Fic: Against All Odds (4/?)
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!
Previous parts here
At the mansion, Lex allowed Clark to take him into the study and lay him down on the big leather couch there. He kicked off his shoes and lay a hand on his belly with a soft sigh.
Clark handed Lex a glass of water and a palmful of pills. "Take these first, then you can sleep, ok?"
Lex looked down at them; he was wary of pills ever since his father had taken to drugging him. "What are they?"
"Just your vitamins, Lex." Clark tried to give Lex a reassuring smile, although the suspicion in Lex's voice hurt him. He understood that everything Lex had been through warranted that suspicion, but he thought they trusted each other. "It's ok, I promise."
Lex saw the flicker of hurt in Clark's eyes and he kicked himself mentally for being cruel to the one person who would never harm him. "Yes, of course. Forgive me, Clark. I'm just a bit tired." He took the pills all in one big swallow without hesitation.
Clark gave a small smile and spread the throw from the back of the couch over Lex. "Get some sleep. I'll be here."
Lex smiled up at him, and then beckoned him close. "Come here a moment, farm boy."
Clark crouched down on the floor beside the couch
Lex reached out and tugged Clark forward by his flannel shirt and kissed him firmly. Then he smiled. "Thanks."
Clark couldn't stop the goofy smile from spreading over his face. He got like this whenever he kissed Lex, or in fact was just near him. He still considered it a miracle that they were together and every day he was grateful for the fact that Lex hadn't grown tired of him. "What was that for?"
"For still being here." Lex smiled and closed his eyes to rest.
"I'm not going anywhere, Lex," Clark whispered, brushing a gentle hand over Lex's cheek as he slept.
Lex let out a little contented murmur and Clark kissed his forehead before heading into the kitchen. Experience had taught him that when Lex woke up he'd be hungry. Very hungry.
Lex fell into a deeper sleep borne of exhaustion, both physical and mental, and when the study doors swept open ten minutes later, he never even heard them. Footsteps crossed the study floor, and a shadow fell over Lex as he slept. A moment later, Lionel Luthor barked loudly at his only son. "Lex! Wake up!"
He was awake in an instant, his body having been trained from a young age to respond to that voice. "Father," he said, trying to keep the exhaustion out of his voice, knowing his father would see it as a sign of weakness. It was already bad that his father had caught him sleeping during working hours.
Lionel glanced at his Rolex. "Asleep at two-thirty-seven in the afternoon, Lex? And . . . "He frowned at Lex's clothing.”What have you done to yourself, boy?"
Shit! He was still wearing Clark's jeans and t-shirt. "I was visiting the Kents and my clothes got dirty. Clark was kind enough to lend me some of his until we got back here."
"How kind of him indeed," Lionel drawled as he began to pace back and forth in front of Lex. "And is there perhaps a reason you were over playing with your little friend instead of working here, for me, as you're supposed to be doing? I don't recall giving permission for a . . . playdate."
They'd played this game many times before and the lies slipped smoothly and easily from Lex's lips as he talked. "I wanted to talk to Martha Kent about an increase in our produce delivery. I assure you, dad, it was strictly business."
"I can only imagine under what circumstances your clothes became dirty. Perhaps up in young Mr. Kent's loft?" Lionel reached down and fingered the tee shirt. "And just what kind of . . . delivery . . . did the two of you discuss up there, hmm?"
Lex jerked away. His father was only guessing, trying to rattle him, but it was working and he hated himself for letting his father get to him again. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"You spend too much time with the Kents . . . expend too much energy trying to get them to accept you when they never will." Lionel pinned Lex with a disapproving glare. "Just look at you! For God's Sakes, Lex!" Lionel pulled Lex to his feet by the collar of his shirt, and then frowned as the hem of the shirt rode up slightly. "Lex, have you been over-indulging in food and drink? You appear bloated." He frowned severely as Lex bolted away from him behind the couch. "Lex. Come here."
Every part of his subconscious was telling him he needed to obey his father, but there was a part of him overriding all that that told him if he did, it would be a death-sentence for his baby. "Dad, I really need to shower and get back to work."
Lionel's eyes snapped. "You're keeping something from me. Come here." Lionel moved quicker than an adder and grabbed the front of Lex's shirt again. He pulled him forward and snaked an arm around Lex's neck, turning him away, pulling him back to chest. His free hand lifted the shirt.
Lex grunted and twisted in Lionel's grip. "Let me go!"
Lex tried to twist away, struggled to break free break free but it was no good. His father's grip was strong and if he struggled too hard he was risking hurting the baby.
"Let's just see what Lex has done to himself," Lionel muttered, and his hand felt Lex's belly. Lex gave a yell of inarticulate rage and fear.
Clark dropped everything when he heard Lex's cry, sending loose pasta all over the kitchen floor. He was in the study a fraction of a second later, his blood running cold when he saw Lionel with his hand on Lex's stomach. "Get off him!"
Lionel looked up, surprised when Clark appeared in the doorway. "Clark. I can appreciate your . . . penchant for heroics, but this is a matter between me and my son."
Clark stepped forward, raising himself up to his full height so that he towered over Lionel. "Lex is my friend, so it's my matter too."
"Clark, please." Lex whispered, his tone choked by Lionel's arm. He wasn't sure if it was a plea for Clark to protect himself, or to protect him. Lionel tightened his arm around Lex's neck. "Hush now," He purred in Lex's ear, and looked up Clark. "Clark. Walk away, son. Walk away, and close the door behind you."
"I'm not going anywhere." Clark growled, his heart pounding at the sound of Lex's choked whisper. "Let him go, Lionel, I don't want to hurt you."
Lex gasped and his eyes rolled. Lionel finally released him and shoved him away a little. "I don't know what's going on here between the two you. But I intend to find out." He straightened his tie. "Lex, I'm travelling to Tokyo in the morning, but I expect to see you in my office at nine am a week from today. And for God's Sake boy, wear a suit!" Lionel gave Lex one more disgusted glance and stormed out.
Clark rushed to Lex's side, catching him before he collapsed. "Lex!"
Lex struggled for air. "I'm all . . . right, Clark . . . I'm all right . . .” He gulped in four deep breaths until his vision cleared.
Clark glanced back at the door, still open from when Lionel has made his exit. "Lex, it's not safe here anymore. We have to leave. Now."
"He knows, Clark. My dad knows we're together. I could see it in his eyes." He gulped hard and looked up at Clark. "I hate to ask you this Clark, but . . . do you think there's any way you could help Rod with speeding up the progress in cleaning up that house? You know I'd never ask you to use your abilities like this as a favour . . . but it's for our child. Please, Clark?"
Clark nodded. "It's no big deal, Lex. I help my dad with the farm chores all the time. I should have thought of it sooner. Pack your things and then we'll leave. I promised I won't anything happen to you and I meant it."
Lex nodded. "All right." He smoothed a hand over his belly. "Clark, I want you to know that usually when my father becomes physical with me, I try not to allow it. But I was afraid if I struggled, I would harm our baby."
Clark noticed Lex was trembling and pulled him into his arms. "I shouldn't have left your side."
"You didn't know he'd come here. Neither did I." Lex rested his forehead against Clark's chest. "It's not your fault, Clark." He rose up on his tiptoes and kissed Clark's neck gently. "He's an abusive bastard, and what's important now is getting away from him."
Clark pressed a kiss to the top of his head. "Want me to help you get your things together?"
Lex nodded. "The sooner we leave here, the better."
"Come on, we'll go together." He didn't say so but he was terrified that Lionel might come back and there was no way he was going to leave Lex alone even for a moment
"All right. I just hope that Rod remembered his promise to start work on the house."
"It'll be fine, Lex," Clark said as they headed upstairs. "I can have it ready in a few minutes."
Lex managed a small smile. "I just hope one of your emerging powers turns out to be the ability to exterminate bugs in the blink of an eye."
***
"Sonofa! Come on! Here we go . . . agghhh!" Rod socked his shoulder up against the arm of the used but very serviceable patterned couch that was stuck in the doorway of the little house. The floors had been swept and mopped clean, the cobwebs cleared, and the furniture dusted. Rod had been bringing spare furniture in from his garage all afternoon. He was now shirtless, dirt-smeared and panting as he fought with the couch.
"Okay. Last time . . . you can do this, Roddy. You're a cop after all, right? Right . . . so come on. One, two three . . . arrrghhh!" Rod rushed the couch and slammed his body against it, but it refused to budge. He flipped over the arm of the couch and ended up facedown on the cushions.
Clark chuckled as he and Lex approached. "Taking a rest, Rod?"
Rod flailed and arms waved as he tried to right himself. He squirmed over onto his back and tried to appear casual, even though he was nearly vertical on the couch. "Hey fellas."
"Need some help?" Clark asked. "We...uh...ran into some problems at Lex's place and we kind of need to move in now."
Rod folded his arms behind his head. "Problems? Well . . . " He somersaulted backwards off the couch and then squirmed out the door by climbing over it. "Think you can give a hand with this couch, Clark old buddy?"
"Sure!" Clark picked up the couch with one hand. "Where do you want it?"
"Uh, well . . . " Rod couldn't help but stare. "In the corner. I brought you guys a coffee table and a tv. It's not real big, but I can get up on the roof there and jerry-rig you some HBO if you want."
Lex glanced around the place. Now that it was clean, it didn't seem so bad. It was almost cosy in a way, and Rod really seemed to be making an effort, if one could judge by his sweaty and smudged appearance.
"Are the...uh...bugs gone?" He hated how small and cowardly his voice sounded, but really he couldn't face them after everything else that had happened today.
Rod grinned and held up a small tank of insecticide that was attached to a spray gun. "Say hello to my little friend!"
"Is it safe for Lex to be in here?" Clark asked sharply, seeing the hazard sign on the bottle. "With the fumes I mean?"
"Oh I sprayed awhile ago . . . fumes should be mostly gone by now. But I did it inside and out so the little suckers don't stand a chance! The minute they try and crawl through the line of spray, WHAM! It's buggy heaven!"
Clark x-rayed the place and couldn't see any signs of bugs. Whatever Rod had done seemed to have done the job. "It's ok, Lex. You can come in."
Lex stepped inside and glanced around. "Looks like you've been working hard, Rod." He put his arm around Clark's waist. "We really appreciate it."
Clark nodded. "Yeah, thanks a lot, Rod. If there's anything we can do for you just ask."
"It's cool." Rod nodded. "I mean . . . after what I did, it's the least I can do, you know?" Rod shrugged. "I mostly work in the mornings, so you guys can pretty much come and go as you want." He handed Clark a key ring with two keys on it. "Here. One is for the gate and the other is for the door."
Clark took the keys and gave Rod's hand a squeeze. "Thank you. Again."
"To protect and serve, right?" Rod smiled. "If you think of anything you need, just let me know. You want me to hook up that cable for you?"
"The only important thing is that Lex's dad doesn't find out we're here," Clark explained. "He...tried to hurt Lex earlier. That's why we're here early."
"You shoulda called me," Rod said. "I would've arrested his ass."
Lex shook his head. "He has the best lawyers money can buy. He'd have been out of jail in minutes. But thank you for suggesting it."
Rod nodded. "If he comes here and tries to hurt you, I'll bust his legs."
Lex smiled. "Thank you, Rod, but my father never does his own dirty work. Just be on the lookout for anyone you don't know."
Rod nodded. "Gotcha. Uh . . . do you guys want to have dinner with me? The fridge is clean and plugged in, but it's empty."
Clark looked at Lex. "Are you hungry? I was fixing us dinner in the mansion when I heard you shouting."
Lex nodded. "Now that you mention it, I could do with a little something."
Rod grinned. "Great! How does steak and fries sound?"
Lex smiled; despite how they had met and his odd quirks, Lex found himself growing fond of the man. "That sounds good, Rod, thanks."
"Then afterwards you need to rest," Clark said as they walked back towards the house. "You barely slept for five minutes this afternoon."
"Looks after you pretty good, doesn't he." Rod chuckled to Lex as he glanced up at Clark, and
"Yeah. He does."
Clark smiled and slipped his hand into Lex's as they walked
In the kitchen, Rod broiled up some steaks and recruited Clark to slice up some potatoes to make home fries while Lex relaxed at the kitchen table with a glass of ginger ale.
Clark smiled as he sliced the potatoes. This felt...nice. Homey. Somehow he had a feeling that everything was going to be ok, and it was the first time he'd felt this way since he'd discovered Lex was pregnant
"You guys want some tunes?" Rod asked as he peppered the steaks and slid them into the oven.
Lex sighed. "I don't suppose you subscribe to the New York Times, or maybe even the Daily Planet?"
Rod shook his head. "Nah, I just watch the news on TV. Sometimes I read The Inquisitor if it's a quiet day at the station."
Lex's nose wrinkled in extreme distaste; he'd been the target of that rag once too often to give it the benefit of the doubt anymore. "Well, the last time I checked, The Inquisitor didn't carry the daily stock report."
Rod snorted. "Yeah, that stuff is boring!" He noticed the look on Lex's face. "Ohh! Sorry, man. Uh, I can pick up a copy of The Planet on my way home from work if you want."
"If it won't put you out," Lex replied, and sipped his ginger ale.
"Nah, it's no problem," Rod replied as he took a beer from the fridge. He offered the can to Clark. "You want?"
Lex cleared his throat pointedly.
Clark ducked his head. "Uh, I'm only seventeen."
Rod glanced over at Lex. "Uh, kid? I'm willing to bet there's other stuff you're doing that minors shouldn't do? A beer won't kill you." He waggled the can at Clark.
Clark glanced over at Lex and then looked back at Rod and the beer that was being waved in his face. "No thanks, I'd better not. I don't know how it will affect me. Not human, remember?"
"Huh." Rod set the beer down. "Keep forgetting."
Clark smiled and handed the cut potatoes to Rod for cooking. He moved and sat down beside Lex. "You ok? It's been a rough day."
Lex nodded. "I'm a bit achy, but I'm all right." He put a hand on Clark's arm. "You've taken good care of me."
Clark smiled and placed his hand over Lex's "I don't plan on stopping any time soon."
Lex smiled. "A part of me still doesn't believe you're still here."
"I feel the same way," Clark said softly. "Like any minute I'm going to wake up and find it's all been a really weird but wonderful dream." He leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to Lex's lips. "I never want it to end."
Lex looked up at him. "And the baby? It doesn't frighten you?"
"It does," Clark admitted. "I mean, this is huge, Lex, but I know that if we're together we'll be ok. We have to be, right?"
Lex nodded. "We'll get through it. I've been thinking it over, and it's obvious I'll have to deliver surgically. I believe I can trust my personal surgeon."
Clark hesitated. He'd been thinking about this a lot too. "Lex, I want to be there when it happens."
Lex sighed. "Clark, if . . . if anything happens, or if there's something wrong with the baby, I--"
"Don't think like that, Lex. You can't, ok? I love you and I want to be there for you and our baby, no matter what." It was only after he'd finished talking that he realised this was the first time he'd told Lex he loved him. He hadn't even thought about it, the words had just come so naturally.
Lex's smile widened. "Thanks, Clark. And I love you too."
"If you love him so much why don't you marry him already?" Rod playfully mocked from the kitchen.
"I would," Lex said in all seriousness. "If gay marriage was legal in this state."
Rod grinned and leaned back enough so that he could see Lex. "You know, man, about two months ago, that would have grossed me out. Now I don't think I mind it so much anymore."
Clark was still staring at Lex as the words he'd just heard slowly started to penetrate his brain. "You'd marry me?" he finally whispered
Lex turned at Clark's near-whisper, and his expression turned serious. "If I were able, Clark, yes. In a minute." He put his hand on Clark's cheek.
Tears glistened in Clark's eyes as he wondered, for the hundredth time, what he'd done to deserve Lex.
"Just kiss him already. The steaks are done." Rod grinned as he pulled out the broiler and stuck a barbeque fork in the meat.
Clark didn't need telling twice. He leaned forward and brushed his lips over Lex's in a soft kiss. "I really do love you," he murmured.
"I know, Clark. You show me all the time. I love you too."
Rod brought the steaks in and set them on the table. "Hey you lovebirds . . . can you set the table for me?"
"I'll do it," Clark said, pressing another quick kiss to Lex's lips. "Lex needs to rest."
"Looks like you're off the hook with housework for the next five months, man," Rod laughed as he handed Clark the plates. "Just remember, once you're back on your feet, the honeymoon's over!"
Clark shook his head. "I like doing things for Lex. That's not going to change once we have a baby."
"A lot of guys can't handle it. It's nothing like you expect, I guess, and some guys--" Rod shook his head. "They just can't handle it."
Clark looked at Rod curiously, there was something in his tone of voice that was...off. "Do you have any kids, Rod?"
"Nah." Rod shook his head. "I learned a hard lesson from my old man that the Hardwick men aren't meant to be dads. I'm gonna spare some kid a lot of grief by staying single."
Lex gave a sympathetic smile. "I understand how you feel, Rod. My dad is never going to win father of the year but that doesn't mean you're the same."
"That we agree on," Clark said, already tucking hungrily into his food. "Wow, Rod, this is really good."
"A man isn't a man unless he can make a good steak." Rod said as he sat down with his own plate, relieved at the change of subject for now.
Clark glanced at Lex and grinned. "I guess one of us should learn then."
"Oh, I'll leave that to you." Lex grinned as he cut up his steak into small pieces before eating it.
"Think you can teach me some time?" Clark asked Rod.
"Sure! It's not that hard." Rod added some sour cream to his potato.
"Great!" Clark had already finished his food and was now eyeing the leftover fries.
Lex chuckled. "Go ahead Clark. I'm already quite full."
Clark glanced at Lex's plate. He'd eaten most of the meat and a few of the fries. It was better than he'd done in a while. "Rod? You want any more?"
"Nah, go ahead." Rod cracked open another beer.
Chapter 5
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!
Previous parts here
At the mansion, Lex allowed Clark to take him into the study and lay him down on the big leather couch there. He kicked off his shoes and lay a hand on his belly with a soft sigh.
Clark handed Lex a glass of water and a palmful of pills. "Take these first, then you can sleep, ok?"
Lex looked down at them; he was wary of pills ever since his father had taken to drugging him. "What are they?"
"Just your vitamins, Lex." Clark tried to give Lex a reassuring smile, although the suspicion in Lex's voice hurt him. He understood that everything Lex had been through warranted that suspicion, but he thought they trusted each other. "It's ok, I promise."
Lex saw the flicker of hurt in Clark's eyes and he kicked himself mentally for being cruel to the one person who would never harm him. "Yes, of course. Forgive me, Clark. I'm just a bit tired." He took the pills all in one big swallow without hesitation.
Clark gave a small smile and spread the throw from the back of the couch over Lex. "Get some sleep. I'll be here."
Lex smiled up at him, and then beckoned him close. "Come here a moment, farm boy."
Clark crouched down on the floor beside the couch
Lex reached out and tugged Clark forward by his flannel shirt and kissed him firmly. Then he smiled. "Thanks."
Clark couldn't stop the goofy smile from spreading over his face. He got like this whenever he kissed Lex, or in fact was just near him. He still considered it a miracle that they were together and every day he was grateful for the fact that Lex hadn't grown tired of him. "What was that for?"
"For still being here." Lex smiled and closed his eyes to rest.
"I'm not going anywhere, Lex," Clark whispered, brushing a gentle hand over Lex's cheek as he slept.
Lex let out a little contented murmur and Clark kissed his forehead before heading into the kitchen. Experience had taught him that when Lex woke up he'd be hungry. Very hungry.
Lex fell into a deeper sleep borne of exhaustion, both physical and mental, and when the study doors swept open ten minutes later, he never even heard them. Footsteps crossed the study floor, and a shadow fell over Lex as he slept. A moment later, Lionel Luthor barked loudly at his only son. "Lex! Wake up!"
He was awake in an instant, his body having been trained from a young age to respond to that voice. "Father," he said, trying to keep the exhaustion out of his voice, knowing his father would see it as a sign of weakness. It was already bad that his father had caught him sleeping during working hours.
Lionel glanced at his Rolex. "Asleep at two-thirty-seven in the afternoon, Lex? And . . . "He frowned at Lex's clothing.”What have you done to yourself, boy?"
Shit! He was still wearing Clark's jeans and t-shirt. "I was visiting the Kents and my clothes got dirty. Clark was kind enough to lend me some of his until we got back here."
"How kind of him indeed," Lionel drawled as he began to pace back and forth in front of Lex. "And is there perhaps a reason you were over playing with your little friend instead of working here, for me, as you're supposed to be doing? I don't recall giving permission for a . . . playdate."
They'd played this game many times before and the lies slipped smoothly and easily from Lex's lips as he talked. "I wanted to talk to Martha Kent about an increase in our produce delivery. I assure you, dad, it was strictly business."
"I can only imagine under what circumstances your clothes became dirty. Perhaps up in young Mr. Kent's loft?" Lionel reached down and fingered the tee shirt. "And just what kind of . . . delivery . . . did the two of you discuss up there, hmm?"
Lex jerked away. His father was only guessing, trying to rattle him, but it was working and he hated himself for letting his father get to him again. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"You spend too much time with the Kents . . . expend too much energy trying to get them to accept you when they never will." Lionel pinned Lex with a disapproving glare. "Just look at you! For God's Sakes, Lex!" Lionel pulled Lex to his feet by the collar of his shirt, and then frowned as the hem of the shirt rode up slightly. "Lex, have you been over-indulging in food and drink? You appear bloated." He frowned severely as Lex bolted away from him behind the couch. "Lex. Come here."
Every part of his subconscious was telling him he needed to obey his father, but there was a part of him overriding all that that told him if he did, it would be a death-sentence for his baby. "Dad, I really need to shower and get back to work."
Lionel's eyes snapped. "You're keeping something from me. Come here." Lionel moved quicker than an adder and grabbed the front of Lex's shirt again. He pulled him forward and snaked an arm around Lex's neck, turning him away, pulling him back to chest. His free hand lifted the shirt.
Lex grunted and twisted in Lionel's grip. "Let me go!"
Lex tried to twist away, struggled to break free break free but it was no good. His father's grip was strong and if he struggled too hard he was risking hurting the baby.
"Let's just see what Lex has done to himself," Lionel muttered, and his hand felt Lex's belly. Lex gave a yell of inarticulate rage and fear.
Clark dropped everything when he heard Lex's cry, sending loose pasta all over the kitchen floor. He was in the study a fraction of a second later, his blood running cold when he saw Lionel with his hand on Lex's stomach. "Get off him!"
Lionel looked up, surprised when Clark appeared in the doorway. "Clark. I can appreciate your . . . penchant for heroics, but this is a matter between me and my son."
Clark stepped forward, raising himself up to his full height so that he towered over Lionel. "Lex is my friend, so it's my matter too."
"Clark, please." Lex whispered, his tone choked by Lionel's arm. He wasn't sure if it was a plea for Clark to protect himself, or to protect him. Lionel tightened his arm around Lex's neck. "Hush now," He purred in Lex's ear, and looked up Clark. "Clark. Walk away, son. Walk away, and close the door behind you."
"I'm not going anywhere." Clark growled, his heart pounding at the sound of Lex's choked whisper. "Let him go, Lionel, I don't want to hurt you."
Lex gasped and his eyes rolled. Lionel finally released him and shoved him away a little. "I don't know what's going on here between the two you. But I intend to find out." He straightened his tie. "Lex, I'm travelling to Tokyo in the morning, but I expect to see you in my office at nine am a week from today. And for God's Sake boy, wear a suit!" Lionel gave Lex one more disgusted glance and stormed out.
Clark rushed to Lex's side, catching him before he collapsed. "Lex!"
Lex struggled for air. "I'm all . . . right, Clark . . . I'm all right . . .” He gulped in four deep breaths until his vision cleared.
Clark glanced back at the door, still open from when Lionel has made his exit. "Lex, it's not safe here anymore. We have to leave. Now."
"He knows, Clark. My dad knows we're together. I could see it in his eyes." He gulped hard and looked up at Clark. "I hate to ask you this Clark, but . . . do you think there's any way you could help Rod with speeding up the progress in cleaning up that house? You know I'd never ask you to use your abilities like this as a favour . . . but it's for our child. Please, Clark?"
Clark nodded. "It's no big deal, Lex. I help my dad with the farm chores all the time. I should have thought of it sooner. Pack your things and then we'll leave. I promised I won't anything happen to you and I meant it."
Lex nodded. "All right." He smoothed a hand over his belly. "Clark, I want you to know that usually when my father becomes physical with me, I try not to allow it. But I was afraid if I struggled, I would harm our baby."
Clark noticed Lex was trembling and pulled him into his arms. "I shouldn't have left your side."
"You didn't know he'd come here. Neither did I." Lex rested his forehead against Clark's chest. "It's not your fault, Clark." He rose up on his tiptoes and kissed Clark's neck gently. "He's an abusive bastard, and what's important now is getting away from him."
Clark pressed a kiss to the top of his head. "Want me to help you get your things together?"
Lex nodded. "The sooner we leave here, the better."
"Come on, we'll go together." He didn't say so but he was terrified that Lionel might come back and there was no way he was going to leave Lex alone even for a moment
"All right. I just hope that Rod remembered his promise to start work on the house."
"It'll be fine, Lex," Clark said as they headed upstairs. "I can have it ready in a few minutes."
Lex managed a small smile. "I just hope one of your emerging powers turns out to be the ability to exterminate bugs in the blink of an eye."
***
"Sonofa! Come on! Here we go . . . agghhh!" Rod socked his shoulder up against the arm of the used but very serviceable patterned couch that was stuck in the doorway of the little house. The floors had been swept and mopped clean, the cobwebs cleared, and the furniture dusted. Rod had been bringing spare furniture in from his garage all afternoon. He was now shirtless, dirt-smeared and panting as he fought with the couch.
"Okay. Last time . . . you can do this, Roddy. You're a cop after all, right? Right . . . so come on. One, two three . . . arrrghhh!" Rod rushed the couch and slammed his body against it, but it refused to budge. He flipped over the arm of the couch and ended up facedown on the cushions.
Clark chuckled as he and Lex approached. "Taking a rest, Rod?"
Rod flailed and arms waved as he tried to right himself. He squirmed over onto his back and tried to appear casual, even though he was nearly vertical on the couch. "Hey fellas."
"Need some help?" Clark asked. "We...uh...ran into some problems at Lex's place and we kind of need to move in now."
Rod folded his arms behind his head. "Problems? Well . . . " He somersaulted backwards off the couch and then squirmed out the door by climbing over it. "Think you can give a hand with this couch, Clark old buddy?"
"Sure!" Clark picked up the couch with one hand. "Where do you want it?"
"Uh, well . . . " Rod couldn't help but stare. "In the corner. I brought you guys a coffee table and a tv. It's not real big, but I can get up on the roof there and jerry-rig you some HBO if you want."
Lex glanced around the place. Now that it was clean, it didn't seem so bad. It was almost cosy in a way, and Rod really seemed to be making an effort, if one could judge by his sweaty and smudged appearance.
"Are the...uh...bugs gone?" He hated how small and cowardly his voice sounded, but really he couldn't face them after everything else that had happened today.
Rod grinned and held up a small tank of insecticide that was attached to a spray gun. "Say hello to my little friend!"
"Is it safe for Lex to be in here?" Clark asked sharply, seeing the hazard sign on the bottle. "With the fumes I mean?"
"Oh I sprayed awhile ago . . . fumes should be mostly gone by now. But I did it inside and out so the little suckers don't stand a chance! The minute they try and crawl through the line of spray, WHAM! It's buggy heaven!"
Clark x-rayed the place and couldn't see any signs of bugs. Whatever Rod had done seemed to have done the job. "It's ok, Lex. You can come in."
Lex stepped inside and glanced around. "Looks like you've been working hard, Rod." He put his arm around Clark's waist. "We really appreciate it."
Clark nodded. "Yeah, thanks a lot, Rod. If there's anything we can do for you just ask."
"It's cool." Rod nodded. "I mean . . . after what I did, it's the least I can do, you know?" Rod shrugged. "I mostly work in the mornings, so you guys can pretty much come and go as you want." He handed Clark a key ring with two keys on it. "Here. One is for the gate and the other is for the door."
Clark took the keys and gave Rod's hand a squeeze. "Thank you. Again."
"To protect and serve, right?" Rod smiled. "If you think of anything you need, just let me know. You want me to hook up that cable for you?"
"The only important thing is that Lex's dad doesn't find out we're here," Clark explained. "He...tried to hurt Lex earlier. That's why we're here early."
"You shoulda called me," Rod said. "I would've arrested his ass."
Lex shook his head. "He has the best lawyers money can buy. He'd have been out of jail in minutes. But thank you for suggesting it."
Rod nodded. "If he comes here and tries to hurt you, I'll bust his legs."
Lex smiled. "Thank you, Rod, but my father never does his own dirty work. Just be on the lookout for anyone you don't know."
Rod nodded. "Gotcha. Uh . . . do you guys want to have dinner with me? The fridge is clean and plugged in, but it's empty."
Clark looked at Lex. "Are you hungry? I was fixing us dinner in the mansion when I heard you shouting."
Lex nodded. "Now that you mention it, I could do with a little something."
Rod grinned. "Great! How does steak and fries sound?"
Lex smiled; despite how they had met and his odd quirks, Lex found himself growing fond of the man. "That sounds good, Rod, thanks."
"Then afterwards you need to rest," Clark said as they walked back towards the house. "You barely slept for five minutes this afternoon."
"Looks after you pretty good, doesn't he." Rod chuckled to Lex as he glanced up at Clark, and
"Yeah. He does."
Clark smiled and slipped his hand into Lex's as they walked
In the kitchen, Rod broiled up some steaks and recruited Clark to slice up some potatoes to make home fries while Lex relaxed at the kitchen table with a glass of ginger ale.
Clark smiled as he sliced the potatoes. This felt...nice. Homey. Somehow he had a feeling that everything was going to be ok, and it was the first time he'd felt this way since he'd discovered Lex was pregnant
"You guys want some tunes?" Rod asked as he peppered the steaks and slid them into the oven.
Lex sighed. "I don't suppose you subscribe to the New York Times, or maybe even the Daily Planet?"
Rod shook his head. "Nah, I just watch the news on TV. Sometimes I read The Inquisitor if it's a quiet day at the station."
Lex's nose wrinkled in extreme distaste; he'd been the target of that rag once too often to give it the benefit of the doubt anymore. "Well, the last time I checked, The Inquisitor didn't carry the daily stock report."
Rod snorted. "Yeah, that stuff is boring!" He noticed the look on Lex's face. "Ohh! Sorry, man. Uh, I can pick up a copy of The Planet on my way home from work if you want."
"If it won't put you out," Lex replied, and sipped his ginger ale.
"Nah, it's no problem," Rod replied as he took a beer from the fridge. He offered the can to Clark. "You want?"
Lex cleared his throat pointedly.
Clark ducked his head. "Uh, I'm only seventeen."
Rod glanced over at Lex. "Uh, kid? I'm willing to bet there's other stuff you're doing that minors shouldn't do? A beer won't kill you." He waggled the can at Clark.
Clark glanced over at Lex and then looked back at Rod and the beer that was being waved in his face. "No thanks, I'd better not. I don't know how it will affect me. Not human, remember?"
"Huh." Rod set the beer down. "Keep forgetting."
Clark smiled and handed the cut potatoes to Rod for cooking. He moved and sat down beside Lex. "You ok? It's been a rough day."
Lex nodded. "I'm a bit achy, but I'm all right." He put a hand on Clark's arm. "You've taken good care of me."
Clark smiled and placed his hand over Lex's "I don't plan on stopping any time soon."
Lex smiled. "A part of me still doesn't believe you're still here."
"I feel the same way," Clark said softly. "Like any minute I'm going to wake up and find it's all been a really weird but wonderful dream." He leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to Lex's lips. "I never want it to end."
Lex looked up at him. "And the baby? It doesn't frighten you?"
"It does," Clark admitted. "I mean, this is huge, Lex, but I know that if we're together we'll be ok. We have to be, right?"
Lex nodded. "We'll get through it. I've been thinking it over, and it's obvious I'll have to deliver surgically. I believe I can trust my personal surgeon."
Clark hesitated. He'd been thinking about this a lot too. "Lex, I want to be there when it happens."
Lex sighed. "Clark, if . . . if anything happens, or if there's something wrong with the baby, I--"
"Don't think like that, Lex. You can't, ok? I love you and I want to be there for you and our baby, no matter what." It was only after he'd finished talking that he realised this was the first time he'd told Lex he loved him. He hadn't even thought about it, the words had just come so naturally.
Lex's smile widened. "Thanks, Clark. And I love you too."
"If you love him so much why don't you marry him already?" Rod playfully mocked from the kitchen.
"I would," Lex said in all seriousness. "If gay marriage was legal in this state."
Rod grinned and leaned back enough so that he could see Lex. "You know, man, about two months ago, that would have grossed me out. Now I don't think I mind it so much anymore."
Clark was still staring at Lex as the words he'd just heard slowly started to penetrate his brain. "You'd marry me?" he finally whispered
Lex turned at Clark's near-whisper, and his expression turned serious. "If I were able, Clark, yes. In a minute." He put his hand on Clark's cheek.
Tears glistened in Clark's eyes as he wondered, for the hundredth time, what he'd done to deserve Lex.
"Just kiss him already. The steaks are done." Rod grinned as he pulled out the broiler and stuck a barbeque fork in the meat.
Clark didn't need telling twice. He leaned forward and brushed his lips over Lex's in a soft kiss. "I really do love you," he murmured.
"I know, Clark. You show me all the time. I love you too."
Rod brought the steaks in and set them on the table. "Hey you lovebirds . . . can you set the table for me?"
"I'll do it," Clark said, pressing another quick kiss to Lex's lips. "Lex needs to rest."
"Looks like you're off the hook with housework for the next five months, man," Rod laughed as he handed Clark the plates. "Just remember, once you're back on your feet, the honeymoon's over!"
Clark shook his head. "I like doing things for Lex. That's not going to change once we have a baby."
"A lot of guys can't handle it. It's nothing like you expect, I guess, and some guys--" Rod shook his head. "They just can't handle it."
Clark looked at Rod curiously, there was something in his tone of voice that was...off. "Do you have any kids, Rod?"
"Nah." Rod shook his head. "I learned a hard lesson from my old man that the Hardwick men aren't meant to be dads. I'm gonna spare some kid a lot of grief by staying single."
Lex gave a sympathetic smile. "I understand how you feel, Rod. My dad is never going to win father of the year but that doesn't mean you're the same."
"That we agree on," Clark said, already tucking hungrily into his food. "Wow, Rod, this is really good."
"A man isn't a man unless he can make a good steak." Rod said as he sat down with his own plate, relieved at the change of subject for now.
Clark glanced at Lex and grinned. "I guess one of us should learn then."
"Oh, I'll leave that to you." Lex grinned as he cut up his steak into small pieces before eating it.
"Think you can teach me some time?" Clark asked Rod.
"Sure! It's not that hard." Rod added some sour cream to his potato.
"Great!" Clark had already finished his food and was now eyeing the leftover fries.
Lex chuckled. "Go ahead Clark. I'm already quite full."
Clark glanced at Lex's plate. He'd eaten most of the meat and a few of the fries. It was better than he'd done in a while. "Rod? You want any more?"
"Nah, go ahead." Rod cracked open another beer.
Chapter 5