I'm not a lady, I'm a journalist

MERCURIAL SCRIBER. SEEKER OF TRUTH. HERALD OF SPELL CHECK. CONSORT TO THE MAN OF STEEL. MAGNET FOR DANGER.

[theloisxlane]

[theloisxlane]

noevilshxllescapemysight​:

“Can superman get drunk?” Kyle muttered tipping the bottle to his lips. “If so, would he be a lightweight? The man of steel defeated by a six pack..” 

@theloisxlane​

✎

“Why? Do you plan on taking him on a date?”

Though her tone was teasing, Lois wasn’t opposed to the thought of Clark having a night on the town. Since the twins had been borned they’d both, willingly, been so wrapped up in the novelty of parenthood they'd scarcely made time for a social life. Hooking the cap of her bottle against the edge of the table, she expertly drove the heel of her hand across the top of the bottle. It popped off and clattered across the table.

“Unfortunately, he can’t. Which is incredibly irritating,” she admitted, though there was warmth to the remark. She took a swig from her bottle with a slight shrug. “It’s no fun going out to happy hour when you’re the only one who can get tipsy off of three dollar margaritas”

[theloisxlane]

kryptonsxlastxson​:

“Lois, we’ve ran through this at least five times,” Clark sighed with a smile, knowing he’d willingly repeat himself dozens of times if it meant prolonging his time spent with the illustrious Lois Lane. She was the constant that pulled him through each exhausting workday. He was lucky if he got a chance to cover something more than just a Friday night football game at Metropolis High or a fluff piece boosting up some politician, so when a stack of arson reports greeted him at his desk one morning, Clark was elated. When he went to find Lois and tell her the great news of an actual story to investigate, she was looking through an identical file. Over many late nights, the pair poured themselves into the case, much to the chief’s dismay.

“Systematic? Hmm,” Clark hummed, his chopsticks held between his teeth as he pulled out a map, taking a red pen and circling each business that tragedy had struck. When he’d first started writing his story, he chalked it all up to coincidence. That is, until Lois had subtly mentioned the possibility of an overall connection. “All of the reports are within walking distance, and along a main road.” He pointed with the top of his chopsticks as he spoke, imaginary lines connecting them. “I read somewhere that arsonists will sometimes linger within a crowd to watch things unfold.” He’d put out countless blazing infernos while donning the cape, but never really stuck around for the investigation from the fire department.

His eyes were trained on his map as he reached forward, only glancing up briefly to ensure his hand was moving in the right direction. When their hands brushed, he held still as his eyes met hers. It was as if time stood still in that brief moment, and his heart fluttered as their hands brushed once more as the silence was broken. “Sure, but only if you’ll trade me some lo mein noodles,” Clark countered with a grin. “I’m quite certain that was one of the first things you taught me, Lo.”

✎

A sputter of the heart.

A dryness in the throat. 

A pink dusting of the cheeks. 

Just a few seconds contact and her surroundings seemed to still, dulled into one infinite moment. What was that? That blossom of warmth in the pit of her stomach and why did it feel so right. Fortunately, despite her scrambled thoughts, Lois' motor functions were perfectly functional. She reached for the carton of Lo Mein mechanically and handed it to Clark with a dimpled half-smirk. Her lashes fluttered as she urged herself to return her attention to the work at hand rather than how much she appeared to enjoy the way he said her nickname. Her rational mind ascribed her obvious perplexity with her sentiments to the fact that they had been spending quite a bit of time together lately. Especially with this new article in the works. It was merely fondness of having someone close to spend time with, that was all. Her spring roll's delicious, flaky crust provided adequate diversion while she read the map Clark had marked.

As she sought to locate another connection between the red markings, a little crease appeared between her brows. "I know we're missing something, Clark." She knew she was exhausting them both with her tenacity, but she couldn't let up when it seemed like they were so near to the truth. Which was more than she could say for the detectives she'd been disputing with for the past week. To be fair, Lois had a strained relationship with the local police force. Some could even describe herself as the bane of their existence, a constant pain in the ass.

And then suddenly the remark Clark made seem to tumble back through her mind. “That’s a good point,” she muttered out loud without context, pondering his claim about arsonists remaining at the scene. As she brushed the crumbs from her mouth with the back of her hand, she had an epiphany.  “Clark...that’s a really good point” she said as she bent over her laptop, attempting to retrieve the recordings of the local news footage of each attack. “Maybe we’ve already caught our arsonist on film and haven’t even realized!”

[theloisxlane]

westirisx​:

Iris sighed as yet another interview went downhill fast. Every time she thinks there is potential they hit her with the ‘so when do I get to meet the Flash.’ She thought maybe hiring friends was the easier option. They seemed to be working out great. “This is never going to work…” she mumbled to herself as she opened to laptop to see if there was anyone else that day. A knock at the door took her out of her slum and she perked up a little. “Come in..” she said leaning back in her chair. 

✎

As she poked her head around the door, Lois smiled apologetically. In a single glance, she seemed to know precisely how Iris's interviews must have gone that day. "Sorry, honey, it's just me," she greeted, a paper bag swinging from one wrist and a carton of double coffees in the other. She pushed the door open with her hip and then closed with her foot. “I’m guessing it’s not going so well?” she hummed. She'd also noticed the expression of the last person to leave the office as she waited for her, and they were more than a little dissatisfied.

She hoisted the delicacies she'd brought up with a sympathetic expression, hoping it would lighten the mood. “I come bearing gifts?” she gently dropped the bag and carton on the corner of Iris’s desk and took a seat. “And, I thought I might hand deliver my latest piece. I think you’ll like it”

[theloisxlane]

accidentalkriptonian​:

It was weird to be in a world where Superman was still fighting crime. Back in her earth, Clark had given up his powers, and was living a mundane life with Lois, she wasn’t the only Super around, but Superman, at least Clark’s, wasn’t really around anymore. She couldn’t say that she understood why he given up his powers, she couldn’t relate to it, but maybe that was because she never found someone like Lois. She dated other people after she moved away, she had a few boyfriends and girlfriends, but no one that she would actually be willing to give up her powers for. He was sure that Lois never told him to do it though, she could not know her as well as Clark did, but she knew that she wouldn’t ever ask him to do something like that, so she knew that it was a choice he made by himself. Maybe in the future, if she gets married, and have kids, she would do the same, she would stop, but she just couldn’t see it happening any time soon, she wanted to continue fighting crime, helping the world the way she could. She couldn’t imagine life without her powers, even if she didn’t have them for a really long time, she got them when she was an adult already, but after it, she couldn’t imagine life without them anymore.

She was brought back to reality and away from her thoughts, when she heard a situation with hostages in a bank. When hostages were involved, she was always more careful, because she knew that one wrong move, and she could end up getting someone hurt. She did what she usually did in a situation like that, dealt with the guns first. She ran inside, only a red and white blur could be seen as she took away the guns from their hands. In a blink of an eye, they were unharmed.

It would be easier now to defeat them. They didn’t even have time to realize what was happening, before she knocked all of them out, and set the victims free. They rushed out, and the police walked in, starting to handcuff the criminals, and take them outside, her job there was done. She was about to fly away, but someone approached her, “So, I guess that means I will be in the newspaper, huh?” she smiled, she didn’t mind, it wouldn’t be the first time, so she was used by now, “Seems to be that way, yes, and I’m glad for that,” she loved fighting crime, but it was nice to have help, “Superwoman, and who am I talking to?” 

✎

So, I guess that means I will be in the newspaper, huh?

She drew nearer to the hero with a determined expression and a winning grin on her lips. A willing interviewee, hopefully? Lois slipped the taser back into her handbag and inwardly chastised herself for forgetting her tape recorder at home. She knew she ought to get with the times and that she had a perfectly functioning voice memo app on her phone. But what could she say? She was a creature of habit who preferred the traditional tools of the trade. "Front page if I have any say in the matter," she confirmed, thanking the journalist gods and her own ability for attracting disaster in just the right measure that she’d be getting her exclusive before the media outlets who would surely soon be swarming the area. “The people would love to know about the city’s newest hero”

She extended her hand in welcome. "Lois Lane for the Citizen," it still felt odd not to conclude that salutation with for the Daily Planet. But she had long since accepted that that chapter of her career had come to an end. Freelancing for the Citizen alongside Clark was proving to be a fantastic endeavor anyhow. Clearing her throat softly, Lois unlocked her phone, lips pursed in concentration as she opened her voice memo app. 

"So, Superwoman," yet another one that arose practically out of nowhere when worlds merged into one. Lois was starting to lose track, and she was still reeling from her encounter with Superboy. Or, as she eventually discovered, her alternate universe son. "Do you share a planet with Superman?" She hadn't decided if this was merely a personal question she wanted addressed.

[theloisxlane]

@accidentalkriptonian​​

CLOSED

Of all the banks in all of Downtown...

Lois resented even acknowledging the fact, but at this point in her life she was sort of an expert hostage. It wasn’t a title she held proudly; in fact, in the early years of their relationship, before she knew about Clark's alter persona, she had quite the routine with the superpowered man. She didn't seek out trouble -- not usually -- she always just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Usually with her nose stuck in business that wasn’t her own. Despite her proclivity for courting peril, she was no damsel in distress. The silver lining to being forced to master the fundamentals of escape was that she could pretty much get herself out of any jam and knew how to keep her cool in any situation even when she was seemingly at a disadvantage. Lois was relieved that the motley crew of bank robbers in the ridiculous masks had taken the effort to bind and gag her. Otherwise, they'd see her lips downturned in an unimpressed grimace right before rolling her eyes. She moved the knots around her wrist a bit further each time they turned their back, her objective being to free herself and reach her ELT, signaling Clark to step in for the rescue. She didn’t have all day and she wanted to get home in time for twins bath time.

Almost there...

Lois gave those bound alongside her as composed a glance as she could, hoping that her lack of concern would resonate in their panic-stricken thoughts. That she'd be able to express nonverbally that they'd be safe soon. If she could just wiggle her wrists out...there! Lois scanned the room to ensure that none of the goons discovered she'd freed herself. As discreetly as possible, she inched towards her handbag where the ELT was usually tucked, just next to her pepper spray and taser. But she didn't get a chance to activate the button before the sound of glass shattering drew everyone's attention. Someone zoomed towards the center of the room in a flash of White and Red. Between the robbers, they landed smoothly yet powerfully. A woman, with a familiar crest embroidered on her chest. Huh. Lois watched the woman dispatch her adversaries with great reverence, only jumping into action herself when she noticed one of the robbers making a beeline for the hostages, likely to use as leverage. Brows drawn together, she whipped her taser out and thrust it into his neck. Watching in satisfaction as the electricity shot into his frame and rendered him unconscious.

Ripping the gag from around her face, she brazenly approached the hero with a glimmer in her eye. “I love it when a story just falls into my lap,” she muttered to herself. Or rather swoops in through a window. “Another super,” she greeted with a tilt of her head. “I swear you guys are just popping up all over. Criminals beware” Lois considered whether the features of this super powered woman were recognizable to her. "To whom do we owe our timely rescue?"

[theloisxlane]

@kryptonsxlastxson​

CLOSED

“I know I sound like a broken record, but I think we should go over everything one more time” 

Lois Lane made sure to sweeten her suggestion with a broad dimpled grin and contrite eyes. It wasn't breaking news that Lois was a hard worker. When she struck her stride for an article, she saw it through, even if it meant foregoing a few nights' sleep and spending evenings on her ergonomic computer chair, which had very little recline. But she usually was perfectly content powering full steam ahead all by her lonesome; tenacity and willpower got you very far in her line of work, and there was a reason she was the Planet’s top reporter. But she wasn’t on her own anymore. It’d been a few weeks since the new addition to the team and without much consciously acknowledgement on Lois part, Clark Kent had become her favorite person in the office. If she were being honest, she hadn’t expected him to last very long. Not because she didn’t note his dedication and eagerness, but because she was concerned that certain grueling parts of the work might be too much for him. 

When it came to working on a project, she had a tendency to perceive things from her own perspective, which meant obtaining the facts by whatever means necessary. But with time, Lois had come to appreciate the idealism Clark brought to the team. A beacon of morality and a willingness to see things through. What began as light amusement at his tendency to stammer throughout their encounters quickly developed to fondness. What began as a prayer that Clark would not obstruct her while they were partnered together during field work evolved into a reliance on him for backup and support. What used to be solitary early morning coffee on her way to work became daily pre-work rendezvous at the coffee shop around the street. Clark Kent had integrated himself into Lois’s life. They were a strangely effective pair, she and he. A great compliment towards one another...professionally. And that was it. At least, that was definitely the only thing Lois was willing to acknowledge.

“Don’t you agree this all seems a little too systematic to be random?” Lois twisted her wooden chopsticks between her fingers, her takeaway barely touched and growing colder by the minute. She was far too preoccupied with the files between her and Clark. “I mean we’re talking about multiple arson reports. All in lower Metropolis and all against minority-owned businesses” While Jimmy and the rest of the office were to busy trying to catch a photo op and quite with Metropolis’s new mystery hero, Lois was adamant about remaining focused on Metropolises true issues. Boys and their heroes. Thankfully Clark didn’t seem too dazzled by covering rescue operations. 

“There’s not such thing as coincidences, Smallville. Remember that” she muttered, reaching across the desk for the duck sauce. Their fingers briefly touched, and Lois raised her head to meet his gaze for a few seconds. “Hm. Pass the spring rolls.”

[theloisxlane]

medicinexforxthexsoul​:

Perenna couldn’t help but snicker from where she stood, trying her best to hold back a toothy grin. Whilst Jordan played in the remnants of his lunch, Jonathan extended his arms to her, opening and closing his fists, indicating he wanted to be held. “C’mere little guy, lets go get you cleaned up,” she offered, scooping the seven-month old into her arms before walking to the sink to wipe the macaroni and cheese from his face and hands. 

“Are you sure you followed everything to the letter? Was the oven set to 350 degrees and not ‘broil’? ‘Cause it’s looking to me like rather than baking for 15 or so minutes, you might’ve broiled ‘em.” Perenna grimaced as Lois stuck the poor, undercooked muffin with a fork, just as Jon joined in on Jordan’s giggles. She couldn’t help but break into laughter with the boys, the joyous sound filling the space. “Deal. All we gotta do is hide the charred smell and toss the evidence and he’ll never have to know. Maybe snag a few muffins from a bakery on the way home and you’ll be golden.”

Bouncing Jon on her hip, Perenna beamed as the tot smiled up at her, rubbing at his face. “Lunch and dessert sounds great, but do the boys need to take an afternoon nap ‘er something? I don’t exactly know the sleep schedule of your tiny humans.”

✎

Lois flashed her friend a cheekily offended frown, one hand rested on her hip and the other offered Perenna a clean dish towel to dry Jonathan's face. "Of course I did, I'm not that much of an amateur," she argued, casting another frustrated glance at her unsuccessful attempts before questioning herself. "Reading and comprehension skills are pretty essential for a journalist," she said, kneeling to look at the tiny engraved inscriptions surrounding the oven knob. Increments of temperatures and switch right above with the words BAKE and BROIL. "...and unfortunately when it comes to accurately adjusting an oven setting, all of mine goes out the window," a defeated huff left her. 

Perenna was right, it was very plainly set to BROIL. One inadvertent switch was all that had prevented her from achieving success. Accepting defeat, Lois joined in on the communal laughter at her own expense. It was her own fault for attempting to accomplish three things at the same time. She had the speedy quick reflexes and laser focus of a journalist who had once chased a seedy politician on foot through the suburbs in heels. Simple baking, on the other hand, was out of her league.

"You think Mommy is funny?" she cooed over at Jordan, tearing several paper towels from the roll to wipe up the mess he was making. "She is pretty funny, huh? Silly mommy" once he was semi decent she lifted him from his chair and planted a few kisses on his cheeks. Lois grinned as she considered the other woman's idea. "I like the way you think, Ren," though she was sure Clark would find out regardless. The last time she burnt something, the scent of smoke lingered in the apartment for hours.

Lois glanced at her wristwatch with a nod. "It is about time for their nap" she motioned with her head for Perenna to follow her down the hall with Jonathan. "I've got a lot to catch you up on."

[jocdaily]

Jack O’Connell and Olivia Cooke in Little Fish ( 2021 )

[theloisxlane]

@kryptonsxlastxson

[theloisxlane]

@medicinexforxthexsoul​

CLOSED

“I don’t get it”

As she gazed into the oven at what was intended to be a half dozen flawlessly cooked blueberry muffins, Lois's hopeful countenance crumpled into disappointment. Instead, six charred heaps mockingly smoked in the rack's middle. With a groan, she reached for the pan with her gloved hand and placed it on the counter between her and Perenna. "I followed the recipe exactly," she remarked, and the state of her kitchen spoke to her diligence. But she didn't have anything to show for it. How did Mama Kent make it look so easy. 

All she had wanted to do was bake a little snack for a friend. With a pout, she stabbed a single muffin from the tin with a fork. "It's...raw on the bottom," she grumbled, puzzled as to how she had managed to simultaneously overcook and undercook it. With near perfect timing, Jordan burst into screeching giggles; which were actually a jumble of high-pitched gurgles and hums.

“Okay, so mommy’s not a baker” she conceded with a laugh. She guessed when the twins got old enough she’d be providing store bought treats for all their school functions. “How about we don’t tell Clark about this, and I treat you to lunch and a dessert?” she grinned sheepishly at Ren, hoping the promise of another Thai lunch would sway her.  

[theloisxlane]

kryptonsxlastxson​:

Sure thing, Smallville.

A nickname. Lois Lane had given him a nickname. Nobody’s ever called him anything other than his given name, and the words she spoke filled his chest with warmth. “Huh.” Clark let out a truncated laugh, the sound stopping short in his throat. “Woah,” the sound swelled as the kryptonian was caught by surprise, his hands hovering on either side of her, ensuring she stayed upright. After he was certain they were both going to remain upright, Clark’s smile widened. His heart fluttered for but a moment as Lois smile back, her eyes twinkling under the harsh fluorescent overhead lights.

“I, um—” Clark’s words were cut short by another reporter joining them. He was silent as he listened to the back and forth discord between the two, trying to decipher why this man had Lois’ smile wiped from her face in seconds. His eyes flicked down at the hand offered, and Clark shook the man’s hand, mindful of his grip strength. “It’s nice to meet you, I’m exci—” Words were once again cut short, the obvious lack of respect for fresh reporters practically slapping Clark across the face. He lowered his head and shoved his hands in his pockets, taking a few steps back and taking himself out of the conversation whilst still listening intently. He didn’t like this Cyril, and it was clear to him that Lois wasn’t the biggest fan, either.

He knew he should stand his ground, but now wasn’t the time to step on the seasoned reporter’s toes. He didn’t need to make waves before he even stepped foot in the shallows. Clark looked up, eyes watching from under his frames as a verbally civil power struggle ensued. It was clear that Lois won, and as she indicated that they were moving on, Clark walked past Cyril without giving him another glance. “I can’t imagine why,” He quipped sarcastically, smile returning once more to his face. “No need to fret, he doesn’t seem like the type of person I want to surround myself with, anyway. There’s competitive, and then there’s cutthroat. I prefer the former, personally. I don’t want or need close colleagues ripping stories out from under me.”

Realizing he was rambling again, he pressed his lips together in a thin line as a smile pulled across his features at the look Lois gave him. Eyes scanned the room before coming back to focus on Lois’ face. “Why stay in the office, when you can go searching for a story in the city? Surely there’s plenty to report on in Metropolis, isn’t there?”

✎

It's odd how you never realize when a significant turn of events has occurred. Lois Lane had no idea that the man with the weird patterned tie and goofy spectacles would become so important to her. Not just a professional ally in the cutthroat world of journalism, but a friend.  And she never imagined that in only a few weeks she'd be looking forward to his stuttering greetings. That every morning her gaze would be trained keenly on the elevator, waiting for the sound of his worn leather shoes. It was strange for her to forge a connection so quickly, to offer her trust so freely, even if it was uncertain. There was something about the way he smiled that Lois couldn't reject: warmth, sincerity, and a gentleness of soul. He listened as though he was digesting her comments, not just getting her "turn" over with so he could go on to another issue. The more time she spent with him the more her spirit lifted, he was the new friend she'd needed for so long. And grow into so much more. But that was for later.

[theloisxlane]

hisheroics​:

     Just as quickly as the conversation had started it had died. Or rather it had given way to a look that made Jon furrow his brow. He was so used to wearing his uniform in public that he forgot that ordinary people didn’t run around in capes. “It’s that good, huh?” Just as quickly as his smile had faltered it returned with renewed vigor. Jon had heard of the other supermen and out of sheer intimidation, he had avoided them. They weren’t his father or who he assumed was a clone of his father of some sort. But there were other people wearing the insignia of House El and they all stood for the same thing. Jon perked up at the name. Lane? Lois Lane? This was his mom! Well, another version of his mom from another dimension but it was technically his mom! Jon stood proudly with his hands on his hips, looking as heroic as he could. “Me? I’m Superboy. Hero extraordinaire and a savior to all wakes of life. A hero for the people. Y’know?” Jon did his best to make sure that he helped everybody. Especially the little people. 

✎

Surprised was one way to characterize Lois' initial response to hearing this boy announce himself to be Superboy; dubious was a close second. He definitely looked the part, dressed in the same blazing blue and vibrant red that Clark and Kara wore when safeguarding the city. But Lois felt confident that if there was another Super out and about in the city, someone would have told her. Lois' eyes traversed the length of the mystery Super with a few sluggish blinks as her thoughts raced through different possibilities and scenarios at breakneck speed. "That's a pretty impressive declaration," she acknowledged, albeit a little pompous. Her best conclusion was that this boy was one of those displaced from their own reality, in which case Clark might not even be aware that another Superboy was patrolling the sky. 

The unmistakable gurgling of a disturbed infant interrupted her musings. She'd been standing motionless for too long, and the twins were becoming restless due to the lack of activity. She reached into the double stroller and scooped Jon into her arms before he set his brother off, holding up a finger to ensure ‘Superboy’ didn't fly away before she concluded her inquiry. "Come on, Jon," she cooed, her expression shifting from one of speculation to one of devotion as she tenderly patted Jon's bottom to soothe him. "Mommy's just making a new friend, we'll finish our walk soon okay?" but Lois's words fell on deaf ears, for once her son's attention was not fixated on her, but instead he was staring curiously at the boy in red and blue. Lois wondered if he recognized the pattern of colors that his Father wore. 

"Well, Superboy, I suppose a welcome to Central City is in order," Lois added, maintaining her friendly pretense. She didn’t want to give her suspicions away "I'd love to hear your thoughts on the city, off the record, of course," she offered, shifting Jon to her hip and holding out her hand. "Please allow me to introduce myself, Lois Lane."

[theloisxlane]

Lo ✉ Ren

Ren: Yeah, that's the place! Let's steer clear....forever.

Ren: Girl, you sure you can't read minds? 'cause I've been craving that all WEEK!

Ren: PLEAAAAAASE tell me you're gonna bring your boys.

Ren: The babies, not your hubs lolol

Lo: It's a date then! There's a new place on 5th and Weston, claims to have the spicest Pad Thai

Lo: Of course I'll bring them, they'll be happy to see you

Lo: Pre warning though, Jordan is starting to get a fascination with hair. Pulling it specifically

Lo: Good thing he's cute

[theloisxlane]

Lo ✉ Ren

Lo: Wait a minute, I thought Maggiano's was that place with the undercooked salmon?

Lo: It was practically fresh out of the bay, still gaping for air

Lo: gasping*

Lo: What about Thai? I could go for some Kapow Rice?

[arkadyrenko]

broadcast news (1987)

[theloisxlane]

@kryptonsxlastxson

[tatsukifujoshimoto]

Lois: What if I stand back and give you a few gentle suggestions?

Clark: Hon, I love you, but you’re incapable of standing back and your suggestions are never gentle

[theloisxlane]

@kryptonsxlastxson​

[theloisxlane]

hisheroics​:

     Jon was so high above the city that is stretched out like a sea of twinkling lights before him. Thanks to his super hearing he could make out the sound of the bustling traffic beneath him. It was a peaceful night and Jon was appreciative of that. His father would have told him that nights like these were few and far between and should be savored. Jon frowned. If only his dad had actually been there in the flesh to remind him of that. He was all alone on an unfamiliar planet that had a Superman of its own. Clark would then remind the boy that his time was better spent and that pouting would do him no good. He was Superboy and he had no time to mope.       He perked up at the sound of trouble. Somewhere in the city, a mugging was taking place. Diving off of the building Jon descended into the night. He appeared before an old lady and her would-be attacker in a red and blue blur. Upon spotting the insignia on his chest the mugger ran, abandoning the purse which Jon politely returned. She was so grateful that she had even given him five dollars for his kind deed. Deciding to put that money to good use he stopped by a hot dog cart and ordered a quick bite to eat. He stuck out like a sore thumb in his costume but Jon had learned to embrace the stares. When people looked at him they saw the personification of hope. “You come for a hot dog, too?” He asked, smiling brightly at a stranger that had joined him at the stand. 

✎

“I’ll take two beef franks with extra onions and mustard,” Lois flashed a smile at the familiar middle aged man behind the metal cart. He was sweating profusely, with only the limited radius of the colorful umbrella affixed to the center of his cart providing the shade from the midday sun. Lois didn’t know the man’s name, but they had a pleasant camaraderie, she frequented the cart often for a quick lunch before the twins were born. When she was working on a piece, it was difficult for her to compel herself to have a proper meal -- the kind with tablecloths and silverware -- and so street vendors were her saving grace. She got the nutrition, albeit questionable, she needed and she could get right back to work. During her pregnancy, she sent Clark to this specific vendor at least three times a week to satisfy cravings, and the seller was relieved to see her back on her feet.

She leaned over the rubber handle of the double stroller she was wheeling back and forth, the twins delightfully captivated by all the noises and sights of the bustling pavement. They'd just finished a short stroll, taking advantage of the wonderful weather, and she hadn't heard anything from either of them. Excluding the occasional gurgle or eager squeal. Naturally, it was far too early for those random endearing noises to make sense, but Lois swore that when she looked them in the eyes and chattered at them, they understood what she was saying. Behind their newborn gazes, there was a glint of recognition. Lois didn’t think she’d ever tire of fawning over them.

“You come for a hot dog, too?”

Lois drew her adoring focus away from the crowns of her babies heads and turned to the voice with a smile. “Of course! Everyone knows 5th and West has the best hotdogs in...” just as soon as her lips curled, her dimples beginning to reveal themselves, her smile faded. The first thing Lois noticed was the sigil on this strangers chest, she blinked in confusion before her eyes flashed up to the unknown face. “...town,” her tone had lost its welcoming demeanor and been replaced with trepidation. There were only three beings that wore the House of El insignia, and this cheerful boy was not one of them. A pucker formed between Lois’s brows as she stared, her grip tightening on the stroller.

“Your hotdog, Mrs. Lane” the reporter was slow to reach for the hotdog, exchanging it with a ten dollar bill. “Keep the change.” she muttered absently, her appetite all but forgotten. Lois's head inclined, she couldn't help but be intrigued. "I'd recognize that blue and red anywhere. Strange, I thought there were only two supers in Central City," she remarked plainly. "So who does that make you?"