Chapter Text
There are not many things in this word Batman is scared of. Obviously there are bats but something Bruce never planned for was the fear of being a father.
The league were currently seated around a table in the watchtower to discuss possible candidates for new league members.
It was overall a boring session and quite unnecessary up until that point, he should have known better than to get comfortable.
From his right Superman stood up, a sheepish smile already playing across his face. Bruce stiffened slightly as Clark’s eyes shifted from his the away quickly. “I would like to nominate Nightwin-“
“No.” Every muscle in Batman had gone tense.
“Batman, I have not finished my nomination.” Clark huffed.
“Nightwing will not be joining the Justice League." He made sure his voice was firm, Bruce only hoped his son would forgive him. If there were something in this world that would raise his blood pressure more than existing near Hal Jordan it was his son facing world ending level threats.
“Batman,” Diana leaned forward placing a hand on her friend's shoulder, “it is only fair each member gets a nomination, the least we can do is hear Superman out.” Her eyes were soft, knowing his plight. The only two people in the room currently who knew of the existence of his children were his best friends, and both were currently betraying him.
“I have seen him in combat for multiple years.” Clark continued much to Bruce’s chagrin. “As leader of the titans Nightwing has proven himself as a sufficient fighter and teammate.”
From further down the table cyborg raised his hand. Dianna nodded for him to speak. “As a member of the titans myself I can personally vouch for Nightwing. We picked him as leader for a reason, he had had multiple years of experience as a vigilante even before the teen titans were formed. He fought for many years in-“ Batman shot him a glare seeped in ice. Cyborg coughed to cover up his mistake. “I mean he's fought for years and is a very good teammate.”
The identity close call aside pride settled over Bruce as Cyborg spoke. His son was very accomplished and Bruce knew he was an amazing vigilante that would someday surpass him if he hadn’t already, but that didn’t stop Bruce’s worry. He did not want his son in the league, but he could not veto the idea on his vote alone based on his own rules.
Bruce sighed heavily, many of the league members watched in awe of Batman's moment of apparent display of emotion. “I do not say Nightwing is not proficient. He is an amazing vigilante who will go far, but I do not believe he will be suited for this team, it is too formal for his attitudes.” It was Bruce's final attempt at an argument, but it didn’t seem to work instead doing the opposite.
A devious grin spread across Hal Jordan’s face. “Well I personally would love to meet this amazing vigilante, especially if he does not have a formal attitude, this teams no fun. And any person who annoys Spooky is certainly a friend of mine." It was said with such wrongly placed conviction that Batman couldn’t help but smirk ever so slightly, just a lift of a lip.
Half the league was opening, staring at Batman, first he complimented this unknown vigilante calling him amazing and now he was smiling (kinda it’s barely there but the most barely there smile anyone there had ever seen).
With a sigh Batman scanned the table. “All those in favour of Nightwing joining the league?" Nearly everyone except Batman and Aquaman raised their hand. “I do not reside on land so know nothing of this vigilante I shall not vote in this meeting.” Clark nodded to Aquaman in assent.
“All those against.” Batman’s hand alone rose much to his own annoyance. “Fine, a meeting and trial period will be set up for Nightwing. I will facilitate this as bludhaven is connected to Gotham.”
Hal opened his mouth, always an annoying trait. “I thought you hated the guy.”
“No. I do not hate the guy, and last time I checked he has similar rules to me when referring to people entering his city. I have worked with him before, therefore I will inform him of this new development."
“I shall accompany you B, and I believe policy requires 3, at least one not from the trinity so Flash should accompany us.” Superman placed a consoling hand on his friend's other shoulder, nodding to Flash who returned the acknowledgement.
Shoulders still stiff Batman looked down at the meeting list. “I believe Wonderwoman has someone to nominate, then Flash to finish.” Batman nodded at Wonderowman.
Smiling Diana stood up to face the group. From there Wonderwoman nominated Donna Troy/ Troia and Flash nominated Kid FLash/ Wally West. Most of the nominations included sidekicks or previous prodigy but Bruce barely listened to any of it, distracted. A part of him wanted to outright tell Dick no. But if one thing would make Dick Grayson want to do something it was telling him he could not do it. That’s how the first chandelier got broken if Bruce's memory served correct.
Once flash finished Batman finally stood up, shoulders still tense. “Meeting adjourned.”
Everyone started to move, breaking off into their groups, the trinity started to walk together towards the zeta tubes. “He is ready B.” Superman was smiling at Bruce, voice low. Bruce did not return the smile.
“I have to agree with Clark, Nightwing is a formidable warrior, he will make a fine contribution to the team. It is also probably not fair B to let others join and not hi-”
“It is probably wisest to go now Superman.” Bruce interrupted voice tight, both his friends' smiles dropped.
From the other end of the hallway they could hear a goodbye and in a flash (sorry bad pun) the flash appeared. “Are we heading out now Supes?”
“Yes we are,” Batman replied for a frowning Superman, “but you must stick close, we will zeta to just outside of Bludhaven, it is not a favourable city.” Batman typed in the code which connected to the zeta outside of Blud and stepped into the zeta tube. The others followed and soon the group were being transported.
—————==-==--==—————
“Why would anyone live here?” Flash looked around, watching a rat run into the gutter from their roof vantage point. As the group made their way along the rooftops Flash was constantly seeing more and more reasons it was a horrible city. “Ugh it’s disgusting.” FLash stepped in a browny green poodle grimacing.
“The filth is the worst of this city's issue. The city is corrupt. If we are talking about the police force, Bludhaven is worse than Gotham.” Batman was scanning the skies for something, Flash could only assume the unknown bludhaven vigilante.
“How can anything be worse than Gotham?” Flash’s gaze travelled along the skyline they were traversing. It was fine for Batman and Superman to run across roofs. Batman lived in the ‘shadow’, basically a living gargoyle and Superman could fly, it was downright unfair. Running along rooftops was not flash’s style, he much preferred straight and open cities. They had stopped and now waited for something? They were on a random roof in the middle of a corrupt and dirty city that didn’t look like it wanted to be saved. “Also how can somewhere be more corrupt than Gotham, isn't that city have the highest mafia rates or something?”
“Hmmmm, well for one we don’t have a commissioner Gordon.” A young male voice echoed from above them, a dark form ‘flying’ from the roof next to them, doing a few flips then landing on their feet. “But don't worry, not all cops are corrupted, only like 95% of them are.” Flash jumped in surprise, quickly moving into a defensive position.
Batman took a step forward towards the unknown figure. “No, not all are but the problem is bad you must admit.”
“At least we don’t have any crazy ass supervillain B.” Batman grunted as a young man with brown curly hair wearing a tight black sight stepped into the light. A bright blue bird run from his chest along his arms.
Superman's face broke out into a soft smile. “Wing, how are you?” Superman stepped forward and gave Nightwings shoulder a squeeze.
“I'm good supes, how’s the kids?”
“They're good, but as you might notice we are not here on a social visit.”
“Yeah I figured,” hummed nightwing looking over to Flash who was watching the exchange suspiciously, “it’s not a personal visit.” Nightwings eyes then flicked to B, and a slight frown played across the hero's cheery face as he studied the older man.
“Nightwing, we would like to invite you to join the justice league. You would start with a 2 month trial where your status would be as a temporary member.”
“How many people voted against it?” The smile grew even sharper and Superman looked between Batman and Nightwing awkwardly.
“Um one.” Superman looked to B, Nightwing suspicions confirmed.
“B, are you kidding me.”
“You are only human.”
The younger man put his hands on his hips, giving an unimpressed look. “You are paranoid old man, also I’d like to point out that you are also only human.”
“Yes but you are young.”
Nightwing hummed in mock thought. “If I remember correctly, and you know I do, you were my age when you created the league."
“That-“
“And.” Nightwing continued over Batman. “I have had a lot more experience than you did at that age.”
The two men were both glaring at each other now and Superman stepped between them hands out in a calming gesture.
“Batman, Nightwing is old enough to make his own decision, you know this, he runs his own city now.”
“Yeah old man.” Nightwing smiled at Superman who returned the look with a disapproving frown.
“And Nightwing, please be respectful to Batman.”
Nightwings smile dropped “Fine.” Both men growled.
Shifting around awkwardly, flash raised his hand. 3 sets of eyes landed on him. “Well-if-we-are-finished-then-can-we-leave? I’m-pretty-sure-if-I-stay-here-I’m-going-to-be-eaten- by-a-rat-or-murdered.”
Nightwing chuckled. “More likely to get shot by police here Flash. I have to go anyway double r want’s an assist, tell KF I said hi.”
“Double r? Wait KF? You know Kid Flash.”
Nightwing looked at him like he was stupid. “I am the head of the titans, he is also a titan, tell him I said hi. Also B, don’t you dare follow me. I will know and I will tell agent A about that stab wound if you follow me.”
With that nightwing grappled away, adding a flip at the end just because.
“Funny guy, who’s double r and agent A?”
“Doesn’t matter.” Sighed Batman, pinching his brow. “I assume you can make your own way home?” When both men nodded Bruce sighed, summoning the spare Batmobile he kept in Blud and returned home.
—————==-==--==—————
Dick knew Bruce would be in a mood, that’s why Dick wanted to go out of his way to be inconvenient. Nightwing stepped out of the zeta tube. He waited a few moments and seconds later Wally and Donna stepped through.
Looking at the grin on her friend's face Donna frowned. “Stop smiling like that.”
“Like what?”
“Like you're going to be a little shit for the sake of it.”
Nightwing clutched his chest in mock outrage. “Me being a shit for the sake of it? Nooooo me never.” Donna watched his display unimpressed. “Just leave me out of big trouble boy wonder.”
Seconds after Flash appeared in the zeta and walked causally over. “So are you guys ready?”
“YesUncleBar- Imeanflash.” All 3 people rolled their eyes at Wally’s fumble. “So-yeah-I-think-today-is-gonna-be-amazing-and-it-is-so-exciting-”
Nightwing rested his hand on his friend's shoulder. “Wow, KF take a breath, slow down.”
Kid Flash grinned sheepishly at him taking an exaggerated breath. “Sorry Rob.”
Flash perked up. “Wait your Rob? Why Rob, is-that-your-real-name?” Nightwing sighed. Apparently speed talking was a family trait, but he was used to it so oh well. Perks of having your best friend being a speedster and you having ADHD is both your brains run at about the same speed. The zeta tube dinged a fourth time this time Diana walked through.
“No Flash, my name is not Rob it’s just a nickname. You know, being a hero for so long I wasn't always nightwing.” Flash stared at him blankly. “it’s just a reference to my old hero name.”
“Which is…?”
“Can’t tell you old man.” Nightwing laughed, turning to Diana, returning the nod she shot at him. “Wonderwoman, hey.”
Smiling Diana walked over, pride washing across her face as she walked over to these young warriors. “Hello Nightwing, Troia, Kidflash. Welcome to the watchtower, let’s head to the meeting room. Your first meeting should be starting soon.”
The group started to head through the watchtower, Wally and Donna looked around amazed, but Nightwing didn’t seem to be as dazzled as the others. He walked beside Wonderwoman holding a steady quiet conversation that flash couldn’t overhear. It seemed odd, even though Batman tried to block Nightwings entry the man also vouched for the young hero. Now Nightwing was chatting with one of the trinity as if he had known her his whole life.
Barry leaned over to his nephew. “So what's the deal with your friend? Is he any good?”
Wally chuckled, smiling at his uncle. “Yeah he’s good. I'd argue he’s the best of us, I’d say I don’t know why he didn’t join the league earlier but I do know sooooo.”
“Why?”
Wally grinned up at his uncle. “Oh sadly Uncle B that’s not my secret to tell.”
Barry huffed as he entered the meeting room and headed over to sit next to Green Lantern.
As Nightwing entered the room he immediately noticed the lack of brooding. Bruce hadn’t arrived as expected. The man prized himself on punctuality and that many arriving on time fully prepared not before to get prepared. It was perfect.
Both Wally and Donna broke off to go sit at the end of the table with Cyborg. He turned on his heel and started following Diana to the head of the table. As his friend stalked away Wally sent him an amused smile and Donna shot him an exasperated expression. Nightwing returned their expression with his classic shit eating grin. He turned fully around and headed towards the only empty seat at the front of the table. As he walked over Superman gave him an amused look. “Nightwing.”
Nightwing waved as he slumped into Batman’s seat, every league member having gone silent to watch him. “Supes, how are ya.” Nightwing leaned back into the seat, spinning it to face Superman.
Superman chuckled. “Im good Wing, good luck with that.”
“Thanks.” Nightwing replied cheerily.
“Are you stupid?” Green lantern squinted at Nightwing. “Thats spookies seat.”
“I know.” Nightwing replied cheerily.
“Im sorry you know?” Green Arrow piped up. “Kid it might be smart to move before the big Bat gets here.”
“As I said, I'm good.” Nightwing started to twirl himself on the seat.
“Is it normal for this man to want to die? Dude I guess this is your funeral.” Everyone slowly returned to their private conversations, the mood much more tense than before, each waiting with bated breath for Batman to join them.
The door clicked and Batman entered the room falling deadly silent. The man in question stopped dead when he saw the intruder. The two men looked at each other, Nightwing wearing his shit eating grin. Batman sighed heavily making Nightwings grin wider “Hey B.”
Batman replied with a grunt as he walked over to Nightwing pulling the chair back from the table and moving to stand where the chair once was. He looked down at a paper in his hand. “First subject on the agenda today is-”
“I'm sorry that's all!” Spluttered Green Lantern standing up looking between Batman and Nightwing who was still spinning on the chair slowly behind Batman.
Batman glanced up at Green Lantern raising his eyebrow. “Do you have something to say?”
“He’s in your seat.” Hal implored to Batman, who only continued to look at him unimpressed.
“And?”
“Last week you gave us all an hour-long lecture on proper seating protocol because I accidentally sat in your chair because I was talking with Flash!” Batman glanced back down at Nightwing who gave him a shrug.
“I think you’re overreacting Lantern.” Nightwing hummed, enjoying the outraged look on the man's face. If there was something more fun for a bird than annoying the Bat it was annoying Hal Jordan.
From next to Batman Superman looked like he was trying and failing to hide a smile of amusement.
“Green Lantern that is enough, we have a busy schedule today.”
Flash reached up grabbing his best friend's arm pulling him back into his seat. “I just don't get it, who is this kid?”
“I don't know, but now isn't the time.” FLash hissed back, leaning into his seat.
“Like they know each other or something.”
“I don't know but Wally knows who he is.”
“I'm sorry what.” Lantern stopped staring at Nightwing to look at Kid Flash down the table.
“I wonder if he KNOWS who they are.”
“I don't know he calls him Rob, maybe it's a clue?” From the front of the table Batman shot them a glare and they shut up. For now they wouldn’t say anything but neither would forget this odd experience.