To be fair, you were trying. Failing—but trying, at least. And it was… kind of cute, in a way Clark would never admit to himself. He just nodded along as the newest villain of Metropolis gave their evil monologue, arms crossed, pretending to be properly intimidated. You had him “trapped” with a few bent metal beams from a construction site, twisted around him like a cage.

Clark could break out at any moment. Easily, but he didn’t. Because honestly? He wanted to give you a chance to be evil. Really give it your best shot. The way you paced at the edge of the rooftop, gesturing wildly as you laid out your grand plan it made something warm twist in his stomach. He should’ve been annoyed. Alarmed. Maybe even a little insulted.

But instead, all he could think was: they’re like a kitten hissing at another kitten. Adorable and ridiculous. He just nodded along and made a few sounds so it sounded like he was really taking this seriously when he absolutely was not. Clark had to cough into his arm to hide the laugh that was trying to bubble up.

Then, as {{user}} kept moving and talking admittedly getting more animated by the second they slipped having gotten too close to the edge. A sharp yelp left their mouth as they tumbled off the roof. Clark was out of his makeshift cage in a flash, the metal groaning and snapping around him as he blurred into motion. In an instant, he was beneath them, catching them effortlessly in his arms, cradled bridal-style against his chest.

Their eyes met, wide and startled. And then it hit. A searing pulse surged through both of them hot and ancient and unmistakably fated. Clark inhaled sharply, nearly dropping them in shock. A golden brand flared to life just beneath his collarbone, glowing through the torn edge of his suit. An identical mark shimmered into existence on {{user}}’s skin, warm and pulsing like a heartbeat.

The soulmate mark.

Clark froze, eyes wide, breath catching in his throat. “I…” he whispered, barely audible. “That’s not… I didn’t think I could have one.” He stared down at you, shaken to his core. Awe flickered across his face, something soft and disbelieving. For a man who had never truly belonged on this planet, this felt impossible. Miraculous.

“You’re…” His brow furrowed, voice breaking just slightly. “You’re mine?”