CHAPTER TWELVE

Disclaimers in Chapter One

"Good evening, this is the eleven o'clock MBC newsbreak.  We have just learned that Alexander Luthor, heir to the LuthorCorp throne, has been found alive on the coast of Isla Nubla, Costa Rica yesterday. 

Lionel Luthor, his father and the CEO of the multi-billion dollar corporation, has released a statement confirming the safety of his son.  In the same statement, Mr. Luthor has indicated that the corpse buried in his son's grave was exhumed, examined and found to be one of the pilots from the younger Luthor's plane. 

Lex Luthor was on his way to Brazil for a honeymoon with his then-new bride, Dr. Helen Bryce, when the plane mysteriously crashed five months ago.  Dr. Bryce and the other pilot have not yet been found.

Lex Luthor is expected to recover in the confines of his home in Smallville, and his father has made a strong request to the press for his son's privacy.

This is Candy Martin, reporting from Metropolis for MBC News."

A quick flick of the remote shut the television off as Ian sunk himself into the ridiculously comfortable couch in Lex's castle.  "I could definitely get used to this," he said to himself.

He continued to daydream about the future prestige and privileges that came as a Luthor heir when a knock on the door interrupted his reverie.  "What," he growled.

The butler entered with trepidation.  "Sir, Clark Kent is here to see you," he announced.

Ian's look of irritation switched to that of joy upon the opportunity.  'And I didn't have to go farmboy-hunting,' he thought proudly to himself.  "Let him in," he ordered.

"Yes, sir," the butler obeyed as he made way for Clark and left hurriedly himself.

"Hey, Lex," Clark greeted.  "I'm sorry to barge in.."

"Not at all, Clark," Ian pretending to be Lex responded with a grin.  "Not at all.  So what brought you here?"

"Well," Clark started.  "I wanted to check if you were okay.  I know that's kinda stupid, given what you've been through.  I just thought that.."

"Clark," he interjected, surprised at how easy this could be.  "Don't tell me that you feel guilty about what happened."

"I can't help it, Lex," Clark replied.  "If I was there, maybe I could have done something."

Ian shook his head.  "Let bygones be bygones.  I have.  It's not like you have superpowers or anything," he baited, raising an eyebrow in anticipation that Clark would bite.

"Actually," Clark replied, seemingly oblivious of Ian's intentions.  "That's something I want to talk to you about."

"What about, Clark?" he prodded.

Clark shook his head.  "I'd rather that my parents and I tell you, Lex.  Besides, my mom said that it would be nice to see you again."

'Damn,' Ian cursed internally, trying to keep his disappointment hidden.  "Alright, Clark," he finally surrendered.

"How about dinner tomorrow night at my house?" Clark asked.

"Fine," Ian replied.

"Great!  Well, I have to go.  I'll see you then, Lex."  With that, Clark left the room.

Ian frowned at the delay, but he shrugged it off.  "So what's another day?" he said to himself.  "After I get Kent's full story, Lionel can have him, and I can have my glory days for the rest of my life," he grinned evilly.

"Or should I say Lex's life?"