[Third Person Pov]
The next morning, Clark stirred awake slowly, his senses returning to him one by one as the soft crystalline light of his Fortress of Solitude refracted across the vast chamber. His arm was draped possessively over Lala's bare waist, his large hand resting firmly on the curve of her backside as if it had settled there by instinct rather than conscious choice. Their bodies were pressed together beneath the cool, silken sheets of his grand bed, the contrast between the fortress's frozen surroundings and the warmth they shared creating a cocoon of comfort neither had been eager to leave.
Lala slept peacefully against him, her leg draped over his waist, her body molded to his as though she belonged there. Her cheek rested against his chest, rising and falling with each slow breath he took. She clung to him even in sleep, her fingers loosely curled against his side, drawn to his warmth and strength. There was a softness to her expression, a quiet contentment.
Clark was the first to fully awaken, his eyes drifting downward to take in the sight of her. A quiet sense of accomplishment stirred within him, unexpected yet undeniable. His hand flexed slightly where it rested on her, feeling the softness of her skin. Of all the experiences he had lived through, across both of his lives, Lala was, without question, one of the most beautiful women he had ever been with—not just in appearance, but in spirit. He allowed himself a brief moment of pride before letting it fade, choosing instead to simply exist in the quiet afterglow of the night they had shared.
She had surprised him. There had been a fire in her, an eagerness and boldness he hadn't anticipated. She had met him without hesitation, without fear, matching his intensity with her own unrestrained passion. If he had to describe their first night together in a single word, it would have been 'exhilarating'.
"Kal-El," a familiar voice echoed gently through the chamber, pulling him from his thoughts. Sol's presence was calm and ever-watchful. "I am certain you are aware. Today is a special day. Allow me to be among the first to acknowledge it—"
Clark exhaled softly, closing his eyes briefly as he listened to his words and smiled. "Thank you, Sol," he replied quietly. "I had nearly forgotten."
"Your parents would wish to share this moment with you as well," Sol added with quiet sincerity.
Clark gave a faint nod, though his attention soon returned to the woman in his arms as she began to stir. Lala's eyelashes fluttered, her brow shifting slightly as consciousness returned. The memories of the previous night clearly resurfaced, because a slow, radiant smile spread across her face. She remained where she was, resting against his chest, savoring the feeling of being held before tilting her head up to look at him.
"How are you feeling?" Clark asked gently, his voice softer than usual.
She smirked faintly and leaned forward, pressing a tender kiss against his jaw. "Sore," she admitted honestly, her voice warm with amusement. "But… the good kind of sore. I've never experienced anything like it before."
Clark couldn't help the faint hint of smug satisfaction that crossed his expression, though he kept his tone even. "I'm glad to hear that."
Her smile faded slightly as hesitation crept into her eyes. Her fingers traced lightly against his chest as she gathered the courage to ask what truly weighed on her mind.
"This… this isn't just a one-time thing, right?"
Clark immediately recognized the vulnerability in her voice. Beneath her question was fear—the fear that what they had shared had been fleeting, that she had given something precious only for it to disappear with the morning light. He understood that fear all too well.
He tightened his arm around her, pulling her closer against him. His hand shifted slightly, holding her more firmly as he pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head.
"Are you kidding?" he murmured. "After last night, I'd be the world's biggest fool to let go of someone like you."
Her eyes widened slightly before her tension melted away. She let out a soft, relieved giggle and buried her face against him, hugging him tightly.
They remained like that for a moment longer, suspended in quiet peace, before Clark finally gave her a light, playful pat. "As tempting as this is," he said, "we can't spend the entire day in bed."
Lala groaned softly in protest but reluctantly pulled herself up with him. If it had been up to her, she would have gladly stayed there for hours—days even—wrapped in his arms, safe and wanted. Still, she rose beside him, her hand lingering in his for just a moment longer.
…
After showering and preparing for the day, Clark took a moment to stand before the holographic projections of his parents within the inner chamber of the Fortress of Solitude. Their familiar forms shimmered softly in the crystalline air, their expressions filled with quiet pride as they spoke with him. Once their meeting ended, Clark stepped outside alongside Lala, the cold arctic winds parting effortlessly around them as he took flight. With her safely in his arms, they soared through the skies, cutting across continents before descending toward the temple.
They landed gently just outside, Clark touching down first before opening the door and stepping inside.
"Good morning," Clark greeted casually.
He was dressed in simple, comfortable clothes, a stark contrast to the image he often projected. Behind him, Lala followed, her posture slightly stiff, clearly still adjusting to the rough and hardcore sex she had endured. Despite it though, there was no hiding the radiant glow in her expression. Her skin seemed brighter, her movements lighter, and her eyes carried a quiet happiness that hadn't been there before.
"Morning…" Momo muttered groggily as she shuffled through the room with a bowl of cereal in her hands. Her hair was slightly messy, and she looked only half awake.
She paused mid-step when she noticed Clark staring at her expectantly.
Momo blinked slowly. "What?" she asked flatly before casually stuffing a spoonful of cereal into her mouth.
Clark blinked, clearly caught off guard as he was expecting another reply. He hesitated for a moment, then sighed softly and shook his head. "Forget it."
Momo shrugged without concern and continued on her way, completely unbothered.
Clark's attention shifted as he sensed Seiko moving about in the kitchen. He walked toward her, leaning slightly against the counter as she finished preparing a plate.
"Here," Seiko said, handing him a plate along with a glass of juice.
The meal was simple—toast, eggs, and bacon—but thoughtfully prepared.
"Thanks…" Clark replied, accepting it. He lingered there for a moment longer, once again giving her that same expectant look.
Seiko tilted her head, confused by his expression. "Do you want something else?"
Clark hesitated before quietly replying, "Ah… no. Forget it."
There was a faint trace of disappointment in his voice as he walked away.
He finished his breakfast quickly, while Lala sat down and began eating her own meal. The room was calm, ordinary, almost mundane.
"I'm going to be out today," Clark announced. "I'll be busy with my Superman duties. I don't know when I'll be back."
"Hmm," both Momo and Seiko hummed absently, their attention seemingly elsewhere.
"Bye! Have a great time!" Lala said brightly, waving enthusiastically.
Clark scoffed softly in amusement and walked toward the door. He paused when he reached it, lingering for a moment longer than necessary.
"Okay… I'll be going now," he said, giving them one last chance.
"Okay," Momo replied in the same monotone voice.
Clark's brow twitched faintly.
"If you have anything to say," he added, glancing back over his shoulder, "say it now. I don't know when I'll be back."
Seiko looked up briefly. "Oh, when you return, be sure to buy some eggs. We're running out."
Clark stared at her.
"Seriously?" he muttered under his breath. "Nothing?"
He shook his head, clearly disheartened, before stepping outside.
A moment later, the distant sonic boom echoed through the air, signaling his departure.
The instant the sound faded, both Seiko and Momo froze.
Slowly, they turned their heads and stared at each other.
Lala looked between them, confused by the sudden tension.
Before she could speak, both grandmother and granddaughter raised their hands, holding out five fingers. Their lips moved silently as they counted down together.
Five… four… three… two… one.
The moment they reached zero, both of them exploded into motion.
They rushed around the room at lightning speed, grabbing supplies, decorations, and materials they had clearly hidden in advance. Drawers opened and closed. Boxes were pulled out from beneath furniture. Balloons, ribbons, and wrapped packages appeared as if by magic.
Lala's eyes widened in alarm.
"Huh? What's going—"
"SHHHHHHH!!" both Momo and Seiko hissed urgently.
Seiko pressed a finger firmly to her lips while Momo practically leapt across the room, covering Lala's mouth with both hands.
Lala froze, her eyes wide with confusion.
Momo and Seiko exchanged a quick glance, silently communicating.
After a moment, Momo sighed in resignation. She gently cupped her hands over Lala's ears and leaned in close, whispering carefully.
"Today is Clark's birthday," she said quietly. "We're trying to throw him a surprise party."
Lala's eyes widened even further.
"WHAAA—"
"SHHHHHHHH!!" they both panicked, clamping down again.
Momo leaned closer, lowering her voice even more.
"Because of that idiot's super senses, this has been nearly impossible," she whispered with narrowed eyes. "You kept him distracted yesterday, so right now he shouldn't suspect anything. This is our best chance. We have to succeed no matter what."
Nearby, Seiko smiled warmly as she began inflating balloons, her expression softer.
"One thing about that boy," she said gently, "is that despite how he acts, he really does enjoy celebrating his birthday. He doesn't like anything big or flashy. Just something small… something personal. He appreciates that, although you would never get him to admit it"
Lala's confusion faded, replaced by determination.
She clenched her fists slightly, her expression firm. "What can I do to help?"
Momo and Seiko looked at each other.
Slowly, matching smirks formed on their faces.
Now, they had another ally.
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