Work Text:
These doors couldn’t open fast enough. Barry tapped his foot with vigour, having to displace his nervous energy somewhere on his body. He didn’t want to jostle the baby more than he already has.
He didn’t know how he ended up here with it. The memories were glimpses in his mind, his brain already repressing what he had seen. There was the woman- then, the blood. Then there were the delicate cries from the nearby pram. He hoped he at least directed the ambulance and the police properly.
The dastardly door finally opened and Barry scuttled on autopilot towards one of the safest areas- the medical wing. Thankfully, no one was in there presently; a rarity. He sat down on a cot and held the baby awkwardly. Despite the stuffy silence, it did not prove to soothe the baby any. His wails filled the empty space, and Barry was beginning to get exasperated. He could hardly calm himself down- he had no capacity to know how to care for this baby at the moment.
He cringed as he heard an urgent whirring approaching; and when he opened his eyes Superman was in the doorway. His face bunched up in worried confusion, before he levitated gently towards the two.
“Flash, what’s going on here?”
“I don’t know, I-” Barry swallowed. “I didn’t trust them with it.”
Superman only looked more confused, but as his feet lowered towards the floor his eyes softened with sympathy. Barry tried bouncing the baby in his arms slightly, but it kicked its legs out in defiance.
“Can… Can you try?” Barry panicked, holding the baby out slightly. Superman’s mouth shot open, before shaking his head no.
“To be entirely honest, I'd be no better. I feel like a sack of bricks.” He explained, grabbing his forearm to demonstrate his steel body. Barry sighed, clutching the wriggling body closer. He intensely cursed himself for his lack of judgement in bringing it here, and especially for not being able to at least comfort him. Barry’s heart sank as he saw the baby’s splotchy and irritated tan skin, his cries only increasing in volume. To make matters worse, the tell-tale urgent thumping of boots told Barry he was in for more deprecation.
The doors to the medical wing parted to reveal Batman’s silhouette, his expression undetectable.
“Flash, why on earth is there a baby in the watchtower?” he grunted, his voice barely detectable over the baby’s wailing.
Barry desperately didn’t want to reveal his reasoning once again, especially to Batman of all people- knowing that any explanation he could express would likely not be good enough. Nonetheless, it was not an option to not answer Batman once he’s questioned you.
“I rescued him from a crime scene, I just… wanted to keep him here until I could find somewhere ideal.” Barry offered, lightly bouncing the baby again. “Please don’t yell at me.” Batman narrowed his eyes, scrutinising him and the baby.
“Why would I yell… it’d startle the baby.” He moved to smoothly remove his gloves, revealing his thick hands. He held his arms upturned towards the Flash, his palms surprisingly uncalloused. Barry was hesitant at the offer, but he handed the baby over regardless.
“Support the head!” Batman hissed as Barry drew it away from his body.
As soon as Batman secured the baby, he manoeuvred it so it’s head was on his shoulder, one hand on the back and one under the buttocks. Barry and Clark watched in fascination as Batman swayed side to side as he tapped the baby’s back gently. It soothed him- but not enough. Batman then tentatively sniffed it, before breathing normally in relief.
“He’s hungry, and tired.” Batman concluded. The two other superheroes merely gaped somewhat stupidly at the display. Silence resumed between the men, the baby now merely sniffling and groaning in exasperation.
“Flash.” Batman blurted and Barry jumped to his feet.
“Yes! Yes, I'll uh… go and grab some formula.” he gasped, zooming out of the building. Clark loitered awkwardly as Batman turned away from him, the baby now peering at him over Batman’s shoulder. Its eyes were wide and inquisitive, but still welling with tears at how tired it was. Clark smiled fondly at him as Batman bounced him while rubbing his back.
“I didn’t know you were so good with…”
“Children?”
“Yeah.”
Clark was expecting Batman to follow up with something along the lines of “I’ve rescued plenty of children, don’t tell me you’re-”. His line of thought stopped dead at Batman’s blatant smile that he could barely see.
“Well, I do love babies.” Batman said lowly, finally turning to meet his eyes slightly. A silly grin pulled across Clark’s face. “I’m a little scared to hold them, to tell you the truth.” Clark revealed, regretting the words as soon as they slipped out. He knew Batman scrutinised him for his strength.
“Hmm. I can understand why.” Batman sympathised, and Clark decided it was the best response to that statement he could’ve gotten from the man. Before either man could expand on such, Barry burst back into the room, a plastic bag rustling in his hands.
“Great. Leave it on the bed.” Batman directed, before walking over to Superman. “I need to prepare the formula, so, if you may.” he said putting his bare hands underneath the baby's arms.
“W-Wait, Batman-”
“Superman. If you are going to be saving humans on Earth, you’ll need to be able to hold an infant human.” Batman enforced, easing the baby into Clark’s arms.
“One hand underneath the lower half, the other supporting the head- there.” Batman reassured, before hurrying over to the formula.
Clark’s heart thudded as the baby huffed, but relaxed into his embrace. It was so small- his hand was as big as its head. His body tensed at the thought before he felt a tugging on the front of his cape. The baby drew it over his shoulder before shoving it into his mouth.
“Ah- no,” Clark started, pausing before he allowed his body to move to stop him. He merely let it suckle until it surmised himself that this red fabric would not provide him with what he wants.
Batman hurried into the room, with a small baby bottle that Barry had bought. He quickly took the baby from Clark, to both his relief and his dismay. The baby readily accepted the bottle, its breathing steadying as it drank fervently. Batman sauntered over to one of the beds, before lowering himself onto it slowly. Superman followed, standing by him as Batman focused on the baby.
“What are we going to do with him..?” Clark uttered. Batman blinked at him. “I know where to take him. I have connections.” he merely replied. Superman looked urgently at him, pressing him to expand on that before Batman disgruntledly added, “With Wayne foundation programs. He will be taken care of there, I'm sure of it.”
“Well, if you’re sure.” Superman responded softly. Batman nodded and smiled smally, the baby drifted into a blissful sleep.