Nightwing had taken over Batman's duties on the Justice League and in Gotham. It added quite a lot on top of his normal Team and Bludhaven duties. He hadn't gotten a good sleep in what felt like ages, but was actually a few days. Batman along with other Leaguers were on trial for crimes Vandal Savage made them commit. On top of the trial, there was an alien invasion going on and the League was a few men down. Robin noticed this growing stress, but was afraid to say anything. The Team and the League knew Nightwing wasn't eating as much or sleeping as much. His face looked a little thin and it was evident that he had lost some pounds. Nightwing also had something he was keeping from everyone. He'd disappear for a while and come back looking more worse for wear. The other heroes were getting worried.
Nightwing was working on Bludhaven situations at the Mountain. Nightwing tended to keep his work separate. The Team had been standing there for a couple minutes, waiting for their mission.
"Nightwing, why don't you let me and M'gann handle the Team. We know you have a lot to handle right now." Connor suggested one day.
"No, it's alright. I'm balancing things just fine." Nightwing said.
"Come on, you don't look so good. Let us help you out." Connor pushed.
"Really, I don't need help." Nightwing responded.
"Nightwing, just le-" Connor began.
"Look, the only way you can help is to do your fucking job and do it right." Nightwing snapped.
Nightwing sighed and pinched his nose, immediately recognizing his mistake.
"I'm sorry, just do your jobs, okay. You've got a mission in Metropolis. We suspect Kobra activity in a warehouse in southern Metropolis. I want you to do surveillance and only surveillance." Nightwing ordered.
Incidents like that happened more and more often. Heroes would try to help Nightwing, but he would just snap at them, thinking that they thought he couldn't handle things on his own.
Nightwing, the Team, and the League waiting in front of the zeta tube for the returning heroes. The moment they materialized, Nightwing's eyes went to Martian Manhunter.
"Innocent." He said.
That one word relieved the silent tension. The room was filled with cheerful yells and hugs. They celebrated for a while before Nightwing called it quits and left. The other Bats following him. He was surrounded by his family and faced Batman.
"What?" He growled.
Batman looked at Nightwing. His son had thinned, black circles from exhaustion were evident around his hidden eyes. He looked miserable with his messy hair and his body was extremely tense. Batman knew Nightwing was going to be the one to take over his duties in Gotham and on the League, but he didn't expect Nightwing to do it alone as his body shows.
"Oh, Nightwing." He said, looking at his son. "Come here."
Nightwing walked forwards and stood in front of Batman. Batman put a hand on Nightwing's shoulder. It was like Nightwing had a ton lifted off him and his shoulders relaxed but his breathing became labored as he tried to control the flood of emotions. Batman brought Nightwing in and hugged him. Nightwing brought his arms up and clung to his father. He started crying from exhaustion, stress, worry, and relief.
"It's alright." Bruce said.
"I am never doing anyone's duties ever again." Richard said through his tears.
Batman let out a small laugh.
"You were never meant to do it alone." Batman replied.
"I thought I could do it." Nightwing responded.
When Nightwing returned to the mountain the next day, he was laughing and joking around.
"Looks like Wing's back." Superboy commented.
"Good." Mrs. Martian said.
The rest of the Team nodded in agreement.