Title: Into the Light III-No Kind of Friendship

Author: Angelee

Fandom: Sentinel/Smallville

Pairing: Lex/Jim/Blair

Summary: What makes a friend a friend?

Beta: By my sister Anna. All remaining errors are mine-with apologies.

Note: Hugs and kisses go to Wolfmistress. Thank-you. (o:

Into the Light III-No Kind of Friendship

Lex tossed himself onto the bed. “So where’s Jim?”

“Outside watching Clark. He’s got a real fascination for the boy,” Blair said, chuckling.

“Hmm, so did I. At one time,” Lex replied, reaching for the willing curly-haired man. “but not any more.”

Blair gave Lex a sloppy kiss on the lips. He started unbuttoning Lex’s purple shirt. “Wanna fool around?”

Lex watched the nimble fingers quickly remove his shirt, a small smirk on his face. “You don’t think that six times a day is enough?”

“Hmm, no. I have a real thing for bald guys,” Blair replied, tossing the shirt carelessly to the floor.

“And Jim?”

Blair smiled at him. “Case in point.” Reaching for Lex’s zipper.

Lex moaned. “Oh, you are in so much trouble.” Helping Blair with his pants until they ended on the floor as well.

“Hmm.” Blair climbed on top of Lex. “You’re so smooth, so soft. Touching you is like touching silk.”

Lex looked up at Blair, tangling his fingers in what felt like miles and miles of soft, curly hair. “I love your hair. What’s it like to have so much hair?”

“Hmm, it’s alright unless you’re the one having to wash and untangle it.”

Lex tucked an errant curly behind Blair’s ear. “I’ll wash and comb it for you.”

“You will?” Blair asked, lowering himself fully onto Lex, who arched up at the sheer delight of having a warm body on top of his.

“Y…yes. Every day. If you like.”

“I’d like that.” Blair gently caressed Lex’s bald head. “Later?”

Lex moved into the gentle touch. “Later. S…shouldn’t we ask Jim to join us?”

“Call him,” Blair told him, nuzzling Lex’s neck happily.

Lex’s blue eyes lost focus for a moment. “He’s watching Clark drive posts into the ground with his bare hands,” He said, smiling up at Blair. “and muttering ‘Damn, that boy’s odd’.”

Blair chuckled, gently stroking Lex’s chest. “Call him anyway. We need him more than he needs to be a Peeping Jim.”

“Alright.” Lex closed his eyes and sent out gentle feelers toward his Sentinel. Letting them caress him like a warm, gentle breeze against the skin.

It didn’t get Jim’s attention right away. It took a few minutes before the Sentinel noticed the touch.

“Lex?”

“Yes, oh-Sentinel-mine. Blair and I would like you to join us in another round of fooling around.”

Jim smiled, suddenly losing all interest in Clark. “You do, do you?”

“Hmm-hmm.”

“And what if I don’t want to fool around?” Jim heard Blair make a very rude sound. “It could happen.”

“Not even when you’re a hundred and twenty,” Blair told him, affectionately.

“I love you, too.”

“Yeah, I know. As much as toe fungus, huh?”

Jim crinkled his nose. “Now that’s just gross.”

“Yup, come up here. Before we start without you.”

“Oh, please. You already did that,” Jim replied, rising to his feet.

“Well, yeah, but we want to make a Sentinel sandwich.”

Jim entered the house. “Oh?”

“And Lex wants to get you first and then I get a go at that beautiful body of yours.”

Jim smiled broadly. “Oh, really?”

“Yup.”

Jim shook his head as he opened the door to their bedroom. He approached the bed still smiling as he opened his shirt, spreading it wide. Dumb Guides never learned.

***

“I told you it wasn’t going to work,” Blair hissed at Lex, wincing slightly as he sat down on the really hard chair at The Talon.

Lex sat down just as carefully. “It was worth a try though.”

Jim sat down eyeing his Guides. “Is there something wrong?” he asked them, smiling broadly.

“Nope. Nothing’s wrong. What could possibly be wrong?” Blair replied hastily, wincing again when he moved to quickly.

“Lex, is there anything wrong?” Jim asked his bald Guide, who was moving just as uncomfortably in his chair.

Lex stopped moving. “Hmm, no. Not a thing.”

Jim reached over and gently ran his finger down the side of Lex’s face. Smiling at the look of pure pleasure that crossed his Guide’s face.

“Was I perhaps a little to rough in showing my appreciation for my beautiful Guides?” Jim whispered, cupping the side of Lex’s face. Watching his blue eyes close in contentment.

“Hmm, no,” Lex replied. “You can show your appreciation that way any time you want.”

Jim chuckled softly. “I know.”

“Hi, Lex. Where’ve you been?” A cheerful voice asked. Breaking the mood and startling Lex, whose eyes snapped open.

“H…hi, Clark. I’ve been around,” Lex replied, wincing, uncomfortably.

Clark frowned slightly. “Are you alright?”

“Fine. Just had a major workout this morning.”

“Oh. Mom wants to know when you can come over for dinner.”

Lex looked at his Sentinel. “Jim?”

Clark frown deepened. “Why are you asking him? There was a time when Lex asked no one’s permission for anything.”

Jim tilted his head as he contemplated Clark. His animosity toward the farmboy had not defused, even with Lex’s obvious affection toward Clark. “You’re pushing it, boy. I suggest you don’t continue,” He told him quietly, too quietly.

Clark paled slightly. “I…it’s just that Lex was his own person before he met you.”

“He’s still is his own person.”

“How? If he has to ask for permission to have dinner at my house?”

Lex smiled slightly. Deciding not to say anything and let his Sentinel handle it. It should be very interesting. Even if not exactly fair toward Clark.

“Lex is not alone anymore, Clark. He is one of three. Did you think of that?”

“Hmm…” Clark started, unsure of what to say.

“He was being polite. Which you obviously are not.”

Clark flushed at the insult. “Are you saying I’m rude?”

“Yes.” Jim turned to contemplate his bald Guide. “And besides Lex cannot have dinner with you or you family for the foreseeable future.”

“Shouldn’t Lex be the one to decide that?”

“He did that when he agreed to be my Guide. And he doesn’t have to explain himself to you or anyone else. Nor do I. Do I make myself clear?”

“Lex is my friend.”

Jim gave Clark a smile that would have frozen lava. “Was. He was you friend. Lex has better things to do now than hang out with an immature teenager. No matter what planet he’s from. You will go away now and not come near my Guide until I say you can.”

“You can’t do that.”

“I just did.”

Clark stood there for a moment as if waiting for Lex to say something. When he didn’t he slowly walked away. A look of utter devastation on his face.

“Oh, man-that was cold,” Blair told him, shivering slightly. “Did you see the look on his face?”

Jim watched Clark walk away, before turning to look at him. “I know, but he had it coming. You saw from Lex’s mind what that boy did to him. He’s a selfish, self-absorbed, little twit who has no business hanging around MY Guide.” He turned toward Lex. “Is that understood?”

“At one time that would have bothered me, but not now. You’re trying to protect me, I understand that and it’s very much appreciated.”

Jim reached over cupping Lex’s cheek. “It’s not forever. You can be his friend again when and if he ever matures.”

“I have what I need in you and Blair,” Lex replied, softly, kissing the palm of his Sentinel’s hand gently. “For the first time in my life I’m happy, truly happy.”

Jim ran his thumb over Lex’s bottom lip “I’m glad. If I get you something to eat, will you actually eat it?”

“I could eat.”

“Blair, what would you like? I don’t have to ask you, ‘cause I know you’re always hungry.”

The curly-haired Guide frowned. “I should be insulted, but I’m not. Get me a banana nut muffin and a large regular coffee. None of that fancy stuff. Straight coffee.”

“Lex,” Jim asked his bald Guide. “what would you like?” Reclaiming the thumb Lex had been happily nibbling on.

“Hmm, same as Blair, please.”

“You got it,” Jim replied, getting up. “I’ll be right back.”

They both watched the tall Sentinel make his way to the counter. “Damn, he’s one sexy Sentinel, isn’t he?” Lex said, appreciatively.

Blair smiled, sighing. “Sure is.” He turned to Lex. “You don’t mind about Clark?”

Lex looked over to where Clark was quietly watching them. Hurt clear on his beautiful face. Lex hardened his heart. He had to, it was after all for the best. “No. Jim’s right. I don’t need Clark anymore. I found what I need with you and Jim. I got nothing out of my so called friendship with Clark, nothing but more heartache and turmoil. After a while, it’s time to cut your losses and move on. There’s a part of me that will always care for Clark, but having a friendship with him is to much work and not enough benefits, at least for me.”

Blair touched Lex’s hand. “It’s not good to hold onto the bitterness. It’ll distort your aura.”

Lex sighed unhappily. “I know. It’s just that I can’t help being a little bitter.”

“I know, but let it go. You’ve got Jim and me now. And we love you a whole heck of a lot.”

Lex smiled at him. “I know and I am more grateful for that than you’ll ever know.”

Blair tangled their fingers together. “We know, Lex we know.”

“I love you, Blair.”

“I love you, too. Hey, we get back to the house maybe Jim will want to play again,” Blair told him, wiggling his eyebrows.

Lex chuckled softly. “I don’t know if I’m up for it. He just about knocked the stuffing out of me this morning.”

“I think you’ll be up for it. Take a look at that sexy body not even that black and white flannel shirt can hide. Those beautiful blue eyes that say ‘take me, take me’. Blair said as they watched their Sentinel coming toward them carrying a tray with their food and drinks.

Les snorted. “That hasn’t happened yet. Not in the whole time we’ve been together.”

“It will.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“He’s let me have him,” Blair told him, with a smug smile.

Lex frowned. “He has?”

“Yup,” Blair nodded his head, vigorously, sending curls all over his face.

“Since we’ve been together?”

“Yup.”

“You lie,” Lex said, reaching over to tuck the loose curls behind Blair’s ears. “I’d know if that had happened.”

“Yup.”

“Asshole,” Lex replied, breaking out in laughter.

Clark watched from his lone table. Listening to everything Lex had told Blair. Devastated by his words. He’d never realized what he’d done to Lex.

Clark realized with a start that he had constantly rebuffed Lex’s overtures of friendship unless he wanted something then and only then did he want anything from Lex, calling him friend just to get what he wanted. And then never really properly thanking him for his help. Acting as if it were his due.

Jim was right he was a selfish, self-absorbed little twit. And now it was too late. Jim wouldn’t let him with in a foot of Lex.

As if hearing his thoughts Jim turned to look at him. His blue eyes flashing coldly at Clark in warning, before turning to feed Lex a piece of muffin.

Clark watched Lex nibble on it delicately, eyes closing in pleasure. He’d never seen Lex so happy and carefree.

Lex deserved to be happy. Clark knew he deserved to be happy. Yet it hurt Clark deeply that he didn’t have anything to do with the smiles that crossed Lex’s face. Or the little giggles he was giving. He’d never heard Lex giggle before. He didn’t even know Lex COULD giggle.

Yet there he was giggling at something Blair was telling him and Clark was kicking himself for the ten kinds of fool he was.

No one saw him leave The Talon, heart broken. Or so he thought as pair of eyes followed. No sympathy or consideration in their cold, blue regard.

***

“Mr. Kent. It’s nice to see you. What can I do for you?” Lex asked, as he rose from his chair to greet the farmer.

“Hello, Lex. I’ve come about Clark.”

“Oh,” Lex replied, noncommittally as he shook Jonathan Kent’s hand.

“He’s been moping around the house for a week now. His mother and I can’t get a thing out of him. I was hoping you could help.”

“I’m sorry I have no idea. I haven’t seen Clark since that day at The Talon a week ago. Please, have a seat. Can I get you anything?” Lex asked as he sat back down at his desk.

“No, I’m fine. A week? That’s when he started acting strangely. Did anything happen? Did you say something to him?”

Lex frowned. “Why do you assume it was something I said? I am not to blame for all the evils in the world, Mr. Kent. Despite what you might think.”

“Lex…” Whatever Jonathan was about to say never got voiced as the doors to Lex’s office flew open.

“Lex, are you okay?” Jim asked, sparing the elder Kent a look The Sentinel cupped his Guide’s face lifting it up to look into Lex’s blue eyes. “The bond is ringing like crazy. What is it? What’s wrong?”

Lex smiled. “I’m fine, really. I have a visitor.”

Jim turned from his careful inspection of his Guide to look at Lex’s visitor. “Jonathan Kent.”

The farmer frowned at him. “Do I know you?”

Jim gave him a cold look. “Oh, no. But I know you.”

“Jim.”

“Shh, Lex.” The Sentinel replied, pulling Lex against his side protectively as he contemplated Clark’s father. “I’m not going to do anything.”

“Who is this man, Lex?” Jonathan asked, frown deepening.

“This is James Joseph Ellison. My Sentinel.”

Jonathan’s eyebrows shot up. “You have a Sentinel?”

Lex chuckled, when Jim pulled him closer. “Yes, a very protective Sentinel.”

“Oh, well as I was saying Clark’s been acting strange.”

“And that concerns Lex-how?” Jim asked, barely concealing his hostility.

“Not that it concerns you, but they’re friends.”

“Not anymore, they’re not.”

Jonathan looked from Lex to Jim. “Since when?”

“Since I said.”

“And who are you to be telling Lex who he can and cannot be friends with?” Jonathan asked, angrily.

“Since Lex chose to be my Guide. Not that it’s any of your business.”

Jonathan looked at Lex puzzlement clear in his blue eyes. Lex was contently rubbing his face against Jim’s side. Not really paying attention.

“Does he have you under some spell, Lex? Or on some kind of drugs?”

Lex chuckled softly. “No. Mr. Kent. And if I did any drugs Jim and Blair would kick my ass.”

“Who’s Blair?”

“I’m Blair.”

Jonathan turned to look at a curly-haired man walking in through the door. “Blair Sandburg. And you are?” Blair asked, offering his hand.

“Jonathan Kent,” The farmer answered readily enough, taking Blair’s hand.

“Ah, Jonathan Kent,” Blair repeated, nodding his head. “That explains the warning bells.”

“What?”

“Nothing. Just making an observation. What can we do for you, Mr. Kent?”

Jonathan looked around the room. More confused now than before. “I wanted to talk to Lex about Clark.”

Blair opened Lex’s little refrigerator, helping himself to a bottle of water. “Want one? What about him?”

Jonathan shook his head. “No, thank you. I wanted to ask Lex if he knew why Clark was acting strange.”

“Lex, do you want some water? Why would Lex know? He hasn’t even seen Clark in a week. Jim, water?” Blair pulled out two more bottles when they both nodded.

“That was about the time he started acting strange.”

Blair sat on the edge of Lex’s desk, after handing Jim and Lex their bottles. “Did you ask him?”

Jonathan nodded. “Yes, but he won’t answer. Just says everything is fine.”

Blair took a drink from the bottle. “Well, maybe it’s a hormonal type of thing. Clark is at that age where everything goes wacky.”

“I was hoping Lex would be able to shed some light on it.”

“Lex has been busy. Like I said he hasn’t seen Clark.”

Jonathan tried to look over at Lex, but Blair was blocking him and Jim. “Is their friendship really over?”

“It was never a friendship, Mr. Kent, even you should be aware of that,” Blair told him, curtly.

“How do you know that?”

“I’m Jim’s other Guide and if it concerns Lex we know about it.”

“Lex?”

“Yes, Mr. Kent?”

Blair had moved away from the desk allowing Jonathan to see him clearly. Jim was kneeling on the floor talking quietly to him. Lex’s head tilted to the side as he listened.

“Is this true?”

“Yes, Mr. Kent,” Lex answered, distractedly.

“Is there any way for me to talk to you alone?” Jonathan asked, earning an angry glare from Jim.

“No. Besides I think there is nothing left to discuss. Please tell Clark it has been my pleasure to know him and I truly hope he has a good life. Blair will see you to the door.”

Jonathan rose reluctantly. “Lex…”

“Mr. Kent, I have a life that does not involve your son. I would’ve figured you’d be happy about that. I know, I am. Please tell Mrs. Kent ‘Hi’ for me.”

Jonathan looking back one final time, seeing Jim pulling Lex gently into his arms.

***

It had been three months since Clark had last seen Lex. It was quite a shock seeing him walk into The Talon with Jim and Blair.

His blue eyes filled with laughter and happiness. Clark had never seen Lex looking so happy and carefree. He was laughing at a joke Blair was telling him. His arms thrown casually around the curly-haired man’s shoulders as they walked in.

“Hi, Lex,” Clark said softly, unsure of his welcome as he came up to them once they’d settled at a table.

Lex looked at him, giving him a brilliant smile. “Hi, Clark. How are you? How are your parents?”

“Their good,” Clark replied, tentatively. “How are you?”

“I’m great. Thank you for asking.”

Clark looked at Jim and Blair shyly. “Hello,” he told them, quietly. “Can I sit with you?” he asked Jim.

The Sentinel gave him a long searching look. Apparently finding nothing amiss. “Yes. Please do.” He rubbed his hands together. “Okay, what can I get for everyone?” He frowned at Lex. “You WILL eat.” He told him, sternly.

“I will eat,” Lex replied, obediently.

“And without complaining that you’re to full from lunch. That salad you had couldn’t feed a hamster.”

Lex smiled up at him. “I will eat and without complaining. Get me a muffin of your choosing and a coffee.”

Clark watched the whole byplay wistfully. He really missed Lex, more than he ever thought possible.

“Clark, what can I get for you?”

“Hmm, whatever Lex’s is having.”

“Alright. Blair? No, never mind I’ll just get you one of everything being since you’re always hungry.”

Blair smiled up at him. “I so resemble that remark.”

Jim gently stroked the side of his face. “I know.”

Clark felt his stomach tighten at the ready affection. Feeling such an intense wave of longing he had to fight back tears at the pain it caused.

“So how’s school?”

Lex’s voice startled him. “Hmm, fine. It’s almost time for spring break.”

“Any plans?”

“Not really. Helping Dad around the farm. That’s about it.”

Lex tilted his head to the side as he thoughtfully contemplated Clark. “Are you alright.”

“I…I’m fine. I just miss you.”

Lex gave him a tiny smile. “Do you?”

“Yes, very much.”

“Did your Dad tell you he came to see me a few months back?”

Clark moved uncomfortably in his chair. “Yeah, he did. I’m really sorry about that.”

Lex touched Clark’s arm. “It’s okay. He was just worried about you. Is everything better now?”

Clark had to fight to keep his arm still. Wanting desperately to touch Lex back. “No, not really.”

“What is it? Is it something I can help you with?”

“Lex?” Jim growled softly at him, placing the tray on the table.

“I know. But Clark was sort of my friend and old habits die hard.”

Clark felt his eyes fill with renewed tears. “Sort of friend?” God, that hurt-really, really hurt.

“Well, you couldn’t really call what we had a friendship could you, Clark?” Lex asked him, softly.

“No, I suppose not.”

“You suppose?” Lex said sharply, bring Clark’s head up.

“I know I wasn’t much of a friend, Lex. I know that now and I am sorry. Do you think maybe we could start over? I really, really miss you.”

Lex looked over at his Sentinel. “Jim?”

“What do you want to do, Lex?” Jim asked him, ignoring Clark for the moment.

“I would like to try again. I miss Clark.”

Jim ran his hand down Lex’s nose affectionately. “I know you do. Both Blair and I know you miss the farmboy.”

“I’d like to try again. This time on more even terms. I don’t need a friend as desperately as I did three years ago. I’m more stable. Hey, no comments from the peanut gallery, Snoopy,” Lex told Blair, who made a rude noise. He turned to Clark who was looking at him wistfully. “I would like to try again. Can we, Clark? Give it one more try?”

Clark gave him a huge smile. “I’d like that.”

“Cool.” Lex turned to look at Blair. “Yeah, yeah, you’re rubbing off on me. And I happen to like it, thank you very much.” Turning back to Clark, he offered his hand. “Hello, my name is Alexander Luthor. And you are?”

“Clark Jerome Kent. I’m very happy to meet you, Alexander,” Clark replied, happily, taking the hand.

“Call me, Lex, please. I’d like to introduce you to my Sentinel, Jim Ellison and Blair Sandburg, Jim’s other Guide.”

Clark unwilling to let go of Lex’s hand, offered Jim and Blair his free one. “Hello, Mr. Ellison, Mr. Sandburg. I’m very happy to meet you.”

Jim took it. “Hello, Clark, please call me Jim.”

“Hey, let go,” Blair complained. “so I can say ‘Hi’, too.”

“Sorry.”

Blair shook Clark’s hand enthusiastically. “Hi, I’m Blair and I’m very happy to meet you. He gave Jim and Lex a mischievous smile. “Have I ever told you guys I have a thing for green eyes and curly hair?”