Fiction: Business Proposition - Smallville - NC-17 - 1/2
Business Proposition
Possession part one
Fandom: Smallville/Batman crossover
Pairing: Lex Luthor/Bruce Wayne
Rating: NC-17
Category: Angst, crossover, first time, pre-Smallville
Notes: Dedicated to Lola who encouraged me to bring this out into the light of day. Thanks to lola, moss, lexalot and alee for the beta. Also thanks to coffeejunkii for audiencing. All remaining errors are my own. Repost for archiving in my LJ.
Disclaimer: DC Comics, Warner Brothers, Tollin/Robbins and Millar/Gough Ink own Smallville and its characters. DC owns Bruce. I am just playing.
Summary: Some things are best never talked about.
The black limousine pulled up to the gate and waited for it to open. When the driver received verification, he turned to address the passenger. "Sir, we have been given confirmation to enter."
"Good," Lex Luthor said calmly as he straightened his suit jacket. At only seventeen years of age Lex was set to inherit one of the richest companies in the world. He had already seen most of Europe and Asia, and had been to six schools around the world. He was headed for school number seven if he didn't start curbing his enthusiasm for finding trouble in all its incarnations.
Lex watched as the gate swung open. He tapped nervous fingers absent-mindedly on the door handle. Dad says this should be a piece of cake. Wayne Tech is dying to sign on the dotted line.
He glanced down at the briefcase by his feet. Everything had already been arranged. He thought of the reward at the end of it. The Ferrari F50, in silver, complete with spoiler and CD player. His mouth watered at the idea of the gorgeous car. All he had to do was deliver some papers and get Wayne to sign on the dotted line.
Lex knew this was a test. He also knew the consequences if he failed.
The limo driver stopped the car, got out, and opened the door. Lex took the briefcase with him as he stepped out of the car. He straightened his black jacket and purple tie, and eagerly moved forward. Each step closer to that mausoleum of a house (and yes it did give him the creeps) was a step closer to getting his car.
The fact was Bruce Wayne gave him the creeps. What the hell does a twenty-two-year-old billionaire orphan do all day in such a big . . . house?
Lex looked up and up and up. It had gotten dark out already, and he hadn't even noticed until now. The darkness added to the already creepy ambiance of the place.
The driver handed him his overcoat. Lex took it absently, still gawking at Wayne Manor. The house was so huge it would take days to see it all, and were those gargoyles on the roof? A sudden flash of thunder illuminated the rooftop. How perfect that it would start to rain on this night.
Lex swallowed hard when he saw a figure standing at the big, open front door. He took a deep breath. This was going to be so easy. He smiled and walked up the steps.
The man at the door was dressed impeccably in a suit and he stood with grace. He looked about forty or so. Lex knew this was not Mr. Wayne.
"Hello," Lex said with a smile. He swung the briefcase carelessly in front of himself.
"Mr. Luthor, I am Alfred Pennyworth, Mr. Wayne's butler. This way please," the British accent was cultured and compact, very distinguished. Lex turned when he heard the limo drive off. He furrowed his brow and followed Alfred into the foyer. He looked around. The high ceiling seemed to disappear in shadows, and the walls hide deep corners. A huge chandelier hung from the ceiling. It tinkled lightly as thunder rumbled outside. Everything about this place was imposing.
"Master Bruce will be back . . . soon," Alfred said. "I am to serve you a meal and then show you to a den."
"That's not possible. He knew I was coming. I have an appointment." Lex looked at his Napoleon watch. He was going to be late for his plans if this didn't happen in the next hour.
"I only do what I am instructed to. You will have to take that up with Master Bruce." Lex frowned. Master, God, did anybody really expect the hired help to talk that way?
"But. . ."
"Sorry, sir," Alfred said. Lex did not think he sounded sorry.
It turned out he was hungry after all, and the food was great. Lex hadn't eaten that ravenously in a long time.
He was lead to a den after the meal. The room was furnished in dark furniture with dark colors everywhere, and a fire burned in a hearth. The hearth was so huge that Lex could have stood in it if he wanted to.
Nervous, he moved to the other end of the room away from the fire where it was darkest, and sat in a soft leather chair. He unbuttoned his jacket. The warmth and the food in his stomach overwhelmed him, and before he knew it, he had drifted off.
When his head lulled, he awoke with a start.
"You are not Lionel Luthor," a deep voice behind him said. Lex straightened himself and stood, then turned to face the voice. He swallowed hard at the sight of Bruce Wayne. The man was intimidating even just standing there. He was tall and . . . gorgeous. He took Lex's breath away. The black hair made Lex ache; made him wish he had his own hair. Bruce was perfect, and his black suit was immaculate.
Absently, Lex rubbed his bare scalp. Bald since he was nine, Lex had gotten so used to it that he forgot most of the time, but seeing Bruce made him want; made him want many things.
"Hi. Lex Luthor," he said too softly. He held out his hand. Bruce hesitated, and then closed the gap between them, forcing Lex to take a step back. Lex realized this gave the older man the advantage, but then he already had the home court.
The big hand grasped Lex's smaller, pale one, engulfed it, and squeezed it too tightly, and he pumped it up and down. He stared down at Lex's face, expressionless.
"He said he'd send me a surprise. I had no idea it would be his son," Bruce said as he released Lex's hand. Bruce walked over to a small bar and poured a drink.
"I assure you Mr. Wayne; I am fully qualified in this matter. My father has given me carte blanche on the handling of this contract." Lex wanted to sound impressive, wanted to impress this man, but most of all, he wanted the car. He was willing to do anything it took to get it.
Bruce turned and sipped the drink. He looked Lex up and down. The eyes were dark and penetrating, very intimidating.
Lex swallowed hard: anything it took.
"Please, call me Bruce," the older man said as he licked his lips.
"Call me Lex."
"Great, Lex," Bruce sauntered over to a neat and tidy desk. Everything in this place was neat and tidy.
Bruce sat in a chair behind the desk and opened the drawer. He barely made a sound as he pulled out some papers, and then set them down on the desk.
"Um, nice house you have. Haunted?" Lex grinned hesitantly.
Bruce looked up from what he'd been reading. "No," he said absently, as if Lex were serious. "You'll have to sign this first before we do any . . . business." Bruce slid the paper across the desk. Lex walked over, suddenly feeling tense and jumpy.
Not so simple. Lex should have known his father would lie. Lex decided he would demand two cars for all his troubles.
He picked up the paper and glanced at it.
Lex frowned. "Why a confidentiality contract?"
Bruce leaned back and tucked his fingers under his chin. "Everything we do here tonight, everything to do with the contract your father wants to close, stays here between the two of us."
Lex looked into the eyes, and tried to gauge what was going on behind them. He looked down at the paper. It was only two sheets. This would be quick.
He sat in the chair across from the desk and read carefully. Simple, just something to ensure there would be no press leaks. This, of course meant he couldn't brag about it in public.
"Okay," Lex no sooner said it when Bruce leaned in again, and slid a pen across the desk for Lex to take. Lex signed, feeling very confident. He stood to get the briefcase. When he turned back, Bruce was looming over him. He was a head taller than Lex. Lex had yet to gain height and suddenly he felt small beside this black-clad, imposing figure.
"We'll sit by the fire," Bruce said as he took the case. His hand engulfed Lex's hand again, sending shivers throughout Lex's body. He couldn't figure out if they were shivers of fear or something else. He didn't want to think about what that meant.
"Would you like a drink?" Bruce asked as he freshened up his own.
Lex nodded and sat in the offered chair. Bruce handed him the glass and sat in a chair right across from Lex, their knees almost touching. Lex looked down at the briefcase Bruce had leaned against his own chair. The drink in Lex's hand seemed heavy. He lifted it to his lips, and looked over the rim at Bruce. Bruce was watching him with unblinking eyes. Lex sipped the drink and almost choked, but just managed to get the first gulp past his oesophagus.
"A little young to be bald aren't you?" Bruce's voice was deep.
"When I was nine there was an accident. I've been bald since then." Lex lifted his chin. "I adjusted."
"It's quite distinguishing. You must have had a hard time, as a child, I mean." Bruce sipped his drink, and sucked the liquor through his teeth.
"I was picked on," Lex said warily. "Is this a part of the deal?"
"Lionel didn't send you to self-defense classes?" Bruce ignored Lex's query.
"He sent me to fencing and polo mostly. Why?"
Bruce chuckled, and then shook his head. "I could show you. You already have one advantage: size. An attacker won't see you are a threat" Lex tried not to flinch as taunts from school kids came to mind. "You could use that against your opponent."
"Thank you," Lex said softly. He didn't say what he really wanted. He tried to remember his mother's etiquette lessons; lessons he had vowed to remember.
"So," Bruce leaned back, crossed his legs and brushed his shin against Lex's knee. "I'm afraid I'll have to turn down the contract."
Lex tried to compose himself, but it was too late. His anger had shown.
His father hadn't told him this would be an option. "Why?" he asked unblinkingly, voice raised more than he had intended. He glared straight into Bruce's eyes. Bruce was really creepy. He looked at Lex as if he wanted to - - eat him.
"I just can't take the offered gift."
"What gift?" Lex asked before he could stop himself. He could see the car slipping away. "I'm authorized to give you anything you ask for." Bruce leaned in close, and he was face to face with those frightening eyes. It was the first time something had frightened him in a long time.
"Yes, Lionel is right." Bruce placed a hand on Lex's chin before Lex realized what was happening.
"Sir," Lex held himself unflinching; steady. He knew how eccentric Bruce Wayne was. He knew to expect some odd behaviour.
"Is this your first time, Lex? Is this your first business deal?"
Lex swallowed hard, clenched his jaw and nodded. "I haven't finished business school yet."
Bruce moved closer, and one knee slid between Lex's own legs. The hand caressed his face, and then stroked across his head. "You're very smooth and soft. Are you smooth and soft all over, Lex?" Bruce licked his lips.
Lex flinched when he realized just what Bruce was implying, and hesitated before he replied. "Do . . . do you want to find out?" he whispered shakily.
By way of answer, Bruce leaned in and brushed his lips across Lex's mouth.
Lex closed his eyes. He felt like he would explode. He had been too anxious to realize how aroused he was until this moment.
Bruce chose that instant to abruptly pull away. "As the contract you signed states, nothing we do will go beyond these walls. Not even to your father."
"What . . . what should I tell him?" Lex wished he could stop stuttering.
"That we had dinner, and I signed the contract. You'll stay with me tonight." Lex nodded. "Lionel expects that. You do realize you're father's gift is you, right?"
"He told me to do anything," Lex said, looking down at the knee still between his legs. He reached out. He'd never been with a man. Lex had only really been with one woman, and a hasty hand job hardly seemed in the same realm as what Bruce was . . . insinuating.
Abruptly, Bruce swept up the briefcase and set it down flat on a low table beside them. "Open it," he commanded.
Lex placed his empty glass down beside it.
He leaned in, and Bruce's leg pushed deeper between his thighs. Lex fumbled with the lock mechanism. On the third try he finally got it. He sat back after opening it. "Don't you want lawyers to look it over?"
Bruce scowled at him, and then recomposed his visage. If Lex had looked away just for a moment, he would have missed it. "They already have." He pulled out the folder for the contracts and opened it. "Take your jacket off," he said without even looking up from the papers.
Lex licked his lips and complied.
Bruce reached out, and picked up the phone that sat on the small table as his elbow. "Alfred, make up a room for my guest."
Lex leaned back and clutched his hands together to steady the shaking. He could do this. He pressed his hands to his chin and smiled. Suddenly, he felt like things were going to work out. Bruce was reading the whole contract right here, and any moment now he would sign it.
"I, um, I need a bathroom," Lex said softly.
Bruce sat back without looking up. He gave Lex room to move out from between his legs. "It's the third door to the right." Lex stood and headed for the hallway. "Oh, and don't stray."
"I wouldn't do that," Lex said firmly.
"Take off your tie, Lex. It makes me nervous," Bruce said just as Lex was leaving.
"Could have fooled me," Lex mumbled as he headed to the bathroom. The bathroom was very big with an open style shower in one far corner and a toilet in another corner. A small rectangular mirror hung above the sink. The tiles were all black and dark blue, like bruises.
Lex peed, flushed, and then tucked his shirt back into his pants. He stood in front of the mirror and pulled off the purple LuthorCorp tie. Dad said it was the color of royalty.
Lex folded it carefully and put it in his jacket pocket. He examined himself in the mirror and turned his head left, then right. He was not ugly. At least, he didn't think of himself as unattractive.
He reached up and unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt, exposing pale, smooth skin.
When he went back to the den, Bruce was still reading the contract. He was probably reading every single word. Lex looked around the room and relaxed by fractions as he walked around and looked at the details.
"Lex," Bruce said suddenly, "please sit down." Lex thrust his hands into his pants pockets and walked over to sit back down in the chair across from Bruce. "Do you always do exactly what you're told?"
"Um, no, not always," Lex swallowed, licked his lips and reached out to touch Bruce's leg.
"Does your father often offer you as a . . . gift?"
"No," Lex said shifting away, sitting back in his chair.
"Are you a virgin, Lex?" Bruce asked casually. His eyes never left the contract.
"No." Lex looked down at his hands. "Well, sort of." He swallowed hard again. "I haven't had a lot of experience." He looked up at Bruce through pale lashes.
Bruce smiled. "I want complete honesty." He looked up at Lex. "It makes things easier. No lies, okay?"
Lex nodded and tried to smile.
Bruce set the contract aside and leaned forward. "I want you to go up to your room, shower and get into bed. Alfred will provide you with bed clothes. Is black acceptable? It's all I own."
Lex nodded again, his mouth dry and his heart racing. "Sure, anything's fine." He swallowed hard and got up.
"What experience do you have, Lex?"
"Just this girl who felt sorry for me."
Bruce shook his head. "Unbelievable," he muttered. "You can go now."
Lex hesitated then left the room without looking back. Alfred was waiting at the staircase to the second floor. He led Lex to a room.
The room was dark and barely lit. There was a monstrosity of a canopy bed in the center, so overly ornate kings could use it. It was draped in heavy black fabric. Alfred walked past him with towels and pyjamas, and set them on the bed. Black on black; everything in this house was black. Lex liked that. It was . . . disturbing and comforting at the same time.
"If you need anything just ring me," Alfred said, pointing to a black phone on the dresser by the bed. He left the room, closing the door behind him. The sound of a lock slipping into place sent a shiver through Lex's body. He shook it off and took one of the towels to the adjoining bathroom.
A huge shower took up most of the room, and a toilet and sink were tucked into a corner. He undressed and set his clothes down, neatly folded, on a chair that sat in another corner. Lex had never been comfortable with his nudity. He looked down at his completely hairless body. He brushed the eyebrows and eyelashes with a finger. It was the only hair that had grown back, and that had stumped all his doctors.
He'd hoped puberty would change that.
The hot water felt great against his cool skin. That was another side-effect of no body hair; no body-heat retention.
Lex luxuriated, taking his time as he closed his eyes and enjoyed the spray of the water against the back of his neck. A noise beside him startled him. He looked around frantically with wide eyes but saw nothing there. His nerves were on edge, and the shower had suddenly lost its appeal.
He turned off the water, grabbed the towel, and wrapped it around his torso. He padded back to the bedroom and the sudden feeling of being watched made his skin rise with gooseflesh.
He quickly dried himself and pulled the black silk pyjamas on as fast as he could. The bare amount of light in the room flickered and danced with the shadows in the corners. Every time Lex turned to see what the movement in the corner of his eyes was, he found nothing but more shadows.
The sheets on the bed were satin and soft against his cheeks. He was almost too nervous to sleep, but he found himself drifting off anyway.
When he opened his eyes, he could see light streaming through a slit in the curtain of the bed. He yawned and stretched, trying to hear what was beyond. He could just make out faint breathing. Then the light went out and plunged the room into total darkness.
"Who's there?" Lex called out, his voice cracked and his heart pounding. Maybe it was just the butler. Lex scrambled away from the sound, pressed his body up against the headboard as far as he could go, and wound his arms around his thin legs. The bed dipped and creaked. Lex pushed further away from the sound, heart trip-hammered in his chest. He couldn't stop the scream that escaped as a hand grabbed him by an ankle and pulled. He thrashed and kicked at the hand. He grabbed at the bedpost and twisted around.
"Relax," Bruce's voice, low and gentle, came from behind him. Lex stopped his struggles and collapsed on his stomach, almost out of breathe. Even here in the dark, especially here in the dark, Bruce's presence felt ominous.
A hand pressed firmly on Lex's back and he remained still, his heart pounding. Lex bit his lower lip, and waited. The hand against Lex's back was huge. Bruce caressed down and slid it under Lex's shirt.
"Um, you . . . scared me," Lex whispered past the lump in his throat.
"You were sleeping. This won't work if you're asleep." The hand moved up Lex's spine and across his ribs. The touch sent shivers through his body.
"No, I suppose it won't."
Bruce shifted, his fully clothed body covering Lex. A hand on one hip pressed Lex down into the mattress. Lex was shaking now. "Relax; this will only take a minute." Bruce whispered into his ear.
"Okay," Lex gulped and spread his fingers out. Bruce pulled away, leaving him feeling almost abandoned, and Lex couldn't decide if he was scared or thrilled. Hands grabbed the hems of his pants and yanked. They slid off effortlessly, sending a chill through Lex's lower body.
"Take off your shirt, Lex," Bruce instructed coolly. Lex sat up, glad for the darkness. His hands trembled uncontrollably as he unbuttoned the shirt and something like anger settled in, that his own father would leave him to this. His throat hurt. He figured it would hurt worse soon, along with everything else.
The shirt was snatched from his hand. Somewhere to the left he could hear the sound of silk falling. He curled his arms around his chest protectively.
"I'd . . . like to get this over with," Lex whispered, voice choked, eyes stinging with tears. He bit his lip, and blinked rapidly to stave off the fear.
"Lex, what do you think I'm going to do to you?" A hand gripped his leg and he was pulled forward until he lay flat on his back.
"I don't know," was all Lex could manage. He could feel Bruce hovering over him, arms on either side of him; one hand gliding across his chest. The bed shifted and Lex held his breath as the hand stroked across his chest, down his sides, fingers pressing into his ribs, touching, feeling every inch of his skin. Like an examination.
"You'll be here for the next month," Bruce said into his ear, lips brushing behind it where it was most sensitive. Lex bucked up and inhaled sharply. Shivers ran through his body straight down to his crotch and this was something he'd never felt before.
"No. . . I . . . I have to go home tomorrow . . . school," and Lex didn't even know how he was saying anything at all.
"I'll take care of all that." Bruce shifted, lying down beside Lex, and rested his hand on Lex's hip. "You are smooth all over." The hand moved down, slid across his pubic area, and stopped under the erection Lex couldn't help. Nobody had ever touched him like this before; nobody had ever wanted to touch him. He'd figured his father had been the one behind this pity fuck.
"My. My father. . ." Lex couldn't breathe, couldn't stop the tears, cried silently. He tried not to think about the fact that Luthors don't cry. Why shouldn't he? His father had given him to a crazy man. He'd seen it in Bruce's eyes earlier. He'd heard the stories about his parents' death, how Bruce had watched it all. Years of therapy couldn't help Lex with his mother's death; what could it do for this man?
A gentle brush against his cheek brought Lex back to stark reality.
"Lex," the tears were wiped away with a calloused thumb, and where did a billionaire playboy get calluses anyway?
"I'm sorry," Lex choked, too upset now to care how it looked. Luthor or not.
"No, I'm sorry. You feel like silk. How old are you?"
"Eighteen, sir" Lex said, calmer now. He felt the sudden urge to show this man respect.
"Beautiful boy. I was at one of your father's parties, at your Gotham mansion once. I made a comment to Lionel about how . . . pretty you were. That's why you are here." Bruce chuckled and brushed his fingers across Lex's chest again.
"Oh." Lex was shaking worse now.
"For now I will stay with you for one hour each night. Next week three hours. After that you will come to my room." Bruce's hand caressed him everywhere; on his thigh, then his leg then, on his side; then the hand grasped his arm, lifting it away from his body, fingers trailing down his arm to his shoulder. "So soft."
"Thank you," Lex shivered. Bruce moved to cover him with his clothed body. Lex could feel the excitement in Bruce's pants pressing into him, could feel how big Bruce was. Lex shuddered.
"I'm going to teach you how to use your small size to your advantage." Bruce's hand was trapped between them, his weight surprisingly comforting. "I'll teach you how to protect yourself."
"Okay," Lex was confused. Bruce sounded distant as he spoke, maybe even psychotic. Bruce was nuzzling his throat, sniffing him, making him harder. Lex lifted his hands, hesitantly reached for Bruce's hair.
"You can touch me however you want when we are here," Bruce said softly.
"Hair, I . . . I mean I like your hair. It's gorgeous. It makes me want . . ." Lex grabbed it, and ran his fingers through it. He luxuriated in how it felt. He thought he might orgasm just from this alone.
"You will shower every night. Alfred will leave your clothes on your bed." Bruce paused as he caressed down Lex's thigh. "What is Lionel's reward for this?" The mention of his father's name in that moment was like throwing cold water on him.
"A Ferrari," Lex whispered sheepishly.
"I don't have one of those and I suppose it would be rude to spoil Lionel's. . . No matter, I'd prefer you don't stray from the house. If you have to, Alfred can drive you in the Rolls. You have the run of the first, second and third floors. Nowhere else." Bruce slid off him, and turned Lex around so his back was pressed against Bruce's chest. One huge arm pinned him there.
"Thank you, sir," Lex said softly.
"Call me Bruce, always. Now, say. I. Am. Yours." Lex flinched, swallowed hard.
"Um, I am yours."
"Good," Bruce said, released him, and slid off the bed. Lex heard a door click shut seconds later. The silence was deafening. Lex pulled the sheets around himself, tucking them around his chin, and curled into a ball. Moments later he started to cry silently.
His wrist felt bare. Though he'd brought a watch with him, he had forgotten the one his mother gave him.
When Lex woke the next day, he couldn't remember having fallen asleep. As Bruce had promised, clothing had been laid out for him. He found a black pullover turtleneck, which he hated, a black t-shirt that fit him perfectly, and black briefs, socks and dress pants. All the garments were designer.
After dressing Lex headed for the first floor. The house was empty, quiet, like a tomb. He strained but he could hear no sounds save the giant grandfather clock he came across. It chimed one o'clock as he passed. He stopped to look at how ornate it was, and watched as the pendulum swung the seconds off.
A distant sound that seemed to be coming from the far left distracted him just as he was reaching out to touch the wood case of the clock. He shrugged and headed towards the sound, calling out Bruce and Alfred's names, but nobody answered back. He decided instead to find the den they had been in last night, his photographic memory leading him there in no time.
The briefcase was gone and everything was neat and tidy and in its place, like everything else in this house. When he searched the desk he found it was empty. Even the fireplace had been cleaned of all ashes as if nothing had ever happened there. Maybe Lex had dreamed the whole thing. Maybe he had fallen asleep in that chair and they had brought him up to the room to sleep and Mr. Wayne would be walking in any moment now to discuss the contract.
All that might ring true if Lex weren't wearing clothing left for him by a butler who called his boss Master. Lex shivered and sat down at the desk reaching for the phone. Maybe he could get his father to help him out of this mess. He dialled the work number, since that was where Lionel was most likely to be.
"Lionel Luthor's office, Nancy speaking."
"Nancy, hi. It's me, Lex. Is he in?" Lex could feel his heart race in anticipation of talking to his father.
"He's in a meeting, Lex. Do you want me to get him?"
"No, it's okay. Just tell him I called," Lex could hear the shakiness creep into his voice.
"Are you sure, honey? You sound upset. . ." The phone went dead. Lex sucked in a sharp breath when he reached for the telephone, fingers closing around a hand. He looked up into Bruce's face.
"I. I was just."
"I know, Lex. It's okay. I understand." The look in Bruce's eyes seemed to say anything but understanding and Lex flinched as he handed the phone to Bruce, who calmly took it and placed it back in its cradle. "I want you to join me for lunch."
"Okay." Lex stood and followed Bruce out of the den.
"I delayed it for you. You were obviously tired."
They entered a small room. The large square table at its center was set for two. Bruce held one of the chairs for Lex then sat down in the other, at Lex's right. They ate in silence as Alfred served the meal. When the meal was over, Bruce led him to a different den. This one was wall-to-wall bookshelves that were stuffed to the brim with books.
Bruce motioned for him to sit in one of the armchairs that was in front of a huge oak desk, and then moved to sit in the chair behind it. Bruce pulled papers out and concentrated on them. The phone at Bruce's elbow rang as soon as he'd settled into his seat. Bruce answered it without looking away from the papers he was reading.
"Wayne," Bruce said.
Though Lex paid attention to the phone call, he turned to the books.
"Can't you handle this?"
The collection seemed to be a mix of every topic. He glanced up to find law books, and then saw that right beside them were chemistry books. Lex stood, and his eyes followed the titles on the spines. He looked over to see that Bruce had turned away, and was busy talking into the phone, his voice too soft now for Lex to hear.
The books had captured his interest. He moved to examine them more closely. There were books on auto repair, on chess, strategy guides for war, electrical repair, the warrior code, and sword fighting. Each subject seemed to be in perfect order; grouped in categories, alphabetical by author. He pulled out a book on swordsmithing just as the telephone was placed back in its cradle. He turned around to find that Bruce was watching him.
"Less than five minutes," Bruce said with a smile at the corner of his lips.
"What?"
"That's how long you were able to resist the books."
"Oh, was I supposed to just sit?" Lex moved to sit back in the chair.
"No. You were supposed to be you." Bruce stood. Lex thought about last night, wanted to ask if it was a dream. "I need to go to the office."
"Wayne Tech?"
"Yes."
"Can I come?" Lex stood and followed Bruce, still holding the book.
"No. Stay. Read. You'll enjoy that more than sitting in a stuffy office. Do you have any hobbies?"
"Science. Chemistry. But Dad won't let me major in that." Bruce looked down at Lex, relaxed but tense at the same time. It was a strange feeling. It seemed as if Bruce wanted to reach out, and touch him. But he never once made a move. His arms always remained at his side.
"I'll talk to him. Chemistry is a fascinating field. We could get you a lab to play in." Lex almost laughed at the thought of Bruce going to his father, who would probably be polite about it but then refuse to take it seriously.
"That would be nice. Thank you."
"I have to change. Stay here." Bruce left. When he returned, he was in a black suit with a crisp white shirt. Lex walked to the front door with him, and watched as the Jaguar drove away, Bruce at the wheel.
He spent the rest of the day in the study reading, looking through books about Gotham City, its laws, and history. Bruce's family was mentioned a few times. Later, Alfred led him to the dining room and served him dinner. When he asked Alfred to join him, the butler acted as if Lex had slapped him. Lex had never felt comfortable with servants, something he picked up from his mother. A weakness his father hated.
When Bruce had not returned by nightfall, Lex went to his room, showered, changed into the fresh pair of black silk pajamas, and then slid into bed. He lay awake in the darkness listening to the silence. He'd left the lights off this time and it was too dark for him to see. Just as he drifted off, the bed dipped.
"Bruce," Lex whispered, anxious.
"You lied," Bruce rumbled.
Lex swallowed hard.
"I said I wanted honesty," Bruce said firmly.
Lex flinched and pulled the covers around him as though they were protection enough.
"I. I'm. What lie?"
"Your age. You won't be eighteen until Friday." The bed shifted. Lex felt a hand fall on his leg. He shrank back, eyes going wide.
"I'm sorry," he whispered, waiting for the blow. Nothing happened. There was only silence.
"Take off your clothes," Bruce said after a few minutes. Lex hesitated and then complied. How fucked up was it that all of this had to be done in the dark? But then again, maybe the dark was better. Kept him from seeing Bruce, seeing the look in his eyes.
"I. I can't see anything." Lex stammered. He wasn't shaking this time when he took off his shirt and his pants. He set them down on the bed beside himself. Silence hung heavy in the air, and for long minutes, Bruce said nothing. His breathing was the only sound, and Lex could hear his own heart pounding in his ears. He sat clad only in underwear, and even though it was too dark to see, he could feel Bruce's eyes on him, searing into his flesh down to the bone. Lex shivered.
"Lex, I don't plan on hurting you." Bruce sounded regretful, and Lex was suddenly afraid again, worse than he had been last night or any other night in his life. Hands gripped his arms and pulled him gently across the bed to bring him flush against a fully clothed Bruce, and Lex figured Bruce did this to keep the upper hand. He thought how Bruce would still have the upper hand even if he didn't come to him clothed.
Hands caressed Lex's back; it was somehow both soothing yet creepy. And he would not shudder; he would not cry this time. Instead, he hoped, he concentrated on what he wanted.
He reached up, and felt for the prize: the hair. Gorgeous, lush, black hair so beautiful, Lex thought he'd never get over how beautiful. His fingers sunk into it, and he sucked in a deep breath at the thrill of it.
"Would you like me to grow it longer?" Such a simple request that Lex thought he had no right to make, but Bruce was offering. Lex realized it had been so long since anybody in his life had offered to do something for him. He nodded absently against the broad chest. Wriggled his hips, and thrust into Bruce's belly.
"I missed you," Lex finally whispered softly, nuzzling the warm neck.
"Strange, I kept thinking about what you might be doing," Bruce shifted his body, rolled them and pinned Lex beneath him. He pressed Lex into the mattress, but left Lex's right leg stretched out. Lex gasped at Bruce's full body weight on him, and thrust up again, pushing closer against the big body above him. One large hand grasped the free leg, and squeezed it gently. This sent erotic thrills through Lex's body.
"I was reading all day," he managed between shudders.
"Good." With a deep intake of breath, Bruce pressed his chest further into Lex. "Use your hands, Lex."
"How?" Bruce gently caressed his thigh up to the hip. The calloused fingers sent thrills through Lex's body, causing his cock to harden. Bruce shifted to gain access to his pubic area, and a finger brushed Lex's erection: so erotic. Each touch was more erotic than the last. The rumor that Bruce was a playboy must have been true. Lex laughed at the thought, but Bruce's next caress silenced him.
Lex slid his hands down Bruce's hair, his movements clumsy and awkward. He pressed too hard or not hard enough. He caressed down the muscled neck, across the broad shoulders and to the chest. He carefully stroked the silk shirt, and reached for a button. He hadn't been paying attention because the sudden feel of a hand encircling his erection brought him back to the stark reality of the here and now. Lex jumped, and, yes, whimpered. He thought that maybe he would be doing that in this bed as long as it was Bruce: he thought that maybe that would be okay. That was until the next time he was afraid. Which he knew could happen in the next second.
"Hm, like silk. Amazing. What accident?" Lex moaned and shivered as Bruce's hand did wondrous things to his skin. He threw his head back. Bruce's hand slid under Lex's hard cock. It wasn't as distracting as the hand stroking his cock, but it was just as pleasant.
Lex sighed and told of the visit to Smallville, the meteors and of waking up in the hospital with no hair, and the look on his father's face, (that haunted him, but Lex didn't tell Bruce that part). He told of the tests that hurt, and the hair that never grew back. He thought he was used to the hurt and pain but the tears filled his eyes, and he cursed inwardly, hearing his father's voice. 'A Luthor never cries, Lex. We don't have time for such petty indulgences.' But his voice still choked in his throat, and Bruce never once chastised nor did he stop Lex. The whole time Lex was talking, Bruce's hand was stroking him on his bare scalp, then down his cheek and over his chest.
"Dad never touched me again. After my mom died I was alone with him. I could see it in his eyes, how much he. . ." Lex choked again, the tears sliding down his cheeks, bitter tears he thought he'd seen the end of. Bruce reached up with his hand and brushed them away with a vicious swipe.
"You can't let others define you, Lex." Lips softer than he expected kissed Lex's wet eyes. "You are a treasure filled with potential. Don't ever forget that." A finger caressed his brow. "Why do you still have eyebrows and eyelashes?"
"I don't know. The doctors think it's because I covered my face with my hands." Lex sniffled as he encircled Bruce's neck with his arms.
"That makes sense," Bruce said after a seemingly endless silence. He didn't sound convinced. Bruce shifted them again so that they were lying on their sides facing each other. Lex flinched when Bruce pulled him close, and embraced him, crushing him to his chest. So strange that he would get so much attention, when he'd been so used to the nothingness his father handed out like candy every day. His first instinct was to pull away. He tried to quash his recoil, but years of reflex made it hard. He managed to slide his arm around Bruce's waist in what he thought was the proper response.
"Do you want me to . . .?"
"No. I'll show you what I want." Bruce's hand stroked Lex's bare back, and buttocks, sending shivers more of arousal through his whole body. "I can see you don't like being touched. You tense up every time I do. I will touch you a lot. I want you to get comfortable with it."
Lex had thought for sure that he had hidden it so well, but Bruce had read his mind. This strange man was more perceptive than any one Lex had ever met, and he had started to realize that Bruce hadn't missed a beat. Bruce had not missed a thing when it came to Lex.
"Yes. I like when you touch me. It's like you really want to, and not because you have to."
"I want you to feel safe."
"Okay," Lex whispered, awed at the realization that he did feel safe. A small voice in the back of his mind wondered how long that would last.
PART 2
Possession part one
Fandom: Smallville/Batman crossover
Pairing: Lex Luthor/Bruce Wayne
Rating: NC-17
Category: Angst, crossover, first time, pre-Smallville
Notes: Dedicated to Lola who encouraged me to bring this out into the light of day. Thanks to lola, moss, lexalot and alee for the beta. Also thanks to coffeejunkii for audiencing. All remaining errors are my own. Repost for archiving in my LJ.
Disclaimer: DC Comics, Warner Brothers, Tollin/Robbins and Millar/Gough Ink own Smallville and its characters. DC owns Bruce. I am just playing.
Summary: Some things are best never talked about.
The black limousine pulled up to the gate and waited for it to open. When the driver received verification, he turned to address the passenger. "Sir, we have been given confirmation to enter."
"Good," Lex Luthor said calmly as he straightened his suit jacket. At only seventeen years of age Lex was set to inherit one of the richest companies in the world. He had already seen most of Europe and Asia, and had been to six schools around the world. He was headed for school number seven if he didn't start curbing his enthusiasm for finding trouble in all its incarnations.
Lex watched as the gate swung open. He tapped nervous fingers absent-mindedly on the door handle. Dad says this should be a piece of cake. Wayne Tech is dying to sign on the dotted line.
He glanced down at the briefcase by his feet. Everything had already been arranged. He thought of the reward at the end of it. The Ferrari F50, in silver, complete with spoiler and CD player. His mouth watered at the idea of the gorgeous car. All he had to do was deliver some papers and get Wayne to sign on the dotted line.
Lex knew this was a test. He also knew the consequences if he failed.
The limo driver stopped the car, got out, and opened the door. Lex took the briefcase with him as he stepped out of the car. He straightened his black jacket and purple tie, and eagerly moved forward. Each step closer to that mausoleum of a house (and yes it did give him the creeps) was a step closer to getting his car.
The fact was Bruce Wayne gave him the creeps. What the hell does a twenty-two-year-old billionaire orphan do all day in such a big . . . house?
Lex looked up and up and up. It had gotten dark out already, and he hadn't even noticed until now. The darkness added to the already creepy ambiance of the place.
The driver handed him his overcoat. Lex took it absently, still gawking at Wayne Manor. The house was so huge it would take days to see it all, and were those gargoyles on the roof? A sudden flash of thunder illuminated the rooftop. How perfect that it would start to rain on this night.
Lex swallowed hard when he saw a figure standing at the big, open front door. He took a deep breath. This was going to be so easy. He smiled and walked up the steps.
The man at the door was dressed impeccably in a suit and he stood with grace. He looked about forty or so. Lex knew this was not Mr. Wayne.
"Hello," Lex said with a smile. He swung the briefcase carelessly in front of himself.
"Mr. Luthor, I am Alfred Pennyworth, Mr. Wayne's butler. This way please," the British accent was cultured and compact, very distinguished. Lex turned when he heard the limo drive off. He furrowed his brow and followed Alfred into the foyer. He looked around. The high ceiling seemed to disappear in shadows, and the walls hide deep corners. A huge chandelier hung from the ceiling. It tinkled lightly as thunder rumbled outside. Everything about this place was imposing.
"Master Bruce will be back . . . soon," Alfred said. "I am to serve you a meal and then show you to a den."
"That's not possible. He knew I was coming. I have an appointment." Lex looked at his Napoleon watch. He was going to be late for his plans if this didn't happen in the next hour.
"I only do what I am instructed to. You will have to take that up with Master Bruce." Lex frowned. Master, God, did anybody really expect the hired help to talk that way?
"But. . ."
"Sorry, sir," Alfred said. Lex did not think he sounded sorry.
It turned out he was hungry after all, and the food was great. Lex hadn't eaten that ravenously in a long time.
He was lead to a den after the meal. The room was furnished in dark furniture with dark colors everywhere, and a fire burned in a hearth. The hearth was so huge that Lex could have stood in it if he wanted to.
Nervous, he moved to the other end of the room away from the fire where it was darkest, and sat in a soft leather chair. He unbuttoned his jacket. The warmth and the food in his stomach overwhelmed him, and before he knew it, he had drifted off.
When his head lulled, he awoke with a start.
"You are not Lionel Luthor," a deep voice behind him said. Lex straightened himself and stood, then turned to face the voice. He swallowed hard at the sight of Bruce Wayne. The man was intimidating even just standing there. He was tall and . . . gorgeous. He took Lex's breath away. The black hair made Lex ache; made him wish he had his own hair. Bruce was perfect, and his black suit was immaculate.
Absently, Lex rubbed his bare scalp. Bald since he was nine, Lex had gotten so used to it that he forgot most of the time, but seeing Bruce made him want; made him want many things.
"Hi. Lex Luthor," he said too softly. He held out his hand. Bruce hesitated, and then closed the gap between them, forcing Lex to take a step back. Lex realized this gave the older man the advantage, but then he already had the home court.
The big hand grasped Lex's smaller, pale one, engulfed it, and squeezed it too tightly, and he pumped it up and down. He stared down at Lex's face, expressionless.
"He said he'd send me a surprise. I had no idea it would be his son," Bruce said as he released Lex's hand. Bruce walked over to a small bar and poured a drink.
"I assure you Mr. Wayne; I am fully qualified in this matter. My father has given me carte blanche on the handling of this contract." Lex wanted to sound impressive, wanted to impress this man, but most of all, he wanted the car. He was willing to do anything it took to get it.
Bruce turned and sipped the drink. He looked Lex up and down. The eyes were dark and penetrating, very intimidating.
Lex swallowed hard: anything it took.
"Please, call me Bruce," the older man said as he licked his lips.
"Call me Lex."
"Great, Lex," Bruce sauntered over to a neat and tidy desk. Everything in this place was neat and tidy.
Bruce sat in a chair behind the desk and opened the drawer. He barely made a sound as he pulled out some papers, and then set them down on the desk.
"Um, nice house you have. Haunted?" Lex grinned hesitantly.
Bruce looked up from what he'd been reading. "No," he said absently, as if Lex were serious. "You'll have to sign this first before we do any . . . business." Bruce slid the paper across the desk. Lex walked over, suddenly feeling tense and jumpy.
Not so simple. Lex should have known his father would lie. Lex decided he would demand two cars for all his troubles.
He picked up the paper and glanced at it.
Lex frowned. "Why a confidentiality contract?"
Bruce leaned back and tucked his fingers under his chin. "Everything we do here tonight, everything to do with the contract your father wants to close, stays here between the two of us."
Lex looked into the eyes, and tried to gauge what was going on behind them. He looked down at the paper. It was only two sheets. This would be quick.
He sat in the chair across from the desk and read carefully. Simple, just something to ensure there would be no press leaks. This, of course meant he couldn't brag about it in public.
"Okay," Lex no sooner said it when Bruce leaned in again, and slid a pen across the desk for Lex to take. Lex signed, feeling very confident. He stood to get the briefcase. When he turned back, Bruce was looming over him. He was a head taller than Lex. Lex had yet to gain height and suddenly he felt small beside this black-clad, imposing figure.
"We'll sit by the fire," Bruce said as he took the case. His hand engulfed Lex's hand again, sending shivers throughout Lex's body. He couldn't figure out if they were shivers of fear or something else. He didn't want to think about what that meant.
"Would you like a drink?" Bruce asked as he freshened up his own.
Lex nodded and sat in the offered chair. Bruce handed him the glass and sat in a chair right across from Lex, their knees almost touching. Lex looked down at the briefcase Bruce had leaned against his own chair. The drink in Lex's hand seemed heavy. He lifted it to his lips, and looked over the rim at Bruce. Bruce was watching him with unblinking eyes. Lex sipped the drink and almost choked, but just managed to get the first gulp past his oesophagus.
"A little young to be bald aren't you?" Bruce's voice was deep.
"When I was nine there was an accident. I've been bald since then." Lex lifted his chin. "I adjusted."
"It's quite distinguishing. You must have had a hard time, as a child, I mean." Bruce sipped his drink, and sucked the liquor through his teeth.
"I was picked on," Lex said warily. "Is this a part of the deal?"
"Lionel didn't send you to self-defense classes?" Bruce ignored Lex's query.
"He sent me to fencing and polo mostly. Why?"
Bruce chuckled, and then shook his head. "I could show you. You already have one advantage: size. An attacker won't see you are a threat" Lex tried not to flinch as taunts from school kids came to mind. "You could use that against your opponent."
"Thank you," Lex said softly. He didn't say what he really wanted. He tried to remember his mother's etiquette lessons; lessons he had vowed to remember.
"So," Bruce leaned back, crossed his legs and brushed his shin against Lex's knee. "I'm afraid I'll have to turn down the contract."
Lex tried to compose himself, but it was too late. His anger had shown.
His father hadn't told him this would be an option. "Why?" he asked unblinkingly, voice raised more than he had intended. He glared straight into Bruce's eyes. Bruce was really creepy. He looked at Lex as if he wanted to - - eat him.
"I just can't take the offered gift."
"What gift?" Lex asked before he could stop himself. He could see the car slipping away. "I'm authorized to give you anything you ask for." Bruce leaned in close, and he was face to face with those frightening eyes. It was the first time something had frightened him in a long time.
"Yes, Lionel is right." Bruce placed a hand on Lex's chin before Lex realized what was happening.
"Sir," Lex held himself unflinching; steady. He knew how eccentric Bruce Wayne was. He knew to expect some odd behaviour.
"Is this your first time, Lex? Is this your first business deal?"
Lex swallowed hard, clenched his jaw and nodded. "I haven't finished business school yet."
Bruce moved closer, and one knee slid between Lex's own legs. The hand caressed his face, and then stroked across his head. "You're very smooth and soft. Are you smooth and soft all over, Lex?" Bruce licked his lips.
Lex flinched when he realized just what Bruce was implying, and hesitated before he replied. "Do . . . do you want to find out?" he whispered shakily.
By way of answer, Bruce leaned in and brushed his lips across Lex's mouth.
Lex closed his eyes. He felt like he would explode. He had been too anxious to realize how aroused he was until this moment.
Bruce chose that instant to abruptly pull away. "As the contract you signed states, nothing we do will go beyond these walls. Not even to your father."
"What . . . what should I tell him?" Lex wished he could stop stuttering.
"That we had dinner, and I signed the contract. You'll stay with me tonight." Lex nodded. "Lionel expects that. You do realize you're father's gift is you, right?"
"He told me to do anything," Lex said, looking down at the knee still between his legs. He reached out. He'd never been with a man. Lex had only really been with one woman, and a hasty hand job hardly seemed in the same realm as what Bruce was . . . insinuating.
Abruptly, Bruce swept up the briefcase and set it down flat on a low table beside them. "Open it," he commanded.
Lex placed his empty glass down beside it.
He leaned in, and Bruce's leg pushed deeper between his thighs. Lex fumbled with the lock mechanism. On the third try he finally got it. He sat back after opening it. "Don't you want lawyers to look it over?"
Bruce scowled at him, and then recomposed his visage. If Lex had looked away just for a moment, he would have missed it. "They already have." He pulled out the folder for the contracts and opened it. "Take your jacket off," he said without even looking up from the papers.
Lex licked his lips and complied.
Bruce reached out, and picked up the phone that sat on the small table as his elbow. "Alfred, make up a room for my guest."
Lex leaned back and clutched his hands together to steady the shaking. He could do this. He pressed his hands to his chin and smiled. Suddenly, he felt like things were going to work out. Bruce was reading the whole contract right here, and any moment now he would sign it.
"I, um, I need a bathroom," Lex said softly.
Bruce sat back without looking up. He gave Lex room to move out from between his legs. "It's the third door to the right." Lex stood and headed for the hallway. "Oh, and don't stray."
"I wouldn't do that," Lex said firmly.
"Take off your tie, Lex. It makes me nervous," Bruce said just as Lex was leaving.
"Could have fooled me," Lex mumbled as he headed to the bathroom. The bathroom was very big with an open style shower in one far corner and a toilet in another corner. A small rectangular mirror hung above the sink. The tiles were all black and dark blue, like bruises.
Lex peed, flushed, and then tucked his shirt back into his pants. He stood in front of the mirror and pulled off the purple LuthorCorp tie. Dad said it was the color of royalty.
Lex folded it carefully and put it in his jacket pocket. He examined himself in the mirror and turned his head left, then right. He was not ugly. At least, he didn't think of himself as unattractive.
He reached up and unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt, exposing pale, smooth skin.
When he went back to the den, Bruce was still reading the contract. He was probably reading every single word. Lex looked around the room and relaxed by fractions as he walked around and looked at the details.
"Lex," Bruce said suddenly, "please sit down." Lex thrust his hands into his pants pockets and walked over to sit back down in the chair across from Bruce. "Do you always do exactly what you're told?"
"Um, no, not always," Lex swallowed, licked his lips and reached out to touch Bruce's leg.
"Does your father often offer you as a . . . gift?"
"No," Lex said shifting away, sitting back in his chair.
"Are you a virgin, Lex?" Bruce asked casually. His eyes never left the contract.
"No." Lex looked down at his hands. "Well, sort of." He swallowed hard again. "I haven't had a lot of experience." He looked up at Bruce through pale lashes.
Bruce smiled. "I want complete honesty." He looked up at Lex. "It makes things easier. No lies, okay?"
Lex nodded and tried to smile.
Bruce set the contract aside and leaned forward. "I want you to go up to your room, shower and get into bed. Alfred will provide you with bed clothes. Is black acceptable? It's all I own."
Lex nodded again, his mouth dry and his heart racing. "Sure, anything's fine." He swallowed hard and got up.
"What experience do you have, Lex?"
"Just this girl who felt sorry for me."
Bruce shook his head. "Unbelievable," he muttered. "You can go now."
Lex hesitated then left the room without looking back. Alfred was waiting at the staircase to the second floor. He led Lex to a room.
The room was dark and barely lit. There was a monstrosity of a canopy bed in the center, so overly ornate kings could use it. It was draped in heavy black fabric. Alfred walked past him with towels and pyjamas, and set them on the bed. Black on black; everything in this house was black. Lex liked that. It was . . . disturbing and comforting at the same time.
"If you need anything just ring me," Alfred said, pointing to a black phone on the dresser by the bed. He left the room, closing the door behind him. The sound of a lock slipping into place sent a shiver through Lex's body. He shook it off and took one of the towels to the adjoining bathroom.
A huge shower took up most of the room, and a toilet and sink were tucked into a corner. He undressed and set his clothes down, neatly folded, on a chair that sat in another corner. Lex had never been comfortable with his nudity. He looked down at his completely hairless body. He brushed the eyebrows and eyelashes with a finger. It was the only hair that had grown back, and that had stumped all his doctors.
He'd hoped puberty would change that.
The hot water felt great against his cool skin. That was another side-effect of no body hair; no body-heat retention.
Lex luxuriated, taking his time as he closed his eyes and enjoyed the spray of the water against the back of his neck. A noise beside him startled him. He looked around frantically with wide eyes but saw nothing there. His nerves were on edge, and the shower had suddenly lost its appeal.
He turned off the water, grabbed the towel, and wrapped it around his torso. He padded back to the bedroom and the sudden feeling of being watched made his skin rise with gooseflesh.
He quickly dried himself and pulled the black silk pyjamas on as fast as he could. The bare amount of light in the room flickered and danced with the shadows in the corners. Every time Lex turned to see what the movement in the corner of his eyes was, he found nothing but more shadows.
The sheets on the bed were satin and soft against his cheeks. He was almost too nervous to sleep, but he found himself drifting off anyway.
When he opened his eyes, he could see light streaming through a slit in the curtain of the bed. He yawned and stretched, trying to hear what was beyond. He could just make out faint breathing. Then the light went out and plunged the room into total darkness.
"Who's there?" Lex called out, his voice cracked and his heart pounding. Maybe it was just the butler. Lex scrambled away from the sound, pressed his body up against the headboard as far as he could go, and wound his arms around his thin legs. The bed dipped and creaked. Lex pushed further away from the sound, heart trip-hammered in his chest. He couldn't stop the scream that escaped as a hand grabbed him by an ankle and pulled. He thrashed and kicked at the hand. He grabbed at the bedpost and twisted around.
"Relax," Bruce's voice, low and gentle, came from behind him. Lex stopped his struggles and collapsed on his stomach, almost out of breathe. Even here in the dark, especially here in the dark, Bruce's presence felt ominous.
A hand pressed firmly on Lex's back and he remained still, his heart pounding. Lex bit his lower lip, and waited. The hand against Lex's back was huge. Bruce caressed down and slid it under Lex's shirt.
"Um, you . . . scared me," Lex whispered past the lump in his throat.
"You were sleeping. This won't work if you're asleep." The hand moved up Lex's spine and across his ribs. The touch sent shivers through his body.
"No, I suppose it won't."
Bruce shifted, his fully clothed body covering Lex. A hand on one hip pressed Lex down into the mattress. Lex was shaking now. "Relax; this will only take a minute." Bruce whispered into his ear.
"Okay," Lex gulped and spread his fingers out. Bruce pulled away, leaving him feeling almost abandoned, and Lex couldn't decide if he was scared or thrilled. Hands grabbed the hems of his pants and yanked. They slid off effortlessly, sending a chill through Lex's lower body.
"Take off your shirt, Lex," Bruce instructed coolly. Lex sat up, glad for the darkness. His hands trembled uncontrollably as he unbuttoned the shirt and something like anger settled in, that his own father would leave him to this. His throat hurt. He figured it would hurt worse soon, along with everything else.
The shirt was snatched from his hand. Somewhere to the left he could hear the sound of silk falling. He curled his arms around his chest protectively.
"I'd . . . like to get this over with," Lex whispered, voice choked, eyes stinging with tears. He bit his lip, and blinked rapidly to stave off the fear.
"Lex, what do you think I'm going to do to you?" A hand gripped his leg and he was pulled forward until he lay flat on his back.
"I don't know," was all Lex could manage. He could feel Bruce hovering over him, arms on either side of him; one hand gliding across his chest. The bed shifted and Lex held his breath as the hand stroked across his chest, down his sides, fingers pressing into his ribs, touching, feeling every inch of his skin. Like an examination.
"You'll be here for the next month," Bruce said into his ear, lips brushing behind it where it was most sensitive. Lex bucked up and inhaled sharply. Shivers ran through his body straight down to his crotch and this was something he'd never felt before.
"No. . . I . . . I have to go home tomorrow . . . school," and Lex didn't even know how he was saying anything at all.
"I'll take care of all that." Bruce shifted, lying down beside Lex, and rested his hand on Lex's hip. "You are smooth all over." The hand moved down, slid across his pubic area, and stopped under the erection Lex couldn't help. Nobody had ever touched him like this before; nobody had ever wanted to touch him. He'd figured his father had been the one behind this pity fuck.
"My. My father. . ." Lex couldn't breathe, couldn't stop the tears, cried silently. He tried not to think about the fact that Luthors don't cry. Why shouldn't he? His father had given him to a crazy man. He'd seen it in Bruce's eyes earlier. He'd heard the stories about his parents' death, how Bruce had watched it all. Years of therapy couldn't help Lex with his mother's death; what could it do for this man?
A gentle brush against his cheek brought Lex back to stark reality.
"Lex," the tears were wiped away with a calloused thumb, and where did a billionaire playboy get calluses anyway?
"I'm sorry," Lex choked, too upset now to care how it looked. Luthor or not.
"No, I'm sorry. You feel like silk. How old are you?"
"Eighteen, sir" Lex said, calmer now. He felt the sudden urge to show this man respect.
"Beautiful boy. I was at one of your father's parties, at your Gotham mansion once. I made a comment to Lionel about how . . . pretty you were. That's why you are here." Bruce chuckled and brushed his fingers across Lex's chest again.
"Oh." Lex was shaking worse now.
"For now I will stay with you for one hour each night. Next week three hours. After that you will come to my room." Bruce's hand caressed him everywhere; on his thigh, then his leg then, on his side; then the hand grasped his arm, lifting it away from his body, fingers trailing down his arm to his shoulder. "So soft."
"Thank you," Lex shivered. Bruce moved to cover him with his clothed body. Lex could feel the excitement in Bruce's pants pressing into him, could feel how big Bruce was. Lex shuddered.
"I'm going to teach you how to use your small size to your advantage." Bruce's hand was trapped between them, his weight surprisingly comforting. "I'll teach you how to protect yourself."
"Okay," Lex was confused. Bruce sounded distant as he spoke, maybe even psychotic. Bruce was nuzzling his throat, sniffing him, making him harder. Lex lifted his hands, hesitantly reached for Bruce's hair.
"You can touch me however you want when we are here," Bruce said softly.
"Hair, I . . . I mean I like your hair. It's gorgeous. It makes me want . . ." Lex grabbed it, and ran his fingers through it. He luxuriated in how it felt. He thought he might orgasm just from this alone.
"You will shower every night. Alfred will leave your clothes on your bed." Bruce paused as he caressed down Lex's thigh. "What is Lionel's reward for this?" The mention of his father's name in that moment was like throwing cold water on him.
"A Ferrari," Lex whispered sheepishly.
"I don't have one of those and I suppose it would be rude to spoil Lionel's. . . No matter, I'd prefer you don't stray from the house. If you have to, Alfred can drive you in the Rolls. You have the run of the first, second and third floors. Nowhere else." Bruce slid off him, and turned Lex around so his back was pressed against Bruce's chest. One huge arm pinned him there.
"Thank you, sir," Lex said softly.
"Call me Bruce, always. Now, say. I. Am. Yours." Lex flinched, swallowed hard.
"Um, I am yours."
"Good," Bruce said, released him, and slid off the bed. Lex heard a door click shut seconds later. The silence was deafening. Lex pulled the sheets around himself, tucking them around his chin, and curled into a ball. Moments later he started to cry silently.
His wrist felt bare. Though he'd brought a watch with him, he had forgotten the one his mother gave him.
When Lex woke the next day, he couldn't remember having fallen asleep. As Bruce had promised, clothing had been laid out for him. He found a black pullover turtleneck, which he hated, a black t-shirt that fit him perfectly, and black briefs, socks and dress pants. All the garments were designer.
After dressing Lex headed for the first floor. The house was empty, quiet, like a tomb. He strained but he could hear no sounds save the giant grandfather clock he came across. It chimed one o'clock as he passed. He stopped to look at how ornate it was, and watched as the pendulum swung the seconds off.
A distant sound that seemed to be coming from the far left distracted him just as he was reaching out to touch the wood case of the clock. He shrugged and headed towards the sound, calling out Bruce and Alfred's names, but nobody answered back. He decided instead to find the den they had been in last night, his photographic memory leading him there in no time.
The briefcase was gone and everything was neat and tidy and in its place, like everything else in this house. When he searched the desk he found it was empty. Even the fireplace had been cleaned of all ashes as if nothing had ever happened there. Maybe Lex had dreamed the whole thing. Maybe he had fallen asleep in that chair and they had brought him up to the room to sleep and Mr. Wayne would be walking in any moment now to discuss the contract.
All that might ring true if Lex weren't wearing clothing left for him by a butler who called his boss Master. Lex shivered and sat down at the desk reaching for the phone. Maybe he could get his father to help him out of this mess. He dialled the work number, since that was where Lionel was most likely to be.
"Lionel Luthor's office, Nancy speaking."
"Nancy, hi. It's me, Lex. Is he in?" Lex could feel his heart race in anticipation of talking to his father.
"He's in a meeting, Lex. Do you want me to get him?"
"No, it's okay. Just tell him I called," Lex could hear the shakiness creep into his voice.
"Are you sure, honey? You sound upset. . ." The phone went dead. Lex sucked in a sharp breath when he reached for the telephone, fingers closing around a hand. He looked up into Bruce's face.
"I. I was just."
"I know, Lex. It's okay. I understand." The look in Bruce's eyes seemed to say anything but understanding and Lex flinched as he handed the phone to Bruce, who calmly took it and placed it back in its cradle. "I want you to join me for lunch."
"Okay." Lex stood and followed Bruce out of the den.
"I delayed it for you. You were obviously tired."
They entered a small room. The large square table at its center was set for two. Bruce held one of the chairs for Lex then sat down in the other, at Lex's right. They ate in silence as Alfred served the meal. When the meal was over, Bruce led him to a different den. This one was wall-to-wall bookshelves that were stuffed to the brim with books.
Bruce motioned for him to sit in one of the armchairs that was in front of a huge oak desk, and then moved to sit in the chair behind it. Bruce pulled papers out and concentrated on them. The phone at Bruce's elbow rang as soon as he'd settled into his seat. Bruce answered it without looking away from the papers he was reading.
"Wayne," Bruce said.
Though Lex paid attention to the phone call, he turned to the books.
"Can't you handle this?"
The collection seemed to be a mix of every topic. He glanced up to find law books, and then saw that right beside them were chemistry books. Lex stood, and his eyes followed the titles on the spines. He looked over to see that Bruce had turned away, and was busy talking into the phone, his voice too soft now for Lex to hear.
The books had captured his interest. He moved to examine them more closely. There were books on auto repair, on chess, strategy guides for war, electrical repair, the warrior code, and sword fighting. Each subject seemed to be in perfect order; grouped in categories, alphabetical by author. He pulled out a book on swordsmithing just as the telephone was placed back in its cradle. He turned around to find that Bruce was watching him.
"Less than five minutes," Bruce said with a smile at the corner of his lips.
"What?"
"That's how long you were able to resist the books."
"Oh, was I supposed to just sit?" Lex moved to sit back in the chair.
"No. You were supposed to be you." Bruce stood. Lex thought about last night, wanted to ask if it was a dream. "I need to go to the office."
"Wayne Tech?"
"Yes."
"Can I come?" Lex stood and followed Bruce, still holding the book.
"No. Stay. Read. You'll enjoy that more than sitting in a stuffy office. Do you have any hobbies?"
"Science. Chemistry. But Dad won't let me major in that." Bruce looked down at Lex, relaxed but tense at the same time. It was a strange feeling. It seemed as if Bruce wanted to reach out, and touch him. But he never once made a move. His arms always remained at his side.
"I'll talk to him. Chemistry is a fascinating field. We could get you a lab to play in." Lex almost laughed at the thought of Bruce going to his father, who would probably be polite about it but then refuse to take it seriously.
"That would be nice. Thank you."
"I have to change. Stay here." Bruce left. When he returned, he was in a black suit with a crisp white shirt. Lex walked to the front door with him, and watched as the Jaguar drove away, Bruce at the wheel.
He spent the rest of the day in the study reading, looking through books about Gotham City, its laws, and history. Bruce's family was mentioned a few times. Later, Alfred led him to the dining room and served him dinner. When he asked Alfred to join him, the butler acted as if Lex had slapped him. Lex had never felt comfortable with servants, something he picked up from his mother. A weakness his father hated.
When Bruce had not returned by nightfall, Lex went to his room, showered, changed into the fresh pair of black silk pajamas, and then slid into bed. He lay awake in the darkness listening to the silence. He'd left the lights off this time and it was too dark for him to see. Just as he drifted off, the bed dipped.
"Bruce," Lex whispered, anxious.
"You lied," Bruce rumbled.
Lex swallowed hard.
"I said I wanted honesty," Bruce said firmly.
Lex flinched and pulled the covers around him as though they were protection enough.
"I. I'm. What lie?"
"Your age. You won't be eighteen until Friday." The bed shifted. Lex felt a hand fall on his leg. He shrank back, eyes going wide.
"I'm sorry," he whispered, waiting for the blow. Nothing happened. There was only silence.
"Take off your clothes," Bruce said after a few minutes. Lex hesitated and then complied. How fucked up was it that all of this had to be done in the dark? But then again, maybe the dark was better. Kept him from seeing Bruce, seeing the look in his eyes.
"I. I can't see anything." Lex stammered. He wasn't shaking this time when he took off his shirt and his pants. He set them down on the bed beside himself. Silence hung heavy in the air, and for long minutes, Bruce said nothing. His breathing was the only sound, and Lex could hear his own heart pounding in his ears. He sat clad only in underwear, and even though it was too dark to see, he could feel Bruce's eyes on him, searing into his flesh down to the bone. Lex shivered.
"Lex, I don't plan on hurting you." Bruce sounded regretful, and Lex was suddenly afraid again, worse than he had been last night or any other night in his life. Hands gripped his arms and pulled him gently across the bed to bring him flush against a fully clothed Bruce, and Lex figured Bruce did this to keep the upper hand. He thought how Bruce would still have the upper hand even if he didn't come to him clothed.
Hands caressed Lex's back; it was somehow both soothing yet creepy. And he would not shudder; he would not cry this time. Instead, he hoped, he concentrated on what he wanted.
He reached up, and felt for the prize: the hair. Gorgeous, lush, black hair so beautiful, Lex thought he'd never get over how beautiful. His fingers sunk into it, and he sucked in a deep breath at the thrill of it.
"Would you like me to grow it longer?" Such a simple request that Lex thought he had no right to make, but Bruce was offering. Lex realized it had been so long since anybody in his life had offered to do something for him. He nodded absently against the broad chest. Wriggled his hips, and thrust into Bruce's belly.
"I missed you," Lex finally whispered softly, nuzzling the warm neck.
"Strange, I kept thinking about what you might be doing," Bruce shifted his body, rolled them and pinned Lex beneath him. He pressed Lex into the mattress, but left Lex's right leg stretched out. Lex gasped at Bruce's full body weight on him, and thrust up again, pushing closer against the big body above him. One large hand grasped the free leg, and squeezed it gently. This sent erotic thrills through Lex's body.
"I was reading all day," he managed between shudders.
"Good." With a deep intake of breath, Bruce pressed his chest further into Lex. "Use your hands, Lex."
"How?" Bruce gently caressed his thigh up to the hip. The calloused fingers sent thrills through Lex's body, causing his cock to harden. Bruce shifted to gain access to his pubic area, and a finger brushed Lex's erection: so erotic. Each touch was more erotic than the last. The rumor that Bruce was a playboy must have been true. Lex laughed at the thought, but Bruce's next caress silenced him.
Lex slid his hands down Bruce's hair, his movements clumsy and awkward. He pressed too hard or not hard enough. He caressed down the muscled neck, across the broad shoulders and to the chest. He carefully stroked the silk shirt, and reached for a button. He hadn't been paying attention because the sudden feel of a hand encircling his erection brought him back to the stark reality of the here and now. Lex jumped, and, yes, whimpered. He thought that maybe he would be doing that in this bed as long as it was Bruce: he thought that maybe that would be okay. That was until the next time he was afraid. Which he knew could happen in the next second.
"Hm, like silk. Amazing. What accident?" Lex moaned and shivered as Bruce's hand did wondrous things to his skin. He threw his head back. Bruce's hand slid under Lex's hard cock. It wasn't as distracting as the hand stroking his cock, but it was just as pleasant.
Lex sighed and told of the visit to Smallville, the meteors and of waking up in the hospital with no hair, and the look on his father's face, (that haunted him, but Lex didn't tell Bruce that part). He told of the tests that hurt, and the hair that never grew back. He thought he was used to the hurt and pain but the tears filled his eyes, and he cursed inwardly, hearing his father's voice. 'A Luthor never cries, Lex. We don't have time for such petty indulgences.' But his voice still choked in his throat, and Bruce never once chastised nor did he stop Lex. The whole time Lex was talking, Bruce's hand was stroking him on his bare scalp, then down his cheek and over his chest.
"Dad never touched me again. After my mom died I was alone with him. I could see it in his eyes, how much he. . ." Lex choked again, the tears sliding down his cheeks, bitter tears he thought he'd seen the end of. Bruce reached up with his hand and brushed them away with a vicious swipe.
"You can't let others define you, Lex." Lips softer than he expected kissed Lex's wet eyes. "You are a treasure filled with potential. Don't ever forget that." A finger caressed his brow. "Why do you still have eyebrows and eyelashes?"
"I don't know. The doctors think it's because I covered my face with my hands." Lex sniffled as he encircled Bruce's neck with his arms.
"That makes sense," Bruce said after a seemingly endless silence. He didn't sound convinced. Bruce shifted them again so that they were lying on their sides facing each other. Lex flinched when Bruce pulled him close, and embraced him, crushing him to his chest. So strange that he would get so much attention, when he'd been so used to the nothingness his father handed out like candy every day. His first instinct was to pull away. He tried to quash his recoil, but years of reflex made it hard. He managed to slide his arm around Bruce's waist in what he thought was the proper response.
"Do you want me to . . .?"
"No. I'll show you what I want." Bruce's hand stroked Lex's bare back, and buttocks, sending shivers more of arousal through his whole body. "I can see you don't like being touched. You tense up every time I do. I will touch you a lot. I want you to get comfortable with it."
Lex had thought for sure that he had hidden it so well, but Bruce had read his mind. This strange man was more perceptive than any one Lex had ever met, and he had started to realize that Bruce hadn't missed a beat. Bruce had not missed a thing when it came to Lex.
"Yes. I like when you touch me. It's like you really want to, and not because you have to."
"I want you to feel safe."
"Okay," Lex whispered, awed at the realization that he did feel safe. A small voice in the back of his mind wondered how long that would last.
PART 2