Three weeks after Superman's debut, Metropolis had settled into a new normal. The familiar sound of police sirens was now often accompanied by a sonic boom and a flash of red and blue, bringing smiles rather than worry to pedestrians' faces. Children wore makeshift capes to school, turning every playground into a potential flying lesson. Street vendors had evolved from their usual hot dogs and pretzels to include hastily printed "I Superman" shirts, unofficial action figures, and even "Super Smoothies" that promised to "power up your day."
The Daily Planet's circulation had reached record numbers, with international editions being requested for the first time in decades. Jimmy Olsen's photos of Superman in action had earned him a raise and a permanent position, though he insisted his best shot was still that first one of Superman waving to the crowd.
Tommy Martinez, the boy with the Meteors cap from Superman's debut, had become a minor celebrity at his school. He'd met Superman twice more since that first day - once when the hero stopped by a Little League game "just to check on his buddy," and again during a school safety presentation. Tommy's "Superman Stories" had earned him a spot on the evening news, where he solemnly informed the reporter that Superman had told him to study hard because "brains are as important as strength."
In the Planet's bullpen, the wall of monitors played a constant stream of Superman coverage. WGBS News showed footage of him containing a chemical spill at the harbor, his precise control preventing any environmental damage. The Metro Channel replayed his rescue of a school bus that had skidded off the Metropolis Bridge - the driver later praised not just the save itself, but how Superman had taken time to calm the frightened children. Even CatCo's entertainment news covered the "Superman Effect" on fashion, noting the surge in blue and red color combinations and the sudden popularity of cape-like coats.
Local businesses had embraced their new guardian. The Metropolis Meteors baseball team added a "Superman Seat" in the outfield - any ball hit there meant free hot dogs for the section. Big Belly Burger introduced the "Super Stack," with proceeds going to first responder charities. Even the notorious rivalry between the 10th Street and Southside gangs had cooled after Superman sat down with their leaders for what he called a "neighborhood improvement discussion."
"Another Superman exclusive," Perry White announced, striding into the newsroom with the latest edition. The headline read "SUPERMAN'S SOFTER SIDE: Man of Steel Spends Day at Children's Hospital." Clark's article detailed not just the visits to sick kids, but the hope their families felt seeing their children laugh with Earth's most powerful being.
"Lane, Kent, you two are knocking it out of the park," Perry continued. "Though Kent, would it kill you to actually be present when the big guy shows up?"
Clark adjusted his glasses, careful to maintain his slightly awkward demeanor. The irony of Perry's complaint never failed to amuse him. "Just lucky with the witness interviews, Chief. People seem comfortable talking to me."
"Don't call me Chief," Perry grumbled automatically. His expression shifted to something more excited - a rare sight that immediately caught everyone's attention. "And Lane, big news - Superman's agreed to an exclusive interview. Live broadcast on WGBS, simulcast on our website."
The newsroom erupted in excited chatter. Phones started ringing immediately as other news outlets tried to confirm the story. Lois straightened in her chair, her eyes lighting up with that particular gleam Clark had learned to both love and fear. It was the same look she got when uncovering corruption or exposing injustice - pure, focused determination.
"When?" she demanded, already reaching for her interview notes.
"Tonight. Prime time." Perry held up a hand as other reporters started protesting. "And before anyone complains, he specifically requested Lane. Said he's been following her coverage - particularly impressed with your piece on how his presence has affected emergency response times."
Cat Grant wheeled her chair over to Lois's desk, coffee in hand and gossip in her eyes. "Well, well. Looks like someone caught Superman's eye. Those articles about his 'noble bearing' and 'commanding presence' must have worked. Though I noticed you left out 'gorgeous' and 'dreamy' from your official descriptions."
"It's called accurate reporting," Lois replied, already pulling up her research files. Her fingers flew over the keyboard as she organized her questions. "Besides, he's not my type."
"Not your type?" Cat's eyebrows shot up so high they threatened to leave her face entirely. "Tall, handsome, literally flies around saving people? What exactly is your type if not that? Don't tell me you prefer them ordinary and earthbound."
Lois's eyes flickered briefly to Clark's desk before she caught herself. The gesture was quick, but Cat caught it immediately. "Someone more... grounded. Real. Someone who sees the person behind the story."
Clark, pretending to be absorbed in his own work, felt his heart skip a beat. His superhearing picked up Lois's own heartrate increasing slightly, a sound he'd grown familiar with during their closer moments.
"Oh my god," Cat whispered, following Lois's glance. Her eyes widened with delighted realization. "Kent? Really? Our mild-mannered farm boy has tamed the great Lois Lane?"
"Keep your voice down," Lois hissed, glancing around the newsroom. "It's not... we're not... he hasn't..."
"But you want him to," Cat's grin was positively feline. She leaned closer, lowering her voice to a true whisper. "Our star reporter has fallen for the farm boy. This is better than Superman! Though I have to ask - what is it about him? Besides the whole tall, dark, and farmhand thing?"
"It's different with Clark," Lois said softly, not realizing his superhearing could catch every word. Her voice took on a warmth Clark had never heard before. "He's... genuine. Sweet. The way he remembers how I like my coffee - even knows when I need decaf because I'm too wired. How he always makes sure I eat during long stakeouts, bringing those amazing sandwiches his mom sends from Kansas. How he sees the best in people even when they don't deserve it."
"So why haven't you made a move?" Cat pressed, genuinely curious now. "I mean, you're Lois Lane. You chase down corrupt politicians and criminal masterminds without blinking. Surely asking out Clark Kent isn't scarier than that?"
"I've been dropping hints for weeks," Lois sighed, frustration evident in her voice. "But you know Clark - he's either completely oblivious or..." she paused, uncertainty creeping into her voice, "or he's not interested. Maybe he still sees me as the person who called him 'Smallville' and made fun of his ties when he first started."
"Trust me, he's interested," Cat assured her, patting her hand. "The way he looks at you when he thinks no one's watching? Pure Kansas farm boy adoration. Like you're his personal sun and stars. Though speaking of stars - are you sure you want to pass up Superman? I mean, the flying alone..."
"Superman belongs to the world," Lois cut her off. "Clark... Clark notices when I've had a bad day. Brings me coffee just the way I like it. Stands up for what's right even when it costs him. That's worth more than all the superpowers in the world."
"If he doesn't ask me out soon," Lois declared, straightening her shoulders with determination, "I'm going to have to take matters into my own hands. After the Superman interview."
Clark nearly dropped his coffee mug, managing to fumble it in a way that looked natural for his clumsy persona. Inside, his mind was racing. Lois Lane - the woman he'd been in love with since their first argument over proper citation formats - had feelings for him. For Clark Kent, not Superman. The realization made his heart soar higher than any physical flight.
"Kent!" Perry's voice snapped him back to the present. "Stop daydreaming. I want you handling the print version of Lane's interview. You two work well together, even if you do have a habit of disappearing at crucial moments."
The WGBS studio buzzed with anticipation that evening. Lois sat in the interview chair, reviewing her notes while makeup artists made final touches. The studio had been cleared except for essential personnel - Superman had agreed to the interview on the condition of minimal crew, something that made Lois wonder about his comfort with crowds despite his public appearances.
"Two minutes!" the floor director called.
Lois touched her earpiece, where she could hear Clark's voice from the Planet's offices: "Remember to ask about his symbol. People are curious about the 'S'."
"I know how to do an interview, Smallville," she replied, but her tone was fond. "Stand by for notes." She found herself missing his physical presence - Clark had a way of calming her nerves before big interviews, usually with some endearingly awkward comment or gentle encouragement.
Right on cue, Superman descended from the sky, landing gracefully outside the studio's large windows. The crew gasped - no matter how many times they'd seen footage, the real thing was something else entirely. He entered through the doors like a normal person, though, which Lois noted with interest. Already thinking like a reporter: even gods use doors sometimes.
"Ms. Lane," he greeted her with a warm smile. "Thank you for agreeing to this interview. I've been following your work - your article about how emergency response times have improved was particularly insightful."
"Thank you for choosing the Daily Planet," she replied professionally, though she couldn't help noticing that Cat had a point about his appearance. The suit really was impressive up close - the material seemed to shift with light in ways that suggested alien origin.
The cameras rolled, and Lois Lane began the interview that would introduce Superman to the world.
"Let's start with the question everyone's asking," she began. "Who are you, and why are you here?"
In the White House Situation Room, President Ellis leaned forward, surrounded by his national security team. The President's scheduled address about Superman lay half-finished on his desk, its key question - "Where do his loyalties lie?" - still unanswered.
At the Kent farm, Martha and Jonathan held hands tightly as they watched their son on the small kitchen TV. Krypto lay at their feet, his tail wagging whenever Superman spoke. In a hidden SHIELD facility, Nick Fury stood before a wall of screens, his expression unreadable as Alexander Pierce joined him.
Superman sat comfortably in the chair across from her, his cape arranged naturally. "I'm a visitor from another world," he said simply. "A planet called Krypton, which was destroyed when I was an infant. My parents sent me to Earth to survive, but also because they believed I could help make a difference here."
"So you're an alien," Lois stated directly. "Yet you look completely human."
"Kryptonians were remarkably similar to humans in appearance," he acknowledged. "Though our biology interacts differently with Earth's yellow sun, giving me abilities beyond normal human limits."
"Let's talk about those abilities," Lois leaned forward slightly. "Flight, strength, speed - are there limits?"
"Yes," Superman replied honestly. "Though I'm still learning about them myself. The important thing isn't what I can do, but how I choose to use these abilities."
"Speaking of choices," Lois segued smoothly, "your debut coincided rather interestingly with Tony Stark's disappearance in Afghanistan. Any connection there?"
Superman's expression grew thoughtful. "I've been searching for Mr. Stark since his abduction. Whatever facility they're keeping him in must be specially shielded - I haven't been able to locate him through sight or sound. But I haven't given up looking."
"So you can't see or hear everything?"
"No," he smiled slightly. "And I wouldn't want to. Privacy is important, even - perhaps especially - for someone with enhanced senses."
"Which brings us to the obvious question - why help us? With your powers, you could do anything. Rule the world, if you wanted to."
Superman's expression grew serious. "I was raised by human parents - good people who taught me that power isn't about control or dominance. It's about responsibility. About using what you have to help others."
"Your adopted parents," Lois pressed. "Are they still alive? Still in your life?"
"They are," he smiled warmly. "And they taught me everything important about being human. About seeing the best in people, about standing up for what's right."
"That brings up an interesting point," Lois consulted her notes. "Since your appearance, various religious groups have declared you everything from a messiah to a devil in disguise. How do you respond to being viewed as a religious figure?"
"I'm just a man, Ms. Lane," Superman replied firmly. "Different biology, yes, but still a person trying to do what's right. I'm not a god, an angel, or a devil. I think people's reactions say more about humanity's hopes and fears than about me."
"Could you elaborate on that?"
"During my travels, I've studied Earth's religions, philosophies, belief systems. The common thread is a desire to understand our place in the universe, to find meaning in existence. My presence raises questions about that meaning, I understand. But I'm not here to be worshipped or feared. I'm here to help, simply because I can."
"And where exactly did they raise you?" Lois asked with a slight smirk. "Some people are very interested in claiming Superman as their local hero."
Superman laughed, the sound surprisingly warm and natural. "I'm sure they are. But I think I'll keep that private for now - though I'm sure you'll figure it out eventually, Ms. Lane."
"So you won't confirm if you grew up in the United States?"
"Let me put it this way," his eyes twinkled with amusement. "I've lived many places, studied many cultures. Before becoming Superman, I traveled extensively. I've meditated with Buddhist monks in Tibet, learned traditional healing from shamans in the Amazon, studied ancient texts in Egypt. 'Ubi bene ibi patria' - home is where one feels good. Or as they say in Mandarin, '家在心安处' - home is where the heart finds peace."
"Those travels sound extensive," Lois noted. "Were you preparing for this role?"
"I was learning to be human," Superman replied. "Every culture has its own wisdom, its own way of understanding the world. In India, I learned about ahimsa - non-violence as a way of life. In Japan, the concept of giri - duty and obligation balanced with compassion. In Africa, ubuntu - the idea that our humanity is bound up in each other's."
"Is speaking multiple languages another superpower?" Lois asked, genuinely curious.
"No," he smiled. "Just a profound love of learning about people. I've studied Earth's languages, cultures, histories - not because I had to, but because I wanted to understand. Every language carries its own way of seeing the world, its own wisdom. When someone speaks their native language, they're sharing not just words, but their whole worldview."
"Speaking of symbols," Lois gestured to his chest, "the 'S' - people have been speculating about its meaning."
"It's not an 'S'," Superman explained. "On Krypton, it was our family crest - it means 'hope.' Though I appreciate the coincidence in English."
"And what is it you hope for?"
"A better world," he replied without hesitation. "Not through force or fear, but through inspiration. Through showing people that impossible things are possible when we work together."
"And what does Superman stand for in this better world?"
"Truth," he replied firmly. "Justice."
"The American way?" Lois suggested with a slight smile.
Superman laughed again, shaking his head. "A better tomorrow," he corrected gently. "For everyone, not just one nation. The problems we face - climate change, poverty, injustice - they don't stop at borders. Neither should hope."
During the commercial break, Cat pulled Lois aside in the control room, her eyes sparkling with barely contained excitement. The studio lights had dimmed slightly, creating an intimate atmosphere as crew members bustled around making adjustments.
"He is gorgeous," Cat whispered, fanning herself dramatically. "Those eyes, that jaw... and the languages? Be still my heart. Did you hear him speaking Italian to the sound guy? Perfect accent and everything. And the way he talks about philosophy and culture – this isn't just some muscle-bound hero, Lois. This is the total package. Sure you want to stick with Clark when you could have a superman?"
Lois watched through the control room window as Superman chatted easily with the crew, switching effortlessly between Spanish, French, and what sounded like Mandarin. She noticed how he put everyone at ease, making himself seem more approachable despite his obvious power.
"Superman is a symbol," Lois replied thoughtfully. "An important one, but still a symbol. Clark is... real. Human." She smiled softly, thinking of their daily interactions. "When he brings me coffee in the morning or stays late to help me fact-check a story, it's not because he has superpowers. It's because he cares."
"But come on," Cat pressed, gesturing toward Superman. "Look at him! The presence, the confidence, the way he carries himself – and those shoulders! Plus, he clearly respects you as a journalist. Did you see how he engaged with your questions?"
"Clark respects me too," Lois countered. "He challenges my ideas, makes me think deeper about stories. He's not afraid to tell me when I'm pushing too hard or missing something important." She watched Superman help a stagehand adjust some lighting equipment. "Sure, Superman's impressive. But Clark... Clark sees me. Not just Mad Dog Lane the reporter, but me."
"You've got it bad," Cat observed, her teasing tone softening. "I never thought I'd see the day – Lois Lane, falling for the farm boy instead of the superhero."
"Clark's more than just a farm boy," Lois defended, perhaps a bit too quickly. "He's brilliant, Cat. The way he finds connections in stories that everyone else misses, how he always knows just what to say to get sources to open up. And his writing..." She trailed off, realizing she was gushing.
Back in the studio, Superman had to focus intently on maintaining his composed expression. Even with years of practice separating his two identities, hearing Lois talk about her feelings for his civilian self was testing his control. Every word sent his heart soaring, even as he carefully kept his face neutral while discussing camera angles with the crew.
The five-minute warning sounded, and everyone began returning to their positions. Lois straightened her jacket, professional mask sliding back into place, though her eyes lingered on Superman's profile.
"Just promise me one thing," Cat said as they headed back to the studio. "When you and Clark finally figure things out, I get exclusive details. Not about anything inappropriate!" she added quickly at Lois's glare. "Just... the romantic stuff. The world needs more good love stories."
The interview resumed, with Lois smoothly transitioning back into journalist mode. She covered his powers, asking detailed questions about their extent and limitations. Superman answered carefully, making it clear that while his abilities were vast, they weren't unlimited.
"Your heat vision," she probed, "how precise is it? We've seen you use it for everything from welding steel to warming coffee."
"It requires intense concentration," he explained. "Like any tool, the key is control. Understanding exactly how much power to use for each situation."
"And your super-speed? There are reports of you responding to emergencies on different continents within minutes."
"Again, it's about responsibility," he emphasized. "Having these abilities means nothing if I don't use them wisely."
They discussed his intentions, his views on working with authorities, his thoughts on international cooperation. Lois was in her element, asking tough questions while maintaining rapport. She pressed him on accountability, on how the world could trust someone with his level of power.