Smallville2001

Pete Ross:
Wonder what your dad would think about a Luthor hanging out in his kitchen.

Clark Kent:
Well...

[stops as Pete shoots a basket]

Clark Kent:
Since my dad's been gone, Lionel's done a lot for me and my mom.

Pete Ross:
Oh, sure he has. I mean, he's done a lot for my family too. Took our factory, caused my parents divorce, the guy's a real saint.

Clark Kent:
That's the way it used to be. Can't expect you to understand, I mean, you have been gone for over three years. What have you been doing?

Pete Ross:
We don't all land our dream career like Chloe. Kind of been doing the roadie gig. Pays the bills.

Clark Kent:
Could have least returned one of my calls.

Pete Ross:
Think it's easy saying goodbye to your best friend? I couldn't risk anyone using me to get to the truth about your secret. I figured it was better just leaving it all in the past.

Clark Kent:
I didn't ask you to do that, Pete.

Pete Ross:
I know. But it doesn't change the fact that I've been looking over my shoulder ever since. I mean, I had to leave my life behind because of you, Clark. And to be honest, it was better than living in your shadow.

Clark Kent:
I didn't know.

Pete Ross:
Luckily, everything's changed.