Whatever reaction Lex was expecting...it had been anything but this. The anger at Clark yes, though Lex swallowed back his guilt for not telling Anatoly just how much he wanted to give in. How close he had been. And at home, just the want alone would have been enough to condemn him and the fact used against him, by his father no doubt. Even with him as the supposed victim, this would have been seen as Lex's fault, since he was a Luthor.

And yet, even though Anatoly knew about the marriage and hadn't yet let Lex explain his reasons behind it, he was kneeling in front of him and proclaiming quite possessively that Lex was his. And Lex was honestly speechless, since at no point in his life had anyone done such a thing for him. If anyone could be compared to this man at his feet. Not even Clark Kent.

Lex could only stare at Anatoly, a hand coming up to grip one of his, as his realization hit home again, causing an almost physical ache in his chest. He was in love with Anatoly, who was his very center and voice of reason now, completely taking over from Clark. And he knew that while Clark hadn't wanted the job, Anatoly accepted it.

All of this showed in his eyes as he stared, unable to hide it, parts love, wonder and a tiny bit of fear. But he was too tired and raw to care. And a part of him, needed to show Anatoly what he didn't know how to say.