Title: Contingency
Genre: Family, Friendship
Characters: Batman and…
Summary: Batman has a contingency plan for everything.
Notes: In chapter fourteen of Beyond the Team, Red Tornado tells Zatanna that "Batman is taking care of league business and is currently unavailable." This also ties into "Circus Freaks", "What Adults Do", "Playdate", "I am Batman Quoth the Raven".

Everyone knew Batman always had a contingency plan for everything. On the other hand, Bruce Wayne never had a contingency plan for anything. The stark contrast between the two made finding out they were the same a surprise, yet the difference in personas explained the one thing Batman struggled having a contingency plan for.

Robin.

While Batman and Bruce Wayne were two people, his young partner didn't separate Robin from Dick Grayson. So, while Batman found himself able to come up with a contingency plan for Robin in case the boy went rogue, he couldn't come up with a contingency plan for Dick Grayson's heartfelt actions towards others, or the boy's need to be with people.

The Titans weren't something he planned for.

In part, he gave Robin an amount of freedom others wouldn't think of giving a preteen, and he wrote off the incidents Robin and the team took part in as insignificant, as they ended up being only a blip on his radar. Of course, Robin played a role in why these never came onto Batman's radar, what with how well he trained the boy, but the boy also being a child genius.

He didn't know how to handle the situation. As Batman, the answer was easy, being that he was Batman, but as Bruce Wayne the answer proved harder. He wasn't simply the boy's mentor, but the boy's father. He felt stronger regarding his relationship as mentor, yet the role of father felt tenuous. He'd promised not to replace the boy's father, and yet no matter what way he looked at the situation, Dick was his son.

Part of him wanted to punish Dick for going behind his back and doing dangerous things. Yet, his son wasn't like any other child. He'd trained him in his fight against the criminals of Gotham, meaning the boy could take care of himself. Plus, in a way he was proud of his son for doing the right thing. He held mixed feelings, ones he didn't like. He didn't like not knowing what to do regarding the situation, or how to handle his son.

A son who very much reminded everyone that Batman wasn't his father.

He'd watched Robin carefully when they brought the Titans in – the Titans that is who could walk in. The boy refused to make eye contact yet looked fine although Alfred would have a field day in how filthy Robin managed to get. Robin also turned out while the adults around him ranted, but Batman picked up that look of guilt and fear which only a few could pick up on.

"I'm absolutely shocked Robin would go against you like that." Green Arrow rubbed the back of his neck. "I mean, that sounds more like Roy as Roy's at that teenage stage which I for the life of me can't figure out. I'll take him…" The man slammed his fist into the palm of his hand, a smile spreading across his face. "I know! This is because Robin is hitting his rebellious teenage phase."

Except Robin was rebellious long even before his teenage years. What else should one expect from a child who found himself upon the trapeze with no net as young as five. The boy knew no fear, at least the kind of fear normal children worried about. Watching Robin's fingers grip the edge of his seat, but how tense the boy sat, Batman knew something was bothering the boy.

Such as a friend not being okay, yet none of the other adults seemed to be addressing the exact needs to of the children, yet there Wonder Woman was glaring at him as well as quite a few other members. There were comments such as, "what should we do with them" and "maybe Robin's too young". The latter comment came from the Green Lanterns who honestly meant well, but held a soft spot for the boy.

Actually, that stance came from anyone who felt they shouldn't be taking on sidekicks.

Which, Batman couldn't help but notice the way everyone looked at Robin. Even without a single injury, Robin was a mess, but none of them had ever seen Robin after getting into the thick of things. Nobody except for Superman, but knowing Superman…

"I'd tell those two off, but they don't know everything's Robin's been through."

Martian Manhunter was kind enough to connect their minds but had his own thing to say. "Understanding such a child is quite the difficult task, given the fact it is hard to imagine an adult accomplishing the things Robin has."

John paused, noticing the look on Superboy's face. "Sorry. Hal shouldn't have said that." The second Green Lantern opened his mouth, but the forth held up his hand. "He didn't mean he thought Robin should quit, but he isn't incorrect in pointing out Robin's age. If something happened to the boy, you wouldn't be the only one devastated Batman."

Hal sighed, rubbing his head. "That." He turned to Robin. "I'm sorry I demeaned your ability Robin. You actually did a good job, given the…" The man blinked. "Wait. Is he even paying attention to me? Is he okay?"

"He'll be fine." After all, Robin was always fine. Batman made sure of this, but he didn't wish for anyone questioning or digging too much into things.

Wonder Woman on the other hand pressed her fingers into her arms, but also her lips together. When the two Lanterns and Green Arrow left, she finally blew. "Really? Will any of these kids be fine?" A brief silence fell over the room before she continued. "What were you thinking? Why would you form the Teen Titans?"

"I formed the Teen Titans because they needed a place. I told you that Bats when you asked. Cyborg's dad helped set everything up. How could you forget that?"

Had Robin said something? Batman folded his arms, thinking carefully. Chances are, Robin had, yet Robin had also remained as obtuse as expected of a Bat expecting the other to figure things out, which Batman hadn't. After all, he'd trusted Robin to make the right decisions and gave the boy a lot of freedom. He'd almost thought the other league members would choose to chew him out, but in a way, they did.

Yet Robin made many valid points, including the fact they'd taught the sidekicks to do the right thing.

It was then he felt the need to send Robin out, lest the boy face even more of Wonder Woman's wrath. He trusted Martian Manhunter with the task of taking the boy away. "Let me start off by saying you've no place in lecturing Robin, Diana. Be assured I will be sure to punish Robin."

"Punish him? For doing the right thing?"

"For not approaching me."

"So, you really didn't know?"

If he were Bruce Wayne, he'd be letting out a sigh, yet he kept an emotionless face. "Didn't know? Chances are Robin did drop hints about what was going on and expected me to pick up on it."

"You've given him to much freedom. Take for example the fact he's the only sidekick allowed on the Watch Tower."

"Yes. But none of the other sidekicks have the expertise to hack our systems, let alone set up such complex systems." Superman attempted siding with the boy he had a fond spot for. "Technically, Robin should be a member of the league."

"You didn't." Batman let a snarl escape his lips.

"Oh, he did. He is correct that we can trust Robin in having our backs in the metaphorical sense, but literal?"

"Doesn't this incident prove it?"

"You know what I meant Clark! You knew I meant Robin is – do you really want that on your conscious? Him dying because we know he'd have our backs? That he'd sacrifice himself to protect others? You even heard him just a few minutes ago. He would never hesitate to do the right thing. Think about that carefully."

Another silence fell over the room. Superman let out a sigh. "Alright. I do get it. My point was simply that there is a reason Robin is given as much freedom as he is. He's not a normal child. I think we should form a team with the sidekicks."

"What? Are you saying have the sidekicks do what we do?"

"No. He's saying give them simple missions we know they can handle like I do with Robin."

"No, no. That's what led to this. If you'd never, ever given Robin that kind of freedom…"

"Perhaps I shouldn't have given Robin as much freedom as I did."

"Bruce. Think of what you're saying. You know what happened the other times you tried reigning Robin in."

"Shouldn't he though?"

Superman took a deep breath. "She doesn't know, does she?"

"You mean how Robin would react if I forbid him from being Robin? No, she doesn't."

"Wh…"

"I'm not talking about taking away Robin's freedom to do missions on his own. Perhaps freedom wasn't the right word. I'm talking about accountability."

"Bruce…" Superman took a deep breath. "That still sounds like reigning Robin in."

"I'm not talking about accountability as in getting punished for messing up. He already does get punished when he does. I'm talking about accountability for doing things right. I can't do that if I don't know what he's doing."

Wonder Woman glared. "I'm not satisfied."

"What would you be satisfied with?"

"I don't know. I honestly don't. The thing is, Robin was right. It doesn't solve our problem with the kids. It's not just Robin, and forming a team doesn't solve their problem, just Robin's. And you've done nothing to attempt reconciling the effect this will have on him."

"Time."

Wonder Woman sighed. "Sadly, I understand what you mean by this." She folded her arms. "Those kids need mentors. I'll take in the girl."

"Are you sure? She's Tamaran after all."

"I'll be fine."

"Uh-huh."

Batman thought Superman might be right yet didn't push it. They decided on mentors for each, though this took time. He found himself particularly interested in Raven as Rachel. "Rachel's one of the kids I have playdates with."

Yes, Robin had dropped hints as to what he was doing. After they finished discussing things with Wonder Woman and she took off, Superman turned towards him. She was the last of the kids, simply sitting there, seeming so lost. "That Raven. That wouldn't have been the girl Robin asked over for a sleepover."

"I do believe so."

"He said she was one of the kids he had playdates with."

"Yes."

"Don't be too hard on the kid. Robin always means well."

"I know." Batman went down on one knee in front of her. "You and I've met before, haven't we?"

"Yes." Raven looked at the ground. "I'm being sent away."

"Yes, but we'll bring you back."

"Don't make promises you can't keep."

"I plan on keeping this one if I can." Batman took a deep breath, explaining to Raven what was going to happen to her. Batman had arranged for her to spend a year at a temple. "You aren't being sent as punishment. From Robin's files, you grew up in such a place, but I'm guessing after what's happened you could use a respite. This will allow the person we're wanting to be your mentor time to return to the league."

"Why? Why are you doing this for me?" Raven glared at him, not giving away any emotion. "It's not out of pity, is it? Because I don't need that."

"Did I take Robin in out of pity?"

"Sometimes he thinks that you did."

"Ouch." From the side, Batman saw Superman flinch.

"No. No, Batman took Robin in because…" Superman paused.

"Because I knew what he was going through."

"You don't know what I'm going through."

"No. I don't know. I can't possibly know what you're going through, but I'm not going to pretend either."

"Again, why are you helping me."

"Because you're important to Robin." Batman watched Raven pull her cape in around her.

"Yes, well…" Her mouth clamped shut.

"Robin?" Raven's head shot up. "He's…"

"Fought tooth and nail for all four of you with us adults. This is us making sure you have a place like he wants." Superman folded his arm across his chest. Raven took a deep sigh.

"What?"

"Don't fight for me. Fight for Robin."

Batman frowned, a tad confused regarding what Raven meant. He found out after delivering her personally to the temple, returning for his protege. Robin was oddly silent on the way home, not saying anything until the boy muttered as he removed his Robin outfit. "I'm sorry."

Guilt. Robin undeniably felt guilt over what happened. "Grayson, don't ever apologize for doing the right thing. That doesn't mean I'm not upset with you, or that you're not grounded to your room until further notice."

He watched Robin walk away, but from hearing Alfred call out to him he knew the butler also knew something was off. The man came down. "Master Bruce, whatever is wrong with Master Dick? He seems a bit more worse for wear than usual despite not being injured."

"Jump City."

Alfred's eyes widened. "Oh my."

Bruce filled the man in, and Alfred mused over the situation. "What did you say to Master Dick regarding the situation?"

"What?" Bruce let an eyebrow rise up.

"Did you speak to him at all."

"I told him not to be sorry for what happened, but that I'm still upset and he's still grounded."

"Master Bruce, really. How is he to know not to be sorry when you follow up with telling him he will be punished. He's going to assume the reason you're upset is because he did wrong, not for the reason you are. He's already beating himself up enough over what is happening, but there's also the fact his friends got hurt and he couldn't do anything."

"I'll go and talk to him." The conversation ended up quite awkward. He also watched the way Dick moved. The boy was stiff, meaning even though he didn't receive any major injuries, he would be sore for the next few days. There was also the fact Dick needed to mentally recover, even if the boy didn't admit he wanted to. The boy needed a bit of spoiling.

He wasn't expecting Dick to freak out about missing school, but he wasn't surprised the boy was worried about his friends. He knew to make sure to tell Dick he loved him, the scare of what happened sinking into Bruce Wayne. He didn't realize his words – the most important ones – weren't sinking in. "You don't have to keep me, the nuisance I am."

Of course, Bruce found himself letting the fact Dick didn't have any friends outside of the Titans sink in as well, which certainly explained the boy's majorly depressed state of being. "You really don't have any friends?"

"I do. I'm not allowed to see them, though, am I?"

Bruce knew who he meant. "Not just yet. Maybe we can see Cyborg later this week?"

"Sure…"

The look on Alfred's face said the butler also knew this was an issue. What was best for the others might not be best for Robin, yet Bruce didn't know what to do to fix the situation any time soon. They lucked out when Flash's nephew decided to become a superhero, though Bruce wasn't sure Wally West was really the best friend he could want for his son.

It did work until Alfred and he could instigate their real plan.

Pictures were taken of each of the rooms prior to the items being packed up for storage. After all, Cyborg was in a comma, Starfire was away, and Raven was at a temple where they wouldn't need such things. Robin wasn't wanting to touch anything, which was likely a good idea lest he have a negative reaction. Beast Boy's items were sent to Plastic Man's place.

Bruce handed the pictures over to Alfred, allowing the man to pick the right items out and have them delivered to the room across from Dick's while the boy was away from school. The company was under strict orders not to come any other time, but Alfred made sure to postpone shipment or have the items located to the garage if Dick was for some reason homesick.

Today was the day, and Bruce suggested rather emphatically Dick go and visit Cyborg after class, but they had the workers come in and set everything up. Alfred was to also send Robin straight to Mount Justice, but Batman even had a mission ready to distract his young protege. Alfred was to be careful what he said, so the surprise would be an even bigger surprise.

"You have everything handled on your end Alfred?"

"I quite do Master Bruce. The interior designers say they will have everything finished by the time you get back, though the place will likely smell of wet paint and new carpet. I'm quite sure the young lady will be pleased."

"I'm not sure. I didn't exactly ask her. I'm actually giving her the option, but pleading my case – well, Dick's case to her."

"Good luck."

Taking a deep breath, he felt he would need all the help he could get. He adjusted his tie carefully, planning on acting as a perfect gentleman to the young lady, yet wondering how she'd react to meeting Bruce Wayne instead of Batman. Showing up as Bruce Wayne didn't seem like such a big deal, particularly since he knew she'd cheated in getting Robin's identity.

Sort of.

He'd looked into Robin's case files pouring over them carefully. His son kept astute details regarding every single little thing. As much as Dick hated paperwork, the boy was thorough. The girl wasn't looking for Robin's identity, but instead was looking to help her friend. He arrived at the Japanese temple and bowed to the monk in charge. "Hello sensei. Is Rachel ready to go?"

"Yes, though she is a bit puzzled regarding your plans for her."

"I guess that is understandable, given everything she's been through." He followed the man into a side room. He knelt in the traditional style, waiting for the young lady to appear. Raven came out, kneeling on the ground. "Hello Mr. Wayne. Sensei tells me you came to retrieve me."

"Did you benefit from his teachings?"

Raven remained emotionless. "Did I?"

"I know I benefitted when I came here."

"You did?" Raven finally expressed something – the expression of utter shock. Bruce couldn't blame her, as the persona of Batman was cold and emotionless. The look in her eye also said something started to click regarding why he'd sent her here.

"This student of mine held onto much anger before coming here." His sensei smiled. "She has done well under my tutelage but fit in well. I am sorry to see her go, but I am also excited at the opportunities."

Raven looked away, seeming a tad unsure. She opened her mouth, yet she clammed up quickly. Something told him she might be more comfortable around Batman. Few knew of the dual persona, and yet this sensei was one of the few. "I am needing to take care of some league business in Tokyo before we leave, so if you suit up you can come with."

Again, the girl startled. She looked over to their sensei, slightly confused. The man nodded his head, and she stood up heading to change. Bruce nodded his head, heading to another room to change into Batman. Raven met him up on the roof, and the two headed out for the surveillance job. The thirteen-year-old hung back, wrapping her cloak tightly around her.

"Shouldn't Robin be helping you, not me? Isn't this his place."

"Robin is busy at the moment." He didn't have to turn to know she was frowning at him. His league communicator went off, and he pointed at the ledge. "I need you to keep an eye out for our target."

Raven walked forward, taking the binoculars from him, and stooped down. Batman put himself upon the holographic video feed. "As you recollect, prior to the teams founding, those of you with mentors helped take down a set of ice villains. It has come to our attention they build an ice fort, so we are sending the team in for a reconnaissance mission. Let me repeat this is a reconnaissance mission. Do not engage, period."

After a few minutes, Robin spoke up. "Who's giving orders?"

"You decide." He turned off the video feed. Walking over to Raven, he took the surveillance equipment from her. He started seeing movement.

"What…"

Batman held up his hands. "You can ask questions later. We need to move."

He moved over the ledge, dropping down onto the villains down below with Raven following suit. Out of the corner of his eye, he watched the girl's powers work as they took out the yakuza he was after. Raven stepped into the shadows while he spoke to the cop's regarding the men they captured before they retreated back to the temple to change into civvies.

He waited for her in the same room sensei brought her into. She walked in with a look of irritation on her face but sat down on the cushion as sensei's wife served them tea. "Mr. Wayne."

"Rachel, you can call me Bruce. Dick does."

"That's not what he wants to call you."

Bruce's eyes narrowed, one of his eyebrows shooting up. "Meaning?"

"You know what I mean."

"Rachel…" Sensei took a deep breath before reaching out to ruffle her hair lightly. "Don't let the feelings fester."

"Simply put, you're Dick's father whether you want to admit it or not."

Bruce let out a deep breath. "Dick and my relationship is complicated Rachel."

"How? Your more of a father to Dick than mine ever was to me. Doesn't that mean anything to you?"

"Yes. It does. As I said, things are complicated." He reached into his jacket pocket, pulling out an envelope. He handed the letter to Raven.

The girl took the letter, opening it. She frowned, finding herself confused. "This is a letter of acceptance to Gotham Academy." She looked him right in the eye. "Why are you doing something nice for me? Why are you being nice to me? Particularly after what could have happened to…"

Her mouth snapped shut. One of Bruce's eyebrows shot up in amusement, a smile spreading across his face. "Oh. Don't think my motives are completely selfless."

"You're saying it's a bribe?"

"No." Bruce set his tea down. "Would you do anything for Dick, Rachel?"

"He's the only real family I have."

"Then more reason you two should be able to go to school with each other. Plus…" Here came the part he wasn't thrill about. "A few days after the incident in Jump City, Dick revealed to me he doesn't have any friends at school. I don't know the details, though I suspect having skipped a grade doesn't help matters. I'd like to change that."

"I'll think about it. I'm not exactly fond of people."

"I'm aware of that as well, and you wouldn't be in the same grade as Dick if you went."

"Something tells me this isn't the only thing you're going to ask of me, is it?"

"No. I'll tell you more once we get to Gotham, but you must understand you do have some choice in going forward."

"There's something I don't have a choice in?"

"You're not going to choose the person who will be your mentor."

Raven took a deep breath, the word mentor hitting her in the core. Bruce saw a slight excitement, yet also trepidation. "It honestly took you that long to find a mentor for me? I'm that difficult?"

"No. The issue lay with your mentor being unavailable until now. There was another option at the time, but he agreed with me she should be the one. Truth of the matter is, I don't trust many people, but if it did take me an entire year to find you a mentor, it would be because it took me that long to find someone I trusted enough."

"I don't understand."

"You asked me earlier if being Dick's father role model means anything to me."

"You referred to yourself as his father role model, not his father."

"I told you Rachel, that Dick and my situation is complicated." Bruce took a deep breath, rubbing the back of his head. "Truth is, I could at any moment lose Dick to the legal system. I know you're aware of what happened to Dick's family."

"What of it?" Rachel looked at the ground.

"Then you're aware of the fact Dick wasn't the only survivor that night? Of his uncle? If his uncle were ever to fully recover enough to care for Dick, he'd have the legal right to take custody, but this also means I can't adopt Dick as my actual son."

"Wha…" Her head darted up.

"Add to this, Dick was placed with me in what was supposed to be a probational situation. My place with all of its security was the safest place in Gotham for a child being hunted down by one of the cities crime bosses. Social services could at any moment step in a legally remove Dick from my custody."

"I'm sorry."

"There's nothing to be sorry for."

Rachel looked over at sensei, who'd been sitting the entire time calmly listening. The man continued remaining silent, so she turned to Bruce. "I mean, I didn't believe you when you said the situation was complex."

"It's not something Dick or I talk about if we can. We've unfortunately had run-ins with social services in the past."

"So, the topic's an off-limits one for good reason."

"Yes." Bruce gripped his pants legs tightly. "I think the rest can be more easily explained once we get back to Gotham. My private jet is ready to leave at any moment."

"Alright."

He brought her to the limo, watching her reactions carefully as she placed her single bag into the limo. She looked out the window both on the limo and flight when Bruce remembered something. "I'd almost forgotten. Alfred and I managed to track down your mother's sister, in case your interested."

Raven tensed up, then turned towards the man. "I'm not sure I want to meet her."

"I'm aware of that. As I said, you're being given options."

"Options…" Raven turned back to the window, remaining emotionless through the rest of the flight.

Upon arrival, Alfred greeted them with the limo. There were no cameras, as Bruce had made sure no attention would come to the girl. They arrived at the manor, and Raven took a deep breath looking up at the pace. Alfred opened doors for them. She'd been there before, yet this time she'd come in the front door.

"Alfred will show you to your room, and when you're finished settling in your things, I'll meet you in my study to further discuss things. He headed for his study, but found himself met by Raven.

"Why?"

"Why what?" Bruce motioned for Raven to take a seat.

"Why would you have a room made for me?"

"So you may stay here if you want, even if it is just for visits." Bruce folded his fingers. "There's also the option of staying at Mount Justice with the rest of the team."

"The team being?"

"It consists of the young vigilante the Justice League members mentor. At least that was the initial plan, being that one of the members is without a member. A certain someone within the league has a rather rock-hard head on the matter."

"Flash?"

Bruce's eyes blinked.

"I know from Robin he was one of the ones not keen on the young sidekick idea."

"Actually, you'll find Flash has come around as he didn't have much choice. Technically, this person doesn't have much choice in the matter either. It would possibly surprise you. Do you like your room?"

"Yes. It is nice, but …"

"Alfred arranged for the painters to come when after Dick left for school, and I instructed him to go visit Cyborg after classes were finished."

"And this mission the team is on? Does Robin even know I'm here?"

"No. It's a surprise. One that Alfred and I've been planning for an entire year." Bruce took a deep breath. "Also, I had your items from Titan Tower taken to Mount Justice. As I said, it is your choice where you go."

"Even my aunts, even though she doesn't know I exist and that I'm a superhero."

"Yes, if you so choose. There's actually a zeta-beam in her city."

Raven slunk down, frowning. "Not that I want to."

"No. She is a stranger, but you may also want to connect with her. If she were someone I didn't think…" Bruce paused, watching Raven narrow her eyes.

"Does Dick have family you haven't told him about?"

"I'll leave that answer at, if Dick did have family I didn't think I could trust that he didn't know about, I don't see a reason why I should make Dick worry. I told you about the fact Dick could legally be taken away, did I not?"

"Yes." Raven looked out the window. "Now what? I mean, until I make my decision? What have you already decided?"

"That you'll meet the rest of the team in the next day or so, but your mentor as well. Zatanna – you might say her father was one of my mentors, so they're like family. Of course, Zatanna knows me as Bruce Wayne, not Batman, and I'd like to keep it that way." Bruce smiled. "In the meantime, Alfred is preparing dinner, and when Dick gets back we can eat. I figured you two would like to catch up before you're introduced to the team."

Raven stared out the window. "Robin's not the leader?"

"The team still hasn't picked a leader yet."

"When we formed Teen Titans, there was no question of who would be leader. Robin had the most experience, but shouldn't that go with this team as well? Everyone started after he did."

Bruce frowned. "Would you have issue if Robin wasn't the leader of the team?"

"I don't know. Honestly, it depends."

"Well. They'll be deciding who on this mission, and we'll both find out when Dick comes home for dinner." In the back of his mind, Bruce thought about how Robin would indeed be the definite choice if the Justice League had any say, or even just himself. They couldn't, however, force Robin as leader onto the team, as that might cause friction.