"Hey Lex, long time no see." Clark made way for Lex's car.

"I just came here to wish your mother a happy birthday."

"Lex. I thought I heard you make your entrance," Martha beamed as she walked down the porch steps, with a young female standing in the doorway of the house at Martha's wake, getting Lex's attention for a mere second before he saw Martha standing in front of him.

"I'm sorry Mrs. Kent but I won't be able to make it to the wonderful occasion tomorrow, so I wish you a jovial birthday. And I'm sorry for coming empty handed, but your gift is on its way - should be here by tomorrow, in time for the festivities." Jonathon took off his gloves once he got over to this conversation and shook Lex's hand as a friendly greeting.

"Lex," Jonathon said with a quick smile.

Lex returned the welcoming gesture, as always, "Jonathon." Over time they had gotten used to the first name basis.

"Oh thank you Lex, but there's no need to get me a gift. You've already done so much for our family." Martha thanked with a thoughtful smile.

"How come you can't make it tomorrow?" Clark budded in.

"Oh it's just an annual business 'ball' I have to attend to - make the company look good out on the dance floor." Lex said, making a quick glance back at the quiet creature posted at the front door, with a smirk crossing his face all the while.

"Are you going to introduce me, Clark?" Lex insisted.

"Huhn, who?" Clark looked confused.

"Oh I forgot to tell you Clark," Martha seemed excited, "your cousin Crystal is here." Martha turned towards the woman in the doorframe, which was now striding towards the group.

"Hey Clark, how've you been?" Crystal came up beside him and shuffled a hand in his hair.

"Great Crystal," he gave a big, forget-me-not hug, "Let me introduce you, this is ~"

"Lex Luthor," Lex, of course interjected, offering a hand to the woman in dark, snug overalls and a simple white t-shirt and some worn hiking boots. She graciously accepted the hand. 'Warm, very warm' Crystal thought to herself. Her hair intrigued him - it was the color of ginger and was braided down to her waste; thin strands were captive in the breeze and caught on her nose once the zephyr settled.

"Stunning," Lex thought to himself, but found that he had said that out loud.

"Why thank you," she smiled as brilliantly and grand as Clark (yet technically, there's no relation), embedded in a sweet blush, making her picturesque to the young Luthor.

"Now Lex, don't even consider flirting with my niece," Jonathon said offensively yet jokily. Lex just sent Jonathon a smirk, then one to Crystal, one way slyer though.

"Lex, would you like to stay for dinner," Martha offered.

"Thank you, but no, I have a seminar to attend to. Until our next meeting Kents," Lex said, waving them off as he headed to his silver Aston Martin and sending another 'happy birthday' Martha's way. He slid into the sleek vehicle and drove off.