Fic: Rainbow’s Freedom (The Dark Knight Of The Soul Arc) (4/38)
Title: Rainbow’s Freedom (The Dark Knight Of The Soul Arc) (4/38)
Author: BradyGirl_12
Pairings/Characters: (this chapter): Clark/Bruce, Dick, Jim Gordon, Barbara Gordon, Alfred, Brendan, Kathy Kane
Series Notes: In the 23rd century, Earth is a technologically-advanced society that practices the ancient institution of slavery. A Great Trial crashes down upon the House Of Wayne. Can Bruce and Clark’s relationship survive? Will the Family’s strength be enough to see them through this time of fear and darkness? The entire series can be found here.
Genres: AU, Drama, Slavefic
Rating: (this chapter): PG-13
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: Two different worlds, two different Thanksgivings.
Date Of Completion (First Draft): September 21, 2008
Date Of Posting: August 30, 2009
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 868
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies…They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.
President Abraham Lincoln
Thanksgiving Proclamation
October 3, 1863 C.E.
IV
GIVING THANKS
The smell of roasting turkey permeated the Manor. Bruce awoke, Clark curled up around him. He opened his eyes a slit but couldn’t see any weather with the drapes closed. The howl of the wind and the lack of any bright light peeking through the slit in the drapes gave him a foundation for a good guess.
He snuggled close to Clark. Unless his lover was sick, his body temperature was always toasty-warm. Sickness meant cold or scorching-hot, not this pleasant warmth.
The padding of small feet down the hall let him know that Dick was up and going downstairs to help Alfred.
He’s a good boy.
As Bruce listened to his companion’s steady breathing, he reflected on his life and the many things he had to be thankful for: security due to his birthright of wealth and power; making a difference as Batman; and most of all, his family.
He was working hard on Abolitionism. If a Day of Jubilee ever came, everything would be changed, but his family would know freedom.
Despite his own fears, he dearly wanted his slaves to know the joys of freedom as he did.
He had drawn his slaves into the movement. They gathered information, Clark and Dick typing up his notes, the two of them and Alfred helping him strategize, keeping tabs on news stories, and compiling a profile of how the campaign was working.
He kept drifting pleasantly, then yawned and decided to get up. Alfred would have a light breakfast waiting, and if the storm let up there would be shoveling to do. His regular service would not be able to get out here.
“Mmm, Happy Thanksgiving, Bruce.”
Bruce looked down at a smiling Clark. “Happy Thanksgiving, Clark.”
He leaned down and they kissed, Bruce lightly slapping Clark’s buttocks.
“Better get up, sleepyhead. Alfred’s waiting.”
Clark yawned and stretched. Oh, the beauty was testing him.
Fine by him.
Clark let out a yelp as Bruce pounced, laughter filling the room.
& & & & & &
Jim sighed as he looked out the window at the blizzard conditions. No going home today.
“Hi, Daddy!”
“Barbara?” Astonished, Jim watched his teenage daughter as she poked her head around the doorframe. “What are you doing here?”
“Well, you knew I got stuck at Ellie’s. We were going to sit down to dinner, but I kept thinking of you. I asked Ellie’s mom to pack some food for us.”
Jim grinned. She set the boxes down on his desk.
“Hold it before you unpack.” At her inquisitive look he said, “I’ve got a place for us to eat this.”
& & & & & &
Everyone helped Alfred with dinner preparations. It was a smooth, efficient operation punctuated by laughter and teasing. The blizzard continued, everyone glad they were snug within the Manor.
The menu held the time-honored traditions: sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, salad, hamburger-celery-and-onion stuffing, Yukon Gold whipped potatoes, yams, and, of course, the turkey.
Bruce sat at the head of the table, Alfred to his left, Clark to his right. Dick sat next to Clark, Brendan in the seat next to Alfred.
Before carving the turkey, Bruce surveyed his family. “I’m very thankful for all my good fortune, especially surrounded by such special people.” Dick positively beamed while the adults smiled. “I’m thankful for this bounty, and hopeful that the coming year sees change…for the better…in society.”
The smiles grew brighter, and Bruce stood to carve the turkey with the gold-handled carving knife.
& & & & & &
“Glad to see you, Commissioner.”
“Thank you, Ms. Kane. Let me introduce you to my daughter, Barbara.”
Barbara beamed as she shook hands with Kathy Kane.
“We even brought our own food,” Jim said.
Kathy laughed. “Excellent! Please come on in.”
The dining room was filled with the kidnapped slaves, who were not uncomfortable with the Commissioner’s presence. All were dressed warmly, and even looked happy. Kathy escorted her guests to two empty chairs.
“A fine day today,” Kathy said, raising her glass.
Everyone joined in the toast.
& & & & & &
“I’m stuffed,” Brendan groaned, patting his stomach. “Alfred gives my mom a run for her money.”
Bruce grinned.
The two of them were in the living room, clean-up done. Clark and Dick came in, Alfred following a few minutes later.
“You’re a god, Alfred,” Brendan said.
Alfred smiled serenely. “Thank you, Brendan.”
Dick stood at the window. “Is it ever going to stop snowing?”
“Someday,” Clark smirked.
Dick giggled, returning to sit at Bruce’s feet. It wasn’t required of him. He simply liked to sit on the floor.
“We’ll have a ton of clean-up to do,” Bruce said. “However, not today.”
“It’ll be great exercise,” said Brendan with a grin.
“We’ll need exercise after this!”
Conversation flowed back and forth, Bruce feeling sleepy.
As he drifted off, he felt very content.
counter
Author: BradyGirl_12
Pairings/Characters: (this chapter): Clark/Bruce, Dick, Jim Gordon, Barbara Gordon, Alfred, Brendan, Kathy Kane
Series Notes: In the 23rd century, Earth is a technologically-advanced society that practices the ancient institution of slavery. A Great Trial crashes down upon the House Of Wayne. Can Bruce and Clark’s relationship survive? Will the Family’s strength be enough to see them through this time of fear and darkness? The entire series can be found here.
Genres: AU, Drama, Slavefic
Rating: (this chapter): PG-13
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: Two different worlds, two different Thanksgivings.
Date Of Completion (First Draft): September 21, 2008
Date Of Posting: August 30, 2009
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 868
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies…They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.
President Abraham Lincoln
Thanksgiving Proclamation
October 3, 1863 C.E.
IV
GIVING THANKS
The smell of roasting turkey permeated the Manor. Bruce awoke, Clark curled up around him. He opened his eyes a slit but couldn’t see any weather with the drapes closed. The howl of the wind and the lack of any bright light peeking through the slit in the drapes gave him a foundation for a good guess.
He snuggled close to Clark. Unless his lover was sick, his body temperature was always toasty-warm. Sickness meant cold or scorching-hot, not this pleasant warmth.
The padding of small feet down the hall let him know that Dick was up and going downstairs to help Alfred.
He’s a good boy.
As Bruce listened to his companion’s steady breathing, he reflected on his life and the many things he had to be thankful for: security due to his birthright of wealth and power; making a difference as Batman; and most of all, his family.
He was working hard on Abolitionism. If a Day of Jubilee ever came, everything would be changed, but his family would know freedom.
Despite his own fears, he dearly wanted his slaves to know the joys of freedom as he did.
He had drawn his slaves into the movement. They gathered information, Clark and Dick typing up his notes, the two of them and Alfred helping him strategize, keeping tabs on news stories, and compiling a profile of how the campaign was working.
He kept drifting pleasantly, then yawned and decided to get up. Alfred would have a light breakfast waiting, and if the storm let up there would be shoveling to do. His regular service would not be able to get out here.
“Mmm, Happy Thanksgiving, Bruce.”
Bruce looked down at a smiling Clark. “Happy Thanksgiving, Clark.”
He leaned down and they kissed, Bruce lightly slapping Clark’s buttocks.
“Better get up, sleepyhead. Alfred’s waiting.”
Clark yawned and stretched. Oh, the beauty was testing him.
Fine by him.
Clark let out a yelp as Bruce pounced, laughter filling the room.
& & & & & &
Jim sighed as he looked out the window at the blizzard conditions. No going home today.
“Hi, Daddy!”
“Barbara?” Astonished, Jim watched his teenage daughter as she poked her head around the doorframe. “What are you doing here?”
“Well, you knew I got stuck at Ellie’s. We were going to sit down to dinner, but I kept thinking of you. I asked Ellie’s mom to pack some food for us.”
Jim grinned. She set the boxes down on his desk.
“Hold it before you unpack.” At her inquisitive look he said, “I’ve got a place for us to eat this.”
& & & & & &
Everyone helped Alfred with dinner preparations. It was a smooth, efficient operation punctuated by laughter and teasing. The blizzard continued, everyone glad they were snug within the Manor.
The menu held the time-honored traditions: sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, salad, hamburger-celery-and-onion stuffing, Yukon Gold whipped potatoes, yams, and, of course, the turkey.
Bruce sat at the head of the table, Alfred to his left, Clark to his right. Dick sat next to Clark, Brendan in the seat next to Alfred.
Before carving the turkey, Bruce surveyed his family. “I’m very thankful for all my good fortune, especially surrounded by such special people.” Dick positively beamed while the adults smiled. “I’m thankful for this bounty, and hopeful that the coming year sees change…for the better…in society.”
The smiles grew brighter, and Bruce stood to carve the turkey with the gold-handled carving knife.
& & & & & &
“Glad to see you, Commissioner.”
“Thank you, Ms. Kane. Let me introduce you to my daughter, Barbara.”
Barbara beamed as she shook hands with Kathy Kane.
“We even brought our own food,” Jim said.
Kathy laughed. “Excellent! Please come on in.”
The dining room was filled with the kidnapped slaves, who were not uncomfortable with the Commissioner’s presence. All were dressed warmly, and even looked happy. Kathy escorted her guests to two empty chairs.
“A fine day today,” Kathy said, raising her glass.
Everyone joined in the toast.
& & & & & &
“I’m stuffed,” Brendan groaned, patting his stomach. “Alfred gives my mom a run for her money.”
Bruce grinned.
The two of them were in the living room, clean-up done. Clark and Dick came in, Alfred following a few minutes later.
“You’re a god, Alfred,” Brendan said.
Alfred smiled serenely. “Thank you, Brendan.”
Dick stood at the window. “Is it ever going to stop snowing?”
“Someday,” Clark smirked.
Dick giggled, returning to sit at Bruce’s feet. It wasn’t required of him. He simply liked to sit on the floor.
“We’ll have a ton of clean-up to do,” Bruce said. “However, not today.”
“It’ll be great exercise,” said Brendan with a grin.
“We’ll need exercise after this!”
Conversation flowed back and forth, Bruce feeling sleepy.
As he drifted off, he felt very content.
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