gift for Sue_Denim
Reinventing Kent
1) For Whom: SueDenim
2) Type of Work (art, fic, vid): Fic
3) Rating: G
4) Length: 2K
5) Plot Summary (if fic or vid): Clark Kent returns from his training. Some things are the same. Some things are different.
6) Notes: A self-indulgent schmoopy little Chlois fic.
****
“You know, you don’t have to wait for me? I won’t mind.”
Chloe took a deep breath. “I don’t really want to talk about it right now,” she murmured, her eyes sliding closed. She had her head on his chest and listened to his heartbeat.
“It’s just, it’s not like a regular long distance relationship. At least soldiers get to call home sometimes, or even know where they’re going or how long. It’s more like… witness protection, I guess. So if you wanted to move on… I’d understand.”
She knew why he was pushing the issue. He was anxious about leaving for his training tomorrow. And even though he had everything organized and planned, and they had talked about this already, it seemed as if he wasn’t going to be able to just enjoy the moment.
Chloe shifted in the bed so she could see his face in the moonlight. His brow was furrowed.
“Clark. Don’t worry about me. Please. I don’t really want to talk about my future love life. I want to just enjoy our last night together.”
“We have really terrible timing,” he pouted.
She had to agree. It probably wasn’t the best decision to decide to pursue a relationship with her best friend just a few months before he left for his training, but it seemed like they never did anything by the book. “Maybe,” she conceded, “but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. Let’s just take things as they come and enjoy this time, okay?” She snuggled back into his arms, continued listening to his heartbeat.
***
In the beginning, it seemed as if she was counting how long he’d been gone. Her heart ached for him every day. She had pleasant conversations with his mom sometimes at the beginning, but the weeks turned into months, and then she was marking a full year since he’d been gone. After two years, she had finished her bachelor’s degree and was doing a journalism internship. After another 18 months, she was an entry -level journalist. It gave her something to focus on, and eventually, she didn’t miss him so much it ached. Eventually, she could walk past someone in a red denim jacket, or a tall guy with dark hair, and not want to burst into tears.
She went on some coffee dates, a few lucky fellows got a dinner, one or two even lasted a few months. But her heart wasn’t in it. She knew that she could never love anybody like she loved Clark Kent.
But surprisingly, after so many years, she was okay. She continued to excel at work, drank too much wine sometimes at happy hour with her co-workers and went out with her friends. Most days, she didn’t have to experience that sudden rush of sadness, of missing him so much.
Which is why, on a random Tuesday, she nearly choked on her coffee to see a tall, dark haired man striding towards her. Before her brain could process, he was standing next to her, a grin on his face.
Chloe didn’t even care that her whole office was watching her. She jumped from her seat and leapt into his arms. A million emotions at once, joy, disbelief, overwhelming relief and happiness, fought to the surface and suddenly she was sobbing.
“I’m home,” is all Clark had to say as he held her.
****
Chloe thought she was in a dream. She couldn’t believe he was sitting in front of her, in a corner coffee shop, after all these years of wondering where he was, if he was okay. In a twist on their usual interaction, he was the one doing the talking. He told her all about how his training consisted mostly of learning copious amounts of everything involving the origins of both human and Kryptonian culture, how the history of each shaped the actions and motivations of people. He told her about how his powers were finely honed and developed- no more losing control or new random ones appearing.
Chloe was content to just listen, to just soak in the sight of him. But finally, she did have a question. She paused and tried to word it carefully. “What I want to know is… did you figure out your destiny?”
Clark looked thoughtful. “I think so,” he answered slowly. “I’m supposed to use my powers to help mankind, right injustices, and help people be safe. Seems like a big task to do for just one person,” he admitted.
Chloe’s eyes brightened. “But it’s not just one person, Clark! So much has happened since you’ve been gone!” She stood up quickly. “I have something to show you.”
They were back at the Daily Planet, in the archives section. Chloe went straight for a box with the word “LANE” scribbled across it in permanent marker. She started unearthing yellowed copies of the newspaper. “I know all of this is online, but it’s better to see the real deal,” she said as she laid them out.
Clark started to read. Hundreds of articles, recounting the heroic deeds of dozens of individuals. Some of them Clark recognized- “The Green Arrow,” “The Flash” “Cyborg” and some of them were new. “Batman.” “Robin.”
Chloe beamed. “See? You’re not alone. Amazing people, just like you, who will help you with your destiny.”
Clark smiled in wonder. He then noticed the byline on all the articles. “’By Lois Lane…’ Wait… Lois wrote all of this?” he asked incredulously. “I’m glad to hear she’s doing well and made a name for herself.”
Chloe’s smile disappeared. She bowed her head. “Well, she certainly made a name for herself. But she’s not exactly doing well,” she said quietly. She looked up at him, her eyes brimming with tears.
“She was shot and killed by Lex Luthor 4 years ago. I’ve been writing under her name ever since. It’s cathartic to me, and I like to think of it as a big ‘fuck-you’ to Old Baldy.”
Clark sighed deeply. “I’m sorry, Chloe. I know how close you guys were. I know she’d be really proud of you,” he said sincerely. Once again he enveloped her into a hug. Chloe squeezed back, trying to hold the tears at bay. She took a deep breath.
“It’s okay. I miss her every day. But this helps me focus- writing about these people who are changing the world. I can’t wait to write about you, Clark.”
Clark felt an overwhelming sense of relief that he couldn’t quite describe. The fact that he would have help, like a team, to help him fulfill his destiny was such an unexpected idea. But there was still something puzzling him.
“But Chloe… what do these people do when they aren’t saving the world? I guess what I mean is… I know what my destiny is, but what about when I just want to be me? I’m still Clark Kent, right? What I still don’t know is what I’m supposed to do if I’m not saving the world.”
“You need a secret identity, of course! That’s the person that saves the world, wears a costume, shows his face. Then, during the day, you can be regular old Clark Kent.”
Clark sat down wearily. “I’m not even sure I want to be Clark Kent right about now. He doesn’t have a job. He lives with his mom on a non-producing farm. Hell, I don’t even have a valid driver’s license. I don’t exactly need one, but you get the idea. I’ve basically been in suspended animation for six years and the red tape of explaining that is going to be a nightmare,” he griped.
Chloe brightened. “That’s why you have me!” she said. “Come work at the Planet with me! I seem to recall you write up a mean lunch menu and let me tell you, we need fair warning when it’s meatloaf day around here.”
Clark considered. “I mean… I guess it makes sense. I’d get first-hand news before anybody else. I liked working at The Torch. I liked reporting on what was really happening. But what about college?”
“Well didn’t you say you spent the last six years learning the philosophy and history of two different species?”
“Yeah, but Krypton University didn’t exactly give me a diploma afterwards.”
“It’s only a sheet of paper. Those can be printed,” she shrugged. Clark knew there was no arguing with her now. Operation Reinvent Kent was definitely in full force.
****
By the time Clark had been home for a week, he already had a backstory and believable documentation to account for his six-year absence. He and Chloe had met every evening and she updated him on the progress. Tomorrow was his big interview with Chloe’s boss. She sat down at the table in his quiet farmhouse and slid an envelope across the table.
Clark opened it up. Inside was a résumé printed on thick paper and what Clark was impressed to realize as a diploma from City University in London. “Well it’s in Latin… what does it say?” he asked curiously.
“Oh just the usual diploma stuff. I just thought it looked more official and trust me, the Planet is not going to verify you went to college in the UK. I hope you learned a little bit about living in London during your training.”
“Actually, I did learn some about all kinds of human cultures,” he said off-handedly. Chloe tried to contain her amazement.
“Oh, and I thought of one more thing…” she rummaged around in her bag and pulled out a slim, thin case.
Clark took it and opened it. Inside was a pair of thick-rimmed eye glasses. He looked at her questioningly. “Since you don’t want to wear a mask, I just thought you should change your appearance just a little bit… before you start saving babies from burning buildings.”
Clark smiled. “I like the way you think,” he said, sliding the glasses onto his face. “How do I look?”
“Like the new Clark Kent!” Chloe grinned.
****
Clark entered the towering building, somewhat apprehensive at his job interview. Chloe had assured him that he was a shoe-in, but he still felt nervous. She met him in the lobby and walked him up to HR, where her boss’ office was.
“Mr. White! Here he is, my boyfriend Clark Kent!” she said excitedly. A second after the word was out of her mouth, she cringed. She and Clark had been so consumed with getting their friendship back on track and getting him back to the world of the living, they hadn’t exactly talked about whether or not they were still a couple. The word “boyfriend” had simply slipped out. Her cheeks flamed. She tried to recover. “I mean… well, he’s my ex-boyfriend… but he’s my old friend, my good friend, Clark.” she mumbled. Her mouth seemed like it would not shut up. “Good luck, Clark!” she blurted before she abruptly disappeared from the hallway.
Clark too felt himself flush but tried to quickly recover. His nerves were on edge and Chloe’s Freudian slip had only rattled him further. He pushed his glasses up his nose, unfamiliar with the weight of them on his face.
In the end, however, Mr. White loved him and he got the job. Clark went to tell Chloe the news, but she wasn’t at her desk. He finally located her on the rooftop, which he knew was her favorite place to get away.
He sat next to her. “I got the job,” he said off-handedly.
Chloe gave him a warm smile. “I knew you would!” she said sincerely. She knew they were both avoiding the elephant in the room. She decided they had spent too much time apart to waste it dancing around difficult subjects. She took a deep breath. “Listen, what I said to Perry… it really just slipped out, you know? Old habit. I don’t want to pressure you or assume….” she started to ramble. “I don’t presume that you can come back to earth and we can pick up where we left off six years ago. I mean… for all I know you could decide to live chaste, like a Kryptonian monk or something, or even decide you want some kind of wonder woman. Six years is a long--”
Clark put up his hand. “Chloe stop.” She finally stopped talking. “What you said to Perry… I didn’t really mind,” he admitted. “I’ve wanted to ask where we stood. I didn’t know whether or not you had happiness with someone else or… I didn’t expect that you would wait for me. But, I mean, if you wanted that… to pick up where we left off… I wouldn’t mind. I have a lot of responsibility. I don’t want to waste any more time being miserable and alone.”
Chloe’s heart skipped a beat. She threw her arms around him. He held her tightly. “I don’t even know what to say,” she admitted.
Clark chuckled. “Well, there’s a first time for everything. Thank you so much for everything. I couldn’t have done this without you. I have something for you.” He stood up and led her towards the ledge with his arm around her back. The city of Metropolis sprawled out below them. “What I said about my powers being completely honed, it wasn’t exactly true. I got one new one and I’ve spent the last week trying to make sure I know exactly how to do it here on Earth. I want to show it to you.”
Chloe’s heart pounded in anticipation. He pulled her towards hm. “Hold on tight,” he commanded. And suddenly they had shot into the sky, into the clouds, higher than the golden, spinning planet.
Even though she wasn’t entirely surprised, nothing could compare Chloe for the joy and amazement she felt at that moment. She finally got the wind back into her. “Clark… you’re flying!”
Clark grinned in pride. “Yeah, we are,” he said unnecessarily as they continued to soar through the clouds. “I’m ready, Chloe, also known as Lois Lane. I’m ready to fulfill my destiny. And I want you by my side.”
END
1) For Whom: SueDenim
2) Type of Work (art, fic, vid): Fic
3) Rating: G
4) Length: 2K
5) Plot Summary (if fic or vid): Clark Kent returns from his training. Some things are the same. Some things are different.
6) Notes: A self-indulgent schmoopy little Chlois fic.
****
“You know, you don’t have to wait for me? I won’t mind.”
Chloe took a deep breath. “I don’t really want to talk about it right now,” she murmured, her eyes sliding closed. She had her head on his chest and listened to his heartbeat.
“It’s just, it’s not like a regular long distance relationship. At least soldiers get to call home sometimes, or even know where they’re going or how long. It’s more like… witness protection, I guess. So if you wanted to move on… I’d understand.”
She knew why he was pushing the issue. He was anxious about leaving for his training tomorrow. And even though he had everything organized and planned, and they had talked about this already, it seemed as if he wasn’t going to be able to just enjoy the moment.
Chloe shifted in the bed so she could see his face in the moonlight. His brow was furrowed.
“Clark. Don’t worry about me. Please. I don’t really want to talk about my future love life. I want to just enjoy our last night together.”
“We have really terrible timing,” he pouted.
She had to agree. It probably wasn’t the best decision to decide to pursue a relationship with her best friend just a few months before he left for his training, but it seemed like they never did anything by the book. “Maybe,” she conceded, “but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. Let’s just take things as they come and enjoy this time, okay?” She snuggled back into his arms, continued listening to his heartbeat.
***
In the beginning, it seemed as if she was counting how long he’d been gone. Her heart ached for him every day. She had pleasant conversations with his mom sometimes at the beginning, but the weeks turned into months, and then she was marking a full year since he’d been gone. After two years, she had finished her bachelor’s degree and was doing a journalism internship. After another 18 months, she was an entry -level journalist. It gave her something to focus on, and eventually, she didn’t miss him so much it ached. Eventually, she could walk past someone in a red denim jacket, or a tall guy with dark hair, and not want to burst into tears.
She went on some coffee dates, a few lucky fellows got a dinner, one or two even lasted a few months. But her heart wasn’t in it. She knew that she could never love anybody like she loved Clark Kent.
But surprisingly, after so many years, she was okay. She continued to excel at work, drank too much wine sometimes at happy hour with her co-workers and went out with her friends. Most days, she didn’t have to experience that sudden rush of sadness, of missing him so much.
Which is why, on a random Tuesday, she nearly choked on her coffee to see a tall, dark haired man striding towards her. Before her brain could process, he was standing next to her, a grin on his face.
Chloe didn’t even care that her whole office was watching her. She jumped from her seat and leapt into his arms. A million emotions at once, joy, disbelief, overwhelming relief and happiness, fought to the surface and suddenly she was sobbing.
“I’m home,” is all Clark had to say as he held her.
****
Chloe thought she was in a dream. She couldn’t believe he was sitting in front of her, in a corner coffee shop, after all these years of wondering where he was, if he was okay. In a twist on their usual interaction, he was the one doing the talking. He told her all about how his training consisted mostly of learning copious amounts of everything involving the origins of both human and Kryptonian culture, how the history of each shaped the actions and motivations of people. He told her about how his powers were finely honed and developed- no more losing control or new random ones appearing.
Chloe was content to just listen, to just soak in the sight of him. But finally, she did have a question. She paused and tried to word it carefully. “What I want to know is… did you figure out your destiny?”
Clark looked thoughtful. “I think so,” he answered slowly. “I’m supposed to use my powers to help mankind, right injustices, and help people be safe. Seems like a big task to do for just one person,” he admitted.
Chloe’s eyes brightened. “But it’s not just one person, Clark! So much has happened since you’ve been gone!” She stood up quickly. “I have something to show you.”
They were back at the Daily Planet, in the archives section. Chloe went straight for a box with the word “LANE” scribbled across it in permanent marker. She started unearthing yellowed copies of the newspaper. “I know all of this is online, but it’s better to see the real deal,” she said as she laid them out.
Clark started to read. Hundreds of articles, recounting the heroic deeds of dozens of individuals. Some of them Clark recognized- “The Green Arrow,” “The Flash” “Cyborg” and some of them were new. “Batman.” “Robin.”
Chloe beamed. “See? You’re not alone. Amazing people, just like you, who will help you with your destiny.”
Clark smiled in wonder. He then noticed the byline on all the articles. “’By Lois Lane…’ Wait… Lois wrote all of this?” he asked incredulously. “I’m glad to hear she’s doing well and made a name for herself.”
Chloe’s smile disappeared. She bowed her head. “Well, she certainly made a name for herself. But she’s not exactly doing well,” she said quietly. She looked up at him, her eyes brimming with tears.
“She was shot and killed by Lex Luthor 4 years ago. I’ve been writing under her name ever since. It’s cathartic to me, and I like to think of it as a big ‘fuck-you’ to Old Baldy.”
Clark sighed deeply. “I’m sorry, Chloe. I know how close you guys were. I know she’d be really proud of you,” he said sincerely. Once again he enveloped her into a hug. Chloe squeezed back, trying to hold the tears at bay. She took a deep breath.
“It’s okay. I miss her every day. But this helps me focus- writing about these people who are changing the world. I can’t wait to write about you, Clark.”
Clark felt an overwhelming sense of relief that he couldn’t quite describe. The fact that he would have help, like a team, to help him fulfill his destiny was such an unexpected idea. But there was still something puzzling him.
“But Chloe… what do these people do when they aren’t saving the world? I guess what I mean is… I know what my destiny is, but what about when I just want to be me? I’m still Clark Kent, right? What I still don’t know is what I’m supposed to do if I’m not saving the world.”
“You need a secret identity, of course! That’s the person that saves the world, wears a costume, shows his face. Then, during the day, you can be regular old Clark Kent.”
Clark sat down wearily. “I’m not even sure I want to be Clark Kent right about now. He doesn’t have a job. He lives with his mom on a non-producing farm. Hell, I don’t even have a valid driver’s license. I don’t exactly need one, but you get the idea. I’ve basically been in suspended animation for six years and the red tape of explaining that is going to be a nightmare,” he griped.
Chloe brightened. “That’s why you have me!” she said. “Come work at the Planet with me! I seem to recall you write up a mean lunch menu and let me tell you, we need fair warning when it’s meatloaf day around here.”
Clark considered. “I mean… I guess it makes sense. I’d get first-hand news before anybody else. I liked working at The Torch. I liked reporting on what was really happening. But what about college?”
“Well didn’t you say you spent the last six years learning the philosophy and history of two different species?”
“Yeah, but Krypton University didn’t exactly give me a diploma afterwards.”
“It’s only a sheet of paper. Those can be printed,” she shrugged. Clark knew there was no arguing with her now. Operation Reinvent Kent was definitely in full force.
****
By the time Clark had been home for a week, he already had a backstory and believable documentation to account for his six-year absence. He and Chloe had met every evening and she updated him on the progress. Tomorrow was his big interview with Chloe’s boss. She sat down at the table in his quiet farmhouse and slid an envelope across the table.
Clark opened it up. Inside was a résumé printed on thick paper and what Clark was impressed to realize as a diploma from City University in London. “Well it’s in Latin… what does it say?” he asked curiously.
“Oh just the usual diploma stuff. I just thought it looked more official and trust me, the Planet is not going to verify you went to college in the UK. I hope you learned a little bit about living in London during your training.”
“Actually, I did learn some about all kinds of human cultures,” he said off-handedly. Chloe tried to contain her amazement.
“Oh, and I thought of one more thing…” she rummaged around in her bag and pulled out a slim, thin case.
Clark took it and opened it. Inside was a pair of thick-rimmed eye glasses. He looked at her questioningly. “Since you don’t want to wear a mask, I just thought you should change your appearance just a little bit… before you start saving babies from burning buildings.”
Clark smiled. “I like the way you think,” he said, sliding the glasses onto his face. “How do I look?”
“Like the new Clark Kent!” Chloe grinned.
****
Clark entered the towering building, somewhat apprehensive at his job interview. Chloe had assured him that he was a shoe-in, but he still felt nervous. She met him in the lobby and walked him up to HR, where her boss’ office was.
“Mr. White! Here he is, my boyfriend Clark Kent!” she said excitedly. A second after the word was out of her mouth, she cringed. She and Clark had been so consumed with getting their friendship back on track and getting him back to the world of the living, they hadn’t exactly talked about whether or not they were still a couple. The word “boyfriend” had simply slipped out. Her cheeks flamed. She tried to recover. “I mean… well, he’s my ex-boyfriend… but he’s my old friend, my good friend, Clark.” she mumbled. Her mouth seemed like it would not shut up. “Good luck, Clark!” she blurted before she abruptly disappeared from the hallway.
Clark too felt himself flush but tried to quickly recover. His nerves were on edge and Chloe’s Freudian slip had only rattled him further. He pushed his glasses up his nose, unfamiliar with the weight of them on his face.
In the end, however, Mr. White loved him and he got the job. Clark went to tell Chloe the news, but she wasn’t at her desk. He finally located her on the rooftop, which he knew was her favorite place to get away.
He sat next to her. “I got the job,” he said off-handedly.
Chloe gave him a warm smile. “I knew you would!” she said sincerely. She knew they were both avoiding the elephant in the room. She decided they had spent too much time apart to waste it dancing around difficult subjects. She took a deep breath. “Listen, what I said to Perry… it really just slipped out, you know? Old habit. I don’t want to pressure you or assume….” she started to ramble. “I don’t presume that you can come back to earth and we can pick up where we left off six years ago. I mean… for all I know you could decide to live chaste, like a Kryptonian monk or something, or even decide you want some kind of wonder woman. Six years is a long--”
Clark put up his hand. “Chloe stop.” She finally stopped talking. “What you said to Perry… I didn’t really mind,” he admitted. “I’ve wanted to ask where we stood. I didn’t know whether or not you had happiness with someone else or… I didn’t expect that you would wait for me. But, I mean, if you wanted that… to pick up where we left off… I wouldn’t mind. I have a lot of responsibility. I don’t want to waste any more time being miserable and alone.”
Chloe’s heart skipped a beat. She threw her arms around him. He held her tightly. “I don’t even know what to say,” she admitted.
Clark chuckled. “Well, there’s a first time for everything. Thank you so much for everything. I couldn’t have done this without you. I have something for you.” He stood up and led her towards the ledge with his arm around her back. The city of Metropolis sprawled out below them. “What I said about my powers being completely honed, it wasn’t exactly true. I got one new one and I’ve spent the last week trying to make sure I know exactly how to do it here on Earth. I want to show it to you.”
Chloe’s heart pounded in anticipation. He pulled her towards hm. “Hold on tight,” he commanded. And suddenly they had shot into the sky, into the clouds, higher than the golden, spinning planet.
Even though she wasn’t entirely surprised, nothing could compare Chloe for the joy and amazement she felt at that moment. She finally got the wind back into her. “Clark… you’re flying!”
Clark grinned in pride. “Yeah, we are,” he said unnecessarily as they continued to soar through the clouds. “I’m ready, Chloe, also known as Lois Lane. I’m ready to fulfill my destiny. And I want you by my side.”
END