A Kryptonian's Fixation

Bruce: See You At Six

"When's Papa coming back?" Dick gave me and Alfred a pouting look.

It was cute and I had to agree, I wanted to see him. However, he had to make up for all the lost time.

"He has a lot of work; it'll take him a while to get through." I paused before sighing heavily, the boy needed to know he wasn't alone. "I miss him too."

Dick nodded sadly before suddenly he popped up with the largest grin on his face! His eyes were shining like he had solved a fascinating puzzle! Which made me a bit unnerved and worried about what he was going to say next.

"You could buy the Planet!"

I blinked at his shout, taking a moment to really understand what he just said, before chuckling. I gave him an amused look as I shook my head.

"Being his boss is the last thing I want."

He pouted, huffing a little. He looked like he was ready to go on about how it wouldn't be that bad, but he didn't have the time.

"I believe it is time for you to get on with school, Master Richard." Alfred saved me with a kind smile, gently urging my ward to finish his breakfast.

The boy huffed again, but there was clearly a hint of a smile on his face. Neither of us could have an attitude with the old butler. He was far too kind and genuine for us to even try most days. Besides, he would see through all of our bullshit. Some days I believe he's a better detective than even me.

I had decided to leave with them, wishing Dick the best in school before we got into our separate cars and began to drive in our separate ways. I leaned back into my seat as I began to think about what I needed to do that day, as well as to try and get back on what was going on with Clark. I'm almost positive that something was happening, Ivy's smoke had been specifically for me, meaning it was meant to do something...

Suddenly there was a ringing sounding through the car. Glancing down, my lips quirked into a smile.

"Answer call." There was a soft ding in response. "Hey, Clark, Dick misses you."

There was a deep chuckle with a hum.

"I miss you both too... I was actually wondering if you wanted to learn martial arts with me?"

I could already see him rubbing the back of his neck, looking away. A soft laugh left my throat, a smile.

"What? Did I say something funny?" He sounded worried, which made me laugh a little more.

"I know 'martial arts', Clark. Know a number of them. If you want, I can pick up and train you myself. Dick would be happy to see you."

There was a pause before he sighed deeply.

"You don't have to do that..."

"I'm almost confident that I have more skill and knowledge than anyone you could afford, Papa."

There was spluttering on the other side, making me laugh more. I winced a little as I put a hand on my check, feeling myself smile. I guess I couldn't really stop smiling with this idiot. Even if I know that something was wrong.

"Now that was mean." The country boy whined to me.

"So, pick you up at six-thirty? I'll bring Dick, he'd beg and pout either way... Actually, asked me to buy the Daily Planet."

A surprised sounded from the phone, me just parking in my normal spot.

"He did? Cute."

"Yeah. So, see you at six?"

Clark hummed softly. "Yeah," his voice sounded like a soothing melody, "see you at six, Bruce. Don't overwork yourself... Have a good day at work..."

"Don't forget about yourself, Clark... Take care." I hung up after that, closing my eyes and leaning back.

Damn... Why was I falling for him? Was Dick right? Had I always liked him? Was I just using Ivy as an excuse? To some extent, I hoped so, and I also hoped that this wasn't something she had done. I really want this...

Opening my eyes, I turned off the car and grabbed my phone and suitcase. I still had a long day ahead of me before I could relax with Clark and my ward. Yet, the day already seemed so much brighter, maybe it wouldn't be as long. I can only hope.