POSSESSION ; INJUSTICE SUPERBAT

Chapter 09

"Do I have to?"

It wasn't a question. It was a demand.

Kal had a brow raised. His arms folded over his chest. His eyes threatened Diana to try and oppose him. Diana sighed at the crankiness of her lover. He had been absent at most of the meetings, spending more time with his little human. People around them had been starting to question him. Especially ever since the whole incident between Damian and Kal.

Everyone knew a fight would break out. Anything related to Bruce was enough to make Damian angry. The fact that his father's younger self was living in the same building as him— it was more than enough to set off a huge fight between Damian and Kal.

However much they quarrelled, however much Damian questioned , nobody had expected Kal to hurt Damian. The Kryptonian's emotions hadn't been stable since he'd lost his wife. Still, he'd never crossed the line and hurt someone innocent before— especially his own companions.

The first time he'd hurt Hal, everyone had accepted it without questioning much since they'd all agreed. The fact was that the Yellow Lantern had taken a step too far in his treatment of a child. He'd injured an innocent for his own pride.

But Damian was like a son towards Kal. The boy might be arrogant, he might be difficult at certain times, but Kal had never physically hurt him. They didn't know what had moved Kal to hurt a child he viewed as his son, but despite not knowing they could feel that something was changing within their leader.

"Yes, you have to." Diana's reply was final. Her tone was stern, giving no space for discussion. "Your absence has caused our soldiers to start doubting you. With the recent incidents - including Hal's broken arm and Damian's injured state, our companions are starting to wonder if you are even serious with your promise of Order. The least you should do by now, to gain back everyone's trust, is to attend the meeting."

He gave out a sigh — clearly unhappy with the decision Diana had made. "Fine," he said. "But for three days? Can't we finish the deal in one day?"

"Kal." She took a step towards him. Her fingers wrapped around his wrist. Her eyes gazed into his. "You seem extremely distressed recently. Not only does this meeting prove your claims to the others, you could consider these three days as a relief from taking care of Bruce. You've been caring for the boy every day. You must be tired." She leaned forward, pressing a kiss on his cheek. "Consider this as a short break for you. Maybe it will allow you to think more clearly. Please?"

A sense of hesitation glinted in his eyes when she moved forward to kiss him. However, Kal did not push Diana away. He felt odd. He felt insecure for an unknown reason. He was confused by his own thoughts. He loved Lois, his wife. But did he hold the same feeling towards Diana?

Or Bruce? Is that why he'd dreamed of the vigilante in his sleep?

He wanted to neutralize those toxic thoughts.

It was just so confusing and perplexing, Kal felt as if his head would explode.

He nodded stiffly. Diana seemed to be contented at his agreement. He hesitated, but his promised arrival to the meeting of Atlantians was more than enough for her.

"Well then, I will let Aquaman know about this." With that, Diana left his office. He was being left alone in the small space of the room. However, he didn't felt troubled about it. In fact, the silence was good. He found he preferred it suddenly, needed the silence to clear of his thoughts.

Perhaps she's right. Maybe I have been too tired and emotional recently. It would certainly explain why he would have such an insane dream. With that in mind, he decided to forget about the confusing feelings and his wet dream of Batman. Just like Diana said, he could take this meeting as a break from all of his chores.