Chapter Thirteen – Justice League Universe

A/N: Completelybatty (on AO3) is the one that gave me the idea of Ko being there when the two woke up. ;)

Clark slowly wakes up to the sun in his eyes and Bruce in his arms, still fast asleep. He can hear Bruce's slow, shallow breathing and his calm heartbeat. Bruce's breath is warm on his skin, his head tucked just under Clark's chin. He has his arms around Clark as well, holding him loosely in his sleep. Clark takes in a deep, long breath, burying his nose in Bruce's hair. The man smells musky, no doubt because of what they did last night. Giving the top of Bruce's head a soft kiss, he carefully pulls himself out of Bruce's embrace with a yawn and a stretch, turning over onto his back. When he opens his eyes again, he's surprised at what he sees.

There, floating just a couple of feet above him, is Ko. The baby is parallel to Clark, looking down at him. "Ko?" As soon as his name is out of Clark's mouth, the baby shrieks in happiness, loud enough to wake Bruce, and flails his little arms and legs about, continuing to make happy noises. The more excited the baby gets, the higher he starts to float, so Clark reaches up and pulls him back down, laying the child against his chest. Ko immediately settles in and starts to suck on his hand.

By now, Bruce is peeking out at the two with one eye, blankets pulled up and over his mouth. He's glaring and Ko sees this. Reaching out with the hand that was just in his mouth, Ko slaps Bruce on the nose, hard enough to make the man recoil, falling out of bed. Bruce picks himself up off the floor, rubbing at his now wet and red nose. "Fucking super strength," he grumbles as he stalks to the bathroom.

Clark, witnessing all this, is laughing right along with Ko, who is gurgling with his laughter, flailing his legs again. "You," he says as he lifts Ko up so he can look at him with a smile, "are a bad boy." With another chuckle, Clark pulls Ko back to his chest and gets up as well, heading into the bathroom. Bruce is already in the shower. "Can we join?"

Bruce looks at the two of them from the corner of his eyes. "Only if he doesn't punch me again."

"Technically," Clark starts as he takes Ko's onesie off. "He slapped you, not punched."

"You," Bruce says pointedly, soaping up his body. His nose is still red and there's a small bit of blood dripping down. "Shouldn't encourage him by laughing." Clark reaches up and wipes the blood off with his finger. Bruce eyes him. "That's disgusting."

"Bruce, I just…" he looks to Ko and then back to Bruce. "Shared bodily fluids with you last night, I can handle a little of your blood on my finger."

Bruce rolls his eyes. "You do realize he can't understand what you're saying yet, right?"

"I'm still not going to say it in front of him!" Clark says as if he's been scandalized.

Bruce rolls his eyes again and begins to rinse himself off. "Don't encourage him."

Clark is laughing again but he hides his smile by dipping his head to Ko. After Bruce is done washing himself, Clark hands Ko to Bruce and Bruce grabs for him hesitantly. "I think you're good. He's not using super strength right now."

"Good to know," Bruce mumbles under his breath, pulling Ko to his chest. Clark washes himself quickly and then helps Bruce wash Ko, careful to not get any soap in his eyes since they don't have baby soap up here. Not that Clark really thinks the soap would hurt him. When Ko was first born, he wasn't invulnerable at all which made it easy for Clark to hook him up to the monitoring systems and the IV drip. But now, after spending so much time in the sun and under solar lamps, he's finally gotten to the point where nothing can penetrate his skin or even hurt him. Clark supposes that's a good thing but he knows it worries Bruce, especially with the very real, high possibility of Ko becoming an omega and needing heat suppressants. If Bruce manages to figure out how to make the suppressants, then they will need to be given as an injection. That means the needle will have to be laced in Kryptonite which will hurt him.

That's also why Bruce is so nervous about this doctor's appointment. He won't tell Clark that he is nervous but Clark knows he is. Doctor Thompkins is going to need to draw blood from Ko in order to make sure he's healthy. To do that, she'll need a Kryptonite needle. Clark knows Bruce has already made one, that it is down in the cave, ready for when they leave. It's currently sitting in a lead encased box but as soon as it is taken out, Ko will be hurt.

"Hey," Clark smiles reassuringly at Bruce when he looks at him, "It'll be okay today."

Bruce gives Clark a small smile back and steps out of the shower.

Getting into the hospital and to the pediatrics department is surprisingly easy. This is the first time either of them have gone out since the news broadcasted that he and Bruce are in a relationship with a mystery baby. The stares that they get in the waiting room, however, are a little harder to ignore, especially since Clark can hear each small click sound every phone camera makes when someone takes a picture of them.

Bruce and Clark sit down next to each other in a fairly secluded corner of the small waiting room, setting Ko — who is in his baby carrier — on the floor. And by secluded, Clark really means there's only two seats between him and the other person next to him. The chairs across from them are completely full. Clark squirms in his seat, trying to ignore the people who are staring, ignore the people who are trying to secretly take their picture, and the people who don't do it secretly at all.

He leans over to Bruce and whispers in his ear, "You're Bruce Wayne, how come you couldn't get into a private area?"

Bruce whispers into his ear in response. "You don't know Leslie very well then. She might help out the Justice League when they need medical attention, but she'll be damned if Bruce Wayne gets special treatment over everyone else." At Clark's questioning eyebrow, he guesses what Clark wants to say. "And I couldn't get a different doctor because Ko is half Kryptonian not to mention from another universe all together." He shrugs. "Besides, she's the one that looked after him after he was born, it was only fitting she continue."

"I just don't like being stared at. At least not as Clark Kent."

"So you like being stared at as Superman? Kinky."

"Shut up, I'm being serious here."

Bruce chuckles. "Sorry."

"As Superman, I'm used to people staring at me. But as Clark Kent, too much staring might lead to people making a connection between the two. Why else do you think Superman doesn't spend a lot of time in front of a camera?"

"Camera shy."

"Because I don't want anybody at the Daily Planet, or the world, to see Clark Kent and then see Superman up close on TV and be like, 'Hey, he looks just like you'. That would be very bad, Bruce."

Bruce sighs. "I know, I know, but you knew what you were getting into when you married me." Clark gives him an annoyed look and Bruce sighs again. "Okay, yeah, I'm worried too. Just… don't let any of the cameras catch your face very well."

"Easier said than done," Clark mumbles.

Bruce gives him an encouraging smile and then holds up the clipboard and paper that they were given. "Come on, let's finish filling out this form for our little bundle of super powers here." When they are done filling out the form of all of Ko's information, Bruce brings it back up to the receptionist. When he comes back and sits down, he says to Clark quietly. "I would always bring the boys to Leslie if they got injured on patrol, an injury that neither I nor Alfred could handle. She was there for me when my parents died and I trust her with my life, Clark."

Clark looks at him, at his profile, and feels his chest tighten and warm. "I want to kiss you."

Bruce looks at him with a soft, small smile. A smile only for Clark. "Well, seeing as everyone already knows, I-" He doesn't get to finish his sentence because Clark grabs a hold of both sides of his face, and pulls him into a kiss. In the background, Clark hears ten cameras go off and the stunned silence of their audience.

Clark finally pulls away and looks Bruce right in the eyes. "I love you."

Bruce's smile grows and he pulls Clark back for a brief, chaste kiss. He then says against Clark's lips, "I love you too." And that's all it takes for Clark to have a goofy smile for the rest of the ten minutes they have to wait before Ko is called in.

"Clark Kent-Wayne?" The two of them get up, Clark picking up the baby carrier, and follow the nurse into the room. "The doctor will be right with you." Leslie must have told the nurse that she would handle everything and to not do anything.

They don't have to wait long for Leslie to come into the room. "Good morning you two."

"Morning Leslie." Bruce gives her a brief hug.

"Good morning Doctor Thompkins," Clark greets.

Leslie turns to Ko next. "And hello again little one. Boy has he grown big." She takes him out of the carrier.

"Careful, Leslie, he's been developing powers as of late," Bruce warns.

"Which ones?"

"Super strength, heat vision, and flight."

"Is that normal for Kryptonian babies… or at least ones that are half Kryptonian?"

"We don't know," Clark says. "He's the only half Kryptonian we know and I arrived to Earth when I was six months old. My mom said I didn't start showing any powers until I was much older."

"Hmm," she hums thoughtfully. "Well, nothing we can do about it I suppose except lessen his solar intake. But that might hurt him more than lessen the powers from forming." She turns to Bruce. "Did you bring them?"

Bruce hands her the lead box and then turns to Clark. "You might want to step out now."

"No," he says determinedly. "I'm not leaving Ko, I can handle it."

Bruce studies him closely but he doesn't argue either. "Okay. Do it Leslie."

"I'll try to go as fast as possible." She then opens the box and the wave of nausea Clark feels is immediate. He sways back and forth in his spot a little, groaning as the pain finally accompanies the nausea. Bruce places a steadying hand on his shoulder and Clark gratefully leans into him.

Ko has started crying, also feeling the effects of the Kryptonite as soon as the box was opened. As soon as the Kryptonite laced needle touches his skin and punctures him — which isn't a big puncture as it's just a small little prick on the heal of his foot — his crying becomes much louder. Leslie quickly gathers the blood and then places the needle back into the lead box, closing it with a loud thud.

Ko stops crying almost as soon as the Kryptonite is gone, and Clark collapses into a chair heavily. Bruce kneels in front of him, trusting Leslie to be able to take care of Ko. He brushes Clark's sweaty hair out of his eyes. "Are you okay?"

"Just," Clark says breathlessly. "Just give me a sec."

Bruce frowns. "It wasn't even that much Kryptonite."

"You know only a little can effect me."

Bruce continues to frown. "I know but I didn't think it would be this bad."

Bruce is rubbing the side of his face soothingly. "You should have. Remember how you used a little shard on me when we first met? That hurt like a bitch."

Bruce chuckles and Clark is glad he got rid of that concerned frown. "I'll never forget." Bruce leans up and presses a kiss to Clark's forehead. He then gets up to face Leslie. "How is he?"

"He's settled down now. Looks tired. If that Kryptonite had such an effect on you Clark, I can only image that it had a greater effect on little Clark here as he is smaller than you." By the time Leslie finishes up her exam of Ko, Clark is back to feeling 100% and on his feet. "There," Leslie says as she jots down one last thing. "All set. I'll analyze his blood myself so you don't have to worry about anyone else finding out." She pats Ko's stomach who has fallen asleep by now. "I'll call you with the results. You two take care now." They both say their goodbyes and then leave.

Out in the lobby of the hospital, Bruce stops him by placing a hand on his bicep. "Clark hold up." Clark turns to him questioningly. "By now, word has probably gotten out about us being here."

Clark understands right away. "So there are probably paparazzi waiting for us."

"Precisely. Are you ready for that?"

"Do I have a choice?"

"Not really."

Clark sighs. "Then let's get it over with."

Bruce looks down to Ko in his carrier in which Bruce is carrying this time. "Hopefully this one stays asleep and behaves himself." Bruce looks back to Clark. "Try and keep your face hidden as best as possible." He then takes Ko out of his carrier, handing him to Clark. "Try and keep Ko as hidden as possible as well. I don't want our child plastered all over the world any more than he already is."

He nods and then the two make their way to the door. Swallowing thickly, Clark follows Bruce out. They are immediately bombarded by camera flashes and microphones shoved into their faces, questions being asked all at once.

"Mr. Wayne!"

"Mr. Wayne!"

"Mr. Kent, what's it like being married to the world's number one bachelor?"

"Mr. Wayne, is the baby yours and Mr. Kent's?"

"Mr. Wayne, when did you decide to get married?"

"When did the two of you meet?"

"When did you two adopt a baby? Is he both of yours?"

"Mr. Wayne!"

"Mr. Kent!"

Clark ducks his head and holds Ko close to his chest, shielding his little face as best as he can. Bruce has gone on the defense and is using the baby carrier to make a path through the throng of people. He's holding Clark close to him as he drags him along, hand gripping his bicep so hard that it would hurt a regular human. One particularly ambitious reporter shoves his way to the front and then proceeds to shove his microphone right in Clark's face, hitting him in the jaw. Luckily Clark rolled with the impact and so the microphone didn't break. Bruce growls and wraps his arms around Clark's shoulders, pulling Clark's head down to his own shoulder. "Keep your head down," he whispers.

"Is the relationship serious?"

"Are you two planning on staying together?"

"Are you two in love?"

"Mr. Wayne, is this some kind of PR stunt?"

"Did you sign a prenup?"

They're almost at the car where Alfred is waiting with the door open. People are still shouting at them, trying to get their attention, and asking questions. One question stands out the most to Clark, however, just as they reach the door to the car. "Mr. Kent, are you in this only for the money?"

Clark should have been expecting that question, after all, he's only a measly reporter with a small salary, but it doesn't make the question hurt any less. "Get in," Bruce whispers to him and he does as he's told, his chest tightening up. Bruce gets in after him and then Alfred shuts the door with a bang. Bruce sets up the baby carrier easily and Clark places Ko back into it. Alfred then starts to drive off. Bruce rubs his hand through his hair and sighs. "Well that was a nightmare."

"Some questions huh?"

Bruce studies him and Clark tries not to squirm. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Clark."

"Nothing, I swear." Bruce crosses his arms and waits, never taking his narrowed eyes off Clark. Clark sighs. "It's just… that last question… it-"

"Don't let it bother you." Clark looks to him, feeling his cheeks heat up. "They're stupid questions, Clark. You might not understand that because you don't work gossip columns or the society section of the newspaper, but that's exactly what they are. You just have to learn to ignore them. I know you're not in this for my money, I know you really do love me and Ko, and that's all that matters." With a smile, Bruce leans over Ko's carrier in order to get to him. "Come here."

Clark obliges, kissing him sweetly and trying to pull him closer. "Thank you."

They kiss again and just as Clark starts get some courage to use a little tongue, there's the sound of a strap breaking and then the sound of a loud smack right across Bruce's cheek. Bruce's head whips to the side, his hand coming up to touch his cheek and he backs up quickly to the other side of the limo. His eyes are wide in shock, cheek bright red, as he stares at a laughing Ko who is currently floating up to the ceiling of the limo. "Fucking super strength!"

Clark can't help but laugh right along with Ko.

A/N: I know I said the doctor's visit, the confrontation with the one who took the video, and the farm visit were going to be in the same chapter, but the doctor's visit ended up being longer than I thought it would be. So, the latter two will be in the next chapter instead. I hope this is okay.

Thank you for reading! :)