Archive of Our Own ^beta

A groan escaped Tim’s throat as the memories and pain from the night before flooded back to his mind.

The man who assaulted him laid sprawled out on the bed, one arm cradling Tim close. The gentleness of his embrace was a stark contrast to the brutalization Tim endured the night before. It was sickening, to say the least.

“Tim?” The man hummed lovingly. “Are you up?”

Tim’s breath caught in his throat, he needed to get out of there. “Uh… yeah. But uh… I have to go. Bruce has this dinner party tonight and I need to be home to help set up.” It was a lie, but he prayed the man wouldn’t pry.

The man propped himself up on his elbows. “Can I come?”

Tim swallowed the bile that rose in his throat. “It’s for Wayne Enterprises stakeholders. You wouldn’t want to come anyways, it’s just business.”

“At least let me drive you home,” he offered.

“I can walk, it’s nice out,” Tim responded, far too quickly for the man’s liking.

“What?” The man tilted his head to look at him. “You don’t wanna spend time with me?” He teased, cupping Tim’s face in his palm.

It took everything in Tim not to physically recoil. “It’s not that. I just need to get my steps in, you know?” He desperately tried to keep his breathing in check.

The man quirked his brow. “You’re gonna be setting up for a dinner party. Isn’t that plenty of steps? Just let me take you home.” He looked at Tim with so much love that it made his skin crawl.

Tim sat up and realized he was far too hungover and injured to make the walk all the way home. “Okay… But we’re going straight to the manor.”

The man looked pleased. “Okay.”

The man made one-sided small talk the entire car ride and by the time they got to the manor, Tim was on the verge of throwing up. He prayed he could make it to his room without being seen. Of course, he wasn’t that lucky.

“Tim?” Dick spoke hesitantly from behind him.

Tim froze and turned around to smile nervously. “I didn’t know you were in town.”

“You uh… you’re bleeding.”

Tim’s heart sank. “What?”

“You’ve got blood on your pants... You really should be more careful-“

“No.” Tim’s chest was now rapidly rising and falling. “You’re lying. I’m not- I’m not bleeding- I-“

“Tim?” Dick furrowed his brow and walked over to place his hand on his shoulder.

Tim shoved him off. “Don’t touch me.” He snapped as Dick stumbled backwards. Before Dick could regain his balance, Tim ran off. He rushed into his room, slamming the door and locking it behind himself. He quickly made his way to the bathroom to look in the mirror and sure enough, his pants were stained with blood.

“No no no,” he muttered, tears pooling in his eyes as he crumpled to the floor, “No.”

His phone buzzed with a text. He tried to make out what it said but his vision was swimming. He couldn’t let his family know what had happened. What would they think of him? He was too smart to get himself into a situation like that. He should have seen the warning signs. Hell, he did see the warning signs and went anyway.

Someone knocked on the door to his room. “Tim? Can I come in?” Dick asked.

“No… no.” If only ’no’ would have worked last night.

“Okay, but Tim, if something happened…” Dick trailed off as Tim started loudly crying.

His words came out strangled as he sobbed, “I-I’m fine.”

Dick sighed, “Tim? Can I please come in?”

“P-promise you won’t t-touch me,” he hiccuped.

Tim could hear the heartbreak in Dick’s response. “Of course, babybird.”

Tim let out a loud sob before making his way to the door. He unlocked it before retreating to his bed. “You can…” he took a shuddering breath, “you can come in.”

Dick opened the door and stood there looking crushed. “Tim,” he sighed, “please tell me I’m wrong about what happened.”

Tim let out a weak laugh. “You’re a detective, aren’t you?”

“Yes, but sometimes I want to be wrong.”

“Yeah, well… you’re not.” He placed his head in his hands and fell into another sobbing fit.

“Oh, Tim.” Dick made his way over and crouched in front of him. “Can I take you to the hospital?”

Tim’s head shot up. “No.” Suddenly, the inability to breathe had returned.

“Okay. We can put a pin in that for now. Can you take a deep breath for me?” Dick’s tone of voice was perfected after years of comforting victims. But Tim wasn’t some victim, he brought this on himself. It was entirely his fault.

He tried catching his breath, but it came out all mangled.

“You’re safe, Tim.”

“I’m not safe.”

Dick’s eyes widened. “Is someone after you?”

“N-no. I just mean… I’m injured, Dick. I have to live with that.”

“Your injuries will heal.”

“But until then..”

“Until then, I’m here for you. Our whole family can be here for you, if you want.”

He shook his head. “They’ll think I’m weak. I can’t- I don’t want- I didn’t- Dick, I- You must think I’m so weak,” he choked out.

Dick clenched his jaw. “Do you think I’m weak?”

That snapped Tim out of it. “What?”

He made eye contact with Dick, who stared intensely at him. “It’s happened multiple times.”

“I didn’t fight back.” Tim bit his lip.

“Neither did I.”

That just caused Tim to cry harder.

“Just breathe, Tim.”

“There’s … videos he sent out.”

Dick did his best not to have a visceral reaction to that. He took a deep breath. “Can I tell O? She can get rid of them.”

He sniffled and wiped his tears. “It’s my fault. I had a bad feeling about him and I still got drunk around him.”

“That’s not your fault.”

“I’m so stupid.” Tim tugged at his hair and it took everything in Dick not to grab his hands. “So many people have tried this before, how could I be stupid enough to actually let it happen!?”

“Tim,” he cringed, trying to ignore that multiple people had tried to assault his baby brother. “You’re not stupid. But I need to know if I can tell Oracle. She won’t judge, she’ll just help.”

Tim nodded. “Please.”

Dick let out a sigh of relief. “Do you want me to make the call here or step out?”

“Can you step out?”

He offered Tim a smile. “Okay.”

“I'm gonna text Cass, I think,” his voice cracked, “I guess I need a tampon or something.”

Dick made a face. “Okay. Definitely not a tampon. Maybe ask for a pad.”

“Okay.” Tim sniffled before laughing. “Good point.”

Dick just sighed. “I’ll be right back.”

Tim sighed as he pulled out his phone and texted Cass. She showed up less than a minute later holding a box of pads. She handed it to him, a sad look on her face.

He sniffled. “Thanks, Cass.”

“Hug?”

He nodded and she swiftly wrapped her arms around him. He felt a pang of guilt for allowing her to hug him and not Dick. But even though he knew deep down that Dick would never hurt him, he’s a man, and Tim couldn’t bring himself to let a man touch him so soon after what happened.

Dick came back into the room looking exhausted. “Oracle’s got a handle on things.”

For the first time since it happened, Tim felt like he could breathe.

“Oracle?” Cass asked.

Tim pulled away from the hug and looked at the ground. “There’s videos.”

Cass looked simultaneously gutted and furious.

Dick stood awkwardly a few feet from them. “Tim, I hate to ask you this the second you’ve calmed down, but can I please take you to a hospital?”

Tim sat on the edge of the bed and stared at his lap. “I don’t have a choice, do I?”

“You do. I’m not gonna force you to do anything. Not after what happened.”

He was silent for a moment before looking back up. “I’ll go.”

“I think you should tell Bruce. He’d want to be there for you.”

Tim looked conflicted. “I should tell him, shouldn’t I?”

“I think so.”

“I’ll get him,” Cass offered.

“Thanks Cass,” Dick sighed. “He should be in his study.”

She offered them a smile before going to find Bruce.

A few minutes later, Bruce walked in looking as unreadable as ever.

Tim shot Dick a panicked look. “I can’t do it.”

“Do what?” Bruce asked.

Dick leaned against the wall. “It’s okay, Tim. He won’t judge. He knows about what happened to me with Catalina.”

Bruce paled. “No.”

Tim nodded, tears welling in his eyes. “I uhm… I’m hurt.”

Bruce maintained his composure. “Have you been to a doctor?”

“Dick’s going to take me soon.”

“I can call Leslie,” he offered.

He shrunk in on himself. “I don’t want her to see me like this.”

“That is understandable. Do you want to talk about it?”

He shook his head, tears welling in his eyes.

“Tim, I am so sorry you had to go through that. I know this is hard to deal with but-”

“How would you know?” Tim snapped. He wasn’t actually mad at Bruce, he was just terrified at the possibility that his father did know what it's like.

But Bruce didn’t snap back, he just sighed. “A while back… Damian’s mother drugged and raped me. It was hard to grapple with for a very long time.”

Dammit. Tim looked at the floor. “Bruce… I’m sorry.”

He brushed it off. “Why don’t we get you to the hospital?”

Tim sniffled and nodded. “I need to change first.”

“That’s fine. We’ll give you some privacy.”

Dick and Bruce left so Tim could get changed. The second the door closed behind them, Tim was hit with a fresh wave of tears. His father and brother both had been hurt the way he was. It was so unfair, so cruel for the people he looked up to so much to be hurt in such a way. It was even harder to imagine how people so strong could be hurt in such a way, they weren’t weak like he is. It was just too much information to process all at once.

He wiped his tears and stood up, heart sinking as he saw a blood stain where he was sitting. He had almost forgotten about that. He sighed before getting changed. He then met Bruce and Dick downstairs.

The three of them headed to the hospital, where Tim was examined and told he had internal bruising and would probably bleed for a few days. Upon hearing that, Tim shut down. The rape was one thing, but having to be reminded of that for days… he couldn’t take that.

He sluggishly left the hospital room to find Dick and Bruce waiting for him. They both stood up the second they saw him, asking what the doctors said.

“I have internal bruising and am expected to bleed and cramp for a few days. They said to come back if it lasts longer than a week” He reported it as though it were an injury on patrol.

Bruce sighed, “I’ll update your medical file when we get home and continue to monitor the bleeding.”

Tim looked at the ground. He didn’t care about his file, he didn’t care about anything other than wanting to go to bed.

Thankfully, Dick seemed to pick up on that. “Let’s get you home.”

“Yeah,” Tim mumbled.

The three of them walked silently to the car. The ride home was awkward and the tension was so palpable that Tim could feel it suffocating him.

Once they got home, Tim rushed to his room and threw himself onto his bed. His world felt like it had ended. He was tired, in pain, and humiliated. It was an awful feeling that he wouldn’t even wish on his worst enemy.

He was dragged out of his thoughts when there was a knock on his door.

“Go away!” He snapped.

“I brought you a snack and a heating pad,” Dick offered.

A heating pad did sound nice right now. His stomach was cramping and it reminded him of the feeling of… well, he didn’t want to think about that. “Okay. Come in.”

Dick quietly opened the door and made his way over to Tim. He set a bag of chips and a ginger ale on his bedside table and plugged in the heating pad before handing it to Tim.

“I don’t think I can eat anything.”

“That’s fine. Just get some rest.”

“Can you leave now?”

“Yeah. Text me if you need anything.”

Tim gave a noncommittal hum and sent Dick on his way. He felt sick to his stomach about everything that happened - the rape, the hospital, breaking down in front of everyone - all of it was eating away at him. Tears filled his eyes as he bundled up under his covers and curled around the heating pad. He just wanted to go back in time and stop it from ever happening, to stop his family from looking at him with such pity. It was a moment of weakness, but he swore to himself to be stronger from now on.

He tried to sleep, he truly did. But all he could think about was the feeling of hands on him, branding him with their filth. He wanted to shower and scrub himself raw, but he knew nothing he could do would cleanse him.

He ended up staring at the spot of blood on his sheets, replaying every touch in his mind for hours. He should have fought back. He was forever tainted, he was disgusting now. And to think that he considered that guy a friend. It was so fucked up, but he told himself he’d mope until patrol and then pull himself together and forget the whole ordeal ever happened.

He must have dozed off eventually, because he was suddenly awoken by Alfred knocking on his door. “Master Timothy, dinner is being served.”

He groaned and sat up, pain shooting up his back as he did so. He didn’t exactly feel like eating, but he knew he needed something if he was going to patrol tonight, so he followed Alfred to the kitchen. There was a tension between the two of them and Tim wondered if his family would be weird around him forever or if it would eventually dissipate.

Things were only worse at the dinner table. Bruce had insisted on everyone eating together and all eyes were on Tim as he picked at his food.

“Why are you all gawking at Drake?” Damian asked, looking between Bruce, Cass, Alfred, and Dick.

“They’re not staring at me,” Tim muttered.

“Yes they are,” Damian rebutted.

Tim spoke through gritted teeth. “Well they should stop.” Tim hated this. He wished he never told anyone what happened. He is strong, he can deal with this on his own. He doesn’t need their pity.

Damian snickered. “Did you get in trouble?”

Tim pushed his food around with his fork, his eyes not leaving his plate. “Sure.”

“Tim is not in trouble,” Bruce spoke up.

Damian tsked. “I was hoping he would be benched from patrol. It would be quite nice without him.”

Tim looked up, his heart stopping when Bruce’s expression changed minutely to something akin to discomfort. “Bruce? Tell me I’m not benched.”

“You’re injured.”

“Barely!” Tears of frustration welled in his eyes. “You can’t take patrol away from me!”

“You need rest, Tim. Now is not the time to overwork yourself.”

“What, you expect me to just sit here and do nothing all night!?”

“I expect you to get some well needed rest.”

“I don’t need rest!” His voice cracked. “I bet you didn’t rest after Talia raped you!”

Damian went quiet, his face unusually pale. “Father?”

Bruce looked at Damian kindly. “We’ll discuss that in a moment.” He then glared at Tim. “Tim, I am not arguing about this. You can come back on patrol once your physical and mental injuries are healed.”

“Whatever,” he spat, refusing to break down in front of his family again. “I’m going to bed.”

He stormed off to his room, slamming his door behind himself and rushing to his bed. He wrapped his arms around his pillow and buried his face in it before kicking his legs like a child throwing a tantrum. He had just had his autonomy taken from him, and now his own family isn’t letting him do the one thing that would help him feel better. It was so unfair.

“Tim?” Dick called from the hallway.

“Go away! I don’t need another lecture.”

“I’m not here to lecture you,” he sighed. “I brought the rest of your dinner.”

He paused for a moment before relenting, “Come in.”

He heard Dick let out a sigh of relief as he opened the door. He brought Tim his plate. “Want some company?”

He snatched the plate from him. “No.”

“Alright, I’ll leave you to it then.” Dick said as he turned around to leave.

“Wait,” he clenched his jaw.

Dick turned around, hope in his eyes. Tim hated that he was going to disappoint him.

“Does everyone know now?”

Dick cringed, “You kind of made it obvious.”

“Do they hate me?”

Dicks face softened, “No.” He seemed so sure of himself, Tim almost believed him.

“Does Bruce hate me? For telling everyone what happened to him?”

“He’s not happy, but he knows it’s because you’re hurting.”

“Damian?”

“Bruce is talking to him now.”

Tims eyes welled with tears, he couldn’t imagine what the others were feeling right now. “Can you leave now?”

Dick, unsurprisingly, looked disappointed, “Sure.” He left without a fuss.

Tim stared at his plate, anger bubbling in his chest. Anger at himself, at his family, at the man who did this to him, and Talia, at Catalina, at the world in general. His grip on his fork tightened as he thought about Bruce benching him. It was so unfair. He was having everything taken from him. His anger built up quickly and exploded as he yelled and threw his fork at the wall next to the door, getting it stuck.

“Tim?” Dick opened the door, eyes frantic. “Are you okay?”

Tims face flushed and he looked at the ground so Dick wouldn’t notice. “I’m fine.”

He looked at the fork sticking into the wall and grabbed it. He walked over to Tim and handed it to him. “You know, Bruce cares more than he lets on.”

“I think he cares too much,” Tim scoffed, accepting the fork, “I don’t need to be benched.”

“How about we have a movie night instead? It’ll keep you occupied.”

”I don't need to be distracted like a child. I’m fine.”

Dick blinked at him. “Tim, you just threw a fork into the wall.”

Tim thought for a moment. “Did Bruce bench you? Like when someone did this to you.”

Dick took a seat on the edge of Tim’s bed. “I wasn’t injured. And I didn’t tell him for a long time.”

Great, Dick could be strong enough to keep it to himself and Tim just had to go and break down on day one.

“I can see you thinking, babybird,” Dick sighed. “What’s going on up there?”

“Nothing. I’m not upset. I’m not as weak as you think I am,” Tim spat.

Dick looked so sad. “I don’t think you’re weak.”

“Then why are you looking at me like I’m some victim!?”

“Because you’re my little brother and someone hurt you in the worst way imaginable… I just want you to accept my help.”

“I don’t need your help!” Tears were welling up in his eyes as his resolve cracked. “I just want to be left alone.” His voice was too small for Dick’s liking.

Dick let out a sigh and stood up. “Just know I’m here for you when you’re ready. I love you, Tim.”

Tim couldn't bring himself to respond as Dick left the room. He couldn’t bring himself to eat either, so he set the food on his bedside table and curled up in bed, turning the heating pad back on before his face crumpled and sobs wracked his body. He just wanted this to stop. He wanted to be treated normally. He wanted to go back in time and stop this all from happening. But he couldn’t, he has to live with this until he dies. He prayed for something to numb the pain.

Tim wished that he didn’t send Dick away. He really wanted a distraction, but he couldn’t bring himself to reach out for help, not after repeatedly embarrassing himself. He bundled up under his blankets and wrapped his arms around an extra pillow as though it was his brother and continued to cry. After an eternity, he wore himself out and fell asleep.

He slept well, but it was merely a brief respite from his suffering. When he woke up, the pain and memories came flooding back to him once again. His face distorted as he twisted around in discomfort, muttering “no” in a half-awake state.

His mouth began to dry and it felt like someone was sitting on his chest, suffocating him. He wanted to scream but couldn’t seem to find his voice. The feeling of hands on him returned and he tried his best to fight them off, only to realize no one was actually there. The fear he might have to live with this feeling forever made his stomach churn. Then, the feeling of hands trailed down his body and suddenly he was gagging. He managed to make it to the toilet before throwing up, but once he started he couldn’t stop.

“Tim?” Bruce’s low voice came from behind him. “Are you alright?”

“Do I look alright?” he choked out, resting his head against the toilet as his chest shakily rose and fell.

“No.”

He screwed his eyes shut. “I can feel his hands.”

“May I touch you?” Bruce’s hands hovered above Tim.

Tim nodded quickly, he needed the pressure of real, safe hands on him. Bruce crouched down and pulled his son into his arms. “You’re safe now.”

Tim turned to bury his face in Bruce’s chest, his breathing still erratic.

Bruce held him tighter. “Try to match my breathing.”

“I can’t,” Tim sobbed.

Bruce cradled his son's head to his chest. “Listen to my heartbeat, feel my breathing. You’re home, you’re safe now.”

Something switched in Tim’s brain and he was able to start to calm down. As his breathing evened, he melted into Bruce’s arms.

“Let’s get you to bed.” Bruce picked him up but Tim immediately started to squirm.

“No.”

Bruce lowered them back to the ground. “Okay.”

“It’s just… I want you to hold me. But he held me in bed. And it’s stupid but-“

Bruce’s heart shattered for his son. “It’s okay. We can stay right here.”

Tim adjusted his position to bury his head in the crook of Bruce’s neck, breathing in his fathers cologne as he let the smell continue to ground him. Once he started to calm down, he muttered apologies into Bruce’s shoulder.

“The only one who should be apologizing is him.”

Tim let his eyes fall shut as he pressed himself closer to his Dad. “Thank you.”

“You’re safe now, I promise he’ll never get to you again.”

Tim foolishly believed him as he let himself drift off to sleep.

———————

A few weeks later, Tim had made a lot of improvement and was genuinely looking forward to the gala that Bruce would be throwing, especially because Dick would be visiting. He met his family downstairs to see everyone before they entered the Gala.

“Tim!” Dick grinned at him and waved him over. “How are you feeling?”

Tim thought for a second before smiling. “You know, I’m actually doing a lot better.”

Bruce placed his hand on his shoulder. “I was thinking… it’d be nice if you joined us on patrol tonight.”

Tims eyes lit up, he had long accepted that Bruce wouldn’t be letting him on patrol for a while. “Really?”

“Yes, you’ve made great improvements during the past few weeks. I’m proud of you, chum.”

Tim threw his arms around Bruce, a giant smile on his face.

A rare smile graced Bruce's features. “Alright, I think our guests are awaiting us.”

Tim pulled away and looked at Dick, who looked so proud of him. He looked at his other siblings, who all had similar expressions of pride. He smiled sheepishly before following Bruce into the banquet hall.

Tim branched off from his family to go mingle with guests.

He was talking to an old family friend when someone put their hands over his eyes. “Guess who?”

Tim’s blood ran cold. He’d recognized that voice anywhere.

“Tim?” The man removed his hands and stepped in front of him. “Are you okay?”

Tim’s breath caught in his throat. “Yeah. I’m fine.” He forced a smile as he watched the woman he was talking to smile tightly and leave.

“Wanna get a drink?” The man asked.

“Uh… sure.”

The two of them went and got themselves drinks. They talked for a while and every fiber of Tim's body was screaming at him to run or fight but he just stood, frozen. The drinking helped. It helped a lot, actually. Even with the man right there, he actually found himself having fun. That was until everything came crashing down around him. He was laughing with the man when he noticed Barbara pointing at them while whispering something to Bruce.

Bruce quickly made his way over, his lips pressed in a tight smile. “Tim, Barbara would like to speak with you while I introduce myself to your… friend.”

“Bruce,” Tim slurred, “‘s fine.”

“Go to Barbara. Now.”

Tim’s eyes widened.

“Now.”

Tim nodded and stumbled over to Barbara, the two of them leaving the banquet hall to go to the living room. Tim sat on the couch and buried his head in his hands.

“Tim?”

“’m already getting a lecture from Bruce… don’t need one from you too.”

“I was just going to ask if you were okay.” She positioned herself in front of him.

“Didn’t wanna cause a scene. I’ve been doing better so I thought I’d just… put up with it,” his words slurred together, but he felt himself quickly sobering up from the adrenaline of being caught.

“We don’t want you to have to ‘put up with it’. We want you to be safe. Your safety is more important than this gala. I hope you know that.”

“It’s no big deal,” he huffed.

She sighed. “Something similar happened to me… So I’m speaking from experience when I tell you, it is a big deal.”

He felt the color drain from his face as he cursed whatever higher power decided the people he loved should be hurt in such horrific ways. “What? When?”

“When the Joker shot me… he stripped me and took photos to send to my father… he also,” she shook her head and cleared her throat. “What's important is… I understand what you’re going through and I know how easy it is to tell yourself its not a big deal. But it is…”

“Babs, you got paralyzed. That's obviously a much bigger deal than this.”

“Don't do that. You don't get to throw my disability in my face and say your experience isn't a big deal because you can still walk.”

“I didn’t mean-”

“I know,” her features softened and she reached out to him.

Before Tim could respond, Bruce walked in, anger radiating off of him. “Tim, why on earth were you drinking with that man!?”

“Drinking made it easier to be around him,” Tim mumbled.

Bruce did not like that answer. “You should have alerted us to his presence immediately. You put yourself in danger tonight.”

“I just wanted to prove I’m strong.”

“Clearly, I was wrong to let you back on patrol.”

Tim’s head snapped up. “Bruce-“

“No. You’ve proven to me that you can’t yet be trusted to make sound decisions.”

Dick rushed in. “What’s going on? Bruce, was that guy-“

“Yes.”

“Tim, are you okay?” Dick rushed to his side.

“I’m fine. I’m strong. I don’t- I’m not- I’m okay.”

Dick sat next to him and Tim shrunk in on himself.

Bruce took a deep breath. “I need to get back to the gala. Tim, we will further discuss this later.”

“I just wanted to be strong.”

Bruce paused. “Putting yourself in danger is not a show of strength.”

Tim just nodded blankly, too intoxicated to find the irony in that statement.

Bruce sighed and left to return to the gala.

“Tim, you should have come to us. We wouldn’t see you as weak.” Dick wrapped an arm around him.

“I needed to prove it to myself.”

“You don’t need to prove anything. You’ve already shown how strong you are.”

“Clearly, not strong enough, Bruce took patrol away again.” Tim stood up. “I’m going to bed.”

“Tim, wait. I want to talk to you.”

Tim looked annoyed but ultimately sat back down.

“I’ll leave you two,” Babs offered them a smile before leaving the room.

Dick sighed. “You’ve heard about Blockbuster, right?”

“Yeah. That girl you were training killed him and you blamed yourself. What’s this have to do with anything?”

Dick took a deep breath. “I was practically catatonic afterwards… from shock. She raped me. I didn’t say no. I blamed myself for years.”

“Dick…”

“Just… I let her do whatever she wanted to me. Not because I was weak, but because I was hurt. You’re hurt, Tim, not weak.”

He looked at the ground. “Thank you.”

“Do you wanna talk about what happened to you?”

Tim thought for a moment. “We were having sex… then it hurt. And I kept telling him that it hurt, like a lot. And he just… didn’t listen… I didn’t fight him. Because if I didn’t fight, I still had control. You know? Not freaking out gave me control.”

“I know exactly what you mean. I think part of me felt the same way.”

Tim leaned against Dick. “How long did it take you to be okay?”

Dick put his arm around him. “It took me a while. I still have bad days, I probably always will. But I’m okay now and one day you will be too.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

Tim leaned more of his weight onto Dick. “Thank you.”

”I’ll talk to Bruce after the gala. Why don’t you get some rest?”

Tim closed his eyes and hummed in agreement. Before he got too comfortable, he felt the presence of someone standing in the doorway. He cracked open his eyes to see Damian standing there, holding Alfred the cat.

“Drake?” He looked so small and unsure, it was unnerving.

Tim sat up. “Yeah?”

“I have an inquiry.”

Tim nodded for him to go ahead.

Damian stared at the floor. “I know you do not like me-“ before Tim could argue, Damian continued, “was that … made worse by recent revelations?”

“Dams, I don’t dislike you. I mean… I get why you’d think that. But why would it have gotten worse?”

He shuffled his feet anxiously. “Due to the circumstances of my conception.”

“Damian, that was not your fault…” Tim frowned. “…I’m not the one you’re worried about hating you, am I?”

He held Alfred tighter. “Does father hate me?”

“Bruce loves you. Your mother’s actions are not your fault.”

“What if I still love my mother? Would he hate me for that?”

“She’s your mom, Damian. Lots of people love their parents despite the awful things they’ve done. And it’s not like you’re going around saying you love her because of what she did.”

Damian sniffled. “I hate what she did! I hate that she hurt Father.” He looked up, his lip quivering. “I hate that I was conceived in that way.” He wiped his tears on the cat. “Sorry, I am aware you are dealing with much more pressing issues.”

“Don’t do that. Don’t diminish your issues for my sake.”

“Tim’s right, Dams,” Dick said. “We all love you and are here if you need to talk.”

He sniffled again and looked longingly at Dick and Tim.

Dick scooted away from Tim, creating room for Damian to sit. “Come here.”

Damian blinked back tears as he made his way to sit with them. Once he sat down he let go of Alfred, who rubbed up against his chest and purred. Tim and Dick each wrapped an arm around him.

“I do not require your comfort.” His voice cracked as he melted into their touches.

They smiled fondly. “We know.”

“Good.” He sniffled and closed his eyes, and a few minutes later soft snores filled the room.

“I think I’m gonna go to bed before Bruce can lecture me again.” Tim whispered to Dick, careful not to wake Damian.

“Good idea. I’ll try to talk some sense into him.”

Tim just sighed. “Thanks.”

Before heading to his room, he snuck behind the open bar and stole a few bottles to stash in his bathroom. If these drinks were able to make him feel good while the man was right in front of him, he couldn't imagine how much they’ll help with the flashbacks. He then bundled up in his bed and quickly fell asleep.

In the morning, he found Cass and Duke playing cards in a room near the main staircase. He sat down to join them when he heard someone knocking on the door.

“Tim?” A voice called. “Tim?”

Tim and his siblings looked around at each other.

“I’ll get Bruce.” Duke rushed off.

Cass took Tim’s hand and opened the door. She then stood in front of him to act as a barricade between Tim and the man. “Go away.”

“I just don’t understand what I did wrong!?” The man whined.

Cass took a step forward, looking at Tim for permission to hit him.

“No. I don’t want this becoming a whole thing.” Tim begged her.

“What are you talking about?” The man asked.

Bruce rushed in followed by Duke. “I suggest you leave.” The look in Bruce’s eyes caused even Tim to flinch.

“Woah.” The man took a step back with his arms raised. “I didn’t do anything. Tim is… Tim is crazy.”

“Commissioner Gordon is on his way to deal with a trespasser. You’ll be lucky if that’s all you’re prosecuted for.”

The man’s face turned angry. “Tim, tell them I didn’t do anything.”

“No!” Tim yelled. “I told you that you were hurting me and you kept going!”

“That’s what this is about!?”

“I bled for days!”

“Seriously!? You’d actually try to get me prosecuted for accidentally injuring you during sex!?”

“Rape.” Cass corrected, causing Tim to flinch again.

“Woah, let’s not throw that word around.” He chuckled nervously.

Tim steeled himself. “I was drunk, you weren’t. You took videos of me without my permission and when I rescinded my already invalid ‘consent,’ you kept going. That is rape like three times over.”

“I can see him out.” Duke suggested, noting the slight tremble in Tim’s voice.

“I’ll leave on my own…”

“We have security cameras all over the property, so I wouldn’t suggest trying to stay. Gordon will be here in five minutes, so I suggest running.”

The man took a step backwards before pivoting to run away.

“Gordon is waiting at the entrance to the property. He will be dealt with accordingly and we will ensure that you never have to see him again. I should have done this a long time ago. I’m sorry, Tim.” Bruce put his hand on Tim’s shoulder.

“I don’t want… I don’t want to testify. I don’t want to remember it. Please don’t make me.” Tim begged.

“I suspect he will make a plea bargain in exchange for us keeping it out of the tabloids.”

Tim paled. “But if he doesn’t… I don’t want people knowing.”

“We can bluff when we threaten that.”

“Okay.” He took a deep breath. “Okay. I uhm… I’m gonna go to bed. I need… I need to be alone.”

“Hug?” Cass offered.

He nodded tearfully as Cass held him close. After a few seconds he pulled away. “I’m gonna nap now I think.”

“Call us if you need anything,” Duke said.

Bruce put his hand on Tim’s shoulder. “Tim, I’m proud of you for this. I know it’s hard, but you’re doing well.”

Tim wanted to argue that he was doing awful, but he just tearfully nodded.

“Get some rest.”

Tim took a shaky breath and looked at the three of them. “I’m sorry,” he apologized, not for what just happened but for what he was about to do.

Once he pulled away he quickly made his way upstairs and into his bathroom. He proceeded to drink more than he has in his entire life. He needed to feel something that wasn’t the looming pressure of bringing the man to justice or phantom touches on his body.

The alcohol worked wonders, starting Tim down a very destructive path. It quickly got to the point where he was constantly drunk. He could function well enough and was always chewing gum to keep the smell off his breath so no one caught on. But before too long, he started ignoring everyone in his life to drink.

After a few more days of his self destruction, his phone lit up with a text from Stephanie asking if he was okay. He sighed and turned it off. He didn’t feel like talking to anyone right now. He laid down for a while before deciding he needed a drink. Before he could get it, Stephanie walked into his room and started berating him for worrying her.

Once she was done, she pulled him into a hug. “Ugh, Tim you reek.” She scrunched her nose. “When’s the last time you showered?”

“Leave me alone.” He groaned, frustrated that he missed his opportunity to drink.

“You need a bath.” She sat next to him and poked at his hair, which was practically glued to his forehead with grease.

He stayed silent for a moment. “I don’t want to be naked. It makes me think of-” He shuddered as he trailed off.

“For as smart as you are, did you really not consider a swimsuit?” She teased, hoping to lighten the mood.

“I also just… don't have the energy.” That was partially true, but he knew he would have the energy if he didn't spend all day drinking.

“I’ll help you,” she offered.

“I don't need help.”

“Tim,” she took his hand in hers, “You've helped me through some of the hardest parts of my life, let me help you through this.”

He stared at their hands and contemplated for a moment. “Okay.”

She wrapped her arms around him. “I’ll go start the bath, go get changed.”

He changed and met her in the bathroom.

She looked at his swimsuit and giggled. “Green Arrow? Does B know about this?”

Tim’s lips quirked up in a smile as he got in the tub. “Yeah, I bought them to piss him off.”

She grinned. “Well, I approve of anything that pisses Bruce off.”

“I know you do.” He rolled his eyes fondly as he lowered himself into the water.

She grabbed a cup and filled it with water once the bath was filled. “Lean your head back.” He did as he was instructed and she poured water on his hair. “God, Tim. How’d you let yourself go so far?”

“Thanks.” He grumbled, but wasn’t actually offended.

She started to lather shampoo in his hair as the two of them fell into a comfortable silence. He relaxed into her touch.

“Tim?”

“Hm?”

“I’m worried about you.”

“Everyone is,” he mumbled.

She sighed, “Tilt your head back again.”

He did as she said and she used the cup to rinse the shampoo out of his hair. “Steph?”

“Yeah?”

“Can I tell you something?”

“Always.”

“I think… I think I have a problem.”

“What kind?” She asked, conditioning his hair.

He stared at the water. “The alcoholism kind.”

She thought for a second. “That explains a lot.”

He looked up at her. “What?”

She pursed her lips. “You have a huge stash of vodka under your sink.”

“Oh…”

“How bad is it?”

“It’s not great. But, Steph, please don’t tell anyone.”

“I won’t. But you have to be careful. You’re my best friend, I can’t lose you again,” her voice cracked.

He hummed noncommittally.

She sighed before filling the cup back up. “Tilt your head back again.”

He did and she washed out his conditioner.

She then handed him a rag with soap on it. “Here, you can wash yourself.” He took it and she sat back on her heels and watched him as they made small talk. Once he was done, he stood up and she handed him a towel. “Why don’t you get changed and I'll blow dry your hair?”

He changed into boxers and an old t-shirt and went to sit at the chair in his room for Steph to blow dry his hair.

“Tim? Why haven’t you talked to me about what happened to you?”

He tensed up. “I didn’t want to bring up bad memories for you.”

She looked at him in surprise. “Are you talking about Murray?” She chuckled. “I appreciate the concern, Tim, but really, I just want to be there for you. So… let me in.”

He looked at her and nodded, “We’re throwing him in jail.” Tim mumbled. “I don’t know how to feel about it. Bruce promises there’ll be no press coverage. So that’s good. It’s just… I don’t wanna relive it.”

“It’s clear you’re reliving it anyways. At least this way, something will be done about it.”

“Yeah… you’re right.”

Once his hair was dry, they climbed into his bed and nestled into each other's embrace.

“You smell much better.” She giggled.

“Wish I could say the same for you.”

She squeaked and pulled away to sniff her armpit. After deciding she smelled just fine, she smacked him upside the head and pulled him back into her arms.

He took a deep breath before melting into her touch and quickly following asleep.

He rarely dreamt of the rape. He considered himself lucky on that front. Even though it plagued his waking mind, he was able to find peace in his moments of rest. But tonight, despite the comfort of his friend by his side, he dreamt of the man.

Tim’s mind replayed the night like he was watching it on the tv. He watched his own face distort in pain and plead for the man to stop hurting him. It was too much for him and he somehow found himself able to move enough to throw a punch.

The punch threw himself off the bed. He groaned and looked up to see Steph staring wide eyed at him from on top of the bed. “What happened?”

He sat up. “Tried to punch my rapist.”

Steph stared at him for a second before bursting out laughing, with Tim following suit. She reached her hand out to him to help him get up. He continued to laugh as he took it and climbed back into bed.

“In my dream,” he wheezed out a laugh, “My rapist showed up. And I just… I just punched so hard I fell off the bed.”

She snorted and laid her head on his chest as he held her close. The two were quickly lulled to sleep by each other’s warmth.

After Steph’s visit, Tim did better for some time before things took a sharp downward spiral. Soon enough, he decided that alcohol wasn’t enough, he needed something stronger. Lucky for him, it was not hard to find dealers in Gotham. He decided oxycontin would do the trick and set up a meeting with some dealer for later in the week. It was shady, but so was everything in Gotham. They met in an alleyway and did the exchange before going their separate ways. Right before Tim could leave the alley, someone dropped down in front of him. For a split second he thought he was going to be mugged, but then he recognized the stupid red helmet in front of him.

“Fuck,” Tim groaned.

“What the hell, Tim? Since when did you take oxy?”

“Since today. Now give that back.” Tim reached towards the bag.

Jason pulled it away from him. “No.”

”I’m a grown adult, I can do what I want.”

“Why the hell do you want this? Have you seen what this shit does to people!?” Jason was getting worked up.

“I needed something stronger, okay!?”

“Stronger than what!?”

“Alcohol.”

”Since when did you do shit like this?” He repeated.

“Since I got raped.”

Tim couldnt see Jason’s face, but he knew it fell. “What? Is that why you haven’t been patrolling?”

“Just give me my drugs.” Tim snatched the bag.

Jason knocked his legs out from under him and grabbed the bag back. “I’m not letting you fall down that path.”

“I need it.” He failed miserably to get up.

“No you don’t! God, are you drunk right now?”

Tears welled in Tim’s eyes. “Jason, please, I just need it to stop.”

“This shit only makes stuff worse.”

“Jason, please.”

“No. And that’s final.”

“What am I supposed to do!?” He broke down in tears.

Jason sighed and crouched next to him. “First, you need to sober up.”

“Nooooooo.” He whined.

“Come on. You can crash at one of my safe houses.”

Tim sniffled and looked at his lap. “Okay.”

“Come on.” He offered Tim a hand up, but Tim elbowed him and grabbed the bag and booked it for the door.

The last thing Tim registered was a blow to his head.

——————————

Tim woke up on a couch with a thin blanket draped over him and a raging headache. He groaned and looked around to find Jason reading in a nearby chair.

“How’s your head?” He asked without looking up.

“Where’s my drugs?”

“Threw them out.”

“You got a drink?”

“Fuck no.”

Tim groaned.

Jason looked over at him. “You gonna go into withdrawal?”

Tim scoffed. “I’m not addicted.”

“How often do you drink?”

“That… doesn’t matter.”

“Well clearly it’s a lot, so you’re not leaving ‘til you ride out the withdrawal.”

Tim’s eyes widened as he sat up. “Jason? Come on, man. You can’t do that to me.”

“You can leave… if you beat me in a fight. Which is not happening with your current state.”

Tim groaned, already starting to feel the effects of no alcohol and what was probably a minor concussion.

“I’m not letting you continue going down this path.”

“It’s too late for me.” Tim laid on his side and curled up, unable to bear the nausea that came with sitting any longer.

“It’s not.”

“I wish it was.”

“Why? So you don’t have to put the work in to get better?”

“Shut up.” Tim grumbled.

“No. I’ve seen this shit ruin lives. I’m not letting you ruin yours.”

Tim sat up. “It’s already been ruined!”

“Is this about you being raped?”

“Yeah, no shit!” Tim was getting pretty pissed.

“So you’re just gonna let that asshole win!?”

“Huh?” Tim faltered.

“You’re just gonna let him destroy your life instead of putting in the work to move on!?”

“How can I move on from this!?”

“By letting yourself heal instead of doing drugs all day.”

“But I-“

“No. There’s no ‘buts’. What happened to you is awful, but now you have to put your life back together. And it’s gonna suck really fucking bad, but you’re going to do it and you’re starting today.”

Tim shrunk in on himself. “You’re really not letting me leave?”

“Nope.”

He sighed, resigning himself to his fate.

A few hours passed and he started to really feel the effects of withdrawal while Jason was starting to feel in over his head. “Do you want me to call Dick?”

Tim nodded meekly, a sob catching in his throat.

Dick arrived within the hour, carrying a big fluffy blanket and a bag from the grocery store. He draped the blanket over Tim and sat down next to him. Tim made quick work of adjusting himself so he was laying his head on Dick’s lap.

Dick ran his fingers soothingly through his brother's hair. “You feeling okay, babybird?”

Tim screwed his eyes shut. “‘m fine.”

“It’ll only get better from here.”

Tim started to cry. “I don’t want to get better.”

Dick’s hands stilled. “Why?”

“What if I get better just to get hurt again?”

“That could happen. But it also may not. You can’t spend your life expecting bad, you’ll never get to live.”

“What if I don’t want to live?” His voice was hauntingly low.

“Tim,” Dick’s voice broke. “I’m not losing you.”

“I just wanna give up.” He sniffled.

“I know,” Dick sighed, resuming running his fingers through Tim’s hair, “Trust me, I know. But you can recover and it’s a disservice to yourself not to try.”

Tim curled in on himself. “I haven’t felt okay in a long time.”

“I think sobriety will be good for you.”

”I dunno. I just wanna be numb to it.”

“I get that,” he sighed again.

“It’s all I can think about, you know?”

“It’ll get easier. Eventually you’ll find yourself thinking of it less and less.”

“What if that doesn’t happen?”

“It will. And if it doesn’t, we’ll figure something out. You’re gonna be okay.”

Tim let out a soft sob and Dick felt his heart break all over again.

“You’ve come so far. And I’m already so proud of you.”

“I tried buying hard drugs today and I’m actively in withdrawal.” As if to prove his point, a shudder wracked his body.

“To be in withdrawal means you’ve made it this far without a drink. I’m proud of you for that.”

“But I can’t leave to get one. Jason won’t let me.”

“You and I both know if you truly didn’t want to get better, you would have found a way out. So I’m proud of you for being here.”

Tim wanted to argue. He wanted to run away and drink himself to death just to prove a point. But he didn’t want that, not anymore. He wanted to get better. He was desperate for it and he was starting to feel like it might be possible. But he wasn’t ready to admit that. “Can we talk about this later?”

“Sure thing, babybird.”

Tim closed his eyes, trying to ignore the trembling that he knew would leave him sore for days.

As the hours passed, Tim’s withdrawal only worsened and Dick began to fear he might develop complications. “I’d feel a lot better about this if we brought you back to the manor.”

Tim looked absolutely delirious. “Will you stay with me there?”

“Of course.”

“Okay.” He groaned and sat up. “Jason?”

“Hmm?” Jason responded.

“I owe you.”

“Make it up to me by getting better.”

“Okay.” A smile tugged at Tim’s lips as he shakily stood up. He nearly stumbled, but Dick was able to help balance him. “You’re not coming with me, are you?”

“You couldn’t pay me to spend time in the manor. But I’ll keep in touch, if you want.”

“I’d like that.” Another shudder wracked through his body.

Dick furrowed his brow in concern. “Let’s get you home.”

Tim leaned more of his weight against Dick and nodded.

The ride home was grueling, Tim felt absolutely horrific and wanted nothing more than to be in bed. Once they got in the manor, they passed Duke and Cass who were watching TV.

“Tim? You okay?” Duke looked at him in concern.

“I’m fine.” He mustered a smile.

Duke did not look convinced.

“Well… I think I have the flu… but it’s not too bad, just gonna… head to my room.” His words were breathy as he struggled to get them out.

Duke seemed to accept the answer, but Cass looked at him skeptically. Dick and Tim continued making their way to his room.

“You’re not gonna tell them?” Dick asked.

“Didn’t want them to worry.”

“Fair enough. But we should tell Bruce and Alfred.”

Tim nodded as he entered his room and all but collapsed onto his bed.

“I’m gonna get Bruce.”

Tim groaned. “Is he gonna be mad?”

“I don’t think so.” Dick assured him. “But I’ll try to talk him down if he is.”

“Thanks.” Tim offered a weak smile.

Dick took out his phone to shoot Bruce a text, updating him on what’s going on. They texted back and forth for a few minutes before the tension eased from Dicks body and he smiled at Tim. “I calmed him down and he’s on his way.”

Tim sniffled and nodded weakly.

A few seconds later, Bruce walked in the room.

“Bruce? I’m sorry.” Tim’s eyes were glazed over and he could barely get the words out.

Bruce paused, taking in Tim’s appearance before brushing Tim’s hair out of his face. “Apologies can come later, you’re here now. You’re doing the right thing.”

“Hold me?” He sounded so childlike there was no way Bruce could say no to his son in this state.

Bruce got in bed and pulled his son into his arms, placing a kiss on the top of his head. “I’m proud of you for coming here.”

“I just want a drink,” Tim admitted as he clung to the fabric of Bruce’s shirt. “I just want to forget it all.”

“I know, but you can’t do that anymore. It’s only hurting you.”

Tim buried his face against Bruce’s chest and started to sob.

Bruce hushed him, promising him he’ll be okay.

“I don’t think I will.”

“Dick and I are testament that you will get better.”

“Everything hurts.”

“The pain from withdrawal will ease with time, just as the pain from what happened to you will.”

A whine escaped Tim’s throat as he pressed himself closer to Bruce, who held him tighter. “I deserve the pain just like I deserved to be r-“

“Enough,” Bruce cut him off and pulled away from the hug to look Tim in the eyes, squeezing his shoulders, “You do not deserve this pain and you certainly did not deserve to be raped.”

Tim avoided eye contact. “I guess.”

“Don’t ever say that about yourself again.” Bruce’s voice cracked and Tim was shocked to see there were tears in his eyes.

Tim cuddled back up against Bruce. “I won’t.” He didn’t mean it, he figured he would always believe himself deserving of suffering, but if it made Bruce feel better, he’d say anything right now.

“Good. Now get some rest, son.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

Bruce held him tighter and before long Tim drifted off to sleep.

He woke up feeling a bit better. He looked around to find Dick sitting by his side.

“Bruce had to leave for patrol,” he explained.

“I’m gonna get the lecture of a lifetime once I’m feeling better.”.

Dick huffed. “I can’t say it’s undeserved.”

Tim shot him a look.

“Sorry.” Dick put his hands up.

Tim bundled himself up under the covers. “Can you leave?”

“Nope.”

“What?”

“Well, for starters, I’m almost positive the reason you want me to leave is so you can crack open the stash under your sink. Which I got rid of, by the way.”

“Can you just shut up,” he snapped. “… Sorry. I’m just so… ugh.” He groaned.

“It’s okay. Irritability is a symptom, I was surprised by how nice you’ve been up ‘til now.”

Tim glared at him. “Maybe I’d be nicer if you weren’t such a dick.”

“Alright, I’ll stop talking.”

“Didn’t know you could do that.”

Dick let out an amused laugh. “Get some rest, Tim.”

A small smile found its way to Tim’s face and he closed his eyes only to find he couldn't sleep.

After a while, Dick noticed Tim’s frustration and decided to distract him. “Jason’s asking how you’re feeling.”

“Tell him I feel like shit… but that I’ll be okay.”

“He’ll be glad to hear that.”

“It was weird. He was so mad at me for buying oxy. I know he has that whole thing about not selling to kids, but I’m an adult now. You’d think a crime lord wouldn’t care,” he joked.

But Dick didn’t laugh, and instead he got a sad look in his eyes.

Tim froze. “What?”

“Jason was upset because he’s already lost family to addiction, and he doesn’t want to lose you too.”

Tim’s face turned red. “I didn’t know.”

“I know. And Jason knows that too, he won’t hold it against you as long as you get better.”

Tim seemed to shrink in on himself. “I’ll get better.”

“I know you will.”

Tim screwed his eyes shut as a shudder wracked his body. “How much longer ‘til this stops?”

“Just a day or two and then the worst is over.”

“I can’t sleep.”

“I’m sorry, it might be like that for a while.”

“Dick?”

“Yeah?”

“Why are you here?”

“What?”

“Wouldn’t you rather ignore all of this? Wouldn’t you be better off just leaving me?”

Dick was silent for a moment. “I’m not going to lie, it’s been hard. But it would be even harder to just watch you suffer.”

He rolled on his side to face away from Dick. “Then go back to Blud. Or maybe… maybe I should go. I’m bringing up bad memories for you, for Steph and Babs, I'm the reason Damian found out about what Talia did to Bruce, and I’m sure this is reminding Bruce of what happened with her. Not to mention the whole drug thing struck a chord with Jason. I’m just infecting everyone.”

“Tim, you’ve got it all wrong. Sure, it brings up personal issues for us. But not one of us is willing to let you suffer alone because it would be easier.”

“Why?”

“Because we love you.”

Tim didn’t say anything, he just curled into fetal position, wrapping his arms around his knees.

“Talk to me, Tim.”

“I just have been so selfish, I’m hurting everyone. You and Bruce handled it on your own.”

“Which is exactly why we don’t want you to do that. Also, Damian came to us about Talia, was that a burden on you?”

“I mean it sucked, but I’m glad I could have helped.”

“That's exactly how we feel about you, it sucks but it’d eat us alive not to try and ease your burden at least a little.”

Tim sighed, “You’ve helped a lot.”

Dick couldn't help the smile that found its way to his face. “I’m glad.”

Tim rolled back over to face Dick, “Can you hold me… you don't have to but-” before he could finish his sentence, Dick had already got in bed and was holding him close to his chest. Tim took a shuddering breath and pressed himself against Dick, “Why do such awful things happen?”

“I don't know, Tim, I don't know.”

Tim hiccupped then started to cry. “Why did this happen to me? To you? To Bruce? To Babs? Why does it happen to anyone?”

Dick didn’t have an answer for that, he just held Tim tighter and placed a kiss into his hair.

Tim’s cries grew in intensity but Dick just hushed him, rubbing his hand on his back gently.

Before Tim could completely calm down, Stephanie barged in. “Where have you b- oh… uh… shit are you okay?”

Tim wiped his eyes and sat up, his body shaking. “Getting sober.”

“Oh, thank God. When Cass said you were lying about being sick I was convinced you had drank too much and were going to die!” She made her way over to him.

He let out a wet laugh. “You thought I was dying and waited for patrol to be over to come check on me?”

“Well, she waited ‘til the end of patrol to tell me.” She pursed her lips and took a seat next to him as Cass poked her head in the door.

“Busy night.” Cass defended herself. “Can I join?”

Tim nodded and she sat in the space between Tim and Dick.

Dick got out of bed. “I’ll leave you guys. Just… don’t leave him alone.”

Steph and Cass agreed and Tim shrunk in on himself, ashamed he had to be babysat. “I’m sorry for not being honest.” He mumbled.

Cass squeezed his hand and Stephanie laid her head on his shoulder. “Just don’t do it again.”

Tim squeezed Cass’s hand back and rested his head against Stephanie’s. “Deal.”

Dick smiled at them and left, “Text if you need anything.”

The three of them nodded before sinking into the bed and bundling up under the covers.

Both of the girls laid their heads on Tims chest. He closed his eyes and held them close.

“So, how's withdrawal?” Steph asked.

“It’s ass,” he groaned.

She wrapped an arm around him. “Good thing you’ll stay sober and never have to go through it again… right?”

“Yeah, I think so.” A soft smile found his way to his face.

Cass hummed contently and Stephanie smiled. “Good.”

Tim didn’t hear the door open or see anyone walk in, but suddenly Alfred the cat was placed on his chest. “She helps me feel better when I am unwell.” She purred and started making biscuits on the blanket.

“Aww,” Steph cooed and started petting her.

“Thanks, Dami.” Tim smiled.

“Do not mention it.”

“You can stay if you want.”

“Maybe… but only because the cat is here.” He sat next to Stephanie and reached over her to pet Alfred.

Stephanie pulled him down into a hug. He protested but ultimately curled up with her.

“Dick is gonna be so mad he's missing this.” Tim laughed.

“Texted him,” Cass said.

Just then, Dick and Duke entered the room. Dick laid next to Damian and Duke laid next to Cass.

A smile came to Tim’s face as everyone huddled together. “Thank you.”