The Only Dressed Man in the World

Kal dug his toes into the sand as they paused to take in the scenery. Under the sun-kissed upper layer, the sand was cool and refreshing. The breeze carried a hint of pine from across the lake. If he could ever see himself taking time away from his other responsibilities, it would be to somewhere like this.

"How many of those first timers come back?"

"Almost all of them tell me they loved the experience and plan on coming back," she said. "Probably half actually carry though, though who's to say how many of the others don't go try some other resort or at least begin some sort of clothing optional experience at home. Membership and visitor numbers keep growing most years."

"That's encouraging."

Anna started walking off down the beach, looking back over her shoulder to indicate he should follow. His gaze had involuntarily been drawn to the wiggle of her beautiful ass and he knew she'd caught him red-handed by the way she smirked. Ordinarily, he'd have gone into a full-on flustered act, embarrassed and fumbling over himself. It was how his Clark Kent persona was expected to behave. Today he wasn't Clark, though, and Kal just took it in stride, smile back, and hurried to catch up.

"So, what did you do to get stuck with this assignment?" Anna asked as she led the way down another trail, a narrower one that delved back into the woods.

"Nothing, actually," he said. "It was my idea. Haven't even told my boss, yet. Figured if I could find a good story angle I'd run it by him and see if he'd use it."

"Really? So, what prompted the idea?"

Kal couldn't tell her that she was the inspiration for the idea, but neither did he want to lie. "Just wanted to expand my horizons and learn a little bit about myself, I suppose. Hard to explain, but it's like there's a part of me I need to find. I don't know. Sounds crazy and I can't really articulate it, but..."

Anna paused and gave him a long, hard look in the eyes. "You felt lonely."

Lonely? Kal thought that was a bit of a jump from what he'd just told her, unless... The way she was looking at him, the understanding, the compassion. He'd seen it before and now his stomach quivered.

"When you don't know yourself, how can others?" She took his hand.

"That's pretty profound," he said, fighting to steady his voice. How could this young woman see through him so clearly? Did she see through him? Taking his hand was a fairly intimate gesture between people who'd supposedly just met, yet one he welcomed.

She shook her head and smiled. "Might have read it on a fortune cookie or something," she said. "Doesn't mean it isn't true, though. You wouldn't be the first to come here in hopes of discovering something about themselves. Strip away the superficial and leave only the truth, or something like that."

"And does it work?"

She shrugged. "I wouldn't say it's like finding religion, but it certainly doesn't hurt. Most guests seem to come away happier and more comfortable in their own skin, in more ways than one."

Kal chuckled. He'd liked the feel of his hand in hers and was disappointed when she let go and continued walking. Their pace was slower, though, and they seemed to fall into closer step, their arms nearly grazing.

Several minutes passed without another word spoken. They were deeper in the woods, far enough removed from the camp to feel completely alone. Kal's thoughts turned her words over and over, a process itself which seemed to bring a small measure of peace. Whatever else might come of this day, he was glad he'd decided to return, and doubly glad for having met Anna.

The trail finally exited the woods and merged into a dirt road with campers and tents pitched along its length. A smattering of people were around, but it was quiet with most at the party. Their private reverie, however, was fading. Kal felt he needed to get back to the task at hand.

"I can't make any promises my editor will run my story," he said, glancing down at his notepad and then back at her. "I think he'll be game, though, and I'll certainly put the place in a good light."

"Thanks, Kal. I appreciate that."

"Is there anything else I can do or add that would help bring some positive press to this place?"

Anna pursed her lips and looked about to say something, then looked away, shaking her head and smiling. "No."

"Come on," he said. "What were you going to say?"

"It's nothing."

"No, seriously. Anything."

"I had the opportunity to interview Superman a few days ago," she said, finally looking back at him. She bit her lower lip, waiting for a reaction.

"Really? That must have been something." Kal had danced this number with Lois before she learned of his true identity. This time, the music felt different.

"It was. And, since you're from the Planet, I was wondering if maybe you couldn't see about getting it run in the paper. Maybe a companion piece to your own."

Kal raised his eyebrows. It was bold, but he liked that in her. "I would be happy to run it by my editor. Can't promise any more than that."

"Fair enough," she said, waving him on as she resumed her walk back toward the center of the resort.

"Unfortunately, I'm gonna have to get back to supervise things for a bit. Things get kinda hectic around lunch time."

"Not a problem," Kal said, concealing the disappointment in his voice as he fell in beside her. Much like when she interviewed him, or Superman, he didn't want their conversation to end.

"Please, though, feel free to stick around as long as you want. Meet the regulars, talk to some of the newbies. I doubt you'll find anyone not willing or eager to share their story. After, say, about three o'clock, I'll free up quite a bit if you want to talk some more."

"I'd like that."

They walked in silence the remainder of the short distance as the music by the cookout increased.

"Well, thanks again, Miss Chase," Kal said when they arrived, offering her his hand which she took.

"I'm only Anna around here and among friends," she said. "Oh, and don't tell anyone I said this, because I don't want to get rumors or hopes up."

Kal cocked his head.

"Superman might put in an appearance this afternoon."

He couldn't quite read her expression. There was an obvious attempt at sly co-conspirator good humor, but there also seemed to be something else behind it. He could hear her pulse quicken.

"Really? That would be something."

She drew her fingers across her lips, gave him a quick smile and wave, and left in the direction of the cook tent where several others were quick to intercept her. He couldn't help but admire her bare figure, made all the more beautiful by her self-confidence.

When a pair of young women gave him a lingering look while passing by, he remembered that he was also quite nude. Somehow, he'd almost completely forgotten about it. How easily that had happened. When was the last time he'd lost himself in who he was, rather than being forced to perform the bumbling innocence of Clark Kent or the regal humility of Superman? It felt nice.

#

Kal spent most of the next couple hours under Rose's doting attention -- eating, playing volleyball, dancing the limbo, and being introduced to every regular the old woman could flag down. He had to hold back on some of the more physical activities, though he didn't go quite to the fumbling extreme he would as Clark. Rose was a champ at making all of the new guests feel welcome and comfortable, but she spared a special sort of attention for him. He chose to believe it was because he was a reporter and she wanted to give him the premier experience, though it would be easy to believe it was because she thought he was a hunk and wasn't afraid to let him know. She had used that term more than a couple times when talking about him to others when she thought she was out of earshot.

By mid-afternoon, he figured he had far more information than needed to write up a very positive story about the resort and the nudist culture as a whole. Anna, disappointingly, was still very busy as the host, perpetually dealing with guests' needs and other problems as they cropped up. She always had a warm smile ready for him when their paths crossed and, however briefly, they exchanged pleasantries. He hoped she would have time to spare for him again later, regardless how selfish his motives might be.

While Rose was preoccupied with her bake-off judging duties, Kal took the opportunity to slip out to the desolate parking lot. He stashed his notebook in the car and popped the trunk. There, under the spare tire, his Superman suit was plainly visible to his penetrating vision. He hadn't brought it with the intention of fulfilling Anna's invitation that Superman make an appearance. He didn't want to let her down, but he'd learned that making too many such promises only led to disappointment when some crisis or another demanded his attention and he couldn't follow through. The way Anna had mentioned Superman this afternoon, though, left him teetering on the edge of breaking that soft rule.

He considered the repercussions if he did make the appearance. Lois would know, for starters. While he wasn't too concerned about her opinion of showing up as Superman before a bunch of nudists, she would connect him with the story he intended to write for the Planet, pen name or not. That was something over which she would give him grief. Even if she never said anything, especially this fresh into their separation, there would be that look. He could try to tell himself that he shouldn't worry about her opinion or feelings, but that would just be a lie.

Should he care, though? It sounded like the very sort of attitude that nudists were trying to put to bed. Why should her opinion trump his own sense of self or comfort? Acting for her approval was exactly what Clark or Superman would do.

He reached for the suit.

#

Superman approached Bare Hollow from across the lake, flying in low and casual. He waved at the kids playing on the beach as they erupted in excitement at his presence. A couple dozen nudists surrounded him as he landed and expressed their enthusiasm for him having dropped in on their party. He smiled, joked, and shared small talk while letting the crowd lead him through the resort back toward the pool area where the majority of the party was focused. By the time they got there, word of his arrival had clearly spread and most of the guests were eagerly gathered.

His costume -- red and blue, conspicuous, and instantly recognizable -- had made him feel a little bit self-conscious the first few times he'd worn it. Today was the first time in years he'd felt anything like that, though, and it was far more acute. What a world of difference, he thought, that he would feel self-conscious simply for being dressed.

Anna appeared on the periphery and nudged her way through the nude crowd toward him. Her grin was the most remarkable of her many fine attributes and he was instantly glad he'd made the decision to put in an appearance.

"Glad you could make it," she said, extending her hand.

"My pleasure." He shook her hand and thrilled at the contact...again. "Won't be able to stay, but figured I could say a few words."

"You're welcome to stay as long as you like," she said. "Grab a bite to eat, give a speech, play some volleyball."

"He's on my team!" Came a shout from the gathered crowd, eliciting a round of laughs and similar requests and suggestions.

Superman gave Anna a wink and then slowly rose up a couple feet so everyone could see him without it appearing that he was looking down on them. The laughing died down, but the smiles all around were as big and infectious as ever. Once they were quiet, he began.

"You probably heard that I stopped by here the other week when I helped rescue a couple of your guests from a derelict sailboat. Anna was one of those I had the pleasure of helping and we spent a bit of time chatting afterward. She invited me to stop by today to say howdy to everyone, so I'd like to thank her for the opportunity and the hospitality."

He paused for a smattering of applause.

"I figured I should say a few words, but what does one say to a gathering of nudists? I've talked before politicians and generals, beat cops and first responders. I've given eulogies and even a commencement address. This one, though, it's a new one." That drew a few chuckles, which helped put him at ease.

"I figured I'd start off by saying that I respect each and every one of you. I'm sure I don't have to tell you that nudism isn't exactly a widely-embraced practice in many places, particularly in America. But to have the courage and confidence to follow your own path, to accept your body and others', and to do so in a healthy and positive fashion -- that's worthy of respect. There are few groups of people here or anywhere else in the world that I've come across who are as open and accepting of people for who they are on the inside rather than judging them for what they look like on the outside.

"The clothes we wear can say some important things about us. My costume is a pretty conspicuous example. But while clothes can give a good first impression, they can also create false ones. I won't say that I'm advocating for a clothing-optional society. We all know that won't happen, nor probably should it. But a society that's more accepting of the human body, that's less objectifying of the nude form, that's learned the lessons you've already had the chance to embrace? Yes, I could advocate for a move in that direction." There were many nods of approval throughout the crowd.

"Now, I'm sure most of you have all heard the advice given to those nervous about speaking in public," he said in a more light-hearted tone. "Imagine your audience naked. Well, speaking from firsthand experience, I have no idea who came up with that or what they were thinking. It doesn't work. I'm still nervous, and I don't even have to use my imagination."

He let the audience laugh, a far more effective solution for his nerves. He spared a glance back at Anna, who gave him a thumbs up.

"Anna here pointed out something that I'd never considered before. Because I can see though things -- yes, including clothes -- from my perspective I'm the only dressed man in the world. I'm the poster child for that old saying.

"I guess what I've learned from that, though, only goes to support the sort of healthy attitude toward nudity that most of you have espoused all along. When everyone is naked, then it's a non-issue. Granted, the analogy isn't perfect since everyone around me is actually wearing clothes and don't think of themselves as naked to my eyes. The point, though, is that until she mentioned it, I'd never even considered the notion. The bodies of everyone laid bare to my eyes -- it was just normal.

"So while I'll support everyone's right to take a healthy attitude toward the human body, I'm sorry to say I won't be fighting crime or engaging in humanitarian work in the buff any time soon."

He let the chuckles bring the crowd back to its jovial mood following his more introspective comments. "I know, not what you wanted to hear. And, no, I don't think it's the wisest thing for me to lose my cape and tights to join your festivities, no matter how overdressed I'm feeling at this moment. I don't think the world is ready for that yet and the conversation around me would undoubtedly be distracted from the bigger issues.

"Thanks again for inviting me and for giving me a few minutes of your time. Enjoy your party and have a great day soaking up the sun. "

He waved to everyone and gave a special nod to Anna. She smiled and mouthed a thank you over the applause. He then rose higher in the air, gathered speed, and took off for the clouds.

#

With his costume safely stashed back in the trunk of his rental, Kal returned to the party. He briefly considered just taking his leave -- he had everything he needed for his story, after all -- but the draw of the crowd's positive vibes called him back. Sure, he could spend time saving the world or whichever little bit of it was in trouble at this moment, but right now it felt good to just be himself and take a break from the other self-imposed responsibilities. Having a chance to spend a little bit more time with Anna was certainly a tilting factor.

His self-appointed liaison, Rose, was the first to track him down after his return. The crowd was still abuzz about Superman's visit and the old woman was practically skipping on her way across the lawn to get his attention.

"What'd I miss?" he said, trying to keep a straight face as her grin dropped.

"You missed that? No, please tell me it isn't so." She looked genuinely crest-fallen.

"You're not talking about the bake-off winner announcement, are you?"

She pinched her nose and shook her head. "No, Superman! He actually showed up and gave a little talk."

"What, seriously? Geez, picked a lousy time to put my notepad back in the car."

She gave him an exasperated look, then sighed and punched him lightly on the arm. "You'll never win a Pulitzer with those instincts, young man."

"I've got a colleague who's already cornered the market on those."

"Well, let me tell you all about it so your story doesn't get tossed in the circular file," Rose said, pulling him toward one of the picnic tables.

Kal listened to the older woman's colorful recounting of Superman's appearance, nodding and smiling at all the appropriate spots while sneaking in "journalist" questions along the way. He was fascinated by how much of an impact his alter ego's presence had made on the woman and, apparently, the rest of the crowd as well. They were a confident bunch, by and large, but this had been a powerful dose of affirmation.

While she continued on, Kal spotted Anna across the lawn, looking his direction. She pointed toward the office and mouthed "when you're done." He nodded and returned most of his attention back to Rose, glancing back just once to admire the young woman's figure as she retreated into the distance. The next fifteen minutes seemed interminably long.

The arrival of some of Rose's old friends finally gave Kal the break he needed to excuse himself. He profusely thanked her for taking him under her wing and promised it would reflect well in his story. Rose, meanwhile, gave him a sly grin when she insisted that he'd better make sure he said goodbye to Anna before he left. He was certain his pale skin again turned a shade of red.

Kal used his enhanced vision to peer through the walls of the resort office as he approached and noticed that Anna wasn't inside -- it was still the same young woman manning the desk, along with half a dozen others chatting and collecting their keys. He checked Anna's apartment around the back and found it also empty. He hoped he hadn't taken too long in extracting himself from Rose's attention. When he expanded his search, however, he soon found Anna sprawled out in a lounge chair in the isolated yard behind the apartment.

He walked around to the back and caught himself just before calling her Miss Chase. "Anna?"

She opened her eyes, smiled, and waved him over. "Sorry I've been such a lousy host," she said as he settled into the chair beside her. "Crazy busy day. Just enjoying a brief moment of peace and quiet."

"You've been more than great, actually," he said. "I invited myself, after all, and I already feel guilty about taking up any of your time."

She laughed. "You're either a lousy liar or a lousy journalist."

"Probably a bit of both."

"Well, you do work for the Planet, so..."

Kal rolled his eyes and shrugged.

Anna wiped at a bead of sweat than had trickled down between her breasts, an unconscious gesture that drew Kal's attention. He snapped his eyes back up when she became aware of the attention she'd drawn. She looked amused.