Clark wasn't sure it was wise, but he'd caught them both looking at the pole. Maybe they'd believe him.

"They can't hurt me," he said with a sigh and a shake of his head. "You shouldn't get in their way. Trust me. I'll be all right."

Steve raised an eyebrow.

"Not in our nature, buddy," he said with a low chuckle. Clark was surprised at how deep his voice was when he was such a little guy. "If Bucky hadn't jumped in, I would have: there's somethin' wrong with a person who just lets someone get beat on."