A Kryptonian's Fixation

Clark: Empty Plate

Hey, a quick heads up for the next eight or so weeks, I will be dealing with college. So, there might be slow or no updates to some of my books. I do hope you enjoy the chapter and book though.

                                                           ~SR

I got up early enough that it was still dark outside, just like on the farm. I like getting up early so I could fly to the Fortress and do some quick workouts before flying back to my apartment and do a normal routine before. Though, I probably should ask Batman to make me something that would challenge my physical strength. What I have been able to create myself- with Kryptonian technology- has helped for a while, but it's beginning to get too easy. Sure, I have inhuman strength and gain energy from the sun, but I would like to get a satisfying workout.

Shaking my head of these thoughts, I did as I had wanted before going home and cleaning myself up and dressing myself in the usual hand-me-down oversized suit and glasses. I brushed my hair neatly, making sure that it was slick back in a way. How no one noticed that I'm Superman at the Daily Planet, I would never know. Thank goodness that Lois is a good secret keeper.

It wasn't long before I was walking down the street to my usual bus stop. Last week my truck broke down as still was at the shop. Which was annoying as the morning rush hour always felt the worse. I took to sitting as politely as I could, bowing my head and having my suitcase placed on my lap, trying to be as small as possible. Even still, I got bumped and pushed as people got on and off the bus. Some of the bumps had people wincing, so I winced back as if I could feel the pain behind the bumping. It was one of the things that I hated about being me, it was difficult to feel pain.

Soon, it was my stop, so I left those depressing thoughts behind and stood up. A little too fast as I had stumbled over my own feet and suitcase, bumping into someone.

"S-Sorry." I blushed a little as I squirmed my way to the doors and left once they opened. I didn't really want to be late, and the person wasn't hurt if their annoyed hey was anything to go by.

"Kent! You're late!" The bellied man that was my boss shouted as soon as I stepped out of onto my floor.

I winced as it caused my ears to ring, before I looked at the clock. I was fifteen minutes late. Considering the rush, that wasn't too bad.

"Sorry, I took the bus today." I murmured, already moving towards my desk.

Thankfully, he didn't pursue the issue- cause saying my truck had a blowout wasn't going to fly with him- and just left for his office. He had someone in there. If I focused on them, I would be able to tell what they're saying and who they are, but I don't really care. I also just wanted to get the work I got, done.

"Traffic?" Lois asked me, humming softly.

I scoffed out a chuckle, nodding a little. "Yeah, it was a bit overcrowded too." I admitted to her as I began to read the article before me.

"You know if you leave early, you can be here early, or you can find another way to get here." The blue-eyed woman winked at me, smirking as she walked away to her own desk.

I chuckled again, shaking my head. What a woman. Always knowing what to say and how to say it to make it seem like she knows everything. Honestly, I wouldn't doubt it.

I paused some in my reading of the article as I thought on it. She kind of reminded me of Batman with how she just knew things. She also had her own form of intimidation. It was... Odd. No, I don't think she's Batman. One, we're miles away from Gotham for her to regularly be Batman. Two, Bat's a man, not a woman, after all only his mask and utility belt are lined with lead. Three, I doubt Batman would be a journalist, his stories would stand out far too much if he was. Four, journalism doesn't get you enough money to fund for all the gadgets and toys he has.

I sighed under my breath as I focused back on the words before me. With ease and like a robot, I began to write what was needed of me to write and all that boring nonsense. Half-way through, I heard someone yelling my name. Pausing in my flow, I leaned back in my chair and turned to Perry. He jabbed a finger at me before motioning to the office behind him. It seemed he had been calling me for a bit.

I blushed at that as I heard quiet snickering coming from my coworkers. I ignored them as I hurried inside his office. Already sitting in one of the chairs was Lois. I quickly got the feeling we were about to be sent on an article trip. There's no other reason for both of us to be in Perry's office at the same time. Not like this anyhow.

"Alright, I want you two to go to Gotham. I want you both to get any interview with anyone connected to either Bruce Wayne or the Batman. There has to be a story there." He stated simply. 

I just had to be right, and the article in question had to deal with two people I don't know how to deal with. No, I don't have anything against Bruce Wayne, it's just he's unreadable in a way. Like Batman, his heart is always steady, and he seems far too calm in situations where freaking out would be the appropriate turn of action!

"Wait, the Bruce Wayne! The Billionaire playboy!" There was a dreamy sort of sigh from Lois, her face softening and her eyes going distant. Her heart had also picked up in an erratic sort of way, it meant she was probably fantasying about the playboy. That made me a bit uncomfortable to think about.

Gulping some, I turned to Perry, clearing my throat.

"Wh-Why either of them?" I asked slowly, shifting in my seat.

The white-haired man waved his meat hand in a dismissive formation. "Rumors are goin' about that Wayne funds the Batman. Besides, they're both elusive men that are difficult to get interviews with unless we're talking about a scandal with the Wayne." He snapped.

I felt my eye twitched at his words but nodded. It wasn't really that big of a secret that Bruce Wayne basically funds the League, but did the whole world need to know this? It's already bad enough that Bruce is a famous businessman who gets shot at a several times a month- and that's just with the normal people! If we publish something, anything, addressing this rumor as true, the target on Wayne's back will grow. He might be in actual danger if we do such a thing!

"Yes, sir! We will try our best!" I felt Lois grab onto my forearm, squeezing it some before standing up. "Anything else?" She quirked a perfectly groomed eyebrow at the older man.

He sighed, leaning back. His heart was beating somewhat irregularly. It wasn't a healthy beating sound either... He should get that checked out.

"No, be prepared to stay there for at least a month. Again, interview anyone who has any connection to either Bruce or Batman." He leaned forward near the end, jabbing a finger at the two of us.

The two of us nod before heading out of the office. I slowly released a breath that I didn't know I was holding, my already hunched body slumping even more. Going to Gotham was going to be hard. The most crime ridden city in the world... That means I won't be able to go to the Fortress for the month, can't be gone when that city has eyes almost everywhere. That's just great.

Suddenly, I feel a gentle pat on my back before being pulled somewhere. Looking up, I saw Lois pulling me back to my seat. She flashed me her toothy smile before letting my wrist go.

"You might want to finish as much as you can before we leave." She hummed, walking away to her desk.

I sighed and nodded despite she couldn't see that. She was right, if I was going to deal with both Bruce Wayne and Batman, I would need as empty of a plate as I can get. We haven't even started the trip and I already feel exhausted. This is going to be hell.