Fic: Rainbow's Freedom (RobinSong Arc) (24/41)
Title: Rainbow’s Freedom (RobinSong Arc) (24/41)
Author: BradyGirl
Pairings/Characters: (this chapter): Clark/Bruce, Dick, Alfred
Series Notes: In the 23rd century, Earth is a technologically-advanced society that practices the ancient institution of slavery. As Bruce and Clark try and adjust to being lovers as well as Master and slave, on a warm spring night a new member of the Wayne Household is added: a little boy whom Bruce sadly identifies with. Dick Grayson further pushes Bruce along the path of Abolitionism as the child brings further Light into the Manor. The entire series can be found here.
Genres: Drama, AU
Rating: (this chapter): G
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: It’s time to divulge the Secret to Dick.
Date Of Completion (First Draft): December 15, 2007
Date Of Posting: August 16, 2008
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 1810
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
Batman has the coolest gadgets ever!
Iambatnut
On The
Batfan Message Board
22-C.E.
XXIV
"SO COOL!"
“Dick, we have something to tell you.”
Dick sat on the couch in the library, an expectant look on his face. Bruce sat in his favorite chair, Clark perched on the arm, Alfred standing behind Bruce.
“Dick, I’m not just a businessman and owner of this estate.” Bruce took a deep breath. “I am also…”
“…Batman!”
Surprise reflected on three faces, then Clark and Alfred burst out laughing. Bruce arched an eyebrow as Dick nearly flew off the couch, smiling and bursting with questions.
“So, what gave me away?”
“I knew there was something special about you!” Dick waved his hands excitedly. “There was something about this house! I began to suspect you might be Batman because he is dedicated to Gotham with a fierce intensity, just like you. He has all these cool gadgets, and you need lots of money for that. But that could be a lot of rich guys. But your family has always taken care of Gotham.”
“So you concluded I was Batman?”
“I suspected but I knew for sure when I saw you come out of the clock.”
“When was this?” Bruce asked in surprise.
Dick grinned. “One night a few weeks ago…”
& & & & & &
Dick couldn’t sleep. Restless, he went downstairs to get a book from the library.
Moonlight shone through the windows, Dick quiet so he wouldn’t wake everyone up. By the silvery light he read book titles, choosing one, when he heard a noise.
Dick’s head turned, his eyes widening as the ancient grandfather clock case began to move open. Dick quickly hid behind a chair, heart pounding. He saw Alfred come out first, followed by Clark and Bruce. He caught a glimpse of stone walls and then the clock closed.
The three men left the library and Dick still stared at the clock, clutching his book.
& & & & & &
“Why didn’t you tell us?”
“I figured you would tell me if you wanted me to know.”
The adults exchanged looks, then Bruce turned back to Dick with a smile.
“We want you to know now.”
Bruce stood, followed by Clark and Alfred. Dick took Bruce’s outstretched hand and watched avidly as Bruce pressed the side of the clock and it swung open.
Cold air rushed up the stone steps, a slightly musty smell tickling Dick’s nose. Bruce gave his hand a squeeze.
Dick’s senses were on high alert as he carefully made his way down the steps. As they approached the bottom he could hear squeaking.
“Bats!”
His eyes were wide as he saw the creatures fly overhead, their wings rustling in the quiet of the Cave.
Dick wanted to run around and see everything, the giant penny and dinosaur setting his curiosity afire, but he was better-trained then that. He awaited his Master’s word.
“What would you like to see first?”
Dick nearly jumped with delight. “The dinosaur! The penny!”
Bruce laughed and brought Dick over to the exhibits, Clark and Alfred trailing behind.
Dick absorbed everything, excited and honored to be so trusted with this Very Big Secret.
This was the Batcave! It had all kinds of cool trophies, and the Batmobile! The prettiest car Dick had ever seen in his life: all shiny and sleek and he wished he was old enough to drive it.
“Hey! The Batplane!”
Dick ran over to the hangar and touched the black metal. “Can we go for a ride?”
“Well, Dick…”
“I could wear a mask. I could be your partner! Oh, please, Master!”
“Whoa, there, Tonto. I’m not taking you out on the streets.”
Disappointed, Dick asked, “Can we still go for a ride?”
Bruce ruffled his hair. “We’ll see.”
“Wow, you’ve got cool computers!”
“They’re the best.”
Bruce began showing Dick everything, Alfred and Clark exchanging amused looks.
Dick loved everything about the sophisticated computers.
“There are completely Gov-free,” Bruce explained. “Even though I’ve bypassed the snooping software on the computers here at the Manor, we can’t use that all the time or they’ll get suspicious. These are the safest ones in the house.”
Dick’s eyes widened at the prospect of absolutely free computer searches. His fingers itched to start surfing, but this was a computer used for important work, not some kid’s plaything. He was lucky that Bruce had given him his own password for the upstairs computers and shown him how to bypass Gov spyware, but he was not to use that bypass unless absolutely necessary.
“Also, I think it’s time to let you know.” Bruce put a hand on Dick’s shoulder and smiled down at him. “You may call me Bruce within the privacy of our group.”
Dick’s eyes shone. “Yes, Master…I mean Bruce!”
Bruce laughed and ruffled Dick’s hair.
Dick glanced back at Clark and Alfred and frowned. “Clark, you should sit down.”
Bruce was immediately at his side. “Clark, you should lay down.” His voice softened. “I say this as your lover, not your Master.”
Dick’s eyes widened for a moment, then he smiled brilliantly. What he had suspected all along was true! He was proud that this nugget of knowledge had been given to him now, too.
Clark’s smile was small but full of love. “I’ll go upstairs then.”
“Alfred, please continue showing Dick some features. I’ll be back.”
“Yes, Master Bruce.”
Bruce helped Clark up the stairs, an arm around his waist.
Worriedly Dick asked, “Alfred, Clark’s really been sick lately. I…I’ve read about Wertham’s Disease. He…he could…”
Alfred put a hand on Dick’s shoulder. “Not everyone dies young from this illness, Dick. Some last for years but just suffer bouts of more severe symptoms.”
Dick hoped that Alfred was right. He had lost everyone he had grown up with when his parents died, and now Bruce, Alfred and Clark were his family.
He wasn’t dumb. He understood his legal status. He was the property of Bruce Wayne, Prince of Gotham.
Yet, Master Bruce was different. While expecting obedience, he treated everyone in the Household with respect.
Dick considered himself lucky. Pop Haly had treated his slaves well, allowing families to stay together, even when he could have sold off a family member for profit.
The circus had often been in dire financial straits, struggling to stay solvent. If Pop had been forced to sell his business, everyone would have been sold off, piece-by-piece, either to different circuses or to other owners.
Dick had been willing to do anything to help keep his family together.
& & & & & &
Up in the master bedroom, Bruce stroked Clark’s brow, trying to soothe his headache. He had given Clark aspirin and was happy to try and make his Beloved feel better.
“The light…” Clark winced.
“I’ll close the curtains.”
Bruce quickly shut them, then returned to the bed. “I’m sorry this is such a bad spell.”
Clark half-smiled. “Me, too.” He sighed. “I’ve been lucky, really.”
“How so?” Bruce gently rubbed Clark’s brow.
“Most of my bad spells have never been this bad.”
“I know.” He cupped Clark’s face. “I wish I could do more.”
Clark grasped Bruce’s hand, kissing the palm. “You already do.”
Bruce laughed softly. “Try and get some rest, love.”
“I will.”
Clarks eyes began to close and Bruce kissed his forehead, then left the room.
Out in the hall, he looked back. Clark had just had a very bad spell not so long ago. Was he getting worse? Worried, Bruce went downstairs.
& & & & & &
Bruce clapped Alfred on the shoulder. “How’s it going?”
“Excellently, sir.”
Dick smiled. “This is so cool, Bruce! Did you build this yourself?”
“I did.”
“Wow!”
Bruce laughed at Dick’s starry-eyed expression. “Thanks. Alfred, could you go upstairs, please? I want Clark to have someone within calling distance.”
“Certainly, sir.”
Bruce replaced Alfred in the chair next to Dick as the butler went upstairs.
“How is Clark?”
“Definitely under-the-weather.”
Sadness crossed Dick’s face. “I’m sorry.”
“Not your fault.” Bruce laid a hand on Dick’s shoulder and squeezed. “But your concern is appreciated.”
Dick smiled and they focused on the computer.
& & & & & &
Bruce picked up the phone and dialed.
“Renshaw Corporation.” The voice was female and coolly professional.
“Hello, this is Bruce Wayne.” He could almost hear her sit up straighter. “I wish to replenish my supply of the drug to control Wertham’s Disease.”
“Your number, sir.”
Bruce looked at the card that Silas Bracken had give him. “Number 618386.”
A pause, then, “You are not due to re-supply until September, sir.”
“Yes, but I wish to re-supply now.” His voice was silken but firm.
“Very well, Mr. Wayne. Please hold.”
Bruce waited for five minutes, then her voice was back on the line.
“A delivery will be made to you tomorrow, Mr. Wayne.”
“Excellent. I’ll transmit the funds to you today.”
“Thank you, sir.”
& & & & & &
Clark slowly drifted up from sleep. His headache was getting better but still causing his stomach to be nauseous. He lifted his head and the room spun.
Lowering his head back onto the pillow, he allowed himself to drift, eyes closing, listening to the sounds of the house: the creak of a shutter, the muted sound of the kitchen radio playing music, the crash of waves through the window screen as a light breeze caressed his face, calming him.
He had grown quite addicted to the sound of the ocean. Whether that was from a lost memory or because it was new to him, he would never know.
He heard a light tread in the hall and smiled.
“Clark?”
The question was soft, designed not to awaken him.
“It’s all right, Dick. Come on in.”
Dick quickly entered the room and sat on the bed, small hand checking his brow for fever.
“How are you?”
“Okay.” Clark opened his eyes. A very anxious Dick looked down at him. “What did you think of the Batcave?”
Dick’s eyes lit up. “So cool!”
Clark chuckled despite everything. “It is the coolest place,” he agreed.
“You work on the computer a lot?”
“Sometimes. I help Bruce research things.”
“Oh, you mean Bat-things.”
Clark laughed again. “Yes.”
“So you’re his partner?”
Clark’s expression clouded slightly. “Of a sort. I can’t be out on the streets with him, as you can see why.”
Dick squeezed his hand. “He needs a partner out there, like the Hawks or Green Arrow and Black Canary.” He bit his lip. “I wish he’d let me be his partner.”
“He doesn’t want to risk you out on the streets.”
Dick gave an exasperated sigh. “Clark, you and I face risks every day as slaves. Bruce can say he understands, but he doesn’t.”
Clark couldn’t argue with that.
He squeezed Dick’s hand.
Author: BradyGirl
Pairings/Characters: (this chapter): Clark/Bruce, Dick, Alfred
Series Notes: In the 23rd century, Earth is a technologically-advanced society that practices the ancient institution of slavery. As Bruce and Clark try and adjust to being lovers as well as Master and slave, on a warm spring night a new member of the Wayne Household is added: a little boy whom Bruce sadly identifies with. Dick Grayson further pushes Bruce along the path of Abolitionism as the child brings further Light into the Manor. The entire series can be found here.
Genres: Drama, AU
Rating: (this chapter): G
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: It’s time to divulge the Secret to Dick.
Date Of Completion (First Draft): December 15, 2007
Date Of Posting: August 16, 2008
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 1810
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
Batman has the coolest gadgets ever!
Iambatnut
On The
Batfan Message Board
22-C.E.
XXIV
"SO COOL!"
“Dick, we have something to tell you.”
Dick sat on the couch in the library, an expectant look on his face. Bruce sat in his favorite chair, Clark perched on the arm, Alfred standing behind Bruce.
“Dick, I’m not just a businessman and owner of this estate.” Bruce took a deep breath. “I am also…”
“…Batman!”
Surprise reflected on three faces, then Clark and Alfred burst out laughing. Bruce arched an eyebrow as Dick nearly flew off the couch, smiling and bursting with questions.
“So, what gave me away?”
“I knew there was something special about you!” Dick waved his hands excitedly. “There was something about this house! I began to suspect you might be Batman because he is dedicated to Gotham with a fierce intensity, just like you. He has all these cool gadgets, and you need lots of money for that. But that could be a lot of rich guys. But your family has always taken care of Gotham.”
“So you concluded I was Batman?”
“I suspected but I knew for sure when I saw you come out of the clock.”
“When was this?” Bruce asked in surprise.
Dick grinned. “One night a few weeks ago…”
& & & & & &
Dick couldn’t sleep. Restless, he went downstairs to get a book from the library.
Moonlight shone through the windows, Dick quiet so he wouldn’t wake everyone up. By the silvery light he read book titles, choosing one, when he heard a noise.
Dick’s head turned, his eyes widening as the ancient grandfather clock case began to move open. Dick quickly hid behind a chair, heart pounding. He saw Alfred come out first, followed by Clark and Bruce. He caught a glimpse of stone walls and then the clock closed.
The three men left the library and Dick still stared at the clock, clutching his book.
& & & & & &
“Why didn’t you tell us?”
“I figured you would tell me if you wanted me to know.”
The adults exchanged looks, then Bruce turned back to Dick with a smile.
“We want you to know now.”
Bruce stood, followed by Clark and Alfred. Dick took Bruce’s outstretched hand and watched avidly as Bruce pressed the side of the clock and it swung open.
Cold air rushed up the stone steps, a slightly musty smell tickling Dick’s nose. Bruce gave his hand a squeeze.
Dick’s senses were on high alert as he carefully made his way down the steps. As they approached the bottom he could hear squeaking.
“Bats!”
His eyes were wide as he saw the creatures fly overhead, their wings rustling in the quiet of the Cave.
Dick wanted to run around and see everything, the giant penny and dinosaur setting his curiosity afire, but he was better-trained then that. He awaited his Master’s word.
“What would you like to see first?”
Dick nearly jumped with delight. “The dinosaur! The penny!”
Bruce laughed and brought Dick over to the exhibits, Clark and Alfred trailing behind.
Dick absorbed everything, excited and honored to be so trusted with this Very Big Secret.
This was the Batcave! It had all kinds of cool trophies, and the Batmobile! The prettiest car Dick had ever seen in his life: all shiny and sleek and he wished he was old enough to drive it.
“Hey! The Batplane!”
Dick ran over to the hangar and touched the black metal. “Can we go for a ride?”
“Well, Dick…”
“I could wear a mask. I could be your partner! Oh, please, Master!”
“Whoa, there, Tonto. I’m not taking you out on the streets.”
Disappointed, Dick asked, “Can we still go for a ride?”
Bruce ruffled his hair. “We’ll see.”
“Wow, you’ve got cool computers!”
“They’re the best.”
Bruce began showing Dick everything, Alfred and Clark exchanging amused looks.
Dick loved everything about the sophisticated computers.
“There are completely Gov-free,” Bruce explained. “Even though I’ve bypassed the snooping software on the computers here at the Manor, we can’t use that all the time or they’ll get suspicious. These are the safest ones in the house.”
Dick’s eyes widened at the prospect of absolutely free computer searches. His fingers itched to start surfing, but this was a computer used for important work, not some kid’s plaything. He was lucky that Bruce had given him his own password for the upstairs computers and shown him how to bypass Gov spyware, but he was not to use that bypass unless absolutely necessary.
“Also, I think it’s time to let you know.” Bruce put a hand on Dick’s shoulder and smiled down at him. “You may call me Bruce within the privacy of our group.”
Dick’s eyes shone. “Yes, Master…I mean Bruce!”
Bruce laughed and ruffled Dick’s hair.
Dick glanced back at Clark and Alfred and frowned. “Clark, you should sit down.”
Bruce was immediately at his side. “Clark, you should lay down.” His voice softened. “I say this as your lover, not your Master.”
Dick’s eyes widened for a moment, then he smiled brilliantly. What he had suspected all along was true! He was proud that this nugget of knowledge had been given to him now, too.
Clark’s smile was small but full of love. “I’ll go upstairs then.”
“Alfred, please continue showing Dick some features. I’ll be back.”
“Yes, Master Bruce.”
Bruce helped Clark up the stairs, an arm around his waist.
Worriedly Dick asked, “Alfred, Clark’s really been sick lately. I…I’ve read about Wertham’s Disease. He…he could…”
Alfred put a hand on Dick’s shoulder. “Not everyone dies young from this illness, Dick. Some last for years but just suffer bouts of more severe symptoms.”
Dick hoped that Alfred was right. He had lost everyone he had grown up with when his parents died, and now Bruce, Alfred and Clark were his family.
He wasn’t dumb. He understood his legal status. He was the property of Bruce Wayne, Prince of Gotham.
Yet, Master Bruce was different. While expecting obedience, he treated everyone in the Household with respect.
Dick considered himself lucky. Pop Haly had treated his slaves well, allowing families to stay together, even when he could have sold off a family member for profit.
The circus had often been in dire financial straits, struggling to stay solvent. If Pop had been forced to sell his business, everyone would have been sold off, piece-by-piece, either to different circuses or to other owners.
Dick had been willing to do anything to help keep his family together.
& & & & & &
Up in the master bedroom, Bruce stroked Clark’s brow, trying to soothe his headache. He had given Clark aspirin and was happy to try and make his Beloved feel better.
“The light…” Clark winced.
“I’ll close the curtains.”
Bruce quickly shut them, then returned to the bed. “I’m sorry this is such a bad spell.”
Clark half-smiled. “Me, too.” He sighed. “I’ve been lucky, really.”
“How so?” Bruce gently rubbed Clark’s brow.
“Most of my bad spells have never been this bad.”
“I know.” He cupped Clark’s face. “I wish I could do more.”
Clark grasped Bruce’s hand, kissing the palm. “You already do.”
Bruce laughed softly. “Try and get some rest, love.”
“I will.”
Clarks eyes began to close and Bruce kissed his forehead, then left the room.
Out in the hall, he looked back. Clark had just had a very bad spell not so long ago. Was he getting worse? Worried, Bruce went downstairs.
& & & & & &
Bruce clapped Alfred on the shoulder. “How’s it going?”
“Excellently, sir.”
Dick smiled. “This is so cool, Bruce! Did you build this yourself?”
“I did.”
“Wow!”
Bruce laughed at Dick’s starry-eyed expression. “Thanks. Alfred, could you go upstairs, please? I want Clark to have someone within calling distance.”
“Certainly, sir.”
Bruce replaced Alfred in the chair next to Dick as the butler went upstairs.
“How is Clark?”
“Definitely under-the-weather.”
Sadness crossed Dick’s face. “I’m sorry.”
“Not your fault.” Bruce laid a hand on Dick’s shoulder and squeezed. “But your concern is appreciated.”
Dick smiled and they focused on the computer.
& & & & & &
Bruce picked up the phone and dialed.
“Renshaw Corporation.” The voice was female and coolly professional.
“Hello, this is Bruce Wayne.” He could almost hear her sit up straighter. “I wish to replenish my supply of the drug to control Wertham’s Disease.”
“Your number, sir.”
Bruce looked at the card that Silas Bracken had give him. “Number 618386.”
A pause, then, “You are not due to re-supply until September, sir.”
“Yes, but I wish to re-supply now.” His voice was silken but firm.
“Very well, Mr. Wayne. Please hold.”
Bruce waited for five minutes, then her voice was back on the line.
“A delivery will be made to you tomorrow, Mr. Wayne.”
“Excellent. I’ll transmit the funds to you today.”
“Thank you, sir.”
& & & & & &
Clark slowly drifted up from sleep. His headache was getting better but still causing his stomach to be nauseous. He lifted his head and the room spun.
Lowering his head back onto the pillow, he allowed himself to drift, eyes closing, listening to the sounds of the house: the creak of a shutter, the muted sound of the kitchen radio playing music, the crash of waves through the window screen as a light breeze caressed his face, calming him.
He had grown quite addicted to the sound of the ocean. Whether that was from a lost memory or because it was new to him, he would never know.
He heard a light tread in the hall and smiled.
“Clark?”
The question was soft, designed not to awaken him.
“It’s all right, Dick. Come on in.”
Dick quickly entered the room and sat on the bed, small hand checking his brow for fever.
“How are you?”
“Okay.” Clark opened his eyes. A very anxious Dick looked down at him. “What did you think of the Batcave?”
Dick’s eyes lit up. “So cool!”
Clark chuckled despite everything. “It is the coolest place,” he agreed.
“You work on the computer a lot?”
“Sometimes. I help Bruce research things.”
“Oh, you mean Bat-things.”
Clark laughed again. “Yes.”
“So you’re his partner?”
Clark’s expression clouded slightly. “Of a sort. I can’t be out on the streets with him, as you can see why.”
Dick squeezed his hand. “He needs a partner out there, like the Hawks or Green Arrow and Black Canary.” He bit his lip. “I wish he’d let me be his partner.”
“He doesn’t want to risk you out on the streets.”
Dick gave an exasperated sigh. “Clark, you and I face risks every day as slaves. Bruce can say he understands, but he doesn’t.”
Clark couldn’t argue with that.
He squeezed Dick’s hand.