Saving Little Clark (Brave Daddies #4)

Chapter 8 Brody

As the meeting got underway, I found myself increasingly fascinated by the dynamic between Clark and Alex. While Alex radiated a polished, professional aura as he walked us through their design concepts, Clark's energy was decidedly more volatile.

One moment, he would be nodding along seriously, offering thoughtful insights on color theory and user experience. But the next, he would be fidgeting in his seat, a goofy grin spreading across his face as he flipped through his notebook to show off a particularly cute character sketch.

"Oh, and look at this one!" he exclaimed, pointing to a doodle of a friendly-looking dragon. "I was thinking he could be the guide for the science section, like a wise old wizard type. We could call him Dr. Sparks or something, since he's all about the wonders of electricity and physics."

Alex seemed to take Clark's quirks in stride. He would gently redirect the conversation when Clark got too far off track, or shoot me an amused, indulgent look when his friend dissolved into giggles over a particularly silly pun.

But even he couldn't hide the fondness in his eyes as he watched Clark light up with each new idea. It was clear that he adored his friend, eccentricities and all.

"You know," I said, leaning forward with a conspiratorial smile. "I'm loving these concepts so far, but I think we could all use a little break to recharge the creative batteries. What do you say we take a walk in the park across the street, clear our heads a bit?"

Clark's eyes lit up at the suggestion, but Alex hesitated, a faint blush staining his cheeks. "Actually, I was thinking of swinging by the office to check in with Will," he said, studiously avoiding my gaze. "You said the two of you worked together? I need to go over some ideas with him."

I bit back a knowing grin. It didn't take a genius to see that Alex's interest had nothing to do with work.

"No problem," I said, waving him off. "You go ahead and take care of that. Clark and I can handle the park recon mission on our own."

Clark shot me a surprised look, but he didn't protest as Alex gathered up his things and headed out with a jaunty salute. And then it was just the two of us.

As we made our way to the park in the bright afternoon sunlight, I felt a subtle shift in Clark's energy. His shoulders loosened, his steps becoming bouncier and carefree. When he spoke, his voice took on a slightly higher, more childlike cadence.

"I love this park," he said, swinging our joined hands between us. "It always makes me feel like I'm in a storybook, you know? Like any minute, a fairy's gonna pop out from behind a tree and grant me a wish."

I chuckled, enchanted by his whimsy. "Oh yeah? And what would you wish for, if you could have anything in the world?"

Clark scrunched up his face in an exaggerated expression of deep thought. "Probably an endless supply of crayons that never break or get worn down. Oh, and a treehouse with a slide and a secret password to get in!"

My heart melted like a popsicle in July. This sweet, silly, utterly guileless man really was a boy at heart.

As we approached an ice cream cart near the edge of the park, an idea began to take shape in my mind. A way to show Clark that I saw him, all of him, and that I cherished every quirky, colorful inch.

"Hey," I said, tugging gently on his hand to get his attention. "What do you say we take a little detour? I don't know about you, but I could really go for a scoop right about now."

Clark's face lit up like a Christmas tree, his eyes widening with delight. "Really? You want to get ice cream with me?"

"Of course,” I said softly, reaching out to boop him gently on the nose. "I want to do all sorts of things with you. Starting with spoiling you rotten with all the sprinkles and fudge sauce your heart desires."

Clark giggled as I led him over to the cart, squeezing my hand tighter and leaning into my side.

As we perused the flavor options, I watched with fond amusement as Clark agonized over the choices, his brow furrowed in intense concentration. Finally, he pointed to a neon-blue concoction studded with rainbow sprinkles and gummy bears.

"That one," he said decisively. "It looks like a unicorn threw up in a blender, and I am here for it."

As we walked away with our cones, Clark was already slurping happily at his kaleidoscopic treat. He turned to me with ice cream smeared across his cheek and a beam brighter than the summer sun. I reached out and thumbed away the sticky blue mess, my heart stuttering at the way he leaned into my touch like a kitten seeking affection.

As we settled onto a nearby park bench, our ice cream cones in hand, I found myself wanting to know everything about Clark.

"Wait, you're telling me you've never seen The Iron Giant?" Clark gasped, his eyes wide with disbelief. "I hereby declare a mandatory movie night, where I will educate you on the wonders of animated cinema.”

"I don’t know, Clark," I teased, arching an eyebrow at him. "Are you sure it's appropriate for an employee to be bossing around his supervisor like this? I might have to file a complaint with HR."

Clark's cheeks flushed pink, but his eyes sparkled with mischief. "Oh, I bet I could persuade them to let it slide, just this once."

He fluttered his lashes at me exaggeratedly, and I burst out laughing. As we talked and joked, the conversation gradually drifted into more personal territory.

"I've had this ratty old stuffed rabbit since I was three," he confessed. "His name is Mr. Hoppity, and he's been with me through everything. My first day of school, my parents' divorce, coming out to my family. Whenever things get tough, I know I can always count on him to make me feel safe and loved."

My heart clenched at the vulnerability in his voice, the way his fingers twisted anxiously in his lap. I could tell that sharing this part of himself wasn't easy for him, that he was waiting for me to judge him for his childlike attachments.

But all I felt was a fierce surge of protectiveness.

"I think that's wonderful," I said softly, reaching out to cover his hand with my own. "Everyone needs something to hold onto when the world gets too big and scary. There's no shame in finding comfort where you can, whether it's a stuffed animal or a favorite blanket or a silly cartoon marathon."

Clark's eyes widened, a flicker of surprise and gratitude passing over his face. "You don't think it's weird? That I still have a nightlight and a security blanket at my age?"

"Not at all," I assured him, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. "I think it's brave, actually. It takes a lot of courage to hold onto the things that make you feel safe and happy, even when society tells you you're supposed to outgrow them."

Clark's shoulders relaxed, a small, relieved smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

I rubbed my thumb absently over his knuckles. I knew I needed to tread carefully here. The last thing I wanted was to overwhelm Clark. But it was hard to keep my distance when every fiber of my being was screaming at me to scoop him up and never let go.

We sat there for a moment longer, basking in the warmth of the late afternoon sun.

"As much as I hate to say it, we should probably call it a day," I said, standing up and stretching. "I've got a few more meetings to prep for, and I'm sure you and Alex have a ton of brainstorming to do for the app designs."

Clark nodded, a flicker of reluctance passing over his face before he schooled his features into a more neutral expression. "You're right. I guess we should keep things professional from here on out, huh?"

I could hear the hint of uncertainty in his voice. I reached out and tucked a stray curl behind his ear, letting my fingers linger just a moment too long against the soft skin of his cheek.

"Hey, just because we're working together doesn't mean we can't explore our connection. I meant what I said earlier, Clark.”

Clark's eyes shone with a mixture of relief and happiness, his smile trembling slightly at the edges. "Yeah?"

"Yeah," I said firmly. "You're stuck with me now. Better get used to having a new partner in crime, and maybe a new movie-watching buddy, too."

I dropped Clark off at his apartment complex, watching him wave goodbye with a shy, sweet smile on his face.

That evening, as I lounged on my couch in my quiet, empty mansion, my gaze landed on a colorful flyer on my coffee table. It was an advertisement for a new comic book store that had just opened up downtown.

Before I could second-guess myself, I was pulling out my phone and searching for the perfect item online. It didn't take long to find it. A plush, oversized blanket emblazoned with classic Marvel characters, from Captain America to Spider-Man.

An hour later, I was about to head to bed when my phone suddenly buzzed with an incoming video call. The screen filled with Clark's smiling face, his cheeks flushed and his eyes sparkling with happiness. And wrapped around his shoulders, like a superhero's cape was the blanket I had just sent over to his address, in all its colorful, cozy glory.

"Brody!" he exclaimed, bouncing a little in his seat. "I can't believe you did this. This is the nicest, most thoughtful thing anyone's ever gotten me."

"I'm glad you like it," I said softly. "I saw it and thought of you, of how much you love superheroes and how brave and amazing you are, just like them."

A pleased flush stained his cheeks. "I'm not brave," he mumbled, fiddling with the edge of the blanket. "Not like them."

"Yes, you are," I insisted, leaning forward intently. "The way you stay true to yourself, the way you find joy and wonder in the little things, that takes a special kind of strength."

Clark's eyes shone with unshed tears, his bottom lip trembling slightly. "You really think so?"

"I know so," I said firmly, wishing I could reach through the screen and pull him into my arms.

I couldn’t stop thinking how he must be worried sick about whether I would accept his Little side.

"So, I was thinking... maybe we could hang out sometime outside of the office? Grab dinner, or catch a movie, or I don't know, just spend some time together?"

Clark bit his lip, a mischievous glint entering his eye. "Why, boss, are you asking me out on a date?"

We talked for a little while longer, teasing and flirting and making tentative plans for our first official date. And when we finally said goodnight, Clark snuggling deeper into his blanket with a contented sigh, I felt like I was walking on air.

"Sweet dreams, Superman," I murmured, blowing him a playful kiss through the screen. "I'll see you in the morning."

"Sweet dreams, Batman," he giggled, returning the gesture with a sleepy, adorable smile. "And thank you again, for the blankie and everything."

As the screen went dark and I flopped back onto the bed, my mind was full of colorful blankets and a sweet, silly boy with a heart of gold. I couldn't help but hope that someday soon, I'd get to wake up to his smile every morning.