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“Where did I come from?” Every child must have questioned their parents at some point.
They all got various answers. It could be, “You’re an angel sent by God.” Or, “The stork carried you in a basket and dropped you at our door.”
When Clark was three or four years old, he had asked his Ma the same question. His Ma smiled at him and said, “You’re a gift sent by Santa Claus!”
According to Martha, she and Jonathan had wished for a kid on Christmas some years ago. They waited and waited, and one day, there was a healthy little boy at their door. And that little boy turned out to be Clark.
Clark became extremely awed and grateful to Santa Claus after hearing that. Since then, Santa Claus had been the most powerful person in the world to him. Furthermore, Clark would thank Santa Claus with all of his heart for bringing him to Martha and Jonathan, and make a wish earnestly to wait for it to come true on every following Christmas.
Clark had wished for many things. Some were toys, or a baseball glove. Sometimes a pet, or a friend. Or, he would wish to at least pass his tests. The wishes weren’t fulfilled instantly every time, though they were accomplished in the end, and that made Clark believe vastly in Santa Claus’ existence.
Until his body developed powers for the first time when Clark was eleven years old, he then realized that it had been a spacecraft to carry him to Earth and brought him to his parents.
Maybe he was carried by a spaceship to Earth, Clark thought. But if there were actually aliens existing in the world, why wouldn’t Santa Claus? Therefore, he still believed that Santa Claus existed and he was brought by him to his Ma and Pa.
Some years later, Jonathan was killed by a heart attack. That year, he and his Ma had a not-so-happy Christmas without his Pa. When Clark was about to fall asleep that night, he lay on his bed and wished Santa Claus for bringing his Pa back to them.
His Pa didn’t return to them.
From then on, Clark didn’t believe in Santa Claus anymore.
-
Clark glanced at his watch and sighed. It was already seven o’clock and Wayne still had not shown up. Everyone was waiting for the gala’s host. Some were trying to have a one-night-stand with the Gotham Prince, some were looking forward to what ridiculous thing would happen to the air-head playboy. As for Clark and his colleagues, they were hoping to get some words from Wayne to write an article.
Finally, there was some commotion at the entrance. Clark checked his watch again, it was seven eighteen and Bruce Wayne had finally arrived at his own gala.
Don’t mistake him, Clark didn’t hate Wayne. No one could hate that gorgeous face. Um, well, he meant that Wayne may look like an idiot, but he indeed graduated from the Ivy League. Besides, he had done a lot of charity and helped many people, Wayne was a good man. Clark just couldn’t understand why he had to play an idiot, who knew nothing except models and cars, in public.
But, that was none of his business, he just had to finish his work. Clark took a deep breath and prepared to join his colleagues. He kept apologizing while moving through the crowd which was swarming around Wayne. Unexpectedly, someone had pushed him hard from the back and Clark became unbalanced, then he was stumbling. It felt like someone had pressed the mute button, the sound around him was silenced at once. The firing questions had disappeared, as well as the chatting amongst the other guests in the gala and the clicking of the glasses and the silverware. All Clark could hear was a steady rhythm— thud, thud, thud.
And there was a smell of mandarin invading Clark’s nostrils, it was fresh and a little spicy. There was supposed to be the strong smell of sandalwood as an end, but there was a light rusty smell mixed in. Clark was confused for a second, and suddenly, there was a groan beneath him, he then realized that he had tackled someone and was still sitting atop that poor guy. He lifted his head with panic and was ready to apologize, instead, he was engulfed into a beautiful icy-blue. The pair of blue eyes were screwed together, he looked like he was annoyed by why wasn’t the big guy getting off his body already. Clark broke out of his thoughts by that, and sprang to his feet and started to apologize. It wasn’t until Clark had looked at the face in front of him himself, he then recognized that the man he had tripped was Wayne, Bruce Wayne.
“Oh my god! I’m so sorry, Mr. Wayne! I am really sorry…” Clark said as he reached out to help Wayne to his feet. However, he didn’t miss that Wayne had hissed quietly when he was being pulled up from the floor.
Clark frowned at that inwardly. Did Wayne get hurt? Was that the reason why he was late?
“It’s all right, I’m fine. Relax, Mister…?”
“Kent, Clark Kent! From Daily Planet. I’m really sorry, Mr. Wayne.”
Wayne raised one of his eyebrows, but didn’t say anything. He turned around to face the journalists, who were staring at them with interest, and said, “Apologies, it seems like I’ll have to excuse myself for another moment. Let me clean myself up. If you all would allow me, ladies and gentlemen.”
Wayne flashed them a dazzling grin and left, probably for the lavatory, without waiting for a reply.
Clark stared at Wayne’s retreating with worry. He supposed that he should make a proper apology to Wayne one more time. Also, Wayne did look a little ill. It wasn’t obvious but Clark was sure that his face had blanched a shade paler than usual. So, Clark had followed after Wayne and waited for him outside the lavatory.
Clark used his X-ray secretly to check that Wayne didn’t pass out in the room. He didn’t expect to see that Wayne had removed his jacket and pulled up his shirt to reveal his skin underneath. His abdomen had been bandaged and there was bleeding. Clark was even more surprised to find that his wound looked like a slash. It wasn’t a deep one but was pretty long. What exactly had happened to Wayne to get a wound like that? There wasn’t only that bleeding slash, but also were various scars spreading over his body, some even looked like a gun-shot.
Clark was so focused on thinking about how Wayne could be attacked or kidnapped to cause those scars, or the possibility that there was someone hurting Wayne and he had been tolerating it, that he didn’t notice Wayne had refreshed himself and come out already.
“Ambushing me here, handsome?” Wayne’s teasing startled Clark out of his thoughts.
“N-No! I-I mean, I’m so sorry about what has happened earlier, Mr.Wayne. Could, uh, could I make it up for you or something?” Clark asked sheepishly.
“Oh? Well, let’s see…” Wayne said as he reached out one hand to stroke Clark's tie, and he patted Clark’s chest a few times.
“Wow, you’ve got some muscles here, haven’t you? You go to the gym, hm?” Clark used to slump his shoulders a little and that had made him look like he wasn’t as tall as he really was, but he was actually taller than Wayne. Therefore, Wayne had to lift his head slightly to meet Clark’s eyes.
“Um, yes, I, I’ve been doing some exercise…” Clark stuttered nervously.
“Relax, sweetheart. I won’t bite… Well, maybe if you want that?” He caressed Clark’s chest and then moved up to his face with his slender fingers. Wayne straightened a bit and stood on his toes to draw their faces closer. Clark could feel his warm breath blow on his skin, he shuddered uncontrollably.
Wayne seemed to be satisfied at his reaction, and let out a deep chuckle. Their lips were almost pressed together. Then, Clark heard Wayne whispering, “ You’re adorable, sweetheart…”
Clark was too stunned to move, his head was screaming “Wayne’s gonna kiss me!” But at the same time, he noticed that Wayne’s hand was nearly knocking off his glasses out of the corner of his eyes. Clark snapped back to reality and brought his hand up to his face to make sure his glasses were still on his nose safely. He steeped back from Wayne, tried to put some space between them.
“M-Mr. Wayne! I-I’m sorry, but I, I-I didn’t mean it in that way!” Clark’s face was burned with fire. Although he did want to know what Wayne’s lips would taste like… No! No! I am a professional journalist! A tiny version of Clark with angel’s wings screamed in the back of his head.
Fortunately, Wayne didn’t seem to be offended, he just clicked his tongue in pity, and said. “Shame. I think we could make a good pair… Well, Mister… Kurt?”
“Kent, Clark Kent. Mr. Wayne.”
“Call me Bruce, Clarkie.” Wayne pulled out a card out of nowhere, and slipped it into Clark’s chest pocket.
“I’m afraid I have to entertain the others now. But you could call this number, and schedule an exclusive, alright? Until next time, darling.” Wayne said as he patted Clark’s cheek, and then he was sauntering back to the gala.
Clark gaped at Wayne’s back disbelievingly. He was the one who stumbled and tripped Wayne, but somehow, he was also the one who got an exclusive from Wayne. Clark wondered incredulously. What the hell?
-
“What are you doing in Gotham, Superman?” Batman asked without glancing back as he perched on a gargoyle.
“Uh, good evening, Batman?” Superman, hovering next to the spot where Batman was crouching, said sheepishly.
“Answer the question.”
“I’m just passing by? And I thought I could come to say hi?” He sounded uncertain even to himself.
“Hn, passing from Metropolis to Gotham?” Although Batman’s tone remained flat, Superman could tell that he was definitely being sarcastic.
“Er, I went to Tokyo earlier, there was an earthquake.” Superman tried to explain.
“You’ve greeted me. You can leave now.”
“Well… Actually, I’ve something to ask you. I mean, we are friends now, right? After the few times that we have worked together…?” He asked tentatively.
Batman remained silent, and Superman thought that was a yes.
“So. I want to ask you about Bruce Wayne, the Prince of Gotham. He, um…” Superman was unsure how to ask it without sounding suspicious.
“Don’t waste my time, Superman.” Batman growled impatiently.
“Alright, alright. I just… I met him a few days ago, and, um, and I find that he has numerous scars on his torso. There even was a fresh wound on his abdomen then. I’m just… I’m just a little worried?” Superman spilled it all out hastily. He felt awkwardly embarrassed, he was afraid that Batman would ask him about how he discovered the scars on Wayne’s body. He was just worried that Wayne would pass out in the washroom, he wasn’t trying to prod his privacy deliberately. Hence, he missed that Batman had stiffened for a second, but he recovered immediately, like nothing had happened.
“Don’t you read a newspaper or watch the news in the Arctic? Wayne just loves doing extreme sports, he probably gets the scars from doing so. Don’t bother with that idiot.” Batman said as he stood up and adjusted his cape. He took out his grapple-gun.
“Now, get out of my city!” He growled before he jumped off and grappled away.
Batman was already gone before Superman could say goodbye. He heaved a sigh, and mumbled under his breath. “Extreme sports wouldn’t cause a slash or a gun-shot…” He shook his head, it seemed like that Batman had some grudge toward Bruce Wayne. He was on his own, then.
-
Clark had made an appointment the next Friday with Wayne’s secretary. In the mean time, he had started to investigate everything about Bruce Wayne, including his time, during and post, attending college, and the time he was claimed to be missing, and after seven years, presumed dead.
He found that he couldn’t find where Wayne had gone after he had graduated from Princeton. There was some report that said that he had returned to Gotham to attend a parole hearing of the murder of his parents at some point. But after that, Wayne just dissolved into thin air, nowhere to be found. There were reporters who had asked him years later, when he returned to Gotham officially, “Where have you been all these years?” Wayne just grinned at them and said, “To find myself! I’ve been to so many places, here and there, met a lot of people, and seen a lot of things. It’s interesting. You should try it sometime, too!” No matter how people had asked him, he always said something similar or distracted people with something else to redirect the conversation.
But Clark did find something intriguing. Like, how did Wayne become the biggest stockholder, swiftly just after his return to Gotham, and the actual boss of Wayne Enterprise, while most of the public thought Bruce Wayne was just a mascot of the company.
Also, Clark had found that the main person responsible for founding Thomas Wayne Memorial Hospital and Martha Wayne Foundation, was Bruce Wayne himself, not the CEO of WE as he presumed at first. Wayne had participated in everything, from the design of the constructs, the process of operating, to financial support. He had either attended the meetings, or even took a role in them personally.
The more Clark looked into it, the more he thought that Bruce Wayne was strange. He could be, no, he was a genius, but he acted like he couldn’t even count from one to ten. Clark didn’t understand his intention, but he was very impressed.
The day of their appointment rolled in relatively fast, Clark was sitting outside Wayne’s office and waiting. He fidgeted with his tie nervously and, occasionally, patted his hair or adjusted his glasses. God, I wasn’t even this nervous when Ma had set me up with her friend’s daughter. Clark thought near hysterically.
Clark jumped to his feet, literally, when Wayne’s secretary called his name and told him that Mr. Wayne was ready to see him. He felt like a little kid, who was in trouble and called into the principal’s office, again. The secretary gave him an understanding smile, then she turned around and motioned Clark to follow her. Clark followed after her with a red face and entered Wayne’s office.
Wayne was sitting behind his desk, he raised his head when he heard their entrance. “Oh, thank you, Monica! You can go home after this, I can handle the rest by myself.”
Wayne’s secretary, Monica, acknowledged Wayne before turned to nod at Clark and took her leave. They were left alone in the office, and Wayne was still signing some documents. Clark stood hesitantly at the same spot, wondering if he should sit down on his own or not.
Wayne seemed to realize that Clark was eerily quiet after some minutes, he then lifted his head again and found that Clark was still standing. He arched his brow and said, “Sit, sweetie! Make yourself comfortable. I’ll be with you for just a second.”
Clark flushed with embarrassment and sat down on the sofa as he was told. “S-sorry, Mr. Wayne.”
Wayne walked over to sit on the armchair beside him, after he had finished his work. “Call me Bruce, darling. Didn’t I tell you so before, Clark?”
“Now, I’m all yours! What do you want to know?”
Clark drew a slow breath, prepared for the request he was about to ask. “First of all, thank you so much for giving me the chance to do an interview. But, perhaps, we could just have a talk instead of an interview. I think the articles about the foundation of Thomas Wayne Memorial Hospital and Martha Wayne Foundation are quite enough and doesn’t need another one from me. Besides, it is I that has tripped you, I think I don’t deserve an exclusive from you.”
Bruce seemed to be surprised to hear that, he stared at Clark for a moment and burst into laughter. “What an honest boy! Are you a boy scout or something, Clark? One of the reasons I’ve given you an exclusive is that you’re from Daily Planet! Don’t you know that I’m your big boss now?”
Clark flushed, again, and answered, “Um, yes, I know about that. I figured that when I was looking into you. I’m surprised that none of us knew about that, and it hasn’t been reported.”
“That’s because the contract was completed just these days around. Perhaps your boss wants to tell you after everything has settled. As for an interview, that’s another reason why you’re here.”
Clark’s eyes widened by that, realization sinked into his head, and he said dumbly, “Oh.”
That elicited another round laugh from Bruce. After he had calmed himself down, he asked, “Alright. What do you want to talk about, boy scout? Except for the purchase of Daily Planet?”
Clark cleared his throat and sobered. “I’ve found something very interesting when I searched for your information. Mist… hm, Bruce, you’re a mystery. The more I find, the more I think you are a complicated riddle. And that’s very… intriguing to an investigated journalist like me.”
Bruce gave him a lopsided smile. “Is that so? Are you intrigued with me?”
“No! I don’t… I mean, you sure are very charming Mr. Wayne, um… No, what I was saying is… I… oh my god… I didn’t mean like that…”
Bruce laughed at his fumbling and waved his hands absently, he said, “I’m just kidding, relax. Go on, tell me what you have found that makes you think I am a mystery.”
Clark sighed in relief. “Yes. I-I have found that you have taken over Wayne Enterprise right after your returning without much attention, and, somehow, you also have managed to make people think that you’re just a mascot rather than the actual controller of the company. Most of the public have believed that Mr. Fox, your CEO, is the one who is actually running WE.”
“But, in fact, you bought most of the shares of WE through various charitable foundations and trusts during the first week when WE had gone public. You became the biggest shareholder of WE and fired William Earle and his flunky, and appointed Lucious Fox as CEO personally.”
“You did not just take back what was supposed to belong to you, Bruce, but you were also eliminated. You’ve fired all the people who were disloyal and endangered to WE, and promoted those who were loyal and earnest. You are building your own empire.”
“But that’s not what surprised me. I’m surprised that no one has discovered this. I mean, except the employees of WE. I’m curious about how you manage it, so I dig through more papers.”
“It’s interesting to find that you were on the front page because of an accidental fire, which had burned down the Wayne Manor. However, in the meantime, the transferring of the ownership of WE wasn’t seen anywhere.”
“You’re very clever, Bruce, almost a genius, I’d say. The thing that really bothers me is the reason why you make people think you’re an air-head playboy instead of a man who has done a lot of work with charities with high intelligence and ability.”
Bruce had listened with a lazy smile when Clark started talking about his investigation. However, his face had changed gradually as the time passed. At first, he looked like a cat which was beautiful and harmless, and his eyes were gleaming with interest and joy, like he had found some new toy. But now, he looked like a panther which was elegant but both dangerous and feral. Although he was smiling, it didn’t reach his eyes and was predatory.
Bruce stared at him wordlessly while calculating, and Clark just returned the stare calmly. Finally, he spoke up with a deeper voice without that saccharine-sweet cheer. “Impressive, Mr. Kent. You are the first and the only one who has pieced all of those puzzles together, and dared to confront me.”
“Yes, I admit that all of those things are real and correct. As for the reason, I want to ask you something first. Why didn’t you write it into an article after you have found out all of that, instead, you choose to come and interrogate with me? You should’ve known that these could make a big scandal, but you didn’t. Why? I’m curious.”
Clark seemed to be offended by his question. “I would never do that! As a journalist, I’m aware of the importance of truth, but I also have to consider secrecy. You’ve not done anything illegal or edged dangerously to the law. Besides, this situation must have been designed particularly by you. Why would I destroy it just for the number of paper sales? I’m not a paparazzi!”
Bruce’s eyes softened at that, and he said, “Hey, calm down Clark. No need to be agitated. I’m just curious. Don’t you even feel a little worried about the possibility that I could fire you or make you be exiled from journalism after I realized my secret had been discovered after this confrontation?”
Bruce joked half-heartedly and tried to placate Clark, but it looked like he had made him even angrier. “You would never do that! You’re a good man, Bruce! You’d never do such a thing!” Clark exclaimed with a scowl.
Bruce shook his head with a light chuckle, he seemed to be sneering at Clark’s naivety. He didn’t answer immediately, instead, he turned to face the wide floor window, which revealed the beautiful view of Gotham.
“Because it’s easier.”
Clark was confused, what did he mean that it was easier? Was it easier to wear a mask in public everyday? “What?”
Bruce turned back to face Clark, there was resignation and weariness in his eyes, which made him look more real than that Brucie baby with constant flirting. “People expect to see an air-head playboy, who has inherited a large wealth, knows nothing but parties and drinking. They love this kind of gossip. If I made a donation or did some charity, they’ll just think, “oh look, Brucie is throwing away his money again!” That’s rather simple.”
“Once people have realized that I’m a genius with a ridiculously large amount of money, everything would be different. If I made a donation or sponsored some campaign, people would start to doubt my intention and purpose. They wouldn’t believe that I’m really just doing charity, and they would suspect that I’m doing it to cover up something illegal. It would be more difficult.”
“So, it’s just to make things simpler?” Clark still couldn’t quite get it.
“That’s one of the reasons. I could run my company more effortlessly without, well, no one except you, people’s suspicions. At least, there wasn’t anyone who had dug through all of the news and records like you before.” Bruce let out a low chuckle.
He continued, “On the other hand, my enemies would underestimate me, and there would be less threat to me. Both literally and metaphorically. As a billionaire, I have to face many more threats than an average man. I’m a high-lightened target. Not to mention that I live in Gotham. My wealth has already put me in a bad situation, and once they discover that I’m actually not an imbecile, it would not only endanger my own life and my money but also the classified information of my company.”
Clark seemed to realize what Bruce tried to say, still, he asked, “But there are other enterprises in the world, who are as rich and smart as you, and they didn’t put up such a disguise like you.”
“First of all, they might not be as rich as me. I’m the richest man in Gotham and one of the richest in the world, mind you. Second, they might not be as famous as me. I’m not saying the whole world, but, at least, the whole of America knows well about Bruce Wayne’s name and story. And if they were as rich and famous as me, but never tried to disguise themselves, then it’s just because they don’t live in Gotham.”
“Right… But this doesn’t explained why there is never anyone knowing about this. Even if your employees wouldn’t reveal it, but what about your associations or enemies? They’ve never say a word.”
“My associations are all very smart, they understand my reason and wouldn’t say anything about it. As for my enemies, you see, if they had disclosed to the media that “Bruce Wayne is actually a genius and have beaten them,” what do you think would happen? Would everyone believe them or just think they have gone mad?”
“I… well, you’re pretty good at calculating people’s reactions, Bruce…” Clark said with awe.
Bruce smirked sharply at him. “Of course. I didn’t buy my degree from Princeton.”
Clark shook his head fondly, then asked another question. “You’ve said more than once about “live in Gotham.” So my next question is, why did you choose to come back to Gotham? You’ve left for several years and traveled over the world, and you could even emigrate if you want. What makes you come back to Gotham, the city with a high crime rate which has caused you to lose your parents, at last?”
This time, Bruce stayed in such a long and strained silence that made Clark start thinking if he crossed the line, he should’ve never mentioned about the ceased Waynes. Clark was about to apologize just before Bruce finally replied.
“Gotham, she is beautiful but vicious, she is an attractive beauty with a dagger hiding behind her back. You know precisely that she is lethal but you couldn’t live without her. I do have thought about never coming back, but this is my home, after all. The Waynes have built Gotham, and have been flourishing because of Gotham. There would be no Waynes without Gotham, vice versa, we are unseparated, we are a whole. Thus, I’m here, and wouldn’t consider leaving in the near future.”
He said calmly and solemnly, like he was swearing a vow. Clark could almost feel how the deep and hot passion was thrumming fiercely under his simple and well-covered words— Bruce Wayne loved Gotham strongly, he loved the city, which had costed his parents’ lives but also nurtured him into a grown man, with all of his heart.
Afterward, Clark didn’t push anymore and asked about Bruce’s scars. On one hand, he wasn’t sure how to explain without exposing his secret identity. On the other hand, he thought he could take some time and make friends with Bruce first, then he could ask as a friend one day.
Therefore, after he had figured out why Bruce had to put on a mask in public everyday, Clark moved to ask about the purchase of Daily Planet to have something to write an actual article.
-
Clark and Bruce had become friends since then. When Clark went to Gotham for an investigation, Bruce would change his schedule to meet him for dinner. As well as Bruce went to Metropolis for business, Clark would meet him for coffee or lunch.
The more time Clark had spent with Bruce, the more he could see the true Bruce Wayne instead of Brucie baby in the media. Brucie was always wearing a tailored suit in a party or some five-stars restaurant while Bruce felt comfortable with a turtle-neck and jeans to stand by the road and have a hotdog. Brucie always had pretty women draped over his shoulders while Bruce was still single and claimed his lover was work. Brucie always had a dazzling smile while Bruce kept a blank face, and even if he had smiled that would be sharp and predatory.
Clark was astonished about the difference but also pleased, which meant that Bruce trusted him enough and was willing to show the true self to him. He felt honored to be one of Bruce’s few friends.
At least, that was what Clark had thought before Lois cornered him sneakily in the tea room.
“Let’s be honest, Clark, did you have a girlfriend?” Lois asked reproachingly but also excitedly.
Clark almost spitted out his coffee at her face. “W-Wh… Lois! What are you talking about?! What girlfriend?”
Lois didn’t deter from that and raised her eyebrow unimpressively at him. “Then why have you been so cheerful recently? Do you know how many times I saw you smile like an idiot at your phone? And don’t even pretend that you haven’t had lunch with someone frequently these days!”
Clark shook his head frantically. “N-No! It’s nothing like that! He’s just a friend!”
His explanation elicited rather than dissolved Lois’ suspicions. “Oh? So it is a he. I never thought you’re into a man, Smallville! Is he hot? What does he look like? Is he a brunette, or a blonde? What’s his name? When will you introduce us?”
Lois Lane, the ace journalist of Daily Planet, broke the man of steel with her fierce questions. “B-Brunette… he’s a brunette. No, no! I mean, we’re just friends! Lois!”
Lois gave him an exasperated look. “I swear to my Pulitzer Prize, you’re definitely in love! He’s not just a friend, Clark! We are best friends and I’ve never smiled like an idiot at my phone after I got your text!”
“B-But… he… I…” Clark spluttered. Did he really fall in love with Bruce?
Lois rolled her eyes and asked, “Fine, let me ask you something. Who would you invite if you’ve found a new restaurant?”
“Um…” Bruce. Clark answered inwardly, he didn’t dare to speak out his name loudly.
“Who would you want to share with when you saw a beautiful sunset?”
“…” Clark thought that Lois could stop her question now, because his answer was still Bruce.
“Last one, who do you want to meet with the most right now?”
Clark didn’t say a word, but his face was as red as an apple. Maybe Clark had fallen for Bruce since the very beginning, when he had stumbled into his arms.
Lois had watched Clark’s reaction, and shook her head with a sigh. Clark was sharp when he was investigating, but when it came to relationships with people, he was always blunt. She smoothed her tone and tried to placate her best friend, “If your answers of those three questions were all the same person, then you are in love with him, Clark.”
Clark nodded numbly and felt helpless. “Y-You’re right, Lo. I… oh god… how could I be this oblivious…”
“B-But… but I don’t think he would like me…”
“Have some confidence, Smallville! You have won a Pulitzer Prize, after all! Although I have no idea who your mysterious guy is, I think he couldn’t be uninterested at all at the frequency of your texts and meetings.” Lois comforted.
“I don’t know, he is always working. Maybe he don’t even want to be in a relationship…” Clark said with a sad face.
Lois clapped on his back once. “You’re over-thinking, maybe he’s just waiting for you to react first. Give it a try, Clark. You seem to be really happy lately, and if he was the reason, I think you shouldn’t let him go without a try.”
“Thank you, Lo.” Clark smiled gratefully at Lois.
Since the day Lois had made Clark realize his feelings, he was thinking about whether he should make a confession, or just be content with his friendship with Bruce. He was afraid that if he had confessed to Bruce and Bruce didn’t have the same feeling, they couldn’t even be friends anymore. Furthermore, there was a serious problem. Should I tell Bruce that I am actually Superman? And when should he tell him, before or after the confession? Alas, this was complicated.
However, there wasn’t much time for Clark to consider it. He saw the news in the office, just about a week after his conversation with Lois had happened, the Joker had broken into the gala hosted by WE and held Bruce as the hostage.
-
Bruce was just making his way out to the patio to take some breath when he heard the commotion inside the ballroom. To be more precise, he had heard that distinctive laughing and gun-shots.
Bruce whipped his head around swiftly to meet Joker’s disgusting green-hair and his goons with clown masks. His brain gearing up rapidly for a plan to sneak back inside silently and change into another suit. But Joker had spotted Bruce already, and he was making his way toward him, before he could make any move.
“Brucie~ Brucie! HEHEHEHE! What’re you doing out here? I’ve been looking for you! HAHAHA!” Joker singsonged cheerfully.
If the Joker’s target was him, then it was easier. Bruce thought resignedly and drew a slow breath.
“M-Mr. Joker! I was just taking some fresh air, you know. C-Could I help you with anything? Do you, um, do you want some champagne?” Brucie baby offered Joker a strained smile, his eyes filled with fear.
Apparently, the Joker was satisfied with his reaction, he laughed and said, “HAHAHA! You’re so adorable, Brucie! Don’t be afraid, sweetheart! I’m just here to play a game with you! Sounds great, right? HEHEHE!”
“G-Game?”
“Yes, yes, my dear! HAHAHA! You naughty boy seems to piss off some big guy! So they paid me to have some fun with you!”
Brucie swallowed nervously, but he still tried to bargain with the Joker. “I, um. Perhaps I could give you double…?” It seemed like there was someone who wanted to teach Brucie a lesson again. I needed to check if it was Green or Smith when I got back. Bruce thought grimly.
“Oh, no no no! I’m a man with my words! I’ve already gotten my cheque! I can’t stop half way, now can I? I might be a psychopath, but I’m no conman! HEHEHEHE!” The Joker gestured wildly in the air.
“Come now! Dear Brucie! I promise you’d like it! HAHAHAHAHA!”
The Joker reached out and grabbed Bruce on his neck, then he pushed him until his back was pressed on the edge of the rail. Bruce was forced to suspend half his body out in the air, on the patio at thirty-eight floor.
“P-Please…” Brucie pleaded with trembling.
“Aww, shh shh, sweetcheek! Don’t be afraid! Don’t you love extreme sports? Well, it’s just without a rope this time! HAHAHAHAHA!”
“Please…! Please… let me go…”
“Oh, baby, that’s a very poor choice of words. Alright, alright! I’ll let you go! HAHAHAHAHA!” The Joker threw Bruce down with a manic laugh.
Bruce was falling and screaming in the wind, with his face remaining blankly, while thinking about how he could pretend to survive miraculously without anyone’s suspicion.
Batman always had a plan. Yet, it seemed like there would be someone interrupting him constantly today.
Bruce found that he was falling into a warm chest and strong arms. The cold wind cut through his face ruthlessly had turned to be a warm breeze caressed gently on his cheek. Then he heard that familiar yet a little distant voice. “Hey, I got you. You’ll be fine, Mr. Wayne.”
Superman?
Bruce’s heart speeded up for a second, he raised his head and stared at Superman’s face with shock. “Oh, oh my god! S-Superman?! H-How…”
“It’s fine, Mr. Wayne. Relax, and take a deep breath. Inhale— that’s right, and exhale. Good, you’re doing fine.” Superman held Bruce in his arms and descended to the ground steadily, he smiled comfortingly at him. He helped Bruce to his feet, and put a hand on his shoulder to make sure he was balanced. “I’ve done a quick look-over, you didn’t have any injury, Mr. Wayne. Do you feel ill or anything? You’ve been through a great deal of stress and terror, that could make you in shock.”
Bruce shook his head slowly, “I’m fine… thank you, Superman.”
Finally, GCPD and the EMT had arrived. Superman nodded at Bruce and bade his goodbye. “The police are here and that’s my cue to leave. Mr. Wayne.”
Superman had already taken off before Bruce could reply. He stared after the way Superman vanished with a scowl on his face broodingly.
Gordon had let Bruce leave after making a quick statement. He didn’t notice his phone had been ringing until he was picked up by Alfred. He sat at the back seat with his phone in his hand, he then realized that there were numerous missed calls and they were all from Clark. Bruce stared at his phone thoughtfully for a while, until it rang again, he then picked it up.
Clark was already talking with tangible concern before he could say a word. “BRUCE! Thank goodness! You finally pick up! Oh my god! I’ve seen the news, did you hurt? Are…”
“Clark—” Bruce tried, but was obviously ignored by Clark’s non-stop questions.
“… you ok? Jesus Christ, that’s thirty-eight floor! Where are you now? Have…”
“Clark!” Bruce had to raise his voice to stop his questions, and this time it worked.
“I-I’m sorry, Bruce… I was really worried…”
Bruce felt something warm blooming in his chest by hearing that. He gentled his voice, tried to reassure his sickly-worried friend, who seemed to even forget how to breath. “I’m fine, Clark. Superman… he saved me, I didn’t even get a scratch.”
Apparently, that answer had calmed Clark a little, and he was relieved. “That’s good… that’s good. You have no idea, Bruce, how scared and terrified I was when I saw the news… I-I was so afraid… if you, if anything happened to you…”
Bruce heard him take a deep breath, and they stayed in a long silence. Both of them seemed to know the implication of Clark’s words, yet no one wanted to specify.
“Bruce… Could we meet?” Clark asked softly eventually.
Bruce didn’t reply immediately, he still had something to check first. “I’m sorry… I’d love to, Clark, but I have some business to deal with. I’ll call you after I finish my work, alright?”
Clark was a little disappointed, but he, apparently, had tried to repress it. When he spoke again, Bruce could hardly hear the hurt in his voice, hardly. “It’s fine, Bruce. Call me when you’re free.”
-
After that, Bruce didn’t contact Clark for once. At first, Clark just told himself, “Bruce is just very busy, and you know exactly how Bruce would be when he is working.” He tried his best not to think about the possibility that Bruce was keeping some distance between them, because he had found out Clark’s feelings and he didn’t feel the same.
Clark busied himself with work, making himself too occupied to think about Bruce. And three months passed, Lois had been throwing worried glances toward him, and even Jimmy had asked him if he was alright. Clark was finally resigned that Bruce had actually been ignoring him and distancing from him purposely.
Clark was dejected. He just realized he was in love, and it had already ended without a beginning.
He was so miserable that even Batman was worried. It was another team-up with Batman, he didn’t leave as soon as they had wrapped it up. He hesitated for a second, but asked nonetheless. “How have you been, Superman?”
To be fair, that was the first time Batman had asked him something beyond the mission, so you couldn’t blame Clark for being stunned into silence. Batman was concerned about him! Rao, is the world ending tomorrow?
Maybe Clark had been quiet too long to make Batman deem that his question was unnecessary. He pressed his lips into a flat line, and said as he turned around to leave. “Never mind.”
Clark was startled out of his stupefaction by that, and he reached out hastily to grab Batman’s cape in time to stop him from leaving. “Wait! I-I am just surprised!”
Batman stilled but remained back to him. Clark made sure that he wouldn’t leave any time soon before he dropped his hand on the other man’s cape. “Thank you, Batman. I’m fine, I guess. I’m just… I think I was dumped.”
Batman remained quiet before he finally asked, “Bruce Wayne?”
Clark jumped by the name, “H-How do you know?”
Batman turned back to stare at him unimpressively and said nothing.
“Um… right, ‘cause you’re Batman.”
“Yeah, it’s him. I, I think he just wants to be friends, but he has figured out my feelings, so… he chooses to distance from me.” Clark mumbled.
Batman fell quiet again, but he didn’t seem to be leaving, either. Clark waited for a moment, felt really awkward. He tried to apologize when Batman was still silent, “Sorry, I—” But he was cut off by the other man.
“Maybe, he’s just fleeing away.” Batman said.
Clark screwed his brows together and stared confusedly at him, “Flee away? From what?”
Batman turned his back to him again. He said, “Maybe, he is afraid. You… are like the sun. Warm and beautiful. Monsters like us who live in the shadows long for the warmth. But it will burn us when we stay too close to you…” His body stilled for a second, he seemed to realize that he had said too much.
“Forget about it.” He murmured in a rush and left.
Clark gaped dumbly after Batman’s abrupt leave, it looked rather like he was fleeing, and when he came back to himself, Batman was already gone.
That day later, when Clark lay on his bed, he thought about Batman’s words in his head over and over again.
“Maybe, he is afraid. You… are like the sun. Warm and beautiful. Monsters like us who live in the shadows long for the warmth. But it will burn us when we stay too close to you…”
He did say “us”, but why did he use “us”? Did Batman…? No no no, that was impossible! He was supposed to imply their friendship, right…? Yes, that was it, definitely just friendship.
However, as for the “monsters like us who live in the shadows” part… He could understand about Batman that he always hid and moved in the shadows. But what about Bruce? Why would he describe Bruce as that? Even though Bruce had always worn a mask, he didn’t hide in the dark. Besides, did Batman know Bruce?
…You know what, he didn’t even want to think about it.
-
When Clark heard about Bruce again, it was already Christmas. Bruce had been kidnapping, again, at the Wayne Christmas Gala. This time, Clark flew straight to Gotham to find Bruce without any hesitation.
Clark found Bruce at a warehouse near the harbor when he located and followed his heart-beat. The warehouse was lined with lead, hence he couldn’t look through it with his X-ray. He could only check through a shady window.
Bruce was roped on a chair, which was placed at the center, and he was back to the window. Clark couldn’t see his face, but, according to his heart-beat, he seemed not to be injured, for now. Clark had checked around the warehouse, there were two thugs guarded at the door with the other eight thugs scattered inside the warehouse.
Clark decided to make it quick. Their intention was the ransom, so they wouldn’t hurt Bruce so far. It was hard to tell what they would do once they had gotten the money. Thus, Clark knocked off the two guards first. He didn’t find any rope near, so he just bent their rifle to tie them up. Nobody knew what had happened because of the super-speed. When they realized that two guards had gone, they were already tied up unconscious outside the warehouse. The others jumped to their feet and raised their guns and readied to fire if they spotted anyone.
“Who the fuck is it?! Get the fuck out!” One of them yelled.
Clark spent one minute taking out the rest of the thugs with the same strategy. Bruce had raised his head and straightened in alarm at the absence of the guards, but after he realized it was Superman he slumped back into the chair with relief.
After Clark had bundled all of the kidnappers, he flew to Bruce and made a quick look-over. He asked with concern, “B— Mr. Wayne, are you ok? Let me help you with the rope…” He started to cut off the rope carefully in a hurry, and hoped that Bruce didn’t notice the slip-up.
“Superman! You’ve saved my life, once again! Thank you so much!” Bruce flexed his numb fingers as he sent Superman a grateful smile.
Clark returned the smile and asked, “You’re welcome, Mr. Wayne. Do you need to go to the hospital?”
Bruce shook his head. “I’m fine, but could you send me back to Wayne Manor?”
Clark gave him a nod. “No problem, Mr. Wayne. Just give me a second to take those criminals to the police station first.” He vanished with the kidnappers in a blur, and the next second, he was there again.
“Alright, Mr. Wayne. Let me take you home, shall we?” Clark scooped Bruce up and carried him in his arms. They floated into the air, and started toward Wayne Manor.
Before they arrived the Manor, Bruce told Clark to carry him to one of the balconies, which was outside Bruce’s bedroom, on the second floor.
Clark put Bruce down on the floor, and waited till he got to his feet. “Mr. Wayne.” He nodded his goodbye, and was ready to take off before Bruce grabbed his cape.
“Wait, Superman!”
Clark turned around to face Bruce inquisitively. “Yes, Mr. Wayne?”
Bruce hesitated for a second, he was looking anywhere but Clark, before he took a deep breath to compose himself. He lifted his head to meet Clark’s eyes, and opened his mouth. “I… I think I owe you an apology, and… this.”
Clark was still confused as to why did Bruce need to apologize to Superman when there was a soft touch on his lips.
Those were Bruce’s lips.
Bruce gave Superman a kiss.
That was a chaste kiss. Their lips were just pressed together for a moment, and then Bruce had backed away.
There was an adorable pink on Bruce’s cheeks when Clark’s eyes could focus on Bruce’s face again. He looked both a little guilty and ashamed. Clark just gaped at Bruce, his brain was totally shut off.
Bruce cleared his throat awkwardly, “I… I like you, Superman.”
“…Clark.”
Clark’s brain was still in a blue-screen when he heard Bruce called his name, that was not helpful at all. He could just be rooted there, and stared at Bruce with shock. He had so many questions to ask, but he could only open and close his mouth several times without a full sentence. “I… you… how…”
Bruce looked to be amused by his reaction and let out a low chuckle, but he cut himself off quickly. “Sorry, I just think you’re cute.”
Before Clark could snap at Bruce, he was silenced again by his word. “He thinks I’m cute!” He tried again, but there was still no word coming out of his mouth. Eventually, he gave up and folded his arms around his chest. He said with a scowl. “Explain.”
“I am Batman.” Again, Bruce had shut Clark’s mouth with just one simple sentence.
Clark, aka Superman, gaped at the man, whose name was Bruce Wayne, the Gotham Prince, Gotham sweetheart, and apparently, who also was the fearful and frightened vigilante, Batman, in front of him once again.
Rao, he’s dreaming, right? He must still be sleeping on his bed. Clark thought incredulously.
Bruce waited for a while, and his face started morphing into worried lines. He called Clark’s name tentatively, but the other man was still gaping at him without a reply.
Bruce dropped his head and fidgeted at the rim of his shirt anxiously, he didn’t know what to say. “I’m sorry, it’s my fault. I shouldn’t try to distance myself from you at the very first. And it’s been a while, I can understand if… if you didn’t feel the same anymore, and couldn’t accept the truth that I’m also the Batman, too… Apology. I… Never mind, forget about it…” Bruce turned his heel and tried to escape from the scene.
Finally, Clark had reacted at that, he reached out to grab Bruce’s hand. He spun Bruce around and pulled him into a hug. Clark held him tight in his arms.
“Please don’t run away again…” Clark murmured. “I’m just, I’m just too shocked… I don’t, I mean, of course I still feel the same! I mean, I like you, Bruce! I like you! I really like you… From the moment I stumbled on you and looked into your beautiful blue eyes. I’ve been falling for you since then… I’ll like you whether you are Batman or not. Oh god, why would I hate you just because you’re Batman? Bruce? Now I finally know why Batman had said that to me that day.”
“You are a fool, Bruce. You’re much more blunt than me.” Bruce had stayed still in Clark’s arms at first, but he started to struggle when he heard that.
“Fine! Fine! Sorry. You’re smart, of course! You’re a genius, Bruce! But you’re still blunt…” Clark released Bruce, drew some distance enough for them to look each other face to face, but didn’t let go of his hands. Clark smiled softly at Bruce, and said. “You’re the greatest detective in the world. Couldn’t you deduce how much I like you?”
“I love you, Bruce.”
Bruce’s eyes widened at those three words. His face flushed with bright red, and even his ear-tips were red.
Clark chuckled at Bruce’s disbelieving look, he lowered his head with a smile, and pressed his lips on Bruce’s just like the other man did earlier.
“Merry Christmas, Bruce. Would you like to have me as your boyfriend as a Christmas gift?”
END?
Extra:
“So. When did you know that I’m Superman?” Clark asked curiously.
“The day that the Joker threw me out of the building, and you caught me.” Bruce was cuddling like a cat in Clark’s arms.
Clark arched his eyebrows with surprise. “How?”
“Your voice.”
“My voice?”
“Yes. Your face didn’t look the same, your voice remained the same though. Now you’ve mentioned that, how did you make your face look different? Your glasses?” This time, it was Bruce who lifted his head and looked up at Clark inquisitively.
“Yeah, my glasses are some Kryptonian tech. It can change or blur my facial features, so no one would notice that Superman and Clark Kent are actually the same person.” He explained.
Suddenly, he was reminded of something. “Wait, did you distance yourself from me because you figured out that I am Superman?!”
“Well, that’s one of the reasons.” Bruce mumbled.
“Why? Do you hate Superman?” Clark felt a little disheartened. He had thought everyone would like Superman more, and deemed Clark Kent to be some ordinary and clumsy guy. He had never thought that someone would like Clark Kent and hate Superman.
“No! I don’t hate Superman. …Although, sometimes I think he’s annoyed…” The last sentence had been whispered, but Clark was a man who had super-hearing.
“You think I am annoyed…” Clark’s non-existed dog ears had been sagging with sadness.
“No… ugh, I mean…” Bruce heaved a sigh, and buried his face in Clark’s chest resignedly with some muffled words.
“Bruce, I do have super-hearing, but I still couldn’t understand when it’s muffled.” Though Clark was a little sad, he still thought Bruce was cute, he looked like a kid threw a tantrum.
Bruce raised his head and glared at Clark, he could sense that he was laughing at him. “I said! You’re like a clingy Samoyed! And that’s annoying! I do not hate Superman!” Bruce hissed like a cat bristled his fur, and that made him more adorable.
Clark reached out to stroke Bruce’s hair, tried to comfort him. “Alright. But you still haven’t explained why you distanced yourself from me.”
Bruce laid back on Clark’s chest, he grumbled. “… I was just afraid that if you knew I’m Batman, you would leave. No one would like a big bad black Bat, after all!”
“Also… also, I was afraid that if we started a relationship, you would be left alone, eventually, when I was gone. I don’t want you to be heart-break.” Bruce murmured softly.
Clark’s striking stopped for a second, but he resumed it soon after. They stayed in a companionable silence for a while until Clark spoke up again. “I know that one day you’ll have to leave me no matter how much I hate it. But I hope that you could stay by my side when you’re still alive until the day you have to go. Therefore, I could, at least, have our memories to cherish and miss you for the rest of my life after your inevitable absence. Maybe your life is finite, but your love and our memories could accompany me infinitely till the very end of my life.”
END