POSSESSION ; INJUSTICE SUPERBAT

Chapter 03

It had been nearly a week since Kal brought Bruce back to his timeline. The child was slowly recovering from his fever. Liveliness was regaining in the pair of blue eyes with each day passing by. Bruce's heart beats at a steady pace. All of these healthy signs lifted a heavyweight from Kal's chest.

However, it was only a short moment of happiness. Suddenly, Bruce refused to speak. Kal didn't understand why. He tried to talk with the child. He spoke in a gentle tone. He tried to cheer him up with toys and storybooks. But none of his efforts has worked out. The dead silence between them maintained for five days, frustrating Kal.

Time is needed to create a bond. He needed to be patient. Kal understood. But Bruce's refusal to speak caused him to fear that the boy is going to distance himself from him. Why couldn't Bruce see that he is safe now? At this moment, he just hoped that the boy could approach him wholeheartedly. He wanted the child to understand that there are no dangers around. He wanted to gain Bruce's acceptance.

Bruce's... acceptance?

Kal quickly disregarded the ridiculous thoughts with a punch against the wall beside him. His sudden action startled a few members who stood nearby. Kal ignored the concerned stares of others as he walked into his office. His eyes were wide in disbelief at the unbelievable desire which floated in his mind.

Acceptance?

Why would he need Bruce's acceptance?

Batman turned his back on him. He betrayed him and tried to ruin his perfect world. He is the reason Joker targeted Lois. Kal despised everything which he reminded him of Batman. So how could he care for the child? How could he start to feel affection towards him?

He must be going insane.

★

"Superman!"

A loud slap against the marble desk startled Kal. He blinked out of his thoughts. When he looked around, the Kryptonian noticed that everyone staring at him.

"Are you here with us?" Diana asked. Her eyes looked at Kal in concern.

He was facing a dilemma. Kal didn't feel like staying. His shoulders felt heavy. His mind was a complete mess. But at the same time, he understood how important his attendance was in the meeting. He is a leader. He has his responsibilities. Kal clenched his fists over the dilemma. Then he made his decision.

"I need some fresh air. Wonder Woman, continue the meeting without me. Inform me about the important details when I'm back." He walked towards the exit. The door slides open as he walked towards it.

"Superman!" Diana halted his step. "Where are you going?" From the look on her face, she didn't want him to leave. It almost seemed like she knew where he might go. And as if the mere thought of it saddened her.

"I'm sorry, Diana." He feigned a smile. "I will be back shortly. I promise."

And then, the door closed --- separating Kal from Diana and the others.

Out of the room, Kal feels free to express his guilt. He was alone and no one could disturb him. He knew the others might judge him for his sudden leave-taking. He never forgets the looks on their faces when he brought Bruce back - looks of disbelief and doubt. However, he quickly shook the thoughts away as he flew out and towards the Earth.

He had stayed in the sky. His gaze settled on the view beneath him. He had landed in a shopping district of Metropolis.

He used to walk on this street a normal person. He'd had dates with Lois in the cafeteria on the sideways. He'd bought their wedding rings in the jewellery store across the street. This is also the last place he'd come to Lois before he lost her forever.