Rating: G
Archive: My library, SSA, Lexslash, and the Crayola Challenge Page
Disclaimer: Not mine.
Feedback: Yes, please!
Author's Notes: This is for the Crayola Challenge. And yup, I combined two of the colors because for some reason it struck me as perfect for the story.

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Lex inhaled deeply, angry with himself. Twenty-three years old and still nervous about flying in helicopters. And no, it did not make him feel any better knowing that he could jump out of an airplane with nothing but a parachute and a air-board without so much as an accelerated heart beat. He and helicopters just did not get along. But he would be damned if he missed another of Clark's birthdays. And he'd be doubled damned if he missed tonight. Because, tonight, Lex didn't have to share Clark with anyone. Not his parents, not his friends. No one except Clark and Lex. He let out a small sigh as the chopper touched down near the Kent farms.

As promised, Clark stood by the side of the road, smiling indulgently at his friend. "Only you, Lex."

"You know we have dinner reservations." Lex grinned at Clark's chuckle.

"Like they wouldn't make an exception for Lex Luthor . . ."

"They won't." Lex smirked. "The Tower won't even hold reservations for God."

Clark's expression clearly stated that he didn't believe it for a second. He moved, letting Lex get in first, climbing in afterwards. Clark watched as Lex strapped himself in, then gestured to the pilot. Soon they were in the air.

For the first few minutes, Clark enjoyed the verdant scenery. Smallville seemed the antithesis of it's name from the air. Miles and miles of farmland and homes. Clark grinned, turning to Lex. He frowned as he studied friend's tight face and closed eyes. Slowly, as not to startle him, Clark slipped his arm over Lex's chest, wrapping it around his hip.

Lex felt Clark move, but his eyes flew open when he felt the large, warm arm over his chest. His right arm came up, lying his forearm flat against Clark's, hand clutching the now restraining arm. He turned, just the slightest, to catch the younger man's eyes.

Clark smiled, gently prying Lex's other hand away from the death grip he had on the harness, and held it in his own. He leaned forward, gentle smile, gentle understanding.

Lex sighed softly, moved until he could feel the smooth coolness of Clark's hair against his own forehead, and then he closed his eyes. And for the first time, the open-aired helicopter wasn't bothering him.

The End