This Way to America by soft_princess (Part 2 of 2)

[teot]

Title: This Way to America
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 17,043 total
Cover: Cover #1
Summary: Lex Luthor never considered the possibility that he might fall in love--until he met Clark Kent. Now that he's found love, what will Lex be willing to give up for its sake?



PART ONE

* * *

Chapter 3

"This is a charming ball, Lex," the woman said, touching her hair in that way some men found appealing.

Lex smiled at her, mask in place, even as he thought she looked ridiculous. Lady Victoria was Dominic's sister from their mother's second marriage. The favoured, and only, child of an old earl, who might just inherit the duchy of Gotham shortly, as things went. He wasn't long for death either, and it left no sons of Gotham alive for more generations than the Royal archivists could search.

Dominic was the fifth son of a baron, and after his father’s death, his mother remarried at a higher rank, and begot one more child. Lady Victoria was not only the earl's only child, she was the baroness' only daughter, and the last remaining child of the Gotham line (save Lionel, if his stories were to be believed). To say she was spoiled would be a major understatement.

It also explained why she always got her wishes. This ball was one of them.

Furthermore, it explained why Lionel kept Dominic as his assistant, despite his utter lack of intelligence.

"It's all my father's doing, dear lady. He has a soft spot for you; you know it well," Lex replied pleasantly, handing her a drink. "Would you like to dance?"

As far as women went, Lady Victoria was not a bad choice for a bride. She was quick-witted and completely independent. She was used to commanding her household, since the earl was now bedridden and the countess had died that very winter after a year-long illness. Lex could simply marry her, and then never need care for her at all.

The only shadow on that perfect painting was that Lady Victoria was bedding Lionel. Lex wasn't supposed to know, of course, but Jacob had caught the young lady--or should it be whore? Lex was still unsure on the exact word he should be using when referring to her--walking out of Lionel's rooms at dawn just a few days prior, and every morning since, and had been quick to report his findings to Lex.

Lex had gotten very good at acting the part of the dutiful son over the past five months, and he was waiting in anticipation for the right moment to use this information and get the greatest results from it. Until then, he was charming and compliant in the hopes of fooling both his father and the lady.

"It would be a pleasure." Lady Victoria took his hand, and followed him to the dance floor.

Lex had been right when he'd thought that no other men would grab his attention after Clark's whirlwind visit into his life. He hadn't even so much as glanced a man's way since Clark had left. Before Lady Victoria had arrived, Chloe had teased Lex about it mercilessly. It seemed that her initial fear for Clark's virtue had disappeared when she had learned how Lex had been nothing but a gentleman, and she had then truly believed that Lex's feelings were genuine.

Lady Victoria's arrival had put a damper on things and destroyed every bit of the easiness that had been between Lex and Chloe beforehand. He still visited with Lawrence regularly, but Chloe would not speak to him at all anymore unless it was utterly necessary. The house she now shared with her father since his accident seemed crowded and claustrophobic to Lex, and for the past month, he'd had Lawrence brought to the mansion for their visits instead of going down the hill as he used to do.

Chloe had been resolute that Lex should not marry Lady Victoria. She had been right, of course, but Lex hadn't known then what he knew now, and it had led to many fights between them; fights that had never resolved themselves, because of Chloe and Lex's stubbornness until it had finally been the last straw, and they had both given up.

Lady Victoria had commented more than once on his attachment to his son--the bastard, as she liked to call him. Lex had stopped trying to explain himself, his relationship with Chloe, or anything about it, but Lady Victoria's constant remarks had made their way into Lex's mind, until he'd found himself thinking of Lawrence the same way she did.

He truly needed to find Chloe and apologize for the way he'd behaved, now that he knew she had been right all along. Turning into his father had certainly not been part of his plan, if he'd had a plan at all.

Chloe should be here tonight, as all the staff had been asked to land a hand at the ball. Lex had no idea whether she would be helping in the kitchen or elsewhere, but he would look for her as soon as this dance was done and he could escape the grasp of the one fancying herself his future fiancée.

They were near the end of the dance when Lady Victoria stopped abruptly and grabbed Lex's arm. "Who is that young man?" she asked, whispering.

Lex frowned and looked in the direction she pointed at, and gaped. Clark. Clark Kent was here, in this ballroom, dressed like--a dandy. There were no other words to describe Clark's clothing. While Lex had nothing but contempt for dandies these days, Clark still managed to make their fashion attractive beyond anything Lex would deem reasonable.

"Do you know him, Mr. Luthor?" Lady Victoria demanded, her hand closing on Lex's arm.

He managed to free himself before answering. "Yes, that is Clark Kent," he muttered. "But I didn't know that he was invited."

This would, of course, be another one of his father's brilliant ideas to try to lure Lex into misbehaving again. Possibly a last resort, even, since Lex had been so obedient the past five months. Suddenly, Lex didn't care if it succeeded. Clark was even more striking than Lex had remembered.

"Kent? Is he a relation to the baroness?"

"No, his family owns land on the outskirts of the Duke of Lang's estate."

"Oh," Lady Victoria said, her mouth shaped into a perfect 'o'. "I have to be introduced."

She did not even think to drag Lex with him as a device for introduction, for which Lex was thankful. He had no desire to introduce her to the object of his every fantasy. He escaped to the balcony and sighed when he saw Chloe had had the very same idea. She was standing just a few feet away, and she jumped when she realized there was someone out there with her.

"Master Lex," she said nervously, bowing in that dry, cold way she had been using lately. "I should get back inside."

"No, Chloe, please stay," he begged. She turned to face him again, and he tried a smile. "I must apologize."

"You're a wealthy man. You have nothing to apologize for."

"That--" Lex shook his head. "I know you don't believe that, dear Chloe."

"Don't call me that, please."

He moved closer and ignored her words. "I am sincere in my apologies, Chloe. You were right, and I was wrong. I should have listened to you."

She looked up at that, and Lex's smile widened when he recognized a bit more of the old Chloe in her gaze. "You are not going to marry her?" She clearly did not believe him.

"No, I will not." He leaned against a brick wall and told her what Jacob had found out, delighted when his recounting of it made her laugh. "I'm simply waiting for the right moment to use this information against my father. I can promise you, though, that I will be more present for Lawrence, even if it takes me months to be rid of her. I haven't been very nice to him this past month."

"He comes home in tears, sometimes," she whispered. "He tries to be brave, but he can still feel your disinterest, and it hurts him."

"I am deeply sorry." Lex looked around, saw the empty tray Chloe must have been carrying, and noticed for the first time how she hadn't mentioned Clark's arrival. "Have you been out here long?"

She shook her head. "A few minutes, I needed to breathe. It's very crowded in there."

"Yes, it is."

This time, Lex knew whose voice it was that interrupted their conversation, and when he turned around, he tried not to gape as much as he'd had the first time. Clark looked even more handsome this close, and Lex ached to touch him. Lady Victoria was right there, however, and while Chloe happily jumped into Clark's arms, the heiress attached herself to Lex's arm.

“How improper of a maid to act in such a manner!” she commented, an air of superiority on her face. “Such behaviour would not be tolerated in my household.”

Lex wished more than anything that she would disappear. He had more than enough of her already. “I’ll deal with the matter in the morning, my lady,” he said curtly, thankful that Clark and Chloe seemed completely oblivious.

Fortunately for him, Lady Victoria let the matter drop, and tugged on his arm to lead him away. "Let's leave the commoners to their reunion then. There are guests waiting inside."

Lex was about to protest when he caught sight of his father hovering in the doorway. Now was not the time to arouse Lionel's suspicions. "Of course," he found himself saying. He followed her back inside without so much as a glance towards Chloe and Clark. Lex hoped they would forgive him.

* * *

It was hours before Victoria finally grew tired and announced that she was going to bed. Announced was the right word, since every one of the guests that were still in the room heard her proclaim her need for sleep.

Lex noticed the look on Lionel's face most of all, and not even five minutes after Victoria had retired with Dominic on her heels to accompany her to her room--despite her vehement protests--Lionel followed. With a sigh and a shake of his head, Lex weaved his way into the small crowd. He found Chloe picking up empty glasses in a corner of the ballroom.

"He's outside, in the gardens," she said, before Lex could even utter a single word. She looked up at him, resignation etched into her features. "I did not try to explain Lady Victoria to him, so you will have to. It's your story to tell either way. Just--"

"I'll be a gentleman, Chloe, I promise you," Lex said solemnly. "I have missed you, you know."

Chloe smiled at that and shook her head. "Go, we'll have all the time in the world to speak further tomorrow. He has been waiting all evening for you. Or rather, five months, as he tells it. Go." She waved him off with her cleaning cloth, and Lex went, her soft laughter following him out into the gardens.

He found Clark a good ways away from the door, leaning against an elm and looking into the distance. Lex stopped a few feet behind, watching him. The only difference between the boy Lex had first met and the Clark of now was the clothes on his back, and the way Clark held himself. It was clear from his posture that he had grown in maturity, but there was something else there, as if it was all a mask to hide something else. Lex was an expert at that game, and he knew the tricks well enough to notice them in others.

"I heard you were planning to get married," Clark said, his voice clear and loud to Lex's ears.

"I am not," Lex countered, stepping forward until they were shoulder to shoulder, but Clark didn't even glance his way.

"Lady Victoria was quick to say that she was your fiancée, and the rumours have already hit the country."

"Lady Victoria has yet to learn not to get ahead of herself. She only wishes I would ask her hand, but she is quite mistaken if she thinks I will. The fact that she shares my father's bed almost every night is a very good reason not to."

This time, Clark turned around and looked at Lex, blinking. "She bedded your father?"

"More than once, and I've no doubt that she is there right now. My father thinks he can fool me, but while I've played dutiful son for several months now, I'm not quite an idiot yet." Lex smiled at Clark, his heart skipping a beat when Clark smiled back. "Jacob is a rather formidable man to have on one's side. Everyone dismisses him because he tends to stay quiet, but it also means he sees more than anyone else would."

"And he's loyal to you," Clark said, nodding. "He saw them?"

"Yes. He's seen Victoria leave my father's chambers at dawn on more than one occasion. I haven't confronted either of them yet, but it's only a matter of time before I do." Lex heard footsteps close by and grabbed Clark's arm, pulling him deeper into the gardens until they were no longer within sight of the ballroom. When he couldn't hear anything anymore, he cupped Clark's cheek and looked into his eyes. "I haven't been able to put you out of my mind ever since you were here."

The laugh that Clark gave was of relief, and Lex smiled. "Neither have I, to be honest," Clark whispered, a faint blush covering his cheeks, burning the skin of Lex's hand. "It has been a maddening winter, thinking about you, and-- My only wish was to be back here with you."

"You are now," Lex said softly. He slipped his hand against Clark's hip, pulling him closer. "May I kiss you, Clark?"

"Please, my lord, do."

Beaming, suddenly aroused beyond thoughts, Lex tilted his head and pressed his lips to Clark's. Tentative at first, the touch turned passionate within moments, Clark opening his mouth invitingly for Lex's tongue. Lex moaned softly and pulled back. "I haven't looked at a man in five months, let alone touched one," he whispered. "All I could think about was your skin, your mouth, how it felt to touch you."

"My lord," Clark murmured, pressing his lips to Lex's once more.

"Please, Clark, call me Lex."

Clark nodded and wrapped both of his arms around Lex's torso. "Lex."

He closed his eyes, the sound of his name on Clark's lips like fire through his veins. "Yes, Clark." Lex leaned closer and kissed Clark again, softly, barely a whisper of a kiss. "May I take you to bed?" he asked.

Clark pulled back, looking torn as he tried to decide and hesitated. "Yes," he finally said, smiling shyly. "Although, it would probably be best if we weren't seen together."

Lex dipped his head in silent agreement, and whispered: "Meet me in my rooms in an hour. I must say goodnight to the guests first. Jacob will open the door for you."

Clark bowed and disappeared into the trees. Lex followed him with his eyes, and then turned around to head back inside. Soon enough, he would touch the young man's naked skin, and finally see whether reality held up to his dreams.

* * *

He walked swiftly through the corridors, trying not to hurry his steps to the point where he would arouse suspicion.

He had said his goodnight to the remaining guests down in the ballroom, then stopped to thank the servants for a job well done. Lionel never bothered to thank the servants, but Lex had learned quickly that to receive loyalty from the staff, it was always easier to be nice to them right away than try to pay them off later on.

He was halfway to his quarters when he heard footsteps behind him. With a sigh, Lex hurried his pace. If it was Clark, it meant the young man was a few minutes earlier than Lex had asked; if it wasn't--

He was being followed. He'd had that suspicion earlier in the gardens when he had heard someone walking nearby, but moving further into the grounds had seemed to work in keeping them at bay. Now, though, it looked like whoever it was had picked up Lex's tail again.

He dearly hoped it was only Clark who was as eager to see him again as Lex was.

He turned a corner. The footsteps picked up. Lex heard his follower muttering, and realized that he was much closer than Lex had first thought. Heart beating hard into his ears, Lex walked faster, but he knew it was just a matter of time before the prowler was upon him, even if he tried to run.

"Lex! Down!"

Swiftly, instinctively, Lex dropped to the floor, putting his hands over his head. He heard the swoosh of a blade over head, more footsteps, a grunt, and then his attacker was being forced into the wall.

"My lord, are you all right?"

Panting, Lex turned onto his back, nodding when he came eye to eye with Clark. He sat up, glancing at the man who had been following him. "Clark--" he said when he saw the man stand, his sword held high. "Clark!"

The young man whirled around to his feet, raising his hands against the onslaught. Lex should have looked away because Clark's arm was about to be severed, but he could only watch in shock as the blade made contact with Clark's skin and--

Shattered.

Lex protected himself against the shards flying across the corridor, and then glanced back at Clark. He hadn't made a sound. The metallic thud of the sword's hilt hitting the ground was heard, and then the attacker disappeared, running down the corridor and escaping through the window.

The blade had shattered.

It was scattered around Lex. He could see the pieces of it on the floor and the broken hilt just a few inches away from Clark's foot. Clark still hadn't moved. He hung his head as Lex watched, dumbstruck. "Are you all right?" Lex asked, his voice wavering on the words. He still couldn't believe that Clark hadn't been the least bit hurt.

When Clark nodded, Lex sighed and pinched his nose, thinking. He couldn't leave the blade like this on the floor. People would ask questions, and it was obvious from Clark's posture that he was waiting for just that. He didn't look surprised in the least by what had happened, only resigned. Lex took a deep breath and decided that explanations could wait until they were both safely hidden behind his door. There was no way to tell whether the stranger would be back to finish what he'd started.

"Clark? We need to clean this up and go. We can't stay in the middle of the hallway. Someone is bound to come this way soon." It was a small miracle no one had already.

The look Clark gave him was one of confusion, but he still complied and started picking up the pieces of the blade. Lex picked up the hilt and some of the larger pieces, careful not to cut himself. When they were both satisfied that no evidence of the attack was left, Lex led Clark to his quarters.

One look at Jacob, and the servant disappeared, leaving them both alone.

Without a word, Lex picked up a shirt he refused to wear--it was sky blue with green stones sewn randomly on the fabric, and looked truly hideous, but it had been a gift, a very improper one at that, from Lady Victoria and he hadn't been able to get rid of it just yet--and put all the pieces he held on it. "Here," he said to Clark, handing him the shirt. "Put those in here."

Once Clark was done, Lex wrapped the shirt tightly as best as he could and went into his bedroom. There was a small hidden nook into the corner of the east wall, and Lex opened it, slipping the shirt among his most precious possessions: a letter opener and a watch that had belonged to his mother, and the blanket his brother Julian had been wrapped in the night he was born. Lionel knew nothing of the nook, and Lex intended to keep it that way.

Clark was standing close to the fireplace when Lex walked into the room again. "I--you must want an explanation." His voice was cold, so cold it made Lex shiver.

"Only if you wish to give it," Lex said, truthfully. He was curious--his mother had always said it was his gift in life to be curious, even though Lionel had found it more of a curse--but the explanation could wait. So many questions unanswered, and yet Lex didn't mind if they stayed that way. He would wait a lifetime for them if Clark wished it.

"My parents call it a gift," Clark whispered. Lex sat down on the chair and let Clark speak. "I was four when they realized I was--different. I could already run faster than most adults. Today, I can outrun the wind." That was said with a smile, and unable to resist, Lex answered it with one of his own. "I have the strength of a dozen men, and nothing can penetrate my skin." He finally turned to Lex and came to sit on the floor in front of him. "If you wish me to leave, I will understand."

"No, Clark," Lex replied, voice soft and, he hoped, soothing. Clark was obviously distraught, and Lex hated that look on the young man's face. "It doesn't change how I feel for you."

It was frightening, perhaps, but not in any way a factor in Lex's feelings. He still wanted Clark. He wanted to touch him and love him as he'd never loved before.

Clark was looking at Lex as if he wanted to believe him, but couldn't. "Lex, my lord, I--"

Lex slid down to the floor, taking Clark's face into both his hands. "You are special, Clark. You saved my life tonight. It doesn't matter that you are different, not to me."

"I've been told I was--" He gulped. "A woman who saw me said I was the devil."

"She's blind, then, because someone as beautiful as you are can only be an angel. An angel of miracles." Lex had always hated theology, but it was the closest analogy that he could find. When Clark met his gaze, a small smile on his lips, Lex kissed him. "I'm not truly interested in the wishes of God, but if He sent you here, so different from us, it means you have a purpose and a destiny. I'd like to be a part of it."

"I think you already are," Clark countered, pressing his lips to Lex's again. "Ever since I met you, I've felt as if our lives were entwined. I was destined to meet you, and to love you."

Lex moved his fingers across the skin of Clark's neck, unable to breathe for an instant. Clark's spoken words had a more frightening effect than the admission of his strangeness.

Love.

Lex had known what it was from the moment he had looked into Clark's eyes five months before, but to know that the feeling was returned... it was exhilarating.

"May I take you to bed, then? As we'd first intended?"

"Are you--aren't you scared that I will hurt you?" Clark's voice was low, almost breathless.

"No, " Lex replied softly. "You would never hurt me."

"Perhaps not on purpose, but--"

"No, Clark," Lex whispered, pressing a finger against the young man's lips to stop him from speaking. "You will be gentle, because that is who you are. You will be careful of me, and I will make sure that you enjoy every minute of our time together." He couldn't wait to take off Clark's clothing and be able to touch the skin underneath; the warmth of Clark's neck was teasing him.

"I've never, I've never let anyone touch me."

"Then why did you agree to meet me here tonight?"

"I don't know. I shouldn't have and I was going to tell you that if--if you hadn't been attacked. I've wanted you for months, my--Lex."

Lex smiled at the slip. It might have been just that, but it still sounded right, somehow. Clark's Lex. "That hasn't changed, as it?" It wouldn't be the first time he had a virgin in his bed, although it would be the first time he truly cared to make it as memorable as possible.

He had always liked to make an impression on his lovers, leaving them dazed after a night of loving, but this would be as new to him as it was to Clark.

"No, it hasn't. I still want you with every fibre of my being."

Lex stood then, pulling Clark up with him. He kissed him once more, and took his hand. "Come with me; let me show you."

Clark followed him into the bedroom and closed the door behind them.

* * *

Chapter 4

"Master Lex!"

Lex groaned. He was warm, warmer than he'd felt in a long time, and he realized quickly that it was due to the fact that he had a warm body wrapped around his own. He grinned. He shifted slightly in Clark's arms until he could look into the sleeping man's face. Softly, he ran his fingers on Clark's cheeks, delighting in the soft, sleepy sound Clark made at his touch.

"Master Lex!"

With a sigh, Lex untangled himself from Clark's embrace, careful not to wake him, and swung his legs over the edge of the bed. He was tempted to tell Jacob not to bother him again, but if there was one thing he'd learned from having the man as his servant, it was that he never bothered Lex unless it was truly important; especially when Lex had a guest in his bed.

Lex pulled on his nightshirt and his robe, slipped his feet into his slippers, and walked out, closing the door softly behind himself. "What is it, Jacob?" Lex looked at him.

Jacob was trembling, his hands fisted before him, eyes wide and panicking. "Your--your father, Master Lex," he stuttered, "he ha--has requested that you meet with him in--in his chambers immediately."

"Oh dear God," Lex breathed. He rubbed the back of his neck, Jacob's panic making more sense than Lex could have anticipated. "Please, give my guest anything he wishes and ask him to stay until I come back?"

"Of course, Master Lex," Jacob replied, giving Lex a sad look. "I'm sorry, sir."

"It isn't your fault, Jacob, I should have known my father would hear of this somehow." He just had to hope he could talk his way out of exile. He quickly changed into a pair of trousers and a shirt. He pulled on his shoes, and buttoned his cuffs. With one last wistful look at the closed door of his bedroom, he went out into the corridor.

He walked swiftly to his father's rooms, unsurprised to find the door opened and Dominic standing close by. Lex barely glanced at his father's secretary, walking in and trying to ignore the hard beating of his heart in his chest. This wouldn't be a pretty interview at all.

Lionel didn't look angry, though. There was a gleeful smile on his features, and his stride held none of the usual tightness Lex associated with anger. He looked--happy.

Well then, this was even worse than he had expected.

"There is a ship leaving for America tomorrow morning. You," Lionel said, as calmly as Lex had ever seen him, "will be on it. You have all day to pack your things, although bring only the bare minimum. I'm afraid they won't let you take much with you on the ship."

"Father--"

"No, Lex, that is all I have to say about this. I'm not in any mood to listen to your pathetic excuses yet again. You've disobeyed me. That is all there is to it. I keep my word." Lionel sat down in his favourite chair and crossed his legs, beckoning to Dominic for a glass of whatever there was handy. "Don't worry about your prospective fiancée, I'll make sure she knows what is going on with you, although I can't say she'll have the patience to wait for you. You might be gone for a few years, after all."

Sighing and shaking his head, Lex looked down. This was all there was to it, Lionel was right. Lex had bedded Clark--and it had been every bit as fabulous as Lex had dreamed it would be; the reality was, in fact, much better than the fantasy--and there was no way he would change Lionel's mind. Although--

Lex looked up, eyes drifting not to his father, but to Dominic. "Please, let your sister know I wish her all the best. I'm sure my father will treat her with all the respect she is due, although I doubt he'll marry her. He has no wish to share his wealth."

"Lex!" Lionel bellowed, standing at once.

Dominic looked shocked, dumbfounded. He obviously had no idea what Lex was talking about.

"Oh, I see they didn't tell you," Lex countered, voice syrupy sweet. "When you go looking for her, be sure to check my father's bed. She might have overslept."

With a smile, Lex turned around and left the room before Lionel could grab him. He wouldn't make a scene in the hallway, of that Lex was certain; as long as he was out of Lionel's rooms, he was safe. Lionel cared too much for his image to even dare yell or say a word out of line outside the privacy of his apartment. Looks could truly be deceiving.

* * *

Lex didn't immediately go back to his quarters. He had intended to, but when the initial shock wore off, he realized he was actually heading outside.

He'd have to tell Chloe, promise her that she and Lawrence would be taken care of until Lex came back. He would come back; there wasn't a doubt in his mind about that. Lionel couldn't keep him exiled for the rest of his life. He'd have to make sure to send Lawrence packages from America, let the boy know he hadn't been forgotten.

It was only when he saw Lawrence come out of the small house and run to him, arms spread, that Lex realized he would truly, powerfully, miss his son. He took the giggling toddler in his arms and hugged him as tightly as he dared, breathing deeply to reign in his emotions. "Hey, son. Miss me?"

"Yes, papa, yes!" Lawrence wriggled out of his grip and dropped to the ground, grabbing Lex's hand and pulling him towards the house. "Mama!"

A grinning Chloe appeared in the opened doorway, a dish rag in her hands. "What brings you around so early? I'd have thought you'd still be sleeping."

Lex's smile disappeared and he walked in. He hated the worried look that emerged on Chloe's face. "I have bad news."

"It isn't Clark, is it?" She asked, fisting the cloth and sitting in a chair.

"No, it isn't." Lex sat on a chair opposite her, and looked up when he heard uneven footsteps coming from the bedroom. Gabriel walked slowly into the kitchen, his limp worse in the morning; he was obviously surprised to see Lex there.

"I'm sorry, Mister Sullivan, I didn't mean to barge in so early this morning."

"It's quite all right, Master Lex. Anything we can do for you?"

"I'm afraid not." He shook his head and then took a deep breath. "My father is sending me to America. I'm leaving tomorrow morning."

"Oh, Lord!" Chloe exclaimed, so loud that Lawrence looked at her with wide, scared eyes. She picked him up and held him tight against her breasts. "Lex..."

"I promise you that Lawrence and yourself will not want for anything while I'm gone. I will continue to provide for you both--"

"No," Gabriel said, sternly.

"I'm sorry, Mister Sullivan, but you are in no condition to care for them," Lex countered, surprised at the vehement tone the man had used.

"No, Master Lex, I don't mean that I'll care for them myself. Since the accident, I can barely stand upright without pain, and I'm perfectly aware that I'm still not in any shape to work." Gabriel looked at Chloe. "This boy needs his father. If you are going to America, so will he."

"No!" Chloe said vehemently. "I'm not letting him go."

"I wasn't suggesting that either," Gabriel replied softly. He waved around at their home. "What have we got, Chloe? Nothing. Perhaps it's time we all had a new beginning. From what I've heard, America has plenty of opportunities for us."

"Are you--" Lex shook his head. "Are you suggesting that you all accompany me?"

"Yes," Gabriel answered. "There is nothing to tie us here but Lawrence's relation to you. If you aren't around, why would we stay?"

And then Lex understood. Gabriel had known for a while that Lionel was behind his destitution. It was clear in the man's eyes now. Lex had no idea how long it had been, but some time at least. He had stayed for Lawrence's sake. With Lex gone, they truly had no more reason to stay on the Luthor estate.

With a shake of his head, Lex turned to Chloe. "If that is what you want, then--I admit I'd miss Lawrence more than I could say if you stayed here."

Chloe was watching Lex and her father in turn, mouth agape, Lawrence--for once quiet and staying still, eyes fixed on Lex--still held tight in her arms. "I--I've never given America much thoughts, I--" She groaned, looking around, and kissed Lawrence's head. "Yes," she said firmly. "We'll follow you to America. Father is right, Lawrence does need his father, and there is nothing here that matters so much to me that I would be willing to deny my son a chance to grow up with you in his life."

"Thank you," Lex breathed out. He stood up, going around the table and pulling Chloe and Lawrence into his arms. "Thank you," he said again. "I had no idea how much I hoped you would say that until you did."

He shot Gabriel a grateful look, and then pulled away. "I have much to do today, and so do you. I'll have Jacob come around to help you pack."

"No, it's all right," Chloe said, smiling at him, if a little anxiously. "We'll have Pete and Clark help us." Then she frowned, and added: "unless you want Clark for yourself?"

"Oh Lord, Clark," Lex groaned. "I need to let him know." Lex barely noticed Gabriel slipping out of the room, and he collapsed on a chair. "We--Oh, I'm sure you know where he spent the night," he said with a shake of his head. "It's obvious enough."

Chloe rolled her eyes, standing up and putting Lawrence down to the floor. "There is only one reason your father would send you to America, Lex, and I know enough of how you feel for Clark to know you wouldn't have shared your bed with any other man." She sighed. "I hope he was worth it," she added, whispering.

"You have no idea, Chloe," Lex whispered back, heart aching. He was in love, he knew it, felt it, and now--the likelihood of Lex seeing Clark again for years to come was pretty much null. "He will be what I miss most of England." With Lawrence coming with him, Lex was sure of it. Just as much as there was nothing tying the Sullivans to the Luthor estate, there was nothing tying Lex to England but Clark.

"I'm so sorry," Chloe sighed, although Lex couldn't figure out whether she mean for him or Clark. "You should go talk to him, Lex. he'll be waiting for you."

Lex nodded. "I've lingered enough," he agreed. With a waning smile, he said his goodbye to Chloe and Lawrence and left.

* * *

Clark wasn't in Lex's quarters. Jacob apologized profusely. He had tried his best to hold him until Lex had come back, but the young man had insisted that he needed to go, and Jacob hadn't known what more to say.

"It's all right," Lex said, although it truly wasn't. He wanted to see Clark, talk to him before he heard the rumours from the house staff, or Chloe. He needed Clark right now more than he could remember ever needing anyone. "Please, pack my clothes and toiletries, I'll be back to pack anything else I wish to take with me."

Jacob bowed, and Lex left again. He had no idea where Clark was supposed to be staying while he was at the mansion. He was hoping someone else from the staff would.

It took Lex an hour to find someone who had an idea where Clark could be, and when Lex followed the directions, he only found Clark's cart, and a young dark skinned man standing close by. "Pardon me," he said, getting the young man's attention. "Do you know where Clark Kent might be?"

"I don't know, sir," the man said. "He left about half an hour ago, don't know where. He said to get the horses ready, but didn't tell me why."

"What's your name?"

"Pete, sir, Pete Ross."

The accent was definitely American, and his manners were rough. Lex wondered who he was and how he'd ended up here, but he reminded himself that this was neither the place nor the time for those questions. "Can you tell him Lex Luthor was looking for him?"

Pete's eyes widened at that, although his voice was tight and cold when he answered. "Of course, sir, I'll tell him."

"Thank you."

Lex strode away. He could not think of a reason for Clark to have left like this, unless he thought Lex had left him alone on purpose. Lex had done this often enough that he knew how a young man might take waking up a alone in a strange bed. But Jacob had assured him that he'd told Clark Lex would be back shortly.

Lex thought about going back to Chloe's house to see if Clark was there, but he shook his head, and turned around. He had to pack, and moving back and forth between the mansion and Chloe's would not get anything done. Besides, if Chloe saw Clark, she would be sure to tell him Lex was looking for him; he was certain of that.

It didn't make him any less anxious, however. Even knowing that Pete and Chloe would both pass on the message if they saw Clark, Lex couldn't help but feel as if there was something missing. The whole day was a whirlwind of activity, and yet Lex's mind was never on the task.

It was almost dinnertime and the sun was setting when Jacob answered a knock on the door. Pete was standing on the other side, obviously nervous. Lex beckoned him inside.

"Have you seen Clark?"

"Yes, sir," Pete answered, standing just a few feet inside the door as if ready to bolt at any time. "He sends his regrets. He helped Miss Chloe all afternoon, and we have to head home now."

Lex frowned, standing up from the chair in which he'd collapsed just moments earlier, exhaustion gone. "What do you mean?"

"He doesn't want to see you, sir," Pete answered, truthfully, although the look in his eyes made it clear he wasn't supposed to say this.

"Where is he?" Lex demanded, moving closer until he was standing three feet away from Pete.

"In the stables, tending to the horses, I was to deliver the message and go straight back."

Lex nodded, and walked out, Pete following him a few feet behind. "I suspect you were supposed to come back alone?"

"Yeah, but the look on his face, I don't like it, sir, so I thought it might be best you came with."

"He won't be happy."

It was obviously not a question, but Pete answered it anyway. "No, sir, he won't."

Outside, the sun had almost set. When he was on the path that led to the stables, Lex took off at a jog, not wanting to give Clark any more time to escape him. He couldn't leave in the morning without talking to Clark at least one more time. Not if Clark thought Lex had disappeared on purpose that morning.

"Clark!" Lex called out when he walked into the stables. "Clark?"

"Over here, sir," Pete said, showing him the way to where the guests' horses were kept. "Hey, Clark!"

He was looking away from them. There was no possibility that he hadn't heard them, but he wasn't turning around. With a nod to Lex, Pete went back outside.

Lex watched Clark lead the horse out of the box, and followed him out to his cart. Now that he was there, so close to Clark, Lex didn't know how to tell him--tell Clark how important he was. How much Lex was going to miss him.

Neither of them spoke for the longest time. Lex watched Clark carefully, trying to ingrain every movement of his limbs, every curve of his body, every line of his face, into his memory. It would be years--

"Come with me." It took him by surprise; he hadn't known he was going to ask until he had. It was insane and improbable, but Lex found that this was what he truly wanted, although he knew that Clark wouldn't want exile.

But when Clark answered him, his voice was strained, sad, almost as if he wished more than anything to be able to say yes. "I can't."

"Why?"

"My parents are expecting me home."

Lex shook his head, and stepped closer. "They can hire help--"

"If they had the money, they would, and it still wouldn't be enough." Clark turned to face him, finally, and Lex had to move closer to him, cupping his cheek.

"I don't think I can live without you."

Clark scoffed. "You've done it for many years, Lex, and we've only shared one night. You can learn again. I'm not that important in your life."

He was, but Lex didn't know how to make him believe it. "There will be no life for me until I'm back in England and can touch you again."

"Lex, please." Clark's voice wavered on the words.

Lex had to close his eyes, the depth of Clark's emotions hitting him hard. "Clark, you are everything to me."

"You have Lawrence and Chloe; you will be fine." Clark bent his head, leaning his forehead against Lex's. "I'm sorry that your father--"

"Oh, Clark," Lex sighed, wrapping both of his arms around Clark's torso. "You have nothing to apologize for."

"If it hadn't been for me--"

Lex interrupted him again. "No, I disobeyed my father, not you. Nothing you did or said led to this. And to be entirely honest, I'd rather have had one night with you and be forced into exile, then have lived a lifetime without you. I simply wish that it didn't have to end here."

"So do I," Clark admitted softly. He cupped Lex's cheek, holding him close, and kissed him.

When they parted, both flushed and panting softly, emotions kept Lex unable to speak. With one last touch of his fingers against Clark's cheek, Lex turned his back on him and left.

* * *

Epilogue

Lex didn't hate the sea. At least, he tried to convince himself of that as he stood on the deck. He was alone on this side, facing the water instead of the dock. He had no wish to wave goodbye to a crowd of strangers. Lawrence, Chloe, and Gabriel were settled in their cabins, Jacob in Lex's with the luggage.

Lex had relieved Jacob of duty when he'd gone back to his room the evening before, but Jacob had refused to leave. Exile didn't scare him. If he'd had a wife or children, he would have stayed, but as he had neither, he looked forward to the challenge. And Lex would need a manservant even in America.

There was a sharp sound behind Lex that pulled him away from his thoughts, but he didn't look back, knowing it would only be one of the crew preparing for the departure. The waves were crashing against the side of the boat, and Lex looked down at them.

"I'm sorry, my lord," a voice behind him called. "Is this the way to America?"

Lex turned around slowly, telling himself that his ears were playing tricks on him, and Clark couldn't be here, now, on this boat. Not after their last kiss.

It really had been goodbye, no matter how much Lex had dreamed of Clark changing his mind. A thousand scenarios had played in his head all evening and all night; Lex had never fallen asleep, so caught up in dreams and fantasies that he knew wouldn't be coming true. It was a sick game, he knew that well, yet he hadn't been able to stop the thoughts from coming.

This was, obviously, another one of those dreams. "Apparently so," Lex finally answered, dumbstruck. It was Clark, albeit obviously an imaginary one, standing just a few feet from Lex, a duffle bag in each hand.

Imaginary-Clark grinned at him, dropped his bags to the floor and stepped forward. "Good, I was afraid I'd gotten on the wrong boat. There's someone, on this boat, you see, someone very important to me."

"A woman?" Lex wanted to smile, yet he reined it in, still certain that he had finally given in to exhaustion and fallen asleep.

Clark cocked his head, chuckling. "Well, no, although there is also a woman I am quite fond of travelling with us. The one I was speaking of is a man, a strikingly handsome one. Perhaps you've seen him?"

"I wouldn't know," Lex said, voice tight and alien to his ears. He moved forward, now just a foot away. He could reach out and touch him, know for certain whether he was a dream or not.

Clark cupped his cheek, and the touch felt like energy coursing through Lex's veins. He gasped. "Clark," he breathed, heart hammering in his chest. "What--?"

"Somebody has to make sure you don't fall over board, my lord," Clark said teasingly, his grin widening with every flick of his fingers against Lex's skin.

"But your parents--"

"--will be fine," Clark interrupted him. "Pete stayed behind--he has no wish to go back to America now or ever--and has promised that he and his brothers would give my parents a hand." He leaned his head closer, whispering into Lex's ear: "Besides, I can fly home if they need me."

"Dear Lord, Clark. You can fly?"

Clark nodded, smiling nervously.

Lex couldn't stand it anymore; with a gasp, he pulled Clark down and pressed their lips together, hard and fast, desperate. "I have been dreaming of this."

"I know," Clark murmured, kissing Lex again. "I've thought it over and over since yesterday, and--I've always wanted to sail, see more of the world than what little I've seen of England. This is my chance. Besides, we won't be gone forever, will we?"

"No," Lex breathed, lips never more than inches from Clark's. "I don't expect to stay in America for the rest of my life."

Clark let go of Lex and walked to the railing, watching the waves, just as Lex had been. The sound of the bell rang in the air, and the boat started to move. "I will follow you, Lex," Clark said, above the sound of the water. He looked into Lex's eyes, and his smile made Lex's heart ache. "Wherever you go."

The End

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