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On thinking it over, Tim realized Batman must have gone to a great deal of effort for his 16th birthday lesson, and Tim hadn’t come near to that standard. He wanted to prove to Batman that he took gaslighting seriously.
It took a while to figure out what would be most impressive, and to gather the needed co-conspirators, but when the plan finalized it was perfect. A true multilayered performance art experience.
Joker thought pretending to capture and torture and brainwash Batman’s Robin into Joker Jr. was the best joke ever. Harley thought it was hilarious, too, especially when Tim double-crossed Joker and shot him between the eyes with real bullets. She had wanted to run away to be with Poison Ivy for months, but Joker wouldn’t let her go.
Dr. Leslie always hated Batman’s child soldier philosophy, so when Tim explained his 16th birthday lesson, she was quite happy to let Tim ‘recover’ in her clinic, and help her plan Stephanie’s fake death.
It all worked out splendidly, with the added bonus that all Tim had to do to get a holiday was giggle wildly for a few seconds.
Tim was slightly disappointed that Batman never figured it out. He’d have to come up with even better lessons in the future. Maybe he could fake kill Alfred? Having to eat his own cooking should make Batman think.
Tim should stock the manor up on Pepto-Bismol first. He didn't want to make Batman suffer.
