Page 9 of Pink Kryptonite, by Jeanster

CHAPTER 9: THE MORNING AFTER

Superman was setting the table for breakfast. The eggs and bacon were almost ready. The toast was about to pop up. Coffee was brewing.

He turned and saw Johnny coming from the bathroom. The robe Superman loaned Johnny to wear was too large for him, but it would have to do.

"Your clothes are over there," said Superman pointing to the sofa. "I cleaned and pressed them while you were in the shower."

"Thanks," said Johnny. "And you made breakfast, too? You should have let me do that. After all, you made dinner last night."

"Nonsense. You're my guest. Have a seat."

"Everything looks and smells delicious."

They sat at the dining table and began to eat.

"I wonder where Mxyzptlk is. He should be popping in any second," said Superman. Then he noticed the sad look on Johnny's face.

"Why so glum?" he asked.

"I really don't want to forget all that's happened to me here," said Johnny. "I'm having such a great time with you."

Superman paused before answering. The Kid must really have it bad for me, he thought. This might be a problem.

"You're not going to get all mushy on me, are you?" asked Superman. "It was just one night. It didn't mean anything. We both knew you'd have to return home in the morning. Don't make more of this than what it is."

Johnny was stunned. Why was Superman using such a cold tone of voice with him? Just last night this Kryptonian who could turn a lump of coal into a diamond with the strength of his hands showed Johnny that he could also be very gentle and tender with those very same hands. It was the best night Johnny ever had, but the words Superman uttered just now made Johnny feel humiliated and foolish. Could this be the same man who only a few hours ago whispered beautiful words of endearment into Johnny's ear while they shared their night of passion?

Johnny didn't know what to say to Superman after that, so he simply kept quiet as he finished eating breakfast.

Superman did not really want to hurt Johnny, but he figured that by behaving like a total cad Johnny would have no reason to miss him or be sad about having to return home.

What Superman really wanted to do right now was scoop Johnny into his arms and kiss him to make the hurt go away. Superman wanted to keep this adorable red-haired pretty-boy scamp from the nineteenth century right here as his permanent love muffin. But he knew that was out of the question. The Rawhide Kid had to return home and that was that.

"And I certainly hope you're not going to start crying," said Superman. "Excuse me while I go get the morning paper."

You bastard, thought Johnny. I'll be danged if I'll ever let you see me crying.

Johnny got up and headed over to the sofa to get his clothes.

Superman opened the door to pick up this morning's copy of the Daily Planet. But instead he found Jimmy Olsen standing there holding that very same paper. The young cub reporter had the key to Clark Kent's apartment in his hand and a very surprised look on his face.

"Superman! What are you doing in Mr. Kent's apartment?"

Perhaps it was the pink kryptonite or the stress and nervousness of his very first intimate time with a man or worrying about what Mxyzptlk was really up to. Or maybe it was a combination of all of that which made Superman completely forget that as Clark Kent he had given his spare key to Jimmy when Jimmy asked Clark if he needed his plants to be watered while he was away visiting his folks in Smallville. At the time Clark figured that would be fine. He would simply be sure to not be there when Jimmy came over.

And now here was Jimmy. But before Superman could answer, Jimmy smiled and said, "Oh, but of course. You and Mr. Kent are such good friends that he must have let you use his place while he's away. Well, don't mind me, Superman. Here's the morning paper. I won't take long watering his plants. Then I'll be out of here. Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know you had company." Jimmy smiled at Johnny who was standing by the sofa and holding his freshly pressed clean clothes.

"Hi. I'm Jimmy Olsen," said Jimmy as he walked over to Johnny and extended his hand.

Johnny took Jimmy's hand and shook it.

"My name's Johnny Bart. Pleased to meet you."

Superman must have a thing for young red-haired fellas, thought Jimmy. Hmm. Didn't take him long to move on after I turned him down just a couple of days ago.

Jimmy felt just a tiny twinge of jealousy. Then he told himself that was silly. Superman had every right to be happy with someone, and if couldn't be Jimmy, then it wouldn't be fair for Jimmy to stop someone else from being with him.

Johnny went into the bathroom to change clothes. He closed the door behind him.

Superman sat on the sofa while Jimmy went about his business watering the plants throughout the apartment.

Next Chapter

Home