I enjoy a Clark who might use heat vision to toast bread (tee hee) but this Clark needs to be connected to his human side, having been so isolated at various junctures.

I agree, in the comics he's so connected to others (AS HE SHOULD BE *GLARES AT TRINITY*) that he can use his powers more naturally, it's just part of who he is.

This was fun to write! Now I just need to buckle down and finish the longer arc, lol...big fight scene and epilogue to go!