Chapter Text
THE NEXT DAY
They were standing outside the motel room Dean had rented earlier that week. Sam watched as Dean tossed his duffle bag into the Impala, the darkness and street lights dancing shadows across her exterior. Sam watched with a fond smile as Dean closed the trunk giving it a firm pat. Sam barely startled as Nightwing emerged from the shadows and gave Sam a blinding white smile.
“You saved your brother,” Nightwing assured Sam giving him an encouraging nudge.
“Huh, yeah, unfortunately humans are easy to kill,” Sam grimaced in resignation.
“Joker was a monster Sam. There was nothing left of the man who you could claim as family,” Nightwing said gripping Sam’s shoulder and turning to face the taller man.
“Doesn’t make it any easier or better for that matter,” Sam sighed.
“Good. That means you’re still far away from becoming like them, a monster,” Nightwing affirmed with a positive nod.
Sam looked away, this guy seriously believed what he was telling Sam even though he knew what Sam might become, how he is supposed to end the world. Nightwing must have sensed Sam’s thoughts because he gave the hunter a reassuring smile and stuck his hand out for Sam to take.
“We all have the capability to do bad things Sam, it’s just whether we do them or not that matters,” Nightwing’s handshake was firm, his smile warm. Sam smiled back in appreciation as he watched the hero disappear into the night.
****
Dean smirked as he watched Nightwing slip away into the shadows. These were good people here, people who understood the value of human life. Dean however, did startle when a dark looming figure stepped out in front of him as he turned away from the trunk. A small twitch of the lips let Dean know that his small squeal did not go unnoticed. It was quiet for a moment, Dean was unsure of how the hero would act towards him after the Joker’s death.
“I told him the same thing,” Dean said after a moment, green eyes fixed on the Dark Knight, “that he didn’t have to let the madness consume him that he didn’t have to break.”
Batman’s sharp blue eyes roved over Dean’s face before he held out a piece of paper to the hunter.
“What’s this?” Dean asked as he looked at the set of numbers on the paper.
“Contact numbers for Red Hood,” Batman informed him. Dean eyed the man quizzically and Batman sighed.
“He has also had the unfortunate experience of coming back from the dead and having to crawl out of his own grave. It has left him, well, I’m sure you know which is why I am giving you his contact information. This case has shaken him and I think you can help him come to terms with what he’s been through, it could prove to be beneficial for you both in fact,” Batman disclosed, voice grim but determined. The voice of a man who would do anything for those closest to him.
“I’ll do my best, but don’t expect any miracles. Sometimes, sometimes even the most understanding person can’t fix you, especially if you don’t want it,” Dean stated, he needed Batman to understand this, the person he knew before the Red Hood was no longer in control.
“I can't believe in miracles, in a God who looks down on us, dispensing his unfathomable brand of justice when and if he wills,” Batman nodded in consideration, voice dark and brooding.
“I can, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to sit around and wait for a miracle or justice cause believe me, it’s never the kind you’re looking for,” Dean snorted, lips quirked. Batman grunted, eyes sliding over to size up Dean.
“What?” Dean’s eyes narrowed at the Dark Knight.
“I figured that’s what you were, God’s justice, His Righteous Man, His Sword,” Batman smirked, Dean rolled his eyes and heaved a sigh.
“Yeah, well, we’re not so different in that aspect. I just get the luxury of killing my monsters,” Dean nodded one last time to the Dark Knight, the hero in turn reached out and shook Dean’s hand before stealing off into the night.