Clark nodded enthusiastically. Curling up on the sofa sounded like a really good idea right now. He and Lex moved towards the living room together at a motivated pace, but just as they entered the room, Lex sunk into Clark's side, and Clark's arms wrapped around him quickly.

"Whoa. Lex?" Clark looked down on his friend with worry. "You okay?"

"Fine. Just… fine."

"Yeah, right." Clark supported Lex as the moved to the sofa, and he eased them down together, pulling Lex almost into his lap. He looked a little pale. " Lemme see that bite?"

"Those monsters can't be very poisonous," Lex scoffed. "They have size on their side. Compared to the black widow, which is actually rather tiny, the venom should be inversely proportional to ah… size."

"Most spiders have venom. The big ones like that can take out a dog." Clark held Lex's forearm out with a frown. There was a knot the size of a goose egg swelling up on his arm. "We need ice."

"I'd really rather not move."

"You don't have to. I'll get the ice, my spider warrior."

Lex laughed as Clark slipped of the sofa and headed back into the kitchen. He returned a moment later with a bag of ice and a towel, and snuck back under Lex, cradling him to his chest.

"Okay, let's put this on. How do you feel?" Clark pressed the icepack to Lex's arm.

"I'm alright. I promise."

"So brave."

"I am your spider warrior."

"Yeah, you are. I know I shouldn't be scared of them. It's so silly."

"I beg to differ. I think that is one of the most justified irrational, instinctual responses I have ever encountered. I'll come kill your spiders anytime. Next time I'll bring my handgun, though."

Clark smiled and blushed, then pressed a kiss to the side of Lex's head. "You did great."

"Tell your mom I'm sorry about the pan."

"She's going to laugh at us. Two big guys afraid of a spider. She just shoos them outside, and the smaller ones, she picks up in her hands to drop in the garden."

"Your mother is a freak." Lex laughed softly and laid his head against Clark's warmth.

"I think she is. Made of tougher stuff than us."

"Mm."

"How's the arm feel?"

"It's throbbing, but not so bad." Lex paused a long moment. "It's worth it."

"I'm glad."

"You're worth it. I wouldn't go to war against giant mutant spiders for just anyone."

Clark dragged his tongue over his lower lip slowly as his lips spread into a wide smile.

"Good."