Forgotten Bonds – Chapter Thirty-Six

Chapter Thirty-Six
Renewed Wings

March 12th, 2009. Thursday, 8:03 pm.

Four days.

That was how many days Dick had been a son and that was how many days he now had a father.

Yes, he was keeping track. He loved the very thought of it. There were nagging thoughts in the back of his mind that reminded him about what Bruce would say and what his friends would think, but he did his very best to push those thoughts away. He just wanted to bask in the wonderful moment, the wonderful feelings.

It was strange at times to think about Slade as his father. After so many years of not having one, Dick wasn’t exactly sure what to think any more or how to act around the man. It’d only been four days and he wasn’t exactly ready to call Slade anything other than ‘Slade’ just yet.

But he found himself more comfortable with the man. He no longer felt the need to be reserved or hold himself back. If he wanted to be close to the man, he could be. He realized that during his time here, Slade had been the one to extend himself and offer the physical affection or reassurances. Dick hadn’t really once ever been the one to initiate it besides those impulsive hugs of his – and those were huge things, not simple gestures of a touch on the arm or otherwise.

Somehow, the adoption unlocked his reserved feelings; completely allowing himself to be like he always was with his friends – but, of course, that also fully showed respect to the man that was now his father. A father was to be revered, respected, and obeyed. But it also meant a comfortable familiarity that was specially available to father and son.

And Dick latched onto it with all his heart.

While he had begun to get used to being stuck here, it was the adoption that changed Dick’s thought process completely. He didn’t view this place as his prison in a capture any more, but viewed it as a home; a real home that he could claim as his own.

There was a soft feeling in his heart that told him that he was no longer a captive. He knew it. He also knew that change took time and it would probably take Slade some time before he’d let Dick go out and perhaps visit his friends. He wasn’t sure when that’d happen, though.

Just somehow, he knew it would happen.

But in some ways, after seven months of being hidden away from the world, there was a frightened feeling inside Dick’s heart. He was nervous about his friends and what they would say about this whole thing. He really didn’t feel like arguing with them or trying to explain everything to them. That was what the letters were for, after all. And Dick didn’t even want to think about what Bruce would berate about it – since the man would berate, not say.

He almost felt like a little child who wanted to hide behind his father’s legs; a child who would hide and peer out from behind the safety of such strength. But that was so silly, feeling that way. Wasn’t he supposed to be Robin? Wasn’t he supposed to be all brave and stuff? But to be honest, he wasn’t ‘Robin’ any more. He was just ‘Dick’ now. After so many years of burying that boy, he had risen to the surface and returned full force.

There were still parts of Robin inside Dick, but generally, that boy was gone in many ways. Or rather, melded the best qualities into Dick. He still liked to joke around with silly puns, still loved to play mischievous pranks, still loved to hang out with his friends, still enjoyed video games, and still could kick bad guy butt like no tomorrow – actually even better now through Slade’s tutelage. But the driven, fully focused, determined, reclusive, serious, hardened boy that was Robin had long disappeared.

The boy that was left in his place was Dick; the highly sensitive, shy, timid boy who loved hugs and affection, who wanted to please, who always wished for normalcy – who always wished for a family. Compared to Robin, Dick could rely on others better. He was more balanced when it came to his decisions. Dick was fully sure that if he ever returned to the Titans, he’d be a much better leader now. Yeah, so he was a bit of a softy at times, but in a way, he liked the feeling of letting his tears fall compared to the feeling of that tightened lump in his throat that completely held them back.

Somehow, the knot that had always been inside his stomach had unloosened; releasing him from its paralyzing hold.

But Dick was different than Robin. How could he explain all this to his friends? They’d definitely want to ask questions, even with the letters that he’d sent. They would want to know how Robin, who hated and despised Slade, came to care about the man enough to become adopted by him. Robin had always fought against the man; always tried to bring him down – how could he get to the point of changing so much?

Well, that was because Robin didn’t quite have Dick’s forgiving, loving, sensitive heart.

Time. That’s what Dick needed; time. He needed time for those letters to settle into the minds of his friends. He needed time for them to realize that everything would be all right now. And he really needed more time with Slade as a father and son – more time to open the future in its expanse of bright things. It’d only been four days and Dick could already see small differences surfacing.

He just needed more time.

Funny how most things in life don’t always go how one wished it would.

It was after dinner that Dick softly walked back into the kitchen; his sock covered feet making no sounds against the floor. He stopped to see Slade studying something from off an electronic tablet, his back to him. With a smile, Dick carefully eased up to the man; employing every measure of stealth he possessed. Then, he flopped his arms onto the man’s left shoulder. He was rewarded with a very slight startle from the man.

“Dick,” said Slade, glancing back up to him. Dick grinned as he continued to lean his folded arms on Slade’s shoulder; allowing himself to enjoy the moment of finally reaching out with something so simple.

“I surprised you,” said Dick in a triumphant voice.

“You most certainly did not,” said Slade, the side of his mouth twitching slightly. Dick didn’t miss it.

“I sooo did,” said Dick in a playful, taunting tone. “Admit it, Slade. You weren’t expecting me.”

“I was in deep concentration.”

“Same thing,” smirked Dick. There was a low mutter from Slade that sounded very much like ‘little imp’ and Dick did his best to hold back a giggle. Dick rested his head on his arms; enjoying the moment of just being close to Slade and glad the man hadn’t told him to get off yet.

“Will went grocery shopping tonight and is mailing those letters of yours,” said Slade, after a moment.

“Oh, good. Thanks for allowing me—”

“It’s perfectly acceptable to mail letters, Dick,” said Slade, overriding him. “I’ll not begrudge you from writing letters. You may do so at any time now.”

A soft smile spread through Dick’s features. He tilted his head to the side, lightly leaning on Slade’s head and resting there. He mentally thanked Slade for that as well; seeing another glimpse of change. He breathed in once, deeply breathing in the musky, rustic cologne that Slade always used. He leaned further to look over the man’s shoulder. A moment later, his eyes caught sight of a picture of a little girl on the tablet.

“Who’s she?”

Slade let out a low sigh as he set the tablet onto the table. He folded his arms as he stared at the picture.

“A contract in the area. She’s the daughter of a CEO and has been kidnapped, so that a merger won’t occur.”

Dick’s heart quickened excitedly. Another contract – it was another contract! Perhaps Slade would let him do this on his own – it was nearby, after all. He could prove his worth as the man’s apprentice, although he realized that Slade saw his worth already. But it seemed simple enough.

“It sounds like an easy job,” said Dick, pulling his voice to sound easy natured, yet confident; completely trying to act as if this was a nonchalant event. “Why don’t you let me do it?”

“No way,” said Slade flatly, shaking his head once. Dick frowned, lifting his head up. That answer came way too quick.

“Why not?”

“Because I said so.”

“Come on, Slade!” cried Dick, jumping back; his fists clenching in his frustration. “You know how I feel when you say that. Why can’t you just explain it better?”

Slade remained silent as he turned in his chair to look at him; a stern light flashing in his eye. Dick tried very hard to control his emotions. He didn’t want this to turn out like the last time where he ended up being on the receiving end of the man’s iron hand. If he talked to Slade civilly, then maybe the man would come around this time.

“Is it that it’s dangerous? You think it’s another setup?” asked Dick, dropping his tone to be more respectful; his fists unclenching.

“No, I was able to see an image of the little girl before they took her to a secure location,” said Slade with a shake of his head. “She really has been kidnapped.”

“Then, why won’t you let me do this?” asked Dick, a little more insistently. “Is all that training you’ve been putting me through for nothing?”

“It’s not for nothing—”

“Then, let me prove myself,” said Dick, overriding the man. Slade exhaled in an audible sigh. There was a long moment where Dick calmly waited for the man to speak. He was disappointed, however, by the response.

“Not this time.”

Bile rose up inside Dick’s chest. Why couldn’t the man let him go? What was the man afraid of? Did Slade forget who he was? He was Robin, the Boy Wonder, for crying out loud! He could take care of himself – he had for a few years now. What, did Slade really think that a few months away from the job would make Dick lose his touch? What kind of crap was that?

“What are you so afraid of?” demanded Dick, his hands slowly returning to their clenching.

“That is a ridiculous question,” said Slade, his tone turning dangerous.

“I don’t think it is,” retorted Dick, folding his arms. “It’s pretty logical if you think about it. This is a simple, easy contract and you won’t let me prove myself.”

“I don’t need you to prove yourself.”

“Isn’t this what you wanted?” asked Dick, pressing on. “For me to go on missions and contracts as your partner and heir? I can’t really do that if you keep me locked up in here.”

“I am not keeping you locked up!” snapped Slade heatedly, looking completely unsettled. Dick raised his eyebrow.

Well, in a way, Slade was still keeping him locked up. Dick had only been able to go out once and that had been with Slade’s supervision. Was Slade feeling guilty for keeping Dick imprisoned all this time? Well, then; why not let him out on the contract? It was an easy job. Dick could get the girl and bring her to safety in no time flat. It was something he could do in his sleep.

So, why was Slade so hesitant? What was holding him back? What was he so worried about? Didn’t he believe in Dick? Surely after telling him so many times of his worth, there had to be something more here.

Dick watched Slade carefully. He had never seen the man like this. Slade appeared clouded and hesitant, as if he were trying to hide his feelings, but couldn’t quite manage it properly. It was as if he knew what he was feeling was absurd, but he just couldn’t help it.

What if…

No way.

Was Slade feeling…

“You still think I’m going to leave you the first chance I can, don’t you?” asked Dick in a soft undertone, his arms dropping slowly.

There was a subtle startle that rippled through Slade. It was faint, but Dick saw it. The man didn’t answer, but glanced to the side slightly – almost as if he were avoiding Dick’s eyes. The man’s face was completely impassive, yet there was still that uncertain hint of his insecurities.

Well, that just infuriated Dick.

“Well, I’m not,” snapped Dick; deciding to set the record straight.

This had to be completely stupid. After the man adopted Dick, did he honestly think that Dick would jump ship first sight of fresh air? This was now Dick’s home; there was no way he’d ever leave this man. He was his father now. What son would run away from his father? Especially after years of not having one! And it didn’t matter the trials ahead; Dick knew with all his heart they could get through them together.

“I live here now,” said Dick firmly. “Sure, there are some things I don’t want to do. There are some things we’ll have a difference of opinion. But guess what? Everybody does – every family does. You don’t have to feel that you have to hold me captive here any more, because I’ll always come back.”

“Dick…”

Slade still looked hesitant. Geez, since when was this man slow?

“You just don’t get it!” growled Dick. He dug into his jeans’ pocket, bringing out a slightly rumpled piece of paper and slamming it onto the table.

“Look at it!” demanded Dick, pointing at it. Slade raised an eyebrow, but he didn’t comment over Dick’s fierce attitude. He grabbed the paper and unfolded it. His grey blue eye widened as he looked at the paper, before he turned his gaze back to Dick.

“What…”

“I’ve been carrying that with me ever since you gave me a copy.”

“Why?”

“Why? Why do you think!?” cried Dick, his chest constricting slightly as the feelings of his heart poured forth.

Why couldn’t this man understand it? How could he not understand just how important all this was to him? After so many years of loneliness, how could Slade not realize just how important he’d become to Dick?

Having a father was the most vital thing in the world to Dick.

“It’s one of the most important things in my life now!” cried Dick, his chest heaving once as he spoke. “It’s proof that I’m wanted. I’m not just some orphan or some rich charity case. I’m wanted. Not because someone has to take responsibility for me; not because I’m famous or anything; not because I’m wanted for my skills; no, it’s because little `ol me, Dick Grayson, is wanted. I finally have a family again. I don’t care what happened in the beginning any more. Yeah, it was messed up, but I only want to look towards a brighter future now—” Dick pointed at the man. “—a future where you’re my father! So, let’s just start over, okay?”

Dick stepped forward and held out his hand.

“Hi. I’m Richard Grayson, but you can just call me Dick. Thank you for adopting me, sir. I’ll try to be a good son to you; the best I can be.”

Slade’s eye widened to an incredible amount as his eyebrows shot up. His mouth lowered slightly as he stared at Dick and then at his proffered hand. Dick smirked and put his other hand to his mouth as if he were whispering; leaning forward slightly.

“This is the part where you shake my hand and tell me your name.”

Slade gave him one of his ‘I am not amused one bit’ looks. But a much larger hand clasped Dick’s hand, nearly engulfing it.

“Slade Wilson. And… I am pleased to have you… for a son.”

Dick gave a sharp approving nod before he released the handshake. He folded his arms and sent a firm glare onto the man.

“Well, now that you know I’m not going anywhere, why don’t you let me go on that mission?”

Slade rolled his eye and sighed heavily.

“Look, it isn’t just that—”

“Then, what is it?” demanded Dick. “You know very well I can handle myself – even before all the training you’ve given me. Just what is making you hold back? C`mon, Slade; just what is going on here?!”

“Respect,” drawled Slade with a slight glint in his eye, yet his tone was light. Dick nodded instantly and tried to settle down, but his heart was pounding too much in his chest to do that. He just couldn’t understand why Slade was still acting like this.

Why couldn’t the man let Dick be useful to him?

There was a long moment while Slade watched him. Dick didn’t move much, only shifting his weight once as he stared back at Slade.

Then, Slade stood up. Dick didn’t move or back up. Slade clamped a gentle hand on Dick’s neck and maneuvered him out of the kitchen down the hallway. Dick didn’t think he had said anything that warranted the man to punish him, but he couldn’t help feeling nervous as he was forced towards his bedroom. Shouldn’t the man warn him? There wasn’t any major anger coming from the man, either; but that didn’t necessarily mean anything. Slade had gotten better with his temper. Dick kept his mouth shut, though. He wasn’t in the wrong here and if he had to fight, he’d do it right at the moment.

But that didn’t stop his mouth from going drier by the moment.

Slade stopped outside Dick’s bedroom door and pushed him forward. Dick turned to look at the man with a questioning expression. Smirking, Slade nodded to his room in a jerky, hard nod.

“Get suited up. Be in my room in four minutes for a debriefing or I’m changing my mind.”

Dick’s face lit up as he smiled at Slade. It spread into a grin as he nodded and darted into his room before shouting out an excited, “Yes, sir!”

Slade shook his head as he watched the boy bolt away happily. He could hear the scrambles of the boy as he hurried to get dressed. Slade’s expression softened as he thought of the recent conversation. There was a deep glowing warmth in his heart at that moment.

What Dick said earlier had to be the most touching thing Slade had ever heard. How could the boy be so forgiving? How could he forget that first month? It had been so easy for him to get attached to Slade, to bond with him, grow to care about him, and even grow to love him. Hadn’t the boy actually cried when he’d thought Slade was dead?

But how could’ve it been so easy for him?

And now he wanted to stay; learn by Slade’s side. The admiration and respect were apparent in his eyes. He viewed Slade as his father now – although, Slade never expected nor would demand from Dick such a title or term. But it was obvious that Dick submitted to his authority without question; and not because of fear, but respect.

Something deep glowed inside Slade’s heart and he couldn’t help but let out a light chuckle. Shaking his head, he walked to his room. It was strangely mind boggling, this whole thing. It was still taking Slade time to get used to it. This boy with those bright, eager blue eyes wasn’t just the apprentice he had chosen seven months ago.

No, this boy was someone who formed a deep placing inside Slade’s heart; one that could never be removed now. Slade fully claimed it now: that boy was his son. Every part of his soul accepted it. His fourth child now.

Ah…

Hadn’t Wintergreen mentioned that before Christmas? Just how perceptive was that old man anyway?

No matter. If the old man had waited for such an outcome, Slade could only smile to it. At that moment, any other outcome would’ve been terrible to Slade. He didn’t want anything to be different. Not a thing.

Well, except one thing.

Slade deeply wished that the first month hadn’t happened. The more he thought about it, the more he wanted to push it away and ignore it completely – pretend it never happened. But something inside Slade nagged at him. After coming to such a height in his relationship with the boy, Slade couldn’t help but feel revolted at himself for his actions against him – an emotion he hadn’t felt in years.

Yes, Slade knew he had been doing exactly what he thought he needed to do to keep Dick obedient. Nothing could change the past – no matter how many times Slade dwelt on it. This wasn’t as big in comparison to his greatest sin of all that bore its terrible weight on Slade – the one that destroyed his family. But he still felt sickened. He still felt regretful that he had been another thing to cause pain to that boy in such a way.

However, it didn’t mean he’d stop disciplining the boy as he had been the past six months – spanking that boy was far different than beating him. Getting his backside walloped was a good way to teach the boy certain things. It had undeniably created a healthy fearful respect towards Slade. Not fear in a bad way, but one that knew what was to come if he was unruly. Because of it, Dick learned to be respectful, to become more in control over himself; but also to become comfortable with Slade and to trust his word – fear of punishment was not fear of the punisher.

But remembering the glistening terror that filled those crystal blue eyes when Slade struck the boy was more than enough to make Slade sick at that moment.

How on earth did that boy go from fearing him to loving him? Just what was in that boy’s heart to allow such a stunning turnabout? Who was Slade to deserve such humanity? It was incomprehensible. Such amnesty was something Slade had never considered for others. How could the boy offer something like that so easily to one who had done nothing but harm him in the beginning days?

Maybe the boy had forgotten…

Foolish thought.

Slade sighed, walking over to a cabinet that stood next to his computer desk. He opened it and began choosing a number of different guns. He felt uneasy letting the boy out of his sight, as if there was a possibility that something bad could happen to him.

Like what had happened to Grant.

Was he becoming overprotective now? Probably. It was getting worse, too. It was becoming a twisting, nervous feeling in his gut. Slade hated that feeling. He really should just lock the boy up and throw away the key, so he wouldn’t have to experience such a feeling. It was enough to give one indigestion.

Slade glanced at one of his guns that he used less often. The boy would probably put up a fuss over having to take a gun, but Slade was adamant on it. He’d feel a bit at ease if the boy did so. But Slade didn’t want to destroy that innocence. He didn’t expect Dick to pull the trigger, but enemies thought twice about messing with someone who had a gun in their hands that was pointed at said enemy’s head. With a sigh, he grabbed that other gun, too; placing both onto his computer desk.

Just in case the boy put up too much of a fuss over a normal gun.

Slade heard a door slam and a second later, Dick burst into the room. Slade turned around and smiled slightly at the boy’s appearance. The boy was wearing his apprentice Kevlar suit; attaching the final piece of the metal plating onto his arm. He quickly adjusted the utility belt at his hip, his head down as he walked forward towards Slade. He was still adjusting it, not paying attention, when he bumped into Slade. The boy looked up at him and appeared a bit sheepish.

“Sorry `bout that, Slade,” said Dick, backing up a pace and continuing to fiddle with his belt.

A strong wave of bile rose in Slade’s throat, thoughts of the past flooding over his consciousness. There was no sanctuary for him. He’d have to clear the air or there would be no peace for him. This much he knew; this much he acknowledged.

That still made this hard; beyond difficult.

“Dick…” began Slade uncertainly. He let out an internal sigh. The boy looked up at him expectantly. He was literally radiating enthusiasm. The boy was so happy and excited that those bright blue eyes were overflowing with it.

“Yeah?”

There was a curious tilt of the head, making Slade avert his eye. Those baby blue eyes were doing it again, except they were startling in their strength of pure happiness.

“I wanted to tell you something,” said Slade, keeping his tone serious and still averting his eye. He noticed the boy began to get nervous and a little frantic.

“What’s wrong? Did something happen?” asked Dick.

“No.”

Slade took a deep breath and forced himself to look back at the boy. This had to be the hardest thing Slade had ever attempted. Swallowing his pride and admitting his fault was far harder than fighting an entire army with his bare hands.

“I wished to… That is…”

Blast it all.

“I am truly sorry,” said Slade finally. Well, he really needed a drink now; a good stiff drink. Oh, but he couldn’t, not while he had this child around.

“For what?” asked Dick, looking confused. Slade swallowed slightly, taking a deep breath.

“For the way I dealt with you during that first month,” said Slade, gaining control and momentum to his words. “It was completely inappropriate and my actions were out of order. For this I wish to fully apologize to you.”

There.

He managed to say it.

“But…” A further confused look crossed through Dick’s face. Good grief, what was so difficult about understanding a blasted apology? “But didn’t you already apologize for that?”

Those eyes blinked up at Slade with innocence.

Oh, bother.

“I did,” said Slade with a nod. His chest heaved once. Time to own up to his fault. “However, I had apologized merely because I was sorry that it had not worked for my objective. I was not remorseful for my actions.”

“Oh…”

“Yes, so… I am restating the apology.”

“So, you’re remorseful about it now?” asked Dick, his eyes turning sincere in their studying of him. Slade took another deep inhale as he gave the boy a firm nod of his head.

“I am,” said Slade, lifting his chin as he looked down at the boy. His jaw clenched slightly.

Dick looked up at the man. There were so many emotions running through the man’s face. Dick could tell that Slade was truly sorry about the first month now. But what he was really finding interesting was the look of deep pride that was written all over Slade’s expression.

It pained Slade to swallow his pride. It was obvious that it wasn’t something he did that often – if ever. And yet, there he was, biting back his pride to apologize to a fourteen year old. He was admitting he’d been wrong. Dick understood how hard that was. He hated admitting his mistakes, too. But he was younger and sometimes things came a little easier to younger minds.

Slade was truly making a great effort here.

What could Dick say to set the man at ease? It seemed as if no matter what he could say, the man wouldn’t really believe him. Slade could be too realistic when it came to people. Dick doubted that the man would believe that he had long forgiven him over a month ago for that time he had been harsh with him.

Once he crossed the threshold of complete trust, it was then that Dick had fully forgiven Slade. Knowing that something like that would never return, it had been easy to forgive and forget. Knowing that Slade would keep his word, knowing that Slade would never strike him out of anger, knowing that Slade had changed for the better, knowing that there was stability and security in his life – all that anchored Dick and allowed his heart to heal with forgiveness.

But Slade didn’t know that. There was no way he could fully understand it. The man still didn’t fully understand just how much Dick appreciated him; how much he needed him. If Dick hadn’t been able to forgive, then his heart would be dying in loneliness like before. But now because of Slade, the void that had been left by his parents had slowly begun to fill like the grains of sand within an hourglass.

Just how could Dick convey exactly how he felt about this man?

Dick took a step closer to Slade. The man was still and silent, looking rigid; as if he was worried by Dick’s answer – perhaps he thought that Dick would reject him.

Dick stepped to be a few inches in front of Slade, looking up at the man. The unbending stance that Slade was taking on softened slightly as he looked down at Dick, who continued to look up at him.

Then, Dick leaned forward, sliding his hands through the man’s arms and around his waist. He clasped the fabric of the man’s shirt and tightened his hold. He felt Slade stiffen in his arms, but he continued to hug the man; resting his cheek on the man’s firm chest. He breathed in deeply, loving the feeling of hugging. His other two hugs had been impulsive. But this one was the real deal for Dick. He was really hugging him; really hearing the man’s heartbeat beneath his ear.

It was so warm.

“I’ve long forgiven you, sir,” whispered Dick softly. “But thank you for apologizing. I know it was hard.”

Dick felt the man stiffen even more.

But then, Dick felt every muscle in the man’s body loosen beneath his grip. There was a long moment where Dick just continued to hold onto Slade; softly enjoying the moment where the man hadn’t pushed him away yet. He was sure Slade’s limit was quickly approaching before he’d tell Dick to end the mush.

But a hand lifted and patted his lower back. It stopped once, rubbing him softly before continuing its patting motion. Dick’s heart glowed happily, automatically snuggling himself a little more against Slade’s chest.

After another moment, a dry, yet low voice lifted into the air.

“Are you going to attach yourself to me all night long or are you going on that mission?”

Dick flushed deeply and slowly withdrew from the man. Geez, the man just had to ruin the nice moment, now didn’t he? Dick looked down at the carpeted floor. Even though his face was flushing so much that it was creeping to the very tips of his ears, Dick didn’t want to let go. He liked being hugged and he still hadn’t quite fully gotten that from the man. Slade always felt just a little awkward by Dick’s hugs – like he wasn’t used to them, but still knew what to do.

Guess Dick wasn’t the only one around here that needed training in certain areas.

“Sorry,” murmured Dick, keeping his head ducked and wondering if Slade was unhappy with him for hugging him. A weight dropped onto his head, fingers ruffling through his hair. Dick blinked and glanced up at the man.

Dick’s eyes widened.

He could tell – he could completely tell. Dick could understand the emotion that was briefly crossing through Slade’s face. The man looked touched, even choked up for a moment there. Raw emotion was spreading through his expression. It was brief, however; because then that impassive look which had its usual placement in Slade’s face reappeared.

But Dick had seen it.

The hand withdrew and Slade turned away; walking over to the computer desk. There was a moment where Slade just stood there, leaning his hands against the desk; his back slightly hunched over. Dick smiled to himself.

So many little glimpses into future things – so many hints that this and more were in store for Dick. They still had some ways to go, but they were getting there, no doubt about it.

And Dick couldn’t wait.

“The girl’s location is near here,” said Slade, not looking back at him. “Her house, however, is towards the upper section of the city; a few blocks near the bay. You have the coordinates in your locator. You’re to retrieve her and return her safely home.”

Dick nodded. “Yes, sir.”

“That is your only job,” continued Slade. “You’re not to play the hero and take down every crook there. You are to save that little girl. Her safety is the priority.”

“Yes, sir,” said Dick with another nod.

“You’re also to take this with you,” said Slade, turning around. Dick’s eyes widened and then narrowed at the object in Slade’s hands.

“I don’t want to use a gun, Slade. I can do this without one,” said Dick, his heart clenching inside his chest.

“Take it anyway.”

“No.”

“Dick, do not defy me,” said Slade, his grey blue eye glinting dangerously. “Don’t fight me on this.”

“I’m not going to use it,” said Dick, pointing at the offensive object. He shrugged elaborately. “Why bother bringing one?”

“You’re to bring one because I said so.”

“I won’t,” said Dick, his heart fluttering slightly from his defiance. He hated doing that, especially since Slade wasn’t just an adult who could very much make him obey with the threat of a painful punishment, but the man who was now his father and very much deserved his respect and obedience. But that was a gun in Slade’s hands and that’s where Dick drew the line. There was just no way he was going to take it, let alone use it.

There was a sharp exhale from Slade’s nose.

“Then, you’re not going,” said Slade, his jaw tightening. Then, his eye narrowed suggestively and Dick felt apprehension tickle his insides. “Plus, you’ll be punished for defying me like this.”

Dick swallowed nervously and he tried to soften his approach.

“I don’t want to use a gun, Slade.”

“Just obey me on this, boy,” said Slade, sounding tired.

“I can’t—”

“Do it for me!” snapped Slade suddenly. “For my peace of mind!”

Dick’s eyes widened. A ripple of shock went through Slade and the man whirled away, his back to Dick; putting a hand on his hip. The man looked up at the ceiling while his entire upper body lifted in a deep breath. It took the man a few moments to calm down. Then, Slade turned around slowly.

Dick looked up into that grey blue eye, startled that the man had just basically expressed that he was worried about him. Slade lifted the gun, gently taking Dick’s hand and pushing the metal object into it.

“You never know when you might need a little insurance,” said Slade, keeping his voice low and smooth; curling Dick’s fingers over the cold metal. “You will take one or you won’t go.”

Dick bit his lower lip. He understood Slade was worried about him – which in itself was taking Dick a little time to process – but there wasn’t anything to convince him to take a real gun with him with real bullets that could kill real people. What if he accidently pulled the trigger? He could never forgive himself for it.

He just couldn’t do it.

“But—”

That grey blue eye widened in anger and with a deep, annoyed huff, Slade ripped the gun out of Dick’s hand. He grabbed another gun from the table and placed the new one into Dick’s hands.

“Tranquilizer darts are in this one,” said Slade, his tone bitingly sharp. “Will incapacitate a target for three hours minimum. If you defy me on this, so help me—you won’t be able to sit down for an entire week once I’m through with you.”

A small smile spread across Dick’s face. The man was compromising with him. He had to hold back a giggle that threatened to break from his lips. The threat just didn’t seem like a real one to him at the moment. Well, Slade probably meant it, but Dick knew that the man would never truly hurt him. Yeah, getting walloped hurt, but the man would never go overboard – after all, Slade had just apologized for being harsh with him. Dick’s heart glowed inside his chest and he accepted this gun, attaching it to his utility belt. He looked up at the man and gave him a broader smile.

“Thanks for compromising with me,” said Dick in a sincere tone. Slade looked a little startled for a moment, but then he gave him a sharp nod.

“You can do this.”

A glowing warmth flooded through Dick’s chest.

“Was there any doubt?” drawled Dick with a mischievous smile. The edge of Slade’s mouth twitched in a smirk.

“You little imp.”

There was a mischievous laugh from Dick before he lifted the tipped edged mask to his eyes, sealing them beneath the fabric.

“I can do this in my sleep,” said Dick.

“Do me a favor and stay awake,” said Slade with a shake of his head. Dick grinned and lifted a hand to be parallel with his head in a wave.

“I’m off, then.”

Dick darted to the door, excitement and thrill pounding through his chest.

“Electronic sensors will recognize your handprint now. Also, the keypad has been adjusted for your return,” said Slade after him. “Passcode Graybird.”

Dick giggled.

“I see what you did there.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Dick looked back at the man. Slade averted his gaze away from him. Dick could only smile at the effort. A warmth flooded through his chest. He loved seeing these sides to the man; the sides that seemed to show the vulnerability of the man’s heart. Slade was all powerful, but moments like these reminded Dick that he too was a human with feelings.

And that was the best discovery yet.

“Hey, Slade,” started Dick. Grey blue met crystal blue. “I’ll be back; I promise.”

There was a moment where Dick stood there, his eyes boring into Slade’s. Then, there was a responding smile.

“I’ll be waiting, then.”

With another smile, Dick left the room. He walked down the hallway, slowly quickening his steps. Once he reached the door into the main room, his steps quickened into a light run. The gears clinked above his head, almost signifying his leaving happily.

Excitement began to pump through his veins – he could hardly contain himself.

He was going on a mission all by himself!

After months of being away from the outside world, he was going to be able to go out on his own. He had missed it too much. There was no doubt about that. This was completely different than going out on a mission with Slade, even though he loved doing that, too – if it weren’t so intense. He didn’t like Slade killing anyone. It wasn’t just a horrible feeling to watch someone die – it was far more horrible when Slade was the one doing it.

Since Slade was someone special, someone sacred, someone ever so close to his heart – his father.

Dick quickly placed his hand onto the wall and a moment later the wall shimmered with orange electronic lighting. The wall clicked lightly as the wall shimmered once more before sliding open. A smile graced Dick’s lips. He was really doing this. He was going on a mission without Slade, without supervision – all by himself and the man trusted him to return.

He’d save this little girl. He would save her and then come back. He’d come back home.

Home to his father.

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