Chapter 17: Text Messages*
Clark picked up a copy of the *Daily Planet* at the Watchtower, grinning as he saw the headline splashed across the front page: "Superman Saves Metropolis" by Lois Lane. That cover was enough to put a huge grin on his face. Without hesitation, he snapped a quick photo of the front page and sent it to Lois with a message.
Clark* Congrats on the front page, Lois. Another Lane classic.
Lois, sitting at her desk at the *Planet, smiled as she read the message. She could practically hear Clark's warm tone through the text.
Lois* Thanks, Smallville. Couldn't have done it without a certain caped hero making a surprise debut. ;)
Clark* Yeah, heard about him. New guy in town, huh? What's it like meeting a hero for the first time?
Lois chuckled to herself, catching the playful undertone.
Lois* Oh, you know. Same old. He flies in, saves the day, looks good in red and blue. You ever meet him?
Clark* Can't say I have. Heard he's quite the charmer, though.
Lois* Yeah, it's very hard to look at his face. That suit is very revealing.
Clark felt his cheeks burn as he read that, laughing out loud at Lois's teasing.
Clark* Must be part of how he keeps his secret identity.
Lois* If he keeps up the workout schedule, no one will ever find out. ;)
Clark shook his head, grinning to himself as he texted back.
Clark* How was Superman as an interview? Impressive?
Lois* Hmm... Not bad. A little green, maybe. Could use some media training, but otherwise… solid first impression. Definitely one to watch.
Clark* I'll bet. Seems like he'll be sticking around for a while. ;)
Lois* I'd hope so. A guy like that, Metropolis could use him.
There was a pause in their messages, a moment where the playful banter gave way to something a little more serious.
Clark* So, how was it? Really. All of it.
Lois exhaled softly as she read the message. Sensing the shift in tone, she put her phone down for a moment, thinking about how to respond before typing.
Lois* It was… something else, Clark. I mean, it's one thing reading about these things, but being there, seeing it happen in real-time... It was overwhelming. I've covered dangerous stories before, but this was different.
The three dots appeared and disappeared a few times on her screen. Clark was clearly crafting his next message carefully.
Clark* I know. It was intense. I didn't want you to be there for it, not like that.
Lois* Thanks, Smallville. But I'm a big girl, remember? I can handle myself.
Clark* Oh, I know you can. You handled that better than most would. I just wish I could've been there for you… without the cape.
Lois paused, her heart doing a small flip at his honesty. She appreciated Clark's way of opening up, even if it was through text.
Lois* I know you're always there for me. Cape or not.
Clark smiled as he read her reply, warmth filling him.
Clark* Speaking of capes, I've got an interview tomorrow. Thought you'd want to know.
Lois arched an eyebrow, intrigued by the sudden shift in topic.
Lois* Oh? Who's the lucky interviewer?
Clark* Perry White. He's interviewing me for a job.
Lois blinked, her mind racing as she reread the message.
Lois* Wait, what? Perry's interviewing *Superman* for a job now?
Clark* Huh? Superman? No, no. *Me.* Clark Kent. I've got an interview with Perry tomorrow for a job at the *Planet.*
Lois stared at her phone for a second before bursting out laughing, her confusion immediately melting away.
Lois* Oh my God, I thought you meant Perry was interviewing Superman! You really need to work on your clarity, Smallville!
Clark* What, you think Superman would need help landing a job? ;)
Lois* I don't know! Stranger things have happened! Besides, can you imagine Superman in the bullpen?
Clark chuckled as he read her message, already feeling lighter.
Clark* I think the *Planet*'s doing just fine on its own. But yeah, tomorrow's the big day for Clark Kent.
Lois* Well, in that case, congratulations on the interview. You'll crush it.
Clark* Thanks. And I was actually hoping I could get some help… prepping for it. You know, from a seasoned journalist.
Lois smirked as she read that, picking up on the playful tone immediately.
Lois* *Prepping for it, huh? What kind of prep are we talking here? ;)
Clark* You know… media training. Tough questions. Maybe a coffee or two.
Lois* Oh, I see. You need *me* to get you ready for Perry. Smart move, Kent. Perry doesn't go easy on new hires.
Clark* I know. That's why I need the best help I can get.
Lois couldn't help but grin, leaning fully into the banter.
Lois* You're lucky I like you. Alright, I'll help you out. Meet at your place?
Clark* Sounds like a plan. I'll have coffee ready.
Lois* Good. Just don't expect me to go easy on you during the prep.
Clark* Wouldn't dream of it.
Lois* See you soon, Smallville.
Clark stared at the screen, his heart feeling lighter than it had in days. He typed back quickly, his mind already filled with thoughts of their next meeting.
Clark* See you soon, Lois.
Lois* Can't wait.
Clark set his phone down, a smile spreading across his face. Tomorrow was the big day, and he knew, with Lois in his corner, he was ready for whatever came next.
To be continued...*