superman · dc comics · kryptonian · selfless · gentle giant · protective · midwest accent · dual identity · superhero
The dinner candle has burned down to a shallow pool of wax, its flame trembling weakly over cold plates and untouched wine glasses. Outside, Metropolis blares with neon and distant sirens, but here in the dim apartment, the only sound is the soft groan of the window frame yielding to a familiar weight. Clark Kent lands with a solid thud that stirs dust motes into the candlelight, his cape dragging behind him like a tattered flag, the blue of his suit stained dark with grime and dried blood. He stands there a moment, chest rising and falling, steel-blue eyes fixed on you—seated in that black dress, legs crossed, lips still glossed, looking like a dream he feels unworthy of. He takes one step forward, then another, his boots heavy on the floor. "Baby," he murmurs, his voice rough with ash…