Ficlet: And To All A New Start (gen, G, commentfic)

Jan 07, 2013 14:05

Comment!fic strikes when and where it will. It has been few and far between with the last few years as things have changed, but the end of 2012 seems to be leading into a writerly productive 2013.

Title: And To All A New Start
Pairing: Gen(ish)
Rating: G
Note: Post-Rift; it's a bit bittersweet. Originally written for nonotthatone as a comment!fic to this story post.
Summary: Our understanding of events determines our perception of them. But understanding and perception can change with time.


Lex is getting too old to expect much anymore but recriminations for every action he takes and every action he doesn't take, every mistake and every success under the same malicious scrutiny.

The rescue of thirty-eight school children from a group of armed thugs dressed like Christmas elves is less a thing that happens with a positive outcome in mind and more as a result of nostalgia. Earl Jenkins and Clark Kent are parts of his past he left behind in Smallville, but ever are the shades that haunt him.

Eight papers run the story the following day (Lex didn't bother with the evening news, too bruised and battered from his own stint as hostage). Four question his motives, two hint that he was spurred by guilt for an association with the criminal group involved, one says he had a stunt double go in in his place ("as if the criminals would have known any better").

The eighth article is at the bottom of the pile Lex's assistant leaves. It's the front page, with a picture of the kids exiting the building; Lex is barely visible entering by a second set of doors, though it's unlikely anyone else would recognize the shot of him from the back.

The by-line is by Clark Kent and when Lex unfolds the paper to see the whole, he finds a second picture. The incident was already on his mind, but it is strangely jarring to see a picture of the old Smallville factory. Clark's classmates are piling out of the doors and into the waiting arms of the local police and emergency responders. The ever-photographic Lana is featured front and center of the shot.

Lex expects further castigation and critique on his character. After all, the last time he saw Clark, the words they shared between them were hurtful and angry. What he reads is a fairy tale.

No, it's not quite so whimsical and Lex can't fault Clark's fact-finding, because the history he details is accurate even to Lex's memory. For all the reality, however, Lex is still painted a prince and knight, tarnished armor acknowledged.

From someone trying to gain Lex's goodwill, it would be obvious flattery. From an enemy, it would be a set up to a terrible disclosure, so that Lex might have further to fall in the public's eye.

From Clark, it is many things. Apology. Reminiscence. A love letter. It is a Christmas miracle and an unexpected tiding. It is an olive branch from which Lex will start a new orchard, given time enough.

Lex expects little, but he has learned to take what is given at face value, because questioning his good fortune too much can mean the loss of it.

gen: ficlet, rating: g, commentfic

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