Chapter Text
“What are you doing, sir?”
Looking up from his article, Clark turned his head to see a young, wiry teenager peering over his shoulder, face curious and hands full of papers. He was short and covered in freckles with a mop of red hair, and had a kind face with a hint of mischief in his eyes.
Clark recognized him as the Daily Planet’s new copy boy he’d seen pottering about the office and gave him a welcome smile. “Hi there, it’s James, isn’t it?”
Jimmy nodded. “James Olsen, but I usually go by Jim, or Jimmy. It’s nice to meet you, sir.”
“It’s nice to meet you too, Jimmy! My name’s Clark Kent.”
“Glad to know you. Are you writing an article about your recent trip to Dyerville? Mr White told me you and Miss Lane recently went there on a job. He didn’t tell me much about it though.” Jimmy quickly asked, wanting to know more about the story. He’d heard bits and pieces of the tale from other reporters on the grapevine, and even the big boss himself had been talking about it.
“You’ve got it in one, Jim.” Clark smiled at his enthusiasm. “It was a fun one for sure. And by fun I mean pretty stressful.”
The youngster’s head tilted. “Why was it stressful?”
“Well having to deal with the likes of master criminals such as the Wolfe and the Yellow Mask can make a trip like that very demanding.” he chortled, thinking back to the chaos of the trip. “But all in a day’s work!”
Jimmy gasped, “You met the Yellow Mask? Wow! He’s on the world’s most wanted list!”
“He tried to kill me and Lois, so I guess you could call it that.” Clark chuckled, growing to like the teenager already. “But everything turned out fine in the end and we bagged a great story for our esteemed Mr White so it was worth it.”
“H-He tried to kill you? Golly! How did you get away?”
“You’ll have to read my article once it’s been published to find out.” Clark winked.
“Oh sure. Mr White wanted me to read up on the Planet articles and study the lingo everyone uses so that just gives me a little more motivation.” Jimmy grinned, making a mental note to do just that.
“Study the lingo?” Clark raised an eyebrow, amused.
“Yeah, to see how the reporters write. If I’m gonna be a famous reporter someday I’m gonna have to know how to properly write articles and stuff.” Jim explained, a sense of proudness in his voice.
“That indeed, Jim.”
As the conversation came to a natural end, Jimmy smiled and emptied Clark’s waste paper basket into his garbage bag, suddenly remembering that was his reason for being there. He was about to continue on his way but Clark started talking to him again.
“So, how are you finding things here?” the reporter asked, taking a sip of water from his plastic cup.
Jimmy seemed taken aback by his question. “Finding things?”
“You know, how are you enjoying your job at the Planet so far? You’ve been here about the same time as me now, is that right?”
“Oh! It’s been great so far, Mr Kent. I’m really enjoying it. Even though I’m just going around the office and running errands I feel I’m learning a lot and I like speaking to everyone. I just wish I could go out with the reporters sometime.” he adjusted the plastic bag in his hands. “Golly, I hope Mr White will let me go somewhere to help cover a story soon. I’d love to travel the world one day.”
“That what you want to be when you grow up, Jim? An adventurer?”
“I want to be a reporter, just like you!” Jimmy beamed, his enthusiasm making Clark smile. “Earlier today I asked Mr White if I could go out with one of the journalists to get a little bit of experience but he said no because I’m the copy boy and I’m not supposed to travel around ‘cause I need to be here. I guess I’m just too young or somethin’.” his smile disappeared. “I’m not too young though, I’m nearly fourteen!”
Clark chuckled, “I can see why Mr White has his reservations, Jim. What would your mother and father think?”
Jimmy just shook his head and pouted, avoiding the question. “It doesn’t matter anyway, Mr White already said no.”
Clark didn’t like how deflated the boy sounded and wanted to cheer him up. “Well if I’m going to be travelling to other countries to cover important stories I might need an assistant. Maybe I could ask him if I could take you along on a future story, how about that?”
The boy’s eyes lit up. “R-Really? You would do that?”
“Of course I would! The next time there’s a chance to go away, I’ll ask Mr White about you. Besides, if you want to be a reporter I think it’d be a good idea for you to pick up the experience whilst you’re still so young. What do you say?”
Jimmy’s smile brightened up the room. His eyes were now stars. “You would do that for me? Thank you so much Mr Kent! Wow, that’s super cool! You’re super cool, Mr Kent!”
Clark laughed bashfully and rubbed the back of his head. He knew the super part was true, at least.
Jimmy felt like jumping up and down. Clark’s generosity had opened up a world of questions for the copy boy and he felt more at ease and eager to talk to him. “So, um, Mr Kent… forgive me for asking, but where are you from exactly? Do you live in Metropolis? How long have you lived here? Do you have many friends? What’s your favourite colour?”
Clark laughed, holding his hands up in defeat. “Woah there, Jimmy! Slow down! How about I answer those questions over lunch, hm?”
“Y-You wanna eat with me?” Jimmy’s eyes widened.
“Mhm.” Clark nodded happily. “You up for it?”
The teen’s heart leapt. It didn’t seem a lot but the reporter was actually making him feel important and he appreciated that. “I’d love to eat with you, sir! Er, where do you wanna go? Out for lunch? The cafeteria maybe?”
“The roof, if that’s okay with you.”
“The… roof?”
“It’s quiet up there.” Clark reasoned, knowing the Planet’s canteen could get a little hectic at times. “It’s where I often go for a breather.”
“That sounds good then.” Jimmy nodded. “Is twelve okay? That’s when I usually take my break.”
“Twelve would be swell.”
“Alright, see you there at twelve!”
“See you, Jim.” Clark waved him off.
Jimmy bounded excitedly out of Clark’s office and accidently slammed the door on his way, causing an observing Perry White to screech at him as he gave a shriek and apology to his boss which Clark could hear through the door.
He chuckled to himself.
~~~~~
At three minutes to twelve, Jimmy found himself taking the elevator up to the roof, his mind ablaze. He still couldn’t believe he’d actually been asked to lunch by one of the reporters - especially by the new Star Reporter himself. Although most of the Daily Planet staff had made him feel welcome when he’d first joined the company, many of the reporters still ignored him and looked down on him, finding him to not be worth their time because in their eyes he was still just a measly assistant.
For some reason, Mr Kent was different.
The teenager slipped between the first lot of safety railings and stood in the middle of the roof, feeling the spring breeze disturb his hair as he stared out into the Metropolis skyline. It was quite a view. The city was bustling and the noise of industrial work and bleeping car horns filled the air.
“Hiya Jim!”
Jimmy jumped in surprise. He turned around to see Clark standing there, blue plastic sandwich bag in hand. Jimmy couldn’t help but smile at him.
“Golly, you got here super quick, Mr Kent. Did you fly?”
“I sure did, Jimmy.” Clark replied with a twinkle in his eye. “Come on over here, I’ll show you where I sit.”
Jimmy nodded and followed his colleague until they were in front of the golden Daily Planet globe. Clark planted himself on the architrive with his back leaning against the wall the globe was protruding from, and Jimmy followed suit, crossing his legs as he sat down.
“There we are. Lunch with a view.” Clark grinned, staring at the skyline.
“It’s beautiful. Do you come here every day then, Mr Kent?” Jimmy asked, resting his lunch in his lap. He started getting everything out, using his legs as a table.
“Most days to be honest. I find the cafeteria too busy and rowdy most of the time. I like a bit of peace and quiet. I’m a country boy at heart.”
“I don’t like the cafeteria either, it reminds me too much of school.” Jimmy shook his head.
“Do you still go to school?” Clark asked, taking a bite from his sandwich.
“Yeah, sort of. Mr White hired me on account that I’ll still be able to complete my studies alongside this job.”
“That was good of him. So are you full time here? Or do you work part time and study part time?”
“I work part time and study part time. I prefer being here though. School is boring.” Jimmy admitted with a huff.
“Education is still mighty important Jim. You can learn all sorts of things in school.”
“It’s still boring though.” Jim pouted. “I just want to get out and see the world. Not stay inside stuffy classrooms with teachers I don’t like to learn how to solve algebra equations.”
Clark sniffed in amusement, shaking his head a little. “You just need to give it a chance, kid. It’ll be worth it in the long run.”
“I… guess so.”
The two fell silent. They sat quietly for a few moments, eating their lunches.
Clark cleared his throat. “So, do you have many school friends, Jim?”
“My classmates are friendly enough but I’m not that close to any of them really.” he spoke somewhat solemnly and Clark sensed there was something more to his statement. “Do… do you have many friends?”
“Well me and Miss Lane have worked together a few times now so I’d like to think we’re friends, but that’s probably it so far. I’m still getting to know everyone in Metropolis.”
“Miss Lane’s really nice. Sometimes she gives me candy and lets me sit in her office when I’ve got nothing to do. Don’t tell her I said that though.” he added with a cheeky smile.
Clark smirked, “Nothing to do, eh? I’ll have to make sure you’re busy doing errands for me, then.”
“I take payment in candy.” Jimmy giggled. “Just for future reference.”
Clark chuckled. He took a bite out of his sandwich and watched as the boy held up a small slice of cornbread in disgust.
“What’s that face for?” Clark chortled.
“Turns out I don’t like cornbread. I thought I’d give it a try but it’s not very nice.”
Clark held up his brown paper lunchbag. “I have an apple I can trade?”
“An apple?” Jimmy blew a raspberry. “That’s lame.”
“And what do you have that’s so high and almighty?”
“I have a cereal bar, chocolate, and a bag of chips.” he replied proudly.
“Ooh, very healthy. Pack your lunch yourself?”
“Uh huh. Ma’s been pretty busy with the shop and stuff so I just figured it’d be easier for me to make it every morning to save her a job.”
Clark stilled for a moment, not expecting to hear that. “Oh, I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. Normally I buy my lunches but we’re trying to keep costs down this month.”
“Does she have many bills to pay then?”
“Yeah. Most are from the shop though. She owns a candy store on Spruce Street.” he informed him. “So if you ever want any treats I can give you a discount!”
“You’re too kind, Jim.” Clark replied, deciding to pry some more. “Is your father around to help?”
Jimmy tensed up, his shoulders hunched. “My father passed away a few years ago. It’s just me and my mother now.”
Clark’s face immediately dropped, his eyes widening in sympathy. “Oh Jim, I’m so sorry to hear that.”
Jimmy rubbed his arm, feeling very uncomfortable. He hadn’t told anyone about his father’s passing and didn’t really know why he’d admitted it to Mr Kent. “It’s okay. Things just… happened, you know? One minute he was there and the next minute he wasn’t.”
”So it’s just you and your mother then, huh?” Clark’s voice was soft, knowing how difficult it was to lose a loved one.
Jimmy’s father’s death had hit him hard. He’d bottled up his emotions for his mother’s sake, which is why he often avoided the subject. He didn’t want to crack. He had to be strong. “Yeah. It’s just us now. But we’re fine. It was hard at first, but things are better now I got this job to help with bills.”
“That’s very admirable Jim. The fact you’re helping your mother out already.”
“We Olsens have to stick together.” his face dropped into his lap with a tender look. He turned to Clark. “What about your folks? Do you still live with them?”
“They live back in Smallville, where I’m originally from. They’re farmers.”
“That’s great. I bet they’re proud of you coming here and making it in the big city.”
Clark smiled, thinking what he said to be really sweet. “They are very proud, but I bet your mother is equally as proud.”
Jim looked up. “My mother?”
“Well look at you! Almost fourteen years old and already working for the biggest newspaper company in Metropolis! I’d say we’re both doing pretty well so far, wouldn’t you?”
The teenager rubbed his arm. “Oh, well, I guess when you put it that way…”
Clark patted him on the back. “I bet your father would be proud too.”
Jimmy stilled for a moment, feeling an unexpected wave of sorrow bubble up in his chest. He calmed himself down and smiled at the older man. “It… is a nice thought.”
Clark held up his apple. “To family.”
Jimmy chuckled, understanding his gesture and tapped the apple with his chocolate bar. “To family.”
“And new friends?”
The teen turned towards the reporter who beamed at him, giving him a wink. Jimmy grinned back and nodded excitedly, eyes full of wonder.
“To new friends!”