Hi Friends, it's been a while. I don't think I'll ever finish this story. It's just not going to come. However, I don't want to leave the story line uncompleted - therefore here is this rough outline of where I wanted it to go/end with little scenes sprinkled in.

Chapter 27

B is on phone and he sounds mad

Saying something about "No, Clark, you can't do that to him! I don't care if- that boy needs his father! Clark!"

D is all like oh shoot is this about Conner? Goes in and asks B about it

"Is Conner okay? What's going on?"

And Bruce realizes that his eyes look more alert, they don't look as dull, they care and of course concern for his friends would be what motivates D to move forward

Doesn't wanna tell him at first but eventually does

All like C demonstrates powers, Luthor saw, planted ideas in Clarks mind, Clark went off world, left Conner with grandparents, Luthor tired to get ahold of Conner, Conner refused at first but then he lost control and broke his grandma's hand, took up luthor's offer, Clark got back early and found out, absolutely freaked out, Conner is at cave

D is shook and is like Clark would really do that? Then he asks if Conner can stay with them bc he can't stay at the mountain!

B says no bc they are things are still unsure and D obviously wants to get mad and he kinda does but then he says

You told me if I needed anything I could ask you. Well I'm cashing in the favor now, I want Conner to stay with us. Please.

B relents a) bc he's glad to see D caring though he hates the situation that brought it forward and b) Conner's like a nephew to him, both go to see Conner at mountain

Conner is happy to see D but he's afraid to hug him, comes back to manor with them

Healing process is slow, Conner is very hurt, D says yes to friends offer and Wally comes, then Roy and Arty at manor, and M'gann and Kaldur at mountain

focuses energy on helping conner, puts grief on halt

B helps Conner with comfort and BC with powers, B is the only one who Conner allows to touch him

D and B bond a little through B helping C with anger and powers and planning on getting supes to realize mistake

Dick hated seeing that expression on Conner's face - like he was afraid of himself, like he hated what he saw.

But Bruce, Bruce with his calm tone and gentle eyes told him it was ok, he was ok, everything was going to be ok. Dick watched in astonishment as Conner slowly deflated and curled in on himself. Bruce laid a hesitant hand on his shoulder and Conner winced but didn't pull completely. He just continued to rock himself silently. Dick let out a silent breath in relief.

Bruce looked at him and offered a pained smile. Dick bit his lip and looked away.

And C starts to get better, D knows it isn't a permanent solution but he just wants his friend to be happier. Bruce helps Conner with controlling his powers in whichever way he can. It's not enough, it can't be enough because he's not the one meant to do this but it's all he can do.

They do their daily readings with Bruce together, Bruce takes Conner out into the woods, tries to find the boys things to do so they don't go stir crazy. Can't always be there because work at Batman stuff, but he tries and that's what matters. The boy play amongst themselves (Conner always extremely careful not to get close to Dick) and help Alfred or just drink Tea and Scones with him.

Only times Conner really sees proof of how much Dick truly still loves Bruce is when Batman gets back from patrol pretty banged up. One time it's because Bruce has deep stab wounds and Dick just kind, gets paralyzed and stares in horror at the flowing blood and Bruce's increasingly pale face. Alfred is giving out directions and Dick is just staring at the blood and then at Bruce's face (who at this point, it so out of it). Alfred finally gets through to Dick who starts to help.

Conner still watches as his hands shake and the ghostly pallor his face has. Dick stays in the cave until daybreak the next day and is back upstairs before Bruce wakes up.

Another time it's fear toxin. Alfred has Bruce strapped down (Conner had to help hold Bruce down and he'd been terrified he was going to break Bruce's arms) and Bruce goes from shaking and tossing and groaning to deathly still and then back again. Conner hates not being able to do anything but Alfred they can't do much more until the antidote is finishes.

He and Dick are standing off to the side despite Alfred's half distracted protests to go upstairs.

Then Dick says "Bruce?" and Bruce just stills and searches until his eyes find Dick. And for a second there is clarity but it's quickly disappearing, the invisible horrors behind Bruce's eyes taking precedence. But then Dick keeps on talking, about books and soccer and helping Alfred with the cheesecake and his school field trip from a couple months ago.

Bruce's body begins to shake all over and he shakes his head. But he holds. For the next 2 hours until the first dose is ready, he holds. Shaking and with his pupils blown wide but he holds.

The first dose is administered and he seems to deflate, all the muscles he'd braced seemingly giving out. After a bit, they hesitantly untie the arm straps and then Bruce lunges. Conner cries out in alarm and begins to reach out when he realizes that all Bruce has done is engulfed Dick in a hug.

And while Dick doesn't look to be most comfortable, he doesn't seem to be in pain. He's in shock almost and then relaxes.

They stay like that for the rest of the night. Conner sleeps on a nearby cot. When he wakes up, Dick is gone and Bruce is still resting.

Dick is hurt and Bruce is hurt and really it's no one's fault but Bruce's - but- but at least Dick's dad wants to try!

He doesn't press Dick though because even if his dad wanted to try, he's not sure- he's not sure he'd let him.

A bunch of mentors give Clark a talking to, and also Lois, then B with "you don't want to lose your son" and D with "I know what it's like to not have a dad"

Bruce gave him a pained look. "You don't want to lose your son Clark - and if you keep this up, you just might. Trust me when I say it's hard to get a kid's trust back after you betray it. The moment you realize that he looks at you with wariness and thinly veiled hurt - when he's scared to even believe you might be sorry - We're talking about your kid here Clark! Your kid who you raised, who's been with you for as long as he can remember, your son."

"And you're just going to-" Bruce paused and with an air of finality sighed and said, "I'm not going to try to reason with you and tell you what you already know deep down - I'll just leave you with this; Connor needs his dad.

When Dick come to talk to him Clark doesn't even want to see him because the guilt and the pain - but Dick says "Wait. You have to hear me out." Dick takes a deep breath, "I know what it's like to not have a dad. I know what's it's like to know that there's a man who should be your dad, who cares for you and loves you and protect you and doesn't give up on you ever even when things get tough. I know what that's like. I don't know what it's like to not have him - to not have him because he thinks- because he doesn't- because- because- because he doesn't want you."

"Connor doesn't deserve that. For as long as I've known you. I've always thought you were the best father and son but all you're proving now is that Conner placed his trust in the wrong man. All you're doing is hurting him - can't you see? Why don't you want him? He didn't do anything wrong - he just wanted you but you didn't want him. Why Clark, why?"

"Superman doesn't solve issues by running away - Connor's dad shouldn't solve issues by running away either. Superman accepts his mistakes and makes them right and he trusts those he loves - Clark Kent should learn to do that too."

Dick pauses, eyes glistening and staring into the distance, present but not there. He swallows and whispers, fully aware that for a Clark it's as if he were yelling at the top of a mountain ridge, echoing around and around ... "He still loves you, you know? It's not too late for you; You just need to be there for him. Please"

Get through C's thick skull and Clark just… Misses his kid.

Comes to Manor wanting to apologize but after he says hi, Conner just runs away to his room, leaving a very panicked Clark

Dick follows Conner and Conner is all like I don't know if I can trust him again, he really hurt me and I don't want-

Dick is all like you need a dad, trust again

Conner throws it back at him, what about you? What about your dad?

And D says "I don't have a dad"

Conner: "of course you do, he's the guy who opened his home to me-"

He did it because I asked him to

My point exactly

No Conner-

He's also the guy who was there for me, you have a pretty cool dad

Bruce isn't my dad! He doesn't… Want me.

He does. I think it's just you're scared to trust him again because you're afraid to get hurt… Like I am too. If you give your dad a second chance I'll give mine one too

It'll be more like his third chance (mini recap of beginning)

Third times the charm

Alright, together

Slowly Conner moves back with Clark, he still doesn't trust him and he's so very hurt but he misses his dad too and those emotions war it out inside him. Clark gives him space and battles though his own emotion, making up his mind that no matter what happens, he's not backing down again. Lets a hint drop to Bruce that Dick doesn't hate and Bruce is just like *melt* my kid doesn't hate me?

D stops trying to fight B and put walls up

They'd kind of reached a truce in Conner's stay (ie. no snapping and general standoffishness). Bruce knows Dick is still grieving though and needs to process it through.

Dick starts school at Gotham Academy again and is overjoyed to see Barbara again. Coach Jackson asks if he's going to try out for Soccer and Dick says he doesn't know- because Soccer that was-

Coach Jackson doesn't push the issue, just says that if Dick decides he's ready, to let him know. It's year long so while it's preferred to begin at the beginning at the year, they're allowed to accept players later

The days go on, Bruce continues to read to Dick and Dick just kind of- wants to believe this is true. Wants to believe Bruce will still be there even after he stumbles and falls and thought the high and low.

But he's scared to trust. It happens spontaneously during one of their routine reads. Bruce is reading just like always, immersed in his story when suddenly Dick begins screaming incomprehensibly and then begins to sob, pushing the tears out of his eyes even as more drip down. He lunges at Bruce and hugs with all his might.

The breakdown technically comes out of nowhere but Bruce know it's not true.

Bruce can't say the idea of running away doesn't come to mind. He can't say because he's not a comforter and his first instinct is to get away from tears from them. But he also remembers that not too long ago, he had been one. Not the best and not knowing what he was doing most of the time, but he had tried.

And beyond that, is the fact that some part of Dick maybe trusts him enough to cry to him. And that, that's something that Bruce thought he'd lost forever.

So he wraps his arms around his kid and holds him tight. Trying to sooth and mend but also let him grieve and let every pent up emotion out. Dick's chest ard body shake with sobs and Bruce feels useless but he runs a hand through the boy's hair and whispers whatever assurances come to mind anyway.

Eventually, the sobs taper off to sniffles and Dick pushes his away. He opens his mouth as if to say something but then closes it.

And words. Bruce can't do words. He can do actions, try in his own way to help but with words, they never come out right. His tongue is never able to fully form what his mind wants to say. And either the words gets stuck in his throat or they come up jumbled and not what he meant to say.

Dick looks away and mumbles something about taking a shower and going to bed.

And Bruce sucks at words, he's established this to himself already but something compels him to speak anyway. "Whatever you need, I'm here. Good Night."

He ends with what he hopes is a reassuring smile. And Dick doesn't snap at him or roll his eyes or ignore him. He just nods and at least it's a small step forward.

They still have their rough days.

Days when Dick any small thing or nothing at all sometimes sets Dick off. When his only answer to Bruce's questions is a hot glare and an exclamation to leave him alone. Days when the bags under Dick's eyes hang darkly and he's quiet and closed off. When Bruce will find him sitting on a hallway floor staring at the wall with empty eyes. When he screams and cries in pain and frustration and reminds Bruce how truly out of his depth he is.

But Bruce shoulders on forward, making a point to be there no matter what. He's faithful to there daily readings and regardless of Dick's mood that day, he's never pushed out. He makes a routine to ask Dick how his day went, if there's anything he wants to learn or do, to stick his head into the boy's room at night and wish him a good night.

And they have really good days too. Days when Bruce hears that laugh that not too long ago he thought he'd never hear again - times that Dick doubles over and grabs his stomach in laughter over something Alfred did or wryly said, his snap at the older man having long since been forgiven through tears and a kind smile.

Days when Dick will come down to breakfast with a smile and light in his eyes. Days Bruce will catch him doing cartwheels and handsprings and generally bouncing about. Days he'll whisper good night back, slowly getting used to a routine that Bruce is trying so hard to maintain (steady, to be steady)

Even though the thick and thin, Bruce never stops being grateful that he a chance to be part of this boy's life once again.

Naturally, an idiot is what goes and messes things up.

Bruce is an important board meeting with a strict no cell phones policy in line when he feels the vibration in his pocket. He's barely begun to glance at his watch when his secretary enters unannounced.

She glances apologetically at him and says, "I'm sorry, Mr. Wayne, but there's a call-" she trails off and Bruce's eyebrows furrow. He excuses himself from the meeting and takes the call.

It's Gotham Academy.

And they called to say that Dick was in a fight.

Bruce makes up some half-hearted excuse and says Lucius will finish the meeting in his stead. At the older man's behest, Bruce only gives him a look and is out.

He's on the road when the second call comes through. Clark. He ignores it. His phone rings again.

"Clark, this better be fast," he says through the earpiece as form of greeting.

Instead of the dry response he's expecting, Clark says, "Have you seen the news?"

"Clark, I don't have the time for you to tell me about some article you-"

"Bruce, Dick's adoption was leaked." Clark interrupts urgently.

Bruce's hands stay on the wheel but his knuckles go white. "What." he says flatly.

"Some guy from the agency leaked the news about an hour ago. It's all over the place."

An angry tirade and a promise to sue later, Bruce forces himself to calm down. It won't help anyone if he- But it makes him so-

He breathes in deep and lets Clark know he'll call him back later.

He needs to focus and he can't arrive at Gotham Academy looking like the furious man he is.

The fury comes right back when he sees Dick. He'd originally planned on entering with a low profile but if the news is already leaked, what's the point?

"Who hit my kid," Is the first thing out of his mouth because who dared give his kid a bruised cheek and split lip?

One of the ladies sitting on the other side of the room sniff, "Who hit your kid? You should be asking who hit our kids."

It's then that the tunnel vision recedes and Bruce sees the other three boys. They looked considerably worse. It doesn't make him feel any better.

The middle school principal clears her throat and motions for Bruce to take a seat. Bruce does but notices Dick won't meet his eyes.

He turns his attention to the principal and listens as she explains the situation. Apparently, Dick threw the first punch, unprovoked according to the sniffles of the other boys.

Bruce's eyes move over to his kid in surprise - that certainly doesn't sound like him. Dick still refuses to meet his eyes.

"Dick," he prods quietly.

The boy stays silent.

Bruce asks if they already looks at the camera footage; The principal shakes her head no - the fight occurred in the boys bathroom.

Which Bruce it finds weird that all three boys would coincidentally be in the bathroom when Dick decided to start throwing punches but if his kid was refusing to say anything, Bruce's hands were tied. For the time being anyway.

The principal goes on to explain that due to the strict no violence policy, Dick would be suspended two weeks.

At this point, the moms on the other side of the room go off with "How dare- He should be expelled!"

Bruce glares at them and watches as the principal deal with them.

"C'mon chum," He tells Dick and begins to stand.

Suddenly the doors fly open and a red head girl runs in.

"Dick didn't start the fight!" she yells.

A familiar face runs in behind her. "Barbara," Jim Gordon says and looks up in slight surprise to see Bruce standing there.

"But he didn't!" Barbara continues angrily.

Dick's face, which so far had been impassive changes rapidly and he shakes his head.

Barbara doesn't stop. "They've been bothering him since the school year started because they're just big bullies with low self esteem who can't take someone who knows more than them! Dick just ignored them but- but today-" Here she stops and glances at Dick, then Bruce, then at the principal and rushes on, "They started calling him names and, and saying stuff when the adoption news came out." She glances again at Dick, "Really mean stuff."

The mothers are delving into hysterics and saying that their kids would never but the principal smiles kindly at Barbara, "Thank you for speaking up, Barbara. Mr. Wayne, Dick's suspension will be reduced to one week and won't impact his school record. You may go now."

Bruce ushers Dick out and Jim Gordon follows suit with his own daughter. Barbara tries to approach Dick but he turns away. Bruce sighs and shakes his head gently at her. Her shoulders slump forward but she nods and lets Dick speed ahead.

"So, a kid." Jim says.

Bruce eyes him, "Yes."

Jim looks like he wants to say more but just shakes his head. "Take good care of that boy, you hear me?"

He doesn't wait for Bruce's response and leaves with his daughter.

Bruce looks at the small figure a little ways up ahead and sighs. He's not looking forward to this.

Dick refuses to speak about the words the boys had said and what had transpired in the bathroom. Bruce can just sense as the walls were thrown back up and he cant't help but feel a sense of helplessness.

He sighs and ignites the car. They drive home in silence. They arrive at the Manor and Bruce stops Dick before he ran off to his room or whatever crazy nook he can find, a usual occurrence to situations like these.

Instead he sits the boy on the counter and patches up his split lip and slightly bruised ribs before handing him some ice for his cheek. He hesitates and hovers over Dick's hair for a second before ruffling it gently. "It's okay," he says.

He wraps one arm around the boy and pulls him to his side, "It's okay" he repeats.

He watches as Dick wrings his hands together but makes no move to push Bruce away or hug back.

"Can I go now?" The boy eventually mumbles.

Bruce squeezes him once last time before bringing him down off the counter. "Yes," he says.

Dick nods and runs off, not letting Bruce see the way his lower lip trembles and his hands shake.

Dick closes off completely and Bruce actually wishes the boy would rather scream, rather yell, rather have some sort of reaction other than sittings there in nothingness.

Regardless, Bruce has learned to be steady and he's not letting his kid go. Before, it was always Dick would run to him for comfort, who would seek affection when he needed the comfort or just wanted the attention. And Bruce know how much Dick needs that.

So he tries his best to ruffle the boy's hair, to squeeze his shoulder, to pull him in for a side hug. Dick doesn't hug him back or seek out the comfort but he doesn't push Bruce away so Bruce keeps doing it.

He also looks into what moron decided to leak the adoption news and makes sure to sue the man.

It doesn't however, change the consequences and Bruce still has to deal with the fallout. He releases a statement and does a press release but knows the vultures won't stop pestering until they get an "official" look or whatever nonsense. Which means, unfortunately, that Bruce also has to organize some sort of gala he can attend with Dick.

He divides his time between his kid, work, Batman, and organizing the gala (though honestly, Alfred does most of the work for the gala).

He expects more of a push back when he lets Dick know about the Gala but while he doesn't look thrilled, all Dick does is nod and say okay.

Bruce comes close to punching a wall but ends up punching a punching bag instead.

He lets go of the thrumming anger inside him and tries to focus on what he can do instead of what he can't. And what he can do is not get angry because if he gets angry, Dick will think he's angry at him and then that will just end up in a step backward when what Bruce needs is more ground forward.

And sure, Dick isn't wanting to open himself up right now but when he decides he's ready, Bruce needs to prove he'll be there. Needs to show he'll be there by being there for him even when he doesn't act like he wants it or needs it.

The day of the gala comes and the father and son duo are able to enter without much fanfare thanks to Alfred and a inconspicuous side entrance.

Bruce hadn't wanted to do it at the Manor because he didn't want to intrude on a place he hoped Dick saw as safe and secure and because he wanted to be able to leave as soon as possibly and he could't do that if he was stuck being a proper "host"

Only the reporters Bruce had screened were allowed entry and he made sure to stick close to the kid for the whole three hours they were at the Gala. His "Brucie" persona took a backseat for once as his main focus shifted to make sure no one - reporters and social peers alike - didn't overstep their bounds. He allowed some pictures and two interviews (Courtesy of Clark Kent and Vicki Vale)

Conner, who had begun staying full time with Clark a few weeks ago, was brought along and got Dick to cheer up for about the hour or so they were there.

After finally deciding enough was enough, Bruce got ready to leave, Dick looking relieved.

He was not prepared for the mass they met outside.

Dick followed Bruce as they prepared to leave through the same little entrance they'd entered through. He was glad the night was over and just wanted to go home and sleep.

As soon as they stepped out though, there were met by a mass of reporters of flashing lights. He could hear someone that sounded a lot like Bruce yelling and then other deep voices joining the fray. Several men in black suits flanked them and Dick kept his head down as they began walking through the crowd. The hand on his shoulder kept him steady and Dick just focused on his steps and ignored the noise and lights.

They were nearing the middle of the group where all of a sudden there was a surge and one of the guards flanking them disappeared. So did the hand on Dick's shoulder.

Time seemed to slow down for those precious seconds when all that Dick could see was flashing lights and he all he could feel was the crowd pressing against him, he wanted nothing more than he wanted Bruce. Panicked and not knowing which way go or what to do, his eyes began to water because he just wanted his dad.

Bruce meant safety. Everything else aside, Bruce meant he was safe, that much he knew.

Time sped up again and suddenly he was being gathered into arms he knew well. He pressed his face against Bruce's chest and wrapped his arms tightly around his neck as he was carried into the air, shaking all over but finally safe.

Bruce was roaring at the crowd and the security guards were roaring at the crowd and Dick was safe.

Finally, they got into the car and Dick just sat there, curled up on Bruce's lap with his arms wrapped around the man's neck with a death grip.

He felt Bruce inhale a deep breath and then let it out. And then again. And again.

Eventually he heard him say, "It's okay now. It's okay. I'm so sorry Dick, that is never happening again."

Dick believed him and didn't let go.

A couple of days after what Bruce was calling the Gala incident happened (he was tracking down every reporter present and pressing charges. He was also talking with his lawyers about legal ways to ensure it never happened again. And he was also thinking of not making Dick attend any Gala's for at least another year. Maybe not feasible but it was a nice thought). Anyway, a couple days after that, he came home from patrol to see the kitchen light on.

He stepped into the room to see a half-empty glass of milk on the table and Dick's head in his hands. He gently prodded the boy with one hand and Dick slowly uncurled himself to look up at him.

He looked so sad and it twisted something inside Bruce every day to see that look of pure loss and emptiness on his kid's face.

"Hey chum," he whispered.

"Hi," was miserably whispered back.

The twisting sensation turned into the feeling of something breaking.

"Do you want to talk about it," Bruce asked.

"No," Dick said, voice breaking.

Not knowing what else to do, Bruce held his arms out. Dick dived into them and promptly bursts into tears.

"I don't - I don't want- Dad, why won't it stop?" He cried.

Bruce's heart froze. Had he? He hadn't even seemed to realize it though. Bruce pushed the thought away along with the immense joy it was bringing him. He could dissect it later when his kid wasn't sobbing his eyes out on his lap.

Bruce rocked him back and forth and said "It's okay, it's okay, I've got you, it's okay."

And then, "I'm scared you're gonna leave me again"

It was said in the jumble of a lot of stuff Dick unintelligibly said but Bruce still catches it and his heart stops... again. This time, not in a good way.

"No," he stops, "Sweetheart, no."

It's only then that he realizes his eyes are welling up and he blinks back tears, how much did he hurt his kid?
"Dick, I am so sorry, I'm sorry. So, so sorry for what I did. But I promise I'm not letting you go again."

He can't promise he won't leave because in his line of work, that's just not a promise he can make but he can promise that he isn't letting his kid go.

And it's the fact that he can't bear to have Dick think otherwise that unleashes the flowing mess of words out of him.

"I'm not letting go because you're my kid and not because you're my blood or because you're a Wayne but because you're my kid. Because it makes me happy just to see you, because it makes me sad when you're sad, because you're the sweetest, smartest boy I've ever met, because I love your laugh and your smile, because you're you because I wish over and over that I hadn't been so stupid to let go of the best thing that happened to me when you walked into my office that day"

Dick turned to look up at him with his big blue eyes blown wide in shock and red with tears. Bruce pressed a kiss to his forehead.

Dick's face crumpled and he began to cry in earnest again but this time it was less out of grief and more out of relief.

Bruce just kept holding him, so, so grateful to be allowed his kid in his arm and relishing the fact that he could.

They were going to be okay

Note: And um, basically after this, it's still an uphill battle and they still have their struggles but Bruce starts to see more of his bright, cheerful kid, who laughs and jumps and swings from chandeliers (Dick sings Chandelier by Sia when he does this at the top of his lungs and Bruce is torn between laughing and having a heart attack ... eventually he becomes used to it, unfortunately for him)

It's still not perfect, Bruce can't always be there but the more time passes, the more Dick comes to understand that and trust him nonetheless. He doesn't even know when exactly he starts trusting Bruce without any reservation again, doesn't know when he decides to trust Bruce to catch him if he falls but through the thick and thin and life, he just does.

The "Dad" thing is not a thing for a while after his breakdown in the kitchen but one day Clark comes over and Conner is calling him dad and for Dick it just kind of slips out? Bruce has a stupid grin on his face for the rest of the day and not even Clark's teasing chases it off.

Dick joins soccer again and this time Bruce tries to assist to the games he can and Dick is so happy to see him in the stands. Bruce is there during Dick's hard times and during his happy times.

A year later, Robin starts patrolling the city with Batman and finally brings Zucco to justice. A year after that, the Team is formed.

END

BONUS:

CONNER AND CLARK

It took Conner awhile to trust again but he never stopped loving or needing his dad - the appearance of his powers only made him need Clark more - and he can't say he still doesn't feel hurt but it's glass that keeps on being weathered and becoming less sharp and painful, weathered by the reassurances and actions of his father.

CONNER ORIGIN STORY:

Clark still wasn't sure how exactly he'd ended up with the baby in his arms. Not even a year old, according to the scientist.

And all the baby boy did was stare with those blue eyes that were a practical reflection of Clark's own—blue, so, so blue.

But the baby didn't cry, didn't protest at being in the hands of a complete stranger. Maybe because all the people in his life had been strangers. According to Laura the baby had grown up in isolation, neglected from comfort and never able to form attachments.

What was Clark supposed to do?

He'd met Laura in the aftermath of an attempted heist. She'd been standing in the crowd with a stroller, her eyes fearful and haunted.

Then she'd approached him, looking around wildly and insisting she needed to talk to him but away from prying eyes. Clark had been complete baffled to say the least but he knew she needed help so he'd conceded. She'd taken out a small bundle from the stroller and anxiously around even as he lifted her and the baby and supersped them into the middle of nowhere.

When Laura finally explained what was going on, Clark didn't know how to process it.

She'd been one of the lead scientists for an organization she wouldn't name and had been chosen for what she called Project Kr—chosen as the surrogate mother for a baby whose paternal donor was Clark… was his stolen DNA.

Through tears she'd told him she was sorry, that she'd been stupid and ambitious, that the organization had wanted to use the baby as a weapon that would one day defeat Superman.

That after she came out of labor and held the child in her arms for the first and last time, she'd grown impossibly attached and hadn't wanted to let go.

That she'd known she couldn't do anything for the baby except stay in the organization and hope for a chance of escape. That it had broken her heart to see baby passed around from person to person, never being able to grow attached, never comforted when he cried, never played with.

She'd plotted and had a long term plan to get him out but then something threw a wrench in her plans; she got wind of the fact that the baby wasn't showing any sign of powers and was going to be disposed of.

In a panic, she'd hastily brought her rough plan to fruition which brought her to where she was now. She'd made Clark promise to take care of the baby. Then she told him to bring her to city where she claimed she'd already made plan to disappear.

After giving the baby a quick kiss on the forehead, she'd headed off into the throngs of people and that was the last he'd seen of her.

And now he was in charge of a baby. A baby who refused to even react to his presence.

SUPERFAMILY ARC:

D has to leave, B tells him that D is his son, Clark feels bad for the duo, at least he has his son. Conner is sad about D and asks why B won't let him stay, Clark doesn't know what to say

Life goes on but then Conner is discovered to have powers the hard way... in public. Luthor sees them from window

Goads Clark about how this was his plan all along, how Cadmus worked with him, how his own son is a weapon meant to destroy him and Clark has now grown attached

Clark freak out, distances himself from Conner by going off world

Conner stays with the Kents, Luthor tries to contact him, he refuses, accidentally breaks Ma Kent's hand in a rampage, is horrified of himself, takes up Luthor's offer to help him control his powers

Clark comes back early, freaks out even more and Conner goes to stay at Mountain

D finds out from B, Conner begins staying at Wayne Manor

B gives Clark a talking to but is D who finally sways him bc "I know what's it's like to need a dad who isn't there"

Progress in relationship is slow and complex, Conner doesn't know how to trust his dad again, Clark's blinders are finally off and he's ashamed of what he's done

Time heals wounds, slowly Conner lets himself be pulled back to Clark's protective embrace and Clark pushes away thoughts of neglect, he begins helping Conner with powers

In the end it's discovered that Luthor lied about Conner all along and both superdad and superson grow back together.

And that is the end of the Batscheme world. Thank you to everyone so so much, your reviews made my day and still make me smile when I read them. I love you all and I thank you for being part of this journey with me.

And during this time, I really encourage you to find something you can put your faith in - For me, it's God because he's never me let me down and never will so you can have unshakable faith in him.

Stay safe and remember that it's going to be okay.

Thank you again and bye!

~LB