attacked and kidnapped him, Lex simply nodded. "It sounded urgent. How can I help you?" It was almost ludicrous him offering to help the man who had assaulted him but he carried on.
Rod chewed on his lower lip a moment before replying. "I need you to tell me what happened that day, Mr. Luthor. Ever since then, my life has been a wreck. I don't sleep much because I have these bizarre dreams, I have headaches, and--" Rod reached down and rubbed his thigh, where the mark stood out on his skin. "Just-- please. Tell me what happened."
Lex took a sip of his tea, using the time to allow himself a moment to think. "I appreciate this is frustrating for you, and I can recommend a doctor to help you with your headaches and sleeplessness, but really you have to trust me when I say you're better off not knowing what happened."
"Please." Rod reached over and took one of Lex's hand's imploringly. "Mr. Luthor, the dreams I'm having . . . I think they're more than just dreams. I know that sounds crazy, but if you can tell me anything that might help, I have to know!"
Inwardly Lex recoiled at the man touching him again and he quickly reached for his tea, using it as an excuse to move his hand. "Why don't you tell me about your dreams."
"It's going to sound crazy." Rod ran a hand through his short gingery hair. "But . . . in the dreams, I'm in my house, and there's this weird sobbing sound, right? And it sounds like a man crying for help, almost, but when I follow the sound, it turns into the bleating of a sheep. Baaaa, like that. And when I finally trace the sound to the source, I'm back in my bedroom, and you're there, and . . . the bleating noise has turned into a baby's crying. You're in my bed, holding a baby in your arms."
It took ever fibre of Lex's being for him to keep his face neutral as he listened to Rod's dream confirming what he already suspected. "Do you remember anything about that day? Anything at all? Because you have to understand that your dream doesn't make any sense."
He felt bad for lying to him but it was a necessity to keep his baby safe
"I know it doesn't make sense! A lot of things haven't since that day!" Rod almost shouted, and then wiped his face with one hand. "Look . . . I don't want anything from you but the truth. I'm not after money, or to sell my story to the tabloids . . . I just need to know. Please, Mr. Luthor. I can't remember."
Lex looked at Rod and the obvious distress he was in, remember how he felt when he realised he'd lost seven weeks of his own life after his time in Belle Reve. As much as he wanted to he couldn't bring himself to inflict that on another person. "Alright. I'll tell you what you need to know but not here. Come to my house this evening and I'll tell you what you want to know. I will warn you though, you're not going to like it so if you change your mind before tonight I'll understand."
"No . . . no, I won't." Rod took Lex's hand again and squeezed it gently. "Thank you, Mr. Luthor. Thank you."
Lex wasn't sure that he'd be thanking by the end of the evening but he nodded and finished his tea. "I'll see you tonight then." He was suddenly very, very tired and he desperately wanted to see Clark.
Rod nodded and smiled. "Yes, tonight! Thank you again, Mr. Luthor!"
Lex rose when it became apparent Rod was in no hurry to leave. "I'll inform my staff you're coming. Goodbye." The walk to his car seemed to take an age.
Rod watched him go, his expression slightly feverish. There was something so secretive, so enigmatic, about the pale young man.
Once he was seated in his car Lex found he lacked the energy to do anything except sit there and stare ahead. This had been an exhausting few hours and tonight wasn't going to be any easier. How do you tell someone that they raped and kidnapped you? What he wouldn't give for the simple farmboy life that Clark had.
* * *
Clark stood at the wide open doors of his hayloft fortress as he looked out over the horizon. His heart was heavy for reasons he couldn't quite place; things had been quiet in town, and Lex seemed no worse for his experience with the temporarily crazed policeman, Rod Hardwick.
Maybe that was the problem. Ever since the shock therapy that had robbed Lex of weeks of his life and the knowledge of Clark's secret, he'd been different; closed down emotionally and distant. It wasn't his Lex and Clark knew it was his fault for letting him get taken in the first place and then failing to save him in time. He would carry the guilt of that around with him forever.
The sound of a high performance motor shook Clark from his thoughts and he looked down to see Lex pulling up alongside the barn. He smiled in spite of himself and called out to Lex as he got out of the car.
As soon as he saw Clark Lex felt himself relax. It really was a wonder how just being close to him allowed him to feel so at ease. He smiled and waved up at Clark before entering the barn
He climbed the steps and smiled at his young friend. "Hey Clark, how are you?"
"Hey Lex, I'm good. How are you?" He frowned when Lex stepped into the light. "You look tired."
"I'm all right, Clark, I assure you." Lex looked around the loft. "You really like it up here, don't you."
Clark shrugged and moved aside so Lex could come up the steps. "Yeah, it's quiet here. Peaceful."
Lex came to stand beside his quiet friend. "It is. Maybe that's why I find myself coming here, too. I have very few places in my life that are peaceful."
Clark smiled and wrapped a friendly arm around Lex's shoulders. "You can come here whenever you want, Lex. Even if I'm not around."
"Thank you, Clark. I appreciate that." Lex said, even as he longed to lean into Clark's solid form and take refuge in his quiet strength.
"Have you eaten?" Clark asked, reluctantly removing his arm. "I think my mom just finished cooking dinner."
The thought of food made Lex's stomach roll, but at the same time, he knew he had to try and eat a substantial meal to maintain the baby's well-being. "Your mom is an amazing cook, so perhaps I can be persuaded." He offered Clark a tired smile.
Clark beamed, glad he'd been able to talk Lex into staying for a little while. His visits were infrequent and short these days. "Great, let's go."
Lex headed down the stairs with Clark, walking a few steps ahead, when suddenly a dizzy spell washed over him. He swayed on the fifth step from the bottom, his hands instantly rising up to break the fall he knew he was about to take.
It was the sound that alerted Clark first, his sensitive hearing picking up the softest of gasps coming from Lex. He turned just in time to catch him as he fell. "Lex!"
Lex reached out and gripped the steely muscles of Clark's big right arm, steadying himself as he waited for the dizziness to pass. "All right, Clark," He gasped. "I'm all right. Just . . . got a bit dizzy for a moment."
"Have you eaten today at all? Are you getting sick? What is it?" He couldn't stop the stream of questions falling from his lips but he was worried. Lex never got sick. Something was wrong.
"Clark, please." Lex squeezed his eyes shut, praying to whatever god favoured fools and Luthors, if there were any, that he wouldn't vomit in front of, or worse yet, on his friend. "I need to sit down a moment."
Clark cursed himself for not thinking of Lex first. "Of course. Lean on me for minute and we'll go back up to the couch." What he actually wanted to do was pick Lex up and carry him to save his friend any further discomfort.
Lex nodded wearily and leaned on Clark as they made it back up the stairs. His stomach was still roiling miserably.
Once Lex was sat down Clark took a step back, not really sure what to do now. "Do you need anything? A glass of water maybe? Should I call a doctor? Or get my mom?"
"No! No doctor. And please don't disturb you mother." Lex closed his eyes. "A glass of cool water would be good though, Clark, thank you."
He had to almost physically restrain himself from using his speed as he walked back to the house and got a glass of water for Lex. Seeing Lex weak and sick like this just served as a reminder of how Lex had been in Belle Reve. Whatever was wrong with Lex now, Clark would do whatever he could to make it better.
"Here you are," he said with a worried smile as he handed the glass to Lex.
"Thank you, Clark." Lex managed a weak smile as he sipped the water. He rested the cool glass against his forehead for a moment to clear the fog there, and then took another sip.
"How are you feeling?" Clark asked softy, biting back the surges of questions that were running through his head. "Is there anything else I can do?"
Almost without being aware of it, Lex put his free hand on his belly and rested it there. "No, Clark." He said softly. "Not at the moment . . . I'm just very glad you're here."
Clark gave a small smile and carefully took a seat beside Lex. "You'll tell me if you need anything, right? I hate to see you sick like this."
"I'm quite all right, Clark." Lex took another sip of the water. "Just a dizzy spell."
Clark didn't believe him. He'd known Lex long enough to know when he was keeping things to himself, but he let it slide. He was hardly one to accuse others of keeping secrets. "You should probably eat something. Let me know when you're ready and we'll have another go at walking to the house."
Lex nodded weakly. "I'll try, Clark."
Standing up Clark extended a hand to Lex. "Let me help you."
Lex took the offered hand and allowed Clark to help him to his feet. Clark paused, waiting to see if Lex needed support or whether he wanted to walk on his own. Lex took a deep breath and then headed for the steps, moving slowly but purposefully. Clark followed, tensed and ready to move if Lex show so much as a sign that he was going to fall. Thankfully they made it to the house without further incident. "Mom! Clark called as they entered. It's ok if Lex stays for dinner isn't it? He's not feeling so good."
Martha looked up. "Lex, sweetheart? What is it?" She went to him instantly and put a hand on his forehead. Lex allowed the touch, but frowned slightly. "It's nothing, Mrs. Kent. I just had a brief dizzy spell. I suppose I haven't eaten much."
She pulled her hand away when there was no sign of fever. "Well, sit down. Dinner's almost ready. Clark, can you help your father set the table. Would you like something to drink, Lex?"
"I had some water Mrs. Kent, but I wouldn't mind a bit of fruit juice, if you have any. It'll help raise my blood sugar."
"Of course. Just make yourself comfortable. You really should take better care of yourself though." She took some juice out of the fridge and poured some into a large glass before handing it to Lex.
"Thank you, Mrs. Kent. I try my best." He toasted her with the glass and took a sip.
Clark busied himself in the kitchen getting plates ready but every few moments he would glance over at Lex, just to make sure he was ok.
Lex sipped the juice and felt the dizziness fade, only to be replaced by a sudden ravenous hunger. His stomach growled loudly and Martha looked over, amused. "Well Lex! I guess you haven't eaten much, have you!"
She went over and checked the food, satisfied that it was ready. As soon as Clark was done putting out the plates she set an enormous pie and several different types of vegetable on the table. "Well, I know one of us is hungry. I hope the rest of you are too."
Lex smiled as Clark eyed the pie with obvious eagerness. "Everything smells wonderful, Mrs. Kent."
"Well, no use in us all just staring at it. Clark, do you want serve. Guests first, remember."
Clark nodded. "I know, mom." He made Lex a plate with heaping portions of chicken, potatoes and mixed veggies, which he set in front of Lex with a hopeful smile.
Martha smiled encouragingly. "Don't wait for us, Lex. You start. It sounds like you need it."
Lex gave the redhead another smile, unable to be annoyed by her words. Something in her touched his heart in a way that no woman had since his mother had died. He tasted the chicken and nodded. "It's delicious."
Martha smiled happily and nodded to her son and husband that they could start eating. They mostly ate in silence, with Lex eating slowly and sipping his juice. He stole glances at Clark in the meantime, and several times, he caught the young man stealing glances at him as well.
"What are you doing this evening, Lex?" Clark finally asked between mouthfuls of food. "Can you stay for a bit after dinner?"
"Actually Clark, I have an appointment, but I thank you for the invitation."
Clark's face fell. He knew it was too much to hope to have Lex for more than a couple of hours. He was always so busy. "Oh, ok."
Lex hesitated. "Actually, Clark . . . I was hoping you'd accompany me."
Startled Clark glanced at his parents. "Is it a business meeting?" Lex had never before invited him to any of his meetings and Clark was more than a little curious.
"Ah . . . not quite. Actually I'm meeting with Rodney Hardwick? Do you remember him, Clark?"
Clark's eyes widened. "Lex, why are you meeting with him!"
"It's at his request, Clark. There's questions he needs the answers to."
"Who is Rodney Hardwick?" Jonathan asked with a frown
Lex glanced up, almost having forgotten the elder Kents were in the room. "He's a young man who I became acquainted with several weeks ago, Mr. Kent. A policeman."
Clark fell silent. He certainly wasn't going to discuss exactly how they knew him in front of his parents. "Can I go?"
Jonathan reached for a biscuit. "A cop? Lex, have you gotten into some sort of trouble?"
Lex shook his head. "I can assure you Mr. Kent, it's not a legal or criminal matter."
Clark's eyes flitted between the two men he cared about most. Wondering who would win what he was sure was about to turn into a battle.
Jonathan sighed and looked over at Clark. "You're getting old enough to make your own decisions now, son . . . but I want you to promise me that you haven't gotten yourself mixed up in anything illegal?"
A hurt look crossed Clark's face. "Of course not, dad."
Jonathan nodded at his son. "All right, son. We're trusting you on this."
Lex felt his hackles rise. "Mr. Kent, you know I'd never get Clark involved in--"
"I don't know that, Lex. But what I do know is that I have to trust my son to make the right choices." Jonathan said sharply.
"Dad, I promise there's nothing wrong. You need to trust Lex as well as me, you know. He's my friend."
Jonathan buttered his biscuit and sighed. "I know, Clark." He glanced up as Martha gave him a warning look, and knew then he had to back down. He gave Lex a decidedly patronizing nod, and Lex returned it briskly before eating more of his chicken.
Clark frowned, wanting nothing more than to storm out to show his dad how strongly he felt about this. There was no way he was leaving Lex on his own here though. "Can you manage dessert? He finally asked, deciding that a change of subject might be the best course of action.
Lex smiled. "Perhaps a small slice of pie, Clark, thank you."
Martha rose from her seat. "I'll get it. Jonathan, can you clear away the dinner dishes."
Jonathan nodded to his wife and followed her after stacking up a few plates, leaving Clark and Lex alone at the table.
"What's going on, Lex?" Clark asked in a hissed whisper. "Has he remembered what he did to you?"
"No, but he desperately wants those memories back, Clark. He wants me to tell him what happened that day."
Clark had to admit he had wondered about that himself. Lex had never told him the full story beyond the fact that Rod had kidnapped him while under the control of aliens. "Are you going to tell him?"
Lex sighed. "I wanted the truth when I lost my memories at Bell Reve, Clark. I understand how he feels.
lark winced. He'd come close on more than one occasion to telling Lex what he'd witness before losing his memories. "Lex, what did happen before I found you?"
The corners of Lex's mouth tightened. "Clark, I...."
Clark placed his hand over his. "Whatever it is you can tell me. I'm your friend and I care about you."
Lex swallowed hard. "He pulled me over on Route 19. At first I thought he was going to ticket me for speeding, but then--"
Clark gave his hand a reassuring squeeze
"He.... he pushed me up against the car. He was talking very strangely... and then he started touching me."
Clark's eyes widened. "Oh, god, Lex."
Lex sighed. "I fought him, naturally. But he tied my hands."
Right now Clark was torn between pulling Lex into holding Lex close and running out, finding Rod and ripping him to shreds.
"There was little I could do, Clark." Lex said softly.
"Of course not, Lex. God, I wish I'd been there to stop him."
"I wish you had too, Clark. But there's not much use in dwelling on that. What's done is done, and now . . . " Lex shook his head. "Something's happened, Clark. Something that must have been the result of Rod's possession by the alien influence."
Clark frowned. "What is it?"
"According to my physician and over a dozen of the best medical tests money can buy . . . I'm pregnant, Clark."
Clark's eyes widened. "What? You can't be. There must be some sort of mistake." He narrowed his eyes and quickly scanned Lex, almost falling off his chair when he saw inside his friend. "Oh, Lex..."
The corners of Lex's mouth tightened as he fought for control. Until now, he had managed his emotions quite well, but Clark's sympathy was nearly enough to undo him. "I'm all right, Clark." He said softly.
It was obvious to Clark that Lex was far from all right. He might have been able to hide it from everyone else, but Clark knew when Lex was keeping things in. Without a moment’s thought, he moved around the table and wrapped his arms around his friend.
Lex stiffened in surprise, but then felt his body relaxing in Clark's arms. He was so warm, so solid. "Clark, your parents . . . “But even as he said it, his arms were sliding around Clark's lean waist.
"I don't care about my parents right now," Clark whispered. "I care about you."
Lex swallowed hard. "I don't know what to do, Clark. The doctor says it seems like a normal pregnancy, but how can it be normal at all, if I'm the one who's pregnant?"
"I don't know Lex, but you don't have to go through this by yourself. I'm your friend and if you need to talk or if you need anything promise you'll come to me." He paused for a moment before letting go of Lex and stepping back. "I don't think you should see Rod tonight. What if he knows about the baby and he wants to hurt you."
"I think he would have hurt me already if that was his intent. Besides . . . I know you'd never let that happen."
Clark clenched his jaw and nodded. "I'm not going to let anything happen to you again, Lex, I promise."
Martha gently cleared her throat from the doorway. "Clark? Lex? Would you like some more pie?"
Clark flushed as he saw his mom standing there. How long had she been watching them? What had she heard? "I'm ok, mom. What about you, Lex?"
"I'm quite full, thank you Mrs. Kent. In fact, Clark and I should be going now." He stood and smiled at her. "Thank you for dinner, it was delicious."
She flashed him a small smile. "You're welcome. Clark, don't stay out too late. You have school tomorrow."
"I won't, mom." Clark smiled at her and then headed for the front door with Lex following.
Chapter 2