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Chapter Text

It was a quiet night at Tim Drake’s boathouse, nestled along Gotham’s murky bay, the water slapping gently against the wooden pylons beneath. The low hum of his computer filled the silence as he sifted through intel on the latest crime syndicate activities. A cup of lukewarm coffee sat abandoned by the edge of his desk as he examined the encrypted files. His mind was sharp, always prepared for what Gotham might throw at him next.

But nothing, nothing could have prepared him for the knock at the door.

At first, Tim thought it was a figment of his overactive imagination, honed from years of constant vigilance and danger. But then it came again louder this time. Three sharp raps.

He sighed and stood up, stretching his arms. His muscles ached from the relentless night patrols and hours of non-stop analysis. Who could it be this late? An emergency? Maybe Bernard ?

Opening the door, Tim was greeted by the last person he expected: a tall, broad-shouldered man in a dark suit, his face obscured by a fedora that shaded his eyes.

“You’re Tim Drake?” The man’s voice was low, gravelly, and carried the weight of authority. Tim studied him for a moment, his eyes narrowing.

“Yeah, that’s me. What’s this about?” He wasn’t in the mood for games, especially not with Gotham’s underworld at his door.

The man didn’t speak at first. Instead, he handed over a folder not a simple manila envelope, but something weighty and official. Tim glanced at it, his curiosity piqued.

“This is about Darla Aquista,” the man said, and Tim felt his heart skip a beat. Darla… A name he hadn’t heard in months, maybe more. She’d been a former associate of the Maroni Crime Family, and their connection had been brief though never clean. Their paths had crossed in a few tense moments, but he hadn’t thought much about her since.

“Darla’s dead,” the man continued. “Caught in the crossfire of a gang war. It was quick. But it doesn’t matter now. What does matter… is what she left behind.”

the world narrowed to the folder in his hands. The hum of the computer faded. The only sound left was the water slapping against the pylons beneath the boathouse.

Tim blinked, trying to process the news, but his mind was already racing ahead. A gang war? In Gotham, that was nothing new. But the mention of Darla and what she had left behind had his heart pounding. What was he about to hear?

The man paused before pushing the remaining folders into Tim’s hands. “She left behind a daughter, four months old. And you, Drake, you’re the father.”

The words hung in the air for a moment, suspended in disbelief. Tim’s body went rigid. The folder in his hands suddenly felt much heavier than before.

“Wait… what?” His voice was barely above a whisper.

“She named her Tessa,” the man said, his tone betraying no sympathy. “Darla’s will was clear. She wanted you to raise the girl. She made it clear no one else. You’re the father. Whether you like it or not.”

Tim’s mind whirled. His heart hammered in his chest as the reality of the situation began to sink in. He had no idea. Darla hadn’t told him. He hadn’t known about a baby. The weight of it felt suffocating, yet he couldn’t look away from the cold, unflinching man standing before him.

The man continued, his expression hardening. “You’re gonna take her in, Drake. No one else. The kid’s in a foster home right now. But that won’t last long. You need to step up.”

Tim took a slow breath, trying to steady himself. He had always been prepared for any eventuality in Gotham’s war on crime. But this? This was beyond the scope of anything he’d ever been trained for.

“I… I can’t do this,” Tim muttered, though even as the words left his mouth, he knew they were hollow. His mind flashed to his own childhood his parents’ deaths, his adoptive father’s need for him, the loneliness he had felt. Could he really bring a child into this world? Could he keep her safe?

“You don’t get a choice,” the man said, his voice sharp. “She’s your responsibility now. You slept with Darla”

Tim swallowed hard, the implications of the man’s words like a weight pressing down on his chest. The thought of fatherhood, of taking in a child he’d never known existed, was overwhelming. He had responsibilities, duties he was already stretched thin. He wasn’t even sure how he’d juggle this new life with his other identity as Red Robin. But there was no avoiding it now. The law, the will, the fate of a child, everything had converged on him.

“Fine,” Tim said quietly, his voice steady though his mind was anything but. “I’ll take her.”

The man nodded curtly, seemingly satisfied. “You’ll find her at the foster home on Elm Street. The sooner you act, the better. People in the underworld will be looking for her.”

With that, the man turned and walked away without another word. Tim watched him disappear into the darkness of the night, his mind still spinning.

Tim looked down at the folder again. Somewhere out there, a four-month-old girl had his eyes “I’m a father..”

Chapter Text

The past two weeks had been a blur of exhaustion and secrecy for Tim Drake. Each day had become a whirlwind of paperwork, phone calls, and trips to the local baby store, all while trying to keep his new life from unraveling in front of his family and Bernard.

Tessa had been adjusting at least, he hoped she was. The constant crying had become a part of the routine, a sound that echoed through the boathouse in the dead of night, a stark reminder that he wasn’t just Tim Drake anymore. He was her father. But that didn’t mean he had the slightest clue how to make this work.

Every night, after putting her down, he would retreat into the shadows of his boathouse office, logging into encrypted databases, pretending to work on a case. Red Robin was still active, still doing what he could to keep Gotham’s criminal underworld at bay, but there was no time for full-fledged investigations. He couldn’t risk the Bat-family figuring out what was going on. If anyone found out especially Bruce they’d want to step in. They’d want to help. And they couldn’t.

He wasn’t ready for that. Not yet.

It wasn’t just his family he had to keep in the dark. He had to keep Bernard out of the loop too.

Bernard Dowd, his boyfriend, his partner in all things normal had been understanding, if a little distant, over the past few weeks. Tim had spun a lie about being buried in a Wayne Enterprises project, a new initiative that would keep him occupied for “several weeks.” He had said it with enough conviction, enough urgency, that Bernard had bought it. The problem was, Bernard had been pushing him for more time together. He’d sensed that something was off, and Tim could feel the tension growing between them.

Still, every time Bernard tried to get closer, Tim found a way to slip away, pulling himself further into the lie. He couldn’t tell him. Not yet. There was too much at stake, and the last thing he wanted was to drag Bernard into the mess that was his life as Red Robin and now, as a father.

It was late one Thursday night when Tim finally managed to catch a break. Tessa had fallen into a rare stretch of peaceful sleep, and the only sounds in the boathouse were the creaking of the old wood beneath him and the faint hum of his computer. He was working through a list of baby supplies diapers, formula, blankets things he never thought he’d be shopping for. His fingers hovered over the keyboard as he filled out another application, a tax form for guardianship that was more complicated than any criminal case he’d worked on.

As if on cue, the phone on the desk buzzed. He glanced down at the screen.

Bernard: “Still up late? I thought we’d get some time this weekend. Maybe catch that movie we’ve been talking about?”

Tim’s chest tightened. He could feel the weight of the lie pressing down on him as he typed his response.

Tim: “I’ll make time, I promise. Just buried in this project.”

A sigh slipped from Tim’s lips as he read over the message again. He had been lying to Bernard for days, each day convincing himself that he was doing the right thing by keeping the truth hidden. But now, more than ever, he felt the guilt gnawing at him. Bernard deserved the truth. But telling him meant that everything could fall apart. He couldn’t risk that.

The door creaked open, drawing Tim’s attention away from the phone. He turned to see Tessa, now awake, her little fists clenching and unclenching as she let out a soft whimper. Tim’s stomach churned with guilt. She had been crying again tonight. The dark circles under his eyes felt like a constant reminder of his own inability to fully adjust.

He stood and crossed to the crib, the soft rustle of blankets cutting through the quiet. The instant he lifted her, cries broke into hiccups and then silence. Her warmth bled through his shirt, and for the first time that night, he felt his pulse slow., snuggling against his chest, her tiny hands gripping his shirt. Tim sighed, closing his eyes, wishing hoping that the weight of his responsibility could just disappear for a moment. But it didn’t. It was always there, constant and unyielding.

He rocked her gently, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. He was juggling so many lies, so many secrets, and all he wanted was a moment of peace. But peace was a luxury he no longer had.

Tessa’s small body relaxed against him, and Tim gently bounced her, whispering soft reassurances he didn’t even know if she could understand.

“Shh, it’s okay, Tessa,” he murmured. “I got you. I promise.”

But that wasn’t enough, was it? He wasn’t sure he had anything figured out. He was a 20 year old CEO, a vigilante, and now, somehow, a father. And through all of it, he was still alone.

Chapter Text

The was the soft glow of the Batcave’s computers that illuminated Bruce Wayne’s usually steely expression, as he leaned over the control console, tonight, his mind wasn’t focused on Gotham’s criminal activity. Instead, it lingered on something else something that had been gnawing at him for the past few days.

Tim Drake had been… absent.

Bruce ran a hand through his hair as he scrolled through the data again. Tim had missed a few key meetings, not showing up at Wayne Enterprises or at the cave for their regular strategy sessions. It wasn’t unusual for Tim to work long hours, but this was different. It had been weeks. His son had always been diligent about balancing his work, his duties as Red Robin, and his role at Wayne Enterprises. Bruce knew how important it was to him, to keep up appearances, to maintain his duties. So, this absence felt wrong.

He turned his gaze toward the entrance of the Batcave, where Dick Grayson was sorting through some old crime files. Bruce’s brow furrowed as he walked over, his expression serious.

“Dick,” Bruce said, his voice calm but carrying a weight of concern. “Have you seen Tim lately?”

Dick paused, glancing up at him. He could read his father’s expression easily, something was bothering him.

“No, I haven’t. But I’ve been keeping an eye on things. Why?”

Bruce stepped closer, eyes narrowing slightly. “He’s been avoiding meetings, both here and at Wayne Enterprises. You know Tim, he’s not the type to just disappear for days at a time.”

Dick took a deep breath, sensing where Bruce’s thoughts were going. He had seen the signs of something off with Tim over the past few weeks, but he had chalked it up to the usual pressures Tim always put on himself.

“Bruce, relax. It’s probably just him overworking himself again. You know how he is just like you. A workaholic. He probably doesn’t even realize he’s slipping into old habits. Father like son,” Dick said, a reassuring smile on his face.

Bruce didn’t seem convinced, but he hesitated. Dick was right in some ways. Tim had always been relentless when it came to his responsibilities, but Bruce had a father’s instinct. And that instinct was telling him something wasn’t right. But for now, he tucked his concern away. He couldn’t force answers from Tim, especially when he wasn’t ready to share whatever it was that had changed.

“I’ll give him space,” Bruce said, reluctantly, his voice softer now. “But if he doesn’t come around, I will get to the bottom of this.”

Dick nodded, a slight smirk playing on his lips. “Don’t worry. You know Timmy. He’ll be fine. He’s just doing what we do best. Protecting Gotham. Working non-stop.” He clapped his hands together, breaking the tension in the air. “You know how it is. ‘Gotham never sleeps.’”

Bruce’s lips tightened in an unspoken agreement. He knew Tim better than anyone. But something told him that this time, he wasn’t just busy with work. There was something else going on, something Bruce couldn’t quite put his finger on.

Chapter Text

It had been a month since Tessa came into his life, and things were starting to settle. As much as Tim tried to maintain his usual Red Robin routine, there were moments, like now, where he could just be Tim Drake, the father.

Tessa had been in a good mood lately her giggles infectious, her babbles more frequent as if she was trying to communicate with him in her own little way. Tim found himself talking to her more and more, telling her about his day, about the things he was working on, even though she couldn’t understand most of it. But still, it felt right. She would babble back, her wide blue eyes sparkling, and it made Tim smile, even on his hardest days.

This morning was no different. He had gotten Tessa dressed in one of her favorite outfits something he had picked out himself, though he wasn’t sure if she even knew what “Batman” was. It was a black onesie with a tiny Bat-symbol on the front, something small but meaningful. It was his little way of including her in his world, even if she was still too young to understand. Tim chuckled as he watched her wiggle in the mirror, trying to adjust the fabric to make her look a little less like a squirming puddle of joy.

“There we go,” Tim murmured, pulling the fabric around her as she kicked her tiny legs. “You’re gonna look so cute at your doctor’s appointment, Tessa. Just need to keep you safe and healthy, okay?”

Tessa giggled again, her tiny hands reaching up to grab at his fingers. Tim gently rubbed her hand and kissed the top of her head. He had been nervous about the doctor’s appointment for days what if there was something wrong? He had no idea what it meant to be a father, let alone how to keep a tiny human healthy and safe in a city like Gotham. But she was his. She was everything now.

He carefully buckled her into the car seat, securing her snugly before he slid into the driver’s seat. The car hummed to life, the sound comforting in its routine. Gotham’s skyline greeted him as he pulled onto the main roads, the looming towers above casting long shadows. The weight of the day’s task hung heavy, but Tim did his best to push it aside for now. This appointment had to go well. It was important.

He hummed softly, trying to calm his nerves, when something, someone caught his eye in the rearview mirror.

Wait… is that?

POV Switch

Jason Todd revved his motorcycle as he sped down the Gotham streets, the wind cutting sharply past his helmet. His thoughts weren’t focused on the usual patrol on the lowlifes he’d need to take down or the next robbery he’d need to stop. No, today his mind kept drifting back to something Dick had said just a week ago during their patrol together.

Tim.

Dick had gone on one of his usual rants about Tim, and while Jason had been tempted to tune it out, there was something about Dick’s words that stuck with him. The older Grayson had been worried more than usual about Tim’s wellbeing. It wasn’t anything new; Dick had always worried about Tim pushing himself too hard, but this time felt different.

“He’s surviving on nothing but coffee and energy drinks, Jason. He doesn’t know when to stop,” Dick had complained, frustration clear in his voice. “You need to tell him to slow down before he burns himself out.”

Jason had barely paid attention at the time, but now, riding through the streets of Gotham, the thought nagged at him. The kid was overworking himself. He’d seen it firsthand, even on patrol Tim stumbling through the motions, more sluggish than usual, and when Jason had called him out on it, Tim had brushed it off like it was nothing. But Jason knew better. He wasn’t the only one who noticed.

So, when Jason spotted Tim’s car ahead of him, he couldn’t shake the suspicion creeping up his spine. Tim wasn’t in costume he wasn’t even in his usual Red Robin gear. He was just a guy behind the wheel, driving like any other civilian. And that didn’t make sense. Tim had been working on a case for weeks, or so Jason had heard. If he was supposed to be focused on a mission, why the hell was he out here, driving around in civilian clothes?

Curiosity and suspicion gnawed at Jason as he revved the throttle to catch up.

He adjusted his position and glanced at Tim through the rearview mirror. Tim’s lips moved, his face soft, animated. Jason squinted. Was Tim talking to someone? But that wasn’t the weirdest part no, what made Jason’s brow furrow was how… unusual it was. Tim was always so businesslike, so serious during a case. But now, he looked like he was talking to someone in a completely different way.

Jason’s eyes flicked to the backseat. That’s when he saw it the small movement, the faint shift of fabric. A baby.

A baby?

Jason’s heart stuttered in his chest. What the hell is going on?

Tim was talking to a baby. Jason watched as Tim gently patted the car seat, his voice lowering to a tender whisper, almost as if he was comforting the child. Tim wasn’t acting like the Red Robin he knew he wasn’t even acting like Tim Drake, Gotham’s overworked, always-on-the-go vigilante. He looked… normal. Human.

Jason’s mind was already racing, trying to connect the dots. A baby? Since when does Tim have a baby? Jason had no idea. It didn’t add up. What the hell was Tim hiding? Why was he so out of it, driving around like he didn’t have a care in the world when he should’ve been focused on a case?

Jason slowed his bike to match the car’s pace, his gaze never leaving Tim. And then, without warning, their eyes met.

Tim’s expression froze. His lips, which had been moving, stopped mid-sentence as his wide eyes met Jason’s. There was a flicker of recognition, something sharp in his gaze. But more than that, there was something else… guilt? Anxiety?

Jason’s chest tightened. The look on Tim’s face didn’t sit right. Tim wasn’t just surprised to see him; he looked… nervous. And that made Jason’s stomach churn. Tim never got nervous, not in front of him.

For a moment, the two of them just locked eyes Tim’s face still tense, Jason’s mind spiraling with confusion and questions. Then, as if on instinct, Tim quickly broke the gaze, looking away and adjusting his grip on the steering wheel. Jason, though, couldn’t help but feel something was off way off.

It was too much. Too many unanswered questions.

Without thinking, Jason flicked Tim off.

The gesture was simple, sharp, and easy like a reflex he didn’t even need to think about. It was a Jason Todd move, a deflection. A way of saying, “I’m not gonna ask questions, but I’m still pissed off.”

Tim flinched, his body stiffening slightly as Jason sped past him. Jason didn’t look back, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that he’d just seen something he wasn’t supposed to. The way Tim had looked at him… there was too much in that expression. And the fact that he was talking to a baby, in civilian clothes it all added up to one thing. Tim wasn’t being upfront about something. Something big.

As Jason made his way further into the city, he couldn’t stop thinking about what he’d seen. Tim was hiding something. And Jason didn’t like it.

Sure, Tim was always a little secretive hell, Jason was no stranger to keeping things to himself but this? This was different. It wasn’t just some secret case he was working on. It wasn’t just the usual Red Robin solo mission.

Jason had seen Tim stare at him with that mixture of guilt and anxiety before. Usually when he was about to do something reckless. But a baby? What the hell was Tim’s deal?

His grip tightened on the handlebars of his bike, irritation mixing with a strange sense of unease. He’d never been the type to dig into other people’s business. But Tim wasn’t the kind of guy to act so… human.

For now, all he could do was trust his instincts. Something wasn’t right, and if he didn’t figure it out Gotham would. Gotham had a way of uncovering the darkest secrets

Back to Tim

The drive to the pediatrician’s office felt longer than usual. Maybe it was the weight of what lay ahead Tessa’s first doctor’s appointment or maybe it was just the nagging thought in the back of Tim’s mind about the encounter with Jason. Still, Tim kept his focus on the road, his hands gripping the steering wheel tighter than necessary. Tessa’s soft babbling from the backseat helped keep him grounded, reminding him why he was doing all of this.

He glanced at her through the rearview mirror. Her little face, framed by a soft bat-themed onesie, was so innocent. Her wide blue eyes sparkled with curiosity, and every little gurgle and giggle she made filled the car with warmth.

“You know, Tessa,” Tim started, his voice soft as he spoke to the baby, “the guy I just saw back there he’s technically your uncle. Well, ‘sort of.’ His name’s Jason, but he would probably like to think of himself as your tough uncle.” Tim chuckled to himself. “He may look mean, but trust me he’s a big softy once you get to know him.”

Tessa let out a little gurgle, like she was responding to him, and Tim smiled. “Yeah, I know you don’t know what I’m saying, but when you meet him… He’ll love you. I can promise you that.”

He couldn’t help but think about how Jason would react when he met Tessa. He imagined Jason’s usual tough exterior cracking for a second maybe just enough for him to let the little baby into his heart. Despite Jason’s rough edges, Tim had seen the softer side of him on rare occasions. The way Jason’s eyes softened when he saw kids, the way he’d let his guard down for a moment and slip into a version of himself that wasn’t the angry vigilante. Maybe, just maybe, Jason would surprise him and become the uncle Tessa needed.

Tim pushed the thoughts aside as he arrived at the pediatrician’s office. He parked the car, his heart racing a little as he carefully unbuckled Tessa from her car seat. He was doing his best to keep everything together, but it was hard when the little girl had already wrapped him so tightly around her finger.

Carrying her in his arms, Tim checked them both in at the front desk. When the receptionist asked for Tessa’s name, Tim felt a small knot form in his stomach. He took a deep breath before replying.

“Tessa Drake-Wayne.”

For a moment, it didn’t feel real. His daughter. His last name. The weight of it hit him in a way he hadn’t quite expected. This wasn’t just a casual visit to the doctor, it was his responsibility. It was proof that she was his now, that he was her father in every sense of the word.

Tim hadn’t been prepared for this part of fatherhood, but somehow, it didn’t feel as scary as he thought it would. There was a sense of peace in knowing that he was all she had now. And in a way, he was all she would ever need.

The nurse ushered him into the examination room, and before long, the pediatrician arrived. She was kind, with a soft smile that made Tim feel a little more at ease. As soon as she saw Tessa in his arms, her eyes lit up.

“Look at her! She’s absolutely adorable!” the doctor gushed, leaning down to take a better look at the baby. “She looks so much like her dad. The eyes, the shape of the nose…”

Tim felt his heart swell at the compliment, and he couldn’t stop himself from smiling as he gently adjusted Tessa in his arms. She cooed and babbled in response, as though showing off her tiny personality.

“Thank you,” Tim replied softly. “I think she’s starting to look more like me every day.”

The doctor continued to smile, making notes on her clipboard before turning to Tim with a few recommendations. “As a first-time dad, there are a few things I’d suggest you check out. I’m sure you’ve already done a lot of research, but baby books and even content creators on social media can give you helpful advice. There’s no shame in reaching out for guidance. Parenting can be a big job, but you’ve got this.”

Tim nodded, feeling a mix of gratitude and uncertainty. He’d always been the one with the answers, the one who knew what needed to be done. But this… this was different. Tessa needed him in ways he wasn’t sure he was fully prepared for. But he had to try. He had to be everything she needed.

The appointment proceeded smoothly, and soon it was time for Tessa’s vaccinations. Tim’s heart clenched at the thought of his baby being in pain, but he knew it was necessary. She needed to be healthy and protected.

Tessa let out a soft, surprised cry as the needle pricked her tiny leg, and Tim’s breath caught in his throat. He tried to be strong, tried to focus on keeping her calm, but the sound of her pain twisted something deep inside him. Her little face scrunched up, her mouth forming an “O” as the first cries broke free.

Tim’s eyes stung as he gently rocked her, whispering soothing words. “I’m sorry, baby girl, I’m sorry,” he whispered, his voice shaking slightly. “Daddy’s here. It’s all over now. You’re so brave.”

He wiped away the tears that had welled up in his eyes, unsure if they were his or hers. All he wanted was to protect her, to keep her from every hurt, every tear. And yet, as much as he hated seeing her in pain, he knew it was a part of growing up. She had to get through moments like this to be strong, to be healthy.

Tessa’s cries gradually faded as Tim continued to comfort her, his heart breaking at how small she was, how much she needed him. He held her close, kissing the top of her head and promising her everything he could.

I’ll protect you. I’ll keep you safe. Always.

As the nurse finished up the appointment, Tim left the office with a tired but contented smile on his face, Tessa still snug in his arms. Despite the tears and the challenges, he felt a newfound sense of purpose, of clarity. He was going to be the father she deserved, no matter how hard it got.

And for the first time since everything had started, he felt like he was getting it right.

Chapter Text

Bernard Dowd sat at his desk, staring at the screen of his laptop with no real focus. The blinking cursor on the document in front of him felt like it was mocking him. He’d meant to work, meant to dive into his research and finish the assignment that was due by the end of the day, but he couldn’t shake the feeling of unease gnawing at him.

It had been weeks since Tim had started acting distant. At first, Bernard had written it off as work. He knew Tim was always busy, always balancing Red Robin duties with his role as CEO of Wayne Enterprises. But now, after so much silence, after so many days when Tim seemed to drift away emotionally, Bernard had begun to question everything.

Is this about me?

Bernard’s fingers hovered over the keyboard, but his mind was elsewhere, on Tim. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. They hadn’t spent any real quality time together for a while, and every time Bernard tried to make plans, Tim had some excuse. “I’m working late,” or “There’s a lot on my plate right now.” The usual.

He’s probably just working on a case, Bernard told himself for the hundredth time. It’s what he does.

He knew, in the back of his mind, that Tim was Red Robin. Tim had never told him outright, but Bernard had known for a while. It wasn’t hard to figure out, especially when you were as close to Tim as Bernard was. The late nights, the mysterious disappearances, the subtle signs of injuries that Tim always tried to hide Bernard had put everything together on his own. He didn’t mind; in fact, he respected Tim’s need for secrecy. It made sense. He was a hero, after all.

But lately, Bernard couldn’t help but wonder if Tim’s distance had something to do with his “other” life.

Maybe he’s in over his head with something, Bernard mused, thinking about how involved Tim had become with Gotham’s underworld. Tim had always been the type to get deeply immersed in his work, especially when it came to Red Robin, but lately, Bernard had begun to worry. He had no idea what kind of case Tim was working on, but he could feel the weight of it in the air between them.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. This is just the job, he told himself. This is just what Tim does. I shouldn’t make it about me. He really wanted to believe that the distance wasn’t because of something he had done.

But it was hard when he felt so… ordinary next to Tim.

He wasn’t a genius like Tim. He wasn’t a crimefighter with a secret identity and a vast network of allies. He wasn’t the kind of person who could save Gotham. He didn’t have the skills to put on a mask and go out at night to risk his life to stop crime. And every time he looked at Tim at the way he moved through the world with such purpose, such intensity it reminded him of how little he had to offer.

Tim’s amazing, Bernard thought, his heart aching a little. He’s going to realize he could do better. He deserves someone who’s just as brilliant, just as capable…

The thought of Tim realizing that of him seeing Bernard as just some guy who couldn’t keep up gnawed at Bernard’s insides. He didn’t want to think about it, but it was hard to ignore the whispers in the back of his mind. He’d always admired Tim’s brilliance, his unwavering dedication to both his family and Gotham, but at times, it made Bernard feel like he was just… ordinary.

What does Tim need with someone like me?

Bernard rubbed his eyes, trying to chase the thoughts away. He loved Tim, and Tim loved him but that didn’t mean he wasn’t scared. Tim was extraordinary in so many ways. Bernard couldn’t help but wonder if, sooner or later, Tim would wake up and realize that he was in a relationship with someone who didn’t even belong in the same world.

I’m just a guy.

I don’t know how to be a hero. I don’t know how to fight crime. I don’t even know what it’s like to live in the shadows the way he does.

His phone buzzed on the desk, and Bernard glanced at it, expecting it to be Tim. But it was just a text from one of his professors reminding him of an upcoming deadline. He let out a quiet breath and put the phone down without responding.

Maybe Tim was just busy. Maybe it wasn’t about Bernard at all.

But deep down, he knew that part of the reason Tim had been pulling away was because of the life he led, the sacrifices he had to make for Gotham. Tim was always so focused on his work, and Bernard couldn’t help but think that, at some point, that focus would make him see just how much better someone else would be for him. Someone more capable. Someone who could hold their own in the chaos that was Gotham.

A part of him feared that he wasn’t enough for Tim that no matter how much he loved him, Tim would eventually realize he didn’t need him.

How long before he sees me as just a distraction?

Bernard stared at his laptop screen, his thoughts circling around in a haze of insecurity. He couldn’t stand the thought of losing Tim, but he didn’t know how to fight the feeling that Tim’s world was too big, too dangerous for someone like him. The weight of it all felt suffocating.

Maybe Tim needed space to focus on whatever case he was working on. And maybe that was all there was to it.

But in his heart, Bernard couldn’t shake the fear that Tim would soon find someone else someone who could match him, someone who belonged in his world.

And Bernard? He was just… ordinary.

Chapter Text

Alfred Pennyworth had always prided himself on being attentive, on noticing when something was wrong in the Wayne household, whether it was with Bruce, Damian, or any of the others. And right now, something was wrong with Tim. He hadn’t heard from him in nearly a month. The silence was deafening, and it didn’t sit well with Alfred. He’d seen it before Tim getting lost in his work, in his cases, but this time felt different.

He wasn’t sure why, but he had a gut feeling that there was more to it than simply being caught up in the complexities of Gotham. Something was off.

“Master Damian,” Alfred called, his voice calm but firm, as he entered the manor’s study, where Damian sat, idly flipping through the pages of a book. “Have you heard anything from Master Tim recently? Any missions with the Teen Titans or Young Justice?”

Damian didn’t look up from his book, his expression unreadable. “No,” he replied curtly, the words almost as sharp as the edge of his knife. “Drake is not involved in any of those teams at the moment. Perhaps he’s too busy with his ‘work,’ as usual.”

Alfred’s brow furrowed, but he didn’t allow his concern to show too much. He simply nodded. “I see. Do you know if he’s involved with anything else? A solo mission, perhaps?”

Damian, with his usual sardonic tone, finally glanced up at Alfred. “You worry about Drake too much. He’s probably off playing with his gadgets in some corner of the city. It’s not like he doesn’t do it every time he’s avoiding us.”

Alfred gave Damian a pointed look, one that could silence even the most stubborn of minds. “Master Damian, I assure you, I am not merely concerned about his lack of communication for no reason. I would appreciate it if you would check on him, if you get the chance. We are all family, and we look out for one another.”

Damian scoffed but nodded begrudgingly. “Fine. But don’t expect me to care about his so-called ‘feelings,’” he muttered, going back to his book.

Alfred’s concern didn’t ease. The months of silence from Tim had grown unnerving, and it was clear that Bruce hadn’t picked up on the gravity of the situation. Alfred decided it was time for him to step in.

In the study’s shadows, Bruce Wayne sat at his desk, his hands steepled in front of him as he stared at the monitor on his desk. His mind was a million miles away lost in a sea of concerns for Gotham. But as Alfred stood before him, Bruce looked up, the familiar expression of concentration still etched on his face.

“Master Bruce, I think it’s time we checked on master Tim,” Alfred said, his tone serious but not stern.

Bruce hesitated, shifting in his chair. “He’s busy, Alfred. Tim’s probably just wrapped up in a case. We’ve all been there.” His voice was clipped, but there was an undercurrent of reluctance.

Alfred fixed him with a look, one that spoke volumes. “Master Bruce, you’ve been avoiding this for a while now. It’s not just the usual ‘case.’ Tim’s been distant, and that is not like him.”

Bruce sighed deeply, rubbing his temples. “I don’t want to seem overbearing, Alfred. He’s an adult. If he doesn’t want to talk, that’s his choice. I can push him away with more questions.”

But Alfred’s gaze did not soften. “Master Bruce, you are his father. He needs you, you need to check on him. No one else will. You know Tim is not one to reach out unless he has to.”

Bruce’s mouth twisted into a frown, clearly torn. After a long pause, he finally nodded, a reluctant admission in his eyes. “You’re right. I’ll call him. But just to make sure everything’s okay. I won’t force anything.”

Alfred simply nodded, a subtle shift in his posture signaling his approval.

Bruce grabbed his phone and scrolled through his contacts until he found Tim’s name. With a deep breath, he hit the call button, watching the screen intently as the phone rang.

It wasn’t long before Tim answered, and Bruce could hear the faint crackling of static as Tim’s voice came through the speaker. It sounded… off.

“Hey, Bruce,” Tim’s voice said, but there was something about it, something in the way it trembled ever so slightly that gave Bruce an uneasy feeling.

“Tim,” Bruce said, his tone sharp but careful. “I’ve been trying to reach you, You’ve been busy?”

Tim paused for a moment, the silence lingering in the air too long. “Yeah. Just… really busy on a case, you know?” His voice sounded clipped, like he was trying to play it off, but there was an edge of something in it, something Bruce couldn’t place. “Everything’s fine. I’ve just been tied up.”

Bruce’s mind was working fast. “What was your last meal, Tim?”

The question was direct, but it wasn’t just about food. Bruce was looking for a sign, something that might indicate how Tim was really doing.

There was a slight hesitation before Tim answered, his voice almost too casual. “Uh, pizza. I had pizza. I know, I know, it’s not exactly a healthy meal, but I’ve been busy.”

“That’s… strange,” Bruce said, his voice dropping a little lower, filled with concern. “You usually send updates after a mission, Tim. I haven’t heard anything, and you’re usually very good about keeping us informed.”

“It’s nothing, Bruce. I’m just handling things. Nothing to worry about.” He paused, then added hurriedly, I’ve got boathouse issues, need to handle it. I’ll…. I’ll call you later”

Before Bruce could respond, the call ended abruptly. Tim had hung up.

Alfred, who had been watching Bruce closely, didn’t say a word. He simply stood there, his hands folded behind his back, waiting for Bruce’s reaction.

Bruce stared at the phone for a long moment, his thoughts racing. Something wasn’t right. Tim hadn’t sounded like himself, too nervous, too quick to change the subject. And the boathouse issues? That didn’t make sense. Something was off, and Bruce couldn’t shake the feeling that Tim was hiding something big.

After a long silence, Alfred spoke again, his voice gentle but insistent. “Master Bruce, will you be checking on him?”

Bruce didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he stood up and walked over to the window, staring out at the Gotham skyline. “I’ll check on him soon,” he muttered under his breath, but even as he said it, the weight of the promise felt heavy. The silence from Tim, the way he’d sounded… Bruce wasn’t sure what he was about to walk into, but he knew one thing for certain. Tim needed him.

Tim pov

Tim Drake stood in the kitchen of his boathouse, wiping his hands on a towel as he finished feeding Tessa. She had been particularly messy today, Banana pudding smeared all over her face, bits of gooey substance scattered on the high chair, and the remnants of her meal streaked across the floor. He couldn’t help but laugh softly at her, wiping some of the pudding off her chubby cheeks as she babbled and giggled in response. Her eyes sparkled with that innocent joy that only a five-month-old could possess, and for a moment, Tim allowed himself to forget everything else.

“All right, kiddo,” Tim murmured as he cleaned her up the best he could. “Let’s get you cleaned up too, huh?”

He carefully placed her back in her high chair, making sure she was secure, and began moving toward the bathroom to get the bath ready. But just as he turned the corner, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He groaned under his breath, hoping it wasn’t another work call. His day had already been chaotic, and dealing with work on top of everything else was the last thing he needed.

But he pulled out the phone anyway and saw the caller ID, Bruce Wayne.

Tim hesitated for just a moment, knowing there was no way around it. He quickly swiped the screen to answer, mouthing “shhhh” to Tessa as she babbled happily in the background.

“Hey, Bruce,” Tim said, trying to keep his voice casual as he pressed the phone to his ear.

“Tim,” Bruce’s voice came through, clear but with a hint of concern. “I’ve been trying to reach you, You’ve been busy?”

Tim froze for a moment, his heart rate picking up. The worry in Bruce’s voice hit him harder than he expected. He’d been avoiding everyone for so long now, but hearing Bruce’s concern made the guilt hit all at once.

“ Yeah. Just… really busy on a case, you know?” Tim said quickly, trying to mask the slight nervousness in his voice. Everything’s fine. I’ve just been tied up.”

Bruce didn’t sound convinced. “What was your last meal, Tim?”

Tim’s stomach churned. He couldn’t shake the feeling of being caught in a lie. He knew he wasn’t fooling Bruce, but he had to keep the secret. Not yet. Not until he figured out how to explain it all.

“Uh, pizza. I had pizza. I know, I know, it’s not exactly a healthy meal, but I’ve been busy.”

“That’s… strange,” Bruce said, his voice dropping a little lower, filled with suspicion . “You usually send updates after a mission, Tim. I haven’t heard anything, and you’re usually very good about keeping us informed.”

Before Tim could answer, he heard a loud crash from the other room. His eyes widened as he turned just in time to see Tessa drop her bowl from the high chair, sending it clattering to the floor. He winced, watching the mess spill across the room.

“It’s nothing, Bruce. I’m just handling things. Nothing to worry about.,” Tim quickly muttered, his voice growing more strained as he rushed over to Tessa. “I’ve got boathouse issues, need to handle it. I’ll.. I’ll call you later.”

He ended the call abruptly, not giving Bruce a chance to respond.

Tim stood there for a moment, phone in hand, staring at Tessa who was now babbling loudly, clearly pleased with the chaos she had just caused. Tim let out a slow breath, pinching the bridge of his nose. The weight of the conversation hung in the air like a thick fog. What the hell am I doing?

He slowly turned to look at his daughter, who was giggling and kicking her legs in the high chair. “Yeah, I know. Grandpa Bruce is a worry wart, huh?” he whispered to her, his voice soft and affectionate. “Always checking up, always asking questions. Just like Alfred. I guess it comes with the whole ‘Wayne’ thing, huh?”

Tessa gurgled in response, her face lighting up as she kicked her little feet.

Tim sighed, running a hand through his hair as he paced around the kitchen. How am I supposed to tell Bruce about her?

The thought made his chest tighten. He’d been living in this secret for so long, and every day felt like it was getting harder to keep the truth from everyone. Tessa was his, and she deserved to know her family. But what if Bruce couldn’t handle it? What if his father.. his father, couldn’t understand why Tim hadn’t come to him sooner? Bruce was so wrapped up in his own world of secrets and masks that Tim couldn’t help but feel that revealing the truth about his daughter might shatter the small piece of normalcy he’d built for them.

Tim glanced over at Tessa, who had just started to reach for the plate she’d dropped, making a mess as she babbled some more.

How do I explain to him that I’m a father now? The thought alone made his chest tighten.

He walked over to Tessa, picking her up gently from the high chair. She let out a little laugh, pressing her tiny hands against his chest. Tim held her close, his arms around her as she squirmed in his embrace, fascinated by everything around her.

Tim’s mind continued to race. He imagined Bruce’s reaction, his initial shock, his confusion, maybe even anger. Tim hadn’t given anyone the chance to be a part of this, not even Bruce. What would he say when I finally tell him? Would he be angry that Tim had kept something so big from him? Would he think Tim was being reckless?

He rubbed his thumb over the soft patch of hair on Tessa’s head as she calmed down in his arms, oblivious to the storm brewing in Tim’s mind.

“Don’t worry, kiddo,” Tim murmured, his voice low. “I’ll figure this out. I don’t know how, but I promise you, I’ll make sure you have everything you need. You’ll have a family… your family, no matter what.”

He kissed her forehead gently, his heart swelling with both love and uncertainty. There was a lot to figure out. He didn’t have all the answers yet. But for the first time in weeks, Tim felt a little more at peace.

He wasn’t doing this alone. He had her. He had Tessa. And maybe, just maybe, he could make everything work.

The thought brought him a little comfort, but he couldn’t shake the lingering worry about what Bruce would say when the truth finally came out. Would he be there for Tim? For his granddaughter?

“Okay, kiddo,” Tim whispered as he adjusted her in his arms. “Let’s get you cleaned up and ready for your bath. Grandpa’s gonna have a lot of questions when I finally tell him about you. But we’ll figure it out. We’ll make it work.”

As he carried her to the bathroom, Tim couldn’t help but smile, even through the nerves. His life had changed in ways he couldn’t have predicted, but for her, he’d face whatever came his way.

Chapter Text

The manor was quiet, almost too quiet. As Jason Todd walked through the grand halls of Wayne Manor, he couldn’t help but feel a little out of place. The walls, filled with memories of Bruce’s past and the weight of family history, never quite felt like home to him.

He made his way up the stairs, stopping outside a door that was only slightly ajar. Inside, Damian Wayne sat at his desk, his brows furrowed in concentration as he worked on something that Jason couldn’t be bothered to care about. Damian looked up at the sound of Jason’s footsteps, his gaze narrowing.

“What do you want, Todd?” Damian asked sharply, not bothering to hide his irritation.

Jason leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. “Cool your jets, kid,” he said, voice casual but laced with a hint of humor. “I need a favor.”

Damian’s face twisted in a scowl. “No,” he said, a single word heavy with the finality of someone who didn’t like being interrupted. “I’m busy.”

Jason wasn’t fazed. He gave a dramatic sigh. “Come on, Damian. I’m practically begging you here.”

Damian raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. “Begging? You? I highly doubt it.”

Jason smirked. “I’m serious, little man. It’ll get Dick off my back for a bit, and we both know that’s worth something.” He dropped his voice to a mock-serious tone. “Besides, you owe me.”

Damian didn’t respond immediately, but Jason could see the wheels turning in his head. He could practically hear the cogs of his mind clicking as he thought it over, weighing the pros and cons.

Finally, Damian sighed, irritated. “What is it you want, Todd?”

Jason leaned forward, dropping the playful tone and getting straight to the point. “I need you to break into Tim’s place,” he said, voice dropping to a more serious pitch.

Damian’s expression faltered for a second, confusion flashing across his face. “What? Why?”

Jason ran a hand through his hair, pacing back and forth in the hallway outside Damian’s room. “Look, I’m worried about him, okay? Tim’s been acting weird lately. The guy’s been hiding out for weeks, barely showing up for patrol, not answering calls… and, well, Dick’s starting to get suspicious.”

Damian crossed his arms. “Why do you think I would want to help you invade Drake’s home? I don’t even like him.”

Jason stopped pacing and shot him a look, a small grin creeping onto his face. “You’re not getting it, are you? You don’t have to like him. You just have to help me make sure he’s okay. All this ‘I’m fine’ act he’s been pulling? It’s wearing thin. If you break in and check around for me, we can at least rule out something shady happening. It’ll get Dick off my back, too. Maybe even Alfred.”

Damian scowled. “I’m tired of everyone worrying about Drake. Father, Alfred, Dick… and now you?” His voice was laced with irritation. “Why does everyone treat him like he’s some kind of fragile glass doll?”

Jason raised an eyebrow at Damian’s sudden outburst. “Kid, nobody’s treating him like that. But you don’t get it, do you? He’s not just the smart, reliable Tim we all know. Something’s off, and I don’t want to find out the hard way what’s going on with him. This is more than a case, Damian. I’m worried. Something’s up, and I’m not gonna sit around wondering if it’s something that could get him hurt.”

Damian’s scowl deepened. He hated the idea of getting involved in something that wasn’t his business, especially when it came to Tim. The two of them rarely saw eye to eye, and Damian had always felt that Tim was too soft, too… predictable.

“Fine,” Damian finally muttered, turning his attention back to the desk in front of him. “But you’ll owe me. One full patrol of your sector. Alone. No supervision. I’ll be on my own for one night, no back-up.”

Jason felt a grin tug at the corner of his mouth. “Deal. Thanks, Damian. I knew I could count on you.”

Damian gave him a pointed look, clearly not happy about the situation but accepting it nonetheless. “Just don’t expect me to help with any of your other… unpleasant activities.”

Jason chuckled, pushing off the doorframe. “You got it, kid. I’ll make sure you get your night free. You have my word.”

Before Damian could respond, Jason was already turning away, heading for the stairs. His thoughts turned back to Tim. He wasn’t sure what he would find when Damian checked in on him, but something about the whole situation didn’t sit right. If Tim was keeping something from them something important, it wasn’t going to stay hidden for long.

And Jason wasn’t about to let his brother, go down this road alone.

As Jason left Damian’s room and descended the stairs, he couldn’t shake the feeling that the investigation he was about to start was just the beginning of something much bigger. He had no idea what was waiting on the other side.

Chapter Text

Tim Drake sat at his desk, the soft click of his keyboard the only sound in the otherwise quiet boathouse. His eyes skimmed over file after file on his screen, the case he’d been working on for what felt like months coming to a slow, grating crawl. But at least he could pretend he was focused on something else, something that wasn’t the constant worry gnawing at him about his secret life, about Tessa.

Tim observed Tessa In her room with the baby monitor , Tessa sat in her little chair, her tiny hands gripping the tablet in front of her. The screen showed a colorful cartoon video, one of the countless kid shows she’d watched on repeat since Tim had taken her in. She was completely absorbed in the flashing lights and the silly voices, her giggles filling the room like music.

Tim smiled softly, momentarily at peace. This was one of the rare moments when everything seemed normal. He was just a dad, just Tim Drake, with his little girl, everything in his world momentarily perfect.

But that peace didn’t last long.

A loud bang on the door shattered the quiet.

“Open this door now, Drake!” A familiar voice shouted from the other side. “You are coming with me, dead or alive!”

Tim’s shoulders tensed at the sound. Damian, His younger brother’s voice, sharp and demanding, sent a pulse of dread through him. Tim exhaled slowly, refusing to let the interruption disturb him too much. He couldn’t afford to let anyone know the truth, not yet.

He stood, slowly walking toward the door, his expression hardening. “Damian, go away,” Tim called, his voice even but filled with a frustration he was trying to suppress.

But Damian wasn’t having it. “Don’t think you can hide, Drake! I’ve had enough of you acting like this! Everyone’s worried about you, and it’s getting old. Open the damn door!”

Tim’s fingers tightened around the doorknob. “Go away, Damian. No one’s worried about me. I’m fine,” he said, forcing the words out despite the knot in his stomach.

Damian’s voice came back, louder now, a clear edge of anger in it. “Everyone’s asking questions, Father, Alfred, Grayson and Todd they all think you’re hiding something. They’re all asking me where you’ve been, why you haven’t been showing up. Why you’re…” He paused for a moment, the insult coming with biting venom. “Why you’re being such a coward.”

The words hit Tim like a slap to the face, but he didn’t let his emotions show. Instead, he took a deep breath, steadying himself. “You don’t know what you’re talking about, Damian,” he said, voice icy. “So, for the last time, leave me alone.”

Damian’s voice came through the door again, relentless. “I don’t care if you’re the so-called ‘perfect son’ or whatever, but I’m sick of it. I’m sick of the family worrying about you and you pretending like everything’s fine when it’s clearly not.”

Tim clenched his fists, his anger rising. He couldn’t let this continue. Not when he had so much to protect. Not when the stakes were higher than Damian could ever understand.

“You better back off, Damian,” Tim warned, his tone low and dangerous. “I’ll lock you out of the Batcomputer and the Justice League systems. You want to keep messing with me? I can make sure you don’t get another lead on any case for the next month.”

There was silence on the other side of the door for a moment, and then a sudden, mocking voice came from Damian. “You think you’re scaring me with your petty threats, Drake? I can just..”

Tim didn’t wait for him to finish. He stepped back from the door and walked to his desk, his heart racing. He could hear Damian’s footsteps retreating , and he let out a relieved breath. For a moment, it seemed like Damian had given up.

Just as he sank into his chair, Tim let his mind relax. Thank God, it’s over. He’ll leave me alone now.

The sound of Tessa’s giggles echoed through the monitor as she clicked through another video, her little hands moving to the rhythm of the music. But the brief peace didn’t last.

A shrill beep broke through the moment of calm. Tim’s eyes darted to the baby monitor on his desk, and his stomach dropped.

The alarm loud, insistent was coming from her room.

His heart skipped a beat.

Tim rushed out of the room, adrenaline flooding his system, his thoughts racing. No, no, no. His mind screamed as he burst through the door, panic flooding his chest.

And there, standing by the window of Tessa’s room, was Damian,his little brother, standing frozen in shock. He was staring at Tessa, who was still sitting in her chair, gurgling softly at him, completely unaware of the chaos around her.

Damian’s eyes were wide, his mouth slightly agape, taking in the scene before him.

Tim’s voice cut through the tension. “What the hell are you doing here, Damian?” he hissed, fury and fear both rising in his chest. He rushed into the room, blocking his brother from stepping any further into the room. “How did you?”

Damian’s gaze flickered between Tim and the baby, his expression a mixture of confusion and disbelief. “Is that…?” he trailed off, clearly shocked by what he was seeing.

Tim’s heart was pounding in his chest. He didn’t know how to explain, how to begin to explain what had been going on. Damian was still standing there, frozen in place, the questions hanging in the air between them like an unbearable weight.

Tim stood between him and Tessa, his fists clenched. “You need to leave, Damian,” Tim said, voice shaking, but with a note of finality that left no room for argument. “Now.”

Damian blinked, still processing what he had just walked into. But when he finally spoke, his voice was quieter, though still filled with the disbelief that had first appeared. “What the hell, Timothy? What’s going on here?”

Tim swallowed hard, but he didn’t answer. He couldn’t, not like this. Not with the whole truth hanging in the balance. All he could do was stand between them blocking his brother from getting any closer to Tessa.

And as Damian’s gaze locked with his, Tim knew the next chapter in this secret life was about to unfold whether he was ready for it or not.

Chapter Text

The kitchen was quiet except for the sound of Tessa’s soft babbling and the gentle clink of Tim’s fingers as he pulled out juice boxes from the small refrigerator. The late afternoon sun filtered in through the window, casting a warm glow over the room as Tim led Damian to the table.

Damian, still reeling from the sight of Tessa, stood awkwardly by the counter, his arms crossed as he gave Tim a questioning, almost judgmental look. He had been quiet for the past few minutes, processing what he’d just walked in on. Tim could see the confusion in his eyes, Damian wasn’t exactly the type to express his emotions outwardly, but his silence spoke volumes.

Tim set down the juice boxes on the table, then carefully picked Tessa up from her high chair, holding her close to his chest. She cooed softly, her tiny hands grabbing at the fabric of his shirt, clearly oblivious to the tension in the room.

“Okay,” Tim said, trying to sound calm and steady. “Let’s just sit down for a second.”

He motioned for Damian to sit, and though Damian didn’t move at first, he did finally comply, sitting down on one of the kitchen chairs with his usual scowl in place. Tim felt a rush of gratitude for how much Damian was staying quiet, even if it was hard for the younger Wayne to fully comprehend what was going on.

Tim took a breath, gently settling Tessa onto his lap. He shook her bottle, handing it to her before turning his attention back to his brother. “I’m sorry about the drink,” Tim said, his voice soft but with a hint of a smile. “It’s all I have right now. I wasn’t expecting company.”

Damian raised an eyebrow, eyeing the juice box as if it were some kind of insult. “A juice box? You’re an adult, Drake,” he said, clearly not impressed. “This isn’t even a proper drink.”

Tim chuckled lightly, trying to keep things lighthearted. “I know. I just… I’m a little new to this.” His expression shifted then, the weight of the moment catching up with him. He looked down at Tessa, who was drinking her bottle , blissfully unaware of the heavy conversation that was about to happen.

“I really didn’t want you to find out like this, Damian,” Tim said, his voice quiet but firm. “I wanted to tell you all in my own time, when I was ready. But things have been hard… harder than I ever imagined.”

Damian sat up straighter, a flicker of genuine curiosity in his eyes. “Hard how? What are you talking about?”

Tim took a deep breath, trying to find the words to explain. The truth wasn’t easy, not when it came to family, especially not when the family was as complicated as the Wayne family. He’d been keeping this secret for months, and it was exhausting. But now, with Damian staring at him, waiting for an explanation, it was time.

He looked down at Tessa, who was now happily kicking her feet and trying to grab at his fingers, her tiny hands moving in a perfect imitation of Tim’s own motions. Tim smiled, a small, sad smile that was filled with love and uncertainty.

“Damian,” Tim began, his voice low, “this is Tessa. Tessa Drake-Wayne. She’s… she’s five months old.”

Damian blinked, clearly not expecting this at all. His eyes flicked from Tim to Tessa, still processing the words. He was silent for a moment, before finally speaking. “Wait… five months old? You… you’re her father?”

Tim nodded slowly, his heart thudding in his chest. “Yeah. Her mother, Darla Aquista, passed away in a gang war. She… she left me this little girl. And I’ve been trying to keep everything under control, but it’s been hard. I didn’t know how to tell anyone. Not when things were so… complicated.” He looked up at Damian, searching his face. “I haven’t even told the rest of the family yet. I was hoping to do it when I could figure things out, when I was ready.”

Damian didn’t immediately say anything. He just stared at Tessa, who was now holding out her chubby little arms toward him, giggling.

Tim hesitated before continuing. “I can’t keep hiding her from everyone. But I don’t want to tell the family yet. They’d all well, they’d probably react the same way you did just now. Worried. Confused. Protective. I need a little more time.”

Damian remained still for a long moment, his face unreadable. Tim waited, the silence between them thick with anticipation.

Then, finally, Damian leaned forward slightly. “You want me to keep this a secret?”

Tim nodded. “Yes. I need you to keep this between us. For now. Just… until I can figure out what I’m supposed to do.”

There was a long pause, and for a moment, Tim thought Damian might say something harsh, something that would make him regret bringing up the topic. But then, slowly, Damian stood, his expression softened for the first time since entering the room. He crossed over to Tim, then looked down at Tessa, who was still grinning and reaching for him.

Tim, unsure of what Damian was going to do, held his breath.

And then, without another word, Damian gently scooped the baby up into his arms.

Tim’s heart skipped in his chest as he watched his younger brother carefully cradle the baby in his arms, the once-impenetrable mask of Damian Wayne replaced by something softer, more vulnerable.

Tessa giggled, delighted by the attention. Damian hesitated for a moment, but then, slowly, his lips curled into a small, reluctant smile as Tessa reached out to touch his face.

Tim watched the interaction, his chest tightening with a mixture of relief and hope.

Damian looked back at him, his usual sharp tone softened. “Fine,” he said. “I’ll keep your secret, Timothy. For now.”

Tim’s shoulders sagged in relief, his heart swelling with gratitude. He had no idea how he would tell the rest of the family, but at least Damian, Damian, the one who would have likely been the hardest to convince, was on his side.

“And just so you know,” Damian added with a dry smirk, “I’m now officially her favorite uncle. After all, who else is brave enough to handle this little menace?” He looked down at Tessa, who was reaching for his nose with a look of utter fascination.

Tim couldn’t help but laugh, a genuine laugh that echoed through the quiet kitchen. “You’re right,” he said, smiling as he watched Tessa wriggle in Damian’s arms. “You’re definitely her favorite uncle now. If you can keep the secret.”

Damian nodded, his eyes softening just a bit more. “I can handle a secret. But I’ll expect a reward for my services. And maybe a real drink next time, Drake.”

Tim laughed again, feeling lighter than he had in weeks. “Deal.”

And as Damian held Tessa, the weight of the secret between them felt a little less heavy.

Chapter Text

Damian entered the manor through the back door, the familiar creak of the old hinges signaling his arrival. It had been a long day, and his mind was still a whirlwind of thoughts. His encounter with Tim was still fresh in his mind, and though he’d promised to keep the secret, a part of him couldn’t quite shake the feeling that things were off.

As he walked through the hallway, he spotted Jason lounging on the couch, flipping through channels on the TV. Jason looked up as Damian approached, his usual smirk playing at the edges of his lips.

“Did you break into Tim’s house yet?” Jason asked casually, his eyes glinting with that familiar, playful mischief.

Damian’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he masked his reaction with a shrug. He wasn’t about to give Jason the satisfaction of knowing exactly what he had been up to. The older Wayne had a knack for pushing his buttons, especially when it came to the more personal matters of the family.

Damian cleared his throat, adjusting his posture. “I did not ‘break into’ Drakes house,” he said smoothly, his voice betraying no sign of hesitation. “I simply made sure he was… fine.”

Jason raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. “Yeah? And you didn’t find anything… interesting while you were there?” Jason’s tone was teasing, but Damian could hear the undercurrent of suspicion.

“No,” Damian answered, walking past Jason toward the kitchen. “His house is in disarray, but that’s typical of him. He’s just… occupied. You know how he is.” He opened the refrigerator, grabbing a water bottle and uncapping it with one swift motion. “It needs a little organizing, sure. But he’s fine.”

Jason leaned back on the couch, his eyes never leaving Damian. There was a beat of silence before he spoke again, his voice far more serious now. “Damian,” he began, his tone shifting, “You sure he’s fine? Because you don’t exactly look like someone who just had a casual visit with your brother. You seem… different.”

Damian stiffened slightly at Jason’s observation but quickly masked his surprise with indifference. “I’m simply trying to avoid further drama in the family,” he replied, though the words felt strained even to his own ears. “ Timothy doesn’t need to be hounded. I’ve assured him everything’s fine.”

Jason tilted his head, not fully convinced. “Yeah, but why the sudden good mood, then? You’re usually a little more grumpy after spending time with Tim, if anything, it’s usually him doing the avoiding.” He gave Damian a pointed look. “What’s really going on, D?”

Damian felt a pang of frustration. He wasn’t prepared to explain himself to Jason especially not now, when the secret he had just learned about his brother still felt like a heavy weight pressing down on him. But he wasn’t about to give Jason the satisfaction of knowing he was caught off guard by the situation.

“I told you, Todd,” Damian said, his voice cold and calculated, “He’s fine. Just working on a case, as always.” He made his way to the living room, trying to shift the conversation away from his own unease. “Nothing to worry about.”

Jason didn’t follow him immediately, but Damian could feel his older brother’s gaze boring into his back. Jason’s suspicion was like a tangible presence in the air. Damian knew that Jason didn’t buy the story, but at least he’d managed to deflect the conversation for now.

Still, as Damian sat down across from Jason, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he had narrowly avoided something much worse. He didn’t want to get caught in the middle of the family drama, especially not when it involved Tim and his newfound responsibility.

“I’m serious, Damian,” Jason’s voice cut through his thoughts. “You may want to keep an eye on Tim. He’s hiding something. And I can tell when he’s hiding something.” Jason’s eyes narrowed, filled with the same perceptiveness that had gotten him into so much trouble in the past. “Don’t let him pull a fast one on you. You may be the last person who can see through his bullshit right now.”

Damian was quiet for a moment, the weight of Jason’s words hanging in the air. But instead of answering, he simply reached for his own drink, trying to push away the unease that lingered in his gut.

Jason leaned forward slightly, a knowing look in his eyes. “Damian, I’m serious. He might need help. If you’re not going to pry, at least make sure you’re there for him.”

Damian didn’t reply immediately. It wasn’t often that Jason gave advice without a punchline or a snide comment, but this time, the older Robin was right. Tim was already juggling too much alone. Maybe Damian didn’t have to dive into the mystery of it all right away, but keeping an eye on his brother couldn’t hurt.

Finally, after a long pause, Damian set his drink down and stood. “Fine,” he muttered, still feeling a little discomforted by the entire situation. “I’ll stop by Tim’s more often. Help him with his ‘case.’” He allowed a hint of sarcasm to slip into his voice. “It’s the least I can do for my dear brother.”

Jason raised an eyebrow, watching Damian with mild amusement. “Good. Maybe I won’t have to worry about him as much. Or you,” he added with a knowing smirk.

Damian didn’t dignify that with a response, but he knew deep down that Jason was right. Tim might be doing his best to hide things, but he was running on fumes. It wouldn’t hurt to lend a hand… at least until he could figure out exactly what Tim was keeping from everyone else.

With that thought in mind, Damian turned on his heel and left the room. He wasn’t sure where this new path would lead, but for now, he was determined to be there for Tim in the only way he knew how.

Maybe the secret wasn’t as heavy when you didn’t carry it alone.

Chapter Text

Bruce sat in the Batcave, watching the screens with a faraway look in his eyes. He had felt a sense of relief knowing that Damian had agreed to help Tim. The weight of the situation had been gnawing at him, and now it seemed like a small, if temporary, solution. Damian had always been the one to keep a healthy distance from the rest of the family, and his willingness to step up for Tim was… unexpected.

But something about it didn’t sit right with Bruce. As he ran through a few reports, a thought flickered in his mind, Damian had been acting strangely. Over the past week, he’d noticed little things that didn’t align with his usual demeanor.

The other day, he swore he saw Damian browsing online for Robin plushies.

At first, Bruce thought it was a joke. A fluke. But then he saw it again. A soft smile, a flicker of tenderness in his eyes that was quickly covered by a scowl.

He had never seen Damian so… soft. Not even around him, his father.

Bruce couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease about it. There had been no biting comments, no insults thrown in Tim’s direction. Just silence from his usually sharp-tongued son. And though Damian still avoided directly interacting with Tim, Bruce couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.

A soft beep from the communication system interrupted his thoughts, and he turned his attention to the screen where Dick’s face appeared.

“Hey, Bruce,” Dick greeted, his tone casual but with a hint of curiosity. “I’ve been noticing something weird lately.”

Bruce leaned forward slightly, intrigued. “What is it?”

Dick rubbed the back of his neck. “I think Damian’s changing. It sounds strange, but I’ve seen it with my own eyes.” He chuckled. “He’s, uh, been spending more time with Tim. I don’t think I’ve heard him insult him once this week. Even Jason’s noticed.”

Bruce blinked. That was odd. “You think he’s finally growing up?” Bruce asked, his voice thoughtful. “Like he’s starting to accept Tim as a brother?”

“Yeah, that’s what I thought, too,” Dick responded. “He’s starting to see Tim as someone who isn’t just ‘Replacement’ anymore. I mean, you’ve seen how he is with you and Jason, right? Maybe it’s the same thing with Tim. He’s learning to love his brother.”

Jason’s voice suddenly cut through the conversation. “Oh, please. Damian’s not ‘learning’ to love anyone. He’s just less of a brat these days,” he grumbled, entering the conversation from the side. “Besides, I don’t care if he’s softening up. I’m just happy he’s staying out of my way.”

Bruce could hear Jason’s irritation in his tone, but there was an underlying sense of confusion there, too.

“It’s not just that,” Dick pressed. “I’m starting to think maybe the kid’s growing up. A little, at least.” He sighed. “I never thought I’d say this, but I think Damian’s starting to learn how to be a better brother. To all of us.”

Jason gave a sharp laugh, his voice tinged with disbelief. “You’re full of it. Damian’s always been a little jerk. one day, you’re going to see it, and when you do, it’ll be hilarious.”

Dick didn’t seem deterred. “Maybe. But I think he’s just… different. He’s been around Tim more than he’d like to admit, and it’s been good for him. Maybe it’s not all bad. He’s learning how to care without saying it.”

Bruce stayed silent for a moment, the words sinking in. It was true that Damian had shown more patience lately. It was also strange that he’d become involved with Tim’s work, helping him out more than usual.

Bruce’s train of thought was interrupted when he glanced back at the security feed and saw Damian entering the manor. There was something different in his posture today he seemed more at ease. But the unease that had been plaguing Bruce for days lingered.

Damian had been acting unusually calm. Too calm. Something was… off.

Chapter Text

Tim had to admit, life was becoming a little more manageable lately. It had been some time now since the night he first took Tessa in, and though the responsibility had been overwhelming at times, he was starting to get into a rhythm. Tessa was a joy, and her laughter filled the small boathouse with warmth. She’d even started giggling more, and Tim swore he could hear the faintest hint of her first words as she babbled at him every day.

One of the biggest changes, though, was Damian. He’d agreed to help, and he’d been keeping his word in more ways than Tim expected. Damian had been over nearly every day, offering to help out, playing with Tessa, and generally acting as if he had more of a stake in Tim’s life than ever before. It was a strange thing to witness, and Tim often found himself staring at his younger brother, wondering if this was the same Damian Wayne he’d grown up with.

Damian even decided to stay the night during a school night, which was surprising in itself. Tim was used to his brother being incredibly independent and rarely allowing himself to be tethered to anyone for too long, but for the past few nights, Damian had stayed, hanging around long enough to play with Tessa and even joke around, calling Tim “pathetic” as Tessa giggled, clapping her hands.

Tim had never expected this side of Damian to emerge, and it made his heart swell. The change in his brother, the way he’d embraced the role of being there for Tessa, was a relief. Damian was, in his own way, offering the help Tim needed.

The next morning, as Tim got Tessa ready for her day, he glanced at the clock. Damian had spent the night again, and they’d both gotten up early to start their day. Tim hadn’t been sure how he was going to juggle everything, work, being a new dad, and keeping up with his obligations as Red Robin, but Damian had stepped in without even a hint of complaint.

After making breakfast, Damian had volunteered to ride with Tim to school, claiming he needed a ride.

Tim didn’t ask too many questions, Damian’s request had come out of nowhere, but he was thankful for the company. The drive to school was quiet, with the soft hum of the car filling the air, until Tessa, sitting in her car seat behind them, suddenly babbled at Damian. Her baby voice, full of warmth and innocence, filled the car.

Damian smiled at her through the rearview mirror, his usual cold demeanor melting into something softer. “You’re getting louder every day,” he teased, reaching a hand back and lightly tickling her foot. Tessa giggled, squirming happily in her seat.

Tim couldn’t help but smile too. There was something about seeing Damian interact with Tessa so freely, without his usual wall of emotional distance. The kid who had once been nothing but a blunt, sharp-edged presence was now speaking in playful tones with a 5-month-old, showing a side of himself Tim had rarely ever seen.

“Just don’t let her think she can always manipulate you with her cuteness,” Tim joked, keeping his eyes on the road.

Damian grinned back. “I have my standards, Drake. I’m not as weak as you are.”

Tim laughed softly. “Sure, sure. We’ll see how long that lasts when she starts crying because you won’t give her that last cookie.”

Tessa babbled again, and Damian made a sound as if he were mimicking her. “I have a feeling she’s going to be trouble.”

Tim’s gaze softened, but he kept his eyes on the road. “I’m starting to think you’re right.” He glanced back at Tessa, who smiled brightly at him. “But I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

Before Damian could respond, they reached the school, and Tim slowed the car to a stop in front of the stairs. As they pulled up, he spotted Alfred waiting by the entrance, as if he had been expecting them.

Tim’s stomach did a flip. He wasn’t sure if Alfred had noticed the car seat in the back or if he simply recognized how strange it was for Damian to be at Tim’s side, but either way, this could be the moment everything went sideways.

“Damian,” Tim said quietly, trying to keep his voice calm. “Do me a favor and…”

Damian looked at him, confused. “What? I’m not afraid of Alfred.”

Tim ignored his brother’s defiance and gave him a subtle shake of the head. “Just… let me handle this.”

But it was too late. Alfred had already started to approach the car, his usual air of composure intact, though his eyes were sharp as ever. Tim’s heart raced as he glanced back at Tessa in her car seat, hoping that Alfred wouldn’t pay too much attention.

Damian, ever perceptive, saw the concern in Tim’s eyes and quickly moved to intercept the situation. “pennyworth!” he called out in his usual no-nonsense voice, “You should be focusing on your work. Why are you here?”

Alfred paused mid-step and gave Damian a questioning look. “Master Damian, I was simply ensuring everything was running smoothly this morning.”

Damian turned to Tim and rolled his eyes. “See, Timothy ? He’s always lurking around. Maybe he’s trying to make me late for school.”

Tim gave a small, forced smile, hoping Alfred wouldn’t look too closely at the back of the car. He adjusted the rearview mirror, trying to make sure Tessa’s car seat wasn’t too visible. “Alfred, I’m just dropping Damian off for the day. We’re running a bit behind, you know how it is with a busy household.”

Alfred nodded, his gaze flickering toward the car for a brief moment before returning to Tim’s face. There was no sign of suspicion yet, but Tim felt his heartbeat in his throat. Alfred was sharp, and he always seemed to know when something was off. He hoped he hadn’t caught a glimpse of Tessa’s car seat.

Alfred gave a small, polite nod, his eyes lingering on Tim for just a second longer than usual, but then, as if nothing was amiss, he turned and began walking back toward the entrance of the school.

Damian leaned forward, whispering so only Tim could hear, “That was close. He almost caught on, didn’t he?”

Tim exhaled deeply, still feeling the knot of tension in his stomach. “Yeah. Almost.”

As they watched Alfred retreat, Tim couldn’t help but wonder how long he could keep up the ruse. The longer they managed to hide Tessa, the more difficult it would be to explain her presence in his life especially when it came to Alfred.

Damian turned to him, his tone lighter than usual. “It’s going to be fine. I won’t let anyone get to you.”

Tim looked at his younger brother, appreciating his unexpected support. “Thanks, Damian.”

Damian, for once, didn’t tease Tim. Instead, he simply nodded, his gaze flickering briefly to the backseat where Tessa was still babbling happily.

As Tim drove off, he couldn’t shake the feeling that things were about to get a whole lot more complicated.

Alfred pov

Alfred awoke early, as usual, the sounds of the manor quiet in the stillness of the morning. He had prepared the house, seen to Duke’s breakfast, and then made sure to send him off for his morning patrol. Bruce was God-knows-where, probably off on some business meeting or… more likely, in the Batcave, drowning in work. But what struck Alfred as unusual that morning was the absence of Damian.

The boy had been acting strange for days different, softer even. While Alfred appreciated the change, it didn’t stop him from wondering what was going on with his young charge. Damian usually woke up earlier than anyone else, often sneaking off to train or read. But today? There was no sign of him.

Alfred’s brow furrowed slightly, a sense of unease settling over him. Damian had to go to school, his responsibilities didn’t disappear just because he was acting a little out of character. With a sigh, Alfred packed a lunch for the boy, as he often did, and decided to drive down to Gotham Academy to make sure everything was in order.

When Alfred arrived at the school, he spotted Tim’s car parked by the entrance, and, much to his surprise, Damian was getting out.

Tim was there too, in his car, smiling as he talked to his younger brother. The sight struck Alfred as odd. He had seen the two of them together before, but there was something different this time. There was a level of comfort between them, a familiarity that had never existed before.

But what truly caught Alfred’s attention was something he could’ve sworn he saw when Damian opened the car door to speak to Tim: a car seat.

Alfred’s heart skipped a beat.

He tried to dismiss it, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t right. Tim, ever the workaholic, had never been one to take such long detours from his duties, especially when it came to his personal life. His mind raced as he watched him drive off. Had he missed something?

He drove back to Tim’s boathouse, his mind still turning over what he had seen. He knew Tim had been keeping to himself more lately, but this… a car seat?

Once Alfred arrived at the boathouse, he didn’t waste time. He had a spare key to Tim’s place, and though he knew it wasn’t strictly proper to intrude like this, the curiosity and concern were eating at him. With a quiet click, he unlocked the door and stepped inside.

The house was a mess. Tim had never been the tidiest, but this was different. There were baby bottles on the counter, diapers strewn across the floor, a small crib in the corner of the living room. It didn’t take long for Alfred to realize what was happening.

This wasn’t just a temporary arrangement. There were baby clothes, toys, and a soft, pastel-colored blanket folded neatly on a nearby chair. It was undeniable now. Tim Drake was keeping a child. A baby.

Alfred stood in the middle of the boathouse, a mix of emotions swirling inside him. He’d known Tim for years. He had seen him grow from a bright young detective into a man burdened with the weight of the world. But this… a child? A baby? The implications were massive, and Alfred couldn’t help but feel a pang of concern for Tim.

Alfred didn’t move immediately. Instead, he sat down at the kitchen table, hands folded in front of him, and began to process everything he had just seen. He hadn’t expected this. Tim had been keeping something from the family, and now it was clear that he was trying to keep this secret for a reason.

How long had Tim been caring for this child? What had led to this decision? And, most importantly, where was the mother?

As Alfred sat in silence, he couldn’t help but think about what this would mean for Tim, and for the family. Tim, despite his strength, was still so young. Raising a baby on his own, especially with everything he already carried as Red Robin, would be incredibly difficult.

When he heard the sound of the front door opening and closing, Alfred stood up quickly, steeling himself for the conversation that was about to unfold.

Tim walked in, looking a little worn but otherwise fine. As his eyes scanned the kitchen, they landed on Alfred sitting at the table. He froze for a moment, his breath catching in his throat. He hadn’t expected Alfred to be here, not like this.

“Alfred,” Tim said, trying to sound casual, but his tone gave him away. “What are you doing here?”

Alfred studied him carefully. “Tim, we need to talk.”

Tim swallowed, his heart racing. He had hoped he could keep this secret a little longer, that he could manage everything without the family finding out. But now that Alfred had seen the baby items, there was no avoiding it. He had to explain.

“Alfred, I….” Tim started, but Alfred held up a hand.

“You’ve been keeping something from us,” Alfred said softly, his tone not accusatory but filled with concern. “A child, Tim? Is this why you’ve been so distant? Why you’ve been avoiding everyone?”

Tim took a deep breath, his heart heavy with the weight of his secret. “I wasn’t ready to tell anyone. It’s complicated.”

Alfred’s eyes softened, and he stood up, walking over to Tim. “You don’t have to keep it a secret anymore, master Tim . We’re family. We can help you.”

Tim looked up at him, his expression guarded. “I just… I didn’t know how to bring it up. I didn’t want to burden anyone. Especially not now, with everything else that’s going on.”

Alfred placed a hand on Tim’s shoulder. “Tim, you’re never a burden. You never have been. But you don’t have to do this alone. We can help you with the baby. We’re here for you, no matter what.”

Tim felt a wave of relief wash over him. It had been a long time since he’d allowed himself to lean on anyone for support. But hearing those words from Alfred, knowing that the family would stand by him no matter what, made him realize he wasn’t as alone as he thought.

“Thank you, Alfred,” Tim whispered, his voice breaking slightly. He felt a knot in his throat but fought to keep it together. “I don’t know how I would’ve managed without you.”

Alfred smiled gently, giving Tim a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder. “You don’t need to thank me, Master Tim. You’ve always been a part of this family. That’s not going to change.”

Tim nodded, wiping his eyes quickly as he let out a small breath of relief. He had no idea how he was going to explain everything, but for the first time in a long while, he felt like he might actually have a chance at handling it all.

He wasn’t alone anymore.

But the path ahead would still be difficult, and Tim knew that. And with Alfred’s support, maybe, just maybe, he could navigate the chaos of being Red Robin and a single father, together with his family.

Chapter Text

Alfred sat quietly, watching Tim with a thoughtful expression as the young man carefully cradled Tessa in his arms. The baby’s cries had pierced the silence, but Tim, with a practiced ease, had scooped her up, whispering gentle words to calm her down. “There, there, daddy’s got you, baby,” he murmured, his voice a soothing balm for the little one.

Alfred couldn’t help but smile at the sight. Despite everything, Tim had a natural warmth with Tessa. It was clear that, despite the chaos, Tim was trying his hardest to give her a normal life, even if it was far from ordinary. Alfred couldn’t deny that he was surprised; surprised by how well Tim was stepping into the role of fatherhood.

Tim caught Alfred’s gaze and, as if reading the older man’s mind, offered a small, exhausted smile. “I never thought I’d be doing this… but, she’s mine now. And I won’t let her down.”

Alfred chuckled softly. “No, Master Tim, I don’t think you will. You’re doing remarkably well for someone who’s still so young himself.”

Tim looked at Alfred, a little uncertain. “You really think so? I’m just… trying to keep it together.”

“I think you’ll find you’re more than capable of doing that, Tim,” Alfred said kindly. “And you’ll have the family behind you. But, there are things you must face now. I can’t let you keep this from everyone for much longer. It’s time to tell them.”

Tim stiffened. “I… I know, Alfred, I know. But I’m not ready. I wasn’t ready for any of this. I never thought I’d be here.”

“I understand, but the family deserves to know the truth,” Alfred replied gently. “Especially given the situation. I will organize a family meeting, a mandatory one, and that is when you will tell them everything.”

Tim hesitated for a moment, looking at his daughter. “A family meeting, huh?” He sighed, a feeling of dread creeping up. “I can’t do this… not all at once.”

Alfred nodded, understanding Tim’s hesitation. “I will give you time. But the meeting will happen. You’ve done well so far, Tim, but it’s time for the rest of us to share the burden with you.”

Tim felt a weight lift from his shoulders, though he still felt apprehensive about the family’s reaction. He had no idea how they would take it, especially Bruce. But he knew Alfred was right. It was time. He couldn’t keep hiding his daughter forever.

Just then, as if on cue, Tessa gave a soft whimper, her tiny hands grabbing at Tim’s shirt. He smiled softly at her and kissed the top of her head before he looked at Alfred. “Let me introduce you to someone.”

Alfred raised an eyebrow, a knowing look passing between them. “Of course, Master Tim.”

Tim took a deep breath, trying to steady himself as he turned his attention to his daughter. “Alfred, this is Tessa Drake-Wayne. My daughter.”

The mention of her full name caused Alfred to blink, a mixture of surprise and understanding passing over his face. “Tessa Drake-Wayne?” he repeated softly. “What a lovely name.”

Alfred walked closer, his heart swelling with affection as he gazed at the baby in Tim’s arms. Tim gently passed Tessa over to Alfred, who held her delicately, as if the tiny child might break in his arms. She looked up at him with big eyes, gurgling softly as she grabbed at the collar of Alfred’s shirt.

Alfred’s voice softened as he looked down at the baby. “She’s a beautiful child. It’s clear she has you wrapped around her little finger already.” His voice was tinged with pride, though there was a weight to it, a recognition that things were about to change for the entire family.

Tim watched Alfred held Tessa, a touch of awe in his eyes. “She is,” he agreed quietly, “she’s everything.”

After a moment, Alfred carefully returned her to Tim. “You know, as her great-grandfather, I can’t help but wonder if she should be growing up in a place like this.”

Tim tensed for a moment, but Alfred’s words, as firm as they were, brought a sense of clarity. “What do you mean?”

Alfred gave him a knowing look. “This place, Master Tim. It’s not fit for a baby. You’re doing a wonderful job so far, but this… well, this environment won’t do. Not for her.”

Tim sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I know. It’s just… I wasn’t planning for any of this. The boathouse was always just for me, for Red Robin. I didn’t think about… her.”

Alfred placed a hand on Tim’s shoulder, his grip firm but supportive. “It’s time for a change. And I think it’s time for you to move into the manor.”

Tim’s heart skipped a beat. “Move in? To the manor?”

“Yes,” Alfred said with quiet determination. “You and Tessa deserve better. The manor is big enough for all of us, and she’ll be safe there. It’s the best thing for her and for you.”

Tim bit his lip, feeling conflicted. He had always felt like an outsider in the Wayne household, despite being a part of it. But as he looked at Tessa, he realized that things were different now. He wasn’t just Red Robin, or Tim Drake, the adopted son of Bruce Wayne. He was a father.

“I… I need time to think about it, Alfred,” Tim said slowly, though part of him already knew the decision was made. He wanted what was best for Tessa, and living in the manor with the family might be the right step forward.

Alfred nodded, understanding. “Of course, Master Tim. Take all the time you need. But I will be helping you get this place cleaned up, because no baby should be growing up in a place like this. No child should live in this kind of situation.”

Tim couldn’t help but laugh at the thought. “You’re not wrong,” he admitted, glancing around at the clutter that had gathered over the weeks. “I don’t know how it got this bad.”

Alfred’s eyes twinkled as he smiled down at Tim. “I’ll help you sort it out. We’ll make sure everything is in order.”

As the two of them shared a moment of laughter, Tessa, who had been quietly watching them, gave a little giggle of her own, her tiny hands reaching for Alfred again.

Tim chuckled softly. “Looks like she approves of the idea.”