bradygirl_12: (clark--bruce (rainbow's freedom))
[personal profile] bradygirl_12
Title: Rainbow’s Freedom (The Dark Knight Of The Soul Arc) (35/38)
Author: BradyGirl_12
Pairings/Characters: (this chapter): Clark/Bruce, Dick, Alfred, Brendan, Allison O’Toole, Hal/Steve, Elias Stark, Edmund Caldwell
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: Clark takes an important step toward recovery.
Date Of Completion (First Draft): January 20, 2009
Date Of Posting: December 2, 2009
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 1355
Feedback welcome and appreciated.



"The first step is always a doozy."


Alan Breck,
Comedian
2246 C.E.



XXXV

FIRST STEP


“C’mon, Dick, get ready.”

“Right away!”

Dick dashed out of the kitchen, Clark looking inquisitively at Bruce.

Bruce was ecstatic that Clark had left their bedroom and was beginning to walk around the house and estate again. He had come down to breakfast, and carried a good appetite. Clark’s tearful confession about his rape had begun his healing and Dr. Quinzell was continuing the process.

“Dick’s getting ready to go into town with me. I’ve got an important meeting.”

Bruce was accustomed to his slaves taking notes for him, freeing him to pay attention to other things. Clark was usually his note-taker, but Dick had done it before, and he was necessary with Clark unable to perform that task.

“I…want to come with you, Master.”

Surprised, Bruce said, “Dick can handle things. You don’t have to push yourself to go off the estate yet.” Bruce was happy that Clark had left the bedroom, but was worried that going off the estate was too much too soon. He had beefed up security quite a bit and felt confident that Clark would be safe here.

“I can do this, Master.” Clark squared his shoulders.

“All right.”

Bruce watched Clark leave the kitchen to get dressed. He didn’t want to squelch any initiative by Clark, but he was still worried. It would be his first time in public since his kidnapping.

“Take care of him, sir.”

Bruce looked at Alfred. “I will.”

Alfred nodded crisply. “Very good, sir.”

& & & & & &


Bruce gathered some papers as Dick appeared in the doorway of the study.

“Bruce?”

“Hmm?”

“Clark is coming with us?”

“Yes.” Bruce looked at his Squire. “I know you were supposed to take notes…”

Dick waved his hand. “No big deal. I’m just worried about Clark.”

“I know.” Bruce snapped his briefcase shut. “We’ll have to keep our eye on him.”

“Batman and Robin on the job,” Dick said confidently.

Bruce smiled and squeezed the boy’s shoulders. “That’s right.”

& & & & & &


“Master? Put these on me, please.”

Bruce looked at the lengths of chain that Clark held out. For a moment, he looked ready to refuse as he entered the foyer, paused, then nodded. He attached the links to Clark’s manacles.

Clark controlled his breathing as they left the estate, Brendan driving them in the limousine. Dick was chattering, asking Bruce about the meeting, and Clark gratefully concentrated on that subject, trying to ignore his pulse racing and stomach fluttering.

The city loomed up through the tinted windows, fear creeping up the closer they got to Gotham. He moved his hand to check for his stylus, the chains rattling lightly.

He calmed, feeling safe.

& & & & & &


Brendan opened the door, Dick hopping out and exchanging a grin with the chauffeur. Bruce emerged next, Clark right behind him.

Bruce was every inch the Prince as he strode into Wayne Enterprises, Dick a sparkling presence beside him, Clark quiet in Bruce’s wake, the gold chain stretching out between them.

Clark kept his attention on his Master, aware of eyes on him. Whispers trailed behind him, or maybe he had imagined them. It didn’t matter. He was going to get through this day!

Bruce and his entourage entered the elevator, Dick putting on his ‘game face’ as they reached Bruce’s floor, carrying his briefcase.

“Good morning, Allison,” Bruce said to his secretary.

“Good morning, Mr. Wayne.” The brunette smiled at Dick, who smiled back. She did the same with Clark, who smiled shyly.

“The conference room is ready?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Richard, go put my briefcase in there, and Allison will direct you to get the proper refreshments.”

“Yes, Master!”

Dick went off at a dignified pace, though Bruce and Clark knew that he was itching to run. They exchanged a smile, then Bruce got his messages from Allison.

Two other secretaries walked by, chattering about vacation plans, snatches of conversation drifting back.

“I think we’ll do Cancun this year.”

“We’re thinking off-world…”

“…Gotham is so miserable in winter.”

“Damned crooks in this city…”

“…imagine Caldwell out on bail!”

“…Falcone’s scum, and so’s Zucco.”

“…did you get that shuttle deal?”

Clark shivered, glad of the chain connecting him to Bruce.

“Thanks, Allison.” Bruce turned. “Are you okay?” he asked softly.

Clark nodded. Bruce smiled, then straightened and said, “Come.”

Clark obediently followed, on alert but more relaxed than he would have guessed. They entered the conference room, a few attendees already there, talking amongst themselves.

“You’ll have to sit at my feet with the chain,” Bruce said regretfully.

Clark suddenly felt ashamed. Bruce had led him around by the chain because he knew it made Clark feel safe, even though he rarely chained his slaves.

“No.” At Bruce’s surprised look, he said quickly, “I’m not disobeying, Master. I wish to be unchained.”

“Ah.” Bruce unlocked the chain.

Clark gently touched Bruce’s arm. “Not because of the kneeling. I would do so if you wanted me to. I…I need to do this.” He gestured at his unchained manacles.

Bruce smiled. “Let’s get you settled.” He put the chains in his briefcase that Dick had set on the table, escorting Clark to a chair in the corner. As Clark sat down, arranging his datapad and stylus, Bruce asked softly, “You sure you’re okay?”

Clark nodded. Bruce looked like he wanted to say something else, but other people were coming in.

“All right.” His eyes spoke his love, and he returned to the table.

Dick wheeled in a cart, setting up the refreshments, drawing smiles from some of the attendees. Clark smiled, too. Dick’s cheerful demeanor always drew a smile or two.

Clark organized his notes, hoping to be ready in time for the meeting.

“Clark.”

Clark nearly jumped. He looked up to see Steve and Hal standing before him.

“You look well!” Clark said happily, noting Hal walking, albeit with a cane, and Steve looked better, too.

Steve rested a hand on his shoulder, a smile on his face. “Thanks.” Hal nodded with a smile. “And don’t worry, Clark. You’re safe here.”

Clark felt a rush of warmth for both men. “Thank you,” he said quietly.

Both men nodded, giving Clark’s shoulder a squeeze. They moved off to the table, people beginning to settle into their seats. Dick quickly took a seat next to Clark, paying attention to the meeting, using his powers of observation as Clark was taking the notes.

Elias Stark glanced their way, disapproval in his expression. Clark discounted that disapproval, as the general thought little of slaves. After Stark looked away, Dick squeezed Clark’s arm. Clark smiled at him.

The meeting went well, Clark rapidly taking notes. He was happy to concentrate on this task after all the recent trauma.

The first half of the meeting concluded, everyone stretching and ready for a break. Bruce smiled and spoke with Steve and Hal, then beckoned Clark and Dick to him.

Bruce brought them to his office and private bathroom, joking about ‘Princely privilege’. As Steve and Hal talked with each other, Bruce took some calls.

“Would you get me some water, Richard?” Allison asked.

“Sure, ma’am!”

“I’ll come with you,” Clark said. They were safe here in Wayne Enterprises.

They walked to the vending machine, Dick getting water bottles for Allison, Clark, Bruce, Steve, Hal, and himself.

“Whoa, that’s a lot of bottles,” Clark laughed. He helped Dick, taking three of the bottles.

“C’mon, Cl…Kla'xel! Ms. O’Toole’s thirsty!”

Clark grinned as Dick sprinted ahead, juggling the bottles. He cradled his own bottles, dropping one. He bent down to pick it up and a cane swept across his legs, knocking him off his feet. He grunted in pain as his knees slammed on the floor, the remaining bottles hitting the floor and rolling away.

“On your knees is a perfect position for a slut like you.”

The unctuous voice sent a chill of icy terror through Clark as his chin was forced up by the cane, his eyes meeting the malevolent gaze of Edmund Caldwell.

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Date: 2009-12-02 09:00 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] loopylouise123.livejournal.com
Oh no! Just when Clark was getting his confidence back!

Bruce, save him! O_O

Date: 2009-12-02 09:05 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] jeannev.livejournal.com
Oh man! Damn Caldwell to hell!!

But I have a feeling this isn't going to go well for him, not as soon as Bruce gets made aware of his presence and his continuing abuse of Clark.

Date: 2009-12-02 09:20 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] evak9960.livejournal.com
OMG!!! NOOOO!!!! Oh, Bradygirl, just when we were starting to feel good about Clark's recovery, you bring us to our knees with this development.

OMG. OMG. OMG. sigh. Did I say, OMG? OMG. Out on bail. Where was he before? He wasn't at the conference was he? Wouldn't have Bruce known he would be there? Wouldn't have security notified Bruce that Caldwell was on the premises?

How far away are the vending machines? Is this more psychological terror? Will Clark tell Bruce or just become a quivering mass of flesh? Darn Dick, needing to run off!!! Clark's not even safe in Wayne Towers?

What is the way out of this discrimination? How to fight back against the gentleman's code? Is there a way? Edmund isn't afraid of the Bat because he knows the Bat won't do anything unlawful so he's safe because of the code.

Wait. Isn't there a gentleman's code about even touching a Prize? Early on, gentlemen asked Bruce's permission to touch his Prize. How can Edmund touch Clark without Bruce's permission. Oh, I guess it would only be a fine. Ouch, hit me with a feather. That really hurts. *sarcasm*

Go get em, Brucie.

Eva

Date: 2009-12-02 10:34 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] evak9960.livejournal.com
Ah, yes, I finally created an account. How do you like the picture I chose? I imagine the veiled Katar...:-)

Date: 2009-12-02 09:32 pm (UTC)
From: (Anonymous)
Batman needs a red alert system just for Caldwell visits even if they're silent ones. Will he?

Thank you for the update. Yea!

Angeloz

Date: 2009-12-02 10:23 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] ilovetobefree.livejournal.com
Bruce was ecstatic that Clark had left their bedroom and was beginning to walk around the house and estate again.
I was glad to see Clark out of the bedroom. :)

“I…want to come with you, Master.”
Hmmm, I have to say, I have mixed feelings here. I think it could be a good thing for Clark to go with Bruce. Still – we don’t know what can happen there. (I know actually now after I finished reading of the chapter *Sigh*). And it’s still Master, not Bruce – I’m really not happy seeing this. Not mention the chain. :(

Clark kept his attention on his Master, aware of eyes on him. Whispers trailed behind him, or maybe he had imagined them. It didn’t matter. He was going to get through this day!
Despite my not quite happy feelings about Clark’s condition, his determination to get through pleased me.


Clark gently touched Bruce’s arm. “Not because of the kneeling. I would do so if you wanted me to. I…I need to do this.” He gestured at his unchained manacles.
Oh boy. Thank God for these words!

“You look well!” Clark said happily, noting Hal walking, albeit with a cane, and Steve looked better, too.
Steve rested a hand on his shoulder, a smile on his face. “Thanks.” Hal nodded with a smile. “And don’t worry, Clark. You’re safe here.”

The meeting with Hal and Steve was great. I loved to see them two here, looking so good and supporting Clark. :)

The meeting went well, Clark rapidly taking notes. He was happy to concentrate on this task after all the recent trauma.
I liked to see this. :)

The unctuous voice sent a chill of icy terror through Clark as his chin was forced up by the cane, his eyes meeting the malevolent gaze of Edmund Caldwell.
OMG! Such a terrible cliffhanger!

That was a very interesting chapter BradyGirl. And excellently written! I only hope I understand Clark’s feelings, doubts, fears and all those issues we can see in context of his healing right. The last two chapters really got me thinking. And – I can’t help it. But I don’t see Clark (the real one, not memory erased Clark) as a submissive character. And I totally agree with Clark wanting to help people. But "serve"... Anyway, I’m sure there will be a development of Clark’s character in this story. And I’m still curious to see it.
Thank you very much for sharing this. :)
LS.

Date: 2009-12-02 10:25 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] saavikam77.livejournal.com
Gaaaaaahhhhhh!!! ~O_O~

*shakes*

Oh man, Bruce is gonna kick the crap outta that jack-ass! >_< Hmph.

Date: 2009-12-02 11:28 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] imagined-away.livejournal.com
How on Earth did Caldwell get into Wayne Enterprises?! Oh, Bruce is *not* going to be happy when he hears about this.

Poor Clark, he finally feels confidant enough to leave the Manor grounds and that asshole shows up. *hugs Clark* it'll be okay. Bruce will protect you, especially on Wayne grounds.

Edmund, one day you will be so very, very sorry that you ever did this.

I love how fast you update! It makes me happy! :D

Date: 2009-12-02 11:53 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] bat-angelwings.livejournal.com
Mean cliffy my dear.
Another very emotional chapter, where we once more see how strong Clark really is, slave or no. A touch of routine outside the Manor is what Clark needs in his healing process.

So "confront what you fear the most" it is for Clark. I was expecting this down the road but not that soon.

Hmmm. Now if Bruce sees Edmund looming over kneeling Clark, I hope he can control the Bat within, but I guess Steve and Hal will try and hold him back, or at least slow him down a bit.
I mean it's so difficult to get rid of bloodstains on the carpet...heh.

I can't wait to read how you solve this situation...I have some scenarios in mind, but they all involve bloodstains on the carpet....so I guess I won't get that.
*sigh*

As for how Edmund got into the Wayne tower, I suppose he accompanied his buddy Elias Stark. *growls in anger*

Update soon...please???

Date: 2009-12-03 12:23 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] imagined-away.livejournal.com
the color of the carpet is never mentioned. So I'm going to tell myself that the carpet *is* red and will hide blood stains very well.
in my mind this gives Bruce permission to beat the shit out of Edmund.

Date: 2009-12-03 12:40 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] bat-angelwings.livejournal.com
:-)

The comment on the blood stains is somewhat of an insider joke and goes back some chapters where I described how I intended to paint walls with Edmund's blood without killing him. ;-)

Date: 2009-12-03 02:35 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] imagined-away.livejournal.com
That sounds ... terrifying.
I think I'll remember that if I'm ever considering leaving you a nasty comment or such.

Date: 2009-12-03 01:10 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] ladyblkrose.livejournal.com
Please queue up a nice long scream of frustration, anger and derision, thank you.
I could just grab Caldwell by his short-and-curlies and shake until I feel better. I mean what blooming gall is this to continue to manhandle another “Gentleman’s” Prize even after being bought up on charges over the first time. He’s got great big clanking brass ones on him no doubt. I just am waiting with baited breath to see what Bruce and family does next. And just when Clark was making so much positive progress, someone lets the trash in. If it was Stark, I hope that Bruce kicks him off the committee and strips him of whatever money/power he can.
Bad Mans, Very Bad Mans
& you’re a little Minx yourself for presenting us with this emotional angst fest

Date: 2009-12-03 04:48 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] issuesgrrrl.livejournal.com
WHAT?!?!? WHAT?!?!? How the F...?!?! WHAT?!?!? Ooo, I'm so glad I don't work for Wayne Enterprises Security Team because there is gonna be a foot-thick layer of old assholes all over that floor tomorrow after Bruce finishes ripping out a full set of new ones...

Bail? Mother %*&$^%#&*^$%#*$@$!!!!! Ok, ok, Trenton Yellow Pages, bail bonds, Plum, Stephanie, Morelli... OK, we leave a message, get Ranger and the Merry Men on the job, use Lula as distraction/ lookout. Fuckin' Caldwells will be lucky to identify the body by dental records. If they ever *find* the body...heh.

Date: 2009-12-03 05:59 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] jlvsclrk.livejournal.com
Aghhh! I was just thinking what a great day this was turning into to help Clark in his recovery, and then you pull the evil cliffie! Evil, evil!

Horrible Edmund

Date: 2009-12-03 08:22 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] skeptic7.livejournal.com
Such a perfect day and then you had a horrible Edmund showing up!
Is everyone in your universe brainless?
A. Where is building security? The one that keeps enemies like Caldwell out and doesn't let strangers around unescorted?
B. Where is Bruce's personal security? He hire guards for Wayne Manor. Why not guards for him and Clark and Dick? After all the commotion Clark and Dick might be targets of kidnappers who realize that Bruce will pay a lot to get them back.
C. Where is Jim Gordon? He should have called Bruce when Edmund got out on bail.
D. Is Bruce overly trusting now? I wouldn't have let Dick out of sight unless he had a guard with him. Dick might be trained to fight but can't defend himself against a freeman without punishment.

Date: 2009-12-03 09:36 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] eternal-moonie.livejournal.com
Totally LOVE this chapter!

Date: 2009-12-04 04:10 am (UTC)
ext_148128: (BM_Clark_Bruce doorway)
From: [identity profile] ctbn60.livejournal.com
noooooo *siffle* I had a horrible day today but...but...

Poor clark!!!! How the hell did edmund get into bruce's building??? AND how did he get as far as he did to confront clark??? Bad bad bad.

I hope this doesn't throw clark through a loop not on the first night he is trying to get back out there.

Um when is the next chapter being posted????? Soon I hope I'm going to sleep worrying about Clark and that isn't good.

You do have a delightful way of throwing your readers through a loop darlin! hehehe! Love it!

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