For the first two weeks Lex was with the Kents, he did absolutely everything he was asked, with no complaint. Jonathan had been told to expect a honeymoon phase followed by a testing period, but those two weeks still put him off his guard—when Lex did act up, Jonathan forgot that he was supposed to be expecting the kid to test them sooner or later.

Lex had to be pestered four times to get out of bed, and three times to begin his chores. He groaned and rolled his eyes at everything Jonathan asked him to do.

At lunchtime, he wandered away from the table without clearing his place. Martha reminded him gently, "Take your plate to the sink, Lex."

"Do it yourself," he muttered.

Jonathan deepened his voice. "Up to your room."

"You can't tell me what to do."

"Now."

Lex smirked. "Yes, Dad." And he headed up the stairs.

Jonathan counted to ten in his head. Then he counted again. He turned to Martha, who shook her head.

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"He's testing you, honey," she said. "Go find out what he needs."

Jonathan took the stairs slowly. The door to Lex's bedroom was closed. Jonathan knocked, to no answer. He opened it to find Lex sitting on his bed, knees pulled into his chest.

Jonathan swallowed hard, then went over to sit next to Lex. "What's gotten into you today, son?"

"Miss my dad."

"Is this how he'd want you to behave?"

"Not for him."

Jonathan tried not to groan. "Is this how he'd want you to behave for me?"

Lex stared at his knees and shrugged.

"Has Martha done something to upset you?"

"No," he mumbled.

"Look at me, Lex." Jonathan waited for him to look up. "You're going to go downstairs and apologize to Martha, thank her for making lunch, and offer to help with the dishes."

His eyes dropped to his knees. "What if I don't?"

"Then you're going to spend the afternoon doing more chores instead of relaxing with Clark."

"What if I say no?"

"Then you can spend the rest of the afternoon and evening in your room."

"You can't force me."

"Look me in the eyes and say that again."

Lex's jaw pulsed, but he didn't look up.

"Where'd this come from, Lex? Is this the game you wanna play? Hm? You're gonna fight me on everything I say? That's the example you want to set for Clark?"

"Guess you'll just have to get rid of me, then."

"What on earth gave you that idea?"

Lex wiped his eyes, and Jonathan suddenly realized how swollen and red they were.

"You haven't been sleeping well."

Lex shrugged.

Jonathan sighed. "Go apologize to Martha and thank her for lunch, then come back up here. You're going to take a nap."

Lex grumbled, but he started walking toward the door.