Part Two

SNAFU'S NOTES: Apologies for not updating. I've been taking a long break from writing. A very long break. This can burn you out, you know. Expect an update for Injustice: A Change In Fate coming soon.

A day had passed. Still, Clark didn't contact Bruce.

Not that he was avoiding Bruce, mind you, but he had been busy with trying to get information regarding the Joker's demise. Lois couldn't fault him for that.

Fortunately, it was Cyborg who filled him in on the details. The Joker somehow had gotten a hold of a nuclear device. His mooks, not too keen on their boss making Gotham disappear under a mushroom cloud (and killing off their loved ones), his men decided to gun him down instead.

Clark and Lois both saw the copy of the security video showing the Joker's demise. That, and video showing Batman identifying the body, followed by its cremation and its ashes tossed into Gotham Harbor.

At least Clark was still on good terms with the Birds of Prey. Unlike most of the heroes and everyone else, Barbara, Helena and Dinah didn't fault Clark and the League regarding the Incident. With the information given to them by the Birds, Clark and Lois were able to make the deadline for the Planet's Special Edition.

True to his word, Clark had Lois checked out over at STAR Labs after Perry gave them the rest of the day off. So far, both Lois and the baby were both healthy. Lois thought that he was overreacting, until Clark reminded his wife of her penchant of getting herself into trouble.

Lois didn't have a comeback to that statement.

Before Clark could call Bruce, word came in about a runaway train, the bridge having been destroyed. Clark - as Superman - managed to stop the train and save lives, but didn't bother to stay afterwards. He knew that the people were far from trusting him completely. It would be a long, hard and painful road back before the people could trust him entirely once again.

Only a few people trusted him. Lois, for one. And Jimmy Olsen. Good ol' Jimmy. And his parents, of course.

Speaking of Ma and Pa Kent, they both were overjoyed when Clark had called and told them about their impending status as grandparents.

Clark just didn't call Bruce.

"Did you call him?" Lois asked as she poked at her carton of Chinese food.

Clark looked up from his own carton of braised beef. "I've been a bit busy today." He saw Lois's face go sour. "Seriously, I've been meaning to call, but I was kinda preoccupied with a runaway train heading for a destroyed bridge."

"Forget calling," Lois said. "Just go to Gotham and speak with him."

"Lois..."

Lois cut him off. "Clark, you've been avoiding each other long enough. He knows that what happened with you and the others wasn't your fault. Go and talk to him. And don't give me that crap about how Bruce doesn't like superheroes in his city. He'll make an exception with you. You're his friend, Clark."

Clark pinched the bridge of his nose as he let loose a sigh. "Fine. I'll talk to him tomorrow."

Lois shook her head. "No. Now. Tonight."

Clark looked up. "What? Tonight?"

Lois nodded. "Yes. Tonight. Half the villains in Gotham are either drunk off their asses or dealing with some pretty nasty hangovers. And unless Bruce is either with Selina or out of town, then you have no excuse. Get out, go to Gotham, and talk to Bruce." She then pointed to the couch. "You got until the count of three or else you're on the couch for the next nine months."

"Okay, okay," Clark grumbled as he finished his dinner. He zoomed into the bedroom, then reemerged a second later as Superman. "Happy now?" he asked.

"You're getting there," Lois said. "Now get going." She then added as an afterthought, "And if Alfred got any cookies made, get some for me, okay?"

"Yes, dear," Superman grumbled as he walked over to the window. Opening it, he looked around, then flew out into the night sky. No one on the ground didn't see him zoom off towards Gotham.

The Batcave, around the same time.

For the past two nights, the criminals and rogues of Gotham had been partying non-stop, celebrating the Joker's death. Even those imprisoned in Arkham threw an impromptu celebration, partying like it was Christmas with illegal hooch made from fermented fruit.

The only problem was that Commissioner Gordon had was dealing with a horde of drunken crooks, some of which were sleeping off their hangovers in the police station's drunk tank or treated for alcohol poisoning at the various hospitals in the city. And from what he heard, the hangovers were punishment enough.

For Bruce Wayne, it had been a slow night. For the past two days, it had been relatively peaceful. But even he knew that it wouldn't last. But he sure as hell was going to enjoy it.

Damian was out and about with Red Hood and Batwoman, patrolling the streets. Normally, Damian would be out with Dick, but his former protege was...'preoccupied' with his Tamaranean lover.

Alfred was topside, baking cookies. When Bruce asked why, Alfred replied, "Just a hunch, Master Bruce," right before telling him that Selina was in the Batcave.

Ever since their engagement, Selina has taken to exploring the Batcave, even going as far as to claim a secluded spot in the Cave as her own. For most of the day, Selina had been customizing it for her tastes. "Only thing is missing is a wet bar," she had quipped.

Only problem was that Selina wasn't in her little part of the Cave. But she was close. This, Bruce knew. He knew that Selina was watching him. Where, exactly, he didn't know.

"Selina?" Bruce called out.

He was met with silence.

"Selina?"

Nothing.

He walked over to where the Batmobile was parked. Selina was still watching him from the shadows. She was good at hiding. She was a thief, after all.

Well, former thief.

Walking away from the Batmobile, Bruce headed over to the Batcomputer. He was at least six feet away from the Batmobile when he heard...

THUMP.

...something heavy landing on the Batmobile's chassis.

"Meowww..."

Selina.

Bruce turned around. Perched on top of the Batmobile, was his fiancee. And she was wearing the leather bustier, matching pants and boots. Her bullwhip was wrapped around her waist. The same outfit she had wore in their first meeting.

Selina leapt at him, tackling him to the floor. After a brief roll along the floor, it ended with Selina pinning Bruce to the floor. Sure Bruce could free himself, but he was enjoying this a bit too much.

Selina knew that Bruce was enjoying himself, as his eyes showed amusement while his face was stoic.

"Told you I'm always on top, Bat," Selina purred.

She then yelped as Bruce quickly switched places, now pinning her to the ground.

"First time for everything, Cat," Bruce growled.

Selina smirked. "Like having sex on the rooftop?" She wiggled underneath his weight. "Maybe we can christen the Batcave properly."

"I'm up for a repeat performance."

Selina smiled as Bruce lowered his head for a toe-curling kiss. But the kiss did not come.

"Ahem."

The (somewhat) romantic moment was ruined with the arrival of a third person. Both Bruce and Selina turned to the source of the voice.

"Is this your idea of date night?" Superman asked, arms folded, floating in the air, a look of amusement on his face.

"Usually, her idea of date night involves property damage," Bruce growled as he stood up, annoyed that the boy scout cock-blocked his time with Selina. He pulled Selina to her feet, the former thief accepting her lover's hand.

Superman lowered himself to the ground. "Got a minute, Bruce?"

Bruce nodded. "Everything okay on your end?"

"It's...well, hard. Ever since the Incident, the League's reputation has taken a serious hit," Superman admitted. He sighed. "You were right, Bruce, about the chance that the Justice League would be a threat if we went rogue. Lois is still mad at you for having those backup plans, but she understood why you did it."

"Barry put you up to this, didn't he?" Bruce guessed.

"No. Diana. She's broke her exile from her home island to come and see me yesterday," Superman explained. "I think out of everyone in the League, she's feeling the most guilt." The Kryptonian sat down in a nearby chair. "Do you know what it's like? Not being in control of your own body, but aware of everything that is happening?"

Much to Superman's surprise, Bruce nodded. "Yeah. I do. Talia did the same to me. Took Selina, Damian, Kate and Dick to snap me out of it."

"Whoever made the League go bad knew where and how to hit us," Superman continued. "And as much as I hate to admit, your contingency plans saved us all."

Selina, for her part, turned to Bruce. He just stood there, stoic expression and all. "Aw...and here, I was at least hoping you'd say 'I told you so,'" she pouted, nudging him with her hip.

Bruce gave his fiancee a side glance. "You'd like that, wouldn't you?"

"Any leads?" Superman asked. "I know you've been working on the case regarding the Incident."

Bruce walked over to the Batcomputer and punched in several keys. Several images of Lex Luthor appeared. From the look of things, he was visiting a university.

"The Incident took place on March 14th," Bruce explained. "These were taken in Zurich. March 14th is also Albert Einstein's birthday, of which Luthor treats with great reverence, as he considers Luthor to be his idol. So much so that he takes a break from planning and visits places of great significance to Einstein, such as the University of Zurich."

Clark nodded, as he knew of Luthor's admiration towards Einstein.

He punched in several more keys. This time, it was from a CCTV feed in downtown Zurich. Luthor was seen inside a cafe, laughing his ass off as he watched the brainwashed Justice League run amok.

"Guess we can clear Luthor," Superman grumbled.

"Master Bruce. Miss Selina."

Bruce, Selina and Superman turned to Alfred. The Wayne family butler stood in the doorway leading to the mansion, hands clasped behind his back. "Master Clark."

Superman nodded. "Alfred."

"Your timing is impeccable, Master Clark," Alfred said. "I have a batch of cookies cooling on the stove."

Superman grinned. While Ma Kent's cookies were the best, Alfred's came pretty damn close.

"Think I can take a couple home for Lois?" Superman asked.

"Of course." With that, Alfred turned and exited the Cave.

After Selina changed into a tanktop and a pair of track pants, she joined Bruce and Superman in the living room. Superman relaxed in the armchair, while Selina joined Bruce on the love seat. Alfred brought over a cup of tea to Selina, who accepted it with a nod and a word of thanks.

For Selina, it was rather...odd, seeing the Big Blue Boyscout relaxed while on the job. Then again, she's seen weirder stuff in Gotham.

"Dick and I had a bet on whether or not either you or Diana would come calling," Bruce said as he sipped his tea. Selina sat down next to him. "Dick placed his bets on you. I said Diana."

Superman chuckled. "Looks like you lost that bet, Bruce," he said. "The League's getting back together in three weeks at the Watchtower. Diana told me that she and the others are considering letting you come back to the League. It's up to you, of course."

"I'll consider it, Clark," Bruce said.

Superman nodded. "Thanks. And there's the other reason why I'm here. Lois wanted me to speak with you."

"She's pregnant, isn't she?"

Superman's eyes widened, as did Selina's at Bruce's comment. Alfred's eyebrow raised slightly.

"Wait...what...?" Superman sputtered. "How did you...?"

Bruce began to count of on his fingers. "First off, you're sweating. Second, your pupils are dilated. Third, your left hand is shaking. When that happens you're showing outward signs of either stress or fear. Last time I saw you this afraid, you were fighting Doomsday. And since you're grinning like a complete idiot, it's safe to say that Doomsday isn't back. Congratulations, by the way."

Selina chuckled softly. Her lover was the World's Greatest Detective, after all.

"Lois and I talked about it," Superman continued. "We want you and Selina to be the godparents."

Now, it was Bruce's turn to be shocked. He and Selina looked at each other.

"Lois and I made some calls earlier in the day to confirm that the Joker was KIA," Superman explained. "A friend of hers told us about your impending engagement. Congratulations to the both of you."

Selina quickly got over her gaffe first. "Would miracles never cease?" she said. "The almighty Bruce Wayne is at a loss for words."

"I heard its heartbeat, Bruce," Superman said. "I heard my child's heartbeat from inside of Lois."

Bruce's lips twitched upwards in a small smile. "Seems that Lois will be in pleasant company then," he said. Off Superman's confused look, Batman merely nodded his head at Selina.

Superman's eyes widened as he looked at Selina. Sure enough, he could hear a second heartbeat from within the cat lover. "Congratulations," he said.

"Thanks. Since you and Lois want us to be the godparents," Selina replied, "Bruce and I want you and Lois to be our daughter's godparents."

"Done," Superman accepted after a beat. "I'll explain everything to Lois. She'll agree to it as well." He leaned back in his chair. "How did the others take the news of your engagement?"

"It was...mixed," Bruce admitted. "Dick and the others knew about me and Selina. They were pretty shocked to discover that I actually proposed."

"Most of them threatened bodily harm on me if I hurt Bruce," Selina added. Damian, Dick, Dinah and the other Birds. And I think Zatanna threatened to turn me into a newt. And the less said about what Constantine wanted to do with me, the better."

"I'd expected as much," Superman said.

Alfred, in the meantime, had left the living room, and returned with a small parcel. "For yourself and Miss Lois, Master Clark," the butler said.

Superman could smell the cookies. "Fresh baked, Alfred?" he asked as he accepted the package.

"Of course. And some herbal tea for Miss Lois to help with her pregnancy," Alfred replied.

"Thanks a lot, Pennyworth. I owe you for this."

Later on...

Superman landed on the rooftop of his apartment building. Using a set of clothes and an extra pair of glasses he had hidden on the rooftop, he changed back into Clark Kent. Alfred's care package in hand, he entered the apartment building, and walked down the flight of stairs until he reached the fourth floor.

Approaching the door with 411 on the front, he fished out his spare housekey, unlocked the door and opened it.

Lois was waiting for him. She was in the living room, seated on the love seat. Her face brightened when she saw the small box her husband carried with him, the smell of Alfred's cookies hitting her just minutes later.

"Alfred?"

Clark nodded and handed her the package.

Lois opened the box. "Ohh...chocolate chip and macadamia nut cookies. Maybe I should marry Alfred instead."

Clark rolled his eyes as he removed his glasses. After walking to the kitchen and pouring both himself and Lois two glasses of milk, he returned to the living room, and sat down next to her.

"So? How'd it go?" Lois asked.

"Luthor's out of the running when it comes to suspects," Clark explained. "Turns out that he's a fan of Albert Einstein, and was visiting Zurich on his birthday; the day the Incident happened."

"And..."

"Bruce and Selina both agreed to be the godparents of our child," Clark continued. "And in turn, we're both the godparents of their kid."

Thankfully, Clark said this when Lois finished gulping down her milk. She slowly set down the half-full glass of milk. "Selina's pregnant?"

"I heard its heartbeat, Lois."

Lois chuckled. "Their kid is not going to be normal."

"And our kid is going to be half-Kryptonian, so?"

"At least our kid will be in good company." Lois snuggled closer to her husband. "You did tell the rich boy that we accept the offer, right?"

"Of course." One muscular arm wrapped around Lois's waist. "I think Diana had a point. We should just enjoy the moment."

Back in Gotham, the party continued on throughout the night. Come the morning, many a rogue would be nursing some serious hangovers. The various drugstores and pharmacies would be sold out of painkillers throughout the city.

Back at Wayne Manor...

Selina and Bruce didn't move from their place on the love seat, Selina snuggled up to her lover, the big bad Bat of Gotham, enjoying his presence, his scent his well...everything.

Granted that their playtime was ruined by Superman, Bruce and Selina didn't mind. Not with the revelations that Clark had shared with them.

"Bat, you know their kid isn't going to be normal, right?" Selina asked.

"I know," Bruce replied. "Am I kidding myself that our little girl is gonna be like us, prowling the streets at night beating up criminals like her parents?"

"I'm more worried about our daughter taking after me."

"You've reformed, Cat."

"For the most part." Selina smirked. "I thought you liked your girls bad. First me, then Talia..."

"I'd have to worry about you cleaning out the Gotham Museum, not blowing up the world just to impress me," Bruce said. "Least this way, I can make you an honest woman out of you."

"About as honest you can get me," Selina said as she craned her head and kissed her fiance.

"I'll settle for you just being a decent woman," Bruce said after breaking off the kiss. "So...what kind of wedding do you want?"

Selina throught about it for a moment. "Dunno. Not too keen on having a grandiose wedding, given who we deal with on a daily basis." She then added, "Harley knows who you are."

Bruce looked at Selina. "What?" he deadpanned.

"Underneath the makeup and insanity, she's still brilliant," Selina continued. "She confronted me about it, and I confirmed it. This was also the day that I told her you knocked me up."

"Will she be a problem?" Bruce asked.

"Nope. She's actually looking forward to being an aunt to our kid. She'll keep her mouth shut."

"And Ivy? Does she know?"

"Thankfully, no. I can only imagine the tongue-lashing from the Green Queen about me and you together." Selina chuckled. "But she does know that I'm expecting and Ivy actually kinda like you."

"Probably because Wayne Enterprises leads the world in green energy research," Bruce added. He held her tighter. "Right now, I just want to enjoy...this."

Selina kissed him again. "Couldn't agree with you more."