Archive of Our Own ^beta

(I don't own any characters etc etc)

Holidays were always a popular and important topic for newspapers, and Valentine’s Day was no exception. As usual, the Daily Planet and Gotham Gazette partnered for a series on the most romantic activities, as the two papers recognized that some of their readers might be seeking a weekend getaway for it. And sure, the cities weren’t that far away from each other, but that was part of the appeal, that it was a moderately priced getaway without much travel.

The staff of both papers never minded the fluff pieces, as part of the job required them to actually go to whatever they were recommending on company dime and time. So, some went to florists and made bouquets; others to wine tastings; and some, like Clark, to the restaurants.

He was in Gotham with Lois, Vicki Vale, and two other Gotham writers at one such restaurant. They were scoping it out the week before Valentine’s Day to ensure their lists were up to date, as while there were no big V-day decorations as there would be the weekend itself, as the fourteenth was a Saturday, they wanted to make sure the quality of food was still up to par. Or, they wanted to get a nice lunch expensed, either one.

They were just leaving, stopping at the front for to-go desserts for some, when Clark heard the telltale sounds of a scuffle nearby. He excused himself, stating he wanted to check a nearby shop, and darted around the corner and three stores down where the store was being robbed, a smash and grab. Fortunately, he was able to follow the robbers and darted to them in a flash, pulling all three of them into his arms before dumping them into one of Gotham’s many alleys and disposing their weapons before throwing them into an open dumpster, as there was nothing nearby to use to secure them. Instead, he used a pipe on the ground to keep the dumpster closed and used his heat vision to burn some air holes into it before going back onto the street to the store. There, he physically collided with the staff who were running out and told them that he saw some bystanders get the robbers, leading them to the alley to point out where they were. And to make sure there were no cameras that could have recorded him, not that the staff needed to know that.

He quickly left the scene and headed back to the restaurant, smoothing down his suit and pulling off debris, to his surprise. The store was either part florist or were selling flowers, it seemed, as he had some petals and small clumps of baby's breath stuck to him.

“Probably Valentine’s business,” he sighed, before realizing a lone red rose was stuck to his coat sleeve, due to the thorns. “Great,” Clark sighed, as he walked and pulled it off. He was so focused on removing it without tearing his coat that the next thing he knew, he was once again colliding with someone.

“I’m so sorry!” Clark exclaimed as he reached out to steady the person, eyes widening more when he found himself face to face with none other than Bruce Wayne!

“It’s fine, I wasn’t watching where I was going,” Bruce said to both Clark and his own assistant before looking down and spying the rose, now pressed between Clark’s hand and Bruce’s coat. The Gothamite reached for it and plucked it out of Clark’s hand, twirling it back and forth.

“Oh, sorry!” Clark began, but Bruce smiled at him.

“Thank you,” he said, and Clark frowned.

“Bruce, is that you?” Vicki called out as the group exited the restaurant just feet from the men. “What’s going on?”

Clark shook his head and snapped out of it, finally releasing the other man.

“Clark, what are you doing to poor Bruce?” Vicki laughed.

“Clark here was just helping me on my feet,” Bruce told her before turning to Clark. “And I accept, Mr…?”

However Clark was so confused by everything that he just looked at him in puzzled silence.

“Kent. Clark Kent, of Metropolis’ Daily Planet,” Lois interjected, moving to bump shoulders with Clark.

“I’ll be in touch, Mr Kent,” Bruce said. “Vicki, always a pleasure to see you,” he said to her, smiling.

“And you, Bruce. We need to catch up one of these days, you can take me to that new steak place,” Vicki laughed, and he nodded before taking his leave.

The group turned to Clark, who shrugged.

“What was all that about?” Lois asked, but he shrugged again.

“Sounds like someone has a date,” Vicki teased, but Clark rolled his eyes.

“It was a misunderstanding, that’s all,” he said, pausing as he heard sirens approaching, likely in response to the robbery. “Let’s check a few more things on our lists,” he quickly suggested, ushering the group in the opposite direction.

_____

“That’s an unusual addition,” Alfred commented as he brought Bruce lunch the next day. Bruce was working in a home office, frowning at his computer as he looked up and followed the man’s gaze to the lone rose in a small crystal vase. He shrugged and explained how he had come across it.

Alfred hummed as he looked at the computer screen, where Clark’s Daily Planet profile was pulled up. “That’s him, I take it?”

Bruce nodded. “I wanted to check him out. I also ran a background check.”

“And?”

Bruce sighed and reached for half a sandwich. “Squeaky clean. Built like a football player, too, so he’ll be good for what I need.”

“Which is?”

“A date for Valentine’s Day.”

“Oh, I’m so happy for you!” Alfred cheered. “You’ve never embraced it, but that’s fun! We’ll buy him some chocolate, perhaps his own rose as well. Hmm,” he said as he looked at a printout on the desk. “From Kansas, a farm? Maybe some nice chocolate that are varied but not too posh.”

“It’s not a real date, it’s a mission.”

Alfred blinked at him. “What?”

“I have information that there’s going to be a robbery at one of the art museums that night, starting with some exhibits and maybe including the guests at an event they’re doing. I want to go to be on scene for when they strike, but I need a cover.”

“I’m surprised, you usually prefer to just go and wait for them outside, but I’m glad you’re going to spend a Saturday night mingling with other people.”

Bruce rolled his eyes as he ate. “I don’t know what exit they’re going to try for yet. And it might rain,” he begrudgingly admitted. Nighttime rain in the winter? No thank you!

“Fair. But since when do you need a cover for an event? Bruce Wayne often shows up solo.”

“It’s Valentine’s Day,” Bruce sighed as he sipped water. “I can’t go alone that day. I was delaying finding a date I could tolerate, and then he literally walked into me. Vicki had good things to say about him too, so…” He trailed off with a shrug.

“You’re using him,” Alfred commented with a frown.

“He’ll get a good scoop out of it.”

Alfred shook his head. “You’re asking him out properly,” he said as he turned and began to leave the room.

“Maybe,” Bruce said with a shrug, turning his attention back to his computer.

“I wasn’t suggesting it,” Alfred said in an icy tone from the doorway, and Bruce looked at him in surprise. They looked at each other for a long moment before Bruce sighed.

“Fine,” he muttered, and Alfred left, walking away with a smile on his face.

___

Clark looked at the dozen red roses and bottle of champagne on his desk at work in shock as the front desk staff dropped them off with a wide smile after lunch.

“This is probably a mistake, I think you have the wrong desk?” Clark called out, but they ignored him.

“Well, let’s see who it’s from!” Lois cheerfully posed, sitting on his desk next to the items and reaching into the flowers before Clark could. He remained standing behind his chair, biting his lip.

“It’s for Clark,” Lois loudly read out, as if everyone else wasn’t obviously watching and waiting. She didn’t even need to be loud, Clark sighed to himself. “From Bruce Wayne!” she shared, as some gasped.

“What?”

“Clark is invited to join him at a gala on Valentine’s Day,” she read, before smiling at him as the office erupted into gossip. “Guess he was serious about that date, huh?”

But before Clark could say anything, Cat appeared.

“Smalltown, you need something nice to wear,” she announced.

“I have nice clothes,” Clark protested.

“Don’t even joke about it,” she sighed, shaking her head. “Clark, you’re handsome and a great person, but don’t, just don’t. I’ll tell Perry we need to leave for a while to shop,” she said over her shoulder as she walked away.

“I’ll come too!” Lois agreed, jumping off his desk and moving to grab her things.

“You care about my fashion?” Clark asked in surprise.

“No, but I care about you as a friend, and it beats sitting here all afternoon,” Lois laughed. “Call him and respond to it before we leave,” she said, pressing the card into his chest and walked back to her desk.

Clark read the card twice over, finding a very straightforward invitation, and slipped away to call the number provided. Surprisingly and unsurprisingly, it was not Bruce Wayne who answered, but Alfred, who excitedly spoke to Clark about the event.

And before long, Clark found himself shopping with the two women for a new suit, following them and sales people as different items were pulled. The women gossiped about all things Bruce Wayne, Gotham, the museum the event was at, and Valentine’s Day, making his head spin with everything he was trying to follow and take in.

Just what had he gotten himself into?

_____

Clark hung his new suit on a hook on his bedroom door and sighed as he straightened it.

“At least you weren’t much money, and I guess it wasn’t the worst way to spend an afternoon,” he sighed again. “I was just going to stay in for Valentine’s Day, or maybe patrol. Perhaps give Batman the night off, even,” he said to himself, trailing off. “I still could, after the gala, at least. Or keep an ear out during it, slip away if needed. Hmm, speaking of, I never actually mentioned that to him. Maybe I should check in with him and tell him, so he can plan around it?”

Satisfied with that, Clark felt his mood brighten and at night went off to patrol Metropolis, finding it to be a quiet night. Pleased, he flew to Gotham after midnight and found Batman on one of the man’s favorite perches, a high rooftop with dark shadows and gargoyles.

“Batman, hello!” Clark greeted him cheerfully. Gone were the days of Batman not trusting him, and the many times Batman had threatened him to stay out of Gotham unless he was invited. Even so, Clark didn’t try to abuse his freedom to now come and go.

“Superman,” Batman grunted out, and Clark smiled. It was a friendly grunt, so that was good!

“How’s the night in Gotham?”

Batman shrugged, eyes still over the city. “Fine enough. The usual.”

Clark laughed. “The usual for Gotham isn’t ideal for other cities, but I’ll take it,” he commented, and the other man shrugged. They fell into silence for a few moments before Clark spoke up. “Valentine’s Day is coming up,” he began, as both looked down to the city streets. “Any plans?”

Batman shrugged. “Keep the city safe,” he replied. “You?”

“Oh, the same. I could take over for the night, if you wanted to do something else?”

Finally, Batman looked at him, to Clark’s surprise.

“Like what?” Batman asked.

“Uh…” Clark began, finding himself at a loss of what to say. Did Batman have another identity as he himself did? Did Batman have a relationship, or a friend to spend time with like that? Or a cozy home to stay in and eat snacks and…

“Uh…anything?” Clark finally replied. “Just, I could give you the night off and patrol here. I’ll hear shouts for either city, so…” he trailed off.

The men looked at each other for a long moment before Batman shrugged. “I’ll be fine,” he said, and Clark nodded.

It wasn’t really an answer, but he wasn’t going to push it…

___

Bruce didn’t really pay any mind to the conversation and offer from Superman, as the guy was a big ball of sunshine and of course he’d offer to give Batman a night off on such a lovey dovey occasion.

It made Bruce roll his eyes; what did he care about the day or night? It was just another day, and a commercialized supposed holiday. He didn’t care for it, but at least he’d have a good time at the children’s hospital that day, he mused with a smile as he got dressed a few days later, seeing as Wayne Enterprises always held a Valentine’s Day party there for the children, families, and staff. There would be balloons, good food, and too much chocolate, but anything to brighten the spirits of everyone was worth it, he grinned as he debated on which tie to wear to work that day.

But it was bittersweet to think about it, as it also reminded him of the plans he had at night. Which was worse, he thought, to have to go out and socialize on Valentine’s Day, or know there was a large criminal plot he had to stop?

“I’d rather be out on patrol without anything specific happening,” he sighed.

“The blue one, with the light stripes,” Alfred said, appearing in the wardrobe doorway, and Bruce nodded as he reached for that tie. “By the way, I reserved a hotel room in Gotham for Mr Kent, one of the downtown ones that was just renovated.”

Bruce raised an eyebrow in the mirror at him as he tied his tie. “Presumptuous much?”

Alfred rolled his eyes. “I explained it was to make the weekend easier, rather than just pick him up in another city and drop him off after a long car ride back. He can rest and relax, and get as much room service as he wants.”

“On my dime,” Bruce huffed.

“Yes,” the older man agreed with a laugh. “It’s the least we can do,” he said as he walked away. “Perhaps one of these days you’ll have a real date again, and not a fake one?”

Bruce sighed. “I’d definitely rather be out on patrol that night.”

____

Friday February 13th arrived far too soon for Clark, who was tired from stressing about time with Bruce Wayne and going to some fancy shmancy gala. Cat and Lois, among others, had offered “helpful tips” for shmoozing at such a party as non-press, and though they meant well and did want him to have a good time, he was ready for it all to be over!

After work he headed to Gotham, always finding it amusing to take public transportation there rather than fly, and dutifully checked into the hotel Alfred had sent information for. Clark whistled as he wandered it.

“Not a room, but a suite, wow!” Clark gushed, taking pictures to show his parents…though then he’d have to explain why he was there, and that was another headache to deal with. “I’ll figure it out later,” he sighed, hanging his suit up in the bedroom’s wardrobe and unpacking a few more items. By then it was dark out, given that it was wintertime and the sun set early, and he stood in the middle of the living room unsure of what to do.

“I can’t go and patrol tonight unless something really big happens, it would be too risky to get in and out of here,” he mused, as there was no balcony or even windows that opened. He stood by one of the large windows and looked out before shrugging.

“It’s cold but dry out, might as well go for a walk and try that one burger place Jimmy raved about,” he decided, and did just that.

The night was pleasant enough, though certainly busy what with it being a Friday night, as well as people either celebrating Valentine’s early, or doing last minute preparations.

Clark returned to his suite a little after eight and realized he hadn’t fully looked around it yet. Changing into pajamas, he did just that and was pleasantly surprised to find some nice components, including some upscale coffee and tea to accompany the machine that was probably more than a month of his rent. But, there was also a medium sized heart shaped box of chocolates, which made him laugh.

“I’m sure it’s the hotel and not Mr Wayne’s doing, but it’s still nice,” Clark said aloud, grabbing water and the chocolates and settling down to relax and watch television for the rest of the night. And when he finally decided to move from the sofa to the bed, he was excited to find large windows in the bedroom as well.

Clark left the curtains wide open and woke to bright sunlight. He stretched and remained in bed, enjoying the comforting energy and feeling more at peace than he had since…well, since Bruce Wayne sent the flowers and invitation, Clark recalled.

Shrugging, he wondered what to do with his day. He fought the urge to have a room service breakfast, thinking he might do that tomorrow, just for the sake of it, and eventually showered and dressed to go out in Gotham and wander some more. He wasn’t in the city often for fun, mostly as Superman or Reporter Clark, and it was nice to just walk around with his scarf pulled tight and a hot drink in hand to see where the city took him.

It was a nice way to spend the morning and early afternoon, wandering bookstores and cafes, seeing outdoor winter festivals and markets, but Clark finally headed back to the hotel just after lunch, figuring he’d rest and relax some more before getting ready for that night. He returned with heavy steps, telling himself that he had no business dreading the gala, that it was just another night out for the Wayne heir.

“I’m probably just a shiny toy for him, flavor of the week,” Clark mused as he relaxed on the sofa again. “It’s not going to be a big deal, I’m sure. After all, the guy hasn’t even reached out to me since the flowers!” Clark laughed. “His right hand man did, not him. Perhaps he’ll even forget all about it,” he mused, turning on the television and flicking channels.

But later, as he put on Gotham news as he dressed, Clark smiled at a story covering the children’s hospital party hosted by none other than his date. Bruce Wayne was dressed casually, all warm smiles and laughter as he exchanged valentines with the children, served lunch for the staff, and tried his hand at a balloon dart game. The children and families were filmed cheering him on as he won a large pink stuffed bear, which he promptly gave to a patient who laughed, the bear almost as big as she was.

Clark felt warmed by the story as the news moved into weather, and looked at his reflection as he buttoned up his shirt.

“Maybe tonight won’t be so bad…”

___

“Maybe tonight won’t be so bad,” Alfred said for the umpteenth time as he drove. In the backseat, Bruce sighed loudly and petulantly. “Fine. This is all your doing, need I remind you.”

“I know, I know,” Bruce agreed, looking out the window. “Anyone I’m out with tonight would be bad, except for Vicki, I suppose. She’s good enough company for something like this. But no, she has a boyfriend and they have plans,” he sighed again.

“Yes, a pity she’s in a happy relationship,” Alfred laughed, and Bruce rolled his eyes. “Surely Mr Kent will be nice enough company?”

“I hope he’s at least tolerable, and knows he’s not there as press. Whatever, I just need arm candy to not look out of place or raise suspicion, or worse, have people want to set me up more than usual,” Bruce said. “As soon as we know the gang is on scene I’ll leave him.”

“And then?”

“What?”

Alfred frowned at him in the rearview mirror. “And then, for Mr Kent?”

“I’ll say I have food poisoning or something, I’ll say I have to leave early and thanks, etc etc etc.”

Alfred frowned again. “Well, do try to have a nice time. You never know, you may be pleasantly surprised by spending time with him. But, I’ll be monitoring the cameras from here once I park and will keep you updated,” he said and Bruce nodded, feeling slightly distracted as they neared the hotel to pick up his cover…date…

He wasn’t sure what to expect. Some dates wanted pomp and circumstance, for Bruce to come up to the room to get them, or to arrive with a gift, or having tipped off paparazzi. He had no gift, having not paid attention to any Valentine expectations, so oops? No, he told himself, any gift or even flowers would give the wrong impression, that there was more to tonight than there actually was.

Some dates made loud comments about “look who’s here to pick me up!” Others were “fashionably late” and made him wait. There had even been one or two who documented the whole thing themselves…

He rolled his eyes at himself; what was he doing, with all these one night stands and one-off dates? He largely did it to keep up appearances and fend off high society crows trying to set him up with anyone and everyone. But he was growing sick of it…though what other option did he have? He had failed at relationships, for how to explain his absences or nights away? The bruises and scrapes he suddenly appeared with? Not to mention that he just didn’t have much time for a relationship, he reminded himself.

Bruce sighed as they pulled up at the hotel, and took a deep breath to steel himself. One date tonight, and then he’d take a break from socializing and acting the part, he said to himself as he stepped out of the car. This Clark Kent was a small town guy, so he may be old fashioned, but then again, he was a journalist, so…did that mean he knew that making Bruce Wayne wait for him and be visible to the lobby was important? Was page six gossip already there?

But to his surprise, Clark was already exiting the hotel, and there was no paparazzi. No one even had a phone out or paid them any mind.

“Hello, Mr Wayne,” Clark greeted him with a small smile.

“Mr Kent,” Bruce said with his trademark Bruce Wayne perfect public relations smile, since that was what tonight was, wasn’t it? “Ready?”

Clark nodded and Bruce held the door open for him, noting in amusement the man’s surprise. Clark slid into the comfortable back seat and Bruce heard him warmly greet Alfred as he closed the door, surprised that the man did so. Could Bruce even remember any other date (other than Vicki) doing that? No, he realized, he couldn’t.

They drove off and made small talk about general topics, with Clark thanking him for the generosity of the hotel room. Bruce waved it off, ignoring Alfred’s grin and “I told you so” look in the rearview.

Finally, they had arrived at the museum, which was on the outskirts of the city where it could have a large garden area. Bruce exited the car first and waved at Alfred, noting again that Clark thanked the older man for the ride.

As they walked into the venue side by side Clark’s stomach fluttered in nerves. The night was more real when he was in the car with Bruce Wayne but now it was well and truly here, he thought, as they left their coats in the coat check and wandered around with others in the museum’s grand entry hall and beyond.

As Bruce started to lead them around to meet others, Clark couldn’t help but notice a small earbud in the man’s ear. He frowned slightly; he had never heard rumors of hearing concerns, but perhaps it was a private matter? Clark made a note to consider asking the man later if he wanted to go to one of the galleries where it would be quieter, to perhaps give him an auditory rest from the party.

As they mingled and met people, Clark also realized that a number of those who seemed to know Bruce well commented on the same thing, that they never saw him out on Valentine’s Day.

“I’ve never had a nice date for it,” Bruce said, smiling at Clark, who blushed each time.

It wasn’t until Bruce was talking about work with several others that Clark let his mind wander as he looked around, taking it all in. As usual, he let his senses heighten, with snippets of conversations from all over the room rising up to him. Some complained about the weather; others praised the catering at the event; others discussed general topics of news, sports, gossip, fashion, and vans arriving at the museum.

Clark frowned. Vans arriving? Who was discussing that? He tuned his hearing in and realized it was from a voice with a British accent, one that sounded familiar, but from where, who? No, the where was….Bruce? The ear piece, then, Clark realized, was a radio rather than hearing concerns. And through it, the voice was discussing that vans had arrived at the west entrance.

Clark squinted slightly; why did Bruce need to know that, and why was someone else monitoring it? They had their own car, Alfred had driven it. And Bruce and Wayne Enterprises weren’t organizing this event, so Bruce didn’t need to be part of the planning, did he?

“I’ll start to get ready,” Clark heard Bruce murmur as he raised his drink to his mouth. If it weren’t for his powers, Clark would have never picked up on any of that, and his mind raced in confused surprise.

He looked at Bruce wide eyed as the man excused them from the others and smiled at Clark.

“Please excuse me, I just need to step out for a moment.”

“Are you okay?” Clark asked, more concerned than anything now, all other thoughts out of his mind. “I can go with you.”

“No, it’s fine, but thank you. Just enjoy the party and mingle, look at the art. I’ll be back soon.”

Clark nodded and watched Bruce leave before turning back to the room. The last thing he wanted to do was walk around a party he didn’t know people at, much less a Valentine’s Day party, on his own. At least, not while he was there as a guest and not on duty as a reporter. No, looking at art was a better option, he decided, and went to one of the side galleries. But in the quiet of that area, his mind returned to what the voice had reported on, and he tuned in his hearing to the men again. They were discussing the van and men getting out of it…and guns…and stealth gear, and a headcount, Clark processed. Why was there no discussion of calling the police? What did the two men think they could do other than alert museum guards and the police?

Clark darted out of the gallery as fast as he could without running and opened the first door he found, a janitor’s closet. He changed out of his suit and tuned in his hearing to locate the men the radio voice had identified, as he was unfamiliar with the museum and didn’t know which entrance was where.

Clark found the men just as they had made it through the locked entrance and were beginning to engage with the guards there, as it seemed all entrances were staffed no matter what. Just as the guards took cover and the masked men started to shout out commands, demands, and throw a smoke bomb, Clark took action. He blew the smoke out through the opening the group had made and pushed the masked men back as well. He heard rather than felt bullets hit him from the yelling men, but also heard something new - the British male voice and Bruce talking once more, with the voice relaying what was happening and sharing surprise that Superman was there.

“I’m on it,” Bruce replied.

“GCPD is six minutes out,” the voice responded.

Clark shook his head and focused on the men, using red velvet ropes that the museum utilized for guiding patrons into line to wrap the men up, securing them to each other. Several had run ahead, as they were closest to the outside, but before Clark could head there none other than Batman swooped in and knocked one out, grabbing the other and throwing a batarang at the third to stop them. Clark’s mouth dropped open as Batman turned, thug still in hand, and looked at him.

“Uh…” Clark began, but Batman just moved to secure the three to the others. Shrugging, Clark went to check on the guards and ensure they were fine, as they thanked him over and over.
Approaching sirens were soon heard and Clark decided it was time to leave, but before he could, Batman neared him.

“Upstairs landing in five,” he gruffly said, and Clark nodded before leaving. He flew up and found a large patio, likely used for events in the warmer months, Clark mused, and watched from above as the GCPD handled everything and talked to Batman and the guards.

Soon, Batman joined him.

“What are you doing here?” Batman snapped.

“I was just here?”

“You were just here,” Batman repeated, arms crossed over his chest. “When there was a planned break in of the museum.”

“Yes.”

“Tonight of all nights?”

“Yes?”

Bruce frowned; he had a headache from having to mingle and pretend to enjoy the night, he didn’t want another one from Superman. “Why are you on my turf, and how did you find out about the break in?”

It was Clark’s turn to frown. He thought they had moved past Batman not trusting him, but his previous concerns about Batman fearing him resurfaced and he spoke before he could stop himself.

“I’m here on a date and heard it,” he blurted out, and they stood in silence. Had he stunned the Bat, Clark wondered?

Truthfully, Bruce was shocked. Superman was on a date?

“You’re on a date?” he said aloud, still trying to process it.

“Uh, yes…”

“Here?”

“Yes,” Clark said.

“I…uh…” Bruce began, at a loss for words.

“I should get back to it, them, him,” Clark stammered. “Good seeing you, Batman,” he added, but the other man just curtly nodded, and Clark left in the blink of an eye. Bruce stood where he was, still shocked.

“That was unexpected,” Alfred mused in his ear. “Did you see him at the event?”

“No, and he’s hard to miss,” Bruce replied. “Everyone would have been talking about it if Superman was here, much less on a date.”

“Nothing’s posted online that I can see,” Alfred shared. “Well, best to get back to your own date then.”

Bruce blinked. “What?”

“You’re here with Clark, you should return to him.”

Bruce sighed. “I was here to get that group, it was just cover, remember?”

“You’re not leaving him hanging!”

“I’ll say I was sick,” Bruce offered, but Alfred shared some choice words and threats, and Bruce sighed and went to change, leaving his gear and suit where Alfred could retrieve it. Bruce checked his reflection in a restroom, begrudgingly preparing to return to the gala.

Though…Clark had been pleasant enough company, Bruce had to admit. He didn’t fawn over Bruce, wasn’t handsy like other dates. No, he was polite, maybe even a little…charming. And not bad on the eyes. Plus again, Vicki vouched for him, and he did have some interesting opinions per his articles…

Bruce shrugged at his reflection. “It’s just for another hour or two,” he said, and left to find Clark. The man wasn’t in the main area, so he went into the side galleries and finally found Clark in deep discussion about a painting. Bruce stood several feet back just watching and listening to his date talk animatedly with the older couple, friends of his parents who Bruce had always liked. There were no airs from Clark, no pretense, just knowledge and admiration for the scene and how it was depicted. In short, he was clearly not trying to impress the two multi millionaires he was standing with.

“Mother and Father bought one of the artist’s later works, it’s still in one of our libraries,” Bruce commented from where he stood. Clark looked at him in surprise as the others smiled warmly.

“Martha did have good taste,” the wife laughed.

“Thank you for keeping Clark company, I’ve been a bad date and stepped out for a phone call,” Bruce said.

“It was our pleasure to meet him,” the husband said, shaking hands with Clark. “But we won’t keep you two. We’ll talk again, I’m sure.”

Clark nodded and smiled as they left, with the wife pulling Bruce in for a hug as they passed.

“I think you’ve also got good taste, he seems to be a catch,” she whispered, winking as they left.

Bruce grinned and walked towards Clark.

“Are you okay?” Clark asked, clearly worried.

“Yeah, I just had to handle something,” Bruce told him, waving it away, and Clark nodded. Without thinking, Bruce reached over and straightened Clark’s crooked tie, something in his brain telling him that it hadn’t been that way before…

Clark blushed. “Thank you,” he said, and Bruce grinned again.

“Want to go people watching?” he suggested, and Clark nodded. They returned to the main area and grabbed drinks before securing a high table and standing to peruse the crowd and comment here and there. Really, Bruce needed a cover for looking at the guests as he tried to find Superman, if the man was still here.

“If he’s here on a date, he’s so cheerful and sunshine that he wouldn’t bail, I’m sure,” Bruce mused as he turned his attention to profiling Superman for what to look for. Strong posture. Confident. That was…a lot of people here, Bruce sighed. What else? Similar height to Bruce, but a broader build. Dark hair, with curls, he thought, looking around. How would Superman dress, as a civilian? Bruce had no clue, really.

“What do you think about Superman?” Bruce decided to ask his date.

“What?” Clark replied, coughing into his drink.

“Yeah, you’re from his city, what do you think about him?” Bruce asked as he sipped his drink. Perhaps the local reporter would have some insight for Bruce?

“Oh, uh, he seems nice,” Clark offered. “Focused, kind. People sure do like him, he’s got a…fan club, I suppose,” he said, feeling awkward talking about himself like that. “Uh, what do you think about him?” he dared to ask, and was surprised that his pulse raced as he waited.

Bruce thought about it. What did he think about Superman? “Kind, focused,” he agreed with a nod. "Seems determined, maybe even stubborn,” he said, and Clark bit back a smile. They fell into comfortable silence for a moment, lost in their thoughts as Bruce continued to look around and contemplate Superman more.

He never really disliked the guy, after getting over that he was an actual alien and finally building trust. He thought about what Clark said, Superman did have a fan club; Bruce had seen the many posts and pictures people posted about him. Batman had his fair share of supporters but not many pictures, so there was naturally more to look at for Superman. And Bruce could admit that the guy wasn’t unattractive. Far from it, really, but he had never put much thought into it, as Batman and Superman weren’t a thing, even if some people had hopes and theories about it. No, Bruce had to focus on work which, he reminded himself, was why he was even out on this fake date to begin with, technically as Batman rather than Bruce Wayne.

“What do you think about Batman?” Clark asked, to his surprise.

Bruce paused to think. “Also focused and determined, he puts Gotham first,” he carefully offered, his usual statement about himself when asked in interviews.

Clark nodded. “He’s done great things, I’m always in awe about him,” he shared before he could stop himself.

Bruce glanced at him in surprise, amused to find Clark was blushing! “Mr Kent, are you a fan of Batman?”

Clark shrugged and cleared his throat as he looked away, and Bruce smiled before looking around the room more. There was another period of silence before Clark spoke again.

“Who are you looking for?”

“Pardon?”

Clark shrugged. “You seem to be intently looking around.” He paused. “Is it an ex?”

“What?” Bruce asked, surprised.

Clark shrugged again. “Are you worried about running into an ex tonight?”

“I…uh…”

“We don’t have to stay,” Clark offered.

“Oh, okay,” Bruce slowly said, surprised again. He had been given a reason for an early exit, but why was he not feeling happy about it? Clark nodded and they moved away from the table, leaving their drinks with other empty ones before heading to one of the exits of that room.

“Wait,” Bruce began. “Did you get to finish the exhibit you were in earlier?”

“Oh, no,” Clark admitted. “It’s fine, I can come back another time.”

“No, let’s go check it out.”

“Are you sure?” Clark asked, and Bruce nodded.

“Yeah, let’s go,” he said, figuring that it was the least he could do for Clark, seeing as the man had given up how much time for him.

“I’ll continue to monitor and search,” the voice said into his earpiece and Bruce missed the confused look that flitted across Clark’s face.

Something was yelling at him in his mind, but Clark couldn’t place it, couldn’t figure out what he was missing…

They wandered the exhibit, talking about different works of art, and at one point Bruce took out a handkerchief and passed it to Clark. “Your glasses are a bit dusty, how’d that happen here?” he laughed.

“Oh, uh, it just happened,” Clark said, realizing that the janitor’s closet had given him a souvenir, it seemed. He took off his glasses to clean them, looking at the painting ahead of him as he did so.

Bruce happened to look at Clark from the side and froze. Clark’s profile without the glasses, albeit with a change in the hair, was…

“Superman,” Bruce said, as no one else was around.

Clark paused. “What? Where?” he asked as he put on his glasses and looked around, finding Bruce looking straight at him in surprise. “Ha, what?”

Bruce reached out and took his glasses off, and Clark resolutely continued to look at the painting rather than the man standing next to him watching him.

“Look at me,” Bruce requested.

“Mr Wayne, you’re confused…”

“You’re here on a date,” Bruce mused aloud.

“Uh, with you, remember?” Clark posed, fighting the urge to look at him.

“You’re on a date, with me,” Bruce finally realized, laughing. The puzzle was solved, then, of where Superman was, who he was, and who he was with!

Clark frowned and finally looked at Bruce. “My glasses, please,” he softly requested, concerned that Bruce Wayne had figured out his identity. Clark would have to unpack that later and see if it would be used against him…then again, Bruce was no Lex Luthor, right?

“You don’t need them,” Bruce confidently stated.

“I do,” Clark protested.

“And you helped with the break in,” Bruce continued, ignoring him

“What?” Clark asked, confused. How did Bruce know about that already? He wasn’t on scene, only the guards, Clark, the GCPD, and Batman were.

He froze again as things finally, finally clicked into place. The earpiece in Bruce’s ear. Bruce leaving the party before the gang broke in, but after they were confirmed to be on the scene. And the voice on the radio, that was a man he had spoken to just that very day…Alfred? It was Alfred! So that meant…

“Batman?” he asked, and Bruce nodded. They stood in silence, looking at each other.

“What are the odds,” Bruce finally commented, laughing softly. “I just needed a date to fit in here tonight, and it was you, of all people.”

Clark awkwardly laughed. “Yeah. Uh, so, your Valentine’s Day plans were to fight crime?”

“As good a night as any,” Bruce said, shrugging. He paused, squinting slightly. “The glasses, how did I not see it?” he said, almost to himself, shaking his head.

Clark shrugged before taking a breath and standing taller than usual, at least when he was just Clark. “I change a few other things, I suppose.”

Bruce shook his head again. “I can’t believe it.”

“Yeah…”

Bruce tried to take it all in, and thought about his earlier thoughts about Superman, the very discussion he had had with the man about, well, himself!

Unbeknownst to him, Clark was doing the same thing. He had talked to Batman about Batman! No, not just that! He had blushed when talking about Batman to Batman! It wasn’t his fault he had always admired the guy…Even so, Clark was so embarrassed, and decided it was time to call it a night and leave, flee, run away…

But before he could open his mouth, Bruce spoke.

“We should get out of here,” he posed, and Clark nodded, feeling relieved to have a way out, and yet also feeling…nerves? Sadness that now that Bruce knew who he was, he wanted to get away from him?

It was probably for the best, Clark thought. Bruce probably didn’t want to be around him as Bruce Wayne, just in case. Or perhaps he had been too small town for the millionaire? Or maybe…

“I mean, the food here wasn’t enough for me, personally, so I’m pretty hungry,” Bruce said as they began to walk, to Clark’s surprise. “I know a lot of places are booked tonight what with it being Valentine’s Day, but I'm sure we could find somewhere to eat?”

Clark smiled, feeling relieved but now nervous for another reason, it seemed. “Sure. You know, I have a hotel suite and was told I could get as much room service as I wanted, if we want to just get food there. Oh! I didn’t mean anything by it, just that it would be private. But not for any specific reason!” he rambled.

Bruce laughed at how useful Alfred’s offer of spending Bruce’s money was, and at the other man’s stammering. “That sounds good,” he agreed. “I think we have a lot to talk about.”

Clark smiled and followed him to get their coats, with Alfred pulling up as they stepped outside. Clark greeted Alfred as they settled in and the older man drove off, talking a mile a minute about his surprise of who Superman is and praising Clark for his many endeavors, as well as juggling so much in his life.

“Someone could learn a thing or two about having a life outside of saving others,” Alfred mused.

“So you say every other day,” Bruce sighed, and Clark turned to look out the window as he smiled.

The men were lost in thought as Alfred drove, soft music playing over the radio. Clark could laugh at his luck; being on a date with Bruce Wayne, then finding out who each other was! He silently sighed; he had a bit of a crush on Batman, and who didn’t find Bruce Wayne to be a catch? Now he had to figure out how to remain professional with both versions of him!

As for Bruce, he had had a good night with Clark, both as Clark and as Superman, unexpected as it was, in more ways than one. Both versions were kind and friendly, warm in their own different but similar ways, now that he knew who Clark was. And he hadn’t been lying earlier when he said he hadn’t had a nice enough date for Valentine’s Day, not that he had ever cared about it before.

But now, tonight, the universe was clearly giving him a sign to perhaps get to know the other man more, beyond just colleagues. Who else would better understand his sudden absences, or scrapes and bruises and other injuries? No, not just understand, but be out there with him, patrolling and fighting and helping. Who else, indeed, Bruce realized. Cupid was certainly shooting his shot, eh?

But as they neared the hotel, Clark cleared his throat.

“I can fly up to the roof and then head in, or wait and go in a few minutes after you,” he offered. “Just in case anyone sees us and reads into anything,” Clark added, knowing how Batman valued his privacy.

“It’s fine, entering a hotel with someone won’t be anything unusual for me,” Bruce mused.

“Uh…” Clark said, at a loss for words, and Bruce froze, realizing what he said and how it must have sounded. It was true, to keep up appearances, but still…

“Please trust that Master Wayne is a true gentleman,” Alfred interjected. “He will be returning home to sleep at a reasonable hour tonight. And he’ll pick you up for a nice brunch out tomorrow.”

“I will?” Bruce asked, surprised.

“Yes, now go,” Alfred said as he pulled up at the hotel, and the men wished him a goodnight before exiting.

“I guess we have a date tomorrow?” Bruce offered as they entered the hotel and headed to the elevators, and Clark blushed but smiled.

“A real one, this time?” he teased.

“Yes, but it’s Gotham, I can’t promise there won’t be crime to fight,” Bruce said as the elevator arrived and they stepped in.

Clark took out his room key card and waved it to push the button for his floor. “Fair enough, nothing we can’t handle, I’m sure.”

Bruce laughed. “Agreed," he said, finding himself actually excited by their plans, and began to discuss brunch options.