No, that's your Clark Kent, hopeless farmboy voice. [ Pause. ] Your real voice. Usually when he's pretending to be the clumsy reporter, he talks like [ there's a pause, and Bruce clears his throat for a moment- then when he speaks, it's in a mildly higher voice, soft and gentle and nearly meek ] this.
Because the reporter is as much a mask as Superman is.
[ Another pause. ]
And Superman doesn't talk about himself unless it's an interview for Lois Lane. [ Pause, and he sighs a bit. ] Just do what you always do when talking to Robin or me, but try not to give away too much about yourself.
[ Meaning that what is Superman is what's inside, not the clothes or the voice. It's in the way he listens, in the way he talks, in the way how looks at people. ]
So it's...three personas that I'm playing with, not two?
[That seems to settle in for a moment, his expression reverting into something more introverted, focused.]
I think I understand.
[And he did. How could 'do what you always do when talking to Robin or me' mean anything else? It wasn't about attitude so much as confidence, so much as warmth, expectations. Superman was alien, but he was more human than anyone--wasn't that what Batman had said?
All these little details had to come together to form a whole. Two personas on the surface, Clark Kent, his superhero persona, and what little slither was left beneath it all he could keep to himself.
But there was something sad about that, too.]
I knew I'd have to make sacrifices, I just don't think I realised I'd have to be another person entirely. I didn't even consider it, really; not until the Blur.
I still can't believe you named yourself after a Photoshop effect.
[ There's a bit of wry, mocking humour with a hint of something like casual affection, hidden deep, deep underneath. Bruce thinks that this man- this Clark-who-is-not-Clark- has the same way of digging through his skin and finding his heart like the man he is familiar with. Bruce knows that he's different- his mind knows it, and his emotions are slowly accepting it- but at the same time this is Superman.
(The problem with him sometimes is that he simply doesn't know how to let go. That is- once he has something, he will never give up on it. Whether it's a mission, a purpose, a thing- or a person.
He has always been possessive. His city, his enemies, his people.
His. No one else's.) ]
But you don't have to. Who Superman is will always be who Clark Kent is- you just put on a uniform and make yourself more visible. Show some parts of yourself while hiding the rest.
But they are all bits and pieces of you. [ A thin smirk. ]If you pretend to be anyone, Clark, you won
( ... )
[He listens, and this time what Bruce says really goes deep, undercutting his concern. He is Superman, is Clark Kent, is himself, just in different ways. Not pretending to be anything. It seems like a more sensible route to take, a steadier mental level to stand on.
He smiles, closes his eyes just for a moment, and when his expression closes in again it's as he reflects the subject back.]
So is the Batman the same person as Bruce Wayne after all, or are you different?
[ He sees it, that moment when Clark finally understands. When it hits him fully. Bruce's smile flickers across his face- like lightning across a sun-lit sky- invisible and far too quick to be seen.
But at the question, he cocks his head to the side. ]
What do you think?
[ It should be obvious enough. Or maybe he's still good at veiling everything. ]
[It's a question that's maybe a little bit too much for him to quantify. Honestly, it was hard to tell.]
There's no doubt that Bruce seems like a person in his own right. But I flew with you; I've seen the real Bruce Wayne, and he's the man wearing this cowl right now. He's the one that's caught up in this fight between good and evil, the one who's given up everything but his own moral code, the one who loves Robin enough to show her how to stay alive. I'm not sure Bruce Wayne cares about anything that much, not the way you do.
The man behind the mask is standing here in front of me, wearing one. You are Bruce.
[ A flawed analysis. But then again, Clark hasn't known him for a decade half like his older counterpart had. He doesn't know how Bruce has struggled with his identities, how he had done everything he could to hide that Batman is Bruce Wayne, to the point of dragging his family name into the mud by pretending to be a buffoon, a womanizer, a playboy 'Prince' with no redeeming features other than his looks and superficial charms.
Batman is as real as he can be, but Batman is a symbol. He is fear itself; he isn't a person, and he shouldn't be a person. Superman lives and inspire by showing flagrantly to everyone just how human he is. He shows that even an alien from another planet has enough compassion to save the billions that live in a world that isn't his. Batman?
Batman cannot have those vulnerabilities. ]
Batman is real. [ He says it quietly, turning to walk towards the roof's ledge. He steps up on it, feeling the cold wind against his jaw, feel it sweep against his cape, billowing it outwards. ] Bruce Wayne is also real.
[And again, he folds his arms across his chest, looking down. Both are real. Both are part of him. But that's not all of it, either. Bruce Wayne, Batman, they're the same. They cooperate, and together become something greater. His voice is much softer when he continues.]
I know you haven't. A man who was lost like that...
[His arms drop and he moves forward too, all bright colour beside the black, and reaches up to put his hand on Bruce's shoulder.]
He'd have taken this opportunity, being swept here, to just completely disappear, turned on himself. And I don't know--maybe you considered it. But you didn't choose it.
[There was more to it than that. Bruce was clearly complicated, and maybe the fact that Clark didn't understand was hurting him. Not for the first time, he wished he could fill that spot that Bruce needed, but he knew better than to think he could. He just hoped he wasn't doing more damage just by being there, like Him but not quite, doing more harm than good as a result.I don't know you, and I don't think I'll ever
( ... )
[ The hand on his shoulder is heavy, and Bruce reaches up and brush it off. He walks down the ledge again, looking outwards into the Darknes. The lights barely manage to pierce through the fog, and it's obvious that it's not natural- that, and the fact that Bruce feels that he doesn't exactly belong here. That he's too human. Not monstrous enough.
It's funny, because back in Gotham, he has always felt the most at home in the night. ]
My enemies are here. [ Breathe out. He looks at Clark= just him, and he knows that he's not the friend he has- but he might be able to give him the same that what he needs. ] Bruce Wayne serves a purpose. Nothing more.
[ It's a farce. No matter how elaborate and human-like the mask, it is still a mask. ]
And Superman? [ He uses the name deliberately. ] I'm usually the one who saves you.
[Serves a purpose. Then who was he? Both Bruce Wayne and Batman, and neither. Maybe...it doesn't need to be explained. Maybe trying to would just undermine it. When Bruce walks away from him he doesn't follow, just raises his foot off the edge of the roof to step up, and doesn't touch the ledge when he reaches it.
He doesn't notice. His eyes are on Bruce.
There's still something to save. His humanity can't just be a mask. He'd seen him smile, seen him laugh, and it's there. Maybe he should let it be, but it doesn't mean he can't acknowledge it, can't reach out for it.]
I'm beginning to see why he trusts you the way he does.
[ Neither, both. Add in Matches Malone and everything becomes complicated. Bruce keeps every part of himself hidden, only taking out bits and pieces of himself to flash out like cards to be dealt. Here, have a flash of a diamond two. Here, have a flash of a black king spade.
He never does show all of his hand. Not even to his children, not even to Alfred. To the first he is their leader, to the latter he is his employer. Bruce plays his cards close to his chest.
That's why when Clark says what he does, it takes him by surprise. He turns to him, a little too fast- the only tell he shows, and he cocks his head to the side. ]
Because it seems that no matter what it is, he can depend on you, that you're strong enough to take my weight on your shoulders as well as your own, even though you shouldn't have to.
You said I was more human than anyone. But you do this without any of my strength, without my invulnerability. You put everything on the line, and you pull through because you have to; because you have no other choice.
[He turns his head slightly, tilts his foot down and finds the brickwork beneath it, and wobbles just a little on the landing because he didn't expect it, spoiling the moment with his clumsiness.]
[ There's a pause before he reaches out, grabbing a handful of red cape, and pulls Clark in. It's like reeling in a fish. Then, when Clark is over the edge again, he shrugs. ]
No. You're wrong. [ He looks at him, half-hovering. The pose is definitely familiar, though the face is younger. ] This is the choice I made. [ He has to believe in that. ] I chose this life as much as you chose yours.
[ There's always the possibility of Superman hiding his abilities and never coming a hero, after all. ]
You have the irritating tendency of carrying the world on your shoulders, and at the same time being stupid enough to charge into dangerous situations against enemies who know your weaknesses.
I'd rather not have a Superman who is a loose canon because he's under too much pressure. Or one who is mind controlled.
[ It's not what Clark means, and he knows it. But Bruce gives words that can be almost seen to be the answer. ]
[He hears the firmness there, but he can't say he chose to be this. Sure, he could have - theoretically - walked away, but in all truth? It was never actually an option. The thought of leaving the people around him to be hurt was a jarring one.
The last comment, particularly, was a reminder that he needed to watch himself. They'd made one mistake; one mistake that couldn't be repeated. And he was something of a loose cannon. Batman was right; it could kill either one of them if he wasn't more careful.
But it didn't mean he could just close his eyes to it, either.]
No more ad lib wild Kryptonite chases, you mean? I think that's probably for the best.
Reply
Well, that would be this one. The voice you've heard so far? Do you think there should be more Kansas in it, or something?
[Because he is a country bumpkin, is he supposed to sound like one?]
I'm guessing Superman never talks about the farm like it's home. He's from Krypton, nothing more, nothing less?
[Every word out of his mouth, in this outfit, feels awkward. Like it doesn't belong.]
Reply
No, that's your Clark Kent, hopeless farmboy voice. [ Pause. ] Your real voice. Usually when he's pretending to be the clumsy reporter, he talks like [ there's a pause, and Bruce clears his throat for a moment- then when he speaks, it's in a mildly higher voice, soft and gentle and nearly meek ] this.
Because the reporter is as much a mask as Superman is.
[ Another pause. ]
And Superman doesn't talk about himself unless it's an interview for Lois Lane. [ Pause, and he sighs a bit. ] Just do what you always do when talking to Robin or me, but try not to give away too much about yourself.
[ Meaning that what is Superman is what's inside, not the clothes or the voice. It's in the way he listens, in the way he talks, in the way how looks at people. ]
Reply
So it's...three personas that I'm playing with, not two?
[That seems to settle in for a moment, his expression reverting into something more introverted, focused.]
I think I understand.
[And he did. How could 'do what you always do when talking to Robin or me' mean anything else? It wasn't about attitude so much as confidence, so much as warmth, expectations. Superman was alien, but he was more human than anyone--wasn't that what Batman had said?
All these little details had to come together to form a whole. Two personas on the surface, Clark Kent, his superhero persona, and what little slither was left beneath it all he could keep to himself.
But there was something sad about that, too.]
I knew I'd have to make sacrifices, I just don't think I realised I'd have to be another person entirely. I didn't even consider it, really; not until the Blur.
Reply
[ There's a bit of wry, mocking humour with a hint of something like casual affection, hidden deep, deep underneath. Bruce thinks that this man- this Clark-who-is-not-Clark- has the same way of digging through his skin and finding his heart like the man he is familiar with. Bruce knows that he's different- his mind knows it, and his emotions are slowly accepting it- but at the same time this is Superman.
(The problem with him sometimes is that he simply doesn't know how to let go. That is- once he has something, he will never give up on it. Whether it's a mission, a purpose, a thing- or a person.
He has always been possessive. His city, his enemies, his people.
His. No one else's.) ]
But you don't have to. Who Superman is will always be who Clark Kent is- you just put on a uniform and make yourself more visible. Show some parts of yourself while hiding the rest.
But they are all bits and pieces of you. [ A thin smirk. ]If you pretend to be anyone, Clark, you won ( ... )
Reply
He smiles, closes his eyes just for a moment, and when his expression closes in again it's as he reflects the subject back.]
So is the Batman the same person as Bruce Wayne after all, or are you different?
Reply
But at the question, he cocks his head to the side. ]
What do you think?
[ It should be obvious enough. Or maybe he's still good at veiling everything. ]
Reply
There's no doubt that Bruce seems like a person in his own right. But I flew with you; I've seen the real Bruce Wayne, and he's the man wearing this cowl right now. He's the one that's caught up in this fight between good and evil, the one who's given up everything but his own moral code, the one who loves Robin enough to show her how to stay alive. I'm not sure Bruce Wayne cares about anything that much, not the way you do.
The man behind the mask is standing here in front of me, wearing one. You are Bruce.
But Batman... I'm not sure he's real either.
How do you stop from losing yourself in it?
Reply
Batman is as real as he can be, but Batman is a symbol. He is fear itself; he isn't a person, and he shouldn't be a person. Superman lives and inspire by showing flagrantly to everyone just how human he is. He shows that even an alien from another planet has enough compassion to save the billions that live in a world that isn't his. Batman?
Batman cannot have those vulnerabilities. ]
Batman is real. [ He says it quietly, turning to walk towards the roof's ledge. He steps up on it, feeling the cold wind against his jaw, feel it sweep against his cape, billowing it outwards. ] Bruce Wayne is also real.
[ He ( ... )
Reply
I know you haven't. A man who was lost like that...
[His arms drop and he moves forward too, all bright colour beside the black, and reaches up to put his hand on Bruce's shoulder.]
He'd have taken this opportunity, being swept here, to just completely disappear, turned on himself. And I don't know--maybe you considered it. But you didn't choose it.
[There was more to it than that. Bruce was clearly complicated, and maybe the fact that Clark didn't understand was hurting him. Not for the first time, he wished he could fill that spot that Bruce needed, but he knew better than to think he could. He just hoped he wasn't doing more damage just by being there, like Him but not quite, doing more harm than good as a result.I don't know you, and I don't think I'll ever ( ... )
Reply
It's funny, because back in Gotham, he has always felt the most at home in the night. ]
My enemies are here. [ Breathe out. He looks at Clark= just him, and he knows that he's not the friend he has- but he might be able to give him the same that what he needs. ] Bruce Wayne serves a purpose. Nothing more.
[ It's a farce. No matter how elaborate and human-like the mask, it is still a mask. ]
And Superman? [ He uses the name deliberately. ] I'm usually the one who saves you.
Remember that.
Reply
He doesn't notice. His eyes are on Bruce.
There's still something to save. His humanity can't just be a mask. He'd seen him smile, seen him laugh, and it's there. Maybe he should let it be, but it doesn't mean he can't acknowledge it, can't reach out for it.]
I'm beginning to see why he trusts you the way he does.
Reply
He never does show all of his hand. Not even to his children, not even to Alfred. To the first he is their leader, to the latter he is his employer. Bruce plays his cards close to his chest.
That's why when Clark says what he does, it takes him by surprise. He turns to him, a little too fast- the only tell he shows, and he cocks his head to the side. ]
And why is that?
Reply
You said I was more human than anyone. But you do this without any of my strength, without my invulnerability. You put everything on the line, and you pull through because you have to; because you have no other choice.
[He turns his head slightly, tilts his foot down and finds the brickwork beneath it, and wobbles just a little on the landing because he didn't expect it, spoiling the moment with his clumsiness.]
Reply
No. You're wrong. [ He looks at him, half-hovering. The pose is definitely familiar, though the face is younger. ] This is the choice I made. [ He has to believe in that. ] I chose this life as much as you chose yours.
[ There's always the possibility of Superman hiding his abilities and never coming a hero, after all. ]
You have the irritating tendency of carrying the world on your shoulders, and at the same time being stupid enough to charge into dangerous situations against enemies who know your weaknesses.
I'd rather not have a Superman who is a loose canon because he's under too much pressure. Or one who is mind controlled.
[ It's not what Clark means, and he knows it. But Bruce gives words that can be almost seen to be the answer. ]
Reply
The last comment, particularly, was a reminder that he needed to watch himself. They'd made one mistake; one mistake that couldn't be repeated. And he was something of a loose cannon. Batman was right; it could kill either one of them if he wasn't more careful.
But it didn't mean he could just close his eyes to it, either.]
No more ad lib wild Kryptonite chases, you mean? I think that's probably for the best.
Reply
Leave a comment