Fic: Rainbow’s Freedom (Justice Arc) (16/61)
Title: Rainbow’s Freedom (Justice Arc) (16/61)
Author: BradyGirl_12
Pairings/Characters: (this chapter): Clark/Bruce, Alfred, Dick, Ollie/Dinah, Brad Stryker, Sam Elkins, Jasper, Roy, Melody
Series Notes: In the 23rd century, Earth is a technologically-advanced society that practices the ancient institution of slavery. Clark begins training under the Bat and secrets are uncovered as the Abolitionist Movement makes rapid progress with old and new methods. Can Freedom outrace rumors of War as the Galactic Empire rushes headlong to a new future?
The entire series can be found here.
Genres: AU, Drama, Slavefic
Rating: (this chapter): NC-17
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: The Wayne Household arrives at Queens’ Castle.
Date Of Completion (First Draft): March 29, 2011
Date Of Posting: May 27, 2012
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 1818
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
Author’s Note: The magnificent story cover is by the wonderfully-talented ctbn60. Thanks so much, luv! :)
Nothing is grander
Than a fine house,
Gleaming white
With the patina
Of ages
And honor.
Sir Elwood Shaw
"The Days Of Fine Living"
1922 C.E.
XVI
QUEENS’ CASTLE
The Queen engagement party was the social event of the season. The wedding next fall would be even bigger, but the engagement party would most certainly do. Star City’s High Society would attend the party, and Ollie and Dinah’s wedding party would stay at the Castle.
Bruce and his Household were the first to arrive. Brendan remained at the Manor to keep an eye on things since they traveled by train, not car, and the security force was with them, though out of sight.
Clark always enjoyed traveling by train. It seemed more suited to an earlier era despite the speed. He liked watching the scenery pass by, and when it was time for lunch, he happily indulged in one of Alfred’s sandwiches, the older gentleman highly pleased by his charges’ eagerness to eat the food that he had prepared. Smoked turkey with Dijon mustard and alfalfa sprouts on whole wheat hit the spot, along with Jovaran cranberry crystal juice.
They had a compartment but also liked to partake of the club car. Compartments afforded them privacy, but Clark liked to people-watch, too. Now that he knew that he was not Human, his need to understand their psychology was even greater.
He watched the well-dressed woman in a faux fur-trimmed jacket walk by, her handsome male slave trailing her on a leash. At least he was warmly clothed.
Kara would pitch a fit if she saw me like that.
He was worried about his cousin. Her anger could make her reckless, and chance had given her his location. She despised Bruce as a slaveowner. He just hoped that her word was good and that she would keep his secret.
As far as they knew, Annie had made it to Jovara safely. King Jodelle had sent a coded message confirming her arrival. He was not directly involved, but had given the name of the contact they had needed. He was still taking an enormous risk. Clark hoped that Jovan would get better. He was still in critical condition. The normally-laidback Royal House was on a warpath, the Royal Guard rounding up suspects and interrogating vigorously. They were within the law, but it had been a miscalculation on the assassins’ part to hurt Jovan.
Clark was distracted by Dick’s laughter, glad to get away from gloomy thoughts. He was looking forward to seeing Queens’ Castle for the first time. The pictures of it on-line were fantastic, but there was nothing like seeing the real thing in person.
When the train pulled into Star City’s Union Station, Ollie and Dinah were on the platform to greet them.
“Welcome to Star City, folks,” said Ollie, clasping Bruce’s hand.
“Glad to be here, Ollie.”
Dinah and Bruce hugged, and she winked at Dick, who smiled back like a sunburst. A few people saw the exchange and were eying the willowy Squire as he happily followed his Master to the waiting limousine. The woman watching him smiled, her maternal instincts engaged, and the man watched with glittering eyes. Men in casual suits, one with a silvery crewcut, the other African-American, followed the Wayne Household at a discreet distance. The limousine was comfortable and they arrived at Queens’ Castle in style.
Clark’s eyes widened as he saw the magnificent mansion. Painted white with green trim, the portico columns gleamed in the winter sunlight, snow and ice covering the trees, making everything a winter wonderland.
“It’s beautiful,” said Dick with awe.
The grand mansion was not like the brooding Manor. While it had just as long a history, it was a bright holder of its heritage, its patina of age not nearly as dark or weighted. Strings of white lights twined with greenery decorated the columns and bordered the front door. A huge wreath adorned the front door, glittering with golden apples and pears and a big, dark red velvet bow.
Spruce and fir trees close to the house were decorated with silver and gold garlands and sturdy ornaments to take the weather. Stars of silver-and-gold glittered atop every tree.
“Welcome to Queens’ Castle,” Ollie said with a grand sweep of his arm.
It was as impressive as the gesture. The foyer was just as grand as the Manor’s, though brighter and merrily decorated with vines of greenery and holly twining around the balustrade, a vase of red poinsettias in a golden bowl on the foyer table.
“My butler, Jasper,” Ollie said, indicating the distinguished, gray-haired gentleman in full uniform. He was a few inches taller than Alfred and slightly stoop-shouldered. His slave bracelets were discreetly hidden under his sleeves, his slave collar also hidden under his uniform collar.
“This way, please, Lord Wayne.”
Bruce nodded, following with regal grace, his Household following him with the luggage. Roy bounded down the hall and helped with the suitcases, he and Dick exchanging excited grins. Melody appeared at the top of the stairs with an excited expression, helping with the luggage, too.
Once settled into their room, Clark said, “Very impressive,” as he put Bruce’s shirts in the dresser drawer.
“Yes, it’s a nice little shack.”
Clark grinned. “Beautiful woods surrounding the mansion.”
“It looks especially gorgeous in the winter.”
“I’m pleased that it’s by the sea, too.”
Clark took out a pair of pants and hung them up, followed by several other pairs. Bruce grabbed the toiletry bag and went into the bathroom, setting out the aftershave, deodorant, and other toiletries.
“Nice bed,” Clark said as Bruce came out of the bathroom.
Bruce smirked as he saw Clark stretched out on the bed. “So you’ve tried it out already, huh?”
“I’d rather try it out with you.” Clark held his arms out.
Bruce climbed onto the bed, Clark curling up around him. “What is this, afternoon delight?” Bruce asked, brushing the errant curl back from Clark’ forehead.
“Why not?”
Bruce smirked again and began nipping at his lover’s neck. Hands began to roam as shirts and pants were unbuttoned, slipping into underwear or stroking bared chests as they kissed and shifted their bodies. Clark grasped Bruce’s cock, rubbing his thumb along the leaking head while Bruce teased Clark’s nipples to stiff peaks, both men moaning. The lovemaking was slow and sensuous until both managed to come, laughing and hugging each other tight.
“Ugh, we’re all sticky. Guess we’d better shower.” Bruce slapped Clark lightly on the ass.
“Oh, damn.”
“What?”
“I think I might have forgotten to pack the paddles.”
“Tsk, tsk. A terrible oversight.”
“No kidding.” Clark flashed a grin. “After all, ‘A paddling a day…’”
“…’keeps Master and slave happy.’” Bruce laughed. “Those Jovarans know how it goes.”
Clark hopped out of bed. “I’ll look after I shower. Otherwise, no paddling.” His voice registered his disappointment.
“Hey, I’ve got a good right hand.” Bruce flexed his hand, his lips curving into a salacious smile.
Clark’s blue eyes sparkled as he headed into the bathroom.
Bruce lounged in the bed while the water ran in the shower, hands resting on his bare chest. He was looking forward to the party tomorrow night and the entire weekend house party. Ollie and Dinah lived in the style to which he was accustomed.
He closed his eyes, listening to the sounds of the house, muffled as they were. He could hear the sounds of doors closing, footsteps approaching and receding, a creak in the roof or the twitter of a bird outside the window. The water continued to run in the bathroom, his mind imagining his beautiful lover under the sluice of water.
He imagined the sparkle of water splashing over golden naked skin, wet hair dark and plastered to his head as nimble fingers shampooed his hair and scrubbed down his body.
His cock twitched. Smiling, he flexed his hand.
Clark emerged from the bathroom, toweling his hair dry. “Hey, come on, lazybones. Lunch is on the docket.” He snapped his towel.
“Are you ever not hungry?” Bruce asked in amusement.
“I’m a growing boy.”
Bruce laughed and rolled off the bed.
& & & & & &
The Queen kitchen staff had done themselves proud: sandwiches of watercress, tomatoes, cucumbers and alfalfa sprouts were served along with Rigellian chutney, Jovaran applesauce and Mango Glory, a light, sweet substance designed to cleanse the palate. Dessert was a lemon cake with lemon frosting.
“Mmm, my compliments to the chef,” Bruce said.
“Cook will be glad to hear it,” Dinah said, setting down her glass of rubyjuice.
The dining room was elegant with gleaming mahogany table, chairs, and sideboard; enormous crystal chandelier, crystal candelabra with white candles, bone china with the Queen family crest, and a lace tablecloth.
It was just Dinah, Bruce and Ollie in the dining room. The other guests were due tomorrow, and Bruce’s slaves were eating in the kitchen. He missed their presence but during visits like this, propriety was maintained. During Halloween Week, he did the same thing.
“The night life here in Star City is quite interesting,” Dinah said with a smile.
“No doubt.”
“We’ll show it to you tonight,” Ollie said.
“I should stay in the shadows.” Bruce said lightly as Jasper served coffee.
“Of course,” Dinah agreed. “Observation only.”
Bruce nodded, excitement thrumming in his veins.
& & & & & &
Star City could rival Gotham for scum-and-villainy, Batman thought. He and Robin stayed in the shadows, not wanting anyone to connect Bruce Wayne’s presence in Star City with the appearance of the Batman. Somehow, as always, the brightly-clad Robin stayed in the shadows, his glittering presence unseen unless he wanted someone to see him.
Speedy kept close, pointing out areas of interest combining sightseeing with crimefighting. Batman hid his amusement.
It was an average evening, Batman wondering why there was not more activity on a Friday night. Black Canary explained that the police force had been expanded, so there was new enthusiasm on the part of the law enforcement officers.
“It’ll get back to normal soon enough.”
“Yeah, otherwise we might have to retire,” Green Arrow quipped.
“Become the country squire?” Batman smirked.
“La-de-da,” chirped Speedy, laughter going around the group.
They broke up some minor crimes and headed back to the Arrow Cave. It was the easiest way for Dinah and Ollie to keep their slaves in the dark by working underground. Jasper knew about his Master and Mistress’ other lives and was handy in helping them cover their tracks.
When Bruce slipped into his bedroom, he found Clark blissfully asleep, curled up under the covers. Not affected by cold anymore, he still needed the emotional security of sleeping under warm blankets.
Bruce stood looking down at his sleeping lover, the rainbow manacles and collar sparkling in the moonlight. He reached out a hand and lightly brushed the hair back from Clark’s face.
He slipped into bed, Clark curling up around him.
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