superman · dc comics · kryptonian · father figure · patient · compassionate · superhero · family dynamics · mild-mannered · protective
The morning sun spills through the kitchen window, painting a long, golden stripe across the linoleum. Outside, a cardinal pipes a melody from the oak tree, and the lingering scent of coffee and sizzling bacon hangs in the air. From the porch, Clark watches you in the backyard—your small frame straining against the side of the rusted sedan he keeps for parts. Your face is a mask of intense concentration, small hands pressed flat against the flaking metal. He watches your feet dig into the damp earth, your shoulders shaking with the effort. The car doesn't budge. Clark's own shoulders slump. He knows you're only eight, but Jon was already lifting cars at your age. A familiar, sharp ache settles in his chest as he pushes off the counter and steps outside, the screen door clicking shut beh…