bakerstreet | Shipping Picture Prompts

[ clark likes taking care of him. he's learning what works and he enjoys teasing bruce when he's grumpy to ease his recovery or perfecting his puppy face at him. he can't stop bruce from working. nor does he want to - it would compromise who bruce is. but he tries to make bruce focus on not being in pain.

he knows bruce likes receiving it as much as clark likes giving it. (wouldn't be effective otherwise.)

one of many things he's getting to discover about bruce. he's difficult to read, but clark is patient, and he's ready to take the time necessary. he likes skills he has to learn instead of those that come to him naturally. it makes things feel more worthwhile.

and bruce is worthwhile. he may disagree, but clark's mind is made up. he is immoveable. if bruce won't believe it, clark will handle it for both of them. he is a gentle man by nature and willing to extend that to bruce. who deserves to be treated with great care. he is accustomed to cruelty, but that just makes clark think it's more important to do the opposite.

he kisses bruce as if they have been separated for days and not mere hours. his own heart picks up as bruce's does. matching him. and meeting him.

clark pulls away, smiling at him. ]

Oh? [ he can think of a few suggestions. dinner together, or he could get bruce out of that nice suit.

clark looks at the flowers. ] Are those for me?

[ Bruce is intentionally difficult to read. He has closed himself in with so many walls and invisible armor that he's an unbreakable vault when he wants to be. He doesn't know how else to be. He knows he wants to give more to Clark. Sometimes his walls shatter around him, especially when they're intimate with each other, but he is wary of being weak and vulnerable most of the time. But Clark's kind patience wears him down, and he wants it. He wants him. He's already all in and infatuated with this farm boy.

Because of that, he tries to be better for Clark. He puts in more effort for nice gestures and to show he cares. He makes him in his life for him. He's not good at communicating, but he does express himself better in actions. Clark is beautiful and better than him in every possible way.

Bruce runs his fingers through Clark's hair, caught in his personal space and attention and the warmth it brings him. Bruce is shadow and Clark is sunlight. He craves it. His arm wraps around to touch the small of Clark's back, keeping him in close as he kisses him slowly again. Only after does he answer.]

Yes. I... thought you'd like them.

[ He feels strange now about it, since he doesn't like getting flowers himself, but it was a gesture. He's slightly flustered admitting to it. ]

It was an impulse.

[ nothing is really unbreakable considering superman's strength. but clark doesn't like to push at bruce too hard. he's not going to be a bull in a china shop, breaking everything bruce has worked hard to keep away. he does things differently from clark, but that difference is to be respected, not trampled over. clark knows he's welcome here, in bruce's life by all that he does. so he waits for his walls to come down. he knows bruce wants to give him permission, giving himself permission by doing so.

he wants them.

and they are real. sweet actions like this tell him that. ]

I'm glad you acted on it. [ bruce and impulsive don't go together. this is cute that they can discover this about bruce together.

clark loses himself in the kiss, only held steady by bruce being there. ] I love them.

[ the scents aren't overwhelming. he can pick out each one in the bouquet, so thoughtfully chosen. ]

I'll put them on my desk.

[ Bruce would probably react poorly to someone who did stomp their way in; Clark's found a shrewd way to push past his defenses while not putting him on the defensive. The truth is Bruce is very loyal and devoted to certain people, once he lets them in, but he also pretends trusts and cares for no one. He had a few bad years before he was at his worst with Clark, and now? Now it's possible he could be at his best.

He wants that, for Clark. It seems impossible to him, with all his sharp edges to be soft enough, but he is trying. When he went to get the flowers, he picked them himself instead of just a random bouquet. With help, of course, but Bruce never did that before. His relationships have always been complex, and this is almost simple in comparison. Flowers. Dates. A good hearted farmboy.

Who can carry an entire city on his back, so that at least is complex. And attractive. So very attractive.]

I'm fairly certain she recognized me, so I'm just waiting for the gossip magazines tomorrow.

[Who is Bruce Wayne dating now? they'll ask, and connect his name to various people for attractive headlines. It's why he prefers to keep things that actually matter private.]

Worth it. [ He smiles faintly, leaning in to kiss Clark more intently now, stealing both their breaths away. ]

[ bruce will encourage the more outlandish rumors and conflicting stories. clark is beginning to get a sense of how he is. he obscures the truth by creating smokescreens. clark usually says as little as possible.

but he can give everything in his heart freely to bruce. like he can give to his mother and lois. and more than that too.

he feels the heat in him rise to meet bruce's intent, kissing him back. breathless after bruce pulls away. ]

In the mood for a drive?

[A lifetime in the spotlight has taught him how to deal with it. Smoke and mirrors is the best way, especially when you have something to hide. The last thing he enjoys doing is commenting on something that actually matters to him in his personal life. Implying he's a playboy or once that he was having a romantic getaway with the entire Russian ballet, that's easy and safe and fits his public persona. Being asked about dating Clark Kent is not something he wants. The moment he says none of your business, there will be a flurry.

Best not to go there until he absolutely must.

Bruce considers the question, since he's a little more interested in kissing Clark, but it also has an appeal. He nods, kissing him one last time and then gesturing toward his car.]

Get in.

[The door opens itself, one of its many tricks; this isn't his Batmobile, but most of his are modified to suit him in one way or the other. Once inside, he looks toward Clark.]

Any place in mind?

[ it isn't the batmobile, but clark does enjoy bruce driving. letting him lead them through this relationship has been working out for them. he doesn't want to make missteps. or corner bruce into something he may not want. being careful with him.

bruce deserves the kindness. ]

The beach? [ he settles in the passenger seat. smiling at bruce. thinking of walking barefoot in the sand with his lover. holding his hand. feeling shy at the way bruce would look at him. clark can hear his heart race and other bodily indicators of his want.

kissing him by the sea, that would be wonderful too. ]

[Bruce is just glad that Clark doesn't try to fly them places. It's one thing to need it in the middle of a fight, but there's always something odd to him about being carried around in a normal situation. He'd much rather jump into a car and drive them both to wherever Clark wants to go. He might be leading in a way, putting forth the effort to commit to something the darker part of him wants to intentionally destroy. It would be better for him, that voice says, you'll never be good enough. So far he's managed to ignore it, but it's always there, in the back of his mind.]

I know just the place.

[The place in question is a private beach, branched off from a more public one. Only a few card carrying members of an elite level can use it, which of course Bruce Wayne the billionaire is a part of. There are always a few up sides to being him. His entire career as a vigilante depends on it. In this case, it's good to have an option for the two of them, without people peeping on them.

Bruce parks and looks in the trunk, which is always stocked very well, to see if there's a blanket and anything else they could use. He is prepared to an obsessive level.]

I have more weapons back here than beach supplies, I'm afraid. [Classic.]

[ he wants to carry bruce. symbolically too, but bruce is stubborn. he wouldn’t unless there was no other choice. clark hasn’t pushed him for it. knowing him. he’s a proud man and that will take time to change. if bruce wants to change it at all.

he enjoys the drive. lowering the window to poke his head out. grinning at the speed they’re going at. he likes fast cars when it’s bruce at the wheel. seeing him cut loose and enjoy it too.

and naturally he has weapons in the trunk. clark laughs. ]

Always prepared? [ clark teases him gently. only ever that. he knows why bruce is like this and doesn’t want him to change. ]

I’ll hear anything coming a mile away. Let’s just take a walk.

[It amuses him that Clark likes drives when he can fly anywhere he wants easily. But sometimes the trip is the fun part, and Bruce smiles faintly, glancing sideways at him. He usually only uses these cars because it's good for the image, and he does like the ability to go fast in a crisis. Driving with Clark grinning and enjoying the ride gives him a new level of appreciation for the vehicle. It's classic that no matter what they do, Clark manages to make it more attractive and memorable, simply by existing.

He rolls his eyes at the playful jibe, but makes a note to himself to change that. Just because he never goes to the beach doesn't mean he should be ill-prepared for the option. Still, he does love Clark's laugh, so he'll allow it.] I'm prepared for most things. [He grudgingly admits. If anyone else was teasing him they might get a glare, but Clark gets a warm amused look instead.

He accepts the offer and gestures toward the beach. It's empty, perfect for them right then, and he'd probably offer people money to get off of it if they were there. Anything to have a peaceful walk just the two of them. Bruce walks close to him but doesn't reach out yet, considering it, since he likes the brush of their fingers together and the simplicity of the touch. He still has a hard time instigating sweet gestures.]

The beach reminds me of Arthur these days. Not sure if I would say that's a good thing. [His tone is dry, but Clark knows he likes Arthur, or likes him enough to tolerate him existing on the same team.]

[ and he makes clark laugh so often. he surprises him into it, instead of trying to make jokes or do things clark could find amusing. it's more subtle. and it's better. it's so bruce.

it makes clark fall for him more every time. ]

Were you prepared for this? [ he leans across quickly. his nose bumps bruce's and clark steals a kiss from him.

he withdraws, looking mischievous. he knew he could get away with it, but bruce should get used to that. and bruce deserves that too.

clark wants to take his hand, but resists. bruce may want to initiate - he'll wait until he sees how this shakes out. he wants this to be something they can have, but if bruce decides against it, clark will find something else equally peaceful and sweet. ]

I'd say it's a good thing. [ he also thinks of arthur when he's near the ocean. ]

We can't tell him that, though.

[Bruce is learning how to be prepared for Clark's sudden displays of affection or kisses, so he isn't surprised, but it still throws him off a little each time. He can't be calm when it comes to a kiss from Clark. It sends him spiraling, even a small one like this, and he kisses back as best as he can. That look of mischief is what gets him to reach out and let their fingers brush together before threading them together. It's so simple a gesture but the simple ones are the hardest for him. It is better to let him be the instigator most of the time.

He smiles at Clark and shakes his head.] You're the nice one. I'm sure he knows you like him. You're not subtle. [No, he's warm and friendly and kind and all of the things that Bruce has no ability to be. They're opposites that way. Clark is the sunshine and Bruce is the night. He craves being closer to the sunlight Clark shines out, but it can be intense too.]

Did I mention the first time we met he threw me against a wall. Just picked me off my feet like I weighed nothing. To four of you, that's easy. [At least Barry can't or he wouldn't consider it for a second. Victor definitely can, but hopefully never will. He is realistic about being the only powerless human on the team.]

[ he loves taking bruce off-guard. just loves it. all the little things only he can pick up on. making the most prepared man on earth off balance. but only in a good way. clark never wants to make him lose control unless they're together. and it's safe for bruce. he wants to be someone bruce can let go around. he carries the whole world on his back.

clark knows a little of what that's like.

he takes bruce's hand and squeezes it. it's a simple gesture made all the more meaningful coming from bruce. it means he's chosen to forego the grand gesture. ]

I want to ask what you said to him. [ bruce must have challenged him somehow. clark knows arthur and likes him. he's not a violent guy, but he can be physical when the situation demands.

and bruce does enjoy pushing people. it's how he gets to the heart of things. clark prefers to ask. ]

Besides, it's not as though you can't pick me up whenever you want. [ clark is smaller in build than bruce. he enjoys it. ]

[ Bruce being as wound up as he is, contained and guarded at all times, means that even small allowances or changes in behavior would be loud and distinct in anyone else. A flicker of a smile or warmth in his eyes is practically the same thing as wearing a sign saying I'm crazy about this cornfed hick. Clark is so damn charming. Bruce never stood a chance. They started out as enemies, but he's always noticed details that now mean something. The clef in his chin. The vividness of his blue eyes.]

I was there to get his help and he was not interested in being helpful.

[It's strange, being the driving force that created the Justice League. Bruce is no team player, but he felt it was necessary. And now he would reluctantly admit ... he's not that bad at it after all. It's also strange when he's reminded why they needed a team because a certain someone wasn't around to be the shield the world needed. His fingers unconsciously twitched, squeezing Clark's hand, as if wanting to be reminded he's alive.

He arches an eyebrow at Clark over that and smirks.] Is that an invitation?

[ clark is only charming to him. he's been invisible all his life, and when he's been seen, he's strange at best. only recently has he found friends and a purpose. as though an abundance of it now makes up for the lack of it growing up.

clark smiles, imagining the tussle. arthur and bruce are on the same side now, but they're both still prickly.

he squeezes bruce's hand back. ]

It could be. [ he will always let bruce choose. ]

[He can't imagine a situation where Clark isn't charming and easy to like. He is so genuine and warm. But this is in comparison to Bruce who is terrible with people and spent many years only speaking to Alfred. And there were weeks where they didn't talk at all because he was in one of his moods. Alfred's openly talked about how much he approves that Bruce has been in less frequent moods since the Justice League, and he likes to make specific commentary on 'Mr. Kent.' Bruce ignores him.

His identity was a carefully guarded secret until he decided to make a super team and gave his secrets away to all of them. It is still unnerving to him sometimes.]

There's no wall here to throw you against, Clark, but your interest is noted.

[ It is said mildly but he is noting it in his mind with a checkmark for later. It will come back up for certain. His clothes really aren't made for a beach adventure, but he will deal with it in exchange for Clark's smile.]

I don't remember the last time I've been on a beach.

Thank you for noting my interest. [ he laughs. only bruce could turn a passionate mental image into a footnote on a list. clark likes the list. he wants to tease out everything bruce wants. or may not know he can want. things like holding hands and walking on the beach. ]

You mean the last time outside of an agenda. [ bruce goes to beach parties. sometimes. clark thinks so anyway. ]

Honestly, it's been a long time for me too. [ he never had time to enjoy it. ]

Yes, I mean as myself, not as my cover. [ His cover happens to also be himself, but Bruce Wayne, playboy billionaire, is nothing like the man underneath. He's had to go out slightly more in public lately since for a time he was in such a dark place he stopped bothering, and people wondered if he was dead or alive. Keeping up appearances is exhausting, but if he wants to keep existing in the world he has to keep trying.

But his apathy toward the 'Bruce Wayne' others know is a major part of why he wants him and Clark to be private. Clark's too good for both versions of Bruce Wayne. He shouldn't have to be tied to that particular illusion.]

In our line of work doing anything personal is ... difficult.

[They're superheroes. Well, Clark is one, Bruce is a non-powered vigilante. Until recently he had no personal life to speak of. It's been a process getting used to that. He chances a look at Clark and then away. ]

I'm ... glad you're giving me reasons to try anyway.

[ his cover is himself. like clark. so clark doesn’t see it as a whole other identity. just a set of behavior bruce has used to help him on his way. ]

Yeah. [ he’s saddened by this. he could fly anywhere in a heartbeat, and he hasn’t gone to see his mom in a while. been too busy. he’s already told her he and bruce are involved. but they haven’t gone over for dinner. ]

I’m glad you’re trying. [ in clark’s opinion, it’s all bruce. he’s making an effort and it’s having a positive effect on him. ]

The beach, and the flowers... I appreciate it.

[That's not how Bruce sees it. He sees public Bruce Wayne as a different identity, a costume, an acting job. A mask of a person who does not in fact exist. It is easier for him to separate himself that way. He is very good at compartmentalizing, but those compartments have to be structured carefully and intentionally.

He shoots Clark an amused glance.] The beach was your idea, Clark.

[He lifts their joined hands and kisses Clark's knuckles. He is not really that great with words, but he tries his best with actions. Words can be misconstrued but actions speak clearly if they're done correctly. He treated Clark poorly, once upon a time. He hasn't forgotten that for a moment, and while he has been forgiven, it hasn't personally absolved him. He sees the man so clearly now, in a way he wasn't capable of before.]

Do you want to sit for a moment? Alfred is going to be very mouthy about the sand, but I need to keep him busy anyway.

You drove us here. [ bruce did something spontaneous for him. because clark wanted it and clark asked.

he knows bruce is willing to reconsider his own stance if clark's in the picture, but he is careful how he pushes bruce. he wants to always be careful.

clark shivers at the kiss, closing his eyes. he feels its intimacy through his whole body. bruce is very, very present with him.

he sighs happily before he answers. ]

We could sit. [ he folds his legs and sits cross-legged in mid-air. grinning at bruce. ]

Alfred won't have to worry about the sand.

Because I have trouble saying no to those blue eyes of yours.

[It is very rare that Bruce says no to Clark, and that's in part because Clark is very good at knowing where the lines are and he is careful not to cross it. It's a talent and one that Bruce is grateful and impressed by. He is not an easy read, so for someone to be able to see right through him sometimes, it is quite the skill. And also makes him wary at times, since that's just how Bruce Wayne operates. It's not a weakness to have Superman by your side, but it can feel like a weakness to want him this much. To want to crack himself open and let Clark see everything inside.

That shiver is only inspiring him to want to do other things to make Clark shiver, but then he's sitting in the air and Bruce gives him an exasperated look.]

I'm afraid you'll have to sit on the ground like us commoners if you want me to kiss you, which I fully intend to do, after we sit.

[Bruce really does wince slightly when he sits on the sand, he can hear Alfred's voice in his head, but he'll be changed out of these clothes in a little while to go out patrolling. No harm.]

You say no?

[ he blinks innocently. and grins. he's very aware that bruce can't resist him. he has myriad unspoken boundaries and topics that are hard to broach. clark doesn't always know where they are, but he knows they'll talk, if he stumbles into them.

it's amusing to have bruce call him a commoner. clark doesn't think of himself as above everyone else. he shouldn't be treated differently or specially.

but bruce makes him feel so extraordinary. ]

Hm, that's a very convincing argument. I may acquiesce, Mr. Wayne. [ clark lands softly next to him and crawls near him. ]

A little arrogance looks good on you.

[ He'd be lying if he said it wasn't attractive. Bruce is someone who needs a partner who can read between the lines. He doesn't communicate well. When Clark can be clearer and dance around his various issues, everything works out. He isn't afraid that if he says no to Clark there would be a problem; explaining why would be more difficult, but he does think they're on an equal enough ground to do that without offense taken. This is a very mature relationship. He can't say he's really had one of those.

Clark is extraordinary. Seeing him as above them used to make him afraid of Clark, but now it makes him see it more as an aspiration. He knows he's a good person too, a modest one, and he appreciates that, but he is better than most people. Certainly better than Bruce.

Once Clark comes closer he reaches out to get a solid grip on the back of his neck and tug him in for a slow and simple kiss. He never thought he would bring flowers to someone and kiss on beaches like a normal person, but here he is.]

[ still a trip to him. to be wanted like this by bruce wayne. he may think he’s the one out of the two of them who is harder to deal with. his self-destructive tendencies and obsession don’t make it easy for the average person. but it’s also not as though clark has been free to mingle. he must go unseen.

so he learnt to disappear. but bruce has a way of discovering what’s hidden. which is wonderful to clark. he wants to be seen and understood. he is with someone who understands and encourages him.

he sinks into the kiss gratefully. sighing happily as it ends, leaning in for a follow up as bruce pulls apart from him to draw breath. ]

Only with you. [ he wants to feel secure in this. bruce has answered that need and then some. clark can play confidently with him. knowing he is wanted.

still such a trip. wow. ]

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Sorry for the wait, sick but STILL ALIVE

get well soon!

Re: get well soon!

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