Fic: Castle In The Clouds III: Raise The Drawbridge!!! (9/9)
Title: Castle In The Clouds III: Raise The Drawbridge!!! (9/9)
Author: BradyGirl
Pairings/Characters (this chapter): Bruce/Dick, Barbara Gordon, Alex Maycomb, Arlen Spear, Penelope Carruthers, Alfred Pennyworth, Jim Gordon
Genres: Challenge, Drama
Rating (this chapter): PG-13
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
General Summary: Enemies of The Prince of Gotham and his Royal Consort storm the Castle!
Chapter Summary: Barbara takes on the Reverend Spear.
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Date Of Completion: February 7, 2009
Date Of Posting: April 5, 2009
Word Count: 1415
Author’s Note: This story fits my 2009 DCU Fic/Art Tabloids Challenge.
The entire series can be found here.
IX
LAVENDER AND CHOCOLATE
The Dynamic Duo glided silently over Gotham’s rooftops, stars glittering in the clear night sky.
Both were happy for the patrol and getting some frustrations out after a tough week. Tackling a gang of muggers in the park had been just the thing.
Batman watched Robin’s turn of leg, yellow cape fluttering, and knew all the crap flung their way since coming out was worth it.
Let the vassals try and storm the castle.
The Dark Knight and his Bright Squire would beat them all.
& & & & & &
Barbara settled into her chair, the technician clipping the mike on her green blouse. She smiled her thanks as she adjusted her glasses.
The light-green blouse meshed well with her dark-green skirt. Her red hair was partially pulled back with a large amber-colored barrette, most of her tresses loose and flowing. A gold circular brooch gleamed on her collar.
Alex put a hand on her shoulder. “Lookin’ good, Red.”
“Thanks.” Barbara smiled. “And thanks for cooperating with me on this.”
“Hey, my ratings will go sky-high.” Alex squeezed her shoulder. “ So I’m happy to cooperate.”
“Sure, all for the ratings.” Barbara winked.
“That’s right.” Alex removed her hand and conferred with her producer.
Arlen Spear appeared, waving to cheers from the audience.
“Hello, Miss Gordon.”
“Hello, Reverend Spear.”
“Good luck to you, little lady.”
Barbara’s smile was lethal. “And to you.” She shook hands with him, checking over her notes with anticipation.
& & & & & &
Dick sighed as he wrote his paper in the deserted library. He could have used one of the computers but wasn’t in the mood, preferring to stay in this out-of-the-way corner. He’d type up the longhand when he got home. Damn for forgetting to bring his laptop!
Where was everybody? This place was nearly empty on a Monday morning.
Barbara wasn’t here, probably working another shift or it was her day off.
Dick massaged between his eyes. It had been a busy night of patrol last night once the storm had passed.
His lips curved as he remembered the previous Friday.
We raised the drawbridge that night.
Smiling, Dick went back to work on his paper.
& & & & & &
Finishing, he sat back with an accomplished sigh. Now just to type it up later and he could cross this item off his to-do list.
Restless, he decided to go to the student lounge. Let people stare if they wanted.
He reached the lounge and saw most of the students gathered around the television.
“And now we are pleased to welcome the Reverend Arlen Spear of the Church Of The Word.”
Loud applause from the studio audience.
“And to debate him, Ms. Barbara Gordon of Gotham University.”
Loud cheers from the studio audience and the students in the lounge.
Barbara? Dick thought, stunned but suddenly amused.
& & & & & &
Penelope settled comfortably in her chair. This was going to be good.
& & & & & &
In Wayne Manor, Alfred stopped his dusting and sat down in front of the television.
& & & & & &
Bruce watched from his behind his desk at the office, blue eyes stormy.
& & & & & &
Jim Gordon watched in his office, smiling as he polished his glasses.
& & & & & &
Alex was wearing a dark-purple dress today, her hair flowing softly over her shoulders. The reverend looked crisp in his pearl-gray suit, and Barbara was gorgeous in her green skirt and blouse. Everyone would look great on TV.
Now to start the fireworks.
“Reverend Spear, you’re stated your opposition to Bruce Wayne’s relationship with his former ward, Dick Grayson.” Spear nodded. “And you, Ms. Gordon, contend that the reverend and his church are being homophobic.” Barbara nodded. “Let the debate begin.”
The audience, split between both debaters, whooped their support.
“Reverend…” Alex indicated he should begin.
Spear nodded. “Bruce Wayne is a leading citizen of Gotham, yet this city deserves better than a sodomite and his circus catamite.”
“Yes!”
“Way to go, Reverend!”
“You tell it, sir!”
“That’s a habit of yours, Reverend, slurring Dick Grayson not only for his sexual orientation but for his show business background.” Barbara smiled as her supporters cheered.
“Well, Miss Gordon, it’s because it’s the truth.”
“Yes, it’s true he comes from the circus.”
“And combined with his loose morals, it’s a volatile combination.”
Barbara shifted her clipboard, but Alex could read her old friend: she was furious.
“You have some 19th century views on entertainers, Reverend. Dick Grayson is a fine young man.
“And as for his homosexuality, get with it! This is the 21st century. Gay people can get married, for pity’s sake! Bruce and Dick have chosen each other and they’re not harming anyone by loving each other.”
“Go, Barbara!”
“Yeah!”
“Stop the homophobia!”
“Very good rabble-rousing technique,” said Spear, his smile making Alex’ skin crawl.
“I’ve studied fundamentalist methods, Reverend. Supporters are always key.”
“Yes, well, people can see the truth.”
“I agree.” Barbara’s green eyes sparked. “They can see you as a purveyor of hate.”
“Yes!”
“The truth isn’t hate!”
“Bigot!”
Both sides were yelling, the church folk against the college students. Alex glanced at her head of security, who nodded. He had it all under control.
For now.
“You’re pretty easy with words like ‘hate’ and ‘bigot’, Miss Gordon.”
“You throw them around quite easily yourself, Reverend. If either Bruce of Dick were female, we wouldn’t be having this discussion.”
“That’s true, Miss Gordon.”
“So you admit your prejudice.”
“It’s not prejudice. It’s morality. You can’t simply sweep that aside.” Spear looked earnestly into the camera. “We will be there at Wayne Enterprises, Gotham University, at Wayne Manor itself.”
Wild applause.
“But Bruce and Dick are doing no harm to anyone.”
“They are harmful to our children, setting a bad example of living in sin.”
“They aren’t going anywhere, Reverend. Bruce Wayne’s family founded this city. He’s going nowhere, and neither is Dick Grayson.”
“We must rid ourselves of this blight!”
The crowd answered, “Yes!”
“Free us from the stain of sin!”
“Yes!”
“Don’t let the rich and privileged dictate your moral surroundings!”
“No!”
“Is this a prayer meeting, Reverend?”
Spear smiled. “Truth can be difficult, Miss Gordon.”
“Yes. Is it true that you might not find the gay lifestyle all that bad?”
“It’s a diseased lifestyle.”
Barbara shook her head. “Sorry, Reverend. I think that you might be more generous in your appreciation, sir. Lavender is the key.”
Spear’s smile froze a fraction. “Are you talking about aesthetics?”
“I am. After all, the Greeks appreciated the male form. I think we can agree that male beauty is worthy of admiration.”
“Ah, yes, I think so.”
“So you see, it’s not so far of a stretch to accept the Wayne/Grayson pairing.”
Spear crossed his arms. “Perhaps we can make some compromises.”
“You see, Reverend? Rationality can allow us to work things out amicably.”
& & & & & &
“What the hell?” Penelope sat back disgustedly.
So much for her secret alliance with the good reverend. Well, she would still find a way to keep Bruce Wayne’s reputation tarnished.
& & & & & &
“Bravo, Miss Barbara,” Alfred said as he rose to make himself a cup of tea.
& & & & & &
Bruce rocked slightly in his chair. “What are you up to, Barbara?”
& & & & & &
Dick’s eyes sparkled. “That’s my girl.”
& & & & & &
Jim echoed Dick’s sentiment with a laugh.
& & & & & &
“Great show, Barb.”
“Thanks, Alex.”
The two women were backstage, Alex smirking as she crossed her arms. “So the lavender key worked.”
Barbara gave an answering smirk of her own. She held out a computer print-out.
“The Lavender Key is a very discreet gay nightclub. Which the good reverend patronizes whenever he visits New Orleans.”
Alex grinned. “So you think the Church Of The Word will back off?”
“If the Reverend Spear knows what’s good for him.”
Alex chuckled. “Where do you get stuff like this.”
Barbara’s eyes sparkled. “I have my ways.”
& & & & & &
The next day, Barbara received a delivery of the finest Belgian chocolates from the most exclusive chocolatier in Gotham.
She smiled as she sampled a divine chocolate.
The Prince and his Consort sure knew how to take care of a girl.
Author: BradyGirl
Pairings/Characters (this chapter): Bruce/Dick, Barbara Gordon, Alex Maycomb, Arlen Spear, Penelope Carruthers, Alfred Pennyworth, Jim Gordon
Genres: Challenge, Drama
Rating (this chapter): PG-13
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
General Summary: Enemies of The Prince of Gotham and his Royal Consort storm the Castle!
Chapter Summary: Barbara takes on the Reverend Spear.
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Date Of Completion: February 7, 2009
Date Of Posting: April 5, 2009
Word Count: 1415
Author’s Note: This story fits my 2009 DCU Fic/Art Tabloids Challenge.
The entire series can be found here.
IX
LAVENDER AND CHOCOLATE
The Dynamic Duo glided silently over Gotham’s rooftops, stars glittering in the clear night sky.
Both were happy for the patrol and getting some frustrations out after a tough week. Tackling a gang of muggers in the park had been just the thing.
Batman watched Robin’s turn of leg, yellow cape fluttering, and knew all the crap flung their way since coming out was worth it.
Let the vassals try and storm the castle.
The Dark Knight and his Bright Squire would beat them all.
& & & & & &
Barbara settled into her chair, the technician clipping the mike on her green blouse. She smiled her thanks as she adjusted her glasses.
The light-green blouse meshed well with her dark-green skirt. Her red hair was partially pulled back with a large amber-colored barrette, most of her tresses loose and flowing. A gold circular brooch gleamed on her collar.
Alex put a hand on her shoulder. “Lookin’ good, Red.”
“Thanks.” Barbara smiled. “And thanks for cooperating with me on this.”
“Hey, my ratings will go sky-high.” Alex squeezed her shoulder. “ So I’m happy to cooperate.”
“Sure, all for the ratings.” Barbara winked.
“That’s right.” Alex removed her hand and conferred with her producer.
Arlen Spear appeared, waving to cheers from the audience.
“Hello, Miss Gordon.”
“Hello, Reverend Spear.”
“Good luck to you, little lady.”
Barbara’s smile was lethal. “And to you.” She shook hands with him, checking over her notes with anticipation.
& & & & & &
Dick sighed as he wrote his paper in the deserted library. He could have used one of the computers but wasn’t in the mood, preferring to stay in this out-of-the-way corner. He’d type up the longhand when he got home. Damn for forgetting to bring his laptop!
Where was everybody? This place was nearly empty on a Monday morning.
Barbara wasn’t here, probably working another shift or it was her day off.
Dick massaged between his eyes. It had been a busy night of patrol last night once the storm had passed.
His lips curved as he remembered the previous Friday.
We raised the drawbridge that night.
Smiling, Dick went back to work on his paper.
& & & & & &
Finishing, he sat back with an accomplished sigh. Now just to type it up later and he could cross this item off his to-do list.
Restless, he decided to go to the student lounge. Let people stare if they wanted.
He reached the lounge and saw most of the students gathered around the television.
“And now we are pleased to welcome the Reverend Arlen Spear of the Church Of The Word.”
Loud applause from the studio audience.
“And to debate him, Ms. Barbara Gordon of Gotham University.”
Loud cheers from the studio audience and the students in the lounge.
Barbara? Dick thought, stunned but suddenly amused.
& & & & & &
Penelope settled comfortably in her chair. This was going to be good.
& & & & & &
In Wayne Manor, Alfred stopped his dusting and sat down in front of the television.
& & & & & &
Bruce watched from his behind his desk at the office, blue eyes stormy.
& & & & & &
Jim Gordon watched in his office, smiling as he polished his glasses.
& & & & & &
Alex was wearing a dark-purple dress today, her hair flowing softly over her shoulders. The reverend looked crisp in his pearl-gray suit, and Barbara was gorgeous in her green skirt and blouse. Everyone would look great on TV.
Now to start the fireworks.
“Reverend Spear, you’re stated your opposition to Bruce Wayne’s relationship with his former ward, Dick Grayson.” Spear nodded. “And you, Ms. Gordon, contend that the reverend and his church are being homophobic.” Barbara nodded. “Let the debate begin.”
The audience, split between both debaters, whooped their support.
“Reverend…” Alex indicated he should begin.
Spear nodded. “Bruce Wayne is a leading citizen of Gotham, yet this city deserves better than a sodomite and his circus catamite.”
“Yes!”
“Way to go, Reverend!”
“You tell it, sir!”
“That’s a habit of yours, Reverend, slurring Dick Grayson not only for his sexual orientation but for his show business background.” Barbara smiled as her supporters cheered.
“Well, Miss Gordon, it’s because it’s the truth.”
“Yes, it’s true he comes from the circus.”
“And combined with his loose morals, it’s a volatile combination.”
Barbara shifted her clipboard, but Alex could read her old friend: she was furious.
“You have some 19th century views on entertainers, Reverend. Dick Grayson is a fine young man.
“And as for his homosexuality, get with it! This is the 21st century. Gay people can get married, for pity’s sake! Bruce and Dick have chosen each other and they’re not harming anyone by loving each other.”
“Go, Barbara!”
“Yeah!”
“Stop the homophobia!”
“Very good rabble-rousing technique,” said Spear, his smile making Alex’ skin crawl.
“I’ve studied fundamentalist methods, Reverend. Supporters are always key.”
“Yes, well, people can see the truth.”
“I agree.” Barbara’s green eyes sparked. “They can see you as a purveyor of hate.”
“Yes!”
“The truth isn’t hate!”
“Bigot!”
Both sides were yelling, the church folk against the college students. Alex glanced at her head of security, who nodded. He had it all under control.
For now.
“You’re pretty easy with words like ‘hate’ and ‘bigot’, Miss Gordon.”
“You throw them around quite easily yourself, Reverend. If either Bruce of Dick were female, we wouldn’t be having this discussion.”
“That’s true, Miss Gordon.”
“So you admit your prejudice.”
“It’s not prejudice. It’s morality. You can’t simply sweep that aside.” Spear looked earnestly into the camera. “We will be there at Wayne Enterprises, Gotham University, at Wayne Manor itself.”
Wild applause.
“But Bruce and Dick are doing no harm to anyone.”
“They are harmful to our children, setting a bad example of living in sin.”
“They aren’t going anywhere, Reverend. Bruce Wayne’s family founded this city. He’s going nowhere, and neither is Dick Grayson.”
“We must rid ourselves of this blight!”
The crowd answered, “Yes!”
“Free us from the stain of sin!”
“Yes!”
“Don’t let the rich and privileged dictate your moral surroundings!”
“No!”
“Is this a prayer meeting, Reverend?”
Spear smiled. “Truth can be difficult, Miss Gordon.”
“Yes. Is it true that you might not find the gay lifestyle all that bad?”
“It’s a diseased lifestyle.”
Barbara shook her head. “Sorry, Reverend. I think that you might be more generous in your appreciation, sir. Lavender is the key.”
Spear’s smile froze a fraction. “Are you talking about aesthetics?”
“I am. After all, the Greeks appreciated the male form. I think we can agree that male beauty is worthy of admiration.”
“Ah, yes, I think so.”
“So you see, it’s not so far of a stretch to accept the Wayne/Grayson pairing.”
Spear crossed his arms. “Perhaps we can make some compromises.”
“You see, Reverend? Rationality can allow us to work things out amicably.”
& & & & & &
“What the hell?” Penelope sat back disgustedly.
So much for her secret alliance with the good reverend. Well, she would still find a way to keep Bruce Wayne’s reputation tarnished.
& & & & & &
“Bravo, Miss Barbara,” Alfred said as he rose to make himself a cup of tea.
& & & & & &
Bruce rocked slightly in his chair. “What are you up to, Barbara?”
& & & & & &
Dick’s eyes sparkled. “That’s my girl.”
& & & & & &
Jim echoed Dick’s sentiment with a laugh.
& & & & & &
“Great show, Barb.”
“Thanks, Alex.”
The two women were backstage, Alex smirking as she crossed her arms. “So the lavender key worked.”
Barbara gave an answering smirk of her own. She held out a computer print-out.
“The Lavender Key is a very discreet gay nightclub. Which the good reverend patronizes whenever he visits New Orleans.”
Alex grinned. “So you think the Church Of The Word will back off?”
“If the Reverend Spear knows what’s good for him.”
Alex chuckled. “Where do you get stuff like this.”
Barbara’s eyes sparkled. “I have my ways.”
& & & & & &
The next day, Barbara received a delivery of the finest Belgian chocolates from the most exclusive chocolatier in Gotham.
She smiled as she sampled a divine chocolate.
The Prince and his Consort sure knew how to take care of a girl.