Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 1

Tim carefully made his way across the rooftop, camera resting against his chest. There were a few holes in the metal, it had obviously been abandoned for a while. Still, it was the best way to get to a good spot to photograph the fight. Robin was patrolling solo! It was exciting. Jason was so different as Robin to Dick; he was his Robin.

He carefully made his way along a beam, glancing down to see Robin dancing between three thugs. Tim very slowly lifted his camera to begin shooting. He snapped several shots and then began moving again, figuring lingering too long on the beam wasn’t smart.

And then all there was, was air. He scrambled for something to grab, hands catching on something and he gasped. Tim blinked to find himself hanging by his hands from another beam. He looked down to see debris and Robin staring up at him, whiteouts wide.

“Hang on kid!” Robin yelled, lunging at the last remaining thug.

He was trying! But he didn’t have gloves like Robin and it hurt. “Help,” he whispered, struggling to not panic. He just had to hold on. He couldn’t pull himself up, he didn’t have the proper hold and the beam was too narrow.

And then a gloved hand grabbed his, holding on tight. “Easy kid, I’ve got you.” Jason dropped off the roof to grab him around the waist, a hand gripping his grapple gun. “It’s okay, let go.”

Tim took a shaky breath, struggling to let go, finally his fingers unclenched and he gasped as they dropped but it was slow. And then they landed on the ground, Tim’s legs buckling. But Jason just scooped him up and carried him away from the building. He…he was being carried by Robin! He curled further into his arms, sighing softly. It felt…weird, being held. No one ever held him or even really touched him unless it was Dad digging his fingers into his arm hard enough to bruise when he wasn’t quick enough. Mom was better, she liked his mind and how much like her he could be, she loved him. They were Drake’s.

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Jason was surprised when the kid curled into his arms, sighing softly. He was tiny and bat-adoption bait with soft black hair and he was sure he had seen wide blue eyes before he’d dropped over the edge on his grapple to grab the kid. He was surprised the boy was able to force himself to let go of the beam, most people froze up and couldn’t. Did the boy trust Robin that much? He glanced down, he didn’t think he’d saved him before but there were a lot of people in Gotham after all.

“Robin, report.”

“Thugs handled. I’ve got a kid who nearly fell to his death, he’s out cold.”

“Take him to the clinic.”

“On our way.”

Leslie would look after him, make sure he got home or to a shelter. He had the feeling it’d be a home though; his clothes were plain and simple but not worn enough for a street kid unless he’d only just ended up there. His hands were going to need some care, the skin torn from his desperate attempt to save his own life, blood staining pale skin. Jason doubted the kid could have held on much longer. He had long, delicate fingers, some callouses but not the kind gained from rough living on the street. And those fingers were now clinging to his suit, leaving bloody marks on it but that was fine. Alfred could get blood out of anything.

“It’s okay kid, you’ll be okay,” he murmured.

He made it to his bike and set the kid on the seat, getting on behind him so he could make sure the kid didn’t fall. He was conscious, mostly, eyelashes fluttering against thin cheeks to reveal slivers of blue, but he was totally limp. Shock? He wouldn’t be surprised after that near miss. He took off as fast as he dared with his passenger, relieved when he spotted the clinic.

“Doc Leslie!” he called, and she appeared from a backroom, spotting the limp form in his arms.

“In here,” she ordered.

Jason gently lowered the boy onto the bed and a weak hand gripped at his suit again. “Hey, it’s okay kid. You’re safe now,” he promised. “Doctor Leslie’s one of the good ones.” He hesitantly lifted a gloved hand to run through messy black hair, feeling the kid press into his touch, blue eyes now wide. There was something…almost familiar about the kid but it was probably just his colouring or something, right?

He carefully disentangled the kid’s hold on him and stepped back, wide blue eyes watching him. He hated the soft whimper that followed him from the room but there was nothing more he could do.

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Leslie watched Robin leave and then turned to her young patient. He was small so she would normally guess his age to be around ten but something told her he wasn’t that young. Stunted growth or a late bloomer?

“Hi,” she smiled at the boy, relieved to get a tiny, shy smile back. “Can you show me where you’re hurt?”

In answer he held out his hands.

“Those look painful, let’s get you cleaned up, alright? Are you hurt anywhere else?” she asked gently. She was worried that he hadn’t said a word but if he was new to the streets, he probably had no clue who he could trust. Then again…that strap around his neck, that belonged to a pricey camera. The only thing he had left?

He moved his arms and winced.

“Robin said you fell and were holding on so I’m going to take an x-ray, okay? We need to check you haven’t dislocated anything.”

The boy hesitantly nodded but refused to let the camera out of his sight so she made sure to place it where he could see but where it wouldn’t be affected by the machines. Thankfully, nothing was broken or dislocated. So, she cleaned and bandaged his hands, putting three stitches into the worst of the damage, talking gently the whole time. She stepped away for not even five minutes only to return to an empty exam room.

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Tim collapsed on his bed, giddy, exhausted, and scared. That had been…the best and the worst! He’d nearly died sure, but Robin! Okay, ouch his hands hurt. There was no way he could download the nights’ photos so he carefully hid the whole camera away. Not that anyone ever came to his bedroom even when his parents were home. He staggered into his bathroom to clean up the best he could and take the antibiotic the nice doctor gave him. The anaesthetic was wearing off, his hands hurting more, but he ignored it and went to bed.

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Bruce ruffled Jason’s hair. “The kid alright?” he asked.

Jason nodded. “She didn’t seem too worried about his hands. Can we call?”

“Sure thing, Jaylad.” He dialled the clinic, hoping the nightly rush was over.

“Dr Thompkins.”

“Robin brought a boy into the clinic tonight, he wanted to check on him.”

“Some pulled muscles and he needed three stitches in his left hand, but otherwise unharmed,” she answered. “Unfortunately, he vanished the second I turned my back. He’s good, got out a window as far as I can tell and it was before I could grab any of the cards for the good shelters or aid agencies. If he’s a street kid then he’s new to it. He had a camera, an expensive one, and he was very protective of it. He hasn’t gotten desperate enough to try and sell it yet.”

“Understood, thank you doctor.” They said their goodbyes and he looked at his son, seeing his expression. He put a hand on his shoulder. “Jason.”

“I should have stayed, B. He didn’t want me to leave.”

“This isn’t your fault, Jason. We’ll keep an eye out for him, alright? If he is on the streets then we’ll help him. If he has a family and is out at night alone then we’ll look into it.”

Jason nodded and headed upstairs to get some sleep before school.

Bruce loaded up Jason’s mask footage and frowned at the child clinging to his son. There was something familiar…

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Jason was going to go crazy but he could swear he kept spotting the kid and his camera. But that was insane, wasn’t it? B would have noticed if they had a baby sized stalker, right? He slipped around a corner, doubling back and around and... there he was, he had the hood of his sweater up but Jason was sure it was the same kid as the one he saved.

“Hey stalker,” he called gently, wincing when the kid jumped a mile, spinning to face him, hood falling back. Yep, he’d been right. “How’re your hands?”

The kid lowered his camera and held them up, showing a small scar on his left palm but that was the only sign of his misadventure. He stayed silent though and Jason was wondering if the kid was mute.

Jason moved closer, keeping his body language calm, open. “It’s okay,” he murmured. “Can you…can you talk?”

Big blue eyes blinked at him before the boy nodded slightly.

“Okay, that’s good,” he smiled, relieved. His ASL kind of sucked still. “Got a name?” Would he answer and even if he did, would it be real?

The kid looked around nervously and then back to him.

“Batman’s not here, it’s just me,” he promised.

“Alvin,” the kid whispered, barely audible. Well…it sounded weird enough to be a fancy name. He was really doubting he was a street kid.

Jason finally got close enough to reach out and take a smaller hand in his own gloved one. “Nice to meet you Al, I’m Robin,” he introduced himself seriously, getting a giggle, good! “What are you doing out here alone? It’s not safe.”

“You’re here,” Al answered, voice stronger now.

Well…yeah. “Alvin, Gotham at night is very dangerous. How often are you out here?”

The kid shrugged slightly. And then they both flinched low as a gun sounded nearby.

“Okay,” Jason paused as a bullet hit the bricks nearby. “I’m picking you up,” he warned, scooping Alvin up, relieved when the kid clung on like a koala, smart. “Jumping,” he called and then they were airborne.

The grapples could carry Bruce and a passenger so there was no problem with the kids extra weight. He felt the arms and legs tighten their grip as they were in freefall and then the line pulled tight, arching them up to the next roof. He made three jumps before carefully setting Alvin down, hidden by a small structure on the roof.

“You hit?” he asked, running his hands over trembling limbs. He looked up in bright, wide blue eyes. “Alvin?”

The kid wheezed and then he was grinning. Okay, so mini adrenaline junkie, figured since he was out at night.

“I gotta go deal with that, you stay here and I’ll be back, okay?”

Alvin nodded and Jason gently pushed him to sit down so he’d be even more out of sight.

“Okay, promise?”

“Promise.”

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Tim sat on the roof, heart racing. He’d…he’d lied to Robin! But then they’d flown! It was…it was amazing!! He wanted to see but he’d promised and anyway, he didn’t think he could stand if he tried, his legs were shaking too much. Maybe, when, if Robin came back, he’d let him take a photo with him? Tim leant his head back against the cold bricks, trying to breathe like a normal person.

There was a soft thud and he tensed but there was Robin and Tim smiled, feeling tired.

“Hey kiddo, told you I’d be right back,” Jason murmured, and Tim nodded.

He pulled his camera up and Robin cocked his head to the side. “Can…together?”

“You want a photo with me?” Jason sounded surprised, and Tim nodded. “Wouldn’t you prefer Batman or Nightwing?” he asked, and Tim shook his head.

“You’re my Robin,” he whispered, feeling his cheeks get hot.

“Oh,” Robin whispered, looking shocked even with the mask on. “I, uh, sure, why not.” He sat down beside Tim, wrapping an arm around his shoulders, and Tim shivered at the touch but couldn’t help leaning into it.

It wouldn’t be a great photo but he quickly adjusted the settings and held the camera out before frowning.

“Here, my arms are longer, what do I press?”

Tim showed him and Jason held the camera out.

“Smile Al,” he warned, and then the camera flashed.

Tim grinned and hugged the camera, feeling utter bliss when a gloved hand ruffled his hair.

“So, I don’t think you’re homeless, is home close?” and he sounded worried so Tim couldn’t help shaking his head. “Is there a bus that goes close?”

Tim hesitated but nodded.

“Okay then, I’m gonna but you on the bus home and Alvin, you need to stay home. It’s too dangerous. Especially carrying something so expensive.”

And then he was standing, pulling Tim up again so Tim clung on as Jason got them down to the street and they headed for the bus stop.

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Jason watched the bus vanish and hoped the kid went home and stayed but something told him that he’d been seeing him again. He activated his comm. “Hey B, I’m done here, anything new or do I head in?”

“Head in Robin, you have that test in the morning.”

He sighed but nodded. “Understood, heading home.”

He went to where he’d hidden his bike and began the long ride back to the Batcave, unable to help smiling as he remembered Alvin’s joy at getting to grapple, even if they were being shot at. Then there was the way the kid had shivered when he put his arm over his shoulders before basically melting into him…he really didn’t like the clues he was seeing. He knew even rich kids could have sucky lives, you didn’t have to live on the streets to be beaten or worse. But he also knew he couldn’t push, Al might like Robin but he was still wary. If he pushed the kid would retreat. But for him to be out in Gotham at night…where were his parents?

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Tim slipped in his window, unable to stop smiling. He should go straight to bed but he couldn’t, he had to download the photos. He missed his old film camera but data was a lot easier to hide than even film canisters and those eventually degraded while data could last forever. Plus, Dad had needed his darkroom for…something.

He stared at the photo of the two of them together and then he dug out an old photo, one of a young Dick Grayson and his parents, with Tim on his knee. Jason had let him take a photo so now he had one of him with both Robins! Even if Dick hadn’t been Robin yet it still counted. And Jason had wasted time making sure he was safe before going back to handle the shooter.

So, Tim should do something nice in return. He couldn’t give him the photo of the two of them, too dangerous. Batman would see it and then they could work out who he was. But he had so many pictures…he dug out the hard drive and hooked it up, putting in the massive password designed to keep it from being hacked. He began going through the photos, picking out the best, the clearest, and began printing.

Once done he sealed them in a heavy-duty envelope big enough to hold them without folding so they wouldn’t be damaged. Once that was done, he hid the hard drive again and went to bed, he had to be up for school in a few hours but that was what coffee was for.

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Jason paused, seeing something out of place. He approached his favourite gargoyle slowly only to see an expensive document envelope tucked almost fully out of sight. He checked for traps and then carefully lifted it to find ROBIN printed in blocky letters on it. Okay…he hesitated, should he…B could yell at him later.

He opened the envelope only to stare in shock at the contents. Alvin. So much for staying home at night. He carefully went through the photos. There were ones of him when he first started out, tucked into B’s side, others of him and Nightwing. Then more recent ones of him on his own, even one impressive one where it looked like he was flying, his line hidden in shadows. How long had Alvin been shadowing them?! They were really good too, the kid was gifted, if only he’d pick a safer topic!

He knew he should show the photos to Bruce, it was dangerous for a kid to be following them. And if someone else found out…the kid could end up dead, beaten or worse to try and get info on them. He could be forced to try and find out their id’s…anything. He should tell, for everyone’s safety, so why didn’t he want to?

The envelope was still there the next night, empty, as if waiting…so he slipped the note he’d written into it. He had to be crazy but maybe he could earn Alvin’s trust and find out what was going on, help him. Something had to be wrong for the kid to be doing this.

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Tim kept his head down, obediently following his parents around the party. He hated galas, hated being forced into a suit and paraded around like a prize rather than a person. He plastered the gala smile on his face and made sure to do everything his parents wanted, feeling his Dad’s fingers dig into his shoulder.

Across the room he spotted ‘Brucie’ Wayne, seemingly having the time of his life and…there, there was Jason who looked as happy to be there as Tim was. He wanted to say hi, to introduce himself, but he couldn’t. He’d barely spoken to him and had done the best to disguise his accent. He also always made his hair really messy, did everything he could to alter his appearance so no one would recognise him if he was spotted on the street. But Jason was Robin! Surely, he’d be able to tell.

He really hoped he’d gotten the photos and liked them. Tim hadn’t been out since the night he’d hidden them for Robin since his parents had arrived home the next morning. Sneaking out when they were home was risky but he longed to. He hated Drake manor, it was so cold and lonely, even when they were home. If it was just him and mother then it was better, but dad… he fought down a shudder. He hated his grandparents for trapping them both, they hadn’t realised how bad Jack would be, right? It was stupid, Jack had married into the Drake’s, but his grandparents had made it impossible for mother to leave him, not without losing everything…including Tim. It had been a way of controlling her and she hadn’t cared, not till he was born. By the time things had gotten bad, she’d had him and she wouldn’t leave him.

And it wasn’t like dad hit him or anything. He just took mother away from him for most of the year, would say mean things, and a few times things had been bad because no one could get in contact with them quickly on a dig site. But so many kids had it worse than him. He knew his mother loved him, he had a roof over his head and food, a good school. Though he snuck out a lot, came back into Gotham to follow the bats and even sleep at the Manor rather than in his dorm. He’d paid off his dorm mate so he’d never tell them that Tim wasn’t there. His grades were impeccable so no one needed to know.

He had no right to complain about being lonely, he didn’t…but he wished he could.

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Jason was bored out of his mind, people watching from the sidelines to keep from being dragged into a conversation. How much longer did they have to stay? He grimaced in understanding as he saw a kid having to follow his parents around, at least B didn’t do that to him. He looked a bit like Alvin but then so did a lot of upper-class kids. How badly interbred were the families that black hair and blue eyes were so common? Creepy.

Finally, Bruce motioned for him and he could leave. It was too late to patrol but it was the weekend and he had his homework done already. And Dick was coming tomorrow too. He…he hadn’t liked Jason at first but he thought Dick was warming up to him. He hoped he was.

TBC….

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: not mine

Some new/added to scenes

Chapter 2

Jason landed by the gargoyle and once again there was an envelope waiting for him. He couldn’t help smiling as he retrieved it, finding some photos, evidence, and a small, typed message. Despite his telling Alvin to stay home, the kid kept shadowing them or at least him. He’d gotten harder to spot, kept more of a distance, but Jason still spotted him now that he knew to look.

He read the note and smiled again. It felt amazing that someone looked up to him so much. He always felt like he was trying to compete with Dick’s Robin but this kid…he thought that Jason was the best Robin. It was nice to have a fan.

He slipped his own note into the envelope and put it back, slipping the things from Alvin away safely. He hoped the kid would be okay but B had finally agreed to him working with the Titans. He was really nervous about it since Dick was one of the founders and things with the eldest were…still a bit tense though they’d gotten a lot better over the last six months. So, Jason figured it was perfectly normal to be nervous about how the team he founded would react to the newer Robin.

He forced himself to focus back on his patrol, leaping and firing his grapple.

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A small form slipped from the shadows and opened the envelope, pulling the note out before vanishing again.

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Bruce watched as Jason lay on the couch, book in hand and totally absorbed in it. Something…something had shifted in his son the last few months but he couldn’t work it out. But it seemed to be a good thing, Jason seemed happier, maybe he’d made a friend? He’d really struggled with fitting in at school so it would be good if he’d made a friend or friends. But why not tell them? Tell him? Did he need to investigate Jason’s classmates?

No, that would be overstepping, right? He wanted to be a better dad to Jason, not as restrictive, but it was hard.

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Tim checked over his photos carefully, compiling the ones for Gordon along with the printed off notes. He always did the printing at school so it couldn’t be tracked back to him, the school systems were so easy to crack and use however he wanted to. Handy for ensuring no one noticed when he missed a day here or there. He sealed it all and then prepared the packet for Jason, the last one for a while since he was leaving for the Titans.

He’d miss their game on the rooftops, Jason always trying to spot him while he stayed out of sight. Batman alone wasn’t as fun but he did blend into things more, making him a bit more difficult to get great shots of. They hadn’t talked again since that night but they passed messages at Jason’s gargoyle. It was safer that way, less chance that Jason would recognise him. 

Maybe it was good that Jason was leaving, his parents were due back after all. It meant he had to remain at school unless they pulled him out for publicity reasons. It was too risky to sneak into the Manor to sleep if they were there too. And if they called the school and he wasn’t there…

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Janet sat at her makeup table, Tim sitting so patiently beside her, watching carefully. There was an important art auction tonight so Jack had agreed to call him home from school for the night, giving them some time together.

Sometimes, she wished she had a daughter as well. Another child would have been company for Timothy and someone to teach everything to. But…despite Jack wanting a son like himself, Tim was far more like her. And so, she taught him the things normally taught to the daughter of their family as well. He was always an eager yet patient student and she wished she could be home more often for him.

She picked his hand up, studying his nails, a little short and cracked but not bad for a young boy. She went to work neatening them up, showing him how before beginning with a base coat to protect them. “What colour do you think would go with the dress I wore to the last gala?” she asked.

He frowned slightly, studying the bottles intently, before pointing to a deep burgundy. “That one,” he stated, and she smiled.

“Very good,” her praise had him beaming a smile he would never dare around Jack.

She hated her parents for forcing the marriage on her, keeping her from leaving Jack. But she wouldn’t give her dear Timothy up to change it. She knew he knew that he was the reason she remained with Jack. Janet had no doubt that she could rebuild her finances, find a more advantageous marriage, but she wouldn’t, not until Timothy was of age.

Once his nails were painted, they moved on to makeup and discussing his ‘studies’. She was well aware of his school grades and that many days he chose not to attend, likely even snuck off campus. No, the studies she was interested in was his learning about the other families, how they interacted, their secrets.

And they had that trip coming up that she knew Tim would just love if she could talk Jack into it.

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Jason sat on the couch, wishing he could take his domino off but B had said he wasn’t allowed. He’d been at the Tower for a few days and it still felt awkward. He was years younger than them, they were Dick’s team, but Dick wasn’t there. They were nice enough but all their stories were things he didn’t know unless he’d heard the story from Dick before. He missed Gotham, missed his message with Alvin. Was the kid, okay? He hoped he was staying off the streets while Jason was gone.

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Tim stuck close to his parents but not close enough for dad to consider him to be in the way. He listened avidly to the people around them, trying to see if he could understand anything. It was a mish mash of different languages. He could pick out some Chinese thanks to a classmate who spoke it…he assumed the most frequent language he was hearing was Khmer since it was the main language of the country.

He didn’t even know what they were there for, it wasn’t for a dig but that was all he’d been able to find out. Even mother was staying quiet and that worried him but they wouldn’t have brought him if there was anything dangerous.

Mother glanced at him and he smiled, moving closer to her side when she beckoned him over. Her hand rested on his shoulder as they moved through the city to their hotel.

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“What is a little seedling like you doing out here?” She asked, leaning over to see the child who jumped, clutching something to their chest.

Their nails were painted a pretty burgundy, though it had begun to chip, a hood pulled up to hide their face. The clothing was dirty and worn but very well made too. Interesting. And the object…was a camera?

The child looked up at her, the hood falling back to reveal short black hair, pale skin and big icy blue eyes. There was nervousness but not real far which was interesting. “Hello Dr Ivy,” the child spoke softly.

“Are you lost?” she asked. She didn’t target children; they still had the chance to learn to be better.

“No ma’am,” he answered, holding something out to her, a photo?

She took it and stared at the beautiful flowers, definitely not native to America. In fact, she was pretty sure it was meant to be extinct. “Where?”

“Cambodia,” he answered. “My family was there, I thought you’d like to see them.”

“Thank you, little seedling,” she actually smiled at the boy, who smiled back shyly.

“Alvin,” he told her and then he was darting away.

She looked at the photo again, perhaps she should go on a trip.

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Tim staggered back, shocked, the whole field going quiet. He pressed his hand to his face, feeling the heat from the blow, tasting blood. He turned and ran, not thinking, just reacting. He had to get away!

He got to his dorm room and shoved some things in his backpack before he was out the window and over the wall, running to where he’d hidden a skateboard. He wanted to be home, be in Gotham. He didn’t care if he got in trouble, he couldn’t stay there.

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Jason slipped onto the rooftop and then stopped as he saw the shadow clinging to the gargoyle. He hesitated but then slowly moved closer. “Alvin?” he whispered, and the shadow moved. “Hey kid,” he kept his voice in victim mode, not liking how huddled the kid was.

Finally, he was close enough to get a look and he bit back the words he wanted to snarl. “It’s okay, you’re safe, I’m here, I’ll protect you,” he promised, reaching out a hand to the younger boy. And then arms were clinging tightly to him, Alvin’s head resting on his chest. Jason wrapped his arms around the kid, being careful not to hold on too tightly just in case there were more injuries hidden by his clothing.

“Robin,” the boy whimpered. Jason carefully picked him up and got them to a flatter section of the roof, sitting down with Alvin resting in his lap.

He pulled out the small first aid kit he carried and began cleaning the split lip and already forming black eye. “It’s okay, any other injuries? Do you need to go to the clinic?” he asked, very worried about the kid…his friend, even if they really only communicated through notes and photos.

Thankfully Alvin shook his head.

“Al…did your family do this to you?”

“What?” large blue eyes stared at him and then he was shaking his head rapidly. “No! They’d never…” he took a deep breath. “School,” he muttered, and Jason winced.

“Oh, bullies huh?” he asked, and the kid nodded. “That sucks.”

He was lucky, the Wayne name had ensured that no one dared bully him even if no one wanted to be his friend. Pity they didn’t go to the same school, he’d be Alvin’s friend and protect him. Though with their age gap, the kid was probably in middle school still.

“Guessing the school won’t step in?” he asked, and the look on Al’s face was clear enough even in the dark. “Yeah, dumb question.”

“Did you have fun with the Titans?” Alvin changed the topic, and Jason let him.

“It was…different.” Not quite what he’d been expecting but also not as bad as it could have been. He thought Roy at least was being genuinely friendly.

“Oh,” Alvin whispered.

“It was just getting to know each other really, nothing excited happened, not even team training.” That should be safe enough to say, it was standard team stuff even for non-heroes. He offered a few small stories that wouldn’t give too much away, Alvin smiling at some of them. But eventually he had to get back to patrol and Al slipped away.

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“Something on your mind Little Wing?” Dick asked as he drove them into the city.

He finally had a day free and he was doing his best to be a better big brother. He knew he’d messed up at the beginning, taken his anger at Bruce out on an innocent kid. He regretted it and was going to do everything he could to make it up to him. Jason was a great kid and was becoming very popular as Robin.

“Nothing big,” Jason denied, watching the city pass by.

“Jay?” and now Dick was getting concerned.

Jason groaned, rolling his eyes. “Just a kid I ran into, school bullies roughed him up a bit.”

“Ah. He okay?” Bullies were something normal at least.

He’d been worried it had to do with Jason joining the Titans. He knew it would be hard given the age gap and history, but he wanted Jason to make friends among the community. He was in the awkward, in-between age group. There were one or two kids a bit younger than Jason who would be taking on the work but weren’t active in the field yet. By the time they were, Jason should be ready to step up and lead a team of his own.

“Split lip and black eye but otherwise okay. Don’t even know what school he goes to or anything, pretty sure he gave me a fake name. Not that I blame him, it is Gotham after all.”

Dick winced but nodded, turning towards the shopping centre. Even a helpful stranger in Gotham could be dangerous so many wouldn’t use their real name. Even Batman and co were usually given fake names by people they saved. It was safer that way no matter how annoying having to hack records or wait for facial recognition software to run could be.

He parked and they got out, heading into the mall and towards the cinema, chatting about more causal things. The movie was one Jason had been wanting to see for a while so Dick hoped he’d have a good time.

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Janet made sure the transfer went through, sending along a message. They had missed too many of his birthdays and would likely miss many more to come. It was hard to believe her darling boy was twelve now. Six more years and they could be free of Jack.

She was thankful her parents hadn’t completely lost their minds; Tim’s inheritance was safely locked in a trust that Jack couldn’t touch and he didn’t have full control of the company. And there was one out clause in their marriage that would leave her with everything and him nothing…but he had never laid a hand on either of them in anger. Jack had a temper, especially when alcohol was added but he was also aware of what it would cost him. Sometimes, she wished he would hit her just so they could be free. She could then run the company from home and be there for her son as well.

She had intercepted the school report of Tim running off, Jack would not have reacted well to it. And she could read between the lines, her son was being bullied. She had sent back a scathing message which should have dealt with the issue.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

“Hey there kiddo!”

Tim spun and froze at the sight of Harley Quinn herself, taking a half step back in fear.

“Easy! Don’t fall, that’s a long way down,” she warned. “Not gonna hurt you kid. You’re Alvin, right? You gave Ivy that flower picture.” She rocked on her heels, and Tim stopped backing away as he realised that she was right. He was too close to the edge and unlike the Bats he didn’t carry a grapple.

“I’m Alvin,” he answered, no point in denying it.

“Well, it’s nice ta meet ya, Alvin,” she grinned at him before becoming more serious. “You should get home or to a shelter, Mista J’s on the prowl,” she warned, and Tim stiffened. “You’ve got a safe place?”

He nodded, grabbing his backpack, quickly putting his camera away and moving for the fire escape. He squeaked when she lifted him up and down onto the landing.

“Run home kiddo.”

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Harley watched the kid vanish from her sight, impressed. He was as good as Robin or even the Bat at vanishing. She hadn’t been looking for the kid or anything, but she’d been curious after seeing the picture Ivy’d been given. The kid was way too at ease on rooftops and fire escapes for a normal kid. But he definitely wasn’t Robin. The accent and attitude were all wrong for the second Robin. A kid like that out on the streets… well, her good deed for the year would be keeping an eye and ear out. Ivy liked him after all and that was very rare.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Jason really hoped Alvin was home safe as he threw a birdarang at a creepy clown goon. Dealing with the Joker and his idiots had done nothing to improve his dislike of clowns. The circus overall was okay, but not clowns. Dick had taken him last year and it’d been neat enough, it explained a lot about his brother. But not even Dick could see anything positive about the Joker.

If there was one Rogue that had him chafing at the no killing rule, it was the Joker. But B refused to break it or let them break it. It wasn’t like he wanted to be a killer but Arkham couldn’t hold the monster and somehow, no cop had yet to get a lucky fatal shot on him. Most cops were so scared they ran instead of just standing their ground and opening fire, even when they had him outnumbered, it was crazy. Nice to see Harley wasn’t there, maybe she’d left him for good this time? It’d explain his mood.

He grimaced as a hard blow landed, thankfully not breaking bone but that was going to be a nasty bruise.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Alfred watched, relieved, as they both arrived safe and sound. Injured surely, but mobile and with not much visible blood. Always a blessing when dealing with that monster. If only Master Dick was home too, then all of the family would be under the one roof, well, all but one.

Young Jason was good at hiding things but not perfect, Alfred was well aware of his friendship behind the mask with a boy named Alvin. He had glimpsed the photos of Jason’s Robin that had been very well taken, had seen his mask footage of the boy he had saved that night. Sadly, it wasn’t enough for facial recognition, not with the child’s face shadowed the way it was. And black-haired blue-eyed children were all too common in Gotham. If the child was on the streets, then Wayne Manor had more than enough rooms to spare. It would be nice to have a younger child there but it might take some time.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

After two run ins, Tim wasn’t really all that surprised to turn and see one of Batman’s Rogues…or his girlfriend?

“Hello kitten,” she purred.

“Hello Catwoman,” he offered in return. “I don’t have any jewels.”

She laughed, prowling towards him, surprising him when she reached out to ruffle his hair. “Silly kitten,” she murmured.

Tim just blinked at her in confusion.

“I’m a curious cat and you’re a little kitten wandering far from home.”

“Harley and Ivy mentioned me, didn’t they?” he asked, sighing softly.

“Maybe,” she smirked. “A little kitten who wanders Gotham at night with a camera. A very nice camera, Timothy.”

He froze, not good! “I’m Alvin.”

“It’s alright Tim, I won’t tell anyone. I won’t even ask for easy access to your home,” she smirked at the last bit. “Took a while to work out who you are, you’re good kid, but you could be better.”

“Better, Ms Kyle?” he asked, she’d brought in real names first.

She blinked and then laughed. “Such a clever kitten.” She crouched in front of him, gently cupping his cheek, careful of her claws. “Gotham is dangerous when alone. Will you let us teach you to survive it?”

“Us?” he asked hesitantly.

“The three of us. I get the feeling you’ll enjoy our spa nights,” she tapped his painted fingernail, this time a nice purple to match mother’s last gala dress. “No crime,” she promised. “Girl talk, training, good food…”

“Do they know my name?”

“No,” she shook her head. “You looked familiar so I checked.”

“The Elliot’s gala, you were there,” he murmured, and she nodded. “Okay, as long as I get to be Alvin.”

Catwoman was not a killer, most of her crimes were non-violent too. She’d fight sure, but there was always a reason for it. Ivy and Harley didn’t tend to target kids either, well, at least when Harley wasn’t with the Joker. But it was still safer to not let them know his real name.

“Let’s take the fun way, Alvin,” she smirked and then they were running across the roofs, Ms Kyle carrying her when she used her whip, Tim holding on securely.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Harley grinned when Selina showed up with Al at her side, his blue eyes wide. They were going to have so much fun! They’d need to be a bit careful; they didn’t want to hurt the kid or anything and accidents were too easy. They soon had the kid settled at the table for a card game, laughing her head off when he won. And then he kept winning, the mini card shark.

There was plenty of junk food, no meat or anything for Ivy’s sake and the kid loosened up, smiling happily as they talked. He even sat there and let them give him a makeover, happily talking colours and the like. And then she dragged out the gaming system and he lit up, bouncing slightly.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Jason headed back to Gotham, feeling good. He wasn’t fully settled into the team but it was getting better. Roy had really taken him under his wing, despite being older than him and Dick’s friend. But Dick was doing better so hopefully it wouldn’t cause issues.

“Little Wing!” Dick called as Jason stepped into the Cave.

“Hey Dick. You’re in Gotham?”

“Well, it’s the summer holidays. I was wondering if you’d like to come stay with me for a few days?”

“Really?” he asked, and Dick nodded. “Okay, I’ll need to pack a fresh bag.” He couldn’t help looking forward to it.

“Your birthday’s coming up, the big one-five. Got any plans?” Dick asked once they were on the road.

“No?”

He didn’t have any friends at school or anything to have a party with. And it wasn’t like the Titans knew who he was beyond being Robin. To him, it’d just been another day for years, ever since Catherine’s addiction got really bad. Last year with Bruce and Alfred had been strange but nice, Dick hadn’t come around for it though. Bruce had gone way overboard on the gifts but not as bad as Christmas so Jason hadn’t freaked like he had then.

“Is there anything you’d like to do for it? Seriously Jay, anything at all?”

He hesitated, it was dumb, he was turning fifteen not ten. But… “Disney,” he mumbled.

“Come on Little Wing, speak up.”

“Disney,” he answered, loud enough for Dick to hear.

Dick glanced at him and then grinned. “Disney it is then.”

“What?! Dick, no, that’s…”

“What you want so what you’ll get. We can do Disneyland for this year and Disneyworld next. And if you like them, we can even do the overseas parks at some point.”

“You’re gonna talk B into going to Disney?” he smirked, and then saw the grin on Dick’s face.

He felt bad for their Dad…almost.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bruce stared at the castle and all the mouse ears in dread. The happiest place on earth? What had he done to deserve this? But then he looked at his children, seeing Dick’s energy and excitement and the effort Jason was putting into not smiling. Okay, so maybe it wasn’t that bad.

He followed his sons into the park, keeping his baseball cap on to shade his face. The last thing they needed was the press stalking them around. Jason was trying to act the cool teen but his excitement was clear to them. Gotham would just have to make it through the weekend without them, but Batgirl was there and Selina had agreed to keep an eye on things while they were gone, Clark on standby if anything big happened.

TBC…

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 3

Jason practically bounced his way through his weekend with the Titans, still happy from his birthday trip. It had been everything he could have dreamed of. The three of them at a park with no crime, no ‘Brucie’, and Bruce and Dick hadn’t fought once! He loved the picture of them on Splash Mountain, especially Bruce’s expression as they got splashed. He kind of wished he could show Al, the kid would love it, but that would give their identities away so was a big no. Still, a lot of people went to Disney so one day he could mention it, when it couldn’t be linked to Jason Todd’s visit. Not that his visit had been well published, the Wayne’s weren’t as well known away from Gotham as they were in it. And thanks to a use of caps and sunglasses, they were pretty sure they hadn’t been recognised.

He thought he was getting a bit closer to his teammates too; they were getting used to the fact that he wasn’t Dick. He was a different kind of Robin but that was fine, he didn’t want to be the same as his brother. And he knew people liked his Robin, not just Alvin, but others. He was one of them, his accent gave that away. he was welcome in Crime Alley in a way B and Nightwing weren’t. He did his best for them, handing out blankets, food, whatever he thought would help. And Alfred helped too by putting together packages to hand out.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Selina smiled as Tim landed nimbly, clapping her hands. “Well done kitten,” she praised, seeing him glow under any sign of appreciation.

If it wouldn’t lead to trouble for the boy, she would be robbing the Drakes’ blind for how they treated their son. Though, it seemed to be his father that Tim was wary of in a way that concerned her. When it came to his mother though, he glowed with love and happiness. Janet Drake was quite the woman and far better than that rat of a husband. She’d dug into things, saw just how tight the web around mother and son was. She was looking into ways to help the two get free without losing everything.

He was a joy to teach, such a brilliant mind and nimble body. He could have been like her if he hadn’t become so attached to the dear bats and their morals. It wasn’t like he had anyone at home to teach him right and wrong after all. But no, if Tim ever donned a mask, it would be as a vigilante and hero, not one of them, but that was fine. She could see steering him Bruce’s way once Jason graduated to his own id, Batman did much better when he had a Robin to look after. But she wasn’t sure they’d be a good fit, Tim had enough moral greyness and willingness to overlook things that she wasn’t sure Bruce would accept, something he inherited from his mother. Then again, the boy was adaptable, a natural chameleon, and he would simply change to be what was needed. But would that be good for Tim?

He'd had some basic karate lessons a few years ago but the three of them were working to teach him how to fight, it was a miracle he hadn’t gotten into a fight yet and one day his luck would run out, in everyday life or at night.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Jason grinned and flashed a hand sign at his distant shadow. He’d given up trying to convince Al to stop and was working on finding some kind of panic button with a tracker for him. Well, Alfred was working on it for him. Of course, Alfred was willing to help, it was for a kid. He wouldn’t be surprised if Alfred had a bedroom prepped for him if needed.

He’d noticed that Alvin seemed to be moving even better lately, was he learning by watching him more closely? Had he picked up a class somewhere? Was it weird to consider him a friend when they didn’t really even talk except on paper?

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim sighed, slumping in the very uncomfortable metal chair a bit. He’d been kidnapped, again. He’d been very little last time, back when he had a nanny, so it had been resolved quickly. But unless Jason missed him on the roofs or Selina and the others realised…he was going to have to rescue himself. Not like his parents were going to pick up when called for ransom and it was DI policy to not pay anyway. He thought it was dumb, even cops would fake paying a ransom in order to get kidnappees back.

Harley was teaching him to get free of ropes but he was only at the basics of lockpicking when he could see said lock, his arms were currently cuffed behind the chair. Still, if he could get free of the chair, he might be able to wriggle his body around enough to get his hands round in front of him. But it was a very sturdy chair and the ropes were thick and tight. He just had to be kidnapped by people with brains and likely experience.

And then he heard the sound of shattering glass…gunfire…silence.

He tensed, ready to move if given the chance, and the door opened. His eyes widened in shocked relief. “Batman!”

“Are you hurt?” the man asked, and Tim shook his head. “Do you know what they wanted?”

“Ransom sir,” he sighed.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bruce bit back a chuckle at how put out the boy sounded; he knew that feeling all too well. He quickly got the cuffs off the child and then went to work on the ropes, seeing the signs that the kid had been slowly working on them himself, smart. He helped the pre-teen to his feet, steadying him as he swayed, legs likely numb from hours in that chair.

“I’ll drop you off at the police station. One of your classmates saw the men grab you so the alert went out very quickly.”

Timothy Drake nodded, not seeming all that bothered, shock or true? Wealthy children in Gotham were prime kidnap bait after all. He kept a hand on a small shoulder, guiding him out of the warehouse, the kidnappers all unconscious and restrained. It meant they could use the door rather than risk traumatising him with a flight on the grapple up to the roof.

He had been surprised by the identity of the kidnapped child, the Drakes’ were out of the country and he had assumed their son was with them. He’d never noticed activity at their Manor but apparently, they had left him behind and yet the police couldn’t find any contact details for a nanny, just the housekeeper who came twice a week. Bruce knew that Jim had reached out to the company only to be informed that they did not pay ransoms.

He wasn’t surprised as blue eyes went wide at the sight of the Batmobile and he helped Timothy get settled and secure before they were off.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim fought the urge to bounce or ask all of the questions spinning around his head as he looked around the Batmobile. So cool!!! He’d seen it so many times, taken photos…but he’d never imaged getting to be inside it. He could tell Selina at least; she wouldn’t laugh at him but she’d probably rob his kidnappers blind in retaliation.

He couldn’t wait to get home and have a hot shower, change into clean clothes. But…they weren’t heading to Bristol. “Mr Batman, sir?”

“Yes Timothy?”

“It’s Tim sir, but do we really need to go to the police station?”

“Yes Tim, Commissioner Gordon is waiting for you.”

“Oh.” That…wasn’t good.

“He has been unable to contact your caretaker.”

“Mrs McIlvaine had a family emergency but my parents are meant to be home tomorrow. I’m thirteen sir, old enough to be home alone for one night.” He knew once they could reach her, she’d agree with what Tim had said. His dad had made it clear to her that there would be consequences if she didn’t.

His dad was very careful to do nothing that mother would be able to divorce him over without losing custody. He’d accept being hit if it would free them of the man. Tim could probably fabricate the evidence but well enough to stand up in court? He wasn’t sure and wasn’t willing to risk it, yet. And…he got the feeling Selina was working on things herself. She’d probably be able to do it better than he could.

He’d be starting high school this year; he’d gotten to skip a grade and he’d finally be in a public school rather than boarding. He was nervous but it would give him more time for trailing the heroes. No more paying off a dormmate or fixing records to say he had permission to go home on weekends. Holidays were usually the best for coming home but sometimes, his parents contacted the school directly to say he was staying so he had no choice. It seemed it was a good thing he’d still been in school uniform at the drop off point for the coach since it meant he’d been easier to spot for whichever classmate had seen him, great way to end the school year.

He'd never really driven through Gotham at night, sure, he took the bus in to a point but then he took to the alleys and rooftops. Despite the massive crime rates and danger…the city was alive. Then again, it was barley 9pm. That meant he’d been kidnapped for all of five and a half hours, it felt longer to him but he supposed that was normal.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Jim was relieved when Batman called to say he had the Drake boy, kidnappings for ransom did not end well when the family weren’t willing to even pretend to pay. He waited just out of sight of the station and soon the Batmobile appeared, batman exiting to help the pre-teen out. He looked dirty but unharmed, thankfully. Though…his file said he was thirteen but he was too small. That was worrying but he smiled warmly at the boy rather than let him see his concern.

“Hello Timothy,” he greeted.

“Hello Commissioner, please, call me Tim.” His voice was utterly polite and calm, the perfect Bristol heir.

“Alright then, Tim. I’ll take you inside and we’ll talk about what happened. We’re still trying to reach your parents.”

“That’s fine Sir, they don’t get back till tomorrow. I’m old enough to stay alone for one night.”

“Well, we’ll see.” He did not like that idea at all, maybe he could have one of his trusted officers stay with the kid? He was very calm for someone who’d been kidnapped but his file did say it had happened before. “Thank you for finding him Batman.”

Batman nodded. “Stay safe Tim.”

“Thank you again, Batman.” Tim smiled at him and waved, and then Jim led him away and into the station.

He watched as the paramedic checked Tim over, finding the bruises from restraints but thankfully nothing bad. They’d had him long enough to have done anything they wanted but it seemed they had simply wanted a pay day. He was a bit roughed up and once changed into a jumpsuit he looked utterly tiny. Tiny Tim, no, don’t laugh at the poor boy. But they needed his clothing for evidence, at least it was just a school uniform and today was the last day of the year for most schools.

The way the kid looked in the jumpsuit got a few chuckles, the kids cheeks going red in embarrassment.

“What did you have on you that is now missing?” Jim asked once they were sitting.

“My phone and wallet, everything else was in my bag and I hadn’t gotten it from the luggage compartment yet. The rest of my luggage was shipped back since I won’t be going back to that school.”

“Oh?”

“Yes, I will be attending public school next year,” Tim smiled at that.

“We’ll see if they’re in with anything found at the scene,” he promised.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim was relieved to get home, accepting his bag from an officer, it was intact. He dug out the house keys and went inside, ignoring the man following him. Tim was well aware of which officers could be trusted and Blake was on the list, Gordon obviously agreed. “You might want to order something if you get hungry, Mrs Mac was meant to bring groceries today.”

He checked the kitchen to find some instant noodles, getting them out to heat.

“You don’t want more than that kid?” Blake asked in concern, and Tim shook his head.

He was too tired to bother with anything more, eating them quickly. “I can show you to a guest room.”

“I’ll be camping down here, but thanks. You should get cleaned up,” the man told him kindly.

“Goodnight officer,” he headed upstairs and fought the urge to collapse on his bed. He grabbed clean pyjamas and went to shower first. He fell asleep immediately, never noticing the shadow outside his window, checking on him.

The next morning, he worked to get the officer to leave, thankful when the man finally did. He logged on, finding a message from his parents, as he expected they were on their way to another dig. But Mrs Mac would be by tomorrow so it was fine, he’d spotted some left-over frozen meals last night. And if he had to, he could make an online grocery order but he didn’t like doing that since it left a record.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Jason grinned as he spotted a familiar shadow dart across an open space, changing the direction of his swing to land on the opposite roof, racing Al. He heard a soft giggle as they ran parallel to each other. The kid had gotten even better the last few months and was showing up more frequently. Rich kid could mean boarding school…it’d explain the periods when he only came out on weekends but…how the heck did his family not know? But Alvin didn’t have a grapple so their race came to an end sooner than racing Dick would have.

Alvin waved at him and then vanished, hopefully heading home given the time. Little kids needed a lot more sleep after all.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Harley grinned as she painted Al’s nails for him, the kid chewing on some snack that Ivy had made. She wasn’t sure what they were, but they tasted good. Kid was scary smart, like Bats level smart or more, but he was kind of clueless about the weirdest things. So, they were doing their best to fill in those gaps, like how to do his own washing. Selina had hinted he came from money and the times he wasn’t around hinted at a school outside the city. But he wasn’t like most rich people, didn’t look down at them or anything. He was just a good kid who was somehow allowed to run wild around Gotham.

“So how old are ya turning this year and when? Tell me we haven’t missed it,” she told him, and Al shook his head.

“July and I’ll be fourteen, I start high school in September.”

“Our little genius!” she cheered, pinching his cheeks, getting a laugh. Every laugh was hard earned, he was too serious, too lonely. Hopefully starting a new school would fix that but he’d be the youngest there which could cause problems.

She finished his nails and then giggled, pulling out a skirt and top, waving it at him, and Al went to change. It was girls night and he should fit in! Dressing in skirts didn’t seem to bother the kid at all.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Janet smiled at her son, putting the report card aside. “Well done,” she praised and he was so happy with it.

She was glad they had convinced Jack to allow Tim to attend a local school. Gotham Academy had an excellent record and it would be good for him to have a stable school for high school, it would look better on college applications too. Brenton had been his third boarding school after all, she’d slowly worked on moving him closer to Gotham. The first school had been in California and that was just too far from them.

But being in Gotham was dangerous, as his kidnapping had proven, if Batman hadn’t found him…she hated the no ransom policy but it was one of the things Jack could control and he didn’t want to pay out any money. Didn’t he see how badly that could backfire? If it had caused them to lose Tim…a divorce would not be the worst she would put him through. She had begun shifting funds, working to get a secret account set up for use in such situations, she wasn’t naïve enough to think Tim be safe just because this attempt had failed.

She knew Jack wanted him to study business but that Tim didn’t want to. Too bad for Jack that while Tim would graduate while seventeen, there was no way to force him to attend university that year.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim spun and then relaxed, smiling at Jason. “Hi,” he greeted.

“Caught you!” Jason laughed, reaching out slowly to grab him, and Tim didn’t try to get away.

He laughed as Jason tickled him but then handed him the envelope in person for once.

“So, enjoying summer vacation?”

“Yeah,” Tim nodded, letting his feet swing over the edge, Jason sitting beside him.

“Do you go to boarding school?” Jason asked, and Tim forced himself not to stiffen.

“No,” it was true enough, he wouldn’t be going anymore after all.

“Huh, was sure you would, mister rich kid.”

Like Jason could talk! Then again, given his accent no one would think Robin was rich…except all those gadgets and armour cost money.

They sat and talked for a while, Tim showing him some of the new photos on his camera.

“Is that Poison Ivy?” Jason asked in alarm, and Tim winced.

“Um…” he shifted nervously. “Yes? Did you know she’s dating Harley Quinn now? And Harley warned me one night when the Joker was out.”

“Huh,” Jason murmured.

“Just be careful, okay?”

Tim nodded obediently. He understood, but Jason didn’t, they were his Aunts, part of his family now.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

“You shouldn’t have allowed yourself to be forced into a corner like that. Next time, I might not see where you went,” he warned. “What brought you in here?”

“A woman’s scream,” Jason answered, still panting a bit from his close call. “I think it came from the bedroom.” He moved towards the door and opened it before Bruce could stop him. And then Jason froze and Bruce rushed to his side.

“Please…please…don’t hurt me!” a woman’s voice called.

Bruce saw the woman on the bed and took Jason’s shoulders, turning him away. “Call the police, Robin,” he ordered. He knew Jason had probably seen worse on the streets but he didn’t need to see now.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

“I want this guy, B,” he growled, hands curled into fists as he watched the monster leave the precinct without even being booked let alone charged.

“You can’t have him…at least not for what he did to her,” Bruce answered, and Jason looked over at him in confusion. “But that doesn’t mean we’re done with him.”

“What do you have in mind?” he asked, eager for anything to put the man away, somehow. What kind of crimes overcame diplomatic immunity?

“Our country and Felipe’s currently have a well-publicised anti-drug operation taking place in Bogatago. We’ve sent Federal Marshals to help Bogatago eradicate the coca fields that grow everywhere out in the countryside and jungle.”

“But what does that have to do with Felipe?” he demanded as they moved to head back to the Batmobile.

“You’ve become too emotionally involved with this case, Jason. Otherwise, you would have noticed Felipe’s hyper-activity, shaky hands and pinpoint pupils.”

“You mean…” Seriously? Wouldn’t it ruin his father if caught?

“Felipe was stoned when we brought him in. Cocaine most likely,” he offered as they leapt from the roof. “If we can catch him with drugs, the State Department will request Felipe’s recall to Bogatago,” B explained as they walked to the Batmobile. “He’ll have to return home in disgrace, with no hope of ever following his father into the diplomatic corps.”

“That’s not much of a punishment,” he growled as B began to drive back to the Batcave.

“It’s the best we can do under the circumstances.”

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim followed Jason, confused by where he was going. He still began snapping away as Robin confronted a man on a balcony, eyes going wide as the man stepped back from Jason slipping, Jason lunging to grab him but not quick enough. He flinched as the man’s scream echoed for a few seconds. He didn’t look down. He was relieved when Batman appeared, Jason would need the comfort.

He wanted to go to Jason but he couldn’t with Batman there, and Robin would probably be kept off the street for a few days after seeing that. He was very glad he hadn’t looked down; he didn’t need more fall induced nightmares. As sirens approached, he slipped away.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Breakfast was tense and Alfred wished he could fix that, but how? Master Jason was a kind boy at his core, yes, he had anger issues, but that was normal for someone of his age and background. Perhaps making him Robin had not been the best way to deal with it, for Master Dick it had been to help him not kill, to show him there was another way to make the man who killed his parents pay.

Master Bruce seemed torn over whether or not Jason had pushed the man or told the truth that he had slipped, had spent the rest of the night searching for evidence to acquit his son. Alfred didn’t need the evidence, he knew the boy was not lying, but Master Bruce was not ready to listen yet.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim was glad to see no sign of Jason, he needed time to deal with what had happened. Nightwing showed up and he carefully moved closer to listen, shocked by Batman’s words. He…he didn’t really think Jason could have killed that man…did he?

He slipped away and back home to print off the photos. He’d leave them for Jason at their gargoyle and then he could give then to Batman to prove his innocence.

Tim nearly fell as a hand landed on his shoulder.

“Oops, sorry kiddo!”

“Aunt Harley!” he yelped, trying to get his heart rate back down.

“In a hurry?”

“Yeah…Batman thinks Robin killed a guy, but he didn’t, I got it on camera! I have to get the proof to Robin.”

She winced. “Not tonight Al, Arkham breakout.”

“Who?” he asked, though he had a good idea.

“Joker,” she answered.

“Then I have to do this, Batman will need Robin’s help and he has to trust him to do the right thing.”

“Be quick,” she warned, and he nodded, taking off.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Harley frowned and then called Selina, she knew the cat knew where Al lived, she could shadow the kid and keep him clear of Mista J. She understood the kid keeping his life separate to them, it kept them all safe but she hoped he knew that if he ever needed help then he could come to them.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

He wiped at his eyes, he wasn’t going to cry, he wasn’t. He couldn’t believe B…he forced those thoughts away, shoving clothes into his bag. Bruce didn’t really want him now; he’d kick him out so better to leave first. He had nowhere to go though, but, maybe…he’d found the three possibilities. Yes, he’d do it, he’d find his mother and find out why she hadn’t kept him. Maybe she’d want him now?

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bruce stared at the letter. Jason…Jason was gone. He wanted to be out there, looking for him but the Joker… and Dick had just left, heading off world. Bad timing all around. If the alert on Joker had come out even twenty minutes earlier then Dick would have turned down the mission to help. But if Joker had a cruise missile…he had to stop him.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

“This is a great plane, Joker. We got the whole cruise missile packed into it with room to spare.”

“Yes, it’s very roomy,” he agreed, enjoying flying it. “And the U.S. Navy shouldn’t realise it until sometime tomorrow. By then, we’ll be settled and doing business in Lebanon.” He laughed, and no Bat to stop him this time!

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

He waited impatiently, how long till B or Alfred found his note. But how could he leave without giving Alvin some kind of notice? Who knew if or when he’d be back and he didn’t want the kid to find out when a new Robin showed up.

And then a small shadow appeared and Jason opened his arms in invitation, smiling for the first time in days as the kid clung to him.

“You didn’t do it; I have photographic proof!” Al murmured, and Jason closed his eyes. “I left it here but you haven’t been by.”

“Sorry,” he murmured. He shifted so they were sitting, taking the envelope and looking at the evidence that would clear Robin’s name with the big bad Bat. “Thanks Al.”

“Does he really think…”

“I don’t know,” Jason admitted, rubbing at the edge of his domino, tempted to just rip it off. He might be leaving but he couldn’t endanger Dick or Alfred by revealing his id. “I’m not going to be in Gotham for a while…maybe not ever. I…I found out some stuff, about my family. So, I’m headed overseas to find them.”

“Alone?” Alvin stared at him in shcok and worry.

“Hey, I’m Robin.”

Alvin crossed his arms. “Robin only works solo in Gotham where backup is close. Overseas, if you get in trouble… Even if you travel as a civilian, you’ll be a lone American teen, prime kidnapping bait in a lot of countries, especially if you seem to have money.”

Okay…he did have a point. “I have to do this Al,” he murmured, and the kid slumped. But then he dug through his bag, pulling out a notepad and pen. “List the countries you’re going to, if you’re not back in two weeks, I’m giving it to Batman. And you’re taking this.” He wrote something on another page and ripped it out. “My phone number so if you get in trouble or need more money, you can call me. You’re right, my family’s rich, I can send you stuff.”

He stared at the kid in shock again. He had no doubt the phone was a burner; kid had the smarts and resources to get one. “How old are you?” he asked, wondering.

“Almost fourteen.”

Huh…there really wasn’t much difference in their ages, but he was so tiny. He took the pen and listed the locations he’d found for the women who might be his mother and then swapped that for the page with Alvin’s number.

“Gotta go, got a flight to catch.”

“Come back, please,” Alvin pleaded as he hugged him again.

“I’ll see you,” he promised and then took off, he had to change before his flight after all.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim watched Robin vanish with a sinking feeling. He rushed home and began looking into the places Jason was headed, checking out flights. It was crazy, probably the dumbest thing he’d ever done, but he bought the tickets before he could talk himself out of it.

He moved around his room, packing everything he might need and could get through customs. He knew that his parents sometimes brought things back from digs they weren’t meant to, had bags to get past scanners and the likes so he found one to use. In it he packed all the medical supplies he could find in the house and then he went to the safe in his dad’s office, easily opening it and pulling a case out. He checked the contents and then put it in the bag too. Batman might not like guns, but dad had taught him to shoot when he was ten and he was heading into some dangerous places, alone. It was a last resort but he would keep Jason and himself safe.

Once everything was ready, he called a cab. Good thing school didn’t start for another month.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

“How about a Rum and Coke?” Jason asked, the air hostess smiling at him.

“First class or not, you don’t look old enough for Rum. How about a straight Coke instead?”

“Sure,” he agreed. Besides, alcohol was a dangerous crutch. He’d just kind of been curious if he could get away with ordering it.

He stared out the window, unable to see anything in the darkness. A few more hours and he’d be in Israel, then he’d find out if Sharmin Rosen was his mother or not. Was he crazy for just up and leaving Gotham to hunt down his real mother? Maybe. But he had to know. Why had she given him up? Why had they hidden that Catherine wasn’t his mother? He had so many questions.

TBC….

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 4

Tim smiled at the flight attendant and accepted the meal even though he wasn’t really hungry. He had to eat, had to keep up his strength. It felt weird being on a commercial flight, crammed into economy. But he was trying to fly under the radar, it was bad enough he had to use his own passport but he didn’t have a fake, yet. He was working on that, but it took time and money to get a fake goof enough to stand up to scrutiny. He was only a couple of hours behind Jason but he knew it would be very easy to miss him once they landed. Tim had more experience with foreign countries than Jason but Jason would adapt quickly.

He ate the meal then pulled the scratchy blanket up, curling into a ball on the seat to sleep.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

“Home base, this is El Zool. Any word on the lost bird yet?”

Alfred was relieved to hear from Master Bruce, he just wished he had better news. “I just completed a computer check on al credit cards issued to our runaway charge. He listed, yesterday, as a passenger on a late-night flight to Israel,” he explained, glad the connection was clear.

“I’ll check it out once I’m done in Lebanon. Call you again in twelve hours. Over and out.”

Alfred sighed and glanced at the image of Master Jason, unable to help worrying. What was he doing in Israel of all places? It had to have something to do with his parents, but what? He picked up the phone and made a call. “Good morning, Miss Barbara, I was wondering if I could ask for your help with something?”

He was good with a computer but she was worlds beyond all of them. If anyone could work out what Jason was doing, it was Barbara Gordon.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

He’d tried to go through channels, to play it straight, honestly, he had. But they had refused to give him any information on Sharmin Rosen at all, let alone her current location. So now he was leaping over a barbed wire fence in the Robin suit, breaking into a military protected installation. If he was seen or worse, caught… he slipped through a window, creeping down the halls. He felt bad about what he was doing, but he had to find her, to find out if she was his mother.

He made it to the right room and locked the door behind him to buy time if anyone tried to enter. He went to work on the computer, attaching the device Babs had given him for a case a while back, it was designed to do the hacking for him. He could hack to a degree but he was still learning the harder stuff not to mention doing it at speed.

The computer beeped and he grinned. She wasn’t even in Israel. No, she was in Beirut and the file even listed her hotel. He wiped his presence from the computer and snuck back out.

There were no direct flights but that was fine, he had the funds. He didn’t notice the shadow he picked up once he slipped back into the city proper.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim bit back a sigh of relief as he spotted Jason, obviously wearing the Robin suit under a hastily thrown on jacket and pants. Well, obvious to him from the way the pants bunched a bit as Jason walked. The Drakes had contacts in Israel thankfully due to their archaeological work, so he’d managed to get more supplies. For cash, no questions had been asked.

He wanted to go to Jason and offer his support but he couldn’t. Because Al and Jason didn’t know each other, heck, Tim and Jason didn’t know each other. Jason would freak if he found out Tim knew his id, so he had to hang back…after he paid some street kids to bump into Jason and plant a tracker on him. It wasn’t Bat grade and Jason might find it but he needed to be able to find him if he lost him in the crowds.

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Bruce approached the hotel he’d been told off, spotting the hunched form in the alley, also watching the hotel. Something…his eyes widened and he slipped into the shadows, coming up behind them. He grabbed their clothing, pulling them into the alley, yanking down the cloth covering their face. “What are you doing here Jason?” he asked. He was meant to be in Isreal!

“BRUCE!!” Jason’s eyes were wide and Bruce felt a flash of guilt at scaring his son. He let go and Jason slumped against the wall, eyeing him warily. “I’m…I’m looking for my Mom.”

“Your mother?” and now he was very worried. “Jason, your mother is dead,” he made his tone gentle as he reminded him. He would need to get Jason home, call Dinah….

“My stepmother is dead,” Jason stated angrily. He took a deep breath and then began explaining about finding his birth certificate and the different name.

Bruce was impressed by the work Jason had put into tracking down the possible women who might be his real mother.

“I’m tracking Sharmin Rosen right now, she’s an Israeli secret agent. The other two options are Shiva Woosan, a suspected mercenary who’s also in Beirut and then Dr Sheila Haywood, working on famine relief in Ethiopia. One of them must be my mother,” Jason explained.

Shiva Woosan? Oh boy. But Jason looked nothing like her so that was very unlikely. How had Willis Todd known her though?

“Not necessarily,” Bruce told his son, he didn’t want him to get his hopes up. Willis might not have put her in his address book after all.

Jason slumped slightly. “I know,” he muttered, kicking at a rock. “But I’ve got this gut feeling. Besides, with you coming to help me, we’ll crack the mystery of who my Mom is in no time,” Jason grinned, and Bruce hated himself a little that that wasn’t why he was there.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Selina frowned as she found the information. Timothy Drake had taken a night flight to Israel…four hours after Jason Todd. She didn’t like this at all. What was her kitten thinking? No, she knew, he was going after his friend. But why was Jason going? Something was going on and with the Joker on the loose but not in Gotham, she didn’t like it at all.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim paced the hotel room; he couldn’t follow Jason and Bruce into the desert. Sure, he technically knew how to drive but he’d be too easy to spot. But Jason wasn’t alone now, he had Batman! He should head home but something stopped him, some nagging instinct that screamed he had to stay close.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

“Nice Lady,” Bruce commented as he drove away from where they had dropped her off.

“But not the right one,” Jason answered, staring out the window. He’d hoped…

“What now?”

“I’ve got two more to check out, I’m not going back, not yet.”

“Alright,” Bruce agreed, surprising Jason. “Think I might stick around, make sure you don’t get yourself into trouble.”

“Alright,” Jason agreed, a grin teasing at his lips. It would be so much easier with Bruce’s help. “Shiva Woosan’s here somewhere.”

“IT won’t be her,” Bruce stated, and Jason stared at him.

“You know her?”

“Of her,” B admitted. “You look nothing like her Jay, not even the same nationality. Dr Haywood is a far more likely candidate.”

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

And now they were leaving Beirut again, or at least Jason was. Fast too so not a commercial jet. The Batplane? It would explain Bruce’s presence as Batman. But that meant no flight records so he was forced to wait for them to stop before booking a flight to…Ethiopia?! Wonderful. Well, his passport was sure getting a workout and so was his credit card. How was he going to explain this to his parents?

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

“Think I’ll leave you two alone, to get to know each other,” Bruce smiled at the sight of Jason reunited with his mother. He was glad that of the three, it was the doctor who turned out to be his mother. “I'll stop back in a couple of hours to find out what your plans are, Jason.”  He smiled at his son and then left the tent, heading out.

He got in the Jeep and drove away. Would Jason choose to remain in Ethiopia with his mother? Would he lose another partner…his son? His best hope would be that Jason would continue his schooling in Gotham and spend summer breaks with Shelia. It would be the best for Jason to get a proper education after all, she was a doctor, surely, she would agree.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim grimaced as his seat was jostled. There were only two direct flights a week between Beirut and Addis Ababa and of course, neither was when he needed it to be. Which meant they had been in the country for a day before his flight was finally coming in to land. And they were not close to the airport.

Thankfully, getting his hands on transport wasn’t too hard and he was soon heading for the…aide camp? Another candidate for his mother? The old bike wasn’t as fast as something modern but that was fine, he was used to a bicycle but he had ridden with Jason that time and he did theoretically know how. He just had to avoid crashing, piece of cake, right?

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Jason stared in shock as the Joker went into his mom’s tent and then the terror had him moving. No, he’d just found her! he crept around the back of the tent, it was an invasion of privacy yes, but it was the Joker!

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim hid the bike outside of the camp and slipped inside, easily hiding in the shadows of the tents. Sometimes being small for his age really came in handy. He froze as he spotted a familiar figure, also hiding outside a tent…eavesdropping? Where was Bruce?

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Harley was concerned, there’d been no sign of Mista J since shortly after his escape. That wasn’t good, he had to have something big in the works. But what? She’d been out with Ivy and they hadn’t been able to find anything. Then Selina called and Harley was shocked. A cruise missile?!!!

Well…at least it was as safe as ever for Al to be out and about. And with the summer holidays in full swing, he had no school. And worryingly…it seemed he had little to no parental observation and that was concerning, despite how much she loved having the kid around. Though…. she hadn’t spotted him at all since the Bats vanished, chasing Mista J she assumed. But there was no way Alvin would follow out of the country, right?

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Jason followed the convoy to the warehouses where the medical supplies were kept, feeling sick as he listened at the window. He had to save his Mom! But he couldn’t do it alone so he rushed back to the camp, hoping B was back.

He almost drove right past the car, stopping the bike. “Bruce!”

The man had already begun to turn from where he was talking to some people. “Jason? What’s going on?”

“Joker trouble.”

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim didn’t even hesitate; he stayed right where he was as Bruce left. Jason was in full gear, waiting out of sight for Batman to return. Staying out of sight of them was so much harder outside of a city, but at least Jason hadn’t found the tracker yet. That mini-copter was very cool though.

He grimaced as Jason pulled his clothes on over the suit, heading for the warehouses. Not that he could blame him, he’d be doing the same if it was his Mom down there. He slipped from his hiding place, moving closer, the weight of Jack’s gun heavy at his back. Could he actually use it? Pull the trigger when aiming at a person? If he ever could, it’d be against a monster like the Joker. He was glad he’d left those timed messages though. He pressed the timer reset, buying himself another eight hours before they’d be sent.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

“Mom,” he called as he approached. He knew Bruce said to wait, but he couldn’t and she was outside now, he could grab her and run.

“Jason?” She turned to him, cigarette in hand.

“You’ve got big trouble, Mom. I know all about it…the Joker…everything,” he quickly told her.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she denied.

“Come on Mom, play straight with me! I can help you.”

“Sure, tell me about it,” she scoffed, turning away.

Jason hesitated but then unzipped his jacket. “Mother, there’s a lot about me you don’t know.”

She glanced back and her eyes widened at the red and yellow of the Robin suit. “Huh?” she gasped. “That outfit…you’re… come with me!” she turned to the warehouse and Jason quickly ditched his civilian clothes.

“Wait! The Joker…”

“Is long gone. There’s nothing to worry about. But I’ve something you should see,” she explained as she walked inside and he followed, curious.

“What? What’s going on?” he asked.

“Just step over here and you’ll understand everything…Robin.”

Jason froze as he found himself at gunpoint. “WHAT! But you said…” No…she…she was his Mom… he turned and she was holding a gun on him too.

“I lied,” she told him. “You see, I can’t afford to have you stirring up trouble. I’ve been dipping into the medical funds myself. If you blow the whistle on the Joker, the ensuing investigation would certainly uncover my embezzling.”

Jason stared at her, not wanting to believe it. She was just saying that for the Joker…wasn’t she? His Mom was meant to love him.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim watched in horror through the window as Jason was…Jason…his mother was tied up, watching. At least she seemed to be remorseful but it was too late to do any good. He carefully pulled the gun out, he had a full magazine of bullets, but those creeps would be better shots them him by a long way. If he took a shot, he’d have to make it count. Shaking hands raised the gun, aiming at the Joker. He didn’t have to kill the monster, just make him think he was under a bad enough attack to run. He didn’t have to break Batman’s rule.

He pulled the trigger.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Sheila stared as the Joker’s men scattered as bullets shattered a window, one of them hitting the Joker in the shoulder, forcing him to drop the crowbar he’d been beating Jason with. She looked at the kid, lying in a puddle of his own blood. What had she done? He was innocent of all this… and she’d handed him over. He’d just wanted his mother…but she’d never been mother material. If only he hadn’t followed her.

She flinched at the sound of more shooting but none of it came near her or Jason. And then she swore as Joker snarled, putting down a bomb before vanishing among the shelves…she could hear the ticking.

There was no way out, she could feel the blood dripping down her pantleg from where the Joker had slammed the crowbar into her thigh. Even if she could get loose, she couldn’t run.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

As soon as they disappeared, Tim stopped firing and moved away quickly, they’d be looking for the gunman after all. He checked the magazine, two bullets left. Hopefully he wouldn’t need them. He made his way around the building, not at all ashamed when he saw the Joker bleeding. But then he frowned as they padlocked the door. Not good. He could fit through the window he’d shot through, any of them really. But there was no way he’d get Jason back out through them; he needed that door!

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

“Jason!” She stared in shock and horror as the teen dragged himself semi-upright. “You’re alive…” how? That kind of beating… “The bomb Jason, you need to deactivate it,” she told him, not sure if he could understand or her not given the number of head blows that he’d taken.

“In…” he coughed, blood on his lips which wasn’t a good sign. “no…shape…to…” he groaned, dragging himself across the concrete. “Gotta…you…Mom…” he coughed more blood. Then he grabbed the support she was tied to, dragging himself up it. He was such a mess, how was he even moving? She could feel him fumbling at the ropes and then her hands were free. “Run….”

She turned, catching him as he slumped towards the ground, feeling her leg flare with pain.

“Come on,” she whispered, getting her shoulder under his arm, and hauling him to his feet, her leg threatening to buckle. “We’re both getting out of here.”

He was heavy, solidly built with muscle, but she was not going to leave him. It was all her fault…she’d been so stupid. She didn’t know him but he was her son, that was all that had mattered to him. That she was his mother, he could have dragged himself towards the door but he’d moved to save her.

“You’re going home Jason, to Bruce…Batman,” she told him, trying to keep him conscious. “We’re almost there.” She set him down against some boxes near the door as gently as she could, limping to it. “Stay here while I get the door.”

“Wha’s…wrong…” he slurred as she pulled at the door.

“The door,” she sobbed, leaning against it. “It’s locked…the Joker locked us in.”

“Get back!” A muffled voice called and she moved back, hearing the sound of a gun and then the door was kicked in, revealing…a kid? A kid with a gun. Had he been the one to?

“Help him,” she begged, watching blue eyes go wide in horror when the boy say Jason.

“Robin,” the boy whispered, he was American from the sound of it. What was he doing there?

Then the kid was kneeling beside Jason, pulling at him.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Jason stirred, staring in confusion at the figure leaning over him. “Al…” he coughed.

“Shh, don’t talk, I’ve got you Robin.”

He had to be hallucinating. Al couldn’t be there. But… “Ge…Mom…o’t…”

“Let him help you Jason,” she called. “I can manage.”

Moving, they were moving, voices.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim was glad for his years of climbing and running around Gotham, he had more muscle than anyone would assume just from looking at him. Still, Jason was taller, heavy. But he got them up and moving.

“There’s a bomb,” the Dr told him and he nodded.

“Come on!” he called and then he saw the blood.

She smiled at him. “Get him clear.”

“I’ll be right back for you.” Tim promised.

Jason was out of it but he was at least trying to help move so that was good. He got Jason to what he hoped was a safe distance and then ran back, heart racing. Was the bomb on a timer? How much longer till it blew? But he couldn’t just leave Jason’s Mom!

She looked up at him and he was glad she’d tied some cloth around the wound to slow the bleeding.

“Come on!” he held his hand out to her and she grabbed it.

He pulled her up…a loud beep…a laugh…and then heat…

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bruce slammed on the breaks, spinning the wheel, the jeep skidding to a stop even as he covered himself with his cape, burning debris slamming into the vehicle. No…please no. As soon as the rain of debris stopped, he was rushing from the Jeep and across the sand.

“JASON!” he yelled as he entered what had been a warehouse. “Where are you son?!” he pushed some burnt supports aside, looking around wildly, unable to stop and consider anything…he just…he had to find his son.

He found himself no longer caring what had happened to Garzonas. Nothing mattered but finding his son. He’d take him home and they’d go to that play Jason had been wanting to see. He’d sign Jason up for theatre classes too. Anything…just let him be alive.

He froze as he heard something, glancing around…there! It was Dr Haywood, she was alive! He rushed over, carefully rolling her over so she wouldn’t be breathing in the debris, seeing the extent of her injuries…he was too late for her.

“Sheila…what happened here?” he asked her.

“Joker…tied…beat him…set a bomb…Jason…he tried…he was…badly beaten, we almost…made it…doors locked,” she explained brokenly.

Bruce closed his eyes, horrified at the thought of Joker beating Jason.

“A kid…shot the lock…got him out…shouldn’t…shouldn’t ‘ve come back…he tried…Such a…good kid…all his problems….and he…still…turned out…good…much better…than I…deserve… Boy tried…help me…” she went limp in his arms, and he knew she was gone.

He gently set her back on the ground. Was she saying Jason had shot the lock? But that made no sense…another person? He stood up and looked around…there! A bit of cloth. He rushed towards it, scrambling over debris. “JASON!” he screamed as he saw black hair. No…please no. He fell to his knees beside the boy, reaching to check for a pulse…nothing… but…the body…

He carefully rolled the boy over, staring into sightless blue eyes, not the right shade but still familiar. He could feel the bones shifting…the blast must have hit him full on, his clothing scorched but his face was still recognisable. Timothy Drake. How? Why? He gently closed Timothy’s eyes and then lifted the too small teen, cradling him gently despite him being beyond pain now. Then what Sheila had said, she said “got him out”. He moved to the Jeep, laying Timothy in the back before going outside of the debris field.

“Jason!” He yelled again, looking around. And then he was running towards a lump on the ground. “Jason? Jaylad, can you hear me?” he called, reaching out to gently stroke his hair from his face but Jason didn’t react. “Please,” he begged, hearing the faint, ragged breaths…, he pressed shaking fingers to his throat, feeling the beating of his pulse. “That’s it, stay with me son,” he gathered his son in his arms, his body too limp, limbs broken. But he was still alive.

He carried Jason to the Jeep, laying him across the back seats, using the seatbelts to secure him and then he jumped in. He had to get Jason to the Batcave. Timothy was beyond help but Jason still had a chance to live. He’d face a very long recovery but he could live.

He parked beside the Batplane, moving Jason on board first, hooking him up the medical equipment and then he went back to Timothy.

He stared at the pale, too still face. A piece of shrapnel had carved a long cut down the side but there was no bleeding now. “I’m sorry kiddo…I’m so sorry,” he whispered, gently brushing wild black hair back.

Bruce took a deep breath and scooped the body up, carrying him onto the plane to gently lay on the second gurney, covering him with a blanket. standing, and carrying him away from where he’d died.

“Batman to Cave,” he activated the communications.

“Cave here.”

“Prep medbay and call Dr T. Robin is gravely injured and…see what you can find on one Timothy Drake. He…he didn’t make it but from the sound of it, he saved Robin.

“Understood.” Only someone who knew Alfred well would detect the tremor in his voice

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Alfred collapsed into the chair before the computer, closing his eyes in grief. Master Jason… dear boy. But he was still alive and so Alfred called Dr Thompkins, letting her know that her services were required.

He set the computer to run the search on Timothy. He knew that name, the small boy who always stayed close to Janet Drake. Had his parents been there too? But Master Bruce hadn’t mentioned them.

Alfred prepped the medical bay and then regretfully placed two gurneys near the landing zone before ensuring the cold room was ready. Without knowing more, he did not know what Master Bruce planned for the poor child and it would be best to keep his body in good condition until burial.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bruce landed and powered the plane down, seeing the waiting gurneys. Alfred and Leslie stood nearby so he carefully lifted Jason, carrying him down to lay on the first one, relieved to hear a tiny, pained groan. “It’s alright Jaylad, you’re home now,” he murmured, forcing himself to let them wheel him away.

He had one more job to do before he could fully focus on Jason. He went back on board and lifted Timothy, grimacing at the stiffness to the boys’ limbs, rigor mortis was beginning to set in. There was still lingering warmth to his body, the blanket had trapped the remaining heat and it took time for a corpse to cool. He felt sick as he carried Timothy to the gurney, he was so small…young, too young. He’d been so excited to be starting a public high school come September and now… they lived next door, why had he never interacted more with the boy? He was close to Jason’s age, maybe they could have been friends.

He pushed the gurney along, relieved to find that Alfred had set things up. He locked the wheels and looked down at Timothy again. “Thank you,” he whispered before leaving the cold room, closing the door.

TBC…

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 5

Bruce sat at the Batcomputer, staring at the photo of Timothy…Tim Drake. He’d turned fourteen while in Beirut, alone, following Jason. He brought up Jason’s domino footage from months ago and…the resemblance was there. Was Tim Drake the boy Jason had saved? He’d followed them, followed Jason, across the world and then saved Robin, that suggested that…he’d known at least Robin’s identity. There was no way to ask the boy now. He dug into the various schools, finding bits of evidence here and there, checking into the parents. It all added up to something rather sad and also concerning. Jack Drake…he would need to look more closely into the man. Tim had saved his son, if he could help the boy’s mother than it was the least, he could do.

And he would have to call her, to tell her that her son was dead. He had wiped all evidence of Tim leaving the country, Gotham was dangerous, he would stage Tim’s death here. He could even die a hero still, saving Jason.

“Bruce? Alfred called me for…what happened?”

He looked over to see Barbara in her Batgirl suit, maskless for the moment.

“Alfred is assisting Leslie with surgery,” he forced the words out, watching her eyes go wide.

“Jason’s hurt?” she asked in concern, putting a hand on his shoulder.

“He…he should be dead,” he admitted. “Another child died instead,” he whispered.

“Bruce…”

“Tim Drake died attempting to save Jason’s biological mother, he did manage to save Jason. He got him clear of the blast zone. Shiela, Jason’s mother, lived long enough to tell me that Tim had saved Jason. But Tim….” He closed his eyes.

“He died. Wait, Tim Drake? That’s who I spotted following Jason in Isreal!”

“I’ve wiped all evidence of him leaving the country. We’ll need to stage his death and Jason’s injuries.”

She nodded slowly. “I can work something up. You should eat and sleep Bruce, Jason’s going to need you.”

He wanted to argue, normally would ignore her, but…he just felt so…drained.

“I’ll call you as soo,” she stopped and they both stared at the Batcomputer…which had just received an email from an unknown sender. “That address,” she murmured.

TDrake…Tim. Bruce stood and went to the cold room, taking a deep breath before entering, sensing her following. He heard her gasp of horror and shock as she saw the boy lying on the gurney. Bruce hated to do it, but he began to pat Tim’s stiff form down, the cold was delaying the full onset of rigor but his limbs weren’t very pliant. He grimaced as he found a gun tucked into the back of Tim’s pants and then a phone in his pocket. He left the room, shutting it behind him.

“Please say it was quick,” Babs whispered.

“He appears to have been only feet from the detonation, it would have been quick. He likely never felt the full force,” he assured her.

He set the broken phone down on the console and she moved in to take over, working to get any data off of it. Bruce stared at the email and then took the risk of opening it.

Batman,

I know you have no reason to believe me, but if you’re getting this then I’m either incapacitated, dead, or had the phone stollen. It’s sent to automatically send this if I don’t rest the timer every eight hours.

Robin needs you, immediately. He is tracking down these three women: Sharmin Rosen, Shiva Woosan, and Shelia Haywood.

I know and I’ve never told anyone, Jason…Robin is the only real friend I’ve ever had. Tell him that I’m sorry I never told him my real name. There’s a safe in my bedroom in Drake Manor, inside is the drive I use to store my Bat photos. It’s his now.

Thanks for saving me from the kidnappers

Regards,

Timothy Drake.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Selina glanced at her phone, smiling in relief at the email address. She opened it and then collapsed onto the chair. No…kitten….no, his phone was just stolen, he was fine, he had to be. She forced herself to stand, grabbing her keys. If this was to do with Jason then Wayne Manor was the best place for answers.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Alfred left the medical bay feeling every minute of his age. It had been close, but Master Jason was alive. What state he would be in though, they didn’t know. He’d taken so many head blows… no, he would not think like that. He saw Master Bruce and Miss Barbara at the computer and cleared his throat.

“Alfred?”

“He came through the surgery; Dr Thompkins can give details but she’s cleaning up.”

Master Bruce’s face softened with relief. And then Leslie emerged and the man paled as she listed Master Jason’s many injuries. Miss Barbara looked rather ill at the recitation, not that he blamed her.

“Alfred said there’s a boy?”

“Tim Drake. You treated him once by the looks of it, a boy brought in by Robin with injuries to his hands and an expensive camera,” Master Bruce explained. “He saved Jason’s life by getting him out of the blast zone.”

“Then how did he die?”

“He went back for Jason’s biological mother. She was barely alive when I arrived but Tim was so much smaller…”

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

She opened the door and approached the gurney, looking down at the child on it. It was him; it was the boy Robin had brought to her. To be sure, she lifted his hand, finding the scar as she’d expected. Robin had been so worried about him, hearing how he died would devastate him.

Leslie took a deep breath, she had work to do, as much as didn’t want to. She had to do an autopsy though to give a death certificate. Bruce and Barbara were arranging a suitable explosion in an abandoned building. One that would injure Jason and kill Tim. She walked a very thin line when it came to helping them, but the truth of what had happened couldn’t come out. Who knew what the Joker would do for revenge against a dead boy and he had living family. And they couldn’t risk Jason’s identity being compromised either.

The damage was so obvious, perhaps she could get away with an external autopsy only?

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

“Selina?” Bruce stared at the woman who had ridden into the Cave.

“What’s going on?” She sounded very much on edge.

He blinked, how could she know? And then she thrust her phone at him.

“You knew him?” he asked softly.

“Knew?” she choked, hand going up to cover her mouth. “Where is he Bruce? Where is my Kitten?” she screamed, hitting at him, and he caught her.

“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry,” he held her tight.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Selina ignored them all telling her to not look, seeing the compassion in even the doctors eyes. But she had to do this, she had to see for herself. Harley and Ivy would need to be told… keeping Harley from going after Joker might be difficult, but did she really want to stop her or join her? Did the madman even know he’d killed an innocent rather than Robin? Not that he’d care.

She stepped inside the cold room, her eyes immediately drawn to the covered gurney. She forced herself to walk over, hand resting on the plastic cover. Dr Thompkins had said she hadn’t actually cut him open, that his cause of death was obvious. How bad would it be to see? But he was obviously still recognisable…

Selina carefully lifted the plastic and immediately felt sick. “Tim…Alvin…Kitten…” she sobbed as she saw the massive cut to his face, a face that was far too pale, too still. Shakily, she reached out to stroke a cold cheek.

It wasn’t meant to be like this. He was meant to come to girls nights, they were going to watch Star Trek just for him. Harley had bought a new nail polish for him…

She leant over and kissed his forehead, then pulled the plastic back further. He hadn’t been burnt as badly as she’d expected after Bruce explained his…death. But his chest was caved in, limbs at odd angles. How many bones had been broken or shattered when the shockwave hit him? At least it would have been quick, she hoped he hadn’t even known there was a bomb, hadn’t had the time to be scared.

“Selina?” Bruce called more gently than she’d heard in years.

She carefully covered Tim again and then turned to leave. “I have notifications to make,” she forced the words out.

“His parents?” he asked, and she laughed bitterly.

“No, that you or the police can do. I suggest Jack Drake stays well away from Gotham for what he put my Kitten and his mother through. He was always very careful though, couldn’t let Janet divorce him and take custody, so he never hit them.” Oh, she hated that man. She didn’t like Janet, the woman should have tried harder, but she didn’t hate her.

“Promise me that you won’t go after the Joker.”

“Not alone.” Her words had his eyes widening in surprise and she smirked. “You may not have noticed the tiny child running around, but others did. He was ours and we protected him, taught him how to look after himself. If he’d told us…”

“There’s a safe in his bedroom with a drive of photos, he said it’s Jason’s now. If anything, else from his room went missing…”

She nodded in understanding and left, heading to the Manor next door. Breaking in was easy, she knew how Tim got in and out. She’d never actually been in his room before and it hurt to see just how much of himself he had to keep hidden. It was more of a showcase then the bedroom of a young teen. But she knew Tim, knew where he’d likely hide things, and sure enough, she found the safe. He’d bought a good one, but she had the feeling she wouldn’t need to break into it. She knelt down and entered a date, smiling when it opened to reveal the hard drive. She took it and then looked around, finding Tim’s beloved camera and a few small things to take.

She then left the Manor, leaving the drive at Wayne Manor before heading to Pamela and Harley’s apartment.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Ivy held the small, framed photo even as Harley raged through their apartment. Alvin…their little sapling…gone forever. “Selina, what happened?”

“Alvin followed Robin overseas, Robin was looking for his biological mother. He found her, but she was messed up with the Joker…Robin tried to get her out and the Joker beat him. It’s…it’s bad, he’s alive but the doctor won’t say if he’ll wake up or what he’ll be like if he does. He beat him around the head a lot. Alvin found them, pulled Robin clear and then went back for his mother…either he didn’t realise there was a bomb, thought there was more time or thought saving Robin’s mom was worth the risk… it was quick, the doctor and Batman agreed that it was quick.”

Selina took a deep breath, looking at the photo. “Tim Drake…his real name was Tim Drake, son of Janet and Jack, heir to Drake industries. Batman will inform them and is coming up with the cover story for his death.”

“Mista J has to pay; he crossed the line so far…” Harley snarled even as tears slid down her face. “Even if Al…Timmy wasn’t the target, he was going to kill Robin, kill a kid.”

The Joker had killed a lot of children over the years, but this was different because it affected the three of them and the Bats. He had made it very personal.

“Batman will be distracted by Robin’s recovery. Nightwing?” she asked.

“Off world,” was the cool answer.

Ivy nodded; they could work with that. She looked at Harley and smirked. “Where might the Joker go after doing such things?”

Harley frowned. “He’s never done somethin’ this big before…not this kind of big with cruise missiles and tryin’ to kill Robin. He’ll come back, but with insurance of some sort.”

“Then we have planning to do,” Selina purred.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

“Bruce? Where are you going?” she called after him, surprised to see him in the Batsuit.

“After the Joker,” he growled.

“Now?” she stared at him in shock. “Jason needs you; he needs his Dad to be here when he wakes up.”

He stood with his back to her, hands clenched into fists.

“Dick will be home any day now, you need to be here for him too. How do you think he’ll take this?” She felt sick at the thought of Dick’s reaction. He hadn’t wanted a little brother at first but now? He was going to blame himself for not being there to help, he’d think he’d failed Jason. She wanted the Joker taken down as much as Bruce did, but this wasn’t the way.

“And you have to call the Drakes, you can’t put it off any longer.”

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Janet sat on the floor of the hotel, her phone lying beside her. She stared out the window without seeing the view…her phone full of photos of it for…for Timothy…Tim…her darling child. And now he would never see them. A sob broke free even as she covered her mouth, trying to muffle them.

Her baby…her little dragon… she’d always known he was fascinated by Bruce’s boys; how could he not be after that day at the circus? To have seen Jason being kidnapped, follow them…and then…it wasn’t fair!

She forced herself to take a deep breath and then called the airport. Gotham mortuary’s would not hold a body for long and she would not miss seeing her baby one last time!

“Janet? What the hell are you doing down…are you crying?” Jack stared at her in surprise.

“He’s gone, Jack. Our son…he’s dead,” she whispered, unsurprised when he turned and walked away.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Alfred gently tended to his grandson. He had yet to wake but that was for the best given his injuries. Bruce had called the Justice League for help in his recovery and Zatanna would be stopping by in the next few days to see what she could do. He stroked black hair gently as he finished wiping him down. “All done lad,” he promised.

He checked the various bags and cords, ensuring he was receiving everything he needed. Master Jason would wake in his own time but until then, they would ensure he was well looked after.

“Hey guys, anyone here?”

Alfred froze but then stepped back, straightening his jacket as he walked away. He managed a smile. “Welcome home Master Dick.”

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Three women watched from the crowd as Joker gave his speech, ready to catch him once the meeting was over or to intervene. None of them believed for a moment that he wasn’t there to cause chaos and they would not allow it. Joker’s reign of terror would end today, no matter what.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Clark had expected Bruce to show up, everyone had been ready for a Batman on the warpath, but nothing. He focused his hearing on the Cave and that was…medical monitors?

“Come on Jaylad,” Bruce was murmuring. “Please…wake up son. Dick’s home, he’s upstairs. Leslie had to sedate him. Alfred’s cooked all your favourites.”

Clark’s heart plummeted as he listened, heard the too slow heartbeat. Not Jason… no wonder they were expecting Bruce to…but instead he was doing the right thing, staying with his children.

Still, he didn’t trust the Joker as far as Jimmy Olsen could throw him. So, he went to the UN in disguise, waiting for the man to show his true colours. He would not allow him to kill the delegates. And once there, he spotted a familiar woman in the audience. Selina Kyle, Bruce’s on and off girlfriend…and there…Poison Ivy? Harley Quinn? What would bring those three? Quinn he could see but from the way she was glaring at the podium it seemed she wasn’t in on what the Joker was planning.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

As Superman took off to get rid of the gas, the three women began moving, Selina slipping away while Ivy raised her hands, carefully placed pot plants coming to life, moving towards the stage…right in time to contain the explosion that would have killed all those closest to it.

“Evacuate!” Harley yelled as she leapt onto the stage, her trusty bat in hand.

“Well, well.”

“Save it,” she snarled. “You killed our sapling, Mista J. This is the end.”

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Ah, there it was. Selina smirked and sauntered up to the waiting helicopter. Such a tempting object to steal. She smiled at the man waiting and he swallowed. “Hello there,” she purred.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bruce stared at the tv, Clark had saved everyone from the gas and…was that, Ivy? So, Selina really had meant them when she said she had people to tell. Then Harley was on the stage, going after Joker who taunted and then ran. That was two of the women, where was Selina? He should be there; he should be the one…the hand in his twitched ever so slightly.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

“Going somewhere?” Selina smirked at the Joker as she leant against the helicopter. It wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon after the work she’d done on it.

He looked at her and then behind where a large plant pushed through the concrete, depositing Harley and Ivy.

“Hey Puddin,” Harley taunted, swinging her bat.

“You killed my Kitten,” Selina snarled, her whips unfurling.

“The bird boy?”

“No, Robin is very much alive. You killed an innocent child who looked up to Robin, who called him friend and pulled him to safety. This is for Alvin,” Ivy stated, eyes cold, every plant within several blocks growing in reaction to her emotions.

They had agreed that to protect Tim’s family and the Bat’s identities, they would continue to call him Alvin.

“Now ladies…can’t we talk about this?”

“No,” they stated in unison.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Clark flew back, the gas safely dealt with…and then he hovered over the building, staring in shock. Oh. That was…well… he really should stop them, but his actions in the building would negate his Diplomatic Immunity. Besides, the women were hardly law-abiding citizens anyway.

And then he glanced to the side. “Should we?” he asked Diana.

“I think they have things well in hand,” she smirked slightly. “I came as soon as I saw news of the attack but I don’t think we’re needed here Superman.”

“They’re going to kill him.”

“I spoke with Alfred, he more than deserves it and all the pain they will give him.” Sometimes, he forgot she was from a warrior culture, one that was not against the death penalty for certain crimes.

But letting them kill even the Joker went against everything he stood for.

“Come away Kal-El.” She put her hand on her lasso, offering him the out of having no choice.

He turned away, following her but then heading for Metropolis, needing Lois and their son.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

He held Jason’s hand, hoping for another sign, but then his phone rang. He saw the name and picked it up.

“It’s done, he will never hurt another person. How is your little bird?”

“His hand twitched,” he answered. “Selina…”

“I know you can’t say it,” she finished for him. “The funeral?”

“Two days, we managed to get them to hold out till Janet could return.”

“I’ll see you there.”

“Harley and Ivy?”

“They now know his identity, if they come working out why you are there will be easy. But with the report of Jason’s kidnapping and Tim dying there…”

“Understood. They’re welcome.”

“Thank you.”

Bruce hung up and looked at his son, some of the swelling had gone down but he still had two black eyes. “I’ll be back Jaylad,” he promised, leaning in to press a soft kiss to his forehead.

He headed upstairs to check on Dick, finding his eldest still asleep in his bed. “Hey chum,” he murmured, and Dick stirred slightly, the sedative beginning to wear off.

Slowly, his eyes open, still hazy from the drugs. “Bbb…rr…”

“It’s okay, don’t try to talk yet. We had to sedate you, you over stressed yourself.”

Dick’s brow furrowed and then he groaned. “L’ttle W’g?”

“Downstairs,” Bruce assured him. “Get some sleep Dick.”

“Hgnnn…” but his eyes drifted shut again.

Seeing Dick clinging to Jason’s hand, gasping for air as he panicked had terrified him. Thankfully, Leslie had reacted quickly, sedating him. Dick was exhausted from the mission and then seeing Jason…

He checked his watch; Janet’s plane would be landing in eight hours. Would she want to see Jason? Bruce had told the press he was in a private medical facility; he’d have to call Leslie and ask if Jason could be moved upstairs.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Janet walked across the room towards the coffin. It was small, too small. No parent should ever have to bury their child. She took a shaky breath and then stepped up, looking down on her son. He looked peaceful, makeup hiding the injuries though she could just make out what appeared to be a cut down his face even through it. She reached out and gently straightened his tie, smiling at it. It was the one she had gotten him when he turned twelve, it brought out his eyes. She picked up the bottle of nail polish and went to work, it matched the dress she had worn to the last gala they had attended together.

“He loved painting his nails,” a soft voice stated.

Janet looked over, recognising the other woman after a moment. “He did,” she agreed with Selina Kyle. “How did you know?”

“I ran into him one day, he was alone, and I recognised him. The buses were out due to an attack so I took him back to my apartment. After that, he’d visit. One of my kittens even adopted him,” she smiled wistfully. “He loved you very much, Mrs Drake.”

“Janet,” she told the other woman. “It will be Ms Drake soon enough.”

“That would make him happy,” she approached the coffin and slid a photo into it.

Janet smiled at the image of Tim sitting on a couch covered in cats, laughing happily. She had never seen him look so free.

“Tim died a hero,” Selina murmured and then she left.

She would rather he have lived a coward because then he would still be alive. “I love you Timothy,” she murmured, stroking his hair. She slipped the bottle back into her handbag and then forced herself to walk to the chairs, taking a seat.

Soon, others entered. Bruce Wayne nodded to her, looking nothing like his gala self, not surprising given his son was still unconscious. The elder boy, Richard, was at his side, the butler behind them. Miss Kyle soon returned with two other women…how? What? But she remained silent, seeing their grief. What had Tim gotten mixed up in? If she had cracked down on his slipping away from school…but it had seemed harmless given his excellent grades. Jack did not appear and she was happy, he did not deserve to be there and his absence would help with the divorce. She was surprised when the Commissioner and his daughter walked in as well, had they known him? Or was the Commissioner there due to how…how he had died?

The grave had been well chosen, close to the family crypt. But he was not being interred within, she knew he had found it creepy and had not liked the idea of being placed inside. She tossed a white rose down onto the coffin once it was lowered into the dirt, not listening to the priests words. Other flowers joined hers and then it was over. She remained as the hole was filled in and a temporary marker placed. The three women and the Wayne’s also remained until she left. It felt…nice, to have their silent support.

TBC…

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 6

Janet slowly approached the bed and looked down at the boy lying on it. Jason Todd-Wayne looked a mess, bruised and battered. How had her son managed to get him clear of the explosion? She reached out and gently smoothed some fly away hairs down. “He really cared about you,” she murmured. She set the get-well card down and then turned to leave. 

She nodded to the Wayne family Butler and headed back to Drake Manor. She went to Tim’s room, looking around, seeing little of her son there. Jack insisted on the room being kept a certain way, despite the fact they were so frequently away. She went to the closet, smiling when she found hints of normal teenage clothes among the ones Jack insisted on. And…yes, that was a skirt, pretty and flowy, and a colour that matched one of Janet’s favourite dresses. She found the photo of the two of them that a reporter had snapped last year at a gala, Jack barely visible and picked it up.

Even days later, it didn’t feel real. It felt like Tim would come rushing through the door any moment, face lighting up as he saw her. But that would never happen again. She took a deep breath to calm down. She had an appointment with the family lawyer in an hour to see what she could keep out of Jack’s hands in the divorce. He deserved nothing, he hadn’t even come to Tim’s funeral! And she would make sure the press found out about that. Their son had died a hero, the press would slaughter Jack.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

“In a hole in the ground, there lived a Hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare, sandy hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat: it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort.”

Voice…words…he knew…he struggled to reach it…it hurt! No…what…dad?

“Shh, it’s alright Jaylad,” a familiar voice…a hand…and darkness pulled him under again.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bruce put the book aside, gently stroking Jason’s hair. That was the closest he’d come to consciousness since being found. It was obvious he was still in a lot of pain but too many painkillers would keep him under. It had been two weeks since the funeral and life continued.

Jack Drake had finally returned only to be embroiled in a very messy divorce, one where Janet had Bruce’s backing. After all, it was his son that Tim had died to save. Something that may have been avoided if Jack didn’t work so hard to keep Janet out of the country and their son alone. A long of things the man would prefer to remain hidden were coming out. Despite the legal documents prepared by the late Drakes, public opinion and the judicial system were very much against the man. After all, physical abuse would have granted Janet and Tim their freedom so the argument was being made that Jack’s negligence had led to his son’s death. So why should he be allowed to benefit from it? Bruce had ensured a sympathetic judge was on the case, usually he didn’t like using his money to interfere but… well, Jack wasn’t fighting as hard now, not after Batman and Nightwing had paid him a late-night visit.

The titans had come to see Jason, Roy lingering to spend time with Dick and chat with Jason, trying to help him wake up. Wally had come to support Dick which was good and he had chosen to look the other way at the presence of so many meta’s in Gotham, it wasn’t like they were fighting crime after all. Diana had filled them in on Joker’s fate, she sounded quite proud of Selina and the others. Clark had looked a bit…pained. They had apparently been rather brutal, especially when literally hitting below the belt.

The Joker was dead, no longer a threat to anyone. And he couldn’t bring himself to feel anything but relief. He couldn’t do it himself but they had done it for him…no, for Tim.

He glanced around the room, taking in the flowers and cards, from classmates, other heroes, even strangers. Bruce knew a lot of them were from people who wanted to curry favour with him or to just be seen as having sent something, but they brightened the room, kept it lively.

“Sleep well,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to Jason’s forehead before leaving the room.

“No change?” Dick asked as he appeared at the top of the stairs, hair a mess from the wind.

“He roused while I was reading to him but didn’t fully wake, he seemed to be in a lot of pain so I’m going to call Leslie.”

Dick grimaced but nodded. “I’ll sit with him.”

“Thanks chum.” He clapped Dick on the shoulder and headed to his office to call her.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Dick sat beside Jason’s bed, reading to him, put he paused at the small, pained noise. He put the book aside, watching as Jason’s brow furrowed, fingers twitching. “Hey Little Wing, it’s okay,” he murmured. He took Jason’s hand in his, squeezing carefully.

Jason hadn’t shown signs of waking since that time with Bruce three days ago but it looked like he was trying. But now it seemed like he might actually be waking, trying to shift but with the casts and wires he was pretty immobile.

“Easy Jay, you’re safe,” he promised. He was scared, Jason had taken so many head blows… but no matter what, he’d be Dick’ brother. And then glassy blue eyes opened slowly. “Jason?” he squeezed his hand again.

Ever so slowly, Jason’s eyes seemed to focus on him. Jason’s lips parted and he coughed, so Dick grabbed a cup and put a little water in it, putting the straw to his mouth. “Little sips,” he instructed, relieved when Jason did so.

The door opened and Bruce froze in the doorway. “Jaylad?” he choked out, and Jason’s gaze moved his way.

So, he could at least track speech but was he understanding them?

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bruce stared in shock at the sight of Jason with his eyes open. He moved quickly to the bedside but not quickly enough to startle him. “Welcome back,” he murmured, reaching for the hand that Dick wasn’t holding.

Jason swallowed a few times. “D..d…da…”

“It’s alright Jason, don’t push. You’re in your room in the Manor, you’re safe,” he promised, not sure how much he remembered about what had happened.

Soon, Jason’s eyes closed again, still too weak to remain conscious for long. He looked at Dick, seeing the tears of relief in his sons’ eyes.

“He recognised you,” Dick whispered, and Bruce nodded. “You stay with him; I’ll tell Alfred and call Leslie.”

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Selina smirked as she read the headline, good on her. Janet Drake had taken Jack to the cleaners. The judge had overturned the ridiculous contract made by her parents that would have left the woman all but penniless for leaving him. The man should have at least shown up to Tim’s funeral; by missing it, he’d really shown the truth of his personality. Perhaps Janet might like to join them for a girls night, to learn more about her son.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Leslie watched as Jason held tightly to the bars before pulling himself to his feet for the first time in almost a year. And then he took a staggering step forward, Dick cheering happily. Jason looked between them all and grinned. His recovery had been long and hard, and wasn’t truly done yet, but he’d never given up. Surprisingly, there appeared to be no lasting damage from the beating. He had a lot more scars and he would likely end up with arthritis younger but that was a risk with vigilantism anyway.

She dreaded the day he put the suit back on, but she knew it would happen. There was a fire in Jason that would not let him stop. They had already buried one child; would they bury another?

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Jason leant heavily on his crutches as he made his way across the uneven ground. He hated that this was the first visit but no one had been comfortable with him coming before. It had been weeks after he woke before they even told him. Alvin…Tim…had died trying to save Sheila. Jason had only survived because the younger teen had pulled him out of the warehouse, far enough that he hadn’t been hit by the blast. It wasn’t right, it should be Jason in the ground, not Tim.

He'd seen the photos that Tim had left to him, years of work chronicling Batman and Robin, as far back as Dick’s Robin. The selfie they’d taken together was among them and seeing it hurt. Tim looked so excited in it, happy to be with his Robin. But he just didn’t get it, why would Tim chase him across the world? Why had Jason been worth risking his life?

Timothy Drake

Beloved son

A true hero

1990-2004

“I wish…” he swallowed. “I wish you’d told me who you really were. I’m sorry Tim, so sorry…you needed Robin and I failed you.”

“You were his hero,” a voice answered, and Jason startled.

He looked up to see an elegantly dressed woman holding a small bouquet. “You’re…Mrs Drake?”

“It’s Ms now,” she answered, approaching the grave to lay her flowers down. “You and Robin. He looked up to you and Richard so much. I should have encouraged him to speak with you.”

“He was…he was a really good kid.”

“The best,” she agreed. “You aren’t here alone?”

“Alfie’s with the car,” he told her. “I wanted to come alone. I’m sorry I couldn’t come earlier.”

“He would understand.” She put her hand on his shoulder. “If you ever need anything, call me,” she told him, shocking him. He was the reason her son was dead! “And if you want something of his, there isn’t a lot, thanks to Jack’s opinions on bedroom decorations, but there are some things.”

Jason nodded numbly. He let her walk with him back to the car, not listening as she spoke with Alfred.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Dick watched as Jason shouldered his backpack, not sure how he felt. Ever since the Joker, he’d moved back into the Manor to support Bruce and help Jason as he began to recover. Honestly, his recovery was a miracle, they’d all been prepared for brain damage, memory loss…the only thing he had forgotten was the beating. He’d had headaches for months after waking, especially if he tried to read, but now he was fine. Fine enough to be returning to school. He was still on one crutch but everyone agreed he could manage it.

Part of him wanted to keep the kid at home, to never let him go, but that wasn’t right. Jason needed to live his life. He hadn’t asked about going back to Robin, yet, but the stronger he got, the closer that day got. Jason had become focused on charity work for now, he was even working with Ms Drake on something in Tim’s honour. It was weird, Jason had barely known Tim, hadn’t even known his real name and yet…you’d think he’d lost his best friend with the way he’d grieved.

“I’ll be fine Dick,” Jason stated, staring at him, and Dick shrugged.

He reached out to ruffle his hair. “Of course you will. But if you need to come home, then all you have to do is call.”

“I know.” He rolled his eyes and Dick laughed; he was such a teenager.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Four women and one teenaged boy stood over the building plans, going over it all one last time. Harley had to admit that working with Janet Drake, CEO of Drake Industries was not something she’d have ever seen coming. But the work was going well and the woman was always happy to hear their stories of their little sapling. And she never looked down on them or anything.

They were building a kind of youth centre, one designed to help kids figure out their talents. Tim had loved photography but the centre wasn’t just focused on that. Arts and sciences of all kinds, literature…everything they could find workers to help with. The Tim Drake Memorial Centre was on schedule to open next year. All of the building work was being done by Wayne Enterprises since they had a building firm under their umbrella. Bruce was paying for that, his part in the centre since Tim had saved Jason.

And with the three of them involved, none of the Rogues would dare touch the place.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bruce watched as Jason carefully worked on the mats. He was so proud of his son, so many would have let what had happened break them, but Jason just kept fighting. And now he was taking back up his vigilante training. He knew Dick was terrified by the idea of Jason back out in the field, it scared him too, but it was Jason’s choice. Babs was with him and they were working on his flexibility at the moment. Jason was quite happy to work with Batgirl though Babs was considering retiring from the field, moving to more of a backup role. It was her choice.

There was a new Robin suit ready and waiting for Jason when he was ready. It had more armour than the old one, pants too, and was larger since Jason had grown since he was fifteen. It was hard to believe he’d be seventeen soon. His son was growing up and Bruce knew he’d been granted a miracle in getting to see him do so.

Jason looked over and grinned at him, Bruce nodding in response.

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Jason stared at the suit in the case, it was his. His seventeenth birthday was tomorrow. Had it really been two years since the Joker… He shook his head. It was time for Robin to get back on the streets so he opened the case and reached for the new suit. He got pants! Why hadn’t he thought to add them before? They were armoured too, B wanting him safer which was nice.

He headed for the locker room to get changed, shocked he still remembered how to settle the various buckles and fasteners. The extra armour was more restrictive but that was fine, he wasn’t Dick. He stepped out and moved to see himself in the mirror. He stared at himself in the red, yellow, and green again and…

“Shh, breath Jaylad, you’re alright, it’s okay,” the familiar voice finally broke through and he realised he was clinging to familiar black armour, his heart racing as he gasped for air.

“D…da…”

“Shh, I’ve got you.”

“Hey, how…Jay?! what happened?” and that was Dick.

“Panic attack,” Bruce answered, voice a comforting rumble.

“Oh, Little Wing.”

He shuddered, fighting back sobs. He tugged at the suit and that was enough, familiar hands gently moving him about as they removed the Robin suit.

He clung to his Dad and brother and slowly, he calmed down. “Sorry,” he whispered.

“You did nothing wrong Jaylad. Can you tell me what set it off?”

“The colours…Robin colours…R…” he looked up at Dick, hating that he couldn’t wear his brother’s colours anymore.

“It’s okay Jay, we should have seen it coming. Even with the alterations to the suit…”

“Let’s get you upstairs, okay? Alfred’s got some hot chocolate on, I’m sure,” Bruce offered.

Jason felt so bad for ruining the night. But he just…he couldn’t.

TBC….

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 7

Bruce was surprised when Janet stormed into his office, trembling hands placing a photo before him. He looked at the image and blanched. It was Tim’s grave… “Janet, you don’t think,”

“No,” she cut him off. “But Wayne Enterprises has some of the best surveillance technology available. I want my son’s rest to be protected.”

He knew that she at least suspected their identities but if she had fully worked it out, she’d never said. The Janet from before Tim’s death, he never would have trusted with that knowledge, but this woman would do anything to protect her sons’ memory. And he would protect Timothy the only way possible.

“I’ll see to it myself. The grave isn’t covered by any cameras?”

“They went out with the storm, which is around the time this happened. The staff say the grave was like this when they showed up. Why…why would someone…” she took a shaky breath.

“I hate to ask, but Jack?”

She shook her head. “He’s not even in the country. He wouldn’t pay to have this done, he’d do it in person and only if he was too drunk to think through the consequences.”

“Have you reported it to the police?”

She nodded, looking angry. “Not that they’ll do anything.”

“I can have people look into it, though with the storm and lack of cameras, it won’t be easy,” he warned.

“Thank you, Bruce.”

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Dick fought the urge to shift from foot to foot as they waited. Finally, after eight months, Jason was coming home! He’d missed his baby brother but from the sparse postcards, the trip had done him good. His panic attack when he’d put on the redesigned Robin suit had scared them all so when Bruce suggested going on a trip to train with those who had trained him…Dick hadn’t wanted Jay to go. Babs had talked him into supporting it when Jason had wanted to go. She was standing beside him for support since they had to tell Jason about Tim’s grave. At least it was fully repaired now, Bat grade surveillance in place just in case the perpetrators tried again.

And then he was staring in shock at his baby brother…what the hell had they been feeding him?! Sure, Jay was almost eighteen now but…so not fair! His baby brother should not be taller than him!

“Dick! Babs!” Jason was grinning at them and then yanking them both into a hug.

“Missed you Little Wing.”

“Not so little anymore Dickie,” Jason shot back.

“Come on, let’s get you home. Alfred’s been whipping up all your favourites.”

“Sounds good,” Jason’s smile was brighter than Dick could remember seeing since before his near death. He looked healthy, his scars further faded. He hadn’t just shot up in height, he’d put on muscle too. Not as big as Bruce, childhood malnutrition ensured that, but he still wasn’t going to be a small man.

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Jason knelt in front of Tim’s grave, gently putting down some fresh flowers. “Hey Timmy,” he whispered. “Sorry it’s been so long; the trip went longer than planned. I…I’m so sorry, I should have been here, should have stopped them. But it’s all fixed up now, better than new, and we’re keeping an eye on you. Anyone messes with you again, they’ll find the Bats on their doorstep, promise.”

He settled onto his knees, eyes tracing the words on the marble stone. There was no evidence left of the damage. Who had done it? Why? Tim was just a kid.

“I miss you,” he murmured. “It seems silly, we barely knew each other…I never even knew your real name. But you knew me. I wish…I wish you’d told me. I know why you didn’t, I just wish it could have been different, that we really could have been friends.”

He opened his backpack and pulled out a cupcake with a candle in it. “Happy sixteenth, Tim,” he tried to sound cheerful as he let the candle.

“Those were his favourite, you remembered.”

He looked up and nodded at Janet. She joined him, kneeling down and setting a bouquet next to his. She looked nothing like how anyone would expect, dressed down in jeans and a blouse, had Tim ever seen her like that? Tim’s cupcake was placed on the grave, under the headstone, and Jason got out the food for all of them. And a few moments later they were joined by Selina, Harley, and Ivy. It still felt a bit weird to be around those women, especially Harley, but she had helped kill the Joker. They hadn’t done any crimes since Tim’s death; Ivy was even opening a greenhouse!

Towards the end, Dick appeared, ready to give him a ride home. Tonight was the night. He was ready, he was. He missed flying through the Gotham sky’s.

“We’ll all be out there,” Selina purred, ruffling his hair, “cheering you on.”

Jason nodded and left with Dick.

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Bruce stood with Dick and Barbara, waiting for Jason to emerge from the changing rooms. Tonight was his debut and they were all excited for him. Though Bruce did wish Jason had chosen to hang up the cape for good, he didn’t need to be a vigilante to be his son. But Gotham was safer now, sure there were still plenty of Rogues, but the most dangerous one was dead. Harley and Ivy were out of the game, for Tim’s memory. Selina had even curbed her work, only stealing from those who truly deserved it and often repatriating stolen artifacts. Penguin spent more time running his club, but kept his hand in. Black Mask was becoming a bigger issue which would need dealing with. No one had truly stepped up to take the Joker’s place…worried they’d go the same way? Word had spread of the manner of his death, the three women given a wide berth these days.

And then Jason emerged from the changing rooms, revealing Gotham’s newest vigilante. His new gear was mostly black with a red bat across his chest and some glints of gold here and there. It was also nothing like their suits since that had been what triggered his panic attach. His red domino was outlined in gold and was larger than his old Robin one, with more jagged looking lines. He couldn’t believe his youngest was now bigger than Dick, though thankfully still not a match for himself. He likely would be if not for his childhood. His new gear did not immediately bring to mind a vigilante, other than the domino. The heavy trousers and jacket were more military than anything. All of it was armoured, the best protection possible. And his eyes were drawn to the bat…and the symbol that wove around it…a golden dragon…wyvern technically due to having less legs. All of the family knew who that was for, Tim had been a Drake after all and that was another name for a dragon. Though, he supposed Jason could have gone for something tied more to ducks given male ducks were also drakes, but the dragon imagery suited him more.

“Ready Red Wyvern?” Dick asked, bouncing slightly on his toes.

“Ready,” Jason grinned.

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News quickly spread through Gotham, not of a new Robin, but a new vigilante. One who seemed very different to the others, this one didn’t make quips though used his fists like Batman and instead of a letter, he wore a red bat twined with a golden dragon. The people went crazy with theories about him, some swearing he was the second Robin while others claimed that was impossible, that after three years of no sightings, Robin was surely dead.

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“He’d be proud of you, little dragon,” Selina murmured, leaning back against the chimney.

“For what?” Jason glanced at her.

“Overcoming it all and getting back out here, better and badder than ever,” she teased, happy when she saw the slightest hint of red to the little visible skin.

“How can I miss someone I barely knew so much?” he asked after a while.

“But you did know him. You played with him, he helped you with his photos, you saved him when he fell. Sometimes, you don’t need time to know someone.”

She still missed her Kitten and always would, opening the centre in his name didn’t help the grief but it had felt good. Tim would have loved it, would have loved them working with his mother and Jason on it. He would be glad that Gotham was even a little safer now but she knew he would feel bad that they had killed to avenge him. She wished he was there to tell them he was upset they had done that…then again, Tim hadn’t been like Bruce, he might actually be fine with them killing his killer.

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Jason stared as three teens appeared in front of him. “You know the Bat doesn’t like Meta’s in the city, right?” he asked. He was pretty sure the girl was the new Wonder Girl. He’d missed a bit while off on his whirlwind training trip.

“Well, we didn’t know how else to find you,” the taller of the two males answered.

“And you all are?”

“We’re Young Justice!” the smaller chirped. Speedster, definitely a Speedster from the way he couldn’t stay still.

“That’s Impulse, I’m Wonder Girl, and this is Superboy.”

Right…some idiot had cloned Clark while Jason was comatose. Did Wally have a kid brother or something for Impulse? “Red Wyvern, but I’m guessing you knew that?”

“Yep!” Impulse chirped. “You’ll join right? Sayyou’lljointheteamit’llbesomuchfun!!”

“Um…” Jason blinked and looked to the other two.

“We wanted to ask you to join the team,” Superboy explained at a more normal speed. “You’re a bat, right? So, you can do the detective stuff, computers…”

Because while they all had superpowers, not every opponent was one you could just pound into the dirt. Join a team? He’d been working with the Titans, working towards being on their team, before… going back there was something he couldn’t bring himself to do. Could he join another team? He was eighteen now, he didn’t need B’s permission, but he should still talk to him about it since it’d mean working outside of Gotham.

“Got a number I can reach one of you on? I’d have to talk it over with the others, make sure my patrol routes could be covered and stuff when working with you.”

“Sure,” Wonder Girl agreed. He pulled out his ‘work’ phone, inputting the number she rattled off.

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The thought of Jason away from Gotham was not one Bruce liked but he could see the look on Dick’s face and knew it could…would become another fight between them if he denied permission. And he had encouraged Jason to meet the Titans back then…but that was before his son nearly died. And the Titans were older, well trained, Young Justice…wasn’t. Jason would be the oldest and most experienced on that team, but as the newest member, would they listen to him when it mattered?

“You want to do this?” he asked.

“I want to give it a shot,” Jason answered. “From the mission files I’ve read, they need someone with bat training to keep them focused. They won’t accept Dick but they came looking for me.”

“Alright,” Bruce agreed.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Cassie watched as Kon trained with Red. None of them knew his civilian identity, but that had been the one rule Batman insisted on for him to join them. It was frustrating but he was really helping them a lot so it was still good that he had joined up. It must be nice to have a mentor who was there for you and everything. Barry had tried a bit with Bart before foisting him off on Max Mercury, it had to be weird to suddenly have his grandson from the future show up. The less said about what had happened between Kon and Clark when the man was revived the better. She was still tempted to see if she could do damage to the older super with her lasso, but at least he’d given Kon his name, finally.

“Better,” Red offered as the two boys finished.

“Why do I need to do this?” Kon grumbled.

“Because there are things that can neutralise your powers and beings stronger than even Kryptonians. You can’t always rely on your strength and speed,” Red explained pretty patiently.

It was nice, he was more open than she’d heard Batman was, but not as energetic as Nightwing. They’d made the right choice in who to approach, then again, Nightwing already had his own team and they didn’t want to be part of the Titans. They were their own team, thank you very much.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

“Everything alright?” Kon asked from the doorway, watching the way Red was sitting. He’d been with the team for several months now and they still didn’t know his name but…he was still their friend. He moved towards the vigilante and then his eyes widened as he took in bare skin. “Oh, um…” he slammed his eyes shut, hearing a watery laugh.

“S’okay. Screw B’s rules.” Had Red been crying?

Kon slowly opened his eyes, taking in blue eyes and a smattering of scars, some that a human wouldn’t be able to see. “So…”

“Jason.”

Jason…scars…Kon stared at him, no way…that wasn’t possible… “Wayne?”

Jason laughed and nodded.

Well, that explained the second Robin vanishing for so long, Jason Todd-Wayne had nearly died a bit over three years ago. Kon sat down beside him. “Are you okay?”

“It’s the anniversary,” he murmured.

“Anniversary?”

“The day I nearly died, would have…if my only friend hadn’t died in my place.”

Kon winced. “I don’t really know anything about what happened, I know the Daily Planet had an article on you almost dying in a kidnapping?”

“It was a cover, to hide my other id.”

Kon listened to the horror story of betrayal by his own mother, the Joker beating him…and then his civilian friend showing up. “I’m sorry,” he whispered when Jason was done, not sure what else to say.

“Tim would have loved it here. He was so smart; he worked out who Batman and Robin were back when Nightwing was in the suit. Used to follow us around at night. He was a brilliant photographer. He turned fourteen while chasing me around the world. I never even knew him, not really, but I still…”

“You miss him,” Kon finished, and Jason nodded.

“Pretty sure his Mom’s worked us all out, but she’s cool. She’s let me stayover a few times when Batman’s gotten overbearing, we meet up at Timmy’s grave for important days. Even opened The Tim Drake Memorial Centre together with her, Catwoman, Poison Ivy, and Harley Quinn. They saw Tim when we never did, took him in and taught him how to defend himself. Couldn’t stop a bomb though.”

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“Hey Little Wing, how’s the team?” Dick asked as he flopped on the couch.

“Good. They hate Bat training though,” Jason smirked, and Dick laughed.

“Oh yeah, the Titans hated me for that, but they’ve been thankful since when we’ve run into things that disable their powers.”

“Well, we haven’t yet, so they still hate it. But I can see the difference in how they fight already. Well, except Impulse, I have no clue what he’s doing in fights since he’s too fast.”

“How’s Superboy doing?”

“Good.” Jason glanced at him, wary, and Dick knew why.

“I’m not on the ‘clone bad’ bandwagon Jay. He doesn’t have a lot of support and he’s justifiably angry, so is he doing okay?” he asked. He didn’t agree with how Clark had reacted to Kon.

“Better. Been working with him on that and he has my number.”

“You mean your comm.”

“No, my number.”

“Oh boy, B is not gonna like that,” Dick warned, it’d been years before he was allowed to tell the Titans who he really was.

Jason just shrugged. “Don’t care, he’s my friend and he needs support.”

That was something that had changed since the Joker, Jason wasn’t as desperate for B’s praise and acceptance as he had been. Then again, that case before he went looking for his mom apparently had something to do with it to… he was a lot more likely to do his own thing now. Sure, some of that was getting older but Dick wondered if some of it was because Bruce didn’t make it in time. If not for Tim, Jason would have died in that warehouse and they all knew it. Did some part of Jason blame Bruce? He knew Jason blamed himself for going on, for trying to help his mom only for her to betray him.

“I won’t tell,” Dick promised.

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Janet hung up the phone, unsure what to do. On one hand, there were no ties between them anymore so why should she do anything? But…if she did nothing then he would die. Foolish man. She hesitated, torn. Because of him, she’d had so little time with her son, why should she pay the ransom? But he had given her the one good thing in her life as well.

She picked up the phone. “Jason?” she smiled softly at his greeting. It had never been said, but she had put the clues together very quickly after that day at Tim’s grave. She would not pay, if some hero stepped in, then that would be it.

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Bruce attended the funeral, accompanying Janet, but neither of them grieved for the man who was being buried. His grave was as far from the Drake family and Tim as possible. Petty maybe, but he didn’t blame her. Jason’s team had been too late to save the man. Jack had already drunk the poison, but at least his killer had been caught and he hadn’t died alone. Wonder Girl had held his hand while her teammates dealt with the Obeah man.

There was no one there who seemed to be genuinely morning the man, especially after the rather explosive divorce after Tim’s death. But they still showed up because it was expected.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

“You’re retiring?” Dick was staring at her in shock.

Jason looked surprised but not as much as the others, even Bruce appeared to be completely unaware of her plans.

“I’ve done a lot of good as Batgirl, I know I have,” she explained. “But I think it’s time to move on to another role, one out of the field. Technology keeps advancing and while Lucius is a great help…he’s not able to do everything that’s needed. And while Alfred is excellent on comms, he still has other duties. I’ve already chosen a new name, Oracle. And a successor. Cluemaster’s daughter, she’s been spoiling his plans for a few years now. She’s good and with access to Bat resources she could be a great Batgirl.”

“You’re sure?” Jason asked, and she nodded. “Oracle…our all-seeing eyes huh?” he smirked and she grinned, glad he understood.

Dick looked a bit disappointed; she’d been in the field almost as long as he had, he probably thought she’d always be there. But it didn’t call to her the same way anymore. “How old is the new girl?” Dick asked.

“Seventeen, she’s been at this since she was fifteen. You know those rumours about Spoiler? It was her.” Then she’d reached out, offering help, and the rumours faded as Steph got better at staying out of sight. And hey, at least she’d stopped hitting people with bricks.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

She looked around the Cave in awe. Okay, this was very cool. And then she saw Nightwing and Red Wyvern but without their masks…that was Dick Grayson and Jason Wayne! So, Batman…Bruce Wayne?! No one would ever believe that.

She glanced at Babs who smiled at her. Right, she could do this. She wasn’t Spoiler anymore, no, she was Batgirl now.

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“Happy seventeenth Tim,” Ivy murmured as she ran her hand over his stone, some roses following her movements. He had been dead now for longer than they had known him and yet it still felt right, to come to his grave every year and hold their little party in his memory.

Still, something or someone was stirring in Gotham’s underworld and it worried her. They were mostly out but they still heard things. A new player could be very bad for the city.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Babs smiled as she took in her new domain. It was perfect. Everything was top of the line and ready to go. She even had a first case, brought to her by Ivy, via Jason. It was nothing more than whispers, but something had Gotham’s underbelly jumping at shadows.

It was time for Oracle to get to work.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Jason grinned as Steph tackled him, throwing her off easily while keeping the plate out of reach. He’d been a little wry of Bab’s protégé but she fit in very well. And as she pointed out, she had a mother and did not need adopting. And with Dick’s help, he’d even been allowed to invite his team for the party since Bruce didn’t approve of Meta’s in Gotham…or anyone knowing their id’s. He was shocked the man didn’t realise that Kon knew.

His nineteenth birthday…four years since he’d almost been blown up.

Janet smiled at him, kissing his cheek, and then Harley lunged in to hug him. The three ‘aunts’ had only come because the party was in Jason’s brand-new apartment, he’d finally moved out of the Manor. He still had his room there but it was time he acted like an adult. He’d be starting at Gotham U next semester even. He’d already had his family party at the Manor, this was the fun party.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Batman landed on the roof, nodding to the Commissioner.

“I don’t know what to tell you Batman. Scarecrow, Mad Hatter, Black Mask, and Zsazs are all dead. Same M.O.” Gordon held the file out and he took it. “Don’t know if it’s a new villain out to make a name for themselves or a vigilante without your rules.”

“Cause of death?”

“Single stab wound to the back of the neck. Scarecrow and Zsazs were in Arkham but there’s no footage or signs of a break in that we can find.”

“We’ll look into it Commissioner,” he promised, vanishing into the shadows, smirking as he heard the man complaining about that move. But the smirk quickly faded as he checked through the files. Who could have done this?

TBC….

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 8

Selina stared at the small, intricate cat statuette on her table. That had not been there when she left earlier in the night and yet her security systems appeared undisturbed…as did her cats. Which meant whoever had left it was known to them or very good at taming animals quickly and quietly. That wasn’t at all concerning. With whispers of someone killing off some of the worst of Batman’s ‘Rogues’ she did not like this at all. And yet, something about it... She called Barbara to see if she had spotted anyone loitering around and all there was, was a brief shadow darting between two cameras, no details visible.

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Janet slipped her hand into her pocket, why had she decided to walk to the centre? Of all the irresponsible things to do! She heard the footsteps behind her speeding up, tightening her grip on her Harley endorsed taser. There was a thud and grunt and she spun, watching the last of three men collapse and crouched over them was a figure in black and red…but it was not Red Wyvern. She pulled the taser but kept it down at her side even as a helmeted head raised to stare at her. Whoever they were, they had a blade in each hand and she swallowed down her fear. But the figure simply nodded and then they were gone. Who…was that the newcomer that Selina had mentioned?

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Jason frowned as he got into the reports. B was keeping secrets again which was weird. He’d been a lot better since Jason’s recovery about answering questions and keeping everyone informed. So why the backslide into secrecy? Dick wasn’t in Gotham or he’d ask his brother if he knew anything. And then he stared at the photos in shock…all dead with the same M.O. … a single blow. Whoever had done it was good, they’d broken in and out of Arkham without being caught, but the kill blows were also quick, the targets likely hadn’t had time to really feel anything.

So, a vigilante who didn’t believe in B’s rule…or a new villain? Why was Bruce keeping this secret?

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Harley smiled and ruffled the adorable pigtails of the kid she’d been chatting with, some unofficial therapy. She’d never get her license back but that didn’t stop her being a listening ear at the Memorial Centre. That’s all a lot of kids needed or wanted, someone to listen while they worked things out. They were all keeping a closer watch on the Centre after Janet’s near mugging and her mysterious saviour. And with an unknown…was it the same person? If so, why kill those people and then save Janet? A killer vigilante?

Batsy had to be going nuts and from how frustrated the little dragon seemed, he was back to bad habits and keeping secrets. But of course, he’d want to keep the kid away from anyone killing. She’d think someone who’d just had enough of the revolving door at Arkham except whoever it was, they were very well trained. So, it was unlikely to just be anyone off the street. There were plenty of people across the world who could give that kind of training, Jay had gone on a training trip himself.

And then there was the mysterious gift that Selina had received. Someone else? Or was the killer sending a message and if so, what? There were too many unknowns, she didn’t like it. Would the killer come after them or leave them since they’d reformed?

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Steph shot Jason a grin and then leapt, hearing him laugh and then the sound of his grapple firing, chasing her across Gotham. She liked patrolling with him best, they were more alike, had some similarities in their upbringing. And both of them had been betrayed by a parent. Her Dad always made promises but he never kept any of them and Jason’s Mom had sold him out, even if she did seem to have repented before dying. She wished she’d known Tim, he sounded like a gutsy kid. He might only be a year younger than her, but he’d been young when he died, so he was still a kid.

People saw them as they patrolled and they were allowing it on purpose. Gotham was tense, waiting for the strangers’ next move, so they were offering visible support. Letting people know the Bats were there and would do their best to protect the city.

She missed her old uniform but this one was a lot more protective. She had armour! And Babs had let her personalise it, what had been yellow on hers was purple on Steph’s. It meant a lot of people had realised she was Spoiler but that was fine.

They stopped at around 1am to get takeout from Batburger, sitting on the roof to eat.

“What do you think about this newcomer?” Jason asked as he sipped his shake.

“Honestly? I can understand why they took out the ones like Scarecrow. They’ll never change and without a complete rebuild and overhaul of the guards, Arkham can’t hold them,” she admitted. She’d never say that to Bruce, but Jason and her came from the poorer areas. They’d seen more and seen the way Batman failed a lot of their people. “Black Mask I’m not so sure of, he’s a drug guy, not a ‘Rogue’. Unless this guy’s very anti-drug?”

“Sionis was big in organised crime, could be they’re going after that? Whether to stop it…or take over is the question. Either way, it’s going to cause trouble.”

“Which means more work for us,” she sighed, and he elbowed her.

“Chin up, more crime to spoil,” he teased, and she laughed.

Neither of them felt the eyes on them from a distance.

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Pam paused before entering her green house, looking around. There. She approached to find a plant that wasn’t one of hers. It had been expertly potted and left outside of her green house. She checked and then picked it up, letting it curl around her fingers. She didn’t recognise it so went to her books. Interesting. Dactylorhiza hatagirea, an orchid native to the Himalayas, from Pakistan to SE Tibet, at altitudes of 2,800–4,000 metres. If not for her gift with plants, it likely wouldn’t live long in Gotham’s air and far lower altitude. Whoever had left it knew that and…she remembered the shy boy who had once given her a photo of a rare plant. The only one she would suspect would be Janet but she no longer travelled. And her little sapling was long dead.

Could it be the same person who left Selina the statue? And were they the same person who had saved Janet? It was quite the conundrum.

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Cassie stretched out on the couch, trying to get comfortable. The Justice League had tried to make them merge with the Titans but they’d refused. They liked their little team; it gave them more freedom and they could mobilise more quickly. “You’re sulking,” she teased, and Jason shot her a glare.

For the oldest of them, sometimes he really didn’t act it. But he was always there for them, hauling them out of trouble…or getting them into it. He wasn’t as showy as his older brother, quieter, easier to miss…until he went theatre kid on someone.

“I’m nineteen and B thinks he can just…ugh.”

“Don’t look at me,” she warned, shrugging slightly. Diana was a pretty hands-off mentor, so was Barry. The less said about Clark the better, though he’d been doing a bit better lately. “He’s really that worried about the new guy?”

“We don’t even know it’s a guy, height and build good be either gender. And they’re good, scary good. Those kills…I saw the photos. No one got the chance to fight back, single blow to the upper spine severing the spinal cord. Death would have been instant.”

She shuddered slightly, okay, that was scary.

“But they saved Janet from some muggers, so it’s just so hard to get a lock on their motivations. Maybe they’re just taking out the trash that the system can’t or won’t stop. Maybe they’re taking out the competition but don’t like attacking women. And then there’s someone leaving gifts for the Aunts, same person or someone else? It’s driving us all crazy.”

“Fun.”

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Babs kept her focus on the screens, checking and rechecking every shadow, ever hint of movement. Whoever it was, they obviously wanted to stay off the Bats radar and they were good at it, like they’d been doing it for years… she shook her head, he was long dead, and this was not something the kid Jason talked about would do even if he wasn’t. But Tim had followed them and stayed hidden so who was to say someone else hadn’t managed the same.

She set a program running and then got up, she had lunch with her dad today and couldn’t miss it. He was stressed over the deaths and people commenting on the GCPD failing to deal with such criminals themselves. They had a point, most of them shouldn’t have been in Arkham but that was due to the Courts, not the cops.

She left the Clocktower and headed to the café to find her Dad already seated and waiting for her.

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Jason ducked a blow, lashing out with a kick. He’d triggered his emergency beacon a few minutes ago but backup would take time. Steph was down with a bullet to the leg but the last time he’d managed a glance her way, she’d already packed and bandaged the wound. It wasn’t looking good. Why the hell were the bastards targeting them? They hadn’t killed Sionis!

“Red!” Steph shouted and Jason spun, staring in shock as the figure in black and red cut through the men, a blade in each hand. Those blades looked familiar…sai? And lethally sharp from the way one plunged through the gap in body armour, blood flowing once it was removed.

“Wraith!” one of the men screamed in terror, the group breaking.

Great, they weren’t scared of the bats but of this person. Was this who had killed Sionis and the others? Those blades could have made the killing blows. Whoever this was, they were good, scary good. And they didn’t make a sound as they fought.

Jason found himself standing across from them, the gang disbursed, hearing Steph struggling to stand, to back him up. “Who are you?” he asked, and the other tilted their head to the side, remaining silent.

“Red, watch out!” Steph called, and Jason blinked, realising the other was now right in front of him.

They were shorter than him but not by a lot, probably around Dick’s height, and with a slender build, though the definitely had muscle. He tensed, but they’d sheathed their blades. A slender, gloved hand touched the wyvern on his chest, and Jason heard a soft inhale. And then they were gone.

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“You okay Little Wing?” Dick sat beside his brother.

“Nothing about them makes sense,” he admitted.

“Well, at least we have something to call them now. Wraith isn’t the nicest sounding name though.”

“A Wraith is a type of ghost,” Jason pointed out. “Wraiths are traditionally said to be the embodiment of souls who are either on the verge of death, or who have recently passed on. That’s changed though, now the concept of a wraith is more likely to refer to an evil spirit, particularly one which has unfinished business in the mortal realm,” he explained, and Dick nodded, he hadn’t known that.

“Huh. So…someone who was a victim of a Rogue and is looking for vengeance?” He suggested.

“Maybe. Or maybe they just liked the name. Maybe it’s the gangs who have given them that name for their actions.”

Dick was glad that Wraith had saved his brother and Steph, but that didn’t mean he’d trust them or not try to bring them in. No matter how much he understood their actions. If faced with the Joker, Dick would gladly try to kill the monster who had tried to kill his brother and killed an innocent kid. But he’d never had to make that choice thanks to Selina and the gang. The Joker would never hurt anyone ever again. So, he’d thank Wraith before taking them in.

“Steph mad at being benched?”

“Oh yeah,” Jason chuckled. “Her first major bullet wound though so she’s kind of proud of it. Her mom though… could hear the shouting from the car. Her story is an attempted mugging that Red saved her from and took her for treatment. Close enough since I took her to Leslie so there’d be a record.”

Dick nodded. Steph living with her mother did cause some issues but none of them would ever tell her to move out. She was lucky to have a parent. Sure, if anything happened, they’d take her in without question. Well, B would anyway. If Jason did then it would end in too many dating rumours since he lived in his own apartment now. The same if Dick did, though with a lot of snide comments given the age gap between them. He’d never date someone Steph’s age! But that wouldn’t stop the talk.

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Jason walked across campus, he was enjoying his classes. He hadn’t really made any friends but that was fine. It was hard enough balancing classes with his vigilante life, adding in civilian friends would make it even harder. Winter was well on the way, the wind biting even through his jacket, but it was even worse at night. Their suits were heated for a reason and he definitely didn’t miss the scaly shorts.

He looked up and froze, for a second…he shook his head. That was impossible. Everything lately was getting to him, reminding him.

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Kon grinned and stole some popcorn, hearing Bart screech in frustration, Cassie and Jason laughing at him. He loved movie nights at Jason’s apartment, it made a great break from everything else in his life. Jason had told them about Wraith, they’d offered to help but Jason said no thanks to the Bat.

He wasn’t sure what to think of this new figure, he had nothing against them killing those main names. But the everyday gang member? That he was less sure of. They likely weren’t a threat to the team but if they knew Red Wyvern was part of YJ then they might have ways to deal with them. Still, they were safe enough in Jason’s apartment. No way they knew the Bats civilian id’s.

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Jason walked through the graveyard, ignoring the misting rain. He found Tim’s stone and knelt to place the bouquet only to stare at the fresh one already there. Lily of the Valley, white orchids, and pink carnations. An interesting grouping…rebirth, apology, sincerity, appreciation and repairing of friendship. What the hell? Tim hadn’t had any friends beyond him. And the flowers were fresh, very fresh. He looked around but there was no one in the graveyard.

He shivered, feeling like he was being watched. He put his own flowers down and left, he needed to check the cameras.

He got back to his apartment and brought up the footage, staring in confusion. Was that…Wraith? And that was him entering the graveyard, the other taking off swiftly and silently…they’d watched him. He swallowed. Who the hell was under that helmet that they would leave those particular flowers at Tim’s grave? Who was the message meant for?

He packed an overnight bag and snuck away, he didn’t feel like being alone so he headed for Dick’s place in Blüdhaven, just to be safe.

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Janet studied the flowers she’d found on her son’s grave; she knew that the other ones were from Jason since he always left the same ones. But these? She knew flower language but it wasn’t just that…white orchids were her favourite flowers but few knew about that. Why would someone leave such an apology on her son’s grave? Who?

Jason had obviously seen them as well and then fled to Dick. So, it was unlikely any of the Wayne’s had left them. It was frustrating. She knew Tim hadn’t had any close friends, no one who would leave a bouquet like that.

She didn’t have access to the cameras but did Jason? What could he have seen that had sent him running to his brother?

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Bruce stared at the images. Jason had said nothing, he had only found them because Janet had commented on the flowers. Wraith had left flowers for Tim. Why? Who was it? They had to find them and bring them in before more people killed. Yes, they had helped Janet, Jason, and Steph, but what was their motive? He didn’t like this at all.

Thankfully, Jason and Steph’s mask cameras had caught Wraith in the fight and the way they moved…some of it was eerily familiar. But Ra’s knew to stay out of Gotham. But there were rogue ex-League members out there, few of them but they did exist. Had they come to Gotham knowing Ra’s wouldn’t follow? But then why make waves? If they could get a DNA sample or something, it would answer a lot of questions. Could they lead Wraith into a trap without endangering his children?

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Bart listened to Jason and frowned. Wraith…that name itched at the back of his memory which meant he’d heard it before, before coming to the past. So, they’d made a name for themselves big enough to still be around in the future. Ugh. Flowers left at Tim Drake’s grave, saving his Mom, then Jason and Batgirl… oh. Was it possible.

“Kon,” he hissed softly, and Kon looked at him. “Check Tim’s grave.”

Blue eyes went wide. “Are you crazy? That’d be…”

“The vandalism and now flowers? It’s all about Tim!”

Kon grimaced and looked over at where Cassie was consoling Jason.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

This was so stupid, he knew what he was going to see. He hated seeing decomposing bodies. Tim had been embalmed and was in a well-made coffin. So, he wouldn’t be a skeleton yet, so this was going to be gross. But Bart was a crazy little gremlin who could think wayyyy outside of the box. Did he think there was something in the coffin Wraith wanted? Only one way to know.

He floated out of range of the cameras and focused his vision, staring through the ground and into the coffin. His eyes went wide. How…what… he took off, he had to tell Jason!

TBC…

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 9

It was empty…Tim’s grave was empty. Had no one checked after the vandalism? Though, why would they? Had someone dug Tim’s corpse up and done…what? He’d seen enough disgusting cases over the years to know there were people who had uses for dead bodies, even ones that were years dead.

He looked between Bart and Kon. “What are you saying?” he demanded.

“IthinkWraithisTim!”

Jason blinked, putting spaced into Bart’s words. “You think…”

“I heard about Wraith back in the future,” he said more slowly. “He saved Janet Drake, there’s been gifts left for his Aunts…and his reaction to you! The flowers on Tim’s grave…”

Was it possible? Could Tim… but how? B, Alfie, even Leslie said he was dead and they would not be easy to trick. Even if they had been and Tim was only made to look dead, he’d been buried long enough that he would have been truly dead. Magic? Cloning?

“I’m going out,” he stated. Surely, if it was Tim… He opened the hidden room and changed into his gear.

“Want us as backup?” Kon asked.

Jason shook his head. “Keep an ear out, just in case. If…if Bart’s right, then I need to check something. We used to pass notes; he would leave something there.”

“Be safe.”

Jason slipped out of the apartment building, taking to the rooftops. His heart was racing, excitement and terror fighting inside of him. Tim… he went over everything he’d seen of Wraith when he’d saved them. The body build was similar enough to Tim, but a lot taller. Tim hadn’t been a fighter, though records showed he had some basic martial arts training, to have gotten to Wraith’s level in the few years since the vandalism…was it possible? Were they seeing clues that weren’t there?

The way Wraith had touched the wyvern on his chest…the one there to honour Timmy…

He landed on the roof, staring at the familiar gargoyle, the one where they had traded photos and messages. Jason took a deep breath and stepped forward, heart sinking when there was noth…there! He knelt and tucked deep was a small black envelope, nothing like what Tim used to leave for him. Shaking hands picked it up, opening it to reveal a single piece of paper with an address.

Jason sent a message to Kon and Bart and then headed for the address of an abandoned apartment building at the edges of Crime Alley, a good place to hide. He checked it out before approaching, entering on the right floor. There, apartment 508. He took a breath and then knocked on the door. It opened and he warily stepped inside, glancing around. Equipment, weapons, even bits of armour were scattered about and he couldn’t help tensing at the sight.

He turned at the sound of a footstep and there he was, Wraith, head concealed by the black and red helmet, armour half off. Jason raised the envelope and Wraith shifted, seeming…nervous? Not that Jason could talk, he was terrified.

“How…how did you know to leave it there?” he asked, fighting back his hope and nerves.

The helmeted head tipped to one side.

“Say something!” Shaking, he was shaking, and Wraith took a half step towards him, empty hand lifted towards him. Worried?

Wraith took another step and his hand rested lightly on the golden wyvern on Jason’s chest. Bare fingers, long, elegant but scarred, traced its shape gently. The hand moved and Jason swallowed as he saw there was no scar on his hand. And then that hand was lifting to Jason’s face and he froze, there had been no threat but could he trust that to last? Fingers gently touched his face, tracing over his cheek, touching the edge of his mask.

And then Wraith stepped back, reaching for their helmet. Their hands were shaking, fumbling and for the first time, Jason heard them make a noise. They seemed frustrated, fumbling with the helmet. Finally, there was a hiss and the helmet unlatched. As it was lifted away, Jason saw black hair. Under the helmet was a mask and…was that a muzzle?!! He didn’t realise he’d made a noise till Wraith froze.

Jason reached into one of his pouches, pulling out the solvent used on their domino masks, wetting a cloth with it. Wraith remained frozen as Jason gently wiped at their mask, loosening it before carefully pulling it free to reveal wide eyes. Not the blue he expected, more of a teal colour. And there was a streak of white in the black hair, longer than Tim had worn it but…

“Tim?” he whispered.

Wraith yanked at the muzzle, reaching for the back, and Jason reached around his head, feeling for whatever secured it. Wraith…Tim? Turned around to let him see and Jason felt sick at the sight. But he lifted his hands to it and went to work unlatching it, relieved when it fell away.

Wraith kept his back to him, the slightest hitch to his shoulders as he breathed. Why did he wear it? Unless someone else had put it on him and he hadn’t been able to get it off by himself? But then how would he eat or drink. Jason put his hand on one shoulder and gently tugged, Wraith shuddered but then turned. And on his face…Jason traced the scar carefully; he recognised it though he’d never seen it in person.

“Tim,” he choked out. “You’re…how? You were…there was a funeral. But Kon said your grave his empty now.” The white in his hair, the change to his eyes, that suggested something that made him sick, but it would explain his fighting skills. But the Lazarus Pit only worked on the newly dead, it did explain the missing hand scar. But why had the one on his face remained.

“Jason,” Tim’s voice was a croak, changed from what he remembered, but Tim was older now.

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Tim was terrified, though he didn’t show it, he’d had that beaten out of him since waking. Jason knew it was him, recognised him, had come looking for him. He’d been one of the first that Tim had tracked down to check on, he’d only had Ra’s word of the older boy’s survival. Finding him splitting his time between an apartment and the Manor was a relief, he’d healed from the Joker. He had left the gifts for Selina and Pam, though he hadn’t had the chance with Harley yet. He’d been trailing Mother when she’d nearly been attacked, had intervened despite the risks.

He knew why he’d been sent to Gotham, Ra’s poison in his ears. Sometimes, it was hard to think beyond what that man had spent years pounding into his head. But it wasn’t true. Jason wore the wyvern for him, that was obvious from the way he still left flowers at his grave, worked at the memorial centre.

Hesitantly he reached out and Jason wrapped his arms around him, Tim resting against his chest, armour between them. And just like when he was a kid, he felt safe.

“I’ve got you Tim,” Jason murmured, still bigger than him, taller, even after the Pit. Genetics ensured Tim would never match Jason for height or muscle mass.

But would he keep him? When he knew all of the things Tim had done? The green that poisoned his mind and body. He clung to Jason’s armoured gear, pressing his face into his shoulder, shuddering. For the first time in ages, he was fighting tears. And then a hand began gently stroking over his hair and he lost the fight.

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Jason felt Tim shaking, heard the hitch to his breathing. Was he crying? What had he been through since his resurrection? If he’d been in the League’s hand since…Jason hated to imagine. So, he just held on to his best friend, dropping his head down to press his nose to Tim’s hair, strange scents but under it all was the Tim he remembered from their very few touches back then.

“You’re home now, you’re safe,” he promised. If Ra’s dared to show his face in Gotham or send his ninja, Jason had no issues with letting Young Justice loose on them. They’d be very happy to defend Tim. As would Tim’s Aunts.

“You…you don’t know what I’ve done,” Tim’s whispered, voice thick with tears, still croaky, hoarse. And that made sense, he doubted Tim could speak in the muzzle so his voice just needed exercising.

“Ra’s, right?” he asked, and Tim tensed but nodded against him. “I can make some pretty good guesses from B’s stories and research. “You’ve been in the Pit.”

Tim nodded again and then pulled away, Jason letting go reluctantly. Tim rubbed the tears from his eyes. “I... the explosion so close, the damage, even once I was alive. I couldn’t really function.”

“The Pit was to fix your mind,” Jason finished for him, imaging Tim with brain damage, the smart kid reduced to something else. He’d have to thank Ra’s before hitting him.

“I’m…I’m not right, Jason. I’m dangerous. He said so many things, over and over.”

“Ra’s lied to you about what happened after you died. He wanted a weapon against B,” Jason might not be as smart as Tim but he was no slouch.

Tim nodded, something wary in his stance. Scared that Jason would turn on him.

“Selina came to the Cave, while Dr T and Alf were tending to me. She’d gotten a time delayed email. She was screaming at B, beating at him. And your Mom was broken, she…she painted your nails for the funeral, that was when she met Selina. I would have been there but I was basically comatose. They didn’t know if I’d recover or how much. They all came to the funeral and B didn’t say a word, even though it risked our ID’s. Selina, Harley, and Pam…they tracked the Joker to the UN and they killed him, for you.”

Tim took a shuddering breath.

“I’m Red Wyvern, for you Tim. Every year on your birthday we sit at the grave and have your favourite cake, just talk.”

Jason stared at his first real friend, even when they’d barely known each other. He was still Tim, different, scarred…but the quiet boy with the bright smile was still in there, struggling against Ra’s poison.

“You’re home Tim and we won’t let that bastard take you again.”

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Tim wanted to believe him, to believe Gotham could be home again, that he’d be accepted. But how could he? Hearing Jason speak of Aunt Selina’s grief at his message, of his mother caring for…for his corpse by painting his nails… that had been long gone when he woke from the grip of the Pit Madness. His body had been wiped clean, every scar on his body earnt in training and service to Ra’s…even the one on his face had been given in the League. Tim still remembered the hands holding him down as the knife cut into his face, a reminder.

“Let me help you Tim,” Jason pleaded, and Tim wavered.

Jason had changed and grown while he was…gone. He was in university! He did charity work and still went out night after night, despite what the Joker had done to him. There was a calmness there that hadn’t existed before, acceptance. Like he’d finally found his place and now Tim was back, messing everything up. Ra’s would happily kill Jason to get him back under his thumb and Tim couldn’t allow that.

“I shouldn’t have…he’ll target you…”

And then his hands were caught by Jason’s, his old friend staring at him, eyes dark with worry. “Breathe Tim, just breathe with me,” Jason urged, pressing Tim’s hand to his chest. “It’s okay, we’re safe right now.”

And Tim realised why he was on edge…his vision was tinted green from his fear. He closed his eyes and followed Jason’s breathing. He forced back his fear and hatred of Ra’s, he didn’t want to scare Jason.

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Kon leant back on the couch. He’d heard Jason’s soft, desperate whisper of Tim earlier, had heard someone crying, and was doing his best to monitor without eavesdropping. It was a fine balance and one he was still getting the hang off. His hearing wasn’t always the easiest to control.

“Jason’s made contact,” he murmured to keep Bart in the loop in case a rescue was needed. “He seems to think Wraith is Tim now.”

“That’s great!” he could hear Bart grinning.

And he was right, they had all seen how Jason still grieved for the boy who had died saving him and trying to save his birth mom. But then, why hadn’t Tim gone to the Bats from the start? If someone had stopped him…this could be a trap.

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Seeing Tim’s eyes glow toxic green had been a shock that scared him, but thankfully Tim had listened to him, calming down. But he got it, Tim was scared that Ra’s would use them against him.

“You want to see your Mom? She misses you so much Tim. She kicked Jack to the curb, took him to court and won, because of you.”

“Jack?” Tim asked softly.

“Dead and gone, he’s no threat.”

Tim nodded, sagging, and Jason carefully hugged him again. It felt so good to have Tim alive and safe.

“I don’t want to hurt her,” he admitted.

“The Pit…your eyes glowed.”

“I…I’m too compatible with it, it’s in my head and it won’t go away. I’m not safe Jason.”

“We can take precautions,” Jason promised. Janet was the closest to a mother he had anymore. She was always willing to listen to him, to give advice, and he even had a room in Drake Manor.

“Were you mad? When you found out I lied to you?” Tim asked.

“When?” about being back?

“Alvin,” Tim answered and then coughed.

“Sit, I’ll see what’s in the kitchen. You haven’t drunk the tap water, have you?”

“I was brain damaged, not an idiot,” Tim scoffed, and Jason fought back a shudder. Gothamite humour but it was a bit soon. “I only just set this place up.”

Jason went to the kitchen, finding water bottles thankfully. He dug around and came up with some basic tea bags, pouring the water into the kettle to boil. It would be best if they had lemons and honey but they’d make do. When he went back with two mugs, he smiled at the sight of Tim out of Wraith’s armour, curled on the ratty old couch. He nudged him gently and Tim took a mug, inhaling the steam.

Jason put his own mug down and stripped down as well before sitting beside him. “B told me the truth once I was able to stay conscious long enough to listen to the whole story. And I was never angry, ex-street kid remember? Giving out your real name can be dangerous. I just wish…we could have been friends as Jason and Tim, not just Robin and Alvin.”

“I wanted that too, I was just…too scared to approach, to let you know that I knew.”

He leant back and then carefully tugged Tim into his side. He was well aware he was taking risks, that Tim could easily slip a blade between his ribs, but he chose to trust him. And Tim was stiff at first before slowly relaxing into him, sipping the tea. From where they were sitting, he could see the discarded helmet and muzzle and he realised, the two slotted together, Tim couldn’t wear the helmet without the muzzle. Ra’s really was sick.

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She stared at the image frozen on her screen. A figure in red and black, fully covered, leaving flowers on Tim’s grave. And then a few moments later, Jason arrived with his own, looking around warily.

Why the hell would Wraith be leaving flowers for Tim? She had to warn everyone. Did they know their ID’s?

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Janet smiled as she answered the phone. “Hello Jason.”

“Hey Janet, you at home?”

“Yes, is something the matter?”

“No, I just…I’ve got something for you. I’ll come over.”

“Alright, I’ll see you soon.”

He was such a thoughtful boy. She understood what Tim had seen in him.

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Tim paced, agitated, listening to Jason speak with Mother. Mother…he had missed her so much. He must have hurt her so badly when he was killed. Seeing her the other evening, it had been so hard to leave, but the Pit had been screaming in his head. He hadn’t been in control enough to stay. He might have hurt her. He never wanted to hurt her.

“Ready?” Jason asked.

“Have you got any sedatives?”

“Yeah…”

“If something…you use them, please. If I hurt either of you…”

“You won’t Tim,” Jason told him firmly, catching him as he tried to keep pacing. “You love your Mom; you would never hurt her. You saved her.”

Tim nodded slowly and then followed Jason from the apartment. He was crazy, he should leave, leave Gotham and find somewhere to hide that Ra’s would never think of. How long until he realised Tim had gone massively off script?

“How’d you know to check the gargoyle?” he asked as they walked.

“George?” Jason asked and Tim snorted, of course he’d named it. “Impulse, Bart, he was born in the future. He put things together, told Kon to check your grave. He found it was empty and Bart insisted you had to be Wraith. I figured if it was true then maybe you’d left a sign at our gargoyle.”

“We must have just missed each other, I only just moved into that safehouse.”

“Good timing then.” Jason smiled at him, and Tim couldn’t help smiling back.

Their fingers brushed as they walked and then Jason’s hand slowly wrapped around his. Being touched without pain was a novel experience now but one he was willing to soak up for as long as it lasted. He knew Batman’s rules, once he found out, Tim wouldn’t be welcome in Gotham. Arkham couldn’t hold him, not with his training now, but he could be driven from the city. He would take what he could get till then, or until Ra’s realised.

He would not be the reason for Jason’s death.

TBC…

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 10

Janet sat on the couch, checking her emails while she waited for Jason to arrive. She did wonder what he was being so secretive about. A surprise? She would have to wait and see. He must have come from the city given the time it took for him to arrive. She knew the sound of his bike coming up the drive, so she set her computer aside.

The door opened and shut again. “Janet?” Jason called.

“Lounge,” she answered, and then Jason was there, and she stood. “What’s wrong?” Had he been crying?

“It’s good news,” he immediately reassured her. “It’s just…it’s hard to believe. But this is real, he’s real.”

“Who Jason, what’s going on?” She asked.

Jason motioned for her to stay and ducked out of the room, talking to someone too quietly for her to hear and then he reappeared with a stranger beside him. She looked them over, taking in the worn jeans and long-sleeved t-shirt, scuffed black boots on their feet. Black hair down to their shoulders with a shock of white, teal eyes and on their face…that scar. She remembered seeing the wound even underneath the makeup the mortuary had used to conceal her son’s injuries. But… she looked between them in confusion and shock.

“Mother?” the young man’s voice was shaky, deeper than she remembered, but it still sounded like him. he hesitantly lifted a hand towards her, revealing nails painted a familiar colour…the same colour as the dress she’d worn to the last gala they had ever attended together.

“Timothy?” her legs were shaking as she stared at the young man before her, unable to put the pieces together.

He looked like her boy, but also different. it made sense, he had just turned fourteen when he was killed and now…now he was seventeen, closing in on eighteen.

“I swear Janet, it’s him,” Jason promised. “He was resurrected and then kidnapped by some pretty nasty people.”

She could see the fear in teal eyes, the hesitance, and she reached out for her son.

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Tim was terrified that she would deny him. He knew he looked different thanks to the Pit and eye colour was not generally something that changed once older than a baby. She was a beautiful as he remembered, but he didn’t think he’d ever seen her dressed so casually. Had she always been so fancy because of Jack? It felt strange to know the man who had controlled them was gone…and replaced by someone even worse for Tim. He would not let Ra’s hurt her, even if she turned him away.

But she reached out for him, taking his hand in hers, her other hand reaching for his face and Tim barely kept from flinching as her fingers traced the scar on his face. “My son,” she whispered.

“Mom,” he choked out, throat tight.

She pulled him into her arms and Tim clung on tight. He wasn’t going to cry again, he wasn’t. he shuddered as he felt her fingers running through his hair which wasn’t the nicest after the helmet and muzzle but she didn’t seem to care.

“I’m here, I’ve got you,” she whispered, and that was it, he couldn’t stop the tears.

He’d gotten so used to the abuse, to the behaviour from Ra’s that made him feel sick but first Jason and now his mother had touched him in such a different way, it was…love, it was love.

“You’ve grown so much,” she murmured, wiping at her eyes when he had to pull away, unable to handle being hugged so much. “Such a handsome young man.”

“Mother!” He fought the urge to blush even as she smiled at him.

“Come, sit down and we can talk. Do you want something to drink? Are you hungry?”

“He could probably use some more tea with honey for his throat,” Jason piped up.

“Are you sick?” she asked in alarm, and Tim shook his head.

“Haven’t talked much lately,” he offered, he couldn’t tell her that he’d had a muzzle locked on him before being ‘allowed’ to come to Gotham. As much as Ra’s wanted to use him in many scary ways, the man was smart enough to not trust Tim’s loyalty.

“I’ll make you the tea,” she promised, gently nudging him to the couch, and he watched her walk to the kitchen in confusion.

“She cooks?” he asked, and Jason chuckled.

“Yeah, started learning after divorcing Jack.” Jason moved to sit beside him. “You okay?”

Tim nodded, leaning into his side. “She…” he coughed, throat aching. He’d tried to talk even with the muzzle, knowing this would happen when it came off, but it hadn’t been enough.

“She loves you,” Jason murmured.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Janet went through the motions of making the tea on autopilot. Timothy…Tim…her son was sitting in the other room with Jason. How was it possible? Heroes coming back was one thing, but her son hadn’t been involved in that. Oh, she was pretty sure she knew the Wayne secret and that he had known it long before she had. His utter fascination with the Wayne boy’s would be explained by his knowledge of their secrets. And after his death she’d found some interesting clothing, the kind perfect for sneaking around at night.

When had he come back? The most obvious time…why hadn’t she insisted on checking the coffin? But would it have been too late even then? Had Tim already been taken? For Jason to call them ‘pretty nasty’ whoever had taken him had to be horrible.

The tea made, she put three cups on a tray with some blandish snacks, not sure what he liked now. She carried it out and set it on the table, seeing the way Tim leant into Jason. He looked exhausted. Had he just run from whoever had him? He was taller, his shoulders broader, and even fully covered, she could tell he had muscle. So he hadn’t been starved or anything, or at least, not recently. It seemed that he had gotten Jack’s height but the rest of his features still favoured her.

She took her own cup for something to do with her hands, watching as Jason handed Tim one before taking his own. It was obvious to her that Jason’s crush on Tim was still there, but how did her son feel about him? After his death, resurrection, and everything after was Tim even in the kind of mental and emotional place where he could deal with a crush, let alone a relationship?

“Your room is still yours, though I assume you’ll want to redecorate. And I doubt you have much luggage?” She asked, watching his eyes widen, but then he shook his head.

“I can’t, I’m sorry Mother, it’s not safe…I’m not safe.” He stared at the floor, not looking at her.

“What do you mean?” she asked, looking from her son to Jason who grimaced.

He nudged Tim gently who nodded after a second. “When Tim came back, he was…brain damaged from the explosion. To fix that he was exposed to something that has some nasty side effects. And apparently Tim was very compatible with this stuff. It’s why his eye colour is different and the white in his hair. It’s called Pit Madness and if it triggers…Janet, he could kill you without even being aware of it until he came out of the episode. And those people are likely going to come for him when they realise that he’s gone off script by contacting us.”

She felt sick. Her poor son… what had they done to him? Tim, who had always been so controlled (and some of that was a defence against Jack), so smart…to have been brain damaged and now not always in control of his actions… she saw him shrinking in on himself slightly, face blank. She put her cup down and reached out to take his hand.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Kon checked on Jason again, finding he wasn’t where he’d been…oh, Drake Manor. That made sense, it had to be good, right? He didn’t listen to the conversation though, that would be rude. Jason would call for him if he needed them.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim stood in the doorway, staring into his past. It was hazy in his memories but it seemed basically untouched. He forced himself to move, walking inside. He found himself going for his hiding spot but it was empty…right, he’d left that message, Mr Wayne would have taken the contents to keep them hidden.

He’d dreamt of coming home, to Mother, to Jason…but he’d never been able to believe it could happen. He was a killer now, not that she knew that for sure but after the explanation of the Madness she had too at least suspect. And Jason was a Bat! But it was all new, with time and space to think, they may change their opinions about his return. Especially if, notwhen, Ra’s came for him.

He moved around the room like a ghost, taking it all in. And it was stark proof of the fact that his perfect memory was no longer perfect thanks to a bomb and Pit. He ran his fingers over his childhood desk, finding no dust. Did Mother clean it or did a housekeeper?

Tim ended up sitting on the bed, just staring at the shelves. His room had always been properly decorated but now he could see some changes, books that he had loved, had talked to Jason about in their notes were now on the shelves. Had he talked to her about them?

“Selina emptied the hidden safe, took a few small things as well,” Jason murmured from the doorway, and Tim looked up at him. “You left that statue for her, the plant for Pam?”

Tim nodded before looking back at the floor, hearing Jason walking across the room.

“Hey,” Jason whispered, and Tim felt a hand gently run through his far too greasy hair. “How are you feeling?”

“Waiting for the other shoe?” he mumbled, unable to help leaning into Jason’s touch.

“You’re going to be okay. If that bastard comes after you, he’s going to find Young Justice standing between you. And there’s no way Dick won’t help too which will probably bring the Titans in.”

They both jumped as Jason’s phone rang. He checked it and sighed. “B.”

“Are you going to tell him?” Tim asked. He knew Bruce would know about his little murder spree, the man would want to lock him up, he didn’t let murderers walk free.

“Easy Tim, it’s going to be okay,” Jason promised, tugging him against him. He kept petting his hair and then answered his phone, Tim remaining silent.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Jason told Bruce that he was with Janet, not mentioning Tim. It would be Tim’s choice who learnt about his resurrection and return. And honestly, it might be best to get others on his side first. Dick and Babs for sure, hopefully Alfred. He’d been a soldier, had guns stashed around the Manor just in case, surely, he would understand Tim’s actions. And who knew how much influence the Pit had on Tim’s mind and actions. After years of Ra’s tutelage as well, Tim’s actions had actually been pretty mild. He’d taken out some of the worst, some street level gang members. But further research had also shown he didn’t always use lethal force or even go to it as a first option.

So yeah, Dick and Babs, even Steph, would be the more accepting Bats than Bruce. But with all of them or even most of them, on Tim’s side, then surely the man wouldn’t dare act. Young Justice was already on side since Bart had worked it out, well, Cassie would likely agree with them. Amazons were warriors after all and he knew that Diana had admitted that she would kill many of the worst of Gotham’s Rogues if she operated in the city. Which meant Diana would likely be willing to hear Tim out and protect him. Superman would be the biggest worry after Bruce and maybe the Lanterns?

Bruce had taken Tim’s death badly, because he had failed and a child died. So, guessing his reaction to Tim’s resurrection and Pit dip was not easy. But Bruce knew the best of all of them how good Ra’s was at getting into people’s head and no matter how smart he was, Tim had been a kid. A scared and confused kid who was dealing with the Pit Madness. But that might just make Bruce chose a nicer institution away from Gotham to try and lock him up in.

“You lied to Batman,” Tim mumbled into his stomach, and Jason laughed.

“I run Young Justice; I’ve had to get good at it.” He moved to sit beside Tim on the bed, taking his hand. Was it weird he couldn’t stop touching Tim? But if he didn’t then he was afraid Tim would vanish. “Tim…how long was that thing on you?”

“Since I left the League,” Tim answered softly, tensing slightly.

“How…could you eat or even drink?”

“There’s a small straw hole so liquid meals. He…he didn’t trust me on missions, that I wouldn’t try to call for help from Superman or even just use a phone to call you. So every time I left the base…”

“They forced you into the muzzle. But if he doesn’t trust you, why let you come to Gotham and alone?” that didn’t make sense.

“He…he’d tell me stuff about everyone here and…and I acted like I believed him. But I didn’t mean it, I swear.”

“It’s okay Tim, you did what you had to, to survive and get away.”

“I used to use him to get mad and trigger the green rage so he thought I was insanely mad at you all,” Tim paused, and Jason handed him the water bottle he’d brought up with him. Tim sipped at it for a while. “He’ll know soon, when I don’t start targeting you guys. Well, you and Mr Wayne. He had nothing to use against Dick and Barbara since I never interacted with them.”

“We could stage something if needed. Have my team swoop in and force you to retreat. Guessing he trained you to be able to take on at least two bats at a time so retreating from them would be more acceptable.”

“Maybe,” Tim answered, and Jason realised Tim was leaning more and more heavily against him.

“You should sleep.”

“Not here, Jason…”

“Okay, I’ll take you back.” He hated it, maybe Tim would let him stay at least for a while. The thought of Tim alone in that crummy safe house made him sick. But if Ra’s was having him checked on then he had to stay in safe houses, it would be too risky for him to stay in Jason’s apartment.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Janet watched Jason’s bike until it vanished from sight. She wanted her son home but she couldn’t put him through the stress of being afraid of hurting her. Whatever Tim needed to heal, she would ensure he had it. She just wished she could do more.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim let Jason walk him into the apartment, he was exhausted. Emotionally and physically. He didn’t even think, stripping off his clothing as he walked towards the bedroom, not hearing the soft noise Jason made. He collapsed on the mattress, trying to find the blankets, but then they were being settled over him.

“Get some sleep Timmy,” Jason’s voice sounded far away.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Jason stared at Tim’s back as the younger teen walked towards what had to be the bedroom, swallowing hard. Did he realise he’d stripped in front of him? He slept naked?! He’d definitely grown up. The training had done good things to his body but…those scars on his back. Jason shuddered but followed Tim, sure he was too tired to actually put himself to bed properly.

Sure enough, he’d just dropped onto the bed and was groping blindly for the blankets. Jason grabbed them and pulled them up to cover him, getting a closer look at the scars. “Get some sleep Timmy,” he whispered.

He left the bedroom and collapsed on the couch, fighting back a scream. Tim had…he’d been…but of course Ra’s wasn’t above torture to ensure obedience. Tim had been whipped badly enough to leave scars. There were few people he’d ever felt murderous towards, Ra’s was now on the list. And he knew at least three ladies in Gotham who would help him, plus his own team. The facial wound from the explosion had scarred, or had it? The scar on his hand was gone and there was no sign of where his chest had been caved in. Surely not even Ra’s was that sadistic? Who was he kidding, the man was as much a madman as the Joker had been, just in a different way.

He couldn’t let Tim know that he’d seen, he’d worn long sleeves to hide his arms and the training scars there so the ones on his back would likely be worse. He got up and picked Tim’s clothing up, slipping back into the room to toss it as if Tim had stripped in there and not the main room. He carefully closed the door and then looked around the apartment. It was depressing, surface level clean only. Well, he could fix that.

TBC….

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 11

Tim woke slowly, burying his face in the pillow and then he froze, his face…he sat up and touched his own mouth. The muzzle was gone? And then the memories trickled back, Jason…Mother… he got up and realised he was naked, his clothes scattered, fallen where he’d dropped them as he stripped. He went to pull on clean clothes but then felt his hair. Shower first. He left the bedroom and then froze, meeting wide blue eyes. Oh.

“Morning Timmy,” Jason greeted, voice a little higher than normal, even as Tim’s hands moved to try and cover his scars. He couldn’t let him see them, not caring that Jason could see other areas of his body. But then hands caught his, stopping his frantic movements. “Hey, it’s okay. Take a breath Tim.”

Tim sucked in a breath like he said, closing his eyes, trying to calm his racing heart. Jason…he hadn’t turned away; he didn’t look disgusted.

“You know what the Joker did to me,” Jason murmured. “You think I’m not covered in scars?”

Tim shuddered, leaning into him. Jason shouldn’t have to live with that. Tim deserved it, but Jason didn’t.

“You survived and made it home, you’re stronger than Ra’s could ever be. Just like I survived and healed and the Joker’s dead. We’ll both be okay because they underestimated us.”

Tim clung to him, listening to him. Could he be right? “I’m scared,” he whispered.

“I know,” Jason answered. “When you’re ready, you can meet my team. They’ll help keep you and Janet safe. Alfie will help too; he was a soldier or spy or something before working for B’s parents. He understands. Dick’s had dealings with Ra’s and the League, he’ll understand you had no choice. And Bab’s is a cops kid, her dad’s shot people before.”

“And Bruce?” he asked shakily. He wanted to believe Jason, that they would understand and help, but it was so hard.

“Honestly…I don’t know. He took your death really badly, Tim. He blamed himself a lot, for leaving me there alone when he knew the Joker was there and my birth mom. Blamed himself for not realising you were tailing us, for getting back too late to save you. Having you alive might help relieve that but knowing you were alive and trapped with Ra’s…might be something else to blame himself for. We thought someone vandalised your grave, no one thought to check the coffin.”

“Why would you?” Tim asked.

“Tim, do you…do you remember getting out?”

He grimaced, stepping back, looking at the clothes in his hands. “Maybe? Everything before coming out of the Pit Madness is so jumbled. But…there was rain and mud, flashes of light…couldn’t breathe. I can’t sleep on my back anymore.”

Jason kept his eyes up, he was not going to ogle Tim, he was distressed enough. It felt nice to have Tim press close without armour between them, to feel the warmth of life. He hadn’t slept well, Tim’s couch sucked and he kept thinking it was all a dream.

And then Tim stepped back, not looking at him, and Jason felt sick. Maybe the memories weren’t real, just his mind trying to fill in the blanks, but it didn’t matter, they obviously felt real enough to Tim. He felt sick, wishing that he had been there or someone who would have helped Tim but…if Tim had been that badly brain damaged, could he have ever healed without the Lazarus Pit?

“Okay,” he whispered, not sure what else to say. “You should get a shower; I’ll figure out some breakfast.”

Tim nodded and then vanished into the cramped bathroom.

Jason scrubbed at his face with his hands before heading into the kitchen and yeah… “Hey Kon? I could use a grocery drop off.”

Kon listened to Jason and then headed to the store, he sounded stressed but not angry or scared. He quickly got the food that Jason had listed, most of it stuff that would last, and then headed to drop it in front of the door, knocking quietly to let his friend know it was there. So far, everything seemed to be going well. Kon did wonder if they’d have a mission soon though, because from what little he’d overheard, Tim hadn’t had a pleasant time since his resurrection. A bit of payback could be nice.

Tim stood under the lukewarm water, scrubbing furiously at his hair. It felt so good to really be able to get it clean for the first time in months. He’d been locked in the muzzle since he left the base, for his entire journey and all of his time in Gotham. He was more careful in washing his face, not wanting to risk hurting his skin, feeling the fuzz on his face. Right, he’d have to see if Jason could teach him to shave before he left. There wasn’t a lot but it was still annoying.

He eventually got out as the water started going truly cold, drying off and then ringing out his hair. He got dressed and then found himself staring in the mirror. He didn’t really recognise the face staring back at him. it was weird, he always expected to see the fourteen-year-old boy who died in the mirror. He’d be eighteen soon, but it didn’t feel real. Why had he come back? How? He was baseline human, no meta gene or alien ancestor. Sometimes it felt like a mistake, like he should still be dead. And that was when he focused on his Mother, on his Aunts, on Jason – he had to live for them. Even if he’d never seen them, he knew they wouldn’t want him to die again.

This was him now, scarred and lethal, not the person he had ever imagined himself being. He hated Ra’s, the man had healed his mind while pouring his poison into Tim. He wanted a weapon against Bruce, Batman. And several times, Tim had succumbed to his twisting, doing things that made him feel sick in his rational moments. Thankful, the green periods had lessened in intensity and frequency, though he was careful to hide that from Ra’s as much as possible. He would find a way forward, he would. He wouldn’t be what Ra’s had moulded him into; he didn’t have to kill anymore…did he?

Tim took a deep breath and left the bathroom, following his nose to the tiny kitchen and there was Jason, cooking…with what food? Jason turned and smiled at him and Tim found himself smiling back, the scar on his face tugging slightly. Ra’s had made sure he could never forget it was there; he had told Tim that they were just returning his mark of failure. Ra’s said that Tim should have made it, should have been able to get her out too or left her to die for betraying Jason. Apparently, the cut had still been weeping a little when they had found him, was listed in his autopsy report.

“Where’d you find food?” he asked, voice still raspy.

“Superboy dropped it off, he’s staying at my place for a bit, at first to be sure I wasn’t walking into a trap. I think he needs a break from his family though.”

Tim nodded and walked to the counter, feeling his stomach clench at the smell. He hadn’t had a solid meal since he left the League, and Jason obviously knew it since the food was all easy to digest stuff.

“Liquid diets are never very filling, so you need to ease back into solids.”

“I know.”

“Here.”  A mug was put down in front of him, tea doctored with honey. “How is your voice when you’ve been out of that thing for a while?”

“Not painful but a bit raspy. Has been ever since I can remember past the green.”

“Thought the Pit would have healed it, and…” Jason hesitantly motioned towards his face, and Tim looked away.

“Ra…Ra’s said I needed the reminder of failure,” he admitted softly.

“Morning Alfie.”

“Good morning, Master Dick,” Alfred answered as Dick slid into his normal seat at the table.

“No Jason?” Dick asked, he’d stayed last night because Jason was going to be coming home for the day.

“He didn’t patrol last night,” Bruce offered.

“We were meant to be meeting here this morning.” He dug his phone out to check for messages. “Huh, something came up with Kon.”

“Hn.”

Dick hid a smirk. For Jason’s sake, the YJ team were tolerated in Gotham but that didn’t mean that Bruce liked it. Dick was just glad his little brother had friends closer to him in age than Dick’s teammates. Jason had really grown since joining the team too.

Jason monitored Tim as he ate, making sure he was careful. Thankfully, he was and he kept the food down. But now what? He wanted to tell everyone that Tim was alive and back but he doubted Tim could handle it. They didn’t want to risk him being overwhelmed and lashing out. He assumed Tim would be willing to reach out to his Aunts next, he’d already left gifts for two of them after all.

“I’m okay,” Tim murmured, and Jason nodded.

“So, what’s next?” he asked. “Do you want to try and trick Ra’s into thinking you’re still following the plan? Or do we start reaching out to people who will help if he comes for you? My team will help and I’m sure Wonder Woman would be willing as well. Your Aunts will be out for his blood when they find out.”

Tim took a shaky breath and Jason fell silent, letting him think, giving him space. “Ra’s would have plans to deal with their powers,” he warned.

“Probably, but they’ve been undergoing Bat training so they can fight without them. And Dick’s dealt with the League before, not as much as B.”

Tim stiffened and Jason reached out, touching his hand.

“I won’t tell him Tim; I won’t force you to tell anyone or do it without your permission Well…if Ra’s managed to snatch you, then I’d tell so we could mount the best rescue. The better plans we have in place, the less risks there are.”

Tim nodded slowly, hesitantly turning his hand, and Jason slipped his fingers through Tim’s holding his hand. How starved for good physical contact was he? Between being left alone as a kid and then shoved into a cult of killers… So Jason held his hand as they began working on plans.

Janet couldn’t focus on work, her mind continually going to her son…her living son. It felt like a dream but then her phone had received a text from an unknown number, it had been a good morning message from Tim. He really was alive and back in Gotham. She wished he could come home but how could she press when he was trying to keep her safe? And she couldn’t even talk to anyone about it, no one else knew that he was alive. Surely, Tim would reach out to his Aunts soon?

And then her phone beeped again, a message from Jason. She opened it and smiled softly at the photo. It was time, fast asleep on a ratty old couch. He looked…peaceful, relaxed, and she was glad. He’d tried to hide it, but he’d been tense the whole time he was at the Manor. She made to sure to securely save the photo and then deleted the message, she didn’t want to risk anyone finding it.

All she wanted was for Tim to be safe and happy, could that ever happen? Could the Bats protect him from whoever had hurt him?

Tim forced himself to stay calm, he could do this. Wasn’t it better to meet someone new, someone with no expectations of what he was like? Jason trusted Superboy, Kon-El. Jason was driving, Tim holding on around his waist and it was nice, being so close to someone who wasn’t trying to hurt or kill him. He had to be crazy to do this but…he wanted to stay, to be safe.

Jason parked and Tim slowly let go to get off. He’d slipped by Jason’s apartment when he first arrived in Gotham, had glimpsed him through the blinds, but he’d never truly looked inside.

“It’ll be okay,” Jason promised, offering his hand, and Tim took it.

He felt safe when Jason held his hand, which was just dumb since it would make them both slower to respond to an attack. But his hand was warm, gentle, and those were two things that Tim had been left without since waking with the League. Jason had seen, well, everything and he still let Tim close, didn’t flinch away from him. Did…did he not realise what Tim had done? Would he lose his support when Jason found out?

Jason opened the door and Tim let himself be led inside. It was cozy and just felt like Jason, the one he remembered. Jason didn’t seem very different to the teen he had watched, older sure, but he still seemed to mostly like the same things. And he spotted the well-built teen on the couch immediately, forcing himself not to tense.

The stranger looked at him and smiled but remained seated. “Hi, I’m Kon-El or Conner, it’s good to meet you.”

“Tim,” he offered his name in return, shifting nervously.

Jason squeezed his hand and Tim squeezed back. He tugged slightly towards the other couch and Tim hesitated but then let himself be led there, sitting beside Jason.

Kon could hear Tim’s heart beating too fast, smell that he was perspiring, and he felt bad about causing the anxiety. Given everything he’d probably been through though, he didn’t blame him. “Jason’s told me a lot about you and I’m really glad you’re not dead,” he told him.

He absently wondered, which of them was older? He was a clone, artificially aged, but Tim had been dead for a time. Did that count in his age? He wouldn’t have grown or matured while…a corpse. Going off of Tim’s birthday, he was slightly older physically and he had been artificially matured along with his physical growth but Tim had lived more years than him even including his time dead. Ugh, better to not think about it.

“He told you about me?” he asked in shock.

“Yeah.” He glanced at Jason who shrugged slightly. “I found out his id because of you. It was the anniversary and he’d taken his domino off because he was crying. He told me about what happened and how you saved his life. And how your Aunts dealt with the Joker in return.”

“They what?” Tim looked between them in shock.

“You didn’t know?” Jason asked, and Tim shook his head. “Apparently Selina got a pre-written email from you explaining what you were doing, she showed up in the Cave, B told her what happened. She told Harley and Ivey and the three of them cornered the Joker at the UN when he attacked it. They blocked his escape and, uh, dealt with him. Cassie asked Diana about it after she found out why they killed him, Diana was sent to backup Superman in dealing with him. Apparently, they got in a lot of hits below the belt.”

“Oh,” Tim whispered. “I…I didn’t know. I knew he was dead but not who or why. Ra’s…he was careful to limit my access to outside information.”

“Makes sense, it’d make you easier to control.” Kon knew what that was like, Cadmus had fed him only what they wanted him to know. “So, we kicking Ra’s al Ghul’s ass?” he asked, smirking.

“We’re planning for him to come for Tim since he thinks Tim’s following his plan. When he doesn’t attack me and B though…”

Kon nodded. “Bart and Cassie will help. Young Justice sticks together.”

“I’m hoping Dick can bring in the Titans too. Ra’s has to have contingencies for the Justice League but Dick hasn’t dealt with him since he was Robin, before he had the Titans so hopefully, he won’t expect them.”

And whatever could handle the League could deal with YJ, but the Titans had way more diverse abilities.

“Hey Little Wing,” Dick greeted when his brother picked up.

“Hey Dick, sorry about the other day.”

“No problem, Kon okay?”

“Yeah, he’s staying with me for a bit. Just needed a break, ya know?”

“I definitely know that feeling,” he agreed. How many times had he spent the weekend with the Titans to get away from B as a teen?

He heard voices in the background.

“Hang on.”

Dick waited patiently, he was sure he could hear more than just Jason and Kon talking. One of the other YJ members?

“Want to come to dinner?” Jason asked when he returned.

“Sure, what time?”

“Six?”

“I’ll be there, see you tonight.”

“Bye Dick.”

He liked the kids on Jason’s team and he was grateful for everything they’d given his brother. Friends he could truly be himself around, people who would stand beside him. Sure, Dick would but they were often apart. Dick had gone back to working with the Titans after Jason started with his team, had moved back out of the Manor when Jason did. Without Jason as a buffer, it was a bad idea to live under the same roof as Bruce, no matter how much he loved his Dad. He knew Bruce loved him, loved both of them, but that didn’t mean they always got along.

Why had he said yes? He had to be crazy. Maybe he’d really lost his mind in the Pit and this was all a hallucination. Tim was pacing by the window, considering throwing himself out of it and leaving. But that would make Jason sad and he didn’t want that. He leant his head against the glass, taking slow, deep breaths.

A warm hand gently touched his shoulder and then he was wrapped up in a hug. “It’ll be okay,” Jason whispered, and Tim shuddered.

“He’d hurt me if I showed fear,” he admitted.

“No one here will,” Jason promised. “You’re safe Tim. You are a person, a teenager, you can feal whatever you want.

“I hate him, I hate what he did to me…what he made me…you don’t know.”

“Shh.” Jason gently tugged him around, looking down at him. “You killed those Rogues, didn’t you? A single sharp blow and you were using Sai’s when you saved me and Steph. You think I wouldn’t have killed Joker for what he did if I hadn’t been basically in a coma? That I wouldn’t have asked Selina to take me with her? I’ve never killed, but I grew up on the streets, in Crime Alley. You’re not going around murdering helpless civilians. You stopped people who do that.”

Tim stared at him in shock. He knew? He didn’t hate him for it, find him disgusting?

“Not all the Justice League share Bruce’s views on killing. Even the Titans don’t.”

“Neither do we!” Kon called from somewhere else in the apartment.

And then a knock sounded at the door.

TBC…