bradygirl_12 (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
bradygirl_12) wrote2008-10-28 12:15 pm
bradygirl_12) wrote2008-10-28 12:15 pm
Fic: Rare And Precious (1/1)
Title: Rare And Precious (1/1)
Author: BradyGirl
Pairings/Characters: Clark/Bruce
Genres: Romance, Slice-Of-Life
Rating: G
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: Bruce finds something rare and precious in his favorite bookstore.
Date Of Completion: October 26, 2008
Date Of Posting: October 28, 2008
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 637
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
Author’s Note: Written for my LJ Second Anniversary Fic Request Meme for![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
starsandsea. Pairing: Clark/Bruce. Prompt: Bookstore.
Bruce loved the slightly musty smell of old books. The shiny new stores were okay in their way with their bright lighting, neat shelves and sections, and eye-catching displays. When he wanted to grab the latest bestseller or a glossy magazine for his Bruce Wayne persona, Borders and Barnes And Noble were fine, but for special books…
Putnam & Sons had been an established business since before the Revolution here in Gotham. His family had bought countless books from this store over the generations: first editions, folios, and other rare literary gems.
The chain stores were more interested in selling overpriced coffee, computer games, and knickknacks. Putnam & Sons was interested in books, period.
The shop was arranged in sections, but not as pristinely as a chain store. Books were lined up on shelves but also stacked on tables and in the aisles. If someone wanted to read they could sit on a stepstool or lean against the wall. The true browser, according to Elias Putnam, didn’t need overstuffed chairs and lattes in order to read.
Bruce smiled fondly at the old man behind the counter. Elias was reading as he always was, glasses perched on his nose. A customer came up to the counter and Elias rang up the sale on the ancient cash register.
Should be in the Smithsonian, Bruce smirked. Elias, too.
One of the joys of browsing a bookshop like this was the discovery of a gem amongst all the tomes.
He wandered through the rooms, stopping occasionally to skim through a book, and turned a corner.
A smile crossed his face.
He'd found his gem.
“So, reading up on George Washington?”
Clark grinned as he continued reading an old brown leather tome.
“Abraham Lincoln, actually.”
“Ah. Good choice.”
Clark nodded as he carefully turned a gilt-edged page. “I’ve always liked American history.” His voice lowered so that only Bruce could hear. “It was a great way to learn about my adopted people.”
“Not surprising that Honest Abe is a favorite of yours.”
Clark smiled. “He was a great man.”
“You probably would have walked those two miles to give that penny back like he did when he accidentally overcharged that woman in his store.”
“Well, in those days a penny was hard-earned.”
Bruce laughed. “You would have done it.”
“Oh, yes.”
Bruce fondly slipped his arms around Clark and rested his chin on his lover’s shoulder. “So you’re a Lincoln scholar.”
“Well, Kansas was a battleground for pro-and-anti-slavery factions before the Civil War, and then a full-blown battleground during it. It wasn't called Bleeding Kansas for nothing. Dad’s family was on the anti-slavery side, and so was Mom’s.”
“An honorable legacy.”
Bruce watched as Clark’s hand lovingly ran down the vellum page. His lover reveled in the written word, whether as reader or writer.
It was a talent completely his, not due to his Kryptonian heritage or gift of the sun. Clark was a good writer and proud of it.
As he should be. Maybe he’ll write the Great American Novel someday.
“See, this book chronicles the way the troops looked at Lincoln, and also gives a really astute analysis of the American soldier on both sides. The illustrations are really beautifully-done.”
“Then it’s yours.” Bruce kissed Clark’s ear.
"Bruuuce…”
“C’mon, Clark, what’s the use of having a rich boyfriend if I can’t spoil you once in awhile?”
“You do spoil me.”
“Well, you deserve it.”
Clark smiled. “What’s got you in a such a good mood?”
“You.”
“Okay, I can buy that.”
“As I’ll buy this.” Bruce plucked the book out of Clark’s hands.
As he walked away, Bruce looked over his shoulder with a smug expression, Clark’s look of pure love spreading warmth through him.
Clark was as rare as any first edition book, and just as precious to him.
web counter code (this counter installed 7/3/09)
Author: BradyGirl
Pairings/Characters: Clark/Bruce
Genres: Romance, Slice-Of-Life
Rating: G
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: Bruce finds something rare and precious in his favorite bookstore.
Date Of Completion: October 26, 2008
Date Of Posting: October 28, 2008
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 637
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
Author’s Note: Written for my LJ Second Anniversary Fic Request Meme for
starsandsea. Pairing: Clark/Bruce. Prompt: Bookstore. Bruce loved the slightly musty smell of old books. The shiny new stores were okay in their way with their bright lighting, neat shelves and sections, and eye-catching displays. When he wanted to grab the latest bestseller or a glossy magazine for his Bruce Wayne persona, Borders and Barnes And Noble were fine, but for special books…
Putnam & Sons had been an established business since before the Revolution here in Gotham. His family had bought countless books from this store over the generations: first editions, folios, and other rare literary gems.
The chain stores were more interested in selling overpriced coffee, computer games, and knickknacks. Putnam & Sons was interested in books, period.
The shop was arranged in sections, but not as pristinely as a chain store. Books were lined up on shelves but also stacked on tables and in the aisles. If someone wanted to read they could sit on a stepstool or lean against the wall. The true browser, according to Elias Putnam, didn’t need overstuffed chairs and lattes in order to read.
Bruce smiled fondly at the old man behind the counter. Elias was reading as he always was, glasses perched on his nose. A customer came up to the counter and Elias rang up the sale on the ancient cash register.
Should be in the Smithsonian, Bruce smirked. Elias, too.
One of the joys of browsing a bookshop like this was the discovery of a gem amongst all the tomes.
He wandered through the rooms, stopping occasionally to skim through a book, and turned a corner.
A smile crossed his face.
He'd found his gem.
“So, reading up on George Washington?”
Clark grinned as he continued reading an old brown leather tome.
“Abraham Lincoln, actually.”
“Ah. Good choice.”
Clark nodded as he carefully turned a gilt-edged page. “I’ve always liked American history.” His voice lowered so that only Bruce could hear. “It was a great way to learn about my adopted people.”
“Not surprising that Honest Abe is a favorite of yours.”
Clark smiled. “He was a great man.”
“You probably would have walked those two miles to give that penny back like he did when he accidentally overcharged that woman in his store.”
“Well, in those days a penny was hard-earned.”
Bruce laughed. “You would have done it.”
“Oh, yes.”
Bruce fondly slipped his arms around Clark and rested his chin on his lover’s shoulder. “So you’re a Lincoln scholar.”
“Well, Kansas was a battleground for pro-and-anti-slavery factions before the Civil War, and then a full-blown battleground during it. It wasn't called Bleeding Kansas for nothing. Dad’s family was on the anti-slavery side, and so was Mom’s.”
“An honorable legacy.”
Bruce watched as Clark’s hand lovingly ran down the vellum page. His lover reveled in the written word, whether as reader or writer.
It was a talent completely his, not due to his Kryptonian heritage or gift of the sun. Clark was a good writer and proud of it.
As he should be. Maybe he’ll write the Great American Novel someday.
“See, this book chronicles the way the troops looked at Lincoln, and also gives a really astute analysis of the American soldier on both sides. The illustrations are really beautifully-done.”
“Then it’s yours.” Bruce kissed Clark’s ear.
"Bruuuce…”
“C’mon, Clark, what’s the use of having a rich boyfriend if I can’t spoil you once in awhile?”
“You do spoil me.”
“Well, you deserve it.”
Clark smiled. “What’s got you in a such a good mood?”
“You.”
“Okay, I can buy that.”
“As I’ll buy this.” Bruce plucked the book out of Clark’s hands.
As he walked away, Bruce looked over his shoulder with a smug expression, Clark’s look of pure love spreading warmth through him.
Clark was as rare as any first edition book, and just as precious to him.
web counter code (this counter installed 7/3/09)
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*grins*
Thanks, Ranger Girl! :)
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(Anonymous) 2009-07-03 01:48 pm (UTC)(link)oh and ranger girl0301 I love your icon
and I will hug him and squeeze him and call him Spooky and he shall be my Spooky
I love it
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I try to keep a balance between too little and too much. :)
And Clark and Bruce are so sweet together. :)
I don't mind the boys being snarky, but some stories just call for them being sweeties. :)
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My two favorite heroes and a shop full of rare and antique books. What's not to love? ^_^ *contented sigh*
Just perfect, hon! :)
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My two favorite heroes and a shop full of rare and antique books. What's not to love? ^_^ *contented sigh*
I love poking through old bookshops like this. I've gotten some really cool volumes from the 19th century about Lincoln and the Civil War and figured that Clark would be interested in those subjects. :)
Just perfect, hon! :)
Thank you, sweetie! :)
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(Anonymous) 2008-10-28 06:21 pm (UTC)(link)As a book lover and a Clark/Bruce Fics lover I enjoyed reading that. The subject (or I would say theme?) of the book Clark picked was interesting (I would say "fitting" - regarding another story I read and love :)). Good choice!
“Okay, I can buy that.”
“As I’ll buy this.” Bruce plucked the book out of Clark’s hands.
Wow, you got me here. :) But at last i think I got it right (I hope) :)
Thanks for this wonderful story, BradyGirl.
LS.
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Thank you, LS! :)
As a book lover and a Clark/Bruce Fics lover I enjoyed reading that. The subject (or I would say theme?) of the book Clark picked was interesting (I would say "fitting" - regarding another story I read and love :)). Good choice!
As a native Kansan, I figured he would have some interest. :)
"Okay, I can buy that."
"As I’ll buy this." Bruce plucked the book out of Clark’s hands.
Wow, you got me here. :) But at last i think I got it right (I hope) :)
A bit of slang there. ;)
Thanks for this wonderful story, BradyGirl.
LS.
You're welcome, LS! Glad you liked it! :)
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I can totally see Bruce preferring the family run stores over the huge chains. And Clark would fit in perfectly.
The dialogue was fantastic.
“You probably would have walked those two miles to give that penny back like he did when he accidentally overcharged that woman in his store.”
“Well, in those days a penny was hard-earned.”
Clark so would walk the two miles! Awww!
And the ending was just perfect.
Wonderful job!
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*beams*
Thank you! :)
I can totally see Bruce preferring the family run stores over the huge chains. And Clark would fit in perfectly.
Oh, yeah. Bruce is a quality-over-quantity kind of guy. ;)
The dialogue was fantastic.
"You probably would have walked those two miles to give that penny back like he did when he accidentally overcharged that woman in his store."
"Well, in those days a penny was hard-earned."
Clark so would walk the two miles! Awww!
He so would! :)
And the ending was just perfect.
Wonderful job!
Thank you, SVGurl! And congrats on getting your laptop back! More stories from you is good for us! :)
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*melts* Oh, this was lovely! :D *hearts Bruce and Clark* They're adorable. *glomps them*
Eeeee, books!!! *hearts books* I totally agree with Bruce's thoughts about the shiney stores, lol.
*glomps you* Eeee, this made my night, thank you so much Brady! :D
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*melts* Oh, this was lovely! :D *hearts Bruce and Clark* They're adorable. *glomps them*
They are sweeties! :)
Eeeee, books!!! *hearts books* I totally agree with Bruce's thoughts about the shiney stores, lol.
Oh, yeah. I share his opinions. ;)
*glomps you* Eeee, this made my night, thank you so much Brady! :D
I'm so glad, Star! :)
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Made my rainy day a whole lot better. Thank you! *hugs*
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Made my rainy day a whole lot better. Thank you! *hugs*
I'm so glad! *hugs* :)
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Clark smiled. “What’s got you in a such a good mood?”
“You.”
Awwwwww - I love it! :)
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*grins*
Clark smiled. "What’s got you in a such a good mood?"
"You."
Awwwwww - I love it! :)
Glad you enjoyed it! :)
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Thank you, Angel! *beams*
I can so see Bruce loving the classic bookstore (and, I must confess I share his opinions on Borders and B&N!)
Oh, yes. He shares my opinions, too. :)
The shiny stores have their uses (I can get graphic novels there) but for real finds of a non-comic flavor, you have to go with the old-fashioned bookstore. :)
Wow!
Re: Wow!
A lot of insight into Clark's character; *and* a great capture of the Bruce/Brucie dichotomy; *and* that wonderful used-bookstore ambiance described so vividly; *and* the little history lesson; not to mention just a pinch of soppiness... all delicious things.
I'm glad all the elements worked for you, Juniper! :)
But I'm blown away by the way you put them all together like perfectly chosen and blended ingredients in a recipe for One Magic Moment in the World's Finest Romance. And all in such a short piece of work. Wow!
*blushes*
Thank you! :)
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Glad you liked it, Lee! :)
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*grins*
Thank you, Stranj! :)
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This is lovely, both as a S/B fan, and a total book nut. Grins, I love to find a book I've been wanting in the stacks, and hmm, finding Clark there, :D would be a great treat. Thanks for the gem, indeed, nods firmly. -SB
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*grins*
Glad you liked this, my friend! :)
Books and S/B: nirvana! ;)
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Thank you, CAT! :)
I like to think that Clark brings out the best in Bruce. :)
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Although he's a good journalist, it's quite funny to think of Clark writting an American novel too. LOL
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*grins*
Although he's a good journalist, it's quite funny to think of Clark writting an American novel too. LOL
All American journalists harbor the not-so-secret fantasy of writing the Great American Novel. :)
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Clark really does strike as a writer type. You've convinced me, now I'll forever think of him as a guy who always caries around a pencil and notebook full of scribbles and notes for future stories(and hangs over his computer under lamplight late at night posting stories(read: S/B fluff/smut) on LJ). XD
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I'm sure I can come up with one or two in the future. ;)
Clark really does strike as a writer type. You've convinced me, now I'll forever think of him as a guy who always caries around a pencil and notebook full of scribbles and notes for future stories(and hangs over his computer under lamplight late at night posting stories(read: S/B fluff/smut) on LJ). XD
He'd be such a popular writer on LJ here in the DCU fandom! ;)
'As told to...' ;)
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Antique books. *sigh* As a book lover myself, I can almost smell the old paper and the leather bounde books.
I love how richly detailed your fics are, absolutely great.
And the boys there. Wow.
I love slice of life like this. Thank you!
Clark was as rare as any first edition book, and just as precious to him.
Hold that thought Bruce, hold it. Would be best if you say it...well about a thousand times day. Just to make sure you don't forget Mr. sometimes-clueless-detective.
:-)
Sorry could not resist that. Lately I read too many fics where Bruce was clueless about his feelings for Clark, so that thought makes it all better, at least for me.
Perfect, thank you!
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Antique books. *sigh* As a book lover myself, I can almost smell the old paper and the leather bounde books.
I've been a book lover since forever! I love really old tomes that smell of age and speak of history. :)
I love how richly detailed your fics are, absolutely great.
And the boys there. Wow.
Thank you! :) I try to give people a sense of setting. And the boys are always awesome! :)
I love slice of life like this. Thank you!
You're very welcome. :)
Clark was as rare as any first edition book, and just as precious to him.
Hold that thought Bruce, hold it. Would be best if you say it...well about a thousand times day. Just to make sure you don't forget Mr. sometimes-clueless-detective.
:-)
Sorry could not resist that. Lately I read too many fics where Bruce was clueless about his feelings for Clark, so that thought makes it all better, at least for me.
I enjoy writing Bruce as aware of how lucky he is, though it's fun to write him as clueless, too, to drive the story along. Either way Clark usually gets through to him. :)
Perfect, thank you!
*bows* ;)
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And I love this. I had a smile through the whole fic, and I still have it :D
Awesome job!
Sam.
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*bows*
;)
Thank you! :)
And I love this. I had a smile through the whole fic, and I still have it :D
Awesome job!
Sam.
Thanks a lot, Sam! Your comments mean a lot to me. :)
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It's like Homer Simpson and doughnuts, isn't it? Mmm... ;)
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*giggles* This was adorable. And I love Bruce with rare books, if there's ever a hobby that fit him to a tee it would be this :D
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*giggles* This was adorable. And I love Bruce with rare books, if there's ever a hobby that fit him to a tee it would be this :D
*grins*
If there ever was a rare books kind of guy, Bruce is it! ;)
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Love you wrote that Clark may write the Great American Novel someday.
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Thank you! The boys make it easy. :)
Love you wrote that Clark may write the Great American Novel someday.
He just might! :)
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*grins*
Glad you liked it! :)
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They are just too pretty together!
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LOL! We'll have to check out the adult section more often! And then the gay section after that. ;)
They are just too pretty together!
Absolutely! :)