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Chapter Text

It seemed like any other patrol Red Hood had with the new Batman and Robin, something he'd been doing more of as a kind of brotherly bonding. Batman was finishing the last group while Robin and Hood continued on.

Suddenly, there was a loud sucking noise then four people were right in front of the two vigilantes who froze not having been spotted yet.

"Is this the right time? Is this when we need to eliminate Robin from?" One of the newcomers questioned. Hood instinctively shoved Robin behind himself.

"Unclear. Once we encounter them it will become more obvious." This one pulled a small disk from his belt and examined it. "19th February 2017. If we are off it is less than two decades further to the first."

"Humm, it looks like we have an audience. Come out little birds. Let us know if you're the one we want." The only woman of the group pulled out a palm-sized orb and tossed it into the air allowing it to light up the rooftop.

Red Hood and Robin hadn’t been prepared for that so they had ducked down expecting an explosion. That gave the group time to draw weapons. As they took aim the dark figure of Batman arrived in time to cover his brothers, receiving two wounds for his trouble. Whatever these weapons did they left Batman fading from consciousness with the two little impacts.

"Batman? Leon, you said he would be dead during this time!"

"The Batman is! This is the Robin we need to eliminate. The first Robin!"

Red Hood had shifted his brother off of himself and jumped at the time travelers snatching the disc 'Leon' had referenced before the four snapped out of existence.

"Hood! Batman–he-he's barely breathing. Hood, I think he's dying!" Robin was yelling hysterically.

"Calm Baby Bat. He wouldn't leave us like this...." Hood soothed Robin, not truly believing his own words. He used Batman's belt to call the Batmobile while contacting Alfred.

"Hood to cave, Agent A?!" Hood yelled.

"I am here, Sir, what is the matter?" Alfred replied calmly.

“Robin and I are bringing in Batman. Prep medbay. We...encountered time travelers. They shot him twice. He...shouldn't be this bad!" Hood tried to give a quick rundown of the situation.

"Get him here." Alfred directed calmly but urgently. The two rushed their brother home as fast as the car could go; getting back in record time, but it appeared that time didn't much matter with these wounds. As Jason drove Damian got the cowl off Dick's face and set up the emergency equipment in the car. Dick was fully comatose by the time they got to the cave.

They ran every test they could, but in the end, hooking Dick up to life support seemed to be the only thing to do. The three got Dick out of costume and into his room where they set him up as comfortably as was possible. All the tests they had run showed no trauma so the three didn't understand what was causing the shutdown. Alfred, Damian, and Jason stayed in Dick's room that night hoping they wouldn't lose another family member.

-

Two days later there was no change in Dick. Jason had taken to working on trying to figure out the disc he had nabbed while sitting in Dick's room. Damian basically started living at the foot of Dick's bed; doing homework, working cases, drawing, and reading aloud to his brother.

The next night Jason seemed to have a breakthrough with the disc, somehow connecting to its manual of sorts.

"Alf, Dami? I'm pretty sure I figured this thing out." Jason said.

"Congratulations, Todd," Damian replied with a dead voice.

"And what does it tell you, Master Jason?” Alfred asked with a calm he hadn’t truely felt in months.

"You won't like it...." Jason replied annoyance clear.

"It has been several months now that I liked any of what has occurred," Alfred stated drily.

Jason sighed. "This seems to be able to send people to the past. Don't need to be holding one really, not for the past, but if you want to come back to the future you need to be holding it."

"We already knew it was for time travel." Damian contributed blankly.

"It has the last date of arrival—February 19th, 2004", Jason added.

"Dick? They said they were going to eliminate the first Robin! they're going to kill him back then?!" Damian finally reacted.

"Taking him away from us once wasn't enough?!" Alfred's voice was full of venom.

"You really won't like this, but I'm going back then! I know he was kick-ass even at 13 but–” Jason started.

"Just don't lose that disc! And leave one alive long enough to see if they know how to fix what has occurred here." Alfred had no illusions that Jason still killed and that it was rare that people who specifically targeted his family survived long.

"Will do Alfie. Come here Baby Bat." Jason instructed Damian.

"To–Jason. I—I want Richard back, but as we don't know if that is possible I do not wish to lose another brother...." Jason hugged Damian fiercely.

"I'll be coming back! You know where Dickiebird's secret stash is?" Damian nodded in affirmation. "I'll put notes in there—tapped to the top. Check daily, I'll do my best to update you that often! In theory that should allow you to get my reports and proof that I'm not dead.” Jason instructed.

"That means you'll have to convince Master Bruce to–” Alfred started.

"If he doesn’t let me in I'll break in. Security was a joke back then remember?" Jason shrugged.

"Just be safe and do what you can for your brother." Alfred aquesced. The three shared a hug before Jason went to pack a bag.

-

After checking he had the bare essentials and lots of cash, Jason returned to Dick's room.

"Ok...Dami, no patrolling alone. If Dick—Batwoman and Batgirl will have to be told soon enough anyway. I don't want to come back with my family even smaller." Jason instructed.

"Understood. You watch your own back as well as his." Damian responded with a bit of his old haughty attitude.

Jason nodded in return. "Dickiebird, don't get any worse! I'll get them to tell me how to fix you!" Then the three hugged once more and Jason set his date and was gone in a sucking pop, leaving Alfred and Damian with a comatose Dick.

Chapter Text

The young justice team of Kaldura'm, Artemis, Wally, M'gann, Connor, Zatanna, Raquel, and Robin were summoned to the missions room by Batman.

"Team. A group of four people appear to have arrived in Gotham two days ago. Upon their arrival, Luthor started spending more time there and has been spotted in their company twice. Last night that group left Gotham heading in this general direction–"

"You think they're coming here? Luthor knows–" An elbow from Artemis cut Wally off.

"It is a distinct possibility. Which is why you eight will intercept and detain until a League member is available to take them. Dismissed." The team headed to the bioship and headed out.

Meanwhile, at Wayne Manor, in Dick’s room, there was a loud sucking and snap before Red Hood appeared. He immediately scribbled a note and put it in the agreed-upon location for Damian. As he stepped out of the room heading for the Batcave’s zeta tube he heard the unmistakable sound of a shotgun cocking.

"Alfred, I can explain!" Red Hood started quickly slowly raising his hands.

"Best do it quickly, sir," Alfred replied ominously.

"Well, umm actually you said it'd be best if you explained, so I'm going to slowly reach into my inside pocket and pull out a letter for you—from you." Saying this Jason slowly opened his jacket to show his movements, having left off his holsters for this reason.

Extending the envelope his Alfred had handed him, Jason made sure to be as nonthreatening as he could. This Alfred slowly took the letter and examined the paper and envelope before reading. After reading the letter he seemed to easily accept Jason's presence.

"I'm instructed to call you simply Master J as it is too early for me, or any in this house, to know your full name. If you are here to protect Master Richard then you know where he is." Alfred challenged with a raised eyebrow.

"Heh, not like I memorized his life, Alfie, but it's the weekend, so he's got to be hanging with the team at Mt. Justice." As Jason was talking he led Alfred to the cave's clock entrance and set the time code proceeding down to the cave.

"Hum, and how are you planning on getting there?" Alfred asked next, perhaps he trusted this stranger but Alfred wouldn’t lead him right to his young pseudograndson.

"Please, you think Dickiebird didn't teach me how to hack? Plus, it's Justice League tech which means Battech which means Wayne tech. You think Da—ummm Bruce didn't teach us all we needed to know on that front? Well, really every front.... Is there any chance you'd ignore that you knew what I was about to say?” Jason asked hopefully.

"I seem to be instructing myself to care for 'all my boys,' so evidently you are a future brother to Master Richard and–" Alfred started to answer.

"Yeah, let's keep that between us? It won't stop Bruce from being suspicious and I don't need it to gain Dickiebird's trust." Alfred raised an eyebrow. Jason laughed. "As much mistrust as the Bat tried to
instill in his Golden Boy it never really sticks," Jason explained.

"That is a relief to know on some level. Might I ask—are they happy?" Alfred allowed a bit of longing to enter his voice.

Jason sighed and purposely did not face Alfred. "He makes a good show of it, but right now—well for me..." Jason sighed again. "Let's just say I wouldn't be here if Dick was in a position to argue with me."

"I see...." Alfred replies slightly downtrodden.

"Whole reason I'm here: Save Dick!" Jason explained determinedly.

‘Recognized: Red Hood RH01’ and Jason was transported through the Zeta tube.

Jason arrived to an empty cave, so he pulled up security for the past hour and found where they were. Hearing the mission he clenched his fists and sprinted to the docking bay, got on a bike, and tore after the team.

-

"I'm getting some weird readings. Umm four of them..." Miss Martian said confusedly to the group.

"Umm, I think 'appeared to have arrived' is Batman's way of saying 'possible time travelers'.... These readings are way beyond what anyone in this century is capable of!" Robin returned nearly as confused but extremely excited.

"Dude! Do we think he knows?" Kid Flash asked Robin.

"Suspects sure. Knows? He hasn't run tests, so he would never admit to believing it." Robin clarified.

"This does not change the mission, but be wary of their capabilities," Aqualad advised. The team set up a plan and launched their attack.

They were fighting for about ten minutes and things were not going well. The four had decent fighting skills, but the team kept them from using their weapons.

As the fighting continued, Robin was separated from his team and attacked head-on by the most skilled of the four. The attacker got in a jab to his temple stunning him long enough for a weapon to be drawn on him.

"Robin!–" Superboy barely had time to shout before there was a loud bang of a gunshot. The bullet shattered the futuristic weapon, then a motorcycle took out the attacker. A leather-clad man grabbed Robin and started running toward the ship. This distraction allowed for the team to break off and follow suit.

"Robin?" Superboy asked cautiously as he entered the ship.

"He's ok! He's in here, don't attack me!" Red Hood called from the medical area.

"Who are you? Show us Robin NOW!" Aqualad demanded as he stood next to Superboy at the ship's entrance.

“I'm right here. Ow! Not feeling the aster, but not Swiss cheese either. So, thanks?" Robin answered.

"'Aster' Haven't heard you use that in months! I'm Jay or Red Hood in the field. And whether you like it or not, Baby bird, I'm your personal bodyguard until those four future douches are taken care of." Hood explained. The team just stared nonplused. "Yeah, how about M'gann sets the bioship headed towards the cave and I'll explain as best I can?"

"We are not taking you to the cave!" Kaldur stated.

"He's already been. That was my bike you crashed and left!" Connor fumed.

"Sorry, Con. Yours is faster than Kaldur's and you two are the only ones close to my size. No way was I fitting on Dickiebird's." Jason snickered at how tiny his big brother was at this point in his life.

"Supercycle doesn't know me yet, otherwise I would have asked her." Jason reasoned.

"'Dickiebird'?" Artemis exclaimed looking like an epiphany was hitting her. "Wait! You're Dick Grayson!"

"Ahhh shit! You haven't told them yet? I thought you told them after Starro/New Year's thing?" Jason looked apologetically confused at Dick.

"Isn't Dick Grayson that nerd at your school?" Connor asked Artemis. Jason and Connor asked at the same time.

Dick just glared at Jason but spoke to Connor. "I prefer 'gifted' not 'nerd'."

"Dude! Bigger issue! This guy knows! So far he's only used names, not superhero IDs!" Wally was freaking out.

"We're in the Bioship! And I did tell you my—well nickname. That you insist on using over my real name!" Jason justified, pointing at Dick.

"I'VE NEVER MET YOU!" Dick exclaimed.

"Haven't met him yet, you mean." Everyone turned to Zatanna. "He knows us, knows those people are from the future and S’cycle doesn't know him 'yet'." Zatanna continued.

"Always the voice of reason, thank you, Z." Jason smiled at Zatanna.

"All of this could have been avoided—" Kaldur started.

"He tried to avoid it, but then explaining Connor's motorcycle created it. Let's just get back to the cave so 'Jay' can explain the situation!" Artemis put in.

"Dude, you're right she is perfect for Wally! I never really got to hang with you, Artemis." Jason started with a stage whisper to Dick then spoke to and extended his hand to Artemis.

"STOP! Everyone, just—Miss M get us to the cave. You, start from the beginning!" Dick was getting really done with this.

"Geez! Don't get your pixie boots in a twist! Ok, explanation—don’t interrupt, I'll answer what I think I can at the end. Ok, well, I can't really start at the beginning—won't mess that up if I can help it. Yes,
I'm from the, not so distant, future, 2017. M—Batman, as in you, Robin, and I were out on patrol." Interruptions had been attempted when Jay said Dick was Batman, but Dick silenced them. "Those four
showed up on the roof Robin and I were on, Batman was finishing up with the last group so was a bit behind. We heard them say they needed to figure out which Robin they needed to eliminate, Yeah BAD! By the way, those four? Beyond my time! Da—Robin and I were spotted, they were going to take him out so I shielded him then...then Batman showed up. Took two hits from their weapons. Under no circumstances are any of you to allow yourselves to be hit by their weapons! We don't know how to treat those wounds." Jay trailed off.

"Oh my god! Is Rob—Dick dead in your time?" Megan asked.

"Don't interrupt," Jason said half heartedly. "Coma. Anyway when they saw Batman they, umm realized the Robin they wanted to eliminate was the first. As they started back in time I grabbed one of their
travel devices. Figured it out enough to use it, and discussed it with Robin and Agent A about me coming here. So, don't care if you like it or not, I'm sticking to you like Flashes on food." Jay proclaimed to

Dick. Wally let out an indignant 'Hey' everyone else laughed.

"You're my brother, aren't you?" Dick asked Jay.

"Dude, you don't have a brother." Wally protested.

"Not YET, Kid Idiot!" Artemis pointed out annoyed.

"Oh, no wonder Wally never lets us spend time together!" Jay was ecstatic with seeing firsthand the interaction between the couple.

"Nah-ah! I can buy 'from the future' I can buy 'Bat affiliate' but brother? He would have to be already born! Which means Rob—uh Dick would have met you by now!" Raquel pointed out.

"Unless he's adopted, like me. I was planning on telling them my ID on my birthday by the way. Bruce already approved." Dick explained.

"OH MY GOD! That's right! If you're Dick Grayson that means Bruce freaking Wayne is Batman!" Artemis was floored.

"Yep," both Jay and Dick answered.

"So, when do you two meet?" Raquel asked Jay.

"Can't answer that," Jay responded flippantly.

"Can you answer why he's Batman in your time?" Wally was indignant for his best friend. He knew that Dick no longer wanted that role. Dick suddenly found the floor very interesting, afraid of what the
truth must be.

"Because he's needed. Now you gonna take off your mask yourself or you gonna make me do it?" Jay asked Dick.

"Ummm even they wear their masks back to their rooms. I'll leave my glasses off when I change." Dick was looking askance at Jay.

"You were hit on the head. I have to check you for a concussion, Dickhead!" Jay explained fondly using the name for when Dick was being deliberately stupid. Dick looked affronted at the name and his
teammates made noises of protest at it. Jay snickered. "Yeah. That's one of my nicknames for you, usually when you're being stupid—like right now. So, you or me?"

"Like you could." Dick challenged.

"You're not at 100," Jay bantered.

"Big deal!" Dick shrugged.

"I'm bigger than you are and a lot stronger." Jay pointed out.

"I can take Superboy," Dick replied icily.

"You helped train me...." Jay responded smugly. Dick sighed, then reached to remove his mask.

"Wait! Everyone come look!" Artemis exclaimed. Gathering the whole team in front of the Boy Wonder, who gave her a confused and slightly concerned look. "Ok, you can take it off." Artemis allowed when
everyone was looking at the boy, Jay and Wally having backed up knowing the reason. Jay wore a shit-eating grin. He'd seen so many react to his brother's dazzlingly blue eyes and Dick was always so
confused at it all. When Dick looked back without the mask almost the whole group gasped or awed. Jason checked for a concussion, Wally rolled his eyes and Artemis looked smug.

-

Once back at the cave the team called Batman.

‘Recognised: Batman 02’

"Rep—Who are you?" Batman was instantly defensive.

"I have a strong urge to hit you!" Jay took a deep breath. "But instead I'll explain—"

"First: FYI The team knows who we are" Dick interrupted quickly.

"Yeah, knew this was the year you gave Dickiebird the ok to blab just didn't know when." Batman was glaring at Jay who just laughed at it. "Yeah, keep glaring old man, I'm used to it." Jay proceeded to
explain the situation and told Batman that Agent A had already met him. "And regardless of how you feel in the matter, I'm sticking close to Dick until this is fixed."

"He showed me the memories of what he was saying—except his Robin's face and his were obscured. They seem real...." M'gann tried to assuage Batman’s paranoia.

"Don't take offense when he insists J'ohnn check. He triple-checks everything. Plus, I'm gonna be around his precious Dickie." Jay tried to soothe the young Martian.

"Will you stop acting like I'm some helpless child!" Dick yelled at Jay who chuckled.

"Trust me, I know how badass you are, but we both know there is no reining in Daddybats," Jay replied.

"...Point taken." Dick allowed. "So, Batman you gonna glare him to death or call Martian Manhunter?" Batman glared for another moment.

"Batman to Martian Manhunter. Get to the cave, now!" Batman said into his comm unit.

"Heh, so surly! By the way, face stays out of the picture for my future’s sake!" Jay demanded.

"Can't we know who you are now and have J'ohnn erase it once you're gone? It'll—" Dick tried to cajole.

"Help? I know, but—" Jay shook his head.

"If he doesn't get it whipped I'll still be bugging him about my little brother until you enter the picture!" Dick pointed out.

"You will too. Fine you and J'ohnn can know my ID and face, but that is it!" Jay allowed Batman.

‘Recognised: Martian Manhunter 07’

The situation was explained to J'ohnn who brought Bruce into Jason's mind and accessed the necessary memories. Jason kept Damian's face obscured but showed Bruce the face of his comatose son. After
all, if he hadn't disappeared, presumed dead or not, Dick wouldn't be in that situation.

During the scenes with adult comatose Dick the two leaguers could feel the anger toward Bruce and the worry and love for Dick. Emotions are hard to mask in memories.

"So, believe me?" Jay asked once they were done.

"There is no falsehood in those memories. We can trust him." J'ohnn decreed.

"Thanks, J'ohnn but let's be real: Batman doesn't 'trust' anyone. Belief is all I'm asking for. Not even for me, but for Dick." Jay responded. The whole team was in the room watching the exchange and
glanced at their youngest, who was staring down Batman willing him to allow Jay to stay. The Boy Wonder was interested in his future brother.

Batman was studying the antihero. "Presently the monicker 'Red Hood'—"

"Is Joker. Yeah, I know. I chose it to stick it to both of you assholes!" Jay told Batman calmly.

"That has got to prove he's a future bat! Not even Superman has the guts to talk to you like that! Maybe Agent A, I sure don't!" Dick mumbled the last.

"You will! And I love seeing it!"Jay looked wistful for a moment.

"There is no stopping you, is there?" Bruce asked.

“Wow. You were never this reasonable in my time. No, there isn't, not in anything, but especially not in this!" Jay agreed.

"Very well then. You may stay and protect Robin until this threat has passed." Batman allowed.

"Then straight back home for me. By the way, you hate it, which is one of the reasons I do it, I use guns. I will be using guns, and it's probable that I'll end up killing one or two of these asshats!" Jay proclaimed defiantly.

"Kill?!" Why? Why use guns? What happens—" Dick started.

"Nah ah. Can't give away spoilers!" Jay cut Dick's protests off.

‘Recognised: Black Canary 08.’ Canary entered the cave for training and was made aware of the situation.

"Well then, Jay, care to train with us?" Canary asked.

"Hell yeah!" Jay enthused.

"Language! Robin care to be his first partner?" Canary asked.

"You bet!" Dick responded just as enthusiastically.

"No weapons.” The boys were reminded.

"I'm here to protect him, you really think I'd shoot him? Whatever. Hey Dick!" Jay looked to the younger challengingly.

"Yeah?" Dick replied.

"I won't be holding back!" Jay stated with a smug grin.

"Good! Let's see what I've taught my baby brother!" Dick let out his customary cackle.

-

"You—you were holding back!" Dick gasped between sips of water.

"Yeah, maybe a little, but you're good!" Jay gasped back. They fist bumped then watched the rest of the team spar.

Having watched Jay with Dick, Batman felt satisfied the leather-clad man was not only good enough to protect his Robin but also unwilling to hurt him.

Chapter Text

It had been five days and silence from all of the batboys. Clark knew that something was wrong. So, he flew to the manor to find out what was happening.

After he knocked he heard Alfre approach muting to himself. Odd: Alfred did not mutter to Clark's extensive knowledge of the man. Once the door was open Alfred's slightly annoyed face changed to one of shocked resignation.

"Oh, Master Clark. I do suppose it would make sense." Alfred sighed. "Come in."

"Alfred? What’s wrong? Are Dick, Damian, and Jason ok? Batman and Robin, not even Red Hood, have been out for almost a week." Alfred had immediately started leading Clark up the stairs once he had invited him in. Once the reporter took a breath Alfred explained the situation before showing Clark into Dick's room. Once there Clark gasped and scanned Dick's body.

"But—it looks like nothing's wrong!" Clark was flabbergasted.

"Correct. He simply will not wake. Master Damian has been taking this rather hard. Robin was a good outlet for him, but he refuses to contact either lady bat and thus will not go out." Alfred continued.

"Hummm, where is—"

"Kent. I guess we should have thought to inform the Justice League." Damian greeted the alien tiredly. Clark found it quite foreign not to hear any malice in the young voice. Damian was obviously not doing well. So, Clark made a split-second decision.

"G-Gotham needs Batman and Robin." The other two just looked at him. "Damian I know I could never compare, but would you let me be your Batman every few days? Until things are...settled?" Clark asked apprehensively

"That is very kind of you. I don't—" Damian started to decline.

"A Robin needs to stretch his wings." Clark interrupted the refusal.

"Thank you, Master Clark, that is a marvelous idea,” Alfred put his opinion forth.

"You think so, Alfred?" Damian asked tentatively.

“Yes, Master Damian. Go out and fly."

-

That night Batman and Robin flew again. There was no way to hide the changes in the Bat, but that was immaterial. Two nights later the Batsignal was lit, so the two headed to GCPD central to see what the Commissioner needed. Commissioner Gordon had been out of town for a week and this was only his second night back, and he wanted to know what was happening with the batboys for this Bat to be guarding the city.

"Commissioner?" Superbat asked.

"Oh God, the rumors are true, aren't they?" Gordon knew this wasn't either of the boys, but was wondering if Bruce had returned.

"I'm sorry?" The bat replied, very unBatman-like.

"Superman, where's Dick? What happened to Batman?!" Jim demanded.

"You—you know?" Robin asked.

"Be a crap detective if I didn't! While you're answering questions, and you will be answering, why isn't Jason—" Jim started angrily.

"It's very complicated, Sir." Damian cut off respectfully. The new attitude stunned Jim. "Might I suggest visiting your friend, Alfred Pennyworth, for tea tomorrow?"

"Yes, I think that would be the best idea, Commissioner." Superbat encouraged.

"Ok—thank you for filling in...." Jim replied resigned.

The next day Jim dropped by the Manor and got the story from Alfred who wasn't at all surprised Jim knew the truth. The two men cried together over the fear of losing both older boys. Jim asked if he could tell Barbra and got the ok.

Chapter Text

"You know, it's almost weird seeing you as Dick Grayson here," Artemis said after the team all met back up in the common room after showers.

"Really? That's what you're gonna say? You and Conner aren't going to, Idontknow, apologize?" Raquel asked.

"Why do you feel they should apologize?" Kaldur asked confused.

Wally snorted. "Maybe cuz every time Dick Grayson or Bruce Wayne are mentioned from school or news reports those two dis him, HARD! 'Looks like a kid I'd feel like punching after two words.' 'Kinda annoying nerd, I think his one friend only hangs out with him cuz of their dads and pity.' Either of those sound familiar?" Wally was fuming. This had been building up, he couldn’t defend his best friend to his own girlfriend, but now that they knew they were gonna understand where they went wrong!

Dick had grown steadily more flushed as Wally had spoken. M'gann had also become more embarrassed; she had been there for the conversations, not engaging in them, but not stopping them either. Jason looked like he was about to punch someone.

"You-you two always got quiet. Wally started changing the channel whenever Wayne showed up on TV and Dick was always gone before the conversation changed...." Conner realized.

"It's not like either of them were able to defend against what you said. Batman had ordered they keep it quiet!" Zatanna interjected.

"I seem to remember you making some comment at one point, Wally," Kaldur spoke.

"The first time the topic came up Conner said 'I don't get why everyone likes him.' He didn't know he knew me so it makes sense why he wouldn't know if I was really likeable or not. Wally responded 'He looks like a Dick.' But Wally did know and he was just trying to push my buttons, which was obvious to me." Dick stated flatly. No one else could make eye contact with Dick

"You're all assholes! Spar?" Jay jabbed Dick with his foot as he asked.

"Yeah." Once the two bats were out of earshot Wally went back for another attack.

"Do you know how hard it is to sit and listen to people you think of as friends attack my best friend while I have to just sit and bite my tongue?! That first time I would never have said anything if I had thought it would turn out like it did!"

“It's not like you really did anything!" Artemis yelled back, she was feeling guilty for hurting her friend's feelings and so directed her anger toward an encouraging outlet, like any teenager.

"Yes, he did. Or at least he tried to. The first time you two said something really mean we all got distracted cuz Wally dropped his cup." M'gann interjected.

Wally huffed. "I was about to defend him, I knew as Robin he'd let it pass. He threw a strawberry at me, it hit my cup off the counter. He didn't care about changing the subject as much as stopping me from ruining his secret ID." Wally groused.

"You two were fighting later, but wouldn't say why," Conner remembered.

"After I said that about him not having friends he confronted me. He tried to make it seem casual but didn't quite pass it off. He asked why I didn't like the kid. I told him he acted like he was above us all: always showing off in class, if someone was wrong in class he'd always be talking to that person about how they were wrong after class, always calling Daddy...." Artemis said remembering.

"And what did he say in response?" Kaldur asked.

"He looked confused, then distractedly said 'Maybe it's all just a misunderstanding," Artemis answered.

"And if you match those traits to Robin: show off—yes, above us—well Batman did raise him and he's Bruce Wayne, talking about being wrong—Robin always helps us see where we messed up and then how to improve. And calling 'Daddy'—Batman's paranoid. He'd probably storm the school if he didn't get regular check-ins!" Raquel exploded. Everyone nodded, agreeing with the last two points. Wally was in full defense mode though so explained the first two traits better as well.

"There's better reason for 'show off' and 'above us' attitudes too. Google 'Grayson' you'll get stories on Dick, but you'll also get some on his CIRCUS PREFORMING FAMILY! He was born in the circus! He's been a performer almost longer than he's been alive! And acting like he's above people: he's a 13-year-old orphaned circus kid taking classes with a bunch of older kids whom he constantly has to prove himself to while not really being able to connect with anyone cuz he's FREAKING ROBIN!"

"All a misunderstanding.... Seems to be an understatement." Kaldur surmised.

Meanwhile:
After sparing for about an hour and Dick's moves getting more erratic Jason pulled out the stops and ended it.

"Talk to me Dickiebird. Want me to beat either of them up? Not saying you couldn't, but you won't." Dick just shrugged in response. "Wow, maybe I landed in the wrong universe! The Dick I know never shuts up and is constantly telling me it's bad to bottle up my feelings. That's when I usually shoot at him." That got a surprised laugh out of Dick.

"You shoot at me, but still come back to the past to help protect me?" Dick was incredulous.

Jay shrugged."We're bats: we don't do emotions properly." Dick laughed again.

"Yeah, I guess that would make sense. I don't know, it hurt hearing what my friends said about me, and when Artemis explained it made me–... I realized that after five years with Rubes, I still don't know how to interact properly! But really I'm 13 taking classes with 15 and 16-year-olds who all come from money, English is easy for them and we have NO 'common ground!' Ya know, Alfred is still trying to teach me all the different utensil sizes for fancy dinners. And when everyone here thinks I'm being funny with my wordplay I'm actually serious! I don't get it!" Dick explains exasperated.

"First off: neither of us ever learn the utensil thing! Drives Alfie crazy! Secondly: English is hard for everyone! So much does not make sense! you've even stumped Replacement a few times with your questions!" Jason stops, laughing at a memory. "Third: you're smarter and more adept than you think—trust your gut! We all come to you if we want to be better at our social interactions, with any background of people!" Jason finishes.

"Really? How many younger brothers do I have? And am I really that bad at it that I let you call one of them 'Replacement'?" Dick jumped onto the new information.

"Fuck! Well, obviously at least two." Jay answered winching. "And no! You hate when I call him that."

"Oh, well that's good I guess....." Dick waited a moment before calling his team out. "Next time you all want to spy maybe just don't! You're all terrible at covert!" Dick shakes his head at their abysmal skills. "How much did you hear?"

"All of it. I heard Jay take you down and once you started talking I had M'gann link us up. I was coming to apologize. You've helped me understand so much; especially about socializing, and I was a complete jerk! Not knowing it was you is no excuse!" Conner was unrepentant about eavesdropping but didn't want to have his friend think less of himself.

"I'm sorry, too. When you did all those things as Robin it made sense and, well you know I think of you as a little brother cuz of your quirks right? Also, we aren't apologizing about eavesdropping—it was necessary!" Artemis said.

"And for that, I might think about forgiving you for being a bitch!" Jay responded.

“Hey! She may have been mean, but you don't get to call her that!” Wally defended his girlfriend.

"It's ok, I kinda deserve it," Artemis said.

"No, you don't. And I forgive you both, you didn't know." Dick shrugged.

Everyone shifted around for an awkward moment before Raquel spoke up.

"So, now that we know who you are, Wally said something about growing up in a circus? Back story, NOW!" Dick sighed.

"Don't even try getting out of this, Dickhead." Jay nudged him.

"Fine, but can I shower first?" Dick asked.

"Are they complaining? No, shower can wait." Jay decided.

Dick sighed "Fine. Well, you three remember helping that international circus?"

"The Interpol/Parasite mission? Yeah," Conner replied.

"Not actually a Bat-sanctioned mission. Haley Circus was my first home." Robin told the team his whole story, feeling a weight lift from the sharing.

Chapter Text

In a small town at the French/Italian border Tim Drake-Wayne was frustrated with his mentor and father figure. Everyone thought Bruce Wayne was dead, but Tim had found him 3 days ago after searching for 10 months.

Bruce was refusing to return home, but also refusing to say why. Tim missed the rest of his family and knew they missed him and Bruce. So, Tim decided to covertly check on them. Batmanwatch.com made Tim's life just a bit less stressful, with Gothamities posting their Bat sightings and opinions. Tim went back three weeks, to get a full catch up.

There weren't many sightings of the bat boys. Plenty of claims that the Bat was shot or dead, or it was a bird. Tim knew to ignore the rumors without having proof. The second week back though had complaints that the new Batman wasn't as good and conjectures on where the previous new Batman was laid up. Then Tim got a picture of the new Batman with Robin. Tim shoved his laptop off his lap
and lunged for the phone, which caught Bruce's immediate attention.

"Wayne Manor," Alfred answered the phone.

"Alfred, why is Clark pretending to be Batman? And how did you convince Damian to play Robin for him?" Tim demanded with no preamble.

Alfred sighed. "Master Timothy, it is good to hear your voice. I know you feel your search is important, and it is, but your brothers need you home just now." Alfred answered without actually answering anything.

"Alfred put Dick on the phone! Please!" Tim nearly begged.

Alfred sighed again. "He is not dead, Master Timothy, but it is time to come home." Alfred hung up. Tim sat frozen in silence for a few minutes.

"Tim? What was that about? Why is Clark of all people covering as Batman?" Bruce asked.

"Brothers need you home, not dead but time to come home...." Tim responded blankly, not answering Bruce while trying to come to terms with those statements. That got Bruce worried.

"Tim?" Bruce tried again.

"Alfred wouldn't say, but Dick isn't dead, but not able to talk on the phone?! You can rot in hell for all I care, I'm going home now!" Tim was instantly angry at Bruce for wasting his time in being difficult
the last few days. But to Tim's surprise, Bruce had started packing. Within an hour they had a private jet flying them back to Gotham.

-

The Bruce and Tim returned to the estate via the Batcave. They got in after patrol, but Clark was still there finishing a case report.

"Tim! Good, Damian—BRUCE?!" Clark interrupted himself.

"Clark, what's happening? Why are you Batman? Where are Dick and Jason?" Tim demanded. Clark's face fell.

"Come on. Let's go up." Clark led the two up to the manor, not saying another word. He knocked at Dick's door and then stepped aside for Tim and Bruce to be admitted first. To their surprise, Damian answered.

"Drake! You are finally home! Who told you?" Damian sounded relieved and excited to have Tim back at the manor shocking Tim and Bruce.

"They don't know yet." Clark intervened.

"They?... Father? No! If you're here then you didn't die. If you didn't die then–" Damian was interrupted by Tim swiveling around and socking Bruce on the jaw having finally looked into Dick's room and seeing the comatose form of his older brother.

"If you didn't die, then there would be no reason for Dick to be Batman and he wouldn't be dying!" Tim spit.

"Calm yourself, Timothy. He does not appear to be dying. He is comatose. We see no reason for it but not having had a chance to study the weapon used we simply do not know." Alfred interjected.

Again, the aging butler found himself explaining everything, but this time with Clark's and Damian's help. Damian had retreated back to his spot curled up next to Dick while Clark gently led Tim into the room. They all made sure Bruce heard but also felt the truth in what Tim had said so were a bit cold with him. After a while of silence, Bruce turned to leave.

"Bruce" Alfred stopped him. "I am very pleased to see you alive, well, and back where you belong, but I must remark on how poorly you thought this through. In disappearing, which I am sure you had a perfectly good reason for, you took four of my boys away from me. Returning two does not exonerate you from the loss of the other two—which is looking more permanent by the day. Find a way to fix this!"

Chapter Text

The team got a new mission a few days after Jay's arrival. Count Vertigo was up to something in rural Virginia.

"Red Hood, you will remain in the–" Batman started.

"Nope! I really don't care what you want or if you’re still hesitant about allowing me near your little bird. I'm here to watch Robin's back, ergo I go where he goes." Jason confidently informed Batman.

Batman growled "This team is a covert–"

"Group who still kinda suck at the covert part. No offense, guys. But me? I'm a bat—you taught me covert." Jason was already walking towards the bioship, not giving a damn about Batman.

Once the team was on the ship Robin started a whispered conversation with Hood. "You know B would have been easier to convince if you said 'protect' over 'watch my back,' right?"

"Yeah, I'm not an overprotective idiot though.... We used to do this all the time: ya know when Bruce is doing some high profile thing and is assigned body guards?"

Robin snickered. "Those goofs do more harm preventing Bruce from acting than the good of their help."

"Exactly! You don't need protecting from most things, but while the team focuses on the mission I'll focus on keeping my brother safe." Jason finished.

"ETA 3 minutes. What is the plan?" Miss M announced.

"Robin...Red Hood as you claim to be bat-trained I assume you have sufficient stealth skills?" Aqualad asked.

"Oh yeah," Jason affirmed.

"Then you and Robin will scout the north entrance. Miss Martian and Artemis will take the South. Rocket and Kid Flash the East, Zatanna and I the West. Once inside we will find an access port for Robin to hack into. Superboy will be on the roof, listening for signs that any of the team needs help with their section. We leave as soon as Robin has the information. Only engage if necessary." Aqualad outlined.

Affirmatives came from all and the team was off. It turned out the easiest entrance was the East so Robin and Red Hood made their way to that side and entered with Zatanna and Aqualad.

"Alert! Those 4 future jerks are headed in. They seem to be in a hurry." Superboy spoke through the mind link.

"Roger. Robin, how much longer do you need?" Aqualad replied.

"2 minutes. There's a lot here." Robin replied terse.

"Better make it a fast 2 minutes, baby bird." Red Hood informed.

"10 baddies headed in our entrance. Do we let them pass, or engage?" Artemis asked.

"En–" Aqualad started.

"Let them pass. We've got what we came for." Robin answered.

"Out the way we came in?" Zatanna asked.

"Negative," Superboy replied

"Guys, this is starting to look trappy." Kid Flash added.

"Roof!" Red Hood commanded.

"Miss Martian, get yourself and Artemis to the roof and call the bioship. Rocket, the same with you and Kid Flash. We will join you." Aqualad directed.

The 5 outside had no trouble with the plan. The 4 inside had to work a bit harder to get to the roof. As they got to the floor below the roof access point the future group caught up with the team.

"Shit" Hood thought.

"Headed your way!" Kid Flash replied.

"NO, KF–" Robin tried. Kid Flash jumped on one of the 4 knocking their weapon towards Hood who jumped on it and fired.

The woman of the group was hit with a scream.

"Nazzala!" Another yelled, he grabbed the woman and dragged her to safety but not away from Robin's prying eyes. The woman was healed by another device Robin noted was on all of the travelers’ belts.

"KF, new plan. Get one of these." Robin sent a mental image of the device.

"On it!" He quickly grabbed the gizmo from the one he had already knocked down and the team got to the roof and the bioship.

Once safely on their way home, Jay turned to Dick. "What's the likelihood of me talking you into taking a sabbatical?"

Dick pretended to think on that a moment before responding. "Not good."

"So, what's with this gizmo you had me nab?" Wally asked.

"When Jay shot the woman—Nazzala, gotta be a descendent of Queen Bee! One of the others healed her with this. I'm thinking I may need it in say 15 or so years?" Dick looked smugly at Jay.

"We do NOT give that brain of yours enough credit! ...You tell the others I said that I'll shoot you!" Jay threatened semi-jokingly.

"As unfun as that sounds, I bet I'd recover just fine," Dick responded.

"As glad as I am to know you can be healed in the future, I would prefer if we could focus on the here and now. Robin, what did we get?" Kaldur asked.

"Let's see," Dick replied. Dick shared the information on the overhead screen.

"Dude, this all looks like stuff we already know. Or just half-baked ideas." Wally commented.

"I didn't go through anything yet, I just downloaded." Dick defended himself.

"So, it was a trap. What they're doing up there is being their normal suspicious selves so we would come look into them." Conner surmised.

"Looks like it." Raquel agreed.

"Dick, maybe you should take a vacation. I know you can handle, like, everything, but maybe to keep the rest of us kinda sane just be info/tactical guy for a bit?" Artemis asked.

"You know Batman will keep you out anyway! At least this way you can still help and know what's happening." Zatanna reasoned.

"Or I can keep being an integral part of this team and do what I always do!" Dick was obviously annoyed.

"Them asking is the nice way of telling you that we will keep you out of the field until this is over," Conner interjected in a no-nonsense tone.

Jay snickered.

"What are you laughing at?!" Dick demanded. He hated being treated like a helpless child.

"I never thought I'd see the day where you were treated like the little brother. It's kinda refreshing." Jay basked in the novelty.

"Dude, you are so not helping!" Wally told Jay.

"We'll work on catching these 4 fast so you won't be grounded long...." M'gann tried to cajole.

"Ugh! Fine!" Dick relented. Jay snickered again.

-

The next day the three Bats recruited Red Tornado to help them inspect and learn to use the piece of future tech.

"Perhaps, if we took it apart..." Bruce started.

"Hell NO! If we can't figure out how to use it here then I'll just bring it back and we'll figure it out there." Jay said.

"What if you 'bring it back' and realize if needs a biometric element?" Bruce countered.

"The time travel device didn't." Jay reasoned.

"But this might." Bruce pressed.

"And if we take it apart and can't put it beck together and never get another one then Dick's dead!. Maybe you're ok with him dying at 27. You're gone then so what would you care?! But we still need him!" Jay argued.

"If you knew me at all–" Bruce started to get angry.

"Yeah, we all know Golden Boy's the precious one! But you–" Jay was cut off by Dick

"Let's take a break from this Jay. You won't go back to help future me until the 4 future goons are taken care of. So, let's go try to figure them out. Batman and RT won't dismantle this. Come on." Dick
persuaded. The farther down the hall and away from Batman they got, the calmer Jay was able to get.

"I'm sorry. Shit, you're 13 and already playing peace maker. You'd think he'd use some of that money to buy some feelings and a personality." Jay half-joked.

"I get the feeling you shouldn't have to apologize. He's the one that adopts you but obviously messes up big time!" Dick assured.

"...Thanks." Jay accepted.

"I'd ask if you want to talk about it, but..." Dick left off.

"Yeah, can't. Thanks anyway. Now let's figure out how to take out those creeps!" Jay changed topics.

"From what I've seen only one really knows how to fight. He's good, but the others are only as good as their tech." Dick explained.

"Which is very advanced!" Jay cautioned.

"But breakable! One bullet totally shattered that gun when you first got here!" Dick went on excitedly.

"True. So, is Artemis as good as Roy?" Jay accepted.

"Never seen them compete, but she's never missed that I've seen," Dick replied.

"Ok, so her, Roy, and I up high and sharp shoot weapons. I think KF should go around collecting the travel spheres, and the healing gadgets, but spheres as a first priority." Jay outlined.

"And as a further distraction for KF, while you three are hitting their weapons, Z should remove their masks. Gets us faces and possible IDs too." Dick added.

"Yeah. I think Kal should stay in the wings, ready to cover KF," Jay added.

"Right! then Rocket, SB, and I take–" Dick continued before Jay cut him off.

"Rocket and SB take them down. You're tactical and ops on this. ONLY!" Jay expressed sternly.

"They won't show if I'm not there!" Dick reasoned.

"You'll be there. Just on the sidelines. Your duplicate will be bait." Zatanna added in.

"This sounds like a fair plan, but we will need Batman's approval." Kaldur agreed.

"And don't even act like you didn't know we were listening." Conner told Jay and Dick.

"I think this plan sounds perfect!" M'gann gushed.

"No way did you two just pull that out of your hood. You've been thinking on this!" Raquel noted.

"Since they shot Dick on that roof!" Jay agreed.

"How's it going trying to figure out that thing?" Artemis asked.

"It's not. We'll need one of them to talk." Batman interceded.

"Great!" Jay replied sarcastically.

"Ok. Well–" Dick started.

"There are at least 3 key aspects missing from your mission plan." Batman decided.

"Oh, yeah? Well go on 'master strategist' what are we missing?" Jay asked sarcastically.

"Flash, Green Arrow, and myself. Flash will aid Kid Flash, Green Arrow will be with the sharp shooters and I will join Rocket and Superboy. "

"Great! Sounds like fun. I'll just act like a ninny–" Dick's pouting was cut off by Wally.

"Dude? seriously?"

"We could leave you hog-tied and dangling from the ceiling with none of your equipment," Artemis suggested.

"Babe, we aren't doing that! So, how are we going to set this trap without if looking trappy?" Wally asked.

"Miss Martian, what is the range on the Bioships scanners? She detected them before, maybe she can again?" Kaldur suggested.

"Not that far. Last time we had an idea of where to scan." M'gann sounded disappointed she couldn't be more help.

"Sphere could do it" Jay suggested.

"Good. To make this work a Red Hood duplicate will need to be right next to Robin. They know you're here and protecting him." Bruce added as a final thought.

Chapter Text

Dick's heart stopped twice in the days since Bruce and Tim returned to Gotham.

Gotham has seen the return of Batman, Red Robin, and Nightwing. Occasionally Red Hood is running with Robin and either Nightwing or Red Robin as well. Batman and Tim switch who they go out as to protect their identities.

Since Gordon had called the SuperBat and Robin to the GCPD the signal has stayed off. Jim recognized Bruce back in the cape and cowl but that just leads him to see the situation as Tim had when he and Bruce found out: if Bruce had just come home when he should have then Dick wouldn't be wounded.

Bruce only leaves the cave for patrol. He can't bear to see his son as he is and the others don't want him there anyway.

Damian still goes to school. But if not in school or out as Robin, Damian is found either cuddling his oldest brother or has attached himself to Tim. Instead of fully closing down Damian appears to have become a little lost puppy. Meeting and losing his father, Tim leaving so soon after, and now Dick and Jason not being there have been too much on the little assassin all too soon.

Tim, when not on patrol, will sit in Dick's room attempting to investigate the four who attacked his brother, simply staring lost in his own thoughts, or doing his best to give Damian some brotherly attention.

Chapter Text

Robin and Red Hood made a covert show of staking out a warehouse. Every night the two would show up with or without Batman, but never for long.

On the sixth night, the team were able to spring their rap.

The three archers and Red Hood were able to destroy all the weapons that had been pulled before the four from the future knew what was happening. Flash and Kid Flash swiped the travel discs and the healing tools barely a second later. One of the baddies brought out a katana and attempted to start on the offensive but was quickly over run with heroes.

Once unmasked, tied up, and relieved of all discernible future technology, the interrogation started.

"Who are you? Why are you targeting Robin?" Batman demanded.

"Oh, calm down Batman! I told you, Caesar, this was a trap! Shooting the boy from a distance, though apparently futile, would have revealed the truth." One groused to another before continuing to
Batman. "I am Leon Luthor, great-grandson to Lex Luthor. This is Caesar Al Ghul grandson to Talia–"

"Damian's kid would NEVER–" Jason started.

"Do not speak of my disgraced uncle! The filthy gypsy ruined him beyond all measure!" Caesar interjected vehemently

"Caesar, enough! This is the Lady Nazzala, great-granddaughter to Queen Bee, and lastly her lover Willard Savage, son of Vandal Savage. As to why we are targeting your first Robin, he truly is the nuisance that starts all of our forebear's troubles. His interference will have repercussions and annoyances that plague us to our time." Leon finished, clearly the leader.

"Changing history does not change your present, it only creates a new reality. Now your healing discs–" Batman continued before Caesar's laughter cut him off.

"Yes! One small victory! Maybe we couldn't eliminate the filth now, but the last time we were in, 2017?, he is already dead. Or not long for this world anyway. Grandmother will at least have that solace." Without warning Jay shot Caesar with one of the future guns.

"Now, I warned them I might kill one or more of you. But show me how to work this and you won't have to die." Jay bargained.

"Petulant child!" The quiet one groused.

"Willard, leave him!" Leon advised.

"I can't. The houses of Savage and Al Ghul are tottering on war. If this excuse for flesh is not returned whole, my own life is forfeit." So Willard showed Jay how to heal Caesar and thus Dick when Jay returned to his time. The Justice League contacted the 31st Century Legion to take the criminals back to their time to face justice.

-

Later, once things settled down, Dick and Jay have one last conversation.

"So, 3 brothers?" Dick asked.

"Maybe, but for all you know, Damian is the Replacement." Jay countered aloofly.

Dick shakes his head. "But definitely an Al Ghul for a brother."

"Guess there's no hiding that, really." Jay sighs.

"...When do you officially come along?" Dick pleads.

"Heh, don't start bugging the old man about me for a couple of years." Jay admits.

"YEARS?!?! I can't wait that long!" Dick sounds horrified.

"And you tell me patience is a virtue...." Jay teases.

"I don't want you to go yet!" Dick confesses.

"Heh, It's been real fun hanging out with baby you Dickiebird, but you heard Caesar, you don't have much time left. I have to get home and save adult you now." Jay reasons.

"I guess....well, thanks Jaybird! For now and for the future. Before you go, any big brother things I need to fix for you this time around?" Dick asks.

"Nah Dickiebird. Just follow your instincts with me and thanks, for always being there." Jay responds giving Dick a tight hug when Bruce enters the room.

"Jas–"

"Really, old man?" Jay asks incredulously.

"I'm sorry. Jay, thank you for coming here and looking after Dickie. I'll keep my eye out for you in the years to come." Bruce promises. Obviously hesitating on saying anything else.

With a hearty sigh, Jay gives in. "Just spit it out!"

"Can you tell me what–"

"Nope! Like you said: it won't change my present and I'd rather not think things might go worse, plus there's the Replacement to think about." Jay shrugs.

"I see. Then will you do something else for me? Tell all of your brothers I'm proud and I love you all. I'm obviously not there in your present to tell you that, but seeing you I know it must be true."

"Uhh...yeah. I, uh, I'll tell the others. Umm, thanks...Dad." Jay replies shyly.

"Safe travels, dear boy, and good job looking after your brothers." Alfred farewells.

"Thanks, Alfie."

"Jay one more thing. I've seen you slipping notes, keep looking for them, K?" Dick adds.

"Yeah? thanks. You better still be alive when I get there!" Jay worms teasingly.

"I'm sure I'm trying my best!" Dick gives a small shrug before the 2004 natives step back watching Jay disappear with a loud sucking noise.

"He said to wait to look for him for a couple of years...." Dick tells the other two dejectedly.

"I know it's going to be hard, isn't it?" Bruce replies.

"Unbearably so." Alfred finished.

Chapter Text

There was a sudden sucking and snap heard by the boys in the dining room.

"What was that?" Tim asked, never having heard the time travel noise.

"Either Todd or...." Damian responded as they ran to Dick’s room to find Jason already using the healing disc. “Jason...?"

"Hey baby bat, Little Dickie's safe, and hopefully this will fix our big bird. I only saw them use it right after they got shot but..." Jason trailed off.

"I'm sure it will work, Jay. Glad to have you home." Tim greeted.

"Tim?! When–" Jason cut himself off when he caught sight of Bruce in the doorway.

"...I've been a horrible father to all of my sons, I know. This, Dick's condition, is–"

"The fault of Nazzala, Leon Luthor, Willard Savage, and Caesar Al Ghul—your nephew D. Apparently, from at least 13, probably more like 9 though, Dick is a major annoyance to all supervillains that ripples for the next 3 generations. The way Luthor made it sound, he's the only real 'nuisance' villains deal with." Jason grouses.

"Just when you think he couldn't possibly set a higher standard." Tim shakes his head.

"Gotta get–" Dick starts but is interrupted by everyone shouting his name. "Hey, Timmy? B-Bruce?" Dick is shocked at seeing Bruce alive.

"I'm sorry I didn't let Tim bring me home sooner, son." Bruce apologizes.

"I-I'm just glad you're all home and safe. Also, I'm not setting standards, just trying to productively focus my annoying side." Dick labored out jokingly. "So, who's gonna tell me what's been happening?"

-

They all kept Dick in bed for another week after having spent 2 months in a coma. Jason insisted on using the healing disc two more times each producing marked improvement. Dick was kept grounded for another full month in which time he had many visitors. He also seemed to be the only one not surprised Jim Gordon knew the truth.

"Well, come on. He's friends of both Wayne and Batman. What kind of detective would he be if he didn't know?" Dick reasoned.