For disclaimer see first chapter.
Caught in the Act
Part 5
"Public Opinion"
By Stranj100
A twinge of jealousy runs through me when Clark hugs Tim. I'm not certain why, but now is not the time for psychoanalyst.
After Tim retreats into the building, Clark asks without turning around, "What do you want, Bruce?"
"We need to talk." I answer, before running and leaping off the roof.
I know he'll follow. I could have waited until he changed into his uniform. Then he could have flown us somewhere discreet, but I want this conversation on my terms.
Clark lands on the roof of the abandoned building I've chosen a second after I do. He is still dressed civilian clothes. This gives me pause. It brings back unwanted memories of when we first met. He was just a boy then… I haven't been a boy since the night my parents were taken from me. I push the memories away. They are only a distraction from the task at hand.
We stand there silently sizing each other up. I momentarily wish for my lead lined cowl to conceal my features. It's back in the cave. Clark isn't supposed to be here. He knows that. His recent talk with Drake's makes a confrontation necessary, so I concentrate on keeping my heart rate and breathing even.
Clark breaks the silence first. "You wanted to talk, so let us talk."
"The clone isn't allowed in my city." I say cutting to the chase.
Clark's jaw clenches for a split second, then relaxes. "He has a real name; you know that." He says his voice straining.
Of course, I know. I always keep and eye on dangerous meta-humans. I've been keep a close watch on the…Superboy since he became a larger part in Clark's life. I know he's currently enrolled at Smallville High. He has a few friends that are more like acquaintances. He does well enough in Math and Science despite his lack of prior education, but poorly in English and History for the same reason. He maintains a respectable "C" in P.E. when he could easily receive an "A" in order to keep his identity secret.
Clark is apparently upset by the clone reference. I should reevaluate their relationship as I did with Ro…Tim and Superboy after the confrontation at Titans Tower. I will have to reevaluate Tim and Superboy's relationship again. Tonight's revelations prove my initial assessment wrong.
"Superboy still isn't allowed in my city." I state firmly.
Clark doesn't flinch. He and Diana are the only two that never do. Arthur, too, but he has more arrogance then anyone I know.
"Superboy won't come here. Conner will visit his boyfriend." Clark says pride seeping into his voice.
"You sound like a father, now."
Something flashes across his face then he quickly turns and faces the city.
When I think he might leave, he says in a neutral voice, "He's closest thing I may ever have to a son."
I think of my two sons, one grown and living his own life, the other dead but not forgotten. Clark may never have that.
The small voice that drives me says that I've hurt him that I should apologize and try to comfort him. I don't, but I do step closer. There are only inches between us now and I can heat radiating off him. I struggle not to reach out and touch him. He looks over his shoulder. He can see my inner conflict. When he slowly turns and reaches out for me, I don't stop him. He grips my cowl and pushes it back exposing my head and face. His hand then caresses my cheek. I resist leaning into it. As he stares at me, my heart begins to race. I remain absolutely still.
"This isn't about them; this is about us, isn't it?" he asks rhetorically.
I say nothing and in that moment, he kisses me on the lips with that unbelievably controlled passion that is his. I can't help but give in. We draw each other closer. The kiss deepens. One of my glove hands entwines with his hair; the other rest between his shoulder blades. His hands move to my waist. I don't know why. Maybe it's lack of oxygen, maybe alien pheromones, but for a brief eternity, we bleed into each other. When I finally regain my senses, I push him away and he lets me go.
"We can't do this. You're married."
"That doesn't change the way I feel for you," he says as he places his hand atop my still rapidly beating heart, "or the way you feel for me."
"I'm with Selina now." I protest futilely
"And I accept her for you the way Lois accepts you for me."
"You should go, now." I say.
Clark sighs and nods then says, "Conner will come."
I say nothing.
He lifts of the roof then stares at me sadly. "We could be happy, Bruce."
I know that. If I gave in, all my pain, my suffering would disappear completely. He could do that. It terrifies me. He could kill the Batman.
After he departs, I fight the urge to follow. I think of searching out Selina for some small solace. Instead, I pull on my cowl and return to my work renewed in my sorrow.
tbc
A/N: As promised here's part 5. The epilogue should be up hopefully some time in January. please review.