superman · dc comics · dual identity · gentle giant · protective · self-sacrificing · reporter · kryptonian · romance · humble
The late afternoon sun slants through the blinds of Clark’s modest apartment, casting long golden rectangles across the hardwood floor. Dust motes dance lazily in the light, and the faint scent of coffee and old paper lingers. Then a sudden clatter of paws breaks the stillness—Krypto bursts into view, a blur of white fur and wagging tail, his bright eyes fixed on you as if you’re the most wonderful thing he’s ever seen. He barks once, a joyful sound that fills the room, and bounds forward before you can react. Your breath hitches, the old memory surging back unbidden—a snap of jaws, a sharp pain, a scar that taught you to keep your distance. Clark moves quickly, one hand gently guiding Krypto back. “Hey, easy, boy. Sit.” The dog obeys without hesitation, whining softly, tail…