Binary Understanding

Chapter Thirteen

***Daniela's POV***

He beat Brendt? There's absolutely no way he did" I thought to myself perplexed as the lunch bell rang silently in the distance. I absolutely hate Brendt, with a passion, but even I would be foolish to not recognize his fighting skills. Brendt Kane was deemed the best youth championship boxer in middle school, and that was only 2 years ago! He's always seen at the local 24 Hour Fitness working out and visiting the lone boxing ring. It's hard to imagine that such a dedicated fighter was so easily beaten by a mysterious newcomer.

"He just dicked Brendt down" yelled a kid from the surrounding thick crowd, causing a massive uproar that dragged Clark down the halls. I felt conflicted as if I should help Brendt up or go after Clark. Personally, I hate Brendt and couldn't care less about him, yet something inside me told me not to leave him lying on the ground like that. Fortunately for me, Derek and his friends started to pick him up and supporting him on their shoulders, giving me the opportunity to rush outsider in search of Clarky. As soon as I ran outside the classroom, I heard commotion in the cafetorium, the kind of commotion that is caused by a fight. 

"I really hope word didn't get out about Brendt's defeat, especially to Vasco" I worriedly thought to myself as I dashed into the cafetorium. Surely enough, standing in the middle of a massive circle of people were Clark and Vasco. Vasco is a brute of a man, standing at 6'4, leader of a street gang named The Flaming Fists and sporting massive pecs, biceps, and thighs so large they could make an anime girl look like a noodle. Typically, and currently, dressed in a white tanktop, leather jacket, black jeans, and biker boots. Although Vasco was so buff, he is a relatively calm individual, choosing to avoid fights and accomplish his goals through peace instead of violence, although not hesitating on its use if needed. Even then, just by looking at him, you can feel his manly aura radiating around him.

"You pretty boys are all the same, pushing innocent people around for pleasure and attention. You may be new here but ill make sure you never do that again" he said imposingly, staring down at Clark. I quickly pushed through the crowd of people to reach Clark.

"Vasco, stop. It was Brendt who was making fun of an innocent person, not Clark. He was just defending himself from Brendt after he threatened to beat him up for defending the guy" I said praying he would acknowledge my words and not go after Clark. It was obvious that his misplaced determination drowned my pleas as he gently pushed me aside to get nearer to Clark.

"Do not worry Daniela, i wont hurt your boyfriend. I'm just going to teach him a lesson" he declared sympathetically as he walked towards Clark. Confused, I watched Vasco put a hand on Clark's broad shoulder that was almost, yet not quite, as broad as his own. That's when it clicked in my mind of what he was intending to do. He was going to give Clark his signature death grip. Vasco's deadly death grip was notorious at Apple Valley. The toughest people could only withhold  the pain of his unbreakable grip for a couple of seconds. Hell, Brendt only survived 8 seconds before collapsing on the ground in defeat. Even though Clark beat Brendt in hand to hand, I feel like he wont survive through Vasco, no matter how hard he tries. Clark starts to nervously chuckle and directs his attention towards Vasco.

"Vasco is it? Well, I dont mean to intrude but I seriously did nothing wrong. I'd hate for you to get in trouble with administration for your behavior so if you can get your hand of my shoulder and sit down with me, I'm sure we can talk this over" he said nervously, trying to seem confident. The way Clark talked to Vasco surely surprised him, as he'd never been talked to that way by a person of high popularity such as Clark.

"Well... I guess you're not just a stuck up, bully, and asshole but a manipulator too" he said as he started to push strength into his arm. The force of Vasco's arm on his shoulder was too much to bear, making Clark show visible pain as he started to give up his legs. 

"You should be thankful I'm not beating you to the ground, which is what you most definitely deserve. After you fall and surrender to my grip, I want you to get up and leave, rethink about the way you treated that poor guy at the 711 and never do it again... GOT IT?!" screamed Vasco, radiating in intimidation.

"You don't need the death grip to make me to that" chuckled Clark as he started to regain his posture. Shocked at the sight of what was happening, Vasco exerted more pressure onto Clark's shoulder, only to see it wasn't inflicting any damage. Clark grabbed Vasco's arm tightly and pulled it off his shoulder. 

"Who is this guy?" I could hear people murmuring in the crowd, "First, he beats Brendt in a 1v1 fight, which no one has ever accomplished without getting hit by Brendt at least 6 times, and now withholding Vasco's death grip and shrugging it off like its nothing!" 

As soon as Clark finishes pulling off a shocked Vasco's hand off his shoulder, he politely says goodbye and grabs me out of the crowd on his way out of the cafetorium. Clark desperately drags me into the hallway. We pass through several rooms and lockers until we finally arrive at a deserted room and we both enter.

"Dani, I need to tell you something..."