Thirteen.

Lex paced behind the overstuffed leather sofa that held his now dozing friend. Martha sat soothingly stroking her son's forehead in an arm chair she drug from the other side of the room. Jonathan sat on the arm. They were listening to the physician's commentary on Clark.

The doctor was putting away his instruments. "He is a little dehydrated and very weak. His body is suffering severe exhaustion. He's like a flashlight that has been left on, his batteries need recharged." He turned to Jonathan and Martha squarely, "And since you won't let me do any blood work to determine what he has been exposed to, all I can recommend is fluids, food, and sleep."

Martha avoided the doctors accusing stare by turning her eyes to her son, Jonathan looked across the room. "Look, we are his parents. We know what is best for him. He doesn't need to be exposed to any more invasive tests." Jonathan turned an indisputable glare at the doctor.

The doctor sighed, finished forcefully shoving his stuff in his bag, and left.

Lex had stopped pacing to lock his gaze on Jonathan. "Mr. Kent…"

Jonathan stood, lips pressed together, holding up a finger. "I suggest you be very quiet, Lex," he said gruffly. "You should thank God that I am not the person I was twenty years ago or you would find yourself beaten to a pulp."

"Jonathan," Martha whispered. Jonathan flashed his eyes to her then back to Lex, took hold of his emotions, and stalked out.

Lex followed him with his eyes. Took a death breath, pulling in his bottom lip. He kept his mouth shut.

Martha bowed her head to cover her face with her hands. It had been twelve hours since her son was returned to her. It had been nearly eleven days since she had a good night sleep. She was tired and she wanted to take her family home.

"Lex, could you watch him, please. I need to get some air."

Lex nodded, "Take your time."

She couldn't bring herself to smile cordially as she passed him on her way out.

Lex scuffed the floor with his shoe. Hesitantly he came around to take Martha's seat. Lex watched his best friend. Clark's eyes moved furiously beneath their lids, his muscles would spasm every now and again, he still shivered.

Lex leaned close. "Clark, I…" cleared his throat, furrowed his brow. "I'm really sorry." His eyebrows raised high, as did his voice, "I would never intentionally hurt you. Your like a brother to me."

Clark sat up with a great gasp causing Lex to jerk upright. "Oh my God, Clark."

The boy looked around wide eyed, confused. "Lex?" voice high.

"Clark," Lex grinned. "How do you feel?"

Clark blinked at him then his eyes went back to wandering the room. "Where's my mom and dad?" he nearly shouted, breath coming in short gulps.

"Clark, calm down," Lex tried to sooth him.

He jumped unsteadily to his feet, "Where are they, Lex?"

"They'll be right back. They stepped out for some air." Lex took Clark's shoulders, guiding him back to the couch.

Shoving Lex violently, Clark shouted, "Where are they, Lex? Where's my mom and dad?"

Martha found Jonathan on the balcony, looking out, hands on the thick cement railing. She came up behind him wrapping her arms around his middle.

"Oh my God, Martha," he whispered. "I allowed this to happen."

She squeezed tighter. "If there is blame to place then I am as guilty as you."

He rubbed her arms. "We should have ended this friendship before it started."

She laid her head against his back, listening to his broken heart. They held each other until a familiar voice pulled them to face each other, listening.

There is was again…"Clark," Martha called as she and Jonathan ran back in to the other room.

They stopped in the doorway to see their son holding Lex by the throat a foot off the floor.