Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The ceiling had a crack in it.

It started where the ceiling and wall met and continued until one of the light fixtures. He had been staring at it for a concerningly long time. It had been light out, last time he looked out the window and now it’s dark out.

He should care. He should worry about how quickly he let the time slip through his fingers. He should get up but…but instead he pulled out another cigarette.

Tim was tired. So. Very. Tired.

If my mother saw me now she would have a hissy fit, Tim contemplates. Over the motels’ less than stellar state, and the fact he’s in a motel and that he’s lying on its dingy floor smoking cigarettes.

He stubbed the cigarette out with probably more force than needed.

He blinked. He hadn't wanted to do that. He wasn't finished.

So unbecoming Timothy, she would say, letting your emotions dictate your moves. She would have clicked her tongue disapprovingly and then walked away. Not once looking back.

Ugh. Just thinking about her got heat to build up behind his eyes. You’d think after all that crying earlier he would have been spent but this week just kept on surprising him.

He dragged himself into a sitting position. A hiss escaping him when he accidentally jostled his torso. The white bandages on his torso rapidly began to turn red.

“Shit,” he mumbled.

He must have reopened one of his stitches—well he’s not really surprised they were a rush job, he really wasn’t trying to stay any longer there with them.

Propping himself against the rickety beds’ frame. He let out a shaky exhale. Inhaling through his nose and exhaling out his mouth. Again and again. Again and again.

Something that Bruce would guide him through just after his parents' accident.

He hated the reminder of him. Of them.

That's what happens when you dedicate almost half your life to them. What a waste. You were such a–

Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale.

He left out a final exhale shakily, he bit his lip to try and stop the tremble in them, but that only seemed to make the tremors move to his other parts of his body.

His hands were shaking now. And he couldn't get them to stop.

His breaths were becoming more erratic.

He inhaled. Exhaled. Inhal–what was he kidding.

The breathing wasn't helping. He still felt like he was suffocating. The air was entering his body but it felt like no matter how deep the breath it still wouldn't enter his lungs.

He fumbled with his pockets and pulled out the box and a light. Lighting the cig took longer than Tim would admit but his hands were just not co operating.

He inhaled and finally felt like he could breathe.

As he puffed out the smoke he watched as it climbed toward the ceiling before dissipating. His hands still shook but significantly less.

Another few drags got the shaking to finally stop.

He slumped back down until he was yet again staring at the crack.

God, Tim hated these things. He stared at the cig in his hand for a long time before he pulled it back down to his lips.

But they reminded him of his father and he'll take that sliver of comfort.

Well would he consider the reminder of Jack Drake a comfort, he muses. The man was hardly a good father and an even worse husband but-

Another drag cuts that line of thought.

. . . . . .

Now if you're wondering what Tim Drake, CEO of Wayne Enterprise and vigilante Red Robin is doing in a motel on its floor smoking cigarettes, well you're in the same boat as him. Tim has not fucking idea how his life went to shit in the last few weeks.

________________________________

Monday 7: 31am

Tim opened bleary eyes to the screeching of his alarm and cursed his very existence. Why, you ask?

Because he had spent all night finishing up the Hamburg case and called a night all but 3 hours ago. Which would have been fine if he had gone to bed then. Which he did not do. Because patrol had been a bitch which meant he had to spend an extra hour and a half tending to his wounds.

He managed to climb into bed an hour ago. And now he has to get up and go to work. He was running on fumes and was sore all over. Which wouldn't usually be a problem. He's worked through worse but today was going to be grueling. He has six meetings today—six meetings. One with none other than Lex Luther.

So yeah Tim felt like today was going to be shit.

He stayed in bed longer than he was supposed to because now he was rushing to get out the door. Dressing himself as quickly as possible, he definitely strained a few sore muscles. Stopping in front of the bathroom mirror Tim could say he looked like shit. Which is fitting as he feels like shit and that this day was shit and that he wanted to crawl back into bed and eat his leftover takeout and watch stupid reality TV sh-no Tim if start thinking like that you may never leave the house.

He splashed some water on his face in an attempt to wake himself up and wash away the last of his hopes in staying home. Tim covered up the bruises and eye bags as best as he could but he could still see the exhaustion in his eyes. Gelling back his hair he looked up into his reflection and saw her. He looked so much like her that it hurt sometimes. It was all he ever heard at those galas he was forced to attend.

“Oh my! Timothy you are just the spitting image of Janet .”

“You look just like your mother when she was your age.”

“Wow! How time flies, you’ve grown so much. I could have mistaken you for your mother .”

“You know you look just like her .”

He had grown used to the comments, he had been hearing them before he could walk. Before they would make him beam with pride but now they just stung and left a hollow pit in his stomach.

He stayed like that for a while. Seemingly lost in his reflection. Lost in the eyes that used to look down at him with so much love. Lost at the sight of lips that would send him little smiles during the long business meetings.

Tim ached.

He looked away from the mirror. He didn’t feel like Timothy Drake-Wayne, CEO of Wayne Enterprises. He felt like a little boy playing dress up.

Tim blinked. Where did all of that come from?

Doesn’t matter, enough with the pity party. He was wasting time just standing here—he needed to get going.

Shrugging on his suit jacket Tim made his way toward the door.

“I guess I'll get breakfast at the office”, Tim sighed.

It was only when he was on the lobby floor he realized he forgot his briefcase. The one with his very necessary notes for his meetings.

Ugh.

Now he had to go all the way back up to his apartment because he had to live on the highest floor.

That’s fine. It’s fine. He’s fine.

His eye was so not twitching right now.

Entering the door of WE Tim instantly was blessed with the blast of the AC. Greeting the front desk he beelined for the elevator. He had only 25 minutes before his first appointment and Tam would berate him–well not really berate but give him the look, a skill in which all the fox family members perfected due to dealing with the Wayne's bullshit.

Exiting the elevator he threw a quick wave to Tam who responded with a tap on her wristwatch and a raised eyebrow.

He sent an apologetic smile over his shoulder as he opened his office doors. Tim let out a long suffering sigh as he sunk down into his chair. Today was going to be a long day.

_______________________________

Monday 6:17pm

Tim dragged a hand down his face. Slumping back in his chair, he sighed. Today had been…something.

He had only been allowed 5 minutes in his office before Tam came in with some documents that he needed to review for his first meeting of the day. Then he had to go into that boardroom and sit through that meeting. A meeting that really could have been an email.

The stupid meeting had been an agonizing hour long. Tim swore that every minute spent trying to have a civil conversation with those stuck up dinosaurs he lost a year of his life.

That meeting had left him with a lot of paperwork because nobody could be bothered to fill out the proper forms. So between prepping for his next torture session—sorry appointment he had to clear out all that backed up paperwork.

Then Tam had carded him off to his next appointment. That one had been worth his time at least. It was about this new program Wayne Enterprises was implementing for the public schools of Gotham.

It was an internship program that allowed the kids that usually wouldn't have a chance or a choice when it came to their future to join one of the Wayne Enterprises Youth programs that usually are only available to the schools that can pay the fees, which unsurprisingly isn't a lot.

The Youth programs introduced the students to a number of possible careers which then allows the kids to see a possible future that doesn't involve crime. Which is a future that sadly most Gothamites followed.

That meeting had been fine, possibly the highlight of his day if you don't include lunch. Which he thankfully had after that appointment.

Unfortunately he had the annual financial review. Which is arguably the worst part of his day. Even with his next appointment being with Luthor.

The annual financial review is one of the worst things he has to do and he had only done it once before. He had to be stuffed in a room with the shareholders of the company while they constantly talked over him and tried to convince him to give over his shares. They used overly complicated vocabulary in an attempt to make him feel dumb and always tried to pull something over him. Like he wouldn't notice how 500k went unaccounted for in the new budget. He was trained by The Batman and Janet Drake. He knows how to run a business. And when someone is trying to pull the wool over his eyes.

He also knows they wouldn't have even dared to try this with Bruce. God, he wished Bruce would just take the job back. He was done dealing with these assholes but Bruce had never quit, sure he complained about having to go to the office over his morning coffee while Tim had laughed at him but he never quit.

He’d be damned before he lets Bruce down. Besides, this job is only temporary. Bruce is going to come back and then he’ll have to sit through the financial review and Mr. Emerson bragging about whatever new thing he bought. Any day now.

_______________________________

Luckily his next meeting was a Zoom call so he didn't have to leave his office. Unluckily it was with Lex Luthor. He tried not to let his eye twitch when Luthor had offered to buy out Wayne Enterprises. Again.

Over my dead body, Luthor.

His last two meetings had been regarding the partnership with Astor Inc. The first one being about hashing out the final agreements outlining the terms of the collaboration with Astor Inc. It had surprisingly had minimal disputes and the representatives from Astor Inc. had also been remarkably competent. Which is not everyday in Gotham.

His last and final meeting had been with the marketing department on how to promote the partnership. Astor Inc. had been big on good promotion which makes sense with it being a new business and all.

Astor Inc. or the next Wayne Enterprises as the press called it, was a new company that had been climbing up the ranks for the last 4 years. It was quite impressive but equally suspicious. Usually Tim would just do a quick investigation on the company's founder and its assets but his little investigation yielded very strange results. There was this project they were working on, one that when he questioned the representatives had been very tight lipped about.

Of course they could have been wary of competitors but this had felt different. He had a feeling and by being trained under The Batman for long enough Tim knew to trust this feeling.

Tim sighed. Just another thing to be added to his never ending to do list.

He had then spent the last hour filling out the last bit of forms for the Youth programs. He was signing his approval on one before he heard a knock on his door. It couldn't be anyone else but Tam because they would have had to set an appointment with his secretary and Tam wouldn't have just let someone knock on his door.

"Come in."

She had a Wayne Tech tablet in her hand and a stack of documents in the other.

"Here's the papers from marketing you asked for."

"Thanks Tam."

"You don't sound too thankful."

"I can only be so thankful for more paperwork."

She smiled at that.

"Marcus Joel requested an appointment for tomorrow."

Tim groaned,"You know I don't wanna see him. He's borderline psycho—wait no he is."

"Yeah, well he's your 11am tomorrow," she smiled.

Tam took too much pleasure out of his misery.

"Any thing else on the schedule?"

" On Thursday, you have that trip to Star Labs, Friday you don't have to come in. All your meetings are online and all the work could be done remotely."

"Tam you're an angel."

"Don't I know it."

"Wait what about the quarterly budget check. I thought that was on Friday. "

"Did you even check your email today, it got moved up to Tuesday."

"Ah OK. Wait before you go could you take this to finance."

“Yeah, I'll have Greg take it but before i forget the Wayne Tech Summit,” Tam said without looking up from her tablet, “It’s in a week.”

She looked up at the lack of Tim’s response and frowned.

“You forgot, didn't you.”

“No,” Tim retorted, “It just—just slipped my mind. That’s all.”

She sighed.

“Tim, you can’t keep on doing this.”

“ It’s one meeting, Tam, I'm sor–

“Not that Tim. You can’t keep on doing this to yourself. You’re running yourself into the ground.”

“No I'm–”

“Yes you are Tim. You basically crawl into the office every morning, down a pack of Zestis before 10am, walk around here looking like a zombie and then run off into the night and do whatever you Bats do.”

She seemed to be waiting for a response but Tim didn’t give one.

“It’s not healthy. I’m worried about you. You need a break.”

“Tam…”

“You need a break.”

“I can’t.”

“Why not?,” she demanded, “Is it because of Bruce because i swear i will–”

“No, not that–I just–I just can’t,” Tim sighed.

"If you don't put your pride to the side—"

"I'm not being—"

"Well then ask for some help! Stop acting like it's going to kill you!"

"I don't need help. I have it covered. I know exactly when I have reached my limit and—"

"Bullshit! You look 5 seconds from dropping dead on your feet. I'm worried about you. "

"Well i don't need you to be!"

"For someone so smart you can be an idiot sometimes."

"What," Tim blurted.

"You're not listening to me Tim,"She vented. " You'd think someone in your profession would be able to listen," She sighed,"You're running yourself into the ground. And it's not OK—no matter how might try to rationalize it."

Tim glared at her and she returned it. A silence fell over them before Tim spoke up again.

"Take those papers finance."

Tam pursed her lips. She shot him a hard look before plopping herself down on one of the chairs in front of the desk.

"I'm not leaving until you do something."

"Do what?"

"Ask for a break!" She exploded, " I'm this close to getting you a union. You're overworked—"

"But not underpaid."

"We both know you don't need the money," Tam said unimpressed.

"Yeah well," he shrugged.

"Tim."

"Tam."

She sighed and looked at him, her anger replaced with determination.

"Just ask Tim even Bruce couldn't do it all. You know the amount of times he's asked my father to step in for him."

"You’re not letting this go, are you?"

She shook her head.

Tim sighed, "I don't—it's just that—"

"Bruce would have just carried on until he crashed. Yeah, well contrary to your belief you're not him. And you're still a kid."

"You're acting like you're not only 2 years older than me."

"Hush boy, the adult is speaking. Just because you feel like you have do it doesn't mean that you should."

He raised an eyebrow at her.

"Yes yes I know, hypocritical coming from me but for your information I'm only hear to look out for you and Dad because you both teeter the line we it comes to overdoing it."

Tam let out a huff before she continued.

"I'm not saying quit just yet because i know you won't but take a step back and catch yourself before you fall."

"OK."

"I care ab—wait what."

"What were you expecting more fight?" Tim asked.

"Definitely. You must be more tired that I thought."

"Gee thanks."

A moment of silence passed.

"Well, go on," Tam prompted.

"What?" Tim sputtered," You want me to do it now."

"If you don't do it now, next thing I know two months are gonna pass and your still gonna be coming in here looking more miserable than inmates on death row."

"Wow. Tam thanks for that image you painted just there," Tim deadpanned. " Do i really look that miserable?," he questioned.

"Yes."

"No hesitation. Wow. OK."

Tim reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. He had a number of texts from Bart and a long voice note from Stephanie. Probably her complaining about that one guy in her class. But he scrolled all past that until he got to his contact. His thumb hovered over it for a moment before he clicked it.

It rung for a couple of seconds before it picked up.

“Hey Bruce, can we talk?”

Chapter Text

The Wayne Manor stood impressively against darkening sky. The evening chill was beginning to creep in but that didn't bother Tim at all. He had grown used to it after having to chase criminals in the dead of night for most of his life. It didn't stop him from pulling his suit jacket closer to his body mostly out of habit as he made his way to the Wayne Manor doors.

He sighed. Bruce had said they could talk before dinner. Which Tim found very annoying he had wanted to tell Bruce about taking back the job over the phone (definitely not because he didn't want to see the possible disappointment on Bruce's face) and get it over with. But when was anything simple in this family.

"Good evening, Master Timothy," Alfred greeted at the door.

"Hey Alfred," Tim returned with a small smile.

"Come inside, dear boy, it can get quite damp outside and we don't want you catching another cold, hm," he finished. He was clearly referencing Tim's lack of spleen. Ever since he had found out it had been a source of worry for the man.

"I'm fine, Alfred. A little breeze isn't going kill me."

He pursed his lips and gave him an unimpressed look before leading Tim to the kitchen.

"You are staying for dinner, yes?"

"Do I really have choice," Tim asked with a grin as he sat to the kitchen counter.

"Of course, you do. Its just that I'm not sure they'd be any leftovers for you to scavenge after Master Dick."

"I see," Tim said with a hand on his chin, "I guess I have to stay. I'm definitely not letting Dick hog all of—uh—what are you making?"

"Dinner will be Mushroom wellington paired with Dauphinoise Potatoes along with some creamed spinach. Lord knows you all could do with some more greens,"He added in a mutter," Now I believe you were here for someone."

"Right. Bruce is in his office right?"

A nod directed to him sent him on his way. He was standing outside Bruce's office before he knew it. He let out a breath and knocked on the door.

Tam is lucky she's scary when she's mad, Tim thought to himself, and extremely petty. He still shivers when he thinks about what happened to Joseph from HR. Poor guy. Maybe this was her twisted version of revenge for eating her pudding cup last Tuesday.

"Come in."

He sighed again. He was doing that a lot lately. Maybe he really did need a break.

Upon entering the room, Tim noticed just how much a mess it was. Papers were strewn on the floor along with several empty mugs lining the desk. In the midst of it all sat Bruce looking over some documents intently.

"I see that Alfred hasn't been in here yet."

Bruce grimaced at that. "Don't tell him about the mess." Bruce looked up from the papers, "You wanted to talk about something?"

"Yeah I wanted to ask you—is that the peace treaty for the Gabranians?"

"Yes."

A beat of silence followed.

"Why is it up here? Shouldn't you be down in the cave doing that," Tim asked.

"…"

"Alfred kicked you out the cave, didn't he?"

Bruce shifted uncomfortably and Tim grinned. Bingo.

"He doesn't know what you're doing in here, does he?"

Bruce inhaled sharply, "What is it that you wanted to talk about?"

"Deflecting, i see"

"Tim."

Tim cleared his throat,"I uh—wanted to—i wanted to talk about Wayne Enterprises."

"What, is Ms. Whitney still giving you a hard time because I told Lucius—"

"No. Not that. I was wondering if you could take back Wayne Enterprises."

"What."

"Yeah, Tam's been on me on taking a break and to take a step back or whatever because this was only a temporary fix and—" he falters when he sees Bruce's face.

He doesn't look angry but he does have the same facial expression his parents did whenever he asked for them to come to any of his school events. Although Bruce is better at hiding his emotions behind an impassive face Tim can tell by the slight clench of his jaw and tightening around his eyes. Irritation mixed with weariness and something else, he can't tell. It's gone before he can analyze further, Bruce is now a blank slate. He obviously doesn't want to talk about this. But now that Tim's talking he doesn't want to stop.

"Look, Tim i know the job can be tiring, trust me i know but you picked a really bad time," he continued, "I'm still hashing out the peace treaty with the Gabranians, plus the backlog of paperwork the Justice League accumulated in my absence—I just won't be able to do all that and be able to give Wayne Enterprises the amount of attention it needs."

"Yeah, I get that but you don't think you could take it just for like a few days."

"Tim I would but i have to finish up with this treaty."

"Yeah Bruce i know but i just need a little breather—"

"Have you asked Lucius to do it?"

"He can't, you know he can't. You know Lucius cannot handle that kind of stress right now. Tam's already worried about him being in the office as is and— "

"Tim," Bruce sighed as he pinched his nose bridge.

Great now Bruce is annoyed.

"What do you want me to do?"

Tim didn’t have an answer for that. (He did actually. Bruce could easily hand over the Gabranians treaty to the Green lanterns to handle but he knows Bruce wouldn't want to do that because he's a control freak.)

"If you can't handle Red Robin and the company then give some of your cases to Dick or Barbara—"

"I can handle my duties," he said firmly.

This is why he didn't want to say anything in the first place. Now Bruce is going to think he's incapable and that he can't manage himself. And because he thinks he's having a hard time which he isn't—Tam was the one who said he needed a break; he's going to coddle him or worse both Dick and him will coddle him. Then Damian, the little shit that he was, would pick up on this and would be compelled to say some snarky comment on how useless he was or something.

They stared at each other for a while. Bruce seemed to finally find the words to respond.

"Look I'm really grateful you took over the position but can you just do this until I'm done with this. We will come back to this, OK."

He ignored the part of him that wanted to tell Bruce that he wasn't listening. He was kid (even if he didn't like to admit it), he didn't want to run some multi million dollar company, he wanted to spend his day hanging out with Young Justice, fighting crime with them and just doing stupid stuff with them. He barely had any time for anything but patrol.

Tim nodded, not trusting his mouth to not blurt out what he was thinking.

Bruce sighed a breath of relief at that.

Geez, didn't know I was such a problem to deal with.

Bruce stood up from behind his desk and made his way towards Tim until he was in front of him and clapped him on the back.

"Thanks for being so understanding, chum."

"Dinner should be ready soon, you should start cleaning up the place," Tim said in replacement of a reply to that.

"Yeah and you should freshen up, you're still in your work clothes."

"I will," Tim said turning on his heel and exiting the room.

Honestly it was for Bruce's benefit, he felt like he would have done something he'd regret if he stayed any longer. Bruce just wouldn't listen sometimes and it was maddening.

He hurried down the corridor to his room.

Stupid Bruce. Doesn't know when to listen when it counts. He was such a blockhead.

He was lost in his thoughts that he almost didn't notice Dick. He was just exiting his room, probably on his way to dinner. Tim should hurry up then because Alfred made everyone wait until everyone was present at the table before he dished out the food and he didn't want to be the one to hold up dinner. Or maybe he did. Just to be petty. But Damian would probably stab him.

Eh, it was worth the risk, he shrugged.

"Hey Tim," Dick greeted.

" Yeah, hi."

"You’re not looking too hot there."

"Yeah I just had a talk with Bruce and it was…" he trailed off, he was sure Dick would know how he felt.

Dick gave him an understanding look which was warranted, Dick had been dealing with Bruce for the longest out of them all minus Alfred.

"I'm guessing you don't want to talk about it."

"Nah I have it handled." Which is where Tim wanted to end it but when it came to Dick he always felt like he had spill his guts. So he continued. "But he's just being—he's just not listening to me."

"When does he ever," Dick responded more bitterly than he intended. "What did he do?"

Tim could brush him off but like he said he could never keep something from Dick.

"I want to start taking a step back from my role in WE but he can't right now because he's busy with the Gabranian treaty."

The one that he could easily pass off to Green Lantern, he didn't say but Dick knew that.

Dick narrowed his eyes at that.

Here it comes, he grinned

"You should go clean up, dinner is almost ready."

Wait what.

Usually Tim talking about Bruce being a pain would result in a nice bit of trash talking between them as they complained on why Bruce was so Bruce. But just brushing it off. That never happened. So color him a little confused. He was sure the confusion was painted on his face. Dick obviously noticed.

"Look, Tim you know how Bruce is," he sighed. "Just—just stay where you are for now, OK. At least until Bruce is done with the case, alright. Try to cut back on some of your duties, just try to until Bruce finishes this case. He will cut you some slack."

Dick said that last sentence more sternly then the rest. The tone reminded Tim more of his Batman voice than anything. It made him furrow his brows.

"Dick wha—"

"Can you just do this for now. You understand where I'm coming from, right?"

A beat of silence followed before Tim finally responded.

"No, yeah I understand."

He must have succeeded in sounding reassuring because Dick smiled before clapping on his back. The action identical to Bruce's. Maybe he picked it up from him?

Whatever.

Dick made his way downstairs and Tim continued his walk to his room. As soon as Tim had closed his bedroom door behind him his temper got the best of him and he had kicked his trash can across his room. That unfortunately did nothing to quell his frustration, it only created a mess he would have to clean before Alfred saw. He held his head in hands while he let out a groan.

Why was everything so difficult?

Tim buried his head in his pillow as flopped onto his bed.

Can you just do this.

Thanks a lot of Tam, he thought bitterly. Logically he knew that it wasn't her fault but he did blame her for giving him that hope. Of course he couldn't just step back. Bruce wouldn't. Dick wouldn't. Damian sure as hell wouldn't. And now Dick and Bruce probably thought he was incapable. He should have known.

He always had to understand.

Unsurprisingly dinner was quiet that night.

Tuesday 10: 29am

Fortunately Tim did not have to rush to get the office that morning because of the godsend that is Alfred Pennyworth. When Tim had woken up, his suit was already laid out, ironed and breakfast was laid out on the table. He had forgot how good it was to live in the Manor.

Then that thought was instantly soured with the memories of last night. After dinner was patrol and it was clear that after his talk with Bruce he had come to the conclusion that Tim was incompetent because all he did on patrol was coddle him. It was infuriating. Bruce even ended patrol early. He didn't need any special treatment he could handle himself just fine. Which he verbalized to him quite loudly. Then he was carded off to bed by Alfred. Which was unappreciated.

Ignoring all of that, he had managed to leave for work without needing to rush and got there at reasonable time. If Tam was surprised she didn't say anything. She probably going to grill him for what happened last night when he finally had some free time.

Which is where he was now. Tim was currently prepping for the disaster that was Marcus Joel. Nothing against the guy he was just very eccentric to put it into words. He was the head director of R&D and took his job quite seriously. Usually Tim would avoid Marcus when he asked for an appointment but he could only avoid him for so long.

There was a knock at the door. Tim hoped it wasn't Marcus. Sometimes he came a little earlier because he had some extra ideas he wanted to run by Tim. He wasn't asking for permission it was more of like he telling Tim what to expect when the next time the fire department came around.

It wasn't Marcus, thank the heavens. It was Tam. That was arguably worse. She sat herself down on one of the chairs in front of his desk. Tim decided he was not going to look at her. He still needed to mentally prepare for Marcus.

"So, how did it go," she began.

"It went surprisingly well. The Legal department has finally settled that lawsuit wit—"

"You know that's not what I'm talking about."

Tim pursed his lips before responding.

"It went fine."

"Don't be like that," she rolled her eyes, "Tell me what really happened."

"It doesn't matter."

"If it didn't matter I wouldn't care, so what happened because it clearly didn't go too well."

She saw the look of surprise on his face and said, "You had your I'm-upset-my-plan-didn't-go-as-planned face when you walked in."

"So what he'd say?"

There was another moment of silence that followed. Tim was trying to find the words to minimize the fallout. The last thing he needed was Tam angry on his behalf (because trust him, he can be angry enough for the both of them). But Tim felt that frustration from last night and he didn't want to make it disappear and sort it out civilly. Call it pettiness but right now he wanted to be mad. Maybe it was because Dick didn't have his back last night or maybe it was because he was dismissed by both Dick and Bruce. So sue him if he was feeling a bit indignant.

So maybe he told Tam what Bruce said. And maybe they had a discussion something like this.

"What do—Why would he—He can not be serious."

Tim sighed at that. It did feel validating to have someone also realize the unfairness of the situation.

"Please tell me you kicked his ass after that."

"Not exactly," he saw how her face instantly soured, "I couldn't exactly tell him to just drop the case. I was just giving him proof that I'm not capable, like who tells The Batman to drop an important case just because your not able to—

"Tim who gives a fuck!" she exclaimed. She was getting tired of Tim's bullshit.

"I do! I'm not going to let people down," he ran a hand through his hair," Bruce is just busy right now. It's not like its going to be forever, it's just for now."

"Yeah and he said that last time you asked."

He crossed his arms and leaned back into his chair.

It had only been a few months into being CEO, Bruce was back and Tim was ready to give the job back. So when Bruce had dropped by Wayne Enterprises to prove to the public he wasn't dead he had really just been on a 'vacation' he had pulled him to the side to offer it back but Bruce said he couldn't. Not yet. And Tim respected that. Bruce had been trough a lot so he waited. Then it had been weeks, then months and now it had been almost a year.

"Who told you that," Tim demanded.

"Doesn't matter, what matters is that you shouldn't be doing this. Bruce should have been claimed his position back. He can't keep on hiding behind being Batman. I thought that by now he would have—I don't know, been ready."

He was now regretting telling Tam.

"Just drop it Tam. I never should have said anything"

Tam leaned forward out of her chair and opened her mouth to say something but Tim cut her off.

"Leave. I need to prepare for my next appointment."

"I'm just trying to help yo—"

"Yeah and look where did that get me."

She huffed and threw up her hands as she got up from the chair. He jaw was clenched and she had her tablet in a death grip.

"You know you are one dense asshole sometimes."

She stormed out and left Tim alone with his thoughts. Tim knew that he shouldn't have said that. He wasn't really mad at Tam. He was angry at Bruce and maybe a bit mad at himself. Tam was trying to help him. He didn't mean to lash out but he was just so irritated. He didn't want her to get caught in the crossfire of his anger, he knew all too well what it was like.

He buried his head in his hands.

Outside Tam sat down at her desk and buried her head in her arms. She was worried about Tim Drake. And she wasn't quite sure what to do.

"Hello, I am he Mr. Drake's 11am," a voice sounded out from above her.

"Sorry," she cleared her throat as she sat up, "He'll be ready to see you in a minute."

She clicked the intercom button, "Mr. Drake, Mr. Joel is ready for his appointment."

He responded, clipped and professional, "Send him in."

And Tam was left alone again but she wasn't going to wallow here. She was going to help him. Tam cracked her knuckles, she had some work to do.

Chapter Text

Exhaustion had become a friend Tim knew all too well. Every morning as he awoke he was encapsulated in it. It clung to him like how moss clings to a tree. He was no stranger to the heaviness in his limbs after a long day or long night. He was used to the slight headaches he would get from staring at a screen for too long or from just doing so much in such a small time bracket. Of course he never let it slow him down he was beyond that. But let's just Tim was used to having even just the slightest bit of fatigue clinging to him.

So he was somewhat confused when he woke up somewhat well rested. He was also very confused why there was sunlight streaming in through a bay window. Windows he very much did not have in his bedroom.

Until it hit him, "Oh right," he huffed, he was in Greece right now for the Wayne Tech Summit. That's why it was so sunny. It was kinda unnerving. In Gotham there was barely any 'good' weather (good weather was subjective Tim liked the doom and gloom vibes the constant deary weather created) so whenever Tim traveled out of Gotham it took him a while to acclimate to bright weather. Honestly Tim didn't know how people dealt with it.

Swinging his feet off the side of the bed, Tim grabbed his phone off the side table and checked the time. It was 8:27am and he had a couple of notifications. A few emails regarding a few issues in the IT department, some messages from the young justice group chat and pleasantly a text from Cass.

He read it, she heard he was in Europe and she was in the area and wanted to see if he wanted to meet up. It had been about 2 months since he last saw her. She had been on an undercover mission since then. Communication had been sparse and in between and he realized how much he had missed her.

Giving her a confirmation, Tim trudged onto the bathroom, he still needed to get ready for the first conference.

Wednesday 3:55pm

The Wayne Tech Summit was set up for 2 conferences a day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. It was to be a 3 day convocation and afterwards Tim would catch the next plane back to Gotham.

Tim was walking out the assembly building after the afternoon conference but instead of heading back to his hotel room he was going to meet up with Cass at their designated spot. He wasn't running late far from it actually but he was still rushing; he just really wanted to see his sister. It had been too long.

Tim debated on changing out of his suit, it was awfully hot but he decided not to. Halfway to the spot he cursed the weather and the fact he decided to walk. Honestly the sun and heat was unbearable. He should have changed.

Nearing the waterfront, Tim sighed. The water was beautiful. Just the clearest cerulean waters that he wouldn't even dream about in Gotham. Maybe the weather was worth the view.

Tim and Cass had agreed on this little shop by the waterfront, it was closest to the assembly building and it served pretty good Loukoumades, if Cass was to be trusted. Upon entering the little shop he saw her there sitting at a little table with two cups and munching on what he assumed was Loukoumades.

She got up to greet him with a hug and he returned it with fervour. Had he said he missed her? He wasn't sure why he did so much. It wasn't like she hadn't gone on missions like this before, heck even he had gone on undercover missions for extended periods of time. Maybe it's because these last few months had been a little hard on him. Or maybe it was because of last week. He didn't know he just knew he was happy to see his sister.

They sat back down.

"So how did the mission go?"

"Good. How are you? You look…," she paused for a minute, trying to find the right word, "Still tired but not so much now."

Usually when someone said he looked tired he would just say that last night he hadn't gotten any sleep unless they were Tam or Cass. Tam knew his schedule and knew there was no way Tim was getting a proper 8 hours a night more than once a month. For Cass there was no use in lying to, she would know.

"Yeah, I haven't been sleeping good for the last few weeks—a lot of meetings this time of year."

She frowned at that.

"Not good. Need rest. Lots."

"I have been."

She raised an unimpressed eyebrow, clearly not believing him. It was comfortingly similar to Alfred. That brought a smile to his face.

"Really, I have! Since I've gotten here I have gotten all this sleep. Plus on the plane ride I slept the whole way."

"You came yesterday."

"Your point is?"Tim snarked.

She rolled her eyes before giving him a pensive look.

"Rest is more than sleep. You need fun."

Tim furrowed his brows. He has fun. He has fun all the time. He's the funnest person he knew.

Wait. That don't sound right. That sounded crazy loner-ish. Kinda like…

HOLY CRAP. This job was turning him into Bruce!

Seriously when was the last time he went out with young justice or even just went skateboarding? Too long, that's what.

Cass sent him a knowing smile, seemingly able to read his thoughts and hear his realization. She probably could.

"You will do things other than work," She commanded, knocking Tim out of his daze.

"Huh," he replied,oh so eloquently.

"Here. You will have fun. Less work here."

"Wait. Cass I am not staying here long, after the Summit is over I'm catching the next flight to Gotham."

"No you're not."

"Um, yeah I am."

"No."

"Yes."

"No."

"Yes."

They did that for three minutes before Tim thought to ask why.

"Why would I stay here?" he asked exasperated.

"Because you are."

Deeming this as one of her ploys to annoy him, Tim decided that they were done going back and forth like this.

"Whatever Cass. Did you bring me anything from Morocco?"

That seemed to be the right thing to divert the conversation because she began to dig in her bag looking for whatever trinket she bought.

Cass and Tim talked for couple hours eventually leaving the little shop to walk down the waterfront. They didn't talk much but that didn't bother them. Tim welcomed the silence. Tim grew up in silence. As did Cass. But this wasn't the same as that silence.

This was comforting. Like those blankets at the manor. Alfred would pull them out after a long patrol. They were fluffy and so soft. And they would just engulf you.

Tim had been tempted to buy some for his nest but those were strictly for the manor. He didn't know why but he knew it would feel wrong having them without Bruce being there with a blanket thrown over his lap and Alfred brewing some warm tea and preparing a small snack before they were both sent off to bed.

The quietness between Cass and Tim was welcomed. It was a breath of fresh air. This was the most peaceful moment Tim had had in a while. They walked together until the sun began to dip. Then they made their way to Tim's hotel. Tim had offered for Cass to stay with him but she had to bounce. She still had some loose ends to tie in the next country over. She promised to text him and that she'll be in Gotham within the next month.

That put a smile on Tim's face. So that night for the first time in many months Tim went to bed with a smile on his face.

And he got 9 hours of sleep. Win win.

So that's why he should have known something was up. Because things can't go too well for him.

Friday 5:16pm

Today was Tim's last day in Greece. As soon as that last conference was over he had basically ran back to his hotel to pack to catch the next flight back home. And then he did. He went to the airport and was already boarding the plane.

Well then if that's what happened why was he still in his hotel?

Because of Tam. That's why.

Tim was currently sitting on the edge of his bed furiously trying to call Tam to ask why the hell has his leaving date had been pushed back 3 days but she wasn't answering.

He let out a groan and flopped back down on the bed.

He ran a hand through his hair and laid there blinking up at the ceiling.

Earlier when he had finished packing his suitcase he had checked his emails to see an email from Tam. Which wasn't unusual, what was unusual was its contents.

To spare you all the unnecessary details, it basically read that Tam had postponed his return date to Monday night since he wouldn't be needed Saturday through Sunday and all of Mondays meeting has been moved to the next Thursday.

The problem was that there was no fault in that. Tam had diligently divided up the tedious work from Monday and Sunday between another assistant and herself and postponed the rest until Thursday. So he had the day free. Which he would have appreciated if he was in Gotham. Which he wasn't.

Sure he would love to have an actual weekend where he didn't have to go into the office or even look at a document and better yet a 3 day weekend but he didn't want to spend it in sunny sweaty Greece. He would rather be in Gotham. Because he could use the weekend to his advantage. First he could get 8 hours of sleep, do a deep dive on all his cases and probably solve them all and have more patrol time.

But no he was in Greece and for what reason? He didn't know.

A ping from his phone shook him out of his misery.

It was another email from Tam.

Timothy Drake-Wayne Schedule Change

To: [email protected]

CC: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Good Day, Mrs. Deacon

Apologies for the abrupt news on Mr. Drake-Wayne schedule change. Due to unforeseen circumstances Mr. Drake-Wayne is currently unavailable for the next three days for a scheduling mishap for the flight bookings.

All of Mr. Drake-Wayne appointments have rescheduled for when he is next available.

Please refer to my last email for the new schedule.

Kind regards,

Tamara Fox

Oh my g—she really did that. Tim knew damn well that there was no 'scheduling mishap'. She rearranged his schedule just so that he could get a little 3 day weekend trip.

Tim didn't know whether to be impressed or angry.

Was he really angry because Tam worked behind his back to get him a break?

Shouldn't you, I don't know be a little grateful?

No!

She's way out of line! He has very important things to do in Gotham.

Like for one, he was needed in Gotham to fight crime (no you don't didn't Dick say he could to take over your patrol route because you're incapable) he has cases he needed to complete (He only had one time sensitive case that had teamed up with Jason because he knew he was going to be gone for 3 days and Jason could totally take care of it himself) all the rest of his cases were cold cases that Babs could look over if she wanted to)).

…

Well—give him a moment he could think of another excuse reason.

Here's one!

He didn't need her meddling in his life. He can handle himself, he can—

A text message from Tam came through.

Just take the break asshole

Cass's words flashed across his mind.

Rest is more than sleep.

You will have fun. Less work here.

You will do things other than work

Of course she knew, he thought somewhat embittered that he got played.

He texted Tam back.

Fine

He could fight Tam or maybe Cass on a good day but them together? He'd be a fool to try that. He knows when he's beat.

Tim was officially stuck in Greece for the next 3 days. What was he to do?

Well right now he wanted to sleep. And so he did.

Saturday 4: 38am

Tim blinked up at the ceiling and turned his head toward the bedside table to check the time.

He had been asleep for almost 12 hours straight. He was honestly surprised he hadn't slept longer actually.

He knew he wasn't going back to sleep now so now swinging his legs off the side of the bed Tim made his way to the bathroom. He didn't have a plan for today, he didn't have a plan for any of this. Not that that bothered Tim to much. He was a planner. He was used to having a wrench thrown in his plans. He can work out something. Something to do.

His fingers tapped on the bathroom counter top as he brushed his teeth. He was thinking.

When had it become so hard for him to think of something for him to enjoy?

Maybe he really did need this break.

Huffing Tim leaned down and spat into the sink and began gargling some mouth wash.

To make a plan Tim needed to know his limitations. What couldn't he do right now.

Well he was supposed to be resting/relaxing. So any type of work was out of the question. He couldn't patrol. Sure he had his suit but the crime rate here was laughable compared to Gotham. All he could do was probably stop a few petty crimes plus the sun will be rising in a couple hours. And he was rather operate in a foreign city cloaked in the darkness. Extra protection since he's not on his home turf and doesn't have any back up within an hour away (not that he'd need it).

He could work out. He did spy a gym on one of the floors of the hotel. But he doubted he could actually work out with out raising some questions and he seriously doubts any of the equipment was up to Bat standard. So no working out.

Hm.

He could…he could go out and sight see. He hasn't been to Greece other than for that one mission with Dick like 4 years ago. But they hadn't really sat down then to sniff the flowers they quickly had to return Gotham.

Dick had been really excited to see the ruins and the museums with Tim. Dick doesn't look it but he's a huge history nerd. He had already been Greece already but he'd been so excited to show Tim and most likely info dump for like 4 hours straight.

It would have been fun.

His grip on the bathroom counter top tightened.

Maybe no sightseeing today.

Leaving the bathroom Tim went to go change out of his pjs. He knew now that here the heat was no joke so he wore something way more lighter than he did on his first day here.

At least I don't have to wear anymore stuffy suits around here, Tim thought to himself as he slipped on some shorts and his sneakers.

He checked the time again. It was barely 5 o'clock and breakfast wasn't going to start for another hour and a half. Sighing through his nose, Tim grabbed his phone off of the charger. Something had happened with Bart so the Young Justice group chat had blown up over night. Nothing malicious from what Tim could read just a brand of dumbness only Bart could create. He smiled despite himself. He had a few texts from Steph complaining about his 'scheduling mishap'. He forgotten that they were supposed to patrol together tonight. Also there was a text from Jason.

Nothing from Dick or Bruce though. He frowned.

He opened his messages with Jason.

Asshole(Red edition)

Heard you're stuck in Greece for the weekend.

Real smooth.

Idk what ur talking bout

im still working n all dat

Whatever.

Get me something

Maybe

if u ask nice imight

say pls

Fuck off.

Guess Jason thought he did this himself. He would have corrected him but knowing Jason he would make fun of him for having to be trapped in another country by his PA for him to chill out. Tim didn't think he was telling anyone that Tam trapped him in Greece, he'd rather go with the cover up she came up with—way less embarrassing.

Sending a quick apology to Steph and a promise of ice cream for when he's back, Tim sat back down on the edge of the bed.

He could go out for a walk, he mused. That did seem like a good idea.

Going out for a quick walk along the beach that was near the hotel and then come back for breakfast. Then he could figure out what else he could do. Maybe he would go swimming. The beaches here were mesmerizing. And then look for a little trinket for Cass. She would appreciate that. And maybe just maybe look for something for Jason. And Steph most definitely. That should be enough to keep him busy for the day.

See, he could relax.

So Tim set off and had a really fulfilling day and relaxed and had fun and all that jazz. And the other 2 days were spent in similar fashion.

<WRONG>

You really think anything in Tim life is that easy. No farthest thing from it. Nothing ever goes to plan. So this is how his day went:

Tim had exited the hotel and was making his way to the beach not to far away. The sun still hadn't risen just yet. The sky still had stars twinkling in the sky. Gotham didn't have stars.

His feet found the path that led to beach and soon enough his hearing began to be flooded by the sounds of waves crashing on the shore. The path was partially covered by long hanging branches that Tim had to constantly move out the way lest he get a mouthful of leaves. His hair got caught more times than he liked to admit.

Maybe it's time for a haircut, Tim contemplated as he ran a hand through his hair, he pulled a twig out from his hair. Or maybe I should have taken to proper way to the beach rather than the back alley way.

Well he wanted to start on the edge of the beach for his walk. Emerging from the bushes Tim's breath was caught in his chest.

It was beautiful.

The water was dark but had this slight purple hue that Tim was sure Stephanie would love. It meet with what he assumed was white sand which looked grey from the lack of light. The sky was still a dark blue but had lightened a lot since he had woken up. The moon was still high; a waning crescent tonight. Clouds were far and in between so the moon shined down on the waters.

Something that could never happen in Gotham. The thick smog choked any moonlight except for the few nights in which it was an especially bright full moon. Those were the nights you could see the moon. It was unfortunate they were rare and most people never saw them. Gothamites didn't spend time staring at sky, you couldn't afford to have your head up in the clouds. That will cost you.

It really is a shame though. Even if Gotham is a shithole it does have it's moments of beauty. Moments that are usually only seen by the bats and birds. It made Tim mad. Some nights as he patrolled his fingers itched for a camera. Just to catch those rare moments Gotham open up its heart for her knights.

His fingers were itching for a camera right now. He wanted to capture this moment forever and put the evidence back in his pocket.

He cursed the fact he hadn't packed one.

Well it wouldn't have made sense to pack it anyway, he hadn't touched a camera in months.

Tim let out a breath and began trekking down the beach, his hand stuffed in his pockets.

Maybe i could buy one, he considered.

Later.

He continued down the shoreline, breathing in the sea salt.

He walked up and down a couple times before the sun began to peek up from behind the horizon. And if Tim didn't want his camera then he definitely wanted it now. The sky was a mixture and reds and yellows making the water seem like it was glowing. The sand now a bright white. People began to trickle into the water and Tim took this as a sign for him to leave.

He decided he wanted to leave different from where he entered, an actual paved path. Way less chance of getting assaulted by tree branches.

Tim made his way up from shore to the path and began to trek back up the tides crashing becoming less and less prominent. The he heard it.

Straying off the main path he saw there was a small path leading in between some trees.

Tim had always been a curious child. Too curious than his own good some might argue. And he would argue back that that was what made him such a good detective.

So Tim turned down the path and pushed away some branches in his way. It led to another beach. A little smaller and had much more rougher sand. Rather than the white sand this beach had tiny pulverized shells and rocks acting as it's sand.

Must hurt to walk on barefoot.

This beach also had a lot more people on it. He paid them no mind.

And once again he was drawn to the water. It looked so enchanting. Until then he heard it again.

Tim turned around facing inland trying to pin down that familiar noise.

Up where the beach ended and pavement began there were some kids skateboarding. The sound of wheels hitting pavement brought back memories. Good ones. Tim was already walking up there before he knew it.

Tim probably looked like a weirdo just standing there watching but he was somewhat entranced. He realized it had been way too long since he's been skate boarding.

Maybe he could pull out the redboard when he gets back in Gotham. Tweak and tinker with it a little. Make it suitable for the night life again. It had been sitting around somewhere catching dust.

Just as he was contemplating some additions to the redboard a voice called to him. Or at least he thought it was for him.

It was one of the boys sitting off the side with a skateboard sitting by his feet.

It took him a second for him to process what the boy asked. One because Tim was a little out of it and two it was in Greek. His Greek wasn't very good but he could piece together what he said.

He asked if he wanted to skate with them. Tim had nodded before he realized he was.

The boy got up—he looked around the same age as Tim, late teens most likely and strolled over towards him. He placed his skate board at Tim's feet and then spoke.

He must have realized Tim wasn't a native or at the very least didn't speak Greek well because his next words were spoken in an accented english.

"Have you skated before?"

Tim nodded.

He sent Tim a grin and motioned to the skateboard. Tim put a foot on the board and let it roll up and down underneath his foot before he kicked off and began skating down the path. Trying out the board Tim did a little kickflip and continued rolling down the pavement.

Tim was sure he was grinning now.

He went up and down the pavement again and again doing some tricks before the boy called out to him again.

"Hey we're going to the skate park. Want to come?"

Heel stopping right in front of him, Tim nodded. He wasn't sure why he agreed. He had a plan today. Not that it was a concrete plan but still an outline and this was definitely not part of it. But the whole point of him being here was to relax and nothing ever made him as happy as when he was on his board. So he guesses that's why he agreed so quickly even though he doesn't even know this boy's name.

"Come on, its down the street," the boy says as he starts to walk off.

Some of the other kids started to depart with them. Tim went to hand the board to the boy but the boy just brushes him off.

"Nah, keep it for the park. I got another."

The two walk together amidst the group of other teens and preteens walking to the skate park.

"So, "the boy begins conversationally," Do you not speak?" he asks.

Tim blanches at that.

"What," Tim starts, "I can speak."

He puts up his hands up in mock surrender.

"Well you haven't said anything this whole time."

Tim blinks at that.

"Oh."

"Yeah."

A beat.

"What's your name?"

Tim sent a sideways glance. This guy sure liked to ask questions.

Or maybe your just paranoid.

"Tim."

"Tim, huh. I'm Nickoloas."

The group had dispersed now everyone flooding the now lively skate park.

Nickoloas darted off, probably to go get that other board. Tim took it as a sign to start skateboarding but before he could place the board down Nickolaos was speaking from behind him.

"Where you from?"

"You ask a lot of questions."

"I'm curious," he shrugged.

"America," Tim answered.

"Figured."

No point in telling him Gotham. For some reason that always set non-Gothamites off. Made them weary or too intrigued. And Tim didn't need that extra attention. Right now he wanted to skate. And so he did. Like for real. No funny business. Tim got to skate until the sun was making its way high in the sky.

Eventually he sat down on the curb. His throat was parched and his breaths came out a little heavy.

"Here."

A bottle of water was shoved into his hand.

Looking up it was Nickolaos standing in front of him. His white shirt was thoroughly drenched from sweat making it cling to his body. Which was eye catching to say the least.

Nickoloas was an attractive man. He had short sun kissed brown hair that curled at the ends, tanned skin and with an obviously very good build. A swimmers build.

He must swim a lot.

Tim's eyes raced up Nickoloas body before he put his lips to the bottle. Nickoloas was cute and all but Tim didn't need that kind of distraction right now. Tim decided to turn his attention to something else. Like the view behind him.

You could still see the beach from here and it looked absolutely heavenly. The high noon sun glistened off beautiful crystal waters and its rocky shore. Trees framed the beach as if to keep it hidden from the rest of the world. The glare off the water nearly blinded Tim.

He took a deep breath of the salty air and allowed a small smile to grace his face. He really wanted to capture this moment in his camera.

Tim stomach grumbling brought him out of his thoughts. He forgot he didn't eat breakfast. His stomach grumbled again. This time much louder.

"Hey you want to get some lunch?" Nickolas asked with a smile.

He definitely heard his stomach. Tim could feel the heat in his cheeks. Its cool he could play it off.

"Oh, sure. You know a place?"

"There's this place down the street. Everyone loves it."

Success!

…..

They were sitting down together on a big stone. The two were both facing the seaside, Tim soaking in the light breeze. They had just finished lunch—brunch in Tim's case and were making some small talk.

"So why did you come here."

"Business."

"Business? Is that code for something else?" Nickolaos asked.

"No," Tim replied aghast.

"Sorry, sorry," he held up his hands in mock surrender. "You just don't look like those business people who come here."

"I don't?"

Tim guesses that made sense. He was sure he looked like "those business people" when he was properly dressed in suit and briefcase but right now he probably looked like a kid on vacation.

"Yeah. I mean you are serious but you don't act like they do."

"I don't?"

"It’s a good thing." Nickolas said as he ran a hand through his curls, " They all act like they are better than us. You don't. Well except for when you was skateboarding."

"What did you think I was gonna be bad or something," Tim laughed.

"Yeah actually. When you were just standing there watching Lucas you looked like you had never seen a skateboard before."

"Really?"

"Yeah."

"I mean I guess that's kinda of true," Tim said. " I haven't been able to skateboard lately. I've been buried in work."

Lately? Try almost a year.

"Ah, so is that why you've come here," he asked bringing his legs up and sitting criss-cross.

"No actually I got stuck here for a couple of days due to some mistake in my schedule." Tim answered going with Tam's lie.

"Good thing you did."

"Yeah it is," Tim licked his lips before continuing. "I don't know why but being here just for today made me realize how much I missed doing the things I like."

Nickolaos was looking at Tim with a hard look on his face.

And in a subdued and understanding tone he said, "I get it."

"You do?"

"It's not the same as you but I got caught up trying to impress people who didn't really care about me and well kinda put what I wanted to the side." He stretched his arms above his head, "So this summer I decided that I was done with that and I was going to do what I wanted and have some fun."

"Oh, really?"

"Yeah I got back into all the things I used to be into."

Tim tilted his head contemplatively, "Maybe that's what I need to do when I go back home."

"I really hope you do."

That was sweet. Maybe though. Maybe.

"I decided that I was going to try new things." Nickolaos had gotten up now. He was staring at the horizon, "I needed to get to know myself all over."

"Maybe I need to do that too."

Nickolaos hummed in agreement before turning back to face Tim.

"The water looks good right now. Do you want to come surfing with me?"

That question wasn't one that Tim was expecting.

"Well you do want to try new things and this is just the place. New place. New things!"

Not that Tim was backing out or anything. It's just that Tim wasn't prepared for this. Like at all. He didn't have a swimsuit, he was planning to walk back to the hotel and buy one there at one of those gift shops before heading down into the water. He also hasn't gone surfboarding before either. And this was again throwing a wrench into his plans. Not that he could call what he had in mind a plan. More like a vague outline.

Seeing his hesitation on his Tim's face Nickolaos said, "Come one, what was the saying. Um. There's no time like the present. Yes that. Come on. It will be fun. If you don't know how I will teach you. It is very similar to skateboarding."

" No not that. I don't have a swimsuit."

And surfing wasn't in the plan!

Man fuck your plan. Live!

"You didn't pack a swimsuit to here," he said as he gestured to the beach which waves were now being ridden by surfers.

"This was originally a business trip," Tim rolled his eyes.

"Fine. We can go down to that tourist shop and you buy swimsuit."

Oh right. Tim had looked up the area on Google maps and there a bunch of tourist shops around here.

"Come let's go before the shops getting crowded," Nickolaos held out his hand.

Tim could turn him down and do what he originally wanted to do but he found himself wanting to do this as well. Today he'll indulge himself. He doesn't do that much anymore and plus it was his vacation right now.

Tim grabbed the hand offered to him and let it haul himself off the rock. Nickoloas turned and started walking to the street.

"Come!"

Yeah. Just for today. He'll indulge himself.

Nickolaos led him to a small shop that had a colorful sign up above its door. A lady sitting down on a chair got up and greeted Nickolaos in rapid Greek before she turned to him and offered a polite smile.

In a english she said, " My Nickolaos will help you with what you need. OK."

She turned away and began organizing some racks of bikinis.

"You know her?" Tim asked.

" Oh yeah. She's my aunt. She's the one who helped me realize earlier that I wasn't happy," Nickolaos said a bit sheepish.

Tim smiled at it.

"No. I get it. I have someone like that at home." Tim responded thinking of Tam.

Nickoloas then led him to rack full of trunks and began shifting through them. Tim totally did stand behind him awkwardly.

He pulled out a pair of trunks and shoved them into his hands and directed Tim to a changing room in the corner.

"I look so pale."

Tim stood in front of a mirror by the dressing room. This blue was doing him no favors.

"A sheet of paper," Nickolaos laughed.

Tim rolled his eyes.

"Where i live there isn't a lot of sun."

Nickolaos scrunched up his nose at that.

"Well no time like the present to start up on that tan."

" I don't even know if I tan."

That raised Nickolaos eyebrows.

"Wow," He sounded genuinely surprised. "Did you bring sunblock because you are definitely going to need it."

Tim sighed. Guess that's what comes with living in Gotham City. Tim paid for the swimsuit along with a bottle of sunblock and the two made their way to the end of the street before a thought popped into his head.

"Wait I don't have a surfboard,"

Nickolaos face palmed.

"Ready?"

As ready as I'll ever be.

Tim let out a breath.

"Yeah."

Nickolaos let out a whoop before running into the waves, Tim close behind him with a grin on his face.

10:32pm

The sun had set hours ago but Tim wasn't cold. The chill had nothing on Gotham and besides the warmth underneath his skin was keeping his warm right now. He wasn't leaving just yet. The beach was just so beautiful. And besides it wasn't like he wasn't used to night life. If you could even call this a night life.

It always shocked him in a way how quiet other cities nights were. Gotham was anything but quiet, always screaming unapologetically. Whether it be a yowling cat, an obnoxious drunk or just the sounds of a another police chase, Gotham never shut up. So just sitting here on the sand watching the tide go in and out was just so weird. With no extra background noise to filter out, it felt so quiet. Deafening actually.

It reminded him of Kon. The only time he'd gone to beaches similar to this had been with Young Justice. But even then it wasn't quiet. There was always someone chattering or something to laugh about, and even in the rare times it was silent. It wasn't like this. Not at all.

Tim was knocked out of his musing by someone knocking on his shoulder.

He looked beside him. It was Nickolaos. He had gotten a pack of cigarettes from somewhere and was currently smoking a cigarette.

He held a hand out toward Tim.

He was offering one to him.

Tim looked at the cigarette being offered to him.

He really shouldn't. It's bad. Of course he knew that. He's sat through so many lectures from Bruce on how bad smoking was for you and so many presentations at school about drug use and all that junk.

He really really shouldn't. It was like Nickolaos was telling him too. Tim could turn him down. And do what he was originally wanted to do. But he found himself wanting to do thing too. Maybe just for today he'll indulge himself. He doesn't do that much anymore and it's his vacation.

So he took it.

And put it to his lips.

And lit it.

Did he know that was the beginning of the end?

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The next day Tim went out and got an ungrateful Jason something along with Cass a magnet he'd knew she'd want to put on the fridge in the manor. He knew better than to get Steph some clothes so he settled for some weird candies that she would love to try. That took him until about early afternoon. He then decided he was going to try and find Nickoloas at the park or at the beach. This time he made sure to have his swimsuit on him.

Nickoloas was delighted to see him and much like yesterday they along with some other kids spent the entire afternoon surfing. It was fun. Something new and exciting. Not that patrolling wasn't exciting because it was. But it was also way more exciting when he wasn't tired.

And then much like yesterday after most of the other kids had left he stayed behind with Nickoloas on the shore.

And much like yesterday he indulged himself.

It was only for today, he repeated in his head.

Nickoloas unaware of his inner turmoil, to caught up in his own thoughts or whatever was going on in his head.

But eventually the thoughts went away. And he was left with some semblance of peace.

The guilt he felt for betraying Bruce's rules were heavy in the mornings but Robins always broke Batman's rules. So it didn't really matter. Because this was only for today the trip.

On Monday, his last day he spent the first half of his day opening up his work email and beginning some of the work projects that he would have to do when he touch American soil. He had a few messages from oracle, she had solved these two cold cases he started but other than that there had been nothing else related to his night life.

Tim didn't know if that hurt or not.

So closing his laptop he spent the rest of his day at that skate park. When Nickoloas has seen him he smiled so brightly. Turns out Tim did tan a little over the last three days. It wasn't a crazy tan but it was deep tan for Tim. Tim was honestly surprised himself. Tam would definitely use it as a sign he had a good time, excusing her actions from earlier.

This time he'll let it pass though. Only because this was a Cass and Tam team up and definitely not because he for sure loved it here.

His flight wasn't until 10pm so he could stay out until his usual time. Nickoloas seemed a little sad to see him gone. Tim wouldn't lie and say he wasn't a little sad to go. The escape from his responsibilities was fun while it lasted.

Nickoloas made sure to tell Tim to follow through with his promise. Tim laughed but promised.

Saturday 6:28pm

Not that Tim would tell Tam this but that little vacation was very much needed. Like he had forgotten how much fun he could have. All his life had been for the last few months was work and patrol.

So maybe Cass and Tam were right and maybe just maybe instead of using this Saturday as a day to sit in front of his computer all day to solve cold cases, he went to his favorite skate park.

He wanted to keep his promise after all. It's what heroes do.

So now maybe just maybe he was having a lot of fun.

And maybe feeling the wind brush through his hair and the familiar sounds of wheels on tarmac made him feel giddy and floaty. That type of giddiness that comes from just unbridled joy.

He was feeling more content than he had in the days since being back.

So then why was he looking at those cigarettes so intently.

He wasn't going to get them. It's silly.

Tim looked back at the pack behind the counter.

He shouldn't. It was a moment of weakness. A break in his indomitable resolve.

So it was just a one time thing.

Wasn't it?

He wouldn't…he'd never…he was…the boy wonder. Right?

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Fuck it.

Tim left that convenience store with a bag of chips and a pack of cigarettes.