We're okay

March 9th , 2014.
Gotham City

Commissioner Gordon looked around, a pleased look on his face. It had been little over a week since they had been freed from the clutches of Bane and his mercenaries. And while everything would take time to get back to normal, they were already a long way in the right direction. Spring had hit early, causing most of the snow to melt. The warmer weather helped people to clean up and restore the city to what it'd been before.

He himself was standing on top of the GCPD building, enjoying the quiet night. Barbara had returned to him the day after the events that ultimately freed the city. He'd been worried sick, and was shocked when she appeared to be hurt. Only a broken arm she said, nothing serious. Her and Dick had apparently hid themselves underground and one of the bombs had caused their hideout to collapse on them. He didn't have the heart to yell at her, to show how much she'd frightened him. So he'd pulled her into a warm hug instead, and just praising their lucky stars that they'd both survived the terrible ordeal.

Gordon had asked the Justice League about Batman several times, as had others (mostly media). But they wouldn't give an answer as to where Batman were or what his condition were. It had annoyed Gordon, but he found it hard to harbour any negative feelings towards the leaguers who'd all done so much to help Gotham in Batman and Robins absence. He would know in time.

And yet, while he and the others appreciated the help from the Justice League, it seemed wrong to have them in the city. Gotham needed it's dark knight, it needed..
"Lovely night." a low, raspy voice interrupted Gordons thoughts. He whirled around, hands on his gun before relaxing and letting out an ever so softly sign of relief.

There, in the shadows, were the familiar cloaked silhouette of the man he'd known for the last fourteen years.

"You're alright." was the first thing Gordon said, fully knowing how stupid it sounded. Of course the Batman was alright, he was standing just in front of him. "I'm glad."

"Likewise." came the gruff answer. Not expecting the caped crusader to elaborate Gordon stepped closer.

"You had us all worried. After the bomb.. well, everybody seemed sure that you'd been killed. Your colleagues in the League refused to say anything.

"It wasn't their place to say." Gordon could see Batman turn his gaze over the city. He followed , turning his attention to the quiet city.

"Who knows?"

"You."

Gordon smiled to himself and looked back towards Batman. "And who is going to.." his voice trailed off and he shook his head, laughing to himself. Batman was gone.
Disappearing in the shadows as always. He briefly thought he saw a black shadow gliding over the city, but then nothing. Gordon walked over to where the dark knight had stood. It brought him past the old Batsignal, who'd been destroyed by Bane. But now, walking by it, Gordon saw it had been replaced.

He smirked to himself. "Only me you say?"

oOo

March 9th , 2014.
Mount Justice

Recognized: Nightwing B01.

The Team looked up as the Zeta tube announced the arrival of their friend. Though they had to remind themselves that he was indeed their team member. For the person walking towards them were dressed in Batmans uniform and walked with the steadfast determination of the Dark Knight himself.

"Did it work?" the cowl came off, revealing the short black hair and the domino mask they knew.

"Look for yourself." answered Artemis, pointing at the TV. Nightwing walked over, standing behind the sofa, looking at the screen. It was a newsfeed from Gotham. The sound had been muted, but the picture said everything. It showed the skyline, and above it – in the dark spring clouds – were the batsignal.

"Seems like you convinced the commish." grinned Wally, raising his hand. Nightwing smiled, and began to remove the cape and uniform.

"Aw man, you left me hanging!" lamented Wally, only to have Garfield jump up, and high five him.

"Sorry Wally." said Nightwing, as he continued to remove the suit. "I'm still pretty beat up and this thing is heavy as hell. I'm pretty sure I pulled something when jumping of the GCPD."

"You okay?" asked M'gaan worriedly. Nightwing send her a reassuring smile.

"Don't worry, nothing a good meal and some rest won't fix."

"It's scary how much you look like him when you wear his uniform." remarked Garfield, staring at Nightwing with wide eyes. Nightwing stopped his task, and looked at the cowl in his hands.

"I know.. I thought I would never be like him. But it seems like Artemis and Wally aren't the only ones who've grown up." he then said, his voice low.
Wally jumped up, throwing a arm around Nightwings shoulder. "Don't sweat it Dick. It's an emergency, remember? You only have to wear it for a couple of times for a couple of months – okay, that sounded better in my head. But seriously dude, just because you wear his gear doesn't mean you'll become like him. It's only so the bad guys in Gotham still believes the big bat is out there."

Nightwing smiled, looking relieved at the reminder. "You're right. It's only temporarily. And Batman is recovering. Not that I'm rushing him getting back out there." he shook his head. "I've never seen anybody as beaten up. I still can't believe he survived.."
Zatanna grapped his hand, giving it a squeeze. "Dr. Thompkins is the real hero."

Nightwing nodded, suddenly unable to say anything. He took a deep breath.

"You guys probably already knows.. but he is all I got left. Him and agent A. I can't loose him. I just can't."

Nightwing frowned, his eyes narrowing, looking at the speedster. "Not names in the cave, Wally." the last was uttered in a dark, low voice that caused shivers to run down their spines. "Just because you all knows doesn't mean you are allowed to say it. It was difficult enough to convince Batman that he shouldn't get J'ohn to wipe your memories.."

Wally let go of his friend, stepping back with his hands raised. "Sorry, we won't! But dude, you've got to stop using that voice! I know it's handy and all, but it's scary as all hell!"

Nightwing smiled, for real this time and let go of Zatanna. He had removed most of the armour, only the inner suit remaining. "Good. Then I have a way to remind you of doing you homework."

The remark caused Wally's hands to fall down. "Oh." he said, suddenly all goofiness gone. "yeah.."

Nightwing looked at Artemis. "When will you head back to Palo Alto?"
"Tomorrow." she answered. "We are already loads behind. And with the Team and League back in order.."

".. you have to go back, I get it." Nightwing looked down for a brief minute, before looking at Wally.

"I'm sorry I reacted the way I did. I want both you and Artemis to be happy. And if leaving the team, going to school and being civilians makes you happy, then I won't say a word against it."
Wally stared, and Artemis smiled. "Thank you.. Nightwing. We'll still swing by. You guys are our friends."

"Friends." said Nightwing, dropping down on the sofa. "Can we put on a movie or something. I'm exhausted."

oOo

March 11th , 2014.
Wayne Manor

Bruce didn't look up when the door opened. He didn't look up when the two guest walked towards his bed. He didn't look up when they stopped. He looked up when they remained silent.

Before him stood Dick and Barbara Gordon. He looked at them both before turning his attention back to the papers in his hands.

"No."

"Bruce, at least.."

"No."

"Come on, you haven't even.."

"Still no Richard."

"But.."

"No."

"Mr Wayne."

Bruce looked up when Barbara interrupted Dick's attempting to convince him.

"No, miss Gordon. I can't allow it."

She stepped closer, her face stone hard.
"I'm not seeking you approval mr. Wayne nor your permission. I'm merely informing you. I will help you and Dick in your battle for Gotham. With or without your blessing."

"I'll tell your father." Bruce said, knowing it to be an empty threat.

"No you won't. Because then I'll tell him."

"I can make your memory disappear."

"No you won't. Because then you'll have to face the anger of both Dick and the entire Justice League." she sat down on the bed, looking him directly in the eyes.

"I'm in the game now. And I'm good at it. You know this. And I can learn even more."

"It's not a game miss Gordon. It's a war."

"Then I'll be a warrior. Mr. Wayne, you and Dick are not the only ones tired of this endless spiral of misery. The League of Shadows have lost most of their men. They are weak. It's time to gain the upper hand and I can help you with that."

Barbara looked down. "Robin is gone. Dick has become Nightwing, and has already made this known. People knows Robin is gone. Nightwing is keeping a low profile because he has to wear your suit most of the time to make sure the criminals doesn't forget you or think you dead. Dick is honouring your wish and have banned the Team and League from the City. But this means that he, for the time being, is alone. It'll be months before you've recovered enough to get back out there. In the mean time, allow me to help Batman. Allow me to be Batgirl."

Bruce looked up from his papers and at the girl in front of him. She didn't make eye contact, but her hands were steady and her voice even. He narrowed his eyes before turning his attention to Dick.

His ward offered him a encouraging smile. He turned his attention back to Barbara.

"You have a sharp brain miss Gordon." he remarked, using the voice normally reserved for when he wore the batsuit. She looked up, a tiniest flickr of hope in her eyes.

"You can help Dick. But only until I'm well and back again. Then I'll reevaluate your position. And you can use the bat on your uniform. Get Alfred to help you with it, I'm sure there can be done something with it now that you'll have access to our armoury."

He looked down again, dismissing the pair. Barbara's eyes lit up and she threw herself forward, embracing the older man in a tight hug. "Thank you!" she cried, before jumping up. Dick almost laughed at the surprised look that now adored his guardians face as grabbed Barbara and dragged her out.

Bruce looked after them, and only when the door had closed did he allow himself to smile a small smile. The young people.. they were the true saviours of Gotham. And himself. He returned his attention back to the papers in his hands.

The league would have his head for allowing another young person to fight his fight. He smirked.

A few notes. I'm unsure about the whole timeframe in Dark Knight vs. Young Justice. DKR takes places roughly 10-15 years after BB. So, I'm guessing fourteen, keeping Dick's age and time as Robin in mind. Not sure if it's correct, but it'll do.