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hackthis_archiveNote: To my Everwood people. Damn, y’all rock. I have like twenty icons now.
Main Event: I’ve been trying to stand by my player-hating of Clark, but goddamnit, y’all are some rational people with good points. Plus, you know, you’re smart.
I’m not necessarily wrong, but maybe I’m not right either.
That’s all I’m saying.
Smallville
The Giving Tree
“I know you have other things to do,” Clark begins, before Lex can dismiss him out of hand.
The sound of rubber soles squeaking on hardwood floors pulled Lex out of a reverie several seconds ago, but he’s kept his eyes firmly fixed on an LCD screen until now. A glance will do well enough.
Not that Lex wants to dismiss Clark, and not that he’s feeling hostile, but there are these things weighing on his neck: pink elephants and hostile fathers. There are issues now, bigger than they were before, and it’s a lot to deal with in the light of stained glass windows.
Sixteen suddenly seems very far away, more so than it did before the shooting, and trust keeps coming into play.
How can Lex trust Clark when Clark doesn’t seem to trust Lex?
It’s all very confusing and tiring, and Lex honestly doesn’t want to deal with it today. “Clark, I’m busy,” he says, meaning ‘Clark, things still aren’t right yet, and I think a little time wouldn’t go amiss.’
“I know.” Clark’s tone is insistent so Lex tears his eyes away from spreadsheets that mean nothing now.
Lex Corp was supposed to be his way out.
“I just wanted to drop something off that I got for you.” Clark’s holding a flat package of some sort, and this he places on the desk, keeping his fingertips firmly on top.
What is it, a smoking gun?
“To what do I owe this honor?” Lex inquires as the brown paper bag comes sliding across his desk. What he really wants to say is ‘I didn’t know friendships came with divorce papers.’
His eyes follow the progress of the package as it brings Clark further and further across his desk. When the edge of the parcel meets the end of his desk, Clark stops, and Lex looks up expectantly. “I can’t see what it is until you let go,” he reminds Clark, tapping on the paper, pointedly.
“I just wanted to say,” Clark begins, “that I hope you like it. My mom used to read it to me when I was little.”
The introduction alone has Lex’s undivided attention. The paper rattles audibly in the silent office, and Lex swears he’s not holding his breath. There are millions of things it could possibly be, and when Lex reaches in and slides out the slim green book, he’s not sure what to say.
It’s hard to be disappointed when you’re not expecting much anyway.
“The Giving Tree,” he reads, flipping the book over and around so he can get a good look at the cover. Apples and trees? Is Clark serious? Is this some metaphor for he and his father or Clark’s virginity or what?
“It’s about giving things to people,” Clark explains, as though Lex didn’t actually just read aloud the title.
“I’ve gathered as much.” Lex flips to the first page. “There once was a tree.” Sounds rather unpromising, and he glances up at Clark before putting it aside.
Maybe he’ll read it later. Maybe not.
“Thanks for the book, Clark.” He knows he’s being dismissive, but now honestly isn’t the time. He looks back at the screen that’s been showing the same numbers since he sat down at his desk four hours ago. Nothing has changed; it’s all the same. Lex Corp was supposed to be his, and the projections are so amazing.
It’s a shame they’ll mean nothing.
“It’s a book about giving yourself to someone selflessly because you believe in them and want them to be happy,” Clark blurts out, and Lex has no choice but to look up again. “It’s about a tree that exists just for this boy, and it gives the boy apples and bark and a place to sit. Only he never realizes what he has until it’s gone.”
Oh.
“And I don’t want to be that boy,” Clark stops, and looks as though he wants to say something else, but holds off.
So, Lex is this title tree. Interesting.
“You would highly recommend reading it then, Clark?” Maybe Lex could read the book now. It’s not as though he’s doing anything anyway.
“Yeah,” a pause. “I would.”
“I see. Well, I’m a little tired now.” Which is both the truth and a lie. Lex hasn’t sleep right in days, so technically, he is tired. But he’s also over-tired, which means he’s wired, so he probably couldn’t sleep right now without a horse tranquilizer. “So maybe you could read it to me,” and then there’s that patented Clark smile. The one that Lex hasn’t seen in a very long time.
And after Clark sits down, Lex slides the book across the table towards him at the same time that Clark reaches for it, and their hands touch.
It’s just a simple thing, like a book about a tree.
-finis-
Notes: This is not what I originally set out to write. But you know, c’est la vie.
The Giving Tree is a rather famous (I believe) children’s book in America written by Shel Silverstein, and if you have no idea who I’m talking about, well, lie.
Main Event: I’ve been trying to stand by my player-hating of Clark, but goddamnit, y’all are some rational people with good points. Plus, you know, you’re smart.
I’m not necessarily wrong, but maybe I’m not right either.
That’s all I’m saying.
Smallville
The Giving Tree
“I know you have other things to do,” Clark begins, before Lex can dismiss him out of hand.
The sound of rubber soles squeaking on hardwood floors pulled Lex out of a reverie several seconds ago, but he’s kept his eyes firmly fixed on an LCD screen until now. A glance will do well enough.
Not that Lex wants to dismiss Clark, and not that he’s feeling hostile, but there are these things weighing on his neck: pink elephants and hostile fathers. There are issues now, bigger than they were before, and it’s a lot to deal with in the light of stained glass windows.
Sixteen suddenly seems very far away, more so than it did before the shooting, and trust keeps coming into play.
How can Lex trust Clark when Clark doesn’t seem to trust Lex?
It’s all very confusing and tiring, and Lex honestly doesn’t want to deal with it today. “Clark, I’m busy,” he says, meaning ‘Clark, things still aren’t right yet, and I think a little time wouldn’t go amiss.’
“I know.” Clark’s tone is insistent so Lex tears his eyes away from spreadsheets that mean nothing now.
Lex Corp was supposed to be his way out.
“I just wanted to drop something off that I got for you.” Clark’s holding a flat package of some sort, and this he places on the desk, keeping his fingertips firmly on top.
What is it, a smoking gun?
“To what do I owe this honor?” Lex inquires as the brown paper bag comes sliding across his desk. What he really wants to say is ‘I didn’t know friendships came with divorce papers.’
His eyes follow the progress of the package as it brings Clark further and further across his desk. When the edge of the parcel meets the end of his desk, Clark stops, and Lex looks up expectantly. “I can’t see what it is until you let go,” he reminds Clark, tapping on the paper, pointedly.
“I just wanted to say,” Clark begins, “that I hope you like it. My mom used to read it to me when I was little.”
The introduction alone has Lex’s undivided attention. The paper rattles audibly in the silent office, and Lex swears he’s not holding his breath. There are millions of things it could possibly be, and when Lex reaches in and slides out the slim green book, he’s not sure what to say.
It’s hard to be disappointed when you’re not expecting much anyway.
“The Giving Tree,” he reads, flipping the book over and around so he can get a good look at the cover. Apples and trees? Is Clark serious? Is this some metaphor for he and his father or Clark’s virginity or what?
“It’s about giving things to people,” Clark explains, as though Lex didn’t actually just read aloud the title.
“I’ve gathered as much.” Lex flips to the first page. “There once was a tree.” Sounds rather unpromising, and he glances up at Clark before putting it aside.
Maybe he’ll read it later. Maybe not.
“Thanks for the book, Clark.” He knows he’s being dismissive, but now honestly isn’t the time. He looks back at the screen that’s been showing the same numbers since he sat down at his desk four hours ago. Nothing has changed; it’s all the same. Lex Corp was supposed to be his, and the projections are so amazing.
It’s a shame they’ll mean nothing.
“It’s a book about giving yourself to someone selflessly because you believe in them and want them to be happy,” Clark blurts out, and Lex has no choice but to look up again. “It’s about a tree that exists just for this boy, and it gives the boy apples and bark and a place to sit. Only he never realizes what he has until it’s gone.”
Oh.
“And I don’t want to be that boy,” Clark stops, and looks as though he wants to say something else, but holds off.
So, Lex is this title tree. Interesting.
“You would highly recommend reading it then, Clark?” Maybe Lex could read the book now. It’s not as though he’s doing anything anyway.
“Yeah,” a pause. “I would.”
“I see. Well, I’m a little tired now.” Which is both the truth and a lie. Lex hasn’t sleep right in days, so technically, he is tired. But he’s also over-tired, which means he’s wired, so he probably couldn’t sleep right now without a horse tranquilizer. “So maybe you could read it to me,” and then there’s that patented Clark smile. The one that Lex hasn’t seen in a very long time.
And after Clark sits down, Lex slides the book across the table towards him at the same time that Clark reaches for it, and their hands touch.
It’s just a simple thing, like a book about a tree.
-finis-
Notes: This is not what I originally set out to write. But you know, c’est la vie.
The Giving Tree is a rather famous (I believe) children’s book in America written by Shel Silverstein, and if you have no idea who I’m talking about, well, lie.
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no subject
Date: 2003-01-29 01:35 pm (UTC)That book makes me cry - even thinking about that book makes me cry. The tree just keeps on giving and it's so selfless and loves the boy so much... Oh, if only Clark were this insightful.
I am going to pretend they shot this scene and then decided to cut it for Blana's Dad angst scene to keep the 14-year-old boy demographic happy. Lalalala fingers-in-ears.
no subject
Date: 2003-01-29 03:22 pm (UTC)I am going to pretend they shot this scene and then decided to cut it for Blana's Dad angst scene to keep the 14-year-old boy demographic happy. Lalalala fingers-in-ears.
Darling, if Clark were hald this insightful the show would be called Dr. Phil ;)
I'm glad you enjoyed this :passes Kleenex::
no subject
Date: 2003-01-29 01:35 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-01-29 03:23 pm (UTC)::hands Kleenex:: this seems to be a bit of a weepy story. I didn't mean for it to be that way you know, but wait, you haven't even seen the whole episode! Go watch, then read ;)
no subject
Date: 2003-01-29 06:05 pm (UTC)is it Sunday yet? Stupid tape. With the fullness and the stopping. *sniffles some more*
no subject
Date: 2003-01-29 01:37 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-01-29 03:24 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-01-29 01:40 pm (UTC)I just. Damn. *weeps* It's so simple, but you just say so *much*. I really believe that they can do it, make it work. And I love Clark stopping before he says anything at all, really, out loud, because that's what he's like, on the show. He's all about little gestures and phrases that aren't really apologies except they are, and this is just perfect.
Mmmm. I ache, in the best way. *sigh*
no subject
Date: 2003-01-29 03:26 pm (UTC)I just. Damn. *weeps* It's so simple, but you just say so *much*. I really believe that they can do it, make it work. And I love Clark stopping before he says anything at all, really, out loud, because that's what he's like, on the show. He's all about little gestures and phrases that aren't really apologies except they are, and this is just perfect.
Mmmm. I ache, in the best way. *sigh*
Footstool? Minions? All this for a 40 minute drabble that... that. Dude, never mind, it's okay ::helps Bex to feet::. I'm just glad you liked it. It wasn't exactly planned, truth of the matter is I'm not even sure how it got written. It just sort of happened, but if you liked it then that's all that matters :)
no subject
Date: 2003-01-29 01:42 pm (UTC)I love you.
no subject
Date: 2003-01-29 03:28 pm (UTC)I love you.
Don't worry, in 'Like Water for Chocolate' emotion makes the food taste better. I think.
no subject
Date: 2003-01-29 01:45 pm (UTC)This is just--right. I adore it. I adore you.
It would be *this* easy to fix them, you network morons.
*clutches you* Best baby girl EVER. Thank you!
no subject
Date: 2003-01-29 03:30 pm (UTC)This is just--right. I adore it. I adore you.
It would be *this* easy to fix them, you network morons.
*clutches you* Best baby girl EVER. Thank you!
Grandfather said I should help my brother out, so you know, that's what I did. Plus, he - Grandfather - promised me a new car and tickets to the New Line after-Oscars party so I could molest hobbits. Couldn't say no to that.
Re:
Date: 2003-01-29 04:29 pm (UTC)Hee. See? Spring a man from the institution and life is good.
no subject
Date: 2003-01-29 01:47 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-01-29 03:33 pm (UTC)::hands kleenex::
Why thank you, darlin.' I'm glad you liked it.
no subject
Date: 2003-01-29 02:05 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-01-29 03:35 pm (UTC)I work hard to push all the right buttons ;)
no subject
Date: 2003-01-29 02:09 pm (UTC)So thank you, thank you, for giving that book to Lex. That was perfect.
no subject
Date: 2003-01-29 03:36 pm (UTC)So thank you, thank you, for giving that book to Lex. That was perfect
This is a really emotional book for people isn't it? Wow. I'm glad you enjoyed this.
no subject
Date: 2003-01-29 02:15 pm (UTC)It almost makes me want to stop calling Clark awful names in between writing about how beautifully tragic Lex is! That's big, Zahra, BIG. You rock my world every time you decide to write something. Really, no. Still suffering aftershocks now.
The book is fantastic, and I'm so glad you wrote this.
So, so glad.
*worships some more*
no subject
Date: 2003-01-29 03:49 pm (UTC)It almost makes me want to stop calling Clark awful names in between writing about how beautifully tragic Lex is! That's big, Zahra, BIG. You rock my world every time you decide to write something. Really, no. Still suffering aftershocks now.
The book is fantastic, and I'm so glad you wrote this.
This is from Miss 'I Wrote 'After' and didn't it just break your little undead heart?' Fuck me, okay, now I'm really stunned. Thank *you*, darlin, for all your enthusiasm and fabulous writing.
Re:
Date: 2003-01-29 06:08 pm (UTC)See, "After," can actually be conclusively deemed yours and Jenn's fault, since before reading your works I had no intention of ever writing CLex, since you know, one can only be so fannish before their brain shrivels.
Apparently, that's not true.
*Or*, my brain has shriveled, and it just makes me *write*.
no subject
Date: 2003-01-29 02:15 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-01-29 03:51 pm (UTC)I'm not going to force you start liking Clark again, you have my word. Personally, I think he's a huge brat anyway, but since he is only 16 I have to give him some leeway. Not that I want to or anything.
no subject
Date: 2003-01-29 02:23 pm (UTC)i actually thought the boy was lex, but found out it's clark. well that sheds new light about their relationship. *g* interesting parallel, clex and that book.
bizarrely, it works.
no subject
Date: 2003-01-29 03:53 pm (UTC)bizarrely, it works.
I didn't actually think that much when I was writing this so there's no great meaning behind making Lex the tree. Wait, yes, there is. It's because Clark annoys the piss out of me and always asks but never says thank, yes, that's it in a nutshell. And bizarre, that's the perfect word for it.
no subject
Date: 2003-01-29 03:03 pm (UTC)*sniff* That was absolutely beautiful, Show!Clark definately needs to take some cues from Fic!Clark.
no subject
Date: 2003-01-29 03:56 pm (UTC)*sniff* That was absolutely beautiful, Show!Clark definately needs to take some cues from Fic!Clark.
Darling, if we could get Show!Clark to take any hints from Fic!Clark, we'd have to put the show on pay-per-view. Also, *look* Everwood icons. Thank you :)
no subject
Date: 2003-01-29 05:23 pm (UTC)Hmmm, I'd be up for that *g*
Also, *look* Everwood icons. Thank you :)
So glad you like them! :)
no subject
Date: 2003-01-29 03:11 pm (UTC)I needed this so much after last night, Z. You are so extremely cool. Just a little gesture like this would mean so much to Lex, and I wish the Clark on screen every week was half as wonderful as this.
*forcefully doesn't think about Suspect to avoid killing happy story buzz*
Thank you! *snuggles*
no subject
Date: 2003-01-29 03:59 pm (UTC)I needed this so much after last night, Z. You are so extremely cool. Just a little gesture like this would mean so much to Lex, and I wish the Clark on screen every week was half as wonderful as this.
*forcefully doesn't think about Suspect to avoid killing happy story buzz*
Thank you! *snuggles*
It was good - the episode - but it was awful at the same time. I know what you mean about it taking so little, and would that Clark would get with the program. Then everybody could just write porn all the time ;)
no subject
Date: 2003-01-29 04:46 pm (UTC)*sniffs* Some books just stay with you, you know? Loved that book. Love this fic.
no subject
Date: 2003-01-30 09:38 am (UTC)*sniffs* Some books just stay with you, you know? Loved that book. Love this fic.
Thank you :)
no subject
Date: 2003-01-29 07:51 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-01-30 09:40 am (UTC)I liked 'Suspect' quite a bit, if only because it made me actually *care* what the hell was going on. Clark is an ass, and Lex is a liar, but you know, at least we know this. ;)
no subject
Date: 2003-01-30 12:49 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-01-30 09:42 am (UTC)truth be told, i hadn't thought that much about their future relationship as much as i was thinking about what i've seen up until now. clark is an ass and lex is a liar, and it's really all okay in my book (now that i've had some stuff sorted out) because it makes them human. even when technically they're not.
no subject
Date: 2003-01-30 10:14 am (UTC)See, this is what I like. Clark was a jerk, but it can be worked through and gotten over. I wish the writers would have scenes like this in the show.
Mmm, fic makes the hurting go away.
no subject
Date: 2003-02-03 12:57 pm (UTC)