Disclaimer: I do not own Batman or any of the other characters associated with him. They are the sole property of DC Comics.

Author's Notes: This is quite a late update (or rather later than previously) because of stuff going on in my life around the time of going back to university, so apologies there. I had originally another plan for this chapter but, as I was writing it, it sort of took off on its own for this more emotionally charged version. I hope that comes across because I got quite emotional myself writing it. Anyways, as ever rate and review, follow, favourite or whatever you want to do! And enjoy!

Chapter 4: Unwanted counsel

With a crash, the Batwing broke through the waterfall hiding the aerial entrance to the Batcave and came to set itself on a landing pad lit up by floor lamps. As Batman exited the aircraft, he noticed his butler Alfred and Dick Grayson, formerly Robin, in his Nightwing suit standing in front of one of the large screens on the many consoles that filled a section of the lair.

As Bruce approached the pair, removing his cowl, he noticed they were both scrutinizing him, waiting for a reaction to something he was not yet aware of. Looking up at the screen they had been watching, he noticed it was a news report. His eyes widened at the sight of the message scrolling across the screen, beneath the reporter Vicki Vale's figure in front of the asylum on Arkham Island.

"BREAKING NEWS: JOKER ESCAPES ARKHAM AIDED BY AN UNKNOWN ALLY" the message read.

"The escape was first noticed when the guard change was scheduled." Vicki said. "However, the two new officers found their predecessors dead, both shot. It is at this moment unknown how the infamous Joker escaped from custody, but in his physical state, he would have been unable to get out by himself which leads police to believe his escape was planned by an unknown guardian angel to Gotham's Prince of Crime."

Bruce listened in horror, his mind struggling to grasp what the reporter's words meant. He jumped as he felt a hand fall on his shoulder. Looking around, he saw Nightwing just behind him, watching his former mentor in quiet empathy. Alfred was also looking towards them, an unreadable expression on his face; it seemed as though neither of them knew what to say to the stunned man before them.

"Police are currently investigating the event." The blonde haired journalist went on. "Indeed, Commissioner James Gordon was seen going into Arkham Asylum along with Inspector Harvey Bullock shortly after the alarm was raised. Surprisingly however, no reports of the Batman on the scene have been heard."

These words seemed to finally reach Bruce who snapped awake almost immediately. He turned swiftly to leave, pulling his cowl back over his head, but found Dick in front of him, blocking the way.

"Bruce, wait. You don't have to do this." Dick stated sympathetically.

"Yes, Dick, I do. It's expected of me." Bruce retorted, his voice a low growl. "If I show weakness, I'll lose face, and Gotham can't afford that."

Dick took an involuntary step back, aghast, since when was protecting Gotham about image? Bruce was many things, but vain was not one of them. And now he was talking like he was the only one in the city who made a difference. Alfred had said to him that he was not the same since Jason had died, but Dick hadn't really had a chance to see it yet. Obviously, the butler had conveyed to him reports of Batman savaging criminals, being far more brutal than ever before, beating them to an inch from death, but hadn't felt much cause for concern. Obviously he'd been gravely mistaken.

"No Bruce, you don't. We all know what that madman did, the whole city does. No one will blame you for sitting this one out." He reasoned. "I'll go to help the police with the investigation and report back to you."

"Dick, get out of my way." Bruce threatened, but Nightwing did not move. "NOW!" he shouted, swinging at him.

The blow took Dick by surprise and it connected with his jaw, causing him to fall backwards to the ground. He sprang into action, jumping back up and grabbing the Batman's arms, bringing his face close to the dark cowl his friend wore, staring at the white lenses in place of his eyes.

"Bruce, please. We're worried about you. Alfred told me about your problems with control." Batman's head swivelled sharply to stare at his butler who had the decency to look ashamed. "And that's with regular street thugs." Dick continued. "This is Joker we're talking about. You won't be able to keep your head clear, my friend. You told me yourself when teaching me that the key to any investigation is emotional detachment. We both know that's not an option for you at the moment." This sentence caused Bruce to hang his head, the sense of Dick's reasoning catching up to him.

He nodded, lowering his arms and pulling off his cowl. Nightwing released him from his grip, sighing in relief and placed a comforting hand upon his arm.

"I'll let you know anything we work out, and I'll let Jim know you can't be there tonight." He reassured him, turning to leave.

"Dick!" Bruce called. Nightwing turned to look at him. Bruce looked pitiful, his dark eyes sunken and lifeless. It was heart-breaking to see such a strong, hard man in such a devastated state. "Thank you…" He said in a quiet voice.

Dick just nodded, not wanting to add to Batman's embarrassment, and jumped on his Batcycle. With a loud roar from the engine, he had left the Batcave, speeding on his vehicle. After he left, a heavy silence fell over the cave, a palpable tension in the air.

"Master Bruce?" Alfred finally dared. "I must say, I believe you are right to let Master Richard take care of this delicate matter."

Bruce neither said anything, nor did anything.

"I hope you won't reproach my divulging your troubles to Master Richard, sir. I only acted in good faith, I trust you realize this." Alfred continued, not even sure if Bruce could hear him. "I do believe he is best equipped to understand your turmoil, which is why I called him tonight before calling you. We all loved Jason dearly, sir."

At the mention of Jason's name, Bruce's knees gave out and he fell to the floor, sobs wrenching through him.

With a gasp, Alfred ran to his master and cradled him in his arms, swaying comfortingly. His previous worries of comforting the Batman were trumped by his love for Bruce Wayne and his concern for his well-being.