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[stepintothesun]

I'm not one to criticize inspiration whenever or however it chooses to strike. In fact, I applaud your enthusiasm. But do you think that perhaps you’re getting a little ahead of yourself? We barely know each other after all and you already have plans to insert me into alternate universes. [Gentle, tempered smile.] I think it might be prudent that we discuss the matter in detail first, don't you?

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[stepintothesun]

You already have a mother and father on Earth. [Jor presumes. How else has Kal grown to become the man he is today, stronger and more resilient than Jor could ever have imagined, unless he's had someone to care for him? Someone kind. Well-meaning. Just. Those are all of Jor's simple hopes.] I didn't come here intending to replace them, not after so long. They're as much your family now as I am.

Under these rather unique circumstances perhaps you'd like to call me Jor? [He tries for an encouraging smile but it falls somewhat flat. Fathers and sons shouldn't be strangers to one another as they are.] And I could call you by your human name if you prefer. If it -- makes things easier. I'm not here to cause you grief. [Kal.] My son.

[boyscout]

I do, and I love them very much. [ He won't insult his parents that way. They raised him to be a good person, after all. And yet, this is his biological father. One half of his genetic makeup comes from the guy. ] But dad once told me that I had another father somewhere, who gave me another name. That's you.

If you don't mine me speaking frankly, I've known Mom and Dad all my life. They can't be replaced, nor would I want them to be. That said, I think I have a right to know where I came from. To know who my birth parents were. Are.

So I'll call you Jor, sir, and you can use Kal. And we'll work from the ground up. Sound fair?

[stepintothesun]

I see they taught you generosity of spirit as well. [A thing he most certainly would have lacked had he grown up on Krypton without Jor or Lara's influence.] I wouldn't ask for more than that, only the opportunity to get to know you as well. It costs me nothing to admit that I've waited - [Jor releases a shuddering breath, the tips of his fingers beginning to purple as he grips his hands together to stay their trembling. He wants to reach out to him, to greet his son as a father should. But he doesn't dare.] - a very long time for this moment. To see you again.

[He lowers his eyes to Kal's chest, the family crest he can imagine him wearing.] I have so much to tell you.

[boyscout]

They taught me a lot, yeah. They're good people. I think you'd like them. [ He hopes both sets of parents would view one another kindly, anyway. ] There's nothing stopping us from building a relationship now. Might not be the easiest thing in the world, granted, but it's worth a shot.

[ Clark glances down at his chest once his father does, wondering if the older man can see the blue suit hidden beneath regular clothing, then straightens his shoulders. And extends a hand. ]

[stepintothesun]

I'll always be grateful to them. For raising you, for giving you the life Lara and I could never have provided, however much we wanted to. [You were never unwanted, Kal. Jor doubts there was ever a child born on Krypton who was loved by their parents more.] One day, I hope to thank them in person.

[There's a moment, a pause, where Jor forgets that they aren't on Krypton and that there's nothing stopping him, no social norms preventing him from reaching out and clasping Kal's hand between both of his. Which is exactly what he does, squeezing tightly, testing to make sure he's real.]

[In the same moment, Jor releases the breath he didn't realize he was holding.] I still can't quite believe we're meeting at last. [And smiles.] You're really here.

[boyscout]

Things happen. [ It's a laughably inadequate thing to say, but it's all Clark can think of in that moment. He hasn't been waiting quite as long as Jor-El for a reunion. Truth be told, he didn't let himself believe in the possibility as a concrete idea, simply because the reality was too painful. But things are vastly different now.

He finds himself searching his father's face, looking for those little markers he can identify in his own. Something solid -- genetic -- that binds them together as blood. Eventually he speaks, letting his hand remain where it is, not quite willing to let go yet. ] Dad passed when I was seventeen, but I'm sure Mom would love to meet you. She's ... well, she's amazing is what she is.

[ Clark swallows around a sudden lump in his throat, the obvious emotion in Jor-El's voice touching deeply. ]

That goes both ways, you know. I can't quite believe you're standing in front of me, either.