Be Nice by Caro
Clark tells him a lot about the band so it's not like Lex doesn't know them. He's even talked to them briefly. Conversations in passing. Like asking Franny what painting she was working on currently, or joking with Astrid about being swindled by the street vendors in Spain. Still, he's not quite sure what to do with Ethan who'd shown up a little earlier. He was supposed to be picking Clark up at the penthouse only Clark's running late.
"I'll be there in twenty," Clark says over the dodgy cell phone connection. "Tell Ethan to wait."
"Ok." Lex nods even though Clark can't see him over the phone. Ethan's already made himself comfortable on the couch. He seems good at being comfortable wherever he is. Lex isn't entirely sure he approves.
"Oh and Lex, be *nice.*" Clark laughingly orders before clicking off.
Be nice. Lex can do that.
Except he's not actually sure what to do with Ethan. They've never engaged in extensive conversation before. What would they have in common? Well, except Clark. And Lex is pretty sure any conversation about Clark would ruin his whole "be nice" effort.
"Ethan, do you want something to drink?"
"Sure, water's fine."
Lex nods and pulls two blue bottles out of the fridge. He can do this. Be cordial.
"So, what did you and Clark have planned for today?" he asks, as he hands a bottle to Ethan and then sits down on the other end of the couch.
"Thanks," Ethan mumbles, and takes a sip. "Nothing much. Just going to check out Monterey's on Third. The owner says they might need a band to play on Thursdays."
"Clark's got that Ethics class that lets out late on Thursdays," Lex reminds him.
"It'd be after that," Ethan replies with a smirk. His fingers are sliding over a photo frame that Clark insists on keeping on the side table, a shot of him and Clark from graduation in Smallville, and it irritates Lex.
"How much will he pay?"
"That's what I need to talk to him about."
Lex studies him for a minute. Ethan's very confident. It's something Lex can admire, and he can understand that it's part of Ethan's appeal. Clark claims that Ethan's "not all that" but Lex wonders how much of that is just denial to reassure him. Ethan warrants a second look, and had Lex been in college with him, he's pretty sure he'd have been looking. Probably had in his day. He's sure he can remember a dark and broody musician or two.
"So, you take care of that stuff for the band?"
"What stuff?"
"Booking, negotiating pay, etcetera."
Ethan shrugs. "No one else will do it. Astrid can't be bothered and Thomas never has the time. And Clark, well, Clark's bad at asking for money. If I left it to him, we'd probably end up paying the bar to play there."
Lex laughs. Clark's never been the economist in the relationship. He remembers how he'd stammer whenever he'd have to drop the produce bills off at the office, like he felt guilty asking Lex for money even though it was for a perfectly legitimate service. No matter how many times Lex tried to convince him that it was money owed to him, Clark always apologized for the bills.
"Do you enjoy it?"
"It's all right. I can do it."
"Ever think of getting a manager?" Lex asks.
Ethan stares at him suspiciously. "Like who? You?"
"It's not like you couldn't do worse." He's not sure why he's offended exactly. It's not like he actually wants to be the manager of a college band, but Ethan's attitude rubs him the wrong way.
"But why would you want to do it?"
Good question. "I didn't say I wanted to do it. Just figured I'd help."
"You could keep an eye on Clark if you did."
Lex raises his eyebrows. "Do I have to keep an eye on Clark?"
Ethan grins, and it's very bright. "No, you don't." He looks like he wants to say more but before he can, the door opens, and they both turn to look.
"Hey guys," Clark greets them, as he enters the room noisily. He drops down and presses a kiss on Lex's lips before sliding onto the couch in between the two of them. "Whatcha talking about?"
Ethan gives Lex a look and smiles. "Nothing important. You ready to go?" he asks, lifting himself off the couch.
"Sure." Clark bounces up and Lex gets up with him.
"Lex, I'll catch you later," Ethan says, as he heads out towards the elevator. "I'll think about your offer."
"Your offer?" Clark gives him the 'is there something you should tell me' look.
Lex shrugs nonchalantly. "You'll be home for dinner?"
"Yeah." He kisses Lex again and then glances towards the door. "Were you nice?"
"I'm always nice," Lex maintains with a grin.
He hears Clark chuckle as he leaves.
04/30/03