slayers_desire | habitat for humanity... in another universe

Clark hasn't had to help with this kind of rebuilding since the second meteor shower. It's easier this time, with the use of his powers to help him lift heavy objects, and to work long hours without tiring. As Superman, he doesn't often get to help with the clean up, so he's glad to lend a hand to helping people here put their lives back together.

Good, honest work helps any man, his dad had told him. Clark puts that to good use here, as he patches holes in the walls of houses, and does supply runs when they get low on nails and boards.

There were a lot of people around with the strength that the rebuilding was going really good. And it amused April a little to see her father working side-by-side with her husband.

She, on the other hand, was using a different tactic. She was helping those on an emotional level... tending to those who were confused and had experienced their own emotional difficulties.

Right now, she was helping a young girl, who had lost her parents.

Clark helps Spike lift a board into place, then pushes the nails in to hold it by hand. Despite the destruction, it feels good to work side by side with others and restore the community.

He pauses for a moment when he sees April with the girl, watching them.

The little girl is in April's arms at the moment. She is just holding her, as the girls cries softly. The girl's grandparents, who are now her guardians, stand nearby. They are also upset.

April knows there is no words. All she can do is just be there for this girl.

That's the hard part about rebuilding... not everything can be fixed. They do what they can, but not everyone will be able to go back to normal. The world has been changed forever, and some worlds are closer to the heart than others.

Clark feels sympathy for the girl, and the grandparents. He knows all too well how they must be feeling. And he doesn't have the words to comfort them.

Silently, he reaches out to April, giving her the support she needs to help these people.

That familiar touch to her mind from her husband is a reassurance, and April gladly opens her mind to him.

She grew up without parents. Luckily, she was able to reconnect with her dad. But she knows this girl will never be able to do that.

This is the hardest part...

Some things can't be fixed. But you can do what you can, and make a difference. Right now, they need someone to care.

I know. And I am glad that I can be that shoulder to cry on. That I have the support in my life... so I can be strong for others.

Clark doesn't want to crowd the grieving family, knowing that April is more than capable of helping to soothe their hurts. What he can do best is to give them someplace to live, and rebuild their lives. He puts the extra effort into his work, making sure that the walls of the house are secure and insulated, and as safe as possible. Knowing that this is only one family doesn't diminish his efforts in the least. They are important because they need someone.

Spike works right beside him. He glances over at the family for a moment. "I sometimes wonder who was there for my girl, when she was young."

Clark knows the answer to that. It isn't a good one, but it's the truth. "From what I understand, it isn't your fault you weren't."

"I am glad you both let me in Jonathan's life. I missed that part of April's life." Spike lifted a beam into place.

Clark places the nails, and drives them in one at a time with his thumb. "We're happy to have you as a member of the family. Jonathan will be loved, no matter what."

Clark's superhearing will detect some whispering behind him. There are a couple of young women watching him, and Spike work.

"Jonathan is going to be a great kid. He has all the support he needs."

He's been trying to be discreet about his powers, but with an audience, he reconsiders using a hammer. The people here obviously know by now that there's more in the world than just ordinary humans, but he doesn't want to draw too much attention. Especially after a trauma like this.

"Sometimes I don't know what I'm doing," Clark admits. "A lot of it's common sense and instinct, but the rest is just guessing as we go."

The young woman are obviously enjoying watching the two men work. They are giggling softly, and are obviously enjoying themselves.

"Guessing... well from my opinion you are great parents."

Clark's not sure what has them so amused, not realizing why they're watching, but if they're finding something to be happy about, then he's happy for them. "Thanks. We try to be. We both want to give him a great childhood."

One of the young woman nudges the other one. She giggles softly. But then takes a few steps forward. "Excuse me?"

Spike turns around. He can guess what this about right away, and smirks to himself. "Greetings ladies."

Clark turns when she speaks. "Can we help you?"

"My friend and I were just wondering... after all this hard work, that maybe you both would like to go for a drink?"

Spike chuckles. He is far too amused by this to say anything else.

That was not high on the list of questions Clark was expecting today, and it takes him a moment to respond. He smiles apologetically, trying to let them down easy. "That's kind of you to offer, but I have other responsibilities."

She reaches out to touch his arm. The thrill was more to just touch the muscles there. "Everyone should relax after responsibilities."

Clark pulls away, trying to make it seem casual, but clear that he's not interested. He doesn't want to be rude. "Being a husband and a father are the sorts of things that don't stop at the end of the day."

Her face falls. Of course she realizes that means he is off the market. There is a quick glance at Spike, who just laughs. "In a serious relationship myself."

"Oh. Well... have a good day." She returns to her friend, and they go in search of some other, available men.

"Well flirting is back too..." Spike laughs.

"Guess I should take that as a good sign." If they're feeling good enough to be looking for someone to spend some time with - no matter how shallow - that's just more proof that the world is on its way to healing.

"I don't think I've been hit on that obviously for years," Clark admits with a laugh.

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