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bradygirl_12Title: Rainbow’s Freedom (RobinSong Arc) (40/41)
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: The Little Bird gets his plumage.
Date Of Completion (First Draft): February 15, 2008
Date Of Posting: November 18, 2008
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 950
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
"There is nothing prettier in Nature
Than a graceful bird’s bright plumage."
XL
BRIGHT PLUMAGE
“It’s time to design a costume, Dick.”
Dick jumped off the balance beam and nodded eagerly. “Let me, Bruce!”
“Very well. Alfred can help you in the actual making. I look forward to what you come up with.”
Dick nodded and ran off to find paper and stylus and start designing.
Bruce slowly clenched and unclenched his fist. He had wanted to give Dick more weeks of training, but he was going to have to accelerate things.
The net was slowly beginning to tighten around Tony Zucco. If Dick was to be part of the collar, he needed to be up and running as the Batman’s partner.
He still had no idea about a name. Well, maybe the costume would help.
Bruce wandered to the backyard, Clark finishing a bag of leaves. He looked up at Bruce with a smile.
Bruce stood close to him, arms folded. “I told Dick to design a costume.”
“Ah.” Clark leaned on his rake. “Isn’t it a little soon?”
“Zucco could be caught soon. Jim’s got a good case building against him.” Bruce stared out at the ocean. “I want Dick in on it.”
Clark nodded. “I understand.” He sighed. “I’m glad you’re going to have a partner, Bruce. I just…worry about him.”
“I know.” Bruce looked at Clark with a small smile. “I do, too.”
“I worry about you, too.”
Bruce gathered Clark into an embrace.
& & & & & &
Dick kept his costume design a secret. He and Alfred were co-conspirators, whispering and laughing together. Bruce was amused, glad to see that Dick was so enthusiastic.
He understood how important it was for Dick to focus on this. His grief was still fresh, even six months old.
The little boy was coping better than he ever had, his natural brightness overcoming his grief, but Bruce knew it was still there. It could never leave him completely, but a crimefighting career would help very much.
& & & & & &
Bruce watched Dick somersault across the lawn, sparkling in the sun. He felt an overwhelming rush of love.
“Hey!” he called.
“Hey!” Dick somersaulted over. He laughed as a cardinal flew over their heads, bright-red in the sun. “I miss our robins.”
Bruce glanced at the abandoned nest over the kitchen door. “They’ll be back in the spring.” He lifted Dick’s chin, incredibly happy at the shining face. “Alfred says you’re ready to show us your costume tonight?”
Dick nodded eagerly. His whole body vibrated with excitement.
Laughing, Bruce pulled him into a hug. Why was it so easy to lavish affection on this child? He kissed the top of Dick’s head.
When they broke apart, Bruce winked at Dick. “Go help Alfred with lunch.”
“Yes, sir!”
Bruce watched Dick go with affection.
He was looking forward to seeing Dick’s costume. He was going to enjoy having a little shadow by his side.
& & & & & &
“It’s, um…bright.”
Dick’s smile grew even brighter. “Exactly!”
He was holding up a gaudy red-green-and-yellow costume.
Bruce and Clark were standing in front of Dick, whose pride was obvious. Alfred stood a little further back, hands clasped behind his back, a slight smile on his face.
The bats squeaked overhead, a gust of air blowing through the Cave. Bruce was…nonplussed. This…costume…was not what he had expected.
At all.
“Um, Dick, do you think the colors are…practical?”
“Oh, yes.” Dick ran his hand down the red tunic. “It’s all part of the show.”
“How so?” asked Clark.
“Well, the first rule of the show is distraction. You glitter, you sparkle, you dazzle the audience so they don’t see the trick. I didn’t put sequins on this, but the colors will work. Oh, I did put spangles on the pants.”
“For the show?” Clark asked, exchanging amused looks with Alfred.
Dick nodded. “See, Bruce? With this, I can go in and razzle-dazzle the crooks, and then you melt out of the shadows and scare them silly.”
Bruce’s eyebrows raised. “Well, maybe…”
“And see? I designed the collar of my cape to hide my slave collar.” Dick held out the yellow cape for Bruce’s inspection. “And the gloves will hide my slave bracelets.”
“Good thinking.”
Bruce was still dubious, however. Pixie boots?
“Well, I like the colors,” Clark declared. “They fit you,” He smiled at Dick, who smiled back shyly. Clark touched the tunic, laughing. “It’s like a robin’s redbreast.”
Dick’s eyes lit up. “Yes! Robin!” He hugged Clark fiercely. “That’s my name!”
“Robin, eh?” Bruce asked in amusement.
“Yeah, just like our robins! ‘Sides, it’s better than Batboy!”
They all laughed, then Bruce said, “It fits, but, Dick, this costume can’t possibly blend into the shadows.”
Dick grinned. “You’d be surprised.” His smile trembled slightly as he continued, “Mom and Dad…always said…to dazzle the audience, but to melt into the shadows so that the burst into the spotlight would be even greater. Mom...made all our costumes.”
Bruce’s heart nearly broke as he realized how much this costume held associations for Dick of his parents and the circus. He didn’t have the heart to forbid it.
He gave persuasion once last try.
“You’re too much of a target in this.”
“I move fast, Bruce.”
Bruce sighed. Smart kid.
“All right, we’ll see how it works out.”
Dick’s grin grew more incandescent. “Cool!”
Clark laughed. “You’re going to keep Bruce on his toes, my friend.” He ruffled Dick’s hair, the boy joining in his laughter.
Bruce felt that laughter warm him.
It was time for Robin to make his debut.
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: The Little Bird gets his plumage.
Date Of Completion (First Draft): February 15, 2008
Date Of Posting: November 18, 2008
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 950
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
Than a graceful bird’s bright plumage."
Dr. Henry McTavish
"The Complete Handbook Of Birds"
1953 C.E.
BRIGHT PLUMAGE
“It’s time to design a costume, Dick.”
Dick jumped off the balance beam and nodded eagerly. “Let me, Bruce!”
“Very well. Alfred can help you in the actual making. I look forward to what you come up with.”
Dick nodded and ran off to find paper and stylus and start designing.
Bruce slowly clenched and unclenched his fist. He had wanted to give Dick more weeks of training, but he was going to have to accelerate things.
The net was slowly beginning to tighten around Tony Zucco. If Dick was to be part of the collar, he needed to be up and running as the Batman’s partner.
He still had no idea about a name. Well, maybe the costume would help.
Bruce wandered to the backyard, Clark finishing a bag of leaves. He looked up at Bruce with a smile.
Bruce stood close to him, arms folded. “I told Dick to design a costume.”
“Ah.” Clark leaned on his rake. “Isn’t it a little soon?”
“Zucco could be caught soon. Jim’s got a good case building against him.” Bruce stared out at the ocean. “I want Dick in on it.”
Clark nodded. “I understand.” He sighed. “I’m glad you’re going to have a partner, Bruce. I just…worry about him.”
“I know.” Bruce looked at Clark with a small smile. “I do, too.”
“I worry about you, too.”
Bruce gathered Clark into an embrace.
Dick kept his costume design a secret. He and Alfred were co-conspirators, whispering and laughing together. Bruce was amused, glad to see that Dick was so enthusiastic.
He understood how important it was for Dick to focus on this. His grief was still fresh, even six months old.
The little boy was coping better than he ever had, his natural brightness overcoming his grief, but Bruce knew it was still there. It could never leave him completely, but a crimefighting career would help very much.
Bruce watched Dick somersault across the lawn, sparkling in the sun. He felt an overwhelming rush of love.
“Hey!” he called.
“Hey!” Dick somersaulted over. He laughed as a cardinal flew over their heads, bright-red in the sun. “I miss our robins.”
Bruce glanced at the abandoned nest over the kitchen door. “They’ll be back in the spring.” He lifted Dick’s chin, incredibly happy at the shining face. “Alfred says you’re ready to show us your costume tonight?”
Dick nodded eagerly. His whole body vibrated with excitement.
Laughing, Bruce pulled him into a hug. Why was it so easy to lavish affection on this child? He kissed the top of Dick’s head.
When they broke apart, Bruce winked at Dick. “Go help Alfred with lunch.”
“Yes, sir!”
Bruce watched Dick go with affection.
He was looking forward to seeing Dick’s costume. He was going to enjoy having a little shadow by his side.
“It’s, um…bright.”
Dick’s smile grew even brighter. “Exactly!”
He was holding up a gaudy red-green-and-yellow costume.
Bruce and Clark were standing in front of Dick, whose pride was obvious. Alfred stood a little further back, hands clasped behind his back, a slight smile on his face.
The bats squeaked overhead, a gust of air blowing through the Cave. Bruce was…nonplussed. This…costume…was not what he had expected.
At all.
“Um, Dick, do you think the colors are…practical?”
“Oh, yes.” Dick ran his hand down the red tunic. “It’s all part of the show.”
“How so?” asked Clark.
“Well, the first rule of the show is distraction. You glitter, you sparkle, you dazzle the audience so they don’t see the trick. I didn’t put sequins on this, but the colors will work. Oh, I did put spangles on the pants.”
“For the show?” Clark asked, exchanging amused looks with Alfred.
Dick nodded. “See, Bruce? With this, I can go in and razzle-dazzle the crooks, and then you melt out of the shadows and scare them silly.”
Bruce’s eyebrows raised. “Well, maybe…”
“And see? I designed the collar of my cape to hide my slave collar.” Dick held out the yellow cape for Bruce’s inspection. “And the gloves will hide my slave bracelets.”
“Good thinking.”
Bruce was still dubious, however. Pixie boots?
“Well, I like the colors,” Clark declared. “They fit you,” He smiled at Dick, who smiled back shyly. Clark touched the tunic, laughing. “It’s like a robin’s redbreast.”
Dick’s eyes lit up. “Yes! Robin!” He hugged Clark fiercely. “That’s my name!”
“Robin, eh?” Bruce asked in amusement.
“Yeah, just like our robins! ‘Sides, it’s better than Batboy!”
They all laughed, then Bruce said, “It fits, but, Dick, this costume can’t possibly blend into the shadows.”
Dick grinned. “You’d be surprised.” His smile trembled slightly as he continued, “Mom and Dad…always said…to dazzle the audience, but to melt into the shadows so that the burst into the spotlight would be even greater. Mom...made all our costumes.”
Bruce’s heart nearly broke as he realized how much this costume held associations for Dick of his parents and the circus. He didn’t have the heart to forbid it.
He gave persuasion once last try.
“You’re too much of a target in this.”
“I move fast, Bruce.”
Bruce sighed. Smart kid.
“All right, we’ll see how it works out.”
Dick’s grin grew more incandescent. “Cool!”
Clark laughed. “You’re going to keep Bruce on his toes, my friend.” He ruffled Dick’s hair, the boy joining in his laughter.
Bruce felt that laughter warm him.
It was time for Robin to make his debut.
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no subject
Date: 2008-11-19 02:35 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-11-19 02:52 am (UTC)They make a good team, don't they? :)
Dick is always darling! ;)
no subject
Date: 2008-11-19 02:36 am (UTC)"It’s, um…bright.”
Dick’s smile grew even brighter. “Exactly!”
BUWAHAHAHAHA
no subject
Date: 2008-11-19 02:53 am (UTC)"It’s, um…bright."
Dick’s smile grew even brighter. "Exactly!"
BUWAHAHAHAHA
*giggles*
Dick will keep Bruce on his toes, as Clark says! :)
no subject
Date: 2008-11-19 03:16 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-11-19 03:29 am (UTC)*grins*
He's going to use that charm wisely! ;)
no subject
Date: 2008-11-19 03:25 am (UTC)Silly Bruce... because he's Dick. :)
no subject
Date: 2008-11-19 03:37 am (UTC)Silly Bruce... because he's Dick. :)
Absolutely! :)
no subject
Date: 2008-11-19 01:26 pm (UTC)and right, bats will scare them silly :DDD
no subject
Date: 2008-11-19 05:48 pm (UTC)He's always a doll, isn't he? :)
and right, bats will scare them silly :DDD
Oh, yeah! If I were a criminal, I don't think I'd hang out in Gotham. :)
no subject
Date: 2008-11-19 01:36 pm (UTC)Robin - I'm glad Clark actually gave the name to Dick. Though - Dick chose it. :)
Amazing chapter. Wonderfully written BradyGirl. :)
Thanks for sharing.
LS.
no subject
Date: 2008-11-19 05:51 pm (UTC)He takes joy in everything! :)
Robin - I'm glad Clark actually gave the name to Dick. Though - Dick chose it. :)
It was a joint effort! :)
Amazing chapter. Wonderfully written BradyGirl. :)
Thanks for sharing.
LS.
Thank you, LS! Glad you enjoyed it. :)
no subject
Date: 2008-11-19 05:51 pm (UTC)*pets Bruce* Be prepared for the puns. ;D
no subject
Date: 2008-11-19 06:30 pm (UTC)Isn't he always? ;)
*pets Bruce* Be prepared for the puns. ;D
He has no idea! ;)
no subject
Date: 2008-11-19 06:13 pm (UTC)*applauds*
And now I can hardly wait for Robin's debut! :D
no subject
Date: 2008-11-19 06:34 pm (UTC)*applauds*
Bruce thought he knew what a bright spot Dick was in his life already. Ha, just wait! ;)
And now I can hardly wait for Robin's debut! :D
Yes, the final chapter has the debut of the Dynamic Duo! ;)
Thank you for such a wonderful story
Date: 2008-11-19 09:47 pm (UTC)Normally, I tend to flinch at slave fic, because a lot of writers tend to romanticise it, but I'm glad that I've read this, because you're actively engaging the reader and turning this genre on its ear.
This fic is just brilliant. Thanks for writing.
Re: Thank you for such a wonderful story
Date: 2008-11-20 06:30 pm (UTC)You're very welcome! :)
You've thought of everything re: the world building: the pomes/aphorisms/maxims of the day at the start of each chapter, framing and preparing the reader for what is to come; the fact that you're making the characters think and react to their circumstance... it's just everything.
I enjoy dreaming up the quotes at the beginning of each chapter, using only a few 'real' ones now and then. ;)
The entire universe was built to explore the issues of freedom and slavery and I'm glad that comes across. :)
Normally, I tend to flinch at slave fic, because a lot of writers tend to romanticise it, but I'm glad that I've read this, because you're actively engaging the reader and turning this genre on its ear.
This fic is just brilliant. Thanks for writing.
Thank you for the comments! And thank you for reading, as knowing that other people are enjoying this series keeps me writing. :)
no subject
Date: 2008-11-22 11:33 pm (UTC)You tell them Dickie! If I weren't already a devoted Robin fan for decades this would win me over in a split second. :-)
*sigh*
I'm wondering if Robin will make his debut with the symbols of this status hidden under the costume......
As always I felt like standing right with them all in the Batcave...you do have the ability the draw your reader in the story and I thank you for that Bradygirl!
Can't wait for......you know that line already.
;-) ;-)
no subject
Date: 2008-11-23 01:23 am (UTC)You tell them Dickie! If I weren't already a devoted Robin fan for decades this would win me over in a split second. :-)
Oh, yes, Dickie grabs you right away and you're his for life! :)
*sigh*
I'm wondering if Robin will make his debut with the symbols of this status hidden under the costume......
Yes, they will be. Dick designed it that way. :)
As always I felt like standing right with them all in the Batcave...you do have the ability the draw your reader in the story and I thank you for that Bradygirl!
Can't wait for......you know that line already.
;-) ;-)
I'm glad you enjoyed this, Bat-Angel! :)
I'm glad that my writing draws you in. A very high compliment! :)
no subject
Date: 2008-11-23 10:34 pm (UTC)i'm all kinds of excited to see how dick does, and to get more of bruce's role in the Abolition movement rolling and more on the wertham's problem.
*giddy*
no subject
Date: 2008-11-23 11:37 pm (UTC)i'm all kinds of excited to see how dick does, and to get more of bruce's role in the Abolition movement rolling and more on the wertham's problem.
*giddy*
Heh, lots more to come in the fourth arc but first, Robin's debut! ;)
no subject
Date: 2011-01-26 02:15 am (UTC)He has very sound reasoning for his costume, too (just like canon Robin did).
no subject
Date: 2011-01-28 04:35 am (UTC)LOL! True! :)
He has very sound reasoning for his costume, too (just like canon Robin did).
Dick's always thinking! And the brighter the better for the costume. ;)