A Kryptonian's Fixation

Alien Threat

For next couple of weeks, the amount of alien threats had increased. It wasn't just affecting Metropolis, but other large cities as well. It was slowly becoming aggravating and was conflicting with what the superheroes wanted to do in their civilian time. Namely for Clark and Bruce.

Bruce had been trying to look around and see where the hell he had okayed an oil expansion. He had been putting more money and funds into water and solar energies, especially for their car line. Having to stop every few days for a new alien attack was cutting into that. He was honestly considering asking Superman or J'onn if they could take care of it, but that would be admitting defeat. At least it would in his eyes.

Clark on the other hand was keeping up with work just fine. Sure, he was finishing earlier than usual, but his performance hadn't changed all that much. If anything, it had gotten better! The problem with everything came from the fact that his calls with Bruce were always cut short because of the attacks. Then there was the fact that he had asked if he could visit during the weekend, he was given the okay that had to be changed because they both had 'something that came up'. Which meant, for Clark, that an alien attack happened that left him bruised and too tired.

'They wouldn't be messing with us if we just killed their leaders. No, no! That would foster a greater anger in the aliens and fear in the humans. Nothing good will come from killing them. At least try the peaceful option first. Try and find why they're coming.'

Superman carefully shook his head and focused back on the screen in front of him. The meeting room was dead silent, and for a moment he feared he had spoken his thoughts aloud. Then Batman stood up, a deeper-than-normal scowl on his face.

"I had J'onn research and read the Invaders' minds. J'onn." Batman's voice was gravellier and deeper than normal, which had set everyone into stiff backs. Everyone but Superman.

The Man of Steel quietly cleared his throat and shifted into the table more to hide his new 'problem'. He found that he really like hearing that type of voice. It made him think of early morning after a rough night of sex.

"The hostile aliens seem to be attracted to Earth because of Lex Luthor."

That was like a bucket of ice-cold water tossed down his back. Everyone glanced to Superman, watched his eyes narrowed and scowl that nearly rivaled Batman's grew on his face.

"What did he say?"

J'onn shook his head.

"Nothing. I have personally checked the satellites and their messages. Nothing that would claim Earth as a place for these specific aliens to come. I believe that they are coming here because of another reason."

"There's a reason behind that belief?" Wonder Woman leaned forward, her brows furrowed.

Superman probably would've taken her more seriously if her outfit was less revealing. Now, he could sound like a hypocrite considering Kara dresses similar to the Amazonian, but they were literally bulletproof. Diana's not. Plus, at least Kara and most other female superheroes cover their chests.

'And I've seen Batman and Bruce look. I've heard his heartbeat rise. I don't like that.'

"I believe that something is forcing them to retreat. I keep getting the same description of an army."

"Darkseid?" The red-caped Kryptonian asked, his body tensing.

"I do not know."

The room went silent before Batman stood up.

"We need to send a team to investigate and bring our current captives back. Once we know who it is definitely, then we can act."

"And if it is Darkseid?" Aquaman hummed, crossing his arms as he gave the only human a look.

Superman didn't like that look.

"I have a plan for him." At those words, the room grew lighter.

As much as the head leaguers kept insisting on him not having plans for them, it always felt like the weight of the world was taken off their shoulders when he said he did have one. Perhaps it was because of how terrifyingly effective they were in either his or someone else's hands. Or it could be the fact that by some miracle of luck, those plans usually work.

"Alright, who should we send? Even with the fastest ships, and having those ships jump, it'll take a few days between each jump. And that's not if there's a problem waiting for us!" Hal through his hands up in the air while John shook his head at his fellow Green Lantern.

"We'll send Atom, Diana, Cyborg, Zatanna, Hawkgirl, Hawkman, and Superman. If it is Darkseid, they'd be needed."

Immediately John stood up, his mouth open to obviously object to sending Hawkgirl.

"If you don't like it, join them. I only made a mere suggestion." Batman hissed, silencing whatever was going to be said.

John narrowed his eyes on the powerless human before nodding and sitting down.

"I'll join."

Hawkgirl rolled her eyes.

"Me and Vixen can handle ourselves, John." She hummed but there wasn't any real bite to it.

Superman clenched his jaw, briefly wondering why he had to leave Earth instead of someone else. Then he mentally kicked himself. He was a Kryptonian, he could handle and take Darkseid. At the bare minimum give the others time to flee and call for help.

'Not like we would need them. If we just pushed ourselves, we could finally end him. We just need to get stronger, then he and others won't be a threat.'

After a bit more talking, and a quick version of the plan, the meeting was dismissed. Everyone but Superman and Batman left the meeting room. It seemed the two had similar ideas of talking with each other, just not the same topic.

"I'll let them know." Batman said when everyone was out, and he was sure they weren't in ear shot.

For a second a confused look crossed on the red-and-blue hero's face before a deep blush formed and then guilt. He covered his face with his hands and groaned.

"I completely forgot." The alien didn't even question how the other knew about his dealings with Bruce, didn't want to deal with the possible headache.

A weak chuckle left the cape crusader's lips before he lightly patted the Man of Steel's shoulders.

"I figured."

"Wait, no, I have to tell them."

"Not ready for him to know?" There was the uncharacteristic amusement in the brooding detective's voice.

A blush settled on his face as he gave a nod. He didn't want to be looked at differently. He liked subtly surprising the billionaire and getting to know him as Clark Kent... It felt comforting that way.

"Alright. I'll let you tell."

Batman patted his shoulder before he wrist was grabbed. It was held tightly, but carefully.

"This is bruising my ego, but..." Superman sighed heavily and looked into the white eyes of Batman's cowl. "I want you to train me to fight."

Batman's eyes widen and his mouth opened a little. He had never thought there would be a day where Superman would admit that he needed to learn how to actually fight and not just throw his strength around!

"Ask Bruce as well." He suddenly said. He got a confused look. "We trained together for some years, he'll be just as good as me. And you'd at least get more training in that way."

Before Clark could question Batman's words or reasoning, the man slipped from his grasp and walked out of the room. The Kryptonian furrowed his brows before shaking his head. He'll just have to figure out how the two know each other later.