"Can I take that as a compliment, Big Sister? You're hilarious, hahahaha!"
Axel laughed loudly, snatching the nearest frying pan and instinctively holding it in front of himself.
Martha smiled kindly but rolled her eyes.
"I like it when you call me Big Sister. Makes me feel younger. But young man, we originally had two frying pans in this house… now there's only one left!"
She patted Clark's arm, giving him instructions.
"Don't worry, take our guest to change into some clothes. He looks about your age—or maybe a bit older. Young man, how old are you this year?"
"Twenty-five, just graduated two years ago," Axel replied with a chuckle.
"And your son? Who's older between you two?"
"I'm Clark Kent," Clark cut in, gesturing toward the bedroom. "Come with me; I'll get you some clothes."
"No problem, but what about your age? Hmm, looks like I am a bit older than you. Little buddy, graduated yet?" Axel followed, chatting casually.
"I'm twenty-three. Graduated two years ago," Clark replied stiffly, matching Axel's conversation mechanically.
"Oh?" Axel patted Clark's clothes teasingly. "What's so impressive about graduating two years ago? And you're working at a gas station? Went to college just to do this? Wasted education much?"
Clark's face tightened. This Axel didn't radiate the evil vibe the military had warned him about—but his mouth… it was relentless.
"It's not that I can only get jobs at a gas station," Clark explained, "I like staying near home to help my mother. We have a farm, and Martha can't manage it alone. The gas station job is just extra."
Axel nodded knowingly. "Ah, so you're mooching off your parents, Clark!"
"Huh?" Clark's jaw dropped. "Mooching? I do most of the farm work and earn money on the side. Not mooching!"
"Relax, Buddy. I didn't say it was bad. Besides, I can't mooch off my family either—I can't see them anymore," Axel said lightly.
Clark's face fell, empathy kicking in. He lowered his head, feeling the weight of loss he knew too well.
"I… I understand, Axel. Losing a parent… it's unbearable. And you… you lost your whole family? No wonder…"
Clark's super brain raced, imagining Axel's life: loss, betrayal, vengeance, love twisted with hate. Perhaps this pain had forged the 'evil' persona the military feared. Clark's eyes softened as he regarded Axel.
Axel noticed the gaze and chuckled lightly. "No wonder what?"
He placed a hand on Clark's shoulder, feeling the younger man's heartbeat spike.
"You seem to know something already, that's why you weren't surprised by my sudden appearance!"
Clark hurriedly explained. "No, it's not that. I just meant… no wonder you'd run naked down the road and even sneak into my house like that. And your sudden arrival… it's like magic! But why are you here?"
Axel grinned.
"See these muscles? Don't even think about hurting my family!"
Clark flexed nervously, unsure if Axel knew his secret.
Axel's amused grin widened.
"You're Superman at twenty-three, too naive. Most heroes debut around thirty-three, like Jesus did. Makes sense, right? You'll only fully see the world after thirty-three."
He patted Clark gently. "I was just asking casually. You pulling your underwear out to prove something only makes me suspicious, kid!"
"I wasn't trying to prove anything, I just—" Clark started.
"Yes, yes, I don't care if you know anything or not. Now, hurry up and take me to change. I owe your family a favor. Afterward, I'll send someone with money for clothes. Plenty of money—you deserve it."
Axel gave Clark's rear another playful kick. Clark frowned but eventually led him to the bedroom.
Clark's clothes fit Axel perfectly; at 191 cm, Clark was only four centimeters taller. Jeans, sneakers, and a white T-shirt later, Axel emerged in the Kent yard.
Martha smiled. "You look strong and wear the clothes well—like my son."
"Thanks, Big Sister Martha. I'll return the clothes and my gratitude soon. But I still need Clark's help. I have urgent business in a nearby town. Can you give me a ride, Clark?"
___
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