Title: Reluctant heroes
Author: Kairan1979.
Fandom: Smallville.
Spoilers: Noir.
Caterogy: General/Drama.
Disclaimer - I own nothing Smallville-related and will in no way make profit from this story.
Summary: Post-Noir. "Somebody should've told you, kid. There are no heroes in Metropolis". Ten years passed… is it still true?
A/N: I'm not planning to forget about another two Smallville stories, "Man of Steel and the Vixen" and"Journey X". In fact, new chapter for one of them is almost ready.
A couple sitting in the corner of cafe was in the middle of a serious argument.
"…a miracle that I managed to get tickets for the premiere of "King Solomon's Mines" And guess what happened? My girl forgot about me because of the robbery on the other side of the city. Robberies happen every day; it's not the end of the world, and certainly not a reason to stand me up".
"It wasn't just a robbery, and you know it, Bart", calmly answered Chloe Sullivan. She was annoyed by her boyfriend's behavior but didn't want to show it. Yet.
Bart Allen, forensic expert in famous "Kent and Allen: Detective Agency" feigned surprise "No? Did I forget something..? Oh, yes, silly me! I completely forgot about masked lunatic who jumped out of the shadows and scared both robbers and victims! And then ran away before cops could ask him a question or two!"
Green-eyed blonde glared at her boyfriend "Bart, why are you so dense? How can you ignore all the people he saved?"
"I'll answer you question by asking my own – when did the best reporter in Daily Planet become so trusting? Tell me, Chloe, what exactly do you know about this guy? And I'm not asking about his fashion sense. Yes, I agree that he scared a lot of two-bit thugs. How about the big fish like your favorite Intergang? They'd eat your pseudo-Zorro alive if he tried to do something on their territory. But it looks like he is smart enough not to try. What if he was hired by Mannheim to scare possible rivals?"
"That's ridiculous! How can you believe that…?"
"A good detective can't ignore versions just because he doesn't like them. I've heard the same about good reporters".
"You asked what I know about him. I know enough to understand that he cares about our city and wants it to be a better place!"
"And I don't care?"
"Bart, I didn't mean..."
But detective didn't want to listen to apologies. "Chloe, our agency probably put more criminals behind bars than your Mr. Hero ever seen. But we are ordinary guys living ordinary lives, and you'd never look at me – or Clark – like you look every time his name is mentioned!"
"You think I'm shallow?"
Bart's smile was sad "I have a lot of words to describe Chloe Sullivan, and "shallow" isn't one of them. But last two weeks you were surely acting like one! How many times you ran away because your informants saw a shadow of his hat in Suicide Slums?"
"Bart, I'm investigative reporter. You knew it when we started dating. It's my job..."
"Your job is to write stories, not to fall in love with them".
Chloe's calm mask started cracking "Don't you see? It's not about my nonexistent feelings. I want to expose Major's connections to Intergang. I can't go for help to Grizzly Lombard or Cat Grant. I'm the only reporter in this city trying to tell people the truth. And I hope to get hints for my investigation from him".
"Can't you leave digging to the pros?"
"You mean Clark and yourself? Thanks, but I'll pass. Clark Kent is too well-known as a private eye, and you, my dear Bartholomew, are the greatest forensic expert in Metropolis, but you haven't been in a real fight since High School".
Bart winced. He didn't like his full name. When Chloe used it, it's the sign that she is really, really pissed off. But he couldn't stop himself.
"So you don't want Clark to do what he does best, and for me it's too dangerous. But for Chloe Sullivan it's just a piece of cake? Don't you see holes in this logic?" Bart continued, not expecting answer from Chloe "Please, stop pretending that you are looking for him because you need another interview! I see stars in your eyes every time he is mentioned".
"Then you need glasses!!!"
"You know what? I tried, Chlo, I really tried, but I can't do it anymore. I had enough. You must choose - either to stay with me or to go away and pursue your mystery man in red cape!"
"You don't trust me?"
"When this man is around? I'm afraid that the answer is "No".
"What happened to Bart Allen I always liked? You never were so angry, jealous, and possessive".
"I had no reasons before".
"You made a mistake. I don't like ultimatums".
"And I don't like being led on. And certainly I don't want to be your safety net when you realize that mystery man isn't going to sweep you off your feet. That's the only reason why I asked you to make a choice. Is it so hard?" Bart took a deep breath "Chloe, I'm going home. Call me when you figure out what do you want. Or don't call, I'll get the message and stop bothering you. See, I always give you a choice. I hope that you'd remember it".
Bart stood up, threw several bills at the table and left cafe without saving good-bye.
* * *
Bart didn't see where he is going. Anger blurred his sight when he roamed through empty dark streets and dangerous alleys. Then Bart felt familiar sensation. He was being watched.
"It's you?"
"No, it's Ghost of Christmas Past. We need to talk".
"So talk".
"First you tell me what happened in café".
Dark silhouette in fedora hat and crimson trench coat, with face covered by mask, stepped out of the shadows.
"How much did you hear?" Bart wearily asked.
"More than enough" answered masked man. "Are you crazy?"
"Why? I told Chloe what she needed to hear long time ago".
"That's not what I mean. Our intrepid reporter doesn't like ultimatums. And she doesn't like persons who give ultimatums. So consider yourself persona non grata in Chloe's friends' list".
"Tell me something I don't know", Bart's chuckle was short and humorless.
"And yet you threatened her?"
"I had to".
Long uncomfortable silence filled the air. Then masked man said "I'm sorry, Bart".
"Sorry for what? I'm the one who broke up with her", answered Bart Allen.
"But I'm the man who inadvertently destroyed of your relationship. I hope you don't regret the decision to help me?"
"Are you kidding me? Crimson Avenger is the best thing that happened to me! And you are too noble to encourage Chloe, so this mess isn't your fault at all. It was bad enough when I ad to fight Olsen's shadow, but then…" Bart felt uneasy and quickly changed theme "By the way, how's your utility belt?"
"I'd be out of ammo for gas gun soon. And only two flash grenades left".
"Heavens! What did you do with them? Ate? Or used as fireworks? "
"Rough night. Two rival gangs. They almost cornered me".
"I'm looking forward to hear this story. But not today, I'm not in the mood for stories".
"I understand".
"I'll start working on flash grenades tomorrow".
"Ok".
Suddenly Bart chuckled again. And again, his smile wasn't cheerful.
"What?"
"I just thought that it could be much easier if she fell in love with Clark Kent".
"Easier for both of us" agreed the hero.
(To be continued…)
A/N: Crimson Avenger (Lee Travis) was one of the first costumed heroes. His original mask, hat and cloak of the Crimson Avenger are used in a special ritual whenever a new member joins the JLA, in honor of him being "the first of our kind". I had to change character to insert him into Smallville Noir universe.