Dad is the Highest Rank

A Young Justice story

Written by: NoOneImportant105.9

A/N: OMG! I'm sorry for delaying this story for so long! As I said in the previous chapter, I sort of lost inspiration for the story...not to mention that my grandmother passed away...The story just completely vanished from my thoughts after losing her...But now she is at peace and I can start writing this again :D Hope you like it!

Warnings: Seductive ducks and just a lot of fluff, the usual stuff ;D (A bit of Clark/Bruce in the beginning...just a little)

Disclaimer: I will turn all of DC and CN into shoes...and I will sssssskin them...

Chapter 12- Brave Soldier Boy Come Marching Home

"Bruce..."

"Yes Clark?"

"You're insane..."

"Thank you"

"...Not a compliment"

Bruce chuckled as he typed away at the computer infront of him. At the moment he was e-mailing the Pentagon to grant permission to give Clark time off...for at least a year.

Clark was standing behind him in disbelief. he just can't believe Bruce is doing this. "And how exactly are you going to convince them? I mean it take awhile for it to be approved" Bruce sent a devious smirk at the soldier, "You forget who you have for a friend Clark," he said, mischief evident in his baritoned voice. Clark removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes, letting out a weary groan, sometimes he wonders why Bruce is his best friend.

"And besides, I'm not emailing the associates..." the Caped Cursader continued, typing away a bit merrily to the Kryptonian's amusement. "Oh? Then whom exactly are you emailing?" Clark asked, crossing his arms across his broad chest and arching his eyebrow at his friend. "The head of the Pentagon" Bruce said bluntly, Clark's jaw nearly dropped to the floor "How-"

"Did a favour for him awhile back, someone tried to hack into all of the Pentagon's computer systems, trying to put in a virus and knowing of my technology skills, he called me and I helped resolve the problem."

"Oh...that makes sense"

"Indeed Clark, and since I've done him a favour...now it's his turn"

"You're scary Bruce..."

"Thank you"

"Again, not a compliment"

"Oh hush..."

Clark couldn't help but chuckle gently, only with Bruce his he able to have these kinds of conversations. In a way, it made the Kryptonian feel a little special...joking and chatting with the Dark Knight, something none of the other Leaguers get to experience.

"Done." Bruce announced, clicking the 'SEND' button and leaning back against the chair he was seated in. "How long do you think it'll take for him to reply?"

"It's dawn here and it should be right around 9:00 back in the States, he usually checks his email by that time before turning in for the night..."

"...How do you know that?"

"I'm Batman."

"Of course, how could I forget..."

"That eludes me as well."

"Shut up!"

This time it was Bruce who chuckled, and soon Clark joined him. The computer suddenly beeped, signaling that they have recieved and email. Bruce turned from the soldier and opened the email. Clark was too nervous to look so he turned away and placed his hand over his mouth nervously. '...I just want to see my son...' Clark pleaded silently clenching his perwinkle eyes shut, he'd tear the sky down if it would let him see his son.

He didn't hear the sound of Bruce standing and walking up behind him, only when he felt the Caped Crusader's gloved hand on his shoulder did he turn to face him. He was suprised to see Bruce actually smiling, that only meant..."Congrats soldier...you're going home" he said as he smiled softly at the shocked soldier.

Clark gently brushed pass Bruce to read the email to himself, it read...

'Batman

Guess it is high time I returned that favour huh?

Permission for Sergant Major Clark J. Kent of the United States Army to take leave has been granted, he leaves in the afternoon of today, around 12:00

May he and his son have my regards'

Clark stared at the screen for Rao knows how long...he can't believe it, he's going home. "Well then...you better start packing" Bruce said, the Kryptonian turned to face him, the shock still evident in his eyes. Bruce was just about to speak again, until he was suddenly enveloped in a crushing hug.

Clark held the Caped Crusader against his body as tightly as he can, without trying to break the man's back. "C-Clark..." he heard Bruce say against his ear, the man was obviously a bit uncomfortable, but Clark could care less at the moment. He nuzzled Bruce's neck affectionately "Thank you..thank you so much..." he whispered against the man's neck.

Bruce stiffened a bit, but sighed and relaxed against the Kryptonian, bring his arms up to return the embrace "Anything for a friend.." he murmered softly, leaning his head against Clark's.

They stayed like that for a few more minutes before pulling away, Clark kept his hands on the shorter man's covered shoulders. "Come on...I'll help you pack" Bruce offered, Clark just smiled and nodded.

The brave soldier was going home...

Conner stared out the large window in his room at Wayne Manor, the moon was shining gently, it's radiant light falling through the curtains to caress it's beams against the boy's face.

Conner sighed through his nose sadly, reaching through his shirt, he pulled out his father's dog tags. He ran his fingers along the cool metal, feeling the bumps of the engravings and some of the wear of the aging metal.

Conner felt tears prick at his eyes...it just wasn't fair, he had to live three years of his life without his father coming home. It hurt, it hurt so much...the Boy of Steel wasn't even sure he can even bear the pain anymore and he's invulnerable!

Those three years of waiting and loneliness finally got to him...he couldn't take it. His dad was never going to see him become part of a team, he'll never see him become a hero.

Conner opened his eyes to see Krypto at the edge of his bed, peering up sadly at his master. Conner gave the canine a weary smile, letting go of the chains, he reached out on stroked the dog's head gently. "Hey boy...why aren't you sleeping?" he asked softly. Krypto just stared at him, his own blue eyes scanning his master's face to try to understand why he's sad.

"Why don't you come up here, I'm Alfred won't mind..." Conner said moving a bit to make room for Krypto. The canine hopped up the fluffy bed and laid beside Conner, nuzzling his head against the boy's chest. Conner stroked his head again, slowly and absentmindly.

Krypto whimpered softly, catching Conner's attention once more. "Can't sleep buddy?" another whimper "How about I sing you a song?" the boy offered. Krypto titled his head a little, seeming interested at the idea.

Conner smiled briefly at the dog, he scanned his mind for a short simple song...

In a hushed voice, he sang...

'Leaves from the vine

Falling so slow...

Like fragile, tiny shells

Drifting in the foam...

Conner felt tears filling his eyes, he tried to push them back but what difference did it make really...he continued his song.

Little soldier boy

Come marching home

Brave soldier boy

Come marching home...'

A strangled sob escaped the teen's lips, quickly he put his hand to cover his mouth. He didn't want to wake the other two residents by his pathetic crying.

Crying for his soldier to come marching home...

A/N: I had fun typing the Clark/Bruce moment (clearly they are gay...jk) but I felt sad when I typed the Conner part... ;A;

The song I used is 'Little Soldier Boy' from Avatar: The Last Airbender (sung by Uncle Iroh in the episode of 'Tales of Ba Sing Se')