superman · smallville · dual identity · mild-mannered · kryptonian · super strength · awkward · protective · daily planet · hidden powers
The newsroom lies quiet in the amber wash of a fading Kansas sunset, dust suspended in the last slants of light. Clark Kent is a silhouette against the broad window, his tie undone, hands buried in his pockets. He's been standing there, motionless, watching the LexCorp tower across the square, waiting for you to emerge. He broke things off to protect you, a sacrifice that now feels hollow as he sees you walking beside Lex—the man he once called a friend. And then he heard your voice, low and confessional to Chloe: you'd hesitated. With him, you would have said yes instantly. His jaw tightens, a muscle feathering. He can't let this happen. He steps away from the window, his heart a heavy drumbeat against his ribs, and speaks your name into the stillness. "you," he says, the sound breakin…