VII

Lois came outside with a picnic basket and Clark looked at her, distrustfully.

Don't bother, Smallville. Cindy prepared it.

Clark sighed in relief and got the basket from her hands, using the same movement to whisper to her ear. – Hope you're wearing a thong.

Lois looked incredulously at Clark, who wore again that same scoundrel smile. For the first time in her life, Clark has really made her blush like a teenager. She tried not to smile back, but she couldn't help it. – Well, I wish I could hope you're wearing a Speedo, but just the thought of it makes me sick. – They kept looking at each other, sending a million subliminal messages with their eyes until Mark approached them.

Come on guys! I still have to catch the road before it gets dark. Let's go in my car. You come on front with me Lois.

During the whole ride, Clark was silent. Lois talked joyfully to Mark, remembering the old times, asking questions about everybody she could remember. She tried not to mention her father; that was a day of happiness. Whenever she looked at Clark through the mirror, he was still the same way; arms crossed, eyes fixed on her. Even though she was fully dressed, it felt like she was bare naked in front of him; a heat wave took over Lois's body. She needed that cool lake water bad!

They finally arrived and Lois was the first to take her clothes off. – What's wrong with you guys? Will you just stand there looking at me like I'm an alien or something? – The two men stood silent, stunned by the vision they had. – Let's see which one of you will catch me first!

She ran to the water and swam to the floating platform so fast as a mermaid, but it felt like the world was moving in slow motion to them, until their eyes crossed. The two looked at each other jealously, and immediately started taking off their clothes to reach her. Clark gave his opponent time enough to take all his clothes and reach the border of the lake. Mark swam as fast as he could; he looked back and didn't see Clark. He figured farm boy would take some time to get there; he and Lois learned to swim with navy seals, Clark couldn't beat that! He and Lois would finally have some time to talk alone. He opened a bright smile when he reached the platform and was amazed by what he saw.

Hey, dude, what took you so long? Lois and I were almost worrying about you!

Clark, would you mind letting me speak privately to Mark for a while? – Lois asked Mark to sit beside her and waited for Clark to leave.

Ok, I'll go. I actually need to cool off anyway – He softly kissed her neck, making her thrill and whispered – You may not be wearing a thong, but that's certainly hot enough!

Lois kept watching while Clark jumped to the water, not realizing how dumb she seemed smiling at nothing. Mark sat next to Lois and held her hand, but she didn't feel it. He started talking and she pretended to listen, but her attention was still on the water.

Lo, I know I've been an ass coming here like that and saying all that stuff to you, but I need you to believe I truly love you. All this time I've always thought about you.

You did? – "How come I never realized how sexy Clark looks? Where was he hiding all that hotness until today?"

Yeah, I did. And when I said you had nothing to loose, I just meant that nothing you have right now could make you happier than you'll be when we turn this love into something real.

You think so? – "Could Cindy be right? Was it really me who pushed all his buttons and revealed all that 'hidden power'? Maybe I'm just impressed at him because it all came to surface too fast. I can't be really into 'Mr. Sheep lifter'".

Sure I do, sweetie! We can make it! I just need you to trust me.

I do trust you Mark, you're still my best pal. – "I mean, Mark has a lot of muscles, he's taller than Clark, his face is beautiful, he's handsome as a prince, but there's something different about Clark. Man, what's going wrong with me?!"

I'm not talking about being pals Lois! I love you; do you understand that? – Mark waited for an answer, but her lips were shut – Lois, did you hear one single word of what I said?

Sure I did! I heard all about the thinking and the real thing and the trusting… - Clark lay on the shore; the water drops made his wet skin glow. It looked as if God pointed a spot of sunlight directly at him, and the whole world seemed darker around him.

That's him isn't it? That's why you're stuck here in "Far Far Away" and that's why you won't come with me!

I wouldn't go with you anyway Mark. I'm not the same girl you met years ago. Try to understand!

There's one little trick I didn't teach you Lois; I can detect lies. – He grabbed Lois's arms and pressed her fists to feel her pulse and looked strait at her pupils. – Now answer me, do you like Clark?

Clark super heard the conversation from the moment Mark started getting loud. He was worried about Lois alone with that psycho, but now it got to a very interesting point. He was willing to have that answer too. "But what will I do if Lois says yes? That would be so weird. She's funny and smart and full of personality and definitely gorgeous, but she's still Lois!"

No, Mark, I don't! – Clark stopped hearing, relieved and disappointed at the same time.

You're lying. – Lois maintained silence. That was a surprise for her too. Mark's eyes were cold and obstinate; he let go her hands and smiled nervously – But it's okay. I can eliminate that obstacle easily! – Mark jumped in the water, and Lois went after him.