Title: Hate Me
Author: Tonia
Email: LadyYashka@hotmail. com
Rating: PG
Challenge: Social Worker
Notes: This is my first challenge. I started this story three times and in three different ways. I do not have a beta so I tried to go over it the best I could. I hope you guys like it.
Summary: "Hate me in ways Yeah ways hard to swallow Hate me so you can finally see what's good for you" (Blue October "Hate Me" Album "Foiled")

The apartment seem bare. Most of Clark's things had been packed and were sitting in the trunk of their car, waiting to whisk everything precious to Lex away from him. Lex's whole world, his whole life, had been reduced to five medium sized boxes and two suit cases. They had been living in this apartment for nearly four years and he could hardly believe that that was all they had to show for their life together.

Sighing, he took both suit cases into his hands, and with one finale glance at the bedroom he had shared with his beloved for four years, slowly walked out of the room and placed the suit cases by the front door. Wiping at the tears on his cheeks, Lex turned to make the hardest decision of his life. It was time to send his Clark away.

He could still remember when they had first met. Lex had been fresh out of College, eager to separate himself from the tarnished Luthor name. Clark had been coving a fluff piece for the Daily Planet at a local foster home when he first saw Lex. He had been working as a social worker, helping battered and abused children at the time. Lex understood those children better than most and his compassion and understanding had caught Clark's attention. By the end of the interview Clark had gotten enough courage up to go and introduce himself. Lex and Clark had been inseparable ever since.

Early in their relationship, Clark had learned that despite the Luthor wealth, Lex would have gladly given it all away just to have a loving home life. At the time of their meeting Lex had not spoken to his father in over five years, having left home soon after graduating from high school.

Lex had been the light in his dark world and soon they had moved in together. A year later, Clark was a rising star reporter at the Daily Planet and Lex ran his own group home for troubled teens and runaways. Life had been good, for awhile. Then one late night turned into more than he could count and his sleep became nonexistent. Soon one drink became five and then it did not seem to ever stop. Clark quickly found that he could not go a single day without a drink. It helped get him through his day and took the edge off of his stress. For the longest time Clark had ignored the warning signs. He repeatedly told himself that his drinking was just casual, he could stop at any time. And for awhile it seem like no one noticed.

But Lex had obviously noticed. They had argued and soon were not speaking. He refused to see that he had a problem and now that nonexistent problem had resulted in his world crumbling.

The soft knock on the open door pulled Clark from his musings. Lex stood behind him with a sad but determined look on his pale face. Clark could see the shadows that clouded his once sparkling blue eyes and hated himself that much more for being the reason for that look being on his beloved's face.

"Ready?" Came Lex's soft voice. Choking back bitter tears of regret, Clark gave a small nod of his head.

"The car's waiting." Lex sighed. "We don't want to be late."

"I know." Clark whispered.

Walking through the seemingly empty apartment, Clark fought back the urge to beg Lex for forgiveness. In his mind, he did not deserve any, so he trudged onward. Seeing his suit cases at the door made the whole situation seem finale.

Taking a deep breath, Clark picked up his suit cases and walked partway out the open door. Turning back he let his red rimmed eyes settle on Lex's slumped form. He started to open his mouth but could not seem to find the words he needed to say.

"I know." Lex said, a sad smile turning up the corners of his mouth.

Walking forward, Lex placed a gentle hand on Clark's chest and gave him the briefest of kisses. Staring into his love's eyes, Lex could no longer keep his tears at bay. They welled up his dull, tired blue eyes, causing more pain and guilt to spark through Clark's heart.

"Just get better." Lex whispered before stepping forward and closing their door. Silently he walked down the hallway next to Clark. It would be a long hard struggle and Lex had every intention of seeing his lover make it through to the other side.

End