Invitation

Author: Jenn

Takes place a little while before the latest incarnation of JLA began. Spoilers for the first couple JLA issues in the latest series.

Invitation

Bruce easily recognized the familiar sound of Dick's bike as it drove into the BatCave.

"Hey, Bruce. You wanted to see me?" Dick greeted a moment later as he walked towards the older man. He was glad to see that Bruce didn't have the cowl on, though he wore the rest of the Bat suit.

Bruce nodded, and motioned his son to a seat. "A new Justice League is being formed."

Dick was silent for several seconds. "And you wanted to tell me that I will be in it. . . or that I won't?"

"If you want in, I'll ensure that you get an invitation. If you don't, I'll make sure they don't bother you. The choice is yours. That's why I asked you to come."

The young man smiled. "You know, from most people that would sound really arrogant," he teased. And yet, he knew Bruce was right. Batman wouldn't be the only one making the decisions (Dick's bet was on Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman working together) but he also knew neither Clark or Diana would dare go against Bruce on this issue.

"I wanna think about it for a while. How long do I have?"

"As long as you want. Alfred should have dinner soon. Why don't you go on up. I'll change and be up in a few minutes."

Dick nodded, and headed up the familiar stairs. He paused an looked back. "Bruce. . . Thanks."

Bruce simply nodded, and headed into the side room to change into his 'civilian' clothes. Part of him wanted to protect his son by keeping him out of the dangerous situations the JLA would no doubt be involved in. But another part argued that if Nightwing was in the JLA, Batman would be there to watch his back, and protect him. In the end he'd admitted the choice would have to be Dick's.

After dinner they sat in Bruce's study.

"You know you can always call me if you need me. But I don't think I wanna do JLA full time. I have enough other things that need my attention right now."

"Fair enough."

"I guess you'll be in?"

"Clark and Diana will make that decision."

"Like they aren't going to invite you in," Dick scoffed.

"I am the one responsible for the destruction of the last incarnation of the Justice League," Bruce reminded him.

"They're still going to invite you. They need you. And you'll accept, if only so you can keep an eye on things."

"And whether they'll admit it or not, that's part of the reason they'll invite me."

Dick gave a sad nod of agreement. None of the others liked the job Batman did, but Clark and Diana both knew it was necessary. They needed someone who had the ability, and will, to take the Justice League down if things ever went wrong. It was why Bruce is the one Clark had trusted with the Kryptonite ring.