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Dick breathed out, staring through the scope of the rifle. Across from him, through the window of the opposite building, he could see Senator Miles standing in his living room.
Dick didn’t want to do this, but even though Slade had remained at their base, Dick knew Slade had to be watching through security cameras. The fact that his comm remained silent, and Slade wasn’t pressing him to act faster was only a small blessing. Dick needed to act quickly before the Senator moved and he lost the clear shot he currently has lined up.
His finger tightened on the trigger. Please, he thought to anyone who might be listening, please make it so I don’t need to do this.
He didn’t want to kill a man, no matter how corrupt he might be. But he didn’t really have a choice. His family's life was in danger.
But will they even want me back after this?
Would Bruce let him back in the house after he learned Dick had become a murderer? But there wasn’t any other choice. He wouldn’t’ give Slade an excuse to go after his brother.
He fired, but just as the bullet leaves the rifle something blocks his vision. He looks up.
Superman is standing there. He idly flicked the flattened bullet of his chest before smiling at him.
“It’s okay, Dick. I’ve you.”
Dick wanted to collapse in relief but shook his head. “You don’t understand. Slade, he—”
“We’ve got Slade.” Clark interrupted. “Thanks to your signals we were able to find where he’d been keeping you. We broke in first, subdoing him and finding out where he’d sent you. He’s currently in the Watchtower being guarded over by Wonder Woman.” Clark flew forward, landing on the roof beside Dick and putting a hand on his shoulder. “You’re safe now and so is Tim.”
Dick dropped the rifle and lunged forward to hug him. Clark wrapped his arms around him as Dick clutched at him desperately. He was crying but he didn’t care. He was safe now and so was his family.
Clark flew him to where the other Bats were waiting. As soon as he got his feet under him, Tim crashed into him. They hugged each other desperately. Dick could feel himself crying again, and Tim was also sniffling.
“You’re not allowed to sacrifice yourself again.” Tim mumbled against where he’d pressed his face into Dick’s chest.
Dick held him tighter but didn’t say anything. He loves his family too much to make a promise like that.
He hugged the rest of his siblings and his dad before they went home, and he hugged Babs and Alfred.
He was so glad to be back, so glad that Slade was in custody though he was sure the man would manage to escape again someday. But they’d figure out what to do when that day came. Right now, he just wanted to spend time with his family.
His family that he would do anything to keep safe.