Sorry, I meant to comment on this part ages ago - can't believe I haven't. A lot happens in each part, so each time there's a lot to think about. You are sowing a lot of nice plot seeds at the moment and I'm looking forward to seeing how they grow!
It was curiosity, he told himself, and courtesy, not his unhealthy fascination with Lois Lane, which brought him sailing through her open window against his better judgment.
You tell yourself that Clark if you want to! This Clark is possibly more guarded that the Clark in the show, because even the Clark Kent personna most people see is essentially fake. He seems in a way a little more like the Lois we know in how afraid he is to let his barriers down, something that has been instilled in him by his friends etc in creating his career. He's used to keeping women at arm's length and Lois being a reporter makes her especially dangerous.
In deep trouble, and now caught staring wide-eyed at Lois Lane. This was not the impression he was going for when he invented Superman. He needed to say something. Something professional and….heroish. “I’m sorry. You said eight. I didn’t know I’d be interrupting you mid-rant . ”
Oh, yeah, real smooth .
Clark strode toward a white loveseat. He was momentarily thrown off-balance by the sudden realization that his hero suit was not designed for dignified sitting. After a brief pause, he settled for draping the cape under him and spreading the corners over his lap like a stadium blanket. He desperately hoped that he didn’t look nearly as stupid as he felt.
Even though I've seen him sit like this in the show, probably even because of it, it is a very funny image. It does look so odd when he sits down for a chat in the suit!
“If you drink coffee, that is. Do they even have coffee…wherever you come from? Probably not. I mean, why would they? And they say it’s an acquired taste. Maybe you wouldn’t even like it. It’s really good once you get used to it, though. Some of us can’t really function without it. And there’s milk and sugar to make it less bitter, if you like that…” My goodness, she was a force of nature ! Clark felt he should say something before she passed out from lack of oxygen.
Wonderful Lois babble!
Meet the Press he could do in his sleep—as Clark Kent, that is. As Superman, though, it was another story. This required caution and a clear head.
I like the interesting reversal. He's used to being confident and in the public eye as Clark, and is struggling as Superman, whereas in the show Superman was the public image and Clark liked to keep low-key (sort-of!) in the background. This Clark's real self is hardly seen at all beyond his family and closest friends which is sad.
“I must warn you, however, that I am not prepared to give an interview at this time.”
This Superman is wary of the press. He has also had it drummed into him not to say anything without Lana approving it etc, for his own good. It was much easier for Superman in the show to give Lois an interview as her knew her, and feisty as she was in the beginning, knew he could trust her.
Instead, he shot her a determined look. “I’m going to find that man and stop him. That’s a promise, Lois.”
Nice little drop-in of a line from the show.
By sheer act of will, Clark refrained from blurting out, “I always notice you.” In the knick of time he changed it to, “I was concerned about civilians getting hurt. Someone was testing me, but he put a lot of other people in danger in the process.”
This Clark has a little better control at an early stage in not making his feelings too obvious and encouraging her crush.
“Will you tell me when you’re getting close? Or will you let me help? I am a trained investigator. It’s what I do. If someone’s trying to harm you, I’d gladly help bring them down.”
Yes, of course she's a bit moony-eyed, he's a gorgeous superhero who's just paid her a personal visit at home, but he's yet to realise that she actually can help. She's somebody he wants on his side.
This was the last thing he needed—an ace reporter with a crush on Superman. It didn’t help that she was also the one person who could make him lose all composure by her mere presence. As much as he’d like to spend more time with Lois, he couldn’t afford to encourage her fascination with his alter ego. It was time to make a graceful exit while he still could.
This Clark is definitely tougher, seeing the danger of Superman getting close to Lois at the outset, doesn't take long for his resolve to wain though!
Well, I just thought that maybe you could use a friend. So if you ever need one, I’m here. That’s all.” Clark wasn’t sure that *was* all, but it was a good cover for her earlier comment, so he let it go.
This Clark is quite harsh in his judgement of her, much as he is drawn to her. I think this must come from him having a lot of experience with fans as 'Clark Kent.' His life to this point, compared to the Clark in the show is, of course, vastly different.
No, the look she was giving him now reminded him of Lana, or of his mom . She was looking through the costume to the man beneath it. Suddenly he wasn’t in such a rush to leave after all.
I like that he managed to see her genuine empathy here.
He returned her smile with one of his own. “It wasn’t that I didn’t believe you wanted to be my friend,” he explained. “I just I didn’t think someone like me could have friends.” He paused for a moment, then added in a thoughtful tone, “You’ve changed my mind tonight.”
Awww. Even though he does seem to have a couple of very good friends who do care about him, this Clark actually seems more lonely than the Clark in the show. Hardly ever being his true self must be very isolating.
Looking forward to their next meeting! I'm very intrigued as to where this is going to go, which side of Clark Lois is going to truly fall for.
Em
