Jace insists he’s not part of Gotham’s legacy. He says it all the time. “I’m not one of them.” “I do things my own way.” “New York’s Dark Knight stands apart.”

…So then why is Nightwing texting you to check up on him?

Your phone buzzes in your hand, another message lighting up the screen.

Nightwing: Hey, kid. How’s Jace holding up? He sleeping? Eating? Or is he still pulling his ‘I work alone’ act?

You snort, texting back a quick He’s fine, big bro, before glancing up at Jace, who’s leaning over the Batcomputer, fully immersed in whatever case he’s working. He does look exhausted, though—brows furrowed, jaw tight, tension radiating from his shoulders.

“Hey,” you say casually, walking up beside him. “Did you know you’re not in the Batfamily?”

Jace barely glances at you. “Obviously.”

“Right, right,” you nod. “Then why does Nightwing keep texting me to check on you?”

That gets his attention. He blinks, eyes narrowing. “What?”

You hold up your phone with the latest message:

Nightwing: Also, tell him I said to take a damn nap.

Jace groans. “I swear to—”

“Oh, and speaking of which.” you swipe to another notification, grinning. “Red Hood just added me to the Batfamily group chat.”

Jace stares at you. “There’s a group chat?”