A/N: I'm dead. I'm dead. I'm dead. I'm dead. I'm dead. I'm dead. I'm dead. I'm dead. I'm dead. I know. Guuuuuys, we don't have internet for months! I don't even know how I'm alive till now. ;_; It sucks okay? Anyway, I asked a friend to upload this for me, because well, some of you are waiting for an update so here it is!

Good news: We have a new internet connection provider and it'll be installed tomorrow so hopefully I can upload the following chapters in the next few days~ yeeeez~!

Rewritten: 22/08/2017


Chapter 3: Good to be Back

While Bruce and Dick broke some cups, someone is just getting re- acquainted with his household manager.

"Well look who decided to finally come back," Miranda; an intimidating 60 years old Filipina woman, standing in a meager height of 5"2 with an imposing afro of white hair crowning her head, and who also just happens to be the manager of the apartment building, greets a certain blue- eyed reporter as said man just passed the entry doors. "If it isn't my prodigal son…"

"Miranda," Clark says warmly, a smile breaking on his handsome face, gladly surprised at the sight of the mother of the building. "I miss you, too."

"Hmp," Miranda harrumphs, turning her wrinkled face away from him. "You wouldn't have to miss me if you didn't go AWOL all of a sudden."

Clark steps forward and engulf her in a big hug; everybody who lives in this apartment had a soft spot for Miranda because she's like their second mom. "Come on, don't be like that. I'm back now, aren't I?"

"Yeah," Miranda grumbles, her voice muffled due to her face being buried in Clark's significantly larger frame than hers, "…after 2 WHOLE YEARS..."

Clark only hums in response, too happy to be back to feel guilty in his manager's words. He hugs her more tightly and was about to let go when Miranda continued her words, "…WITHOUT ANY CONTACT! HIYAAAAAA!"

Clark suddenly found himself doubling over in pain. It was more of a reflex actually, that when ordinary people (who doesn't know that he's Superman; which no one does except for his parents, Lois and more recently Commissioner Corporon) hits him, he has to pretend he's in pain or else his cover will be blown. For Miranda's credit though, her elbow jab stings. Clark lifts his head up to look at the grinning old woman who was obviously immensely proud of herself for being able to bring an almost 7 feet man lower than her height− there's something seriously gratifying when someone's who is taller than you is suddenly looking up at you. Literally.

(A/N: To all vertically challenged people out there~ HI! I am one of you! We must conquer this world with our cuteness! Kidding.)

"Aww…" Clark groans in a fake hurt voice, "What was that for?"

Miranda harrumphs again. "Serves you write for disappearing so suddenly and then re- appearing again like nothing happened. I need an explanation for your absence Clark Kent! Do you have any idea how worried I was? My whole hair turned white worrying after your sorry, clumsy self!"

Clark straightened up slowly as Miranda continues to rattle on about her woes over Clark's disappearance− he didn't even bother to point out that even before he left, all of Miranda's hair was already white (she likes to think that she has a few black ones left to keep her young) − and just listens to her. Not to mention, Clark has to admit that his way of suddenly disappearing is really a cause for great worry. He just left a letter at his room saying he needs some time alone for a while and that they didn't need to look or worry for him since he'll be back anyway. Accompanying the letter was a 1 year worth of rental money for Miranda− which probably cause the people he knew another great level of anxiety because that clearly means one thing: He plans to go away for a long time. A year had gone by too fast for Clark, he knows that he isn't ready to face the world again, so he spent another year away and just send the payment for his rent by depositing it on Miranda's bank account. He still does his duties as a hero of course; every night, he flew back to Metropolis or wherever the League needs him and save the people and the planet from evil.

Superman is different from Clark Kent after all.

Superman is brave and strong. He doesn't cower away from his problems nor let it hold him back; instead, he always finds a way to solve it instantly. Superman is not afraid to do and experience new things; he isn't afraid of getting hurt nor is he afraid of failing. Most of all, Superman is not a quitter. He'll always get up no matter what and try again. He'll always be ready to face head- on whatever the world throws at him. He'll do anything to get what he wants, and he won't stop until he has it.

Clark Kent is different. Clark Kent is someone who is a shy, clumsy, stuttering mess of a reporter with a streak of mischievousness. Clark Kent is someone who lives simply, which is why the idea of trying out new things without any prior notice can be a bit scary for him. He's weak- willed; he's always been dragged around by people with stronger personalities than him like Lois Lane, or even his mother. He's sensitive and sympathetic to almost everyone, he doesn't want anybody to be in hurt nor does he want to hurt anybody, and most importantly, he doesn't want himself to be hurt. He's a coward, it'll take time for him to move on and recover. If he experienced something particularly hurtful or nasty, it'll take a long time for him to face the world again. Above all, Clark Kent is a quitter. He'll easily let go of things even if it hurts him so bad. Heck, he'll even rationalize with himself that 'it's for the better.' If he has a competition with someone over something, he'll just easily hands it over to the other. He doesn't want any fights; if he can live without it, he's totally fine with it.

That's probably why he let the only and first person he loved romantically leave him without a word.

Clark shook his head. He's here now, back in Metropolis for good, because he's ready and had moved on. He's stronger now, more stable, and braver than ever before. During the couple of years of his disappearance, he had learned that he needs to unite Clark Kent and Superman. These two identities are what make him who he ishe's wrong to treat them as different persons. Clark Kent and Superman is HIM. If Superman is brave, then Clark Kent can be brave too. If Clark Kent can feel frightened, then Superman can too− maybe it'll help him to be less reckless on missions, he isn't completely invulnerable after all. It took him a reaaaally long time to realize this; with the help of his mother's intense scolding of course. Clark vowed that when he returned to face the whole world again, he'll face it as both Clark Kent and Superman at the same time. He'll never be a coward again and he'll fight for what's rightfully his no matter what.

"ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME!?"

Clark snaps out of his thoughts when Miranda screeched right in front of his sensitive ears, standing up to her toes. He stumbled, his ears ringing and his vision blurring. Ugh, he groaned mentally. Gods, that hurts.

"Um…"

"Nevermind you big ox," Miranda grumbles. "You're right. You're back now and that's all that matters. But you still got some explaining to do to your neighbours here, you're just lucky its lunchtime and they're all out to their works or else it isn't just me you're going to deal with."

Clark gulped. Miranda's right. In this apartment building, everyone is like a family− most probably because of Miranda. His neighbours were probably worried about him too. He laughs nervously as he shuffles around his belongings, searching for something.

"What are you doing? Are you looking for something?" Miranda asks as Clark kneels down to search more comfortably. "Why on earth do you have so many things with you anyway? Most of your things are back in your apartment, isn't it? You left without bringing anything with you."

Clark winced. When he left, he had been an emotional mess. He was suffocating. The need to be free and feel the wind in his face was too much- he was desperate for it- so he just flew away without much thought. He feels that if he didn't, his emotions will consume him. He'll drown in his sorrow and heartbreak and misery and he'll never get back up again. He left just like that.

An apple tumbled out in one of the bags and Miranda raised a bushy white eyebrow as she picks it up, silently asking what's the apple for.

The blue eyed reporter cleared his throat delicately. "That's, um, how do I say this? Um, a peace offering, I guess?"

"A peace offering?" Miranda repeats dubiously.

"Yes," Clark replied, a little more confidently. "A peace offering, or souvenirs really. Most of these bags contain crops from our farm. Ma insisted that I bring lots for you and everyone else. She said that it's the least we- I- can do as an apology for worrying you."

Miranda frowns. "You think that a bunch of vegetables and fruits can make us forgive you that easily?"

Clark winced. He didn't think it'll be that easy, of course, but he's confident that he'll be able to win everyone's favour back again soon. He had always been told that he's charming. But if said charms didn't work…well, he still have this. "Ma also baked a lot of apple pies that can probably last the whole apartment building for a week."

Miranda's expression easily brightened. "Did you say you're Mom's apple pies?"

Clark nodded, doing his best to keep himself from grinning. His Ma's apple pies always do the trick. "Yup. Those six plastic bags over there at my left contain 12 boxes of apple pies each. If we−"

Clark didn't get to finish as Miranda snatched the said plastic bags in a blink of the eye. Miranda was eyeing the contents of the bags hungrily and with such adoration it was a little bit creepy, but she has such an adorable smile on her face that Clark couldn't help but smile fondly too.

"Alrighty, you're dismissed. I shall take charge on distributing these lovely, delicious pies to everybody else. Have a lovely day, Clark." Miranda said as she walks away, if Clark's eyes aren't fooling him, he'll say that the 60 year old woman is skipping away.

Clark laughs softly, and gathers the remaining three bags on his feet. Two contains his belongings, and one contains another peace offering for his friends at work. Yes, he still worked during his two year absence. Mostly, he edited the articles or wrote some based on the information sent to him, and then he'll send his works through e- mail.

"Oh, Clark wait," Miranda called and Clark paused on his way to the elevator, he turned and found Miranda smiling motherly at him, "Welcome back, son."

Clark smiles back at her. "Thank you, Miranda."


As soon as Clark steps out of the elevator, he tensed. Somehow, he suddenly feels as if something was waiting for him. It isn't something dangerous though, that much he can tell. Still, he can't help but feel nervous. Every room in the building is soundproof, but with his superb hearing, he can hear some if he concentrated enough. For example, he can hear little Suzzie and her babysitter playing in their living room in the room to his left... he can't hear anything from his room though. Slowly, he walked towards his apartment. He unlocked and opened the door with deliberate slowness, muscles tense and ready to spring into action…

"SURPRISE!"

Clark jumps, his head nearly hitting the ceiling. He blink a few times, trying to comprehend what was happening in his room and what is he seeing right now. Streamers were now littered around his carpeted floor, a few paper crepes were cut artistically and were hanging from the ceiling, the walls and even in his glass door to his balcony, his dining table was dragged into his living room and were now set with a lot of foods and plates. Most importantly, his co- workers are in his room− which shouldn't be possible since it's a work day and every day they always have something to work on− smiling brightly at him with their arms wide in a cheering motion.

Clark blinks again. Is this a dream? He focused on Jimmy Olsen, who was bouncing lightly up and down on his feet, looking exactly like a kid who's having a sugar rush. Nope, he can feel the vibrations that Jimmy's making. "How did you guys get in here?"

Cat Grant instantly deflated at his question. She crossed her arms and flipped her blonde hair over her shoulder. "Seriously, that's the first thing you're going to say to us?"

Jimmy chuckled. "Now, now kitty cat," he ducked when Cat went to swiped at him, "I think it's a pretty logical question to ask. Who would expect for us to be in here, after all? You must be surprised CK! You are, aren't you!?"

Clark blinks again. "Seriously, how?" Outwardly, he's stupefied. Inwardly, he's panicking. As far as he knows, only he and Miranda have his keys to his apartment, so how did they get in here? He closes his eyes briefly and prayed. Please, don't tell me that they checked my wardrobe. Please, please, please… It was in there where he kept a spare uniform of Superman after all. He knows that it wasn't a smart thing to do, but honestly, who else would check on his room anyway?

"Miranda let us in!" Jimmy beams at him. "So we could set up this surprise for you! It's amazing isn't it? Please tell me if you are surprised or not!"

Cat slapped the back of Jimmy's head. "Idiot! Obviously he is! He kept blinking us like an idiot after all, his brain must still be processing what he's currently seeing right now."

Clark snaps out of his thoughts. "That's harsh, Cat."

A clapping sound broke the tension between them and the three turned towards the sound. Commissioner David Corporon was seated on Clark's plush blue armchair, clapping his hands and amusedly at them. "Now, now…didn't we all come here to welcome Clark home?"

As if realizing something, Jimmy and Cat's face instantly broke into a grin and went to hugged Clark. "CK! WE MISSED YOU!" They chorused. Clark flushed and squirmed in their hold, somehow unused and yet pleasantly surprised at his co- workers uncharacteristic gestures.

"Um…I- uh…missed you too…?"

Cat let go of him after a while and grinned brightly at him. "Seriously, welcome home Smallville. Don't leave us so suddenly again."

Clark smiled warmly back at her. "Thank you, Cat," he said sincerely. Then, he paused as he looks quickly around. "Where's Lois?"

Jimmy finally let go of him and answered his question. "She and her family− with Ron− so that mean's almost all of her family, are on a two- month cruise in the Caribbean~! Isn't she lucky? And before you ask, the Boss is still in the hospital, but I heard he'll be discharged in three days."

Unconsciously, Clark jaw's dropped as he gaped disbelievingly at Jimmy. "She's in a what!?" Clark couldn't believe what he's hearing, Lois Lane−workaholic, as in work- first- before- anything- else Lois Lane− is on a vacation? For two months?! That's a miracle!

"Never mind that Clark," Cat says with a small smile. "She'll be back in 5 days."

"Yuuuuup~!" Jimmy pulled out champagne out of nowhere and held it high in the air. "Now, it's time to…PARTYYYYYYYYY!"

Truth to be told, Clark didn't know what happened in the following moments. All he knew was that he was dragged around his house by multitudes of people and got hugged by them, got different kinds of food and drinks shoved into his mouth, somehow got a party hat wrapped tightly atop his head, and before he knew it almost every single one of his apartment's invaders, err, guests are drunk.

It was already quarter to midnight, and to think that Clark arrived in there in the afternoon. It was amazing how his guests keep streaming in− as well as the food. People from the apartment and people he got to knew due to his work kept coming in and welcoming him (and reprimanding him for his sudden disappearance) kept filling in to his little apartment. He actually didn't know how they all fitted in there. But now it's time they go home. Clark waved from his balcony as Jimmy, Cat and Commissioner Corporon – the first and last of his guests− walked out of his apartment after they helped him clean up after the big party. Jimmy was actually drunk, and was leaning heavily on both Cat and the Commissioner even if both of his arms were wrapped around their necks. Still, that didn't deter the Commissioner on giving the reporter –slashsuperhero a meaningful look over his shoulder before the door closes. Then, all was finally quiet in the apartment.

Clark can only smile grimly at the closed door, knowing fully well the meaning of that look. It roughly translates to: I'm glad that you're back; I hope that you're more responsible though. Seeing as he didn't neglect his duties as Superman in his two- year disappearance, he's pretty sure the Commissioner's message was for Clark Kent. The Commissioner doesn't need to worry though; after all, Clark finally decided that he'll face the world as both Clark and Superman from now on.

A cold breeze washes over Clark, making him shiver lightly. He looks up at the night sky, and noted with surprise that a full moon was decorating the sky tonight. He couldn't help but be mesmerized by the moon, or more particularly, that particular shade of blue surrounding the moon. It isn't as dark as the rest of the night sky, nor is it too light of a shade to be as blue as the sky. It's a perfect shade of in- between those colours. It made him think of a charming, sexy smile, of warm breathe ghosting over his cheeks, and the feeling of remarkably soft, yet strong hands wrapped in his own larger hand. It made him remember the beautiful city of Rome, of its bustling streets and the enchanting vibe of history that it gives. It made him think of the smell of vanilla accompanied by the taste of skin as smooth as silk. It made him remember the feeling of-

Clark shook his head. He isn't supposed to think of these things, he isn't supposed to remember. He went away to forget and move on from someone whom he doesn't really know, someone whose face he could barely remember, someone whom he spent a month with in Italy… someone whom he spent a night with… someone who suddenly disappeared without a trace the next morning…

Someone whom he thought was finally the one for him…

Damn it Clark, get a grip of yourself! Clark screamed inside at his self as he gripped his balcony's railings tightly, bending the metal to mould into his fingers' shape. One look at the moon and you're instantly walking down the memory lane…

He took deep breathes, forcing the memories from resurfacing and back to the darkest parts of his mind. That didn't stop his heart from aching though, of yearning to feel again the feeling of a smaller body nestled comfortably between his muscular arms, of yearning to taste again those luscious lips, of yearning to drown in those eyes…

Clark slumped dejectedly on his bent balcony. Why can't I forget about you?

Somehow Clark dragged a chair into his balcony and sat on it, he doesn't really know what he's doing. The only conscious action he's aware he's doing is to stare at the night sky. He doesn't know how long he stayed out there in the cold night, he watched as the sky blended into various colours as the time passes, until he's staring at pink- blue sky of dawn.

All of the sudden his doorbell rings, followed by loud and insistent knocks on his wooden door making Clark jolt out of his trance. He stared at his door apprehensively, noting how the knocks were strong enough to rattle the door almost out of its hinges. Using his x-ray vision, he peeked who could possibly be knocking on his door at this ungodly hour… Eyes widening, Clark instantly stood up from his chair and hastily opens his door.

Lois immediately barge in, eyes ablaze and a kind of panicked expression that Clark usually associates with a mad man. Her windswept hair was sticking out in funny directions and she's out of breath like she run in order to get here. Clark frowns worriedly at her, what could possibly be in a hurry for? And isn't she supposed to be in the Caribbean with her family?

Lois threw herself at Clark's sofa ungracefully, huffing loudly as she places an arm across her eyes. "There's…*huff huff* a *huff* party here? *huff huff*"

Clark's eyes widen as he thought that Lois is angry that they partied without her, but she was on a vacation herself and it was a surprise party so Clark doesn't really know about it.

"Um…we're sorry we partied without you..?" Clark offered to her lamely and unsurely.

Lois bolt upright at Clark's words, glaring harshly at him. "Idiot! That's not what I came here for! And thanks to that party everyone got a hangover, inebriated and incapable of doing something responsible!" She paused for breathe. "Not that I'm saying that you don't deserve a party…" another pause as she thought that hey, wait a minute… "or maybe not because you suddenly disappeared…"

Clark internally groaned. How many people had already told him that? He's guilty okay! He sighed and just asked what Lois came here for.

"Oh," Lois said as she stretched her arms above her head, "we're going to Gotham. Now."

Clark stared at her. "Huh?"

Apparently Lois came for an entirely different reason. Apparently, someone named 'Bruce Wayne' is back after disappearing for seven years. Apparently, this is big news- bigger than Lex Luthor being suspected of transporting kryptonite. Apparently, nobody in their company had enough sense to cover the story since White is in the hospital, Lois is in a vacation and Clark, well, he away from a while. And apparently, Clark is the only from Daily Planet who is available and who isn't drunk.

"So go ahead and take a bath!" Lois ordered as she pushed Clark in his bedroom's direction. "We're leaving at 5:30 sharp! The earlier the better since it's said that Bruce Wayne comes into his office at 8:00 am."

"B-but Lois…I- I…."

"I agree, yes? That's what you're saying right?" Lois smiled exceptionally sweetly at him.

Clark gulped and could only nod his head resignedly. Damn, he didn't even have a wink of sleep.


Clark found himself holding a cup of coffee at 8 o' clock in the morning at the Wayne Enterprises building in Gotham City, watching from afar as Lois fight, err, demanded, uh nope, negotiated with the woman at the front desk.

The woman kept shaking her head at Lois, and it seems like she kept saying the same things to her over and over again and yet Lois, the persistent person she is, keep insisting something. Even from afar, Clark could clearly see that woman's patience waning.

Clark decided to just look around the building, seeing it's his first time here. He let out an impressed whistle as took note of the modernized and symmetric design of the place, appreciating its sharp and white beauty. Not to mention, this building is the tallest in Gotham City.

A shrill shriek resounded through the building and Clark's head snapped to the source. He stifled a chuckle as he watches Lois got dragged out of the building by a couple of guards.

"Let me go! I can see myself out thank you very much, you brutes!" Lois screamed right in front of the guards' ears. The guards stumble, clapping a hand over their poor ears and let go of Lois in the process. Clark can only wince in sympathy; Lois voice can really hurt after all. He started walking towards, deciding to help Lois out, but that's when someone with a certain colour entered the building and passed by Lois that made him stop in his tracks.

It's the same colour he had been thinking earlier, the same colour that made his heart race and ache, the same colour that made his mind pound because dammit it hurts to remember…

He leaned sideways, and then forward, hoping to catch that colour again around the struggling Lois but…

"THANKS A LOT FOR YOUR HELP!"

Clark stumbled backwards as Lois' sarcastic voice reached his sensitive ears. He blinked distractedly at her as she ranted and ranted around him. He stayed put in his place as Lois marched back and forth, mumbling curses and letting out an irritated sound once in a while.

"I take that it didn't go well?" Clark asks as soon as she stops by his side. Not that he really need to ask, of course.

Lois glares up at him, before letting a growl. "Yes," she spats out. "That woman over there wouldn't let us have an interview with Mr. Wayne because a) we don't have an appointment and b) Bruce Wayne has been back for a month now and has now stopped accepting interviews about his disappearance."

"A month? And we don't have a single scoop on him?"

"Yes!" Lois cried. "Ugh! This is why I don't take vacations! If I'm not in there, nothing is going right!"

Clark thought that's a little overboard, but he let Lois continues on her rant and let out her frustrations. Lois stopped on her rant too soon though and glared dangerously at him. She pointed sharply at the front desk and Clark dreaded the next words that are going to come out of her mouth.

"Your turn. Go."

Clark let out a heavy sigh and proceeded to do what he was told to do. He discreetly swept his gaze around, searching, until he finally reached the front desk.

"Um, hi," Clark greeted the woman with his most charming smile.

The obviously still irritated woman snaps her head up at him with a frown, but it was instantly replaced with a blushing, goofy face as the woman realized just how handsome the man standing in front of her.

"HiiiI~" the woman gushed, "how can I help you, handsome?"

Clark gulped and proceeded to tell her his business. Still, he can't keep his eyes from looking around; he can't help himself from hoping to catch that colour again. He keeps answering the woman distractedly as his mind was focus on elsewhere, but the woman didn't seem to notice.

A while later, and after scheduling a proper interview with the flirtatious secretary, he went out of the building to meet Lois− but he's very much and obviously distracted.

Lois frowns at him. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Clark replied. "…here's the schedule for the interview."

Lois eyed him sceptically but took the piece of paper from his hands.

It was really nothing though… because…

He saw nothing.


A/N: Pretty corny chapter right? I have no inspiration when I was writing this xD Anyhow~ do you suppose that Bruce and Clark will meet in the next chapter? *winks winks* and who is this person that Clark fell in love with but left him with a broken heart? Awww…Reviews are deeply appreciated guys! Did you know that your reviews serve as my inspiration? xD

Replies:

Guy Lantern: Ummm… yes, he did…

SoraMalfoySlytherin: I'm currently rewriting the story so Sups doesn't get his Bats yet still, haha.

iLovemyRobins: Yes, Clark is like a love sick puppy back there isn't he? xD Although in the next few chapters he'll be…umm…

Guest from Chapter 2: Thank you~! It was nice of you to say that~!