I mean it's true, is it not? The only darker thing is how bad Spider-Man gets done.
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The reception was in full swing, laughter and music filling the grand hall that had been prepared for the celebration. Long tables lined with an abundance of food stretched across the room, each dish meticulously prepared with flavors from different parts of the world, honoring the diverse backgrounds of the guests in attendance. The air was alive with the sound of glasses clinking and friends reuniting.
Clark stood near one of the food tables, a plate of hors d'oeuvres in his hand, taking a moment to compose himself. Even in such a joyful environment, he had to be extra mindful of his strength. A burst of excitement or a careless gesture could accidentally shatter a glass or send a chair flying. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his heart, which was still racing from the wedding ceremony.
"What's wrong?" came a voice smooth and confident, but with an edge that made Clark's smile falter. It was a voice Clark had come to recognize with growing dread. He turned to see Lex Luthor, dressed immaculately in a tailored suit, his expression a mask of practiced charm. Luthor approached with his hands raised in mock surrender, his smirk firmly in place.
"What do you want, Luthor?" Clark asked, his voice calm but his posture subtly tensing.
Lex's eyes twinkled with faux innocence. "Whoa, calm down, buddy. You act like I'm some sort of villain," he joked, though the humor was cold. He leaned in, lowering his voice as his cheerful facade slipped into a more calculating demeanor. "But I do have something to ask of you."
Clark's grip on his plate tightened ever so slightly. "And what exactly is that supposed to be?"
Lex gestured around, as if taking in the scene. "A wedding," he drawled, as if the word were unfamiliar on his tongue. "A normal event between normal people," he mocked, though his gaze swept over the crowd filled with some of the world's most powerful beings. "It's quite the sight, isn't it? Superman, Wonder Woman, The Living Cyborg, Aquaman, all gathered under one roof. And yet... where's our favorite shadowy vigilante? Where's Batman?"
Clark's jaw clenched imperceptibly, but he gave no outward reaction. Lex's eyes narrowed as he continued, "I still haven't figured out who he is. Or rather, I thought I did. I was convinced Bruce Wayne was Batman, but now... I'm not so sure. After all, Batman and Bruce Wayne have been seen at the same time." He paused, leaning in a little closer. "But something still doesn't add up. There's no way it's a coincidence, is there?"
Clark met Lex's gaze, his blue eyes unwavering. "And why are you telling me this?"
Lex's smile widened, though it held no warmth. "Because I just want to know. How close is Bruce Wayne to Batman? How close are you to your so-called 'Justice League'?" His voice dropped to a whisper, tinged with the dangerous curiosity of a man who played games with gods. "But I suppose talking about the Bat is boring, right?"
Clark remained silent, but his muscles tensed, ready for anything.
Lex took a step back, spreading his hands in a gesture of mock magnanimity. "I'm here to call a truce, Clark. You're a married man now. Did you know that in times of war, newly married soldiers were given a year to spend with their wives before returning to battle?" His voice took on a more ominous tone. "So, for the next year, I won't touch you or Lois. No schemes, no plots. Scouts honor." He placed a hand over his chest, as if making a genuine vow.
Clark raised an eyebrow, his skepticism evident. "And I suppose you want something in exchange for this... so-called truce?"
Lex chuckled, the sound echoing through the hall. "Of course I do! What's the point of offering something for nothing?" He leaned in once more, his voice a mocking whisper. "All I ask, Superman, is that you keep doing what you always do. Keep making the most heroic choice, whatever that may be."
With that, Lex straightened, the smug grin never leaving his face. "Enjoy your special day, Clark," he said, patting Clark's shoulder in a way that felt far too intimate, far too patronizing. As he walked away, Mercy Graves fell in step beside him, her expression impassive, but her eyes ever watchful.
Clark watched the two of them leave, his mind swirling with thoughts. Lex's words were never simple; they always carried layers of meaning and hidden threats. But this was his wedding day. This was Lois's day. He couldn't let Lex Luthor steal that from them. Not now.
Taking a steadying breath, Clark composed himself, setting aside his worries for the moment. He turned back to the party, forcing himself to smile as he rejoined his friends. He found Lois, who was laughing with Diana and Mera, and the sight of her was like a beacon of light in the darkness that Lex always managed to bring with him.
"Everything okay?" Lois asked, her laughter fading slightly as she saw the tension in his eyes.
Clark softened, leaning in to kiss her forehead. "Yeah. Everything's perfect," he lied, but it was a lie he needed to believe. For today, at least, he had to make it true.
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[Auther: As you can see, Luthor came to this party purely to be cautious with this.]