Awwgust Drabbles

First Fight

"Ladies and gentlemen welcome to Lexor City," Lex smiled to the crowd. "In just a few short weeks "These children, whose lives have been bleak and troubled – whose parents have been waging a war against poverty, will be moving here to our city of tomorrow," Lex kneeled to eye level with a child. "Now, go on, you little scamps, have yourself a ball."

Clark fought the urge to shield the child from Luthor's poisonous touch. The boy hugged Lex gleefully and rushed off with his buddies to play on the new playground. Clark was the only sane one present. Everybody was so excited about Lexor City and appreciative of their future president. They were all fools. Didn't you see Lex was playing them for a fool?

A snake does not change its scales. Luthor was up to something. Even Batman believed he had changed. Captain Marvel was even worse, he spoke about Lex as if he was the second coming. Clark was not convinced. Superman only agreed to show up for the charity function because he was expecting trouble. He would be damned if he let any of these people get hurt.

He found Lois amongst the press, relieved when he saw a glimmer of hate in her eyes. But then again, she could be looking at Superman instead of Luthor. Things had been icy between them since the failed proposal. Honestly, he didn't blame her. After the way things went down on Apokolips he was surprised Lois stayed with him as long as she had. He thought for sure she would end things after he told her about Lashina. Nope. The last straw had been him popping the question. He was beyond confused.

"It's the most ambitious project I've been a part of," Lex answered a reporter's question. "A fully functional city to house those most in need." Clark snorted with derision. Lionel Luthor will be rolling in his grave. "Just think of it ladies and gents," Lex smiled pointedly at Superman. "Thirty thousand people who'll never again have to worry about a roof over their heads –about a safe, clean environment for their children. Thirty thousand people . . ." Lex got choked up, tears gathering in his eyes. "I'm sorry. This is truly the greatest day of my life."

The crowd clapped politely, but Clark noticed a certain reporter scowling. Lois wasn't fooled either. "I never knew you had such a sentimental streak, Lex," Superman crossed his arms. Clark couldn't believe he had ever been friends with him.

"Oh, there's so much about me you don't know, Superman," Lex offered an oily smile. He faced the crowd and brought the mic back up. "I will like to thank the Man of Steel for putting aside our differences and lending his prestigious presence to this very special night." A maid brought us champagne. Clark won't be surprised if it was laced with kryptonite.

"Anything for a good cause," Superman said. He tried to smile, but there was nothing to smile about. His smile looked more like a grimace.

"To Superman, our hero," Lex clinked their glasses together.

"Thanks, but I don't drink when I'm on duty," Superman pointedly poured out the champagne on the cement. A few people who were nearby snickered and pointed.

"Smallville," Lois whispered under her breath, a quiet rebuke. Maybe Superman looked petty, but he would never trust any food that came from LuthorCorp and neither should anyone else.

"Suit yourself," Lex smiled, but his gaze smoldered with malice. "You're missing out."

"Excuse me, Lex," Mercy Graves approached them. The black evening gown hid her bionic leg. He smelled fresh paint on her arm and the acidic stench of kryptonite. Superman glared at Lex's bodyguard. It wasn't enough he ruined John Corben's life, he had to screw with his bodyguard too.

"I'll be back in just a moment," Lex said. "Don't eat too much."

"I'm not eating anything you cook," Superman said to Lex's retreating back. He threw the glass in the trash.