Chapter 65: Back Home [65]
Clark knew he couldn't introduce Diana to his parents in battle attire. He needed to ensure they were both dressed appropriately. Looking at Diana, he activated the Speed Force, freezing time around them. Diana remained frozen mid-motion, her eyes still fixed on Clark but completely immobile.
Clark carefully lifted her into his arms and dashed across the town in the blink of an eye. He stopped in front of an upscale clothing store, realizing it was the perfect place to get what they needed. Entering the store, still under the effect of the Speed Force, Clark manipulated the minds of the staff, implanting suggestions so they wouldn't question Diana's armor or his own unusual attire. He also ensured they would cater exclusively to them, guaranteeing complete discretion.
With everything prepared, Clark deactivated the Speed Force. Time resumed, and Diana blinked, surprised by the sudden change of scenery. She looked around, recognizing the environment of an elegant clothing store. The staff began moving, smiling and approaching them as if nothing unusual had happened.
"Clark, where are we?" Diana asked, her gaze sweeping over the racks of clothes and the well-dressed mannequins.
Clark smiled, guiding her further into the store. "We're at a clothing store. I want you to pick something more appropriate for meeting my family. And I need something for myself too."
Diana raised an eyebrow, intrigued but accepting the situation. One of the staff members approached with a warm smile. "Welcome. How can I assist you?"
Clark nodded. "Yes, we need outfits that are comfortable but elegant. Something suitable for a family dinner."
The staff member nodded, guiding them to a section filled with suitable options. Clark and Diana began browsing through the racks, carefully examining the pieces. Diana paused in front of a light blue dress with delicate details, her eyes shining with interest.
"Clark, what do you think of this one?" she asked, holding the dress against herself.
Clark looked at the dress, then at Diana, a smile forming on his face. "I think it's perfect for you. Try it on."
While Diana headed to the fitting room, Clark selected an outfit for himself: a blue dress shirt, black pants, and an elegant blazer. He knew that simplicity paired with sophistication would make the ideal impression.
Diana emerged from the fitting room wearing the dress, and Clark was momentarily speechless. She looked radiant, the dress accentuating her imposing yet graceful presence.
"You look stunning, Diana," Clark said sincerely. "You'll impress my parents."
Diana smiled, pleased with the choice. "And you? Have you decided what to wear?"
Clark showed her the outfit he had chosen, and Diana nodded in approval. "That will look great. I think we're ready."
With their outfits chosen, Clark brought everything to the counter, where the staff processed the purchase without question, as he had planned. Leaving the store, Clark looked at Diana with a smile.
"Now, we're ready to meet my family. Shall we?"
Diana nodded, taking Clark's hand. "Let's go. I can't wait to see where you come from."
Clark activated the Speed Force again, enveloping them both in a vibrant flow of energy. In the blink of an eye, they left the town behind, crossing bucolic landscapes and vast green fields until they finally arrived at the Kent farm. Clark slowed down as he gently landed on the ground, releasing Diana from his arms.
"Welcome to the Kent Farm," Clark said, gesturing to the wooden house with its porch and the barn in the background. "This is where I grew up."
Diana took in the surroundings, absorbing every detail. "It's simple, but full of life. You're lucky, Clark. This isn't something we'd ever see in Themyscira."
Before Clark could respond, the house door opened, and Jonathan Kent stepped out. He shouted, his voice filled with emotion.
"Martha! Clark's back!"
Martha came running out of the house, her expression a mixture of relief and concern. She hurried to Clark, stopping in front of him and placing her hands on his shoulders.
"Clark, where have you been? Do you have any idea how worried we were?" Martha said, her voice trembling.
Clark held his mother's hands, squeezing them lightly. "Mom, I know I've been gone too long, but I'm here now. And I brought someone to meet you."
Martha finally noticed Diana standing beside Clark, smiling gently. "And who's this young woman?"
Clark turned to Diana, introducing her with pride. "This is Diana. She's… special to me. And I think you'll like her."
Diana stepped forward, extending her hand to Martha. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Kent. Clark speaks very highly of you."
Martha shook Diana's hand, her eyes studying her with curiosity and warmth. "Well, any friend of Clark's is welcome here. Come in, both of you. You must be tired."
Jonathan approached, giving Clark a light pat on the back. "It's good to have you home, son. And it seems like you've brought someone very special."
Clark smiled, feeling truly at home. "It's good to be back, Dad. Let's go inside."
As everyone settled, Clark began to notice something unusual. He could hear two distinct heartbeats coming from Martha. One was strong and familiar, but the other, softer, caught his attention. He decided not to mention it immediately. Instead, he read Jonathan's mind to see if he knew anything.
"I hope Clark doesn't notice anything. Martha hasn't told me, but she seems nervous lately," Jonathan thought, clearly unaware of the possibility that Martha might be pregnant.
Intrigued, Clark turned his attention to Martha. Accessing her thoughts, he realized she suspected it but hadn't yet confirmed it with a test. That explained why she hadn't shared anything with Jonathan.
Clark smiled enigmatically at his mother. He knew he needed to share his discovery but wanted to do it in a special way. Approaching Martha, he gently took her hands.
"Mom, I have another surprise for you." Clark paused for a moment, watching her confused expression before continuing. "There are two heartbeats inside you."
Martha's eyes widened, her hand instinctively moving to her abdomen. Jonathan looked at her, clearly confused, trying to make sense of what Clark had just said.
"Two…? Clark, are you saying I'm pregnant?" Martha asked, her voice trembling with emotion.
Clark nodded, his smile radiating happiness. "Yes, Mom. I can hear both heartbeats. You're going to have a baby."
Jonathan, still surprised, looked at Martha, who was now smiling with tears in her eyes. "Is it true, Martha? Why didn't you tell me?"
Martha took a deep breath, still processing the revelation. "I wasn't sure, Jonathan. I was waiting for the right moment to take a test. But if Clark says so… then it must be true."
Jonathan wrapped Martha in a tight embrace, his joy evident. Clark and Diana watched the scene, sharing the special moment. Clark felt a wave of relief and happiness seeing his parents so emotional. He knew this would be a new chapter for the Kent family, and he was eager to be part of it.
Diana approached Martha and Jonathan, a warm smile lighting up her face. "Congratulations to both of you. This is an extraordinary gift. Surely, Hera has blessed your family with this new life."
Martha wiped the tears from her face, still radiant with the news of her pregnancy. She looked at Diana with a warm smile, touched by the Amazon's words.
"Thank you, Diana. You have a special way with words. But tell me, who is Hera?"
Diana smiled softly at Martha's question. She stepped closer, her hands clasped in a gesture of respect as she began to explain.
"Hera is a goddess from the Greek pantheon, the queen of Olympus and the wife of Zeus. She is considered the protector of women, especially mothers and wives. In Themyscira, where I grew up, we were taught to honor the goddesses who guide us, and Hera has always been a symbol of strength, courage, and maternal protection."
Clark observed as Diana eloquently explained about Hera, her connection to women, and her role as a protector. He didn't interrupt, maintaining a polite smile as she spoke, but his mind was elsewhere.
'Hera… the queen of Olympus. And also a goddess constantly betrayed by Zeus. It's ironic to hear Diana speak of her with such reverence. She herself is living proof of the infidelities of the king of the gods.'
Martha, despite placing a genuine hand on Diana's shoulder in appreciation, couldn't hold back a slightly pragmatic response. "Diana, your words are truly enchanting. But I must admit, here in Kansas, we don't talk much about Greek gods. Still, I'm grateful for your support, no matter where it comes from."
Diana replied with a subtle smile but clearly noticed the underlying hesitation in Martha's acceptance. Jonathan, attempting to diffuse the atmosphere, chimed in with a jovial tone.
"Well, regardless of Hera or any other blessing, I think we're blessed to have our family together. That's what really matters."
The moment was punctuated by soft laughter and a sense of unity. However, Clark couldn't help but notice the subtle dynamics between Diana and his parents. He reflected on the cultural and perspective differences that would shape their future interactions. For Diana, whose life had been intertwined with myths and legends, Martha's words represented a challenge to the depth of her beliefs. But for the Kents, whose faith was built on simplicity and hard work, Diana's ideas brought an exotic touch to a familiar world.
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