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English
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Published:
2025-10-10
Updated:
2025-10-10
Words:
2,083
Chapters:
2/11
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Kudos:
171
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1,363

It Takes a Village

Anonymous

Summary:

“I’m pregnant.”

Clark nearly dropped his cup.

“Uh.. what was that?”

Bruce sighed. “I know you heard me. I’m pregnant. Three weeks.”

“You can’t just drop all that on me, B. I wasn’t ready.” Clark chuckled halfheartedly. His demeanor became serious. “..Are you sure?”

Bruce nodded, getting off the counter. “I found out yesterday.”

Clark was quiet, taking a slow sip of the coffee. Batman is pregnant. His best friend is pregnant.

 

(Or, Bruce ends up pregnant after a night of passion with a stranger and now has to deal with it all alone. Or at least that's what he thinks. His friends would do anything to make sure he was okay.)

Notes:

I have never written a pregnancy fic before but I have read some fics about it and it inspired me. I never found this kind of fic where it wasn't centered around a ship so I took matters into my own hands! I love platonic relationships so much.

Chapter 1

Chapter Text

Dried leaves crumpled under Clark’s feet. It was fall, with winter just right around the corner. The two seasons aren’t his favorite. For some reason, he always felt different at this time of the year; unmotivated, less happy, and tired. Mentally tired. The holidays made up for it, though.

His iconic cape gently flutters behind him. Approximately 5 minutes ago he was interacting with fans after he stopped an out of control car from hitting civilians. He felt slightly drained. Luckily, he can see the familiar Hall of Justice building up ahead. He could stop by and have a trip to the kitchen.

Clark ascended and flew to the building, shortly landing above the steps and walking up to the entrance. He could feel a presence behind the doors. A heartbeat he knew all too well.

Opening the door, Clark came face to face with Batman.

“Hi Bruce.”

“Batman.” The man corrected, but it sounded like he barely cared.

Clark only shrugged. “Heading out?”

“I was about to, but since you’re here, I have something to tell you.”

Clark felt a prickle of worry. If it’s coming from Batman of all people, it must be something troubling. The vigilante usually keeps to himself and would only bring up topics in meetings.

The pair went to the kitchen, where Clark treats himself with a cup of coffee. Bruce was leaning against the counters.

“So?” Clark said after a gulp.

“I’m pregnant.”

Clark nearly dropped his cup.

“Uh.. what was that?”

Bruce sighed. “I know you heard me. I’m pregnant. Three weeks.”

“You can’t just drop all that on me, B. I wasn’t ready.” Clark chuckled halfheartedly. His demeanor became serious. “..Are you sure?”

Bruce nodded, getting off the counter. “I found out yesterday.”

Clark was quiet, taking a slow sip of the coffee. Batman is pregnant. His best friend is pregnant.

At first, he wanted to ask how, but then he mentally slapped himself. Every so often he’d forget that Bruce wasn’t biologically male—It’s not only him either. Many of their friends forget on occasion. You’d think it’s great, but you don’t know how embarrassing it is for them when Bruce brings up menstruation and all they do is stare at him in confusion.

Still. The thought of him pregnant? He never thought about it until now.

“Um. Congratulations, B.” Clark tentatively patted his shoulder. “I mean… right? How do you feel about this?”

Bruce paused.

“I always wanted to be a father.”

“Uh, no, about carrying. Are you comfortable… with this?” Clark gestured to all of him.

It took a moment, but Bruce nodded. That’s good, Clark thought. He wouldn’t know what to do if Bruce didn’t feel comfortable in his own skin.

He sighed, ushering him to the seats. “And the other parent?” He asked when they sat down. “I didn’t know you were seeing someone. I figured Selina, but you know..” He trailed off.

Bruce’s knees pressed together, hands on his lap. His eyes averted. “He’s out of the picture.”

Ah.

Clark had so many questions.

“Could I…” He stopped, rethinking how to approach this. He had to be careful. “Was it a one-night stand?”

“Yes.”

Huh! Lucky guess.

“It was during a gala.” Bruce continued. “He was a charming man. Invited me to spend the night. I didn’t refuse—it adds up to my persona, after all.”

Clark slowly nods, his eyebrows knitting together. He took a sip of his coffee and let the silence take over.

He breathed in and put down the cup on the armrest. There was a lingering thought in his mind when Bruce spoke of what happened. He had a mental battle with himself for if he should say what was on his mind. It was important, however. He needed to know.

“Was it forced?”

Bruce looked surprised at the question and quickly replied. “No, Clark, of course not.” He pulled off his cowl, fixing the Kryptonian a reassuring look. “I wasn’t forced, I promise.”

Clark searched his face for any lies before sighing in relief. Bruce reached out to put his hand on Clark’s.

“This pregnancy was unplanned, yes, but I was enthusiastic that night. We both were.”

“And you guys didn’t use protection?”

Bruce bit his lip. “I thought I was still on birth control… I forgot to take the pill.”

Clark sent him a look. He can’t believe he’d make that kind of mistake. Bruce wasn’t always this reckless.

“I know.” Bruce looked embarrassed. “It was foolish of me. I should have been more careful but.. it is what it is.”

Clark shifted in his seat. “Does the man know about your situation?”

“I haven’t told yet.” Bruce shook his head. “And I don’t plan to.”

“What?”

“I did say he was out of the picture—“

“You should tell him, Bruce!”

God, what was he thinking? Clark wanted to grab him by the shoulders and shake the sense into him.

“All he wanted was to share one night with me. Nothing else, nothing more. I’m not baby-trapping him.”

“That’s not—“ Clark’s words faded into a frustrated exhale. He swiped his palm down his face.

His teammate glanced away for a moment, shortly returning his eyes back to his friend’s face. It seemed like he understood how he felt. There was a hint of shame in those blues.

“Listen, Clark. I’ll figure things out on my own.” He murmured.

“You better.” Clark gave his friend a glare, although it softened quickly. “..No, I’ll be with you every step of the way.”

“I know you will. I can’t stop you even if I wanted to.” Bruce smiled, squeezing his hand. Clark felt warmth spread across his chest. He loved him so, so much. Even when he’s being stupid (which was rare). The last thing he wants to do is leave him to deal with this on his own.

Clark stands up, not before accidentally brushing his arm against his coffee cup and spilling it onto the floor. The sound of porcelain shattering made him and Bruce flinch. “Shoot.” Clark hissed, crouching down to gather up the shards as Bruce watched in both amusement and exasperation.

“Some boy scout you are.”

Chapter 2: Break the news

Chapter Text

It’s been a week since Bruce broke the news to Clark. They had agreed to keep his pregnancy under wraps until he was ready.

Clark was conflicted, to say the least. He was fully supportive of Bruce’s choices but keeping this information from the League meant that he wasn’t off the table when it came to dangerous missions. Clark had to keep a close eye on him at all times.

Thankfully, Bruce said it was time.

So now here they were, in a meeting that the man called to specifically announce his condition.

“What?”

“You’re kidding. Tell me you’re kidd—“

“Oh my God!”

Needless to say, it was going well.

“You’re pregnant?” Balked Oliver, leaning forward in his seat with his palms smoothed out on the table. “Is this a prank? I didn’t know you were capable of pulling pranks.”

Bruce watched the others express their shock. The only one who wasn’t remotely shocked were J’onn. Even then there was a shift in his expression.

“I am pregnant.” Bruce confirmed, making Barry put his hands on his head in sheer disbelief. “Four weeks. And only Superman knows.”

Everyone simultaneously snapped their heads toward their resident Kryptonian. Clark resisted the urge to sink into his chair, nodding instead.

“What, did you X-ray him or something?” Hal questioned.

Clark shakes his head. “I don’t like to use my X-ray vision on him without permission. He told me himself.”

Oliver and Dinah exchanged looks. Diana seemed thoughtful, her full attention on Bruce. “How did you find out?” She asked.

“I went to see a doctor for something unrelated.” Bruce replied. “She pointed out something different about my body.”

“You sure it’s something unrelated?” Barry asked once he came down from his shock. “What did you go to her for?”

Bruce paused. “Nausea.”

A series of “Oohhh”s passed around the room. J’onn looked amused.

“That explains why I keep hearing you gag during our mission together.” Arthur mused. “Was the sea too much?”

“I don’t think—“

“Oh God, you went on missions!” Dinah gasped. “While pregnant this whole time!”

The other Leaguers seem to realize this too.

“Oh my God!” Barry slapped both hands to his cheeks. “I kicked you in the stomach in one of our training sessions!”

Clark stiffened. “You what—“

“My armor prevented me from taking too much damage,” Bruce quickly said. “Plus, your blows don’t do much even if I wasn’t wearing some kind of protection.”

Instead of being offended by that statement, Barry felt relieved.

“I suggest you step away from your duties, then.” Diana spoke calmly yet firmly, leaving no room for arguments. “Unless you want to endanger the child.”

“No, I agree.” Bruce said, surprising literally everyone in the room. “But I can’t leave Gotham defenseless.” And that was about what everyone expected.

“Then we’ll help.” Dinah proclaimed. “We will take patrols in your city while you rest at home.”

Many echoed her words, all of them eager to lend a hand for their friend. Clark almost felt emotional with how much his team cared for one another.

Bruce’s expression softened under the cowl. “People will wonder where Batman went..”

“J’onn could always cover for you.” Barry shrugged one shoulder. He looked at J’onn for any protests. The Martian just nods.

Diana smiled. “We’ve got everything covered for you, Bruce. You don’t have to worry.”

Bruce looked at his teammates, taking his time to conjure up a response. Clark figured he didn’t expect everyone to rally behind him. He wanted to scoff. Of course they’d support him. The Justice League is a family.

“Thank you.” Bruce murmured.

“It’s nothing, man.” Oliver waved him off. He was on the edge of his seat. “So. Since that’s over with, we gotta address the elephant in the room.”

People turned to the archer. Oliver’s hands clasped together. “Who’s the other parent?”

Clark had silently been dreading this question, although knowing it was to be expected. He was still frustrated that Bruce didn’t tell the father about this.

“..His identity will remain anonymous.” Bruce glared at Oliver, who looked like he wanted to ask more questions. “I have talked to him.”

Clark stands corrected. So he did tell him! Maybe he will get the chance to meet this guy.

“He said he didn’t want to be a part of the baby’s life. We agreed that he’ll be out of the picture.”

Clark deflated. What.

“What?” Oliver said exactly what he was thinking. “So he’s not paying child support?”

“I have more than enough money to provide for myself.”

“That’s not the point.” Dinah chimed in. “He’s leaving you to deal with the pregnancy on your own.”

“I have Alfred.”

“That’s not the point!”

“He’s the father of your baby.” Arthur frowned. “You’re seriously letting him run away from responsibilities? It takes two to procreate and he was in on it.”

“You don’t know that.” Bruce mumbles.

Hal crossed his arms. “Yeah, I don’t know. This guy’s giving me bad vibes.”

Bruce sighed heavily and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Listen, it doesn’t matter. What’s done is done. I won’t be changing my mind about this so let’s move on.”

By the looks on their faces, the League wasn’t too pleased. Yet they held their tongue.

“I can’t say I approve…” Diana sighed. “But I respect your decision. However I’d like to propose something.”

Bruce looked at her curiously.

“I’d like for us to take care of you, as a replacement for the father of this child. You’ll lean on us when things get too hard.”

Now Clark can get behind that. “Oh, yes!” He eagerly responded. “I can give you Ma’s baked goods every day!”

“I can go shopping for baby stuff!” Barry offered chipperly.

“I uh, could give you a massage every once in a while?” Hal scratched his head.

“Thank you, all of you.” Bruce’s lips pressed into a thin line. “I really don’t need this, though. I have Alfre-“

“Yeah, yeah, you have Alfred.” Oliver rolled his eyes. “Brucie, give your dad a break. Let us step in on occasion.”

Bruce pouted. It was kind of cute.

“..Fine.” He grumbled. “But you don’t have to go all out for me.”

He looked over at the Green Lantern. “Except you. I expect massages when asked and no objections.”

“Aw fuck.”