A/N: Sequel to my last story, Leverage I do encourage you to read (and review) that one first. Hope you enjoy!

P.S. I own nothing!

The Ties that Bind

It had been 2 months since the kidnappings, attacks, and only the beginning of the fallout. The League was not only struggling with its public image but now with many of its members openly questioning the decision to hold back for the sakes of Roy Harper and Richard Grayson. Lex Luthor had turned his status as hero and victim into a promising presidential campaign that was gathering a fair amount of support. Ra's Al Ghul had all but disappeared, the Demon's Head and League of Shadows completely silent, something Bruce Wayne began to view with a fair amount of dread…he was planning something big and biding his time.

Though it was Luthor that brought everyone together tonight and he looked up at the men gathered in his study. Oliver Queen, Barry Allen, and Clark Kent sat with tense looks on their faces. "We must do something to stop him" Clark said his frustration evident "he is buying the city up, people are selling to him and rock bottom prices, and who knows what he will rebuild. Even Perry is starting to side with him, refusing to run any of my stories that dare to speak against him".

"His campaign is pulling in millions" Oliver added "he attended an event in Star last week and he may as well have been a 6 year old trick or treating on Halloween".

"We need to slow him down, stop him from building another army or worse until we can bring him down" Clark added. "Bruce, isn't Wayne Enterprises riding a high right now after the adoption…and Oliver, Queen Industries didn't get as big of jolt as Wayne Enterprises but Roy's very public return and work at your side has provided a jump as well".

Bruce stared at the fire for a few moments, revenge foremost on his mind since the moment he learned who had taken Dick. "We take him down piece by piece" he finally said "use our smaller conglomerates to buy as much Lex Corp stock as we can. Publicly we personally go after every single deal, every buyout, and every contract. He will need new capital to keep growing and rebuild what he's lost".

Oliver had a small smile on his face, Roy was going to enjoy this…though Lex's propensity to be a sore looser came to mind "But we must be careful, last time we beat him out he went after the kids".

"And isn't there anything we can do to help" Barry asked feeling helpless "We can't expect your civilian personas to take on so much of the danger".

"He can't he so bold next time, he knows the League is watching him. Barry what you can do is work within the League, I fear there is a mole in our midst". Bruce said grimly. The speedster looked shocked, this was the first he'd heard of this.

Clark continued pulling file from his briefcase "As you know not everyone was happy with how we handled the situation. Last week Batman was upgrading the communications system when he found these" throwing a pile of papers on the table "hundreds of emails about the team, whoever this is feels that Roy or Red Arrow is a prime example of why we shouldn't have partners, they are too big of a liability and the League must be purged of them…"

"What! Purged!" Barry blew, his normally jovial personality gone. Glancing at Bruce and Oliver he could see they had already seen this and were just as livid. "What exactly is this person saying…who do you think it is…who is the person receiving this…why isn't Orin and John here, they have partners too…"

Bruce held up his hand to silence him "Robin is working on tracing both ends, but whoever it is knew what they were doing and it's going to take time. So far no specific threats have been made or sensitive information such as secret identities, just the content is going straight to Godfrey. John has taken Miss Martian off world for more training, her recent encounters with Psimon have tested her abilities and he is working with her to control them better. Orin had a situation in Atlantis with Black Manta to deal with, but he is aware of the situation. I need you to keep your ears open, see what the others are saying. We also have Diana on it, since she doesn't have a partner and is a founding member whoever this is may approach her with their concerns".

"In the meantime watch you and your partner's backs" Clark said thinking of Conner, who had just recently moved to Metropolis part time with him. He now had a whole new respect for Batman and the others, though a huge help he was in a fight he was terrified every moment Superboy was with him. Praying he never wound up in some sort of deathtrap as a means to get Superman's attention…though Lois might appreciate the break.

"It's decided" Bruce said grimly "be careful and keep your ears open".

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Bruce Wayne sat in the boardroom waiting for the board to render its option. It had been a month since the 4 men had met and discussed their plan for taking Luthor down, the bald business man sitting across from him at the table. Unable to help himself he fixed the man with a 'Bat' glare. If he couldn't make the man pay for what he'd done legally he would make him pay with his business. Every contract, bid, and deal he or Oliver was there, and now after a month of being continually outbid the strain was starting to show. Lex needed small companies like this to begin to rebuild as many of his assets had been destroyed or used in his attack.

Luthor looked tense and returned the glare. He had opened his mouth for some sort of threat but was forced to stop when the board returned to the room. "Gentlemen" the CEO said sitting down "We must say we are honored by both of your interests in our small company. You have both given offers that are more than generous. Mr. Luthor, we have the utmost respect for you and what you have done for Metropolis…but we feel that Mr. Wayne is the better fit for us".

Bruce beamed as Luthor was hardly able to keep his temper in check, this made the third one this week. "May I ask what Mr. Wayne had to offer that I did not?" he asked trying to sound polite though it came out as more of a snarl. The CEO seemed taken aback "We just felt his company was the better fit, like ours it has been a family company for years and now with the recent addition of his son will be there for many years to come".

"I see" Lex said standing up Bruce following his lead "Well I thank you for your consideration, now if you'll excuse me I have another appointment to get to". Bruce shook his hand, grip nearly bone breaking "Good fight Lex" he said with a glint in his eye "speaking of son you must excuse me, my son has an appointment I need to attend with him. Mr. Fox will be able to iron out the final details".

"Of course" the CEO said "I look forward to working with you". As the pair left the room the lawyers began to speak, Luthor's team packing up in defeat. They walked to the elevator in silence and waited for the doors to close.

"What are you doing Wayne?!" Luthor seethed as soon as they were clear.

Bruce fought to keep his calm, alone and so close to the man that had taken his son, put him in so much danger "Returning the favor" he responded with an equal amount of venom in his voice "If you think for one second I'm going to let you get away with what you did to Dick, Roy, or Metropolis you are wrong".

"Is that anyway to talk to the man who 'saved' your precious son from that horrible Sportsmaster? You really should keep an eye on him Bruce, I would hate for some sort of accident to happen, after all it was such a shame what happened to his real parents" Lex shot with a wicked smile. Bruce had him pinned against the wall before the man could blink, Bruce's arm applying pressure to his throat. "Touched a nerve did I Brucie? Yes, I took some advice that Oliver gave me and did my homework…I know all about the little acrobat now."

Bruce fought Batman back feeling the elevator come to a halt "You will stay away from my son Lex or I will continue to dismantle your company piece by piece. You think you were besting me all these years…I wasn't even trying. Oliver too, every single thing you go after one of us will be there. And you seem to forget that I have some very powerful friends".

Luthor snorted pushing his hands away and smoothing out his suit "The Capes? If you haven't noticed your friends are quite unpopular right now. They waited so long to come in and help millions for 2 kids…though why the public loves me for allowing 'access' to the army to protect them is beyond me, the public can be so fickle".

The doors opened and both men walked into the warm summer air, Bruce shooting once last glare before stepping into the car "Stay away from my family".

Luthor watched him go before getting into his own car. "Merci to the next appointment" he said pulling out a file from his briefcase. Bruce Wayne was on the label and flipped through the papers his operatives had put together. He needed to get Wayne and Queen out of the picture or he and his Presidential ambitions would be sunk. Between the pair it would only be a matter of time before they kept him from rebuilding the capital he needed. He also knew they were financial backers for the League who would soon turn the tide back in their favor, they just needed an alien invasion or natural disaster to thwart. Discontent still ran rapid, Merci's little pen pal had yet to reveal him/herself but seemed to be getting desperate to get the sidekicks out of the way. His allies in the Light were still off world and Ra's was 'recovering'. It was still a mystery what had happened to the Demon's Head during the attack, something Lex intended to get to the bottom of as soon as he could speak to him.

That matter was for another day, today he needed to capitalize on the momentum and popularity he had now. First step eliminate those in his way...and what better way than those they so fiercely protected, but he couldn't get involved personally, not this time. True he had gotten away with it before but twice would be pushing it.

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Richard John Grayson Wayne tugged at his collar trying to relieve the pressure of the bow tie that completed his tux. He hadn't wanted to wear it but Alfred had insisted he look his best for 'his' party. Next to him he heard a soft chuckle from his father, "It's only for a few hours" Bruce said then tugging at his own, wondering if the butler had tied it extra tight on purpose. They were in an elevator taking them to the top of the Ritz Gotham, on their way to a party held by the Wayne Foundation in celebration of Dick's adoption.

Bruce had argued fiercely against the party due to recent events with Lex Luthor and Ra's Al Ghul, finding himself overridden by the board of the Wayne Foundation for the first time in 10 years. While Dick's adoption was special for the pair and something they wanted to keep private and between friends, Gotham wanted to celebrate. In the days following the announcement Wayne Enterprises stocks nearly double and had continued to climb every day since. It was the Leagues insistence they do it that had bothered him even more, Superman wanting something to take the attention off Lex Luthor and the issues within the League.

"You know it's not too late, we can go through the hatch up there and go on patrol instead" Dick said hopefully. Bruce only smiled and shook his head, Dick folding his arms "The Board does remember I was kidnapped from the last one of these I went to right?" Dick added annoyed his requests to skip the party and the money donated to the rebuilding of Metropolis ignored "Or we could have had Roy or Wally come so I had some company".

"Roy and Oliver were supposed to but Brick broke out last night, they have to bring him in. As for Wally, how would we explain how you know him?" Dick just grumbled something in Romanian and eyed the hatch again. Bruce had had the same thoughts too but knew it was too late to back out now, the soft chime of the elevator opening to reveal the grand ballroom. Dick couldn't suppress a groan at the stuffy party before him full of Gotham's high society. "Just remember they want to celebrate with us…though I may have arranged a little something to take the attention off of you for the night" Bruce said "and any money raised tonight will go to Metropolis".

Upon seeing them enter the crowd burst out into applause and raise their glasses. Dick could feel his face burning from the attention, Bruce's comforting hand fell onto his shoulder offering support. The press began shouting questions, so many he could not distinguish a single one

"How are you going to take the attention off of me, a bomb?" Dick asked sarcastically trying to keep his smile in place.

"So to speak" he said with a smile and on queue Selina Kyle walked up wearing an elegant yet revealing black dress, her green eyes shimmering with mischief. "Hello Richard" she said giving him a warm hug which he reciprocated slightly stunned, it had been awhile since he had seen either form of the infamous Catwoman. "I'm going to create a small distraction you go get some cake and find a quiet corner to wait out this horrid excuse of a party". He gave her a genuine smile "Thanks, I owe you one". She pulled away with a wink and grabbed Bruce's face in her hands, pulling his lips to hers giving him a long passionate kiss.

The surrounding press surged in like a pack of wolves, fighting to get the best shot, flash bulbs going off like a firework grand finale. Dick was pretty sure Gerty was having a coronary by the way she was screaming, Bruce quickly waving him away before wrapping his arms around Selina's waist and dipping her slightly. Dick bolted away from the prying eyes, disappeared into the crowd wondering just how much of that was acting on either of their parts.

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Lex Luthor moved through the crowd at the party with ease, shaking hands and finding donors for his campaign. His role as savoir of Gotham's young prince being handsomely rewarded at the moment in the form of campaign funding and support, almost making up for all the deal's Wayne had taken from him…almost.

Even better was Bruce had no idea he was here, the board of the Foundation inviting him to say "thank you" for protecting precious little Richard. He had been watching from a distance most of the night as the new father greeted guests, a beautiful blonde he knew as Selina Kyle on his arm. Their greeting still sending excited whispers across the party, first the adoption and now perhaps a wedding? Bruce was keeping a close eye on the boy while acting as a barrier to the surrounding guests. He also noted the boy stayed near the center of the room and away from the doors and windows, continually scanning the room as if he knew he was being watched.

Finally Bruce and his date were pulled away by the obnoxious reporter, leaving the boy unguarded.

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Dick took a deep breath as Bruce went to talk with Gerty….again, the reporter and everyone else at the party for that matter had taken the bait and been fawning over Bruce and Selina all night. He couldn't wait for this night to be over. He felt as if all these people were intruding on something very private. His thoughts briefly traveling to the small gathering held at the manor for those in the League that knew their identities. That had been the party he wanted, surrounded by friends, celebrating the birth of a new family. Feeling the sensation of being watched for what felt like the hundredth time that night he looked over the room carefully, he had learned not to ignore his instincts.

"So nice to see you safe and sound Mr. Grayson….or I guess its Wayne now, I haven't seen you since Sportsmaster made off with you from my lab…where did he take you by the way? Daddy dear pay another tidy ransom to get you back?"

Dick spun eyes wide with anger and surprise, his gaze falling onto Lex Luthor as he approached with a smug smirk on his face. "You! How did you get in here?" the boy hissed with a surprising amount of venom in his voice.

Luthor laughed jovially as to not attract attention "The board felt your protector should be here for such a special occasion, after all it wouldn't have happened without me".

The boy held his ground "Your right it wouldn't have happened without you since you were behind it. You think you've gotten away with it too" he said quietly, a shouting match with Luthor was the last thing they needed tonight "Roy and I know the truth that you not the Joker was behind everything and one day the truth will come out. And I can assure you will get every bit of what's coming to you".

Lex couldn't resist when there was little the boy could do to stop him here, and grabbed his shoulder tightly knowing it was a gesture his father favored as a form of protection and comfort. Anyone looking over would see them having a polite conversation. "You've had such a hard life for one so young, being kidnapped how many times now, losing your parents like that right before your eyes…and then testifying against their killer" Luthor purred watching the crowd around him to see if anyone had picked up on the boys distress. He had wanted the boy to lash out, hit him, anything to create a scene but so far it wasn't working, he knew how to play the game.

Dick tried to pull away only causing Luthor to tighten his grip. "Go to hell" Dick shot, looking around the room for his father, catching Selina's Emerald eyes. She saw Luthor and her lips curled no doubt a hiss escaping her lips. Bruce glanced over stunned, following her line of sight, his own eyes flashing with rage. Oblivious to the silent communication Luthor leaned in so he was whispering into his ear "You will be the key to your father's undoing". Dick's eyes went wide at the implications of his words as a large body moved between him and the evil genius "Move along Lex" a voice said dangerously, not nearly as worried about maintaining appearances in front of Gotham's elite.

"Clark" Lex said clearly amused "I am surprised you are here, I'd imagine a dinner like this would be a few month's pay for you".

The reporter didn't move crossing his arms "I have been covering Bruce Wayne and Wayne Enterprises for years, the Planet felt I should be here for this. A better question is what were you doing with your hands on him" he said simply, leaving out he was practically family to the boy he was now hiding. "Easy Uncle Clark…not here not now" Dick whispered just loud enough for his super hearing to pick up while tugging on his sleeve. Clark blinked a few times and realized people were now watching and the music had stopped, relaxing his stance he took a small step back.

Bruce and Selina arrived on the scene as well an almost familiar anger radiating off of the new father. Selina moved to Dick's side wrapping her own arms around him protectively, her eyes fixed on Luthor while she fantasized tearing him to shreds with her claws. "Lex" Bruce said through gritted teeth forcing a pleasant smile, remembering he had a role to play "I wasn't aware you were coming". As he spoke his dangerous glare turned on the members of the board. One of them came forward hands slightly trembling "We were sure you wanted a chance to publicly thank the man who saved young Richard's life and made this wonderful event possible".

It was only thanks to years of practice that Bruce was able to hold his temper, kidnapping or no he had planned to make Richard his son long before Lex got his hands on him. "Of course," he said warmly using his best playboy smile "I don't believe I have properly thanked you personally Lex. Thank you so much for protecting my son from those horrible thugs, putting your own life in danger to do so. In fact I have hired the best investigators possible to ensure everyone that was involved pays for their crimes".

Bruce took a small grain of satisfaction in the second of panic that crossed his face. "Now tell me how much are you planning to donate to the cause tonight….I will double it".

The crowd erupted in applause as the two men shook hands posing for a few pictures, and the other guests returned their attention to each other. Selina quietly moved Dick into one of the side ballrooms the party wasn't using, well away from Luthor and the crowds, Bruce and Clark not far behind.

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Days later, Dick sat on the couch of the study, arms around himself, his eyes full of frustration and sadness. Luthor's threat eating away at him even days after the event. His laptop lay forgotten at his side as he had been attempting to trace the mole when he'd gotten lost in thought. "He's going to use me against you again and whoever the mole is will try it too…and don't' tell me otherwise you know it's only a matter of time" he said looking to his father. Bruce was at his desk, going over files for his next big, a wave of worry and sadness washing over him as he picked up on his sons frustration.

"Bruce I'm sorry…" he started, Bruce pushing aside his own work and moved quickly to his son's side. He had been expecting this for a few days, ever since Luthor had cornered him at the party. Shaking his head he knelt down to meet him eye to eye "Never apologize for being so important to me. I will not let him get away with this". Dick could only nod as he leaned into his father's chest, feeling his strong arms wrap around him, hiding him from the world if only for a moment.

Alfred cleared his throat from the door hating to break the moment. "Sir, sorry to interrupt but there was breaking news Penguin has broken out of Arkham, the signal is already in the sky". Dick pulled away, Bruce seeing the change in his eyes as Robin emerged. "Been a while since the Old Bird caused problems" Robin said following Bruce behind the grandfather clock.

"Odd that he would break out, he was due to be released in less than a month" Batman added, Bruce Wayne was at the Parole hearing a few weeks ago and was slightly hopeful the criminal had indeed reformed this time.

Robin emerged in full costume, already working away on the small computer, trying to find just what was so tempting that Penguin would risk another stint in Arkham to get.

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Wally peered out of the phone booth housing the Zeta Tube to ensure the coast was clear. He knew he should have taken the bus to Gotham for his date with Artemis, just as Batman had instructed when he learned of the pair's relationship, but thanks to a surprise training session with Black Canary was running late and decided to take the tubes from the Mountain. Artemis did not like to be kept waiting and at the moment her wrath was worse than the Bat's for appearing as a hero in their city. Besides they'd never know he was here, they wouldn't be out on patrol for a few hours yet. Running through the streets he heard panicked cries from help coming a block back. "Ah man" he groaned turning around following the screams, now cursing that the pair wouldn't be out for a few hours. Skidding to a stop he looked down the alley unable to see anything through the Gotham murk. "Please no! Someone please help" the woman screamed again and Fid Flash took action, running blindly into the darkness.

Arriving at the end of the alley he expected to find the poor woman on the ground, surrounded by group of thugs, instead there was a pile of rags, where the screams were emanating from. It's a trap you idiot his mind screamed and he turned to run, a bag suddenly covering his head as he was tackled to the ground by someone easily 4 times his size.

Thrashing he felt the tank on him pull his arms behind his back and binding them, shortly followed by his feet. Not good! Not Good! "Look boys, the birdy has a new costume" one of the goons laughed pulling out a needle and jabbing it into the boys arm. You're in Gotham and they think you're Robin, you are so dead! "I'm not…" Kid protested weakly beneath the sack on his head only to be overcome by darkness.

To be continued….