ext_11878 (
jij.livejournal.com) wrote in
crack_van2009-01-20 08:35 pm
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png)
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
Dancing Lessons by Icarus_Chained (PG)
Fandom: DC COMICS
Pairing: Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson, Barbara Gordon, Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Cassandra Cain (very brief mentions of Bruce/Selina, Bruce/J'onn, and Tim/Cass, but really gen)
Author on LJ:
icarus_chained
Length: 1600 words
Author website: N/A
Why this must be read:
icarus_chained doesn't self-promote much, to my chagrin, although I'm more than happy to promote her myself. She's one of my absolute favorite authors in the DC fandom, and this short story (really more of an introspective reflection) is a good example why. If you love any of the characters listed above, you'll probably like this story, which details Alfred's experiences teaching each member of the Batclan to dance over the years. Icarus's stories are always suffused with deep respect and love for all the characters, and a graceful hand with language. Above all, this is a story for Alfred, a character who too often (if understandably) becomes merely a piece of the scenery in stories. I love stories that explore Alfred's past, and this one touches on it in ways that make me smile and love him even more.
Alfred had taught them all to dance. He had gone through the steps with each one, given them the basics, taught them something of the rhythm. Tried so hard with each to give them something of the joy, the power. With each, he had succeeded, at least in part. There was not a one of them that couldn't at least go through the motions, and make it look convincing. It would probably have to be enough. There were times when Alfred was just happy to take what triumphs he could get. And for the times when he wasn't ... there were always the dances he kept for himself.
Dancing Lessons
Pairing: Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson, Barbara Gordon, Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Cassandra Cain (very brief mentions of Bruce/Selina, Bruce/J'onn, and Tim/Cass, but really gen)
Author on LJ:
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
Length: 1600 words
Author website: N/A
Why this must be read:
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
Alfred had taught them all to dance. He had gone through the steps with each one, given them the basics, taught them something of the rhythm. Tried so hard with each to give them something of the joy, the power. With each, he had succeeded, at least in part. There was not a one of them that couldn't at least go through the motions, and make it look convincing. It would probably have to be enough. There were times when Alfred was just happy to take what triumphs he could get. And for the times when he wasn't ... there were always the dances he kept for himself.
Dancing Lessons