Chapter Ten

Warnings: More smexing and angst! You have been warned!!

Lex watched Sam as the younger man sat next to the unconscious Dean. Lex leaned his head against the window as he watched Sam grip Dean's hand, clinging to his brother even though they had so little time left. He knew that Sam didn't want to let go yet of his brother and he understood it so well. It was going to be so hard to pick up the pieces when mere human medicine would be unable to bring back Dean at the end. Still, he understood that hope that Sam clung to and knew in his heart that he would try to help as much as he could.

He'd already started his own investigation into everything, though he wasn't sure he'd be able to find anything that Sam and his hunter allies hadn't already looked into. But he had more resources and he owed these two men his life. If it was truly the last thing he did, he would help them get out of that deal.

He looked up as he heard some shuffling and smiled slightly as an exhausted Clark came over towards the room he was standing outside of. "How was the funeral?" he asked softly as the younger man came to a stop next to him. He noted the bouquet of lilies and gardenias and grinned sadly.

"Didn't go. I couldn't...it just didn't feel right," Clark whispered thickly as he watched Sam and Dean as well. "How is he?"

"He lost a lot of blood and had some internal damage as well. He hasn't woken up yet, but..." Lex trailed off as he turned his gaze back in time to see Sam bowing his head and saying something while he gripped his brother's hand tightly in his own. Shifting a bit, Lex sighed quietly and wiped a hand over his face. He was so tired and hurting, though he was already recovering from his injuries. The blessings of a super immune system, he supposed. "Clark...you're not human, are you?" he finally asked softly. He looked up when there wasn't an answer to see Clark's face grim and sad and he nodded. "It's ok. I think I've always known, but just never put two and two together. Lana knew too, didn't she?"

"So does Dean. I think he understood me the most with everything he's seen," Clark replied softly and Lex chuckled a bit as he turned his gaze back to the two brothers. "Do you know what Lana was talking about with that deal stuff?" he asked after a bit and Lex closed his eyes.

"It's not for me to tell, Clark. That's for Dean to explain," he finally answered and could feel Clark's gaze on him, but he refused to look at his old friend. "So you and Dean, huh?"

"Just like you and Sam, I'm guessing. Guess the Winchester brothers were able to find other things outside of demons and vengeful ghosts in Kansas," Clark remarked warmly and Lex chuckled again.

"Looks like they saved more than our lives," Lex agreed quietly and they fell into silence. After a bit, Sam looked up and smiled at them before nodding towards the door in silent invitation. They went inside and Lex went automatically to Sam's side. "How is he?" he inquired as Clark put his bouquet in a vase by Dean's bedside before sitting down and taking Dean's other hand into his own.

"He was awake for a bit and bitching about there not being any hot nurses on this shift, so he should be ok," Sam answered and leaned back into the hand that Lex placed between his shoulders. He smiled up at Lex and Lex could feel Sam relaxing.

"That's good. Why don't you come back and clean up? Clark can stay here and...I think they need to talk," Lex suggested and both he and Sam looked over to where Clark was watching Dean's pale face while his long fingers stroked the limp hand he was holding.

Sam looked thoughtful for a bit then blew out a breath. "Yea, that sounds like a good idea. Do you mind, Clark? You can call Lex's place when he wakes up...please?" he asked politely as he stood up.

"Sure, Sam. You go rest and clean up. I'm sure Dean would be happy you did that," Clark answered warmly before returning his gaze to Dean's face.

Glancing at Lex with a smirk, Sam led the way out before looking over in time to see Clark kiss Dean's hand. He felt his heart ache with the caring that was there and cursed their situation silently as he turned away and headed out. He started a bit when Lex touched his hand inquisitively, but he forced a smile through the tears that wanted out. Their job was done and, once Dean was up to it, they'd head down to Lawrence and Dean's end. There wasn't enough time anymore...it was almost over.

He slid into the passenger side of Lex's car and buckled up before looking out the window as the scenery passed by outside while Lex drove them to the mansion he had in Metropolis. Dean and Sam's things had been brought to this mansion the other day, so Sam didn't have to worry about too much extra travel. Sam frowned as he thought about all that still needed to be taken care of before they faced the demon. But then he just let it slide away as the soothing sounds of the motor running and the gears shifting washed over him. They arrived at the mansion and got out of the car. Sam ran a hand through his hair and grimaced at how oily it was as well as how much stubble was on his face. He felt so unclean...it had been at least a couple of days since he’d had a good wash down.

He caught Lex’s smirk and grinned sheepishly in return as they headed inside. Sam went to his room after promising to meet up with Lex in the library. He stripped as soon as he was in his room and headed for the bathroom, where he stepped immediately into the shower. He groaned as the hot spray hit him and washed away the dirt that had gathered on him over the past two days, not to mention the blood and sweat. He scrubbed himself clean until he was red all over, then shut off the shower and stepped out. He dried himself off and rubbed his hair dry before tying the towel around his waist. He combed his hair into some semblance of order before going into the bedroom and grabbing a pair of sweats and a wife beater and slipping them on over some boxers after dropping the towel to the floor.

Padding out of the room in just his bare feet, he went to the library and stopped at the doorway as soft piano music greeted him. He smiled as he leaned against the doorjamb and just listened to Lex play, watching the slender, yet powerful body move to the notes that were plucked effortlessly from the keys. Lex’s eyes were closed and he had a look of contentment on his face that Sam found was mirrored in his own soul. It was a strange feeling and one he had not experienced ever, not even at Stanford. And considering all that had happened and was still to come, it was an amazing feeling and one he didn’t want to let go.

After a few minutes, he moved over to the plush leather chair that was situated in front of the crackling fireplace. He sank down into the cushions with a sigh and let his head fall back onto the headrest as he let the music flow over him again. Eventually, it stopped, only to be replaced with some soft jazz from the stereo system that was situated near him. He smiled sleepily as the saxophone and trumpet blended with the soft hypnotic beat of the drums and bass. The cushion under his head suddenly dipped on both sides, but he didn’t move as he felt warm breath on his face and the heat of Lex over him. He turned into the gentle hand that touched his face and then finally opened his eyes to gaze into Lex’s soft gaze. He smiled lazily as he brought a hand up to rest on Lex’s hip and brushed it up along Lex’s side. “Hey,” he murmured and bit his lip as Lex chuckled.

“Hey yourself,” Lex replied lowly and the seductive tones sent heat shooting through Sam’s body. Lex grinned slyly, as if he knew what he was doing to Sam, but then he brushed his lips over Sam’s. “I’m so glad you’re here. I almost...I almost lost you,” he whispered against Sam’s mouth and the words broke something in Sam.

“Me too,” Sam managed before leaning up and pressing their lips together in a hungry kiss. He guided Lex onto his lap and they both groaned as they rubbed together through their loose clothing. He fumbled with Lex’s shirt buttons and then caressed the bared skin as Lex shrugged out of the shirt. They gasped into each other’s mouths as Sam’s hands traveled the pale flesh before Lex’s hands were tugging up Sam’s wife beater impatiently. They both shifted so Sam could draw it off and toss it to the side before pressing together hungrily and touching each other like they couldn’t get enough. Which was the truth...Sam felt like he couldn’t get enough of Lex’s skin, taste, or smell and it was driving him wild when everything he did had Lex making some noise that went straight to his rising cock.

Their hands eventually moved to their lower bodies and soon their pants and underwear were strewn around the chair as they rocked together. Sam cupped Lex’s ass in both hands and pulled him close while biting on Lex’s shoulder and making the other man cry out in pleasure. Their lips met again, clashing together and bruising over teeth and tongues as Lex rode against Sam’s cock desperately. Lex bucked sharply when Sam’s finger entered him and he groaned with need. “Yea...god yea...” he gasped out as he broke their kiss and arched. He suddenly stood and positioned himself so that his mouth was on Sam’s cock while his ass was in Sam’s face and he knew he didn’t have to say anything as Sam took to prepping him while he sucked hungrily on the flesh that was jutting up to meet him. He groaned around his mouthful as Sam’s tongue wriggled into him, stretching and lubing him just a bit before a finger pushed in to take over. He bobbed his head on Sam’s erection, enjoying the explosion of taste that kept attacking his taste buds with every move and the groans that kept rumbling from the depths of Sam’s chest. It was probably the most erotic thing he’d done in a long time and he couldn’t wait for more.

When he felt himself nearing the edge, he managed to roll off of Sam and shifted himself so he was straddling Sam’s lap once more. Their tongues met in a wild duel of passion and the mixture of their tastes was so intoxicating that Lex almost came from that right then. But he knew what he wanted and he wanted it *now*, so he gripped Sam’s cock with a shaking hand and placed it at his slick entrance before he began to sit down and take the large cock into his body. He groaned in unison with Sam as he was split open and filled at the same time little by little until all of Sam was deep in him. He’d never felt so complete or full in his life and he just sat there for a moment to catch his breath as well as adjust to the invasive feeling.

He tilted his head into Sam’s touch and opened his eyes which he hadn’t realized he’d closed and locked gazes with Sam’s emotion filled eyes. He smiled and leaned in for another kiss before lifting up carefully and pushing down again. The burn was delicious, almost to the point of painful, but he didn’t care as he started moving. He moaned into Sam’s mouth as the younger man’s hands cupped his ass again and guided him. Their pace picked up soon enough and Sam’s hips were meeting his with every thrust until they were gasping for air and moving so hard and fast that Lex was afraid he was going to be lost for good. He shouted Sam’s name as he came hard, shooting his semen out to splatter on Sam’s straining torso as he was filled from the inside so full that he could feel it leaking out as they kept moving in the final throes.

Collapsing onto Sam, Lex panted for air and trembled in the aftershocks as Sam’s arms held him close and shook as well. He shifted a bit and kissed Sam’s neck, feeling smug when he felt Sam’s breathe stutter in its work to regain his equilibrium. Sam was *his* and he would do anything to make sure that Sam was safe, happy, and content. He made that vow silently as he bit down on that sweaty flesh before lifting his head to kiss Sam lazily and he could already feel the contentment that was all but radiating out of Sam. He knew then that they were definitely going to find a way to beat things.

Eventually, he got them up and moved them to his room, though he had to laugh when Sam tried to cover himself as they walked down the halls naked. Lex didn’t care who saw Sam, as long as they knew that he was *Lex’s*. Once in the bedroom, Sam tackled him to the four poster bed and they made love again, writhing and thrusting as one until they climaxed. They then curled up together under the covers with Lex’s back to Sam’s chest and Sam’s arms around him possessively as they fell asleep. It had indeed been a long exhausting day and they needed the rest.

But the rest didn’t get to last long when the phone beside Lex’s bed rang. Blearily, Lex reached over and grabbed it. “This better be good,” he growled sleepily as he snuggled back into Sam’s hold and checked the time. “It’s fuckin’ ten at night,” he added to show his displeasure.

“I know...I’m sorry, Lex, but I just wanted to let Sam know that Dean’s checking out and that he’ll be coming with me to Smallville. He says that Sam can pick him up tomorrow,” Clark explained apologetically and Lex groaned as he rubbed his eye.

“Damn Winchesters...too stubborn to stay where they can heal,” he snarled out and looked over his shoulder as Sam snickered into his neck. “Whatcha laughin’ at, fuzz head?” he asked sleepily and grinned when he got spanked.

“Um...I think I’ll leave you two alone then. Just tell Sam, ok?” Clark suggested hurriedly and Lex had barely agreed when Clark had hung up.

He glared at the phone and put it back on its stand before turning to the younger of the two Winchester brothers. “Your brother’s an ass,” he stated as he snuggled into Sam’s warm hold and grinned as Sam snorted.

“You just figured this out?” Sam retorted sleepily before placing a kiss on Lex’s lips.

“Mmm, nah I knew for a while. Just didn’t want to broadcast it,” Lex returned against Sam’s mouth before deepening the kiss hungrily. He couldn’t get enough of Sam and didn’t *want* to. He shivered as Sam growled into his mouth before pushing Lex onto his back and plunging his cock back into Lex’s semi-tight hole for another round of passionate sex that had them exhausted and passed out within minutes. When they woke again naturally, Lex could tell that it was already mid-morning of the next day. He turned over and mumbled a curse as he felt Sam’s arms tighten around him instinctively. “Come baby...time to get up,” he murmured when he turned back and brushed his lips over Sam’s.

“Mmm m’already up,” Sam mumbled against his mouth and Lex had to chuckle when he saw the sizable tent in the sheets before Sam rolled into him.

“Save it for the shower. It’s time to get up,” Lex purred and grinned as Sam whimpered when he slipped out of Sam’s hold. He headed for the bathroom and laughed as Sam appeared suddenly and nearly tackled him as they went into the shower. They made out under the hot spray before Lex knelt down and sucked Sam into his mouth hungrily, earning a growling moan from the other man over the sound of the shower. It didn’t take him long to get Sam to the point that he lost control and physically drew Lex up from the floor of the shower, turned him to face the wall, and then brought Lex’s leg up and held it there as he thrust hard and fast into Lex. Lex couldn’t help the guttural cries and grunts as he was taken and held open so effortlessly by Sam and he had to grip the side rails with white knuckled hands as his climax nearly made him lose his footing. He groaned as Sam bit into his neck hard before filling him and he felt his cock spurt weakly a couple more times in sympathy.

They gulped down air as they pressed as closely together as possible before Sam slipped out of Lex and wrapped his arms around Lex in a secure hold under the water. Turning in Sam’s embrace, Lex kissed him before reaching for the shampoo and cleaning Sam’s hair, enjoying the feel of Sam’s silky hair as his fingers ran through it. Sam rinsed it out and they both grabbed washcloths and shower gel to clean each other, laughing as they got tangled a few times while cleaning. They stepped under the spray to rinse off again as they kissed heatedly before Lex stopped the shower and they left the stall. They grabbed some towels and took turns drying each other off then finished cleaning up while playfully touching each other when the other was busy with something.

But their good moods didn’t last long as Sam went back to his room to start packing up. Lex got changed as well and felt like a shadow had fallen over their golden time. He knew that they would probably see each other again, but the next time it might be without Dean and he knew that Sam would be a mess. He thought about how he could try to help as he pulled on his shoes and walked towards the main foyer where he was going to meet Sam. He had made sure that Dean’s stuff had also been gathered and was glad to see the couple of duffle bags waiting at the front door. He looked over as he heard some soft talking and noticed that Sam was speaking to Bridget, who was his secretary at the Metropolis office. He smiled as he watched Sam charm her and acknowledged that he was just a naturally friendly person. It also warmed him to know that Sam would stick with him even if others came along. He hoped that he would someday be worthy of such trust and that, with all that Sam had shared with him, he might return the favor.

He smiled warmly when Sam glanced over at him finally and he noted the softening of Sam’s gaze. It made him feel warm to see such feeling just for him and also humble. He didn’t deserve it and yet he would cling to it until it faded from his grip. He kept their gazes locked as Sam sauntered over to him and grinned before Sam leaned his head down to brush their lips together. The mere touch sent electricity shooting through him and gave him the urge to take Sam back to bed for another few rounds. From the smoldering look in Sam’s eyes, he knew that it was a mutual feeling. But then Sam sighed and pulled back, breaking the connection, though he made up for it with a gentle caress of his fingers along Lex’s cheek. Lex had to blink back the sudden tears that threatened to well up at the tenderness. No one had ever truly shown him such affection. Not even his mother. If this truly was love, he never wanted to let it go.

Clearing his throat as he grinned, Lex tilted his head slightly into the touch. “Ready to go?” he asked and felt a brief pang at the resignation that had appeared in Sam’s gaze. They would have to take separate cars since the Impala had been brought there to the mansion and Lex would need a ride back to his place since the Winchesters would be going in the opposite direction.

They wrapped their arms around each other’s waists as they strolled out of the house, grabbing Dean’s things on the way. Both of their cars were waiting up front, gassed and cleaned up. Lex couldn’t help grinning as Sam whistled in appreciation as the Impala gleamed in the sunlight, freshly touched up, cleaned, and waxed until it practically glowed. He hoped silently that Dean wouldn’t mind this small token of his gratitude.

“Lex...that’s awesome,” Sam whispered and grinned like a kid at Christmas, which made Lex just want to hold him even more.

“I’m glad you like it. I know I had promised Dean to make sure his car wasn’t touched, but...well I don’t think he’ll mind too much, do you?” Lex answered with a chuckle and Sam couldn’t help laughing.

“Nah, he won’t mind. I think he’ll appreciate you even more,” Sam replied with a wink before leaning in for a kiss. “I’m just happy you’re in my life,” he whispered and Lex sighed into their kiss.

“So am I, Sam...so am I,” Lex murmured back before deepening the kiss briefly. They pulled away after a few seconds and went into their respective cars. Lex led the way out and to the freeway, heading for Smallville with growing regret and anxiety. He didn’t want Sam to leave him, but he had no choice. They had things to do and lives to live. Who was he to hold them back? All he knew was that, because of them, he was a changed man. He would make a difference in the world if it was the last thing he did. He even hoped that maybe, just maybe, Clark would work with him on it. They had a common connection now: The Winchesters.

The trip to Smallville seemed to fly by and creep by at the same time. Lex had his music on and, from how Sam was tapping his fingers on the wheel, he knew that his lover was doing the same to pass the time. He smiled as he ran that word over in his mind: lover. Sam was his lover. He’d had wives, one night stands, and family, but he had never truly felt like he’d loved them. He had a feeling that, given time, he could indeed love Sam and be loved in return. That thought brightened his mood enough to give him the strength to let Sam go.

They took the exit for Smallville and even had a bit of a race down the rural roads. They arrived at the Kent farm in a shower of gravel and dust and got out laughing at their silliness. They met in front of the Impala and kissed hungrily for a bit, desperation and residual adrenaline mixing with their unwillingness to part just yet.

But they pulled apart immediately at the sound of a throat clearing and looked over sheepishly to see a smirking Dean and a blushing Clark walking towards them. Dean’s right arm was in a sling and Clark’s arm was firmly wrapped around Dean’s waist. Sam and Lex turned to meet them and they all could see the happiness and sorrow at parting on each other’s faces. “You two can’t get enough of each other, huh?” Dean asked in amusement and Clark snickered as Sam and Lex rolled their eyes.

“Yea, thank you Captain Obvious,” Sam retorted and grinned with Dean, obviously enjoying an inside joke. His grin slowly faded as he tilted his head a bit. “Ready to go?” he inquired softly and leaned into Lex’s tightening hold.

“Yea almost. We just, ya know, have to say good bye and all,” Dean replied sarcastically, but Sam could tell he was stalling. He knew the feeling, though his was a slightly less burden than Dean’s. He at least would get to see Lex again. Dean wasn’t so lucky.

“Dean, I just want you to know that I’ve put out my feelers for any kind of clue to get you out of that deal. I won’t rest until I find something to help you,” Lex said as he offered his hand to Dean, who took it with a grim smile.

“Thanks man, but...ya only got eight days. That’s not enough time to find much if anything that Sam hasn’t already looked into,” Dean answered regretfully and Sam noted that Dean was avoiding looking at Clark. He realized then that Dean hadn’t explained things to Clark.

“Nevertheless, I will search. Where will you be?” Lex insisted as their hands separated and he stepped back into Sam’s hold.

“Lawrence. Going back home for the end,” Dean drawled and smiled sadly as Sam sighed and looked away.

“Dean...what is going on?” Clark finally whispered and Sam and Lex’s heads whipped to look at him as he stared at Dean in dawning horror. “What’s this deal everyone keeps talking about with you?”

“Clark...I...” Dean trailed off and looked away, avoiding Clark’s probing gaze as he swallowed hard on the sudden bitterness. “It’s nothing you should worry about,” he finally mumbled and Sam snorted.

“Don’t shut me out, Dean! What’s going on! I thought we were going to be honest with each other!” Clark cried as he gripped Dean’s upper arm and shook him a bit. He bit his lip when he saw Dean’s brief flash of pain, but he shook his head. “Don’t leave me in the dark. Let me help too,” he pleaded softly.

“Dean made a deal a year ago to bring Sam back to life after he was senselessly killed. He had one year left to live. His deal is up in the amount of time he just stated,” Lex suddenly explained and ignored the glare that Dean shot him as he focused on Clark’s anguished face. “I’m sorry he didn’t tell you, but I understand why. They’ve tried everything. I’m going to help as best I can to find a way for them to get out of the deal, but...”

“We’re not sure he’ll find anything since I’ve looked into almost everything,” Sam added in with a bitter smile. His gaze turned to Dean, whose face was facing downwards. Glancing at Lex, Sam sighed. “Let’s give them some time. Show me around?” he suggested quietly and laced his fingers with Lex’s. Lex nodded and smiled slightly at Clark before leading Sam towards the barn.

Clark watched them go before focusing on Dean. “You weren’t going to tell me, were you?” he asked hoarsely and tried to keep the bitterness and hurt that was trying to burst out of him in check.

“There’s really nothing anyone can do. Sam just won’t quit and move on,” Dean explained with a nonchalant shrug and a devil may care smirk.

“And he shouldn’t! He’s your brother! How can you expect something like that?!” Clark demanded angrily and followed Dean stubbornly as the older man went over and sat on the Impala’s hood. Clark crossed his arms belligerently over his chest as he glared at his lover. “Don’t any of our feelings count?!” he hissed out when Dean refused to answer him.

“Why do you think I want Sam to drop this, huh?! Because there *is no way out*!” Dean snapped back as he brought his glare up to fix on Clark, but it held no heat...just defeat. He shifted a bit away from Clark, but didn’t get far when Clark’s hand clamped down on his arm as Clark sat down next to him. He could feel Clark’s gaze on him, but his throat was tight on the words that needed to come out. He took a couple of deep breaths before swallowing hard. “I didn’t tell you because...because I didn’t want you involved,” he finally admitted before glancing up at Clark. “You lost Lana because of me. I...I would have rather had you believe I was just some guy who used you than for you to know that I’ll...I’ll be burning in Hell in a few days,” he whispered in a choked voice before looking away to hide the tears that had welled up and were rolling down his face.

He didn’t pull away when Clark’s arm slid around his shoulders to draw him close and he turned into Clark, seeking that warmth and security one more time before it was ripped away from him. He sank into the strong embrace as Clark’s fingers ran through his hair before cupping his head comfortingly. He turned his head into the crook of Clark’s neck and breathed in the scent of the man he’d come to truly care about...even love. He never thought he’d find a love that was so accepting, but the irony that it had been found in the last few days of his life made him want to forget it had ever happened. His bitter thoughts were shattered though when Clark whispered, “Do you really think that I’ll let you go so easily?”

Stunned, Dean shifted back and stared into Clark’s compassionate gaze in disbelief. He leaned into the touch on his face as Clark cupped his cheek, unable to believe that he might have actually succeeded in finding what he had always wanted in life: love and understanding. Clark smiled sadly at him as he tilted his head just a bit to look into Dean’s tearful gaze. “All my life I’ve been searching for understanding and a sense of belonging. I never felt that with Lana or even my best friends. But when I met you, I couldn’t look away. And you never looked away from me. You saw me for what I am and never even flinched. You understood me,” Clark whispered and a tear rolled down his face as he smiled at Dean. He sniffled and took a deep breath as he stood up straight. “I don’t care what it takes, but I *will* help you get out of that deal.” He grinned then and leaned in to rest their foreheads together. “We’ve got a lot of different things to try. I’m not through with you yet,” he growled out and Dean’s face broke into a grin.

“Incorrigible...anyone ever tell you that?” Dean replied huskily before they kissed hungrily and pressed as close together as was possible with Dean’s arm in a sling. Dean’s free hand gripped Clark’s hair as they parted and just breathed into each other’s mouths. “If...If you can’t do anything, it’s ok. Just...promise me that you’ll use your powers to help this world and be...be Sam’s friend,” he whispered thickly before sniffling as he fought the urge to just break down and weep. He had to be strong...he had nothing left.

Clark kissed the errant tears that escaped despite Dean’s best efforts and sighed shakily. “Just don’t give up yet...please,” he finally answered as he ran his hand over Dean’s head and cheek to land on Dean’s neck. Dean nodded mutely and they stayed close for a bit until, in a weird sense of déjà vu, a throat cleared near them and they turned to see Sam and Lex smirking at them. Clark leaned back as Dean rolled his eyes. “Um...enjoy the tour?” he asked lamely and Dean laughed softly as he shook his head.

“Oh definitely. That loft of yours is really great for quickies, isn’t it?” Lex remarked lazily and Sam snickered as Clark looked at them in wide-eyed horror. They could see Clark’s eyes looking them over for signs of their ‘tryst’ and it cracked them up even more, which made him realize that they were pulling a fast one on him.

“Too easy, man...too easy,” Dean commented dryly as he elbowed his lover playfully and earning a look of disbelief from Clark.

“Did you...” Clark trailed off as Dean rolled his eyes again while Sam laughed out loud at their whispered conversation. Clark wiped a hand over his face in embarrassment. “Yea, I should have a sign that says ‘gullible’ on my forehead,” he muttered and looked over when Dean ruffled his hair.

“Nah...you just need to remember one thing: you have super hearing. I think you would have heard them anyways,” Dean reminded him, which earned a grin from Clark. But their good mood soon dimmed as Lex and Sam sauntered over to them. Dean glanced at Sam before sighing and refocusing on Clark. “I guess this is good bye,” he finally said. Impulsively, he reached up and ran his fingers through Clark’s hair a final time. “Keep fighting. No matter how hard it might seem, the end always justifies the means,” he whispered firmly, though his lip shook with held back tears. He would stay strong in this...he had to.

Clark pulled him close and kissed him deeply. “Don’t give up. I’ll find you no matter where you are...I’ll find you,” he stated softly and smiled as Dean’s breath caught before they leaned into each other desperately.

Lex glanced at Sam and smiled. “I’ll call you...just promise to answer,” he said and tried to not let his face show how much this parting was hurting him.

“That’s something I don’t even have to promise. It’s a given,” Sam retorted with a grin before pulling his chuckling lover into a kiss. But their holds were as desperate as Clark and Dean’s embrace. Parting was indeed sweet sorrow, but it was also bitter and anxious with the fears of what was coming dawning on the horizon.

Finally, Dean pulled away from Clark. “Sam, let’s go. We should get on the road while there’s still daylight,” he called gruffly as he walked to the passenger’s side. He wouldn’t be able to drive for another day he figured, so Sam was just going to have to be the driver for the moment. He didn’t like it, but he would deal with it.

Sam smiled at Lex as he pulled away before going over and shaking hands with Clark. “Take care of yourself, Kent. Try not to stir up anymore trouble,” he teased Clark before going over to the driver’s side while the two other men moved back and stood side by side next to Lex’s car.

“Back at you, Sam. And be careful,” Clark shot back with a wide grin.

Dean snorted. “We’re always careful...we just don’t always succeed,” he remarked before sliding into the car and shutting his door.

Looking over at them, Sam smiled. “I’ll see you around,” he said warmly as he pulled open his door.

“Don’t give up, Sam. We’ll find something...I promise,” Lex stated firmly as he watched Sam sidle himself into the car. Sam flashed him a sad smile before shutting his door and driving them off. Lex and Clark watched them leave even after the dust had settled. “I will find a way,” he vowed quietly, then looked up as a firm hand on his shoulder reminded him that he wasn’t alone.

“*We* will find a way,” Clark corrected him decisively and Lex couldn’t help the smile that broke over his face before he nodded. He looked back out towards where the two Winchesters had driven off into the sunset. They *would* find a way if it was the last thing they did.

TBC

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