Pacing; waiting. This is how both Batman and Bruce Wayne spent their time doing. Of course, on occasion the man had to change into his alter-ego to keep up the charade he was two different people, but there was mostly pacing.
Alfred brought him food in his study, but he didn't eat it. He glanced at this clock which told him it was nearing midnight.
Finally, Dr. Myers knocked and Bruce pulled his cowl back on and stood up, assuming his role as a super.
"Come in."
The door opened slightly ajar and Myers frowned at Batman, "Where is Mr. Wayne?"
"He went to the bathroom," the Caped Crusader brushed aside the question. "How is he?"
Myers warmed into a small smile, walking in. "He should be fine, thank your lucky stars. We had to perform a very risky procedure but he stuck it out."
Batman visibly relaxed; he couldn't help it, there had been so much stress in the last three hours it was hard not to look and feel relieved.
"That's good."
Myers nodded, still content with his and the others' work. "I'll be back tomorrow to check on him; he'll need at least two week's worth of rest before continuing work."
Batman began to wonder how he would keep Flash still for that long. Though the thought was fleeting, and he shook his head slightly, dismissing the concern because his lover was alive and all else was rendered unimportant.
"I would like to speak with Mr. Wayne, if he is around-"Myers glanced back at the door.
"I will report the success," Batman assured bluntly. "Your help has been much appreciated; I think you should get some rest."
Myers raised an eyebrow but agreed, "We're just cleaning up now."
"I'm sure Mr. Wayne will call to thank you personally."
After the exchange, Myers left and Batman sat down in his office chair, letting his head drop back as he exuded a sigh. But he knew, in a way, that this ordeal was hardly over. There was much to do, and the League would want a full report- something Batman just didn't feel like giving them right now.
He stood, and exited his office and climbed the stairs.
Just as he made his way to the top, the doctors came down, and he thanked them again- as a whole.
As Alfred showed them to the door, Batman walked briskly down the hallway, anxious to see for his own eyes that his lover's improved condition.
He stopped at the doorway, seeing the room dark and quiet. In the faint moonlight, Flash's bed was dark with dried blood, as was parts of his suit. The tear across his chest (which the Dark Knight was considered was looking more and more like the San Andreas Fault) was sewn up and the stitches marred his chest.
Frowning again, Batman crept into the room.
He was greeted by a soft groan, "Bruce?"
Batman paused at the bedside before replying, "I thought you were asleep."
"The drugs haven't taken their full effect yet."
"Hn," Batman sat on a nearby stool a doctor had been using, and analyzed his partner's face. He was still trying to discern Flash's true feelings behind the mask when a shaky gloved hand came up and pulled it off.
The Dark Knight didn't have time to protest this movement, since it had been so sudden and unexpected. The hand resumed its position, but Wally's green gaze was on Batman. The latter decided to take off his cowl too, to make the playing field fair.
"I saw Uncle Barry."
The phrase caught Bruce off guard, and he must have shown it because Wally resumed.
"I saw him because I crossed over for a second- into the Speed Force."
"And?" Bruce's voice was weak.
"He said he approved of us, and I told him I had to leave so I could be with you again."
A rolling wave of love and affection bathed the billionaire in a glow of warmth. He put a hand to Wally's cheek, and leaned forward until their noses were touching.
"I'm so proud of you," he murmured, caressing that side of Wally's face still.
"I know."
They kissed then, and it tasted of relief and comfort; of knowing they were going to be okay for the time being.
When Bruce withdrew, Wally's eyes were closing. He smirked slightly, before it faded. "Get some sleep. I'll tell the others."
"Make sure GL knows I heard him back at Watchtower..." Wally trailed off as the drugs in his system took full effect, and he fell asleep.
Bruce stood, nodding, even though he knew Wally didn't know he did.
Then he swept out of the room, knowing he had much to explain and much to do before the night was over.
