I wasn't sure which category to put this in... Feel free to tell me if you think it would fit better in another genre. Just something inspired by the scene at the end of 'Bereft'.
Every time he comes back to earth, it reminds him of all the things he lacks. Powers, knowledge, family. It reminds him that he is not Superman.
Falling, failing, hopeless.
The sensation of falling he gets around M'gann is different. Falling in love is a good feeling.
A newborn life, rushing past as he climbs higher and higher; grows higher. Grows bigger, better. Learns from observing those around him, and from experience. He can make his own decisions now; he is allowed to decide for himself what to believe, and what opinions to hold.
Understanding is exhilarating.
But with every leap, the elation that comes from soaring into the sky is counter-balanced with the drop. The drop in his stomach when he falls. He feels his weight being dragged down by the Earth's gravity, and he pushes with it. He pushes down - makes the action partly his own doing. He's in control of it.
The descent always ends with the impact. The slam into solid ground, fracturing the surface. He feels it through his entire body – the shockwaves, and the disillusion.
All it takes is a steadying grip and a bit of brain power – a skill she uses every day. She thinks nothing of it; it's as natural as breathing. It's strange and terrifying at first; he's not in control of his own body, she steers and supports simultaneously. But then he realises the familiar elation isn't fading, because he's not falling. This is the sensation he was programmed to expect.
She's warm against his bare skin, even through the fabric of her suit – although he supposes it is organic. Her waist is soft to the touch, but he can feel the muscles under the surface working to guide them through the air.
She can hold him up. And if he slips, he knows she'll catch him – he knows she won't let him crash to the ground at the end of it all.