Smallville, 2005

"So, Smallville, are you thinking of playing today or are you waiting for the next century?" Lois teased him already impatient.

"All right."

Clark started to kick the ball to launch it into the basket. Before he could do so, Lois came from nowhere, stealing the ball from him. She threw the ball into the basket, making a shot.

"Score! Lane 20, Kent 0!" She celebrated her victory with a dance.

"Hey, that's not fair!" Clark complained angry with Lois.

"Who said life is fair?" She teased him. "All right, another chance."

Clark started to kick the ball again, trying to make a move but Lois once again stole the ball from him scoring another point.

"Hey!"

"I can't be blamed if you are too damn slow!" Lois said with a grin. "Lane 40, Kent 0!"

"Can you stop doing that?"

"Get over it, Smallville. This is a game. It's win or win." Lois reminded him.

"Oww, Lois. I didn't know you are that competitive."

"I'm a general's daughter after all. Did you forget?"

"Right. I almost forgot about that. Win or win, right?" Clark said with a smirk. "Let's play, then."

"Give up, Smallville. You can't beat me!"

"Do you wanna bet?"

To Lois's surprise, Clark started to move really fast and before she can do anything, he scored a point.

"What's the score again? Lane 40, Kent 20!"

"How did you do that?" Lois inquired suspicious.

"I got lucky, Metropolis." He teased her.

"What?"

"If you can call me Smallville all the time, I figured I should give you a nickname as well." Clark explained.

"And Metropolis was the best you think of? Very original, Clark."

Suddenly Chloe arrived to talk with Lois when she noticed the game.

"Cool. Are you playing? Can I join?" Chloe asked anxiously.

"Sorry cuz. This is between Clark and me. I'm gonna make him swallow his own words." Lois glanced at him very serious.

"Can at least watch?"

"Sure, Chloe." Clark nodded with a smile.

Lex arrived later in his red Porsche when he noticed Clark and Lois playing while Chloe was watching them.

"Give up, Lois!" Clark teased her.

"Never!"

"Hey guys. what's going on?" Lex inquired curious with the commotion.

"Lois and Clark are playing basketball. Now they are even. One more shot to decide who will win." Chloe explained with a grin.

Lex smiled at them and took off his sun glasses. "Do you want to make this interesting?"

"How?" Chloe and Lois asked together.

"A bet."

"Lex, I don't think this is a good idea." Clark started to talk before Lois interrupted him.

"Shut up, Clark!" Lois looked at him angry. "I'm in!"

Lois went to the farm and got at hat. The four of them all chipped in money.

"And now?" Clark asked curious.

"Did you forget how to play, Clark?" Lois sighed rolling her eyes. "I'll start." Lois took the ball from Clark's hand and started to kick it.

Lois threw the ball which fell perfectly in the basket, making Lois very happy. "Dare to beat me, Clark?" She teased him again.

"Hell, yeah." Clark was ready to use his super strength to make Lois shut up since she was already annoying him when Clark notice Lois' worried look. He couldn't do that to her. That stupid game means more to her than it does to him.

Clark decided to miss the spot on purpose making Lois the winner who starts to celebrate and sing with Chloe.

Lex approached Clark's side. "Clark, what happened?"

"What do you mean, Lex?"

"I already saw you playing. You NEVER missed. Never." He reminded Clark a little suspicious. "You just lost 200 dollars."

"I know but look how happy she is." Clark said with a smile.

"Do you like her?"

"I don't know. Maybe." Clark answered a little afraid of his own words.

"Just tell her."

"I can't."

"Why?" Lex inquired trying to be supportive. "You have nothing to lose."

Clark frowned a little uncertain if he should do that. "Maybe you're right. Thanks Lex."

Continued...