VIII

Clark lay in the sand, relaxed, allowing himself to wonder how could things be if Lois said she liked him. It would be weird at first, but then he wouldn't be able to handle it too long; Lois had some kind of power over his body and he couldn't deny it. The next time they played their game, he would end up kissing her, she would respond to it and God only knows where it would end. Clark closed his eyes and wore his dumbest smile trying to guess that place; he felt light, like floating, until he couldn't feel the sand under his body. The moment he opened hit eyes to acknowledge he was actually floating, his body dropped to the ground again and he saw Mark coming out of the water, looking straight at him. Lois was right behind him and she seemed frightened.

Get up kid! Time to get your ass kicked!

Mark, stop it! I'll never forgive you if you hurt him! – Lois yelled at Mark, on her last attempt to make him stop. Clark was still confused processing what had just happened to him seconds ago, but still he had to hold a laugh at Mark's confidence; doesn't matter how much he wanted to teach that guy a lesson, he had to avoid a fight. He stood up and faced him, but didn't get any closer. Mark stepped forward and punched Clark. He rubbed his chin, pretending that he felt it, while Mark tried hard not to show his pain, holding his right hand and giving Clark a forced smile.

All right, soldier boy, now you're in trouble! – Lois walked towards Mark, but Clark stopped her. He was still amazed at how protective of him she was, willing to fight with a man who was twice her size.

It's ok, Lois. I'm sure we can talk this thing through, right Mark? – He couldn't understand why was Mark so mad at him. "Crap! I shouldn't have stopped listening!" – Just tell me what's wrong and I'm sure we can work it out man. If we both like Lois, we should be trying to get along.

Get along with this!

Mark grabbed a piece of wood on the ground and smashed it to Clark's ribs. Both Mark and Lois froze in shock to see how it broke in a thousand pieces and Clark was still unharmed. Realizing this, Clark groaned and placed his hand over the supposedly injured place. He looked at Lois and nodded at her so she would understand that he was ok, still keeping the fake look of someone in pain. Mark tried to kick him, but Clark blocked his leg with his left arm and grabbed his throat with his right hand, dropping him to the floor. As soon as Clark let Mark go, he rose up and tried to cling to Clark, but he stood still at the same place. Mark pushed harder, still clung to Clark's chest, but he stood still, arms open, smiling at him. Clark wasn't the kind of guy that made fun of weaker people (specially because that would mean the whole planet!) but that guy deserved it. He was a jerk! Clark sighed in frustration as Mark gave up and let him go. He pushed that soldier with one hand and he crumbled to the ground like a puppet.

Guess we're done with this game, right pal? You better get going right now? – Clark crossed his arms and watched as Mark stood up slowly and walked to his car. Lois came near him and he folded one arm around her shoulders.

Hey, Mark. I just want you to know I never wanted things to be like that.

You've made a choice, Lois. A stupid one, but I must respect that. Good-bye. – Mark got in his car and left, not looking back. Lois just couldn't believe how proud he was. It felt so strange that the man who once was her best friend, now made her almost hate him.

Lois and Clark kept looking at the distance until the car was out of their sight. They kept silent for a moment, Clark's arm still over Lois's shoulder, then Lois decided to break the silence.

Hey, Smallville. How come you beat Mark like that? What do you do to work out? Cow lifting?

Clark laughed, not minding her mocking. He had to admit that was a good joke. But he suddenly remembered something.

Lois, we have a problem.

What is it?

We came in his car.

So?

So we gotta walk home.

Well, than make it two problems.

Why?

I left my clothes inside his car.