The Batmobile blasted out of the Batcave down the familiar empty forest road. Batman drove the car expertly as ever down the winding roads as if he had never been gone. Superman flew slowly overhead watching his mentor enjoy being back behind the wheel of his amazing customized vehicle.
As they entered the city limits he could see the people below turn to see the sleek car fly by. The possible criminals who roamed the streets looking for easy prey cowered back into the shadows, an old forgotten fear returning to their hearts. The Bat is back.
Batman navigated straight to police headquarters, pulling into an all too familiar parking spot in an alley a couple of blocks away from the building. The roof opened up and in one smooth motion he pulled his grappling gun out and fired it towards a roof top. He glided up into the night air to join Superman as they quickly descended on the window ledge that looked into Gordon's office.
They waited until Gordon had sent the night shift off to their various assignments before quietly sneaking into his office.
"Jim." Batman said quietly in his gruff voice.
"YOU!" Gordon said turning in surprise which quickly melted into a huge smile, "You know as much as I hate you sneaking in like that, I've really missed it." The older cop said. "I'd ask where you have been but I think I probably don't really want to know."
Batman nodded his response, "I just wanted to let you know that I'm back."
Right to business, Yep he's back alright Gordon thought, "I'm glad partner." Gordon peered into the darkness, "Batman?" But the Dark Knight was already gone.
Word got around fairly quickly on the street that he was back, so things became quiet rather quickly. The two men sat up atop one of the skyscrapers as if daring the underworld to do something. And being that it's the underworld it doesn't like to disappoint. The sound of a ringing burglar alarm filled the night air.
Instantly Batman was in the air, free falling towards the shop. A grapple caught a ledge bringing him swooping into the store front window.
"Meeeeoooow! Bravo, how I've missed those entrances." A low seducing voice called from the darkness.
Superman could just see the edge of Batman's lip twitch up, "Catwoman."
She ignored him and moved closer to Batman, "So junior found you, Gotham's been such a bore with you gone. I almost gave up crime."
"What did I tell you about stealing in my town?" He replied, hiding his emotions.
Catwoman put her hands on her hip and glared at the man in black. "I came all the way over here to say welcome back and that's the thanks I get? I know you missed me." She moved closer to him and touched his face. "And I haven't taken anything…yet." She grabbed a loot bag at her feet and leapt out the door. Her whip lashed out and took her swinging into the dark night.
Superman smiled as he watched Batman dash after her. Looking around the store, he could tell nothing was damaged. And the champagne and glasses he saw with his x-ray vision in the loot bag were not from this jewelry store.
After fixing the lock on the door and telling the police that had just pulled up that everything was ok. He leapt into the air and did another sweep of the city. Finding the city quiet he headed back early to the cave.
A Few months later...
Superman flew slowly overhead taking in the sights of his new city as people pointed up to the sky. Little kids with their mouths open, MOM! IS THAT HIM? IS THAT SUPERMAN?
He gave them a friendly wave before flying on. He was now dressed in what Alfred had called a people friendlier suit. It was a lighter blue suit with a red cape, red boots and a gold S on his chest. Alfred had said that while Gotham needed to be scared into following the law. Metropolis needed someone to look up to, a hero not an avenger.
"Superman, over here." Superman turned to see a man waving his hand from the balcony of a tall skyscraper…LexCorp.
"Luther." Superman said as politely as he could, his arms folded across his chest. He hadn't forgotten his unsolved mystery of Lana's death.
"So cold a greeting…" Lex began with a smirk, "I'll forgive it this once. Now that you have awed my city with your pretty costume. I would like to offer you a real job. This is my town and I don't think we can share it…"
"Look Luthor, I don't have time to play games with you." He started to fly away and turned back, "And you are right, this town isn't big enough for both of us." He said with a flash in his eyes.
Clark flew away from the building with a burst of speed towards his new home, leaving Lex speechless. Bruce had set him up with a huge penthouse suite in the middle of Metropolis. Its design and location gave him an excellent home base for his new patrols. Being that Bruce set it up, it was plush and very luxurious but also very superhero functional.
There was a large secret room where Clark stored his costume and supplies. Several computers and lab equipment all linked to the Batcave. It was sound proof and virtually undetectable to the outside world, Clark didn't even notice it before Bruce had opened it up. Lois had jokingly referred to it as the Supercave.
Bruce had also set Clark up as the new head of Wayne Enterprise's Medical Division after Clark had signed the company back over to Bruce. Clark was quickly discovering it was a great fit for him. He had a lot more freedom during the day to make rounds through the city and still be back for his meetings with his VP's.
"Smallville?" He came out of his deep thoughts, "Saving the world?" Lois said from the open front door behind him. He had changed and had been standing on the balcony looking out into the city, dressed in one of his best suits.
"No…" He said with a smile, totally busted, he thought before changing the subject. "You look amazing tonight." She was stunning in a long black strapless dress. Her hair was up in with a few pieces framing her face.
"Tonight?" She asked with a hand on her hip and a smile on her lips.
"Uh…I mean…uh…" Clark fumbled.
Lois laughed, "Gotcha with that one huh? So where we going?"
Clark just smiled, "You'll see."
Clark had made reservations at one of the finest restaurants in town, with a spectacular view of the city. He walked her to the elevator and put his hand around his waist, checking his jacket pocket with his free hand for a special small box…
Sorry for the delay and how short this chapter was, I was having a lot of trouble ending this story. I hope you all enjoyed the story. I realize that I didn't really tie up all the loose ends but I learned a few things from writing this story that I will apply to my next ones. Like how to write a better outline! Thanks to all who reviewed, you guys kept me motivated to finish this story.
Looking forward to writing another one…