Chapter Text
Superman was excited, which in itself wasn’t uncommon, but these circumstances were. He was going to meet another superhero- err- vigilante? He wasn’t really sure, but all the stories he’d heard about this guy were good, if not a little on the violent side..
Batman was somewhat of a myth, at least to people outside of Gotham, he usually sticks to Gotham and out of the spotlight, unlike Clark, who somehow always ended up on the news. What if Batman resented him for that? Surely not, right?
Damn it, Clark was freaking out!
Like he said, he had heard that Batman was violent, and he really didn’t want this meeting to get physical. Taking a deep breath, Superman reminded himself that he and Batman were on the same side, fighting for justice, but still, he couldn't shake off the nervousness.
Arriving in Gotham was.. almost exactly how he’d expected it. He could hear people yelling and running all around the lower-class areas, and despite how much his instinct begged him to help, he heard police sirens around and he didn’t want to be a nuisance on another person’s territory. He’s sure the police can handle this one…
Excluding the lower class areas though, Gotham was fairly nice in some parts, although he could feel shadows lingering, and from what he’s heard, Batman would be there, in shadows.. (Although Clark was aware that it was most likely a metaphor, it couldn’t hurt to check.)
He felt eyes follow him no matter where he went, he supposed the red and blue was giving him away a bit. Still, it was a bit unsettling, while in Metraopolis, the eyes on him would be either shocked or adoring, he was used to that. Here, however, he seemed to be getting sized up, and not like he was a threat.
He really needs to find Batman sooner rather than later.
Clark was flying around for the better part of an hour before he managed to catch a glimpse of him, once he did though, he landed next to him, and damn, Batman looked kind of intimidating: all black, face covered.. yup, vigilante is definitely the correct term for him.
Clark smiled, repeatably telling himself to act natural, be confident, and he gave Batman a little wave. No! Damn it, Clark, you’re making a fool out of yourself!
The Bat turned to him silently, just staring. Clark ached to break the silence between them. “Hey! You’re the Batman right? I’ve heard a lot about you, I’m Superman.” Clark said, his voice oozing confidence that he didn’t actually feel.
“Superman.” Batman replied somewhat cautiously, “I’ve heard of you.” He murmured, the whites of his mask narrowing. Clark chuckled nervously, quickly covering it up. “Well, yeah I’d hope so. I’ve been in the spotlight a lot recently with saving Metropolis and all,” Clark waved a hand dismissively but his heart was racing, he was acting cool right? Damn it social skills, where are you when you’re needed!?
Batman made a ‘Hn’ sound that sounded less than pleased and Clark frowned slightly, was it something he had said?
“So, uh-“ Clark started but was cut off almost immediately by Batman.
“Metas aren’t allowed in my city.” Batman snapped firmly, and Clark was in shock at his tone. …what? “I said; Metas aren’t allowed in my city, get out.” Batman repeated, and Clark realised he had said that aloud.
“But- I can help! I mean, we both have our own brands going. Yours is all dark and mysterious, mine’s bright and heroic. Maybe you could use someone like me, to help people!” Clark suggested, hope in his voice. He really wanted a partnership with another vigilante, he was desperate not to blow his shot.
“This is Gotham, it doesn’t need someone like you.” Batman snapped, and damn, Clark was starting to get annoyed with this guy, he was only trying to help! “With the crime rates, I’d say it does.” Clark snarks and- woah- self confidence where did you come from?
He opened his mouth to- what, apologise? Say something even more stupid? Who even knows? (Certainly not him!) The Bat, however, beat him to it; “Get. Out. Of my city.” Superman’s mouth shut closed, he could hear the threat in the Bat’s tone, and while he was sure he was physically stronger than him, he’d rather not get in a fight with Mr. Tall, dark and scary.
Clark mumbles an apology and takes off, quickly flying out of Gotham with an embarrassed flush on his face; that went horribly wrong. He didn’t understand why the Bat had a problem with him, he was just trying to be friendly…
Wait a minute.. Batman said that Metas weren’t allowed in Gotham, was Batman prejudiced towards Metas?! Did he think himself better than them?! Clark had heard of such cases before, humans thinking they were superior to Metas for no good reason, he didn’t think Batman would be one of them. That stung.
Whatever, Clark didn’t need Batmans approval anyways, he was doing just fine by himself. He landed in Metropolis quickly, glancing around and listening out for anyone who might be in trouble.
Suddenly, he heard someone calling his name, he turned to see a reporter rushing up to him, “Superman! What is your take on the Dark Knight of Gotham? Do you think what he’s doing is right? Do you have any knowledge that you, as a hero, would share with us?” The reporter asked in a hurry, and Clark’s mind blanked, he had just got back from Gotham, how on earth did news get around so quick?!
“Um,” Clark started unsurely, searching his mind for an answer, “I heard he’s.. human?” He tried, mentally cursing himself. No, Clark, you don’t just say that!
“Human, huh? Is there anything else you would like to comment on? His morals? His methods?” The reporter fished, scribbling down notes. Clark was about to correct his previous statement when he heard the ground shaking somewhere, Damn it, natural disasters, could you have picked a worse time!?
“Um, I’m sorry, that’s all I’ve got time for, i really have to go-“ Carl blurts out, taking off into the skies for the third time today.
Clark is not enjoying today…