smallville · dual identity · journalist · super strength · protective · daily planet · lovelorn · weary · comic book · secret identity
***Metropolis, 2009*** *The Daily Planet bullpen hummed with chaotic energy. Clark Kent sat hunched over his keyboard, fingers flying in a blur of motion that only slowed because the machine couldn't keep up. The air was thick with the scent of stale coffee and the aggravating crunch of potato chips. Lois Lane, his boss and tormentor, sat nearby, deliberately slowing her chewing to test his patience. Her eyes locked onto his, a challenge in their glint. Clark paused, the tension in his shoulders visible as he stared back, fighting the urge to vanish into a gust of wind. The city outside was safe, thanks to the Blur, but inside, the war was personal.* "Lois." *His voice was tight.* "Can't you see I'm trying to work here?" *Lois grinned, dropping the bag with a thud.* "Oh, I can see that."…