An acorn grows into a mighty oak ((tag Clark))

[slayers_desire]

In the past few weeks, Clark and April have been helping to mentor the Dryad spirit in her mental mindscape. They took the opportunity whenever they had free time -- which didn't come very often in their busy lives. But step by step, moment by moment, the Dryad was learning more about the world.

And with each visit, April felt a little piece of herself heal and get stronger.

The Voices were still not quite completely back, and there were times when they would have been a great assistance to the situation at hand -- but they took each day at a time. They handled each emergency the best way they could, using the strengths and abilities of other members of the JLA team.

Usually, Clark and April found time right before bed to take a moment in the mental mindscape. It seemed to suit their schedules. The children were asleep. And the their day was done. The only thing that would come up -- was the occasional need for Superman.

Tonight was one of those nights when they had no emergencies to handle. April was sitting on the bed, brushing out her hair quietly to herself. She felt they were closer to resolving the issue -- so she could have those abilities back in her life. In truth, she missed them.

Comments

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"It's possible." Clark isn't really sure how that would work, but he's seen some strange things, enough that he won't say for certain that the answer is no.

[slayers_desire]

"You have your love for the tree." April steps forward. Touching the carving on the bark. Daphne watches her carefully.

"I wish to help it become more..."

"You want to help the tree to finally bloom. Yes. How?" April figures that a direct question might result in answers.

"A symbol of true love."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

It must not be as simple as it appears, Clark thinks, because otherwise the tree might have fully blossomed already. At the same time, he's also reminded somewhat of several years ago, when April was losing her soul, until she realized that he accepted all of her, vampire or not.

"There are many symbols like that."

[slayers_desire]

April nods in agreement. There are so many symbols, that she is not even sure where to start. "Even this engraving is a symbol," She touches the heart-shaped engraving.

"Yes. That is new..." Daphne replied.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"It first appeared when you did," Clark says to her.

[slayers_desire]

"No wonder I don't remember it. What does it mean?"

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"It's something that mostly young couples do. They carve a heart with their initials into a tree, and as long as the tree grows, the carving stays behind."

[slayers_desire]

"Does everyone get to be a couple?" Daphne asks.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"Not everyone." Clark won't lie to her about that. "Most people do, eventually. But for many people, the first person they love isn't necessarily the one they'll end up with for the rest of their lives."

[slayers_desire]

"That sounds sad. Did you ever have one of those?"

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"I loved a few other girls before I met April. I probably would've ended up with someone else, if I hadn't found the Nexus."

[slayers_desire]

"Our lives would have been much different without each other. We have both felt it..." April expresses the memory that the Partners had given them. The one of their lives without their love.

Daphne tilts her head. "You still loved each other, despite not knowing each other."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"You don't have to know someone to be attracted to them. And besides... even if we couldn't remember each other, I think subconsciously we knew."

[slayers_desire]

"Tell me about when you first knew?"

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"I'm not sure there was ever one single moment where I knew I was in love with her. It was gradual, something we grew into over time."

[slayers_desire]

"Just like the love for the tree is gradual." There is a soft glow to the tree, when Daphne speaks. And some of the blooms seem to open slightly.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"Yes. Attraction can be instant, but real love takes time. 'Love at first sight' is only the first step towards a deeper relationship."

[slayers_desire]

"I love you." Daphne smiles.

April laughs. She is not surprised. This is her mind. A part of herself. Even the Fates all were connected to Clark.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

It's still a bit weird for Clark, but he knows that Daphne is just a representation of part of April, so it really isn't unexpected that she would love him. He supposes that must mean that he loves her too, as he loves all of April, not just the part of her that he usually sees. Especially if she is the talking representation of the tree that's gotten them through so much over the years. "I love you too."

[slayers_desire]

There is another glow to the tree, and one of the blooms completely opens. April feels a soft little whisper enter her mind.

"Clark... one of my voices. It is back."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

It's welcome news, and Clark looks up at the tree, seeing the glow coming from one of the branches, and how many more have yet to open. "Slow and patient..."

[slayers_desire]

"Love and support." April takes his hand in hers. "The more love we give the Tree and the blooms, will return my Voices."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"You know what this reminds me of?" Clark says with a smile. "Waiting for our children to be born. It seems to take forever, but it's necessary."

[slayers_desire]

"And that forever feeling seems especially long for me..." April laughs.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"Well you're basically growing a psychic baby in your mind," Clark says, teasing her a little.