"Take a deep breath in. Now exhale."
Clark followed Dr. Hamilton's instructions. Lex gently insisted that Clark finally let Dr. Hamilton check him out. Lex assured Clark that the doctor would not draw any blood without Clark's permission, but he wanted to make sure there were no real problems after his ordeal.
Dr. Hamilton did a rudimentary exam; he checked Clark's lungs. Looked inside his ears and throat. He had Clark tell him what the object was hidden in his hand and had him light candles from five and ten feet away. They had tried fifteen, but Clark missed and had to use his speed to put out the fire.
"You appear to be a healthy Kryptonian." Dr. Hamilton busied himself by putting away his equipment. "Now, hold out your arm." Dr. Hamilton turned around and was holding a syringe. Clark inhaled sharply and took a step back.
"PUT THAT AWAY!" Lex shouted and wrapped his arms protectively around Clark.
"I need a blood sample to compare against the samples I took before the accident. Without one, I can't give a clear diagnosis."
"That's not necessary for the moment."
"Julian," Dr. Hamilton turned to Clark. "Will you please let me do my job?"
Clark hesitated. All the proof he had so far proved Lex was telling the truth and that his big brother cared for him. And yet, a part of him still couldn't accept it. That part made him think all of this was some ruse to use him as a lab rat. He shook his head. "No."
Dr. Hamilton sighed. "Will you at least agree to come to Cadmus so I can run a diagnosis on your speed and strength? There's equipment there we've used in the past and collected data; I can compare those previous numbers to where you're at now. See if you're still at full strength."
"Does it have to be now?" He turned to Lex.
"Do you have plans?" Lex asked.
"Yeah. I'm meeting Chloe at the Beanery today."
"Awake for not even a week and you've got a date." Lex grinned.
"It's not a date," Clark insisted. "I just think she might have a theory of why my memory is the way it is."
"Do you have a theory, Hamilton?"
"I might be able to come up with one if we did a brain scan. Several were performed in the past as you grew so I have something to compare your results to. However, without any other knowledge of Kryptonian anatomy, results might be inconclusive."
"Well then, I think we're done here for today. And, Julian, I have something to return to you." Lex handed Clark a wallet and a phone. "Here's your credit cards and a little cash back."
"Thanks." Clark put both in his back pocket. "Um, would I also be able to borrow one of the cars?"
"Julian, this is your home. All the rooms, staff, and cars are at your service. But I would appreciate it if you keep me updated where you're at? I've gotten used to knowing where you are."
"Sure."
"Be back in time for dinner. We'll be having steak. Have fun," Lex called after him as Clark headed towards the garage. "Hamilton, can I interest you in a drink?"
"I take it we can talk freely in here?" Hamilton asked as they entered a room and Lex securely shut it.
"Lead lined and soundproof. Not much we can do if he decides to punch through the wall but consider this a safe place from Kryptonian eyes and ears."
The room was windowless. There was a sofa and two chairs in the middle of the room surrounding a table. A small bar was off to the side and Lex proceeded to pour two glasses of scotch.
"I need that blood sample. We can't move forward with project Asclepius without it."
"In time, Hamilton. In time. Right now, we must envision the big picture. And that is making sure Julian feels safe and at home."
"Luthor Corp has already disclosed Asclepius to the press. Up until now the delays have been excusable. But if there happens to be a fraction of a difference, I would have to start from scratch. That could take years."
"Then I suggest perfecting Plan B. But I wouldn't worry too much. Julian is very close to fully accepting his place at my side."
"Yes, I'm sure Julian is completely distracted by fancy cars and steak dinners."
"Just remember your place in this, doctor."
"Don't make the same mistake your father did, thinking I'm replaceable. You owe me more than you realize, Lex." Dr. Hamilton shot back the scotch. "Thanks for the drink."
Hamilton left leaving Lex alone. Lex smiled and happily imagined the look Clark's face would have when he opened his wallet and saw the hundreds inside.