Over the next few weeks, it was like you couldn't turn on the television or open a newspaper without seeing this mystery 'hero.' He had done everything from stopping train derailments to getting kittens from trees.

Lex scoffed at the primary colored outfit that he now wore on the front page of every paper. A blue leotard with flashy red cape and go-go boots and that gaudy red and yellow S in the middle of his chest. It might as well have been a neon sign that shouted 'Look at me!' Lex may have found bats a bit morbid but at least that one in Gotham's outfit was less ostentatious.

Worse than his clothes everyone seemed to be singing this guy's praises. Could they all really be this blind? With all his powers how did no one see him for the threat he was? The worst of the bunch was Lois Lane and, by association, Kent. Lex did not look forward to his interview with them but with any luck, it would be a short meeting. Apparently, the Planet was doing a human interest piece on the crash, talking to each of the survivors about their experience. Utter nonsense, but he had been told, by the P.R. team that he spent an obscene amount of money on, that it was good press and not doing it would hurt his stock prices. After he finished his coffee he would be on his way. No surprise that he was sipping it so slightly, stretching out and savoring his eremitic mornings. Perhaps, though, it didn't have to be all bad. Maybe it could be fun to see his once friend again.

When they arrived the first thing Lex noticed was that the years had clearly done nothing for Clark's poise. His posture was terrible, feet shuffling as he walked and he kept adjusting and re-adjusting his glasses every few seconds. When placed next to the straight back, sure-footed Miss Lane, he seemed meek and downright mild-mannered.

From what Lex had heard, Clark often contributed little to interviews. It seemed that Lois investigated stories, followed leads and put her name on everything while Clark was there to fact check and articulate a piece that could keep the attention of the public.

"Miss Lane, Mr. Kent," Lex greeted cordially, extending a hand.

"Le…" Clark began, grinning, but at the slight shift of Lex's brow his face fell and he changed course. "Mr. Luthor." He shook the offered hand.

Lex supposed he had worse handshakes at some point although he had a hard time thinking of one now.

"Thank you for taking the time to meet with us," Lane said with a much firmer handshake.

"Of course," Lex said, gesturing to the low table at one side of the office. Around it was a couch and two armchairs. Lex took one of the chairs assuming that the two reporters would share the couch across from him. He was wrong. Lane took a seat on the couch across the table while Clark made himself comfortable in the chair next to him.

"We will try to keep this short," Clark was saying while he pulled out a pad and pen. "I'm sure you are very busy and would like to minimize the intrusion on you Saturday."

"Thank you."

"We really only have three questions we've asked everyone," Lois said.

Only three 't they be asked over the phone? Lex bit back a sigh while he was asked the first question.

"First: why were you flying that day?"

"I had a business meeting out of the country."

"Any interest in elaborating?" She asked.

"Not really, I tend to keep ongoing business matters close to the vest."

"Fair enough. Next question: what were you thinking while the plane was going down?"

"This was a terrible time to have the landing gear replaced on my personal plane," Lex answered honestly and looking up he saw the corners of Clark's lips turn up with an amused smirk. It looked good on him.

Lois seemed to think he was kidding and wanted to wait for his real answer, but at a small shake of Clark's head she shrugged and moved on. "Lastly we're asking if there is anything you want to say your rescuer?"

Lex's face went blank. "No," he said dully.

Lois' eyebrows raised and all but dropped her jaw in shock. Lex could practically hear her internal gasp of shock and abject horror that someone wasn't mooning over her idol. Then sparing a glance to Clark he was taken aback not to find a surprise in his face at all. In fact, all he could see in the younger man's green eyes was resignation, as though this was what he'd thought would happen.

Lex couldn't stop staring at those eyes. There was something about them he couldn't understand. A nagging in the back of his mind, like they seemed familiar. But of course they did, he'd know Clark for years.

"Well…" Lois finally said after an uncomfortable pause, "I guess that about covers it. I suppose we should let you get back to your day."

They rose each shaking Lex's hand. Clarks handshake a bit firmer this time as he said "Thank you for your time Mr. Luthor," and this time when he said his name Lex thought he could have imagined the hint of sorrow or perhaps… longing? That didn't make any sense Clark hadn't been his friend in years. Why would he miss him?