There Will Be Time by Sarah T (PG)

[pun.livejournal.com]

Fandom: SMALLVILLE
Pairing: Clark/Lex
Author on LJ: harriet_spy
Author Website: Sometimes You Need a Story
Why this must be read:

This story was written during that long summer between the first and second seasons of Smallville. It takes place during that moment in Tempest when Lex is faced with the decision whether or not to save Lionel, and in a short space it presents a number of vivid and realistic possibilities for how Lex will move forward from that moment. They can be read as four little AUs or as Lex having premonitions of his different options.

I don't want to spoil you, but this story includes one of my favorite lines of all time in an SV fan fic:

you'll realize that some wars are won only by refusing to fight anymore.

I love that because it deals with something I think is fundamental to Lex's character, his blindness to his own path toward darkness. Because Lex is such a fan favorite, there aren't that many stories that deal with Lex and choice. Lex is not just a victim of circumstance, and I like the way Sarah T deals with that here.

This story is also special for its effective use of the second person and effective use of a poem woven throughout. Neither is easy to do well, but Sarah T's light touch and minimalistic style carry it off beautifully.


There Will Be Time


Please let the author know if you enjoy it.