Inbetween

Chapter Thirteen: Late Night Talks

Thoughts on Robert Pattinson as Batman?
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Night fell and Bruce found himself laying awake staring at the ceiling. His date with Clark went well and he was happy with where they were at. He just hated where his mind was at right now. One moment he wants Clark and nothing else and then the next he's pushing Clark away because he doesn't want to get hurt. He hasn't felt this conflicted since his relationship with Damien's mother though it was much easier for him to realize that he was better off without her.

He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He could feel his chest warm with a blush as he recounted some of the moments from their date. Specifically when Clark was talking about his heart. It had to be one of the most romantic things Bruce had ever heard and he couldn't contain the butterflies that burst in his stomach. The way Clark made Bruce feel young again scared him but it was also intoxicating.

Bruce felt warmth rush to his chest as his thoughts wandered to Clark. His feelings for the other hero had been repressed for so long it felt odd actually expressing them. His cheeks warmed with a warm blush. He hated how frazzled Clark made him and he wished he could say that this was the first time thinking about Clark made him lose sleep but it definitely wasn't. The way his heart was pounding quickly against the ribcage made him want to march up to Clark's room and wake him.

A sharp knock on his door knocked him out of his thoughts. He felt his palms grow sweaty but he sat up and whispered a "come in". His door creaked open and Clark's head popped in. His hair was messy from sleep and his eyes looked droopy still. Bruce noted that he was shirtless and very attractive half-asleep. Clark stepped in and crossed his arms over his chest.

"What's wrong?" Clark's voice was deeper than usual and Bruce felt another blush rush to his neck.

"What do you mean?" Bruce cleared his throat and ignored Clark's question.

"Bruce." Clark's tone was serious and Bruce loved it.

"I'm serious, Clark." Bruce continued to play dumb, "I am trying to sleep if you don't mind."

Clark let out a scoff and ran a hand through his hair, "we both know that's a lie."

Bruce hated that Clark knew him just as well as he knew Clark. He mirrored Clark's body language and crossed his arms over his chest as well. Bruce averted eye contact and Clark stepped closer. The moonlight illuminated  Clark's face and chest and he looked absolutely stunning in the moonlight.

"Your heart is driving me crazy." Clark admitted, "I was in and out of sleep listening to you."

Bruce opened his mouth to say something but Clark kept going.

"And don't get me started on the blood rushing." Clark huffed, "you're thinking about something that keeps making you blush so for the love of everything will you just tell me."

"I thought I was the bossy one." Bruce teased and Clark let out a soft chuckle.

"It drives me wild." Bruce couldn't read the look in Clark's eyes but he knew it made his heart jump.

Clark was finally standing near Bruce's side of the bed and the other man pushed the blanket off of himself to give Clark somewhere to sit. Clark sat near Bruce's legs and Bruce still made it a point not to give him direct eye contact. Bruce knew he was being dumb but the way Clark was making him feel he wasn't sure how to act right anymore. Clark leaned towards Bruce and huffed.

"So spill, bats." Clark rested a hand on Bruce's leg.

"You know what." Bruce looked down at Clark's hand, "so why bother asking?"

"Because I don't know." Clark shook his head, "I wouldn't have asked if I did."

Bruce scowled at him and pushed his hand away. Clark didn't put it back but instead waited patiently for Bruce's response. A cool nights breeze made its way through his cracked window and he couldn't help the shiver that ran up his spin as he built up the courage to speak.

"You." Bruce sighed, "I keep thinking about you."

Clark's eyebrows shot up and a small smile crept onto his face. Bruce shoved him a little his ears burning with a blush. He hated that Clark could get him so flustered so quickly. Clark did his best to fight back his smile.

"I make you blush at night when you're by yourself?" Clark spoke as though he was trying to believe his own words.

"Shut up." Bruce huffed, "no need to rub it in."

Clark raised an eyebrow, "I'm not rubbing it in. I'm surprised someone like you could like someone like me as much as you do."

"What's that suppose to mean?" Bruce's lips went in a thin line, "someone like me?"

"Someone who is serious, smart, calculated." Clark started, "you're insanely gorgeous and extremely talented."

Bruce hated how that made his chest feel all warm and fuzzy, "stop."

"I'm serious someone as special as you flustered by someone like me." Clark whistled, "I can't even fathom it."

"How can't you?" Bruce's eyebrows scrunched together, "you're beyond this world and made of the sun. You are amazing, kind, bright, and beautiful."

Clark gaped at Bruce's word and watched how the sincerity practically oozed out of Bruce. He had never seen him so open and honest. It was refreshing.

"You inspire me daily and I don't think I would be half the hero I am today without someone like you in my life." Bruce planted a hand on Clark's knee, "you are the light in my life."

The wind was knocked out of Clark's chest and he felt his face burn. Bruce was expressing his love for Clark without even realizing it. But Clark realized and he wasn't sure what he did to deserve such sweetness from him. He smiled up at Bruce and placed his hand on top of Bruce's hand.

"Well if I'm your light your my dark but in the best way possible." Clark's smile hadn't left, "you are the comfort of darkness, the intoxicating passion hidden in the dark, while also the quiet reserve that comes with the night. You are peace and reflection."

"Who knew Clark Kent was such a poet." Bruce teased and Clark removed his hand.

"I write much more than just articles for the Daily Planet." Clark joked, "my talents are insanely vast."

Bruce's crows feet appeared along with the smile on his face, "I'm sure they are."

Clark patted Bruce's thigh and stood up. Bruce watched him with nervous eyes. He knew Clark wouldn't cross any lines unless he let him but yet his stomach had grew a small pit expecting him to make a move. Clark ran his fingers through his messy hair once again and let out a small, satisfied sigh.

"I'm going to head back to bed." He announced, "unless you'd like to continue our conversation?"

"No, I think I'm going to go to bed as well." Bruce hummed, "thank you for checking on me."

"Anything for you." Clark winked.

Bruce bit back a smile as he watched the other man step out of the room. He was in way too deep and he had no idea what he was going to do. As much as he loved Clark he wasn't sure if he was willing to give his heart away too easily. He huffed and slipped under his blanket. He wished his heart wasn't so damaged. Maybe if it wasn't he'd actually be able to enjoy the love and attention he's receiving from the man that he's undoubtedly in love with.