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Bruce got up early. He had a lot to do. Today was Tim’s ninth birthday. The boy had only been living with them for six months, ever since that week in December. A snow storm had knocked the power out, and Clark got worried about the neighbors when he heard a child crying. Bruce reassured him, said that was impossible since Jack and Janet had been gone for months on a dig.
After his husband had told him that a child was definitely crying in that house, they braved the wind and snow to check, just in case. Bruce was livid when he realized that Clark was right. They found an eight-year-old Tim Drake, terrified because there was no more electricity. He was worried about the food going to waste and his parents being upset he hadn’t found a solution on his own.
A couple of calls were made when they got home. Clark and Bruce got guardianship of Tim until his parents were home again.
Bruce had sent a couple of emails to Jack and Janet the past few days to know if they were going to come or call for their son’s birthday. Until today he got no response.
When he arrived in the kitchen, the Dark Knight found Alfred already working hard on the birthday breakfast.
“Good morning, Sir.”
“Morning Alfred. Are the kids awake yet?”
“No, not yet Sir. For now it’s just you and me. When is Master Clark coming back?”
Bruce sighed and picked up his mug, the one that spelled “World's Okay-est Father”. Jason bought it him for last Father’s Day. “Clark’s monitor duty will be over in two hours. He’ll probably take a nap before joining us.”
“Very well, Sir.”
Bruce was sitting at the table drinking his coffee when his second son entered the room.
“Mornin’ ”
“Morning Jaylad.”
Jason grabbed his breakfast before turning to his dad. “So what’s the plan for Timmy’s birthday?”
Before Bruce could answer, Tim arrived. The boy sat at his place next to Jason. “Good Morning” he mumbled.
“Morning kiddo. Happy birthday!”
“Yeah, happy birthday Timmy !” Jason ruffled his hair, making it even more messy.
The birthday boy looked at them with confusion. “You… You remember my birthday ?”
Jason raised his eyebrow. “Of course we remember your birthday. How could I forget my little brother’s birthday !”
Tim looked at Bruce, not knowing what to say. Bruce titled his head. “So, kiddo, what do you want to do for your special day ? Dick couldn’t come earlier so he’s going to be home around four. Clark will be back in two hours. We could do something with the three of us until they get here.”
Tim bit his lip. “I don’t know.”
Jason sent him a weird look. “What’d you mean by you don’t know ? What did you usually do with your parents ?”
“Nothing. My parents work really hard. They don’t have time for silly things like birthdays. They’re important people.”
Jason turned his head and sent a look at his dad. Bruce noticed that sometimes, Tim would talk like he was repeating something. Like he was a robot, or more like something his parents would say to him over and over again.
Bruce pointed with his mug. “If you want, kiddo, we could watch cartoons until Clark gets home from work and improvise after that.”
The younger boy thought. “You’re sure you want to do something ? I don’t want to bother you or make you waste your time.”
Bruce smiled. “Of course I’m sure.”
When the trio finished their breakfast, Bruce and the boys went to the theater room and put on the Clone Wars. Tim was a massive Star Wars geek. Bruce took the couch and Jason and Tim got settled on the ground with blankets and pillows.
Clark arrived in the middle of an episode and sat next to Bruce.
“Hey, you're here early.”
The meta smirked. “What ? Not happy to see me ?”
Bruce rolled his eyes. “Of course I’m happy to see you, boy scout.”
Clark chuckled. “J’onn took his shift early when I told him it’s my son’s birthday.”
“He’s not our son yet,” Bruce sighed.
“Yet.”
The couple start cuddling on the couch. Their kids were too invested in the show to even notice that Clark had arrived.
“Did you hear from them ?”
“No. I checked when I got up and then again five minutes ago.”
“Do you think they even know today is Tim’s birthday ?”
Bruce looked at Tim. “I hope so.”
After a while, the kids realized that Clark was in the room.
Jason jumped on him. “Hey papa !”
“Clark !” Tim stayed on the floor. He was still a bit nervous about being openly affectionate. After all, he had only been living with them for six months after years of neglect.
“Hey boys ! How’re you ? And happy birthday Tim !
Tim’s cheeks turned red. “Thanks Clark.”
“We’re good, papa ! We’re watching Clone Wars.”
“Yeah, I can see that!”
Clark put Jason in a better position on his laps. “So, papa, anything interesting happen at work ?”
“No, Jay. Nothing at all.”
Tim tilted his head. “I don’t understand why Mr. Perry makes you work at night.” Tim’s eyes widened and he slammed his hand over his mouth. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.”
Bruce took the young boy in his arms. “Hey, it’s okay Tim. No one is mad at you. You remember what I told you? You can speak as much as you want and as freely as you want here.”
The boy nodded. Now everyone was on the couch. Jason on Clark’s laps and Tim on Bruce’s. The couple agreed to not tell Tim about their vigilante life, so when one of them was supposed to be at the League or on mission they would make excuses about their real job. Dick and Jason were also vigilantes, but even Jason understood why he had to lie about it to Tim. Still, Jason felt bad about it. One day, in a fit of anger, Jason had said the lies were just as bad as what Tim’s parents did. Still, that was in the past, an event none of them spoke about anymore.
“Bruce is right, Tim. You’re not in trouble. Mr. Perry told me to stay late because I hadn’t finished my article. It was due today, but I didn’t want to miss your birthday. I stayed up all night so that I could be here for you.”
Tim worried his lip. “I’m sorry.”
Clark frowned. “Timmy, why are you apologizing ?”
“You worked hard all night because of me.”
“And I’m happy about it. I’d rather stay up working and spend the day with you then have to go to the office on your birthday.”
“You’re sure ?”
Clark smiled. “Yeah, I’m sure. Right B ?”
Bruce kissed the top of Tim’s head. “Exactly. And now that Clark is here, what do you want to do ?”
Tim wasn’t sure what to do next. Jason sensed his discomfort and proposed some video games before lunch. Jason won three games of Mario Kart, Tim won two and Clark and Bruce won one each. Bruce was hundred percent sure Clark had cheated. Somehow, Alfred won seven.
After lunch, they all agreed on heading to the garden Jason and Tim raced outside. Clark joined them, Bruce tagging along a moment later. Clark noticed that Bruce was holding a box.
“You want to give him his presents now ? I thought we were waiting for Dick.”
Bruce smiled. “We are waiting for Dick, but I thought we could give him this one a bit early.” He called Tim over. “Clark and I wanted to give your gifts after dinner so we could be with Dick, but I wanted to make an exception for this one. Be careful. It’s fragile, kiddo.”
Tim took the box and opened it carefully while Jason stood next to him. Tim widened his eyes when he saw the present. “Is that… Is that a camera?”
The couple beamed at his reaction. “Yea, kiddo. You told me that your last camera was a bit old so Clark and I thought we could get you a new one.”
Tim felt tears coming. “It’s really great. Thank you. Thank you so much. I love it.”
And then Tim hugged them. It was the first time Tim initiated an affectionate gesture towards them. Bruce kissed his forehead. Clark cupped his face. “You’re welcome, Tim. I’m happy you like it.”
Tim nodded and wiped his tears.
“So, Timmers, how about you show me how to take a good photo ?” Jason said.
Tim nodded again and put the strap around his neck. The two boys went into the garden. One of Tim’s other gifts was a darkroom in one of the many vacant rooms of the manor. Dick had his gym, Jason had his library, and now Tim had a room of his own for his art.
A couple of hours passed, and then suddenly a man appeared and raced through the yard. “Tim ! Happy Birthday !”
The eighteen-year-old ran to his little brothers and hugged them tightly. Clark and Bruce were a bit far away, but even with the distance they could hear Jason protesting.
“You heard him arrive, didn’t you?” Bruce asked.
Clark chuckled.
“You couldn’t have warned me?”
Clark kissed his husband’s cheek. “Where would the fun be if I warned you about everything? And don’t act like you didn’t know Dickie was there. You’re the one who told me that you had a secret dad sense.”
Bruce pouted.
Dick start walking toward his dads, holding his baby siblings under his arms. Jason was struggling. “Dad ! Papa ! Tell Dickhead to put me the fuck down.”
Bruce sighed. “Jaylad. Language.”
Clark smiled at his sons. “Dickie, put down your brothers please.”
Dick start pounting. “Okay papa.” Clark was amazed. Even if Dick and Bruce weren’t blood related, the young man had the same face as his dad when he pouted.
When the two younger boys got their feet on the ground again, Jason sat on his dad’s lap while Tim showed off his new camera.
Tim start showing his pictures to the whole family. Bruce had asked if he could have the one with the little robin. He already knew where he was going to put it.
For dinner, Alfred had made all Tim’s favorite foods. The family ate together and talked about various subjects. Dick chatted about his college buddies (a.k.a. the Titans) and Bruce and Clark rambled about their respective jobs. For dessert, they ate a strawberry cake. While Tim cleaned his plate, Alfred set up his presents in the living room.
As Bruce discreetly led Jason and Dick to the living room, Clark stayed with Tim in the kitchen. They cleaned the room together.
“Thank you for today.”
“Of course, Timmy.”
Tim put the last plate in the washing machine and Clark closed the door. The man saw on Tim’s face that the kid wanted to say something but was unsure. Clark put his hand on his shoulder.
“Everything okay ?”
Tim pinched his lips. “Bruce emailed my parents, right ?” Clark nodded. “Have they responded yet ?”
Clark knew that, deep down, Tim already knew the answer.
“No kiddo, they haven’t responded yet. I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay.”
It wasn’t okay. How could you forget you own child’s birthday ? Bruce and Clark were trying to help Tim understand that his parents were abusing him, but it was a tricky subject. Clark knew that Bruce was building a case with his lawyers and just needed one more proof of neglect to call CPS and ask for permanent guardianship. And, maybe, if Tim agreed, adoption.
At first, after Jason’s adoption, the couple thought they were done having kids. But Tim found a place in their home and their hearts. Clark will never forget that cold night in December when he heard the cries and pleas of the little boy. He knew before arriving that he would be ready to fight the world to keep him and protect him.
Clark kissed the top of his hair. “So how about we watch a movie in the living room before going to sleep ?”
Tim agreed and the duo went to the living room where Bruce and their other kids, plus Alfred, were waiting for them.
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY TIM!”
They found the entire living room decorated with balloons and a large Happy Birthday banner.
The adults panicked when Tim started crying. Clark, who was next to him, kneeled. Bruce joined them.
Bruce held Tim’s face in his hands. “Hey, kiddo, is everything alright?”
“If this is too much, we can take some of it away,” Clark added.
Tim tried to wipe his tears. “No! It’s,” he tried to calm his breathing, “it’s perfect. It’s just, it’s just the first time someone is doing something like this for me.”
“Oh, baby.” Bruce took the boy in his arms and held him tightly. “It’s okay, baby. It’s okay. You’re gonna open your presents, we’re gonna watch a movie and you’re gonna get a good night of sleep. Okay ?”
Tim nodded as Bruce kissed his forehead.
With one final shaky breath, Tim calmed down enough to open his presents. Dick had given him two Star Wars figurines, Jason the new Professor Layton video game, and Alfred a book about coding and programming. Bruce showed him the darkroom and Clark had given him his old skateboard.
Bruce went livid when he saw the stars in Tim’s eyes while holding the skateboard. Clark kissed him. “It’s going to be okay.”
“You don’t know that ! What if he breaks his arm ?”
Clark raised an eyebrow and smirked. “I never broke my arm.”
Bruce looked at his husband with disbelief. “You’re literally invulnerable Clark.”
Clark opened and closed his mouth. "Tim will be okay. I’ll stay with him the whole time.”
“You better not be lying, Kent.”
At the end of the small party, Bruce and Clark tucked Tim into bed and wished him a good night. Then they went down to the cave to meet their two older sons. Alfred was monitoring the comms and the team suited up and headed out for patrol.
———
Tim was really excited. He had a new camera and he could finally go back into Gotham to take pictures of his heroes. He’d known their identities for a year now, but swore to himself that he’d never tell anybody. Today was his birthday. Everything had been perfect. Bruce and Clark were really kind, just like Dick, Jason and Alfred. They never put pressure on him to be perfect like his parents had.
The only thing that was bothering him was that his parents hadn’t called yet. Maybe it would just be like last year. They’d call a week late, or they’d send an email. Tim wondered if they were okay.
Jason told him one day that the Wayne-Kents were his new family. Sometimes it was a bit hard for him to believe it. There were many kids out there who deserved to be with them so much more, kids who could be special. But then, other times, Tim wished Bruce and Clark were his parents and Jason and Dick his brothers. Tim wondered if those thoughts made him a bad person. After all, his parents weren’t home because they were important people and their employees needed them. That's what his mom and dad were always saying.
Tim was on the top of a building taking pictures of Nightwing and Robin playing tag when he heard the sound of a cape and someone landing. Superman had found him.
“Hey little one. Can you tell me what you’re doing out of bed ?”
Tim showed him his camera. “I’m just taking pictures, sir.”
Superman crossed his arms. “It’s pretty late. I’m sure your parents must be worried sick. It’s pretty dangerous to be out this late in Gotham at night.”
“I’m being careful, sir, and they don’t know I’m out.”
Superman raised an eyebrow. “Believe me, they know you’re out.”
Tim got worried and took a few steps back. The little boy hadn’t even realized he was close to the edge until he fell.
“Tim !” Superman caught him right away. “Are you okay ? Tim, baby, look at me, are you okay ?”
Clark was worried since Alfred had told them Tim was gone, but thanks to his super hearing he’d tracked the boy’s heartbeat quickly. Bruce told him to bring their son home. He’d finish patrol with Dick and Jason.
“I’m fine, papa, I’m fine.”
Tim put his hand over his mouth as soon as he spoke.
Superman stilled in the middle of the air. “Tim. What did you say ?”
“Nothing. I said nothing, I swear.” Tim started crying. He’d really screwed up this time. “I didn’t say anything, Superman, I swear !”
Clark landed on the roof and brushed his son’s hair with one hand. “It’s okay, Tim, it’s okay. You’re not in trouble.” He kissed his forehead as Tim kept crying. Clark held his son closer. “How long have you known ?”
“A year. I swear, I haven’t said anything.”
“It’s okay. I believe you. How about we go home, Timmy. Okay ?”
Tim wiped his tears. “You still want me ?”
Clark smiled. “Of course we still want you. Robin is dying to show you the Cave, and I know for a fact that B is too, even if he doesn’t want to admit it.”
After he kissed the child’s cheek, Superman touched his comm. “B, the little bird and I are flying home.”
———
Clark put Tim to bed. Only thirty minutes later the others headed back home. Bruce found his husband in their bedroom.
“The rest of the patrol went fine. The boys and I weren’t injured.”
“Good.”
The couple shared a chaste kiss. “Tim knows. He knows everything. That I’m Superman, that you’re Batman. He even knows about the boys. Apparently he’s known for a year.”
“Okay.”
“Okay ?”
“We’ll deal with it tomorrow.”
The couple went to sleep. An hour passed and Clark felt the sheet moving. He opened an eye and saw Bruce getting out of bed and heading to the door.
“Love ?”
“Everything’s fine darling. I just need to check something.”
Bruce closed the door and went to his youngest son’s room. He woke up with a bad feeling and needed to check on his boys. B knew he wouldn’t be able to go back to sleep without it. He opened the door and found Tim quietly shaking and crying.
“Tim ? Kiddo ? Is everything alright ?”
Tim turned and faced Bruce. “They forgot.” Tim’s breaths were shallow as he struggled to get air in. “They forgot, they forgot my birthday.”
Tim didn’t need to say who they were. Bruce already knew.
“I got an email. They asked why you kept calling and leaving messages. They asked what I did wrong. What I needed to be punished for. “Tim looked directly into Bruce’s eyes. “They asked why today was important. They forgot.” Tim swallowed. “Jason was right. My parents are shit.”
Bruce didn’t mention the swear jar in the kitchen. Instead he took his son in his arms, held him close, and pressed a kiss to his forehead.
“I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry. You don’t deserve that.”
“Can I stay with you? I don’t want to go back to them.”
“Of course, baby, of course you can. You’ll never go back with them if you don’t want to.”
“Thank you, dad.”
Bruce thought he had misheard. But no, Tim had called him dad. He hugged him just a tiny bit harder.
“If you want, you can sleep with me and Clark tonight. It used to help Jason and Dick sleep better.”
Tim nodded and Bruce carried him towards the master bedroom. He opened the door and saw Clark sitting in the bed. He frowned at his son’s tears.
“B ? Timmy ? What’s wrong ?”
Bruce settled down in the bed and put the half-asleep little boy in the middle. He promised to explain everything later.
Tim went back to sleep in a minute. All the tears and emotions of the day had worn him out. The couple started drifting too when they heard the door handle turning. A very tired Jason and Dick appeared and started to settle down in their parents bed. Dick was between Tim and Clark and Jason was between his dad and his little brother.
The whole family started to drift off to sleep. Tomorrow Bruce would start working with CPS to ensure Tim could stay with them forever. Bruce swore to himself that Jack and Janet Drake would never hurt his and Clark’s son ever again.
The next day, Tim woke up in the family’s arms. He fell back asleep knowing he’d never be cold or lonely again.