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The problem with being extremely busy dealing with crimes and assorted random events in need of Superman’s help, was that Clark wouldn’t always have the time to finish writing his articles. And it just happened that this was one of those days. He would have had the time to write if it hadn’t been for the constant calls for help, not that he didn’t like saving people. Clark loved helping people, but now he was dead if he didn’t finish this article for tomorrow.
And then it became five in the morning and Clark was still awake. He finished up the last sentence, and rubbed his bleary eyes. He set down his laptop and pulled off his glasses, setting them down on the table.
He sighed and lifted himself up from his chair, stretching out his arms. He turned to look out the window, which was flung open. Squinting at the fluttering curtains, he realized that the window hadn’t been open earlier. He spun quickly to survey his room, x-ray vision peeling away the layers of the building. Who was unlucky enough to have broken into Superman’s apartment of all people. But instead of finding an intruder, he found a bat-shaped form lazing near a wall, hidden by the shadows.
Clark sighed, relaxing his shoulders and looking pointedly at the man, “Hey, B,” The usual excitement at seeing Bruce bled into his tired tone.
Bruce stood up straight and stepped into the light, tilting his head slightly, which made him seem more cat-like. He didn’t answer Clark, leaving them standing apart awkwardly. Clark gave him a tired smile, he was still getting used to Bruce’s antics, at least they never failed to amuse him.
Bruce pulled off his cowl in a fluid motion, ending it by gracefully placing it next to Clark’s glasses. Clark's eyes followed the movement and then shot back to Bruce’s face. Bruce met Clark’s gaze, his cheeks tingeing with red.
“It’s late,” Bruce spoke gruffly, but his words were edged with worry. A kindness he never gave to himself.
“I know,” Clark answered, taking a step towards the other man.
“I didn’t think you would be up,” Bruce softened slightly, walking forward to meet Clark in the middle, “I thought I would check on you.”
Clark smiled, “B, you could have called me,” Bruce looked away, frowning at that, “This is okay too,” Clark added when Bruce refused to answer.
Bruce stood there, and Clark couldn’t figure out what the man wanted, so he took matters into his own hands. Clark placed his hands onto Bruce’s shoulders and pressed a kiss against his lips. Bruce sighed and melted against him, hands moving to hold onto Clark’s waist.
“We need to work on getting you to bed earlier,” Clark hummed, chuckling at Bruce’s look of disapproval.
“You’re up just as late as me,” Bruce grumbled, glaring pointedly at Clark.
“This is a one time thing for me. But you never get any rest,” Bruce stared daggers at Clark, only earning him another smile. “You’re going to sleep now.”
Bruce’s eyes widened slightly, “No. I need to get back to Gotham,” He replied while crossing his arms, “I have more patrolling to do.”
“Do you have any meetings or anything in the morning? Any rogue's plans happening tonight?”
“No. But-” Bruce huffed dejectedly, still attempting to get out of sleeping.
“Then you're staying here.” Clark ran his hands against Bruce’s armor, searching for the clasps to free him of it. Bruce pouted, not helping at all as Clark struggled to get him out of the suit.
Finally, after a few minutes of struggles, Clark had a batsuit-less Bruce standing in his living room. Bruce frowned as Clark pulled him into his bedroom, settling him down on his bed. Clark went to leave the room to change into his pyjamas, but Bruce grabbed onto his sleeve tightly. Clark was quickly dragged towards him, he could have easily escaped the other’s grasp, but who was he to deny Bruce anything.
Clark sat down with Bruce, enveloping him in his arms. Bruce crushed himself against the Kryptonian, sighing into his chest.
“But seriously, why did you come check on me?” Clark murmured, running a hand through Bruce’s hair, “Don’t get me wrong, you’re always welcome.”
Bruce just grunted in reply and squeezed Clark tightly to him. Clark smiled down at him and shook his head slightly, chuckling under his breath. Maybe Bruce’s problem wasn’t about making sure Clark was okay, but with Bruce himself. Clark was more than acquainted with Bruce’s lack of asking for help. Or with the lack of admitting that all he needed was a hug.
“Okay, bad day?”
“Mh-hm” Bruce hummed, which was more than Clark usually got. The man wasn’t that vocal on bad days and Clark was more than fine with that. At least now Bruce was slightly better at admitting that he needed physical contact, even though it may not be verbally and more hints toward it.
“Anything I can do?” Clark stroked the other’s hair as he pulled away from the warmth of the embrace. Bruce looked up at him, tugging on his shoulders until Clark finally leaned down to kiss him again.
Clark laughed softly as they parted, “That’s all you need, huh?” Bruce’s face tinged pink and his eyes darted away and then back to Clark, glaring. Clark only smiled wider and nestled him back into his arms, kissing the top of his head. Bruce huffed and pushed at Clark with both of his hands, gaining enough space to throw his arms around him and to crash their mouths together.
Clark took the opportunity to push Bruce into the bed, intent on getting the stubborn man to rest. Slowly escaping the bed, Clark pulled up the covers to tuck Bruce in. Bruce’s eyes were still closed softly when Clark’s mouth left his own, springing open when he noticed the lack of Clark next to him.
Sitting up, he stared down Clark, who had changed into his pyjamas at super speed. Bruce continued to stare at him while crossing his arms, his brow furrowing in annoyance.
“Hn.” Came the first thing Bruce had said for quite a bit. Clark smiled at his obvious pouting and was quick to join him in the bed. Wrapping his arms around the bat, Clark kissed his forehead before settling down for the night. Bruce's protests didn’t last too long after Clark had him tucked against his warm Kryptonian body.
Sometimes all Bruce really needed was affection and a calm place to go (and sleep, of course). Clark was always more than happy to supply a place for Bruce, especially if it meant he got to deal with a clingy bat.