VitalityBy Bek
Rated: PG-13
Summary: After five years of marriage, Clark Kent should know better than to keep things from his wife, especially bad news. But he’s unprepared to hear just how bad things have gotten, and he’s not really ready to deal with the reality of what Dr. Klein has to tell him. As things spiral and head even sharper downhill, he’ll need Lois by his side just to survive.
Author’s Note: I wrote this story several years ago, and it’s just been sitting on my computer collecting dust. Something came up in our Discord server that made me feel like I should post it, even if it's more representative of where I was as a writer a few years ago than where I am now. It hasn’t been read by anyone else yet, so I will own all mistakes and all newbie-writer things, but please be kind lol.
The original is nfic, but I’ll try to edit and post in both sections of the board. There are twenty-four chapters in addition to this Prologue, and I'll try to post relatively quickly, since it's all written. Thank you for reading, and I hope y’all enjoy!
Prologue
“Thirty-three times in the last year.”
“Criminals have really stepped up their game, haven’t they?”
“I guess you could say that. It seems like every burglar on the street corner has gotten their hands on the stuff.”
“Well, unfortunately, Superman, I don’t have good news for you. Based on the tests I’ve run, it seems as though these frequent exposures to kryptonite have caused irreparable damage to your cells and tissues. Your body is no longer able to heal all of the damage caused by the rock. The more frequently you are exposed, the worse it will get. You said you’ve already noticed some changes?”
Superman didn’t respond right away. His jaw set tight as he considered Dr. Klein’s words. He raised his eyes slowly, trying to keep his fear from showing.
“I’ve been . . . slower. I get tired faster. Achy in the mornings after a big rescue. That sort of thing,” he said evasively. His arms remained crossed over his chest in his familiar superhero stance, and he hoped that would somehow help him maintain his air of indifference.
Dr. Klein nodded and turned back to his microscope, peering again into the eye piece and scribbling a few notes in his notebook. He absently adjusted the focus knob on the side of the instrument.
“Superman, I hate to have to say this, but I’m afraid that if you continue, well, being you . . .” Dr. Klein rotated in his chair to face the superhero. His hands fiddled with the buttons of his lab coat, and he was unable to meet Superman’s eyes. “Next time you’re exposed to kryptonite, you may not recover.”
“You mean, my powers may not come back?” Superman inquired anxiously, his voice betraying a hint of concern.
“That . . . or worse,” Dr. Klein clarified. The doctor stood, his expression serious, and took a step toward the superhero. “Superman, it could really kill you this time. Just a short exposure.”
Superman lowered his eyes slowly, a lump forming in his throat. His mind raced, and his heart pounded in his chest as he considered Dr. Klein’s words.
“I mean, I’ll keep running tests,” Dr. Klein assured, moving back toward his microscope. “But in the meantime, I’d suggest you be much, much more careful and selective about your rescues.” He sat heavily in the swivel stool and shook his head, adding, “I’m sorry I don’t have better news for you.”
Superman looked back up at the older man sharply, fixing an unconcerned expression back on his face.
“I appreciate your help with this, Dr. Klein. And I’ll take your advice into consideration. I should be going.”
“Of course.”
Superman took several steps toward the door to the laboratory but stopped abruptly as he reached for the door handle.
“When you get any more results from these tests, you can contact me through Clark Kent. But I trust you will keep all of this confidential.”
The doctor nodded emphatically. “Yes, Superman, as always.”
“Thank you, Dr. Klein.”
Superman turned and walked out the door, his hands balling into fists to hide the fact that they had started shaking.
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