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The restless ‘tap tap tap’ against the glass oven dish on Jason’s lap was the first indicator that he was getting nervous. The sound was quiet, its rhythm steady, almost inaudible under the hum of the radio. Clark only heard it because of his enhanced senses. It was slightly faster than the music, letting Clark know Jason wasn't tapping along to the beat.
The second was how his heartbeat was just a little too controlled. Like he was actively trying to keep it steady. In the same way he sometimes did while trying to avoid queuing Clark in on how stressed he really was. It was almost robotic, its near-perfect rhythm betraying the effort behind it.
But the most damning sign that Jason was getting anxious, was the hints of green dancing in the blue of his irises. It was something he couldn't quite control. Whenever emotions or stress got the better of him, the Lazarus Pit would rear its head. But Clark knew a bit of green was nothing to worry about. Jason knew how to keep it in check. Not to mention that this situation, while it caused some stress, was not something that would make Jason lose control.
In truth, he'd lasted longer than Clark had originally thought he would. They had been in the car for close to three hours now. Clark had assumed Jason would start showing his nervousness at around the second hour mark, but he hadn't. Or perhaps he had, but he managed to keep it hidden better. Even though he wore his heart on his sleeve most times, Jason was also stubbornly against showing weakness if he could help it.
It was getting easier though, for Jason to let down his walls and show his insecurities and worries. And Clark was glad for it, it meant the other felt comfortable enough around him to be a little ‘weak’ at times.
“Only a little while longer.” Clark reminded him with a soft hum, glancing at Jason just long enough to see him give a nod, before his focus went back to the road ahead. The countryside passed them in a blur, fields of grains and corn and the occasional herd of cows. The familiar sight settled something deep in Clark's core. Metropolis was beautiful and Clark loved living there. But he did miss this sometimes.
Jason stopped his tapping before he glanced down at the dish resting on his thighs. The top of the glass dish was covered with tinfoil, so there wasn't much to actually stare at. A slight crinkling sound filled the car as Jason adjusted the edges to sit more securely and snugly on the dish. Not that it was really necessary, as it had been perfectly fine for the past 3 hours already. But Clark decided not to comment on it.
“Right… Almost there.” Jason's voice came out a little softer than he'd likely meant it. His mouth was a thin line where he pressed his lips together, his gaze staying fixed on the tin foil. The scars on his lips and his cheeks pulled a little taut at the movement.
Clark couldn't help but find the whole thing a little endearing. The fearless and fearsome Red Hood, nervous about something as mundane as this. The slight chuckle that came at that thought was something Clark couldn't quite stifle.
It earned him a strong glare from Jason, Clark didn't need to look to know that. He could feel the daggers coming from Jason's eyes. Pointed, and sharp enough to even cut through Clark’s skin. All it accomplished though, was make Clark laugh in earnest.
Jason gave a scoff and went to look out the window, at the passing fields moving past them too fast to really focus on anything. It made Clark feel a little bad for laughing. He reached out and laid his hand on Jason's knee, gently squeezing once, to try and get Jason's attention.
“I’m not laughing at you, Jason.” He promised, occasionally turning to look at Jason before back at the road. “It's just that it's such a difference from how you usually are. It's a little… cute. To know that the big, scary, Red Hood is anxious over something like this.” He took his hand back to the steering wheel.
Jason let out a sigh that trailed off into a groan, resting his head against the glass of the window.
“But I'm not going in as Red Hood, Clark. I'm going in as me...” He said, turning to look at Clark with furrowed brows.
Clark shook his head a little, using his turn signal for a moment before he glanced at Jason again.
“You make it sound like that's a bad thing.” He offered a smile, genuine and filled with warmth. “I rather like you. And I think I prefer you to Red Hood if I'm honest.” He said, causing Jason to raise an eyebrow. “You haven't placed explosives on my chest or used sonic emitters to try and take me out. Red Hood has.”
At that, Jason rolled his eyes, but a smile tugged at his features nonetheless. It pulled lightly on the Glasgow smile on the right side of his face.
“Yeah well, you deserved it.”
Clark scoffed in fake hurt, unable to keep the smile on his face from growing.
“Deserved it? I was just doing my job investigating a break-in.” He shook his head again, looking at Jason from the corner of his eyes. “You were the one breaking and entering. If anything, you would have deserved it.”
Jason shrugged, but the tension seemed to have seeped out of his muscles some. His shoulders were looser and his expression was less tight.
“Hmm… agree to disagree.” Was all he said, his tone calmer and more self-assured. The earlier nervousness had diminished quite a bit, though Clark suspected it might resurface once they arrived. He hoped it wouldn't linger for too long.
On the topic of arriving…
The fields surrounding them become more and more familiar to Clark. He started driving slower, letting that familiarity of the region do most of the work, as if driving on auto-pilot. The farmhouses, old but sturdy and well-maintained, were a welcome sight after the long road here. Normally he would have flown this way, quick and easy. But this was the first time he brought Jason along, and he wanted to enjoy the time spent together. Besides, this way Jason wasn’t just thrown into the situation. He could mentally prepare himself a little.
“There it is.” Clark called out with a bright smile and a glint in his eyes. His gaze was on a red-painted farmhouse surrounded by growing grains. The green of the plants was turning ever so slightly yellow, indicating to Clark that the harvest would happen sooner rather than later this year. Maybe he could convince Jason to come here again when it was harvest time. After a few days of work, the neighboring farms always hosted a ‘celebration’. It was an excuse for throwing a big barbecue with the neighbourhood and just having fun, and it was something Clark had always enjoyed.
It was one of the few times he had felt normal amongst other people. Like he belonged.
But, first things first. Today had to go well or Jason was not going to want to come back. Regardless of a party or not.
Clark drove up to the farmhouse and parked the car near the barn that was painted in the same red as the house. The layer of color was starting to peel, and would need to be reapplied again. Something that Clark had done at least a dozen times when he still lived here.
He turned to Jason, who unbuckled his seatbelt and took a deep breath. His heartbeat was faster now, but it wasn’t anything bad. Jason’s eyes met Clark and he offered the other the faintest uptick of his lips, barely a smile. But it was genuine, and so Clark thought it was beautiful.
“Let’s hope they like me.” Jason’s words came out as a joke, even if he meant them.
Leaning in, Clark stole a quick kiss from Jason’s scarred lips, letting his hand rest gently on the other man’s cheek. His thumb idly caressed circles into the textured skin.
“I love you.” Clark pulled back barely enough to speak, his breath ghosting across Jason’s lips. “And they will too. I just know it.”
Jason gave a faint nod. There were still slight wisps of green in the blue of his eyes, but a little nervousness wasn't such a bad thing. And Jason would see that there was no reason to worry at all, once he was actually inside.
Clark climbed out of the car, watching Jason do the same, before they walked to the door of the farmhouse. He wrapped an arm around Jason's waist and placed a kiss on top of the other's head, right where the white streak met the black in Jason's hair.
“Thank you for coming with. This means a lot to me, Jay.” He said as he went to knock, noting how the tips of Jason’s ears turned a light pink at the affection.
Jason held the dish in his hands, looking up at Clark for a moment like he was about to say something, his mouth half-opened. But before he could, his gaze snapped to the door the moment it opened, whatever he was about to say dying on his tongue.
An older woman with a warm and bright smile, and slightly greying hair, stood in the door opening. Her eyes positively lit up when she saw Clark. And when she went to look at Jason, her expression didn't waver in the slightest. In fact, she seemed even more excited to see Jason.
“Come in, come in.” She said quickly, stepping back, ushering the two men inside of the house.
The house was exactly as Clark remembered it. Old wooden floors that were slightly crooked, covered in rugs to dampen the sound of their creaking. Near the fireplace stood a chair that was handmade by his father, covered in cushions that were hand-sewn by his mother. The pillows might have lost most of their fluffiness, but they were still comfortable and cozy. There were many pictures and article clippings on the wall, most of which being of Clark himself, carefully framed like each was a work of art worthy of admiration and display. And the comforting smell of something hearty being cooked wrapped around the room like a blanket, gentle and warming.
Home. To Clark, this place was the embodiment of that word.
The moment Clark was past the threshold, and out of his head, he went to hug Ma.
“Hey, Ma. Hope you’ve been well?” He asked, still holding her close for a good moment longer.
Ma hugged back with vigor, of course she did. She was the reason Clark was such a hugger in the first place. Her arms couldn't reach all the way around Clark, she hasn't been able to do that for quite some years now, not since Clark built up a decent amount of muscle. And yet he always felt small in the best kind of way when Ma held him, like he was a kid again, about to be read a story.
“I'm wonderful. Especially now that you're here. Jon should show up soon, he's still tinkering with the tractor again.” She spoke with a fond but exacerbated sigh, before finally letting go. She turned to Jason again, who seemed partially frozen at the door, dish still in hand and heartbeat too controlled. But Clark didn’t think stress was what had Jason so still. Because the more anxious Jason was, the more he tended to fidget and move. This was something more… plaintive almost.
Jason took a step into the home, eyes sweeping past the decor in seconds before they landed on Ma.
“And you must be Jason!” Ma greeted, walking up to the man. She wanted to go for a hug with Jason too, Clark could tell. Her hands had raised a little before she thought better of it. It wouldn’t really be comfortable to hug with a large glass dish squished between them, after all. “Oh Clark has been absolutely gushing about you. We've been wondering when he would finally bring you around.”
The words made Clark's face heat up, the red color spreading down his neck and up his ears. He adjusted his glasses. even though there was nothing wrong with them.
“Ma…” He muttered, rubbing the back of his neck as he avoided eye contact with a suddenly much more pleased and relaxed looking Jason.
“It's a pleasure to meet you, ma’am.” How Jason managed to not let that smugness bleed into his voice, Clark would never know. “I brought dessert, though it still needs to go in the oven.” The smile he wore was convincingly gentle and calm, Clark had seen Jason wear that smile before when he wanted to come off as non-threatening.
It wasn't his real smile though. It was something practiced- perfected, but it wasn't anywhere close to the beauty of Jason's genuine glee. When his scars were pulled taut, and it caused his smile to become asymmetrical, with the right side of his lips ending just a bit higher in a way that was uniquely Jason.
“Oh no need to call me ma’am. I'm not nearly old enough for that.” Ma chastised with a teasing smile. “And dessert, how thoughtful of you.” She went to take the dish, lifting the corner of the tinfoil to take a peek at what lay underneath.
“Spiced bread pudding.” Jason was quick to say. “I know it’s more of a winter dessert but I promise this one is worth trying.” There was a hint of pride to his voice. He had spent hours in the kitchen to make it perfect and exactly according to Alfred’s recipe. Clark wanted to sneak a taste but Jason had slapped his hand away with such ferocity that the message rang loud and clear. “It will still need to bake for about an hour and a half.”
Ma hummed as she turned her attention from the dessert back to Jason.
“Well you have my curiosity. I’ll go put it in the oven and finish up some things for dinner.” With a sigh, her focus went to Clark. “You should fetch your dad. Knowing him, he’s probably forgotten the time.”
Clark let out a chuckle as he nodded.
“Sure thing." He took Jason’s hand in his own, feeling the slightly calloused skin dip and raise at the myriad of scars littered on it. The feeling of them was faint, but they still brought a feeling to his stomach that he refused to call butterflies. “Come on, he’ll be in the barn if he’s working on the tractor again.”
Jason squeezed where Clark held his hand, his heartbeat becoming a little more normal.
“Lead the way, big guy.”
Clark headed outside with Jason. The weather was perfect, there was barely a cloud in the sky and the temperature was warm without being overbearing. The late-afternoon sun shone its rays down onto them, causing Clark to close his eyes and lift his head a little, as he simply enjoyed soaking in the light.
He slowly blinked his eyes open, when he remembered that he wasn’t alone. And with a sheepish smile, he turned to Jason. Only for the sight next to him to force his breath stuck in his throat, stunning him to silence. He was unable to do anything, yet alone move.
Jason was basking in the lightly orange-tinted sunlight, just as Clark had done. With closed eyes and the soft breeze moving his hair back and forth, he looked like a painting. As if an artist carefully and masterfully recreated a vision from their dreams, and then brought it to life. Soft and almost golden colors made Jason’s skin look like it was glowing. Like he was divine. The smile that decorated his full lips, a real smile, was filled with ease as his shoulders loosened their tension.
He looked beautiful.
No, that wasn’t doing him justice. With his perfect flaws, Jason looked… he looked radiant.
When Jason's eyes opened, blue-green and sharp, they didn't go to Clark immediately. Instead, he stared up at the sky, caressing Clark's hand with his thumb in slow little circles.
“It’s been a long while since I've breathed in air this… fresh.” He said, turning his head a little towards Clark. Jason still had to look at him from the corner of his eyes. “Since before I came back to Gotham.” The easy smile he had dipped lower a little, but didn't disappear fully. “Forgot how nice it is to just take a sec to breathe.”
Jason hadn't spoken much about the time between his resurrection and his return to Gotham. Whenever the topic was brought up, the Pit Madness came creeping in. But there were no strong green wisps in Jason's eyes this time.
“Where?” Clark dared to ask, turning to look at the sky, at the few fluffy white clouds drifting by lazily.
Jason raised his eyebrow at the question, prompting Clark to explain.
“Where was the last time, I mean.” He clarified as he gave Jason’s hand a light squeeze.
Jason stayed silent, his gaze slowly moved up to follow the same clouds.
“... A place near Moscow.” He finally said. “It was beyond cold, but the air was so nice that I often just stood outside at night to breathe, calm my head.”
Clark nodded, processing the fact that Jason had apparently gone to Russia. He had thought the answer would be something like the Colorado Mountains, or some place closer to home. Not an entirely different continent.
Clark's lips were a fine line as he held back asking why Jason was there of all places. He didn't want to push the other to speak on a time that was difficult for him. Not here. Not when he looked so at peace. Learning about Jason required patience, he would talk about it when he was ready to do so, of that Clark was sure.
Jason took a step forwards and gently tugged at Clark's hand to get him to follow.
“Come on, let's go get your dad.”
Clark gave a quick nod, walking with Jason towards the old barn, whose wooden doors were big enough for the large farming equipment to go through, yet didn't feel like some oppressive or gaping gate.. Instead, they felt inviting to Clark. With the amount of times he’s hidden in the attic of the barn, trying to escape whatever had him upset or just reading in silence, how could it not be a safe space?
When they got inside, the smells of hay and synthetic oil mixed together into a familiar scent. It wasn’t difficult to find Pa, the large tractor took up quite some space in the barn, after all.
Hunched between the tractor and its opened hood, an older man was working diligently on something that Clark couldn’t quite see. It seemed like Pa hadn’t noticed them, too caught up in his work. That laserfocus was something Clark always appreciated in Pa. Even if it wasn’t always the most convenient trait.
“Hey, Pa.” Clark called out. The sudden sound rocked the man out of his own mind. And out of instinct, he lifted his head, hitting it on the opened hood with quite some force. A silent curse of pain escaped Pa’s lips and Clark immediately felt guilt settle in. He was quick to get to Pa, who had turned around to look at who had startled him. “I’m so sorry, are you okay?” Clark asked with worry hitched in his words.
But Pa just gave a chuckle as he rubbed the back of his head.
“Yeah, I’m alright.” He reassured, patting Clark’s shoulder with a bright grin. “How could I not be when you’re back home?” His eyes went to Jason and he did a quick and assessing look of the other man. “And you must be the man dating my son?” He suddenly sounded a lot more serious and stern.
Jason didn’t back down from the harsher tone. Instead, he held out his hand and nodded with that same easy but fake smile as before.
“Yes, sir. It’s good meeting you.”
Pa took Jason’s hand, a grin slowly creeping onto his face like he couldn’t keep up the tough-dad act. So with a slight laugh he spoke again.
“It's good meeting you too, son. Now let's get to the house before Martha has my head for forgetting the time again.” He cast a sideways glance at the tractor with a shake of his head. “Not like it'll go anywhere in the meantime.”
Jason walked around Pa, to the machine, and went to look inside. Pa turned to Clark with a raised eyebrow, and all Clark could do was give a silent shrug.
“Hmm… I'm not really an expert, but I've worked with a handful of specialty equipment and vehicles.” Jason muttered as he leaned in a little further. And Clark couldn't help but roll his eyes with affection at the statement. Specialty vehicle was one way to describe the Batmobile, he supposed. “I could give fixing your tractor a shot. No promises it'll work though.” Jason said as he took a step back and closed the hood of the tractor.
“Well… it's not like it can get any more unreliable.” Pa crossed his arms with a sigh. “But you shouldn't waste your time here on trying to fix an old man's problems.”
Jason's smirk, which was a tad crooked, held a glint of challenge to it.
“I don't see it as wasted time at all.” He stated. “And I have to make a good impression somehow.”
At that, Pa laughed in earnest as he nodded.
“Well I won't complain.” He unfolded his arms, motioning to the house. “But Martha will if we don't hurry along now.” He clapped his hand on Jason’s shoulder in a similar way he’d done with Clark earlier. Jason’s muscles tensed and his smirk faltered for a quick moment before he forced his expression to relax. Pa didn’t seem to have noticed, luckily.
Clark wrapped an arm around Jason's waist and pulled him closer as they walked back to the house. He placed a soft kiss on top of Jason's head before whispering.
“You already know what's wrong with it, don't you?”
Jason gave a nod, leaning into the touch as if on instinct.
“Yeah. Didn't want to make your dad feel bad.” He admitted, making sure to keep his voice low enough not to let Pa hear it. “I can probably get it working again in an hour or so.”
With a slight shake of his head, Clark walked back inside of the house with Jason.
“Show-off.” He teased Jason, who simply gave a smirk and stole a quick kiss from Clark's lips instead of giving an actual retort.
“Ah there you boys are. Dinner's gonna be done in just a minute!” Ma called out from the kitchen. “Jon, be a dear and set the table?”
Pa gave a nod, even though there was no way for Ma to even see it, before he went to work on getting the table ready. Setting the plates and cutlery, as well as something to drink.
And just as earlier, Clark could see the same plaintive, motionless expression spread across Jason's face as he watched Pa and listened to his slight teasing with Ma. Jason looked almost… hurt, but was trying to keep a strong face. Clark was about to ask if everything was okay, but Jason moved away from him and went to look at the many frames decorating the walls of the house.
He stopped in front of one from Clark's graduation. Where Ma and Pa were on either side of him, all smiling brightly at the camera. Pa had his arm slung around Clark's shoulder while Ma had her hand on Clark's arm. It was probably one of Clark's favorite pictures in the whole house. Not because the day was about him, but because it had been such a joyous occasion where his parents expressed such pride and love.
Jason’s lips tightened, his gaze briefly flickering to the floor before settling back on the photo. The ache in his expression was faint but unmistakable. Wisps of green moved across his eyes, before he forced a smile on his face that was nowhere near as convincing as he would have liked.
“You were such a dork. It's cute.” He said, trying to sound casual but the tightness in his voice was inescapable and obvious to Clark. “Your parents did a good job with you.”
Understanding dawned on Clark. Jason’s stillness, the haunted flickers in his eyes, the anxiety. It made so much more sense to him now, and the thought caused an uncomfortable feeling to coil around in his gut. This wasn’t just discomfort. It was a longing and a grief Jason likely couldn’t even name.
“Jay,” Clark began, making sure that Jason's attention was fully on him while keeping quiet enough to not let his parents hear any of it. “Are you okay?”
Jason was quick to nod, but it wasn't very convincing, and he must have noticed. Because he dropped the fake smile and his attention went back to the wall of pictures. Especially the one of Clark's graduation.
“They really love each other, huh?” His voice was soft, careful. “They really love you.”
With a frown on his brows, Clark got closer to Jason and laid his hand on Jason's cheek, holding him close. He didn't say anything though, because what could he say to this? Jason had a very different relationship with his parental figures, from his parents to Bruce. And while Bruce might have tried his best during Jason's time at the manor, their relationship now was as warm as a blizzard.
And here Clark was, putting it in his face how great his own home life had been. How loving and stable he grew up, with people who still cared for him so much even after he'd left.
“I'm sorry.” Clark caressed Jason's skin, his frown deepening more. “I didn't think about how this might-”
“Clark, stop.” Jason interrupted with a sigh, causing Clark to shut up. “There is nothing you need to apologize for.” He leaned ever so slightly into the touch, closing his eyes for a brief moment. “I’m glad you have a good home. It’s something solid- something to be proud of. I’m just… not used to it.” He opened his eyes again and offered a genuine, if small, smile. “But that doesn’t mean I can’t learn to get used to it. I want to learn. I’m just a little out of my depth.”
It was obvious he meant it, with how earnest his eyes were, and how steady his heart. And if Jason wanted to learn, wanted to better understand and accept the kindness and love given so freely in a home like the Kent’s, then Clark was all too happy to help him.
Clark moved in and gently pressed his lips against Jason’s, whose smile brightened at the kiss as he eagerly moved to meet Clark, with his hands coming around to wrap around Clark’s neck. The feeling of those full lips brought such-
“Ahem.” A throat cleared, startling Clark out of his thoughts and a step away from Jason, seeing his dad stand with his arms crossed. “When you boys are done, dinner is ready.” He said, giving Clark a knowing look before turning away.
Heat and color spread all over Clark’s skin as he buried his face in his hands. Jason tried to stifle a laugh, failing miserably, as he patted Clark’s back in a manner that was both comforting and teasing.
“Not a word.” Clark stated to Jason who gave a nod, despite them both knowing Jason would absolutely bring this up again later.
They went to the dining table, where Ma and Pa were already seated. Clark and Jason sat down next to each other. The scent of the food came through, making Clark’s stomach growl a little. Ma went and scooped everyone something to eat.
“So, Jason,” She took Jason’s plate. “Clark said you work night security?”
Jason gave a nod, that practiced smile on his face once again. Clark knew it would take more time for Jason to feel fully comfortable, but he’d get there eventually.
“Yeah, back when I lived in Gotham. But currently I’m in between jobs.” Technically, it wasn’t a lie. Ma and Pa didn’t need to know Jason was the, former crime-lord, Red Hood. That was a talk for a different day, not one for first meetings.
Conversation flowed easily after that, with Ma and Pa telling a few stories about Clark when he was younger, and Clark talking about how he’d met Jason and how things flowed from there. Jason didn’t speak a whole lot, but interjected his opinion or his recount of something when he felt like it.
Near the end of the dinner, with their plates emptied and their laughter having sounded through the room more than a few times by now, the conversation lulled down to more recent things such as Jason’s volunteer work at the shelter for teens back in Metropolis.
“-I had to redo all the cooking for two dozen teens. So Kellie is no longer allowed in the kitchen. She has heart for those kids but man… she is a terrible cook.” Jason chuckled as he told a tale from earlier this week.
He was laughing now but Clark remembered just how tired and upset he had been that evening.
“Oh, that reminds me.” Jason glanced at Clark before he continued. “Could you come visit the shelter as Superman someday? I’m sure the kids would love it. And having you there, even once, will scare away any ‘recruiter’.” He asked with an air of casualness to it.
Ma and Pa suddenly got very quiet and looked at one another for a moment before they turned back to Jason and Clark simultaneously.
“You told Jason?” Pa questioned in surprise, to which Jason groaned and moved his attention to Clark.
“You didn’t tell your parents I knew?” Jason gave a roll of his eyes. “No wonder I only got the normal stories of your childhood…”
Clark fixed his glasses a little. He opened his mouth, trying to find the right words as he realized that no, he hadn’t told his parents Jason knew. It must have completely slipped his mind with everything else going on. He had never formally told Jason, because the revelation that Jason knew had happened on the ‘job’ during very stressful circumstances which involved too much blood and threats. And after that, it was just their new normal.
“I guess I forgot?” Clark gave a nervous laugh. “Sorry.”
Ma sighed but her surprised look turned to one of fondness as her attention went to Jason.
“Well, I think it’s good that you know.” She got to her feet and went to take the dirty dishes. “Knowing Clark can be himself, really himself, means a lot to us.” She went to the kitchen to put the plates and cutlery away and to get the dessert that Jason had brought along.
“So… when did he tell you?” Pa seemed to have gotten past the shock of it as he addressed Jason.
Jason paused thoughtfully, glancing at Clark. The truth of how he’d learned about Clark’s dual identity was tangled in secrets and danger and a whole lot of things they couldn’t really discuss.
Leaning back in his chair, sitting fully against the backrest, Jason crossed his arms.
“So I had invited him for dinner. Slaved away in the kitchen cause I wanted to impress him, even I got the perfect wine to go with the food, right?” He began telling, his lips quirking upwards. “And I kinda messed it all up by shattering the wine glass and cutting my hand open. It was pretty nasty…”
Pa’s eyes went to Jason's hands for a moment, probably subconscious. But nothing was visible aside from the scars already there. It was impossible to guess which one would have been from that accident. And Clark was sure that that was exactly the reason Jason had moved his arms.
“Clark got to his feet far too quickly. And since I've been around capes before, thanks to my job in Gotham, I put two and two together when I went to look into it.” Jason finished. And… it was a good version of how it had happened. Partially true while keeping everything that wasn’t a safe topic for dinner out of it all.
Jason could be scary good at making people believe and know exactly what he wanted them to.
Ma came back then, with Jason's dessert in hand and putting down on the table.
“Well, I would have liked for it to have happened without you getting hurt, Jason.” She said in that way only a mother could, laying her hand on Jason's shoulder. “Nonetheless, I'm happy you know. And I'm happy you're here.”
Jason's breath hitched, so soft only Clark could hear it. The sharpness in his eyes lessened some as his expression faltered. Clark couldn’t help but notice the way Jason’s defenses softened, if only slightly. And then, making Clark’s heart soar and beat unsteadily, a real and sincere smile came to Jason. His skin flushed a shade as he gave a silent nod.
Ma went and served everyone some of the dessert. And while everyone was enjoying it immensely, Jason stared down at his bowl in such a gentle manner. It reminded Clark of the lok he sometimes got when talking about the kids of the shelter or a particularly good memory from his past. He was content.
The evening wound down after that, with Jason and Clark cleaning the dishes on Jason’s insistence. Ma joked that there was no need to try and make a good impression, but Jason wasn’t budging.
Clark had his sleeves rolled up high as he scrubbed the hot, soapy water across the plates before handing them to Jason to dry. They did this in silence for the most part, right until the last few dishes.
“I can see where you got your big heart from.” Jason put down another plate as he turned to Clark. “You have good parents.”
Clark tilted his head, his glasses getting slightly askew. Jason reached out and took the frame off Clark’s face before he placed a kiss on his jaw. Jason’s lips quirked with a quiet confidence, his fingers brushing the edge of Clark’s shirt before tugging it gently. Even standing half a head shorter, Jason had a way of commanding attention with a look that left Clark breathless.
“Thanks for inviting me, big guy. I’m glad I came along.” Jason’s words were soft, open. And knowing that Jason meant it, that he was becoming comfortable around his family, it was the best feeling Clark could ever have.
They finished up their task quickly after that, though they lingered in the kitchen for a moment after. Clark started on making some coffee, as a way to excuse why they stalled a little. Not that Ma or Pa would fault them for taking a moment for themselves, of course. But at least this way there was a valid reason aside from wanting to kiss Jason in private.
The rich aroma of coffee mingled with the faint trace of soap on their hands filled the air around them, while scarred lips were pressed firmly against Clark’s own. The feeling was long familiar yet still as exciting and breathtaking as the first time. Jason was someone who loved like he lived; bold and strong, filled to the brim with passion but still a tad inexperienced with the situation he found himself in.
“I love you, Jay. You mean the world to me.” Clark breathed out when they parted from their kiss.
“I know you do.” Jason responded without hesitation.
There was a certain shine in his eyes, sharp and full with something Clark recognized as a growing taunt, but it was already too late to try and stop it.
“After all, you’ve been gushing about me to your parents.” Jason teased, not even bothering to hide his amusement at the expense of Clark, who let out a groan. “I knew you liked me, big guy. But to hear you were talking about me like some school ground crush, I'm honored.” Jason's smirk was pointed and crooked. It held an unspoken promise that this topic was something he would bring up around Clark. Often.
“Please stop.” Clark all but begged, despite the barest hint of a smile that came to his face. “Let's just forget Ma ever said that.” He held Jason a little closer, his arms wrapped securely around the others waist.
Jason let out a bark of laughter at the pleading, short but authentic.
“I make no promises on that, big guy.” He said, pushing himself closer against Clark until their bodies were flushed to one another. The humor in his gaze having left for a far more… intimate look. Hooded and without shame. “But I do know a couple of things you can do that’ll make me forget a whole lot.” Jason purred the words lowly, his hands wandering underneath Clark’s shirt.
Clark’s mouth got very dry, very quickly. It felt like the gears in his head stopped turning for a moment as all he could pay attention to was Jason and the promise in those words.
“I can think of a few things too.” He managed to say when he finally regained movement in his tongue. “Quite a lot of-”
“I know the coffee machine is slow, but it’s not that slow, boys!” Pa’s voice rang out through the house, shattering the intimate moment in one swoop.
Clark and Jason looked at each other, chuckling silently like teenagers who got caught sneaking about.
“Well you heard your dad, we should hurry back.” Jason let go of Clark. but instead of letting Jason move away, Clark simply pulled the other even closer against him.
“A minute longer won’t matter at this point.” He reasoned, to which Jason rolled his eyes but went back in for another kiss regardless.
They ended up staying in the kitchen for longer than a minute. But Clark couldn’t find it in himself to care.
After all, he was in the best place on earth.
He was home.