Chapter Text
Given the intensity of Lex's immediate interest in his beautiful best friend Clark, it's amazing that he didn't pursue him earlier.
A lot of people expected him to as well. I mean, young sweet small town omega saved rich alpha man? A fling was the minimum of what they expected. Even more so when Lex's first move was to buy Clark a new truck. It had all the makings of any romantic movie plot so why not in real life?
Well, a few reasons actually. For one, Lex may have run around in phalandering rich kid crowds but he wasn't a tail chasing alpha himself. Never has been never will be. For the simple fact he didn't want to be like his father who couldn't control his own lust even when he was happily mated. Lex only dated either as a stragetic power move or because he thought he could have a real relationship with someone. By this point in his life he was old enough to be looking for a life long mate not just something to fill his time for the next couple of years.
Clark actually fit that requirement rather well when they first met but there were other factors too. The immediate rejection of Clark's father was a pretty strong one. The older alpha wouldn't even let him thank Clark properly when they first met. Not even in words. He figured, give the small town he was in, and how they met there was no chance he'd have his approval for a proper date. Kind of a necessary premission to have in rural areas. Where people tended to be more conservative about alpha and omega interactions.
That wasn't all either. After getting to know Clark a little, just distant friends in the begining, he realized pretty quick Clark was crushing hard on the very pretty beta Lana Lang. Comparing himself to Lana, Lex figured he probably wasn't Clark's type anyways. He was content to just be friends with all these barriers in place.
Even that was a fucking dice roll. Being as close as Lex and Clark were quickly becoming wasn't exactly smiled upon in a small town like this. Nor did his parents or even friends seem to approve. Ultimately they had no real say and both Clark and Lex were careful with the way they interact so things continued. Lex figured so long as Clark was okay with the cost to be his friend he wasn't going to pass on that. Lex had so very few real friends in his life and he's always prided himself in his loyalty to them because of it. Honestly, things can get real lonely for a Luthor. He didn't want to lose any chance at real friendly interactions.
Thus something strong began to brew. Lex realized prehaps he had underestimated how quickly his emotions can advance. Never in his life has he fallen so fast or so hard for someone. Felt his desire to just be friends die more and more every day. Started not just imagining but even dreaming of a future where he was mated to Clark. It got so bad his own instincts began to betray him.
He started unintentionally treating Clark as if they were already mated. Finding himself more protective then usual. Risking his own well-being more and more when it came to Clark. Crushing those that opposed Clark and his family the same way Luthor's have been taught to defend themselves and their company.
He started being unwilling to give in to John Kent's demands to stay away. Started hating him more for trying. Only able to see another alpha trying to come between him and his mate. His patiences started growing thin.
He started touching more and wanting to spend more time with Clark. Seeing him in early morning and until the sun was well down. Aching every time he had to say goodbye for the night. Wishing they had the kind of relationship where he could just tell Clark to stay.
He stop being able to help Clark with Lana. Even actively sabbotaging them at times. Not on purpose, he just couldn't help it. The beta girl felt like competition. She set his instincts on edge. He could no longer deny that.
Not after he caught himself moments before taking a bite out of her hand after she casually laid it on Clark's shoulder. Touching what doesn't belong to her. At least... that's what Lex's mind was screaming at him constantly. He bit the inside of his cheek so hard that day, he was tasting iron for a week.
Lex started to worry. He worried so much he was going to do something he'd regret later. Ruin the friendship they'd built and lose the omega in his life forever. Then... something magical happen.
It was Clark who made the first move.
They'd been talking about Lana and Lex had been torturing himself by asking how that was going and... Clark had just seemed to sigh in a strange way. Before admitting he thought he was losing feelings for her. That instead he was growing some for someone else. Being the sometimes oblivious man he was, not seeing a gift when presented to him, Lex first reaction had been panic or even anger.
He'd gotten pretty adjusted to the idea of Lana stealing the best omega he knew from him, one day. He'd accepted it to a point. Hearing that someone new was coming into the fold, someone Lex wasn't even aware was around Clark got under his skin. His put out expression must have been noticed by Clark because in the next moment he was suddenly snorting and smiling amused if a little nervous when he said:
"I'm talking about you, Lex!"
Lex had about three seconds to process his shock before his legs were moving on their own and his hands cupping Clark's face. Their lips were together and Lex had indulged like a man dying of thirst finally being given water. It was magical.
From that night on, Lex life has continued to be magic.