Chapter Text
The briefing had ended a while ago, and Clark wasn't one to eavesdrop, but the conversation was still heated in one of the Watchtower's common areas between Oliver, Hal, and Barry.
The topic was the recent "accident" involving Green Arrow and a civilian. Apparently, a civilian rescued by Green Arrow recognized him as Oliver Queen while waiting for Flash to intervene and take him away. This incident would be dealt with more seriously, but it didn't help that the civilian was Bruce Wayne and that the conversation had taken place during an open communication with the rest of the team.
It must be said that those were uncertain days for Oliver. Wayne declared, "I was so drunk I don't even remember being rescued by Green Arrow, but I owe him a huge thank you, not just to him, but to the entire Justice League." When photos of him with the hero began circulating, he then changed the subject, commenting on Lex Luthor and how his bald head makes a good mirror if there isn't one around.
But not everything was excellent for Oliver: not only did he win a "Batman Lecture" where the inefficiency in the design of some of the suits was criticized, but also he was ridiculed by the League after that encounter with the infamous prince of Gotham.
Clark knew it; that story of champagne and mirrors on Luthor's bald head was what would go down in history, not the identity risk for Green Arrow and much less the heroic attitude of Bruce Wayne, who, despite being unwell, helped to evacuate a large part of the attendees of the Gala he was attending, just before getting trapped in the hall and having to be rescued by his partner.
Even so, Clark refrained from commenting on that when Batman paused, recalling the slight tension in the Bat's voice that only his super hearing had been able to notice when someone mentioned the billionaire.
By that time he was already far from what was now a barrage of Hal's teasing of Oliver, absorbed in his thoughts and would have continued like that were it not for Barry's mention of Batman.
"What do you mean by 'whatever Batman has with Bruce Wayne'? Hal?"
"I think it's pretty obvious. I mean, how do you think Batman got Bruce Wayne to fund this? Not to mention his donations of technology and supplies."
"That doesn't seem far-fetched. Bruce used to give gifts to his partners as a sign of affection." Oliver's voice betrayed his disbelief, as if he'd just discovered the most obvious thing in the universe. "...Batman is... practically Brucie's sugarbaby."
And that's when the three of them burst into laughter at the last thing; perhaps they talked more, but Clark was already completely tuned out. The idea of Batman and Bruce Wayne involved in a romantic relationship impacted his entire world like a meteorite striking him instantly.
Sugarbaby. The word echoed in his head, over and over like a broken record, vulgar and shocking. And if that wasn't enough, it also came with a barrage of images of countless lavish dinners with Bruce and Batman's impassive face with a sweet smile as he received an expensive gift.
Although he wasn't a supporter of Wayne, he knew that behind the superficial socialite facade, Wayne Enterprises was simply trying to help Gotham in any way he could. This was evident in the numerous charity galas, donations, community programs, and foundations run by Wayne Enterprises. Looking back, it even seemed logical to him that his friend was in a romantic relationship with the Prince of Gotham.
But that didn't ease the pain in his chest. His heart was being torn apart as he processed what that meant. And seconds later, Clark was back in his Metropolis apartment.
It wasn't the idea of his best friend treating his body like some kind of bargaining chip—he didn't even see that as a possibility; it was the idea of his best friend, the world's most relentless detective, being romantically involved with someone, and that someone being someone as eccentric as Bruce Wayne. And the worst part was, it all seemed so...absurdly obvious.
Ignoring the trembling in his hands and his racing pulse, he picked up the phone and dialed. Only one person could handle this kind of crisis.
"Lois," Clark's voice sounded unusually flat, "I need some advice. It's about... a friend. He's in love with a guy, a guy with a very serious job, and he thinks that guy is... dating a playboy who pretends to be a complete idiot and, by the way, has some kind of fixation with funding his boyfriend's job."
There was silence on the other end, broken only by Lois Lane's tapping. "Wait… Are you telling me Batman has a millionaire boyfriend?" Lois burst into laughter so raspy through the phone it pierced Clark's numbness. "Wait! Is it Bruce Wayne? Oh, of course it's Bruce Wayne! Holy shit, this is gold, Clark! I'll be there in 10 minutes, just wait for me." And that's how Lois hung up before Clark could even protest.
"Okay, are you done with your dramatic monologue, Smallville?" Asked Lois, after Clark finished explaining what happened at the Watchtower. She took a long sip of her coffee and settled more comfortably in the armchair before recapping. "So, you're telling me you think Batman and Brucie sleep in the same bed because Green Lantern made a comment about Brucie investing part of his fortune in League expenses, and it seems logical to you because the Prince and the Knight of Gotham share ideals somehow?"
Clark buried his face in his mug of hot chocolate, courtesy of Lois, and spoke in a barely audible whisper. "When you say it like that...it sounds really ridiculous."
"No, it is, Smallville," Lois corrected, pausing and thinking about how to say her next. "And haven't you thought about, I don't know, asking Batman directly about the fact that they have Bruce Wayne as an investor instead of putting you through all that mental gymnastics?" she asked, stating the obvious.
Clark looked up, his blue eyes reflecting the great dilemma unfolding within him in real time. The idea of asking Batman about his personal life (especially about Bruce Wayne) was a violation of all the self-imposed rules surrounding his enigmatic friend's privacy. "I can't. You know how he is. His personal life is none of my business. Besides, the Bruceman idea isn't so far-fetched considering you're in a relationship with Diana."
"You even gave it a name." Lois replied with a snort, suppressing a laugh. "Clark, it's not the same thing. I'm a reporter, not a multimillionaire with a penchant for media attention. Do you really think Batman is perfectly fine with his supposed boyfriend sleeping around with every pretty face he comes across to keep up appearances?"
These words seemed to have some effect on him, stopping in his tracks whatever he was plotting about Bruceman. "And weren't you the one who said he values communication so much? Even though Batman is full of mysteries, you're not going to follow his example. It's not a violation of his privacy if the investor list is public knowledge among the League," Lois added.
After a few seconds of silence, a smile lit up Clark's face again, and with a renewed sense of accomplishment, he decided on his next steps. Lois's logic had dispelled the storm that had raged in his mind.
"You're right, I'll talk to Batman directly." Lois smiled back, shaking off the slight frustration that was building up because of Clark's refusals.
Well, Clark's plan was supposed to be to go talk to Batman privately about that matter, after the briefing was over and Batman was going to formally introduce them to the "new" Robin (yes, quote unquote because in reality the kid was now the leader of the Teen Titans and had previously formed his own team, known as Young Justice. It's just that Batman hadn't had the chance to introduce him to the League as his partner).
The problem was that Superman hadn't considered how unpredictable Batman's schedule could be in Gotham. Unfortunately for him, Batman had an emergency involving his network of contacts and Red Hood, so they postponed the meeting, and Nightwing offered to go in Batman's place to introduce Robin. For Clark, Batman's absence wasn't a problem; he knew the Dark Knight had to prioritize his allies, especially when it also involved the presence of Red Hood.
So his stay at the Watchtower would be relatively short, right? Well, no. Fate, or the Joker, mocked him because what he thought would be a quick visit to say hello to Nightwing and Robin, went awry when he ran into Bruce Wayne himself, who was hanging around the Watchtower under the guise of an "Operational Compliance Inspection and a review of the Technological Obsolescence Index as a way of thanking the League for everything it does for the country”.
Clark felt completely stunned. His plan had gone awry, but he couldn't run. Nightwing had already seen him when he arrived. And with his usual agility, he intercepted him at the threshold of the common room.
"Superman!" exclaimed the young vigilante, beaming as he approached to greet him, followed by Robin, who, unlike Nightwing, had a distinct frown (made all the more pronounced by his domino mask), as he watched the philanthropist intercept Green Arrow in one of the corridors before he could try to escape.
"It's great to see you. You're one of the first people I really wanted to introduce Robin to. Although, well, you already know him through Kon and his teams." The joy in Nightwing's voice was evident, a joy he hadn't seen since what happened with the second Robin.
Clark focused entirely on them, and the recent tension dissipated with the relief of the distraction. He extended his hand to shake the younger boy's. Robin looked at him, surprised by the gesture. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person, Robin. I've heard so much about you, and I'm glad we have someone so competent leading the Teen Titans. Kon keeps raving about how great you are." Clark said, feeling the genuine warmth of Superman greeting a young hero.
Robin, having regained his composure, responded with a professionalism that surprised Clark. "Thank you, Mr. Superman, the pleasure is mutual. The Titans' operations are complex, but teamwork makes it possible. And as for Kon... I'll return the compliment about how great he is. Eventually."
Nightwing laughed, nudging his partner. "Always so diplomatic, Rob. Well, since Batman decided 'hard work' was better than etiquette, I'll get straight to the formal introductions. Sups already knows about your accomplishments and feats. Your record with Young Justice and the Teen Titans hasn't gone unnoticed by the League. The important thing is that we now have Gotham's best young detective to do more than just patrol the streets." Nightwing leaned in with a conspiratorial look toward Clark. "We also have him to help us verify the whereabouts of some of the League's funds." He whispered.
Clark seized on the mention of finances to return to the elephant in the room. "Speaking of funds... Mr. Wayne. I understand he's the main investor, but... is it normal for him to be here, conducting an 'operational inspection'? I don't recall him doing this before."
Robin shrugged, slipping into detective mode. "Mr. Wayne has a legitimate interest in the Technological Obsolescence Rate. It's one of his specialties at Wayne Enterprises. Furthermore," Robin paused as Bruce Wayne's voice echoed through the nearby halls as he greeted the newly arrived corps of Green Lanterns, glancing at Nightwing with a disgruntled grimace. "He's just our benefactor. A philanthropist who... supports the work of the vigilantes and insisted on coming here personally to extend to you all how... grateful he is."
Nightwing, ignoring Robin's exasperation, smiled. "Come on, Rob. Don't be so dry. Bruce loves to snoop into matters that require the Bat." Seeing Clark's face twitch, Batman's former apprentice hastened to add, with a touch of irony, "I'm serious. Although he's usually quite detached from everything else, when it comes to Batman, he loves to throw money around and make sure everything is in perfect condition. It's his way of proving that money can buy happiness, or at least a better Batcave." He said, letting out a laugh at the end because the grimace on Robin's face went from disgust to repulsion.
Robin groaned, rubbing his temple. "Nightwing, for God's sake..."
Clark felt dizzy. Would Bruce buy Batman a better Batcave? Is that even possible considering the state of Gotham's caves? Oh, but of course it's possible, it's Bruce Wayne.
"But... How does Mr. Wayne know that Batman has a Batcave?" Clark asked, his voice barely a whisper.
Nightwing shrugged, with impeccable evasion. "He's a business genius and a pretty decent guy when he wants to be. I guess he does something in his spare time when he's not surrounded by paparazzi and reporters. You could say they have a... very close connection, if that's the right word for it."
The word "close" hit Clark like a kryptonite cannonball straight to the gut. Nightwing hadn't revealed much; he even uses the same level of ambiguity as Batman himself when talking about his life outside the mask. But that was enough for Lois' words and logic to be crushed by Clark's newfound "mental maneuvers."
The conversation continued, but he was no longer focused, nor did he even offer to accompany them for the rest of their stay when Nightwing and Robin left to find Diana and continue discussing introducing Robin. And so he was left alone, wandering around the Watchtower, lost in the mental fog that had once again enveloped him.
His mind was too preoccupied with Batman. It wasn't even about whether or not he was in a relationship with Bruce anymore; it was the simple fact that he might have had a chance that was now gnawing at him. If only he had confessed his feelings sooner, maybe he would have had a chance, however small the odds.
But no, he decided that waiting for a sign from the Bat was the best way, even though that resulted in letting go of the pile of signs he thought he had (however confusing they were), because he was a damn coward who was afraid of the Bat's rejection.
He was so lost in self-pity and mental fog that he didn't notice the sound of Bruce Wayne's footsteps as he approached. Bruce stopped, his usual hollow smile on his face.
"Superman, it's about time I had the pleasure of speaking with you alone." His voice shifted from muffled to clear, as if Clark were just emerging from a trance. It was different from the tone he usually used at galas; more serious, as if something were troubling him.
Clark swallowed, feeling the muscles in his face twitch into a forced smile that ended up looking more like a grimace. "Mr. Wayne? No... I didn't know you were here, sorry."
"Oh! No, call me Bruce. And don't worry about it, it's not a big deal." He said, making a casual gesture with his hand, but his nervousness was evident in his words. "Actually, I really have to go, but before I do, I just wanted to say hello and see if Superman would like to have dinner with me next week. I mean, without the suit, just casual clothes, you know. There are a few things I'd like to discuss with you privately at my place."
What? Did you hear right? Bruce Wayne is inviting him to dinner? And he's not inviting him as Superman, he's inviting him as Clark Kent, although of course, Bruce (like the rest of the world) doesn't know he has a civilian identity outside of Superman.
Wait a second... Bruce isn't supposed to invite me to dinner at his mansion with some pathetic excuse about "business." He's dating my best friend, that's not right under any circumstances!No, absolutely and categorically no. He's definitely going to reject it.
"That... That would be nice, Bruce," Clark said, struggling to sound casual and not like a man on the verge of panic. "But, my... My schedule is complicated."
"No problem, we can discuss the details via message and arrange a day." He said, placing a contact card in his hand and turning away. "See you, I'll be waiting for your call, Supers!"
Clark stood frozen, feeling the smooth, laminated texture of Bruce Wayne's card against his palm. Barely thirty seconds had passed, but it felt like the Prince of Gotham had vanished at top speed, a feat worthy of the Flash. And the worst part was, this felt like something out of a Cinderella story.
With the detail that Bruce didn't leave a single shoe behind. He thought bitterly. And I have a place where I can search directly.
The next morning was agony. Bruce's business card felt like it was burning a hole in the pocket of his usual drab black suit as he walked to work. He wanted and needed to ignore it, even throw it away —not that anything or anyone was stopping him. Yet here he was, behind his desk at the Daily Planet, staring at that scrap of paper between his fingers.
"Hey, Clark!" Jimmy Olsen approached, camera slung over his shoulder, eyes wide. "Wait a second! Is that Bruce Wayne's business card?" Jimmy looked at him in disbelief. He snatched the card from her hand in surprise and read the name. "Wow! How did you manage to get their attention? This is huge for the Daily Planet, an exclusive? Or...?" Jimmy's expression turned sly. "Is this the new 'route' you're testing for the paper, Clark? Good for you, dude. It's a step up from your parents' farm hens!"
“No, no, no, it’s not that, Jimmy. It’s… a dinner invitation to discuss business,” Clark stammered, feeling more nervous, as if he were sixteen again, talking to Ma and Pa about Lana.
Lois raised an eyebrow from her own desk, still typing, but listening intently. “Right. Because Bruce Wayne only discusses ‘business’ directly over dinner, Kent. It’s a date, or something like that. And in those cases, don’t try to talk about your job or your problems. Relax, be yourself. Just call him. You have nothing to lose by politely declining.”
I have a lot to lose. Clark confessed to himself. I have to reject him, or Batman will think I'm making a pathetic attempt to break up their relationship.