Sober Chapter 4
The fourth chapter to my sequel has arrived. I hope you all like it. Let me know! :)
Story: Sober
Pairing/Characters: Clark/Oliver, Oliver/Dinah, Chloe/Bruce
Rating: R
Disclaimer: don’t own anything
Warning: slash, mentions of m/m sex
Spoilers: none
Summary: sequel to “Forever May Not Be Long Enough”. Three years after the story ended, Oliver and Clark meet up again. One of them is engaged and the other is trying to make his mark in the world. Now working together in the Justice League, what will happen?
Previous Chapters: Here
Chapter 4
The pair stared at one another in silence, neither really knowing what to say after so long apart. It was Oliver who finally broke the awkwardness as he found the courage to speak.
“So how are you?” the blonde asked and Clark blinked several times, as if registering what his former lover had just asked.
“I’m okay,” he replied, his heart screaming for its mate even after all this time. “How are you?” Clark asked the blonde, who merely shrugged.
“I can’t complain,” he replied and the brunette nodded. Looking around quickly, Oliver suddenly sat down in the seat across from him, his brown eyes looking at Clark intently. He wasn’t a mind reader, but Clark was more than certain in that moment that he knew exactly what Oliver was going to ask.
“Were you ever going to tell me that you were back?” Ollie asked, causing Clark to frown.
“And what would you have said if I showed up on your doorstep?” the brunette countered, noticing a sense of understanding crossing the blonde’s features.
“Where have you been the last three years?” Oliver asked and this time Clark couldn’t stop the frown that appeared on his own face. He wanted so badly in that moment to explain everything to Oliver, to tell him that he never wanted to leave him, but as his mouth opened to say the words, his mind thought of Dinah Lance. Suddenly the reality that the man he loved, loved someone else came crashing down on him once more and he had to look away from Oliver’s intense gaze.
“Clark?” Oliver asked, forcing the younger man to look at him once more. Opening his mouth to speak, Clark was cut short as he heard a cry for help in the distance.
“I . . . I have to go,” Clark apologized, quickly gathering his things before standing from the table. Oliver looked at him with an expression akin to shock and hurt, but Clark knew he had to go. Someone needed help and as much as his heart wanted to stay . . . his duty was more important.
Upon returning to Earth, he had made a vow that he would always protect it, even at the sacrifice of his own wishes and dreams . . . this was just one of those times.
Without a glance backwards, he made his way through the crowds, desperately seeking an abandoned area where he could change into his costume.
Within minutes, his work clothes were hidden and he was rocketing into the sky, trying to pinpoint the location where the scream had come from.
After saving a girl from an attempted kidnapping and making sure she was returned to her parents, he once again was needed elsewhere.
Stopping two robberies and catching a car that drove off a cliff, he was busy. Making sure that everyone was okay and the criminals were apprehended, he made it back to the secure area, quickly shifting back to Clark Kent.
Fortunately, he got names and numbers so on the way back the Planet, he got quotes from the people who Superman had saved. He felt bad quoting himself but he knew if he showed up at the Planet empty handed, Lois would kill him.
The minute he arrived, Lois made a beeline for him, apparently having an internal Clark alert, and she looked angry.
“Smallville, where the hell were you?” Lois demanded. “There’s been calls about Superman saving more people . . . you went out for lunch ages ago.”
“Lois, I know,” Clark said calmly and handed her the papers. “I was coming back when I spotted Superman. I got quotes from him and the people that he saved today.”
She took the quotes and scanned them over. “Wow . . . how on Earth did you get a quote from Superman? I can barely get him to look my way.”
He shrugged nonchalantly. “Right place, right time?”
“Well, nice work, Smallville,” Lois declared, making her way back to her desk. “Seems you’re catching on.” She glanced at him. “When you spoke to Superman, did you let him know I want an exclusive?”
“I mentioned it,” he said. “He’s not really into interviews but he said that he will consider it.”
“Good,” Lois said gleefully. “I plan to be the first one to get an interview with him.” Clark was a little scared for his alter ego, hearing the determination in Lois’ voice.
As Lois gave instructions about their articles and telling him which people he should be calling, he settled into the workday.
In the corner of his mind, an image of a certain blonde billionaire rested. He wondered what Oliver was doing at the moment.
No, Kent, you made your choice . . . this is what you’re going to do. Oliver is happy, stop torturing him and yourself.
Their run-in was a mishap on his part. He didn’t know how much longer Oliver would be remaining in Metropolis but next time around, he was going to be a lot more careful.
He had to focus on being Clark Kent, Daily Planet reporter and saving the world as Superman. And for now, that was all he had time for.
Unknown to Clark, Lois was not the only one who had one eye firmly on Superman’s whereabouts. In Gotham City, Bruce Wayne was frantically working to learn about the new hero.
At the Batcave, he scanned all the reports in front of him, each detailing another one of Superman’s rescues. Apparently, Superman could not only fly but was able to bounce bullets off his chest and had even blown a fire out once. He was also extremely fast, as the rescues were not just in Metropolis but all over the world.
Who was this superhero? More than that, what was he? Was he a danger? So far, he seemed to be saving people but Bruce was not going to relax until he found out who the man under the costume was.
But through the eyewitness reports, all he kept discovering was about his abilities. It was useful but not good enough. The endeavor was turning out to be a bit frustrating.
“This can’t be this difficult,” Bruce muttered. “The man runs around without a mask!”
How can a man that didn’t even bother to cover his face be so difficult to find?
Bruce pondered the question and then his lips curled upwards. “Unless,” he realized aloud, “not having a mask is the best disguise of all.”
Of course. The way that Superman was around at all times of the day and didn’t go around with a mask, the public would automatically assume that saving people was all he did. Everyone with a mask was automatically believed to have a secret identity but since he didn’t, they would think he had nothing to hide.
He was hiding in plain slight. Superman had shown up in Metropolis a week ago. This new superhero was not new to the area. Even his girlfriend had confirmed that fact.
Now he just had to find out about Metropolis’s newest residents and compare.
Bruce was not whose thoughts were preoccupied that night. While Bruce Wayne was working on finding out Superman, Oliver Queen couldn’t keep his mind off Clark Kent.
They hadn’t seen each other in three years and when they finally met again, Clark had run away. Had run away and hadn’t even looked back.
It is, after all, what’s he’s good at. A frown creased Oliver’s features as he stood on his balcony and stared out into the night.
How was it possible that after three years, Clark Kent could still have an affect on him? Clark had cheated, betrayed his trust, and broken his heart. Then he proceeded to disappear for three entire years. Oliver had taken a lot of pain to put his life back together. It hadn’t been easy and there were times when he just wanted to climb into his shell and never come out.
But he had made it and was a lot stronger now than ever before. He’d moved on, had a beautiful fiancée who was loyal and honest. Clark Kent didn’t have a hold on him anymore.
Why had he approached him anyway? Obviously, just to be polite. Too bad he doesn’t share the same sentiments.
Who cared what Clark thought? It just showed that after three years, the man still was immature and cowardly.
“Ollie?” a soft voice snapped him out of his thoughts. He turned and smiled to see Dinah walking toward him.
Greeting his fiancée with a kiss, he smiled. “Hey, when did you get home?”
“Just now,” Dinah replied. “You okay? You’re looking deep in thought.”
“I’m perfect,” Oliver said, grinning, pulling her to him. “How was your day?”
As Dinah chattered on about what happened that day, Oliver just smiled at her.
His life was perfect.
Who needed Clark Kent anyway? Certainly not him.
Not anymore and not ever again.
As night fell and the citizens of Metropolis turned their lights off, closing their day, they were unaware that there was one that was watching over them, even as they slept.
Clark surveyed the city as Superman and smiled to himself. He belonged to the world, knew that he was meant to save everyone, but he had a lot of affection for Metropolis.
Hearing a yell, Clark flew toward the sound and much to his disbelief, saw Lois being manhandled by a couple of thugs. She was screaming and fighting back.
In a flash, he made his way to the scene. “Let her go,” he commanded, gaining their attention.
“Stay out of this cape boy,” one of the thugs snapped.
“Let her go,” Clark said, taking a step forward. “This is your last warning.”
“What are you going to do about it?” one of them taunted, holding onto Lois tighter, who actually looked frightened.
His two companions attacked him and he easily tossed them both aside, rendering them unconscious. The final man, shocked, pulled a gun and starting firing at him. The bullets bounced off like he knew they would and he kept approaching, grabbing the gun. Pulling him away from Lois, he slammed him against a wall and watched as he slumped helplessly along with the others.
Lois was staring at him gratefully.
“Ms. Lane,” he said gently, “Are you all right?”
“Superman,” she breathed. “You saved me.”
“What are you doing out here at this hour?” he questioned, “It’s dangerous at night, Ms Lane.”
“I got a lead that there was going to be a gang meeting here,” Lois confessed. “I wanted to check it out . . . turned out that the lead was a bust but I ran into those three.”
“Last time I checked you had a partner,” Clark chided, secretly pleased that he, for once, could lecture Lois.
“Clark would never approve of this,” Lois said. “He’d say it was ‘too dangerous’.”
“Wouldn’t he have been right?” Clark asked. “You almost got yourself killed.”
“But I’m still here,” Lois said triumphantly. “Thanks to you, of course. But really, Superman, you must know that the greater the risk, the greater the reward.”
“Well that may be but as the risk increases, as do the consequences,” Clark reminded her.
Lois pursed her lips together. “I suppose that may be but I’m a reporter . . . it’s part of my job.”
“Just make sure your job doesn’t get you killed,” Clark told her. “Do you have a way to get home? Is your car around?”
She blushed and a realization hit him. “Don’t tell me you walked here,” he said disapprovingly.
“A car would’ve made too much sound!” Lois protested.
Seeing no other option, he offered, “I will take you back to your apartment.”
Her eyes wide, she asked, “Are you going to fly me home?”
“Yes Ms Lane,” Clark answered. “You don’t have a fear of heights, do you?”
She shook her head eagerly. So much for not encouraging her emotions.
But he didn’t have a choice. He gently pulled her into his arms and much to his displeasure, she threw her arms around his neck.
“Hold on,” he said softly. And took off into the air.
She was looking around, an incredulous expression on her face. “This is absolutely amazing.”
He didn’t respond and she pointed out her apartment. Landing them both on the rooftop of her apartment complex, he put her down. She stepped back and gave him an adoring look, which made him highly uncomfortable.
“Thank you, Superman,” she said.
“You’re welcome, Ms Lane,” he replied and moved to leave. But her voice stopped him.
“Wait!” she said. Spinning around, he looked at her inquisitively. “I want an exclusive.”
“I told your partner, Clark Kent, that I am wary of interviews,” Clark told her.
“You can trust me to give a fair interview,” Lois insisted.
“Ms Lane, I will consider your offer,” Clark replied.
“But if you do decide to do an interview, it has to be with me,” Lois said. “No going off and giving someone else an interview. Deal?”
He couldn’t help the smile on his face at her demanding tone. “That sounds fair enough.”
She was pleased. “Okay then. Good night, Superman.”
“Good night Ms Lane,” he responded and then shot off into the air once again.
Doing a last round of the streets, he went back to his own apartment. Settling into his bed, he listened for the heartbeats of those closest to him- Lois, Chloe, his mother- to make sure that everyone was safe. Unable to resist, he checked up on Oliver too and finding the blonde safe and sound, he closed his eyes and let sleep overtake him.
Clark Kent. This was the only name that made sense to Bruce Wayne.
He checked up the people who had recently moved to Metropolis and Clark Kent’s name came up. Having pictures of everyone, he checked all their features closely. None of them were the least bit similar to Superman’s.
Except for Clark’s. The brunette’s eyes were green rather than the solid blue of Superman’s but the similarities were uncanny.
This had to be Superman. He did an intensive background search on Clark Kent. The Kent family adopted him right after the first meteor shower hit Smallville. According to his papers, the agency that dealt with his adoption was called Metropolis United Charities.
Coincidentally, it hardly lasted six months and nobody had heard of it since, making Bruce suspicious that this particular foundation was a scam.
Researching Clark Kent, he found the man’s name popped up in the Smallville databases. He seemed to be in the center of every single weird thing that went on in Smallville.
The facts were impossible to ignore. Superman and Clark both showed up to Metropolis at the same time. Not to mention Clark Kent, after 23 years of having what seemed to be perfect vision, had glasses.
A lame cover-up attempt but it seemed to be working. Nobody was the wiser.
This would also explain why Chloe was so convinced Superman was not a danger. She had been friends with Clark since the young age of 14.
It didn’t matter though. He was going to find out for himself whether Superman was trustworthy.
He needed a plan . . . Bruce smiled slowly, as an idea slowly dawned on him.
Heading to bed for the night, he prepared to put his plan in motion the following morning. That night, he only got a few hours of sleep and he was up, fresh, the next morning. When he came to bed, Chloe was already fast asleep. Since she went to work early and he wanted to make sure he got to speak with her before she left.
It was over breakfast when he got his chance.
“Chloe,” he said, taking a sip of his coffee. “I forgot to ask you how your day with your friend went.”
“Clark?” Chloe asked, “It was fun.”
He looked at her thoughtfully, “I would love to meet him sometime. You’ve spoken about him so much.”
“I’m sure he’d like to meet you too,” Chloe said enthusiastically. “That would be so exciting.”
“Why don’t you invite him over for dinner this weekend?” Bruce suggested casually. “Say, Saturday?”
“That’s a great idea,” Chloe said. Finishing up her breakfast, she added, “I have to go to work but I’ll call him later to see if he’s free.”
“Wonderful,” Bruce said. Kissing him quickly, he watched as Chloe left, in a good mood.
“Master Bruce, you are plotting,” a voice came from behind him. Meeting Alfred’s eyes, he smiled.
“Don’t worry, Alfred,” he said, “I know what I’m doing.”
He certainly did. This weekend, he would meet Clark Kent. Before he confronted Superman, he wanted to meet Clark.
Now he would have his chance. Taking a sip of his coffee, he was pleased.
It would be an interesting weekend.
Chapter 5
Story: Sober
Pairing/Characters: Clark/Oliver, Oliver/Dinah, Chloe/Bruce
Rating: R
Disclaimer: don’t own anything
Warning: slash, mentions of m/m sex
Spoilers: none
Summary: sequel to “Forever May Not Be Long Enough”. Three years after the story ended, Oliver and Clark meet up again. One of them is engaged and the other is trying to make his mark in the world. Now working together in the Justice League, what will happen?
Previous Chapters: Here
Chapter 4
The pair stared at one another in silence, neither really knowing what to say after so long apart. It was Oliver who finally broke the awkwardness as he found the courage to speak.
“So how are you?” the blonde asked and Clark blinked several times, as if registering what his former lover had just asked.
“I’m okay,” he replied, his heart screaming for its mate even after all this time. “How are you?” Clark asked the blonde, who merely shrugged.
“I can’t complain,” he replied and the brunette nodded. Looking around quickly, Oliver suddenly sat down in the seat across from him, his brown eyes looking at Clark intently. He wasn’t a mind reader, but Clark was more than certain in that moment that he knew exactly what Oliver was going to ask.
“Were you ever going to tell me that you were back?” Ollie asked, causing Clark to frown.
“And what would you have said if I showed up on your doorstep?” the brunette countered, noticing a sense of understanding crossing the blonde’s features.
“Where have you been the last three years?” Oliver asked and this time Clark couldn’t stop the frown that appeared on his own face. He wanted so badly in that moment to explain everything to Oliver, to tell him that he never wanted to leave him, but as his mouth opened to say the words, his mind thought of Dinah Lance. Suddenly the reality that the man he loved, loved someone else came crashing down on him once more and he had to look away from Oliver’s intense gaze.
“Clark?” Oliver asked, forcing the younger man to look at him once more. Opening his mouth to speak, Clark was cut short as he heard a cry for help in the distance.
“I . . . I have to go,” Clark apologized, quickly gathering his things before standing from the table. Oliver looked at him with an expression akin to shock and hurt, but Clark knew he had to go. Someone needed help and as much as his heart wanted to stay . . . his duty was more important.
Upon returning to Earth, he had made a vow that he would always protect it, even at the sacrifice of his own wishes and dreams . . . this was just one of those times.
Without a glance backwards, he made his way through the crowds, desperately seeking an abandoned area where he could change into his costume.
Within minutes, his work clothes were hidden and he was rocketing into the sky, trying to pinpoint the location where the scream had come from.
After saving a girl from an attempted kidnapping and making sure she was returned to her parents, he once again was needed elsewhere.
Stopping two robberies and catching a car that drove off a cliff, he was busy. Making sure that everyone was okay and the criminals were apprehended, he made it back to the secure area, quickly shifting back to Clark Kent.
Fortunately, he got names and numbers so on the way back the Planet, he got quotes from the people who Superman had saved. He felt bad quoting himself but he knew if he showed up at the Planet empty handed, Lois would kill him.
The minute he arrived, Lois made a beeline for him, apparently having an internal Clark alert, and she looked angry.
“Smallville, where the hell were you?” Lois demanded. “There’s been calls about Superman saving more people . . . you went out for lunch ages ago.”
“Lois, I know,” Clark said calmly and handed her the papers. “I was coming back when I spotted Superman. I got quotes from him and the people that he saved today.”
She took the quotes and scanned them over. “Wow . . . how on Earth did you get a quote from Superman? I can barely get him to look my way.”
He shrugged nonchalantly. “Right place, right time?”
“Well, nice work, Smallville,” Lois declared, making her way back to her desk. “Seems you’re catching on.” She glanced at him. “When you spoke to Superman, did you let him know I want an exclusive?”
“I mentioned it,” he said. “He’s not really into interviews but he said that he will consider it.”
“Good,” Lois said gleefully. “I plan to be the first one to get an interview with him.” Clark was a little scared for his alter ego, hearing the determination in Lois’ voice.
As Lois gave instructions about their articles and telling him which people he should be calling, he settled into the workday.
In the corner of his mind, an image of a certain blonde billionaire rested. He wondered what Oliver was doing at the moment.
No, Kent, you made your choice . . . this is what you’re going to do. Oliver is happy, stop torturing him and yourself.
Their run-in was a mishap on his part. He didn’t know how much longer Oliver would be remaining in Metropolis but next time around, he was going to be a lot more careful.
He had to focus on being Clark Kent, Daily Planet reporter and saving the world as Superman. And for now, that was all he had time for.
Unknown to Clark, Lois was not the only one who had one eye firmly on Superman’s whereabouts. In Gotham City, Bruce Wayne was frantically working to learn about the new hero.
At the Batcave, he scanned all the reports in front of him, each detailing another one of Superman’s rescues. Apparently, Superman could not only fly but was able to bounce bullets off his chest and had even blown a fire out once. He was also extremely fast, as the rescues were not just in Metropolis but all over the world.
Who was this superhero? More than that, what was he? Was he a danger? So far, he seemed to be saving people but Bruce was not going to relax until he found out who the man under the costume was.
But through the eyewitness reports, all he kept discovering was about his abilities. It was useful but not good enough. The endeavor was turning out to be a bit frustrating.
“This can’t be this difficult,” Bruce muttered. “The man runs around without a mask!”
How can a man that didn’t even bother to cover his face be so difficult to find?
Bruce pondered the question and then his lips curled upwards. “Unless,” he realized aloud, “not having a mask is the best disguise of all.”
Of course. The way that Superman was around at all times of the day and didn’t go around with a mask, the public would automatically assume that saving people was all he did. Everyone with a mask was automatically believed to have a secret identity but since he didn’t, they would think he had nothing to hide.
He was hiding in plain slight. Superman had shown up in Metropolis a week ago. This new superhero was not new to the area. Even his girlfriend had confirmed that fact.
Now he just had to find out about Metropolis’s newest residents and compare.
Bruce was not whose thoughts were preoccupied that night. While Bruce Wayne was working on finding out Superman, Oliver Queen couldn’t keep his mind off Clark Kent.
They hadn’t seen each other in three years and when they finally met again, Clark had run away. Had run away and hadn’t even looked back.
It is, after all, what’s he’s good at. A frown creased Oliver’s features as he stood on his balcony and stared out into the night.
How was it possible that after three years, Clark Kent could still have an affect on him? Clark had cheated, betrayed his trust, and broken his heart. Then he proceeded to disappear for three entire years. Oliver had taken a lot of pain to put his life back together. It hadn’t been easy and there were times when he just wanted to climb into his shell and never come out.
But he had made it and was a lot stronger now than ever before. He’d moved on, had a beautiful fiancée who was loyal and honest. Clark Kent didn’t have a hold on him anymore.
Why had he approached him anyway? Obviously, just to be polite. Too bad he doesn’t share the same sentiments.
Who cared what Clark thought? It just showed that after three years, the man still was immature and cowardly.
“Ollie?” a soft voice snapped him out of his thoughts. He turned and smiled to see Dinah walking toward him.
Greeting his fiancée with a kiss, he smiled. “Hey, when did you get home?”
“Just now,” Dinah replied. “You okay? You’re looking deep in thought.”
“I’m perfect,” Oliver said, grinning, pulling her to him. “How was your day?”
As Dinah chattered on about what happened that day, Oliver just smiled at her.
His life was perfect.
Who needed Clark Kent anyway? Certainly not him.
Not anymore and not ever again.
As night fell and the citizens of Metropolis turned their lights off, closing their day, they were unaware that there was one that was watching over them, even as they slept.
Clark surveyed the city as Superman and smiled to himself. He belonged to the world, knew that he was meant to save everyone, but he had a lot of affection for Metropolis.
Hearing a yell, Clark flew toward the sound and much to his disbelief, saw Lois being manhandled by a couple of thugs. She was screaming and fighting back.
In a flash, he made his way to the scene. “Let her go,” he commanded, gaining their attention.
“Stay out of this cape boy,” one of the thugs snapped.
“Let her go,” Clark said, taking a step forward. “This is your last warning.”
“What are you going to do about it?” one of them taunted, holding onto Lois tighter, who actually looked frightened.
His two companions attacked him and he easily tossed them both aside, rendering them unconscious. The final man, shocked, pulled a gun and starting firing at him. The bullets bounced off like he knew they would and he kept approaching, grabbing the gun. Pulling him away from Lois, he slammed him against a wall and watched as he slumped helplessly along with the others.
Lois was staring at him gratefully.
“Ms. Lane,” he said gently, “Are you all right?”
“Superman,” she breathed. “You saved me.”
“What are you doing out here at this hour?” he questioned, “It’s dangerous at night, Ms Lane.”
“I got a lead that there was going to be a gang meeting here,” Lois confessed. “I wanted to check it out . . . turned out that the lead was a bust but I ran into those three.”
“Last time I checked you had a partner,” Clark chided, secretly pleased that he, for once, could lecture Lois.
“Clark would never approve of this,” Lois said. “He’d say it was ‘too dangerous’.”
“Wouldn’t he have been right?” Clark asked. “You almost got yourself killed.”
“But I’m still here,” Lois said triumphantly. “Thanks to you, of course. But really, Superman, you must know that the greater the risk, the greater the reward.”
“Well that may be but as the risk increases, as do the consequences,” Clark reminded her.
Lois pursed her lips together. “I suppose that may be but I’m a reporter . . . it’s part of my job.”
“Just make sure your job doesn’t get you killed,” Clark told her. “Do you have a way to get home? Is your car around?”
She blushed and a realization hit him. “Don’t tell me you walked here,” he said disapprovingly.
“A car would’ve made too much sound!” Lois protested.
Seeing no other option, he offered, “I will take you back to your apartment.”
Her eyes wide, she asked, “Are you going to fly me home?”
“Yes Ms Lane,” Clark answered. “You don’t have a fear of heights, do you?”
She shook her head eagerly. So much for not encouraging her emotions.
But he didn’t have a choice. He gently pulled her into his arms and much to his displeasure, she threw her arms around his neck.
“Hold on,” he said softly. And took off into the air.
She was looking around, an incredulous expression on her face. “This is absolutely amazing.”
He didn’t respond and she pointed out her apartment. Landing them both on the rooftop of her apartment complex, he put her down. She stepped back and gave him an adoring look, which made him highly uncomfortable.
“Thank you, Superman,” she said.
“You’re welcome, Ms Lane,” he replied and moved to leave. But her voice stopped him.
“Wait!” she said. Spinning around, he looked at her inquisitively. “I want an exclusive.”
“I told your partner, Clark Kent, that I am wary of interviews,” Clark told her.
“You can trust me to give a fair interview,” Lois insisted.
“Ms Lane, I will consider your offer,” Clark replied.
“But if you do decide to do an interview, it has to be with me,” Lois said. “No going off and giving someone else an interview. Deal?”
He couldn’t help the smile on his face at her demanding tone. “That sounds fair enough.”
She was pleased. “Okay then. Good night, Superman.”
“Good night Ms Lane,” he responded and then shot off into the air once again.
Doing a last round of the streets, he went back to his own apartment. Settling into his bed, he listened for the heartbeats of those closest to him- Lois, Chloe, his mother- to make sure that everyone was safe. Unable to resist, he checked up on Oliver too and finding the blonde safe and sound, he closed his eyes and let sleep overtake him.
Clark Kent. This was the only name that made sense to Bruce Wayne.
He checked up the people who had recently moved to Metropolis and Clark Kent’s name came up. Having pictures of everyone, he checked all their features closely. None of them were the least bit similar to Superman’s.
Except for Clark’s. The brunette’s eyes were green rather than the solid blue of Superman’s but the similarities were uncanny.
This had to be Superman. He did an intensive background search on Clark Kent. The Kent family adopted him right after the first meteor shower hit Smallville. According to his papers, the agency that dealt with his adoption was called Metropolis United Charities.
Coincidentally, it hardly lasted six months and nobody had heard of it since, making Bruce suspicious that this particular foundation was a scam.
Researching Clark Kent, he found the man’s name popped up in the Smallville databases. He seemed to be in the center of every single weird thing that went on in Smallville.
The facts were impossible to ignore. Superman and Clark both showed up to Metropolis at the same time. Not to mention Clark Kent, after 23 years of having what seemed to be perfect vision, had glasses.
A lame cover-up attempt but it seemed to be working. Nobody was the wiser.
This would also explain why Chloe was so convinced Superman was not a danger. She had been friends with Clark since the young age of 14.
It didn’t matter though. He was going to find out for himself whether Superman was trustworthy.
He needed a plan . . . Bruce smiled slowly, as an idea slowly dawned on him.
Heading to bed for the night, he prepared to put his plan in motion the following morning. That night, he only got a few hours of sleep and he was up, fresh, the next morning. When he came to bed, Chloe was already fast asleep. Since she went to work early and he wanted to make sure he got to speak with her before she left.
It was over breakfast when he got his chance.
“Chloe,” he said, taking a sip of his coffee. “I forgot to ask you how your day with your friend went.”
“Clark?” Chloe asked, “It was fun.”
He looked at her thoughtfully, “I would love to meet him sometime. You’ve spoken about him so much.”
“I’m sure he’d like to meet you too,” Chloe said enthusiastically. “That would be so exciting.”
“Why don’t you invite him over for dinner this weekend?” Bruce suggested casually. “Say, Saturday?”
“That’s a great idea,” Chloe said. Finishing up her breakfast, she added, “I have to go to work but I’ll call him later to see if he’s free.”
“Wonderful,” Bruce said. Kissing him quickly, he watched as Chloe left, in a good mood.
“Master Bruce, you are plotting,” a voice came from behind him. Meeting Alfred’s eyes, he smiled.
“Don’t worry, Alfred,” he said, “I know what I’m doing.”
He certainly did. This weekend, he would meet Clark Kent. Before he confronted Superman, he wanted to meet Clark.
Now he would have his chance. Taking a sip of his coffee, he was pleased.
It would be an interesting weekend.
Chapter 5