My Father is Death

Chapter 8

Upon walking into the mall, no one cared about them. That was the thing. In a mall, there were already so many strange and unknown people that no one seemed to notice Slade's eye patch or that two older men had a younger boy clinging to one or the other as they walked. Slade sighed at how the boy would shy away from anyone that got near, and plucked up the boy. Dick seemed to like the new arrangement and started peeking around everywhere.

"Where too first?" Slade asked Wintergreen.

"I think the clothing departments."

Slade nodded heading off to the right, first. They passed a few stores that Dick took interest in. Slade noted the shops and kept moving. It was half way to the shop Slade had in mind when Dick tapped the top of his head.

"Yes?"

Dick pointed to a shop with all kinds of spray painting, colorful shirts, and unique nicknacks. Wintergreen grinned heading towards the shop even if Slade was cringing internally. Now the shop was darker then most others, walls were painted black the spray painted with splashes of neon colors. 

Inside was punk pop music going and Dick clambered off of Slade. The two men let Dick explore, looking at all the shirts and sweat shirts. He found the Harry Potter section and Slade chuckled softly when Dick tried on the fake pair of glasses.

"I don't think you need those Dick." Slade commented.

Dick grinned but put the prop item back. It was when Dick noticed sweatshirt that used to be his colors. Red torso, with a yellow hood and sleeves. Dick reached the sweatshirt and felt it between his fingers.

Slade noticed the distant look the boy gave the sweatshirt. He also noticed how the boy's fingers curled around the fabric. The boy looked to the price tag and winced slightly pulling back.

"Do you want that?" Slade asked peeking at sizes.

Dick shook his head moving away. Wintergreen raised a brow at Slade before moving along with Dick. Slade noted the sweatshirt before following. The next thing Dick paused at, made Slade internally groan.

Dick felt the batman shirt with a frown, "He was there."

Slade crouched down next to Dick, "Where? The Court?"

"No. He was there when they fell. He couldn't do anything. He tried to help after but the Court got there first. I miss them. He paid for the stones. Can we visit?"

Slade nodded, "Alright, how about something like this?" Slade pulled a sweatshirt off a rack. It was hoodie with a giant red bird out sread on it, "Or that other sweatshirt."

"But that's a lot of money."

"How about I tell you a secret." Slade leaned into Dick ear like it was top secret, "It's not going to effect anything. You can go out and buy a motorbike and I probably won't even notice."

Dick grinned, "Can I get a motorbike like big brothers, Joey and Grant?"

"When you turn thirteen."

Dick nodded looking at the two sweat shirts, "I can have both?"

Slade nodded, "Yup."

Dick grinned grabbing the two fabrics, bundling them in their arms. He trotted off looking at other stuff. Wintergreen chuckled and Slade smiled softly. Following along.

To both men's shock and amusement, they got all the clothes Dick needed all in that one shop. It was so much that they went back to the car before entering once again. Doctor Tompkins had recommended a stuffed animal. Dick was back on Slade's shoulders looking around with wonder.