Chapter Text
Batman was a night player, obviously. The all concept of being a dark knight is to be… well, in the dark. But sometimes, it was inevitable for him to go out and fight evils in broad daylight. Usually, it happened when he was needed for bigger issues than a delusional riddle-loving man, like today, when the Justice League stopped a medium-sized world domination plan.
The whole thing came to an end near sunset, and it was almost time for Bruce’s nightlife.
You’d think it would be utterly exhausting, and it was, but somehow his regular day job as Bruce Wayne boy billionaire, was more exhausting, so it was really a vacay day.
Nevertheless, Clark had insisted on helping him out tonight.
Honestly, they both knew it was unnecessary, but they enjoyed each other's company more than they cared to admit.
And of course, part of the fun is denying it.
“Your help isn’t needed, Superman.” Batman insisted, once they finished their work.
“Oh, come on, Batman. Why are you always so obnoxious about getting help?”
“I’m not. It’s just not needed today.” Bruce was starting to get back in the Batmobile, heading back to the cave.
“Fine. But I want to meet the new Robin.”
Bruce thought about it for a second, and unfortunately (not really), Clark made a good point. It was strategically important that Superman would meet the new Robin.
“Fine. But you’re coming in the Batmobile. I don’t need you making a parade in Gotham's night sky.”
___________________________________
When they got to the cave, Stephanie was already there doing stretches on the floor.
She wasn’t in her Robin suit yet, and she was wearing an oversized purple hoodie and basketball shorts.
“There she is” Bruce said when they entered, causing Clark to freeze for a second.
“Oh Batman I was starting to wonder where you are by now I-“ Stephanie started saying but seemingly choked on her words the moment she saw Superman standing there in all his glory. Of course, she didn’t know who he really was, she didn’t even know Batman’s identity, why would he tell her? It’s irrelevant.
“Stephanie. This is Superman.” He said.
“Yeah, I can see that. Thanks for keeping my identity secret. Couldn’t you at least tell me to put the domino on before?” She rolled her eyes at him.
Wow… he was expecting her to be at least a bit excited about it. Even if it wasn’t Stephanie sitting there, it was still the Superman.
“Stephanie, mind your tone I-“ Bruce started, only for Clark to interrupt him.
“Oh don’t give her a hard time. She’s right insisting on keeping her identity safe, more so now that I see you do the same with yours around her?” Clark said in a tone that varied between confusion and disappointment.
That caught Stephanie completely off guard, causing her mouth to open in shock, but just for a few seconds, changing quickly into a delighted grin.
And although he wanted to scold both of them on their sudden rebellious attitude, he kinda liked seeing that involuntary increase of confidence in her. They had their issues, sure. But he wasn’t a monster.
He would still scold Clark later. He was acting weird.
“I’m sorry Stephanie, nice to meet you,” Superman said, offering her a handshake, and although he was smiling charmingly, Bruce knew him well enough to know something was still wrong.
“It’s so exciting to meet you, sir… uh, Superman. Sir.” Steph beamed now that she realized she was more interested in meeting Superman than fighting with Batman.
“Superman is enough,” Clark chuckled.
“So how is it being a Robin? A dream come true?”
“Sometimes, yeah.” She lowered her gaze, looking kinda… uncomfortable?
“He’s giving you a hard time isn’t he? You know, he’s not a god.”
Bruce’s eyes widened, and Stephanie flushed.
Maybe it was supposed to be lighthearted, but it sure as hell didn’t sound like it was.
“No no! It’s just… yeah it is a dream come true… I don’t know why I said sometimes...” She was now even more uncomfortable.
It was definitely the way Clark looked at her. And the way he talked.
What was happening?
“You take enough breaks don’t you?” Clark asked concerned.
“Like mm..” he cleared his throat. “When your body tells you you need it, right?”
“What do you mean by that?” Stephanie said, her face red and she was clearly stressed.
What the hell was he doing?!?
Was it the fact that she’s a girl?
Bruce has never thought of Clark being misogynistic, the Justice League was filled with women, and some of them would honestly take Superman himself on a fight.
Was it the fact that she was a completely human girl? They had some of those on the team as well.
“Uhm… Superman? Can I speak to you? Alone?” Bruce said, irritated.
“With pleasure” Clark answered him, angrily.
Why was he the one angry?!?
When they went far enough from Stephanie to speak privately, Bruce could still see Stephanie’s relieved face.
He understood that.
She was meeting an idol, and he was rude to her because of her gender.
“What the hell were you thinking Clark?”
“Me?!?” He all but yelled. “What were you thinking letting her on the field?” Clark demanded.
“It’s really unlike you, judging someone’s capabilities based on their gender. I’m disappointed in you.” Bruce scolded him.
“I don’t care she’s a girl! I care she’s a pregnant girl!”
What?
That can’t be…
Bruce paled, trying to respond, but struggling for words.
“She didn’t tell you did she?” Clark was calming down with understanding now.
“She’s… she’s not pregnant, she’s 15 years old!” Bruce said, terrified.
“She is.”
“How can you even know?” That was obviously a stupid question for Bruce to ask, but it just… didn't make sense.
“If it sounds like a baby and looks like one…”
Yeah.
He did have X-ray vision, and supernatural hearing.
“Right,” Bruce said, trying to regather his thoughts.
“Clark, I swear I didn’t know. She didn’t tell me.”
“And why will she tell you? In the few moments I’ve been here your attitude towards her was horrifying, whether she’s pregnant or not. She doesn’t even know your identity. Why would she trust you with something like that?”
He has a point.
But,
“Maybe she doesn't even know herself?”
“Bruce stop trying to-” Clark was interrupting him, annoyed by this man's tendency to make excuses, but unfortunately:
“Actually, fair point.״
Yeah, thanks Clark I know.
“What are you going to do?”
Well that in fact, he didn't