Rebellious Clark
At the Kent Farm dinner was a bit somber.
"Miss Dyerden called; no students were seriously hurt, but a few swallowed a lot of water while unconscious and need to be observed in the hospital for a bit," Jonathan said while stirring mashed potatoes.
As he spoke, his gaze occasionally drifted toward Eric and Clark.
"That's fortunate amidst the misfortune," Martha said, affectionately pouring Clark a glass of milk and patting his hand on the table. "They shouldn't blame themselves for this."
Jonathan's stern gaze remained fixed on the two boys. "Clark, did you try to pull the bus out of the river?"
"Yes, I tried, but I couldn't do it alone," Clark replied honestly. "So I asked Eric for help."
"Eric?" Jonathan shifted his gaze to Eric, who was quietly savoring the beef stew with potatoes.
Compared to hot dogs, macaroni and cheese, and pizza, he preferred this dish that resembled a Chinese recipe, fitting his taste better.
"Sorry, Dad, I didn't want to intervene, but Clark persuaded me in his own way," Eric said calmly, setting down his knife and fork.
Yes, he had no intention of helping at first. After all, he never aspired to be a superhero—other people's lives weren't his concern. Given that his template was "Homelander," the system clearly saw him as a complete jerk. A "bad guy" standing by idly seemed only natural. If those students who insulted Jonathan and Martha hadn't ended up in the hospital, he would have looked for another chance to deal with them.
However, because he had been an orphan in his previous life and now experienced the long-lost feeling of family, he had grown fond of Jonathan and Martha. Otherwise, no matter what Clark said, he wouldn't have been swayed.
"Sigh!" Jonathan sighed heavily, clasping his hands together and pressing them against his aching forehead. He didn't know how to begin.
His two sons had completely opposite personalities. Clark was kind-hearted, eager to help others, and desired to use his powers to assist people and find personal value. He knew Clark was isolated at school and less noticeable at home, so Clark craved recognition and the chance to use his extraordinary abilities without holding back.
Eric, on the other hand, was the opposite. He was calm, intelligent, low-key, and reserved, understanding societal rules well but lacking empathy and compassion for others. He never showcased his powers in public, sometimes to the point of being indifferent.
Just like in the bus incident.
Jonathan disapproved of Clark exposing himself to save people because he wanted both sons to live as normal people. But he also disapproved of Eric's detached behavior, not wanting his son to be devoid of empathy and compassion.
Now, he was filled with inner conflict.
If only their personalities could balance each other out.
This thought suddenly flashed through Jonathan's mind.
Shaking his head to dispel the absurd idea, he lifted his head and decided not to explain further to Eric, hoping Eric understood his intentions.
Turning to Clark, he said, "Accidents happen in life, and we can't prevent them. But Clark, sometimes, you must learn to hide yourself."
Clark, who had been silent, now felt a surge of rebellion, questioning his father, "Like Eric, standing by idly? Dad, I was saving lives!"
He didn't reveal that Eric was the one who caused the bus accident, so Jonathan didn't know Eric was the instigator.
"Of course, Clark, we know you were saving lives, but as we agreed, you must keep your powers hidden," Jonathan said, trying to keep his tone non-confrontational.
"What should I have done then? Watched them drown?" Clark's tone grew more intense.
He couldn't understand why his father seemed to be becoming like Eric.
"Clark, there are things in this world more important than your life, more important than your family and friends," Jonathan said gravely. "If people find out about your and Eric's powers, the world will turn upside down. Our beliefs, our..."
After a brief pause, Jonathan continued, "People's perceptions—everything will be overturned."
He glanced at his wife, smiled, and patted Martha's hand to show he was okay, then asked Clark, "Do you remember the first time Eric displayed his powers? The Fordham family was terrified! People aren't ready for someone who can change the world."
"So, it was God who made Eric and me this way?" Clark didn't understand his father's words, pressing his lips together stubbornly.
He then glanced at Eric, sitting silently, and stood up in disappointment.
"I'm tired of hearing this, Dad. Don't act rashly, hide your powers..."
Clark's tone intensified.
He wasn't hysterical, but the repressed anger spoke volumes about his intense frustration.
"I just don't want to be a 'Luthor' at school, or be looked down on! And you keep telling me to act normal, but..."
He picked up a fork in frustration and, with a slight squeeze, broke it into two pieces.
"Is this normal?"
Throwing the fork heavily on the table, Clark turned and walked away.
"I'd do anything to be normal, but I'm not normal!"
"Clark!" Martha called, wanting to chase after him, but Jonathan stopped her.
"Martha, let him be if he wants some time alone."
Martha looked at Clark storming out, then at her husband's somber face, and finally sighed and sat back down.
"Don't worry, Dad. Clark will understand your intentions one day," Eric said, finally finishing his beef stew and comforting his father.
"And you, Eric? You have even greater powers than Clark. Are you willing to be ordinary?" Jonathan suddenly asked Eric directly.
Compared to his suddenly rebellious elder son, he was more worried about his younger son.
Because, as a father, he had never truly understood Eric.
"I..." Eric smiled faintly, holding his mother's slightly cold hand. "I don't want to be ordinary, but Father, Mother, I've always considered myself a resident of Smallville, Kansas, and your son. I've never been confused about my identity."
Jonathan was silent for a moment, then sighed, "The day will come. Maybe... it's time to tell you, Eric."
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