This chapter got gutted!~ Originally t was super repetitive and had a lot of OOC Batman. Sorry if it ended up a tad short but I tried to fix it up as well as I could.

Chapter 6- Not Quite Home

Batman's POV

The tension in the room was palpable as I swept in, signs of exhaustion and worry as clear as day in the posture and expressions of the young heroes. I'd heard the gist of what had happened from Black Canary when we had arrived back on the Watchtower, about Nightwing's deception in the name of the mission and the impressive execution. And worse, the aftermath. Hearing the Team was meeting at the Hall only set my path that much faster, despite Clark's insistence that I rest after our long return journey from Rimbor.

I set my eyes on Aqualad, who seemed to have resumed leadership in Nightwing's absence. He met my gaze with an even calm, admirable considering how many cowered, never one to shrink away from responsibility.

"Explain. Now."

"After our fight with the Reach and Light in Santa Prisca, we," He gestured between himself and some of the seated heroes. "Explained to the Team and League what had transpired and why we originally put our plan into motion while Nightwing was treated for injuries sustained during the altercation." I narrowed my eyes, displeased. I was originally unaware the Nightwing had been injured during the summit, and that it had been bad enough to warrant treatment before explanations.

"After, and against the instances of Miss Martian and I, Nightwing returned to the Hall to explain his reasoning for what we did in full to the Team, or so we thought. At that time he also resigned from the team and left, before any of us could say anything. When we went to pursue him he was gone, only the emblem of his suit, marked with blood, was found. According to Impulse that was all that was ever found, from his timeline."

"And?" The altantian sighed, his gaze dropping for a moment.

"I'm afraid that has proven to be true, so far. We've spent the last month dedicated to finding any trace of Nightwing, without luck." I switched my gaze to my own proteges, seeing the grim truth reflected in their postures. Aqualad was making no exaggerations and that alone was a reason for concern.

I turned, taking a moment to steel my composure, to not take my anger and concern out on those gathered before me, it would do little to help.

"Continue searching, share anything you find with me."

"Batman-" I ignored Clark's pestering, heading back toward the Zeta as my two remaining proteges fell wordlessly into place at my side. The computer does a scan to confirm our identities and soon we're back at the Batcave, finally home. There I let my composure fall away with my cowl, weariness and concern set in like a heavy weight.

"Sir, it is good to have you back, Lady Diana called and let me know you'd be returning." Alfred greeted, my ever faithful friend standing beside the Batcomputer with a tray of tea and snacks prepared. I responded with a small smile, rolling my shoulders back as I sank into the chair, taking one of the offered cups.

"It's good to see you again, old friend." Even if someone was missing. Barbara and Tim, similarly unmasked, settle in beside me, and I'm able to more clearly read the toll taken on them, Barbara's eyes sad and Tim's ringed with shadows. It was easy to forget, sometimes, how much Dick meant to the both of them, as Barbara's oldest friend and Tim's first connection in the manor, when I was too caught up in the death of Jason to give my newest protege the attention and training he deserved. Even with Dick missing, I couldn't let that happen again.

"You two should go rest, I'll look through what you gathered and formulate a plan of attack." I took a sip of the tea, allowing myself to enjoy the familiar flavor for just a moment. "We're going to find him." They exchanged a look mingled with hope, perhaps letting some of the burdens I left them fall back onto my shoulders. I can sense Alfred's approval as I turn back to the screen as the other two retreat. We would find my son, this family would not become more broken.

Yeahhhhh Bruce was still kind of awkward to write but that's partially because I wanted to show the impact Dick has had on him and I VASTLY prefer a Batman who gives a shit (even if he can't show it) than one who is harsh and borderline abusive even to his own. This is the update I'm the most unsure about so far so feedback is extra appreciated on this installment. Thanks for reading.

~Fate