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Chapter Text

Chapter 1: The Vacation Begins

The hum of the jet engines was a familiar, comforting sound. Clark adjusted the plush cashmere blanket over his lap, a soft smile gracing his features as he gazed out the window of the Wayne Enterprises private jet. 

The sprawling lights of Gotham were shrinking below them. They were a glittering tapestry against the darkness. A hand, warm and reassuring, settled over his, and he turned to meet the fond gaze of his husband.

"Comfortable?" Bruce asked, his voice a low rumble that always managed to soothe Clark's nerves.

"Perfectly," Clark replied, intertwining their fingers. He brought Bruce's hand to his lips, placing a gentle kiss on the knuckles. "Thank you for this, Bruce. I really needed it."

Entering his fifth month of pregnancy was a significant milestone. The relentless morning sickness of the first trimester had finally subsided. It was replaced by a gentle, ever-present fatigue and a burgeoning appetite. 

His once-flat stomach now held a distinct, rounded curve that was becoming increasingly difficult to hide under his usual plaid shirts.

This trip to their private ski lodge, nestled high in the Swiss Alps, was Bruce's idea—a "babymoon," he'd called it. This would be a final, peaceful escape for just the two of them before their world joyfully tilted.

Bruce’s thumb stroked the back of Clark’s hand. "You've been working too hard at the Planet. And I know you've been avoiding... flying... for other reasons lately. You deserve a break. We deserve a break."

Clark’s other hand went instinctively to his belly. He could feel the faint, fluttery movements from within, like the gentle beat of a butterfly's wings. 

Their baby. 

It was a miracle that still left him breathless. The science was complex, a fusion of Kryptonian biology and Wayne Enterprises' most advanced medical technology, but the result was simple, beautiful life.

"They're quiet right now," Clark murmured, his super-hearing focused inward on the tiny, steady heartbeat that was the most beautiful sound in the universe. "I think they can feel me relaxing already."

A smile lit up Bruce's face, softening the usually stern lines around his eyes and mouth. He leaned over, pressing a tender kiss to Clark's temple before letting his eyes drift down to Clark’s abdomen.

"Once we're at the lodge, you can put your mind completely at ease." Bruce said, a hint of paternal awe in his tone. He shifted in his seat, his focus entirely on Clark. "Everything we could possibly need is already there, so you won't have to 'woosh' off to get anything."

Clark chuckled, a warm, happy sound that filled the cabin. "You spoil me."

"Always," Bruce replied without hesitation, his expression sincere. "You and our baby are my entire world now, Clark."

As the jet climbed higher, soaring through the stratosphere under a blanket of stars, Clark leaned his head against Bruce's shoulder. 

The city, with its responsibilities and dangers, felt a million miles away. 

Here, suspended between earth and sky, there was only peace. There was only the promise of crackling fires, gentle snowfall, and uninterrupted time with the man he loved.

The Alps awaited, and for the first time in a long time, Clark felt completely, utterly at ease.

Chapter Text

Chapter 2: The Alpine Sanctuary

The landing was so smooth Clark barely felt it. The jet taxied to a stop on a private airstrip nestled in a valley, a location so secluded it didn't appear on any commercial maps. When the cabin door opened, the air that filtered in was sharp, cold, and breathtakingly clean. It was a stark contrast to the familiar, heavy air of Gotham, and Clark inhaled deeply, a contented sigh escaping his lips.

A sleek, black SUV, already warmed and waiting, sat on the tarmac. A discreet driver, one of Bruce's trusted employees, loaded their luggage while Bruce helped Clark down the jet's steps, his hand resting solicitously on the small of Clark's back.

"Careful on the ice," Bruce murmured, his breath misting in the frigid air.

Once they were settled in the heated leather seats of the SUV, the vehicle pulled away, beginning the winding ascent toward the lodge. Clark was immediately captivated by the view. They were surrounded by the titans of the Alps, majestic peaks of stone and ice that clawed at a sky of the deepest, purest blue.

Snow clung to the mountainsides, dusting the dense evergreen forests that blanketed the lower slopes. The scale of it was immense, humbling even to a man who could fly among the stars.

"It's even more beautiful than I remembered," Clark said softly, his face pressed close to the window like an excited child.

"I had the southern-facing windows in the master suite enlarged," Bruce said, his eyes also on the staggering scenery. "The view of the Matterhorn at sunrise is something I wanted you to see properly."

Clark turned from the window, his heart swelling with affection. "You think of everything."

"Only where you're concerned," Bruce replied, his gaze warm. As they rounded a sharp bend, revealing another spectacular vista, he added, "I had a call from Dick just before we took off."

"Oh?" Clark's interest was piqued. "How is he? And how's Jason?"

Bruce's lips quirked into a small smile. The dynamic between his former protégé and the street-smart kid he'd taken under his wing was a source of constant, if sometimes chaotic, amusement.

Their relationship had been a surprise to everyone, but the fierce loyalty they shared was undeniable.

"They're good," Bruce confirmed. "They finally closed that smuggling case in Blüdhaven. Dick mentioned they were thinking of taking a trip themselves to celebrate, but Jason was complaining about wanting to go somewhere warm. He said he's had enough of the cold for one year."

Clark chuckled, easily picturing the scene. "That sounds like Jason. Well, I hope they find a nice beach somewhere. They've earned it."

The rest of the drive passed in comfortable silence, the grandeur of the mountains speaking for itself. Soon, the SUV turned onto a private, heated road, and the lodge came into view.

It was a masterpiece of architecture, a sprawling structure of dark wood and natural stone built to harmonize with its surroundings. Smoke curled lazily from a massive stone chimney, promising warmth and comfort within.

As they pulled to a stop, the front door opened, and Alfred stood there, already clad in a thick wool sweater, his expression as welcoming as the roaring fire Clark could see glowing in the great room behind him.

Stepping out of the car, Bruce wrapped an arm around Clark's shoulders, pulling him close as they both looked up at their alpine sanctuary. "Welcome home, Clark. For the next week, at least."

The sheer peace of the place washed over Clark. Here, there was no city to protect, no deadlines to meet. There was only the snow, the mountains, and the quiet promise of the days ahead with his husband, on the cusp of their new life together.

Chapter Text

Chapter 3: The Warmth Within

The moment they stepped inside, a wave of blissful warmth washed over them, chasing away the alpine chill. The interior of the lodge was even more magnificent than Clark had imagined.

A vast great room stretched before them, dominated by a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace where a colossal fire crackled and danced, casting a warm, amber glow across the room.

The ceilings were vaulted, crisscrossed with heavy timber beams, and the air smelled richly of pine, woodsmoke, and Alfred’s expert polishing.

"Welcome, sirs," Alfred said, his smile warm as he took their coats. "I trust the flight was agreeable?"

"As smooth as ever, Alfred. Thank you for having everything ready," Bruce replied, his gaze already on Clark, gauging his comfort.

"My pleasure, Master Bruce," Alfred said, before turning his full attention to Clark. "Master Clark, I've prepared a decaffeinated cocoa with extra cream, just as you like it. Please, sit by the fire. You mustn't get a chill; can't be too careful."

Clark felt a familiar rush of fondness for the man who was the unwavering heart of their family. "Thank you, Alfred. That sounds wonderful."

He allowed himself to be gently guided to a deep, overstuffed armchair upholstered in soft leather and tweed. As he sank into its embrace, he finally let the last vestiges of travel fatigue melt away.

He kicked off his boots, wiggling his sock-clad toes on a thick, soft bearskin rug spread before the hearth. Bruce settled into the armchair beside him while Alfred bustled off to the kitchen.

While their luggage was discreetly taken to the master suite, Bruce and Clark simply sat, watching the flames. It was a comfortable, easy silence. Soon, Alfred returned with a tray. A steaming mug of rich cocoa was placed in Clark's hands, a cup of Earl Grey for Bruce, and a small plate of freshly baked shortbread cookies between them.

"Is there anything else you require for the moment?" Alfred asked.

"This is perfect, Alfred. We're all set," Bruce said with genuine gratitude.

With a polite nod, the butler retreated, leaving the two of them alone. Clark took a slow sip of his cocoa, the warmth spreading through him. Just then, he felt a distinct, solid nudge from within his belly. He smiled, placing his free hand over the spot.

"Someone's happy we've arrived," he murmured.

Bruce reached over, placing his hand atop Clark's. His calloused fingers were gentle as he waited, his expression a mixture of awe and concentration. He was rewarded with another gentle kick.

"Definitely your son," Bruce said, a soft smile touching his lips. "Impatient and already making his presence known."

"Or yours," Clark countered playfully. "Ready to survey his new surroundings and make sure everything is up to his standards."

Later, after finishing their drinks, Bruce led Clark on a small tour. He showed him the state-of-the-art kitchen where Alfred would work his magic, the cozy library stocked with first editions, and finally, the master suite. It was a sanctuary within a sanctuary.

A king-sized bed was piled high with pillows and thick duvets, another fireplace was already lit, and, as Bruce had promised, one entire wall was a sheet of glass, perfectly framing the snow-capped peak of the Matterhorn against the twilight sky.

The sun was beginning its descent, painting the snow and sky in breathtaking hues of lavender, pink, and gold. They stood together, arms wrapped around each other, watching the daily miracle unfold.

"I could stay here forever," Clark whispered, leaning his head back against Bruce's chest.

Bruce tightened his hold, his chin resting on Clark's hair. "For this week," he murmured into Clark's ear, "forever is exactly what we have."

Chapter Text

Chapter 4: A Change in the Wind

That evening, after a delicious meal prepared by Alfred, they retired to the master suite. The fire cast flickering shadows on the walls as Bruce gently massaged Clark’s aching feet, his touch both firm and tender. Clark lay back against a mountain of pillows on the bed, his eyes half-closed in bliss.

"You know," Clark said, his voice soft and drowsy, "I don't think I've ever felt this relaxed."

"Good," Bruce replied, not looking up from his task. "That was the mission." He finished with one foot and moved to the other, his thumbs working circles into Clark's arch. "Mission: Utter Relaxation."

"Mission accomplished, Batman," Clark murmured with a smile. He shifted, turning onto his side to face Bruce better. "Thank you. For all of this. For… everything."

Bruce looked up, his expression softening as he met Clark’s gaze. He leaned forward, brushing a stray curl from Clark's forehead.

"There’s nothing to thank me for. Taking care of you is the most important mission I’ll ever have." He leaned in and captured Clark’s lips in a slow, loving kiss that tasted of contentment and the promise of their shared future.

*

The first light of dawn was a pale, ethereal blue, and it was enough to stir Clark from the deepest, most peaceful sleep he’d had in months.

Bruce was still sleeping soundly beside him, a rare sight that Clark always cherished. Quietly, he slipped out of bed, pulling on one of Bruce’s thick, fleece-lined robes and stepping out onto the heated stone of the private balcony.

The air was so cold it felt crystalline, but it was a clean, invigorating chill. Before him, the universe was putting on a show. The mighty peak of the Matterhorn was just beginning to catch the sun's first rays, its snow-covered tip glowing with a soft, rosy light known as alpenglow.

As the sun crested the horizon, a brilliant, pure white light spilled across the valley, making the endless expanse of snow glitter like a carpet of diamonds.

Clark closed his eyes and turned his face to the sky. He could feel the familiar, life-giving energy of the young yellow sun seeping into his skin, recharging his cells and filling him with a profound sense of peace.

He placed his hands on his rounded belly, feeling the baby stir within, as if greeting the morning along with him. In that moment, with the sun on his face and his child safe within him, he felt invincible in a way that had nothing to do with his powers.

A few moments later, the balcony door slid open and Bruce emerged, another heavy blanket in his arms. He came up behind Clark, wrapping the blanket—and his arms—around him, cocooning him in warmth.

"I should have known I'd find you out here, greeting the sun," Bruce murmured, his voice still thick with sleep as he rested his chin on Clark's shoulder.

"I couldn't resist," Clark whispered, leaning back into his husband’s embrace. "Look at it, Bruce. It’s perfect."

They stood in comfortable silence for several minutes, watching the morning light claim the mountains. The tranquility was broken by a soft buzz from the pocket of the robe Bruce had thrown on. With a small sigh, Bruce released Clark with one arm to retrieve his phone.

His brow furrowed slightly as he read the screen. It was a look Clark knew well—a mixture of fond exasperation and wry amusement.

"What is it?" Clark asked.

Wordlessly, Bruce handed him the phone. Clark looked down at the screen, a text message glowing in the morning light. It was from Dick.

~ convinced Jay to a vacation could you send the jet for us? Can't wait to see you and Clark 😁👍 ~

Chapter Text

Chapter 5: An Unexpected Turn

Clark read the message a second time, a slow smile spreading across his face. He looked up from the phone's screen to meet Bruce's watchful gaze, the crisp mountain air swirling around them.

The initial shock of the unexpected request was quickly being replaced by a warm, bubbling excitement.

"Dick and Jay are coming here?" Clark asked, the question laced with disbelief and dawning joy. He handed the phone back to Bruce, his mind already racing. "We could tell them. We could finally tell them about the baby."

Bruce took the phone, his thumb hovering over the screen as he considered the implications. A faint line appeared between his brows. "I planned this trip for us, Clark," he said, his voice quiet but firm. "For you to rest. Away from everything and everyone."

Clark understood his husband's hesitation. He stepped closer, taking Bruce's free hand and squeezing it gently. "And it'll be more wonderful. Bruce, they're family. We have to tell them soon anyway. What could be better than telling them in person, here? When we're all together and relaxed?"

He saw the conflict in Bruce's eyes. The desire to protect him, to keep this time sacred for just the two of them, was warring with the undeniable truth in Clark's words.

"It won't be a big fuss," Clark continued, his tone soft and persuasive. "It's not like they'll expect me to go skiing down a black diamond slope with them. We can still sit by the fire and drink cocoa. It'll just be... louder." A playful grin touched his lips. "And we'll probably have to hide the good shortbread from Jason."

That drew a faint, reluctant smile from Bruce. He looked at Clark's face, glowing in the morning sun, full of happy anticipation.

He saw the man he loved, who thrived on connection and family, and knew he couldn't deny him this. Their quiet sanctuary was about to be invaded, but it would be an invasion of love.

"Alright," Bruce conceded with a soft sigh of surrender. He looked down at his phone, his thumbs beginning to move across the screen. "But if they get too loud, I'm sending them out to build an igloo."

Clark laughed, a bright, happy sound that echoed in the quiet morning. He leaned in and kissed Bruce's cheek. "Deal."

Bruce typed a short, efficient reply to Dick, then showed it to Clark.

~Jet is on its way. Alfred will coordinate.~

He hit send. It was done. Clark looked out at the majestic, peaceful mountains, a new sense of excitement humming through him.

Their babymoon for two was officially over. A family vacation was about to begin. And soon, their two sons would know they were going to have a new sibling. He couldn't wait to see their faces.

Chapter Text

Chapter 6: The Calvary Arrives

"I still can't believe you talked me into this," Jason Todd grumbled, sinking deeper into the plush leather seat of the jet. He stared out the window at the endless expanse of clouds below them.

"We could be in the Florida Keys right now. You know—sun, sand, margaritas...Things that don't involve the risk of frostbite."

Dick Grayson, beaming in the seat beside him, simply laughed and leaned his head on Jason's shoulder. "Oh, come on, Jay. It'll be fun! Think of it: fresh mountain air, hitting the slopes, cozying up by a fire so big you could roast a whole mammoth."

"We live in Gotham. We get enough 'cozying up' weather," Jason retorted, though he made no move to push Dick away. He absently picked up Dick's hand, his thumb tracing patterns over his knuckles. "Besides, we're crashing their vacation. The old man finally takes a break, and we just invite ourselves along."

"It's not crashing, it's a surprise family reunion!" Dick said cheerfully. "Bruce sounded... quiet when I spoke to him last. A little tired. I think a visit will be good for them. And Clark is always happy to have people around. He's a social butterfly from Kansas, it's his natural state."

"His 'natural state' is being an alien god who can bench-press a planet. Let's not forget that," Jason deadpanned. He shifted, a thoughtful look on his face. "You really think they'll be okay with us just showing up?"

"Of course they will be!" Dick insisted, finally sitting up to look Jason in the eye, his expression sincere. "They're our family. And I miss them. Don't you?"

Jason let out a long-suffering sigh, but the hard edges of his expression softened. He couldn't deny it. As much as he valued his independence, a part of him still craved the strange, patchwork sense of belonging he'd found with them.

"Fine," he conceded. "But if Clark tries to tell me another one of his "interesting" reports on how to milk a cow, I'm holding you personally responsible."

"Deal," Dick chirped, sealing the promise with a quick, happy kiss.

An hour later, the pilot's voice came over the intercom, announcing their initial descent into the Swiss Alps. Jason leaned toward the window, and despite himself, his breath caught in his throat.

The clouds had broken, revealing a breathtaking panorama of jagged, snow-covered peaks stabbing at the sky. It was a brutal, majestic beauty that even he couldn't deny.

"Okay," Jason admitted, his voice low. "That's... not terrible."

Dick grinned, triumphant. "I told you!"

"Whatever," Jason grunted, trying to reclaim his grumpy demeanor. He settled back in his seat, a smirk playing on his own lips. "Just remember our deal. And if I freeze solid, I am counting on you to chisel me out."

"Promise," Dick said, his eyes sparkling with laughter as the jet banked, beginning its final approach into the heart of the mountains.

Chapter Text

Chapter 7: A Knock at the Door

The SUV came to a smooth halt in front of the main lodge, a grand structure of stone and timber that radiated warmth against the snowy landscape. As Dick and Jason stepped out, they were immediately struck by the sheer, overwhelming beauty of their surroundings.

The air was thin and bitingly cold, but so clear it felt like they could see for a hundred miles. All around them, the Alps loomed like ancient, silent gods, their peaks catching the afternoon sun.

"Whoa," Dick breathed, spinning in a slow circle, his face alight with wonder. "Okay, pictures do not do this justice."

Jason, for his part, was silent. He tilted his head back, his gaze sweeping over the jagged ridgeline that cut across the brilliant blue sky. "I'll give him this," he finally said, his voice uncharacteristically quiet. "The old man sure does know how to pick a vacation spot."

As they pulled their bags from the trunk, the main doors of the lodge swung open. Bruce stood there, silhouetted against the roaring fire in the great room. He was dressed in a simple dark sweater and trousers, looking more like a relaxed country gentleman than a billionaire vigilante.

"Bruce!" Dick called out, abandoning his bag and jogging up the steps to pull him into a firm hug. "This place is insane! It's amazing."

"I'm glad you like it," Bruce said, clapping Dick on the back before turning his attention to Jason, who had approached with a more reserved pace. "Jason. Good to see you. I trust the flight was smooth."

"Can't complain when you own the airline," Jason quipped, a small, genuine smile touching his lips. He glanced past Bruce into the cozy interior. "Where's Kent? Out chasing avalanches for a thrill?"

"He's back at our cabin," Bruce explained, his tone even. "He was feeling a little tired, so he's resting. The travel and the altitude took more out of him than expected."

The explanation was plausible enough that neither Dick nor Jason questioned it further, though Dick made a mental note to check on Clark later.

"Come on," Bruce said, gesturing for them to follow him. "Let me show you where you're staying."

He led them not through the main lodge, but along a heated stone pathway that wound through a grove of snow-laden pine trees. After a short walk, two private cabins came into view, slightly removed from the main building and each other, offering seclusion and breathtaking views. They were smaller, more intimate versions of the main lodge, with smoke already curling from their chimneys.

Bruce stopped in front of the first one. "I had Alfred get this one ready for you. It's right next to ours," he said, nodding toward the nearly identical cabin just a stone's throw away. "Figured you'd want your own space."

He unlocked the door and pushed it open, revealing an interior that was both rustic and luxurious. A fire was already crackling in the fireplace, the kitchenette was stocked, and the whole place smelled of cedar and clean linen.

"Settle in, get your gear sorted," Bruce said, stepping back onto the path. "Come over for dinner around seven. Clark will be very happy to see you both."

With a final nod, he left them to get acquainted with their new home for the week. As Jason dropped his duffel bag onto the floor, Dick was already at the window, staring at the cabin next door. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was different, but he couldn't quite put his finger on what. He just knew he was eager for dinner, and even more eager to see Clark.

Chapter Text

Chapter 8: The Unspoken Question

Jason tossed his duffel bag onto the plush king-sized bed and began rummaging through it, pulling out a worn copy of a book and setting it on the nightstand before starting on his clothes. Dick, meanwhile, was doing a slow tour of the cabin, running a hand over the smooth wooden mantle of the fireplace and peering into the well-stocked kitchenette.

"Wow. He even got that weird brand of protein bar you like," Dick called out, pulling one from a cupboard.

"It's not weird, it's nutritionally dense," Jason grumbled from the bedroom, his voice muffled. "And it's the only one that doesn't taste like chalk."

Dick smiled to himself and continued his exploration. After a few minutes of comfortable silence, broken only by the rustling of clothes being unpacked, he spoke again, his tone more thoughtful this time.

"Hey, Jay?"

"Yeah?"

"Did you think it was weird what Bruce said? About Clark?" Dick asked, leaning against the doorframe of the bedroom.

Jason paused, a stack of black t-shirts in his hand. "What, that he's tired? We flew across an ocean, Dick. Normal people get jet lag. Even aliens who are ridiculously cheerful all the time probably get a little worn out."

"No, it's more than that," Dick pressed, walking into the room and sitting on the edge of the bed. "Clark doesn't really get tired like that. The sun is basically a giant battery charger for him. A flight, the altitude... that's never bothered him before. It's like complaining that a fish is tired from being in water."

Jason stopped unpacking and turned to face him, leaning back against the dresser. He folded his arms, his expression analytical. "So what are you thinking? He's sick?"

"A human virus wouldn't even register," Dick countered immediately. "And if it was something Kryptonian, Bruce wouldn't have let us come within a thousand miles of this place. He'd have the entire mountain range under quarantine."

"Fair point," Jason conceded. He mulled it over for a moment. "Maybe they had a fight? And Bruce is just covering for him?"

"Did Bruce look like a man who just had a fight?" Dick shot back. "He looked… calm. More than calm. He's hyper-focused on Clark. When he said he was 'resting,' it wasn't an excuse. It was a statement. Like he's genuinely under doctor's orders to take it easy."

They sat in silence for a moment, the puzzle hanging between them. Clark, the most powerful man on the planet, was being treated with a level of delicate care usually reserved for... well, for someone fragile. And Clark Kent was anything but fragile.

"It's just strange," Dick finally said, shaking his head. "Something's different."

Jason pushed off the dresser and walked over to the bed, sitting beside Dick and nudging his shoulder gently. "Well, whatever it is, I guess we'll find out soon enough. We're having dinner with them in an hour."

He stood up and started unpacking again, his movements efficient and decisive. "Now, are you going to help me with this, or are you just going to sit there and brood? Because if there's one thing this family doesn't need, it's another brooder."

Dick managed a small laugh, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. Jason was right. Speculating wouldn't solve anything. He stood up and began putting his own clothes away, but his mind was still turning over the possibilities. He had a feeling this vacation was about to get a lot more interesting.

Chapter Text

Chapter 9: The Reveal

Promptly at seven, a knock sounded at the door of Bruce and Clark’s cabin. Alfred, ever-efficient, was there to open it in an instant, ushering Dick and Jason in from the cold.

"Good evening, Masters Dick and Jason," he greeted them with a polite smile. "Please, come in. Dinner is almost served."

The first thing they noticed was the fire, a roaring blaze that made the entire cabin feel warm and alive. The second thing they noticed was Clark.

He was sitting on a plush sofa, a thick, cable-knit blanket draped over his lap. He wasn't wearing his usual plaid shirt, but a soft, dark blue Henley that was just a little looser than his normal attire. He looked… radiant. There was a healthy, vibrant glow to his skin and a serene, happy light in his eyes that went beyond his usual sunny disposition.

"Dick! Jason! I'm so glad you made it," Clark said, his voice full of genuine warmth. He started to get up, but Bruce, who was sitting in an armchair nearby, was on his feet in a second.

"Stay put," Bruce said gently but firmly, placing a hand on Clark's shoulder. "Let them come to you."

Dick's internal alarms, already on high alert, pinged again. Bruce's level of solicitousness was off the charts. He and Jason exchanged a quick, subtle glance as they crossed the room.

"Hey, Clark," Dick said, leaning down to give him a careful hug. "Bruce said you were feeling tired. You doing okay?"

"I'm perfect," Clark replied, his smile unwavering. "Just taking it easy. Doctor's orders."

"You have a doctor?" Jason asked, his brow furrowed in confusion as he took a seat on the opposite end of the sofa. "Since when do you need a doctor?"

Before Clark could answer, Alfred announced that dinner was ready. They moved to the dining table, a heavy oak piece that looked out over the now moonlit valley. The meal was, as expected, superb. A rich beef bourguignon that Alfred had slow-cooked all afternoon. The conversation was light and easy, filled with catching up on cases in Blüdhaven and anecdotes from the Daily Planet.

Yet, throughout the meal, Dick couldn't shake his sense of observation. He noticed Clark ate with a hearty, almost ravenous appetite. He noticed the way Bruce’s eyes constantly drifted to Clark, a quiet check-in that happened every few minutes. And he noticed how Clark kept one hand resting almost unconsciously on his stomach, hidden beneath the table.

They were finishing dessert, a decadent chocolate lava cake, when it happened. Clark was in the middle of a story when he suddenly paused, his eyes widening slightly. A soft gasp escaped his lips, and his hand flew to his belly, this time on top of his shirt.

"Whoa, active one.," he murmured, almost to himself.

The table fell silent. Dick and Jason froze, spoons halfway to their mouths.

"Active one?" Dick repeated slowly, his detective's mind finally locking onto the last, impossible piece of the puzzle. His eyes dropped from Clark's face to the hand resting protectively on his stomach.

Clark looked at Bruce, a silent, happy exchange passing between them. Bruce gave a slight nod, a small, proud smile on his face. 

This was it.

Taking a deep breath, Clark pushed his chair back slightly and stood up. He let the blanket that had been on his lap fall away. Without the loose fabric and the angle of the table to hide it, the truth was unmistakable. Under the soft material of his Henley, his abdomen was not flat. It was gently, but very clearly, rounded with the unmistakable swell of a growing baby.

"Yeah, it's usually when I eat…when is usually always.” He laughed softly, 

“anyways.…we wanted to tell you in person," Clark said, his voice soft but filled with an unshakeable joy. "Bruce and I... we're having a baby."

The silence in the room was absolute. Jason's spoon clattered from his numb fingers onto his plate. Dick's jaw was literally hanging open. They stared at Clark’s bump, then at Bruce’s proud face, then back again, their minds struggling to process the impossible reality before them.

"You're... you're..." Dick stammered, pointing a shaky finger. "You're pregnant?"

"Five months along," Clark confirmed, beaming.

Jason finally found his voice, a strangled, incredulous whisper. "How?"

Bruce finally spoke, a rare note of pure happiness in his voice. "With a little Kryptonian biology and some of Wayne-funded science." He reached out, taking Clark's hand and pulling him gently back to his side.

"We're going to be fathers."

Chapter Text

Chapter 10: Negotiations

For a solid ten seconds, the only sound in the room was the crackling of the fire. Dick and Jason stared, utterly dumbfounded, as the impossible truth settled over them.

Dick was the first to break. A slow, incredulous grin spread across his face, followed by a sudden burst of explosive energy. He shot up from his chair so fast it nearly tipped over.

"Are you serious?" he exclaimed, his voice a mix of shock and pure glee. "A baby? A real, actual baby? How? When are you due? Is it a boy or a girl? Have you picked out names? Can I be the godfather? Jason can be the other godfather, it's fine!"

The barrage of questions broke the spell, and Jason finally blinked, shaking his head as if to clear it. He looked from Clark’s serene smile to his clearly visible baby bump. "So... all that stuff about you being tired..."

"Wasn't a lie," Clark finished with a chuckle. "Growing a half-Kryptonian baby takes a lot of energy."

Jason leaned forward, his elbows on the table, a look of bewildered awe on his face. His usual gruffness was gone, replaced by a raw, genuine concern. "Are you... okay, though? I mean, is it safe? For you?"

"It's perfectly safe," Bruce answered, his hand resting protectively on the small of Clark’s back. "Clark is healthier than he's ever been. We have the best medical team on the planet monitoring everything."

The initial shock quickly melted into unrestrained joy. Dick was practically vibrating with excitement, already planning a baby shower and debating the merits of different stroller designs. Jason, in his own quieter way, was smiling, a real, unguarded smile that reached his eyes. The cabin was filled with laughter and happy, overlapping conversations.

"This is amazing," Dick said, finally taking a breath. "This completely changes our plans for the week. We have to celebrate! We'll hit the slopes tomorrow! Jay and I can race you both to the bottom!" He said it out of habit, a familiar challenge thrown down.

Clark’s face lit up instantly, his eyes sparkling with a familiar, competitive fire. "I'd love that! Let's do it."

"Absolutely not," Bruce said immediately, his tone flat and non-negotiable.

Clark turned to him, his expression shifting from excitement to playful indignation. This was a direct contradiction to the easy excuses he'd made on the jet, but now, with his family around him, his desire to participate overruled his earlier caution.

"What? Why not?" Clark protested. "The doctor said staying active is good for me! The baby is fine, I can still do things until the seventh month. My powers protect both of us. Let's go skiing, Bruce! I won't even do a black diamond run, I promise. Just a nice, easy green slope." He looked to Dick and Jason for support. "Guys, back me up here."

Dick looked uncertainly between Bruce’s granite expression and Clark’s pleading eyes. Jason just smirked, leaning back in his chair to enjoy the show. "Not touching that one," he muttered.

"The answer is no, Clark," Bruce said, his voice leaving no room for argument. "There are loose rocks, ice patches, other skiers. It's an unnecessary risk. There is nothing to debate."

Clark crossed his arms, a petulant look on his face that was so uncharacteristic it was almost comical. "You're treating me like I'm made of glass."

"I'm treating you like you're carrying the most precious thing in the world," Bruce countered softly, his expression softening. "Which you are."

He offered a compromise. "We can all take the gondola to the summit. You can drink hot chocolate at the restaurant and make fun of Jason when he falls. But you are not skiing. End of discussion."

Clark let out an exaggerated sigh, though the pout couldn't quite hide his smile. The argument was lost, but the reason behind it filled him with warmth.

Dick grinned, shaking his head in amusement at the exchange. "Wow," he said, nudging Jason. "Dad-Bruce is way more intense than Bat-Bruce."

Chapter Text

Chapter 11: The Art of Compromise

After bidding Dick and Jason goodnight, the cabin settled into a peaceful, contented silence. The energy of the reveal and the subsequent excitement lingered in the air, a warm and happy hum.

Bruce came up behind Clark, who was standing by the large window watching the moon cast a silvery glow on the snow. He wrapped his arms around Clark’s waist, resting his hands over the gentle swell of their baby.

"They were happy," Clark whispered, leaning back into the solid warmth of his husband's chest.

"Of course they were happy," Bruce murmured into his hair. "It's wonderful news." He paused, his hands moving in a slow, soothing circle. "And they'll have two new uncles to spoil them rotten."

"They will," Clark agreed with a soft smile. They stood like that for a long time, simply holding each other, two hearts beating with love for each other and a third, tiny heart beating in unison between them. The intimacy was quiet and profound, a perfect end to a perfect day.

********************************************************

The next morning, the cabin was filled with the delicious aroma of Alfred's blueberry pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. Clark was halfway through a stack, drizzled generously with maple syrup, when his phone buzzed on the table beside him. He picked it up, and his face broke into a wide grin.

"Look," he said, turning the screen toward Bruce.

It was a series of pictures from Dick. The first was a ridiculously cheerful selfie of him and Jason on the ski lift, the mountain peaks magnificent behind them. The second was a short video of Jason carving effortlessly down a slope, kicking up a spray of powdery snow. The final message read:

~ Powder is perfect! Sun is out! Wish you were here! ~

A familiar, stubborn glint appeared in Clark’s eyes. Before Bruce could even form a protest, he was gone. There was a faint whoosh of displaced air, a blur of motion that ruffled the napkins on the table, and in the space where Clark had been sitting, he was now standing. He was fully dressed in a sleek, dark blue ski suit, goggles perched on his head, looking utterly determined. The suit was snug, clearly outlining his five-month bump.

He put his hands on his hips, a gesture made slightly comical by his belly. "Okay," he announced. "I'm going. Just one run. On the absolute easiest slope they have. We can do the one for the toddlers. I will go slower than Alfred driving on a Sunday."

Bruce opened his mouth to deliver the swift, unequivocal "No" he had prepared. He was ready for a debate, for another round of negotiations. But then, he truly looked at him.

He saw his husband, the most powerful being on the planet, standing there in a ridiculously expensive ski suit, looking like an adorable, expectant pouter.

The fierce determination in his eyes was so at odds with the gentle curve of his stomach that Bruce felt his legendary resolve crack, splinter, and then completely disintegrate. He was, quite simply, the most beautiful thing Bruce had ever seen.

A long, defeated sigh escaped Bruce's lips. He rubbed a hand over his face, unable to fight the smile that was spreading across it.

"Fine," he said, the word costing him every ounce of his protective instinct. Clark’s face lit up with a triumphant, sun-bright grin. "But," Bruce continued, holding up a finger, his voice regaining its authority, "there are rules."

He stood and walked over to Clark, adjusting the collar of his ski suit. "One. Run. On the bunny slope. I will be skiing beside you the entire time. If your heart rate elevates by more than ten percent, we are done. If you feel so much as a single, solitary twinge, we are done. If a snowflake lands on you in a way I don't like, we are done. Deal?"

In a flash, Clark was in front of him, wrapping his arms around Bruce's neck and planting a loud, happy kiss on his lips. "Deal!" he chirped, his joy palpable. "Thank you! You won't regret this!"

"I already regret this," Bruce grumbled, but there was no heat in it as he allowed Clark to pull him toward the door, his heart filled with a type of helpless, overwhelming love he was beginning to realize was a permanent condition.

Chapter Text

Chapter 12: Instincts

As they rode the short lift up the bunny slope, Clark pulled out his phone, his mittens making his fingers clumsy. He managed to type out a quick message to Dick.

~ On our way. See you at the bottom. 😉 Don't laugh when you see how slow Bruce is making me go. ~

Bruce, who had read the message over his shoulder, just gave him a look. "Safety is not a laughing matter, Clark."

"I know, I know," Clark said, patting his husband's arm affectionately.

The run itself was almost comically slow. True to his word, Bruce skied directly beside Clark, his form perfect, his eyes never leaving him. His focus was so intense that other skiers gave them a wide berth. 

Clark, for his part, was having a wonderful time. The sun was warm on his face, the air was crisp, and the gentle gliding motion was soothing. He moved with an easy, innate grace, his balance perfect despite the new weight he was carrying.

They were nearing the bottom of the gentle incline when Clark's head snapped up. 

His smile vanished. His super-hearing, always active, had filtered through the sounds of happy skiers and the whisper of wind to catch a sound of pure panic from the adjacent, more advanced slope—the sharp, grating scrape of skis losing their edge on ice, a terrified scream, and the rhythmic, uncontrolled thud of a body tumbling downhill.

"Clark?" Bruce asked, instantly noticing the change.

Clark didn't answer. His eyes narrowed, his vision telescoping, punching through the sparse woods separating the two runs. 

He saw it in an instant: a young, inexperienced skier was tumbling head over heels, a chaotic pinwheel of limbs and equipment, rocketing down the steepest part of the slope. 

And directly in the skier's collision course, sitting on the snow to adjust his snowboard binding with his back turned and headphones in, was Jason.

Time seemed to freeze. There was no room for discussion, no moment for a plan. There was only instinct.

"Jason!" was the only word Clark said, his voice sharp with urgency.

Before Bruce could even turn his head, Clark was gone. Not in a blur, but simply… gone. The spot where he had been skiing was empty.

From Jason's perspective, the world was muffled by the thumping bass of the music in his ears. 

He finished tightening his binding and was about to push himself up when a flicker of movement out of the corner of his eye made him glance uphill. 

His eyes widened in disbelief at the human avalanche hurtling toward him. He had less than a second to brace for an impact that would undoubtedly break bones.

Then, a sudden, violent gust of wind slammed into him. The world became a confusing vortex of motion. One moment he was on the ground, the next he was standing ten feet to the left, completely untouched. 

He looked over to where the out-of-control skier should have been and saw them being gently deposited into a deep, soft snowbank at the edge of the run, dazed but miraculously unharmed.

In the space between them, a figure in a dark blue ski suit stood as still as a statue, not a single snowflake out of place. Clark didn't even seem to be breathing heavily, but his right hand was resting firmly, protectively, on his stomach.

A moment later, skis sliced to a halt beside them as Bruce arrived, his face a pale, rigid mask of controlled terror. At the same time, Dick came flying down the hill from further up, yelling.

"Jason! Are you okay? What happened?"

Jason ignored him, his wide eyes locked on Clark. The shock was wearing off, replaced by a tangled mess of gratitude, anger, and sheer disbelief.

"What the hell, Kent?" he finally managed to say, his voice rough. "You're not supposed to be doing that!"

Chapter Text

Chapter 13: Accusations 

"You're not supposed to be doing that!" Jason repeated, his voice tight with a mixture of adrenaline and something that sounded suspiciously like fear.

Clark ignored the accusation, his eyes scanning Jason from head to toe with a practiced efficiency. "Are you hurt? Did any of the gear hit you?"

"No, I'm not hurt! That's not the point!" Jason snapped, gesturing angrily at Clark's stomach. "The point is, you could have been. What were you thinking?"

Before Clark could defend himself, Bruce was there, stepping between them. He placed his hands on Clark's shoulders, turning him away from Jason to face him. His face was pale, his jaw clenched so tightly a muscle jumped. His voice, when he spoke, was dangerously quiet.

"We are going back to the cabin. Now."

It was the voice he used in the cave. The one that demanded absolute, unquestioning obedience. For a moment, Clark bristled, his own protective instincts rising to the surface.

"Bruce, I'm fine," he insisted, his tone placating. "The baby is fine. I was careful. There was never any real danger to me."

"There was no danger?" Bruce's voice was sharp, cutting through the cold air. "Moving at that velocity, making two high-mass intercepts—don't tell me there was no danger, Clark. I ran the simulations myself."

"You ran simulations on me rescuing people while pregnant?" Clark asked, incredulous.

"I run simulations for every contingency," Bruce bit back.

It was Dick who finally stepped in, putting himself physically in the middle of the tense standoff. He held his hands up in a gesture of peace.

"Okay, everybody, let's just breathe," he said, his voice calm and steady. He looked first at Jason. "Stop yelling at the man who just saved your life." Then he turned to Bruce. "And you, stop yelling at the hero who just saved your son." Finally, his gaze softened as he looked at Clark. "Thank you, Clark. Seriously. Thank you."

Ski patrol was now carefully loading the dazed and slightly bruised skier onto a sled, their voices a calm, professional murmur in the background. The immediate crisis was over, but the tension between the four of them remained, thick and heavy.

"Dick's right. Let's get off the slope," Bruce said, his voice still cold and clipped. He took Clark's arm in a firm grip. He wasn't hurting him, but it was a hold that brooked no argument. He looked over Clark's shoulder at Dick and Jason. "We'll see you back at the cabins."

He then began guiding Clark toward the nearest lift, the silence between them more intimidating than any argument.

Jason watched them go, the anger draining out of him, leaving a hollow feeling of guilt in its place. He finally looked at Dick.

"He shouldn't have done that," Jason said quietly, his voice rough with emotion. "He shouldn't have had to."

"He did it because he loves you, Jay," Dick replied softly, putting a comforting arm around his boyfriend's shoulders. "It's who he is. But I have a feeling the next conversation in that cabin is going to be a rough one."

They stood for a moment longer, watching Bruce and Clark's silent retreat. The perfect, sunny day on the slopes had suddenly become clouded over, and the carefree joy of their vacation felt a million miles away.

Chapter Text

Chapter 14: Bat - Glares

Back in their own cabin, the silence was heavy as Dick and Jason stripped off their damp ski gear. Jason moved with a stiff, angry energy, throwing his helmet onto a chair with more force than necessary.

"This is my fault," he finally bit out, breaking the quiet. He stopped, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "If I had just been paying attention, instead of messing with my music like an idiot, none of this would have happened."

Dick walked over and placed a steadying hand on his shoulder. "No, it's not your fault, Jay. Accidents happen. And Clark would have done that for anyone on the mountain. But he especially would have done it for you, and you know it."

"That's what makes it worse," Jason said, his voice dropping. "He put himself at risk for me."

"I've never seen Bruce that scared," Dick said quietly, remembering the look on his mentor's face. "Not even when Joker had him cornered at Arkham. It was pure, unfiltered terror."

He sighed, pulling on a comfortable sweater. "Come on. We can't just sit here. We should go over, make sure they haven't incinerated each other with laser eyes and bat-glares."

In the cabin next door, the argument had reached a tense, quiet stalemate. Clark sat on the sofa, arms crossed defensively over his chest. Bruce paced in front of the fireplace, his movements as caged and restless as a panther's.

"What you did was reckless," Bruce finally said, stopping to face him.

"What I did was save Jason's life," Clark countered, his voice firm. "And I would do it again in a heartbeat, Bruce. You know I would."

"That isn't the point!" Bruce's voice rose, laced with a fear so profound it was almost palpable. "I don't doubt your ability to handle a threat, Clark. I doubt the variables! We know nothing about the effects of rapid acceleration or sudden deceleration on a developing half-Kryptonian fetus. The physics of it, the potential for inertial stress against your uterine wall... there is no data! I am operating blind, and you just performed an act that subjected your entire system to immense physical forces!"

Hearing the raw, analytical terror in Bruce’s voice, Clark's defensiveness finally crumbled. This wasn't about a lack of faith in him; it was about Bruce's desperate need for control in a situation where he had none. It was about the scientist and the detective being confronted with the one unknown he couldn't stand: the safety of his family.

Seeing the shift in Clark’s expression, Bruce’s shoulders sagged. He walked over to a sleek, carbon-fiber case resting on a side table and opened it. Inside, nestled in high-density foam, was a piece of technology that looked like a futuristic ultrasound machine.

"I need to be sure," Bruce said, his voice now quiet and pleading. "I need the reassurance. Please, Clark. Let me run a scan. Just... just to ease my mind."

Clark looked from the scanner to the genuine anguish on his husband's face and nodded. He lay back against the sofa cushions and pulled the hem of his sweater up, exposing his rounded belly. "Okay, Bruce. Let's see our little one."

Bruce's hands were surprisingly gentle as he applied the cool gel. He powered on the device, and a moment later, a black-and-white image flickered to life on the large, tablet-like screen. He moved the transducer probe slowly, his entire being focused on the image, his breath held in suspense.

Just then, a soft knock came at the door.

Bruce didn't even register it, but Clark, seeing his sons through the frosted glass, called out, "It's open. Come in."

Dick and Jason entered hesitantly, stopping dead in the doorway. They took in the scene before them: Clark lying on the sofa, Bruce hunched over him with the strange medical device, both their faces illuminated by the ghostly light of the screen.

No one spoke. Dick and Jason slowly approached, their eyes drawn to the monitor. The four of them stood and sat in absolute silence, a single family unit united in their shared anxiety and hope, watching the flickering, grainy image of the new addition.

Chapter Text

Chapter 15: The Heartbeat

The only sounds in the cabin were the soft crackle of the fire and the faint, almost imperceptible hum of the scanner. All four men were frozen, their collective gaze locked on the monochrome screen where grainy shapes shifted and swirled.

Bruce’s hand was rock-steady as he navigated the transducer over Clark’s stomach, his brow furrowed in intense concentration. The silence stretched, thick with unspoken fear and fragile hope.

Then, Bruce made a minute adjustment, and the image sharpened.

A collective gasp went through the room. It was unmistakable. A tiny, perfect profile. A gracefully curved spine. The round dome of a head, and what looked like a small hand tucked up near a face. The baby was curled up, floating peacefully in the quiet dark.

Dick’s hand flew to his mouth, his eyes wide and shining. Jason took an involuntary step closer, his tough exterior completely vanishing, leaving only a look of pure, unadulterated wonder.

Bruce’s focus remained absolute. He hit a switch on the console. A moment later, a new sound filled the cabin, cutting through the tension and silencing every worry.

Thump-thump. Thump-thump. Thump-thump.

It was the most beautiful sound any of them had ever heard. A strong, steady, powerful rhythm that echoed with life and promise. It was the sound of a perfectly healthy, perfectly safe heartbeat.

A long, shuddering breath escaped Bruce's lips. The iron control he held over himself finally broke. The cold terror that had gripped him since the incident on the slope melted away, replaced by a wave of relief so profound it made his knees feel weak.

He closed his eyes for a second, his shoulders slumping. He rested his forehead against Clark’s temple, his entire body trembling slightly.

"One hundred and fifty beats per minute," Bruce whispered, his voice thick with unshed tears. "Perfectly strong. Perfectly steady."

Clark, who had been watching his husband's face the entire time, reached up and cupped the back of Bruce's head, his own eyes wet. "I told you, Bruce," he murmured. "We're okay."

"Oh my god," Dick finally breathed, tears now openly streaming down his face. He moved to the other side of the sofa, kneeling down to get a closer look at the screen. "Is that… is that them? Wow. They’re so… real."

"Look," Clark said, a happy, watery chuckle in his voice. He pointed a finger at a tiny nub on the screen. "I think they have your stubborn chin, Bruce."

For the first time since they’d left the mountain, Bruce smiled. It was a wobbly, raw, incredibly vulnerable smile. He looked at the screen, then at Clark, then at the teary-eyed faces of his two sons. The argument, the fear, the anger—it all evaporated like mist in the morning sun.

Jason hadn't moved, but his arms were no longer crossed. He was staring at the image of his future sibling, the person Clark had risked everything for, and felt the last of his guilt wash away, replaced by a fierce, startling wave of protectiveness.

"They're okay," he said quietly, more to himself than anyone else.

The four of them remained gathered around the flickering screen, the steady, rhythmic heartbeat filling the spaces between them.

They were no longer a mentor and his protégés, a vigilante and a god, or two separate couples. In that moment, bound by the sound of a tiny, miraculous heart, they were simply a family.

Chapter Text

Chapter 16: A Picture Of Hope

Bruce carefully maneuvered the scanner, capturing several more images of their developing child from different angles.

With a few taps on the screen, he saved a crisp, clear digital photograph of the baby’s profile to the device's memory.

He looked up, his expression softer than it had been all day. "I'm sending this to you both," he said, tapping the screen again. 

A moment later, Dick's and Jason's phones buzzed simultaneously.

They both looked down at their devices, their faces lighting up as they saw the tiny, perfect image. Dick let out a happy sigh. "Oh, they're beautiful."

Jason just nodded, a rare, tender expression on his face as he zoomed in on the picture. He didn't say anything, but the protective glint in his eyes spoke volumes.

The tension in the room had completely dissipated, replaced by a quiet sense of wonder and anticipation. Alfred, who had been discreetly observing the emotional scene, announced that dinner was ready to be served again.

They all moved back to the dining table, the earlier drama forgotten in the face of this new reality. The conversation during dinner was lighter, filled with gentle teasing and excited speculation about the baby's future. 

Dick and Jason peppered Clark with questions about cravings and baby names, their initial shock replaced by enthusiastic involvement. Bruce, though quieter, watched the interaction with a fond smile, his hand often finding its way to rest protectively on Clark's arm or his stomach.

As the evening drew to a close, and the warmth of the fire and good food filled the cabin, Dick turned to Bruce and Clark. "So, what's the plan for tomorrow? More… gentle slope action?" he asked, a playful smirk on his face.

Clark chuckled. "Actually," Bruce interjected, looking at Clark with a newfound tenderness, "I was thinking something a little less… strenuous. Alfred mentioned the resort has private sleigh rides through the lower valley. Bundled up in warm blankets, enjoying the scenery…"

Clark’s face lit up. "That sounds perfect," he said, leaning against Bruce's shoulder. "Quiet, peaceful… just what the doctor ordered." He shot a teasing glance at Dick and Jason. "And no chance of any unexpected high-speed rescues required."

Dick and Jason exchanged amused glances. "A quiet sleigh ride it is," Dick agreed with a grin. "Sounds like a good way to see more of this incredible place without anyone risking life or limb."

The plan was set. 

A peaceful sleigh ride through the snowy landscape, a chance for them all to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Alps.

Chapter Text

Chapter 17: The Future

As Alfred cleared the last of the dessert plates, Clark suddenly laughed, placing both hands on his belly. "Whoa," he said, his eyes wide. "I think the chocolate cake woke them up. They're doing acrobatics in there."

Bruce smiled, instinctively placing his own hand next to Clark's. Dick leaned forward, his expression eager. "Can I...?"

"Of course," Clark said, guiding Dick's hand to a spot on his stomach. A moment later, Dick's face lit up as he felt a distinct, solid nudge from within.

"No way," he whispered in awe. "That's incredible." He looked over at Jason. "Jay, you have to feel this."

Jason hesitated for a second before Clark gently offered, "Jason?" Looking more vulnerable than he had all day, Jason reached out and tentatively placed his hand on his brother's stomach.

He held it there, his expression unreadable, until a firm kick met his palm. His eyes widened, and he quickly pulled his hand back, a faint, disbelieving smile on his lips.

The moment was warm and deeply personal, a final, perfect cap on an emotional day. After a few more minutes of quiet conversation, Dick and Jason decided to call it a night.

"We'll see you guys for the sleigh ride tomorrow," Dick said, giving Clark a careful hug. "Try not to do any more superheroics in your sleep."

"No promises," Clark joked.

The walk back to their own cabin was silent. The night was cold and still, the only sound the soft crunch of their boots on the snow-covered path.

The sky was a vast, dark blanket strewn with a brilliant spray of stars. When they stepped inside their cabin, the warmth was a welcome relief, but the silence followed them in.

Dick pulled out his phone, his thumb stroking over the ultrasound picture Bruce had sent them. Jason watched him for a moment before speaking.

"Today was... a lot," Jason said, his voice low.

"Yeah," Dick agreed, looking up from the screen. "I didn't have 'interstellar-hybrid-nephew-or-niece' on my bingo card for the year."

Jason let out a soft huff of laughter and sank onto the sofa in front of the dying embers in the fireplace. "You and me both."

Dick sat down next to him, the space between them comfortable and familiar. "It's just... seeing them like that," he said thoughtfully. "Bruce and Clark. They're so happy. So sure. They're building a real life together, something solid, outside of all the chaos."

"It's weird, right?" Jason admitted, staring into the glowing coals. "Seeing Bruce... as a dad. An expecting dad, fussing over Clark. I never thought I'd see that." He paused. "Never thought I'd be the type for any of this. Family vacations. Worrying about... babies."

Dick leaned his head on Jason's shoulder, his voice becoming softer. "Does it make you think? About us? About the future?"

Jason was quiet for a long time, and Dick just waited, letting him process the question. Finally, Jason turned his head, his gaze meeting Dick's. His eyes, usually so guarded, were open and serious.

"Everything with you makes me think about the future," Jason confessed, his voice rough with an emotion he rarely showed. "I spent a long time thinking I didn't have one. Or that if I did, it would be... bloody. And short."

He reached up, his thumb gently brushing Dick's cheek. "I don't know what the future is supposed to look like, Dick. I don't know if it's a house, or a dog, or... any of that stuff. But I know you're in it. That's the only part I'm sure of."

The simple, profound honesty of his words was more powerful than any flowery declaration. Dick felt tears well in his eyes as he leaned in, capturing Jason's lips in a kiss that was slow and deep, full of unspoken promises and a shared, quiet hope.

The day's events had shaken them, but here, in the warmth of their cabin, it had also brought them closer than ever, leaving them to ponder a future that suddenly felt a little less uncertain.

Chapter Text

Chapter 18: Morning Sickness

Sunlight, brilliant and white against the snow outside, streamed through the massive window of the master suite.

It took Clark a moment to awake from a deep, peaceful sleep. His body felt warm, heavy, and thoroughly content. He was tangled in the sheets with Bruce, one of his husband's heavy arms draped possessively over his waist, their legs intertwined.

As his senses slowly came to, he became aware of the state of the room. The heavy duvet was pooled at the foot of the bed, a sign to a night of shared, passionate warmth that had little to do with the fireplace.

A shirt was draped over a nightstand, and a pair of trousers lay in a heap near the balcony door. The bedroom was in a state of happy, intimate disarray.

A soft smile touched Clark's lips as he remembered the night before—the relief and joy after the scan had melted into a tender, fierce reaffirmation of their love.

He lay still, not wanting to wake Bruce, simply enjoying the quiet moment. Then, a new scent drifted in from the main part of the cabin: the rich, savory aroma of sizzling bacon and coffee. Alfred was already preparing breakfast.

Clark’s stomach gave a low rumble of hunger. He inhaled deeply, anticipating the meal. But a second later, the rumble curdled into a nauseous lurch.

The smell, so appetizing a moment ago, was suddenly overwhelming and sickening. He swallowed hard, a wave of queasiness coming over him. He had thought this part of the pregnancy was over, but it seemed the baby had other ideas this morning.

The sickness was so sudden and intense that he barely had time to react. With a gasp, he untangled himself from the sheets and whooshed with his super speed out of the bed and into the adjoining bathroom. The door clicked shut just as he collapsed before the toilet.

The sudden, violent movement woke Bruce instantly. He sat up, his heart pounding, the space beside him in the bed suddenly, alarmingly empty.

"Clark?" he called out, his voice sharp with concern. The only answer was the sound of retching from behind the bathroom door.

Bruce was out of bed, completely for a few moments forgetting his own nudity, but then quickly pulled on a pair of sweatpants. He was instantly at the door, pushing it open without hesitation.

He found Clark on his knees, his body trembling, his face pale and beaded with sweat. Bruce immediately knelt beside him, his presence a solid, reassuring anchor. He gently rubbed Clark's back in slow, soothing circles, murmuring words of comfort.

When the worst of it was over, Clark sagged, leaning his head back against the cool porcelain of the tub. Bruce dampened a washcloth with cool water and gently wiped his face, his touch infinitely tender.

"I'm sorry," Clark whispered, his voice hoarse. "I thought this part was over."

"Don't be sorry," Bruce said softly, his voice a low, comforting rumble. "I've got you.”

He helped Clark to his feet and guided him slowly back toward the bed. "Stay here," he ordered gently as he settled Clark back against the pillows. He pressed a soft kiss to Clark's forehead.

"I'll ask Alfred to open some windows and stop with the bacon for now on. I'll bring you some dry toast and ginger tea. Don't move.”

Clark watched him go, a wave of affection washing away some of the nausea. He closed his eyes, a faint smile on his face as he sunk under the covers. As he drifted in-between sleep and awake, his hand massaged his belly to ease his nausea. This pregnancy, he mused, was certainly full of surprises for both of them.

Chapter Text

Chapter 19: The Secret

Bruce stood in the main sitting room of the cabin, nursing a mug of black coffee as he spoke quietly with Alfred. The scent of bacon had disappeared and was replaced by the subtle, clean aroma of ginger and the crisp mountain air pouring through the open windows.

"He's resting now," Bruce said, his gaze fixed on the snow-laden pines outside the vast window. "The tea seems to have helped."

"Pregnancy can be unpredictable, Master Bruce," Alfred replied, his tone placid as he arranged a tray. "His system is simply adjusting. He will be right as rain in no time."

Just as Alfred spoke, a soft but distinct knock came at the main cabin door. Bruce set his mug down, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. He crossed the room and opened the door to find Dick standing on the threshold, his shoulders dusted with fresh snow. He was alone.

"Dick," Bruce said, stepping back to let him in. "Everything alright? Where's Jason?"

"He's back at the cabin. Still in the shower. He takes forever," Dick said, his words slightly rushed as he stepped inside, stamping the snow from his boots. He ran a hand through his hair, his usual easy-going demeanor replaced with a nervous, vibrant energy. "Listen, Bruce... I have something I really need to discuss. With both of you. Is Clark awake? Is he feeling okay?"

The urgency in Dick's voice was unmistakable. "He's awake," Bruce confirmed, his expression shifting to one of fatherly focus. "He had a rough morning, but he's feeling better. Wait here. Let me see if he's up to it."

Bruce turned and walked back to the master suite, leaving Dick to pace anxiously before the grand stone fireplace. He pushed the bedroom door open quietly.

Clark was sitting up against the headboard, the tray with the half-eaten toast and empty teacup on the nightstand beside him. He looked much better, the color returning to his cheeks.

"Dick's here," Bruce said softly, approaching the bed. "He needs to talk to us about something important. He seems on edge."

Clark’s brow furrowed with concern. "Is everything okay?"

"I think so," Bruce said. "But he specifically asked for both of us. Are you feeling well enough to get dressed and talk with him?"

"Of course," Clark said, already swinging his legs out of bed. "Tell him we'll be out in five minutes."

True to their word, they emerged from the bedroom a few minutes later, dressed in comfortable sweaters and jeans. They found Dick standing by the window, staring out at the mountains but clearly not seeing them. He turned as they entered, his nervous energy palpable in the quiet room.

"Hey," he said, managing a small smile.

"Come, sit down," Clark said gently, gesturing toward the plush sofas arranged around the hearth. The three of them settled into the cushions, the warmth of the fire a comforting presence.

"What's on your mind, son?" Bruce asked, his voice calm and steady.

Dick took a deep breath, his gaze shifting between the two of them. "Last night, after we left, Jay and I... we had a talk. A real talk. About the future."

He glanced at Clark's belly, a soft look in his eyes. "Seeing all this, seeing you two so happy, and the baby... it just sort of put everything into perspective for me. For both of us."

Clark and Bruce exchanged a knowing, gentle look.

Dick reached into the pocket of his hoodie and pulled out a small, simple black velvet box. He opened it, revealing not a diamond, but a thick, handsome band of dark, brushed tungsten, simple and strong. It was a ring that was undeniably, perfectly Jason.

"I'm going to ask him to marry me," Dick said full of a quiet, joyful certainty.

Clark gasped, his hand flying to his mouth. "Dick! Oh, that's wonderful!"

Bruce’s expression, usually so stoic, was one of deep, undisguised pride. A rare, genuine smile touched his lips as he looked at Dick.

"I was planning on doing it today," Dick continued, a hopeful, nervous look on his face as he met their eyes. "During the sleigh ride. It just seems... perfect. Quiet, beautiful. I just wanted to make sure that was okay with you guys? I don't want to hijack your babymoon or anything."

"Hijack it?" Clark’s said with happy tears. "Dick, you’re making it even better! Of course it’s okay. It's more than okay, it's perfect."

Dick looked toward Bruce, who leaned forward slightly. He placed a heavy, reassuring hand on Dick's knee.

"He's a lucky man," Bruce stated with fatherly affection. "And he would be an absolute fool to say anything but yes."

Relief and happiness washed over Dick's face. He closed the ring box with a soft snap, the secret now safely shared between the three of them.

The plan for the day, already a sweet occasion, was now charged with a new layer of anticipation. The sleigh ride wasn't just a family outing anymore; it was the setting for a love story about to take its next, beautiful step.

Chapter Text

Chapter 20: The Co-Conspirators

After Dick left, a shared, happy silence settled in the room. Bruce closed the door and turned back to Clark, the proud, fatherly smile still lingering on his face.

"Well," Clark said, his queasiness now completely forgotten in the wake of the exciting news. He felt well enough to move from the living room to the small dining table, where he happily started on the pancakes Alfred had left for him. "Today just got a lot more interesting."

"It was only a matter of time," Bruce commented, pouring himself another cup of coffee and joining Clark at the table. "They balance each other." Coming from Bruce, it was the highest of compliments.

"The ring was perfect for him," Clark mused between bites. "Strong, understated. Dick knows him so well."

"Dick has always been able to read Jason, but Jason...I don't think he will be expecting this," Bruce agreed.

Once breakfast was finished, they moved back to the master suite to get fully dressed for the sleigh ride. The mood was light. Clark took off his shirt and pulled out a thick, cream-colored cashmere sweater, holding it up against himself. Bruce was already pulling on a dark grey thermal base layer.

"Our family just keeps growing, doesn't it?" Clark said softly, pulling the sweater over his head. The soft material draped comfortably over his baby bump. "It started with just Dick. Then you, then Jason... soon this little one..." He placed a hand on his stomach. "And now Jason is going to officially be part of the family."

Bruce paused in his dressing, looking at Clark with an expression of profound, quiet contentment. "It's more than I ever thought I would have," he admitted, his voice low. "More than I ever thought I deserved."

Clark walked over to him, wrapping his arms around Bruce’s neck and leaning down slightly to kiss him. "You deserve all the happiness in the world, Bruce Wayne."

After a moment, Clark pulled back, a playful, determined glint in his eye. "Okay. New mission for the day'."

Bruce raised an eyebrow. "And what's that?"

"We have to act completely, one-hundred-percent normal around Jason," Clark instructed, his tone serious but his eyes dancing with mirth. "No knowing glances. No sappy, sentimental sighs. We know nothing."

"I don't sigh sentimentally," Bruce stated, his voice a perfect deadpan as he pulled on his own heavy sweater.

"Oh, please," Clark scoffed affectionately. "You do it all the time when you think no one is looking. I saw you looking at that ultrasound picture on your tablet this morning. It was a world-class sentimental sigh."

A faint flush crept up Bruce's neck, and he quickly changed the subject. "We should get our boots on. The sleigh will be waiting."

Fully bundled in their warmest winter gear, they stood before the door, ready to face the day. Bruce reached out, his gloved hand gently cupping Clark's cheek. "Just remember look surprised when it happens."

"Don't worry," Clark grinned, his heart feeling impossibly full. "It'll be my best performance since I convinced Perry White I don't know the first thing about Superman."

They shared one last, happy kiss, united in the lovely secret. The perfect day was about to begin.

Chapter Text

Chapter 21: The Sleigh Ride

A magnificent sleigh, pulled by two powerful draft horses with bells on their harnesses, was waiting for them at the edge of the woods. It was lined with thick faux-fur blankets, and a coachman, bundled in a heavy coat, tipped his hat to them as they approached.

Jason, who had been quiet since they’d met up, eyed the setup with his trademark skepticism. "Seriously? Are we going to start singing carols next?"

"I think it's charming," Dick said, nudging him playfully as he helped him into the sleigh. He was a bundle of nervous energy, and Clark had to actively stop himself from giving him a reassuring wink.

They settled in, Clark and Bruce taking the bench facing forward, with Dick and Jason opposite them. With a soft jingle and a word from the coachman, the sleigh lurched gently and began to glide across the pristine snow.

The path wound through a silent, cathedral-like forest of snow-laden pines before opening into a wide, breathtaking valley. The only sounds were the soft shush of the sleigh’s runners and the rhythmic clop of the horses' hooves. The air was cold and clean, and the sun, high in a cloudless blue sky, made the endless expanse of white glitter.

"Okay," Jason admitted in a low voice, his gaze sweeping across the majestic, sun-drenched peaks surrounding them. "This is better than I expected."

Dick smiled, his hand finding Jason's under the heavy blanket. Bruce and Clark kept up a gentle stream of conversation, pointing out distant landmarks and sharing quiet observations, giving the younger couple their space.

All the while, Clark could hear the nervous thrumming of Dick’s heart and see the way he kept subtly checking the surroundings, as if waiting for a specific spot.

After about half an hour, the coachman guided the horses to a stop in a secluded clearing that offered a perfect, unobstructed view of the Matterhorn. "Best view in the valley," he announced. "We'll rest the horses for a few minutes here."

This was it. 

Clark took Bruce by the hand and gently stood up. They stepped out from the sleigh to give the young lovers a moment. Bruce and Clark walked hand in hand away from the sleigh then pretended to have a conversation.

Dick took a shaky breath and turned fully to face Jason, his expression suddenly serious. "Jay?"

Jason, who had been absorbed in the view, turned back, his brow furrowing at Dick's tone. "Yeah? What's up?"

"We, uh, we had that talk last night," Dick began, his voice a little unsteady. "About the future. And I've been thinking about it all day. About my future." He took Jason’s other hand, holding both of them tightly. "And the thing is, there is no version of it that I can imagine, no version that I want, that doesn't have you in it. You came into my life and you turned everything upside down, and you made it better, and real."

Jason’s sarcastic armor was melting away, his eyes wide and fixed on Dick’s. "Dickie Bird, what are you doing?" he whispered.

Reaching into his pocket, Dick pulled out the black velvet box. He opened it to reveal the simple, strong tungsten band. He stood in between the seats of the sleigh, faced Jason...and knelt on one knee. 

"I love you, Jason Todd. I want to build a life with you, the kind of life we never thought we’d get," Dick said with a cracked tone. "Will you marry me?"

The world seemed to stop. Jason stared at the ring, then at Dick's hopeful, terrified face. He was utterly speechless, completely blindsided. He opened his mouth, then closed it again.

He shot a single, panicked look at Bruce and Clark, who were both failing miserably at pretending not to be watching, their faces full of love and encouragement.

Finally, he looked back at Dick, and a slow, disbelieving smile spread across his face, transforming it completely.

"Are you serious?" he asked, his voice rough. When Dick nodded frantically, Jason let out a shaky breath that was half laugh, half sob. "Fine," he grumbled, trying and failing to sound annoyed. "Get up. You're... whatever. Yes. Of course, you idiot. Yes."

A radiant, joyous grin broke across Dick’s face as he slid the ring onto Jason’s finger. It was a perfect fit. He leaned in, and they met in a kiss that was both messy and perfect, sealing the promise in the heart of the silent, snowy valley.

Chapter Text

Chapter 22: The Celebration

The kiss ended, but Dick and Jason remained close, foreheads resting together, both of them breathing in the sharp, cold air as if for the first time.

Jason slowly pulled his hand back, staring at the dark, solid band on his finger. He turned his hand over, flexing his fingers, a look of profound disbelief on his face, as if he expected the ring to vanish.

"It's real," Dick whispered, his voice choked with happiness.

"Yeah," Jason breathed. "I'm starting to get that."

Finally, Clark could hold it in no longer. A happy, unrestrained cheer broke the silence of the valley. "Congratulations!" he exclaimed, his face alight with joy. "Oh, I'm so happy for you both!"

Bruce, who had been watching with an expression of deep, quiet satisfaction, cleared his throat. He looked directly at Jason, his gaze firm and full of a rare warmth. "This trip has just become even more special, Thank you."

Coming from Bruce, those words were more powerful than any grand speech. Jason looked up, momentarily stunned, and gave a single, sharp nod, his throat too tight to speak.

The gesture was full of a thousand things: gratitude and acceptance

The ride back to the lodge was a joyous, bubbling affair. The previous quiet was replaced with laughter and excited chatter. Dick, unable to stop grinning, was already teasing Jason about wedding venues.

"I'm thinking a quiet, tasteful ceremony at the Hall of Justice," Dick joked.

"I'll kill you in your sleep," Jason retorted, but there was no heat in it. He couldn't stop looking at the ring, a constant, solid reminder of the promise that had just been made.

"We have to celebrate properly tonight," Clark declared as the lodge came back into view. "A proper engagement dinner. Alfred can make his Beef Wellington, and we can open that bottle of 1945 Château that Bruce has been saving." He paused, patting his belly. "Well, you three can. I'll have sparkling cider and be just as happy."

"An excellent idea," Bruce agreed, his eyes crinkling at the corners in a smile. "Alfred will be delighted, you know how he loves to impress."

As the sleigh glided to a stop, the four of them disembarked, their steps lighter than before. The world around them was the same—the same snow, the same mountains, the same sun—but everything felt different, brighter. 

They were a family, reforged and expanded in the heart of the Alps. As they walked back toward the warmth of the cabins, Jason fell into step beside Clark.

"Hey," he said, his voice low. "Thanks for... you know. Yesterday."

"Always, Jason," Clark said softly.

"And, uh..." Jason hesitated, glancing toward Dick, who was animatedly describing the proposal to Bruce. "Thanks for sharing your vacation. It turned out... better than I expected."

Clark smiled, a warm, knowing look in his eyes. "It's not our vacation anymore," he said. "It's a family vacation. And it's perfect."

Chapter Text

Chapter 23: The Engagement Dinner

That evening, the cabin was transformed. Alfred had worked his magic, with such enthusiasm. 

The dining table was elegantly set with fine china and silverware that glinted in the warm glow of dozens of candles. 

A magnificent floral centerpiece, which Alfred must have somehow conjured from the resort's private greenhouse, scented the air. The rich, savory aroma of roasting Beef Wellington promised a feast.

Everyone had changed into more formal attire, a silent acknowledgment of the day's significance. 

Dick and Jason arrived looking handsome and happy, Jason's hand held firmly in Dick’s, the dark tungsten ring a solid, reassuring presence on his finger.

Clark wore a soft, deep green sweater that highlighted the healthy glow in his cheeks, and Bruce looked every inch the proud patriarch in a simple but impeccably tailored cashmere turtleneck.

The meal was a resounding success. Alfred had outdone himself, and the conversation flowed as easily as the vintage wine Bruce poured for his sons.

As Alfred served the main course, Bruce stood, raising his glass. The room fell into a quiet, expectant hush.

"There was a time," Bruce began, his voice a low, steady rumble, "when I never expected to have a family. I thought it wasn't in the cards for me." 

He looked around the table, his gaze lingering on each of their faces. "Tonight, I sit here surrounded by it. By my husband, who is the heart of my life. By our child, who represents a future I never dared to dream of."

His eyes settled on the newly engaged couple. "And by you two, who we are so proud to call our sons. Who have grown into men of strength, honor, and compassion." He raised his glass higher.

"To Dick and Jason. To the new chapter you are beginning together. May your lives be filled with as much happiness as you have brought to mine."

"To Dick and Jason," Clark echoed, his eyes shining as he lifted his glass of sparkling cider.

The toast left a warm, emotional glow in the room. Jason, for once, was speechless, looking down at his plate with a rare, unabashedly happy smile. Dick reached over and squeezed his hand, his love for his new fiancé radiant on his face.

The rest of the dinner was filled with happy plans and gentle teasing. They talked about the baby, with Dick and Jason now offering suggestions for names with the gravity of men who were officially on the hook for future babysitting duties.

Later, they retired to the great room, settling into the comfortable sofas in front of the roaring fire with coffee and dessert.

"So," Dick said, nudging Jason gently with his shoulder as he sipped his coffee. "Have we started thinking about it? Big wedding at the manor? Small, private ceremony on a beach somewhere? Eloping to Vegas with an Elvis impersonator?"

Jason let out a low chuckle, the sound rich and content. "If you think for one second I'm letting a guy in a rhinestone jumpsuit marry us, you're crazier than I thought, Grayson." He paused, a smirk playing on his lips. "Though, the all-you-can-eat buffet afterward has its merits."

"See? I knew I could win you over," Dick laughed, leaning his head against Jason's shoulder.

From his seat beside Clark, Bruce offered a rare, soft smile. "Whatever you two decide, you have our full support. The grounds at the manor are yours, of course, should you want them."

Clark patted Bruce's hand resting on the sofa between them. "Alfred has already drafted three potential menus and is stress-testing floral arrangements as we speak."

Bruce's smile didn't waver. "Alfred is... thorough."

The easy banter created a comfortable silence. Jason’s gaze drifted back to his phone, his thumb tracing the ultrasound picture that was now the lock screen. He was quiet for a moment before he spoke.

"It's weird," he said, looking up at Clark. "Thinking about this kid having... us. As older brothers." He shook his head in disbelief. "We're going to be a real family."

"We always were a real family, Jason," Clark said softly, his hand resting on his stomach. "This is just making it official."

Bruce came to sit beside Clark on the sofa, draping a warm arm around his shoulders and pulling him close. 

Dick and Jason sat opposite them, their shoulders pressed together, a picture of contentment. The firelight danced on their faces, illuminating a scene of profound, unconventional, and perfect bliss. 

Chapter Text

Chapter 24: The Gotham Snowman

The second to last day of their vacation dawned bright and perfect. Fresh snow had fallen overnight, blanketing the valley in a thick, pristine layer of white under a brilliant blue sky. The air was still and cold, the kind of day that begged to be spent outdoors.

After a lazy breakfast, it was Dick who made the suggestion, his eyes sparkling with childlike enthusiasm. "We have to build a snowman. A proper, family snowman."

An hour later, they were all bundled up and standing in a wide, untouched clearing between the cabins.

Bruce, ever the engineer, took charge of rolling the base, creating a perfectly spherical, densely packed snowball of impressive size. 

Dick worked on the torso, while Clark was given the lighter, Bruce-approved task of fashioning the head. He sat on a heated bench, carefully shaping the snow. He sat with a happy, contented smile.

Jason, meanwhile, had been tasked with finding suitable arms and a face. He returned not with twigs, but with two jagged, sturdy-looking branches that looked more like clubs. For the face, he'd found sharp pieces of dark rock.

"He needs to be able to defend himself," Jason stated seriously, pushing the rocks into the snowman’s head to form a grimacing mouth and menacing eyes.

"You're making a snow-thug, Jay," Dick laughed, adjusting the torso.

"He's a Gotham snowman," Jason retorted. "He needs some grit."

With that, he walked over to the edge of the treeline, scraping away the snow until he found the dark, damp earth beneath. He returned with two handfuls of mud.

"What are you doing?" Clark asked, laughing in disbelief as Jason began smearing the mud across the snowman's lower face, creating a perfect five-o'clock shadow.

"Adding character," Jason said simply. He added a smear of dirt over one of the rock-eyes, like a shiner from a back-alley brawl. "See? Now he looks like he has a history. He's not some cheerful suburbanite. He's seen things."

Dick stared at the lopsided, dirty, menacing snowman and shook his head in fond exasperation. "He's ridiculous."

"He's a masterpiece," Jason corrected him.

That was when a perfectly aimed snowball from Dick hit Jason squarely in the back of the head. Jason froze, slowly turning to face his fiancé with a look of mock betrayal. "Oh, it is on."

What followed was a chaotic, joyous snowball fight. Dick and Jason immediately devolved into a tactical war, using the trees for cover. 

Clark, laughing from his bench, was content to watch until he felt a clump of cold snow slide down the back of his collar. 

He looked over to see Bruce standing there, a look of perfect innocence on his face, though a dusting of powder on his glove gave him away.

"Oh, you did not," Clark said, his eyes narrowing playfully. He scooped up a handful of light, fluffy snow and, with a gentle puff of super-breath, sent it billowing over Bruce in a miniature blizzard.

Bruce sputtered, wiping snow from his face as an unrestrained grin broke across his face. The sight was so rare and wonderful that Clark’s heart did a little flip.

As the tiny blizzard settled, a sudden, powerful thump kicked from within Clark. The baby, apparently startled by the change in Clark's temperature or the whoosh of sound, did a full, acrobatic tumble. It was a cascade of sharp, intense movements that made Clark gasp.

Bruce’s grin instantly vanished, replaced by an expression of pure, wide-eyed surprise. He looked down at Clark's belly, a flash of concern in his eyes. He reached out, quickly coming closer to Clark. His face filled with worry.

"They're reacting to the cold, must not like my freeze breath," Clark managed to say, catching his breath as the flurry of kicks subsided. He placed a hand over the spot where the baby had flipped, a soft, amazed smile on his face., "they are taking a bit to settle."

The play eventually wound down, leaving the four of them breathless, rosy-cheeked, and covered in snow. They stood together, admiring their handiwork. 

The snowman was a mess. It was lopsided, dirty, and vaguely threatening. But it was their snowman.

Clark leaned against Bruce's side, placing a hand on his belly, feeling a gentle flutter from within. 

He looked at their unconventional creation, and at his equally unconventional family, all of them laughing in the bright winter sun. He couldn't wait for their baby to be a part of moments just like this.

Chapter Text

Chapter 25: The Last Morning

The last morning of their vacation arrived quietly. It was veiled in a soft, peaceful light. 

In the master suite of the main cabin, Bruce and Clark were awake but hadn't yet moved from the warm cocoon of their bed.

Bruce’s hand rested gently on Clark’s bare stomach, his palm flat against the curve where a gentle, rolling flutter was taking place. 

Clark’s hand was layered over his, both of them silent and focused on the miracle happening beneath their touch.

"They are getting in their exercise this morning," Clark whispered into the quiet, his voice soft with sleep.

"They know we're leaving," Bruce murmured, his thumb stroking a slow circle. "They're protesting."

A low, happy chuckle rumbled in Clark’s chest. "I don't want to leave either. This trip... it's been more than I ever could have hoped for."

"We'll come back," Bruce promised. "After they're born. They'll be able to build their own snowman, and speed down the slopes....the bunny ones, of course."

Clark smiled and laughed softly. "This place will always be special now. The place we told the boys about the baby. The place they got engaged." He sighed, a sound of pure contentment. "It started as our babymoon, but it turned into something so much bigger."

"It turned into our family," Bruce said, his voice full of a quiet, profound happiness. He leaned over, pressing a soft kiss to Clark’s temple. "Thank you for that; but maybe we could have the baby here. This place has become meaningful to us."

He left the idea hanging in the air, as they continued to begin the morning.

************************************

A short walk away, in the guest cabin, another couple was waking just as slowly.

Jason was lying on his back, his left hand held up in the soft morning light filtering through the window. 

He turned it back and forth, watching the way the light caught the brushed, dark metal of the ring on his finger. It was solid, real, and still slightly unbelievable.

Dick, propped up on one elbow beside him, watched him with a fond, sleepy smile. "Getting used to it?" he asked gently.

"It's... heavy," Jason said, his voice a low grumble. It wasn't a complaint. It was a statement of fact, of the unexpected weight and significance that now rested on his hand.

"Never thought I'd be this guy. The guy with a... fiancé." He tested the word, and it felt strange and foreign on his tongue.

"You're my guy," Dick said softly, leaning in to kiss his shoulder. "That's the only part that matters." He traced the outline of the ring with his finger. "And I'm your fiancé."

Jason finally lowered his hand and turned on his side to face him, a rare, soft vulnerability in his eyes. "Yeah," he said, the word full of a quiet surrender to happiness. "You are."

He pulled Dick closer, and their mouths met in a slow, deep kiss that was full of the lazy intimacy of a perfect morning.

The vacation was ending, and soon they would return to the chaos of their lives back at home.

But something fundamental had shifted between them all here, in the heart of the mountains. 

The future, which had once seemed like a distant, abstract concept, now felt close enough to touch—solid and real and weighted, like a ring on a finger.

Chapter Text

Chapter 26: See You Later

The jet engines hummed with a low, familiar thrum against the vast silence of the mountain valley.

All the bags were packed and loaded, courtesy of Alfred's flawless efficiency.

The four men stood on the private tarmac, bundled once more in their traveling coats, taking one last look at the magnificent alpine scenery.

"Best. Vacation. Ever," Dick declared with a happy sigh, his arm looped securely around his fiancé's.

Jason glanced down at the tungsten ring on his finger, then back at the snow-dusted peaks. "Yeah," he agreed, a soft, genuine smile on his face. "It actually didn't suck."

Clark was standing beside with a hand on his belly, a wistful expression in his eyes. "I'm going to miss the quiet," he said softly.

Bruce came to stand beside him, wrapping a protective arm around his shoulders. "We're not saying goodbye to it," he said, his voice a low, reassuring rumble. "Just 'see you later'. We'll bring the baby here one day. We'll teach them how to ski."

"And how to dodge snowballs while performing a high flying kick," Jason added with a smirk.

Alfred approached them then, a polite smile on his face. "Sirs, it is time to depart if you wish to stay on schedule."

One by one, they turned and walked up the steps into the warmth of the waiting jet. 

Dick and Jason went first, hand in hand, already talking animatedly.

"I can't believe we're actually engaged," Dick whispered, leaning his head on Jason's shoulder. "It feels like a dream."

Jason squeezed his hand. "Well, this ring is real," he said, holding up their joined hands. "And so is this." He gestured to the mountains. "This place has certainly changed my outlook."

"It's now our special place," Dick agreed, his eyes shining. "The place where you said yes." He let out a playful laugh, and Jason gave him a gentle shove.

"Don't get used to it, Dickie," he grumbled, though his smile betrayed him.

Bruce kept a steadying hand on Clark's back as they followed. As Clark stepped into the cabin, he paused and looked back one last time at the stunning vista of the Alps, committing the perfect, peaceful image to memory.

Soon, they were seated, the jet taxiing down the runway before lifting gracefully into the brilliant blue sky.

Clark watched out the window as the lodge, the valley, and the magnificent, silent mountains shrank below them, eventually disappearing into the clouds.

He felt a pang of sadness to leave, but it was overshadowed by a profound sense of peace and a quiet excitement for what lay ahead.

The vacation was over, but everything was just beginning.

Bruce reached over and took his hand, his thumb stroking Clark's knuckles. "Ready to go home?" he asked softly.

Clark turned from the window, his eyes meeting his husband's.

He placed his other hand over his belly, where he could feel the gentle, flutters of their child. A bright smile spread across his face. A smile that was full of love and the promise of the future. 

"We are."

THE END