It wasn't the first time that Slade had threatened the people Dick cared about; usually, he had it handled. He and the mercenary had always had a grey relationship, never black and white, but it had never gone this far. When Slade threatens you, it gets a reaction out of Dick that he hadn't even expected. You were his youngest, most precious sibling, and he didn't dare let anything happen to you. When you'd been tossed into the room that Slade was keeping him in, all bloodied and bruised, Dick had been horrified. He didn't even have time to catch you, springing to his feet and kneeling by your side in a second.

"Baby bird, can you hear me?" He asks frantically, his voice clipped with concern as he gently, but shakily gets you onto your back, cradling your head on his lap. He takes one look at your face, and an audible gasp slips through his clenched teeth. His heart aches as he gently combs his fingers through your messy hair, making you moan in pain. Slade had done a number on you - no doubt to make Dick a little bit more cooperative. Utilising a very potent weakness of his, one he'd unknowingly given up. Dick settled himself against the wall, your head tucked into his lap as he assessed your injuries. He made sure none of your ribs were broken, and that you could breathe properly, deciding he would move you to the bed when he was certain you were lucid.

He's wracked with guilt. This is his fault, and it won't stop being his fault until he does what Slade wants. He'd do anything right now, anything to heal you, comfort you, get you back home safe.

"It's okay, I'm here," he murmurs softly in a painfully breathless voice. "He won't hurt you again. I promise, baby bird. I'll get you out of this, okay? Can you breathe alright?"