multiversallogs | I met a traveller from an antique land

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I met a traveller from an antique land

Who: Lex and Adrian
What: Great Ozymandias finds a fitting place to stay
Where: The House of Ego
When: Veerdi, a week since their last big chat
Notes: none
Warnings: none

It's not the larger-than-a-doorway pharaoh head that that had been discussed during the decorating process. (Discussions entailing several similar rounds of Adrian bringing up the subject and Lex putting his foot down with a resounding no.) After their agreement it was only fitting that the occasion be marked somehow. While they were still business partners, what was discussed extended far beyond figures and notes. Baedal didn't yet know it, but it housed two men who would not only change the world, but shape it under their own design.

In celebration of this alliance, Adrian will not see a head outside the main doorway. Instead what he will see is a bust seated on a tall rectangular slab of marble inside his own portion of the upper floor. There is no note or object next to the statue, it's simply there as it always should have been. When Adrian returns home he will find Lex practicing his pool shots in his own penthouse.

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The atmosphere around the house has altered slightly since their talk, a subtle sort of easiness and camaraderie that wasn't there before. It means that instead of heading straight to his office after getting home from work, Adrian has developed a new habit of changing into something slightly more casual for supper and seeking Lex out for a talk and maybe a drink. It's that plan which is on his mind when he steps through the doorway of his suite, halting dead in his tracks at the sight that greets him.

Rather than change, he spends a few minutes examining the bust up close, and then heads across the hall.

"You're very good with surprises," he announces, unable to keep a small but deeply pleased smile off his face.

With Adrian's arrival Lex knows that he's seen the gift. He stands up from his shooting position and walks to the side of the room to put away his cue for the time being.

He stands next to the table, placing his hand against the outer edge and returns the smile. "I'm guessing that you refer to our new resident."

"I hope you're not charging him rent."

Adrian walks over to the pool table, absently brushing his fingers over the felt. "At the risk of sounding like I don't appreciate the gesture, which I most definitely do...I have to ask you why?" He suspects it has something to do with the talk they had a week ago, but he's not sure exactly what Lex's motivations are. Not that he's concerned by those motivations, but he is curious.

One corner of his mouth quirks upward a little at the joke. Adrian does sound a little ungrateful, but it wouldn't be the first time Lex had one of his gifts sent back.

"I would think why that item in particular was obvious. As for why I got it, a celebration was in order." He takes a step toward Adrian, expression earnest. It's a rare quality to pass across his face, but not unheard of. The precedent has always been embarking on a project he can be proud of, and this eclipses all of them. "We've solidified the course for something monumental, Adrian. It deserves to be recognized."

Perhaps because he hadn't formed a theory yet to explain Lex's choice, Adrian is surprised by the explanation. It makes sense, of course, and he's both touched and proud that Lex would think to mark the occasion in some tangible way. It's simply unexpected -- gifts, in Adrian's experience, nearly always come with expectations attached.

"You're right. It does deserve to be recognized, and you have impeccable taste in monuments, Lex. Let me return the favor -- give Aimery the night off and be my guest for dinner. I know an excellent place."

Edited 2011-09-03 02:47 (UTC)

"I'll let Aimery know," Lex replies as an acceptance of the offer. He feels a relief at knowing that Adrian won't act the same way Clark did when presented with an expensive gift.

"Does your excellent place have a dress code?" Not that Lex doesn't always strive to look his best, but wearing work clothes didn't seem right for a celebratory dinner.

If Clark acted ungratefully, then Adrian can't say he has much opinion about Clark's manners, or his appreciation for fine things.

"Ties are required, jackets are encouraged," he answers, already decided that he'll be changing himself, despite the fact that he's already wearing a suit. "I have no fear that whatever you decide on will be more than acceptable."

"Then I suppose we need the time to get ready." Lex will let Adrian worry about talking his way into getting them a table. "Thank you," he says before departing, lingering for a few moments rather than abruptly turning away.

In the evening the two arrive at a restaurant called Fialový. Lex is dressed in completely different clothes than before: a new black suit that's perfectly tailored as always, dark blue shirt with a complementary lighter shade for the tie. They are lead to a table to themselves in one of the dining rooms. After being seated a bottle of wine is ordered and Lex takes the time to soak in his surroundings before looking across the table. It reminds him of the kind of place he would have felt at home in were he not in Baedal.

"Not that I doubted you, but I have to commend your taste. This place is exquisite."

It's fancier than Adrian would go for if this were just a typical business dinner, but for this occasion he wants to go as all out as Lex already did with his gift.

"I'm glad you like it. Usually I just eat in the salon or on the veranda, this dining room is a little much for someone eating alone, I think." He tastes the wine and smiles approvingly, and glances briefly at the menu before turning his attention back on Lex. "I realized something earlier, watching you play pool -- I really have no idea what your interests are, outside of business and science."

"Well, if you ever did want to visit the dining room again I don't think you would find yourself lacking in company." Lex raises his glass toward Adrian before taking a sip.

The opening for conversation strikes Lex as not exactly odd, but certainly different. He has enough items around the house for Adrian to glean clues from, but snooping is far different from conversation.

He begins with that train of thought, it's as good of a place to start as any. "Many of my interests I'm able to indulge at home. The piano isn't just for show, and I fence for sport as well as swordplay self defense."

"I will certainly keep that in mind," Adrian promises. And if things tonight go well, that won't be a difficult promise to keep.

He nods at Lex's mention of his piano and fencing equipment. Those things certainly didn't escape Adrian's notice, although he's never witnessed Lex actually using them. Through no fault but his own, of course -- Adrian spends an extraordinary amount of his waking time holed up in the labs.

"I'd like to see your fencing technique sometime. I seem to remember that we did discuss some additional defense training, if you're still interested. It would be very different from the skills I imagine you've already acquired."

"I'm still interested. I apologize for the way time seems to slip away sometimes." It's certainly something he still wants to do, but Lex is a very busy man after all. "I will probably have to re-train certain bits of muscle memory, but it's nothing that's impossible."

"You're also not the only one with a great love for history," this reveal is said slowly, as if sharing a secret. "Those quotes of Alexander's that I know... it's not just mere repetition. I told you when we met that I was named after him, but I'm not content to be a shadow of a name. I've spent much of my time reading about those who accomplished great things before they were thirty." He folds his hands over the menu. "Men like Adrian Veidt."

Adrian shakes his head to dismiss the need for an apology. "We both have too little time, although I think now with Aimery and Miss Lockhart to lighten the burden a bit, we should have no trouble scheduling in some training."

The interest in history isn't a complete surprise to Adrian either, but he has to admit to not having been aware of the depth of Lex's shared interest in Alexander. Just another bit of evidence that Adrian has been making the right choices. He can't hold back a smile at the compliment, and raises his glass in a toast. "To Alexander. And to adding Lex Luthor to that list."

"To Alexander," Lex agrees, raising his glass. It sounds odd saying his own name in a toast, but far be it from him to contradict Adrian.

The waiter comes and takes their order and after he departs Lex takes it upon himself to continue their conversation. "And what is it that you enjoy that I don't yet know about? It's strange to think that we've lived in the same house without learning basic things like that."

Adrian settles back into his chair and looks thoughtful at the question. "Well, we were hardly thinking of ourselves as roommates, I suppose. And I'm honestly not sure there's much you don't already know. History, science...finding a way to meld the two, to bring the ideals of the past to fruition in the present. Really, aside from the occasional indulgence in gymnastics, I have very few hobbies that are unrelated to the work I do for Veidt Enterprises."

He could probably add 'fighting crime' and 'marketing his face' to that list, but those are things Lex has most likely already figured out.

"Well, then there's always room for exploration." He shrugs and gives Adrian a slight smile. "You might even add teaching to that list of hobbies if all goes well. I can't promise to not give you headaches, but I am quite the fast learner."

Lex moves the conversation back to Adrian's original question of what he enjoys. "I'm also pretty passionate about cars. It sounds a bit pedestrian I'm sure, but it all comes down to so many elements working together to make a fine piece of machinery. I drove a truck during that mission when I -" he lifts up the scarred hand as a means of finishing the sentence. "But it wasn't all terrible. I could feel that sense of power in my hands again, in a direct way that you can't get anywhere else. I miss that."

Adrian exhales something close a laugh. "I'd prefer to consider your training as the exception rather than the rule. I really don't think I'm the teacher type." He feels fairly Lex will pick things up quickly, but if that isn't the case, he also doesn't have any qualms about abandoning the exercise altogether, if he feels it's a waste of his time. Not a very good quality in a teacher.

That tidbit about Lex's love of cars -- and more revealing, his love of the power and control that cars offer him -- is interesting, and Adrian is happy to follow that line of conversation. "I don't drive at all, myself. I remember learning, but I've never owned a car of my own. I get the feeling you probably own more than one."

"By the last count there were fifty-four." His face shows absolutely no shame in such indulgence but his voice holds a hint of pleased surprised at having that aspect so easily guessed. He should have expected as much. The two considered themselves equals and if he could read Adrian then it certainly stood to reason that the other could do so in return. It's a simultaneously exciting and dangerous prospect.

The food arrives, causing another break in the conversation. After they both cut into their food Lex continues. "Does your home back in New York look anything like it does here?" He'd already seen Adrian's office, but that wasn't necessarily a guarantee of anything.

"Impressive." Adrian isn't mocking when he says that, he may not own cars himself but he recognizes the value in collecting expensive and meaningful things.

He isn't expecting Lex's new change of topic, but it's a perfectly welcome one. Far be it for Adrian Veidt to pass up the opportunity to talk up the trappings of his success. "In New York? Well Veidt Enterprises is housed in a much more modern building, to begin with. And a great deal taller. I like to imagine that it's a marriage of old and new -- open spaces, plenty of glass, but it shows off some of my collection of art and artifacts as well. Of course it's also designed to be appealing to the people I deal with every day as well, so I don't think it completely reflects my personal aesthetic."

There's no obvious indication that he's holding anything back, but someone with a good eye for reading people (especially someone who knows how Adrian operates) could probably see the signs that there's more beneath the surface.

"Then maybe I phrased myself incorrectly." It's only a turn of phrase. Lex knows exactly what he's doing and what he had said opened up a window for a new trail of conversation. "I've seen Veidt Enterprises if you recall. I didn't ask about that. I asked about your home."

"If it isn't in New York surely you have one somewhere."

"You've seen part of it," Adrian accedes. They unfortunately had only time for a single meeting, or Lex would have gotten a much more detailed tour. "And I do have a penthouse suite there, since New York is where I spent most of my time."

But not all of his time, and now he sees that Lex knows it. Well, the Antarctic lab isn't quite a state secret, although its location is disclosed to only certain people. "I suppose technically, I think of New Karnak as my true home. It's...remote. And definitely carries on the themes of large and filled with glass." He grins a little, and takes a sip of his wine, eyes on Lex's. "And there's a wall-sized black marble bust of Ramesses II, among other things. It's also where I house my personal labs."

"Well, it's a good thing that my gift helps bring a bit of home to you here in Baedal. I'm sure you can understand certain limitations regarding a wall sized bust." Lex was certain he could obtain a wall sized bust if he truly wanted to, the limitations were regarding his patience for that kind of thing. He smiles, pleasantly loose from the wine and generally enjoying himself.

"How remote do you mean? I'm sure in a lot of ways Kansas seems remote." The hinting is enough for him to want more of an answer.

"I think the space allotment here might preclude anything of that size," Adrian concedes. The gift Lex already presented him with is more than adequate, and he wants to be sure the man knows it. "What you acquired fits the space perfectly, Lex. As perfectly as it suits my tastes. Thank you."

He knows the man is working him for details, but Adrian is surprisingly willing to part with them. Not only because his ego demands someone appreciate his achievements, but because he sincerely believes Lex might be the one person he's met to date who is capable of truly doing that. "Antarctica. So...a bit more remote than Kansas. Though I hear that Metropolis can hold its own."

Maybe Adrian isn't as ungrateful as he thought. Lex nods at the acknowledgement, more than satisfied. "You're welcome."

"It's a shame you couldn't come and see LuthorCorp." Lex is sincere in this also. Though Lex didn't get a proper tour of Veidt Enterprises, he as least saw enough for a lasting impression. He not only wanted to share where he'd come from, but what he can do and what resources he has to make that happen. "I think you would like Metropolis." He smiles. "We're lacking a bit on year round snow, but I make sure that we more than make up for it in industry."

Eventually, Lex may learn that Adrian doesn't always offer his gratitude directly, or in words, but that doesn't mean he isn't appreciative.

"I hold out hope that eventually I'll get to see it. As well as this Smallville you have such a fondness for." It irks Adrian a bit to not have access to that side of Lex, to not be able to see him and analyze him in his own habitat. Although with the senior Luthor in town now, that may become a little bit easier. "I have no doubt Metropolis and Smallville both are infinitely more interesting for having your influence. As Baedal will be."

Adrian may not always express his gratitude in words, but he definitely did not waste any in his compliment. "You'll see them both," Lex promises. He knows he shouldn't he has no control over Baedal, but perhaps one day he will.

"Baedal already has both of our influences and is better for it. I can't say that we are at the point we want to achieve yet, or if that will ever happen because we are constantly progressing, but I can safely say that the city has benefited from the both of us. Look at what you've done, Adrian Veidt. Ridding the city of unwanted creatures, contributions to science, rebuilding a neighborhood, regularly saving those who need your help," the last part is purposefully vague, but Adrian will know exactly what Lex means. "You simply can't speak about what I will do before first acknowledging what you have already done."

As Adrian listens to what Lex has to say, the small smile growing slowly into a warm grin as all his achievements are listed. He had been beginning to wonder if it was a lost cause, trying to shape things in his current surroundings for the better, if no one even noticed the changes. Now he can see he was wrong to be so concerned.

"You've done all of those things as well. I've seen the results of your own work in protecting the city." The injuries to Lex himself as well as the trophies he acquired. "And I know that you're working on your own scientific contributions. All of which is why I know that together, we can be the unstoppable force this city needs to truly flourish."

He finishes his wine and nods at the waiter, turning to Lex to allow him the decision on whether they want to continue with dessert and coffee, or conclude their dinner and make their way back home.

Edited 2011-09-04 03:44 (UTC)

Lex understands the hint and allows Adrian to pay the bill. He wants to insist on at least paying for his half but Veidt had asked him along as a guest. Lex holds his tongue and when the transaction is finished they both stand and leave the restaurant, heading out into the pleasant night air to begin the walk back to the house.

"So how did you find that place?" Lex asks with an unhurried stroll. "It's certainly on my radar now."

"Completely by accident." Adrian is rather pleased they decided to go ahead and take the direct walk home, rather than the slightly quicker but less direct and less pleasant route by train. "I decided not to change trains on my way home one day and walk through some of the neighborhoods near ours instead, and I happened across it. It's not a regular haunt by any means, but they have excellent vegetarian dishes. And the decor reminds me of a place I've been to in Prague."

He turns his head toward Lex, recalling the offer to join him for dinner there again in the future. "I may make it a more regular thing, however, if I have an excuse to eat in the main dining room again."

"Fridays like this are usually fit nicely into my schedule." He knows very well that in Baedal it's Veerdi, but he and Adrian come from roughly the same world where the word Friday has meaning beyond two nice sounding syllables. It's refreshing to be able to share words from home with someone who understands exactly what they mean.

There's a slight quirk of the lips as Lex looks sideways to regard Adrian. "Aimery's going to start getting used to having nights off."

Adrian returns the regard for a moment, his own mouth curled into a knowing smile. "It's nice to have such conveniently complementary schedules."

Glancing away, he realizes they've entered Brock Marsh and are nearing their own street, and although it's nothing obvious or deliberate, his pace quickens slightly. "Maybe we should give Aimery a standing night off every Friday."

"I think he would enjoy that."

Lex notices the quickened pace when he begins to fall slightly behind and adjusts his own speed to match. By now he can walk the route home with his eyes closed if he wanted to and it's only a quick walk to the front door.

He enters and there's no sight or sound of Aimery. Once Adrian steps in he locks the door behind them both.

Adrian feels sure that Aimery possesses the discretion to make the most of his night off, and to either stay out or keep to his rooms. Which is good, because the last thing he wants right now is to run into anyone else. Turning to face Lex as the man locks the door, he takes a moment to consider the possible ramifications of what he's about to do, but they simply don't seem as serious to him here in Baedal. Maybe it's because there are too many truly strange things for the populace to concentrate on, that the sexuality of one businessman wouldn't even show on their radar.

Decision made, he steps forward without a word and cups the back of Lex's neck, pulling him close for a kiss.

If Adrian had waited any longer then Lex would have closed the distance between them himself. Instead he reaches up to clasp a hand around Adrian's bicep and returns the kiss. With the house to themselves he takes his time, not wanting to rush what has been on his mind for quite a while.

Any lingering doubts Adrian might have been entertaining in the back of his mind vanish at Lex's encouraging reaction, and when they finally part he offers the man a slight smile. There's really nothing that needs saying, so instead of ruining the moment by speaking, he takes Lex's hand and backs away, leading him toward the elevator.

Edited 2011-09-04 06:23 (UTC)

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I met a traveller from an antique land

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