Fic: Until Someone Gets Hurt

[danceswithgary]

Title: Until Someone Gets Hurt
Author: danceswithgary (danceswithgary@yahoo.com)
Pairing: Clark/Lex
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Spanking(very mild - remember - I twist prompts)
Spoilers: S1 and part of S2, AU from when Helen leaves before engagement
Word Count: 5000
Archive: Fine, just let me know
Summary: When Clark discovers that Lex lied to him, it's time to take some action if they're going to save their friendship, and perhaps even more.

On AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/23746

Comments

[mahaliem.livejournal.com]

I liked the Lex and Clark friendship at the beginning and how they often played games with one another. You did an especially great job with the emotion in this story. Lovely!

[danceswithgary]

Thanks so much! I wrestled with this one because the second prompt I decided to include was way out of my comfort zone - I'll read it, but writing it was a whole 'nother beast. It definitely turned into something different than it started out as. :-D

[touchstoneaf.livejournal.com]

>>Lex couldn't believe the lengths he was willing to go to in order to keep Clark amused, so he would stay and give Lex a taste of what he craved>>

SO true!

>>The buzz and high-pitched thrum of electronics left Lex with a sinking heart. There was only one room with that distinctive sound>>

oh dear...
the reckoning cometh. how is it that this is the favored hinge moment for so many of us? because we WANT Clark to know how obsessed Lex is with him?

>>the pain in Clark's face nearly drove Lex to his knees>>

as always...

>>"It's my life, too!...Everything in here is related to my brushes with death since my arrival in Smallville, and they're all inexplicably linked to you.">>

something we would all do well to remember...

>>"I...did. There's nothing new added since that day. I just couldn't destroy what I already had.">>

oooh, good point.

>>"It would have been like losing...pieces of you...a part of you that I could claim as my own.">>

something Lex could NEVER bring himself to do. he has to hang on to any little bit of Clark he can. *sobbing*

>>How you could be so dishonest with me, with yourself>>

um...he's much more honest with himself than you are with yourself, lovey.

>>"What if your father saw this and decided to come after me or my parents? What gave you the right to place us in danger?">>

i sometimes wonder if Lex ever considered that, or if he was so convinced of his own cleverness in that cat and mouse with daddy...

>>"How can I trust you with what I am and how I feel about you, if I can't even trust you to keep your word about something as important as this?">>

oooh, ouch. yeah, that hurts! and i bet Lex's heart just LURCHED at the 'how i feel about you' bit; chances lost (maybe)...sigh.
god, these two and the bad timing and the crossed wires...

*reads on avidly*

[danceswithgary]

Gracious, this one stuck a couple dozen nerves I see. *grin* You've certainly picked up on all the points I wanted to address for both of them. Thanks so much for the in-depth commenting. *hugs*

[touchstoneaf.livejournal.com]

>>"All you've ever wanted was my secrets, Lex. You could have had so much more. Now you only have your pieces of me. I hope they'll be enough.">>

oh, CRY!!!
NO, Clark; the secrets were just the SYMBOLS! he wanted you and couldn't HAVE you and this was all he had to hang ON to to feel CONNECTED to you, you elusive little wraith! *headdesk*
god, some ppl just DON'T get that!!!

>>Lex looked around at his trophies, his face contorted with self-loathing. ...shouting, few words comprehensible between gasps and cries of gut-wrenching anguish>>

okay, this entire scene blew me away. SO very VISCERAL and REAL! a masterwork!

>>Lex ignored the cuts he received from flying glass as well as the blood that made his makeshift weapon slippery in his grip, the splintered ends gouging the tender skin of his palms.>>

GOD, i love it when Lex's crippled love makes him self-destructive.
it shouldn't be so toe-curlingly goddamn sexy, should it? *feels guilty for...oh, about a half a second...then goes right back with popcorn*

>>All he could see was a red haze of destruction, never realizing the flickering was due to rising flames>>

oh, and Clark's angry, and gone, and...i've had nightmares for Lex that started out this way. *starts cursing inchoherently herself*

>>someone seized him from behind, disarming him with ease. Furious at the interruption, he kicked and flailed against an immovable presence, his hoarse shouts incoherent>>

seriously, you have NO idea how tangible my relief is here. i should have known nothing would...
i am so caught up in this. as always, with your fics.

>>Please stop fighting me, Lex>>

and yourself...

>>I thought I'd lost you.>>

you are aware how very much you make me sniffle, i hope? that line sums up SO damn much...

>>Lex thought the kiss to the side of his head was a hallucination brought on by lack of oxygen, but the low, distressed voice informed him otherwise>>

i swoon. yes, i do...

>>"I thought you had, too. My brain declared our friendship was over, but somehow forgot to tell my heart to stop loving you." Another nuzzling kiss sent a shudder of relief through Lex's body>>

i swoon harder and look for chocolate.

>>Looks like I missed a hell of a coming-out party...>>

wait for it...

>>for the newest Incredible Hulk.>>

CRASH!

>>His forehead dropped to Clark's shoulder as shouts and pounding feet began to approach along the hallway>>

their body language kills me. i mean, seriously; they TALK 'friends'...and their bodies say 'wannabe lovers'. *smacks them silly for being noobs*

>>he flashed a pleading look at Clark and whispered, "Please don't leave me.">>

see? again, swooning.
you just KILL me!!!
this is one of your most powerful scenes ever, just so you know.

>>He wasn't sure his heart and mind could take losing Clark twice in one night>>

you and me both, babe. *wants to help cuddle Lex*
what IS it with that guy that gets us all...desperate to HELP him?!

[danceswithgary]

I did pull out the stops a little on the intensity, I think I lost the original PWP somewhere along the line. Thanks again for the comments! :-D

[rosy5000.livejournal.com]

Started off so cute and sweet, then BAM! you nearly tear my heart out. Lex destroying the room had me so close to tears, my heart was breaking so much for him. I'm glad Clark came back. Though everything wasn't fixed in the same night, at least they are still going to be there for each other.

[danceswithgary]

They both went through a lot, but they also cleared at least some of the air. They definitely have a chance and you know it all worked out later because that's all I write. :-D Thanks!

[touchstoneaf.livejournal.com]

Lex knew he was running out of reasons to delay his return to the bedroom suite where Clark was supposed to meet him. He was clean, he was warm...and he was being a coward>>

have i ever told you i ADORE your sense of audio/visual AND emotional detail?

>>scrubbed himself dry with no regard for tender, damaged skin>>

still a bit self-destructive, are we? still punishing ourselves a bit?

>>then scrambled into the clothes that had mysteriously appeared on the vanity>>

love Love LOVE!

>>while he'd been oblivious to anything but the pounding spray and the mocking voice in his head>>

again with the a/v details. i ADORE you!

>>The dark blue and gray flannel bottoms topped with the red tee shirt, both worn soft and faded with age, were an unsubtle declaration of ownership and equality>>

OH! *clutches heart*

>>cutting words. "I'm not supposed to be angry about how you treated me, Lex? Like a specimen to be studied under a microscope?"
Denial exploded from Lex. "No! It was never like that! I...I wanted to feel closer to you, to understand you." His head dropped to his chest and his eyelids shut out any remaining light. "I wanted to know you better...because I love you.">>

my tummy is all clenching while my heart is happy and i am just LOVING the CRAP out of this!!!

>>"You did, Lex. Every piece of information you collected on me, everything you learned in an attempt to understand me, could be used against us if it got into the wrong hands>>

he never did get that. it was all about what HE wanted, needed. not that it's an excuse, but i'm not sure Clark ever truly got that about Lex, though: that he was never RAISED with the concept of 'just because you can, doesn't mean you should.'

>>"Sure, go into hiding and spend the rest of my life alone>>

talk about rip your heart out.

>>Hell, I've thought about just giving up, turning myself in, and letting them do their worst. Cut me open, perform their tests, take me apart into little pieces they can display in jars>>

talk about rip Lex's heart out. all kinds of reality, just exploding all over!

>>It would be over, all the lies and the secrets, always letting my friends down, and disappointing my parents...and you.>>

the BURDEN...Lex never did get how much of a BURDEN this boy lived under!

>>because you'd all end up on the tables next to me while the scientists tried to figure out whether you'd been contaminated by me, maybe even changed into something like me>>

oooh; THAT one i missed. wow, your insights kill me.

>>"Of course, Lex. And what scientist wouldn't fight to be on the team who vivisected the only....">>

oy; is that an accusation? he knows Lex has scientific aspirations...

>>Huddled in the furthest corner, Clark's shoulders shook silently, his arms wrapped around his drawn-up knees and hiding his face>>

do you know how you kill me?

>>"Clark, how do I fix this? Please, I'll do anything. Just tell me what to do.">>

*sad sigh* He always does that, doesn't he? doesn't consider consequences, just goes with his impulses then has to figure out how to 'fix' things retroactively... god love him, but boy, he needs to do a little more thinking things through. he lets himself get into such a mental WHIRL...
i get the impression that when Lex's emotions are involved, his thinking gets a bit...circular. and he always circles back to the driving emotion. which just keeps pushing him onward into further realms of negative impulse control.
poor baby.

[danceswithgary]

Lex had some long-needed home truths brought out. I love both of the boys, but they both have massive ISSUES due to their parents and upbringing. Once they see that they've both been damaged and they're not alone in their pain - then healing can start. Thanks!

[touchstoneaf.livejournal.com]

>>I get so angry with you, with what you've done, and that's dangerous. One minute I think I can handle it and you, and I'm strong enough. The next minute, you're tearing me apart and I feel...completely helpless>>

ohhh..he's afraid of his own reactions!
Clark hasn't really been raised to trust himself. yet another thing to lay at his parents' feet. though...got to give them credit; they did the best they could. still... *waps them*

>>Lex threw himself forward and pinned Clark against the wall, clambering into his lap while he sat there, startled>>

well, that's one way to pin him. he'd never just get up and dump Lex; he's so terrified of hurting anyone. plus, Lex gets to cling. clever boy.
closeness PLUS conversation. the old subconscious at work. clever subconscious!

>>I can't lose you, Clark. Please, don't give up on me.">>

my heart NEVER CEASES to melt for that boy...

>>"I do. That's why this is ripping me apart. I can't take this anymore, always holding back, never taking what I want...>>

oh jeez.

>>and now it's too late. It's over before it even started.">>

DON'T say that! *feels like her heart is being ripped out of her chest right along with Lex's*

>>but I was afraid I'd ruin what we had>>

*kills everyone who doesn't GET that!!!
gawd, i'm all emotional!

>>"Are people irredeemable, Clark? If they do something wrong, should they suffer for it for the rest of their lives?">>

aw, i feel such PRIDE here! look at our boy, actually proving he thinks he's worth fighting for!
course maybe he's just running on sheer desperation, unable to let go; but still. LOOK at him fighting for them!!! god love him!

>>"You could punish me. You could do whatever you wanted to me until you thought I'd learned my lesson, and then you could forgive me and give me another chance.">>

LOL, okay, i see kink coming from a mile away, here...
Clever, clever Val... *emotional agony turns to grins all round*

>>When the vision of being handcuffed to the bed while Clark did whatever he wanted flashed through Lex's mind>>

Lex and I? we're like this. *mimes a forefinger from temple to temple*
love that man...traumas, bad choices, woobies and all.
wait. especially the woobies.

>>"What did your parents do when you misbehaved?">>

Okay, Lex, honey; it's not a punishment if you're ENJOYING it!!!

>>"What about Pete? What did his parents do?">>

okay; now he's just OOZING the old HINTING and HOPING. he's hoping all OVER Clark. how does he not FEEL it?!
oh, right. totally ingenuous. sad.

>>"So he learned his lesson...."
Clark's eyes widened as he began to comprehend the direction Lex was taking the discussion>>

took him long enough.
have i mentioned lately how much i LOVE you?!

>>"I couldn't do that, Lex! I couldn't hurt you, not on purpose!">>

oh for fuck's...
(sorry, couldn't help it. sometimes that boy drives me to cursing.)

>>Sliding his hands deep into the dense curls that had always tempted him, Lex forced Clark to look at him again>>

it kills me to think how long he's died to get his hands in there...and in the show, he never gets to and that makes me want to DIE.
just thought i'd mention it.

>>"If you leave, if you give up on me, it will hurt me forever. That pain will change me, Clark, and it won't be a change for the better>>

exACTLY!!!

>>You...help me to see a better way to be, Clark. Please don't take that away." Lex's voice broke, raw with emotion. "I need you so much....">>

EXACTLY!!! DAMN, you have the BEST grasp on their dynamic...
Lex can't push Clark away for his own good no matter how much they fear they'll destroy each other...because he senses that Clark might be the only thing that could save him...and these two just DESTROY me!!!

[danceswithgary]

Okay, Lex, honey; it's not a punishment if you're ENJOYING it!!!

That is why the fic took a left turn, that and the thought that Clark's first time would be spoiled.

Thanks!

[touchstoneaf.livejournal.com]

>>Lex shrugged. "I could stand braced against the wall or piece of furniture.">>

just a little too much like what you really want, here, Lex; and i repeat, it's not punishment if you ENJOY it!

>>Clark thought of the potential power behind one of his blows, wincing as he envisioned the snap of bones and dislocated joints if Lex were to be caught between the proverbial rock and a hard place>>

i really love this about Clark; who otherwise is only tolerable when he's with Lex.

you know...this could be considered...practice...for later. for the other rock and the...
no, i can't say it. it's too much innuendo for even my dirty mind, lol. but the concept still stands.

>>Lex blurted out, "The traditional method is lying across someone's lap. I mean...I would be on your lap.">>

your dirty mind is even worse than mine. *giggling*
ah, Lex submitting to pure humiliation for Clark's peace of mind... somehow i think that's the greater part of the punishment.

>>"It would have to be my hand. I'm still not sure about this, Lex. I could hurt you badly." Clark ducked his head, his cheeks flushing as he confessed, "I'm... really strong."
"I know. I trust you, Clark.">>

*sings* "you make me so very happy..."

>>Any arousal Lex may have felt earlier at being close to Clark had disappeared when Lex saw how distressed Clark was>>

oh. well...good. puts it back on the right footing again. or something.
and my glee disappears. sigh.

>>Only after that was solid would they stand a chance at something more>>

i let damn near year go by in mine. i can't get over the fics that have them falling into bed mid-confession. i mean, it's one way to take it out on each other...but it would be more about the negative aspects of their relationship than building on what they COULD be.

>>Lex could position himself across the strong thighs he'd dreamed about so many nights>>

okay, so the glee is coming back. (i'm so bad)

[danceswithgary]

No easy solutions - sorry. *grin* Thanks!

[touchstoneaf.livejournal.com]

>>As he squirmed to get as comfortable as possible, making sure to position his genitals so that they would not be pinched or crushed accidentally>>

and have room to maneuver, lol.
just in case.
(seriously, this brain has a problem)

>>Lex didn't think he'd ever be ready, but he'd made his choice and would have to stick to it, no matter what. The prize was worth the cost>>

ah, humiliation.

>>Clark immediately began to babble, asking Lex if he was all right and if he'd injured Lex badly>>

again, one of my fave things about Clark.

>>"Pull down my pants.">>

seriously, you are such a BAD girl, Val! *giggles*

>>The anguish carving deep lines in his face took Lex's breath away and he scrambled to his feet just long enough to allow him to crawl back into Clark's lap, straddling his legs. Clark's hands had frozen in mid-air and Lex coaxed them around his waist, tucking Clark's head under his chin and crooning wordlessly>>

you do an AMAZING tightrope walk here between almost-kink, caring, unconsciously sexy, and incredibly serious that it's very much taking my breath away. hell, this one PARAGRAPH runs the entire gamut!

>>Just don't leave me, please don't leave me.">>

the unspoken is, 'not like everyone else i ever loved has'.
God, i want to heal Lex!!!

>>apologizing for the boy's broken dream of first times colored by love, not tainted by pain>>

well, good point. *glee carefully set aside for...later*

>>"Don't leave me."
"Lex, I can't do this tonight."
"Sleep with me, Clark, just sleep. Hold me and let me hold you, nothing else. Nothing you don't want...I need you. I don't want to be alone anymore.">>

again, crying for Lex. he's always been alone.
*kills Lionel slowly and painfully*
i hate that man. HATE HATE *HATE* that man!!!

>>"I love you, Lex. I forgive you.">>

wow. did not expect that.
ah, the power of spooning...

>>Restraining the urge to roll over and kiss Clark until he lost control and touched Lex the way he'd dreamed of for so many nights>>

ah, nobility.

>>They'd had enough pain in their lives>>

HEAR HEAR!!!

>>Time and love would close the wounds they'd carved into each other, and they would heal>>

DOUBLE HEAR HEAR!!!

>>He closed his eyes and waited patiently for the sun>>

BRILLIANT final line!
and you've done it again. jeezus, how do you keep FINDING 'em?!
and you do so WELL by them!!! you're just damn good at finding ideas that so well compliment your style. *bows in the face of your artistic genius*

[danceswithgary]

*blushes at compliments*

This was an example of a story that had a mind of its own, not sure what that says about my style except that I let them go where they want sometimes. Glad it worked out for you. :-D Thanks!

[hils.livejournal.com]

I generally avoid kink/spanking fics but I was curious because you said this was different. LOL!

I love it! It was raw, emotional and a perfect capture of the earlier seasons

YAY!

[danceswithgary]

I have a feeling a number of my readers aren't going to be as adventurous as you. I appreciate it you giving it a chance. :-D

It was a tough one to write and gave me the massive hint that I need to stay away from the mpreg challenge because if I found this one hard to write.... Let's just say that's another one I'll read and often enjoy but don't see myself writing.

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks!

[yavannauk.livejournal.com]

Beautifully done, I love the emotion in this.

[danceswithgary]

It was difficult for me to write, so I'm thrilled that you enjoyed it. :-D Thanks!

[lapetite-kiki.livejournal.com]

Nice cover for this story!

[danceswithgary]

Thanks!

[talesofmicetea.livejournal.com]

Love this!!!! Poor boys they seem destined to screw up theirs lives so often:? Great new banner too!

micetea

[danceswithgary]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed!

[ender24]

wow, you had me fooled! i didnt believe in a happy ending anymore half way through!!
great job!

[danceswithgary]

It was a twisty little fic, wasn't it. ;-) GSo happy you liked it! Thanks!

[peach1250.livejournal.com]

You know you hit something here that I don't think the writer's or most of the audience gets...You don't get that angry with someone you are only 'friends' with.

Lex will always be the most important person in Clark's life.

Very well done and quite different from most of your writing. Nice to see you branching out. But also good to still have the happy ending. I love angst as long as I get my happy.

[danceswithgary]

It was definitely a departure for me - it's good to know that worked. Thanks so much!

[attaccabottoni.livejournal.com]

The drama got me very distressed until the end part. I guess I wasn't prepared to be affected by it, or maybe I just never liked the idea of being blindfolded or being unable to see in the dark. Anyway, this is one of the more memorable accidental ways Clark finds about about The Room, and a unique way of resolving the issues between the both of them right afterwards. Good job on the prompt, even without the requested pr0n. :D

[danceswithgary]

I would say challenge was the right word for this one. *grin* Thanks so much for reading! *hugs*

[roxymissrose.livejournal.com]

beautiful beginning, love, just really cute. I can imagine how much fun it would be to play Hall Croquet with crystal. *roxy's inner twelve year old envies*

From there it went to heart wrenching, with a very very believable reaction from Clark and Lex. Lex's solution was completely him, heart in the right place but missing a few vital steps. I have to tell you, I'm very glad that they didn't make up on a whipping. There's no magic make-up, but it did end on a positive note-as much as they want it to work, it will.

[danceswithgary]

Their night did go to hell in a handbasket, didn't it? I struggled with that spanking - it just felt wrong to try to make it erotic, even Lex figured out pretty damn quick it was going to be anything but. I'm glad you agree on the direction I took it! Thanks!

[ilovedoyle.livejournal.com]

I was a little tentative of reading this, what with the 'spanking' warning; but I am so glad I did!!

[danceswithgary]

I afraid a number of people are going to be the same. I'm glad you checked it out - and Thanks!

[joolz01.livejournal.com]

It makes me happy when they work things out! Thanks for the story.

[danceswithgary]

I insist they they end up together in my stories. :-D Thanks!

PS. I'd like to tell you that I love your SV stories, have read them many times with enjoyment.

[lexalicious70.livejournal.com]

Another great offering. Loved it so much, especially how Clark wanted to leave, but he forgot to tell his heart to quit loving Lex.

I think that's still true today. :)

[danceswithgary]

I think you're right, why else would they still be so drawn to each other, pretending it's hate. :-D

Thanks!

[maigie2010.livejournal.com]

Oh dear, this was very emotional and touching. Lex's fragility and their weakness, love and strength of his feelings for Clark. And Clark hurting, yet coming back because he loves Lex so much. This was a truly enjoyable read because you dealt with emotional issues with a deft touch. And the healing and comfort at the end was such a great conclusion.

[danceswithgary]

They have so many things to work out between them, but they taken the first steps. :-)

So glad you enjoyed and thanks!

[plnunn.livejournal.com]

That was sweet story with just that touch of kink. Lex begging to be spanked - - that was unexpected.

I liked the way their relationship worked in this one and i loved Lex's desperation and Clark's hurt feelings.
Lovely story.

[danceswithgary]

Thanks! I really liked exploring this departure from canon and I'm glad you enjoyed it. :-D

[selinamoonfire.livejournal.com]

I have to admit, I was hoping for something a little more... *looks as innocent as possible and fails*

I think this is wonderful. The friendship between Lex and Clark is so cute. I loved them doing silly things to entertain themselves and so Lex could keep Clark near.

And the rest? Lex's anguish had me sniffling. It was so detailed and raw.

"It would have been like losing...pieces of you...a part of you that I could claim as my own."

That is such a better motivation than simple revenge. I can see Lex being unable to give up those mementos.

And poor Clark! So sad and desolate because of his secrets. *sniffles more* But he will have a happy ending eventually! :D

[danceswithgary]

More just wasn't going to happen in this story - we'd have to check back in a year or so to see if Lex still needs to be 'punished.' :-D

The lightness in the beginning was to emphasize the later drama, guess it worked. *pets you*

Thanks!

[tasabian.livejournal.com]

Woof! Boy Drama is sexy! Love the games at the beginning and frenzied Lex destroying his Clark-room is a scene I'd like to havce seen on the show. I especially like this bit:

Frustrated at Clark's refusal to listen, Lex snapped and shouted, "It's my life, too!" When Clark fell silent in shock at Lex's outburst, Lex continued, "Everything in here is related to my brushes with death since my arrival in Smallville, and they're all inexplicably linked to you." Lex stood there shaking with emotion, his eyes intense as they commanded Clark's attention. "I was looking for answers, trying to discover why I was still alive despite overwhelming odds against my survival."

I've always felt Lex absolutely had the right to investigate his brushes with death!

[danceswithgary]

The writers did miss their chance on that one, especially since we've seen Lex's temper more than once. :-D

Glad you enjoyed! Thanks!

[carolandtom.livejournal.com]

Great story!

I loved that Lex realized, and admitted to Clark, that, no matter how hard he tried to justify the room, he was wrong. I really enjoyed your approach to Clark's discovery and his and Lex's reaction. Luckily the love they have for each other is so strong they can overcome any crisis, even one as serious as this one, and without needing to resort to any kind of physical punishment.

I'm glad for the happy and even sweet ending! I think you made the perfect choices for this fic. Great job!

[danceswithgary]

Their love was key to this fic, it gave them the impetus to listen to each other and then eventually forgive. So glad you enjoyed this! Thanks!

PS. I do hope you're feeling well now.

[kpjmm.livejournal.com]

Oh wow! I enjoyed this story a lot! My heart broke for Lex and how Clark reacted is what I wish is what happened on the show!

[danceswithgary]

A set of scenes like this on the show would have definitely been different. Glad you enjoyed! Thanks!