Summary: The "Big Blue Boy Scout". Just how accurate is that moniker anyway? A new neighbor helps Clark discover there's more to him than a journalist and a hero. Temptation comes in all sorts of forms, especially for those who have the world in their hands.

Clark X OC

Legend:

"Blah blah blah" = Talking

"Blah blah blah" = Thinking

"Blah blah blah" = Emphasis in speech

"Blah blah blah" = Supernatural entity talking

Blah blah blah = Emphasis

WARNINGS:

1- There will be sexual content, violence, and a good deal of crude language. If these are not your tastes, you should turn back now.

2 - This is definitely AU.

3 - This is a general warning for my stories, I have a habit of changing long established pairings. So... expect that.

4 - I'll be taking some liberties with geography of the DC world here, as well as various kinds of lore. I just wanted to make sure everyone got a fair warning ahead of time.

A/N: I have to thank wentworth360 both for inspiring me to write this with their writing, and for giving me permission to copy a few elements of of how certain heroes/heroines are portrayed in their stories. I'd also like to thank SepatownSon for allowing me to use a specific idea they had for Clark's financial situation. It may be a small thing to either one of them, but for me it's greatly appreciated. And lastly, I have to thank Kiwifan7 for being so willing to help me out. He has let me bounce eneless paragraphs full of half-baked ideas and typos off of him for months now while asking for very little in return. I owe him a tremendous debt, and in all honesty his positive encouragements are a huge part of the reason I'm even writing this. Thank you my friend, truly.

That aside, I want to tell all of you that I have my own approach when it comes to the league in general and Clark specifically. To me, FanFiction isn't just re-working old tales or taking a slightly different spin on a character/concept. It's working with the underlying *elements* of a given universe to create something completely new, or expanding upon said universe in an entirely different direction. I mention that specifically because Clark will be a bit different in my story. I promise that there is a good reason for this, as you will discover if you stick with me. I wanted to have a different take on what it means to be Superman, and I think it's a perspective many of you will find interesting. I'm not really altering what he stands for as a hero or what he fights for, but... well, you'll see. I'll be weaving his life together a bit differently. I hope my approach is to your liking. And so you know, this is taking place in the cartoon universe, though it will be different.

With all of that said, let's get into this!

The World and What It Affords You

Chapter 1: Pressure Points

The Watchtower - Somwhere over the Atlantic

"If Wally doesn't stop tapping his foot right now, I'm going to throw him out of the airlock. He has no idea how annoying that is. With my hearing, it's like a hundred jackhammers working at close range... but even if he did, that would do nothing to prevent Shayera's perfume from clinging to the air around her. I mean... it's not her fault, but that scent is starting to get to me. I wonder what they drew from to make it? A little vanilla, a hint of cinnamon, and is that... clove? I, think so. It's kind of sweet. Actually, it's making me a little hungry... what I wouldn't give for some salted carmel, chocolate & pecan blondies... or some raspberry brownies. Maybe I can stop by that bakery on Crystal avenue later. I wouldn't be so hungry if the cafeteria focused a bit more on actual flavor instead of exclusively caring about nutrition. With all the money we have funding the league, you would think that'd be doable. Hmph. Speaking of delicious... I wonder if Zatanna has any idea how distracting those fishnets are. I really shouldn't be looking but, well; they practically demand your atte... shit, did she see me? ... No, she's just glancing at the clock. Speaking of the time, how long is this meeting going to go on? How long could it possibly take to discuss schedules & current affairs? It's not like anything particularly interesting has happened as of late. Really, it feels like we've been here for hours. I wonder if I can excuse myself and slip away without anyone really saying anything. They don't need me do they? Hmm. They'll be fine. Well, maybe Bru-"

Clark lost his train of thought as he locked eyes with man he'd just been thinking about, quickly figuring that Bruce must have been talking to him given the slightly annoyed expression he was wearing. Well, that could actually be anything. Annoyed was kind of Bruce's default emotion.

A few uncomfortable moments dragged on as Bruce and Clark looked at each other, while several other members attending the meeting glanced back and forth between the two men.

"Apparently you didn't hear me Clark. Given your abilities I find that hard to believe. But just in case you missed what I said, I asked if there was anything you would like to add before we adjourn? Or are you too preoccupied staring at Zatanna?"

Out of the corner of his peripheral vision, Clark noticed the instant curious look sent in his direction from the powerful sorcerer upon hearing her name, but he kept his features carefully schooled as he returned Bruce's cool gaze. Clark didn't dare meet her eyes or he knew he'd give himself away. He swore he could practically feel Bruce's irritation grow as he spoke. The grin that immediately broke out on Wally's face probably didn't help matters.

"I have no idea what you're talking about. And no Bruce, I don't have anything I'd like to add at this time."

"Hmm. Is that right?"

"Yep, all good."

"I see..."

Another long moment of silence settled over the meeting, and Clark suddenly found himself keenly aware of everyone in the room. Not for the first time, he was thankful for the broad view his peripheral vision afforded him as he discretely glanced around the table.

Diana seemed to be squarely focused on Zatanna, an unreadable expression on her face. Wally was messing around on his phone, the rapid clicking of his fingers denoting the likelihood of him texting someone. Dinah was trying her hardest to look like she was paying attention, but the snap of her head as she tried to fight off her drowsiness made her efforts less than convincing. J'onn as always was calm and composed, busily scribbling something on the notepad he had before him. Shayera had her right eyebrow arched in interest as she switched from looking at Clark to eyeing her top-hat wearing friend. And lastly Beatriz and Tora were chatting about their plans for the weekend, more or less in their own little world.

Clark cleared his throat and moved to rise from the table, seeing no point in idling any longer. The call of his apartment was tugging at him strongly, his urban island of privacy and leisure had been rather alluring as of late. He was already composing a list of his activities for the night as he stood.

He briefly made eye contact with a few of leaguers seated around the table before he spoke to the room at large.

"Well, if there's nothing else I'll be going then. I have a few things to take care of. As always, best of luck to all of you and call me if you need anything."

Clark gave a polite wave as he set off towards the door, his long strides carrying him away from the others quite rapidly. He had just about exited the meeting room when Bruce called out to him.

"Clark, wait a minute. I want to discuss something with you."

Clark couldn't help the slight twinge of irritation that tugged at his lips upon being prevented from leaving. He was half tempted to refuse his friend and carry on anyway, but he turned back towards the seated man despite that urge.

Bruce briefly met his eyes before looking about the room at the others in attendance.

"I'm bringing this meeting to a close. I'll be sending out all the shedules for monitor duty tomorrow."

Dinah perked up and shot Bruce a slightly confused look. It was unusual for him to delay handing out the schedules, but she wasn't going to stick around and complain. After standing and stretching her legs, her mind turned to thoughts of the queen sized bed calling her name back home.

A low din of chatter soon overtook the room as heroes and heroines gathered their things and made their way to the exits. Most gave Clark a simple farewell as they passed him by, though Diana gave him a warm smile and a friendly hug. Clark expected that, her greetings and farewells usually involved some kind of physical contact. What he didn't expect was for Zatanna to walk over to him and pull him into a more... eager hug than Diana had. Caught off guard but not exactly averse to the contact, Clark briefly returned her embrace with one arm before stepping back a bit. Not that he didn't appreciate the gesture, but it was unusual.

"So, Clark; do you have any plans for the weekend? You seem to be in a hurry to get out of here."

Clark shifted his stance slightly and glanced over Zatanna's head at Bruce, who hadn't moved an inch from his chair.

"Something like that, yes. I'm looking forward to heading home and getting some rest. It's just one of those days, you know how that is."

Zatanna quirked an eyebrow. "I didn't even know you could get tired. Huh. Well, I don't have anything special planned myself... aside from a two day stop in Tokyo to do some shows that is. You know, if you decided to come you could observe me all you like. Other than that, my weekend will be pretty open. Hmm. So much free time, all by my lonesome... It'd be nice to have some company. There's always something or another to get into, but it isn't nearly as fun when you're on your own."

Clark didn't miss the flirty grin growing on Zatanna's lips as she spoke. Had this been a few years ago, he would've been left a flustered stuttering mess at her teasing but he had learned long ago how to at least feign immunity to such tactics.

"I'll keep that in mind Zatanna, good luck with your show and I hope you enjoy your weekend." For good measure, he gave her a full smile of his own in return.

Zatanna hmm'd in response and took a step closer to Clark.

"I'd appreciate it if you did Clark, I'm sure we could find something interesting to do. I'll leave you to it then. I hope you enjoy your weekend too."

Zatanna playfully nudged Clark's chin with her fist and winked at him, before making her way into the hall where Shayera was awaiting her.

Clark followed the young sorcerer with his eyes, if he didn't know better he could've sworn she had added a slight sway to her hips as she walked away. He deliberately tuned out whatever she was talking to Shayera about, shifting his attention back to the room's last occupant.

Bruce was organizing the various pages of paper laid out before him, but Clark got the distinct impression he was merely doing so to occupy himself.

"You know, given digital documentation has been a thing for quite some time and your affinity for advanced tech in general it always surprises me to see you messing about with old fahshioned pen and papers."

Clark noted, giving his friend a second to finish up.

Bruce's shuffling continued for a bit as he placed his papers into their respective folders before putting everything away in a briefcase he had sitting by his leg.

"I like to have physical back-ups of everything. Experience tells me they can come in handy."

"I believe it. So, if I may ask; what did you wish to speak to me about? I don't mean to be rude, but I would rather not be here all night."

Bruce sighed and sat back in his chair. For a few moments he merely stared at the table in front of him, before reaching up and taking off his cowl.

"Clark, how long have you been doing this now? Your heroics that is."

Clark blinked a few times, not entirely sure where that question came from. He was pretty sure Bruce already knew the answer, but he humored him anyway.

"Since my public debut as Superman? 6 years, 4 months, 12 days, 9 hours and 41 minutes."

Bruce blinked more than once before he continued.

"Hmm. And in all that time, you've been dedicated to your mission to protect the innocent and fight for that better future you see in your mind's eye. I know how you feel about what I'm about to say, but it's true nonetheless. You are the very face of the leauge itself. I don't doubt that we could function without you, but it wouldn't be quite the same."

Clark eyed Bruce carefully as he spoke. On the surface, such flattery should be seen as a positive. But Clark knew Bruce well enough to be aware that compliments were wielded like any other tool with him.

"I appreciate the kind words, but I suspect you have point you'd like to make."

Bruce leaned forward and clasped his hands, meeting Clark's eyes over the ridge of his knuckles. The slightly warm smile he had been wearing disappeared behind a sheathe of ice and logic.

"It is precisely because you are the face of the league that you need to take a break. Go home, do whatever you feel the need to for a couple months, and return here once you can actually focus on what we do. It's obvious, even to me; that you've been overtaxing yourself. Your drive has long been compromised, your heart isn't in your work, and if I may be blunt you almost seem to be bored with all of this. I've already altered scheduling to account for your future absence, and I'll be telling the others about your sabbatical when the bulk of them report in on Monday."

Bruce's words didn't register for a long moment, Clark wasn't sure if he had actually heard him correctly.

"Excuse me? Let me get this right, are you accusing me of no-longer having a desire to help others? Is that what you're implying? I hope you're not extrapolating all of that from my admitted lapse of attention earlier today. That is one hell of a leap, even for you."

Clark's tone & posture weren't exactly hostile, but Bruce had no doubt that every bit of the Man Of Steel's attention was completely focused on him. The hard glint in his eye spoke to the emotions beginning to brew just under the surface. That wasn't a surprise, but Bruce had no intention of letting this devolve into a shouting match.

"No, that's not what I'm saying. What I am saying though is that you are only getting in your own way as you are now, and I don't think you even realize it. Your lapse earlier today is merely a symptom of a deeper problem."

Bruce took a deep breath and briefly closed his eyes, before refocusing on Clark.

"I don't know if you haven't noticed it or if you're simply ignoring it, but you've been operating on autopilot for months now. You come into the watchtower, say your obligatory greetings, save whoever needs saving and head home. I fully realize I'm not the warm and welcoming type myself, but you are. You've spent less and less time actually interacting with the people around you, not even trying to involve yourself with them on a personal level. For you, that is as unnatural as a fish deciding it no longer had a particular liking for water."

Bruce paused for and took a sip from a cup of water that sat to his left, giving Clark a moment to digest what he was saying. He wasn't done, but he knew his old friend would listen.

"It has been a gradual change, but a change nonetheless. More often than not you can't wait to retreat to the comfort of your own company, a habit that has only grown in frequency. It took even me a little while to see it for what it was... but you're burning yourself out Clark. Your public statements have almost become formulaic, and the usual air of friendliness you are so well known for carrying about you like a second skin is virtually a formality. It's obvious that you've lost that... spark. That love for the work that makes us truly effective. This isn't some nine to five job Clark, it's a lifestyle choice that requires our deepest sincerities. You can't do this out of a sense of obligation, or merely becuase you have the ability to. And I fear that if you keep going as you are, some negative outcome is inevitable. I'd rather you take the time and find what it is you need to, or else one day you may walk away from this altogether. And it's not just your heroism Clark. I can see it in your articles too. Sure you're technically correct and you never stopped, but there's a substantial difference between merely reporting on what's happening in the world and actually pushing for change. Calling attention to the downtrodden and voiceless, pressuring the monsters in their towers of glass and steel, and illumating the dangerous secrets those in power would rather see locked away... that's the Clark I know. You used to be a megaphone, not a memopad."

Clark was initially ready to object, but as Bruce spoke he had to really think about what his friend was saying.

"Has that actually been the case? I... well.. Okay, maybe I've enjoyed a bit more time to myself but is that so wrong? A few moments to set aside the worries of the world for myself? Rgardless of how calm things have been with most of the world's super villains either jailed or otherwise made a non-issue there's always someone that needs saving. There is no shortage of important stories, but is it so wrong just want five minutes for me to deal with my own shi-"

Clark had to cut off his mental tirade as comprehension slowly dawned on him. Bruce was right, that wasn't him. He wasn't immune to irritation, but he had never really complained about the work itself. That was hardly new, for years now he had felt as if the world was demanding too much of him. He may be impervious to all but the most powerful weaponry and opponents, but even Clark could only take so much.

"And if I'm being honest with myself, this all started when..."

Unwilling to continue that line of thought, Clark looked up at Bruce who was patiently waiting for his response.

The kryptonian loosed a long sigh before addressing his fellow hero.

"For the record, I do not agree with the way you phrased that and you could've been a bit less blunt, but... I think you're right."

Clark gestured in the air around him.

"This... all of this, has become more of an obligation than something I look forward to. Maybe... mabye getting away for a while will do me some good. Let me take the weekend to think about it, and I'll let you know what I decide on Monday. Can you give me that?"

Bruce stood from his chair, drawing himself up to his full height.

"To be clear, this isn't what I want Clark. But I truly do think it's for the best. I already set the schedules to give you some time off this weekend. Like you said. Sleep on it, and we'll see how you feel come Monday."

Clark nodded at his old friend and turned on his heel, making his way to the exit.

"Oh, by the way. What did Zatanna say to you?"

Clark's stride didn't slow, but he did smirk a bit as he tossed a reply over his shoulder.

"That, my friend; can be your own little mystery to solve over the weekend."

He couldn't help but chuckle to himself as Bruce's grumbles registered in his ears.

Path thankfully bereft of further hold-ups, Clark made his way to the transporters and found himself back in the skies of metropolis soon thereafter.

Clark floated in the air for a moment, his cape billowing in the wind. He closed his eyes as he absorbed the world around him.

He could hear the squeals of children occupying themselves with games and challenges. If he focused, the murmer of millions of voices discussing all sorts of things came to him clear as day. He could, if he so chose; take in the fevered discussions of businessmen and businesswomen alongside the private world of affections that lay between lovers.

He could smell the complex cologne of the city, spiced with the toxic fumes of transport, fueled by the preparations of thousands of meals, and wrapped together neatly by the breath of city's infrastructure itself. Gritty, savory, musky, cleansing, soothing & stinging, all at once.

All of it would have been a profound experience to him even a year ago, the very essence of Metropolis was there for him to tap into at a moments notice, and all he could feel was... nothing.

It wasn't that the experience didn't carry a certain sense of awe, but it was distinctly a phenomenon he felt seperate from. An observer sitting beside a world of glass he could choose to peer through and partake in... but never as one who desired to find himself among the throng of bodies. At that moment, to his extreme distaste; he felt exactly how Luthor used to so often describe him. A god floating above his subjects.

He still wasn't completely sure, but it was very possible that Bruce was right. Maybe he did need to find what was so clearly missing. If not for his sake, then for the sake of all those he watched over.

Heart heavy with confusion and pained realization alike, Clark made his way to his condo.

He had a lot to think about.

A/N: I won't be a pest about it, but I would appreciate your reveiws. After all, I write in order to give back to the community at large after so many authors on here have given so much material for me and everyone else to enjoy. I hope all of you are enjoying yourselves, I hope my story is/will be to your tastes, and I hope you come back around to check the next chapter! See you soon. And don't worry, future chapters will likely be much longer, I just wanted to lay some groundwork here.

Till next time.

Roses Of Yuushi.