Archive of Our Own ^beta

Clark had had enough.

They were finally done with a long battle against Brainiac, one that had been so serious he’d had to call in the Justice League for help. It was always difficult to tell what to expect when going into a fight with Brainiac.

That's why he was fed up, because Brainiac was a massive threat to the entire city, not just Superman. Situations like these were exactly why Clark needed Batman’s calculating, brilliant, all-thinking mind. The Bat was a genius, someone Clark had always admired.

Now that the fight had ended, Clark’s energy was badly drained; his muscles ached as if tiny shards of Kryptonite were prickling into his body. It definitely didn't help that the Moon was already high in the sky, depriving him of the direct sunlight he needed to recover. Plus, it was a sign of just how long the battle had dragged on.

Usually, a battle didn’t take this long, but this time, Brainiac had some pretty new ideas and upgrades in his game.

Clark's first instinct, after making sure every civilian was safe and no one was seriously injured, was to scan the area for Batman. It was slowly becoming a habit to seek him out immediately, to check if he was okay.

With how stubborn the man was, one had to keep a close eye on him. Clark had learned that early in their partnership.

Although their partnership had started on rather rocky ground, over the last two years, he had managed to soften the Bat’s edges.

He was finally willing to communicate properly with the alien and even trust him on the battlefield, which meant they could count on each other at any time without hesitation.

Clark could have almost said they were friends, but he had to be careful not to say that out loud…

Instead he kept this thought in his head along with his many other not very work appropriate thoughts on the Bat. Otherwise, it would cause a fight or flight response and the Dark Knight would probably run for the hills if he heard it.

He didn't want to ruin what was building between them with a mistake like letting Batman know he thought of him as a close friend… not just a coworker.

A coworker whose heartbeat he memorized and liked to listen to at night. Wonderful… how wonderful.

Shaking off the thoughts, he finally spotted the man talking to Hal—or rather, Hal was talking, and Batman was responding with nothing more than a low mutter.

The truth was, Clark knew there was a mutual respect between Batman and Hal. It was just that Bruce rarely, if ever, let it show, while Hal, on the other hand, absolutely loved riling the Bat up. It was simply how they worked.

When Superman walked over to them, Hal took it as his cue to leave; he stepped away, claiming he still had very important things to do.

"Not so fast, Green Lantern," Batman called after him immediately. "I want your report."

Of course, the report—the one everyone was obligated to write and submit so the Bat could analyze them and prepare the official statement for the Daily Planet. Since this was standard procedure for serious battles, Hal couldn’t really escape it. Even if he desperately wanted to.

"Sure, sure, Bats, how could I forget the report," Hal said, still walking away, though he didn't look like someone who was eager to write reports.

That was when Batman turned toward Superman and said in a monotone voice, "Good work, Kal."

Ah, yes. Every now and then, when Batman was in a good mood, "Kal" would slip past his lips. Or maybe it was just the exhaustion that made him use Superman’s name this time.

Clark would be lying if he said he didn’t love the sound of his Kryptonian name coming from Batman’s mouth.

"Ah… thank you." Clark was flustered. He never quite knew how to react to Batman’s kind words. "Thanks for the help."

Batman just shrugged his shoulders, as if to say it was nothing. But to Clark, it meant a lot.

It meant he had someone he could count on at any moment; it filled him with a good feeling to know he wasn't doing all of this alone.

When he saw that Batman was already preparing to leave, Clark, in his awkwardness, blurted out the first sentence that popped into his head.

"You know, I love looking at the Moon."

And what that had to do with anything, even Clark didn't know… Batman was a professional at making the alien feel flustered. He mastered the whole ‘being intimidating’ concept.

"Is that so?" Batman turned back toward him, and it was clear even he didn't understand what the other was getting at.

"Yes… you know, the Moon is so beautiful. If you look up at it, it doesn't blind you like the Sun… you can just simply admire it." By this point, Clark had taken his eyes off Batman and started looking up at the Moon.

"The Moon isn't like the Sun… it’s much more special, much more fascinating. It shines too, but in its own way. People look up at the Moon and say, 'Oh, look at the Moon, how beautiful.' And everyone agrees. There is a mystical, otherworldly beauty to the full moon; some find it scary and frightening, but some get completely lost in admiring it. It is the compass of the night."

Clark noticed that Batman wasn't looking at the Moon at all, but at him.

"So, that’s why I often just watch the Moon in the sky at night and think of nothing. It’s quite calming, one can really get lost in it," Clark said, half-laughing, realizing he had just talked Batman’s ear off about the goddamn Moon, and the other probably didn't care about any of it.

After a brief silence, "I think I prefer the Sun," Batman said.

"How come?"

"I have no problem with the Moon. In fact, you're right that one can get lost in watching it, but the Sun is much more…” Batman sighed, turning away to finish his sentence. "Happier. It brings joy far better than the Moon ever could."

Clark wanted to argue, since it’s a fact that the Sun’s light is stronger, but the Moon shines too, even if not as brightly. And yes, the Moon in fact brought him joy. But by the time he could have voiced it, the Bat was ready to leave.

"Goodbye, Kal," Batman said his farewells and, without turning back, walked over to the Batmobile.

Why did he have to say that?

Clark wanted so badly to stay in the Bat’s company, yet he never knew what to do to make the other man pay attention to him… to open up to him. Clark wanted to know everything—who was behind the mask, where Batman went when he returned home, who he talked to, whether he shared his day with anyone.

He wanted to know it all. Every tiny piece of information he had managed to gather about the Bat was something he treasured.

Maybe, just like the Moon, some lights were meant to be admired from a distance.

One day, B… one day you will let me see who you really are.

After this, he could really use a good, long, looong sleep.

Upon returning home from work, Clark took off his coat and tossed his keys onto the kitchen table.

He slipped into his Batman themed slippers haha, very funny, Lois and flopped onto the sofa to start his favorite TV show.

He must have dozed off because a loud beeping sound jolted him from his sleep.

The League phone? Clark frowned.

Scared that something might have happened, he immediately rushed for the phone.

He found the situation odd, though, because this wasn’t the sound the phone usually made when someone was calling for help. It sounded different this time.

This was the notification sound for text messages.

Clark knew this because both Flash and Green Lantern had sent him a text message before.

However, what he saw on the screen made him pause.

Batman sent you a photo.

That only confused him further. "Batman? But he never texts anyone… Especially not pictures."

Clark tapped the message in a split second to see what the other could have possibly sent him.

It was a picture of the Moon.

Batman:
Look outside. It’s a half-moon.

Clark didn't understand at first; then he remembered the awkward conversation that had happened between them a few weeks ago. It hadn't occurred to him that the Bat would actually remember the rambling nonsense he’d gone on about the Moon.

Superman:
It really is beautiful, B.
Superman:
I can't believe I almost missed a half-moon.

He went to the window and looked up at the Moon. It really was beautiful. Mesmerizing. It drew Clark’s gaze like a magnet.

He glanced back down at the phone in his hand as it buzzed again with that same loud notification sound.

Batman:
Then I assume you're sitting on pins and needles waiting for the full moon.

Superman:
Haha yes. I'm already on my way to get my super-duper new Unistellar eVscope 2 telescope.

Batman:
I imagine the local astronomy club must be green with envy that you can just fly up there and see it up close.

Superman:
Yeah, they were already planning to revoke my membership badge, even though we’ve bonded quite a bit.

Batman:
How dare they? I’m sorry.

Superman:
Right?!

Superman: It’s okay, I'll survive. :)

Okay, what was that??

Clark couldn't quite process this interaction. Batman not only sent him a photo, but he was actually joking around with Clark, which was… how to put it… very much not like him.

Clark set the phone down, seeing that Batman was no longer online; he had surely gone back to patrolling Gotham’s streets.

With a quiet sigh, Clark went into the bedroom to lie down on the bed and continue his sleep, but the conversation had left him feeling completely electrified.

That night, Clark fell asleep with a smile on his face.

The next picture Clark received was of the full Moon.

Batman:
attached twos pictures

Batman:
I hope you're looking at these through your telescope as well.

Superman:
Oh, don't worry B, my astronomy club and I have been waiting for the Full Moon for weeks.

Batman:
Are you, perhaps accepting new members?

Superman: For you, anything is possible. ;)

Okay, no, Clark didn't actually send that. Imagine what would have happened… It would have been far too flirtatious… Though he wouldn’t have minded pushing the boundaries a little… just to see how far he could go.

Instead, he simply wrote:

Superman:
Yes. Come in for an interview tomorrow morning.

Batman:
An interview?

Superman:
We can't just let anyone join… B.

Superman:
Besides, you have to prove you're not bluffing and that you're actually interested.

Batman:
I am serious.

Superman:
Well then, we’ll be waiting tomorrow.

Batman:
I’ll be there.

Superman: Dress nice!

Batman: Should I bring cookies too?

Superman: I mean, if you want to… :)

Superman: Do you like to bake?

Clark attempt to small talk was met with a two minute long silence which felt like a lifetime. Damnn it.

Batman:
I’ve baked only once or twice in my life.

Batman:
Do you like to bake?

Superman:
You’d be surprised, B, but I actually love baking. I’ve gathered quite a few favorite recipes over the years.

Superman:
I try to make time to bake something new every month.

Clark used to help around the kitchen a lot when he was little. He had always enjoyed playing with the ingredients, and spending time with his Ma. It was no wonder that baking had naturally stuck with him well into his adult life.

Batman:
Really? Now I’m intrigued. I’d like to try something made by Superman.

Superman:
Careful what you wish for.

Superman:
I make a mean apple pie.

Batman:
I’m willing to take the risk.

Superman:
It’s a deal then. :)

Batman:
I’ll hold you to it.

Batman: Go to sleep now, Kal.

And just like that, the connection was cut. Batman went offline before Clark could even type a reply.

"Bossy as always," Clark chuckled to himself, tossing the phone onto the nightstand.

The next time they met was at a League meeting. Batman had summoned them to the Watchtower to discuss the aftermath of Brainiac’s attack.

The damage assessments from the post-Brainiac battle had arrived, along with projections for upcoming upgrades. Everyone had the chance to state their needs—whether they wanted new equipment or requested repairs.

As the meeting drew to a close and the others filed out, a heavy silence settled over the room, leaving only Clark and Batman behind. Batman finally spoke.

"I read the interview you gave to Clark Kent."

Surprise washed over Clark’s face. Had Batman found out who he really was? No, that couldn't be. Clark was sure Batman believed he didn't even have a civilian identity. But then, what was the Bat getting at?

"You did? You—You’ve been reading his articles?"

"I’ll admit, I’ve read a few, yes." In truth, Bruce had read every single one, but that was something he couldn't tell Superman.

That’s when it clicked for Clark.

"Clark Kent isn't a threat, B."

Thank Rao. If Batman could hear other people's heartbeats, Clark would be in big trouble right now.

He couldn’t even remember when he first noticed he was listening to the rhythm of Batman’s heart. It had such a steady tempo that it always calmed Clark down. Even though he tried not to listen too often to avoid seeming like a total creep.

Usually, he focused on it at night, when the other was patrolling the streets of Gotham. It meant less risk of accidentally overhearing a civilian name or recognizing a specific location.

"Are you sure?" Batman said, placing his hands on his hips in his typical I don't agree stance. "He wrote some pretty personal things about you."

"You don't have to worry about him. Clark isn't dangerous. That’s why I give interviews to him."

"How long have you known him?" Batman asked, his mouth tightening slightly.

Uh-oh. Clark was in trouble.

He didn't want to lie, but he didn't feel like this was the best moment to reveal who he really was.

"I—I, actually, I just trust him. Wait. B, you didn't start investigating him, did you?"

The silence was deafening.

"I didn't find anything," Batman confessed.

Clark didn't know what to say to that. The whole situation felt absurd.

First, Batman started sending him pictures, then he began investigating Clark Kent—who happens to be Superman himself. Great.

It was almost comical.

"He doesn't want any trouble," Clark sighed. "You won't find anything bad on him."

Batman studied him for a long moment, searching for any sign of deception. Finding none, he finally relaxed his stance and looked away.

"I liked his writing," he admitted.

Oh?

"I will tell him you said that," Clark joked, knowing the other was trying to steer the subject away. "I'm sure he'd be happy to know Batman likes his style."

Clark wasn't just happy; he was proud of himself. The compliment filled him with a warm and fuzzy feeling, even if it was technically directed at his other identity.

"By the way, maybe… I assume you use another phone besides your League one. Could I... maybe get the number for that one?" Clark didn't know what came over him to ask this, but he thought: it's now or never.

"It’s just that whenever I hear that notification sound, I assume someone needs help. Plus, that phone is so loud," Clark continued, but he started to feel like he was over-explaining.

Silence again.

Clark seriously considered just taking off and flying away… off the Earth. Moving to another planet until Batman forgot this entire conversation and Superman.

"Yes, sure. I'll text it to you," Batman finally replied.

"Okay. Great. Awesome." Shut up. Clark smiled. "I'll be going then, talk later, bye!"

If Clark hadn't rushed away, he might have seen the faint smile curling the corner of Batman's mouth.

It had been about a month since Batman started sending pictures to Clark, who still had no idea what had gotten into the man.

Not that he minded—in fact, he was genuinely happy that Batman was opening up to him. Clark always looked forward to a new message so he could exchange a few words with the other.

It had slowly become a routine to receive those pictures of the Moon. Not every day, of course, just whenever Batman thought the Moon looked particularly beautiful and felt the need to share it with Clark.

Clark was currently on his way to a gala in Metropolis, where all the important and wealthy people had been invited.

He had looked through the guest list, but only a few names truly interested him, so those were the only ones he committed to memory.

He needed to get a few quotes from Bruce Wayne as well.

Clark had never actually spoken to Bruce before. He might have seen him for a split second at another event, also held here in Metropolis, but he had never spoken a single word to him.

Bruce Wayne was famous for dodging serious questions. Clark had already noticed that whenever a more serious topic came up, Bruce would act in a way to divert the conversation or dodge the answer entirely.

He was almost certain that Bruce did know the answers to those serious questions but, for some reason, he did not want to answer them.

Well, we'll find out tonight…

Clark had already planned to ask Bruce some questions he wouldn't let him wriggle out of.

The gala started in the evening; it was an annual award ceremony, hosted in a different city each year, and this time, Metropolis had the honor of hosting it.

Usually, the highest elite attended this event—it was an easy place to find business partners. Everyone wanted to be there to network, build connections, and make a name for themselves.

He and Lois had arrived early, waiting for the people they wanted to interview.

"I saw your list. You want to talk to Bruce Wayne?" Lois asked, sounding a bit puzzled.

"Yes, it's rare for him to visit Metropolis, so I’ll take my chances," Clark replied.

"Yeah, well. You do know he'll probably be completely drunk by the time you actually get to talk to him, right?"

"Maybe not this time, Lois." In truth, Clark just wanted to stay optimistic. He didn't know what to expect, though.

"Speaking of the devil, here's our guy. Go talk to him!" And with that, Lois shoved Clark away from her.

Clark spotted him too.

There stood Bruce Wayne under the white lights, as if they had been positioned specifically to illuminate him.

He seemed so calm and relaxed. He didn't look drunk at all. He pulled out his phone, quickly typed something on it, and then slipped the device back into his back pocket.

He was alone, so Clark seized the opportunity and hurried over.

"Mr. Wayne! Excuse me for a moment," Clark called out suddenly.

Bruce noticed him then, their eyes meeting as Clark began walking toward him with his mini-microphone in hand.

A flash of recognition seemed to flicker across Bruce's face, which Clark couldn't quite place. How would Bruce Wayne know me?

As he got closer, his first thought was: his eyes are beautiful. It was no secret that Bruce Wayne was an attractive man, yet Clark was surprised by just how appealing he found him.

"Mr. Wayne, do you have a minute? I'd just like to ask a few questions," Clark said.

"Oh, of course. Give me your questions, Clark Kent," Bruce replied, much to Clark's surprise.

So he really does know me, but from where…

"You know my name?"

"It's written on your press badge," Bruce said with a laugh.

Clark felt like an absolute idiot. Of course his name was right there.

But before he could respond, Bruce beat him to it.

"You are the one who writes those articles about Superman," Bruce stated. "Don't tell me you know the great Superman personally? Are you friends, perhaps?"

Clark hadn't expected to get a question from Bruce at all. It meant he read his articles—at least the ones about Superman.

"No, we aren't friends. I just ask him questions after his battles." Clark didn't understand this line of questioning. He was starting to feel a bit anxious about where the other man was going with this.

"Ah, so you just happen to always know where he is. My, my, you wouldn't happen to be stalking and following him everywhere, Mr. Kent?" Bruce leaned closer, laughing.

"What? I don't spy on Superman. I'd never do that." Clark really didn't like where this conversation was going, so he wanted to change the subject quickly. "Anyway, I'm supposed to be the one asking the questions here, Mr. Wayne," said Clark awkwardly.

"Hold on a second, Mr. Kent. I see there are others fighting for my attention over there." Bruce pointed behind himself, where a group of five was calling out to him.

"But—"

"I hope we'll run into each other later, Clark Kent. Until then, goodbye!" Bruce replied, already rushing off.

Right. So Bruce had just brushed him off, thought he was stalking Superman—no, accused him of stalking Superman... himself. And on top of that, Clark hadn't even managed to ask a single question. Awesome.

Whatever, the night is still young, Clark thought to himself, and began looking for the other people he wanted to interview.

A few hours later, when Clark had had enough of the crowd, he slipped out into one of the building's secret gardens to get some fresh air.

He had discovered this well-hidden garden area a few years ago when he needed a little alone time. It was hard to notice, and very few people knew about it.

It wasn't a huge courtyard, really—just a few benches, some statues, and plenty of flowers and bushes.

To Clark's surprise, someone was sitting on one of the benches, looking up at the sky.

Well, there goes my secret spot.

As Clark got closer to the bench, he realized who was sitting on it. None other than Bruce Wayne.

"I see, so are you following me too now, Mr. Kent?" Bruce asked, looking at him as Clark reached his side.

"Ha ha ha. Very funny," Clark rolled his eyes. "How did you find this place?"

"I was wandering around the building, and got curious where this hallway led," Bruce confessed. "Aren't you going to sit down?"

Clark couldn't decide whether he should go back inside or sit down next to Bruce. He didn't want to intrude by bombarding him with questions; it wouldn't have been appropriate.

Bruce had come out here for some peace and quiet too, not to be interrogated by a reporter.

"Mr. Wayne, I don't know—" Clark started to say, but Bruce cut him off.

"Call me Bruce, and sit down. I assume you came out here to escape the madhouse inside, too." He patted the empty space next to him, signaling that Clark was welcome to sit.

"How did you know?" Clark laughed.

"Why do you think I'm sitting out here?" he said, though his eyes wandered towards the sky.

As Clark sat down, he looked up at the sky too and saw what the other man was looking at. "How beautiful… A Blood Moon. I didn't even know there would be one tonight," Clark mused.

"Yeah…" At that moment, Bruce pulled out his phone and raised it toward the sky to take a picture of the unique Moon.

"Do you usually take pictures of it?" Clark asked curiously.

"A… dear friend of mine really likes it. I often send it to him when I see that it looks this… beautiful." Bruce successfully snapped a picture of the Blood Moon and placed the phone in his lap. "He told me he often likes to watch it and that it calms him down. I've been sending him these pictures ever since. Hoping that if he's having a rough day, it might bring him some peace…" It was as if Bruce suddenly realized who he was telling all this to, and he simply added, "Forget it, please. I'm just rambling."

And then, it hit Clark… He heard the heartbeat he would have recognized anywhere, anytime. His favorite melody.

For a brief second, it seemed to flutter faster as Bruce confessed the truth about the pictures.

Suddenly, he understood. He realized exactly who was sitting beside him. Batman.

"B…?" Clark asked softly.

Bruce turned quickly towards him, but Clark couldn't read anything in his expression.

He suspected, however, that the other man was putting the pieces together too, realizing who Clark truly was.

"B, I—I wanted to tell you sooner. About who I really am." After a few seconds of silence, Clark spoke again. "Hah, how funny that it happened like this. Thank you for the pictures... I always looked forward to them." Clark smiled at him.

"I could have sent those photos to anyone, that doesn't mean…" Bruce started, but Clark interrupted.

"—Your heartbeat. I hear it… as soon as you said you send them to someone, your heartbeat immediately filled my ears. That same, familiar rhythm," Clark said, catching Bruce's eye. "But don't worry, I don't listen to it all the time."

Bruce stayed silent for a long moment, then picked up his phone, sent the picture to Clark, and set the device down on the bench beside him.

He looked at Clark and said, "I guess you really aren't spying on Superman after all," and laughed.

"Are you serious, B? That's the first thing you say? You're unbelievable," Clark laughed with him.

"Actually, I’ve learned everything about you and read all your articles, but for some reason, I didn't consider this," Bruce said, clearly lost in thought. "My heartbeat… hah, you're really something, Kal." And there was a faint smile on his face.

At that, Clark gently took Bruce's hand and pulled it into his own lap.

"You know, I meant what I said about the pictures. I've wanted to get to know you better for a long time. From the very first moment, I knew there was something special about you," Clark confessed, gently stroking Bruce's palm.

“There’s nothing special about me, Kal. It never fails to amaze me how you always think the best of me,” said Bruce, half-laughing. “You are the one who shines like the Sun, not me.”

“Don’t say that! You’re always the only person who listens to me and remembers every little detail about me. I appreciate you so much, B.”

In response, Bruce reached forward, resting his hand against Clark's cheek. He leaned closer, and as if waiting for confirmation, Clark gave a tiny nod.

And Bruce finally kissed him.

His rough fingers slid along the back of Clark’s neck and into the soft strands of hair. Their mouths came together in a desperate crash of flesh and teeth. Bruce tasted sweet, like something foreign and new and him.

Their mouths fought and danced, moving together, messy and wet. Clark kissed Bruce’s jaw, and he tilted his head to the side to offer Clark better access. Clark took the hint and trailed his lips along the sensitive skin below Bruce’s ear.

Bruce groaned, “I think we should slow down.” But his hands found a way into Clark’s hair again.

Clark went back to the other’s lips and kissed him twice, lingering longer on the second one. They kissed gently until they found the rhythm of their breath. They didn’t want to let go of each other, but they needed to catch their breath.

“I like you so much, Bruce,” Clark confessed.

Bruce smiled and pulled Clark in for a quick, chaste kiss. “You are a fool. But I like you too.”

Clark started laughing at that, his unguarded smile lighter than the rising sun. “Maybe I am.”

Clark was so happy that he couldn’t wipe the smile off his face. Bruce was finally where Clark had always wanted him to be. He would cherish this moment forever.