Clark Kent

Everyone else knew to clear out of the infirmary when Superman had that look on his face.

It wasn't the first time, of course: Big Blue was never a fan of people getting hurt and even LESS a fan of people getting hurt because they'd pulled ridiculous stupid stunts. Those people usually, usually were not Batman, however, which meant that this was not only an issue between the leadership of the Justice League (minus Diana, who was home on some family business and had missed the whole affair) but there was also a damn good chance that there was going to be a fight between exceptionally passionate life partners.

Thus the 'clearing out' had been more... the entire floor and most of that side of the Watchtower satellite. Because everyone knew by this point that when Clark and Bruce went at it, it was going to get loud and personal.

The only one who didn't was Lar Gand, recently joined to the League. Clark's friend from when he'd been a teenager, the Daxamite had decided to lend his aid to Earth since his allergy to lead had been cured not long ago, enabling him to leave the Phantom Zone. The two had been spending a decent amount of time with one another, Lar exploring the world that was now available to him, and Clark enjoying the company of someone he'd never thought he'd get to see in person again. The two had clicked back together almost automatically, like two peas in a pod, and that was why he tried to follow Clark as he made his way to see his... well, Lar wasn't sure what he and the Batman were, exactly, but Clark had assured him that the other man was deeply important to him.

"I doubt you're going to be doing anything inappropriate with him right now, Kal," Lar pointed out as they walked through the doors towards Bruce's room. Clark didn't speak, still too angry, before turning his head towards the room.

"Oh, trust me, that's not where my mind has gone," Clark explained with a bit of a sigh, just the barest edge of a snarl at his lips. :"And I appreciate it, really I do. But I need to talk to my--" a breath in "to Bruce alone."

Lar winced but nodded, leaving as requested as Clark made his way into Bruce's room. Bruce's room where he was laid up with any number of machines checking to make sure he wouldn' tbe dying in the forseable future.

"You want to explain what in the seven hells that cowboy show was, Bruce? I'm all ears."

[continued from here]

While there were a few different airports closer to Smallville, they'd discovered that morning that the closest airport large enough for Bruce's jet was in Wichita. Martha had assured them that the truck was more than prepared to make the trip, thank you very much, and that she'd be there when they touched down with bells on.

The flight was relatively uneventful other than a heated discussion about... something? Possibly journalistic ethics? That had ended in hair ruffling, something that would be called a tickle fight if either of the combatants were below the age of ten, and a bit of mildly ridiculous making out that had ended when they'd realized that they both had to straighten up to look presentable for Martha (as well as any possible paparazzi) when they stepped out.

The only truly exciting thing that had happened during the flight was that Clark had heard Livewire causing a remarkably awful mess in the middle of Metropolis, but Diana had called before Clark had even touched his tie to inform him that the situation was being handled and that he should continue his 'leave' undisturbed on pain of Amazon displeasure.

The flight wasn't long, though, and soon enough they were making their way down the stairs and onto the tarmac, Clark moving as quick as was humanly possible to snatch their luggage up before one of the staff tried to help with it. He could carry his own bag, after all, and Bruce's too since his persona would hardly let him lug about his own things.

"I think she said she'd be circling around if we were late," Clark informed him, "but since we're on time, we can probably just head out to the arrivals gates."

Because he knew exactly where she was and the timing would work out perfectly as long as they didn't dally too much.

[as continued from here]

Lois had taken the news about Clark's work 'cruise' about as well as one would expect. Between being slightly irritated that he'd gotten an exclusive and the fact that he'd be missing for a few days, it made for an extremely unhappy intrepid reporter. Perry, in contrast, had been thrilled since it represented an opportunity for the Planet to get a scoop on Gotham's top paper. Cat Grant hadn't been pleased that she'd been preempted, but she'd been mollified somewhat by his promises to get a couple of shots of Gotham's prince in his bathing suit.

...she'd added 'or less' but Clark had been very firm that he wouldn't be providing that under any circumstances.

That was why he was on the appropriate dock that Friday, his suitcase tucked up against his arm and his hat perched carefully on top of his head. Thankfully, it wasn't too windy that day so he didn't have to hold it on.