"Now that is a surprise, even for you Dad."

Martha and Lionel waited for Lex to take it in. Lionel, especially, enjoyed the shocked look on Lex's face. It was brief but sweet nonetheless.

"Did Mom know?"

"Not at first, but I told her, yes." Lionel answered. "It was hard to hide my feelings for Martha. Your mother would have eventually figured it out."

"Lex, please don't be angry." Martha added when she saw the hurt flash across Lex's face.

"I can't say that I'm happy you lied to me all these years." Lex said and then took a breath. He walked a few steps and turned towards them. "Why lie? You two shouldn't have to be ashamed that you fell in love."

Martha took a steadying breath. "Well Lex, that's a little complicated."

"I'm a fast learner."

"Alright son, if you must know Martha and I made a deal. In exchange for my silence about our relationship, she would keep one of my more sordid secrets."

Lex lifted his eyebrows. "There's a lot to choose from Dad. Which one was it?"

Martha looked at Lionel and he nodded his head.

"It's alright, the world already knows my secret."

Martha took a slight sip of her drink. "Before I broke of the engagement I found out that Lionel had been involved in the death of his parents. So I used that as a way to ensure his silence."

The younger Luthor looked shocked. "Bravo Mrs. Kent. You've managed to blackmail my father successfully for the past few decades." Lex raised his glass in a mock toast.

"It's not something that I'm proud of." Martha said quietly.

"I didn't think it was possible, but I think my respect for you just got higher. It's not everyday someone can say no to what my father offers."

"You make me sound so deceitful." Martha said.

"No just stating the facts as I see them." Lex pointed out. "Does Clark know?"

Martha nodded. "He found out earlier today, right before we came over here. We wanted you to find out from us rather than reading it in some newspaper."

"Thanks for the consideration."Lex said dryly. "The big question is how did he take it?"

"Rather well." Lionel spoke up. "He gave us his blessing as a matter of fact."

Lex laughed. "Is that what you came here for; to ask for my blessing?"

"Not exactly. Martha thought it best to get everything out in the open."

Lex looked at Martha and suddenly became very serious. "I'm only saying this because I genuinely care about you. Are you sure you want to get involved with my father again?"

Martha kept Lex's gaze evenly when she answered, "Yes. I know that it's a bit unorthodox, but we can make it work."

Lionel had listened with growing anger as Lex blatantly tried to dissuade Martha from getting involved with him yet again. But when she answered with such honesty, he couldn't help but be happy.

Lex raised his glass in a real toast this time. "To the happy new couple."

There you are, my little sordid tale of the early Mionel years. Whew! I've been wanting to get that written forever. Thanks for all the reviews!