Chapter Text
It was a cruise ship, an expensive one at that, Bruce could afford it. Clark could not, the only reason Clark was aboard the ship was because Lois won some tickets in a raffle and even then, they had to share their cabin. Bruce's ocean suite was absolutely ruined by the previous guest so he had to share a room, one with a nerdy looking reporter and a catty woman. He wished they had any alternative options but alas it was the only cabin available with two beds. Clark's hands shook, he didn't think he would have to share a bed with Lois, they got the two bedded room for a reason. Clark and Lois had been flirting for months now with little progress, this seemed like a giant step to take, the man of steel was cracking. As the two men shook hands the cabin host walked away, wishing them luck for the rest of the trip. At least Bruce was getting a refund for his suite's price, he just didn't know if he could bear being next to a lovey-dovey couple all week. Clark looked over to Lois, her face red and arms crossed around her, he thought it was because of her having to share a bed with him but no, Lois started coughing profusely and Clark almost immediately went to aid her. Lois' forehead was hot and she almost collapsed before Clark carried her to the bed. When she slept the two men were left there, alone together.
"So, how long have you two been together?" Bruce asked noticing Clark immediately starting to blush.
"W-what?! No, Lois and I are strictly coworkers, we're just on this cruise together because she won tickets, that's all!" Clark rambled on.
"Oh, sorry to jump to conclusions Mr. Kent, you two seemed quite close." The Bat responded, Clark's blush not letting up.
"Well, I have to admit, we have been flirting, and I thought tonight would be the night we finally share a bed but I suppose now she's sick we won't be able to do that." Clark said with a tiny bit of relief in his tone.
"Oh yes, what will we do about the bedding tonight? I can sleep on the floor, I wouldn't want you to sacrifice your comfort for me when I'm already impending on your space." Bruce offered, only to be shut down immediately.
"No, I insist, I can sleep on the floor, after all, you're an esteemed gentleman Mr. Wayne, wouldn't want you breaking your back over me." Clark countered, Bruce felt a small glint of pride from Clark's compliment, of course he would never show it on his face.
"No, no, it's quite alright, I'll be okay." The esteemed gentleman in question responded.
"Okay, fine, let's share the bed Mr. Wayne, if that's okay with you?" The Kryptonian negotiated. Bruce pondered for a moment before making his decision.
"Yes, that's fine, we're both men after all." Bruce looked Clark up and down, he was an average man, but his build was surprising muscular despite his timid demeanor.
"Now, let's go to the buffet, I'm starved, Mr. Kent." Bruce grabbed the other man by the arm, Clark didn't know why it felt so nice, or why it made him feel so nervous. While they walked to the dining area, a crowd drew their attention, a man was firing at a truck just on the dock.
Bruce had done his fair share of research before coming on the ship, he knew there was a precious diamond shipment on board with them, he was almost certain that it was what the mystery man was after. The bat slipped into the nearest bathroom, Clark following closely, unluckily, there were only urinals. Thinking quickly, Bruce set off a electrical disruptor and the power was out. In the dark Bruce slipped quickly into his Batman costume, and Clark into his Superman one. But through a window a crack of light poured out and they discovered one another. Bruce's eyes lingered too long on Clark's chiseled body, and Clark's eyes on Bruce's.
"Y-you're superman!? Well, I mean I thought Superman would be taller than me."* Bruce stammered. "And you're Batman, Mr. Wayne!?" Clark's eyes widen. "There's no time anyway! Lets go put out that fire!" Clark continued, the both of them rushing out and onto the scene. Bruce took to getting all civilians to evacuate while Clark took care of the fire using water vapor from a cloud to extinguish the fire the truck made. After Batman got all of the civilians out of the way, there was only one thing he had to do, he jumped down and ran after the criminal. With his agility he caught up with the perpetrator quickly and cuffed him easily, it was just some low end lackey. The diamonds however, were still missing. Bruce patted the man down to no avail, all he found was the gun, his fists clenched. The black eyes on the man were a symbol of what had happened and it didn't even take much of a beating to find out where the diamonds were stashed. Opening the barrel of the gun, Bruce found what he was looking for and ran back to Clark, criminal over his shoulder.
"Batman! You did it!" The super flew over to Bruce and hugged him tight.
"I found the diamonds, they're in the bullets of the gun." Bruce informed Clark whilst hugging him back. The local police took care of the criminal, who Bruce hadn't cared to earn the name of, all he could focus on was... Clark. All Bruce could focus on was him finding someone who could understand his superhero woes, of course Richard was always good company but he was young and more innocent, Clark was a man. All Clark could think of was the lingering touch of Bruce's arms around him, if Lois could crack the man of steel a little bit, Bruce could make him come undone. All they both could do was hope that their cruise trip would go on without any other disruptions.
After changing into their civilian outfits they headed back to their room where Lois lay dead asleep and both Bruce and Clark had the same dilemma.
"Please Mr. Kent, if I could ask you to keep my identity secret, that would be greatly appreciated, the only other people who know are my friend Robin and my butler." Bruce pleaded.
"Of course I will, then, can I trust you to keep mine secret as well? But since now we carry each other's secrets don't you think we should start being on first name basis?" Clark asked.
"I will keep your secret as safe as mine, thank you, Clark..." Bruce hesitated to say the other's name but once it was out, a camaraderie was instantly formed between the two men.
The night had begun, the sun set, the two men sat in their room enjoying food they brought from the buffet and each other's company.
"Ohohohoho**, and then, Robin starts throwing batarangs at the robot but they keep deflecting because he's using the ones we use for training! ahah, haha." Bruce laughed, Clark's pupils widened by just seeing him laugh.
"Bruce, do you maybe want to keep in touch after the cruise? I'd be exhilarated to keep talking to you, you're a good man." Clark asked, fearing the answer.
"Why of course! It would be my pleasure Supes." Bruce made sure every person he cherished had a nickname, something only he could call them, so he wondered why the hell he gave Clark one only 13 hours after meeting him!
"Ttaahah, Supes? That's my nickname? Well, Batsy, I think my nicknaming game is much sharper than yours." Clark jabbed back playfully.
"Is that a challenge Super Duper?"
"Sure is, Baseball Bat." And so their nicknaming war lasted for about an hour before it was time to knock out and sleep.
Having to share a bed with someone you just met is hard, especially if it is someone you're attracted to, Bruce knew this, he should've turned down Clark's offer to sleep on the same bed in the first place but just the thought of it made Bruce feel as giddy as a teenage girl. As soon as Clark climbed onto the bed he felt heart beating out of his chest, more than it would've if Lois were the one he'd be sleeping with, he didn't give it much thought as Bruce climbed on next to him.
"Well, uh, goodnight I suppose, Clark." Bruce choked over his own words as the man next to him was already knocked out. It's one of the drawbacks of Superman's abilities, they make him more tired than anything else in the world, well, excluding kryptonite. Bruce brushed the hair out of Clark's face.
"Sweet dreams, sweet man." Was the last thing Bruce said before going to sleep himself.