She got angry. For all that Clark was just, simple, understanding, sometimes he missed the gray areas among the black and white. "You don't think I know that?" Lois asked, pulling back from him. "You don't think I know he's manipulating me?"
Pacing, Lois ran her hands through her hair. "I took this job because I knew he would try, and because I'm one of the few people who can see through his bullshit; that's not the part the bothers me. What bothers me is that whether he knows it or not - it's fucking true."
It was hard to look at him, but she did. "He said I was his only friend there but I'd be kind of shocked if he has anyone who actually gives a shit about him beyond what he can do for them, or give them. Except maybe Mercy." Lois didn't particularly like Mercy; she made a face.
"He's delusional," she said furiously. "He thinks he's actually doing the right thing. He's trying to hurt my friends and family, he wants to kill you; I'm going to put that bastard behind bars if I can - but I may be the only person in the whole world who truly gives a damn about that asshole." The realization was flooring. For any number of reasons.