TOSoP 49

Brainy laid in bed, on his back with Kal-El peacefully asleep beside him. He listened to the other boy's breaths as he stared up at the ceiling and counted the seconds in between each relaxed exhale.

At the same time Brainy's mind was buzzing with possibilities, formulas and questions. He tried to work out a way to fix his eyes or boost his healing abilities without his 31st century lab. He wondered how the Legion was doing; if they were alright, if they were still trying to find him or if they've given up hope.

Beside him Kal-El sighed and murmured something in his sleep, turning so he was facing towards Brainy.

Saving his current theories and thought process, Brainy turned to observe his bedmate.

Somehow Kal-El's curl seemed to have gotten longer in sleep, draping downwards to half cover his eye and dance about with every exhale. It almost seemed to wave to Brainy in invitation.

How did this happen? Back with the Legion Brainy never would have even imagined the possibility that a world where Krypton had not been destroyed, for that meant a world without Superman and before coming here such a concept would have horrified him. And upon his arrival he never would have thought this Kal-El would ever develop any feelings for him. He hadn't even thought of the possibility. Then when Kal-El's feelings became apparent he denied himself the likelihood that he could ever return that affection. It felt like he would be cheating them both by substituting Kal-El for the super man that was forever out of his reach.

In reality it wasn't like that at all. Clark and Kal-El had the same face, the same voices and nearly the same body; Clark's being a little more built due to yellow sunlight but Kal-El not too far behind due to Ringlets. Yet they were very different people.

It wasn't as if they were night and day. They still had some similarities beyond their physical appearances. Instead they were both brilliantly bright suns; the suns they had grown under.

Clark; bright, honest and so very pure under the yellow sun. Kind, occasionally bashful and sometimes hidden by the shadow of his secrets from the rest of the world. The secret had made him more reserved then his counterpart, not touching others too often accept for around the shoulders or when someone needed to be saved or fought against. He had yet to see Superman truly angry about anything, mostly determined to do what was right or taking it out on himself when things fell through.

Kal-El; radiant, playful and often mysterious under the red sun. It was hard to know what he was thinking at times, or the reasons behind frequently random actions. He was mischievous, never shy and always upfront about whom he is. Without the secret of Superman he was very forward with his physical affection, hugging when he wanted hugs and much more, not caring about time, place or audience. His anger was rare but also frightening.

He also reacted to them both differently. With Clark, he too was more reserved, hardly ever initiating touch but enjoying each fleeting moment it occurred within. And with Kal-El, though he enjoyed the frequent touches he was often too embarrassed by them to truly enjoy them. Also he never would have imagined pinching Clark's arm to get away, or smacking his arm for some comment or another but with Kal-El it felt natural.

When he had begun to fall for Kal-El, Brainy thought his feelings for Clark would begin to fade. Upon reflection of them he realized that those feelings remained unchanged even as his feelings for Kal-El grew.

Reaching out, Brainy swept the curl out of Kal-El's eye and gently held it. He wondered if there was a way for this to last.

After managing to get a few hours of sleep, Brainy awoke and prepared for the day before shaking Kal-El's shoulder.

"Time to get up."

He walked away from the bed as Kal-El sleepily grumbled, "no fair" and got out of bed to get ready for the day.

In the hallway Brainy could already hear Laura downstairs and smell the food she was preparing. With a smile he knocked on the guest bedroom door. "Tweek?" He waited a moment before going in. Upon spotting the large pile of breathing blankets in the middle of the bed he went over it and, after some digging, shook Tweek's shoulder. "Tweek, time to get up."

With a snort, Tweek shifted and curled up more into himself as he mumbled.

Leaning over him more, Brainy shook his shoulder again. "Tweek? Wake up." Suddenly bolting upright, Tweek grabbed Brainy around the middle and pulls him down onto the bed and snuggled up to him, never opening his eyes.

"Mmn... pillow…"
It took Brainy a moment to fully realize what had happened, blushing too much from their current position to fully think clearly. When his thoughts returned he nearly reached for a real pillow to smother him with.

"I'm not a pillow!" He tried to pull out of Tweek's hold but the older scientist hold was too strong to get out of without possibly hurting him. Instead he tried poking Tweek's cheek. "Wake up!"

Tweek groaned and opened his eyes, blinking blearily at Brainy, "...not a pillow?"

"Not a pillow," Brainy confirmed.

It took Tweek's sleepy mind a moment to process the statement. He yawned. "...you'll do," and cuddled back up to him to go back to sleep.

Growling, Brainy shouted into the other man's ear to be released.

Nearly jumping at the shout Tweek let go with a groan and covered his ears.

"Head hurts... too loud…"

Not taking the chance of being grabbed again, Brainy quickly rolled out of bed and stands out of arm's reach.

"You're lucky I didn't tickle you, now get up."

Again Tweek groaned and shimmied over to the edge before dropping out of the bed onto the floor, still wrapped in the blanket. He rose up like the dead and blinked down at him.

"There had better be a good reason for me getting out of bed or I shall be most annoyed…"
Brainy took a moment to think of what it was that he smelled earlier.

"Fr-" He stopped to correct himself. "Sugar toast and bacon?"

There was a period of silence where Tweek just stared at him with closed, furrowed eyes with the blanket still wrapped tightly around him as if to keep the awaking world at bay. Finally he spoke.

" ...those are two good reasons. Lead the way. And please make sure I don't fall asleep again near the stairs, that's happened before."

Chuckling Jor-El walked in with a mug, "Then you'll want this."

Though he could see the other man Tweek sniffed the air like a dog before dropping the blanket and walking toward Jor-El like a zombie.

"Cooooffffeeeee…"

Again chuckling Jor-El carefully placed the mug in Tweek's hands.

Tweek takes a sip and smiles with his eyes still closed.

"Caaaafffeeeinnne... thanks for not making it decaff, I can feel my headache fading already."

"No problem," said Jor-El, putting his hands on Tweek's shoulders and leading him to kitchen, holding him steady whenever he begins to tip as Brainy followed them

Already sitting at the table, Kal-El watched them with a questioning gaze. "How on Krypton have you managed to survive living alone?"

"I don't have stairs in the house and my coffee machine is self regulating. That and my bed literally flips me out if i press the snooze button to much. Other than the mind crushing loneliness I've been good," Tweek sipped his coffee.

Dropping her spatula Laura ran over and hugged Tweek tightly.

"I was exaggerating, Laura. You know I can be a bit cynical before I wake up completely," Tweek hugs her and pats her back, eyes still closed.

Laura gives him an extra squeeze anyway before letting go.

"Pri-Nox dropped by this morning."

Tweek fumbles cup, nearly dropping it as his eyes shoot open.

"Wh-what for? How long was I out? Is she still here? I'm not dressed!" He looks around quickly as if for an escape route.
Before he can stand, Laura grabbed hold of his shoulder, smiling. "It's alright Tweek, she already left and I'm not sure she even knew that you were still here. She just wanted to give Jor-El his medal since she forgot to give it to him last night but she said to say hello the next time I saw you."

"Oh…" Tweek slumped in his chair. "Okay then." He lets out a big breath. "Well, I'm awake now it seems. How about some breakfast?"

"Help yourself," Laura suggests to the plates of sugar toast, bacon and bowl of scrambled eggs on the table.

As he fills up his plate, Kal-El looks at the other males in the room.

"I have my science tests today, any words of advice from the scientifically minded?"

"Sit next to the smartest kid you know," Tweek gave him thumbs up but winced at Jor-El's look. "I'm kidding, Jor, stop glaring at me. Which subjects in particular?" He begins to load up plate.

"General science…" Kal-El grumbled.

"Do the subjects you know best and go back to the others if you have time," said Brainy, having heard this advice from one of Bouncing Boy's old movies since having problems on a science test was unheard of on Colu.

Tweek nodded, "And if you get stuck between two answers, don't get frustrated. Just calm down and go with the answer you think is best. You're a bright kid, I think you'll do fine."

Surprised, Kal-El blinks a few times before slowly smiling. "Er, thanks."
There's a knock at the door.

"If it's Pri-Nox, I'm hiding under the table until I can get my clothes…" said Tweek seriously as Jor-El goes to answer it.

"Why hello-" Jor-El began but is cut off by a rushing sound.

Zel-Kar had ran past him, went into dining room and hugged Kal-El.
Having been in a mid-swallow of some eggs Kal-El nearly choked, fork dropping to the table "Zel-Kar what-"
"Congrats!" Zel-Kar cheered, hugging him tighter.

"On what?" Kal-El struggled for breath.

"You got the hightest score on the Enforcer exams ever!" Zel-Kar squealed. "They announced it this morning when I was getting out of my athletics test. All those testors wanna talk to you and there's some Enforcers there and Pri-Nox-"

"I wanna hide under the table," Kal-El groaned.

"The highest score ever? Wow. That is really impressive. And if a guy who went to university at ten says that, it is really, really impressive," Tweek grinned.

Not noticing him before Zel-Kar's hold on Kal-El loosened as she stared at Tweek. "You went to university at ten?"

Tweek pointed at himself. "Child genius; sent down from space station at ten to make friends my own age, uncle had not time to take care of me so he enrolled me in Jor's university. That's how we met."

"Zel-Kar, let go, I want to hide under the table," Kal-El half whined, trying to get out of her hold but she ignored him.

"Why?" asked Brainy.

"I didn't mean to do that well!" Kal-El exclaimed. "Plus they're making too big of a deal over it. Even Pri-Nox is there. What if they want to recruit me or make me give a speech or- or-" He begins to have difficulty breathing.

Zel-Kar further loosened her hold on Kal-El and Brainy instantly hugged him.
Holding on tightly Kal-El slowly calmed down.

"Is he okay?" asked Tweek.

"He has problems with anxiety but it's usually only with Ringlets finals," Laura explained.

"Huh…" Tweek thought it over. "So Brainy is like his security blanket?"

"Yes!" Zel-Kar danced merrily.
Still holding onto Brainy, Kal-El's shoulders slumped.

"Great... now I feel stupid.…"

"You're in love, Kal. Any chance you had at dignity is long gone," commented Tweek, grinning.

"That does not make me feel any better," Kal-El glared.
"I said dignity, not happiness. Need I remind you who precisely you're holding on to?" Tweek smiled.

Kal-El looked up at Brainy and smiles, making him blush. Smiling more, he leans in to kiss him.

"Eek!" Zel-Kar fakes shrieking. "Don't kiss your husband while I'm holding onto you, Kal-El!"

"Don't hold onto me when I'm trying to kiss my husband!" Kal-El protested.
"We are not married!" Brainy blushed.
"Not yet," Tweek muttered. He turned to Zel-Kar and spoke louder. "I still want a hug! You used to hug me when you were little, Zel. C'mon, for old times sake, Swee-" He wisely froze mid-word at the look Zel-Kar was giving him before returning it with his own puppy dog look, complete with watery eyes. "Please?"

Zel-Kar's response was almost instantaneous, "So-so cute!" She released Kal-El and rushed over to hug Tweek.

With a grin, Tweek and hugged back before letting go, "Thank you."

"If you can make such an adorable face how can you still be single?" asked Zel-Kar.

"Making a cute pouty face isn't a great basis for a healthy relationship," replied Tweek, returning to his second plate of food.

"But it would get your foot in the door," commented Zel-Kar.

"Drop it, Zel-Kar. Besides he already kinda likes somebody," said Kal-El.

"Really; who?"

"None of your business. We need to go," Kal-El quickly changed the subject before he sneakily gave Brainy a chaste kiss on the mouth, making the coluan boy stare and blush at him. He grinned and winked. "See you later dear." He grabbed Zel-Kar and dragged her, kicking and complaining loudly, towards the door. "Bye everyone!"

Zel-Kar tried to hold onto the doorframe, "I wanna know who-"

Kal-El managed to pull her away and close the door behind them, leaving a still blushing Brainy behind.

After staring at the door for a moment, Tweek turned to the remain Els.

"Was she always like that or did I influence her too?"

"She was always like that," Laura assured him.

"It just got worse with your influence," Jor-El half corrected.

It was then Tweek noticed Brainy was still blushing, "Oh...I think Kal broke Brainy with that last bit."

"...I'm okay..." Brainy said slowly.

Laura giggled, "Kal-El has always been very affectionate." She turned to Jor-El. "Remember when he used to kiss his little imaginary friend, Smarty?"

There was a moment of silence before Brainy managed to look at the adult Els.

"I thought you didn't know about Smarty."

"We're his parents, of course we knew," said Laura, as if shocked that anyone would think otherwise.

"But Kal-El wanted it to be a secret so we pretended that we didn't know," Jor-El expanded.

Tweek pointed at Brainy and opened his mouth as if to speak, but then thought better of it. Instead he smirked at Brainy while feigning innocence. "Yep, funny thing Smarty being Kal's first kiss and everything."

Brainy banged his head against table.

"Brainy, are you alright?" asked Laura.

"I hate my incomplete memory banks," Brainy groaned, not lifting his head.

Not one to miss an opportunity, Tweek patted his hair.

"There, there; you have the present, after all, right?"

"What does Smarty and Brainy's incomplete-" Laura's eyes widened before her smile did. "Really; Brainy was somehow Smarty?" She frowned. "You mean I missed the chance to see Brainy as child?" She sighed wistfully. "He would have been so cute!"

"I always forgot how quickly you catch on. But yep, we don't know how or why, but Brainy was somehow Smarty," said Tweek before whining, "And I wanted to see him too!"

Ignoring them, Jor-El turned to Brainy, "How would that have worked?"

"No idea," Brainy admitted.

"Why couldn't I have seen Smarty!" Laura overly dramatically asked the sky before running over and hugging Brainy, making Martha giggle.

"Me too," Tweek dramatically hugged Brainy's other side.

"Laura, Twen-Cam, you're scaring Brainy," Jor-El noted the coluan boy's visibly paler face.

"Back off, Jor, I'm hug deprived and I'm getting nearly twelve years worth of Kryptonian contact caught up with," Tweek turned on him. "You're next, FYI, so I'd start running."

Jor-El raised an eyebrow but does not move otherwise.

Tweek grinned predatorily, "I warned you." He let go of Brainy and practically galloped around the table towards Jor-El, at which the older man only smirked.

With only a short distance left, Tweek jumped into the air and triumphantly latched onto Jor-El, just as he stood up.

"I got y-ooooou!" he squeaked when Jor-El hugged him in big bear hug, actually lifting him off the ground. He laughed and hugged back as hard as he could before further squeaking, "I can feel my ribs cracking!"

Tweek grinned and laughed some more when he was dropped back to his feet. "Felt good though." He looked at his adoptive older brother suspiciously. "I thought you were going to tickle me with that smirk you had before."

"I thought about it," Jor-El admitted, "but then I realized it would be dangerous for everyone involved if I did it right after you have had coffee."

"I think we all thank you for that forethought then," Tweek laughed ruefully before stretching, popping his back. "Hey, I'm curious, what are you all working on at the lab these days?"

"Mostly working on the device that will help Brainy get home," replied Jor-El, returning to his seat.

Brainy's gaze falls to table as Tweek stared at Jor-El blankly.

"And we are trying to do that because...?"

"Because it's Brainy's home dimension, if the only reason he goes back is to tell his friends he's alright and return to us then it was worth it to me," Jor-El smiled, which only made Brainy fiddle with his food more.

"Sounds like a plan to me," Tweek plopped back into his seat with a grin. "I wouldn't mind going with him either. The people of this Legion sound interesting. I'd like to meet them at least once."

Brainy couldn't help but smile, "It certainly would be interesting."

"Yep, and hey, if we could somehow keep generating the wormhole you could visit anytime you like," Tweek grinned but then quickly frowned. "Unless we cause an interdimensional collision; that would be bad."

"As long as we remember to seal off the wormhole when we turn it off, a collision shouldn't be a problem," Jor-El quickly stepped in.

"Then I stand by my idea," Tweek spoke around his food. "We shall be ambassadors to another dimension!"

"If the portal is ever safe to go through; so far it only tares up whatever we try to send through and spites it back out at us and then the portal takes a while to restart once we turn it off," Jor-El groaned.

"Want me to take a look at it? I wouldn't mind seeing my old inventing grounds again," Tweek smirked. "The parts I didn't blow up that is."

"That would probably be a big help but I'll need to get permission to allow you on the grounds first and then further permission to let you touch anything. I'm still trying to get permission to let Brainy work on it," Jor-El tried to catch Brainy's eye, but he was still staring down at his food.

Oblivious to this, Tweek asked, "Are they still angry about the whole construction-bot incident; 'cause that still wasn't my fault."

"You know that and I know that but they won't listen to me about; say I'm biased in your favor," Jor-El rolled his eyes.

"Well you are," Laura smiled.

"Not helping, love," Jor-El kissed her cheek.

Stabbing what was left of his bacon, Tweek grumbled, "If I ever find the guy who made that virus..." He looked up at Jor-El. "Anyway, the kids already left. You aren't going to be late are you?"

"They left early, but I probably should be going," Jor-El stood and ruffled Tweek's hair. "See you tonight." He then kisses Laura and Martha goodbye and pats Brainy's hair as he heads out.

When Tweek headed upstairs to get dressed Laura turned to Brainy. "You alright sweetie, you've been awfully quiet."

Brainy looked up at her, "I'm alright; I just have a lot to think about."

In her typical fashion, Laura petted his hair.

"You know you can talk to me if you need it, right?"

With slight smile Brainy nodded softly, "I know, thank you."

After Tweek was dressed, Laura gave them the lunched she had made for them earlier and Brainy flew them back to Tweek's lab.

"I think someone left a note on your door," Brainy pointed to the piece of paper stuck in between the door and the doorframe by the handle.

It wasn't very often Brainy saw actual paper since Krypton usually used electronic pads like they did on Earth in the 31st century.

Suddenly Tweek was striking fake kung-fu poses.

"Was it a solicitor?"

Nearly straining his eyes in the effort not to roll them, Brainy took the not from the door, noting the name elegantly signed on top, "It's from Pri-Nox."

Almost dropping their lunches Tweek, in slow motion, turned to him, "Wha-what's it say?" He leaped forward to lean over his shoulder to peer at the note.

Not able to restrain the urge to roll his eyes this time, Brainy read the note, "She says that she told the other council members that you agreed to help her harass them and they immediately drew up a law to allow you to live in the city under the condition that you do absolutely no experiments in residential areas, so you don't disturb the peace or harm any of your neighbors. You will only be allowed to move from the place your chose to live if you get married or if the council wants to move you. She also says you'll be able to move sometime next week and has a couple of houses you can choose from."

At first Tweek was perfectly still, which was already a frightening image with everything Brainy knew about him in such a short period of time. Again in slow motion, Tweek passed their lunches over to Brainy.

"Hold these for a second, would you?"

He walked a few feet away and stood still a moment longer before leaping into the air.

"YES! Woo-hoo! Yes, yes, yes!"

Back in typical Tweek fashion, he began to do his happy dance; strangely resembling the ancient torture device known as the Macarena that Phantom Girl forced him to watch in her ancient music videos that Bouncing Boy found in his quest to find ancient sitcoms.

"I'm moooving, I'm moooving, and Dickhead can't do noooothing about iiiiiit," Tweek sang as he danced.

Brainy chuckled at Tweek's excitement and looked more closely at the note. "According to this one of your house options is just one house away from the Els."

"Then I want that one," Tweek proclaimed, pointing at him in a way that reminded him of disco. "When I lived in the city before, I was just up the street so it will be like old times; except everybody's older."

Tweek practically skipped when they went inside and went, organized chaos, diving in search of his phone to tell Laura the good news. And, as expected with Laura, she squealed with joy and promised them more food then they could possibly eat for dinner that night in celebration. She took down a list of some of Tweek's favorite dishes, demanded something for dessert from Brainy and promised to not tell Jor-El so they could surprise him with the good news.

"This is soooooooooooooooooo wonderful," Laura said so about the third time. :Kal-El will be done with testing as well today, I'll have to make a cake and invite Zel-Kar and would you like Pri-Nox to come?"

Instantly Tweek blushed, "If she's free that'd be alright. And you know what I haven't had in years? Kobi bird. And you roast it so well. Sounds like one big party though. Will there be enough room?"

"I'll make room if need be," Laura promised. "And I'll have to go to the market for some Kobi bird, but I needed to go there for some eggs anyway.

"Could we also have some chocolate covered oranges too? Or is that too much?" asked Tweek hesitantly.

"No, those would be fun to make again. I think I'll throw in some pears for Jor-El, since he loves them. Well, I need to call Kal-El and do some shopping. Be careful boys," Laura's voice held a hint of teasing, mixed with genuine worry.

"Aren't I always?" asked Tweek but quickly amended, "Don't answer that!" He finished up his good byes with Laura before hanging up the phone. "Man, I'm going to put on some weight with all this food I get to eat lately."

"Maybe we should run around so we burn a few calories before we're stuffed?" asked Brainy, almost adding "like turkeys" like Bouncing Boy sometimes said, but he wasn't sure Tweek would understand since he didn't quit get it himself.

Tweek chuckled, "Sounds like an idea. Where should we-" He stopped when the phone rang. "Huh? Who could be calling me?" He picked up the phone again. "Hello? Oh, Penton, it's you! How are things? What? Oh yeah, I've, uh, been going out lately. It's complicated, but don't worry, I'm not getting arrested; I hope. My package? Oh, it's here already? That's great! Okay, I'll be down in a bit." He hung up and turned to Brainy. "My delivery guy has a package for me but he can't make it all the way out here today. It happens sometimes. So is it okay if we walk down and meet him; since you suggested a walk anyway."

Brainy shook his head, "No problem, it would be nice to take a look around on the way."

"Not much to look at besides grass and flowers but sure. If you want to know anything just ask," Tweek led them back outside. "Penton is that delivery guy i mentioned before, who saved me a piece of my own cake. He's a good guy but likes to keep real busy. Not happy if he's no working."

They continued down the path until Tweek stopped and crouched in front of a cluster of flowers that were white with lavender edges, mint green stems and looked a bit like columbines.

"The Gamman Lililies are blooming," Tweek smiled.

Brainy stopped and crouched down next to him for a better look, "I don't remember these from Brainiac's memory."

"He wasn't one for flowers if I remember right," Tweek cupped the blossom of one with a smile. "These are probably my favorite flowers though. Laura told me they symbolize 'pure love' in poetry. They were the first flowers I ever saw that weren't in a picture book."

Resting his hands on his knees, Brainy smiled, "I remember the first flower I ever saw; it was an Earth Daisy. They have white narrow petals lining the round pollen; Saturn Girl told me they represent 'innocent love'. Every time I saw one I was reminded of the first day I came to Earth, the first time I felt free."

"A daisy, they sound nice," Tweek smiled at Brainy. "Isn't it funny how the strangest things hold important memories? There are a lot of other flowers around here though. If you see anymore you're not familiar with, just ask. Laura managed to get me interested as a kid so I know a bit about them."

Brainy nodded and stood, looking around as a gentle breeze began to blow, "You'll have beautiful scenery to commute to, once you move."

Tweek nodded as they began to walk again, "The grass kind of looks like an ocean with the wind going through it, don't you think?"

"Yes," Brainy thought of that distant day he flew over 21st century Smallville. "Have you have seen wheat on a farm? It's like a golden ocean."

"Jor's uncle owned a farm. He took me down one summer so I could see it. It smelled," Tweek scrunched his nose, "unique."

"They don't really have any farms in the 31st centuary anymore, at least not on Earth. First time I saw one was when we went to the 21st century to get Clark," Brainy couldn't help but smiles. "It had a unique smell as well but his parents were so welcoming and the house smelled with freshly baked pie and dinner cooking on the stove. It was just so," he almost couldn't find the words, "normal and warm."

"What were they like; his adoptive parents I mean. During the scare, I worried what kind of beings would raise Kal."

"I didn't get to meet Clark's father but his mother seemed very kind. She welcomed three complete strangers into her home, offered us something to eat and didn't even question my appearance. Her smile was a lot like Laura's actually," Brainy recalled fondly. "And I know from history that the Kents were good people, raised their son with strong moral values that helped him become a great hero."

"That's good to hear. I'm glad to know he would've been alright without us. Although it makes me wonder how they are now if he never went to Earth. I hope they're happy."

"I'm not sure to be honest. Martha Kent was barren so she never would have had children if they hadn't found Clark and Clark helped out on the farm until he started his career and, soon after, his hero work. It's mostly likely that they would have lost the farm by now."

"I hope that's not what happened," Tweek nearly shouted. "Couldn't they have adopted another child? If these people were so kind to Kal, er, Clark, I'm sure they could've raised another child just as well. Sans superpowers of course."

"If I remember old Earth laws correctly they probably wouldn't have qualified to adopt a child because of their economic status. Still, I hope I'm wrong and they were able to find a child but I also worry about this Earth without Superman," Brainy found himself looking up at the sky, recalling when he first saw the young Kryptonian fly, or rather crash into the battle with the Fatal Five. "He was Earth's greatest hero who protected his city from near destruction numerous times and the whole planet nearly as many times. Plus without him the Earth be conquered by aliens that failed in my own world or blown up to stop the The- er, another alien's race war with another alien race. And even if Earth survives until the 31st centuary the Legion was based off of Superman so it may never form. And we saved a few planets on a couple of occasions, and Earth from the sun eater." He looked back down to where he was walking. "I can't see things turning out well for this Earth without Superman."

Throughout this Tweek had stared at him, scratching the back of his head when he finished.

"Wow, hmm, well, if we could find someone here we really trust, maybe we could send them to Earth as the new Super...person. Might talk to Pri-Nox about it, she could have some ideas. I'm sure she wouldn't want a whole planet to be destroyed if there was a way to prevent it."

Brainy sighed, "In this case it's almost sad that Krypton doesn't have orphans. We could send a child to the Kents and solve two problems at once. Still, by this point, the timeline would be completely screwed up in comparison to my dimension."

"Just because something's not the same as you remember doesn't mean it's broken," Tweek patted his shoulder. There's a way, I'm willing to bet, that this can be worked out; at least in a way that will keep Earth spinning for a couple more millennia."

The coluan half nodded before he noticed a flower out of the corner of his eye.

"What is that flower over there; the red one with the blue tips?"

"Gravita formus: more commonly known as Soldier's Stem," Tweek replied without having to look. "It's an incredibly tough flower; you can't pick it without something to actually cut the stem."

"How appropriate," Brainy smiled to himself.

"For what?"

"Those are Superman's colors," Brainy explained. "Red and blue with a little bit of yellow."

"Huh," Tweek absently hummed as he recalled, "I gave Kal a Soldier's stem a couple of days after he was born. It's meant to say 'No harm shall come to you'."

"That's," Brainy thought of the newspaper that inadvertently brought him to this world and felt a familiar stab in his chest, "wonderful. Do you mind if I take one?"

"Go ahead. If you take one that's a little fat under the petals you'll get a stash of seeds too," Tweek smiled at them, stopping to wait for him.

Leaving his companion at the trail Brainy walked over to the flowers and finds one that is as Tweek described. With a mental command he changes his hand into a flat gardening tool, which had yet to be useful until this moment, and dug around the flower so when he returned his hand to normal and lifted it from the bottom, he has enough dirt around the flower to transplant it. He returned to where Tweek is with flower in hand.

Tweek took a moment to examine the plant.

"Looks like you chose a good one, it's nice and healthy. I might have something you can keep in it for a while when we get back."

Brainy nodded in thanks and they continued to walk, this time on silence. He took the opportunity to better study the plant; noting fondly how it's leaves almost made it look like the flower was wearing a cape.

Suddenly Tweek just stopped and before Brainy could ask why, Tweek stated, "You're in love with Superman, aren't you?"