[Third Person Pov]
Clark was flying backwards through the open sky with his hands folded behind his head and his legs loosely crossed at the ankles, his cape rippling and fluttering beneath him like a lazy flag caught in a gentle current. His expression was one of quiet sulking, his lips pushed into a faint pout as he drifted through the endless blue, far above the noise and chaos of the world below. Out here, there was only the sound of wind brushing past his ears and the comforting presence of his loyal companion.
Krypto flew faithfully beside him, matching his speed with effortless ease, his tail wagging occasionally as he stayed close, never straying too far from his friend.
"They always wished me a happy birthday before, and now they suddenly forget? The nerve of them." Clark complained bitterly to his flying companion, his voice carrying easily in the open air, "They can't get mad when I suddenly forget theirs too, that's all I'm saying. It goes both ways."
Krypto responded immediately with a sharp bark before suddenly accelerating forward, his body becoming a white blur as he collided into Clark midair. The impact wasn't painful, but it was enough to knock Clark out of his lazy drifting posture as Krypto enthusiastically began licking his face over and over, his tail wagging furiously as if determined to erase Clark's sour mood through sheer affection.
"Hahaha! Okay, okay! Thank you, buddy," Clark laughed, his earlier pout dissolving into genuine amusement as he tried to gently push Krypto's face away while still floating weightlessly among the clouds, "Although I would have appreciated the birthday licks a little more without the usual slobber included."
Krypto immediately stopped and gave a reprimanding bark, followed by a low playful growl, his ears twitching in mock offense as if scolding Clark for daring to complain about his gift.
"Hai, hai, I really am in no condition to complain," Clark admitted with a warm smile, his irritation fading completely now as he reached forward and affectionately ruffled Krypto's soft fur. He scratched behind his ear in just the right spot, earning an immediate pleased huff from the superdog.
"Kal-El, may I inquire about something?" Sol asked in a soft, calm tone that resonated clearly within Clark's mind.
"What is it?" Clark questioned, his smile lingering as he continued to pet Krypto, his fingers absentmindedly combing through his fur.
"From what I've gathered, you've been anticipating the day you turned 16. Your emotional state suggests you are more joyous compared to previous years. May I ask why that is?" Sol asked curiously, his voice carrying genuine interest, "Does it perhaps have something to do with your… Previous activities with Lala last night?"
Clark didn't get embarrassed as he normally would. Instead, he simply chuckled, the sound light and carefree. "Haha, no, that's not the reason for my good mood," Clark replied, shaking his head slightly, his eyes gleaming with barely contained excitement.
"My good friend, how many rotations around the sun am I turning this day?" Clark asked, his grin widening as he slowly straightened his posture, anticipation bubbling within him.
"16," Sol answered methodically, precise and certain, "It has been 16 years since the day you were born."
"Yes! And you know what that means, right?" Clark asked excitedly as he suddenly stood upright in midair as if standing on invisible ground. He grabbed Krypto's front paws, pulling him upright as well, and began spinning and dancing with him right there in the open sky, far above the world, much to both Krypto's and Sol's confusion.
"It means. I can. Get my. Driver's license!!" Clark cheered loudly, emphasizing each word as he spun Krypto around in celebration. His laughter echoed freely, unrestrained and boyish, "After so many years, I can finally drive without anyone giving me a look or telling me I'm too young. I can actually sit behind the wheel legally."
"I believe you're exaggerating the time frame there, Kal-El," Sol said, his tone carrying clear amusement despite her usual composure.
Clark clicked his tongue aggressively, his expression shifting into exaggerated annoyance. "I'm old enough to save lives, fight demons, monsters, aliens, and even make deals with the military," he scoffed, throwing his hands up in disbelief, "but noooo, I'm too young to drive a car. Apparently operating a two-ton vehicle is where society draws the line. Makes perfect sense."
He shook his head dramatically, though the grin tugging at his lips betrayed that he wasn't truly upset. Just as Sol was about to offer comfort or further commentary, Clark suddenly shook his head and leaned forward slightly, his posture shifting from relaxed to energized. "Come on, let's go. We can't dilly-dally," Clark said, his excitement returning in full force.
Clark then paused mid-motion, his expression suddenly turning thoughtful. "Dilly-dally? God, I'm so white," he muttered to himself, tilting his head slightly as if questioning his own vocabulary.
He shook his head again, dismissing the thought entirely, and in the very next instant he blasted forward, accelerating with explosive speed.
The air around him cracked and warped from the sudden force, leaving behind a sharp distorted sound as he tore through the sky. Krypto barked excitedly and immediately followed after him, racing alongside his best friend with eager enthusiasm.
…
"Ahhh!" Lala exclaimed suddenly, her eyes widening as realization struck her like lightning, "I don't have a gift for him! This is too abrupt! How did I forget something this important?!"
"Can't you just make him something with that weird wand of yours?" Momo asked casually as the two of them worked together to hang a colorful birthday banner above the entrance. She stretched upward on her toes, carefully securing one side while glancing toward Lala with mild curiosity.
"I can, but I don't know what! What should I get him?!" Lala panicked, pacing back and forth as her mind raced through dozens of possibilities. She was just about to mention that she knew about Clark's love as an exorcist and wondered if she should create something useful for that purpose, something meaningful and practical. But she stopped herself abruptly, remembering his request to keep that part hidden. It wasn't her secret to reveal, even accidentally.
"Ugh, yeah, tell me about it," Momo sighed, finishing her side of the banner before stepping back to inspect it, "It's impossible to shop for that giant. I once got him a soccer ball when we were younger, and he just stared at it. He didn't smile, didn't frown, just stared at it like he was trying to understand its deeper meaning or something. Then he looked at me weirdly, like I had just handed him a philosophical question instead of a gift."
She crossed her arms, still mildly offended by the memory. "The only two things that asshole likes is himself and Krypto, as far as I'm aware," Momo added bluntly.
Lala blinked for a moment, her panic freezing mid-motion as her mind latched onto that single word. "Krypto… huh…" she murmured quietly. Suddenly her eyes lit up, shining brightly as inspiration was born. "I got it!" she shouted, her voice filled with triumph and excitement, "I know exactly what I'm going to gift him! I once made this for my little sister, and she was over the moon when she got it." Her grin growing wider. "I just know Clark is going to love it equally as much."
"What is it?" Momo and Seiko both asked at the same time, turning toward Lala with matching looks of curiosity. Seiko's brows lifted in interest while Momo leaned in slightly, already brimming with anticipation.
Lala only giggled in response, clasping her hands behind her back as she rocked lightly on her heels. "That's a secret," she declared in an exaggeratedly mysterious tone, her smile stretching wider as she enjoyed keeping them in suspense.
A second later her eyes shimmered again, another thought clearly striking her. "Do you think we should invite Komi and Clark's other friends?"
"Oh absolutely," Momo answered without hesitation, her excitement immediate and obvious. The idea of a bigger gathering clearly appealed to her, and she straightened up as if the party had already doubled in scale in her mind.
But none of them were more thrilled than Seiko. Her eyes practically sparkled as she clasped her hands together tightly. "That would be wonderful! I've always wanted to throw a proper party filled with children for that boy, but he was absolutely terrible at making friends when he was younger. It was such a struggle. So if you're telling me Clark actually has friends who can come over now, that is fantastic news!"
"Ah, but I only have Komi's phone number," Lala admitted, scratching the side of her head sheepishly. "How are we going to get in contact with the others?"
Before either of them could offer a solution, a bright, chipper voice chimed from all three of their pockets at once. "Leave that specific matter to me."
They quickly pulled out their phones. The screens were pitch black except for a single orange waveform in the center, pulsing and shifting with each word spoken.
"Sol? Ah, wait, you're an AI," Momo said, nodding as the realization settled in. "You should absolutely be able to handle something like this."
"Lady Momo, may I be permitted to utilize your identity for this matter?" Sol asked politely. "It would significantly simplify the process." His tone carried an unusual warmth beneath its digital clarity. He wanted to be useful, especially when it came to celebrating the birthday of the one he regarded not only as his master, but as his partner and, most importantly, his friend.
"Of course, go right ahead," Momo replied with a smile. They all came to a conclusion about the time they should arrive and finalized the details of the location before granting access.
"Then I suppose I had better get to work," Sol stated, determination clear even through the modulation of his voice.
…
Komi stood in the comfort of her home wearing a cute black fur outfit, soft and cozy against her skin. Her hair was pulled back neatly with a band as she focused on her morning routine in front of the mirror. Carefully, she applied lotion and moisturizer across her cheeks, her movements deliberate and gentle.
Her phone suddenly buzzed beside her on the counter.
She paused mid-application and reached for it, wiping one hand quickly before picking it up. Seeing Momo's name on the screen, she opened the message.
[You're invited to Clark's surprise birthday party, don't tell him and don't be late!]
A second message followed immediately after, containing the address of the temple and the exact time she should arrive.
Komi nearly dropped her phone as it slipped against her moisturized fingers. She fumbled awkwardly before managing to secure it with both hands. Her eyes widened dramatically as she hurriedly typed out a response.
[IT'S HIS BIRTHDAY?!!!!!!!!]
She jabbed at the exclamation point far more times than necessary before finally sending it, her panic evident even through text.
She shot up from her seat, nearly knocking over a bottle in the process. Her gaze darted around the room as if answers might be written on the walls. What was she supposed to wear? What kind of gift would be appropriate? How could she possibly show up empty-handed? The notice was far too short.
In her flustered state she stepped the wrong way, her foot catching against the rug. She stumbled forward, windmilling her arms to regain balance before barely steadying herself against the dresser.
A faint sheen of sweat formed along her brow, her expression undeniably stressed. The situation presented two major problems: there was barely any time to prepare, and more importantly, she did not have a present ready. She couldn't—absolutely couldn't—arrive without one.
…
Nino stared at her vibrating phone while sitting cross-legged on her bed. The device trembled slightly in her hand as she reread the message over and over. Her thoughts were racing too fast to organize into anything coherent.
In a rush of panic, she typed the first thing that came to mind.
[I'll be there]
She hit send almost immediately.
Her bedroom door suddenly burst open with such force that she jumped, dropping her phone onto the mattress. Miku stood in the doorway, visibly sweating and clutching her own phone like it might explode.
"D-Did you also get the message?" Miku stammered, her voice shaky as she twisted the edges of her phone case nervously.
Nino rapidly nodded, her expression just as frazzled. The two of them simply stared at each other for a long moment, both silently wondering the same thing: what exactly were they supposed to do now?
…
Lois jogged steadily down the sidewalk in a pair of fitted yoga pants and a purple sleeveless sweater. Earphones rested securely over her ears, music playing as she maintained a comfortable rhythm. Her ponytail swayed with each step, brushing lightly against the back of her neck.
She slowed to a stop at a red light, catching her breath as her phone vibrated inside her sweater pocket, the notification sound filtering faintly through her earphones.
Curious, she pulled it out and glanced at the screen.
Her eyes widened just slightly as she read the message, and then her lips curled into an amused smile.
"Oh really now? How fun," she murmured to herself.
Without hesitation she turned around and began jogging back the way she came, her pace noticeably quicker now. Anticipation colored her expression, a grin forming as she mentally began planning exactly how she was going to show up.
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