Disclaimer: Batman and related characters are the properties of DC COMICS. This is an original fan fiction story, not written for profit and not intended to infringe on their copyright.
Dedication: To Woolf, my soul mate.
It's Worth It
Gina Ivy
Dick Grayson, AKA Nightwing, and AKA Batman's first Robin the boy wonder was in no mood to be reasoned with. What his friends, fellow members of the Titans, were trying to tell him just didn't make any sense. Although he hadn't heard them out he had made up his mind that he wasn't going to, for the subject matter of today's meeting was the Batman.
"Dick, please at least just listen to us for a minute. Hear us out..." Donna Troy's voice was soft and almost pleading as she reached for one of her oldest and dearest friends.
"Donna I told you I don't want to hear this! I can't believe they did this to him. After all he's done for the JLA how in the hell could they just turn on him like that? So if you want to talk, why don't you discuss amongst yourselves what it is that makes teammates and friends turn on one another when the chips are down!" Nightwing slung the soda can that he had been drinking across the room splashing Changeling and Tempest in the process. Ignoring their protests Nightwing stormed out of Donna's apartment with a pronounced slamming of the door.
"Well, uh.. That went better than I expected." Arsenal tried to keep his tone light. Knowing how upset the other teammates were. One look around the room confirmed this. The Titans had been through their share of rough times it was true. Throughout them one thing always remained, their friendship, their bond. If the reports of recent days were true then all that was in jeopardy. If in fact, it came down to Batman vs. the JLA then what would, could they do? Nightwing would fight to the end for Batman, no matter the personal cost to himself, that much they all knew. What had them all concerned was what that might do to their friendship....
Gotham City - 2 days later
Dick Grayson shook his head. He was getting nowhere with Alfred. Bruce Wayne's butler was a lot more than that; he was also Bruce's most trusted friend. Dick felt if anyone knew what was going on it would be Alfred. He had dreaded having to bring it up but had gotten nowhere with Bruce himself the past few days. The most Bruce had said in two days was four words "Leave me alone Dick"
"Alfred, I'm not asking you to commit treason. It's just that I can't get anything out of him. The media is all over this, not to mention every wannabe somebody reporter. I don't like where this is headed."
"I have matters to attend to. Why don't you go buzz around someone else Master Dick?" With that Alfred turned and continued washing the delicate Wayne China by hand. Dick did a double take at the sound of Alfred's raised voice. He could count on one hand the times that Alfred had raised his voice through the years. A telltale sigh that Alfred was indeed all too aware of the gravity of the situation. Dick knew better than to take exception to his old friend's sudden ill temperament. Even the world's best manservant had to blow off steam every now and then. Too, he had no doubt that whatever Alfred knew, Bruce had asked him not to disclose. It was Bruce's way.
"Got any ideas who I should buzz around Alfred?" Dick teased, hoping to improve Alfred's mood.
"What are you still doing here Dick?" The question wasn't friendly, the tone, a warning. Dick knew that tone all to well. He looked up to find it's all to familiar source. Looking right into what he thought would be the eyes of Billionaire playboy Bruce Wayne. Instead what he saw were the fiery eyes of Gotham City's Dark Angel the Batman. Dick had always heard that the eyes were the mirrors to the soul. He now knew it to be true. Dick shifted his stance, mentally preparing for an unwanted confrontation.
"Brucie! Good to see you ole chap!" Dick decided to break the ice by joking around. Bruce had expected to lure him into an argument but he decided to play it smarter than that for once. No need to go head to toe with the big guy unless he had to. His smile was genuine in that he was glad to see his mentor. He just hoped Bruce could tell from a smile all the affection he wished he could say with words.
The chime of the grandfather clock in the nearby study was the only reply to Dick's attempt at good humor. Bruce turned instead to Alfred, trying to ignite the argument by ignoring Dick.
"Alfred did you take care of that matter we discussed earlier?" His tone was lighter now, for even the Batman knew not to get cross with Alfred.
"I'm afraid not sir. I've had company all morning as you can see."
Bruce's exasperated sigh told Dick he wasn't going to fair well.
"That's it Dick. You are going to have to find something to do other than badger Alfred. He has work to do."
"Well, you know, I could just badger you..." Dick's grin never faltered and Bruce had to inwardly give his son credit for his tenacious spirit and absolute loyalty. He didn't however have to admit it.
"All right Dick, if it will shut you up you can ride with me to the office. You can play 20 questions along the way." Dick's shocked look amused Bruce. Had the circumstances been different he may have actually smiled.
"You don't have to tell me twice! Let's go!" Dick couldn't believe his sudden good fortune but had to wonder why. He couldn't quite shake the feeling that Alfred knew more than he was letting on. At any rate, he knew both would clue him in only when they felt the need. Over the years the two of them had gotten being secretive down to an art form. The look Bruce exchanged with Alfred seemed to confirm his suspicions.
"Alfred we will be out for a good part of the day."
"Very good sir, I shall take care of the matter this afternoon."
Dick looked from one to the other as though watching a tennis match. They really were annoying with their secret codes and the like. For instance the raise of an eyebrow could hold a wealth of information to the other. Dick just threw up his hands in exasperation.
"Don't guess you're gonna tell me what that's all about huh?"
"Nope guess not." Even in Bruce's current mood he had to smile a little. Dick was extremely fun to pick on, one of the ultimate highs of parenthood.
"Well, even though you are an annoying pain in my backside I'm still glad you're going to work with me today." Bruce looked over to his aggravated passenger. At the age of twenty-two Dick Grayson still had absolutely no interest in Wayne Enterprises, the family business. Well, no interest in the family's daytime business Bruce mused. Bruce knew it was the passion for their nocturnal calling that had Dick's undivided attention. Being Nightwing, the protector of Bludhaven was more than enough to keep Batman's youthful son occupied. To make matters more complicated, Nightwing's daytime persona had recently become one of Bludhaven's Finest. Officer Grayson. Bruce smiled to himself at the thought.
"You never had any intention of answering my questions did you? I can't believe you tricked me into this..." Dick's mumbling had little effect in the way of a guilt trip for Bruce. "I said you could play 20 questions, I didn't say I would answer them. Now be good and stop pestering me or you'll be washing and waxing ALL the cars in the Wayne garage for the next month."
More mumbling followed as the two drove towards downtown Gotham. Despite this Bruce found himself relaxed and thoroughly enjoying the company. It wasn't often enough that the two of them could get together for an afternoon. Running Wayne Enterprises, one of the East coast's biggest companies was a grueling task. Not to mention Batman's endless crusade. Between their horrific schedules it had become increasingly difficult for the two to spend quality time together, something that they had both missed.
Bruce's dark green convertible pulled up to the gate at WayneTech but before the guard had time to come out, Bruce put the car in reverse and headed back out toward the highway. "Hey, what gives?" Dick searched Bruce's face for clues. "Well, if you promise not to tell Alfred, I thought we might play hooky today." Bruce tried not to laugh aloud at Dick's obvious shock.
An hour or so later all Dick's questions were answered in the form of recognition. The convertible pulled off from the blacktop to a gravel road full of potholes. Dick instantly knew this place, although he hadn't been here in years. The gravel road winded around some distance before stopping at their destination. An old fashioned hunting cabin awaited, looking just as Dick had remembered it, give or take a few spider webs. Not even waiting until the car was fully stopped, Dick jumped out and ran up to the wooden porch. His excitement at seeing the old place showed and Bruce couldn't help but be taken in by Dick's enthusiasm. He knew he had a chewing out coming by the board members as well as by Lucius Fox, Bruce's most trusted second in command at Wayne Enterprises. It's worth it. Bruce said to himself as he followed Dick onto the porch.
"Hey, this is great!! Did you bring some gear?" Dick's voice sounded hopeful but he quickly saw the state of almost confusion brewing in Bruce's eyes.
"Well, to tell the truth I didn't plan on us coming out here. Alfred mentioned this place a few days ago and I guess it was floating around in my subconscious. I didn't bring anything with us but we can have a look inside and see what the conditions are." Bruce couldn't escape the intense stare he was being given and finally snapped "WHAT?"
"Bruce, you don't do anything on impulse and you never ever play hooky. You've really got me worried you know that?" The sincerity in his son's eyes reached him like nothing else could. Bruce didn't comment. He had to admit lately he was more than a little worried about himself too. Coming to this place though, it felt right somehow. For now that would have to do.
"Well, should we check the place out?" Bruce deliberately avoided looking directly at Dick. Afraid that to much exposure to his scrutinizing eyes would be his undoing. Feeling along the cushion at the bottom of the rocking chair, laying unceremoniously on its side, Bruce produced the cabin key.
"Wow, I had forgotten how tight you keep security here." Quipped Dick as the two stepped cautiously inside. It had been ages since they had been there and they approached ready for whatever wild animal or spider awaited them. To their surprise, the place was immaculately clean and furnished with a good stock of firewood. They both turned to each other with a grin and simultaneously chimed "ALFRED!!"
"I'm telling you guys, I don't like this. It feels to weird to be checking up on the Bat guys." The Flash tried to change his friend's minds for the hundredth time. "The Titans don't have any business being here in the first place..."
"We have every right to be here Wally. Don't be intimated by Gotham City. It doesn't belong to the Bat no matter what he says." Tempest's amethyst eyes showed he was unimpressed by the filthy urban city environment.
"You try telling the Bat that this ain't his city, gill head. That I would like to see! Or try telling Wingster that. He would laugh himself into a coma at you." Wally was getting irritated. The Titans seemed to be insisting on seeing this through, trying to play peacemakers. Now he was torn between being loyal to Nightwing, the best friend he had ever had, or being loyal to the JLA, who had always been like family to him. He wasn't sure how to handle this. The JLA split would produce serious ripples in his and Nightwing's friendship. Not to mention the fact that they were now in Gotham and he was sure that Batman wouldn't welcome outside interference, especially his, especially now.
"Wally, relax, we're here to visit Dick." Donna's sweet sounding voice wasn't quit convincing.
"Well, that's the official story at least.." Arsenal chipped in as he changed back into Roy Harper in the back of the windowless Titans van. "Robbie won't buy it, but that's our story and we're sticking to it."
Donna smiled at the reference to Nightwing's old nickname. Robbie short for Robin, held over from when Dick was still in short pants. It had felt like forever since she had heard that nickname and it brought back good memories. She had literally grown up with The Titans Team and she thought of them as her brothers. Well, most of them anyway. Some she had more than brotherly affection for. Watching Roy's bare chest as he pulled off his uniform, Donna spontaneously leaned over and kissed him. The others watched with a mixture of smiles and the unbelieving shaking of their heads. Gar Logan groaned as if he were going to be physically ill. " I still can't believe you like this guy Donna! If you were looking for romance in your own backyard, then why not me?" Donna's only reply was to smile and kiss Harper again, this time more boldly. With a dramatic rolling of his eyes Gar turned away choosing to ignore the recently united lovebirds. It's just a phase they're going through, Gar thought. Still he couldn't help wondering what it would do to their friendship and to the Titans Team as a whole when the two eventually broke up.
"Heads up gang we're almost to Wayne Manor. Hope the old English guy don't mind us dropping by unannounced." Tempest now dressed as his alter ego Garth, pulled the van up to the massive iron gate that proudly stated the letter "W" in the center. There was an intercom on a post and security cameras covering several different angles.
"Here's where we find out if we wasted a trip." Wally said almost under his breath. To his amazement the gates opened without question. They were greeted at the main entrance by a formal old English guy who didn't seem to be in good humor this afternoon.
"Terrific" whispered Wally to the others. "Maybe it would be safer to face down the Batman than the Butlerman." At his distasteful joke, Donna punched him hard in the ribs.
"Good afternoon Alfred, how are you?" Donna used her charm to make up for the manners her good friends lacked. She only hoped it would do the trick.
Rummaging through the cabinets the two found freshly washed dishes and the canned foods were heavily stocked as well. Alfred had done a terrific job and Bruce was amazed that his old friend had found the time. "Floating in your subconscious huh?" Dick teased. "Looks like Alfred's been sending subliminal messages." Bruce couldn't argue the fact. It was odd he thought since Alfred had only mentioned the cabin in passing the other day and neither had mentioned it since. "He knows me better than I know myself." Bruce murmured to no one in particular.
"Hey, I've been telling you for years, Alfred is a scary guy!" Dick emphasized a spooky voice as he spoke that brought a smile to Bruce's eyes. No matter the problem, no matter the heavy burdens on his mind, Bruce's spirits always felt lighter when Dick was around. This often aggravated Bruce when he was in one of his brooding stupors. In those times even Alfred couldn't bring him back from the edge of the abyss but Dick always could. He refused to leave him to his sulking. It was those times more than any other that Bruce realized how totally lost he would be without him.
"You Okay Kemosabe?" Dick's concerned look brought Bruce comfort. "How about I build us a fire? Maybe you can see what you can fix up for lunch, I'm getting hungry." Bruce turned to start the fire not waiting for an answer. It was his way of saying he didn't want to talk. He knew he couldn't put Dick off indefinitely but he was dreading the confrontation. Bruce felt a twinge to his insides. How was he ever going to tell Dick the truth?
Lunch consisted of chicken noodle soup and bottled water. They both ate without conversing, a sign that neither was willing to back down from their position. Dick refused to go back to Bludhaven until he found out what happened with the JLA and Bruce refused to give any information. A Mexican stand off- Gotham style. Both men silently studied their opponent grimly. They knew each other too well.
"Would you like to go for a walk? The leaves are pretty this time of year..." Bruce let his voice trail off. He realized how lame that probably sounded. He needed to get out of this cabin though. He felt like the walls were closing in on him. Surprisingly Dick didn't make a clever comment or any comment for that matter. Still wearing a look of uneasiness Dick followed Bruce along the pebbled trail to the dock at the lake. The air was brisk and the wind was picking up. Neither had thought to bring a jacket since it was nowhere near this cool the day before. The late afternoon sun gave the water a glistening tranquility, an almost hypnotic quality. The two stood as if waiting for the lake to reveal all it's secrets to them. Soon however Dick's impatience got the better of him.
"Listen Bruce, you don't have to tell me anything, but I was hoping that you would want to. We're family Bruce. If you're hurting then I'm hurting. Don't you see that?"
"Oh God son, what have I done?" Bruce blurted out, his voice shaking. He had to tell Dick the truth now, before this went any further. "Bruce?" Dick placed his hand on Bruce's shoulder to show his support. Other than that he knew there wasn't anything he could do but wait for Bruce to open up, it might be tonight, it might be never.
"Can I get you anything else?" Alfred's very annoyed stance was a strict contrast to his even monotone. How was he supposed to take care of his other duties if he was constantly being interrupted? First by Master Dick, now by his parade of friends. One friend in particular he was most certain Master Bruce wouldn't want to see at this time. He glared at Wally West in his very English, very disapproving way. Wally shifted uncomfortably; feeling like he was fourteen again and Alfred had caught him with a "disconcerting" magazine. Wow Wally thought, how did Dick handle having two of them in his life? No wonder Dick was always so serious...
"No thank you Alfred." Donna answered for the group, not trusting them to do it for themselves. "Can you tell us when Dick and Bruce might be back?"
"They have gone out of town miss. I shouldn't expect them back for a day or two at least."
"Wait a minute! You telling me the Bat is just gonna up and leave Gotham for a few days? Unbelievable!" Roy's wise cracking mouth might get the better of some, Alfred mused, but he had raised far to many 'children' to be in any way affected by it.
"Yes, well, Master Bruce has left instructions for me to have..um.. a replacement brought in until he can get back." Alfred realized if he didn't get to that task soon, the Batman's beloved city might well go unprotected for the evening. His first thought was to bring in Robin but unfortunately he had a book report due that he had put off until the 11th hour. Now Alfred found himself with the uncomfortable task of deciding whether to bring in the Huntress or Azrael. He wasn't sure how Master Bruce would react to either of them.
"Well, if you haven't found anyone yet, we could help out for a day or two." The entire room stopped as if frozen in time. All eyes looked at Wally, noticeably surprised that he would offer the proverbial olive branch.
"What? Dick's my best friend. If he needs me to cover so he and his dad can go out of town then I don't have a problem with that." As all eyes continued to search Wally for any flaw in his story, he broke down under the pressure.
"Okay, so I'm trying to smooth things over with Wingster. Geesh, can you blame me? Whatever it takes to save guard our friendship, it's worth it." Alfred smiled to himself; no wonder Master Dick had such genuine affection for this group.
"I would appreciate your help as I am sure Master Dick will. Your assistance can only help your situation with Master Bruce as well."
"Yeah well, I don't care what 'Master Bruce' thinks of me." Wally's harsh words and sarcastic tone caused Alfred to wonder if he had in fact misjudged the young man before him. That was until Wally added "Well not much anyways."
Bruce hadn't meant to show any emotions as he told Dick about his recent "Misunderstanding" with the JLA. To his surprise his explanation had come out sounding like a confession. Had it been he wondered? It was true he had felt a certain amount of guilt over the situation but truth be told he knew if given the same circumstances again, he probably wouldn't do anything differently. He waited for Dick to absorb the fact that technically the JLA had been in the right. He had been keeping files on all the members, files that had fallen into the wrong hands, putting all of them in danger. He couldn't blame them for being angry. They had trusted him and he had blown it. What he wondered now was how Dick would take the news. He searched his son's face for answers. Unaware until that moment how much he needed Dick to understand. He found the answers he sought in Dick's eyes, eyes that weren't angry. Bruce felt himself relax.
"It hurt you know? Hearing about it from someone else.." Dick tried to relay his feelings without alienating Bruce. The last thing he wanted was for Bruce to clam up on him again.
"I.. didn't know how to tell you." Aware that Dick was studying him closely, Bruce turned his gaze to look again to the lake.
"Why? After all we've been through together, there should never be anything that you feel you can't tell me. Dang Bruce you sure are dense sometimes."
"Yeah but you love me anyway..." Bruce stated, never turning to look at Dick. Dick grinned at the sudden warmth between them. Was Bruce actually asking him, in his own way?
"That I do silly ole pooh bat. That I do." Bruce turned to look at Dick then. He cherished these moments with his child. Moments when laughter rang out in Dick's voice and his china blue eyes glowed with contentment.
"Well as long as we're here, we might as well stay a day or two. What do you think?" Bruce half expected Dick to decline. He knew how busy his son's life was. He didn't dare allow himself to think that there was really a chance for some seriously needed R&R. Still, even though he couldn't deny the fact that he was being selfish, he couldn't let yet another chance go by. Precious and Few were these times together and he wasn't letting another one go by without a fight. To his satisfaction neither was Dick.
"You bet we're staying! Race you to the cabin, last one there has to build the fire!" Even as Dick was shouting the words he was running toward the old wooden cabin with all the speed he could muster. Bruce smiled inwardly, letting him take the lead. Enjoying the moment even knowing that the next few days would be filled with board games galore. Dick would assault him with everything from Monopoly to Chinese Checkers. He didn't care. Bring them on, he thought. It's worth it.