It was almost a surprise when Jonathan actually used the money for the debts, as intended. He waited until the last possible moment, but ultimately gave into the inevitable. The funds had been paid to the note holder the day before, along with the car and truck loans. Lex knew there was money leftover, but he was sure the Kents wouldn’t touch it. He’d originally planned it for Clark’s education, but it could just as easily qualify for the elder Kents’ retirement.

Lex had kept Clark close for the last few days. Not just because he wanted the younger man to get used to being with him so much, though there was that, or because he simply liked having Clark around, but also because he just didn’t know how the rest of the town would react. Indentureds made free working class citizens uncomfortable with the reminder that they could easily be in the same situation. Some people became hostile or even violent towards the helpless indentureds. And while Lex didn’t have to worry about anyone hurting Clark physically, he did worry about his emotional state.

None of Clark’s friends had come to see him since the change in address, not even Chloe. It was entirely possible that news hadn’t made the rounds yet, since the funds had just changed hands the afternoon before. That was Lex’s hope, at least.

“Lex?”

Glancing over at Clark standing in the office doorway, he replied, “Yes, Clark?”

Clark entered the office and said, “Joan was wondering what you wanted for dinner tonight.”

“Whatever you like,” Lex replied, rueful. “I’ll be going over these papers all night. I’ll just grab a sandwich later.”

Stopping beside the desk, Clark offered, “Can I help?”

Lex reached out and gripped Clark’s hand with a smile. “No, but thank you. Wait, I take that back. You can…”

“What the hell did you do, Lex?”

It took a lot not to flinch at his father’s harsh and completely unexpected demand as the older man strode into the office.

Gaze flashing with fury, Lionel snarled, “I had plans, Lex, and you violated them without so much as a by your fucking leave!”

Lex sat back in his chair, maintaining his hold on Clark’s hand to pull him closer and slightly behind. He also kept a mild expression in place as he calmly returned his father’s wrathful expression and drawled, “And which plans would these be, father? The ones to throw an innocent family into a workcamp? Or maybe the ones that interfere with federal banking regulations?”

Lionel slammed a hand down on the desk and informed him, “You’re little toy there belongs to me, since all money you have is mine.”

Lex countered sharply. “I used the money in the trust mother left for me, among other investments, which are all mine, alone. You won’t touch Clark or his parents, so I suggest you either pull yourself together and remain civil, or you leave. The choice is yours.”

Sneering, Lionel replied, “This is my house, son. You can’t kick me out of it.”

Lex folded his arms over his chest and stated flatly, “I can, and will, if you don’t show some respect to Clark. And if you make any other moves on the Kents, if I even suspect that you’re going to, I’ll make sure all the grimy details of the Gotham deal come to light.”

He really hadn’t wanted to use that prime piece of blackmail so soon after discovering it, but he had to rein in his father before something unforgivable happened. This would also work towards making Lionel believe his spy network was much further along than it actually was; he’d always been exceptionally good at out-bluffing others, even his father.

Lionel glared at him for a long moment before hissing, “You know nothing about the Gotham deal.”

“I know enough to know that you don’t want anyone to find out about it, least of all Bruce Wayne,” Lex replied firmly.

Which was true, to a certain extent. Besides, it was always best to be as vague as possible so as not to give away how little one actually knew.

Straightening slowly, his gaze never leaving Lex’s, Lionel acquiesced, “Very well, Lex. For now, I’ll concede that the Kents are off limits.”

When Lionel’s gaze switched to Clark, it was all Lex could do to remain seated and in a casual posture. There was something…filthy…about the way his father’s eyes roamed over Clark that made Lex want to grab the nearest blunt object and cave Lionel’s skull in.

“I hope he’s worth all this trouble you’re making, Lex,” Lionel finally said. “If he’s not at least a good fuck, then why bother?”

Lex opened his mouth to say something cutting, but Lionel swept out of the room as dramatically as he’d entered it, though with less volume. His lip curled with the urge to get in the last word. He snorted in dark amusement, recognizing his father’s influence there, and then looked at Clark to find him white-lipped and staring at the floor.

“Clark?” he prompted cautiously. “Are you all right?”

Clark tugged his hand free of Lex’s and hugged himself, still looking at the floor as he whispered, “He really did want us to go to a workcamp. I don’t understand, Lex, why does he hate us so much?”

Lex had his suspicions on that count, but didn’t want to distress Clark further with his thoughts. He rubbed Clark’s shoulder and told him softly, “I don’t know why he put all this into motion, Clark. I can try and find out if you want me to, though.”

Biting his lip, Clark finally looked at him and asked, “Would you? It’s, it’s probably some horrible reason, but I think it’s better to know. To, to be prepared.”

“I will,” Lex promised. “Hey, how about I play hookey and we have a night of cheesy scifi movies instead?”

Clark gave him a wan smile and asked, “Do you mind if I just go to bed early? I’m a little…I don’t feel very good.”

Lex nodded permission. “Of course. Sleep well, Clark.”

He watched Clark shuffle out of the room, his broad form hunched in on itself, and sighed as he thought, And things were going so well.

Sitting back down, Lex stared at the laptop screen for a few minutes before forcing himself to get back to work. If he didn’t do his best, his father would absolutely filet him come Monday. Despite the victory, there was no sense in antagonizing Lionel unnecessarily. So he returned to the world of finances and spreadsheets, getting lost in the numbers until a knock garnered his attention.

Joan stood at the doorway, tight-lipped with irritation as she announced, “Chloe Sullivan to see you, Sir.”

That didn’t bode well. Glancing at the clock showed that it wasn’t quite eight and he gave the housekeeper a nod. “Show her in.”

Chloe stormed in only seconds later and exclaimed, “How could you do this, Lex? I thought you were his friend! Were you waiting in the wings all this time to just pounce on him? Why would you destroy his family this way?”

Eyeing her coldly, Lex questioned, “Are you done, Ms. Sullivan?”

She glared right back at him and snapped, “Not hardly, but I’m waiting to hear an explanation before I go on.”

“Not that it’s your business in the slightest, but to save Clark any embarrassment, I’ll answer your questions,” Lex replied, keeping the bite to his voice. “I could do this, because I had the money. I am his friend and no, I was not waiting to “pounce on him” as you so colorfully described. As for destroying his family, Jonathan Kent did that all on his own when he refused a loan and forced Clark to offer himself to me as an indentured servant in order to save his parents.”

Chloe’s suspicion didn’t abate one bit as she demanded, “And their loan just happened to get called in all at once?”

Lex’s gaze narrowed at her. “No, you can thank my father for that. Oh and please, feel free to subject him to a similar interrogation.”

The glare shifted into a frown. “You really didn’t have anything to do with it?”

“I’m already sick of this question and you’re only the second person to utter it,” Lex retorted. “No, I did not. Clark is my best friend and I did this to save him and his parents from a workcamp.”

She seemed to deflate all at once, sinking into the chair in front of his desk. “Shit. I’m sorry, Lex, I just…this whole thing sucks! Mr. Kent told my dad that you’d taken Clark from them. And since they had the money to pay off the loans, well, I assumed…I’m sorry, Lex, I shouldn’t have barged in here like that, assuming the worst.”

Offering a wry grin, Lex replied, “I suspect I’d better get used to that. And you can make it up to me by being the same good friend to Clark that you always have when he goes back to school on Monday.”

“He’s going back to school?” she echoed, sounding surprised.

Testy, Lex replied, “Of course he’s going back to school. Did you think I would keep him chained to the bed or locked up in the basement?”

She blushed at the sexual reference, but merely cleared her throat and replied, “I don’t know what I thought.”

At least she’s honest about it, he thought. “I’m sure that’ll be going around town, too. Just be sure to give him as much support as you can. He’s going to need it.”

“Chloe? What are you doing here?”

They both looked over to where Clark stood hesitantly just inside the office. He’d changed into sweats and a t-shirt, which seemed to be his preferred sleep outfit but didn’t look like his sleep had been interrupted. He did still look washed out, though, and Lex waited to see how Chloe would respond.

She stood and answered, “I was my usual, jump to conclusions self and just tore Lex a new one for stealing you from your parents. But don’t worry, I already apologized.”

Clark looked faintly amused as he shook his head and replied, “It wouldn’t be you, otherwise.”

Chloe walked over to him and gave him a tight hug before stepping back and saying, “I’ll just head on home before Dad wonders where the car is. See you at school on Monday. Unless you want to hang out this weekend?”

Clark looked at Lex and he shrugged, indicating it was up to Clark. A real smile surfaced and the younger man asked, “Can you get my assignments on Friday and swing by with them after school?”

Which reminded Lex he needed to send the school the change in guardianship papers. He made a mental note to call Carroll about it.

“Sounds like a plan,” she agreed. “I’ll come by around ten. Assuming that’s not too early, now that you’re living in the lap of luxury.”

Clark laughed at the teasing and Lex relaxed further. It looked like at least one friendship has survived the transition.

He could only hope that Clark was just as lucky with everyone else.

* * * *

Even knowing Chloe was as staunchly on his side as ever, Clark dreaded going to school. It was going to be hellish because by now, the entire town knew what had happened. Chloe had given him an earful on Saturday when she’d stopped by with his make-up work.

Pete was furious, though she wasn’t sure if that was because Clark had done it without telling him, because Lex was involved, or because Clark was now an indentured; she was guessing all three.

Lana had cried in her vanilla latte all Sunday afternoon while Chloe had given her a sympathetic ear. Chloe’s remarks on that score had been somewhat less than flattering and of the nature, “…it’s not like she paid you any attention before now…” but she promised not to harass Lana too much about it in the future. “Assuming,” she’d added, “I can keep from blowing chunks at her hypocrisy.”

Clark had rolled his eyes and thanked her for the colorful metaphor.

Rumor had some ugly talk in school on Friday from the jocks, but how much of that was exaggerated and how much real, Chloe couldn’t tell. On top of that, there was supposed to be a sensitivity seminar first thing Monday morning regarding the whole indentured situation, though not specifically about Clark. Clark figured that was the real reason his return had been changed to Tuesday and not, as Lex had insisted, because of any paperwork snafu. Mr. Fredericks had seemed way too competent to make that kind of mistake.

And now it was Tuesday and Clark was dressed, holding his bookbag, and wondering if he could even make it to school without throwing up from nerves.

“You all right?” Lex asked, joining him at the front door.

Clark jumped and then hissed, “Don’t do that!”

Lex offered a brief smile as he replied, “Sorry. I’ll make more noise next time.”

Sighing explosively, Clark countered, “No, I’m sorry. I’m just a little…”

“Nervous?”

“Freaked out,” Clark finished.

Lex gripped his arm and said seriously, “I can have you tutored, Clark. You don’t have to go back there, if you don’t want.”

Clark shook his head. “No, I really do. I can’t let it scare me off.”

Smiling for real, Lex told him, “Then it won’t. I don’t think anything will scare you once you’ve made up your mind.”

A sense of warmth and pride slipped through him and Clark straightened a little. He asked, “So, how am I getting there anyhow? I don’t think a bus comes out here.”

“It doesn’t,” Lex confirmed. “Come with me.”

Clark followed him to the garage where, he assumed, Lex had either hired someone to drive him, which would be embarrassing enough, or would do it himself. They stopped in front of a dark blue BMW which looked brand-spanking new and Lex held out a set of keys. Clark frowned and asked, “What? I’m driving us?”

Lex grinned. “No, Clark, you’re driving you. It’s your car now.”

Clark’s jaw dropped and he exclaimed, “No way!”

“Yes, way,” Lex echoed, still grinning.

Clark slid his hand over the smooth, glossy metal and breathed, “Wow.”

Lex chuckled. “I’ll leave you two to get acquainted since I have to get back to work. I’ll expect you home by four, if you don’t call.”

Clark nodded, but was already opening the door and tossing his bookbag in the backseat. He closed the door and ran his hands over the leather-bound steering wheel and pushed the key into the ignition to turn on the car. The engine purred to life with barely a whisper and all the electronics on the dashboard came to life. Clark spent a good ten minutes trying to figure out how to tune the radio to a local station.

That done, he realized that he didn’t know how to open the garage door and couldn’t find an automatic clicker. Pulling out the cell phone that Lex had given him a couple of days earlier, he called Lex.

“Problem already?” Lex answered, sounding amused.

Somewhat embarrassed, Clark asked, “Um, how do I get out of the garage?”

Lex chuckled and explained, “Automatic sensors. As soon as you start forward the door will open.”

Clark felt stupid. “Right. Okay, thanks. I’ll see you this afternoon.”

“Bye, Clark.”

Clark hung up and made a face at the rearview mirror, which reminded him to adjust it so that he could see properly. Then he had to figure out how to shift the side mirrors, which took still more time. By the time he inched forward and watched the door spring into action, Clark was glad there was a full tank of gas.

Driving to school was like a dream. He barely felt any of the potholes and the car was practically soundproofed. It was an effort to remember to keep to the speed limit, but he didn’t want to get a ticket his first drive out so he paid attention. He pulled into the school parking lot and parked at the edge of the lot, away from the other cars. Not that that would really stop anyone from vandalizing it if they really wanted to, but it might save on accidental scrapes from unpracticed drivers.

Chloe waited for him in the courtyard area, grabbing his arm as she exclaimed, “Is that your car now? OhmyGod you have to take me for a spin after school today!”

Clark laughed and promised, “I will, don’t worry.”

“Hey Clark.”

Clark glanced over at Pete’s greeting and answered cautiously, “Hey, Pete.”

They stood there for a minute just looking at each other and then Chloe exclaimed, “Oh, get over yourselves! Geeze!” threw up her hands and stormed off.

Clark half-grinned at Pete and said, “Chloe never changes.”

“Nope,” Pete agreed and then paused before asking, “So, he’s treating you good?”

Clark sighed, but only said, “Yeah, Pete. Lex is great.”

“What about…you know…the ah, the Master stuff?”

Rolling his eyes, Clark told him, “Lex is just Lex. Nothing’s changed except I live there now. And have an awesome car.”

Pete looked interested as he echoed, “You have a car now?”

“C’mon! I’ll show you!” Clark exclaimed.

They spent the next ten minutes going over every inch of the car and by the time the bell rang, Clark felt a lot better about their friendship. As they walked back towards the school, he thought maybe the rest of the day wouldn’t be nearly as bad as he’d feared.

* * * *

It wasn’t until darkness came that Lex realized what time it was and said to his assistant over the phone, “I’ll call you back,” before hanging up on her. It was after five with no sign of Clark and he knew that the younger man was responsible enough to have called. Therefore, something had happened that had prevented Clark from calling.

Dialing Clark’s cell number, he waited the six rings until it went to voicemail and then left the message, “You better be in trouble by the time I find you, Clark, or you really will be,” and hung up.

He grabbed his car keys and strode towards the garage, a combination of anger and worry speeding his breathing unpleasantly. Just as he reached it, his cell phone rang and he answered tersely, “Lex Luthor speaking.”

“Mr. Luthor, this is the Sheriff. I have your indentured here in custody if you’d like to come claim him.”

Lex replied firmly, “Yes. I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”

His mind whirled with possibilities as he got in the Porsche and drove to town, aiming right for the small police station and parking beside the Sheriff’s spot. Clark’s car wasn’t in sight, which didn’t bode well. Stalking into the building, he immediately saw Clark sitting on the bench against the wall, wrists cuffed together and looking miserable.

Keeping calm and making sure to show no emotion, Lex strode to where the Sheriff stood talking to one of the deputies.

The man saw him and offered a condescending smile as he greeted, “Mr. Luthor. It’s good to see you.”

“I wish I could say the same, Sheriff,” Lex replied coolly. “May I ask why you have Clark in custody?”

Smirking a bit, the man answered, “I’m afraid that his paperwork wasn’t in order, Mr. Luthor. You’re lucky I didn’t call the state to come get him when he broke the window at the Talon.”

Lex’s gaze moved sharply to Clark, who just slunk lower where he was.

“Ms. Lang decided not to press charges, which is her prerogative since you’re part owner and Clark belongs to you,” the Sheriff finished, managing to make it all sound very, very dirty.

Jaw flexing with anger, Lex merely said, “Thank you. If you would uncuff him so I can bring him home?”

It was only a few minutes later that Clark was free and paperwork had been signed. Lex motioned Clark outside and followed directly behind him not sure if he wanted to punch the Sheriff or Clark for the current situation.

Although since I don’t know what happened, I should probably hold off on punishment, Lex thought, climbing into the driver’s seat.

“Lex, I…”

“Not a word until we get home Clark.”

Clark sighed, but put on his seatbelt and slouched in the passenger’s seat.

The ride home was silent, as requested, and it wasn’t until they were back in the library and seated on the sofa that Lex finally let out a slow breath. Relief conflicted with anger and he finally ordered, “Talk, Clark.”

“It started out okay,” Clark began, rubbing his eyes. “Chloe and Pete and Lana were all great. And most of my teachers were, too. It was just…well, some of the kids were determined to make trouble.”

Lex could imagine.

Clark continued, “The day went okay, um, although you might get a call from Jamie Galvin’s folks about cracked knuckles from when he tried to punch me.”

Lex’s eyebrows rose. “What did he do, hit the wall by accident?”

Clark flushed and shook his head, answering, “No, no he hit me.”

Lex snorted and relaxed a little as he prompted, “Okay. Go on.”

“Mostly, it was just whispers and comments. And then Lana said we should come to the Talon after school like usual and I drove Chloe and Pete there.” Clark took a breath. “Jamie’s friends rushed me right outside and shoved me through the window so, technically, I did break it but, well, I went through it. Someone called the cops, the Sheriff showed up and wouldn’t hear what anyone except the other boys were saying.”

“Which was that you were at fault,” Lex finished grimly. If Clark wasn’t invulnerable, that stunt could have killed him, the fact of which made his heart skip a couple of beats in delayed reaction.

Clark nodded. “I’m sorry, Lex, I tried to stay out of trouble, I really did.”

Lex gripped Clark’s knee and said sternly, “This wasn’t your fault, Clark. It was mine.”

Looking startled, Clark echoed, “Yours, but how do you figure that?”

Lex stood and informed him, “Because I didn’t make it clear to the town what would happen if someone laid a hand on you.”

Clark’s eyes widened as he asked, “What are you going to do?”

“Nothing you need to worry about,” Lex stated. “Are you hungry? You must be starving if you haven’t eaten since lunch. Go get something in the kitchen.”

Clearly hearing the command in his voice, Clark left, but he still looked worried as he went.

Lex’s anger from before built over what might have happened had Clark not been so special. Stalking to his desk, he picked up his phone and called Gabe Sullivan.

The man picked up on the third ring with, “Hello?”

“I have a job for you,” Lex told him. “But it will probably make you unpopular with the rest of the town. Feel free to say no.”

“Is this about what happened to Clark?” Gabe questioned.

Lex confirmed, “Yes.”

Sounding angry, though not as angry as Lex felt, Gabe replied firmly, “Count me in.”

Lex smiled thinly and said, “Spread it around that anyone who touches Clark, and by anyone, I mean the parents of the kids at school, is fired. Not just fired, but I will make sure they never work again.”

“You wouldn’t really, would you Lex?” Gabe asked hesitantly.

Yes, Lex thought. Aloud, he answered, “Of course not. I’m just putting in a healthy dose of fear so Clark doesn’t have to worry about getting attacked again. Especially not after being that damn Scarecrow last year.”

Gabe replied, “I’m on it, Lex.”

Nothing like putting the fear of the Devil in people to work up an appetite. Lex headed for the kitchen to join Clark in a much more pleasant pastime.