In Love ... All Bets Are Off Chapter 6
An update has arrived! I really appreciate the feedback this fic has gotten! It makes me really happy that you all like it. I hope you all like the new chapter. Let me know what you think!
Now I have a banner too! It was made by my fabulous beta and friend, boltgirl426 . So special thanks to her for it!
Story: In Love … All Bets Are Off
Pairing/Characters: Clark/Oliver, Clark/Lex friendship
Rating: R
Disclaimer: don’t own anything
Warning: slash, mentions of m/m sex, jerk!Jason (sorry, I do like him but I needed a villain and he fit)
Spoilers: AU but slight season 1-early season 3 mentions
Summary: Clark’s dad dies when he’s in high school. Martha and Clark sell the farm and leave to live with Clark’s grandfather, Clark transferring to Excelsior. Excelsior … where Oliver Queen rules the school. Oliver takes a bet that he can get the new guy in his bed … but what happens when he ends up falling in love instead?
Previous Chapters: Here
Chapter 6
“It’s nice to meet you,” Clark said, smiling, removing his hand.
“Likewise,” Jason replied. “You’re a junior right?”
“Yeah,” Clark said, “Are you?”
“I’m a senior,” Jason clarified, with a smile. He looked pointedly at the journalism office, from which Clark had just emerged. “Are you interested in the paper?”
“I’m trying to join actually,” Clark told him.
“That’s great,” Jason replied, “I’ll look forward to reading your articles soon then.”
“We can only hope,” Clark joked and Jason laughed.
“I’ll see you around, Clark,” he said, patting him on the shoulder.
“Sounds good,” Clark agreed. He watched him walk away and smiled to himself. This school wasn’t so bad … it seemed that people were, at least to him, friendly enough.
After leaving his stuff in his room, he managed to catch up with Lex.
“So I met someone new today,” Clark said casually.
“Oh yeah?” Lex asked curiously. “Who now?”
“Jason Teague,” Clark answered. Seeing Lex freeze, he groaned. “He’s a jerk too?”
“You always manage to find the best ones, Clark,” Lex murmured, shaking his head.
“Is he that bad?” Clark questioned worriedly.
“He’s just another one of that group,” Lex told him. “But if you want my advice, stay away from Teague. I’m not saying that because of me. If you want to pursue a friendship with Oliver, fine, but Jason is dangerous.”
“Why’s that?” Clark wanted to know.
“Because everyone knows that Jason and Oliver are rivals,” Lex informed him. “They can’t stand each other … Jason is always looking for a way to outdo Oliver. He hadn’t succeeded yet but if he knows that Oliver is friends with you, I wouldn’t put it past him to try to break that up.”
The brunet cringed. “Well,” he said slowly, “I only ran into him and he was nice enough … but there’s no friendship there or anything.”
“I suggest you keep it that way,” Lex advised. “The last thing you want is to get in the middle of those two. They’re absolutely irrational when they’re trying to one up each other.”
“Thanks Lex,” Clark replied gratefully. He was extremely thankful that he had a friend who knew the ropes and social dynamics. Without him, he was certain he’d be extremely lost.
“Besides,” Lex continued, “I don’t like Queen but he’s at least straight forward. Jason Teague … he’s a little shady. Not to mention his mother is a first class nut job … with those genes running in the family, I’d be worried. So if you have to be friends with one of them, I’d suggest go with Oliver.”
Clark grinned and nodded at the advice.
“I don’t know what I’d do without you,” he admitted sheepishly.
“Get caught in a lot of dramatic situations,” Lex replied promptly, with a smirk.
Clark blushed and grinned. “Probably,” he agreed.
They laughed together and Clark spent the rest of the day just hanging out with Lex. His new friend was very easy to talk to and he enjoyed spending time with him.
His words of caution about Oliver and Jason never left his mind though. Not that he was worried. Jason was practically a stranger to him and Oliver … well, he didn’t know what Oliver was. He had a strong feeling that the blond was still upset with him. Clark didn’t blame him … he was still ashamed of the way he had acted the other day.
Hopefully, he wouldn’t be upset too long because he did like his company.
It wasn’t too long before he saw him again though. The following day, he was just taking a walk around the grounds when an all too familiar figure caught his eye. Oliver was standing there, surrounded by archery gear. He slowly made his way to the blond and watched as he loaded the arrow.
I shouldn’t be here. Clark wasn’t sure Ollie would appreciate him watching but he couldn’t resist. He was mesmerized. Ollie aimed and he observed as the arrow hit its target.
Oliver turned to his bag and that’s when his eyes landed on Clark, a look of surprise coming over his face.
“I didn’t realize I had an audience,” he remarked.
Clark had the good graces to blush.
“I’m sorry,” he apologized. “I just was taking a walk and I saw you … I wasn’t standing here very long.”
Oliver smiled warmly. “I wasn’t upset,” he said, “Just a little taken aback.”
“I didn’t mean to interrupt your practice,” Clark told him. “I can leave if you want privacy.”
“Nah,” Oliver said, with a wave of his hand. “I don’t mind the company.”
“You can go back to practicing,” Clark responded, “I just wanted to watch … besides Robin Hood, I don’t know anything about archery. I really want to watch,” he added eagerly.
The hopeful expression on his face caused Ollie to soften visibly.
Chuckling, he picked up an arrow and with a glance at Clark, he aimed and fired the arrow. Clark applauded and Oliver laughed wholeheartedly.
Observing him for a second, Oliver said, “Come here, Clark.”
Clark closed the distance between them and was surprised when Oliver handed him the bow. The brunet looked at him quizzically.
“I’m going to teach you how to shoot an arrow,” Oliver told him. “If you’re interested that is.”
“Are you sure?” Clark asked shyly.
“I’m positive,” Oliver said confidently. His brown eyes sparkled. “Now relax.”
“K,” Clark said and listened as Oliver gave him instructions on his posture. He had to refrain from shiver when Oliver’s hands covered his as he led his fingers to the proper position. Oliver was standing right behind him, their bodies pressed together, and Clark was finding it suddenly difficult to breathe.
Oliver stepped back and Clark released the arrow, just like Oliver said and he was surprised when it actually hit the target. He turned to Oliver, beaming.
“You’re a natural,” Oliver proclaimed.
“Thanks,” Clark said, handing the bow back to him. Oliver took it, their fingers brushing, which sent a burst of electricity through Clark’s body. He tried to remain neutral outwardly though, even if his insides were in a jumble.
Over the course of the afternoon, Clark and Ollie just talked. He was stunned at how comfortable he felt with the blond. There was also that funny feeling in his stomach every time Oliver smiled at him.
The last time he felt like this … Oh God … the last time he felt like this was when he was with Lana. Could he really be attracted to Oliver Queen? He had never been attracted to another man before but there were definitely feelings that were beyond platonic when it came to Oliver.
If only he knew what to do about them.
How he managed to maintain his cool for the rest of the day, he didn’t know but he fooled Ollie and that was all that mattered.
Or at least he thought he did.
Oliver was a lot more observant than he let on. He witnessed Clark’s reactions to his touches and he was pleased with the direction their relationship was taking. If there was one thing he was certain of, it was when someone was attracted to him.
Clark Kent was definitely interested in him. He was probably confused but there were feelings. That was the beginning.
A part of him was feeling guilty, had been feeling guilty since Clark apologized outside the journalism office. Yet, he just had to keep going. There was no choice in this matter.
However, he had enjoyed his afternoon with the brunet. He may be affecting Clark but Clark was affecting him too.
Which was not good at all. To see Clark watching him practice archery had caused his heart to skip a beat … he felt like he was back in middle school. It was absolutely ridiculous. Never had he taught someone how to shoot an arrow before and Clark had been so keen … just remembering the look on his face put a smile on his.
He had been reluctant when they had to part ways since he had enjoying spending time with Clark. All he could think about was how he could see Clark again. These accidental meetings were just not going to do.
Because you have a bet to win. That too. He also just wanted to see Clark again. No, Queen, don’t go there. Remember the last time you attempted to put your heart out there when it came to Clark Kent? You got rejected … shot down. Don’t let him get that power again.
Though he knew his inner voice was right, he just couldn’t help the direction in which he was going. He didn’t get to ponder his thoughts much because that’s when Alden and Geoffrey found him.
Immediately they started chatting about the upcoming Halloween party.
The Halloween party. It had completely slipped Ollie’s mind. And he found he had the perfect excuse to see Clark again.
Meanwhile, Clark was brooding. He was still dumbstruck with his developing feelings for Oliver. At this point, he was certain he had some serious issues … he seemed to have a pattern … one which involved him falling in love with people he couldn’t have.
First, it was Lana … she was always out of his reach and even when they tried to date, he had screwed it up. Now Oliver … of all the people he had to get a crush on, it had to be the most popular guy in the entire school.
I’m so stupid. Oliver was nice enough to him but there was no way he would ever see him in that way. He was deluding himself in thinking there was a chance for more with the blonde.
Why would he want a simple farm boy when he could have anyone in the school?
Dejected, he was walking around when Lex caught up to him.
“Hey Lex,” he greeted him.
“Hey Clark,” his friend replied.
They chatted a bit and Lex immediately caught on to the fact that he was off.
“What’s wrong?” he asked. He tried to play it off but Lex wasn’t fooled.
Finally he spilled the truth.
“I think I’m bisexual,” he admitted.
“You think?” Lex questioned, raising an eyebrow.
“Okay, I know,” Clark corrected.
“Interesting,” Lex replied. “So what’s the problem?” His eyes widened quickly, after watching Clark’s expression. “You wouldn’t happen to have found that out by actually being attracted to someone, would you?” he asked after a moment.
Clark nodded slowly, not trusting himself to respond.
“Wow,” Lex mused. Blue-gray eyes met his green ones. “I still don’t see the problem.”
“It’s just … different,” he said, having a hard time explaining it. He certainly was not ready to admit to Lex that it was Oliver he was attracted to.
Lex nodded sympathetically. “I suppose it is, coming from your background,” he said thoughtfully. “It’s nothing to be ashamed of … you know that, right?”
“I guess,” Clark said doubtfully. He sighed. “I am not embarrassed … I just don’t know how to process it all.”
“If you need someone to talk to, I’m here,” Lex offered.
Clark grinned. “You know … you remind me of a friend of mine from Smallville …”
“Really?” Lex seemed amused.
“Yeah, her name is Chloe,” Clark stated.
“I remind you of a girl?” Lex asked, barely suppressing a laugh, “Thanks Clark, thanks a lot.”
“No, not like that!” Clark protested, his face heating up. “I mean, like, the two of you are both really good listeners. That’s all.”
“I figured,” Lex responded, eyes shining in mirth.
The pair continued to talk amicably and Clark was relieved that Lex didn’t push him on the mystery man he had a crush on. He was very supportive and Clark was happy that he had made a good friend.
What shocked him even further was how supportive Lex was. He found out when he showed up in his dorm room the following afternoon with a big box.
“What is this?” he asked, bewildered, watching Lex set down the box on his bed.
“This is me helping you come to terms with your sexuality,” Lex announced. He started handing him items and Clark was positive he had never turned that red in his life.
“Lex!” he exclaimed, shocked when he saw the magazines. Along with the magazines were some Playboy issues.
“That is for the straight side,” Lex told him. Seeing Clark’s horrified expression, he sighed, “Clark, you’re sixteen years old. It’s a crime for you not to know these things. I don’t suppose you’re going to talk about it with your mother so I’m your best bet,” he finished.
Clark nodded wordlessly, too stunned.
Lex kept pulling out items and along with it was a book called “Sex for Dummies”.
“There’s stuff about gay sex in there too,” Lex said, with a grin. Someone was having way too much fun with this.
“I don’t know whether to thank you or smack you,” Clark said, gazing at the book skeptically.
“You need to be prepared,” Lex explained. With a smirk, he added, “Speaking of preparation …”
He pulled out a bottle and Clark’s face drained of color upon reading the label and choked on air.
“Trust me, Clark,” Lex responded, not the least bit bothered at Clark’s embarrassment. “You need this if you ever plan to lose that virginity of yours.”
“How did you know I was a virgin?” Clark questioned.
“You’re way too shy about the sex topic,” Lex pointed out. “It’s pretty obvious.”
“And who says that my first time will be with a guy anyway?” Clark demanded, finally regaining control of the English language.
“Juts in case,” Lex replied. “It’s good to have it.”
Clark groaned and Lex just was amused. With Lex Luthor, Clark never knew what to expect.
But Lex was right … he couldn’t talk to his mom about this and even if his dad was alive, he wouldn’t want to discuss his interest in men to him. That was just a weird conversation. Pete and Chloe wouldn’t be the best advice givers on this topic.
Fortunately, Lex was around when he made his discovery.
It was nice to know that he wasn’t completely alone.
After Lex left, Clark was tempted to look at some of the stuff he had brought by but instead, just put in a drawer.
“Oh Lex,” he said softly, smiling to himself, as he shut the drawer. He was definitely one of a kind.
That evening, he worked on his application for the paper and spoke to his mom, who was pleased to hear how well he was settling in.
He went to bed that night with pleasant thoughts in his mind, having been cheered up by both Lex and his mother. His unrequited feelings nagged at him but he managed to ignore them.
Pushing Oliver Queen out of his mind was easier said than done though. It seemed as if the fates didn’t want him to get a moment’s rests either. Because the blond wasn’t in his thoughts, he was there in person.
He was the first person Clark ran into Monday morning before classes. Having forgotten to set his alarm clock, he had overslept and had to grab a quick breakfast before heading to class.
On his way there, he heard his name being called. Seeing Oliver, he stopped and waited.
“Clark,” Oliver said, “I was looking for you at breakfast … I was surprised I didn’t see you there.”
He was looking for me? Clark had to stop the goofy grin that threatened to come up at the idea.
“I kinda overslept,” he admitted sheepishly. “What’s up?”
“Well, I wanted to tell you about a Halloween party that is coming up,” Oliver replied. “I was hoping you’d like to go.”
“A Halloween party?” Clark repeated. He had completely forgotten that Halloween was coming up.
Ollie smiled. “Yeah, so what do you say?” He paused. “And of course, your friend Lex is invited too.”
Clark couldn’t help the smile that came up at his words. At least he was making an effort. He didn’t know if he should go the party but he didn’t know how to say “no” to Oliver. If he was honest with himself, he would admit that he didn’t’ want to say “no”.
So he didn’t.
“I’d like that,” Clark told him. “I’ll be there.”
“Wonderful,” Oliver said, handing him two envelopes. “The details are inside. It is a costume party so dress up.”
Clark cringed and Oliver chuckled.
“Have a nice day, Clark,” Oliver said and headed off in the opposite direction.
“You too,” he called before going to his class.
A Halloween party. Interesting. It would be a good way to meet some people and if Lex agreed to come, then he would have some company. Plus, he’d get to see Oliver, which was always a bonus.
He only hoped that Lex would agree though.
After Clark’s second class, which he had with Lex, they didn’t get much of a chance to talk but he did manage to bring it up during brunch. He quickly told Lex the news and his friend listened as he gave him the details. Handing him the envelope containing the invitation, Clark looked at him hopefully.
Lex observed the invitation and frowned. “Clark,” he said slowly.
“I know, I know you don’t like Oliver,” Clark said hastily. “But I’ll be there and I thought it’d be fun …”
“It’s not that I don’t want to go,” Lex interrupted, “It’s just that I can’t. I’m going to be out of town that weekend.”
“Out of town?” Clark echoed.
Lex was quick to tell him about a conference … something science related and Clark was disappointed to hear it was the same weekend of the party.
“Clark, I hated this school,” Lex said honestly. “I was looking for a chance to get out. I’m sorry.”
“Not your fault,” Clark replied, forcing a smile. “You didn’t know.”
“You should go though,” Lex advised.
“I probably won’t,” Clark responded. “I’d be out of place … I don’t know anyone.”
“You know Oliver,” Lex reminded him. “Who seems really eager for you to come.”
“I doubt he’ll even notice I’m there,” Clark said disbelievingly.
“He went out of his way to invite you and he even invited me, who he doesn’t really like,” Lex argued. “I don’t think he does that for anyone.”
“We’ll see,” Clark said.
“I’ll help you pick out a costume,” Lex told him.
“If I go, I’ll take you up on that offer,” Clark retorted.
However, he remembered Oliver’s smile as he handed him the invitation and he knew that there really was no debate. He was going to that party.
Now he just had to figure out a costume.
Chapter 7
Now I have a banner too! It was made by my fabulous beta and friend, boltgirl426 . So special thanks to her for it!
Story: In Love … All Bets Are Off
Pairing/Characters: Clark/Oliver, Clark/Lex friendship
Rating: R
Disclaimer: don’t own anything
Warning: slash, mentions of m/m sex, jerk!Jason (sorry, I do like him but I needed a villain and he fit)
Spoilers: AU but slight season 1-early season 3 mentions
Summary: Clark’s dad dies when he’s in high school. Martha and Clark sell the farm and leave to live with Clark’s grandfather, Clark transferring to Excelsior. Excelsior … where Oliver Queen rules the school. Oliver takes a bet that he can get the new guy in his bed … but what happens when he ends up falling in love instead?
Previous Chapters: Here
Chapter 6
“It’s nice to meet you,” Clark said, smiling, removing his hand.
“Likewise,” Jason replied. “You’re a junior right?”
“Yeah,” Clark said, “Are you?”
“I’m a senior,” Jason clarified, with a smile. He looked pointedly at the journalism office, from which Clark had just emerged. “Are you interested in the paper?”
“I’m trying to join actually,” Clark told him.
“That’s great,” Jason replied, “I’ll look forward to reading your articles soon then.”
“We can only hope,” Clark joked and Jason laughed.
“I’ll see you around, Clark,” he said, patting him on the shoulder.
“Sounds good,” Clark agreed. He watched him walk away and smiled to himself. This school wasn’t so bad … it seemed that people were, at least to him, friendly enough.
After leaving his stuff in his room, he managed to catch up with Lex.
“So I met someone new today,” Clark said casually.
“Oh yeah?” Lex asked curiously. “Who now?”
“Jason Teague,” Clark answered. Seeing Lex freeze, he groaned. “He’s a jerk too?”
“You always manage to find the best ones, Clark,” Lex murmured, shaking his head.
“Is he that bad?” Clark questioned worriedly.
“He’s just another one of that group,” Lex told him. “But if you want my advice, stay away from Teague. I’m not saying that because of me. If you want to pursue a friendship with Oliver, fine, but Jason is dangerous.”
“Why’s that?” Clark wanted to know.
“Because everyone knows that Jason and Oliver are rivals,” Lex informed him. “They can’t stand each other … Jason is always looking for a way to outdo Oliver. He hadn’t succeeded yet but if he knows that Oliver is friends with you, I wouldn’t put it past him to try to break that up.”
The brunet cringed. “Well,” he said slowly, “I only ran into him and he was nice enough … but there’s no friendship there or anything.”
“I suggest you keep it that way,” Lex advised. “The last thing you want is to get in the middle of those two. They’re absolutely irrational when they’re trying to one up each other.”
“Thanks Lex,” Clark replied gratefully. He was extremely thankful that he had a friend who knew the ropes and social dynamics. Without him, he was certain he’d be extremely lost.
“Besides,” Lex continued, “I don’t like Queen but he’s at least straight forward. Jason Teague … he’s a little shady. Not to mention his mother is a first class nut job … with those genes running in the family, I’d be worried. So if you have to be friends with one of them, I’d suggest go with Oliver.”
Clark grinned and nodded at the advice.
“I don’t know what I’d do without you,” he admitted sheepishly.
“Get caught in a lot of dramatic situations,” Lex replied promptly, with a smirk.
Clark blushed and grinned. “Probably,” he agreed.
They laughed together and Clark spent the rest of the day just hanging out with Lex. His new friend was very easy to talk to and he enjoyed spending time with him.
His words of caution about Oliver and Jason never left his mind though. Not that he was worried. Jason was practically a stranger to him and Oliver … well, he didn’t know what Oliver was. He had a strong feeling that the blond was still upset with him. Clark didn’t blame him … he was still ashamed of the way he had acted the other day.
Hopefully, he wouldn’t be upset too long because he did like his company.
It wasn’t too long before he saw him again though. The following day, he was just taking a walk around the grounds when an all too familiar figure caught his eye. Oliver was standing there, surrounded by archery gear. He slowly made his way to the blond and watched as he loaded the arrow.
I shouldn’t be here. Clark wasn’t sure Ollie would appreciate him watching but he couldn’t resist. He was mesmerized. Ollie aimed and he observed as the arrow hit its target.
Oliver turned to his bag and that’s when his eyes landed on Clark, a look of surprise coming over his face.
“I didn’t realize I had an audience,” he remarked.
Clark had the good graces to blush.
“I’m sorry,” he apologized. “I just was taking a walk and I saw you … I wasn’t standing here very long.”
Oliver smiled warmly. “I wasn’t upset,” he said, “Just a little taken aback.”
“I didn’t mean to interrupt your practice,” Clark told him. “I can leave if you want privacy.”
“Nah,” Oliver said, with a wave of his hand. “I don’t mind the company.”
“You can go back to practicing,” Clark responded, “I just wanted to watch … besides Robin Hood, I don’t know anything about archery. I really want to watch,” he added eagerly.
The hopeful expression on his face caused Ollie to soften visibly.
Chuckling, he picked up an arrow and with a glance at Clark, he aimed and fired the arrow. Clark applauded and Oliver laughed wholeheartedly.
Observing him for a second, Oliver said, “Come here, Clark.”
Clark closed the distance between them and was surprised when Oliver handed him the bow. The brunet looked at him quizzically.
“I’m going to teach you how to shoot an arrow,” Oliver told him. “If you’re interested that is.”
“Are you sure?” Clark asked shyly.
“I’m positive,” Oliver said confidently. His brown eyes sparkled. “Now relax.”
“K,” Clark said and listened as Oliver gave him instructions on his posture. He had to refrain from shiver when Oliver’s hands covered his as he led his fingers to the proper position. Oliver was standing right behind him, their bodies pressed together, and Clark was finding it suddenly difficult to breathe.
Oliver stepped back and Clark released the arrow, just like Oliver said and he was surprised when it actually hit the target. He turned to Oliver, beaming.
“You’re a natural,” Oliver proclaimed.
“Thanks,” Clark said, handing the bow back to him. Oliver took it, their fingers brushing, which sent a burst of electricity through Clark’s body. He tried to remain neutral outwardly though, even if his insides were in a jumble.
Over the course of the afternoon, Clark and Ollie just talked. He was stunned at how comfortable he felt with the blond. There was also that funny feeling in his stomach every time Oliver smiled at him.
The last time he felt like this … Oh God … the last time he felt like this was when he was with Lana. Could he really be attracted to Oliver Queen? He had never been attracted to another man before but there were definitely feelings that were beyond platonic when it came to Oliver.
If only he knew what to do about them.
How he managed to maintain his cool for the rest of the day, he didn’t know but he fooled Ollie and that was all that mattered.
Or at least he thought he did.
Oliver was a lot more observant than he let on. He witnessed Clark’s reactions to his touches and he was pleased with the direction their relationship was taking. If there was one thing he was certain of, it was when someone was attracted to him.
Clark Kent was definitely interested in him. He was probably confused but there were feelings. That was the beginning.
A part of him was feeling guilty, had been feeling guilty since Clark apologized outside the journalism office. Yet, he just had to keep going. There was no choice in this matter.
However, he had enjoyed his afternoon with the brunet. He may be affecting Clark but Clark was affecting him too.
Which was not good at all. To see Clark watching him practice archery had caused his heart to skip a beat … he felt like he was back in middle school. It was absolutely ridiculous. Never had he taught someone how to shoot an arrow before and Clark had been so keen … just remembering the look on his face put a smile on his.
He had been reluctant when they had to part ways since he had enjoying spending time with Clark. All he could think about was how he could see Clark again. These accidental meetings were just not going to do.
Because you have a bet to win. That too. He also just wanted to see Clark again. No, Queen, don’t go there. Remember the last time you attempted to put your heart out there when it came to Clark Kent? You got rejected … shot down. Don’t let him get that power again.
Though he knew his inner voice was right, he just couldn’t help the direction in which he was going. He didn’t get to ponder his thoughts much because that’s when Alden and Geoffrey found him.
Immediately they started chatting about the upcoming Halloween party.
The Halloween party. It had completely slipped Ollie’s mind. And he found he had the perfect excuse to see Clark again.
Meanwhile, Clark was brooding. He was still dumbstruck with his developing feelings for Oliver. At this point, he was certain he had some serious issues … he seemed to have a pattern … one which involved him falling in love with people he couldn’t have.
First, it was Lana … she was always out of his reach and even when they tried to date, he had screwed it up. Now Oliver … of all the people he had to get a crush on, it had to be the most popular guy in the entire school.
I’m so stupid. Oliver was nice enough to him but there was no way he would ever see him in that way. He was deluding himself in thinking there was a chance for more with the blonde.
Why would he want a simple farm boy when he could have anyone in the school?
Dejected, he was walking around when Lex caught up to him.
“Hey Lex,” he greeted him.
“Hey Clark,” his friend replied.
They chatted a bit and Lex immediately caught on to the fact that he was off.
“What’s wrong?” he asked. He tried to play it off but Lex wasn’t fooled.
Finally he spilled the truth.
“I think I’m bisexual,” he admitted.
“You think?” Lex questioned, raising an eyebrow.
“Okay, I know,” Clark corrected.
“Interesting,” Lex replied. “So what’s the problem?” His eyes widened quickly, after watching Clark’s expression. “You wouldn’t happen to have found that out by actually being attracted to someone, would you?” he asked after a moment.
Clark nodded slowly, not trusting himself to respond.
“Wow,” Lex mused. Blue-gray eyes met his green ones. “I still don’t see the problem.”
“It’s just … different,” he said, having a hard time explaining it. He certainly was not ready to admit to Lex that it was Oliver he was attracted to.
Lex nodded sympathetically. “I suppose it is, coming from your background,” he said thoughtfully. “It’s nothing to be ashamed of … you know that, right?”
“I guess,” Clark said doubtfully. He sighed. “I am not embarrassed … I just don’t know how to process it all.”
“If you need someone to talk to, I’m here,” Lex offered.
Clark grinned. “You know … you remind me of a friend of mine from Smallville …”
“Really?” Lex seemed amused.
“Yeah, her name is Chloe,” Clark stated.
“I remind you of a girl?” Lex asked, barely suppressing a laugh, “Thanks Clark, thanks a lot.”
“No, not like that!” Clark protested, his face heating up. “I mean, like, the two of you are both really good listeners. That’s all.”
“I figured,” Lex responded, eyes shining in mirth.
The pair continued to talk amicably and Clark was relieved that Lex didn’t push him on the mystery man he had a crush on. He was very supportive and Clark was happy that he had made a good friend.
What shocked him even further was how supportive Lex was. He found out when he showed up in his dorm room the following afternoon with a big box.
“What is this?” he asked, bewildered, watching Lex set down the box on his bed.
“This is me helping you come to terms with your sexuality,” Lex announced. He started handing him items and Clark was positive he had never turned that red in his life.
“Lex!” he exclaimed, shocked when he saw the magazines. Along with the magazines were some Playboy issues.
“That is for the straight side,” Lex told him. Seeing Clark’s horrified expression, he sighed, “Clark, you’re sixteen years old. It’s a crime for you not to know these things. I don’t suppose you’re going to talk about it with your mother so I’m your best bet,” he finished.
Clark nodded wordlessly, too stunned.
Lex kept pulling out items and along with it was a book called “Sex for Dummies”.
“There’s stuff about gay sex in there too,” Lex said, with a grin. Someone was having way too much fun with this.
“I don’t know whether to thank you or smack you,” Clark said, gazing at the book skeptically.
“You need to be prepared,” Lex explained. With a smirk, he added, “Speaking of preparation …”
He pulled out a bottle and Clark’s face drained of color upon reading the label and choked on air.
“Trust me, Clark,” Lex responded, not the least bit bothered at Clark’s embarrassment. “You need this if you ever plan to lose that virginity of yours.”
“How did you know I was a virgin?” Clark questioned.
“You’re way too shy about the sex topic,” Lex pointed out. “It’s pretty obvious.”
“And who says that my first time will be with a guy anyway?” Clark demanded, finally regaining control of the English language.
“Juts in case,” Lex replied. “It’s good to have it.”
Clark groaned and Lex just was amused. With Lex Luthor, Clark never knew what to expect.
But Lex was right … he couldn’t talk to his mom about this and even if his dad was alive, he wouldn’t want to discuss his interest in men to him. That was just a weird conversation. Pete and Chloe wouldn’t be the best advice givers on this topic.
Fortunately, Lex was around when he made his discovery.
It was nice to know that he wasn’t completely alone.
After Lex left, Clark was tempted to look at some of the stuff he had brought by but instead, just put in a drawer.
“Oh Lex,” he said softly, smiling to himself, as he shut the drawer. He was definitely one of a kind.
That evening, he worked on his application for the paper and spoke to his mom, who was pleased to hear how well he was settling in.
He went to bed that night with pleasant thoughts in his mind, having been cheered up by both Lex and his mother. His unrequited feelings nagged at him but he managed to ignore them.
Pushing Oliver Queen out of his mind was easier said than done though. It seemed as if the fates didn’t want him to get a moment’s rests either. Because the blond wasn’t in his thoughts, he was there in person.
He was the first person Clark ran into Monday morning before classes. Having forgotten to set his alarm clock, he had overslept and had to grab a quick breakfast before heading to class.
On his way there, he heard his name being called. Seeing Oliver, he stopped and waited.
“Clark,” Oliver said, “I was looking for you at breakfast … I was surprised I didn’t see you there.”
He was looking for me? Clark had to stop the goofy grin that threatened to come up at the idea.
“I kinda overslept,” he admitted sheepishly. “What’s up?”
“Well, I wanted to tell you about a Halloween party that is coming up,” Oliver replied. “I was hoping you’d like to go.”
“A Halloween party?” Clark repeated. He had completely forgotten that Halloween was coming up.
Ollie smiled. “Yeah, so what do you say?” He paused. “And of course, your friend Lex is invited too.”
Clark couldn’t help the smile that came up at his words. At least he was making an effort. He didn’t know if he should go the party but he didn’t know how to say “no” to Oliver. If he was honest with himself, he would admit that he didn’t’ want to say “no”.
So he didn’t.
“I’d like that,” Clark told him. “I’ll be there.”
“Wonderful,” Oliver said, handing him two envelopes. “The details are inside. It is a costume party so dress up.”
Clark cringed and Oliver chuckled.
“Have a nice day, Clark,” Oliver said and headed off in the opposite direction.
“You too,” he called before going to his class.
A Halloween party. Interesting. It would be a good way to meet some people and if Lex agreed to come, then he would have some company. Plus, he’d get to see Oliver, which was always a bonus.
He only hoped that Lex would agree though.
After Clark’s second class, which he had with Lex, they didn’t get much of a chance to talk but he did manage to bring it up during brunch. He quickly told Lex the news and his friend listened as he gave him the details. Handing him the envelope containing the invitation, Clark looked at him hopefully.
Lex observed the invitation and frowned. “Clark,” he said slowly.
“I know, I know you don’t like Oliver,” Clark said hastily. “But I’ll be there and I thought it’d be fun …”
“It’s not that I don’t want to go,” Lex interrupted, “It’s just that I can’t. I’m going to be out of town that weekend.”
“Out of town?” Clark echoed.
Lex was quick to tell him about a conference … something science related and Clark was disappointed to hear it was the same weekend of the party.
“Clark, I hated this school,” Lex said honestly. “I was looking for a chance to get out. I’m sorry.”
“Not your fault,” Clark replied, forcing a smile. “You didn’t know.”
“You should go though,” Lex advised.
“I probably won’t,” Clark responded. “I’d be out of place … I don’t know anyone.”
“You know Oliver,” Lex reminded him. “Who seems really eager for you to come.”
“I doubt he’ll even notice I’m there,” Clark said disbelievingly.
“He went out of his way to invite you and he even invited me, who he doesn’t really like,” Lex argued. “I don’t think he does that for anyone.”
“We’ll see,” Clark said.
“I’ll help you pick out a costume,” Lex told him.
“If I go, I’ll take you up on that offer,” Clark retorted.
However, he remembered Oliver’s smile as he handed him the invitation and he knew that there really was no debate. He was going to that party.
Now he just had to figure out a costume.
Chapter 7