Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Everyone who believes in Batman knows who he is. A detective with a strong sense of justice who never seems to take a break, stoic and no nonsense but has a softer side? That’s commissioner Gordon alright. Good with victims? Check. Terrifying for criminals? Check. Experienced? Check.

Everyone knows how corrupt the police force is, would it surprise anyone if Gordon worked outside the law too? It's hardly unusual for a Gothom cop. At least he is trying to do good when he takes things into his own hands. He probably came to the same conclusion as so many gothamites before him, the system isn’t working. He's easily clever enough to keep such a secret. I

Everyone knows Batman is commissioner Gordon. Who else would he be, Bruce Wayne? Don’t be silly.

Why else would Gordon be the only police officer to “communicate” with the Batman? And always at the police station. Always on the roof when Gordon takes a 'smoke break'. Despite their supposed collaboration they’ve never been seen together. Batman always disappears before Gordon arrives. He never leaves notes for the police, like he’s afraid they’ll recognise his handwriting!

Why else would Gordon require so much caffeine to function, it helps him stay awake when working around the clock. And how else would Batman be able to refer people to the best jobs all the time? Obviously the police commissioner would know which homes and schools and businesses are good and law abiding. Clearly the commissioner has contacts there from inspections. That's how Batman gets criminals jobs and street kids homes.

It’s obvious, Batman is commissioner Gordon. Everyone knows it, including Superman.

Chapter Text

Superman

Clark was definitely nervous. Panicking might be more accurate. Today he was going to bite the bullet and confess to Batman. Superman has been crushing on his fellow superhero for a long time now and he's going to do something about it. He found out about Batman's identity while reporting on Bruce Wayne's charity gala a few weeks ago. He's worried Batman won't be happy about that but oh well, he can't unlearn it (and appparently everyone in Gothom knows who Batman is, explains why he doesn't want them in Gothom). He would never have thought that Batman worked for the GPD, it's no surprise his identity is well hidden outside of Gothom. He plans to confess to Batman the civilian and hope Batman is impressed with his investigating skills. But his confession has to be perfect. That's what led him here, standing in front on the mirror.

"I wanted to tell you that I love you - no that's too much" he sighs. Staring in the mirror the anxiety obvious on his face and in the flapping of his hands. "I know who you are. I wanted to tell you that I like you, I want to date you." That's better, short, simple and to the point. Clark knows that he has three points to make: he knows who Batman is, he has feelings for him, he wants to ne in a romantic relationship with Batman.

He has to be careful, he doesn't want to risk his friendship with Batman. He's his best friend after all. But then again Batman wouldn't have let him into his territory where he had to know that Superman would find his identity. Maybe, just maybe Batman had wanted Superman to find out his identity. That has to be true. B wouldn't be careless with his identity like that, he's too careful.

Batman is very careful, and cautious. But Superman has known him a long time. He's learnt to read the cute grunts and funny hums and huffs that he made. He could tell confusion from the tilt of his head. It was what he would have to rely on to figure out how to do this. It would be harder out of costume, without the cosmetics and masks and tech that Batman surely used to keep his identity concealed.

It was so exiting to be knowingly seeing Batman's full, undisguised face for the first time. He'll take in Batman's handsome features with no masks between them.

One more practice round, Clark decides, then he's flying over to confess. He knows Gordon is on shift now, he'll be going on a smoke break soon. That'll make the perfect oppertunity. It's a little strange, he muses to himself, that B smokes but then again Superman knows that B is tragically self destructive, and it does explain the gravelly voice.

- - -

Gothom looked as it always did, dark and somewhat grimy. Superman could see him now. Floating just over the roof, breathe in, breathe out. Superman cleared his throat. The commissioner looked at him, with a brief flash of confusion crossing his features he starts to speak "Superman -"

"I know who you are," Clark blurts out, panicking as he sees Gordon stiffen. "I thought you meant for me to find out, how long could my best friend keep this from me. - Not that I want you to be my best friend - not in a bad way" Gordon is frozen now, and Clark is lost without any clues to show him how B feels "I want to be more, I like you a lot, I want a relationship, like a romantic one," There, he said it. Not very clearly or as romantic as he had meant to but still.

Gordon was still frozen, shocked and reactionless. Superman was starting to fidget. "You don't have to answer right now" Gordon titled his head but said nothing. Superman took this as his sign to leave "I'm just gonna go". He blasted off back to Metropolis.

- Gordon -

Gordon needs coffee, unsuprisingly. He was taking a smoke break to calm down, but his head is spinning. And now Superman. That was weird. James didnt know what to think. Clearly he's more sleep deprived then he thought. It's time for more coffee and maybe a night off (if he can get it).

Chapter Text

- Batman -

Superman is acting weird. Bruce can think of no obvious reason for it, and yet it was happening. Superman had started monitor duty on day blushing and stuttering (and yes Bruce's heart broke a little that someone else had put that look on his crushes face) but after that whenever he and Batman saw each other his attitude had become gloomier and temper shorter. Batman bares the brunt of Superman's worsening mood. It seems that Superman is upset with Batman, though no one is quite sure why.

The two of them still have monitor duty together, and even if Superman seems to get frostier every time that happens, Bruce has made up his mind that he is going to confront Kal about his attitude. Actually, maybe that made it perfect. If Superman's attitude got worse after monitor duty, monitor duty must have something to do with it. Hopefully, Bruce will at least be able to holt the deterioration of his and Clark's relationship.

"Talk to me Kal," Bruce opened with, desperate to get his crush friend to tell him what was wrong. "Now you want to talk," Superman responded with "Not earlier, not when I try to tell you everything!"

Now Bruce was more confused. Kal hadn't told him anything, What was he on about? Kal and him had felt so disconnected recently, like they weren't on the same page anymore.

He misses that feeling. The sense that him and Clark are two sides of the same person, that he could just think at his best friend and he'd get it. And he and Kal could and would banter and show offal have fun. Bruce especially loved it when Clark showed off, even if he grumbled and complained he'd never get enough of watching Clark work. The way he flexed, his warm smile when he noticed his show was working, his laugh … Yeah, Bruce's down bad.

"Kal, I really don't know what you mean. You haven't talked to me in weeks. I've been asking you to talk to me, but you refuse," He is pleading now, desperate for Kal to tell him what was wrong. He wants to help, he wants to fix what he did wrong, whatever it was that caused Clark to turn from him surely he could fix it. "Oh I think I've talked enough," Clark responded, snappy and sullen "It's all on you now, reply or don't. I don' t care if you're mad that I figured out your secret identity -"

"Why would I be made about that?" Batman interrupted "I know yours, and I know that you're smart enough figure it out. Is that what this is about? I understand if knowing my identity changes how you see me but this seems like an extreme reaction to me,"

Superman paused for a moment, absorbing this new information. Then he continued "So, if you respect me and think I'm smart, surely you realise that I'm smart enough to not fall for that." With that, he turned away from Batman ending their conversation. He continued to ignore Batman for the rest of the shift.

Bruce was so confused. None of this made sense. When he got back to the Bat-cave, he poured over footage of every interaction with Clark that he can remember. He can't find the problem though. Bruce can't find a trigger that caused Clark's warm smiles to col and his eyes to dull when Batman is around.

Maybe it actually is something to do with his secret identity, despite what Superman said, Clark is known to dislike rich people, maybe Brice Wayne is just to stupid or rich or immoral for him to respect. Then again, he didn't have anything to say specifically about Bruce Wayne. Maybe he did something offensive at the gala itself? He thinks it over.

- At the gala -

Bruce Wayne is hosting a charity gala, it's supporting homeless people. He has invited many journalists to cover the event, and bring attention to the cause. Amongst theses journalists is Clark Kent. Bruce has invited him so Bruce and Clark could meet without the masks between them for the first time.

This was exiting for Bruce, getting to meet Clark face to face, flirt with him openly and watch him blush and stutter without worry of the danger. He's checked his outfit, his hair and he's ready. He's also late, though fashionably so.

Entering the event to rapt attention, he gives a brief speech to those attending about the importance of the cause, making sure that he throws in some stupid jokes and flirts to stay in line with his image. With that done, it's time to mingle.

He decided against heading straight for Clark, but found his attention continuously drifting back to Clark and unable to resist he decided to head over. Clark had been talking to Commissioner Gordon, probably asking about how the police are helping the cause. Always helping people, informing the public. He's so sweet.

He got Gordon's attention first, then Clark's. "Who's this new guy Gordon?" He asked, despite knowing the answer. "This is Clark Kent, an investigative journalist from Metropolis. He's been asking about the police's relationship with poor people, and Batman." Clever, and sweet that Clark wants to know more about him. "I think you know who I am," Bruce says, pleased when Clark nods. "I am the most famous man in Gotham after all," somewhat gloating, but he doesn't mind bragging on occasion, as a treat. "I think Batman may have you beaten," Clark responds, chuckling. "But I'm the one here with you, so I'll take the loss," What loss wouldn't he take for Clark, and watching the blush that spreads across his face.

He'd flirted with Clark all night. But while Clark blushed and stammered through his advances when they got to the end of the night it hadn't gone as Bruce had hoped. Clark had acted like Bruce was drunk for some reason. "Trust me, I'm not drunk - I'm just intoxicated by you." Clark's blushing response was so cute it had Bruce swooning internally, but his words "I'll ask someone to bring you some aspirin then, I'd hate to leave you with a hangover." Left something to be desired. The following "I'm sorry, but I'm interested in someone else" had broken Bruce's heart, though it was far from unexpected by that point.

Clark had decided against sticking around with him, instead arranging an interview with Gordon about the police. Clark always is relentless in his pursuit of justice and knowledge.

- Clark Kent -

Interviewing Gordon had been insightful. Gordon had told him all about how Batman had a much closer relationship with the common people, with their trust then the police did. Then Bruce Wayne of all people had come to join them. Clark supposed that it made sense, lots of people knew that Gordon had been one of the officers responding to the Wayne murders. Maybe that was what inspired Gordon to become Batman. He had found out about that when he interviewed Gothamites about Batman. He was glad he was able to arrange an interview where he would be able to find out more about Batman verse the police. Though Bruce Wayne's drunk flirting with him of all people it wasn't what he was here for, nor was Bruce the B that held his heart.

- Back with B (in the present) -

Maybe that was what he had done. Clark might be upset that Bruce got in the way of his interview of Gordon. That would explain why he was upset, though not why he was so flustered at first. It made sense though, Clark is annoyed that Bruce got in the way of his job, and got more and more annoyed as Bruce didn't apologise. That's it, though now he knows what e did wrong, how is he going to make it up to Clark?

Chapter Text

- Superman -

After being friends with someone for years you would think that they would be able to actually reject you to your face. The nerve of Batman to just ignore his confession, acting as if he hadn't even said anything! And then he asked if it was to do with his civilian identity. Why would that bother him? He had already patiently listened to him talk about how the people of Gothom viewed him and didn't like his job. Why would that not affect him until now?

The nerve of some people!

That is honestly the worst part. Despite everything, despite the rejection, being ignored and everything else Batman had put him through, Clark still likes him.

At least Batman had acknowledged that he is smart, there was a time when he wouldn't even have done that. Why did he fall or this guy again?

Well, Clark knows the answer to that. He fell for B because he's dedicated, kind and smart. He still is. Maybe that's what it is, B is so dedicated to his mission, his crime fighting that he is avoiding romance. Clark thinks he is trying to be kind, letting him down gently, but it isn't working.

However, that thought did calm Clark down somewhat. At least B was trying. Batman has always been known to be pretty terrible both with people skills and emotions. Breathing in and out he tried to calm down to settle himself.

They still had to work together after all and being at each others throats will only get in the way of saving people. They don't want anything bad to happen as the result of their argument, that would be horrid.

And it wasn't long before they had another mission together. In fact, it was only a week after their second argument talk that they were forced to work together again. They had an outer space mission to attend to, to be back up for Green Lanterns. Superman was somewhat fuzzy on the details, if he was honest. The only problem is that he does have to work with Batman again, admittedly before he felt ready, even if he knew that he had to for the benefit of innocents. Though he thinks that it being a space mission makes it worse, as he and B are stuck together in a small space for a long time.

That's alright, Clark can deal. He can work with B for a week or so. Or so he thought …

It started on the way over when B, Diana and him were going over the problems that led to the fight that they were being called to intervene in in hope that they would be able to negotiate a mutually beneficial treaty afterwards as the leaders of the Justice League. The problem seems to come from a disagreement over trade, as they both wanted to be in charge of the trading ships. Superman has commented "Everyone wants to be in charge, everyone wants us to tell them they're justified," and Batman had responded "Well, who wouldn't want a piece of us?" An unusually flirty thing for Batman to say.

Clark didn't know what to make of this. First B rejects him, now he's flirting with him? Wait a minute. Seriously! Did he just forget that or is he mocking Clark?

Honestly, B will never make sense to him. Like, it was one thing for B to be closer to him than normal that was to be expected when they had no space to be apart in. But this was another thing.

Maybe he just didn't notice the flirty connotations? It was not unlike Batman to not notice such a thing. He could have meant it differently, commenting on how much they always seem to have to do.

Oh well. Moving on.

But then it happened again.

After the fights and diplomacy they were all exhausted. Him and Batman were sitting together at a table, when he felt more then saw B relax against him. Was B asleep? He was. Batman had fallen asleep and was now leaning against his shoulder.

What should he do in this situation? Well, he knew what he was not going to do, and that was move away. He did still have feelings for B, and even if he didn't Batman was still his friend who didn't get enough sleep and he wanted B to be well rested. So he sits there, waiting for Batman to wake up.

His mind races as he sits there, he doesn't know what to make of this. He is blushing and his thoughts are scrambled by the proximity. He wants B closer, wishes that Batman would get this close while conscious. But at the same time, rage is swirling in his mind. No! Stupid brain, this is not the time to get distracted by warm fuzzy feelings. Once again, Batman was ignoring the fact that B had already rejected him! Why did B have to be like this, ignoring social norms and niceties to do what things like this. If only B would commit to a relationship with him, then this wouldn't be weird. Or at least he could stop avoiding giving him an answer, so Clark could know where he stands.

Clark is Superman, he can deal with Batman being weird.

When they got back to Earth things seemed to go back to normal, and Clark's anger cooled until he is just sad. He missed the feeling that he understood B, that they were close. It is a shame that Batman is not interested in him, and that Clark's feeling seem to be driving him away.

Back on Earth, the strange closeness that had temporarily grown between them on the ship had collapsed. Batman is drawing away from him again, losing the affection, the strange edge to his words and he has stopped standing as close to Clark, or sitting near him. Batman now instead chooses to sit between Diana and J'onn, ignoring Superman whenever he could get away with it.

It makes Superman feel lonely. B isn't talking to him, and it seems that almost everyone else is sideline with Batman.

Clark misses his best friend.

Chapter Text

- Batman -

Bruce has an idea of how to make it up to Clark. Superman is always advocating for B to open up. Maybe if he's more honest he can convince Clark to forgive him?

… Bruce never said it was a good idea.

Okay maybe it is just an excuse to flirt with Clark, but it will let him flirt with Superman more but it will give him extra time to come up with a proper plan.

Time that he otherwise would not have, as they have a space mission that they have to go on together. They will be stuck together for a while, and they can't do that while Superman is still mad at him for what happened with Gordon.

He started small. He stands closer to Superman then he normally would. He didn't touch Clark, but leaned in his direction. At first it's not by much, just a hair closer then normal. But slowly, almost painfully slowly, Bruce inched towards Clark as they sailed through space towards their destination. And when he saw opportunities, he took them.

For example, he found an opening while they were talking about the set up for the conflict that they have been called in to respond to. The problem stemmed from the scarcity and difficulty of crossing the asteroid belt that surround the two planets. Because of the asteroid belt ships could only cross on or two at a time, meaning the two planets struggle to trade at the same time. They have been fighting access over the times when few ships can trade. Superman is unimpressed with this, thinking that the two groups are being greedy, sabotaging themselves and each other by being unable to work together. Clark's eat the rich attitudes are also coming out, along with the tiniest hint of his accent. It was small enough that Diana, who is talking with them, probably didn't notice but Batman definitely does and is swooning. He knows Clark is complaining when he says "Everyone wants to be in charge, everyone wants us to tell them they're justified," but he can't keep himself from responding flirty. The line he comes up with "Well, who wouldn't want a piece of us?" Isn't his best work but at least in Clark's case it is so true.

It is true for himself and Diana, he didn't win Gotham's sexiest man for six years running for nothing. But Clark Kent had Lex Luther so desperate for a piece of him he had his child, Lois Lane willing to share her byline and Bruce Wayne drooling over him and he doesn't need money to do it.

Superman did not look happy about being flirted with. That's alright. Batman can focus on the mission instead, he's good at that.

Bruce did not try anything during the fight that they intervened in, or the negotiation that followed. He still stood close but he would never distract himself and Superman from an important fight, or their job of saving people.

But after the fight, all bets were off. However, Bruce is exhausted from the whole ordeal. Still close to Superman, he allowed himself to drift off on. He is so close to Clark that relaxing ends up with the two of them pressed together, and resting on Clark is comfortable. So Bruce ends up falling asleep pressed against Clark.

He dreams of the two of them being close again. Of Bruce and Clark being together in a happy relationship. It is glorious dream. Clark is snuggling up with him and smiling. The two of them are laughing together, over what Bruce isn't quite sure. The sun is shining, the two of them are seated by the pool. Bruce's children are playing in and around the pool itself. Time simultaneously files and barely seems to pass.

It is some of the best sleep Bruce has had in a while.

And after that, Bruce had a proper idea for how to make it up to Clark. Batman and Gordon had been struggling with a string of kidnappings and it looked like the police were frequent targets. Bruce could use the help to keep any eye on the many police stations, and be able to still get to them.

It seems almost perfect. Superman can get an in-depth view of the police and chance to talk to Gordon that Bruce had unintentionally robbed him of! It's also a good chance to acknowledge how smart Superman is, something people don't acknowledge often enough because they're too blinded by his powers.

And Batman really could use the help. The kidnappers are quick, and hit different police offices faster then Batman could figure out where they would strike. It has been maddening, and Clark's additional brain power and super speed will make catching these criminals so much easier.

Now all that remains is … asking him.

Here goes nothing.

"Superman," Batman started "Do you have a minute?"

"Yes. What do you want?" Superman responded, barely looking up. He doesn't seem to be interested in what Batman has to say. Bruce pulled Superman aside to talk to him without interruptions.

"I was hoping to ask you something, -"

"Then ask" Clark interrupted impatiently.

"I could use your help." Bruce paused to collect himself. Admittedly the fact that he needed help wounded his pride, but making up with Clark and keeping Gothom safe is more important. "Hmm. There's a kidnapping group targeting the police, and they move faster then I can keep up with." Clark looked worried now, bad feelings towards Bruce falling to the side as he hears about danger to civilians. "Has anyone been hurt?" He asked, face lined with concern.

"Several people have been kidnapped, but no one else has been hurt. Unfortunately we don't know what s happening to those who have been kidnapped. There's been no ransom demands. If I focus on finding the kidnapped people I'm not in the right place to prevent more kidnappings, if I try to prevent more kidnappings, I can't look for clues to find the kidnappers."

"So you want … my help?" Superman asks a touch of what seemed like confusion in his voice. "Of course," Batman reassures him "there's no one I trust more to protect Gothom when I'm not enough." And it's true. Even putting aside his crush on Superman, Bruce knows Clark is smart and capable and his powers mean he can rush from an investigation to preventing a kidnapping in the blink of an eye. He's also kind, good at comforting victims and so willing to help where he can. There's no one better to ask for help.

"Then I'll do it. If you want my help, it's yours," Clark said. And Bruce is glad, now he has a proper chance to make it up to Clark and work with him individually. Though if only Superman's statement were fully true, Bruce would ask for help with the desperate longing for the other man's companionship.

But not the time for that. "Thank you Superman, meet me on top of the main Police station tomorrow at midnight and we can run through the case thougroughly, then get started."

Bruce swept away back towards Gothom, looking forward to seeing Clark tomorrow.

Chapter Text

- Superman -

Batman is approaching him. What does he want? Clark has missed him, but he hasn't apologised so Clark isn't ready to forgive him just yet.

Then Batman asked if he had a minute. "Yes. What do you want?" He responded, shorter then he meant to sound, but oh well. "I was hoping to ask you something -" Batman started "Then ask" Superman interrupted, as he didn't have the patience for B to beat around the bush. "I could use your help." Batman said. That throws Clark off guard, he didn't know what he expected but it wasn't that.

Perhaps Batman had taken his silence as a prompt to continue, and he did. "Hmm. There's a kidnapping group targeting the police, and they move faster then I can keep up with." And now Clark is concerned. Is Batman himself threatened? If the police are under threat the commissioner would be one of the most prominent targets. What about his coworkers? Even if many of them are corrupt B must like some of them. "Has anyone been hurt?" He asks, not sure how best to express concern for the work friends he hopes B has but sure that Batman would hate an overt reference to his secret identity in costume.

"Several people have been kidnapped, but no one else has been hurt." Batman elaborated, to Clark's simultaneous joy and concern. "Unfortunately we don't know what's happening to those who have been kidnapped. There's been no ransom demands." That's a bad sign, suggesting that the kidnappings are political. "If I focus on finding the kidnapped people I'm not in the right place to prevent more kidnappings, if I try to prevent more kidnappings, I can't look for clues to find the kidnappers." Batman seems to feel the need to explain why he needs Superman's help, as if Superman wouldn't help his fellow hero when people are at risk.

"So you want … my help?" Clark asks, just to check. B is usually so reluctant to bring up anything to do with his secret identity or letting other hero's into Gotham.

"Of course, there's no one I trust more to protect Gothom when I'm not enough." Batman responds. And isn't that just what Superman wants to hear, B acknowledge them as important to each other, openly express affection for him.

"Then I'll do it. If you want my help, it's yours," Superman confirms. If only B would ask for his help with something else, with dealing with their feelings for each other.

Batman nods "Thank you Superman, meet me on top of the main Police station tomorrow at midnight and we can run through the case thoroughly, then get started." and with that he sweeps away.

Clark is looking forward to it.

At the same time though, he's nervous. What if he messes this up, leaks something he shouldn't or just gets overwhelmed being somewhere he's only been to confess?

He supposes he'll find out now. It's time for him to meet Batman. They're standing on the same rooftop that Superman confessed on, and it is admittedly making Clark nervous. Batman is explaining to him that they need to stake out the police building that they are standing on and investigate a crime scene at a different police building at the same time. They need to work out a plan for how to accomplish these tasks.

They end up with a very simple plan. The two of them will investigate the crime scene together, checking for evidence the other missed and theorising together. But first they need an alarm system for the police station. The idea being that if something went wrong the alarm system would alert the pair of superhero's that something is amiss and Superman could get them to the station in less then a second.

They did this in secret, to keep word from getting out to the kidnappers or any corrupt cops sabotaging B and Superman. They filled the police station with sensors and such. There is now a camera in every room and sensors on every window and door. This meant Supes and B would know about any attempt to go through the window, and every time someone went through the door it would be recorded for them. Superman is impressed by his and B's own idea's to gather clues from the next crime before it even happens. But then again, B is a police Commissioner, he would know where sketchy things happen at his workplace.

But now it is time to investigate the crime scene. Clark doesn't get to do thing like this often, and he's glad to get a chance to use his brain to help people more then his powers. Though he doubted that Batman actually needed his help with clue gathering. It's almost like B wanted his company.

Maybe the similarities Clark noticed between this evening and the evening of his confession to Gordon aren't his imagination. Perhaps it's B trying to show that he does care, but reestablishing his commitment to vigilantism, his job and Gotham before all else. Finally a proper response to Clark's confession!

Superman and Batman work so well together still. Clark is admittedly slowly forgetting why he's mad in favour of savouring the return of their closeness and teamwork. They've found several clues each when they realise that the kidnappers are disguising themselves as police officers, which is why no one ever notices a thing amiss.

"I can't believe that no one noticed - just several new police officers appeared and no one questioned it?!" Superman said, though more to himself then B, who responds anyway with "People don't see what they don't expect to see, and those who notice are too close to do anything about it. For example, if the two of us were to go for dinner at a restaurant I doubt anyone but the waiter would notice." Clark supposes that that's a fair point. It's one of the reasons that his secret identity has yet to be discovered.

They have also found clues pointing to warehouses on Gotham's docks (it's always the docks, isn't it?) thought they had yet to narrow it down when the sensors went off.

The police station is being attacked.

Superman gets them there as soon as he can, though they are already too late for some. They can save others, and do, saving some police officers and capturing a few kidnappers. When the would-be kidnappers are safely stored away in the cells, Batman turns his attention to the remaining policemen, and Superman can tell his eyes are scanning the crowd. "Is everyone accounted for?" He asks, and Clark thinks it's sweet of him to care for his coworkers. "Gordon is gone!" One police officer exclaims, though Superman is unconcerned. Of course he is, they can't see that it's him under the cowl, "and so is Montoya." That's more of a problem.

Batman suggests they watch over the docks. But first they got takeaway Batburger. B was right, only their server seemed to notice the weirdness of the two superhero's getting fast food together. "It's important to have plenty of food when on a stake out, you can't concentrate over a growling stomach." B said as he scanned the docks for his coworkers, even as he leans close to Superman.

They don't know which warehouse the kidnappers are in and if they search the wrong one they they will lose the element of surprise. But eventually they found the right one.

When the kidnappers are found, taking them down is easy. Punching, dodging and kicking at a gang of people determined to keep them from their hostages. And when the gang is defeated Superman and B run to free the police officers.

Clark's jaw nearly hits the floor.

As there, tied to a chair is police Commissioner Gordon.

With Batman standing next to him, untying him.

WHAT?!

Chapter Text

- Batman -

Meeting up with Superman starts as Batman expected. Bruce is explaining the case and problem with solving it.

Clark's idea for the alarm system is great. Superman is so smart. It means they can investigate the crime scene together. Just like old times. Setting up the alarm system is quick and easy.

Bruce admittedly finds his focus occasionally drifting from the crime scene to Clark. Watching Clark find clues and put pieces together is distractingly hot. He is trying hard to stay professional, and Clark hasn't commented so he thinks he's succeeding.

They are solving the case despite Batman's distraction. "I can't believe that no one noticed - just several new police officers appeared and no one questioned it?!" Superman says, barely aloud, but Bruce sees his opportunity and he takes it. "People don't see what they don't expect to see, and those who notice are too close to do anything about it." Clark should know about that, that's why his secret identity hasn't been discovered and so many other things "For example, if the two of us were to go for dinner at a restaurant I doubt anyone but the waiter would notice." He says, hoping that Clark would pick up on the invitation buried in the sentence.

It would be nice to go out to dinner with Clark. And as Batman he can stay in his suit, as Clark doesn't seem ready to acknowledge that he's Bruce Wayne, and he's seemingly not fond of Brucie not to mention the potential hit to Clark's career if the man with such a hatred of Lex Luther as to print bad press is with Luther's competition. They can try and keep it a secret, but secrets are hard. Bruce doesn't even want to touch on how much it would hurt both of them for their relationship to be the other's dirty secret. He never wants to do that to Clark.

Back to the case. It's the docks. It's always the docks.

But he doesn't have much time to dwell on that before the police alarms are going off. Superman rushes them to the station in the blink of an eye. In the chaos it's not immediately obvious if anyone is already been taken, and who's corrupt, who's fake and who's real and pure. That's very unhelpful because all three of those groups had different motives and need different levels of protection or aggression. But they seal the doors temporarily to keep everyone inside to work out who's who.

Through a combination of id numbers, interviews (interrogations), and other comedies of errors they have the fakes in the cells.

But now there's the missing to address. Bruce hasn't seen Gordon this whole time, and that's worrying. Gordon can take care of himself, that's true, but that doesn't mean Bruce doesn't worry about him.

At least Superman seems calm, asking if everyone is accounted for. The answer confirms Batman's suspicions "Gordon is gone! An so is Montoya," . They need to find where on the docks they are being kept.

However, it's unlikely that they will catch the kidnappers on the way back to their own base, and they are tired from their work at the police station. So, that means a break for food. Partially to occupy themselves while they stake out the docks.

So he suggests to Superman that they get Batburger. "It's important to have plenty of food when on a stake out, you can't concentrate over a growling stomach." He says partially to justify himself, partially to sweeten the deal.

He's so glad that Superman took him up on the offer. It's nice to spend time together, essentially on a date designed as work. It's nice. He leans close to Clark, basking in the warmth that radiates from him and silently loving the feel of Clark's solid, comforting presence.

They stay like that for a while, while scanning for the correct warehouse the kidnappers are hiding.

Once the kidnappers are found, it's quick work to take them down. So Batman and Superman are able to defeat them easily, side by side. Just what this mission has been missing.

Then Clark and Bruce rush to free the hostages. It seems that all the hostages are unharmed. It looks like the kidnappers have been interrogating them for information about something or other, rather then torturing them for revenge. But Bruce can't see Gordon.

It takes some searching, but he finds Gordon in his own room tied to a chair. He sets to untiying him at once. Focusing on this, it takes him a moment to realise that Superman is standing stock still, as if in shock. That's not a good sign.

When Gordon is freed, he stands up and shakes Batman's hand thanking the man for freeing him. "Batman, I assume we'll want to go over this case later, after I've talked to my now unkidnapped cops?" Gordon asked, pulling Batman's attention back to him. "Hmm, yes" Batman replied "Finding out what they were after and how they were able to kidnap so many will be valuable, but not quick." He pauses. "Me and Superman will review what we have found as well, ready to bring it to the table." Bringing the two of them together to share information will also mean he can set up an interview between Clark Kent and Gordon when they're not both tired out from a fight/kidnapping.

With that he points Gordon in the direction of the other newly feed cops, and watches him walk off in their direction. Then he turns to Superman, who is still staring in shock at where Gordon had been standing.

Bruce suspects he's exhausted. They've been working for hours. Clark's also just had another encounter with a man he clearly admired that he didn't go very well. They need time to recover, and Bruce knows just the place. He presses the button on his utility belt to mum on the Batmobile.

"Superman, how about we go back to the Batcave. We have gained a lot of information to go over, and have a lot to talk about." Superman nods, eyes still somewhat distant. Bruce walks over, placing a hand on Superman's back to guide him to the Batmobile.

This causes Clark's eyes to snap toward him, and he finally relaxes, and responds properly. "Yeah we do B."

There's the soft voice and casual pet name again. Bruce has missed those.
He’s glad they’re back on the same page.

Chapter Text

- Superman -

When Gordon is free, he stands up, taking little notice of the extremely confused Superman staring at him. He's not avoiding looking at Batman hovering behind him, though.

Superman is freaking out. Gordon and Batman in the same place? That can't be right! It doesn't make sense. One of them must be fake, replaced by a shape shifter maybe. But that doesn't make sense either, if that was the case the real one would be unsettled at minimum, panicked more likely.

There has to an explanation for this. Is Clark hallucinating? Is there something strange going on in this warehouse. It wouldn't be surprising if kidnappers were using drugs on their hostages. But a drug that can affect Superman would have to be extremely strong, why would they bother?

Superman needs to get out of here. He needs to get his eyes and system checked.

Could what he's seeing, really be true?

He hears Batman say "Superman, how about we go back to the Bat cave. We have gained a lot of information to go over, and have a lot to talk about." as if the man was further away then he is. But he agrees, responding with a simple "Yeah we do B." as he attempts to sort through the information, now with the additionally confusing invitation on top of it.

Is Batman really inviting him to the Batcave?! B's never done that before. His brain can barely process the invitation on top of everything else. Batman is inviting him into his secret hideout, where no other hero has been. Batman must really trust him.

The idea only makes his panic worse. Batman is giving him the biggest show of trust he's ever shown anyone and here Superman is, wondering if he's even real. And if he is real, then he's not Commissioner James Gordon. If Batman is not Gordon, that means that Superman didn't confess to Batman at all! That would also mean that all the time he spent angry at Batman, all the times he was short with his best friend and crush, none of it was actually B's fault.

Does that make Clark a bad friend? Is he still deserving of B's gesture of trust and friendship?

But the feeling of Batman's hand on his back is grounding, keeping him tied to reality. Batman leads him to the Batmobile, and opens the door for the passenger seat and Clark gets in still somewhat dazed. He simply stares into space until Batman comes around the side and sits in the driver seat, causing Superman's attention to snap back to him.

The drive to the Batcave is very quiet, with Superman spending it wondering what the Batcave looks like.

Maybe it looks like a science lab, all sterile and clean. Maybe it's like an underground bunker, the secure type probably made to survive a nuclear explosion, or any other type of disaster. Or maybe (just maybe) it's Batman's comfy hideaway, a place where he doesn't keep his walls enough and relaxes. He deserves a place like that. Clark's not sure he deserves to see that after so long being angry with B for no reason. But Clark is honoured that B disagrees. Maybe it's some combination of the above options. Whatever it is, Clark's sure that it's appropriate for the conversation that they need to have.

Now Superman needs to apologise for expecting/demanding an apology for something he didn't do.

But before Clark can stew and panic on that they are pulling into the Batcave. He didn't know what he expected but it should have been this.

The Batcave is actually a cave. It had a massive computer on one wall, an area for sparring. It had a sofa and some soft seating, medical equipment and medical beds. It seemed like everything Batman could need is here.

Batman directed him over to the computer, pulling up the footage and sensor records from alarms they had put in the police station. It was eye opening to know how unfamiliar people actually are with police officers, even other police officers not recognising them.

It explains how such a prevalent and wrong rumour about Batman and Gordon could be spread. And now Clark is back to the misunderstanding that Clark needs to correct. So he takes a deep breath, and goes for it. " It's clear that Gotham is very unfamiliar and not trusting of their police. Everyone thinks you are Gordon, and the rest of the police are corrupt, so maybe they have an axe to grind with you, or they're upset with the corruption,"

Batman pauses, considering this. Then he speaks up. "Good point. But everyone?" B's voice takes a teasing tone "Even you?" It sounded like he is joking, but Clark blushed deeply. Inadvertently betraying the truth.

"Yes, even me." Clark takes a deep breath "I'm so sorry. I should have known better, we have been working together for years I should have been able to recognise that he isn't you."

B stared at him for a moment. He didn't say anything, but his age is intense. It makes Clark nervous and if he did sweat he's sure that he would be drenched. The rest of his confession bubbles in his throat but Batman speaks up before he can. "I have made my civilian identity hard to recognise on purpose, there's no shame in getting it wrong."

As if that was all there was too it.

Then B continues speaking, and it's the question even Superman dreaded "Then why were you angry at me?"

Deep breath in, deep breath out. "I was so convinced that you and Gordon are the same that I went to talk to him as if he was you, and I was made that you didn't respond to me." He shifts around, unable to keep looking at Batman in the eye. "The longer I went without a response, the more mad I got. Then tonight I realised that I had never talked to you in the first place."

Batman hummed in response, still staring intently at Superman's blushing face. "What were you trying to ask me?"

Oh no. Clark knew that he needs to tell B, but he is not ready yet! Then again, he probably never will be, so B pushing is probably a good thing. "I-I er" deep breaths Clark "I asked to be in a relationship. I said I had feelings for him." There, he said it. He finally got it out.

Then B finally does something other then stare at him. "Did you mean it?"

"Yes" Clark responded instantly "Who ever you are under that mask, I love you. Even if you don't want to date me"

"Who says I don't?" Batman asks "Because it wasn't me," He pauses for a moment, taking a deep breath of his own "I thought we were on a date today. We took a break from work to get and have a meal together, sitting close and leaning together in a quiet, secluded place with a good view. Sounds like a date to me."

Clark's jaw nearly hits the floor. B invited him on a date and he didn't notice! B likes him back! Clark walks into B's personal space, putting his hands on his shoulders. "I didn't notice. Too wrapped up in my own head. I'd love to go on more dates with you. I love you."

Batman's hands come to rest on Superman's waist. "I love you too." He practically whispered in Clark's ear, as he pulled him in for a kiss. Finally kissing Batman is a relation, sparking fireworks behind his eyes. When they pull apart, after an eternity that feels far too short they stay close. B tips his forehead against Clark's own and their breath mingles between them.

"Next time," B starts, holding Clark as close as he can manage "you are planning our date."

Clark can't help but laugh. "Of course I will love. It'll be the best date you have ever been on! I have a lot of missed time to make up for don't I,"