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Chapter Text

Tim clutched his camera close as he ran through the dirty Gotham alleyway. Craning his neck up high, he could see a dark figure dashing ahead, jumping from rooftop to rooftop. The figure slowed at the edge of a building and paused, framed perfectly against the full moon. In a swift, practiced movement, Tim raised his camera, and captured the shot.

Batman. Everyone in Gotham knew the name. The Caped Crusader had remained largely veiled from the public eye. The occasional intrepid reporter caught the odd photo or video clip from afar, but the Bat’s interactions were saved for a few trusted police, and they weren’t talking. 

The public didn’t know what to make of the Dark Knight that watched over them. Victims who had been rescued by him sung his praises. Others condemned his blatant disregard of the law. But the doubters were outnumbered by a silent majority that shied away from loud opinions but would leave the occasional sandwich and kind note out on the fire escape, just in case.

Tim had been fascinated with the man from the start. Later, when Robin appeared at Batman’s side, Tim was awed by the Boy Wonder’s incredible talent and courage. That awe had turned to dismay when Tim realized that he knew who was behind both masks: The famed Prince of Gotham himself, Bruce Wayne. Leaving Robin to be his adopted son Richard “Dick” Grayson. Tim knew this knowledge was incredibly dangerous. He kept the secret close to his heart. He told no one. Wrote nothing down. Instead, he watched news reports and internet blogs for glimpses of the duo.

Over time Tim and his heroes grew. Tim took to stalking news sites, social media, and blog posts for any mention of Batman and Robin. He hoarded information, piecing together stories of his heroes’ exploits. When Robin became Nightwing, he knew. And when a new boy stood by Batman’s side, he knew.

It was this boy who Tim now saw appear on the roof next to Batman. They seemed to be watching something below them, around the corner and out of Tim’s sight. Tim took another picture. He had been secretly following the vigilantes on the streets for several months now. It was a hobby that, he had to admit as he stepped in a puddle of questionable liquid, had possibly become a touch unhealthy. He skirted to the shadows of the alley and listened. From what he could hear it sounded like Batman and Robin had come across a gang, undoubtedly up to no good. And close by too. Tim stopped walking. It would be best to leave. It was never good to be too close to a potential fight, especially in Gotham after dark.

Ever since he had received his camera, a belated ninth birthday present, Tim had practiced his art by taking pictures of Batman. After months of stalking the streets, he had yet to capture a truly exciting fight. Yes, it was dangerous, but Tim prided himself on his ability to stay out of sight. Listening carefully, he could hear the muted tones of gruff voices coming from the corner. From their perch, Batman and Robin seemed to be listening as well. Tim was certain a fight was going to break out soon. It was too good of an opportunity to miss. Up ahead Tim could see the rungs of a fire escape. He could climb up and watch from a safe distance. His path decided, Tim crept forward.

Before he could get much closer the voices grew louder. He heard shouts and thuds. As the fighting men pushed into the alley, Tim shrank behind a pile of trash bags. He looked up just in time to see Batman and Robin jump down into the fray. Delighted, Tim took bursts of pictures. The fight migrated back around the corner. Satisfied with his photos, Tim decided now would not be the day to push his luck. He stood and turned to head back to the other end of the alley to the street where his bike was stashed.

Before he could take a step, meaty hands were pushing him against the wall. Four men surrounded him, the largest holding him by the neck of his shirt.

“Help the others,” the man said. They ran to join the fight while the man wretched the camera from his hands.

“Wait, no.” Tim pleaded, grabbing for the camera. The man shook it in his face.

“You working for Gatti?  He send you to spy on us?”

“No! I-”

“Shut up.” The man dropped the camera and shoved Tim against the wall again. His head bounced painfully against the bricks. Suddenly, a dark shadow dropped behind the man. With a pained gasp he released Tim and slumped to the ground. In his place stood Batman and Robin.

“You ok, kid?” Robin asked, kneeling beside Tim who had slumped against the wall. Tim nodded, slightly dazed from hitting his head and seeing his heroes so close.

“Yeah,” he managed. “I’m ok.”

“I take it this is yours?” Robin handed him his camera. After a quick inspection it didn’t seem to be broken. Tim looked up, a thank you on his lips only to fall silent at the sight of Batman looming above him.

“You were following us,” Batman growled. Tim knew it wasn’t a question.

“Yes sir,” Tim whispered.

“Don’t.” Batman spun away, dragging the dropped thug around the corner to deposit with the others. “Robin, see that he gets home.” Robin rolled his eyes.

“Yeah, I got it. Come on kid, which way?”

“It’s over there.” Tim gestured towards the street where his bicycle was stashed. They started walking. After a moment he said, “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Robin replied. His voice sounded fond. “Were you really following us?”

Tim nodded. Robin probably wanted an explanation. No way Tim was going to tell him he had been trying to figure out their patrol routes and tonight had confirmed his rotating system theory. “I saw you from my window.”

“Good eyes. Still, that was a pretty stupid thing to do.” Tim didn’t know what to say to that. “Do have to admit, it does take some guts to wander into a fight like that. Can’t decide if you’re brave or just damn stupid.” Tim wanted to object but Robin went on. “Seriously though, Batman’s right. It’s dangerous out here. Don’t sneak out like that again. We might not be fast enough next time.” Tim stayed silent. The two boys stopped outside of a rundown apartment building. “This one yours?” Robin asked.

“Yeah,” Tim lied. “Thanks, Robin.”

“No problem. See you around kid.”

Tim allowed a slight smile as Robin pulled a grappling hook from his belt and flew up onto the roof. He waited a moment to be sure Robin had gone back to join Batman before freeing his bike from where it was stashed under a pile of debris against the wall. His whole body tingled with adrenaline. He couldn’t wait to check his camera; those must be his best shots yet.

He would have to be more careful though. Robin was right, it was stupid for him to let himself be caught. By both the thug and the masked duo. Batman knew his face. He might think to look for him again. Though Tim realized as he mounted his bike, neither Batman nor Robin seemed to realize that he had already been following them for months. It would probably be fine, Tim reasoned as he pedaled down the dirty quiet streets. He would just be smarter next time and make sure he wouldn’t be caught. Already crafting new plans, Tim pedaled towards home.

Chapter Text

Jason laid on his bed, pointedly ignoring the freshly ironed suit Alfred had left out for him. Tonight, he was expected to put on an appearance at yet another pointless gala. He still wasn’t sure if it was better or worse that it would be hosted in his own home. On one hand, he would have to play host with Bruce for a while and couldn’t coordinate with him to make a scene so they could leave early. On the other hand, if it really got too bad, he could always go back to his room. That would mean leaving Bruce to the sharks, but what could you do? And the food was going to be good. Alfred always booked the best caterers. Still, he wasn’t looking forward to entertaining the entitled snobs that made up a vast majority of Gotham’s upper crust.

There was a knock on his door.

“Jason,” Bruce called. “Can I come in?”

“Yeah, sure,” Jason answered. Bruce opened the door.

“Hey there, Jaylad,” he said. “Guests will be here in less than an hour. You need to get dressed.” Jason groaned but stood and picked up the suit.
“These things are the absolute worst, Bruce.”

“The parties or the suits?”

“Both! Though I’ll take the suit over talking to those hypocrites any day.”

Bruce smiled sympathetically. “Can’t say I disagree with you, champ, but not everyone there is a bad person, and the gala serves a purpose. Batman can’t save the city on his own. Keeping friendly with everyone is part of what helps my company work on fixing the city’s infrastructure.”

“Yeah,” Jason huffed angrily. “But most of those people have never spent a day with anyone they claim to help. They don’t actually care about any of us. They don’t think we're worth shit.”
“I know lad.” Bruce stood and put his arms around Jason, giving him a small squeeze. Jason sighed and leaned into the embrace. “You care so much. No matter what anyone says out there tonight remember, you’re my son and I’m proud of you.”

“Thanks, Dad,” Jason whispered into Bruce’s chest. His heart felt lighter now. It had taken a while for them to reach this ease with each other, for Jason to trust and for Bruce to be able to articulate his emotions. Some days it was still a struggle, but as time went one those days were becoming less and less frequent. Jason treasured moments like these when he and Bruce really felt like father and son. Growing up on the streets, his most daring dreams involved little more than three square meals a day and graduating high school. Now he had a kitchen as large as an apartment and a stack of college brochures ready for when it came time to seriously start looking and, on top of it all, a real family.

With Robin, Bruce had given him a chance to make a difference now. As Jason Todd-Wayne, Bruce had given him a chance to make a bigger difference in the future. Jason thought of the other kids he met on the street. Of the ones he saw every time he went out as Robin. Of his mom, fading away until there was nothing of her left to save. Those rich geezers at the party couldn’t understand. They may talk, saying he was just a stupid street rat, not worth the dust on their feet. Naturally uncivilized and violent. They may watch him like a monkey at a zoo. Or maybe like a bull ready to charge, waiting for the moment he’d snap and finally prove them right, but he refused to give them the satisfaction. He was going to graduate high school and college, use his money to do something for kids that would actually work, and he could go down to the ballroom and schmooze like the best of them.

The pair relaxed and Jason stepped into the bathroom to change. Through the door Bruce asked, “You remember the drill?”

Jason couldn’t help but grin as he answered. Bruce had started the Rules for Galas when Dick was young. They had needed some tailoring when Jason arrived (he hadn’t needed any reminders about flipping off of the chandeliers) but they worked well. “Smile for the camera, be polite to everyone’s face, don’t insult the guests where anyone can hear. If at all possible, avoid ‘accidentally’ stomping on anyone’s foot or spilling food all over their clothes. All rules are negotiable if someone is being a real asshole. Find you if there is any kind of problem.”

“That’s my boy. And if you need to cool off, just step away for a while. Should be easy since we’re home. We don’t need a repeat of what happened with Mr. Pinson.”

Jason chuckled as he pulled on the suit jacket. In the pocket he felt a hacky sack that he’d picked up to stave off boredom during the last gala. “That jerk deserved what he got and we both know it. But yeah, I promise I’ll take a break if I need to.” He studied his reflection in the bathroom mirror. He really hated the suit. “I don’t need to be there the whole time, do I?” he asked.

“No,” Bruce said. “That particular brand of torture has been reserved for me alone. Just try to last a couple of hours.”

“I’m ready,” Jason announced, stepping out of the bathroom.

“Let me?” Bruce asked, gesturing to Jason’s slightly askew tie. Jason nodded and let Bruce straighten it. “Looks good. Are you ready?”
Jason grimaced. “Let’s get this over with.”

…

Jason shifted uncomfortably on his feet. As usual, the gala was awful. When they hosted, Jason spent the initial hour at Bruce’s side, greeting the guests. It wasn’t as bad when Dick was there. He and Jason would spend the night exchanging insulting asides and inside jokes, but Dick was working in Bludhaven that weekend and was excused from making an appearance.

Jason tried not to yawn as another couple joined the greeting line. His feet ached. Maybe his shoes were too small. He would have to check with Alfred after the gala.

“This is Jason. Jason, Jack and Janet Drake.” Bruce’s hand landed on his shoulder, and he snapped back to attention. Jason choked back a gasp of surprise and forced a pleasant smile on his face. The couple in front of him were what he expected from high society, if a bit stiff. The man had a grin, just a bit too wide to be sincere. He shook Bruce’s hand with enthusiasm. The woman was elegant and serene. She gave a pleasant smile when she greeted Bruce but when her eyes turned to Jason, they were cold and calculating. But it was the boy with them that truly surprised him.

It was the kid from the alleyway.

“How do you do?” Jason remembered his society manners and extended his hand. Janet gave the briefest of shakes, but Jack ignored him entirely.

“And who is this?” Bruce asked.

Janet turned and pushed the boy to stand in front of her. Jason examined him closely. He was definitely the boy from the alleyway. There was no mistaking those bright blue eyes. In the bright lights of the ballroom he seemed smaller than Jason remembered. His expression was pinched, posture slightly hunched. He didn’t seem to know where to look, eyes darting between his parents and Waynes, He made eye contact with Jason briefly before settling on the floor.

“This is our son Timothy. Timothy, say hello to Mr. Wayne.” At his mother’s words the kid straightened and looked up at Bruce.

“Hello Mr. Wayne.” Tim said in a soft voice. “Thank you for inviting me here tonight.”

Bruce knelt beside the boy and offered his hand. Tim seemed surprised as he shook it. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Tim. Can I call you Tim?” The boy nodded. “Then you can call me Bruce. How old are you, Tim?”

“Just turned 10, sir.” Tim said.

“So you’ll be starting fourth grade this year? Gotham academy?” Tim hesitated.

“Actually, Timothy will be starting the sixth grade this year,” interrupted Janet from above them. She smiled smugly. “He is quite intelligent, always at the top of his classes.”

“That is impressive, Tim. I hope sixth grade will be an enjoyable challenge,” Bruce said. “You’ll be at the same school as my Jason.” Bruce stood up and patted Jason’s back. “He’s in eighth grade, but I’m sure you’ll run into each other sometime.”

Jason read between the lines. Bruce had recognized the boy too and wanted Jason to keep an eye on him. No need to tell him twice. Jason was intrigued by this boy. He hadn’t seen him at a gala before. Was he nervous because this was his first one, or did he know something? If the kid knew, or even just suspected the Waynes of anything, the entire Bat operation could be in big trouble.

“I’m sure he will,” Janet said, laying her hands on Tim’s shoulders. “We’ll let you see to your other guests now.” With that the Drake family disappeared into the crowd.

Jason immediately rounded on Bruce “Bruce, that’s the kid-“

“Yes Jason. I think you're right. Try to keep an eye on him.”

“Right.” Jason agreed. The gala had just gotten a lot more interesting.

Chapter Text

After greeting the Waynes, Tim and his parents circled the room, greeting the other guests. His shoulders still ached from his mother’s tight grip. He knew he had messed up. He should have been able to stand up straight and speak clearer when speaking to Mr. Wayne and Jason. The extra tight squeeze his mother gave him before releasing him into the crowd was enough to tell Tim that they would be having words later.

Tim spent the next hour at his parent’s side as they greeted others of the social elite. He smiled and shook hands, reminding himself to stand straight and speak clearly. Not that he had to speak much. He was there as a bright sign of the future, not to contribute to conversation.

Long after he had tired of socializing, Tim was released to work the crowd. He moved to the buffet, trying to keep an ear out for interesting conversations, but his mind kept returning to the Waynes. It didn’t look like they’d recognized him. But they were Batman and Robin, for all he knew they were already making plans to wipe his memory or something. Did they have the technology to do that? Probably. Tim didn’t want his memory wiped. Tim shook his head, trying to focus. It was probably fine. Maybe they didn’t know. They probably would have been mad if they knew, and Mr. Wayne didn’t seem mad. Actually, he had been… nice. Not just the false type of nice that adults always seemed to pretend to be, especially at events like this, but he had a genuine presence that took Tim by surprise.

He had to stretch on his tiptoes to reach the platter on the buffet table. Snippets of conversation caught his ear. Mrs. Johnson was suspicious of her husband's secretary. Dr. Greene’s son just made it into Yale. Mr. Wilber of Wilber and Wilmonth attorneys was just hired for a very sensitive government case, very hush. Tim knew he should try to pay attention. That was why he was allowed to come to the gala, to listen and report to his parents what he heard. He had been excited to be able to come and help his parents, but he had forgotten how loud and chaotic it could be. Being away at boarding school for the last two years meant he had fallen out of practice. Now that he was here, all he wanted was to slip into a quiet hallway and wait the evening out.

Tim ate, leaning against the wall at the far end of the ballroom, close to a hallway that led to the rest of Wayne Manor. He checked his watch, wishing the hour was later than what the number read. A passing server took his empty plate. Tim sighed, warily eyeing the crowd, bracing himself to go in.

“Hey kid.” Tim felt something hit his shoulder. He picked up the object, a hacky sack and turned to the hallway. There stood Jason Todd-Wayne. “Toss it here.” Jason held up his hands. Tim tossed it back. He looked over his shoulder, checking for any sign of his parents. He couldn’t see them, so he joined Jason in the hallway. “Aren’t these things the worst?” Jason asked.

“Yeah.” Tim laughed nervously. Why was Jason talking to him? Was he going to interrogate him? Kidnap him and wipe his memory?

“It’s just so boring,” Jason continued. “And there’s never anyone my age here.” He tossed Tim the hacky sack again. Tim caught it.

“Yeah, they are pretty boring.” What did Jason want? “So, what do you… do you do- this? Often?” Great job Tim, he chided himself. Very articulate.

“Hide in the hallway, you mean?” Jason laughed. “Only when I get fed up with all those people kissing up to Bruce then talking shit about us once our backs are turned.” Tim nodded. Maybe Jason didn’t want to kidnap him right now. Jason held up his hand and Tim tossed back the ball. “I guess I should get used to it. That’s the kind of crap you have to put up with in this crowd. No offense to you or anything.” Tim shrugged and caught the ball as Jason tossed it back.

“None taken.” Tim said. “People here aren’t… they’re not always... nice.”

“You’re alright kid.” Jason said. Tim blushed with the unexpected praise. Robin thought he was alright! “Throw it here.”

Tim complied, but instead of catching the sack, Jason bounced it on his leg, off his arm, against the wall, showing off some of his talent. Tim was impressed. He couldn’t help but grin when Jason tossed it back to him and he managed to bounce it off of his arm before catching it. Before long, Tim forgot about his worries and both boys were running up and down the hallway, tossing the hacky sack between them. Tim laughed out loud. He couldn’t remember ever having fun like this at a gala before. He couldn’t remember having fun like this ever.

He was running when Jason threw the sack up in the air. It flew far over Tim’s head. Tim was sure he could catch it. He stretched out his arm, jumped-

And collided right into a server. Boy, man, sack, and tray came crashing to the ground.

Tim froze. He was vaguely aware of Jason rushing up beside him, apologizing all the way. He needed to move, to apologize, to clean up his mess, but he was trapped by the dread of what he knew was to come. He felt strong arms pull him up right.

“Tim, are you hurt?” Bruce was kneeling beside him, peering anxiously into his face. Tim shook his head.

“Sorry,” he muttered.

“I’m the one who should be sorry, I threw that last one too far,” Jason said from where he knelt on the floor, helping the server pick hors d'oeuvres off the floor.

“There’s no harm done.” Bruce replied. “Are you sure you’re alright, Tim?”

Before Tim could answer his mother’s voice came piercing through the ball room.

“Timothy Jackson Drake.” Tim flinched at the sound. Her heels clicked on the tile as she marched up to him, Jack following close behind. “What do you think you’re doing?” she hissed. 

“It’s ok, Janet. We’ll get this cleaned up-” Bruce started when Jason interrupted.

“It was my fault.” Jason tried to say more but Janet wouldn’t hear it. She ignored Jason and addressed Bruce directly.

“I must apologize for my son’s behavior. Clearly this evening has been too much for him. We will be taking him home now.”

“There really is no need-” Bruce tried to reason.

“Come along Timothy.” Janet placed her hand on Tim’s back and guided him to the door. He could feel her nails through his suit jacket. Behind him he could hear his father thanking Bruce for his hospitality, ignoring Bruce’s insistence that it was a simple accident and not worth all this fuss. Tim looked over his shoulder and caught Jason’s eye. He wanted to stop and say something, thank him for the evening and for trying to take the blame, but he didn’t. Instead, he let himself be led to the car.

Jack ranted the entire car ride back. “God Tim, do you have any idea how embarrassing that is for your mother and me? Our only child acting like some uncivilized heathen, and with that street rat to boot. Didn’t we teach you better than that. Hell, didn’t I pay that damn school of yours to teach you better than that. A whole evening ruined because you’re too stupid to keep your act together.”

Tim’s chest ached with anxiety as every word his father said wormed its way into his mind. He was numb and suddenly exhausted. All he wanted was to go to his room and forget about this evening, but once they stepped inside, Janet turned to Tim.

“Now Timothy. I certainly hope your abhorrent lack of decorum wasn’t an indicator of your ability to contribute to this family’s well-being this evening, was it?”

Tim racked his brain, trying to recall the conversations he had heard. What was information and what was useless gossip? His mother was watching him expectantly, stiff and disapproving. What could he say? He knew the consequences of not having anything, and after messing up already…

Heart pounding, he relayed the first thing that came to mind.

“Dr. Greene’s son, Stephen, is going to Yale. And Mrs. Johnson thinks her husband is cheating on her.”

Janet pursed her lips. “Completely irrelevant and old news. Johnson has had affairs for as long as he’s been married. What else?” Her last two words were spoken slowly, a warning.

“Uh... umm”

“Timothy, I am saddened to see the elocution lessons have failed to make a lasting impact. Certainly so if tonight’s performance was any indicator. You practically mumbled when we spoke with Bruce Wayne. Perhaps we need to consider a different school this year to remedy this situation.”

“No, wait,” Tim interjected. He had worked hard to convince his parents to enroll him in Gotham Academy this year. He wanted to be home so he could see them more often. They often came back in between trips but were never able to visit while he was at the school. And because of their busy schedules, he had even spent the summers away. Two years and he could count the number of times he had seen his parents in person on one hand. And, since elementary school kids couldn’t have personal cell phones, he rarely talked to them either. This year was his chance to make them proud. Then, maybe, he could go with them on their next trip.

He didn’t blame them for their absence. Their work was extremely important. When he was younger, they weren’t around much either, but Tim knew that was because small children were needy and distracting. Now, he was older and smarter. He was ready to help them and prove he was worthy of the family name. He had even tested into the sixth grade rather than the fourth. His parents had been pleased about that. They had even taken him out for ice cream to celebrate. Now it seemed like all his hard work was a risk of becoming undone. He thought hard.

“Mr. Wilber has been hired for a sensitive case. He didn’t say much but I heard something about the government and someone named Kline.”

Janet raised her eyebrows slightly. “Now that is interesting. Well done, Timothy. Glad to see bringing you along wasn’t a complete waste of time. You may go to your room now.”

Tim nodded. Tension faded as he finally relaxed. He hadn’t completely ruined everything. He gave his mother a tired smile and climbed up the stairs to bed.

Chapter Text

After the Wayne’s gala Tim took a break from Batwatching. He wasn’t sure he had been recognized and didn’t want to risk either Batman or Robin making the connection. Besides, his parents were home enough that they would likely notice if he snuck out at night. Tim wasn’t positive on that hypothesis, but he wasn’t willing to test it out either. 

He worked hard to get back into his parent’s good graces. At the Mitchell’s luncheon, Tim was articulate and charming, playing up the part of young genius perfectly enough to wheedle out a meeting with a potential partner for Drake Industries who simply “had to meet the couple who raised such an extraordinary young man”. His parents had both been proud, his father giving him a hearty spat on the back and his mother a genuine smile and “Well done, Timothy.” 

Now Tim’s biggest concern was school. Would the work be much harder? Would he be able to find all of his classes the first day or school? Would he make any friends? 

Tim wasn’t sure what to do about most of those questions but decided that he could do something about finding his classes. He pulled up a map of the school online. All he needed to do was print it out. Tim walked downstairs to ask his dad if he could use the printer, only to find both of his parents packing. His dad brushed by him to go to his office. His mother was preoccupied, writing out a message on her phone.

“What’s going on?” he asked.

Janet said nothing, focused on her phone. Tim waited, anxiety building. Were they leaving already? They hadn’t even been back for two full weeks from their last weekend trip. His first day of school was tomorrow. Surely, they were going to stay for that?

“Mom?”

“Timothy, be quiet.” Janet snapped, not looking up from her phone. Jack came back holding a file he slipped into his briefcase set by the door.

“Dad, are you leaving?”

“We’re going to Egypt!” Jack said, smiling. He opened a pocket of his suitcase, checked its contents, then shut it again, satisfied.

“I don’t… I thought we were…” Tim shrank down on himself. They were leaving. They were actually leaving.

“Timothy, what did I say about the stuttering? And stand up straight. A Drake does not slouch. Nor mumble for that matter.”

Tim blinked back tears and he straightened his back. He cleared his throat, trying to speak as clearly as possible. “How long will you be gone?”

“Four weeks. Maybe longer depending on how fruitful this particular venture turns out to be.”

“Lots of artifacts in Egypt,” Jack said, coming to stand beside his wife. “It’s very exciting.”

“And…” He almost didn’t dare to ask the question. “I can’t come with?”

Jack laughed out loud while Janet frowned. “No, children are simply too young and immature to deal with travel. I recall we had this discussion before,” she said admonishing.

They had. Two years ago, right before Tim had been sent to boarding school.

“But what about school?” Tim asked.

“What about it?”

“It starts tomorrow, aren’t you going to stay?”

Jack laughed again. “He’s only joking, Janet. Of course you don’t need us to stay, boy. You’re in middle school now. You got this.”

Janet agreed. “You don’t need us here. You are mature enough to represent us well. We will be checking in periodically to ensure you keep up an admirable academic performance. What you do this year will directly affect your opportunities in high school. The classes you take, the people you network with, they are all tools to ensure you have the edge you need to excel in college and, after that, as the future CEO of Drake Industries. Do you understand, Timothy?”

All Tim could do was nod. “Yes, Mom.”

“Good. On the counter is a list of phone numbers. We will likely be out of contact often so if there is an emergency go through our secretary. You have your phone and your credit card?”

“Yes.”

“Good. That should be it.”

A thought occurred to him. “Wait, how am I getting to school? Is Jessica coming back?” Jessica had been his nanny before he left for boarding school. He had several nannies throughout his life. They had been ok, he guessed. For the most part. They took care of him when his parents couldn’t, which was admittedly often. He knew they were paid for it so they had no reason to really care about him.

He hadn’t had a nanny ever since he came back for the summer. He thought it was an oversight, or they were waiting for the school year and their next long trip. They entire summer had been speckled with his parents taking off for a couple days at a time. The longest they had been away was a week. He had been just fine then. He was sure he would be fine with them leaving for a whole month now. He had to be.

Both of his parents frowned now. “You can take the bus.” Jack said. “The housekeeper will bring you groceries. You’ll be fine.”

Tim was confused. “So… Jessica isn’t coming back?”

“No, Timothy” Janet said, her voice creeping towards dangerous exasperation. “I thought we had made that clear. Mrs. Mac will be checking in. You are old enough to keep yourself out of trouble. But rest assured. If we hear of anything, of you skipping school or damaging yourself or the house, there will be dire consequences.”

Tim gulped. He knew she was serious. “Ok,” he said softly. “I’ll be fine.”

“Yes, you will.” Janet opened her arms, offering a rare hug. Tim ran into her arms, trying desperately not to cry. Drakes didn’t cry.

“That’s my boy.” Jack patted him on the head.

Janet released Tim, gently pushing him away. Then she and Jack picked up their suitcases and left.

Tim stared at the door a long time after his parents left. They were gone, and they wouldn’t be back for a month. He thought it would be different now that he was older. He tried so hard, did everything they asked…except for the gala. He had messed up then. That must be it. He hadn’t done what they needed him to do, so they’d gone to where he would not be a nuisance. He would be better, Tim resolved. A new year at a new school would be the perfect time to start trying harder and prove that he was good enough and could make them proud.

Tim sniffed back the tears that still threatened to fall. If he was going to be perfect, then the first step would be to make sure that he was ready for school tomorrow. He already had his schedule, and there was nothing stopping him from printing out the map. He should probably check the bus schedule too. It wouldn’t be good to start the year by missing the bus.

Chapter Text

Over the next month, Tim got used to his new routine. Mrs. Mac came by once a week, but always while he was at school. She dropped off groceries, mostly ready-made meals that could be heated in the microwave, and she cleaned the house. If he had any specific requests, he would leave a note on the counter and the item would be there by the time he got home the next week.

He did his best to clean up after himself. Trial and error had revealed that he wasn’t the most able cook. After burning himself trying to pull cookies out of the oven he gave up entirely and sustained himself on microwave meals and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Some internet research taught him how to use the washer and dryer. Tim was happy to have avoided dying any white shirts pink. If Mrs. Mac knew that his parents were out of town, she didn’t let on and Tim didn’t think it was worth it to ask.

Despite his planning ahead, the start of the school year was difficult. After examining the bus schedule, it was clear that his parents never signed him up to take the bus so it wouldn’t come directly to his house. The nearest bus stop was 15 minutes away by bike, but he didn’t have a place to stash the bike when he got there. An email to the school made it clear he couldn’t bring it on the bus either. Instead, he biked to school and left it on the bike rack by the door. It was only a 30-minute ride, about the same amount of time it took him to get to his favorite Bat-Watching spot in the city. When it rained, he called a taxi.

The taxi also revealed an unexpected problem. While Tim had already decided to call a taxi in case of rain, when the day finally arrived, they wouldn’t accept his call. The company wouldn’t accept orders from minors. Tim had called his parents, but neither of them answered. When he called their secretary he was bounced around from person to person until he had to hang up and take the bike, lest he be late for class.

The incident proved he needed a backup plan. With much trepidation, Tim bought himself a cell phone. It was the most expensive thing he had ever charged to the card. He waited for a phone call, for his parents to question what he was doing or admonish him, but it never came.

Tim had always been fascinated by computers. While at boarding school he had spent countless hours in the library learning how to code. He had requested a computer for his eighth birthday and had arrived in the mail with a note wishing him well. They had forgotten to call him on his birthday that year, but Tim was so enraptured by the computer that he almost didn’t notice. With the computer, Tim honed in on his skills. Skills he drew from now.

It took some research, but before long he had the phone programmed. A voice modulator ensured that any calls made from the phone sounded like an adult from the other end. By texting the phone with key words, Tim received pre-programmed phrases in return. A different key word prompted the phone to call him. He tested the phone by calling a taxi and it worked like a charm. He went to the grocery store and bought himself a carton of ice cream to celebrate.

He knew that the phone would come in handy in the future. His parents were never easy to get a hold of in a timely manner. In fact, they were rather insistent that he not call them at all. He had tried calling every other day for a while only to be sent to voicemail for a week. When his father finally answered the phone, it was no better.

“What the hell have you been calling me for? If you have a problem, call the damn housekeeper. There’s nothing I can do.”

“What? Dad, I-“

“What, Tim? What is so important that you have to blow up our phones every day like this?”

“I… I missed you.” His voice shook.

“Oh, grow up. I’m too busy for this shit. If there’s a problem, we’ll call you.”

“Ok, but-”

Click

Tim put down the phone. He had just gotten an assignment in history to make a powerpoint about an ancient civilization. He thought his dad might want to help. Instead, he was barely keeping back tears. Maybe he could show his dad the project when it was done instead.

After that, he stopped calling. He sent them texts regularly. Sometimes his mom would respond, most always a brief “good job” when he shared a particularly high test score. Every day he waited, but they never called. 

In their absence, Tim went back to watching the Bats.

Neither Bat nor Wayne ever approached him, so they must have not recognized him. He would just do a better job keeping his distance from now on. 

After neither of his parents noticed his cell phone purchase, he decided to invest in better Bat-Watch supplies. Currently he just had his camera case. After encountering the thugs the night he met Batman and Robin, he wanted to have more protection. He ordered a new plain black backpack, some granola bars, a pocket knife, pepper spray, and extra lenses for his camera. After some consideration and a google search, he bought two dozen other backpacks as well as socks, towels and wet wipes. He also ordered band aids, toothbrushes and paste, sunscreen, water bottles, more granola bars, and packs of crackers. He had come across many homeless kids on the street during his nights out in the city. If his parents didn’t mind what he spent his money on, then care packages like these were the least he could do. He thought about putting cash in the bags as well but didn’t think he could withdraw any without questions from the bank. The bags would have to do.

…

Tim felt like he was buzzing. Heart pounding, he pedaled his bike down the road to his house. His parent’s plane had landed that morning after he had left for school. They would be tired, he was sure, but he could suggest ordering takeout and watching a movie. They might not agree to the movie since it was a school night. He couldn’t wait to show them his ancient civilization report. He had included pictures of some of the artifacts they had helped to find. His teacher had been very impressed. The road curved and the house came into view. It looked the same as when he had left. Tim opened the garage so he could put away his bike.

It was empty.

Tim pulled out his phone and checked the calendar. It was the right day, he was sure. Maybe he had the wrong flight? He jumped back to the tab with the airline his parents always flew. They were coming from India, had a layover in Madrid, and from there, Gotham. Their first flight had been delayed by an hour but everything else was on time. Where were they?

Tim rushed inside and called his mom. He was sent straight to voicemail. The same for his dad. Panic building, he called the number they left for their secretary.

A roboticly pleasant voice answered, “Drake Industries. How can I help you?”

“Hi, um, my name is Tim Drake. Jack and Janet Drake are my parents. They were supposed to come home today? Around two?”

“Mr. and Mrs. Drake are not available at the moment. Would you like to leave a message?”

“Can you tell me where they are? They were supposed to come home? Did their flight get delayed?”

He heard a sigh from the other end. The voice became decidedly less pleasant. “Look, kid, I’m sorry but I can’t help you. Your parents changed their schedule last minute which really means I have to change their schedule last minute. They’re heading to Japan for another three weeks but that can change too. They’re always jumping around like this, leaving the rest of us to scramble after them and clean up their mess. If you want to know that they have planned, talk to them because I sure don’t know. And if you do learn, do me a favor and let me know. I’d like to have more than two hour’s notice that I need to reschedule a month of meetings and God knows they won’t give me that courtesy.”

“Oh, uh, ok?” Tim had no idea what he was supposed to say to that.

“Sorry, I can’t help you more than that.”

“No, it’s fine. Thanks.”

Tim hung up. On the counter were the cookies he had bought as a treat for them to share, preferably when they watched a movie together. Looked like that wasn’t going to happen.

Tim waited for his parents to call and let him know what was going on for the entire evening. 

The call never came.

Chapter Text

It was colder now. The wind stung as Tim biked to school. He focused on the road ahead. He didn’t want to think about the previous evening. His parents never called, never answered any texts. He had finally hacked into his dad’s airline account to see which flight they were on. The flight had arrived in Japan on time, so Tim had to assume they were safe.

He couldn’t remember if it was like this when he was little. He knew they had been gone often but back then he hadn’t thought to ask if they were late. They were simply there, or not. He had never been completely alone like he was now either. Boarding school was lonely, yes. He had never fit in with the other kids, but before he went to boarding school there was always a nanny around. Even then, no one stayed longer than a year or two. He shuddered when he thought of Ms. Nancy. She had stayed the longest, from when he was four to six. She hadn’t been that great of a cook and had pinched him whenever he was being bad. One time after he broke a plate, she had hit him with a wooden spoon so hard it had left bruises. His parents had been away at the time so he hadn’t said anything. Taking care of himself was worth it if it meant he didn’t have to deal with anyone like her again.

Tim arrived at the school. He glanced up at the sky. Dark clouds were gathering. He hoped it wasn’t going to rain. Pre-algebra was first. He rushed down the hallway, eyes focused on the floor ahead when he passed the locker alcove where Michael Sharpe, a burly eighth grader who liked to pick on the younger kids, often sulked in between classes. Tim, clearly younger than everyone else, was a favorite target. Tim let out a sigh of relief when he was able to slip by unnoticed.

Tim made it to his desk. He sat down then opened his bag to get his math binder. Around him, other students were getting their homework out and turning it in. He opened his binder then remembered that he had left his homework on his desk at home next to the cup of coffee he didn’t have time to drink. He groaned. He could hear the sound of rain hitting the window. That was just great.

The day did not get better. Michael “accidently” bumped him in the hallway, shoving Tim into the edge of a locker. He was positive it was going to bruise. Now, at the end of the day the rain had only gotten heavier. Tim reached for his phone to call a taxi before remembering he had let it beside his math homework. With his wallet. Even if he borrowed someone else’s phone, they wouldn’t let a kid get a taxi and he had no way to pay for it. Tim sighed. Looked like it would be a cold, wet bike ride in the rain.

“Kid, kid, Tim!” Tim looked over his shoulder. Dodging between the students streaming out the door was Jason. Jason caught up to where Tim was standing and offered him a fist bump. “Hey, how’s it going?”

Tim bumped his fist, baffled. “Hey,” he said.

“You got a ride? Alfred’s picking me up but he can drop you off wherever.”

“Um…” Tim looked out at the pouring rain. Portions of the sidewalk were completely flooded. Jason probably wasn’t trying to kidnap him to interrogate him about Batman. Surely if they suspected he knew that would have happened ages ago. A ride back home would be nice. “Yes, please. If it’s not too much of a bother,” he said.

“’Course not, come on.” They walked outside. Tim retrieved his bike from the stand. Jason led him to a nice car waiting by the curb. He helped Tim load it in the trunk then they both got into the car. “Alfred, this is Tim Drake. Tim, Alfred.” The driver turned in his seat and Tim saw a serious but kindly looking old man.

“Pleased to meet you sir.”

“And you, Master Tim. Please, call me Alfred. Where shall I be dropping you off today?”

“He can come home with us.” Jason said. He turned to Tim. “Alfred makes the best cookies."

Tim shook his head. “No, no. I can’t be in the way. You can just drop me off at home, I live next door.”

“I can assure you, young man, that you will not be in the way. You are more than welcome to join us for as long as you like. I simply suggest you check in with your parent or guardian first” Alfred said.

“You should come over. I have a new game for my xbox but it’s a two player and Dick won’t be here ‘til this weekend and Alf won’t play and Bruce is useless at video games,” Jason laughed. Tim tensed at the insult at Bruce Wayne, eyes darting up to the front seat, but Alfred did not comment. Instead, he caught Tim’s eye in the mirror. He smiled gently.

“In his enthusiasm Master Jason has forgotten that his guest may have plans for this afternoon.”

“No,” Tim found himself saying. “I can come. My parents won’t be back until dinnertime. I usually stay home and do my homework then. I’d like to… if you’re sure it’s ok?” Tim asked.

“Of course, you are more than welcome in our home.”

“Well, if it’s ok…”

“Great!” Jason said. “It’ll be fun.”

Gentle classical music came on over the radio as Alfred pulled the car out of the parking lot. Tim and Jason both pulled out their phones. Tim lingered over messages. Alfred and Jason both expected him to let somebody know where he was, but Tim didn’t think his parents would actually care. He could try texting them, but what was the point? They would probably just be upset he bothered them at work. Strike that- they definitely would be mad that he bothered them at work.

“Hey dude.” Jason nudged his arm. He had a video of someone doing tricks riding a bicycle on his phone. “You ever do something like that?”

“No, but I can do some stuff with my skateboard.”

“Really? Didn’t peg you for the skateboard type. Never tried it myself, maybe you can show me later?”

“Yeah, I’d like that.” Tim agreed. Robin didn’t know how to ride a skateboard. Who knew?

Jason turned back to his phone. Tim pulled up his messages. He thought about texting his parents. They might be ok with him hanging out with Jason because they would think it’s a networking opportunity, but then again, they might say he was being a nuisance and wasting Mr. Wayne’s time.

He wasn’t sure why he had lied about his parents being home either. It’s not like it mattered. He was sure Mr. Wayne wouldn’t actually be home either. Adults in charge of business were never home. They couldn’t be. Either way, something told him to keep quiet. If someone were to find out and his parents found out that they found out… Well, he wasn’t sure what would happen, but he was sure it wouldn’t be good.

Tim pulled up his messages and found the number for his fake phone. He typed out a quick message with a key phrase. After a couple of seconds his phone buzzed with an automatic Yes you may.

“I let my parents know. I just need to be back for dinner.” That was normal, right? They wouldn’t get suspicious, and he wouldn’t impose.

“Very good, Master Tim.”

Tim flushed at the title. “You don’t have to-“

“That’s just Alfred-speak to say he likes you” Jason said. “I’ve tried to get him to just call me by my name too and still no luck.”

“Indeed, Master Jason,” Alfred said from the front seat. “But my fondness will not exclude you from completing your homework when we arrive home.”

“Course Alf,” Jason said. “I don’t got much tonight. You Tim?”

Tim shook his head. “No, it shouldn’t take long.”

When they got to the manor Jason showed Tim to a small table in the kitchen. Tim couldn't help but scan the room for anything that looked like it would be used by Batman, but he didn’t see anything obvious. He did note a mug on the counter that said I’m not saying I’m Batman. I’m just saying nobody has seen me and Batman in a room together. That had to be an inside joke for Bruce. Alfred brought the boys cookies and milk, and they got to work on their homework. 

“So how are you liking sixth grade?” Jason said after a long but comfortable pause. He peered over the table at Tim’s math homework. “Mrs. Wilde still teach pre-algebra?”

“It’s fine. And yeah, she’s still there. I like her class.”

“Cool. Mrs. Wilde is nice, but I always liked Mr. Quincy’s class better.”

“Really? But he said he’s going to make us read poetry.” Tim pulled a disgusted face.

“Come on, poetry can be cool.” Tim looked at him doubtfully and they both laughed. “No really, poetry’s fun. Remind me and I’ll show you some of the good ones.” 

“So, what school did you go to before?” Jason asked. 

“Um, boarding school, summer camps, private tutors when I was little,” Tim replied. “I’ve been all over, really. This is the first time in two years I’m staying in Gotham.”

“You must miss your friends, moving to a new school this year and all that.”

Tim shrugged. “I guess. It’s not like-“He stopped. He did miss hanging out with people he knew, but they hadn’t exactly been his friends. They were just kids in the same class, lunch table and dorm room. They had fun conversations on occasion but none of them had actually tried to get to know him. He had never really tried either. He remembered many nights sitting on his bed practicing coding while the other boys played games in the common room. They never invited him to join, and he never asked.

“Tim?” Jason peered at him, face scrunched up with concern.

“It’s ok. I’m more of a loner anyway.”  

“Hm. You making any friends now?”

Tim shrugged again. The truth was Jason was the first person close to his age that he had talked to for purely social reasons since he left boarding school. He was so much smaller than the other kids in his classes that they all avoided him. Except for Michael who only wanted to pick on him.

Jason picked up on his discomfort. “Well, the school year’s still young. Besides, now you’ve got me and Alfred. He’s fed you cookies, there’s no goin’ back.”

Tim laughed. “They are good cookies. Thanks Jay.”

“Anytime.”

 …

“And that’s why Bruce has been permanently banned from the kitchen.” Jason said with a flourish that left Tim doubled over with laughter.

“How,“ he stuttered between gasps of laughter “how do you get toast stuck on the ceiling? ” 

“I don’t know!” Jason exclaimed. “Not even Dick is that bad. And he can barely handle making pancakes, and pancakes are like, as basic as it gets.”

Tim laughed. Even he could make pancakes. They probably weren’t as good as Jason’s but at least he didn’t get anything stuck on the ceiling.

“So what about you? Your parents cook at all?”

Tim’s smile dropped. The most he had ever seen his parents in the kitchen was to heat up a cup of tea in the microwave. When they didn’t eat out, which they did most of the time, they had Mrs. Mac come in and cook a meal. He shrugged. “They don’t really cook much.”

“Ah, well, it's not for everyone. Speaking of food, didn’t you say you needed to be back for dinner? You’re still welcome to stay of course, I just don’t want to make you later or anything.”

Tim checked his phone. It was almost 6 o’clock. He wanted to stay. If Alfred’s cookies were an indicator of his cooking abilities, then it would have no trouble surpassing the leftover mac ’n’ cheese waiting for him in the fridge. But he had already told Jason he had to be home for dinner, and if Jason was bringing it up then that meant they were probably going to eat soon.

“I better head back. Thanks for reminding me.” Tim got up and started gathering his things. Jason jumped up from the couch.

“I’ll let Alfred know so he can drive you home.”

“Oh no, you don't have to,” Tim started but Jason had already left. Tim sighed, picked up his bag, and followed Jason into the kitchen. Sure enough, Alfred had started cooking. A cutting board and an assortment of vegetables were set out on the counter.

“Are you ready to head back now Master Tim?” Alfred asked, seeing Tim approach.

“I can walk back. I don’t want to be a bother since you’ve already started cooking.

“Nonsense. Nothing is on the stove, and should that not be the case, Master Jason is more than capable in the kitchen. I will get the keys and we can leave momentarily”.

Tim wanted to argue but he had a gut instinct that any attempt to counter Alfred was doomed to fail.

“Ok. Thank you, Mr. Pennyworth,”.

“Call me Alfred, young sir.”

As Alfred turned to get the keys Jason held out his hand for a fist bump.

“Thanks for coming, little dude. I had fun. You’ll have to come back soon.”

Tim returned the first bump. He couldn’t help but smile. “I would like that. Thanks Jason.”

“Oh wait, give me your phone.” Tim looked at him, bewildered. “So I can put in my phone number”, Jason explained.

Still baffled, Tim handed Jason his phone.

“There”, Jason said. Now you can let me know if you ever need a ride again.” He gave Tim a lopsided smile. Tim couldn’t help but smile back. He felt a thrill shake his entire body, making him almost light headed. Robin wanted to give him his phone number! He looked at his phone. Jason had added his number and sent himself a text from Tim’s phone.

“Thanks again Jason.”

Then he let Alfred drive him home.

Chapter Text

Tim removed the roll of film from his camera and set it in a drawer with the others, all full of pictures from Bat Watching. He was looking forward to finally developing them once the photo paper came in.

Back at the boarding school, elementary kids were not allowed in the photography club, but it didn’t take much to break into the photography classroom and darkroom after hours. The internet taught him basic techniques and trial and error had done the rest. Tim was proud of the prints he made. Most of them were taken after dark. Tim had become practiced at sneaking out of his dorm. He had located a route to a small garden on the grounds that evades security cameras. There he took pictures of the flora and fauna of the night. Since returning to Gotham he gained human subjects as well.

Tim took a sip of coffee. Before they left, Tim had gained his parent’s permission to turn one of the spare rooms into a dark room where he could develop photos. To be honest, he wasn’t sure if they remembered that they had given him permission, but they also hadn’t questioned any of the Amazon orders, including new lenses and an exuberant amount of film and developer, he had placed with the credit card they left him. All he needed was the fixer and some trays then he would be all set.

He glanced at his phone. Still nothing from his parents. It had been over two weeks since they had last answered the phone, one week since he had stopped calling. He didn’t want to think about why they never answered. It was easier to wait for them to call him.

Suddenly his phone buzzed. Tim grabbed it eagerly. It was Jason.

Hey, want to come over after school tomorrow?

Tim had his answer half written before his thoughts caught up with him. He couldn’t go. He wasn’t sure why but he knew he couldn’t. Tim tried to be logical. There was no need to go. He didn’t need a ride. Didn’t need food. Didn’t need company. He was fine on his own. He was the head of the house and the head had to be self-sufficient. Besides, he was sure his parents wouldn’t want him bothering the Waynes any more than he already had. His phone buzzed again

You can bring your skateboard

Tim typed, deleted, and typed again. He had told Jason he could show him some skateboard tricks. And that would explain why Jason was inviting him over. He certainly wouldn’t want Tim only for his company. Unless it was a Batman thing? No that couldn’t be it. Jason must be bored or have plans that fell through and was now making do. Tim looked at his messages. Jason was the only person who had texted him in the last two weeks. He went back to Jason’s message. It would be fun to spend time with Jason. Maybe his parents wouldn’t mind him going? It wasn’t as if they were there to tell him otherwise.

Sure. What time should I come over?

Jason’s reply came right away.

3? Al’s taking me to get new shoes right after school, but we can pick you up on our way back.

3’s good but I can walk over

Nah- I’ll text you when we’re on our way. That way you’ll know if we get caught in traffic or anything. And ask your folks if you can stay for dinner. Al’s making chicken parmesan.

Tim frowned. Dinner sounded great but would that be too much?

I’ll ask them. See you tomorrow

Tim laughed when Jason sent back a row of happy emojis. Maybe he would stay for dinner. It would just be Jason and Alfred and it didn’t seem like either of them minded him being there.

The next day Tim sat by the front window, waiting for Alfred’s car, his skateboard at his feet. The day was unusually bright and he was looking forward to taking advantage of it when teaching Jason how to skateboard. He still hadn’t quite decided whether Jason was kidding when he told him that he didn’t know how to skateboard. Jason was Robin; skateboarding seemed like it would be an intuitive Robin skill. Regardless, Tim figured they could have fun.

Tim’s foot tapped as he scrolled through a Batman discord. None of the pictures posted were very good, just blurred shots of a dark shape moving past windows. As he scrolled Tim thought about posting his own pictures. They were of much better quality than anything he saw on any Batman page.  Like all the times he considered it before, he dismissed the idea. That would mean having a traceable digital footprint. He was good at coding, but he wasn’t good enough to completely hide his tracks. Yet. He shuddered to think of what would happen if his parents found out about his nightly escapes. He wasn’t sure what they would do exactly, but as he contemplated the possibilities, he found himself on the edge of some fuzzy memory. He had done something wrong and his parents knew and he was afraid. 

Tim’s phone buzzed. He snapped back to the present.

On our way!!!!

Tim gladly pushed the memory aside and sent a thumbs up emoji in response.

Before long Alfred pulled into the driveway. Tim grabbed his skateboard and made his way to the back. Jason was waiting, a shoebox at his feet.

“Hey Tim,” he said. Tim smiled in response. He caught Alfred’s eyes In the mirror.

“Thanks for picking me up, Alfred,” he said.

“It’s no trouble at all, Master Timothy. Jason has been looking forward to skateboarding today, but you will have to get to it right away. It is supposed to rain soon.”

“Thanks Al,” said Jason. “I found Dick’s old skateboard. I don’t think he ever actually learned to use it properly. It was just part of Bruce’s initial round of ‘what do you do when you’ve suddenly obtained a hyperactive child’ panic buys.”

Tim fought back a grin as he pictured Batman trying to contend with a young Dick Grayson. Jason noticed.

“Yeah, Bruce never quite learned how to use his words. A lot of his love is expressed through panic buys. Remember the toaster incident I told you about. All that was ruined was the frick’n toaster and he tried to get Alfred a whole new kitchen appliance set.”

“Language, Master Jason,” came from the front seat.

“Sorry Alfred.” Jason said, smiling sheepishly.

Tim and Jason went straight to the driveway. Noticing Tim’s distinct lack of protective gear Alfred had insisted that he’d borrow some of Dick’s from when he was younger. Jason was a natural and was quickly able to move straight without falling. Tim was showing him how to turn when the first drops of rain hit.

“We better move inside,” Jason said. Tim grabbed his skateboard and followed Jason up the driveway. Jason paused. “Wait, I have an idea. This way!” Instead of going through the garage to the main living area of the house Jason veered to the side and ran across the lawn to what Tim recognized as the public wing. Jason had told him that it was mainly unused except for galas.

Jason took him to the fenced porch outside the ballroom. He climbed over. Tim followed, both lugging their skateboards with them. Jason got to the door and slipped something out of his pocket. Tim peered over his shoulder.

“Is that a lockpick?”

Jason glanced at him over his shoulder. “So what if it is?”

Tim shrugged. He knew Jason would have learned how to pick locks in his Robin training, but this set looked well used. He wouldn’t be surprised if it was a remnant of Jason’s days on the streets.

Tim watched him work on the lock with interest. “Maybe you could teach me sometime, if it isn’t too much trouble?”

Jason grinned. It had a bit of the Robin mischief Tim knew well from the streets. “Sounds good, Timbo.”

Tim grinned, then he realized what Jason said.

“Timbo?” Tim asked, with a spark of outrage.

“Got it!” Jason announced, ignoring him.

He opened the door letting them into the ballroom. As Tim stepped inside rain began to pour. He closed the door behind him. The room was a lot bigger now that it wasn’t filled with people. Then Jason found a switch and the room filled with light.  

“Alright” Jason said, his voice filling the room. He dropped his skateboard on the floor. “We have plenty of space in here.”

Tim stood frozen by the door holding his skateboard. “Is this allowed?” he asked.

“Sure, Bruce won’t mind. We only use it for the galas anyway” Jason hopped on the skateboard and pushed forward. “What was that you were saying earlier about making  turns-”

“I don’t think this is a good idea.” Tim’s heart was pounding. Skateboarding inside? In the ballroom? There was no way Bruce would be ok with that. Or Alfred. The wheels could scrap the floor. Then he would have to clean it all, or replace them and Tim’s parents were sure to notice if he charged an entire floor to their credit card. And Batman would hate him for getting Jason in trouble then Jason would hate him and they would find out that he knew and-

“Tim.” Tim started. Jason was standing right in front of him, skateboard abandoned on the floor. “Tim, you ok?”

Tim nodded automatically.

“We don’t have to practice inside if you don’t want to. We can just wait for the rain to stop.” 

Tim nodded, still clutching the skateboard. His fingers were starting to hurt from digging into the board.  

“Ok Tim. Want to head to the kitchen. Alfred will probably have some food by now.”

Tim nodded again.

“Alright buddy, let’s go.”

Alfred did have food. Jason didn’t say anything about Tim’s freakout. Tim was grateful. Alfred didn’t say anything either though Tim was sure he picked up on the tension. He just handed Tim a plate with a cucumber sandwich and two “biscuits, Master Tim”.

Jason and Tim were quiet while they ate. It was a mostly comfortable silence, but Tim racked his mind for something to talk about. He caught Jason’s eye. Jason smiled in response, his mouth full of sandwich.

“wha cha oin fer a scien far.”

“Swallow your food before you speak, Master Jason.”

Jason swallowed

“Sorry. What are you doing for the science fair?”

Tim jumped on the topic gratefully.

“I’m not sure yet. I saw a thing that looked pretty cool but my teacher said it wouldn’t work because it’s not actually testing anything.”

“What is it?” Jason asked.

Tim took another bite of his sandwich. He had been doubtful of the cucumber but it really wasn’t that bad.

“A potato gun.”

Jason made an exaggeratedly confused face.

“Like, a gun that’s made out of potato or a gun that shoots potatoes?”

Tim laughed. “A gun that shoots potatoes. How could you even make one out of a potato?”

Jason shrugged. “You could make a water gun maybe? If it’s big enough.”

Tim tried to think of how one could carve a water gun from a potato, but he must have been making a weird face because Jason laughed.

“Anyway,” Jason said. That sounds pretty cool. Shame your teacher said no.” He ate the last of his sandwich. “Hey, let’s build it anyway. I’m sure Alfred has potatoes we can use.”

Tim looked nervously up at Alfred who was puttering in the kitchen.

“I have some at home. I’m sure he needs them for cooking.”

“We have more than enough potatoes, Master Tim. In fact, I have a bag that is too old to use for cooking. I shall set them aside for your use.”

“Well if you're sure…” Tim began.

“Thanks Alfred!” Jason interrupted. “So Tim, what do we need?”

 …

Jason peered over the table where Tim was scribbling out plans for his potato gun. He was worried about the other boy. He hadn’t really planned on becoming worried. Tim was supposed to be part of the mission. Find out what he knew, take appropriate action, move on. At best, Jason would wind up with a friendly acquaintance, at worst, have identified a potential villain in the making. But now he found himself wanting to become more involved. Tim’s reaction to the ballroom seemed extreme, much more than just typical worry about getting caught. He would have to bring it up to Bruce later.

Jason heard the sound of the garage door opening and familiar footsteps. Speak of the devil.

Jason turned in his seat. “Hey, Dad.”

Bruce smiled at him warmly. His eyes darted over to Tim who was still laser focused on his paper. He raised an eyebrow.

“That’s Tim. Tim you remember Bruce, right?”

Jason nudged Tim’s chair with his foot. Tim looked up slightly, then jolted when he realized who was in front of him.

“Mr. Wayne.” Tim said, jumping up and extending a hand. “I didn’t- um, hello.”

“Hello, Tim.” Bruce said and he shook his hand. “It’s very nice to see you. You boys enjoying yourselves?”

“Tim showed me how to ride a skateboard before we got rained out.” Jason said before Tim could get even more flustered.

“That’s nice. If you wanted to keep going you boys could probably use the ballroom. As long as you check with Alfred first.”

Tim’s face went red. “Nah,” Jason said. “We’ll try a different day. We got a new project now. Show him Timbo.”

Tim looked like he wanted to argue about the nickname again but instead he showed the paper to Bruce.

“It’s a potato gun,” he said much quieter than anything he’d said to Jason and Alfred earlier. Clearly, he was nervous around people he didn’t know.

“Hmm,” Bruce considered. “That looks interesting. You’ll have to show me when it’s done.”

“Yes, sir.” Tim said with a shy grin.

“Tim’s staying for dinner tonight, B,” Jason piped up.

“Wonderful. Glad you can join us Tim.”

Tim blushed. “Thanks for having me.”

Bruce smiled. Jason recognized it as one of his genuine smiles. The ones usually reserved for him, Dick, or Alfred. There was something about Tim, so small and too serious, that was just enduring. Worry twinged at the back of his mind. What if Tim knew about Batman? If he was working for someone, even unwittingly or against his will… Or, what if he didn’t know anything? What was he doing in Gotham that night?

Bruce excused himself to go change, and Jason and Tim moved to the TV room to play video games. Tim soundly beat Jason at Mario Kart when Alfred called them to the dining room for dinner. Jason noticed how Tim drew back into himself at the table with Bruce. To his credit, Bruce made a valiant effort to start a conversation. Tim just wasn’t nearly as responsive as he was with Jason earlier. It was probably nothing, Jason thought. Tim was obviously more introverted and just needs a bit to warm up to new people. Jason caught Tim’s eye from across the table and smiled encouragingly. Tim smiled back.

While Alfred got the car keys to drive Tim home Jason stood with him by the door.

“Thanks for showing me the skateboard tricks,” Jason said. “You’ll have to come over again and show me some more when it’s not raining.”

“I’d love to, really” Tim replied with a grin and tentatively held up his hand for a fist bump. Jason met his first and mimicked an explosion with a flourish.

“See you tomorrow, Tim.”

Chapter Text

Tim crawled along the edge of the rooftop, peering over the side where his heroes were standing two rooftops away. From this distance he could hear the soft edges of conversation. This roof was one of his favorite photo spots. He had noticed during his Batwatching nights that Batman had the habit of stopping at the same rooftop. Tim had found a route up the fire escape nearby and had so far remained hidden. As Batman and Robin looked over their city, Tim took a picture. He grinned to himself. That was a good one.

Just then he saw the silhouette of a slender person jump onto the roof next to them. Robin immediately fell into a ready stance, but Batman simply turned and acknowledged the figure with a nod. As they stepped out of the shadow, Tim got a better look. It was Catwoman. He leaned closer to the ground. He hoped she hadn’t seen him. Was she letting Batman know he was there? No one on the other roof looked over to him so he figured he was safe. Tim took one last picture of the three before slipping away down the other side of the building. If they didn’t know he was there already, there was no point in risking them finding out now. 

It was late and Tim was getting tired. He found his bike, thankfully still where he stashed it earlier that evening and pedaled home.

Tim was fighting back yawns as he rode through his neighborhood. He passed long gated drives to distant mansions, all dark as the residents slept through the night. Soon enough he could see his house, strangely bright. A rush of adrenaline went up his spine.

 His parents were home.

They must have just gotten back. Tim could see his father unloading a suitcase from the back of the car. Tim stopped, waiting for him to go inside. When he did, Tim ran his bike through the yard and left it under the bushes in the garden. He went around to the tree by his window, climbed up to where he propped his window open earlier, and tumbled into his room. He dived under the covers, holding his breath and listening for footsteps in the hall.

They’ve been gone for a month. Mom will want to check in on me, he thought. He heard voices. Then his mother’s footsteps. They came to his door. Tim held his breath. But, without a pause the footsteps continued. Tim heard his parent’s bedroom door open, then close.

Oh he thought with a sharp pang of… disappointment? Relief? He got up and put his equipment away. He heard his father’s footsteps go past his door as well. With another yawn Tim changed into pjs and crawled back into bed.

…

Tim woke up to three sharp knocks on his door. He sat up, started as the door swung open revealing his mother.

“Timothy, get dressed and downstairs. Your father is taking you out to breakfast.”

“What?” Tim asked. Rubbing sleep from his eyes. “Mom, you’re back…”, but his mother had already gone.

Tim quickly got dressed and made his way downstairs. His parents were talking in hushed tones. They both stopped when they saw him standing in front of them.

“Good morning?” He said, unable to hide the trepidation in his voice. “Is something going on?”

“Of course not sweetie,” Janet said with a too-big smile Tim recognized from the galas. “You’re going to have a very nice breakfast out with your father, that’s all.”

“What about school?” Tim asked.

“I’ll get you to school, don’t worry.” Jack said as he stepped past Tim to the closet. “Now get your stuff and let’s go.”

Tim ran upstairs and grabbed his school bag. As he followed his father out the door he glanced behind and saw Janet. She was watching them, face completely blank and emotionless. It scared him.

“Where are we going?” he asked when they got in the car.

“Breakfast. We’re meeting a business partner of mine.”

That didn’t explain much. His parents never brought him to business meetings before. Or breakfast for that matter.

“But, why bring me?”

“Because I said so.”

“But-”

“This isn’t 20 questions,” Jack snapped. “Just be quiet.”

Tim sat in silence. Jack drove into the city. He parked outside a small coffee shop Tim didn’t recognize. Tim checked his phone. School was going to start in less than 30 minutes. He was going to be late.

They sat down at a table. Jack in a seat where he could see the door and Tim directly across. Jack was stiff, looking straight ahead. Tim craned to look behind but he couldn't see anyone else. He wanted to ask who they were meeting, why he was there, if they could leave so he wouldn’t be late for school, but he kept silent.

The bell on the cafe door dinged. Jack looked at who entered and stood. He walked to greet the man who just entered the shop. He was short, well dressed in a suit coat and bowler hat. He was followed by a much larger man dressed in all black. Tim watched his father shake bowler hat’s hand. He lacked the smile that he usually kept plastered on during business ventures. Tim strained to catch their conversation but it was drowned out by a group of laughing college students coming through the door.

Jack and the man made their way back to the table. They sat down, but the tall man remained standing. “So you must be Timothy.” Bowler Hat said, extending his hand. He had a kindly smile and piercing eyes.  

“Yes, sir.” Tim shook his hand.

“You like blueberries Timothy?”

“Yes, sir?” Tim did like blueberries, but he wasn’t sure why Bowler Hat was asking.

Bowler Hat waved over the tall man. “Get me a coffee and Timothy here a blueberry muffin. Would you like anything Jack.”

“No. Thank you.” Jack said.

The tall man went to the counter. Tim tried not to squirm in his seat. Who was this man and what did he want?

“How are you enjoying school Tim? I believe your father said you’re at Gotham Public?”

“No, Gotham Academy.”

“Gotham Academy! You must certainly be bright to do well there. What’s your favorite subject?”

Despite the tension in the air, Tim felt a burst of pride in his chest. “I like math.” He was good at it too. His teacher was already giving him work from his Algebra 2 class as a challenge.

“So did I when I was in school. I’m sure you’re taking your studies seriously. Tell me Tim, what do you want to do when you grow up?”

Tim glanced at his dad. Jack sat stiffly, not meeting his eye. 

“I’ll be taking over my parent’s business, sir.”

“Very good,” the man said. “You have a dedicated boy here Jack. Let’s hope he has a business to inherit.”

Jack scowled. Tim looked at him nervously. What did the man mean by “hope he has a business to inherit?”

The other man came back, handing the man in the bowler hat a coffee and Tim a blueberry muffin and a juice box.

“Thank you,” Tim said with his best society manners.

“Now Timothy,” Bowler Hat said between sips of coffee. “I have a question for you. Let’s say you own a business, and you make an agreement with another business owner to accomplish a mutual goal.”

Tim lost his appetite, but he forced himself to take another small bite out of his muffin.

“Let’s say your business partner fails to uphold their end of a deal. What do you do then?”

“Well,” Tim cleared his throat. He glanced at Jack. He didn’t think he’d ever seen his father look so anxious before. “I would review the contract that has been made with the other company and look over my history with them to see if it was worth working with them in the future?” His voice trailed off nervously at the end of his statement.  

“Very good,” Bowler Hat said. “And if working with that company was hurting your business? What then?”

Tim forced himself not to look at his father. “I’d stop working with that company.”

“You hear that, Jack? You have a smart boy here.” The man set down his coffee cup. “You’ll be hearing from me soon. Timothy, it was a pleasure meeting you.” He extended his hand to Tim who shook it. Jack didn’t say anything. He and Tim watched as the two men left. As soon as the door shut behind them Tim whirled around to face his father.

“Who was that?”

Jack had relaxed some but not enough to answer Tim’s question.

“A business partner. Get up boy, you’re late for school.”

With a jolt Tim realized he was right. He jumped from his chair. His mind raced between questions about the mysterious man and worry that he’d miss all of the first period.

Jack sped to their car, Tim jogging to keep up behind.

“Dad, is something wrong? It almost sounded like he was threatening you? Is Drake Industry in trouble or-”

Jack stopped, turned, and grabbed Tim by his shoulders. “Just shut up.” He said, giving Tim a shake. “Don’t say anything about that man.”

Tim froze. It dawned on him that Jack was really afraid.

Jack let go of his shoulders and kept on to the car.

They drove to the school in silence. He knew better, but with Jack’s tension, his mother’s unease. The strange questions and overwhelming attention of the man in the bowler hat, it almost felt like he was being watched.

Chapter Text

Jack pulled up to the curb of the school. They had driven the entire time in silence. Jack parked and Tim unbuckled his seatbelt. As he was opening the door he said, “Can you come in so I won’t get an unexcused absence?”

“I have to go. I’m sure you’ll be fine.”

Tim wanted to argue but with the mood his father was in it wasn’t worth it.

“Ok, Dad,” he sighed.

Tim made his way into the building. By the time he got done talking to the attendance secretary, the bell signaling first period was over rang. Tim rushed through the halls towards his second class. He was so focused on getting there on time he didn’t see Michael waiting for him in the locker alcove.

“Hey, smart kid. I want to talk to you.”

Tim wanted to pass Michael by but was stopped by the older boy blocking his way.

“Mornin’ smart kid. I’m needing a tutor and you’re just the man for the job.”

Tim knew what he was really after. He had heard rumors about how Michael’s “tutors” just wound up doing his work for him under threat of violence. If anything had been done to stop him Tim knew nothing of it. Michael’s father was one of the school’s main donors. The gym was named after him and everything.

“I need to get to class,” Tim said, trying to step around the older boy.

“So do I, so what do you say? You going to help me with this,” Michael handed Tim a paper. Tim tried not to take and step around but the older boy kept blocking his path.

“You help me out this once and I’ll leave you alone, no problem. If you don’t-”. Before he could finish the bell rang.

Tim’s heart jumped. Great, now he was late for second period. Michael didn’t look like he was going to move either.

“Fine.” He took the paper.

“Thanks a lot kid,” the other boy said brushing past Tim. “I’ll see you Monday.”

It was Thursday now. Tim had time to figure out what to do. He shoved the paper in his bag and rushed to class.

…

Tim sat at the corner of the lunch table, pushing the food on his plate. He couldn’t believe he just let Michael push him around like that. He couldn’t believe the older boy was still getting away with it. He had to do something to stop him.

“Timbo!”

Jason’s voice startled him out of his thoughts.

“Hey, Jason.”

Jason sat down across from him. Tim noticed dark circles under his eyes. He wondered what Batman and Robin did after he went back home. It must have been a late night by how tired Jason looked.

“What’s up?” Jason asked.

Tim shrugged. “Nothing much.” He didn’t want to bother Jason with what was going on with Michael, and he was still trying to wrap his head around the breakfast with his father’s business partner. 

“You look tired. You doing ok?” Jason asked.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” Tim said automatically. Now that Jason mentioned it, he was tired. Between Michael and the meeting with his father’s business partner, he hadn’t had a break all morning. There was just so much going on. And he had to be sure he could spend time with his parents now that they were home.

“One of those days huh. I get it,” Jason said with an easy smile.

“Yeah,” Tim agreed. Jason didn’t press and Tim was grateful. They ate in companionable silence. After a while, Jason spoke.

“You doing anything Saturday?”

“I don’t know,” Tim answered honestly. “It depends on if my parents have anything planned or not.”

“That’s cool,” Jason said. “Family first and all. But if you do have that afternoon or evening free you should come over. We can try skateboarding again.”

Tim really wanted to go. In the past when his parents were home on weekdays, they usually went out to dinners and social engagements. He was almost always left alone. When he was brought along, it was to play the perfect heir and to spy on the competition. Skateboarding with Jason sounded much better by comparison.

“That would be fun,” Tim agreed. “I’ll ask my parent’s tonight.”

“Awesome,” Jason grinned. He held up his hand for a fist bump which Tim returned gladly.

--

Tim sat on his bed, running over the invite in his head. His parents should let him go. There was no reason for them not to. They would most likely be going out themselves and shouldn’t care about where he went in the meantime. It’s not like he didn’t want to spend time with them. As long as it wasn’t a gala, he would be happy to spend the day with them instead. 

He felt a twinge of guilt at the thought. He wanted to spend time with his parents. They were gone so often he should want to be with them whenever he could, even if it was a boring gala or business dinner. But he couldn’t deny that spending time with Jason and Alfred would almost certainly be more fun. He took a deep breath and headed downstairs.

Tim found his parents sitting in the living room, His father working at his computer and his mother reading a book while sipping on a glass of wine.

“Mom, Dad.”

Neither looked up right away. Tim waited for them, uncertain.

“If you have something to say, Timothy, say it. A Drake must be assertive and command a room,” Janet said, finally glancing up from her book.

Tim pushed down a flash of irritation. They had never approved of him interrupting. How could he be assertive without getting in the way of what they were doing?

Heart pounding he said, “Are we doing anything this Saturday? I’ve been invited to a friend’s house and I would like to go.”

“What friend?” Janet asked.

“Jason Wayne,” Tim said, wringing his hands. “He lives next door.”

“The street rat?” Jack scoffed. “No, you don’t need to be seen with him.”

Tim dug his thumb nail into his finger. The sharp pain helped ground him. He couldn’t say anything. Not to his father.

“Jack,” Janet scolded. “Don’t be so closed minded. Wayne did adopt the boy. I’m sure he has some manners.”

“Manners can’t overcome breeding, Janet.” Jack said, setting aside his computer. “He’d be out robbing corner stores and selling drugs on the street if Wayne hadn’t taken him in. It doesn’t matter how much money we toss into those social programs. Those people never learn.”

Janet chose to ignore him. “I didn’t realize you and Jason had made acquaintance,” Janet said to Tim.

Tim tried to think past his outrage and craft a convincing argument. He had only been to Wayne Manor a couple of times now, but since exchanging numbers he and Jason kept up a constant stream of texts, mostly consisting of funny memes. Now, how to translate that into something his parent’s would respect.

“Yes. We met at the gala at the beginning of the school year. We’ve been in contact ever since.”

“Interesting. And you’ve been invited over for dinner? Did he say if Bruce Wayne would be there as well?” Janet asked.

“I think so?” Bruce liked to be home for dinner with his family, especially on the weekends.

“Excellent. Then you may go.”

“Janet-”

“Jack,” Janet interrupted sharply. “This is a wonderful opportunity for us, Timothy. Despite Jason’s less than desirable upbringing, he has significant connections. As his friend that means you also have significant connections. Cultivate this relationship well, and you will be able to use them.”

Tim was confused. Why couldn’t a friend just be a friend? Did he really need to gather power the way his parents did?

“Jason’s just my friend, mom. He’s a good person. I don’t think-”

“Listen to me,” Janet commanded. Her eyes bore into Tim. “Everything you do in life, every friendship and acquaintance is a tool for you to use to pursue success. You need connections and despite what your father may think, you must take advantage of them wherever you find them. Even if by doing so you must go scrapping through the gutter.”

“Jason’s not from a gutter,” Tim snapped, unable to take anything else against his friend.

“Don’t you talk back to your mother.” Jack shouted, standing. Tim’s eyes immediately went to his clenched fists.

Tim was instantly mollified. “Sorry.” He dug his thumb nail into his hand even harder.

Janet raised an eyebrow “I hope you understand what I’m telling you. Knowledge is power. At the end of the day, it is the person with the most knowledge, the most power who survives. And the person who knows how to use that power who thrives. As fruitless as an endeavor it may seem, you will thrive if I have anything to say about it.”

Silence fell. Jack sat down and began to type furiously at his computer. Tim stood still, working to control his anger. If his mother had taught him anything, it was how to control himself.

“I apologize for talking back,” Tim said. Janet nodded graciously. “I understand what you’re saying about the importance of connections. This is a good opportunity. So… may I visit my friend Saturday?”

“You may.” Janet said, calm as always. Tim let out a sigh of relief, relaxing his hand.

“Maybe Wayne will let something slip. Keep an ear out boy.” Jack chimed in.

“Naturally. If you do hear anything interesting, Timothy, make sure to call us right away,” Janet added.

“Call you?” Tim asked with a sinking feeling in his stomach.

“Yes. We’re leaving tomorrow. We’ll be gone for at least two weeks.”

“Longer if the rest of the permits go through,” Jack said.

Tim was suddenly very tired. “Ok. I’ll get to see you before you go, right?”

“Of course,” Janet said. She smiled at him. It was a soft smile that Tim could almost believe to be true.

“Ok. Goodnight. Thank you. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

By the time Tim came home from school the next day, his parents were gone. He almost wished he was surprised.

Chapter Text

Tim’s parents left Friday while he was in school. He didn’t get a chance to say goodbye. He buried his disappointment beneath plans to take down Michael and by watching the Bats. Soon Saturday came. Despite Tim’s protests, Jason insisted on picking him up.

It’s raining. He had texted. We’ll be there in 10

Tim gave up arguing. He had come to learn that when Jason made up his mind about something, it wouldn’t change without a fight.

Before long a car pulled up the drive. Tim grabbed his bag and hopped in the backseat.

“Timbo!” Jason and Tim exchanged fist bumps. “You got it?”

“Yep,” Tim said, patting his bag. “Hi Alfred.”

“Master Tim,” Alfred acknowledged with a nod.

As they pulled into the driveway Alfred sighed loudly. “No matter how many times, that boy.”

Tim looked up and saw the garage door was left open. Alfred always closed the garage door behind him no matter how short the trip. He also noticed a car in the driveway he hadn’t seen before.

Jason looked up from his phone. “Nice!” He exclaimed, hopping out of the car. “Come on Tim.”

Bemused, Tim grabbed his bag and followed.

They made their way into the kitchen where they were greeted by a familiar young man with black hair and blue eyes.

“Littlewing!” The man grabbed Jason in a bear hug. Jason squirmed but was unable to get away.

“Dick!” Jason yelped. “Don’t- ugh.”

Dick Grayson, because it was Dick Grayson only laughed and ruffled Jason’s hair. He let go of the younger boy, then turned to Tim who stood frozen in the doorway.

“Hi Tim. I’m Dick, Jason’s brother.”

With a jolt, Tim realized he was staring. “Tim,” he said as he shook Dick’s hand.

“Nice to finally meet you, Tim,” Dick said with a blinding smile. Dick gave Alfred a hug as the older man moved past Tim and into the kitchen. “Missed you, Alfred.” Then back to Tim, “Jason’s had great things to say about you. I’m happy to see that he’s made a friend.”

“Shut it, Dickface,” Jason said without any malice.

“Actually, we’ve met before.” Tim said then froze. He hadn’t planned on sharing his connection to Dick Grayson, at least not right away.

“Really? When?” Dick asked.

“Haley’s Circus.” Tim was aware of everyone intently listening to him. “I was real little then. We took a picture together. You promised to do a quadruple backflip for me.” Dick’s eyes widened.

“I remember you!” He exclaimed. “You were so small then. And cute I remember asking my parents if I could have a little brother”. His exuberance faded. “You were there the night-”. Behind them Jason gasped.

“Yeah,” Tim nodded. “I was. I’m sorry.”

To Tim’s surprise Dick knelt down and pulled him into a hug. Tim stiffened at first, but soon relaxed. He couldn’t remember the last time he had gotten a hug like this from anyone. It felt nice.

I don’t suppose you still have that picture?” Dick asked, pulling away.

“I do, actually.” Tim confirmed. He kept it in a sheet protector in a binder with his other non-Bat photos. It had gone with him to boarding school. “I can make you a copy if you like?”

“I would like that very much,” Dick said with a gentle smile. “Now,” he stood up. “Last time I was here we started a Mario Kart tournament that was never finished because someone- ” He glared theatrically at Jason, “forgot to do his chores.”

“Quite like how someone else forgot to close the garage door after entering the house,” Alfred added.

Dick winced. “Sorry, Alfred.”

Tim laughed at the exchange. He marveled at their ability to tease each other without seeming to really mean it. He didn’t think he’d ever heard his parents talk like this. Whenever they teased each other, it was the starting point of an argument.

“Actually,” Jason started. ‘Tim and I have a project we are working on. Show him, Tim.”

Tim pulled the potato gun out of his backpack. “I finished it yesterday. Jason and I were going to test it today” he said. 

Dick examined the gun. “Awesome! This looks great! You know, I think we have some bowling pins in the closet upstairs. How about I grab those and meet you guys out back?”

“Sounds good,” Tim grinned.

“I’ll get the potatoes!” Jason chimed. The boys ran off.

…

The potato gun was a resounding success. The boys spent a joyful hour outside before a Gotham drizzle drove them indoors. A round of Mario Kart and a hearty dinner later, Bruce drove Tim home. When he returned to the manor, Bruce hung up the car keys and signaled to his family who were all cleaning the kitchen. The Waynes sat down together in the living room. Alfred brought in tea. Dick and Bruce looked at Jason.

Jason knew what they were waiting for. Ever since Catwoman stopped Batman on patrol to tell him that Black Mask had introduced a new drug onto the streets, Bruce had been obsessing over tracking down the exact source. The investigation on Timothy Drake had fallen almost entirely to Jason, and now everyone wanted to know what he found. 

Jason's enthusiasm for this particular mission rapidly faded since the night of the gala. He enjoyed spending time with Tim. He had plenty of friends he enjoyed talking to at school, but no one he really wanted to invite back home for video games and cookies. No one he enjoyed texting random memes to at all hours of the day, or who was actually listening when he ranted about the latest book he read. No one until Tim. 

The last couple weeks of hanging out with Tim left Jason sure that the younger boy did not know their identities and that he wasn’t working to gather information for anyone. He was less sure that Tim was ok. Jason knew Tim’s relationship with his parents was strained. They sent him away for two years. Now that they were home they worked a lot. From Tim's reaction to skateboarding in the ballroom, they were strict. Maybe too strict? Jason knew all about sneaking out at night to escape home. Was that what Tim was doing? Or, was he acting out hoping that his parents would notice him? 

Under the intent gaze of his father and brother, Jason gathered his thoughts.

“I don’t think he knows about us,” Jason said. “And I don’t think he’s working for anyone else either.”

“Unless he’s being used without his knowledge.” Bruce mused. Jason fought back a spike of annoyance. He had just said Tim was in the clear. Didn’t Bruce trust him?

“By who?” Dick asked.

“Yeah,” Jason agreed. “He hasn’t mentioned anyone. He’s not part of any clubs at school. I don’t see him around other kids and his parents work a lot.”

“That isolation leaves him vulnerable to manipulation,” Bruce said. “We found him out in Gotham at night. There has to be a reason he was out there.” 

“He told me he likes photography. We both saw his camera. Like you said, his parents were out late so he made a stupid decision. Maybe he got in a fight with his parents or something and snuck out. I did that plenty of times before I was here.”

“Regardless, if we could look at his phone we would have a better idea of the situation. Jason, perhaps on Monday you could-”

“What?” Jason snapped. “Steal his phone? Tim’s my friend. I can't break his trust like that. I already told you he wasn’t a threat.”

“You knew when we started that this would be-”

“If you say ‘part of the mission I swear to God…”

“Jaylad-”

“No. Just cause you don’t have any friends doesn’t mean I can’t either. He isn’t a threat. You put me in charge of this investigation? Why won’t you just believe me now?” Jason got up and stormed out of the room. 

Bruce made to stand, but Dicked stopped him. “Give him a bit to cool down first. And to think about what you want to do yourself. I don’t think Tim’s a threat either, and he’s shaping up to be one of the only real friends Jay’s got. He’s not going to want to lose that just because you're paranoid.”

Bruce looked to Alfred, questioningly. “I concur. Master Tim is simply a lonely young man who has finally found a friend. Master Jason is much the same.”

Bruce sighed. “I’m inclined to think you are right. My cursory background checks haven’t found anything suspicious. His parents seem disengaged, but that is unfortunately the case for much of Gotham’s old money.” He stood. “I’m going to the cave. Oracle’s found a new lead on Black Mask.” He caught Alfred’s meaningful stare. “I will talk to Jason. Don’t worry, Alfred.”

“Of course not Master Bruce.”

When Jason came into the Batcave and started changing into his uniform Bruce did not say a thing. Dick kept a careful eye on the two. He knew they would talk it out eventually, but until they did they would be as dramatic as possible. 

Tension was thick throughout patrol. Robin was uncharacteristicly silent, responding sullenly to Batman’s equally terse orders. Nightwing flitted between the two, trying to keep the mood light. It was a slow night all around, and the lack of distractions let the two wallow in their respective hurts.  

From his perch on the roof, Robin watched as Batman cuffed a mugger to a light pole. Nightwing stood beside the older man, talking quietly. Robin slipped back, slowly at first, then running along the rooftops until he found himself at a familiar stop. He sat on the roof, watching a window across the street. 

He sat for a while then sighed. “I know you’re there, Dickwing.”

Nightwing sighed and sat down next to Robin. Robin glanced at him. “You’re not going to yell at me?”

Nightwing shrugged. “I know B’s already warned you about coming back here too often, but he’s also being a bit of an ass tonight so who cares.”

“A bit?” Robin chuckled darkly. “He’s so worried about security all the time. It’s like I can’t do anything without him watching over my shoulder.”

“Well…”

“Don’t you tell me it’s for a reason. We’ve both been kidnapped enough times to know that. I just… I don’t know.”

“B always has a hard time giving up control. If he put you in charge of the investigation, he’ll come around to your conclusion eventually. Unless he has a good reason not to.” 

Robin scoffed. 

“Believe me. I’ve been there too. I wanted to punch B my first solo case. Seemed like he questioned every move I made. I swore he was investigating everything behind my back, just to make sure I got it right. Turns out he wasn’t. He just wanted to make sure I was sure.”

“Really?”

“Yep. Now my third solo case, I went on the completely wrong path and he did wind up taking over. I was pissed at the time, but I would have wound up getting really hurt if he hadn’t. If B thinks you’re really wrong, he’s going to do something about it.”

“I’m not wrong.”

“I’m sure B will figure that out. He just needs to be dramatic about it.”

“I guess.” Jason sighed. 

“For the record, I’m glad you and Tim are friends now. You need to have good people around you, especially in this kind of life.”

“I just- I wish I could tell him the truth sometimes, you know. It would be nice to actually be able to talk about everything with someone my own age. You have Kid Flash and Oracle and all them but I don’t.” 

“It is hard,” Nightwing patted Robin on the back. “You’ll have your own team, one day. I’m sure of it. And in the meantime you always have me. Robins stick together, right?” 

“Right,” Robin returned Nightwing’s smile. “I know I got you and Agent A now. And B. It’s more than I ever really had after mum...” His gaze drifted to the apartment again. 

“It’s ok to still miss her.”

Robin sniffed hard then wiped his face with his hand. “Yeah.”

The brothers heard a thump on the roof behind them. 

“I’ve decided to drop the investigation,” Batman said in a quiet voice. “There’s been nothing to show that your friend is a threat. There have been no attempts on our security. I trust you.”

Robin looked over his shoulder, “Thanks, B.”

“Ready to go home boys?”

Robin stood. “Yeah, let’s go home.”

Chapter Text

Tim sighed as he checked his clock again. In 15 minutes Micheal would be expecting his assignment. Tim hadn’t touched it. He refused. If nobody stood up to Michael he would just go on bullying the next person. Jason would never put up with anything like this and Tim wouldn’t either.  

The bell finally rang, and everyone rushed down the hall. Tim took his time making his way toward the locker alcove where he knew Michael was waiting. As he walked, he rehearsed the plan in his head. It wasn’t ideal, but with some luck he could make it work.

 As promised, the older boy was waiting for him. Tim found himself pulled out of view of the wider hallway and pushed against a locker. 

“Do you have it?” Michael asked. Tim looked him in the eye.

“No. but I do have information that will go to the principal if you don’t leave me and everyone else you push around alone” he said firmly. 

“That’s a good one, smart kid.” Michael laughed.

“It is actually,” Tim said, slightly surprised by his own boldness. By now he was running on adrenaline. He couldn’t stop now.

He poked Micheal in the chest “You cheated your way into the gifted program so you could keep playing soccer. If your grades slip your parents will pull you from the team. I found the email your dad sent to the couch. I also have all the answer keys for the exams you downloaded to your computer. I also know about the girl you’ve been harassing who’s too scared to do anything about you. News flash, just because you think Snapchat deletes everything doesn’t mean I can’t see it. Leave me alone, leave everyone else alone, and especially leave that girl alone or I’ll tell everyone.”

The boy looked stunned. Tim held his gaze. His heart sped up in his chest. He wasn’t bluffing by any means. He had spent the last week figuring out how to hack remotely into Micheal’s phone. All of the evidence Tim found was neatly compiled on a flash drive sitting in his backpack. He had wanted to print some of the evidence to shove in Michael’s face, but his dad’s printer had been out of ink and he didn’t have an extra flash drive to copy the information onto. Just when he thought it would work, the older boy laughed.

“I don’t believe you. We made a deal. You bring me what I need, or you get a fist to the face. I don’t see my paper so…”

Before Tim could process what was happening, he felt a sharp pain in his face. His head slammed back into the locker and he crumpled with a cry onto the ground. His vision went fuzzy. He braced himself for another hit but instead he heard a yell and the sound of footsteps in the hallway. He looked up and there, in the entrance of the alcove, was Jason.

“What the hell is going on here?” Jason shouted, placing himself between Tim and Michael. The boy backed off nervously. Jason, as a former street kid, had earned a reputation as a fierce brawler and Tim didn’t doubt he could beat him blindfolded and handcuffed if he had mind to. Michael tried to say something, but Jason didn’t let him finish. “You get out of here before I start swinging. And don’t you dare touch him again.” Terrified, Michael ran off.

Jason knelt beside him. “Aww geez Timmy, wait here.” He rushed off again and came back a minute later with a bunch of paper towels. Tim realized that his nose was bleeding. He took a paper towel while Jason checked for other injuries. “Looks like you have a lump on your head, can you stand?” Tim nodded, which hurt more than he expected, and Jason helped him up. “Let’s get you to Alfred. He’ll fix you up no problem. Now, are you going to tell me what happened or am I gonna have to beat it out of them.” Tim’s eyes widened and he snapped out of his daze.

“No, don’t do that!” he pleaded. “It was a mistake that’s all. I messed up.” He went quiet, mind running over what he should have done differently.

“Well?” Jason asked, thoroughly exasperated. Tim sighed.

“Michael’s been picking on kids, harassing girls, and using people to write papers for them and cheat on tests. He tried to use me. I guess he thought that he could scare me since I’m smaller than everyone else. I decided to blackmail him. I have pictures, emails, a bunch of stuff. I was going to send it to the principal if they didn’t leave me and everyone else alone.”

“Not a bad plan, but where is it?” Jason asked, his voice sour.

“Huh?”

“The pictures! Don’t tell me you decided to blackmail someone without some sorta evidence to shove in their face.”

“Printer’s out of ink,” Tim muttered, scowling to himself.

“Dammit, Tim!” Jason snapped. “You don’t go to blackmail someone face to face without evidence and you definitely don’t walk into a place where you’re gonna get hit unless you know you can hit back harder. Or run faster.”

“They were going to come after me either way. I didn’t have much of a choice.” Tim tried to defend himself.

“You could have come to me! What would have happened if I hadn’t shown up? God, do you even know how to fight?”

Tim felt his face flush in embarrassment. He should have known confronting Michael on his own was a bad idea. “I tried to sign up for a martial arts class once, but my parents forgot to fill out the forms.” Jason huffed in frustration.

“You keep doing stupid shit like this, I'm gonna have to teach you how to fight.” He looked down at Tim who was staring firmly at the floor. “Well, it could have been worse. You should’ve seen some of the stupid shit I’ve gotten into fights over. Nothing as impressive as what you tried to do.” Tim refused to meet his eye and Jason sighed. “Come on, let’s go home.”

The two boys walked out to the car. Jason pushed Tim into the back seat and announced, “Timmy got into a fight today, but it was for a good cause.” Tim blinked at Jason, confused. Was that pride he heard in his voice?

“I see. I would hate to hear that anyone under my care has been fighting needlessly. Any injuries to report?” Alfred said evenly.

“Just a bloody nose,” Tim muttered.

Jason looked at him with exasperation. “And…”

“A bump on my head,” Tim sighed. Alfred turned in his seat and assessed him with a critical eye.

“I will get an ice pack for you when we arrive at the manor, and you can borrow one of Master Jason’s shirts,” he said.

“Oh” Tim said, suddenly realizing how much blood had leaked onto his shirt. “Thank you.”

“And once Alfred gets you fixed up; we can work on that blackmail of yours.” Jason seemed rather chipper considering how he’d seemed ready to punch a wall only a few minutes earlier.

“Blackmail?” Tim saw Alfred raise an eyebrow in the rearview mirror. “As opposed to informing the proper administration?” 

“Well, the blackmail would be going to the proper administration.” Jason said. “We gotta avenge Timmy and protect those who can’t protect themselves. Anyway, it was Tim’s idea to begin with. I just want to make sure he can pull it off without being punched in the face again.” Tim blushed.

“It’s not my fault the printer’s out of ink.” He insisted.

“We’ll use Bruce’s.” Jason said. “Or just email it. Don’t worry dude, I’ll look after you.” 

Tim fought down a swell of guilt. Jason was so kind to him, all the while Tim was supposed to be spying on him and his family. Tim forced a smile. “Thanks Jason,” he said. 

Later, Tim and Jason sat at the kitchen table, combing through Tim’s evidence on Jason’s laptop. They had enough to get Michael suspended, if not expelled. They were just about to anonymously send it to every Gotham Academy administrator of note, thanks to some clever manipulation of the computer code on Tim’s part, when a shadow fell over the table. 

Tim jumped, turning to see Bruce looking at him and Jason. Tim winced, anticipating the man’s anger, but Bruce simply made a concerned assessment of his face, then turned to study the computer screen. 

“Alfred told me what happened,” he said. “How are you, Tim?”

‘“I’m ok,” Tim shrugged, still a bit tense. 

“It looks like you got yourself into some trouble.”

Tim cringed. He knew that he could have handled the situation better. If only he had told a teacher, or sent an email, or just ducked in time. Then he wouldn’t be in this mess. Jason would never make a stupid mistake like this. Certainly Robin wouldn’t either.

“You know Tim,” Bruce lay a heavy hand on Tim’s shoulder. At Tim’s flinch, he withdrew. “If you’re ever in trouble, at school or anywhere else, we can help you.”

“Both of us,” Jason chimed in. “Alfred too.”

Tim made an effort to sit up straighter. For a reason he couldn’t explain, he felt his eyes tear up. He reached up to wipe them and bumped his already sore nose instead. Seeing his eyes tear up even more, Jason handed him a tissue.

“Thanks,” he said. Even if he didn’t deserve it, he was glad they were there. 

Chapter Text

Tim poked at his cereal. His parents sat at the table, both scrolling through their phones. His eyes darted between the two. He was dying to ask about the trip but he knew better than to interrupt their quiet time.

After a while Janet set down her phone. “How have you been Timothy? Have you spent any time with your friends lately?” She asked.

Tim grinned. “I’m good. Yesterday I was at Jason’s. We didn’t do much, just played some video games. Oh! Last week we made a potato gun. Dick, that’s Jason’s older brother, was there and we tried it out in their backyard. I could show you guys later if you like?”

“That’s nice Timothy,” said Janet. “What of Mr. Wayne.”

“He’s well. He and Alfred are always super nice.”

“Does he ever speak of work while you are there?” 

Tim frowned. He suddenly remembered how his parents had asked him to spy on the Waynes. He struggled to think of anything that would satisfy them. “Not really, no.”

“Did you see any papers lying around? Maybe take a peak in his office?” Jack asked.

“No,” Tim exclaimed. He flinched at Janet’s glare. 

“It seems to me you have not been taking your role in this family seriously. If we can’t trust you with a simple task like this then how can we trust you with Drake Industries one day? Your father and I have spent our lives building the company into something we can all be proud of. It provides for your welfare. You should be grateful.”

“I am,” Tim insisted.

“Then prove to me you have what it takes to support this family.” 

Tim caught his breath. Of course he wanted to help, but he couldn’t do it at the expense of his friends. “Why do you need me to spy on Mr. Wayne anyway?” He asked. “Wouldn’t it be better to be friends with him instead?”

“Because that bastard won’t touch Drake Industries with a ten-foot pole,” Jack grumped. Tim frowned in confusion. A knot of anxiety built in his chest. 

“And who’s fault is that, Jack?” Janet snapped. She turned back to Tim. “What is knowledge?”

“Power,” Tim responded. 

“And..” Janet prompted.

“The person who has power survives, and the person who can use that power thrives.”

“Exactly. So do you have any power to share with us today?” 

Tim reluctantly shook his head. He hated disappointing his parents, but the one thing he knew about the Waynes was something he would never tell anyone.

“Useless,” Jack scoffed

“Go to your room, Timothy,” Janet commanded. “I think you need some time to think about this lesson.”

Tim climbed the stairs to his room. Why did his parents insist he turn on his friends? The Waynes were so kind to him. He knew he would never tell anyone about Batman, and the last thing he wanted was to hurt their civilian identities as well.  Even if I find something, I won’t tell them, he decided. 

Tim was disappointed to have lost time he had hoped to spend with his parents, but he quickly lost himself in working on coding a new program at his computer. He was so engrossed that he did not notice the hours pass by until he heard a loud pounding on his door.

“Hurry up boy. It’s time to go.” Tim jumped at his father’s voice. He shut his computer. Jack threw the door open. “Why aren’t you dressed?” he demanded. 

“Sorry, sir,” Tim fumbled. He couldn’t think of anywhere his parent’s had said they needed to be. “Where are we going?” 

“Jesus, Tim. We told you this morning.” Tim was almost positive they hadn’t but now that his dad insisted he wasn’t so sure. “The Gotham Art Museum. The Potcutter family is sponsoring a new exhibit and your mother decided that we have to make an appearance.” Tim stared at him dumbly. He felt a bit light headed. How long had he been on the computer? “Well? Get your suit on.” Jack stormed out of the room. Tim got dressed as quickly as possible. He rushed down the stairs to where his parents were putting on their shoes and coats. 

While in the car, Tim scrolled through his phone. He considered sending Jason a text to see if he would be at the gala as well, but then he saw a news headline: Joker Escapes From Arkham.

Batman and Robin would be out tonight. 

They arrived at the museum by nightfall. Tim’s parents ignored him the entire car ride except for his mother’s terse reminder to “keep your ears sharp and come back with something useful for once, Timothy.”

After making the initial rounds with his parents Tim fell into his old role of listening to the  conversations around him. He passed the tedious evening ducking between suited men and women in cocktail dresses, trying to find some amusement in the abstract artworks hanging around the room. The hours passed. It was close to midnight and the party was starting to wind down. Anyone with children had long since gone home, but every time he looked back at his parents they were still engrossed in conversation. Tim swallowed down a yawn and studied a piece, a black canvas filled with shapes all painted with different shades of black, when a conversation behind caught his ear.

“...Wayne Industries of course.”

Tim’s attention snapped to the conversation behind him. He continued to look at the painting, but took a step closer to the speaker. New shapes revealed themselves on the canvas as he moved. 

“Perhaps Fox?” a second voice suggested.

“No,” the first voice countered. “Fox can run the company, no doubt, but Wayne will leave the shares to those boys of his.”

A third voice scoffed. “The older one, the circus boy, has no interest in the company.”

“And Wayne picked up the younger one off the street. Fox better take over or that one will run the company into the ground.”

Tim lost any response to a chattering group of ladies passing by. He risked a glance over his shoulder at the speakers. One was Mr. Pinson. Tim remembered from his parents that Pinson ran cargo ships that carried goods overseas. Tim quickly looked back at the painting. When he heard the voices again they were angry.

“Wayne’s ‘holier than thou’ act-”

“Really Pinson, is that-”

“No! He’s not here tonight and I can say what I want. His kids are out of control, and Wayne enables them. That Todd boy kicked me last time. I know Wayne saw, but did he do anything about it? Of course not!” 

“I’m sure Bruce didn’t actually see.”

“He saw. You know he has that boy enrolled at Gotham academy. If my children were still at that I would pull out. This younger generation is already out of control without the likes of Todd corrupting them.”

Tim boiled with rage. Before he could stop himself he turned on the man. 

“Hey!” The group stopped and looked at him with confusion. “Jason’s a better person than you’ll ever be!” 

The man stared at him perplexed, then shouted off to the side. “Jack, is this your boy here?”

Tim paled. He looked over where the man was pointing and saw his father. Their eyes locked and Tim wilted under his father’s furious gaze.

“This is what happens when the likes of Todd are allowed to mingle with proper society.” The man said as Jack stormed over. 

Tim was frozen as Jack grabbed his arm and pulled him into the coat room. 

“What the hell, Tim? I can’t believe you. Any son of mine knows better than to talk back to his elders. You make it seem Iike I can’t control my own kid. What do you have to say for yourself?”

“I…”

“Well, boy?”

“I- I’m sorry but he was insulting Jason and Mr. Wayne. I couldn’t-”

 “It doesn’t matter what they were saying. With your behavior lately I’m thinking he was onto something. I don’t like what that kid is doing to your attitude. No, I brought you here tonight for one reason and one reason only. If you didn’t get anything tonight I swear…”

Tim stared at him dumbly. He knew he must have heard something useful, anything to distract from his embarrassment, but he had nothing. 

“So you don’t have anything?” 

“Why do I need to do this anyway?” Tim demanded. “Why can’t we ever just stay home and watch a movie together or something? I’m tired, Dad.” To Tim’s dismay his eyes filled with tears. All he wanted was to go to bed. 

Jack held up his hand and Tim flinched. 

“If you start crying I swear I will beat it out of you right here. Now, I’m going back out to fix your mess. Man up and get me something I can use.” 

Jack stormed out of the room. Tim took a moment to slow his breathing and wipe the tears from his eyes. His father was right. He had a job to do.

…

It was another hour before they left the gala. Tim continued to circle the room, keeping an eye on his father who talked to Mr. Pinson for a long while before being replaced by his mother. He hoped the conversation went well. Now, the stress of the evening and the quiet hum of the car let Tim drift into a light doze, but the sound of his mother’s voice kept him from falling asleep entirely. He kept his eyes closed as he listened. 

“Pinson didn’t bite,” she said in a hushed whisper.

“Dammit,” Jack snapped. “That just leaves Wayne.”

“He won’t do it.”

“Not unless we make him.”

“We need another plan.”

“I’m working on it.”

“Not fast enough.”

“Janet,” Jack snapped loud enough that Tim flinched. There was a long pause. “I’m working on it,” Jack said quieter. “We’ll talk about it later.”

They didn’t say anything else for the rest of the ride.

Chapter Text

Tim’s parents were fighting again. He adjusted his earbuds, trying to drown out the shouts coming from downstairs. He winced at the sound of glass shattering against a wall. He wasn’t sure what they were fighting about exactly but he had a suspicion it had something to do with Bruce Wayne.

 He was no closer to finding out what it was they wanted Bruce to do, but he was sure it was part why they had asked him to spy on the Waynes. Part of him wasn’t sure if he had even heard his family correctly as he was falling asleep in the car that night. They hadn’t said anything directly to him, but it seemed like every time he stepped into the room they stopped talking. Now they were just fighting with each other. 

Tim heard the garage door slam shut. At the same time a set of footsteps stomped towards the office. He sighed heavily. He hoped they worked things out soon. 

It was late. Tim realized he was hungry. He really didn’t want to go downstairs, but he didn’t have anything to eat  in his room. Reluctantly, Tim made his way downstairs to the kitchen, skirted around the broken glass on the floor, and poured himself a bowl of cereal. 

Tims started when he heard the office door open down the hall. His father stomped down the hall towards the kitchen. Tim flinched and stared determinedly at his bowl. Jack walked into the kitchen. 

“Clean that up, boy.”

Tim’s head snapped up. What had he done that needed cleaning up?

His father gestured to the broken glass. “What are you deaf now as well as useless? Clean that up.” 

While Tim got the broom, his father opened a cabinet and served himself a shot of whiskey. He gulped it down and slammed the cup on the counter with a loud swear.

Tim looked over his shoulder and met Jack’s eyes. He wanted to ask what was wrong, but was scared off by the disgusted look on his face. Was his father mad at him? He knew he had disappointed both of his parents by not giving them the information they needed. He was doing everything else right. He had perfect grades, he stayed out of his parents way while they were home and made sure he didn’t need them when they were away. What else could he do?

Tim knelt sweeping up the glass. As he stood up with the dustbin, he caught his father’s eye, and froze. His father glared at him. “Well?” Jack asked. ‘This mess is your fault. If you had just taken care of Wayne like we asked, we wouldn’t even be here.”

Tim blinked back tears and flinched. Was Jack going to hit him? He wasn’t the one throwing glass. How could it be his fault? Except, if his parent’s needed him to make a deal with the Waynes to help their company. But if that was the case why didn't they arrange a meeting with Bruce? Why ask Tim to help? He wanted to help, after all, a lot of people depended on the success of Drake Industries, but this time he just couldn’t do what his parents asked of him. Now they were going to hate him forever. 

Tim hurried to the trash can and dumped the glass in. When he turned around, his father was storming back to his office. 

Tim let out a breath that he didn’t know he had been holding when he heard the office door shut again. Jack had looked so angry. He never saw Bruce angry like that. Not at the house, not as Batman. Even the times when Batman was displeased with Robin, Tim was never afraid he was going to hit him. Not like Tim was afraid of his own father. Tim sniffed, wiped his eyes, and finished cleaning up the glass.

Tim’s parents left together that night. Tim didn’t know where they were going this time, or when they’d be back. He could barely bring himself to be relieved that they were apparently done fighting. From the look of the suitcases Jack loaded into the car, they would be gone a while. Even with his parents gone, the tension of the day lingered. Tim couldn’t stand it, so he grabbed his Batwatch bag, now weighed down with the addition of the potato gun, and headed into the city. 

…

Tim tracked the duo down to a corner store on the edge of Crime Alley. Logically he knew it was a bad idea. Joker was out of Arkham. Batman and Robin had not recaptured him yet. Tim usually avoided the streets whenever one of the big bads were out, but he just could not stand being home alone.

Police cars, lights still flashing, and an ambulance  were parked outside the store. An officer stood talking to Batman. Robin stood at Batman’s side. Tim shifted to the edge of the roof and strained to listen.

“-robbery. Only one victim. Cashier says she startled him, so he shot. There’s no sign of the Joker,” said the officer. 

“Has the victim been identified?” asked Batman, his voice so low tim could barely hear it.

“ID says Olga Casanova.”

Tim saw Robin take a step back. Batman tried to put a hand on his shoulder but he shrugged it off.

“Do we know who did it?” Robin asked, his voice tight and angry. Tim’s eyes widened. He had never heard Jason sound like that before.

“No,” said the officer. “We can pull the security tapes, but the truth is the department doesn’t have enough manpower right now to track down a small robbery. All of our resources have been diverted to recapturing the Joker.” The officer bit his lip. He did look truly apologetic. “I’m sorry son. That’s just how it is.”

“You’ve got to be kidding?” Robin yelled. Tim winced. “A woman is dead and you call it a robbery ? And you're not even going to try to look for the murderer?” 

“Robin-” Batman tried to pull Robin away.

“No,” Robin cried. “I’ll pull the tapes. I can track them down since it’s clearly not important enough for the rest of you.”

 “Robin, go back to the car.”

Robin ignored him and started marching to the store. “I’m going to take care of this and you can’t stop me.”

“Robin!” Batman lunged after him.

Tim’s breath caught as Robin tripped, slamming his face into the curb. Batman quickly helped him up. Tim winced, that was going to bruise. Robin made as if he was going to keep walking, but they both stopped when the door opened and a blanket covered body was wheeled out on a stretcher. Dark bloodstains were already seeping through the cloth. 

Robin froze. He watched as the body was loaded into the ambulance. He didn’t move until the vehicle drove away. 

Batman touched Robin’s shoulder. Robin swerved to face him. Batman said something that Tim couldn’t hear. He saw Robin nod. As Batman stepped inside the store, Robin pulled out his grappling gun and pulled himself onto a roof, immediately setting out into a run away from where Tim was hidden. Tim hoped he was going back to the Batmobile. 

Tim decided it was time to go home. He had enough of the city for one night. 

Chapter Text

Tim overslept the next day. He ran out the door, barely remembering to grab his bag. He jumped on his bike and was halfway to school before he realized he left his lunch in the fridge. He sighed and pressed on. It wouldn’t be the first time he skipped lunch. 

He was pushing an hour late when he came up to the school. The campus was empty of the usual morning rush. He jumped off the bike and walked it down the sidewalk, taking the time to catch his breath. His heart wouldn’t slow down. He was late, and he didn’t have an excuse. It would certainly count against him. What if the school called his parents? They were going to be mad. Attending school and getting good grades was pretty much the only thing his parents regularly checked in on. 

Caught in his thoughts, Tim almost missed the figure striding confidently across the lawn towards him. He looked up. Was that…

“Jason?” Tim asked with surprise. After last night he thought Batman might have let him stay home today. Then again, Jason might have insisted on coming to school, even though it looked like he had changed his mind now.

“Tim!” Jason seemed equally startled. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m late. What are you doing out here? Shouldn’t you be in class?”

“Well shouldn’t you?” Jason returned with a sneer. In the light of day the bruise on his face was even worse. 

“I just said I was late,” Tim said, trying to hide his hurt at Jason’s tone. The other boy grimaced.

“Well don’t let me stop you,” he said, then moved to step around Tim.

“Aren’t you coming in? Tim asked. When Jason didn’t respond he gasped. “Are you skipping?” 

“No,” Jason snapped. “I’m here, aren’t I?”

“Yeah, outside. During class.”

“I have study hall right now anyway,” Jason said.

“So you’re going back in? How’d you get out here anyway?”

Jason shrugged. “It’s not like they can actually lock us in the building.”

They stared at each other in silence for a moment.

“Look, Tim. You go ahead. Just… don’t tell anyone you saw me, ok? Please?”

“You are skipping.” Tim realized. Jason sighed loudly. 

“Fine, I’m skipping but it has nothing to do with you so goodbye.” Jason pushed past Tim and began walking towards the city. Tim didn’t think twice before turning his bike to follow.” Jason glanced behind him. “Go to school, Tim,” He demanded. 

“Nah,” Tim replied. There was no way he was going to leave Jason alone.

‘Tim-”

“You can’t make me. Besides, you’ll get caught otherwise.” Strangely, despite breaking the rules Tim felt calm. Jason needed his help. Who cared if his parents were upset about it. Besides, he could cover his tracks. Probably. 

They made their way around the corner away from the school. Tim darted into an alleyway and leaned his bike against the wall. He sat down on a clean patch of concrete and pulled out his laptop. 

“What are you doing?” Jason demanded.

“Helping.”

“Tim…” Jason’s voice was getting dangerously annoyed. 

“I’m hacking into the attendance system.” Tim replied, eyes still focused on the screen. “It’ll automatically say we’re there for the rest of the day, no matter what each teacher puts in.”

“Really? How? You sure it will work?”

“I’ve done it before.” That was only a bit of a stretch. He had actually changed the attendance record to show he had been at school all day instead of two hours late, but he was sure he could do what they needed today. 

After a couple of minutes of intense typing while Jason paced around him, Tim shut the computer. “There. Now what?”

“Seriously?”

“Yeah. They shouldn’t call your dad now.”

“That’s kinda scary, dude.” Jason said, not without a little admiration. Tim blushed and shrugged. 

“Glad to be of service,” he said. “Where do you want to go?”

Jason shrugged. “Let’s just walk.”

They zipped their coats over their school uniforms and took off down the city streets.Tim found it strange wandering the city during daylight. Without the night shadows, he felt exposed. Surely Bruce knew they were gone. Would Batman track them down and bring them back to school? Probably not in broad daylight. He tensed every time he saw a cop car, certain that someone would realize they weren’t where they were supposed to be. 

If Jason was nervous, he didn’t show it. He moved with a confidence that Tim did his best to imitate. They didn’t really talk. Jason was still brooding, Tim guessed he was preoccupied with thoughts of the previous night, so he didn’t push.

They moved deeper into the city. Tim recognized the area. If they went down 3rd street and turned left, they would be at the corner store from last night. Jason didn’t turn to look, instead leading them straight into Crime Alley. Even in daylight the streets were dirty and menacing. Tim looked at Jason again, but his face was still hard and determined. After a while Jason stopped walking. He stood, looking up at a run down apartment building. Tim stopped next to him.

“Jay?” He asked, hesitantly. Jason sighed. He pointed up to a window on the third floor. 

“That was my room. Back before Bruce. When… Mom was still around.” 

Tim stayed quiet. He wasn’t sure what to say. 

“The lady across the hall looked after me sometimes when Mom was busy. I’d help her cook and then we’d bring whatever we’d made together over to Mom when she came home. She made the best rice pudding.”

Tim had a sinking feeling in his stomach. “Is she still here?” He was almost too afraid to ask. 

“No.” Jason’s voice left no room for argument. “She’s gone.” He took a stuttered breath. “You know, I’m a lot luckier than most of the bastards around here. Damn lucky. I can’t forget it. I gotta remember cause those stupid rich folks don’t and if they had maybe Miss Olga-” He choked back a small sob. “I gotta remember, Tim. Cause I can do something for them. Fix things up. Now that I’m kind of a stupid rich person too. Someday. It’s not like you can do much when you’re a kid.”

But you’re Robin . Tim almost said. But you do so much already . He didn’t. Instead he said, “I’m sorry about your friend Jay,” and put his hand on Jason’s back.

“Thanks.” Jason said, leaning in slightly. He sniffed and wiped his eyes. After another moment he straightened. “Let’s go.”

The two of them wandered around the city. Jay brought them chili dogs from a vendor by a park. They still didn’t talk, but it didn’t seem to matter. By mutual agreement, they made their way back to the school. 

They got there just as class was letting out for the day. Tim retrieved his bike and they both waited for Alfred by the curb. As had become the norm over the last couple of weeks, Tim loaded his bike in the back and got in the seat next to Jason. 

“How was your day, boys?” Alfred asked.

Tim and Jason exchanged looks. Jason smiled.

“It was good,” he said, and Tim smiled too. 

Chapter Text

Jason stared at the open book in front of him. The words were all blurring together. He glanced at the clock on his nightstand. He had been trying to finish the chapter for the last 30 minutes and had been stuck on the same page for the last 15. Normally an assignment like this would be a breeze, but Jason couldn’t bring himself to focus. He slammed the book shut. He wanted to kick something, or throw something across the room. The book was in his hands and raised, ready to throw before he caught himself. He put the book back down on the desk. He couldn’t throw a book, but he did kick his desk leg before storming out of his room. 

He couldn’t believe Bruce grounded him. No Robin for the foreseeable future. Probably until Joker was off the streets, even though Jason could help , if only Bruce would let him. Bruce said it was to “give him time”. Jason had been furious, what did that even mean? Then Alfred pulled him aside and put him to work peeling carrots for dinner until Jason broke down crying, remembering days in Miss Olga’s kitchen as she taught him how to boil pasta and dice vegetables.

He didn’t realize how much he missed her until she was gone. Losing her reminded him of losing his mom all over again. Emotions he thought he’d buried long ago came bubbling to the surface. He was angry. With Bruce, with the police, with himself. He should have gone back to visit. He could have gotten her groceries, her knees have likely only gotten worse since he left. He could have made a cup of tea, like Alfred taught him to say hi, or thank you.  

Jason wondered what would have happened if he had gone to Miss Olga’s after his mom died. Miss Olga had been out of town when it happened, but he could have gone back when she got home. Instead he ran, and never looked back. And now they were both gone.

Jason paced down the hallway. By habit he wound up in the kitchen, which only made the ache in his chest worse. He still wanted to hit something, so he made his way to the cave. 

He got out a punching bag and quickly lost himself in the rhythm of the hits. Sweat dripped down his face. His arms ached but he didn’t care. He didn’t know how long he’d gone when a strong arm caught the bag as it bounced back from a particularly ferocious punch.

“Take a break,” said Bruce, holding out a bottle of red gatorade. 

Jason scowled. Red was his favorite, but he did not feel like giving Bruce credit for anything right now. 

“Go away,” Jason said.

“Jaylad.”

“Leave me alone,” Jason insisted. He lunged forward with a kick that Bruce caught.

“Please Jay, let’s sit.” 

Jason ripped his foot back. “Fine,” he said. He snatched the drink from Bruce and walked to the chairs by the Batcomputer.

Bruce sat down in the chair next to him. After a moment of silence when Jason stared determinedly at the floor Bruce said, “If you weren’t up for school you could have stayed home. I wouldn’t be mad at you for that.”

Jason jolted. “How did you know?” He asked. 

Bruce raised an eyebrow.

“Ugh, tracker on my phone.” Of course Bruce put one there.

“What I want to know is how you changed the attendance record.”

Jason wasn’t sure if he should share, but at this point he figured Bruce probably already knew most of it. He was Batman, after all.

“Tim did it. He’s scary smart with computer stuff.”

“Hmm.” That was Bruce’s intrigued grunt. Then, “I saw you went back to the apartment.” 

“Yeah, Jason sighed. There was a long pause where they both tried to think of what to say. Finally Bruce spoke.

 “I pulled the security tapes. I haven’t caught the shooter yet, but I’m looking.”

Jason straightened. “Let me help,” he said.

Bruce shook his head. “It’s too personal for you.”

“Bullshit-”

“The Joker is still loose. I don’t want you getting caught in whatever trap he’s setting.”

“I can help,” Jason insisted. “I thought I was your partner.”

Bruce knelt on the ground in front of Jason. He reached out, like he wanted to take Jason’s hands, but hesitated at the boy’s glare. “You’re my son first, Jaylad. It’s not safe for you on the streets right now. You can help run the comms, but that’s it right now.”

“I don’t want to run the comms,” Jason snapped. Comms wasn’t enough. He had to be out there, find them and make them pay. He couldn’t look at Bruce. “Let me patrol tonight. I can handle it.”

Bruce sighed. “I can’t take that risk.”

Jason was done talking. He jumped up and started to walk away.

“Wait,” Bruce called. “Olga Casanova, her family is bringing her back to Florida. An anonymous benefactor is taking care of the cost.”

Jason stopped, and for the first time he looked Bruce in the eye. “Really?” He asked.

“Yes. I’m sorry.”

Jason was sorry too. For a lot of things.

“Is there-” Bruce sounded unsure. He shifted himself so he was sitting back in a chair. “Is there anyone else you want to check on?”

Jason shook his head. “No,” he cleared his throat. “She was the only one who was really nice to me, you know. There’s not really anyone else left.”

He wiped his eyes. He was tired of feeling like this. He hadn’t cried in ages, before the last couple of days. Now it seemed like he couldn’t stop.

Bruce looked uncomfortable like he always did during emotional conversations. It was almost enough to make Jason laugh. “Would you like  … a hug?” Bruce asked. 

Jason sighed. “Sure, B.” 

If Jason cried when Bruce held him, neither mentioned it. 

…

Batman went out alone that night. Jason sat at the computer, combing through his case notes. He should be out there. None of the cases were going anywhere. The shooter had disappeared. Joker was laying low, and Oracle’s lead on Black Mask’s new drug supplier had run into a dead end. 

And Jason was stuck here. 

He pulled up the security footage from the convenience store. The shooter was a man, about 6ft if he had to guess. He had gloves on his hands and a ski mask hiding his face. In the footage, the shooter pulled the gun on the clerk. The clerk was a girl who looked only a couple years older than Jason. She looked around wildly, probably for her shift partner, then opened the register. The shooter’s hand trembled as he held the gun. From out of the aisle emerged Miss Olga. She was bent over her basket as she walked. Jason held his breath. She bumped into the man, finally looking up. Jason saw her mouth open in a gasp as the man turned wildly with the gun and-

He paused the video and turned away. His heart thumped and he struggled to control his breath. 

He couldn’t stay here. Not now. Not with that man still on the street.

Jason went to his room. It was earlier than he usually went to bed on non-patrol nights, but he told Alfred that he had a headache. The older man looked sympathetic and sent him upstairs with a cup of hot tea. Jason pushed down a surge of guilt.

Less than an hour later, Robin was flying through Gotham.

Chapter Text

Tim wandered the streets of Gotham; but, for once he kept his camera in his bag. The day had left him unsettled. He was still relieved that neither Alfred nor Bruce seemed to have noticed he and Jason had skipped school, but that relief didn’t compare to his worry for Jason. It was clear the older boy was taking the woman’s death hard. Tim wondered if he would see him out tonight as Robin. Halloween was just around the corner. Crime always picked up around that holiday, and with the Joker still on the loose, Robin probably couldn’t afford to stay home. 

He had asked Alfred to bring him straight home after school earlier. He was glad he was able to be there for Jason, at least a little, but he got the feeling that Jason had wanted some space. So, Tim went home to an empty house. His parent’s still weren’t home; although, his mother was thoughtful enough to send him a message letting him know that they had made it safely to Japan. She also said their secretary had quit and they have not had time to replace her, so he would not be able to reach them through Drake Industries until they returned. Tim was grateful to hear from them, even though he had no idea when they would be home. As usual. 

Now, Tim stuck to the ground. He was happy to be away from the house, and he wasn’t really in the mood to take pictures. Staying on the move in the crisp night air and cloudy skies was enough to distract from the stifling quiet of home. 

He passed a store with gaudy skeletons filling the front window. He imagined his parent’s taking him trick-or-treating. He could dress up as a skateboarder and actually ride his skateboard. Or a pirate, or it wouldn’t be that hard to make his own Minecraft costume out of cardboard. Tim laughed to himself. That would never happen. Even if his parents were in the country, they wouldn’t take him. They didn’t even bring him with them when they went out to dinner most the time. Besides, it certainly wouldn’t be safe with the rouges about. He wondered if Bruce ever took Jason or Dick trick-or-treating. He would have to ask Jason about it tomorrow. Maybe if Jason knew of a place they could go together? That would be fun. 

Tim shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. It wasn’t a good idea to get distracted in Gotham at night. 

The city was eerily quiet. Tim was used to seeing some people out on the streets, but tonight there was nobody. The shadows that usually kept him safe felt oppressive. He shivered. Maybe he should call it an early night?

Tim found himself mirroring the route he had taken with Jason that morning. He kept to it, and before long was looking down the road to Jason’s old apartment. Tim sighed sadly. He really hoped Jason was doing ok. It must have been hard coming back here. It was nice that Jason trusted him enough to show him his old home. Tim couldn’t help but feel guilty too. Would Jason still want to be his friend if he knew that Tim knew his secret? 

Not for the first time, Tim considered telling the Waynes that he knew about their identities. They had been so kind to him, and he wanted to be kind in return. On the other hand, telling them would likely destroy any trust they had in him. They would probably think he was spying on them, not that they were wrong. His parents' orders still hung heavy over his mind. If the Wayne’s knew it wouldn’t be enough that he promised never to tell anyone, Batman would want insurance. And they wouldn’t let him go out after dark anymore. Bruce would probably tell his parents.

No, Tim would keep their secret to himself. 

He was just about to turn around when movement caught his eye. Tim’s eyes widened. It was Robin! Tim pressed back against the wall and watched, hoping that his dark clothes would blend into the shadows. He watched as Jason jogged from the direction of the convenience store to his old building. Without slowing down he pulled out his grappling gun. The hook latched on the roof, and Robin began to rise. He was at the second floor when a figure appeared on the roof. 

From above, Tim heard a low chuckle. His blood ran cold. The clouds parted just enough to let a stream of moonlight reflect off the knife in the figure’s hand. As Tim opened his mouth to yell, the man on the roof bent and slashed at the grappling line.

Robin fell.  He hit the ground with a sickening crack and a scream. The chuckle on the roof grew into a chilling laugh. Tim stood frozen as the Joker climbed down the fire escape, cackling all the way.  

Robin was still lying there, stunned. Tim could see his chest heaving up and down. He was just above the second story when he fell. He’d be lucky if it was only his legs that were broken. Where was Batman? Why was Robin alone? Tim looked around for any sign of Batman, but the street remained empty and quiet except for Robin’s pained gasps and the Joker's incessant laughter.  Tim could only watch as Joker climbed down the ladder and landed next to Robin. He grabbed the boy by his arms and dragged him to a black delivery van parked on the side of the street that Tim had previously overlooked. The Joker did not stop laughing as he loaded Robin into the back of the van before climbing into the driver's seat. 

Tim had to do something. Batman wasn’t here and he couldn't wait around for him to show up. The van turned on and Tim dived behind a trash can, lest he be seen in the headlights. The van lurched forward. It would pass him in just a moment. Tim took a deep breath and ran. When the van paused at the corner, he jumped onto the little ledge on the back where the doors met. The van turned and set off down the road. Tim held desperately onto the door handles, shifting his feet so they stayed on the ledge. He searched the rooftops for any sign of Batman, to no avail. The road was bumpy and he almost fell more than once, but he forced himself to hold on. 

Robin was depending on him, and Tim wasn’t going to let him go without a fight.

Chapter Text

The van drove to the old industrial district of Gotham. Tim barely managed to hang onto the back of the van as it rolled down pot-filled roads. He guessed that they were heading to one of the abandoned warehouses or factories that were all over the area. He did his best to keep track of the street names as they passed. He had no idea what he was going to do once the van stopped. Even if he could get to him, Tim wasn’t strong enough to carry Robin, let alone take on the Joker. 

He needed Batman. 

He had no way of contacting Batman. 

Except…

Tim thought of the phone still in his pocket. Of the phone numbers Jason had insisted on adding once it was clear that the two of them hanging out was becoming a regular occurrence. He did have a way to contact Batman. It would reveal that he knew their secret. There would be no taking it back. 

Tim didn’t hesitate. As soon as the van parked outside of an old warehouse he jumped off and stumbled to hide behind the dumpsters. He watched as Joker opened the back of the van and dragged Robin inside the warehouse. Robin groaned as he was pulled along. Tim noticed his legs were bent awkwardly, and was that bone ? Tim held his breath until the two passed through the doorway. Then he grabbed his phone and dialed Bruce Wayne.

The phone rang. And rang. “Come on,” Tim begged. A voicemail message started to play and Tim ended the call. Bruce probably left his phone at home for patrol anyway. Instead, he dialed up Alfred. 

The phone rang twice then.

“Master Tim, it is quite late. Are you well?” Tim could have cried from relief at the sound of the older man’s voice. He didn’t waste any time.

“Joker has Robin. You need to tell Batman to go to the abandoned warehouse off of South St. There’s a black delivery van parked outside next to brown dumpsters. He has him inside.”

There was a moment of silence as the butler tried to process what he just heard. To Tim’s relief, he didn’t argue. 

“I will inform him right away,” Alfred said. “Now, are you somewhere safe?”

“I’m fine,” Tim said. “But Robin isn’t. He’s hurt already, legs are broken and I don't know what else. I don’t know what Joker’s going to do.”

“Batman will be there soon,” Alfred said. “Just stay where you are and he will find you.”

There was the faint sound of metal on metal then scream from inside. Robin might not be able to wait that long.

“I have to go.”

“No, stay on the line. Master Ti-”

“I’m sorry.”

Tim hung up. He put his phone away, then, careful to close the door quietly behind him, slipped inside the warehouse. 

…

Tim found himself in a large open room. Support pillars ran parallel to the walls. There were cardboard boxes haphazardly scattered throughout the room. To his right was a ladder that led up to a steel catwalk that ran the length of the building. At the opposite end of the building with his back to Tim was the Joker. At his feet, Robin. 

A sour screeching sound echoed as Joker scraped a crowbar across the floor.

“Let’s try this again, birdboy. Which hurts more. A or B?” With each option he swung the crowbar over his head and into Robin’s chest. The boy responded with strained screams. 

Panic rose in Tim’s chest. He dug his nail into his thumb, trying to ground himself. He wasn’t strong enough to beat Joker in a one on one fight. He needed to be able to take him on from a distance. Tim followed the path of the catwalk. There was a ladder not too far from Joker and Robin. All he had to do was distract the Joker until Batman arrived. Mind made up, Tim climbed the ladder.

Tim tried to move quietly down the catwalk. Below, the Joker wielded his crowbar with awful precision, laughing at Robin’s cries. Tim stepped over a stray box and stopped. He was close enough now that he could see Robin more clearly. The other boy looked awful. His face was covered in blood. He looked one strike away from unconsciousness, or worse. 

Tim knelt and opened his backpack. As quickly and quietly as he could, he got out his potato gun. He had a single potato cut into five pieces. Five chances. He loaded the first piece, took aim, and fired.

Immediately he loaded another piece. He must have missed, but then the Joker stopped mid swing. The laughter stopped, and the warehouse echoed with Robin’s labored gasps. 

The Joker turned. He frowned as he surveyed the warehouse. Tim held his breath. Maybe he wouldn’t see? Then he looked up. Their eyes met and the frown deepened. 

“You were not invited.”  His voice made Tim shiver. Eyes wide, he fired again. The potato hit the Joker in the forehead. The clown didn’t flinch. “No matter, you can join our game.” Then he began to giggle.

Tim felt a jolt of relief as the Joker stepped away from Robin which quickly turned to dread as the clown tucked the crowbar under his arm and climbed up the ladder, laughing as he went. Tim took another shot which missed. 

“Shit, shit, shit,” Tim muttered as he reloaded the potato gun. His next shot hit Joker on the arm, but the clown kept climbing. Tim stubbled backwards. He was halfway down the catwalk when the Joker pulled himself up. 

“Ready to come and play?” Joker asked, swinging his crowbar back and forth. It banged against the metal rails. He walked forward, grinning at Tim’s scrambled efforts to fall back. He gave up trying to load the gun and threw it at the advancing clown, who simply knocked it aside. It fell to the ground with a clang. 

Tim turned towards the door to make a run for it. He had to keep Joker’s attention on him and not on Robin. He made it three steps before tripping over a box. He hit the ground with a painful thud. 

“Clumsy are we?” Joker laughed. Tim rolled over and watched in horror as the Joker lifted the crowbar above his head with a maniacal smile. Tim threw his arm over his face. He closed his eyes. 

“JOKER!”

Tim opened his eyes. 

Something flew through the air, catching the Joker in the arm. The clown cried out, dropping the crowbar and taking a step back.

Tim looked towards the warehouse door. A dark figure was silhouetted against the door. 

Batman had come. 

Chapter Text

In a moment Batman grappled up to the catwalk and placed himself between Tim and Joker. 

“Get back,” he ordered Tim, who was only too happy to oblige. He scrambled back, still on the ground, as Batman punched at the Joker, who dodged his blows with surprising grace. 

“Nice to see you batty boy,” the clown laughed. “But I think you might be too late for bird brain down there.” He nodded toward the ground below where Robin lay beaten and unconscious. 

Batman let out an incoherent shout of rage and lunged forward with a punch. Joker jumped back and laughed. 

“We’re all friends here, Batman. You just need to loosen up. Laugh a little”. Joker threw something to the ground. Immediately, acid green smoke filled up the space. Batman recoiled. 

Tim was still on the ground, watching stunned as Batman fought in front of him. When the smoke burst, he jolted out of his stupor. Joker venom. Gothamers feared that as much as Scarecrow’s fear gas. Some strains would leave victims paralyzed. Some caused uncontrollable laughter that left victims unable to eat or sleep until they died of exhaustion. Others killed within minutes of exposure. Batman turned to look at him. 

“Catch,” he said. Tim stood and caught a rebreather mask and quickly put it on. Batman did the same.

“Get out of here.” Batman ordered, voice muffled by the mask, before pushing through the gas to pursue the Joker who had fled to the other end of the catwalk. 

Tim ran to the end and climbed down the ladder. He was close to the door outside. He looked back. The gas dripped from the catwalk and was spreading across the floor to where Robin lay. Joker and Batman were still on the catwalk. Robin didn’t have a rebreather. 

He ran back in, making a beeline to Robin’s prone form, quickly being lost in the green smoke of the Joker Venom. Distantly he heard grunts and the exchange of blows muffled by the Joker’s laughter. Tim knelt by Robin’s head. He ripped the rebreather off of his face and placed it on Robin. The gas spread around them. He held his breath. Robin was still. For a moment he thought he was too late and it didn’t matter, but then to his relief the mask fogged up. Robin was still breathing.

Tim couldn’t hold his breath any longer. He breathed in the sickly sweet green gas, and to his horror, began to giggle. He pulled his shirt over his nose, but it was too late. The giggling turned to laughter. His mouth stretched into a wide smile as laughter was pulled from his throat. His face stiffened. He couldn’t blink. His eyes watered as he tried to peer through the fog. His heart raced. It was getting harder to breathe. Where was Batman? A violent bout of laughter made him keel over. Tim curled up on the floor, shaking with horrible laughter. Tears streamed down his face as he stared at Robin, broken and bloody, but somehow still breathing. A painful howl of laughter made Tim slam his head back against the floor. He had to stop. He had to get out. He had to get Robin out. He couldn’t breathe. 

Tim had almost gone numb with panic when he felt a sharp pain in his thigh. He looked to see Batman kneeling over him, tucking a syringe into his belt. He felt himself lifted by strong arms. The sight of Robin on the floor was lost in the folds of Batman’s cape. The hero rushed Tim out of the warehouse, placing him gently on the ground before running back inside. 

Tim slowly caught his breath as the throat-wrenching laughter faded into giggling. His chest ached. He desperately wanted to close his eyes, but his face was still paralyzed. With a shaky hand he wiped the tears from his face, only to have his eyes continue to water in the chilly Gotham air.  

After a moment Batman came running out of the warehouse, Robin in his arms. He did not stop, rushing straight past Tim. The boy’s relief swiftly turned into panic. Was Batman going to leave him behind? He forced himself upright into a sitting position and turned. 

Batman was loading Robin into the back of the Batmobile. From what Tim could see, he was laying the boy down across the seats and strapping him in. Batman stood and sped back to Tim, kneeling beside him. He ran his hands up and down Tim’s body. Tim wanted to ask about Robin. He tried to speak, but all that came out was a sharp whine. 

“I’m sorry, lad. I gave you the antidote. Your face should relax within the next 10 minutes. I’m checking for other injuries now.” Tim tried to shake his head and assure him he was fine, but the movement made his head ache even more. Seemingly satisfied that Tim wasn’t grievously injured, Batman picked him up and carried him to the front seat. Tim managed to control shaking his hands enough to buckle himself in as Batman got into the driver's seat. 

The world rushed by. Tim was cold, and he realized he was shivering. He wanted to turn and check on Jason, but he couldn’t seem to move. At least the giggling had stopped, so the antidote must be working. Beside him he could hear Batman talking, issuing orders to get medbay and Leslie, then Alfred’s voice saying “already done.”

By the time they made it to the Batcave Tim’s face had relaxed enough that he could close his eyes, though his mouth was still stuck in a smile. He sat in his seat as Batman pulled Robin out of the car. He stayed still, listening to the sound of hurried footsteps and rolling wheels. After a minute, the passenger door opened and Batman leaned down. 

“We’re going to get you to a decontamination shower first. Ok, Tim?”

Tim nodded, not trusting his voice yet. He unbuckled the seat belt and slid out of the car. He wobbled as his feet hit the floor. Batman held out a hand to steady him. He led Tim past a large computer and what looked like a fully furnished gym to a locker area with a shower, and handed him soap and a washcloth.

“I’ll be back with a change of clothes,” Batman said, leaving Tim alone.

Tim was still shaking. He started the shower, stepped in and sank to the floor, letting the water fall over him. Flashes of the Joker and Robin were the only thing that broke through the static of his mind. Was Jason still alive? Was the Joker?

He forced himself to take off his clothes, pick up the soap, and wash. His face continued to relax and with a sigh of relief, he was able to stop smiling. When he was done and peeked out of the shower, he saw a towel and a change of clothes waiting for him. He got dressed. The clothes were all too big. They must have been Jason’s. Tim rolled up the legs of the sweatpants and stepped out into the cave. 

Batman sat on a chair in front of a sterile looking door. Only, he was more Bruce than Batman now. He was still in costume, but his mask had been cast aside. He faced the door, looking like he’d aged a decade in the last hour. There was an empty chair waiting next to him. 

Tim hesitantly sat down. Bruce didn’t move. Tim didn’t know how to ask about Jason, or if he was ready to hear the answer.

“Is Jason…” he finally asked.

Bruce sighed, exhausted and bone-weary. “He’s in surgery. Alfred and Leslie, our family doctor, are there. We’ll know more soon.”

Tim gulped. “Is he going to be ok?” He whispered.

Bruce took a deep breath. “I hope so, lad.”

Tim looked up at him, eyes welling with tears. Bruce turned, looking at him fully for the first time. His expression immediately softened.

“Tim,” he said, suddenly grabbing Tim’s hands. He looked at the boy, eyes intense. “Any chance he has is thanks to you. Alfred and Leslie are as good as they come. They’re not going to give up on him, and we won’t either.”

Tim nodded, biting his lip. 

“Come here, lad.” Bruce opened his arms. Tim dove in and let himself be wrapped in a hug. He began to cry, letting out all of his grief and fear. He couldn’t bring himself to feel embarrassed. For the first time all night, he felt safe. 

“It’s ok, Tim.” Bruce whispered, holding him tight. “It’s going to be ok.” 

Chapter Text

Bruce held Tim until the boy’s sobs turned to violent sniffs. Tim eventually pushed away. His face was a mess of tears and snot. Bruce grimaced sympathetically. “Does your face hurt?” he asked. Tim nodded. Bruce stood and walked to the computer. He handed Tim a box of tissues before disappearing to some out-of-sight facet of the cave. He came back a minute later with a heated rice pack. “Hold this to your face,” he instructed. “Tight muscles is a common side effect of Joker Venom. This should help.” Tim gratefully took the pack and held it to his face, and soon the sharp pains turned to a dull ache. 

They sat in silence. Then Bruce said, “I need to know what happened?” There it was . Tim knew the question was coming, but where could he start? Batman surely wanted to know how he knew their identities. Would he be mad when he found out? Was he mad now and just hiding it?

Bruce seemed to notice his distress. “Start with tonight, Tim,” he said.

Tim took a deep breath. He told Batman about finding Robin in Crime Alley. About jumping on the back of the van and distracting the Joker in the warehouse. Bruce listened without saying a word. When Tim finished he asked, “Why were you out tonight?”

Tim looked at Bruce. Batman. He was unsure where to start. He wanted to run back home and forget tonight ever happened. He had never told anyone about his photography before. How could he tell Batman that he took pictures of him and Robin? What if Bruce thought it was a security risk and destroyed all of his pictures? 

Bruce was probably going to ask where his parents were too. What could he say that wouldn’t get them into more trouble. They would be so disappointed in him. His father would be furious. No, he couldn’t tell Bruce the whole truth. He had to protect the Drake name. 

“I like to take pictures, sometimes. At night.” Tim began. “I got bored doing just my backyard and the house and stuff. My parents are out of town this weekend. They’re not going to be back until Monday morning so… yeah,” he trailed off. Bruce leaned forward, crinkling his brow. Tim braced himself for a request to see his camera, but instead he asked, “is there anyone at home watching you now?”

Tim hesitated, then shook his head. “Not tonight,” he said. Then quickly added, “Mrs. Mac will be there tomorrow, though.”

Bruce frowned and Tim held his breath. He was lying exactly. He was bored photographing his back yard. His parents were gone for the weekend. He had hacked into their email earlier and that day saw correspondence indicating that they would likely be back on Monday. Even if the Mrs. Mac bit wasn’t exactly true, she did come by during the week. That was close enough.

“Mrs. Mac looks after you when your parents are gone?” 

Tim nodded. “She doesn’t live with me or anything, but she comes over and cooks food and cleans and stuff.”

Still mostly true. But would it be enough?

“Hmm,” Bruce grunted. Tim could not tell what was going on in his head. “This wasn’t your first time on your own, was it?”

Tim’s heart sank. “No sir, it wasn’t.”

“Were your parent’s out of town the night we saw you, too?”

Tim knew he had to be careful. “I think they were taking a weekend trip that night, you know, when you and Robin saved me from the muggers. Sometimes I go when I know they’ll be out super late.”

Batman made a disgruntled noise. Tim felt the need to defend himself. 

“I’ve been fine. Except for that one night but you and Robin were there, so it’s fine.”

Bruce did not seem happy with his response. “Are your parents gone often?” He asked. 

Tim shrugged. “On weekends, I guess. They just work a lot.” 

“Hmm.”

Tim doubted he had assured Bruce that much. He didn’t want to completely lie, Bruce would surely see straight through that. If Bruce continued his line of questioning, he would certainly have to really lie. Tim hoped it wouldn’t come to that. Answering questions was leaving him more and more tired, but there was one more thing Tim was sure Bruce wanted to know. 

“Don’t you want to ask how I found out, sir?” Tim asked. 

“It’s still just Bruce, son,” Bruce sighed. “But yes, if you're ready.”

Tim nodded. He didn’t want to put it off any longer. “I don’t know if Dick told you, but I was there the night his parents died.” Bruce nodded and Tim took that as a sign to continue. “I… well, he promised to do a quadruple somersault for me. A couple years later I saw Robin do the same thing. I kind of figured it out from there.”

Bruce’s eyes widened. “That is  … incredible, Truly.” He leaned forward and looked Tim in the eye. “I am grateful. Above everything I am so, so grateful. But I am concerned, Tim. It is dangerous out there. I still can’t believe you went out on your own. How long has this been going on?”

Tim tensed, tightening his grip on the rice pack.

“I’ve known since I was seven. I’ve been going out on the streets since I got back from boarding school.”

Bruce leaned back and sighed again. He stared at the closed door of the med bay. 

Tim couldn’t hold back anymore. “Are you going to tell my parents?” he asked.

“I should.” Bruce said. “And if it continues I might have to.” Tim looked at him with hope. “I want to talk with them when they come to pick you up on Monday.”

“Pick me up?” Tim asked, heart sinking.

“Yes.” Bruce said. “You’ll be staying with us for the remainder of the weekend, so make sure to let Mrs. Mac know. I’ll call your parent’s tomorrow.” 

“Oh,” Tim said. It made sense to stay. As much as he didn’t want to bother the Waynes any more than he had, he also didn’t want to leave Jason until he knew he was going to be ok. 

There was silence and Tim fought back a yawn. A wave of exhaustion came over him. He forced himself to remain alert and waited for Bruce’s next question. Instead, Bruce stood up. “We’ll talk more tomorrow. There’s a couch by the gym. You can sleep there tonight. If you need me, I’ll be with Jason or you can call Alfred.” Tim followed Bruce who picked up a blanket and a pillow from a closet. He moved the couch so it was in sight of the computer and med bay. Tim layed down and Bruce wrapped the blanket around him. “Get some sleep, Tim.”

Tim closed his eyes. He couldn’t remember the last time someone tucked him in. It was nice. He wanted to tell Bruce that, but instead he closed his eyes and was soon fast asleep.

Chapter Text

Tim shifted uncomfortably. His whole body was sore, especially his face, and his nose was cold. Why was his nose cold? He squirmed, flinging his arm out of the blanket. To his surprise, he felt his hand brush against the floor. He opened his eyes. The events of the previous night came creeping back. Batman fighting Joker, getting Robin out of the warehouse, talking to Bruce. He remembered Bruce's words. The night we saw you . So they did recognize him. There was no way Bruce trusted him now. They must think he was spying on them all of this time. He buried his face in his arms and groaned. How was he going to explain this to Jason? 

Jason.

Tim sat up and looked towards the med bay. The door was shut and the rest of the cave empty. Tim stood, wrapping his blanket around his shoulders. He walked across the room stopping outside of the med bay door. Before he could decide whether to go in or not, the door opened revealing Alfred, who gently closed the door behind him. 

“Master Tim, you’re awake. How are you feeling, my boy?”

“I’m fine,” Tim said without really thinking about it. “Is Jason ok? Can I see him?”

Alfred sighed. The normally composed man looked worn. Tim wondered if he slept at all last night. “In a moment. Master Bruce and Master Dick are with him now.”

“Dick’s here?” Tim asked, peering around at the closed door.

“Yes, he arrived early this morning. Now, before you go in I want you to know what to expect. Master Jason is stable. The surgery was successful and we are now monitoring his condition to see if an additional procedure is necessary. He is still unconscious and will remain so for a while yet. He is hooked up to a lot of different machines right now. It may look scary, but they are all making sure we can keep him as safe and healthy as we can. Do you understand?”

“Yes, sir,” Tim whispered.

Alfred opened the door. The room inside had the light colors and sterile smell of a doctor’s office. Centered against the far wall was a hospital bed surrounded by beeping machines. The body in the bed was more bruises and bandages than boy, and Tim’s breath caught when he saw him. Both legs and his right arm were in casts. A brace was around his neck and a tube for a ventilator down his throat. Dick was sitting in a chair pulled up by Jason’s head, talking softly. Bruce sat nearby, watching his sons. At the door opening, both paused and looked over. Dick smiled and gestured for Tim to join him. 

Tim cautiously walked up to Dick, his eyes still locked on Jason. He noted the gentle rise and fall of the older boy's chest with relief. As soon as he was in arms reach, Dick pulled him into a tight hug. Tim closed his eyes. Dick gave good hugs. After a moment he pulled out of the hug and turned towards Jason. 

“Hey Little Wing,” Dick said softly beside him. “Timmy’s here to say hi. He did a good job looking out for you, but don’t worry, he’s ok. And we’re looking out for him now. Just think about it, when you’re up again you can tell him all about Robin just like you wanted to.”

Tim looked back at Dick. “He wanted to tell me?” He asked in a whisper.

Dick nodded with a smile. “He likes hanging out with you.” 

Tim blushed, but before he could think of a response, Dick continued. “I’m going to step out so I can talk to Timmy, but I’ll be back soon, ok Jay?”

He paused like he was waiting for an answer, then patted Jason’s hand and turned towards Tim. “Are you ok talking now? If you want to stay here for a bit, you can.”

Tim looked at Jason and then glanced over to Bruce who was still watching them. His heartbeat sped up. Jason didn’t look like Jason right now. The kind, active boy who had wanted to be Tim’s friend was nowhere to be seen. Would Jason be able to recover from this? Tim tried to push down the fear welling up inside him. As long as he was here, he could help, but, he wondered, what was there for him to do? Distracting the Joker seemed easy by comparison. He could talk to Jason, like Dick did, but what was the point when Jason couldn’t talk back? What if he said something stupid with Bruce right there watching?

Bruce. 

What was Bruce going to do with him? Surely Bruce didn’t actually want him to stick around, for an entire weekend. Not when Jason needed him instead. Unless Bruce wanted Tim for something. Tim was acutely aware of the sounds of the machines around him.The longer he took to respond the louder they seemed to become. 

“Perhaps the young Master would like some breakfast?” A calm voice came from the back of the room. Tim jumped. He had forgotten Alfred was there. Grateful, he nodded and walked towards the door, Dick following close behind. Bruce stayed, taking the chair Dick left. The moment he left the room Tim’s heart began to slow. He took a deep breath. Dick paused, letting Tim walk beside him. He gave Tim an understanding smile and a side hug. 

They went to the kitchen where Alfred served them both eggs and toast before excusing himself to go back downstairs. They ate in silence, both still tired and overwhelmed. Once they were finished Dick said, “B said you're staying with us this weekend while your parents are out of town. I’m going to grab my car keys so we can run over to your place so you can grab your toothbrush and whatever else you need.”

Tim wanted to insist he was fine as is. Dick shouldn’t have to worry about him when Jason needed him more, but Tim was too tired to argue. His skin still felt sticky from the memory of the Joker venom. He wanted his own clothes and another shower. So, Tim nodded and followed Dick out the door. 

At Tim’s request, Dick waited by the car. The idea of Dick seeing the empty house made Tim uncomfortable, even though he wasn’t quite sure why. Tim didn’t linger, and grabbed his toothbrush and clothes for the weekend. He met Dick back by the cat and they were soon back at Wayne Manor. 

Dick showed him to a room upstairs that Alfred had prepared. “My room’s next door. Jason’s is across the hall and the one at the end of the hall is Bruce’s. Alfred’s room is on the ground floor in the wing off the main living room. I’ll show you later. You can come down to the cave when you’re ready. B and I will be there. Alfred will likely be floating between,” he said. “You remember how to get there?” Tim nodded.

After Dick left, he looked around the room. It was cozy, and the bed looked warm. He took a shower and changed into his own clothes. He was still a bit sore and tired, but overall felt a lot better. Still, the thought of going downstairs and facing Bruce or seeing Jason again made his chest feel tight. 

Tim knew he couldn’t hide in his room all day. He took a deep breath and made his way to the basement. 

Everyone was gathered by the med bay’s open door, but Tim’s attention was immediately drawn towards an older woman he vaguely recognized from the previous night.

“Feeling better, Tim?” Dick asked. 

“Yeah, thanks for driving me,” Tim said. 

“Tim, this is Dr. Tompkins” said Bruce, gesturing to the woman. “She’s our family doctor. I asked her to take a look at you so we can make sure there’s no lingering effects from last night”.

“Oh, ok.” Tim said, unsure.

“Hi, Tim. It’s nice to meet you.” Dr. Tompkins had a kind voice. She shook his hand. “I heard you were very brave last night.” Tim blushed and shrugged. He thought of trying to visit Jason in the med bay. He didn’t feel brave.

Dr. Tompkins led him to a bench. She listened to his breathing and heart and asked questions about how he was feeling. It wasn’t too much different from what he remembered his doctor doing last time he went (though come to think of it, he hadn’t been to a doctor since before boarding school). Eventually she looped the stethoscope back around her neck. “You look good,” she said. “You might have some headaches over the next couple of days, but unless they turn into migraines you shouldn’t worry. If you start to feel any sort of paralysis or increased pain, tell Bruce so he can call me immediately.”  

“Yes Ma’am. Thank you,” Tim said. Dr. Tompkins ruffled Tim’s hair with a smile before going back into med bay to check on Jason. Alfred and Bruce stepped in with her, closing the door behind them.   

Tim was left on the side filled with nervous energy. He felt like he was waiting for something to happen, probably something bad. 

Dick seemed to notice. “How about I give you a tour?”. Tim nodded. Beneath his worry and fear he was brimming with curiosity about the cave. They left Alfred, Dr. Tompkins, and Bruce to talk and wandered deeper into the cave. 

Despite the tension in the air, Dick was a good tour guide. He showed Tim the gym and lockers, the computer area, and a dark corner deep in the cave where they could feed the bats. As Tim looked around in awe, he noticed small white labels on many of the items. He picked up a mug with a label on the side. “Bat-mug?” He asked. 

Dick laughed. “Yeah, Jason got a hold of a label maker a while back. We’ve been trying to label as much down here as possible. With Bat- whatever, of course. It’s been driving Bruce crazy. We kept trying to one-up each other for a while. Jason basically won when he labeled every single batarang in the cave. Bruce didn’t catch on until the middle of patrol. He still hasn’t picked all the labels off.”

Tim grinned. That sounded like something Jason would do.

By the time they got back to med bay, Dr. Tompkins had left. Bruce was nowhere to be seen, most likely still sitting with Jason. Alfred was stacking towels in a nearby closet. 

“Need any help Alfred,” Dick asked, nodding unsubtly towards Tim. 

“I would greatly appreciate your assistance Master Tim, should you choose to accompany me upstairs,” Alfred agreed.

Tim nodded and followed Alfred to the kitchen where he was put to work peeling potatoes. As much as being passed off from person to person like some kid who needed a babysitter irritated him, it was nice to have something to do. They didn’t talk, but listened to Alfred’s playlist of classical music. The day trickled by and the Monday meeting began to weigh on Tim’s mind. Was Bruce actually able to reach his parents? Would they come if he did?

That evening, Alfred left him in the library while he worked elsewhere in the house. Tim recognized the room. He and Jason often came here. The older boy took great delight in showing him the different books that Tim just had to read. Tim walked over to Jason’s shelf. It was actually a full case, filled top to bottom with the boy’s favorites. Tim pulled a title he recognized Jason promoting the week before- Cressida Cowel’s How to Train Your Dragon. Tim opened it and started to read, but for all that he tried he couldn’t lose himself on the story. He left Jason alone that morning. He had gotten scared and ran like a little kid. Jason would never do that. He deserved better. Mind made up, Tim tucked the book under his arm and headed down to the cave.

Chapter Text

Tim heard angry voices the moment he stepped onto the staircase leading down to the Batcave. Instinctively he tensed, slowed his steps, and moved as quietly as possible. He heard Dick yell “No, Bruce,” and froze completely. He should probably turn around and leave, but he hesitated. Knowledge is power , he heard his mother’s voice whisper in his head. So instead, he pressed himself against the wall and listened. 

“Jason was out there looking for that man.” Tim recognized Bruce’s voice. “I can’t let him get away.”

“He’s already gone, Bruce,” Dick said. “Believe me, I want to catch the guy as much as you, but I saw the file. There’s nothing for us to go off of.” 

Bruce just grunted angrily and Dick sighed. 

“B, how many times have you told me that we can't solve every case. Sometimes the criminal gets away. I know you want to do something, but we need you here.” Dick sounded close to tears. 

There was silence. Tim dared to peer over the rails. Below, he could just barely see Bruce dressed in the Batman suit except for the cowl, clutching the edge of the table by the giant computer. Dick stood nearby, staring pleadingly at Bruce. 

“You’ll be fine,” Bruce said.

“When was the last time you slept?” Dick asked. Bruce didn’t respond. 

“We need to make a plan. What are we going to do if he can’t walk, B? His room’s upstairs and we don’t have an elevator. What are we going to tell his school when he doesn’t show up Monday?”

“School’s closed Monday. Teacher inservice.”

“You’re missing the point!” Dick shrieked. “We can’t hide this from the public for long. We need a plan. Are we going to do a press release? What about Robin?”

Tim’s breath caught. His grip tightened on the book he was carrying. He knew Jason was hurt, but was it so bad he could never be Robin again?

“I know,” Bruce said, bringing Dick’s rambling to a stop. “I know. I’ll come up with something.” Dick started pacing and moved out of Tim’s line of sight. 

“You can’t shut down on us, Bruce. We don’t have time for whatever self pitying guilt driven rampage you’re about to go on.”

Again, Bruce did not respond. Tim leaned out a bit further, trying to get a better look of what was going on below. 

“What about Tim? You really believe everything he told you about why he was out there in the first place? Are you going to do something about-”

Bruce held up a hand and Dick stopped. Bruce turned around and looked up to the stairs. 

“Tim, why don’t you join us?” He said.

Tim jumped.  How long had Bruce known he was there? Tentatively, Tim started down the stairs. His footsteps echoed as he made his way to the cave floor. 

Dick approached him, still flushed and disheveled from the argument. 

“I’m sorry you had to hear all that,” Dick said, pulling Tim into a hug.

That’s all it took for Tim to break, and he started crying again. Through the whirl of fear and grief, he asked the question that was weighing on him the most. 

“Is Jason going to be able to walk again?”

Dick hugged him tighter. “We don’t know yet,” he said. “Leslie wants to wait until he’s more stable and can wake up before we make any major decisions. Right now we have to hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.”

Tim looked to Bruce who nodded in agreement. Now that he was on the floor, Tim could see the video feed from Jason’s room projected on the computer monitor. The older boy looked so hurt and helpless alone in the room. Not too different from how he looked lying alone on the warehouse floor.  A stab of anger surged in Tim’s chest. 

“I hate him,” Tim said. “I hate the Joker. How could someone be so- so evil?”

Neither man had an answer. 

“You don’t have to worry about him anymore,” Bruce said, voice gruff. “He fell from the catwalk. He’s in the medical wing at Arkham, completely paralyzed.”

“Good,” Tim said viciously. Neither disagreed. 

“Do you have a question for us, Tim?” Dick asked. 

“Actually…” Now that he was here, Tim was hesitant. “I wanted to visit Jason, if that’s ok?”

Dock turned to Bruce. The older man nodded and Dick gestured to the medbay door. “Do you want one of us with you?”

Tim shook his head. “I’ll be ok,” he said.

Dick nodded.

“You can prop it open if that would be more comfortable for you,” Bruce offered. 

Tim nodded again and opened the door. He turned around to close it halfway, nudging a door stopper with his feet. Back at the computer he could see Dick and Bruce, staring at each other in what seemed to be a silent argument. It ended with Bruce heaving a deep sigh and unbuckling his cape. 

The medbay was still filled with the hissing and beeping of machines, but it seemed more peaceful than it had that morning. The chair was still by Jason’s head. Tim sat down, resting the book in his lap. 

“Um  … hi Jason. It’s me. I mean. I actually have that book you were telling me about last well. I thought maybe I could read to you a bit?” Tim looked at Jason but there was no sign that the other boy heard him. “Well, um, ok. I guess I’ll start then.” He turned to the first page and began to read. 

…

Tim read the first two chapters before stopping. He looked around for a water bottle before remembering he had left it upstairs in the library. He closed the book. “Goodnight, Jason. I’ll come back and read some more tomorrow, if you want.” He watched Jason’s face, looking for any sign of wakefulness, but the other boy stayed the same. 

Tim sighed as he stood. He stepped into the cave where Bruce was shifting through files in front of his computer. Tim noted that he had traded in his Batsuit for sweats and a T-shirt. 

“Tim,” Bruce said, turning to face him.”Come here, please.”

Tim’s heart jumped. Had he done something wrong? He walked to Bruce and sat in the chair in front of him. The older man looks strangely uncomfortable and unsure. Tim waited for him to speak, his own unease building.

After a moment Bruce said “You read well. I’m sure Jason appreciates it.” Tim tried to smile, but couldn’t quite manage it. “How are you doing?” Bruce asked.  

“I’m ok,” Tim shrugged. He didn’t know how to talk about how he was feeling. It was easier to just push it aside. “You wanted to talk to me?” 

“Yes.” Now that they had arrived at the reason for the conversation, Bruce seemed to relax. “I talked to your parents. They will be here to pick you up at 10:30 on Monday.”

“They answered the phone?” Tim asked, incredulous.

“Yes,” Bruce said, raising an eyebrow. “Is that unusual?”

“They go to places without service a lot of the time,” Tim admitted. “They usually can’t answer right away.” 

“Hmm,” Bruce replied. “Well, I gave them the cover story we will be announcing to the public on Monday as well. You and Jason were skateboarding in the driveway close to the road when Jason was hit by a drunk driver. The driver left without stopping and you saved Jason’s life by getting help.”

Tim nodded. It made sense to include him in the story since he was staying with the Waynes all weekend. 

“Will I be able to come back and visit after I go home?” Tim asked.

“Of course,” said Bruce. “Jason will want you to finish the book. We’ll be sure to keep you updated as to what’s going on.”

Tim nodded. “Thanks,” he said. 

“You can go now. Sleep well, Tim.”

Tim nodded again and started for the stairs. It didn’t look like Bruce was about to go out as Batman, but he wasn’t sure. It looked like the man needed sleep more than anything. He hoped Bruce would stay. As much as he trusted Dick and Alfred, he felt safer when Bruce was around.

He turned and looked to Bruce just in time to see the man slip back into medbay.

Chapter Text

Sunday went much the same as the day before. Tim spent the day helping Alfred around the house. Between chores, he read to Jason, and he watched Dick as the young man trained in the cave. Dick even let him join in on some exercises. It was a fun challenge, and Tim couldn’t help but hope that Dick would stick around and teach him more.

Bruce again spent the day alternating between sitting at Jason’s side or working at his computer. He didn’t talk more than necessary. Alfred seemed to give up on trying to convince the man to come upstairs and rest. Dick seemed to give up on talking to him entirely. Tim knew the tension came from waiting for Jason to wake up. The longer it took, the more everyone’s anxiety grew.  

…

On Monday Tim woke after a dreamless night. By 10:30, he had everything packed and was waiting in the living room for his parents. Dick waited with him saying “I don’t mind hanging out for a while. I’ll probably have to head back to Bludhaven soon, and I want to see you off before I go.”  Tim appreciated the company since Alfred was attending to Jason downstairs with Bruce.  

10:30 came and went. Tim and Dick kept an eye out the window. There was no sign of Tim’s parents. 

“You think you should call them?” Dick asked.

Tim shrugged and hugged his legs to his chest. He should have known that his parents would do something like this. They waited. It was just after 11 when they spotted a car in the driveway.

“I’ll get Bruce,” Dick said and he rushed to the cave. 

Alfred made it to the door first. As the butler let his parents in, Tim couldn’t help but marvel at his ability to be right where he was needed. Despite everything he couldn’t help but be a bit excited. His parents were here for him. And almost on time too.

“Mom!”

Tim moved towards his mother where she stood in the doorway, hoping for a hug. He stopped at the last second and looked up at her. She laid her hand on his head and brushed his hair down, smiling kindly. Tim smiled back. Jack stood next to her, frowning. 

“Bruce, sorry for all the trouble,” Jack said, stepping forward to shake Bruce’s hand. Tim turned to see Bruce and Dick joining them by the door. 

“We were truly sorry to hear about Jason,” his mother said. “How is he?”

“Recovering,” Bruce replied. “It’s all thanks to Tim really. You have a special boy there. Jason wouldn’t be alive if Tim hadn’t gotten help when he did.”

“He is remarkably capable,” Janet agreed. Tim grinned at the compliment. Warmth spread through his chest, replacing the unease his parent’s delay had caused. “I’m pleased to hear that he has been such a help to your family.”

“Now Bruce,” she continued. “I know this is a terrible time, but Jack and I are in desperate need of help.” Tim looked up at her, bewildered. Bruce did much the same. “Our housekeeper quit.” Janet continued. “Her husband is quite ill, and she needs to stay home to take care of him. Normally she looks after Tim when we’re away. Jack and I have a business trip coming up. It’s vitally important. There is no way we can miss it and we can’t pull Tim out of school to take him with. We have to leave this Wednesday and simply do not have the time to look for a proper replacement. Of course we can’t leave Tim home by himself. Could he stay with you? It would only be for the next two weeks.”

Bruce and Alfred exchanged a look. Then Bruce said, “of course, Janet. Tim is always welcome here.”

“Thank you so much, Bruce,” Janet said.

Tim studied his mother but she looked utterly sincere. He looked to his father. His brow was furrowed and he gnawed at his lip. A chill went up Tim’s spine. His father was upset. Was it just about Mrs. Mac or having to ask Bruce for help, or was it something else? Either way. Tim was wary.

The adults made their goodbyes, and Dick and Alfred gave Tim a hug. Tim made eye contact with Bruce. He smiled comfortingly. It dawned on Tim that Batman had his back now, and he smiled back. With a small wave, he turned and followed his parents out the door.

… 

Tim sat in the car, waiting for the interrogation to begin. To his surprise, it never came. His mother’s pleasant demeanor dropped completely as soon as they were in the car. She stared sullenly ahead, ignoring Tim and Jack. In fact, both of his parents ignored Tim. As soon as they got home, his parents dismissed him to unpack. Tim was baffled. After all of their insistence that he deliver information on their rivals, he spent an entire weekend with the Waynes and they say nothing. Tim was too afraid to question it. At their instruction, he went straight to his room. 

They did not eat together. Instead, they ordered delivery that his parents each took to their respective offices. Tim went to bed with a knot in his chest that refused to go away.

Dick sent him a message in the evening letting him know nothing changed with Jason and reminding Tim that he could call any time. Tim did his best to push his worry aside and go to bed. 

In the middle of the night, Tim woke up with a gasp. The Joker’s laugh still echoed in his ears. The shadows in the room seemed to grow larger, like they were watching him. One in particular looked like a person holding something in their hand. A car drove by outside and the headlights caused the shadows to move. The hand seemed to rise up. It was holding a crowbar! Tim pulled the covers over his head and shut his eyes, shaking. What if the Joker came back? What if he figured out that it was Tim who ruined his plans to take down Robin? Would he be able to find him?

Tim did not sleep the rest of the night.

….

At school the next day, Tim found himself looking down the halls, half expecting to see Jason come walking around the corner. He hadn’t realized how alone he was until his friend was no longer there. 

Tim was grateful when the last bell finally rang. To his surprise, Alfred was waiting for him in the parking lot. 

“Is everything ok?” Tim asked as he slid into the back seat. He had long since given up trying to convince the old man to let him bike home.

“Yes, Master Tim. there’s been no change with Master Jason; however, Dr. Tompkins expects that he will wake sometime in the next two days.”

“That’s good!” Tim immediately brightened. 

He thanked Alfred when the old man dropped him off at his home and jumped out the car with a smile. He walked into the house, mentally going over what he wanted to tell Jason when he saw him next, when he realized that his parents’ cars were in the garage. Tim frowned. He knew they were leaving the next day, but they were never home this early. What was going on?

The house was in a frenzy. Tim walked in to find three suitcases already by the door, and his father placing a fourth next to them. 

“Hi, Dad,” Tim said hesitantly. “”Everything ok?”

“We’re packing. Plane’s leaving early tomorrow.” Jack said. “Go help your mother.”

Tim put his backpack in his room before finding his mother in her office. She was standing on a chair, taking books off the top shelf of her bookcase. A mostly empty suitcase lay open on the floor beside her. 

“Hi, Mom. Do you need any help?”

She turned. When she saw Tim her frown tightened for a moment before her expression relaxed into one of controlled neutrality. 

“Hello, Timothy. You can put these in the suitcase for me.” Tim grabbed the books she handed him. They worked in silence. Tim wondered why they were packing so many suitcases if their trip was only going to be two weeks. He couldn’t remember his  mother ever bringing so many books with her before either. 

When Janet was satisfied she moved the chair back against the wall. Tim lingered in the doorway. She paused to look at him. Tim couldn’t figure out what she was thinking. Their eyes met. After a moment Janet opened her arms as if for a hug. Without hesitation, Tim rushed up to her. Her arms wrapped around him and he melted against her, breathing in the scent of her perfume. He wanted to tell her how much he loved her, how much he wished she would stay, but he couldn’t. After a moment she pushed him away. She placed a hand under his chin, studying his face. Tim wanted to ask if she was ok, if something was going on, but he was afraid to ruin the moment. She gave him a small, fond smile, then stepped away. “Take this downstairs for me, Timothy.” 

“Ok, Mom.” Tim said, and he dragged the suitcase out the door. 

That night Tim had another nightmare. His heart raced. The room around him looked green like joker venom. He bit his lip, afraid that he would start smiling again. He curled up, hugging his legs. He hated this. He just wanted to go back to sleep. He wanted his mom to hug him again. Tim got up and padded to the door. He stopped as he reached for the handle. She wouldn’t want him to wake her up. That would make both of his parents mad, and whatever it was that was going on was enough as is. Tim couldn't add his problems on top of all of that. Tim crawled back into bed. He shut his eyes. It was hours before he fell back asleep.

Chapter Text

Tim’s parents left before he woke the next morning. The memory of his mother’s hug left a pang as he realized he didn’t get to say goodbye. 

Tim made it to school, but was listless most of the day. He did the bare minimum, often catching himself from nodding off entirely. He kept an eye on the clock, his mind oscillating between missing his parents and excitement to be going back to Bruce, Alfred and Jason. The more the school day went on, the more his excitement faded. Bruce and Alfred needed to focus on Jason. What if Jason needed help but they were too busy doing something for Tim to notice? What about Batman? Bruce couldn’t stay behind just to look after Tim. Tim would be much better off staying by himself like he usually did. He couldn’t bear to be a burden.  

When the bell finally rang, Tim slipped out the door as quietly as possible. He knew the Waynes were expecting him, but he could probably tell them that he was packing and wait until after dinner before heading over. 

The sight of Alfred waiting to pick him up ruined that plan. 

“Hi Alfred,” Tim sighed as he slid into the back seat. He chided himself mentally. Alfred was just being nice. Tim couldn’t make it seem like he was ungrateful.

“Hello Master Tim. How was your day?”

“It was ok. You know you don’t have to pick me up. I could bike home.”

“It is no trouble at all. I won’t have you thinking about that.” said Alfred. “Now, we will stop at your house and grab your things before going back to the manor.” 

Tim nodded. He didn’t feel like talking. His bag was by the door, a mirror to his parent’s the previous day. He and Alfred loaded it into the truck next to Tim’s bike. Then they drove back to the manor. 

“I’m quite pleased that you are staying with us while your parents are away,” Alfred said.

“Thanks for having me,” Tim replied automatically, still occupied with the guilt of imposing on Alfred.  

“As you are now officially under my care, we will start with my expectations.”

Tim’s head shot up. He hadn’t been expecting this.

“I understand that you may have been accustomed to sneaking out after dark in the past without informing your parents or guardian; however, that is behavior I do not tolerate in my home. If you wish to participate in night photography, you will inform me or Master Bruce prior to doing so. In such cases, there will be absolutely no leaving the manor grounds, but as long as you follow our instructions, I see no reason why you could not practice after dark. Am I understood?”

“Yes, sir,” Tim said.

“Very good. Master Dick sends his regards. He returned to Bludhaven this morning. He will be back Friday evening.”

Tim hummed in acknowledgement, half listening again. He hadn’t thought of sneaking into the city while staying at the manor before, but now that Alfred had forbidden it, he was half tempted to try. He looked at the rearview mirror and found Alfred’s eyes glaring back at him, as if the old man knew exactly what Tim was thinking. He best not, then. 

Alfred led Tim to the same room he had stayed in over the weekend. He unpacked his suitcase before going downstairs to the kitchen to work on his homework. By hanging out with Jason after school, Tim discovered that he enjoyed working at the kitchen table. Unlike his own house where every room except his own remained eerily empty, Alfred was usually in and out and Jason was always there to talk to. Even Bruce was around more often than not. 

After Tim finished his homework, he brought his book down to the cave to read to Jason. Bruce was still by the computer. Bruce turned to acknowledge Tim when he saw him approach.

“How are you, Tim?” He asked. Tim noted the dark circles under his eyes. Had he left the cave at all since Tim saw him last?

“I’m good.” Tim said. I’m going to read to Jason some more if that’s ok.”

“Of course”, Bruce said, gesturing to the door. 

Tim sat in the chair at the head of the bed. He had his book and his water bottle ready to go. Jason looked the same as before, but Tim had gotten more used to the machines by now. He tuned them out and began to read.

“Hiccup yelled as loudly as he could “please will you stop eating my father’s beard?” As Hiccup suspected, Toothless took no notice whatsoever. I knew I’d be useless a yelling thought, Hic-”

Tim felt a nudge against his leg. He paused and looked down at the bed. Jason’s eyes were open, looking up at him, and his non-casted hand brushed against Tim’s knee. 

“Jason!” Tim gasped. “Wait, I have to get Bruce.”

Tim ran to the medbay door.

“Bruce, Bruce, Jason's awake!”

Bruce dropped what he was doing and ran in. Tim lingered at the door as he watched Bruce tenderly take his son’s hand. 

“Get Alfred, please Tim,” Bruce said quickly, before turning back to Jason.

Tim nodded and grinned as he ran back up the stairs. 

Everything was going to be ok.

…

Jason couldn’t stay awake for long, but Tim could see the weight lifted off of Bruce’s chest. Jason could feel his legs. He was off the ventilator. He’s responded well to the neurological test. Leslie came by and performed a more thorough examination and, with Alfred, crafted a detailed recovery plan. It was going to take a lot of physical therapy, but they were confident Jason would fully recover. 

The household celebrated by eating together in the cave. Bruce was even more reluctant to leave Jason alone when he could wake again at any moment, and Alfred and Tim felt the same. The vigil took on a celebratory air. They even FaceTimed Dick who almost threw his phone across the room as he, literally, jumped for joy. 

“I’m still coming down this weekend,” Dick said. “But if you need me earlier just let me know. I’ll be there.” 

Bruce agreed that he would. Alfred turned to him with an approving eye.

“Will Batman be making an appearance tonight, sir?” he asked. 

Tim leaned forward, intensely interested in his answer.

“No, Alfred,” said Bruce. “Tomorrow, for a while. I have some leg work on the Black Mask case that I can’t put off for too much longer, but patrol can wait for tonight.”

Tim found himself staring at Bruce in awe. He knew Bruce was neglecting Batman to stay close to Jason, but to put it aside for days on end? Tim couldn’t imagine his parents doing anything like that for him. 

Alfred made Tim a cup of tea before bed. Tim smiled and thanked the old man. He laughed to himself as he saw Alfred bring another cup downstairs to Bruce who had finally acquiesced to sleep for more than a 30 min cat nap, but only on the couch in the cave. 

It didn’t take long for Tim to fall asleep. 

…

Tim was in the warehouse again. He peered over the edge of the catwalk looking for something lost in the green gas below. The gas cleared and he could spot the bloodied remains of a red and green uniform. Laughter echoed around him. Tim turned. There was the Joker, swinging a crowbar. It hit Tim in the chest and he stumbled back. He was falling-

Tim woke up. He sat up in his bed, trying to calm his racing heart. He thought about lying back down, but he couldn’t stand the thought of having another nightmare. He turned on his light and grabbed his mug of tea. It had long since gone cold. Tim sighed and got up. He walked down to the kitchen, careful to be as quiet as possible. 

Tim was washing the mug when he had the uncomfortable feeling that he was being watched. He turned with a gasp. Bruce was standing behind him. He held up his hands and stepped to the side.

“Sorry, bud. Didn’t mean to surprise you.”

Tim nodded, still on edge. He continued washing the mug, watching Bruce out of the corner of his eye.  

Tim turned off the faucet and turned to see Bruce handing him a towel.

“Would you like some hot chocolate?” Bruce asked.

Tim nodded. He dried the mug and put it away before sitting on a stool by the counter. He watched as Bruce heated up milk on the stove. 

After a while, Bruce handed him a mug before moving to sit on the stool beside him, holding a mug of his own. 

“Can’t sleep?” Bruce asked.

Tim shook his head no.

“Nightmare?”

After a slight hesitation Tim nodded.

“Want to talk about it.” 

Tim didn’t say anything. No one had ever asked him if he wanted to talk about his nightmares before. He took a sip of the hot chocolate. It was good. Much better than the watery stuff they served in the winter back at boarding school. He should tell Bruce he was fine and just go back to bed, but he was so tired. And this was Bruce, Batman. Maybe he could help?

“I- well. I dreamed of the warehouse. And the Joker.”

Bruce hummed sympathetically. 

“It’s just- I know I’m safe now. There’s no reason to be bothering anyone. Cause it’s fine now. I’m fine Jason’s going to be fine. I shouldn’t be fine” He looked up at Bruce and his voice began to choke up. He looked down at his hot chocolate again. He had to hold it together. Why was he talking at all? He should have just stayed in his room.

“Want to hear a secret?”

“Ok?”

“I had a nightmare too.”

Tim put his mug down and turned to Bruce.

“Really? “But you’re Batman?”

Bruce chuckled. “Even Batman has nightmares sometimes. When I was your age, Alfred would make me hot chocolate and we would talk about it together. I still like to make myself hot chocolate on bad nights. I did it for my other boys, too.” 

All Tim could think of to say was, “I thought Alfred would make you tea?”

Bruce chuckled. “Here’s another secret.” He leaned in closer. “I don’t really like tea, either.”

That made Tim chuckle, and he took another sip of his hot chocolate.

“You went through a traumatic event,” Bruce said. “Just because Jason’s going to recover doesn’t mean you have to be ok right now. Nightmares are normal. If you ever have a nightmare, do not hesitate to find me. Even if it’s the middle of the night and you have to wake me up, it’s ok.”

Tim sniffed. He felt like crying again. He felt a hand on his back. He looked up at Bruce who looked down on him sympathetically. 

“You can always talk to me, Tim. You’re safe here.”

Tim leaned into him, his heart aching with an intense longing. He wanted… he wasn’t sure what he wanted. He was only sure that he did feel safe with the Waynes,and he didn’t want that feeling to go away. He closed his eyes, enjoying the comforting feel of Bruce next to him. They drank their hot chocolate in companionable silence. After a while Tim realized he was drifting off to sleep again. He didn’t have the energy to fight it, but a jolt of alarm ran through him.

“I don’t want to fall asleep,” he whispered.

“Are you afraid of having another nightmare?” Bruce asked.

Tim nodded.

“Do you want me to bring you upstairs? I can stay with you until you fall asleep.”

After a moment's hesitation, Tim nodded again. Batman was here. Batman could keep the nightmares away.  

“Alright” Bruce stood. The next thing Tim knew he was being lifted by two strong arms. He slumped against Bruce, closed his eyes, and fell back asleep. 

Chapter Text

“Ok, now keep your legs straight. I’m going to let go in 3, 2, 1.”

Tim held his breath and concentrated on keeping his balance. He felt Dick let go of his legs. For a second he thought he was going to fall, but with a quick shift of weight, he found his balance.

“I’m doing it!” He shrieked. “Jason, look! I’m doing it!”

“Awesome, Timbo!” Jason cheered.

Tim tried to look around for Dick but began to wobble. He straightened and looked straight forward. Dick moved into his eyesight, doing a walking handstand. 

“You’re doing great,” he said with a grin.

Tim smiled, but the strain on his wrists was becoming too much. His arms buckled and he fell onto the pillows piled on the floor. 

Dick flipped right side up and crouched down next to him.

“You good?” He asked.

“Yeah,” Tim nodded.

“You know Jay, tumbling like that, our Tim bo is a Timb er ” Dick slapped his knee and laughed uproariously.

The other boys groaned. 

“You are the worst,” Jason said. 

Dick just grinned, completely without shame. 

Tim and Jason exchanged looks then burst out in laughter. 

Tim plopped on the couch next to Jason. The boys were together in the living room. Jason sat on the couch watching Dick teach Tim how to do a handstand, shouting pointers now and then. 

Over the last two weeks Jason's energy had improved greatly. Jason was still wheelchair bound while his legs were in casts, so the family temporarily moved his bedroom downstairs in the room next to Alfred. Between his family's attentiveness and intense physical therapy, his recovery was going smoothly. A fact that had everyone greatly relieved.

When Tim first came to stay with the Waynes he was expecting something like how it had been at boarding school. He expected that he would spend most of his time at school or in his room, staying out of everyone else’s way. After all, they had Jason to focus on. He was more than happy to help out with chores, but surely no one would really want to spend time with him. 

But, he was wrong. 

Tim had chalked up Bruce’s friendliness the first night he was there to the fact that Jason had woken up. Why else would he insist that everyone eat dinner together or help him with his nightmare? But to Tim’s surprise, it didn’t stop.

Bruce was always around. He started going into the office more, but he was always home by dinner. Every night they ate together “as a family,” before Bruce, and sometimes Dick would go out as Batman and Nightwing. Sometimes, Tim couldn't help but feel guilty by how much he was included in their family time, but he’d take the guilt over night after night completely alone. 

To his continued confusion, The Waynes actually seemed to enjoy spending time with just him as well. He and Jason continued to read together, often switching who was reading chapter to chapter. Dick taught him gymnastics, Alfred taught him how to navigate the kitchen, and after an evening when Tim was brave enough to ask, Bruce would show him blueprints for different Batman and WI projects. Bruce even let him tinker with equipment in the cave sometimes. Every time that happened Tim couldn’t help but wonder what his parents would do to see those blueprints and he would feel guilty all over again. 

Tim glanced at his phone. Jason noticed.

“Nothing?” He asked.

“Not yet,” Tim replied, trying to hide his growing nerves. His two weeks were up. His parents were supposed to be here to take him home. Not that Tim really wanted to go. He enjoyed staying with the Waynes more than anything except maybe his night photography. But, he knew he couldn’t continue to impose.

 Bruce would probably appreciate more peaceful nights once Tim left. Most nights when he had a nightmare, he was able to go back to sleep, but on bad ones he would go down to the kitchen. He didn’t wake Bruce up on purpose, Batman got little enough sleep as is, but somehow Bruce always knew. They didn’t talk much, but  Bruce would make hot chocolate and they’d sit together. It was nice.

Tim had to put it out of his mind. He would have to deal with his own nightmares now. His parents would be here any minute.  

Bruce appeared in the doorway. “Boys, could you help Alferd set the table?”

“Alright, B,” Dick helped Jay into his wheelchair and pushed him out the door. 

Tim was about to follow when Bruce said, “hold on, Tim.” Tim stopped. “Have you heard from your parents yet?”

“No, sir” Tim said. Bruce looked troubled. 

“Hmm, alright. See if Alfred needs anything. I’ll be there in a minute."

Dinner was tense. Tim and Bruce kept checking their phone, but there was nothing. After dinner, Bruce dropped Jason off in the library before going to his office while Dick and Tim helped Alfred clear the table. Tim was drying dishes when Bruce appeared back in the kitchen, a carefully neutral expression on his face.

“Tim, will you come with me, please.”

Tim gulped. There was a sinking feeling in his stomach. Something was wrong.

They walked to Bruce’s office. It was tastefully decorated with several comfortable looking armchairs next to packed bookcases. Bruce gestured for Tim to sit in one, then he pulled his office chair from behind his desk and sat across from him. Tim bit his lip as he waited.

“I’m going to ask some questions, and I need you to answer honestly.” Tim nodded nervously.

“The board for Drake Industries voted to file for bankruptcy today. Nobody has been able to contact your parents since last week. Tell me, have you talked to them at all?”

Tim’s breath caught. Did something happen to his parents? He shook his head. “No,” he said. 

“When was the last time you heard from them?”

“I… not since before they left. Are they in trouble? Did something bad happen to them?”

Bruce’s expression was hard. “I’m so, so sorry, Tim, but I’ve started using some of my resources to investigate their personal accounts. They’ve taken actions that suggest they’ve made some poor decisions and they’re…not planning on coming back.”

Tim stared at him dumbly, his words echoing in his head. 

“Right now, my biggest priority is to protect you,but I need you to be completely honest. How often do they leave you alone?”

Tim wrung his hands in his lap. He couldn’t say anything. He could barely breathe. His parents left him behind. They weren't coming back. 

“Tim,” Bruce took a deep breath. “I know you don’t have a nanny or babysitter, and your housekeeper was only paid to be there twice a week. Your parents have been leaving you alone for a while now, haven’t they?”

Tim didn’t know what to do. “They just work a lot. They had business trips and…” He managed.

“It’s ok, Tim. I need you to be honest with me so I can help you. Is there anyone looking after you when your parents are away at all?”

In a daze, Tim shook his head no. “Not since I got back from boarding school,” he said.

“What exactly does Mrs. Mac do when she’s at your house?”

“Umm, she brings groceries and cleans a bit.”

“Are you ever home when she stops by?” 

Tim shook his head again. “I’m at school.”

“Alright,” Bruce sighed. “I’m so sorry this happened to you, Tim. You have done remarkably well on your own, but it won’t be like that now. I’m taking care of everything. You'll stay here with us from now on. If you are more comfortable elsewhere we can look into it, but I want you here for now.”

“You mean I can’t go home?” Tim asked.

Bruce shook his head sadly. “We can go to pick up your things, but as of now, I am your legal guardian.”

“What about my parents?”

Bruce hesitated. “No one has been able to find them, Tim. And even when they do, leaving you alone for weeks without a guardian is a crime. I’d want to guarantee they’ll do better before letting you go back into their care.” 

“But they took care of me,” Tim insisted, struggling to hold back tears. Why was Bruce doing this? His parents always came back. Why was this time any different?

Bruce started to say something, but Tim interrupted. He was suddenly very angry. 

“No, They took care of me. I always had food and clothes and, and  a credit card. I didn’t need anything else.” 

“I’m glad you had what you did, but that doesn’t make it ok,” Bruce said, calmly.

Tim jumped up from his seat “They love me. They take care of me and they love me. They only go away because they have to work, but they always come back. They wouldn’t just leave .” He was yelling now. And crying, but he couldn’t stop.

“Tim-” Bruce tried to reach for him, but Tim wrenched himself away. He opened his mouth to yell more, but he couldn’t. His brain felt like static. He wanted to go home. He wanted his parents here so everything would go back to normal. He turned and ran out the door.

Tim threw himself in the first open door he found. He stood in the center of the room, breathing hard. He wiped away his tears. Maybe Bruce was wrong and his parents were in trouble somewhere? Maybe they needed his help? They wouldn’t leave him behind forever on purpose, would they?

“Tim?” 

Tim looked up. He realized he was in the library. Jason in his chair, book in his lap. 

“Tim!” Jason repeated. “What’s wrong?”

“I-”

At the sight of Jason, Tim’s anger fizzled out. He was alone. They really left him alone.

“I don’t think my parents aren’t coming back.”

“Oh, Timmy…” Tim rushed into Jason’s open arms, unable to stop his tears. 

“Bruce says even if they do come back I can’t go back to them. But I don’t don’t understand. They take care of me.”

Jason sighed and he patted Tim's back. “Look, Timmy…I don’t know what’s been going on exactly, but I know what I’ve seen. And what I’ve seen is your parents leave you alone all  the time. And that’s not ok.”

He pushed Tim back slightly. Tim sniffed and wiped his nose. He sat down on the sofa in front of Jason.  “I’m fine,” Tim said. “It’s… I’m fine.”

“No, you’re not,” Jason sounded angry now. “I know it’s hard for you to think about all this now, but your parents leaving you alone is not ok. Believe me, I know. I was there. I was alone. I wasn’t ok. If it weren’t for B it would have been really, really bad.” 

“But it’s different,” Tim insisted. “It’s not like I’m homeless. My parents are trying, they’re just busy.”

Jason sighed, his brow furrowed. “You know, my dad was not a good person, but even when he was at his worst I still loved him. He beat me and my mom, then turn around and apologize. Say he’s trying and it’ll be better soon.” He scoffed. “That didn’t stop him from doing it all over again the next day. And Mom would just make excuses for him. It was never his fault. He’d hit me cause I was playing too loud, or looked at him wrong, or something crappy happened at work, but, of course, it wasn’t his fault.”

Tim found himself nodding thinking of the times his father hit him before. 

“Yeah,” he agreed. 

Jason’s gaze sharpened. “Tim, do your- do your parents hit you?”

Tim paled and started to back away, shaking his head. With his good hand, Jason reached out and grabbed Tim’s wrist. 

“You’re like my little brother. I don’t want you to get hurt, but for me to protect you I need you to tell me.”

Jason thought of him as a brother? Tim thought of all the times his father had hurt him before. All of the times his mother did nothing to stop him. Of the worst time that he had tried over and over again to forget about. He thought of Bruce who was always kind, always gentle. Who made him feel safe. 

“My dad,” Tim admitted. “Sometimes. The worst was right before I went to boarding school. I knocked over a glass of water on his computer. He hit me with a belt and Mom didn’t stop him.” Tim began to cry again.

“You gotta tell Bruce, Tim,” Jason insisted.

“But-,”

“We love you, we just want to take care of you. Your parents won’t be able to hurt you again. You could stay here and be my little brother. We just gotta tell Bruce.”

“Do you want me to stay?” Tim whispered.

“Of course. You're my little brother now. Of course I want you to stay.”

Tim sobbed and rushed to hug Jason again. 

“Why do they always leave?” He asked.

“I don’t know Timmy,” Jason said, his voice choking as well. “But we’re not leaving you. I won’t let it happen.” 

Tim cried more at his words. He desperately wanted to believe Jason. He was so tired of being alone. 

“Want me to call Bruce in here?”

Tim sniffed and rubbed his eyes. “Can we wait? I just want to go to bed.”

“Ok, ok. But we’ll talk to him tomorrow. Promise?”

Tim hesitated.

“I'll stay with you the whole time,” Jason assured him. “We’ll tell him together. Ok?”

“Ok, I promise.”

Chapter Text

Tim woke the next day to a feeling of absolute dread. He knew he promised Jason that he’d talk to Bruce, but now that the day was here, he wasn’t sure if he could do it. He dragged his feet walking down the stairs. The rest of the Waynes were already there. Tim took the seat across from Jason and thanked Alfred when the butler served him a plate of scrambled eggs and toast.

“Mornin’ Tim,” Dick greeted. The others grunted in something resembling a pleasant greeting. The Waynes were most definitely not morning people, Tim noted. Tim served himself a cup of coffee, ignoring Alfred’s disapproving eye. Jason caught his eye from across the table, but Tim quickly looked away.   

The calm was broken by a buzzing cell phone. Bruce blinked out of his pre-coffee haze and pulled his phone from his pocket. 

“It’s Lucius,” he said to Alfred’s questioning gaze. “Sorry everyone, I have to take this.”

He stood and walked away from the table.

Alfred poured Jason a glass or orange juice. “Leslie called as well. Master Jason, your appointment has been moved to the afternoon. And before you say anything about riding your bike, we will be there to pick you up after school, Master Tim.”

Jason  and Dick chuckled at Tim’s frown. Tim’s insistence that he could get himself to and from school was an oft-repeated morning exchange.  “Ok,” Tim agreed. He was too tired to argue about it today. Ignoring Dick’s look of concern, Tim pushed the eggs around on his plate. He wasn’t really hungry. 

“You ok?” Dick asked. 

“Oh, yeah. I’m fine. Just tired, I guess,” Tim replied.

Dick frowned a moment, before turning to the kitchen where Alfred was putting the juice back in the fridge. “Oh, Al, I won’t be home for dinner tonight. Wally called. We’re having a game night over at the tower.” 

“Titain’s Tower?” Tim asked, his interest peaked. 

“Yeah, I’ll have to bring you sometime,” Dick smiled. Tim managed a tired smile back. 

Bruce came back into the room. He sat down with an exasperated sigh. “He wanted to make sure I was coming to the board meeting today. As if I wasn’t the one who scheduled it in the first place.”

“You mean the board meeting that you have postponed three times in a row, sir?” Alfred asked dryly. 

“Well, yes.” Bruce admitted. “But I am going, this time. I’ll be sure to be home by dinner.”

“You sure about that B?” Dick asked. “Those meetings take, like, all day long. I totally get trying to put it off as long as possible.” 

Bruce gave Dick an unamused look. “Let’s not tempt fate. Like I said, I’ll be home for dinner.”

“Very well, sir,” said Alfred.

“I’ll drop you off on my way, Tim.,” Bruce said. “Be ready to go in an hour.”

“Ok,” Tim replied. He got up and scrapped his plate into the trash. He felt awful for wasting Alfred’s food, but he didn’t think he could eat anything else. 

Not long after, he met Bruce by the garage.

“Ready?” Bruce asked. Tim nodded and they got in the car. 

Tim stayed quiet. He wondered if he should say something, but he didn’t know what. The conversions from the previous night kept running through his head. His parents might be gone forever. He still couldn’t believe they would leave him on purpose. They had to be in trouble. That was it. There was something wrong and they would come back once it was ok again. He just had to ask Bruce for help.

Tim remembered how Jason called him little brother. How Bruce said he could stay. How he had yelled at Bruce for it. Tim was racked with guilt as the memory. It all left him so confused, he didn’t know where to start. 

 Bruce kept glancing over like we wanted to say something. Finally, he spoke.

“I know you’re probably still upset about our conversation yesterday. I hope you know I will do whatever I can to help you through this. It’s ok to ask questions. I will do my best to answer.”

Tim bit his lip as he struggled to put his thoughts together. Bruce kept saying that he wanted to protect Tim, but what about his parents? Even if they weren’t the best, that didn’t mean he should abandon them.  

“Just… if my parents are really in trouble. If it’s not their fault, will you help them?” Tim asked. 

Bruce nodded. “I will.”

“Ok,” Tim said, with relief. “Good.” 

Then, “I’m sorry I yelled at you.”

“It’s ok, Tim. Yesterday was hard. There will probably be other hard moments coming. If you have to yell at me, you yell at me. As long as we can keep talking, we’ll be ok.” He chuckled. “Dick taught me that.”

Tim’s guilt abated, just a little. 

They pulled up at the school and Bruce parked the car.  

“Have a good day at school, Tim.”

Tim smiled. “Thanks for the ride, B.”

…

Tim rocked on his feet, keeping an eye out for Alfred’s car. The air was filled with other children’s shouts and chatter as they were picked up. Maybe Alfred forgot about him? Maybe something went wrong at Jason’s check up and he actually needed surgery and Tim just should have insisted on biking home so Alfred could look after Jason. 

Tim broke out of his internal spiral when he saw Alfred’s car finally pull into the queue. He let out a sigh of relief. 

The car stopped in front of him. Tim opened the door and sat. Worry still lingered in the back of his mind.

“Hey, Timbo,” Jason greeted from the seat next to him. He looked tired, but not in pain. The worry began to ease slightly.

“Hey. Everything go ok?” He asked. 

“I’m good.” Jason replied with a grin. “Leslie said-” 

He was cut off by the sound of a gunshot. The excited shouts around them turned into screams. Tim gasped. He and Jason looked to Alfred.

“Stay down,” Alfred ordered. 

A man appeared at the driver's side door. He was wearing a ski mask and holding a gun. Tim flinched as he pounded the door.

“Get out of the car,” the man shouted.

Alfred ignored him and turned the key. The car engine roared to life. 

“Tim, seat belt,” he ordered. 

Tim was fumbling with his seat belt when he was deafened by a gunshot. He threw his hands over his ears and watched in shock as Alfred slumped in his seat. The butler clutched his arm, groaning. 

“Alfred!” Jason screamed.

Tim realized he was screaming too.

There was a horrible cracking sound as the man used the butt of his gun to break through the window, a window already weakened by a bullet hole. 

“Tim, you need to run.” Jason said urgently. 

Tim stared at the blood splattered on the car in shock. “Tim,” Jason yelled. Tim felt Jason shove him and he snapped too. 

“What about you?” He asked.  In front of them an arm reached through the broken window to unlock the car. 

“You need to get B. Go get B” Jason begged. Tim nodded grimly and opened the door. He made it all of two feet before he was caught by the arm by another man. 

“Let go,” he screamed and he kicked at the man holding him. The man winced but tightened his grip. “No! Let go!”

The man pulled a cloth out of his coat pocket and shoved it against Tim’s face.Tim tried to rip it away, but the man caught his hands. Tim went limp. The world was becoming fuzzy. Dark spots filled his vision. Tim felt himself being thrown back in the car. He vaguely heard Jason shouting, a loud thud on pavement and the car door slamming close. He realized the car was moving before everything went black.

Chapter Text

Jason woke to a headache and an awful taste in his mouth he recognized as chloroform. He kept his body relaxed and his eyes closed, using his other senses to get a picture of what was going on, like Bruce taught him. He could feel that his right hand was zip tied to a chair. He twitched his fingers on left hand around his cast and they brushed against another zip tie. From the smell of sewage and salt in the air, he deduced they were close to the harbor. He listened carefully and heard a man speaking.

“What is this?”

“It’s nothing, just a fake. You can use the other one. It works, I promise.”

Tim! But what was the fake he was talking about? What was going on?

Jason opened his eyes. He was in what appeared to be an abandoned office. There was one window blocked by a pile of cardboard boxes leaking in the afternoon light. In front of him, sitting behind a dusty desk was a man wearing a bowler hat. Tim’s backpack was lying on the floor, its contents strewn about on the table. The man was holding Tim’s phone, alternating between staring at it and Tim furiously. On the table between a binder and a mechanical pencil was… also Tim’s phone. Against the wall stood the two thugs who had kidnapped them, both visibly armed. 

Jason looked over to Tim. The younger boy’s hands were zip tied together and duct taped to the back of the chair. He looked at their captor with an expression Jason intimately recognized as a kid trying not to show someone bigger and stronger that he’s afraid.

Jason remembered what happened before he passed out. Alfred getting shot and the thug throwing him out of the car. Jason reaching for the emergency button on his watch only to realize that he didn’t have it on because of his cast. Tim escaping only to get thrown back in the car beside him before, drugged. Jason getting drugged too. By the ache all over his body, Jason figured he’d been out of it for at least an hour, probably more.

Jason shook with anger. How dare these people kidnap them and hurt Alfred. Why were they talking to Tim? They just wanted to extort Bruce Wayne for a ransom, right? 

Bowler Hat tossed the phone he was holding onto the table. He picked up the other one, tapped it a few times, and it began to ring. 

You have reached the voicemail of Janet Drake. At the tone please record your message... 

Bowler Hat spoke into the phone.

“Time’s up Drake. We have your son. Get us the money, or else.” He tapped on the phone a couple of times and it rang again. This time it went to Jack Drake’s voicemail. Bowler Hat left the same message, then turned to Tim.

“Where are they?”

Jason filled with dread. This was all about the Drakes. They ran away and left Tim in the middle of their mess. Bruce should have seen this coming. Jason should have seen this coming. He was supposed to protect Tim. How could he do that when he couldn’t even walk? He twisted his good hand as much as he could, but the zip tie was too tight. He was trapped. 

“I don’t know,” Tim said, his voice wavering slightly. It hurt to hear. Some big brother Jason was turning out to be. 

Bowler Hat scowled and hit the call button again. Jason figured this was a good time to act as any.

“Hey,” he shouted. “What do you want with us?”

The Bowler Hat ignored him. Jason held himself back from screaming in frustration. He had to keep the man’s attention away from Tim, but not get him so mad he would lash out at him instead.  

“My dad can pay ransom for both of us. Just call him,” Jason insisted.

Bowler Hat didn’t respond. He called Tim’s parents, and again it went to voicemail.

Jason tried to protest some more, but he wasn’t getting any reaction at all. The thugs eyed him with annoyance, but the man in the bowler hat ignored him entirely. Every time he spoke, Tim would look between him and the thugs with fear, but Jason could tell that as long as he didn’t really push it, they wouldn’t do a thing without the ok from Bowler Hat. After a while Jason gave up. Being ignored wasn’t great, but it was better than taking a beating.

By Jason’s estimates, there was about 15 minutes in between calls. There had been 4 calls to each phone so far, but no response. Just pick up Jason begged silently. Tim slumped in his seat more and more each time the ringing ended in a voicemail. Bowler Hat’s frown grew deeper. Jason eyed their captor. How much longer did they have before he snapped?

“If you know anything,” Bowler Hat warned after the last call went to voicemail, “you’re better off telling me.”

“I told you I don't know,” Tim insisted. “They don’t tell me anything.”

“If this is about money-” Jason tried again, but the man didn’t let him finish. 

“Be quiet.” Bowler Hat ordered, then he turned back to Tim. He was about to say something else when a phone started to ring. Everyone looked at Tim’s phone, but that wasn’t it. Bowler Hat pulled a phone from his jacket pocket and frowned.

“Stay here,” he ordered his men. He walked past the two boys and out the door.

The two thugs stayed where they were. Neither made any threatening moves to the boys, so Jason took the opportunity to talk to Tim. 

“Are you ok?”, he asked. “Did they hurt you?”

Tim shook his head. “I’m ok,” he whispered. “You think Alfred’s…” 

Jason grimaced. “He’ll be ok. Alfred’s tough. And B’s gonna be here soon, I’m sure of it.” Jason promised.  

Jason knew Bruce would come. If the kidnappers drove the car all the way here, he would know exactly where to go. If they switched vehicles, it might be more difficult but it was nothing B couldn’t handle. Besides, with Tim’s phone here, Oracle could find them with no problem. The worst problem was they were taken in the middle of Bruce’s meeting. That was probably why he wasn’t here yet. It would be difficult to slip away from a public space. But he would come. He always did. They just needed to hold on until he got there. 

The man in the bowler hat stepped back in the room. He looked even angrier than before. 

“You better hope your parents pick up soon boy, for your sake.” He barked as he made his way back to the desk. Tim and Jason exchanged a nervous look. 

“It takes them a while to call back. They don’t have service a lot of the time when they’re away,” Tim said. Bowler Hat scowled and aggressively hit the call button on Tim’s phone. This time, it rang twice before going voicemail.

Tim paled and Jason bit back a curse. They declined the call. 

Bowler Hat glared at them. The light peeking through the window was starting to fade. It would be dark soon. Why wasn’t B here yet? Why wouldn’t he let him call B?

The next call was declined too. And the one after that. 

Jason saw Tim gnawing at his lower lip. Bowler Hat paced back and forth, tapping his finger against his leg. The two thugs shifted their weight and occasionally lapped the room. Tim’s phone lay silent on the table. 

Jason begged silently for Tim’s parents to pick up, to call back. 

They didn’t.

As the room became darker so did the look on Bowler Hat’s face. 

Jason knew they were running out of time. 

It was after dark when Bowler Hat pushed all of Tim’s things back into his backpack. He paused before tossing the phone in with a sigh. 

“You have my sincere apologies young man. I do wish it didn’t have to turn out like this, but we are out of time and the boss has decided to use your family as an example.” He turned to the thugs. “If the Drakes ever show their faces in Gotham again, kill them. Throw the kid in the harbor.”

Jason’s blood ran cold. One of the thugs pulled out a gun and pointed it at Tim’s head.

“No-” Jason shouted.

 Bowler Hat raised a hand.

“Don’t shoot,” the man said. “We don’t want to attract unwanted attention.”

Jason remembered to breathe. He looked to the blocked window. Where was B?

“What about Wayne’s kid?” One of the thugs asked.

“Ransom. Boss said he’ll handle it. Someone will be by to pick him up soon.”

The men moved to Tim. One pulled out a pocket knife and sliced through the zip ties on Tim’s wrists. The younger boy immediately lashed out, shouting. Jason shouted too, trying to move his aching limbs. 

“Wait, my father will pay his ransom too. You don’t have to do this,” Jason begged.

“Those aren't my orders.”

“The Drakes owe you money, right, well my dad can get you money. You don’t have to hurt him.”

“I'm truly sorry, boy, but the boss said to jump, so I jump.”

Jason was as afraid as he had been when he was alone with the Joker. They couldn’t do this. Jason kept yanking against the zip ties to no avail. Beside him, one of the men cursed when Tim bit his hand. 

“Tim, Timmy” Jason yelled. For a moment, the boys’ eyes met.

“Jason,”  Tim called back, his face full of fear. 

Jason watched in horror as one of the thugs rolled his eyes and drew his gun.

“NO!” Jason screamed. 

The man hit Tim over the head and the boy went limp. 

In his desperation to get to Tim, Jason threw himself against his bonds, but he only succeeded in knocking his chair over. From his spot on the floor, he watched as the thug threw Tim over his shoulder, and walked out of the room, followed by the other who closed the door behind them with a resounding thud. 

Jason had never felt so helpless in his life. Everything in him screamed to move, but he was trapped by his still healing body. He grit his teeth and yanked harder at his hands. It wouldn’t be easy, but if he got his hand free and Bowler Hat got close, maybe Jason could take him by surprise. It would work. It had to work. He heard footsteps coming behind him. With a grunt, Bowler Hat heaved his chair upright again. 

“I am sorry about your friend,” he said. 

“You ain’t sorry about shit,” Jason snapped back. 

Bowler Hat moved back to the desk. “Watch yourself young man,” he said. “My boss is not as forgiving as I am. 

Jason spat at him. The man was too far away for it to hit, but Jason took satisfaction in his look of disgust. He sat at the desk with a weary sigh and focused on his cell phone. 

Jason continued to fight against his binds. He wouldn’t give up on Tim. He couldn’t.

A minute passed. Then another.

Jason ignored the voice in the back of his head telling him it was too late. 

Another minute. 

Was that a shout he heard, or was he imagining things?

Another minute. 

Jason thought he heard running footsteps outside the door. He tensed, eyes darting between Bowler Hat and the door. 

There was a crash as the door was kicked in. Bowler Hat jumped from his seat and pulled a gun from his jacket. 

“What the-” he started.

Jason watched as the man was knocked down by a power punch to the face. His gun went flying across the room. 

“B,” He gasped.

“Jason,” Batman said, his voice gruff under the mask. He knelt next to Jason and quickly sliced through the zip tes. 

“B, you have to get Tim. They’re going to kill him. You gotta go, now!” 

“Nightwing is on it,” Batman replied. “Are you hurt?”

Jason was not satisfied. “I’m fine. You gotta go help.”

Batman checked that Bowler Hat was knocked out, handcuffing him to the desk before stooping over to pick Jason up. They raced out of the room. 

Jason focused on breathing. Breathing and ignoring a voice that sounded suspiciously like the Joker’s telling him too late you're too late .

They burst through the door and Jason was hit with the unmistakable stench of Gotham harbor. Jason kept an eye over Bruce’s shoulder, looking for any attackers, there were none. They rounded the building and came into view of the dock.

Jason heard Bruce gasp, and twisted as best he could to face forward. 

Nightwing knelt on the dock over a small sodden figure, delivering rescue breaths. In moments they were beside them. Bruce lowered Jason to the ground. Jason kept his eyes fixed on Tim. The younger boy lay unresponsive on the ground. 

“Come, on Tim,” Nightwing muttered in between rescue breaths. “Don’t do this to me.”

After a heartstopping minute, Tim gasped, then choked. 

Nightwing helped him turn on his side. Tim coughed up water. He blinked heavily at everyone. As soon as he saw Batman, he began to relax, his eyes drifting close. 

“No, Timmy, you gotta stay awake,” Jason insisted. But, it was too much. Tim closed his eyes and passed out on the dock. 

Chapter Text

Tim wasn’t sure if he was awake. His body felt heavy and his head hurt. He shifted around, the bed was too hot. He tried to open his eyes, but that just made his headache worse. He closed them again and moaned. 

“Tim.”

“Bruce?” Tim’s voice was raspy. He tried to clear his throat but that triggered a coughing fit. He couldn’t remember ever feeling this awful. He tried to push himself up as his body shook with coughs. Large hands on his back guided him upright. 

“That’s it, you’re ok.” Bruce said in a soft voice. 

When the coughing subsided Bruce helped him sit up and sip from a glass of water.

“You’re pretty sick right now, kiddo. Do you remember what happened?”

Tim finally managed to get his eyes open. He looked up at Bruce. It all came back to him. He and Jason leaving school, the kidnapping, Alrfred getting shot, the phone calls, desperately hoping that they would answer, just this once they would answer, pain and water. He couldn’t breathe-

Tim’s breath hitched and despite the pain, he burst into tears.

“Oh, Tim,” Bruce sat on the edge of the bed and gently pulled to him. Tim cried until another coughing fit forced him to stop. Bruce handed him a tissue, then some water. As Tim sipped he began to speak. 

“Everyone is ok. Alfred was hit on the arm. He’s home now and resting. He’ll be ok. Jason was not hurt. He’s resting in his room right now. Dick is looking after both of them.”

Tim nodded, relieved. His brain felt slow. He was ready to fall asleep again, but he had one question first.

“Did my parent’s call back?”

Bruce hesitated. That was enough for Tim to know. His face crumpled. 

“It’s ok,” Bruce held him as he cried. “I got you. I got you. I’m not going anywhere.” 

Bruce helped Tim up to use the bathroom and brush his teeth. By the time he crawled back into bed he was shivering. Bruce gave him two pills that he swallowed without complaint. He wasn’t sure how long he shivered before he fell back asleep.

…

When he woke up next his body still hurt. His throat was incredibly sore and his head was worse, and there was something on it too. He reached up and realized there was a bandage wrapped around his head. He could feel a cough building in his chest. Bracing himself, he pushed himself upright. He coughed, rubbing his chest. He heard a shuffling sound, Bruce, looking like he had been there all night, straightened up in the chair. He quickly got up and handed Tim some water. 

“How are you feeling?”

Tim shrugged and Bruce nodded. He turned to the nightstand by the bed and got a thermometer. Tim obediently put it under his tongue and looked around the room. He recognized it as the guest room he had stayed in last time he stayed at the manor. The window shade was closed but he could see the smattering of daylight shining on the floor. 

He coughed again and pushed himself to the side of the bed. His feet hit the floor and he straightened, only to grab the side of the bed as he wobbled. Bruce was there at his arm

“Dizzy?” He asked.

“A little,” Tim rasped. Bruce helped him to the bathroom then back to bed. When Tim was settled Bruce said “Dr. Thompson will be here soon to check on you. I know you’re not very hungry right now, but I’m going to bring you some food so you can eat what you can, ok?”

Tim nodded. 

“Will you be ok on your own for a little bit?”

“Yeah,” Tim said. Bruce fluffed up the pillow so Tim could lean against it before leaving the room. He left the door halfway open. Tim stared at the door until his eyes hurt as much as his head, then he leaned back. His thoughts all jumbled into one another. Flashes the previous day mixed together. What did he do wrong? He must have done something wrong. How else did they find him? Why else wouldn’t his parents have answered the phone?  

Tim closed his eyes. When he opened them again there was a plate of toast and a hot cup of tea at the table. He could hear Bruce talking to someone in the hall. He pushed himself upright. Painfully, he cleared his throat and then nibbled on the toast. He managed only a few bites before his stomach jolted. He put the toast down and tried to focus on listening to Bruce talk.  

Bruce’s voice grew louder and Tim’s door nudged open. “Someone’s here to see you,” Bruce said. Tim’s heart lurched. Could it be his parents? No, that would be silly. He smiled when Dick filled the doorway, carrying Jason in his arms. He set Jason on the chair next to his bed and Dick sat next to Tim, carefully putting his arm around him in a side hug. 

“Hey Timmy, how are you feeling?” he asked.

Tim shrugged, but he found himself leaning into Dick’s side. It felt nice and comforting, but he couldn’t help but shiver. 

“Are you sick?” Jason asked before turning to Bruce. “B, he looks sick.”

“Dr. Thompkins is on her way. She’s going to check on both of you.” Bruce replied. 

“I’m ok,” Tim said, still pressed into Dick’s side. 

“That’s right,” Dick said. “We got you. Dr. Thompkins is going to fix you up. We got the bad guys. You get to stay with us now.”

“Dick” Bruce saud warning note in his voice.

“What do you mean?” Tim pulled away and squinted up at Dick. 

“You’re going to stay with us. Bruce already talked the police-”

“Dick,'' Bruce’s voice was forceful. Everyoneturned to look at him. “Not now. He needs to recover.”

“Wait, “ Tim -fought down a cough. “What’s going on? I want to know what is going on?” 

“After Leslie gets here.”

“But-” 

“B,” Jason spoke. He had been sitting quietly watching the entire time. He met Tim’s eyes. “Tell him. He deserves to know.”

Bruce sighed. “First of all the men you took you are in police custody. We are still searching for the ringleader, but we have some promising leads.”

“I have it on good word that Batman is looking into it personally,” Dick said, his voice too light as he gently squeezed Tim. 

“Your parents are still missing.” Bruce said bluntly. “I am still working to find out how exactly their disappearance connects to the kidnapping. And,” Tim held his breath. “The police know. They are also trying to contact your parents. They will contact me if they are successful. Dr. Thompkins is going to see you first, but when she clears you, we will need to schedule a time for you to talk to the police. They will ask you about your parents, and you need to be honest when you answer. They are looking into their records. Their past travel plans. Their finances. Everything.”

Tim realized what Bruce was saying. It wouldn’t take long before the police realized that he had been alone. Even if his parents came back, he might not be able to see them again. He sat until a coughing fit jolted him out of his stupor. Dick helped him sip more water. 

“You’ll stay with us.” Dick said again. “Bruce has already arranged it. He’s your guardian while we figure out what’s going on. Ok?”

Tim nodded. He didn’t know what else to do. 

Bruce’s phone buzzed. “Leslie’s here,”he said. “I’m going to let her up.”

He walked out the door. “Do you want to talk?” Dick asked. 

“I don’t know, “ Tim whispered. He looked at Jason but the other boy looked away down at his feet. 

A moment later Bruce was back. Tim recognized the woman with him as the same lady who helped him and Jason after the Joker. 

“Hi, Tim,” she said. “I heard you’re not feeling well. Let’s take a look.”

At a nod from Bruce, Dick brought Jason back to his own room. The other boy had not complained. Tim found himself wishing he had.  

After Dr. Thompkins was done with her examination, she left him with strict instructions to eat and sleep. She spoke to Bruce before moving on to Jason’s room. Despite his troubles, Tim quickly fell back asleep. 

…

Jason tapped his fingers on the sofa cushion. Dick had put on the Great British Bake Off because it's relaxing Jaybird and you need to relax , but then had gone back to the kitchen to make everyone dinner. The clanging of pots and cans on the countertop Jason could hear was anything but relaxing. 

He couldn’t let go of that night.

As Robin, Jason had seen some messed up shit before. In his normal life before Bruce he had seen some messed up shit. But he had always been able to let it go before. This was different.

He kept hearing the phone ringing and that damnable voicemail playing over and over. Tim’s face resigned long before Jason had figured out what was going on. If only he wasn’t still healing. He would track the Drakes down and beat them himself.

He was so caught up in his thoughts that he almost didn’t notice Bruce until he settled on the couch beside him. 

“How’s Tim?” Jason asked.

“He’s asleep again, but he ate some soup first. Leslie says he’ll be ok. His fever’s down already.” 

“Ok. good.”

They watched for a while but Jason wasn’t really focused. He knew Bruce wasn’t either. The man was probably planning on how to track down the Drakes in his head. 

“Do you think it was my fault?” Jason blurted out suddenly.

Bruce looked at him concerned. “Why would it be your fault?”

“Because I’m Robin!” Jason exclaimed. “Maybe it wasn’t about the Drakes at all and someone figured it out and took us because we’re close. Or maybe the Drakes know and had Tim spy on us and then double crossed someone and went rogue or-”

“Son,” Bruce stopped him. “It wasn’t your fault. Everything that I’ve found so far lines up. The Drakes made a bad deal and left town. You and Tim got caught in the crossfire.”

Jason was silent.

“His parents beat him,” he admitted. “Or at least his dad has before.” Bruce raised an eyebrow. “I was going to tell you. Well, we were going to tell you. Right before…” 

“I see.” 

They were quiet again

“I guess I don’t blame him for not telling me sooner. I only became friends with in the first place to figure out what he knew.” 

“Oh, Jason.” Bruce pulled him into a hug.

“He told you. Whatever happens, he trusts you. He’s going to need a lot of help now. If we find the Drakes, I don’t think they'll give up custody without a fight. They’re too proud to willingly take a blow like that to their public image.” Jason slumped. Bruce was probably right. He liked that Bruce was going to fight for custody. If only they had figured out what was wrong sooner. 

“Robin should have protected him,” Jason said.

“Hmm,” Bruce hummed thoughtfully. “I don’t think this is a job Robin can do. Jason Wayne though, I think he’s up for it. Do you agree?” 

Jason stared ahead, brows furrowed. He huffed a breath and pulled himself up straighter. “Yeah,” he said. “I agree.” 

“Dinner!” Dick said, holding a bowl of something that Jason assumed was some variation of pasta. Dick’s limited cooking skills went from grilled cheese to spaghetti and meatballs, but he was still better than Bruce. 

Bruce helped Jason settle a tray across his lap.

On the screen the music increased in urgency while contestants scrambled to complete their dishes. 

“Hey, Dickface,” Jason turned to look at his brother. “This isn’t very relaxing.”

“Shut up and eat. This is culture.” Dick gripped.

“Boys,”  Bruce admonished.

Dick brough Bruce a bowl then sat down on the other couch with his own.

Jason eyed the empty space next to him. Tim had never been around for a picnic, dinner on the couch in front of the TV before. He would like it. Soon, Jason decided. Tim would be there soon.

Chapter Text

“No no no no, it’s red then black. Suits have nothing to do with it. And the numbers count down. Aces count as ones in this game, so kings are at the top in the corner.”  

Jason reached over and moved the king to the side. Tim studied his hand and cards on the coffee table. He was sitting with Alfred and Jason in the living room playing a card game. They really did paint a sorry picture together. Jason was still in his casts. Alfred had his arm in a sling and wore a cardigan instead of his usual suit. Tim was wrapped in a blanket, still pale and drawn from illness. 

He tried to focus on the game, but he couldn’t help but think of Bruce, still in his office talking with the police. 

“See, I’m going to play the red six but move this stack since it starts with black five then I can put any card I want in the empty spot. Oh, hi B.”

Tim looked up from his cards to see Bruce in the doorway. 

“Tim, are you ready?”

Tim bit his lip. There was really no putting it off any longer. 

“I’m ready.”

Talking with the police was excruciating. The officer, a well meaning young woman, was clearly trying to be gentle, but no amount of kindness could talk away the pain of reliving the kidnapping. Then came the questions Tim was dreading the most. 

Did he know where his parents had gone? 

No.

Did anyone stay in the house with him when they were away?

When he was little, yeah.

But not this year?

No.

Did they communicate regularly with him while they traveled?

Not really, but they tried.

Did they spend time together when they were home?

Sometimes.They tried, but they were busy and the company is more important, really. 

What did they do together as a family?

This question made Tim pause. Everything to this point he was sure the police already knew. This was different. He glanced nervously at Bruce who was sitting at his side. He couldn’t lie, but would Bruce still want to help him when he knew the whole truth?

“When we’re all home they still have meetings and things. But sometimes…” He took a shaky breath. “Sometimes we’ll go to galas and I help them.”

“How do you help them?” the officer asked.

“I’m supposed to listen to people talk and tell my parents if I hear anything that will help their business. They wanted me to spy on you too,” he said, turning to Bruce. “But I promise I didn’t. I wouldn’t ever.”

“It’s ok, Tim.” Bruce said, “I believe you.”

The interview went on. The questions got a bit easier for a while until- 

“Have you ever been afraid of your parents?”

Tim didn’t answer at first. He stared at his feet and after too long, nodded. 

“Have either of your parents ever physically hurt you?”

Tim dug his nail into his thumb. He couldn’t lie. He couldn’t lie. He thought of Jason, we could be brothers. He thought of that phone ringing over and over again. He nodded. 

…

Once Tim and Bruce were done talking to the officer all three went back to Drake Manor. There was another officer waiting for them at the door. Tim let them in and showed them to his dad’s office. While they searched, he and Bruce went up to Tim’s room and packed for a long stay.  

Tim moved in a daze. Bruce was purposeful, emptying drawers into the suitcase Tim last used when he came home from boarding school. Tim went straight to a box under his bed. He let Bruce finish packing. Holding his camera and the box, he and Bruce left for Wayne Manor.

Tim put everything in his room. He stared at the suitcases but didn’t have the energy to unpack, so he didn’t. He left everything alone and went downstairs. He could hear Alfred and Dick preparing dinner in the kitchen. He went to the library and saw Jason reading a book on his lap. Tim wandered in and slumped onto a nearby couch. Jason looked up and closed his book.

“How are you doing?” Jason asked. Tim shrugged. 

“I don’t know,” he said. “It’s… not good. Even if my parents ever do come back they won’t want me anymore. I told them everything. And let them, the police, in my dad’s office. They had a warrant so they would have gotten in eventually I guess. My parents will hate me now. If they didn’t already.”

“Ah, Timmy,” Jason sighed sympathetically. “They don’t deserve you anyway.” Tim shrugged again.

“You’ll believe me one day and I’m not going anywhere,” Jason said. He looked back at Tim, tapping his fingers on the cover of the book. “I’m sorry I didn’t notice sooner. About your parents I mean. Or everything really. I should’ve said something, but I didn’t.”

“It’s ok,” Tim said automatically.

“No it’s not,” Jason insisted. “But I promise it’ll be better from now on. I’m going to teach you everything I know. You can be Robin 2.0.” 

“You think so?” Tim said, perking up a little.

“Sure,” Jason said. “I mean, you were able to sneak around the Joker. That’s some real Bat level skills right there.” Tim blushed. “Yeah, you know, you’re already kind of small and quiet. I’ll teach you my tricks. You could be like a little Bat spy.” 

“I kind of already was,” Tim said. 

“Huh?”

“My parents wanted me to spy on you. I was supposed to report anything that could benefit their business.”

“Assholes,” Jason said. “You know, Bruce wanted me to spy on you too at first. We thought that you knew about the whole Batman thing. Well, you did but we didn’t know if you would tell anyone. Which I know you won’t. I’m still really sorry about that by the way.”

“That’s kind of funny actually,” Tim chuckled.

“Yeah, I guess so,” Jason said. “I’m glad we don’t have to worry about that now.”

“Definitely,” Tim said. “I… Thank you. You don’t have to feel guilty about anything. I really am glad I’m here.”

“Jay, Tim, dinner,” Dick called from the other room. 

The boys moved to the kitchen. “Where’s B?” Jason asked. 

“In the cave,” Dick replied. “He said to go ahead and eat without him.” 

After dinner, Dick ushered them back to the living room. Tim grinned as Dick and Jason argued over what movie to put on. He started to laugh when arguing turned into throwing couch pillows at each other.

“Correct me if I am mistaken but I am raising young gentlemen in this house?” Alfred’s voice was unamused but he winked when Tim caught his eye.

“Sorry, Alfred.” Both boys sounded bashful. Dick raced around the room picking up all of the pillows. They had just hit play on the movie when Bruce appeared in the doorway. 

“Pause it,” Bruce said. “There’s been a breakthrough in the case.”

Tim looked at Bruce, his eyes wide. His heart pounded so loud he wouldn’t be surprised if the others could hear it. Everyone in the room was silent, waiting for what Bruce had to say. 

“Perhaps, Master Bruce, you will sit. Unpleasant news should be delivered in some comfort,” Alfred said.

Bruce sat.

“Black Mask has been arrested,” Bruce said. “Along with several other lieutenants and other high ranking members of his gang.” He looked directly at Tim. “I saw the files myself. Your parents made a deal with Black Mask. Drake Industries should have gone under years ago, but it didn’t. Your parents were using their archaeology trips to smuggle drugs into the country. They were also stealing artifacts for Mask to sell on the black market. In return, he gave them the money to keep their business going.”

“Several months ago a Drake Industries cargo ship experienced a malfunction in transport and got caught in a hurricane. The cargo was lost. After, Drake Industries board voted to downsize and shut down most of their overseas shipping. The ship that was lost was carrying the newest drug Mask has been pushing on the streets. It cost Black Mask a fortune, so he called in their debt.”

Tim’s breath caught. “I think,” he said, “That’s when the guy in the bowler hat came to see us. He met me and dad for breakfast but he was really threatening my dad. And after I heard my parents talk about shipping lanes a lot. I think they really wanted to work with Wayne Industries, actually.”

Bruce nodded. “The man with the bowler hat is named Marcus Kozlov. He’s one of Black Mask’s lieutenants. He was also arrested with the others.”

Tim found he could breathe again. “Good,” he said. 

Dick moved to sit beside Tim and pulled him into a hug. “You’re safe now, Timmy.”

“We think that when your parents realized they wouldn’t be able to pay the debt, they ran,” Bruce said gently. 

Tim closed his eyes and let him Dick hold him. “I can’t believe they left me behind,” Tim admitted. Dick tightened the hug. 

“You have a place here,” Bruce said. Tim looked up to see Jason nodding. “Always.” 

Chapter Text

In the days following Black Mask’s arrest Tim quickly found a routine. He woke up in what had become his own room in the Wayne house. He went downstairs where Alfred would be preparing breakfast and Jason would be  reading a book at the kitchen table. Bruce and Dick would join soon after. Mornings were quiet in Wayne home. Tim marveled at the simple comfort of waking up knowing that he had a breakfast waiting for him. During the day he and Jason would play games and work on homework. After lunch they would go to the cave where Dick continued to teach Tim gymnastics and self defense. Tim discovered that when given the chance, the entire household would partake in an afternoon nap before getting ready for their nightly outing. Everyone in the house was by nature a night owl. Tim found he fit right in.

Beneath it all he still itched. Living with the Waynes was good, maybe too good. How long would it last until reality set in and Bruce decided he didn’t want him anymore?

After a couple of days Dick decided that it was time to go to his apartment, but he promised to be back soon. “Definitely for Thanksgiving,” he said. “But probably sooner.”

Before he left everyone gathered around the kitchen table for afternoon tea and cookies. “Have you boys thought about what you would like for Thanksgiving dinner?” Alfred asked.

Tim looked around the table with interest. 

“I think I wanna try making rice pudding.” Jason said thoughtfully. “My old babysitter, Miss Olga, used to make it. I remember the recipe but I’ll need some help putting it together.”

“I’ll help,” Tim piped up. “I’ve always wanted to have a real Thanksgiving dinner.”

“You never had Thanksgiving?” Dick gasped.

“Not really,” Tim said. They did a thing for the kids who were around at boarding school, but it never felt the same.”

“We will have to change that. Is there any dish you would like to see at Thanksgiving, Tim?” Bruce asked.

Tim thought for a moment. “I’ve always wanted to try tiramisu,” he said. 

“That's that one cake with the coffee, right?” Jason asked.

“Yes, it is,” said Alfred. “If that is what you want we shall make it so.”

“You never let me have coffee,” Dick complained.

“You’re literally an adult,” Jason said. “You can have coffee whenever you want.”

Dick threw a cookie at him. 

“Speaking of Thanksgiving, Tim,” Bruce said, pointedly ignoring the two. “I talked to the school and you’re excused for the rest of the week. You can go back after break.” 

 “But I want to go to school,” Tim said. 

“It’s ok to take what you need. It’s not that long until Thanksgiving break.”

Tim thought about it. If he didn't go to school he would get in trouble- except his parents didn’t care. Not anymore. Still, it pulled something in his gut to think about skipping school on purpose just because someone else thought he needed a break. 

“I still want to go,” he said. “I think I want something normal, I guess.” He braced himself for an argument. 

To his surprise Bruce said, “Ok. If that’s what you want. If you change your mind that’s ok too.” 

“Thanks,” Tim said.  

… 

Tim was happy to be back at school. It was strange knowing he couldn’t go home, but he had a new home waiting for him. Bruce dropped him off in the mornings and picked him up in the afternoons, at least until Alfred’s arm was better. The normalcy of going to classes helped him settle after the chaos of the previous week. But, he still found himself looking forward to the week off for Thanksgiving break. 

On the last day before break Tim left school in high spirits. He stood on the sidewalk outside of the school and waited for Bruce's car. Several police cars sat in the parking lot. Security at the school had substantially increased since the kidnapping. Tim’s mood dimmed slightly at the reminder of what had happened. His phone buzzed and he glanced down to see the text Jason had sent. Jason had opted to work with a tutor until after winter break when he was due to get his casts removed and resume normal activity. It was going to take a lot of training, but Jason and Tim were looking forward to going at it together.

Tim smiled and texted Jason back. He closed the message app and looked up, searching again for Bruce’s car. Instead he noticed a sharply dressed woman walking towards him. He squinted, then stepped back in surprise.

“Mom?”

Chapter Text

Tim blinked. His mother was still there, on the sidewalk outside of his school and walking towards him. 

“Mom?” he asked. “What are you doing here?”

Janet laughed “What a silly question, Timothy. I’m here to take you home.”

Tim studied her. She looked like she had just stepped out of a board meeting, not a hair out of place. Nothing indicated that she had ever been on the run.

“Can I help you ma’am?” An officer monitoring the parking lot got out of his car and approached them. “We need to keep everyone moving. Your child will meet you at your vehicle.” 

Tim flinched as Janet took his arm. “You hear that Timothy? Get in the car.”

“No,” Tim yelled, yanking his arm away. He took a step away and glanced behind him. Should he run? Where was Bruce?

“Do you know this lady, son?” The officer asked. He moved between Tim and Janet.

“Does he know me?” Janet scoffed. “I’m his mother. Timothy, you are being ridiculous. Get in the car now.”

The officer looked at Janet, then back at Tim. “You’re Tim Drake, right?” Tim nodded. The officer turned back to Janet. “Ma’am, I’m going to need you to step over here and I’ll need your ID.” 

Janet immediately began to protest, her face flushed. While she argued, Tim took another step back. Why was she here? Why now? His parents had never come back for him before. 

“Tim,” Tim sighed with relief. He turned and saw Bruce getting out of his car. Tim ran to him and threw his arms around him in a hug. 

“My mom’s here,” he gasped. “She wants me to go with her.”

Bruce immediately looked less like Bruce and more like Batman. “Get in the car,” he ordered. 

Tim obeyed gladley while Bruce went to talk to the police officer. He waited in the car a long time. Other cars pulled around them. He ignored the curious stares of his classmate peering through the window. 

After a while Bruce came back.

“Do I have to go back?” Tim asked, afraid of the answer. 

“No,” Bruce said. “We’re going home and I’m going to make some calls.”

Tim looked out the window and saw his mother climb back into her car. She glared back at Bruce, then drove away. 

Bruce shut himself in his office as soon as he got home. Tim took his shoes off then sat at the kitchen table where Jason and Alfred were waiting with tea and cookies.

Seeing Tim’s face Jason asked, “What happened?”

“My mom tried to pick me up from school,” Tim said. “She acted like nothing was wrong. Like nothing ever happened!” He looked at Alfred. “Why is she back now?” Alfred’s look was sour. “That,” he said, “is what Master Bruce will find out.” 

It was much later that evening when Bruce came back down the stairs looking haggard.

“Did you talk to the Drakes or the police?” Jason asked. “Are they going to be arrested?” 

“No, they’re not.” Bruce said. He rubbed his eyes wearily. “Since the Black Mask has been arrested they must have felt it was safe to come back into the country. They retained enough assets to get a deal and the state has dropped all charges.” 

“What?” Jason gasped. Tim was just as shocked.

“Their lawyer managed to get the case assigned to Judge Smith and his team,” Bruce said.

“Oh no,” Jason moaned. “They are literally the most corrupt in Gotham!” 

“Exactly,” Bruce said. “The Drakes paid off the charges. Drake Industries however is still in flux. Right now, the board is in control but it’s unclear if the Drakes will step back in.”

“Why now?” Tim asked? “Why come back for me this time?”

Bruce grimaced. “Right now the Drakes have lost all credibility. If they want to regain control of their company then they will need a better public image. The appearance of a healthy functioning family can help with that.”

Tim slumped into the couch more. “That makes sense,” he said. 

“You can’t give him back,” Jason said. “They can’t make you. Did the courts drop everything? Even the abuse charges?”

“They were never formally charged with abuse or neglect," Bruce admitted. "Not yet, anyway. Most importantly no, they cannot make me do anything. Right now, Tim, according to the state I am your legal guardian. If you really want to go back to your parents we can work something out, but only if you want to.”

Tim shook his head, “I don’t.” His gut twisted with guilt. It wasn’t that long ago when he would have done anything to be with his parents again. If he was a good son he would try harder and  hear them out. But then he remembered the ringing phone and the ice cold water of the Gotham Harbor and he shivered.  

Bruce nodded. “I need to make some more phone calls. I have a plan, Tim. It should keep you out of the courts, but it will require me to meet with the Drakes in person. I will be inviting them to my office here so you can think about if you want to see them again when the time comes.”

Tim nodded. “I'll think about it,” he said.  

Bruce turned to go back to his office.

“Master Bruce, join us for dinner first,” Alfred said. “You are doing important work but it is also important that you are with your family as well.”

“You’re right, Alfred,” Bruce said. They all sat together at the table.

...

That night, Tim couldn’t sleep. He felt that old urge to go out to take pictures, but he remembered Alfred’s warning and didn't. He curled under the covers and tried to relax. He wondered if Batman was still out.

After tossing and turning for a while he finally decided to get up. Bruce might not be home, but he could still make hot chocolate. He crept down to the kitchen. He thought back to all the nights when Bruce made them hot chocolate. He quickly found the right cupboards and pulled out the ingredients. He lost himself in mixing the coco sugar and milk. When it was ready he poured himself a mug, then and after a moment, a second mug. Carefully he carried both down to the cave.

Bruce was there working at the computer. He smiled when he saw Tim.

“Here,” Tim said, handing him the drink.

Bruce took a sip. “Thank you, Tim,” he said.

Tim sat down beside him. He studied the computer.

“Isn’t that the same group that robbed the bank on Lincoln Street last month?” Tim asked.

“Hmm,” Bruce peered at the screen. “No, this is East Avenue and it happened earlier this evening.” He paused and squinted at the blurry security footage. “I think you may be right.” He pulled up a new file. “Yes, actually, I think you are right.” He made a note. Tim sipped his coco and watched Bruce type.

“Do you want to talk about tomorrow?” Bruce asked. 

Tim shrugged, “not really.”

“Here,” Bruce pushed a report toward him. Tell me what you see. It’s from three months ago but I think this might be the same gang.”

Tim took the report. He and Bruce worked side by side and soon they had connected the gang to six other robberies over the last three years.

“These guys must be good to get away with it for so long,” Tim said.

“Not good enough,“ Bruce chuckled. “You have a knack for this.”

Tim smiled and shrugged, blushing a little.

“Do you think if I stay I can help you more with stuff like this?” He asked.

“Of course,” Bruce said. “We’ll get you some real training. You can work with Jason when he starts up again. But, Tim, whether you’re part of our night job or not you can still stay. We want you to stay. I’m not going to kick you out even when you're old like Dick.”

Tim laughed then paused as a thought occurred to him. “Why did Dick move out?” he asked.

Bruce sighed and leaned back in his chair, a wistful look on his face. “He grew up. He was ready for his own space. It happens to everyone eventually. But he’s not really gone. You've seen how often he comes home.” 

Tim hummed thoughtfully. Dick was around a lot. But, it was still hard to imagine wanting to have his own house and being alone again. Tim didn't want to be alone again.

“I don’t really want to talk to my parents tomorrow,” he said.

“Ok,” Bruce said.

Bruce kept working at the computer. Tim watched until he couldn’t keep his eyes open. Then he finally fell asleep.

Chapter Text

Tim stared anxiously out the window. He’d been there all morning even though his parents weren’t set to arrive until that afternoon. Jason had tried to distract him but soon gave up. Tim wondered if his parents would be late to their meeting with Bruce. What would it mean if they did show up on time? Would they actually fight for him? Did he want them to fight for him? He didn’t actually want to go back to living with his parents, but, he admitted, it would be nice if they showed that they wanted him for once in his life.

His parents showed up on time.

Tim stood next to Jason and Bruce as Alfred greeted them at the door. Jack saw him first. Jack nodded awkwardly and held his hand out halfheartedly for a handshake. He dropped his hand when Tim didn’t move. Bruce stepped up and shook Jack’s hand instead, but both men’s faces remained serious.

Tim peered around them and saw his mother.

“Bruce,” Janet said with a nod. She was as coldly collected as ever. Her expression tightened when she saw Tim. “Timothy,” she said.

“Hi, Mom,” Tim said. “Dad.”

They stood in silence for a moment. When it became clear the Drakes weren’t going to say anything else Bruce said, “come this way” and ushered them to the office. 

Tim wasn’t sure if he should follow. Before his parents arrived Bruce had asked him again how much he wanted to talk to his parents. He explained how there were parts of the conversation that needed to be private but others that Tim could be part of if he wanted to. At the time Tim hadn’t wanted to know anything, but now he was starting to regret it. He watched his parent’s backs disappear around the corner when Jason grabbed his arm. 

"Let's go to the library,” Jason said.

Tim nodded. When they got to the library Jason had Tim push him to a desk. Jason opened the drawer and pulled out what looked like an old iPod and a pair of wire earbuds 

“Like it? It’s something B and Oracle put together a while back. It’s old so B didn’t really notice when I lifted it. Here.” He held out an earbud.

Tim raised an eyebrow. “Did you bug Bruce’s office?”

“I bugged Bruce’s office,” Jason confirmed.

Tim took the earbud. He put it in while Jason took the other. 

For a second all he heard was static then…

“- seat”. There was a shuffling noise.

“I’ll make myself clear.” This was Bruce’s voice. “I have no intention of giving up custody.”

“You can’t do that,“ Jack blustered. “We are his parents.” 

“You lost all rights when you decided to knowingly leave him in danger.”

“He was supposed to be safe with you,” Janet snapped at the same time Jack said, “We didn’t know what was going to happen.”

“You’re right,” Bruce said. “He was supposed to be safe with me. You have no idea how much I regret that he got hurt. But it was the direct consequence of your actions. You cannot put this on me. Everything that happens now will be in Tim’s best interest. You are the ones who decided to leave. Tim will decide if and when he will contact you again. It will be on his terms or not at all.”

Jack growled, “why you arrogant-” 

“You’re ruined,” Bruce interrupted. “I know you are trying to make something of your lives again, but you’ve burned too many bridges, called in too many favors. You have no leverage. Black Mask may be gone but that does not mean you are safe. Someone else will take his place and you still have debt. You have very few options left so I suggest you listen closely.”

Tim had never heard Bruce sound so intimidating before, not even when he was fighting the Joker. Tim strained but beyond his father breathing heavily he couldn’t hear anything. 

“You value your freedom. Your ability to travel. I can give that to you.”

Tim heard papers shuffling. Bruce continued.

“You will step down from Drake Industries. I will buy your shares and the company will be put into trust until Tim comes of age.”

“What!” Jack gasped. Bruce ignored him.

“There is an archaeological expedition sponsored by my company. You will be away for at least three years, maybe longer. Since Tim and Jason have become such good friends I have graciously offered for Tim to stay with us while you are away. In reality, you will sign over permanent custody to me. You will not challenge this. You will not attempt contact. If Tim wishes to speak to you again I will arrange it.”

“You can’t be serious,” Jack said.

“We’ll do it,” Janet interrupted.

Tim and Jason gasped.

“Janet?” Jack asked.

Tim held his breath. He couldn’t hear anything. He could feel Jason looking at him but he stared down at the ipod wishing that he could see the silent conversation his parents were having. 

Jack sighed, “Alright”. Tim heard more papers shuffling.

“I’m glad we could come to an agreement,” Bruce said. “Tim is a very special boy. I will look after him like he’s my own.”

“I’m sure you will,” Jack said bitterly. “Since it puts my company in your pocket.”

“I have no interest in your company,” Bruce said. “I’ve already said I’ll keep the shares for Tim when he gets older. In the meantime I’ll make sure my people take care of it so he has something to inherit.”

Tim heard the scrapping of chairs across the floor.

Bruce continued. “Should you try to break the deal I will ensure that all of those court cases you’ve avoided so far will come back. The charges will stick this time. And, if you ever put Tim in danger again, I will ruin you.” 

“You,” Janet started. Tim flinched at her tone but she didn’t continue. 

“My people will contact you. You’ll leave in two days.”

“That’s not enough time,” Jack protested. 

“Make it enough,” Bruce said. 

“We’ll do it,” Janet said again. “But first I need to speak with my son.”

Tim bit his lip. He met Jason’s eyes. Jason grimaced. 

There was another moment of silence. Then Bruce said, “Only if he agrees.” 

Tim yanked the earbud out of his ear and shoved it towards Jason who scrambled to put the device away. He jumped to the couch and tossed Jason the nearest book before grabbing one for himself. They shuffled to make it look like they’d been reading the whole time. 

Bruce stepped in the library. Tim turned on the couch to look at him. “How’d it go?” he asked.

“Your parents and I have come to an agreement,” Bruce said. “But I’m sure you heard all about it.” He looked pointedly at Jason. Tim blushed but Jason raised his chin defiantly.

“Fine, we heard,” Jason said. “You're really gonna give in to her like that?”

“Only if he wants to,” Bruce said. “It’s up to you, Tim.”

“Yes,” Tim said. “It’s ok. I think… I think I need to talk to her.”

Bruce nodded. 

They walked together back to Bruce’s office. “I’ll be right outside,” Bruce said.

Tim nodded and opened the door. Jack was slumped over the desk, his head resting in his hands. His mother sat back straight. They both turned to him. Jack scoffed. 

“I hope you’re happy,” Jack said. “You got what you wanted.”

“Dad,” Tim said. “I didn’t want this.”

“Right.”

“Jack,” Janet said. She glared at her husband.

“Fine,” Jack stood up. Tim winced at the sound of the chair scraping harshly across the floor. Tim stepped aside and Jack pushed past him out the door.    

“Timothy,” Janet said. She gestured to the empty chair. “Come here.”

Tim stepped deeper into the room, but he didn’t sit down. 

“I am disappointed that it’s come to this,” Janet said.

“Yeah,” Tim agreed. Now that he was facing her he really had one question. “Why didn’t you answer the phone?” He asked. “I know you saw them calling. They were going to kill me, so why didn’t you?”

Janet sighed, turning away. Tim waited for her to speak. The silence stretched bitterly between them. Finally she said, “I never wanted to be a mother, but Jack needed someone to carry on the family name. I should have fought him harder. Protecting a legacy is no reason to bring a child into the world.”

“Mom.”

“Legacy,” she mused “At least Bruce will make that happen. He is an honorable man.”

She looked at Tim.

“He’ll do better for you than I ever could.” 

“Why couldn't you take me with you?” Tim whispered.

“I’m sorry, Tim,” she said. Then she stood and followed Jack out the door.

Tim followed. He watched as Janet brushed past Alfred and Bruce, heading straight for the manor door. Jack glanced at Tim before following. He couldn’t look Tim in the eye. 

They all walked to the front door. Before leaving Janet turned back around. “We’ll be in touch,” she said to Bruce. Then they left. 

Standing in the open doorway, Tim watched them go. He watched long after their car left the driveway and was out of sight.

“Tim, we’re heading down to the cave. Want to come too?” Jason asked. Tim looked at Bruce. Bruce nodded.

“Ok,” Tim said and he shut the door. 

Chapter Text

Tim set a plate on the table.

“Tim, Tim, Timmy, Timbo why did the police arrest the turkey?” Dick asked.

“Why?” Tim laughed.

“Cause they suspected fowl play,” Dick laughed.

Tim chuckled and set another plate on the table.

“Hey, Tim,” Dick said again. “What do turkeys and teddy bears have in common?”

“What?”

“They both have stuffing.” 

“Are you ever going to stop?” Jason moaned. 

“Nope,” Dick replied with a grin. 

“He’s going to run out eventually. There’s only so many turkey jokes that exist in the world,” Tim said.

“We’ll see,” Dick laughed and tossed the fork on the table. It flipped through the air then landed sideways across the napkin. Tim leaned over and straightened it.

“Watch what you're doing,” Jason scolded. “You are not going to ruin Thanksgiving, Dickface.”

“Of course not,” Dick said with a shameless smile. He threw another fork that flipped three times before landing perfectly in place. “See, I’m a professional.”

It was finally Thanksgiving. Tim had been looking forward to this day for a while. He had a lot to be thankful for this year. In the time since the meeting with Bruce, Jack and Janet had left Gotham for the Wayne sponsored archaeological dig. They would be gone for years. In the meantime, Tim was officially Bruce’s ward. He still struggled with guilt over how at home he felt with the Waynes. Some days were better than others, but with his new family’s help he was coming to realize this was where he belonged. 

“I hope you won’t be treating our meal with such carelessness, Master Dick,” Alfred said as he placed a platter of green beans on the table. 

“Of course not,” Dick said, electing to place the next fork on the table instead of throwing it. 

Alfred raised an amused eyebrow and disappeared back in the kitchen. 

“Hey Tim,” Dick said, "Want to go to Titain’s Tower with me next week? We’re doing a pizza-movie-game night thing. You can meet the gang.”

“Hey, what about me?” Jason protested.

“Yeah, you too,” Dick said. “I told you already. You're getting your casts off then we can all go to the tower to celebrate.”

“Yes, totally,” Tim said before Jason could snip back.

“Yeah, we’ll go,” Jason said. “There’s a really cool obstacle course there,” he said to Tim.

“Oh yeah,” Dick added. “You’ll love it Tim.”

Tim had been training hard every day with Jason and Bruce to guide him. Dick helped too when he was home. Tim could see the approving glint in Bruces’s eye when finally landed his first flip. He couldn’t help but wonder what all of the training would mean for him in the future. A future when he’ll be here, with the Waynes. In this house. Would he be able to stand up next to Robin and Batman? Could he help with the mission? Tim knew it was too soon to say for sure but maybe…

More than anything he wanted to try. 

Jason went black to the kitchen. Dick tossed a fork at Tim. “Timmy, catch.”

Tim just barely caught it and set it next to the plate. Dick followed it up with a spoon. Then Bruce appeared in the doorway holding the turkey.

“Really Dick?” Bruce asked, but Tim could tell he was more amused than anything else. “Go help your brother, the both of you.” 

They ate dinner together. Dick had in fact not run out of turkey jokes. He kept Afred and Bruce chuckling and Jason and Tim groaning all evening. 

“Our family has a lot to be thankful for this year,” Bruce said as the meal was winding down. “Perhaps more than anything I am thankful to have you here with us, Tim.”

“Here here,” Dick cheered, raising his glass. 

“Salud,” Jason added. Tim blushed and smiled, suddenly feeling choked up. He raised his cup as well and they clinked together in celebration.

After dinner Alfred was ushered to a chair with a cup of tea. Dick, Tim and Bruce worked on cleaning up the kitchen while Jason picked out games for the traditional post thanksgiving dinner family game. With the three of them working together it did not take long to finish. Bruce and Dick chatted quietly. Bruce pulled the tiramisu out of the fridge while Dick grabbed plates and the rice pudding. They brought the desserts to the living room where Jason and Alfred were waiting. Tim lingered behind. The day had been perfect, but there was one more thing he wanted to do. 

Tim rushed upstairs to his room and pulled a box from under his bed. He brought it back down to where everyone was sitting comfortably in the living room. 

“Timmy,” Which game do you want to do first?” Jason asked, gesturing to the display in front of him.

“I actually want to show you guys something.” Tim said, clutching the box awkwardly.

Bruces cocked his head and Jason wrinkled his brow. 

“Ok,” Dick said encouragingly. He patted an empty space on the couch. Tim sat down.

“You know I like to take pictures a lot,” Tim said. “That’s kind of how all of this started, I guess. But I wanted to show you, now. Here.” He opened the box.

“Wow,” Dick gasped and Tim handed him a picture. The one from that first night a long time ago of Batman and Robin jumping across a rooftop. He passed the pictures around. 

“They're all on film. These are the only copies," Tim said “I… you’ve done so much. I just wanted to show you and just.. thank you for everything.”

“These are amazing, Tim,” Jason said.

“Very well done," Alfred added.

Tim looked at Bruce nervously. Bruce didn’t say anything but he was smiling softly with love in his eyes.

“I’d love to get some of these copied for the cave,” Bruce said. “If you're amenable Tim.”

“Sure,” Tim said. He was smiling now too. Here, in this moment Tim was suddenly confident and hopeful. He knew that in a moment they would serve dessert and play games together for hours. He knew that later that night he would accompany everyone to the basement where Batman and Nightwing would suit up and go to protect Gotham. He and Jason would run the comms while the other two patrolled. Then, in the late hours of the night Tim would go to his own room, knowing that Jason, Dick, Alfred, and Bruce were just down the hall. That when he woke up in the morning they would still be there. 

One day, Tim promised himself. One day he would be out there with them too, flying through the city and protecting Gotham with his family. 

He was home.