Faith
As one can imagine, if you decide the day after Thanksgiving to get married in a week, there is a lot to do. First, you have to get the formalities out of the way. A marriage license is required and both parties have to appear. Second, you have to decide on a date, a place and a time. Third, you have to tell everyone and, by everyone, I mean family, friends, co-workers and anyone else you might want to invite or just want to tell. Finally, you have to do business. You have to secure a location, an officiant and a place to eat afterwards.
You must do all this and you must do it all in seven days.
If you're Bruce Wayne, you must also do all this in seven days while still being Batman.
That weekend, Bruce spent a lot of time on the phone. His first call was to Alfred. The butler spoke with a smile in his voice as he assured Bruce that Wayne Manor would be prepared for a private reception by the following Friday.
Next, he called Dick. After he told his son the news, he set him to task. Dick agreed and said he'd bring Barbara with him.
Incredibly, the part that concerned Bruce the most was the most mundane. As a celebrity, he loathed the idea of entering a public office and acquiring a license. Clark explained the basics and performed the online application that first night. Bruce got on the phone with a few choice politicians and managed to get a private appointment at the city clerk's office first thing Monday morning.
The next two days were filled with calls to airports, pilots, limousine operators, and custom tailors. He split his time between taking calls, kicking back one coffee after another and performing his superhero duties. He made a trip to Gotham Saturday morning to get in uniform. After that, he spent the majority of the weekend as Batman.
Between Gotham and Metropolis, the Batwing logged a lot of miles. Bruce spent Saturday night patrolling Gotham and Sunday morning guarding Metropolis. Throughout it all, his earpiece was abuzz. As usual, he endured it all with his usual unflappable style. He even held a prolonged discussion with the pilot of his company jet while he apprehended four thugs who attempted to rob an armored car.
Due to his condition, Superman was temporarily out of commission, but the villians of Metropolis didn't know that. The weekend was mostly quiet except for an attempted break-in at a Federal Reserve building conducted by Toyman. Batman appeared at the scene, knocking Winslow Schott out of the fifty foot tall, fully articulated replica of the Stay-Puff Marshmallow Man he was operating at the time. Some people scratched their heads at the presence of the Dark Knight in their city, but most didn't blink an eye.
As the sun set on Sunday night, Bruce concluded his last phone call to an old family friend - A New York Judge who agreed without hesitation to perform the wedding for Martha and Thomas' little boy. The kind hearted man offered his courtroom as the wedding site and Bruce readily agreed. Ending the call, Bruce let Clark take the device out of his hand and set it to charge before guiding him to bed.
Of course, Monday brought its own set of concerns.
With the morning appointment out of the way, they had a late breakfast before they made their way to the airport. Just before noon, they stood looking out a bay of windows at Metropolis International Airport's private jet terminal. Quietly, they watched the Wayne Enterprises jet safely land and taxi across the runway. Once the plane came to a stop, they left the waiting area and crossed over to greet their guests.
With a loud slam, the plane door flew open revealing Bruce's trusted pilot. The man lifted his hand and saluted at Bruce before lowering the stairs. He ducked back in the plane and Dick appeared in his place at the hatch. He descended two stairs before turning to reach inside the plane and take a feminine hand. Barbara was all smiles as she sailed past him, brushing against him as she did. As her foot hit the last step, she saw Clark and Bruce waiting. Kicking into a full run, she raced over to them and flung herself at them.
"Bruce! Clark!" An arm wrapped around their necks, she hugged them tightly. Pressing a kiss to both of their cheeks, she hugged them one last time as she whispered, "I'm so happy for you. Congratulations!"
Gently, they lowered her to the ground. Smiling at her youthful exuberance, Bruce pulled her into his arms as Clark looked up at the hatch. There stood his parents. Reflexively, he placed a hand on his stomach. Paling considerably, he noticed the concern that flashed across his Mother's eyes as she descended the stairs and made a bee-line for his side.
"Clark? What's wrong, son?"
Glancing back and forth between her and his father, Clark stuttered, "N-Nothing. Nothing's w-wrong, M-Ma."
"Bull-hockey," said Martha as she stared at him.
"Now, Ma," came a sympathetic sigh. Patting her on the shoulder, he pulled her attention away with a kiss on her forehead. As her eyes turned to him, he ran a finger under her chin and reminded her of years past. "Don't you remember the way you were before we got married? You nearly drove your Mother batty. She didn't know whether to worry or wonder when it came to you."
"I think she considered commitment of an entirely different nature when she came downstairs one night to find me dancing with a hat rack trying to practice for our first dance."
As Jonathan pulled her into his strong embrace, they all laughed at the picture the memory created. As their laughter faded, a limousine pulled up. Quickly, airport employees transferred luggage from the plane into the trunk. Once the bags were loaded, the limo driver approached the group and informed them that they were ready to depart.
Together, they filed into the car. The Kents sat down on the side facing the driver and Barbara slid in next to them, sitting beside Martha. Dick moved quickly down to the window seat on the rear-facing side. Finally, Bruce and Clark entered.
Feeling an elbow in his side, Bruce looked over at Dick and saw the question shining from his eyes before it was ever asked.
"Where's Alfred?"
"Don't worry, Dick. He'll be here. He's in Gotham preparing the Manor for the reception, but he'll be driving out on Wednesday."
"Alfred? Is that the man you were telling us about Dick?"
"Yes, Mrs. Kent," replied Dick as he leaned forward in order to look at Clark. "Boy, I see where you get those investigative skills, Clark. This woman questioned me mercilessly all the way here from Smallville."
"Don't exaggerate, young man."
"Exaggerate? With all due respect, Mrs. Kent, I do not exaggerate. Bruce, I'm going to have to warn you. She grilled me thoroughly and I think we may have to change the security codes back at the manor."
"I'll keep that in mind," replied Bruce as he fought to control his laughter. He didn't want to be rude but the look on Martha's face was just priceless. Finally composing himself, he patted Dick on the arm and asked, "How was the flight? Did you have any trouble securing the jet?"
"I think I can handle a jet, Bruce," answered Dick with a roll of his eyes. Seeing the warning fill Bruce's face, he rolled his eyes once more before he continued, "Everything went off without a hitch. See - Happy Kents sitting across from us as we speak."
"Yeah, about that," chimed in Barbara. "It's a good thing I came along. I tell you for all the things men are good for, understanding the importance of a well-packed overnight bag is not one of them."
"You can say that again, dear," laughed Martha as she took a hold of Barbara's hand and squeezed it. "Thanks again for going with me to the store for those last minute things."
"It was my pleasure, Martha."
"Was the flight okay for you Ma? Pa?"
"Oh, it was just fine, son. I couldn't hardly believe it when we boarded it. I don't think I've ever been in something that fancy. I was afraid to wrinkle it, but it sure did have some comfortable seats," answered Jonathan.
"And your son and his young lady were perfect company, Bruce," added Martha.
"I'm glad to hear they were on their best behavior."
"Dick told me everything about how you adopted him."
"Everything?" asked Bruce as he glanced over at Dick. At Dick's nod, he sat back and looked over at Martha.
"Yes. The story he told of how you took him in was very touching."
"Every word I told you was true, Mrs. Kent." Looking to his left, Dick met Bruce's intense eyes without flinching. "He and Alfred are like blood to me, now."
Just then, the limo slid easily to a stop in front of their destination. The hotel doorman walked up to the vehicle and opened the car door. As everyone exited the vehicle, Bruce waited by the car lending the ladies a hand. As he pulled Martha from the car, she reached up and kissed his cheek.
With their families safely tucked away, Bruce and Clark set out to check one more errand off the list. They donned their uniforms and headed for the fortress in the batwing. Once there, they headed straight inside.
"Tell me again why we're doing this?"
"I have some pointed questions for the fortress. I don't speak Kryptonian yet so your presence is necessary as a translator."
"Yet, huh?"
"I speak ten languages fluently, Clark. I can hold a decent conversation in another twelve. So yeah, I see no reason why I can't learn Kryptonian."
"Besides," added Bruce as they entered the science center, finding the service robots busy at work. "This child is half-Kryptonian. It will need to know where it comes from and the Kryptonian language is an important part of that."
Taking Bruce's hand, Clark squeezed it gently. Leading them further into the round room, they came to a stop in front of the circle at the center of the room. Letting go of Bruce's hand, Clark stepped up to the edge of the circle and said, "Kelex. Zgham. Sem kulahn khahp rraop raozhuju."
Quickly, the service robot named Kelex separated from his fellow robots and floated over to stand before Clark. With a bowed head, he replied, "Zhi, Kal-El cheh. Sokaokulahn rrup chao chadhrevu khahp rrup."
Looking over his shoulder, Clark found Bruce sitting in his chair, tapping on an electronic pad. As the rapid tapping continued, Clark cleared his throat and said, "Okay, shoot. What do you want to know?"
Without looking up, Bruce never stopped drumming on the small screen as he asked, "What is the child's genetic breakdown?"
"What?"
Finally, the typing stopped. Slowly, Bruce looked up, a puzzled look on his face. Glancing at the ridiculously small machine, he nodded in its direction and ordered, "Just ask the machine the question."
Haltingly, Clark turned away from Bruce. He paused a moment to think of the best way to ask before he translated the question. The computer replied immediately with an answer that shocked Clark. Facing Bruce, he answered, "Seventy-three percent of the child's active genes are Kryptonian and twenty-seven percent are Human."
"As I suspected. What is the gestational age?"
"Ta-kehp aonah eroshuju?" asked Clark. Immediately, the robot responded. The answer made Clark pause then smile. Turning back to Bruce, he said, "Three weeks and two days."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
"That night after we tangled with Two-Face and his gang?"
"Yes. Kinda romantic, dont'cha you think?"
"I suppose."
Their questions continued in this way with Bruce asking and Kelex answering with Clark acting as the translator. As such, the hour that followed was very tedious, but it did prove to be quite enlightening.
For instance, through Bruce's questioning, Kelex admitted the pregnancy was high-risk. It would require a delicate balance between Clark's health and the health of their unborn child. Clark's exposure to the sun would have to be limited so that his strength could weaken enough so as to not impede the growth of the child. At the same time, he needed to still get some daily sun exposure so that the child's strain on his body wouldn't overpower him. Kelex recommended weekly examinations throughout the pregnancy and Bruce agreed.
Certainly, this information hammered the last nail in the coffin of any hopes Clark carried to continue his hero duties. They discussed various cover stories and finally came up with a plausible lie.
Finally, Bruce asked, "How long is the expected duration of the pregnancy?"
"Ta-balzrhig zehtiahr kav gavrrigiehd?" asked Clark, anxiously.
Sadly, Kelex's answer didn't make him feel better. Facing Bruce, he said, "Kelex says that there is insufficient information at this time to form a conclusion. Kryptonian gestations are 30 weeks long, however this child's growth is not following the typical Kryptonian pattern. Kelex theorizes that the Human genes the child possesses are affecting the gestation period. After further measurements, Kelex is confident the computer will be able to calculate an approximate date of birth."
"Fair enough," replied Bruce as he looked up. Looking directly at Clark, he asked, "Do you want to know the gender?"
"I'm not sure. Do you?"
"I want to know. I'm tired to speaking of our child in the third person like it's some kind of a thing."
"Okay, let's find out then." Turning back to Kelex, Clark asked, "Nahn voiehd aonah unah zu inah?"
"Inah, Kal-El cheh."
"It's- No. She's a girl. A girl. Can you believe it, Bruce?"
A soft smile was his only answer. Putting his pad away, Bruce stood up and took Clark by the hand. Pulling with a sudden jerk, they came together. Arms wrapped around each other. They exchanged a single drawn out kiss before Clark pulled away and dismissed Kelex.
They had only one last thing to do for the wedding.
They flew to the Watchtower without delay. Once there, they called a meeting of the founding members. Within an hour, the seven assembled in the main conference room. Batman and Superman stood at the back of the room as the other five sat at the round table.
Glancing at each other, Bruce nodded at Clark before he crossed his arms and leaned back against the wall. Taking a deep breath, Clark took a step toward his teammates and said, "Thank you all for coming so quickly."
"Of course, Superman. What's the emergency?" asked Green Lantern.
"I have an announcement to make," explained Clark. Glancing back at Bruce, he clarified, "We have an announcement. I came here to tell you that I will be taking an extended leave of absence. I will need your assistance in protecting both Metropolis and maintaining my cover story."
Alarm rang throughout the small group. Their shocked faces turned up at Clark as he explained, "You're going to hear some reports. From what I understand the news will start airing tonight. Since we know each other's secret identities, I wanted to tell you before word reaches you some other way. Bruce and I are getting married on Friday."
"That's sudden," observed Hawkgirl. "What's the rush?"
"Your wife died not six months ago," chimed in Wonder Woman.
After that, there was silence. The five seated heroes looked distressed as they waited quietly. Finally, one among them popped up with a question amidst a fit of laughter.
"What is this some kind of a shotgun wedding or something?"
Suddenly, the Flash cried out as he was struck twice on the back of the head. Glaring at Wonder Woman first, then at Green Lantern, the Flash didn't notice the blush that ran across Superman's face, but everyone else did. Their stunned silence and shock filled faces met Clark as he clarified, "It's not a shotgun wedding, but my pregnancy is the reason for my leave of absence."
His straight forward words did not make the information easier to digest. The five members of the league glanced back and forth at each other before one among them asked another question.
"How did that happen?"
This time, after the two smacks on the back of his head, the Flash looked up just in time to see Clark's face turn bright red. From his position at the back of the room, Batman growled. Pushing off the wall, he charged over to the table, leaned toward the Flash and growled, "In the usual way."
Swallowing hard, the Flash nodded quickly. As the Dark Knight withdrew, the Flash sagged in his chair. As he tried to disappear, he heard Green Lantern whisper, "What is wrong with you?"
"I just wanted to know if magic was involved."
"It wasn't," answered Clark. Taking in a deep breath, he exhaled slowly before he continued, "Due to my Kryptonian biology, I am able to conceive and carry a child. This child is already placing a great strain on my body. For the last three days, I have been unable to perform my superhero duties. Bruce has been doing double duty between Metropolis and Gotham, but he can't keep doing it alone."
"I, that is to say, Clark Kent, will be moving to Gotham City after our wedding. Once the baby is born, I will return to my superhero duties in Metropolis, but from now on, Clark Kent will be residing in Wayne Manor."
"We've been told by my Fortress computers that it will be about seven months before the baby is born. After that, it is unknown how much time I will need to recuperate. As this may take up the better part of a year, we have come up with a cover story. I will hold a press conference tomorrow where I will inform the world that I have been asked by an extra-terrestrial government to journey to their planet in deep space on a peace building mission. I will inform the press that the Justice League will be covering my duties to Metropolis until I can return."
"You want us to deceive the other members of the league," stated J'onn.
"I want your help to maintain my secret identity and I don't want too many people knowing about my current condition."
Again, there was silence. Finally, the Flash stood up. Stepping away from his seat, he walked around the table, stopping once he stood in front of Clark.
"We've always had each other's backs. We've entrusted each other with our secret identities. What's one more secret?" Turning back to the table, he asked, "Am I right, guys?"
Nodding, they agreed unanimously. Quickly, they all stood as the Flash turned back to Clark and extended his hand. "Congratulations, Clark."
As they shook hands, the Flash nodded at Batman and whispered, "Bruce."
In response, Batman returned the gesture, coming to stand beside Clark. After the others in the room drew closer, the Flash looked at Bruce and Clark and said, "May your days be long and full of happiness. May your children be many and full of health. And may they live in peace and freedom."*
The stunned silence that followed was directed entirely at the Flash. After a couple seconds, the scarlet speedster glanced around at the slack jaws and rolled his eyes, "Come on, people. We all come from somewhere."
At the continued confusion and disbelief in their eyes, he added, "I didn't dye my hair red, y'know."
After his comments, Wonder Woman was the first to recover from the shock. As her lips slowly spread into a wide, warm smile, Batman recovered. Coming toe-to-toe with the Flash, he shook his hand as he looked him directly in the eye. "Thank you, Wally."
Letting go of his hand, Batman addressed the group. "We've endured much together. We make a good team and, once again, you have proven why."
"We wish you could stand beside us during our wedding as you have stood beside us through everything else," echoed Clark. Slowly, he looked each one in the eye before he leaned toward Bruce and whispered, "We need to go now."
After a volley of congratulations and goodbyes, the duo left, first the room and then, the Watchtower altogether.
Back in the conference room, the Flash gestured for the group to huddle as he said, "I've got an idea..."
The next three days flew by.
As Friday morning dawned, Bruce and Clark woke in separate rooms, in different buildings, across town from each other. It was Martha's idea. It was tradition, she said. It was important, she insisted. As was so often the case, people found it hard to say no to her. That's how Bruce found himself in an unfamiliar bed, in a suite of rooms, at the same hotel he reserved for the wedding guests.
Back at his apartment, Clark sat up in bed. After rubbing his eyes, he drew in a deep breath, smelling the pleasant aroma of coffee. Throwing back the covers, he stretched as he stood and followed the scent to the kitchen. There, his mother was already pouring out a steaming cup. As he accepted the mug, he couldn't help laughing at the animated manner in which she pranced around in her robe, the curlers in her hair bouncing as she plated his breakfast.
Over at the hotel, Bruce was having a hard time finding anything to laugh about. He was tired. He was mad at the fact he had to sleep alone in a strange bed. To top it all off, he found himself sharing a suite with two grown men who were accustomed to rising early. A light sleeper by nature, the clink and clatter from the common area jarred him awake. Grumbling incomprehensible things, he plodded out of his room. Immediately, strong hands were on his shoulders steering him to the bathroom. He turned to protest, but Alfred quickly placed towels in his arms and spun him back towards the door.
An hour later, Clark emerged from his bedroom. His mother was in the finishing stages of her hair and make-up when she looked up to see her son dressed in his tux. Suddenly, her fingers fluttered to her throat, to rest lightly over the lump securely lodged there. Walking up to him, she softly placed a trembling hand on his cheek. As he turned into the caress, a single tear ran down her cheek. Quickly she pulled away, a strangled air of laughter escaping her as she brushed the tear away.
Steam poured from the bathroom as Bruce appeared. Fully dressed, he found the suite quite crowded with Dick, Barbara and Jonathan seated at the table while Alfred served a light breakfast off the room service cart. Approaching the group, he met Alfred's cheerful expression. He watched as a chair was pulled out for him and a plate of poached eggs, diced fruit and a single buttered roll was placed before him. After he continued to stand stiffly, a comforting pat on his shoulder spurred him into action. Nodding to the others, he sat quickly and started to eat.
Finally, the limo turned the corner and the courthouse came into view. As they pulled up, Jonathan and Barbara were standing at the curb. They exchanged hugs quickly and raced for the front doors as camera flashes followed. In the lobby, another set of reporters and photographers waited. They easily avoided them, but as they loaded into the elevator, Clark saw Jimmy and Cat. The matched set of disapproving frowns confirmed for Clark that he did the right thing not inviting anyone from the Daily Planet.
Up in the judge's chambers, Bruce stood with Dick, making the final preparations. Taking a hold of Dick's hand, Bruce turned it palm up and firmly placed in it the rings and the marriage license. With a nod, Dick slipped the former in the left outer pocket of his tuxedo jacket and slid the latter in the inner pocket. One last pat on the arm and Bruce turned away to exchange pleasantries with the Honorable Judge Ronald J. Schwartz.
Halfway through a story about his parent's wedding, Alfred appeared. Dick met him at the door and exchanged whispers and conspiratorial glances. As Dick quietly left the room, Alfred excused himself and broke the lively conversation taking place. He asked the judge to show him the courtroom so that final preparations could be made. Cheerfully, the judge agreed and gestured to the side door that led directly there.
As they disappeared, a soft knock came to the door and a moment later Dick poked in his head and whispered, "Is he gone?"
"Who?"
"Judge Schwartz."
"Yes."
"Good," answered Dick as he opened the door, holding it as the founding members of the Justice League entered the room in full costume.
Standing stiffly, his eyes widened. Looking at the side door, he quickly said, "Judge Schwartz could come back any minute."
"Alfred is running interference for us," assured the Flash. "So, we've got a few minutes anyway."
His stunned eyes quickly narrowing, Bruce looked from one to the other, seeking an explanation
Stepping forward, the Flash put it plainly, "If you want to get mad at somebody, get mad at me. This was my idea."
"And what idea is that exactly?"
"We wanted to attend the wedding, so I had GL use an energy bubble to fly us all here while J'onn used his mental powers to make us invisible to passersby."
"You want to attend the wedding dressed like that?"
"Of course not. We all brought a change of clothes. Well, everyone except J'onn."
Seeing the doubt in Bruce's eyes, the Flash assured, "All the judge and his staff will ever need to know is that we're your friends and we came to attend the wedding."
"How will you get out of here without being seen?"
"After the wedding, we'll change back into costume and leave the way we came."
"That's brilliant."
"Yeah, it is a pretty good plan, isn't it?"
"You really came up with this all by yourself?"
"You wound me, sir," he replied as he placed a hand over his chest. Taking a small bow, he confirmed with a nod.
Behind him, four heads bobbed in agreement. After that, they waited quietly for Batman to respond. In the middle of the staring contest, Dick said, from his post by the door, "The judge is coming! Scatter!"
Coming back to his senses, Bruce slapped Wally firmly on the arm and smiled. With a nod, he ushered them out to the hallway and pointed at the restrooms down the hall. Quickly, they ran off as Bruce returned to the judge's chamber and closed the door behind him.
A couple minutes later, Barbara and the Kents arrived at the courtroom. Pulling at the doors, they found them locked and backed away to make their to the judge's chambers. As they turned the corner, Clark saw John Jones standing in the hallway. In disbelief, he walked up to him, a question dying on his lips as John closed his eyes and sent him the whole episode from the judge's chambers.
Stumbling back, Clark shook his head as the vision came into view. Just as the whole incident played out in his mind, John Stewart stepped out of the restroom dressed in a single-breasted black suit with a hunter green tie. A moment later, Shayera walked out of the other restroom. A charcoal gray wrap concealed her wings while revealing the strapless hunter green pencil dress she wore underneath.
Standing side by side, Shayera and John smiled warmly at Clark as he recovered from the shock. Alfred chose that moment to open the door to the judge's chambers and announce, "If all the guests will please enter the courtroom. The wedding will be starting shortly."
Together, the group followed Alfred back to the courtroom. There, as he held the door open, they entered the room. The last to enter, Clark marveled at the elegant arrangements of white lilies and cascading baby's breath tastefully placed around the judicial bench. The gentle sprays of white flowers created a visual effect that drew your eyes to their center where Bruce stood patiently waiting. Charging down the center aisle, Clark pushed open the swing gate and claimed his place beside Bruce. Facing each other, they smiled as the people around them settled into good spots to view all the action.
Out in the hallway, Diana left the restroom dressed in a Jackie-O inspired two-piece, pink jacket and dress suit set complete with pillbox hat and low heel pumps. She stood quietly wondering where the others had gone when she heard a door open and close behind her. Turning around, she gasped when she saw Wally emerge from the men's room dressed in a light gray suit with a matching shirt and a midnight blue silk tie.
"You look beautiful as ever, princess," he said with a smirk. Enjoying her reaction, Wally tilted his chin a little higher as he approached her. She was still taking in the perfectly combed red hair when he offered his arm and softly asked, "Shall we?"
"Yes, I'd like that," replied Diana as she slipped her hand around his bicep.
Together, they slipped in next to the other members of the Justice League. Exchanging warm smiles, they closed the little distance between them just as Judge Schwartz entered the room dressed in his robe.
Calmly, he raised his hands and silence filled the room. Focusing on Bruce and Clark, he smiled and patted their shoulders before clasping his hands together, letting them hang loosely. Patiently, he waited for the group to close in and for everyone to find a good view. Softly, he cleared his throat, garnering everyone's attention. Once all eyes were on him, he announced, "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the marriage of these two young men - Bruce and Clark...
-{()}-
*This is the matrimonial toast from the classic film, "The Quiet Man."
