Fic: Claim #116
Title: The Other Side Of Sanity
Author: calliopes_pen
Claim No.: 116
Prompt: In an attempt to get the world to know and trust the League more, Flash comes up with the brilliant idea of having cameramen video tape them all day. Unfortunately, Batman would pick now to start revealing his feelings to Superman.
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 2684
Author's Notes: Beta by koshkaphoenix and seandc.
:-:
It seemed just like any other day (or night) in the depths of the Batcave. Bruce Wayne was entering yet another update on one of his rogue's gallery-this time, adding a note to expect the Joker to escape from Arkham again within the next week, since that seemed to be his pattern. He glowered as he thought of the villains that couldn't be confined there.
It was just like any other day-except for one thing. Batman's incessant brooding seemed to be spilling over a bit into his life as Bruce Wayne.
And Alfred Pennyworth knew exactly the cause of it. And, in his own subtle and sarcastic way, he was letting 'Master Bruce' know it, too. And this was why he had placed a sprig of mistletoe over an invitation to a party on the Watchtower-as a hint for someone who could be rather oblivious-when he performed his duty of bringing the day's mail down to the cave on silver tray.
"Surely Master Richard, Miss Cassandra, Miss Barbara, and Master Tim can take care of themselves for one evening. You are not as solitary a creature as you would have us believe. Now, out with you-attempt to have a smile cross your face at least once tonight, and tell Master Clark the truth about your feelings!" When Bruce just started in surprise for a moment at the last bit-while still pitifully holding up the mistletoe between two fingers-Alfred shook his head.
His Master could be incredibly dense at times.
"Yes, I know. No, I am not telepathic. Now, find the nearest teleportation device and get thee to the Watchtower lest I drag you by your ear. And whatever would Master Clark think of you then, hmmm?"
With that as motivation, and a small shove from the amused butler, Bruce Wayne hurried over to the teleportation area. Pulling his cowl over his face-both to protect his identity from certain people aboard the Watchtower, and to prevent Alfred from seeing his glare-the man made sure he had everything that was needed. "Fine, Alfred. You win this round," he mumbled with a hint of the Bat in his tone, almost positive the older man wouldn't hear him.
As he vanished, one thought went through his mind. Oh, why not-what could go wrong? Everything…of course, I should have some privacy and free time where I can talk to Clark…
Alone in the Batcave now that Bruce was finally on his way to the Watchtower, the butler merely gave a small smile and quietly said, "Don't I always, Master Bruce? Don't I always?" And with that, he deemed it time to head back upstairs to tidy up a bit.
Wayne Manor doesn't dust itself, after all…
:-:
Unbeknownst to Batman and the rest of the Justice League, at the very moment that Alfred was talking some sense into Bruce Wayne, Wally West was finishing up a deal with a certain nasty reality television executive. This oddly bad tempered executive wished to branch out into something other than whiny singers and repulsive dancers-perhaps superheroes locked together.
Potential titles tossed back and forth around the table had included Big Brother's Snotty Little Brother, and Moonstruck; however, all the names flung around at meetings were rejected in favor of The Watchtower, since American Watchtower didn't really apply in this case.
Somehow-and Wally still wasn't sure how-Flash was talked into gathering together a few superheroes, and tricking them into thinking there would be a party hosted at the Watchtower. Once all seven arrived, they would be locked inside and the "fun" would begin.
It had been decided that Batman, Superman, Martian Manhunter, Flash himself, Wonder Woman, and Green Arrow would be trapped there.
Does that guy have some sort of evil power of persuasion, or what? I'm gonna die! At least he didn't convince me to have Hawkgirl locked in with everyone else. The night would have ended with me screaming 'Please, God, I don't wanna be maced to death!'
Wally repeated what he had said in the past, in his most mocking tone. "'Sure you can lock everyone in the Watchtower and film the results. What's that? Lock me in, too? What a great idea! What could possibly go wrong?'" Rolling his eyes, he smacked himself on the forehead. "Idiot! I am so dead!"
With a look of terror, Wally finally steeled himself for the madness ahead. "Well…the camera men should remain hidden until the fake party's over…maybe no one will notice." At a sudden thought, Wally's eyes went round with terror. "Except Batman! He notices everything! And J'onn will know."
Well, Wally, this is it. Do what you do best-think dirty thoughts for the rest of the evening to scare J'onn away, and pray to all the gods in the universe that you don't get pounded into paste! Oh, and no more talking to yourself…this isn't a soap opera.
Suddenly, a familiar telepathic voice intruded on Wally's thoughts and almost reduced the speed demon to tears. Flash? What did you do? I sense you are greatly agitated, but I know not the cause. Is there some problem I should be made aware of prior to the party?
And that was how, with the utmost precision and delicacy, Wally West-Speedster extraordinaire-snapped like a twig under the pressure of his guilt, told J'onn the truth, and waited for a psychic attack to put him out of his misery.
An attack which, of course, never came.
The hero eventually cocked his head, and listened as the Martian told him of a way in which this night wouldn't end in his imminent demise.
Flash…I am almost unable to comprehend this. This man who was so persuasive…you seem to think that I would recognize him. You know I do not pay attention to pop culture. However, perhaps some good could come out of this madness…were you given a camera yourself?
Um…yeah, J'onn. I was. I was going to follow Batman and Superman around just in case…you know…the rumors are true. The flood of amusement he got from the Martian was a bit surprising.
Not yet. And if you value your safety you may wish to avoid following Batman, at the very least. Kal-El, on the other hand, might find this…amusing. You may also see a need to teach me how to operate the machinery..that is, if you truly require my aide in this venture.
The answering waves of complete and utter relief combined with joy said more than words or thoughts ever could.
You can thank me with Oreos when this is over, Wally. I will not do this for free.
:-:
Soon after reappearing on the Watchtower, Batman had briefly lost his nerve to confront Superman with the truth about his feelings. He was also slightly grateful for the fact that it was but a handful of heroes at the Watchtower.
With the way that invitation was worded, I would have expected the likes of Plastic Man, Booster and Beetle to be here… The Bat almost shuddered in revulsion at the very thought of being trapped in a corner with one of them and their endless jokes.
As it was, Bruce Wayne decided to 'become one with the wallpaper' as it were. With luck, he hoped to remain there for the rest of the evening. Sadly, luck wasn't on his side.
And, sadly, being stuck in a corner with Oliver Queen while he ranted about the political climate for close to an hour proved to be much worse than he ever dreamed possible. Any attempt to escape the other man's company proved futile.
Why didn't I plan for this possibility? Why?! I planned for everything else that could possibly go wrong…mummies suddenly coming to life, possession, and mind control-but not Oliver Queen having a bad day!
Finally, just when he was wondering whether or not murdering Green Arrow would be justifiable homicide and thinking that it would be okay to start a murderous rampage, Superman actually stepped in and led him to a corner of the meeting room to have a chat with him.
Batman looked from Green Arrow to Superman, and for once allowed his emotions to guide him in his actions. Well, most of his actions.
If I went with my emotions, Ollie would be a dead man. Again. Best to say what I feel for Clark…before Alfred drags me back here by the ear. Deep breaths, Bruce. You don't want to end up brooding for 10 hours a night instead of 5, now do you? No, you don't.
If he doesn't feel the same way, I can always join Ollie in getting so drunk I don't care anymore…and then get lectured by Alfred.
Taking a deep breath, Bruce looked Clark straight in the eyes, and opened his mouth.
:-:
None of the gathered heroes suspected anything was amiss.
And so it was that, approximately three and a half hours into the party on the Watchtower (not soon enough for Batman, of course) a switch was thrown that would trap the handful of heroes. Those three and a half hours had provided quite a bit of interesting footage for the hidden cameras.
For instance, Ollie had gotten drunk and begun dancing on a piece of expensive equipment. He was eventually pulled down-he would have been sent to a room elsewhere to sleep it off, but this was the moment when our mysterious executive put his plan into motion.
Pushing a small button, all the doors locked in the Watchtower…and he signaled the hidden cameramen to begin filming more of the area.
:-:
After a moment of silence followed Batman's declaration, Superman could only stand there stunned. He blushed a bit and stared into space for a few seconds. Gathering himself after about a minute, the hero glanced to the left and vaguely gestured towards the cameras focused on them (manned by Wally and J'onn and one stranger) from the corner of the room. "Much as I love the fact that you have feelings for me, we have one small problem."
Batman's heart visibly sank. Even with the lenses in front of his eyes, the gloominess seemed to announce to all that this was a thoroughly depressed hero. Knowing him well enough to notice, and that it meant the other man had misunderstood, Superman added, "We're being filmed…you know that, right? And I don't think we're on Candid Camera."
Grabbing Bruce's elbow for a moment, Clark whispered, "Don't worry. I feel the same." Unbelievably, the Man of Steel blushed.
Batman's eyebrow rose slowly as he stared at the cameras, and the portion of his face not covered by the cowl visibly reddened. Whether it was out of humiliation or fury, only J'onn knew for sure.
The torrent of words that followed proved which it was to all the non-psychics. Superman blinked for a moment in disbelief-he was amazed that Batman even knew a few of those words.
Flash knew that he would have his work cut out for him if he didn't want to end up having this never aired anywhere. If the viewing public was ever given a chance to see this madness, that is. Sure, he was fast…but a ticked off Bat was in all likelihood faster. He could invent something to make him faster. And he was scarier, of course.
With a growl that meant the culprit behind locking them together in the Watchtower would soon earn an early demise after being ripped limb from limb, Batman looked from one hero to the next.
Which one could have been stupid enough to do this? Who would be that eager for a small fortune or a useless bit of fame? Who-
His gaze swept through the room for a moment-once, twice, thrice-until it settled on the one person who actually looked guilty. Wally refused to look Batman in the eyes.
Batman's hands clenched for a moment, before growling out, "Wally!" The tone was full of more wrath than it usually held for the most evil of Gotham's villains.
Wally scuffed his feet against the floor-he felt like a kid in the principal's office again…albeit a principal that had the skill to throw him through a wall. "Okay, okay. I probably shouldn't have told the media that you exist and aren't a figment of someone's imagination-other than your own."
Batman continued glaring and crossed his arms. If he started tapping his foot, Wally knew he would run away…maybe seeking solace in the Speed Force again. Batman cocked his head, dryly saying, "'Probably'?"
"Definitely! I definitely shouldn't have said anything!"
Wally unconsciously began to back away-unfortunately, he didn't have far to go, as he bumped into Wonder Woman. A quick glance at her showed that she, too, was glaring-of course, nobody could match the intensity of a Batglare, no matter how hard they tried.
"When this is all over…and I'm not on camera…you won't know what hit you." Knowing Batman, it could either be something small like a punch to the face, or something big like a missile launched from the Batplane. Wally shivered. Too many unknowns when it came to ol' Batsy.
Leaning so close that Wally could feel the heat of Batman's breath, Batman darkly growled, "Anything else I should worry about? Did you tell everyone on the planet my identity? Kal-El's?"
"Uh…almost? The guy wanted some drama…but I knew you would kill me." Flash could have sworn he saw a fleeting smirk cross the cowled man's face…nah. Couldn't be.
"Good. Keep that in mind the next time you consider something this…foolhardy."
At this point under normal circumstances, the Dark Knight would have swished his cape, made his way to the nearest teleporter, and retired to the Batcave for the night. Unfortunately all doors were still locked, so Batman was briefly relegated to sulking in the corner of the room.
Realizing that he had also humiliated himself utterly on international television, the caped crusader merely stood there for a moment. Then, Batman grabbed Superman's arm and forced him closer until they were inches apart. He threw his gaze over to J'onn and Flash, growled and swallowed whatever he was planning to say or do to the Man of Steel.
Looking at the cameras intently, Batman ground out, "Whoever you are…wherever you are…unless you want to risk a lawsuit of epic proportions, you will OPEN THIS DOOR!!!!"
To no one's surprise, the doors were immediately unlocked. Obviously, not even executives were eager to be sued.
Then, with a majestic sweep of his cape, Batman stormed out of the room. Superman waved at the camera, saying "Hey, folks out there…Mr. Executive-um...about what you saw…" With the silent grace of a ninja, Batman re-entered the room, grabbed Superman by his cape, and shoved him ahead of him…the stronger of the two trying to wave one last time to the camera, while he was still able.
"We're talking about this…in private."
Flash, J'onn, and the other assorted heroes simply stood there staring at each other for a moment, wondering what could possibly be going on. Flash feared they were discussing the terms of his own death.
After thirty minutes had slowly ticked by, a marginally less psychotic (and seemingly pleased) Batman re-entered the room…and while he remained fully dressed, there was a small tear in part of his cape and his costume. Strangely, the cape was also remaining firmly wrapped around him.
Superman re-entered the room close behind him with a small smile on his face, and they pointedly avoided looking at each other. Batman actually smiled for a half a second. Flash really did not want to know.
At least, not right now. And if he had followed those two into the hallway, he would have lost a few body parts.
Wait…were the cameras still rolling while they--?! Best not say anything…
Wally? I expect five bags of Oreos after this to ensure my silence on the camera possibility. You know where to drop them off, I trust…
Author: calliopes_pen
Claim No.: 116
Prompt: In an attempt to get the world to know and trust the League more, Flash comes up with the brilliant idea of having cameramen video tape them all day. Unfortunately, Batman would pick now to start revealing his feelings to Superman.
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 2684
Author's Notes: Beta by koshkaphoenix and seandc.
:-:
It seemed just like any other day (or night) in the depths of the Batcave. Bruce Wayne was entering yet another update on one of his rogue's gallery-this time, adding a note to expect the Joker to escape from Arkham again within the next week, since that seemed to be his pattern. He glowered as he thought of the villains that couldn't be confined there.
It was just like any other day-except for one thing. Batman's incessant brooding seemed to be spilling over a bit into his life as Bruce Wayne.
And Alfred Pennyworth knew exactly the cause of it. And, in his own subtle and sarcastic way, he was letting 'Master Bruce' know it, too. And this was why he had placed a sprig of mistletoe over an invitation to a party on the Watchtower-as a hint for someone who could be rather oblivious-when he performed his duty of bringing the day's mail down to the cave on silver tray.
"Surely Master Richard, Miss Cassandra, Miss Barbara, and Master Tim can take care of themselves for one evening. You are not as solitary a creature as you would have us believe. Now, out with you-attempt to have a smile cross your face at least once tonight, and tell Master Clark the truth about your feelings!" When Bruce just started in surprise for a moment at the last bit-while still pitifully holding up the mistletoe between two fingers-Alfred shook his head.
His Master could be incredibly dense at times.
"Yes, I know. No, I am not telepathic. Now, find the nearest teleportation device and get thee to the Watchtower lest I drag you by your ear. And whatever would Master Clark think of you then, hmmm?"
With that as motivation, and a small shove from the amused butler, Bruce Wayne hurried over to the teleportation area. Pulling his cowl over his face-both to protect his identity from certain people aboard the Watchtower, and to prevent Alfred from seeing his glare-the man made sure he had everything that was needed. "Fine, Alfred. You win this round," he mumbled with a hint of the Bat in his tone, almost positive the older man wouldn't hear him.
As he vanished, one thought went through his mind. Oh, why not-what could go wrong? Everything…of course, I should have some privacy and free time where I can talk to Clark…
Alone in the Batcave now that Bruce was finally on his way to the Watchtower, the butler merely gave a small smile and quietly said, "Don't I always, Master Bruce? Don't I always?" And with that, he deemed it time to head back upstairs to tidy up a bit.
Wayne Manor doesn't dust itself, after all…
:-:
Unbeknownst to Batman and the rest of the Justice League, at the very moment that Alfred was talking some sense into Bruce Wayne, Wally West was finishing up a deal with a certain nasty reality television executive. This oddly bad tempered executive wished to branch out into something other than whiny singers and repulsive dancers-perhaps superheroes locked together.
Potential titles tossed back and forth around the table had included Big Brother's Snotty Little Brother, and Moonstruck; however, all the names flung around at meetings were rejected in favor of The Watchtower, since American Watchtower didn't really apply in this case.
Somehow-and Wally still wasn't sure how-Flash was talked into gathering together a few superheroes, and tricking them into thinking there would be a party hosted at the Watchtower. Once all seven arrived, they would be locked inside and the "fun" would begin.
It had been decided that Batman, Superman, Martian Manhunter, Flash himself, Wonder Woman, and Green Arrow would be trapped there.
Does that guy have some sort of evil power of persuasion, or what? I'm gonna die! At least he didn't convince me to have Hawkgirl locked in with everyone else. The night would have ended with me screaming 'Please, God, I don't wanna be maced to death!'
Wally repeated what he had said in the past, in his most mocking tone. "'Sure you can lock everyone in the Watchtower and film the results. What's that? Lock me in, too? What a great idea! What could possibly go wrong?'" Rolling his eyes, he smacked himself on the forehead. "Idiot! I am so dead!"
With a look of terror, Wally finally steeled himself for the madness ahead. "Well…the camera men should remain hidden until the fake party's over…maybe no one will notice." At a sudden thought, Wally's eyes went round with terror. "Except Batman! He notices everything! And J'onn will know."
Well, Wally, this is it. Do what you do best-think dirty thoughts for the rest of the evening to scare J'onn away, and pray to all the gods in the universe that you don't get pounded into paste! Oh, and no more talking to yourself…this isn't a soap opera.
Suddenly, a familiar telepathic voice intruded on Wally's thoughts and almost reduced the speed demon to tears. Flash? What did you do? I sense you are greatly agitated, but I know not the cause. Is there some problem I should be made aware of prior to the party?
And that was how, with the utmost precision and delicacy, Wally West-Speedster extraordinaire-snapped like a twig under the pressure of his guilt, told J'onn the truth, and waited for a psychic attack to put him out of his misery.
An attack which, of course, never came.
The hero eventually cocked his head, and listened as the Martian told him of a way in which this night wouldn't end in his imminent demise.
Flash…I am almost unable to comprehend this. This man who was so persuasive…you seem to think that I would recognize him. You know I do not pay attention to pop culture. However, perhaps some good could come out of this madness…were you given a camera yourself?
Um…yeah, J'onn. I was. I was going to follow Batman and Superman around just in case…you know…the rumors are true. The flood of amusement he got from the Martian was a bit surprising.
Not yet. And if you value your safety you may wish to avoid following Batman, at the very least. Kal-El, on the other hand, might find this…amusing. You may also see a need to teach me how to operate the machinery..that is, if you truly require my aide in this venture.
The answering waves of complete and utter relief combined with joy said more than words or thoughts ever could.
You can thank me with Oreos when this is over, Wally. I will not do this for free.
:-:
Soon after reappearing on the Watchtower, Batman had briefly lost his nerve to confront Superman with the truth about his feelings. He was also slightly grateful for the fact that it was but a handful of heroes at the Watchtower.
With the way that invitation was worded, I would have expected the likes of Plastic Man, Booster and Beetle to be here… The Bat almost shuddered in revulsion at the very thought of being trapped in a corner with one of them and their endless jokes.
As it was, Bruce Wayne decided to 'become one with the wallpaper' as it were. With luck, he hoped to remain there for the rest of the evening. Sadly, luck wasn't on his side.
And, sadly, being stuck in a corner with Oliver Queen while he ranted about the political climate for close to an hour proved to be much worse than he ever dreamed possible. Any attempt to escape the other man's company proved futile.
Why didn't I plan for this possibility? Why?! I planned for everything else that could possibly go wrong…mummies suddenly coming to life, possession, and mind control-but not Oliver Queen having a bad day!
Finally, just when he was wondering whether or not murdering Green Arrow would be justifiable homicide and thinking that it would be okay to start a murderous rampage, Superman actually stepped in and led him to a corner of the meeting room to have a chat with him.
Batman looked from Green Arrow to Superman, and for once allowed his emotions to guide him in his actions. Well, most of his actions.
If I went with my emotions, Ollie would be a dead man. Again. Best to say what I feel for Clark…before Alfred drags me back here by the ear. Deep breaths, Bruce. You don't want to end up brooding for 10 hours a night instead of 5, now do you? No, you don't.
If he doesn't feel the same way, I can always join Ollie in getting so drunk I don't care anymore…and then get lectured by Alfred.
Taking a deep breath, Bruce looked Clark straight in the eyes, and opened his mouth.
:-:
None of the gathered heroes suspected anything was amiss.
And so it was that, approximately three and a half hours into the party on the Watchtower (not soon enough for Batman, of course) a switch was thrown that would trap the handful of heroes. Those three and a half hours had provided quite a bit of interesting footage for the hidden cameras.
For instance, Ollie had gotten drunk and begun dancing on a piece of expensive equipment. He was eventually pulled down-he would have been sent to a room elsewhere to sleep it off, but this was the moment when our mysterious executive put his plan into motion.
Pushing a small button, all the doors locked in the Watchtower…and he signaled the hidden cameramen to begin filming more of the area.
:-:
After a moment of silence followed Batman's declaration, Superman could only stand there stunned. He blushed a bit and stared into space for a few seconds. Gathering himself after about a minute, the hero glanced to the left and vaguely gestured towards the cameras focused on them (manned by Wally and J'onn and one stranger) from the corner of the room. "Much as I love the fact that you have feelings for me, we have one small problem."
Batman's heart visibly sank. Even with the lenses in front of his eyes, the gloominess seemed to announce to all that this was a thoroughly depressed hero. Knowing him well enough to notice, and that it meant the other man had misunderstood, Superman added, "We're being filmed…you know that, right? And I don't think we're on Candid Camera."
Grabbing Bruce's elbow for a moment, Clark whispered, "Don't worry. I feel the same." Unbelievably, the Man of Steel blushed.
Batman's eyebrow rose slowly as he stared at the cameras, and the portion of his face not covered by the cowl visibly reddened. Whether it was out of humiliation or fury, only J'onn knew for sure.
The torrent of words that followed proved which it was to all the non-psychics. Superman blinked for a moment in disbelief-he was amazed that Batman even knew a few of those words.
Flash knew that he would have his work cut out for him if he didn't want to end up having this never aired anywhere. If the viewing public was ever given a chance to see this madness, that is. Sure, he was fast…but a ticked off Bat was in all likelihood faster. He could invent something to make him faster. And he was scarier, of course.
With a growl that meant the culprit behind locking them together in the Watchtower would soon earn an early demise after being ripped limb from limb, Batman looked from one hero to the next.
Which one could have been stupid enough to do this? Who would be that eager for a small fortune or a useless bit of fame? Who-
His gaze swept through the room for a moment-once, twice, thrice-until it settled on the one person who actually looked guilty. Wally refused to look Batman in the eyes.
Batman's hands clenched for a moment, before growling out, "Wally!" The tone was full of more wrath than it usually held for the most evil of Gotham's villains.
Wally scuffed his feet against the floor-he felt like a kid in the principal's office again…albeit a principal that had the skill to throw him through a wall. "Okay, okay. I probably shouldn't have told the media that you exist and aren't a figment of someone's imagination-other than your own."
Batman continued glaring and crossed his arms. If he started tapping his foot, Wally knew he would run away…maybe seeking solace in the Speed Force again. Batman cocked his head, dryly saying, "'Probably'?"
"Definitely! I definitely shouldn't have said anything!"
Wally unconsciously began to back away-unfortunately, he didn't have far to go, as he bumped into Wonder Woman. A quick glance at her showed that she, too, was glaring-of course, nobody could match the intensity of a Batglare, no matter how hard they tried.
"When this is all over…and I'm not on camera…you won't know what hit you." Knowing Batman, it could either be something small like a punch to the face, or something big like a missile launched from the Batplane. Wally shivered. Too many unknowns when it came to ol' Batsy.
Leaning so close that Wally could feel the heat of Batman's breath, Batman darkly growled, "Anything else I should worry about? Did you tell everyone on the planet my identity? Kal-El's?"
"Uh…almost? The guy wanted some drama…but I knew you would kill me." Flash could have sworn he saw a fleeting smirk cross the cowled man's face…nah. Couldn't be.
"Good. Keep that in mind the next time you consider something this…foolhardy."
At this point under normal circumstances, the Dark Knight would have swished his cape, made his way to the nearest teleporter, and retired to the Batcave for the night. Unfortunately all doors were still locked, so Batman was briefly relegated to sulking in the corner of the room.
Realizing that he had also humiliated himself utterly on international television, the caped crusader merely stood there for a moment. Then, Batman grabbed Superman's arm and forced him closer until they were inches apart. He threw his gaze over to J'onn and Flash, growled and swallowed whatever he was planning to say or do to the Man of Steel.
Looking at the cameras intently, Batman ground out, "Whoever you are…wherever you are…unless you want to risk a lawsuit of epic proportions, you will OPEN THIS DOOR!!!!"
To no one's surprise, the doors were immediately unlocked. Obviously, not even executives were eager to be sued.
Then, with a majestic sweep of his cape, Batman stormed out of the room. Superman waved at the camera, saying "Hey, folks out there…Mr. Executive-um...about what you saw…" With the silent grace of a ninja, Batman re-entered the room, grabbed Superman by his cape, and shoved him ahead of him…the stronger of the two trying to wave one last time to the camera, while he was still able.
"We're talking about this…in private."
Flash, J'onn, and the other assorted heroes simply stood there staring at each other for a moment, wondering what could possibly be going on. Flash feared they were discussing the terms of his own death.
After thirty minutes had slowly ticked by, a marginally less psychotic (and seemingly pleased) Batman re-entered the room…and while he remained fully dressed, there was a small tear in part of his cape and his costume. Strangely, the cape was also remaining firmly wrapped around him.
Superman re-entered the room close behind him with a small smile on his face, and they pointedly avoided looking at each other. Batman actually smiled for a half a second. Flash really did not want to know.
At least, not right now. And if he had followed those two into the hallway, he would have lost a few body parts.
Wait…were the cameras still rolling while they--?! Best not say anything…
Wally? I expect five bags of Oreos after this to ensure my silence on the camera possibility. You know where to drop them off, I trust…