Once again, a big thank you to rotasha for editing my story. You're a treasure trove of grammar tips and amazing commentary!
Disclaimer: I don't own Batman, Superman, or any other DC characters.
The drive back to the Cave was long and tense. Dick asked Bruce a million questions. Why did he reveal his secret identity? Was it because Batman finally trusted Superman? Would Superman actually send over that gift basket, and would there be chocolate chip muffins in it?
Bruce was still processing the situation. He was mad at himself for not realizing sooner what had been going on. At the same time, he was planning how to convince Clark not to reveal Batman and Robin's secret identities. He wanted to believe Clark wouldn't do such a thing. The rational part of his brain reminded him that Clark had his own identity to protect. The more emotional side of his brain also reminded him that the universe had made them soulmates for a reason. Maybe Clark wouldn't be interested in telling?
Either way, Bruce was unable to respond to any of Dick's questions. Dick was used to Bruce's silence and how he sometimes "emotionally shut down," as Alfred had once explained it to him. So he stopped pushing for answers. Instead, Dick called Alfred to update him on the situation. After that, he pulled a Nintendo DS out of the glove compartment of the Batmobile and started playing his game. But Bruce still felt the worried glances Dick kept sending his way.
When they finally returned home, Bruce noticed that Alfred was nowhere to be found. The man normally waited in the Cave to greet them, but it looked like he had decided it would be best if he wasn't present tonight.
Bruce placed the car in park and turned off the engine. Dick closed his game and put the console back in its hiding spot before exiting the Batmobile.
"What's the plan, B?" Dick asked as he trailed behind Bruce.
Bruce, efficient as always, walked over to the main computer console. He needed to temporarily disable the Cave's security system so it wouldn't go off when Superman arrived.
"I'm going to talk to Superman," Bruce replied. He knew that was obvious and Dick was clearly dissatisfied by that answer. But Bruce didn't know how much information he should be sharing with Dick right now. It wasn't his place to reveal Superman's secret identity. Dick knew soulmates existed and he would eventually realize it was the reason behind Bruce's strange behavior tonight. But Bruce didn't think it was the right time to be having that conversation.
Dick, still in his suit, sat down in the chair in front of the computer while Bruce hovered over the keyboard, inputting the codes to turn off the alarm system.
"Well duh, I know you're going to talk to him," Dick replied, entirely unimpressed by Bruce's answer. "Do you think Poison Ivy had some truth serum in her plants and that's why you told Superman your secret?"
Bruce couldn't help but smile a little as he listened to Dick's theory. He was proud that Dick had managed to come up with that hypothesis by himself. Bruce was continuously impressed by Dick's progress; he might one day become a better detective than he was.
"I promise you I'm fine," Bruce told Dick, turning around to look at the boy. "Why don't you get changed, it's been a long night."
Dick hopped off the chair, following Bruce's suggestion when he suddenly stopped walking. Dick's eyes widened in realization. "Holy moly! Superman is your soulmate!" Dick whispered excitedly.
But before Bruce could answer, a strong gust of wind brushed past them, signaling that Superman had arrived. He gently landed a couple of feet behind Bruce and Dick. Both of them turned around to face him.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt," Superman said a bit bashfully. He was awkwardly wringing his hands as he watched them. "This is a nice place."
Dick chuckled at Superman's comment. The Cave wasn't a nice place. It was dark, damp, and intimidating, the complete opposite of Superman. Bruce just blinked at him in response before briefly turning around to switch the security system back on.
"Dick," Bruce warned in a tone that meant he expected Dick to follow his previous suggestion.
Dick seemed surprised that Bruce had casually stopped using his codename while he was still in uniform and in the presence of Superman. But Bruce knew that Clark had already figured out Dick's identity. He was a reporter, after all; he could easily put together the pieces of the puzzle.
"Fine, I'll go change and see Alfred upstairs," Dick finally relented. "But pinky promise me that you'll come to see me after?"
Dick held out his small finger, patiently waiting for Bruce to agree to this deal.
Bruce mumbled a quiet promise in return as he locked their pinky fingers. He'd already embarrassed himself several times in front of Superman today, what was one more event in the grand scheme of things?
"See you later B! Bye Superman!" Dick exclaimed as he ran off towards the showers and locker room farther in the Cave.
"Bye," Superman replied. He waved goodbye to Dick, even if the boy wasn't looking in their direction anymore.
Despite the grandeur of his suit and his imposing physique, the man standing before Bruce right now looked just like the shy and sweet reporter he'd met three months ago. It was incredible how Clark managed to change his body language and mannerisms. He'd obviously had a long time to perfect it all. It had even convinced Batman.
The only reason Bruce had figured it out was because of their connection as soulmates. The very reason why the pair was currently standing in the Cave.
Bruce reached up and removed his cowl. There was no point in hiding anymore. This action seemed to kick-start Superman, launching him into a speech he'd no doubt prepared during his flight from Metropolis.
"I'm so sorry. I was only joking when I ask for your name! I should have—"
Bruce cut him off. Of course he'd known it was a joke. But did Superman know what was really going on? "Your secret identity is Clark Kent, right?"
"Yes," Superman replied without any hesitation. "But how did you know?"
"I figured it out when I couldn't lie to you when you asked who to send the gift basket to."
"But that doesn't explain—" Clark started to protest. Bruce didn't hesitate in cutting him off again.
"Let me finish," Bruce demanded. He realized the harshness of his tone. "Please," he added. Clark nodded gently, giving him permission to continue. "The only other person I've never been able to lie to is my soulmate. Someone up until just now, I was convinced was an average civilian reporter named Clark Kent."
"Oh," he replied softly. Clark was looking at him, but Bruce could tell he was somewhere else. He was most likely replaying in his mind all the times they'd met.
Clark was still quiet moments later, so Bruce decided to continue the conversation. It was something he didn't normally do when it involved talking about his feelings, but he needed to keep the conversation moving. He had to make sure Clark would keep his secret.
"Didn't you think it was strange that Bruce Wayne always gave you exclusive interviews? I know your colleague, Lois Lane, is suspicious of my behavior."
"I thought you were just being friendly," Clark replied, blushing a little bit. "I genuinely enjoyed talking with you. I honestly..." Clark paused, looking unsure if he should continue speaking or not. Bruce decided to say nothing and waited for him to resume his train of thought. "Honestly, I was kind of relieved that the legendary Bruce Wayne was being so generous with me. Lois warned me that he was just flirting to eventually use me. I didn't believe her." Clark averted his eyes as he finished his sentence.
Bruce wasn't insulted. It was all part of the reputation he'd created for Brucie Wayne. So Clark had been seeking nothing more than friendship? Had he not had any suspicions that they were soulmates?
"Why didn't you believe Lois?" Bruce decided to finally ask. He told himself it was for research purposes that he was asking all of these questions, not because he cared.
Clark looked back up at the sound of Bruce's voice. "Well, because I knew Batman was my soulmate, and whether Bruce Wayne was flirting or just looking for friendship, I was fine with it. I'd just have to turn him down by saying we weren't soulmates but we could remain friends. But I trusted him, I never once thought he was trying to use me."
"Since when have you known?" Bruce asked, ignoring the rest of Clark's statement.
"The night I helped you with Bane. I'd promised Robin that I wouldn't tell you he'd been the one to call me. Robin suggested that I tell Batman I'd heard the struggle from Metropolis and come to help. But I immediately told the truth when you asked," Clark explained. He genuinely looked guilty to have been the one to rat out Robin. "I didn't think you liked me and I didn't know if you were interested in having any kind of relationship. I decided not to burden you with the information that we were soulmates."
Interesting. Bruce had always thought Superman and Batman were polar opposites. Destined to disagree and clash on all fronts. But Superman had the same motivations Bruce had in keeping his soulmate safe.
"Is that why you didn't make a move as Bruce Wayne? You didn't want to burden me?" Clark asked when Bruce remained silent.
"I didn't want to risk the safety of an innocent and defenseless civilian. Being Batman is dangerous and Clark Kent didn't deserve a soulmate who would ruin his life," Bruce easily replied.
"What about Superman?" Clark questioned in a softer tone. "Can he decide if he deserves and wants that life?"
"I don't know," Bruce answered honestly. The universe seemed to think they were a perfect match, but logistically, was it possible? Was it safe? Was it worth it? If their identities were ever revealed, anyone associated with either of them would be in danger. And on the field, working alongside someone you cared about made you weak and susceptible to distractions.
Despite all of this, Bruce couldn't deny how nice it would be to be able to share the burden that sometimes came with being a vigilante and the stress of leading two lives. Clark could understand those issues better than anyone.
There were too many pros and cons. Bruce couldn't decide. He couldn't think properly.
Clark must have sensed Bruce's inner turmoil because he took a tentative step forward, a look of concern on his face.
"I can only imagine how much work you've put into creating the persona of Bruce Wayne. Anything you do or say must prevent people from drawing connections between Bruce Wayne and Batman. I know what that's like," Clark said.
Bruce wasn't sure if Clark was asking a question, making an observation, or just thinking out loud. Bruce simply hummed in reply.
"So what if nothing changes with our public relationship? We remain associates and that's it. We don't give anybody any reasons to make links between our civilian selves," Clark suggested. "But, maybe as Superman and Batman, we can get to know each other and see where this goes. I'd like to get the chance to know the real Bruce Wayne, as well as all the parts that make him the man that is my soulmate."
The real Bruce Wayne. Bruce himself wasn't even sure if the real Bruce Wayne still existed.
Wait. That wasn't true. The real Bruce Wayne had disappeared the night his parents died. When he became Batman, the real Bruce Wayne was buried a little deeper inside of him. Stuck between playing two roles, there was no time to rediscover himself.
But when Dick came along, things had changed. Dick had helped him rediscover the joys that life could offer.
"Is there a real Clark Kent?" Bruce asked instead of giving his opinion on Clark's suggestion.
"Kal-El," he immediately replied. "That's my birth name, I like to think it's a balance between Clark Kent and Superman." Clark took another step closer to Bruce.
Bruce felt rooted in place. Batman wasn't the kind of person to back down from a challenge; he wasn't going to be the first to run away from this difficult situation. He also couldn't deny that he was curious. Maybe a relationship between them could work? Bruce hadn't felt hope like this in a long time.
"Bruce," Clark gently whispered. "I know the universe is saying we should be together, but if you don't want to, just let me know, and I'll gladly respect your wishes. But I need you to know that I am interested. I know the risks, but I think we're both cautious enough to try and make it work. I also genuinely enjoy spending time with you, whether it be as Clark or Superman."
Bruce exhaled a breath he hadn't noticed he'd been holding. He realized with a start that he was scared. He was scared to admit that maybe this could work. That maybe he was worthy of this life with Clark.
Clark was silently looking at him, waiting for Bruce to do something, anything. They were standing only a couple of inches apart now.
"Bruce," he prompted gently once again. "I know this is a lot, but I need your—"
Instead of answering, Bruce reached out and guided Clark's head towards his. Bruce closed the distance between them, his lips crashing onto Clark's. He never got to finish asking his question, so Bruce hoped this was a clear enough answer.
Bruce didn't know what prompted him to do that. He kept his hand on the back of Clark's neck; his other hand instinctively went to rest on Clark's waist. Despite the fact that he'd initiated every step leading to this moment, Clark seemed shocked that Bruce had begun kissing him. But he quickly shook it off and reciprocated the kiss.
Bruce felt Clark tentatively place one of his hands on the small of his back. It was as if Clark was being careful not to hurt him. But the desperation with which Clark was kissing him told Bruce otherwise. Their lips were barely open, but it was by far the most passionate kiss Bruce had ever experienced. The thought simultaneously thrilled him and scared him.
How long they ended up kissing, Bruce had no idea. It felt like an eternity, but it was over too soon. Bruce realized, with surprisingly mild annoyance, that Clark had started trying to form a sentence in between their fevered kisses.
"I hate doing this," Clark started saying breathlessly, "but Robin never left."
"I know," Bruce replied after kissing Clark one final time. "I think he's suffered the consequences of disobeying."
"How did you know I was here!" Dick exclaimed, his head suddenly appearing from behind one of the large stalagmites. "I was careful sneaking over!" he said, defending himself. Dick didn't seem bothered that he'd been caught spying.
"Uh," Clark awkwardly said as he put a good distance between himself and Bruce. "You whispered 'eww' underneath your breath when Bruce kissed me."
"Well yeah, kissing is gross. I don't ever want to kiss anyone," Dick said as he ran over to them. "Also, I forgot you could hear really well," he laughed at himself.
"Dick, what did I tell you about spying?" Bruce warned.
"That there's a time and place for it as Robin, but not as Dick," he quickly recited, clearly not absorbing his own words. "Can we finally go upstairs? Alfred promised me earlier today that he was going to make hot chocolate."
"It's your fault if it's now cold," Bruce replied. Dick ran ahead and started making his way upstairs. He'd changed out of his uniform sometime before spying on them.
"Meet you in the kitchen!" Dick happily told them.
After Dick had officially exited the Cave, Clark watched as Bruce made his way toward the locker room. He presumed Bruce was going to change out of his Batman suit. He probably had a rule about not wearing his costume inside the Manor, which was smart. Bruce probably had a million and one rules Clark would be forced to learn. It's a good thing he had great memorization skills.
But Clark wasn't sure what he should do with himself. Where did they stand on the whole soulmate situation? Bruce hadn't really explained what he was thinking. Instead, he'd just kissed Clark senseless. But maybe that had been his answer?
"Do you have clothes you can change into, or do you need to borrow something?" Bruce asked. He was out of view now, but Clark heard him loud and clear.
"I don't have anything, I normally change in my apartment," Clark answered automatically.
"I'll find something," Bruce grumbled, but he didn't sound angry.
"Okay," Clark hummed in response. "I don't mean to intrude any more than I already have. Are you sure you want me to come upstairs with you?"
"Yes," Bruce told him. "I made a pinky promise. And we need to discuss the Poison Ivy and Bane situation. We haven't seen the end of this team-up."
"You're willingly going to let Superman help Batman on this case?" Clark asked, a bit surprised. He walked in the direction he'd seen Bruce go earlier. He felt weird standing near the computer by himself.
"You're an investigative reporter, aren't you? That has to be good for something," Bruce deadpanned.
Clark chuckled softly. "I'll try my best not to disappoint, then."
Confirmation. That's what this was. Leave it to Batman to find a way to be elusive even with his soulmate. Despite the lack of a clear answer, there wasn't any doubt in Clark's mind that Bruce letting him join his family upstairs meant he was willing to give this relationship a chance. Clark also knew that there would be many discussions in his future about the mechanics of their relationship, but he was fine with that.
He was excited to get to know his soulmate.
Sorry if that make-out scene wasn't that great. I'm asexual, so I'm trying my best!
The last chapter will be an epilogue set in the near future!
