The sound of typing blended in the scent of bitter coffee as the employees of the Daily Planet worked furiously to meet their deadline. This early in the morning  everyone usually worked in silence using coffee of energy drink to push them through the first drowsy hours of work. Irene Miranda usually enjoyed the sound of fingers tapping against the keys of a keyboard only at the moment they were fueling her anxiety as she waited for the arrival of Perry White.

Irene tapped her pen anxiously against the wooden surface of her desk knowing that she had work to do but wasn't in the state of mind to even attempt to focus on it. She continued to think about how she could approach her conversation with Perry from a new angle, though they've had this conversation multiple times in the past that it couldn't possibly result in a different outcome than before.

Five years with the Daily Planet and she had yet to get to the position she desired. For five years Irene was stuck covering fluff pieces and celebrity gossip along with Cat Grant, who was once again late but still managed to be one of the best reporters at The Daily Planet.

The sound of the elevator from the other side of the room snapped Irene out of her worries as she watched her editor-in-chief step out of the elevator a coffee and newspaper in his hands. Without a second thought she was on her feet trailing after him like she did every time she came across a potential story only to be shot down immediately. "Perry."

"Oh no, not this early in the day Miranda." Perry White immediately stated as unlocked his office hurrying inside in a hope that Irene wouldn't follow, but he was aware of just how persistent she could be. Irene realized that to many it could be irritating but she couldn't help her stubbornness, especially when it came to the possibility of a good story.

"Well, we wouldn't need to be having this conversation this early in the morning if you would have listened to me yesterday. Or the day after that. Or that day after that."  Irene argued as she came to a stop in front of his desk.

Perry gave her a stern look as he took a seat behind his desk bracing himself for the same conversation they seemed to always have. A reluctant look came over his face knowing that he had no other choice but to listen to her pitch. "Okay point taken. You have five minutes."

"The immigration piece that..."

"No." He cut off immediately having heard this pitch before, and if it were any other story Irene  would have already written her piece to present to Perry. But this wasn't any piece and she needed to money to travel to the border and complete her investigation. The immigration story was important to her and she recognized that the inability to write it was affecting her other work as she wasn't writing with the same passion as when she first started. "We've talked about this. You don't cover politics or social issues."

"Come on I'm not a cub reporter anymore, I can do bigger stories." She replied feeling her frustrations beginning to break through but immediately suppressing them knowing that she had to keep her professional  demeanor. The last things she wanted was to prove whatever reservations he had against her right. "You don't win a Pulitzer by writing fluff pieces and celebrity gossip."

"Cat Grant doesn't complain about covering celebrity gossip."

"Cat loves gossip its right down her alley." Irene argued which was true, if someone wanted to know the latest gossip circulating their office or even the building Cat Grant was the woman to go to. A fact that was ironic considering that Cat herself was never a point of gossip as she kept her private life extremely private.

Perry sighed as he took a long sip from his coffee befogging leaning forward and meeting Irene's expectant eyes. "You'll get there, but right now I need to go to Ace o' Clubs we have a scoop that Bibbo Bibbowski won the lottery and is donating it all to organizations in the Southside." 

Irene pressed her lips tightly together to prevent a frustrated groan from escaping her lips at the idea of covering yet another fluff piece that was going to get lost between all the other articles that readers would find more important. "You want me to go to Suicide Slum?"

"Take Olsen with you, you're going to need a photo for your piece."

As she began to think about new angles to take the Bibbowski story in anther potential story began to write itself in her mind. Just as quickly as disappointment took its hold on her, the potential of another piece completely consumed her. Since, she began her internship at the planet all Irene wanted to do was level up and become an investigative reporter. She knew that she could make it and that she could be as great of a reporter as Lois Lane, all she needed was the right story to prove Perry that she could handle more. "Since I'm heading over there I can collect testimonials from the residents of their thoughts on the obvious gentrification in that area of the city."

"No, you're going to talk to Bibbowski and you're going to come right back." Perry ordered and seeing there wasn't anything else to be discussed Irene headed towards the door. Maybe this wouldn't be the story that she was hungry for or that would change her career, but it would certainly keep her busy until that life changing story came her way. "And make sure you're back by 3 o'clock sharp for the budget meeting!"

"You just shot down all my stories so what's the point?" She questioned though her tone had gained a more playful tone, sure Perry hadn't given her the big break she desired but that didn't change the fact that she tended to have a good relationship with her boss. As tough as Perry could be there was no doubt that not only was he the best at his job, but that he really did care about all the reporters at the Planet. "Maybe I'll go to Gotham and join the Gazette. Or maybe I'll go freelance."

Perry White looked up from the paper in his hands, meeting her eyes with a blank expression that ironically enough said a thousand words. It could have been a look that was easily dismissed or unreadable, but as a reporter Irene had learned to read into the slightest expressions. "You can't you're under contract."

"Not for long." Irene muttered before she finally stepped out of the room, she knew Perry had heard but undoubtedly knew she was bluffing. One reason being that she wasn't desperate enough to move to Gotham which although guaranteed an exciting new story every week wasn't worth a near death experience every other day. The other reason was simply the fact that the Planet was one of the best in the business instead of moving forward, she would be falling backwards if she was mad enough to leave. But maybe giving Perry a good scare that it was a possibility could give her the edge she needed.

The second she steped outside the she was engulfed by frantic chatter and scuffling around the office which was a sign that everyone's daily cup of coffee had begun to kick in. After so many years of working at the Planet Irene had managed to memorize everyone's routines and habits, just like how she knew that once everyone came back from lunch later today they would once again fall into a silence as they fought off their fatigue.

As she quickly passed by everyone's cubicles she caught sight of Lombard headed her way with what looked like ticket clutched tightly on his hand. If there was anyone in the office who was painfully predictable it was Steven Lombard. The older reporter was the main sports columnist for the paper and was known to ask every woman in the office on a date a least once a week. "Irene..."

"Not now Lombard." She immediately dismissed the older reporter as she walked past him and towards her own workspace. As persistent as the man was he knew when someone wasn't in the mood for his advances, and Irene was relieved when he didn't follow her to her desk.

Sitting down she immediately went to work answering an emails that needed her attention before James Olsen stopped before her desk camera pointed at her. For a moment she considered simply ignoring Jimmy, but the photographer was admittedly her only friend both in and outside the office. She had a pretty friendly relationship with Cat Grant, Lois Lane and Ron Troupe but it never went beyond short exchanges as coworkers.

"Come on smile." He urged the camera still pointed at Irene waiting for a good shot, as irritated as she was it was almost impossible to be cruel or indifferent towards Jimmy. Anyway she needed him for the photos for her Bibbowski piece and the last thing she wanted was to travel with an upset Jimmy Olsen. Reluctantly she offered him a slight smile that lasted as long as a flash of a camera. "Perfect. That's going on the front page."

"Probably the only way I'll ever make the front page." She muttered as quickly began to pick up her belongings wanting to get a head start before they hit traffic. "Come on Jimmy we're going to the Southside."

"Wait we're going to Suicide Slum?" Jimmy questioned a hint of panic laced in his voice as he looked up from his camera, and his reaction was completely normal for someone who hardly stepped a foot in that area of the city. The Southside of Metropolis was known as Suicide Slum for a reason as it had the highest crime rates in the city that many compared it to Gotham with the exclusions of eccentric criminals and their unusual gimmicks.

The poverty stricken area of the city was highly neglected until recently when it begun to undergo obvious gentrification by city officials that started to renovating that district. It was an initiative that although great at a first glance was affecting the residence of The Slums as their surrounding were being changed to fit middle-class comforts, they were still earning a lower-class salary. An issue that was currently being ignored by the media while lower-class citizen struggled to keep a roof over their heads. Most importantly it was racial minorities who were the most affected by these changes.

This was an issue that Irene was itching to investigate further, yet was stuck writing yet another puff piece.

Stepping into the popular Ace o' Clubs Pub caused Irene to pause at the doorway as she looked at the decorum covering the walls, Bibbo Bibbowski was undoubtedly a Batman fanatic. The pub could pass as a Batman museum with the posters and memorabilia of notable Batman related events as well as objects relating to the popular Gotham villains.

Although Irene was curious about the decor what seemed to be more unusual was how crowded the pub was. The smell of cheap beer and frying oil polluted the air in the room but that hardly seemed to matter when all the patronage was undoubtedly enjoying themselves. Laughter and chatter drowned out the football reruns playing on outdated flat screen T.Vs on the walls, it seemed to be last weeks game of the Gotham Knight vs the Metropolis Meteors. These people were clearly regulars judging from how comfortable they seemed with one another.

As Irene and Jimmy moved through the enthusiastic crowd, they searched for Bibbo Bibbowski who could not be missed even in a large crowd as he towered over everyone in the room. He currently seemed busy at the bar serving beer and other drinks to his customers who were two beers away from the emergency room, which was odd considering it was still noon.

"Good evening Mr. Bibbowski my name Irene Miranda and this is James Olsen and we're here with the Daily Planet." Irene quickly introduced the second they reached the crowded bar, ideally an interview would be done in private without the heavy background noises but that clearly wasn't going to be an option.

"No please call be Bibbo, everyone here calls me Bibbo." The large man quickly corrected and although he looked intimated he was a clear example of how looks can be very deceiving. Bibbo simply radiated warmth and positive energy, it was easy to see why this location was more popular than some of the exclusive bars in Metropolis. "Would you like a drink miss? You look like a bourbon kind of gal"

"No thank you Mr... Bibbo," Irene replied although the drink was tempting and as Jimmy seemed to raise his hand to interject, but Irene quickly pushed it aside before he decided to order anything. They were both unquestionably hungry after being stuck in Metropolis traffic for almost an hour and as a result they both had to skip lunch. The smell of food definitely wasn't doing them any favors. "we're here in hopes that you might be open to an interview discussing your recent lottery win."

Bibbowski seemed genuinely surprised to hear this and the man's reluctance was clear. One that Irene didn't fully understand at first but as the pub owner's check turned a light shade of crimson she began to understand that he might be shy or nervous. "Sure what would you like to know?"

Satisfied with his response Irene reached into her purse and placed her recorder on the bar counter, incase there was a quote she intended to use and didn't want to misquote Mr. Bibbowski. Usually she preferred taking her own notes which was why she never went anywhere without her notebook, but the brief interaction with Bibbowski told her that writing down notes would only make the man more nervous than he already seem to be.

"It's said that you plan to use the money from your recent lottery win for donations to local charities and foundations. Most men in your position wouldn't use that money for such selfless acts, can I ask why you made the decision to give back to your community?"

"Ya know I try to do what I can around these parts, it's tough here in the slums. People livin' paycheck by paycheck. More livin' on the streets everyday. Crime rates increasing." He stated bashfully not really meeting Irene's eyes, she was even surprised by the slight blush appearing on his pale complexion. Yet, as Bibbowski continued to describe life in the slums Irene slowly began to realize what the real story here was. That all this time every story Perry had assigned her she was only covering the surface of those stories. Writing what she believed Perry wanted instead of writing what she wanted. This story wasn't simply about Bibbo Bibbowski wining the lottery. "We ain't lucky enough to have a hero of our own like Gotham has."

"Yes, I've noticed the Batman memorabilia decorating your walls." Irene stated as she took another look around the pub, Gotham's Batman was a controversial topic in recent years as the masked hero seemed to change the rules he once lived by. There was a time when the Dark Knight was a shinning hero to everyone, but it seemed that the Darkness that plagued Gotham had finally consumed him. Not that it was any surprise considering that Gotham's criminals were like no other out there.  "It's safe to assume that you're a fan of The Batman?"

The change of subject seemed to add a new spirit to Bibbowski, as he offered her a toothy smile happy to get the chance to speak about something that wasn't himself. He seemed like a very humble and selfless man which was something that Irene wanted to make sure came across in her piece. "Well, he's my fav'rit superhero."

"You say that like if there's others."

"There is Robin." Jimmy quickly interjected which really didn't surprise Irene considering that like Mr. Bibbowski, Jimmy was a fan of the idea of masked heroes. Personally Irene was indifferent to their existence as she saw nothing special about a man dressing up like a bat to fight crime. In fact she highly believed that the man undoubtedly was emotionally stunted and used the mask and cape as an escape from some kind of trauma.

"And ye can't forget about Batgirl." Bibbowski added gleefully clearly glad to have found someone who seemed to share his appreciation for masked vigilantes.

"That's interesting considering that there are many who don't exactly share your viewpoint of The Bat." Irene continued before Jimmy could say another word to completely distract Bibbowski and although it seemed that the interview was going off topic, Irene's instinct told her to continue down that direction that they were headed.  That this was something that she could use for her story even though she had yet to understand its importance."In fact many would argue that he's a vigilante going against the law."

"People can have whatever opinions they want. But they don't call him the Dark Knight for nothin' I can tell ya that."

Irene nodded as she continued to make mental notes about how she was going to structure her story. Realizing she had everything that she needed she turned towards Jimmy who was already adjusting the lens of his camera. "Well it's safe to say that you're the real hero here Bibbo, your generous donations are really going to make a difference to many of the families living in the Slums."

"You wouldn't mind if I take a picture of you Mr. Bibbo?" Jimmy questioned as he raised his camera, he didn't need an answer from Bibbowski who was already posing for the photo raising both his thumbs with a wide smile. The picture alone would say everything that needed to be said about Bibbowski and Irene could only hope that Perry would place her story in a good section of the paper that would do Mr. Bibbowski justice so he could get the recognition he deserved.

Irene let Jimmy do what he did best as she wrote a couple of notes on what she wanted to include once she got in front of a computer. Although the interview was brief she felt confident enough with what she had to write a solid piece, and there was the fact that Mr. Bibbowski simply didn't seem interested in continuing to talk about himself. It was refreshing talking to a someone who didn't seem eager to face their name on the front page or on any sort of media. Most people the Irene interviewed wanted their moment in the spotlight, no matter how brief.

Once Jimmy was finished with the photo session that Mr. Bibbowski actually seemed to be enjoying she quickly packed her recorder and notebook back into her bag, "Thank you so much for your time Bibbo."

"Stop by anytime." Bibbo Bibbowski replied as he shook hands with Irene and Jimmy before getting back to attending his clients.

With a new sense of exhilaration Irene quickly made her way out of the pub again with Jimmy struggling to catch up. Although she left the Daily Planet highly disappointment in the story that was assigned to her now she felt excited to get back to work. "Will you slow down?"

"How does this sound Jimmy? Headline, Hero of The Slums. If you head to the Southside of Metropolis better known to its residents as the Suicide Slum you'll find the Ace o' Clubs Pub owned by recent lottery winner Bibbo Bibbowski. On his walls you will find decorum in admiration of Gotham City's Dark Knight, little does Mr. Bibbowski know that to the residence of The Slums he is about to become their hero as he plans to use the funds from his big lottery win to give back to his community." Irene began to say the story was already writing itself in her head, in a way that she itched to be in front of a computer as soon as possible. "I mean it definitely needs some adjustments."

"It sounds great Irene." Jimmy assured her as he pointed his camera at some children who were in the middle of a basketball game across the street. "Now let's get out of here before we end up in a ditch somewhere."

Looking at her watch she realized that at this rate they were going to be late for the end of the day meeting back at the Planet. It seemed that regardless they would end up in a ditch if Perry was in on of his moods, hopefully someone would have a good enough story to lighten up his mood in case they didn't make it on time.

A/N: First chapter and let me tell you that I am in love with Irene, but maybe it's because she's a character that just feels very real to me. I usually don't see myself in any of the characters that I write but it really is different with Irene.  My hope is that you all will connect with her as much as I have. Anyway, no Clark just yet as I really want to focus on building up Irene and her supporting cast before things really kick off. A little side note being that Irene is half Mexican and half Puerto Rican so her name is pronounced as ee-REH-neh with that Latino accent and Angel as AN-hel. Its a small thing but as a Latino who's name has been pronounced incorrectly it is a big thing. Anyway tell me what you all think so far!