Title: Rainbow’s Freedom (Paradise Arc) (34/37)
Author: BradyGirl_12
Pairings/Characters: (this chapter): Dick, Roy, Clark/Bruce, Ollie/Dinah, Lex/Jamie (Lex does not appear in this chapter)
Series Notes: In the 23rd century, Earth is a technologically-advanced society that practices the ancient institution of slavery. As Bruce and Clark continue to juggle being lovers as well as Master and slave, Bruce continues his Abolitionist work, and a shocking Family Secret is revealed. Meanwhile, the Queen Family welcomes a new member, and Steve and Hal meet their Destinies, although neither one realizes it yet. The entire series can be found
here.Genres: Drama, AU
Rating: (this chapter): PG-13
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: Robin and Speedy work well together. Patrol is cut short for Batman and Robin.
Date Of Completion (First Draft): August 4, 2008
Date Of Posting: June 5, 2009
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 1305
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
"When the heart speaks,
You must listen."
Dame Judith Eddington
"English Boxwood
And Other Poems"
1906 C.E.
XXXIV
PRIORITIES
“Race ya!”
“You got it!”
Robin and Speedy flew over the rooftops, eager to test themselves against each other, and their mentors laughed, even Batman smiling indulgently. Below them the sound of revelry drifted up from the streets.
“Your Speedy seems well-suited to this life.”
“Thank you, dear,” Black Canary said.
Green Arrow grinned. “Kid’s got nothing on William Tell. He can knock an apple off your head at twenty paces.”
A Bat eyebrow lifted. “Much call for that sort of thing in Star City?”
The Canary laughed as Green Arrow snorted. “Whaddaya know, the Bat made a funny! Careful, Dark One, you’ll ruin your rep.”
Batman flew off in a swirl of cape, the Canary and Arrow grinning, and they quickly followed.
& & & & & &
Keen eyes spotted a purse-snatching without the owner being aware of it. Batman and Green Arrow nodded at their protégés and Robin and Speedy eagerly swooped down upon the thief in an alley. Robin’s heart pounded with excitement as he flew, Speedy right next to him.
“Hey!” yelled the thief, a whoosh of air expelled from his chest as young legs slammed into him. He rolled on the ground but Robin grabbed the purse and Speedy pinned his sleeve with an arrow.
“You fuckin’ kids! I’ll kick your asses!”
“Good work, boys,” Green Arrow said as he and Batman leaped down on their decel lines. The thief quieted when he saw the Bat, who loomed over him. Green Arrow polished a sharp-tipped arrow.
Robin and Speedy grinned, and the redhead yanked out the arrow.
“Go ahead and take him to the policeman on the corner,” Batman said, and Robin and Speedy hauled the thief to his feet. The man kept glancing back at Batman and didn’t attempt an escape.
“Officer!” Robin called as the sounds of revelry were loud and raucous.
The policeman turned and smiled. “Hey, Robin! And is this Speedy, from Star City?”
“Yes, sir!” answered Speedy.
“What have you got here?”
“A petty thief!” Robin declared.
The thief growled. “I’m not petty.”
& & & & & &
“Yep, the boys work smoothly together,” Green Arrow said, Black Canary leaning against the alley wall.
“Very good.” Batman watched as the policeman handcuffed the thief and called in the arrest, smiling at the boys. Robin and Speedy dashed back into the alley.
“Let’s go,” Batman said, and they all took off over the rooftops.
& & & & & &
Robin was happy. Halloween was his favorite holiday, and he had a new friend. He and Speedy were on the same page, working together and enjoying a friendly rivalry. He had been excited taking down that thief with Speedy at his side. They were out ahead of the adults and as they leaped to the next roof, Robin asked, “Do you like Star City?”
Speedy nodded. “It’s not bad. Not as crazy as Gotham, but we’ve got our share of nutcases.”
Robin grinned. “Green Arrow and Black Canary are fun to be with.”
“They are. They’ve given me…” Speedy hesitated “…a home.”
Robin knew some of Speedy’s history and gave his arm a quick squeeze, then he said, “Bet I reach the next roof before you!”
“Oh, no, you don’t!”
Robin laughed as Speedy burst into hot pursuit.
& & & & & &
All five heroes gathered at the Clock Tower, watching the celebration.
“Isn’t this the coolest ever?” Robin did a handstand on the roof’s edge. Bruce had to restrain his natural instinct to pull the boy back, but his young partner had better balance then he did. “I love Halloween! I love the costumes.”
“There sure are some clever ones.” Green Arrow put a boot up on the edge.
Black Canary rested her arm on his shoulder, bending one leg. “We fit right in, eh?”
Green Arrow smiled and kissed her cheek. “Absolutely, Pretty Bird.”
“Mushy,” Speedy snorted.
Robin laughed, and even Batman smiled.
The Clock Tower struck one. Batman restlessly pulled his cape around himself, and Green Arrow said, “You know, Bats, we Arrows can keep things under control if you’d like to knock off early.”
Robin threw a look at Batman, who gripped his cape tighter. Raucous revelry drifted up from the street.
“Good. Robin, let’s go.”
Robin flashed a farewell smile and followed his mentor off the roof.
“Why the earl exit, G.A.?” Speedy asked.
“The Bat’s mind is elsewhere.”
Comprehension dawned in Speedy’s eyes, and Black Canary put her arm around his shoulders.
& & & & & &
“I thought I heard you cry out.”
Clark looked up at Jamie with bleary eyes. “I…I might have.”
“It’s okay.” Jamie sat on the bed. “My Master’s asleep. No one else is up, either.”
“Good.” Clark’s voice was very weak. “I hate to disturb anyone.”
Jamie brushed unruly hair back from Clark’s eyes. “I don’t think Alfred and Dick would mind helping you while your Master entertains his guests.” He cocked his head. “Though they’re awfully quiet.”
Clark struggled to sit up. “Master Bruce enjoys showing off the gardens by moonlight. They’re probably outside.”
Jamie looked out at the moonlit ocean. “That would be lovely.” He grinned. “The Queens are night owls, hmm?”
“Hmm?”
“Well, my Master and I retired pretty late, and so did the majors, yet your Master is still entertaining?”
“Maybe the Queens went to bed and Master Bruce is on the phone to Hong Kong. He had a big deal cooking.”
“Oh, I understand the ways of big deals.”
Clark smiled slightly. “I just bet you do.”
Jamie laughed. “Such is the life of we who serve the rich and famous.”
“True.”
“I’m sorry. You need your rest.”
“It’s okay. Talking sometimes helps.”
“Do you need anything?”
“No, thank you.”
“Call if you do.”
“Thank you, Jamie.” Clark moved fretfully, trying to grab the covers.
Jamie pulled them up and patted Clark’s shoulder, leaving him in peace.
As he walked back to the guest room, he wondered where Bruce was. Clark had offered some good explanations but Jamie wasn’t quite convinced.
It was very quiet downstairs, but at this hour, everyone should be asleep.
Maybe Bruce Wayne is just quirky.
But with his pleasure slave so ill, wouldn’t he have stuck around to care for him?
He doesn’t strike me as the callous type, not after I saw him with Clark earlier this evening, but who knows?
Still, Jamie was certain he’d seen something between Clark and Bruce beyond mere Master and slave.
Shrugging, Jamie decided to get back to bed.
& & & & & &
Batman put the Batmobile in gear, the smooth ride quiet as it glided along the country roads. Robin sat quietly in the passenger seat, then put his hand on Batman’s arm. Batman smiled down at him.
The Batmobile came into the Cave, and the Dynamic Duo showered and changed, still silent but both worried.
Dick followed Bruce into the bedroom, Clark asleep under the covers. Relieved, Dick hugged Bruce goodnight and went off to bed.
Bruce slipped off his robe and climbed into bed, Clark stirring awake.
“Mmm, Bruce. What time is it?”
“One o’clock.”
“You’re early.” He frowned. “The city’s unguarded?”
“The Arrows are quite capable of taking over patrol.” Bruce’s hands rubbed Clark’s shoulders.
“Are you sure? You don’t let people take over your city’s safety like that.”
“I have obligations at home, too.”
Worry clouded Clark’s eyes. “Bruce, you can’t...”
“Shh.” Bruce caressed Clark’s face. “My family is important to me. My Mission is important, but not as much as you.”
Tears brimmed in Clark’s eyes. “Bruce…”
“Hush.” Bruce kissed him. “Go back to sleep. I’m here now.”
Clark snuggled into Bruce’s embrace, sighing happily.
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