When Worlds Collide

32) They Can't Be Mad If You Never Let Them Speak

A/N: this one is a bit short, but you'll have to deal cause I made some cool art instead of writing. You'll see it in a few chapters. 

Nico stepped out of the shadows and into Bruce's office. "Hey," he said nervously.

"Hi Nico," Bruce said, giving him a small smile, but it was easy to tell that he wanted to get straight to business. "Please, have a seat."

Nico sat at one of the chairs on the opposite side of Bruce and began fiddling with his ring. "I know you probably aren't the happiest with me because of what I-"

Bruce raised a hand to stop him. "I'm not angry... anymore. I understand that you want to keep what's going on to yourself, and I am trying to respect that, but-"

"But you wish I didn't ambush you at a League meeting... again," Nico finished for him. He had gone over what he should say to Bruce a million times with Will, but it seemed that everything he rehearsed left his head. "I know it's frustrating, but I really don't think you all should know right now."

Bruce ran a hand through his hair. "I want you to be able to tell us in your own time, but there's a point where I don't know if you're being smart with not telling us, or if you just don't want to deal with what we'll say."

"I know exactly what you'll say."

Bruce raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms as he leaned back in his chair. "Do you? Please, go on. What will we say?"

Nico scoffed. "You will say that it's a stupid plan— to risk the lives of my friends and myself for a pointless reason because I am doing something that technically could be done by others. And I know, the team could take over what we are doing— but they won't do it as well as us."

"Nico-" Bruce began, but Nico ignored him.

"I am not saying that they are incapable, they're very capable."

"I know-" Bruce tried to say.

"It's just that we're more capable— that came out wrong." Nico stood and began to pace as he tried to explain. "I have nothing against the team or League or any of that, but it's kinda like I told Dick a while back. He asked me what I thought of the team and I said they were good, but they weren't on our level— not because they aren't trying or something, but because they aren't motivated like we are."

Bruce sighed. "Nico-"

"You're right, I'm getting off topic. Look, I know that you think this is stupid and a mistake, but it was their idea. They wanted to help and I said no— I actually told them no many times, but they just kept insisting. I know I shouldn't have given in, but they wanted to help and how am I supposed to stop them?"

"Nico-"

The teen was not listening. "I can't tell them what to do. They're adults... well, okay, they're not adults, but they're their own people. Plus, I'd be a hypocrite. I mean, I'm doing it, so why can't they? And I know what you're gonna say, 'if your friend jumped off a cliff, would you?' and I said the same thing at first. The only problem is that they 100% would. They are exactly the type of people who jump off cliffs just because someone else does."

"Nico-"

"Oh great, and now you think we're being stupid about this. I promise this isn't us just jumping off a cliff together. This has been discussed and planned and we are being completely safe— or at least as safe as demigod vigilantes can be, which isn't actually that safe I guess... but that's beside the point." Nico stopped his pacing and finally looked to his dad. "I know you probably hate this, but it's decided and we aren't gonna stop, so you're just going to have to be okay with that."

It was quiet for a moment before Bruce finally spoke. "Well... that was a lot."

Nico rubbed the back of his neck and chuckled nervously. "Sorry."

"You're fine," Bruce said with a small laugh. "So first of all, I wasn't gonna say any of that."

"You weren't?"

"No, but I'm glad you did. It seemed cathartic for you," Bruce said with a smirk. "What I was going to say was that I'm proud out you."

Nico stared at him for a moment. "What?"

"I'm proud. You saw a problem and came up with a solution, one where you have people to back you up and support you." Bruce learned forward in his chair, resting his arms on his desk. "I was worried when you decided to cut yourself off from the league, but I'm glad you found your way."

The demigod still looked at his father in surprise. "You aren't upset that I'm putting my friends in danger?"

"I think you  seem upset about it, but ultimately it's their choice. I've met your friends and they aren't idiots. I trust that they have thought this through. Each of your brothers have created their own teams throughout the years. Some started out a bit rough, but ultimately, they have done a lot of good." Bruce stood up and crossed the office to stand in front of Nico. "If you think that your team is necessary for what you want to do, then I support it."

"Thank you," Nico mumble as he looked away from his dad. "Sorry I didn't tell you about it earlier."

Bruce smiled down at his son. "It's okay. Now, care to tell me what you're planning?"

Nico stilled before laughing nervously and slowly backing towards the door. "You know, I totally would, except for that fact that I won't. Sorry, it's just... time and place. Not a great time to get into that."

Bruce opened his mouth to say something, but Nico was out the door before he could. "Thanks for not being mad! Bye!" He called over his shoulder as he sped walked down the hallway. He would have run but Alfred had scolded him too many times over running in the manor when it wasn't an emergency. 

A/N: oooooo what are they planning?! I have pre-written a few chapters while I procrastinated on my paper, so we Gucci now lol

Vote. Comment. Tell me if you like hot sauce (I like sriracha).