Expectations: Propositions

Every Monday Lex went into Metropolis for the day. All of his meetings were set for Mondays; anyone who didn't want to meet on Mondays could just come out to Smallville. Thus far, no one had been stupid enough not to show up on a Monday.

This particular Monday, an unseasonably warm autumn day, had been a light day, allowing Lex to spend a bit of time to reflect, looking out onto the Metropolis skyline, a clear and sunny. Thinking about what Clark had said after the baby shower, he picked up his phone.

"Marcy? Call Mike Fitzsimmons and tell him I want to see him for lunch at Versailles."

"Of course, Mr. Luthor."

"Thanks," Lex said and hung up, taking a folder out of his briefcase and staring at the pages. Taking out his pen, he started to fill out information.

Versailles was the new club for the young executives, not their father's club and all that. Sunny with glass tables and brightly colored fabric chairs rather than dark walls with oak and leather banquettes.

Mike Fitzsimmons, Lex's lawyer and one of the few acquaintances from boarding school he still talked to, was a bear of a man, easily as tall as Clark. He stood up and shook Lex's hand before they sat down, the waitress already at their table. Lex ordered an iced tea, and after a raised eyebrow, Mike followed suit.

"So, business?" Mike asked in his deep, booming voice, making Lex glad they were in the more secluded part of the terrace.

"Personal business, anyway," Lex replied. Taking a sip of his water, he checked the distance between the waitress bringing their iced teas and their table. "I want to marry Clark." Before Mike could say anything, Lex waved a hand at him. "This week."

"Why now?"

The waitress was back at the table before Lex could answer, and both men quickly gave their orders. After the waitress disappeared back into the restaurant, Lex leaned back in his chair as Mike started on the breadbasket.

"With more kids on the way it just seems the smart thing to do."

Mike looked at him over a mouthful of olive rosemary roll, then waved a hand as he finished swallowing. "You've had since you guys found out he was pregnant with Lexine to think up a better answer than that, Lex. Try again."

"You do remember that you're my lawyer, don't you?"

"Lex, you guys didn't get married before Lexine, after Lexine, or when you found out about the triplets. So why now?"

Lex viciously ripped a roll in half and stuck his knife in a flower-shaped pat of butter. "Free milk and the cow," he said, ripping a chunk of bread off and chewing it.

"Ahh. Farmer Jonathan and his barnyard platitudes strike again?"

Lex took a sip of tea and considered. "Kind of. This hasn't been the easiest thing on any of us, but I don't want Clark to get the idea that he's being used."

"Lex, I'm sure that he doesn't."

"Mike, he's about 8 months out from normal, even for Clark. He's had to give up a lot for this. And it just feels right." Lex played with his butterknife for a minute, then put it down and looked back at Mike. "So just tell me what I need to do to get this ball rolling."

Mike leaned back in his chair, looking thoughtful. "Well, from a custodial viewpoint, it's a good move." He held his hands up at Lex's narrow-eyed glare. "This is what you pay me for, Lex."

"Mike, that's not an issue."

"He's already your beneficiary, so legally, this won't be a big change in other ways. The updates we did to your will last month cover the rest."

"It's not a matter of the legal stuff, I just think we need to get this done before the triplets are born."

Mike gave him a shrewd look. "He said yes?"

Lex looked at him over the rim of his glass. "He will."

"Oh, Lord. Luthor Arrogance 101."

Lex had the grace to look down for a second, but the moment was fleeting. "Of course he will. There's no reason why he'd say no." Almost to himself, he added. "No reason at all." Lex looked up to see Mike watching him with a faint smile. "What?"

"Nothing. Just thinking a little humility in a Luthor is an interesting concept."

"You're a very funny man. I'm also thinking that maybe it's time for a new lawyer."

Mike just smiled.

"I'm picking up the rings this afternoon, I called Gustav last Friday."

"You ordered the rings but you didn't propose yet?"

"Mike..."

"Okay, okay. Well, you'll need a license. Hawaii doesn't require a blood test or a waiting period, so fifty bucks and the license and you're good."

"I want you to set it up with an official for Saturday. I called Jane at the resort and reserved the whole place."

"Are you bringing everyone?"

"I can't think of any way not to." Lex said, sighing. "Clark's parents, of course, but I can't figure out a way to not have my dad there." He turned as the waitress returned with their entrees. Leaning back, he allowed her to put his steak down, then waited until Mike had been served. They assured her they were fine, and she left them to their meals.

"Do you have a pre-nup?" Mike asked around a forkful of potato.

"Are you kidding? For Clark?"

"Lex, I'm just saying, this is different than living with the guy. It's a legal thing."

"Mike, there is no way I'll need a pre-nup. There's no way I'll *give * Clark a pre-nup to sign. There's no need."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, Mike. I'm sure that my superhero soon-to-be-husband, father of my four children will not need to sign a pre-nup. I think after four kids, he would deserve anything he asks for. Not that something like a breakup will ever happen."

"As a good lawyer, I have to say, this isn't the best thing."

"Mike, if you think I'm going to ask Jonathan Kent's son to sign a pre-nup, you're out of your mind."

"Lionel isn't going to like it."

"That wouldn't exactly be a first," Lex said, returning to his lunch.

"Dunno. The rumor around the water cooler is that someone represented by Strasse-Fitch set up four trusts last week."

Lex looked up from cutting his green beans. "How much?"

"Billion each."

Lex choked on a bite of steak. "Great. You know he's just doing that to screw me on the taxes, don't you?"

Mike grinned. "Probably," he said as they returned to their plates and more frivolous topics, like last night's Sharks game.

As they shook hands outside the restaurant, waiting for the valets to bring their cars, Mike turned to Lex. "You're sure about the pre-nup? I can have one drawn up, just in case."

"There is no way in hell, Mike. None," Lex said again, reaching into his pocket for a tip as the Ferrari was brought around.

"All right. Congratulations, Lex." He grinned at his bald client. "Give Clark a hug for me."

Lex gave him a grin as he slid into the Ferrari's supple leather driver's seat, happy that the Minivan was home in Smallville. "I just might," he called out the window before heading back to his office.

Lex left the office just before three, his original plan of leaving at two thirty disrupted by Dominic showing up to complain about any number of things. Dominic's last complaint had been about Lionel's current companion, a mystery woman that the office was calling 'the Blonde'. While Lex didn't know anything more about his father's new companion than anyone else, he wasn't going to let anyone know that; so he commiserated with Dominic, but didn't let anything slip. Since he didn't know anything anyway, feigning ignorance wasn't at all difficult.

Arriving at Jorgensen's Jewelry, Lex was buzzed into the back office, where Gustav Jorgensen was waiting.

"Lex, good to see you," the old man's shock of white hair and thick, black plastic framed glasses gave him the look of someone who had just managed to survive on National Health by the narrowest of margins.

"Gustav, I'm sorry I'm late." Lex sat down in the efficiently spartan, yet comfortable chair on the other side of the fitting table.

Gustav waved the apology away with a meaty hand. "Is okay. We were just finishing up the inscriptions." He took the velvet cover off a tray, revealing two rings.

Each ring was two slim bands of platinum around a third band of 18K gold. Holding the bands together were seven tubes of gold that went through each of the bands and were cut flush, accenting the outer rings of platinum. Each ring was inscribed on the bottom band with Saturday's date and their names.

"They look perfect, Gustav," Lex said as he picked up his ring, trying it on. It was heavy in a good and substantial way, and looked sleek and stylish on his hand. He nodded his approval.

"Good," Gustav said, and began to total up the receipt.

Before Lex left, both rings were put in purple velvet boxes inscribed with the store's elegant motif in gold leaf. Getting back into the Ferrari, Lex put the boxes in his briefcase and headed to the helipad for the flight home.

The trip from the LuthorCorp plant helipad to the castle was short, especially in a sports car. Lex pulled the Aston into the garages, whistling tunelessly as he climbed up to his office. His personal assistant gave him his messages; the first and third were from his father, both of which he chose to ignore. The second was from Gabe Sullivan, which he sat down at his desk to return.

Ten minutes later, Lex left his desk, heading upstairs. It was her majesty's bath time.

"Clark?" Lex called as he opened the door to their suite.

"In here," Clark called from the nursery.

Lex threw his coat over the clothes butler, rolling his sleeves up as he crossed to the room to the nursery. Clark was dressed in a black muumuu with light purple stripes, vertical, of course, never horizontal; not in Clark's condition. The ever-present flip-flops adorned his feet. He was at the changing table, taking Lexine out of her onesie. Lex kissed Clark, then leaned in to kiss Lexine's forehead, getting smile from both his lover and his daughter for his efforts.

Looking at him, and then at Clark, Lexine smiled proudly and pronounced, quite regally, "Daddas." Both fathers beamed at her and she looked smug, if that was possible for a nine month old.

"Are you ready for your bath?" Lex asked Lexine, grinning as she waved her fists in the air, as if she was cheering the idea on. "I think that's a yes," Lex said, picking her up out of the blanket, her soft skin smooth against his own as he carried her to the bathroom, Clark following behind, a goofy look on his face.

When they reached the bathroom, the rest of the ritual unfolded. Clark awkwardly sat on the closed toilet seat and Lex handed him Lexine to hold as he got the plastic baby bather out, putting it in the deep tub and running just enough water into it, adding a few drops of specially blended baby bubble bath to the water. After pulling the shower massage off it's holder and getting the bath toys, he turned to look at Clark, who was singing Barney songs to their daughter. Shuddering as subtly as he could, Lex turned his attention back to the bath.

Testing the water one last time, Lex nodded and took Lexine from Clark. Bath time officially started as Lexine and Erma, her rubber ducky, took their place in the tub. Lexine played with the water, squiggling around, making happy baby noises. Both Lex and Clark ignored her when she called Erma, 'Dadda'.

"How was your day?" Lex asked Clark as he used a very soft cotton wash cloth to clean Lexine. He turned as Clark shifted uncomfortably. "You okay?"

"Just a little tired, " Clark confessed. "The rugby team was practicing hard today." He rubbed a hand over his large belly.

"I hope you got plenty of rest," Lex said as he lathered up Lexine's fine red hair, making her look like a diva in a big fluffy 'do. She snickered to herself and continued to talk to Erma as her Lex narrowed his eyes at Clark. "What did you do today that's making you blush that hard?"

"I just went over to the farm."

"Clark..."

"I just helped Dad with some stuff."

"What kind of stuff?" Lex settled himself into a slightly more comfortable position the floor, always keeping one eye on Lexine as she played in her bath.

"Just the tractor..."

"Clark..."

"I can still lift things, you know." Clark said belligerently, the effect only slightly ruined by the scarlet blush on his cheeks.

"You lifted the *tractor*," Lex said slowly.

"Just a few feet," Clark protested.

"I cannot believe you did that," Lex said in exasperation as he gently pushed Lexine's arms down before the bubble-covered Erma could end up in her mouth. She gave him a look, but went along with it for now, abandoning Erma for her fascinating toes.

"It was fine. And Mom and Dad were just as pissed at me as you are."

"I would hope so."

"Lex, it was fine. It didn't hurt -- not even a twinge. I notice the kids' kicking more."

Resting his forehead against the cool fiberglass of the tub, steam from the bath water making his skin moist and warm, Lex sighed. He had long ago discovered that he couldn't stop Clark from doing this kind of thing. He actually counted himself lucky that Clark had agreed to stop his patrols until after the kids were born. Fortifying himself with a deep breath, he picked Lexine up and emptied out the baby bather, then turned on the shower massage as his wiggling, wet and bubbly daughter soaked his shirt.

Rinsing off the bather, Lex returned Lexine to it and started to rinse the baby shampoo from her hair, moving one hand to cover her eyes until most of the suds were gone. He let the warm water flow over her, the gentle pulsing cleaning her off as Clark moved around the room, getting a soft towel from the towel warmer.

"At least tell me you let Milo drive you over, instead of walking." Lex let Clark wrap Lexine in the towel, helping him gently rub her dry, making sure her hair was drying quickly so she wouldn't catch a cold.

"Yes, Lex. Milo drove us over in the van, then took it to get its oil change. Lexine was in with Mom while Dad and I worked a bit, then we had lunch, then I took a nap." With that, Clark walked back through the bedroom to the nursery, putting Lexine on her changing table to diaper and dress her for sleep.

"Okay." Lex ran a hand over his scalp. He knew Clark was insulted, but damn it, he wasn't supposed to be running around lifting tractors at eight months. This was just another one of the things the pregnancy books didn't address. Male pregnancy, alien powers; no information on those subjects could be found in any of Dr. Spock's books. Dr. Phil had offered, but Lex figured he could muddle through on his own.

Lex leaned against the crib, taking Lexine when Clark handed her over, giving her a kiss before putting her down on the Winnie the Pooh sheets. He tugged them over her, a smile touching his lips as she whispered 'Daddas' just before she put her fist in her mouth and closed her eyes. When he was certain Lexine was out for the count, Lex turned down the lights and went back into their bedroom.

Clark was already in their room, picking up a black bag and putting it on the desk, unzipping it and taking out the contents.

"Clark..."

"I'm still me, you know. I can handle a few things like helping out over on the farm."

"Clark, I just worry that you'll overdo it -- no one's ever done this before," Lex said as he went into the bathroom and washed his hands. Returning to the bedroom, Lex climbed onto the bed, kneeling behind Clark, who was sitting on the edge, the muumuu over the desk chair.

"I'll be fine, Lex," Clark said at the first touch of Lex's fingers on his breast, starting at the top, massaging for a bit then moving down a bit. Clark relaxed as Lex massaged him, a hand on each breast, preparing the soft mounds for the pump. When Clark's head fell back on his shoulder, Lex turned and found Clark's mouth, the kiss mellow and soft.

Breaking the kiss, Lex finished massaging all the way around. Then he firmly stroked from the chest wall to the nipple. "Good?" he whispered into Clark's ear.

"Yeah," Clark replied and leaned down as Lex moved back, shaking himself. He moved to the desk and started the pump.

Lex changed as Clark expressed the milk, superheroic in this too, holding a shield to each breast as the pump sucked out milk to be stored in the mini-fridge under the bar. Lex tried not to watch too closely as Clark expressed the breast milk, the growing pile of sexual baggage this whole pregnancy thing was providing him on his trip to insanity needing no additional fodder.

"How was your day?" Clark asked as he put the little container of milk into the fridge and put the parts that needed to be cleaned into the little plastic basin for the servants to take care of.

"The usual. Meetings. Talked with Mike. Guess what Dad did?"

Clark looked up from where he was fastening the hooks on his nursing bra. "What?" He asked, a tone of dark suspicion in his voice.

"Set up trusts for the babies," Lex told him. When Clark raised an eyebrow, he elaborated. "A billion each."

Clark blinked. "That's... really a lot."

"Yeah. Do you know the tax shelters I'm going to have to set up for four kids?" Lex grumbled as he pulled on a pair of black workout pants.

Clark snickered. "Poor Lex."

"You have no idea."

"It was nice of him, though." He looked uncertain. "Wasn't it?"

Lex nodded, watching Clark pull the muumuu back over his head. "I'd like to think so, but you know Dad."

Clark made a non-committal humming sound as he found his flip-flops.

"Ready for dinner?" Lex asked, and at Clark's nod, they started downstairs. "Is Toby around?"

"I think Travis said something about him going to Metropolis for the evening."

Lex smiled to himself as they entered the small dining room off his office. He'd ask Clark to marry him after dinner. Food always made Clark nicely mellow. This was all working out perfectly.

Dinner had been delicious, of course. The chocolate cake had been the perfect dessert, one of Clark's favorites. They were just settling into the couch in the former war room, now nicely childproofed, in front of a nice roaring fire, when Travis came in to tell Lex that Lionel was on the phone for him. Knowing that he couldn't get away with ignoring his father much more without the man flying directly from Brussels to the castle, Lex left Clark to take the call.

A half an hour later, he returned to what his father was starting to bitterly call the beatnik room. "Clark, are you still awake?" Lex stopped in his tracks as the straggly haired form on the couch turned around. "Toby?"

"Hey, man. Clark said he felt sleepy, he went up to bed."

Lex tried not to sigh in annoyance. "I thought you were in Metropolis, Toby." Lex watched as Toby took a generous sip of the large quantity of Lionel's best brandy he had in an antique crystal snifter.

"Decided to come back."

"Great." Deciding to join Clark, instead of listening to Toby whine about his Mustang, Lex turned to go upstairs. He was almost out the door when he had a thought. "We're going to Hawaii on Friday, I'm assuming you can go?"

Toby gave him his usual bored glance. "That'd be cool. Surfing."

"So, there aren't any warrants out for you there or anything?"

"Hawaii? Nah. Just tell me if we're going to make a detour to Nebraska."

Lex decided he really didn't want to know. "Okay. Just be ready then." At Toby's nod, he turned and headed toward his office to pick up his laptop before he went upstairs.

Reaching their suite, Lex opened the door as silently as he could. Clark was stretched out on top of the duvet, his eyes closed, his breath whistling softly. Taking out his laptop, Lex turned the desk lamp on and did some work, checking on Clark periodically. An hour later, he shut down the computer and went into the nursery. Lexine slept much like her father, soft little snores and mutters, just the tip of her thumb in her mouth.

Assured she was okay, Lex returned to their room and softly shook Clark. "Clark."

One green eye opened slowly. "Hmmm?"

"Come on, lover. Time for bed. Let's get you under the covers."

Sleepily, Clark allowed himself to be moved, and still half asleep, made his way to the bathroom. When he returned, Lex helped him remove the muumuu and nursing bra, then folded him into the bed.

Lex stripped down quickly and joined Clark, curling around him. Looking down, he saw Clark looking at him. "Hey."

"Hey."

"Clark?"

"Yeah?" Clark leaned in and kissed any of Lex's smooth skin he could find.

Lex shivered at the touch of warm lips and the tease of a soft tongue over his skin. "Marry me?"

"Sure," Clark said just before Lex leaned in and captured his lips in a deep kiss. When they broke, Clark gave him a sleepily beatific smile and tucked his head into Lex's shoulder, lips soft against the skin.

Feeling relieved, Lex closed his eyes and snuggled in. While things weren't going exactly how he had envisioned them, it was all right now; Clark had agreed and things were in motion. It would all work out.

It was an hour earlier than usual when Lex slid on to Clark's side of the mattress when his lover bolted to the bathroom. When he heard the door open, he rolled back onto his side of the mattress and waited for Clark to return to the bed. He heard Clark go into the nursery to check on Lexine, then the mattress dipped and Clark was back.

"Lex?"

"Hmm?"

"Did you ask me to marry you?"

"Mmmhmm."

"Lex, wake up."

"I'm 'wake," Lex said sleepily, opening his eyes to look into Clark's.

"You want to get married."

Finally waking up, Lex nodded. "Yes."

"Why?"

"Good idea. Kids. Love you."

Clark looked at him, trying almost to look through him. His eyes were shining when he nodded and swooped in for a kiss. "You're just a lucky bastard you added the love part," he whispered when he broke the kiss but didn't move away.

"Thought so," Lex replied and closed the distance between them for another kiss before they fell back into sleep.

Despite their earlier than usual wake-up, when Lexine's cries woke them at five, Clark and Lex started their day. After Lexine had been fed, diapered, and dressed, the nanny came in to watch her while Clark and Lex showered and dressed. It was one of the best parts of their day, despite Lex's continuing Clark-mammary gland issues. Clark, naked in the shower would always, no matter what, be at the top of Lex's favorite things list. And he had no doubts at all that Clark felt the same way.

When Clark was dressed in a stylish pair of gray overalls and a red shirt, sans underwear due to the elastic issues, they went down to breakfast. Lex checked over the notices from the second and third shift on his email as they ate, then sent the plant managers emails delegating responsibilities for the next week.

They had been sitting in companionable silence; Clark reading the paper as Lex worked, when Toby wandered in. While he looked like he had spent the better part of the night on a bender, his voice was clear. He checked Clark's vitals and asked him some questions about how he was doing, writing notes on the PDA Lex had given him. At Clark's blushing announcement of his and Lex's impending nuptials, Toby shot Lex an amused look, but congratulated them properly.

Closing his doctor's bag, Toby told them that he would send the information to Dr. Marston. Cook came out and handed him a thermos of coffee, no doubt already spiked. Grabbing a danish off one of the trays, Toby left the breakfast room.

Working on his third cup of regular and caffeine-laiden coffee, Lex ignored Clark's jealous and wistful glances at his cup. With a dramatic sigh, Clark turned his attention back to his decaf and fruit juice.

"We need to go tell my folks."

Lex nodded, ignoring the acid that churned in his stomach at the thought of announcing their wedding plans to Jonathan Kent .

Clark abandoned his coffee for a moment and looked thoughtful. "We'll bring Lexine."

Lex blinked. "Clark Kent... Luthor," he started, smirking. "Hiding behind a little baby."

"Hah. I've seen that Luthor look in her eyes. She'll be proud of her Dadda one day."

Lex considered this. "Probably," he agreed.

Lex called up to tell the nanny to get Lexine ready to go, and they finished their coffees, Clark still looking resentfully at Lex's cup.

Lexine firmly belted into her car seat, Clark next to her, his long legs stretched out, Lex put the minivan in gear and started toward the Kent farm. Thinking over the family gathering to come, Lex was relieved that Clark was wearing pants and that they had Lexine to distract Jonathan from looking for his shotgun.

"You're getting *married*." Lex could have scripted this it was so predictable. Jonathan Kent was staring at him, then looking over to Clark, as Martha fed Lexine from a bottle.

"Dad..."

"Can you even *do* that?"

"In Hawaii," Lex told him.

"..."

"Really," Clark said earnestly.

Martha looked up from Lexine, her forehead creased in thought. "There's so much to do..."

"Not really," Lex replied, annoyed at his own earnest tone. "We're taking the company jet on Friday, and coming back Tuesday." He looked at Jonathan, who he could tell was about to start in on his favorite 'I'm not taking anything from a Luthor' spiel.

"Jonathan..." Lex started, but Clark cut him off.

"Dad, we're getting married. I want you to be there. We'll get married, you and mom can see Hawaii."

"But the farm..."

"I've already hired the Nielson brothers to take care of it while you're gone. They did it when you were in the hospital that time," Lex informed him, already anticipating Jonathan's scowl. He wasn't disappointed.

Martha, however, was already planning, nodding at Lex's plans. "We'll need something to wear, I'm sure they'll be plenty of flowers there."

Lex cleared his throat. "I called Vera and Hugo last night, they're expecting your call."

Martha's smile lit up her face. She was getting used to calling Vera Wang for a dress, much to Jonathan's disgust, but even he wasn't mean enough to deny her the fun. "What kind of ceremony are you going for?"

Clark looked at Lex. "Simple, nothing fancy. Relaxed," he said as Lex nodded in agreement. "No tuxes, just... simple."

Martha nodded, and Lexine in tow, headed toward the den to make the calls.

Jonathan was still glowering at Lex as Clark looked from one to the other like he was watching a tennis match.

"It's not up for discussion," Lex said softly.

Jonathan looked at Clark, who looked both determined and about to cry. There were, Lex decided, some occasions when that look was useful.

Jonathan capitulated, as he did when Clark was steadfastly determined. Lex thought there was probably, somewhere under the platitudes, a fairly wide pragmatic streak in Jonathan Kent. "Okay. I'll get the instructions ready for the Nielsons," he said, turning to go into his office.

Lex and Clark exchanged relieved grins, and Clark leaned against the breakfast bar. "One family down," he told Lex.

Lex nodded, sighing inside. It was just his father. A few minutes later, Lex was returning to the living room with a cup of juice for Clark and another cup of coffee for himself. Clark was nowhere to be seen, but Lex saw a blur heading toward the downstairs bathroom. He sat down on the couch, the non-existent hairs on the back of his neck going on alert as he looked up to see Jonathan returning to the room. Oh, joy.

"Jonathan."

"Lex."

Jonathan sat down in the stuffed chair across the coffee table. "Why marriage, why now?"

"It feels like the right thing to do."

"What's the angle?"

"I get Clark."

Jonathan looked uncomfortable, but pressed on. "You have him already."

"Stronger ties. Ones that can't be broken easily," Lex said, placing his cup on the table.

Jonathan looked angry now. "Like he'd leave you. My son is not one of your Metropolis rentboys."

"No, he isn't. This is making him happy." Lex felt the rush of victory as Jonathan opened and closed his mouth, not being able to find words.

When he finally recovered, he fixed Lex with an irate glare. "I should have gotten my shotgun out the first time you set foot in my barn.

Hearing the bathroom door open down the hall, Lex smiled at Jonathan, letting a bit of tooth show. "Well, technically, it is a shotgun wedding."

Clark entered the room as Jonathan started to growl. He looked at his father in surprise, the turned to Lex. "You two haven't been fighting again, have you?"

"Of course not," Jonathan said, denying the obvious to his son.

"Good," Clark said, sitting down at Lex's side on the sofa and picking up his fruit juice, shooting Lex a suspicious look. "Is Mom still on the phone? I think it's time to nurse Lexine."

Lex smiled and picked up his coffee cup as Jonathan paled.

By Wednesday night, Martha had called fourteen times about the clothes. Chloe, Pete, Lana had called about the trip too. Even Jonathan had called a few times. Lex was sitting down on the sofa next to Clark when Travis came in and told him Lionel was on the phone. Well, it was now or never.

It was well into their conversation, after Lionel had lectured Lex on history and business practices, that Lex finally got an opportunity to bring up the subject of the wedding.

"Dad?"

"Lex, if you just would focus on the Martinelli accounts..." Lionel covered the phone and talked to someone in the room with him. "What is it, Lex?"

"You're back on Friday, aren't you?"

"Friday night, yes."

"I'm taking Clark and his family and the gang to Hawaii on Friday. We're staying at the company resort."

"What?"

"Clark and I are getting married." Silence. "Dad?"

"Sorry, son. This connection is horrible. I could have sworn you said you were marrying Hephaestion."

"I did, and you know his name is Clark."

"Lex. Son."

"You're invited, the ceremony is on Saturday, bring a guest if you want. You'll need to fly over separately, I think. We'll need to leave in the morning." Thank god for small favors, one father of one of the grooms on the plane would be more than enough.

"For the love of god, Lex. Would you..."

"I can't hear you Dad, you're breaking up," Lex interrupted him. "I'll see you Friday night or Saturday morning. Bye." He hung up the phone and took a deep breath.

"Well, you did pretty good for not having a little baby to hide behind," Clark's said as he moved further into the room, amusement obvious in his voice. Pulling Lex into his arms, they moved until their mouths could meet. The angle was a bit awkward, but they were getting used to the balancing act that upright kissing required.

When they broke for breath, Lex sighed. "Well, we'll see if he comes."

Clark grinned. "Maybe he'll bring the blonde."

Lex pulled Clark along with him, back to the fire in the other room. "Well, it would move some of the attention away from us." He looked cheered by the idea, and Clark just laughed softly, letting Lex pull him close.

"It is our wedding, you know. We're supposed to have all the attention," Clark said as they reached the totally-lacking-in-war room.

"Believe me, I think we'll need a break from it, right about noon on Saturday."

"Pessimist."

"Definitely."

Thursday was a blur of preparations, but by the time Friday morning dawned, Clark, Lex, and all their guests were ready and waiting at the Metropolis airport to board the purple and black upholstered LuthorCorp jet for the flight to Hawaii.

The flight started well enough; Jonathan was apparently under orders not to glower too much, and by his fourth glass of champagne, was even friendly. Lana and Whitney, sans Laura and Lewis, who were staying with Whitney's mother, were pouring over guide books. Martha was on the phone with Vera Wang's and Hugo Boss's people, confirming that everyone's wedding clothes would be there when they arrived. Lex was talking with the coordinators from the resort, making sure the cars would be at the airport when they landed at Hilo and that they'd have time to get the license and paperwork. Toby and Chloe had been discussing a few celebrities that she had covered during her time in LA. Clark and Pete had grinned at each other as Toby's veiled hints whetted Chloe's journalistic appetite.

Lexine had her usual cadre of admirers; Jonathan being chief among them before Clark decided it was time for her to be fed. Then he and Whitney paled and stood next to the door to the bathroom, waiting for Pete, who had been first to figure out it was time for an exit, to emerge so they could go hide.

They were halfway into the ten hour flight when Clark settled in for a nap. The DVD player in the corner was being used, others were had hooked up their personal stereos or computers. His phone calls completed for now, Lex finished his bottle of water and settled in beside Clark. Leaning his seat back, Lexine resting on his chest, Lex closed his eyes, the little sleep gotten over the last few days catching up with him.

When he woke, the plane was silent. Carefully cuddling the still sleeping Lexine, Lex made his way to the front of the plane. A few minutes with the pilots assured him that things were well in hand. Returning to the passenger compartment, he grabbed Lexine's baby bag and took her into the bathroom for a diaper change.

Martha was waking up as he emerged and happily took Lexine from him. Jonathan was still asleep next to her, his glasses sliding down his nose. Lex stopped Ginny, the flight attendant, and ordered some food, hungry himself and knowing Clark would be ravenous when he woke.

A few minutes later Clark woke up, his blue t-shirt rucked up under the red overalls, his hair tousled. Predictably, he immediately started toward the bathroom. Lex was on the phone with the head of transportation at LuthorCorp, relieved to find out that his father's plane was almost back to the States. Lionel wouldn't arrive at the resort until well into the wee hours of Saturday morning, but the confirmation that his personal pilot had filed a flight plan to Hawaii relieved some of Lex's tension.

There was movement around the plane as those who had been asleep began to wake at the scents of hot coffee and warmed pastries. The scent of ripe fruit filled the air as Ginny wheeled a cart forward. Their wedding guests filling up on food, Lex took a plate of fruit and a cup of coffee, determinedly avoiding eye contact with Clark's plate of tuna salad and Muenster on chocolate graham crackers.

Landing at Hilo, everyone de-planed, young women in grass skirts putting colorful leis around their necks as their feet hit the tarmac. Assured that their luggage would be brought to the resort, they headed toward the group of waiting cars. There was a minivan waiting for them; Lex sighed enviously as he watched Pete and Chloe get into the convertible they were using during their time here. Toby had a motorcycle, which he kickstarted, ignoring the helmet that sat tied to the passenger seat. Lana and Whitney also had a convertible, while Jonathan and Martha had a pickup truck, stocked with the entire collection of The Best of Waylon Jennings CDs in the faux gun rack. Lex pulled out on to the highway, and checking that everyone else was following, led the way to the resort.

The Orchid Blossom resort was luxurious, of course, as would befit any LuthorCorp corporate resort. It was a setting of ten elegant cabanas around a fern and palm filled center court, the pool surrounded by dozens of waterfalls. A canopy had been set up in the center courtyard, and a large round table was set up for the post-ceremony meal.

After agreeing that Clark and Lex would take care of getting their paperwork in order and that everyone would meet for dinner later, and Lexine in her grandmother's care, Clark and Lex left, map in hand, to meet the official who would marry them.

The office of Julia Mazinio was small but well-appointed, and she quickly, at catching sight of Clark, offered them a chair. Julia was a small woman, her dark hair streaked with gray, dressed in a lovely pink muumuu. Lex prayed silently that Clark wouldn't ask her where she had bought it. She asked them about their motivations for getting married; for once Lex bit back the sarcasm and didn't mention Jonathan's shotgun.

Once she was satisfied, they took a quick walk downtown to the registrar. Clark and Lex gave the needed information to the woman at the desk, and she filled out the form on her computer. Every once in awhile she would peek a glance over at Clark, who was sitting awkwardly in one of the plastic chairs on the other side of the desk. Printing out the form, she had them sign it, then verified the information on their driver's licenses. Finally, she had Julia sign, and after Lex wrote a check for fifty dollars, they had their wedding license. The registrar congratulated them, still trying to look at Clark's belly without being too obvious about it. Clark and Lex walked back to Julia's office with her.

"So this is all we need to do?" Clark asked, his smile lighting up the entire office.

Julia nodded. "The ceremony is tomorrow and you'll be legally married," she said, smiling as Clark, ungainly as he was, bounced happily.

Lex looked at his watch; it would be just after nine back in Metropolis. His father's plane should be landing in another hour. If Lionel had his luggage brought to the field, they would be able to take off as soon as the plane was checked out and refueled and the replacement pilot brought on board. Lex thought about calling, but decided against it, not wanting to look nervous.

After shaking hands with Julia, they climbed back in the minivan. Lex frowned slightly as he looked at Clark in the rearview mirror. Despite his nap during the flight, Clark was looking tired.

At the next stoplight he turned around. "Are you okay?"

Clark turned his attention from a sidewalk sale rack of muumuus and smiled at Lex. "Married, Lex."

"Happy?" Clark grinned at him, but the annoyed sound of a horn behind them, Lex turned his attention back to the traffic. When he was back out on the highway he sneaked another peek in the rearview. Clark was asleep, snoring softly, his head lolling against the side of the minivan. Well, Lex reasoned against his disappointment, once the triplets were born they'd have plenty of time to be awake.

Everyone was still fighting jet lag after dinner on Friday, so the party broke up early, everyone going to their cabanas. The ceremony was set for four the following afternoon, giving everyone time to decompress and relax, as well as giving Lionel time to show up.

"Your clothes for the wedding should be in your closets," Martha told everyone as Pete and Chloe started back to their cabana. "It's informal, so nothing fancy, and the leis will be delivered tomorrow, in time for the ceremony," she said, biting her lip as she read from her notes.

Clark and Toby, who had disappeared into Clark and Lex's cabana, returned a few minutes later, Clark's purple and blue muumuu swishing as he walked. They were just in time to say good night to Lana and Whitney, who looked like they were on their way to the jacuzzi tub in their cabana. Toby didn't stay long, just nodded in response to Lex's unasked question about Clark's health, then headed out into the night.

Lexine was sleeping in her carrier, her little fingers wrapped around Nicolo, her stuffed rabbit. Every so often she'd murmur, but as always, she was a good baby. Jonathan and Martha sat facing Lex and Clark, fruit and drinks on the table between them.

"It's beautiful here," Martha said, and even Jonathan gave a nod of agreement. "Do you know when Lionel will be arriving?"

"I called before dinner, if everything goes well, he should be landing about four this morning," Lex replied as he checked his watch.

A sleepy murmur that turned into a soft cry came from the carrier as Lexine woke up.

Clark managed to be the first to get to her, picking her up and making a face. "Stinky baby," he crooned. Lexine gave him an insulted look. "I think I'm going to take care of Lexine and go to bed," he said to his parents. Martha picked up the carrier and went with him as Jonathan took a piece of pineapple from the plate and stood up.

"I suppose it'd be pointless to have you two spend the night apart." Jonathan said looking to where Martha and Clark were talking softly at the door.

"Completely pointless and not a chance," Lex replied. He idly wondered if he should ask Jonathan if he had wanted to give them a bachelor party. Maybe recommend some good gay porn. Then he decided he wanted to live to get married tomorrow.

Jonathan headed to his and Martha's cabana while Lex headed to where his fiancé and his soon-to-be mother-in-law where still talking.

"Either one, Clark. Whichever you feel more comfortable in tomorrow," Martha was saying to Clark.

Clark frowned as Lexine began to fret, but still managed a smile for his mother. "Okay." He leaned in and kissed her cheek.

"Good night, Clark." Martha turned to Lex as he came to stand next to them. "Good night, Lex," she added, leaning in to kiss the fussing Lexine before handing Lex the carrier and turning down the path.

Lex opened the door, locking it after Clark was inside. "What was that about?" he asked as he followed Clark into the second bedroom that had been made into a baby's room per his request.

"Just asking Mom about the clothes for tomorrow. She ordered two things for me," Clark replied as he began to strip and change Lexine, who was looking infinitely more pleased, now that she was being paid her propers and rid of the wet diaper.

"Oh. I guess there's no chance that you're wearing white, is there?"

Clark turned around with an annoyed look on his face.

"Sorry," Lex said, before Clark could tell him off.

"Hmph. Is your dad bringing the blonde?" Clark asked, changing the subject as subtly as he was able.

"The flight manifest filed at LuthorCorp said two passengers, so I assume so. Then again, he could be bringing his accountant. I never know with Dad."

Clark nodded as he snapped the snaps on Lexine's sleeper. He left Lex to watch her for a minute and Lex heard the water running as Clark washed his hands. He was already adjusting his muumuu and nursing bra. He sat down in the rocking chair and held out his arms when Lex brought the baby over to him. He settled in to nurse as Lex hovered over them. He reached out a hand and stroked Lexine's fine curls. After a minute, he moved up to Clark's dark hair, sliding his fingers through the strands, a soft yet merciless smile curving his lips as he felt Clark shiver.

Lexine let go of the nipple she was working at and muttered, this time "Daddas" was said in a definitely annoyed tone.

Both of her Daddas looked down at her, and once she was sure that she was the center of attention, she turned back to the nipple. Clark winced slightly and adjusted his hold. Lex crossed the room and wiped the changing table down. Clark was looking relaxed as Lexine finished. A dainty burp and she was already asleep before Clark put her in her crib.

When Lex emerged from the bathroom, Clark was nowhere to be seen. Moving through the cabana, he found Clark sitting in a chair out on their private lanai.

"Clark?"

Clark gave him the welcoming smile that had been on his face since the day woke up on the riverside, with the taste of river water and the memory of soft lips. Lex wrapped his arms around Clark's shoulders, resting his chin on the dark hair as the scent of orchids wafted on the breeze.

"It's going to be perfect." There wasn't a hint of doubt in Clark's voice, making Lex smile.

"Of course it is," Lex said as he levered Clark to his feet, leaning over the triplets for a kiss. Pulling Clark by the hand, Lex led him inside, pondering a wedding night with two grooms, one of who was eight months pregnant.

Closing his eyes and pursing his lips as Clark started to unbutton his shirt, kissing the skin as he revealed it, Lex decided they'd muddle through.