ex! clark kent x shy! singer! f! reader
summary: you break up with clark and he goes back home.
cw: Ooc characters, out of canon characters (not named, mentioned briefly), no mention of y/n, angst, happy(ish) ending,
warning: not fully proofread (i will make edits later)
im so sorry this took so long to get out, but in honor of valentines day and my birthday i thought it was only appropriate to gift you all with a part 3 <3
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You thought you were ready for this, but all of those sleepless nights and moments of disconcertion caught up to you. This wasn’t a good decision; this was just something you did on a whim. Your heart is fighting its way out to somewhere safe. Your eyes dart around the room until they lock onto Clark, who’s shocked to see you on stage. His face gave you back all of your courage, and more.
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You wake up that morning feeling groggy as usual. The sleep you’ve been getting lately hasn’t been the best, evidenced by your darker-than-normal eye bags. You rot in your bed, scrolling mindlessly, ignoring your unbrushed teeth and hair. Your phone dings, but you ignore it. It’s just Cat asking if you had plans. The obvious answer is no, but you can’t be bothered to soften the blow for the 6th time in a row.
The day passes you by, you watch the sun fall, and the moon rise. It’s been so long since you’ve felt something. Nothing brings you joy, but nothing makes you sad, which is what you’re tired of feeling. Or the lack of feeling. You’re scrolling on your phone, watching stupid fail compilations and cat videos. You come across a flyer of an advertisement.
Singers, Poets, Stand-Up Acts, etc. are all welcome!
You notice the date; today. You sigh, ‘I have nothing to lose.’
You call the number, half-hoping they wouldn’t pick up, and half-hoping they would.
“…Yeah, you called just in time. There's one more spot open. Think you can make it at around 9?”
Your eyes widen. What did you just get yourself into?
“Yeah. I’ll be there. What was the address again?”
You scribble on a random loose paper and sit with your thoughts. You’ve got 5 hours to make a set list and be there for mic-check. You stare at the address for a few moments, waiting for inspiration to strike you. It doesn’t. You end up in the shower, hoping it will slough off the creative block and open your heart to the music. After your somewhat relaxing shower, you stare at your reflection. You’ve changed so much in just a few weeks. Your hair doesn’t have the life it once carried, and the sparkle in your eyes died out. You want to blame Clark for everything, to make him the reason you lost the person you once were, calm and gentle with a creative spark that never dulled. Now you’re everything you promised yourself you wouldn’t become: moody, snappy, but even worse: lost and alone. It was your fault for letting it get this bad, and it's your responsibility to fight for yourself. You slap your cheeks and splash cold water on your face, finally going through with your skincare routine, the one that you stopped doing since the breakup. You were determined to make yourself feel better. Maybe this gig could be like a therapy session, and you could finally get your feelings out of your body.
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The sound of fingers tapping against keyboards and voices answering never-ending phone calls filled the Daily-Planet.
Cat was standing next to Jimmy at his desk, sighing deeply and throwing her hands to her sides.
“This is like the millionth time that she’s blown me off! I get that she’s upset, but I want my fun girlfriend back.” She pouts, looking to Jimmy for reassurance.
“We can only be there for her if she lets us in; if she doesn’t want to, then that's okay. She’ll open the door when she's ready.” He says, focusing on the screen in front of him.
“I feel like I've been knocking on the door forever,” Cat groans, “I just want to go out and not have it be the two of us— no offense.”
“None taken.” He grumbles, rolling his eyes.
“The three of us had so much fun together! I miss those days.”
“We could always just invite people to go out with us.” He suggests.
“Oh yeah, like who?” She rolls her eyes at him.”I don’t think there's anybody in the world who can keep up with us. Our gallivanting can get pretty intense.”
“You have a point, but I don’t know if I want to go bar hopping tonight.”
“What? It’s a Friday night, how could we NOT get shitfaced at every place possible?”
“I’m just saying that a mellow night in, sipping on a drink, feels better today. I don’t have the energy for all the ladies tonight.” He smirks, and Cat flicks him in the forehead.
“Okay, fine, I will entertain this idea just this once, only because I have a hot date tomorrow.”
“Don’t wanna show up hungover and in sunglasses again?” He teases. She responds by flicking his forehead again. Hard.
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On the other side of the sea of cubicles, Clark was mindlessly tapping away at his keyboard, trying to meet his quota for the day. He was lost in thought until Lois’s voice pulled him out of it.
“Yes, Lois?” He said, slowly turning to face her.
“I know you said you didn’t want to do anything for your birthday, buuuut I want to take you out.” She smiled at him willfully.
“I don’t know, honey, you know how I’ve been feeling tired lately.”
“We can always just go to a small bar, I know one across town. It’ll just be us and two guys drinking beer watching T.V.,” Lois suggested. He looks at her with those big, pleading puppy eyes.
She pouts, nudging him with her elbow a bit, “Just one drink? I promise it’ll be fun.”
“Just one, and we’ll go home and get your favorite takeout. How’s that sound?”
He thought about it for a second; he had been working hard lately, and it was his birthday.
“You’ll have fun, I promise.” She sneaked a kiss on his forehead and sauntered over to Cat and Jimmy.
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“Lois,” Cat stood up off the cubicle wall.
“I know you guys aren’t on the best terms with Clark right now, but do you think you could come out with us tonight?” Lois asks.
Jimmy and Cat share a look, “I don’t know Lois…”
“Please? It’s fine if you don’t want to, but it is his birthday. It would mean a lot to him.” She said with a half-pleading look on her face. Perry called her name, and she started walking away, “Think about it, alright?”
The two wait until she’s out of sight to start plotting.
“You were just saying that you wanted to go out with other people.”
“I know, but it feels like a betrayal of my sweet girl.”
“One night isn’t gonna hurt, plus it’s not like she’ll be there or that she texts enough to know that we were out with him. Hypothetically.”
“You do have a point. I guess we're going out with,” Cat sighs deeply, “Clark.” She walks to her own desk, contemplating whether she’d even have fun or if it was worth the risk.
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You spent the last few hours creating new songs. Spur-of-the-moment songs that captured the deep hurt crawling around like bugs in the cracks of your broken heart. The rhythm of your hand writing down lyrics was meditation; it brought you a sense of acceptance and peace. It was the first time you felt relief, even if it was bitter.
You checked the time; you had one hour to get there. You started packing your things, neatly storing your music sheets underneath your guitar. You leave the house and head to the subway station. On the way to the bar, you start memorizing lyrics in your head and making micro-edits. You arrived 30 minutes before the mic-check, so you went to the bar to get a drink. You sat there at the very end of the long counter, studying your music before it was your turn to get set up. The stage was almost completely set up, all of the instruments were on stand-by, waiting to be plugged in. You were taking up the atmosphere when you noticed a piano. You only had a keyboard at home so it would be your first time playing on a real one. You couldn’t help but wonder how a dingy bar got their hands on such a nice piano.
“You playing?” The crew member asked, pointing to your guitar.
“Uh, yeah, I am, at least for the first song.”
“Ok, when it’s your turn, just adjust your main microphone and someone else will adjust this one, got it?” He said, pointing to a smaller microphone.
“Okay, what about when I’m done using it?”
“Just move it to the side, it’ll be fine.”
“The owner's been insisting on hosting the event, so he’ll be the one calling you up.”
“Big guy with the chin.” He said, pointing at him. You looked over and saw what appeared to be a very loud man going on about “Sooperman” to a small group of soon-to-be drunk men.
“He seems pretty… busy.” You said, retreating to your earlier spot. You scanned the bar. There were a few customers, but you were focusing on the musicians. They all looked so cool; a lot of them had skin full of ink, cut out clothes, and funky hairstyles. You listened to them rehearse, and their music was even better. They were so full of talent that it made you question whether you should be there. Your split-second decision started to catch up to you; the reality of it made you feel small. You weren’t cool or talented enough to be here, let alone perform such emotional and vulnerable songs in front of people. Everything started to feel embarrassing; your whole existence started to feel like a joke.
You shook your head and ordered a shot. Nothing is embarrassing, and you’re literally just a normal person. Get ahold of yourself. You slammed the shot, and your legs started moving before you could process what you were doing.
“Hey, I’m going up after you guys. Do you think you could play the background instruments for me?”
They all look at you, then each other. “Sure, show us what you’ve got.”
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The sun is setting, creating a pink and orange tie-dye sky. Streetlamps are on, and Clark is waiting for Lois to go to his dreaded birthday celebration, where he’ll probably have to carry her home.
His foot is tapping unconsciously while he looks around until he spots her coming towards him with… Cat and Jimmy?
“Clark! Sorry, I kept you waiting. I was talking with these two about your birthday plans.”
“Hey, guys, I thought you were mad at me?” He tilted his head away and his voice was sheepish.
“Yeah, well, it’s in the past now. It’s also none of our business, so let’s go have fun and not think about that stuff.” Jimmy rushed the conversation, patting his back and walking him towards the door.
Clark was confused but decided to let it go just this night for his well-being. He spent the last few weeks running laps around his mind, trying to understand everything that was happening. You broke up, he got back with Lois, moved back in with Lois, and now it’s his first birthday without you. It was a lot to process.
“You okay, Clark?” Lois quietly asked, snapping him out of his thoughts.
“Yeah, I’m all good.” He smiled at her, reassuring her that everything was fine, though his heart didn’t feel like it.
“We can go home if you want, we aren’t that far from the—“
“I’m okay, Lo-bear. I promise.” He squeezed her hand. She squeezed back and kissed his cheek.
They arrived at the Ace O’ Clubs bar and were shocked to see how packed it was. People were all over the place, it looked and smelt like a human sardine can. The group shuffled in and attempted to find a free table. It took 20 minutes, and the table was sticky, but something was better than nothing.
“Wow, it is a lot more packed than I thought it would be.” Cat laughed while looking around.
“Are you sure you’re alright with this, Clark?” Lois asked.
“Yeah, it makes it more intimate, or whatever Gatsby said.” He said, earning a laugh from her.
“Since when did you read classic American literature?”
“Not too long ago.” He lied. He never even read “The Great Gatsby,” he only knew that quote from you. You would say it every time you noticed Clark becoming overwhelmed at big events, it made everything more personal. A secret escape right in the middle of everyone.
“I’m gonna go get a round,” Jimmy said to the group before disappearing in the crowd.
Clark was intently listening to Cat and Lois’s conversation when Jimmy arrived with the drinks.
“A toast for the birthday boy!” They cheered and clinked their glasses together. It was a nice night, and the bar calmed down a bit. Cat was going on about how lousy men keep on trying to get into her life. Her rant was interrupted by feedback from the speakers.
“Oy patrons, hows everyones night goin’?” The bar owner began speaking, capturing the group's attention. His question was met by roars and cheers from the crowd.
“Now that’s whut I like ta hear! I’m Bibbo Bibbowski, and I’d like ta thank all o’ these musicians for coming down and playin’ for us, let’s hear it for the musicians!” The crowd roared again, clapping and cheering for them. ”And whooo’s ready for a night of live music, yeah? Let’s welcome our first band…”
“Looks like you’re a lucky duck today, Clark, you love live music!” Lois smiled and pecked his cheek.
“Yeah, I do.” He was quiet, slowly remembering all the concerts you insisted on going to. He only loved the things he did because of you.
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You take a deep breath as you watch the first performance go up. Looking around, you notice that you’re the only one freaking out. Everyone else is relaxing, talking to their bandmates as if going up there was nothing. You took another deep breath, remembering to exhale. ‘Just sit back and enjoy the show, just like everyone else.’ You find a stray stool along the wall and get comfortable, trying not to focus on your abnormally fast pulse or jittering legs.
The performances went great, keeping the crowd alive. Then came a wave of realization: If I perform any of these songs, it’ll kill the crowd. By the time you finished your thought, you were being pushed onto the stage. Bibbo introduced you through stumbling words, making it incredibly obvious that he was drunk. Although he wouldn’t call it drunk, rather, “checking the quality.”
You step in front of the microphone stand, adjusting the height. You turn around to let the band know you’re ready, they give you a thumbs up. You face the audience, trying to conceal your nerves but the shaking in your fingers gives you away. The music starts and you let it flow into your heart and out, freely into the air, allowing yourself to be vulnerable with a sea of drunk strangers. You let yourself get lost in the notes, hearing the bass of the drums in your feet and the quiet ting of the strings on the bass.
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Cat and Jimmy were on their 3rd drink by the time the music started.
“What happened to “sipping on a nice drink”, huh Jimbo?” Cat giggled and teased.
“I just happen to be sipping on multiple of the same drink, that is not a crime!”
Lois joined in on the jokes and teasing and Clark was more than happy to watch his friends bicker playfully. The mood was light and happy, Lois was right, he was having fun. This moment was the most enjoyable one he's had in a while. His thoughts were interrupted by his friends' laughs and the drunk on stage.
“Now he knows how to have a good time!” Jimmy laughs obnoxiously, making everyone else laugh.
“Hey, bartender! I’ll have what he's having!” Lois shouts at the poor worker, who's frantically running up and down behind the counter.
Clark is laughing at the scene until the bar goes quiet, as if everyone could hear the guilt sink into his stomach when he realizes that it’s you that's singing. Seeing and hearing your voice forces him to remember all the things he loved about you. The softness in your voice and touch, how you pulled him closer while you slept, the smell of your hair after a shower, and the scratches you left on his back. The sudden wave of emotion crashed onto his face pushing him under the water.
Lois, Cat, and Jimmy were all equally shocked to see you. You haven’t left your home in so long the neighbors had to call for a welfare check. This was the last place they thought you would be.
During your last song, Clark couldn’t hold himself together anymore. He was sobbing into his hands cursing himself for being tempted by Lois’s games. Everything he lost was his fault and it finally clicked for him.
Jumping in the pool, like you
Sing to all her pets in the way I did
He lost the future that he would've had with you and the children that would be a result of your love.
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You finish your performance without making eye contact with anyone. Your face flushed when you came out of your trance, feeling embarrassed about the people clapping for you. You awkwardly smile, turning to get off stage. While you walked down the steps you caught a glimpse of a blonde haired woman. You pause. That couldn’t be her, could it? The woman turns around, revealing her oversized glasses. It was Cat, and right next to her was Jimmy. You waved at them, hoping they would see you. You push through the alcohol soaked crowd, trying to get to them, and when you do they don't seem too happy to see you. In fact, they looked scared, or like a puppy who just did something they weren't supposed to.
“Hi guys, what are you doing here?” You go in for a hug and Cat awkwardly reciprocates.
“Oh you know just out for a couple of drinks, what are you doing here?” She asks.
“Well I guess we saw what you were doing here.” Jimmy adds.
You tuck a hair strand behind your ear, “Yeah, sorry about that but do you wanna get a drink since we're here?”
Cat and Jimmy silently panic, “No actually we have to go we have uh…” Cat motions for Jimmy to say something.
“We have to go back to the office!” Cat nods frantically.
“Yes! The office, Perry has been calling and texting to come back to edit some last minute articles, you know how he is.”
Your eyebrow quirked upwards, “But Perry never calls you back fo—“
“Guys! We’ve been trying to look for ya but—“ Clark's voice cuts through yours.
Your body freezes and so does he. A shiver crawls down your spine and into your feet, leaving a burning tingle. You turn around, you never noticed how much he towered over you until you were no longer equals. You looked at the stage, then at his irritated eyes. You turn back around to face Cat and Jimmy.
“What do he mean by ‘I’ve been looking for you?’ You were hanging out with him?” You felt defeated.
“What no– I mean, yes but it’s not what you think!” Jimmy fumbled over his words.
“Don’t start anything, it’s his birthday for god sake. And he doesn't need your permission to spend time with his friends.” Lois moved in front of Clark, crossing her arms.
“Lois, I–“ Clark was interrupted by you.
“Like how he didn’t need my permission to cheat on me with his ex-girlfriend? In the middle of work no less?” You raised your voice loud enough to attract attention from other people.
“Well, maybe if you didn't act like such a whimpy bitch then–“
“Lois, that's enough! I don’t need you to idefend me.” Clark yelled, startling everyone. He sighed in defeat, “I-I’m sorry for yelling, but can we please take this outside? Let bygones be bygones and forget this ever happened?”
Your heart felt like leaping out again, to strangle him. To strangle your friends and yourself. Holding yourself together with clenched fists you put your face into Clarks.
“You will never forget how far you dug into my heart to corrupt it. Every word I sang I meant it.” You walk to the entrance of the door, “Cat, Jimmy, I– I have no words for you.” You leave the building with tears in your eyes, leaving behind everything you once knew, but the feeling of uncertainty continues to haunt you.
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A week went by after the incident, and you were in your now partially clean apartment, falling to sleep. It was about to catch you, but then your heart stopped. You sat up, gasping for air, clutching your heart.
“Oh my god, I never brought my guitar home.”
You rush out the door, putting a thick jacket over your pajamas. It felt wrong to sit on the subway with thin pajama pants, but you had no choice. The subway car was partially empty, considering how late at night it was. You were hoping that the bar was open, or that they would open the door for you if you begged enough. The night bit at your skin, your pjs did nothing to protect you from the chill. Thankfully, the bar was still open. There weren’t many patrons, just a few men playing pool and laughing at the T.V.
You approach the bartender, “Excuse me, have you seen this guitar?” You show him a picture. The wooden grain is tinted a pinky rose, with the original wood showing through the carvings. They were flowers that traveled up the neck from the body.
“Yeah, let me go get it for you. You’re lucky nobody took it.” He slung a rag over his shoulder and walked into an office. Your shoulders relaxed, allowing your body to let out a sigh you didn't know you were holding. You took a seat at the bar, putting your head on your arms. He came back, the guitar in hand.
“Here you go, sweetheart. Make sure to keep an eye on it next time. You might not get so lucky.”
“Thank you so much! I’ll keep it safe if there is a next time,” You chuckle softly, “Can I get a drink while I'm here?”
“Anything in particular?”
“You got it.” He turned his back to you, making a surprise behind the counter.
You feel a presence lean on the counter next to you.
“You’re the sad girl singing last night, aren’t you?” A playful voice appeared in your ears. You turn and see a man with sparkling eyes and a handsome smile.
You giggle to yourself, “Yeah, I guess I am.” The bartender turned around and placed a small pink drink with a strawberry on the glass in front of you.
“Strawberry Sangria.” He smiled and walked away to tend to other customers.
“Pretty drink for a pretty lady, I like it.” He smiles at you with a boyish grin. You hide your blush. “Mind if I sit here?”
“I’m not staying long.” You say, pointing to your pajamas. He laughs.
“What got you out of bed?”
“My guitar, I left it here after the show.”
“Oh? It looks expensive, so I imagine it’s not because you wanted to.”
“You wouldn’t believe it.” You took a sip of your drink. The crinkle of his lips curling spread to his eyes, creating a heart-melting smile. You look away from him before he thinks you were weird for staring.
“It’s nice to meet you, sad girl.” He teases you, trying to elicit an earnest smile. He wins.
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author's extra note:
the ending was left ambiguous and plain so you could imagine your fav dc boy crush! however, if you dont have much of an imagination, then leave a comment/request (on) who you'd like your new love interest to be and i will write multiple different endings (as blurbs)
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