I hope I made it obvious within the chapter, but there's a time jump of about three months since the interview with Clark and since Bruce injured himself.
Disclaimer: I don't own Batman, Superman, or any other DC characters.
"I'll be waiting here to pick you up at the end of the gala, Master Bruce," Alfred informed Bruce. He had just parked the car in front of Gotham Public Library's main branch. The parking lot was full and there were only a couple of other cars pulling up to the venue. Bruce Wayne was known for always arriving fashionably late to any event he attended.
"Thank you, Alfred," Bruce replied as he opened the car door and stepped outside. It was a cool, early spring night in Gotham. Even if the event Bruce was attending was indoors, it was nice that it wasn't raining. The weather helped maintain the jovial mood of the evening.
Normally, Bruce dreaded the events Alfred and Wayne Enterprises forced him to attend. But for once, he was looking forward to the celebration. His company's city-wide renovation project had started three months ago and they'd already made a lot of progress. The library was now fully accessible and was opening back up to the general public this upcoming weekend. Wayne Enterprises was hosting a soirée to celebrate the first completed construction project and to hopefully show Gotham that these types of renovation projects were useful. Positive feedback could help convince the Board of Directors to green-light a second phase of the project.
Bruce took his time climbing the stairs that led to the front doors of the library. He was in no rush to join the large crowd. A couple of photographers were standing near the entrance and started taking pictures as soon as they noticed Bruce. He'd rather be indoors than with them. He quickly rushed past the paparazzi. Bruce then left his jacket at the coat check before entering the library's main room.
A couple noticed his arrival and immediately waved Bruce over. Mr. and Mrs. Augustus were long-time friends of the Waynes', but Bruce didn't enjoy their company. Most of the time, he politely made small talk only to abandon them as soon as he had the chance. He pretended not to see them.
As Bruce's eyes wandered over the crowd, trying desperately to see who he could talk to that wouldn't leave him feeling exhausted, he locked eyes with a woman who always had him on guard. She'd most likely been waiting to approach him all night and in her books, Bruce simply looking in her direction had given her the excuse she needed.
"Mr. Wayne, care to answer some questions for the Daily Planet?" Lois Lane loudly asked as she made a beeline for him. Despite her choice of words, it didn't seem like much of a question, more of a demand. There was no escape. Bruce had known that both Lois Lane and Clark Kent were attending the gala tonight; he'd simply been hoping to run into her colleague.
Seeing as there was no escape, Bruce waited for Lois to reach him. As he stood in place, he grabbed an hors-d'oeuvre from a passing waiter.
"Ms. Lane! Did I hear you mention something about answering questions? That sounds an awful lot like business. Shouldn't we be enjoying the evening?" Bruce said in lieu of a greeting once Lois stood in front of him. He knew she would ignore any attempts he made to deter her from her interrogation, but Brucie Wayne did have an act to put on. He popped the mini quiche he had grabbed off the platter into his mouth.
"I'm only attending because of business, Mr. Wayne," Lois predictably replied.
"I promise it'll only take a moment," a voice suddenly said from behind Bruce. Somehow, in the noise of the crowd, Bruce had not heard Clark approach.
"Hopefully more than just a couple of seconds? I've always got time for you, Clark," Bruce said as he turned around to fondly greet the Daily Planet reporter.
"Thank you, Mr. Wayne," Clark replied, although he looked a bit surprised by Bruce's enthusiasm.
Bruce jokingly raised an eyebrow at Clark's politeness. "Hadn't you recorded our last conversation? I'm fairly sure I told you to call me Bruce," he said playfully. He had a hunch Clark would become flustered at the slightest accusation that he was being rude.
And sure enough, Clark immediately responded. "I didn't forget, I just wasn't sure if we were still on the same terms in this professional setting." His cheeks flushed red as he readjusted his glasses.
"And here I thought our interview had been a professional setting," Bruce said. He smiled as he harmlessly made fun of the reporter. He wanted Clark to feel comfortable referring to him as a friend.
"Any interview conducted between yourself and the Daily Planet is always a professional setting," Lois said as she added in her two cents. Bruce was honestly surprised it had taken her this long to do so.
"Of course, Ms. Lane," Bruce replied charmingly as he took a step back so he could better see the two reporters. "I had simply confided in Clark that I enjoyed dropping formalities with him during our interview; it helped everything feel more natural. After all, it made for a good interview, don't you think? I can promise you that nothing unprofessional happened."
"He's right, Lois," Clark confirmed.
Bruce watched Lois narrow her eyes. She also didn't hesitate in looking Bruce up and down, as if trying to determine if he was lying or if he had an ulterior motive. She was always working, always looking for a lead.
"What are you waiting for, Smallville? Ask him our questions," Lois instructed Clark. She had clearly deduced that Clark had a better relationship with Bruce than she did. But she didn't seem any less suspicious compared to earlier.
Honestly, Bruce didn't blame her for being skeptical of his behavior. Lois Lane knew better than anyone else how Brucie Wayne was evasive, a good liar, and normally not incredibly generous when it came to giving information to reporters. He knew he was acting out of character, and it only went to further prove his theory that Clark Kent was Bruce Wayne's soulmate. He hadn't forgotten his plan to investigate whether this hypothesis was true or false, but his behavior thus far pointed to it being fated. Bruce hadn't seen Clark in the three months since the original interview about Wayne Enterprises' renovation project. Therefore, he needed to walk away with conclusive proof tonight.
"Right, of course," Clark said as he grabbed a small notebook from one of the back pockets of his pants. Bruce wasn't sure if he could legally qualify Clark's suit as a tuxedo, but that was beside the point. "I couldn't help but notice the estimated timeline you had given me in regard to how long the project would take to complete has changed. Am I right in remarking that everything seems rushed?"
"You're correct," Bruce confirmed. The change in Clark's demeanor was instantaneous. One moment, he'd been blushing over Bruce insisting they're on a first-name basis and the next he was an investigator on the hunt for his next lead.
"Is there a reason for that?" Clark asked. He was looking at Bruce, waiting for an answer whereas Lois had occupied herself with writing down everything that was being said.
"I can assure you, as well as the investors and citizens of Gotham, that the rushed timeline was because of me. Every single renovation project is still being executed ethically. Accessibility remains the main focus," Bruce answered honestly.
"That's good to hear," Clark replied, but not before Lois elbowed him. She obviously wanted him to ask why.
Clark barely reacted to the force of Lois' elbow slamming into his rib. He'd responded as if she'd gently poked him. Clark's imposing figure didn't lie; he really was made of muscles and built like a football player. Clark, in response, simply turned his head to give her a questioning look.
She glared at him. It was a look that would normally send people running. Bruce had been on the receiving end of it many times, but like Clark, they both seemed to be immune to it. Bruce chalked it up to being Batman. Clark, on the other hand, worked with Lois every day, which meant he was most likely used to it.
"Oh right," he exclaimed, finally understanding what his colleague was trying to get him to do. "I hope you don't mind me asking, but what made you want to move up the deadline?"
"A couple of months ago, I injured myself as I was trying to protect my son, Dick. I had to spend a significant amount of time on crutches, and I experienced firsthand how inaccessible Gotham truly is. It was a ridiculous and frustrating experience and it prompted me to discuss with my team ways to accelerate the construction phase. I spent some of my personal money to hire the additional workers needed."
Lois raised an eyebrow at his statement whereas Clark looked at him with concern. Bruce also detected a little bit of admiration in Clark's expression.
"I'm glad to hear you're feeling better, Bruce. Once again, I think this is a fantastic project. Honestly, every city should strive to do the same," Clark told him. He broke out into a smile and Bruce couldn't help himself from returning one.
"Mr. Wayne, what is your response to critics saying—" Lois asked, unable to hold herself back any longer. But her voice was drowned out by the loudspeakers in the room as they crackled to life.
"Good evening, folks," a voice said over the microphone. "If I could just get everyone's attention, we're about to begin the ceremony."
"I'm afraid that's my cue to leave. I have to give a speech," Bruce said, pretending to act regretful that he had to leave mid-conversation, but Lois saw right through him. He knew she would try to corner him before the end of the event.
"Of course," Clark nodded in understanding. "We'd hate to make you late. Thank you for chatting with us Bruce; it was lovely."
"Likewise," Bruce told him. He did really need to leave; one of the individuals running the gala was probably frantically searching for him. "Have a good night, Clark."
"Thank you," he replied. He waved as Bruce walked away and towards the stage.
Bruce wasn't sure if he enjoyed being interviewed by Clark because he felt comfortable with the reporter or because they were soulmates. Either way, he had enjoyed bumping into Clark tonight and the interview had gone— Fuck.
It took everything for Bruce not to falter as he continued walking towards the main stage at the front of the library. The interview had not gone well. How had he missed it? He'd told Clark the truth about how he'd torn his meniscus. Not the fabricated lie of hurting himself while skiing but the truth about him trying to protect Dick. Fuck. The only reassurance in all of this was that he hadn't told Clark that he'd done it as he'd tried to protect Robin from Bane. But still, he would need to do damage control if anyone questioned how he'd really hurt himself.
That explained why Lois had been giving him those dirty looks. The articles published about his skiing accident had already made the rounds and Lois had no doubt read them. And given how evidently honest he'd been with Clark; Lois could easily conclude that what he'd said tonight was the truth. She would not stop until she uncovered the reason behind his lie.
He made a mental note to update Alfred on the situation. They could easily forge documents and pretend Dick had gone skiing with him that fateful weekend.
One thing was sure, Clark Kent was definitely his soulmate. There was no more doubt about it. But for now, Bruce had the speech to worry about.
"How was your evening, Master Bruce?" Alfred asked once Bruce had settled into the backseat and they began driving away from the venue.
"Fine," Bruce grumbled. He knew he needed to tell Alfred about what he'd discovered, but for some reason, he was nervous to do so.
Obviously, Alfred noticed his discomfort. Bruce knew he was being abnormally quiet and closed-off, even for him.
"Did something happen?" Alfred pushed. He glanced at Bruce in the rearview mirror.
"I met my soulmate," Bruce said, finally deciding to cut to the chase.
Bruce watched as Alfred raised an eyebrow in response to his confession.
"I see," Alfred replied. "How wonderful."
Alfred, although tactful and proper as any British gentleman tended to be, was clearly excited for Bruce, but knew he shouldn't push for details just yet. Alfred, most likely based on how Bruce typically acted, assumed Bruce would give him more information when he felt like it.
But Bruce surprised himself when he immediately replied in an angry and defensive tone.
"It's never going to happen, Alfred," Bruce replied seriously. "He's a civilian and I can't afford to tell him I'm Batman. That'll put his life at risk."
"Are you sure that you won't, over time, change your mind? I know you'll do your best to keep the young man safe," Alfred said as he tried to convince his son. "I know this is a foreign concept for you, but you'd be surprised how trustworthy people can be."
Bruce knew Alfred had secretly been hoping that he would eventually meet his soulmate. Alfred was probably thrilled that it had finally happened and therefore wasn't logically analyzing the situation. There were so many ways it could go wrong.
"He's a reporter, Alfred. It's never going to happen."
"Very well, Master Bruce. You do like to claim you know what's best," Alfred replied, his snarky remark not missed by Bruce.
The rest of the car ride back to the Manor passed in silence. Bruce had no doubt Alfred would want to talk about the situation later on and was only letting it go for now. Bruce spent the entire trip home thinking and planning. As much as he wanted to be nice to Clark and spend more time getting to know him, he knew he couldn't interact with him anymore. He couldn't risk Clark realizing they were soulmates. But most of all, he couldn't compromise himself by falling in love with an innocent civilian.
As he sat there watching the scenery change on the other side of the window, Bruce vowed to protect Clark, even if it could only be done from a distance. He owed it to him since he had robbed Clark of the only chance to spend the rest of his life with his soulmate.
As Alfred pulled the car into the garage of the Manor, Bruce asked Alfred to remind him to talk to his executive assistant, Eris, tomorrow. He would need to switch all interview requests back to Lois. He couldn't afford to be in a room alone with Clark anymore.
"Very well, sir," Alfred replied.
Bruce mumbled a quick thank you before heading down to the Cave. He had work to do.
Bruce... Babe... How noble of you to want to protect Clark, but it's so unnecessary.
