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Chapter Text

Alfred always stood next to the table while the Waynes had dinner. He would make jokes with Martha and Thomas and help entertain young Bruce. Then he would have dinner alone in the kitchen.

Then came that fateful night. The one where Martha and Thomas died and Bruce was left alone in Alfred’s care.

Bruce continued sitting where he usually sat and ate in silence with a sullen look on his face. He no longer needed entertainment, instead comfort.

After a week, Alfred took initiative and sat down next to him with his meal.

“How was your day?” Alfred started, but Bruce didn’t respond and just kept swirling his spinach soup on his plate.

“I was told that the school temporarily excused you from doing your homework” he continued.

“Hn” this time Bruce did give a semblance of a response, but Alfred could tell he was not in the mood for talking. So they remained in silence.

Alfred continued having dinner with Bruce and they settled into a routine: they would eat in silence. This lasted for years until Bruce was sixteen and left to travel the world after graduating from school early, to train to become something Alfred did not know yet. Every once in a while Alfred would get letters from Bruce instructing him to make renovations and installations to the cave under the manor.

After he came back, Bruce would have his dinner, in silence, in what had become the batcave, before going on patrol. And this was the new routine for a long time.

Chapter Text

Alfred was serving dinner to the frightened kid sitting alone in the dining room. Dick Grayson had been orphaned less than 48 hours ago, when his parents fell to their deaths during a performance. Master Bruce had been in attendance being one of the many people who went to see the legendary Flying Graysons’ acrobatics. Knowing what it’s like to lose his parents as a child and not wanting him to be alone, Master Bruce asked for custody of the young Dick. And, finding it suspicious the circumstances of their deaths, started to investigate if it was a possible murder.

But right now Master Bruce was shut down in the batcave and young Master Dick remained alone, pushing around his soup without eating anything.

“Mr. Pennyworth, may I please leave the table? I’m tired and I just want to rest” Master Dick said after a long period of silence.

“Of course” Alfred responded, “I’ll accompany you to your room.”

“That won’t be necessary, thank you. I know where it is” he then got up tucked in his chair and left.

Alfred started to take everything back to the kitchen and clean up. He should have known that Dick wouldn’t go to his room. And that he could find the passageway hidden by the grandfather clock. He was told through the comm he always wore in his ear:

“Alfred! Dick we have an emergency in the Batcave!”

He quickly rushed there to see that young Master Dick was excitedly looking over Master Bruce’s investigations and Master Bruce with a scowl on his face.

 “Mr. Pennyworth, he thinks that my parents were murdered and is trying to find the killer!” Master Dick said as soon as he saw Alfred, before he could say anything.

“Does he?” Alfred responded to buy time to say something more weighty. Master Dick clearly looked as if he wanted to join in Master Bruce’s knightly activities, if you’ll excuse the pun. And the idea of this young boy, who is in such a similar situation that Master Bruce was all those years ago, following in his footsteps disturbed him deeply.

“Yes.” said Master Bruce, calmly but coldly. “And he wants to help bring him to justice.”

“Can I? Please?” said Master Dick, with so much hope and excitement that it was heartbreaking to say no.

“Master Bruce is very competent at his work. And it is very dangerous, no place for a child.” Alfred responded. “Although, I’m sure that master Bruce will keep you updated on what developments have occured in the case.”

Master Dick left the Batcave moving in a rigid posture as if to contain his anger. Master Bruce looked at Alfred with what most would see as an expressionless face, but what Alfred saw in it was worry and sadness.

“Thank you for handling the situation” Master Bruce sighed. He pinched the bridge of his nose. “I just… I don’t want him to end up like me. Both angry at and trying to save the city that took my parents.”

Alfred understood this. He had been with Master Bruce through all of it, and offered emotional support, although it was rarely accepted. Now, this recently orphaned child was in their care, and they did not want to fail him.

“I’ll go clean up in the kitchen, then we can put Master Dick to bed” Alfre said. “We’ll keep him safe,” he added a smile. He left as Master Bruce returned to the Batcomputer.

Alfred was coming out of the cave, thinking that he’d put a stop to this madness, when he heard a roar coming from the direction of the garage. He ran there and saw a yellow Porsche going out of the garage and out of the manor. He immediately commed Master Bruce:

“Master Bruce, we have an emergency.” 

“I am well aware, Alfred.” he responded,with concern slipping in his voice. “I’m going to follow him with the tracker in the car. I need you to manage the Batcave while I’m gone.”

Alfred went down and stayed at the bat computer, following the dots of both cars on the map of Gotham, and giving directions to Master Bruce on how to find Master Dick.

Finally, after two hours, they both returned home, Master Dick looking ashamed and Master Bruce with his Batman face. They both went to Master Dick’s room, and talked for about 45 minutes before Master Bruce put him to bed. 

Master Bruce came out of that room looking grim. He motioned to Alfred to follow him into the drawing room. He slumped down on the couch and,looking at Alfred, said:

“He went out looking for Zucco.”

Alfred simply took a deep breath and said “Oh”. 

“I know this would put the kid in risk, but I think it’s more dangerous for him to try and be a vigilante on his own.” Master Bruce continued, and, after a long silence said: “I think that a big part of my trauma is that since my parents murder was never solved, it’s like an open wound. I think maybe if the kid helped solve this, he wouldn’t end up like me.”

“We could try that” Alfred concurred. 

And so the car Master Dick had stolen was reported to the GCPD as having been stolen by him, but Batman had caught him and brought him home, and Bruce Wayne wouldn’t be pressing any charges, he was just glad to have him home.

And as for the case, they managed to successfully gather evidence that Zucco had sabotaged the Graysons act. 

But it didn’t stop there. Master Dick grew very invested in solving these cases with Master Bruce, they saw it as a bonding activity. And eventually Master Dick had made his own costume for his own superhero identity, Robin. Master Bruce decided it would be a good idea to train the child into becoming his sidekick, and Alfred was not able to persuade him out of that notion. 

And so, dinners remained a thing that happens mostly in the batcave. Although Master Bruce was eating much more regularly, and Master Dick really brought some much needed joy to the dark and gloomy atmosphere. And this remained the status quo for many years.

Chapter Text

    Master Dick had received a very thorough education in the circus and, because of this, Gotham Academy decided that he was competent enough to skip a grade. However he needed some help in English literature and some history, as, having lived travelling through different countries, he had acquired a little of many cultures but not enough of the one needed for school. And so, one of his classmates was hired as a tutor for him, a Miss Barbara Gordon, the police commissioner's daughter.

    “Mr. Pennyworth, this spinach soup is absolutely delicious,” said Miss Gordon, who often dined with the Waynes.

    “Yes, Alfred has been making this soup for me since I was a baby,” added Master Bruce. “We could sell the recipe to raise money for food banks. Now wouldn’t that be a great idea” he added with a smile in his Brucie Wayne act.

    “I shall take my recipe to my grave Master Wayne. Besides, I think we could find the money tucked away somewhere in the manor” Alfred responded, making Master Dick and Miss Barbara laugh.

    This was a typical exchange of banter when Miss Barbara stayed for dinner. Master Bruce often made appearances to keep up the civilian ruse. This was appreciated by everyone as it served as family time outside the Batcave and helped everyone destress, although Master Bruce would never admit to it.

    After this Commissioner Gordon would come to pick up his daughter between shifts.

    One day, a couple years after Master Dick had first become Robin, during a particularly hard case involving the riddler for both Batman and the GCPD, Master Bruce came back in a particularly bad mood with Master Dick almost bouncing with excitement.

    “Well, what could have happened to make the both of you come back with heightened moods?” Alfred said as he was greeting them.

    “Hmf” Master Bruce replied and looked at Alfred with a scowl on his face.

    “There’s a new vigilante!” Master Dick said, taking the glass of milk that Alfred always prepared for him. “And you’ll never guess who it is!”

    “Well, out of the 5 million people that live in Gotham I don’t see how I could single out one. My best guess would be that the riddler decided to put his skills to good use and help the GCPD.”

    “Wrong.” Master Bruce said calmly. “It was the commissioner’s daughter. The one that he studies with.” 

    Alfred turned from Master Bruce to Master Dick. He was grinning from ear to ear, clearly happy that his best friend had also become a vigilante and could also be in this part of his life. Alfred now understood Master Bruce’s mood. 

    “This is a disaster.” Master Bruce continued. “Knowing Dick so well, Barbara could easily expose our civilian identities. And I highly doubt that commissioner Gordon would be happy with us inspiring his 13 year old daughter to become a vigilante.”

    “I don’t see why her age would be a problem,” Alfred said with a dry sarcasm.

    “The problem is that she is untrained and is almost certainly going to get caught by her father.”

    “No, I don’t think so,” Master Dick chipped in. “Babs can be pretty sneaky when she wants to.”

    “Sneaky or not, she is still untrained and a liability.” Master Bruce responded. “Hopefully she listened when I told her to stay away, and we won’t be seeing her anymore.”

    “Well, I’ll be seeing her tomorrow, as we are studying together for theatre class and Alfred said he would help.” Master Dick said cheerfully.

    The next day, after school, Master Dick and Miss Gordon came to practise with Alfred, as, among his mysterious backstory, he was a trained Shakespearian actor. They were doing Much Ado About Nothing, Miss Gordon was playing Beatrice and Master Dick was playing Claudio. Miss Gordon was an excellent actress because of her hard work and dedication to becoming the character. Master Dick was a natural at performance, having grown up in a circus. They had a lot of fun before going to the drawing room to have an English tea.

    “Mr. Pennyworth, could you please teach me how to make this tea? It’s very good.”

    “You let the tea brew for five minutes, I like a rather strong tea. Then add some honey, I prefer it to sugar as it also enriches with taste. Then finally you add the milk last.”

    “Thank you. I think my father would like it. I can make it for him before the night shift. We all must do our part to keep Gotham safe. I’m sure you help Mr. Wayne with his work.” she said.

    Alfred gave her an indecipherable stare.

    “You know, his charity work,” she added with an innocent smile.

    “Yes, indeed it is quite a task to plan all those charity galas” he responded with dry humour.

    All of Miss Gordon’s interactions with the Wayne family went like this, with her lightly hinting at her, and them, being vigilantes. Until one day Master Bruce and Master Dick came back from patrol with the former having a scowl on his face, walking stiffly to the showers, and the latter almost skipping behind him, with a grin on his face. 

    “I’m guessing this has something to do with Miss Gordon.”

    “The commissioner told us that his daughter was staying at a friend’s house. And added that he could also use the sleep in a comfortable bed” Master Bruce added dryly, giving Master Dick a pointed look. “Dick apparently gave her an open invite to sleep here”

    “I swear that I didn’t know she was coming today,” Master Dick said, looking guilty.

    “Hello Mr. Pennyworth,” Alfred opened the door to find Miss Gordon with a gym bag and a school backpack. “I’m here to help work on the case with Dick and Mister Wayne,” she said bluntly. Apparently the time for subtlety and feigning ignorance was over.

    “Please, follow me, Miss Gordon,” Alfred said, leading the way to a spacious guest bedroom. “Today’s nightly activities are over, but you are welcome to discuss them with Master Dick and Master Bruce tomorrow morning at breakfast,” he said, making it clear that this was the only option for her. “May I offer you some chamomile tea?”

    “Yes, please. I would like that very much” she answered, then went to open the gym bag. 

    When Alfred returned with the tea, Miss Gordon was sitting on the bed, in her yellow pyjamas, solving a sudoku. 

    “Thank you Mr. Pennyworth,” she said “I'll see you tomorrow morning. Have a good night.”

    The next morning Alfred set the table with more food than usual, to assure their guest’s comfort. He then went to get Miss Gordon. 

“Good morning Alfred,” she greeted him, already wearing her school uniform, then followed him to the dining room.

A few minutes later, Master Dick and Master Bruce came in, both still in their pyjamas. Although it looked like Master Bruce hadn’t slept at all.

They ate in silence for a while, with everyone waiting to see who would mention the elephant in the room first. It was, unsurprisingly, Master Bruce.

“You came to talk to us about the case with the Manbat.” he stated firmly, looking directly at her, in a manner usually reserved for the cowl.

“I did. There is a creature terrorising this city. This case has been taking longer than usual, and I would like to help more directly.” she responded calmly.

“You should never have gotten involv- ” Master Bruce started, but he was interrupted by Miss Gordon:

“Look, I became a vigilante because I want to help my dad. He’s always stressed with cases. And he’d told me about the Batman and Robin, so I decided to become Batgirl. And, of course, being friends with Dick, I quickly realised your secret identities.” This last statement was left hanging in the air, as they took their time to eat.

 “Bruce, I think we should let Babs join us,” Master Dick said, bringing attention to himself for the first time in the conversation, causing everybody to stare at him.

“Mr. Wayne, I know you do this because you care about this city. My dad has complimented you on that several times. I do this because I see my dad come home stressed out, and I want to help him. I have been attempting to help you for a few months, but I think it’s time to do it directly.”

They, again, ate in silence for a while before Master Bruce finally spoke up:

“Fine. You can help. But you have to follow my rules. You always communicate with us through Dick. We never let your father see you up close, but we let him know you exist.”

And with that it was settled. They proceeded to talk about the Manbat case, until the children had to go to school.

And so it went. From that moment on Miss Barbara became an important addition to the team as the Batgirl. And the family grew larger.

Chapter Text

It had been eight years since Master Dick had entered their lives. Now he was seventeen and leading his own team, the Teen Titans. He had had an argument with Master Bruce about their partnership dynamic, Master Dick thought he was old enough for equal footing but Master Bruce  still held tight to leadership. So now the only way they communicate is through superhero work.

Miss Gordon was preoccupied with college and too busy for vigilante work.”So the dark knight worked alone. Until…

“Alfred, get dinner ready. in the dining room. I’ll meet you there.”

He sounded tense. It was only 1:47 at night. Master Bruce never came home this early.
Alfred set up the table. Roast chicken and potatoes with a thin spinach cream. The usual one placement for Master Bruce. But when he came in… 

A child came in with him. A thin boy, probably too small for his age, as he looked very malnourished. He had a nervous look on his face, switching several times from looking at Alfred and to the food. 

“I caught him stealing the tires of the batmobile,” Master Bruce said, ushering the boy to the chair. Stealing, not trying to steal, Alfred noted. “Eat. Alfred will get a room ready for you” he added. Then to Alfred “I’ll explain everything later.” 

Alfred left them to tidy a room, with Bruce sitting next to the boy as he wolfed down the food.

Alfred set up a room near Master Bruce’s, next to where Master Dick’s room was. Waiting for him to return. He got some old pajamas, Master Bruce’s from when he was ten, periwinkle blue, very warm. 

“Nice to meet you. Jason Todd.” The boy, Jason, stood in front of him. Not as nervous as before, but still a bit skeptical.

“Alfred Pennyworth,” he said, extending a hand. Jason shook it, still examining Alfred with suspicion. “You have complete use of this room. If you need me, ring the doorbell on that wall. Have a good night and sleep well” he said leaving Jason with some privacy. He then went to talk with Master Bruce.

“I know what you're thinking,” Master Bruce said before Alfred could even say something, still staring at the computer in the Batcave.”I caught him stealing the tires off of the batmobile. He had gotten three off. When I offered to take him home, he said to take him to that abandoned building near Winston Bridge, the one no one occupies because it's full of asbestos.” He turned around to face Alfred with concern on his face. “I’ve been researching this kid. His mother lost custody of him due to a drug problem when he was five and he’s been in the foster system for the past seven years.” Twelve. Jason was twelve years old. He looked at least two years younger. “He hasn’t kept up with school. It is my duty to help him” he said with determination.

Alfred understood, and he accepted this duty as well. “Very well, sir. I will provide his necessities by tomorrow and we’ll go shopping when he’s settled in.”

The next morning, almost afternoon, Jason came down with Master Bruce for breakfast. He looked well rested but still a bit groggy. He stared at the food: fruit salad, various types of bread and jams, a bit of chocolate cake. 

“This is so much food,” he said, lingering where he was, as if not quite daring to touch it.

“A healthy breakfast to start the day,” Master Bruce said, sitting down on the table. “Breakfast won’t bite you, you’ll bite it,” he said dryly. 

Jason finally sat down and grabbed a piece of white bread, which he quickly devoured, starved. They both ate with Bruce offering different things for Jason, which he had never eaten before. 

After Jason had a shower, they showed him the library. Jason was in awe and quickly gathered books to read: classics, contemporary YA, fantasy, pulp science fiction from the 50s, every genre he could gather. He spent a lot of time in his room reading while Alfred and Master Bruce set up his school, tutors, doctors appointments, and wardship papers. When he wasn’t reading he spent his time in the batcave, shadowing the Batman. Whenever they went shopping, Jason was hesitant to get things, as if experiencing guilt from people spending money on him. The fact that Master Bruce was a billionaire did not ease things.

“Alright lad, are you ready,” Master Bruce called.

Three months after Master Jason arrived in their lives, he was going out as Robin for the first time, in Master Dick’s old costume. He was healthier, he had gained weight and had trained for combat. Though he was still a beginner, the skills he had gained from living on the streets all these years gave him an advantage.

“Ready to kick some butt,” Master Jason said, grinning.

“I’ll have the com,” Alfred said sitting on the computer. “Good luck, Master Jason. Though I don’t recommend breaking a leg”

Chapter Text

It was a gloomy night at Wayne Manor. The rain pounded as if trying to break through the windows. The bats shrieked and cried trying to return home. 

Wayne Manor had become a sombre place after the death of Master Jason. Master Bruce nearly broke Batman’s one rule; beating the joker so severely it barely left him alive. And he wouldn't be if Master Dick hadn’t stopped him. Master Bruce spent his days in Master Jason’s room, in the library, close to but not touching his things. Only sleeping on the floor of Master Jason’s room with the teddy bear he’d got him when he first moved in. But his days were short. He spent most of his time as the Batman either in the cave obsessing over a case, or on the streets stopping lower level criminals. Oh how grief brought him to a level he'd never been before. Taking out his anger on muggers and goons as if that would bring his son back. The streets of Gotham weren’t safe for more than the usual reasons. 

But tonight, here, in the drawing room,  sat this kid,two years younger than Master Jason from the same school. But Jason was’t the reason he was here. – A knock on the door.

Alfred Pennyworth opened the door to find Master Dick soaked from the short walk he took from where his car was parked to the door.

“Hi Alfred. Is he doing better or was he seriously injured?” he said, taking his coat off and drying himself with a towel Alfred provided.

“Neither,” Alfred responded, “but there’s someone in the drawing room waiting to see you.”

When they entered the drawing room the kid jumped up and rushed to introduce himself.

“Dick Grayson! I’m Tim Drake. Wow- I’m your biggest fan! I love watching Flying Graysons compilations on youtube. And I’ve been following your work as nightwing very closely, I’ve brought pictur…”

“What! Kid, I don't know what you’re talking about. Maybe we all got a little too excited and…” started Master Dick 

“No, I’m sure you’re nightwing because I saw you do a triple sault with splits from the gotham trade centre. I’ve been taking pictures of you and Batman since before you had your new identity. I run fan accounts on social media.”

Alfred stared at Master Dick with a half curious half how could you be so careless look. “Yes and he has a request for you”

“I’m here to ask you to become robin again” Tim Drake stated firmly.

“Look kid, I’ve moved on from being robin,” Master Dick responded. “And after all the fights I’ve had with Bruce over my independence, going back would just rub salt in the wound of Jason's death.”

“Batman needs a robin. He works better with him. And every time there are less lives lost. Robin is an essential part of gotham. I would know I have been following you closely for years”

“Yes,” Alfred said, sternly, examining the photos “and how were you able to take such good photos without being seen?”

“Yeah,” Master Dick continued. “I remember some of these, DO NOT take calendar man lightly.How did you not get caught?” 

“I’ve gotten really good at hiding, I know a lot of this city’s history, I know which nooks and crannies to hide in.”

“Sounds like you’d make a great robin.”

They didn’t know which one of them said it, but Alfred and dick were suddenly consumed by a great melancholia. Tim Drake simply shrunk and stared at them while they took in their grief.

After a while, nobody knows how long Master Bruce came down to eat and passed though the drawing room surprised at the people there. He looked rugged, needing to shave his beard and cut his hair. Not a sight many got to see of Bruce Wayne. 

“Dick?  What are you doing here? And who’s this kid”

“I’m your new Robin” Tim Drake said confidently to the surprise of everyone in the room including himself.

“No listen kid”, starters Master Dick “i know that begin a superhero sounds like it would be fun but” 

“I know it’s dangerous. I've been taking  pictures of Batman and Robin fighting crime for about four years now.”

“Listen kid, “Master Bruce started. “You’re clearly very good at stalking and you might even be good. But I am NOT putting another child in danger: And I will be keeping all of these pictures” 

“I will be taking him home then sir.” said Alfred with a slight approval in his tone. As he left with Alfred, Tim Drake didn't look the least bit defeated.

Timothy drake showing up for patrol as the new robin had become a regular occurrence, or rather a nucesse since he wasn’t as skilled at fighting as his predecessors. He was however excellent at hiding. Batman always drove him home as soon as possible only for him to return, sometimes in the same night.

After about three weeks of this back and forth, The Batmobile came only three hours after it had left.

“Goodness, I hadn't even started making the sandwiches.”Alfred said dryly

“What kind of sandwiches, Mr Pennyworth,” Tim Drake asked excitedly 

“Why don't you go and help Alfred, make them while I sort things out” said Batman, still in the cowl.

“Do you have chocolate and hazelnut paste” Tim asked Alfred

“We do. Would you like a dark chocolate or milk and hazelnut paste?”

“Both. I will also need honey and some berry jam, preferably raspberry or blueberry, Also, sea salt”

“ And what shall we do with there ingredients” Alfred naked with a raised eyebrow, but intrigued.

“We are going to take some bread ans spread some with each of the ingredients but only one. Then we pair the dark chocolate with the honey, and the hazelnut with the jam. We also sprinkle just a bit of sea salt, then warm it up or toast it.

“And are we eating only sweets mr drake?”

“No, we also eat some chicken or steak or eggs. You know protein.”

When they returned to the batcave Nightwing was on the monitor and Batman had a stern look on his face, but his cowl was down.

“We will let you be robin,” Nightwing said “as well as going on patrol with Batman, you will shadow me in bludhaven. I will teach you how to be the best robin you can be”

“You will do every command I give you. I tell you to leave because it's not safe, you leave.  You don't improvise against my command. It is my responsibility to keep you alive. I will not have another kid die on my watch” Batman started firmly but in the end you could hear a tremble in his voice.

They all sat to eat the snacks prepared with Master dick lamenting not being able to try the sandwiches. In the meantime Alfred and master Bruce instructed Tim on when his training would start and what it would convey. Bruce’s kept lingering to Master Jason’s old suit

Chapter Text

“Skyler is moving towards the roof,” Oracle said to Batman as they were chasing a sex trafficker. She was uneasy; she kept seeing shadows moving when they shouldn’t. She was still getting used to her paralysis, but realising that her computer technical skills were better than Batman's helped to ease the pain.

While the man moved through the stairs, Batman used his grappling hook to climb through the windows. They arrived at the roof at the same time. The man took out a gun and pointed it at Batman, but before he could fire a young girl had him on the ground passed out. She moved so swiftly that Oracle had to roll back the tape to see it frame by frame. She had moved out of the shadow of the wall behind the door and swiftly disarmed him and pinched some nerves on his back.

“Oracle he’s not dead, just passed out,” Batman said, then, more sternly to the girl “Who are you and what are you doing in my city?”

The girl simply put her hands up and signed to her youth emitting noise but not words. 

“Alright we’ll come to the batcave with me when this is sorted out. I’ll call Gordon to come pick him up”

Out of the batmobile came a girl of 164 cm of height, looking very scuffed up as if she lived in the trash.From what they gathered she didn't have the ability to speak. She did however have a perfect understanding of body language. She could tell that Batman posed no real threat to her at the moment even though he was interrogating her in a tone that would tilt even an amazon. Alfred tried using his theatre training to communicate with her. This helped tremendously.

Oracle started going through the list of reported missing children in the last 3 years. Nothing. Last 5 years. Nothing. Last 10 years. Nothing. They had no actual proof that the girl is from the US, and, as she was Asian, probably Chinese, they decided to look up human traffickers. Especially the ones who trafficked trained children.

When the picture of David Cain came up she had a shrieking expression on her face. She barely managed to say the word “dada”, going back to her stoic expression. 

After a few days, they figured out that her name was Cassandra Cain, that she was David Cain and Lady Shiva’s daughter and that her father had trained her to be the perfect weapon from birth, not even allowing her to learn verbal language so that her body language skills would be perfect. She was sent to kill a pedophilic sex trafficker as a child and was so horrified at what she’d done she ran away, and kept running. She managed to learn a bit of spoken and written language but they still had a lot to do.

In a few months Alfred had taught her a few words with the theatre training he had and they were trying to find a speech therapist for her. Batman was also training with her, being able to take his time as Robin was with the Titans. Brarbara couldn’t help but feel resentment towards this new member of the family. She never got the chance to do this level of training because of the Joker’s attack. She now was only going to work behind the scenes.

One day after training, Cassandra brought Barbara some sandwiches for them to eat together. Barbara initially pretended to not pay attention, but Cassandra Insisted and gave her one anyway.

“Thanks,” Barbra said dryly.

Cassandra continued to look over Barbara’s shoulder as she continued to surveil the city and trying to see exactly how the evangelical narco trafficker was tied to the government, his nephew was a city councilman. After about fifteen minutes Barbara snapped.

“Yes. Can I help you? I’m busy investigating the case. I’ll call you when it’s your turn to help.”

Cassandra turned and went away with a solemn look and, on her way out hugged a figure standing in the shadows. Aldred was soon standing in front of Barbara. His facial expression asked “are you proud of yourself?” but he said nothing.

“I know I shouldn’t talk to her like that. I know she did nothing wrong.” Barbara said after a minute of silence. Alfred put a hand on her shoulder. 

“It must be hard not being batgirl and seeing someone new fighting with batman.”

“It is,” Barbara sighed. 

“She still has a long way to go before being fit to go on missions. I have my work cut out for a while, as I’ve barely patrolled Gotham before.”

“Don’t think I don’t see what you’re doing. I know I could help.”

“And yet? You know you will never be replaced in this family” Alfred reassured her with affection.

“D’you think I should help her learn the layout of where most of the rogues work?”

“Of course. I could help if you would like, I've established a great method of communicating with her”

“That sounds great.”

Barbara, Cassandra and Alfred worked to get cassandra up to speed. Cassandra helped Barbara with the coms to learn how Batman worked in practice. Alfred had developed a method of communication using spoken and sign languages with a bit of theatrics. He had missed acting Shakespeare and playing Richard III in his youth.

“Here,” Barbara said to Cassandra, before her first field mission with Batman. Cassandra looked down to find a purple suit with a cowl and a bright yellow bat symbol. “I think it’s your turn to take the mantle”

“Thanks Babs,” Cassandra said looking deeply into her eyes.

Chapter Text

Tim’s comms were cut off. They had been chasing this new criminal that had appeared in gotham. He had managed to have a huge impact amongst the Gotham crime scene by taking control over gangs. He had killed one of Falconi’s right hand men and taken over drug trafficking from a pastor. They had tracked him to a series of warehouses.

Tim had an uneasy feeling when he was searching the warehouses. He could feel somebody stalking him, but when he looked back there wasn’t even a shadow.

CLANG!

Tim was awakened by having a bucket of water thrown at him. He was tied to a chair in a room with low lighting and no furniture other than a wooden desk and some chairs. He wasn’t drugged but the knots were very well tied and he couldn't get out.
There was someone looking at him. He wore a leather jacket and a red helmet.

“He didn’t even train you well enough to avoid capture” he said, composed but with anger in his tone.

“Who?” Tim’s head was still pounding from being knocked out.

“You think he would have known better, but no. Go get another orphan to throw at the line of fire.”

He took off his helmet and kneeled to look Tim in the eye. He was older than the boy in the pictures and there was a white streak in his hair but he was still utterly recognisable. 

“It only took him a few months to give you my costume.”

“He didn’t” Tim said carefully “It’s on display in the Batcave.”

“On display in the Batcave.” Jason Todd stood up and turned back. He went to the table and got a cloth and a hose. “This won’t be the worst you experience, nor will it be permanent. But it will serve as a warning.”

Back in the Batcave Alfred was helping Tim self regulate. They found him abandoned near the docks, wet but with no other signs of injury. Tim had told them his story of having been kidnapped and tortured by Jason Todd, the previous Robin. 

Bruce was brooding at the Batcomputer. “I can’t find any trace of him,” he said with both pride and sorrow in his voice. He had been searching tirelessly since Tim disappeared.

“You should both go to bed and I’ll have a look” Alfred said, “Master Bruce you are compromised at the moment and you know that.”

With that bruce left haunted by the presence of his second son, who he now hoped to see again.

“Master Tim, I hope you won’t take this personally,” Alfred said, making sure that Tim had his sandwiches and some water. “What happened to Master Jason was a tragedy by the brutality of a man with an obsession. It would affect any one” Tim knew. He’d looked up to Jason before he became Robin, before he died.

“Right. Thanks Alfred.”

He’d tracked him down to a single bedroom flat in a low income neighborhood near crime alley, where Master Bruce first met him. He knocked on the door and was greeted by a young man. Nineteen. He was nineteen years old and standing right in front of him.

“Hi Alfred,” Master Jason greeted him with a smile. “Would you like some tea?”

Alfred entered and sat down. He was served with a cup of tea just the way he liked it. Just the way he’d taught Master Jason to make. 

“How are you doing?” he asked Alfred.

“We missed you,” he answered with a weak voice. “We still do”

“Is Tim not up as my replacement?”

“Nobody could ever replace you” 

“Doesn’t seem like it. The first chance he gets and he has a new Robin. I was beaten, I was exploded. All because he couldn’t kill a clown. And he still sends kids into battle.” Master Jason was angry but he didn’t raise his voice. “Unless his kid had been trained from birth at the league of assassins I wouldn't put their life on the line.”

“Is that where you went? The league of shadows?” Alfred asked softly.

“I woke up in the Lazarus Pit. It took a few times before I was actually well enough to walk well, much less train. But afterwards they trained me. I went on some missions for them. Thalia was kind” he smiled. “She still has a lot of affection for bruce.” 

They stayed in silence drinking their tea.

“Come home” Alfred said, but he could see in Master Jason’s eyes what the answer would be.

“No. But please visit whenever you want.”

Alfred left. But he came back, often. For tea, and lunches. It was so wonderful to have Master Jason back with him even when it wasn’t with the whole family. He brought books with him. 

His grandson was alive.

Chapter Text

It was a tense night in Wayne manor. Thalia Al-Ghul paid a visit. With a boy, who looked so much like Master Bruce. As it turns out, after the first time the Batman had visited the league of assassins,Thalia had gotten pregnant. And of course this had never been mentioned to him so that the child could be raised as an assassin. Somewhat similar to Miss Cassandra. But alas! There had been a coup attempt at the league of assassins and the boy who was to be Ra’as Al-Ghul’s heir was in danger.

At the dinner table sat Master Bruce, Miss Cassandra, Master Tim, Thalia Al-Ghul, and Damian Al-Ghul Wayne, with Alfred observing in the corner. No one said anything throughout the dinner. Thalia kept eyeing Miss Cassandra with suspicion. You could cut the tension with a knife. A knife which came in the form of Master Tim asking:

“What’s the kid doing here? I mean you definitely kept him a very well hidden secret. All of the years I stalked Batman and all of the years I’ve been robin I didn’t even get an inclination that this kid existed.”

“You let yourself be stalked by a child.” Damian said with disgust.

“That child has proven himself to be one of the best detectives I’ve ever seen and will undoubtedly surpass me in due time.” Master Bruce added flatly.

“Of that I have no doubt,” Thalia said. “But let’s cut to the chase. My father has been injured and is in hiding. I am in charge of the league of assassins and have to deal with a coup.”

“Yes, Deathstroke wants the league of assassins to destroy the teen titans and David Cain is recruiting for his group of hitmen.” Master Bruce said, as if the information was common knowledge.

“David Cain is recruiting?” Thalia asked with a pointed look at the same time Miss Cassandra said:

“Follow here?” looking at the Al-Ghuls then at Master Bruce.

“No Cassandra, I don’t think that Cain will follow them here.”

“I must go help my father. I need you to stay with Damian while I handle this. Besides, I think it’s a good thing for a boy to spend time with his father.”

“And after?”

“We can discuss that later.”

“T-t. Will I have to train with such athletes as that one?”

“Will I have to put up with a brat with the arrogance of a prince?”

They continued arguing but were ignored as Cassandra said:

“Need to stop Cain” not considering him her father.

“Yes, we do,” added Thalia “I’ve asked Lady Shiva to help me. We’ve always had a good rapport and her knowing Cain well is apparently useful.” 

Miss Cassandra had a blank look on her face. 

“I’ll let you know what I know after we…” 

“Aouch” Tim’s scream interrupted the conversation. He was bleeding and had a knife on his leg. “You little brat stabbed me!”

“T-t. I expected more from you. Clearly father’s standards have fallen”

“That’s enough. Damian, Alfred will show you to your room. Cassandra can patch Tim up.” And with that everyone moved.

Damian would be staying temporarily at one of the guest bedrooms, before something more permanent could be arranged.

“And you Pennyworth? Mother tells me you are an excellent agent. Do you also go out costumed at night?”

“Oh no, Master Damian. Of that I am retired. I just keep backup” Alfred said, leaving Damian alone to get used to the manor. As he walked past the drawing room he heard words spoken gently despite their contents.

“... and Cain, how did you know and not think to tell me that he’s been leeching off of us all this time?”

“There was never any trust between us was there?”

“No. Passion, desire, even affection, yes. But trust? No.”

“Give me at least a year with the kid.”

“You can have him for however long you like. Just let me visit.”

Laughter.

“Who the hell are you?” About a week later Master Dick came to visit and was very surprised to see Master Damian in the batcave. “Bruce got a new kid and didn’t tell me again?”

“You must be Grayson. Mother has spoken about you before. My grandfather has great admiration.”

“That’s Bruce’s kid with Thalia. He didn’t know about this one either until last week.” Tim said from the computer not having quite healed yet.

“A week, and you didn’t tell me? What happened to you”

“Me? Oh, he stabbed me.”

“He stabbed you? Bruce has had a new kid for a week,  and he stabbed you and no one thought to tell me.”

“Did you come here about Deathstroke?”
“Yes. I heard that Deathstroke is trying to usurp the league so he can defeat your team.” Damian said.

“Yes! So you already knew about this and nobody thought to tell me!”

“Calm yourself Grayson. It’s unbecoming”

“You little–”

“Master Dick!” Alfred said, coming down the stairs with sandwiches.

“Thanks Alfred” he responded with a smile. “Nevermind, let's get to work”

And so they worked to bring down Deathstroke. Damian took on the role of robin while mater Tim was injured and more and more shadowed Master Dick. Miss Cassandra did a lot of masked work against Deathstroke but did not go against her father.

At the end of the mission he truly felt like a part of the family.