Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Tim always believed his parents were his parents, no matter how questioning he is, that was a fact, except it wasn't.

Tim was going through his parents medical records and some things didn't add up. His personal medical history didn't aligned with theirs correctly, and being the detective he is, he ran a few tests.

Sure his parents are long gone now, but that didn't mean he didn't previously have their DNA in a personal system. Twenty minutes later and the results came in. Zero percent for both, not even to Janet.

There isn't any record of adoption though, so he can only assume the worst. There aren't any pregnancy photo's of Janet, so it wasn't the swapped at birth scenario. Maybe a case of child trafficking? Jack was in the industry years ago, but again, he wasn't very certain. Heck, at this point he could've just been dropped off at their door step and assumed to be their child.

Anyways, that doesn't really matter, what did matter was who his birth parents were. for medical purposes of course, Tim isn't sentimental or anything.. he isn't.

His personal system didn't really have that much people, just people he knew, and he'd need a world wide range of DNA for this paternity test.

The bat-computer is the best choice for this task, and while he isn't really on speaking terms with the other members of his family, he still had access to the bat-cave.

Dick and Damian were doing a out of state mission, and wouldn't be back until the next week at the earliest. Steph, Cass, and Duke were on a infiltration mission. Bruce was in a JL meeting, and Alfred was about to go on his weekly shopping trip.

Tim timed everything perfectly, and with two hours of alone time in the cave, he went.

His DNA was already in the system, so all he has to do is go through a program and search for paternal results.

Except, he's sure Babs is messing with him. It wasn't even five minutes before he got a match, a random women who died in child birth (sorry mum..), and Dick. Nightwing Dick. His brother Dick.

Babs had to be mucking around, there was- is no way in hell Dick is his father! It can't be true! Dick's only 15 Years older than Tim, and he's pretty sure the implications of that, with his mother being in her 20s at the time, aren't good.

Okay, if he just looks at the bright side, he already has Dicks medical history sorted bat style, he just needs to do a bit of copy paste, then again, the others would diffidently be serious as to why his medical files are exactly the same as Dick's.. on the paternal side at least.

Shit. How is Tim supposed to hide this? He isn't on good terms with the others and no way in hell would he let them know this. Dammit, he knows his fathers sex life, oh my God, he used to have a crush on his father!

This is bad, it was only a childhood crush at 9, it stopped when he became robin for crying out loud! But gosh, Tim is delusional, he was back then too, he used to day dream all sorts of cringy scenarios with Dick back then! Thank God he wasn't going through puberty with that crush, other wise he would never come back from that!

Okay, he just needs to hide the evidence. After thirteen different tests, three different programs, and two bat-computer updates, Tim has to believe what he's seeing.

Deleting his searches, test results, and over-riding the computer to give false information about his biological parents.
The bat-computer has their DNA and medical history and files for a reason, and he also knows B checks it often, so, maybe he could pretend to be a second or third cousin to Dick?

Research shows that Dick did have a first cousin that died after being born prematurely, so maybe Tim could take his place instead? There wasn't any name on the death certificate, only the gender and date of birth.

It was also, luckily, the same year as Tim's birth, not same month or day, but those records could easily be lost, and only show the year.

A fair bit of editing later, and Tim now has a new identity, kind of..

Anyways, he did end up copying and pasting Dick's medical history into his own, relying the information he "found" about being so closely related to Dick.

The demon brat's going to make a fuss about that, Tim already knows it.

Chapter Text

Bruce, like the obsessing overprotective parent he is, regularly checks any updates his kids put into the bat-computer, weather it's a simple information update, to even their personal connections, the ones they put in at least. He even has different notification sounds for each of his children.

With a light ding, not too light, that's dick, and not too high pitched, that's Steph, this ding was from Tim and Tim alone. The son he hasn't seen much of since.. well.. anyways, Tim rarely updates his files, especially from the bat-computer, so Bruce can only worry in silence.

The league meeting was long finished, but he still needed to sort some things with an incident involving Barry and an Ice Cream stall. Tim would have to wait, something he's been doing for far too long, yet will continue to do.

Now, Bruce would like to think he has good self control, great even, but nothing had been so annoyingly long and headache inducing than sorting though a legal compensation agreement with an angry Ice Cream maker, and a buffoon.

While postponing the meeting for a fifth time, courtesy to Barry, Bruce finally got the free time to actually check his notification, and seeing it's for a medical file update, he got curious.

He knew it wasn't any sort of injury, past or present, that was a completely different folder entirely, but with his need to know personality, he, well, needed to know.

A few quick clicks while moving towards the zeta tubes, he read through.

He knows this information, he's memorised it years ago. It's his oldest's hereditary information, and now it's in one of his youngest's files.

He'll go over it properly at the bat-computer, for now he just needs to calm his racing thoughts.

—

When Bruce finally arrives at the bat-cave, heading to the bat-computer, Alfred is already there. A cup of Bruce's favourite tea on a coaster, and a warm weighted blanket draped across the large arm chair. "I can assume you will be spending your evening here sir?" Alfred politely asks, gently motioning to the tray of nutritious but also light snacks near by.

Bruce just nods lightly and grunts something incoherent, yet Alfred seems to understand perfectly and heads off. "I will be back in two hours to replace the food, make sure it's empty by then won't you?" Bruce doesn't acknowledge Alfred, already set in his chair typing at the computer to pull up Tim's latest update, yet the mutual understanding and agreement on Bruce's part is left unspoken.

When Alfred leaves, Bruce already has his tabs ready, one of what Tim had typed in, one of the information linked stating the relation between him and Dick, and one of a program to confirm if the information is true or not.

In all honesty, Bruce did see the resemblance. He'd never admit it out loud that that was one of the reasons he kept Tim around in the early stages of Robin, but it was a contributing factor, he couldn't deny. He also compared the graphs of their DNA, it showed they have extremely close genetic make up, and confirms they're biologically related.

Bruce was unsure on how Dick would react. He, unlike Bruce, didn't get notified every time something is added or edited on the bat-computer, and he usually only checks these things if he believes he has a reason to, so when he and Damian arrive back home, someone would have to tell him to check it.

Would Tim? Would Bruce? Maybe Alfred? Would Tim even want the information shared? He did add it into the bat-computer, which everyone has access to, so there is a high chance of them finding it, but then again, he could've just thought he could hide the fact.

Dick is very family orientated, and while he is close to his emotional family, he's always had a thing for biological. He would never choose between the bats and any lost family members, but he would want to get close with them. Would he try to get closer to Tim? They were estranged as of lately, and it might be awkward, or even heart breaking, or Dick to find out. But this could also be an over exaggeration of Bruce's, and the entire situation could be shrugged off and left for lingering thoughts of what could be.

Maybe Bruce should call Tim and ask.

Chapter Text

Jason had a plan, a simple and efficient one, an in and out strategy. You see, Alfred had made some cookies, and no way in hell would Jason be missing out. He would sneek in, take as many as he could carry, and leave.

The only problem is, he isn't sneaky. When you're a six foot whatever, and a hulking figure of a man, who bumps into every small table and knocks everything to the floor, you can't exactly be quiet. That's why he has to avoid all these small tables, and small objects in general, after coming through the cave entrance. He hadn't expected Bruce to be there, hunched over the bat computer with a tense posture and phone in hand, but that wasn't Jason's concern.. for now.

In all his bulk and muscular glory, he tiptoed up the stairs towards the manor, holding his breath quietly like a little child. Once up, he stuffed his face full, his cheeks bulging from the amount. Then, he loaded a container full of them, Alfred would make more, Jason know's he always makes at least two batches, and since that shopping has just been done, maybe, hopefully, three?

Stuffing the container up his shirt, he glances down the hall thrice before making his way back to the cave, planning to take his motorcycle back to his main safe house.

While passing Bruce though, he got distracted. He heard something about Dick, and Jason (correctly) assume B was on a call with Alfred, if the puttering in the kitchen on the other end of the line meant anything. (Jason's just happy Alfred's making more cookies, he should totally take another container and come back later.)

The conversation sounded vaguely interesting, enough to keep Jason's attention at least, so he settles in for snooping, planning to chew on his cookies while listening in like it's a true crime podcast, and sometimes it is. Accept for this one.

"I'm just unsure Al," came B's firm and sharp voice, if one knew him long enough, and listened in close enough, they could hear the hesitancy there. This is getting Jason nervous now. B isn't a hesitant man, not for anything. He's the most self assured person Jason knows for crying out loud! So this new tone—Jason will admit just this once—is kinda scary.

"No, I know Al, but I'm just, it's surprising." "No, I'm confused, that's all. I mean, I am so sure Tim is- was- a Drake. I didn't know he'd be related to a wondering circus for crying out loud!" "No Al, I'm not discriminating because of the circus, I got my first from there remember, it's just, I didn't think they'd be related." "Yes I saw the similarities, but even Jason has similarities to Dick, I never thought i'd believe there's a chance they're cousins too, now, I'm not even sure."

Firstly, Jason's going to ignore the fact that B is acting as though he got Dick from a gift shop at some random circus, and secondly, what did he mean by cousin? Him and Dick? He thought they were referring to Tim before, and now B's unsure if Jason is also a cousin. And- oh. Also. Jason would usually be embarrassed that it took that long for him to connect the dots, but the revelation is too much to process.

Tim and Dick are cousins? Maybe Tim really is the rightful heir to the Robin mantle, with it being created by Dick and all.

Damn it, this leaves a bad taste in Jason's mouth. He really called- calls, Tim replacement, when really Jason was just a what? Placeholder? Jason's still sour about what happened at Titans Tower, felling bad about beating up a child, but to think he didn't even have a plausible excuse now, not that he needed one, he's felt awful since, but it did help a little with coping when he really thought Tim was just a replacement.

Damn, Jason gives a little chuckle, how would the demon brat react? Absurd? Annoyed? In disbelief? Thank God Jason's in a much better head space, and has a better relationship with Tim than before, it really helps him stop spiralling from time to time.

And, by the way B's acting, all hushed and hunched in on himself, this seems to be recent news, like really recent news, like the kind of news the others don't know about.

Jason definitely needs to gossip this to Steph and Duke, they have a little group chat to keep up with the family drama, and Jason's been a bit dry in luck with the 'well of information', as Steph likes to call it. Even Cass had joined the fold and given juicer blackmail than Jason could dream about, then again, it is Cass.

A quick trip back to his favourite safe house, and a phone call later, Jason had spread the news, well, spread it to those three at least. They even have a plan, from the ten minutes of gathering information, courtesy of Cass, they now know two things, one, that Dick doesn't know, and two, that B doesn't intend on telling anyone, leaving it to them to either figure it out for themselves, or for Tim to come clean and tell them directly.

This sets them up with the perfect plan for maximum drama, maybe expose what they've uncovered in the next family meeting? That'd go haywire, perfect. (They need entertainment alright? At least they aren't comiting arson again, B)

Chapter Text

The infiltration was going well, or, as well as stopping a human trafficking ring can go. Steph was posing as a buyer looking for some new products, while Duke was her solicitor. Cass was just planning to spy and such. Luckily, for the sake of keeping employee, employer, and consumer identity's as a secret, everyone wore a volto style masks.

So imagine Steph's surprise when while sorting through documents and talking about her requirements and expectations for the product, she get's a phone call. From Jason.

She makes eye contact with Duke while leaving the room, telling him to sort out the legal situations while she takes this.

"What do you want Jay? I'm kinda busy if you didn't already know, or are you trying to intentionally be annoying-" Steph starts off, her annoyance and exasperation leaking into her voice. "Tim and Dick are cousins!" Jason had quickly cut her off when he found the chance to, the smug satisfaction clear in his voice, satisfaction of what-

"They're cousins?!" Steph all but shouts, glancing around before going back to the call. "Are you sure- how did you find out- when did you find out- why are you telling me this now- who else knows?"

"Steph- Steph- STEPH" Jason cuts her off again, their voices going back and fourth like bickering siblings, and to be fair, they really are. "Look, I just found out like, three minutes ago. Only me, B, and Alfred know, I'm assuming Tim found out and put it into the bat computer, so he also knows." Jason listed off, letting her know the specifics, "I don't think Dickface nor the demon brat know." They'll both ignore his little giggle at the end and instead focus on the dramatic tea just spilt.

"This is just- so good! I'll hurry this case up cause I need to get in contact with you, I need more information. I'll be there in three hours." And before Jason could reply, Steph had already ended the call. His heart was pounding in his chest, and he struggled to keep the smirk off his face, Damn, this is just too funny.

With Duke, he managed to take control of the situation, already having the dealer sign the pre-made contract, none of the policies changed, he's just perfect for this type of job Steph guesses.

"Oh jeez, I just heard the best news ever. I'll tell you later once everything is sorted out, but I really need to hurry." Duke gave her a side eye glance, sharing his thoughts of 'seriously?', but she didn't mind at all, already in her own world of thoughts.

"Fine, but you'll need to sign this first." He said, pointing towards an empty spot on the contract. One fake signature and firm handshake later, and the three were walking down a series of corridors, ready to see the new product.

It didn't take long for them to find the prisoners, and the sight caught only one of them on guard, the employee. Black bat had just started an attack, already having three guards down. It didn't take long for Duke and Steph to join her, thankful for the masks hiding their true identities.

Soon enough everyone was tied up and the police were on their way. The prisoners were let free and the three vigilantes gave a relieved group high-five. It was just then that Steph remembered what Jaosn had said.

She was excitedly jumping up and down, she'll have to share the information once everything was sorted out, but only when they're de-suited and in Jason's safe house, again, details details.

Everything sorted out pretty quickly and they arrived at Jasons in record time.

"Speak white boy!" Steph said, stepping forwards towards Jason in mock intimidation, in reality she was just really eager to know. The two others looked at each other in confusion, and if Cass is confused, then Duke knows this is going to be something none of them were expecting.

"Okay, so I don't have too much information on it, but after going through Tim's medical files, I can confirm he and Dink are Biological first cousins. Apparently, Tim was kidnapped at birth or something. His mother died in childbirth, with the child, and later his father committed suicide. I can guess his death certificate was fake and he was taken from the hospital the day of his assumed death."

Jason supplied, ignoring the shocked faces on his siblings. "Tim linked this information to his files after copying and pasting Dick's medical files in his, so at least we have that? He even has DNA test results linked showing the blood relation of about 16%, a little more than the average 12.5% cousins usually have, but it's still a blood match."

Jason finally looked up at the three, smirking at their reactions. "Both Dink and Damian have no idea.. They come back in two days, how should we tell them?"

The three gremlins smile and Jason reminds himself not to get on their bad side. "I have a few ideas.." Duke shares.

Chapter Text

Tim has tried to act normal around the others, but his growing nervousness isn't helping. He knows now that essentially everyone, apart from Dick and Damian know they're cousins, and while it directs the situation away from the truthful father son issue, he still doesn't want to deal with Dick once the 'reveal' is out.

He also knows the others are planning something, he doesn't know what, but they are. They aren't even being subtle about it, and it can only make Tim worry further. Dick's already rejected him as a brother, what would happen when he finds out about the biological match?

Dick has been clingier since their fall out, most likely feeling guilty, and as much as Tim avoids him whenever they're in the same room, Dick tries to stick to his side, only leaving when Damian gets upset.

Tim knows Dick wont reject him as family again, but his trust was broken, and you can't just forget about that.

So, while Tim's siblings make their plan, Tim makes his.
He knows there will be a reveal, but if he goes down, the others are going down with him.

-

Tim is huddled in his nest, typing away on his personal computer which is still connected to the bat-network. It's not easy to get into the bat chats, but Tim is on par with Babs, and he knows she wouldn't stop him from hacking into his siblings chats, probably just here to watch the chaos unfold.

He manages to get access to the group chat the four made, surprised even Cass is taking part, but she's gotta have a little fun Tim guesses.

They're actively sharing options for the reveal, a surprise party, a kidnapping, planting evidence, even just a confrontation with dick overhearing.

They're bad ideas, and Tim doesn't want to be exposed in some stupid way like that, it'd look pathetic and Damian would definitely say so, so he'll change it.

Dick comes home tomorrow with Damian, and if the cards are played right, maybe he could reveal the other's secrets too?

Tim gets a sticky note and pen out and starts to write what he'll reveal. He has a lot of black mail on everyone, but he does't want to use it all, not yet at least.

Eventually he decides to use the following, after all, it's enough to take attention and time to sort through, but not big enough to be too shocking or unexpected, really, if someone looked close enough they'd notice, best detectives his ass, they're all stupid.

Back to topic. Tim finishes writing and reads it out to himself, to see if he's happy with it.

Jason has seven undisclosed and untreated injuries as of current, soon to be more when Dick finally arrives back.
Steph's blackmail is years old and doesn't hold any weight, so her 'exposure' threats are just well told bluffs.
Duke wears blue contacts in the privacy of his bedroom because he feels left out to not have blue eyes.
Damian gave into peer pressure at school once (Tim has the exact date) and tried a vape.
Dick needs reading glasses.
Cass goes off on secret missions to help cat-woman.
Bruce is suicidal.
Alfred feels guilty for everyone's problems and feels like an enabler.

It's the perfect amount of chaos to take the attention off of himself, enough for him to slip away from whatever option the others take for their 'big reveal'., and since everyone has a guilty complex, so they'll be busy trying to make others around them feel better, or they'll just confront them.

Tim starts to get ready to put his plan in motion. It's just a waiting game now.

Chapter Text

Dick is on his way to the manor. He'd finished his mission with Damian just before, an animal trafficking ring, and was pretty tired.

He originally planned to drop Damian off, stay the night, then leave, but Jason had called him up earlier that day, saying there was something he needed to check out.

Jason was talking fast, as if he was worried the conversation might be bugged with someone listening in, so Dick decided to come, just in case.

Damian, as hard as he had tried, ended up falling asleep in the back of Dick's car. He'd insisted on staying in the back with the two dogs they'd taken with them, probably planning to convince Bruce to keep them. His snores were soft and quiet, and even though he denies ever snoring, Dick would still tease him later on.

He let his thoughts wonder, another ten minutes until they got there. What was so important that Dick be there? Jason doesn't usually call Dick, and it could only worry him further. Maybe he should go a little faster.

-

Four minutes and a barely missed speeding ticket later, Dick managed to get to the manor in record time. He swings the door open and isn't surprised to see Damian stepping out the car, as if he'd never slept in the first place.

He gives a cheeky smile and a knowing look before the two head up the steps of Wayne manor. They aren't even at the top step before the door starts to open, showing Alfred with his polite smile. "Good evening young master Richard, young master Damian." He nods towards them, moving out of the way and further opening the door to let them in. "The other young masters have been, expecting you two." He says, leaving the boys to guess.

He then guides them to the family room, and they tense. The air is thick with anticipation and Tim seems to be glaring daggers into the back of Jason's skull, obviously avoiding looking at either of the new visitors.

"Finally Dicky!" Jason says, his voice showing more excitement than Dicks seen since..

Jason wraps his arms around Dick's shoulders in a side hug, guiding in to sit on the couch. Damian silently follows, his eyes scanning the room with a questioning but stern look. Jay shudders, sometimes the little gremlin can be so much like his old man.

"Jay," Dick starts off, turning to face him, "What's this all about? Did you need something?" Jason just chuckles at him before handing over a folder with files, presumably Tim's medical files. "Looky here~"

Tim just looks at Jason with a smirk and Jason knows Tim's done something to the files.

"H-hey wait!" He says, trying to get the file back, wanting to know what Tim had done, but Dick wasn't relenting, with the file in hand and the anticipation eating at him, he couldn't help but look in.

"Bhahahwhahah!!" Dick cries out with a laugh, an image of Jason, trying an failing at a round of candy crush on his phone, sitting on the toilet with sweat dripping down his face, slipped out of the folder. Jason immediately turns to Tim, eyes sharp as he leaps towards him.

"Tim you creep! How the hell did you get that photo! When?! That's- That's creepy!"

Steph immediately reaches out and grabs the photo before Damian can get his hands on it, laughing while showing the others. "Oh my godd, I need to take a photo of this!" She says, pulling out her phone to take a picture.

Dick stands up, still laughing his ass off as more photos spill out. Some of Steph, Cass, Duke, even ones of Bruce and Damian. "Hey! Why am I there?!" The Demon brat called, looking back at Tim with anger as he slowly pulled out a blade. "I did not consent to that!"

Tim spits out more words from his mouth, sabotaging the brat. "But you consented to vaping in the schools bathroom?" That made Damian still before Dick gasped, looking horrified at Damian. "You what?!"

"Well I- it was just to try, wait, how did you find out?!" Damian turned back to Tim, confused, annoyed, and angry. "We go to the same school dumb ass-" "Language!" Dick buts in, "-and people talk, you really think I wouldn't know?" Tim gave a sly smirk.

Jason, as a way to salvage his pride spouted out what he had originally planned on showing. "Dick and Tim are bio cousins!" That had Dick and Damian quiet, whipping their heads from Tim to Jason, then back at Tim again, but all they saw was a photo of B and Alfred in matching pink fairy costumes, tapped to his face.

Jason looked back, letting out a little giggle before putting on his serious face once again and ripping it off, throwing it to Steph who was videoing the entire thing. "Not a good enough distraction! You two are related!"

Tim replayed back sharply, "That's old news! And besides since when did everyone care about bio ties?" It was true, as much as Tim wanted Dick to mother hen him, or in this case father hen him, he knew not much would actually change with their relation ship, apart from the fact that most of his blood transfusions in the med bay would be from Dick, and vice versa from Tim.

"Well, apart from you Jason, but everyone knows where that went!" "Low blow Tim, low blow." Jason replied, it was a sensitive topic but at least he didn't go into a blinding rage like Tim had expected, maybe the distractions weren't distracting as well as Tim had hoped.

"Is, is that true, Tim?" Dick had asked, his voice small like a child's. Everyone quietened down from the airy atmosphere, going to a heavier one, especially with Tim's dark joke, Jason was still glaring at him.

"Well, our mothers are twins, but yeah.." Tim awkwardly said. It was a complete lie, but only Cass and Alfred could tell, and they wouldn't spill, probably already knowing the true relationship Tim has genetically with Dick.

"But it won't change anything I promise!" He hurriedly said, waving his hand out in front of him to reassure Dick, or maybe Damian, or maybe the three of them together.

Dick looks back at Jason, then Steph, Cass, and so on, looking everyone in the eye. HE settled back on Tim, seeing the truthful looks everyone had. "I.."

He put the folder down, looking Tim straight in the eyes. "I think we should talk." HE says before stalking out of the room, Damian turns to follow but Dick stops his with an apologetic look. "Alone." He insisted before sending one last glance back the the rest of his family, chosen and one bio.. god, he's related to Tim, maybe that's why their characteristics are similar, he needs to process this.

He ends up leaning back on his bed, hands over his face as he sighed. Alfred will guide Tim here when he's ready to talk, Dick's sure of it.

Chapter Text

Tim manages to weave himself out of the way of the others as he exits the room, already heading in Dick's direction. He ends up standing outside of his bedroom door, breathing in deeply and trying to think of what Dick want's to say, and for something to say in reply.

He eventually gives in and pushes the door open, watching as Dick takes his hands off of his eyes and looking up at Tim. He sighs and sits up, his body tense and his posture slouched.

"Hey, Tim." Dick greets, it's dry and awkward and far from the warm and enthusiastic greeting Tim usually gets. It immediately makes Tim go on edge, his body as stiff as a board. "Uh yeah, hey."

They just sit there, absorbing each other's company before Tim finally break the silence. "Look Dick, I know you wouldn't want this, your life's already perfect and I wouldn't want anything to change, and-"

"Oh thank God." Dick cuts Tim off. Looking up at the ceiling. "I don't know what I was expecting, but I'm happy with our relationship as is, you know, being brothers and all.. and I don't think it'd be good to change the dynamics of everyone's life just because of this issue."

Dick doesn't see the way Tim's muscles flinch back in shame. Dick had just called their ties an issue. Was that how Dick really saw him?

"Of course now I have someone to share my DNA with, but I mean, we're a family either way and, well, this isn't really that important is all I'm trying to say. And I like just being brothers with you, if that's okay with you."

Dick then turns his head to look at Tim, his eyes laser focused on his adopted brothers reaction, Tim had a stern look on his face, glaring daggers into his hands. "Yeah, I agree. I don't want anything to change with our relationship, so I think that's for the best." Tim ignores the way his heart clenches as he speaks, trying to suppress a voice crack and tears. He wouldn't break, not in front of his brother, not in front of his father.

He then looks Dick in the eyes, letting a small smile ghost his face. "At least I candle have you as a donor for blood transfusions." He jokes, slightly nudging Dicks side with his elbow. Dick smiles easily, as if he's unaffected by their conversation. "Yeah that's right Timmy!"

He leans into Tim and ruffles his hair, messing the gelled back style Tim had worn at work earlier that day. Tim fondly grumbles before pushing himself off of Dick's bed. "Is that all?"

Dick hesitates before nodding, not knowing what he actually wanted from Tim. He knew he didn't like this outcome, but he thought he did, and now they've agreed and he's messed up again, at least Tim seems happy about this one decision Dick's made.

He just needs Tim to be happy, ignoring the flashes of his father he sees in his brother, the blood relation was so obvious he didn't know how he could have ignored it, yet now, it feels like he's lost his family yet again.

He gets up and follows Tim out of his room, heading back down to the family room. Everyone's settled down now, cleaning up the mess around them as Alfred prepares dinner. Their talk seemed to have gone by longer than Dick had realised, as the sun was setting by now.

Once everything had been tidied and everyone had settled in at the table, grabbing bits and pieces from the middle of the table to stack their plates high, light chatter filling the otherwise quiet surroundings.

Only Damian notices the bare plate Tim has in front of him, and if he said anything, it wasn't heard.

Eventually, time cuts short and Tim has to return home, because no matter if they offer him a place to sleep, Wayne manor isn't his home, they're just exchanging pleasantries with their neighbours kid while showing him to the door, waiting for him to make the right decision and leave.

Tim doesn't head back home with his lips bitten between his teeth, or with his hands clenched tightly around the handles of his bike. He doesn't let out a sob as he finally closed his door behind him, leaving him with his empty and lonely nest. He doesn't curl in on his elf in bed and cry himself to sleep. And if he did, that'd be a secret between him and the bed sheets.

Chapter Text

Tim wouldn't say he was an empty shell for the days following his conversation with Dick, but it's not entirely false either. He didn't spend much time in the manor anyways, so when he started avoiding it more, it just seemed normal to the others.

He was eating, sleeping, training, and going into work as usual, but he was just, off. Tam noticed, she notices everything, but thank the gods she didn't say anything, just giving him a side eye and bringing him a plate of whatever was being severed at the cafeteria whenever he forgot to eat.

Life went on, and maybe that's why he felt so alone. He'd expected a sudden big change when the truth—or partial truth—came out, he was stressing over what he'd do and how his life would change. He was just so confident Dick would be clingy again, would smother and love on Tim, and when he didn't, it felt like he'd been rejected again.

But that's Tim fault for his miscalculation, for being overly confident, and it's not Dick's fault in the slightest that Tim's expectations of him were too high, something that would never, could never, happen.

So Tim did the only thing he's good at. He ran away. Not in any literal sense, but he just couldn't stand the emotions inside of him, so he buried them deep inside and threw the key away, running in the opposite direction to hopefully forget everything.

That's what he needed. Not solace, comfort, love, or therapy. He just needed to forget. And what better way to forget than to be distracted?

Tim dove deeper into his work, he improved tremendously, but no matter how long he laughs with his employees, it wasn't the same as before.

He'd rather have lived in ignorance than found this truth, he'd rather keep this secret than let anyone know, because he doesn't think he'd be able to handle it if he saw Dicks face again, this time with the knowledge they weren't cousins or brothers. That their relationship ran so deep, Tim could feel it in his core.

And this very knowledge, the one thing that's so deeply rooted in his DNA that it's undeniably true, is Dick's his father. Will always be his father. No matter how much Tim lies to the others, or himself, he will never be accepted by his father, and that broke him.

So call Tim a coward, a liar, a hopeless soul wanting what he could never have. Because Tim would never reveal this card up his sleeve, and he'll never let anyone close enough to learn he even has a card in the first place.

He made his mistake, and he'll live with it. He just needs to keep his blood, hair, whatever, away from the others. They can't know, he isn't sure what to do if they did.

Chapter Text

Tim needed to up his game (The game lol). His enclosed, silent, and moody behaviour was starting to get picked up, and it really wasn't helping if he wanted everything to return to normal—even if he didn't—so he upped his game. Kinda.

Really he was just complaining to Kon on call, being deliberately loud while talking about WE work and how he has so much on his plate at the moment. He was at Wayne manor since Bruce's newly implemented family dinners once a week rule, and not everyone had arrived yet, so he was lazing around.

He knew Dick and Damian were in the other room, watching the lion king for the third time that week, waiting for Steph, Cass and Jason to arrive. Duke was in the same room as Tim, the library, reading through some meta autobiography books. So there's at least one listener.

Kon—the sweet clone boy he is—obviously offered Tim a vacation to the tower for a week. Tim hadn't been back there as much as he used to, not after the Jason incident, but he did miss his friends, so it wouldn't hurt right? He easily accepted, purposefully making himself sound reluctant, but they both knew he'd agree.

So that's his weekend planned, a movie marathon with the group, but that still doesn't solve the current issue. Damian's been more wary around Tim, guiding Dick away and intentionally causing drama with Tim, to make sure Dick's attention is on him.

It's probably some weird league coping mechanism, wanting to be in the spotlight, to have Dick's attention on him alone, but it was creating big problems for Tim.

Aside from being free from the hovering man—he knows he wants Dick's love, he just refuses to tell himself that—it's started to interfere with patrol. Every now and then Dick would've scouted Tim's patrol lines, just for some back up and extra support, now though, he isn't even remotely close to the boundaries, let alone close enough to assist Tim.

So he had to be more careful, less self sacrificial since there isn't anyone to sacrifice himself for, and because he knows it'll be a bitch walking back home with injuries. Some say this is an improvement, not so injured, but his work ethic dropped by 3% since this started. A number that shouldn't exist.

Tim think's he should feel bad for manipulating Kon into inviting him to the tower, to get away from all this drama, but he really doesn't. He knows his friends have been missing him, Kon especially, so technically he's doing them a favour by coming over. Nah, that sounds a little too arrogant, even for Tim.

Anyways—Tim still has to deal with the family dinner. Just one last moment stuck around the bat clan before his sweet relief filled holiday in Jump city. One awkward conversation, trying not to make eye contact, where everyone's words—apart from Jason—dance around the sensitive topics.

So when the rest finally arrive, and everyone files into the dining room, Timothy Drake is no more, now just a mask ready to hide his true intentions. Ready to protect himself.

"So, Tim." Bruce starts off, because of course he does. He glances between Tim and Dick, giving Tim the indication that Dick probably asked Bruce to bring this up, whatever this is that they're about to speak about.

"I've looked into some things, and it seems your birth certificate isn't certified anymore after your.. death.. so we'll need to do something about that. Especially since it shows the Drake certificate isn't even registered correctly."

And wow, Tim didn't think of that did he? And shit, there's no way to hide this from the public when the finalisation is done.

What if someone calls out that he's faking it? Nurses from his supposed 'birth' coming to give statements that, no, that child died, this has to be a mistake. What about the funeral home? Was the child cremated or buried? Would someone go through the grave site as a sick joke thinking there's nothing there, only to find a baby's bones? Tim's famous and people do pretty messed up shit to famous figures. Even nepo baby's like Tim.

"I see.." Is all Tim says in reply, refusing to let himself speak anymore, not trusting what could come from his mouth. Instead he opts to bite into a hash brown. Sure this is dinner time, but Alfred always let's Tim eat breakfast foods during dinner, and vise versa.

Dick glances from Bruce, down to Damian, and back up at Tim. "You.. need a family member present.. and since we're cousins, I thought I could come?" The word cousins sounds so wrong in Dicks mouth, his voice dry and stiff, and going by the wince he gave, he thinks it too.

Tim can't help but shudder in shame. It feels wrong because Dick's his dad, but it probably feel's wrong for Dick since he doesn't think of Tim as family. That's it. Tim just isn't good enough to be Dick cousin—son—brother.

"Tomorrow we'll go." And suddenly Tim's avoidance plans disappear. He'll have to join his friends later.

Chapter Text

Today's the day. The long awaited, avoidance-denying day. He and Dick are sitting in one of Bruce's civilian cars and driving towards a government state building, the office of births, marriages, and deaths.

The ride is silent, apart from the weird rattling in the back from random things thrown about—it's the 'kids car' alright? Tim's pretty sure most of the stuff is Steph's anyway—and the radio spouting some nonsense music.

Dick keeps glancing not so subtly to the side at Tim's stone cold face, opening and closing his mouth like he wants to start small talk, but became a mute. Eventually, after all the looks and thoughts, Dick decides to break the tension, because God knows Tim won't.

"Soooo.." He starts, his voice getting louder as he continues on, hoping to actually have Tim listen, instead of hear him. "You thought about what name you'll take.. you know, like last name?" Tim flinches at Dicks hopeful voice, his mind going silent before exploding in his internal monologue.

Why didn't he think of that, he isn't a Drake, his birth certificate isn't even real, so he never was a Drake, legally at least. Does Dick want him to take the Grayson name? His dad wants him to have his last name, to have their connection shown so publicly? The baby Tim's impersonating never was given a name, so he could keep his first name, but what would he do about the last name?

"I.. I didn't really think about it." Tim admits, trying to ignore the twitch and light clench of Dicks hand. Sucking in a deep breath, he steadied his voice and forced relaxedness in his body in preparation of Dick answer. "What about you? I'd like you're opinion." This definitely wasn't a ploy to see Dick's thoughts on Tim, to hear Dick say "I want you to take the Grayson name.". He'd probably say something like that, not wanting to sound rude or mean if he said no.

"Oh," Dick replied, not answering Tim's question in the slightest and instead focusing on the road. Did Tim, did he not want it? Would he take the Grayson name if Dick asked him to? Dick feels like he would, like he'd feel guilty at Dicks attachment from being his only biological family left. Tim's like that, putting others first.

Would Dick be wrong for being selfish and asking that of him? He knows he said he didn't want their relationship to change, but ever since Bruce got back Dick's wanted nothing more than to pick his brother up in a hug and just cry in his shoulder.

Would this new biological revelation be the gift Dick's asked God for months ago? The chance to fix everything? Dick wants to be selfish, he truly does, and maybe, it's okay if he is.

Dick's eyes harden as his decision is solidified, he will get his brother back, even if he needs to trick Tim in the process.

"I think you should. Take my last name I mean. You should also get it hyphenated with Bruce's.. i-if you want that is.." Dick may have started off strong, but his confidence sizzled up as his eyes made contact with Tim's own. The younger boy's were wide, like he wasn't expecting the answer, and it made Dick want to back track.

But he didn't. "This may seem harsh, but do you see you're self as a Drake?.. I know about you're relationship with them, and I just, we're a lot closer, aren't we?" Dick tried not to, but he really couldn't help it with the bright eyes and waiting expression on his face. He wanted a yes, but he will respect a no.

"I.." Tim turned away, looking out the window with his head resting on his palm, ears tinged pink. Instead of speaking, he gently nodded his head, his eyes glassy with unshed tears he tries to hide. "Ok, yeah. I think I'll take it. Timothy Grayson doesn't sound bad."

Dick doesn't comment on the fact Tim never said Grayson-Wayne, and ignores the swell in pride and light arrogance that comes with the fact Tim choose him. Choose him and not Bruce, like Dick worried he might.

The heart warming moment, no matter how long the both of them want to stay in it, is stopped when DIck pulls up to the packed parking lot, glancing to find a space.

"Well," He sums up, warm buttery voice back in full display. "Help me find a spot, don't wanna' be looking all day, now do we?" Tim lets himself smile, a secret between him and the window he faces. "Sure, I'll keep my eyes peeled, vigilante style.

Dick lets himself laugh as he navigates the twists and turns of the cars, and eventually is pointed out a free space, and parks.

"You got everything?" He asks Tim, turning to look at the face already trained on him. Tims cheeks are red, eyes a slightly too, but otherwise he seems fine. "Yes dad~" He says while rolling his eyes and getting up, reaching down to the bag filled with 'evidence' and proof he still gets the Drake inheritance without being a 'Drake'.

"Of course my dear son!" Dick replies, hand on his chest as he puffs back in mock acting. He too goes to grab a bag, except this one is filled with water and snakes. At Tim's raised eyebrow, he simply states "What? These things always take long, and I get hungry fast."

Tim's movements are slightly jagged, but he still glides smoothly out the car and closes the door in Dicks face, cutting his words short. Tim's blush darkens and he takes a quick breather to calm his heart. His dad just called him son, sure it was jokingly, but still!!

DIck rushes out the car and shouts protests as he sees Tim already heading off to the building. "Hey! Don't go without me!"

It isn't long before he catches up, and its even shorter when they enter the waiting room. Despite what he thought about taking ages, it seems the appearance of two of Bruce Wayne's children is a big enough deal to get seen first.

"Mr. Grayson, Mr. Drake, to what do I owe the pleasure?" A man in his late thirty's asks, aged well, but not as good as Bruce did at his age. He seems eager to speak to the local celebrities, glance between the two.

Before Tim can speak up, Dick does so first. "Well, it seems there's been a mistake with my brothers birth certificate," with this, Tim raises his bag up onto the table, revealing the contents of it. "From these documents here" Tim says, waving his hand around the pile of papers, "It seems I'm not biologically related to the Drakes, although was adopted. The adoption was finalised, but the name change was not, and my birth certificate is wrong."

This was Tim's way in handling his claim on the inheritance of all the Drakes property and assets, while also fixing the falsified birth record.

"Yes," Dick butts in, not leaving any room for the man to speak. "And we also have evidence showing Tim's relation to me." Tim points about halfway in the pile of papers, the only indication at what paper he's directly referring to being tabbed with a pink sticky note.

"Timothy Jackson Grayson." Tim says again. While he doesn't have a relation to the Drakes, and he was technically kidnapped after birth, he's still happy they raised him, even if they didn't do the best job.

"That's what I- we want my birth certificate to say." And as Dick nods his head, Tim can only think he's on top of the moon, up until the man's reply. "Of course, we just need a quick DNA test between you two and everything can be sorted out."

Now Tim wants to dig a hole in the floor, and crawl in.

Chapter Text

The man looks at the two brothers expectantly, smile already forming on his face. To think, they were related all this time, and that the late Drakes son was adopted? Now this is gold. If he can just get the results of a DNA test back, to see just what their relationship is, then he can send his findings off to the daily planet, he just might make bank!

Instead, it seems to have infuriated the youngest. "Are you saying you don't trust our word?" he says, which seems to have the eldest as surprised at he is, and tries to butt in. "Uh, now Tim, it's fine, really. I'm sure it's just a precaution, that's all."

Tim is not having it. This cannot happen at all costs. If that test is run, and it's found out that Tim is Dicks son, everything is lost and it'll become the scandal of the century! He's obviously got to think of a lie, and fast, otherwise he just doesn't know what to do.

"I know how you people work, you act like I am dumb, but this schemes been tried on me before." Now Tim's going the gaslighting rout, he looks at Dicks questioning gaze, but does the bat sign of 'I'll explain later'. "Do you know how many people have tried to get my blood sample to sell online? How many have tried on my saliva? I have a test done through the Wayne company, a test that is accurate. I will not prove anything when I have a true result here!"

Tim knows! His excuse will be 'I don't want them to have a sample, what if they manage to get a Red Robin sample and try to cross reference and find my identity that way?' It's a running joke between the bat kids that he's as paranoid as Bruce himself, and Bruce would never let anyone other than a few trusted allies have his DNA, for fear of cloning, diseases specialised to affect him only, biological data stolen, and more. Dick will surely believe Tim with that excuse!

Even if he wasn't worried about the results coming out, he would have gone to this place after hours to destroy it anyways, now at least he wont have to do that if he outright refuses. What are they going to do? Demand it out of one of the most richest elites in this hemisphere? As if.

The man stutters to come up with an answer as Tim continues to verbally berate him for even asking him to consider this, and is trying to butt in to apologies, but is now cut off by Dick.

"Oh I've heard of that before, perverts salivating at the option to even get a strand of hair on my head, How dare you think of doing the same to my younger brother! He's not even a legal adult yet!" Dick seemed to have worked himself up now, was he compromised? Or was he aiding Tim in this argument? Tim isn't so sure now, but he is flattered that his brother—father—is this worked up about Tim's safety, even if it's falsified and unnecessary.

In the end, they have the man on his knees crying apologies as he takes the needed documents and promises to have it ready before the end of the week, perhaps in the next few days if he rushes. Dick nods approvingly and Tim writes down what he wants the birth certificate to say, before they head off.

Dick's shoulders are tense as he walks in front of Tim, and Tim can't help but to worry if he's at fault. "Dick.. thanks back there." Dick only gives a gruff reply, a mock similar to Bruce's bat-grunts, which doesn't ease Tim anxiety.

Tim can't help but feel guilty, was Dick acting like this because of his previous outburst? Tim thought it was fine, especially since his brother had helped him, or was he just over thinking and everything was fine?

Rather, in Dick's mind, he can't help but eye Tim carefully. He saw the results, and just.. believed Tim. But when someone asked to confirm it, Tim got all anxious and cagey, like he's got a secret he wants to hide.

Does Tim not trust Dick enough? Is he hiding something from Dick, or was his reasoning really that simple? Dick needs to stop overthinking this, Tim did say he was going to explain what that was when they get back to the car, hopefully that'll answer Dick's wondering mind.

The walk feels long, longer than it should, but they manage to get back to the car and buckle up. Dick leans on an angle to back up, and is trying so hard not to look at Tim, trying to feel casual despite his worries.

Tim on the other hand is looking everywhere but Dick, glancing from the turned off radio, to the window, then to the floor. He's acting nervous, and Dick, now more than ever, more than he thought he would, is suspicious. He wants Tim to explain.

"Tim." Dick says, once they finally leave the car park and starts to drive back to the manor. "What was that? Why were you acting like that?" He didn't want to sound accusatory, so instead he spoke with faux casualty.

Tim heaved a breath, mentally planning how to say this. "Well, I worry that they'll be able to connect me with Red Robin, even the slightest biological data in the wrong hands can be a mans downfall. And I don't want to create any risks."

Dick nods his head, keeping an eye on the road, but his mind on the conversation. "But we could've given him a sample, for his reassurance, then gone back and destroyed it. You know this would be easier, so why did you.."

"Are you accusing me of something Dick?" Tim's harsh words cut him off, making hi widen his eyes in surprise. While Dick wants to back peddle and smooth this over, he does want answers.

"Why are you getting so defensive Tim? It's just a question." Dick tries to push forward, not dropping the subject like Tim hoped he would. "You're acting like a crazy scheming ex-girlfriend, just tell me." Maybe that wasn't the right way to put it, but now he got Tim angry.

"Right, and I'm so crazy you should just shove me in Arkham. You don't believe me Dick, just say that. You can't comprehend that not everything is malicious." Dick felt think he got punched I the gut.. and heart. He thought he apologised for that, or was Tim still hold up on that comment? It wasn't even said in seriousness.

"Tim you know its not like that, I just want to know why you're being so secretive. I apologised for not being there, I'm still sorry now, but you need to know that a question doesn't mean I don't trust you, it just means I want more answers." Dick tried to urge Tim, tried to make it not sound as bad, but shit, he really is a bad brother isn't he?

"No Dick, you need to understand that just because of this 'new found revelation' doesn't mean everything you've said, done, not done, whatever. Everything isn't automatically solved and forgiveness isn't assumed." Tim opens the door, which in reality, is a really bad move to make when you're ina car at a red light, but he doesn't care.

"Talk to me when you're done your little detective escapade, and face me like a brother, not a criminal." Tim walks off, and leaves Dick in silence.

"Wait." Dick calls out, but the door is closed and Tim is gone.

Chapter Text

Tim hadn't returned that night and the guilt was eating Dick alive. Sure Tim had his own place, but the two had discussed staying at the manor and chilling. Dick tried not to feel disappointed, it was to be expected after all, especially after the argument hours prior, but he couldn't help the heart ache in his chest.

Damian didn't seem any better, taking over Dick's mood and making it his own, so now the two were sitting on the couch in silence, grim faces matching like mourning family. Duke had left a few minutes ago, muttering about needing a DNA test between Damian and Dick too, though that wasn't needed.

Dick had ran the program when he reached the manor, suspicious about Tim's anger at being called out, only for the relation to either be 0% for the others, or show first cousins with Tim. So yeah, this is all his fault and now he's ruining the day for everyone else too.

"Damian, kiddo, you don't have to be so mad, what are you sulking about?" Dick ignored the fact that he too was sulking, and focused on the fourteen years old kid, because yes Damian, you are a kid.

"Not a kiddo." The—what Jason would call—demon brat mumbled under his breath, before raising his head to look at his adopted older brother. "Why are you so focused on Drake now? Didn't you say you wanted everything to stay the same?"

And damn. Perhaps the boy had listened in on Dick discussion with Tim a few days ago? It wouldn't be a surprise, despite getting him out of most of the league training and behaviours, he was still a gremlin for information, either for personal blackmail purposes or otherwise.

Dick shook his head to get ride of the thoughts and put all his energy into answering Damian's question instead. He got a weird look for this action, but he didn't mind and just spoke up. "Well, Damian. I was just.. surprised. Yes, I was surprised to find out that Tim is my relative, and after thinking I had little to none living family, I felt a connection, you know?"

The excuse sounded flimsy even to his own ears, but Damian took it without complaint, looking down to pet Alfred the cat in his lap. "So why are you upset?" Dick hadn't expected Damian to be so mature about it, thinking the boy would throw a tantrum, but he has to admit Damian did come a long way, even if he would never have had a public outburst such as a tantrum, even at the tender age of 9.

"Well, we just had a disagreement, but i'm sure it will blow over eventually." Was this kid a licensed therapist? Dick was feeling a lot better after talking it out with him, even if he shouldn't really share his problems with someone so young.

Damian looked at him funny before picking up Alfred and sitting him on the floor, "That's not how Tim is." He replied coolly, "We both know that" he finished before turning and leaving, his words echoing in the now silent room like a warning.

Dick sat there for a whole three minutes before his impatiences won and he ran off, going out in civilian clothes—because of course the sun still had to be out—and stealing one of Bruce's lesser known cars.

Driving down the streets looking for Tim was like searching for a needle in a haystack. With a likely hood that he isn't even in the city anymore, hell, he may have got off to a different state altogether. After all, when he's determined nothing get's in his way, and seemed keen on ignoring Dick.

Much to his surprise however, it only took three guesses to find Tim. The penthouse was abandoned, his nest he likes to be at—the one he think's Dick doesn't know about—is also empty, however his favourite little coffee shop was open, and Dick could get a peak of Tim's hair from over the top of a chair.

He bounced over like he owned the place and took a seat, not minding the annoyed expression Tim had. "Timmy, heyy~" he tried, wincing at his awkwardness and dying inside. "Look Tim. I'm really sorry, I shouldn't've doubted you like that, and I just-"

Chapter Text

MAKE SURE YOU'VE READ THE NEW TAGS!! VIOLENCE WARNING!!
I have this symbol between the violence scene if you want to skip it (┻━┻ ︵ヽ(`Д´)ﾉ︵ ┻━┻)

Tim was pissed at Dick, really. Sure he himself was lying, defecting, accusing and gas lighting him, but seriously! Dick should've known that Tim wouldn't lie about having a familial bond with him, he knows how much that means to Dick, he wouldn't intentionally say a lie like that, so while he may have lied about the specifics, that's not nearly as important as having Dick's support.

The one thing that solidified this assumption was the notification he got half an hour prior, one telling him someone had re-done the test between him and Dick. Tim knew it would happen eventually, however not by Dick. He would've thought it was Bruce or Damian, but the argument he had previously made him check.

Low and behold, Dick was at the computer typing, waiting for the results to come through. It felt like betrayal, having his words tested like that, having Dick not believe him and do the test on his own, it wasn't even prompted by an antagonising Damian, the boy was at school at the time. It was all Dick, doubts and everything. Tim easily typed on his phone, changing the results before they could go to Dick, before he could see the truth.

Tim really did need to change the way he covered his tracks, he might be in a battle as Red Robin next time, and won't be able to manually change the results before they're sent to the bat-cave. He'll quickly delete his DNA from the bat-computer right now, then set up a proper system when he gets home tonight. Dick would be here soon, Tim can see him on the tracker. He made sure to get rid of it before Dick gets here.

Screw the bastard, Tim didn't want anything to do with a deadbeat father like that! Why the hell would he chose to take the Grayson name, it's obvious Dick was just saying that to make Tim feel like he has options, instead of not wanted.

He knew this was too good, their bonding in the car was just Dick's delusion of family, he wasn't actually Dick's brother, heck if a criminal was a relative of Dick's he's sure the man would still accept him and act like that.

The bigger surprise however, came when he was drinking his depressing blend of coffee, too many shots and a sneak of Zesti cola poured into the cup. He was scrolling on his phone when Dick plopped down on the chair across from him.

His brother started rambling an apology, but Tim moved on reflex. He didn't know why he did it, but he just.. slapped Dick.

He brother was cut off from the palm at his face, the strike making his cheek red. Tim felt horrified, he couldn't believe his body would betray him as badly as Dick, but here he is. The sound echoed off of the walls of the Coffee shop, with random customers turning to stare.

Dick's face grew red, not just from the sharp pain, but also embarrassment. "Tim." The voice was careful, hurt but soft, like he was talking to an abused child. His face slowly grew devastated, like the slap was a direct rejection to the apology he was trying to say.

"I" Was all Tm could get out, his face going though a thousands of expressions before landing on something similar to emotional constipation. Fuck, Tim really dug himself a grave, and the only way he can think of getting away, of leaving, was to keep digging, so he did.

"Don't look at me like that!" He shouted, the heat of emotion burning into his skull, he knew he was bad at confrontation, but turning the situation to this? It was something else. "Don't look at me like you're the victim! You're the one that ran the test!"

Dick's face, completely drained of colour, once beet red now paper white. "What?" was all he could say, his eyes wide with the unmistakable fear and self doubt he often got when something went wrong. Tim hated that face, hated making Dick hurt, hated making his father hurt, even if the other man didn't know he was Tim's father.

"Look, I'll just, I'll go. I'll call up the government office of births, marriages, and deaths, and change the name. I'll finalise the certificate my parents created, it'll be hard on the public to stop calling me a Drake anyways."

Tim just desperately wanted to leave, if this was what it took to get Dick to go, then it's worth all the nights spent and soon to experience crying himself to sleep. It's so obvious this is what Dick actually wanted, he probably did the test hoping for it to be wrong so he could confront Tim about lying, and to keep him name for his real family.

He's probably upset to find the test result came back as a match and only came back to apologise because he think's Tim's his biological cousin, because Tim changed the real results before Dick could see the truth, because Tim's a lying liar.

"Well I'm sorry you were acting all suspicious like that!" Now it was Tim's turn to be shaken. Dick had a long temper fuse, but when he gets angry, he get's angry. "Nothings been the same since Bruce left, and I thought you were just being emotional, but when he came back you still act like this? I already apologised! I've done so hundreds of times and I will continue to do so! But you act like I've personally hurt you!"

"You abandoned me!" "You know that's not what happened. Damian needed me more, and I know I couldn't be there for you, but I tried, I'mm still trying to get your forgiveness, and instead you act like the reason I came here was to shout at you!" Dick was tired, he was hurt, and he wanted his dad. He wanted his brother to forgive him, and he wanted to go home.

"Then just.. leave me alone. I'll talk to you when you've calmed down, I'll forgive you if that's what you want, but please, go away." Tim's words made Dick want to cry, he may have let a tear fall, but it was hard to tell.

"Tim, then, don't do it." At Tim's cautious yet confused face he adds on, "The office of births, marriages, and deaths. Don't call them up to change it, just let me have this one. Please."

Tim didn't say anything, he does jerk his head before leaving, but Dick doesn't know if that was accidental, or an intentional nod. He hopes its the later. Dick too decides to leave, chucking a handful of bills on the table, keeping his head down from the stares of the other customers, he sneaks off back to his car.

He doesn't think he'll stay at the manor, though he will be returning to give Bruce his car back and to take his own instead. He needs a break, and going back to Bludhaven, to his small apartment instead, it seems like the better idea anyways, and he was only visiting Gotham for the week.

When he actually gets to the manor, he swaps the cars quickly, not wanting to see anyone while he's in this state. It would make Damian concerned, and he'll probably try to confront Tim about everything. But Dick doesn't want that, he doesn't want to isolate Tim from the family, and besides, his relationship with Damian is already strained enough, Dick doesn't need to make it worse.

So off he goes, a lonely and quiet ride back to his place. It feels cold, wrong. His adoptive family is at the manor, his biological family is probably crying off somewhere. He's ruined everything and he just needs a minute. Maybe he could go to Kory? Cry on her shoulder? She'll give him an ear to listen.

He wants someone to just be with him right now, someone to make it all better. He wishes he didn't argue with Tim, he wishes he didn't say such mean things. He wishes this whole situation never happened, but then he would never have found out about his relation with Tim.

This was his chance, this was the gift god gave him, the solution to his and Tim deteriorating relationship, and he threw that gift away. He threw away the one thing he needed to connect with his brother and become that, to become brothers again.

He'll cool off, apologise—properly—and finally, things will look up again. It's just a matter of time.

—

Tim didn't understand why Dick would do that, why he would still want Tim to keep his last name, to keep apart of himself, even after their argument. Was that to sooth Tim? To let him know that he's still family? The way he said it though, it sounded like it was Dick that wanted Tim to have his name, and not just for a front for Tim's emotions.

Did Dick see him as a brother? Tim doesn't know what would happen if Dick learnt the truth, would he still want Tim to have his last name? For the son of his rapist to be connected to him like that? Tim doesn't think so, but he's selfish, so he'll leave it, even if it's under the guise of Dick wanted it.

He can change it back if Dick wants him to. It's enough that he gets to indulge in knowing his hero is his father, in knowing he was wanted, even if it was as a cousin, a brother, rather than a son.

Tim's a fatherless son anyways, it won't change much.

It doesn't matter that he holds his hand close to his chest, a tear or two falling from his eyes and he regrets everything. He slapped his dad. He slapped his brother. He slapped Dick. His heart hurt his throat felt closed, and yet it wasn't enough. The world really though that wasn't enough on Tim's plate, it really thought that Tim deserved worse.

And it always gives what it thinks it needs to give.

Tim isn't even halfway down the street when an arm reaches out and grabs him by the collar. The tug backwards chokes him into a coughing fit, but that's not all. Once he's fully in the alleyway, isolated from the street, and is cornered behind a dumpster, he can see them.

Three talons, because of course there is.

┻━┻ ︵ヽ(`Д´)ﾉ︵ ┻━┻

They push him down as he tries to fight back, he manages to punch one in the jaw, not caring about anyone seeing, if this was a normal mugging or criminal, sure he would be more careful, but this is the court of owls.

One grabs at his arm, claw digging into the flesh and drawing blood, but he won't stop. He shoves them back and reaches behind him to grab his fold-able bo staff. It isn't one of the best, but it's better than nothing.

He gets it out of the compartment he hid it in, but it's quickly swiped from him hand and strewn across the floor. Two talons rush at him on either side, a blade in each of their hands. He managed to dodge one with a obvious coating of something hot pink, probably a poison of sorts.

The other talon however gets a hit, their blade coated with a yellow coloured poison. It's thick and stings the cut it entered through. It's slow acting on Tim, so he continues to fight.

A claw makes its way into him stomach, with another one in his back, and he wants to scream. His blood coats the pavement and he cries silently as they tear though his flesh. He pushes up however, and continues the fight. He jumps towards the smallest of the three, sending a flying kick to the head.

It's head smacks against the back wall of the ally and Tim tries to scatter away back to the main street in view so someone can be informed of his fight. He doesn't go far, his feet moving forwards only to be grabbed and tripped.

He lands face first into the brick pavement, yet that doesn't satisfy them. He's dragged backwards as one snags a claw in his back. It catches on a bone in his shoulder, so the talon pulls with more pressure, letting it crack and tear.

Tim kicks out, but it's hard when he's on his stomach, the talon is continuing to drag him backwards using it's claw in his back as a handle. He kicks at the ground instead, sending him up to flip over on his back instead. It's easier to block punches now that his arms are free, to kick at them trying to get close.

The claw in his back came lose when he flipped over, and the talon it belonged to was pushed back, but soon they got up again. They went for his stomach instead, and in a pointed motion, digs them into the swell of his stomach.

He tries to fight back, but it's futile as another wraps it's hands around his throat, trying to choke the life out of him. He kicks and screams, but the lack of air makes it sound more like a quiet wheeze or a muffled cough.

His hands wrap around the ones on his throat, pulling and tugging as the talon pushes him further into the pavement. The talon that was ruining his stomach also pushes deeper, most likely rupturing an organ or two.

Tim doesn't know why they're doing this, why they're trying to kill him, but they are. The third talon, the smallest one, the one he slammed against the wall, was walking up to him. Blood dripped form it's temple but that didn't deter it as a vial was produced. It was pink, like the poison one the knife he had dodged previously.

The cap came loose, and it fell from the vial to his stomach. The talon that played with his insides like it was play-doh quickly moved its hands out of the way, instead grabbing at Tim's kicking legs to hold him down.

The acid tore through his organs, burning a hold in his stomach. Tim screamed, but the hands on his throat stopped that noise from escaping.

Tim wished he'd never have been robin. Bruce had trained him to stay awake even through pain, so it took a lot longer before he fainted at the feeling, still, the darkness was expected, especially with what happened to his insides.

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He was going to die. He was going to die before he told Kon his feelings, before he could legally drink, before he could forgive Jason, before he could grow old.

He was going to die before he told Dick the truth.

Tim's thoughts were haywire, he was crying in pain, in anguish. He shouldn't be feeling this, he should be dead already, why does the universe have to continue this torment? Why isn't he dead?

He felt the pressure worsen, his lungs tight in his chest, and his core squeezing. Fuck, were his nerve messing with him? He didn't even have his core stomach anymore, so why, why was this pain so strong?

And that it. That's the moment when Tim realised something was horribly wrong. When he realised his life would be changed forever.

That was the moment when he opened his eyes, lashes caught on the thick liquid, and saw green.

Chapter Text

Dick wasn't expecting a phone call from Bruce, especially at this time. The man knew he would just be starting patrol right now, with it being 8pm and all, and since he has access to his comms.

Moving to a back ally, Dick pulled the phone out of a hidden pocket, and spoke. "B? What's up?" He didn't know what he was expecting his adoptive father to say, but it definitely wasn't this.

"I need you in the cave NOW." Okay then. He sounded angry, concerned, but also worried. Did B think something was up with him? Or was this just a situation connected to Bludhaven, where Batman and Nightwing would have to team up again.

"Do I need to be in the cave, or is this something we can talk about on phone-" Dick started, letting his words babble out. He was annoyed at B for this, even more so since he'd just returned from Gotham and had his fight with Tim, he didn't want to see his brother, not yet. However, like the world was laughing at him, Bruce cut him off, "Cave now."

"Okay old man, can you wait the drive or do I need to take the zeta tubes?" Dick was already heading off, going back to his apartment to pick a bag, this sounded like a problem that would take many days, so it'll be best if he's got civilian clothing.

"Zeta tubes, we have a situation." "We always do.." Dick mumbled to himself, he knew Bruce could hear him, yet he didn't say anything.. maybe Dick should start to worry.

Bag sling over his shoulder, jogging, nearly running, he went towards the zeta tubes, sure he hated the feeling of using them, however it was much faster than the 3 hour drive to Gotham.

When he finally made it, stopping a few times to prevent a mugging or three, he was zapped out and into existence back in Gotham, surrounded by almost everyone.

To his luck, or misfortune, Tim wasn't there, but Jason, Damian, Duke and Cass and Steph were. Jason and Steph were huddled together looking everywhere but Dick, while Duke and Cass looked on at him with what seemed to be pity and worry. Lastly was the brat, who seemed not upset, but not happy, more of a mix of complicated emotions he can't name.

"Alright, now I'm curious, what's going on?" Jason looked like he was about to tell him, but a cough caught their attention. Quickly everyone stood to attention in front of Bruce, some staring at the man to avoid catching Dick's eye.

"Dick, is there anything you want to tell us?" And now Dick was angry at Bruce. The man called him here, made him feel all queasy from the portal, yet looked to him for answers on a subject Dick didn't know they were discussing?

"Not really, I mean I do want to know why I'm here and all." All Bruce did was turn on his heel, and stalk towards the bat-computer. Dick followed after, and the others did so too, albeit much slower.

"Okay, what's going on now B? You making me worried. Is something up with Tim or something? Is that why he isn;'t here? Sure we had an argument but I didn't mean to and-" Dick was rambling, trying to make up excuses for a situation he didn't know. What was his life.

"Duke was about to turn in for the night before the others took over night shift, when he came across this." On the screen displayed for all to see, was an ally way coated in blood. The amount that was either a large gang fight, or someone dead.

"We ran some tests and, it came back with four different people." Alright, this is good, sure it's a lot of blood but for four people? No one would be dead.. he hoped. "All four unidentifiable people, though we can see some traces in three of them that lead us to believe they're apart of the Court of Owls, likely talons." Damn, just as life was getting.. not good but acceptable.

"And? What about the fourth?" Dick pressed, leaning into the screen to get a better view of the ally. Quickly, faster than he could blink, Bruce has changed tabs to show a blood test result.

"The fourth has a biological match to you.. as you're son." Dick's vision narrowed instantly. He's had his fair share of partners, but he made sure not to get any of them pregnant, and watched them for up to a two years after, to make sure none had his child.

"What?" was all he could muster, but Bruce ignored his shock and carried on. "Looking at the boy's methylation groups," because of course Dick would have a son, "we can estimate him to be about 15 to 20, with a 10% over/under."

And now he knew why they were looking at him with pity. Either he was 11, or 16 when the kid was born.. or he could be a clone! "Are you sure he isn't a.. clone?" Bruce only shook his head lightly, "We have a way of identifying clones compared to natural birth.. this boy is of natural conception."

Bruce hesitated, like talking to a victim, before continuing "Is there anything you want to tell us?" Well now Bruce thinks he was a rape victim, luckily, Dick had had a highschool girlfriend at 15 through to 18, so the child would be about 13 to 16, close to Tim and Damian's age, and it was close to the age range, which was just an estimate.

"So.. I may have done somethings with Sarah Wills.." Dick started off, Bruce's eyes widened and he look a little mad. It is understandable however, since Dick had said he lost his virginity at the acceptable age of 18.

"So the boy would be about 13 to 16, close to the age range." He was on and off with Sarah, so it was possible that she'd given birth during one of their 'breaks', though that was at a later date, so the kid'll be about 13 or 14.

"My.. son.. should be about 13 or 14, if I guessed right.." Now, the pitying looks from his siblings morphed to be smirks, especially at the angry look Bruce showed.

"Right.." Jason said instead, "So, are we going to ignore the talon part of this?"

Chapter Text

Omg guys, so i know i haven't posted in a while and im sorry but I've been busy TT

Anyways, firstly, originally I didn't post cause a comment got to me, then I convinced myself it doesn't matter, this is a fanfic so like who cares??

Secondly when I overcame that I was doing extra courses and work experience so I was wayy to tired to post, and my very last day doing courses was the day before I moved.

I'm now at a boarding school!! Yayayaya!! Except I had to settle in, and wow, there is so much homework, so I've been dealing with that (BTW this is my second week here). But last weekend I was gonna write!! But then that cyclone hit and my school lost power!!

Its been about 3 days now and I tried setting up my home computer because prefer writing on it, but the school internet isn't working for it?? And today they cut off all internet so I couldnt even try again (it needed fixing or smt idk). I cant even post on my school computer because its blocked?! Like what?!

And then it comes to this, me, remembering I can write on my phone, so here I am typing away on a wayy too small keypad but whatever..

So im gonna try to post chapters (despite already having the next one saved then lost RIP...) on my phone now, and well see what happens from there.

Expect the next chapter perhaps next week or the week after?? I'm still settling in and need to make a schedule, but next week is the last week before christmas holidays then im back again a month later, so I should be able to get a few extra chapters made in that time?? Maybe.

Anyways I think the AO3 curse is real?? Cause of all that poop, but im still living happily (best ever auctally) so I think its more of a physical thing then mental?? and anyways ill be posting chapters till I'm in a hospital (again??) So dw, Im too invested in this to drop it xdd.

Also i got so bored I literally wrote a superbat smut fic on my calculator xdd (sadly I can transfer it to psot it so it'll have to live in mention only TvT