The Curse Of Knowledge (SuperBat)

11 Okay

Shortly after, Bruce regressed again. He felt safe in Clark's arms as they went back to sleep. Of course, they separated five minutes later due to Bruce's kicking.

For the next couple of days, Bruce was clingy and nervous. He was still reeling from Joker taking him. He may have regressed, but he knew that Clark would take care of him. He was safe.

Clark woke up, Bruce was on the floor. He was playing with his toy car.

"Good morning, Bruce."

Bruce looked up and greeted, "Good morning."

Clark looked at the time.

Today Bruce had another appointment with the doctor. They were going to work with coping skills since the first session didn't go too well.

Clark asked, "Did you brush your teeth?"

Bruce shook his head no.

"Come on. Let's go brush our teeth." Clark got up from the bed. He reached his hand out for Bruce.

Bruce stood up and reached him, but he didn't grab his hand. He said, "I'm a big boy. I'm not scared anymore."

Clark smiled and said, "Yes, you are a big boy. Brave and bold."

Bruce smiled at the compliment.

They went to take care of morning business.

Soon they were in the dining room eating breakfast. Damian and Dick joined them.

Bruce quietly ate. He was content with breakfast. His mouth was sticky with syrup as he ate.

When he was done eating, Clark called, "Bruce."

Bruce looked at him. "Hm?"

Clark had a damp napkin in his hand. "Come here."

Puzzled, Bruce leaned forward.

Clark wiped his face. "Much better."

Dick commented, "You are quite the messy eater." He got up as he was done eating. He was still going around at Batman. It wasn't as often since he had his own life, but it was helpful. It was enough to not get Gotham suspicious.

Damian ate quietly. He always kept a quiet eye on his Father. It could be overprotective nature, but he never admitted it. Half the time, they never saw him since he was very sneaky. He said, "I'll be heading out." He got up and left the dining room.

He will most likely be back to sneak on them a few times during the day.

Clark and Bruce were left alone. Bruce went to wash his hands while Clark sat for a bit.

Clark observed Bruce through the wall to make sure he was alright.

It was true that Bruce was feeling better.

Clark was relieved about that. He didn't like seeing Bruce so down. He was also nervous about the next session with the doctor. Last thing he needed was to be peed on again. Speaking of that... Clark stood up and called, "Bruce, let's go potty."

Later in the afternoon, the doctor arrived. They sat in the same formation as the last time. The doctor on a chair while Bruce is on the far side of the couch. Beside him, Clark is on the floor.

The doctor asked, "So you were big for a little bit, hunh?"

Bruce said, "Yeah. I was very big, but it got scary and it hurt a lot."

"Oh, I'm sorry," she said. "It must've been tough."

He nodded.

She asked, "Do you know why it hurts?"

Bruce said, "When I think a lot, it hurts."

"Where does it hurt?"

He answered, "Everywhere." He looked down and frowned. "I don't like it. I think of everything and it hurts everywhere."

The two continued talking while Clark listened patiently. Eventually, it got to another point.

The doctor asked, "Do you want to stay three?"

Bruce shrugged, "Being three is easy and fun. He's always there." He pointed at Clark. "But I have a lot of... stuff that's... very, very important." He was struggling to find the right words. "A lot of important things."

"Well," the doctor said. "That's why I am here. To help you to your goal, so life won't be so bad for you. Maybe this regression doesn't have to be a burden, but a way to help you out some and use it to your advantage. I can guide you through this."

Clark looked up at him with an encouraging smile.

Bruce glanced at him, then back at the doctor. "Okay," he said with a smile.