Clark awoke the same time as any normal day, and to him weekends were considered the same, a normal day. The sun was shining just as bright as any morning, but this time, he didn't put aside any time to stare at it. Sunsets were his and Lana's thing to do, but when the sun rose in the morning, it was kind of like his greeting to start the day. He'd been giving this little greeting since he was young, or at least he was told. He got out of his bed as normally as he would each and every morning, he never felt the need to greet his bed. The very thought just sounded silly. Besides, he'd just spent a fair amount of hours sleeping in the same position. The bed had seen enough of him. And he'd seen enough of it.
He walked along the floor as normal as ever, as he walked up to his dresser, opening the top drawer and taking one peek, and in under a minute he had exactly what he wanted. White shirt, blue stripped funnel shirt, and he knew he could find either the red jacket, or the dark blue one somewhere downstairs, either would do. There wasn't really anything different from the way he, a teenage boy, got ready. Boys are less likely to care about their clothing, and their hair, unlike girls. When Clark thought about it, he'd offend get a headache, the thought was just strange to even waste brain power thinking about.
He left his room, forgetting to close the door again, as he headed down the stairs. Lucky enough for him, the ceiling was higher up this time, so he never thought to worry about his head hitting it. He was very tall for his age. His eyes met those of his parents, and as he remembered to check the living room for either of his jackets, he finally found one. It was the dark blue one. He picked it up and carefully laid it front up on the couch. He wasn't quiet sure if he'd need it, but there were still chores to do, so he was always prepared. His body felt sore that morning. His back hurt when he moved, and his neck had a knot in it, which made him feel discomfort when he tried to turn his head. As he tried stretching, to see if he could get himself to normal, his eyes turned to the direction of the kitchen. Where he saw his mom, standing there, with an odd look on her face.
''What's wrong Mom?'' he whispered, as he allowed his arms to dangle at his sides, as he'd just made a thousand weird faces, from trying to fix his neck. It didn't take him long to notice, his faces were the reason she was staring at him.
''Everything okay, Clark? Looks like you were just about to break your neck a few seconds ago.'' Martha asked, as she went back to frying, what seemed to be small flakes of bacon, alongside a fry pan that contained eggs.
''Trust me.'' he replied, taking a seat at the table. ''It felt broken before I was trying to fix it. I think maybe I slept weird last night? And this is what I'm stuck with.'' he complained, as he rubbed the side of his neck. Which only seemed to cause more discomfort for himself.
''See if your father can help you, he should be down any minute.''
''Dad? No way! If he tries to help, I'll definitely end up in the hospital, unable to move my head for a year!'' Clark said, as little fear in the back of his throat.
''You're being silly, Clark. You're fathers strong, but not that strong.'' Martha chuckled, as she dumped the slight amount of eggs from the pan, and onto a separate plate, on her left.
''Yeah, right?'' Clark rolled his eyes as he attempted to stand, wanting a glass of juice, but as the pain grew worse, he had to stop a few seconds. As his steps became less and less, he finally gave up on the juice. He couldn't believe he was about to pass up juice, but something was really wrong with his neck. Even with his entire body. He felt healthy, but at the same time, he felt sick and broken. He had to keep reminding himself that he was only as human as he felt.
He could bleed, able to be punched, kicked, or thrown anywhere, and they could kill him...and this time, he wouldn't come back to life. His father had made it quiet clear to him, that if he makes a promise or a choice, there are always consequences for both. His promise mean't nothing now. Not since he hadn't been to the fortress for at least two weeks. He knew what would happen if he showed up there. His father wouldn't even answer him. The voice that was Jor-El most times didn't even answer him, when Clark had disobeyed him, all those other times. He'd disobeyed his father so many times, it was hard for even to keep track anymore.
The first few weeks after he'd learned of his origins, he tried to hide from them. He ignored his fathers warnings, he ignored his advice, and every time he did that, nothing good came from it. Either he was hurt, or someone he cared for was.
He knew what had happened to him, when he cut his finger on that minor piece of glass, when he pulled it out of Lana's hair, after she'd been attacked and almost killed. Even though, he'd finally gotten what he wanted, a chance at a normal life, and to be able to date the girl he'd been crushing on since he was eight.
But he had to think about his parents' warnings. He was just like everyone else now, which mean't putting his life in danger, to save others, would not cost him anything anymore. One bullet shot somewhere wrong, and he could die. Flatline and die. Lose consciousness and die, be hurt by deadly weapons and he'd die. Over and over, as he sat at the table, he thought about everything and anything that could kill him. And for once, it scared him. He knew he wanted what he had now, for so long, it was hard for him to be upset, but he couldn't help it. As a mortal now, he wasn't able to help out when someone was hurt. He couldn't protect Lana or Chloe, or Pete, or his parents, the same way as he could before.
Which that was the only part of everything he hated. He just hoped the world would give him a few days for a break. Finally, be able to not have to lie to Lana. anymore. Now he could be honest and mean it, when he said. ''I would never hide anything from you.'' Those words could be his genuine feelings for once.
Clark cried out in pain as his neck cracked. Bringing his thoughts back to the table, he felt hands all around. Two strong ones, holding his neck in place, as he blinked, feeling his dad beside him.
''What're you doing?'' he asked, afraid to move a muscle as he secretly was shouting for his dad to stop, deep inside him.
''Your mother tells me you've been experiencing some pains, son?'' Jonathon asked, as he was about to move Clark's head to the opposite side. As Clark placed his own hands on top of his dads, Jonathon stopped. staring down at his son.
''No, I mean, I am experiencing some neck pains, but I don't think this is anyway to deal with it.'' he said frantically. ''Pain is just a human experience, I told Mom I must have slept weirdly. That's all.'' As Clark got his father's hands away from him, he stroked the areas where his hands were, and as sore as they were, tried to ignore it. Once he saw the breakfast all laid out, he couldn't help himself, but to reach for things. He was super hungry, and as he reached for a piece of bacon with his fork, he saw his father oddly staring at him. Raising his eyebrow, as he dropped the bacon, he was about to ask what was wrong, but as his dad's voice waved all around him, Clark kept quiet.
''It's hard to see you experiencing pain, son. Seeing you human, as started rubbing me the wrong way.'' Jonathon breathed as he picked up the same piece of bacon Clark had dropped. ''It's just odd.''
''It's a little strange, but I'll admit, its kind of nice being normal for once, and I mean actually being normal, not pretending to be...if that's all, dad? Can I have that piece of bacon?'' Clark asked, as he eyed the piece of bacon dangling from his father's fork. As quickly as he could, Jonathon slipped the piece into his mouth and chewed.
''You mean that piece of bacon?'' Jonathon corrected, through pieces of broken down bacon. As Clark shoved his plate across the table, he rose from the table. He wasn't frustrated, he just wanted his parents to think he was, so he could escape their awkward stares, as he tried to eat his normal, ''human'' breakfast. As he left his spot at the table, leaving as he walked into the living room, picking up his blue jacket from where he left it, laying on the couch, he grabbed it on the way by, and as he tried to leave the house, to start his chores, he heard his fathers voice.
''Don't start the chores yet, son! We can do them together, hopefully, since now? There will be a job for me to do, instead of you doing all of it!'' Jonathon shouted. Clark rolled his eyes without even replying back. He understood why his parents kept staring at him, and he understood his father's feelings, but there wasn't anyone could do now, he'd disobeyed his father, and got his powers taken away. He was mortal now, whether or now he fought to chance it.
The only thing he could do now, was try to not put so much attention onto himself, even if that was quiet difficult, for every time he thought about running, he'd only be able to run at a normal pace, no longer, was he able to leave smoke and dust behind him. At least he didn't have to worry about his clothes catching fire, when he went over the limit. And the most important thing he wasn't worried about anymore, was having strange men keeping tabs on his house. Not like the first couple eyes.
He wasn't going to have to worry himself, for every time he went into a car, that it would blow up with him inside. That happened to him once, and because of it, he lost one of his favorite shirts. As upset as he pretended to be, he walked down the porch stairs, and as he walked along the driveway, tire prints, and a small trail of fuel gas, left behind from a car, was staring straight at him. Confused, he turned around. Making sure he scoped out every part he could see and coming up empty after he stopped.
Paranoia was a feeling he offended experienced. It was a common thing with Clark Kent, paranoia and utter need to lie. Now, as he felt someone had just lifted a never ending burden off his shoulders, he started his chores.
As he got a bucket from the barn, and returned with it, filled to the top with small pieces of food, he lifted the gate open, and fed the small group of cows. As he did, the job seemed much more enjoyable. Plus, he was sure the cows appreciated it, most of them were probably just thankful they didn't receive another heart attack, every time he used his super-speed in order to feed them quicker. This time, Clark was obsessed with making sure he did them right, and as slow as he could. He knew he'd be just as sore in the morning, but as he thought more about the things he could do now, since he didn't have to worry about someone discovering his secret, and taking him away for testing, he felt a hundred percent better.
Even though the feeding took a little longer than he expected, Clark's muscles grew much more adjusted to it than he expected. It only took him a few seconds more to clean out the barn, and dispose of the extras the animals hadn't eaten, and as the evening rolled around, he heard the front door of the house open, and as he looked to see who it was, he sighed, disappointed.
''Clark? What did I ask you to do?'' Jonathon asked, walking towards the field, as Clark's body hung over the side, leaning, as much as he could, somehow hoping the fence would give out, and he'd be forced over to the other side, where he could escape the conversation he knew was coming, with his father.
''I don't know.'' Clark replied.
''Yes you do, now let me hear it, young man.'' Jonathon repeated.
''Don't start the chores yet...but what's the big deal, dad! I did them how you always told me to! Just a little slower! Let me repeat myself! I did the chores how you would, dad!'' Clark barked.
''Excuse me? Are you calling me slow?!'' Jonathon hissed.
''No, I'm just trying to make a point, I did the chores how any normal person would've.'' Clark refreshed himself.
''But that's the problem, son? You aren't just like anyone one else, your special, and you always have been.'' Jonathon's voice got quiet as he touched Clark's shoulder lightly. Turning his head, with a hand on his cheek, it forced Clark to stare at him. ''I just want to protect you, Clark, that's all I've ever wanted to do. I can't imagine what would happen, if you got hurt...Seeing you doing normal things, things that as silly as it sounds, could hurt you, makes me nervous. Makes your mother nervous, we're both still adjusting to this, just like you are.'' he whispered.
''I see that dad, but I'm not worried, I've never been happier, I don't have to keep looking behind me, making sure no one has a camera out, ready to tape me using my abilities. Because I don't have them anymore, I don't need to hide anymore. I wish you and Mom could understand that, dad.''
''Clark?! That's not fair! You completely misheard everything I just said! Do you even hear a word of any of it?! I'm a little nervous about your wellbeing, but that doesn't mean I want to you to be unhappy, if you're happy, I'm happy! It's just-as your father, I worry, its my job! You're my son! And I love you! And it would kill me knowing something happened to you, because of Jor-El and your past!''
''It's not Jor-El's fault! It's mine! I promised him I'd return to the fortress in order to start my training, but because I was out, using my abilities to save people! I had to break that promise! I got my powers taken away, me...and no one else is to blame.'' Clark shut his eyes for a moment as a wave of exhaustion waved through him. As he suddenly felt lighted, he didn't even notice it when his legs gave out underneath him. And as he crashed to the ground, Jonathon caught him before he could. Wiping sweat from his son's forehead, Jonathon sighed tirediousily.
...
As Clark found the strength to move again, he found himself on the couch, in his living room. With both his parents all around him, his dad sitting in his usual comfortable chair, and his mom on the couch, with his legs over her lap, Clark was quick to adjust himself. But as he felt his mom's hands on his feet, he stopped.
''Take it easy, Clark...'' she whispered. ''This isn't the first time I've done this, as a child, you used to love me holding your feet.'' she whispered, as a smiled formed on her face.
''What happened to me? How did I get here? Last thing I remember, I was outside, and we were?'' His train of thought vanished from his mind, as he turned to stare at his dad. Jonathon smirked as he crossed his arms, against his chest.
''You fainted, Clark, you fainted, and I caught you before you hit the ground. Before you hurt yourself. Your blood pressure was low, and you were dehydrated'' he finished. ''That's what happens when you work out in those fields, and aren't used to it. This is exactly why I warned you to wait for me. This, is the reason.''
''I'm sorry, I just wanted too-''
''Just wanted to what? Son, this is what we were trying to tell you? As a human your to vulnerable. And you already know, I'm not okay with it.''
''And like I said before too, dad?! There's nothing can be done about it.'' Clark repeated, bringing his legs up, so they were now underneath him.
''No, Clark. Getting your powers back, there's nothing anyone can do about that, but there is something we can do, as your parents, to make sure you listen to us next time. As of now, you won't be leaving this house, not even for school. If anyone asks, we'll just say we're taking a trip, and during those times if anyone comes here, you will hide upstairs until they've gone. No matter how long it takes.''
''You can't do that?! I need to go to school, I need to be able to communicate with people, you can't keep me locked up here?!'' Clark shouted. He got up from the couch as quickly as he could, and as he did, so did Jonathon. As the two guys stood face to face, Jonathon's height overpowered Clark, and as angry as he was, backed down almost immediately. He wasn't going to stand against his dad, because he was just worried about his safety. And as Clark got a chance to think about it more, he remained silent as he made a slight nod.
Which seemed to be enough to word off Jonathon, for as he took one last look at Clark, moved past him, as he entered the kitchen, and with one last kiss on his forehead, Martha joined her husband in the kitchen. As Clark felt the side of his neck throbbing he proceeded to lay back down.
But as he allowed his thoughts to come over him again, he thought about the image he'd seen, while he was outside. Those tire tracks, that trail of gas leading away from the farm? That couldn't have been any of his parents, since, since the morning, none of them had left once to do any airings. And with him, doing chores all day long, he hadn't had the time to leave either.
As he rose from the couch, careful as to not give himself a reason to faint again, headed towards the living room window. He heard his mom's voice.
''Clark, what're you doing?'' she asked.
''I saw something earlier, while I was doing the chores...it looked odd, but I figured I'd keep it to myself, but now it has me worried.'' he replied.
''What's that, Clark?'' his father asked.
''Tire tracks, and a trail of fuel leading away from the farm, can be seen printed in the payment. I don't know from who, or what, but I know the tires don't match any of the veclies, we own.''
''You didn't follow these tracks? Did you, son?'' Jonathon asked.
''No, I didn't. I just saw them, and thought to tell you, I'm worried their might've been someone here earlier today. And I have no idea who they were, or what they wanted.''
''Its alright, son. I'll call the police in the morning, in the mean time, lets just all get a good nights sleep. And Clark? Make sure you drink some water, before you go to sleep. I'd like to be able to wake you in the morning...'' Jonathon whispered, as he went up the stairs slowly. vanishing behind the wall.
''He's just worried about you, that was a nasty fall, good thing he was there.'' Martha said, brushing his bangs out of his eyes. Kissing one more time, as she also vanished up the stairs. That night, Clark slept on the couch, going to sleep in the same clothes. Hugging the tiny couch pillow close to him, he was out like a light. And this time, he was more mindful, to keep his head in a comfortable position, as he did not wish for anymore pain.
...
He moved and moved in every position, practically every comfortable way he thought, and with all the commotion, and the sounds of him shifting and rolling around, leading from the couch's strange material, he didn't even notice the sound of crunching and creaking of someone coming down the stairs. Pretending to be asleep, he held the tiny pillow closer to him, as he felt a small shiver along his toes. Having taken off his socks hours later to sleep, he felt himself slowly getting cold as the night slowly turned into the morning sun.
Creeping along to the kitchen, he tried to peek his eye open a little, so he could see who it was, but not wanting to get himself caught, he slowly kept his eyes closed, and tried to focus on his breathing. Even though he could feel his eyes twitching and fluttering even though they were closed, he tried to remain still. He knew that if someone saw what he was doing, they'd know he was awake, and he'd be in trouble. For how late it was. Or if it was his parents, they'd be considered, that Jor-El might try to contact him again, through his nightmares. As concerned as they already were for him, he decided it was a better idea for them not to know anything more about Jor-El. He couldn't have them asking anymore questions, and he couldn't keep taking the odd stares from his father. As he decided this, a warm blanket was placed over top him, focusing on his thoughts, had made him unaware that the person was able to put a blanket over him, without him even feeling it. As he felt a bigger pillow being pushed behind his head, the small one he was holding on, was taken out of his hands. And as his writs were laid down along his stomach, he felt the blanket being pushed up a little further, so it was now covering up to his chin.
Even with no super-hearing, he could hear the slight breaths of the person, and tiny whimpers between the blanket covering. It sounded female, if he wasn't mistaken.
The sun came up a few hours later, and as Clark slowly sat up, he saw his mom working in the kitchen. As she saw him, she smiled. ''Morning, Clark.'' she said happily.
''Morning.'' he replied, as he tossed the blanket from his body, making sure as it landed just next to him, instead of on the floor.
''Mom? Are you sure I can't just go to school today?!'' he asked, as he walked into the kitchen, swinging the fridge door open, as he reached for the orange juice. As Martha quickly took the tub of orange juice out of his hands, she pointed to the sink, and the tap.
''Your dad wants you to start with a glass of water, every morning from now on, Clark.'' she told him, as she settled the juice back down on the counter.
''How long is this going to last?'' he asked, instead of juice, grabbing a cup to fill it up with icy water.
''As long as it takes, till you've gotten used to being normal.'' Martha replied, as she turned the stove on, and started cooking the pancakes.
''I'm already adjusted, I don't need to do any of this!'' Clark hissed.
''Clark? You could've hit your head on that back fence, had your dad not have caught you, do you understand how much stress you've been putting on us lately, I know you aren't meaning to! But you are, and it needs to stop. You need to be taking this seriously.''
''I've been doing nothing but take this seriously since its happened! It's just you and Dad who rather me have my powers back, then live a normal life! It's almost like you rather worry about somebody finding out, and taking me away, then be happy about me being human!'' Clark breathed.
''I wish you could try to understand a little better, Clark. Your dad and I want nothing better than for you to live, normally, without having to hide, but its not safe, if you're not careful. And yesterday, just about gave me a heart attack!'' Martha shouted, as she accidentally almost burnt her hand on the side of the frying pan.
''Pancakes should be done shortly, why don't you take a seat at the table?'' she asked, as she returned to the frying pan in front of her. As most of the pancakes looked already brown, all there was left to do was finish cooking the last one, but as she flipped it over to the other side, she noticed that one didn't quiet turn out like the others.
''No thanks, I think I'll skip breakfast.'' Clark sighed.
''Clark? Please...'' Martha sighed, as she thought about chasing after him, but stopped herself when she saw her husband coming down the stairs. As Clark and Jonathon's paths crossed, Clark was quick to move to the side. Jonathon, who raised an eyebrow at what he'd just done, stopped before passing.
''What's wrong with you, son?'' he asked.
''He's upset with us, says he won't eat breakfast.'' Martha butted in. Jonathon stared at Clark for a few seconds as he moved again. This time reaching for a fresh pancake that had already been laid out on the plate, grabbing it with his hand, as he brought it over to Clark, who stared at it with confusion.
''Take it with you, at least. If you won't eat with us, you can eat it in the barn.'' he said.
''I'm guessing you're still not allowing me to go to school?'' Clark asked.
''No, you are to remain here. Your mom and I will talk to whoever it is, comes here asking about you. During these times, Clark. you are to be in the house, or in the barn, and you are to only chores while I am there present to watch you, or you can handle light jobs, until things settle down, but in till then you aren't returning.''
''This isn't fair, I've gone to hiding myself from the world, to hiding in a barn.'' he hissed, before taking off out the door. As Martha and Jonathon watched in silence, outside, loud noises could be heard. Echoing out through Clark's ears, as he seemed to be the only one capable of hearing it. Without his powers, he guessed his body still had some remaining qualities. Like it had advanced his normal hearing somehow. Following the nose all the way to the farmhouse a little ways past the house. As he makes his way there, his stomach drops, and he suddenly feels sick.
Is that what nerves feel like, he's been able to experience feeling nervous before, but this time, the nerves were triggering because; he didn't have his powers to rescue him, if something happened. These were nerves something might happen. But as he got himself focused again, he heard the front door of the house slam open, then close as he heard the panicked footsteps of his parents.
''Clark! There's people in the farmhouse, don't go anywhere near there! We've already called the police!'' Martha shouted, as she pushed herself practically down the porch steps, in order to reach Clark, who was very persistent to confront the people.
''Clark! Stop!'' he heard his father's voice. Unaware to what was happening, Clark didn't even notice, till he felt something enter his body. All the yelling must have been enough to alert the people in the farmhouse. Cause as his eyes stared right at one of them, who stood right in front of him, he collapsed to the ground. And as blood and oxygen escaped from his body, he felt arms around him, before he became heavy.