#stop using lex and clark to prop up bruce

[mistress-of-vos]

Gotham Pride: So many WE sponsored posts that are bland and tacky. A bunch of cops with night sticks. Very boring. Bi Robin and lesbian Batwoman aren't even there. People are literally getting maced in the crowd. Police warned Catwoman not to go.

Metropolis Pride: There's a whole ass LOD float. Lex Luthor was in drag, got kissed by Superman AND Lois Lane. It lasts for a solid 4 days. No crimes are committed because no one wants to be called homophobic by the Superboys. Dreamer and Supergirl lead the parade. Everyone is having the time of their lives. Bi Robin was found dancing with Superboy and Impulse.

[xxgoblin-dumplingxx]

Another Bruce x BFF!Reader please??? its just THAT good :)))

It had been a long flight. And an even more irritating 'business meeting' with Lex Luthor to help Clark get some intel that he needed.

Still. When he stopped in the sitting room, a fire blazing in the hearth to keep away the chill as freezing rain lashed at the windows, the weight of it all felt like it dropped from his shoulders. Alfred was organizing what appeared to be a guest list- presumably for your benefit. Dick was intently focused on a video game. And you were settled on a sofa, your feet propped up as you worked away at some project or other on your tablet.

When you look up at him and smile, he crosses the threshold and comes to kiss you hello. "You look exhausted, Bruce," you fret, reaching up to brush messy hair out of his eyes.

"I'm fine," he said, "How-"

"Hey B?"

"Yes?" he answered, kissing your nose before turning to look at Dick, "Was there a fight or were you just sneaky."

"Mostly just sneaky," he snorted.

"Ugh. Boring."

He shook his head smiling a little and looked down at you, "I'm surprised you're not up and fussing with something," he teased.

"Don't encourage her," Alfred scolded, "She's not to get up off that sofa for anything that isn't an emergency until the swelling goes down."

"And he even stayed to make sure," Bruce chuckled, bending down to kiss you again and touching your belly, grinning when he can feel Emma practically doing laps.

"My captors are mostly humane," you snort, eyes dancing when you smile.

He shook his head and gently picked up your feet, sitting on the sofa and rearranging the cushions so your feet could rest in his lap, "How are you feeling?" he asked, trying not to sound worried.

"I'm ready to be done," you groan, shifting slightly trying to get comfortable before taking your feet out of Bruce's lap and hauling yourself up.

"Young Lady," Alfred started sternly before you give him a meaningful look that makes Bruce snort.

"This benefit is gonna be great," Dick said, "Y/n is gonna have even less patience for reporters than normal... Can she take her Rapier?"

"She's not allowed to stab people in public anymore," Bruce said, grinning. "After the letter opener incident, she can't have sharp things at parties."

"Letter opener incident?" Dick asked, ears perking up.

"It was a justified stabbing but- bad optics nonetheless," Alfred said shaking his head, "Honestly I'll never know what possessed the man to try and corner her like that- Even when she was 14 she had a reputation for swift retribution."

"You taught her," Bruce said, "You told her that if anyone ever touched her to just hurt them."

"If he didn't want stabbed he shouldn't have tried to put a hand up my dress," you huff, feeling slightly out of breath, "It's not my fault he tried to lie in the ER and his wife found out what happened through some very conveniently placed gossip."

"You shoulda used a knife, Y/N," Dick said, "A serrated one."

"I'll remember that if I ever manage to buy a dress with pockets," you sigh, sinking back into the couch and letting Bruce settle your feet back in his lap.

[superbataddicted]

Writer's Month 2019

Day 3 Prompt: Coffee Shop AU

Fandom: Superbat, Clark Kent/Bruce Wayne, Superman/Batman

Writer: batzmaru65

(Summary: An AU similar to a parallel universe take. Bruce is a detective in this story, not a vigilante or a billionaire. Clark is still Superman and a reporter. There is slight change in the spelling of Clark and Bruce's surname.)

Bruce stumbled into the coffee shop, hair dishevelled, tie askew and suit crumpled. He dragged himself towards the counter where a female barista stood smiling, not at all shocked at the sight of him.

“The usual, Mr Weyne?” The middle-aged lady asked, already starting preparations to make Bruce’s double espresso, extra strong, no milk and just a dash of sugar.

 Bruce did not even have the energy to give a reply. He merely nodded and leaned against the counter, head propped on a fist, sucking in the aroma of brewing coffee as if his life depended on it. But it was not enough to stave off his exhaustion and a huge yawn broke out, bringing tears to his eyes.

“You’re gonna kill yourself one day at the rate you’re going,” the dark-haired woman admonished as she poured Bruce’s order into a takeaway cup and closed the lid.

Bruce smiled wanly and reached out to take the proffered cup.

“Just a little while more, Martha,” he muttered, stifling another yawn, “We’ve finally found something and it’s all going to end soon.”

“That’s good to hear and all the best, Mr Wyene.”

Bruce nodded again and after slipping some bills onto the counter, he dragged himself out of the shop, all attention fixed on the coffee. Distracted and eager to have his caffeine fix, Bruce did not watch where he was going. A careless step, a trip over a flowerpot and Bruce was falling forward, gravity pulling him down a flight of steps. His heart lurched and he gasped, arms flailing, trying to stop the inevitable. The cup tumbled out of his grasp, lid falling off and dark liquid splashed out, sparkling in the sunlight. The ground rushed up and Bruce squeezed his eyes shut, body tensed in anticipation of the pain that would come.

However, instead of hard concrete smashing against his face and body, Bruce fell against warmth and soft strength. An arm had gone round his waist, fingers gripping his hips, holding him steady. It took a moment for Bruce to realise that the anticipated pain was not forthcoming. Opening his eyes, he was greeted by a pair of brilliant blue peeping out from behind a long fringe.

“Are you alright?” the stranger frowned in concern and leaned in closer. Bruce flushed at how intimate their posture was and he scrambled out of the grasp of the taller man.

“Yes I...ah...thanks.”

Averting his gaze from that pair of attractive blue eyes, Bruce froze at the sight of a press pass hanging around the stranger’s neck.

Clarke Kent. Daily Globe.

Narrowing his eyes in suspicion, Bruce glared at the reporter but the ferocity of his glare was without much impact. With his puffy eyes and dark circles, he came across as sleepy rather than angry.

“I’m not falling for your trick and stay away from me and my team!”

Bruce growled before he turned and darted away, berating himself as he made his escape. He had let his guard down, had not checked whether there was a tail when he snuck out. He wished the press would stop hounding him and his team of investigators. They had been hot on their heels ever since they were appointed as the independent committee to look into the Lex’s Charity scandal – a scam that had stretched across America and several countries overseas. The number of front companies and shell corporations, not to mention the complex paper trail to move and hide the embezzlement were so cleverly thought out. Bruce and his team had a hard time cracking the case, misled by false trails which ended up in dead ends. It was frustrating as hell but last night, they had finally found a clue to unravelling the entire mess. Elated, Bruce wanted to reward himself with his favourite drink so tired was he of the awful-tasting coffee the police headquarters had been serving. And look at the trouble it had almost caused him.

Bruce waved a hand in greeting to the few investigators still awake. The rest of his team had fallen into an exhausted slumber, slumped over their desks or curled up on the floor. They had not slept much and neither had they gone home much either. Pressurized by the higher-ups who wanted the case solved as fast as possible, none of them had wanted to waste their time on trivialities.

Opening the door to his tiny cluttered office. Bruce slumped into his chair with a tired sigh, only to jerk up in shock at the sight of his double espresso sitting quietly on his desk pad, steam curling from the cup which was missing its lid.

Didn’t I spill it just now?

Question marks ran circles round his head and his eyes darted wildly around to find no one in the room. Lurching out of his seat, he wrenched the door open, the blinds rattling in protest against the glass.

“Hey, Alfred,” he called to his assistant, still immaculately dressed unlike the rest of them, “Did anyone come in just now?”

“Not that I know of, sir,” Alfred replied with an arch of an eyebrow.

“You’re sure? That a tall, blue eyes, long fringe reporter guy didn’t drop by?”

Alfred stopped his typing and gave Bruce a pointed stare.

“I have 20/20 vision, sir.”

“Oh, okay...okay then.”

Bruce retreated back into his office and rushed to the window, checking it. It was still locked and even if it was not, it would be impossible for anyone to enter anyway. His office was on the 11th floor and there were no ledges or protruding edges near the window. Lips pursed, Bruce flopped back into his chair, legs up on his desk and crossed. He stared thoughtfully at the cup of coffee.

The only culprit he could think of was Clarke Kent from the Daily Globe. But if it was really him, how did he pull it off then? A flash of memory brought the coffee shop incident to mind. Bruce was certain that he was about to hit the ground and then Mr Kent was suddenly there holding him tight.

Who or what are you?

Bruce wondered and then grinned fierce and feral. A mystery to solve. Just what Bruce loved most and why he ended up in this job. Mr Clarke Kent had better watch out for Bruce was going to get to the bottom of the truth no matter what. That was why he was called the “Hound”.

-

If Bruce had opened his window and looked up at the sky with a pair of powerful binoculars, he would have seen an interesting sight. A man was floating way up high, red cape fluttering, arms crossed over his chest where a S-like symbol marked his suit. Clarke was smiling, a mischievous grin, as he watched Bruce’s reaction.

Mr Bruce Weyne had intrigued him for a long while, even though the detective had no inkling of his existence. In this day and age where corruption abounds and money makes the world goes round, crime was the norm and the oppressed was left to rot. Clarke had been fighting a losing battle to address this injustice despite his superpowers. He had been on a lookout for some help. Someone or a few someones who could take on the system and continue the fight from within. His own investigations had led him to Bruce, descended from a long lineage of crimefighters from the grand old days of sheriffs to his late father’s career as a judge. His mother was a political activist and both of them had died in a shootout when he was eight, courtesy of the mafia.

Because of the tragedy, Bruce had grown up with the determination to undo the wrongs happening in his city. However, his recent investigations into the Lex’s Charity scam was leading him towards the same fate as his parents. As the saying goes, Bruce had opened up a can of worms and the current mafia bass, Jack Napier, was aiming to make an example of him, as bloody and cruel as possible, That was why Clarke had been watching over him and he had surged forward, panic constricting his heart when he saw Bruce fall. He had not intended to reveal himself in this manner but since the dice had been cast, he might as well make full use of the situation. Hence, the mystery of a steaming cup of coffee in his office which no one had entered. He knew that that would get Bruce hooked and hot on his trail.

Clarke grinned at the thought of Bruce coming after him just like the nickname his colleagues had fondly christened him with. At last, he need not watch him from afar. He could finally get close and build a relationship that, fingers crossed, would go beyond mere friendship. Clarke liked what he had seen of Bruce and he was not one to deny his feelings. It was nice holding him in his arms just now and Clarke wished for more intimacy between them.

[lopithecusfanfiction]

The End of the Star: Chapter Eight

Author: Lopithecus Pairing: Clark Kent/Bruce Wayne Rating: Explicit Word Count: 3430 Alternate: AO3, fanfiction.net Author's Note: N/A

Chapter Eight:

Kal is lying on his back and Bruce is on his side, facing the Kryptonian. They both fell asleep after their post coital chat. Bruce is currently tracing patterns on the Kryptonian’s naked chest with his head propped up on one hand. He can’t help but wonder if all Kryptonians have hairless chests or if Kal does something to remove it. Bruce should just ask the man but he likes the mystery of it, and the possibility of finding out the answer himself, so he doesn’t ask. One particular subject, however, hasn’t left his mind all morning since waking up.

“Kal?” Kal’s eyes are shut as he hums in answer. “Your friend that you were having sex with, did he get you off?” Kal peeks one eye, head tilted in confusion. “Did he make you orgasm?” Bruce clarifies.

Both of the Kryptonian’s eyes open. “Zhi.”

“When he did, was it when he was penetrating you or was it with his hand? Or maybe his mouth?”

Kal looks confused but answers anyway. “Hand.”

“After he orgasmed or during?” Bruce circles Kal’s navel with his index finger.

“Neither. Before.” This takes Bruce by surprise but before he can ask for clarification, Kal continues. “He use hand and I ogra .. I mean orgasmed before he penny.. penetration.” Bruce nods. He didn’t think Kal would be able to get off if there was pain during sex but he had expected Kal to say after. Though it does make sense. If it was after that this so called friend tried to get Kal off, Kal might not have been turned on anymore because of the pain to begin with. He can’t imagine how uncomfortable the sex must have been without even arousal to assist. Kal’s voice breaks through Bruce’s thoughts. “Rraos ask? I tell you I done with him.”

“I know,” Bruce says quickly. “I know but I’m just... I’m concerned, Kal.”

“Not be.”

“Kal he was hurting you. That’s not right,” Bruce says.

“He not hurt me anymore because not see anymore.” Kal shrugs, smiling incredulously at him. “It okay.” That smile makes Bruce’s heart lurch in his chest. He’s still concerned about this so called friend of Kal’s though.

When Bruce nods at Kal, he’s not entirely sure if he can believe Kal, that this friend will just stop like that. Kal might believe it, but Bruce learned a long time ago to not trust bad people. “Would you show him to me?”

Kal’s body stiffens slightly, looking at Bruce suspiciously. “Rraos?”

Bruce shrugs, stroking a hand over one of Kal’s pectorals. The Kryptonian is extremely muscular and Bruce wonders what Kal’s workout routine is. “Just curious of what he looks like.”

“Zha.”

“Zha?” Bruce stops watching his own hand and meets Kal’s eyes. They are hard set and narrowed. “What do you mean zha?”

“You know what word mean.” Kal crosses his arms.

Bruce sits halfway up, propping his body with his hand. “I don’t want you to explain the word. I want you to explain to me why no.”

Kal sits up and gets up off the bed. Gathering the one piece suit, the Kryptonian starts to dress. “Because know what do. You confront him. I not let.”

Bruce sits up all the way, the rest of the blankets pooling around his waist. “I never said I was going to do that.” Kal’s eyes narrow. “Are you actually suspicious of me?” he asks, astounded. “I just want to see him. I won’t do anything to him. I won’t mention you, or bring up anything that has gone on between you both.”

“Zha,” Kal says firmly.

Frustrated, Bruce throws the covers off himself and stands. He grabs his gown and pulls it on roughly. When he glances at Kal, the Kryptonian looks displeased at his harshness towards the article of clothing. “Why?”

“Tell you already.”

“Not good enough.”

Kal’s eyes narrow and those muscular arms are crossed over the broad chest. “I not need explain to you.”

Bruce narrows his own eyes and mimics the stance, crossing his own arms. “Uh, yes you do unless you want me to figure out who he is myself and confront him. And I tell you Kal, I can figure it out without you.”

Kal’s lips thin, looking angry. Bruce realizes this is their first real argument since meeting each other. “Lot reasons. Not want you confront him. I tell you I done with him. I tell you he not hurt me anymore. I will tell not come to room anymore. I-I will tell him… not want see anymore or have zhoal with anymore. I… I t… t… terminate I think English word, with him. We done. Not need you come to defense.”

“And I won’t,” Bruce lies. He takes a step towards Kal, reaching out for him. “All I want to do is quell my curiosity of what he looks like. That’s all. That way, when I’m angrily picturing him in my head, I know what features to use.”

Kal groans. “I not know what quell mean.” Kal rubs at his face. The Kryptonian looks frustrated, mumbling words Bruce doesn’t yet understand.

Bruce grabs those hands and pulls Kal close to him. “Kal, Kal stop. It’s okay. It just means to subdue or put an end to. I just want to put an end to my curiosity. Please show him to me?” He cups Kal’s cheeks and the next thing he says on purpose, knowing it’ll get to Kal. “Sokao.”

Kal stares at him for a long moment before sighing, relaxing in Bruce’s grasp. “Fine. You not confront him?”

“Zhi.”

“Promise.”

“Are you seriously still suspicious?”

“Promise,” Kal says more firmly.

Bruce rolls his eyes and lies again. “Promise.”

Kal sighs once more and wraps strong arms around Bruce’s waist. “You meet today. I introduce. That it. No more.”

“Sounds good to me.” Bruce pecks Kal’s nose and steps out of the embrace. “You better get going. General Zod will be coming to get me soon. Hopefully I can convince him to let me clean myself up.” He smiles mischievously at Kal. “As much as I love your come, Kal, I really don’t want it dripping down my legs all day.”

Kal chuckles and smiles, backing up to the door. Speaking in Kryptonian, there is a playful sparkle glinting in those blue eyes, knowing Bruce won’t understand. With a final cheeky smirk, Kal is gone. Bruce chuckles at the retreating figure and sits on the bed to await Zod’s arrival.

*~~~*

They had another tremor while Bruce and Lex worked. They’ve been getting progressively worse over the two months, and Bruce fears time is running out. He has been the one attempting to figure out some way of helping Krypton, and has even started building a device to mitigate the damage to the core. Lex has been unsuccessfully trying to build himself a way off this planet. Bruce actually prefers it this way. It’s better if Lex stays out of his way if he isn’t going to contribute, although it would be faster with the extra help. It’s fortunate Bruce is a quick study.

As Bruce collects random items from the floor, things that have fallen from the shelves and tables during the last tremor, he notices Lex secretly stuffing an item into some kind of bag. He doesn’t know how Lex managed to convince Jor-El to allow such a thing, but he is positive Lex shouldn’t be taking parts with him. Bruce opens his mouth to broach the subject when the door to the research lab opens. It takes Bruce’s concentration off Lex and onto who is walking into the room.

In walks Kal with another Kryptonian, trailing confidently behind him. Kal points to him and Lex, and the two start making their way over. Bruce narrows his eyes. This must be Kal’s “friend��. The Kryptonian is blonde, something Bruce hadn’t pictured. The stranger has the same blue eyes that seems common to all Kryptonians. The man is an inch shorter than Kal. Despite Kal’s height, it means the man is an inch taller than Bruce. Kal’s friend looks to be quite muscular. Bruce has taken Bane in a fight, and is confident he would win against the blonde man.

Kal and the Kryptonian stop at Bruce and Lex’s station. Lex stops working, eyeing the two suspiciously. Kal speaks in Kryptonian, and then turns to Bruce. “Bruce, this Zan-Nur. I offer him see aliens.”

Bruce offers a fake smile to Zan-Nur. “Well hello Zan. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

Zan-Nur frowns. “It’s Zan-Nur, human.”

Kal chuckles awkwardly. “He not know customs of Kryptonian names well.”

Which is a lie Bruce isn’t sure Kal realizes he’s telling. Bruce has been aware since Kal informed him, when Bruce shortened Kal’s name out of habit. He always calls Jor-El by his full name. The only male Kryptonian that seems to be the exception to this rule is Zod. Kal had explained that it was his last name only. Bruce really isn’t sure why Zod is the exception and has never bothered to ask. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you.”

Zan-Nur smirks at him, and Bruce wants to wipe the stupid smug look off his fucking face. Bruce’s fists clench. “Don’t worry about it human. I know our society can be a little difficult to understand for your little minds.”

Lex clears his throat. “Can we please get back to work instead of having an alien to human dick measuring contest?”

Both Kal and Zan-Nur tilt their heads, and Bruce feels disgusted to learn that it’s a Kryptonian habit, and not just a House of El idiosyncrasy. He ignores that other Kryptonians do the head tilt when confused, and prefers to think that Kal is the only one who does it. He’s the one who is adorable when doing it. Looking away from Lex, Zan-Nur addresses Bruce. “Well then, I hope you don’t mind me sticking around to watch.” He walks off to a chair, that Kal had brought in a couple days ago, and sits down.

Kal turns to him. “Happy?”

“He knows English better than you.”

Kal sighs. “Zhi. His Ukr finish teaching. My Ukr too busy.”

“Have someone else teach you.” Bruce suggests.

Kal huffs. “Who? Ukr supposed to. No one else.”

“I can teach you,” Bruce offers.

“I have learn lot from you.”

“No, I know. It’s just everyone else is a lot more fluent than you are.”

“And that bad thing?” Kal asks, sounding hurt.

“No,” Bruce is quick to say. “No, that’s not what I meant. I just thought maybe it bothered you.”

“It not.”

“Right. That’s why you get frustrated when you don’t understand what I’m saying.”

“Bruce, I fine. I continue learn when Ukr not busy. Ukr not busy when Krypton save.”

Bruce stares at Kal and drops the subject before it turns into a huge argument. He sighs. “Okay. Then I guess I better get working.” Kal nods. “Kal, do you think you could get me a drink of water? I’m feeling a little thirsty.”

Kal looks at Zan-Nur, and back at Bruce. “Okay.” He spins to Zan-Nur, speaks in Kryptonian, and leaves after a response from the blonde. Bruce takes his opportunity immediately, ignoring Lex, Zod, and Nam-Ek’s gaze on him.

He walks up to Zan-Nur and clears his throat. The Kryptonian looks up at him, with narrowed eyes, and stands to ask “What do you want, alien?”

“I want you to stay the hell away from Kal-El.”

Zan-Nur’s eyebrows rise and the Kryptonians arms cross. “What do you want me to do?”

Bruce narrows his eyes. “I said, stay the fuck away from Kal-El.”

Zan-Nur looks at Bruce, the short pause indicating the Kryptonian is trying to understand why Bruce would say such a thing. A smug smirk pulls at the edges of Zan-Nur’s mouth. “Or what?”

Bruce doesn’t bother clearing it up for him by telling him why. It’s none of the Kryptonian’s business. “Or else you’ll have to deal with me.”

Zan-Nur scoffs. “I’m not afraid of you, human.”

Bruce takes a step closer, entering Zan-Nur’s personal space. “You should be Kryptonian. Stay away from him.” Bruce turns around and walks back over to the work table, ignoring Zan-Nur’s eyes on his back, and Lex’s probing ones. He gets back to his station and starts to get back to work. He’s left alone for a few moments before he feels a presence behind him. Bruce sighs heavily. “What do you want Lexie?”

“What was that about Brucie? What just happened between you and that Kryptonian? In fact, maybe we should talk about what is going on between you and Kal-El.”

Bruce whirls around, glaring at Lex. “Mind your own damn business.”

A wicked smile forms on Lex’s face. “There is something going on between you and Kal-El, isn’t there?” The bald man chuckles. “I bet Jor-El would love to hear about that.”

“You won’t tell him a damn thing.”

“Won’t I?”

“You have no proof.”

The door to the room opens and Lex looks over, behind Bruce. When that suspicious gaze returns to Bruce’s eyes, the billionaire mutters “For now.” Bruce is confused as the Metropolitan walks away.

Bruce turns around just in time for Kal to hand him a glass of water. “Here,” Kal says, and Bruce accepts the glass as gracefully as he can when he’s angry. He takes a sip from the water and then sets it aside. Kal is watching him. “Okay here?”

“Yes. Why wouldn’t I be?”

Kal shrugs. “I go over to Zan-Nur then.”

“Kal.” Kal looks at him. “You don’t normally hangout with him, do you?”

Kal shakes those dark curls negatively. “Zha. He just come for sex. Not really hangout. Only sometimes but rare.” Shrugging those broad shoulders again. “But Zan-Nur here so I keep company.” Kal smiles at him and Bruce watches Kal walk over to the other Kryptonian.  Bruce wants to punch the blonde even more than Jor-El. Zan-Nur says something to Kal with a grin, and Kal smiles back. Bruce’s fists clench again. Zan-Nur touches Kal on the shoulder, rubbing it, and they both laugh. Bruce grinds his teeth together to stop himself from saying anything.

The two Kryptonians stay for about a half hour before Zan-Nur gestures to the door and they leave. Bruce had been distracted by the two for the whole time and he wishes desperately that he could follow them. For the rest of the time he’s in the research lab, his mind is occupied with thoughts of what Kal and Zan-Nur could be doing. He’s grateful when the time is up and he is then escorted back to his room.

Later that night, right on time, Kal slips in. Only this time it’s different. This time, Kal is crying and there is bruising around one eye. Both eyes narrow angrily and hurt shines from them brightly. Bruce is shocked to see this and he is about to ask what happened when Kal speaks first. “Rraos?” the voice hiccups. “You promise. You lie to me.”

Bruce gets up off the bed and approaches Kal, but Kal backs away from him. Bruce stops. “What happened? Did Zan-Nur do this to you?”

Tears roll down Kal’s cheeks. “What think Bruce?” Kal yells. “I told not confront him and you promise. But-But do anyway!”

“Because I was worried about you.”

“I told not worry. I said I done with him but you not believe me.”

“Done with him?” Bruce points to the door. “Kal you walked off out of the room with him.”

“Because had to! Because you want see him!” The Kryptonian hiccups again and wipes some of the tears away. More replace them. “Had keep act up Bruce! What think I going do?”

“Kal.” Bruce tries to reach for him but Kal backs up again.

“Not touch me! Ukr right. Humans bad but I thought you different. But you lie to me and trick me. Rraos?

“Kal please,” Bruce desperately says. “I just wanted to protect you. I didn’t want him to hurt you anymore.”

“But did. And you did.” Kal sniffles. “You hurt me.”

Bruce opens his mouth but he doesn’t know what to say. He didn’t want Kal to get hurt, especially like this. Bruce closes his mouth and diverts his eyes to the floor. “I’m sorry,” he whispers and he’s not even sure if Kal hears. When no response comes, Bruce looks up to make sure Kal is still there. The Kryptonian hasn’t left. Bruce looks at the floor again. “So now what?”

Kal hiccups and sniffles. “Mean?”

Bruce shrugs one shoulder. “Meaning this is when one would normally breakup with me.” He huffs. “Not that I’m ever with someone long enough for a proper breakup.”

“Break… up?”

“End the relationship.” Bruce looks up at Kal. “I hurt you, we’ve argued about it, and now we end the relationship. We don’t have any more sex, we will no longer be friends, and we will have zero contact with each other.”

Kal’s head shakes. “Not think that how work.”

“Well in my experience it is.”

Again, Kal shakes those dark curls and takes a step towards Bruce. “Bruce, zhi I angry. Zhi you hurt me. But I still care about you. I not want lose you.”

“Kal I manipulated you and lied to you. You can’t forgive me for that.”

Kal reaches up and wipes the tears off his cheeks. “Zhi can.”

“How?” Bruce asks, hopeless.

Kal takes another step towards him. “Because I-” Kal cuts himself off, blinking away the tears, then continues. “Like said, I care for you. I not want lose you. You important to me.”

Bruce rubs at his face. “Kal, you’re not supposed to forgive someone after they’ve manipulated you into getting what they want.”

“Well I do.” Kal grabs a hold of Bruce’s hands. “I forgive you.”

Bruce sighs and gives Kal a small smile. “I really am sorry, Kal.” Bruce reaches up and gently cups the side of Kal’s face that has the black and blue eye. “I didn’t want any of this to happen to you.”  Anger flares in his chest. “If I ever see Zan-Nur again I’m going to punch him in his stupid smug face.”

Kal smiles at him. “Not have worry about zhod. He not in life anymore. Promise.”

Bruce huffs a small laugh. “Okay, I deserved that.”

“Zhi did but I serious. He not in life anymore. If he try be then I tell you.”

“Good.” Bruce looks Kal up and down. “So, besides punching you in the face, what else did he do?”

Kal frowns, walks out of Bruce’s grasp and over to the bed, then strips. Bruce’s eyes widen as more and more of Kal’s skin is exposed. Black, blue and purple bruises litter Kal’s body. “He not happy I tell about our zhaol to you.”

Bruce walks over and places a hand carefully on the warm chest. “Please tell me this is all he did.” Kal’s head tilts. “He didn’t…” Bruce swallows. “He didn’t force you to do anything… sexual did he?”

“Zha!” Kal says. “He not do that.”

Bruce sighs a breath of relief. “Thank goodness.” He looks at all the bruises on Kal’s body. “There has to be something we can do about this. Tell Jor-El or something.”

Kal replies negatively by shaking his dark curls. “Zha. We tell Ukr what happen, Zan-Nur tell Ukr about him and I, and then about you and I.” Kal shrugs. “That not happen. If do really bad.”

“But that would mean he would be getting himself into even more trouble because he had sex with you in the first place.”

“It not matter. If get back at me, he do it. He never afraid of Vrrosh :Dokhahsh.”

“The Phantom Zone.” Kal nods. “So then there’s nothing we can do?”

“Zhi.”

Bruce sits down on the edge of the bed. “Damn it.”

“It okay.” Kal sits down next to him. “He gone out my life. I only need you.”

Bruce looks at Kal, and feels his chest warm up with a feeling he’s never felt before. “You’re too good Kal.” Bruce is shocked to realize that he means the words he’s saying. He looks into those blue eyes, feeling his mouth dry up.

Kal smiles at him. “We past problem now?” Bruce huffs a laugh in relief, and nods. “That mean can hug and kiss?”

Bruce chuckles. “Yes.” Kal pounces on him, knocking Bruce backwards onto the bed, kissing his lips passionately.

A/N: Thanks for reading!!

[bethliveblogsmovies]

The One in Which I Torture Myself With Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

(written 3/27/2016) 1. I had NO IDEA Bruce Wayne's parents were murdered. I've NEVER EVER seen this on film before, like, you know, in almost every other Batman movie. 2. The gun breaking the pearl necklace was actually a cool visual. Give credit to Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns for that. In fact, go read that right now if you want to see an older, bitter, more brutal Batman done right. TDKR is probably the greatest Batman graphic novel of all time (not for the kiddos, though). 3. Little Bruce getting swarmed by bats. Another visual we've NEVER SEEN BEFORE! 3 minutes in and I'm already cranky. Step it up, Zack and hack scribes. 4. 9/11 imagery amidst an alien invasion in a superhero movie... mmmkay. 5. Sure, Batfleck. Run into the debris/particulate cloud without attempting to shield your eyes/nose/mouth. Whatever. 6. That little girl looked an awful lot like a doll when The Batfleck saved her from becoming an IHOP breakfast special. Perhaps the budget wasn't big enough to make that look better? Pfft. Yeah right. Laziness or incompetence. You pick. 7. I at least appreciate the effort to acknowledge the wanton destruction and mass civilian casualties that were the result of the over-the-top, moronic, seemingly interminable, and unintentionally hilarious Kryptonian Super Fight in Man of Steel (aka Man Is This Fight Steel Going On?) 8. Lois can't stay out of trouble: sand edition. 9. You know the secret to a long and injury-free life? Threatening Superman's girlfriend. Said no one ever. 10. Holly Hunter sounds just like Jodie Foster in Silence of the Lambs. 11. Get it, Lois. Flood that bathroom. 12. Batman gives out free autographs with a branding iron. Nice. 13. This version of Lex Luthor is just irritating to watch. Prop up Gene Hackman and let him give some life and charm to the role. 14. Hans Zimmer phoned this score in. A bit of overkill on the Lex Luthor walk into the Kryptonian ship/body area. Almost a parody. If so, well done Hans. 15. There are 2 more hours of this. I'm in cinematic hell. 16. Change.org petition to create a Lex Luthor-free version of this film. Sick of him. 17. Was I supposed to laugh out loud at The Batfleck's nightmare? Because I did. 18. Lois Lane in the men's room. Because she's ballsy. A Strong!Woman. 19. More Jeremy Irons, less Batfleck. Make it happen, DC. 20. There you are, Wonder Woman. Save us from this film! 21. Stop talking, Superman. Shirt off. Take it off. Back in the bathtub with you. 22. This messiah imagery is so subtle and nuanced that they go as far as to say it literally. Hmmm. Might he meet Jesus' end? A movie that came out on Good Friday. Gee. It's all so deep. I just can't guess where it's going................ 23. How convenient. The Batfleck has visions. The Flash comes to him speaking of Lois Lane. Mmmkay. 24. Seriously, Hans. Ease up on the score. 25. I'm bored. Batman is in action in the Batmobile and I'm bored. Not good. 26. "Tell me, do you bleed? You will." Bad dialogue for $100, Alex. Groan-worthy. 27. I get the feeling that explosion was supposed to be meaningful. Didn't work. Bored as hell. On the bright side, it's half-way over! 28. Batman works out! This was apparently worthy of a montage? It's not like Batman Begins where he's learning to fight; this is just a shirtless Batman swinging a sledgehammer against a large tire and other such details ESSENTIAL to the narrative. 29. More visions. This time Supes talks to Ghost Dad. Writers, we need to have a long talk. 30. In my opinion, The Batfleck is the crappiest looking Batman in the suit since the Clooney Bat-Nipple disaster. 31. I appreciate that Superman didn't abruptly stop Lois' descent when he rescued her from falling to her death. Yay for no broken necks or backs! 32. Cavill is so wooden as Superman. Good lord. 33. Shut up, Lex. Your philosophizing is tiresome and idiotic and extends the running time. 34. Well that brief scene between Lois and Clark was purely for plot contrivance so Lois knows where to chase him. --------Begin scene *Superman flies in* 'Hey, honey, I have angst. I have to fight Batman in Gotham. No one stays good.' *Flies away* End scene.------- WRITERS! WE REALLY NEED TO TALK! 35. Shoehorned intro to the future members of the Justice League. Can't wait for that one..................... (which actually makes me sad because I loved watching TJL as a kid). 36. This fight is so dumb. No suspense. Supes doesn't even want to fight so doesn't give it full effort and Batfleck ain't killin' Superman. 37. Batfleck stops fighting Superman because their mothers have the same first name. I'm not kidding. Mmmmkay. 38. Leave Diane Lane alone! Under the Tuscan Sun wasn't that bad. 39. Did one of the henchmen quote a Cole Porter song to Diane Lane? Smooth. 40. OK. I legit laughed at Batman bouncing that crate off of one of the henchmen's heads. Nap time for naughty people! 41. Doomsday looks like the Poo Monster from the X-Files episode Arcadia. Uncanny. 42. They were nice enough to inform us multiple times that the area of the fight was civilian free. The true legacy of Man of Steel. 43. Wonder Woman is here to kick some Poo butt! She looks pretty cool in costume. 44. Lois is in trouble again, but under water this time. No happy endings in the bathtub this time, sadly. 45. It would be nice to actually see what's going on and know who's who during this fight. 46. Kind of cheesy-bittersweet Lois and Clark moment, but I'll allow it. 47. Down goes Doomsday! Down goes Doomsday... and Superman. Ruh roh, Shaggy. As I predicted. The Messiah Sacrifice. 48. We have some not so subtle quasi-Pietà imagery with Lois and Clark. 49. Luthor gets prison-shaved and is finally bald. Good riddance rats nest! 50. Superman was going to propose. Poor Lois. 51. He won't be dead for long. He still has to be in the Justice League. Will he be resurrected with a mullet like in the comics? Let's hope.