Now
Clark was really worried. Lex hadn't said a thing since they'd arrived at the
mansion. Not that Clark had expected him to be particularly chatty, but
complete silence, combined with the sad and kind of empty look on Lex's face,
was really frightening. He knew Lex sometimes held his emotions in, anyway but
this time Clark couldn't let him do that. Advice his mom had given him in
troubled times ran through his mind. He had to find a way to get Lex to relax
and open up to him, at least a little.
Usually,
he didn't like it when Lex drank a lot. Lex tended to use intoxication as a
way to escape just a little too much for Clark's comfort. But after the trauma
he'd been through, it was time to make an exception. Lex was completely
compliant. He let Clark gently peel off his clothes and lay down on the bed
while Clark took care of things. Minutes later, there was a warm bath and
candlelight. Lex's houseboy picked out the bottle of wine. Clark had no idea
what was appropriate for a return from captivity in a psych ward. He quietly
slipped back into the bedroom and roused Lex from his drowsy state. There were
a few mumbles this time, but still no words.
Gently,
Clark guided Lex into the bathroom and helped him into the tub. Lex didn't
help, but he didn't fight Clark, either. Once he had Lex waist high in
soothing warm water, he offered the wine glass. Clark winced as Lex sipped,
cautiously, as if he were afraid the wine was drugged. After setting the glass
down by the bottle, Clark removed his own shirt and picked up a soft cloth. He
slowly smoothed lightly scented bubbles and water across Lex's back and Lex,
finally relaxing a little, leaned forward and lay his head on his arms,
sighing softly. Clark continued his ministrations, pleased to feel Lex
relaxing more under his touch and to see the blood returning underneath Lex's
too-pale skin.
"You're
all I have now," Lex said, finally.
"Not
all, Lex," Clark replied. "My parents may not always show it, but
they do care about you and I know your brother does too. And Lana considers
you a friend as well as a business partner."
Lex
huffed and looked into Clark's eyes, the mask of composure beginning to slip
back into place on his face.
"You're
the best that I have. I wouldn't have made it out of there with even a shred
of sanity if I didn't know you'd come for me."
"I
will always be here for you, Lex. Always. I will love you forever, no matter
what happens."
"That's
a big promise, Clark."
"I'm
a big guy. I can keep it," Clark said, smiling.
Finally,
Lex smiled back and lay back against the wall of the tub. Clark swished the
cloth in the water, then drizzled it across Lex's chest, leaning forward
slightly and stroking Lex's face with his other hand. He brushed one finger
across Lex's lips, gently, then bent his head and placed a kiss there. More
kisses, on Lex's cheeks, eyelids and forehead, then Clark returned to his
massage-like bathing. With time and care, Lex would be all right. Of that, he
was certain.
--End--