I think Clark would have a much harder time with this than Lex, for many of the reasons you've illustrated in this story. So much is tied into his ability to see, and in SV canon, those abilities formed pretty early, which means he's relied on them for quite a while before he dons the suit.

I love Lex's tough love. It takes a lot to push when a loved one is hurting and vulnerable and I imagine it's tearing him up more than Clark realizes. But Clark needs it, needs him.

I find it really interesting how in a story that really should be a Clark story, I see so much of Lex in it. ^__^ Which is maybe the point. ^__^

Um. Yes. Good fic! Lovely sweet Clexyness. A good balance of emotional angst (and the physical hurt, of course) with the comfort of hope.