Fic: Discoveries

[starsandsea]

Title: Discoveries
Rating: PGish
Paring: Bruce/Clark
Word Count: 2680
Disclaimer: I own nothing
Author's Note: For bradygirl_12's Beltane Challenge. Also greatly inspired by her fic Beautiful Diamond. This is set early in Batman and Superman's careers, and they are the only superheroes.



It was raining. It was the last day of the month, and it was raining. Actually, Batman corrected himself, at 3 minutes past midnight, it was now the first day of the month. He sighed, and gathered the black mass of his cape closer around him. It was cold for this time of year, and the wind had a wicked edge to it. Especially when you were sitting on a gargoyle in the pouring rain.

He suppressed a sigh. Not exactly the 'gateway to summer' that this day was meant to be. And there didn't seem to be any hope of the rain clearing any time soon. It wasn't that Batman didn't like the rain, it was just that he didn't like getting soaked by it all night, and then, even after having a hot shower, spending most of the morning shivering. He sighed again as water rain like a river over his nose. He gathered his cape even closer as the wind suddenly picked up. He knew what that meant.

"What are you doing here?" Batman glanced sideways and saw through the rain a figure in blue and red. Of course, Kal didn't have a hair out of place, and he could have sworn that the rain was parting for him.

"No reason. I just haven't seen you around much lately, that's all."

Under the cowl, Batman glowered. "You've seen me. Go away." Out of the corner of his eye he saw Superman tilt his head slightly, considering him.

"Well, you sound okay."

Batman turned to look at him fully. He glared. If anything, Superman seemed amused. "Go. Away."

Superman's smiled just widened. Batman's glare intensified. They might have carried on like that all night if Superman hadn't suddenly lurched where he was hovering.

"Superman!" Batman was immediately on his feet, an arm outstretched to steady him. Kal took it gratefully, shaking his head. Batman viewed him, concerned.

"I'm alright. I... don't know what came over me... I just felt weak all of a sudden."

"Best that you get to solid ground then," Batman said, and pulled Kal back until they were standing on a small ledge. Kal shook his head; Batman regarded him warily.

"I'm fine now." Kal attempted a weak grin.

Batman narrowed his eyes. "Had anything like this happened before?"

Kal shook his head again, grin falling. "The only times I've felt like this before is when I've been exposed to Kryptonite."

Batman frowned. At that moment, Kal gasped suddenly, and would have fallen off the small ledge if Batman hadn't caught him.

"Kal!" Batman lowered the trembling figure to the ground. He felt a spike of fear go through him that he quickly pushed away. Kneeling beside Kal, he swallowed hard. Kal's eyes were open, but they weren't focused on anything, they weren't even blinking. If not for the slow rising and falling of his chest, then he looked... dead. Batman swallowed again.

"Kal? Kal! Wake up!" He tried shaking him, and then slapping his face. Kal made no response. Batman felt a shiver go through him, and not because of the wind or rain. He had to get Kal to safely.

*************************************

Batman stopped the Batmobile sharply in the cave, tyres squealing. Beside him sat a still unconscious Superman. That alone was worrying enough. He quickly got out, and moved to the other side of the car, easing Kal out. He didn't show any signs of waking, and his eyes were still open. Batman suppressed another shiver, and gathered Kal in his arms. Staggering under the dead weight, he made his way over to the medic table. Gasping slightly, he placed Kal down upon it. The computers automatically turned on, and began scans.

"My word, sir! What has happened to Master Clark?" Alfred had come up beside him, carrying a tray of refreshments that he quickly put down.

"I don't know. He came over here to see me, and suddenly felt dizzy. A few moments after that, he collapsed. He hasn't shown any signs of waking." Bruce removed the cowl, and bit his lower lip slightly. The computers bleeped. Bruce frowned as he read the results.

"What does it say, sir?"

"That he's perfectly healthy. According to this, he's only sleeping."

"I don't suppose that Kryptonians have some sort of... hibernation cycle?"

"Unlikely, Alfred. And if they did, I'm sure Kal would have told me." Bruce frowned, and pressed some buttons on the monitor.

"Well. It's certainly unnerving seeing his eyes open like that," Alfred commented.

Before Bruce could respond, he saw a shimmering light out of the corner of his eye. He turned quickly, placing himself between Kal and Alfred and the light. The light disappeared as quickly as it come, leaving... flowers? Laid out in rows were flowers. Bruce slowly moved closer to them.

"Oh my," he heard Alfred say. Bruce kneeled down next to the first row, and picked up the first flower. He frowned again. Was this connected to whatever had happened to Kal? He felt Alfred come up behind him.

"This really is a mystery, sir." Bruce nodded absently in agreement.

***********************************

Bruce looked again at the flowers. There was a lot of them. Some of which shouldn't even be out at this time of year. He frowned. Many of them were blue. He knew that in the Language of Flowers, blue represented mystery. Bruce snorted slightly. Well, as Alfred had said, this was certainly a mystery. What had happened to Kal, and what did all these flowers mean?

He was tempted to think of Poison Ivy as the one responsible, but it would take a lot of her pollen to affect Kal like this. He hadn't seen any signs of it being around when he was talking to Kal. And if it was pollen, why wasn't he affected too? But the question was moot point. Ivy was in her cell in Arkham. He had double checked.

Back to the flowers then. Bruce rose from his crouch and went to the library. He knew he had a book on the Language of Flowers here. They were the only lead he had on what had happened to Kal. Finding the book, he quickly made his way back to main part of the cave. Alfred was standing by Kal's bedside.

"Still no change?"

"None, I'm afraid, sir."

Bruce grunted, and kneeled down next to the flowers again. Daffodils. They meant 'hope and waiting to be loved'. That didn't make any sense. Gemtians, white. The 'torment and suffering of love'. Bruce frowned. Moss Rose. 'Confession of love'. Mauve Roses. 'Sadness and Sorrow'. Yellow Roses. 'Friendship', but they could also mean 'concern in love', and 'waiting'. Red Roses. Everyone knew they meant ' I love you'. And then, right in the centre of it all, was a garland of Red and White Roses. 'Unity'.

Bruce frowned deeply. Apart from them all sharing a common theme - love - there didn't seem to be much of a message in the flowers. Maybe they weren't even connected to Kal at all. He got up, and moved the Kal's bedside. Best to focus on him, and not flowers.

**************************************
Bruce wearily got up and stretched after hours of looking at the computer screen, trying to discover what was wrong with Kal. He had found nothing. And Kal was still lying unconscious. Bruce sighed, and rubbed his eyes. At least no emergencies had come up so far. He made his way over to Kal's bedside, avoiding the mysterious flowers.

Still no change. Kal's eyes were still open. As Alfred had said, it was unnerving to look at him. He looked... dead, Bruce thought again. He swallowed, and looked away. He found his gaze back on the flowers. None of them had wilted yet, which was surprising.

"Should I put them in water, sir?"

Bruce started. He hadn't heard Alfred approaching. "No. No, they seem to be doing alright by themselves."

"Indeed, sir. I am tempted to think that they are magical in some way."

Bruce was about to nod, but then froze. What was it Kal had said once about magic? That it affected him in some way? He frowned, trying to remember. It had only been something that Kal had mentioned in passing once. Something about how magic had an adverse affect on him for some reason... It could explain it. If some sort of spell - or curse - had been cast, purposely to effect Kal, then that would certainly explain his current state. But, how would anyone know? He was certain that Kal wouldn't be advertising a weakness like that. Maybe it was just a lucky guess?

"Master Bruce? Is everything alright sir?"

"Keep and eye on him, Alfred. I'm going out."

"Might I enquire as to where, sir?"

Bruce smiled slightly as he got into the Batmobile. "To someone who can give me answers."

****************************************

"I need some advice, Jason." Batman felt amused as Jason Blood visibly started. It was quickly washed away when an image of Kal's unconscious face surfaced in his mind. He quickly quashed it.

"I do wish you wouldn't do that." Jason said, as he rose from this chair in front of the fire. "What can I do for you?"

"I need to know how magic affects people."

"People, or someone?" Jason quirked an eyebrow at him.

Under the cowl, Bruce scowled. Then he sighed. "A few hours ago, Superman collapsed. Nothing seems to be physically wrong with him, expect that he's asleep with his eyes open. He just seems to be in a normal deep sleep. Shortly afterwards, flowers appeared. Superman mentioned to me once that magic has an adverse affect on him. Do you know what's wrong with him?"

Jason's lips quirked. "Are you aware of what day it is?"

"It's May Day, or Beltane."

"Yes. A day second only to Halloween for it's magical power. However... in some ways, it is more powerful. Partially in regards to love."

Bruce frowned. "All the flowers were symbols of love," he muttered.

Jason smiled. "Do not worry. Superman will be alright. He is merely waiting for his true love - his fated one - to realise their feelings. As soon as this person does, Superman will awaken."

Bruce gaped. "How am I supposed to be able to find Superman's fated one? And why would someone cast a spell like this over him?"

"The spell was not done in malevolence. Only a few times have I seen - and heard - of it happening. But usually, it is done when two people who have a very strong bond, nonetheless will never realise their feelings on their own. The universe just gives them a nudge together."

"So... Superman will stay asleep until his 'true love' realises their feelings? But that’s..." Bruce struggled for words. "The world needs Superman! We've been lucky so far that there have been no emergences. What happens when there is one?"

"Well, all I can say is that Superman's fated one should realise their feelings soon. And that it would be wise not to discount the flowers, knight." With that, Jason left the room, leaving behind a bewildered Batman.

************************************

Superman was going to be asleep like this until his 'true love' realised that they were in love with him? The idea of it was ridiculous. How was Batman supposed to find Superman's 'true love' out of everyone in the world? Was his 'true love' even human? Maybe they were from another galaxy! How could he...?

Bruce clamped down on this thoughts. He would find Kal's 'true love', no matter how long it took. He just needed to eliminate as many people as he could. He nodded to himself as he re-entered the cave. Alfred met him as he got out of the Batmobile.

"Still no change, I'm afraid, sir." Bruce sighed and removed the cowl. "Did you get your answers, sir?

"Yes, I did. But I don't know if it makes things better or worse. It seems that Kal is going to stay like this until his 'true love' realises their feelings for him." Behind him, Alfred raised an eyebrow.

"I see, sir. Should I cancel your morning appointments then?"

"Please." Bruce sighed once more as Alfred made his way upstairs. The most obvious person to help Kal was Lois Lane. But, he knew for a fact that Lois had at least once said that he thought that she and Superman were destined to be together. And that meant that this whole thing wouldn't have happened if that were really true.

Bruce sighed once again, and remembered what Jason had said about the flowers. That he shouldn't discount them. He walked over to them. They hadn't changed while he had been away. They were just sitting there. He tilted his head slightly as he considered them. Maybe they spelt out a name? Well, if it was a name it would have to have lots of 'r's in it.

Bruce shook his head, angry, and moved to Kal's bedside. Like Alfred had said, there was no change. Just steady breathing. He clasped one of Kal's impossibly strong hands within his own black clad one. He squeezed it gently. Bruce swallowed once more. He placed his other hand on Kal's chest, over his heart.

"Who's hiding in there, hum? Who are you in love with?" Who... holds your heart, Kal?" He felt an odd pang at the thought of Kal being in love with someone. "Who is it, Kal? Someone amazing, I bet. Someone who probably doesn't look like that much on the surface, but underneath they're beautiful. And I bet they don't think they're worthy of your attention, and that's why you're lying here. Well, they're an idiot. I bet that being loved by you... is the most wonderful thing in the world. I know that because you've given me so much with your friendship. It... means a lot to me. No one's ever really... been my friend, before. Not really. I've always had secrets from them. Just like you have, of course. So, I promise you now, that I'll find your 'fated one' for you, no matter how long it takes."

Bruce cleared his throat, and removed his hand from Kal's chest. He was just about to unclasp their hands when he felt... movement? "Kal? Kal, can you hear me?"

Kal blinked.

"Kal!" Bruce sighed in relief. Kal blinked once more, and looked around, turquoise eyes eventually coming to rest on Bruce.

"Bruce? I... what happened?"

"You don't remember?"

Kal frowned. "I remember... talking to you... and then nothing. What happened?"

"A spell was cast on you."

"A spell?"

"Yes. You were to remain asleep until your 'true love' or 'fated one' realised their feelings for you."

"Oh." Kal looked oddly downcast for a moment. "Who was it? My fated one, I mean."

Bruce frowned. "I don't know. I was just talking to you," He felt what might have a blush try to come over his face when Kal raised an eyebrow at that, but he continued on. "I was just about to leave when you woke up."

"I see." Kal said. Bruce suddenly remembered that he was holding Kal's hand, and let go. Kal blushed.

"Kal?"

Kal moved until he was sitting up on the medic table, and swung his legs over the side.

"Kal! What are you doing? I don't know for sure that the spell isn't still affecting you..." Bruce stopped talking as Kal leaned in, and kissed him very gently. His eyes opened wide, and he gasped. Kal used his moment of surprise to slip his tongue inside his mouth. Hesitantly, Bruce returned the kiss, then more surely. When they finally broke apart he was breathless.

Kal touched his lips with his fingers. "Thank you. For everything." He whispered.

Bruce blinked. He felt a smile come over his face. Kal smiled back. Bruce remembered yellow, red and white roses, and felt his smile widen. Friendship, love and unity. He kissed Kal again. He had been right. Kal's fated one was an idiot.

Comments

[tmelange.livejournal.com]

I'd gotten used to you writing drabbles, LOL. So nice to see a longer story with your romantic style that always impresses me. Bravo. I thought this was absolutely great. I have a gigantic smile on my face. :))

[starsandsea.livejournal.com]

I occasionally write longer stories. But getting past 1000 words is a big achievement lol.

I'm really glad you liked this! And that it made you smile. :)

[bradygirl_12]

Oh, my, oh, my! Star, this was *wonderful*! Like Theresa, I have this big grin on my face! :) You've made me feel much better!

I'm very happy that the Challenge inspired you, and so did "Beautiful Diamond"! *sigh* Clark makes *such* a lovely Sleeping Beauty, doesn't he? ;)

I *love* the Language of Love in flowers. It's a time-honored way of expressing love and worked so well here. People have used it for centuries, and I know the Victorians loved to use the language.

The story was very atmospheric, too, with the rain at the beginning and then all the flowers. *sniffs perfume of flowers*

I am still grinning at the last line. :)

[starsandsea.livejournal.com]

Eeee! *dances* I'm glad you liked it! And that it made you feel better. Fanfic is exactly what you need when when you're feeling ill. :)

Clark is a very good Sleeping Beauty, LOL! And Bruce is a prince! ;)

I'm glad you liked the inclusion of the flowers! Had to find some way to fit them in, and using them as a message was very convenient!

The last line was fun! Bruce had been so oblivious, the silly boy. *pets Bruce!Muse*

[greeneyelove.livejournal.com]

Yummy!!! This was sweet and romantic and happy. Simply wonderful.

[starsandsea.livejournal.com]

Yay! I'm glad you liked it! :)

[rai-daydreamer.livejournal.com]

Oooooh! This was beautiful!! *flails*

I really love the situation that Bruce can't be good detective about his love and feeling. Eeee! I really wanted to nudge him towards Kal while I read the scene that Bruce searched the Language of flowers. XD

"I see, sir. Should I cancel your morning appointments then?"

And Alfred is more genius in that point for his master. *snickers*

The last scene was so beautiful and then cute! Eeee!
Thank you for sharing this wonderful fic! I'm very happy. *^o^*

[starsandsea.livejournal.com]

I really love the situation that Bruce can't be good detective about his love and feeling.

Bruce was oblivious in this until the very end. Silly Bruce.

And Alfred is more genius in that point for his master. *snickers*

Alfred always knows everything. ;)

I'm glad you liked it so much Rai! It makes me very happy. :)

[batmanwatchtowr.livejournal.com]

OMG!! I LOVED THAT SO MUCH!! BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL!

[starsandsea.livejournal.com]

*grins* I'm glad you liked it so much! :)

[carolandtom.livejournal.com]

I loved this! Sleeping!Kal made a beautiful visual and I loved the message the flowers brought and Bruce's resolve to find a cure for Kal, not knowing that he himself had been the cure all along. It was sweet and romantic and perfect! Thank you!

[starsandsea.livejournal.com]

Sleeping Beauty Kal is very pretty indeed. :) Bruce was very oblivious in this, but he was so determined to find a cure for Kal, the dear. And thank you for the feedback! I'm glad you liked it.

[theclexfactor.livejournal.com]

Bruce, Bruce, Bruce. And you're supposed to be the genius, HAHAHA!!! What love does to our smart boys. This was so adorable and lovely.

[starsandsea.livejournal.com]

Bruce certainly wasn't the Worlds Greatest Detective in this, was he? ;)

And I'm glad you liked it! :)

[jij.livejournal.com]

Oh, the description of the rain was wonderful, and I love the bouquet (and Bruce's adorable puzzlement over it) so much! I wanted to lean into the screen and shake him, LOL.

Bruce remembered yellow, red and white roses, and felt his smile widen. Friendship, love and unity. He kissed Kal again. He had been right. Kal's fated one was an idiot.

Awww. That's fantastic. What a great ending. Bruce's slow-dawning realization was wonderfully done. :)

[starsandsea.livejournal.com]

I love the bouquet (and Bruce's adorable puzzlement over it) so much! I wanted to lean into the screen and shake him, LOL.

Bruce... was being quite oblivious in this fic, lol. Silly Bat.

What a great ending. Bruce's slow-dawning realization was wonderfully done.

After encouragement from Clark he soon worked it all out. *grin*

Thank you, Jen! I'm glad you liked it. :) Any may I please steal you icon? Please? I promise I'll look after it. *puppy dog eyes*

[jij.livejournal.com]

may I please steal you icon? Please? I promise I'll look after it. *puppy dog eyes*

But of course! *hugs icon* Just give credit to damo_in_japan and all is good. :)

[starsandsea.livejournal.com]

Eeee! *steals* I will credit! :)

[cavaleira.livejournal.com]

Ohh, I loved this! You should write longer fic more often, this was really well done.

I love your idiot!/completely oblivious! Bruce. It's sooo him, trying to use reason and logic to figure it out when he really should just trust his feelings and his heart. Silly Bruce. But this fic made me smile and I'm glad there was a happy ending. I also liked Bruce sneaking up on Jason Blood.

[starsandsea.livejournal.com]

I do write longer fic occasionally. I just find it easier to write shorter fic, lol.

I love your idiot!/completely oblivious! Bruce. It's sooo him, trying to use reason and logic to figure it out when he really should just trust his feelings and his heart. Silly Bruce.

Idiot!/Completely oblivious!Bruce is very fun. He's so confused the dear. Of course, trusting his feelings and heart are very difficult for him. And thus, he is a silly Bat.

I also liked Bruce sneaking up on Jason Blood.

It always amuses me when Bruce sneaks up on someone. :)

And I'm very glad you liked it.

[arch-schatten.livejournal.com]

Weeee! This was fantastic! I love an oblivious Bat far more than I probably should, but he can be so dense sometimes... I like to think he doesn't realize just how adorable he can be, so it never dawns on him. *pets the muse*

Kal's fated one was an idiot.

Awwww! I adored the dawning moment! I could see them grinning like loons once they both were in the same page. This was wonderful, and eeeeeep! Jason Blood! Bruce sneaking on Jason *snerk* of course it pisses the Demon off. Anything with Jason in it is bound to make me squeal like the fangirl I am, and this was full of great things. I love the Bat being the detective he is, trying to put puzzles together and working with his mind.

*purs happily* This made my day, thank you!

[starsandsea.livejournal.com]

Eeeee! I'm glad you liked it, Mina! :)

I love an oblivious Bat far more than I probably should, but he can be so dense sometimes... I like to think he doesn't realize just how adorable he can be, so it never dawns on him. *pets the muse*

Hehe!! He's so cute when he's confused!!

Bruce sneaking on Jason *snerk* of course it pisses the Demon off. Anything with Jason in it is bound to make me squeal like the fangirl I am, and this was full of great things. I love the Bat being the detective he is, trying to put puzzles together and working with his mind.

I love Jason too! And the demon. *grin* And Detective!Batman is my favorite, I think. I don't know why, but I just love him so much!! :)

And thank you for such lovely feedback! :)

[sasha-anu.livejournal.com]

This was beautiful and sweat and touching without being sappy.

Great job.

[starsandsea.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I'm glad you liked it.

[svgurl.livejournal.com]

that was absolutely beautiful. i loved it! you write so well and the last line was just priceless! :)

this story rocked! i'm feeling all mushy inside now! great work! :D

[starsandsea.livejournal.com]

Thank you! :)

LOL, well, Bruce was rather oblivious in this... *grin*

I'm really happy you liked it! :)