AUTHOR'S NOTE: Started to feel a tickle in the back of my throat this morning. It's been persisting into the afternoon as well. My allergies have been playing havoc with my sinuses too for entertainment. I honestly can't say if it's allergies I'm having bad this year or I'm actually getting sick. With my luck a mixture of both. Well, regardless, enjoy your chappie! This one is a bit quieter then the rest.

I also wanted to add gordios gave me an amazing gift. In a form of this video www. youtube watch?v = LoKp-0Fo4 Jg &feature=youtu .be

So thank you again for that. For anyone who loved CP I would recommend watching that video.

Chapter 7

Connor clenched his teeth as he got out of his truck. Having to be careful not to slam the door as he hefted his backpack higher on his shoulder. He had been furious when he had walked in from his chores. Bruce had still been asleep when the teen had gone to take the sheep out to pasture. Making sure the gate was padlocked as Krypto ran out to watch them. Connor sometimes wondered if Krypto was aware he was supposed to be herding the sheep. Rather than either running around in ever widening circles only to drop to the ground a second later to rub his back in the grass. His legs kicking at the air as he happily wiggled back and forth clearly pleased with himself.

Only when the teen had taken care of the cows and chickens when he came back in did Bruce tell him he had to attend school that day. Having already packed a lunch for Connor and made him breakfast. It was hard to be angry with his guardian in the morning. Bruce was so content to sit there across from him meditating over his coffee the teen found he could not bring himself to break the other's peace. How he wished to point out he didn't think it was worth his time. Connor had looked over the school curriculum ahead of time. Most of the classes they taught were subjects the clone had already learned a while back. Still, he suspected the biggest underlying reason for him to attend was to learn how to fit in.

Connor still wished he could have done something to get rid of his anger. He had spotted the small gang from the last time who had been mocking Bruce. Sitting on the hood of their own cars as they talked and joked around. Their leader often making a hand gesture before the group dissolved into fits of laughter. When they spotted their fellow student they all fell silent. Leaning in like conspirators as they began to whisper. Often pointing to him as they continued their little hidden conversation.

"Jerks." Connor muttered underneath his breath. He went to his first class which blissfully was English. He towards the back listening as the teacher began to talk. Received his textbook along with orders to write a paper about a novel he read over the summer. The next two classes were much the same way.

When the lunch bell rang Connor sat outside in the sun. He watched as the other students around him moved around. Searching out friends they had made last year. Sitting down in their select groups to talk to each other. He ate his sandwich wondering how these people felt. Coming to the same place day in, day out, only to go home at the end of the day. Having to repeat the monotony of this lifestyle into their adulthood.

What's so special about this place Bruce wants me to stay here? Connor mused biting into his sandwich.

At least Bruce knew to pack him enough food. There were three sandwiches, a bag of chips, two fruit bars, and a can of soda. Superboy inhaled it all wondering if he would have homework today. He heard a scuffle and then a slosh behind him. He frowned, turning around just in time to see the guys from either. Hefting up a bucket of what smelled like into his face.

Connor caught the rim of the bucket just as it was about to come down on him. Tilting it backwards he dumped the contents onto his attackers. Watching them let out cries of surprise and fury as mud, worms, and dead fish got spilled all over them. The boys began to splutter taking a step back as they tried to wipe away the stink. Despite himself the clone found himself laughing aloud at the way they reacted.

"Next time try sneaking up on me. That usually works." Connor mocked them.

"Mr. Graves!" A familiar woman's voice called. Connor frowned turning around to see Ms. Hawthorne coming towards him at a fast pace. Her face flushed as he glared at him. Around him the other teens continued to laugh as the group of his attackers suddenly began flinging accusations at Connor.

"Look what he did to us, Ms. Hawthorne!"

"He just dumped it on us, Ms. H! We just wanted to talk to him is all. Be friendly like."

Connor could not believe what he was hearing. He turned around to stare at this group of boys. Feeling sudden fury that they should lie about him. The group gave him a defiant look as if daring him to speak up against them. As if they had not just made an attempt to humiliate him on his first day at school.

"You snuck up on me, you bunch of filthy cowards." Connor said raising his voice. His anger coloring his vision as he imagined throwing them clear across the school. Completely ignoring Ms. Hawthorne who continued to call his name.

"Don't go whining I 'picked on you'. I heard you coming from a mile away. You're just upset I turned the tables on your stupid prank. So suck it up and be a man." Connor snapped at them.

"MR. GRAVES! My office immediately, young man! And bring your things with you!" Ms. Hawthorne yelled at him.

What followed after was spending the rest of his school day in the office. Connor was given a piece of paper, a pencil, and told to write down what exactly what had happened. Frowning down at the paper he wrote down the entire incident. Then told he was to work on something until the day was through.

At the end of the day when the final bell rang Connor grabbed his bag and left. He didn't feel like hanging around a second longer. Technically, he knew he was supposed to wait for Ms. Hawthorne to get back. She had gone to talk to another teacher about what had taken place. The woman had not given him any orders to remain behind after the bell rang. So he loaded his stuff back into his truck. Got in, and drove back to the farm.

When he got home Connor could already hear two voices inside. He paused surprised to hear his mother's voice as she spoke. Her crisp tone softened due to the fact of who she was talking too. A second later Bruce's voice would rise up as he replied to what she had said. As always completely calm as if he had spent an entire day napping out in the sun. Having nothing more strenuous to worry about than saying good afternoon to his favorite neighbor.

"Well, they should have left him alone." Mercy insisted. Bruce had put the woman on speaker phone as he made a late lunch for himself. He figured Connor would be hungry after he got home from school. He sighed at Mercy's words as he set the table.

"I'm aware of that. My point is his teachers were furious. The parents of those children live in the village we go to every weekend. Now they're breathing down my neck to punish him." Bruce responded calmly. He had got the phone call from a very pissed Ms. Hawthorne only an hour later. Demanding a conference with the parents of the teenagers who had their prank turned around on them.

"He was defending himself! It's not like he punched them. Why are they even mad?" Mercy demanded angrily. Bruce shook his head with a slight smile at her fury. How Connor had managed to live with this woman and get into her good graces he had no clue.

"I'm guessing because ten pounds of dead, rotting fish got dumped onto their heads. One of the teachers saw the whole thing. She said Connor had done nothing to provoke the other boys and had only been eating his lunch. You can imagine, however, the parents feel differently." Brue answered. He heard a sharp hiss of breath over the phone. Imagined Mercy would take it out on any underlying who happened to walk in on her that moment. She had put an entire meeting on hold to talk to him about the incident.

"Is he going to be home soon?"

"He just walked in through the door. Connor, your mom wants to talk to you." Bruce called when he heard the front door open. The clone glanced at his servant but said nothing. Instead taking the phone off the hook and putting it to his ear.

"Hey, Mom." Connor said tiredly. He dumped his backpack by the front door. Going up the stairs the teen kicked open the door to his bedroom. Going inside to lay down on his bed as he closed his eyes tiredly.

"I heard you and Bruce talking."

"I imagine you did. Good job."

"I don't think you're supposed to say that."

"Well, they deserved it. How have things been down there?"

"Good, I guess." Connor said opening his eyes again to gaze out the window. Wondering if he tried hard enough if he could fly.

"I'm starting to wonder if people are just dumb. Am I in trouble with Bruce?" Connor asked. Downstairs he heard Bruce turn on a radio to give him a bit of privacy. Like him the blind man had incredibly good hearing. Able to pick up even the lowest of whispers from several yards away. He heard a heavy sigh over the phone at his question.

"How can you be? Those boys were in the wrong and you were in the right. If you had laid your hands on them it would have been a different matter. I called you for a different though, hon." Mercy's voice took on a different pitch now. Her tone becoming softer as she prepared herself to deliver the news.

"I already told Bruce, but you need to watch your back. Be careful of who you talk too."

"Why?"

"Luthor wasn't found in his jail cell several days ago. The authorities decided it would be best to not say anything about the matter until well after the fact. Now I don't know where the hell he is." Mercy answered crisply. Connor felt a cold child go down his spine at the news.

"You think he's coming after me?"

"I'm assuming so. There was a massacre at Arkaham Asylum yesterday morning in Gotham City. The Justice League came knocking at my door again asking about you. You need to keep things quiet over there. Promise me." Mercy insisted. Connor felt his throat constrict at the thought of the League. He had not spoken to Bruce about the matter of him being the former Batman. Beyond knowing his servant used to be a multi-billionaire he knew next to nothing about Bruce.

"I promise. We won't have to move again, will we? We've just begun to settle in now. I like it over here."

"Then we should both do our best to keep it that way. No, we will NOT be having the meeting now! I'm on the phone with someone important! They sit on their asses all day for a living, they can stand to sit five more minutes!" Mercy's voice slashed at the unfortunate person who had dared to walk in on her. Connor tried not to chuckle when he heard her yelling.

"Sorry, these idiots think just because I drove a car for a living means I don't know what the hell I'm doing."

"You sound like you're out for blood, Mom."

"I have been. I had to fire at last three quarters of Luthor's original staff. They were either corrupt or giving information to our rivals. Lois Lane had decided to jump back on the scene as well. She came all the way from Europe to write an exclusive on why Superman is being held in Arkaham. She's also been advocating for his release."

"WHAT?! Is she insane?! Is everyone insane? Mom, he hurt-"

"I know, I know. But see, there's the problem. Bruce Wayne is technically dead. The alien is crazy ten ways to Sunday. The only reason they haven't released him is because of the testimony of Flash."

"Wonder Woman dying isn't enough for them?"

"Authorities are calling it self-defense."

"Bullshit!"

"Precisely. Hawk Girl and the original Green Lantern have also disappeared off the map. Presumably they went into hiding after what went down on the rooftop. Only Flash, Batman, and the Martian Manhunter are still on the original team." Mercy hesitated as she thought about how else to break the news to Connor. She didn't want him to have to worry about these matters. The boy had been through enough already without her making it worse.

"Who is Lois Lane? I've never heard of her."

"A journalist for the Daily Planet. She technically quit her post six years ago. In her heyday she was Superman's main squeeze. It wasn't unusual to open the paper and find an article about how he saved her. Now that's she's back though she's been coming to the company every day asking questions." Mercy answered with a tired sigh. She wondered if that was the reason Luthor had become bald. The stress of running such a huge corporation had caused his hair follicles to just give up carrying the heavy burden of giving him a full head of hair.

"I'll keep an eye on things here." Connor promised her. He heard Bruce calling for him to come downstairs. Shaking his head the teen sat up pushing a lock of hair out of his face.

"Mom, I have to go. Lunch is ready. Talk to you tomorrow?"

"Of course. Take care of yourself."

"You too, bye."

"Bye."

Connor hung up the phone. When he came downstairs he already saw Krypto had come back in from the fields. The dog sat by the table panting happily as his friend came downstairs. Scratching the dog behind the ears he sat down heavily in his own seat. Beginning to eat without looking at Bruce. A heavy silence fell between the two as they ate their meal. For a long time Connor brooded over the matter his mother had told him.

Bruce finished eating first. His fork clinking against his plate as he set it down. Connor continued to eat being deliberately slow about it. Yet his servant did not mention a single thing about the school. Licking his lips the teen wondered if perhaps he should say something. He even opened his mouth to say something but chickened out. Opting out for scratching Krypto behind the ears who whined for a scrap of food.

After half an hour Bruce went outside to leave the boy in peace. He had heard the entire conversation, of course. He had been blunt with Mercy in stating no matter what he did he always seemed to be able to hear things he shouldn't. The woman had seemed to care less, but cautioned Bruce to use his knowledge wisely.

His hand touching the side of the house Bruce could hear the chickens long before he reached the gate. When he came to fence he paused, his hand resting on it. He could feel the paint flaking off beneath his fingers. The wood coming apart from the wear and tear of the elements constantly ripping at it. He would have to ask Connor to start replacing some parts of the fence. Perhaps a new layer of paint too.

"Chicky, come here chicky." Bruce said gently holding his hand out. He recognized Penny's clucking as she came closer. When he felt the chicken peck his hand looking for food he picked her up. Holding the farm animal close to his chest as he petted her. Enjoying the warm sun washing over him as he did so.

He could smell the dust coming off her feathers. Felt a few the sharp talons of the chicken's feet which rested so neatly in his arm. Folded under the chicken as she settled down calmly into the cradle of his arms. In the village when Connor had brought Penny along with him to go shopping the man who had sold it to him had been astounded. Stating he had never seen a chicken act so calm considering she had never been held before by a person.

"Gonna be easy to lead that one to the slaughter, ain't it?" The man had said to Bruce when he had been on his way out the door.

"She just trust ya so much, don't she? Now, they ain't to smart, but an animal can tell when you mean to kill it. They'll scream, at least their version of it anyway, and try to get away. How the world goes around. Killing another animal to feed yerself. No shame in it, I say. Hope you and your boy don't think I cheated ya out of a good laying hen now."

"No, she's quite useful." Bruce had responded. He had felt Connor's grip tighten on his arm at the mention of killing their pet chicken. By the time the rest of the village found out they did not mean to chop off the heads of two hens to be eaten for a Sunday dinner was when the rumors started. Cursing them for having come from the city. Wanting to change everyone's views to unrealistic, misplaced mercy for a dumb animal like a bird.

Quite honestly Bruce could not understand why people were so eager to kill an animal. Then again, he supposed he could. They were used to this lifestyle. When an animal outlived its ability to provide for the food and shelter it received it had to be removed. There had been times he had seriously considered doing the deed while Connor had been away at school. Yet he had no stomach for it. Bruce wondered if this made him a hypocrite. He gladly ate chicken meat but when the actual animal sat in his lap cooing contentedly he could not bring himself to kill it.

"Who knew this rule would stick with me." Bruce mused aloud.

He had gone to sit down on the back porch in his rocking chair. Pushing it slightly back and forth as he petted Penny. The afternoon sun must have made her drowsy since she hardly moved. Only now and again making a soft coo of contentment. Tilting his head back Bruce closed his eyes wondering if he should take a nap. Inside he heard the scrape of a chair as Connor got up from his meal. Came outside a few minutes later to sit down in the chair beside him. The click of Krypto's claws as he came outside to no doubt lay down loyally at Connor's feet.

"Bruce, are you mad with me?" Connor asked. His tone had become tense. Scared of rejection. With a sigh the blind man raised his head. Continuing to slowly pet Penny as he considered what to say.

"How can I be? Far as I can tell you were in the right. There's nothing to talk about." Bruce answered crisply. Had he been a different man six years ago this conversation would have gone much differently. Yet he felt a strong ache in his bones at the thought of lecturing Connor. A complete exhaustion as if he had just been on a long, long trip.

"So you're not going to punish me?"

"No, and even if I wanted to what I would I do? Take away Krypto?" Bruce asked. He heard a whine from the dog and laughed softly.

"I don't know. Maybe."

"I certainly can't spank you. Sure, I could resort to grounding you, but that wouldn't do any good. You only come home, go to school, and work the fields as it is." Bruce said closing his eyes again. After all, he couldn't see. How he wished at times he had his sight back. To be able to read the subtle differences in the boy's face. To know the joy of gazing out over an open field again.

"Your belt would break if you tried to spank me." Connor agreed his face flushing at the thought. He could not picture resorting to physical violence. His servant tended to be so peaceful. Just in the way he moved the blind man exuded a sort of gentleness about him. As if did nothing more strenuous then giving another being a hugs all day.

"This weekend there's a special museum showcase of the Ancient Egyptian culture. I thought perhaps you might want to go." Bruce said calmly feeling a slight breeze ruffle his hair. Smelled the intoxicating perfumes of the flowers beginning to bloom. No doubt ready to spread their petals to the sun.

"It's taking place in London. We never had a chance to truly explore the city. You'd enjoy it, I imagine." Bruce mentioned calmly. He didn't want to state his real reasons for going to London for a few days.

"What about the animals? Penny, Rave, the cows, and the other chickens? Who will watch them?"

"There were a few people in town passing through looking for work. I've already talked to them about coming down to the farm. One of them wrote down the instructions I gave them for the animals. The chickens will be fine without us for a few days. I told the men to gather the eggs, but to not kill any of the hens who don't lay eggs." Bruce assured him.

His fingers brushed over Penny's head who seemed to have gone to sleep. He wondered distractedly how long the chicken would live. Connor described her as being slower than the others. Having to stand guard while she and Rave ate their share of feed. Perhaps he should bring their two pet hens inside. Give them a small place to rest in the barn at night rather than share the coop with the other hens.

"I guess. We could use a mini vacation." Connor said gazing out over the open fields. He glanced again at his mentor who seemed on the verge of falling asleep.

"Bruce, is something wrong?" Connor asked concern coloring his voice. The older man let out a soft sigh shaking his head. His thoughts turning towards old memories of a mansion set up on a hill.

"Nothing at all. Come on, help me water my plants, will you?"