octraiin

[octraiin]

what a nerd

( synopsis ) — based off this cute video of david rambling about star wars. he’s so loveable, i love u david corenswet.

( warning ) — none! just a lot of star wars talk.

( tags ) — @dumbbandpoetic [to be added]

“You know… Obi Wan wasn’t originally supposed to be the one to train Anakin in Star Wars,” Clarke murmured from where he lay sprawled across you, arms wrapped comfortably around your waist, his chin resting lightly against your chest as he gazed up at you.

You smiled, glancing down at him, your fingers gently combing through his hair as if he were a puppy. “We’re doing this again, huh?”

“Just let me have this,” Clarke said with a grin. “I need to get it out of my system. It should’ve been Qui Gon. He had the instinct, the experience, he understood Anakin in a way the others didn’t.”

You nodded quietly, watching the way his face lit up as he spoke, the familiar warmth of his passionate rambling filling the quiet of the room. These moments weren’t rare between you, Clarke’s impromptu nerd related lectures were practically routine.

“Qui Gon loved Anakin,” he continued, more softly now. “Not in a way the Jedi Order condoned, but still! He saw something in him. He believed in him. That love could’ve changed everything.”

“But Obi Wan made a promise,” you replied gently. “To Qui Gon. When he died, he asked Obi Wan to train him. So even if Qui Gon should’ve been the one… Obi Wan was the next best person. Maybe the only one who could have even tried.”

Clarke looked up at you, eyes wide with admiration and surprise. “Wait, how do you even know that? Every time I put on a Star Wars movie, you’re asleep before the opening caption finishes.”

You laughed, brushing your thumb across his cheek. “I pick up more than you think. Mostly from you rambling like this.”

He huffed a quiet laugh as you playfully tapped the tip of his nose, pushing his glasses slightly askew. But before he could respond, a sudden boom echoed from outside the apartment, a sharp interruption to the quiet moment.

Clarke sighed and sat up, his body already shifting into alertness. “Sounds like I have to go.”

Your fingers found his hair once more, brushing it back gently. “Alright,” you murmured, offering a teasing smile. “Go save the city or something.”

He leaned down to press a quick kiss to your lips, giving your waist a soft squeeze before standing and beginning to unbutton the top of his collared shirt.

“Wouldn’t be worth saving if you weren’t here,” he said softly, flashing a crooked grin as he attempted a wink.

“I’ll be timing you,” you called after him with a smirk.

“Then I better hurry!” he laughed, and with a sudden burst of motion, he vanished through the open window, leaving behind only the faint breeze and an unbuttoned shirt in his wake.

[octraiin]

David! Clark x reader with the pregnant reader getting nightmares and next few days it’s been bothering her, and Clark comes in and swoops her up out of the rut she was in. Angst but fluff at the end!! <3

aw david! clark would be so sweet!

---------------------------

The one thing you least expected from the long list of pregnancy symptoms were the nightmares. They came one night without warning, dark and vivid. For days, you tossed and turned late into the night, unable to find a moment of peace. The nights Clark was away being Superman the dreams only got worse, more intense and more terrifying. Eventually, it became too much. The dread of falling asleep was overwhelming, and you found yourself avoiding rest altogether, too afraid of what might be waiting in the dark behind your eyelids.

You knew the lack of sleep wasn’t healthy neither for you nor the baby. But no matter how hard you tried, the nightmares kept returning, leaving you drained. One night, it all became too much. The moment Clark stepped into your shared bedroom, exhausted from another long night as Superman, you broke down.

“Clark,” you whispered, your voice barely holding together, cracking with emotion.

His eyes immediately snapped to you, concern flashing across his face as he saw your figure curled up on the bed, tears glistening in your tired eyes.

“Are you okay? What happened?” he asked, already moving toward you with urgency in his steps.

“I just- I can’t sleep,” you murmured, your voice exhausted.

Clark didn’t hesitate. He sat down beside you, his presence warm. His hand found your thigh in a gentle, reassuring touch. You looked up at him, your eyes brimming with tears and searching his face for some kind of comfort.

"Why? Is something wrong?" Clark asks, his eyebrows furrowed in concern.

"It’s just the nightmares," you whisper, voice breaking. "I keep having them every time I close my eyes, and I can't do it anymore." The words come out in a quiet sob as your tears finally spill over.

Clark pulls you into a warm, protective hug, letting you cry into his shoulder. His voice is gentle, but firm. "How long has this been going on?"

"At least a week now," you mumble against him.

"Oh, baby..." he says softly, pulling back just enough to look into your eyes. "Why didn’t you tell me sooner?"

"I don’t know," you admit, eyes down. "It’s not like there’s anything you could do to help. I guess I didn’t feel like I should burden you with it. I’m sorry."

"Don���t apologize, Y/n." His voice is full of care. "I just want to make sure you're okay. That’s all I ever want."

"i know" you say between sobs "i'm just so tired."

"What are the nightmares about?" Clark asks softly, his voice low and careful, his thumb gently brushing along your back as he holds you close.

"It’s just..." You trail off, eyes dropping to the floor as the words get stuck in your throat.

Clark senses your hesitation. He reaches up and gently lifts your chin, guiding your eyes back to his. His eyes are warm and patient. “Hey,” he says, voice barely above a whisper. “Whatever it is, I’m here. I want to understand.”

Your eyes well up again as you finally speak. “It’s always something happening to you,” you admit. “I keep dreaming that you’re out there being Superman and something goes wrong so you don’t come home and I wake up alone.” Your voice cracks.

Clark’s expression shifts, a flicker of sadness in his eyes. “Y/n…” he breathes, pulling you close again. His arms tightening protectively around you.

“We both know I can’t stop doing what I do,” he says quietly. “I wish I could promise you nothing bad will ever happen. But what I can promise is that I’m always going to fight my way back to you. No matter what I'm always coming home to you.” He says before he lifts his hand to your stomach. "And our baby."

“I know, Clark,” you say with a small, tired smile. “I think I just needed to hear you say that.”

Relief flickers in his eyes, and he gives you a gentle smile in return. “I’m glad,” he murmurs then leans in to press a soft kiss to your forehead. “Now let’s try to get some sleep, yeah?”

He rises from the edge of the bed and walks around to the other side. You watch as he pulls back the covers and climbs in, settling onto the mattress with a familiar ease. He looks over at you and pats the space beside him. “Come on,” he says softly, his voice still carrying that warm, reassuring tone.

You don’t hesitate, slipping beneath the blanket and curling up beside him, resting your head on his chest. His arms wrap around you instinctively, holding you like you’re the most important thing in the world. You can hear the steady, calming rhythm of his heartbeat under your cheek, helping you slowly drift off to sleep. Clark's fingers find their way into your hair, gently weaving through the strands.

Neither of you say anything more.

For the first time in what feels like forever, you fall asleep with a sense of peace. No dreams, no fear.

Just him.

[octraiin]

★ Requests !!

feel free to send any requests or ideas for fics! please no smut right now but fluff or anything a little spicy is okay.

I'd also prefer if it is for superman/clark kent at the moment but it will change to other characters in the future!

*only x reader!!!!

[octraiin]

── .✦ Sunday in Smallville - [Clark Kent]

FT: Clark Kent x reader

SUMMARY: Your boyfriend, Clark Kent, brings you home to Smallville to meet his parents.

CW: none. fluff

Relaxing in your apartment and watching tv after work had become a comforting routine while you waited for your boyfriend, Clark, to get home.

The soft hum of the Metropolis news channel played in the background going on about Superman did this...Boravia has that, a familiar white noise. Suddenly, the jingle of keys at the door pulled you from your trance. A moment later, Clark’s heavy footsteps crossed through the door.

But instead of his usual warm 'Honey, I’m home!' or the sound of your name, you heard his voice, quiet and affectionate, speaking on the phone.

“Yes Ma, I know. Tell Pa I’ll come help him take care of it soon.”

You paused, listening in.

“Okay, Ma, I’m home now. I’ll call you tomorrow… Yes… Okay… Mhm… I’ll let her know… Okay love you Ma. Bye!”

Assuming he was off the phone, you called out. “Clark?”

He peeked his head around the corner while kicking his shoes off, spotting you on the couch. “Hey hun. How was work?”

“It was okay, same as usual” You paused. “Was that your mom?” You asked, gesturing toward his phone.

“Yeah” He replied while slipping off his suit jacket as he walked into the living room. “She was asking when I could come home and help out with a few things around the farm.” He tossed his jacket over the back of the chair before settling into the seat across from you, pulling at his collar and undoing the first few buttons on the white button-up he typically wore to work.

You hesitated for a moment, then spoke softly. “I want to meet her and your dad.”

Since you've been with Clark he always spoke so fondly about his parents and the memories he had growing up on the farm. You loved Clark, and you wanted to see the place, and the people, that shaped him into the man he is today.

Clark raised a brow slightly in surprise and slipped his glasses off, but his smile was immediate. “Really? Well… maybe we could drive up to Smallville this weekend. I can show you the farm.”

“Yes, that’d be amazing Clark!” You said with a happy smile spreading across your face.

“Okay, I’ll let Ma know we’re coming. We can head out in the morning."

He stood up and leaned down to press a gentle kiss to your forehead before walking toward your shared bedroom.

On his way into the bedroom, Clark paused in the doorway and looked back at you.

“Y'know, every time she calls, she asks about you” he said with a soft smile. “They’re going to be so happy to finally meet you!”

With that, he disappeared into the dim light of the room, heading for a shower before bed. Shortly after, you follow him and slipped into your shared bed both nervous and excited for what tomorrow will bring.

---------------------------

You and Clark wake up bright and early the next day. He pulls on his signature farm boy flannel and a pair of worn jeans, looking like he was back doing work on the farm.

You, on the other hand, stand in front of the closet feeling unsure. You're meeting his parents for the first time but, you're also going to a farm.

“Clark! Come look. Is this okay?” You call out from the bedroom, raising your voice just enough to be heard over the sizzling coming from the kitchen.

Just a moment later, Clark walks in while wiping his hands on a dish towel. His eyes travel from your face to your feet and back up again. He exhales, a soft smile forming on his lips.

“Y/n, I promise it doesn’t matter what you wear. They’re gonna love you either way. You look beautiful.”

He steps forward, placing a gentle hand on your waist, then leans down to press a soft kiss on your lips. For someone so strong, he’s always been so gentle with you.

Pulling back, he teases, “Finish getting ready so we can eat and hit the road. Breakfast is almost done.”

He places one more kiss on your forehead before disappearing back into the kitchen, leaving you standing in front of the mirror with your heart fluttering.

You take one last look at your outfit, deciding it’s fine, and step out to find your favourite breakfast and your favourite person waiting at the table. Clark looks up smiling and waves you over.

You sit down, and the two of you eat together, Clark chatting about Smallville, the farm, and the things he can’t wait to show you.

----------------------------

Clark packs up the car, and soon the two of you are on your way to Smallville. The drive is peaceful, the city slowly disappearing and turning into open fields, hills, and country roads. You gaze out the window, watching small towns and farmland pass by like pictures from a postcard.

Clark drives with one hand on the wheel and the other resting gently on your thigh, a quiet, comforting presence.

After a while, a large sign comes into view, visibly weathering but nonetheless still welcoming:

"Welcome to Smallville- The Meteor Capital of the World!"

You read it out loud with a small laugh.

Clark grins. “Yep, we’ll be there soon!” He says, giving your leg a soft squeeze with the hand that never left you.

Shortly after, Clark begins to slow down, turning into a long dirt driveway. You spot a red mailbox at the entrance with 'Kent Farm' written in gold lettering. A sudden wave of nervousness settles in your stomach.

Clark parks beside an old truck, which you assume belongs to his dad. Before he can even take the keys out of the ignition, the front door bursts open.

Mrs. Kent rushes out onto the porch, apron fluttering behind her, with Mr. Kent close behind.

Clark glances over at you with a reassuring smile before opening his door and stepping out. You follow his lead.

“Clark! Oh, we missed you so much!” Mrs. Kent throws her arms around him in a tight embrace.

“We sure did, son.” Mr. Kent adds, staying back while waiting for his turn to hug his son.

After one last squeeze, Mrs. Kent releases Clark and turns to you, eyes bright and warm.

“Oh, Y/N, we’re so happy to finally meet you!” She says, pulling you into a hug just as tight and loving.

You smile into her shoulder, touched by the instant affection. “It’s so nice to meet you, Mrs. Kent.”

"Please just call me Ma, dear."

Clark watches, chuckling softly at the scene in front of him.

“Come, come inside. I want to show you the house!” Ma says eagerly, already ushering you toward the front door radiating excitement.

As the two of you disappear inside, Pa pats a hand on Clark’s shoulder.

“Good job son” he says with a proud smile, then adds, “Now let’s get to work. I need help in the barn.”

--------------------------

Inside the house, Ma takes you on a tour. It’s hard to miss all the pictures of Clark lining the walls. Each one capturing a different moment of his childhood. Missing teeth, birthday cakes, wide smiles.

“And this is Clark’s room!" She says warmly, opening a door near the end of the hallway.

You step inside, eyes scanning the space. Posters of The Mighty Crabjoys and the Metropolis Meteors hang proudly on the walls. There are framed photos of him with his friends from Smallville High, a shelf full of trophies, and his favourite books and comics stacked neatly on the nightstand. It’s all so personal. So unmistakably Clark Kent. You feel a surprising wave of emotion rise in your chest, touched by the glimpse into the boy he used to be.

Just then, a soft bark snaps you out of your thoughts.

Your eyes land on the bed, where a white dog is lying calmly, staring right back at you with curious eyes.

“And who’s this?” You ask playfully, glancing back at Ma.

“Oh, that’s Krypto!” She says with a smile. “He’s Clark’s dog. He’s been staying with us for a while. At least until you and Clark find a bigger apartment.”

You nod smiling, and walk over to the bed. You hold out your hand, letting Krypto sniff it. Instantly, he perks up, tail wagging as he begins licking your hand and jumping on you in excitement.

You giggle, crouching down to play with him just as a familiar voice speaks from behind.

“I see you’ve met Krypto” Clark says amused.

Krypto turns around and immediately jumps on him, barking happily.

“Hey buddy” Clark laughs, petting the excited dog.

Krypto, still in a playful mood, bites the edge of Clark’s shoe and starts tugging.

“Whoa what the hey dude!” Clark kneels down, now face to face with the dog and whispers, “Please, you can’t embarrass me in front of her.”

Krypto stops and Clark walks over to sit on the edge of the bed beside you.

You turn to Clark with a teasing smirk. “The Mighty CrabJoys? Really?” You say, nodding toward the old poster on his wall.

Clark throws his hands up defensively, a playful grin forming on his lips. “Hey, hey, hey! They’ve got good music. If you gave them a chance, I think you’d actually like them.”

“Yeah, yeah, okay” you laugh, shaking your head as you stand up to continue to explore the room. Your eyes land on a framed photo sitting on his shelf; A teenage Clark standing between a smiling blonde girl and a boy with an arm slung around his shoulder.

“Hey Clark? Who are they?” You ask, picking up the photo and bringing it over to him.

He takes a moment, a gentle expression on his face. “That’s Chloe, and that’s Pete. Haven’t heard from them in a while, but they were my best friends growing up.”

You nod, smiling, and carefully place the picture back where you found it. Then you sit down beside him on the bed.

“I’m really glad you brought me here, Clark.”

Clark smiles, a proud look in his eyes. “Yeah? Ma and Pa really like you.”

He reaches up, gently tucking a strand of hair behind your ear, clearing the view of your face. His eyes linger for a moment before he leans in and places a familiar, soft kiss on your lips.

You close your eyes, your hand rising instinctively to cup his cheek.

Then suddenly, the smell of something delicious drifts into the room, making your stomach growl.

“Clark! Y/N! Dinner’s ready!” Ma calls from the kitchen.

You both pull back from the kiss with a small, shared laugh. Standing up, you walk side by side out of Clark’s room, heading to the kitchen.

-------------------------------

When you and Clark arrive at the table, Pa is already seated at the head, while Ma is pulling something fragrant from the oven. The table is covered in a spread of fresh, homemade food; Roasted vegetables, warm bread, mashed potatoes, and what looks like the crispiest fried chicken you’ve ever seen.

“Come on, have a seat” Pa says, gesturing to the empty chairs.

Clark slides into what you assume is his usual spot, and you take the seat directly across from him. Ma places the final dish on the table, then removes her apron, folding it neatly and setting it down on the counter before joining you all at the table.

“Go on, dig in! I hope you enjoy Y/n.” She says with a warm smile, motioning toward your empty plate.

“Thank you! It looks delicious.” You reply, smiling back as you pick up a fork from one of the platters and begin adding food to your plate.

You glance up and giggle, spotting Clark’s plate, already full to the brim. He’s sitting patiently, with a fork in hand, clearly waiting for everyone else before diving in.

“Someones hungry” You tease.

Clark grins. “What can I say? It’s been way too long since I’ve had Ma’s cooking.”

Laughter fills the room as the meal begins.

Ma and Pa trade stories over dinner, sharing fond memories of Clark as a child. Clark groans through it all, cheeks flushed, while everyone else laughs and enjoys the meal.

The comfortable hum of conversation is suddenly broken when Ma blurts out, “So, when are my grandbabies comin?” She wiggles her brows mischievously.

Clark nearly chokes on his food while Pa lets out a low chuckle. You can’t help but smile.

“Ma, please” Clark mutters, shaking his head as he shovels another spoonful of mashed potatoes into his mouth.

“I was just askin” Ma says innocently, then leans in and very quietly whispers, “When are you gonna get her a ring?”

Clark lifts his head, pretending he didn't hear what she said as if he doesn't have superhuman hearing. “...What was that, Ma?”

“Oh, nothin” She says sweetly, smiling as she returns to her meal.

You glance at Clark, both of you trying to suppress shy smiles, a light blush colouring your cheeks.

When dinner is finished, Clark and Pa clear the table while you settle into the living room with Ma, cozy in front of the fireplace, flipping through old photo albums.

“Oh look! Here’s Clark on his sixth birthday!” She exclaims, pointing to a photo of little Clark with cake smeared all over his face and shirt.

You laugh, “Aww, he’s so cute.”

From the kitchen, Clark calls out, “Ma, stop showing her photos please!”

But she doesn’t stop.

“Here he is learnin how to ride a bike... Oh! And this one, his first-”

“Ma…” Clark walks into the room cutting her off and plops down beside you, wrapping an arm around your shoulders.

“It’s okay Clark. You were adorable” You tease, grinning up at him.

“Were? Past tense?” He asks, pretending to be wounded.

“...You still are Clark” You say, rolling your eyes playfully.

Ma laughs. “Alright, I’ll let you two be. I’ll go help Pa with the dishes.”

She rises and disappears into the kitchen, leaving the two of you alone.

Clark stands and offers his hand. “Come on I wanna show you around outside.”

You slip on your shoes and grab a sweater, fingers intertwined with his as he leads you out into the cool evening air. The sun is just beginning to set behind distant hills, casting everything in an orange glow.

Clark walks slowly, matching your pace. The gravel crunches softly beneath your feet.

“To the right’s the garden” He says, gesturing toward a patch of land fenced with worn wood. Rows of vegetables growing in neat lines, swaying gently in the breeze. “Ma still grows everything from scratch. She says food tastes better when you know where it comes from.”

You nod, smiling, as he leads you past an old wooden gate toward the chicken coop. A few hens cluck, pecking at the ground, while one particularly bold one stares at you.

Clark chuckles, giving the hen a knowing nod. “Don’t mess with her.”

You laugh, enjoying the way Clark slips right back into his roots here. You can see it in the way his shoulders relax and he moves more at ease.

As you walk around the side of the barn, Clark points out an old rusting red tractor.

“That thing only starts when Pa talks to it” He says with a grin. “I swear I’ve seen him have full conversations with it.”

The barn stands ahead, large, its wood weathered from the years. Fireflies begin to flicker in the grass as the sun sets further.

“I used to hang out up here all the time” Clark says, leading you to a set of worn stairs just inside the barn.

You follow him up to the loft, the boards creaking under your steps. The space is simple, but it’s filled with character. An old couch, a stack of comic books on a crate, and in the corner by the window, a telescope aimed at the sky.

“I didn’t know you liked looking at the stars” You say, approaching the telescope.

“Yeah” Clark says quietly, stepping beside you. “I used to come up here at night and just stare at the sky. As a kid I always hoped I’d find more pieces of where I came from. I guess I just found it comforting knowing that I used to be up there with the rest of the stars.”

You look at him, a tender feeling in your chest.

“Well” You say softly. “I’m really glad you ended up here.”

Clark meets your gaze, and for a long moment, neither of you say a word. In the middle of that quiet barn loft, surrounded by memories, he reaches for your hand and squeezes it gently.

“Here I wanna show you something cool.” Clark says suddenly, letting go of your hand as he reaches up toward the ceiling of the loft.

You watch as he pulls down a wooden ladder and pushes open a hatch that creaks in the night air. A gentle breeze rushes in.

“Follow me. It’s okay.” He says with a soft smile before climbing up the ladder with ease.

You hesitate just a second, then follow, carefully climbing the ladder. When you reach the top, your head pokes through the hatch and your breath catches.

You're on the roof of the barn.

Clark is already standing there, lit by the stars, as he turns to offer you his hand.

You take it, and with one gentle pull, he helps you up beside him.

“So” He says, with a certain spark in his eyes, “what do you think?”

You turn slowly, taking in the view. From here, you can see the entire Kent Farm. The glowing windows of the house in the distance, the fields stretching out, and the silhouette of the barn casting long shadows against the grass.

“It’s beautiful” You whisper.

Clark squeezes your hand and gently leads you to lie back on the roof beside him. You settle into the cool metal, shoulder to shoulder, gazing up at the sky.

“Clark” You say softly, turning your head to look at him. “I’m just really happy to be here. I feel like I’ve learned a whole new side of you.”

He turns to meet your gaze, a thoughtful smile on his lips.

“Yeah” He murmurs. “Everything I am started right here. I'm glad I could share it with you Y/n”

You and Clark lay there, side by side, your fingers intertwined beneath a sky full of stars, surrounded by the place that shaped the man you love.

WC: 3.1k

[octraiin]

── .✦ Printing Press - [Clark Kent]

FT. Clark Kent x gn!reader

SUMMARY: It's your second week as an intern at the Daily Planet. When you're unsure how to use their ancient printer, you get help from Clark Kent.

CW: none? fluff

It was the start of the second week of your internship at the Daily planet, your dream job.

You always remember the first time you took one of your dad’s newspapers and read about the event that formed the JLA, the invasion of the Appellaxian warriors. Most people your age were dreaming of being members of the JLA but you wanted to be the person who told their story.

As you scanned your badge to open the elevator, the moment you read your Daily Planet internship acceptance email played your mind again. Before a smile could form on your face Mr. Lombard started, “Hey you." You look towards him with a questioning expression on your face. “Yeah you, fresh meat.”

The elevator had trapped the two of you together so there was no escape. “Good morning sir” You blurted out.

The Legendary reporter and director of the Daily Planet, Lois Lane had assigned him to you which you weren't too happy about. But you were determined to make the most of it.

“I’m going to need you on the testing printer today” Mr. Lombard said with his signature frown-speak. “Okay sir” you nodded. You quickly realized that you hadn’t pressed a button on the elevator, but before you could reach it the doors opened.

You look up to find Mr. Kent walking in looking like he was rushed out to work like he usually does.

Mr. Lombard grumbled but before he could speak Clark cheerily said “Hey Steve, d’you see the meteors games yesterday?” After a silence seeming longer than it was, Lombard finally answered Clark’s seemingly dumb question.

He responded with “Well of course I did Kent, I was there.” Clark took a moment to reflect on the answer and mentally smacked himself upside the head saying “Oh yeah of course, you’re the sports guy!” Lombard shook his head.

As the elevator finally began to move up to the newsroom, Clark’s eyes began to wander eventually landing on you. He blinked dopily and it seemed like it sent a wave down his body. He began “Oh hey, good morning Y/n!”

“Good morning, Sir” you responded almost autonomously before you realized.

He knew your name?

He knew your name.

Your heart began to beat so fast you swore it shook the elevator.

You always saw Clark Kent around the office as it was obviously hard to miss his tall muscular figure and intimidatingly blue eyes. But, you never exchanged words with him any more than a small ‘sorry’ or ‘excuse me’ when he was blocking your way to the coffee machine in the morning.

“Sir? Just call me Clark.” He smiled. You nod and look away trying your best not to make it awkward by staring at him for too long.

The elevator then finally reaches the newsroom. Once the doors open Clark gestures for you to get out first, the two men following behind. 

You find your way to your desk, if you could even call it that. It was a small folding table with numerous coffee rings and a chair that looked like it predated the founding fathers of metropolis in the corner of the newsroom. As you sit down you remember Lombard speaking about how “The rings give it character."

You smile thinking of all the other past interns in this exact spot, like Clark Kent. His name lingers in your mind for a moment then you remember something else Mr. Lombard said, “I’m going to need you on the testing printer today."

You jolt up and walk over to his desk, momentarily glancing at Clark who was hunched over his keyboard typing carefully almost as if he were to type slightly harder the keyboard would break.

“Y/N!!” Lombard yelled, snapping you out of your trance not realizing you had made it to his desk so quickly. “Yes, Sir?” He looked at you expectantly “You’re at my desk… why?” You had forgotten what you came for.

Just then a soft yet stern voice echoed from behind you “The testing printer right?” you looked in the direction of the voice to find Lois Lane.

You’re in shock. The only time you saw Lois was when she welcomed you to the Daily Planet family on your first day. But after that, she’d been stuck in her office due to all the mayoral election drama.

“No crazy developments today” Lois said relieved. “So far” Lombard replied.

Lois rolls her eyes and turns to you. “So i thought why not show you how to use our testing printer! It’s the first ever digital printing press we’ve had, so she's a piece of work but you’ll learn to love her.”

As she begins to walk, you instinctively follow her to the elevator. She presses down and it begins to make its way to the floor you're on. But just as the elevator is only a few floors away her phone buzzes. She picks it up and you instantly know that the crazy developments she was talking about earlier had just happened by the look on her face. 

Beginning to slowly walk backwards Lois says “Oh, no. Hey i’m so sorry Y/N I have to go but i’ll see if i can make it in time. If not i’ll send someone to help you. Go to the basement.” You let out a useless “okay” as she had already been in her office by the time the words left your mouth. You solemnly enter the elevator and press the button to the basement.

Once the elevator arrives in the basement, you step out and look around at all the printers until you spot the one which is clearly older than the rest. You stare at all the rubbed off buttons not knowing which ones do what. Afraid of breaking it, you decide to wait until whoever Lois sent gets here.

Suddenly you hear the ring of the elevator arriving on the floor and Clark Kent steps out with a smile on his face, beginning to walk over to you. "Hey Lois sent me to help you with this old thing." He says while patting one of his hands on the top of the old printing press. "Don't worry, when I was an intern I had no clue how it worked either"

Clark brushes past you to stand in front of the press. "Okay first you press this button. Make sure you hold it for a second, since it's old the buttons take a little longer to work." You nod paying close attention to which button Clark is pressing, trying your best not to let his hands distract you.

"There!" Clark exclaims as he points to a green light that turned on at the top. "Once that light turns on, you can put the paper right in here." He points again to a slot right next to the green light.

You and Clark look around for the paper to put in. Both your eyes land on the paper sitting on the table beside the press. You reach over but instead of your hand landing on the paper it lands on Clarks hand which was already on the paper, sending a shock down your spine.

For a moment, neither of you moved. Your eyes shot up, surprised to see him already looking at you, a small, amused smile on his face. Your cheeks warm up. “Sorry.” you said softly, but you didn’t move your hand right away and he didn’t either.

You slowly remove your hand from his, your eyes still locked on his blue ones. The small smile doesn't disappear from his face as he continues to show you how to use the press.

"When you put the paper in make sure it's straight or it might not work properly." He carefully places the paper in the slot assuring it went in straight. "Then press this button." He says while pointing to a larger button on the left.

You nod, trying to fight spacing out while thinking about the lingering touch from before.

"When the green light turns red, take your finger off the button and wait about two minutes" he pauses and looks at his watch "until the red light turns green again. But, I want you to try before we start printing." Clark presses a button on the bottom seemingly to cancel everything he had just done and removes the paper.

"Okay" you say nervously hoping you payed enough attention. He moves over giving you space in front of the press. "So first I hold down this button until the green light turns on."

"Mhm" he hums.

The green light flicks on. "Then I put the paper here." You make sure to place the paper in straight, just like he had said. "Then I press this until the green light turns red."

The green light turns Red. "Then we wait." You turn to him with a proud smirk on your lips.

"Perfect, you picked up fast!" He claps his hands lightly, nodding his head with approval.

"Thanks I had a good teacher." You both step away from the press. Clark leans casually against the table and you in a chair nearby.

The press hums softly.

“So,” Clark says, looking at you with his bashful, dimpled, smile while pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose, “do you think you’d be okay running the press on your own next time?”

You shrug, smiling softly. “Maybe. But only if you don’t mind sticking around to help.”

He shifts a little, eyes flickering away for a moment. “I could do that. I mean, I’d be happy to. As long as you don’t mind.”

You lean in toward him slightly, voice gentle. “I don’t mind at all.”

Clark smiles, “Honestly, I’m still figuring it out myself sometimes."

You meet his eyes again, warmth in your smile.

The quiet hum of the press fills the room. Neither of you move wrapped in the calm, comfortable silence.

A loud ring suddenly emits from the printer, startling you. Clark notices your scare and places a hand on your shoulder to reassure you. "That just means it's done printing."

Clark gets up and walks toward the press with you following behind. He takes the paper out of the bottom.

"Ta-da!" He exclaims while holding up the page like it's something magical.

You giggle. "Wow, it's actually kinda cool to see it printed." You take the printed page gently from his hands, your fingers brushing his.

"Right?!" He exclaims

You look down at the paper reading the words.

Clark rubs the back of his neck. “You did great. I wasn’t sure I’d explain it well.”

You smile locking eyes again, handing the paper back to him. “You did. You made it easy.”

As Clark takes the paper from your hands, his eyes drop to the page, studying it with quiet focus. His glasses slide slightly down the bridge of his nose. When he finally looks up, his expression proud, you notice the way his glasses are still slightly crooked. Your chest tightens.

You hesitate, but then build up your courage.

Reaching up gently, you press your fingertip to the bridge of his glasses, pushing them back into place.

His eyes widen slightly in surprise, and you feel the heat rush to your cheeks at the same time colour rises to his cheeks too.

“Sorry,” you say softly, almost a whisper, your hand already away. “They were slipping.”

Clark blinks, then offers his usual bashful smile, the corners of his eyes crinkling. “Thanks.” He says, voice quiet but sincere.

You both stand there for a moment, the freshly printed page resting between you, the press still humming quietly in the background.

Clark glances down again, then back at you. “I, uh… should probably get back upstairs before Steve wonders if I got crushed by the paper stacks.”

You laugh quietly. “Right. And I should probably return to my 'desk'.” you say holding up air quotes.

Clark takes a small step back, then pauses. “If you ever need help with anything again, press or anything at all, I’m usually around.”

"Thanks, Clark. I'll be sure to ask you." You smile.

He starts to turn away, but then hesitates again. “And, uh… if you ever want to get coffee sometime... strictly for... you know, press-talk, of course.”

You raise an eyebrow. “Press-talk?”

His cheeks turn the slightest shade of pink. “Well, we can improvise or something.”

You nod, your voice soft. “I’d like that.”

His face lights up, clearly caught off guard by how easily the answer came. With a quick wave and that familiar, sheepish smile, he turns and walks toward the elevator.

You watch him leave, the printed page still in your hands. There’s a warmth settling in your chest, like your small corner of the newsroom just got a little brighter.

WC: 2.1k