Disclaimer: I do not own The Justice League
A/N: Hi, everyone I have the last chapter for you. My updates will be slower then usual do to mandatory personal duties. However, I had this idea and I had to write it down- like always-enjoy!
The Last Crusade -11
Clark opened his eyes, his vision coming into focus. He turned his head to see Kara, Diana, and Oliver speaking in hushed voices. He smiled a little at what he heard.
"I won't."
The trio looked up at the sudden voice. Kara quickly came over. "Kal! How are you feeling?"
"Horrible. What happened?" he answered rising to a sitting position no one bothered to stop him knowing from past experiences it was a losing battle.
Oliver leaned against the wall. "What do you remember?"
"Not much. It was like a nightmare." Clark confessed running a weary hand through his hair.
"Well, let's put it this way. I wouldn't watch the news if I were you." the archer offered causing the alien to look at Diana.
"It's that bad. As you could imagine Luthor has taken advantage of this incident and has conveniently launched anti-superman campaign."
"Not surprising… how long have I been out?"
"A week." Kara replied receiving a disbelieving look from her cousin. There was a lot of kryptonite in your blood we're lucky enough that it only took that long."
"All those wheaties you've been eating." Oliver threw in a half hearted grin on his face.
Clark gave an appreciative smile. "I owe you guys. Thanks."
Diana came over sitting on the bed. "We got knocked around but your gratitude is missed placed. It was Batman who injected you with the vaccine and gave Kara just enough to get you back to normal."
"Bruce?"
"Yeah, I share your shock to. I couldn't believe it myself when Kara told us what he did." Oliver added.
"He was hurt bad. Gotham City's crime rate has gone up quite a bit since he's been gone." Kara stated.
Clark threw back the blankets swinging his legs over the side of the bed. He got to his feet taking a few uneasy steps forward before collapsing on the ground.
Diana was at his side. "Easy, you may be back to you're old self but physically it will be a little while before you get your full strength back.""That's what the sun is for." Clark replied a little embarrassed that he was helped back up on the cot.
"Yes, but one must be able to fly to get to said sun." Oliver said straightening… "I better check on Barry you're folks left a get well basket for you but who knows what's left."
Kara kissed Clark on the cheek. "I've got to go but I'll see you later."
After the duo had left both heroes' sat in silence. Clark was the first to break the silence. "Have you heard anything from him?"
"No. the trouble is Bruce isn't the type of person to let you know if he's ok or dieing."
Clark shook his head. "I haven't known him that long and already he's saved my life twice. As soon as I get better I'll go to Gotham City and pay him a visit."
"I'm not sure what the public will think when they see you going over to mansion all the time." Diana replied frowning.
"This time I'll go as superman." Clark answered
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((
Bruce typed away on his computer as Alfred placed a steaming cup of tea on his desk. A piece of paper popped out of the fax machine, getting up, Bruce limped over taking it out. Silently he placed the sheet into the portfolio he closed it before sticking it on the shelf along with several others.
A click was heard and out of the corner of his eye he saw a cup cake with a single candle in the middle wick in cased with flame.
"Put it away Alfred." he ordered turning around he limped back over to his desk.
"Sir, it is you're birthday. It's a shame to waste such a good cupcake."
"Blow it out yourself and give it to the dog." Bruce stated his interest on the project in front of him.
"Dogs can't eat sweets sir." Alfred answered.
"Throw it out then." Bruce shot back clicking another file on the screen.
"A waste…please sir. Humour me I don't get out very often." the butler replied holding it out toward the billionaire.
Bruce turned in his chair meeting the butler's gaze then down at the cupcake. Rolling his eyes he blew out the candle.
"See wasn't so bad."
"It's just a reminder that I have to spend an entire evening with a bunch of people I don't know, do know, and down right don't care about."
"You have to keep up appearances. Despite what you think Bruce Wayne is just as important as Batman no matter how much you want to deny it."
Bruce mentally sighed turning off his computer he stood up turning as Alfred helped him into his tux jacket. Bruce walked over to his table grabbing his tie.
"How's Dick?"
"He's out of the hospital but is on a mandatory rest period. So unfortunately he cannot protect Gotham City either."
Bruce adjusted his tie synching it up to sit in its rightful place. "I need to find a new protégé."
"Perhaps another night sir. I need to be at the door to greet your guests and please do not linger to long." Alfred said knowingly as he exited the cave.
Bruce picked up his watch turning to follow.
"Glad to see you're ok."
The billionaire turned to see Superman floating in front of him landing silently on the ground. Bruce eyed the alien for a moment, Clark swore he saw a hint of relief in the ice blue eyes but it was always hard to tell with Bruce.
Bruce turned his wrist to strap on his watch wincing as the movement caused him discomfort. Clark didn't say a word as Bruce silently got himself in order.
"…You recover fast."
"The sun does wonders you should try it sometime." Clark joked lightly
Bruce brushed off the jest as he stepped in front of the glass case inspecting his reflection. The billionaire froze turning as he saw Clark staring at him.
"What."
Clark snapped out of his X-ray vision. "Kara put it lightly when she said you were hurt. You should be resting."
Bruce gave an impassive look before walking over to his desk opening a draw he took out a small silver box. As he opened it, Clark frowned, even as Bruce Wayne he was still like granite just polished.
"Bruce, I want to thank you for…saving my life."
Bruce glanced over at the kryptonian. "You are the world's hero if he were to fall so would the people."
"Batman-"
"Batman is nothing more then a vigilante who clears crime of its streets. People think he's good others want him killed and that includes the innocent civilians."
Clark walked closer and dared to touch him but that simple gesture caused the other man to step back sharply letting out a pained gasped he nearly ended up on the floor if it hadn't been for Clark's quick response.
"Sorry."
Bruce for the first time met the others worried stare he opened his mouth when he heard classical music playing upstairs. Straightening he stood up adjusting his sleeves he took the cufflinks from the case before heading upstairs.
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( ((((
A knock sounded on the door of the mansion. Alfred ceremoniously opened it smiling at the couple standing before him.
"Mr. Kent, Miss Lane. Come in."
Lois handed him her coat Clark doing the same. The ballroom was elegantly decorated with glistening chandeliers and formally dressed people. The reporter leaned closer to Clark.
"Makes your birthday look like a barn dance. How did you get us in again?"
"We're reporters Lois. To write an article about Wayne industries finest bachelor having almost every important person in his house is a great opportunity to get the inside scoop."
"Inside scoop? You've been watching too much TV smallville." Lois replied nodding her head as a woman walked by.
"Don't tell me you're disappointed." Clark whispered.
"Disappointed? Hardly, listen, stay here and don't do anything stupid." she concluded mingling in the crowd.
Clark walked back into the foyer hands stuffed in his pocket.
"There not going to bite you know."
Clark turned to see Bruce standing in front of him. "I won't be here long. As for Lois she's another matter."
"To be expected. You're welcome to stay." Bruce offered. Setting down his Champaign on small table.
"That's alright. Oh, I've got something for you." Clark said pulling out a small black box a blue ribbon wrapped around it. He held it out to the billionaire… "Go on take it."
Bruce uncertainly took the gift. "Thanks."
"Aren't you going to open it?" Clark hinted.
Bruce frowned then pulled the ribbon off, holding it in his hand he opened the box with the other. He looked back at the other man in intrigue. "Dice?"
"Well, I thought I'd return the favour. I think I figured out the meaning behind it."
"Oh?" Bruce asked.
"Well, a roll of the dice means taking a risk. You have to decide what you want to do when it happens. Take the chance or wait to see what happens."
Just then Lois came back joining her boyfriend's side. "Ready to go?"
"Yeah, I'll meet you out there." Clark said
She took her coat smiling at Bruce. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight." Bruce bid as both men watched her leave… "You've got something special don't screw it up."
"Believe me I won't." Clark replied with a smile. He took his own coat… "Take care of yourself Bruce. You know where to find me if you need anything."
"Clark."
Clark paused at the door turning. "Yeah?"
"It could just be a pair of dice." Bruce stated.
The hero gave a coy smile. "Goodnight Mr. Wayne."
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( (((((((((((((((((("Lois slipped her arm through Clark's. "Never pegged you to be a liar."
"Well, we didn't fit right in that crowd I just needed to see Bruce."
Lois cocked an eyebrow. "What did you give him anyway?"
"Oh, something we can both understand." Clark replied.
"That's vague. Oh, well, you owe me dinner."
"Yes I do."
The couple descended the steps happily driving off into the evening.
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( (((((((((((((((((((((((((
Bruce closed the lid to the box placing it in his inside pocket of his tux. Alfred smiled as he joined his friend.
"I thought you didn't like presents." the butler said as they walked back toward the ballroom.
"This I'll make an exception." Bruce stated as he took up his champagne glass. As they entered the ballroom the billionaire plastered on a smile raising his drink to make a toast.
"Ladies and gentleman I would-"
That was all the vigilante managed to say as an explosion erupted loudly sending him flying into the far wall, along with the unfortunate guests who were close enough to the blast. Rendering him unconscious!
TO BE CONTINUED.
A/N: I will make a sequel if there are enough people who will want it.