\S/ On my world, it means Hope

An involuntary grin takes up residence on the billionaire’s handsome features, it pours into his eyes and pulls the lightest air of laughter from him. He was so amused, prodding the other was far more entertaining than pretending to pay attention to anyone else at this establishment. Bruce had come to the Daily Planet by request of Lois for an interview, but he figured she wouldn’t mind if he was simply busy ‘chatting’ with Clark.  “It’s a great name too.” He hums, regaining more semblance of genuine connection.  “It means ‘scribe’, you know? I wonder what your parents had in mind for you when they named you that, Clark.” It was both a test and a sincere question; who were Superman’s parents after all, anyway?  “Funny thing, you working at the Daily Planet practically fulfills your namesake, Clark.” The long-haired male tilts his head, studying the Kryptonian. 

Unfortunately for Supes, Joker was far too used to people zoning out during his gushing to have cared to stop. He would’ve continued to list all the ways he thought Batman was the best person ever, but the ensuing flight managed to distract him.

With a squeak, the clown clung onto the other man. He was no stranger to being in the air, but only with Batman swinging around with his grappling gun. Joker didn’t trust Superman the way he trusted his darling, so he wrapped his skinny arms and legs around Supes like a koala on a branch.

“You never paid attention because you’re not from around these parts.” He replied, matter of fact. “In Gotham, my relationship with him happens to be a very big deal, but that’s something you outsiders will never understand.”

’   he   kinda   scares   me.   not   gonna   lie.   ‘   

Clark’s facade was just as good as Bruce’s, that much was clear. And even though the unassuming man of the press failed each test that Bruce put him up against, his failure only further confirmed the hypothesis that Bruce was betting on. He who was in likely the same shoes as this man…this Kryptonian? They had more in common than either would probably care to admit though, and beyond that more in common than either of them were even aware of.  An intelligent glimmer of light ripples behind Bruce’s hazel eyes which go from blue-and-brown to green-and-brown as the sunlight catches him through the window.  “Ah, you’re just flattering me. You’re not looking for a new job, are you?” He jests, obnoxiously elbowing Clark in the ribs—not hard, but probably enough to annoy him. Bruce was really playing with fire here, but maybe that was what made him rise to the occasion.  “Oh, I’d love to meet the lovely lady. But actually, I’m more intrigued by you. Clark.” He pauses, only for a brief second as he shifts his gaze to lock with the Kryptonian’s. “I can call you Clark, right?” He’d always been a risk-taker. 

Clark instinctively loosened his muscles and flinched when Bruce elbowed him so he didn’t end up breaking the bone and he laughed, rubbing at the spot as he shook his head. “No thanks, I like my job at the Daily Planet. Being Lois’ second isn’t a bad gig,” he shrugged again. “She gets all the responsibility, I just spell check her work,” he said, obviously joking. 

Joker actually had to take a moment to stare, just to confirm for himself that yes, Superman had indeed asked why he wanted to see his beloved Batman so badly.

“Supes…I know people think you’re dumb because you wear colours, but there’s no way you’re actually this stupid.” He sighed, and reached forward to place a hand on Superman’s shoulders. “Batsy…is the reason I live. Not only because he has a no kill rule, but also because he’s the reason life is worth living. I am smitten with him. He is my sun and stars and the moon combined. He’s the love of my life, the light of my life, my most favourite person in the entire universe.

“Of course I want to see him. Absolutely everything I do is for him and him alone. I made myself his arch nemesis so I will always have a place in his heart. I know Gotham ain’t your turf, but…c’mon. Surely you’ve noticed that he and I have a special relationship that’s unlike anything else he has.”

Bruce had to admit, that if this was really him, he was just as good at sneaking around behind everyone’s backs as the Bat himself. The way this man seemed so…meek? despite his stature which implied very much the opposite—and that was only by human standards. 

The philanthropist grins after his name is mentioned, of course he knew who Bruce was. Everyone did. Perhaps it was odd, to find a bit of entertainment in the idea of ‘Clark’ looking at him and seeing only a punk playboy. The world could be so funny at times.  “Nice to meet you, Mr. Kent.” Bruce gave the man one of his signature handshakes, the kind that all the board-members of his company dreaded because it was so firm. It was absolutely a stupid idea to prod a potential Kryptonian in broad daylight, but giving his hand a good squeeze to see how hard he’d squeeze back was all in good manner—he didn’t kill but he didn’t exactly have to play fair either.  “Ah, so you must be Ms. Lane’s boytoy, eh? Lucky lady, you’re a catch.” He pats the other’s shoulder in an amicable manner. “Tell her I love her work.”   He snickers, giving the man that sort of cheeky Wayne-wink that always had everyone fooled. 

Clark fought with himself to grip Bruce’s hand and bend the bones a little, instead he shook it and then pulled his own hand away and waved it in the air a little, “Ow, that’s...some grip, Mr. Wayne,” he chuckled as he flexed his fingers, feigning hurt. “Guess when you shake as many hands as you do, you get a knack for that sort of thing, huh?” he asked.

Joker was just about to unleash an unholy shriek of rage when Superman did the only thing that could calm down a fussy clown: the promise of Batman. “…You’d really call him?” He narrowed his eyes in suspicion. “You’re not lying to me, are you?” He took a moment to consider his options.

“If you call Batsy and have him come visit me, I’ll go back to Arkham.”