crack_van | A Handful of Dust & Calm in the House by Jenn (NC-17)

Fandom: SMALLVILLE
Pairing: Clark(Kal-El)/Lex
Author on LJ:

seperis
Author Website: Indulgence

Why this must be read: In looking over what had already been recommended for Smallville fandom on

crack_van, I was surprised to see Jenn's "A Handful of Dust" and it's sequel, "Calm in the House" hadn't already been posted.

This is the story that got me into Smallville fandom in the first place after watching the Pilot and Hourglass episodes, I watched them right before second season started. It also caused me to write Jenn the longest piece of feedback I've ever sent an author. Yes, it's that kind of story.

First up, people who like Clark wide-eyed, innocent and saving the world as Superman, you probably won't like this story; but give it a chance. However, fans who love 'Lex as a hero' stories and like their Clark a ~~little~~ a lot dark will love it!

Basically, Clark has followed Jor-El's plan and he has conquered the world, he rules his loyal followers and destroys his enemies. The switch in this is, Lex is still Clark's enemy, but instead of being 'evil,' he's working for the good guys: the Resistance. They want to defeat Clark.

In the past, Lex and Clark had been lovers and very happy, but then Clark changed and decided he wanted to rule the world. Lex wanted no part of it, so he leaves Clark, as do all of Clark's friends and yes, family. Lana, Pete and Lex are each running a resistance cell when the story starts. It has been many years since Lex and Clark were lovers, but Clark continues to hunt for Lex and Lex evades him. Why? Because Clark kills the people who resist him, including his family and friends.

But, it seems Lex days of freedom are numbered and Clark catches Lex and takes him back to their penthouse in Metropolis (which is beginning rebuilt by Clark's followers who believe he is more or less a god). There Clark starts to seduce Lex into being his follower -- and lover.

The beauty of this story is Lex's conflict. He still loves Clark, but hates the Alien. Jenn is able to weave Lex's pain, feelings of loss, and betrayal effortlessly into the tale while also not making Clark a 2-D villain. The reader feels sympathy for Lex and yes, for Clark because in the story all Clark wants is Lex's love and loyalty. Clark doesn't know how to exist without Lex by his side.

It is a battle of wills and who wins in the end? You must read this amazing story to find out. It will tear your guts out and make you weep.

A Handful of Dust

Calm in the House