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On the surface, Gotham’s so called “Bat adjacent assets” are exactly what you’d expect them to be.
Efficient. Silent. Terrifyingly composed. And master ragebaiters.
Nightwing gives mission briefings like a judge reading sentencing, leaving no room for argument. Red Hood mostly works alone but if he trusts you to be in a team with him, he expects full cooperation because he doesn't take no for an answer. Red Robin operates like a high running computer on fumes that hasn't been shut down for days but still manages to make the best escape plans and somehow still has the energy to make a snarky remark about how you make your coffee too sweet. Robin corrects your grammar mid-combat and somehow makes it feel like a threat.
Every allied team knows the rule, If you are operating with a Bat, you are instantly their pawn. (Not in like a controlling way, more like a, You better know who's the leader and you better listen way)
No jokes. No hesitation. They still somehow the most ridiculous things with a straight face. And sometimes (all times) the vague feeling that you are being silently evaluated for failure.
Even their teams forget sometimes that they’re non-meta. Because they can be taking down metas without a sweat
So when they show up, everyone straightens their spine. Because they know they could easily wipe the floor with them
When Nightwing walks into a titans briefing, everyone suddenly feels like their back in school being lectured by their teacher
When Red Hood get injured, the outlaws suddenly freeze and lightly panic but that doesn't stop Jason from cursing them out for lowering their guard.
When Red Robin arrives Bart suddenly needs to go visit his parents because they miss him ( 'but isn't his dad a toddler' god forbid the toddler misses is 19 year old child)
(None for Damian cause he's technically in the titans so yea)
And yet-
Nobody questions it. Because they're bats and Bats are never wrong (most of the time)
But what nobody sees, what absolutely no one outside the Batfamily has ever been allowed to process without emotional damage, is what happens when Batman is near.
Because the moment the cape is in range?
They're broody strict leaders personas are instantly forgotten
Not gradually.
Instantly.
It’s was like turning off a switch with how easily they all switched up.
Nightwing, who hasn't smiled in public for three weeks straight, will rummage through Batman's utility belt like a child looking for cander (he was looking for candy)
“B! You promised you'd stop stocking up on this brands. Who the hell makes a lollipop 'Blueberry coke' flavoured!?” Nightwing huffed suddenly no longer in the mood for candy
Batman groaned "it's the remaining candy from last time. I didn't want to waste it. I've already bought a new pack from a new brand"
Nightwing perked up "where!? Gimme gimme gimme!!!" Nightwing instantly perked up when Batman gave him a lollipop from a different brand (Strawberry flavour)
Meanwhile Red Hood is casually laying on Batman’s back like a man who hasn't died once and was resurrected
“B.. this is uncomfortable.." Jason whined as he tried to get comfortable on Batman's back (Batman has reluctantly sat on the couch btw cause his kids stress him out and needs to sit his old ass down <3)
“Then stop laying on my back-" Batman was quickly cut off by a needy groan indicating Jason didn't want to, Batman sighed and pulled Jason down onto his lap, running his fingers through his hair,
"Better.." Jason mumbled before he fell asleep
Red robin was pouting "But it was a good plan! I even took advice from you!" Red complained when Batman didn't give him the praise he wanted as he was explaining his strategy he had conducted last week on a mission
Batman sighed "like I said. You lacked in numbers, if you had bought in more people you could have handled the mission quicker and less people could have gotten hurt" Batman's criticised
"Hmph! I already told you that Bart was on vacation with family! I couldn't do anything after I approved his leave!" Red complained "I improvised!!"
Batman finally sighing in defeat but also.. fondly? Patted Red's head "and I'm proud of you for making it work" and that left Tim satisfied
“I’m taking this.” Damian suddenly cut off as he pulled something out of Batman's utility belt
“That’s a smoke pellet.” Batman reminded
“I know. I need five.” Damian instantly shot back with a huff as if he was saying 'I know my stuff. Don't underestimate me.'
Batman, visibly exhausted in a way that has never been recorded in any villain encounter “Put them back.”
“No.” Damian shot back and ran off with the smoke pallets. Batman just sighed and continued running his fingers through Jason's hair who had fallen asleep
Meanwhile, the Justice League is witnessing something unprecedented and never seen.
Batman. The man that wouldn't even let Hal touch him. the emotionally constipated Dark knight is being physically swarmed by the leaders of the young generation
And he is allowing it
They can see the ever so small glint of fondness that followed with that brooding scrowl.
Wonder Woman paused after she realised she had been staring for too long "Do know who they are to batman?"
Superman, slowly backing away to stand next to her “No.”
Martian Manhunter, quietly leaving the room: “I was not prepared to see Batman in such a affectionate state towards these youngsters..”
Green Lantern stared in disbelief “I thought he hated being touched.”
Flash just chuckled "I think he just hates you.” flash heard Hal curse something under his breath
But the JL weren't the only ones starring, each of the young leaders respective teams were staring, They did not know their leaders were so capable of 'letting lose'
"Nawh man they must be cursed or sum ain't no way is that Rob" Garth accused, with his thick down town accent
"I'm not that bad" Nightwing suddenly said, pausing his conversation with Batman
"Nu uh, You definitely are" Cyborg said but Nightwing just rolled his eyes (I imagine like How he'd say it from teen Titans go)
"I actually find it quite cute" Artemis said with a smirk saying she was going to tease him about this for the rest of Jason's second life
"Right? I never knew you were so clingy" Roy said with a snark and walked over to pinch Jason's cheek, earning a glare and snarl
"At least I'm on good terms with him.. unlike you and arrow.." Jason shot back and adjusted his position to get comfortable on Batman's lap before falling asleep, the last thing he heard was Roy's dramatic gasp
"Jaybird.. how could you" Roy whined dramatically but it was useless because Jason had already passed out asleep
"Did you hear that? I told you Batman approved of my plan last week!" Tim said with a proud huff as Kon was hugging him from behind
"Who is Batman to you? I thought he was just your mentor or something.." M'gann asked but it clearly perked the curiosity of the people around them
"Mentor? He's my dad" Red said casually as if it was clearly obvious, because it was "You really think Batman would anyone rummage through his utility belt and lay down on his lap like that? C'mon, I thought you were smarter then that"
Everyone in the room had stopped talking, Their faces shocked and some tried to process the information before the whole room erupted in questions
"C'mon guys!? I thought it was obvious!? The bat logo??" Dick was showing his suits bat logo "The bat weapons??" He said as if he trying to put some sense into them
"Dude, You really expect us to think you're Batman's son!? You literally almost murdered the me for touching your hair gel" cyborg said in disbelief
"Hey! It took me months to find the perfect gel." Dick shot back before he quiet down hearing Batman's long sigh indicating he was gonna say something
"Yes, These are my kids." Batman said as if it wasn't already obvious
"But you never mentioned them" Superman emphasised, surely Batman would have told them if he had kids, They were his friends!
"B's overprotective of us. If you tied him up with he lasso of truth he'd somehow manage to lie a truth to not give us away" Dick said slightly annoyed
"Yes." Batman said flatly
"Do we get an introduction at least?" Diana asked with a innocent smile
"No-"
"Yes!" Dick said before he stepped up clearing his throat "Hai, My name's Nightwing, I'm the leader of the titans, I'm also the first Robin and Batman's first son with justice" He said the word justice in his best Batman voice
"Wha-" Donna blinked confused
"He's adopted" Batman said clearing the suspicion
"Next is!" Dick turned around so he could better present his sleeping brother "This is Red Hood, leader of the outlaws and Batman's first adopted son but also technically the second child and he was the second Robin" Nightwing said proudly as he ignored Diana's gasp (Yes, The second robin is Diana's favourite and was very upset when he died)
"How does that work? The first child but also the second child?" Roy asked crossing his arms
"I was his ward before, But when he adopted hood I got jealous an all Yada Yada and then he adopted me too" Dick said smiling as he explained, The Titans were very much uncomfortable seeing dick smile so much cause dick usually smiled when he was absolutely pissed off and was holding back
Batman nodded, confirming Nightwings statement
"Next is Red Rob-" Dick was quickly cut off
"I can introduce myself!" Tim yelled but didn't want to move from Kon's hold "I'm red Robin. Third son and Robin, Leader of young justice and I'd say I'm the second best detective in the world" Tim said proudly "oh and I'm dating Superman's son" Tim added and kon seemed to tighten his hold around Tim
Superman just blinked as he looked at the two, he was curious at first before his expression turned fond
"And then the fifth robin!" Dick said before he paused looking around for Damian "where is-"
Before he could finish smoke started coming out the other room, everyone was quite but the thing that broke the silence was Batman's sigh/groan
"Go get your brother.." Batman said and Nightwing was already out the door "My fifth Robin was the child you saw earlier"
"Don't you mean fourth?" Hal asked crossing his arms
"No. Fifth. My fourth was a girl" Batman explained "and no I'm not bringing her here for an introduction." Everyone who was about to say something instantly closed their mouths but they didn't miss the softness in Batman's voice when he mentioned her
And after that Batman didn't allow anymore questions. Which wasn't fair, because if they asked their leaders they'd just go back to being Batman wannabe's! (A good wannabe)
But it was nice seeing their leaders so happy and relaxed around Batman. Maybe they had to start asking Batman for during missions to see this playful and well relaxed side of their leaders. Huh not a bad idea
Suddenly Jason shifted "B.. I want pizza" Jason said with his eyes still closed and half asleep before he heard Batman sigh
"Okay"