Crossover Fic: "Arrival" Series

[lilly-pilly.livejournal.com]

Title: First Day

Author: lilly_pilly

Fandoms: Smallville/ X-men movie crossover

Summary: Continuance of'Arrival.'An unscheduled arrival in Clark’s world profoundly alters the flow of destiny for Smallville.

Disclaimer: Neither Smallville nor the X-men are mine.

 

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“So tell me about yourself.”

 

There was a click and thud that Scott identified as Chloe turning on a tape recorder and setting it on the table. Judging from the sound of her voice, she was practically bouncing up and down in her enthusiasm. He imagined her like Jubilee; dark hair twisted up into the latest fad, a brash shade of lipstick, and seemingly mismatched clothes that according to the students were the height of fashion.

 

“I would like to, Miss Sullivan,” he said, adding firmly: “Another day. Right now, I believe you were here to talk about yourself.”

 

As he talked, he ran his fingertips ran across the brail report in front of him, quickly skimming through it. ‘Tenacious’ was the word Chloe’s teachers used, as well as ‘nosy’ and ‘confounded nuisance.’ She had all the earmarks of a student who didn’t actively set out to subvert authority but did it as naturally as breathing. Other of her teachers were more kind, describing in glowing terms her quick mind and talent for writing.

 

“Oh, I just said that to get in the door,” Chloe said dismissively. “I was actually hoping for an interview with Smallville High’s very first guidance counsellor.”

 

If nothing else, he had to admire her brass. Not a lot of students would admit to a boldfaced lie and demand an interview in the same breath.

 

“I’m flattered,” he said with a pleasant smile. “ But I’m really rather boring. I’m afraid your article would be rather short.

 

“Not at all!” There was a rustle as she drew something out of her bag. A pad and pencil, he presumed. “For example, how did you get this job?”

 

“The same as anyone else, Miss Sullivan. The position was available, and so was I.”

 

“So, you have experience in working with teenagers?”

 

“A great deal.”

 

“That’s funny.” Her bright tones turned brisk and business-like. “Because I can’t find a mention of you at any school in America. Or in any teaching course in any university. In fact, I can’t find a mention of you anywhere. It’s as if Scott Summers doesn’t exist.”

 

He hadn’t been an X-men for years without learning how to handle surprise attacks. He kept a bland, pleasant expression on his face. His glasses helped with that, no matter that they were now dark plastic, not processed ruby quartz, and fairly useless for anything else except hiding the tape keeping his eyelids shut. 

 

“That’s commendable research, Miss Sullivan. Are your sources reliable?”

 

“I hacked into the Government Education Department,” she said smugly. “Doesn’t get any more reliable than that.”

 

“I see.”

 

There was a rustle as she leaned forward.

 

“Do you have any comment on Lexcorp’s recent, very generous donation towards the school’s psychology department?”

 

“He was very generous.” Scott’s tone was so bland it was difficult to tell if he was dead-serious, joking, or being sarcastic. Very few had ever gotten his dead-pan sense of humour. “But Miss Sullivan, I must commend your courage.”

 

He didn't need to see her smile faltering.

 

“You do?”

 

“Yes. Not many students would have the integrity to admit hacking into a government department.”

 

“I – ”

 

“I don’t think the principle needs to hear about this, since no harm was done. Of course, if it happens again, you won’t get off with just a warning.”

 

“But – ”

 

He stood and made his way to the door, threading his way unerringly between furniture mapped out in his mind. Spatial ability had it’s uses.

 

He opened the door.

 

“It’s been a pleasure, Miss Sullivan. But if you don’t mind, I have other students to see. Ones with real problems.”

 

He couldn’t resist that last sally. Chloe huffed and gathered up her belongings. She stalked out, outrage fairly vibrating off her. He didn’t need her to tell him that this wasn’t over. He suddenly understood why her teachers grew so frustrated with her. No secret was safe around this girl. With very little information, and a lot of intuition, she’d added up the information in the correct order. She’d bear watching.

 

Later.

 

Right now, he was on his first day of a new job, and his next appointment was waiting.

 

“Greg Arkin!”

 

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Comments

[tptigger.livejournal.com]

I'd be up for it, but I haven't seen more than about four episodes of Smallville since season 2.