Work Text:
LEX LUTHOR PUBLICLY DENOUNCES INTEREST IN SUPERMAN HAREM by Cat Grant
Clark sighs at Cat's newest article. The populace thinks that he has some secret harem in the Fortress of Solutide, but in reality, he only wants one man.
Batman.
The intimidating and ever-brooding man who claims he never needs help. (Although he's heard and seen him break multiple bones). Clark comes out of his pink glazed thoughts of Batman as he continues his article on Bruce Wayne's new philanthropy of the week. A generous donation for his most recent charity foundation, which was gathered through a charity ball. In Clark's head, the man didn't even know what charity the funds were for. Bruce just loved any excuse to get drunk and dance on bar-tops. He's putting on a good-person show to the public while doing it. If Lex Luthor is anything to go by, he's secretly pocketing those funds for himself. Of course, that's just his own working (failing) theory.
"Kent! Head out of the clouds, you've got an assignment." Perry yells as he comes out of his, barely looks up for his papers. "Wayne's gala is tonight, and he sent out a personal invite."
"But I never sent in a request", Clark's face slightly twisted; his memory is perfect, so he knows that he didn't forget.
"The invite came straight from the man himself, and since he owns the paper, I'm sending you regardless." And with that, Perry turned and walked back into the office. Ignoring the pointed looks from the other employees in the nearby cubicles, especially Lois', Clark turns his eyes back to the said billionaire's article. Dreading the night that's to come.
"Master Bruce, the tie's not going to get much straighter." Bruce looks over to where Alfred is standing through the mirror. Giving a soft grunt, he continues to fuss over every inch of the suit.
Tonight, or in a few hours, was his charity fundraiser, where everyone who was someone in Gothom was going to be. Reporters who line the floors asking him every question about his latest scandal or recent ward instead of the actual reason for the gala. The pages were only concerned about Brucie's escapades. Still, he did what he does for the good of Gotham. As they say, the best work is underappreciated.
"He wants to look good for his boyfriend, of course." Bruce spins to face the door to his bedroom, to see Dick leaning on the door frame..
"We're not romantically involved." Bruce shoots out curtly. He doesn't need his son getting into his failing love life. He just thinks Clark Kent is a great journalist and good man... and a handsome man, a sexy man.
No, Bruce isn't going to go down that thought train right now.
Ignoring his son, he heads down to the main floor of the manor. Checking everything over in his, he's interrupted by the sight of the rest of his children in the lounging area having a presentation o...
WHY CLARK KENT SHOULD BE THEIR STEP-DAD ???
"And for vacations, we would relish in the animals and serenity of farm-life in Smallville, Kansas", Damain explains as he's stalking back and forth in front of the rest of the family, viewing from various parts of the couch.
"Do none of you have better things to be doing?" Bruce raises an eyebrow, seeing Tim, Cass, and Jason watching the presentation with different degrees of interest.
"Master Duke is resting for his upcoming morning route, and the other have completed their respective duties."
"Thank you for that, Alfred." Bruce sees the man slightly smile before backing away from the area.
"Father, I'm simply stating why Kent is your best romantic choice given your other endeavours."
"Clark Kent is definitely cleaner than your past partners," Tim turns his laptop screen around to show what looks like a report on Kent's history. "He grew up in Smallville with his adoptive parents, Martha and Jonathan Kent, graduated high school and went to College in Metropolis and now works as a journalist for the Daily Planet."
"No criminal history, regularly volunteers and most of his articles focus on exposing businesses' criminal practices, especially Lex Luthor's."
"Yes, I'm aware of what Kent does; that's why I invited him to the gala tonight." Bruce walks to the front, already calling his car around to the front. "I think this is a shit show waiting to happen." Jason's smirk grows as he watches everything. Cass gives him a pointed look, "What? I just want to be here to see when it does."
"Mr. Wayne" "Mr. Wayne over here"
Dozens of reporters from pages that didn't get a pass are outside trying to get something out of Bruce Wayne, who showed up 'fashionably late' to his own event.
Clark excused his way up the entrance and stood patiently as the guard scrutinised his reporter's pass. While waiting at the entrance, Clark feels a pair of eyes on him, slightly turning, he sees... Bruce Wayne. The moment they lock eyes, Bruce winks and smiles brightly, walking in to greet the party.
The inside was brimming with people, investors, socialites and other business personnel. Clark, however, only had one person of interest in mine.
"Mr. Bruce Wayne, it's a pleasure to meet you and thank you for inviting me." He started, watching the people Bruce was conversing with walk away.
"No need to thank me, the sight of you alone makes up for it~" Blushing, Clark rummages for his interview points. "Mr. Wayne, are you aware that Martha's Star Child Foundation has not made any progress over the last few months?"
It's quick, but Clark sees the small drop in his smile, but oddly enough, his eyes light up more."Of course, I'm aware, Lucius doesn't run everything, you know," he chuckles to cover up his slight shift in behaviour.
"Yes, the expansion of the facilities has taken some time despite the funding, because W.E. has struggled to outsource the construction contract."
"Why not use your own people for it? "
"Because W.E. has an interest in supporting others and spending the money around." He leans in closer to Clark's ear, "Just like when I bought the Daily Planet, can't have the Gazette be the only paper though yours is my favourite."
Clark steps back and raises a brow, "I'm assuming you won't want me to include that part." Smiling that signature 32 look once more, "I'm glad we see eye to eye on that."
As Clark runs through all the points he needs for an article on the event, as he's about to join the other reporters attending the event, he feels a soft touch on his arm.
"Would you be interested in an exclusive, Mr.Kent?" Perry would kill him if he found out he denied an exclusive with Wayne... is what he tells himself as to why he follows behind Bruce. Truthfully, he was charmed, he went threw the interview with a sort of spark he's never seen Bruce Wayne exhibit before.
He keeps up with Bruce, following him through the twisting turns of the venue halls to what looks to be a guest room. As soon as the door closes behind them, Bruce fists Clark's tie and pulls his lips toward his.
Bruce places his hand on the back of Clark's head, deepening the kiss. They stumbled across the room until Clark's legs hit the foot of the bed. Bruce pushes him backwards until he's sitting on top of Clark's lap.
Clark hesitantly puts his hands on Bruce's sides and looks up to check if that's ok; instead, he sees a familiar face. Bruce looks stoic and tense. As if he's...
"You're Superman," As he says it, he reaches for his glasses only to see them fallen beside him. He's stunned but recognises that deep grumble of a voice.
It's him, the man he's been pinning over all these years, he's "Batman, you're Bruce Wayne." "The one and only," Bruce or rather Batman, says as he climbs off his lap. Brows furrowed he just stares at Clark, still on the bed, flustered.
He had Batman on his lap. Oh Rao, his pants can't get tighter than this. Barely gathering himself together, he goes, "Does this mean the Brucie Wayne alcoholic thing is an act?"
"Of course it is no one would think a drunk party goer billionaire would dress up as a bat in his spare time."
"Right." He barely believes it himself; he's seen the guy think of contingency plans after contingency plans. Yet there it is right in front of him.
"You didn't know who I was before you followed me up here?" Saunering back over to the bed, the scrutiny evident in his voice. "No, did you?" "No, I was just interested in Clark Kent's work..."
"You seemed to be a bit more than interested." Clark humoured, trying to ease the awkwardness in the air. "And here I was thinking Batman didn't like me back."
Eyes on the large curtained window, Bruce playing with his cuff links, "He always did." Short, curt, quiet, but Clark heard it nonetheless, and Bruce knew he would. "Then why didn't you ever say anything?"
Eyes soft but intense, Bruce turns to him, "Why didn't you?" Silence floods through the room as they both take in the situation and the past few years.
"What happens now?" Clark breaks the quietness, sitting up with a wistful look on his face, focused on Bruce's.
"We can discuss dates and other plans moving forward after I do this."
"After you do what-" Clark gets cut off by Bruce's lips once again on his. 'I guess we can talk later, ' Clark thinks, hand trailing down Bruce's back, pulling himself deeper into the kiss.
Bonus:
Jason: You think Bruce figured it out
Tim: At this point in the night, I hope he did
Damian: I'll prepare my luggage for our farm trip