"You know, Clark, you can hire people to do this sort of thing." I say as I rip off another piece of tape and seal a box of books.

 

"Not all of us are wealthy businessmen, Lex." Clark shoots me a grin.

 

"I'm just trying to remember why I agreed to do this." I shake my head. Boxing up books and clothing isn't exactly my normal Saturday afternoon activity.

 

"I'm pretty sure it's because your whipped, Man."

 

I look up to see Pete smiling at me. It's a rather unusual sight. I wonder if Chloe talked to him or something.

 

"I'm hardly, as you put it, whipped."

 

"Yeah right. Chloe bats her eyes at you, and you'll do anything she asks."

 

I hear a familiar laugh and look up to see Chloe standing in the doorway. I just watch her for a moment, basking in the glow of her smile.

 

"We're done packing up Willow's stuff. Most of her stuff was already in boxes, from when she went to Cleveland to pick it up."

 

"We don't have too much more. Where is Willow, anyway?" Clark asks.

 

"She and Lana are chatting, I thought I'd come a see if you guys needed any help."

 

I see a look of worry cross over Clark's face. I'm sure he's not thrilled at the idea of Lana and Willow talking. From what Chloe tells me, the two girls haven't bonded much, not like Chloe and Willow have. Not surprising really, considered Clark's feelings for Lana. I think, not for the first time, that I'm way too involved in the love lives of these teenagers.

 

Of course, there's one certain teen that I don't mind being consumed with. I sigh as Chloe walks up behind me and rests her hands on my shoulders, giving them a squeeze. We haven't been together that long, really. But I already feel closer to her than I have any woman I've ever been with. Which is kind of sad considering I've been married. Chloe is something special, and I'm glad I've got her.

 

And I owe it to Clark being a stupid drunk, interestingly enough. If I hadn't thought for those few moments that he had married Chloe, I wouldn't have realized how much I cared for her. It's probably not a good thing to be grateful that my best friend is an idiot, but I can't help it.

 

She leans down and gives me a peck on the cheek, then straightens up and shoots Clark a mischievous grin.

 

"So, Clark. Did your 'magazine' collection all packed away, or did you give that up now that you're a married man?"

 

Clark gives her an odd look, obvious not getting it. "Magazine collection? Chloe what are you..." He trails off and his face grows bright red. "Chloe!"

 

Chloe waggles her eyebrows as Pete breaks out into laughter.

 

"Seriously though," Chloe continues. "I can't believe you're actually moving out. Getting a place of your own, it's a big step."

 

"I think it'll be good to get out of this house. I mean, I love my parents, but Willow and I need a chance to really get to know each other."

 

"And your father totally hates her."

 

"He doesn't hate her, Chloe. He just....Okay, well he does totally hate her. I haven't seen him have that strong of a reaction to some one since..."

 

"Since me?" I smirk. "It's hard to believe that there's someone in your life that he hates more than me."

 

Clark shakes his head. "Oh, I think you and Willow are actually tied for first place on this one. Willow may have married me, but Dad blames you for the fake IDs, and sending me to Vegas."

 

Chloe pats me on the back. "See, babe. You're still number one. That should appeal to your competitive nature."

 

"Tied for first, Chloe. It just isn't the same."

 

"Don't worry, Luthor. I'm sure you're at the top of a lot of people's Most-Hated lists."

 

"Thank you, Mr. Ross." I say dryly. "I'm so glad you believe in me."

 

I actually wish that Jonathan Kent didn’t hate me. He's a good man. I'd like to have his respect. But in Jonathan's eyes, I'm just like my father. It doesn't matter what I do. Every time I think I make a step forward something happens, like Clark getting drunk with a fake Driver's License that I provided him with.

 

I understand why Jonathan hates me. I get why he hates Willow to. I like the girl, but she married Clark. Of course he hates her. If he had met her under different circumstances, he might have even liked her. If she and Clark had met under different circumstances, they'd probably get along better too. I see similarities between them. Shyness, strength...and...well, secrecy. Willow's not an entirely open person. She doesn't take much about her past. She starts stories, but they all seem to trail off into nothingness, as if she realizes halfway through that she's about to say something that she shouldn't.

 

I hope for Clark's sake that what she's hiding isn't anything too horrible.

 

"Hey."

 

Everyone looks up to see Willow standing in the doorway, Lana beside her.

 

Willow smiles nervously. "Clark, you ready to go?"

 

Clark looks around and nods. "Yeah. Let's go move in."