Perry White was an open book.
At least, that's what Clark had thought.
Blunt. Unapologetic. Demanding. The man had a tangible air of authority. When he barked orders at you, there was no disagreement. Unless you were Lois Lane, of course.
Clark respected the man – he shared his great passion for the truth – but he hadn't seen much beyond the chief's gruff exterior.
Until that night.
Clark and Lois were finally finished typing up a story that just couldn't wait until morning when she caught him staring at her again. He couldn't help it. She had that look – the one she always got when they broke a big story.
'What?' she asked playfully.
'Nothing,' he replied, but he knew he was caught. 'Fine, you're just… kind of amazing, you know that?'
Lois' eyes twinkled at the compliment. 'So you keep telling me, Smallville'
'You want to share a taxi?'
'Thanks, but I'm just going to crash on the couch. It'll be easier to meet my source in the morning from here,' she explained. 'Goodnight Clark. And thanks for all your help. Again.'
Clark got to the street before realizing he'd left his coat upstairs!
By the time he made it back up to the dimly lit newsroom, Lois was fast asleep. Clark moved quietly towards the coat rack, but something made him freeze.
Someone else was walking towards the staff room.
Clark glared toward the sound, relaxing once he saw their editor-in-chief step into view.
Of course… the man never left.
He eyed him curiously as he shuffled towards Lois. What was he doing, anyway?
Clark watched in awe as Perry carefully draped a large coat over the sleeping reporter. He tucked the sides in around her, making sure the makeshift blanket wouldn't easily fall off.
Clark smiled warmly at his discovery before heading soundlessly home. No need for him to know he'd been caught. Clark could keep a secret.
And this was a huge one.
Perry White was actually... a big softie.
