The cold breeze flutters along my bare arms, in my mind I scold myself for not bringing my jacket. Dark night surrounds us, this kind of cold punches much more harshly. My twin brother walks along side me, his presence comforting, allowing me to not have to look over my shoulder every few seconds. The anxieties that constantly wrap around my brain fly off along with the wind. Stars twinkle in the night sky and the village is quiet. House lights turned off while the occasional soft glow of a forgotten lamp can be seen through the closed curtains. There is a much needed peace in knowing most are asleep or are winding down. Knowing that we are the only people walking these streets. Trees quietly dance around us, their leaves strong and green. A comfortable silence blankets over us, although sometimes broken by our conversation. Only a twin can create this kind of air, we know each other so well, our conversations flow easily whilst never needing to be forced, the quietness is nice and the comfort of each others presences allows the mask to drop. How I wish these nights of small confessions and idle chatter could last forever. These nights full of tranquillity and restfulness.
Closing my eyes at night and feeling not an ounce of peace. My head rattles through endless scenarios and endless encounters. I strategize constantly and prepare for the battles ahead. The thoughts never cease and my heart rates increases. Few moments grant that peace I so desperately search for. My trembling hands are a constant reminder. My inability to create conversations with strangers as I watch others do so effortlessly. My life has been full of watching, observing from others that I have learnt nothing from. All that time spent viewing the lives of others and not even once has it changed anything. Maybe this is what my time here is for. Maybe to be quiet is ok. Maybe to live a life full of watching others can be fulfilling. I can hardly remember the past and the future is too much to think of. My window is the shield in which I watch the birds fly away and see each day pass me by. I see the moon from where I sit and for a moment I am not alone.
"Uh, I follow you um, on the socials", "Oh thank you" She huffs out a laugh, "I noticed you don't follow anyone back", "Oh, well if I'd follow anyone it'd be you" She says with a practiced smile. They laugh and joke about being online, their speech perfectly scripted to seem almost authentic. I sit in the audience and watch as the bright orange sign lights up indicating laughter or clapping. Almost as if on queue an unfunny jokes comes out of the hosts mouth and I feel my lips unknowingly turn up and a sharp laugh rips itself out of my throat. The show goes on and on almost like time isn't real, almost as if everything outside isn't real. My mind wanders and I don't pay attention to whatever they talk about, no one does. No one ever questions or moves out of line. Not even the host or the guest. Automated movements and jokes we've heard a thousand times roll on. My hands shake violently as I try with everything in me not to clap as the sign burns a violent orange, the water line of my eyes fill up with tears at the mixture of brightness of the light and my failure to keep myself from clapping.
Outside the birds no longer chirp and the sky is a constant grey. The people that walk along the streets are not there by choice. They march along in the same directions, the gunshots don't even make them jump anymore. Everyone's eyes lifeless and dull, mouths unwaveringly straight never smiling or frowning. Smells of smoke and tear gas no longer effect people anymore, violence that they are used to keeps going and the distractions they are fed online keep them from leaving.
My mind tries to wander but I am focused on this woman with perfect white straight teeth, dark hair that is styled so that it is sleek and pristine and her slender body looks like it is only just fed enough to keep her going. She never looks unkept, someone on hand at all times to keep a straying frizz of hair down. There are no imperfections and her outfit is clearly expensive, but somehow her scripted speeches still make her likeable. Is this me falling in to line? Will I ever escape? The buzzer goes off loudly to indicate that the segment is over. The usually likeable un-movingly happy host drops that charming smile he is known for and instantly walks away, angrily talking with assistants that swarm him like bees. The guest similarly drops her smile and looks off into the distance waiting for his return, she knows she's here to tell inauthentic stories in the hopes that something will go viral and boost her into stardom. This continuous cycle churns people in and out everyday, we never leave, constantly glued watching and cheering for perfect faces that we don't know.
Thoughts of the stars linger in my mind, the countryside allows them to shine, the light pollution just out of reach. An owl chirps in the trees and the only thing that reaches my ears is the wailing wind. The evening is warm and the birds have not quite settled. I see the horizon still slightly lit from the setting sun. But that night sky stills shimmers above me. The warm air that stays allows me to wear a short sleeved shirt. My hair gentle flows and the pages of the book I read turn themselves. On these nights I can forget about the world, forget about the anxieties that fill my mind and just be. My heavy head lightens and my shoulders slowly become less tense.
One particular bright star fills my vision and I feel a jealousy. Oh, to be so far away, to be so at peace, alone in the night sky. It reminds me of the last time I looked up and how different my life was, which lets a glimmer of hope rest on my heart. All the people who might be looking at this star with me, all the times it has felt gaze upon it, all those different lives. How beautiful a thing.
Watching the ship blast off with tears in my eyes and my blanket safely shielding my shoulders from the cold. My tinny earphones full of noise of the blast from them setting off, I sigh. The thought of those four people dedicating their lives for this moment, to leave earth, makes me jealous. Oh how I wish I could leave this place, further than anyone else has, deep into the onyx sky and live among the stars. What I wouldn't give to trade places, to get to see the dark side of the moon up close and not just from some pictures. I play the many songs written about space and glue myself to the screen to watch every space movie ever made. Then I open my curtains and immediately look up, the shining bright moon welcomes me instantly, almost like it was waiting for me and I think I can almost make out the space shuttle as I squint my eyes.
The next day I watch people on the street wondering how they can go about their days knowing four people are currently on their way to the moon, the moon! How is that fair, I want to go. My mind is constantly on the astronauts, thinking about them fulfilling their dreams and life work while I sit down here with people starting wars and hurting each other. How I wish I could go to the moon, sit among the stars, I wouldn't care for the risk of going, if I never came back I would be at peace. A sadness races through my heart, I lie back in my bed, I close my eyes and think of the stars, the wonders of space and the possibility of going far far away from here, sighing I fall asleep with a slight smile.
My head slowly tilts up, with my eyes closed I feel a slight breeze rustle through my auburn hair. The smell of freshly cut grass flows deeply into my senses. My once tensed muscles slowly release themselves as my shoulders sag down towards the ground. Heaviness that once surrounded my heart begins to alleviate, the coldness that used to pinch the inside eases and my face slowly begins to glow with warmth. Finally I have survived the brutalness of the dark nights. Although I still feel my head dizzy through emotions and feel my eyes water when those thoughts get too much, I feel a slight whisper of hope. And just as the moths flutter towards the flames, my eyes open and stare at the blazing rays of sun.
My eyes scan over the glaring laptop screen, the words 'bombs', 'nuclear', 'war', attack my vision. The sun shines outside my window and the birds tweet. I go about my day with the knowledge tucked away at the very back of my mind. Keeping an eye out, just in case I have to run. I watch the movies hoping the superheroes will come and save us this time. I imagine superman hopping out of the tv, scooping me up and taking me far far away. My head gets dizzy as I watch everyone else be normal, they go about their day acting like war isn't the first thing they think about when they wake up. I open Spotify and play my music to distract myself, 'And when the bombs drop, darling, Can you say that you've lived your life? Oh, this is a high time for hypersonic missiles' Sam Fenders voice rings out into my earphones and for the first time the lyrics resonate. My eyes water slightly and goosebumps appear on my arms, can I say that I've lived my life? I was just waiting for it to start.
A month has passed and you're still gone. I thought I heard you at my door, trying to get in. For that split second we were in a world that you were still a part of. My racing heart excited for the chance to see you again, my eyes racing to the door, a hope pounding in my mind. In that moment life felt ok, I wish to bathe in that feeling, even if just for a fraction of a second. But I know that you are no longer with me. I know it, I do. Is it ok? To still yearn for you, to still think of you. I don't think I'll ever let you go. I don't want to, the pain I feel for your absence is all I ever want to feel. The moon keeps me company and I look towards the stars, begging them to tell me what to do. The clock reads 2am and I lay still. Rest will evade me, I feel my heart, I feel you. As I reach out I hope that something will reach back.
Outside the sun rises, its rays peaking through the slightly opened curtains. Some light is able to reach the bed covers, it isn't yet bright enough to disturb the peaceful slumber. The window, which was left slightly ajar the night before allows the sounds of cars passing inside. Puddles left from the rain just hours ago splash slightly as the cars drive over them. My ears perk at the noise, but the earphones that I fell asleep in block the sound out and play rerun episodes of The Office. My laptop left opened, the battery slowly draining. Warmness surrounds me, my recently cleaned duvet soft, keeping me safe. My mattress underneath barely used and still plush. Saturday morning commences, people around me use there day to go shopping, to clean, to be productive. But for now I will stay here, the peacefulness is comforting. My alarm will ring but I will quickly stop it. I am sure the creators on my phone would tell me off for staying here, they would try and fail to influence me into being 'more', but I do not need that. My slow, boring, ordinary life is all and everything that matters to me.
The dashboard reads 22:00, snow outside hits the windshield with a soft, gentle touch. Night consumes the world outside of the moving car, we pass glowing greens and reds from the traffic lights. Fog settles into the cold air and my heart suddenly lifts. My mouth wavers slowly into a small smile, the first in a while. Music from the radio struggles through the old speakers of the car, an 80s song plays. Its familiar tunes twinkle and dance into my ears, a softness is noticeable in the singers voice. The headlights of the car shine on specific snow drops, giving them a similarity to the stars. In the knowledge that most are in bed, sleeping I feel a safety otherwise held for the confinement of my bedroom. The world is quiet and gentle in this moment, something so rare and precious. Oh, to go to a place constantly calm, surrounded in peace. I hope this journey never ends, I hope I never get home. How lucky would I be if this lasted forever.
Recently watched sleepless in Seattle and oh my god I can't stop thinking about it.
I ended up with my face practically pressed to my laptop screen with the volume up to 100. The most stunning, beautiful and thought provoking film, WOW. I simply need to rewatch this over and over again, until I know the scenes by heart and the script lives on in my mind. When you watch a movie like this that moves you and changes you, you simply have to tell everyone about it. I beg you to watch this and I hope you feel the same way I did.
17 years passed by with you far too quickly, my four year old self still remembers the first time we met. Your wide eyes and scared form, how could we have known how close we would be. My heart had bonded to yours before I knew it. Our souls intertwined, your green eyes the same shade as mine, your brown fur almost matching me. How gentle your small paws would reach for me, never had I known such love. Your face only smiling for me, your careful eyes slowly blinking at me, the way you scratched at my door to come in, your begging wails pleading for a cuddle. Your purrs so loud that I still hear them in this moment. Now I look at the windowsill you had claimed and wonder what I could have done differently. My scratched up doorframe from your gentle claws, never to be fixed. The spots that your energy filled around our home, now lifeless and still. Sorrow and disbelief sit in the once warm air. I wasn't prepared. I didn't know. I pray everyday to a god I don't believe in that you didn't suffer for long, I beg the empty skies that you knew how much I didn't want you to leave me here. Alone. Did you feel the love that consumed me? Did you know how much pain I felt for you? Please let us meet again, please tell me that the ground you are under is comfortable and that the flowers we got for you make you purr. Although I was there for your whole life, you were only there for the beginning of mine. My heart aches when I think of you and I hope that never goes away. I will remember you always and even though you are not with me anymore, you will live on cemented in my saddened heart.
Note: Please enjoy! I'm not the most caught up on Superman lore so hopefully this doesn't stray too badly.
★・・・・・・★
.・゜゜・ ・゜゜・．.・゜゜・ ・゜゜・．
Word count: 1,618
Summary: Lex Luther tricks you, how could you have not realised sooner? When is he going to strike again?
.・゜゜・ ・゜゜・．.・゜゜・ ・゜゜・．
"I need you to tell me the truth before everything gets worse." I sternly reply, my lips wobble slightly, giving away my facade of confidence. My eyes fill with water out of a mixture of anger and sadness. He had never been telling the truth. The CEO of LutherCorp stands in front of you, his face still, never giving himself away. His threats from before now feeling much more real.
"You have no idea who you are talking to." He remains still as stone, apart from the slight smile that forms on his mouth. My heart drops to my stomach in the realisation that he was serious. How had I not notice how dangerous he was? Clearly I had been easily swept up in his lies. He menacingly leans closer to me. His breath wafts into my face as he speaks. "I will destroy you before you get the chance to run."
"Fine, I'll leave. You'll never hear from me again." My lips wobble quicker. My thoughts racing with memories of the two of us. After being together for nearly 6 months I had never imagined this is where I would end up. He had used me, using me to get closer to Superman, using me as bait. It hadn't worked and now I was the one that had to face the consequences. All the lies of love that he had fed me now pierce through my heart. How had I been so foolish. Just as my thoughts start to spiral his team rush in. Clearly having been alerted of what had happened. His stern manner piercing them.
"Clean this mess up. Call me when its done" His hand casually flicks over my shocked form. Instantly the team rush over to me. I make eye contact with one of the newer staff. Her eyes show a slight empathy. My heart breaks as I give in. Their hands instantly grab me as a sharp needle pierces into my forearm. Before I even get to process what is happening my world becomes blurry, hardening hands grip onto me as I slip into unconsciousness and my eyes droop shut. Murmurs of their voices fill my ears sounding further and further away.
════ 6 months earlier ════
An alarm coming from my side buzzes loudly. I reach out to silent it but instead hear the distinct noise of my phone crashing onto the hardwood floor. I groan and sit up, stretching my arms out and shivering as a cold breeze flows through my apartment. Reluctantly I get out of bed and get ready for work. The daily planet, my favourite place on earth and today I get to interview the one and only Lex Luther. Notoriously one of the most powerful and intelligent men on the planet. Perry had warned me not to go alone, but I know that I work best that way. He had at least wanted Clark to tag along just in case, but I had refused. A strong independent woman can face Lex Luther. I mean its not like he's going to kidnap me or something.
Walking in to work I catch nervous glances from Jimmy and Lois. Their fears doing nothing to calm my anxiety. Clark stands as soon as I reach my desk next to him. He looks at me with a stern look, his face more serious than I have ever seen.
"Are you sure you want to go alone?" He asks, his eyebrows furrowing as his mouth stays in a straight line.
"Clark. I appreciate the concern, but I am going to be fine." My hands fold over my chest, my assertive tone makes his eyes more sympathetic.
"Let me at least look over your questions" He sighs, clearly eager to help me whether I want it or not. I huff a breath out of my nose and reluctantly nod. Handing over my work he does quick work of scanning over it. As I look over his face reading I notice the crowd gathered behind him, all with concerned faces reading over Clarks shoulder. I note Lois, Jimmy, Perry and Cat. I slightly chuckle at their concern.
"Guys, I know how to handle myself" I pause as they look up at me cautiously. "I got this, ok?" They all nod in unison.
"Just be careful, yeah" Perry says nervously fidgeting with his suit jacket, his eyes pierce mine. His seriousness not lost on me. Jimmy and Lois murmur agreements along with him.
"Of course." I nod, slightly sheepishly. Clark now finished with reading, looks up. His eyes full of a look that I can't quite figure out. He sighs handing back my work, silently letting me know that he's happy with it. I nod at them all, giving them an encouraging look.
Walking into LutherCorp had been scarier than I had imagined. The tall white glossy walls stare at me, their height intimidating my smaller stature. I make my way through the winding halls, doctors giving me harsh looks as I go past. Reaching the office where Lex resides I shake my hands out and take a deep breath. Lets get this over with. I lift my hand as steadily as I can up to knock on the door. Before I can touch the wood it whips open. The wind created from the door opening makes my hair fly over my face. I step back out of instinct and pull my hair behind my ears. My cheeks blush as if on command as soon as I make eye contact with Lex. His stern look falters slightly at the sight of it.
"Ah, you're here, perfect timing." He opens the door wider, stepping aside to make room for me to enter. His office much warmer than I had anticipated, his wooden desk sat in the middle of the room with bookshelves on the walls either side of it. Large glass windows show the view of the city. Inadvertently I walk over to see more.
"Stunning, isn't it?" I jump at his voice, the closeness of it making my muscles tighten. He stands right by my side, close enough so that if I made any movement in his direction we would touch.
"Yeah." My quiet voice fills the air around us. I fidget with my fingers an old habit I had picked up from being nervous.
"Why don't we start the interview" He looks at me, his gaze much more forgiving than what everyone had said. At this distance my eyes are able to wander over his face. Surprisingly his features look soft, I find myself comforted by it. I nod and we make our way over to his desk to begin.
The interview goes well, his responses eager and happy. Charisma exudes from him and he makes jokes that bring out giggles from me. It goes by surprisingly fast and I feel myself grow disappointed that we are to part. Glancing at the clock I realise we had been talking for over 4 hours.
"Oh my gosh, its so late, I'm so sorry Mr Luther." I gasp louder than expected. His eyes light up in amusement.
"Firstly, its Lex." I shyly nod and smile at his command. "Secondly, I had booked the whole day for our interview, no need to panic." His confession confuses me. The whole day? No one I have ever interviewed has allotted that amount of time for me.
"Wow, thank you" Red embarrassingly spreads over my face as I pick at my nails. "That's very kind.. Lex" He smiles at the correct use of his name.
"I'd love to take you out, tonight?" He smiles as he speaks, my mouth drops slightly.
"Lex, really?" My voice shakes slightly. "Like.. Um, a d-date?"
"Yes, I can't wait another moment" His eyes light up as he speaks. Wow Lex Luther and me.
The clock on my nightstand reads 2.05am. My eyes slightly blur from the amount of wine I had drank. The night had tumbled into giggles, smiles and small kisses. Lex was the perfect date. His eyes kind and his laughter contagious. Even getting one of his personal drivers to take me home. I fall onto my bed, my chest glowing from happiness. Everyone had be so wrong to worry about me. Although the constant buzzing from my phone had encouraged me to turn it off altogether. Clearly my worried co-workers had thought of the worst. As I click it back to life the first thing I notice is the 20 missed calls from Clark. Geez he really was worried. Just at the thought another call buzzes and my hand automatically clicks answer.
"What happened, where are you, why didn't you answer us?" Clarks quick questioning fills my speaker.
"Hey, hey, slow down. I'm fine." I respond reassuringly.
"Fine? You've been missing all day, what happened?" His voice the roughest its ever sounded. My heart sinks, he was actually really worried.
"Clark" I giggle lightly, indicating just how ok I am. "The interview was amazing. Lex is amazing. He took me out.... on a date" I hesitantly reply, expecting a flurry of questions and concerns.
"A d-date. I'm sorry what are you talking about?" His voice now taking on a sterner tone.
"He enjoyed my company Clark, is that so hard to understand?" I say with a flutter. He sighs over the speakerphone.
"Look, I just want you to be safe. We'll talk more tomorrow." I smile slightly and agree. With soft goodbyes and a reminder from him to stay safe we end the call. I drop my phone onto my nightstand and sink into my bed. Sighing, my eyes droop closed, my mouth stuck in a soft smile remembering the evening.
I watch the clocks hands whirl around, its hands constantly going forward. But I stay stuck in moments from before, from memories I can't forget. I think of times where you were still here, were my laughter filled the room, where my smile grew two sizes. The clock keeps going, leaving moments to wilt and fade. Noticing a new wrinkle by my eye, a new mole on my arm. Reminders of the time that passes. Never does the clock falter, it's ticks consistent. My ears fill with the noise. A never ending reminder for the times I will not get back
Note: I've never written anything like this before but kinda wanted to dip my toe into this realm of creative writing. Enjoy :)
p.s. this isn't a very canon story to the superman universe.
Word Count: 1,904
Summary: A seemingly normal day of writing brings co-workers more familiar. Surprisingly he knows more about her than she realised. A distracted mind means for trouble and new feelings arise.
✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦
'The Daily Planet' is what reads above the large double doors, the metallic gold that surrounds the letters glow with a warm orange tint. As the early morning sun rises, the street behind me buzzes slightly as the work day commences. Working at a newspaper in the modern age sometimes feels like working on a ship that is bound to drown, but the compelling urge to partake in journalism is much stronger. A beeping horn from the road brings me out of my daze as well as the increasing smell of petrol. I shake off the feeling of anxiety that washes over me and walk in. The intimidating office no longer a worry as I confidently walk through, nodding and murmuring greetings to the staff at reception. Sounds of my heels echo around the grand entrance and I smile to myself, this is what I had always wanted. Up on the twelfth floor is where the office resides. The smooth elevator rides brings me to the office. The place I had been dreaming about ever since getting into writing years ago. Bustling with the sounds of papers being flipped and deadlines being shouted about, the office is alive with passion. I walk to my desk by the window narrowly avoiding being pushed over by my busy co-workers. Breathing in the view of the city I sit in my half broken chair and turn to watch everyone clock in for the day. I half smile to myself, I actually made it.
Perry calls out to me already pushing for a 10am meeting. I gather my notes and with only a few minutes to prepare I effortlessly glide through my research for this week. A confidence passes through me, a year of working here has made me a different, happier person. As lunch rolls around my stomach starts to loudly growl. My half eaten breakfast bar from this morning clearly not doing its job.
"Hey, you need something to eat?" Cat calls from the desk clump over from mine.
"Just about to grab my portions, thanks Cat." Happily replying, she nods, glad about my answer. I quietly offer her a coffee and she silently and appreciatingly nods. Knowing that if everyone heard me they'd hop on the coffee wanting bandwagon.
As I make my way over to the coffee station I slow in my tracks as I look over to Clark, a pained feeling in my chest makes itself present and my head begins to ache. I must have stayed up too late working on deadlines last night. Walking to the kitchen reminds me of the piece I've been working on. The growing rise of famine. The damage of climate change had already set in when people realised they should care. Earth had risen to a temperature where crops had stopped growing and water had started to dry up. The writing comes easily, investigating the fall of humanity and where we went wrong.
Mine and Cats coffees are easily made and I make my way to the kitchen to grab my rations for the day, it sits on the counter wrapped in a small bit of foil. This won't make my stomach quiet but its enough. The rest of the day goes by in a blur of typing, occasionally looking up at the rest of the office and a few chats with my desk neighbour Jimmy. As the day grows darker into night everyone bids their goodbyes and head home for the day. The clock hits 6pm, well over my contracted hours. I notice the only person left is Clark. His glasses sit crooked on his face and I note how he chews at his bottom leap, nearly making it bleed. As if he can feel me staring he looks up at me.
"Done for the day" His voice comes through and sends a sadness to my heart. I mumble a yes and look down, shaking my head to get rid of this feeling. He packs up his stuff almost in sync to me and we walk towards the elevator. An awkward silence runs through the air between us.
"How's muffin doing?" He quietly asks, making excruciating small talk. What strikes me though is how he knows that, I stumble over my words realising I'd never told him about my cat.
"Um... She's good, thank you." I say as the elevator doors open and we step in.
"I was thinking about her, was the vet appointment ok?" He leans effortlessly onto the wall of the elevator, his arms cross in front of him showing off his large arms. My eyes dart up to his face as I realise I had been staring. A soft, sad smile appears on his face as we make eye contact. Warmth flutters through me.
"Yeah, it turns out I was being paranoid." He huffs a laugh at my quiet confession. I fidget with my hands as confusion racks my brain, I didn't realise he took so much notice of me. Now that I think about it these past few months, he has been looking over me. A quick glance whenever a noise comes from where my desk is. A reassuring smile when eye contact is made. Always gently correcting my work every now and then. We make it down to the ground floor and walk out into the darkening street.
"See you tomorrow?" He looks into my eyes endearingly. My heart flutters and my eyes shine.
"See you tomorrow." I confirm, his gaze taking my breath away. He leans in for a hug and his scent wafts over me. His hold squeezes me, I breathe into him and stay for as long as I can. His comfort surrounds me and we almost melt into each other. After an unusually long time we part, he holds onto me and smiles. His eyes sparkle as a car goes past with bright headlights. Reluctantly he lets go of me, nods and leaves. With a glowing in my chest I watch him walk away. I shake my head and walk towards my flat. My mind distracted with thoughts of him. The busyness of my head means that I don't see when the usually quiet road before my apartments building has a car approaching at a faster than expected speed. Its too late when I look up to notice bright headlights, so close that they almost blind me. Its heading straight for me. I gasp as the blearing horn of the car calls out to me and ready for impact.
Wind rushes through me as I feel like I'm being lifted off the ground. An impact never arrives. Too scared to open my eyes I try to figure out what is happening. I lift my hand to the warm wall that holds me. Strong arms wrap around me. I open my eyes and am met with a vibrant blue, as I start to look upwards I notice the logo that everyone on earth and beyond could recognise. Superman. My eyes widen and I go completely still, as if being almost hit by a car is bad enough. Of course Superman had to save me. I refuse to let my gaze wonder to his face, the fear of a pitying look from him is enough to keep my eyes down. We fly over the city, the bright lights through the windows mesmerise me. We land softly as he lets me down onto a concrete roof. I keep my eyes low, still not ready for him to look at me like I'm lost puppy.
"Are you ok?" He keeps a hold of me as I sway with slight dizziness. My face heats up, red spreading over it making it impossible to be nonchalant. I huff and cross my arms over my chest.
"Yeah, I'm ok..."
"Thanks for saving me." A short laughs puffs out of his mouth.
"Please be safe, look when crossing the road next time." He chuckles, his laugh deep, almost vibrating through me. This is when I finally decide to look at him. His face soft and smiley. Its so infectious that I smile back. He lets go of me after realising he had been holding for longer than necessary. As my eyes work over his face a similar warmth flutters through me, a feeling previously only reserved for Clark. I shake my head, obviously nearly getting hit by a car messed with it. His eyebrows furrow at the movement.
"Hey, are you sure you're ok, you can sit if you like, let me grab you a water, or something to eat....." He rambles on. His words quickening as if we only have so much time left.
"No. No, I'm ok, sorry just busy thinking" He stops, and looks into my eyes. Another smile grows over his face, clearly he loves this.
"Look, I might need your help getting to my apartment. I have no idea where you've landed us" I ask as politely as I can.
"Oh, yeah of course" Without much thought he lifts me easily and rushes us towards my apartment building. Obviously realising it was the one I was headed too before nearly getting hit. He graciously sets me down on the roof of my apartment, he nods repeating his sentiment of checking the road before crossing with a slight laugh. I stare for a moment my cheeks turning more pink. As I study his face it softens.
"What is it like? Being needed all the time" I ask, my journalistic instincts kicking in. His head tilts to the side, a knowing look falls over his face as his eyes light up with humour. But something in his face reads as a slight sadness, I don't have enough time to figure out what it means before he answers.
"I wouldn't say it like that. I just want to protect as best I can. I don't feel obligated to do this." He happily answers as I realise how bad my timing is. Of course Superman doesn't want to be answering questions on a cold windy roof.
"Sorry" I grimace slightly, shaking my head at the silliness of the situation.
"Hey, its ok. Don't hide yourself away. Okay?" His reply, perfect as expected.
"Thank you again, Superman. I won't keep you from more saving" His smile still as stone, as he listens to my answer. He nods politely and mutters a soft goodbye. I watch as he leaves.
Standing on the roof alone I notice how quick the lonely feeling consumes me and look up to the sky, a cold breeze flows through my hair as the temperature makes my eyes water slightly. I sigh, feeling sad but lucky, how did the timing get so perfect that Superman would save me. Me, a simple girl. I notice a slight twinkle of the stars, along with them Superman hovers above the city. A small smile wonders up my face until I notice the direction he faces. I squint, is he looking at me? No. Why would he. I shake my arms out and turn back to my apartment building. My mind full of thoughts of Clark and now Superman.
A gentle pitter patter hits the window, the glass trembles but holds its ground. Protecting its inside, the water fall grows heavier but unviolent. The trees look on swaying as the wind picks up. And the brown leaves snap off its twigs, it grows lighter. Occasionally, a leaf will be picked up and swung into the window. It creates a mark that is quickly washed away by the rain that now falls at a much quicker pace. The drops that land on the glass begin to sound heavy and loud. Inside the fireplace crackles as the sky outside sits dark. Lamps dotted around the room create a warm glow, mixing in with the bright multi-coloured lights. Sounds of unwrapping can be heard and children's giddiness floats through the room. The clinking of teacups joins the noisy chaos as well as muttering of more mature voices, with slight thank yous slipping through. Inside, staying protected while the outside world is unkind, they hold onto each other, they huddle under blankets and sip their warm tea. Knowing of the world they fear, they cocoon in this moment wishing to stay there forever.
