ok... things like --Blah-- are Lionel's entries, speeches or the Luthors don't of the chapter, stuff like "Blah" is talking... this is done as a POV, from Lex's, but it can be switched to My POV should I wish it, if only to give some insight on Clark's feelings or thoughts, but that's not likely to happen, I just want to warn you... to those who read this, Thank you... to those who will review, THANK YOU SO MUCH!! to those who are not interested in this story... you just don't know what you're missing. Happy reading, kittens!!!

--Luthors don't have any friends, Lex. Friendship are for the weak of mind, the ones who feel they need to be accepted, those who are not sure of themselves. The search, need, desire of friendship... those are for the average people. You are above the average. Being a Luthor makes you superior. It is unbecoming of us to behave as such, least of all with some vulgar boy like that peasant!!--

I was nine when Lionel told me that. I had grown accostumed to playing with a boy named Hank, who was the son of one of our cooks, the boy was fun and had a way of always making me less... sophicated, more reachable and real, and I couldn't help but feel driven to him because of that.

As though he already knew my shcedule by heart, right after I ended all my lessons and studies, Hank showed up, and we started the daily joyful activities. Sometimes, we jumped into the pool and swam to our heart's content, or we'd go to my room and run and play anything that came to mind until we were so exhausted we couldn't move a muscle, both of us always ended up sprawled on the floor of my room's balcony, tired and drained from all the action, looking up at the sky, talking about all and nothing at the same time, nothing but children's babble, nothing coherent or productive really, but Hank and I somehow always found a way to always end all topics with howls of laughter from us both.

That is how Lionel found us one night, laughing our butts out about a cartoon Hank loved and taught me to watch; Hank was sitting in front of me, leaning against the rail of the balcony, while I was laying on the floor, accompanying him on the laughter, vaguely wondering if my eyes lighted up the way Hank's did when he laughed. Then his rich laughter stopped.

"Mr.Luthor" He said, his usually easy and so alive voice seeming to agonize as he spoke. I looked back, to find my father glaring at us, but more at me than at Hank, and I knew trouble was coming.

"I need to speak to my son alone, if you don't mind... I'm sure your mother is looking for you" With a hushed 'yes, sir' Hank made the quickest scapade I had ever seen so far, and left me alone with my obviously enraged father.

It was how the 'what's expected of a Luthor litany' began, starting with the friendship area, and I could only sit back and let my father rant until he was satisfied, speaking only when expected to, looking straight into my father's eyes, petrified to the core of Lionel's rage.

My father has only manipulated me in an emotional way, amazing as it may seem, Lionel has never put a hand on me, and so far I had been happy for that, but next day after the lacture, I found out Hank and his mother were transfered to another of the mansions, but no one had any idea as to which. Needless to say, I had gone through every damn manor we own, and I've never heard of Helen or Hank in any of them. I had started to hope my father would just phisically punish me after that.

Thirteen years, many avoided friendships, quite a few raged speeched from Lionel, and several walls of cold solitute around my now heavily guarded heart later, I met Clark Kent. At first, I had thought he had found me, seen me go down that bridge and decided to save me. Now I just don't know if he is some sort of test sent from above(not that I'm very religious or anything, but...), or I was unconciously looking for something like him, or that he really DID found me, all I know is that ever since that day, we've never been apart.

With a less accurate timing than Hank's, Clark always seemed to want to spend some time with me, visiting me at the castle for a game of pool, to watch a movie, or indulge himself in his video game mania, to ask help for a project, or simply just to hang out, speak our minds out. No matter the reason, Clark Kent simply became an unshakable part of my evertday life... and also, allow me to confide you, a great relief and breath of fresh air among this cursed cow haven Lionel 'tested' me with.

This breath of air, release, scapade, if you would call it that, from the unbearable grips of knowing you're trapped in a place you don't belong to, actually, was one of, if not the most importante reason as to why I didn't kill of the young teen's approach to any friendship resemblance. Somehow, I just didn't want to face this blasted torment of being in this town feeling even more isolated than I already did, what with most the Smallvillers thinking Luthors were the spawns of the devil himself. Again, I'm not religious, but that IS exactly how people would look at us in this town.

Then, things started to happen. Weird things at that. The town was suddenly being overcame by what people called 'meteor freaks', and I saw myself involved in more than just one odd situation, and somehow, said situation always seemed to be over as soon as it showed up, each situation was different, had its own color and shape, but no matter how different said odd situation was from another, there always seemed to be common factor among the odities: Clark Kent, who always, whenever I asked him what the hell has happened, answered me with just about the lamest and most curious excuses I have ever heard. To me, odd simply doesn't cut it. I need to know what is going on around me, I need to know just who I'm surrounded by, and lame excuses is something I just have never been able to take lightly.

Thus, my obsession with young Mr. Kent was born. I wanted to know the truth behind the lies, the light just after the dark, and as any good Luthor would, I decided to do it in the most cunning way I could muster: I played the friendship card. Simple, relatively easy, and an almost failure proof plan, since Clark was so into getting along with me, visiting and talking, half the job was already done.

I started looking for him, visiting back, making plans and being much more available than ever, the words 'That's what friends are for' began to come out of my mouth, but I know he never noticed I never tod him he was actually my friend, or I was his, and a part of me couldn't help but purr whenever Clark gave me one of those bright, honest and sincere smiles of his, when he layd a hand on my shoulder, in a pseudo-friendship moment, whenever he was just there, for whatever I needed, even more available than I was to him.

It was delughtful really, how all of the sudden he started saying I was important to him, that our 'friendship' was worth a lot. That I was worth a lot. It took me by surprise, no one had ever bothered to pay much attention to me, or what I felt since my mother. Lionel certainly didn't, not even when I was desperately trying to get his attention, neither did any of our business associates, unless of course I was angry and they were on the end of my anger, then all business men cared.

But this kid honestly gave more just a damn aobut what I thought... what I cared about, how I felt... he constantly kept asking and putting his two cents into things that no one would ever dare comment on, and somehow I didn't feel invaded by his inquiries... on the contraire, I seemed to like them, I guess it made me feel less... like Lionel, more like me, more real... also, it was great for the plan, the more comfortable Clark felt around me, the easier it would be to inquiry about his secrets.

Something changed then, without knowing, I started talking to him about things about me, personal things at that, and not minding one bit about it, and everytime I confided in him, he gave the most honest opinions he had, his green eyes shining as he spoke, his heart seemed to be pouring out of them, making me want to remember when was the last time I had said anything from the heart myself, and somehow hating myself for it, but accepting the trait in Clark like it was a blessing.

Right now, I'm sitting on the game room floor, laughing like I've never laughed in a long time, Clark had challenged me to a race in Grand Turismo, and when he noticed uncoming doom onto himself, he played the only card that would assure him victory: he started tickling me. I'm not ticklish, I killed that reflex years ago, but it was a such shock to suddenly feel his fingers poking at my stomach, I jumped out the couch, then Clark, not even looking at me, reached out again, to repeat the dosis.

"Clark, what do you think you're doing?!" He merely turned his head, to me, and stuck out his pink tongue at me. Now, anything ever rarely surprises me no more, but Clark Kent sticking his tongue out at me was something that I never really ever expected. "Have you been drinking Whisky behind my back, Mr. Kent??" Still silence, but I could see a grin forming on Clark's beautiful face. Yes, I have noticed how good-looking the farm boy is... I also saw his hand move towards my middle again. I caught it this time. "Answer me, Clark, what do you think you're doing?? I'm not ticklish!"

To my surprise, Clark started laughing. "I'm winning a ride to Metropolis in your Porsche and tickets for the concert" It sunk in. I looked at the Tv, the little peasant has passed me by!!! I was so focused on his weird behavior, I had completely fogotten about our game, but it wasn't all gone, I could still catch farm boy. Fully focused, I set my mind into winning the race, nothing would deter me now... then Clark's hand made themselves notice again, this time pressing the buttons of my controller.

"You little cheater!" I retaliated, returning the gentle favor of messing with my controller, and sended Clark into bumping against a wall. To my surprise, Clark laughed out, I wouldn've been furious, but farm boy is so not like me. He just kept trying to jeopardize my game as much as posible, while I kept on returning the favor.

Match results, Clark beat me by three seconds, two bruises on the middle, one of his legs was thrown over mine, due to the controller struggle we had developped, and I had my hand covering half his controller. We were both nearly breathless.

"Yeah!! I won. Where are the Porsche keys, Lex?" Clark yells, distangling himself from me, and I find myself wishing the blasted game hadn't finished so soon.

"A doutbful mechanism never sums up to complete and fair victory, Clark" I say, standing up as well, amused as Clark raises an eyebrow at me.

"Are you calling me a cheater?" I have to admit, Clark at the least has the decency to look even the tiniest bit insulted, a great accomplishemnt if you consider the overwhelming amount of humor in his voice. I smile, one of those intrigating smiles I had perfectionated over the years.

"If the shoe fits..." I say, serving myself a drink. He snorts, such a rare gesture from Clark, he is usually so proper and serious. I had never even thought he could be so relaxed as I've seen him tonight.

"Do you actually WANT another go??" He challenges, signaling the TV with his thumb. I snort, walking to one of the couch in the room and sit.

"Not really, I have enough sore spots to last me a few days" I amusely say, and watch as Clark's face goes from humor to utter horror in nothing but seconds.

"I... I'm sorry Lex, I didn't mean to--" He starts, but I don't let him finish, somehow I just can't take to see him like this, frantic about something, I've taken it onto myself to help him as much as I can lately.

"It's okay, Clark, you just poked me, I'm not gonna have anything serious, I'm pretty sure one of the pulls and moves I used are leaving a mark on you, anyways" I see him take a deep breath, as if he was holding it, then he goes to sit down next to him, mumbling something I didn't quite catch. "Come again, Clark??"

"I'm sorry, anyways... I just got carried away, I think" He softly says, looking a little sheepless and shy, I would dare tell.

"Yes, I don't think I've seen you so playful, or relaxed to say the least. You should really lose the tension more often, it suit you. You look so much older than you are most the time" It's priceless, the look on his beautiful face is priceless: green eyes widened, pink mouth slightly opened... When is a cammara when you need it?? He brakes the spells, and puts on another one with his laughter.

"Actually, Lex, I could say the same to you... When I poked you the first time, I was so nervous you'd think I'm a kid or something, then things just flowded so well... I mean, we were playing the game and all, but we were also palying ourselves, and you were laughing and having a good time, I've never seen YOU laughing like that, openly and unbidden. I'm just glad I found the funny side of you, and glad I can show mine around you without worrying about making you feel unconfortable or feeling like a kid"

I was stunned silence. Did I really laughed?? I can't remember the laughter, or the joy, I just remember the desire to win, how we would compete for control, HIS touches and HIS laughter... Now that I think of it, I was more aware of Clark than I was ever aware of myself. "Lex?? everything alright?? You look... sort of... flushed"

Flushed?! I don't flush!! I turn to a nearby mirror. Oh, fuck, I'm flushed. I laugh, for some unknown reason, I start laughing. I'm flushing!! I cannot believe this at all. And after a moment, Clark's laughing with me.

"What are we laughing about??" He asks.

"I have no idea" I answer, and Clark explodes, holding his stomach in laguhter, leaning on the back of the couch, while I see him laughing there, an uncontrolable smile that just won't go away gracing my lips. I feel like a kid again, and I can't help but wonder which reality scares me the most, that I feel like a kid, or that right now, looking at Clark watch me with humor plastered on his face, I couldn't give a shit about feeling like a child.

"Is this stupid or what??"

"Ilogical, would be more like it" I point out. Clark nods.

"Worth the moment, though, nothing like a good 'I don't know what's going on' comedy to kick off a will-never-forget moment." He says, smiling, before a look of intrigue takes over his face. "Does it look like I know what I'm saying??"

I snort. "I'll let you when it doesn't, Clark. Ridicule doesn't become you"

"Great!!" He's grinning now, a smile that would make toothpaste comercial go green in envy. "Sure about the rematch?"

"Positive. Should I send the tickest to the farm, or you'll come pick the up??" Clark shakes his head before answering.

"Nah... I cheated, Lex. The bet's cancelled."

"Are you sure about that?? I could get those tickets for you, and you know you can take any of my cars." I kindly offered, knowing Clark would refuse anyways, his honor wouldn't let him take anything he thought he hasn't deserved. He is so narrow minded in that way, and that makes him the more valuable to me.

"Actually, I didn't know. You've never told me."

"I just did" Eyebrow raised, smirk said in place, smug voice, I know I must of look like the most ultimate cocky guy. Fortunately, the man sitting infront of me, was non other than Clark Kent, the young teen which has come to know ME even better than my father, I dare say. He merely pulled a face, eyebrow raised, upper lip pulled up on a side and tip of his tongue just peaking from from his teeth. The perfect description for a 'annoying smartass' joke face, then he merely crossed his arms over his chest, and pouted. "Is this the Clark Kent expresions day, I've never seen you so visually articulated, Clark"

"Stop teasing, Lex... I had plans for those tickets" He gruffily says, still pouting. Oh, yes, of course, he had already had a whole stage in his mind.

"Ah... You know, all you have to do is say you still want the tickets, I'm sure Ms. Lang won't refuse" I was shocked to see him pull a face, but kept on anyways. "Take her to have dinner afterwards, if you'd like. On me"

"I wasn't thinking Lana, actually." He softly said, I raised an eyebrow at him, which spoke out my question. "Haven't you ever noticed all we ever do is hang out here or at the loft in the farm?? I thought we could have a guys outting or something... just didn't wanna lay down like that, cause I felt I'd be forcing you to go or something"

Well, that was a shock. Here, right here, this is something about Clark that has never seized to amaze me. The boy, no matter how hard I try, is a puzzle I've never been able to decipher. Everytime I think I got a glimpse as to who Clark Kent is, he throws a line like this, and I'm back to where I started. It's annoying as hell, but it's one of the things I like about him, I don't feel all great, might and high around him, when he disbalances me like this, I see him as an equal more than as someone beneath me, as I was supposed to see him, according to my father, and that is refreshing.

"Very well, Clark... how were you planning to get me involved, if you couldn't outright tell me to go with you??" I asked, genuinely intrigued by this, if only to try and understand Clark's logic. After a second or two of silence, Clark took a deep breath and oppened his mouth.

"Well, I had thought of telling you that Lana was busy or something that day... couldn't go, you know??"

"Then, you'd offer me to come by, since you'd be using tickets I got, and would drive my car over there" I completed, and Clark nodded at my assumptions. "Scheming to get what you want, Clark?? Your father's right. I'm a bad influence on you"

"That's not true, Lex. You're not a bad influence on me, I just wanted to have a night of fun with my friend outside the usual gathering scenarios" I smiled at that, understanding his desire, but simply not willing to let him live without hearing his 'scheming experience' again.

"Clark, please remember this." I started, and reached out to him, my hand setting on his shoulder. "Anything you want from me, anything bothering you... anything at all, you can come to me. That's what friends are for, Clark..." The plan phrase came, and Clark's face, as usual, light up upon hearing them, and all of the sudden I felt so filthy as though I had never showered in my entire life, then something unexpected happened: my mouth kept running on its own accord. "You're my friend, I trust and believe in you... and I'm your friend, Clark. I hope you return the vow of trust" Just as I said that, I realized how true those words are, and how I had come to care for the yonugster, Clark inmediately started making plans for our first friends getaway, and I could only hear Lionel's words in my head, see Hank running out of my room, scared, knowing Clark wouldn't walk out on me because of my father... I heard Lionel's rant about how Luthors don't have friend, and while half hearing Clark apologize and talking to me, I simply couldn't care less.

CK: Ah... another fic started...
C(Clark): Hope you don't delay, like the rest of your stories.
CK: god, give me abrake, I barely started it!
L(lex): Precisely, I don't want you to leave us unattended.
CK: Trust me, Lex.. I could never leave you unsatisfied...
C: HEY!!!! This is MY Luthor!!! You want a Luthor, there's Lionel!!!
L: Clark, she's horny, not psicologically damaged.
CK: How do you know I'm horny??
L: I tend to have that effect. smirks
CK: Talk about being modest.
C: Well, he IS being modest... haven't you noticed the guy's had move couples in the show than the whole Smallville crew together??
CK: Yeah... but, really, let's face it, when it comes down to it, the bitch in the story... is Lana
C:Yes
L: Absolutely
C: I don't get how people can think we're so good for each other, really... she's so... shallow!! I'm much more than just a pretty face starts combing his hair infront of the mirror. Lex arches an eyebrow, I supress the urge to giggle
CK n' L: Yeah... right...
L: Pizza??
CK:Delighted. Where's your father, by the way?? start looking round. Lex pulls a face
L: god, you can't be serious...
CK: Why not?? Haven't you noticed the guy's so... powerful and dominating. I like that.
L: I thought I was the one to heat your motors.
CK: You are... I just... I have the Slut for Luthor syndrome
L: You have the weird taste syndrome, having the hots for my father...
CK: Works both ways, don't ya think??
L: You're hopeless...