IV
Mark and Lois were best friends a few years ago. She was the general's teen daughter and he was a freshman at the Academy. Mark was completely fascinated with that bad-tempered girl, and Lois enjoyed the feeling of being loved; their bond was immediate, he taught her how to fight and she taught him how to conquer respect from the soldiers. When Lois left the base to finish high-school in the "real world" as they called it, Mark thought of leaving Army just to follow her; Lois couldn't let him throw away the career she knew he wanted for life, so she promised to come back for Mark and marry him right after she finished high-school. At the time it seemed like a good idea because she was sure he wouldn't remember it anymore about a month after she left, but now it was amazing to see how seriously a man could take the words of a young girl.
Well Lois, when I found out you had finished high school and didn't come for me; I was very upset, really depressed. But then I heard you were in college, and after that you worked as Senator Kent's campaign manager, so I decided to give you some extra time to have some fun, enjoy youth. Now I believe you've been playing the independent girl type enough; it's time for you to take your role as my wife.
What? Mark, I don't think you've seriously thought this through. How come you believe I would keep that promise? We were both kids when we made that deal.
A pact! It was a pact! That's a lot more serious than a deal! – Mark said, with anger in his eyes. Lois started to feel scared about that look, but she had to keep it cool.
A pact, whatever. We haven't seen each other in years; we don't even know each other anymore. You can't be serious when you say you expect me to marry you. And just for the record, I don't play any type! I have my own life and I won't quit it!
Mark smiled, sarcastically, his look turned smooth again while he said with disdain:
Sweetie, what do you think you have to loose? You've been kicked out of college; you manage a coffee shop in the middle of nowhere. Can't you see you have no future without me? You need me to be wholesome and I need you to be happy. It's always been this way, baby, time doesn't change that.
Now you got me really pissed! I'm not your baby and I certainly don't need you, G. I. Joe! – after the outburst, Lois sighed, sadly. She couldn't forget that the hideous man in front of her right there was once the nearest thing to a friend she had. She pointed to the door and looked deeply into his eyes - You've never known me for real if you think about me like that. You should be going right now.
Clark knew going deeper into that game with Lois was a big mistake, but he had no choice. In order to finish that quickly, he had to keep the pressure over her, so he decided to pay Lois a little visit at the Talon. The moment Cindy told him Lois was upstairs with a man, Clark stopped listening. He had an urge to see what was going on. Could it be jealousy? Clark didn't think so.
Lois walked towards the door and opened it, waiting for him to live. Mark's eyes seemed desperate; h grabbed Lois's arms and brought her close to him.
Look, I'm sorry for what I said; I didn't mean to hurt you. It's just that you don't understand. I can't go back without you, Lois! You can't imagine how hard it's been for me there all alone. When the guys go to parties or to a club, I go to my dorm and think of you. Do you know why I do that? Because I'm loyal to you Lois, I've always been!
Mark, you're hurting my arm. - Lois became not just frightened, but also concerned. His desperation now seemed more like an obsession. Trying to fight him was useless, once he knew all her moves, after all, he taught her everything; she had to make it through talking – You need help, friend, let me go.
The lady told you to let go, mister!
"Perfect timing, Smallville", Lois thought to herself. Clark walked in the loft, put his hand on Lois's hips and pulled her close to him. He looked at her and smiled. Lois felt that the hand inside the back pocket of her jeans wasn't actually necessary, but she wasn't in a position to complain. He got her rid of Mark's hands, right?
Hi, Clark, this is Mark Bennington. We used to be best friends when I lived in the base with my father.
Nice to meet you Clark. – Mark's eyes sparkled with anger; he looked like an animal, observing his opponent to prepare the attack.
Nice to meet you too. It's always nice to meet my girl's friends.
Your girl?
The tension between them while they shook hands was so dense you could see it, like a dark little cloud. No one said a word and the two young men just looked at each other intensely. Lois observed them; Mark was taller and seemed stronger too. She had to keep it cool, because if the boys decided to be stupid and get physical, Clark could get really hurt.
