Chapter Text
Tim didn't know how much he missed Italy until he landed in Rome with his Great uncles, the Wayns. They never wanted to go to Italy for vacation; they always went to Greece or some island. Even when he asked months in advance, they would change it as soon as Dick or Jason said something. Alfred and Bruce never allowed him to go alone; it was a ‘family vacation.’ Dick and the others would complain about how Rome and Venice were tourist traps, but he wanted to see his great uncles, not the sights. He had snuck away from them in Greece for a day or two, enough time to make it to Rome and back. Tim thought as the taxi drove them to the Vatican for an important meeting that needed his great-uncle's help.
Lawrence was not surprised when Bellini showed up first at the emergency meeting, but he did not expect Tedesco to have someone in tow. The boy looked no older than a first-year seminarian student, dressed in a very nice suit, and looked like he had lost a fist fight. “ Thomas, what is the emergency?” Bellini asked, wanting to return to their home so Tim could unpack and settle. “ Who is the young man with Tedesco?” Lawrence asked, seeing that the Cardinal was not known for kindness, was practically babying the boy. “ Timoteo Tedesco. Tedesco's great-nephew. He is going to live with Tedesco until he goes to the seminary. His foster family was not kind to him.”
Bellini said, thinking back to how Tim was treated. Lawrence looked back at Tim’s face and how Tedesco was ready to snap at anyone who got too close to Tim. His mind went to abuse physically, maybe psychologically as well. “The three of you are the last to arrive. Now we can start.” Lawrence said, thinking of where the boy could go during their meeting. “ What is the important meeting about?” Bellini asked, knowing Tedesco was still worrying over Tim. “Someone new is starting to make significant donations to Venice's churches and has asked to have a private meeting with the two of you,” Lawrence said. “Who is this new person?” Bellini asked, concerned if it was someone who was trying to blackmail them. “ Ra’s Al-Ghul,” Lawrence said. Bellini had never heard that name and knew Tedesco hadn't either. They had finally made it to the meeting room. The three Cardinals and one former vigilante stopped in front of the door. “ Mr. Tedesco, would you like to look at the art?” Lawrence asked. “ Sure,” Tim said. Lawrence signaled for one of the Swiss guards and told them to take Tim to the art exhibits. As the guard and Tim left the other area. The three went into the meeting.
Ra’s was happy his donations had gone where he had wanted them to, and knew he would be able to meet his detective's great-uncles. As the three Cardinals entered, he could see which one was related to his detective from his photo. “ Cardinal Lawrence, Tedesco, Bellini, it is lovely to meet you.” Ra’s said, analyzing Tedesco's features for what he and Tim shared and didn't. Tedesco was a reasonable estimate of what Tim would look like at 71. “ Same. Now, what can we do for you, Mr. Al-Gaul?” Bellini said as Tedesco vaped in the corner, cataloging Ra’s and all his hidden weapons. Tedesco was a former street kid who won a handful of knife fights back in the day. He might have been out of the game, but could still recognize a wolf in poorly done sheep's clothing. Ra’s could see where his detectives’ intelligence came from; he and his great-uncle shared similar expressions. “I would like to support the Venetian churches and seminary.” Ra’s said. Now that Tim has applied to the seminary, he can play priest for a few decades but will come to his side. Ra’s thought as Bellini was talking about how much they would like his patronage. Ra’s was tooning the priests out.
Tim was examining The Last Supper, an interesting painting in terms of the paint chosen and the style. He knew something was going on; it was either bad enough for three cardinals to need it to handle it, or a miracle had happened, and Tim did not want to know which one it was. The guard/guide was nice enough, but wary of Tim after seeing the glare his great-uncle sent to him. “ A very lovely painting,” a voice came from behind Tim. “ Talia, what are you doing here?”Tim asked coldly. “Same as you looking at art,” Talia said coyly, annoying Tim with the cat-and-mouse game. “ Get to the point, Taila,” Tim stated exasperatedly. “ I see why Father likes you. Father donated substantially to your great-uncles' churches, and the Pope wants to meet with him.” Talia stated. “ Why!” Tim shouted. “ You, of course.” Tim gave Talia a confused look. “ You intrigue my Father. He wants to get you in the League any way he can. Giving money to an organization he doesn't care about is nothing compared to what he has done to get some of the others.” Taila started, then turned around and left Tim in shock. “ Fuck you, Ra’s,” Tim said as he thought about how he could blow up more of his bases.
Tedesco did not trust the man, not just his presence against him. After the meeting, his eyes followed Timoteo. He had seen that look, which means nothing good for the person on the other end of the stare. “ Bear what's wrong?” Bellini asked, seeing Tedesco throw a murderous glance at the man. “Niente amore ( Nothing love),” Tedesco said, smiling, trying to make Bellini stop worrying. “Possiamo tornare a casa dopo cena (We get to go back home after dinner),” Bellini said, trying to lighten Tedesco's mood by mentioning food and going home. “ Meh,” Tedesco grunted in response, still staring down Ra’s Al-Ghul. “Vieni servita la cena ( Dinner is served),” a nun said, directing everyone to the dining hall to eat.