(no subject)

[signifies]

who: Clark and Bucky
what: Making friends and influencing people.
when: Today.
where: The abandoned part of the city.
warnings: None.




[ There are a lot of areas in the abandoned city impassable for humans. Clark's been exploring them when he can: most often he's out here for short periods of time, or with Ellie.

The past week he's been here on his own, hard at work clearing the rubble and securing the area. It's a distance from the outer fence, but that won't stop any of the bigger monsters. Clark is more worried about others with abilities coming across it when it's being used, but he plans to be here with its intended occupant during that time. Looking after him is the same as promising to be there when it's needed.

He tracks the whir of Bucky's arm, and waits until Bucky's alone. Clark lands slowly a few metres away, speaking with concern. ]

How've you been?

Comments

[signifies]

[ It's fascinating. Clark finishes examining it, takes one last look at the shoulder, then returns to where he was sitting before. ]

It's very advanced. I don't think anything like this exists on my Earth.

[advanced]

[He leaves his hoodie off for now, there's not much point hiding it any more when they're alone.]

Not where I'm from either, just this one.

[He goes back to his soup, finishing off his first serving and immediately ladling himself more.]

Is there anyone here from your Earth?

[signifies]

No. There's people who might recognise me like this.

[ Dick knows but he has his own secret to guard. Others recognise Metropolis. ]

No one from mine exactly.

[advanced]

[A few weeks ago he wouldn't have understood that, now he's met another version of himself and he understands all too well.]

There are people here from mine, they're looking for me.

[signifies]

I'm not going to tell anyone where you are, if you're worried about that.

[ Unless he's in trouble and needs it. Bucky made him this promise, and Clark sees it as only fair he promise the same. ]

[advanced]

[He nods, he'll have to believe that for now.]

Thank you.

[He actually gets a tiny smile at his lips then.]

It's better for them if they don't find me.

[signifies]

[ This is too small a place to avoid someone forever.

Clark redirects. ]

Do you have any other questions for me?

[advanced]

[His eyes narrow, but he shakes his head.]

A lot, but they can wait. I don't interrogate my allies.

[And that's what they are, isn't it? Tentative and tenuous, but allies nonetheless.]

[signifies]

[ Clark raises his eyebrows briefly. Then, he smiles. ]

How's the soup?

[advanced]

Hot, fresh. That makes it good.

[He demonstrates how good by downing the last bit, and then stands up, stretching.]

I should go. But I'll be back.

[signifies]

[ He nods. ]

Just have a look around and see where you want to climb up. It'll be here if you want to come back on your own.

[advanced]

[He stands up and shoulders his backpack.

There's not been a lot of reason to use polite goodbyes in a long time, so he doesn't even think about it. He just nods and then turns abruptly to walk off. Clark will probably hear him scouting the perimeter and then, despite what he had said about letting Clark carry him back up, scaling the cliffs to get back up to where he can head into town.

He'll be back, but probably not for a few days. He has a lot to think about, Clark's whole story and having a sort-of ally is a bit much to take in all at once.]