When Slade went to open the door, he certainly did not expect to see his ex-wife looking more disgruntled and frowning than usual.

Even more so he did not expect to see Joey and Rose at her side.

Slade froze on the spot, not quite sure how he should act but fortunately for him Adeline spoke first. "I have to be out of town on business for four days at the most and there is no one I trust to leave Joey and Rose with."

"You don't trust me." the man pointed out dryly.

"Thank you, Captain Obvious." his ex-wife sarcastically rolled her eyes. "But I know that at least they would be safer here than anywhere else." she reluctantly affirmed, practically straining to get those words out.

Slade arched an eyebrow in surprise and was sure there was something he was missing.

What, first Adeline told him to stay away from his children and now she was leaving them in his care for a few days, not to mention the fact that she hated him more than anyone and always blamed him for Grant's death and the loss of Joey's voice?

There was definitely a piece of the puzzle missing but for now he set it aside.

Slade nodded. "I'll take care of them." he promised.

"And that's what I'm afraid of." murmured Adeline and the mercenary politely pretended not to hear her, more for the sake of their children than anything else.

And people claimed that Deathstroke was not kind.

Adeline took a deep breath and focused her attention on the children who looked away from their father to stare at her instead. "Be good and obey your father. Remember what I told you before?" they nodded and a ghost of a smile appeared between her lips. "Great. I'll be back to get you back faster than you realize."

Slade looked up annoyed.

His ex-wife was describing being with Slade as if it were the worst punishment in the world, damn her.

Adeline kissed both Joey's and Rose's foreheads and after a final goodbye and hard stare directed at Slade she left.

Slade looked away from her retreating figure and stared at his children. Immediately he felt awkward because, you know, what should you say to your children after three years of not seeing them because of their mother?

Once again he was rescued, this time by his children who threw themselves on him in a sudden embrace to which fortunately he was used to because of Dick.

"We missed you so much, Dad!" cried Rose hugging him firmly.

Slade honestly didn't know how the hell his daughter remembered him because when he was forced to leave the family she was only about a year old but he put it aside.

Joey nodded at his sister's words and with his hands signed a I missed you so much, Dad. before burying his head against his chest.

Slade felt his heart tighten a little. Although Rose was only four years old she already knew how to speak well enough for children her age while Joey, on the other hand, had already learned sign language.

And Slade was not there to witness this personally.

He was not there with them to watch them grow up

For more than three fucking years.

He hid his anger, pain and resentment in the furthest part of his mind and returned his children's embrace, letting out a small sigh of joy. "I missed you so much too." he admitted in a low whisper.

They broke away and he led them into the house. Once the door was closed, Slade realized that he would have to introduce his biological children to his adopted son and vice versa.

He felt anxiety envelop his limbs, knowing very well that there were hundreds of reasons or factors why things could not go well. So many questions and doubts crossed his mind.

What if Dick did not like Rose and Joey? Or vice versa? Or even worse if they don't like each other? What the fuck am I supposed to do? How should I know the things I need to know?

Immediately Slade realized that one way or another he would have to parent three children simultaneously and alone.

Man, the coup over Ra's Al Ghul's empire seemed like a joke compared to just the thought of having to manage all three of his children on his own.

Slade led his children into the living room and noticed that Dick was not there. "Dick! We have guests!" he called to him, ignoring Rose and Joey's giggles.

He would probably have to call his son by his full name for the next few days. God knows what Adeline would do to him if she learned that he was the reason the children had learned a new swear word.

"Incoming!"

His son's voice came from the kitchen, so it was likely that Dick had prepared himself a small snack after he and Slade had finished training for that morning.

Rose and Joey's attention immediately focused on the newcomer and Slade narrowed his eyes suspiciously when he noticed that Dick was not at all surprised by the sight of his biological children.

Either Dick was an excellent actor -and knowing his background it was very likely- or he already knew that Rose and Joey would be spending a few days in their home.

This would be quite impossible were it not for the fact that this was Dick we were talking about, the most unpredictable person Slade had ever met. Slade would not be too surprised if he found out that Dick had played a role in Adeline's strange behavior.

Slade rested both hands on his children's shoulders. "Joey, Rose, this is my adopted son." he announced, mentally praying that everything would be all right.

The acrobat nodded to them, a huge smile on his face. "Hi! I'm Richard but please call me Dick!" he rolled his eyes as he heard some giggles but had a small, affectionate smile on his lips.

"I'm Rose!" the four-year-old introduced herself with a bright smile.

It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Joseph but you can call me Joey. Signed the six-year-old boy.

Rose watched his brother's hand movements and turned to Dick to translate his words but was preceded by the older boy. "Nice to meet you too." he affirmed, returning their bright smiles.

Both of them opened their eyes wide. Do you know sign language? asked Joey surprised.

Dick's smile increased in size at their looks of awe and he nodded. He began to sign, his hands moving in smooth, precise motions. My parents taught me a little and I learned the rest thanks to Slade.

Slade gave a silent sigh of relief that he did not know to hold back seeing that all three of his children were getting along. It was as if a heavy boulder had been lifted from his chest, allowing him to breathe freely.

He suppressed a shudder at the mere thought of them not liking each other and not getting along and at the tension and awkwardness that would be in the house in the coming days.

Fortunately there was some higher entity that granted him a break.

"If you don't mind, I'll give you a brief tour of the house." Dick volunteered with a small smile that grew more excited as both Rose and Joey nodded frantically.

They left their father's side to join the acrobat who grabbed their hands and led them impatiently and excitedly throughout the house.

Slade merely observed the scene with a small smile between his lips.

Apparently having three children in the house meant that the pranks against him would increase.

Because of course it wasn't enough just Dick's -Slade could never forget his own feeling of utter shock when he suddenly found himself with neon-green hair, just to mention one of the Talon's countless pranks- but now Joey and Rose had joined in.

Slade would have bet his left eye that of course Dick was the strategist, the fucking brat.

The second day had arrived and Slade already felt forty years older. He knew he could handle Joey and Rose but adding his adopted son -the fucking son of Satan himself- into the equation?

Slade would have preferred to allow Adeline to finish her work begun years ago.

The mercenary -now soaked from top to bottom- let out a very long, very deep sigh and wearily looked up, meeting Dick's mischievous and amused gaze from above the chandelier who had poured him very cold water from a basin.

Slade did not even want to know how the hell Dick had managed to climb above the chandelier with a basin full of cold water without dropping a single drop.

The super soldier ran his hand over his wet face, doing his best to ignore the uncontrolled giggles of the other two children.

Who the hell could have thought that Rose and Joey were little rascals too?

Either that or by now Dick had irreversibly corrupted the innocent souls of his biological children.

Most likely it was the latter.

Slade highly doubted that Joey and Rose would dare to play any pranks on Adeline.

And to think that he was the more threatening and dangerous one, dammit!

With another tired dad sigh he looked up again at the spot where his biggest nightmare lay. "You know you're going to clean up all the water that's fallen on the floor yourself, right?"

"It's totally worth it."

"Hn."

Slade might even ignore the jokes against him if it meant seeing his children -all three of them- happy, joyful and radiant as he had never seen before as at that moment.

Slade crossed his arms with a tender smile, watching them play soccer.

Dick was dribbling them rather easily, giggling whenever Joey and Rose complained since they could not stop him.

Slade knew that he was partially utilizing his superhuman speed -although the dribbling was all pure natural skill and the man was slightly impressed before remembering that it was Dick- and so he decided, like a good father, to intervene.

Not in the typical way, warning others of his eldest son's cheating.

No.

Slade intervened by sneaking quietly behind Dick when he was completely distracted by Joey and Rose. He brought a finger to his lips, indicating to Joey and Rose to remain silent when they saw him a few feet behind the acrobat and they immediately returned their gaze to Dick so as not to arouse suspicion.

Slade then violently went into a sideways slide on his son and such a slide would surely end the careers of any soccer player in existence.

Dick screamed more in surprise than in actual pain as he felt his knee give way completely and he fell to the ground with an involuntary grunt.

Slade smiled despite partially feeling guilt skyrocket, telling himself that he could not hurt him like that beyond training just for his healing factor.

However, Joey and Rose burst into giggles and took advantage by stealing the ball from Dick and that counted as a small victory for Slade. Soon Dick also joined in the laughter despite his completely broken knee and as soon as the younger children were out of their sight he cast a dirty look in his father's direction. "You're a son of a bitch, you know that?" he growled but the smile that threatened to appear betrayed his real amusement, a sign that he was not angry with Slade at all.

Having ascertained this, the guilt quickly vanished from Slade who stood up stoically. "That's called karma."

A twinkle of defiance appeared in the blue eyes of Dick who gave a shark grin. "Challenge accepted."

"I'm not afraid of you, kiddo."

In hindsight Slade shouldn't have said it at all when he found himself staring at his reflection in the mirror, quickly noticing that somehow that was humanly impossible his skin had turned a bright yellow.

He hoped with all his being that the effect would last at most twenty-four hours and no longer.

His left eye twitched nervously. Slade took a deep breath before shouting with all the strength in his voice he could find:

"DICK!"

In response he received an eerie chuckle that came from all over the house followed by more childish giggles.

That was the moment Slade considered handing all his children to Wintergreen and moving to another galaxy, away from everyone and everything.

There were some positives, fortunately for Slade's sanity.

His gaze landed on the couch where currently Joey and Rose were sound asleep after spending the last hour playing tag, both cuddling up to Dick who stared them with a loving and tender gaze.

Slade's heart warmed considerably at the sight and his whole being softened immediately. He reached for his phone and silently snapped a picture that would surely hang like a picture somewhere in the house.

Dick's eyes focused on Slade, still sweet and loving. "They are my siblings."

Slade had never felt so fucking happy in his entire life and he was overwhelmed by a wave of emotions that he struggled to fully comprehend and express.

Slade's throat suddenly became dry and he cleared it a little before speaking. "Yes, kiddo. You are siblings."

Neither commented as his voice came out hoarse and thick with feeling.

Unfortunately, good things always had an end and the fourth day came quickly, sadly.

"Aww! Dad, do we really have to leave?" complained Rose clutching her father's right leg.

Slade gave her a gentle pat on the head. "Yes, sweetheart. You know your mother is very protective of you and I doubt she would leave you a few more days here."

Adeline recoiled from her surprise at seeing her children so fond of Slade and nodded abruptly.

Also Joey was disappointed to be leaving so soon but he was calmer than his sister. He turned to his father and signed. I will miss you so much, Dad.

Slade lowered himself onto his level and hugged him. "I'll miss you too, boy." he then reached out an arm and inserted Rose into what became a group hug. "I'm really going to miss you too, little princess."

Rose snuggled into her father. "Could we come back here sometime? Or at least see you again, Dad?"

Slade winced inwardly at his daughter's almost tearful voice and swallowed his true feelings on the matter. "It will all depend on your mother, honey."

Everyone's attention fell on Adeline who met them firmly. Her gaze then rested on the face of Dick who narrowed his gaze significantly and she paled slightly, which Slade did not miss. "I-I'm sure your father won't mind having you for the weekend."

Hope and joy blossomed in the chest of the super-soldier who nodded at the hopeful and beaming looks of his children. "Of course."

Rose emitted a little squeal of joy and she and Joey squeezed their father in a fierce embrace that Slade immediately returned, rarely that he has ever felt so happy in his entire life.

After hugging their father the two siblings turned to Dick. Rose ran toward him and he grabbed her on the fly, hugging her firmly. "I'm going to miss you a lot too, big brother."

If it were possible Dick's heart would have missed a beat but still a huge excited smile sprang from between his lips. His grip on her tightened slightly. "I'm really going to miss you, sis."

Joey signed. I'm glad to have finally met you, Dick, and I'm honored to be able to call you as my big brother.

Dick swallowed hard and after letting go of his little sister hugged Joey tightly. "You are a boy with a heart of gold, little brother. Don't ever forget that."

Joey's face was beaming with joy as he returned the hug.

Finally after the last goodbyes Dick and Slade were the only ones left in the Wilson household. The more experienced mercenary stared at his son with crossed arms. "What on earth did you say or do to Adeline? I've never seen her so terrified."

Dick chuckled. "If I were to tell you then I'd have to kill you." he joked.

Slade good-naturedly rolled his eyes before suddenly wrapping his son in a fierce embrace. Dick froze, not expecting the gesture at all since Slade rarely ever initiated the hug, but then he melted into his father's warm, protective arms.

"Thank you."

Those two little words were enough for Dick to understand Slade's true message and all his true gratitude.

Eventually they broke away and Dick sent him a small smile. "Shall we start training again tomorrow?"

Slade grunted in assent before staring at his son with a dangerous twinkle in his eye. "If you thought my training was harsh and brutal, now multiply it by thirty. You deserve it after all your fucking pranks."

Dick swallowed and gave an unsure giggle. "I was only joking, you know!" his father turned away without a word and the acrobat followed him like a lost puppy. "Slade? Please! Come on, don't be like that! Slade?

"DAD!"