Chapter Text
Marinette was super excited! She gets to spend a whole five days with her Uncle in Metropolis! Her parents were in a baking competition up in New York, so Uncle Clark had said she could stay with him.
“Are you excited?” Her Uncle asks, grinning at her as they walk towards the Daily Planet building. She nods rapidly, barely able to keep herself from jumping up and down.
“Is Auntie Lois gonna be there?” She asks. Her Uncle’s face turns pink.
“I uh, I don’t know if- why do you insist on calling her Auntie?” He asks, stumbling over his words. Marinette shrugs, smiling.
“She told me to. Plus she’s awesome.” She says. He opens and closes his mouth several times before just laughing and shaking his head.
“Okay then. C’mere kiddo.” He says, leaning down and picking her up. Marinette giggles when he tosses her up in the air before setting her on his shoulders. He walks into the Daily Planet and Marinette grins, glancing all around the room. It was one of her favorite places in the whole world. She loved all of the people and noises. And the smell of ink and warm paper.
“Hey! There’s my favorite kid!” Jimmy calls, walking over to her and her Uncle. Marinette gasps, clambering down and reaching for Jimmy. He laughs and takes her, giving her a hug. “You’re getting so tall! How old are you now? Twenty?” He asks. Marinette giggles.
“I’m four!” She says, holding up four fingers. Jimmy gasps.
“Wow! How long are you here for?” He asks, glancing back at her Uncle.
“She’s here til Sunday. I was gonna take the rest of the week off, but she insisted on coming in to see everybody.” Uncle Clark laughs. Jimmy grins.
“Well I’d hope so! I know a certain someone would’ve been upset if she knew her favorite lady was in town and didn’t stop to say hi.” Jimmy says. Marinette’s eyes widen.
“Is Auntie Lois here?” She asks. Jimmy nods and she jumps out of his arms. Immediately, she starts to run, ignoring her Uncle calling for her and running behind her. She knew right where Auntie Lois’ office was, and she was determined to get there before her Uncle could stop her. Turning the corner, she grins and runs even faster, latching herself onto her Aunt’s legs.
“Oomph.” Auntie Lois grunts, stumbling slightly. Marinette grins up at her, giggling when the woman picks her up and hugs her close. “If it isn’t my favorite niece! Did you come here all by yourself?” She asks.
“I remembered where your office was!” Marinette says, grinning cheekily. Auntie Lois laughs, shaking her head.
“You’re very smart. Where’s your Uncle?” She asks.
“Right here.” Uncle Clark says, his cheeks pink. Marinette turns around in her Aunt’s hold, reaching for her Uncle. He sighs, but smiles and reaches for her. Easily taking her, he helps her back onto his shoulders. “Jimmy spilled the beans that you were here. Neither of us could keep up with the kid after that.” He says with a grin. Auntie Lois snorts.
“Of course not. I am her favorite, after all.” She says. Uncle Clark gasps.
“Is that true, Mari?” He asks. She nods her head.
“Auntie Lois is my favorite aunt and you’re my favorite Uncle.” She says. Uncle Clark laughs.
“Of course, how silly of me.” He says. Marinette just grins. This was going to be the best day ever.
—-
Clark settles back onto his couch, letting out a sigh. It’d been a long (but fun) day. Marinette had insisted she didn’t have a bed time, even though he knew she did. He did let her stay up just a little bit, but she’d finally gotten to bed an hour ago. It’d been relatively quiet on the hero side of things something he hoped would last, but had plans for if it didn’t. Just as he starts to doze off, a shrill scream echoes throughout his apartment.
“Marinette.” He says, eyes wide as he immediately rushes to her room. He’s there and holding her in seconds, cradling his sobbing niece to his chest. He hums softly, rocking her back and forth. He continues to sing quietly to her until her sobs fall into soft sniffles.
“I’m sorry.” She says, her voice breaking slightly. Clark frowns.
“You don’t have to apologize, Sunshine. Are you- are you okay?” He asks. She shrugs, clinging to him tighter.
“I’m fine.” She says. He purses his lips.
“Are you sure?” He asks. Her lower lip trembles.
“I had a nightmare again.” She says, her voice barely audible. Clark’s heart breaks as he holds her tighter.
“How often do you have nightmares, Mari?” He asks. She shrugs.
“All the time.” She says simply. Clark mentally makes a note to tell Tom and Sabine. Or to at least ask them if they knew about it. “I know they can’t hurt me, but it’s still really scary.” She mutters. Clark winces, feeling suddenly helpless. He was one of the strongest beings on Earth. He could fight almost any villain easily. But he couldn’t keep the nightmares away. He didn’t have a way to help his niece, and it made him feel awful.
“I’m so sorry, sweetheart.” He says softly, hugging her gently. Marinette sniffles.
“Can you please stay? Just til I fall asleep again?” She asks in a small voice. Clark nods, playing with her hair. He couldn’t fix the nightmare problem, but maybe he could help keep them from coming back. Tonight at least.