AN: There it is. The final chapter. Let's see how all of this wraps up, shall we? ;)
Loftcat27: This chapter also deals with how Jason is different from Nightwing and Bruce. I think their dynamic is really fascinating.
And you are right. In this AU, Jason is far less bitter about his relationship with Bruce. I think it partly stems from Nightwing consistently being a really great brother. They don't have these problems of jealousy regarding Robin. And Jason doesn't have this grudge against Bruce because of the Joker still being alive. So, while many things may be worse in this AU (especially for poor Nightwing), at least their relationships are less strained.
Imjustshippingmywaythrulife: Wow. I don't even know what to say. Thank you so much for this meaty comment!
Nightwing standing up to Cobb was such catharsis. He grew so much as a person. As did Jason and Bruce. And Jason's hero-villain credentials will be addressed in this chapter. I see him as an anti-hero but it's true that he will never have pure superhero-status. Nightwing still supports him. He's in a unique place between Bruce and Jason because of his past. He has taken over Bruce's moral code out of respect for him and as a way to restrain himself. But he understands why someone like Jason might want to kill all these villains. Whatever happens, they stick together. I loved writing Jason-Nightwing-Bruce growing together as a family.
Wally/Nightwing was so much fun to write. They really added some much-needed levity to this angst-fest. And both of them deserve only the best. I feel like they balance each other out perfectly. Nightwing with his quiet empathy and Wally with his fun-loving nature.
I kind of cheated with sticking only to the OG-team regarding the timeline and so on. But you can excuse it through this being AU. I really like characters like Jaime (my favorite new addition from season 2), Bart, Zatanna… But the cast would have become far too large and I wouldn't have been able to do them justice. I'll hopefully write something with them in the future. But the season 2 cast is a bit tricky because many of them don't have much to do in canon.
I'm glad that you found Nightwing's and Artemis' friendship empowering! Artemis also has a very interesting family dynamic (love her relationship with Jade). I really liked the idea of two people who have experienced horrific abuse helping each other through it and having a special understanding. Artemis also gets her moment in this chapter. She deserves it.
It truly was an incredible journey and it makes me very happy that you enjoyed it so much!
Best luck to you as well!
20. The Bats
The Team was on the Watchtower waiting for M'Gann while she was in surgery. They had sat down on the comfy chairs in front of the emergency room (after Batman had insisted that they all took a shower and put on a change of clothes). Wally could feel the tension in the air. Each of them was worried for M'Gann.
"She'll be fine", Kaldur sounded like he was trying to reassure himself as well, "The Doctors assured me. Her Martian physiology is strong. We brought her here on time."
"I can still be nervous, can't I?", Wally's body shook with pent up energy and he tried to stand up.
Nightwing pushed Wally back on the chair. He was currently trying to treat Wally's wounds – a task which Wally made almost impossible with his fidgeting. Most of the wounds were claw marks. Wally felt like he had been thrown into a paper shredder.
Nightwing disinfected a particularly nasty cut on Wally's forehead.
Wally flinched from the burning feeling: "Agh. It hurts so much. It feels like I'm dying."
He expected Nightwing to maybe alleviate Wally's discomfort with a kiss. Instead, Nightwing's eyes widened, and he stared at the wound on Wally's forehead in panic.
'Dying?', Nightwing signed, his hands shaky.
After his confrontation with Cobb, Nightwing had stopped talking. He was too emotionally drained. The Team had just accepted it and gone on as usual. Wally suspected that this would happen quite a bit. N just having days where he didn't dare to talk. They would manage.
The more immediate problem was that Wally had unwittingly scared his boyfriend to the core. Batman's medical training had apparently taught him how to do first-aid, but he still had no sense for which wounds were actually deadly.
Artemis came to Wally's aid. She rolled her eyes: "He's not dying, N. He's just being dramatic. Quit whining, Baywatch, and let him help you. Or let the doctors do it."
Wally had refused to go with a doctor insisting on waiting with the Team. So, he restricted himself to impatiently tipping his toes and letting N fuss over him. There were worse things in life than having your handsome boyfriend tend to your battle wounds, so Wally would manage.
The speedster still felt bad for giving N a scare. So, he squeezed Nightwing's hand and grinned at him: "Nah. I'm good. I got the most beautiful person on the world taking care of me."
It was terribly cheesy but – as expected – N loved it. He smiled softly, kissing Wally on the temple. Wally tried to deepen the kiss, but N pulled back. Nightwing smirked and went back to caring for Wally's injuries. The speedster probably deserved that one.
Despite the teasing, Nightwing was still tense. Probably because Jason wasn't here. Wally had escaped the grasp of the doctors. Jason had been less fortunate. Batman had insisted that he should go with them. His leg wound was too serious. Jason had protested with some colorful word choices. But Batman was still Batman. And if Batman didn't make Jason go, Nightwing would.
The doors to the emergency room opened and a doctor stepped out.
She smiled looking up from her clipboard: "Ms. Martian's surgery was a success. Her shoulder will heal without any issues, especially aided by her shapeshifting abilities."
The Team – especially Connor – breathed a sigh of relief.
"When can we see her?", Connor asked.
"In a few hours at minimum. She is resting", the doctor said, "I recommend that you take some rest yourselves."
The Team shared a glance. Yeah. That certainly wasn't going to happen. They would wait until M'Gann was awake.
The doctor left them alone again.
"We're staying?", Kaldur asked.
"Of course, we are", Connor said.
Nightwing closed the first aid-kit. He looked proud of himself for actually tending to someone's wounds no matter how minor.
Wally was eager to stretch his legs. So, he jumped up looking at Nightwing: "Wanna help me get some coffees?"
Nightwing tilted his head.
"I can show you the Watchtower cafeteria."
Artemis tensed. Her voice was quiet when she said: "Later please, Wally. There is something I have to tell you. You could call it a confession of some sorts."
Wally frowned. But he sat down on the chair again. Arty was serious. Nightwing nodded encouragingly at her. He knew something that the others didn't. Those two were close. It would become dangerous for Wally indeed.
"You know that my past isn't the best", Artemis said.
"We have never judged you for it", Kaldur said.
"You don't know all the details", Artemis looked at her hands, "I escaped. But only after I did something horrific."
"Come on, Arty-", Wally tried to cheer her up.
But Nightwing squeezed his hand interrupting him. He nudged Wally with his shoulder. So, Wally shut up.
Artemis told them about the girl she had killed. Her voice was quiet. Shameful. She didn't dare to look up. Tears dripped down on her hands by the time she had ended.
Wally felt frozen. Sick. Disgusted by how cruel the world could be.
"I understand if you don't want me on the Team anymore", Artemis said, "I wasn't brainwashed. I was just a coward who didn't dare to speak up."
Wally felt his heart go out for her. He couldn't even imagine what it was like to be forced to kill someone – let alone an innocent child. But Artemis had been a child herself. And she had more than atoned for what she had done.
Nightwing nudged Wally again. Nodding in Artemis' direction. Wally took a deep breath and zipped towards Artemis. Then, he hugged her. She tensed in surprise still keeping her head down.
"You are still the same person we've always known. Still awesome", Wally said, "And if someone wants to throw you off the Team, they will have to fight me."
Kaldur stood up and gave Artemis a tissue: "Same for me. I am honored to have you as a teammate and as a friend."
"What he said", Connor smiled, "I think I can speak for M'Gann, too. She wouldn't judge you if she was here."
Artemis wiped away her tears and looked up at them. Her face softened showing a rare vulnerability: "Thank you."
"Nothing to thank us for", Kaldur said, "We don't judge people for their pasts when they have repeatedly proven in the present that they want to do good."
Wally smiled just enjoying this moment. He felt invincible. It was official. Nothing could stop their Team.
Nightwing and Artemis shared a glance. He jumped up and pulled Artemis into a tight hug. She laughed.
Nightwing signed at Artemis with a big smile on his face: 'Both free.'
"What did he say?", Artemis asked.
Wally translated for her.
"You can bet we are", Artemis regained some of her usual confidence, "We showed these bastards what we are made of."
Nightwing held up his hand to give Artemis a fist bump. The one Wally had shown him that night at the docks. Wally was a proud boyfriend. And it confirmed what he was already afraid of: Nightwing and Artemis together would be a menace. He was glad that they were on his team.
A door in the hallway opened. Jason stepped out walking on crutches. He looked annoyed muttering something about cigarettes. N jumped up looking at Jason in concern.
"I'm fine", Jason said, "I just want to get out of here."
Nightwing tilted his head questioningly and signed: 'Batman?'
"I'm not keen on seeing the old man", Jason said.
'See eventually. Live in same house.'
"Maybe not."
N frowned. He tugged on Jason's sleeve.
Jason sighed looking more exhausted than ever: "He won't accept a murderer in his house."
N pointed at himself.
"It's not the same. And you know that. I'm not a hero. Never will be."
N made a noise of protest and signed: 'My hero.'
Jason chuckled: "You aren't making this easy for me."
'What do you want, Jay?'
"I don't know. I just know that I can't stay. If he doesn't throw me out now, he will eventually. I won't stop, no matter how much we are all deluding ourselves."
Nightwing tensed. He looked at Wally and the Team – guiltily.
"It's fine", Kaldur said, "You have family matters to attend to. We'll update you about M'Gann."
Nightwing nodded in thanks. A flicker ran over his face. Sorrow. He hurried towards Wally and pressed a firm kiss to his mouth. Wally would enjoy it if it didn't feel too much like a goodbye.
Nightwing's signing made it even worse: 'I love you very much, Wally.'
N was up to something. And Wally couldn't do anything but reply with a tense: "I love you, too."
Nightwing stood up and followed Jason towards the zeta tubes. Wally's lips still felt warm from the kiss. He resisted the urge to press a hand to his lips. Damn. N really made him feel like a lovestruck teenager at times.
"I have a bad feeling about this", Artemis said.
Connor nodded in agreement. Wally's stomach felt twisted.
The brothers reached the mansion. Batman was not there, still briefing the League. Alfred opened the door before they could even reach it and pulled both of them into a very un-butlery hug. Jason smiled enjoying Alfred's presence one last time. The butler was a legend and Jason felt bad for what he was about to do.
Jason walked up the stairs under N's watchful eye. His brother followed him like a concerned shadow. It reminded Jason of less complicated times.
Jason entered his room and disregarded the crutches. He didn't need them to walk with a fucking stab wound. Jason had been through worse.
N perched in the corner on Jason's chair watching him with a tilted head. He really was like a bird sometimes. A zombie-bird.
Jason pulled a duffle bag out of the wardrobe and threw his most important stuff in there: "Don't look at me like that, N. I'm just preparing for the inevitable."
N looked heartbroken signing: 'Batman won't throw out. Love Jason very much.'
Jason sighed squinting his eyes shut: "Batman has his mission. And I have mine. Gotham would be a fucking paradise by now if Batman had killed all those bastards, he throws into Arkham."
N looked conflicted. Frowning. Jason's heart went out for him. N was caught between two loved ones who wouldn't compromise – no matter what happened. But Jason couldn't stop. Not even for N's sake. It would be a treacherous harmony.
'Talk with Batman before run', N signed, 'Not assume things.'
Jason shook his head: "I know the old man well enough. And if things don't go to shit now, they eventually will."
Jason continued throwing stuff into his duffle. He found an old cigarette pack under his bed and lighted himself one. N didn't even comment on it. Yeah. Their situation was that bad.
When Jason was almost finished with the cigarette, N made a small noise. Jason frowned pushing the cigarette out and throwing it into the trash. The warning couldn't have come a second later. The door slammed open. Batman stepped inside – still in costume. A new one that hadn't been shredded by a dozen Talons. No matter what people said, Batman was a drama queen.
Batman still looked pissed off. His chin twitched. Jason hated that his face was naked while Bruce's was mostly hidden. Batman was quiet for a while, watching Jason pack.
"Don't you want to say anything, old man?"
"Don't you want to say anything, Jason?"
Passive aggressive much? But Jason suspected that the old man was like this because he felt helpless. Batman was painfully inept at interacting with people.
"I'm not apologizing for killing the scum who made N's life a living hell", Jason balled his fists, "And don't talk to me about this redemption crap. Cobb was as irredeemable as the Joker. He was a fucking monster and the world is better off without him."
N winced at the volume of Jason's voice.
"We are not judge, jury and executioner", Batman sounded collected.
And it pissed Jason the fuck off.
"I did what was necessary. Cobb was a threat that would always hang over our heads. N would never feel completely safe with that bastard alive. I protected my family", Jason got into Batman's face, "And I'll do the same for Gotham. You can't stop me."
"We had a deal", Batman growled.
"A deal that I only made to get you off my fucking back. I've always intended to break it. And I already did multiple times. I only stayed a good, little Hood because I needed you to keep N safe – which you failed at by the way."
The last jab was uncalled for. Bruce cared about Nightwing and he had tried his best to protect him. But Jason was angry. And he lashed out when he was pissed off.
Batman's chin turned red: "You know that I did everything to keep both of you safe."
Jason balled his fists. He knew. And that was the problem. He couldn't hate the old man.
Not when he had such good intentions.
A small noise ripped them out of their argument. Nightwing was still perched on his chair gesturing at Bruce to take his cowl off. He gave Jason a look that said: 'Not explode.'
Batman sighed and took off his cowl – becoming Bruce.
It was a bit sad that the child assassin had to be the mature one here. Jason suspected that this would be their dynamic. Bruce – the not-so secretly, caring father who couldn't have an emotional conversation if his live depended on it. Jason – the black sheep who let his anger guide him far too often. And Nightwing – the mediator who none of them wanted to disappoint.
Bruce looked at Jason with a hint of fondness in his eyes: "What I told Dick in the freezer? That he is my son? All of it is true."
Bruce put a hand on Jason's shoulder: "But you are my son, too."
Fucking Bruce. Jason's anger evaporated and was replaced by a warmth in his chest. Jason hadn't felt it for a long time. The closest comparison he could make were the times when Willis had – occasionally - put some effort in and taken Jason out to a Knights game. Just the two of them without the usual suspects of alcohol and drugs in sight. Some of Jason's fondest memories stemmed from these days.
Bruce forced himself to speak again. Apparently, he allowed himself to become mushy without the cowl.
"You are both my children. And both of you drive me crazy at times. But I wouldn't have it any other way. I lo- care very much about both of you."
Jason resisted the need to hug the old man. He wasn't that mushy. Instead, he teased: "So, you don't have a favorite?"
"You are both sucking away at my youth like little vampires."
Jason frowned. Had the old man just joked?
N chuckled from the side. Jason could get used to this little messed-up family. But they still hadn't addressed the elephant in the room.
"I won't stop, Bruce. And you won't stop."
Bruce tensed again. Their little family moment was over. Jason felt bad for ruining it – but it had to be done.
"Could you live under one roof with me, if I killed the Joker tomorrow?", Jason asked.
"You don't have to kill."
"I want to because someone has to make sure that these fuckers stay off the street permanently", Jason crossed his arms, "Can you honestly tell me that you would just let it slide?"
"I wouldn't", Bruce's jaw clenched.
"I have to leave, Bruce", Jason said, "It's better for everyone."
Nightwing made a noise of protest. Jason ignored him. He couldn't deal with his brother's disappointment.
"Where would you go?"
"Somewhere."
"I can't let you go on with your gang, Jason", Bruce said.
Jason smirked: "Then, good luck hunting me down."
He picked up his duffle bag and walked out of the door. Jason took a deep, calming breath. He would live in one of his secret safehouses for a while. Only N knew about them. And his brother wouldn't talk. No matter how much N looked up to Bruce, his loyalty would always be with Jason first.
Jason reached the front door: "You aren't coming with me."
He turned around to N who had soundlessly creeped after him. N looked upset. His fingertips pressed into his palms. But he couldn't hurt himself anymore. It almost made Jason grateful that N was clawless now. Almost. In the long-run, N may be better off without them. The constant reminders of his pain. But the way he had lost them had been deeply traumatic.
'What mean?', N tilted his head, 'Always go with Jason.'
"No. You are happy here."
'Not without Jason', N's fingertips pressed more deeply into his palms.
"Remember the terms the League gave you? You have to stay under the old man's surveillance for three years. I won't let you throw the whole hero-thing away for me."
'Jason most important.'
"What about West? You wouldn't be able to see him because the League would be looking for you. Not to forget the rest of the Team."
'Already say goodbye to Wally', Nightwing evaded Jason's gaze.
Nightwing had known what Jason planned. Ever since they had left the Watchtower.
Jason's chest felt constricted. N was ready to give up everything for Jason. He always had been.
But it wouldn't make Nightwing happy. He would stay in their shitty safehouse while Jason ran his criminal empire - because Jason would never force N to get involved with his crimes. Nightwing would be purposeless and lonely with Jason as his only real connection. Always hiding from the people, he had once called his friends. Missing them dearly. And he would simmer with guilt because he had given up his best chance at redeeming himself.
It was tempting to just let N come with him. Jason would miss his brother like crazy. For years, N had covered his back. Protected and cared for him in every way. Jason didn't even know how to deal without this solid presence beside him. He had almost fallen apart when the Court had taken N.
Still, Jason couldn't do this to his brother. He would never forgive himself. Nightwing needed to stay with Bruce and his new team.
"No", Jason said, "Do you know how you can make me happy?"
N bit his lip, tilting his head.
"By putting your own happiness first. You've built yourself a life here", Jason said, "We'll still see each other. We'll be in the same city. And I'm sure Batman will hunt after me like a bloodhound after I've killed some of these sickos."
'Not hunt after Jason', Nightwing signed.
"Yeah. You're kind of Switzerland here."
Nightwing frowned: 'Not understand.'
Bruce came down the stairs looking at them. He seemed to be surprised that Jason was still there.
"We need to lay down some terms, old man", Jason said.
Bruce frowned.
"No matter how ugly things between us get, we won't pull Nightwing into this", Jason said.
Bruce hesitated. He seemed conflicted. Jason could understand it. If Jason went rogue, N would be the perfect bait to lure Jason in.
But Bruce looked at N. He saw how upset he looked. How desperate. His fingertips bore more deeply into his palms. Maybe Jason had been wrong. N would probably hurt himself with just his fingertips at this rate.
Being forced to betray Jason would destroy N inside. It would be cruel for either of them to use N to get at the other. Neither of them would ever treat Nightwing this way. The old man could be manipulative, but he still cared. And Jason may be a killer, but he was doing this to protect people.
So, Bruce nodded: "Agreed."
"I won't ask him to sabotage you or give me information."
"And I won't use him to bait you or force him to hunt after you."
Jason nodded. He could work with that.
"We're always allowed to contact each other and you won't monitor our conversations", Jason said.
Bruce seemed more hesitant, but he nodded.
N made a small noise to get their attention and signed: 'See Jason at least once per week. Have brother-day.'
"Yeah. Bro-day without your interference, old man", Jason smiled.
He was glad that N was taking part in their conversation again. Making some of his own terms. It showed how far he had come.
Bruce seemed hesitant. But N looked at him with sad, puppy-dog eyes. They were irresistible really.
Bruce sighed: "Agreed."
Jason smiled. The old man was so transparent when it came to N. Bruce just couldn't see his golden child sad.
Only now, did Jason notice Alfred in the hallway. He could swear that the butler was a ninja. Alfred looked pained but he nodded at Jason.
"I will greatly miss your presence, Master Jason. I hope we can have tea some time."
"Sure, Alfie", Jason said.
He hugged Nightwing. His brother desperately pulled Jason against himself. Almost knocking the breath out of Jason's lungs. N's body was shaking with silent sobs. He would be sad for quite some time. And the first few weeks would be unbearable for both of them. But they would manage. It was the best for everyone.
N let go off Jason – which was probably a good sign. He was accepting their new situation.
Bruce's face was unreadable.
Jason opened his arms: "Come here, old man."
Their hug was stiff. Neither of them was used to it. N was affectionate around them. But he was the big exception. It was easy to show emotion around N because he was always genuine. Jason and Bruce? They were both playing the same game. In that regard, they truly were father and son.
Jason whispered into Bruce's ear: "Dad."
Bruce tensed. But he smiled when they stepped away from each other. It was small but genuine. Not the blinding grin he gave the cameras in his Brucie-persona. His eyes were hard to read. But Jason was sure that Bruce was proud. It was strange to have someone look at him this way – Willis never had.
Jason left the manor. His chest felt heavy and his leg throbbed. It probably wasn't smart to leave the crutches behind. But they had been annoying. And it probably was even dumber to ride a motorcycle this way. But Jason wasn't known for self-preservation. He had N for that.
Well. He had had. Jason really needed to pay more attention to himself now that his brother wasn't there anymore 24/7 to fret over Jason's well-being.
Jason crossed almost the whole city until he got to his safe house. He plopped down on his shitty couch and turned on the old TV. Jason's stomach churned when he ended up on some cheesy telenovela. The space next to him was painfully empty.
He imagined what N would do now. Nightwing would probably tilt his head in curiosity at the program. He would stay quiet though, not wanting to disturb Jason. Jason would watch the atrocity of a show anyway even if the sweetness made him want to vomit. Because he would never deny N the escapism he found in these things.
Jason could almost see N next to him. Chuckling at the horrible jokes and making heart-eyes when the characters finally kissed. Jason still found himself talking to his invisible brother. Asking for his opinion on things. Shit. Jason was barely separated from N and he was already growing crazy.
He needed a smoke. Jason felt for the pack in his leather jacket and frowned when his hand came up empty. He laughed out loud. N would always protect Jason even when they were separated.
'You are a damn mother-hen, you know that?', Jason texted N.
'Smoking dangerous', it came after a while.
'I'm watching one of these cheesy things you like so much. The blonde guy just cheated on the red-head with the brunette.'
'Tom not nice. Angie too good for Tom.'
Jason smiled, typing vigorously about the show. Maybe this wasn't so bad. They would be OK. Eventually.
After a while, N asked: 'Know which chocolate good?'
Wally was nervous. He paced around the living room in the Mountain. The Team was doing a hangout today. They had decided that after the recent crises they deserved some relaxation.
M'Gann was propped up on the couch with Connor. Her shoulder was still bandaged but she was recovering. For her sake, they had decided to watch 'Hello Megan'.
Wally actually couldn't concentrate on anything. So, he was pacing around behind the TV annoying the other team members.
"Wally", Artemis said, "Calm down."
"I have a bad feeling about Nightwing. He was strange the last time I saw him."
"The Bats have been quiet in the last few days", Connor said.
"The Bats?", Kaldur asked.
Connor shrugged: "I thought it fits, now that Batman isn't alone anymore."
Wally bit his lip. Replaying his last interaction with Nightwing. It had felt so final. Jason had talked about Bruce throwing him out of the manor. What if N had gone with him? What if they had gone into hiding?
Wally's pondering was interrupted by the computer voice announcing 'Nightwing'. Wally couldn't believe it at first. Then, he ran towards the zeta tube only to almost crash into his boyfriend. He was standing there looking a bit somber but smiling at Wally regardless. And he was definitely hiding something behind his back. Wally tried to peak at what it was but Nightwing distracted him with a kiss.
Wally didn't know how to react, so he just said: "You want to watch 'Hello Megan' with us?"
Nightwing nodded. His complete lack of words coupled with his somber attitude was unnerving.
N nodded at the Team and sat down on the edge of the couch. He pulled his knees towards his chest. And every so often looked at his hands. Wally frowned. Was he still mourning his claws or was there more going on? Wally was certainly fascinated by the mysterious bag that Nightwing had put on the armrest of the couch. But it was out of his reach.
Wally didn't know what to do. Nightwing looked like he wanted some space. So, Wally didn't push.
They watched TV until the early morning hours. Nightwing didn't move all the time and barely talked with Wally. One after another, the Team excused themselves to sleep.
"You want to come?", Wally asked Nightwing when he could barely keep his eyes open.
Nightwing silently shook his head staring at the TV with a blank face.
"Babe?", Wally asked, "You OK?"
Nightwing shook his head.
"You want to talk about it?"
Nightwing shook his head again.
Wally felt helpless. He knew that these situations were to be expected when dating Nightwing. His boyfriend was dealing with far too much. But how lousy was Wally that he didn't know how to help him?
Artemis pulled on Wally's sleeve. They stopped in the hallway out of Nightwing's reach.
"Give him some time", she said.
"I don't know what's going on with him."
"Let him come to you."
Wally jerked up. A soft sound had ripped him out of his sleep. A quiet knock.
"Wally?", Nightwing's voice.
Wally thought about putting on a shirt. But just the thought was exhausting, and it wasn't like N hadn't seen him just in boxers before.
Wally opened the door. Nightwing stood in front of him looking lost. Still hiding something behind his back – presumably the bag.
"Very sorry", Nightwing bit his lip, "Disturb."
"It's fine", Wally rubbed his eyes, "You change your mind?"
Nightwing nodded hesitantly: "Not want be alone."
Wally smiled: "That's good because I don't want to be alone either."
Nightwing hid his mystery bag in the wardrobe. Wally tilted his head imitating his boyfriend.
"Surprise", Nightwing said, "Tomorrow. Screwed up for today."
"You didn't screw up", Wally said, "It's fine. You have a right to be sad."
"But Cobb dead. Everything good."
"These things don't just go away. They linger as BC would say", Wally caressed Nightwing's cheek with his thumb, "It's good that you are dealing with them. It's better than just ignoring them and masquerading them with jokes."
"Wally hide things?"
"Sometimes", Wally said, "We all go through some heavy shit."
"Not need hide from me."
"I know", Wally smiled softly.
N would never judge him. He would always listen. And some day, Wally would talk. Not tonight though.
"Cuddle?", Nightwing asked.
"Cuddle."
Wally laid down on the bed. He watched while N took off his shoes and jeans and slipped in next to Wally.
The speedster tried to lighten the mood: "You want to be big spoon or little spoon?"
Nightwing frowned – confused: "Not need eat."
Wally chuckled and opted to be the big spoon. Nightwing sighed contentedly, so Wally was doing something right.
Nightwing interlaced their fingers together. And Wally was really glad now that there were no deadly blades anymore on his boyfriend's fingertips. Maybe N would have opted to have them removed at some point. In a safe and painless manner. Wally trusted N to control his claws. But accidents could always happen. Especially during more heated activities. Wally had some body parts he liked to keep.
They hadn't gotten that far yet. But they would at some point, once Nightwing was ready. Wally would wait. He wouldn't push - happily taking what Nightwing wanted to give.
Wally's musings were interrupted through quiet sobs. N was crying. Wally pushed down the panic that rose in his chest. Instead, he drew circles on the back of Nightwing's hand and gently kissed his temple.
"You are not alone", Wally said.
"I know", Nightwing said.
"We're talking about this tomorrow, OK?"
"Yes."
N calmed down a bit. Eventually, Wally fell back into a deep sleep.
When Wally woke up, he still felt N's warm body beside him. N turned around when he noticed that Wally was conscious. He smiled despite his red-rimmed eyes. Wally smiled back, still sleepy. He could get used to this – without the crying part.
"Good sleep?", Nightwing asked.
"Very good."
He bit back his question of how N's sleep had been. It was still a bit strange to have a boyfriend who didn't need to sleep or eat.
"Want see surprise?", N asked.
"The Wallman loves surprises", Wally smirked, channeling some of his bravado.
N stood up and walked towards the wardrobe opening it. Wally took this opportunity to
check out some of his boyfriend's assets. No surprise there. Nightwing was incredibly hot.
Wally was so distracted that he almost missed the surprise N had for him. But Nightwing turned around with a stack of chocolates in his hands.
He looked a bit sheepish: "Like I promise. Not know which chocolate good. So, ask Jason. And Jason say many different. So, buy all. Want to give yesterday. But feel sad yesterday. So, only give toda-"
Wally jumped up and broke Nightwing off with a kiss.
"This is awesome, Babe", Wally said, "Best breakfast ever."
"Eat for breakfast?"
"Definitely. Chocolate is the most popular breakfast food."
"Not know eat for breakfast", Nightwing smiled, "Always learn new."
Fuck. He was adorable. Wally felt almost bad for letting him believe that chocolate was breakfast food.
They were the first ones in the kitchen. Wally ripped open the packages building himself a tower of chocolate bars on a plate. He dripped maple syrup over the tower to make it even better.
Nightwing watched Wally closely – in his slightly unnerving zombie-way. His eyes were still rimmed red, but they sparkled with curiosity: "Chocolate like pancakes? Make pancakes for Jason before."
"Yeah. Exactly like pancakes."
They sat down on the couch leaving the TV off. Nightwing left Wally space to eat but he put a hand on Wally's knee.
"You want to tell me why you were sad yesterday?"
Nightwing squirmed a bit. But he nodded.
"Different things", he said, "Situation is over…whelming."
He struggled a bit with the word.
Wally nodded telling him to go on while he wolfed down his third chocolate bar.
Nightwing fiddled with his invisible claws: "Miss claws. Miss Jason. … And even miss Cobb."
His head whipped up at Wally as if he was scared that Wally would judge him. Nightwing took a piece of paper out of his pocket. A picture. It showed a young Cobb? With a family.
Nightwing explained what had happened in Cobb's old room. Wally's stomach churned, and he had to stop at his sixth chocolate bar. Cobb had been fucking sick. Just the image of Nightwing's corpse in a glass case - propped up like some puppet for his murderer to look at. It was dehumanizing, cruel, sadistic… Anger rose within Wally again. He forced himself to keep it together.
"Mourn this Cobb", Nightwing pointed at the man in the picture, "Not monster. Sometimes nice. But lose kindness over time. Wrong to mourn him? Make me weak?"
Wally wanted to tell Nightwing that Cobb didn't deserve his sorrow. And Cobb didn't. But that wouldn't change how Nightwing felt about the bastard. It would only make Nightwing feel ashamed for grieving his abuser.
Nightwing looked more scared with every second that passed.
So, Wally swallowed his anger and tried to answer as maturely as possible: "It's normal that you miss Cobb. He was a bastard and he treated you like shit. And I fucking hate him for what he did to you. But he was still your great grandfather. And he was your only family for a long time. And he was nice to you sometimes, wasn't he? Not that that excuses his actions in any way. But it is normal that you feel close to him because of any acts of kindness he may have shown you."
Nightwing nodded mechanically: "Not something wrong with me?"
"No", Wally said, "You just need some help. I don't think I'm best equipped for this. You should really talk with Black Canary about this. She can help you."
Nightwing nodded.
"What about Jason?", Wally said.
Nightwing sighed and told Wally about Bruce's and Jason's fight.
"Feel strange", Nightwing said, "Really miss Jason and want to see soon. But I feel like I will be okay? Bad brother for not being more sad?"
"No", Wally smiled, "That's good. You're becoming more independent."
Nightwing tilted his head.
"Let's look at it like this: Would you call us bad boyfriends just because we don't live together and don't spend every minute together?"
"Not bad boyfriends", Nightwing protested.
"See?", Wally smiled, "Same with your brother. It's not healthy to be with someone 24/7. You both probably needed it when you were younger because you had no one else. And you were both struggling. But you grew up and you build yourselves individual lives. That is good. You are still brothers no matter what."
Nightwing seemed to think about Wally's words. The speedster himself couldn't believe that he was dishing out this wisdom on a Saturday morning. Someone give him a medal for that.
"When did you become a philosopher, Baywatch?", Artemis entered the living room.
Their quiet moment was over. The rest of the Team would be here soon.
"I was always incredibly handsome and smart", Wally teased.
"Very handsome and smart", Nightwing looked at Wally in admiration – not so subtly checking him out.
And damn, Nightwing's admiring gaze was better than any medal. Wally felt his cheeks heat up and other parts of his body with them. Did N even know what effect he had on Wally? He probably did. Nightwing was such a tease. And Wally loved it.
"Ugh. Get a room you two. Gross. You two are almost as bad as Connor and M'Gann", Artemis shook her head in mock indignation, "N, I can tell you some stories about Wally that would quickly-"
"Don't you want to eat breakfast, Arty?", Wally said.
Nightwing lifted Wally's plate holding it out towards Artemis: "Try Wally's breakfast? Wally say very good."
Artemis stared at Wally: "Did you honestly tell him that chocolate is breakfast just so he doesn't question your unhealthy habits?"
"Unhealthy?", Nightwing looked at Wally with pure confusion.
"No, it's very good, Babe", Wally said, "Want a taste?"
He used the same tactic Nightwing had used yesterday and distracted the ex-assassin with a kiss. Nightwing stiffened for a moment at the unknown taste. Then, he pulled Wally closer and explored every corner of Wally's mouth. Wally smirked into the kiss. So, his boyfriend was a chocolate junkie. Who wasn't?
Wally smirked: "Like the taste?"
Nightwing nodded, his eyes blown wide as if he was on a sugar-high: "Chocolate good gift."
Nightwing pushed his lips against Wally's again. Wally smirked at Artemis between kisses. He had won this round.
Artemis rolled her eyes and vanished in the kitchen: "Remember that we have training later. Black Canary wants to do aerial maneuvers."
Oh shit. Maybe Wally hadn't been as triumphant as he thought. His stomach was already churning.
The last few weeks, Batman and Nightwing had found dozens of Talons and brought them to one of Bruce's safehouses. Most of them were directionless and just sat on the buildings of the city in hiding. Some were violent. They had no choice but to bring them to Arkham, which was best equipped for violent prisoners.
Nightwing had felt overwhelmed. He wanted to help the Talons, but he didn't know what to do with them. So, he had asked Bruce. Batman had grunted that he was working on something. He had been tight-lipped about it and Nightwing hadn't asked. He trusted Batman.
After a few weeks, Batman said: "We found a way. You'll see."
Nightwing tilted his head. This night of patrol brought them to the outskirts of Gotham.
"Where go?"
To Nightwing's surprise, Batman answered: "I worked together with Gordon and some other important people in both personas to create a sanctuary for the Talons."
"Safe there? League thought safe last time", Nightwing couldn't hold back the accusatory tone.
Luthor and Freeze had stolen Talons for experimentation directly under the League's noses. And no one had missed them.
"We screwed up", Batman seemed uncomfortable, "But we won't this time. That's why I worked with Gordon on this. He's a good man."
They stopped in front of an old building. A giant mansion reminding Nightwing of Wayne Manor. Gravel crunched under the tires as Batman stopped in front of a fountain.
"I bought it just for this purpose. It used to belong to a Gotham Court member. There are enough rooms to house all of the Talons."
Nightwing smiled. He liked the irony of turning the house of a Court member into a sanctuary for freed Talons.
They exited the car. Nightwing fell behind Batman. It was second-nature to him now. He scrutinized the building looking for any detractors. He couldn't find any. The building seemed clean, even comfortable.
Gordon waited in front of the big wooden doors. Next to him sat a woman in a wheelchair.
"Gordon", Batman said.
"Batman", the Commissioner nodded, "You know my daughter."
The woman tensed but she tried to hide it.
"We've met before", Batman had a tinge of sadness in his voice looking at her wheelchair.
"Stop pitying me, Batman", the woman said, "I'm living a good life. And I'm here to help."
Batman looked a bit taken aback. Nightwing smiled. He already liked this woman.
"I'm Barbara Gordon", she looked directly at him.
"Nightwing", he answered and held out his hand, "Nice meet."
She shook his hand. It was nice that he could shake people's hands now without them being scared. Maybe losing his claws was less bad than he thought.
"So, this is our final exam?", Gordon asked.
Batman nodded: "Nightwing has to sign off on it. Otherwise, we'll have to find something else."
Nightwing looked up at Batman. His chest felt warm. Batman wanted to make sure that he did good by the Talons. So, he trusted Nightwing to make the final judgement.
"Time for a tour", Barbara wheeled herself up a ramp towards the entrance.
They looked at the house and grounds. Nightwing asked questions every now and then and examined the rooms closely.
"Lights?", Nightwing asked.
"Dimmed", Gordon answered, "The windows, too."
Nightwing nodded, approving.
Barbara told them about their plans. Two Talons each would share a room so that they wouldn't feel alone. There was a library. Wide gardens. A gym with training equipment. Playgrounds for the younger Talons. Rooms for therapy sessions. And a few cells in the case that a Talon posed a danger. No freezing.
"See family?", Nightwing asked.
"The GCPD and we will identify the Talons. We will inform their families if they still have ones. We will also give them back their legal identities", Batman said.
"There are visitation rooms", Barbara added, "The Talons won't be alone."
Frankly, Nightwing didn't find anything amiss with this sanctuary. Batman and the Gordons had done good work. It was too good to be true. So, he tried to find a negative. Nightwing wanted to make sure that the other Talons were safe.
"Staff?", Nightwing asked.
Barbara looked up at him: "We'll hire a team of psychologists, caretakers and some security personnel. Our aim isn't to keep the Talons here forever but to rehabilitate them and help them until they are ready to live on their own. This is not a prison."
"How make sure Talons not taken away?"
"I will make sure of it", Barbara said, "I was looking for a new purpose after I couldn't become a police officer anymore. My father asked me if I wanted to become the head of this facility."
Nightwing tilted his head. Barbara clenched her hands around the handles of her wheelchair.
"I know I'm young and I don't have any experience with working in psychology. But I am a quick learner and I am trustworthy", she added jokingly, "And I'm good with computers which can't hurt."
Barbara lowered her voice losing her lightheartedness: "I know how hard it is to rebuild your life. But everyone deserves a chance. And I want to make sure that the Talons have a safe environment to heal in. So, I will scrutinize anyone who works here for bad intentions."
"And Barbara doesn't miss", Gordon chuckled looking like a proud father, "Playing chess with her is a lost cause."
Nightwing could imagine. Barbara seemed determined and attentive. There was an intelligence in her eyes that Nightwing had rarely seen. It reminded him of Bruce. His intuition told Nightwing that she was trustworthy. That she knew what she was talking about. Barbara wouldn't just see the Talons as mindless puppets but as people to emphasize with. That was more valuable than any degree ever would be.
Nightwing said: "Trust. Believe will do good."
"So, we get your blessing?", Batman asked.
Nightwing nodded: "Still come to visit Talons here."
"I wouldn't expect anything else", Barbara said.
She smiled at Nightwing. Nightwing smiled back. He was sure that they would be good friends. And that the other Talons would get the chance to heal – just like Nightwing had.
Batman was quiet while he drove the car back into the city. Nightwing couldn't resist the urge to smile. He still missed Jason, and his claws, and to a certain extent even Cobb. But every day was becoming easier.
"Thank you, Bruce", Nightwing said.
"I owe it to these Talons. Nothing to thank me for, Dick."
Nightwing tensed at the name. Batman noticed.
"Something wrong?", he grumbled.
Nightwing watched Batman. He acted grumpy but he was genuinely concerned. Nightwing had learned the tells.
Nightwing opened his mouth and expected his throat to close up again. But he managed to get the words out: "Can you call me Nightwing?"
"You don't like Dick?"
Nightwing looked at his feet: "Not remember being Dick. Just erased."
He fiddled with his non-existent claws. Nightwing wondered if he would ever lose these nervous ticks.
"It's your decision", Batman said.
Nightwing looked at Bruce. His mentor. His father. The man who listened when Nightwing talked.
Jason had been right to not let Nightwing go with him. It would be hard at first, but it was better for both of them. They were still brothers – but they also had their own lives. And Nightwing was in the right place.
Batman perched on a Gotham rooftop overlooking his domain. The night was deceptively quiet. Bruce had spent more than ten years as Batman. The dark vigilante who went after criminals in the shadows.
Bruce still was a pursuer of justice. But he was also a protector. A caretaker. His sons had reactivated this side within him. And Bruce would always be grateful for them.
One of them stood behind Bruce. Watching his back and reigning Bruce in when he became lost in his pursuit of justice. As cheesy as it sounded, Nightwing was Bruce's light. He would always remind Bruce that there was good in the world.
If Nightwing was Bruce's light, Jason was his flame. His younger son had carved out his own path challenging Bruce every step on the way. Jason pushed Bruce to become better in every aspect. And Bruce gladly took up the challenge.
Bruce was proud of both of them. And they knew. Even if Bruce struggled with saying it. He needed both of them. Always would.
Bruce turned around when heavy boots landed on the roof.
"You have to work on your landings, Hood", Bruce said.
Jason snickered and held up a bag of Chinese takeout: "I come in peace, Batman. No nefarious plans at the moment."
Bruce doubted that. Jason always had something up his sleeve. But he wouldn't pursue it. Not tonight. Tonight was for family. And so, he sat down next to his sons on the edge of the roof taking one of the boxes from Jason.
Jason took off his helmet: "How you doing, N?"
"Life good", Nightwing beamed, overlooking the city.
Bruce had never seen someone so happy at just being.
"Still miss you though", N said.
"Me too, bro. Me too", Jason dug into his takeout, "Flash Boy like the chocolate?"
"Flash like very much. Very delicious. I like, too."
"You ate the chocolate? I thought your zombie stomach couldn't handle it?"
Nightwing blushed: "Not really eat. Just… taste."
Jason smirked: "Flash Boy is really going at it. Did you two already-?"
Nightwing elbowed Jason, throwing a side glance at Bruce. Jason kept teasing – to Nightwing's embarrassment.
Bruce stayed silent, enjoying the sound of his sons bickering. For the first time in decades, Bruce wasn't the lone boy in the alley anymore.
Life was good.
AN: I just want to thank everyone so much for reading, commenting,… It was amazing to read all of your comments and I didn't except for so many people to enjoy this story so much. It was so much fun to write and I continue to be amazed by this fandom!
This journey was truly incredible and I'm feeling so bittersweet right now.
I can only wish all of you the best! :)