Page 10 of Pink Kryptonite, by Jeanster

CHAPTER 10: JIMMY AND JOHNNY

Jimmy finished watering the plants in Clark's apartment. He was about to leave when Superman said, "Jimmy, would you like some breakfast before you go? There's plenty here. How about a cup of coffee?"

Jimmy smiled. "Sure. Thanks, Superman. Coffee will be fine."

Johnny emerged from the bathroom just then fully clothed. He was ready to be sent back to the nineteenth century. Well, almost ready. I'll have to remind Superman to give me back my twin colts, thought Johnny. Wouldn't want to return home without those.

The two young red-haired fellows looked at each other.

"How long have you known Superman?" asked Jimmy.

"Not long. We just met yesterday."

Wow. Superman sure moves fast, Jimmy thought to himself. I guess he was in a hurry to get over not being able to have me. Gee, I wonder if he pretended Johnny was me when he was, uh, was, um, you know, doing it.

Johnny noticed the watch on Jimmy's wrist.

"What's that, if you don't mind my asking?" said Johnny.

"This? Oh, it's a gift from Superman," said Jimmy with a wee bit of pride. "Yeah, Superman and I are good friends. Pals. Buds. And this isn't just an ordinary watch. It's a signal watch."

"Signal watch?"

"Yep. If I'm ever in danger I just press it and it'll send a signal that Superman can hear from miles away."

"Dang. That's a mighty fine gift. Superman must think very highly of you to give you that."

"Yes, he does," said Jimmy. I should be ashamed of myself, thought Jimmy, bragging like this. Why do I feel like rubbing it in Johnny's face about what good friends Superman and I are?

"Well, it's not likely that Superman will be giving me a signal watch," said Johnny. After all, he thought, how could Superman hear a signal from way back in the nineteenth century?

"Gee, that's too bad," said Jimmy.

"All I got from Superman was a stone," said Johnny as he pulled something from his pocket. "He squeezed a lump of coal and turned it into this here diamond while he was demonstrating his super powers."

Jimmy stared wide-eyed at the large diamond.

Gee, thought Jimmy, how ironic. Miss Lane has been hoping for years to get a diamond from Superman, that is, a diamond engagement ring. And now Superman gives this beautiful big diamond to Johnny, and they've known each other for only a day!

"Here's your coffee, Jimmy," said Superman.

"Thanks, Superman," said Jimmy. He sipped from the cup. Mmm, he sure makes good coffee, thought Jimmy.

Johnny stared at Jimmy. Incredible, thought the Rawhide Kid. How can Jimmy not see that Superman and Clark Kent are the one and the same? I mean, look at him! He's not even wearing his Superman outfit! He's right here in Clark Kent's apartment and he's wearing a bathrobe! Just because he's not wearing eyeglasses and has his hair combed differently than when he's Clark Kent, Jimmy believes he's Superman? That's it. I can't wait to get back home. This place is way too strange for me.

"Thanks for the coffee, Superman. Well, I'd better be going. Oh, and uh, you might want to be sure to wash the bed sheets before Mr. Kent returns home." Jimmy smiled and left the apartment.

"May as well make myself useful around here," said Johnny. "I'll help by stripping the sheets off the bed. You have any new-fangled machines for washing these?"

"You don't have to do that, Johnny," said Superman. "Actually, I'd like to hold off on washing those for a while."

Johnny looked puzzled. "Whatever for?"

Because I want to enjoy your scent that still lingers on those sheets, thought Superman. But he didn't say those words out loud. I'll miss you very much, Johnny, thought Superman, and it's killing me inside to know you'll be sent back to your own time and you won't even have memories of what we shared here last night.

Just then Mxyzptlk appeared.

"Good morning!" he cheerfully greeted them.

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