Fic: Tale as old as Time (2/6)

[starsandsea]

Title: Tale as old as Time (2/6)
Rating: PG
Pairing: Clark/Bruce, Alfred, Dick
Disclaimer: I own nothing
Author's Note: For bradygirl_12's birthday. Unbetaed, so point and I shall correct. Previous parts can be found Here.




When Clark opened his eyes again, it was to light. He blinked and moaned slightly. There was a boy sitting at his bedside, reading. He looked up and smiled.

"You're awake! How do you feel?"

Clark just blinked at him. He looked at his surroundings in amazement. He was lying in the biggest bed he had ever seen, in a room full of elaborate furniture, that was as big as his parent's farmhouse.

"Sir?" The boy questioned, concern now upon his face.

"I'm fine," Clark managed to croak out.

The child smiled brightly. "Good! You were bitten in the leg by a wolf. You'll have to stay here until you've healed." The child was grinned at him like it was the most exciting thing imaginable. Clark just blinked at him again. "Oh! Please forgive my manners! My name's Dick."

Clark nodded at him. "My name's Clark."

The boy beamed at him before jumping off his chair. "I'll be right back! I just need to tell Alfred you're awake! He'll bring you some food!" The child disappeared then, before Clark could ask anymore questions. He's just have to wait until he returned.

*****
Soon, the boy - Dick - returned, with an elderly man carrying a tray. Dick bounded back to his bedside, while the man followed more slowly. Clark tried to sit up as best he could. The man placed the tray on a small table next to his bed.

"How are you feeling, sir?"

"A little tired..." Clark said hesitantly.

The man smiled kindly at him. "As to be expected, sir. My name is Alfred, and if there is anything you want during your stay here, just let me know." Clark nodded, a little amazed. "For now, I've made some soup." He and Dick helped him sit up properly, then the silver tray was placed on his lap with a silver spoon, the finest china bowl he had ever seen, full of soup, and a glass full of water. Clark tried not to gape too much as Alfred placed a linen napkin over his chest, then moved to stand behind Dick. Clark took a hesitant spoonful of the soup and found it to be delicious.

"Thank you. You're very kind to have tended to me. I hope I haven't caused any inconvenience..."

"Nonsense," Alfred reassured him. "We're happy to have you here, sir."

Clark nodded, slowly eating the soup. "How did you find me?" He asked, curiously.

Alfred and Dick shared a look. "The master found you," Alfred said, after a pause.

"Oh." Clark nodded again. "I'll have to thank him."

Dick smiled. "Well, like I said, you'll have to stay here until you've healed properly, so you'll be able to."

Clark smiled back, still eating the soup. He laughed suddenly. "I must have been delirious. I thought there was a giant bat..." He trailed off at the look on Dick and Alfred's faces.

"That was the master," Alfred said quietly.

Clark gaped at them, nearly dropping the spoon. "What? But that's not..."

"Possible?" Alfred finished for him.

"But... why? Why haven't you escaped? Fled here?"

Both Dick and Alfred stiffened. "We stay out of loyalty and love," Dick said, anger staining his voice.

"I... I'm sorry. I just..."

Alfred placed a hand upon Dick's shoulder. "It is... difficult to take in. We know, sir."

Dick looked down slightly, then back up, a smile once again upon his face. "When you're feeling better, I'll show you around the castle! We haven't had a visitor in ages..."

Clark nodded. He could understand why. "Are you sure your... master won't mind? Me staying here, I mean," he directed his questions to Alfred.

"Of course he won't, sir. He wouldn't have brought you here otherwise. Now then, eat your soup before it gets cold."