GSOG Chapter 37
"Ok, Dick, hold still. This may be a little loud." Leslie, the Wayne family doctor, says, and starts cutting off his cast with their specialized tool. She then pries it off with a cast spreader and then cuts the padding carefully, the remains slip right off, revealing slightly pale, kinda sweaty, arm. He immediately scratches around it, relieved to finally have it off. He sees the scar on the back of his hand from the knife wound, remembering that day. "Bruce told me what happened with that. About the Court of Owls that haunts you now. As if you didn't have enough on your plate."
"I'll be fine. I have a great family watching my back and even if there's danger, I know they'll be there for me, no matter what." Dick says. He flexes his hand. It feels weird to use again.
"Always the optimist." She says, gently brushing some of the hair on the side of his head, by his ear. "I hope nothing dims the light in your eyes."
"They used to be brighter, but, gotta keep on keeping on, you know?" Dick says softly. He climbs off the examination bed. "Anyway, thanks for taking care of my arm, and well, the rest of me."
"Of course, sweetheart. Take care. And behave yourself."
"Always!" He smiles his signature playful smirk and steps out of the room with papers for further care instruction. He heads out to the main lobby where Selina is waiting. She sees movement out of the corner of her eye, turning to him and stands up, smiling.
"Let me see." She more asks than demands. Dick lifts his liberated arm, smiling, he then takes a chance and smells it, immediately making a displeased face.
"Oh I need to clean this arm…" He mutters.
"Well, I hope it can hold off for a nice mother/son lunch." She suggests. Dick beams immediately, smiling widely, indicating his answer. She hands him his coat. "Come on! Let's go." She ushers excitedly, walking toward the door. Dick slips his coat on and speeds after her, smiling widely.
"So, Clark said he might be running a bit late, so it'd be fine to start dinner without him."
"As Alfred would say, "pish posh!" or something like that!" Selina giggles.
"Starting supper without all guests would be quite unseemly!" Dick predicts, smiling widely.
"I could see him saying that." Selina teases. They climb into Selina's car. "So, where do we wanna go. We can't have anything too heavy or else Alfred will have our heads for spoiling supper."
"Hmm… Could just get ice cream, I mean, it won't be very busy." Dick points out, shrugging a bit.
"You can't just eat sweets, baby."
"I can, you just won't let me."
"Tell you what, since we're celebrating you getting your cast off, we'll get some ice cream, after we get a proper meal in our bellies." She reasons, she reaches over and pokes his stomach. Dick giggles a bit, feeling like a child, but he doesn't mind, smiling a bit. She smiles happily, finding her boy so adorable.
"Fair." He agrees. She starts the car and pulls back, Dick watches out the side to see if anyone else is coming, nobody is and she's able to go. She starts to drive off.
"So, I noticed you've been leaving your door open at night." Selina mentions.
"I've been trying to convince Bruce to make my door more cat accessible, but the door is original and he doesn't want to ruin it or else the wrath of his ancestors will descend upon him."
"Considering all else he's done to the house, I'm surprised they haven't already happened." She mentions. She makes a turn and glances at the rearview mirror. A car is following them. Her brows knit a bit. She drives up, then makes another right turn. They still follow.
"Is something wrong?" Dick asks, glancing back at the car behind them. Selina makes another right turn, again, the car follows. Her eyes narrow. Their window is tinted, so they can't see who it is, but Dick recognizes that vehicle… "Slade…" Dick mutters, glaring. He turns, facing forward.
"He takes the trailing thing so seriously…" She comments.
"No kidding… And my cast is off, he probably wants to schedule when he wants to start training me." Dick mentions.
"Can't he give you time? You literally just got it off, your wrist needs more time to recover." Selina states. She makes another right turn. Sure enough, he follows. "Ok, this mother fucker needs to get off my car's ass before I break-check him."
"Just park the car, I'll go talk to him." Dick says.
"That's not happening, sweetie. I won't let that psychopath anywhere near my baby." She states. They end up stuck at a stoplight. Selina curses under her breath. Slade is seen coming out of his car. She makes sure her car doors are locked and is ready to floor it should he try anything. Slade steps up to the window on Dick's side, knocking on it. Selina locks the windows.
"I understand why you're afraid, I am here simply to talk." He says, though his voice is muffled.
"No thanks." Selina says. "You need to leave, right now."
"Come on out, Dick." Slade orders.
"Dick, please, don't go out there." Selina asks. Dick looks at Selina, a hint of fear in his eyes, then he turns back to Slade, quickly unlocking the door and getting out before Selina can grab him. "Dick!" Slade grabs his arm and shuts the door. Dick winces a bit at his grasp, especially as Slade pulls him over to a building's side and pins him against the wall. Selina's already climbing out of her car.
"When were you planning to tell me that cast was coming off?" Slade asks.
"When I felt like it." Dick says. Slade pins him a bit more harshly. Dick tries not to show his distress. "You're not the boss of me! And I still need time to recover."
"I thought you wanted to become stronger, so your grandfather would never get you again." Slade snaps. Selina shoves Slade off Dick and grabs her boy, holding him close to her, shielding him.
"Keep your hands off my baby!" Selina snaps. Slade smirks. "Touch him again and I swear I'll end you!"
"I would like to see you try, little lady." Slade taunts, standing in front of her, towering over her, but she doesn't back down, she continues to stare and glare. Slade smirks. "You definitely got guts." There's a whizzing sound past his head, a knife embeds itself beside Slade's head, kind of as a warning shot. Slade looks at the blade, then looks up in the direction it came in, but doesn't see William, though he knows he's there. Slade pulls the blade out of the wall, looking at it. He then looks up again to see if he can spot the Talon. Selina keeps hold of Dick and runs back to her car and climbs in with him, driving off. There's a car honking that pulls Slade from his thoughts. He looks at the person honking.
"Hey! Move your car, fucktard!" A road-rager snaps. Slade takes the blade, placing it a certain way in his hand and throws it. It stabs into the guy's windshield, and through to his head, stabbing him in the eye. Selina had already driven far away by this point, so neither her nor Dick saw the murder. They did lose Slade though at least.
"Dick, what were you thinking going out there?!" Selina questions.
"I was scared he might try to hurt you…" Dick answers. "But he's definitely showing some of his true colors…"
"Do not train under him, please, baby…" She pleads. "I'm terrified of what he might do to you…"
"Mom…" He says softly, really without meaning to. Tears form in her eyes, she shakes her head a bit.
"I can't risk losing you again." She says. "Not… ever… again… please." Her voice is so shaky she can barely keep it steady enough to talk coherently.
"I'm sorry." Dick apologizes. "But, I might have to, he won't leave me alone otherwise… But I promise I'll be careful, I'll keep my guard up, I'll have my tracker on me at all times so you and Dad can see where I am anywhere." Selina quickly blinks to drive the tears away so she can properly see where she's driving. "I can't lose you either…" He looks out the window. "Can we just go home…?" Selina sighs softly and nods.
"Yea." She agrees and makes the turn necessary to head back to the manor. Once there, she parks her car and the two get out. They both head in and Dick heads up to his room. Selina watches him go up, then she turns and heads to Bruce's study, knocking on the door before entering. "Bruce, we need to talk." He looks up at her, turning himself so he is giving her is undivided attention.
"What's going on?" He asks, she's clearly shaken.
"Slade…" The moment that name leaves her lips, he stands up, looking very concerned. "He followed us from Dick's doctor's appointment. We managed to lose him, but… He grabbed Dick out of my car." The concern turns to anger, not at her obviously.
"Is Dick ok? Are you ok?" He asks.
"Yes, we're both fine. Physically. Mentally, I'm freaked and I'm pretty sure Dick is scared." She explains. "I'm sorry to bring all this to light on your birthday, but-" He softens immediately.
"I'm glad you did." Bruce states. He rests his hands on his desk, bowing his head, one leg sticking back. "I have no idea what to do about this Slade business. I'll figure out something, but in the meantime, I can't stop Dick from doing what he feels he needs to do."
"Baby, please… He can't do this!" Selina argues. "He'll kill him!"
"I'm aware that could happen, and believe me, I'm terrified." Bruce admits, which they both know isn't easy. "With everything else that's going on, it's hard to think of a solution for everything, but there's a way, there's always a way. I already told Dick that if things get too bad, I'm pulling him back."
"And what defines as too bad?" Selina asks. "When he's bleeding and barely able to stand? Can't even breathe?! We can't have a repeat of what happened with Dent! For one thing, Dick almost died! We-" Her voice breaks. She leans against the door as more tears fall, she places a hand to her face. "We can't lose him, Bruce…"
"No, we can't. And I'll do everything in my power to keep that from happening." Bruce tries to assure. "I'm the Batman, I'll figure something out, but I may seek Clark's council as well as yours and Alfred's in this. All four of us have been here for Dick since the beginning, there's no one else I'd trust more in helping me figure out best to keep him safe." Bruce steps around his desk and steps up to Selina, taking her hands. "We'll figure this out. We're not losing him, I'll do everything in my power to make sure of that, ok?" Selina leaps forth and hugs Bruce tight.
"I know… And I hear what you're saying… I'm just so scared for our boy…" She cries.
"I know you are, and honestly I'm glad, because it shows you actually love and care for him. It's a relief to know that no matter what happens, should anything ever happen to me, he's still in good, loving hands." Bruce explains, hugging her tight. "I'm scared too… But we'll get through this together, all of us, as a family."
Up in Dick's room, Dick steps into his closet and shuts the door. He steps to the center of the walk-in and kneels, grabbing up loose floorboards. He pulls them free to reveal a faux leather bound journal, it has a little rope with a small star charm that keeps the journal closed. He carries it over to a panel in the far end of the closet. He carefully pries it open to reveal his little hideaway.
It's a cabinet under the attic stairs that he put some blankets and pillows, it's pretty big as Dick can climb in and curl up comfortably. There's some books in there as well. He grabs a little lantern that he has in there as well which mimics firelight, turning it on and climbing in. He attached a little knob on the inside so he can close it. He opens his journal and begins writing.
February 19th, 2011. 14:27
At least it's not late at night this time. I really don't know what to do… Slade is more and more relentless. I think he's losing patience, wants to start training me, but it doesn't work like that. I'm barely able to use my right hand still, I need to build back its strength! Thankfully it shouldn't take me long, but I still have to take it easy. You'd think an old assassin guy would know that. I really don't know what to do. I want to cancel things, call it all off and just work on getting back to a normal life, but I'm terrified what Slade will do if I don't comply. I don't want him to hurt anyone I love, I feel like he would if it meant getting what he wants… That's the last thing we need…
Sometimes I wonder if it would be better for everyone if I just disappeared, didn't exist, but I can't ever voice those wonders, because everyone will tell me of all the great things I've done because I exist, and they're right, I know they're right. I don't know how many times I've been told that because of me both Bruce Wayne and Batman have changed for the better.
I just want things to stop happening to me, I want to be normal, I just want to live my life as Dick Grayson and Robin, is that too much to ask?! My life might not be normal ever again… But… We'll get through it right? We have to! It's just a lot all at once… I hate to say it, but I'm overwhelmed. Way over… Chances are mom Selina is telling Bruce, and Bruce is gonna come check on me. I'll leave this entry off here.
Dick shuts his journal and brings it back to its hiding spot, placing it back in and shutting his cabinet before leaving the closet. He steps over to his bed, curling around as he plops in it, grabbing his little stuffed elephant, hugging it to him. He mulls over what all he's going to say when he gives Bruce his present. Then there's a knock on the door. Dick turns his head, looking at the door.
"Yea?" Dick calls. Bruce enters the room, as Dick expected.
"Hey, Chum. How're you feeling? Selina told me what happened." Bruce asks. Dick sits up, setting his elephant aside.
"I'm ok, a little freaked, but, I'm ok." Dick explains. Bruce sits beside him on his bed. "How's mo-, um… Selina." He corrects.
"She's alright. She's worried about you, and I am too." Bruce says, not commenting on the mom thing. "We trust you and your capabilities, but we're still afraid you'll be in way over your head and end up hurt. You have a tendency of biting off more than you can chew, which I know I have no room to talk." He takes off his shoes and turns so he's facing Dick better, crossing his legs on the bed. "We want you safe as much as you want us safe. I know you fear what Slade will do if he doesn't get his way, but I promise he will crash and burn if he retaliates against you for saying no to being trained by him. I already have something in the works should you decide enough is enough."
"Like what?" Dick asks, now just curious.
"I'm still working everything out, but I'd like to keep it under wraps for the time being, alright? I ask for your trust in this." Bruce says.
"Ok." Dick agrees.
"Fact of the matter is, you're my boy. I would do anything for you if it meant keeping you safe, and do my best to survive so that you wouldn't have to go through that pain again." Bruce says. Dick looks down a bit, mulling it over in his mind, then, he turns to his nightstand, pulling it open to retrieve a large envelope, handing it over to Bruce. Bruce's brows knit a bit and he takes it, looking at the envelope in curiosity before undoing the string that'll allow him to open it.
"I planned to give this to you when you got your other presents, but, I don't want to keep waiting." Dick says. Bruce pulls the papers out, seeing atop about adoption. Bruce's mouth gaps a bit and he looks at Dick, then back at the papers, pulling them all out, looking them over.
"You're… letting me adopt you?" Bruce asks, he turns his attention to Dick. Dick nods.
"I figured it's time. You already have every other plan set that I'd inherit practically everything anyway, this just makes us officially father and son." Dick explains, smiling. Bruce sets the papers aside and reaches forward, grabbing Dick and pulling him into a tight hug. Dick hugs him back.
"I'll happily adopt you." Bruce says. "If it's what you really want…"
"I do. I really do…" Dick assures. "I know we discussed waiting until I was eighteen, but… After everything, I figured this would be a good little surprise. Happy birthday, your gift is me!" Dick laughs, half-joking.
"That's all the gift I need." Bruce says seriously, holding Dick tighter. "You're the greatest gift ever…" Dick closes his eyes to keep from crying, happy tears at least, but he nuzzles into Bruce's hold.
Later that evening, Melinda and Selina are helping Alfred make Bruce's birthday dinner and his dessert while Dick sets the table for the guests that'll be coming. There'll be Clark of course, Diana, Wally said he'd come and he'll make sure not to eat all the food, Barry unfortunately is busy with a case, Aquaman is busy helping take care of a newborn while his wife recovers, Hal is off world doing some Green Lantern thing, Martian Manhunter is busy with… something, but Barbara and Jim will be arriving. Some of the Kane family, mostly Uncle Jacob, his twin daughters Beth and Kate, and his niece Bette. The others are busy doing business stuff.
"I forgot how nerdy you look with your hair like that." Wally comments as he comes in, looking at Dick setting the table. Dick pauses, narrowing his eyes at Wally, unamused. "Hehehehe, Batglare." Dick rolls his eyes, but smiles softly.
"Glad you could make it." Dick says, he continues to set the table.
"Need any help?" Wally asks.
"You're the guest, if Alfred caught you helping, he'd reprimand both of us. Besides, this is the best dinnerware, and you're a klutz." Dick remarks as he places bowls down for the curry soup they're about to eat.
"Yea, but you just got mobility of your arm back, you need to take it easy." Wally points out.
"I've had-"
"Worse, I know." Wally finishes. "Doesn't change the fact that you need to take it easy. Come on, at least let me hold the plates." The plates and bowls are suddenly taken out of his hands by another, that being Bruce. Dick looks up at him.
"He's half right, you need to take it easy. I'll finish setting the table, you finish getting ready." Bruce orders.
"Yea, ok." Dick agrees and walks away from the table. There's a knock on the door and Dick runs over to answer it. It's Barbara and Jim. "Oh hey, guys!" Dick greets, holding the door open for them to come in. Jim is holding a medium sized wrapped box, Barbara is holding a small giftbag.
"Presents in the usual place?" Jim asks.
"Yep!" Dick answers. They walk to the living room, setting the presents on a table that's been set up there. Isis is up on the table grooming herself and doesn't budge even when Jim places the present down next to her. Barbara sets hers down next to her father's. Isis looks at it, reaching a paw for it immediately. "Isis." Dick warns. Isis stops and pretends like she's stretching. "Uh-huh…" Barbara giggles, reaching and scratching the top of her head.
"Silly fuzzy baby." Barbara remarks. Isis starts purring, loving the attention, then jumps down to find somewhere else to nestle down. Bruce comes into the living room to greet them.
"Jim! Great to see you." Bruce says, he shakes hands and places a hand on his shoulder happily.
"It's just us, Bruce, you don't have to act yet." Jim teases.
"I'm actually in a good mood for once." Bruce explains.
"Well I'm glad you're feeling happy this evening." Jim states, lightly patting Bruce's shoulder. "Is there anything I can help with?"
"Well, the Table's set, we just need the other guests to arrive and for Dick to finish getting ready." Bruce states that last part louder, looking at Dick when he says it.
"I heard the door! I couldn't just not answer it. I'll go get ready, jeez." Dick comments, sounding like any other typical teenager, playfully rolling his eyes and then giggles as he walks away. Wally follows after him.
"Any updates on the Flores case?" Bruce asks, now going more serious.
"We have gone through everything thrice over, there's plenty of evidence to prove she's guilty, between different testimonies and video evidence alone, but DNA evidence is a big help as well. Her lawyers are going to need a miracle." Jim explains.
"Good. That's a relief." Bruce says. He takes a soft deep breath. "Meanwhile, I still have Charles to deal with."
"Do you think Luthor's men have what it takes to win that case for you should it happen?" Jim asks.
"Yes. Especially since I have one particular advantage that could even have Charles's case thrown out completely." Bruce mentions. "Dick handed me adoption papers earlier, he wants me to adopt him. I have them signed already, I just need to turn them in."
"Bruce, that's great to hear! I know how long you've been wanting this… So that's why you're so happy." Jim mentions. Bruce nods, smiling.
"He'll officially be my son. I'm beyond elated. He's been my son to me for going on five years, but with those papers, it's more permanent than when he was my ward. And considering Charles was estranged from his daughter for years before Dick was even born will also help." Bruce says. "This will help a lot more than Dick might realize. And I have plans in motion to deal with Slade. The Court is my main problem now."
"I just hope you don't end up blindsided, kid." Jim says. There's a rather hefty knock at the front door. Before Bruce can attempt to open it, Dick is running in to open it.
"Hey Clark! Hey Diana! Glad you could make it!" Dick greets. He lets them in.
"I know it's not exactly tradition, but I figured Bruce could open my present right now." Clark mentions. Bruce makes his presence known, stepping forward. "Now, before you yell at me about getting you something, this was Dick's idea. Yes, I'm throwing my nephew under the bus and no I'm not sorry." Bruce's brows knit in confusion and looks at Dick. Dick is smiling, but trying not to, failing miserably.
"Two presents, Dick?" Bruce asks. "I thought we agreed on a one present each rule."
"Hey, I just had the idea, and made the plan." Dick puts his hands up as he pleads his case. "But you probably should open it now rather than later." Bruce looks at the box and takes it from Clark. He kneels down and opens it up. Inside, two beady brown eyes stare up at him, then there's the light thump of a tail wag. A German shepherd pup sits up, placing his front paws on the rim of the box. Bruce's smile is a combination of happiness, confusion and surprise. He takes the pup out, petting him.
"A puppy…?" Bruce asks softly. He looks up at Clark, then looks at Dick before sitting on the floor properly to love on the fluffy creature.
"We checked with Isis, this was the only one she didn't try swatting or hissing at." Dick says, smiling widely, loving that Bruce has basically devolved into a child as he holds the pup and gets licks on the face while the pup wags his tail happily.
"Diana and I brought all the necessary items so you can take care of him." Clark explains. He kneels down in front of his best friend, and he's unsure if he heard him. Diana smiles softly, shaking her head, finding it amusing.
"I'm calling him Ace." Bruce states. There's another knock at the door, must be the last guests. Dick goes to answer it while Clark helps Bruce up. Wally takes the box and speeds off with it before Dick opens the door.
"Welcome, Mr. Kane." Dick says politely. He steps aside to allow them entry, bowing his head a bit in respect.
"Thank you, Richard." Jacob greets. Dick takes his hat and coat, hanging them up for him, taking Kate's coat, then Beth's coat, then Bette's coat. "Apologies with the tardiness, I had been stuck on a call with a client before we left."
"No harm done, Uncle." Bruce says. Wally is coming back around the corner, normal speed this time, he watches everything carefully. Ace looks at attention toward Jacob Kane, growling slightly. Bruce pets him to sooth him, unsure why the pup is so tense…