Inbetween

Chapter Twenty One: Breakfast With The Waynes

What's the best way you guys get your productivity back after a funk?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Clark landed just outside the manor with a fresh bouquet of flowers and a box of donuts he got from his neighborhood bakery. He felt his heart drop to his stomach just at the sight of Bruce's home. He knew Bruce was insanely rich and that he lived in a mansion but he wasn't expecting it to be so big. It had about five floors, the front door was taller than Clark which was rare considering he was over six feet, and what really made Clark's nerves get the best of him was he could see the Wayne's setting the table up and talking from one of the windows. Clark sucked in a deep breath trying his best to compose himself. With one last sigh he knocked at the massive door.

Within seconds a butler was opening the door for him and letting him in. He could only assume that the man in front of him was Alfred. Though Bruce never said it Clark could tell that Alfred was like a father figure to him; he knew that getting Alfred's approval would help him immensely, but he also didn't want to seem insincere.

"You must be master Clark," Alfred extended his hand.

Clark rested the flowers on top of the box and held both with one hand so that he could shake Alfred with his other hand. He gave him a firm yet gentle handshake.

"Please just Clark." He smiled and Alfred gave him a curt nod.

"My apologies." Alfred started to guide him to the kitchen and he followed closely behind.

He couldn't stop but gaze at the manor in front of him; the high ceilings had beautiful chandeliers that sparkled under the sun's glow. The architecture of the home was gothic and Clark could tell the manor was inherited. The gothic designs were common in the older Gotham buildings but lately the mayor was trying to modernize the city; Clark loved the fact the Bruce stuck to the roots of his home town. He looked back down at Alfred who was watching him from the side of his eye.

"It's an honor to meet you." Clark could hear his heart pounding in his ears.

"I could say the same." Alfred looked over at Clark fully, "it's not everyday you get to meet Superman."

"And it's not everyday you get to meet the man that helped raise and train Batman." Clark pointed out which made Alfred chuckle.

"I suppose not." He shook his head and Clark could tell that Alfred was the least of his issues.

They entered the insanely, massive kitchen where Bruce and his two boys sat talking while the food sizzled on the stove. The slick interior was not surprising but the small touches of home were. Bruce drank his coffee from a World's Best Dad mug and on the fridge were recent report cards along with pictures of various family friends and the boys. There was even a few of Alfred who didn't smile in any of them but Clark could tell he was happy. Clark felt his stomach twist with anxiety as they stopped talking and acknowledged his entrance.

"Hey, Clark!" Richard beamed and Clark returned his smile.

"Hey guys." He stood near the entrance as Alfred moved past him and back to the stove.

"Come sit down." Bruce patted the stool beside him and Clark moved further into the kitchen.

He took his seat beside Bruce and handed him the flowers gaining a soft thank you from Bruce.  Clark  felt another wave of nerves hit him. Bruce patted his thigh and he looked over at him hoping he didn't look as nervous as he felt.

"Coffee?" Richard stood up and Clark hesitated for a moment.

"Sure." He smiled, "thank you."

Richard nodded and moved to make Clark a cup. Damien huffed and stood beside Alfred pretending to be interested in the food. Bruce bit back a sigh and Clark noticed a flicker of annoyance in Bruce's eyes.