A/N It has taking more than I thought to get this story out but I do intend to finish it. Reviews good or bad are welcomed. Peace

Pete Pov

By the time I get back to my dorm room it's late afternoon. I fall into my bed and sleep for all of three hours before my phone wakes me. It's Lex, he wants a report which means I have to drag myself out of bed, shower, dress and drag myself back to the penthouse.

When I get there it's quiet. The kind of silences that means Lex is in the opening phase of planning something big. Clark is missing in action. I find Lex in his home office. He looks tired. I'd bet my new playstation that he hasn't sleep since yesterday.

"You look like shit Luthor."

He types sometime on his laptop and doesn't look up. "What did you find out ?"

"Your dad has been a very busy man. People are afraid to talk. From what I'm hearing he's taking hostage. Family members, moms, little brothers, children, cats whatever."

"Did you look into Mr. Brook's story?"

"His daughter is definitely missing. If he loves her that up to you."

"I think he does. The rocks."

"Destroyed."

"Who did you get to do the job?"

"Bruce."

"Is he interested?"

"Very."

"Do you think he would be will to do another job?"

"Yes he'll be here at 9 am tomorrow."

"You do good work Pete."

"Of course I'm just that fucking good."

He looks up from his laptop a smirk on his face. "One day Pete I'm going to buy you a city."

I sit down in the chair across from his desk. "How about when you get into the white house you take me with you."

His smirk turns into a full on smile. One of the rear ones that usually only show up when Clark is around.

"Vice President Pete Ross. I like it."

"I was joking Lex."

"I'm not. Don't worry I'll wait a few years."

I roll my eyes. "of course you will Lex."

I can tell he is not joking but I have time years really before I have to start worrying about Lex and the White house. For the moment it is Linoel Luthor that needs to be dealt with. I dig around in my pocket till I find the samples I toss them on the desk.

"What is this?" He lifts the small plastic bag towards the light."

"Key. It's a new drug. The only people who have taken it so far are a few junkies around the docks. I don't think it's going to stay that way for much longer."

He doesn't take his eyes of the plastic bag but I can tell he's get angry. He's mad at his father for putting people in danger, for fucking around with Clark, for dragging innocent people in to his games, for being an all around asshole. I know a lot of his anger is directed at himself for not keeping an eye on his father business venture. Lex is very big on taking on the role of Lionel's morale compass and shouldering the blame for all of Lionel bad decisions. This is a rather new development that seems to get worst as the year goes on. I blame that on Mr. Kent who is very big on people being responsible for their own actions but some how prompt people to take on the role of the guilt filled martyr Clark is another example of this. The only physical sign of Lex's anger is the frown on his brow. I give myself a mental pat on the back for being able to read him so well.

"My Father is behind this."

"I would say yes but there's no proof."

"Of course not. There never is. I'm going to take this down to the lab." He stops speaking mid sentence. The front door slams shut. Lex opens his desk drawer and tosses the samples in. "Go greet Clark I need to clear up some things."

"Are you going to sleep sometime today?"

"After everything is done."

"You better get some sleep Luthor or I'll drug you."

He smirk at me eyebrow raised. "Drug me Pete I'd like to see you try."

"Keep up the sleep deprivation and you'll see me succeed I'll get Clark to hold you down while I shove sleeping pills down you throat."

He surprises me with a really laugh. I stand and give him a sharp look. "I'm not joking."

He smirks at me. " I'll take a nap after dinner is that good enough mother."

"It'll do." I leave him to his work.

I find Clark in the kitchen setting up plates. He's got the far off spaced out look on his face I normal associate with x-ray vision but can also mean deep thought. He doesn't notice me till I clear my throat. He gives me a bright smile.

"Hay Pete I didn't know you were here."

"Just got in. What did you get to eat?"

"Burgers for the place Lex loves but won't actually admit to liking."

I laugh. "You are going to have to drag him off the computer."

"Don't I always." He sets a burger in a plate with fries. "You want to stay and eat I've got extra."

"I wouldn't want to take away from you Clark I know how hungry you get after a night spent with Lex."

He slaps my arm a smile on his face. "I guess that means you're staying."

"Pretty much." I snag a plate and move to sit at the breakfast island. Lex comes into the room. Clark beams at him. "You got off the computer all by yourself I'm so proud."

Lex tugs him down for quick kiss, grabbing a plate he sits across from me.

Clark sits across from Lex, he's all frowns and watch full gazes. He sits for awhile watching Lex eat his burger and doesn't even touch his own food. "Are you okay Lex your looking worn out."

Lex's doesn't look away for his burger. "Just a little tired I'll take a nap later." Lex doesn't like to lie directly to Clark''s face. The longer I know him the better I am at picking up the slight ways he avoids looking Clark in the eye and lying. I know for a fact that if he had to he would look Clark straight in the eye and lie for all he's worth and make Clark believe it but he prefers not to.

Clark's frown deepens but he says nothing. I munch on my burger and ignore the tension. They'll work it out one way or another. They always do.