Chapter Text
It all started as a mistake. Batman was needed suddenly, but Bruce had a TV interview scheduled at the same time. Normally, Bruce would have cancelled the interview and that would be the end of it. But the show hostess was not happy to have no interviewee and insisted on a replacement. That was how Tim somehow got roped into the interview.
Tim assumed it was a typical publicity stunt of an interview. They were the kind of thing expected of him as a young, wealthy CEO and member of a popular family. Sadly, he also found these things tedious and boring. He could not help it, there were just so many more important things to focus on than explaining his morning routine or what he's reading to the masses. Like looking for killer croc who was on the run, or his current disputes with board members. It reached the point where he was no longer even paying attention to the questions the woman asked.
“Tim? Mr. Drake-Wayne? Are you going to answer the question?” The TV hostess asked, successfully taking Tim out of his thoughts. His mind scrambled as it tried to remember what she had asked. Something about what he cared about most?
Children
Out of nowhere, that one word came to his mind. He looked back to the hostess. It was obvious she wanted an answer, and he needed to give one fast.
He could not believe he zoned out like that!
“Right, sorry. That’s a tough one so I had to think about it for a moment. But I think I would say children,” Tim answered with a slight laugh to hide his embarrassment. A feeling of worry came over him, however, as he saw the sudden excitement on the hostess’ face.
“Wow! I must admit, Tim, they weren't lying about you being mature. I can't think of many nineteen-year-old who would so bluntly admit to wanting to have his own kids! Now I can't stop thinking about what Bruce would be like as a grandpa,” the hostess laughed out.
“Ya, wait a -,” Tim began, only for the hostess to continue, “So you heard that right ladies and guys. If you're looking to snag one of Gotham’s eligible eligible bachelors I hope you want to have some kids sooner rather than later.”
“Now wait a minute,” Tim tried again.
“Sorry Tim, but it looks like that's all the time we have for tonight. Thank you so much for dropping in,” the hostess once again cut in as she shook his hand.
With that the interview was over, and all Tim could think about was how much harassment the rest of his family was going to give him for that last question. Not to mention from anyone else who saw or will hear snippets of the interview. He almost dreaded what tomorrow would bring.
“So I hear the interview went well,” Bruce commented the next morning as he walked into Tim’s office. Tim did not look up, instead choosing to keep his head firmly on his desk. At last Tim replied, “You owe me for that. You know that I don't have a good history with doing interviews, but you pushed me to do it anyway.”
“I'll make it up to you,” Bruce chuckled as he walked farther into the office. He looked at his son’s desk and noticed the youth’s cell phone was turned off along with his work phone unplugged. Casually he asked, “Phone problems?”
“More like a people problem. You remember that girl who used to hang out with my young justice friends; Cissie King-Jones? Helped us a bit even after retiring. Has a crazy mom,” Tim began.
“The Olympic archer,” Bruce nodded in thought. He had not paid as much attention to Tim’s superhero friends back then, especially the ones who were no longer active heroes, but the name did ring a bell.
“I literally walked in this morning to her mom calling the office phone, trying to play matchmaker between me and Cissie. This was followed by several other parents trying to set me up with their kids,” Tim continued.
“So I take it you disconnected your phone to stop the calls?” Bruce asked.
“Five different proposals in the first hour, and that's not counting the adoption agencies calling wondering if I wanted to adopt. If I didn't unplug it, it would probably still be ringing from people wanting to meet with me,” Tim clarified.
“Ya, on the bright side Lucius wanted me to pass a message on to you. He said, “You guys already have me and my son running around helping with your ‘side job.’ Tell Tim to stay away from my baby girl so I don't have to constantly worry about her too”,” Bruce passed the message.
“I'll tell him later that he has nothing to worry about,” Tim replied deadpanned.
“I'm sure you've heard this before, but I would also recommend you get a prenup when you do decide to start a family the old fashion way,” Bruce continued to advise.
“Already on the list thanks to Steph,” Tim replied.
“Do I even want to know?” Bruce asked, a playful smile still on his face.
“Well, your youngest wants a psychiatric exam of whoever thinks I could be trusted with a child. Jason requires I first find someone who can keep house and cook before bringing a kid in. You know Babs would be the first to run a background check on anyone involved. And Dick thinks it would be better if I date someone who already knows about our ‘side-job’,” Tim replied as he counted the demands on his fingers.
“Well that is all good advice,” Bruce laughed out. Once composed, he saw the displeased look on Tim’s face and continued, “Sorry, this all just reminds me of some of the trouble I would get into at your age. Listen, don't worry about it, keep your head down, and this will pass over before you know it.”
“Ya, I guess,” Tim agreed with a defeated sigh.
“Right. Now I have a meeting to get to. Try not to take this so seriously,” Bruce said as he started for the door. Before he left, however, Tim asked, “Hey, Bruce?”
Bruce paused as Tim continued, “Did you always think you would have as many kids as you have?”
Bruce thought for a moment before he responded, “Well, as the heir to a major family it was always expected of me to have at least one child. I guess I never put that much thought into it and just assumed that some people just like kids better than others.”
“Did it ever seem like your brain said ‘now's the time’ before you took any of us in?” Tim asked.
“No…if anything it was a lot of spur of the moment events,” Bruce answered and watched Tim closely. Tim seemed to think about something, but did not want to admit to whatever it was. At last Bruce asked, “Any other questions?”
“Oh, no, sorry. Have a good meeting,” Tim replied as he shook the thoughts from his head.
“Right then. Good talk.”