VI

While Clark got the coffee, Mark chose a table. The two men sat, facing each other deeply. Mark thought of using that time alone with Clark to get to know better his opponent, so the enquiry started.

So Clark, how long have you and Lois known each other?

Around two years.

"That's not long enough to give them a history. Not bad." Mark processed every sentence of Clark, taking conclusions and stats to know how to defeat him.

And how have you met?

Well, her cousin Chloe is one of my best friends – "linked to the family, that's bad" – but we met before she could introduce us. Lois found me on a cornfield, near he road to Smallville, after I suffered an accident.

"Emotional meeting, that can't be good"

Well, actually, she found me in a very embarrassing situation – Clark first smiled, remembering, then had to hold a laugh; Mark got apprehensive about what would it be – You see, I had hit my head and lost my memory, and someway I was there, completely naked, speaking nonsense, probably in shock, and so she covered me with a blanket and took me to the hospital.

"Oh, crap!"

Now it's your turn, Mark. Why don't you tell me a story about Lois? – getting to talk about her was surprisingly fun, as Clark had just found out; even the competition tension was gone by that time for him. After all, if he had to share that day with him, better make it as pleasant as possible.

I taught her how to fight, you know? But it was for her defense out here, because up there, she was the boss. Men feared her almost as much as they feared the general. It was the funniest thing to see that skinny little girl shouting at the soldiers and giving them orders. – Clark laughed, and Mark smiled to see that. He felt somehow comfortable to talk to Clark.

The conversation went on with the guys telling stories about Lois and about themselves as well. They kept ordering more coffee and snacks, like two old friends. When Lois came down, she couldn't believe her eyes. Since the boys were so entertained they didn't see her, she went directly to Cindy.

What is going on in here?

They've been talking and laughing like that for the last hour. I didn't know Clark was his friend too.

He's not.

Check it out Lois. Doesn't Clark look different like that, all relaxed? He looks so masculine, so… sexy.

What! Are you insane?!

Ops, sorry boss. I didn't know you two were-

We're not! – Lois realized it sounded too nervous and stopped. She softened her voice, and went on, pretending to be calm – It's just that you can't be talking about Smallville. He's not sexy, he's never been.

Well. Lois, he's never sounded funny too, until you showed up. Now he makes jokes about you all the time. I just can't stop laughing when he starts. – Cindy smiled frankly and Lois gave her an angry, intense look. Cindy recomposed herself and went on – Maybe you just bring to the surface all those other sides he's never shown.

Cindy looked at Lois with the corner of her eye; she looked a little numb, wondering about the things Cindy had just said. Lois herself couldn't take her eyes off of Clark. It was as if a different aura surrounded him completely. Clark usually seemed so concerned about everything, so worried all the time. Once she heard in a Jackie Chan movie a character saying the moment man looked better was when they were focused on something they loved. If that was true, then Clark was probably talking about the greatest passion in his life.

Hey! Good to see you kids are getting along! – Lois leant over Clark; she was still a little afraid of Mark after what he did an hour ago.

We were talking about you. I didn't know you were into skinny-dipping. – Lois rolled her eyes and Clark held her hand over his shoulder. – Look, why don't you take the day off so we can show Mark around?

A city-tour around Cornville? That must be the shortest trip ever made!

Clark laughed. He had to admit it was true. But there was the lake and the water mill, which were nice places to go.

Come on Lois, that's better than staying in here all day long. – Clark stood up, still holding Lois's hand. – Do you have in your bag anything you can wear to go swim, Mark? – he nodded, his eyes fixed on the hands of Clark and Lois.

Lois saw Mark's look and realized what was wrong. She felt immediately embarrassed, and let go of Clark's hand. Jealousy was back in Mark's eyes again. The funniest that hour of conversation with Clark had been, he was still a strong opponent to win. He couldn't lose focus of what he was there to take.

Go get a bathing suit, Lois – Mark said – We'll wait for you outside. I still have to make it up to you for all the stupid things I said up there. I'm sure the town must be lovely.

By that time, Mark was aware that pressure wouldn't work. He had to get Lois's heart through kindness. The best way to trap a hummingbird was by attracting it with water and sugar.