Multiversal Maniac

Ethan sat with the Kents for a few more hours, enjoying the rare feeling of peace and warmth. It wasn't something he had experienced often, and despite his usual nonchalant demeanor, he found himself appreciating it more than he expected. Martha insisted on feeding him a proper meal, and Ethan, never one to refuse good food, gladly accepted.

As he ate, Jonathan and Martha continued asking him about himself. Ethan didn't reveal too much—he wasn't about to dump his entire life story onto them—but he did share that he had no real home, nowhere to go, and no connections. The revelation made Martha frown, and even Clark, who had been keeping a close eye on him, softened his gaze slightly.

"You don't even have a phone?" Clark asked, arms crossed as he leaned against the kitchen counter.

Ethan shook his head. "Nah, never really needed one. Besides, not like I got anyone to call."

Clark narrowed his eyes slightly before sighing. "That's not safe."

Ethan smirked. "Yeah, well, neither is getting punched by Superman, but here we are."

Jonathan chuckled, while Clark just rolled his eyes. "Stay here," Clark suddenly said, standing up. Before Ethan could ask what was happening, Superman disappeared in a blur of motion.

"…Did he just run away because I roasted him?" Ethan asked, raising an eyebrow.

Martha giggled. "Oh, just wait."

Barely five minutes later, Clark returned, tossing something toward Ethan, who instinctively caught it. Looking down, Ethan realized it was a brand-new smartphone, sleek and top-of-the-line.

"…Where the hell did you get this?" Ethan asked, baffled.

Clark smirked. "Batman's money."

Ethan stared at him, then let out a laugh. "Oh, I like you."

Clark merely smirked before turning serious. "I put my number in there, along with Ma and Pa's. If you ever need anything, you call, got it?"

Ethan looked at the phone, then back at the Kents. He didn't say it aloud, but for the first time in a long while, he felt… acknowledged. Like someone actually cared, even if it was just for a brief moment.

"…Yeah. Got it." He pocketed the phone before standing up, stretching. "Well, guess I should get going."

Martha frowned slightly. "Are you sure? You could stay longer."

Ethan shook his head. "Nah, I've already stayed longer than I planned. I got stuff to do."

Jonathan smiled. "You're welcome here anytime, son."

Ethan hesitated at the word 'son' before grinning. "Careful, old man, I might take you up on that."

Clark walked him outside, where Ethan prepared to leave. "Where are you going now?" Clark asked.

Ethan grinned mischievously. "New York. Gonna, uh… let's just say I plan to 'borrow' a house from a certain billionaire."

Clark sighed. "Don't get yourself into trouble."

"No promises." Ethan smirked before turning into golden light particles and shooting off into the sky at high speed.

Clark watched him go before shaking his head. "He's definitely going to cause trouble."

—

As Ethan flew at full speed, the cool wind rushing past him, he couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement. New York City was in sight now, the towering skyline standing tall in the distance. But his real targets were two specific buildings—Stark Tower and Avengers Tower, standing proud and dominant over the city.

Landing on a nearby rooftop, Ethan took a deep breath, letting the moment settle in. He had just met Superman and his parents, eaten a proper meal, and even gotten a phone—something he never thought he'd have.

And now?

Now, it was time to find himself a home.

With a wide grin, he looked at Stark Tower, his golden eyes gleaming with mischief. "Alright, Tony. Time to 'borrow' some real estate."