Chapter 1: The Aquarium
Chapter Text
The dread you felt as you woke up that day was eating you bit by bit. Being eaten alive was a given — knowing Lex Luthor was almost a synonym for that. But you never experienced this much pain at the prospect of meeting him. Missing him wasn’t a game you played anymore. Avoiding him? It was a milestone you didn’t reach yet. Again: bit by bit.
You received an invitation two weeks ago. No call, no heads up. Just a letter in a black, heavy envelope from someone you knew and definitely didn’t love. You had an urge to look for a camera he probably set up at your workplace and show him a middle finger. You didn’t though, you just stared at it for a moment — no smile he’d probably like to see. That’s why he cherished you (if he even could), you weren’t easily fooled. Eye candy or not, he liked a challenge.
Inside, you found a blue post card with the address, time and a little handwritten note that simply stated “don’t be late.” It smelled of his cologne and you easily recognised his bougie style of writing — like he was signing an autograph every time he wrote something down. You also immediately noticed that the address was actually the National Metropolis Aquarium.
“Huh..” you didn’t know what he was planning.
You had 2 weeks to assemble an outfit. It wasn’t clear what the event was gonna be, but considering he didn’t just kidnap you, it was probably public. He hosted many galas after all. Venues were becoming more elegant as soon as he breathed air into them, and with a team this big he could probably make an aquarium work too. But why? You honestly couldn’t even think about it from the pure stress of it all. Regardless, after 2 weeks you had picked up some of your fancier clothes and perfume. A couple of hours before the main event, you were picking jewellery to go along with your outfit. You pinched your nose with annoyance.
You and Lex never attended any public events together. You wouldn’t think he’d show you off — you were too ordinary. You tried to call him but he didn’t pick up, still you were above actually going to his office and seeking confrontation. He didn’t deserve it.
So, you made a couple corrections in the mirror, feeling your throat tighten. What’s he going to wear? Usual, black, stylish, fitted. Gods, he looked great in those. His crazy attitude ruined it all though. You ordered a taxi when it was too late already, sky was going dark even though it was deep in the summer. You wanted to be late, just because he dared to order you around. No one does that shit, especially him.
You arrived at 9:30 sharp, the whole way there you were looking outside the taxi window like a protagonist you were. You thought about your relationship with Lex, remembered how last time he accused you of sleeping with Superman, insisting that the hero is trying to fuck you. He was crazy for thinking that, of course. But you didn’t think he’d be this obsessive when you met him. He was supposed to be one of the most powerful men on the planet, yet he crumbled at the smallest thought of not having you all to himself. Was it this desperate, overwhelming need for you, or just his pride? A mix of both, you thought. Sometimes when you really didn’t think he could display any humanity, he’d beg you to take him like just one thought or memory of you could make him come undone. He was dishevelled then, panting, on his knees as your boot was pressed onto his erection. He begged and begged, sometimes you gave him what he needed. Sometimes you would leave and he’d come back to pick himself apart again. Maybe it was true that powerful men enjoyed submission? He liked being humiliated, just in the bedroom though.
As you exited the taxi you felt the cold wind hit your skin. You breathed cool, ocean air while you headed towards your destination. Building of the Aquarium was now illuminated by blue light and no one was roaming around the plaza anymore. Weird, Metropolis was usually more lively at night. You thought nothing of it when you entered, the doors were open but it looked like it was deserted. No party, no soul in sight.
Moving around the elaborate fish tanks and big screens you found yourself in a room with big, 15 feet tall aquarium. Sharks were circling their limited enclosure and you felt like you’re the one who’s being observed. Indeed, there was one more shark there.
“You dressed up” you heard his soft voice from behind your back. He stood next to you, observing the sharks, his icy blue eyes reflecting the presumable Indian Ocean.
“No one’s here? I thought it was supposed to be a party.” You looked at him, but he didn’t look back.
“It was, but I told them to go home” he circled you, like the predators behind thick glass. “I had a big announcement.” He smiled, your stomach turned in familiar anxiety.
“Pray tell.” You clenched your jaw. Lex leaned into your ear.
“I announced that I’m buying this aquarium for someone special..” he whispered, kissing your neck. “I told you, you should’ve been here at 9”
You stepped closer to the large tank.
“It’s 9:30, everyone should still be here-“ Right then he turned your body around and kissed you hungrily, pressing you further into the glass. You gasped for air.
“Lex, what are you-“
“Just shut up. I’m not here to be lectured.” Then he started to kiss your neck again, trying to pull your leg up.
You broke from his grasp, walking away from the tank. You looked up to see his looming stature. Sharks that still twisted and writhed in the background were framing his figure.
“What is this? What did you do?” Your voice shook slightly With confusion.
“Please.” He raised his hands. “It’s all for you”
The way he said that was almost tender. But it was all the more alarming.
“What?” You felt like you were dreaming.
“Oh, don’t be dense. Isn’t that why you date a billionaire?” He chuckled, giving you a ‘you’re acting crazy’ look.
“We.. we’re not even dating.” When you raised an eyebrow at him, he seemed almost humorous.
“No..?” He approached you slowly. “Then why am I obsessed?”
“Dating a person you’re obsessed with isn’t a requirement for you…” you frowned.
“This time it is” he bowed, taking your hand and kissing it.
“I don’t understand-“
“Soon enough you will.” It seemed like a closing statement, like you can’t argue with that at all. “Go onto the terrace. I’ll be back shortly.” Then he disappeared into the darkness.
You begrudgingly left, heading to the terrace on top of the building. There was a small cafeteria there and an open bar. When you saw how many people were there, it made your heart leap. Lex has never done something like that, what was even the point? You entered, seeing how many guests were fairly famous. You noticed lawyers from the biggest firms in the city, who you followed closely and admired.
“Name?” The sound of a woman’s voice scattered your thoughts. She held some kind of registry and a couple pages of unchecked names. You muttered yours under the nose.
“I don’t have it on the list…” she said, checking it twice. Now you were even more confused. Your conversation was interrupted by clinking of glass. Everyone gathered for the toast.
You saw Lex in the middle of the scene, tapping a glass of champagne with a spoon, looking over the crowd.
”Dear guests! Thank you for gathering here today, it’s my greatest pleasure to announce my newest purchase..” he paced around looking people in the eye, not once landing on you. “As you probably deduced, I'm now the chief patron of the National Metropolis Aquarium!” everyone clapped and cheered.
You noticed that the woman who would probably kick you out if not for Lex, was looking at him with the utmost attention. You suddenly felt strange.
“For that, I want to thank my dearest friend..” he paused. “Their passion for marine life always astounded me.”
Now, that was weird. You were never interested in ocean life… was he trying to..?
”With that in mind, I am dedicating this purchase to them. I won’t mention their name for the sake of privacy…”
That fucking bastard.
”But! The night isn’t over yet. You are free to enjoy the buffet and drinks. All are on the house!” Everyone clapped again, some men and women flocked around him, but he dismissed them quickly.
”You cannot be here, it’s a private party.” You heard from the woman you talked to before who seemingly un-hypnotised herself and stopped staring at Lex. You looked at her with the angriest look you could muster and stormed off. With a fast pace you zoomed by a couple of sections, ready to walk out. Entering the main room, sharks followed and created a large shadow, like a demonic annunciation. You were stopped. The sound of his voice entered your headspace and lit your thoughts on fire.
“Wait, where the fuck are you going?” He asked, weirdly calm.
“Home. You don’t deserve my time.” you stated simply, avoiding his sight.
“You have no say in this.” He yanked you back by your hand, your nose hitting his chest. Then he grabbed you by the waist and pinned you to the wall. “That little head of yours.. you don’t understand anything.”
“Oh, I don’t understand? All you do is satisfy your megalomania and embarrass the fuck out of me” you breathed, waiting to spit in his face. “I’m not your fucking toy!” As you shouted he put a hand on your mouth.
“Shut. Up. You know I can’t stop thinking about you. I didn’t put your name all over this building only because I don’t want to ruin your life the way I ruin mine.” He whispered, almost with some sort of resentment. Towards you, or towards the world. You closed your mouth as he paused.
“I’ll make this work. When I’m done, I’ll wire all the donations.. You’ll have it all before I-“ he breathed in solemnly. “Before I tear it all apart” there was a long silence after that. You looked deep into his eyes. The predator that was here previously vanished in thin air, only deeply troubled man remained. He lowered his hand from your mouth.
“What the fuck are you talking about?” You hissed, a little breathless.
“As I said, you’ll find out soon enough.” His voice was unlike him, one of a lover who really wanted your best. If someone overheard your conversation, they wouldn’t know how much you truly hated each other. And that was dangerous — how your feelings shifted from one second to another. Your bottom lip quivered with an emotion you didn’t recognise entirely. You had to avert your gaze from his blue eyes that didn’t reflect the sharks behind you. Though predators occasionally loomed, making both of your silhouettes darken without any natural light.
”Let me go.” you said meekly, without the strength that you previously had, but with something lurking underneath.
”No.” his voice trembled too, weak.
There was a second of silence. Something pressed behind your eyes and the familiar warmth filled your throat. Embarrassingly soft, but also bitter. Whatever he was and whatever he tried to do.. it disgusted you, but felt like some twisted dedication. Did he feel bad for being like this towards you? You wanted to know why he was doing that, why was he so different just now — and why he was so secretive. You felt the rage rise inside of you again.
”Bastard.” A large mouthful of spit hit his face. “You think I can’t take it? I’m too dumb to understand?” You hissed, gaze lidded, your voice gaining a desperate rasp. Lex brushed away your spit.
”I think you’re outside of my league.” He clenched his jaw, like it wasn’t something he wanted to say. “No offence.” He could almost hear your teeth grinding.
”What league?” you laughed, feeling entertained by his stupidity. “Acting like you play some 5D chess isn’t going to-“ He shut your mouth again with his hand.
“Yet you still entertain me.” A whisper hit the skin behind your ear. You shivered, both with anger and anticipation. “I showed you care, what more do you need?”
You freed your mouth.
”You showed me? You just talk, Lex.” You gritted your teeth. “Though, you’re more convincing on your knees” you smirked to yourself. His eyes got just a bit more glazed over.
”So that’s what you want?” His voice beamed with something unspoken.
”Not entirely..” you didn’t stop smiling, seeing him this way. “You’re crazy if you want to do it here..“ Then there was silence. He said nothing, but before you could stop him you couldn’t feel the ground beneath your feet.
“Lex-!” You shouted. He didn’t wait a second more before he picked you up, looking entirely too mesmerised while setting you on a nearby bench. He settled before you, falling onto his knees with a loud thump, his hands flew to your thighs.
”And you’re so fucking demanding.” He panted, trying to rip the material that separated him from your hips. “I have a better way to convince you, just say a word.” You felt the squeezing of his hands on your thighs.
”I’m the demanding one?” You turned his chin towards you and he looked like he was already falling apart. “You’re a fucking joke, Lex. And a shitty one at that.”
He smiled, nestling his face on your thigh.
”Out of your league, huh..?.” He bit his lip. You knew he tried to get his way.. Whatever, you weren’t the one being manipulated.
You let him in by uncrossing your legs and he immediately dipped his head with a starved look on his face, smelling you through the fabric. You heard him swear under his breath, sure that he was already squeezing his legs together. He was so easy to rile up, you knew exactly what to do — antagonise, swear and spit at him. He was yours. He already tried to undress you, but you redirected him to your chest, undoing your buttons.
”Always in a rush..” you mused. “Use your mouth somewhere else first.” as you said that you bared your chest to him. His eyes were glazed over, he didn’t say anything like all his brains were evaporated with pure lust. He latched onto one of your nipples, pawing on another with his hand.
”Fuck, Lex..” you whined and the hum he let out was the lewdest one yet. You felt steady rocking on your leg and oh, he really liked that. Indeed, it looked like he was rushing. He switched his hand with his mouth and started sucking erratically, before kissing your stomach and trying to get to your underwear.
“Hey! Lex.” Your tone sounded like you were scolding a dog, more than having sex with your lover. ”You’re not getting it, if that’s what you’re thinking.” You snaked your boot between his legs. “You don’t deserve it.” Your heel pressed firmly into his crotch and his eyes widened momentarily, then squeezed shut. His mouth formed a pretty ‘O’ and you could tell he was trying to suppress a moan.
”Since when are you this hard?” You chuckled, trying to rile him even more as you pressed your shoe, almost yanking him back. He rocked into it.
”Nghh.. Shut up..” He drooled a little, like he couldn’t keep it in himself. “I wanted to touch… mhhn.. you.”
”You’re so horny, aren’t you ashamed..?” You moved over him. “Tell me.. it’s about him, isn’t it? All of that supposed.. kindness.” You turned his chin up again.
”Ah- It’s not- mngh…” he was melting fast, too fast for your liking. “What..?”
“Don’t act stupid.” You smacked his cheek. “You’re planning something, that’s why you’re buying me shit. You feel bad for picking him over me..?”
”Are you fucking crazy?” He grabbed you by your hair. “Stop talking before I-“ you twisted your heel and he barely stifled a groan
”Go soft.? Don’t make me laugh, you get off on this.” You pulled him by his tie up to your face. “Now, you’re going to cum on my boot and clean it, understood?”
There was a pause, the lack of stimulation hit him hard, because he was still squirming in your grip. Some of his dignity seemed to resurface, like a fish out of water, he was taking large gulps of air. He always needed a moment to agree, like a part of his inflated ego died every time you were doing this. Agreement always came though — and with it, he did too.
”Oh fuck, yes!” He moaned and you took him out of his pants. “You’re such a bitch.” A sob could be heard at the back of his throat, that was new.
”Aww… You’re not going to cry..?” You stepped on his unclothed erection and he cried out, both from pain and pleasure. You knew him, knew he didn’t want it any other way. He didn’t say anything coherent after that, just a string of curses thrown your way as he rode your boot. Your shoe almost bent from how much pressure he was putting on it.
“Oh.. ah! Fuck…” right then his eyes rolled into the back of his skull and he let out the loudest moan yet, emptying himself all over your skin tight boot. It felt like he rubbed himself raw, while his content expression said otherwise. You understood then, that it was the only way his hateful brain could be switched off. You thought about keeping him in that state forever… although it would probably take a lot of energy on both your and his part.
A moment passed and you smiled to yourself, he agreed to something both of you would never forget. Even if you wouldn’t know what he was planning now, you could keep this over his head forever.
“Oh, my shoe is soiled…” you sighed theatrically, then changed your tone to morbid seriousness. “Lick it. Clean.”
He had a look of horror on his face, like you told him to eat his own shit. But after a minute his eyes cleared and he clenched his jaw in a challenge. Then he leaned in and swiped his tongue over your shoe, not savouring it, but not being entirely disgusted either. After he was done, he had a small bit of dirt from the summer streets over his lips and you could tell he was pale with nausea.
”Good boy.” You whispered, cleaning his lips with your thumb. Not so cocky now, huh?
Too bad he had to come back to his guests and officially announce the end of the evening. You watched from outside the terrace door as he stepped there on wobbly legs and with a slightly raw voice. You told him he could sleep at your place, but it was dangerous, domestic territory you both rarely explored.
Chapter 2: Do I deserve this?
Summary:
It felt like there was something unfinished between you — mostly you not knowing why he was acting this way. Silence mounted when you met at the Aquarium’s empty plaza. After everyone REALLY left
Notes:
I felt like there was something unfinished in the chapter, so I decided to drop some introspection to go along with it. It was supposed to be a one shot, so it’s just a taste.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
It somehow felt like the day wasn’t over yet. It was terribly dark and the isolation you felt standing in the middle of the deserted plaza had you in its clutches. Aquarium was still bathed in a blue light, but whatever was left from the interaction with Lex seemed to be milked to its core. It was surprising anything still took shape.
Guests left, for real this time. It was seriously weird how much he wanted to keep you away from something, yet he couldn’t imagine it without you. You observed as a helicopter descended, picking up someone important. The rolling of your eyes was so hard your head spun.
Why? Was the first and last question. Lex Luthor was an unpredictable man, but wanting to protect you was even outside of his league. And for what? Buying you some stupid aquarium, like it was something that would change your life? He truly was crazy, it wasn’t even funny anymore.
You saw his silhouette. He was the last one exiting the establishment, stepping onto the large, stone field you stood on. Wind was blowing and hair obscured your vision for a moment, but you knew he noticed you.
“The night is over” his voice was like a fork on glass, breaking through the booming wind.
“I want to understand” you said as you ignored his condescending tone.
The silence stood between you. Not pretty, not practiced.
“You enjoy humiliating me.” He said, something in his dark voice shook, though he looked indifferent.
“So do you” you paused. “You’re such an asshole to me. And you want to convince me it’s different this time.”
Silence again.
“Because it is.” Sincerity in his voice almost swiped you away with the cold air that was washing you both. If he wasn’t standing in front of you, you’d think you were dreaming. “When I get in trouble, you’ll get the insurance. Or you’ll just take the donations for research..”
“You want me to steal from an aquarium?” Your voice was quiet. Yeah, it seemed like you were dreaming from how stupid it all sounded
“It’s not government property. I specifically mentioned it is yours , so stop twisting it” He responded with annoyance. You couldn’t ignore how meekly he sounded. At different points you still felt the billionaire wasn’t present with you today. You didn’t know who he was anymore.
“Okay Lex, whatever you say.” You sighed, like it was the most normal conversation you had yet. “I just.. I just want to know”
He waited, looking at you with a hint of distrust. You sometimes forgot he was the one with unlimited power, with how much he bent to you sometimes.
“Is it… is it about him ? Superman.” Your voice didn’t break, though it would seem like it in the moment. You knew the answer.
“What is? I didn’t buy a deposit for him , if that’s what you’re asking.” His words bit into you, like you were stupid for assuming he even thought about him.
It almost shook you how calm he sounded when you mentioned Superman. There was no way he wasn’t planning anything. You knew when he tried to manipulate you, seem like the hero wasn’t bothering him at all — though he probably knew you’d notice. Sometimes you both didn’t know why you played that game.
“It will take you down with it. I beg you Lex, whatever stupid shit you want to do to him, it’s not worth it.” You looked deep into his eyes, he averted them.
“Stay out of it.” Simple like a command, brutish like Lex.
He left you there, in the middle of an empty plaza, with more than one question unanswered. The most important: why?
Notes:
I hope I will have more time next time I write something