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*****
A week later, at night.
Mike was busy in the kitchen, listening to Oren's loud shouting in the living room. The corners of his mouth curled into a faint smile.
This little rascal, after staying with them for a while, had already begun to blend into the Kent family.
He could still clearly remember Clark's dumbfounded expression when he learned that he had a son, and that the mother was Fiora.
"Heh."
Mike couldn't help but chuckle.
Although Oren was the child of Clark and Fiora, the two had no intention of forming a family together.
As for the future, it was better to let things take their natural course.
Just as Mike finished washing the vegetables, Clark walked in.
"Dad."
Clark greeted him, stepping closer. "Dad, what delicious food are you making?"
"Your favorite—braised pork."
Mike smiled, picked up the kitchen knife, and said, "Leave this to me. Go keep Oren company."
"No." Clark shook his head. "I'll have plenty of time to be with Oren later."
Mike raised an eyebrow.
That remark…
He turned his head to scold Clark, but before he could, Clark said, "After tonight, I won't be able to see you anymore."
Mike felt his chest tighten, not knowing how to respond.
He wiped the water off his hands on his apron, patted Clark's shoulder, and said softly, "I'm sorry, son."
Clark shook his head. "Dad, you've already given me more than enough. Don't ever apologize to me."
He knew Mike's departure from this timeline was never a choice, but something he had to do.
If Mike stayed here, what would happen to the other version of him in the alternate world, and to his siblings there?
In that world without Mike, with the Star Company still in play, would they suffer the same fate?
That was something Clark could never allow.
He lowered his head, voice heavy. "If anything, I'm the one at fault. I failed to protect Charles and Erik, failed to protect everyone else."
Seeing his son's bowed head, Mike suddenly grabbed Clark and ruffled his hair roughly before pulling him into his arms. He patted him lightly and said with a smile, "Enough. That's all in the past."
Mike tried manifesting Nagato's ability to resurrect the two, but under the laws of this world, nothing happened.
Clark's throat tightened, and his eyes grew red.
At this moment, only in front of Mike would he allow himself to show his vulnerability.
Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Clark quickly composed his emotions and said, "Dad, teach me how to make braised pork."
"Now?"
Mike looked at him in surprise.
Clark nodded firmly.
Mike was stunned for a moment, then smiled. "Alright."
While the two were busy, Gwen poked her head into the kitchen doorway.
"Ah! Brother, you're too sneaky! Learning how to cook from Dad all by yourself?"
Gwen shouted, running over and locking her arm around Clark's neck.
Clark rolled his eyes. "Let go! If I learn, won't it benefit you too?"
"Benefit me?"
Gwen snickered, released him, and peeked at the cutting board, only to see chunks of pork belly.
Her lips twitched. Narrowing her eyes, she accused, "Liar! This is obviously your favorite braised pork."
Clark pushed her away with a deadpan face. "Go on, don't get in my way."
Gwen pouted, then once again hooked Clark's neck, glaring at Mike with mock ferocity. "Mike Kent! You have to teach me too! Or I'll strangle your son!"
"…"
Expressionless, Mike picked up the knife and twirled it skillfully, its blade flashing coldly under the light.
"What did you just say?"
He smiled at Gwen.
A shiver ran down Gwen's spine. She instantly let go of Clark and gave Mike a fawning grin. "Dad! Daddy! Dearest Dad! I want to learn too!"
After all, once he left, if she wanted to eat this again, she'd have to cook it herself.
Mike sighed helplessly. "Fine, go grab your phone and record it. I'll teach both of you, otherwise we won't eat tonight."
"I'll get it!"
Gwen shouted and dashed out of the kitchen.
Soon, Mike was teaching them while cooking, explaining the details and chatting as he worked. They stayed busy for quite a while.
When the last dish was ready, Gwen held up her phone, gave a thumbs-up, then hit pause and said, "Dad, give us some closing words."
Mike thought for a moment, then nodded.
Gwen resumed recording.
Mike straightened his clothes, looked at the camera, and said with a gentle smile, "From now on, remember to eat on time every day."
After a brief pause, he raised his fist with a silly but determined gesture.
"Pfft!"
Gwen saved the video, bursting into laughter.
But as she laughed, her eyes turned red, and she quickly turned and ran out of the kitchen.
Mike sighed deeply, then said to Clark beside him, "Bring the dishes. Time to eat."
That night, since Mike and Tony would be leaving, Peter and the other four Star Destroyers, along with Bruce and Ororo, came to see them off.
Fiora had also been persuaded by Oren to come.
Watching Oren clinging to Tony, Fiora smiled faintly. Yet when she saw Mike and Clark carrying dishes out, her hands instinctively clenched into fists.
Not long ago, they had been enemies. Now, because of Oren, their relationship had become oddly complicated.
Mike noticed her expression and called out casually, "Don't just stand there. Take Oren to wash up—it's time to eat."
Fiora froze. "Oh."
She turned away and pinched herself.
Oh? Why did I sound so obedient?
She grumbled to herself, but still pulled Oren toward the bathroom.
Wash up. Eat.
Although tonight's dinner was lively, a quiet sadness lingered in everyone's hearts.
When Mike finally set down his chopsticks, everyone's eyes turned to him at once.
After a brief pause, he said, "Tony and I will be leaving now."
Clark and the others nodded, but Oren ran to Mike's side, holding his hand tightly. Fighting back tears, he said, "Grandpa, goodbye! Oren will miss you."
Mike bent down, kissed his forehead, and whispered, "I'll miss you too."
Tony winked at Oren. "Open the gift I left you only after I'm gone, got it?"
Oren nodded, then buried himself in Fiora's arms.
"Hey! Let's take a group photo."
Peter pulled out a Polaroid camera.
They took two big group shots. Mike tucked one into his dimensional pocket, then exchanged a look with Tony. While everyone else was still focused on the photos, the two activated their time-travel devices and vanished.
The family room grew silent as the two disappeared without a sound.
Everyone's expressions shifted in their own way.
Gwen pressed her lips together. "I'm going to bed."
As she headed upstairs, Clark sighed.
He turned his head—and froze.
Reflected in his bright blue eyes were two figures: Oren quietly sobbing, and Fiora holding him gently, comforting him with a soft, tender expression.
Clark's lips moved slightly, and a faint, almost imperceptible smile appeared.
(End of Chapter)