Fic: Silence

[bradygirl_12]

Title:  Silence

Author: BradyGirl 

Pairings/Characters: Bruce/Dick

Rating: G

Warnings: None

Spoilers: None

Summary: Must silence always equal regret, or something else?

Date Of Completion: January 26, 2007

Date Of Posting: January 26, 2007

Word Count: 267

Silence.
 
It hung heavily in the Great Manor, the house weighted down with centuries of quiet.
 
Silence draped over the Grand Foyer, the chandelier’s crystals clinking as a plane flew 
far, far overhead, only vibrations reaching Earth.
 
Through the library, the study, the dining room, and the ballroom, quiet steeped as if 
in a cup of Alfred’s favorite Earl Grey tea.
 
In the kitchen, there was only the occasional click of the stove’s timer as blueberry 
muffins baked in the oven.
 
Up in the bedrooms, silk was silent.  In one of the bathrooms, the occasional 
drip-drip-drip of a shower head was complemented by the whisper of a breeze-blown 
curtain at the bedroom window.  The silent rush of air slipped down through the hallway, 
down the polished mahogany stairs, passing through the grandfather clock, which ticked 
precisely, down, down, into the ‘Cave.  Batwings rustled and moisture dripped, computers 
humming.
 
Water lapped in the pool up on the grounds, the errant breeze blowing through the trees, 
their sighs echoing sadness from human hearts.  A robin chirped in the trees as 
windchimes tinkled delicately by the kitchen door.
 
Footsteps sounded through the house, a measured pace as they trod from room to room, 
pace quickening until finally leather glided across grass.  A slender figure stood at 
the seawall, facing the glittering ocean.
 
“Dick.”
 
The figure stiffened.
 
“I’m sorry.”
 
The voice was sad and defeated.  Dick turned around, eyes brimming with tears of…anger?  
Frustration?  Sorrow?
 
Dick reached out a hand and Bruce took it, his own tears shimmering as he pulled the 
younger man into an embrace.
 
Silence.
 
This time, healing.       
 

Comments

[ladybugkay.livejournal.com]

To paraphrase Simon and Garfunkel, you evoke the sounds of silence here and not just the idea of it. The way time itself almost seems to slow and stretch, and the way tiny, insignificant noises acquire a weighty significance, like in this line: "In one of the bathrooms, the occasional drip-drip-drip of a shower head was complemented by the whisper of a breeze-blown curtain at the bedroom window."

The silence here and the way the narrative moves throughout the house also emphasizes the emptiness of the Manor, and I thought for a while it would be about Dick having moved out.
Lyrical is definitely the word, and the writing is so gentle, without any harsh words or sharp, jagged phrases. Everything just...flows. Beautiful.

[bradygirl_12]

To paraphrase Simon and Garfunkel, you evoke the sounds of silence here and not just the idea of it. The way time itself almost seems to slow and stretch, and the way tiny, insignificant noises acquire a weighty significance, like in this line: "In one of the bathrooms, the occasional drip-drip-drip of a shower head was complemented by the whisper of a breeze-blown curtain at the bedroom window."

Thank you, Ladybug! It was exactly what I was trying for. :)

The silence here and the way the narrative moves throughout the house also emphasizes the emptiness of the Manor, and I thought for a while it would be about Dick having moved out.

Yes, it definitely could have been a fic about Dick moving out, as the Manor would be very empty indeed without him. Amazing how one person can completely change everything, isn't it? :)

Lyrical is definitely the word, and the writing is so gentle, without any harsh words or sharp, jagged phrases. Everything just...flows. Beautiful.

Thank you! Again, what I was aiming for.

I'm so glad you liked it, Ladybug! :)