SuperBat Oneshots and Short Stories

Just A Hangout Part 4

Clark leaves through the same window he came in through. He flies up to the roof and lies down, looking up at the sky. Clark sighs and runs his hand through his hair, "Maybe I shouldn't have left him. I was pretty harsh when I left after he told me about his nightmare." Clark furrows his brows and closes his eyes, "He didn't seem like he wanted me there, though." Clark makes a frustrated sound and facepalms. "I should go back inside and explain myself. I feel horrible just leaving him like that." Clark stays on the roof for a few more minutes, working up the courage to go back inside.

Bruce sits in his room, shocked and unsure of what to do. His mind starts to race, and his heartbeat quickens. He stays in his bed and grabs a pillow, holding it close while trying to control his breathing. A few moments pass of him trying to control his breathing before a realization sets in, "Oh god. I-I can't breathe," Bruce chokes out. He continues to try to breathe and calm his mind. He holds the pillow tighter and rocks back and forth. I feel like I'm gonna throw up. He thinks to himself before stumbling out of bed and over to the bathroom. He leans against the toilet and sits there while feeling nauseous and having trouble breathing. His vision starts to blur, and Bruce starts softly sobbing. "I'm s-sorry, Clark. I-I'm so sorry."

Clark works up the courage to go back inside and flies through the window once again. He briskly walks to Bruce's room but doesn't see him on the bed. "Bruce!? Bruce, where are you!?" Clark calls out, getting no response. "Super hearing," Clark mutters before using his super hearing and listening for Bruce. He hears the sound of sobbing and gasping for air. He quickly follows it to the bathroom and throws open the door. Clark sees Bruces on the floor, sobbing and trying to breathe. "Bruce! Oh my god, are you okay?" Clark rushes over to Bruce, "Hey, it's okay. It's okay." Clark wraps his arms around Bruce and tightly holds him.

"C-Clark?" Bruce manages to get out before sobbing into his shirt and hugging him back.

"Yeah, it's me. It's okay. You need to try to breathe, Bruce. You're okay," Clark speaks in a gentle voice.

"Can't," Bruce managed to get out as he held Clark tighter.

"Bruce, it's okay. Focus on my words, alright?" Clark starts to rock the two, hoping the small movement will help Bruce. "Just take small breaths right now. I know you feel like you can't breathe, but I promise you that you can." Bruce nods. He starts to take small breaths. They're short and shallow, but he's no longer gasping for air. "That's good, you're doing great," Clark whispers, still rocking. "Okay, can you try to take some deeper breaths now?" Bruce nods and struggles but manages to take a few deep breaths. "Good, that's good. Bruce, this will pass. You're going to be okay. Just keep breathing, focus on me. It's okay."

"Th-thank you," Bruce quietly speaks as he tucks his face into the crook of Clark's neck. Clark continues to hold him and starts to rub small circles on his back.

"You don't need to thank me. I'm just happy that you're safe and okay now. Bruce, I have an idea. Will you hear me out?" Clark asks, and Bruce nods. "Okay, do you want to try taking a cold shower? I don't have to leave, and you can keep your clothes on," Clark suggests, his voice soft and his tone gentle.  

"Mhm."

"Okay. that's good to hear. Do you want me to keep holding you? I can get in with you if you want."

"Mhm," Bruce responded. Clark smiles and gently picks him up. He holds Bruce in one arm as he turns on the shower. He makes sure the water is cold and takes a deep breath himself.

"Okay, we're going to get in the cold water now. Are you ready?" Clark asks, and Bruce nods. Clark steps into the shower. As the cold water hits them, Bruce gasps and tightens his grip for a few seconds. His breathing grows steadier as the minutes pass. After a few minutes, Bruce is breathing normally again

"Thank you, Clark. I-I'm feeling better now," Bruce says, breaking the silence.

Clark lets out a sigh of relief and smiles. "I'm so happy to hear that. I was terrified when I found you like that. D-do, do you want me to set you down now?" Clark asks, looking at Bruce for an answer. Bruce nods his head, and Clark gently sets him down in the shower. Bruce stands under the cold water, letting it run over him as he takes a deep breath.

Bruce turns around and looks at Clark. "I-" He starts but stops and sighs.

"Don't push yourself to say anything. You don't need to. I actually have something to say to you, though." Clark takes a deep breath, "I'm sorry, Bruce. I left you in your room alone after hearing about your nightmare. I knew it wasn't a good idea and I feel horrible about it. I'm so sorry." Clark speaks quickly and puts his face into his hands.

Bruce's eyes widen, and he purses his lips. "It's okay. I snapped when there wasn't a reason to. I apologize." Bruce runs his hands through his hair as he speaks. Clark stares at him for a few seconds and starts to laugh quietly. Bruce glares at Clark, "What's so funny this time?"

"You look like a grumpy cat when you're wet. It's almost adorable." Clark smiles and continues to laugh.

"Shut up, you look like a wet dog," Bruce mumbles and turns away, Clark's eyes widen, and he laughs again.

"I do, don't I?" He grabs a strand of his hair and looks at it before looking down at his body. "...my clothes. They're soaked."

Bruce rubs his neck and apologizes before stepping out of the shower. "I can see if I have any clothes that fit you since... your clothes are only like that because of me," Bruce says as He takes off his shirt. He looks at Clark before closing the shower curtain. "I'm not letting you see me naked, Clark. Don't use your x-ray vision either," Bruce says as he takes off his soaked pants and boxers. He wraps a towel around his waist and re-opens the shower curtain. "Leave your wet clothes in here. Come to my room for clothes after you're dried off." Bruce turns off the shower and walks out of the bathroom.

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Hi everyone! I hope I was able to do this chapter some justice. I have a headcannon that Bruce developed a panic disorder after his parents were killed in front of him, so I incorporated that into this. If I got anything wrong, please feel free to tell me, and I'll try to change it to make it better and more accurate. I hope you enjoyed reading this long part. It was super fun for me to write! Have an amazing day/night! - p1mp<33

Word Count- 1113