The last day of summer was the best day of Clark's life. Better than Christmas. Better than his birthday.

First, Dad didn't make him or Lex do any chores all day. Instead, they spent extra time getting dressed up and ready to go to the courthouse, and their farm hand did extra chores.

Mom and Dad were smiling more than Clark had ever seen them smile, at least as long as he could remember. Mom said they were this happy the day they adopted Clark, too. Also on the day they got married, but that was before Clark was born.

Then the judge at the courthouse had told them that Lex was going to be part of their family. Mom and Dad promised to always love him and take care of him. And the judge looked right at Clark and said that Lex was going to be his big brother forever!

After they took some family photos, Dad took everyone out to dinner, and they got ice cream. Clark wasn't usually allowed to get the big sundaes, but Mom said he could today, because it was a special occasion.

It was dark by the time they were driving back to the house.

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Clark sat in the middle seat instead of the side one, so he could be closer to his brother. He whispered, "What's going to happen with your other dad?" He knew he wasn't supposed to talk to Lex about that, but he really wanted to know.

"I dunno. I might go visit him sometimes. He's still in jail."

"Why is he in jail?"

Lex looked away and didn't answer for a little while, then he whispered, "Because he hurt me."

Clark felt like his heart was breaking into pieces. How could someone hurt Lex? "Why?"

Lex's eyes got watery. "He didn't love me."

That made no sense. "That's stupid. Why didn't he love you?"

"Because I messed up a lot."

"So? He should still love you." No one should ever hurt Lex. He was the best big brother ever!

"Thanks, Clark." Lex sniffed and wiped his eyes.

"Are you scared of your other dad?"

"Yeah, sometimes."

Clark frowned. "Are you scared of my dad?"

"A little, I guess."

"My dad won't hurt you."

"I know he won't. But sometimes I forget."

Clark picked up Lex's arm and snuggled himself under it, wrapping his own arm around Lex's waist and resting his head on his chest. "No one is going to hurt you ever again. I'll protect you."

"I'll protect you, too."

"From the bad scientiss?"

"Yeah." Lex laid his cheek on Clark's head. "I love you, little brother."

"I love you, too."

Lex pulled him in a little tighter.

"You give the best hugs," Clark whispered, closing his eyes.

"So do you," Lex said, and that was the last thing Clark heard before he fell asleep.