Chapter Text
Superfights kept Clark busy and distracted from the argument with his father. Work filled in anytime he may have time to brood. He usually tried to stay positive, but he couldn’t find a way to turn this around. Sure, he and Bruce found each other in the end, but his father couldn’t stomach who he was. It wasn’t like his sexuality was the most important thing about him. He wasn’t even sure if he was gay. But he knew he was in love with Bruce.
He wasn’t going to explain that to Pa. He doubts he listens anyway.
With Christmas on the horizon, he was worried about family gatherings. He didn’t want to see Pa, but he wanted to see Ma, Bruce also wanted to stop by. He’d invited him to stay with him through the holiday.
“Or I can come to you. I do prefer white snow over whatever the grey stuff that falls from Gotham sky is.”
“Since when is it grey?” Clark asked.
“A few years ago. Long story about factory pollutants. I’ll bring food.”
“I wasn’t going to do much for it this year,” Clark admitted.
“We don’t have to. I was hoping to spend this time with you. Even villains seem to calm down this time of year, at least until New Year’s.”
“Why not,” Clark caved. “But I’ll cook. Alfred told me about your kitchen escapades. What is he doing for the holidays anyway?”
“I’m not sure if I’m honest,” Bruce said. “He has a bag packed, but one of those suitcases is just filled with guns.”
“Like an owes someone a favor kind of way or an old enemy is back in town kind of way,” Clark asked. He still hasn’t gotten over Alfred being an ex-secret agent and British spy. He can only imagine what it must have been like growing up with him. Though Bruce assured him he had a relatively normal childhood.
“I’m not sure, and he won’t tell me. But he says he’ll be back in time for New Year's. I did get you something by the way. I know you said not to, but you’re going to love it.” Bruce hung up before Clark could protest.
~.~.~.~.~
Christmas was becoming a busy day for Clark. He made quick work of cleaning up his apartment for company, and then did a little more to pass family inspection. Ma was flying down for the holidays, without Pa. He wasn’t sure if it was because Ma was still mad or if Pa wanted nothing to do with him, but he tried to focus on the positive.
He would have to pick Ma up from the airport the morning of, but Bruce planned on coming over for Christmas Eve. Clark has super speed, but cooking takes time. If he starts preparations before he leaves to get Ma, he should be able to juggle the cooking times for each dish without a problem. But he also needed to have something prepared for breakfast.
He settled on making cinnamon buns. They were something that needed time to proof throughout the day, and he wouldn’t have to keep a watch on it when it came time to cook. Or he was overthinking things again. He was sure even if he did something simple they would love it regardless.
Those thoughts were confirmed when Bruce stopped in. He brought takeout, figuring Clark hadn’t eaten dinner yet. He also brought along the bear Clark sent him all those years ago. He sat it on the mantel next to Clark’s.
“I can help with all that if you want,” Bruce offered seeing all the vegetables that needed chopping. “Anything with heat and I’ll burn the place down, but I have been complimented on my knife cuts when I do get the chance to help out.”
“I’ll take you up on the offer,” Clark agreed. “Watch out for Daisy. She likes to head-butt to try and get you to drop something.”
“She’s such a sweet lamb,” Bruce pets her head. “I doubt she would do something like that.” He was immediately proven wrong when he lost a chuck of carrots to a surprise ambush of the lamb he was just defending.
“Told ya,” Clark laughed at Bruce’s expression of shock.
“She won’t get me now that I’m expecting her,” Bruce turned his attention back to the task at hand. “You know I always imagined this.”
“Being on guard of a greedy lamb trying to steal your carrots?”
“No. I mean us doing things like this, together,” He smiled at Clark. “Sharing a life.”
“Me too,” Clark admitted. It was romantic, wasn’t it? Holiday music was playing as they worked on preparing a holiday meal for when his mother came to visit. It doesn’t get more domestic than that. Clark planned on speeding through everything, but he was enjoying the atmosphere. He could slow down a little and take his time.
~.~.~.~.~
Ma didn’t bring up Pa. She greeted them both with a hug at the airport and let them fuss over taking her bags. She planned to stay for a few days. Clark was curious about how Pa was getting the farm work done when he was down a person, but he also didn’t care to ask. He doesn’t get to see Ma as often as he likes and planned to make the most of his visit.
Ma said his place looked cozy as she toured through, accompanied by Daisy. She noted the matching bears on the mantle but didn’t comment on them. They spent the day catching up. Ma was very curious about how long they’d been together and what the next steps for them were.
“We’re not talking about marriage yet,” Clark cut off the conversation with pinked cheeks.
“I was just curious,” She assured him. “But it’s good to know you’re serious about each other, even after all that time apart.”
“Absence makes the heart grow fonder,” Bruce said with a smile, taking Clark’s hand in his. “Which reminds me. I got you both something.” He handed Clark a wrapped box.
“What is it?” The other man asked, inspecting it closely.
“You have to open it,” Bruce chuckled.
“I’m looking right at it and can’t tell what it is,” Clark said as he started to remove the wrapping paper.
“He has x-ray vision,” Ma explained.
“Since when?” Bruce asked.
“Did I forget to mention that one?” Clark pulled the small circular device out of the box and held it up. It looked almost like some sort of modem, but he doesn’t think that’s what it is.
“It’s a special device,” Bruce took it from Clark’s hand. “If you press this button here, it blocks yellow sun rays from entering the area, and channels any excess energy that your body stores away.”
“So essentially it weakens me?” Clark surmised.
“Yes,” Bruce turned it on. “I figured you may like to taste mashed potatoes and not potatoes, butter, and cream separately.”
“That does sound nice. Woah, that works fast,” Clark stumbled a bit when he could fully relax his body. He never noticed how tense he always was keeping his body in control. He hadn’t expected it to get so quiet. The noise of the outside world was held at bay by the walls. All he could hear was the Christmas music. He couldn’t even hear Ma and Bruce’s breath, which was a bit concerning. His panic reseeded when he noticed the rise and fall of their chests.
“How are you feeling?” Bruce asked.
“Okay,” Clark was taking stock of his body.
“I also want to remind you that you need to use oven mitts,” Bruce said.
“I’ll take over cooking, just in case,” Ma’s hand rubbing his back was a comforting warm touch.
“Try touching something,” Bruce said.
Clark looked around before poking the wall, gently then firmly, and found that it didn’t budge. He picked up a cushion off the couch, finding he had to untuck it, rather than pulling it out effortlessly. When he pulled it, it didn’t rip. If anything, the fabric irritated his hands after pulling on it too much.
“You should be able to touch others as well,” Bruce explained. “So, you could hug your mom without hurting her.”
It took Clark a moment to process that. He never dared to touch anyone with more than a graze of his hand. He’d always worried about hurting those around him, especially after he broke Pete’s arm. He was unsure if he wanted to try, but Ma was holding her arms out to him, and he couldn’t deny the invitation.
Ma pulled Clark into an all-encompassing hug, squeezing him tight enough to make up for all the times she couldn’t. Clark hesitates to reciprocate for only a moment before he finds himself clinging to her. Held like this he could feel her heartbeat, a rhythm that comforted him for as long as he could remember.
Bruce couldn’t help but smile at his work. He was taken off guard when Clark’s hand shot out and pulled him in for a group hug. It was only interrupted by Daisy nudging them to get attention.
“I couldn’t forget about you,” Clark pulled away and kneeled down to give Daisy a good pet. “You’re so soft. I mean, I knew she was, but it feels different like this. I’m not sure if I can explain it.”
“I’m glad it worked,” Bruce said. He doesn’t think he’s ever seen Clark grin this much.
“Thank you,” Clark stood, taking Bruce’s hands in his, for once able to appreciate his boyfriend's firm yet tender touch. “You have no idea what this means to me.”
“I have an idea,” Bruce quipped. He was going to say more but was cut off by Clark’s lips meeting his. It was a soft lingering kiss, reminiscent of the first one they shared on the roof, and made his heart race. Clark wore the same smile he did back then, his affection flourishing when their eyes met.
He was truly glad he’d taken Alfred’s advice and sent that letter.
Fin