Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Lex didn’t know how he got here. One moment, he was in his penthouse, free after two years in Belle Reve. His lawyers and legal team had been working very hard to get the man out, unfortunately, being a billionaire didn’t save you from serving out at least some of your sentence when you rip a dimensional rift in a very very populated city. The countless deaths and property damage have greatly swayed the public to be rigid in their stance, even with all the canoodling his lawyers tried to do. In his absence, Luthorcorp had to pay back reparations instead of the government because of course those motherfuckers were too stingy to give anything out.

And now Lex was here. Surrounded by tall stalks of corn that almost blocked out the sun from where he lay, sprawled on the dirty floor. Underneath him was more corn, flattened by his body. Just moments before he had fallen asleep in his lovely plush bed with the finest silk blankets for the first time in two years. It was truly a glorious night. A warm shower, light pajamas.

He lifted himself into a sitting position with a grimace. There was dirt and dust all over himself. Great. He squinted at the sky as he brushed his arms off. Surely Superman had something to do with this. It was always Superman. He didn’t testify in court- the drawback of a secret identity meant no legal standing Lex thought snidely, but there wasn’t a prick of red and blue in sight. All Lex could hear was the sway of corn stalks hitting each other. God, it was windy. And hot. The sun beat down on Lex’s head. Ugh.

God, he was dizzy. Lex raised a palm to his forehead. Who thought kidnapping Lex Luthor and throwing him in a corks field would do anything other than mildly inconvenience him? He was the smartest man in the world, he wasn’t incapable of finding his way when he was a wee lost. He had to get up and get his shit together, call his offices, security and transport. Get the best jet out of this godforsaken field, go straight back home, hire an assassin to find and kill whoever was behind this, then have a nap in his big luxurious bed. He was very hung up on the bed.

Lex stumbled to his feet- body suddenly feeling weak, and huffed. Whatever drugs his assailants had used on him were good- his whole body was aching, sensation only clear to him now that he’s moved. Of course they had to sedate him to keep him asleep while they did their work. Lex would be impressed if he wasn’t so fucking mad there was steam coming out of his ears.

He took a few steps, before he let out a sound of pain and fell to his knees. Fuck. Sweat dripped down his brow.

Fuck, he’d have to lie in the dirty ground and fester up as much willpower and strength to get out of what looked like corn for miles. Fuck his fucking life.

Just as Lex was about to strategically flop back on the floor, the sounds of a truck echoed amongst the corn. Lex perked up. A person, to help him. Though he loathed it, his bed was calling to him, and he couldn’t find it in himself to give a damn about his pride right now. Belle Reve had done a number on him. He licked his lips and swallowed, throat dry.

“Hey!” He yelled out, voice weak. “I need-“ Lex made a face of disgust. “I need help.” His voice was a lot less enthusiastic at the end of it.

He paused for a moment, and stomach dropped when the sound of the truck faded. Fuck, they must’ve left. Lex sighed and flopped on his back. Just his luck. A billionaire at the whims of corn. It was laughable.

“Hello?” A voice called out. Lex’s eyes widened. Someone was trying to find him.

“Hey! Over here!” Lex yelled in the approximate direction of the other voice. Anticipation built up inside him as he heard the rustle of corn stalks being pushed out of the way. Who was to be his saviour? Lex would be sure to have them rewarded generously, for them to stay hush hush of course, but also out of the good will of his heart. Yeah.

“Where are you?” A breathy voice shouted, and Lex was just about to answer before a figure emerged from the stalks. Lex’s breath hitched. The man was unfortunately stunning. His wide green eyes swept the area frantically before they glanced down at Lex. His hair was windswept, face square and lips so red Lex felt a million inappropriate thoughts whir around in his head. He was tall and broad, with a red flannel cardigan draped over his body. Lex swallowed, mouth suddenly very dry. His face was very obviously flushed, but from the physical exertion or unwanted arousal, he didn’t know.

The man gave him a small weary smile as he treaded closer, and Lex felt as his eyes roved over his form for external injuries. “Oh gosh, I didn’t know if I’d find you in here.” His voice was relieved and exasperated, as if he’d had experience saving damsels in cornfields.

“Ah- I can’t thank you enough.” Lex wheezed as he attempted to stand once again. The other man’s eyes widened at the sight and he quickly moved in to support Lex’s weight. A strong arm swept underneath his, and though Lex was very proud of the muscle mass he had, this man was absolutely built. A familiar flash of a red cape in his mind made his lips curl, comparison foul. This man looked nothing like Superman, and how dare he ruin the sight of strong big men for Lex? That was one of Lex’s favourite guilty pleasures and that alien couldn’t poison it no matter how hard he tried.

Lex hummed, strained, as the man helped him up. He was basically draped over his side, arm hooked around the other’s (very thick) neck. The other man heaved him up, and grinned at him. His teeth were infuriatingly cute- crooked and smiling so wide his dimples were on full display. God. Lex smiled back shakily. A sudden bout of exhaustion hit him as he stood, and knees almost buckled if it weren’t for the extra support.

“Fuck-“ Lex cussed. The other didn’t make any mention of it, as he squinted in the direction from where he emerged.

“I’ll take you back to my truck. It’s right next to where this cornfield ends. If that’s okay with you.” He ended, very polite. Lex noted how soft his voice was, which was peculiar. As a man who liked to hold a room’s attention with his voice, Lex found the other’s strangely charming. He shrugged lightly, as he followed the other’s slow beginning steps.

“I’m not in any position to complain.” Lex winced. “Though a name would be stellar. Just to get comfortable walking arm in arm, you know.” He smiled, hopefully charming. The other seemed to fall for it, his smile spreading wider as if unburdened by some of his worry. Lex was fine enough to squeeze some charm out, he was a lady’s man after all. It was second nature for him to shmooze.

The man laughed. “The name’s Clark. Clark Kent. How about yours?”

Immediate alarm bells rang in Lex’s head. Clark Kent? The reporter? He was extremely familiar with him, having looked into him for Superman annihilating reasons. He looked nothing like this man- the only similarities being their hulking size and prominent dimples. From Lex’s research, the Kent he knew lives in Metropolis. His eyes narrowed slightly. He didn’t know he was Lex Luthor. Lex clicked his tongue.

“Ah, my name’s Alexander. You can call me Alex, since you are hauling me to your truck.” Lex’s voice was smooth. Clark only chuckled as they treaded amongst the stalks. It was odd to not know who he was. Luthor was a household name, from his accomplishments before and the disaster afterwards, he was plastered over all news outlets for months. He had a multi million making book, his company was behind so much medical research he was revered as a visionary. Even if Lex’s hair now, having grown from being in Belle Reve for so long, made him no longer look his regular stunning baldness, his face was very recognisable. His hair was choppy, he immediately cut it off personally in his bathroom as soon as he got back to his penthouse, and also bleached it. Because why the fuck not.

“Well, Alex.” Clark said the name teasingly. “Can I ask what you’re doing all the way out here? I don’t suppose businessmen make it their business to lie in Kansas farmland for fun.”

So they were in Kansas. Clark Kent used to live in Kansas, grown and raised before he moved at the ripe age of twenty two, presumedly done with the gruelling work of farm life, and became a part time intern at the Daily Planet and full time student at Metropolis University. He quickly rose in ranks until he was employed, because of his lucky affiliation with Superman, and has been working there the past few years. Other than that, his life was utterly, dreadfully boring. He wasn’t an exemplary student, other than his foray into debate and other menial trophies as a child in high school. He studied a Bachelor of Arts for gods sake. He was so averagely dull it was boring to read through his files, as a man with so many titles and accomplishments underneath his belt.

This man was in Kansas. A coincidence possibly. And his suit was rumpled. He did look quite odd.

The duo stumbled through the growth, more like Clark walked steadily with Lex bumbling next to him. His steady support had saved Lex from tripping a couple times- god, whoever was hired to get him were good. Though Lex had to examine his body later to see if there was any bruising, it sure felt like it.

A red truck came into view, so devastatingly quaint and farm-like. It was rusted at the edges, with a few crates of produce stacked in the back. Clark beamed at the sight and looked at Lex.

“Here’s our ride! Let me help you get up into it.” Clark led Lex to the passenger side, and he tried not to flush as Clark boosted him up by the bottom. How humiliating. Clark bounded around the truck to jump into the driver’s seat, and Lex slumped into the frayed leather seats as the truck rumbled to life.

“I’m going to take you to the local hospital. It's a bit small, but the people there work hard, and you’ll be in good health in no time.” Clark said, voice set. Lex stared out the window at the sight of endless hills of corn, and grimaced. He didn’t wanna see what an okay hospital looked like out in the middle of nowhere. How well sterilised their equipment and well trained their personnel would be was a large concern.

“Ah, how kind of you.” He muttered. The man definitely didn’t know he was Lex Luthor, and with the intent on bringing him to the shitty nowhere hospital. No normal person would let Lex into their truck, no matter how good his PR now, nor bring him somewhere beneficial. He wasn’t about to remind a nobody farmer now that he was the man responsible for nearly tearing apart Metropolis- if he was some strange version of his Clark Kent, he surely wouldn’t be happy.

“I wouldn’t suppose you’d let me know where we are exactly? Kansas is a big place.” Lex had his chin resting on the ball of his palm.

“We’re in Smallville. I live here, obviously.” Clark laughed lightly. “It’s pretty small, pun intended, so it’d make sense if you’ve never heard of it before.”

He’d heard of it before. “No I haven’t. Not used to being out in rural spots like this living in Metropolis.”

“Metropolis?” Clark sounded a little stunned. “How’d you get all the way out here? And in a field. Metropolis is a way’s off.”

“Couldn’t tell you.” Lex lied through his teeth. “All I know is I wake up, aching like someone ran me over.”

Clark gave an inquisitive hum, as he made a turn. “Do you know how you got there?”

Moments pass in silence. There were a lot of people who’d want Lex dead, but he wasn’t dead. He was in Smallville, with Not Clark Kent being driven to the hospital for what felt like internal bleeding and bruising. There were no visible slashes or open wounds Lex could feel, and though he understood there were other ways you could be killed that weren’t so gory, Lex didn’t feel like he was poisoned. He felt like he was at the end of a really rough gym day or having been smacked around by Superman. And why they’d leave him battered and bruised in Smallville was even more strange. The only connection seemed to be sitting right next to him, but something wasn’t right. Did a dimensional rift open up and eat Lex whole? It wasn’t out of the realm of possibility.

“I’m inferring, though my memory escapes me, that I’d been kidnapped and dumped out there to die.” Lex finally said. Clark inhaled air sharply at the words.

“For what, I couldn’t tell you. I’m a perfectly model citizen.” Lex grumbled. It was quite annoying of a situation. He had to figure out how to hop dimensions, hunt down some metahumans. The list in his head continued to grow as Clark pulled up into a town, and actual town, with buildings and everything. No longer just endless corn.

“That must be really traumatising.” Clark said softly, as if Lex was delicate. Well, his body might have been but Lex still frowned at the sentiment. Clark parked the truck in a small parking lot, in front of a quaint building Lex had to guess was their excuse of a hospital.

“I am perfectly fine. I’ll be out of your hair soon.” Lex said with finality. Clark looked at him with big cow eyes and a low ‘okay’ as they exited the truck. Lex gritted his teeth as Clark helped him down, body still not fully recovering its motor skills from the drive.

The hospital was as drab as the rest of the town, though it was strange. Lex had noticed as his gaze swept across the waiting room, that not one person was on their phone. There was always someone on their phone, mobile phones were a virus to society, everyone in the room should’ve been talking away watching shitty Facebook videos about minions and other manufactured sensationalist material Lex had domain over. He was the king of technology, his entire brand was pulling society along with him on the path of advancement in biotech and manufacturing. There was something wrong here.

The room was inviting, if not dreary being a hospital. The walls were painted a pale green, inoffensive and one of the colours Lex felt the most affection for. Clark led him over to a seat, and sat him down like a child before he left for the counter. There were little tables next to the seats with papers stacked on them, magazines and newspapers. Others waiting were reading them, and Lex paused at the sight of a cover.

Halle Berry? On the front page of Vogue? ‘Hollywood Hero and Band’s new bombshell’ it read. She looked not a day over thirty six.

Lex rifled through the papers.

2002. It was 2002.

Clark, looking back, walked back to Lex with a sheepish smile. “There’s a little wait, sorry about that. But I can stick around and drive you to a motel, since I’m assuming you don’t have anywhere else to go.”

He turned to smile blindingly at Lex, who stared at him from where he was sitting. One of his eyes twitched. “I’m coming home with you Clark.”

Clark’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “Excuse me?”

“Kent?” A nurse called out. Lex only grinned at Clark, all teeth on display.

“I guess the wait wasn’t that long after all.” Lex hobbled off to follow the nurse. Lex glanced back to see Clark’s mouth open and close like a fish, before he followed him and the nurse. Nurses and doctors bustled around the hallway, and Lex’s nose scrunched at the sight of unsightly colourful pillars. They were for sure in 2002. It was painfully embarrassing that Lex hadn’t noticed it before when driving into town, or walking into the building, but he pinned it on his nausea and sluggishness.

The nurse had a clipboard with her, classic.
“Hello, Alexander, Mr Kent told us your name but he didn’t tell us your last? You can write it here while you wait, along with all your other information.” She handed it to him with a pen, and made a look at Clark standing in the doorway.

“Another mysterious Kent hospital visit.” She jested lightly with Clark. He cracked a handsome smile at her, face sheepish.

“Ah, just a pension for helping people I guess.” Clark laughed. The lady tutted as she left, and Clark walked in with the confidence of someone who’d been in this ward a million times over. Lex’s eyes narrowed. His distrust of this weird Clark Kent had exploded exponentially.

“Uh, so-“

“It’s 2002?” Lex started. Clark startled, and nodded with a confused look. Lex turned away with a grimace.

“You shouldn’t be twenty two yet…” Lex muttered under his breath. 1993, that was when Clark Kent was born. Clark only raised his eyebrow.

“I’m nineteen.” Lex’s eyes bugged out of his head.

“Nineteen?” That for sure wasn’t right. He was a decade older than he was supposed to be. What that meant for him was drastically different than what he thought before. He was kidnapped and transported through time and space to an alternate world where it’s 2002 and Clark Kent is different. Why was the important question. Humiliation? Did they want to scare him? Maybe they had sent him to the wrong universe, where instead of being eaten by evil squids he’s mildly inconvenienced by a handsome man. And who had the resources to do this to him? He scoffed. What a silly thought. A lot of Luthorcorp competitors were around the same level of wealth, Lex just had the right level of delusional willpower to rip a hole in Metropolis. Surely another billionaire out there who happens to hate his guts had funnelled money into a time travelling, dimension hopping creation. Or was it a timeline difference that made Clark different?

“We’ve got to get out of here.” Lex snapped. He shoved the clipboard in Clark’s chest, and he startled. “I can’t give them my information, or they will hurt me.”

Appealing to Clark’s goodwill was just too easy. The man’s eyes immediately looked at him with worry, along with suspicion, but it’s easy to see what ultimately won out. He bit his lip, and shook his head as he pulled Alex along.

“This better be good…” Lex could tell he wasn’t trying to be intimidating- he truly wanted to believe in Lex’s sketchy behaviour. Lex could only grin at him as they sped out of the hospital, ignoring the ‘heys!’ calling out behind them.

Chapter Text

Lex knew where he was. He was in a luxurious bed, that’s blankets folded around him with such delicate touch it didn’t feel real. Lex stared up at the ceiling, tired. Waking up in mystery luxury beds wasn’t unknown to Lex, during his party days he had the habit of not knowing where he was most mornings. Though this felt different. His eyes squeezed tight and he pinched at the crook of his nose. His entire body ached. Party drugs must’ve taken a toll on him, he wasn’t as young as he used to be. At the big age of twenty two, Lex still found himself in strangers’ beds it seemed.

Lex smacked his lips as he continued to contemplate, glancing around the room. It was strange, the place didn’t smell and there wasn’t another body or two in the bed. The blankets weren’t even crumbled like someone had left. Though rich people were weird like that. Once Lex slept with a man who refused to let him in his home without shoes on. Some strange power play stuff? Who knows. Lex wasn’t there to dissect someone’s mind, he was just there for a fun time.

Though he thought his fun times had winded down since he’d met Clark. Clark was a godsend in Lex’s trash fire of a life. Endless parties and poor decisions slowly became more and more sparse as Lex basked in the presence of Clark. Someone so kind and real, if not a little mischievous when he felt comfortable. God, Lex was thinking about him even when he was in a stranger’s bed. Anther Monday morning for Lex, it’d seem.

Finally, after what seems like eternity just sprawled on the bed like a cat, he stretched with a small yawn. Lex was noticeably clothed, in his signature purple button up and a pair of dress pants that were crumpled from lying around. When he’d get home he’d ask someone from the staff to iron it for him, no biggie.

Lex shuffled off the bed, which was massive. It could’ve easily fit three people, maybe even three Clark sized people. God, he was whipped. Lex ran a hand down his face and shook it. He had to get it together. Wake up, have an awkward meeting with whoever owned the place if they were still around, find his wallet and phone since he couldn’t find it in his pockets and leave.

Lex walked around the room, blinking the sleep out of his eyes. The room was bland, but clearly high class. The walls were grey, there were no personal items anywhere and there was a massive TV screen. Lex blinked. That wasn’t too strange, being rich had its perks, but it was stranger than that. He peered closer. The TV was mounted on the wall, directly onto the wall, no box or nothing. The edges of it were so thin they were negligible. Lex was in someone’s place, and they were very rich.

Ugh. That meant it’d be harder to leave, frustratingly so.

Lex grumbled as he ambled out of the room. Though he admitted the TV left him curious, it was thinner than any he’d seen on the market, and trust him when he said he had the best models of everything equipped in the mansion. It wowed Clark when he came over for the first few times.

The first thing he noticed leaving the room was it was a lot bigger than he anticipated. A lot bigger. The walls of the place were glass, and everything was minimalist, almost sterile. It was impersonal to the max, lacking any trinkets or items that indicated having a personality from the owner rather than being rich. And maybe a penchant for green.

Just as he was about to head to the elevator, a blur of blue and red torpedoed through the glass of the penthouse, glass scattering across the ground. Before Lex could move, heart scared still, a chest appeared in front of his face, so large it almost made Lex shrink back. He clenched and unclenched his fists before he looked up. A man.

The man had a curl loose from his slicked back hair, eyes narrowed with suspicion evident in the posturing of his body. The upper half of his body was taut, as if using his size to intimidate Lex. His neck was craned down, as if expecting to have seen someone taller. And strangely of all, apart from busting in via the window, he was dressed in a gaudy blue and red suit. It reminded Lex of Warrior Angel. Though he had a big flowing cape behind him, and his tacky colours were a lot more ‘I heart America’ than Lex liked.

The man’s face was angry, and kind of pouty, and the reality of what he’d done set in for Lex.

“You…” Lex shakily raised a hand to point at the very man shaped hole in the window. “You just flew. Up here.”

The man’s eyebrows raised, as if to go ‘yeah? And?’. As if he just didn’t break the laws of physics. He shook his head before he began to speak, Lex still staring at him with disbelief.

“Who are you?” He demanded. His voice was low, and it made a shiver run down Lex’s spine. But that might’ve also been attributed to the fact this man just fucking flew. Fly. This man could fly, Lex’s mind ran with the possibilities that could’ve led to that being able to happen. Was it because of meteor radiation? Were there different meteors with different levels of radiation, or that were in different locations? Lex was sure he’d never seen this man in his life, especially not in Smallville. He would’ve stuck out with those dimples and that jawline. And how did he not get whiplash from moving so fast, and his suit seemed body tight. There was nothing truly protecting him from the physics of moving like a bullet, though maybe the material…

Lex’s hand twitched, and he raised it a bit. “I’m Lex Luthor. Who are you?” He said, voice flat as he tried to reach for the material of the other’s suit. The man flinched backwards at the attempt to touch, and Lex drew his hand back in.

“Ah, sorry. What material is that?” Best he play nice with the big hulking man who could fly. And is invulnerable, judging from how none of his skin was cut by the glass he just blasted through. The tempering of the glass had to be really well done, or the man’s face was so tough glass couldn’t cut him. The material on his body could also be what protected him. His body was still too sore to truly do much against such a force.

“What?” The other man sounded dumbfounded. Lex pointed at him.

“Material. What material is that? It must be remarkably strong.” Lex’s words trailed off into a mumble as his mind continued to race. The man only shook his head and stomped, not unlike a child.

“I’m serious, who are you?” He insisted again.

Lex was getting irritated. He rested his face on his fist and stared up at the man. “Lex Luthor.” Surely the man had heard of him. He was a pretty well known name, Lionel had his greasy claws in most if not all major cities, judging from the window’s cityscape skyline.

The other just looked confused, and he lowered himself onto the floor. Did Lex mention he was floating the entire time? He was just floating, casually. The other furrowed his eyebrows.

“But your heartbeat…”

“My heartbeat?” Lex perked up. “What about it?”

The other man flushed. “Uh. It’s not- it doesn’t sound right.” He looked sheepish as he said this, still deeply confused and suspicious also. Lex smiled nervously, knowing it came off as charming. So this man could hear his heartbeat. Not terrifying at all.

“You can hear my heartbeat?” Lex said after a moment. The other nodded, annoyed, and he began to pace in a way that reminded him of Clark. “What’s wrong with it?”

The other flushed further. Interesting. Was his skin the same properties of their own? He could blush- which suggested the capillary blood flow worked the same in his skin all over. So he was a person with supernatural abilities, brought on by experimentation? A magical tumour? Radiation was Lex’s first guess but the world had done weirder.

The mystery man sighed? And dragged a hand down his face. “Your heartbeat doesn’t match Lex Luthor’s. And you are very obviously not Lex Luthor.”

Lex’s brows furrowed. That made no sense. He should inch away from the man, towards the elevator. The initial wow and adrenaline of the breaking laws of physics thing has made way to very reasonable panic and apprehension. This man clearly had the means to take out Lex, the possibility he was another pawn in Lionel’s game. He was still aching all over, though what drugs it must’ve been Lex didn’t recognise the feeling. He didn’t give any indication of his inner turmoil visually, though he was sure his heart was rabbiting. “And what Lex Luthor are you familiar with?”

The other looked frustrated, and it occurred to Lex he hadn’t told him his name. Maybe it started with S. That massive S insignia stared at him from the man’s impressive chest. “At least give me a name to answer to, here.”

“Lex Luthor is Lex Luthor! You’re not Lex Luthor- you’re too, short.” His words fell flat, and Lex raised an eyebrow. “And I’m Superman? If you were Lex Luthor, you’d know that” He- Superman, huffed with a pout.

“I’ll let you know I am of average height. It’s not my fault you’re otherworldly large.” Lex said snidely. “And Superman? What a laughable name. Warrior Angel is better.” The last part Lex mumbled under his breath, but it seemed he didn’t catch up with the memo that Superman’s metahuman hearing picked up on it, and he smiled half heartedly.

“I mean, my branding’s already sort of set but I’ll let the next superhero know.” Superman said lightly.

“There are more superheroes? Like you?” Lex said, jaw agape. Superman simply nodded, and brows furrowed as if he remembered he was here to harass Lex.

“Wait, if you’re not Lex Luthor…” The other hummed thoughtfully before he abruptly gestured to Lex to sit down with him at one of the very plush seats in the main living room area. Here was his chance to run for it, call someone for help, and get the hell out of there. Home to Clark and his mansion, where he wasn’t bothering anyone and ambition labelled him as a town pariah.

Superman was sitting on the sofa, waiting patiently. He petted at the spot in front of him, and Lex hesitated. The curiosity. He had one to one time with a man who could fly through glass unscathed, and who could hear his heartbeat. Or did he see it?

“Come on, we need to figure this out.” Superman said with such conviction Lex felt compelled to comply. Let’s say Lex did run out to the elevator, what said Superman wouldn’t just fly over and crush him in retaliation for not listening? What was the safest option here, in a penthouse with a grossly overpowered being asking him to sit down.

Lex stumbled over, exhaustion and pain finally kicking in after the adrenaline of fear had worn off. Superman made a noise of concern as he leapt up from his seat, and supported Lex as he gained a footing.

“Are you okay?” Superman asked, eyes large. Lex could only mumble a quick yes, as the larger man led him to the seat opposite of where he had been sitting. It was plush, and he nearly sunk into it. Superman sat back down and coughed into his fist, before he shuffled forward to rest his elbows on his knees. It made him look smaller, now that he wasn’t posturing to intimidate Lex.

He smiled at Lex, and it was blinding. Those dimples reminded Lex of a certain someone back home. Who was he kidding, it was Clark. It was always Clark.

Lex sent Superman a smile in return. “Must’ve been the party drugs messing with me. I must’ve partied a little too hard last night.” He sighed. He truly was a menace to himself.

Superman looked worried. “I didn’t take you for a partier.”

“What informed that observation?”

Superman flushed and scratched at his neck. “I don’t know, Lex is smart. You’re smart, if you’re Lex, I thought he committed all his time to scientific work and whatnot.”

“How flattering of you.” Lex said suavely.

“Lex.” Superman said, trying to get back on track. Lex could tell his face twitched as he said it. “You’re not the Lex Luthor I know.”

Lex shuffled idly. “What is that supposed to mean? I’m well aware I’m not the party animal I used to be, excluding last night, but I mean whoever’s penthouse this is is a testament to my still weak will.”

Superman looked confused. “This is your penthouse. It’s literally on top of Luthorcorp.”

Lex didn’t respond. Had he accidentally acquired a new pent house under Lionel’s name and passed out drunk celebrating sticking another one up at his dad?

“What I mean is- you are literally not the Lex Luthor I know. You look nothing alike, well. Apart from, you know.” Superman gestured up awkwardly. Lex smoothed a hand over his head.

“Yes, my bald head.” Lex was a little irritated at the mention. Superman nodded.

“Yeah, the real Lex Luthor- I mean the one I’m familiar with, is a lot taller and thinner? And your facial structure is completely different, and voice. Though you do have a very nice voice. Um.” Superman wrung his hands together. It must have occurred to him how rude he was sounding, a flush present on his face. Lex stared at him unimpressed. So he was being clowned by a man who wanted to simply humiliate him? Another plot of Lionel’s he was sure.

“Did Lionel send you?” Lex snapped. “Just to humiliate and taunt me? In my presumedly new penthouse, at it.”

Superman tilted his head like a puppy. “I don’t know who this Lionel is, but I can assure you I am not working with him.”

Lex huffed. It was highly unlikely his father got his hands on such a man, but still. The familiar itch of paranoia lay under his skin.

“You just got released from Belle Reve after two years of jail time for splitting the world open. Does that sound familiar to you?” Superman asked. Lex stared blankly at him: Superman ran his hand through his hair, and Lex watched as his curls escaped their prison, falling gracefully over his face. “Yesterday was your first night back, and I kept an ear out for your heartbeat and it just changed! I…”

It probably was obvious Lex didn’t understand what the man was talking about, which frustrated him. Superman paused his inane rambling and sighed. He probably realised he sounded a little obsessive. Listening in to someone’s heartbeat? Enough to determine his wasn’t right as well.

“What am I doing? I’ll take you to Mister Terrific- he can help me figure out where you came from and what’s wrong with you.” Superman was talking to himself. A feeling of dread bubbled in Lex. Being at the whims of this mystery man was not doing good things for him.

“Come on. We’re getting out of here.” That’s when Lex’s patience ran thin.

“I don’t know who you are, Superman. A little reminder that I would have to be surrendering myself to the whims of a man who I don’t know, with immeasurable power over me.”

Superman looked at him stunned, and a tired smile came over his face. “You sound just like him, gosh. You really are a Luthor.”

“Don’t-“ Lex let out a hiss of air, before he was suddenly scooped up by two large, powerful arms. Lex gasped, and instinctively reached for Superman’s neck, which was alarmingly thick. Another reminder about Clark, which set Lex’s face aflame. If he were with Clark, he’d crack a few jokes and get to relax, instead of shaking in an unknown superhero’s arms.

“Here we go.” Superman said, almost cheery. “We’re just gonna quickly fly to my friend, and he can help us figure out what's going on.”

Lex trembled. He’d surely die with the speed the man had been going previously. Whiplash would snap his neck clear the moment he began to fly as fast as a bullet, and Lex wouldn’t have any final moments to reflect on his life.

Superman paused his liftoff, sensing Lex’s fear. Probably the heart rate and his body almost heaving at the thought of imminent death. Superman lowered him slightly, eyes worried, and Lex looked up at him with wide fearful eyes.

“You’re going to kill me flying with me.” Lex hissed. “I saw how fast you moved earlier, I’ll be done for. I’m not invulnerable like you seem to be.” Lex appealed to Superman’s apparent baser protective instincts. Superman cocked his head.

“Physics works differently for me. I have this thing, uh, Mr Terrific explained it to me. It's kind of a tactile telekinesis that lets me keep those in my grasp safe.” Superman rambled. “It basically-“

“-neutralises the laws of physics in order to not have me die of whiplash immediately.” Lex finished off, heartbeat slowing. Superman beamed at him.

“Exactly! I’m sorry I scared you, but we really do need to see what’s happening.” Superman looked apologetic. Lex was stiff in his arms, but he shuffled as he attempted to get comfortable.

“Alright.” Lex’s curiosity was overwhelming. “I expect more details later.”

Superman only laughed, as he launched the two of them out of the building.

Chapter Text

“So.” Clark was at the wheel of his dingy truck. Lex was seated next to him. “You’ve been sent back in time, and also transported- potentially teleported- to rural Kansas?”

“The basic gist of it.” Lex can see Clark’s brain processing.

“Why?” Clark sounded so utterly confused it made Lex smile a little. Then it soured, at the question. He rubbed the crook of his nose and waved a hand about.

“I don’t know, they want revenge on me for doing something most likely. I am a wealthy man with wealthy, resourceful enemies.” Lex muttered, annoyed. Clark’s fists tightened around the wheel.

“What did you do that was so bad it warranted being tossed across dimensions?” Clark asked genuinely. Like he couldn’t fathom a reason why anyone would go to such lengths to take someone out. Lex believed it full heartedly, if only a fraction of his dedication to eradicating Superman was being utilised against him, there was no telling what boundaries someone would be willing to cross. Lex sighed.

“Bad enough is all you need to know. And you’re somehow related to this whole mess.” Lex gave him an unnerving stare. “The Clark Kent in my universe was affiliated with an enemy of mine, who might be behind this entire hassle.”

Lex found it difficult to imagine Superman, the meathead, being able to manufacture technology that could send him flying through time and space. Though he supposed he could’ve had alien assistance, something in that big Arctic home of his. Maybe his friend with the flying orbs of machinery had helped, he managed to reverse engineer the dimensional rift. Even Lex had to give it to him, that was impressive. In 2002, Superman shouldn’t exist yet, but this universe was different. Clearly the timeline was not the same, with Clark being the clear example.

Maybe Superman didn’t exist in this universe. Was it worth using a computer from 2002 to search it up later, assuming Clark had one, or to just ask? Lex cringed at the thought of using such ancient machines, used to the fast paced world of 2025. Would Clark even have a good Ethernet connection was also a question.

“Does the name Superman ring a bell?” Lex asked.

Clark shook his head. “Nope. Whose that?” Kudos to Clark, taking whatever Lex threw at him with the rationale of a man who’s seen too much to do something as juvenile as flounder in disbelief. Clark seemed to take everything he said without a blink.

“Man that flies, is generally invulnerable and has a variety of annoying superpowers that include but aren’t limited to superspeed, frost breath and laser vision?” Lex fished. Clark tensed, and shook his head again.

“Sounds unreal.” Clark said. Lex hummed and he looked outside his window.

“Well disregard all of that then. I’m talking nonsense, and whatnot.” So sue him, Lex knew he wasn’t being that convincing. His brain was racing, and he didn’t have the time to think about Clark’s feelings beyond necessary. And making sure he doesn’t rat him out to the local police. He didn’t know how he’d explain how he had no records of existing nor any forms of identification.

“You’re telling me there’s a super powered man running around under the name Superman in your universe timeline?” Clark said with almost disbelief. “Just like, out in the public?”

“Presumedly.” Lex said. “Clearly not here from what you’ve told me. That’s fascinating as it is concerning for me. The lack of metahuman help will surely make it harder for me to return home.” Lex sighed. He didn’t hate meta humans, well, maybe a little. He understood that usually meta humans had drawbacks that came with their powers and abnormalities, though Superman had none. Apart from a very specific rock that is technically extinct. That level of invulnerability was in particular an affront to Lex’s ego.

“And meta humans? What are those, other superpowered beings?”

“Supposedly.” Lex grumbled. His distaste was clear, but it seemed Clark didn’t catch the memo. He simply drove on, voice filling with more awe the more he asked. Though he’d never give up an opportunity to educate another. The safety net of Clark’s universe being seemingly meta-less was something that brought a little relief and comfort to Lex.

“Meta-human is a category for humans with mutations that manifest from radiation, genetic tampering, sometimes just pure dumb luck.” Lex sneered. “Meaning yes, by your rudimentary understanding, ‘superpowers’.”

Lex internally sighed at the sight of a quaint farmhouse. Clark was pulling into the lot. Great. Clark nervously tapped his seatbelt, and gave Lex a stern look.

“Okay, I know it may seem funny but I do still live with my parents. Don’t say anything weird about the timeline, universe hopping, superpowers or anything that a regular aging couple in Kansas shouldn’t hear.” Clark’s eyes bored into Lex. “I’ll say you needed help, had no access to funds to get a motel room, and you’ll be staying in the barn.”

Lex opened his mouth to protest but simpered at the sight of Clark’s set face. A barn. It was simply ridiculous, Lex might as well sleep in the wilderness since he wasn’t going to be getting a bed anywhere near the quality of his own. The ache of missing his penthouse hit so hard Lex could only slump over, and made a little mini hissy fit before he calmed and left the truck. Of course Clark still lived with his parents, his universe’s Clark had done the same. It was a smart move to save money, thought no less embarrassing for him. Lex’s strength had returned, body aches mostly gone. It seemed the dimension hopping and time travel took a toll on his body, which explained why the ache was all encompassing. Though his initial guess of internal bleeding technically wasn’t out of the picture.

Lex noticed the smell first and cows second as the two of them walked up to the front porch. The house was cute, isolated, homey. The complete opposite of everything Lex valued in property. Apart from the isolated for a warehouse maybe.

Clark opened the door, crudely left unlocked, and face broke into a smile. Maybe the first genuine one since Lex had barrelled into his day. “Ma, Pa!”

Martha and Jonathan Kent also looked different compared to Lex’s original universe. Maybe that was a sign that Clark wasn’t that special at all, and latching onto him might of been a spur of the moment decision based on lack of context. If everyone in this universe was different, was anyone special enough of a link for Lex to invest in? Superman didn’t even exist in this universe. He was stuck with him for the day however. He had no doubts Clark wouldn’t let him out of his sight now that Lex had revealed so much.

The Kents were not as elderly and regular, though it was still obvious that they had adopted Clark. Both Clarks were overwhelmingly tall, well, not in comparison to Lex. He usually found himself towering over others, it was rare for someone to see Lex eye to eye. Jonathan and Martha Kent definitely did not, and with Martha’s red hair and Jonathan’s blonde, it was a dead giveaway their six foot, dark haired blue eyed boy was not their biological offspring. Clark had a crooked smile, face soft as his parents faces did the same. Jonathan’s face was a little more stoic, which almost made Lex roll his eyes.

He wasn’t unfamiliar with emotionally constipated, awkward fathers with a little too much masculine pride. His own father lacked a degree of tact that probably landed Lex where he was, which again, he’s very self aware about.

“Clark.” Martha said warmly. The Kents sat comfortably at their dining table, a newspaper out in Jonathan’s hands and some bills on the table in front of Martha, pen in hand. She’d obviously been crunching numbers. Probably because they lived in a farm in the middle of nowhere with assumedly, no employees apart from the couple themselves. How they’d manage to stay afloat was a mystery to Lex.

Jonathan’s eyes were trained on him, narrowed. “Whose this? You were supposed to be workin’ today, not picking strangers off the street.”

Jonathan notedly looked up at his bleached hair with disdain. Right. Small conservative town. Clark rubbed the back of his neck as he walked into the dining room.

“This is Alexander, I found him when I was coming back after delivering everything.” It was very noticeable how he didn’t mention why Lex was there. “He doesn’t have any money on him for a motel, so I was hoping he could stay the night at the barn?”

Clark smiled as wide as he could, and Lex almost scoffed at the pleading look. Martha’s lips thinned.

“I guess we can’t turn away someone in need.” She ceded. Clark’s sweet face must’ve swayed her more than once in his lifetime, from the way Jonathan huffed. He pointed at Lex.

“From the cut of his suit, I’d say a fella like you has plenty of money. Why don’t you just make a few calls, get what you need and leave us alone?” Jonathan’s patience was short. “I’ve had enough of rich people sniffing around our parts!”

Martha sighed. “Jon, please. Not this again.”

Jonathan turned to Martha, frustrated. “You of all people should be agreeing with me about him. And this man as well.”

Lex’s eye twitched. He didn’t know what this secret Kent conversation was about, but he didn’t like it. Martha glanced at Lex then back to Clark with a small frown.

“Your father has a point- not about him, but Clark, we’re already spread thin.” Meattha gestured to the papers sprawled out in front of her. She turned to Lex with an apologetic look, though he could tell she wasn’t truly sorry if it was for her family’s betterment.

“Is there anyone you can call for help? We have a landline you could use.” Lex floundered.

“Well, I unfortunately cannot reach anyone. I, uh, don’t remember their numbers.” God, that was weak.

Clark glanced at him bewildered and Jonathon rolled his eyes. Lex continued. “I was mugged and left stranded, and wandered here through the cornstalks before Clark here saved my life.” He petted Clark’s arm with a sly grin.

“You don’t look too mugged to me.” Jonathon gritted out. Lex simply lifted the edge of his blazer, and watched as all three Kents eyes widened at the sight. His porcelain skin was mottled with bruising, skin ugly shades of yellow and purple. The aches that were due to the dimensional hopping was served with a side of bruising, expanding his stomach and back from where Lex could pinpoint some of the pain. Why not his face? Lex had no clue. There was also the possibility it had nothing to do with the dimensional travel, and more with whoever tossed him here. Rough treatment on top of the ache of being teleported.

Clark’s mouth was agape. “You-you didn’t tell me about that-“ He stumbled over his words.

Lex quickly covered up and gave him an unimpressed look. “What do you think was the reasoning behind me letting you carry me out of the field? I just wanted you to?”

Clark gulped. “I guess I didn’t think about it.”

“You should rest in the barn.” Martha said, voice tight. Lex flashed them a smile, and simply walked out of the house. He was already sick of being in the presence of people below him acting as if they had any control over his life. Technically they did, and that made anger boil in Lex’s stomach. Whoever did this to him would pay, that was for sure. Two years in Belle Reve was not enough to extinguish his tumultuous mood swings, even if he learnt how to hide it from the prison guards better over time. He spent so much time mulling over his mistakes, his issues, revenge over and over. It was simply a place for Lex to stew. He wasn’t provided psychiatric help, obviously, even if Lex could admit he probably needed it.

Lex waited outside with a pout. Clark came out a moment later, and he smoothed his hair down with a hand, exasperated. “Okay, you can stay in the barn. For one night.” Clark muttered. He lifted one finger. “After that, you need to hit a phone booth and call someone to help you. I’m sorry about my parent’s verdict, but I have another place in mind you could stay after tonight! That’ if my friend will respond to my calls…”

Clark huffed as he pulled out a tiny cell. God. The classic Nokia. Lex missed the artificial LED light of his smartphone so badly. Clearly the friend Clark referred to had been dodging his calls, with how Clark’s nose was scrunched up.

“I doubt your friend’s place is any better than yours.” Lex said snidely. God, he missed his bed. Clark let out a breathy laugh, and shook his head, eyes still on his phone.

“You couldn’t be more wrong, actually.” Clark snickered. “His house is like- huge. Mansion huge.” Clark used his hands to demonstrate. That did pique Lex’s interest. What kind of wacko would have a mansion all the way out in Smallville, Kansas? The land was probably cheap, at least. The lack of infrastructure was less impressive.

“Why do you have a friend who owns a mansion? You don’t seem like the type to rub elbows with people more my status.” The two began to walk out to the barn.

“Well, the funny story is he almost hit me with his car.” Clark laughed. “He ended up swerving into a river, and I fished him out.”

“What a wild beginning to a friendship.” Lex said, dryly. With how warm Clark’s face was, and how soft his tone was, it was too obvious the man held some less than platonic feelings for his supposed friend. Thought he knew saying that in a small conservative town in the 2000s might have him thrown into a river himself.

“Yeah, and usually he answers my calls right away. I mean- I get if he’s busy, but it’s been all day which is out of character.” Clark mumbled, mostly to himself at the end. His thumb was on his lip as he was in thought, which was wildly distracting.

When the barn came into sight, Lex could only scream internally. It was worse than the townhouse, rickety and old. And it was a barn. Animals probably milled around in there, Lex having to share a space where animals have been was just demeaning. Clark was oblivious, or simply ignored, the obvious distaste on Lex’s face as he continued to bound to the barn.

It was surprisingly bare. There was equipment and hay bales, but no cow shit or whatever Alex was expecting to be everywhere. Lex cringed.

“Am I expected to sleep in the hay bales like an animal?” He sighed. Clark looked at him alarmed and quickly shook his head.

“No way my parents would let a guest sleep like that, no matter how much they dislike you.” Clark laughed. He hurried to lead Lex through the barn, and Lex only trudged through with the determination of a soldier. He was led to a set of stairs that led upwards, and Clark smiled at the sight. Lex could only think about how flimsy the stairs would be under both his and Clark’s weight.

“Here, we have a loft in the barn I usually stay in if I want fresh air and privacy.” Clark said as he leapt up the stairs. Lex did the same, albeit a lot more gingerly than the force Clark used. He was clearly used to traipsing up these stairs whenever he felt like.

Clark rubbed the back of his neck as Lex managed to peer over and survey the area. Videogames, beanbags, and a pull out sofa. It looked like a teenager’s heaven. Lex looked up at Clark as he made his way up fully, and felt a bit of satisfaction at the sight of an embarrassed flush on his face.

“Uh, I’d spend a lot of my angsty teen years here.” Clark mumbled. There was a large window, allowing a cool draft to come in, and Lex had no doubt it’d make him cold all night.

“I can tell.” Lex snickered as he crept amongst the place. It was well kept, apart from it being organised like a pigsty in comparison to Lex’s high rise apartment. Lex moved to the window, and rested a hand against the edge. Looking down on the pastures of the Kent farm reminded him of the tall buildings Lex once got to see every morning underneath his feet. A blinding anger engulfed him so suddenly that Lex’s knees nearly buckled with the rage. Someone had taken him away from his home, from where he was finally comfortable lording above everybody after his prison release. All of that waiting was wasted as he got flung across dimension and time, where now he isn’t afforded even the simple pleasure he had like a warm bed. Lex shivered in the breeze, and sneered into the sky. It had to be Superman related, somehow: someone close to him decided to get revenge on him, almost crushing him in the public eye, or a meta-human horrified by his treatment of the alien that they made it their mission to inconvenience him to death.

The conditions of the loft were obviously better than what was afforded to Lex in Belle Reve. He was very unpopular, for the deaths that occurred with the rift and his maniacal reasoning never being enough for the other hardened criminals. Apparently hating someone so much he wanted to split the world open wasn’t as compelling when you were wrapped tight in an orange jumpsuit and not in a three piece suit screaming into a mic.

Clark laid a hand on Lex’s shoulder, startling him out of his thoughts. He turned to glare at the offender, and Clark stared at him with those big green eyes of his. He smiled weakly at Lex, and he couldn’t help but drink in the sight of Clark’s teeth. Call Lex a freak, but the cooked, sharp canines Clark wielded were so undeniably charming they made him feel warm.

“Hey, I got the comfiest blankets I could find that my ma would let in the barn.” Clark had a bundle of fabrics in his other arm, and Lex sniffed at the sight. All unsightly knitted granny squares, something so homemade and scruffy Lex could only look at them with disdain. He moved along to the bed next to Clark, and watched as the other stuffed the thicker blankets onto the thin mattress to give it more plush.

He swept his hands at the depressing sight with a little ‘tada!’ Lex refused to entertain.

“Tomorrow, I’ll come and we can go settle at my friend’s place. He has better ethernet cables and a computer you could use.” Clark laid the extra blankets beside the bed. “Could you maybe save brushing your teeth for the morning when my parents will be gone? I think my dad will shoot you if you step another foot in when he’s there.” Clark laughed.

Lex bristled at the thought of his hygiene being neglected. “Fine.”

“I’ll bring some cream before you go to sleep…” Clark mumbled to himself again. Lex didn’t dignify him with a response, and simply watched the other hurry down and out of the barn.

Truly, the loft wasn’t terrible. Though the threadbare mattress made Lex flashback to the countless sleepless nights in Belle Reve. Wondering when his lawyers would get him out, wondering if any outside force would magically save him from the hell that was prison. It truly was a mind numbing place, for for punishment rather than rehabilitation. Lex knew he would’ve been a great example for it, he clearly had psychiatric issues he needed addressed even if he knew any professional would be left reeling. He knew that his intellect was always something the government sought over, they were hasty to immediately get their grubby hands all over his technology as soon as he wasn’t there to protect it. His track record and image had been squeaky clean beforehand, ignoring a few outbursts when he was younger. He didn’t even partake in the party lifestyle his father was so fond of. He was an academic, a genius.

Reduced to nothing but a ruined name and sore back. Lex’s eyes fluttered as he settled on the bed. He hated Superman so much, and breathing evened out as he fell asleep, completely forgetting about the cream Clark was on about.

Chapter Text

Flying was exhilarating as it was terrifying. Like some of Lex’s nights used to be back in Metropolis, when he didn’t know if he’d wake up the next day from either an overdose or from stepping on someone’s toes. His prior penchant for danger made him familiar to the rush of adrenaline that flying in Superman’s arms brought. His squeezed tight eyes eventually opened to a beautiful landscape of buildings, all shining in the morning light of the sun. The air rushing against him felt like he was on an intense motorcycle ride.

Superman had him clutched in his arms the entire ride, not a moment slipping. Invulnerability, super strength, and super hearing possibly on top of the flying. This man was as fascinating as he was terrifying, though Lex leaned more towards the prior.

They flew for what only felt like a minute, flight so much faster than Lex could’ve anticipated. A building came into sight. It had a massive arch, with giant lettering that said ‘Hall of Justice.’ It was large, ornate, and so comic booky Lex could only be in awe. The similarities between Warrior Angel and Superman weren’t lost on him, though he lacked the underdog aspects of Warrior Angel with the perfect face and all. Warrior Angel’s bald appearance was vital to his character, something that comforted Lex as a child to no end after losing his own hair.

The pair landed smoothly in front of the building’s doors, and Superman glanced at Lex with a grimace.

“Okay, so my friends are a little…” Superman struggled for words as he gently placed Lex back on the ground. Lex struggled to regain his bearings, body still wrought with aches and the general motion of the flight. Like jet lag but not quite. Lex looked up at him.

“Abrasive?” Lex guessed that was the kind of behaviour a man like Superman appeared to be would dislike. Despite his very cheery, sunny exterior, Lex understood peeling back the layers of a person was what would truly leave him with peace. His itching curiosity nipped at his feet, telling him to learn all he could about the man no matter the lengths he’d have to go.

Those thoughts were mild, barely hearable now with how easily Superman answered his questions. How visibly he emoted, and how unguarded his behaviour was. Although Lex knew it could all be a ruse. And he knew that even if his intrusive thoughts quietened, they were always there waiting for him. Superman lit up and smiled.

“Exactly that.” He said. “They’re going to try and get under your skin, so don’t let them do that. We’re here for answers.”

His voice hardened at the end of his sentence, and Lex successfully remained visually relaxed. Yes, he wasn’t supposed to be here. Whatever the here meant. Was this man mentally damaged, mistakenly thinking that Lex didn’t look like himself? He’d yet to meet another person, and felt uncomfortably out of his depth. Lex loved to know, loved to catalogue and loved to understand. Right now, the situation was barely comprehensible. A caped man scooped him up and flew him halfway across the city for god’s sake.

The pair walked into the hall, and it was as expansive on the inside as it was impressive on the out. The ceiling had a mural painted on, as if it were the 16th chapel, and the contents simply blew him away. A diverse array of (assumedly) superheros, from their gaudy, colourful outfits, were sprawled across the roof in a way that made them look like gods. It was breathtaking as it was terrifying.

The place was well furnished, with plush seating readily available everywhere and a front desk that seemed to be unmanned. Strange. Superman simply strode in and glanced around the room, clearly looking for someone. He turned back around to Lex with a sheepish look.

“Okay, it seems they aren’t here yet. I texted them before I found you but sometimes they don’t see it right away, you know?” Superman mumbled, and he took out his phone as if to show Lex he wasn’t lying. The only thing more strange was an all powerful morose at the fact his friends forgot to text him back, and the fact his phone was very un-phone shaped.

Lex couldn’t help it. He immediately snatched the phone away from the other man, who blinked surprised. He clearly didn’t anticipate the move, and before Lex could truly examine the technology- wow, it was thin as cardboard and screen larger than any model he’d seen before- Superman snatched it back with an indignant ‘hey!’. Superman held the phone above Lex with both hands on it protectively.

“If you just wanted to call someone, you could’ve asked!” Superman said. Lex just stared at him, hand out, and Superman gingerly placed the phone in Lex’s hand. “Don’t break it- it’s a new model my friend got for me, so she’d be pretty mad if I cracked it the first week of use.”

“This is a phone?” Lex had to confirm as he flipped it over and over to judge its weight. Superman shuffled in place.

“I mean, yeah. I know there’s no case, I’m going to get one soon.” Superman grumbled. He spoke so casually Lex couldn’t believe it. The device functioned completely differently, and while Lex wasn’t alien to high quality tech, the phone was assuredly surprisingly accessible from Superman’s words. There were multiple models for sale? Or maybe he’d gotten it since he was in cahoots with the ‘Justice League’, surely superheroes would have the most advanced technology in the world.

Lex looked up at Superman, who simply was watching him with a furrow in his brow. “Aren’t you gonna call anyone?”

There was only one number Lex could think of calling right now. He quickly figured out the schematics of the phone, and just as he was about to press in the very familiar numbers dear to his heart, he hesitated. Lex didn’t wanna drag Clark into his mess. It was clear this issue was a Lex Luthor exclusive, as were most of his near death experiences. Despite how well everything seemed to be going, there was no telling how safe the situation truly was. Lex was compromised, for better or for worse, and to pull Clark into that when he had already invaded enough of his life.

Lex’s fingers quickly tapped out another number, and he was frustrated to see the phone tell him the number did not exist.

“Who’d you try to call?” Superman asked. He sounded curious, not like he was trying to get anything out of Lex, though his fingers still curled protectively around the phone.

“My head of security. His number doesn’t exist anymore, apparently.” Someone had taken out his head of security while he was away was the first thought it had. “And your phone, where did you get it?”

“Uhh, my friend bought it from the Apple store? Probably? It was brand new.” Superman shrugged. Lex’s eyes squinted. Ah, that’s why there’s an apple embossed on the back of the phone.

“And there’s these stores everywhere?” Lex pried further. Superman nodded slowly, clearly confused.

“Yes? I mean it’s a phone, it’s not exactly rare. Like everyone has one. Well I mean, maybe not everyone uses the IOS but you know.” Lex in fact did not know. Things were more adding up, piecing together. The TV, the Lex Luthor doppelgänger, the strange unfamiliarness of the world. It all came rushing to him.

“What year is it?” Lex asked, voice quiet. Superman’s brows furrowed.

“2025?” Lex’s heart stopped. He gazed up at Superman from the phone, hands now shaky.

“Pardon me?” He asked, faint.

Before Superman could elaborate on the fucking date, the sounds of wings beating filled the room. Lex turned, and eyes almost bulged out of his head at the sight. A woman with wings sprouted out of her back stormed into the room, followed by three other individuals. The only almost regular looking one had an outrageous haircut that made Lex feel relieved he was bald, and the other had dramatic makeup covering the curves of his face and lips. It was admittedly an impressive look, for how seamless it transitioned into his lipstick. It almost distracted Lex from the floating spheres zipping around him, as if they had a mind of their own. They were very obviously cameras, but they were floating. On their own. And then there was a man? He looked like a gnarled gray rock was given sentience, body made up of all different kinds of materials that Lex was just itching to touch. How he stayed alive whilst being mutated to that extent was a mystery to him, but nonetheless interesting.

Though a feeling of fear struck Lex so suddenly he almost staggered back. These superheroes- super powered individuals, his life was now in their hands. Along with Superman, and that was surprisingly a lot scarier than just the thought of Superman being his grim reaper alone. The fright in him was almost disgusting to feel.

The green one gritted his teeth like he was chewing gum as he eyed Lex up and down. “Whose this fella here? Definitely ain’t Luthor, he’s missing a few inches.” He snickered.

The woman next to him only sighed. “Guy, did you even read the group chat texts?”

“I did!” The amalgamated man said tiredly. The green guy- Guy, only scoffed as he waved the two of them off.

“Ah, it don’t matter, when Supes calls we answer, yeah buddy?” He said with a cackle. “Nah, I just figured one of you’d would.”

The winged woman sighed again and shook her head. The one with spheres circling him simply crossed his arms at the sight of him. Lex turned back to Superman, pale.

“I-“ Lex swallowed “- didn’t realise you knew such a colourful bunch.” The shock must’ve been evident on his face, and Superman softened at the sight.

“Ah, yeah, let me introduce them to you since you probably don’t know them? For whatever reason.” Superman bounded over to the other superheroes, who were still bickering away.

“This is Hawkgirl, this is Green Lantern, this is Metamorpho and this is Mr Terrific!” He gestured at them one by one as he rattled off their names. The Green Lantern, stupid name, squinted at Lex.

“Hey, I think you’re a little tubbier than I remembered.” Guy asked with a finger on his chin. “No offense, obviously.”

“Guy.” Superman warned. The other rolled his eyes and wandered off for a seat. Metamorpho followed him to do the same, face a little peeved at Lex’s pointed comment. It wasn’t his fault he was colourful. Little spheres whirred past and Lex flinched at the sight of them coming right at him.

They circled his head, rather undramatically. A bold reminder he was years, decades into the future, and the technology surrounding him surpassed his wildest imaginations. Whether it be because of exclusive superhero access or not, what Lex was seeing was groundbreaking. As if the particular sphere Lex had been eyeing could feel the rapid speed of his thoughts’ route of ‘I should take apart these spheres and inspect their insides’, a little red light blinked from it.

Lex floundered in the red light, and heart began to race.

“It’s just a medical scan. And to see if you have anything dangerous hidden on your person.” Mr Terrific said calmly, as if it were an everyday occurrence to beam people with your Death Star superlaser.

Lex squeezed his eyes tight as the light roved over his body, and opened them to see Mr Terrific’s eyes still on him. The little ball had flown back to him, like a pet on a leash, and Mr Terrific turned to Superman.

“He’s clean. There’s nothing wrong with him as far as my T-Spheres have observed.”

“No clues about where he’s from?” Superman asked. Worry laced his voice. Hawkgirl shrugged.

“Have you asked him?” She was monotone. To no response, she lifted her arms up exasperated.

Metamorpho drummed his fingers against his thighs on the seat next to the Green Lantern with a crooked smile. “Ah, strange choice Supes.”

“You’re saying you didn’t even ask the Joe where he came from?” The Green Lantern laughed. Superman grumbled as he and Hawkgirl snickered to themselves, and rubbed a side of his face with his hand.

“I assumed that bringing him here as soon as possible was the best route of action.” Superman said. “And interrogating him like a villain when he clearly doesn’t know where he is will not fly.” His voice was a deep rumble that left no room for discussion. He glanced down at Lex with a sheepish look.

“Though, it would be nice to know where you’re from. You didn’t seem to know you were in your own penthouse.”

“The only thing he has in common with Luthor is the bald head, but the regular Luthor doesn’t even have that anymore.” Hawkgirl pointed out. Lex looked to her with a confused face.

“I- I mean, the other Lex Luthor has hair?” That was impossible. The radiation made it so, there was no way Lex in the future would be able to grow hair, even if he was somehow taller and thinner. Hawkgirl nodded with a little grin.

“Yeah. Platinum blonde too. It looks really good on him.” Metamorpho chimed in. “I never would’ve pegged him the type.”

“That’s impossible. I can’t grow hair.” Lex muttered. Mr Terrific’s eyes flickered up to pierce his, still fiddling with his T Sphere.

“That explains the high radiation levels in your body.” He said point blank. Superman’s face grew panicked at the words.

“Radiation? You said there was nothing wrong with him!”

“Nothing that is harmful to his health, unless you count the baldness.” Mr Terrific continued unbothered. “The radiation seems to have been a long term issue with you, Luthor. Nothing new caused it, it’s highly unlikely it’s attributed to why he’s here right now.”

“Maybe you could call someone.” The Green Lantern called out, sprawled across a loveseat. Metamorpho looked happy to be sitting on the edge, almost falling off.

“Maybe we can find someone you know to help you?” Metamorpho asked. Lex shuddered at the sight of him. He was so pleasant it was strange. “Like, we’re pretty good help but you know. The more the better.”

Was it worth it to reach out to someone. Who knew how his father would spin this issue into his favour? His hold on his factory was tenuous at best, and this major issue would definitely risk the employment of everyone that worked there. No way there wouldn’t be media coverage that would get back to his father if he appeared out of nowhere with a couple of superpowered beings.

But it was 2025. Twenty three years into the future, that was older than he currently was now. Lex shook at the thought. Everyone he knew was twenty three years older, and clearly this timeline’s Luthor was a bad man. He had clearly lapsed into his deeper nature like his father told him he would, and caused enough havoc for these super powered individuals to think it was needed to supervise him. A regular human, capable of so much evil. Lex licked his lips.

Maybe his father was dead. That’d be a relief.

“Can I have a phone book for Metropolis?” Lex asked Supermen. The aloof attitudes of the other superheroes weren’t what he needed right now. He knew he could appeal to Superman, and despite his powers, his affinity for good will was so apparent during the few hours they spent together.

Superman nodded, and in as quick as a flash, reappeared with a thick yellow book in his hands. “Here it is! Though if you just tell us who you’d like to contact, I think me flying there would be a lot more effective than a call.” He grinned. Lex didn’t respond as he took the book into his hands, and glanced up at the other heroes.

“I’d rather have a moment of privacy, if that wouldn’t be too much.”

The Green Lantern immediately made noises of protest as he lifted himself up out of the loveseat. Metamorpho looked uncomfortable left behind on the seat. “Aye, no way we’re letting you outta our sights. You might not be Luthor, but you’re not clear yet.” He crowded into Lex’s space. “Remember that we don’t trust ya, we don’t know why you’re here and we gotta keep this under wraps. If you go traipsing outta this building, who knows where you’ll go?”

Mr Terrific sighed. “Unfortunately, Green Lantern is right. We need to keep him under surveillance for now before we have enough information to determine if he’s a threat.”

“Is he really that dangerous?” Metamorpho’s voice became high at the end.

Hawkgirl squinted at him. “He doesn’t seem like he has any special abilities. Just a bald guy with memory issues, or a bad case of billionaire obsession.”

Lex bristled. “I am not a criminal you arrested off the street. You can’t treat me that way!”

Superman’s eyes flickered between Lex and the others with a furrow in his brow. Green Lantern just sneered at him.

“Then tell us why you’re here and where you’re from!”

Lex gritted his teeth. “I’m not endangering people I know because a bunch of super powered people demanded to invade my privacy. I woke up in a building I technically own, and have not done anything to warrant this behaviour.”

“That building isn’t yours. You’re not Lex Luthor.” Hawkgirl piped up. Lex’s face scrunched up in frustration.

“Yes I am. I am Lex Luthor, son of Lionel Luthor and Lilian Luthor. And I want some privacy to sort out my personal matters.”

Superman frowned. “He’s not lying. He hasn’t been lying the entire time, I’ve been listening to his heartbeat-“

A round of groans filled the room, and Superman only flushed as he continued. “- and other signals from his body to make sure he was telling the truth. He’s not our Lex Luthor, but he is Lex Luthor in some way.”

“I’ve had enough of you and Lex Luthor’s heartbeat. It was funny the first time you mentioned it and now it’s just sad.” Hawkgirl said with a roll of her eyes. Superman pressed on.

“This is serious, guys. He’s been displaced in some way, maybe mentally?” Superman waved a hand around his head. “I don’t know, how do you convince someone that they’re Lex Luthor?”

“Because he’s Lex Luthor.” Mr Terrific said. The Green Lantern walked towards him.

“Yeah, we know buddy. As if he hasn’t been saying it all day.” He gestured to Lex, who simply glared at the man. Mr Terrific ignored him.

“What year is it?” Mr Terrific prompted Lex. Alarm bells rung in his head, and hands tightened on the phone book.

“2025.” Lex said evenly. Mr Terrific didn’t look impressed.

“No, what year is it really?”

Everyone must’ve grown. Clark must’ve moved out to Metropolis, the Kents must have retired. Lionel was either dead or sent to rot somewhere by the modern Lex Luthor; who somehow managed to grow hair. Everybody important in his life didn’t know the current him anymore, he was simply a nostalgic memory in the lives of everyone who grew older.

“It’s 2002. And I don’t live in Metropolis.” Lex gave in. A void was opening in Lex, threatening to swallow him whole. The feeling of utter uselessness, inconsequentialness that he feared would consume him as he failed to live up to his father’s reputation. In the end, it was a time traveling mishap that had ruined him. Lex felt a pounding at the back of his head, and lifted a hand to pinch at his furrowed brows.

“I think I’ve time traveled to the future, potentially across dimensions. I don’t- I don’t look like your Lex Luthor. It’s impossible for me to grow hair.” He cradled his face in his hands. “I can’t be completely sure but, well, I don’t remember men flying around with capes back at home either.”

Flying people. People flying around in capes, with wings, sentient amalgamations of sedimentary material and technology that was only found in science fiction. Lex was out of his depth here, and needed all the help he could get. What if back home there was no one to help protect the people in his factory from the wrath of his father when he inevitably found out Lex was missing? Would he send out a missing person’s report or simply consider him dead? Clark would surely shed tears at his funeral. His shoulders were hunched with the weight of everything. Someone had done this to him, the thought occurred. A weight landed on his shoulder, and Lex looked up to see Superman’s determined face.

“We’ll get you home, Lex. You don’t seem nearly as antagonistic as our Luthor.” Superman half laughed. “Maybe in your dimension you aren’t so bad.”

“How’d you know he time travelled?” For once, Hawkgirl’s voice was anything other than monotone as she asked Mr Terrific. The corner of his mouth quirked the tiniest bit as he answered.

“He asked for a phone book. People don’t do that anymore.” Mr Terrific said, smugly. “And he’s clearly younger.”

Lex grumbled. “I’m twenty two.”

Metamorpho’s eyes widened. “Wow, you are younger.”

Lex gave him the stink eye, and watched as Superman only chuckled.

“Well, I guess that’s progress.” Superman said with a bright smile. The Green Lantern scratched his chin.

“Yeah, guess so. This means I can leave?” He said, clearly not caring if Superman responded.

“Yeah I guess so-“ Superman began, before a green light flashed from Guy and a green plane sat under his ass. It’s texture reminded Lex of polished green stones, or that of the meteor rocks in Smallville, dumbfounded. That’s why he was called Green Lantern.

Guy grinned, as he saluted at them. “See ya!” And he promptly zoomed out of the Justice League, leaving the doors fluttering with the force of his exit.

Lex just stared with his jaw dropped. He closed it as Superman only sighed.

Metamorpho watched the doors, and frowned as he squinted the windows. He turned to Superman with an apologetic look on his face. “Ah, it’s almost time for Joey’s walk. I’m sorry Supes, you know how he gets them.” His face was that of a tired parent, and Superman only chuckled.

“It’s fine, say hi to little Joey for me! I’ll join you guys for another walk sometime maybe.” Superman said, and Metamorpho nodded as he rushed to the doors. Hawkgirl began to walk away behind him.

“I’m heading home, I need to finish a show I left halfway through.” Hawkgirl muttered. Before Superman could say goodbye, she too left in a dramatic swoop and a screech that definitely wasn’t needed. Mr Terrific rolled his eyes at his team mates attitudes, and walked closer to Superman and Lex.

“I’ll help you two out, a lot more than those two can, that’s for sure.” Lex couldn’t tell if he was trying to be funny. “I’m gonna go to my room, and do a little recon around the Luthorcorp Penthouse. That’s where you found him?”

Superman nodded, and Lex was a little irked he wasn’t being addressed. “Well, that’s odd. Maybe that explains the disappearance of the original Lex Luthor.”

Lex turned to Superman. “He’s missing?”

Superman raised a finger to his chin. “When I woke up this morning, I couldn’t hear his heartbeat anywhere. I heard yours in his penthouse, maybe in his place. I wouldn’t be surprised if someone swapped the two of you as part of some larger scheme.”

“Get all the information you can, any will help narrowing down what universes have been tampered with here.” Mr Terrific directed Superman as he stalked off into one of the many elaborate hallways. His T-Spheres loyally followed, with one pausing to look closely at Lex before finally zooming away to join the others.

“Ah, well, there’s no chance I can stay in the pent house, is there?” Lex asked with a grimace. The phone book felt heavier and heavier in his hands every second.

“Uh, maybe, but I’m not sure if letting you run off in a world that’s twenty something years ahead of yours would be a good idea.” Superman winced. “Where did you use to live if not in a giant penthouse? I kind of thought Lex was born sitting above the city.”

Lex didn’t answer and instead just sprawled across a seat. He deserved to be a little unsightly when he was dealing with things like time travel and inter dimensional travel.

“Is it really that easy to accept?” Lex said, voice faint. At Superman’s confused look, Lex elaborated. “Time and alternate universe travel, that is.”

Superman perked up. “Oh, yeah, well I’m an alien so it’s not too far fetched. I’ve been in a black hole before, not much can surprise me.”

Its like Lex’s brain ground to a halt. “Alien?”

Superman shifted in place, and finally just sat down besides Lex. “I mean, yeah. I’m very open about it in interviews and stuff. I'm guessing you don’t have confirmed alien lifeforms in your universe?”

Lex could only mutely shake his head no. Superman huffed. “Well, it’s not that big of a deal. I was raised on Earth so I’m not a threat.” He said as if prepared for Lex to scream and run away, as if he wouldn’t have already done that at the sight of the other man literally flying.

This was all so surreal. Lex was familiar with the supernatural, his interest in the local meteorite crash sites weren’t just because the rocks were shiny. He had his fair share of near death experiences and tumbles with the impossible. His own best friend was an enigma, someone who despite Lex’s openness, couldn’t trust him with his secrets. Lex understood why Clark couldn’t, even if it frustrated him to no end that nothing he did seemed to be good enough to prove he wouldn’t- he couldn’t do anything to him. With the amount of unnatural power and happenings in Smallville, ultimately Lex understood any strangeness Clark hid, like his ability to get hit by a car at full speed, was not his own fault. It wasn’t Lex’s fault he was bald, he wasn’t anyone’s fault that the rocks that landed were poisoning people.

Superman reminded Lex of Clark. The dimples and the charming buffoonery. It made Lex feel soft, ache for someone who wasn’t real anymore. Judging from the way the other super beings spoke about this universe’s him, he doubted he was a good enough man to be in the graces of an older, more responsible Clark. Good people surround themselves with other good people after all.

“Interviews? You’re setting yourself up for failure, exposing your weaknesses.” Lex said grouchily.

“Of course you’d tell me that.” Superman grinned. “You did try to kill me after all.”

Lex tensed. There was a moment of silence, where Superman probably realised he said the wrong thing. He drummed his fingers against his thighs.

“I’m a bad man here, aren’t I.” Lex whispered. He knew the other could hear it, and he felt as Superman paused to think.

“I think you were unmedicated.” He finally said.

Lex nearly burst out laughing. “I guess when I get back I should find a shrink.”

Lex could feel Superman staring into the back of his head, probably with a smile.

Chapter Text

Surprisingly, the night in the barn wasn’t horrible. It was just as cold as Lex knew it would become, but strangely his sleep wasn’t as fitful as he anticipated. He chalked it up to the exhaustion of the day, attributed to the time and dimensional travel that left such a toll on Lex’s body.

Of course he woke to a rooster calling out. He was in a barn that looked like someone shook the pages of a children’s book and it fell out. Clark was nowhere to be found, and Lex smacked his lips as he just stared up at the exposed wooden beaming of the roof. He had kicked off the blankets some time last night, and shivered as another gust of wind blew in. His clothing was designed to fit his edges and curves, make him look dignified and powerful, not keep him warm. He was woefully unprepared for Kansas.

Lex stretched, not unlike a cat would, and glanced at something that had caught his eye. A small tube of cream sitting right by the pull out bed. He picked it up. Arnica bruise cream. The corner of his mouth twitched. The dummy did bring him some cream after all.

The man kept his ear out for any sounds that weren't the walls creaking as he began to peel off his clothing. It was tacky and gross after being on him all night, definitely because of him exerting sweat when he initially was found. The clothing was dirty too, which was a shame. It was egregiously expensive, as all things Lex owned were.

It was almost annoying how much better the bruise cream made him feel. As he was pulling his clothes back on, he stilled at the sound of loud footsteps.

“Lex? You awake?” Clark’s voice called out, and Lex relaxed as he turned to see the other climbing up to the loft. He could see Clark immediately put the dots together, between the cream lying on the floor and Lex buttoning up his vest. Lex sniffed.

“The cream was unexpected.” Clark only grinned as he hauled himself up by the forearms. Lex hated to admit it but Clark was a nice sight doing so.

“I said I’d bring it.” Clark said simply. One arm lifted, and horror dawned on Lex at the sight of plaid and jeans hung of it. Lex’s eyes darted in between the clothing and Clark’s eyes.

“No. You cannot expect me to wear that.” He hissed. Clark only laughed.

“Well, I thought you’d want to get out of your clothing, so I can wash it. Luckily you’re around my size with the height and shoulders.” Clark splayed the clothing out on the pull out mattress, and Lex’s nose wrinkled.

“My clothing gets dry cleaning worth more than your barn.” Lex grumbled. Clark didn’t answer, as he turned to go down again.

“Holler if you need anything, when you come down we can go to my friend’s place.” Lex stared at the offensive clothing on his bed. It was all beneath him. So outlandishly country boy that it made Lex shiver to think what the general populace would think if they saw CEO Lex Luthor, head of a billion dollar company slumming it out in a threadbare shirt and scuffed jeans.

It would surely help with him blending in. Smallville wasn’t a suits magnet, that’s for sure. And his own comfort trumped all other worries, clothing chafing against his bruises.

Clark won this one. His smile lit up at the sight of Lex stalking out of the barn, bleached hair stuck up in all directions. He donned a white shirt, with a red cardigan draped loosely over him. Clark was right about the sizes, though Lex had almost if not all of his clothing adjusted to be much more form fitting. Now the clothing made him look small, shoulders filling out but leaving his waist looking absolutely tiny with how Clark’s pants hung off his hips. Lex felt smug at the soft flush that came over Clark’s face at the sight.

“You look good, I could almost imagine you working on a farm.” Clark jested as they headed to the truck. Lex gave a smile that looked more like a grimace.

“Say that again and you’ll be in a ditch somewhere.” Lex felt his face with his hand. He hadn’t had time to shave when he returned from Belle Reve, and it showed. Only added more to the disguise, he supposed.

Clark led him into the home after his several unanswered knocks on the door and phone calls. The worry was palpable on his face and he frowned.

“I don’t know where he could be…” Clark muttered. He opened the door and twisted around to look at Lex “Well, he gives me free reign to come in though, so as long as we tell him everything when he’s back it should be fine.”

Lex meandered in, feigning nonchalance as his eyes swept the place. It really was dated, though not heinous if Lex had to be truthful. Whoever Clark was friends with wasn’t one of those eccentric millionaires who moved out into pastures for much needed privacy. The person seemed much more sensible, if not boring judging from where they planted themself.

The mansion was big, nothing remotely near what Lex was familiar with on a daily basis, but definitely large enough to wow country bumpkin Clark Kent. It was baroque, definitely older, but Lex was surprised to see the insides furnished nicely. There was the early 2000s curse of overly ornate detailing in almost anything wooden, and staining that of that particular shade of brownish-red that left you feeling like you were in a TV show with overly orange colour grading. Otherwise, the place was very lavish, leagues better than what he was afforded at the Kents.

“Who is this friend of yours, anyhow? What business does he have doing in Smallville with such a… nice home.” Lex nearly bit his tongue as he spoke. He had to remain in good graces with Clark and that didn’t seem very hard, but with how Clark went starry eyed whenever he mentioned the mansion, he might’ve given up a bigger fight if Lex badmouthed his mystery friend. And obviously, judging by the Kents’ conversation earlier, this man’s similarity in style and sensibility made him a threat somehow. Which was atypical considering from what Lex observed, the poor usually loved the rich. Surely if a rich benefactor swooped in and became buddy buddy with Clark, it’d be a win-win situation for all.

Clark looked nervous at the question, which immediately set off alarm bells in Lex’s mind. What did his friend do? Drug trafficking? Something illegal, or maybe something so risqué a farm boy like Clark was flustered. He had assumed the other, obviously wealthier man simply went off to have a bender in Metropolis. There was nothing fun to do in the town, no clubs and the bars closed early. Clearly Clark got all his fun from this mystery man, swooping into his life and bringing the exhilaration of money and free time into his small world. Lex almost laughed at the thought. That this meagre amount of wealth was enough to impress a man like Clark.

Lex continued to wander around the halls, eyes squinting at the sight of the TV. Goodness it was an older model, it still had the paneling on the sides! Clark wiped his hands on his jeans.

“Okay, I don’t know about your universe but his name’s got a pretty bad reputation here. Promise to not freak out.” Clark asked with an assertive look. Clearly he didn’t play about this friend. Lex stared at him for a few moments before he looked away. There was nothing that could truly surprise him, he had split Metropolis open for god’s sake.

“Fine. It can’t be that bad, the man is living out his days in Smallville, Kansas.” Lex snorted as he rifled through a pile of papers on the man’s dining table. A bunch of newspapers and bills that were outrageously cheap. Inflation sure was a bitch.

“Well I don’t know, Luthorcorp is kind of a big name.” Clark said with a tired voice.

Lex’s hands immediately stilled mid flip through as he processed the name. The papers in his hands went slack.

“Luthorcorp?” Lex’s voice was very obviously faint, and Clark groaned.

“I know its a dodgy company, but why does everyone have to judge Lex so fast!” Clark rushed out in a big breath. He stalked over to one of the couches, and sunk down into it with taut shoulders and hands waving about. “Just because his dad happens to be an ass doesn’t mean he is either. Thats just- ugh.”

Lex pinched his nose, and smacked the side of his face. There was a faint ringing in his ear and a dull pain in his head. This was his home. He was in his own home, and he was friends with Clark Kent, the man who was destined to know the alien who would be the end of him. This universe’s version of him lived out in rural Kansas for who fucking knows why, and was in a strange homoerotic relationship with a nineteen year old. Lex felt dizzy, and he swayed as he stumbled over to the couch. Clark’s worried eyes trained on him as he collapsed into the plush seats. Lex only stared into the ceiling, as his mind spun.

“Alex?” Clark probed hesitantly. His look of worry morphed into a little petulant glare. “You’re being a bit dramatic. Knowing you’re in Lex Luthor’s home won’t kill you.”

But it just might. Lex felt like he was too small for his skin all of a sudden, breathing considerably harder than it was before. It made no sense, why was he out in the middle of bum fuck nowhere? His dad was alive? He didn’t even own his own company yet? What the fuck was he doing, floundering around with some random country bumpkin instead of investing his time into his true passions. Engineering and biomedicine was something Lex was always passionate about, along with Astronomy and basic economics. There was obviously no college in Smallville, did he just throw it all away? And why? It all made no sense to Lex.

His eyes darted around the room, and he clucked his tongue over and over. An annoying habit he hadn’t trained away, a form of stimulation that helped him calm down when he felt he was spiraling. It was a regular occurrence, he needed to ground himself more times than he could count before his on the fly rages and bouts of extreme paranoia hindered his work. With Superman, they seemed to only fuel him, his hatred for Superman almost made him feel normal in that all his worry was justified. Your heart beating a mile a minute? The man can carry buildings with a single hand, that’s a completely understandable feeling to have. You wanna gouge his eyes out for staring at you too long? Perfectly normal behaviour when those eyes could peer beyond all your layers of skin to spy on your heartbeat. Uncontrollable burning rage consuming your being as you see people praise someone that is not you? Totally get it, he can literally fly, there is nothing less humiliating than to be bested by a physical impossibility.

Lex was not okay. He was mad, as most thoughts led to after a while. Someone had tossed him into a universe where he is nothing to humiliate him, and what’s even worse, he shares a friendship with the man who would publicise his downfall.

Lex turned to glare at Clark so hard the other man looked shocked. His hands dug into the leather of the seat, and he spoke softly.

“You’re friends with Lex Luthor?” Clark’s eyes hardened. He stood his ground with a frown.

“What’s wrong with that? He’s not a bad man.” Clark started defending him- alternate Lex, with such an insistence it made Lex laugh. Instead he began to yell.

“You fucking dimwit! I AM Lex Luthor! The name Alexander ring any bells?” Lex sneered, and Clark blinked. He didn’t wait for it to sink in before he hopped off the couch to pace. A hand ran through his hair. “I can’t believe it, here I was thinking you were just another random hick in a backwater town, then I find out you’re canoodling with an alternate universe version of me. You hid this from me, what, to humiliate me? To confuse me into staying a damsel in distress you can conveniently save? I’m sure Superman would love that- his star reporter being a hero before he even debuted. A star record to make him look even better, even his reporter is a fucking martyr. Everything about his story just has to be perfect.” Lex ranted into the air. His reflection on the TV mirrored his wild eyes and bare teeth, but Lex could hardly find it in him to care.

He could see Clark’s concerned face from on the couch behind him. He remained silent as Lex pressed on. “You- you have something to do with this. With me being here, and you will help me fix it.” Lex turned to Clark, and leaned over him as he poked at his chest with a snarl. “I refuse to be at the whims of some dunce who still lives with his parents. Your Lex Luthor will have connections, money and power I can use to get back to where I belong. Which, by the way, is leagues superior to this shitty mansion.” He scoffed. “All my hard work showing the world I was their saviour for it to disappear- I refuse to let that happen, you hear me? I will not be the next Levinas, I will not be the next Diogenes. I will provide, and have my name live on as a modern living legend, I will not fade into obscurity, and you-“

Lex broke down into a coughing fit, and nearly collapsed into Clark if it wasn’t for his hands shooting up to steady him. Lex growled as he smacked the offender’s hands away, and he lifted himself up with a pout he’d never admit to. Clark opened his mouth before closing it, clearly needing processing time to understand what Lex had just thrown at him. God, he can’t believe he’s friends with such a dimwit.

The concept of Lex being friends with anybody. Ridiculous. No one was his equal to him in any way that allowed for such relationships to happen. Lex had always dated dumber people, bimbos with nothing for brains, and even with platonic relationships he kept for business related reasons, Lex understood they were all underneath him. In every way he was superior, he was younger, attractive, stronger. Even if he wasn’t built like a muscle head on steroids, Lex was a strong man. He had broad shoulders and an impressive height that made literally everyone cower beneath him. He had all the money a person could ask for, social influence that could and had toppled governments, empires. He was the smartest man alive, second to no one as he quickly rose through school a prodigy. None of his peers were good enough to be near him, let alone be friends with him. The idea was so stupid, so wrong, that Lex could only flounder as Clark confronted him with it. His eyes felt wet. It was irritating.

“… Lex?” His voice asked hesitantly. The muscles of Lex’s face began to pull into a snarl as he refused to look at the other man.

“What.” He snapped. His father wasn’t dead, which was a horrendous thought. He had tricked his fleabag of a sperm donor out of his company decades ago, he was the youngest billionaire and CEO in the world. His dad had comfortably lived his life out abandoned in some Italian town, surrounded by Lex’s trusted military force before he died of an anticlimactic heart attack. Lex’s breathing evened out. He really had so many more things important to think about than the state of Clark’s feelings.

Clark’s hand hovered above him, hands hesitantly curling inward, before he finally placed one on Lex’s. His finger twitched and frown deepened, lost in thought.

“Lex, I-“ Clark licked his lips, and gave him an annoyingly earnest look. “Are you okay? Do you need anything? Like… medicine?”

Lex almost forgot Clark was there. He pulled his hand back. “What, you think I’m not of right mind? That I’m unstable?” He paused as he tried to discreetly wipe at his eyes. Though of course Clark saw, watching him like a hawk. “I’m the smartest man on the earth, if I make demands I expect them to be fulfilled. Especially by someone who claims they are my friend.”

Clark could be useful. He clearly knew this other Lex very well, being accustomed to coming into his house uninvited anytime. That made Lex shiver. The thought of someone having constant access to his home, it wasn’t right. Surely this Lex had secrets to hide as well. A cloning vat had to be hidden somewhere in this downtrodden mansion. Clark’s face hardened.

“I may be helping you, but you’re not making it easy. You’re not the same man I talked to yesterday, excuse me if I’m not chomping at the bit to expose all my friend’s secrets to you.” He huffed. He leaned back and continued, eyes squinted. “And who says you are even Lex Luthor? Where’s the proof? Last I knew, Lex couldn’t grow hair.”

He was making this difficult. Maybe it’d be better to cut ties and start off with someone more suggestible.

“I already told you, I’m from a different universe, there’s bound to be differences, idiot. I would’ve expected I held better company. Is there any real way to prove I am Lex Luthor other than my word?” Lex growled. “It’s not like your Lex told you everything, how would I confirm any best friend secrets you had? And there’s the very likely variable me and your Lex Luthor had different upbringings and understanding of the world, personally I would never step foot in a town like this. No fucking way.”

Clark looked at a loss for words. Lex felt smug, he knew Clark knew he was right. There was so much that couldn’t be confirmed, would he risk turning in someone and having them hurt? That was a gamble Lex knew he’d win. There truly was no way to confirm he was who he was, there was even a chance his parents had different names. Any information given could be used against him, or as further proof he isn’t Lex if his information simply didn’t sync up. He stood up, and brushed himself. Maybe it’d make wearing Clark’s clothing feel less disgusting.

“Now that you’ve got food for thought, I need to get some real work done. I trust your Lex Luthor has funds I can use to get myself out of this shithole, and technology I can use. Is your Lex an engineer? Nevermind, I’ll figure it out myself.” Lex strut away from Clark, who still stood at the couch looking befuddled.

“Useless…” Lex muttered under his breath. He had the very strong urge to throw things right now, so he did. Lex swiped the papers off the desk he’d been eyeing earlier, and snarled as he kicked the table off its feet.

Clark somehow ran over fast enough to catch the table from hitting the floor. He looked upset. “You can’t just wreck the place-“

Lex smacked a vase off its perch, and watched as Clark rushed to save it as well. He barely managed to catch it, vase inches from crashing into the floor. Clark gritted his teeth. “Lex-“

Lex had to admit it was as fun to have someone picking stuff up after him again, even if bis goal was to destroy the place. Both filled him with a sense of fulfillment, though the latter was more enjoyable. Toying with Clark, it was stimulating. Lex quickly swept through a line of DVDs- god, who used those anymore- and watched as Clark caught them all one by one, before they could clatter on the floor. Lex squinted. For a farm boy, he was remarkably flexible and fast. Lex toppled a small statue over, it was gaudy and truly deserved to be ridden of, and paused as Clark tipped it back onto its feet.

“Lex- Lex would never act like this.” Clark finally snapped. As he steadied the statue, he turned to Lex, seeming to somehow triple in size. Lex knew that was unreasonable, but the way Clark held himself made him almost tower over Lex, shoulders back and head held high. He was infuriated. Lex could hardly believe it, after seeing how tame he had been the day before. A Lex Luthor who didn’t get joy out of exerting his power and control over others? The faith Clark had in this other him was unnerving. He backed Lex into the wall, hands waving.

“Lex would never act out like a child throwing a tantrum! He’d never cuss at me, never insult me, or anyone for that matter. The man you claim to be has more respect for others held in his pinky finger than you do your entire body.” Clark couldn’t stop, finger pressing into Lex’s chest. Lex sneered in response, even as he was being cornered. “He is a great man, and you cannot compare to him in any way. He treats things with care- the only thing he doesn’t is himself and god I-“ Clark stopped, and dropped his face into his hands. He looked up at Lex as he began to back away, with a glare. The first real, heated look he’d ever given him.

Lex’s heart rabbited against his will at the look- it was too similar. A flash of unnaturally blue eyes came over his vision, staring at him as the sun beat down on him. He felt so much smaller, so much weaker and more insignificant than his father could’ve ever made him feel, akin to a disapproving glare from a caretaker. The comparison was ridiculous, Clark was a random nobody, not a superpowered alien, and yet his body betrayed him. He swallowed and glared back. His wide eyes and hunched stance didn’t do much for the intimidation factor. Clark only shook his head.

“You’re not Lex Luthor. I don’t know who you are, if you’re really from the future, a different dimension, I don’t care. I…” Clark’s eyes ran up and down Lex, though it felt less predatory and more imploring. As if attempting to find something he wanted to see in him, anything that could make Clark feel better. Feel obligated to help him. Lex shied back at the action. He knew Clark wouldn’t see what he wanted to see in him, he thought bitterly. How he spoke of this man- someone so foreign to Lex yet sharing his own name, it made his insides curdle. To know there was something the other had that Clark couldn’t find in him. Whether it be empathy, compassion, something was amiss and Lex couldn’t find it in himself to be more than what he was.

There was obvious pain in Clark’s words. So much longing it choked his voice, and Lex only wilted at it. It was a disgusting show of emotional fragility. He could see the fight drain out of Clark as he closed his eyes and continued. “You can stay in the guest bedroom. I’ll be out here keeping an eye on you, and we’ll try and figure out a solution together.”

His voice was firm as he walked past Lex into a hall, clearly expecting him to follow. Lex feet remained glued to the floor. “We’ll figure something out that doesn’t include me shelling out a good man’s resources to you. Maybe if we find him he could help, he’s the smartest man I know.”

Lex watched as Clark disappeared into the hallway, with clenched fists.

Chapter Text

When Clark woke up, the first thing he did was call Lois. More like answer his girlfriend’s call, really, since he apparently lived by her whims. It truly was a Lois Lane world and he was living in it. She had called to yell in his ear about Lex’s release, foaming at the mouth to get an interview with the ex-con after two years of assumed rehabilitation. Clark really doubted she’d be able to get anywhere near him, with the press so pressed (ha!) about his release, but her passion was still fun to hear at the crack of dawn.

And that’s when he heard it. Lex’s heartbeat was off. Rather than its usual rhythm, it was weirdly slower, less erratic. Less like a hissing cat that got scared at every interaction and one that was lazing around.

Clark had gotten into the habit of listening in on it, recognising it, for the sake of humanity of course. Lex was unstable, he was powerful, and anything could happen during his stay at prison. But surprisingly Lex played nice. Clark had flown by Belle Reve a few times as surveillance and nothing. Lex was a good inmate. Compared to the other criminals, he was hardly anything scary to look at which Clark felt bad for thinking. Lex was plenty powerful, but cut off from all his influence and wealth, he lacked the same fear factor he did when he was dressed up in the nicest suits yelling at him with the entirety of his being. He really needed help.

And now his heartbeat wasn’t right. Clark could tell he was in the same spot he was yesterday, the day before his heart rate was rabbiting as he stumbled into his penthouse for the first time in two years. Clark fell asleep listening to Lex’s heartbeat ease out into a fitful sleep. He was truly happy for Lex, that he could go back home. He never wished ill will on him, and prison was a hard time. There was little wiggle room Superman could protect Lex either, and truthfully, he didn’t want to handle Lex anymore. Not that he could with his lack of a judicial standing, the officer’s words about his lack of rights as an alien haunted him.

That’s how Clark found himself confronting a man that was not Lex Luthor. He was bald, yeah, but so was a lot of the middle aged male population. This man seemed younger though, which made Clark feel conflicted. His eyes were more soulful than Lex’s, more downturned and soft. He was shorter. Smaller. A lot less imposing looking. He looked so much more fragile than the Lex he was accustomed to. He was rounded at the edges rather than sharp, though there was a moment of relief when he snapped at Clark. A moment Clark could see his Lex in this one, it made him laugh.

The justice gang wasn’t much help. Even after two years of service, Guy was still as annoying as he was before. Clark had learned that despite his brashness, he was a good man and a good person to have in battle. He didn’t take it personally when Guy would make jokes on his behalf. Hawkgirl had warmed up to Clark a lot faster than anticipated, now showing him things on her phone and sometimes laughing with or at him rather than just plain ignoring him. Mr Terrific had a higher level of respect for him, and the two joined each other on other superhero ventures through the years. It was particularly helpful since he was the only one who could really reign in Guy. Metamorpho Clark was the closest to of course. He had beamed when he told Clark that he and Joey had moved in with Metamorpho’s life partner, and that Joey was enjoying a stress free life. Of course, as regular as any green baby’s life could be, but it made Clark smile nonetheless. Clark joined him on a few walks with Joey, and was their primary babysitter after Hawkgirl, which was a delight. To his relief, Joey seemed to grow at a regular child’s pace. Clark wouldn’t know what to do with another teenager in his midst, Kara was enough as it is.

Kara had been gone with Krypto for a while, but that wasn’t uncommon. It just happened to be one of those longer benders, which usually maxed out at three years. Without the same life holding her down in Metropolis, there was no real worry about her being away for so long even if it made Clark feel lonely. Krypto, despite all his flaws in education, was a lovely dog, and Clark could admit he missed coming back home to someone looking forward to seeing him. He and Lois were great, but of course a dog’s love was different.

An odd thing Clark noticed was this new Lex Luthor seemed to be a lot tamer than the other. It was a little rude to think of this Lex as a doppelganger, a little alienating in a way Clark was uncomfortable with contributing to. So he tried to help him get comfortable. After their little chat in the Justice Hall, alone, Clark watched how forlorn Lex seemed as he nearly wept on the seats. His brief bout of laughter made Clark feel lighter. This man lacked the unreachable-ness of the Lex he was familiar with- this Lex seemed normal. Relatively well adjusted, someone Clark could talk to.

His own Lex was someone that was on Clark’s mind a lot more than Lois thought was normal, but of course it never became a real argument. She understood him in a way that most if not everyone else didn’t.

What if Lex was on his mind every night for a few months after his arrest? It was only right, the man had spent so much effort, time and money into simply eradicating him. It was as unnerving as it was fascinating. If there was one thing Clark loved about humans, it was the consistent determination to wake up everyday and step one foot in front of the other. All the small everyday physical worries and troubles that didn’t impact Clark made him feel almost attracted to how blatantly Lex funnelled his resources into a crusade that was totally optional. He didn’t have to deal with the regular man’s problem, his determination went elsewhere, and while Lex was in prison Clark researched up on him.

He was a massive figure beforehand already, with his company being the embodiment of ingenuity and design. The Daily Planet had done some coverage on his company’s work before, nothing very personal, which Clark guessed had to do with the company’s very public relationship with Superman. Lex was a genius, plain and simple. His work was inspiring, jaw dropping, and beyond Clark. Despite being the son of two scientists, he lacked the same burning curiosity Lex seemed to have. His contributions to healthcare and biomedicine was something else, interviews making it clear that he was a very hands on employer. He didn’t pay people to take credit for their breakthroughs, it was obvious he was a leader. Their work was modelled after his, and the amount of good it’s done makes forms of healthcare more accessible to the common person.

Clark found out Lex graduated early, multiple times. First as a child, he advanced so fast he went into high school prematurely. People online went on and on about it to impress others, and yet Clark could only feel bad for Lex. Being forced to grow before he had the time to, to not fit in with his peers. Even Clark got to experience the joys of high school. Lex did not.

His work simultaneously saved and took lives. So many were killed as buildings in unevacuated areas led to people falling to their deaths, the rubble crushing others. People’s homes were destroyed, lives in financial ruin, and all for Clark. For Superman. He lay awake for months, barely able to sleep, plagued by thoughts of inadequacy, anger, but mostly exhaustion. Lex was exhausting. To think about and deal with.

And now that man is gone. Replaced with the one in front of him, clearly also exhausted. Lex was slumped over on the couch , face turned away from Clark. Clark shuffled a bit closer, and placed his hand on Lex’s. Clark could feel him flinch at the feeling before relaxing.

“Hey. We can go back to your penthouse- I mean, the penthouse if you’d like. I’d just have to stick around. Maybe I could get you something to eat?” Surely Mr Terrific wouldn’t mind if he quickly swooped out to get something, super speed had its benefits. It was quiet for a moment before Lex turned to look at him, and Clark’s breath caught in his chest.

Lex stared into his eyes, his own a warmer shade of blue than the other Lex’s was. The other Lex’s eyes were cold, a blue similar to the icy tundras Clark was familiar with. This Lex, his eyes were just as calculating, but in a way that was much more subtle.

He must’ve seen what he wanted in Clark, and he sighed with a slow nod. “Maybe if I sleep I’ll wake up back in my own bed.” He gave Clark a tired grin, and it made Clark light up.

“It’d make everything so much easier.” Clark said with a laugh. It was so weird to laugh and joke with Lex- he’d never think it possible. Of course it’d take being an alternate universe version of him for Lex to finally look Clark in the eyes with a smile. Clark stood up, and stretched, taking heed of Lex drinking in the sight. So maybe he was showing off a little- it’s not everyday that you get to impress the Lex Luthor.

“C’mon. I’ll fly you back, maybe we can get food on the way real quick.” It should be okay for Lex to be seen once, right? He looked nothing like their universe’s Lex anyhow. Maybe being with Superman would draw some attention but eh, Metropolis had seen weirder. Clark splayed out his arms in a come hither motion, and Lex slunk from the couch up to him.

“I’m not sure if I’m in the mood to eat.” Lex admitted with a grimace as he allowed himself to be gingerly picked off the floor. Clark had found the princess carry, as Lois had coined it, was the most effective way to carry people and keep them safe. Once Lex was tucked in against his chest, a lot more cooperative than last time around, he walked towards the entrance. There was no hurry. Clark hummed.

“Well, we’ll get something anyway. You can eat it when you’re hungry later, and I’m a little peckish myself.” Clark let out an exaggerated sigh. “Flying takes so much effort, you know?”

Lex shrugged. “Why not. Maybe flying will make me hungry too.”

Well that was confirmation as any, and Clark ran a quick few long strides before propelling off the floor, flying right out the massive spinning doors.

Flying was fun, with the air rushing against his face and exhilaration filling his entire being. It was maybe the least human part about Clark, his need to be in the air. Otherwise a nausea built within him, the longer he went on without flying off some steam. Something something he had to work off all the extra energy the sun gave him that his body wasn’t accustomed to hold for long periods of time.

Clark landed as gently as he could, this was Lex’s second flight during the 24 hours he’s spent in this universe after all. Must’ve been really jarring to encounter both meta-humans for the first time and get to fly with one. He’d drop him off at the penthouse and get the food himself- he was aching to fly anyways.

Lexcorp was as impressive as ever. It towered over Metropolis and was once a symbol for growth and change. Now it was just a stark reminder to the city that they couldn’t trust the elite, the rich with too much influence. Lex’s betrayal of the city had left people bitter and pessimistic, though Superman’s support was at an all time high. It was a hard fact to swallow, that his success counted on his defeat of Lex rather than his simple good will, but that was politics for you. Distrust in the wealthy was already brewing beforehand, Lex was just one of many big names being thrown away by the public. This time the government agreed with them.

Lexcorp legally still functioned in Lex’s absence, under his board of directors desperately clawing back the goodwill of people. Of course after two years, with how fast news cycles, their reputation was salvaged. Nowhere near the reverence of before, but better. His building and penthouse were unoccupied all this time.

Clark was surprised to see the penthouse wasn’t all dusty musty. There must’ve been someone cleaning it routinely, maybe Lex put them up to it thinking he’d come back after winning his trial. Clark let Lex clamber off him onto the cold floor, and flashed him a winning smile. Lex’s eyes widened at the sight, and Clark laughed softly at the sight. The other immediately looked put off.

“What are you laughing at?” Lex said with a small grin. Clark shrugged, still floating.

“You’re less uptight than the Lex I’m used to, is all.” Clark said. Lex flushed.

“Oh. I suppose that’s good.” He mumbled. Clark nodded, and lifted a little higher.

“I’ll go get us something real quick. Get comfy!” Before Lex could respond, Clark bolted off through the open window. Well, more like the man-shaped hole. It was crude but it worked.

Clark flew across the city to a quaint little Asian bakery that he loved. It was lowkey, with little foot traffic that made it a great spot for him to wait at without it becoming a huge mess. The amount of times Clark had touched down to get a quick snack transformed into crowds of people who wanted to say hi were more than he could count- of course they dwindled as the years went on. He was obviously a Metropolis staple now, but when he didn’t have the time to indulge the tourists or to chat with the locals he went there. To compensate for the lack of customers, Superman always left a massive tip of course.

Clark flew back with a plastic bag in hand, did a few loops in the air to the delighted gasps and giggles of a few in the crowds beneath him, and landed with a soft thud. Easy work. Clark could hear the TV before he saw it, walking into the living room area.

Lex was lounging on the couch. He’d clearly made himself comfortable, legs propped up, immersed in the TV screen. Right. 2002, flat screens weren’t as massive yet. Or maybe they were in his universe? Dimensions got weird sometimes, but Lex seemed perfectly human. Apart from the radiation. Hm.

“Lex!” The bald man jumped at his voice. Clark lifted the small bag up for Lex to see. “Got the food! Are you hungry?”

Lex eyed him warily, as if being pulled out of his stupor made him more on edge. He didn’t move but made a face, and Clark could hear his stomach grumble. “I guess I’m a little peckish.”

Clark walked around the couch and sunk into it with a groan. Gosh, Lex knew how to pick furniture. Even with two years of non use, it was so much more comfortable than what he had back at his apartment.

Lex didn’t pay him any mind, eyes back on the TV as Clark dug through the bag on the coffee table.

“What are you watching?” Clark pulled out a pork roll. It was a bread roll stuffed with meat and veggies, and he handed one to Alex who took it without comment.

“Bet Lex has all the streaming platforms, I only got Netflix.” Clark crunched into the bread. Crumbs were all of his face and lap in an instant. “Hulu if I ask my partner really nicely.”

Lex hummed as Clark swiped off all the crumbs on himself. He leaned back into the couch as he answered, remote in hand.

“I don’t know. I’ve just been looking through everything, there’s so many options to choose from.” Lex frowned. “It’s strange. I’m glad I still spend frivolously in this universe; however, I can’t imagine needing all these platforms.”

“Oh trutf me, you haf plenty.” Clark swallowed his food. “Your company is still functioning after your arrest, it was too big to ever crumble anyhow. Though they are a little less focused without you at the helm. Ah, let me know if you’d like me to refer to the other Lex Luthor as you or not.”

Clark scratched his head. “It gets a little confusing.”

Lex shrugged as he continued to flit through the never ending streaming catalogues. “I’m definitely not the 2002 Lex from this universe, if that’s what you mean. I did a little research on him on the TV. It has a search engine.” His voice was a little awed at the end. “I am definitely not the Lex you’re familiar with. I can’t grow hair, it’s a medical issue. There’s no way I’d miraculously wake up to a head of bleached blonde hair.”

Lex’s hand dragged down his face. “And we do look remarkably different. I thought you and the others were just exaggerating at first, but no. By all accounts, we are entirely different people. The only similarities seem to be our corporations, and our father, Lionel Luthor, though he’s different here too. Our mothers don’t even share the same name.”

It was weird to think about Lex having a childhood. You could tell Clark he popped out of the womb angry and ready to go, and he’d see the vision. He was such a put together man, imagining him during a vulnerable time such as childhood felt almost wrong. He could see Lex tense at the mention of Lionel Luthor.

“Lionel is also dead here.” Lex licked his lips. “Which was unexpected. But of course, he’d have to be gone for me to rise up to CEO level. A lot of my life never occurred here.”

Clark finished off his food and glanced at Lex’s very unopened bag. He shifted the bag closer to Lex, concern visible.

“That must be difficult to process.” Clark spoke softly. “Surely there’s gotta be someone here that still exists?”

Lex stared off into the screen, face tight. “There are, but they aren’t the same.” His eyes flitted over to Clark, with a rare look of contempt. “You’re well acquainted with someone, actually,”

Clark swallowed. “Oh?” That look on Lex’s face was a familiar bitterness. His face hardened.

“I did a little research on you, Superman.” He sounded ticked. “You came out of nowhere to assist humanity, several articles were published with that narrative. Normally I wouldn’t jump to accusations but your proximity to someone I know- knew.”

All of a sudden his voice became tired. The small spark of indignation squashed out by defeat. Lex’s eyes bore into Clark’s. “Why are you so close to Clark Kent?”

Alarm bells rung in Clark’s head. He gave an eloquent “Wuh?” In response. Lex grumbled.

“Under normal circumstances I wouldn’t reveal his name, but it’s public news you and him are buddy buddy. Are you manipulating him? Threatening him?” Lex was brazen. It was the first thing he’d been passionate about all day. Clark only floundered.

“Uh- no, we’re good friends. He wrote those articles as a favour to me after I saved his life. You… know him?” Clark wracked his brain. I definitely didn’t know Luthor back in 2002.

Lex remained silent for a moment before he turned away from Clark. “He and I are close. And he exists in this universe, though he isn’t the same.” Lex sounded frustrated.

“Ah, well, he definitely hasn’t mentioned you.” Clark half laughed, and winced at the sight of Lex further slumping into the couch. Gosh, he could be really mean sometimes.

“How close are you and Clark?” Lex asked, voice monotone.

“Um, pretty close I guess.” Clark murmured.

“Have you noticed any strange things with him?” Lex asked point blank.

“No- he’s the most normal person I know.” Clark rushed to say. Then a crazy thought occurred to him. This Lex Luthor seemed very normal, exceedingly so, well, aside from the radiation. Maybe Clark had read too many comic books but if Lex Luthor was relatively well adjusted, what did that say for that universe’s Clark Kent? He blanched.

Lex let out a humourless laugh.

“Then it’s definitely not my Clark.” Clark’s face felt warm. His Clark? He shuffled forward.

“You and Clark were close in your universe? That’s hard to believe.” It really was. Clark didn’t even mean to sound mean- he was truly confused. Lex sniffed.

“I can hardly believe it either. He’s a good man. I’m glad he’s a good man in this universe too.” Clark caught the stink eye Lex gave him. “We crossed paths in Smallville. That’s it, really.”

Clark could tell there was more to it, with how Lex’s eyes wandered off. As if he were drifting off back into warmer memories, and Clark felt a massive wave of guilt overcome him. Here he was toying with a man’s emotions to satiate his curiosity. Clearly Clark was a sore subject for Lex, with how his jaw tensed and eyes dulled.

Lex picked up the food off the coffee table, signalling the end of the conversation.

Clark sat there next to him awkwardly. He drummed his fingers on his legs, and sighed when it was clear Lex was not up for anymore conversation. No more fun jabs or lighthearted words. His mood truly was sullied.

Clark said a small sorry as he shuffled off the couch. Lex didn’t answer, just eating, as Clark walked away. He flipped out his phone, and dialed his favourite person. Lois had made it very clear this morning she expected a call tonight explaining everything, especially with how fast he left the call at the sound of Lex’s heart. His girlfriend was a whirlwind, truly.

“Hello?” Lois sounded tired. It was late. Clark smiled warmly at the sound of her voice.

“Hey newshound.” Clark said softly. He didn’t wanna alarm Lex. Alarmed and Lex was a bad combination.

“Kent.” Clark could hear her grin through the phone. “What news have you got for me? Luthor’s radical blonde hair not as pretty in person? Madman still raving on about Superman?”

“Ah.” Clark ran a hand through his hair. “How about Lex Luthor, replaced by alternate universe self?” There was a pause where he could hear shuffling, before Lois peaked the mic.

“WHAT?”

Chapter Text

Clark was tired. A man he didn’t know nor recognised claiming to be his great friend from an alternate universe where super powered beings like him regularly roamed free was squatting it out in Lex’s home. It was a lot. And Clark could only swallow as he sagged against the door separating him from a person he’s never felt so close to strangling before. He could hear Alex cautiously tread up the hallway, almost to the room Clark was hiding in before smartly retreating away.

The past day had been a rollercoaster of emotions for Clark. He’s had his fair share of supernatural experiences in Smallville, heck, every other week it seemed like some mysterious entity was trying to ruin his life. He thought it’d been one of those days, a mysterious man found ruffled in the cornfields. Combined with Lex’s disappearance, it was a perfect set up for something to go horribly wrong. And it did, but not in the way Clark anticipated.

He was exhausted. Alex- Lex, whoever he was, had left his patience frayed.

Clark was in turmoil over a man he’s known for a day and a half. He was proud to say that Clark had done more for those he’s known less, but now with Alex’s adamance he was a different variant of his best friend, it was all too confusing.

An alternate universe where super powered humans- meta-humans- were a norm? Even with the despite in Lex’s voice, that admission took Clark’s breath away. To know there was another world where people like him could live and thrive without keeping secrets. A wariness washed over Clark however, when Lex mentioned ‘Superman’. It was a silly name, a little on the nose, but the mention of powers that overlapped onto Clark’s territory made him nervous.

And unlike with the radioactive rocks, knowing others had also been born with their adnormalities was comforting.

That wamrth in Clark carried on until he brought Alex home, revelation on top of revelation making him almost dizzy. Of course his mum and dad had to make a fuss about Alex. He understood why, the stress lines on his dad’s face and the tiredness of his ma weren’t lost on him. His labour was a big help, but with the way they were going, the security of the farm left Clark worrying. The suffocation of classic Jon Kent parenting was just as insufferable as it was at fifteen at nineteen, Clark gritting his teeth in the face of his father’s ignorance. Sometimes his father truly did astound him with how annoyingly stubborn he could be.

His ma only sent him an apologetic look as Alex left the house. The vision of his battered body was fresh in everyone’s minds, and yet his father still looked reluctant. Clark pinched the bridge of his nose.

“He can stay in the barn, but he better be out by tomorrow.” Jon grumbled as he turned back to his newspaper. “He can borrow the landline to call someone, but if he can’t figure out his own mess, than that’s not on us.”

“He’s clearly injured, Jon.” Martha sighed. “Can’t we give him a little more leeway?”

“The man’s a liability, if he’s in so much pain why not go to the hospital? Its a quick drive our boy can make- it’s all fishy.” Jon squinted at Clark over the paper. It was cartoonishly covering most of his face.

“He didn’t wanna go to the hospital.” Clark murmured. It did all sound shady, he had to admit. But there was something wrong with the man and he was determined to help him. Jon just glanced at Martha as if you go ‘see?’. It was not unlike how he treated Lex. With wariness and suspicion.

Clark left the house feeling tired, but ultimately not defeated. Alex was waiting outside patiently, staring off into the sky with a look Clark couldn’t decipher. Lucky for Clark, his best friend had no problem hiding fugitives and, or potentially unsafe people in his home. Lex was a fascinating man, who to Clark seemed like held all the answers to his frustrations in his head. He’d talk Clark’s worries away with random Shakespeare speak, voice low and so comforting Clark’s inclination to go to him for advice had more to do with it than he let on. Though Lex did give Clark great advice.

When Clark hid Ryan in Lex’s home, Lex didn’t kick them out, or usher them away with condolences. He had let Clark keep Ryan safe, at every step of Ryan’s journey. The heartbreak Clark felt when he passed was accompanied with a gratefulness he could provide Ryan with all the tools he had at his disposal, after a few long nights of mourning and guilt. Lex let Clark stay at his place as long as he needed. He buried his Angel Warrior books alongside Ryan. He didn’t push, prod or pry. Clark knew, he knew that the sharp glances he sent Clark those days were about Ryan’s secret, but he didn’t push it. Of course a man of Lex’s calibre would recognise sighs that they had been hiding something from him.

Even before, Lex had proven himself Clark’s best friend after Chloe and Pete. They were Highschool friends, it was different. Clark met Lex as he was entering adulthood- he felt like a different kind of friend. One unburdened by previous expectations, and as much as Clark loved Chloe and Pete to bits, they weren’t the same. Chloe’s open secret crush was something that always weighed on Clark, even if she insisted it wasn’t a big deal. Pete’s distaste for Lex showed Clark the sour parts of Pete. And Clark loved both his friends for their bad and good, and they loved him too. Clark messaged Chloe almost everyday on his new cell, finally getting one once he was out of school. She was at Metropolis on her internship, and thriving amongst her kind. Lana was with her, living together as she did her own thing on the side. Last Clark heard, she was working minimum wage to save up for college. He didn’t talk to her much, given his embarrassing crush. Pete moved away to college too. His dad didn’t want him to stay stuck in Smallville, especially after what the Luthors did to them.

A sour feeling settled in Clark’s gut whenever he thought about his friends. They had all moved on, working, living. He was stuck at home, still living in constant fear and paranoia that he’d snap someone’s hand in half. It was exhausting to see others climbing up the ladder while he’s sitting at the bottom rung.

Lex was the only one left in Smallville Clark really called a friend. Others in town knew him, the local Kent boy who made deliveries with a big smile. They also knew that he liked to swing around Lex’s place more than the average person would ever admit to.

And now he was faced with a dilemma. Someone was claiming they were his best friend- and Clark just couldn’t fathom it. Alex- Lex, whoever he was, was so bitter. Dramatic, neurotic. The list goes on and on. Maybe Lex was a little different, a little too interested in some things and exceedingly pragmatic at the weirdest of times, but his soft spoken nature was in direct opposition of this other man. He wasn’t the Lex Luthor who comforted Clark by distracting him with stories about the upper echelons and a pool game, or the Lex Luthor who bought him a truck. He wasn’t the Lex Luthor with his door open everyday, who’d let Clark sit in on his work days. This Lex Luthor, if he really was Lex Luthor, was unstable and unhinged. Seemingly selfish and cruel. It was frightening.

That’s what his best friend could be in an alternate world?

Clark shook his head, and slumped against the door with a sigh. He had to help him, it was the right thing to do. It was quiet outside, Alex- Luthor, probably leaving to go simmer somewhere else. A little nickname to keep his head clear. He definitely had the crazies Jon associated with the Luthor name, it was a little joke to himself. Clark licked his lips. Maybe yelling at him wasn’t the right thing to do but the bastard was being so annoying. It was like instead of handling a fully grown adult man with dick and balls he was dealing with a child’s tantrum over not getting their favourite toy. Like a cat hissing and swiping shit off countertops to mess with you, or just for the fun of it.

He ran a hand down his face before he turned to leave the room. He had to face the music.

As Clark warily walked down the hallway, he noticed a lack of Luthor. Nothing else was toppled over or ruined, thank goodness, even with Lex’s absence he didn’t wanna leave his home a wreck. It was rude, and also would be really annoying to clean up.

Lex’s absence was also worrying Clark. He hadn’t heard from him all day, calls and texts left unanswered. There was a chance he left to go do Lionel’s bidding, that sleazy rat of a man would definitely make Lex pack up on less than a day’s notice to leave, but that didn’t feel right. It surely had to be connected to Luthor’s appearance. Someone was messing with his friend, wether it be because of his family or Clark, he’d figure it out and bring Lex back. He’d been kidnapped enough times for Clark’s worry to be justified.

The house was quiet as it usually was. Clark’s brows furrowed with squinted eyes, and vision got blurry, but somehow clear at the same time. As if someone put a filter over his eyes, one that let him see through walls. Luthor was standing outside of the home, on the patio, staring off into space. His fists were clenched at his sides and Clark could hear the frantic beating of his heart. Jeez, this guy needed to learn how to relax. Lex’s heart rate was a lot calmer most of the time, though Clark noticed it definitely picked up speed around him. Probably because his mind was racing through possibilities and loopholes that would alleviate Clark of any lying when he did an impossible feat around him. Or maybe he just knew Clark was lying. It made him feel guilty every time he heard it.

Clark crept out to stand next to Lex, careful to not startle him. His jaw was closed tight, and Clark soaked in the sight and every difference with Lex. For starter’s obviously, hair, it was a sensitive subject with Lex but Clark knew it wasn’t a choice.

Luthor was pretty, infuriatingly so. His eyebrows sloped in a way that made his stare automatically intense, eyes bright and manic. His eyes were a little red, and face a little flushed. He was much skinnier than Lex, and way taller. It was so weird to talk to someone who could look him in the eye. Most townsfolk couldn’t, if not all. It felt funny. Luthor looked a lot more delicate to Clark. Like a strong gust of wind could make him tumble if he was too busy brooding. Nothing like how solid Lex looked. Luthor’s face looked as if he was permanently pouting, bottom lip jutting out and eyes squinty.

A flush grew on Clark’s neck and he watched as Luthor chewed his lip before speaking.

“What are you looking at me for?” He snapped. He didn’t even bother looking back at Clark. “Stop staring at my face like you’re invalid. Unless you want to contribute something you can leave me be.”

Frustration bubbled up in Clark again. Luthor ordered him around like it was his right- it was spoiled and prissy. Clark glowered at him.

“I’m here to talk, not to be insulted.” Clark rolled his eyes. Lex didn’t answer, and Clark continued. “I want to help you get home. I’m guessing it has something to do with why my - Lex, why Lex isn’t here.”

Clark fumbled over his words, and was promptly cut off with a scoff. “Obviously. I was clearly sent here by some malevolent person and or team as revenge for my wrongdoings, and your Lex must’ve taken my place in my universe as recompense to the universes for displacing a very high influence individual.”

“I’d hardly call Lex a high influence in the eyes of the universe.” Clark grumbled. “Seems more like the universe likes bullying him.”

“Well that’s where your universe’s Lex Luthor differs from me. Instead of doing who knows what in the middle of nowhere, I’ve led Luthorcorp to greatness. We are the number one company in Metropolis when it comes to furthering scientific research in areas like biomedicine and weapons manufacturing. But here, my oaf of a father is still alive.” Lex sniffed. The gloating in his voice didn’t even sound like gloating- the man full heartedly believed every word he was saying, as if he were a prophet sent down to bless the world with his presence. Clark didn’t like it. Men like him stuck their noses up at men like Clark and his father. That’s where Lex split off from others in the same positions of wealth as him, he cared.

“Who cares, as long as we can figure this out. And I mean we. I’m doing whatever it takes to bring Lex back.” It sounded more like a threat than a declaration of help, but Clark couldn’t bring it in himself to care.

Lex was silent again.

“Well, if you don’t give me access to your universe’s Lex Luthor’s equipment and technology there’s no way we could figure anything out. How am I supposed to scramble materials together to make a dimensional rift with no connections in Kansas, Smallville? Though you must already know I’m going to break in and take everything anyways if you try to stop me now.”

Despite hating it, Luthor was right. They’d need Lex’s technology and money to really get anything done. The only special thing Clark had was his spaceship, and that’d require outing himself to a stranger. What about the other world Clark Kent then? Lex would go back knowing he was an alien and surely try to rip him to shreds for being associated with a man he hated and being from outer space. And then there’s the possibility that the other universe’s Clark wasn’t a metahuman at all, and he’d be putting a big target on his back for a seemingly high profile man to seek out. Other than his spaceship and his rudimentary skills in dealing with truck engines, Clark was starting to feel a bit useless. He squeezed his eyes right before sighing.

“Fine. We’ll look for Lex’s stuff and figure something out with that.” Lex didn’t say anything, but Clark could feel the slimy smugness just radiate from him as he promptly stalked back into the house.

Chapter Text

Clark was splayed comfortably across Lois’ couch. He had become exceedingly familiar with the place over the last two years- it was comforting to have someone else living in a space you occupied. Small reminders he wasn’t alone, whether it be a cup in the sink or papers strewn across a table. Lois’ bag slung over some furniture, or a jacket thrown on the couch after a long day. Lois had compared Clark to a large, over friendly dog on multiple occasions. Waiting at home for his girlfriend with a bright smile on his face, and a constant need for and to show affection. Despite occasional clashes with how their relationship worked, particularly with Lois feeling like she couldn’t keep up with Clark’s overwhelming commitment, they were happy.

Clark was yet to move in, he hesitated to. It was a large leap, and knowing the two of them were able to cohabitate for more than a day or two was important. Hence why he was staying at Lois’ place for longer and longer these days, weeks at a time. Okay, call Clark cautious but he was just being smart!

And now he was laid out on the couch, shirt unbuttoned and arms stretched over the furniture. There was a furrow in his brow. Lois sat beside him on an armchair, leaned forward and elbows resting on her knees as her eyes bore into Clark. They were wide with curiosity, like that of a dog with a scent. It made Clark feel warm, as well as a slight uneasy considering the context.

“And he’s just- fine?” Lois prodded. Clark shrugged.

“I guess he is.” Clark was a little unsure. The last he’d seen of Lex, he was morosely chewing his food whilst still flicking through the TV menu screens. Clark had scarfed down his bread roll fast, and it felt awkward to hover around when Lex had made it clear their conversation about Clark Kent- himself- was over. “I didn’t wanna push it, or pry, it must’ve been a long day for him, you know?” It’s a lot to take in, time travel, dimensional hopping, I know I’m an alien but when Lex ripped that hole in the universe I was still shocked.”

Clark scratched at his chest absentmindedly. “And now he’s been thrown across dimensions and we’re trying to figure out why, how and who?”

Lois nodded, with her fingers threaded together. “That’s sweet, Smallville. You sure you can trust him all on his own though? He’s still a Luthor, he isn’t known for being sound of mind if you catch my drift. Though I applaud his PR team- their work with spinning Lex’s mental health for the public, phew.”

She leaned back, arms raised to bracket her head. Lois was right, as she often was. Lex’s early release was attributed to two things, one being the lack of legal jurisdiction in his pocket dimension despite the many, many eye witnesses of manslaughter, and the PR team that had spun a story utilising the volatility of Lex as a mental health crisis statement thing. Clark did read some articles claiming psychiatrists confirmed he was of unstable mind and therefore couldn’t be held to the same standards of a mentally well person, but Lois called bullshit. She was right to, even if it was hard for Clark to admit. The wealthy upper echelons of literally everywhere played these tactics almost religiously when caught participating in criminal activity- that’s why Superman existed. He couldn’t be swayed by bribery, false reports or political corruption. He represented good, despite any flaws from his innate human experience, still good nonetheless.

“If only he was around for me to actually see if he did get better.” Clark was sullen at the thought. A big part of him hoped for it, especially after the big splash on social media about his hair. Like a symbol for turning a new leaf. Clark ate up those prison interviews, eager for any confirmation that his hope was justified.

Lois only grinned at him as she smacked his knee. Clark didn’t bother to pretend to flinch.

“Hey, you got a new Luthor to psychoanalyse, don’t worry boy scout. Just enjoy the insanity of it all- a Luthor that tolerates you? Now that’s front page news.” Lois said cheekily. “Have you gotten any leads on what could’ve happened and by who?”

Clark shrugged. “Mr Terrific did find an unusual amount of radiation in his cells, but he says that’s unrelated. We do want to double check with whoever is head of Luthorcorp right now so they can be updated on their newly released CEO. He can’t get back to work just yet. And we need her help getting security footage of the night, maybe even going back months. I’m not sure what we’re really looking for…” Clark ran a hand through his hair, eyes closed with a heaving sigh. Lois looked contemplative.

“I’ll let you know if I catch whiff of anything. I think your best bet here is to interview this new Luthor and get what you can out of him, maybe something out of the ordinary will lead somewhere. Who says that whoever did this was from our timeline?” Lois’ eyes were wide as they thought about the possibility. Clark chuckled, and his eyes crinkled affectionately at the sight of her.

“I don’t think it’d be an assailant from 2002, Lois.” Clark smiled. He gestured to the air. “Where’d they even get the technology?”

“Hey, you’re an alien from outer space big guy. Literally anything is possible.” Lois shot back. “You sure he hasn’t said anything out of the norm? Something weird for Luthor?”

Clark paused, and scratched his chin. “Well…”

Lois’ eyes narrowed at him, and she got up to lean over Clark. Her hands were braced besides Clark’s hips as she briefly towered over him. “Tell me, Smallville. You can’t hide nothing from me, remember?”

Clark licked his lips before rolling his eyes, and wrapped his hands around Lois’s wrists. They were so large they completely encompassed them. “Fine, fine, I didn’t know if I should mention it or not since it technically means nothing right now? Like there’s no information I can get out of it but Lex did ask me about Clark Kent.”

Lois blinked. Clark continued, face flushed, “He said he looked me up on the TV, must’ve and he recognised Clark Kent. He wanted to know what my relationship was to him, gosh I think I was in shock at that moment.”

“You’re saying he knew Clark Kent at age twenty something-“ Lois muttered.

“-Twenty two.”

“Yeah, that, but you didn’t move out till after that. He knew you in Smallville?” Clark blinked. He looked sheepish. He didn’t think to connect the dots, the main thing on his mind when flying home really was Lex. He did think briefly about his relationship with him in the alternate world, but mostly how dull Lex seemed after confirming that the Clark Kent he knew wasn’t here. It was an ache that Clark could only imagine, the first comparison that came to his mind, Kara’s longing for Krypton. The memories that she had that no longer existed entirely, that her mind was the last place her loved ones would inhabit after total destruction. It was something that kept her a little distant from Clark, generally uninterested in the day to day life of a human girl.

At least Lex knew that some form of Clark- even one completely different to the one he’s used to was alive and well. Kara didn’t have the same luxury. Clark swallowed.

“I didn’t think about that. I was mostly caught up on the Lex being weird about Clark Kent, me, situation.” He admitted. Lois leaned back, no longer caging Clark between her arms. She stroked her face with one hand.

“So you’re saying he had a positive relationship with you in Smallville at the time of him being transported here? And he didn’t know who Superman was. Clark, he was friends with you- or at least held some respect for you, in his universe. That is big.” Lois said this all frantically, and Clark sat there simply absorbing all the information being reframed at him. He nodded quickly.

“You’re right… he didn’t want to tell me anymore after he asked if I noticed ‘anything special’ about me, so there’s definitely something off in his universe…” Clark added. Gosh, if Lex knew a younger Clark it must’ve been a very boring friendship. Clark when he was still out in the farms working after graduating didn’t have much to say or do, he was amidst learning how to grow as a person at a rather slow rate. His ma and pa were older, he didn’t wanna leave until he had a sure fire plan he could keep himself safe and bring a sizable check home every week. Long after learning how to control his powers, it’s odd Lex noticed them at all.

Lois jumped back into her previous seat, a pen and notepad appearing as if out of nowhere.

“Maybe he knows about my powers…” Clark was worried. “I wasn’t reckless when I was around his age- I had them mostly under control. I don’t know how he could know just from sleuthing around.” Lois nodded.

“He’s acquainted with a pre-Superman version of you, whether in Smallville or somewhere else with universe inconsistencies- he’s a lot calmer than the Luthor we know, and he’s suspicious of you from his universe in some way. I think I’m confident in saying that alternate you probably also is an alien with powers, and he’s playing sly right now.” Lois tapped her pen against her lip after she furiously jotted down writing. Clark nodded along to all the points mentioned.

“What could alternate universe me could’ve done or gone through to trust Lex Luthor out of all people.” Clark shivered. Lois shrugged.

“Remember, you could be completely different. Maybe, I don’t know, you’re a lot more reckless or younger, or even just stupid.”

Lois stood up and walked towards the kitchen, notepad and pen still in hand, breathless. Clark simply sat on the couch, back straight. This Lex Luthor being friends with him in an alternate universe- it was crazy! But rather than manic, Lex simply seemed dour, and extremely well behaved in the face of his rude awakening. The image of Lex, a shorter, younger dismal Lex at his couch made Clark frown. Out of place in somewhere that was supposed to be his home, he looked so small on the couch. Lex’s penthouse was large and imposing, with high ceilings, large glass panes and sleek design that left everyone in Metropolis jealous. Its coldness made the new Lex look even more pitiful, rather than constraining the blaze he embodied when Clark confronted him. Clark hesitated to think or voice his thoughts of sympathy considering how his Lex Luthor reacted in the face of any expression of emotion towards him that simply wasn’t awe, fear or admiration.

A clink brought Clark out of his thoughts, and he glanced in the direction to see Lois standing besides two mugs on the kitchen counter.

“Enough thinking, country boy, I think we deserve a little treat.” Lois carried the two cups over, and Clark smiled at the feeling of her hands passing the warm mug over to him. Gosh, he loved his girlfriend. A warm flush overtook his neck, as he gave her a small ‘thank you’. She sat beside him as he took a sip. Clark smacked his lips.

“Chamomile?”

Lois smiled.

“I didn’t think you’d need anymore caffeine after the day you’ve had.” Clark shook his head with a laugh. She knew full well that caffeine did nothing to him.

“I can’t say that you’re wrong.” Clark took another hearty sip as Lois did the same.

“I know we’re trying to dig into the nitty gritty with all this Lex stuff, but you know, the new Lex is interesting on his own. Like, he was interesting to meet.” Clark said offhandedly. Lois only hummed.

“He’s nice, considering what he’s going through today.”

“That’s hard to imagine. I would’ve bet money that Luthor was a ball of pent up rage since birth.”

Clark didn’t answer as he took another sip. With how different Lex was to his own, it was easy to see and depict him as a docile cat in comparison to the regular Lex’s prowling tiger, but Clark knew that look. In Lex’s eye, probably too tired to act in front of Clark. The slight pull of his face signalling the start of a snarl and slightly squinted eyes, lips parted. Clarke recognised that face with shocking clarity. Even with two years imprisoned, Lex still made a lasting impression on him. The countless sleepless nights and moments waking up sweaty next to a worried Lois only solidified his presence at the back of Clark’s mind,

“I like this.” Lois sounded content. Clark cocked his head at her.

“Like what?”

“This.” Lois gestured between them, careful not to drop her cup. “Us.”

Clark’s face split open in a beaming smile. “I’m glad you do, considering we’re dating.”

“Nah, I think it’s just the little back and forth about Luthor, it’s fun… it’s nice having someone to bounce ideas off.”

“Good to know that’s all I’m good for.” Clark laughed.

“Hey, you’re a pretty face too doll, don’t cut yourself short.” Lois and Clark broke into a fit of giggles. Lex was long off his mind now.

Lois placed a hand on Clark’s, of which were both wrapped around his mug. It had a Pokémon on it- a little blue and orange amphibian. It might’ve been a bit childish, but it was his favourite.

“Hey. Why don’t you just move in now?” Lois was clearly done beating around the bush. Clark could feel it coming for weeks, their relationship holding strong after two years and what was a massive accomplishment. He shuffled, hesitance clear on his face. She leaned back.

“You’ve been basically bumming it out at my place for the last few months. I think it’s time you stop paying your rent and start paying mine.” Lois said with a chuckle. Clark placed down his mug on the coffee table.

“Lois, it’s not that I don’t want to move in with you. I think we’ve been clear that we’re taking this slow.” Clark put his fist in his hand. Lois looked a little sheepish.

“I know, but Clark. How long has it been?” Clark’s lips thinned. He knew it was a long time coming, the comfort of being around someone he loved settling in day after day.

“Around a year…” Clark sighed. He scratched the back of his neck, and stared into Lois’ eyes. “I guess I’m just worried you’ll get sick of me.”

Clark was a clingy person. Call it some response to his semi isolated upbringing, but Clark was a sticker. He was like a Velcro dog that got pouty when he couldn’t be around someone he liked, whether platonically or romantically. Lois was a lot milder in that regard. She held people at a distance, and it made her a great judge of character and journalist. It explains why Clark was still stumbling through writing even with his connection to Superman, pieces often too politically skewed or biased in favour of his morals. And he was a wanter- Clark wants to kiss his girlfriend silly whenever he sees her, he wants to talk her ear off, blast music regardless of who else was in his space and share a warm, small bed every night- Clark was greedy.

The lights in the apartment were soft and warm while he thought.

Lois scoffed. “Clark, if I was sick of you you’d be out on the street right now, not all cozy in my apartment.”

Clark stifled a laugh. “That’s true. You haven’t had my full blast of clinginess yet, though,”

“You literally cling to me every night. It's like sleeping with a giant heater. And I like that, I do. I know you, and you should know that by now.” Lois grinned. Clark grinned back.

“Well, we’ll see… but I am warming up to it.” Clark murmured with a flush. Lois had a way with making Clark forget about everything outside the four walls of her apartment. Every worry he had about Lex was gone as he simply took in the moment. A devious thought crossed his mind, and Clark smiled cheekily. “It means I get to do this everyday-“

Clark promptly lifted Lois up from the couch, and she let out a breathless laugh as she hung off his arms. Clark dug his nose into the crook of Lois’ nose. Her skin was a subtle pink, unable to rival his own blush. Clark could feel her warm breath on the back of his own neck.

God, he loved his girlfriend.

. . .

Lex was fucking stressed. He was in an alternate universe where everyone he knows is dead, has a different set of fingerprints or simply doesn’t exist. It was like a fire clawing at his lungs with how difficult it felt like to breathe when Superman had left the building. He was the last thing holding Lex together- the sheer absurdity of his existence was enough to distract Lex from pulling metaphorical hair out of his head, a satisfactory enough distraction to keep Lex from spiralling. He was fascinating, his powers seemingly random and nonsensical yet still very obviously abiding by some sort of laws of physics. Bended to the fifth degree, until they were borderline about to snap with the insanity of it all.

That’s what Lex felt like now. His best friend in this universe was acquainted, and well mind you, with a super powered alien that could literally breathe ice. Breath ice? That doesn’t make any fucking sense. Your breath is so cold it causes things to spontaneously freeze. What the fuck. Don’t get Lex started on the mindfuckery that was laser beams from your fucking eyes.

And now it was all collapsing on him, as he lay almost catatonic on his doppelgänger’s bed. It was lush, it was big, and felt outrageously expensive. The same it was the morning he woke up to his world- no, not even his world, someone else’s world flipping him over on his head. The urge to destroy something in the wake of his anxiety and anger was so strong. It made him recall when he bashed in the car windows of a meter maid that ticketed his Porsche Carrera. The satisfying crack and rain of broken glass on the street made him feel so high, it was as if he had the world in his hands.

Lex liked to think he was a better man than that, that he was better than taking joy in smashing a stupid cop’s car for a ticket he could pay off million times over, but he wasn’t. Despite Clark’s shining belief in him, the snarky little shit was still nineteen despite all the fun he had with Lex. Lex was a cool, rich older guy, even by only three years, any nineteen year old fresh out of high school would still think that was light years away. That he was the epitome of mature. Lex was a Luthor, and Luthor’s were rotten to the core, a decaying branch from a poisoned tree. And now that nineteen year old is gone. He didn’t exist. Lillian Luthor didn’t exist. Julian didn’t exist. The Kents didn’t exist. It was all so wrong.

Lex promptly got up and rushed out of the bedroom that wasn’t his. He needed a drink, he needed multiple drinks. Surely a man that seemed as wealthy and cultured as him had a wide array of alcohol for Lex to get trashed on. His days of slyly drinking apple martinis in seedy bars were long behind him, but Lex could get behind drinking himself into a stupor under these dire circumstances. His hands shook as he swung the kitchen cabinet doors open, all a sickeningly neutral shade of gray that made Lex nostalgic for the deep brown wood grain prominent in his mansion.

Seeing tall bottles of wines and spirits lining the cabinets almost left Lex weak in the knees.

Lex popped a cork open with a corkscrew in one of the draws, all of which were fully stocked though it seemed none of the utensils were touched in forever. Lex doubted an alternate version of him would have many people over anyhow, from Superman’s surprise that he was social at all, it was safe to assume that alternate him was a stingy, lonely bitch. Lex took a swig of the wine, and hissed at the bitterness coating his mouth.

Clark would either be disappointed in him or hyped that his best friend would offer him alcohol before he was legal- he knew he would, with Clark’s eyes just… being like that. All pleading and pouty. His father would scoff and say that it was inevitable he’d return to his baser instincts. His partying in Metropolis was a shitty fuck you at his dad, earning nothing more than a snide glance and stilted words about how much of a disappointment he was. Lex hiccuped. The liquid was going down too fast for his body to keep up. The Kents, oh the Kents. Martha would look at him with pity, like she always did. One Metropolis citizen looking at another, though one clearly left worse for wear. Nothing could be further than the perfect life she had with her hardworking farmer husband and charming son than Lex’s miserable life. She’d maybe recall the moments when he was in her husband’s truck as a child, or talk about the work she’d been doing with Lionel to make a false semblance of normalcy. She was always the smarter half of the Kent couple.

Lex chugged down a few more cups worth of wine, probably worth more than the Kent farm. Jonathan would cast him out, call him all sorts of words saying that everything he’d done was just in service of his last name. That the branding Lionel had on him was simply a precursor of Lex’s true nature, that he was a bad man. Tears began to build in Lex’s eyes, and he snarled into the nothingness as he rubbed them away. It always stung the most when Jonathan rejected him. It made Lex bitter.

His shirt was soaked. They were all gone. There were other people sharing the same names, but they didn’t share the same eyes, the same lives- they- Lex shakily collapsed onto the floor with a heaving chest. The kitchen was dark and sky pitch black.

Lex would make it home, he’d be sure of it. He was a Luthor and Luthors didn’t give up for shit. He had a team of superheroes that would help him. And yet a small part of him screamed what if they don’t? He was a bad man, clearly he wasn’t at the top of their priority on top of whatever comic book shit they fought on a daily basis.

Lex ran his hand over his head, sweaty and red. His vision was bleary as he looked at the empty bottles on the floor. He was so angry. Someone took him away from the people he loved, and that was a dangerous thing to do to a Luthor.

Lex stumbled to his feet and crashed the bottle over the edge of the table counter. Shards of brown glass shattered around the floor. Faint light from the moon made the pieces scattered on the floor sparkle, and Lex’s eyes were wild at the sight. He wouldn’t be stuck in a universe he didn’t belong to. He was better than that.

Chapter Text

Clark didn’t know what he was looking at. Luthor had told him to shut up and he begrudgingly listened after realising he really did have nothing good to contribute to the process of watching Luthor click away at a keyboard. It was the one Lex was always glued to when he worked. Usually while dual wielding a phone and talking business as Clark sat nearby reading a book or simply dozing.

After their spat, Clark had led Luthor to Lex’s computer, and typed in the password for him. Clark might’ve spied on Lex’s hands more than enough to remember the password. Luthor immediately swept across the room and began typing away, a crease in his brow as he made a face at the interface.

“This is like typing on a child’s toy, it’s so dreadfully outdated.” Luthor’s nose scrunched as he continued to furiously type into the computer. 

“All of Lex’s tech is state of the art.” Clark said with a frown. Luthor snorted.

“Well you’re one to judge.” Clark’s frown deepened.

“What does that mean.” Clark sounded like he was giving Luthor a warning. He shrugged, and Clark could see the corner of his mouth twitch.

“I’m saying that you’re stupid, it can’t be that hard to figure out. But maybe you’re dimmer than it seems.” Clark stared at him with an unimpressed look. If Luthor took notice he didn’t do anything to indicate it. Clark sighed, and propped himself up by his elbows on the table to take a closer look. Luthor was clicking through what seemed like an infinite pages of emails to Lex, all of various subjects. Clark squinted at the sight. So many were unopened and unread from the past day Lex had been missing.

“Your friend has a lot of connections with specialists and shady dealings. I guess he’s not the martyr you paint him out to be.” Luthor said with a smile. Luthor quickly moved the mouse and opened a few windows, numbers, emails and locations popping on the screen. He gestured at the screen with a grin. “He’s got similar connections I did back in my universe, he even owns the same shell company. Everything I dig through on this computer makes me like him more and more.”

Clark let out a frustrated noise and threaded his fingers together. “Get to the point.”

Luthor rolled his eyes and pointed at an address on the screen. “There’s various underground, definitely illegal manufacturers for technology here on his computer. It was hidden under some encryption, but I got through them.” His voice was dreadfully smug. “It seems your Lex was extremely interested in biochemical engineering and the technology needed for that field. Not particularly useful right now, but nice to know I’m not a complete failure here.”

Clark bristled at his words. Luthor continued, unpeturbed. “Says here there’s also a lab under the shell company I mentioned earlier- Cadmus labs. Which is very fascinating.”

Clark’s fist tightened. He’d always known Lex was part of the shadier world of business, but it was hard to believe with how open he seemed with Clark. The brewing tension of the past few weeks with him were negligent in comparison to the strength of character Lex seemed to possess, but it was clear he had more to learn about his friend. If Lex would still call him that after letting his evil doppelganger rummage through his home. “What, you wanna go to Cadmus?”

Luthor shrugged. “Hypothetically if Cadmus is what it was in my universe, it wouldn’t be the most useful target. I’m going to navigate creating deals with some of the manufacturer’s first before going to such a desperate last resort.”

Clark’s brows furrowed. “What could be so bad about it? It’s just a shell company.” 

Luthor’s fingers paused for a moment, clearly debating whether it was worth it to tell Clark the truth. “It’s none of your concern.”

Another moment passed, and Luthor awkwardly pet Clark’s arm. Clark stared at him bewildered, and he pulled back so fast it was as if he was burned. “Don’t worry about it.” And he turned back to the computer.

Clark made a face at the back of his head. 

What a weirdo. Clark seldom used that word for people, as a believer of not judging absolute by its cover even if he failed at him half the time, but Luthor was a nut. A small part of Clark whispered to get to know the man, pick apart the pieces of him that make him Lex if he really was Lex. And Clark begrudgingly had to admit the man and Lex shared a few similarities. Mostly the undeniable ingenuity of human spirit thing Lex has going on- he could do anything he set his mind to even if he confided in Clark occassionally. This Lex definitely had the same drive, it was rare to find people in Smallville with the same aptitude to work themself to the bone if it wasn’t on a farm. With the same obsessive insistence on working, though this Lex’s need to work was a lot more justified considering he was literally displaced in time and space.

Clark scratched the back of his neck. Okay, maybe he was jumping the shark with how similar Lex and this man was. Just, the idea of Lex being as bitter and selfish as the man before him. It was frightening. Lex had his oddities from here to there, but to see what was potentially his best friend reduced to almost madness in the face of a beast he couldn’t wrangle was scary. He didn’t recognise the man before him. Clark didn’t wanna envision a world where he couldn’t recognise Lex.

Luthor made a face at the screen, and Clark couldn’t help but be curious.

“What is it?” Luthor’s frown deepened as he rolled his eyes.

“My father. Various emails shared between Luthorcorp and Lexcorp, with scathing undertones. I’m surprised your Lex maintains such a cordial relationship with him.” Clark grimaced. 

“That couldn’t be further from the truth.”

Luthor barked out a laugh, as he pushed himself away from the desk. “Really now? Enlighten me, Kent.”

Clark wasn’t miffed by the new moniker, and only shrugged. “Lionel’s an interesting man is all I can say. You’d know better, he’s your dad.”

Luthor shook his head as he powered off the computer. “This man isn’t my father, mine is six feet under. And from a little internet sleuthing, it’s clear he doesn’t look like my flesh and blood either.”

“Oh. Well…” Clark’s jaw set at the thought of Lionel. The specific instance when Clark has found Lex tearing his home apart out of sheer paranoia and manic panic at the concept of his father planting bugs in his home- and that fear turning out to be true. It filled Clark with a sickly nausea. To know men like Lionel existed, despite his own father’s many flaws, Clark knew he loved him with his whole being. He couldn’t be so sure about Lionel’s feelings towards his own son. Maybe he did love him in a twisted way, but whatever familial presence he had for Lex was negligible. Clark wasn’t dense. He noticed whenever Lex would pander to his father in hopes that Jon would do something other than sneer at him. To think Lionel placed Lex in that position. Ugh. “He’s a major dickhead is all.”

Luthor hummed. “And so he isn’t too dissimilar to my own father. He must be particularly bad to make a farm boy like you swear.”

Clark’s lips thinned at the small jab as Luthor simply strode away from Lex’s desk, looking all the part of billionaire business mogul he claimed to be. Maybe the plaid and jeans ruined the fantasy a little, but with how he carried himself, Clark hated to admit it but the man exuded wealth. Lex had a similar sense for a while before he truly settled into Smallville, but it was the same faux nonchalance, the same posturing to look bigger and same downward glance. Obviously trained since birth to act such ways.

Clark watched wordlessly as Luthor slunk outside, brows furrowed. He wasn’t really useful in this situation at all. Clark would have to trust and rely on Luthor to not lead him astray. The sinking feeling falling over him told him he couldn’t.

Irritated, Clark pulled out his phone. Familiar names blinked on the flip phone as he clicked down the column of numbers. A small amount of comfort filled him as his phone rang next to his ear.

“Clark?”

“Chloe.” Clark’s relief was palpable. He could hear crackly shuffling on the other side as Chloe adjusted her phone.

“What’s up? You never call, at least now now.” Her voice was a little strained. Clark could make out voices in the background, and small platitudes Chloe said. He could envision her bright smile so perfectly clear.

“Are you busy? I’ll just call back later-“

“No, no, it’s fine Clark.” Chloe’s voice was a little more echoey now, prior voices gone. Clark smiled, and slumped into Lex’s office chair. “Just spit out wherever you’re dying to say to big shot Chloe Sullivan.”

Pride was evident in her voice, and Clark laughed. “Big shot Daily Planet Chloe too big for little ol’ Kent now?”

“Nah, you know I’d never forget my roots. Now spill, I know you got something. You don’t call me for no reason.” Clark rolled his eyes. Him and Chloe have called semi regularly since she’d left for her internship, and if they happened to be about the monster of the week it wasn’t Clark’s fault! He was a magnet for trouble, and Chloe ate up every story.

Clark adjusted the phone in his grip, and eyed the turned off computer. “Well, it’s wall of weird material-“

“Again? C’mon, you could just tell me on Sunday.” Chloe seemed almost disappointed. Clark could see her scrunched up face clear. “I’m not even there for the action, there’s no one to report on it for the Talon...”

“It’s different, way past wall of weird material, trust me.”

“Just spit it out already, Kent!” Clearly the time she had hiding in whatever closet she was in was running out.

“I found a man in the field the other day. He says he’s Lex from an alternate dimension, and that’s why Lex has been missing for the past few days.” Clark’s voice was conspicuous, though worry was evident at the end. Chloe’s end was silent as she processed his words. Clark squeezed his eyes tight and continued. “He’s going to help me get Lex back but I don’t know- what if this is another Tina Greer situation?”

“Well… does he look like Lex?” Clark scoffed at the question, and he slouched back into the leather chair.

“Nothing like him. He’s my height, has hair, a completely different face… to be honest I’m the most hung up over the hair.”

“Then how do you know if he’s even telling the truth? Clark…” Chloe’s curiosity was palpable. Clark ran a hand through his hair.

“I don’t know.” He was growing frustrated. Chloe became quiet, sensing Clark’s ire. Her patience for Clark’s flippant attitude had shortened over the years, especially with her crush simmering. She knew when a battle was lost.

“Well… just stay safe Clark, you don't know what he could do to you.”

Before Clark could respond, the sound of helicopter blades pierced the air. He shot up at the harsh sound, and stumbled out of the chair. He pressed the phone closer to his mouth.

“I’m sorry Chloe, gotta go- he’s doing something, I-“

Chloe’s worried voice crackled over the call as Clark snapped the phone shut. His world became a blur as he sped down the hall and out the door, leaving it swinging. The moody darkness of Lex’s mansion gave way to bright lights glaring in his face. Clark raised his arms to cover his eyes, and stiffened at the sight of Luthor in front of him. His clothes were whipping in the wind, still perfectly poised.

Clark lowered his arm as the lights turned away from him, helicopter landing with a loud thud as the blades began to slow. Clark could only feel anger and hurt bubble up inside him at the sight. Luthor didn’t even spare a glance as he made his way to the helicopter, private pilot already situated in the seat.

“Luthor- you-“ Clark shouted as he stomped up to the man. Luthor turned his head, ever so slightly, to look at Clark. His face was blank.

“What, Kent?” His voice was clipped, professional, distant. Clark only sputtered with his hands floundering before they settled for pointing at the helicopter.

“You didn’t clear this with me!” Luthor rolled his eyes.

“Who said I had to?” Clark stared at him, jaw dropped.

“Common decency? I helped you, a lot, even though you’re an ass by the way.” Clark was pissed. “We’re you even gonna help me find Lex? Or were you going to run off the first moment you had the funds?”

Luthor bristled at his words, and finally fully turned to glare at him. Clark stepped even closer, now so close he was looking down at Luthor. It wasn’t much, but obviously the other wasn’t used to it. They were basically chest to chest, and if Clark weren’t so riled up he’d be blushing to hell.

“What a deplorable opinion you must have of me, Kent.” Luthor spat out his last name. “For your information, which I don’t owe you any, I’m going to go check out some of Lexcorp and talk to some experts instead of sitting on my ass and expecting someone to save me.”

He adjusted the cardigan he had on with a sour look. “And I’m planning on getting some tailored clothing so I don’t look like I buy everything from Burberry.”

Clark opened and shut his mouth. The nerve.

Luthor continued his way to the helicopter with a small smirk. “Don’t worry, I’ll save your precious Lex Luthor. I just don’t want dead weight with me when I do.”

Just before Luthor could step into the helicopter, he stopped at the steps leading up into the vehicle. Clark’s heart dropped at the sight.

Lex- Luthor’s stricken face at the sight of Lionel standing in his way. 

His cane was stuck out, keeping Luthor down, and face curled up in a familiar sneer. He didn’t even bother to x-ray the helicopter- blinded by the sheer indignation at Luthor’s departure.

Lionel was as aloof as he always was, hair curled and almost impassive with the opaque glasses he had on. “Lex? Is that you?”

Clark watched as Luthor’s eyes darted from the cane up to Lionel’s face, his mouth pursed as he calculated what to do. The look on his face was so similar to Lex he had to do a triple take.

Luthor’s face cracked into a displeased look, and he eased back, quiet, as Lionel continued. The older man stepped down the steps, slightly shaky, and cane still on Luthor’s chest.

“Lex, I really expect more from you. I don’t hear from you for days and one of my staff tells me you’re trying to meet with some Lexcorp contracted employees?” He tsked as he continued to step down, Luthor moving backwards with the motion of the cane. “Honestly, I’m insulted you thought I wouldn’t notice.”

“I…” Luthor seemed at a loss for words. Lionel immediately paused.

“Lex. You sound different.” Lionel’s voice was tight. Before Luthor could respond, Clark hurried forward to pull Luthor back with a sheepish laugh.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Luthor, Lex has been sick the past few days and I’ve just been helping him recover.” Clark lightly pushed Luthor away to curl his hands under Lionel’s arms. He helped him down as he continued. “I’m sorry if we distracted you from the company. I’m sure Lex was just doing some work under my nose and got something wrong in the fever of it all.”

Lionel was quiet as Clark helped him down, before he pet Clark on his arm. “There there, boy, I’m blind not wheelchair bound. I can move around on my own. Though I do miss your mother's presence.” Clark grew tense at the casual mention, layers of feelings rising at the reminder of what had happened. Lionel simply moved on. “She raised a good boy. Makes you think, Lex. At least he’s better than Helen.”

Lionel lightheartedly chuckled, and Clark’s face grew dark. Luthor watched him with an impassive face from a distance. His eyes darted between Clark and the helicopter, and Clark furiously shook his head at him.

“Helen was always so rude. Though both of you are stubborn.” Lionel pinched Clark’s arm lightly. He couldn’t feel it. “Lead me to the mansion, boy. I need a lie down and a cold drink.”

Clark couldn’t do anything other than gently lead the man that ruined his best friend to his now empty home. He could feel Luthor’s gaze pierce the back of his head, still stationed by the helicopter as if he were carved from ice.

Chapter Text

Clark the next morning flew straight to Lex’s penthouse. Lois laughed at him when he jolted out of bed seeing the time before giving him a sweet kiss. He really did feel bad, he didn’t wanna leave Lex alone too much. It was a hard adjustment what the man was going through. Even if he was the smartest man on Earth, he deserved the simple pleasures of ‘body doubling’. A term Jimmy affectionately diagnosed him with an addiction to, and Clark could only cock his head. He loved being around people he loved, even if they weren’t doing things together, because he loved them. It was pretty simple.

And now, with his boots hastily shoved on and hair lazily slicked back, Clark flew through the penthouse window’s allotted Superman hole- jagged corners melted down to a safe rounded edge with Clark’s laser vision. Mr Terrific had found a way to rig it so the window could open and close when it sensed Clark coming within a certain distance, which was damn impressive.

Today they’d go through their options, maybe even take Lex around the city so he could relax. Maybe enjoy the silver linings of being thrust into the future. Clark glanced around the area for Lex. He surely had to be awake with how late Clark was. The penthouse was the same as it was yesterday, cold and grey, and Clark’s lips thinned at the obvious lack of Luthor. There’s no surprise he wouldn’t want to hang around here, Clark could feel the neutral tones sucking his soul right out.

A glint of sunlight hit something on the floor. Glass shards. A cold feeling overcame Clark.

“Lex?” He called out, a split second before he peeled back layers of the apartment with his x-ray vision. He crept forward while scanning the apartment for any signs of life. Maybe someone had gotten in and attacked Lex, all while Clark wasn’t keeping watch. His insides twisted at the thought just as he caught a glimpse of Lex’s familiar head.

Clark frowned at the sight.

Lex was slumped against the kitchen counter, back facing towards Clark. Shattered glass was scattered across the tiled floor. There must’ve been a few caught under Lex’s hands from the smell of blood. The fridge door was wide open, casting a light on the glass and Lex’s rumpled slacks. Arms splayed out, limp, with the beginnings of a beer bottle sitting next to his unfurled hand. Clark’s frown deepened as he slowly floated over.

He was no stranger to uncomfortable scenes. He’d seen people die, scream for help, trapped and begging for their lives. He’d seen so much and yet every time he’d still experience the same wave of anguish, a tsunami of feelings that he could never mitigate the way people said they would. Seeing Lex drink himself into a stupor… another uncomfortable moment Clark will have tucked away forever.

Clark knelt down, shards of glass simply shattering upon impact with his knees, and gently snaked his arms around Lex. He wrinkled his nose at the acrid smell of alcohol on his breath. He slowly rose, man in arms, and sighed. The bags around Lex’s eyes were deep, face pale and eyelashes wet. He’d clean up the mess later.

Clark hovered towards the bedroom. The door was ajar, and he kicked it open with his foot before shimmying in. Clark and Doors did not get along when he bridal carried folk. The room was as empty as it was for the past two years. It looked the most lived in since, with half the blankets cascading on the floor, and clothing scattered around. Clark descended down, feet touching the floor with feather light steps as he carefully slid Lex into the bed. Clark swept the wrinkles out of the bedsheets. He looked up at Lex splayed over the bed. His heart rate began to pick up.

A small groan escaped the man. He smacked his lips, before cracking an eye open. “Clark?”

Clark froze. Lex’s voice was slurred, small minute movements sluggish as he attempted to roll over. With a little hesitation, Clark slowly began to murmur, careful not to make whatever pounding headache Lex had worse.

“It’s Superman, I came to check up on you.” It was clear his voice was tight. Lex blinked a few more times, the glassy look in his eyes disappearing for a moment before they returned. His face twisted into an upset look that immediately had Clark worried. 

“Oh.” The disappointment in his voice was unmistakable. A sort of morbid curiosity grew in Clark at the semi-admission. Lex squeezed his eyes shut and passively waved Clark off, turning away from his concerned face. 

“I’m fine, Superman. The headache will pass.” Clark didn’t buy it. Clark curled his hand around one of Lex’s, surprised to see Lex leaving it limp, lifting it up to reveal tiny cuts lashed across his skin. From carelessly tossing himself onto the floor. The cuts weren’t severe, actually surprisingly small considering the scene Clark walked into. A wash and some rubbing alcohol would do the trick. He rubbed his thumb against the unbroken skin.

“You… wanted Clark to be here?” Lex was quiet for a moment. Clark could see the moment he gave in as his face faltered.

“A familiar face would’ve been nice.” His voice was frighteningly warbly. Lex swallowed. “Maybe everything had been a dream. Maybe… I saw your shadow and naively thought so.”

The raw longing in Lex’s voice took Clark aback.

What do you do when your arch nemesis from a different dimension misses your civilian identity so much they get misty eyed during a hangover? It was uncharted territory, and Clark didn’t wanna mess it up. Lex was in a fragile enough state.

Lex was in the worst tug of war imaginable, tied between the memories of living in his world and the reality of being in Clark’s. It was just a mess. Clark should’ve seen Lex acting out in some way as being inevitable, instead he bought into the mysterious well put together facade that Lex had put out. To cope with feelings too big for any person to handle. Clark could barely wrap his head around dimensional rifts before, and now Lex was living in what was essentially that. Proof of the impossible.

Lex furrowed further into the sheets. He didn’t even have a blanket on him, the sight looked terribly pitiful. His eyes were red. Clark looked away from Lex’s face.

“I get it. Being displaced is weird.”

Lex didn’t answer. Clark continued. “I guess I know someone who’s kind of going through what you’re going through now- though you’re taking it a lot better than she did.” Clark chuckled lightly. “Um, my cousin. She was sent with me as a baby, and well, remembers our planet. She was old enough to live and remember everything.”

“You have a cousin?” Lex cut in. Clark looked momentarily startled before he smiled. 

“Yeah, I do. We’ve gotten closer over the years, but with our planet’s destruction, it left her vulnerable. Angry.” Lex’s eyes were trained on his face. “What I’m saying is, I understand why you’d have a bad night. Or a lot of bad nights, just know me and others are here to support you. Through all the ugly feelings.” Clark pet Lex’s hand with his unoccupied one. Lex didn’t shy away, cupped hand tensing slightly.

“I miss Clark.” Lex admitted, voice so quiet a normal person might’ve not been able to hear it.

Clark shifted awkwardly beside the bed. “Maybe you could meet the Clark from this universe?”

Lex stiffened at the suggestion and pulled his hand away. “It’s not the same. He isn’t the same.” 

Lex’s unsaid words were clear. What if he doesn’t care for him the same way his Clark did? What would Lex do in the face of that rejection. Clark looked away with a shrug.

“Well, he’s a pretty nice guy if I do say so myself. I don’t think he’d be upset- or like, weird about anything with you.” Clark smiled. “I’d bet good money he’d like you.”

In face of Lex’s silence, Clark continued. “Is there anyone else you could meet?”

“My parents are dead.” Lex’s response was clipped. He began to sit up, voice taking on a self-deprecating tone. “I know maybe it’s unfathomable for a man like you, but I truly have no one else in my life that could possibly care enough about me for me to reach out to.”

Lex sounded so painfully lonely. 

“Except Clark?” Lex looked unnerved. 

“… you must think I'm pathetic.”

Clark frowned. “I think you’re human, Lex. Like my Lex was.”

Lex sniffed. “Well, I definitely feel human. I’m filthy.” 

The man’s shirt was stained with dark liquid, sweat and who knew what else. Clark winced at the sight, and floated away from the bed bashfully. All his bravado whilst comforting Lex gone with his hands twisted together. He awkwardly waved at Lex.

“Ah- yes, I’ll give you space to change. And shower, and stuff. I’ll come back with some stuff for the cuts on your hands.” Before Lex could reply, Clark flew out of the door. Goodness, facing the man that spent millions just to kill him again after so long- well, not really him, but the concept of it all was enough to send Clark back into the nervous ramblings of his first year of superheroing. Before the natural confidence and charisma of Superman bled into his day to day life. Lex had a way of making Clark feel like he was that same, stuttering man again.

The sounds of a shower running broke Clark out of his thoughts. Right. He was here to comfort Lex, maybe give him a nice day whilst all the investigating happened.

Clark floated down the hallway back to the kitchen. The shattered remains of a wine bottle were still scattered across the floor. There was glass dust sitting where Clark had knelt earlier. He sped over to the first closet he could find and whipped out a broom.

The people working here must’ve been out on leave. Mr Terrific ensured that he’d done everything in his ability to hide Lex’s sudden change in physiology, and that included making sure no one was in the pent house to see Lex. Maybe Clark would have to help around more than he thought, who knows if any Lex Luthor knew how to mop the floors or fry an egg. The man really always seemed to be more of a theory than action guy.

Clark heard the door creak open before he saw him, and glanced up from the small pile of glass he swept together to see Lex. There was a towel wrapped around his waist, steam following him and Clark’s mouth glued shut at the sight. He was flushed pink and looked leagues calmer than he was before. He was a lot stockier than Clark’s Lex. Clark tried to not focus on it, neck warming up. Lex’s eyes caught his and he grimaced.

“Ah, the clothes in there don’t really… fit me.” He sounded a tad embarrassed. Clark blinked. 

“Oh! That makes sense.” Clark blanched as Lex looked away with a peeved face. Lex’s clothes were always cinched at the waist- no wonder why they didn’t fit. Did he get them tailored? Of course he did. Clark’s face was overcome with a blush. He quickly swept the shards into the bin and floated over. “I mean- not to be rude about it. He is a whole four inches taller than you. I’ll go get you some clothes!”

Lex shuffled around the kitchen counter awkwardly. “Alright.”

Clark left promptly in a burst of wind.

His mind was a whirlwind as he stopped by his apartment. Clark was wide, his clothes would surely fit Lex. He could also ask Jimmy for a solid, he was approximately the same build as Lex, but the thought of it made a weird dread wash over Clark. No, his clothes would be just fine. Maybe not the power suits and whatnot Lex was used to but they were comfortable and loose, exactly what Clark wanted Lex to feel.

He opened his closet and fingers ran through the mounds fabric, looking for his cleanest pieces. A hoodie from his time in College, some spare dress shirts and slacks that were ironed who knows when. He hurried and slung them over his shoulder.

Clark returned quickly- he didn’t wanna leave Lex cold for long, and found the other man sitting by the kitchen counter with his hands around a mug. He paused mid sip as Clark touched down.

“I got you some of my clothing, I know it’s not what you usually wear but we can’t exactly get you to a tailor now.” Clark’s voice was apologetic.

If Lex was bothered he didn’t let Clark know. He simply took the clothing and went back to his bedroom to change. Clark tried his damn best not to look down as Lex walked away.

Now that only left the issue of breakfast. Clark rubbed his hands together, and guilt washed over him. Gosh, he left Lex hungry all morning while snug with Lois. Nevermind that now, he had work to do.

Clark swept over to the kitchen and swung open the cabinets with a frown. 

“What’s wrong?” Lex walked back into the kitchen area, and Clark’s jaw almost dropped. The man was absolutely swimming in his clothing, giving him his already oversized pieces wasn’t the best idea. He had Clark’s old Metropolis College shirt on and some sweats tied up right at the waist so they wouldn’t fall down with how much excess material hung off Lex's hips. It made Lex contrast even more with his own universe’s Lex- and Clark gulped.

“Uh, there’s no ingredients here.” Clark turned back to inspect the very empty cabinet with all the interest in the world.

“Probably on account of this universe’s Lex Luthor being incarcerated for two years.” Lex’s voice held a little humour as he lazily sat out the counter. “What, was Superman going to cook me breakfast?”

“Yes, actually." Clark closed the cupboards gently. “I make killer pancakes, you wouldn’t believe it.”

“Hmm, not a pancake kind of guy.” Lex was watching Clark from under his eyelashes. Clark gawked at him.

“What? That is sacrilegious, dare I say offensive. What are you, some kind of contrarian?” Clark huffed as he pulled out the thankfully still there pans from under the sink. 

“That’s a big word. I guess I am.” Lex hummed as he slumped against his folded arms. He paused for a moment before elaborating. “I like waffles more. They have a crunch.”

“Well, let’s see if they have a waffle maker in this place…” Clark murmured, hand searching tirelessly in the dark cabinet’s array of cooking aids. Clark pulled something out with a frown.

“A hand held blender? Wow, Lex had it all.” Clark continued to dig through the pile. It was clear Lex didn’t touch a single one of these appliances with how carelessly they were tossed in the space. Clark’s Ma would’ve killed for some of these.

Bingo! Clark jumped up with a grin and waffle press in hand. “Got it! Waffles coming up.”

“I thought you said we didn’t have ingredients.” Lex’s eyes followed Clark as he plugged in the machine.

“Well, no, but I’ll just pop out for one moment and get some.”

“Super speed and flying sure do have their perks, huh.” 

“For sure. I’m sorry I’m leaving again after just getting here but I’ll be back in a moment. Promise!”

Lex only eyed Clark playfully as in a burst of speed he left the kitchen and flew out the window.

His body became a streak of colour as he shot through the sky, and landed with more than a few eyes on him. Clark smiled warmly at the sight of people with totebags and trolleys gaping at him from adoration or surprise. He gave a little nod to a vendor behind his booth, who had his eyes almost building out of his skull.

“Superman?” A small voice rang out. Clark turned and leaned down when he noticed the little child attached to the voice. Their faces lit up, and as if something broke people began rushing forward to speak to him.

Clark laughed and simply waved his hands. “I’m sorry guys, I’m just here to grab a few things to go.”

A woman by him nearly tripped over her feet as he spoke, and he sent her a concerned look. She only flushed. “What do you need?”

Clark hummed as he observed the market. People often said the farmer’s market was too pricey in Metropolis, and Clark couldn’t necessarily disagree, but that made things a lot more black and white than they truly were when it comes to farmer’s market pricing. Clark would know. He knew that farms had good and bad times. That there was a lot behind a price tag directly from the source that conglomerates tricked people into thinking shouldn’t be the norm. 

Clark scratched his neck. He was surprised people still gawked at him when he popped by the farmer’s market at all, it’s very public knowledge that Superman loved to shop from small businesses and farms rather than corporate giants. 

“Well, just looking for eggs, flour, butter, the usual staples.” A man next to him dug around in his bag and brought out a small bag of flour.

“Here ya go- recompense for saving Metropolis over and over again.” The man was gruff, older, and looked every bit stubborn as Clark internally sighed. 

“No no, it’s okay, I have the money to buy what I need-“

“Take it, son.” The other was deadset. Clark knew this kind of man very well growing up in Midwestern Smallville. Clark gave him a small nod and took the bag without another question.

It was quick work from there to get everything else and fly back to Lex. He gave a little kid next to him while waiting in line for eggs a little wink and salute, stifling laughs at the child’s wide eyed look. 

Clark landed back in the penthouse with an apologetic look, paper bags in his arms.

“Sorry for the wait! Pancakes and waffles coming up.” Clark placed all the ingredients down with a small sigh of relief. Nothing fell out of his arms while flying. With the lack of response, Clark glanced around the kitchen. Lex was nowhere to be seen. An apprehensive feeling settled in him.

“Lex?” Clark called out with a frown. He didn’t respond, and Clark huffed. He could still hear Lex’s heartbeat in the penthouse. Clark walked out into the living room area and almost laughed at the sight.

Lex sitting at the dining table, face dead serious as if defusing a bomb, with a laptop open in front of him.

“Lex?” The man only hummed, as he continued to work on the laptop.

“What are you doing?” Clark floated closer. Lex simply pointed at the screen.

“I’m using this laptop of course. I know you want me to have controlled amounts of exposure to the world now but I’m sick of lying around doing nothing.” A small bit of bitterness entered Lex’s voice. It felt like a slap to Clark’s face. Lex didn’t take notice as he continued. “I’m doing further research and accessing all your Lex Luthor’s files. You didn’t tell me he’d already attempted and succeeded in making a dimensional rift?”

Clark made a face. “Well, me and the Justice Gang thought it’d be best if we handled all the nitty gritty work. We don’t want a time paradox on our hands.”

“I’m from a different universe as well as time, I don’t think knowing anything from this time would impact my timeline unless I decide to become the president.” His tone was dry. “I need you and the ‘Justice Gang’ to respect me and let me help. Out of everyone, you should be.” 

Clark pursed his lips. It was all becoming more and more complicated. Lex was a regular civilian at this point, there was nothing saying he had the almost metahuman intellect of his universe’s Lex that made him a threat in the first place. Whereas now it’d make him useful, sending the seemingly normal Lex on what could be a goose chase for who knows how long didn’t sound like the healthiest plan. Nor the most practical. What would Guy have to say about Clark playing babysitter? “This universe’s Lex’s world isn’t the same as yours, you could get hurt.”

“I’d rather that than lie here and wait for something to happen.” Mr Terrific could yell at Clark later about everything. Giving Lex the asked for space and autonomy within his own situation was nonnegotiable with how certain Lex sounded. 

Clark slowly pushed the laptop away from Lex’s hands. “Okay, but let’s have breakfast first at least.”

Lex looked peeved at the juvenile redirection, and clenched his fists before sighing. “I am hungry.”

Clark looked down at him with a small smile. A truce. “I’ll make it quick.”

Clark was no liar. Within the time it took for Lex to close whatever he was working with on his laptop and to walk towards the kitchen was enough for Clark to have the waffle maker and pan working. Lex was still swimming in his clothing, and Clark had to stifle any noises he wanted to make at the adorable sight sitting before him.

Clark let a plate of waffles slide across the counter towards Lex, who looked taken aback at the size of the stack. It was generous, five thick, fresh waffles stacked on top of each other with so much syrup dripping down the sides the sight alone nearly gave the man a heart attack. Clark’s plate was even more outrageous- stacked high with ten pancakes and more syrup to boot.

“You are inane.” Lex’s voice was breathless. Clark only shrugged as he shuffled in besides Lex. 

“I eat a lot. And you must be hungry after being left alone all morning.” Clark’s voice was apologetic once again. The guilt kept coming back to eat him alive. “Maybe I should talk to Mr Terrific reinstating some employees here so you aren’t just… alone if you need something and I’m busy.”

Lex’s waffle crunched under the pressure of his fork, and he gave Clark a curious look. “So you really are gonna be looking after me all hours of the day?”

“Well, we want you to be safe. Who knows what kind of faulty machinery brought you here? Anything could happen.”

“That’s true, I suppose. How kind and thoughtful of you, like a super powered guard dog.” Despite the dryness of his words Lex’s voice was warm.

He looked silly still fully donning his Superman outfit, hunched over a stack of pancakes. Clark flushed. “It’s just the right thing to do. We don’t want anything bad happening to you.”

“Yeah…” Lex’s voice was noncommittal as he watched Clark dig into his meal.

They ate fast, the hunger seeming to catch up to Lex. Clark was smug at the dawning realisation on Lex’s face that he wasn’t joking about the legendary status of his breakfast cooking skills. Breakfast was his favourite meal after all. The late-breakfast-technically-lunch left Clark feeling warm and fuzzy. Cooking for others food that he liked might  be a bit selfish, but with how satisfied Lex looked with an empty plate only left Clark beaming with joy.

Clark, ever the gentleman, took his and Lex’s plates to wash in the sink.

Lex seemed to be drowsy after the large meal. His eyelids were drooping and body language  was looser than usual.

“Come to the couch with me.” Lex prompted out of the comfortable silence that washed over them. “We can put on a movie. I wanna see what the future has to offer with cinema these days.”

Clark placed the clean dishes on a drying rack and swiped his wet hands against his legs. “Oh- uh, sure!”

“That didn’t sound very certain.” Lex’s voice was playful.

“Dang, I don’t mean to sound rude. It's just, you seemed so dead set on working earlier.” Clark murmured as he floated over to the couch. Lex walked beside him, and he noticed his shoulders tense at the prodding. 

“I’m just realising my area of expertise isn’t what’s needed for figuring out my… situation.” Lex’s voice was frustrated as he slumped into the thin couch cushions. Clark winced. You’d think Lex could afford more comfortable looking couches. Clark sat beside him, careful not to press too close.

“Bioengineering doesn’t exactly lend itself to interdimensional science.” Lex's hand dragged down his face.

“It’s alright. We have others working on it, and to be honest, I’m not much of a scientist myself.”  Clark looked down at Lex’s defeated face with an earnest expression. He glanced away to grab the TV remote. “And we have movies to watch. Turn off that brain of yours if you can.”

Lex laughed softly. “I don’t think that’s possible, Superman.”

Clark shrugged and began to swipe through the massive array of movies available on Lex’s TV. 

As their chosen movie played, after a lot of bickering over what constituted a good watch, Clark could feel Lex begin to slump against him. Clark softly maneuvered his arm to be more comfortable for him to rest against, and relished in the soft sighs Lex let out.

“Superman.” Lex’s voice was crystal clear.  Almost sharp with the comfortable warmth of the moment. Clark hummed affirmatively. Lex shuffled to press himself tighter against him. “I… there’s no way to say this without it being severely embarrassing.”

Now that caught Clark’s attention. He glanced down at the other, and now noticed the flush that overcame Lex’s face. “You’ll think I’m weak of character.”

“I wouldn’t think that, Lex.” Clark’s smile was warm. Lex didn’t meet Clark’s eye for a moment.

“What’s wrong-“ Clark’s worry was cut off by a pair of lips on his.

Chapter Text

Seeing his father alive and well in an alternate universe was jarring to say the least. Even if Lex knew rationally that the man before him, donning glasses for the blind and white cane, wasn’t really his father. His hair wasn’t nearly as outrageously glossy and he wasn’t blind, point blank. Watching Clark lead the man inside made even more mixed feelings arise. Confusion mostly. What did Clark have to benefit from lying to his best friend’s father? None that he could think of. Obviously Lex’s loyalty was worth more than whatever Lionel could provide, but someone like Clark wouldn’t know that. From his position he’d rat him out to Lionel for the spoils of appealing to a Luthor that’s seemingly higher status here.

Ugh. His father still in charge? The idea was nauseating.

There was a gnawing at his gut while he stood by the helicopter. He could convince the pilot to take him away to where he was originally supposed to go, though his trust in the backstabbing employee disappointed him. Lex peered sharply at the man sitting at the cock pit of the helicopter. He wasn’t trustworthy, who says his ‘father’ wouldn’t be alerted of his unusual change in stature if he were to go? Or if he touched down at the warehouse he’d planned to go to.

It was frustrating how much more interested Lexcorp seemed to be in cloning rather than interdimensional travel. He really would have to do everything from scratch.

Lex spared the pilot one last glance before scoffing as he stalked towards the mansion. He’d have to come up with a way he could convincingly get all the material he needed without raising alarm bells. If his father had come here on a whim based on staff rumours then what else he could do was to be determined. Maybe Clark…

Lionel was familiar with Clark. What a strange reality this alternate self lived in, but that opened possibilities.

Lex opened the door slowly, listening as two voices echoed throughout the house. It seems his dad here was a lot more of a chatterbox.

“Thank you, son. I’ll be here for the next day or two, just making sure Lex has his head on straight is all.” The undisguised disdain in his father’s voice almost took him aback. He hadn’t had to be confronted with someone like that for years now. His father was dead, as he deserved to be.

Lex was dead silent as he crept through the hallway, and peered through the arch leading to the living room. Lionel was sitting in a plush seat, clearly directed to by Clark, who looked extremely uncomfortable. And a little mad. The earlier mention of Lionel and his shittery made Lex pause. Clark really did hate this man’s guts.

“Well, he’s doing fine. Just being a little fussy with being taken care of, you know how he is.” Clark’s voice was tight as he moved away from Lionel. He caught Lex’s eye across the room, and made an aghast expression that definitely signalled ‘Get the fuck out of here!’, without the swearing of course.

Lex stood still, eyes squinted. His ‘father’ seemed unperturbed.

“I’ll get you a cup of water.” Clark’s voice was polite but his displeasure was clear to Lex. He hurried over to where he was peeking, and grabbed him by the arm before tugging him away to the kitchen. Lex was alarmed at the flagrant disregard for his boundaries but didn’t push. Any sound and Lionel could figure out he wasn’t as ill as Clark claimed.

Quiet, Lex followed Clark to the kitchen, and once out of earshot, Clark immediately made a face at Lex. “Why are you here?” He hissed.

Lex blinked. “You’d think you would be happy I stayed put rather than fly off to who knows where without you.”

Clark looked like he was ready to strangle somebody. It made Lex feel a little delight. From welcoming, helpful farm boy to this- Clark being quick to upset was unexpected but made Lex feel a little thrill. Clark pulled a hand down his face. “I’m trying to get Lionel off your tail. How is Lex supposed to come back if you’re here tip toeing around him when you could be gathering tech or whatever you were on about.”

Lex waved his hand, irritated. “I can’t trust that pilot, I can’t trust anyone. It’s clear now that Lionel has a much stronger grasp on Smallville than I once anticipated, which is strange considering this town is so negligible it shouldn’t be on a map. I need to make do with resources closer to here, clearly your Lex isn’t coming back, and this house is the safest place for me to be right now.”

“Not with Lionel in it, it's not. He’ll figure out you’re not sick and that you don’t sound like his son and who knows what he’d do! He has so much money to burn he could probably have you considered dead ten times over.”

“Then we need to get the fuck out of here.” Clark didn’t bother with a response as he hurried to grab a glass and fill it with water from a kettle. “I’m serious, if you don’t trust Lionel that much what is even the point of having you stay here?”

“I can distract him while you get an address to go to if the pilot isn’t as buddy buddy enough with you.” Clark’s voice was irritated.

“But after-”

“Look, stay low, don’t make too much noise, you’re going to be locked in your bedroom because we don’t want Lionel catching your germs, but you’ll be working on a way to get Lex back.”

“You mean I’ll be finding a way to return myself home. Thanks for your concern.” Lex snarled. Clark swept out of the room before he could even finish. Anger came over Lex at the blatant disrespect. He hurried to bite his thumb, before scurrying out of the kitchen. He couldn’t be irrational right now.

Lex didn’t bother listening to the muffled voices from the living room and made his way upstairs. He needed to do another look over this universe’s Lex’s work. He was surprisingly well adjusted from what Lex could observe, and it was getting on Lex’s nerves. It couldn’t be true that another version of him was normal in any way. Lex wasn’t delusional, he understood he was an outlier but it was all for the good of mankind. He was an outlier in the way Prometheus was, destined to make waves in the world while himself isolated and punished for his right-doings. He cannot give up faith that another version of him would have the same burning passion.

He flicked through papers on Lex’s desk, opened and closed every drawer he could, and let his hands scale the walls of the rooms looking for any oddities. Maybe a secret room, compartment with parts, anything. Surely bioengineering wasn’t this Lex’s only indulgence. Cadmus was different this time around, though this Lex not pursuing cloning quite yet made sense. There was no motivation to. He was still under his father’s thumb, any medical breakthrough would be overshadowed by whatever the fuck ‘Lexcorp’ was, and there was no Superman to fuck over. The cards were stacked against this Lex.

Lex built his empire from nothing. He was a visionary, a scientific genius that rose from the ranks of protege to revolutionary, amassing so much money within a lifetime it was a feat only matched by Bill Gates.

There were rudimentary notes about some sort of parasite studied in the labs, and meteorite rocks. Doing his research has made Lex aware of their importance to this town, for tourism and for the safety of people. The number of mysterious disappearances and deaths were so high you’d think Smallville’s quaint serene atmosphere was all a front. And it was, partially.

Several articles by one Chloe Sullivan made it clear, Smallville was odd. It was dangerous. But Lex could use it to his benefit. If Sullivan’s writing was true, that the glowing minerals had so little documented it was more of a miracle maker than a proper resource. The range of responses to meteor exposure is a mystery in itself, but surely it could be used as fuel.

Lex logged into the computer- and despite his negging on Clark previously, he had to admit using technology he was unfamiliar with proved a nice challenge. To work with limited schematics compared to the processing power of modern technology. The address to Cadmus. Bingo. Cadmus has technology from a scientist that this Lex hired to study the meteorite rocks. Lex could make something of it.

With an annoyingly shrill sound, the address was printed. He missed his smartphone.

Lex crept down the stairs, paper in hand, and heard as the voices got louder.

“How has your mother been, Clark? The kidnapping… it must’ve really shaken her.”

“Why don’t you ask her.” Clark’s words were clipped, but Lionel didn’t take notice of it. Or refused to acknowledge it.

“Well, as her employer it’s obvious she wouldn’t indulge in letting me know her emotional state the way she would her son. I’m simply concerned, that's all.”

“It’s fine.”

“And your father?”

“He’s been fine since the charges got dropped.” Clark’s voice was again a little upset.

Jonathan Kent with criminal charges? That seemed absurd. The Kents back in Lex’s universe didn’t touch a fly, or at least, the reports he ordered on them said so. They were mild mannered farm folk with squeaky clean records, apart from a shoddy adoption. A lot more families had suspicious adoptions than people realised, however. Adoption was a rigged game, and knowing the Kents had it in their favour for a kid because they were infertile wasn’t too big of a bombshell. Heck, going after Clark Kent in his universe wouldn’t have done anything. Not without a Superman to torture.

“Ah, what a strange case, that one. I am glad your family got out unscathed.”

“I wouldn’t say unscathed. People thought my father was an angry drunk for weeks.”

“And you knew otherwise, you had the upper hand in the end.”

Lex made his way closer, till he could see Clark and Lionel situated in the living room. Lionel had a cup of water sitting in front of him, untouched, and Clark was splayed out. Knowing that the other couldn’t lecture him about his very obviously frustrated performance.

Lex stared directly at Lionel.

“My dad’s name is in ruin. The farm is suffering.” Clark was a fool confessing such to a man so obviously manipulative. As if he was looking for retribution rather than planning ahead. Lionel didn’t look the least disturbed by Clark’s forwardness.

“And your mother is making up for it, surely. Her salary is generous. However I appreciate you confiding in me.”

Lionel’s face was twisted in the same almost mocking expression mirrored on his own father. That made Lex’s blood just boil. And now this man had been toying with the Kents, toying with this universe’s Lex.

Him dying was the best thing for Lex. It allowed him to build an empire. This Lex will surely do the same.

Clark didn’t grace Lionel with a response. He simply sat, tapping the armrest as he waited out the hours Lionel would torture him with his presence.

As if sensing his presence, Lionel’s head turned the slightest bit towards Lex. Clark followed his unseeing gaze and caught Lex’s eye again. Lex was careful as he showed Clark the paper in his hand and mouthed ‘I’m leaving.’ Clark’s mouth thinned and he nodded. Not that he had much choice. He was at the whims of Lex now. The playing field had evened with Clark incapacitated.

The tense silence continued. Lionel didn’t make any notice of it as he shakily sipped from his cup.

Lex left the mansion paper scrunched up in his grip. He’d just drive one of this universe’s Lex’s cars.

The mansion’s garage was truly glorious. Lex had never been much of a car guy but he knew enough to get by at car shows. It made him look sophisticated.

The cars were obviously well taken care of. Lex smoothed his hand over the hood of the 1993 Ferrari. Its plate read LEX XIV- he almost snorted. How gaudy and self-centred this version of him was. His partying years obviously lasted a lot longer here. Lex withdrew his hand. He wouldn’t be able to drive this without considerable attention, and he couldn’t afford that right now. The only other option was…

Lex meandered out towards the front and sighed at the sight of the Kent Sierra. Great. It was parked haphazardly in front of the mansion. Clark didn’t seem to have a flair for discreetness it seemed. The helicopter sat a bit ways away from the car, seemingly empty. That was strange.

Lex paused by the pickup truck, crouching low. He’d be leaving Clark to fend for himself with Lionel.

As soon as the thought came to his mind, he waved it away. How silly worrying about the man. Clark would be fine, not that it really mattered. He wasn’t much help other than giving him a place to squat at, and even now that’s compromised. Lionel seemed to have some twisted affection for the boy. The tentative truce they had at the moment just had to last long enough for Lex to get what he needed. Clark obviously wanted Lex to do oh whatever he could to get the fuck out of his life and bring back his own pet millionaire. One that would let him linger around that empty mansion of his, buy him whatever he wanted. Lex grew angry at the thought. He’d never let himself be swindled by a nobody into pampering them for literally no reason- there was no rhyme or reason when it came to whatever relationship he was slowly unpeeling while being around Clark. It filled him with dread. Obviously Clark would suck up to a man like Lex, he had money, influence, everything a nineteen year old would have their jaw drop at. And despite him singing this universe’s Lex’s praises, he doubted he was truly as good as Clark made him out to be. It just couldn’t be so.

Clark was delusional, his Lex had to have been keeping him around for something. But what Clark or his family would offer was so slim, their finances were a joke, status even worse. The only thing that came to mind really was sex, but Clark’s stuttering blushes didn’t feel like that of someone regularly sleeping with the Lex Luthor.

Lex scanned the area again, certain the pilot must’ve followed the other two inside somewhere or that he was in the helicopter snoozing way before he clambered into the grotty seats. The state of the car was a mess. Leather on the seats were peeled back, completely missing in some chunks, with the floor disgustingly crunchy underneath dried mud. The Kents seemed to not have the time to do basic car care. It only served to baffle Lex more that he willingly stuck around this boy.

Lex pulled the car out of the gravel driveway slowly, and grit his teeth at the loud rumble. Stupid fucking car.

He glanced back to see the person in his father’s helicopter shoot up at the sound. Fuck. His fingers tightened on the steering wheel as the employee hastily pulled out a phone. Lex’s paranoia flared, an itching at his body telling him to run run run or to squeeze a pencil so hard it’d break. The man was going to call Lionel, then Lionel would call whatever goons or shitheads worked for him to intercept Lex- he’d realise that no that wasn’t his son, that was some stranger and now he was involved in Luthor business. He’d be killed before he made it home after repenting for what should’ve been seen as a misguided attempt to save the world all because an alien fucking snatched the hearts right out of everyone’s chests-

“Clark!” Lex shouted. He expertly spun the wheel around, dragging the car around to pull up closer to the door. Clark had to hear him. Dust flew up from the floor around him as the helicopter employee jumped out of the helicopter. More had to be coming. “We got to get the fuck out of here!”

For a few dreadful seconds, as the engine groaned, Lex feared no one would come out of the mansion. That’d he’d have to leave alone. The thought made him upset for reasons he couldn’t grasp. Lionel’s pawn was shouting frantically now, but Lex couldn’t make out the words.

“Clark!” His tone was frustrated. His foot itched to press on the gas. Fuck, why was he waiting for that oaf?

Just as Lex is about to hit the gas he pauses at the sounds of shouting from inside the mansion. The door flings open, Clark storming out with his face flushed and Lionel shakily on his heels.

The sight was almost hilarious if Lex didn’t understand the gravity of Lionel's involvement.

Clark was drawn up to his full height, obviously making up for the clear confusion on his face at being called out for. Lex gulped. His silhouette was painfully similar to the alien. His hair was windswept on account of running outside, and face flushed with anger.

He turned on his heel and continued to jog backwards towards the car, glowering at Lionel. Who was stumbling over his feet now with the gait of a baby deer. His face was also twisted into a scowl.

“What have you done to my son?” Lionel yelled. Clark simply popped open the Sierra door.

“Nothing more than you’ve done to him all his life!” His voice was dripping with hatred, so much it genuinely shocked Lex. “I’m sick of you!”

Lionel floundered. Lex revved the engine before he could get any more words in. Clark swung into the seat, and turned to Lex with a glare. He pointed at the stick shift.

“Drive.” And for the first time in a long time, Lex listened to another’s orders. He glanced backwards, and rear ended the helicopter pilot trying to make his way to Lionel. Lex’s face stretched into a grin at the sight, before looking over at Lionel one last time.

He was standing up shakily, glasses in hand and eyes squinting at Lex’s face through the car windows. “Lex?”

He looked pathetic. He looked more like his own father now than he ever had.

Rage overcame Lex so suddenly he had to stop himself from punching the gas and ramming right into Lionel. All the feelings he felt about his neglectful parents, both leaving him to his own devices from so early on he made a homunculus at the sweet age of twelve rather than socialise. That all his life Lex strived for the perfection that would cure his hunger when abandoned or that would give him meaning amongst people who thought he had none. All his complicated, humiliatingly human feelings that stopped him from being what humanity needed. They burst out in two words.

“Fuck you!” And Lex promptly hit the gas.

Him and Clark both were pushed back from the sheer force of the car jumping forward.

It precariously drifts a turn away from the mansion into the small dirt road.

Lex could see the mansion become smaller and smaller in the rearview mirror, heart beating so fast it brought him back to the moments Superman had him laying prone on the floor. It was the same feeling, overwhelming and confusing.

Clark was silent besides Lex as the car drove alarmingly fast along the road.

Endless rows of corn didn’t make for good conversation starters. Lex couldn’t even care what Clark was thinking about now, and obviously the other didn’t care to let Lex in on it. Glancing at Clark every now and then, Lex could see the tense hold of his jaw.

He hadn’t even noticed the sheen of tears in his eyes. Fuck, Lex was so easily emotional. Embarrassing. The silence stretched on.

“We’re going to CADMUS labs.” Lex offered. Clark didn’t respond. He continued to look out the window. Lex licked his lips.

“No need to sulk about it. Surely the farm can do without you for a few hours…” Lex’s voice was petulant. Clark pinched his eyes closed.

“Lex…” His voice was warning. Lex didn’t heed it.

“I saved your ass back there, okay farmboy? So don’t be annoying right now.” Lex snapped. Clark looked over, face more confused than anything.

“I’m literally saying nothing.” Lex huffed, and waved one hand.

“That’s annoying.”

“I thought you wouldn't want to hear me speak.”

“I don’t.”

“Oh my god.” Clark ran a hand down his face. “Do you even know what you did?” Lex didn’t respond. Clark continued, frazzled.

“We have a target painted on our backs now! I told you to stay low, but you can’t listen to anything.” Clark was exasperated. Lex growled.

“Fuck off, I needed you here with me. Don’t question it.”

“You could’ve just left me there.” Clark’s voice was whiny. Lex rolled his eyes.

“The pilot was calling someone when he saw me try to leave, he knew I wasn’t staff and that was alarming. Lionel’s employees were already aware to be on high alert for anything, don’t you think that’s a little suspicious? No, you’re always right aren’t you. So self righteous, sacrificing yourself to stay with dear daddy dearest that you didn’t realise you’d probably walked right into a trap. I told you that we should’ve just gone.”

“I still think I don’t need to be here. I could be home with my parents right now with Lionel successfully pacified and gone.”

“If you think Lionel would’ve left without a word, you’re dumber than I thought.”

The silence returned as Clark turned away to look out the window. What a child.

Lex’s driving slowed down as the adrenaline in him wore off.

“What’s at CADMUS? You didn’t tell me before” Clark’s voice was small. A little olive branch to mirror his own. Lex turned a corner. They were still a few hours off from Metropolis.

“I didn’t think it concerned you before, but the labs are dedicated to meteorite research.” Lex could feel Clark tense up beside him. “I theorise we can use them as an energy source to fuel a machine for dimension hopping. The labs also have equipment I can use to solder, code, and put together said machine.”

Clark was silent beside him. “And you’ll leave?”

Lex nodded. “And you’ll get your Lex back.”

Clark didn’t protest further.

Chapter Text

Lex was so warm. He was full from the best waffles he’d ever had, he was drowsy from the near food coma Superman threw him into, and feeling safe for the first time in a while. So of course he had to be impulsive and plant one on Superman. Great.

Lex drew back from the sudden kiss with a sinking feeling, face flushed and eyes squeezed tight. He literally just kissed what could only be described as the epitome of the American way, the blue and red didn’t leave room for much thinking. Fuck, he fucked himself over.

Lex had a habit of fucking himself over romantically. A brief flash of anger and sorrow overtook him at the thought of Helen. His eyes opened slightly, taking in the red and blue material underneath him.

Lex had been with plenty of men in the past. It was another stain on the Luthor reputation smear campaign he lived for when he was younger, and though Lionel swept everything under the rug everyone knew it. There was a reason Jonathan Kent gave him a hard stare whenever he was near after all.

Before his thoughts could derail further, Superman’s hand lifted his chin up and forced him to look him in the eyes. Lex flinched before he slowly opened his eyes, and found himself surprised to see no hatred in Superman’s gaze. Only an affectionate grin that left little room for his imagination.

“Lex.” Superman’s voice was gentle. Lex swallowed.

“I didn’t know you felt that way.” Lex could hear the pity in his voice and bristled.

“I’m sorry, I don’t know why I did that.” Lex began to move off of Superman. He let Lex’s face smoothly draw back from his hand.

“I mean I wasn’t expecting it.” Superman’s voice was surprisingly bashful. He peered down at Lex with a cheeky grin. “But that doesn’t mean I didn’t like it.”

Lex blinked. Superman was so similar to Clark and not at the same time- his hulking build for one, and his seemingly undying faith in Lex. It made the man shiver to have someone so much… better than him, have hope for him. Lex licked his lips.

“I’m surprised. You seem like the paradigm of the American boy next door.” Lex grew a little bold and splayed his hands out on Superman’s chest. God, it was so wide it made his hands look small. Superman let out a breathy laugh, face glowing red. His own hands, absolutely massive, settled on Lex’s arms.

“Well, society changes… oh my goodness.” Superman’s voice hitched.

Lex pulled back, a little alarmed. “What?”

“You don’t know gay marriage is legalised.” Superman’s voice was filled with simultaneous awe and upset at the thought. It took Lex a moment to process before he barked out a laugh. The sheer confusion as the fact settled in for Superman on his face was too much. He tipped forward into his space, body language flirty, and eyes crinkled in a smile.

“Now I know.” Lex grinned. Truthfully, Lex couldn’t see himself marrying a man. Whatever complex feelings brewing at Superman’s words were flushed out at the thought. Lionel would have a few choice things to say about it, and the tabloid fire wouldn’t be worth it. It was easier to marry a woman, which he had, many times over. Call him a romantic, but in the end of it all Lex already accepted he’d be alone. Helen was his last real chance at a lasting love. Lex let the bitter thoughts leave him as he took in Superman’s face.

He was handsome, face kind and eyes even kinder. His dimples were devastating, like a certain someone he knew, and stray curls so perfect it was hard to believe they weren’t supposed to fall down on his face like that.

Lex drew in closer and preened internally as Superman’s face got redder. Having such an impact on someone so otherworldly was just intoxicating. Someone who could literally fly and carry buildings red as a tomato over Lex being in his space- it was almost too much to bear. Almost.

“So, you don’t mind…” Lex drew closer and Superman shook his head slightly, biting his lip. They came together in a soft kiss, slow and gentle. Unlike anything Lex had prior. His love trysts were often rushed, especially with men. Superman’s hands curled around Lex’s smaller wrists, something so little yet so affectionate it nearly sent Lex into a spiral.

Goodness, what was he doing making out with the one person who seemed interested in helping him? It was a monumentally stupid thing to do, but the soft hitches in Superman’s breathing and small noises he made as they parted for air sent a rush through him so strong it was dizzying. Fuck, he couldn’t go back. He couldn’t go back to not having someone like Superman so dedicated to him and function normally.

A voice in Lex’s head was yelling at him. That Superman only gave him so much attention and trust because he’s literally displaced in space, but Lex couldn’t bring himself to care. All that mattered was the warm breaths on his face as Superman drew back for air. Lex licked his lips. He was better than the Lex Luthor of this universe. Superman kissing him was proof of that, and it was addicting to know. The origin of his fixation on Lex was also unimportant. All that mattered was Lex had his attention, and that was more than Lex could ever say about his own Clark.

“Lex.” Superman murmured against his lips. Lex’s face was coy, and he swung over a leg to straddle Superman. The other’s grip on his wrists tightened ever so slightly at the movement. He deserved this. He deserved some warmth and comfort after the past few days of absolute brain fuckery.

“Lex-“ Superman laughed into their kiss, and Lex drew back with a frown. “We need to talk about this, I…”

At her sight of Lex’s impassive face he faltered. Superman’s hand stroked Lex’s arm comfortingly. “Lex, think for a moment.”

“All I do is think.” Lex was a little short with him. Superman chuckled again.

“So does my universe’s Lex. I’m just… I have a girlfriend.”

Lex didn’t move a muscle. Superman didn't look impressed. Lex’s hand crawled up Superman’s chest as he spoke.

“I’ve been with married men before, you got to take what you can get.” Lex shrugged lightly as his finger dragged over the place where Superman’s cape connected to his suit. “But you’re not that kind of man.”

Superman blinked rapidly as he processed what he said, and Lex was almost giddy at the fact Superman didn’t move away with the revelation. His face twisted into an uncomfortable look before smoothing out into his familiar soft gaze.

“No I’m not. Me and my girlfriend are in an open relationship type deal…” Superman’s large hands moved down to support Lex’s thighs. “But we’re not something that’ll be done in secret. And I’m not really a fan of casual.”

“So what options does that leave us?” Lex huffed. Superman shrugged.

“Well, you might zap back to your universe any second.”

“Ever more the argument you should make most of your time with me now.” Lex drew in closer. “I’m not sure how happy your Lex will be once he’s back.”

“He won’t be if I took a romp in the hay with his alternate self…” Superman looked aghast at the thought of his own Lex confronting him, and Lex could help but giggle. His giggles transformed into full blown laughs into Superman’s shoulder. This man would be the death of him. His fingers gripped into Superman’s shoulders. And he still couldn’t have him.

He’d change Superman’s mind.

Before Lex could begin kissing down Superman’s neck, someone’s phone began ringing. Superman could only look sheepish as he scorched Lex a little off him to reach his phone. Hidden in his tights? Lex could only stare incredulously as the other slipped his smartphone out of his red underwear. All previous plans of seduction out of mind.

Superman squinted at the caller ID. “It’s Mr Terrific- it probably has something to do with your situation.” He shrugged. “He doesn’t really call me that often outside of it.”

“What bad timing.” Lex grumbled. Superman’s face went pink as he put the phone to his ear.

“Yeah, I’ll make it up to you later.”

Lex perked up at the words, and Superman visibly stifled a laugh as he answered.

“Hey, what’s up?” Lex pressed his nose into Superman’s collarbone as the other man spoke. His voice’s low timbre made his neck rumble against Lex’s cheek, like a cat purring, and it was strangely calming.

It was quiet for a moment as Superman soaked in what Mr Terrific was saying.

“What are you saying?” His tone took a sharp turn from how relaxed it was before. He shook his head, and hand stroked Lex’s back absentmindedly. “I guess so. Ah, dang. I’ll let him know.”

The call ended with a beep, and Lex drew back to see Superman’s guilty face. Lex pursed his lips.

“Bad news, I take it.” Superman gave him a shrug.

“Well… it’s a mixed bag.”

Lex looked unimpressed. Superman cleared his throat and continued. “So. We don’t know who sent you here but! Mr Terrific currently has a machine set up to basically find your dimension, like a find your phone type of deal.”

Lex nodded along, and watched as Superman’s face grew apprehensive. “But we need some genetic material from someone who's already there, your one seems to be… corrupted?”

His voice ended in a whisper, clearly being careful about offending Lex. Lex tsked.

“That’s impossible.” Lex said, voice tight.

“I wouldn’t say so, I mean, you came here with clothing right? Surely there’s someone else’s genetic makeup on there.”

Lex swallowed and looked away. “I don’t know what you expect but I rarely find myself around others, I doubt there’s anything on my clothing that isn’t just my own material.”

Superman seemed at a loss for words. He pursed his lips. “No pets or family or anything?”

Lex shook his head, clearly agitated at the line of questioning. Of course he’d ruin his own salvation one way or the other. It was always Lex.

Superman shook his head. “No matter, we’ll get your original clothing sent off to Mr Terrific and he can work with what he can find. No need to worry.”

He placed a sweet kiss on Lex’s cheek. “Well get you home.”

Lex didn’t say anything.

Superman kissed his face again, and again, and again. And finally Lex broke his staunch silence with a small smile, which Superman promptly planted a kiss on. Lex gave a small chuckle and pushed at the man’s chest.

“Sorry, sorry, I couldn't help myself, you know.” Superman’s smile was cheeky. Lex just slumped into the other man.

“Sure. As if you weren’t rejecting me ten minutes ago.” Lex murmured into his suit. Superman wiggled underneath Lex.

“‘Reject’ is a strong word. I’m just worried for you.” Superman admitted, hang running over the small of Lex’s back. “I hope you don’t mind me asking why your DNA is a little…”

He made a wishy-washy gesture with his hand and Lex snorted.

“You ever wonder why I’m bald?”

“I assumed you were like my universe’s Lex. He shaved because, and I quote from one of his interviews, ‘It helps me think better.’” Superman giggled at the words. “But I understand you have medical issues.”

“There was a meteorite shower when I was a child in Smallville and I got caught in the crossfire. It permanently rendered me bald, everywhere.” Lex noticed the small flush on Superman’s face and he smacked his chest. “Don’t start thinking too hard now or you’ll hurt yourself.”

“I’m not- I won’t, I won’t.” Superman stuttered with a cough. “I’m not imagining anything.”

Lex watched him, unimpressed, but still smiling. The man finding him attractive was making his ego grow exponentially. “Sure. The radiation also messed with my cells, and I’m guessing that’s why your friend's machine can’t use my biological material. It’s in a constant state of flux with the radiation, which helps with things like colds but not so good for everything else.”

Lex was quiet for a moment. “The most likely DNA you’ll find on my clothing is from Clark Kent. He was around me pretty regularly those days before being zapped away.”

“Oh. Well, hopefully that works.” Superman’s fingers continued to stroke Lex’s side. Lex was almost frozen, considering what could happen with Clark’s DNA taken by these… basically strangers. Even if I wanted his tongue down one of their throats, that didn’t mean that they were trustworthy. He shifted on Superman’s lap. Clark was weird. He wasn’t normal, and he loathed to see what these people would do knowing so. Though seemingly everyone here would give the meteorite freaks back home a run for their money, there was no knowing what they’d do after inspecting Clark’s DNA and figuring out he was the same brand of weird Lex was.

But they couldn’t get back to Clark. He was deserted, trapped in this universe.

“I have an inkling…” Lex’s fingers traced a path up Superman’s neck. He could feel the blood thrum underneath his skin, just like a human’s. But he wasn’t. “- that maybe any Clark DNA found on me wouldn’t be as useful as you’d think.”

“Why so?” Superman murmured. Lex pressed his mouth against his neck.

“Don’t tell the Clark Kent of this universe, I don’t think he’s the same as my own Clark Kent.”

“I-I won’t.” Superman nodded. Lex pulled back and looked into Superman’s eyes with a scrutiny he reserved for his employees. He’d been treating Superman as more of a friend recently. More like Clark a small traitorous part of him supplied. The bright blue eyes staring back at him looked so earnest it almost made Lex want to be mad at him. It was nothing like the naive sadness his own Clark had presented, rather it was more optimistic. Bright, which felt wrong considering this man was much older than his best friend.

An eighteen year old’s eyes should look less jaded. Lex shook his head.

“Nevermind. Just send the clothing off to Mr Terrific, I left it on the bed.”

Superman’s lips thinned. He was clearly curious about what Lex was about to confess. “Alright. Will you be fine here?”

Lex nodded, and slipped off Superman’s lap. His mouth felt dry. He almost told a stranger Clark’s secret. That was unacceptable. “Yes, yes, I’ll be fine.”

Superman stood up, and glanced back at Lex before shooting down to give him a quick peck. “I’ll be back in a moment!”

In a blur of red and blue, Superman disappeared to Lex’s bedroom before shooting out the penthouse windows. Lex watched, curling up on the couch. Alone again. A moment to think without his whole body pressed against the man.

Lex sunk into the couch, his whole body warm. God he was weak. He saw a man the same height as Clark with bright blue eyes and he was whipped immediately. Before his thoughts could continue to spiral, Superman appeared in front of him with a breathless smile. His hair was windswept and skin flushed. “I told you I’d be back in a moment.”

Lex smiled into his arms. “I didn’t doubt you for one moment.”

Superman chuckled at his words, and stretched, allowing Lex’s eyes to rove over his form. He yawned, also tired from their day of indulgence. The movie credits on the TV continued to play, serving as background noise. Superman looked down at Lex with a warm smile. “Although, I am beat. Maybe it's time for bed?”

“Uh huh. And where’d you be?” Lex’s voice was curious, as he propped himself up on his elbows. Superman’s face became red, and he gave Lex a small shrug. He scratched the back of his neck.
“I don’t know. Maybe the bed?” Superman said, voice hopeful. Lex raised an eyebrow.

“And here I thought you’d be taking the couch.” Just as Superman’s face fell in disappointment, Lex stood up, and hand caught Superman’s. He tugged it along, noticing the way Superman’s eyes darted up his arm to his chest. Being swallowed in the bigger man’s clothes was a good choice. “Come on.”

Superman’s face brightened once again, like a dog being given a bone by its owner, and Lex led the man to his bedroom.

His bed was messy on account of being plopped on it earlier today by Superman. Lex was too depressed to really care for the state of the room, it wasn’t his room after all. It was just another space he had to occupy, but now with Superman, the whole room seemed to feel warmer. It was strange. Lex pulled the floating man to the bed, and as Superman hesitated to follow, he demandingly pulled the man down by his shoulders. Superman laughed as he let himself be thrown onto the bed by Lex’s body.

“You sure you need me right here?” Lex’s shoulders hiked. He pulled the man in closer, delighted to feel his arms wrap around him. He smoothed a hand over Superman’s bicep.

“Of course I do. Why protest?” Superman shrugged, and dug his nose into Lex’s side.

“I dunno.” Superman murmured into Lex’s skin.

“What if something happens to me during the middle of the night again?” Lex prodded Superman. The other man’s brows furrowed.

“You’d do it anyway.” He grumbled. Lex squeezed himself closer to the alien.

“I think you’re a pretty good deterrent.”

“Alright, whatever you say.” Now those words made Lex feel something. A spark of delight filled Lex at the words- god, how he loved to hear him. Such a man at his mercy, doing what he says. Superman pulled back, and hand dug into his underwear-pocket thing. He looked apologetic. “Gotta call my girlfriend though, let her know I’m not coming home.”

“Mm, sure.” Lex tried to not let jealousy bleed through his tone. He had the man right where he wanted him, there was no need to wonder about another that wasn’t here. Superman smiled brightly.

“Actually, she’d probably want to speak to you. She’s not a big fan of our Lex Luthor very much, I think she’d like you.” Superman’s voice was bright and optimistic. Like a dog wagging its tail at the prospect of its two favourite people meeting. Lex gave him a worried look.

“Are you sure that’s what’s best?” Lex tried to not sound apprehensive. Superman nodded, Lex sighed.

“I am in bed with her boyfriend. It’s the least I owe her.” Lex grumbled into Superman’s arm. Oh what a place to be. Superman’s smile was blinding as he whipped out his phone.

“She’s a journalist, so don’t take everything she says to heart. And! Everything is off the record, obviously, we don’t need the press for this. Um, this is just between us three.” Superman rambled as the call rang. Normally he wasn’t a fan of the press, but he’d make an exception for Superman.

Clark Kent now worked for the Daily Planet. So strange.

“Cl-Supes?” A feminine voice called out. Superman lit up, and showed the phone screen to Lex. He squinted at the bright light, seeing a gorgeous woman stare back at him. She had dark hair, and shrewd eyes that indicated a cheekiness like the kind in Superman. Her hair was tousled, maybe she had just gotten up from bed, and face was a warm pink. Her face seemed to light up realising who he was, with the bald head, duh.

“Lex Luthor?” She prodded, with a growing grin. Lex nodded.

“In the flesh.” Lex gave her an award winning smile. She nodded, and gave him a teasing smile.

“In my boyfriend’s arms is what you mean.” She laughed. He flushed, and felt Superman’s body shake with laughter beside him. Superman directed the phone up to his face.

“I’m just calling to letcha know I’m staying the night here, and I thought you’d wanna say hi to the man on your mind?” Superman spoke into the phone.

“Right, Lex Luthor.” She nodded. “And not my boyfriend, everyone knows he’s old news.”

Lex chuckled. “I wouldn’t say so.”

Superman waved a hand at him, face pink. “Oh, shucks.”

“I’m sorry to intrude on your relationship here.” Lex began, mind racing. The woman seemed amicable enough, clearly Superman hadn’t been lying about their relationship status. He was always wary of people that told him that, often he’d wake to a woman screaming and throwing a ring at his face rather than the radiant look Superman’s girlfriend had on now. She leaned forward, closer to the phone, clearly curious about Lex.

“Hey, it’s all fine. We have an agreement, and he’s been telling me a lot about you.” She looked him up and down through the phone with a growing smile. “And I’ve been curious about you myself.”

“I’m nothing special, though you two seem to be.” They really did. They looked like a dream couple, two dark haired, blue eyed beauties. She reminded Lex of Martha, weirdly. If Martha was a little more confrontational. And was attractive to Lex.

A yawn came through the phone. The woman waved her hands at the camera. “Ah, sorry, I’m kind of tired. I do appreciate the call, though. I’d love to actually meet you face to face.”

Lex nodded, as did Superman. Superman brought the phone up to his face. “No worries, newshound. Goodnight, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

His voice was warm, sugary sweet. Her voice was affectionate as well. “Goodnight dummy, and you too, Luthor.”

The call ended with a series of beeps, and Superman placed his phone on the tableside dresser.

He turned to smile at Lex. Lex felt cozy, all too warm and satisfied even after the call in Superman’s arms. He dug his head underneath Superman’s chin, with a sigh.

“Goodnight, Lex.”

Lex was already asleep when Superman whispered those words.

Chapter Text

It took the duo a few hours to reach CADMUS. It was inconveniently located just shy of Metropolis, leaving Clark and Lex in an uncomfortable silence for most of the ride. It got better as time went on, as Clark got too tired to make Lex annoyed with little one liners muttering under his breath. Lex on the other hand was perfectly awake. His quote ‘diabolical’ sleeping habits, as an employee described before being fired, let him stay fully focused on minimal sleep. He was a scientist, he couldn’t stop for his bodily functions when a breakthrough could be moments away. That’s where Lex was jealous of Superman, completely and wholly jealous of his ability to be above it all. Above the slop of human life, if Lex had that power he’d be unstoppable.

Clark snored loudly beside Lex as he pulled into the deserted parking lot. The damn labs were annoyingly difficult to find, and Lex hand to hand it to himself. He found a good dump to stash all his work. Not as good as a pocket dimension, but something. There hadn’t been a helicopter tailing the car the entire ride so Lex held out hope Lionel hadn’t caught onto their tracks.

“Clark.” Lex pushed at the man’s absolutely ginormous shoulders. He genuinely looked knocked out cold. “Clark, wake up, we’re here.”

The man continued to snore and lay dead. His annoyingly long eyelashes fluttered over his rosy cheeks, and hair was somehow perfectly tousled. As if he had a permanent bed head, but the sexy kind. He looked like a big dog that’s curled up in a bed way too small for it with the way he was slumped against the car door. His breath was condensed on the glass where he was drooling. Lex, now irritated, smacked his shoulder. “Come on, get up, my father’s employees will see you from a mile away. You massive ass.”

Clark sputtered awake. He wiped at his mouth with the back of his hand. “What- huh, what?”

“We’re here.” Lex exited the car and stalked towards the warehouse, leaving a confused Clark in his wake. As he got closer to the building, Lex could hear Clark running up behind him. He glanced back to see Clark pulling his jacket in tighter, eyes taking in the sight before them.

“We’re here already?” He seemed confused. Lex came up to the garage door, and knelt to feel for a lock on the bottom of it.

“You fell asleep halfway through, moron.” Lex dug through his pockets for the keys he nabbed on the way out. Clark blushed. “Now we can actually get some work done around here.”

Clark pushed the garage doors up, wincing at the loud creak. Clearly it hadn’t been used in a while. He peered over Lex’s shoulder with a frown at the darkness.

“Nobody’s been here for a while.” Clark mused out loud as Lex flicked on a light switch. One by one the lights flickered to life, making a cheap buzzing sound as all the equipment slowly became visible. The warehouse was a mess, with machinery dumped seemingly at random, and blackboards littering the place. The man Lex had trusted with the place and promptly fired clearly wasn’t a neat freak.

“A man Lex hired used to work here on studying meteorite fragments.” Lex moved through the place as if it was his- and technically, on some level, it was. Clark’s nose scrunched at the layers of dust on everything, and he skittered on after Lex, careful not to touch anything. “He was then fired for going against Lex’s wishes about a plant of some sort, that’s what I gathered from the increasingly panicked emails between them.”

“I knew Lex was always curious about the meteorite fallout but I didn’t know he had this much work about them just… laying about.” Clark’s eyes were wide as he tapped a blackboard rife with calculations drawn on it, watching it sway uneasily. “It feels a little reckless.”

Lex peered down at the small engine on the table and swept the dust off with his hands. “From what’s been reported, the meteorite shower had a very large impact on everyone in this town. You’re surprised that the man who lost his hair and had all his cells rewritten is the one who is fascinated with it?”

Clark shook the dust off his fingers, face tight. “I guess not. How’d you know Lex lost his hair because of the meteorites.”

“Medical files in his office.” Lex pulled a toolbox out from underneath a table. He blew the dust off with a frown. “He’d been studying samples of his cells and the reports are readily available under lock and key.”

Clark made a noise of upset. “You can’t just dig through his stuff like that.” He was obviously unhappy, stomping up to Lex. Lex turned to look at him with a sneer.

“I can and I did. Now we’re here which is good by the way. With all this material I can for sure make a device to get me home.”

“And Lex back?” Clark’s voice held a warning tone. Lex rolled his eyes and left the toolbox on the table.

“Yes, yes, your precious Lex will come back and fall right into your arms.” Lex huffed as he looked for the PPE. Clark made a face at Lex’s words.

“I don’t like what you’re insinuating there.” .

“That’s a big word.” Lex laughed

“Seriously, we're just- we’re just friends.” Clark’s voice grew frustrated. Clearly he was unhappy at being useless as he was standing around, while Lex scouted the area for pieces he needed. Lex snorted.

“And why does it sound like you’re not happy about that?” Clark shook his head.

“You don’t even know Lex.” Clark snapped. “Stop talking about him like you do! Maybe even I don’t. I mean- look at this!” Clark swept his arms around the large room. His voice echoed across the crummy garage, and he curled his hands into fists by his side. Lex watched with an indiscernible expression. Clark sighed, tiredness washing over him. He slumped down in a stray office chair, uncaring about the cloud of dust that just erupted at the motion.

Clark dropped his chin on his open palm, face morose. “He didn’t tell me about any of this.”

Lex felt a flicker of sympathy for the man. Which was weird. Lex shook his head and returned back to the mismatched machinery he’d gathered, scattered out on the table. There were motors that the meteorologist seemed to already had been experimenting with, if the pieces of meteorite in the fuel engines. It seemed the four stroke cycle was in the process of being altered to work with a meteorite assisted combustion, truly fascinating. If the work wasn’t incomplete. Lex snapped his fingers in the air for Clark.

“I need to find more of these motors, the man must have them spread around this shithole.”

Clark perked up, eyes all droopy and sad, making Lex tsk at the sight. It was just unbearably pitiful. “Go on now, go fetch. You’ll be actually helping.”

Clark rolled his eyes, familiar snark back as he stood up and walked away with a grumble. “Yeah, yeah, I don’t know why you brought me along anyways. I told you I’d be better off distracting Lionel.” His voice grew faint as he did as Lex said.

Lex didn’t respond, only focusing back on the engines. He truly didn’t know what prompted him to drag Clark along either. He licked his lips and pried open the machinery. Lex told himself he was doing what logic dictated and that he needed Clark, but in reality he really didn’t. So why did he make himself bring him along? Was little old Lex feeling lonely? Lex shook those thoughts away with a frustrated growl. Stupid, he didn’t yearn or want for any human’s presence. Not even Angela’s, and she was his most trusted advisor.

No, Lex hadn’t had the pull to want another person’s presence in more than an employee nature for… ever. Clark was a misstep, an anomaly. Now he had to just make use of him.

Lex could make a portal with the scraps he’d found so far, he had a power source for it and simply needed to work. He observed the crushed meteorite fragments left in the engine with a pencil, poking at it and watching it glow ominously. It didn’t need that much of it to create a chemical reaction, and its sickening green reminded Lex a little too much of kryptonite. Of course he didn’t get to study the material much, being attached to Metamorpho and his reluctance to share it. Lex had come so close to simply holding the man down and chopping the pieces off when he had it out, but Superman had already been at his mercy then. There was no real need to. Now a part of Lex ached that he couldn’t study it more in depth. If this universe’s kryptonite was this versatile of a resource, what’s there to say he couldn’t use it the same way at home?

It was one giant joke that this universe had a literal shower of kryptonite considering how hard it was finding any on his own. You win some, you lose some. He’d have to pocket some of this to bring home.

Nevermind that, he could still rework all the engines and motors to use the meteorite’s power and pump them full force to prompt enough of a dimensional rift he could step through. There was one problem, figuring out how to calibrate the machine to know which universe to find and drop him in. He growled, flicking the cardigan he had around him up. He didn’t have his original clothes, what would’ve had the makeup markers of a different universe. He could use his own genetic material, but he wasn’t really in his universe right now. How could he serve as an anchor when he was right here?

But that was the only option he had. Lex ducked his head and began to work. Everything here was still in working condition, thank you this universe’s Lex Luthor for never getting the power shut off in the facility. He continued to pay the bills knowing no one was working here. He was for sure itching to come to this place and tear it apart, but he clearly got distracted before he could.

Lex, with all the precision in the world, carefully rerouted and soldered the connections between the engines to a new board he could input new commands into. As he was doing this, Lex hears a crash in the background and a line of swears echoing throughout the garage.

Lex glanced back to see Clark laying on the floor a few metres away, hands gripping his wrists as if something had burned him. Clark’s chest heaved with effort he hadn’t seen the man exert all weekend, and Lex made a face as he padded over. Clark looked almost unresponsive as he shivered on the floor, and Lex frowned.

“What’s wrong with you, you simpering buffoon.” Lex kicked at Clark’s arm lightly, nothing that would really hurt the man, just to jostle him a little. Clark only panted into the air, face flushed, and he scrabbled to his feet. As he slowly rose up towards Lex, he looked worse for wear. What could’ve had that effect on the man? Lex’s eyes darted between Clark’s heavy breathing and the small piece of machinery laying on the table. Clark licked his lips and scratched the back of his head.

“Um, nothing. Just tripped.” Clark’s voice was unconvincingly tired. Lex narrowed his eyes.

“What do you take me for? An idiot?” Lex huffed, and Clark shook his head frantically. Lex moved to inspect the thing that rendered him vulnerable.

Lex made a small ‘huh’ as he pushed the small engine onto its side to see a green glow underneath. As if pressing a button, Clark made another gasp sound as he backed away from the mineral. Sullivan’s exposure of the freak accident and abilities people had gained because of the mineral made Lex think further. Clark’s reaction to his admittance there were metahumans and, ugh, Superman, was strangely jubilant. It was obvious under the shoddy nonchalant facade that Clark was highly intrigued in the facts Lex shared. There was a chance Clark was one of those meteorite infected people, and that he shared a kinship with the public existence of metas. Not that any of this information helped Lex. It didn’t stop Clark from being an ass.

And he had a weakness to it? Lex watched as Clark caught his breath behind him, and quickly brought the meteorite into his hands. Lex’s eyes narrowed. It was the same weakness Superman had. If he was correct and this was this world’s variant of kryptonite…

How sick of the universe. To have this Lex Luthor irreparably affected by the very same mineral that should’ve been his saviour.

“So, you’re a meta.” Lex bit the bullet. Clark’s eyes widened and he shook his head, looking like a child caught with their hand in the cookie jar. He stood to his full height, clearly alarmed by the accusation, and stuttered out.

“No- no, why’d you think that?” Lex scoffed and played with the kryptonite in his hands. He let the radiation soak into his hand and swiveled around with it, pointing the material right at Clark. Clark staggered back, panicked. He held out his hand and licked his lips. There was slight perspiration on his forehead. “Luthor- please.”

“Oh, so I’ve been hiding out with a meta who didn’t have the balls to tell me he would be rendered useless by the very same material I need to get home?” Lex snapped. Clark looked annoyed.

“I didn’t know you’d need to use the meteorite rocks!”

“Kryptonite.” Lex supplied. Clark blinked. Lex moved away with a shake of his head, leaving Clark to regain his bearings.

“Honestly, you’re useless. Useless!” Lex slammed the kryptonite on his work desk, and brought a light close in. “I would be better off with Mr Handsome and god knows he barely knows how to lift a pencil.”

Clark was silent as Lex rambled, watching from afar with the caution of a wild animal. “You won’t tell anyone?”

“Who is there to tell?” Lex grumbled. “Your secret literally means nothing. Anyone can be a meta these days. Heck, I’m technically classified as a meta-level treat because of my superior intelligence. And I like it that way.”

His voice was smarmy, full of himself, and Clark didn’t make a noise once again. He slowly moved to station himself behind Lex. “So. You know about my powers?”

Lex shrugged, eyes on his work. “It’s obvious you have metahuman speed with how you were stopping me from smashing shit around Lex’s home. Powers, plural, I wouldn’t know.”

Clark hummed. “You’ve known me for less than three days and already figured it out?”

“Most people don’t writhe at the sight of a green rock, so yes, I did. It’s not a very impressive feat.” Lex grumbled. Clark shrugged.

“I mean, my Lex hasn’t found out yet.”

“Your Lex knows.”

Lex could hear Clark’s heart drop, and flinched as hands pulled him by the shoulders. He was turned with a strength that made Lex’s heart race, and all of a sudden he was staring into wide, unbelieving eyes. Clark’s face was twisted into a look of fright as he shook Lex by the shoulders.

“WHAT?” Clark bellowed. Lex winced and covered his ears with his hands, scowling. Clark, realising he was being a bit extra, let go, and nervously ran hands down his cardigan. He looked frantic. “He knows? How do you know he knows?”

Lex smacked Clark’s hands away, tingling with warmth at the contact. He sneered. “Well you haven’t been very discreet, and I assume you treat us both the same way. Any version of me wouldn’t be dim enough to not notice there’s something wrong with you, and if he is as obsessed with you as you are with him, he’d obviously realise it! There’s no wonder he’s so fixated on you, you’re a freak he can study and use.” Lex punched Clark’s chest with a pen as he made his point clear, frowning at the lack of impact it had on the other man.

Clark looked absolutely lost. “I… I don’t want him to know.”

“Well too bad! He knows, serves you right, doubting a Luthor.” Lex sniffed as he returned to his work. Clark made a wounded noise behind him, so pitiful, so painfully human Lex couldn’t help but sigh. He glanced back to see Clark staring at him with large soulful eyes, wringing his hands together. “What is with you? You look like you’re on the verge of tears.”

Lex’s harsh tone didn’t seem to help, Clark’s face continued to look like… that! It made Lex’s skin crawl.

“I don’t know… I guess I really don’t know Lex. I’m…” Clark dragged a hand over his face. “I don’t know…”

It was becoming painfully obvious to Lex that this man was eighteen. Lex pursed his lips. “If it’s any consolation, your Lex Luthor clearly cared for you in some capacity.”

Clark slumped against Lex’s side, and Lex jumped out of his skin at the contact. Clark didn’t take notice, only taking in the only physical comfort he could afford. He nodded against Lex’s shoulder, clearly prompting him to continue. Lex licked his lips and gently twisted to have access to his work again, with the large man still propped up on him. Connecting all the engines was easy work, the code flying by as Lex typed on the only dingy computer provided. Lex swallowed as he thought of things to say. God, he hadn’t comforted another alive being in a while.

There was Mr Handsome when he was a child. Just twelve himself, making life in his room having nothing else to do. He was in for a rough few days and nights of comforting this creature, who could barely breathe or cry. It might’ve fucked child Lex up to have him care for a thing that’s entire existence was pain and fright without some basic functions even the most ugly baby was afforded. With Mr Handsome’s shriveled arms and body cradled in his arms, under the cover of darkness as to not anger his father or caretakers for creating such an abomination.

“He has a soda fridge in his office room for you. You’re the only person with clearance from his security to come in at random, which truly perplexes me. My- my father even knowing your name is a pretty big sign you’re important to your Lex Luthor. Personally, my father never was interested in such petty things like who his son was acquainted with if you weren’t part of the upper echelons we occupied.” Lex scoffed, feeling the warmth on his back seep into his bones. “I admit I was surprised to hear any version of my father regard a man like you so positively. You must’ve made an impression as a dedicated man.”

Lex could feel as Clark’s ragged breathing smoothed out against his back. “I didn’t want to scare him away. He's important to me.”

“Surely he’s important enough to tell. It’s not the most damning confession I’ve heard. People have done worse than to be a little fast.” Lex mused. Clark was quiet for a moment.

“It’s not just superspeed.” Clark whispered into Lex’s ear. Lex perked up at the admittance.

“Oh?” Clark shook his head against Lex’s neck, and dug himself further into his hold.

“No.” Clark’s voice was muffled against Lex’s skin. “Superspeed. Super strength. Super hearing. X-Ray vision.”

A chill came over Lex. The exact same powers Superman had. Clark continued, unknowing of the inner turmoil in the man he was wrapped around. “I’m not a metahuman. Or like- I’m not an altered human.”

Lex held his breath. “You're an alien?”

Clark nodded against Lex, and squeezed him tighter. His breathing began to sound ragged again, face warm and sticky against Lex’s neck. “I never told Lex.”

Clark Kent was an alien. Clark Kent had the same powers as Superman. Clark Kent was Superman. Except he wasn’t. This Clark Kent had barely grown out of teenagehood- he, he was a man. He was in near tears over the idea of keeping a secret from his best friend because he was a scared eighteen year old.

Lex pursed his lips. This man hadn’t even flown. He wasn’t the same goading, annoying fucker than Superman was. Clark seemed to be placated by Lex’s lack of response, relaxing against his back. He continued to build the machine with the oversized teddy bear. It was weirdly grounding, keeping Lex stable as he put all his focus into building the thing that’d get him home. Lex ignored how Clark's breathing got harder, and body began to sweat as he worked with the kryptonite. It was a necessary evil. He wriggled against Lex’s body, attempting to find comfort, and Lex simply pet his arm as he worked. If the man wanted to stick to Lex so badly, he’d have to be stuck with the side effects. And Lex had to admit it wasn’t bad having a person like Clark panting against the back of his neck.

As Lex clicked the last bit into place, he let out a breath. He was so close.

Clark moved away from him, and Lex didn’t spare him a glance.

“So… you’re done?” Clark’s voice was thick with embarrassment. Lex nodded with an almost feral grin. His fingers flew over the computer connected to everything.

“If this works, it’ll link me to my universe and plop me out somewhere. Hopefully not in the ground, hopefully on my mattress waiting for me back home.”

Clark made a noise of awe. “And you built that all in less than a day?”

Lex cackled as he pressed a button, and he stumbled back, hand waving at Clark to do the same. He looked into Clark’s eyes with a grin, and pointed at his head. “Smartest man in the world baby- you’re looking at the man who made miniature dimensions on his off time.”

Clark’s mouth opened as if to say something but his attention was drawn away as the portal began to spark, engines whirring to life. The cobbled together technology shook under the weight of its task.

And yet it still crackled to life. The culmination of his hard work- Lex laughed maniacally. He was going to go home- he was going to see his beloved bed again, breathing in air that didn’t taste like corn and hay. He would finally get out of Clark’s clothing and go back to his tailored suits and dress shirts. Get back to a life worth living. The altered engines purred, whirring as they forcibly tore a scar through the fabric of space and time. Oh Lex was a genius, a revolutionary, a once in a lifetime mind. Clark watched, entranced by the sight before him, and at the swirling light bathing Lex’s face. The portal being ripped into the universe was unlike anything he’d seen before- a mix of blues, purples and white stirred together to make a kaleidoscope of energy.

And Lex was going to step into it.

Just as Lex braced himself- obviously there was gonna be some discomfort in the prospect of hauling yourself into a glowing portal of pure energy, even if he trusted his work to the fullest degree, Lex flinched under the weight of a hand on his shoulder. He looked up to see Clark’s face, filled with both awe and fear, eying Lex with worry.

“Lex- are you sure this is safe?”

The sound of care tired squealing outside echoed throughout the garage. Clark shot up, face tight, and he pushed at Lex. “Go in-, go in-!”

Lex, cautiously stuck a hand into the spinning matter, and laughed at the lack of pain. The door to the garage burst open, men pouring into the room with their guns up. Lex growled as he glanced back, growing cold at the sight of Lionel following the crowd.

The blind man looked wild, face manic. He pointed his cane in their approximate direction. “Who are you? What have you done to my son?”

Clark shoved Lex into the portal, and he squeezed his eyes tight as he was consumed by a bright light.