Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It's a gruesome scene. The shell of a man regularly labeled as people's "hope" was slumped against the wall, losing the battle for life with every passing second. His once smooth and pristine face was scattered with deep cuts - part of his ear missing where he'd narrowly dodged a Kryptonite bullet only a few hours before.

His arms were forced high, his veins pulsating green as he'd long given into the battle of keeping the Kryptonite shackles from touching his bare skin. The room smelt like burning flesh as the direct contact seared his wrists

He kept his mind focused on Lois - Superman's hope - as he fought his battle with unconsciousness - her nervous rambles, her raw fight for the story, her deepest desire to just be simply loved. Some she'd share with only Superman, and some only with Clark.

This was it "Lois it's now or never" he whispered as if she held the same powerful hearing capabilities - as his eyes closed for the final time and lost the fight with the waking world.

"If I found my body in chains I'd lay down and wait and hope she looks for me"
......

24 hours earlier

Perry, Clark, Jimmy and the others were at the Planet - in the meeting room about to start. Clark nursed his coffee as another full cup sat next to him accompanied by an empty chair that was usually taken by Lois Lane

"Kent! You heard from Lane yet today?" Perry questions Clark, knowing that if anyone knew of her whereabouts it would be him.

“No Sir” Clark replies - a hint of worry in his voice. “Maybe problems at the bank or something?” He suggests - even though he knows he would of still heard from Lois if so.

Sure - she’d been late without a prior warning from time-to-time - but that had always been maybe 5, 10 minutes at most. Any other time she’d always called him - the reasons didn’t make sense all the time but she’d at least call to get him to cover for her. Now an hour late without any contact was for sure concerning.

“Well Alright just if you hear from her update me - lets just get this meeting started so we can all get out there - Jimmy! How’s processing those photos from last night going?” Perry continues on as if its not a big deal - not doing a very good job at hiding the concern in his voice.

The meeting continued on with no distractions - at least not until a disheveled mud-ridden Lois barged in.

“Sorry Im late sorry Im late” She spouts as she took her seat next to Clark brushing herself down like nothing was out of the ordinary. Clark took the moment of distraction to pull down his glasses and heat her coffee that had fallen cold next to him without a second thought.

“Lois - what in the great shades of Elvis happened to you?” Perry cursed - Lois looked like she’d been dragged through mud and back again. Her outfit from last night was stained heavily with and torn in some places - her hair a mess and her purse barely holding together.

“Chasing a lead - found this” She gave as a very vague explanation, a lead box pulled out of her bag and opened. What was inside caused Clark’s eyes to winden, stomach to drop, face begin to turn pale. Shackles came into view - shards of Kryptonite melded into the restraints.

“Someones trying to capture Superman” Lois and Clark grimaced at the same time. Lois’s head whipped towards Clark whos eyed were filled with fear to the point where it looked like he was sweating. He couldn’t seem to pull his eyes off the shackles as he gripped his stomach - successfully hiding his sudden pain from everyone but Lois.

Lois kept her gaze on Clark as she closed the box - noticing him suddenly relax a little removing his arms from supporting his stomach. She could still see the heavy look of fear on his face. Lois knew that Clark and Superman were close so of course seeing tools designed to hurt Superman would concern him but Lois couldn’t help but feel that for Clark there was more to this than the simple concern for a good friend.

“Alright Alright meetings over! Lane get yourself home and cleaned up and then head back! Jesus you reek. I want a full report once youre back! Oh and leave the Shackles here - Clark and Jimmy can look over them in more detail while youre gone - the rest of you get back to work!”

Lois silently nods - uncharacteristically for her - and heads out, leaving the lead box and her untouched coffee on the table - too many questions going through her head to notice it was there - let alone that it was freshly hot.

“Yes Chief! A CK and Jimmy teamup!” Jimmy beamed - reaching across the table for a high-five as everyone else got up to leave the meeting room. Clark didn’t notice - eyes still fixated on the box as a million questions went through his head.

‘Whos trying to capture me?’ - “Did they mean for Lois to find them?’ - “How many sets did they make? I shouldnt presume that this is the only set’ - ‘If Lois was meant to find them, does that mean that they know Superman works at the planet?’ - “Are my parents in danger?’ Was just a few of the mountain of unanswered questions that were running through his head - He didn’t hear the ending of the meeting and what he’d been assigned to do next.

“CK? You good?” Jimmy’s voice pulled Clark out of his spiral. Clark groaned, pushing his hands underneath his glasses to rub his eyes, somehow feeling the Kryptonite was still having an an affect on him even though the lead box was securely closed.

“Sorry Jimmy - not feeling my best today” Clark mumbled, at least a little bit grateful that this time that wasnt a lie “What did Perry say to do? Im kind of out of it today” He admits trying to soften his expression and force a soft smile

“Chief wants us to check these things out - see if we can find anything on them that might tell us where they come from?” Jimmy reminds, jumping into Lois’s seat and pulling the box closer to him.

“O-Oh I don't know Jimmy…” Clark panicked trying to think of a quick excuse” I-im not feeling great - maybe I’ll run by the pharmacy real quick, get started without me!” He forced the chair behind him, grabbing a jacket and running out before Jimmy had a chance to respond.

Chapter Text

Superman was flying around Metropolis - at least his body was - not knowing where he was flying to just that he needed to get away from the Planet. His mind was somewhere else, panicked as he tried to force his mind to think rationally. “Okay Clark think - who has Superman angered recently?” He asked himself - way too many names and faces flashing through his mind to narrow it down - from Intergang to the simple man who was pissed that he saved him from the burning flames but not his secret $10,000 hidden in his mattress.

He didn’t realise that he’d auto piloted himself to Smallville - cursing as he realised too late that he’d not given himself a chance to think on how - or even if - he wanted to tell his Parents this yet. He could see Jonathan Kent waving to him from the cow field, surprised but happy to suddenly see his son this early in the day.

Clark hovered for a moment - knowing that at least his father is still enough out of view that he couldn’t read Clark’s expressions. He rubbed at his face trying to shake the look of anguish and think of an excuse as to why he was visiting at 10am on a working Friday. Luckily he managed to remember that he was due to pick up some pies for the Superman Foundation Fundraiser later that day. He took a deep breath and plastered a smile on his face before landing.

“Hello Sir” He called - giving a quick look to make sure no-one else was around before letting the Superman statue slip into his more comfortable Clark “Hey Pa, here to pick up those pies” He explained before Jonathan had a chance to ask.

“Sure son - shouldn’t you be working this time of the day though? Thought the fundraiser wasn't til later tonight” Mr Kent asked, walking beside his son as they headed towards the house.

Clark walked with his Pa, hoping the fact that he didn't bring a change of Clark clothes didn’t give away that he left in a rush- let alone that he didn't plan on coming until he was already here.

“Quiet morning and fancied a flight, thought I’d kill two birds with one stone” Clark explained, feeling desperate to get out of the suit feeling exposed in the big S for the first time in a long time. “I have some time, need help with anything on the farm before I head back?” He offered, silently desperate for an excuse to not head back to Metropolis just yet.

“Well now you mention it - I got a nut on a tractor wheel that refuses to budge - think you can break that off for me? Can't change the tier otherwise” Jonathon had a feeling that there was more to this than his Son was letting on - and knew a little light farm work would normally get him talking.

“Alright Ma inside? Clark asked, getting his answer via a simple nod from Jonathan “I'll go say Hi, meet you at the tractor in 10?”

“Sure Son” Jonathan replied, not addressing the soft sigh he heard from Clark as he turned towards the barn.

Martha was in the kitchen, pulling the last pie out of the oven yet to hear that Clark arrived early. “4…5…6” she counted as she checked she hadn't missed any “and the extra one for Lois” She smiled at her handiwork as Superman entered

“Hey Ma” Her Son called, giving her a quick hug before speeding upstairs and appearing back instantly dressed in spare Clark clothes minus the glasses - glad he kept extra sets at the Kent farm still as he felt himself relax a little.

“Hey there's my favourite son” She grinned giving him another hug “Good timing as always, just pulled the last pie out the oven”

“I'm your only Son Ma” Clark groaned rolling his eyes as a strong smile crossed his face - Martha Kent yet again working her healing magic.

Martha turned her attention back to the pies, making sure all 7 of them had equal space to cool on the racks as Clark looked a little confused

“Did you over bake again? Thought we asked for 6” He asked, referring to how Clark and Lois had been voted to be Planet representatives for the fundraiser much to Clarks dismay - making it harder to disappear to become Superman later.

“Well yes and no…Dear Lois works too hard, both of you do. She loved my Chicken Pot Pie when you last visited so I made an extra for you two to share later - maybe over a glass of wine and some lit candles?” Martha winked. Clark was convinced she’d never give up the fight to get the two of them together.

“No promises Ma but thank you” Clark smiled as he saw the “S” Symbol she’d baked into all the ones meant for the fundraiser - Martha always knew how to go that extra mile

“Nice touch, I can't wait for them to sell out in 5 seconds flat again” He recalls the last time Martha had baked pies for a fundraiser and how people couldn't get enough of them “Pa wants help with the tractor, how long do the pies need to cool for?”

Clark waits for a response then nods before zooming back out the doorJo. nathan was under the tractor - the wheel arch behind held up with the dodgy jack that Clark had told him to stop using a long time ago. Just as he approached the jack finally snapped. Clark sped into action - catching the arch and lifting the whole tractor before it could even begin to fall.

“Seriously Pa I told you to stop using that jack long ago” Clark protested, glad that he happened to be in the right place at the right time yet again.

“I know Son, I’ve just been so busy on the farm I’ve not had a chance to get to the parts shop this week” Jonathan replied, pulling himself out from under the tractor so Clark could lower it back down

“I’ll run by before I head out, do any other tools need replacing while I'm there?” Clark asked, finding himself making a mental note to visit more often and give Jonathan a hand on the farm

“Yeah right, with what time?” He thought to himself before shaking the thought out “I’ll make time - I always make time”

Now free from a Kent underneath it Clark lowered the tractor, before being led to the problem bolt on the front right wheel. He lent down next to it, thinking about the best way to get it off without breaking the part it was connected to as well

“So how’s work going Clark?” Jonathan asked, trying to make small talk to find the thing that he could tell was bothering his son

“Planet or Superman?” Clark replied nonchalantly, first trying the traditional method of using a wrench to unscrew the bolt

“Both, I imagine Lois is keeping you on your toes in both jobs” Jonathan chuckled a little - that Lois was sure a force of nature that had Clark wrapped around her little finger, as much as neither of them would be willing to admit.

“Been a couple slow news days” Clark thought “Almost slow enough to be concerning, but its been nice not being in such a rush all day” He said vaguely, not bringing up any particular cases or rescues - concerning Jonathan further as the only times he wasn't specific was when something was on his mind. Clark turned his attention back to the bolt, putting down the wrench and instead going for the same method but with his thumb and finger as leverage.

“Superman not had much trouble either? I know a slow news day doesn’t always mean a slow Superman day” Jonathan recalls the stories that Clark had shared that hadn’t made a headline. His struggles with rogue Kryptonite, some of his previous scuffle with Luthor, the time he was blinded.

Clarks mind was running a hundred miles an hour. He knew that his parents are there for him, especially when its something like this that he can't share fully in Metropolis, but he also knew that the moment he did the worrying and concern would start. It had only been a few weeks since the blinding, Clark wasn't ready to put his parents through worry again”

Just as he was about to respond the nut popped off in his hand “Got it!” He shouted, standing up looking triumphantly “Got any other Super Clark tasks?” He grinned, trying his very best to make it look like he wasn’t hiding something

“C’mere son” Jonathan called, taking a seat on the bottom step of the stairs to the barn loft, patting the space next to him.

In that moment Clark instantly knew that his father could tell something was up. He took a deep sigh and sat next to Jonanthan - the man that had yet again seen right through him

“What's bothering you Clark? You know there's no hiding anything from me or your Ma” Jonathan approached, wrapping an arm around his son giving him a comforting back pat and the space to open up

“Yeah I know - It's just it's probably nothing and I didn’t want to get you guys all concerned about nothing, like they could of come from anywhere and its probably not going to amount to anything” Clark found himself rambling like how Lois often did, unable to look his father in the eyes, his view focussed on his hands in his lap instead

Instead of speaking, Jonathan gave Clark a reassuring shoulder squeeze, an invite to continue.

“Lois was late to work this morning, said she was chasing a lead. When she came into the meeting late she pulled out something she found inside of a lead box.

Hearing about Lead made Jonathan's stomach drop and heart rate rise. Anytime something was found encased in lead there was always a specific item inside. He did his best to keep a cool face as he gave space for his son to continue, but Clark caught the uptick of his heart rate and knew instantly that Jonathan knew where he was headed. He suddenly felt the need to meet his Dads eyes - to let him know that he would be OK and that nothing bad was going to happen.

He locked eyes with his Dad, trying to put on his Superman Stoic face yet finding his mouth suddenly very dry.

“Kryptonite Shackles” he spoke, his voice giving away his fear despite his best attempts “Someome wants to capture and torture Superman”

Chapter Text

The Kents were back in the kitchen, kettle boiling away at the stove as the three sat at the dining room table, Clarks hands wrapped around the coffee cup that was yet to be filled.

“Did Lois say where she found them?” Martha asked as she removed the kettle from the hob, pouring them all a cup of coffee.

Clark shook his head, grateful that Jonathan had caught Martha up so he didn’t have to repeat himself “Perry sent her to go clean up at home, wanted her to give a full report when she came back” He ran his hands over his eyes, regretting not stopping her to at least get a bit more detail

“Is anything else known about them?” Jonathan asked as Clark took a sip, completely unaffected by the fact that it was still an undrinkable temperature.

Clark shook his head again “I kind of left in a rush” he admits “I just took off before anyone could notice that I was staying clear of them - and next thing I knew I was hovering over the cow field being waved at” He felt like such a fool - It had been a long time since He’d fled from a predicament like that.

“Honestly Son, it sounds like the best plan for now is to go back to Metropolis, find out what you can about these shackles and who can be behind them. Don't let anyone see Superman being different too - we don't want to let whoever it is know we are on to them” Jonathan sternly suggests

“But what if Superman gets caught in the middle of a save?” Clark asked worryingly - he wasn’t sure he could his best job if he was watching behind his back every five seconds

“What about a tracking system of some sort?” Martha suggests “Something that you could hide under your suit, so if you do get captured Lois would have your location?”

“Do you think that would work?” Clark looked up hopingly, grateful for any sense of security “It would mean she could find Superman even if he couldn’t see a way out himself right?”

“Id think so - I’d keep it on the down low though, don't let anyone else know about it. Wouldn’t want the information that Superman has a tracking system on him getting out there” Jonathan piped in.

Clark nods in agreement, remembering the time that Jimmy brought spy-like gadgets into the office thinking that he'd know where to get such a tracker.

“I Think Jimmy could help me with finding one, I can let him know the idea and get him in touch with Superman” thinks out loud. Despite not having the faintest clue on who could be behind this scheme he was feeling stronger and less nervous about the situation. Weather it was as Clark or Superman he knew that Lois, Jimmy and Perry always had his back.

“Speaking of - the pies should be cool enough to travel with now” Martha mentioned, getting up to double check and start packing them up into a couple of carriers

Clark stands up and spins back into Superman, folding up the spare Clark clothes to be worn next time he flies by without luggage.

“Thanks again Ma, Pa. You guys are the best” Clark smiled, giving his Mom a kiss on the cheek and and his father a manly hug before he picked up the carriers “I'll call you tonight with any updated”

“Good luck Son” Jonathan smiled, the luck aimed at both the Clark/Superman appearances at the fundraiser later and the cracking of this new case

Off Superman went, a slower speed than normal as to not disrupt the pies, flying to his apartment.

…..

Clark landed on his apartment buildings roof pies still intact. He checked his surroundings before coming in through the window he always left open for this exact reason. He placed the pies on the kitchen counter, removing the one meant for them both leaving the rest in the containers for later.

He noticed his answer machine blinking, not expecting to be long he stayed in his Superman getup as he checked the messages

“CK it's Jimmy! If you get this call me back at the Planet, been an hour since you left just want to make sure you're good”

Clark cursed to himself, he really needed to get better and giving excuses that took longer amounts of time. He racked his brain trying to think of a valid excuse

“Would it be so bad if he knew Superman flew the pies in?” He tried to reason in his head remembering previously saying the pies were frozen ones from previous Kent Metropolis visits. He decided not - especially since Martha had gone an extra mile with the decoration and it would be a bit weird to explain why he had Superman pies in his freezer.

Clark called Jimmy back, not wanting to leave him without an answer for his wearabouts much longer.

“Hey Jimmy, So sorry the line at the pharmacy was so long and by the time I was out I realised I needed to meet Superman at my place. I'm heading back now” Clark explained, not really thinking about how he would get back so quickly

“It's all good CK, I'll see you soon” Jimmy replied, hanging up. Clark once again took flight this time on course for the Planet. He landed on the roof grabbing his clothes from earlier before jumping down into an alley below, spinning back into his Clark attire making sure his tie and glasses were secure before heading his way inside

The elevator dinged as Clark arrived on the chosen floor. Jimmy was sat at his desk, researching away on the computer. Clark breathed a sigh of relief that the shackles seemed to be no-where nearby, making sure to put on an act of sickness reminding himself that it was best to keep that up until he knew the shackles were at least out of the building.

He headed over to Jimmy's desk, lightly blowing on his hands to make them cold and making sure to droop his body low and slow “Hey Jimmy, I'm back” he called trying to make his voice sound rough

“CK! Damn that was quick! How you feeling?” Jimmy replied, a little shocked that Clark had made it back so quick, it hadn't even been 5 minutes for a journey that should take him at least 20.

“A-A little better, still really cold” Clark made sure to add some shakiness to his voice and hands as he poured himself a coffee and made a show of trying to use the mug to warm his hands. He poured another for Jimmy, making sure his cold hand brushed against Jimmy's as he passed it over hoping that It would cover that he ignored Jimmy's comment about his speediness

“Jesus CK you're freezing! Are you sure you should even be here right now?” Jimmy guided Clark to his chair, grabbing a blanket he kept hidden in the supply closet. He wrapped it around Clark despite his protests

“I'm fine Jimmy” Clark groaned, yet making a show of pulling the blanket closed around him and huddling up “Did you find out anything while I was gone?”

“Not yet, I contacted my source in Star Labs” Lois's voice bellowed across the hall as she approached, looking much fresher “They picked the shackles up and are going to look deeper into them - they have hope that there will be a watermark of some kind”

Lois perched herself on the edge of Clarks desk sipping her own coffee as Clark let out a sign of relief “That sounds like a good call. I know Superman has a good relationship with Star Labs” Clark commented, his eyes focused on his coffee as he spoke

“Speaking of CK, you said you saw him earlier at yours right? Did you say anything to him?” Jimmy asked realising that this is something that they should for sure warn Superman about

Clark seemed still for a moment, before nodding “I thought it was best to, Said I'd keep him updated” He looked up his eyes catching on Lois, surprised to find a look of worry

“He'll be fine Lois” Clark comments “We will make sure of it” He smiles, pushing up his glasses in the process

“Superman will be yes, it's you that I'm concerned about” Lois replied shocking Clark a little “I don't think I've ever seen you look this sick, were waiting on this Star Labs report anyway let me drive you home”

“I-I'm fine L-” Clark got cut off, Lois running off to grab her car keys before he could protest otherwise.

“Wait Jimmy I just remembered” Clark stumbled out before Lois could pull him away towards her car

“When I saw Superman earlier, We came up with an idea, Yknow just in case” He began to mumble “Kind of like a way to track Superman so that if he does get caught you could find where he is. You think your spy store would have something like that?” He turns to Jimmy “Thinking something small enough to slip in his shoe or wear on his finger” He suggested trying to think of ways to conceal something

“I Got you CK! I'll keep you updated” Jimmy smiles, wishing that they had more of a plan to stop these guys but glad that Superman was at least willing to take some preventative measures

Lois grabbed Clarks arms, still wrapped in the blanket, leading him into the elevator. Clark didn't protest further as they reached her car and were soon on their way back to Clarks apartment

‘This is going to be a long ride’ Clark thought to himself as he pretended to fall asleep, making a mental note to head to Star Labs as soon as Lois was gone, hoping that Dr Klein would have some sort of idea on where the hell these shackles came from.