SV Fic-For Closure's Sake- PG-13
Title: For Closure's Sake- Part One
Fandom: Smallville
Disclaimer: I don't own Smallville or it's characters.
Rating: PG-13 (eye roll. sorrylol)
Pairing: Clark/Oliver, Lex
Wordcount: 6,375
Summary: He was exhausted, his back hurt, his stomach huge, ankles swollen, and his boyfriend had really pissed him off last night.
A/N:This is set after but in the same universe as "Regretting the Future".
Feedback: Yes, please.
Thanks so much to
supercaptain182 for the super-quick beta. Cyber cheesecake to her!
Months ago, when Oliver found out Clark was pregnant, he forbade him from participating in any Justice League missions. Normally, Clark would have protested to being forbidden from anything, in this case he had to agree, He wouldn’t have been much good to the team anyway. The pregnancy had weakened his powers considerably. Besides that, he was so exhausted these days; he hardly had enough energy to fall into bed at night, let alone spread justice across the land.
Unwilling to be completely left out, Oliver and Clark had eventually reached a compromise. Clark could sit in on the League meetings to offer advice and suggestions, but that was about it. All the action was left up to A.C., Victor, and Ollie. Clark was left home to wait, and to feel impatiently useless.
As it was, Clark sat silently beside Oliver at the round oak table in a back room of their apartment while Victor shared what information he had.
“A secret lab in Florida is working on a serum that will allow people to read thoughts. Three testers have died already.”
“I take it they haven’t perfected the antidote,” Oliver quipped, leaning forward in his chair and bracing his elbows on the table.
Victor shook his head. “Apparently not. And we haven’t been able to find out who is heading the operation.”
A.C. sneered. “I think we all have a pretty good idea of who is behind it.”
“Yeah,” Victor agreed. “I say we look no farther than our local bald Hitler.”
Clark looked on as Oliver nodded his agreement and frowned.
“I disagree,” Clark voiced before he realized he was going to.
Three pairs of eyes swiveled to him in question.
Victor spoke first. “What do you mean?”
“I don’t think we should jump to conclusions.”
Oliver scoffed. “It’s hardly a jump.”
“We should at least research first and give him the benefit of the doubt,” Clark defended.
“What doubt?” the other man ranted. “Look at the man’s track record! There is no doubt in my mind he’s behind this.”
Burning irritation scratched its way up from Clark’s chest. “You don’t know that!”
Oliver was surprised by Clark’s outburst. “I know that you-” he seemed to think better of it. He studied Clark through narrowed eyes. “I’m through discussing this with you.” With that, he promptly turned back to Victor and A.C. and began assigning tasks. The two listened carefully, squirming uncomfortably in their chairs.
Hot tears filled Clark’s eyes, hurt by Oliver’s blatant dismissal. He wordlessly pushed away from the table and left the room.
Stalking down the wide hall, he stopped short when the baby gave a hard kick to his ribs.
“Calm down, baby boy,” he whispered as he ran a hand across the expanse and strode purposely through their bedroom, pushing open the large glass doors and stepping out onto the spacious balcony, ignoring the chill. Rubbing absently at the ache in his back, Clark looked out over Lower Metropolis.
Small town boy at heart, Clark hadn’t liked Metropolis when he first lived there with Lex. The bright lights and bustling crowds had intimidated him. He lived there now with Oliver out of necessity and convenience. Lex always promised to show him the desirability of the city, but was never around long enough to do so.
Clark sighed. He had been so sure Lex would make him happy. But when he thought back to that long, miserable year, all he felt was loneliness and rejection, and a deep-running hurt that still stung at times.
The empty promises and endless nights in a cold bed had added up, slowly tearing away at Clark’s wounded heart until finally, he was so empty and devoid of emotion that leaving hadn’t seemed so bad. There had been nothing left for him there- not love, not marriage, not even friendship.
Clark didn’t turn when he heard Oliver step beside him, pulling him from his thoughts.
“You want to tell me what this is all about, Clark?”
He was immediately on the defense. “Why does it have to be about something? Why can’t it just be that I want us to do a thorough job?”
Oliver didn’t buy that for a second. “Please Clark, don’t insult my intelligence. I know what this is about.”
“Then please,” Clark said, crossing his arms across his chest. “Enlighten me.”
“It’s that night in the barn isn’t it- what Lex said?” He looked around and ran a hand up his arm. “Can we please go inside; it’s freezing out here?”
Clark turned and walked back into their bedroom, flicking on a light switch. “He said he was sorry, Oliver,” he said over his shoulder.
Oliver followed closely behind. “Sorry about what, though?” Clark turned to face him and Oliver forged on. “Sorry for the way he treated you or sorry that he lost you to me and can’t use you as his sex puppet anymore?”
Clenching his jaw and trying to rein in on his anger, Clark spoke softly. “I know you think little of Lex, but I thought you would think better of me. I wasn’t his sex puppet; I was his husband.”
Oliver threw his hands up in exasperation. “He treated you like a wet food stamp! You weren’t his husband; you were his assbuddy! That’s all you were good for to him!”
An old dull ache bloomed from deep within Clark’s chest, causing his eyes to well and his bottom lip to tremble. He pivoted on his heel and wordlessly climbed into bed and turned on his side, away from Oliver’s half.
For a long while, the only sound in the room was Clark’s loud sniffles. Eventually, he felt the bed dip and one of Oliver’s hands on his hip. He leaned in close to Clark’s ear.
“I’m so sorry, baby. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
Clark gave one final sniff. He wanted to shove Oliver’s hand away. He wanted to yell and scream hurtful things so that the other man would know what it felt like. Most of all, he wanted to make the pain go away. But he was just so tired- too tired to deal with it all right then. Already, he felt his eyelids droop and he let out a long sigh as he slipped into a troubled sleep.
oOo
The morning was tense and strained.
Oliver tried to act as if nothing had happened. He wanted to smile and kiss and Clark ignored him as best he could. He stared unseeingly at the morning paper while Oliver had coffee and a bagel and Clark found he was still too upset to eat. More than anything, he wanted to crawl back into bed and sleep for a week or two. He was exhausted, his back hurt, his stomach huge, ankles swollen, and his boyfriend had really pissed him off last night.
The absolute last thing he wanted to do was drag himself to work. But he had a deadline, and the story wasn’t going to write itself. It was times like these Clark really missed his coffee.
After dodging Oliver’s attempts at a goodbye kiss, Clark sluggishly showered and dressed. He was reduced to actually driving to work these days- something Chloe teased him about daily. That day, she caught on immediately to his ill mood. Once they caught a free moment, she cornered him.
“Alright, Mr. Sunshine, why don’t you tell me what happened?”
He considered telling her that nothing was wrong and everything was fine, but Chloe knew him better than that, and he really did want to talk to someone about it.
“Oliver and I had an argument.”
This seemed to surprise her. “What, you two?”
Clark huffed impatiently. “Yes, Chloe, don’t all couples?”
She chuckled. “Okay, okay, don’t get your hormones in a twist. What was it about?” she asked, perching herself on his desk.
Clark sighed. He didn’t want to say it, because actually admitting what the argument was about wouldn’t make it any more believable.
“Lex,” he mumbled and slid lower in his seat.
Her eyebrows rose. “Oh hell, you’d better tell me everything.”
Clark told her the whole story and felt renewed anger bubble up through his chest. Oliver had been completely irrational and out of line last night. There was no reason for him to go as far as he did. He had hurt Clark and Clark was still upset.
At his conclusion, Chloe drew her e brows together. “Well, Clark, actually, it sounds like you overreacted just a little.”
He was incredulous. “What are you talking about; he was out of line.”
“Yes, maybe so, but ask yourself- why are you arguing Lex Luthor’s case about anything?” At Clark’s silence and his inability to meet her gaze, Chloe’s mouth dropped open a little. “Don’t tell me you actually believed him!”
“Chloe!”
“Clark!” she mimicked his protest. “Please tell me you didn’t take his apology seriously. You know Lex better than anyone; when has he ever apologized about anything and meant it?”
Clark bit his lip and swiveled away from her in his chair. “I don’t know, Chloe. But you weren’t there, you didn’t see,” he rationalized. “There was just something in his eye. I know he meant it.”
Chloe came around to face him and looked him in the eye. “Oliver loves you, Clark. And Lex hurt you. In a little less than four months, you and Oliver are going to have a beautiful baby boy, and so I hope, for all three of your sakes, that you can keep Lex safely in your past.” She kissed his cheek and straightened. “I have to run. Be wise, Kent.”
Clark stared after her listlessly. He knew she was right. He should forget about Lex. The man had broken his heart and then stomped on it before tossing it down the garbage disposal. Not once, since they began their marriage until that night at the barn, had Lex ever apologized about anything he had done to Clark. And given his track record, there was absolutely no reason to believe him. But there was something nagging at Clark- something in Lex’s eyes- something that told him the man was sincere.
And what if he is? His mind rationalized. What does that have to do with you? And why were you defending him to Oliver?
Now that he had time to think over things, and talk to Chloe, Clark did think he had been slightly overly dramatic. He knew part of it was hormones and the other part was that irrational half of his brain telling him that he was right.
oOo
That night, things went a lot smoother. Oliver treaded lightly and Clark was a lot more amiable. They had a quiet dinner while they told the other of their day. They strayed away from topics such as the secret lab, Lex Luthor, or anything remotely controversial. Frankly, Clark was just too tired to deal with any of that.
Later that evening, they lay cuddled on their large bed, Oliver’s hand roaming affectionately over Clark’s belly as the baby kicked. After a while, Oliver glanced over at him. “Listen, Clark, we should probably talk abou-”
“Please, Ollie,” Clark pleaded, burying his head into Oliver’s shoulder. “I don’t want to talk about Lex tonight.”
And really, he didn’t. He had made a decision earlier that day. Tomorrow, he would go to the source of all the questions.
oOo
Ironically enough, since the divorce Lex only frequented his Metropolis apartment when it was necessary for business. So, Clark found himself back in Smallville the next morning, at the Luthor Mansion. After he was admitted entrance, he couldn’t help but feel the nostalgia of the place and all the fond memories it held, as well as the not so fond. He ran his hand along a cherry wood end table in the hallway leading to Lex’s office.
Lex stood at one of his wide bookcases, obviously scanning for a particular volume. He turned when Clark entered and offered and small tentative smile. Clark returned it in the same manner.
“Well, this is definitely a surprise,” Lex said smoothly as he strode forward.
Clark nodded. “Yeah, I guess it is. Lex, I need to talk to you.”
Lex motioned for Clark to take a seat while he leaned against the arm of one of the plush leather seats and waited. Clark hesitated, he knew he would feel less vulnerable if he remained standing, but already, a dull throb was beginning in his lower back so he took the offer.
“I’ll get right to the point, what do you know about a serum that will allow people to read thoughts?” Clark observed Lex’s shoulders drop a bit and something nameless flash in his eyes. But it was gone before he could analyze it and Lex was back to his smooth façade.
“Well, Clark, it sounds like an interesting idea but I can’t really tell you anything about it.”
“Lex, people have died.”
Lex looked longingly over at the liquor cabinet then back to Clark. “You know, it’s a bit bold of you to come here accusing me of things, but then again, nothing you haven’t done in the past.”
Clark blew out an exasperated breath and leaned forward. “I’m trying to help you, Lex. But I need you to be completely honest with me. Do you know anything about this new drug?”
Lex stood to stand by the window. “I wonder, what does Oliver think of you “helping me”?”
Heaving an unsettled sigh, Clark slowly made his way to his feet, sick of the mixed signals, and faced Lex with accusing eyes. “I really thought you were sincere that night in the barn, Lex. But I can see by your usual avoidance tactics that nothing has really changed.”
“Actually, a lot has changed,” he snapped. Lex took a calming breath before stepping close and staring Clark in the eye. “This mind-reading stuff you’re talking about, I’m not behind it, honestly. But, I’m sure the Luthor name probably has a stamp on it; you should really ask my father.”
“Yes,” both men, shocked spun around to find Lionel Luthor leering at them from the doorway. “You should really ask me.”
Disappointed in himself for not having heard Lionel’s arrival, Clark glared a t the older man as he entered. “So you’re the one behind this-not surprising.”
“No, I’d imagine not. But I must say it’s almost romantic how you were so sure Lex wasn’t responsible, I’m inclined to ask why.”
“Just a hunch. I’m glad to see I was right.”
Lionel’s smirk held little mirth. “Yes, yes, Mr. Kent, right indeed. But I must tell you, it wouldn’t be wise to attempt to foil my research into this serum. It could prove quite useful.”
Ignoring the dangerous glint in the older man’s eyes, Clark stood his ground. “People have died, and if you continue, more will. You don’t even have the antidote!”
Eyebrows raised, Lionel leaned forward. “Don’t I? Who’s to say?”
At that, Clark was speechless. If Lionel had the antidote all along, then innocent people were dying for no reason.
Lex stood silently, trying to take to it all in.
“But, why,” Clark asked still confused.
Lionel chuckled as he approached so slowly and smoothly, Clark hardly registered his movements. “Oh, Clark, I don’t know why you’re so surprised. You should know by now that I am ruthless to the very core.”
Clark stiffened. Lionel was up to something, he could tell. He wore his normal attire of a dark suit with a long black, trench-like coat over it, but Clark wanted desperately to scan him. However, that would sap what energy he did have, and he couldn’t afford that.
For Clark, the next events occurred in slow motion, but he was unable to stop them. From his innermost pocket, Lionel suddenly brandished a large syringe. Inside, bright green liquid swirled and gurgled. Lionel’s arm swooped down in one swift stroke.
“Noo!!”
Clark was unsure of whether it was him or Lex screaming before the needle jammed straight through his side. Almost immediately, the room began to spin and dance and it wasn’t long before the floor was tilting up towards him and everything went black.
oOo
When Clark awoke, it was in his own bedroom in Metropolis. He had no recollection of how he got there. His last memory of the day was asking Lex about the lab , and then he woke up in bed. It made no sense.
Slowly sitting up, the room spun and nausea bubbled up from his stomach, intensified by the way the baby squirmed and moved. He took deep breaths, but eventually was forced to stumble into the bathroom. Dropping to his knees, Clark barely had time to breathe between the violent heaving. Afterwards, he collapsed exhaustedly onto the cool tile floor.
oOo
“What the hell did you just do?” Lex’s eyes were wide and anxious as he stared at his father who looked as if he wanted to give himself a huge pat on the back.
“I thought it was a bit obvious.”
Lex huffed impatiently, suppressing the urge to curl his hands into fists. “But, why?”
“Well, I’ve got to give my project some test runs, haven’t I?” He said as it if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
“People have died already; you’ll have Clark and his baby’s blood on your hands. How do you plan to cover your a ss?”
“Oh it’s been covered. You see, Clark won’t actually remember being injected. He may not even remember being here. And besides, this may take a day or two to take affect. It seemed t vary with the others.”
Lex sank into the closest chair and desperately tried to take it all in. His father was working on a project-something that seemed extremely dangerous. And he’d injected the product into Clark. But why Clark, he wondered, it makes no sense.
He frowned up at his father. “Why Clark, though? What do you stand to gain with him reading other’s thoughts?”
Lionel appeared confused, and then be broke into a hard, brittle laughter. “Oh, Lex, it seems you have your facts crossed.” At Lex’s bewilderment, he continued. “It doesn’t allow Clark to read other people’s minds; it makes it possible for us to read his- finally crack the mystery that is Clark Kent.”
Lex sat back in his chair will everything came together in his mind. His father had always harbored a deep curiosity for the blushing farm boy who had pulled Lex from his watery grave. Admittedly, it was something Lex and Lionel once shared. But as Lex told Clark earlier, things had changed. And he had learned the truth about Clark long enough ago to know that it was something he never wanted his father to know. Ever since that balmy day a week before he’d asked Clark to marry him, he’d known he had to protect that secret from everyone…at all costs…forever.
But to do that, he needed information.
“What’s your plan, Dad, because this seems a bit sloppy to me. Clark isn’t here, and when the injection does begin to take effect, you won’t be there to witness it.”
Lionel scoffed indignantly. “Give me a bit more credit than that, Lex. Clark already suspected one of us; he’ll come here for answers.”
“You’re leaving a lot up to chance.”
“Clark is as predictable as they come. And if he doesn’t come to us, I have no problem going to him.”
Lex was silent for a few moments before another thought popped into his mind- one that had his heart pounding with fear. He managed to school his features, but with a sinking heart, he asked, “What’s the serum’s main ingredient?”
Lionel grinned with pride. “Meteor rocks, of course.”
Part Two.