Page 11 of Pink Kryptonite, by Jeanster

CHAPTER 11: UNSPOKEN WORDS

"Nice robe," said Mxyzptlk to Superman. "But you might want to change into your superhero outfit. After I send the Kid back to his own time and place, you'll be needed just about everywhere. Crime will start up again. So will all those natural disasters and accidents."

Superman did not say anything as he headed toward the bedroom to change.

"I'll need my guns back," Johnny said to Superman.

"How was your date, Johnny?" asked Mxzyptlk with a grin.

"I'd rather not say. Just send me back home after he gives me back my guns. I can't wait to leave this place."

"Oh, you poor dear! You must be homesick. You don't look happy here at all. Didn't you have a nice time?"

"Some of it was nice," said Johnny. "But the sooner I leave here, the better."

Superman returned to the living room. He was wearing his familiar red and blue outfit. He carried Johnny's gunbelt with the twin colts in the holsters.

Johnny held out his hand so that Superman could give him back his gunbelt.

But instead Superman walked over to Johnny and asked, "May I?"

Johnny looked puzzled.

Superman walked closely behind Johnny, gently placed the gunbelt around Johnny's slender waist and securely fastened it. Johnny shuddered as Superman's lips slowly and gently brushed against the back of his neck. Superman kept his arms around Johnny's waist even though the gunbelt was securely fastened.

You bastard, thought Johnny. You made it clear to me that last night didn't mean anything to you, so why are you snuggling up to me now?

"You can let go of me now, Superman," Johnny said softly while trying his best to keep his voice calm.

But I don't want to, thought Superman. I want to keep you here so I can love you and worship you, you beautiful creature, you.

It was not until the reality hit Superman that he'd never see Johnny Bart again that he knew he loved him.

"Would you two boys like a private moment to say good-bye?" asked Mxyzptlk.

Before Superman could answer, Johnny broke away from his embrace and said, "Well, I don't need a moment. Send me home, pronto!"

"As you wish." Mxyzptlk snapped his fingers. Johnny Bart the Rawhide Kid disappeared from the apartment.

Superman stared at the spot where Johnny last stood. When Johnny looked at Superman before he was sent back home, the Kid's face did not reveal any emotion. No sadness. No anger. No sign of wishing to be asked to stay.

"Well, that's that. Hey, you'd better get going now. You have crooks to catch and people to rescue."

"And what will you be doing while I'm busy with all that?"

"Nothing. I'm done here. See you in ninety days. Kltpzyxm!"

The imp vanished.

Well, I certainly didn't expect that, thought Superman. Then he noticed it as the morning sunlight made it sparkle. Superman reached over and picked up the diamond that Johnny had left on the coffee table.

I guess Johnny felt he couldn't accept this gift after I made him think last night meant nothing to me, thought Superman. Why did I have to behave like such a jerk? Why didn't I just make his last moments here enjoyable instead of hurting him like that?

Superman decided that this wasn't over. He contacted Supergirl and asked her to patrol for him while he took care of a personal matter. He did not tell her why he was planning a trip back in time to the days of the old Wild West.

I have to find him, thought Superman. This isn't over yet. I'll make him remember me. Or I'll just start a whole new relationship with him, only this time I won't say anything to hurt him.

Even though Mxyzptlk has made that chunk of pink kryptonite disappear, the effects of it would still last until Superman experienced full requited gay love. So if Lois Lane was hoping Superman would ever come around to begging for her forgiveness for having dumped her, she'd have a while to wait. It would now be up to Johnny Bart to make that happen.

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