Reporter!Lex

[serafina20]

Next week I start night classes and hopefully subbing during the day. WIth any luck, an ending for this fic will hit me before then so it's not left dangling.

Part 4. Lex and Superman's inteview.

Previous parts


Part 1,
Part 2, Part 3

And
"Shit, shit, *shit*!" Lex swore, trying to get his damn Warrior Angel shrine down before Superman showed up. So much of his collection was breakable--the porcelain figures of Warrior Angel and Devilicus, the replica of Warrior Angel's mask, the five collector plates, the framed first edition of number 66, to name a few--and Lex only had one arm. He also didn't have much time before Superman got there, and he still had to dress, make sure the tape in his tape recorder was set, Scotch was poured, and he could get over this stupid haze of pain medication so he'd be sharp and on top of things. Lex planned to be merciless in his questioning. Not that was going to be rude or accusatory, since this was, of course, an article about a hero, but that didn't mean Lex was soft. There were answers to be had, and he wasn't going to rest until he had them.

The frame slipped between his fingers and fell to the floor. The glass shattered. "Shit!" he shouted. He bent over to pick it up. A shard of glass dug into his finger, drawing blood. "God damn it."

There was a knock on the front door. Startled, he bolted upright, frame clenched between fingers. Superman was early. Way too early. He was here, and Lex was only half dressed and his shrine was still up, and ...

The door opened. "Lex?" Clark stuck his head into the room. "I heard you swearing. Are you all right?"

Relief made Lex weak. He sank to his couch, limp. "I thought you were Superman," he admitted hoarsely.

Clark laughed and rolled his eyes as he closed the door. "What are you doing? You looked like you're falling apart." He sat on the couch next to Lex and took the frame from him.

Lex swallowed. "I'm trying to hide my Warrior Angel collection. I can't have a real life Superhero seeing my ... childhood fantasy."

"I doubt he'd care. You're bleeding." Clark took Lex's hand and pulled him from his seat. "You need to calm down, Lex It's just an interview."

"Right. With a man who can fly," Lex said as he followed Clark to the bathroom. "I've dreamed my whole life of meeting someone like him. A man who can fly in and rescue you from falling, and stop bullets and tie up villains." He laughed slightly and sat on the toilet. "I know it sounds stupid, but it's like almost like I'm fulfilling a childhood dream. I know he's not Warrior Angel, but ... he's real."

Clark pulled some alcohol from the cabinet, along with a cotton ball. "Warrior Angel. I'm not familiar with him."

"He's an alien who protects the innocent. And he's bald." He met Clark's eyes sheepishly as Clark cleaned the cut on his finger. "It was a huge deal when I was nine. I was the only bald kid I knew. My mother found the comic for me, and I've been hooked ever since. I just don't want to look stupid. I feel stupid enough right now as it is."

"You, Lex, could never be stupid." Clark threw the cotton away, put a bandage on the cut, and kissed it lightly. "There. All better." He took both Lex's hands in his. "He's just a man, Lex. Yes, he can fly and survive bullets, but don't put him on a pedestal. I know for a fact that's the last place he wants to be. Besides. You're Lex Luthor, and I know that he's pretty excited to meet you, too."

"Really?"

Clark ran his knuckles down Lex's face. "Who wouldn't be?"

A warm waved crashed over Lex, and everything seemed to fade away. He sighed and leaned into Clark. "How do you do it?" he whispered, resting his forehead against Clark's shoulder.

Clark's arms came around Lex and held him close. "How do I do what?" Warm breath caressed the shell of his ear, making Lex shuddered.

"Make everything okay. Make me feel safe."

The only answer was more petting and soothing. Clark rubbed his back in strong circles, urging the muscles that had bunched and tensed in Lex's back to unknot and relax. He began to feel warm and comfortable, the excitement of Superman fading away, replaced by Clark's arms and body and warmth beneath the ugly clothes. Perfection hidden in an ugly package, and Lex was beginning to think of it as his to unwrap.

"Come on," Clark sighed, pulling away from a very reluctant Lex. "Let's get you dressed. It wouldn't do to have you meet Superman half naked." He rose and pulled away.

Lex followed, a sense of loss echoing in his body. But he pushed past it, reminding himself that he wasn't going to fall in love with Clark, and turned his mind back to the issue at hand. Superman. "What's he like?" Lex asked as they stood by his closet.

Clark was rummaging inside, pushing various shirts aside as if on a quest. "I don't know. I don't want you to go in with any preconceived notions. Well," he added with a grin, "any more than you already have. Here, wear this shirt." He finally stopped and smiled. "Here, wear this one. You look great in it," he said, handing Lex a lavender shirt.

"Help me?"

"Of course." Clark stood behind Lex and gently helped guide his arms into the sleeves. It hurt to move his left arm too much, but when Clark helped, the pain seemed inconsequential.

"Is he nice?"

"Yes, Lex. He's nice."

"Did he say anything about me to you?"

Clark laughed. "Are we in fifth grade?"

"No, I mean ... When you told him about the interview. Did he say anything?" Lex cleared his throat and tried to appear as if he didn't care, even though his heart was beating a mile a minute.

"Well," Clark said, studying him carefully, "he said that he was delighted to be interviewed by a journalist of your statute."

Relief washed over Lex and he straightened his shirt. "Okay. Let me just go put a tape in my recorder, and I'll be ready. Are you going to stay?"

"Me? No, I can't. I'm meeting a contact. But I'll come back afterwards, just to see how it went, okay?"

"Yes, please." Lex took Clark's hand and squeezed it. "Thank you."

"Of course." Clark smiled, adjusted his glasses, and then left.

Lex checked the tape recorder then poured a glass of Scotch. Unfortunately, because of the pain medication, he couldn't drink it, but it was good Scotch and maybe Superman would want some.

He was a lot calmer than he'd been before Clark came, but the thrills of anticipation ran through him. He lit a cigarette and paced his apartment, going over questions he'd ask Superman when he got here.

"Tell me about yourself. Where are you from? Where did you grow up? What's your favorite book? How did you come by these remarkable abilities?" He sighed. "Where did you get that body?"

"I was born with it."

"Fuck!" Lex swore as he whirled. He tripped over the coffee table and started to fall.

And then, suddenly, he was in a strong pair of arms. Deep blue eyes set in a heart stopping face twinkled down at him in amusement. "We need to stop meeting like this," a smooth baritone said in a voice that washed over Lex.

He shivered. "You startled me. Where did you come from?"

"Krytpon."

Lex looked at him blankly.

"Oh, you meant just now." The man winked. "I flew onto the balcony. I didn't mean to startle you."

It occurred to Lex that he was still in Superman's arms, and that wasn't exactly the strongest position to be in. He wasn't some swoony teenage girl, after all. He was Lex Luthor, ace investigative reporter. And, more than that, he was a Luthor and that meant something to him, even if the rest of the world associated the name with weakness.

He pushed at Superman and broke free. "Uh, Krypton? Oh, wait." He went to the tape recorder and picked it up. "I hope you don't mind. I'm having trouble writing. I'm left handed and that's the arm I was shot."

Superman nodded. "Go right ahead."

Lex turned the tape recorder on and faced Superman.

Christ. He was gorgeous. Over six feet, tanned skin, bright blue eyes that were focused on him. His hair was pitch black and combed straight back. And his body. Pure muscle wrapped in a red and blue spandex unitard. Normally, something like that would look ridiculous, but somehow, Superman pulled it off. It was his stance, his confidence, the way he held his head. It was the look in his eye that made Lex think that maybe he wasn't as serious as he looked, and the small smile on his face as he gazed at Lex openly in admiration, as if he liked what he saw.

Lex cleared his throat and straightened his collar.

It was *really* hard not to geek out. Superman looked exactly like a comic book character.

"So," he said, clearing his throat. "You're, um, you, uh, rescued me."

"I did. I heard the screams and gunfire and knew there were people in need of help," Superman explained.

"Where were you?"

"Around." He smiled at Lex's frown. "I was patrolling. Flying through the city."

"Do you do that often?"

"Yes."

"Why?" Lex blurted out before he thought.

Superman seemed to expect it though. His eyes grew serious and he crossed his arms over his chest. "My father taught me that with power comes responsibility. I have many gifts that give me advantages over humans. While I can't interfere in human matters--politics and technology, for example--I can protect the weak from those who would take advantage of them."

"I'm not weak."

"No." He smiled and shook his head. "You, Lex Luthor, are not weak. But you were powerless against the situation you were thrust into. As was Ms. Lane. So I helped you."

Lex nodded and ran his hand down his chest to smooth the wrinkles in his shirt. "Do you do things like this often?"

"Almost every night. Mostly, I stop robberies, or rapes, or children from being hurt. I can't stop everything, but I do what I can."

"Just at night?"

Superman hesitated, as if confused by the question. "Well," he replied after a moment, "mostly at night. I stop the occasional crime during the day."

Crime ran round the clock. People were hurt every minute of the day. Why was it that Superman just worked at night? Was he a vampire? But, no, he looked too alive. Besides, Lex didn't believe in vampires.

Secret identity, then. Which led Lex to a difficult choice. As a reporter--hell, as a man--he wanted to uncover the secret identity. He wanted to know who Superman was, where he lived, what he did for a living. Was he famous, infamous, rich, poor, a teacher, a scholar, a boxer, a scientist? How did he hide who he was, keep people from knowing? Or did he hide away all day, sleeping, studying the world to find who he'd save.

"Only Metropolis?" Lex asked after a moment.

"No. Mostly, but I go wherever there is need of aid. I've rescued people from monsoons and earthquakes, floods and tornados. I can go anywhere I need to in the world in a matter of minutes."

"By flying?"

"Yes."

"How did you learn to fly?"

He smiled ruefully. "Through trial and error. I had to throw myself off a lot of cliffs before I finally figured it out. And it was hard. When I was younger, I had a fear of heights."

"Really?" That was interesting. Lex had never thought of a superhero having fears like ordinary people. He wondered if Warrior Angel was afraid of anything. "How did you know you could fly?"

"Something inside me told me, I guess. I'd woken up from sleep a few times floating, and I could run faster than the wind. Flight seemed like the next logical step."

"How did you come by these powers?"

He hesitated, looking suddenly unsure. It was startling, like a crack across a mirror, a sudden glimpse at the being inside the muscles and spandex. This was a man who was unused to revealing whatever he was about to reveal.

"I'm not human," Superman finally said slowly. For a moment, he broke eye contact, which he had maintained fairly steadily up until then.

Lex felt suddenly bereft without Superman's eyes on his. And then the full impact of what he'd said hit Lex and he realized he needed to sit down.

"Not human," Lex repeated. Legs a little shaky, he moved and sat on the back of his couch. "Not human. Alien?"

A small smile graced Superman's full lips. "Yes. I am an alien. Born on another planet."

"Called Krypton."

"Yes."

"You're from another planet called Krypton."

Superman frowned, looking concerned. "Are you all right?"

He swallowed, realizing his mouth was dry. "I could use a drink."

He disappeared with a whooshing sound, reappearing a moment later with a glass of orange juice. "Here."

Lex took it gratefully and gulped it down. Their fingertips had brushed when he took the glass, causing his body to explode in tiny pinpricks of excitement. But he tried to ignore it, instead concentrating on the juice. "So," he finally asked, "where is Krypton?"

Apparently, that was the wrong question to ask. Superman's face darkened slightly, and a frown tugged at his mouth. "It is no longer. The planet was destroyed years ago."

"Is that why you came here?"

"It is why I was sent, yes. By my parents, when I was an infant." His smile was ghostlike. "As far as I know, I am the only survivor."

"How was the planet destroyed?"

He shook his head. "There was a chain reaction in the planet's core that caused it to explode. My father knew it was coming but could not persuade his colleagues of the inevitable event. He chose to save me and send me to Earth."

"Why Earth?"

"Because I look like a human and my father knew I would draw incredible strength from the sun. It is from the light of the yellow sun I draw my powers."

"Okay, so you can fly and run faster than the wind. You also appear to be invulnerable. What else?"

Superman smiled and crossed his arms comfortably over his chest. "I can freeze things with my breath."

"Really?"

His smile grew and he looked at the glass in Lex's hand. Taking a deep breath, he pursed those fantastic lips and blew a stream of air.

Ice appeared on the glass, crystallizing over the surface until it was too cold for Lex to hold. He set it on the coffee table and rubbed his hand against his pants. "Amazing. What else?"

Instead of answering, Superman looked past Lex. He turned to see what he was looking at, breath catching when a fire lit in the fireplace.

"How?" he breathed.

"Heat vision."

Lex whipped around. "You can light fires with your eyes?" he practically squeaked, knowing full well he sounded like a rabid fanboy.

Superman seemed delighted, however. He was smiling at Lex's excitement and gazing at him almost fondly. The look in his eyes made Lex feel shivery inside, and vainly he wished for a modicum of dignity back.

But, dude, this was *so* cool.

"I can also see through things."

"Like an x-ray?"

"Sometimes. And sometimes it's like a picture, depending on my needs."

"There's something in my pocket. What is it?"

The blue eyes narrowed as Superman concentrated. "A silver cigarette case with the initials LL on it."

Lex exhaled hard. "Oh, man, you are so cool. Have you always been like this?"

"No. My powers emerged gradually, allowing me to adjust to each one. Most of them developed when I was a teenager."

"During puberty." Lex smiled at him. "That must have been difficult."

Superman shrugged. "No more than puberty is for any other adolescent. We are never given more than we can handle."

"Another wise saying from your father?"

He nodded.

Lex snorted. "If that were true, we wouldn't need you."

Their eyes met and, for a moment, Lex felt something go through him. Warmth, comfort, arousal and ... familiarity. Again, the mirror seemed to crack just a little, allowing Lex to see beneath what Superman wished him too. There was acceptance there, and attraction. But more, finally, more of the person, which had been missing. Lex was so dazzled by the superhero, it was hard to see underneath. Maybe he was doing it on purpose; if Superman did have a secret identity, Lex didn't want to expose him. That would just be rude; even aliens had a right to privacy, as long as they didn't try to take over the world or anything.

But Lex wanted to know. He wanted to know everything, so he forced himself to concentrate and really *look* at the man before him.

There wasn't much. Superman was so perfect, so polished. He was a statue, a show, a monument meant for display. He didn't want people in, that much was obvious.

But, Lex was good at this and, the longer he looked the more he saw. Like the scuff on the tip of Superman's left boot. And the red/brown smudge on the underside of his index finger. And the one black curl that had escaped the rest of the shining mass to curl behind his ear. And the way his right eye had a hint of green, whereas the left was entirely blue. And the way his teeth weren't quite even. They reminded Lex of someone else, but he wasn't sure who.

"What's your name?" he asked suddenly.

"I am Kal-El, son of Jor-El. But, if you wish, you may promote me as Superman." He smiled faintly. "Clark Kent informs me that the name is more romantic and appealing to a mass audience."

"I'd hate to rename you." Especially with a fucking stupid name like Superman.

"Is it not a custom of this planet to give nicknames, Alexander?"

Lex flushed and smiled. "Very well. Tell me about your costume."

"The colors symbolize the House of El. This," he touched the S, "is my family crest."

"Do you have a message for the people of earth?"

Superman grew thoughtful. He stroked his chin before saying, "I am here to help, not rule, guide, not preach, and I will only stay as long as I am welcome. The human race is the most remarkable in the universe, and I would like to be a part of the great human destiny."

Lex smiled and turned off the tape recorder. "Tell me. Do you write speeches in your spare time?"

He simply smiled back and approached Lex. "Is that all?"

"I guess. I'm not sure what else to ask you. I have a million questions, but they all seem to be stuck inside. And I don't .... I want to know about your childhood. Who raised you? Where did you land? Are you always an alien, or do you ever pretend to be human. Did you commit those crimes ten years ago?"

"Yes," Superman answered simply. "Turn on your tape recorder and ask the last question again."

Lex's heart started pounded. "Kal-El, some of the things you did don't have a statue of limitations. You committed grand theft. Armed robbery. And now you're a vigilante."

"But I am also an alien."

"That doesn't mean you're not bound by our laws."

"Your laws are made for humans. I am not one. Even if they change the laws to include me, I cannot be arrested for the things I did then. And, if they try, I will deal with it through the legal system."

Lex shook his head. "I don't want to."

Superman stepped forward and took Lex's hand. "And I don't want to lie to the people of the world. I don't want to appear to be hiding mistakes I've made in the past. I must lead by example, Lex, if I am to make a difference in this world."

He was caught by the beautiful eyes that gazed earnestly down into his. They pleaded and begged and commanded gently until Lex felt lost and confused. He didn't want to do this. Superman was good, and Lex believed that as strongly as he believed that Clark Kent was so much more than he appeared to be. Lex didn't believe in goodness anymore than he believed in beautiful farmboys, but they both inspired the same feelings in him.

He swallowed hard and turned the tape recorder back on. "Ten years ago, a series of mysterious crimes were committed in Smallville. Reports say they were committed by a man who escaped being shot several times, who moved too fast to be seen, and had the strength of many men. These traits also describe you. Do you have any comment on the similarities? Did you commit these crimes?"

"I did," Superman said evenly, still staring down into Lex's eyes. "Ten years ago I came to Metropolis in pain and anguish. I was angry and young and in grief. I made many bad choices and hurt people. I am not here to try to erase the sins of my past, nor make amends. I am here, now, because I believe in the human capacity for greatness. I also believe that it the responsibility for every sentient being on earth to do what they can to help their brothers and sisters. I may not be human, but I live on this planet and will do anything I can to help its inhabitants.

"Thank you." It came out as a whisper. Lex turned off the tape recorder and simply stood there, gazing up at Superman.

He was so fucked.

"Is that all?" Superman asked.

Lex nodded. "Thank you for the interview, Kal-El."

"Kal. El is like my last name. And you're very welcome." He stepped back, still holding Lex's hand. "Are you all right?"

"I'm tired, I guess. And scared. I don't want any negative repercussions because of that."

Superman smiled faintly. "You must have faith, Lex. I have no doubt that there will be much controversy at first, but eventually people will see that I mean what I say. I come in peace."

Lex laughed. "And he knows pop culture."

"I live in the world, Lex."

"Do you ever get coffee?"

"Coffee?"

"Yeah. You know. Like go out?"

"Like on a date?"

Lex nodded.

A frown creased his forehead, but, suddenly, Superman's arms were around him.

"What the ..."

"I've got a better idea. Come on."

"Kal, what .... Oh my God. Shit!" he swore, eyes squeezing shut as they lifted off the floor.

Superman laughed and adjusted his grip on Lex. "It's okay," he said softly. "I've got you."

Lex wrapped his arms around Superman's neck and buried his face in his neck. "I'm afraid of heights," he whispered.

"Trust me, Lex. I'm not going to let you fall." His arms tightened around Lex.

"I trust you," Lex lied, feeling lightheaded. "I just don't trust gravity."

"Lex," he whispered softly into Lex's hear. "I'm faster than a bullet. I'm faster than an airplane, and I am certainly faster than gravity. Even if you were to fall, which you won't, I could still catch you. Trust me.

It took a moment. Lex's body wasn't exactly obeying his brain, but, finally he was able to pry his head from Superman's neck and open his eyes.

Superman smiled at him gently. "There. It's not so bad, is it?"

Wordless, he shook his head. The stars were gleaming around Superman's head like a crown and, in the darkness, he seemed to glow. His eyes were deep and luminous and they never moved from Lex's.

Everything was perfect.

"Do you do this often?" Lex asked. "Fly people around?"

"Only when I rescue them. I don't have much of a social life. Any social life, actually."

"It must be lonely." But Lex knew it wasn't. Of course Superman couldn't have a social life. He was an enigma, a symbol, an ideal. He was there to rescue people and make the world feel safe.

Superman wasn't real.

Superman frowned. "You look so sad. Have I done something wrong?"

"No. Not at all." Lex managed to pry his hand away from Superman's neck so he could touch his cheek gently. It was warm, despite the cold air they were flying through. So warm, like a furnace. He wondered what Superman's normal body temperature was. "You're beautiful," he said.

"So are you." It sounded like relief when he said it.

Lex smiled at the words. "I don't know that anyone's ever said that to me and meant it."

"I never lie."

"Somehow I know I knew that."

The air grew heavy between them as they gazed into each other's eyes. Lex was peripherally aware that the scenery had changed, and they were out of the city. He could vaguely see fields of corn and plants below, horses in fields, sheep, and cows. He wondered if Superman was paying attention to where he was flying, or if he were simply flying on instinct, with not thought or choice. If so, where he took Lex was probably more revealing than anything he'd said so far, and Lex wanted to see.

He cleared his throat. "Well, I might as well get the full experience, huh?" He half turned in Superman's arms. "Let me look."

Superman carefully maneuvered Lex so his back was pressed against Superman's front. One strong arm cradled Lex against him, and their feet tangled at the ankles. Superman carefully cradled Lex's injured arm against his chest, hand over Lex's. Lex laced their fingers together and counted slowly, trying to ease the terror

They were so high, flying over fields and streams. Still in Kansas, but leaving now, he thought, as the scenery changed. Endless plains gave way to desert canyons, each more beautiful than the last. It was raining in Texas, so Superman took them above the clouds, and the sheer beauty made Lex want to cry. Flying was freedom, soaring through the night sky illuminated by stars. He could feel the light on his skin as surely as he felt the heat from Superman's body on his back.

Lips brushed over his neck, nuzzling him tentatively. Lex sighed and closed his eyes, only opening them again when the salty sea air filled his nose. Dolphins danced below them, squeaking and frolicking.

"When you get used to this," Superman whispered into his ear, "I'll teach you do dance in the air like they do in the ocean."

"I can't fly."

"With me you can." He brought his other arm around Lex and laced their fingers together as well, until Lex was surrounded by warmth and light and love.

He wanted to cry. It was like finding everything he ever wanted in his entire life, only to realize he couldn't actually have it. Superman was so achingly beautiful, so wonderfully real. And yet, there was something untouchable about him. Even now, Lex knew that he was being held by a mirror, by a being so perfect that it wasn't the whole. Superman could never let him inside, and it terrified Lex to realize that, deep down, that's what he wanted.

He began to recognize things, buildings and places. They flew past the Daily Planet, Lane Towers, and the hospital. And then, they landed on Lex's balcony.

"Thank you," Lex said softly, turning to face Superman once more.

"It was my pleasure." Superman ran his knuckles down Lex's face in a gesture that was achingly familiar.

Something niggled at the back of his mind, but he wasn't sure what it was. The thought was elusive, the excitement was transient, and Lex was confused.

"Lois Lane wants to meet you. She wants to thank you for saving her."

Superman nodded, something like a sigh moving his chest. "Very well. Tell her that I will come to her tomorrow night at eight."

"I will. Will I ... see you again?"

He hesitated.

"Not on a date," Lex assured him with a slight smile. "Just ... again."

Superman relaxed and smiled. "Yes, Lex. You'll see me again." His lips pressed briefly against Lex's. "Good-bye." He rose into the night and disappeared.

Lex sighed and turned back into his apartment. He needed a drink. He needed to sleep. He needed to cry and curl up in his bed and pretend that everything was perfect because a superhero had just kissed him.

Heedless of the medication, he drank the Scotch that he'd poured for Superman and never offered.

"Lex?"

"Come in, Clark.

Clark let himself in. His eyes were wide, and he looked around the room as if he wasn't sure what to find. "Is he still here?"

Lex snorted. "Yeah, he's in the bathroom. No," he said when Clark's eyebrows raised. "He's gone. You just missed him."

"Oh." He moved to sit on the couch. "How did it go?"

"Fine. Good. The interview went really well. He's interesting." Lex crossed the room and sat next to Clark. "How do you know him?"

"Same way as you. He got me out of a tight situation once. We became friends."

"Really. I got the feeling that he wasn't the type of man to have friends. He's very ..." Lex sighed and leaned against the back of the couch. "You probably think I'm silly, don't you."

"Why?"

"Because I've been acting like a teenage girl with a crush."

"I don't think you're silly. I'm jealous, but I understand. He's ... romantic. A hero. He saved your life."

Lex took Clark's hand. "So did you." Idly, he ran his thumb over the palm of Clark's hand, studying it through disinterested eyes. "But, I guess, there's a part of me that is drawn to the idea of something uncomplicated. He's a mysterious figure, an enigma. Someone who will come in and out of my life at will, and I am. Scared by permanency."

"Why?"

"Because I've never had it in my life. Everyone's either left me or died, and I can't deal with the idea of someone who won't."

Clark lifted Lex's hand to his mouth and kissed it, eyes falling shut. "If I promise to leave, can I keep you?"

He laughed breathlessly. "You could never keep that promise, Clark." He swallowed, inexplicably near tears. It had to be the medication. "If I let, you'd stay forever."

"I'm staying forever anyway, Lex."

"No. I'll make you leave. You'll see."

Clark shook his head and kissed the inside of his wrist. "Never."


TBC...

Comments

[raelan.livejournal.com]

This story is just too cute and cool for words.

I love how you are using scenes from the Superman movie. The beautiful flight through the clouds, Clark visiting the apartment before Superman arrives, the interview on the balcony and the whole first meeting on the helicopter in the last post.

Your Lex is too adorable, poor darling. He has a shrine to warrior angel and he behaves adorably geeky and dorky around Superman. Clark seems to be smoother than Lex, but I like it.

And the way his teeth weren't quite even. They reminded Lex of someone else, but he wasn't sure who.

Yeah, those fangs are kind of hard to miss.

[serafina20.livejournal.com]

This story is just too cute and cool for words.


Thanks! I'm having a lot of fun writing it.

The movies are the only thing outside of Smallville that I know Superman from, so I have to borrow from them. I do think, however, I will leave out the villinous plot to get rid of California, though. That's a little over the top. ;P

Thanks for the comments!

[sabershadowkat.livejournal.com]

Fanboy!Lex *dies*, but then there was woobie because Lex saw that the superhero wasn't the 'person'. Wah. Okay, stop writing so good, you're making me jealous. And relatively incoherent in my rambling feedback :) Just for you, I'll use my amusing icon again.

[serafina20.livejournal.com]

Okay, stop writing so good, you're making me jealous.

Your wish ...

Oh, wait. No. I like writing good.

(Thanks for the feedback!:)

[sage]

You made me feel like I was flying.

I'm so in love with this story. *happy sigh* :)

[serafina20.livejournal.com]

You made me feel like I was flying.

Hee! Cool, thanks for that. ;)

[mecurtin.livejournal.com]

Love, love. Lex really *looks* at Clark & Supes, sees the reality where others wouldn't.

love.

[serafina20.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

[pepperjackcandy.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much for making Lex brighter than they usually make Lois. I loved the line about Lex's observations on Clark/Superman/Kal's teeth. 8-)

Oh, and it should be "a journalist of your stature," not "statute."

[serafina20.livejournal.com]

Oh, and it should be "a journalist of your stature," not "statute."

Gah, I *knew* there was something wrong with the word, and I couldn't figure it out. Thank you.

Part of the thing that bugs me the most about Superman is how Lois Lane went for years not getting it. If she's such a good reporter, why couldn't she put it together? And Lex is a super genius, even as a reporter. Plus, he's in love with Clark, so he pays closer attention to our boy. ;)

Thanks for the fb!

[jaymalea]

Yeah, I'm wondering if that smudge is on Clark's finger, too.

[nebt-het.livejournal.com]

"But, I guess, there's a part of me that is drawn to the idea of something uncomplicated. He's a mysterious figure, an enigma. Someone who will come in and out of my life at will, and I am. Scared by permanency."

Great idea! This part was...WOW.

[serafina20.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

[garryowen.livejournal.com]

Mmm, yum.

[serafina20.livejournal.com]

Glad you liked!

[killerloki.livejournal.com]

I'm sooooo loving your Reporter!Lex story....such great fun! Can't wait to read more.

fyi - found my way here via sabershadowkat's LJ mention. So glad I came by to take a peek....I lurve yummy WIP's!

[serafina20.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I hope this one lives up to your expectations! :)

[lapetite-kiki.livejournal.com]

*happy sigh*
That is simply fantastic!

[percysowner.livejournal.com]

I found this after a rec. It is lovely. I'm so glad Lex is noticing all the little discrepancies about Clark and the little similarities between him and Superman. I too have been bothered by it taking Lois so long to figure out that Superman and Clark are one in the same. I can't wait for the next part.

[serafina20.livejournal.com]

I found this after a rec. It is lovely.

Cool! Thanks for the compliment. I appreciate it a lot.

I too have been bothered by it taking Lois so long to figure out that Superman and Clark are one in the same.

I'm actually having a hard time keeping Lex from figuring it out too soon. After awhile, it gets so obvious, you know. Lois had to have been willfully blind for years to not get it sooner. ;P

I can't wait for the next part.

More's been posted. Hope you continue to enjoy it.

[digitalwave]

This is so wonderful! I loved the dynamic you're building between Clark and Lex. That Lex 'sees' that Superman is only one part of the whole. Kal doesn't even seem to be trying to hide his true self very hard from Lex. Otherwise he wouldn't let all of the Clarkisms bleed through.

I'm really looking forward to seeing where you go with this. :)

[serafina20.livejournal.com]

Kal doesn't even seem to be trying to hide his true self very hard from Lex. Otherwise he wouldn't let all of the Clarkisms bleed through.

Well, it's partly that, and partly because I don't find it interesting if Clark gets Superman perfectly the first time, you know? I know he has help from the AI and everything, but he's still young and enthusiastic. I just feel that Clark might rush into soemthing without propery preparing, like an interview with Lex, and/or take for granted that most people won't look as hard as Lex. And then, once he really starts falling for Lex, want him to see the Clark inside Superman, so he does get sloppy.

I'm glad you're enjoying it!