The night air was sharp against his skin, colder than he remembered. Clark’s boots scraped the edge of the rooftop as his balance faltered, the strength that usually held him aloft bleeding away with every ragged breath. He landed harder than he meant to, knees buckling, body folding in on itself. For once, the world didn’t feel light in his hands. It felt impossibly heavy.

Darkness claimed him before he could rise again.

When his eyes opened, it was to the muted glow of a city skyline, blurred slightly until his vision steadied. Something soft was pressed beneath his head—a pillow?—and a worn blanket draped across his shoulders. The simple, human gestures jarred him more than pain ever could.

Someone had been here. Someone had seen him at his weakest… and had chosen not to run.

He shifted slightly, muscles protesting beneath the weight of his suit, and that’s when he noticed her. A young woman sat near, watching him with wide eyes—concern etched into every line of her face, curiosity lingering in her posture. She looked as though she’d been keeping guard, as though protecting him was the most natural thing in the world.

Clark blinked, the S-shield across his chest rising and falling with each unsteady breath. Gratitude and caution tangled in his chest as he finally found his voice.

His tone was low, steady despite the strain.

“You... stayed?”