Fic: Wings Of Angels Trilogy Book I: Epidemic (14/14) (Part 2)
Title: Wings Of Angels Trilogy Book I: Epidemic (14/14) (Part 2)
Author: BradyGirl_12
Pairings/Characters (this chapter): Bruce/Dick, (hints of Selina/Dinah), Ollie Queen/Dinah Lance, Selina Kyle, Roy Harper, Alfred, Allie, Alicia, Jim Gordon, Clark, Barbara Gordon, The Joker, Sarah Dickinson
Series Notes: When Gotham falls to an epidemic, Batman and Robin need help to protect the city. All chapters can be found here.
Categories: Drama, Angst
Rating: (this chapter): PG-13
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: …and the wings of the Angel of Death softly fold around Gotham.
Date Of Completion: April 20, 2007
Date Of Posting: May 13, 2007
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 1104 (Combined Total: 1981)
Author’s Note: Once in awhile an original character will slip into the group up there on the Characters/Pairing line, so if you don’t recognize the name, that’s probably why. :)
XIV
THE ANGEL OF DEATH
Superman and Batgirl broke up a gang fight on the docks. The shouts of the men died out as they fell unconscious or clammed up at the sight of Superman and a Bat.
The water lapped against the rusting hulls of freighters, a salty smell hanging over the docks.
The moon’s light disappeared.
& & & & & &
I want to stay.
We know, dear.
Fingers caressed his hair.
We can fly together again. Forever!
We will.
A kiss on his brow.
& & & & & &
Bruce looked at the monitor, a broken, “No,” slipping out of him.
& & & & & &
Superman could hear the chase. He swooped up Batgirl and flew.
& & & & & &
Speedy and Green Arrow aimed their arrows.
& & & & & &
Bruce pressed Dick’s hand to his heart.
“Please, Dick, don’t leave me.” A tear slipped down his cheek, touching Dick’s hand. “I love you.”
& & & & & &
Silently they nodded, then Superman and Batgirl swept down to block the Joker’s path, He sneered and wheeled, though of course he knew he couldn’t outrun Superman.
The Arrows blocked the other way, bows drawn and the Canary watching, ready to either kick or let loose her cry.
The green-lipped grin spread across the chalky face. The Joker backed up against the brick wall, eyes glittering.
“So where’s the Bat?” His obscene grin grew wider. “Has the bird under his wing fallen out of the nest yet?”
Two arrows pinned him by the coat shoulders. His amusement increased as Speedy re-loaded.
The Joker shook his head. “Always knew that big ol’ Bat was in the belfry. He runs around with Pretty Bird and I always told him it would be the death of that boy.”
“Shut up,” Speedy growled, and Superman said, “I’d take his advice.”
The Joker smirked. “Well, I suppose I can remain quiet, though what of it? You heroes can rough a guy up, but you won’t hurt me too badly, will you?”
“Want to test that theory?” asked Green Arrow, teeth gleaming as he stepped forward.
“Go ahead!” the Joker said cheerfully. “Batsie was always tempted but never did. Not sure about the Batboy, though. He’s got spunk, he does. Circus folk always do.” His grin grew wider on his clown face.
“You should have stayed in the sewers where you belong, Joker,” said Black Canary conversationally, her blue eyes hard as she flipped open her cellphone to call the police.
Wind swept through the alley, Superman and Batgirl’s capes billowing out behind them. Scraps of paper and other refuse swirled up in angry little eddies.
“Hmm, they say when the wind blows hard and the moon’s light is blocked, more souls leave this earth.” The Joker’s eyes glittered madly. “Plenty of souls leaving Earth tonight, eh? Not even a Superman can stop them!” He laughed maniacally. “Wonder if the Pretty Bird has left, too, finally escaping the shadow of the Bat?”
The arrow slammed into his shoulder, his breath hissing. Curses were hurled at Speedy, who simply smiled as the Joker slumped.
& & & & & &
He could feel a cold shadow sweep over him. His body, or spirit, or whatever existed in limbo, began to feel lighter.
He would be free soon.
A new pair of voices.
Dick, darling, love our boy.
“Please, Dick, don’t leave me.”
A great sorrow welled up in him.
Images flashed in his head:
The smell of blood and sawdust, and a strong yet gentle hand on his shoulder. Looking up, he met eyes as pained as his own.
Coming home to the Great Manor for the first time.
Swearing the Oath as he burned with vengeance, bat shadows flickering on the walls.
The training for Justice.
Superman! Oh, my god, it’s Superman!
The look on Bruce’s face when he first presented his costume in all its gaudy glory.
Their first patrol, working together as if they had always done so, blood and bone and sinew as one.
The excitement of being in the public eye, just like in the circus.
Dynamic Duo.
The World’s Finest.
Leader of the Teen Titans.
The moment he realized that he was in love with Bruce.
Their first night together.
The moment he was falling…
A silvery wetness on his hand.
“I love you.”
& & & & & &
Jim Gordon looked at the five heroes and the delivery slumped at his feet. He barked for men to come forward and pick the unconscious Joker up for the trip to Arkham for time one thousand-and-one.
& & & & & &
Bruce was as still as stone, his head bowed.
& & & & & &
The heroes grimly headed for Gotham General Hospital.
& & & & & &
Mom, Dad, I have to go back to him.
We know, dear.
We understand, son.
He’s my heart.
You’ll have an eternity to spend with us, my Little Bird. Your time…and Bruce’s…will come, dear.
He felt new hands smooth his hair back from his brow.
Take care of our Bruce, darling. He needs you so much.
Yes, tell him his parents are proud of him and love him.
I will.
He opened his eyes, able to see the loveliest blues, golds, and whites and the blur of wings.
He closed his eyes again.
& & & & & &
Bruce’s body jerked as he felt the faint squeeze of his hand.
He opened his eyes and looked over at Dick, whose lips were curved into a smile. He quickly removed the mask and saw the bright blue eyes open.
Joy surged through him.
“Dick!” he breathed. He leaned down and kissed his lover’s brow, then brushed back the midnight hair.
The eyes were tired but sparkling. He called for the nurse after putting the mask back on. Sarah came in, delighted to see her patient awake. Bruce flipped open his cellphone and merely said, “He’s back with us.”
& & & & & &
Bruce came out into the hall when his friends arrived. His face told the story, and everyone smiled and laughed for joy, Clark hugging him and followed by all the rest.
& & & & & &
When they took him off the ventilator, Dick breathed in Bruce’s ear, “Your mom and dad…they love you…and are proud of you,” before he slipped into healing sleep, Bruce’s tears a welcome rain as the skies opened up outside the window.
& & & & & &
Don’t leave me.
Don’t grieve me.
Just…
Believe me.
free counters (this counter installed 3/19/11)
Author: BradyGirl_12
Pairings/Characters (this chapter): Bruce/Dick, (hints of Selina/Dinah), Ollie Queen/Dinah Lance, Selina Kyle, Roy Harper, Alfred, Allie, Alicia, Jim Gordon, Clark, Barbara Gordon, The Joker, Sarah Dickinson
Series Notes: When Gotham falls to an epidemic, Batman and Robin need help to protect the city. All chapters can be found here.
Categories: Drama, Angst
Rating: (this chapter): PG-13
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: …and the wings of the Angel of Death softly fold around Gotham.
Date Of Completion: April 20, 2007
Date Of Posting: May 13, 2007
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 1104 (Combined Total: 1981)
Author’s Note: Once in awhile an original character will slip into the group up there on the Characters/Pairing line, so if you don’t recognize the name, that’s probably why. :)
XIV
THE ANGEL OF DEATH
Superman and Batgirl broke up a gang fight on the docks. The shouts of the men died out as they fell unconscious or clammed up at the sight of Superman and a Bat.
The water lapped against the rusting hulls of freighters, a salty smell hanging over the docks.
The moon’s light disappeared.
& & & & & &
I want to stay.
We know, dear.
Fingers caressed his hair.
We can fly together again. Forever!
We will.
A kiss on his brow.
& & & & & &
Bruce looked at the monitor, a broken, “No,” slipping out of him.
& & & & & &
Superman could hear the chase. He swooped up Batgirl and flew.
& & & & & &
Speedy and Green Arrow aimed their arrows.
& & & & & &
Bruce pressed Dick’s hand to his heart.
“Please, Dick, don’t leave me.” A tear slipped down his cheek, touching Dick’s hand. “I love you.”
& & & & & &
Silently they nodded, then Superman and Batgirl swept down to block the Joker’s path, He sneered and wheeled, though of course he knew he couldn’t outrun Superman.
The Arrows blocked the other way, bows drawn and the Canary watching, ready to either kick or let loose her cry.
The green-lipped grin spread across the chalky face. The Joker backed up against the brick wall, eyes glittering.
“So where’s the Bat?” His obscene grin grew wider. “Has the bird under his wing fallen out of the nest yet?”
Two arrows pinned him by the coat shoulders. His amusement increased as Speedy re-loaded.
The Joker shook his head. “Always knew that big ol’ Bat was in the belfry. He runs around with Pretty Bird and I always told him it would be the death of that boy.”
“Shut up,” Speedy growled, and Superman said, “I’d take his advice.”
The Joker smirked. “Well, I suppose I can remain quiet, though what of it? You heroes can rough a guy up, but you won’t hurt me too badly, will you?”
“Want to test that theory?” asked Green Arrow, teeth gleaming as he stepped forward.
“Go ahead!” the Joker said cheerfully. “Batsie was always tempted but never did. Not sure about the Batboy, though. He’s got spunk, he does. Circus folk always do.” His grin grew wider on his clown face.
“You should have stayed in the sewers where you belong, Joker,” said Black Canary conversationally, her blue eyes hard as she flipped open her cellphone to call the police.
Wind swept through the alley, Superman and Batgirl’s capes billowing out behind them. Scraps of paper and other refuse swirled up in angry little eddies.
“Hmm, they say when the wind blows hard and the moon’s light is blocked, more souls leave this earth.” The Joker’s eyes glittered madly. “Plenty of souls leaving Earth tonight, eh? Not even a Superman can stop them!” He laughed maniacally. “Wonder if the Pretty Bird has left, too, finally escaping the shadow of the Bat?”
The arrow slammed into his shoulder, his breath hissing. Curses were hurled at Speedy, who simply smiled as the Joker slumped.
& & & & & &
He could feel a cold shadow sweep over him. His body, or spirit, or whatever existed in limbo, began to feel lighter.
He would be free soon.
A new pair of voices.
Dick, darling, love our boy.
“Please, Dick, don’t leave me.”
A great sorrow welled up in him.
Images flashed in his head:
The smell of blood and sawdust, and a strong yet gentle hand on his shoulder. Looking up, he met eyes as pained as his own.
Coming home to the Great Manor for the first time.
Swearing the Oath as he burned with vengeance, bat shadows flickering on the walls.
The training for Justice.
Superman! Oh, my god, it’s Superman!
The look on Bruce’s face when he first presented his costume in all its gaudy glory.
Their first patrol, working together as if they had always done so, blood and bone and sinew as one.
The excitement of being in the public eye, just like in the circus.
Dynamic Duo.
The World’s Finest.
Leader of the Teen Titans.
The moment he realized that he was in love with Bruce.
Their first night together.
The moment he was falling…
A silvery wetness on his hand.
“I love you.”
& & & & & &
Jim Gordon looked at the five heroes and the delivery slumped at his feet. He barked for men to come forward and pick the unconscious Joker up for the trip to Arkham for time one thousand-and-one.
& & & & & &
Bruce was as still as stone, his head bowed.
& & & & & &
The heroes grimly headed for Gotham General Hospital.
& & & & & &
Mom, Dad, I have to go back to him.
We know, dear.
We understand, son.
He’s my heart.
You’ll have an eternity to spend with us, my Little Bird. Your time…and Bruce’s…will come, dear.
He felt new hands smooth his hair back from his brow.
Take care of our Bruce, darling. He needs you so much.
Yes, tell him his parents are proud of him and love him.
I will.
He opened his eyes, able to see the loveliest blues, golds, and whites and the blur of wings.
He closed his eyes again.
& & & & & &
Bruce’s body jerked as he felt the faint squeeze of his hand.
He opened his eyes and looked over at Dick, whose lips were curved into a smile. He quickly removed the mask and saw the bright blue eyes open.
Joy surged through him.
“Dick!” he breathed. He leaned down and kissed his lover’s brow, then brushed back the midnight hair.
The eyes were tired but sparkling. He called for the nurse after putting the mask back on. Sarah came in, delighted to see her patient awake. Bruce flipped open his cellphone and merely said, “He’s back with us.”
& & & & & &
Bruce came out into the hall when his friends arrived. His face told the story, and everyone smiled and laughed for joy, Clark hugging him and followed by all the rest.
& & & & & &
When they took him off the ventilator, Dick breathed in Bruce’s ear, “Your mom and dad…they love you…and are proud of you,” before he slipped into healing sleep, Bruce’s tears a welcome rain as the skies opened up outside the window.
& & & & & &
Don’t leave me.
Don’t grieve me.
Just…
Believe me.
free counters (this counter installed 3/19/11)