The League was introduced to Dick indirectly. For sure, they knew Batman had a kid — but they thought it was more of a “mentor- protege” type situation than a “father-son” thing like what they had witnessed in the conference room.
No one knew that Batman could be so…sweet and attentive. They knew he was caring and protective, but not sweet. Not attentive.
Flash didn’t even know Batman’s voice could go higher than the monotonous, raspy voice he always had.
It was cute. Odd, but cute.
They had been discussing budgets for the upcoming year and Batman was about to speak his piece when his phone rang. It was a loud buzzing sound that made him pause and stand up from the table.
Batman: Excuse me.
Flash, Wonder Woman, Superman and Green Lantern watched Batman as he walked to the corner and turned away from them.
Batman: Hello? Why aren’t you sleeping?
Was that Batman’s voice? Barry thought. Could he sound so…gentle?
Batman: You have to go to bed or you’re gonna be grumpy in the morning.
Flash looked at Wonder Woman, who was smiling to herself as she watched.
Batman: You’re waiting for me? I won’t be home till late, though. I know I have to tuck you in, baby.
Baby? Baby?
Batman put his hand on his hip and if Flash craned his neck far enough he could see a smile on Batman’s face.
Batman: Can you at least put on your pajamas and brush your teeth? You know how to brush your teeth.
Flash heard a high, childish voice whine through the phone.
Dick: I want you to do it! Please!
Batman: If I brush your teeth you’re going straight to bed, you know that right?
Dick: No!
Batman: Yes! No stories, no nothing. Straight to bed!
Dick: Okay I’ll do it myself but you have to tuck me in!
The kid had to be about six — definitely no older than eight.
Batman: Okay, I promise. I’ll be home in thirty minutes.
Dick: Kay! I love you!
Batman: I love you more.
The kid’s voice got quieter and Flash couldn’t hear anymore.
Batman: Yes, I miss you too. Okay. Bye. Yes, I promise. The longer you keep me on the phone the longer it’s gonna take for me to get home. Okay, fine. So many hugs, I promise. Okay. Okay. Bye.
Batman slipped the phone back in his pocket and turned around.
Batman: What?
Flash looked around the table and couldn’t help but smile as everyone else smiled at Batman.
Wonder Woman: That was cute.
Batman: Let’s move on.
Green Lantern: No seriously. That was so cute.
Batman: Alright.
Superman: I didn’t know you could be so mushy.
Batman: Not you, too.
Flash: I just didn’t work know you’re voice could go that high.
Batman: Guys, enough.
