Superman, Firebrand, and the Metropolis Gang in... the World's Mightiest Duckling

[stands_for_hope]

[continued from here]

It took a few weeks, but soon enough, the apartment had become an entirely settled little commune between the five of them. Steve's things had arrived as Clint had promised, they'd been installed in the new apartment, and the group had made the changes they'd discussed for everyone's comfort with one addition: with Steve bunking with Jim, the room he'd initially intended to take had become a general office/library/art room for everyone to use when they felt like a bit of time alone. For as silly as the concept sounded, all of them had ended up using the room a time or two and it had definitely kept things peaceful despite the addition of two new people.

Considering that the apartment was home to four superheroes and a world-famous journalist, it was amazing how easily they all fell into a routine. Jim, Lois, and Clark would usually leave for work around the same time and Steve, always an early riser, had taken to making them something to munch for breakfast on the way after he returned from his morning run. Having also gotten a position at the community center (teaching kids art and art history), Steve would leave with Diana an hour or so after that. Everyone filtered back into the apartment at different times and whoever was feeling up to cooking would usually start dinner when they got in. If no one was feeling up cooking, one of the two 'old' men would treat takeout.

Today, however, Jim's site was currently closed for due to an issue with the plumbing contractors and some unfortunate flooding that had occurred overnight. That was why Clark texted Jim and invited him to come visit he and Lois at the Daily Planet offices and go out for lunch together.

Comments

[stands_for_hope]

"Well, I'd think thing one is to talk to him about it. I mean. You two are kinda... you two. And if you're thinking about him noticing, I bet he's thinking about you noticing."

She looked at him meaningfully.

"Especially if he's used to having girls overlook him."

[kolodnoykovki]

"There's no way to start a conversation like that without scaring him or hurting him." But he accepted the food he was handed and gave the chef a small bow and a thanks in Chinese. A few eggrolls and other finger foods and he headed toward the cashier to pay and head upstairs.

[stands_for_hope]

Lois just sighed, figuring she'd leave it alone for the moment. The cook got a nod and a thank you before following him up to the register.

"Do you want me to talk to Diana?"

[kolodnoykovki]

Jim shook his head as he picked up his drink. "No. No, it's okay, I'll... just give him a few kisses he can't disbelieve and it'll be okay."

[stands_for_hope]

"Ah, potent Jim kisses then. Have to dole those out with the proper care, huh?"

Lois was back to teasing now.

[kolodnoykovki]

"He hasn't even had my best yet," Jim smiled, eyes gleaming.

[stands_for_hope]

"Ooo, holding out on him," and she couldn't help laughing a little.

"Probably for the best, though. I've seen the dumb grin he gets from regular kisses."

It was very similar to the look she got when Clark pulled her into a kiss.

[kolodnoykovki]

"He fell over when I got my hair cut," he smirked. "I'm a little worried what my best would do to him."

[stands_for_hope]

"To be fair to him, it was a pretty drastic change."

She glanced over to see if Clark was still getting salad, but apparently he was done. She couldn't see him as she was the non-x-ray-vision having half of the pair.

"And now I'm curious what might happen. I mean, how can you top falling over?"

[kolodnoykovki]

"Fainting." That was easy enough, but he continued. "Stunning him so bad he just stands there and turns purple. ...Pretty sure I could do that without kissing him, though. I don't see Clark - guess we should head upstairs and see if he's there?"

[stands_for_hope]

"Yeah, pretty sure he's up there," Lois agreed.

"After all, he didn't have to wait for anything to cook." She sling herself up the first stair then started trotting up the steps.

"There you are..."

[kolodnoykovki]

"Sorry 'bout that," Jim said as he followed along, spotting Clark. "There was food to cook and a discussion to have."

[stands_for_hope]

Clark waved that off before taking a bite if his own food.

"I'm not in a rush. At least, not for another twenty minutes. Then I might have to zip off for a moment. Hopefully not, though."

He held up his phone where he'd typed out Possible robbery around Glemorgan Square. No movement yet though.

"Looks like you both got a good bowl done though."

Lois nodded to the phone and then the question.

[kolodnoykovki]

"Yeah," he said, nodding toward the phone, but then sitting so he could poke at his bowl with his fork. "Beef, mushrooms, some onions and stuff... An evil plan to make Steve fall over or worse later..." He looked somewhat innocent. ...Somewhat.

[stands_for_hope]

Clark chuckled a little.

"I see. Anything I should be worried about? Or should make sure not to interrupt?"

[kolodnoykovki]

"Nah - but you guys are planning to be home at the normal time, right? Can you give me a call when Steve's there? I think I know how I'm spending my afternoon now."

[stands_for_hope]

Clark and Lois shared a look.

"Sure."

Lois squirmed a little in curiosity before shoving a fork of food on her mouth to make sure she didn't start asking him questions.

[kolodnoykovki]

He smirked a little. "Thanks. I'll walk with you guys back to the Planet after we're done, then I'll... figure out where to go from there."

[stands_for_hope]

Clark nodded, then tilted his head... and finally settled down into his seat to finish up his salad.

"Thing's not happening," he explained and Lois breathed out in relief.

[kolodnoykovki]

"Good." Jim smiled. "Then neither of us has to run off before we're done."

[stands_for_hope]

Clark nodded and kept munching his salad while Lois worked on her own stuff. He took another bite before lifting his head a little, obviously having thought of something.

"Oh! Ma asked me to tell you that you should be expecting a package soon. She apparently made up a whole pack of sleeves for you. And, uh, one in particular that she thought you might like."

[kolodnoykovki]

"Oh." His brows rose in surprise. "Wow, I... I really didn't expect it. Especially after I added people to Thanksgiving. I'm gonna have to send her a really nice thank you card."

[stands_for_hope]

Clark rolled his eyes a little and shook his head.

"She likes people. And she's happy to hear you found someone."

He took another bite.

"And Grandpa Clark will use it as an excuse to send us home with more meat. I hope you like steaks."

[kolodnoykovki]

"Between Steve's appetite and Diana's, I think they'll be well-received," he smiled. "Besides, gives me an excuse to look over the roof and turn it into a patio with a grill. Y'know people grill corn now? Crazy, but we'll grill you some corn when we grill our steaks."

[stands_for_hope]

"Corn, a couple of red peppers... I'm sure it'll be delicious. We've got enough good cooks in the house, I'm not worried."

Lois smiled at the two of them.

"I'm just so glad I live with people who can cook. My best dish is still take out."