In the Clouds

Lois Lane: Part 10

Did he not think he was doing her a big favor? Then he must not imagine how much she was looking forward to slamming this piece on Perry's desk with the cockiest of smirks. And to think he was just a few floors below them, probably screaming his lungs away looking for her. Wonder if he could hear him right now. It basically wrote itself in her mind as they talked. Editorial, obviously. Too many opinions and insights to add. Clearly separating his answers from her interpretation, the facts from her reading. Communication is far more than the words spoken, so many aspects of this moment would be lost if she reduced it to the quotes. Besides, it would be a controversial report anyway, anything this big was.

At the mention of the other coverage Lois understood what he was referring to. She had received an extensive call from her father where he explained why he watched other medias. 'It's a disrespect to every professional that went through extensive training to rescue people. He could be dangerous!' Not the first nor last time they'd strongly disagree. 'I'm not saying there's not potential for that, but I report what I see. When he does anything that harms people I'll be the first to bad mouth him, okay dad? Not a minute before that.' That at least got a mumbled agreement. With years Lois had learned to mitigate his moods.

"I'm aware of the others, sure. I think they're getting ahead of themselves. What I saw that day was a man preventing a tragedy. But don't think that means I ever provide unconditional support." The reporter said in a joking tone, although her words carried some truth to them. Crazy how innocent until proven guilty isn't considered common courtesy.

Speaking of courtesy, Lois was surprised to hear he considered what he did the bare minimum. It got a genuine expression of relief out of her, specially hearing him say he'd be around as long as needed. The rest of the world needed help too, that was for sure. But on a personal note, Metropolis could definitely use it. There wasn't a shortage of good people - one of the things she had mentioned in the conversation with Clark about the positive aspects of his new environment - but many times they were outshone or kept from acting by a powerful minority. Superman could certainly help change those tides.

Mutual trust established, plus an invitation for coffee allowed Lois to fall into a surprising ease. It was a pleasant conversation, not only because of the significance of the moment, but just the general tone he chose to establish. Lighthearted, welcoming. Something she'd attempt to capture with words when writing.

"How much more?" Lois was quick to ask once he corrected her, curiosity always being one of her best qualities and worst flaws. With the free hand she opened the purse to verify the information, habit of a reporter really, before letting out a small laughter to herself. That was absurd. Very cool, surely, but still unbelievable. "Aren't I glad that I don't have anything embarrassing on me."

Then came the harder answers. Another planet. There had been rumors, suspicions, and even if the reporter herself had suspected it, part of her hoped it wasn't the case. It'd made the acceptation more complicated, unfortunately, just as it was the case with anything that presented itself as "too" different. But for the moment, Lois allowed herself to showcase none of that worry, her primary reaction to finding that information out being raw awe. Light-years away! Developed civilizations that could provide truths about what it means to be conscious, what concepts were universal - quite literally - and what could be learned from interchange. Yet before any of these new questions could be voiced Superman informed her he had come as an infant and raised on Earth. Her eyebrows furrowed.

"Why were you sent here? Was being a hero always the goal? What exactly do you mean with still learning?" It was hard to grasp, and as he provided the more theoretical explanation for his abilities Lois made a mental note to contact a specialized scientist to quote. "Just a reminder that you can choose not to answer anything at any point. But it's just - crazy, if I'm being honest. How was growing up here while finding out all that? Where were you brought up?"

Lois wasn't planning on writing much of what he had said about his origin, mostly because she didn't know what repercussions an in depth exposé about another planet might have. She had made it clear that the interview was about Superman, not Krypton. Although he didn't seem to particularly ask for privacy, she took the liberty to occult the mention of his family. In her opinion, the symbol of hope wasn't only what he carried on his suit. Superman was the symbol. He must know this. And for his own peace of mind, it would be better if he could separate the responsibility of being that from everything else. Part of her was just happy to find out he got to be something outside of a super.

 "She must be proud." Lois spoke with a smile, turning off the recorder for a moment to make sure he understood she wouldn't abuse that information.

 The reporter couldn't help but roll her eyes as she followed his gaze to the familiar corporation, one she had been particularly unsuccessful at exposing. Good to know he was keeping an eye there too.