Inbetween

Chapter Twelve: First Date

Writing this while I can't sleep but am desperately tired.
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Clark was absolutely beaming as they walked through the town square. It was filled with people laughing and socializing. A barbecue competition for homecoming was in full effect and Clark couldn't be happier. One thing about Kansas was they had the best barbecue to Clark. Bruce who was walking right on his side was practically glowing under the bright southern sun. He loved seeing Clark so happy and didn't mind the abundance of sun tea being offered by a majority of the vendors.

"Is it like this every year?" Bruce hummed.

"Mostly," Clark shrugged, "different competitions for different years."

Bruce nodded and took a drink of his tea, "did you use to compete?"

"I can't cook to save my life." Clark chuckled, "I'm good with the basics but I don't have any special recipes."

"Maybe I can teach you." Bruce hummed.

"You cook?" Clark eyebrows shot up.

"Don't look so surprised." Bruce scoffed, "I took culinary classes in high school."

"Of course." Clark nudged Bruce's shoulder and Bruce rolled his eyes.

"Alfred thought it would be a good skill set to have." Bruce admitted, "he was right."

"So what I'm hearing is tasty dinners every night at the Wayne Manor." Clark guided Bruce away from one of the crowds.

He placed his hand at the small of Bruce's back. It sent a shiver up the millionaires spin and a blush spread across the back of his neck. His breath caught in his throat but he did his best to remain composed. Clark noticed and bit back a grin; he also thought best not to mention it.

"That's a given even without my cooking." Bruce's tone was tight and Clark kept his hand firmly on Bruce's back.

"Hm, that's true." Clark smiled and Bruce returned it.

They made their way towards one of the busier vendors and ordered their food. Bruce went for a classic burger plate while Clark went for the rib plate. They took their seats at a picnic table and Bruce tossed on his shades. They fell into a comfortable silence and Bruce couldn't remember a time he enjoyed a meal without thinking about one of his many problems revolving around his family, kids, and city. It was nice to just have the peace that came with being in Kansas with Clark.

"Is it always this peaceful out here?" Bruce stopped eating and looked over at Clark who was biting into a fry.

"Yes, that's why I usually come out here when I need to clear my head or make an important decision." Clark sighed, "it feels like a different world."

Bruce nodded, "it's nice."

"So I can finally say I told you so?" Clark chuckled.

Bruce rolled his eyes and went back to eating. Clark let out a soft chuckle and continued eating as well. Clark couldn't help but study Bruce for a moment and he realized how much younger Bruce looked when he wasn't in a constant state of worry or planning.

"Ready for our next spot?" Clark raised an eyebrow.

~*~

Bruce was not expecting a long car ride, and hike and he certainly didn't dress for it. Clark would grab Bruce and float over the muddy areas to make sure Bruce didn't ruin his outfit; or as Bruce stated his seven-thousand dollar shoes. They finally reached a beautiful lake. The sunset was beginning to set turning the sky into a beautiful light blue/purple hue with a small mix of orange and red. Clark planted Bruce on the ground and Bruce straightened himself out. Clark requested Bruce wait one minute and he flew off.

After a couple of minutes of Bruce embracing the scenery around him Clark returned with a picnic blanket, a bottle of wine, and two wine glasses. He laid the blanket out and both men took a seat on top of it. Clark decided to rest on his side facing Bruce. He started to set the wine glasses down and pour their drinks. Bruce watched him with a small smile on his face.

"Do you bring all your dates out here?" Bruce teased and Clark let out a soft chuckle.

"Don't start." He handed Bruce his cup and took a sip of his own, "I've never brought any one here."

Bruce only hummed as he took a drink of his wine. They enjoyed each other's silence the cool autumn breeze sending a chill up Bruce's spine. Clark raised an eyebrow and scooted closer to Bruce so he could warm him up some. Bruce shot Clark a look and took a gulp of his drink.

"Your heart is beating faster than usual, Bruce." Clark turned over to look at him and Bruce's breath caught in his throat.

Bruce cleared his throat, "shut up, Kent."

"I'm just saying." Clark smirked, "I know your heart beat anywhere and I know when it sounds different."

"You know my heart?" Bruce hated how his voice shook.

Bruce wasn't use to getting this much attention especially since he's stopped dating. But even when he was dating he was the one putting in the effort. With Selena he was giving her the compliments, the gifts, and extending his help she on the other hand gave him more than his share of heart break and grief. He could see panic flicker momentarily in Clark's eyes before he blinked it away.

"How could I not." Clark smiled, "ever since we started fighting together for league missions it was the best indicator to make sure you were okay."

Bruce hoped his disappointment wasn't obvious but he saw Clark shift from his position. Suddenly Clark cupped his cheek and his tone grew softer and his eyes filled with fondness.

"But then it became what I fell asleep to every night and what I looked forward to hearing every morning."

"Clark." Bruce hasn't felt this vulnerable in a long time.

"Bruce, I'm in love with you." Clark leaned in.

Bruce felt his throat go dry but his eyes fluttered shut and suddenly they were kissing. Bruce's hand rested on Clark's chest and he could feel the warmth under his palm. The kiss was intimate, gentle and nothing Bruce expected from Clark. He expected clumsy and eager and yet he defied Bruce's expectations in the best possible way. Clark pulled him in closer and suddenly Bruce was on his lap with his hands resting on Bruce's hips.

Their kiss deepened and Bruce tried his best to hold back his moan. He ran his hands through Clark's hair and Clark's arms wrapped around his frame. The pit in his stomach warmed and felt a blush form at his neck. Clark's hands traveled down his back and he couldn't help but arch his back and Clark's nails traced lower. Clark broke the kiss and started to kiss a trail down Bruce's jaw and to his neck. He started to suck and nibble and Bruce let out a soft moan. Clark paused at the sounds but started again.

Bruce squirmed in his lap and Clark moved his hands and held Bruce down with firm hands on Bruce's thighs.

"Clark." Bruce threw his head back in bliss and Clark reached for Bruce's jean button.

"Bruce." Clark teased as licked a tender spot on Bruce's neck.

"Wait-ah, Clark." Bruce pulled away and Clark looked up at him with lusty eyes.

"What's wrong?" Clark went back to rubbing his thighs.

"Maybe we should wait." Bruce huffed trying to regain his composure.

"That's okay." Clark smiled at him and pulled him down for a gentle kiss, "I'll wait as long as I need to for you."

"I just don't want to do anything too hasty." Bruce admitted, "I want us to do when we're both completely comfortable."

"I'm comfortable, Bruce." Clark reassured him, "but I won't push you into anything if you're not."

"Okay, thank you for being understanding." Bruce slipped off his lap.

"Of course." Clark squeezed his hand softly.

They both fell into easy conversation and Bruce caught Clark looking at him with soft eyes and a loving smile more than once throughout their conversation. It made his heart skip a beat and his chest warm. He forgot what it felt like to start falling in love.