Forgotten Bonds – Chapter Forty-Three

Hope has a way of turning its face to you just when you least expect it.
You walk in a room; you look out a window and something there leaves you breathless.
You say to yourself, “It’s been a while since I felt this, but it feels like it might be hope.”

‘It Might Be Hope’ by Mercy River

Chapter Forty-Three
Culminating Amity

March 20th, 2009. Friday, 11:58 pm.

The freezing air bit through Dick’s new winter coat with relative ease; his gloveless hands, which were stuffed inside his pockets, weren’t safe from the chilled weather. Even with all the protection Slade had forced him to put on, it wasn’t completely keeping him as warm as he would’ve liked. Thank goodness he had listened to the man or else he’d be freezing his butt off even more.

Gotham City was far different than Jump City around this time of year. While Jump was experiencing mild temperatures, Gotham just had a huge snowfall. Thus, Dick was currently trudging through almost a foot of snow at that moment.

But he didn’t mind.

There was a chilling puff of breath as he exhaled; his hands covering his icy nose. The nighttime darkness shadowed everything; only the waning crescent moon offered any true light. The graveyard was surrounded by dark buildings; the light from the ambient city shadowing the buildings and thus the graveyard even further.

Dick glanced at the watch on his wrist and hurried through the snow covered ground. He wanted to be at the graves right at midnight. He’d be fifteen, then. One more year older; one more year without them. Coming to his parents’ grave was a bittersweet ritual that he did every year. Even after running away from Bruce, he had come back briefly to pay his respects, but he never did see Batman. Dick had always wondered if he’d see him, since Bruce knew of the ritual, but he never showed up to confront Dick.

Dick had then figured that their relationship could never be repaired if Bruce couldn’t even come and see him on this day of sorrow.

But now, it wasn’t just a day of sorrow for Dick, it was also a day of hope. He had something to tell his parents; something amazingly crazy and awesome – something that would reassure them that he was safe and being taken care of; that he was loved once again.

Dick stopped suddenly as he came to the familiar stone.

The gravestone was combined for the two of them. It was made of silver grey marble with a stone angel sitting in the middle. The angel was leaning forward with its arms outstretched over the two of them – as if in embracing protection. Dick knelt down in front of the graves and began to brush of the snow from the marble lettering, the snow biting into his skin; running his fingers carefully over their names.

He tried very hard not to cry.

After he was finished cleaning the grave, he sat back on his heels; uncaring that he was sitting in the cold, wet snow. He swallowed the lump in his throat. He did not want to start crying yet. He knew he would – it was just inevitable. But he wanted to say something to them before he broke down. Already he could tell his voice was going to crack and he couldn’t blame it on puberty.

“H–hi, Mama. Hi, Papa,” said Dick softly with a small choke. He dropped his head to stare at his lap. “Been another year, huh. A… lot’s happened. Something a little crazy, too.” Dick chuckled and shook his head; his voice becoming stronger as he spoke.

“Actually, it’s super crazy. I was kidnapped. Now, before you get all worried, I can tell you everything’s fine – obviously or I wouldn’t be here right now.”

Dick let out a long sigh.

“Where to start… Such a long story, too. I guess I’ll have to do a watered down version. Well, I was kidnapped by a villain, who turned out not to be as villainous as I thought him to be. It was rough at first – heck, yeah. But over time, he changed. And… I changed, too.”

Dick had to swallow back another lump in his throat.

“It’s crazy. You’re gonna think I’ve gone nuts. But I… I grew to love him – as a father. There’s no doubt in my mind: I love him.” Dick felt his chest constrict slightly as he looked at the lettering of his father’s name. “I know that you’re my Papa, but you aren’t here any more and I need someone, you know. I need him. I hope you understand that I’m not betraying you or anything. I’ll just have two fathers now.”

The tears were already streaming down his face. The chilly air made them feel like icicles. His legs were getting wet and chilled as he sat in the snow.

But he didn’t care.

“It’s really strange, you know,” whispered Dick, running a hand over his thigh; snow dropping onto his pants occasionally. “During these past months, my view of him completely changed. I came to understand him. I came to see the human side of him – and I love that side. And you know, his view of me changed as well. I think he loves me, too – he hasn’t said it, but I know he does. He wouldn’t give up his way of life for me if he didn’t.”

Dick roughly wiped away the hot tears that were quickly becoming chilled. As a single sob broke through, he lifted his head to look directly at the soft faced angel and smiled through the tears.

“I’m happy now. Happier than I’ve been since you guys had to leave. I promise, I’m going to try my hardest to make you two proud. But I’m also going to do my best to make him proud, too.”

He rubbed the palms of his hands into his eyes as he tried to gain control over his choking sobs. He missed them – oh, gosh, how much did he miss them. He missed his mother’s soft gentle touch and his father’s playful smile. It was terribly consuming. He missed them with all his heart. To be held by them one last time…

But…

But this time he didn’t feel the terrible void in his heart. No, someone else had taken that place and filled it with a whole lot of love. He was going to be okay now. He had someone watching over him. That someone wasn’t perfect – but his parents hadn’t been either.

After all, who was?

Besides, his someone had said that he was going to retire for now. At least Dick wouldn’t have to worry about him getting into trouble or dying on him – especially since the man was basically a living zombie. He did come back from the dead, after all.

Dick struggled against the tears, curling his arms around his stomach and bending over. His soft sobs were the only sounds that echoed through the quiet graveyard. Ambient sounds of the city played in the distance, but overall, those sobs were the only soundtrack of this quiet night.

Thus, Dick stayed there. Minutes passed as he cleansed his soul; memories of these two important people in time past flooded through Dick’s mind. He could remember the little moments, the soft moments, the happy moments, the sad moments, the moments of correction, the moments of love – every beautiful moment accumulating into the undying picture of the two people who brought him into the world.

Soon, the tears began to fade. Dick lifted up slowly, looking into the stilled face of the stone angel. He brought his hands to his face and wiped away the tears of his soul. Missing these two was something he would always do. But he was glad for Slade’s words. Just because he missed them, didn’t mean he couldn’t enjoy the time he now had with another parent and just because he did so, it didn’t bring dishonor to those who had passed.

Well, he was going to love Slade with all his heart.

“Mama… Papa…” whispered Dick, wiping the last remaining of his tears away to see their names clearly. “I love you both.”

After another quiet moment, Dick stood up; brushing the snow away from his pants. He traced the lettering one last time and then ran his hand over a cheek of the angel, as if asking it to continue watching over them for him. Then, he stood straight in front of the gravestone and clapped his hands together in outward prayer; mentally remembering his parents for one last time.

A fluttering, gentle wind trilled through the air in its lilting softness; unnaturally warm in its descent.

As Dick opened his eyes, he gave a quick double intake of breath.

A woman with wavy, long brown hair sat on the edge of the gravestone. Her dress was a brilliant white, even whiter than the snow itself. She seemed to be glowing, but it was a subtle light; yet there was a brilliance and a glory about her that left Dick breathless. Then, as he studied her face, his heart nearly collapsed. Those green eyes twinkled with a softness that Dick had never forgotten.

“Salut, my little robin. Happy birthday.”

Dick could only stare at her. It was his mother; oh yes, it was definitely her. But he had to be dreaming. This couldn’t be real. He had to be hallucinating.

“I must be going crazy,” whispered Dick, closing his eyes and rubbing them. When he opened them, Mary still sat on the edge of the gravestone; a mischievous smile spreading through her face and a soft giggle escaping from her lips. Dick gasped again.

“Is this real?” breathed Dick, his voice cracking.

“Oh, yes, my dear,” said Mary with a firm nod; her smile still ever so present. “This is very real.”

Oh, that voice. The voice of his mother was so beautiful, so comforting, so lyrical, so overwhelmingly everything to Dick’s senses. How many times had he heard that voice in his dreams and wished to hear it once more in his waking hours?

She stepped forward, reaching out to his face and placing her hand on his cheek. Dick instantly felt warmth from the hand, yet he couldn’t feel the weight of human flesh. Oh, but he knew this touch. This was not make believe. With a choking sob, he curled his arms around hers, feeling her warmth, yet he held back from completely clutching onto her in fear that she would disappear.

“Mama,” cried Dick in a soft voice. Tears welled up in his mother’s eyes as she brought her other hand to his cheek, completely surrounding him in her gentle, warm hold. “Mama.”

“Look at my little robin growing up,” said Mary, the trill in her voice lifting slightly. “So big, my little baby.”

“I’m fifteen,” choked Dick, his voice shuddering under the strain of his sobs. Mary gave him a smile before pulling away, placing her hands on her hips. An impish look crossed her face.

“Yes, but you’ll always be my baby,” said Mary, a knowing smile all throughout her face. She made a cradling motion in her arms. “I still can remember holding you in my arms. Once a baby, always a baby to a mother.”

Dick let out a sobbing laugh, roughly wiping away the fresh supply of tears that were streaming down his cheeks.

“I miss you.”

Mary’s expression softened. She reached forward again and cradled his cheek in her warm hand.

“I know; I miss you, too. Your father misses you as well.” Then, her green eyes filled with a mischievous light. “Did you know that angels don’t have wings?”

Dick could only shake his head, too overcome in the moment. His mother was here; she was here, right in front of him. She was talking. How much he longed for her and now here she was, talking as if eight years hadn’t passed by. But she was too beautiful, too amazing to really be unhappy with – Dick was just thankful she was there.

“I couldn’t believe it!” cried Mary indignantly. “I had been so looking forward to getting my wings only to find out that angels don’t have wings. It’s just something people made up.”

Mary folded her arms and let out a little huff; displaying the expression of a petulant child. Dick wondered if he looked like that when he did the same thing.

“I tell you, my little robin; I complained. I appealed to the government of Heaven. I wanted wings.” She let out a wounded sigh. “But would they listen to me? Nooo, they would not listen to reason.”

Dick couldn’t hold back the sobbing giggle that broke through his lips. Leave it to his mother to try to redesign Heaven.

“Oh, my gosh,” breathed Dick, more tears streaming down his face. “I’ve missed you, Mama.”

Mary smiled and nodded; her expression softening. “I have been watching you. You are such a strong young man. I am so proud of you.”

“Can’t you stay with me?” asked Dick, his voice pleading, yet he knew the answer already. A tear overflowed and slipped down Mary’s cheek, but she paid it no mind.

“I cannot. No matter how much I wish it, I cannot stay,” said Mary in a soft voice. Dick tucked his lips into his mouth, wishing he could stop the tears from sliding down his face.

“You know,” began Mary, her eyes twinkling. She leaned in closer, as if she had some secret to share. Her voice dropped to a soft whisper. “They are trying to convert your father, but he won’t have any of it. He still thinks there is no God, yet he lives inside His house.” Mary shook her head and lifted up; putting her hands onto her hips. “Stubborn, that man. Just you wait, though. I’ll make sure they make an angel out of him yet or my name isn’t Mary Grayson.”

A choking chuckle broke through Dick’s lips; remembering all those moments she had been playful and mischievous. She hadn’t changed at all. He wanted to hold her. Oh, how he wanted her arms to wrap around him and envelop him in her warmth.

“You be sure to be a good boy now,” said Mary, setting a firm eye on Dick. “You believe, you hear? I know you got your stubbornness from your father, but I won’t have it.”

“Mama… How can I when… when you were taken away from me?” asked Dick in a soft, pained whisper. Pain filled Mary’s eyes and she lifted a hand to his cheek; the warmth returning to his face from her ghosted touch.

“Oh… I know it’s hard,” murmured Mary, her beautiful eyes glistening. Then, a knowing smile began to spread through her features. “Did you know that angels are sometimes assigned to watch over people? To guide them towards a better life? Towards a better destiny?”

Dick’s eyes widened, remembering what Wintergreen had said.

“Were you assigned to watch over me?” asked Dick, feeling breathless.

“No, I was not,” said Mary with a gentle smile. “They thought I’d favor you or something. Can you believe it? They accused me of nepotism. The nerve!”

Dick smiled, his lips trembling. His mother was so funny.

“No, I was assigned to a man,” continued Mary, a light twinkle in her green eyes. “Many had tried to help him, but for many, he was beyond their abilities. But I saw, your Mama saw, the great potential of his heart. Do you know what his deepest wish was; one that not even he himself fully knew?”

Dick shook his head after Mary waited for his response. She continued.

“He wanted companionship; oh, but not the companionship of a woman. No, he wanted a son – a son that he could cherish, raise, and love.”

Dick’s breath caught in his throat.

“Oh, but for the brilliance of his mind, he was pretty foolish,” smiled Mary. “You see, he viewed the world with warped eyes. His heart had frozen over and I realized that not any child could melt such a heart; it had to be the right child.”

Dick’s heart quickened and he had to let out the breath that he’d been holding onto. It couldn’t be… All along had his mother had been watching over him?

“So, I planted the seeds,” continued Mary, bringing her other hand to rest on Dick’s face. “It took a long time, though. I wish I could’ve united them sooner, but events wouldn’t allow it. I found the only child that could’ve melted his heart. Although, I am not pleased with how he treated the boy at first, but I am glad that such a time has passed. Only happiness resides in the future for the two of them.”

“It was you?” breathed Dick as a fresh wave of tears slipped down his cheeks.

His mother had designed this? But why? Why had she chosen Slade? Why couldn’t she have worked on Bruce? Not that he was really complaining at that moment. He loved Slade as a father to him. But he couldn’t understand why couldn’t he have been happy with Bruce. Surely he could’ve grown and changed like Slade, right?

The journey for Dick had been a difficult one. The beginning time had been terrible. Why would his mother put him through something like that? Was their combination that amazing that she’d waiver that beginning in the hopes of the end?

In some ways, Dick felt confused, slightly unhappy with his mother, and even more confused. But through all those feelings, he felt a peace – even a peace of understanding that had no true answers. There was a softness that flowed over his heart. At that very moment, if he had to choose between Slade and Bruce, he knew he’d choose Slade – despite the faults, the past, the everything that made the man who he was.

Why, though? What was that something that drew Dick to Slade? Was it one thing? Or was it the culmination of many things? He had spent five years with Bruce and only seven months with Slade, and yet it seemed as if he knew Slade a hundredfold better.

But what truly swayed Dick’s heart the most was the capacity of Slade’s heart – the man had given up everything he ever was for Dick. He had changed everything, had grown in ways that were unimaginable for a man of his caliber.

And had done so all for a fourteen year old boy he had grown to love.

“But why Slade?” asked Dick, quickly wiping away the new onslaught of tears. He had his own answer now, but he still wanted to hear what his mother had to say. “Of all the people who could’ve been a father to me, why him? Why not Bruce?”

There was a long moment where Mary observed Dick. Then, she smiled lightly; her eyes twinkling in all knowing knowledge.

“You have your answer, do you not?” asked Mary, her smile lifting into a mischievous one. Dick sighed. Mothers; they always seemed to know everything. But then, Mary chuckled and continued, “You aren’t the right fit for him, my little robin. You need undivided attention and now Slade can give that to you. There is another who is a right fit for Bruce. It’s one that’ll take a long time, too, though.”

Mary let out a sigh. Then, she took on a thoughtful look.

“I think I might put in a request, actually; since I succeeded with Slade. That’ll teach them for accusing me of nepotism.”

Dick stared at his mother, unable to fully understand. Had it truly been her that helped everything along to this point? Since that was the case that meant she approved of Slade in some way. But how could she have chosen someone like Slade? The man had such a colorful past, to say the least. Hadn’t she been worried that the man would’ve made Dick do something that he shouldn’t?

“What if… What if it hadn’t turned out like you thought it would?” asked Dick. “What if I had turned bad?”

“Oh, you wouldn’t have,” said Mary with a dismissive wave, shaking her head.

“But what if I did?”

“What, are you planning to get into mischief already?” asked Mary, her eyes twinkling with a slight motherly glint. “That’s why I chose Slade. He’ll keep my little robin on the right path.”

“Mama!”

Trilling laughter flowed through the air after Dick’s indignant cry.

“Oh, Dick; I knew Slade could change,” said Mary, her expression turning serious. “I knew he could do it. I had no doubt. He just needed the right child to show him the way and you are that boy.”

Mary leaned forward, bending down slightly, and kissed Dick’s forehead.

“It’s time. I’m so happy for you, my little robin. Your father is, too. Live well and be happy with Slade. Be a good son to him,” said Mary with a smile. A shimmer flowed over her form. Panic rippled through Dick.

“Wait!” cried Dick. “Please don’t leave yet.”

“I must go now. But I’ll always be watching. Be a good little boy for your Mama, all right?”

Dick nodded vigorously, tears welling up in his eyes. She couldn’t stay; he knew, he understood. But that still didn’t make it any easier to watch her go – yet again.

“Hey, Mama,” started Dick, blinking to send another wave of what seemed like never ending tears down his cheeks. “Take care of Grant for Slade, please?”

Mary’s smile deepened.

“Oh, my little robin. Slade is taking care of my little one; what makes you think that I’m not taking care of his little one?”

Dick’s smile matched hers.

“Până când vom întâlni din nou,” said Mary, tears now streaming down her face. But there was a smile; she was leaving with a smile. Her form began to fade. Dick opened his mouth to reply, his heart tearing apart as he watched her leave him once more.

“Until we meet again,” returned Dick, further tears sliding down his face.

In a single shimmer, Mary faded away. Dick hadn’t realized just how glorious and bright the light her form had produced until she was gone. The graveyard was left with a deep darkness. Overcome by the experience, Dick dropped to his knees. There was no holding back the sobs that racked his body. A mixture of emotions ran through him; ones of grief, of longing, of thankfulness, of peace, and of hope.

He still cried, though.

He let it all out, sending his tears into the snow. He cried for his mother, for his father, for Grant, and for all the times when he wanted to cry but wouldn’t or couldn’t. Minutes passed. Soon, his sobs began to fade and in its place he felt new strength rising inside his chest. A peace and a deep gratitude flowed over his soul. His entire being felt renewed – as if there were no more tears to be shed now. It had all been cleansed from his soul. There were no more bottled tears, forbidden from overflowing.

He was free now.

The future had nothing but happy times ahead; no doubt there’d be some bumps in the road, but definitely happy times lay ahead within his bright future.

He lifted up from his curled position to look at the gravestone.

“Thank you,” murmured Dick. “Thank you for watching over me, Mama. Take care of Papa.”

Dick slowly stood up, brushing the wet snow from his pants. He shivered slightly in the cold. He took a moment to clear his face of the last of his tears. He gazed at the gravestone lettering for a moment; but then, he turned his gaze to the stone angel. He smiled. His mother was an angel. It suited her so well. She had been like an angel while alive on earth; it stood to reason that she’d be an angel in heaven. Now he realized that the stone angel had no need to watch over them. His mother was doing that just fine.

Minutes passed as he watched the stone angel. Finally, he tore his gaze away from the gravestone to leave. He stopped suddenly as he watched a dark shadow rise along the path. His breath caught in his throat as he recognized him.

Yet again his soul was overcome by emotions at the sight of this man. But there was no need for tears, it seemed. There was this peace left inside his heart. All those emotions that he had felt when writing that letter had been healed. Still, Dick’s heart felt a twinge at the sight of him; slightly in fear about what the man would say to him.

But if all else failed, there was still someone watching over him – both in this life and in the next.

“Batman…” murmured Dick. “What are you doing here?”

The Dark Knight came to stand a foot in front of him. He was just a bit shorter than Slade, but he still towered over Dick’s small stature. He was looking forward to growing taller real soon.

“I had a feeling you might be here,” said Batman in a low voice. “Or at least… I hoped.”

His sharp blue eyes were illuminated through his cowl as they flitted back and forth; taking in Dick carefully.

Dick was still as Batman stood over him, unsure what to say. Then, Dick felt an air of awkwardness come from Batman. Slowly, arms lifted upward to clasp Dick’s shoulders. A moment later, he was pulled into a tight hug; arms wrapping around his upper back. Dick stiffened, thoroughly startled by this unusual—unheard of—display of affection from Batman – Bruce. But it was only for a moment before Dick raised his arms and clasped Bruce around the waist; clutching the taut fabric of his cape.

How long? How long had he waited – waited, longed for that moment where Bruce would reach out to him like this? He had been dying for this moment, more than anything in the world. Five years. To be held; to be told everything was going to be all right; to be belong to someone who would protect him – he had waited five years and even longer for those words, for that touch.

But as Dick felt those arms around him, a deep understanding and thankfulness flooded through him. Bruce was far different than Slade. This was a hug; slightly awkward, slightly hesitant, but a warm hug nonetheless.

But it wasn’t a father’s embrace.

Dick couldn’t explain it. It just felt different. There was no way that Dick would’ve ever thought that seven months ago. No way anyone could’ve convinced him of that. No one could’ve convinced him that Slade, of all people, would be a better father to him than Bruce; would feel like a better father. But it was fully apparent at that moment – Bruce just would never have been what Dick needed. His mother had been right – as usual. Bruce would not have filled the void completely. Dick would’ve been content, but it just wouldn’t have been the same.

But he was still very thankful for the effort from Bruce and he gladly returned the hug; feeling the rough texture of Batman’s suit against his cheek. It was a moment later that Bruce withdrew from the hug. Dick felt a little awkward and nervous by the way the man was looking at him.

Then, Dick was suddenly grabbed by the arms as Batman began to roughly look him over closely.

“Ba—Bruce! What are you doing?” cried Dick as he was forced to move side to side.

“Checking for bruises,” said Batman in a low undertone, but his tone was far from calm. Batman lifted a gloved hand to Dick’s face and began to roughly rub his cheek.

“Ow!” cried Dick as he tried to pull from the hand, but that wasn’t happening. “Not so rough!”

“You’re wearing makeup to hide them, aren’t you?” demanded Batman.

“I am not!” said Dick hotly, managing to pull back away from the rough texture of Batman’s gloved hand. “I haven’t got any bruises.”

Geez, way to ruin the moment, Bruce.

“Don’t try to protect him. If he’s hurting you—”

“Slade’s not hurting me, Bruce,” said Dick firmly. “I swear it.”

Batman took a deep breath, his chest lifting as he did so, before he let out a long sigh. The sharp light in his eyes diminished slightly as he watched Dick.

“I looked for you three days straight when I heard you had gone missing,” said Batman in a low voice, a hint of pain entering his tone.

Dick blinked, gazing up at Batman; a look of questioning appearing on his face.

“I looked for you,” repeated Batman; a sharp, yet slightly injured light entering those blue eyes. Dick opened his mouth in surprise, realizing what Bruce was trying to say.

“Oh…” murmured Dick, his mouth forming the shape. He glanced downward for a moment, unable to look up at him.

Well, this was awkward.

“I’m glad,” said Dick finally. He wasn’t sure what more to say. He had already put his heart and soul into those letters; and he wasn’t sure if he could articulate anything out loud after purging his heart like that. He had been pretty straight with Bruce, even a little hurtful, perhaps. But, in a way, it was Bruce’s style to be straight to the point.

Dick had to tell him the truth of his heart or else he could never truly move on.

“He forced you to sign those papers, didn’t he?”

Dick swallowed, seeing the change in topic. He knew this day would come. He just wasn’t expecting it to come tonight. He wasn’t sure how to go about explaining all of it without getting Bruce into a rage. The Teen Titans were bad enough, but Bruce could really get worked up when he wanted to.

Oh, and it looked like he was determined to do so at that very moment.

Dick couldn’t hold back the sigh that left his freezing lips. Man, this wasn’t going to be easy. Not at all. But it was okay. Dick had found strength – strength that wasn’t his own. He had someone to lean on and it seemed he even had his very own guardian angel.

And while it seemed fantastical to say that there was an angel looking out for him, he had to think, “Why not?”

After all, his life was filled with amazing and crazy things. There were so many things in this world and the planets above that were fantastical. There were metahumans, immortals, aliens, demons – just why couldn’t there be angels, too?

But most of all, he was glad that his guardian angel was his mother. It meant that she never truly left him. He always had her near him. Just because he couldn’t see her, it didn’t mean that she wasn’t there and that she didn’t exist any more.

She had never left him.

“I told you, Bruce; I signed those papers of my own free will,” said Dick, looking directly into those sharp blue eyes; newfound strength rising inside his heart. “I agreed to it. Slade didn’t force me.”

Batman’s chest heaved once as he huffed lightly in frustration.

“And what are you going to be now, Dick?” asked Batman sharply. “Are you going to become Deathstroke’s apprentice? Oh, yes—” Batman snapped as he saw the look of surprise on Dick’s face. “I know he wants an apprentice. Are you going to become a criminal now? Is that what you want?”

“He’s not Deathstroke any more,” said Dick, not enjoying the tone that Batman was taking with him. “He’s retiring now.” Dick glanced down nervously, feeling a little embarrassed as he whispered, “To raise me.”

There was a long inhale of breath through the nose. “And just what exactly is he going to raise you into?” demanded Batman as he exhaled furiously. “A criminal? A thief? A mercenary? A killer?!”

Dick shrugged lightly, unsure what to say to that. That only made those blue eyes flash with anger.

Dick was positive that Slade would do a good job at being a father. The past few months – especially the more recent ones – were proof of that. However, there were some times when Slade molded out of his villain mode and into his father mode that Dick had to wonder which he preferred – especially those times when he was in trouble with the man.

Oh, but he knew which version he liked best. He liked Slade being a father. The man could do it – Dick was sure of it and he was happy; very happy about it. The man was soft, gentle, firm, kind, stern, strict, daunting, strong, and secure – exactly what a father was supposed to be.

“Hopefully,” began Dick in a soft, reverent whisper, “into an adult that can make my parents proud; that can make you proud; and, most of all, can make him proud.”

Somehow, this sobered Batman. The fury that seemed to be emanating from him lessened. The tenseness in his body softened lightly. Batman let out a low sigh again.

“But… But didn’t he hurt you?” asked Batman in a low tone. Dick could hear the worry in it. He couldn’t help the impish side from coming out; a teasing mischief wishing to escape. Perhaps that was something he was gleaning from Slade.

“Oh, yeah, he was horrible during the first month,” drawled Dick playfully, knowing full well Batman wasn’t going to react perfectly to this. “Beat the crap outta me during then whenever I disobeyed him.”

Batman completely stiffened and his sharp blue eyes temporarily flashed with concern and worry.

“But then, he totally did a one eighty and started walloping me instead.”

Batman’s jaw dropped slightly, his eyes widening. The man simply stared at him in shock. Dick smirked up at Batman, folding his arms. The man’s reaction was totally hilarious. Brilliant reaction indeed. Oh, yes.

“He… what?”

“Well, I believe the correct term is spank,” said Dick, proud of himself that he could finally say that freaking word without completely shuddering in embarrassment.

Batman looked completely floored. “And you let him?” demanded Batman, sounding extremely affronted. A wry smirk lifted Dick’s mouth as he raised an incredulous eyebrow; letting out a disbelieving chuckle.

“I can’t let him do anything. He’s got full control, you know. If he’s got it into his mind that I deserve one, there’s no stopping it – I’m gonna get it. He’s the adult, after all.”

Then, Dick’s smile softened.

“Yeah, not perfectly thrilled with the concept,” continued Dick with a shrug. “But I’m okay with it, I guess. Just gotta stay out of trouble, I suppose. Although, I’ve got to convince him to use different tactics now that I’m fifteen. I’m just getting too old for that, but for some reason I doubt I’ll be able to convince him otherwise yet. I think it’s the only way he knows how to deal with me; otherwise, he’d be totally lost.”

After all, Slade’s a man of action. But it’s okay. I’ll just keep out of trouble.

Well… at least I hope I can…

Batman continued to stare at Dick as if he weren’t believing him. Well, it wasn’t as if Dick could blame him. It was the oddest thing ever – he’d admit to that. But the past was the past and now Dick had a bright future to look forward to; and he was looking very happily towards it.

“Where is he?” demanded Batman. “If he’s supposed to be so fatherly, then where is he? Doesn’t he know that Gotham is dangerous at night. He’s not just leaving you alone in this graveyard, is he?”

“He’s watching right now, actually,” whispered Dick, smiling gently at the knowledge. Batman immediately tensed and whipped his head around as if Slade was about to pop up from behind a grave.

“Where?”

“I don’t know,” answered Dick, still softly. “All I know is that he’s got an eye out over me right now. He’ll come when I need him.” Dick then smirked. “So, don’t do anything stupid.”

Those sharp blue eyes glowered at Dick and he had the good conscious to look sheepish.

“So, he’s stalking you.”

“Geez, Bruce,” started Dick with a shake of his head. “He’s just giving me some space, so I could have a moment alone with my parents. No big deal.”

“Still, I—”

Batman stopped as he stiffened even further. Dick mildly wondered if he could go any more rigid without breaking something – being so stiff couldn’t be healthy for the Dark Knight. Dick noticed the direction of his eyes and watched as those blue eyes hardened with an icy glare. Dick turned to see Slade walking up the pathway with his hands in his winter coat pockets – and not wearing a mask. The snow crunched beneath his boots as he walked.

Dick smiled.

“Deathstroke,” growled Batman as Slade came to stand next to Dick, putting a warm gloved hand onto Dick’s shoulder. An acknowledging peace and warmth flooded over Dick at the touch, almost trilling in nature. Dick kept the secret knowledge to himself, but he was unable to hold back the smile. Slade only smirked, his visible grey blue eye lighting up with a glint.

“Wayne, so nice to see you,” said Slade silkily. Batman bristled at hearing his name. Dick mentally face palmed. Oh, this wasn’t going to be good. These two were gonna kill each other and only one of them could rise back up from the dead afterwards.

Batman took a step closer to Slade, so that he was standing about a foot away from his face.

“If you ever hurt him again,” began Batman in a terribly dark whisper. “I’ll beat you up so badly, you’ll wish that I killed my enemies.”

“How’s the Joker these days, Wayne?” drawled Slade lightly, yet in a completely ominous tone. His hand dropped from Dick’s shoulder to fold in front of his chest. “I hear he’s got a thing for shooting little baby birds who are away from the nest. You ought to be more careful.”

Batman growled deeply, his sharp eyes flashing angrily.

“Um, Slade. Please stop,” said Dick, putting a hand onto Slade’s arm; not liking where this was going – not at all.

“You treated him like your personal punching bag,” snarled Batman, taking a small step closer to Slade. “Don’t you dare blame me for that incident.”

“And you neglected to figure it out, didn’t you?” taunted Slade, his eye narrowing darkly. “Dick’s trauma. You have no idea what I know about him.”

“Uh, Slade…”

“What trauma?!” cried Batman, his tone incredulously furious. “You’re the one who kidnapped him and caused him trauma. You should be behind bars – permanently!”

“At least I learned more about him in the past seven months than you did over the past five years!” snapped Slade.

“Slade!”

Batman took another step closer, so that the two of them were barely an inch apart. There was a sharp exhale of breath that fogged into the air.

“That’s it,” hissed Batman. “I’m taking you down.”

“Oh, I’d love to see you try,” breathed Slade slyly, his features lifted into a taunting smirk.

“Dad!”

A stillness went through the two men; the two of them pulling apart slightly. Slade’s mouth fell into a flabbergasted gape. He quickly turned his head to stare down at Dick; looking completely speechless, yet there was a powerful amount of emotion swirling inside his grey blue eye. Dick, on the other hand, was trying to push the two men apart before they ended up killing each other – not really getting anywhere, though; both men were indomitable in their stances. Dick was a little surprised that the term slipped from his mouth, but somehow it suited Slade now. John Grayson was Papa and Slade Wilson was Dad; both men his fathers.

Not to mention saying that got the man to shut up, too.

“Let’s go home,” said Dick, managing to force the thunderstruck man to turn away from Batman. Dick pressed his hands against Slade’s middle back and began to push him down the pathway with all his strength. Dick looked over his shoulder as he smiled at Batman.

“I’ll keep in touch!” said Dick, waving once happily. Batman could only watch the two of them walk away; completely speechless and stunned to the spot.

Slade stopped suddenly and sharply spoke to Dick, who only grinned up at him. Obviously not listening to the man’s tirade, Dick bent down and grabbed a handful of snow; pelting Slade with it right away before the man could react.

It landed smack in Slade’s face.

Slade spluttered. He wiped the snow off his face immediately and glared down at Dick, who was grinning impishly from ear to ear with a light giggle on his lips. It seemed as if a miniature battle ensued as Dick let out a mischievous laugh and darted away – with Slade running right after him.

A few seconds later, Dick got nailed in the chest with a snowball. Slade heavily smirked in triumph. In the which, he was rewarded with return fire. Racing through the bullets of snow – which were only three snowballs – Slade charged after Dick, who was shielding himself behind a lone tree.

In a single fell swoop, Dick was scooped up into Slade’s arms and then promptly dropped into a snowdrift. There was a stream of shrieks and laughter as Slade did so. Dick grabbed more snow and pelted Slade with it as much as he could; that is, until Slade dropped down into the snowdrift and began to playfully smother him with snow.

Further childlike shrieks filled the hushed, darkened graveyard.

The sounds of laughter from a joyful child continued to fill the air as the two continued to one up each other – of course, Slade was dominating the mini battle, as usual. After a few minutes, Dick cried a truce as he gasped for breath and shivered from the freezing cold. With a satisfied smirk, Slade stood up and pulled Dick to his feet by the hand; beginning to brush snow from off the boy.

Slade ruffled a snow covered gloved hand through Dick’s hair, which produced more giggles and a heated, yet playful protest about his hair. Then, with an arm clasped around Dick’s shoulder, the two of them began to walk out of the graveyard – with the occasional ruffle to Dick’s hair.

And that, of course, only produced more giggles.

Batman found the edges of his mouth lifting slightly. He hadn’t heard Dick laugh like that in years. It was the very first time he laughed genuinely since his parents’ deaths. Batman couldn’t believe it was this man that had unlocked it. But since he did, Batman let the hard feelings slip away. Oh, he was going to keep an eye on the man – no doubt about that. But it was obvious that Dick was happy – very, very happy.

And that’s all that mattered.

The End

And what if trials of this life; the rain, the storms, the hardest nights are Your mercies in disguise. 

‘Blessings’ by Mercy River

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