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WIth a roar, Tim’s motorcycle pulled into the cave. He hopped off and headed towards the batcomputer.
“Where’s Hood?”
“In the medbay.” Bruce answered not looking away from the computer.
“Why isn’t he in one of the cells?”
“Hng.”
Tim sighed and marched over to the medbay. He froze in the doorway, looking at the unconscious figure that had been shackled to the cot. He looked so familiar. But it couldn’t be. But why else would Bruce have brought him to the medbay instead of dropped him off for the police?
“Bruce, that looks like…”
“I know.”
“Have you checked?”
“Yes.”
“And?” Tim said getting frustrated with the one word answers even though he knew they wer common from Bruce. He still couldn’t tear his eyes away from the young man on the medical cot.
“The DNA matches Jason Todd.”
Tim inhaled sharply. If this really was Jason, what had happened to him? How was he back? And why…why hadn’t he gone home?
“What are we going to do? Even if he’s… He’s still a crime lord.”
“I’m running the tests again.” Bruce said, and of course he was. He’d probably run them more than ten times before he was even remotely satisfied.
“Do we know how he…”
“There were trace amounts of Lazerus water in his blood.”
“Talia.” Tim whispered. Of course it was her. She just couldn’t keep her nose out of Gotham.
Tim went over and sat in a chair by Hood. They had him connected to an IV, and when Tim checked he saw it contained a light sedative. That was probably for the best. At least until they could run a few more tests.
A while later, Dick pulled in. He was soaked.
“I hope this is important. It started storming when I was halfway here and I’m soaked and freezing.” Dick set his helmet on his bike. “Where’s Hood?”
“In here.” Tim called. “And before you ask why he’s not in a cell, you need to take a look at this.”
Dick complied and walked over. He froze in the doorway and Tim saw his expression shift from surprise to confusion to grief to a spark of anger and finally settle into neutrality.
“What is this?”
“His DNA matches Jason’s”
“But–”
“We think Talia may be involved.” Tim interrupted. “There were trace amounts of Lazarus water.”
Dick’s expression changed to grief for a brief moment before he stepped forward. Tim saw him taking in Hood’s injuries. His fingers twitched, before he reached out and took one of Hood’s hands in his. “Do you thinks its– do you think it’s really him?”
“Bruce has run the DNA three times, all of which have been a match. Of course we probably can’t confirm until he wakes up, but… But all evidence points to it being Jason.”
Dick’s other hand reached up and he ran his fingers through Jason’s hair. “My little wing.” he whispered and Tim turned away.
He hoped this was Jason, for Bruce and Dick’s sake. But a selfish part of him wanted it to be a lie. He didn’t want to be alone again. He liked hanging out with Bruce and Dick and Alfred. But if this was Jason, that would mean he was no longer necessary. His mind went to an empty house and microwavable meals, an endless cycle of boredom. If this was Jason they wouldn’t need him anymore.
But Tim knew better than to be selfish. Jason had a lot more people that cared about him. It would be incredible if he could come back. The second Robin!
Tim hoped it was Jason and squashed the childish voice inside him that yearned for the Waynes to be his real family. He knew his place.
“Someone needs to check his grave.” Dick said, not looking away from Jason.
Bruce didn’t answer.
“We can do it after he wakes up.” Tim said. “I’m sure we all want answers, and it will be better to ask him directly.”
Dick nodded.
“God, I hope it’s him. If this is a trick…” Dick trailed off.
“Yeah.”
Dick sighed. “We also need to call Talia.” Dick looked over at Bruce. He hadn’t turned away from the Batcomputer.
“Let’s wait till after he wakes up.” Tim said. They wouldn't be able to get Bruce away from the computer for a long time.
Tim spotted Alfred coming towards them carrying a tray with tea.
“Good evening, Master Dick.”
“Hey, Alfred.” Dick said giing the older man a small smile.
“I must insist you take a warm shower and change into some dry clothes. It will do no one any good if you catch a cold.”
“But–” Dick said looking back at Jason.
“Go on, my boy. I’ll be here to watch over him.”
Dick slumped. “Alright, Alfred.” Dick glanced back one more time before heading for the showers.
“And, Master Bruce. I believe you have looked at those results enough.”
“There could still be a chance that–”
“You can investigate more after– after the grave has been checked.” Alfred said setting the tray by Tim. His hands were trembling slightly.
“Then I’ll contact Tallia.” Tim said. He should leave the family to reunite with Jason in peace. He wouldn't be here much longer, after all.
“That can wait for tomorrow, Master Tim. We all know she is not easy to work with.” Alfred said in a tone of voice that allowed no contradiction.
Tim sat back down.
“Now then. Master Bruce, Master Tim, please drink some tea while I disconnect the sedatives from the young sir. But I forbid you from questioning him as soon as he wakes up. He will need time to adjust. Am I understood?” Alfred raised an eyebrow at Bruce.
“Fine.”
Alfred walked over to the young man who looked so much like Jason. It was him, Alfred knew his boy. He’d recognize him anywhere, even now two years after he was supposed to be dead. He’d just have to wait for the rest of the family to get over their paranoia.