Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Epilogue

‘Oh dang, Mr.White wants me on a solo report? Whatever could it be? Why is Ms.Lane not on this?’ Are the thoughts dancing on a young reporter’s mind as he danced around the desks of his coworkers typing away in The Daily Planet. He squeezed past them, almost like a waltz till he finally stumbled to Perry White's door. He finds his footing in front of the door and smooths out his wrinkled white button up collar and pulls on the bottom of his sweater vest. He looks at himself in the slight reflection of the glass of the office and smiles awkwardly. He opens the door putting his best foot forward.
“Kent!” Perry White says standing up from his desk, his hands bearing the weight as leans towards his employee, “Come take a seat, I have something to talk about with you!” He says his voice with a slight rasp that comes with age.
Clark Kent nods carefully, his body moving into one of the chairs in front of his desk. He readjusts his glasses with a trembling hand “So, what is that Mr.White?” He says his tongue is stumbling on his teeth. His eyes try to read all of Perry White carefully, however his senses blind his eyes. Perry’s breath smelt like a cigarette despite swearing to his employees he quit weeks ago.
“Gotham, Yknow that city, right Clark?” White asks in a rhetorical question. “I know you primarily focus on reports on Metropolis and Politics but I need you to report on Gotham. Specifically, Bruce Wayne and his latest Gala this week. We have the ticket for you, we can rent you a better suit and all expenses paid for the trip.” White says in a proposing tone.
“I only have a few questions…” Clark nods in an agreement to the report despite the consequences it could be for his city. “Is anyone else coming with me to the city and what should I focus on with my report?” he asks with a curious tone to his voice.
“Lois Lane can’t, she has another report to do and well I don’t exactly trust her with this. However, Olsen will tag along for photos! As for your report, focus on Bruce’s motive for this charity Gala. You leave tomorrow, is that Okay?”
“Yes That's fine. Thank you Mr.White.” Clark says as he stands up from the chair. He smiles happily and shakes Perry White’s hand careful not to squeeze the hand to end up hurting him. “I wont let you down..”

Chapter Text

The plane ride was fine. It was silent for the most part as Clark’s company for this trip fell asleep as soon as they got elevated into the air. Olsen was a friend of his that he trusted well so when his head leaned on Clark’s broad shoulders he could not help himself to release a little chuckle to himself. He let his friend sleep carefully as he looked outside his window. He knew he could see this view any time he wanted but it was nice to be a little human for once. Not worry too much about what he hears surrounding him. It was about a year into being the cities ‘golden boy’ in secret so he was treating this as a small little vacation. He took care of everything he could before leaving the cape behind. Well, not behind at Metropolis, he brought the cape it was in his suitcase. Eventually, the plane lands carefully on the outskirts of Gotham and Clark claps as they get to the ground, proud of the pilot. Jimmy Olsen and Clark Kent search for a Taxi Cab after finding their way to the exit and make their way to the hotel to prepare for the Gala later tonight.

***
In the hotel room Clark focuses on himself as he preens his hair. He gels down the sides of his hair so his curls messily decorate the top of his hair. He readjusts his glasses carefully as his eyes drift to his coworker who has been ready for a while. Jimmy Olsen was hanging on the bathroom’s door frame watching carefully.
“Gee I didn’t know some farm boy could get really into his self image, I thought you were gonna put the suit on and call it day Clark..” Jimmy says with a small tease in his voice. “Ya ready for this gala?”
“Well what can I say Jimmy, I wanna look good for the people I gotta interview today….” Clark says as he does one last readjustment of his curls in the mirror. “Can’t go looking like the farmboy I was now can I?” he says and finally stands up straight enough to pass for confidence. “Okay I’m ready now.”
Fortunately The Daily Planet booked the hotel that's also hosting the event for Wayne Enterprises so getting to the party was not the biggest hassle, it was just a small walk of stairs down to the lobby. The stairs down were from the back of the hallway so the change of scenery was really a sight to behold from grey and metal water pipes to this grand foyer filled with chatting people. It was filled with a lively jazz band that made the spirits of all the party goers light. The chandelier emitted a nice warm glow that similarly reflected the Champaign glasses that clinked together with small ‘Cheers’ from the socialites. There was however a gaggle that intrigued the reporter just enough to cross the floor with soft little “Mr. Wayne!” or maybe a “Smile for the Camera Wayne?”
***
“Smile?” Click! Click! Click!
Click! Click! Click! “How's your life Mr.Wayne?” Miserable. Click! Click! Click!
“It's never been better, I love helping and being there for Gotham!” Wayne says through lying teeth. The camera flash blinds his eyes so his tell of lying is subdued and makes this interaction even more worse.
Billionaire, Playboy, Philanthropist, Bruce Wayne almost had it all. He had the looks, he had the money, and boy did he have the heart to help people of Gotham he really did but he did not have the energy. These events really just help fund a little bit of big projects. This time fortunately was in collaboration with the orphanage. All the proceeds of this event will be going to fund the rebuilding of the orphanage that was recently burnt down into a better, safer environment for Gothamite Children. He wanted to save the children. Well, he did already, he was there acting as the local vigilante Gotham has dubbed “Batman” or “The Bat” but Bruce actually wanted to help the best he could for these children. So if that means sucking it up and acting as the Playboy Billionaire so be it because, those corrupt socialites that are sucking up to him are fine if it means the orphanage gets a new building. He did not even care if his name was attached to the building in fact, he asked for nothing to be named specifically Bruce. He suggested that the orphanage play homage to his parents' legacy.
Click! Click! Click! The flash from the cameras drew him back to the ground he was walking on and he looked around the press that had their eye on him and his actions and his personal life. He hated this invasion of his privacy but he knew that it was unfortunately to him a necessary evil. He waves to the few cameras that continue to click away. Click! Click! Click!
“Excuse me? Mr. Wayne? Do you have a moment?” This meek voice asks, and suddenly it fills Bruce’s head.

Chapter Text

The voice was a rush of a calming blue in a sea of violent red. It was a voice calling out to him and Bruce could not help himself as he asserted his way to the calling. He parted his way through to find the beckoner. His hand parted the people, “Excuse me.” His voice demanded the people to move away. His feet well decorated in expensive Oxford shoes click the marble floor to meet this curly haired cutie. His glasses glisten as the light reflects through it so he never properly sees his eyes, but he can almost instinctively tell that he is kind. Suddenly like an arrow his voice comes through parting through the noise to his mind.
“Nice to meet you Mr.Wayne, I am Clark Kent with Daily Planet. Pleased to meet you. I am well acquainted with your philanthropy work. It’s nice to see someone doing so much good here.” States the voice that belonged to the curly strucken man. His calloused hand reaches out to the well dressed billionaire.
Bruce takes the hand, taking note of how rough his hand feels against his. The strength of the hand also takes him aback. It's slightly inhumane how strong this grasp is but he would not make a comment. At least not to embarrass the poor reporter. “Pleasure to make your acquaintance… The Daily Planet? Wouldn’t they usually send Miss Lois Lane to these events?” The head cocks to the side, his eyes almost flirting with the reporter.
“Oh, usually but she was already tasked with a different report.” Clark says his voice chuckles ever so softly. It makes the billionaire’s little cheeks softly flush. “So I hope you're not busy answering my questions…” His voice trails off into the many voices of the crowd.
Bruce looks at the reporter and softly blinks. Clark was not like the other reporters, he actually cared about him. His time, and how ever he felt. It was a different feeling to him from all the other celebrity hubbub he goes through. “No, no do not worry I will answer whatever questions you may need.” He says, the smile on his face not as plastered on his face. “Though if you think your questions are going to take long… I could take the time tomorrow for an exclusive interview?” He smirks softly that playboy persona taking a small front. His shoulders pull back just a bit and his feet face Clark.
“Oh you’d do that? That would be amazing Mr.Wayne!” Clark says, his smile beaming.
“Please, Call me Bruce, Kent.” Bruce Wayne shrugs. “Meet me on the top floor of Wayne Enterprises and tell my Secretary you’re here for me.”
Two different servers in tailored uniforms come up to the two of them. Bruce looks at the one on his left, an older man, holding a tray of sparkling beverages in flutes. Bruce carefully lifts a glass from the tray. Clark mirrors the man in front of him taking a drink from the server next to him. The two servers leave in opposite directions. Clark looks at his flute of sparkling champagne and sniffs it softly as he twirls it. While he took that whiff of air a hint of apple filled his mind. It was close to him.
“I propose we do a small toast, Kent?” Bruce asks, breaking Clark’s thoughts. Bruce lifts his glass out to suggest it clinks against Clarks glass.
“To…. Uhm… To Gotham?” Clark raises his glass but not hitting Bruce’s he thinks he could possibly shatter them.
“To Gotham works just fine.” Bruce smiles softly and clinks his glass against Clark’s. “To Gotham! Cheers!” He sips his glass as he forces his face to get more flush with color. He gives a sigh of relief. “This is really good, champagne isn’t it? Imported from France.”
Clark, having a superior immune system, does not have any reaction but nods along. “Yeah it has a really strong kick…” He is unsure if that is the proper term for champagne. He looks at the rosy cheeks of Bruce. The air between the two smelt of their cologne and apples once again.
***
The night goes on without much issue. The spirits were high and Clark interviewed more of the socialites at the party. Asking for their opinion on Bruce Wayne. Storing the quotes down on a little notepad he carried in the inner pocket of his Blazer. Suddenly there's more commotion as a voice goes through the speakers of the venue.
“Thank you all for all attending this Gala, It really means the world to me.” The voice is filled with passion riddled through his words. Clark turns his entire body to the stage where Bruce Wayne is holding the center stage, hand on the microphone. “These children, they need a proper home and place to stay and grow. And yes, I know that Gotham is not the best place to raise children but if I could get any and all children off the streets of Gotham I believe that it will be for the betterment of Gotham. For every dollar donated tonight through the goodness of everyone's heart, I will not only match, but double your donations to make tonight beyond worth your donation.” Bruce looks back through the crowd and somehow his face magically meets every camera with a dashing smile.
“As you know my parents, they..” he hesitates at the mic. Few closer to the front can see the tears start to swell before he wipes them away. “They left when I was so young and I feel like it's part of my duties to help Gotham the best I can and bettering the youth is probably the best step forward for a better future.”
Clark stands next to the company photographer holding his tape recorder recording the speech for cross referencing back to later when he’s going to write his paper on this event. He looks down at Jimmy who’s taking photos of the event. “Havin’ fun Jimmy?”
“Oh this is great, just fantastic! And I mean it I mean I haven’t had so many people give me their contact information in one place! …Granted they thought I was an interviewer” Jimmy chortles as he wipes his lens. He looks up at Clark “What about you did you get what you needed?”
“I got enough for the paper, but I somehow scored an exclusive with Bruce Wayne tomorrow so I’ll message Perry about that news. You most likely will have to go back or maybe just have a day to go sight seeing while I interview him.” Clark smiles that ever so familiar awkward smile and goes to fumble for his phone in his pants pocket. “I’ll let him know now actually..” Clark’s thumb starts to hover each of the keys taking careful presses on each of the keys.
***
Not so long after the text is sent and Jimmy starts to cap up his camera to put it away in his camera bag, something catches Clark’s attention. Distant wails of an alarm ring through his ear clear as day. “Hey Jimmy I’ll uh.. Meet you back in the room. I wanna get one last drink from the open bar.” Clark starts walking towards the direction of the bar before taking off in another direction. He rushes outside to the cold Gotham air looking for a place to hide in the alleyway between the hotel and the building next to it, discarding his button up shirt and suit entirely and leaping over the building in one bound. His eyes scan over the city before seeing a billowing pile of smoke. Bingo.
That's all he needed to rush over to the sight, his cape flowing through the wind. The cold breeze nipping at his nose and exposed hands he reaches it. A large body fire consumes a building and he just can't stop himself from going to investigate. His xray vision is going to search for anyone in the building. His sights on a few figures and his body flings into action. He flings himself into the fire, burning his cape as he grabs a crying child to carry to safety. “Don’t worry I got you Superman is here keeping you safe little one.” He puts the kid down and checks for any other life.
Two down in the boiler room, both are quite active and it seems like a fight. That does not stop him. He rushes down into the boiler room. A man in well decorated fire suits and a flame thrower is throwing flames at a man dressed in grey kevlar. This is a very odd situation. “Woah woah hey whats with the, the whole, fires and such here?” The man chuckles awkwardly.