I'll Never Let You Down

Clark Kent
Superman
Played by Harley. Quinn

For as long as Tess could remember, all she knew was petty crime and sleeping on the streets. She would steal to eat and get by, nabbing food from poorly secured gas stations and grocers, and small bills out unsuspecting people she passed on the street. The girl had been orphaned at the young age of nine when her parents had mysteriously just vanished. With the disappearance of her family, she knew what would be coming next. Orphanages, foster families, adoptive parents... It terrified her. Tess was a smart young girl, so before she could be taken by the authorities, she ran away herself.

She only had one friend, a pale freckled girl with fiery red hair who was right around her age. Her name was Ivy Pepper and she had spectacular gifts when it came to botany, and some supernatural ones she wasn't aware of yet. The two were practically always inseparable and always getting into trouble. They had caught the attention of the Metropolis Police Department on numerous occasions, but tonight for her would be a little different. The unlawful pair were about to find themselves under the stern eye of the golden boy of Metropolis. Their very own superhero.

Superman.

Luckily for the two, it wouldn't actually be for anything they would do that night. Well, sort of. Tess had just returned to where she had left Pepper; in a small alley sandwiched between a small bank and a vacant storefront. Her friend was curled up on their pile of blankets shielded from the street view by the dumpster. "Here, dinner." Tess tossed the girl a gas station hotdog and sipped from her own large fountain drink. None of which she had paid for. The pale blonde was just about to take a seat next to her friend when she heard shattering glass only a few feet from where they planned to sleep. Turning on her heel sharply, she quickly sat her drink down next to Ivy and ran to the opening of the alley.

Broken glass littered the sidewalk, but there were no civilians around to witness the break-in. A group of ragtag thugs had smashed the front window of the bank to get inside, instantly setting off any and all security alarms. Her friend appeared behind her like a ghost, her cold hand brushing Tess's exposed shoulder. "We should get out of here, it's not safe..." Ivy was always the more level headed of the two, but Tess was much too impulsive.

"Are you kidding? It's not like I broke the window!" Her laugh echoed through the alley as she ran to the shattered window. After all, she figured at the most only cops would arrive and she had outmaneuvered them more times than she could count. And surely, they would be focused on the big goons wearing ski masks and she only planned to grab what she could stuff in her pockets. Once inside, Tess could hear the idiots fumbling around in the safe, but she decided to jump over the clerks counter. This was a family-owned bank, so there were no security measures like bulletproof glass or huge steel safes. The young girl pulled out a lockpick from her pocket and began to work on one of the registers sitting behind the counter. Her ears perked open when she heard a weird ruffling noise coming from the window. Snapping her head to the side, her eyes widened when she saw a muscular shadow and saw a bright red cape wafting softly around the man's frame in the gentle breeze.

Quickly ducking down behind the counter, she clutched her hands over her mouth, hoping he hadn't seen her or could hear her. She hoped the loud men in the back of the bank had his full attention. It was obvious who it was and her heart was racing a mile a minute in her chest. He'd be a little harder to dodge than the police...

Clark Kent has always been taught to be a good person, from the moment his adoptive parents took him in. He always did was right and fought to protect those that didn’t have the means to protect themselves. It was a difficult time for him, people were afraid of him and his powers. They were also angry with him, he was an immigrant from a different world people didn’t like what they don’t understand . He was told to keep his superpowers a secret, that the world wasn’t ready to see him for who he really was. That was understandable but Clark was overwhelmed with worry that he might put his family through something. So he gave himself a different identity, one that would bring hope to the people, he wanted them to trust him. After all he was here to help, he wanted to help humanity.

Superman. That’s the name the gave him, something he felt rather strange but if it made them feel more secure he would adjust to it which he did. He saved millions of lives with his League friends, but also helped on the small scale like robberies. He did things by the law, that’s the way it should be. Though he did butt heads with Bruce about it, Gotham was a different place, it wasn’t anything like Smallville or Metropolis. Maybe that city needed someone as harsh as Batman. Clark wasn’t going to argue with him about how to run his city.

Flying was one of his favorites, he enjoyed the breeze on his face, the wind in his hair. Waving at small children who admired him the people adored him. He was always kind, tried to stop by at charity events or visit sick patients when given the time. He was what Americans should aspire to be, that’s what everyone said, and sure there were still people who didn’t like him or trust him, but the majority loved him. He was so down to earth and polite and yet so much power. He could crush everyone if he wanted. Clark wasn’t like that he was not going to abuse his power. That’s why people loved him. His good nature and willingness to help those in need.

—

Just another last look at the city before heading home, it had been busy crime never seems to take a break. While the cops had to chase off robbers Superman flew to where the break in was. He sighed as he looked at the mess, he could hear two young women and they were speaking. He’d take care of them after he secured everything. After a few minutes of cleaning up and leaving the place spotless. Speed was another favorite. He turned around “I would turn in what you’ve stolen, this bank is run by honest working people, it’s be a shame to have to turn you in for stealing some cash.” He was calm and collected and willing to give them a chance. After all they eere young women with their whole life ahead.

@ dezzy

Tess had taken the first opportunity to dart out of the bank. The moment Superman's back was turned to her, she grabbed what little cash she could and "made a break for it back out through the shattered window. She could hear her heartbeat in her ears and feel her heart thumping in her chest.

Outside, walking back down the alley towards Ivy, she pulled the only bundle of cash she was able to grab. One hundred single dollar bills. "Not what I had planned, but we need to get out of here. You won't believe who showed up." She grabbed her friend by the shoulder and pulled her up from behind the dumpster. The pair ran out onto the street quickly, trying to go as fast as their feet would carry them.

How do you outrun a superhero though?

"... It'd be a shame to have to turn you in for stealing some cash."

The girls froze where they stood. Tess turned around quietly, her hands stuffed tightly in the pockets of her jacket. "I didn't manage to take anything. You scared me off." She was lying through her teeth, but she'd be damned if she gave up the money.

@ Harley. Quinn

Clark sighed softly shaking his head, even if he didn’t have X-ray vision he knew she was lying. “You and I both know that’s not true, now I really would rather not turn you in. I can sense your fear but if you need help, I will gladly help you in anyway that I can. You need food or shelter?” He stopped floating and was now slowly walking up to them.

He wasn’t sure what these girls had been through and wasn’t going to invade their privacy. He would hope they’d come to their senses, sure a hundred dollars might not be much but he didn’t want to see them keep doing this. Petty crimes, stealing, he wanted to help them.

@ dezzy

Tess couldn't help but scoff and shake her head. This symbol of Justice was wanting to help her. Before she could say anything, Ivy pulled on her sleeve and whispered, "It's not worth it. We can scrape something else up somewhere else."

Her hand tightened around the bundle of singles in her pocket. This money could mean an actual bed for the night, a hot meal, a shower.... She tensed her jaw, knowing Ivy was being more logical in the situation. They had been caught by Superman for God sakes. "It's a bundle of singles. It's not like their Bank isn't insured anyway." But she pulled the cash out of her pocket and threw it at his feet.

@ Harley. Quinn

Clark sighed and picked up the cash “it’s okay take it, I’ll just hand them my money, it’s fine, just don’t steal anymore. I’d you need a job or help, look me up. If I really focus I can hear anyone around the city.” Clark took another look at the girls remembering their faces. Before flying off leaving his calling card and off to the bank to hand them a hundred dollar bill.

He couldn’t imagine having to struggle but was willing to help anyone who needed help. Clark never thought of nhimself above others because of the power he possesses. Later the night Clark hung his cape and settled for the night , thinking about those women. He hoped everything would work out for them.

@ dezzy

Tess grew more frustrated the more she listened to him. How easy it was for someone like to him for offer charity. She grabbed the money back up and stuffed it in her jacket before looking over at Ivy. "What a saint." Tess rolled her eyes before ripping the calling card in half.

"Wait," Ivy grabbed the pieces before Tess could trash them. "Maybe you should keep that."

"Why?"

"He was willing to just toss out a hundred bucks. Maybe he'd do it again."

Tess looked down at the card that just had a number scrawled across it. "We don't need Superman." She proclaimed as if it was something to be proud of. Still, she found herself crumpling up the pieces and sliding them into her pocket.

---

A couple weeks had gone by and of course the girls hadn't listened to what the caped crusader had told them. How else would they survive if they didnt steal? Did he actually expect them to call?

The girls had forgotten what he had said about being able to hear anyone around the city though.

That particular night, Tess had tried to steal from a grocery store but had been caught red-handed before she could leave. She blamed it on the flu she had been trying to battle. Luckily, she had been able to run away and found an old abandoned warehouse to hold up in.

Her friend Ivy had been gone for a few days and not to mention winter was slowly rolling in.

"Fuck, I'm so hungry... And it's so god damn cold." Tess whispered under her breath, making a makeshift bed for herself.

@ Harley. Quinn

Clark couldn’t see the bad in people which is why Bruce always told him to be weary of humans. They lied, manipulate and killed each other on the daily basis, but they can also be passionate and understanding. Compassion shows through, and he has learned that not every person is bad and not every person is good. It’s a weird thing really.

“Still thinking about those two juvenile delinquent?” Diana asked him laughing a bit. “They were adults, and yes it’s weird. I offer my help, they reject me. I get it a lot of people have too much pride to accept help, they think it’s charity. But I’m just trying to help. Charity isn’t bad but I can see why people take it that way.” He sighed. “Don’t let them cloud your judgment Kal. Some women have a tendency to try to manipulate good men like you” Diana stood up “I’ve seen them do it. You’re a good person don’t be fooled by them.”

—

Of course he didn’t expect anything they probably forgot or had thrown the card away. Clark has been on a mission with Bruce and Diana overseas, something about a bombing that he diffused in seconds. Nothing could hurt him, except that damn green rock. Kryptonite. He walked into his small apartment and sighed. It had been a long day and he needed some sleep. Well, he could keep going but some rest would do his mind some good.

@ dezzy

Tess laid on the cold concrete floor of the warehouse, wearing the same one and only jacket she owned. Stuffing her hands into the pockets of the hoodie she felt the pieces of paper with his number scrawled on it. She tossed and we turned, running the idea of calling him through her mind. She hadn't tossed them out, for some reason she couldn't bring herself too.

Pulling herself to her feet, she walked out to the front of the warehouse. It was in a bad part of downtown, but on the street corner in front of it was a relic of s payphone. Surprisingly, it was still lit up and seemed to be working. A few working payphones were still scattered throughout the poor parts of Metropolis. Snow was falling down around her as she made her way to the phone booth and stepped inside.

Picking up the phone she placed it to her ear and fed the machine the only quarter she had before dialing his number. If it wasn't freezing and feeling like she was about to vomit from whatever sickness she had, she'd try scavenging or stealing for herself again. But this seemed like much easier of an option.

@ Harley. Quinn

Clark has been sleeping for a few hours before he heard the phone ring he was usually a light sleeper. He sat up yawning a bit as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. He sat up and looked at the time before picking up his phone that was strictly for the Justice League or help from citizens. Clark yawned softly before answering.

“Hello?” He wasn’t surprised by the hour of the cal, to be fair he’d get random calls all the time.

Quite frequently, usually from Bruce because he was a night owl, or a Bat, was a better way of describing him. This wasn’t Bruce however he knew that by the sound of the background.

“Who is this?” He asked calmly, wondering who else could be calling at this hour the rest of the League waiting til it was daylight.

@ dezzy

A part of Tess had been hoping that he wouldn't answer. She didn't want to have to ask someone for help, but she heard the other end pick up. He sounded groggy, she wondered if she had woken him up. It was well past midnight.

"Did I wake you up?" Tess started, feeling a bit awkward and not knowing how to go about this. "I ... Don't know if you'll remember me. The girl from the bank robbery?" She chewed on the inside of her lip, "Look I didn't want to call you, but-" she stopped. How was she supposed to tell him she was calling him for help because she tried robbing a grocery store and got caught? "I need help."

@ Harley. Quinn

Clark realized who it was and sat up shaking off the sleep, “it’s okay, I’ve been woken up before.” Clark was listening “I remember you,..” he let her finish speaking as he stood up to get some water. Once he heard she needed help he went back to her his super suit. “Where are you? I’ll go to you.. “ this was a step in the right direction.

Clark was hoping he could help this young woman however he could, “it’s fine, you’re not bother me.”

@ dezzy

Tess couldn't help be slightly annoyed at how eager he was to help. She didnt know why it sickened her as much as it did. "The old cannery warehouse downtown. The abandoned one. Thanks." She muttered before hanging the phone up quickly.

If only Ivy was with her, she wouldn't have had to resort to calling him. She stepped out of the phone booth and wrapped her arms around her torso trying to keep herself warm as she returned to her makeshift bed inside the warehouse.

@ Harley. Quinn

Clark knew exactly where she was and even if he didn’t he’d figure it out, as he flew he thought about this. Generally he didn’t help one on one without other people involved but he figured why not? He didn’t mean to sound eager about helping this woman he didn’t even know her name. Clark just felt the need to help people and he enjoyed bringing peace whenever he could.

Once he reached the destination he saw her he hoped she was all right. Slowly landing without causing so much wind. Clark made his way to the young woman, “are you all right?” He asked calmly.

@ dezzy

Tess looked up when she heard footsteps and saw the man walking through the crumbling building. "I'm as alright as I've ever been." She rubbed her arms, trying to stay warm. "I didn't want to call you, I can take care of myself-" she was interrupted by her own sneezing. It caused a shocking pain to rip through her skull. She winced before looking back up at him. "I'm just sick and hungry and didn't know who else to ask."

@ Harley. Quinn

Clark looked at the poor girl he could tell she was sick “come on, I know where a place we could go.” To make sure she didn’t feel like he was doing charity he made sure to call some friends instead of taking her to a soup kitchen. He could tell this girl was prideful, kind of like Bruce. “What’s your name by the way I never did ask, I’m sorry.”

@ dezzy

Tess frowned, but pulled herself up on her boots. She felt weak and dizzy, not to mention the overwhelming sense of nausea. She stood up to fast and immediately felt like she would fall over so she grabbed onto his arm to steady herself. As soon as she was balanced, she quickly stepped back and crossed her arms around herself.

"Tess..." She chewed on the inside of her lip before looking him up and down, "Do you have something else I can call you besides Superman?" She didn't mean for it to come out in a berating tone.

@ Harley. Quinn

Clark looked at her directly, helping her up, “do you mind if I carry you? Looks like you’re ready to pass out.” Before she could answer he picked up, “sorry habit I guess.” He gently flew off, he wasn’t sure what to make of the situation. He thought about a fake name, he couldn’t possibly give his own name Clark. He smiled softly.

“You can just call me Kal” as in Kal El, his given name. It wouldn’t relieve his earth name either. “It’s nice to meet you Tess”

@ dezzy

Tess had almost instantly forgotten that she had asked for his name, the moment he soared up into the sky. She quickly latched onto his chest, her hands gripping his shoulders tightly. She hadn't expected to fly today and on top of the nauseous feeling she held, she quickly tucked her head into Kal's neck to prevent getting sick. The moment she breathed in she caught his aroma, not sure if it was just a cologne he was wearing or what, but she caught the scent of cardamom and cedarwood. It was comforting and fresh and she couldn't deny she enjoyed it.

Once she got used to being in the sky, she tried to relax her stiffened muscles. She pulled her head away from his neck and looked up at him, trying to swallow her fear. She looked down and instantly tensed back up seeing just how high above the ground they where. They were flying amongst the clouds. Terrified, she spun her head back around and pressed back into his chest. "Well, I guess it was nice to meet you too, until this point." She laughed, trying to force the point she was joking even if it didn't look like it.

@ Harley. Quinn