Page 31 of Saving Little Clark

I grinned, feeling a rush of warmth and gratitude sweep through me like a tidal wave.

"So," Alex said with a playful nudge. "What's the plan for your big date today? Dinner and a movie? Or are you going to skip straight to the good stuff and break out the whipped cream and cherries?"

"Alex!" I yelped, swatting at his arm with a mortified laugh. "Get your mind out of the gutter, you perv. This is a first date, not a porno."

Alex cackled, dodging my halfhearted blows with ease. "Okay, I'll stop," he said, holding up his hands in surrender. "Butseriously, have you practiced your flirting face in the mirror yet? Because let me tell you, the smolder is key. The smolder is what separates the men from the boys. Maybe we should do a little role-playing, hmm? A little dress rehearsal for the big night?"

"Role-playing?" I repeated, my voice cracking slightly. "Alright, fine. Let's do this. But I swear to god, Lex, if you make me say anything too cheesy or embarrassing, I will end you. Slowly and painfully, with a fork and a smile."

Alex just laughed, hopping off the couch and striking a ridiculous pose, one hand on his hip and the other pressed to his forehead like a swooning damsel. "Why, Clark!" he drawled, pitching his voice into a low, seductive purr. "Fancy meeting you here. Don't you look ravishing this evening?"

"Not as ravishing as you, Brody," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady and suave. "That shirt really brings out your eyes."

"Why thank you," Alex purred, fluttering his lashes at me. “Now, tell me, what are your thoughts on the current state of the global economy? Do you think the recent fluctuations in the stock market are a cause for concern, or merely a temporary blip on the radar of fiscal stability?"

I stared at him, my mouth falling open in a mix of shock and amusement. "What the hell kind of date do you think this is?" I asked, barely containing my laughter. "A job interview? A congressional hearing?"

Alex cackled, flopping down beside me and throwing an arm around my shoulders. "Ooh, Brody!" he simpered, batting his lashes at me exaggeratedly. "Talk fiscal policy to me, you naughty boy. Whisper sweet nothings about marginal tax rates in my ear until I swoon from the sheer, unbridled eroticism of it all!"

We collapsed against each other, howling with laughter.

"Makeover time!" Alex crowed, jumping up from the couch and striking a dramatic pose. "We're going to turn you into the hottest piece of arm candy, my dear Clarkie.”

I groaned. "I'm going to regret this, aren't I?" I mumbled, my voice muffled by my fingers.

I allowed myself to be dragged towards the bedroom with only minimal resistance.

Alex rummaged through my closet with a look of fierce concentration. "Aha! Here we go. The perfect ensemble for a night of passion and seduction."

He held up a pair of black skinny jeans and a fitted blue button-down. I hesitated, running my fingers over the soft fabric of the shirt. It was a good color on me, I had to admit. And the jeans did wonders for my ass, if Alex's appreciative whistles were anything to go by.

"Now," Alex said, clapping his hands together briskly. "We've got to transform you from a caterpillar into a beautiful, sexy butterfly who's ready to spread his wings and fly straight into Brody's arms. Now strip, baby, strip. We've got a lot of ground to cover before Prince Charming arrives.”

And with that, he shoved me towards the bathroom with a playful swat to my ass, cackling gleefully as I yelped and stumbled over the threshold. I closed the door behind me and started the process of scrubbing, primping and preening.

Waiting for Brody’s arrival, Alex and I sat cross-legged on the floor, surrounded by a colorful array of superhero figurines.

"Ooh, I know!" Alex exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "We could do a superhero-themed double date! You and Brody can be Batman and Robin, and me and Will can be Superman and Lois.”

"I love it," I said, bumping my shoulder against Alex's with a grin. "But only if I get to be Batman. No way am I running around in those little green booty shorts, no matter how much Brody begs."

Alex cackled, a wicked gleam in his eye. "Just think of all the delicious roleplay possibilities. But seriously, the idea of going on double dates with you and Brody makes me really happy. Like, stupidly, giddily happy in a way I never thought I would feel about something so domestic and cheesy."

"Me too," I whispered, leaning into his side with a shaky sigh. "God, can you believe this is really happening? That we're actually sitting here, plotting out a future with the men of our dreams like a couple of goofy teenagers?”

Alex's smile softened, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I can, actually. Because I always knew that someday, some lucky bastard would wise up and see you for the incredible, amazing, utterly perfect catch that you are.”

I groaned. "Ugh, I still can't believe I let you talk me into wearing these ridiculously tight jeans. I feel like a sausage stuffed into a denim casing. I just hope I don't pass out from lack of circulation before we even make it to the restaurant."

"Nonsense," Alex scoffed, waving a dismissive hand. "A little light-headedness never hurt anyone. Besides, if you do pass out, I'm sure Brody will be more than happy to give you some mouth-to-mouth. You know, just to be safe."

I snorted, shoving him away with a playful scowl. "So, there’s something I want to ask you. Are you really going tolet me go on this date alone? After all the makeovers and role-playing sessions we've had? What if I get tongue-tied or start rambling about comic book continuity errors and scare him off with my nerdiness?”

He rolled his eyes. "Okay, first of all, I resent the implication that your nerdiness is anything less than adorable and endearing. And second of all, it’s like you’re asking me to be the third wheel. But I accept, I guess? It’s been a long time since you’ve been on a proper date, so I understand. And besides, I'll just be there for moral support, you know? A friendly face in the crowd to remind you that you've got this, and that you're not alone.”

Before I could get too lost in the warmth of Alex's embrace, a sudden knock at the door startled us both.

"Oh shit," I hissed, pulling back with a panicked look. "Brody's here, and I'm not ready. Fuck, where did I put my shoes? And my wallet? And my dignity?"

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