Chapter Text
It's been a while since he actually got out of the cave and talked to people. Bruce isolated himself again, a worse scenery than the other times. The kids tried but they know since a member of this family spirals to the void, you have to wait, or they get better or broke, either way you have to wait for them to actually be able to help.
Alfred once more took the food that was barely touched, he was worried about him.
Master Bruce - he approaches putting a water bottle and an apple - at least eat this one sir.
- I'm fine Alfred - the eyes fixed on the computer, did not even move.
He would get more obsessed until he found out what he needed. Another night patrolling, Dick and Jason divided in the case in the city, the case was not
I give up on waiting for him to snap out of it - Dick exclaimed frustrated while beating some mugger with really poor decisions in life - I'm bringing the big guns.
well, that's about time - Jason commented in the channel - just let me know afterwards.
No criminal was having peace with all the bats on the edge. Jason finished the job and went to meet Dick at the safe point. Damian was out of town, while Cass and Duke were on a side job, the whole family busy covering for the absent Batman.
- you know we could also just *puff* delete him - Jason already had a plan prepared
- maybe as a plan B - Dick really was tired if he was starting to agree with Jason's ideas
- you know he's going to want to kill us later right?
- oh yeah - he was typing the message and sending it when the two met - but eventually he understands
- hmm - Jason still thought his idea was valid
- but just in case, lets lay low for a while?
- absolutely, already put in the chat
Meanwhile the other one receives the message that Dick sends just a “B in danger, come to the mansion!!!’’. His heart dropped, before even thinking about the possibilities that could happen he is already in the manor, Alfred let Clark in, was already waiting for him to arrive.
Soon he was in the cave, Bruce was deep in the trance, Clark hush to be by his side.
Bruce, what happened? - He was scanning him from top to bottom, looking for injuries, his heart rate, any irregularities, everything was superficially ok. But his eyes didn't ease from the worry. - Dick called, he said you were in danger - his hand approached Bruce's face, making it Bruce lose the focus on the screen and abruptly step away from Clark.
What? - his voice came out hoarse and stressed - I'm fine, you can go, I'll deal with him later.
Bruce - Clark's voice was still filled with concern - When was the last time you slept? - he continued to approach despite the other's rejection
I already said I'm fine! - he shouted, standing up abruptly and could feel his body giving in - I just need to finish this and then...
For a 'great detective' you're being pretty dumb huh - Clark approached again - you know you've had enough, so it's time to stop, don't make me make you stop.
- and how do you intend to do it? - he threatened, tensing his fists and clenching his jaw, no matter how exhausted his body was, it was ready for a violent response to the level of cortisol it was at.
- you don't leave me any other choice - Clark sighed, he didn't want to resort to this method, but there weren't many other choices, he quickly picked Bruce up in his arms without letting him react, and flew towards the room.
- PUT ME DOWN, NOW! - Bruce's efforts were irrelevant as he was being carried away, Alfred opened the bedroom doors, he had left everything ready and closed the room as soon as Clark entered. - ALFRED?!
- Come on Bruce, stop making a fuss. You need this, and when you're better I'll help you, for now stop making your family worry about you.You can take it out on me later, but for now I'm going to stay here and make sure you're rested and at least eating.
He could feel it, if there was kryptonite in that room it would be being used right now to punch him, it's a good thing Alfred took all the weapons out of there.
- Your choice - he pointed to the food on the table - food or sleep?
Bruce sighed, his angry face still looking like he was going to kill him. Unfortunately for him, Clark was more than used to that look, having little effect on him.
- I'm going to kill you - he walked towards the table and pulled out the chair to sit down, the smell of the food making him feel hungry, "damn Alfred" Bruce thought as he ate, Clark could be fast, but Alfred was faster.
- I love you too - the gentle smile on Clark's face grew as he watched him eat.
- You don't usually get this cranky when a case is tough, do you want to talk about it?
- Not really - he said between bites - I was investigating a child kidnapping case that ended in homicide.
- Oh - Clark understood, it was one of those cases that messed with you, at the end of it all it still showed that no matter how much you witness the worst in the world, things like this still fundamentally mess with you. - Bruce... you know it's not your fault.
- That doesn't make it better - Bruce was right, there were no words Clark could say, that was one of the problems when he had a long relationship, his thoughts were the same and they both knew it.
Silence fell as he finished eating, Superman more than anyone else understood the weight of what it was like not to be able to save someone despite how hard he tried.
- A night's sleep should put you back on track - Clark changed the subject, nothing good would come of continuing to talk about the case.
- Stay as normal as someone who dresses up as a bat can - Clark laughed
- Wow, you really are in a bad way, Batman making jokes? - The mood seemed to have lightened - It's the end of times
- Shut up - the voice came out soft, the dynamic between the two was always like that, it brought some comfort to Bruce. - You intend to stay the whole night, right? - Before Clark could answer, he was already getting up and heading towards his closet. He threw some changes of clothes in his direction, extra sheets and some pillows.
- You can take off your suit and put on one of the clothes that fits. - He went towards the bathroom - I'll take a shower first.
Bruce soon left for the bathroom, leaving Clark alone, his thoughts out of control with such an abrupt change of subject, he wasn't expecting this, some time had passed since he declared himself to him and nothing else had happened, now he was standing in Bruce's room while he took a shower.
He had completely forgotten about the danger message that had appeared without a second thought. Okay Clark, he thought to himself, you're just here to make sure Bruce gets some rest and doesn't push himself too hard, that's all, nothing strange to think about.
Maybe I should just find a spot on the floor, right? It wouldn't be weird at all, would it?
He looked at the bed. Bruce will think I'm having these thoughts at a time like this. His face got redder. For now, he just dimmed the lights in the room and left his things on the edge of the bed. Whatever he suggested, he would be doing.
- Oh, still in your uniform? I thought you would have taken it off by now. - His tone of voice was normal. Bruce left the bathroom and walked towards him, his robe tied around his waist, his wet hair dripping slightly. - Do you want to sleep in that?
- What? Oh no, no. - His answer came out more like a nervous cough than an answer. - I'll take a shower now, then.
Clark walked to the bathroom. How could someone like him be so clumsy at times like this? Bruce laughed. Maybe he should stop teasing so much, but maybe just a little more...for petty revenge.