A Helping Hand

Clark paced the space between the dingy walls. The closeness was choking him, and he felt the urge to go outside. He wanted to breathe in the fresh air...look up into the sky and feel the moonlight on his skin.

But, he couldn't. Of course not.

Not unless he wanted Lex or Ollie pulling up in some fast, expensive car within minutes.

He'd spotted the tails three separate times in the last two days. Switching motels had been simple. Keeping his temper...not so much.

He needed some time. Had explained that to BOTH men.

Walking away from Lex had HURT. He'd heard the scream escape from scarred, parched lips and he wanted to run in and press his mouth over them. Drink the scream into himself, and soothe. Heal. He'd wanted to help. Anything to take away the pain.

He'd fallen in love with Lex as a child. Truly. He'd seen the man laugh and smile, and he'd seen him suffer. Watching the many ranges of Lex Luthor was difficult and fascinating. Clark knew Lex would protect the ones he cared for with everything and anything in his power. He knew that. He'd been on the end of such a display. Many a time. Lex was aggressive. Forceful. Dominating.

And, Lex was a good man, in his heart. Clark could feel that. He also knew there was a darkness in him, and he knew right now it was winning. His presence only seemed to exacerbate Lex's need to control.

Sighing, Clark walked over to a stained, pea-green chair and leaned against the back of it. His heart was aching in his chest, ripping at him. He wanted to be strong enough to keep Lex's head above the dark waters. He wanted to, so badly, and knew that it wasn't right. It wasn't about what he could do...how strong he could be.

It wasn't even about how much he loved Lex, or how many times he could look away, or forgive. And, regardless of what Lex believed, it wasn't even about how much Clark trusted him, at this point.

It was about what it was going to take for Lex to want it enough.

And Clark wasn't sure he was enough.

And there was Oliver.

He hadn't seen him coming. One day, out of the pure blue, and there he was. Smart-assed, cocky, funny and kind.

Clark realized he didn't love Ollie because he was lonely or because he knew the man loved him. It wasn't for any one reason. It was for a hundred.

He loved the way he took care of the 'team', the way he smirked after a joke. The sound of his laugh, and the way he looked up with those silky brown eyes when Clark walked into the room.

And, oh yes...the way he looked in that green leather didn't hurt, either.

Clark released a shaky breath, surprised to find it laden with very closely-brimming emotion. Fighting for a calm he didn't really feel, he pushed away from the chair and stepped over to the window. He leaned his forehead against the think curtains covering the glass and felt the coolness behind the fabric. Sighed against it, and felt the warmth of his breath soak into the cheap cotton.

He thought about everything.

Making love to Lex. It was overwhelming and incredible. It was like losing himself, and everything he knew, and looking out of new eyes.

He wondered what it would be like to have Ollie's hands on him that way. Everywhere. Touching him. Feeling him.

He felt his phone in his pocket, the metal warm against his hip, and he reached inside. Thought hard about the truly odd voicemail he'd received an hour before.

"Clark. I know you're in Metropolis. I wish you'd just come home...or at least, let me come to you. You know you belong here, with me. I want you to stop worrying so much. You carry burdens that are completely unnecessary, love. And stop dwelling on my concerns about Oliver Queen. He approached me, Clark...and we spoke. I think we've reached a...an agreement, perhaps?
Come home. I miss you."

And agreement. Lex and Ollie talking?

Clark swallowed hard. Whatever hopes he had held for an amicable acquaintanceship between the two men...he knew there was NOT a possibility for friendship or anything remotely 'nice'.

His cell phone vibrated in his pocket, tickling his leg and the palm of his hand, and he heard the giggle float from his lips before he could stop it. Stupid cell phone.

He reached down and drew it out to open the cell phone with a loud snap. The glow of the screen lit up the tiny room.

'Get ur butt home. 2 much time not good. Need 2 talk.'

Ollie.

Clark sighed. He started to head for the door, ready to jump into a sprint before he stopped himself. Cocked his head to the side.

He loved Lex. He loved Ollie. Strong, powerful men. Very used to getting their way. Patience was not the strong suit of either man.

Shaking his head, he turned around and stripped off his plain cotton t-shirt. Reached out for a dark red button-down Chloe had bought him for his birthday a few years back.

He was going out.

And they...were going to wait.

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Oliver and Lex saw in the back of the black sedan, watching as Clark stepped out of the motel room, closing the door behind him. As they watched, he reached up and ran a hand through his hair, pushing it back from his face only to have it bounce back down in glossy curls.

They saw a rueful smile cross full lips and turned to look at one another. A reluctant grin was exchanged between the two men as Clark moved down the stairs, stopping for a moment to sit on the railing and slide down the rest of the way.

Clark leapt off the end of the handrail, smiling widely. He looked around, and noticed the dark-windowed car sitting across the street.

They watched as he seemed to focus in on the car. Surprise cross his beautiful features briefly before his eyes widened in shock.

"What's he-"

"Wait." Lex muttered.

Clark threw back his head and laughed before crossing the street to the car. He moved to the side Lex's side and knocked jauntily on the window.

Lex snickered softly before pressing the lever that lowered the glass. "Hello, love."

"Hey." Clark said quietly, leaning down to look into two hungry faces. "This is a surprise."

Oliver chuckled. "Really?"

"No. Not really." Clark said with a laugh. He rolled his eyes to the side, looking into the night. He started to speak, and paused, licking his lips. "I was about to go out."

"How about some company?" Lex murmured.

Clark sighed, the edge catching on a chuckle. "I'm not looking to break any fights up tonight. I told you both I need some time and space. I meant it." He looked into Lex's eyes, and his own softened. "I love you, Lex. I just need time to think. We both know you're not just going to change who you are. You do things you know are wrong. You want complete and total control over me. You want to own me. My heart and my body and my soul." He turned to look at Oliver. "I love you, too, Ollie. But, you know I'm in love with someone who tries to frame you and kidnap you on a regular basis. You need me to be someone who can push Lex away. I get that. Maybe I should. The fact that I can't says more than I'd like it to." He shook his head and swallowed hard. "I don't see what there is to even say right now."

Lex nodded, reaching up to grasp Clark's hand before in drew back. "Everything you said is true. I don't know that I can change, Clark. I do know that I need you if I'm even going to try." He sucked in a harsh breath. "Oliver and I want you to come home with us."

Clark eyes whirled across to stare into Oliver's. "What the hell is he saying?" When Oliver only smiled, he looked back at Lex. Glared. "You don't share."

"You're right." Lex said. "I don't. I never have."

Clark threw himself back, leaning his head back to stare up into the sky and closed his eyes, oblivious to the eyes devouring him. "I don't understand." He whispered.

"Get in, Clark." Oliver said softly, and he heard the door snap open. "We'll explain everything. I promise."

He only hesitated a moment before climbing in. The door closed behind him and he felt the vibration move through his body.

Lex's lips slid onto his as quick as lightening, and he couldn't stop himself from responding. It had been too long, and he'd missed the feeling. When he felt Oliver's lips on his neck, he shivered and leaned back against the seat.

"I don't-"

"It's not what you think." Lex said softly.

"Lex..."

"It's really not, Clark." Oliver muttered, taking his hand and twining their fingers together. Brown eyes shot up to look at Lex's face, and then back at Clark.

Clark looked out the window, swallowing a shaky breath as they pulled away from the curb. "I'm in over my head again." He whispered, nearly silent.

~~~Sorry this took so long. I'll have the next up with the next day or two, and I promise...I'll explain this 'deal' between Lex and Oliver. It's undoubtedly what you're thinking, and yet, very different, too. lol. That's all I'm giving you. :-P Thanks for reading, and for sticking with me through this. I appreciate each and every one of you for your wonderful, supportive comments. Thank you so much!