And The Silver Spoon
...Right. Of course. Of COURSE it was genetic. Why wouldn't it be? Your DNA had been completely reconstructed after that lab accident all those years ago. Why wouldn't your children be spared from the same fate?
You aren't quite sure what to say. Luckily, Theo was just in your shoes, and he acts quickly.
"I didn't mean to lie to you. I just wasn't sure how to tell you. I tried asking how you, you know, felt about superheroes. Before making any big decisions. I wasn't sure if you'd accept me."
You still feel queasy. The more concern you feel for him, the more detached you feel as his father. Like he's MARY's son, not yours. Like you're ruining a wonderful woman's child. A woman who probably chose wisely when she decided to raise him on her own, without you.
And yet, somehow simultaneously, you've never felt closer to Theo than you feel in this moment.
He knows what it's like. He knows how it feels to experience change and embrace a double life. He knows what it's like to be different from everyone else in a bizarre way.
At least, he will. With your help.
You suddenly, instinctively pull him into a hug.
You feel paternal. You used to not like feeling paternal. If Mary didn't get to experience parenthood, why should you?
But you've never felt prouder. You've never felt more tied to him.
He hugs you back and melts in the relief.
"You're grounded."
"Alright."