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The Watchtower was packed with vigilantes from the Justice League, the Titans, the Outlaws, and Young Justice. you name it, they were there.
While some were patching up wounds, catching up on much needed rest, or contacting family members, Batman was in the Watchtower's kitchen... making hot cocoa?
Barry was the first to notice. Walking in to grab some water, the speedster blinked at the sight. "Hey, Spooky, whatcha doing?" He snuck up behind the caped crusader, peering over his shoulder. "Cocoa? Yum! Make me one!"
"..." Bruce answered with a low grunt and a sharp, warning glance. Barry got the memo instantly, retreating with his bottled water.
Meanwhile, in the Conference Room...
Jason was lounging like a zombie on one of the couches that had been brought into the room. His entire body was tense and sore from the battle. On top of him was Damian, who was currently too exhausted to care about his carefully cultivated image, he just wanted to cuddle with his akhi and rest.
Sharing Jason’s lap was Cassandra. She was so fast asleep that she didn't even flinch when Jason shifted positions to get comfortable.
On the floor by the couch, Dick was laying flat on his back, being utterly dramatic about the fact that he wasn't included in the cuddle pile. Because Damian was only willing to share Jason with Cassandra
"Dick... come lay on my lap. The floor is uncomfortable," Kory said, gliding over to sit beside him. True to form, Dick instantly forgot his earlier pouting and happily rested his head on Kory's lap.
On the other side of the room, Tim was chatting with Kon and Steph on the conference room table, confidently perched right in Bruce's designated chair. Hal Jordan was throwing them concerned looks, looking as if he was mentally calculating exactly how Batman was going to that make into a lesson of respect or something in the next meeting
The room was loud, filled with the exhausted but lively chatter of injured heroes. That was until Batman walked in, causing the noise to instantly die down.
In his hands was a tray holding eight ceramic mugs, the rich, sweet scent of hot cocoa instantly filling the air.
Dick was the first to move. He scrambled off Kory's lap and practically ran to Batman, enthusiastically grabbing his assigned mug. which proudly sported a Superman logo. "Thanks, B!" he said, before darting back to Kory.
Next up were Tim and Steph. They paused their conversation to retrieve their mugs. Steph grabbed her Robin cup, while Tim picked up another Superman mug, though this one had a small, hand-drawn black spot on it to indicate it was actually a Kon cup.
Seeing Cass, Jason, and Damian passed out on the couch, Batman walked over to them.
"Ahem..."
Batman woke Cass softly. When she lifted her head and saw the cocoa, instinct took over. She sat up straight and accepted her Batgirl mug.
"Hood. Robin," Bruce called out gently. Jason's eyes fluttered open. Seeing the steaming drinks, he nudged Damian awake so the youngest could get his, too. They took their mugs, a Wonder Woman logo for Jason, and a Batman logo for Damian.
There were only two mugs left on the tray. The remaining heroes in the room watched in utter confusion, wondering who they were for. Obviously, one was for Batman himself, but they couldn't wrap their heads around why the Dark Knight had gone out of his way to play barista for these kids.
"Barry," Batman called out.
As if on cue, Barry materialized in a blur, his face visibly lighting up. "Thanks, Spooky!" the speedster beamed, taking his mug and dashing away to sit down.
"Why does he get one?! Where's mine?!" Hal sat up, jealousy flaring as he stared longingly at the chocolate.
"You didn't ask. He did," Batman said simply. He picked up his own mug and took a quiet sip. Hal huffed and slumped back into his seat, thoroughly annoyed.
Then, in perfect, accidental unison, Tim, Cass, Jason, Damian, and Dick spoke up:
"Thanks, Dad."
(Steph mumbled a quick, "Thanks, B.")
The entire conference room went dead silent. The jaw-dropping realization hung heavy in the air.
Before anyone could explode, Batman gruffly replied, "You're welcome. You deserved it after today."
Then the room erupted. A barrage of questions fired from every corner of the room from shocked League members.
Batman, being the man he was, completely ignored them. If his kids wanted to explain the family dynamic to the rest of the superhero community, that was their business though he knew they'd keep the truly important secrets safe.
Suddenly, Bruce felt a heavy, smug gaze burning into the side of his face. He slowly turned his head. His intuition was dead on.
There he was. The Man of Steel, looking at Batman with a massive, teasing smirk.
Batman grunted, shooting a lethal glare across the room. Superman quickly looked away, clearing his throat.
Batman huffed, entirely satisfied. He didn't care what remarks the rest of the team made about him. His kids had worked hard today, and they deserved it.