Title: Rainbow’s Freedom (Project K Arc) (41/54)
Author: BradyGirl_12
Pairings/Characters: (this chapter): Dick, Clark/Bruce, Ed Jango, Brendan, Alfred
Series Notes: In the 23rd century, Earth is a technologically-advanced society that practices the ancient institution of slavery. New superheroes appear on the scene as the Abolitionist Movement gathers strength. Meanwhile, Lex gets his heart’s desire while long-held secrets begin to spill out of the Manor. Nothing will ever be the same again.
The entire series can be found
here.Genres: AU, Challenge, Drama, Slavefic
Challenge Category: Section E (Slavefic)
Rating: (this chapter): G
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: Bruce and Clark bring Dick home.
Date Of Completion (First Draft): January 31, 2010
Date Of Posting: May 10, 2011
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 743
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
Author's Note: Written for my
2010 DCU Fic/Art Bondage Challenge.
"Home is where the heart is."
Pliny The Elder
1st Century C.E.
XLI
COMING HOME
“Bruce!”
Dick’s eyes lit up, but then he started to shrink away.
“Dick…”
“No, I can’t be with you anymore!” He glanced at Ed, who was watching placidly. Ed did not know the reason why Dick was running.
“You can be.” Bruce looked at Ed. “Mr. Jango, thank you for taking care of my boy.” Ed’s eyes showed respect for Bruce’s choice of word. “Here’s a token of my appreciation.” Bruce passed an envelope to Ed. “Dick will be with me now. In the meantime, enjoy a first-class shuttle trip back to Earth.”
“Thank you, sir.” Ed tucked the fat envelope into the breast pocket of his jacket. He patted Dick’s head. “You’re back where you belong, Dickie.”
Dick beamed. “Thanks for everything, Ed.”
“No problem, Dick. Always glad to help. You’re family.”
Dick hugged his fellow circus performer, and Ed took his leave.
Dick immediately looked at Bruce and Clark. “How can it be all right?” He lowered his voice. “Blackmailers never give up. And they can always tell even after they get their money.”
“The blackmailer’s dead.” Bruce gripped Dick’s shoulders tighter.
At Dick’s widening eyes, Clark said softly, “It was an accident, Dick. Carl was standing too close to the Cliff and slipped. Bruce tried to save him but it was too late.”
Dick looked into Bruce’s eyes and saw that what Clark said was true. Tears shimmered in his blue eyes and he launched himself into Bruce’s arms. Bruce held Dick tightly, rubbing his back and caressing his hair.
“It’s all right, Dick. You’re safe again. You’re coming home where you belong.”
Dick sobbed quietly, relieved after all his crushing worry and grief.
As soon as Bruce released him, Dick held out his arms to Clark, who hugged him tightly.
“Clark,” he said brokenly.
“It’s all right, Dick. I love you.”
Dick lifted his face, smiling through his tears. “I love you, too, Clark. With all I have.” He looked at Bruce. “And you, too, Bruce. With all my heart.”
Bruce smoothed his hair, tears in his own eyes. He did not say anything, but Dick could see the truth of his heart in his eyes.
“Let’s go home,” Bruce said.
& & & & & &
Alfred was waiting for them when they arrived at the Manor. Dick had enjoyed a warm reunion with Brendan when the chauffeur had picked them up.
“My boy!” Alfred hugged Dick, who practically sparkled with joy. “Come now, chocolate chip cookies in the kitchen.”
Boyish laughter was a wonderful sound to be heard once again in the kitchen of Wayne Manor.
It was obvious to Clark that Dick would have survived in the Outer Rim, but he would not have thrived.
After milk and cookies, everyone went into the library where Bruce gave a few more details about what happened with the blackmail.
“I’ve go a security team going over lab security,” he said. “It’s a different company from the one that does Manor and Wayne Enterprises security to lessen any possibility of a link, but Dr. Allston will pass along all reports to me.”
Dick still looked worried. “If my secret came out once, won’t it again?”
“It might, but it’s sure going to take a lot of luck this time around.” Bruce squeezed Dick’s arm.
“Bruce, I…”
“I know why you left, Dick. Your heart was in the right place, trying to spare us the terrible consequences, but we’re a Family. We stick together. Let us help you.”
Tears shone in Dick’s eyes. “I’m sorry, Bruce.” He took a deep breath. “I’ll accept any punishment you have for me.”
Bruce smiled. “It’s all right.” He hugged Dick. “I love you,” he whispered.
“I know.” Dick’s voice held a hint of mischief.
Bruce drew back and rolled his eyes while Dick laughed. Clark and Alfred were smiling.
“So,” Bruce said, slapping his hands on Dick’s shoulders, “You’re back now, and there’s a lot of work to do, starting tonight.”
“Yes!” Dick said, eyes sparkling.
“Good. Now, finish your unpacking.” Dick leaped up and started to leave the room. “Oh, and Dick?” The boy turned back. “Good work on those identification papers.”
Dick beamed and hurried upstairs, his Family smiling.
As Bruce went to his desk, a picture of the front view of The Daily Planet was on the computer screen. The headline read, Batwoman Smashes Slave-Smuggling Ring In Gotham by Lois Lane.
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