Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Mockingbird trudged through the Batcave, her boots echoing off the stone walls. She was still getting used to being one of the "youngest" again, now that Bluebird had officially joined the ranks of the adults. It wasn't fair, really – Mockingbird was almost 150 years old. In every other species she'd studied, that was old, but in theirs? That was still considered barely out of diapers. She felt bad for Robin. He was only 80. Still very young. HE was a real baby. 

As she approached the common area, she could hear the murmur of voices discussing Father's latest mission. She rolled her eyes – of course, he was going to keep working with the Justice League, even though he was...well, in his condition. Auntie Batwoman and Nightwing were going with him, which made Mockingbird feel a little better, but she knew Hood and Uncle Batwing were still sulking about being left behind.

Mockingbird didn't really care about the mission, though. She was more worried about the new addition to the family that was coming soon. Father was always getting pregnant, and it was getting ridiculous. She was the second youngest of 11. Why did Father have to keep having children? He had more than enough. It was like he was trying to populate a small army. Mockingbird loved her siblings, of course, but sometimes she wished Father would just...stop. For a little while, at least. He was almost a thousand years old; he was getting too old to have kids. Look, she understood that their species was repopulating, but he wasn't the only one who could have kids. Auntie had one but claimed she was never having another, and Uncle had one and had said he MIGHT have another. Nightwing, Orphan, and Hood were all old enough to have kids. He didn't need to repopulate their entire species by himself.

As she entered the common area, Mockingbird spotted Father sitting on the couch, his eyes fixed on some holographic display. His wings, though majestic, looked a bit worn, and his skin had a faintly translucent quality. She couldn't help but think that he was pushing himself too hard. He was getting old. Grandpa had stopped having kids at 800 and Auntie had Flame at 500.

As she approached Father, he sensed her presence and turned, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of warmth and fatigue. "Ah, Mockingbird! Come to join the discussion?"

Mockingbird flopped down beside him, her long, blood-red hair spilling across the couch. "Not really. I'm more concerned about the new...addition." She ignored the sharp look Red Raptor was sending her, he could SHOVE it.

Father's expression turned wistful, his gaze drifting to the holographic display, which showed a faint, pulsing light. "Ah, yes. The new little one. I know it's a lot to take in, but—"

"A lot to take in?" Mockingbird interrupted, her voice laced with exasperation. "You're almost a thousand years old, Father! You have 11 children! Can't someone else take over the whole 'repopulating our species' thing for a while?"

Father chuckled, his wings rustling softly. "I know it seems that way, but...well, you know how our biology works. I'm still capable, and it's not just about numbers. Each child brings new possibilities, new strengths—"

"And new weaknesses," Mockingbird added, her eyes narrowing. "And what about Auntie Batwoman's concerns about the Justice League finding out? You're not exactly...subtle, Father. Think about what happened last time someone else knew about our species. And what about your health?"

Father's smile faltered, and for a moment, Mockingbird saw a glimmer of the weight he carried. But then, his expression smoothed, and he placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I'll be fine, Mockingbird. I promise. And as for the Justice League...let's just say I have a plan." That... was not reassuring. 

Chapter Text

Nightwing was grumpy. Green Lantern, Green Arrow, and The Flash had just asked him and Auntie to get a drink with them. Not that he was allowed to drink. He had to settle for soda. Soda! He was over 400 years old, and had to drink SODA. Then Green Lantern asked the most unexpected question: "So, I hope you don't mind me asking?" He said, "But what exactly is going on between you and Batman?"

Nightwing choked on his drink and began to laugh. What was going on between them and B? B was his dad. There wasn't much going on. Auntie looked at Nightwing, "Get your head out of the gutter, kid," she smirked, turning to him, "To answer your question, there really isn't that much going on."

"What!" Flash said, "Come on, you two are like the only people that Bats actually likes. There's obviously something you're doing right. What's the secret?"

Nightwing laughed, "There really isn't a secret, guys."

"Oh, don't give me that. You became Batman's friends; that's something that happened only once in a blue moon or something," Green Arrow said. Friends? They were not friends. They were family! How dare Lantern... 

"Friends?" He scoffed.

"What?" Flash said, concerned, "What's wrong."

"Me just a friend. Us just being his friends. Gosh, B never tells you guys anything, does he?" Nightwing said, "We're not friends; we're family. Batman is my father." He ignored the sharp look Auntie was giving him.

"How?!" Green Lantern demanded. Nightwing choked again. How? He hoped Lantern wasn't asking what he thought he was.  His people might not need sex, but that didn't mean he didn't know how it worked.

Green Arrow snorted, "Didn't you go to middle school, Lantern? The answer is quite simple, even if a little unbelievable; Batman has more game than we realized. I mean, just look at-" he raised a hand and gestured at Auntie, and Nightwing choked. Gross. Auntie BW, and Dad? No. Gross! "Or not?" Green Arrow said.

"No," she said, firmly shaking her head, "Nightwing is my nephew, and Batman is my older brother."

"If not you, then who-?" Flash said.

Auntie was beginning to look both nauseated and irritated. Nightwing felt for her. "Look, I don't know what or who my brother does in his free time, nor do I want to know. Besides, Nightwing doesn't have a mother anyway."

"The only way such an offspring was made was with an even happier-than-a-kid-on-a-sugar-high mother to counteract the broody genes." Green Lantern muttered. Nightwing snickered. If Lantern thought HE was crazy, he should meet Spoiler. 

"Yeah, we were all shocked too," Auntie said.

"OH. Did I say that out loud?" Lantern gasped, his face turning red. Humans called that blushing? Right? 

"Yep!" Nightwing chirped.

"Listen," Auntie started looking pained, "I understand that you're looking at this from a human point of view, and that it's going to be super weird, but..."

"B had me all on his own," Nightwing finished. He was shocked she was doing it, but he was happy to join her. 

"Human point of view?" Flash said.

"Oh, Dad didn't tell you that either..." Nightwing said, taking a sip of his soda. Of course, he hadn't. Dad never told anyone anything. 

"Wait, are you guys not human?" Green Arrow said.

Nightwing made a few shrug-like gestures, "Well...not anymore..."

"Sit back, kid, I'll fix your father's mistakes." Auntie said. "Listen, I'll explain this once and only once, mostly because no one is supposed to know, and it's a pretty touchy subject even in the family, but me, Nightwing, B, and the rest of our family are not human."

"We are...well, I guess the closest translation in your mortal tongue is Gotham-Born-Bat-Demon?" Nightwing said, his gaze flicked to Auntie, who shrugged, like she didn't have a better word for him. It was a good description.

"You're demons?" Flash said, the white eyes of his suit getting bigger.

"Well, in loose terms," Auntie said, "In technical terms, we're reborn human souls who were wrongfully killed as children."

"What?" Flash said, "Wait, so you died?"

"Yeah," Nightwing said, "I don't really remember what exactly happened. But we think it was some kind of skeletal/muscular injury or accident, because I'm so bendy, and I remember something snapping before I woke up in Dad's arms."

"Wait, wait, wait, wait," Green Lantern interjected, "You woke up in Batman's arms?"

"Yeah? Is that weird?" Nightwing looked towards his aunt, "I thought humans promoted physical contact with their offspring right after birth to seal their bonding."

"Don't look at me, kid; I haven't been human for centuries," Auntie pointed out.

"Are you saying?" Flash said slowly, "that Batman gave…birth…to you?"

"The correct term would be rebirth, and yes?" Nightwing said, "I just told you; he is my dad."

"What type of kinky shit…" Green Arrow began. 

"ONCE MORE!" Auntie cut in, "I do not know, nor do I want to know. But I need to clarify that rebirth, unlike human reproduction, is not sexual. There's no partner or hanky-panky needed." She looked disgusted as she said this. 

"Then how…?" Hal said.

"The basics are that we can absorb pieces of a broken soul, or a murdered child's lifeforce, into our own bodies and pretty much slowly rebuild them until they're stable enough to roam around in their own form." She said crisply. Nightwing glanced at her. She was revealing a LOT.

"So, wait, you guys get pregnant by absorbing scorned children's souls, growing them inside of you, and then…giving birth to them?" Flash said.

"Yeah, that's the long and short of it," Nightwing said.

"Yep, and it's all completely asexual. Good thing too; our kind would've gone extinct centuries ago if we had to rely on partners to have babies," Auntie said. She shared a look with Nightwing. They had almost gone extinct, but Arrow, Lantern, and THIS Flash didn't need to know that (though he wouldn't mind telling Wally). 

"And you were born like this?" Hal said, pointing at Nightwing.

"Actually, Nightwing was kind of a surprise, you could say," Auntie said.

"Surprise?" Green Arrow said, choking on his beer.

"Yep, you see, I was Dad's first, and he didn't really know what he was doing," Nightwing said, rubbing the back of his neck.

"And it ended with my darling brother waking up the entire cave at 3:00 pm because, hey, guess what! Rebirth emergence hurts. Doesn't matter if you didn't know you were going to have it!" Auntie said and took another sip of her wine.

"Wait, Batman didn't know about you?" Flash said.

"Not until our equivalent of labor started," Nightwing said.

"And his screaming. Gosh, I can still hear it sometimes," Auntie said.

"Screaming?" Arrow said, a worried expression on his face.

"Oh, well, our own bodies have to split apart in order for the Batling to detach after all," Auntie said. Her face looked pained, and Nightwing knew she was remembering Flamebird's birth. 

"Very painful, so I've heard," Nightwing said.

"So, you've heard? Kid, don't pretend that you weren't listening in when your siblings were born," Auntie said.

"It was kinda hard not to, Auntie," Nightwing pointed out, ignoring the gasp from the others. Arrow fainted. 

Chapter Text

2:52 PM

Flash made a group chat.

Flash changed chat’s title to Concerned friends of the Bats Chat

Flash added Green Lantern (GL), Green Arrow (GA), Martian Manhunter (MM), Superman, Wonder Woman (WW), Aquaman, Black Canary (BC), Supergirl, Captian Marvel (CM), and Flash II to the chat.

Flash II changed his name to The Better Flash

Flash changed the Better Flash's name to Flash II

Flash: OkaysoI’mnottheonlyonewhonoticedBatshasbeenweirdlatelyright?

GL: Nope

Superman: no

GA: not the only one

MM: his behavior is out of his normal habits

CM: Dude, you have a space bar!

Aquaman: All I have noticed is that he’s more tired then usual, which in our line of work isn’t that odd.

BC: Let me remind you that most of our meetings are in the daytime, and his family has admitted to them usually being nocturnal??

WW: Canary is correct, as usual. 

Flash: Okay a fair point but why would it just start efectin him now? Hesbeenwiththeleagueforyears.

WW: Changes in his personal life maybe?

MM: I do not believe it is our place to pry.
CM: You don't dig around for my SI. Also, again. YOU HAVE A SPACE BAR. 
Flash II: Yeah cause you're you.
Flash: I think it is after I caught him napping in the lounge!!!

GA: What?!
Supergirl: No way

GL: Batman taking a nap!?!?!
CM: PROOF. PLEASE.
BC: Everyone gets tired sometimes.
Flash: Uploaded Image NW was cuddled up next to him and everything…

WW: Alright that is out of the ordinary.
Flash II: That's creepy. I've never seen NW like that, and I'm his best friend. 

Superman: Nightwing is Batman’s kid, that part isn’t that weird.

GL: STILL!!!!!

GA: Yeah, I still can’t see him actually relaxing enough to nap

Supergirl: The evidence is right infront of u

GA: I still don’t belive it
Aquaman: Denial is a poor way to live my friend.

Superman: Actually, now that you mention it, I’ve noticed some things too…

GL: what?

Flash: don’t leave use hanging supes! feed us!

Superman: Well, okay…Batman has stopped drinking coffee for the past couple weeks…

GL: what has he been putting in his mug then?

Superman is typing.... 

Supergirl: Herbal teas from what I can tell.

Supergirl: Take that, Kal. Still faster!

GA: what type of teas?

Superman: peppermint mostly? 

Flash: don’t people drink those to help with nausea?

WW: Some people do other’s use it for headaches.

GL: So, am I not the only one who’s noticed him zoning out in meeting, right?

Aquaman: does it happen before Nightwing or Batwoman tap him on his shoulder?

Flash: Yes
Flash II: Usally NW though.
Flash: Why do you pay so much attention to NW? 
Flash II: None of your business, Uncle Barry. 
Flash reacted ಠ_ಠ to the above message

MM: So, currently we believe that Batman is suffering from, lack of focus, exhaustion, and the possibility of either or both, headaches and nausea.

GL: you think he’s sick?

MM: From what I am understanding of the conversation, we have simply been naming symptoms to explain Batman’s unusual behavior. I thought were all underneath this impression.

GA: that’s stupid. if he was sick, why wouldn’t he have told us? Why is we even working on the watchtower to begin with?

WW: Batman is a very private person. It has taken years for him to even introduce us to his sister and son. I think that if he was unwell, it wouldn’t be something he would tell us.

GA: Okay but if he was sick why is he still here working?

BC: Uhm…established workaholic?

Superman: this would explain why Batwoman and Nightwing have been so protective as of late.

Flash: You think they are waiting for him to like keel over or something?

Flash II: It's Batman.

Aquaman: I tire of all this speculation

BC: Agreed, if we want real answers, we need to confront Batman, not talk behind his back.

Flash: Okay, Supes you go talk to him

Superman: What? why me?

Flash: Batman finds you more tolerable, and you like asking questions. your like a reporter, you want to know all the details
Flash II: He is a reporter.
Superman: yeah…

Flash: So you’re the best candidate to talk to him
CM: I'm not doing it.

Superman: Fine, fine, I’ll talk to him…

Chapter Text

Clark honestly felt kind of silly, as he peered into the lounge from his place just to the side of the door and behind the threshold of the room. For a guy who could literally reverse the earth's spin, he felt pretty powerless right now. Something could be going on with his friend, or someone he saw as a friend, and he didn’t know what to do or how to help. Most people he would feel comfortable with just asking…but this was Batman.

Batman was a special story. Despite knowing each other for years, Clark knew very little about the dark knight. Personally at least. He knew Batman had a sister and a son but that was about it. Professionally however, Clark knew a lot. Batman was always prepared, always ready, always adapting. If they needed a plan, it was Batman the league turned too. He was someone they could always lean on. Clark had thought that this knowledge went both ways. He believed that Batman would lean on them too if needed. Perhaps he was wrong. Still if something was wrong Clark wanted to know, if only to offer help and clarify that Batman has the league’s support.

Clark took a deep breath and stepped into the room. Batman was currently working on something with a portable laptop, sitting at one of the tables. Nightwing was nearby, laying on one of the sofas laughing at something on his phone (Why were they so familiar with tech? Had they just... been using phones since they were first created?!). Batwoman wasn’t present, but Clark had noticed that they weren't always both here.

The father and son kept whistling and chirping at each other. Like they were having a conversation. Which they probably were, but the language was one that Clark didn’t know. He had never even heard Batman use it until Nightwing and Batwoman became a constant presence at the Watchtower. For a moment Clark wondered if this was their native tongue, and Batman had spoke nothing but it since his rebirth until he started interacting with humans. The chirping stopped, and father and son turned to look at the new arrival.

“Superman,” Batman said, “Is something wrong?”

“No!” Clark cleared his throat, “uhm no. I uh…”

Batman’s whited out gaze started at Clark flatly (Nightwing, Batman, and Batwoman, had similar eyes…was it a genetic thing? Something all their species had?).

“Everything is fine!” Clark managed to spit out, ““W-what I mean to say is I’m not here to ask you for something." 

“Alright?” Batman said, sharing a confused glance with Nightwing. Nightwing stared at him suspiciously, then did something on his phone.

“Okay, Uhm…” Clark’s mouth suddenly felt really dry, “is something…is everything okay with you?”

“Me?” Batman said.

“Well, the others have been noticing things that are a little…concerning and we…Are you okay?” Clark said.

Batman opened his mouth, but Nightwing cut him off.

“No, he’s not…” Nightwing said in a sing-song tone.

“Nightwing…” Batman said the tone, that tone only an exhausted parent could conjure. Clark had plenty experience on both ends of it.

“And you want to know why? Because he’s working too hard!” Nightwing said. He sounded gleeful. No, worse. He sounded like KARA whenever Clark had been exposed to Kyrptonite. 

“Nightwing.” Batman sighed.

“There’s a reason that me and Aunt BW follow you and it’s to make sure you don’t overdo it!”

“Nightwing.”

“Even Grandpa is worried.”

“Nightwing!” Batman finally raised his voice, “I understand the reasoning behind all of the caution and concern surrounding me as of late, but I swear to the Ancient Wings if you don’t let me speak, I might lose it.”

Nightwing looked to the side, body tense. 

Batman sighed, and pinched the bridge of his nose, “Listen, I know this is stressful, especially for your grandfather, but this isn’t anything that we haven’t face before. I’ve done this 10 times. I’m going to be alright.”

Oh, God. Green Lantern was right. Batman was sick. Clark felt his own heartrate sky rocket. How long had this been going on? How bad was it? If it was making Nightwing worry for his father, one of the mentally strongest people Clark had ever met it must have been bad. Really bad.

“Superman?” Batman said.

Clark snapped back into the present, “huh?”

“I asked if you were alright,” Batman said flatly, “you’ve gone pale.”

“I should be asking you that!” Clark nearly shouted, “How long have you been sick?! Why are you still here in the Tower. You should be at home getting better! Spending time with your family! Is there anything we can do? Is there a cure we can fetch or some treatment the med-bay can offer?”

Batman huffed, “Superman. I believe you are mistaken. I am not ill.”

“Then what was the talk about a stressful situation, your dad being worried about you?” Clark said.

Batman made a chirp noise to Nightwing, who returned it with something like a growl, only for Batman to give a much louder and deeper growl. The dark knight stood up, nodding his head to the side. Nightwing sighed, got up from the sofa and left the room, taking his phone with him. Batman growled, and a second later the phone flew back in the room and hit Batman in the head. 

“I’ll explain this only once, and please do not probe. You will not like the details,” Batman said.

Clark nodded.

“How much about our kind have my son and sister told you?”

“Not much, but that you aren’t human and are very private,” Clark rubbed the back of his neck.

“Have they cover the subject of reproduction?”

“Well, yeah, I mean I wasn’t in the room and I learned about it from Flash.”

“What did Flash tell you about it?”

“That it some how revives kids who were unjustly killed, it’s and asexual process and it doesn’t matter if your female or male…” Clark trailed off, the exhaustion, the not drinking coffee, the zoning out, the tea that helped with nausea, “Oh…oh…You mean…you’re…”

Batman pulled out the chair next his, “Sit down, you looked you’re about to faint,” he said before taking a seat himself.

“That’s your job now isn’t it, huh?” Clark said, but did as he was told. His limbs felt shaky, and oddly numb. Was this what shock felt like? He felt shocked. This was almost more shocking then when he learned Lois was pregnant.

“Deep breaths,” Batman said.

Clark did, and after a few moments the world stopped spinning.

“Are you alright?” Batman said.

“Once more I should be asking you that? So, you’re really…pregnant?” Clark said.

“As much as I can be,” Batman said, “And before you do. Don’t try and listen for a heartbeat. You won’t find one.”

Clark nodded. He hadn’t even thought about doing that, but he definitely wouldn’t now. It made sense, after all. Batman didn't have a heartbeat. 

“So, you’re not dying or sick?”

“No,” Batman paused, “You have questions.”

“You told me not to pry.”

“I know you have a natural, curiosity for things Superman, this is the only chance you are going to get, and I will be denying some answers so you keep your sanity.”

Clark nodded, “Uhm, you mentioned something going on with your dad, is everything okay?”

“My father is always worried whenever a new Batling is set to be reborn. It understandable given his history, but it can be smothering at times, especially when it bleeds into my own offspring.”

“His history?”

Batman sighed, “My kind are endangered Superman. Once a very long time ago my father believed he’d be the last of them to ever live. Until he managed to find a safe place to build our colony.”

Clark froze. Batman’s species was endangered. His colony was the last of its kind. Batman’s father was once the last of his kind. Like Clark had been until Kara, Kon, and Jon came along…Batwoman and Nightwing’s behavior suddenly made a whole lot more sense. This wasn’t just family members worried about the health of another, this was a matter of survival. No wonder they were so protective. Every child of their kind was immensely precious; one step further away from a deadly close extinction.

“I understand,” Clark said, “So, how are you feeling?”

“The exhaustion is hard to deal with, but it’s nothing I haven’t faced before,” Batman said.

Right. Right. This is at least his second pregnancy, Clark reminded himself.

“Well, is there anything we can do to make it easier on you?” Clark said, “Like are their things that you should be avoiding? Do you need to take a leave of absence from the League?”

Batman held up a hand, “Currently my symptoms are not severe enough for me to take a leave, nor am I far enough along to warrant that. I know my limits and I’d like that to be respected.”

His friend’s tone was so flat, it almost seemed like it had been rehearsed so many times that even Batman was tired of saying it.

“Your Family, doesn’t like that you’re working up here huh?” Clark said.

“If my family had their way, I wouldn’t leave my nest room, much less the cave, until after delivery.”

Clark snorted, “They’re very protective then?”

Chapter Text

CONCERNED FRIENDS OF THE BAT CHAT

2:56 PM

Flash: Supes
Flash: Supes
Flash: Supes
Flash: Supes
Flash: Supes
Flash: Supes
Flash: Supes
Flash II: Uncle Barry please shut up!

GA: Stop spamming the chat

Flash: SorryIcan'thelpit!It’sbeen20minutessincesupeswenttotalktobats
WW: then the issue with batman was far more complex they we thought. Be patient flash, its better we get the full story, rather then have more assumptions.
BC: here here

CM: Are you really just going to ignore your space bar? 

Superman: Okay I’m back
Flash: Well!!! what is it! tell me!!! 
Flash II: He meant tell us.

Aquaman: What is troubling our dark ally?

GL: is he sick/dying?

Superman: No. on both accounts he isn’t sick or dying
Superman: Actually its kinda the opposite.

GA: What’s that suppose to mean?

Superman: Well, you see Batman is kinda…expecting…

Flash: WHAT?!?!?!
Flash II: Wing didn't tell me?! I thought we were close!
GL: No way….
GA: ?????
MM: Expecting what?

WW: he’s having a baby J’onn

MM: well, then my deepest congratulations.

Aquaman: Wait are we sure? Isn’t he a male?
Flash: I told you, gender has no part of it, at least according to Batwoman. 

GL: Wait wait wait are u telling me that the scariest man on the planet is currently growing baby?
Superman: Yes
GL: Should I feel bad for the kid or…
Supergirl: Shut up Lantern, Batman’s a decent parent. Nightwing turned out fine
Flash II: If you say anything against him, I will come find you and pour ice cream down your shirt. 
GL: K fair point, no need to get mad

Flash II retitled the chat Bouncing Baby Bat Support Chat!
Supergirl: Wha?
Flash II: We needed a better name.

Flash: Now that we know what's wrong we can help.

WW: Agreed. Does batman need to take time away from the league, or stop field work?

Superman: Actually, I think what he wants is for us to respect his boundaries and carry on as normal
Superman: Apparently he’s getting a lot of motherhenning back at home, and he just needs some normalcy at work. Batwoman and Nightwing joining him on the tower was a compromise.
GL: Batman getting motherhenned? Now I’ve heard everything.
Aquaman: I can understand some worry regarding a new coming offspring. I was certainly a mess when Mera was expecting, but the actions of Batman’s family seem a little over protective.
GA: Yeah is it like a high risk pregnancy?

Superman: I don’t think it is. There protectiveness is steaming more from the rarity of this.
MM: What does that imply? Has there been a lack of fertility amongst the demon race?
Superman: More like their kind are still recovering from a mass near extinction, so any new baby is something they want to protect.
Flash: MASSEXTINCIOTN!!!!
Flash II: Does NW tell me nothing?!
Supergirl: Wait what?
BC: I think Ollie just fainted.
GL: Spooky’s endangered?!

Superman: Alright alright, calm down. I don’t know all the details, but it was some kind of conflict with the Atlanteans and Amazons centruies ago, batman’s people was caught in the middle and it didn’t end well for them
WW: what?
Aquaman: I’ve never heard of such a conflict!
WW: Nor have I?
Superman: You probably wouldn’t have.
Superman: Batman’s father was the lone survivor made sure to cover his tracks to ensure his own and his family survival. He effectively erased any evidence that the conflict happened. They’ve been hiding out in Gotham ever since.
CM: Damn….
CM: I mean, shoot. Oops.
Flash: this isn’t type of gossip I like
Aquaman: Such a tragedy

WW: And we had no clue.
WW: I will still consult with mother. If there is record left of this slaughter, we have a lot to make up for.
Superman: While I think they would appreciate the thought, Diana, I think they just really want to keep this past buried. Some rumors about their true nature have already been spending around Gotham and the internet

MM: If privacy is what our friend desires, I vote we respect his boundaries and choices.
GL: About the baby or the sudden realization that the bat demons are like red pandas?
Superman: Both Hal.
Flash: does this mean we can’t plan him a baby shower?

Chapter Text

Barry tapped his fingers on the desk to the beat of John Williams' Star Wars Theme, accelerated to 500 times its normal speed. Monitor duty with Batman, the pregnant DUDE, felt awkward.

Since Batman's news broke, the atmosphere had been jubilant but strained. Barry recalled Coral, Jon, and his own twins; no one had known until after their birth. He hadn't shared until Iris recovered.
But Barry's mind wasn't on celebrations. He'd witnessed Iris's struggles firsthand – daily vomiting, exhaustion, and bizarre cravings (it was a good thing he had superspeed, because he had to go to Mexico for fresh watermelon a lot). The memory of her fainting spells still haunted him. Now, seeing Batman, he couldn't shake off concern. How was Batman coping? Did he have the same symptoms?

Barry's superspeed allowed him to support Iris, but Batman's Demon-like physiology was a mystery.

Barry glanced at Batman, searching for signs of distress. Nothing obvious, but that didn't reassure him. Demon-like biology was unfamiliar; he didn't know what to look for. Would he even show?

“Flash?” Batman's sudden voice made Barry jump.

“What?! Is something wrong?! Are you okay?! Do you need anything?!” Barry blurted, his anxiety spilling over.

“No... why are you yelling?” Batman asked, raising an eyebrow.

Barry composed himself, still worrying. “No reason.”

Batman continued, “I asked if you're done with the southern hemisphere and if you needed to write—” He paused, clearing his throat. “Excuse me.”

Barry's concern spiked. Was that a hint of nausea? “Do you need a bucket?”

Batman's confusion deepened. “What?”

Barry paced reflexively. “Or should I zip you to the restroom? No, superspeed would worsen it, like with Iris.” His mind racing, he wondered if Demon-like pregnancies differed from human ones.
Batman's growly sigh halted Barry mid-step.
“Just go write your report. I'll finish up.”

“But shouldn't I—”

“Go!” Batman ordered.

Barry sped out of the room and materialized beside Captain Marvel in the lounge.

“Is something wrong?” Captain Marvel asked, looking up from his phone. 

“Give Batman space; I think he's hormonal.” Barry squeaked.

Captain Marvel chuckled. "Thanks for the warning."

Chapter Text

Mockingbird sat at the batcomputer, eating cereal. Most of her family didn't like modern mortal foods, but she enjoyed them. Crow got them for her and Bluebird. She wasn't supposed to be eating at the batcomputer, but who was going to stop her? Albi was cleaning, Auntie, Father, and Nightwing were on the Watchtower, Uncle was helping Spoiler with something, and Hood wouldn't stop her. At least, she didn't think he would. 

The computer glowed green, and she hastily backed away. Mist burst out of it and solidified into her sister.

"You scared me, O," she informed Oracle, scowling. 

Oracle smirked. "Just doing my job."

"How long have you been in there?"

"Long enough," Oracle replied, stretching. "My muscles started to seize up."

Mockingbird sighed. She couldn't wait. See, she had no idea when she would become an adult. There was no set date; you became an adult when you got your power. Oracle had gotten hers remarkably early, at 123. Most members of their species gained their powers around 200. RR had gotten his at 299. She could technically become an adult any day now, but waiting was agonizing. She was almost 150.

She and Bluebird would often discuss their impending adulthood, but that was until Bluebird got her own powers. Bluebird's abilities shouldn't have been a surprise, given her fascination with electricity – it was how she met Crow, but that was a whole other story. Now, her hands were like tasers. With Bluebird's transformation, Mockingbird and Robin were the only remaining "kids."

Mockingbird raised an eyebrow. "You've been in there for a while. Anything exciting happening?"

Oracle smirked, her eyes glinting. "Just monitoring some suspicious activity near the docks. Nothing concrete yet."

Mockingbird's curiosity piqued, she leaned in. "Tell me more." She wasn't allowed to patrol, but she could still help!
As Oracle shared details, Mockingbird's mind began to wander. What was it like on patrol? 

Chapter Text

Diana's footsteps echoed through the dimly lit assembly hall, the soft click of her boots on the polished floor a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing within her. The scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted from the nearby break room, but even its familiar comfort couldn't ease the knot in her stomach.

She approached Batman, his figure silhouetted against the glow of the computer screens. His fingers danced across the keyboard with precision, the soft clacking a soothing melody amidst her chaotic thoughts.

"Batman?" Diana called out, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Yes, Wonder Woman?" He replied without looking up, his gaze fixed on the data streaming across the screens.

Diana's eyes lingered on his profile, the sharp jawline and angular features softened by the faint glow. She sensed a tension in his shoulders, a subtle tightness that betrayed his otherwise calm demeanor.

"How are you doing?" she asked, her concern genuine.

Batman's pause was almost imperceptible, but Diana caught the faint hesitation. He sighed, turning away from the screens, and faced her. "In what terms?" His tone was measured, but a hint of weariness seeped through. "I've been hearing that question a lot lately."

Diana's empathy flared, and she took a step closer. "Well, it was quite a shock to learn everything." Her voice was laced with understanding.

Batman's gaze locked onto hers, and for an instant, Diana saw the depth of his pain. The flicker of vulnerability was swiftly replaced by his trademark stoicism.

"I suppose it could be for people with different habits forming offspring. But for your information, I am actually doing quite well this time around." A hint of dry humor crept into his voice.

Diana's lips curved into a gentle smile. "This time around?"

Batman's expression turned wistful. "With Nightwing, even if I didn't know what was actually happening, I had dizzy spells throughout. Like I was tied to a trapeze." He chuckled low in his throat. "The others were worse."
Diana's laughter escaped, a warm, rich sound that filled the space between them. "Worse how?"

Batman's eyes crinkled at the corners. "My second-born was a wild one. Didn't make me dizzy, and we don't feel kicking like humans, but let's say the sensation was like that of being hit in the stomach with a tire iron."

The image was so vivid, so absurd, that Diana laughed again, the tension in her shoulders easing.

"You really care about them," she said, her voice filled with emotion.

Batman's expression softened, his eyes losing their sharpness. "I don't know where I would be without them. They keep me in check, remind me what we fight for in the first place. What we are protecting."

"Children are a blessing, aren't they?" Diana's words were barely above a whisper.

"Both blessing and curse at times," Batman replied, "but I wouldn't change a thing." His gaze refocused on Diana. "Now, what did you want to actually speak about?"

Diana's smile faltered, and she looked away, her thoughts gathering like storm clouds.

“You didn’t just come to talk to me about my children, something else is on your mind.” Batman's words cut through her hesitation. Oh, he just had to be psychic. Wait. Were their species phychic? She hoped not. 

"Well," Diana started, her voice tentative, "I suppose I just wanted to thank you, and apologize."

Batman's brow ridge rose. "Apologize?"

Diana's eyes met his, her emotions raw. "Considering the history between our two peoples, that I wasn’t aware of until recently, I desire to apologize on behalf…"

“Wonder Woman, stop.” Batman's voice was firm but gentle.

She froze, her words caught in her throat.

“The past doesn’t concern me. I’m more focused on what’s to come. You’ve fought by my side, and I know I can trust you. You don’t need to apologize for something you weren’t involved with. The same goes for Aquaman."

Diana felt a lump form in her throat as Batman's words washed over her. She nodded, her voice barely audible. "Thank you, my friend." 

Chapter Text

Mockingbird was trying to relax. She had every intention of unwinding, but her hands were burning with a strange, restless energy, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. Just as she was about to fall asleep, the loud sound of arguing interrupted her peace. The rock door to her cave slid open with an irritating screech, and in came Robin and Bluebird, followed by Spoiler, who shoved them both inside before slamming the door shut behind her.

“Seriously?!” Mockingbird groaned, rubbing her eyes and sitting up on her nest.

“Let me out!” Bluebird screeched, flapping her arms in frustration. “I’m old enough to help!”

“Sit down,” Spoiler said firmly, though with a hint of amusement, as she glanced at Mockingbird. Spoiler was the oldest in the room, and even though she had the same youthful energy as the others, there was an undeniable authority in her presence.

“What's going on?” Mockingbird grumbled, still not fully awake.

“Dad’s having the baby early,” Bluebird whined, pacing in agitation, “and no one will let me help!”

Spoiler rolled her eyes, crossing her arms as she leaned against the stone wall. “It’s not your time yet, kiddo. The only ones who can help are Grandpa, Auntie BW, and Albi,” she said, her tone softened by the protective edge she always carried. "You, on the other hand, get to help me with the little ones.”

“I’m not little!” Mockingbird shot back, irritation building in her chest. She was 148, still young, but definitely not a baby like Robin. Her older sister was starting to feel more suffocating by the minute.

Spoiler sighed, dropping into the nest beside Robin, who had been squirming in her arms. “I know it’s frustrating, Bluebird,” she said, her tone warmer now, “but this is just how it has to be. Dad needs rest, and you’ll have your time to help later, okay? Everything will be fine.”

Mockingbird scoffed under her breath. “Everything will be fine?” she muttered, barely believing it. She was the one who had to deal with the chaos of this cave, and now she had to deal with her siblings crashing her space too?

Spoiler didn’t seem to notice Mockingbird’s skepticism. She was focused on Robin, who was still fidgeting in her lap, his small face contorted in anxiety. “Hey, it’s gonna be alright,” she said gently, brushing her fingers through his hair. “You’re safe here. Nothing’s going wrong. I’m here, okay? Everything’s going to be fine.”

Robin calmed a little, his tiny body relaxing against Spoiler. She smiled softly, looking at Mockingbird as if to say see, it’s fine.

Mockingbird wasn’t falling for it, though. She crossed her arms tightly, glaring at the growing cuddle pile that Spoiler was beginning to assemble. “You’re not making me feel any better by invading my space,” Mockingbird said, clearly annoyed that her personal cave had been overrun.

Spoiler’s lips quirked into a mischievous smile. “Oh, come on. It’s not that bad. You’re just a little cranky.” Her eyes twinkled as she reached for her glitter power. With a dramatic flick of her wrist, a shower of purple glitter exploded into the air, swirling around the cave like tiny stars.

“Seriously?!” Mockingbird groaned, half-annoyed, half-impressed. “That’s your answer to everything, isn’t it?”

Bluebird, who had been fuming at the edges of the conversation, suddenly brightened as she saw the glitter. “Oh yes! Glitter always makes things better,” she cheered, flopping down next to Spoiler, right into the pile.

“Not a chance,” Mockingbird snapped, standing up quickly to put some distance between herself and the glitter. “This is my cave! You can’t just barge in and make everything glittery!”

But Bluebird was already pulling Mockingbird back toward the pile, grinning. “You don’t get a choice. You’re in it now.”

“I swear, you two are the worst,” Mockingbird grumbled, but she couldn’t help a reluctant smile tugging at her lips. Despite the chaos, she knew her siblings meant well. Even if they did invade her space every chance they got.

Spoiler, ever the protector, leaned in close and gave Mockingbird a wink. “Everything’s fine. We’re fine. Just… try to relax. It’ll be over before you know it.”

“Yeah, and the glitter will definitely be gone by then,” Mockingbird muttered, still fighting the urge to laugh.

Spoiler shot her a look. “Fine, I’ll try to tone it down. But no promises.”

Chapter Text

Mockingbird hated this. The waiting. It wasn’t the first time she’d been stuck in this situation, but this time it felt different. Robin was already here, growing fast—he was the one who needed help, not her. But this? This waiting? It was torture.

She’d done this once before, when Robin was born, though back then, she’d been younger—about the same age he was now. The most of the family had been there, crowded into Signal's cave (except for Signal cause he was very different). Everyone had been on edge, but they’d been a unit, all of them together.

Now? Now it was just her, Spoiler, Bluebird, and Robin—the youngest ones, all of them too young to be out there, too young to help with what Father had to do. And Father... He was far too old for this.

Her fingers curled into her palms, but the strange sensation of her molting feathers made her wince. She didn’t feel good. Her voice rasped when she tried to speak, and her hands—her hands felt like they belonged to someone else. There was nothing familiar about this.

Robin had long since fallen asleep in Bluebird's lap. Bluebird wasn’t far behind. Spoiler had drifted off too, exhaustion finally taking its toll on them all, leaving just her awake in the dim, quiet space. Alone. Isolated.

It wasn’t supposed to be like this. Last time, she wasn’t the one left behind. She wasn’t the one waiting. Back then, the whole family had been there—most of her siblings, her cousin. She’d had them around, their noise, their presence. But this? This was different. She was alone with her thoughts. And her thoughts weren’t kind.

"Hey. It’s going to be okay."

Mockingbird jumped at the sound of Spoiler’s voice, feathers rustling in the sudden motion. She hadn’t even realized Spoiler was still awake. Her heart pounded in her chest.

"I know." Mockingbird’s voice cracked, low and rough, and she winced. She didn’t even sound like herself.

"What’s that on the floor?" Spoiler asked, her voice quiet but concerned, pointing at something near Mockingbird’s feet.

Mockingbird shifted her gaze and saw the scattered feathers on the floor. The sight hit her stomach like a punch.

She lifted a hand to her face and rubbed at her eyes, only for more feathers to come away. Her heart sank.

"I’m molting?" she croaked.

"Looks like it." Spoiler’s voice was steady, though there was an edge of hesitation. "We aren’t supposed to leave, but—"

"I’m molting," Mockingbird snapped, her voice sharp despite the rasp. Her frustration pushed out before she could stop it. "I’m molting, Spoiler! What are we supposed to do about this?"

Spoiler didn’t flinch at her outburst. "It’s going to be okay." She moved to help Mockingbird up, her grip firm yet gentle, as if she knew how fragile Mockingbird felt right now.

They both stumbled, Mockingbird’s legs barely holding her up as she wavered on her feet. Spoiler nudged a heavy rock aside, clearing their path as they made their way down the hall.

"We’ll get Oracle. She should be able to help," Spoiler said, but Mockingbird could hear the uncertainty beneath the words. Spoiler was trying to calm her down, but Mockingbird wasn’t sure she could be calm right now.

Father was too old for this. He shouldn't be having kids anymore—this should have been the end. And yet here they were, dealing with it, while Mockingbird felt like a kid herself—too young, too weak, stuck waiting for things to fall apart.

Everything had been easier when there were more of them. When they were all just kids waiting for something to happen. But now? Now it felt like she was the only one who didn’t know what to do.

She rubbed at her arms, trying to hold herself together. She was going to have to deal with this. And soon. There was no one else to help her, not right now.

Chapter Text

Mockingbird ran trembling hands over her arms, brushing against the red and green feathers shedding in clumps. They caught on her fingers, brittle and papery, as if her body had forgotten how to hold itself together.

Her feathers were falling out. Molting.

Was she dying?

She was too young to die. She hadn't even finished all her combat training. She wasn't an adult yet! She hadn’t even finished trying every kind of cereal Crow could get his hands on!

“Mock. Breathe,” Spoiler said softly, crouching next to her. “You’re not dying. Probably.”

Mockingbird let out a shaky wheeze, then immediately regretted it. Her whole body hurt, her stomach twisting like it wanted to crawl out of her. She collapsed onto her side with a pained groan, one arm clutching her middle.

“Seriously. Get up, little sister,” Spoiler said, brushing some feathers off Mockingbird’s face. “You’re being very dramatic, and that’s my job.”

Mockingbird let her head loll to the side and glared through half-lidded eyes. “You try turning into a pillow factory and see how calm you stay.”

Spoiler snorted but tried to keep her tone gentle. “I think you’re evolving. Like a Pokémon, but with more internal screaming. Maybe this means you're about to join the adults.”

“Everything hurts,” Mockingbird rasped. “My bones itch. That shouldn’t be a thing.”

“It is a thing. It’s called growing. I felt like that when I got my powers...” Spoiler reached out and wiped a tear away, despite Mockingbird’s weak attempt to swat her hand. “You’re not dying. You’re just… extra feather-y and underfed and dramatic.”

Mockingbird whimpered and curled tighter. “Get… get Daddy.”

The word slipped out too fast to stop. Her voice cracked on it, so small, so scared.

Spoiler froze, her teasing slipping away in an instant. “Hey,” she said more quietly, more seriously. “I know. I want him here too, but he's busy. You know. GIVING BIRTH TO A NEW BABY.”

Mockingbird’s eyes fluttered closed again. Her body felt too heavy and too empty at the same time. When she forced them open, something was wrong. The cave looked… off. Warped. Shadows moved the wrong way. The ceiling shimmered like water.

Spoiler was still there, mumbling under her breath. Glitter clung to her like static, drifting down every time she moved. That was normal(ish). The glowing was not.

Mockingbird blinked hard. “Are you glowing?”

Spoiler paused. Looked at her own arm. “Am I?” She tilted her head. “Maybe I’m ascending. Or maybe Bluebird booby-trapped my shampoo again.”

Mockingbird gave a miserable groan. “If I die for the second time, I want it on the record that you were the worst comforter in the history of siblings.”

“Aw, thanks,” Spoiler said sweetly, brushing more feathers off her.

Footsteps echoed down the hall. They both turned as Orphan appeared, moving quickly—deliberate, silent as always—but there was urgency in her steps. She froze, and stared at them. 

Even without a mouth, her face managed to say are you okay?

Spoiler stepped back, and without hesitation, Orphan crouched and scooped Mockingbird into her arms like she weighed nothing.

Under any other circumstance, Mockingbird would have squawked, flailed, shouted something about being a grown-up and capable of walking on her own, thank you very much.

But not now. Now she was tired. And scared. And it was easier to just go limp and let someone else carry her.

Her eyes drifted closed again as Orphan held her tight. She could still hear Spoiler trailing after them, muttering under her breath:

“She’s gonna be okay. She's just molting. And hallucinating. And possibly coming into her adult form on the same day B has another baby. But she's okay.”

Mockingbird wasn’t so sure.

But for once, she let herself be carried.

Chapter Text

BOUNCING BABY BAT SUPPORT CHAT

2:42 AM

Flash II: GUYS. WAKE UP. RED ALERT. BATMAN IS IN LABOR.

Supergirl: WHAT?!

Flash: Wallace West, WHAT are you doing on your phone at 2 a.m., young man?

Flash: Wait, BATMAN'S IN LABOR?!

Flash II: YES!!

Supergirl: Oh. My. God.

Flash: How do you know?

Flash II: NW told me.

Flash: Labor can take HOURS, Wallace. It's not happening that fast. Go to BED.

Flash II: Bed? NOW??

Flash: YES. NOW. Don’t make me come over there. 

Flash II: 🙄😤🛌💅

Flash II has logged off

Flash: Kara, go to bed too. I can already hear the excuses coming. You’re too young to be up this late.

Supergirl: Try and make me. I’m literally flying on pure teenage rebellion right now.

4:36 AM

Superman: Batman’s in labor? What?! Does someone need to go to Gotham or...

Flash: The baby isn’t here yet. I think. Wally’s the only one who would know.

Supergirl: Morning, Kal!

Superman: Kara... what are you doing?

Supergirl: NOT egging your house, if that’s what you’re implying.

5:59 AM

GL: I WAKE UP TO THIS?!

GA: I’m DYING. HELP ME.

CM: I... oh. Wow. I...

CM: aknhobhiahhoghb

CM: HI!

CM: hjoihoiubhhb

CM: Sorry, my uh... daughter. Yeah. Daughter stole my phone. 😅

Flash II: You have a daughter? 

CM: No. 

BC: Everyone, CALM DOWN.

GA: YOU CALM DOWN, WOMAN.

Flash II: aihoignhoibb

Flash: Wally. What is that? Why are you typing like you're having a seizure?

Flash II: There’s some kind of complication with the labor...

Several people are typing...

Flash: What kind of complication?

Flash II: I dunno. NW didn’t go into detail, but it’s, like, bad bad. I think.

Supergirl: Wait, so you don’t actually know anything?

Superman: I’ll go to Gotham if necessary. Someone needs to be there to support him...

Flash: Wait, did Batman just not tell anyone about being in labor? What kind of dad is he?

CM: I think he’s just... trying to keep it together. That’s what dads do, right?

Supergirl: Um, did you just ask if dads try to keep it together? Really?

CM: Yes. Maybe. No. 

Flash II: DUDE. You're a terrible liar.