After his run-ins with Chloe and Lana, Clark Luthor decided not to take any more chances and hung back, not interacting with any of the group. He kept up his surveillance, though, and he was pleased with what he saw.

Clark Kent was not as perfect as everyone thought he was. His merry band of friends had their issues, too. He had been burning to find out what about Kent made people so loyal after his Tess betrayed him for Kent.

Clark and Lana had a very strong connection but she knew he was keeping secrets from her and it was undermining their relationship. Pete and Clark were thick as thieves but Clark Luthor didn't miss the flash of jealousy that crossed Pete's face every time Chloe smiled at Clark. Chloe was devoted to Clark to a fault but having to watch him with Lana and not being able to have him the way she wanted was breaking her heart. Chloe was not merely in the throes of an adolescent crush; she was in unrequited love with the farm boy.

In any other situation, he would have gone back home, certain they would all self-destruct, but the story had already played out and that was not how it ended.

But being privy to these inner dynamics had made it easier to make his plans.

Well…

His plan had always been clear: kill the one who would derail Clark Kent. But now, he was feeling more theatrical. Clark Kent's life was an undercover soap opera. He just wanted to make sure the finale did it justice.

It was Friday and Clark Kent was off canoodling with Lana somewhere, leaving Pete and Chloe alone at their table in the cafeteria. Clark Luthor had to set some things up so he took a chance and pulled Pete away.

"What's up, man?" Pete asked.

"You're coming to the kegger in Francis Woods, right?"

Pete raised an eyebrow and stepped back, "Who are you and what have you done with my best friend? OF COURSE I'M GOING! Tracy Kiebler's been giving me the eye all week and you know cheerleaders don't miss these. Are you really going? You usually take antisocial to a whole new level."

"After Lana's benefit thing, I might stop by but, dude, forget Tracy Kiebler. I know another blonde who's beyond hot for you…one I think might be more up your alley."

With that, Clark Luthor looked pointedly back at the table they'd just left. Catching the motion and its meaning, Pete sobered up.

"Clark, that's not funny, man," he muttered, moving to walk away.

Putting a hand on his chest to stop him, Clark whispered, "Yeah, because I'm not joking. Seriously, Pete, I catch her looking at you sometimes…it's like she's seeing you for the first time…and likes what she sees."

Pete's expression went from one of frustrated sadness to one of hesitant hope and Clark almost preened with victory.

"Look, tonight, beer…music…dark woods. Perfect for you two to get some…quality time. You're already going. I'm gonna do my best friend duty and make sure she does, too."

"Really?" Pete asked and he looked so grateful Clark Luthor almost snorted.

Squeezing his shoulder, Luthor said, "Nothing would make me happier than making sure my closest friends get exactly what they deserve."

Clark watched Pete saunter back to the table, a smile splitting his face from ear to ear. He knew for sure that Kent would be with Lana on Friday evening. Now he ensured that Pete would be with Chloe and Pete damn sure wouldn't want company. He would try to pull Chloe away from the crowd, putting considerable distance between Clark, Lana and them. He couldn't kill her if they were all together and he would prefer if it looked like Clark Kent killed her.

Divide and conquer never got old.