21 ⚜ Misfired Text

[restingstitchface]

[Attached is a single message: it's not the worst he's written, but it's up there.]

Is it unethical to inform children Santa isn't real?

Comments

[restingstitchface]

[Is he going to have to lock you in the basement again, Clark?]

No. But hypothetical existence doesn't make a person real. Now, if you were talking about the effect of this Christmas tradition on the human psyche, however...

[andaway]

[Thing about facing your biggest fears, Crane... is one you face them they aren't all that scary anymore.]

We can talk about that, sure. Are you miffed nearly everyone is cheery and happy around Christmas? Or mad you know you will only get coal?

[restingstitchface]

[Nothing's that scary anymore, honestly. And that's the problem.]

You tell me. You understand me better than I know myself, clearly.

[andaway]

[Kal snorts, probably enjoying this more than he should considering who he's talking to.]

Well, I think you were trying to spark a certain reaction out of people. How's that working out for you?

[restingstitchface]

Well, the person I intended messaging responded in the predicted manner.

[Caught him red-handed, Supes. Look at all those sparks flying.]

It's working out fine. Thank you.

[andaway]

I'd say 'congrats' but you getting what you want doesn't usually work out for me.

How many kids have seen this?

[restingstitchface]

[He calculates an estimate and shrugs.]

Well, that depends. Are you referring to external subjects or native ones?

[Subjects. Still, imports or locals, Superman?]

[andaway]

[Kal's lips twitch downwards. Now that way of referring to kids is definitely a way to get on his nerves.]

I'm referring to kids in general, Mr Crane. So both I suppose.

[restingstitchface]

[Ooooh. There it is!

He offers a calculated number; an accurate estimation of the combined total. Then adds:]

Well, that's not accounting for social media. Is this network live?

[andaway]

I think so. If it's not live it's close enough.

What made you think this was a good thing to share in public, where children could see? You were a child once.

[restingstitchface]

[For the time being, he chooses to set aside his anger and vulnerability. His impatience to right a wrong. The chances of him voluntarily showing weakness to Superman is, well, low.]

Yes. And?

Has it skipped your mind that this was intended to be a private communication?

[Get angry? Get defensive.]

[andaway]

[Kal opens his mouth to retort, but then... thinks better of it and closes it. Crane's got a point there, he has to admit that much.]

The network seems to be malfunctioning lately. I suppose that's not your fault. You seem awfully blase about it though.

[restingstitchface]

Oh, I wouldn't say that's true. If I were, I... oh, you can't blame me.

[His tone drops off, silent.]

A crisis became an opportunity. You guys take advantage of this all the time.

[andaway]

[That makes Kal frown.] I don't follow.

Because I'm sure you don't think we see people in danger, hurt or dying as an opportunity.

[restingstitchface]

No, I hardly believe it's just you. Everybody sees crisis as opportunity. Do you believe you're the exemption?

[andaway]

Other way round, Mr Crane. I think you're trying to make yourself feel better about your lack of empathy by assuming everyone is like you.

We aren't.

[restingstitchface]

[He mockingly frowns, even with the absence of his title. Tilts his head and exaggerates his pout.]

Oh, I think that's obvious.

[He sounds almost normal when he says it: that he is better than everyone else.]

[andaway]

[Kal has to roll his eyes at that.]

Anyone who has to put others down to feel taller is a very small person indeed. Goodbye, Mr Crane. [Who's done Kal's done.]