He woke abruptly, the cry of a nearby rooster pulling him from his sleep as quickly as though a starting pistol had been shot beside his ear. It took him a few moments of laying in the still dark morning to remember where he was. In a daze, he remembered that he wasn't in New York, that he wasn't in his mom's apartment or even his apartment in New York. No, he was in a small bedroom, in the middle of a farm in middle of nowhere Kansas.

And that realization was strangely comforting.

Even more curiously, he felt rested.

Blessed be his father and Morpheus, he actually felt as though he'd managed to get some sleep. Finally managed to close his eyes for eight blessed hours without seeing faces long past dancing hauntingly in front of him.

It was…strange, he decided. Strange to not be overwhelmed with the choking feeling despair clawing at his heart. Strange to have thoughts not completely encompassed with times long past. Strange that he had…enjoyed the day before. Enjoyed it to a degree that he hadn't been able to describe.

He owed Linda a debt he didn't think he'd ever be able to repay. he never thought he'd feel what he'd felt the other day.

The feeling of belonging. Of being a part of something. Of having something.

Of family.

Blinking blearily he rolled over in his bed and took note of the clock on the nightstand, and let out a small groan, cursing his own damned sense of morality forcing him to work off his stay at the farm. He'd never been an early riser, and it was even worse since starting college. The ability to schedule one's own classes late in the afternoon was something he'd taken advantage of, and he'd yet to be up before ten in the morning in months.

Though that was due in no small part to his nightly activities.

Reaching out and grabbing his phone, he noted that it was still cool, well into the thirties. Not something he'd expected to find in Kansas, but then again, he supposed the state was nowhere near as far south as perhaps he had previously thought.

Throwing on a pair of jeans and a tight-fitting long sleeve shirt, he donned his jacket, socks, and boots, and tried to make his way sneakily down the stairs.

John was awake and waiting for him downstairs, seated at the kitchen table with the daily newspaper in one hand, and a steaming cup of coffee in the other. Minding the coffee pot just behind, Clark Kent was busy pouring himself a cup. Clark barely paid Percy a passing glance, but John glanced up from his paper, a broad grin on his face,

"Morning Percy!" He greeted chipperly, and Percy couldn't fathom how a human being could have so much energy so early in the morning. The sun hadn't even begun to rise yet.

"M-m-morning," Percy said around a jaw-breaking yawn,

"Good to see you up and early." John observed, "Would have thought I'd need to head up and wake you."

Clark stepped away from the coffee pot, and grabbed his own discarded paper on the table.

"That rooster of yours is a better alarm clock than any phone," Percy joked, approaching the pot himself, and John chuckled knowingly,

"Would have shot the damned thing if he weren't what got me out of bed in the morning." John said. "Cream's in the fridge if you need it, and sugar's in the blue mason jar."

Percy hummed a "Thank you," and set about pouring a healthy dose of creamer and sugar into his coffee. He didn't much like the taste of coffee, but he would be lying if he said he didn't need the caffeine to be functional these days.

"You do much mucking at that camp of yours?" John asked as Percy took a seat in the open chair at his other side. Percy nodded as he took a sip of the coffee, the heat of the drink doing more to bring him closer to wakefulness than the caffeine.

"Not my favorite chore," He admitted, "But I'd wager I'm a good hand for it."

"I don't think mucking is anyone's favorite chore, be worried if it were." John said with a snort, "After that, we'll need to take the cattle out for grazing, you said you ride?"

"Yes sir," Percy nodded,

"Good, you can take Krypto out and oversee them as they eat, and then rustle them back into the pens. Clark and I will deal with pigs, since I'm guessing you don't have as much experience with them."

"No I don't," Percy said with a shake of his head, "But, uh, who's Krypto?"

"The dog," John chuckled, "If you could even call the lazy lug that."

"Pa!" Clark said indignantly,

"Oh relax Clark, you know I'm only teasing," John turned his attention back Percy, "Krypto's a good enough boy, he'll serve you right." Percy nodded, and they finished their coffee in companionable silence. Before long, they were trooping down the steps of the front porch and heading towards the barn. The sun had still yet to begin to rise, and Percy suspected that it would still be some time before it came up. He shivered, the morning air was cool and bitter, and he was suddenly thankful for Linda's insistence that he pack a cold-weather jacket.

In spite of the nature of the activity, Percy found himself rather enjoying himself in mucking the stalls. It was familiar, comfortable for him. He'd done it often enough at Camp, that he was something of an old hand at it, and before long the chore was done.

"Hells bells boy, you sure you want to be a teacher?" John joked when he came in at Percy's call to inspect the stalls. "I think you've a future as a farmer."

"I think I'll stick to teaching if it's all the same," Percy laughed, and John clapped him on the shoulder,

"Well if it doesn't work out, know you got work here if you need it," The gesture was all the more meaningful because it was genuine.

"I appreciate it," Percy said, the words coming out far more muted than he'd intended.

"We look out for each other 'round here son," John said, patting Percy gently on the back, "Now then, let's get you saddled up and see if we can't rouse Krypto."

It took around fifteen minutes for them to get the saddle and equipment mounted on the large mustang that would be Percy's steed. He was a proud old thing, by the name of Grant, and to Percy the aging horse sounded eerily like how he'd always imagined Colonel Sanders,

"I had no idea that our great lord had any foals left," The southern gentlemanly voice of the horse said in Percy's head,

"Maybe in this world," Percy thought back, "But I'm not exactly from around these parts,"

The horse let out a pitiful whine, and nudged his head against Percy's head,

"My apologies, your highness," He said, sounding strangely remorseful, "My sympathies to you. I promise you that I shall not dally in the great journey ahead of us!"

Percy could hardly keep himself from snorting, it didn't matter what world he found himself in, apparently horses were universally strange.

Patting the aging mustang on the flank, Percy left the barn and made his way outside. The sun had finally started to rise, and was bathing the house in the warm orange glow of a fresh morning. Percy only just managed to extricate himself from the barn before there was a loud bark of excitement, and he caught a brief flash of bright white fur, before something large and heavy collided heavily with his chest, knocking him to the ground.

A heavy and warm tongue lapped at the side of his face, as wave after wave of horrendous breath wafted over his nostrils. Blessedly, after a few moments a hand reached down and yanked the beast off of Percy.

"Get off him you great lug," John laughed, and Percy scrambled to his feet, swiping the slobber from his cheeks.

"Percy," John said, dropping the panting beast to the ground. "Allow me to introduce you to Krypto." The panting dog let out a bark and his tail thumped excitedly on the ground. If Percy didn't know any better, he would have said that it wasn't a dog, but a hell-hound. The damned thing was half the size of a bear. Like a mix of a labrador retriever and a german sheapard, Krypto had large eyes, and a fur so white it was almost unnatural.

The animal, seemingly unable to control itself, darted forward climbed up Percy once more, his tongue darting out and slobbering over his face. Percy let out a laugh and scratched under the beasts chin and around his ears.

"Well I'll take that as a good sign," John laughed and Percy looked up, still scratching the happy mutt around the ears.

"What's that?" Percy asked,

"Krypto's got a good sense of character. Guess this means you're officially one of ours," He had a cheeky smile on his dirt-stained cheeks, and a mischievous twinkle in his eye that Percy couldn't quite place.

"Well I'll take that," Percy said, turning his attention back to Krypto, "Ready to wrangle some cattle boy?"

Krypto let out another loud bark, and darted around Percy in an excited circle.

"Know where you're going? Or you want me to explain it again?" John asked,

"No I got it," Percy nodded, John had explained where he was to take the cattle on their walk to the barn, and the property was not so immense, nor was it so overcrowded with foliage that Percy couldn't find his way to and from the grazing area.

Mounting old Grant, with Krypto at his side, Percy set about rustling the cattle into position. It was boring and laborious work, but it kept Percy's attention beautifully. He reveled in every opportunity to distract himself, it was one of the reasons he was going to school in the first place. While it was most certainly true that he was doing out of a sense of duty to his mother, and because to be frank, he didn't know what else to do, there was something else there. He wanted, needed, a distraction. five to seven hours of classes, mixed in with all of the homework was sufficient to keep his mind occupied and away from the darker thoughts that tended to occupy him in the waking hours.

It took the better part of an hour to carouse the cattle in order and get them to the grazing field. Krypto, it turned out, was an excellent companion for herding cattle. Whenever Percy couldn't get a cow in order, the dog would dart out, seemingly out of nowhere, and menace the beast back into place.

With the help of Krypto, the cows were soon grazing and after an hour or so, Percy and Krypto were herding the cattle back into position and they were making their way back towards the stables.

The sun was growing high in the sky, and as Percy checked his watch, he saw that it was nearing nine o'clock, and his stomach growled in discomfort, having been up for several hours and feeling the strain of his morning activities without nourishment. With the help of John, Clark, and Krypto, they got the cows back in their pen, and Percy leapt skillfully from the back of his steed and led the large animal back to its stable.

"I hope you will do me the honor of taking me out again soon your highness," Old Grant said in Percy's mind, and he chuckled, patting the mustang on its large flank,

"Will do," He spent a few minutes replacing the saddle and equipment where it was meant to go and made his way out of the barn.

"Come on Percy," John said, gesturing over to him, "A hard morning's work deserves a good meal."

"You won't have to twist my arm on that one," Percy said with a smile, his stomach choosing that second to rumble again, uncomfortably loudly,

"Should have known better," John laughed good naturedly, "Doesn't do to keep a young man hungry like that, come on, smells like Martha's made pancakes."

They made their jaunt into the home, and Percy's nostrils were filled with the sudden scent of calming pancakes and freshly-made bacon. His stomach curled in agony, begging for the delightful smelling foods.

Though even through his hunger, Percy's eyes darted to the mass of tangled blonde locks resting on the table in a neat mass of tangled curls.

"She's always been like this," Martha laughed softly, as she placed a steaming plate of hotcakes in front of Percy, "Up in the morning, only to take a little nap right before breakfast. Girl's never been much of an early riser."

Percy chuckled, and thanked Martha for the meal, before settling in for his breakfast, it was likely the hunger, but Percy could have sworn that he'd not eaten anything so delicious in his entire life. Martha Kent cooked like his mother, and with that single thought, Percy's mood started to change. The anxiety and depression that had been absent all day the previous day, was threatening to return in full force. But Percy did his best to fight off the mounting sense of despair, not wanting to ruin the fine start to the morning that he'd had. He tried thinking of his morning, of the day before, of anything that might bring his mood back to a stable place.

Thankfully, he was saved from the recesses of his mind when Linda groaned, shifting her head and poking on blue eye open, peeking through the curtains of cascading golden locks. Her eyes met his, before quickly closing again. Linda's shoulders shook for a moment, before she sat up, groaning and stretching an arm over her head.

"Morning sleepyhead," Percy said, but to his surprise, Linda didn't much stir at his greeting. Her eyes darted over in his direction and she only briefly recognized his greeting before she was rising out of her chair and heading towards the coffee pot.

Confusion and hurt ached in his chest at the strange dismissal. He had known the woman long enough by this point to know when something was bothering her, and something was most certainly bothering her. He could also tell when she was upset with him, and she most certainly was, though for what, he had no idea. Percy knew that he could be a little thick-headed, that he had a bad habit of saying things without thinking about them and could say something insensitive without realizing it. But he didn't think such a thing had happened the day before.

He wracked his brains, and he tried to remember any possible interaction the day before in which he would have said or done something foolish. But he couldn't think of anything in his actions the day before which would have led to such a treatment of him.

There was a minor commotion at the door, before it burst open and Krypto came bounding in, an aggrieved looking Clark chasing after.

"No Krypto, down boy!" Clark yelled, but it was fruitless effort, the large hound was already at Percy's side, his head resting happily in his lap and his tail wagging excitedly against the leg of the table. Chuckling, Percy reached down, and with his free hand he began scratching the hounds around the chin. Krypto panted happily at the attention as Percy found his attention suddenly departed from Linda and her strange behavior, and mixed between the excitable dog in his lap and his breakfast.

"Krypto!" Clark said in surprise, but Percy just waved him off,

"He's fine where he is," Percy laughed, "Big guy just wants some bacon, don't you boy?"

Krypto let out a happy bark, and Percy could have sworn that the dog nodded, as though he'd actually understood Percy. Reaching to his plate, he snatched some breakfast meat and tossed it in the air, which Krypto snatched out of the air and swallowed seemingly without chewing.

"Good boy," Percy said happily, "I missed having a dog," He mused, looking over to a thoroughly surprised looking Clark. "I had mastiff when I was younger, Mrs. O'Leary,"

"That's an odd name," Martha mused, watching the interaction in amusement,

"She was a rescue," Percy explained, which was close enough to the truth, he turned his eyes over to Linda, and was overwhelmingly relieved to see that her demeanor had changed entirely. She had a bright, beautiful smile on her face, beaming happily at Percy and Krypto. Percy's stomach clenched strangely at the sight, she truly did have a fantastic smile, her eyes seemingly dancing and sparkling in joy that left him feeling more than a little dizzy. After a moment's staring at Percy, she redirected her gaze at Clark, smirking triumphantly.

Percy followed her gaze, and caught Clark's eyes. He was lookin on in utter bewilderment, his eyes focused solely on the happily panting mutt still slobbering over Percy's lap.

"Can't help but feel like I'm missing something here," He observed, and Linda shook off her apparent satisfaction, though she was still smirking happily.

"It's nothing, Percy." She waved her hand dismissively, "Krypto's just a bit protective and not usually so welcoming to strangers." She turned and quirked an eyebrow at Clark, "I believe one of your friends told me that he thought Krypto had an excellent judge of character?"

Clark met her eyes, before rolling his eyes and strolling over to an empty chair. Linda seemed to revel in her minor victory over Clark, and any traces of the strange mood she'd been having seemed long forgotten. She took the open chair beside Percy and they shared in an excellent breakfast together.

The day passed peaceably, and Percy went through the chores he'd been assigned dutifully and happily. As it had been that morning, he greatly enjoyed the distractions that the chores provided him. Better still, was that the more he worked with John, the more he was beginning to feel like he belonged with something. Not necessarily that he was part of the family, it was far too soon for sentiments like that, but to simply be accepted by a group of people. To have people he could easily laugh and joke with. To feel welcomed and wanted…It truly was a beautiful feeling, and one he'd not even known that he'd been missing so desperately.

Before long, they were sitting down to an extravagant feast. An enormous cooked turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, beans, and more food than Percy could possibly eat.

"In this family," John explained as he sat down at the dinner table across from Percy, "We like to say what we're thankful for, before we eat, are you comfortable with that?"

Percy nodded his head and smiled, and around the table they went. Starting with Clark and going around. Most of the toasts were what one would expect from a Thanksgiving toast, praises to family and health and to god, others to family and friends, Linda met Percy's eyes when she said that, and warmth spread through his chest, a large smile on his face. Finally it got to Percy's turn, and he truly had no idea what to say, so he did as he always did, he winged it.

"I'm thankful for everyone here," he said gently, "Thankful for you opening your home and your lives to a man you don't know." He gulped, his mouth dry, "I'm thankful…thankful for you, Linda." He met her eyes fiercely, "For your friendship, for your kindness, for everything you've given me. For being there for me, and for-for always picking me up when I fall down." Linda's eyes watered somewhat, and Percy sat down.

"Here, here," John cheered, raising his glass to the middle of the table in cheers. They clinked glasses and dug in to the delicious feast.

By the time he went to sleep that night, he was so full and so tired, and so filled with joy, that no ghosts haunted his vision.

BREAK

Kara wrapped her arms around Martha, having already done the same to John and her cousin and Lois, who had departed earlier that morning.

"Stay in touch dear," Martha said as she squeezed Kara tighter,

"I will." She nodded against Martha, and released her, Kara's eyes unconsciously darting over to where Percy and John were talking to one another. Martha followed Kara's gaze and smiled knowingly,

"Already like he's one of the family," Martha noted, and Kara nodded without really registering what Martha said,

"Do be patient with him, he's clearly hurting," Martha advised, and Kara turned her head to her, a quizzical look on her face,

"What do you mean?" She asked,

"Oh honey," Martha said, patting her on the arm, "It's clear that you're hopeless for him,"

"I-no-that's not-" She spluttered, her face feeling hot,

"Kara, I raised Clark, watched him pine after Lana for years. Believe me when I say I know what lovesick looks like."

"But I don't-" Kara tried to say,

"Please don't deny it dear," Martha said, "The longer you do, the harder it'll be for him to understand, and the sooner someone else might swoop in. He's hurting, and he's not ready right now, but give it time and he'll come to you."

Kara was at a complete loss for words, and as she looked back at Percy, watching as his hair blew easily in the soft breeze. The way his smile seemed to actually reach his eyes, the calm and relaxed demeanor, and the way his eyes seemed to sparkle.

Kara didn't even realize that she was smiling.

"There it is," Martha said gently, rubbing Kara on the arm, smiling happily at her,

"I look at John the same way," She noted, looking over to her husband, a warm and happy smile on her face,

"And you should see the way he looks at you."

If Kara could blush she would have.

But that didn't mean she wasn't happy.

AN: Busy as hell right now, but that doesn't mean you don't get your update! Hope you're enjoying where things are going, and have been enjoying the ride thus far, plenty of fun left in store as Kara and Percy start to realize the other isn't what they seem.

Shoutout to Double0Sxvxn for being an awesome Beta and dealing with my bullshit and as always if you enjoyed this but haven't checked out my other work, give them a try you never know you might find something else you like. I'm also on discord now, where I and a bunch of other writers hang out, chat and brainstorm ideas, you just have to copy the link that's in my profile bio if you want to come and hang out with us. Stay safe, stay healthy and have an awesome week

All My Love,

LilDB