Don't Fear the Reaper

92) Mustache Man and the Mustache Plan

A/N: I feel like, at this point, just expect the chap to be long and only partially edited lmao

"And you're sure about this?" Bruce asked for the millionth time, looking at Nico like he was about to send him off to war to die instead of just saying goodbye to him for a few hours.

Nico let out a sigh, honestly just tired of having the same conversation over again. "It's either this or go to the gala, and this seems like the better choice. Plus, even if the people at the gala didn't immediately assume I was another one of your kids—which they would—I shouldn't be seen with you all right now. Zatana is still off on whatever mission she took on, and so, until she gets back, people can recognize me. I'd rather not out my location to every demigod who lives in the mortal world."

The zeta tube sprung to life, announcing Dick's return as the man walked out of the bright light and tossed his mask onto the table. "Team is informed and they promised to be on their best behavior. Your room is still set up from last time, so—worst case scenario—you can stay there if this turns into an overnight thing."

Nico nodded, adjusting the backpack he had over one shoulder. "Is Canary there?"

"Not yet, but she is supposed to run training in about an hour or so," Dick said, removing his weapons and putting them in their designated spots. "Why?"

Nico instantly thought back to his last conversation with her. "No reason."

Bruce and Dick didn't seem convinced, but neither pushed it.

"Alright, let's go. And remember, if you need anything-"

Nico followed the man over to the zeta tube, waiting as he typed for a moment. "I know. I'll have one of them call you immediately."

Bruce looked at him for a long moment before nodding and pulling on his cowl. The tube lit up, ripping them from their spot in the cave and spitting them out in the Mountain.

"Gods, I hate that thing," Nico muted, a full body chill running through him at the feeling.

Bruce's lip twitched, but his charade of Batman Stoicism™️ remained otherwise intact. "Aqualad," he said with a nod to the Atlantean. "I trust that Nightwing informed you of the situation?"

The man nodded, his shoulders squared as he faced the Bat, as if he were in a military line up. "Yes sir."

Bruce nodded with a grunt before turning to face Nico. His face remained impassive, but the Italian knew that Bruce was silently asking if he was sure for the last time.

"Don't worry," Nico said, a small smirk pulling at his lips. "What are the odds of the LoA breaking in a second time?"

Bruce did not find that funny, letting out a grunt of disapproval, before nodding to the demigod and walking back through the zeta tube.

"Welcome back, Ghost," Kaldur said with a polite but kind smile. "The others wanted to be here when you arrived, but I told them to wait in the kitchen so you would not be instantly bombarded."

Nico nodded his thanks, adjusting his bag one last time as Kaldur began leading him down the semi-familiar halls.

"I was surprised when Nightwing told us you were coming by," Aqualad said, breaking the deep silence. "The team is excited to see you again—especially Bart and Jaime. They seem to have grown quite fond of you."

Nico hummed, not quite sure what to say. "Well, I came willingly this time, so it was surprising to Nightwing too. And I'm pretty sure Bart and Jaime just want me to knit them more stuff. They were weirdly competitive about it last time."