Chapter Text
Dear Diary,
I woke up today to start on my chores...and my new friend was gone. I thought for a moment that I just imagined meeting someone new on my Birthday, but luckily that wasn't the case! I found Bruce (he's the new friend by the way) in my ma and pa's barn sitting on a bale of hay. He didn't look all too comfortable with the smell of cow pie (that's poop) and horse poop surrounding him, but he did seem pretty happy that the animals were surrounding him (like a princess or something). I was surprised at seeing our old Mare; Duchess snugglin' up to Bruce though, the old girl is quite the stubborn one and doesn't easily trust new people (even if they are kids), but she seemed as though B were always a part of the Kent farm. I dunno why...but my stomach got tingly when I wrote that...I guess I really want Bruce to stay, huh? Anyways, Duchess liked Bruce soooooo much that she didn't let me get near him at first, which honestly made me upset because I saw him first...which I know is silly because she's just an animal, so why was I mad? But I was. I'm happy I didn't react on that feeling though! Cause the closer I got to Bruce, Duchess and Caw-Caw (that's one of our hens B was holdin') I was finally able to see the tears in his eyes-such pretty eyes-that were slowly dripping down his slightly pinkened cheeks. I felt bad when the first thought that came to mind was how...how gorgeous I thought he looked in his crumpled nightshirt and slightly dirty pants (from tracking through the mud is my guess)–I mean, I don't think I have the right words to describe what I saw, really.
He...looked like a dream? Is that it? I heard it in a movie my ma was watchin' once...but...but a dream isn't even it.
Bruce is something more than a dream, he's something real like — like a vision. Yeah...a vision. My pa often says that dreams are something abstract; a concept, or something that-at the end of the day-isn't real. But, he says a vision often becomes peoples reality, which is why I should never dream of things for my life, but envision them for myself instead.
I've decided that that's exactly what Bruce was in that moment; a vision come to pass.
It's like the moon was in his eyes the moment he looked up at me. I promise you that all I saw was nothing but pure light in that moment, that what I felt was–was...myself? I can't explain it, but lookin' at Bruce feels like looking at me-but not me-but also me, but a me that is whole.
I quickly forgot about looks though when my empathy finally caught up with my brain. I immediately asked what was wrong (I'm afraid I used some superspeed because of how worried I was...but I don't think he noticed because of how sad he was) and B didn't answer...I think he felt embarrassed to be caught crying in a smelly barn (but aren't all barns smelly?), but the least of my concerns was the feces, it was why my friend was up super early in my barn crying. Bruce didn't answer the second time I asked him either, he just kept apologizing while hugging Caw-Caw closer to his chest. Duchess didn't appreciate my intrusion, because she started dragging her right hoof on the ground while roughly snorting my way (a sign she's about to put up a fight). I stepped away, of course, more for the sake of my horse and secret than because she can actually do me any harm...but it hurt to see Bruce so sad and not know why. As a last line of trying to help, I softly told B that I'd go get Mr. Alfred, but it seemed as though he didn't like that either...if the way he launched himself at me was anymore obvious, yet I found myself feeling happy to have his attention on me now (sorry for sticking my tongue out at you, Duchess). Bruce didn't look too comfortable trying to explain why he was up at barely the crack of dawn so I told him that if he didn't wanna say anything, he didn't have to, that just knowing he didn't go back home yet was enough for me. He looked relieved after I said that (yay me!) so I distracted him by asking if he wants to help me with my chores. Well, asking that was the moment that I found out Bruce (my new friend) has never done a proper chore in his eight years of life! Oh, oh! I also learned that Alfred is his Butler and family friend, not a babysitter (but also his babysitter?) nor his dad like I assumed when they first arrived. I asked Bruce how will he ever be an honest man and provide for his family someday if he never works hard (like my pa often says to me when I feel lazy) and his answer was: 'I have the money.' I thought that answer was silly! But, Bruce didn't appreciate me laughin' at him for it, because he glared at me and shoved his face into Caw-Caw's feathers when I kept on with my gigglin'. I felt bad for laughing so hard at him...but I promise that it's because I only thought the answer was cute! I just never heard an answer like that before in my life. I mean...I guess it's true that just because you work hard, doesn't necessarily mean you're a good and honest person, y'know? But, B ended up helping me with morning chores anyway. It was probably cause I laughed at him so much...but I could tell he genuinely put effort into helpin' me, even if he was kind of bad at lifting the heavier stuff, however, he did really well at feeding the animals and taking care of their needs. I was actually impressed by how the animals listened to him...they usually are tough to wrangle in the morning, but they seemed content to listen to B and his commands, and the baby animals were attracted to him too. Oh! I almost forgot to say that Bruce loves babies! When I showed him Caw-Caw and the other broody hens have chicks already, his eyes lit up in a way I've never seen before. He immediately got down to their level and they ran up to him (I still can't believe it) without any issue! Even the mamas weren't bothered by Bruce's presence...in fact, they all seem to naturally gravitate towards him, which honestly makes me feel a bit more assured in the fact that I have an odd sense of connection with this other boy.
I don't know how long we stayed with the babies for? It was hard getting Bruce to come inside and shower, but we managed to make our way home after Mr. Alfred rushed inside the barn in a panic (it seems I should've went to get Mr. Alfred in the first place) searching for Bruce. We didn't get into trouble, but we did get a light scolding from Pa and Mr. Alfred about letting them know where we're going, especially as Bruce and Mr. A aren't used to this kind of routine (at least Bruce isn't), and not to mention it's rude to take someone else's child off someplace without their knowing. It was after going inside and cleaning up that the Doctor shot me with a good dose of reality, because I was quickly reminded by ma that I needed to prepare for school. I was so afraid of leaving and coming back to Bruce already gone that I begged ma and pa to let me play with B today instead, so imagine my surprise when my parents plus Mr. Alfred said that I could bring Bruce with me if he wanted to go. I started dragging B upstairs excitedly, talking about all the fun we'd have at school, but I stopped when I heard the sound of Bruce's panicked heartbeat. Apparently, he's afraid of being recognized at the school, something I didn't quite understand...but I suppose the thought of being perceived is definitely scary. I quickly assured my friend that no one would bother him in school, and that if anyone even tried, then I wouldn't hesitate fighting them over it...but...Bruce didn't like that answer either–actually, I think he grew even more scared than before at the thought of me fighting. When I asked Bruce about it, he told me violence isn't the answer and that he's afraid someone will shoot me if I stand up for him, which threw me for a loop! I don't know why anyone would shoot me, so I asked Bruce why he thought they would, and his answer was odd? He told me that being brave always has a price and if that price is my life, he'd rather die himself instead of me. The look he had in his eyes kind of scared me in the moment...they looked...lifeless and not very present even though he was staring right at me, so I simply shoved my clothes in his arms as a distraction and told him to get dressed anyways...anything to bring back the color to his gaze. As we were walkin' to my school (after I begged the folks and Mr. A) I asked him if there was any other reason he was worried I'd be shot – the fact we're in the Midwest is a part of the problem apparently! Bruce told me that he watches a lot of Western films with his own pa, so he knows how us country folk are pretty used to guns around here. I felt sad as he was talking though. I almost started to laugh, just like how I did when he answered me in the barn, but I could tell that whatever reason he gave that specific answer for-it was serious. We didn’t have to really sit in the heavy silence for long though, cause we arrived at my school, to which B got oddly quiet (and not in the normal way he usually is), his silence more reserved than usual, but it’s okay! Cause I held his hand as we entered the building while I said my good mornings and hello’s to my friends. Thankfully, mostly everybody in the school proved Bruce’s worries wrong (and mine too), they were very welcoming towards him and the teachers were enthusiastic to have a new kid in the class (even if they knew he wasn’t a student). I guess everyone is so welcoming because it’s a small town? So, new faces are always refreshing to see (but especially one as nice as B’s).
During recess, Lana and Pete immediately came over to introduce themselves. I think Lana might be interested in Bruce though? She was super close to him and kept twirling her hair between her fingers whenever she looked his way. I felt rude for rolling my eyes whenever she asked him something about himself, but I felt a little better when all B did was stare at her instead of answering (even if I did end up feeling a little bad for Lana too). I think Bruce got a little overwhelmed though? Cause he excused himself for the restroom and practically ran out of the cafeteria. Oh…Diary, do you remember how I said mostly everybody in the school proved our worries wrong? Yeah, well stupid Butch (my usual bully) decided to go after B that day. I had to rush off when my ears picked up the sound of something hitting the wall in the bathroom – it was Bruce. All I remember seeing was red after smelling the scent of sour milk coming from where B was standing…and I promise that I usually avoid fights, cause I know I can be very dangerous if I don’t control myself…but I…I just couldn’t help but to punch Butch one good time in his smug face. I don’t care if he picks on me, but Bruce? I would fight the world for him if I had to. I do admit though, that maaaaaaybe I took it a little far when I lifted Butch up by his throat, but luckily Bruce helped me snap out of it by the time the teachers and principal found the three of us in the bathroom.
Just like in the barn, no one was in serious trouble (me and Bruce), because everyone in school knows Butch is just a troublemaker…everyone but his own parents that is. Ma and pa were still called though (which really stunk), but Mrs. Calloway (our principal) said something ’bout how it’s the rules to let parents know what happened so they can decide what to do. Even though I didn’t get into any trouble for sticking up for Bruce…I still felt ashamed at getting my ma and pa called on me, luckily B decided to stick the rest of the school day out with me though when my Mr. Alfred asked Bruce if he wanted to be picked up early. I admit that I was surprised to hear Bruce be so insistent on Alfred staying at the farm, even demanding that his Butler or even ma and pa don’t pick us up when school lets out, but that they allow us to walk back home. I confess…my heart got all funny again when Bruce’s answer to Alfred asking why he demands such a request was: ‘Because Clark will protect me.’ I felt as though I could burst through the roof that very moment…but I remained calm enough to walk Bruce to my other class after hanging up instead of exposing myself to him and the principal. The rest of my school day was practically the same as any other…yet it wasn’t because Bruce was by my side watching me all the day. Oh! Diary, did you know that Bruce is really smart as well? I usually try to get normal grades because I don’t want to have too many people looking my way for being a “super” genius, but Bruce, it’s nice to see someone be able to simply be without fear of being seen as “too much” of anything. The teachers in all classes let B in on the curriculum because they felt bad for leaving him to himself, but they (as well as the rest of the class) were quick impressed by how easily he answered questions and even helped struggling students.
Diary, do you know how cute Bruce is when focusing on schoolwork? His eyebrows scrunch together when he’s concentrating and his lips pucker slightly when he starts writing his answers down. But, he is doubly enchanting when he’s being considerate, which is exactly what he was doing the whole class. He was being himself without apology; someone who is very smart and educated, but he wasn’t uppity about it, and neither did he help others in a way that was trying to be above them. He also was aware of the teachers too and helped just enough to be just that; a help, without overshadowing the teachers jobs. Everything about Bruce is something to marvel at–I mean, his parents must have been very proud of who they raised before their passing, because I know I would be.
Anyhow, I think I started to get off track again…but, after school finished, I immediately headed towards home (having to ignore Bruce’s pout being directed my way for saying no to playing with my friends). I reminded him that Mr. Alfred said we could walk home on the condition that we head there immediately, but Bruce must not have understood what that word meant as he took off running in the opposite direction towards a sunflower field. I immediately chased after him…something in me telling myself to give chase, but not to end it so soon. I must’ve needed that game of tag after suffering through Butch’s buffoonery, because it felt so…right to be playing it in that moment, I literally couldn’t stop laughing whenever Bruce dodged me, but after a few minutes of him doing that, something inside me said to bring the chase to an end; so I did. I carefully tackled Bruce from behind and we started rolling around in the dirt, breathless but happy as I finally pinned the other to the ground. I felt at peace…like how I do with my ma and pa when we sit outside on a sunny day drinking tea or a nice cold soda, but it felt like so much more, Diary. The feeling was kind of dampened though when I saw the result of Butch’s earlier roughness on his face…I couldn’t help but to apologize to him even though I knew it wasn’t my fault. Bruce rolled his eyes and then hit me with a fallen sunflower, telling me that I shouldn’t feel guilty for something I wasn’t even the cause of, a satisfied smirk on his face when reminding me of his earlier words that between him and I being hurt, he’d prefer himself. I didn’t want to leave the peaceful little space that we created for ourselves though, but Bruce was starting to squirm around like an earthworm, so I let him up (even though that weird little voice insisted that he’s safer in my arms). I tried to get Bruce back out onto the main road again after our playtime was over…but he was being stubborn and simply stared up at me from where he was still seated on the ground. I felt as if in that moment he was seeing something that I wasn’t, because he had a knowing little smirk on his face as he held his hand out to be helped up. Bruce at least allowed me to lead him out of the field of flowers, but he distracted me from my goal yet again by stopping next to a large tree near the field and asking if I knew how to climb. I answered yes obviously, because I am a really good climber – and then! That was the moment Bruce requested I do the honor of climbing a tree to get a stick for him (so I did do it, and I got the prettiest stick for the prettiest person ever) and then I had the extra honor of watching him hold it like a scepter or magic wand.
Ahh…it’s getting late, Diary, so I need to get ready for bed.
But, basically I got to spend a very lovely day again with Bruce-and guess what? I will be spending a few more days (maybe a full week) with him as their car needs some major repairs. I’m happy that B doesn’t seem so determined to get back to Gotham (that’s where he lives), but you wanna know the best part of my day? After getting Bruce that lovely stick, he started questioning me about Butch (you know…me picking him up by his neck and all) and when I made an excuse for that (the excuse was that I was angry) he asked me about how fast I moved towards him when he was crying earlier this morning (he gave an exact estimated time too!) and when I managed to excuse that slip up too - he whacked me upside my head with the very pretty stick I got for him! It was then that I realized Bruce lead me away from any place where we could be seen just to question me…and I know he knows my secret now (sorry ma and pa), but it says a lot about him because he was kind enough to think about me and my safety first more than his own curiosity before he even thought to beat me with a stick and expose me. I honestly didn’t even feel scared that he knew…in fact, besides my parents, it’s the first time that I’ve truly felt seen and safe. The look of wonder in Bruce’s eyes as I told him about my heritage and the understanding in his steady gaze when I explained how I even came to earth was worth disobeying ma and pa’s rule…he even said I was cool and promised that my secret is safe with him (and I believe it).
So, the best part of this day is that I’m not as alone anymore. And just as Bruce told me, “There’s a price to pay when caring for someone else.”
If that price is an outed secret to the bestest friend I’ve ever met…I think some prices are never too high.
G’night Dear Diary: Clark Joseph Kent