surprise chapter: Lower

                                    

                                          
Bruce still enjoyed his days off to regress and let go. But there were times where Bruce would go quiet, and Clark had no idea why. Bruce wasn't upset, nor was he anxious. He just stayed in place and completely content on place.
When Clark would ask what was going on with him, curious, Bruce wouldn't say anything. He would just continue his task coloring, playing with a toy, or whatever, in silence. He would smile at the sound of Clark's voice calling him. That was all.
Eventually, maybe five or ten minutes later, Bruce would say something and pretend that nothing happened.
When Bruce was back to his regular self, the issue wasn't so big that Clark would think to ask about it.
That was until one night.
Superman was taking a nice fly when he heard a familiar thumping of a heart speed up to a fearful pace. It was in Gotham. He listened for more details in that area.
It was Batman. He was thankfully alone, but it was the only positive thing. He was crying.
Superman immediately flew to Batman's location in 10 seconds tops. He arrived in an apartment. Just then, he knew what got Bruce with way.
Batman was on the floor with his face in his hands. His sobs were muffled by his gloves. In front of him were a murdered couple.
Both shot.
In the far away room was a wailing of a child.
Superman kneeled beside Batman and called in a gentle voice, "Batman?"
Batman looked up at him.
Superman saw the guilt, fear, and despair through his mask. "Bruce..." He placed a hand on Batman's shoulder. He looked through the walls where he heard the child crying.
The child was barely three or four. He was hiding under his bed.
Superman quickly hatched a plan for them in his head. He whispered, "I'll be right back, okay?" Just as he was about to get up, Batman grabbed his arm tight.
Batman shook his head. It looked like he wanted to say something, but only his lips trembled.
"It's gonna be alright," Superman soothed. He felt him shaking. He wrapped his arm around his shoulders and held him close. "Okay, let's go get the kid together."
The two walked to the bedroom of the little kid. When they came in, the cries of the child rang louder. He was crying for his mother and father.
Batman let go of Superman and took a few steps back. He didn't stop until his back was against the hallway's dark corner.
Superman glanced at Batman then back to the child. He crouched down a little as he reached the kid. "Hey. You're safe now."
"Momma?"
Superman had to control himself from shuddering in sorrow. "It's okay." He glanced back at Batman.
Batman was watching Superman. He was sitting down on the floor. His eyes seemed to only focus on Superman's movements. His breaths hitched in his throat ever so often.
Before taking his eyes off of Batman, he said, "You're safe now." He held his hand out to the child.
The child crawled from under the bed and fell into his arms.
By the time the police arrived, Batman was quiet enough to not be noticed in the dark corner. Superman was the one to answer the questions, and the child was whisked off to police's custody.
When all was settled, Superman went to the dark corner and whispered, "Let's go." He wrapped his arm around his waist and his other arm under his knees. He flew them home.