Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

   This meeting was drawing on forever. Despite what the league thought of him, Batman was a man of action, not talking about what actions could be taken. 

   Plan action. Do action. Easy as that.

   But this meeting—that had been running for three hours already—was starting to get pointless. Scratch that, it was pointless an hour and a half ago.

   Batman sat, scribbling onto his league-issued tablet (that he had paid for. But they didn’t know that) small things that needed to be done, like groceries. 

   Usually Alfred would do it, but he needed to remember to ask him to get baking supplies. His little chum just had his ninth birthday, and they had yet to celebrate. 

   Well, he had renovated one of the old rooms into a gymnastics studio, but still they hadn’t had cake!

   Maybe for his birthday he could let Dick meet Superman. The league didn’t know about his son yet, but Dick favored Superman over him by a large margin. Much to his dismay.

   He would need to break it to them very slowly. The Justice League shouldn’t know too much about him; that could prove to be dangerous if they were mind controlled or turned. 

   They knew so little already. 

   Batman knew Green Lantern and Flash were texting each other about how they thought he was actually half bat. Right now in fact.

   What a silly notion.

   Canary stood and talked about what measures should be taken going forward in the case of support. 

   “This is a very difficult job—“ She began, only to be cut off by a call coming through.

   Batman’s ringtone played in the meeting room, causing snickers and giggles go around the a fire.

  It was the ringtone Dick made for him.

  ‘na na na na na na na na BATMAN!’

   He thought it was endearing.

   “Sorry, I have to take this.” He apologized.

   Black Canary was not delighted at being interrupted, “I hope it’s important.”

   “It is.”

   Chatter began in the hall, people saying stuff like: ‘Batman knows other people?’ and ‘He has a life?’ Courtesy of Flash.

   However, something unsettled him. Dick knew better than to call him during a meeting.  A Justice League meeting no less. Something must have gone wrong.

   Before he jumped to any conclusions though, Batman tried to calm himself. He might’ve just misplaced his school shoes again.

   That had to be it.

   He answered the call, waiting for his kid with unbridled energy to start yammering.

   But no yammering came.

   Dick sat in a dark room, the only light coming from the screen. Something was wrong.

   “Robin, what’s happened?” He asked, nervousness building up.

   The change in his tone put the rest of the room on edge. Who was Robin?

   A shaky and small voice came from the tablet, “I-uh. I need you. You-you need to come home.” His son sounded like he was about to cry.

   Batman wanted to destroy whoever made his son fearful in such a way.

   “Chum, where are you? What’s the situation?” He softened his voice for Dick, trying to ground him.

   The entire hall of heroes fell silent, now realizing the situation’s urgency. If Batman was acting different, then something was seriously wrong.

   
  The eek voice returned from the screen, “Um..I’m in the bedding clos-closet. Uncle Ha-Harvey is here. And-and I.” He paused, choking tears in efforts to be quiet, “I don’t know where Alf—Agent A. is.”

   Fuck.

   This was no good.

   Dick just had his…unfavorable run in with Two-Face a few weeks ago. The villain had beaten the young boy almost to death. To be faced against him now—so soon—was terrible.

   Usually his son was so upbeat, so brimming with energy. Every situation he confronted it with a beaming smile and the confidence of a lion. Or with an overwhelming anger, which was always less optimal.

   “Stay hidden, Robin. I’m on my way. Don’t get caught.” He tried to assure his son.

   Without a word, he stood and left, making sure all was in order to make a swift rescue. He informed Gordon of the situation, but their average response time was 20 minutes due to the city-wide crime epidemic.

   His son needed him and he was going to deliver. 

   Bruce had to deliver.

  As he stalked away, someone behind him spoke up.

   “Do you want back up?” 

   The wording was odd to him. Want?  Not need? 

   He turned to find Superman was the one to ask.

   The Man of Steel asked if he wanted backup. Like they were equals. Well, they were but the sentiment still stood.

   On instinct, Batman began to say no. But then he thought about it more.

   He kept other heroes out for their benefit and for his villain’s. If you weren’t a born Gothamite, the city had a way of crushing you. Of taking your beliefs and squandering them; twisting them until wrongs seem right. The darkness of the city would swallow any light. 

   Not to mention, reformation was one of Batman’s core beliefs. One of Bruce’s. Most other heroes would see the destruction done by his rouges, and decide to put them down for, ‘the greater good.’ But taking that chance for a better life away was just as bad as not giving them a chance at all.

   People change by nature. Nothing can stop that. Giving people the opportunity to change and the support they need is what changes them for the better.

   So, no. He shouldn’t let Superman into Gotham. 

   But on the other hand…his son was on the line.

   His excitable son that love Superman more than any other hero. 

  The son that was scared to death right now.

  And having Superman there could speed up the timetable. Save Dick and Alfred quicker, and get Harvey the help he needs faster.

   Reluctantly, Bruce agreed. 

   “If you follow my command. My city, my rules.”

   The indestructible man gave a nod, almost giddily, and followed the man in a hurry.

   “We’ll take the Zeta-Tubes.” Batman led the two of them to the newly installed tubes.

   Since they were so newly installed, their precision was…unreliable. It was fifty-fifty if they were going to get where they needed first-try. But it was by far the quickest way to the manor.

   Right. The manor. Superman would know their identities after this.

   In his rushed state of mind, unable to overthink anything but his son’s peril, Batman thought to himself: there are worse people to know.

   Because from what little interaction they had, the man was a human incarnation of a Rottweiler named World Destroyer. In the sense that the overly violent names were always misleading.   

   He quickly tapped his Zeta-code into the small keypad—A02—and pulled the man into the tube with him. They had no time to waste.

   Dick was in danger.

   That tingly feeling of being teleported was something he was never going to get used to. It made all his limbs feel like the static from the TV.

   As he glanced around, it seemed he had lucked out. They made it to the Batcave—named by Dick—first try.

   With no time to waste, Batman dashed over to the wall of monitors he had to check the cameras placed in the manor. 

   He was well aware of Superman ogling every which thing he found interesting; which was just about everything.

   The giant penny, the dinosaur, his gadgets—all of it.

   “Superman. Come here.” He said in his usual gruff voice.

   The man flew down from the ceiling, likely looking at the bats in the stalactites, “What’s the plan? Is that Wayne Manor?” He asked, pointing at the monitor.

   Batman, the greatest detective of their time, already knew Superman was Clark Kent. He had been there before on a number of occasions for the Daily Planet. 

   “Use your x-ray vision.” He said, instead of outright telling the other hero is identity.

   Superman did as told, then gaped in surprise. It was Bruce Wayne!

   Batman internalized the position of every one of Two-Face’s henchmen. Four in the ballroom with Alfred. Two of which were hurt via shotgun wound. Two posted at every entrance or exit. Another four ransacking and raiding the manor, and the remaining ten were with Two-Face in the billiards room, likely waiting on Batman or Bruce Wayne to show so he could begin his latest scheme.

   An even twenty. That was do-able. And very predictable from Harvey’s side.

   Not to mention, he could see the small shadow of his son prancing from support beam to support beam of the roof, trying to stay hidden. The closet likely became too compromised to stay in.

    Racing up the stairs to the hidden entrance, Batman explained the plan to Superman.

   “Robin will be okay for now. He is very skilled in stealth. We need to focus on Alfred and taking out the henchmen around the house before we tackle Two-Face.” He began, “I will take down the men surrounding Alfred and the men in front of the front entrance and the garden entrance. I need you to take out the others and get Robin to a safe spot. We will meet up before we take down Harvey. Try not to alert them of your presence. Getting the jump on Two-Face when we fight will be imperative. Got it?” 

   “Yeah, got it. I won’t let you down!” He said, with cheer too loud for this city.

   Batman grunted in approval.

   Speaking of Robin. Batman pushed the length of his glove up towards his hand to reveal a small screen on the wrist of his suit. 

   He tapped away at it, trying to communicate with Robin.

   ‘Here. Code S.’

   Code S. for Superhero. That was in case another super was in town and the other didn’t know.

   The clock hiding the Batcave slid open silently, and Batman quietly thanked Alfred for always oiling the gears. Once in the Library, the two split up to accomplish their goals.

   First of all, he would need to save Alfred.

   From what he saw, the old man had taken out two of the men with the shotgun before being caught. Taking two people down wasn’t bad when it was twenty versus one. 

   Batman slinked in the shadows, trying to be as covert as possible. If they didn’t see him coming, they couldn’t prepare for him coming.

   Finally, he reached the ballroom. The vigilante stood just outside the doorway. The grand room had a chandelier Dick had once swung on and two twisting staircases down to the main floor for mingling and whatnot. 

   Not optimal for cover.

   He would have to make do.

   Two of the men were sitting slanted in the corner, trying to keep pressure on the wounds they had, while the shotgun was strewn away on the floor. Alfred was tied up. The other two men were standing nonchalantly with machine guns strapped across their bodies.

   Those would be loud if fired.

   He decided that would not be happening.

   Batman pulled out his grappling hook. He needed something long-distance and quick. If he simply ran up to them they would surely fire before he could even hit them.
   
   He barely turned around the door and shot the hook-gun, grabbing the gun on him and snatching it too far for grasp.

   The two were baffled, and in their surprise, missed the incoming Batarang—name also courtesy of Dick. 

   It slide across the second’s knuckles, causing him to drop the weapon.

   Good.

   He rushed them, jumping past the staircase and straight down to where they stood; using the banister as a platform to jump off of.

   Batman kicked the first in the face as he landed, rendering him unconscious.

   The other man was more prepared, yet no match for the Batman.

  He dodged one punch, but missed the setup for a sweeping kick.

 Suddenly he was on the ground, and the next he was out cold too.

   Four incapacitated. One hostage saved.

   Bruce quickly severed the ropes that bonded the elderly man’s wrist together.

   “Master Batman, I do implore you to go check up on young Master Dick.” The butler insisted, more worried about the youth than himself.

   Bruce pocketed the Batarang again, “He’s fine. Code S. You need to get outside the manor as soon as I take out the henchmen at the front of the building.”

   He led the older man through the manor, making an effort to avoid any further trouble. They managed to maneuver through it very quickly, soon finding themselves just a corner away from the manor’s entrance.

   Batman did as he did before, utilizing his grappling hook and Batarang, then defeated them within a few seconds.

   He opened the large doors and motioned for the butler to go and wait for the police to come.

   Now he only had to more people left to neutralize.

   He could only hope Superman was fairing as well as him.

   Bruce trusted his son was safe by now.

  Batman dashed to take down the last two lackeys before meeting up with Superman.

   The garden’s entrance was towards the back, but no matter. He made quick work of getting from point A to B without being noticed.

   Taking them down was just as easy as it was before.

   The two armed men lay slumped against the wall, unconscious but breathing.

   Now for the main event.

   Batman travelled freely throughout the manor; no more men were left to see them. However, he still took caution. Batman only moved freely in the shadows.

   Finding himself just outside the billiard’s room, noticed Superman waiting for him already. The red and blue clad hero was floating above the door.

   “Were you successful?” He asked. In truth, he was asking about the safety of Dick.

   Superman nodded, “Dick’s safe and tucked away.”

   Good. 

   The gothic vigilante held up three fingers…then 2…then one!

   Both heroes slammed into the room, preparing to take down the villains! They all gave a surprised look to the two heroes. Why was Supes here?

   Two-Face however, took this situation with pride. A little too much.

   He spun around, smiling, “Well, well—“

   Before he could finish monologuing, Superman dove into the scheming man. A pained ‘oomph,’ cried out as he hit the wall.

   Well that was one way to do it. Cutting the head off the snake and all that.

   “Non-lethal!” Batman cried out, trying to remind the man. He probably didn’t need it though.

   Focusing on himself, Batman skillfully took down a number of the henchmen. His fury was like a dangerous dance; incapacitating every other participate.

   He fought with a fire—a passion—for making these people feel as small as his son did. His poor boy must’ve been so scared, surrounded by enemies and people who have harmed him so deeply.

   Usually, revenge wasn’t his forte. It went against his own code. But defeating villains in the name of his son didn’t mean he was hurting them unnecessarily; just with more efficiency and intensity. And if he enjoyed it a little more than usual, well that was between himself and whatever omnipotent being. 

   All of the villains were defeated.

  Batman tied up the ones he had fought, then prepared to tie up Two-Face too.

   Superman gave him a bright smile and thumbs up. 

   “How’d I do?” He asked rhetorically.

   Batman gave a reply anyways, “Sufficient.”

   Superman chuckled lightly heartedly, when Dick ran into the room.

   He dashed up to his dad, being pulled into a great hug, then picked up into his arms.

   “Dad—uh Batman!” The small boy cheered.

   After his reunion, he realized Superman was there too.

   The Superman! 

   Dick tumbled out of his dad’s arms, and towards the ground; landing perfectly on his feet. 

   He stared with stars in his eyes, then pounced like a small lion. 

   The tiny acrobat climbed up the man like his personal jungle gym, ending with him handing upside down from his arm.

   “Look, look!” He exclaimed to his dad.

   Bruce smiled, “I see you, chum. Don’t bother Superman like that, though. You have to ask permission before climbing all over someone.”

   Superman couldn’t recall the last time his coworker actually had smiled, “It’s quite alright. This little bugger doesn’t bother me one bit.” He nipped at the little one’s nose with his thumb, leaving the kid giggling upside down.

   Bruce’s family was safe. 

Chapter Text

   Flash ruffled the kid’s black hair, “Whose this little rascal?”

   After the discovery of Batman’s kid, the other heroes were eager to jump at the opportunity of meeting the kid that made the big, bad, bat into a fuzzy kitten.

   The kid couldn’t be older than ten and was already sporting his own super suit and domino mask.

   “This is Robin. My partner.” Was that a touch of fondness in his voice?

    “Nice to meet you, Robin.” Wonder Woman knelt down to his level, “I’m sure you will be a great warrior.”

   Dick giggled at all the attention he was getting.

    She lifted the boy, then set him on her arm as she flexed her muscles, the small youngling following her example.

   Batman may have snapped a photo.

   She tossed the boy up and caught him, but not before he could add a flip into the mix.

   “Batman, you’ve got yourself a tiny acrobat.” Green Lantern commented.

   He chuckled internally at that, “You have no idea.”

   Dick, ecstatic at hearing the word ‘acrobat’ perked up like a puppy, “I can do tricks!”

   The League’s members—severely underestimating him—asked for a show.

   And a show the boy gave.

   Many jaws were slacked as the child pulled off stunts some of them could only dream of attempting. 

  “You could pursue a great career with your skills.” Martian Manhunter complimented.

   Dick thanked him, and walked off to who knows where on his hands.

   Just as he turned the corner, Batman gave the cue, “Now!”

   Flash zoomed off, Superman grabbed decor, Wonder Woman placed the gifts, Martian Manhunter helped put the table cloth down, Green Lantern materialized party poppers, and Aquaman grabbed the games out of the closet.

   Just in time for Robin to turn the corner and ask if he could go any further, Flash arrived.

   He held a big cake with two sparkles buzzing on top of them.

   He had absolutely nothing to do with the sparklers taped to Bats’ little bat ears.

   A banner saying, ‘Happy Birthday Robin!’ splayed across the room, a pile of presents sat on the table, and the long meeting table had a cloth over it with a balloon pattern.

   Best birthday ever!