Crossroads - Chapter 4

by a campbell

Clark Kent/Lex Luthor, PG-13

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Lex, breath frosty in the cold morning air, extended his hand. “Senator Kent.”

Clark, tagging close behind his mother as she opened the door, noted with startled admiration how sleek and handsome his friend looked in his black suit. So trim, and how great of Lex to dress up for the conversation. He himself--well, he couldn’t wear t-shirts at all any more, and he’d had to slip out and buy the next size up of jeans at Fordmans this morning. At least he could get them zipped.

He couldn’t deny being nervous about this morning’s talk. But not that scared, because, whatever happened from here on out, he and Lex were back together, and that’s how they’d face this: together. His mouth curved into a genuine smile of relief and happiness as their gazes met over Martha’s shoulder and the air sparked between them.

Martha hesitated only a moment before reaching out to clasp Lex’s outstretched hand. “Hello, Lex. Clark mentioned you’d be by this morning. We haven’t seen you for quite awhile.” She was right, Clark admitted to himself. Months had passed since Lex had been over to the farm. They all knew why. Jonathan’s habitual hostility, business at Luthorcorp, the widening gulf. He and Clark had moved in different worlds since the beginning, and the gulf between those worlds had gradually increased to a chasm over the past year or so.

But we can turn things around, Clark thought. We have to.

Lex entered the house along with a fresh gust of cold spring air. Finally decent weather today, after all the rain. Clark glanced outdoors at budding shrubs and blue sky, his spirits lifting as Martha closed the door. Good weather. Had to be a good omen.

“How about breakfast, Lex?” Martha gestured toward the kitchen. “There are some scrambled eggs left on the stove, and I’ll make more toast. I have homemade cherry jam--.”

Lex gave her a faint smile as they all walked toward the dining table, but shook his head. “No thanks, Mrs. Kent.”

“Are you sure? I’m afraid I’m still not used to cooking less-- I always make too much. I wanted Clark to finish the eggs, but—Sweetie, is your stomach still upset? She turned to Clark with a look of concern. “You’re never sick, Honey, but--” Martha pulled the table bench out for her son and reached up to lay a palm on his brow.

Clark caught the knowing flash that appeared and disappeared quickly on Lex’s face and flushed. He took his mother’s hand and placed it back at her side, tempering his action with a weak grin as he sat down and motioned for Lex to take a seat beside him. “I’m fine, Mom. Just a little queasy.”

"I don’t know," Martha stepped over to the counter and reached for the coffee carafe. She held it up, raising her eyebrows, and Clark shook his head as his stomach gave a small lurch. Coffee was about the last thing he wanted right now.

"Honey, I’m concerned about you," Martha continued. "I’ve been so busy and away so much that I don’t think you’re eating well. I don’t think either of you boys eat properly, for that matter." and Lex smiled at her words and looked down at the table and then off across the kitchen. “But enough of that.” She set a full mug of black coffee on the table before Lex, sat down across from them and smiled brightly. “What did you want to talk to me about?”

Lex folded his hands with a nod in Clark’s direction. “I’ll let Clark do the talking for once.”

Clark flashed him an uneasy grin. But Lex was right: Martha was his mom, he should be managing this. He tried not to be afraid. Mom was so pretty, fresh, freckled complexion, red hair, a trim, comforting figure in pink cashmere sweater and jeans. Mom meant safety and security, support and understanding. She’d always taken care of him and wouldn’t abandon him now, no matter how unexpected and unwelcome his news might be.

She waited, an innocent, curious smile on her face. He faced her soberly, with a deep breath to summon his courage.

“Mom. I know you and Dad have put up with a ton, ever since you adopted me. These last few years definitely haven’t been easy. And it’s not over yet. I have to ask you to be understanding one more time. Understanding--and strong.”

Martha glanced from Clark to Lex and back again, brows lifting, lips pursing into an expression of concern. “Something’s wrong. Tell me.”

Clark swallowed. Here goes, he told himself. Holding his mother’s gaze, he fumbled for Lex’s hand. Martha’s eyes grew slowly wide as she looked at Lex, then at Clark, then down again at their clasped hands.

“Mom, Lex and I…we’re in a relationship. Have been, for quite awhile.”

He stole a quick, nervous glance at Lex, who sat calmly beside him, corners of his mouth lifting ever so slightly in an encouraging smile, and looking a bit as though he’d received an unexpected gift. The smile strengthened him, even as Lex broke eye contact and leaned over to pet Shelby, who was snorting and snuffling beside him, her snout leaving wet spots on his designer trousers.

“It’s true, Mrs. Kent.” Lex spoke quietly, palm ruffling Shelby’s russet fur with regular, even strokes.

Martha was just staring when Clark turned back to face her. She opened her mouth to speak, closed it without saying anything, and dropped her eyes to gaze intently at the oak surface before her. Clark braced himself, because when Mom was quiet, well...things could get scary. The only sound in the room was the ticking of the grandfather clock by the stairs. He glanced at Lex, who wore the same determined, focused expression with which he faced down challenging foreign business representatives.

"Mrs. Kent—" he began, but Martha motioned him to be silent.

"I...know you boys have been close friends, but I thought...I had no idea.” She exhaled on a shuddering breath, and Clark’s heart contracted in dismay as she bowed her head and covered her face with her hands.

"Oh, Mom..." Clark trailed off in an agonized whisper. "Please. Please don’t." Lex looked away, muttering something inaudible.

"You’re going to have to give me some time to process this. There have been so many...changes this past year." Martha’s voice quavered as she uncovered her face and turned to grope for the box of tissues behind her on the counter.

Clark shifted uncomfortably on the bench. There were few things he hated more than seeing his mother cry. “I know, Mom. And I’m sorry to complicate things even more.”

Martha narrowed tear-filled eyes in Lex’s direction. “And you, Lex. How long has this been going on? Do you really think it’s the decent thing to do: seducing a minor?”

“For a couple of years,” Clark answered quickly before Lex could. "And, Mom, please don’t blame Lex. I wanted it as much as he did. I would have seduced him if he hadn’t--"

Lex looked down, thinning his lips, and Martha actually cupped her hands over her ears. "I don’t want to hear it, Clark! Sweetheart, I try to be open-minded, and--I never thought I’d say this, but thank heaven your father isn’t here!"

Clark tried not to notice his heart’s slow plummet to the pit of his stomach. He’d known Mom would need time to wrap her mind around the idea, even if he had hoped.... Be patient he told himself. And stay calm. But it was so hard. Lex opened his mouth to speak, but Clark cut him off.

“Mom, please. I love you, but there are some things I just can’t control, even for you and Dad.” He turned to Lex with a proud smile.

Martha sighed again. “Well, it is the millennium, and this sort of thing is becoming the norm, so, I won’t be the one to argue about it now.”

“You’re still mad,” Clark commented with a glum shrug.

“I wouldn’t call it ‘mad,’ exactly,” said Martha slowly. “It’s just a challenge for a parent to be as liberal as they might like when their own child is involved. And I’m saying it again. Your father wouldn’t approve, and that’s an understatement.”

“Mom, you’re probably right, but I’m sure where Dad is now, he understands everything.”

Martha paused, let Clark’s words sink in. The clock ticked, and Shelby snorted and bounded to the window to bark at a chipmunk on the sill.

“Shelby, shush!” With a wistful smile and slow, reluctant nod, Martha continued. “I imagine he does. After all, It’s not as though any of us can control where we love, and whom.”

Clark, relieved at her change in tone, began to relax, just a little.

“What about Lana? Clark, you’ve been saying for years that you loved her, you dated her for months, and now, aren’t you, Lex—"

Clark flinched, but Lex heartened him by a quick squeeze of his hand. Clark tightened his own grasp in response as Lex spoke.

“Lana has nothing to do with this, Mrs. Kent. For Clark, for me...for either of us.”

“He’s right. Please just listen, Mom,” Clark begged.

Another sigh. “I am listening, Clark.” She fixed her green gaze on them both and waited.

“I told Lex my secret yesterday. That I’m from another planet. He knows.”

“Oh,” Martha said faintly. Shelby was nosing at her knees, now, and she pushed at her her slowly without looking at her. “Everything?”

Clark nodded, with a proud, tremulous smile.

“Oh, Clark. Are you sure that was wise?”

“Mom, it was beyond time. He’s known for ages, anyway. Figured it out all on his own. Didn’t you, Lex?” Clark turned to him with a grin of satisfaction. “All that secrecy for nothing.”

Lex got a chance to speak a full sentence at last. “Mrs. Kent, I assure you: I will never betray Clark’s trust.”

“Lex, I know you think you won’t, but the temptation may be too great. How do you--"

“Mom, if you’re okay, I’ll continue. Lex and I are in a relationship, and he knows my secret. But that’s not all.”

Martha raised her eyebrows with an incredulous chuckle despite the worry in her gaze. “There’s more?” she commented grimly. “I’m not sure how much I can take in one day!”

“This is really, really hard for me to say, Mom, and please believe me. I found out I have this really special, exciting, and strange new ability to reproduce.”

Martha’s response was a hollow, uncomfortable laugh. “Clark, most men can reproduce, unless there’s something wrong--" Realization dawned on her face, quickly succeeded by dismay. “Oh, God. Lana’s pregnant. I knew it.”

Lex, who was at that moment sipping his coffee smoothly, choked, then coughed.

Clark hastened to respond. “No, Mom. She’s not. And I don’t mean just reproduce. I’m talking: being able to carry a baby. I know it sounds really weird, but: it’s me. I’m the one who’s pregnant.”

There, it was said. Clark turned to Lex for support. Lex was setting his mug on the table with a thunk, a slow, scarlet blush creeping up his neck and jaw. Clark turned back to face his mother. She was staring, too, but at him, mouth open in astonishment for one stunned moment before she burst into gales of laughter.

“Oh, Sweetie! That’s hilarious, you silly!” She shook her head with an indulgent grin as her giggles subsided.

Clark felt his own cheeks redden. “It’s not a joke, Mom. This is really embarrassing, but--it’s for real.”

Martha continued to laugh, and then suddenly sobered. Her eyes grew large and dark. She reached across the table to knead Clark’s hand. “Oh, Sweetheart, I know you were upset about what happened a couple of years ago with the baby, but I had no idea it was still bothering you. I think maybe we should have you see someone…a counselor. Lex, I’m sure you know of someone who could help--"

“Mom, trust me: I’m perfectly mentally stable. Please, try to understand. I don’t have a genuine explanation, but Kryptonian biology must be different from earth biology.” He tried not to blush at the realization that Lex was hearing all this for the second time. “You’ve seen all my other powers. We’re in new territory, here. I x-rayed myself and there’s no mistake. Look.” He pulled up his shirt and coasted a palm over the small mound under his navel, then pressed.

Martha’s reaction was similar to Lex’s the day before. He eyes grew large, dark, and worried. “Honey, that’s not normal.”

“I’d say so, too, Mom, but who knows what’s normal on Krypton? I just know there’s a baby in here. I can see it. It already has--”

“No, no,” Martha protested, peering close. “Males can’t have babies, Clark! You’re imagining things. But something’s definitely wrong. Oh, if only we could get you to a doctor!”

“That’s what Lex said, too. But, again, Mom--both of you-- who knows what the Kryptonian race is capable of. Different means, methods of reproduction--"

“Oh, Sweetheart, no! You’ve been through so much these past few years. And now this?! When, and where, will it all end?”

“I don’t know, Mom. We’re in new territory. I can’t deny that this has me worried. It might be some bizarre occurrence that took place when Lex and I …when we…” He just couldn’t complete the sentence. “I have no clue what the birth process is going to be like. It might kill me. But whatever happens, we’ll face it together, Lex and I. And I hope you’ll stand by us, too.”

Martha sighed her deepest sigh yet, followed by the longest pause ever. She drummed her fingers lightly on the tabletop. Clark was surprised didn’t have holes bored in it by now from being stared at so hard.

“So what are you boys going to do?”

Lex, who had been uncharacteristically quiet during the conversation so far, was the one to answer.

“Mrs. Kent. We’re both concerned about Clark, and keeping him safe and healthy during this uncertain time. I want to keep him close by, where I can monitor him.”

Clark smiled at Lex’s words, which made him feel owned, valued. Martha’s response was a vigorous shake of her head.

“I think Clark should stay here,” she protested. “He’ll be more comfortable in his own home, with everything in such upheaval. I can cook for him and see that he eats, watch him for any sign of trouble, and help take care of the baby when it arrives.”

“Mrs. Kent,” Lex folded his hands and leaned forward. “I’m taking Clark to live at the mansion. You’re far too busy with your senatorial duties to be burdened with the extra work.”

“Lex, I’m sorry, but I don’t see care of my only son as a burden.”

“I have the resources and connections to provide the best medical care possible—without divulging Clark’s secret, of course.”

“Not Toby.” Clark begged. “Please!”

“Not Toby,” Lex chuckled. “Something far better.”

Martha didn’t look convinced. “How will you manage to do that? Hide his secret? It’s not an easy thing to do, believe me. And from doctors--”

“Trust me, Mrs. Kent. I’ll take care of things.”

Clark began to relax a little as his mother hesitated, then nodded. Whether or not it was justified, he knew from lots of experience how remarkably persuasive Lex could be, and when he said: “Trust me,”, it was hard for anyone to disagree.

Even Martha, whose final comment was: “Who in the world is Toby?”.

**

A soft knock at Clark’s door, and his mother's voice in the hallway. “Can I come in?” The door opened a crack.

“Sure, Mom.” Clark, studying tucked up in bed, laid down his math textbook as she came inside.

Martha sat on the plaid bedspread and reached to smooth damp locks from his brow. “Sweetie, you’ve been through so much. Had to bear so many burdens kids your age would never dream about. And now this. You must be terrified.”

Clark fluffed his pillow and turned on his side so he could see her. “Sure, I’m scared,” he confessed. “Everything that’s happened to me over the past few years has scared me silly. But this must all be part of a big plan. It’s not a part I can run away from this time or refuse to accept. It’s my destiny. And Lex’s. And our child’s.”

Martha was quiet for a moment. Then, “Clark, I don’t know how to say this, but are you sure? That the baby is Lex’s, I mean. Could it be that your species reproduces itself?”

Clark felt warm blood rise from his jaw to his cheeks. “Trust me: I’m sure. I don’t know how to explain it, but I just know.”

He waited for her to go on, but she said nothing. “Mom, I can tell something’s still wrong. Whatever it is, you can tell me. I’m tired of secrets.”

“Of course you are. But: Clark, Clark. Are you sure it’s wise to trust Lex? There’s been so much bad blood between the two of you. Are you sure he has your best interests—and the baby’s-- at heart? And not his own?”

Clark sighed. “No, Mom, I can’t be absolutely sure. But I know I love Lex. I’ve always known it, even while we both thought we hated each other. And besides, even if I did want him out of my life—which I don’t—this is his baby, too. Don’t worry: I’ll keep my wits about me.” Lex had promised to get back to them with a plan within a day or two. Clark vowed to stay aware of everything going on around him. He wouldn’t agree to anything that didn’t sound right.

“How about taking a few days to think things over? Moving in with Lex is a big step. I just want you to make sure it’s the right one.”

“I could,” said Clark. “But the time for that is past. I’ve cast in my lot with Lex, for better or worse. We’re meant to be together. I know it.”

Martha smoothed the cover over Clark, not meeting his eyes. “You’re sure he loves you? Above everything else, all his other interests, projects, and schemes? You’re sure he wants a child?”

“I hope so,” Clark replied. He laid a hand on the small bulge of his abdomen as though to reassure the entity inside.

“Well, then,” said Martha. “I have no choice but to support your choice. It’s not what I wanted for you, Sweetie, but we should be used to the unexpected by now, I suppose.” She gazed down at him for a long moment and then bent down for a hug. He hugged back, clutched tight, with a reluctance to let her go that surprised him.

“I just want you to have a normal life, Honey. That’s all I ever wanted.”

“I know, Mom. But ‘normal’ is one thing I can never be.”

She held him close for another moment, then pulled back a little, looked down, and then up at him. She opened her mouth to speak again, then hesitated.

“What is it, Mom? Whatever it is, you can ask me.”

She smiled a little nervously and glanced down at his stomach. “Clark, I don’t want to intrude, but--can I feel? Just for a moment?”

He hesitated for only an instant. “Sure.” He lifted his pajama top to bare the skin beneath. “But it’s not doing anything yet.”

Martha’s fingers settled hesitantly over the bulge on Clark’s stomach, traced, then stroked. Clark smiled and flinched, because her gentle touch tickled a little.

He’d noticed her doing the same thing now and again a couple of years ago when she was pregnant, back before the disaster, before he’d run off to Metropolis. Seen her leaning against the porch rail or seated in the rocker gliding a palm over the small swell of her belly when she thought no one was watching. That same sense of timeless wonder in her gaze, a little troubled, but ethereal. He may not have understood the feeling then, but he sure did, now.

Martha’s wistful smile told Clark she must be remembering, too. The smile broadened slowly into a grin, and she laughed.

“So, this is my grandchild.”

Clark put his hand over hers. “For real, Mom.”

**

Shortly after, Martha shook herself from her reverie and slipped her hand from beneath Clark’s. “Well, it’s late. And you need your sleep. We can talk more tomorrow, after I get back from Metropolis.” She rose and stepped over to the window to draw the drapes.

“Okay, Mom. I am pretty tired. That was one exhausting conversation this afternoon.”

Martha leaned down with a smile and stroked his hair. “So what happens now, Honey?”

“I’ll think things over for a few days the way you suggested,” he replied, like a good son.

“Will you go to the Fortress and see if you can speak with Jor-el? Maybe he has an explanation for this.”

“No”, Clark mumbled, turning over on his side away from her and pulling the covers up around him. “He’s not talking to me any more.”

**

Clark lay awake for some time after Martha turned out the hall light.

Destiny, he thought with a rueful snort. Of course, this wasn’t the path would have chosen. Parent at eighteen, and in this weird way. But all he had to do was remind himself that he and Lex would become parents together and everything would shift and all seem, somehow, right.

Without Lex, he had been a rudderless ship, aimless and unhappy. Miserable and only half alive. If this brought them closer again, saved their relationship from the skids it had been on for the past couple of years, it was worth it. As long as this brought them together at last, how bad could it be?

His palm stole down again to his stomach, and he smiled.

He could protect the world later, keep it safe. For now, he had a baby to carry and get born, however it was supposed to happen.

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