AN) Hey! Way over 100 reviews! Thank you guys soooooo much! It really made my day. So—as promised, a 4,000 word chappie! Enjoy!
His ears were bright red, eyes glowing with hatred. Looking down at the tiny boy in his arms he growled.
"She—What?" He demanded, holding Dick against his chest tighter.
That little Ivy*. How dare she ever say something like that to his little brother? Who did she think she was? The Joker Venoming queen? Standing up he carried Dick past Wally, the fellow ginger raising an eyebrow.
The team was in the kitchen. They looked completely baffled as the Bat walked through their base. When did he get there? Why was he carrying Dick? Wait—where was he taking him?
Jason strode confidently towards the zeta tubes. Ignoring the questions called at him. No way, no way was he letting the kid stay with these idiots.
"Dude, what're you doing?" Wally speed over to the zeta tubes, his team behind him. "You can't just take him."
"Really? I don't think you should take care of him."
"Why? We've been doing alright—I think."
Finishing typing in his destination Jason gave the signature Bat-glare, tiny shivers racing over the team at his gaze.
"Really? You let him train with you guys? Who the Helheim do you think trained him? Santa?"
As the Bat turned into the tube, he left a stunned team behind him. Wally's mouth dropped, the situation sinking in at long last.
"Holy Grodd*." He ran his fingers through his messy hair, his friends looking at him as he turned around. "We Colded up. We really Colded it up."
"How so my friend?"
"What the heck did we think would happen?" Wally face palmed. "I told Fartemis that Dick was trained to kill. Why didn't we think of that sooner?"
A stunned silence fell over the teens. Of course. Trained by a mercenary, Dick would know to kill. He would think to kill. Training for him hadn't been what training was for them. Slade pushed him, to take out his opponents mercilessly. Viciously. No mercy. Their training was hero training. Knock the thugs unconscious. Injuries shouldn't be very serious—unless that was unavoidable.
How hadn't they realized that before? How could they but Dick in a situation where he would panic? That's what he did. The situation with training was one he had faced before—with a punishment following if he failed. Panicking he took roots in Slade's teaching. Merciless, out of blood. It truly was their fault. Had the actually done their job this wouldn't have happened.
They had spent time with him, gained Dick's trust. They had laughed together, introducing him to the 'normal' world. But no—their mission was more than that. It was to make Dick believe he was valuable. Free. Not just to tell him that over and over. Slade had done that. He pounded it into Dick's head that he was nothing. Worthless.
If they had just talked. Sat down next to him. Prompt him to rant. Listen to him. Not just saying they loved him, actually show they did. Like Jason had. Wally thought, staying with Dickie all night. Holding his hand. Actually bonding. Yes they had bonded. But this wasn't some mission. It wasn't get in get out jobs over. No—they really had to bond with Dick. To help rebuild that trust. Because it had been shattered so easily by Artemis' words.
Artemis. Artemis! How hadn't he noticed Artemis before? Wally sneered, shaking his head. She was cold, as usual. But so was Connor! But the clone actually tried! He smiled and laughed with Dickie, growing alongside him! Making him happy! Artemis never tried. She showed up for the nightmares, standing off to the side. Everyone had waved it off as their emotionally distant member not sure what to do. Connor got water, because he wasn't sure how to comfort—but there was nothing for Artemis to do.
But no—Artemis wasn't even trying. She was shirking he duties. Letting the team pull her side. That wouldn't work. This mission—Dick need them all to invest. Since he didn't trust Artemis, had no connection with her, the moment she showed a mean streak it shattered everything. Because she hadn't even tried, and the team hadn't tried hard enough.
No. That ended. That ended now. When Artemis got back, they were going to have a discussion. Even if BC already chewed her out, the team deserved to as well. She was going to apologies. And this time really mean it. Kaldur now knew that Artemis' original apology hadn't been heartfelt. But it would now. Somehow she would see reason.
And was soon as they got Dick back from the Bats they were really bonding. Sitting down and talking. They would try. To make things better. For those words, the pleading Dick had done with their voices in the air vent would never come across his lips again. He didn't deserve to be afraid. He was too little. Too young. Too kind.
Wait—got Dick back from the Bats. The Bats…..Well. This was an interesting development.
Breakline
He froze a few steps into the dark cave. His mind finally catching up with what he had done. He had taken Dickie from the Cave. Brought him to the Bat Cave. Was now about to bring him up into Wayne Manor. Bruce Wayne's house. The same Bruce Wayne who had no clue Jason had met the kid. The same Bruce Wayne who had forbid him from meeting Dick.
"Well—"Jason drew a nervous breath. "I just won the Idiot of the Year."
Too late to go back now, zeta tubes were working again. So his name had rung out through the cave, if Bruce didn't know he had arrived with a guest he would know when he checked the zeta log.
Shifting the sleeping boy into one arm, Jason peeked through the clock door. Maybe he could hide Dick? Who was he kidding? He couldn't even hide Halloween candy. No one in the room, good. Tip toeing out of the study he snuck around. Closing the door softly he turned, ready to make a break for his room.
Then came smashing into a solid wall of muscle. Dick groaned, twisting in Jason's arms as the teen staggered back.
"Bruce!" He cried, his adoptive father looking down on him. More importantly, the kid he was holding.
Dick looked up into the gray eyes of Bruce Wayne. Shaking at the anger in his eyes. Then man was very tall, he looked extremely strong. He wore a grey sweater, the color high on his neck. His hair was gelled and brushed back. His black slacks pressed neatly. Dick felt extremely insignificant and very undressed compared to this man.
Jason squeezed him protectively, Dick clinging onto his shirt.
"Jason." The man deadpanned. "Where were you? I thought you were grounded."
"You never said where I was grounded to. So—"Jason had no clue what he was saying. Bruce had told him to go back to the manor. So, that excuse was out.
Tim rounded the corner, his eyes widening as he saw Jason holding Dick and Bruce's back, he quickly turned around. Nope. Nope, nope, nope, nopeitty nope. He wasn't hanging around here.
"Timothy Jackson. Get over here." Bruce called. Tim froze, one leg listed up to step. Of course.
Dick's eyes widened. How did that man know the boy was there? He was some sort of ninja!
"Okay." The boy walked over. He was kind of tall, his black hair was brushed down neatly. His clothes were clean and neat. His blue eyes looked slightly panicked. He moved next to the adult, eyes widening in shock. "Oh my goodness! Jason! Where on Earth did you get that boy?" He was really bad at acting.
"Leave drama to Terry Drake." Jason grumbled, Tim sucked major at acting. How people still didn't know that the Wayne's were the Bat-clan was a complete mystery. "I went to the Cave last night to see Dick. And I stayed with him all night. He was scared."
"Why did you take him?" Bruce sighed. This was not part of the plan.
"Because those kids have no clue what they're doing. And I wasn't about to leave him with those morons." He glared at Bruce steadily, Bruce knowing there was more to the story. Much more. "Now, I'm going to go set Dickie up with some toys and snacks, then you can lose your Riddler at me. 'Kay?" He wasn't asking for permission, pushing through his dad and brother he stormed through the manor.
"So—just to be clear." Tim said, raising his hands defensively. "I had nothing to do with whatever just happened. That was Jason. And you're the best dad ever okay? Great-bye!" He took off, most likely to warn his brothers that a storm was brewing.
Breakline
This place was huge. The floor were marble and the ceilings were insanely large. Dick had never been in a place so fancy. He was uncomfortable in Jason's arms, but almost glade he wasn't walking. He didn't want to do something stupid and get in trouble.
Jason was a nice name. It was nice to not have to think of his new protector as 'Red X' all the time. Though it was still strange to think of X in his civilian form while he was in his hero costume.
The kitchen was very nice. Impeccably clean, just like the rest of the manor. That was why Dick was so nervous. Besides the fact that the man, Bruce, had seemed to be made of anger—filth like him didn't deserve to be somewhere so fancy.
An older man was standing amongst a great amount of bowls and ingredients. He wore black dress pants and a white dress shirt, his sleeves rolled up. A small shite apron hung off his waist. His hair was a powdery white, thinning to a bald area around the top.
The man looked up from his cooking, eyebrows raising in mild surprise as he saw Richard. Sighing, he began to mix whatever was in the bowl.
"I assume that your father's restriction on visiting the child gave you the idea to kidnap him?"
"Well—yeah, kind off." Jason trailed off. "Bruce left him with a bunch of idiots and one in particular has done something really, really stupid." Dick assumed he was referring to Artemis. Jason looked down on him. "Dickie, this is Alfred. He's kinda like my grandpa. You can hang with him while I go deal with Dad." Dick tightened his grip, shaking his head slightly.
While he knew he should obey, Jason had shown no ill intentions towards him. So he wanted to stay with him. He didn't want him to leave. Jason's eyes softened, though he still set Dick down on the island stool. Smiling softly as Dick let go.
"Don't worry. I'll be back. You wouldn't want to come with me anyway. With Dad I get a lecture about responsibility and here—"he leaned over to see what Alfred was making, smiling—"here you get muffins."
Jason gave a two fingered salute, almost skipping out of the kitchen, trying to put on a happy air for Dickie.
The young boy looked wearily at Alfred. The elder of the two felt his heart break a tad at the fear in the boy's eyes. His eyes were extremely beautiful-looking like one of Master Damian's more exquisite works.
"I don't suppose you've had anything to eat Master—"He left a pause for the boy to supply a name. Although Alfred was aware of who this boy was, there was no need to frighten him more.
The child jumped, looking widely around for someone. Odd. Slowly the boy realized that he was being spoken to, looking down at his hands.
"Richard, Sir."
"Very well Master Richard." He tensed at the name. "Would you prefer milk or apple juice?"
"Milk p-please." He whispered.
A few moments later a large platter of eggs, sausages, toast and hash browns was slid in front of him. Followed by a very large glass of milk, a rolled up napkin with silverware in it and a small plate with butter and jam.
"Thank you, Sir." He whispered. But he made no motion to eat.
"Go one Master Richard." Alfred prompted, the child glancing up nervously about him once more. Something was wrong, but the boy did pick up his fork and shovel a tiny bit of egg into his mouth.
"Is something wrong Master Richard?"
The child froze, trembling once again. He gulped.
"Master says I am nothing. I'm not supposed to be here. I'm not supposed to be shown respect. Things like me aren't worth any respect."
The dull and empty tone his voice took was startling to say the least. But of course—a title given to a person he most feared had been used several times in the past few minutes would unnerve Richard.
"Would you prefer I called you something else young sir?"
"J-Just Dick, please Sir."
"Very well, Dick. I would prefer if you referred to me as Alfred."
He nodded, a small smile twitching against his lips. A few moments of silence continued as Richard ate his breakfast. It was delicious! Better than anything he had ever tasted. The eggs were fluffy and the sausages were juicy. The plate disappeared from the table when almost all the food was gone. A tiny wave of disappointment swept over him. But no—he should be grateful for receiving any food at all from Alfred.
But to his delight, the plate was replaced before him, more eggs and sausages stacked up. This time toast was replaced by a fresh blueberry muffin.
"Thank you, Alfred." He smiled happily, the elder gentleman smiling as Dick nibbled on the muffin. His eyes widening. "'Dis is really good." He mumbled with his mouth full.
"Mouth closed please Richard." The butler reprimanded, continuing to work on the second batch of muffins.
A blush flushed over the young boy's cheeks. "Sorry S—Alfred."
"Morning Alfred." A feminine voice greeted. A young woman with long blonde hair and green eyes yawned as she sat down next to Dick at the island. The boy tensing. She was unaware of his presence. Most likely she was still sleepy, seeing as she was wrapped in a soft pink robe and matching slippers.
"Good morning Miss Kyle." Alfred nodded at her. "Coffee or tea?"
"Coffee please." She smiled back. Dick watched her nervously, cautious for an outburst of anger. She seemed rather pretty though, a little on the tough side.
As she sipped from a mug her eyes glanced towards Dick. He froze, her eyes went away but a second later snapped back, more alert. Putting down her mug in confusion she turned to stare at him.
"You're new. What's your name kid?"
"Richard Ma'am."
"Ma'am?" She laughed. "I like you Dick. You're cute."
"T-Thanks?"
"So—when'd you get here?"
"Richard is one of Master Jason's guest. He is currently under League custody."
"Oh. Oh." Her eyes widened. "That's you." Suddenly she pulled him into a hug. "Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry sweetie. Alfie, I'm going to take him up to my room for a little therapy." Dick didn't like that sound of that.
He glanced at Alfred, who looked calmly back at him.
"It's alright Richard. No need to be frightened."
He would have to take his word for it, as Miss Kyle swept him up in her arms. What was with today and him getting carried about?
Breakline
Bruce sat with his hands folded together in front of his face, elbows leaning on the desk surface. Jason stood in front of him, arms crossed looking completely defiant. His green eyes raged with fury and his mouth was set in a firm frown. He had gone against direct orders three times, removed a boy from a safe haven and had probably given Young Justice a heart attack. Bruce had never been prouder.
Rage burned within him. Jason's reason for bringing Dick to the manor was completely justifiable. What happened yesterday should never had happen. Artemis had been hurt physically, Dick emotionally and all the process the team had made had been destroyed.
Anger raged towards Artemis for her attitude. Sorrow for Richard. And extreme annoyance at Dinah. If Canary had paid more attention to how the team interacted with Dick, she would've thought through who had trained Richard the whole incident would've been adverted. Now—Artemis probably would've snapped and acted like this eventually, but the team might have had more time to prepare for Dick's breakdown. Never the less, Bruce would need to talk to Dinah and Artemis.
"Is there anything else?" He asked stonily. Jason nodded, ducking his head slightly.
"When I went into his room I found him crying." Jason's voice was so soft. "Just crying. His hands were raw and red. He had red marks on his neck, red marks on his face. There was a ruler next to him. He was hurting himself." Jason blinked rapidly.
Bruce closed his eyes, no—not Dickie too. Jason had suffered with self-harm. As the press slandered against 'Wayne's street rat'. Bullies at school made his life a living nightmare. And the villains got harder and meaner. It had gone on for months before Alfred noticed the blood stains on Jason's bathroom floor. Jason stopped, his brother camping out in his room after patrol to stop him. Writing notes in his planner and school books. Bruce dealing with the school and bullies, fighting the press the best he could. Now—Dick was starting too.
"I couldn't let him—let him make the mistakes I made." Bruce pulled his youngest son against his chest, feeling the hands grip his shoulders.
"You did good Jason. You did well. You stopped him, and we're going to help him. I promise."
"We have to Bruce. Dad—he needs someone! Anyone! But that jerk who hurt him."
"I know kid, I know."
Bruce might've wanted to wait to bring Dick to the manor. But now was okay. Jason did what he thought best. Bruce was proud of his son. Jason had grown up from the cocky devil may care street rat to a semi-responsible young man, who was ready to risk a punishment to do what was right. If Jason could turn out like this with the help of his family, Bruce had hope for Dick.
Breakline
Dick stared at the sleek black coated cat staring back at him.
"Dickie, this is Isis." Selina introduced the two, setting Dick down on the bed next to the cat.
Slowly Isis approached him, yellow eyes seeming to stare into his soul. The cat placed a paw on his knee, climbing onto his lap. Tensing up as the cat sniffed him, then rubbed her head against his chest.
Selina laughed, petting Isis between the ears. Slowly, Dick followed suite, running his hand across the soft hair of her back. Isis arched her back, purring slightly as she walked in a circle. Dick smiling at the odd behavior. Well—normal for a cat but odd to him.
"I think she likes you." Selina commented.
"I-I like her." He stuttered.
"Then I think you'll be great friends." She winked.
Dick liked her. She seemed very nice. She explained how animals could almost sense people's emotions, so they were good for people who were sad or angry or scared to play with. And Isis was an excellent judge of character.
Breakline
A soft breeze blew through his hair, ruffling the brown locks even more. Carol's long dark hair nearly bowing into his face. The weather was still very nice out in California. The duo had decided to head out to a local café for a coffee and breakfast. Now walking through the downtown area Hal's thoughts were elsewhere. How to tell her two things. One; he was planning on adopting a young boy. Two; there was a ring in his pocket.
He had finally decided on it. Carol Ferris was the love of his life. And he was going to be the one who provided for her. The one to love her forever. The ring was his mother's. She had wanted him to give it to the woman he loved, even before she—passed.
"What's wrong Fly boy?" She teased. Gulping he looked down at her, blushing slightly.
"Huh?"
"You have that distant look. Again."
"Just thinking."
"About what?"
Taking a deep breath he stopped. Turning to look at her dead in her perfect teal green eyes.
"How stupid I've been not to do this sooner." Dropping to one knee. Oh God, his heart was pounding! She gasped slightly, staring at him. As did the people around them. "I've been in love with you for four years Carol. Three years ago you agreed to go with me to get some coffee. Two years ago I knew my feelings were deeper than I thought. And one year ago I knew that you were the one. But I was so afraid-to do something stupid and mess anything up. But I can't wait any longer. I love you Carol Ferris, will you marry me?"
A small wave of awes moved through the pedestrians as Carol—nodded. Breathing in relief he placed the ring on her finger, the diamond sparkling in the light as she admired it. Pulling her in for a kiss.
"You finally asked." She laughed softly, wrapping her arms are his neck and leaning back. "I thought I'd be the one to ask."
Hal laughed too. Nerves coursing through him.
"How close were you to puking?"
"You have no idea." He shook his head. "Glad I ate a light breakfast."
Their hands laced together the duo began moving once more. Hal thought he saw tiny tears pricking her eyes.
"Are you crying?"
"I just got proposed to. I think I'd be a little emotional."
Hal was getting married. To his boss. This was insane. Perfect since he had finally worked up the courage. It had taken him ridiculously long, but the Lantern will had finally pulled through.
"Wait Carol." She glanced at him. "I have you more question." She nodded. "What do you think about adoption?"
A smirk crossed her face. "And be spared the pains of child birth? Yes please."
Breakline
Hal stood in front of her, Carol wearing an expression of mixed anger and grief. That was horrifying, what Hal had told her. No child—no human should ever be exposed to that.
"So—"He asked.
Standing up she grabbed his shoulders.
"I am going to meet this boy Hal. And if you don't adopt him I am calling this engagement off."
"Woah." He stared wide eyed. "And here I thought you'd object."
"Why would I object?"
"Maybe it's sudden?"
"Hal, adoption is amazing. To open up your home, your life to make a child's life easier, it's one of the biggest honors. And the fact that you chose me, to try and raise this boy with—is an even bigger honor. And I will love this boy because you love him, and he will be my son." Hal smiled, pressing his lips against hers. "We're really getting married aren't we?" She smiled.
She was marrying the man she had known was the one for a year.
"Yeah." He breathed out, moving in for another kiss. When a sharp trill spilt the air.
His JL communicator. Sighing he glanced at it, eyes widening in horror.
"What's wrong?"
"I told Bruce those kid's couldn't take care of him!" He growled, pocketing the com once more. Planting a quick peck on her cheek he headed for the door. "Somethings wrong with Dick, I've gotta go help."
"Good luck." She called after him. Almost demanding she go with him. But right now—that boy needed to be with the people he trusted. Meeting someone new might not be the best idea after what he had been through and how he responded to new people. So no, she would wait until whatever problem was going on was fixed and then she would meet the child who would most likely be her son.
AN) Hal's getting married! Hal's getting married! Yay! I love those two together. Hal asked her so soon because they dated for a while, another reason they didn't get married was because Hal was afraid the hero business would hurt her. But—now that he wants to adopt Dick he wants to give him a great family. So, he sucked it up and went for it. Yay Hal! I'm opening a poll for you guys to vote on who adopts Dickie. Bruce or Hal.
See ya next time!