Who: Clark and Karli Where: Earth-96, Metropolis When: February 22, 2019 to March 12, 2020 What: Red Portal Adventures (Part 2) Rating/Warnings: Canon Typical Violence Status: Complete
Karli's stomach was in knots as she stared at her reflection.
"I can't believe this is happening," she spoke aloud the thoughts that had been going through her head for the last five minutes.
"We can."
She flicked her gaze to the doorway behind her and caught sight of Lois and Richard standing there, watching her with soft, familiar expressions of pride. Her breath caught as she turned, and Lois walked in, only stopping when she was in front of her.
Lois smoothed her hands over Karli's shoulders, though they hardly needed it. "We knew you could do this, sweetheart. Never a doubt in my mind. And Magna Cum Laude, no less."
Richard came inside, wearing a wide, goofy grin. "Speaking of, you're missing one more thing."
He produced a long rope of gold ending with frankly absurd tassels and moved around his wife to loop it over his daughter's neck. "There, now it's perfect."
She laughed and batted at one of the tasseled ends. "While I appreciate the parental treatment, we should check in with Jase. And-and"—Karli kind of hated the uncertainty in her voice, but it wasn't completely without merit—"Da's on time, right?"
This was the second biggest day of his life and he was feeling more than nervous, in fact, he was pretty sure he might throw up at any moment. But then he remembered that his sister actually had a much bigger role to play than him and didn’t feel quite so bad. Karli was ridiculously smart so it made sense to him that she was Magna Cum Laude. He could hear voices down the hall, so he made his way along the hallway to lean in the doorway of Karli’s room and snuck a picture of the happy group.
"He’ll be here." Jase reassured softly, knowing exactly the feeling of anxiety that came from wondering if their third parent would make an event or not. Especially when said parent had been called away to a natural disaster in South America. "You look awesome."
"I'm all right," she dismissed with a scrunched up nose before grinning and moving to the door so she could loop her arms around him. If anyone had told her this was where she'd be in three years, she might have laughed at them—or questioned their ability to understand reality. But there she was, in Metropolis U colors, beaming up at the brother she never thought she'd have and only distantly missing her life before. "You're the fab one here, Mr Medical Professional. You invite anyone to graduation? That lovely hospital admin with the lovely braids? Or maybe that bloke from your ethics class last semester?"
Jason booped his sister on her scrunched up nose then wrapped his arms around her in return giving her a squishy hug that might have lingered a little longer than usual, betraying his nerves. The past three years had been the best, learning, helping, rescuing, gaining a sister, it was incredible. Now they were free from the classroom, but he’d still be learning the ropes as a newly minted RN with a BSN under his belt. "Are we grown ups after graduation? I’m not feeling grown up yet." At the question, he shook his head, "I invited Jimmy. So we know our pictures will be on point."
He grinned, hearing a telltale boom outside which signaled a super-sonic return and bounced his eyebrows at his Mom and Dad. "Which one of you is wrangling Da into the suit Uncle Bruce sent?"
The smile that crossed Lois's face at the prospect was positively wolfish, and Karli watched as Richard took a healthy couple of steps back with his hands up. "Oh, no, no, Lois is more than up to the task."
She got the impression that he was only holding off on the innuendo around taking it off because their kids were right by the door, and one of them had super hearing. "Out of my way, family-mine, I'm on a mission."
Karli laughed softly while Lois walked past them, pausing only to pull her son down to give him a smacking kiss on the cheek and one for her daughter and then she was gone. "Is this a common circus?"
"Bruce has impeccable taste, but you just can't take the farmboy out of Clark Kent." Richard shook his head and hugged them both as he, too, was on his way out. "Damn, not enough time for popcorn for the show."
"Wow, they are just never out of the honeymoon phase, are they." Karli rolled her eyes even as she felt the most familial love she probably ever had in her life, then turned to look at Jason. "I'm really proud of us, can I say that without being gauche? I wouldn't have had this opportunity if that portal hadn't pulled us here. But it's more than that, innit? I didn't think I could have a family again, not like this. I'm so proud to call you my brother, Jason."
Jason pulled a face in response to his Mom’s smile and he feigned a shudder as she disappeared from the room, closely followed by their Dad. "Yeah, they're still grossly infatuated with each other. I’m not sure if it’s a latent Kryptonian ability, to make two perfectly reasonable human beings act completely smitten toward him at all times. It’s not a power I inherited anyway." He shrugged, chuckling at his own joke.
"Not at all, I’m proud of us too. So incredibly proud of you, for fitting in and putting up with our weirdness, and often over enthusiastic familial relationship. I’m really glad we didn’t scare you off, I love that you’re my sister." He slung his arm across her shoulders and pulled her into his side, thinking back to their first meeting. Jase had known then, as soon as she’d sat beside him on the floor, that they’d be best friends at least and family at best. He was thrilled that he was right.
"Think if we go downstairs they’ll get the hint that we’re ready to go? Aunt Diana is probably already at the venue."
Really, it was a damn near miracle that Karli's flush was barely there at the mention of Diana, but the way her pulse fluttered probably gave her away regardless. She hadn't grown up with Diana and Bruce, so maybe it was a little understandable that her admiration for both of them wasn't quite as familial as the others in their household. She linked arms with him as she rolled her eyes, and tugged him out of the room and toward the stairs. "Your boundless optimism is one of my favorite qualities of yours."
Meanwhile, Richard lay on his side in the adults' bedroom, stretched out on their California king that only felt full and the way it should be used when they were all three in it. He had the uncanny ability to lounge just about anywhere and somehow emerge looking wholly unruffled—clothing-wise, at least. His smirk was fixed on the tableau of his spouses navigating the absolutely devastating suit Bruce had sent over. (He wore his own easily, despite the fact it was a rarity these days.) "You know," he drawled, eyes dancing, "the more you fight it, the more she enjoys herself."
"And the more you do too." Clark replied from the foot of the bed, giving Richard a wide eyed look. He could face down maniacs, demigods, aliens and killer robots, but not Lois when she was as determined for something to happen as she was now.
The cut of this suit was much more streamlined than his usual attire, and there wasn’t a pinstripe, plaid or tweed pattern to be seen. Clark was fairly sure Bruce had chosen the design so he couldn’t possibly fit his other suit beneath, the bat’s way of ensuring he’d be present for the whole ceremony, but at least the deep blue color was a nod to his alter ego. "Lo, I think I know how to tie my own tie."
"Mm, guilty." Richard laughed and drew a hand down his husband's back even as he snagged Lois's eyes, where they shared a mischievous smile. He sat up and moved until he was kneeling at Clark's back and pulled at his shoulders until he leaned into his chest. "Just consider how much fun we can have after the graduation party when we get to take it off of you."
Lois watched them both, but the heat that blazed was quickly supplanted by practicality as she straightened the complicated knot she'd made of his tie and patted it close to his chest. "We call that delayed gratification." She leaned in and kissed him lightly, but lingeringly. "And we still owe you a make up for your birthday. Ask the kids to watch out for the world for a few hours, hm?"
A huff of amused disbelief was given in return to his husband's honest answer, and he didn't stop himself from melting like an oversized cat into Richard's touch. It was rare that he ever fully eased his careful control over himself, but in the presence of his spouses he allowed himself to do just that. "You're both wicked teases at times you know." Clark accused, but his tone was utterly fond. His lips chased Lois's as she drew back after their kiss and he found himself nodding at the suggestion. "Yes Ma'am, I will."
Jason's voice hollering from the driveway effectively threw cold water over the situation and Clark chuckled. "He's right, we really shouldn't be late."
Later—much, much later, because graduation ceremonies weren't exactly known for their brevity, but especially for a school the size of Met U—Karli stood with her family, diploma for her Bachelor of Arts clutched tightly to her chest. At least she was giving Jason's hand a break, because she'd taken it almost as soon as they'd filed in and taken their seats. Hearing her name was one of the most surreal moments she'd ever had in her life, because this wasn't supposed to be her path.
Yet somehow she'd gotten a third chance at life.
Finding their family wasn't actually all that hard, not with the Bruce Wayne and Diana Prince standing with Clark, Lois, and Richard. People kept trying to surreptitiously take Gotham royalty's—aka-Uncle Bruce's—picture, but he handled it with the bored aplomb of someone for whom there was no true private life. If only people knew. She was doing her best not to steal glances at Diana, who, like Bruce, was astonishingly gorgeous. Really, if she could string together two words without stammering at either of them, it would be a miracle.
Already standing with them were two other Met U graduates, also still in their cap and gowns: Duke Thomas and Jason Todd. "Gents," she greeted and smiled up at them. Really, she only knew them from family things, but had seen them a few times on campus or met up for lunch. "You lot coming to Uncle Bruce's grad 'do?"
"I'm not saying we're obligated or anything." Duke's grin back was just as easy and charming. "But who turns down an open bar and catered food?"
"And any leftovers will be donated, of course," Jay put in quickly, likely seeing the brow climbing up Karli's forehead. He turned his attention to his name twin. "Got your five year plan already, Smallville, Jr?"
Jason wasn't a hundred percent aware of what had just happened, he knew he'd walked up onto the stage, shaken hands with the Dean and accepted his Bachelor of Science. But he remembered Karli's speech and the sense of pride which had flooded his entire being when she'd accepted her degree. The rest of the ceremony had been a blur, almost like an out of body experience. It took Aunt Diana's very firm hug to bring him back down into the moment and he gave her a grateful smile whilst trying not to blush too furiously. Uncle Bruce's lips twitched into an amused smirk at the attempt and he knew he hadn't been entirely successful.
Letting his Dad take the certificate from him, after their hug, he joined his sister and the Wayne kids, chuckling at the exchange between Duke and Karli. Jay managed to smooth things over before they started, and he shared a little knowing smile with Karli before answering the question posed by his namesake. "I don't even have a five day plan." Jason muttered, pushing his glasses up his nose and trying not to look like a rabbit in headlights at the very idea. "I'm starting at Metropolis General as a new RN and I guess I'll see what happens next there."
Clark had an ear on their kids' conversation, and he shook his head slightly with a tiny smile, "I think our son is having an existential crisis now he's graduated."
"I think my son might have triggered that crisis." Bruce replied wryly, knowing his Jason could ask tough questions and think nothing of it.
Diana raised one impeccable brow and looked over at the younger set of heroes. "At least we know one aspect of their five year plan. I look forward to fighting alongside them."
"I'm just surprised none of you have ever set up some kind of internship between the three of you." Richard—who hadn't marveled in a long time that he was just a man among literal titanic heroes because at the end of the day, these people were his friends—stood close, one arm looped loosely around Lois's waist, the other hand brushing against Clark's almost casually. "Or really just the larger community. Maybe a little exchange program or something, get some broadening experience."
One might have thought he'd grown a second head with the way Diana and Bruce slowly looked at him. "I'd… never considered it," Diana admitted while her gaze slid over to the assembled graduates. "And now I'm almost ashamed it never occurred to me."
"Only flaw to that is you can't exactly invite all the heroes to your homeland," Bruce pointed out, but not unkindly.
"Tch," she scoffed and drew herself to her full height. "But they could still shadow me out here. It could possibly work. Granted, it all depends on how receptive the younger crowd might be." Diana glanced toward Clark's family. "With Karli's art history degree, I'd been considering asking if she might want to come to Europe with me for a few weeks while I work on a restoration project at the Louvre. Do you suppose any of the other children might be interested?"
Clark looked across at Richard with completely awed adoration as he posed his challenging question to the two founding members of the Justice League. Tugging on his hand, he pulled him close to capture his lips in a swift kiss. "You're too smart for your own good, Mr. White." He loved him for that, he loved both of them for that, sometimes he really did feel like a country bumpkin when around the two of them. "Maybe you can talk to your Uncle and we can offer Duke an internship at the Planet?"
Bruce looked across at the new graduates and then back to his friends, a small smile graced his lips and he nodded. "I think he'd enjoy that."
Lois reached out and clasped Diana's forearm for a moment, shaking her head at the remorseful tone. "I'm sure you'll think of something perfect for our kids, Diana." She gave a little smile, "Though, I should warn you a trip to Themyscira might short circuit Karli's brain."
Clark snorted a laugh at that, despite trying to hold it in. He didn't want to be unkind, but he thought the crush his daughter had on Wonder Woman was more than a little adorable. "I know Jason was interested in working with you in a… super capacity. Though I'm not sure how he will juggle the hospital and the cape."
Richard beamed on the other side of that kiss. He and Clark weren't hugely demonstrative in public—due to their unconventional relationship—except when surrounded by their circle of close friends. He settled his shoulder more firmly against Clark's and smiled at the other two heroes. "I'll set up a group chat and email ring. And reach out to Ollie at QC, too. I really don't mind running point on most of the coordination, including with Uncle Perry. Maybe especially with Uncle Perry, although I think we can all agree that Lois and Jace might be better if it comes to twisting his arm."
Lois smiled her shark's-smile, a look she exchanged with Diana. If there were any roadblocks, they'd find a way to build around them. Honestly, it was for the best that both of them used their powers for good. The world would be a much darker place, otherwise. And they both knew it. "I'll start putting my contacts together for you, sweets, if we're wanting plausible covers for our kids being in your respective cities. Bruce has anyone covered who goes to Gotham. You've got your finger in just about every company in the city."
He chuckled and held up his hands with all his Bruce Wayne charm in display. "And I can probably help with some of the other cities, too, since I've got subsidiaries most everywhere."
Richard looked back over toward the kids and waved when Karli looked over. He wasn't surprised in the slightest when her eyes narrowed in suspicion.
"The adults are conspiring. Or I'm simply getting the funny feeling they're talking about us." Karli looked back at her fellow graduates. "We should probably gather them up before they really plan out our lives."
"You think they're really plotting something?" Jase asked, head tilted to the side as he looked across at their parental figures. He included Diana in that because he knew she often stopped by the Mansion to check on the Bat brood. Or more likely to check that Alfred was still sane whilst continuously having to deal with their nightly escapades. Jason didn't usually make a habit of listening in to his parents' conversations, no matter how easily he could. He believed that they deserved privacy, plus he didn't want to accidentally hear anything that would make him blush as scarlet as Flash's suit.
Duke gave the super siblings a smile, then glanced at his own adopted brother, "I'm inclined to agree with Karli on this. They're definitely planning something for us. It's a shame we didn't think to bug one of them." Here he gave Superboy a wink, knowing that the younger Kent would never eavesdrop and making sure he knew that he was just joking around. But the gesture just seemed to fluster Jason even further.
Karli wasn’t the only one with a crush.
(from Karli to Clark - one month after graduation)
Getting to help with restorations at the Louvre has been great, but Diana says we’re headed out to her home in under a fortnight.
Mostly I’m excited. She’s already told me it won’t all be sightseeing. Should I be nervous?
How’s Metropolis and the new batch of interns at the Planet?
~*~
(from Clark to Karli - one week later)
I’m so glad to hear your work at the Louvre has gone well. Sorry for the delayed response, I was helping out the Lanterns off world for a few days. Have you left for Themyscira yet?
I can’t really advise you on that… I’m unable to visit the island, but from what Diana and Donna have told me, the training regimen is pretty tough. So if Diana says you’re not just there to see paradise, then you might be in for some Amazonian workouts.
The interns are doing great! Though Richard isn’t quite used to being a den mother for so many! Lo is off on an assignment in Central City. Something to do with STAR labs and Kord collaborating on a project. Metropolis is the same as always, very hot this summer so the population has been making good use of the parks. Jason is working late shifts this week so we haven’t seen much of him, but no doubt you two are emailing each other frequently.
We love and miss you too, Da
~*~
(from Karli to Clark, a few hours later)
You caught me just in time. We leave day after tomorrow, and we're already in Greece. Things all right off-world, then?
As the Americans say, Bring It.
(I may eat these words. We'll see.)
lol Poor Richard. I'll try to get both of them some kind of souvenir, even if it's just a random shell from the ocean. Maybe just make sure the Labs and Kord don't do anything daft like blow up the world while we're gone.
Love you heaps and bunches, Karli
(from Karli to Jason, a shortly after)
Have you taken Duke out for drinks yet? You were supposed to be his welcome wagon.
~*~
(from Clark to Karli, a few minutes later)
Have a wonderful time with them, Sunflower. Things are fine in our sector. New Genesis was having a little trouble. But everything is good now.
That’s the spirit! (All part of the learning process!)
Don’t worry, I’m being a comfortable pillow for him to face-plant against when he gets home. No doubt the shells will be beautiful there. If anyone can wrangle scientists into using common sense it’s Lois.
Love you lots, take care and enjoy yourself! Da
(from Jason to Karli, that evening)
We had coffee the day he arrived! But then I was switched onto nights so I haven’t had chance for proper drinks yet! I keep meaning to do a flyby his apartment but that seems kind of presumptuous? (Although his biggest brother climbs in our windows all the time.) I’m not a very successful welcome wagon. Help.
~*~
(from Karli to Clark, minutes later)
One of these days I'm going to break you down on me joining you on your extra-solar excursions. I can be quite persuasive — and that's even without Lois's influence.
Love, 🌻
(from Karli to Jason, shortly after his)
Don't make me send Duke your schedule. Or do. I could do with some good natured meddling before I'm incommunicado for the next few weeks.
Ask. Him. Out. Brother-mine.
(And tell Dick that if he doesn't replace my energy bars, I'm coming for him personally.)
~*~
(from Jason to Karli, minutes later)
My schedule keeps changing 😩 so good luck with that! Actually, I take it back, because you absolutely would meddle, and then vanish off the grid with Diana. How excited are you for Themyscira? If Nubia is there, tell her hi from me.
Maybe. One day. I’m scared of Uncle Bruce. Do I have to ask his permission first? What if there’s a dowry involved? I don’t understand rich people rules.
(I’ll pass the message along, next time I see him. Unless he’s too busy crushing on our Dads.)
~*~
(from Karli to Jason, minutes later)
Good, lad, to see that in the offing. I'm doing my best to present the very picture of calm while inwardly vibrating out of my skin. If we're introduced, I'll tell her. Do you want any autographs? (A little teasing, mostly serious offer.)
You're asking the wrong bird, love. I had much less than I do now growing up. Blokes like flowers too, yeah? Maybe start there?
At the end of the day, Duke is his own man with his own mind. Uncle Bruce can deal.
(Don't remind me. It's mad.)
~*~
(from Jason to Karli, a little later)
I was like that the first time I met Grandpa and Grandma El at the Fortress, and they’re holograms. So I understand. You’ll be great though, remember to enjoy yourself while you’re learning. Thanks! Antiope, Io and Philippus please 🙏 (Just say it’s for your nerdy brother.)
Flowers. I can do that. Maybe some from the farm. Okay. A plan is forming. I’ll let you know how it goes!
(I don’t get it, neither of them have red hair.)
~*~
(from Karli to Jason, the next day, copying Clark, Lois, and Richard)
I leave for the island in less than an hour. It's the middle of the night for you, so you're probably on shift and won't see this until you get off in the morning.
Last night, Diana and I talked until the early hours, and she said something I can't get out of my head.
"You have the heart of a warrior, but only because the circumstances of your world made it so. Have you ever wondered what your heart could have been? What it could be?"
I didn't answer her. It wasn't something I ever let myself think about. Never had the time, never had the luxury.
But for the first time in a long time, I seem to have both. I don't know what I might find in Themyscira. I don't know if I'll like whatever it might be. It'll be me, though, and that'll have to be enough.
Here's what I know, what's important:
1) I love you 2) I couldn't have asked for a better family 3) Thank you for letting me into your life and heart
I'll see you soon. ❤💙
~*~
(from Richard to Karli, sent very early in the morning - though wasn't in time for her to see before she left)
We love you too. All of us. I'm so proud of you and grateful that Clark brought you into our family. No matter what you find in Themyscira, we're always going to love you.
See you when you get back. Be safe.
Your Family xxx
~*~
(From Lois to Karli, a month later)
Sweetheart, I don't know if Diana and the others there have heard. Something happened at the DOD, in Opal City. Our super boys went out to help, but there was Kryptonite. Masses of it. Weaponized by our country. They called it a failsafe. Just in case. Bullshit.
Jason wasn't affected as badly, so he's on the mend. But Clark-
We're still waiting for him to show any signs of recovery. Richard's on sleeping beauty watch as I type, I'm supposed to be resting. But I want to know the truth behind this weapons cache.
If you can, write back, just so I know you know.
x
~*~
(From Karli to Lois, a couple of hours later)
This explains why the aunties woke me up early and Diana bustled me off to Nafplion. Also why she wouldn’t let me come with her when she took off, said she was meeting Hal and J’onn there. She knew I’d go in swinging once I found all this out.
I saw the news coming out of the area, and you’re right. The cover story holds up about as well as wet tissue. Typical government overreach. This is such rubbish!
Auntie Diana knew what she was doing. All I’ve got is my phone and no cash to get to the airport. I’m making my way home, though. Even if I have to hitch a ride by looking as pathetic as I possibly can. Da will be fine. Jason will be fine. You’ll be fine. Everything will be fine.
It has to be.
I’ll be home soon, come what may.
Love, Karli
~*~
(from Lois to Karli, fifteen minutes later)
The Aunties plural? Sounds like they've adopted you as one of their own. I can't wait to hear all about it.
Diana was trying to protect you from stepping over lines, ever the diplomat. Bruce is looking into things both on and behind the scenes. I don't think I've seen him this angry in a long time.
Hope shines through, even in the darkest of times. We'll all be fine.
If you can make your way to the port and head to the lighthouse, a certain cousin of yours from Blüdhaven is on the way with one of his Daddy's toy jets. (His words, not mine.)
I'll see you soon.
Love you too, Mom
~*~
(From Karli to Lois, minutes later)
I have a few stories. And shells for Jason. He'll know what I mean.
Can't wait to see what Uncle Bruce unleashes. No doubt Auntie Diana is there to hold him back too.
I'll swim out to the lighthouse if I have to, but I'll be there.
I can't believe this is happening. Different Earth, same shite.