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mithenTitle: The Wonder That's Keeping the Stars Apart, Chapter Six
Pairing/Characters: Clark/Bruce, Ra's al Ghul
Notes: "Music of the Spheres" is a series set in the combined universes of "Batman Begins" and "Superman Returns." Other stories and notes on the series here.
Rating: R
Summary: Bruce arrives to rescue Clark in turn--but will he be successful with Ra's controlling the Man of Steel?
Word Count: 1400
Pairing/Characters: Clark/Bruce, Ra's al Ghul
Notes: "Music of the Spheres" is a series set in the combined universes of "Batman Begins" and "Superman Returns." Other stories and notes on the series here.
Rating: R
Summary: Bruce arrives to rescue Clark in turn--but will he be successful with Ra's controlling the Man of Steel?
Word Count: 1400
here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
Clark was trapped inside his own body. "We should send him to raze Metropolis, Lord," said a voice from a great distance, nearly swallowed in waves of silence. Clark's heart tried to skip a beat and failed; even alarm was beyond his ability.
"Not wise, Ubu," said al Ghul's voice. "We remain uncertain how well our compound works. If we immediately send him far away to do something so against his will, we may find ourselves with a very angry Kryptonian to deal with." Footsteps moved around Clark. "Let's start with something small. Something that keeps him close to the sound of my voice. Get on your hands and knees," said al Ghul, and Clark felt his body shift and lower. "Very nice," al Ghul said as if admiring a work of art. "Stay there."
There was a slight pressure on Clark's back and he heard laughter ripple around the cavern. "May you one day use the world as your footstool as well, Lord," said Ubu.
The laughter flowed past Clark and away as if down a long, vast tunnel. It wasn't important. The silence buffered and held him tenderly, full of promise. He waited and listened.
He heard it before anyone in the room: the heartbeat approaching, steady and sure, the footsteps inaudible to any human. The gasp of a guard, the scrape of a body lowered to the floor. The heartbeat drawing closer as al Ghul and his followers discussed strategy, their voices of less import than the remembered chittering of bats in the cave roof. The heartbeat entered the room and Clark exulted, deep inside, that he was incapable of showing expression, of betraying his joy. He felt the familiar rhythm resonate in his own heart, a lifeline, an anchor. He held on.
Something must have tipped al Ghul off, for there was a sudden barked command and the slithering sound of weapons drawn. "Wait," commanded al Ghul. "I will have you disable no more of my men. Let our latest...recruit do the work. Stand up," he said sharply, and Clark felt his body rise. As if reflected in a distant mirror, he saw Bruce, all in ninja black, his eyes narrowed above the mask. "Kill him," al Ghul's voice said carelessly.
Clark's body moved, and Clark's soul wrenched itself from its disassociation to wage one of the greatest battles of his life.
: : :
Bruce flung himself to the right as Superman moved forward, feeling a sizzle of heat vision scorch the air nearby. Another tumble away from a fist that struck the stone next to him, sending jagged cracks arcing across the hall. Bruce's heart was pounding, exhaustion and malnutrition taking their toll. He knew he wouldn't be able to dodge the next attack.
But he did.
He heard Ra's snarl from his throne and realized Superman's motions were sluggish--still faster than any human's, but slowed to where he could avoid them. For now. He flung himself forward in a flip to dodge another blow, hearing his heartbeat hammering in his own ears, a tarantella of desperation--
His heartbeat.
He dodged again and saw it. Heard it. Clark's motions were in rhythm with Bruce's heartbeat, like a dancer moving to a drumbeat only he could hear. My heart, Bruce whispered to himself, Oh, my heart.
After that it was easier, a deadly dance with annihilation always a misstep away, but he could weave and dodge, almost touching his beloved opponent, safe by microns every time. "Finish him!" Ra's roared, and Bruce flicked a shuriken at the sound of his voice, feeling Clark's fist kiss his hair, dropping away at the last second. He heard the tang of metal on metal and whirled to see Ra's with his Kryptonite sword out, the tiny shuriken careening away, deflected.
Bruce was in motion, slipping under the red cape like a bull with a matador, throwing himself at the throne before Ra's could react. The emerald sword skittered across the floor with a skreeling shower of green sparks, and then Bruce had it in his hands, gleaming viridian metal before his eyes.
"Kill him," Ra's said fiercely to Superman. Bruce could see his smile. Compassion, Bruce. It hobbles you.
Superman stood stock-still, and Bruce could see muscles trembling under the blue spandex. "You will obey me," snarled Ra's, his voice curdled with anger. Superman took a staggering step forward and stopped again. He looked at Bruce and for a moment Bruce could see Clark in his eyes. Don't let me do this to you. Please.
Then Clark closed his eyes. His arms were loose at his sides. Waiting. Open.
"Now," said Ra's, and Kal's eyes opened, smoldering red. He moved forward, the vulnerable moment gone, closing on Bruce, a puppet in the hands of a madman.
Forgive me.
Bruce leapt forward and buried the sword in Clark's shoulder, above the heart, feeling the blade bite deep.
He heard a scream, a desolate howl bereft of sanity rip through the hall as Superman fell. But Clark's mouth hadn't opened, he lay on the floor peaceful as a sleeping child except for the blood, the blood--
His throat felt torn and raw for some reason. There was blood on his hands. The sword lay on the floor nearby, streaked with scarlet, and Clark's cape was in his hands, crushed in his fists. He looked up from Clark's body at the dozens of ninjas filling the hall.
Whatever they saw in his eyes, they scattered and fled before him, and any who did not were left broken and bleeding on the stone floor like grass before a razored wind.
Down a stone corridor Ra's fled; Bruce followed, borne on fury and grief like wings. A stone door slid shut behind his quarry, but he slipped through at the last second to find himself in a natural cavern, a crust of stone ledge clinging to the sheer rock. Beneath him the cave dropped off into nothing; a sickly pale glow glimmered far below.
Ra's was edging along the ledge; Bruce had no compunction, no fear, Clark's blood on his hands shielded him from vertigo or hesitation. He closed on his former mentor like an avenging angel, as if he would tear him apart with his bare hands.
Ra's smiled at him, a smile in which a strange pride and affection mingled with anger and fear. "Yet again I appear to have underestimated you," he murmured. As Bruce lunged forward, he merely stepped back, saying "Au revoir," and fell without further sound into the silent depths.
Bruce spent no time looking down after him but whirled to get back to the main hall. Back to Clark.
: : :
The pool of blood spread beneath Superman like a cape, fanning across the stone floor. The room was empty. "Clark," murmured Bruce. His eyes didn't open. Bruce got his arms under the other man and began to drag him toward the exit, toward the sky and sunlight. A long, pained smear of blood trailed behind them, and Bruce's throat hurt; someone was sobbing wordlessly, a horrible sound. Clark was a dead weight in his arms.
He staggered out into a gray world, lit like a pearl; the moment before sunrise. He laid Clark down in the snow and tore off his ninja mask to staunch the wound, blood sleeping into the snow, Clark's face white as snow. "Clark," he whispered again. "Don't leave me."
The sun rose.
Sunlight turned the snow and mist to rose, touched Clark's face with color. Clark drew a long breath and opened his eyes as the light crept across his body, laving his wound. "Oh," he said. "Bruce."
"Don't leave me," Bruce said again. He was rocking slightly, Clark's fingers wrapped in his, bowing over their joined hands.
"Never," Clark said. "I'll never leave you, Bruce."
It was cold, but Bruce didn't seem to feel it. It couldn't touch him. Sunlight was everywhere, a gold and rose benison, and Clark's terrible wound had stopped bleeding. "I knew you'd save me," Clark said.
Bruce laughed through the raw scrape of his throat, a creaking sound like leather. "I thought you saved me."
Clark drew him against the insignia on his chest, pulled him to his heart. "You always save me," he said.
They stayed like that, resting in sunlight together, letting the dawn touch and heal them.
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
Clark was trapped inside his own body. "We should send him to raze Metropolis, Lord," said a voice from a great distance, nearly swallowed in waves of silence. Clark's heart tried to skip a beat and failed; even alarm was beyond his ability.
"Not wise, Ubu," said al Ghul's voice. "We remain uncertain how well our compound works. If we immediately send him far away to do something so against his will, we may find ourselves with a very angry Kryptonian to deal with." Footsteps moved around Clark. "Let's start with something small. Something that keeps him close to the sound of my voice. Get on your hands and knees," said al Ghul, and Clark felt his body shift and lower. "Very nice," al Ghul said as if admiring a work of art. "Stay there."
There was a slight pressure on Clark's back and he heard laughter ripple around the cavern. "May you one day use the world as your footstool as well, Lord," said Ubu.
The laughter flowed past Clark and away as if down a long, vast tunnel. It wasn't important. The silence buffered and held him tenderly, full of promise. He waited and listened.
He heard it before anyone in the room: the heartbeat approaching, steady and sure, the footsteps inaudible to any human. The gasp of a guard, the scrape of a body lowered to the floor. The heartbeat drawing closer as al Ghul and his followers discussed strategy, their voices of less import than the remembered chittering of bats in the cave roof. The heartbeat entered the room and Clark exulted, deep inside, that he was incapable of showing expression, of betraying his joy. He felt the familiar rhythm resonate in his own heart, a lifeline, an anchor. He held on.
Something must have tipped al Ghul off, for there was a sudden barked command and the slithering sound of weapons drawn. "Wait," commanded al Ghul. "I will have you disable no more of my men. Let our latest...recruit do the work. Stand up," he said sharply, and Clark felt his body rise. As if reflected in a distant mirror, he saw Bruce, all in ninja black, his eyes narrowed above the mask. "Kill him," al Ghul's voice said carelessly.
Clark's body moved, and Clark's soul wrenched itself from its disassociation to wage one of the greatest battles of his life.
: : :
Bruce flung himself to the right as Superman moved forward, feeling a sizzle of heat vision scorch the air nearby. Another tumble away from a fist that struck the stone next to him, sending jagged cracks arcing across the hall. Bruce's heart was pounding, exhaustion and malnutrition taking their toll. He knew he wouldn't be able to dodge the next attack.
But he did.
He heard Ra's snarl from his throne and realized Superman's motions were sluggish--still faster than any human's, but slowed to where he could avoid them. For now. He flung himself forward in a flip to dodge another blow, hearing his heartbeat hammering in his own ears, a tarantella of desperation--
His heartbeat.
He dodged again and saw it. Heard it. Clark's motions were in rhythm with Bruce's heartbeat, like a dancer moving to a drumbeat only he could hear. My heart, Bruce whispered to himself, Oh, my heart.
After that it was easier, a deadly dance with annihilation always a misstep away, but he could weave and dodge, almost touching his beloved opponent, safe by microns every time. "Finish him!" Ra's roared, and Bruce flicked a shuriken at the sound of his voice, feeling Clark's fist kiss his hair, dropping away at the last second. He heard the tang of metal on metal and whirled to see Ra's with his Kryptonite sword out, the tiny shuriken careening away, deflected.
Bruce was in motion, slipping under the red cape like a bull with a matador, throwing himself at the throne before Ra's could react. The emerald sword skittered across the floor with a skreeling shower of green sparks, and then Bruce had it in his hands, gleaming viridian metal before his eyes.
"Kill him," Ra's said fiercely to Superman. Bruce could see his smile. Compassion, Bruce. It hobbles you.
Superman stood stock-still, and Bruce could see muscles trembling under the blue spandex. "You will obey me," snarled Ra's, his voice curdled with anger. Superman took a staggering step forward and stopped again. He looked at Bruce and for a moment Bruce could see Clark in his eyes. Don't let me do this to you. Please.
Then Clark closed his eyes. His arms were loose at his sides. Waiting. Open.
"Now," said Ra's, and Kal's eyes opened, smoldering red. He moved forward, the vulnerable moment gone, closing on Bruce, a puppet in the hands of a madman.
Forgive me.
Bruce leapt forward and buried the sword in Clark's shoulder, above the heart, feeling the blade bite deep.
He heard a scream, a desolate howl bereft of sanity rip through the hall as Superman fell. But Clark's mouth hadn't opened, he lay on the floor peaceful as a sleeping child except for the blood, the blood--
His throat felt torn and raw for some reason. There was blood on his hands. The sword lay on the floor nearby, streaked with scarlet, and Clark's cape was in his hands, crushed in his fists. He looked up from Clark's body at the dozens of ninjas filling the hall.
Whatever they saw in his eyes, they scattered and fled before him, and any who did not were left broken and bleeding on the stone floor like grass before a razored wind.
Down a stone corridor Ra's fled; Bruce followed, borne on fury and grief like wings. A stone door slid shut behind his quarry, but he slipped through at the last second to find himself in a natural cavern, a crust of stone ledge clinging to the sheer rock. Beneath him the cave dropped off into nothing; a sickly pale glow glimmered far below.
Ra's was edging along the ledge; Bruce had no compunction, no fear, Clark's blood on his hands shielded him from vertigo or hesitation. He closed on his former mentor like an avenging angel, as if he would tear him apart with his bare hands.
Ra's smiled at him, a smile in which a strange pride and affection mingled with anger and fear. "Yet again I appear to have underestimated you," he murmured. As Bruce lunged forward, he merely stepped back, saying "Au revoir," and fell without further sound into the silent depths.
Bruce spent no time looking down after him but whirled to get back to the main hall. Back to Clark.
: : :
The pool of blood spread beneath Superman like a cape, fanning across the stone floor. The room was empty. "Clark," murmured Bruce. His eyes didn't open. Bruce got his arms under the other man and began to drag him toward the exit, toward the sky and sunlight. A long, pained smear of blood trailed behind them, and Bruce's throat hurt; someone was sobbing wordlessly, a horrible sound. Clark was a dead weight in his arms.
He staggered out into a gray world, lit like a pearl; the moment before sunrise. He laid Clark down in the snow and tore off his ninja mask to staunch the wound, blood sleeping into the snow, Clark's face white as snow. "Clark," he whispered again. "Don't leave me."
The sun rose.
Sunlight turned the snow and mist to rose, touched Clark's face with color. Clark drew a long breath and opened his eyes as the light crept across his body, laving his wound. "Oh," he said. "Bruce."
"Don't leave me," Bruce said again. He was rocking slightly, Clark's fingers wrapped in his, bowing over their joined hands.
"Never," Clark said. "I'll never leave you, Bruce."
It was cold, but Bruce didn't seem to feel it. It couldn't touch him. Sunlight was everywhere, a gold and rose benison, and Clark's terrible wound had stopped bleeding. "I knew you'd save me," Clark said.
Bruce laughed through the raw scrape of his throat, a creaking sound like leather. "I thought you saved me."
Clark drew him against the insignia on his chest, pulled him to his heart. "You always save me," he said.
They stayed like that, resting in sunlight together, letting the dawn touch and heal them.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
(no subject)
Date: 2009-05-01 02:40 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2009-05-01 02:45 pm (UTC)That was hard to write, lol. Bruce kept stalling and making me write more and more fight scene! "You could, uh...describe what else is going on! The surroundings? How I'm feeling?"
"Well...how are you feeling?"
"PRETTY ANGRY YOU'RE GOING TO MAKE ME STAB CLARK!"
*grin*
Glad you enjoyed!
(no subject)
Date: 2009-05-01 02:45 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2009-05-01 02:49 pm (UTC)Villains never seem to learn that forcing someone to hurt someone they care about never works out well for them. It just pisses the hero off even more. :)
I'm glad you liked it! They'll get off the mountain soon but I rather liked just leaving them there for a moment.
(no subject)
Date: 2009-05-01 02:56 pm (UTC)This is such an awesome fic. I could try and find superlatives to describe how awesome if it, but I don't think I know enough of them in English to be able to really express how truly great this is.
I'll just sit here in awe, with my mouth hanging open a little bit instead and hope that's a good enough representation for now. ;)
(no subject)
Date: 2009-05-01 02:59 pm (UTC)Oh good! :D I know that sounds odd to say but it's always good when it feels like it could go either way for a while. With superheros it can be hard to say--sadness and success chase each other's tails in canon so much.
*blushes* I really enjoyed writing this arc, so I'm just glad some of that enjoyment might show through a bit. Thank you...
(no subject)
Date: 2009-05-01 03:22 pm (UTC)What an update. I liked how you described Clark's perceptions of things and then Bruce discovering that Clark was moving to the beat of his heart and that saved his life?
*thud*
Awesome.
(no subject)
Date: 2009-05-01 11:48 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2009-05-01 03:38 pm (UTC)You know what was initially running through my mind at this line.
There was a slight pressure on Clark's back and he heard laughter ripple around the cavern. "May you one day use the world as your footstool as well, Lord," said Ubu.
At least you didn't end the scene with us still hanging.
Clark's motions were in rhythm with Bruce's heartbeat, like a dancer moving to a drumbeat only he could hear.
That was a great image. That Bruce is so in tune with his own body that he can keep track of his heartbeat during combat and recognize what Clark was doing. Just beautiful.
As Bruce lunged forward, he merely stepped back, saying "Au revoir," and fell without further sound into the silent depths.
And once again we do not know if Ra's is alive or dead. He makes a habit of that. But at least Bruce had his priorities straight as he immediately went back to Clark.
Lovely. And finally, a chapter in this fic without a cliffhanger!
(no subject)
Date: 2009-05-01 11:52 pm (UTC)*facepalm* It never crossed my mind, lol.
That Bruce is so in tune with his own body that he can keep track of his heartbeat during combat and recognize what Clark was doing.
Bruce's awareness of his own body has wonderful possibilities at moments like this. Yeah, almost anyone else and I would scoff at the idea that he could be aware of the sound of his own heart in the middle of such a fight, but...he's Batman, lol.
Lovely. And finally, a chapter in this fic without a cliffhanger!
*grin* It's an unfortunate function of stories revolving around kidnapping that any chapter that ends with the person unrescued is rather a cliffhanger, isn't it? I'd originally meant for the arc to end right here, on the mountainside, but there were too many loose ends back in Gotham and Metropolis to wrap up...and I ended up glad I did.
(no subject)
Date: 2009-05-02 01:04 am (UTC)It never crossed your mind! And you call yourself a slash writer. Bad guy has good guy completely in his power, orders good guy to all fours, geesh. Revoke your membership card.
I can see not going there (and it doesn't actually seem like Ra's thing anyway) but to not even think it? For shame.
Of course considering that was the *first* place my mind went at the line I quoted, despite having never read anything truly non-con in your writings (I've avoided the slave/absolute power stuff because I just can't read the characters that way even though I know it is technically founded in DC canon, but I've read most everything else you have available).
But I see you got what I thought once I pointed it out, so I wasn't that far off the mark with the possible implications.
Looking forward to reading the epilogue/wrap.
(no subject)
Date: 2009-05-01 03:40 pm (UTC)So much angst and hope for both of them!
I love how they're so connected that they both live to the beat of each others hearts! That was such a powerful moment in the middle of the fight when Bruce realized it. "My heart, Bruce whispered to himself, Oh, my heart." TT
Now I really want to see what kind of reception Bruce will give Ras if he decides to turn up again. *innocent*
(no subject)
Date: 2009-05-02 12:19 am (UTC)*happy sigh* That made me very, very happy to write, so I'm glad you liked it!
I kind of have a yen to write Ra's coming back and trying to wreck Superman's life now, lol. Because Batman won't be putting up with that stuff, no way. :)
(no subject)
Date: 2009-05-01 04:14 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2009-05-02 08:02 am (UTC)The heartbeat moment made me terribly happy to write! I'm glad you liked it too! :)
(no subject)
Date: 2009-05-01 04:50 pm (UTC)I love how Clark choreographed his "attack" on Bruce to the sound of his heart, giving Bruce the chance to dance his way through. I felt so badly when Bruce stabbed Clark, but how satisfying was that smack down of Ra's! Great stuff, and then everything gets healed in the morning sun. Some gorgeous imagery here, enriching the emotional exchange between Clark and Bruce to finish things off. Wonderful!
(no subject)
Date: 2009-05-02 08:05 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2009-05-01 05:17 pm (UTC)These lines touched me so much. Just beautiful.
The fight as the boys choreographed it was exquisite, and Bruce causing most of the ninjas to flee after stabbing Clark was wonderful! :)
Ra's dropping off the cliff...I wonder if Clark and Bruce will realize he has literally more than nine lives?
The sun is always Clark's savior. :)
"Don't leave me," Bruce said again. He was rocking slightly, Clark's fingers wrapped in his, bowing over their joined hands.
Oh, Bruce.
Great chapter! :)
(no subject)
Date: 2009-05-02 08:08 am (UTC)Hee, thank you! I bet he was totally unstoppable after that.
Ra's dropping off the cliff...I wonder if Clark and Bruce will realize he has literally more than nine lives?
I suppose they'll have to start planning what to do if he comes back, since he knws Clark is Superman now! Might become another arc, lol...
The sun is always Clark's savior. :)
It's very nice to have something as common as sunlight be a healing factor! :) Plus it always makes for lovely symbolism as well...
Glad you enjoyed! It made me terribly happy to write...
(no subject)
Date: 2009-05-01 05:37 pm (UTC)Clark's heart tried to skip a beat and failed; even alarm was beyond his ability.
Oh, poor Clark.
If we immediately send him far away to do something so against his will, we may find ourselves with a very angry Kryptonian to deal with."
You know, actually – I would like to see them dealing with a very angry Kryptonian. :)
Get on your hands and knees," said al Ghul, and Clark felt his body shift and lower.
Oh NO! – I didn’t like this at all. *Sigh*
He heard it before anyone in the room: the heartbeat approaching, steady and sure, the footsteps inaudible to any human.
There was so much hope for me in this line.
"Kill him," al Ghul's voice said carelessly.
Clark's body moved, and Clark's soul wrenched itself from its disassociation to wage one of the greatest battles of his life.
Oh boy. The next part was so intense. It was really keeping me on the edge of my seat.
He dodged again and saw it. Heard it. Clark's motions were in rhythm with Bruce's heartbeat, like a dancer moving to a drumbeat only he could hear. My heart, Bruce whispered to himself, Oh, my heart.
I loved, absolutely love these lines!
Bruce leapt forward and buried the sword in Clark's shoulder, above the heart, feeling the blade bite deep.
That was hard to read. Anyway, I was expecting this. There wasn’t another choice, IMO. So I forgive Bruce. :)
"Never," Clark said. "I'll never leave you, Bruce."
That was wonderful!
Bruce laughed through the raw scrape of his throat, a creaking sound like leather. "I thought you saved me."
I was glad to see this line. :)
Clark drew him against the insignia on his chest, pulled him to his heart. "You always save me," he said.
They stayed like that, resting in sunlight together, letting the dawn touch and heal them.
Thank you very much for the lovely ending of this chapter. :)
Absolutely fantastic, brilliantly written update!
Can't wait for the last chapter. :)
LS.
(no subject)
Date: 2009-05-02 08:14 am (UTC)I know! Bruce gets all the vengeance in this chapter, lol.
There was so much hope for me in this line.
The theme of Bruce's heartbeat getting him through was a late addition, but it made me very happy to write!
That was hard to read. Anyway, I was expecting this. There wasn’t another choice, IMO. So I forgive Bruce. :)
Oh good. :) I was a little afraid it might be hard for people to do! But he knows Clark would never forgive him if he let him continue to be controlled...
I was glad to see this line. :)
*grin* Bruce always knows what he owes Clark. He might not be fantastic at expressing it, but he makes sure Clark knows he knows...
I'm glad you liked the ending! That was originally going to be the end of the arc, but I decided the arc had too many loose ends that needed tying up, so an epilogue was called for, and I ended up liking it as well. :)
(no subject)
Date: 2009-05-02 11:10 am (UTC)Excellent idea. :)
Oh good. :) I was a little afraid it might be hard for people to do! But he knows Clark would never forgive him if he let him continue to be controlled...
You know, though I said it was hard to read, it was still easier than this part: "Let's start with something small. Something that keeps him close to the sound of my voice. Get on your hands and knees," said al Ghul, and Clark felt his body shift and lower. "Very nice," al Ghul said as if admiring a work of art. "Stay there."
You are absolutely right. Bruce couldn't let Clark to be controlled. :)
I decided the arc had too many loose ends that needed tying up, so an epilogue was called for, and I ended up liking it as well. :) Very well decision! I'm glad there is one more chapter left to go. (I hope Clark will be able to go to Jason's Derby now - my big wish. :D)
I look forward to the last chapter. :)
(no subject)
Date: 2009-05-01 06:01 pm (UTC)Moving on. Oh, Clark♥. Of course you'd manage to hold yourself back just enough. That's how this works. And Bruce's heartbeat. Gaaaaaah.
And oh Bruce, I'm so so so so so so sorry you had to do that. *snuggles him muchly* But all is well in the end.
Ra's. I'm not talking to you anymore. :|
That being said, I've suspected for a while, but now I know... If some truly heinously evil creature came up to me and said that I could only choose ONE fanfic to read ever again for the rest of my life, it would be MotS. The end. :)
*can't wait for the epilogue*
(no subject)
Date: 2009-05-02 08:24 am (UTC)BECAUSE HE'S THE GODDAMN BATMAN! :) (Also, your icon is making me break into unseemly giggles!)
Of course you'd manage to hold yourself back just enough. That's how this works. And Bruce's heartbeat. Gaaaaaah.
*beams* Thank you! Definitely my favorite parts of this chapter.
I'm blushing so much over your compliment, I can't even tell you. Oh dear. Thank you.
*runs off blushing furiously*
(no subject)
Date: 2009-05-01 06:14 pm (UTC)Is it time for the happy ending yet?
(no subject)
Date: 2009-05-02 08:29 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2009-05-01 06:15 pm (UTC)It's a good thing he could it WAS a Kryptonite sword -- pretty much any crippling strike should stop Superman. Had it been anything else, Kryptonian steel, for example, or something less certain, Bruce might have had to go for a killing strike instead and pray that he could get Clark to sunlight fast enough. Nice use of canon there.
Now I'm even more impatient for the next part -- fallout should be interesting. Thank you for a wonderful way to greet the day here.
(no subject)
Date: 2009-05-02 08:40 am (UTC)Definitely one of my favorite parts as well! Bruce being disassociated from his own emotions can lead to some nice moments sometimes. :)
(no subject)
Date: 2009-05-01 07:35 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2009-05-01 07:40 pm (UTC)He heard it before anyone in the room: the heartbeat approaching, steady and sure, the footsteps inaudible to any human. The gasp of a guard, the scrape of a body lowered to the floor. The heartbeat drawing closer as al Ghul and his followers discussed strategy, their voices of less import than the remembered chittering of bats in the cave roof. The heartbeat entered the room and Clark exulted, deep inside, that he was incapable of showing expression, of betraying his joy. He felt the familiar rhythm resonate in his own heart, a lifeline, an anchor. He held on.
Eeeeeee!! Yay! *cheers Bruce on* *huggles Clark*
"Kill him," al Ghul's voice said carelessly
Eeeep!
He dodged again and saw it. Heard it. Clark's motions were in rhythm with Bruce's heartbeat, like a dancer moving to a drumbeat only he could hear. My heart, Bruce whispered to himself, Oh, my heart.
Oh! Oh... *hearts Bruce and Clark*
He looked at Bruce and for a moment Bruce could see Clark in his eyes. Don't let me do this to you. Please.
*wibbles* *huggles Clark*
Bruce leapt forward and buried the sword in Clark's shoulder, above the heart, feeling the blade bite deep.
Eeeeeeep! *winces*
His throat felt torn and raw for some reason. There was blood on his hands. The sword lay on the floor nearby, streaked with scarlet, and Clark's cape was in his hands, crushed in his fists.
Oh, oh, Bruce!!!
Bruce got his arms under the other man and began to drag him toward the exit, toward the sky and sunlight. A long, pained smear of blood trailed behind them, and Bruce's throat hurt; someone was sobbing wordlessly, a horrible sound. Clark was a dead weight in his arms.
*wimpers*
Sunlight turned the snow and mist to rose, touched Clark's face with color. Clark drew a long breath and opened his eyes as the light crept across his body, laving his wound. "Oh," he said. "Bruce."
"Don't leave me," Bruce said again. He was rocking slightly, Clark's fingers wrapped in his, bowing over their joined hands.
"Never," Clark said. "I'll never leave you, Bruce."
*wibbles and flails* They're back together again at last, yay!! :D
They stayed like that, resting in sunlight together, letting the dawn touch and heal them.
Awww. *sniffles a bit*
I'm just so happy that they're together again! :D But there's only one more chapter, woe! Nonetheless, I hope it's up soon. :) *glomps you*
(no subject)
Date: 2009-05-02 11:46 am (UTC)Ahhhh Poor Bruce