Fic: It Happened One Night (2/5)
Aug. 21st, 2007 12:33 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
bradygirl_12Author: BradyGirl_12
Pairings/Characters: (this chapter): Clark/Bruce
Category: Drama
Rating (this chapter): PG-13
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
General Summary: Fresh-off-the-farm Clark discovers new experiences in the Big City.
Summary: Tinseltown glamour is just too glittery to resist! :)
Date Of Completion: August 17, 2007
Date Of Posting: August 21, 2007
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 828
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
Author’s Note:
greeneyelove requested “Clark and Bruce meet and have a one-night stand (or so they think) and then they discover who the other really is” from my DCU GSB Fic Request Meme. All chapters can be found here.II
COMING ATTRACTIONS
Clark and Jim walked in the fresh night air, Clark impressed by its clear quality. Usually city air was a poor comparison to the country air he was accustomed to breathing.
Clark had to concentrate on blocking out the sounds of the city. So many sounds, so many people! He hoped his lack of conversation didn’t put off Jim.
As they continued to Jim’s hotel, Clark felt himself getting more and more nervous. He wanted this, but what if he messed it up? He wasn’t experienced, after all.
His stomach began to jump. He just hoped this guy wouldn’t end up laughing in his face.
“Hmm, looks like it’s still a hot movie.”
“Hmm?”
Jim pointed to the marquee of The Bijou across the street: It Happened One Night, Starring Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert. A long line stretched down the block.
“Oh, yeah.” Clark brightened. “I’ve heard it’s real good.”
“Want to go see it? My treat.”
Clark looked at Jim. Was he trying to back out?
Jim’s smile seemed genuine, and Clark liked the idea. It felt like a date. For his first time, it felt right.
“Yeah.” Clark’s smile was dazzling. “I’d like that.”
So they got in line, Jim flirting with the girls in front of them, Clark smiling shyly.
Just two buddies out for a good time.
Of course, the girls thought they were out for a heterosexual good time. Fine, as it was a good cover. Where better to pick up girls than at this movie?
Jim was a generous date. He bought Clark and himself popcorn, Coke, Good ‘N’ Plentys, and Jujube Fruits. Jim led them to seats in the back, but not the balcony, and Clark was glad. He would have felt uncomfortable with all the heterosexual couples necking around him up there.
The first feature was a Max Fleischer Popeye cartoon, Clark amused by the feisty seaman gaining super-strength via a can of Spinach.
The next cartoon was Disney’s Mickey Mouse, and Jim whispered, “Amazing that a man can build an empire based on a rodent.”
Clark grinned and whispered back, “I think it’s the ears. Very cute.”
Jim chuckled and ate his popcorn.
Next was a Three Stooges short, Men In Black, spoofing the Clark Gable movie, Men In White, a serious hospital film. Naturally, Moe, Larry, and Curly set their hospital on its head. Both Clark and Jim chuckled at its Chief of Staff asking, “What did you do for the patient in Room 347?” and Curly’s snappy answer, “Nothin’! What did he ever do for us?” The theme of the short, “For Duty and Humanity!” was spoofing the Gable flick, but Clark liked it. It was a motto worth having, in his opinion.
Movietone News flickered on next, the announcer’s stentorian voice saying, “The First Lady made a visit to the coal miners of West Virginia, putting on a hard hat and taking the elevator down to talk to the men.”
“Amazing woman,” Jim murmured.
More New Deal projects were touted, an artist painting a mural for the WPA; boys and young men planting trees for the CCC; and work on the power projects of the TVA in Tennessee.
The international news featured a rally at Nuremberg, the still-new Chancellor, Adolph Hitler, ranting as the pageantry caught the eye, hundreds of people working in perfect unison as they cheered and saluted, “Heil Hitler!”
Clark frowned. He didn’t like the pronouncements coming out of Germany. Anti-Semitism existed in America, but the Nazis were hammering against Jews with extremely vile statements and laws.
The Coming Attractions started, Clark relaxing. He didn’t want to think about Europe tonight. He wanted to enjoy the movie and the company of the man next to him.
As the films The Black Cat, Cleopatra, The Gay Divorcee, and The Thin Man were touted, he wondered if Jim had sensed his nervousness and suggested this movie to calm him down. If Jim was that attuned and considerate, Clark felt that he could trust him with what was to come later. He hoped that he was reading his companion correctly.
The attractions finished with trailers for The Lost Patrol, Manhattan Melodrama, Of Human Bondage, One Night Of Love, The Scarlet Pimpernel, and Tarzan And His Mate, then the main feature, It Happened One Night, began.
The movie captivated Clark. A screwball comedy, it was fast-paced and irreverent, and Clark wanted to be like Clark Gable’s character, reporter Peter Warne. Chasing after a rich heir instead of heiress, falling in love while making snappy patter, and the promise of sex…
Clark watched as Claudette Colbert’s character, Ellie Andrews, insisted on putting a blanket between their twin beds in their cabin, and Gable’s sardonic crack about “The Walls of Jericho” as he walked around bare-chested instead of wearing an undershirt like most men wore.
By the end of the movie, the Walls of Jericho tumbled down.
Clark hoped the same would happen for him.
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no subject
Date: 2007-08-21 04:53 am (UTC)LOL. I love that line. Priceless. I adore this story. I love the build up and poor Clark...nervous and sweet Clark is always the best.
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Date: 2007-08-21 05:01 am (UTC)LOL. I love that line. Priceless. I adore this story. I love the build up and poor Clark...nervous and sweet Clark is always the best.
:)
Yes, that movie just dovetailed so nicely with reporter and heir(ess)! ;)
Nervous and sweet Clark is always fun, isn't he? :)
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Date: 2007-08-21 05:23 am (UTC)And this part made me chuckle:
The next cartoon was Disney’s Mickey Mouse, and Jim whispered, “Amazing that a man can build an empire based on a rodent.”
Clark grinned and whispered back, “I think it’s the ears. Very cute.”
Building an empire based on a rodent. Yeah because you wouldn't know *anything* about that, would you Bruce? *wink* And it made me wonder if modern day Clark thinks the ears on the Batsuit are cute, lol.
no subject
Date: 2007-08-22 01:26 am (UTC)Writing Adorable Clark is so easy! :)
And this part made me chuckle:
The next cartoon was Disney’s Mickey Mouse, and Jim whispered, "Amazing that a man can build an empire based on a rodent."
Clark grinned and whispered back, "I think it’s the ears. Very cute."
Building an empire based on a rodent. Yeah because you wouldn't know *anything* about that, would you Bruce? *wink* And it made me wonder if modern day Clark thinks the ears on the Batsuit are cute, lol.
Heh heh. I think Bruce hasn't decided on his costume yet, but who knows? Maybe this conversation comes to mind when he does! *snicker*
And I bet Clark does think the Bat-ears are cute. ;)
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Date: 2007-08-21 07:32 am (UTC)I'll have to keep an eye out for more of this while I'm traveling!
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Date: 2007-08-22 01:37 am (UTC)I couldn't resist this movie! :) I saw it years ago on TV and loved it. It's just a sparkling example of Depression-era screwball comedy.
And Clark Gable was such a big star back then. It's a nice little touch that Edith Keeler mentions a Gable movie in ST's "City On The Edge Of Forever".
I'll have to keep an eye out for more of this while I'm traveling!
Oh, yes! :)
no subject
Date: 2007-08-21 07:41 am (UTC)I enjoyed that you detailed the features they saw and their reaction to them. Nervous Clark was adorable and, for some reason, I love picturing them seeing a movie together and sharing the emotions the story made them feel.
I look forward to the hotel room experience. :)
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Date: 2007-08-22 01:40 am (UTC)I enjoyed that you detailed the features they saw and their reaction to them. Nervous Clark was adorable and, for some reason, I love picturing them seeing a movie together and sharing the emotions the story made them feel.
Thank you, CAT! :)
I hadn't intended for them to see a movie, but when the title hit me and I thought about it, it seemed appropriate. :)
I look forward to the hotel room experience. :)
Yes, that'll be the next chapter! :)
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Date: 2007-08-21 11:36 am (UTC)I'm looking forward to more.
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Date: 2007-08-22 01:48 am (UTC)Thank you, Louise! :)
The poor boy just hasn't had much experience, so he's a tad nervous. :)
And such a super-strong person being so vulnerable/adorable is always a big fascination of the character for me.
I'm looking forward to more.
I aim to please! :)
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Date: 2007-08-21 02:20 pm (UTC)And I couldn't believe the movie you chose was one that I've actually seen! :p
Love the slight tension and apprehension you're building up here.
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Date: 2007-08-22 01:56 am (UTC)Thank you, Saavikam! :)
I remember my parents saying how they got to see all that stuff before a movie: cartoons, shorts, Movietone news in addition to the coming attractions. All for a quarter! :)
And I couldn't believe the movie you chose was one that I've actually seen! :p
It's a fun movie, isn't it? :)
Love the slight tension and apprehension you're building up here.
Originally I had them going right from the bar to the hotel, but they got sidetracked. :)
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Date: 2007-08-21 03:45 pm (UTC)Angeloz
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Date: 2007-08-22 02:19 am (UTC)I love old movies! :) I checked some facts on-line but I remember the movie pretty clearly. It's a classic! :)
I'm also wondering will it only be five stories or will there be more arcs? I like it so far but you sure do tease. Naughty naughty. ;-)
Angeloz
I know, such a tease! ;)
For now, I'm pretty sure this will be a one-shot, but I've also learned never to say never! ;)
no subject
Date: 2007-08-21 07:04 pm (UTC)Bruce and Clark are both so sweet in this! :D
The first feature was a Max Fleischer Popeye cartoon, Clark amused by the feisty seaman gaining super-strength via a can of Spinach.
Popeye! :)
“Amazing that a man can build an empire based on a rodent.”
Isn't it? LOL
He hoped that he was reading his companion correctly.
Bruce can be very sweet when he wants to be, Clark! Which I'm sure you'll learn soon. ;)
Clark hoped the same would happen for him.
They will, Clark! :)
Lovely chapter! I hope there's more soon!
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Date: 2007-08-22 02:29 am (UTC)Bruce and Clark are both so sweet in this! :D
I like sweet Bruce and Clark. :)
The first feature was a Max Fleischer Popeye cartoon, Clark amused by the feisty seaman gaining super-strength via a can of Spinach.
Popeye! :)
I yam what I yam. ;)
"Amazing that a man can build an empire based on a rodent."
Isn't it? LOL
Quite amazing! ;)
He hoped that he was reading his companion correctly.
Bruce can be very sweet when he wants to be, Clark! Which I'm sure you'll learn soon. ;)
It is amazing that Bruce can be so sweet. It's often brought out by Clark.
Clark hoped the same would happen for him.
They will, Clark! :)
Next chapter, in fact. ;)
Lovely chapter! I hope there's more soon!
Hopefully not too long before the next post!
no subject
Date: 2007-08-21 09:26 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-08-22 02:42 am (UTC)The funny thing is that I hadn't intended any first date stuff but then it just kinda worked out that way. :)
I love that "Jim" made sure to buy lots of goodies at the movie.
Well, 'Cal's' a growing boy. ;)
Glad you liked this, Jeannev! :)
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Date: 2007-08-21 09:45 pm (UTC)These two are so adorable.
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Date: 2007-08-22 02:52 am (UTC)I wonder if they'll get free dishes? ;) A lot of Depression-era theaters gave away all sorts of things to help draw in customers, though many people would have gone, anyway, as the movies were great escapism.
These two are so adorable.
Thank you, Ladybug! Glad you enjoyed this, and it's always a lot of fun to write Adorable Clark and Bruce. :)
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Date: 2007-08-22 12:13 am (UTC)I love the idea of Bruce and Clark getting together before they know who each other are, and it's nice to see the theme tackled from a different angle.
I'm not sure about depth with which the movie trailers break into the scene but I know that I am an impatient bastard so it's probably just me. So ignore me and get the next chapter out.
*cracks whip*
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Date: 2007-08-22 03:01 am (UTC)I'm glad to hear you can begin reading my fic again, Sasha! :)
I love the idea of Bruce and Clark getting together before they know who each other are, and it's nice to see the theme tackled from a different angle.
I'm not sure about depth with which the movie trailers break into the scene but I know that I am an impatient bastard so it's probably just me. So ignore me and get the next chapter out.
LOL! Well, I couldn't resist most of those movie titles. I mean, titles like "The Black Cat"! And "The Scarlet Pimpernel" which is a precursor to all our modern superheroes. ;)
*cracks whip*
Is that a Catwoman cat-o'-nine-tails special? ;)
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Date: 2007-09-03 04:40 pm (UTC)Well if you'd stop being so prolific...lol
You'll post the first chapter in the morning when I can't read it and by the time I get home, chapter 10 will already be posted. :D
Slow down and give me a chance to catch up.
*snickers*
Is that a Catwoman cat-o'-nine-tails special? ;)
Sure. We can make it that. But only if you want it to be.
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Date: 2007-09-03 06:06 pm (UTC)Well if you'd stop being so prolific...lol
You'll post the first chapter in the morning when I can't read it and by the time I get home, chapter 10 will already be posted. :D
Slow down and give me a chance to catch up.
*snickers*
Enjoy it while you can, m'dear! :)
Is that a Catwoman cat-o'-nine-tails special? ;)
Sure. We can make it that. But only if you want it to be.
Let's go with the Selina Special. ;)
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Date: 2007-09-06 01:33 am (UTC)Who are you kidding?
You'll slow down when you're dead. lol
Let's go with the Selina Special. ;)
*mimes zipping lips*
No comment.
no subject
Date: 2007-09-06 01:48 am (UTC)Who are you kidding?
You'll slow down when you're dead. lol
LOL!
Let's go with the Selina Special. ;)
*mimes zipping lips*
No comment.
;)
no subject
Date: 2007-08-23 01:40 pm (UTC)Shy Clark is always a favorite of mine but I hadn't even realized how much I wanted to see Bruce use all of his Bat-trained focus to be kind rather than applying it harshly as a weapon against evil.
The line about "Jim" being a generous date, and the litany of snacks was perfect. It's easy for Bruce to be that type of generous, and natural for Clark to appreciate it, but neither fact detracts from the virtues employed.
In this sentence--"The First Lady made a visit to the cool miner of West Virginia, putting on a hard hat and taking the elevator down to talk to the men.” is it possible you meant 'coal mines' or is there really a news clip about a specific cool miner? Sorry if I'm nitpicking.
Anyway, thanks for this story. I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment. Any chance it will feature the sort of innocent and covert necking that happens at the backs of theatres, as well as in the balconies?
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Date: 2007-08-23 09:05 pm (UTC)Thank you, Lunacie! :)
Shy Clark is always a favorite of mine but I hadn't even realized how much I wanted to see Bruce use all of his Bat-trained focus to be kind rather than applying it harshly as a weapon against evil.
Exactly! It's great to see Bruce this way.
The line about "Jim" being a generous date, and the litany of snacks was perfect. It's easy for Bruce to be that type of generous, and natural for Clark to appreciate it, but neither fact detracts from the virtues employed.
*nods* I've always felt that Bruce is generous with his money. Some rich people aren't!
In this sentence--"The First Lady made a visit to the cool miner of West Virginia, putting on a hard hat and taking the elevator down to talk to the men.” is it possible you meant 'coal mines' or is there really a news clip about a specific cool miner? Sorry if I'm nitpicking.
LOL! Good catch! Though I suppose it could have been a cool miner. ;) *goes off to fix*
Anyway, thanks for this story. I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment. Any chance it will feature the sort of innocent and covert necking that happens at the backs of theatres, as well as in the balconies?
Sorry, not in this story, but there could be other Golden or Silver Age stories to write with that thought in mind! :)
Ah ha! Another Due South fan I see by your icon. *luvs*