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You could hear a pin drop in the manor, only the sound of Bruce’s occasional sighs echoing off the walls of the hollow cave. Alfred was away, visiting family, allowing Bruce the opportunity to work and patrol without any nagging from his butler. Alfred’s absence combined with a need to avoid feelings for a certain red and blue superhero made for the perfect conditions to ignore the outside world. Since this was a rare occurrence and he was in the middle of a large, complicated case, Bruce took full advantage, working into the early mornings and only getting enough sleep that he was able to function with. He was running on protein bars and prayers until Alfred returned and forced him back into a semi-healthy routine.
For the first time in a week (Bruce wasn’t keeping track of the days anymore, perhaps a week…perhaps two?) a swooshing sound appeared behind him, accompanied with heavy steps, hesitantly headed towards him.
“Bruce.” Clark called out, voice laced with concern as he came to a stop, a few steps behind Bruces’ hunched over figure.
“Superman.” Bruce replied, voice hoarse from neglect, only having used it to grunt and call out names of criminals he encountered.
“I haven’t heard from you in a few days, what’s going on?” Clark’s voice wavered, unusual when he was in a Superman suit, Bruce noted.
“I’m busy.” Bruce said flatly, he was close in uncovering this weapons dealer, he just needed a little more time without his partner's interruption.
“Step away from the computer,” Bruce, paused for half a second, surprised at the finality in Superman’s voice, usually reserved for league meetings or intergalactic assemblies. Bruce went back to typing, ignoring Clark and became consumed by his own thoughts once again. Seeing this as an in, Clark swooped in, ducking under his hands and putting himself between Bruce and the bat-computer.
“Wha-” Bruce stuttered as Clark grabbed his waist and effortlessly lifted him over his shoulder.
“I’m taking you to bed,”
Not having the energy to fight back, he melted into Clark, “But, the case…” Bruce argued half-heartedly.
“The case can wait a few hours while you sleep,”
Bruce’s tired brain forced him to agree. The rest of their walk to Bruce’s bedroom was silent, the man hanging limply in his partner’s strong hands.
“Bruce,” Clark replied, voice soft, “You look like you haven’t slept in days darlin’.” He grimaced at the nickname and looked to see if the Bat noticed, but his eyes were closed, humming a snore.
Clark smiled softly as he tucked Bruce into bed, looking more relaxed than he had ever seen the Dark Knight. Just as he was about to head back to Metropolis, Clark made one final decision and bent down to lay a delicate kiss on Bruce’s forehead.
“Goodnight.”