-Two weeks later-

He didn't know what he was doing. Sure, he was probably still feeling guilty over Superman's death but it wasn't like he had never seen someone die before. He couldn't explain it, but ever since Doomsday, something was different. The Batman pulled punches and made decisions he never did before. The Batman would never have had any qualms about beating down on criminals, nor about ramming them down with his Batmobile before. Yet, since that night, he did neither of these. Offenders were simply left secured, bruised and unconscious (but very much alive), awaiting arrest by the Gotham police.

Even Alfred had sensed the shift in him, and casually remarked in an amused, and dare he admit— relieved?— tone, "My word, Master Bruce...you've procured yourself a heart!"

That startled him more than he let on. When was the last time he had actually cared whether or not these criminals lived? A part of him was disturbed when he found he had no answer.

That night, he did not immediately return to the Wayne mansion after his nightly patrol. He didn't know where he was going, just that he had to go somewhere. The Batman surrendered himself to instincts, simply allowing his subconscious mind to lead the way. Nonetheless, it was with disconcerting surprise that he found himself standing by the gates of the Kansas cemetery.

Why the hell am I here?

He found he had no answer. Or did he? Perhaps, it was simply his conscious mind repressing the thoughts he refused to acknowledge. It did not matter. There was only one person he would be here for.

With agility that would have rivaled a panther, Batman strode past the gates and towards the grave that bore the Kryptonian's name. Closing his eyes, he sighed deeply. Somehow, deep down, he knew the Kryptonian was the answer. There were things he wanted... needed to say to the man. But while Bruce might have been a suave philanthropist, the Batman was never good with words. It was a long while before he spoke.

"I was wrong," he began quietly. He paused, the black cape behind him fluttering gently in the wind.

"There are some things I should have said. I should have said them when you were here, but... "

He lowered his head, licking his dry lips.

"For the brief time I fought you, worked with you... you've proved you aren't the monster we all thought you were."

Batman reached out with a gloved hand, tentatively touching the tombstone. The granite felt cool to the touch.

"I'm sorry."

He closed his eyes as a wave of memories washed over him.

"I spent 20 years fighting crime in Gotham. I've seen good men give in to the darkness. I've seen good men die. And...I lost sight of the reason why I donned this cape."

Batman took a deep breath.

"You showed me that justice does not always have to come from the darkness. I'd never thought it would take a visitor from the stars to remind me what it means to be brave. To be... human."

He had no idea where those words came from; it was as if they seemingly popped out from nowhere only to tumble freely from his mouth. And yet... they felt so right. Reaching into the folds of his cowl, he retrieved a single white lily. He rubbed its stem absentmindedly, before carefully placing the flower atop the tombstone.

"Thank you."

A light breeze began to flutter, a gentle touch upon his cheek. He stared at the name engraved on the tombstone for several long moments.

Then, the Batman melted into the night.

-fin-

A/N: This was inspired by Batman's eulogy to Superman at the latter's funeral in the Justice League episode, "Hereafter". So much manly feels from his speech 3

I had some difficulty reconciling the inner struggle in Batman for this, so hopefully I did it justice! I felt that while Batman always portrays a nonchalant front, he is still vulnerable inside; after all, he's just a man grieving for his lost friend. I guess while Robin's (implied) death pushed him off the deep end, Superman should be the one that helps him back to dry land. Hey, it rhymes!

*Ahem* anyway... here's the end result. I honestly don't know if this turned out well, so reviews and constructive criticisms are welcome!

Off the internet, "White stargazer lilies symbolizes sympathy and any type of white lily expresses majesty and purity."

I'll likely be ending this here :) Life is gonna kick me in the face again since exams are in 3 weeks. Blehh.
Thanks for reading!

ALEKILE: ohh yes, it's the bromance we need (and deserve) XD

Guest: Ahh I see! The naming part didn't cross my mind then, though it does make sense. Thanks for the review!

edmaster2: I sure hope so too! :)

DeanCasLover22: Thank you for your kind words, hope you will enjoy this one as well :) And I agree, I was at the edge of my seat during the final battle, especially the scene where Superman sacrificed himself. Totally an 'oh crap' moment for me hahaha