Forgotten Bonds – Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Three
Change in Destiny

February 23rd, 2009. Monday, 7:57 am.

Dick sat down on the edge of his bed, his thoughts racing wildly – still unable to wipe the smile from off his face.

He couldn’t believe it. He had hugged Slade – he had actually hugged the man. It had been totally impulsive, too. If he’d given himself a second to think, he probably wouldn’t have allowed himself to do that.

But he was glad he did. It had been so long since he had hugged anyone. There was something special about hugs and Dick had always loved them; craved them more than anything in the world. The warmth of another human being in his arms always brought the ultimate of comforts to Dick. But living with Bruce, he had never received anything like that from the man – not once. It wasn’t until he met his friends, the Teen Titans, that he started to experience hugs again.

They had been long missed.

Everything had been so overpowering – Slade’s words had shaken him so much that he couldn’t help but wrap his arms around the man and show him the only way Dick knew to offer his thanks – his gratitude for those soft, kind words; for the reassurances the man gave him. No one had told him those things in nearly eight years. His mother and father had always said those kinds of things to him when he was a child, but after their deaths, such praise hadn’t come easily – if at all.

‘You are unique.’

Those words brought a deep stirring inside Dick’s heart. Slade had really said that; the man thought Dick was unique. It had been the beginning of the man’s complimentary line of phrases and it had completely grabbed Dick’s attention. And Slade wasn’t lying to him – Dick knew that much. The man told him he wouldn’t lie to him. He might withhold information, but no lying.

‘You are special.’

It was rare to hear such a compliment. That one had brought tears to his eyes. That one had stirred his heart so much he had wanted to cry until he dried up. He wasn’t sure why the tears came so easily to him now after so many dry years, but it was okay – he was safe with Slade; safe with his tears. And he had a pretty good self esteem and understood his worth, but to hear it out loud from someone else – especially that someone being Slade – was just something amazing. His mother had always told him he was special; to hear it again after so many years had brought the tears.

‘You are extraordinary.’

Dick couldn’t help, but glow inside at that. It made him remember when he had first been brought here – the way the man had said that he was like a rare gemstone. That first compliment had been big to him, even if he had pushed it down inside at the time.

‘You are a prodigy.’

When Dick had lived and trained with Bruce, almost all the time the man would point out every failure and make him redo it until he got it right. But when he did, there was never a comment of ‘well done’ or an acknowledgement. But to be told that he was a prodigy was one of the best things Dick had heard in a long time. It was like Slade was acknowledging all the hard work Dick had ever accomplished in his life.

‘You are strong.’

Dick was strong – he could admit that to himself. He was powerful in fights and could dominate his enemies very well. That much wasn’t new. Still, to hear the compliment was reassuring. It just added to the entire effect of how much Slade valued his worth.

‘You are intelligent.’

Slade had told Dick that he was intelligent all the time while he taught him his studies. But, once again, it just added and completed the entire set of compliments. It wasn’t like Slade had never complimented Dick before – it was just the whole effect of his words. It was like the man expected Dick to know all these things, as if they had been obvious all along.

Still, Dick needed to hear them. Hearing them brought a glow and a peace to his soul that he hadn’t felt in all these years.

Dick wasn’t sure what to think now, but he felt unimaginably safe. He hadn’t felt this level of safety and security since his parents had died. The comfort he felt with Slade was shocking. There was no stopping his feelings now. He was going to accept them, fully and completely. It didn’t matter any more.

It was okay.

Yet, he knew and understood who and what Slade was. But he somehow no longer cared about that. Slade wasn’t just a criminal to him; he wasn’t just some person that Dick fought against. Slade was an important adult in his life. Dick saw him for what he truly was; a complex man with a past, with feelings, and with motivations just like everyone else. Yes, the man had his faults – but everyone did. Perhaps, one day, the two of them could come to a compromise. It was very possible, wasn’t it? While he really didn’t want to be like Slade, in the form of his profession, he did still want to learn from him.

Maybe… just maybe, impossible things did happen.

Dick really wanted to continue learning from Slade. He greatly respected the man. Dick wasn’t arrogant enough to think of him as a father – but he was, to be honest. And Slade acted just that now. He acted like a father.

Something swelled inside Dick’s heart at the sound of that, everything aligning themselves perfectly. A deep, fluttering peace settled inside his chest and Dick couldn’t help but smile. He could finally admit it to himself. He didn’t mind thinking of Slade as a father. If he really thought about it, there was something about the man that reminded Dick about John Grayson. It was subtle, but it was there. And it seemed as if Slade was sliding into the role without even noticing. He was getting softer and softer with Dick every day.

Even warmer, perhaps. He was still strict, but he was getting more lenient with Dick. Like just now – he hadn’t been punished for eavesdropping on something so big, when six months ago he would’ve been. When the man held him by the arms, it had been firm and yet gentle at the same time – as if he knew exactly how to show Dick how much strength was needed to hold him there and also show that he cared.

And Slade had actually ruffled Dick’s hair – twice even. He had held his chin softly. Yes, it had been to warn Dick in a very frightening manner about lying to him again, but the touch hadn’t been threatening in any way. It had reminded Dick of the way his own father had dealt with him when he was young.

Dick smiled even more. He wasn’t going to mention these feelings to Slade. The man probably wouldn’t understand him. But that was okay. Dick would just hold them close to his heart. That was all he needed. He would treat Slade more like a father, although he was pretty sure he had already been doing so lately without even realizing it.

‘Perhaps now, but who knows. I just might become like a father to you.’

Those words had irritated Dick six months ago. He had felt so aggravated that the man had the audacity to aspire to the role of father in his life. He was sure the man had only said it to provoke Dick, but what if the man had a buried desire to be a father again after what had happened to his family?

Now those words only made Dick smile at the memory. The first month had been hard – terrible. He knew it; he admitted it, but he no longer held the anger in his heart. Everything was long forgiven. Even though he hadn’t been thrilled by it, when Slade had changed his tactic with him, it had opened that very possibility.

Slade really had become like a father to him.

ooOOOOOoo

February 23rd, 2009. Monday, 8:00 am.

Slade sat down at the table; not even acknowledging Wintergreen, who was sitting in a chair still slowly eating his breakfast.

It was the oddest thing – for the first time in a very long time, Slade felt as if he were in a complete stupor. The boy had been worried about being replaced. He didn’t want to leave any more. The boy wanted to stay – the boy actually wanted to stay here with Slade.

That was definitely a triumph on Slade’s part, if he wanted to be arrogant about it. But he knew all too well that Dick’s heart was the one that had been moved. Slade had nothing to do with it – the boy had grown to care about him this much all on his own accord. And somehow Slade’s original intentions for the boy just didn’t really feel all too important as much as seeing that boy smile. Slade was getting used to Dick – there was no doubt about that. There was a fondness there. The boy smiled at such simple things, it was astonishing how easy he was to please.

Something fluttered over Slade’s mind; a single thought trilling in careful descent to the forefront. Slade raised an eyebrow at himself. Well, it wasn’t like Slade wasn’t fond of the boy, but to actually go that far seemed so farfetched, considering everything. There was no way he could do such a thing with the boy – no matter how attached Dick was to him. It was so completely absurd that Slade tried to push it aside.

But it came back.

This was foolish thinking. There was just no need for such things; such formality. Slade wasn’t one for things like that – obviously, since he had kidnapped the boy. There was certainly no need to go to such extent; would be laughable, actually. After all, he had the boy in his possession and no one on earth could find them. Not even the cunning detective, that bat, could ever be able to find them.

Then again, it could show Dick just how serious Slade was about keeping him at his side.

But was Slade this serious? It changed everything Slade thought about over the boy.

Slade was battered with his logical and skeptical side; brushing the foolish thought away. It wasn’t like if Slade went to such an extent that it changed anything. It wasn’t going to reassure Dick any more than what Slade had done just now. Going to such lengths… Slade forced the thought away, determined to keep it at bay.

There was a flash of frustrated exasperation that Slade could have sworn did not belong to him.

That same trilling thought rose yet again to the surface of his thoughts. No matter how many times he tried to push it away, the fluttering thought was relentless in its presence within his mind.

This time the irritation that rose inside Slade was definitely his own.

Slade could feel a headache coming on. This was crazy – especially since Richard Grayson was famous and if Slade did something like this it would be front page news. It was just paper, after all. Such a document had no meaning and worth in Slade’s plans. There was no need for this; no need to go to such an extent; no need—Oh, besides, it wasn’t like the boy would agree to something like that.

Would he?

Yet, there seemed to be a peace that flowed over him; acknowledging that Dick just might agree.

Impossible.

“You’re getting attached to the boy, aren’t you?” asked Wintergreen, breaking through Slade’s thoughts. The old man was smiling at him all too innocently. Slade frowned, not liking the way the old man seemed to figure things out too easily.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” said Slade in a dismissive tone, shifting uneasily inside his seat.

“There’s nothing wrong with getting attached, you know,” said Wintergreen, bringing his mug of coffee to his mouth. “It’s human nature, after all. And Richard really is such a good kid; it’s impossible not to become just a little attached.”

Just how did the old man do it? There was no way Slade was going to admit anything out loud and especially not to this meddling old man. Slade’s temper rose as he fixed a stern glare on the old man.

“There’s no way,” snarled Slade, “that I’m getting attached. He is my heir, my apprentice. Nothing more and nothing less.”

“Whatever you say,” said Wintergreen with a light smirk tugging at his lips.

The irritation completely overtook Slade and words harshly left his mouth.

“Now see here, Will,” snapped Slade, pointing a stern finger at the old man. “I’m not getting attached to the boy and I never will. So, eat that for your breakfast, would you?”

Wintergreen was about to retort when Slade watched the old man go thoroughly pale; his aged eyes going wide as the color completely drained from his face. Slade was alarmed for a moment by the old man’s sudden health change, when he noticed the direction of the man’s eyes. Slade followed the gaze to see Dick standing in the hallway.

Slade seriously wanted to kick himself.

Bright blue eyes were wide with shock and despair; pools of tears were building until they overflowed once, a single stream sliding down the boy’s face.

The boy whirled around and darted down the hallway; a door slam echoed through that hallway a second later.

“Go after him,” came Wintergreen’s frantic voice. But Slade hadn’t needed the advice. He was already on his feet and down the hallway in mere strides; berating himself severely for his sharp tongue. He didn’t bother to knock this time; he just opened the door.

Or at least tried to; there was something blocking the door. Slade pushed against it and found it immovable.

“Dick, move away from the door.”

“No.”

The answer was choked, yet defiant.

“Now, Dick. Move away from the door.”

“Make me.”

Slade wasn’t really surprised by that belligerent answer. With a sigh, he pushed against the door. It moved slightly. With consistent force, Slade pushed the door open enough to slide through the opening. Dick was curled on the floor in his usual defensive position.

Slade sighed. He was getting too old for teen drama. Although, he knew this was entirely his own fault. He had opened his big, fat mouth and just undid everything he had built mere seconds ago. Of course, the boy would feel hurt after hearing such things. Slade had been too irritated by the incessant thoughts he had been experiencing – plus that annoying, meddling old man – he hadn’t considered the possibility of Dick overhearing anything he could say.

“Dick—”

“Look, I get it, okay?” said Dick flatly; his tone extremely bitter. “I’m happy that you just want me as your apprentice. That’s great. Couldn’t ask for more.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, really.”

“You seem to want more.”

Dick scoffed and glared up at Slade; his eyes glistening, yet his face was completely clear of tears. Anger was pouring off the boy’s face as his eyes looked at Slade with contempt.

“You’re so full of it!” cried Dick. “You do one thing, but you say another. I thought you wouldn’t lie to me. But that’s all you’ve been doing, lying to me this whole time.”

“I haven’t lied,” said Slade, his eye widening in his stern glare. “And you better mind your tongue.”

“I don’t care!” shouted Dick, bolting to his feet. Although, the boy’s height was still over a foot shorter than Slade, so the result wasn’t all that effective. “You just lied to me!”

“In the kitchen, you mean?”

“Yes!”

“I wasn’t lying to you, boy,” said Slade, feeling annoyed by the boy’s flippant emotions. “I was lying to Will.”

Dick opened his mouth to retort in anger, but he stopped suddenly; his eyes widening. He seemed to completely deflate at this.

“You…” Dick trailed off, blinking once; a stray tear sliding down his cheek.

Slade sighed and ran a hand over his face. This boy was going to be the death of him – that much Slade was sure of. If there was anything that could bring about his demise it would be this boy.

“Yes, I lied to Will,” said Slade with a sigh. “He was… teasing me and I got annoyed.”

Dick lowered his head slightly; his chest lifting into a deep breath before letting it out slowly.

“Oh…” whispered Dick.

“You said that I lied – what made you think that?” asked Slade in a low voice.

Dick looked down and shuffled his feet for a moment; wiping the single tear afterward with the palm of his hand. After a moment, he glanced back up and Slade saw the infinite longing in the boy’s eyes once again.

“Well, you did, right?”

That fluttering thought sent a wave of confirmation and peace throughout Slade; electrifying every sense in his soul. He knew right then and there the boy’s answer to his earlier thought. The boy would very much agree. It was written in his eyes. That stupid, foolish, crazy, wonderful, absurd thought would be agreed to – Dick would agree.

Slade was floored – completely shocked that he and the boy had reached such a point. It was thoroughly startling. He had never imagined this could happen and had certainly not been trying to get to this point.

But was that really true? After so many years, had Slade not once ever thought of what was lost? Had he not imagined what it would’ve been like had he been given a second chance? Had he not mourned the past; wishing for a restart?

Was Dick his second chance?

Six months was a short amount of time, but they had come leagues in the distance.

It was very sobering.

Almost a miracle, if Slade actually believed in such things.

“I did,” murmured Slade in response.

There was a long pause between them, until the boy finally spoke up in a quiet tone.

“Good,” was Dick’s only answer.

ooOOOOOoo

February 26th, 2009. Thursday, 12:11 pm.

Dick’s head was spinning. It had been just a handful of days since he had eavesdropped on that fateful conversation. That whole morning had been quite eventful.

But the real thing that was spinning his mind constantly was the fact that Slade had admitted that he had lied to Wintergreen. And the lie? That he wasn’t attached to Dick.

Which meant…

Which led Dick to the very apparent conclusion that Slade was attached to him. He wasn’t just the apprentice any more. Slade was attached; probably fond of him, more than just the apprentice; more than just the heir; more than just the partner – Dick was something far more than those now.

But what it was, Dick wasn’t exactly sure. The man hadn’t elaborated, obviously. But it didn’t matter. The fact remained that Slade had some feelings of attachment. That probably meant that the man cared for him. Dick wasn’t sure if he’d ever reach the point of being a son to the man, but it was no longer just a dream that Dick kept buried in his heart.

It was a very real possibility.

Which was why, Dick was very pleasant these past few days. He did his very best not to cross Slade. There were a few times that Slade looked completely perplexed. Dick held back his smiles. The man wasn’t used to his complete obedience. Dick had been obeying him more recently, but there was an eagerness now that he couldn’t hide away – the eagerness to please.

It just didn’t bother Dick to listen to the man any more. The man was more than just a teacher or mentor to him now.

Now Dick actually wanted to listen to him.

He enjoyed hearing the man’s low, smooth voice instructing him. It no longer held that smug tone in it either. It felt warm to Dick. It made him smile more as he listened attentively to his studies. He also noticed that his studies were branching out into different areas – ones that Dick wouldn’t have imagined Slade teaching him.

Like Slade was beginning to give him a basic education in working formulas, such as the healing serum that Slade had created. It was amazing how many formulas that Slade had invented. While Dick wasn’t sure he was really interested in this kind of stuff, it was still somewhat fascinating.

Slade also stopped the education on guns. When Dick questioned this, Slade merely brushed it off, saying that there wasn’t any need at this time and that Dick was decently proficient at it. Dick honestly couldn’t understand what Slade had meant. Since when had the education on guns been a non-important matter? Since when was being ‘decently proficient’ good enough for Slade? It perplexed Dick to no end, but he didn’t argue; thankful for the break from the objects. After watching Slade get shot, Dick was more than happy to never have to lay eyes on a gun again.

Another thing Dick was beginning to do more was settle himself near Slade most of the time. If Slade was sitting on the couch, then Dick would plop into the seat right next to him. It was coming naturally to him now. He just couldn’t help it. He just felt the need to be closer to the man. He noticed at first that Slade raised his eyebrow at such actions, but he was slowly beginning to get used to it.

It really was an amazing thing.

It was around lunchtime that Dick came into the kitchen. He had been in his room since breakfast, working on the formulas at his desk. Lunch was already prepared, but Wintergreen was nowhere to be found. Slade was sitting at the table, looking deeply pensive about something; staring at some papers that were in front of him.

“Where’s Will?” asked Dick, taking the seat next to Slade and subconsciously sliding it a few inches closer to the man. Slade looked a little startled that Dick had entered. The man moved a hand over the papers and looked extremely hesitant about something. Dick tilted his head in question.

“Will is absent because there’s something I want to discuss with you alone,” said Slade, sounding reserved as he spoke, as if he were uneasy. Dick blinked in surprise.

“What about?” asked Dick.

Slade seemed to consider something for a moment. The man let out a deep, heavy sigh finally; still looking hesitant, but newfound resolve beginning to slide into place.

“This,” said Slade, passing him the papers. Dick took the documents and his mouth dropped at the sight of them; his heart thumping wildly inside his chest.

They were adoption papers.

The papers were completely filled out with all the information. The only things needed were Dick’s signatures. Dick looked up at Slade in shock; his hands trembling slightly.

“You… You want to adopt me?” breathed Dick in a soft voice, holding the papers carefully as if they were fragile; as if they would crumble beneath his fingers. He glanced back down at the papers and stared at them, unable to comprehend what was happening. He had thought that his feelings of wanting a father and son relationship with the man had been somewhat one sided. He hadn’t ever imagined that Slade would want to take the full step and offer to adopt him. That would mean, legally, Dick would be Slade’s son.

“Well, yes. I was thinking about it,” said Slade carefully, shifting in his seat for a moment.

He’s been thinking about this?

Dick’s eyes widened, shocked completely.

He actually wants me… for a son? Not just an apprentice, not just an heir, not just some partner – but a son?

Dick was amazed. Not even Bruce had ever presented him with adoption papers. Bruce had held full guardianship over him; thus, Dick had been the man’s ward, but he had never been adopted. It had made him feel as if he were in limbo at times; like he never fully belonged anywhere.

But it wasn’t as if Slade hadn’t kept him in his home for six months – not like Dick could go anywhere anyway. Slade wasn’t normally one for legal means, obviously. So, why was he going to such measures? Dick had already decided in his heart that he was going to treat Slade like a father – Slade could’ve done the same with Dick.

But Slade was going one step further.

“Everything is in order,” continued Slade, still in his even tone, yet somehow Dick felt the man was being reserved. “I have some allies in high places that can make it go through without dealing with a judge or a hearing. It’ll override Wayne’s guardianship over you as well, with or without his approval.”

Dick’s heart stopped for a minute at that. That’s right. He had completely forgotten about Bruce’s opinion for a moment there. What would Bruce say about this? Well, that was obvious. He’d probably throw a fit.

But six months had passed. Dick had no way of being sure if Bruce was looking for him at all. He doubted he could handle it if he found out that Bruce hadn’t. But Dick knew that Batman wasn’t about to let Robin get kidnapped by a villain. However, even if he was looking for him…

What would he say if Dick Grayson actually wanted to be Slade Wilson’s son?

Throw out all the logic; ignore everything – what if Dick really wanted to be Slade’s son? He’d have a father again – one that he was happy with; one that he trusted; one that he had grown to care about with all his heart. It didn’t matter the thorns that the rose had, Dick was more than happy with it. Dick didn’t mind the man’s sharp thorns of his faults, now that he saw the velvet petals of his qualities.

After all, nobody was perfect and that was the true beauty of life.

But what about his friends? What would he say to the Titans when they heard about this? They would probably go crazy; Robin getting adopted by Slade, of all people! It was nuts! What would they think? How could he explain all this to them? How could he explain the soft, gentle process his heart underwent these months?

How could he explain anything to any of them?

But that wasn’t the biggest thing that was stirring inside Dick. He glanced up at Slade, studying the man carefully. This was a man of many skills, thoughts, feelings, and desires; and Dick truly cared about him. There was no way he could’ve been convinced of that six months ago when Slade first captured him. But now Dick stayed because he wanted to – even though he couldn’t leave. Yeah, it was weird. It was strange and conflicting to say, but Dick knew that even with a wide open door, Dick would still come home.

Home.

That’s what this place felt like now. It truly had a homey, clean feeling and Dick liked that. He liked eating dinner with these two men – no, he loved it. He loved the feelings he felt when he watched Slade and Wintergreen talking over dinner. There were times that the two of them sounded like best friends; sometimes they sounded like bickering brothers; while other times they sounded like father and son.

And Dick was the son and grandson. It was like they had become a family in some ways.

But Slade was still Slade. He was still the man that he was; he was still the hired mercenary. He was still the man that deeply desired Dick as his apprentice and heir in that area. But Dick truly didn’t want that. He had other desires, dreams, and goals. He most certainly wanted to learn and train under this man, but becoming his apprentice as a mercenary wasn’t really one of them.

But if the man wanted it, in a way, Dick couldn’t deny him. In some ways, it was still the thing that told Dick that the man still needed him. If the man no longer needed him… Dick’s heart would probably be crushed. Being needed; knowing that he was of worth was one of the few things keeping Dick going.

Could Dick really take the risk of forever chaining himself to this man? There was still the tiny chance that Dick could one day leave if he was rescued or something. But if Dick was adopted by Slade, then he would always be with this man, one way or another. There would be no escape. Slade would always be in his life somehow. The man would become his father.

Was that really a chain?

“You don’t have to change your name if you agree, by the way,” put in Slade quietly, interrupting Dick’s thoughts.

Dick reeled at that. Change his name? He could have a new identity? Did he want that? Was Slade really on the level with this? Was this really happening? Or was the man just doing this so he could have a guaranteed apprentice in his possession?

There was always that possibility, after all.

If Dick was his legal son and heir, then he really did have to do what the man said – well, not that he could disobey the man now without uncomfortable consequences.

But still, this was a big step. Adopting meant that Dick was Slade’s official heir – legally and not just because Slade said so. The man would also be responsible for all of Dick’s material needs – not that he wasn’t doing that now, but this seemed more… permanent. After all, taking care of a growing teen wasn’t cheap. Yeah, wasn’t like Slade wasn’t doing that now.

But still…

This was… a really amazing offer.

Was this for real?

“Why… Why are you doing this?” asked Dick in a soft voice. “I mean, I’m already under your control. Is this just… Is this just a guarantee for yourself?”

There was a long pause. Dick’s heart began to quicken in its beat. He knew the man wouldn’t lie to him now – he had promised that and, after all, if Slade was nothing more, he was a man of his word.

Slade let out a low sigh. The man leaned folded elbows onto the table as he stared directly at him. Dick could feel power and strength in that steel grey blue eye, and he latched onto that strength; hoping with all his heart that the answer the man gave him would bring him the reassurance that he so desperately wished for.

“No, this is about Slade Wilson and Richard Grayson,” said Slade; that deep grey blue eye anchoring Dick in reality. “This isn’t about Slade and Robin, arch enemies. I’m offering this seriously. I suppose you could say that whether or not I manage to make you my apprentice is a whole other playing field. This adoption is completely separate. I promise this to you.”

Dick’s heart fell into peace; the warmth of the man’s words flowing over him like a wave of warm water. Every part of Dick’s soul knew – he knew and understood that Slade was telling him the truth there. It was so strange to understand this man, to understand when he was serious, to understand when he was lying – Dick could read the man very well now.

Dick looked back down at the papers. What did he want to do? Did he really want to be Slade’s son? The man had said that it was just between Slade Wilson and Richard Grayson. Slade Wilson was a man that had lost his family due to tragedy. Richard Grayson was a boy that had lost his parents due to tragedy.

Could the two of them really form a father and son bond, and become a true family?

“You don’t have to decide right away,” said Slade, shifting in his chair once more. “There’s plenty of time for you to choose what you want. This will be something I will never force you to decide.”

Dick was listening carefully while his eyes glanced over the table. There was a pen next to Slade’s arm.

“If you choose not to, that is perfectly acceptable,” continued Slade, shifting yet again.

Dick locked his eyes onto the pen. He could change his name later if he wanted. He still wanted the name Grayson in honor of his first father. Maybe he’d add Slade’s name in the middle later. Plus, if he delayed, then maybe Slade would change his mind. The man had offered; no way Dick was going to let it slip through the cracks. Tough luck if Slade changed his mind later – Dick wasn’t going to let the man go, then.

“I can understand it if you don’t want to. You don’t need to feel—”

Slade stopped abruptly as Dick’s hand snatched the pen at lightning speed. It was a moment later that his signature flourished across the line of the adoption papers. In no time at all, his signatures adorned the correct lines of each document; signing his approval.

He wordlessly handed the papers to the stunned Slade.

Slade accepted them and continued to look at Dick in shock. Dick couldn’t help but fidget under the stare. Partly because of the man’s floored expression and partly because he was just too darn excited.

“You… You signed them.”

The imp came out in Dick.

“Wasn’t that the idea?” asked Dick innocently with a tilt of his head. Slade’s single eye blinked.

“Well… that was the objective.”

“Oh, just say it like a normal person,” said Dick, a smile beginning to form at his mouth. He just couldn’t contain the pure happiness that was swelling inside his chest. His legs bounced excitedly.

“Say what?”

“That you’re happy I signed them.”

“I… am pleased.”

Dick grinned.

“Although, I must say,” started Slade, a genuine smile lifting his mouth. “I doubt even Kid Flash could’ve signed those papers faster.”

Dick chuckled. Then, once again he had an impulse. But it didn’t matter any more. It was all right now. Everything was all right now. Everything was perfect; the future unimaginably bright. Dick understood who and what this man was, but that didn’t matter any more. He was safe, completely safe with this man. Not only that, this man was going to be his father.

A father.

Dick bolted to his feet and threw his arms around Slade’s neck; burying his face into the nape there. Once again, he could feel the shock go through the man that he was hugging. Then, very slowly, he felt two hands slide over his back and begin to pat him gently.

The glow inside Dick’s heart was completely overwhelming. He was completely happy. He was going to have a father again. All those longing moments, all those lonely times, all those uncertainties, all those times he needed someone to tell him he was going to be all right – all those times would no longer exist, because he had someone now.

He was going to have a father.

Dick tightened his arms around the man’s neck. It was so strange. Six months ago if someone had told him that he would one day be hugging Slade, happy as a lark that the man had asked to adopt him, he would’ve locked that someone up in Gotham City’s Arkham Asylum and thrown away the key.

It was probably a good thing no one had told him beforehand.

Fate was such an interesting hand. Dick doubted this had been in Slade’s original plan for him. This wasn’t like Slade’s original style. Since that was the case, it seemed as if Dick had been able to worm his way into the man’s heart.

If that was possible, then there was so much more possible, wasn’t there?

ooOOOOOoo

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