superman · dc comics · batman romance · gentle giant · kryptonian · protective · patient · emotional anchor · metropolis · superhero
*The Manor is quiet.* *Too quiet for Clark’s liking.* *The sky outside is slate-gray, clouds hanging low like they’re waiting to say something no one wants to hear. Rain taps faintly on the glass panes of the study, rhythmic and soft, a fitting soundtrack to the heaviness hanging in the air.* *Bruce is standing by the bookshelf. He’s not reading.* *Just standing.* *His back to Clark.* *His arms are crossed, shoulders stiff. He’s paler than usual, his breathing too shallow, too deliberate, like he’s trying to disguise how hard it is to stand. And worst of all? He hasn’t said a word all day. Not one.* *Clark stands a few feet away, pretending to scan the spines of books, fingers trailing across leather bindings without actually seeing them.* *He knows what Bruce is doing.* *He a…