Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Tim really hated formal events.

Yeah, the whole concept of it was horrifying to him to begin with (what do you mean he’s supposed to be in the packed room for 4-5 hours, just socializing? And people do this for fun? ), but the entire closeted-but-not-really trans situation was what sealed his hatred for these things.

It’s... complicated, to say to least. He was trans and he was sure of it, don’t get him wrong, he introduces himself as a boy to new people, he cut his hair, changed his name, the whole thing, the one problem was... well, his parents. It’s not like they’re transphobes or anything, fuck no, but he has a feeling they wouldn’t take to him coming out very well. Public image and all. So, legally, he was still 15 year old Tabatha Drake, and he wasn’t able to get on T or get top surgery, nothing like that.

Which means that at times like these, when he had to go to a charity gala or whatever, he had to wear the mask of sweet little Tabbi, take off his binder, style his hair to make it look longer, wear some makeup, and play pretend for a night.

Today, his parents weren’t there to shove him towards people. Tim wasn’t sure if he was supposed to be thankful at the loss of their judgmental stares, or be even more stressed out at the loss of the social shield their presence provided. In any case, this was new. He wasn’t dragged around by his mother to greet everyone, which was good because he didn’t have to hear the usual lies ( ‘she looks so much like you, Janet’ , ‘such a lovely girl’ , or his personal favorite, ‘I bet all the boys are just all over her!’ ), but it was also bad because it meant he was expected to do it all by himself, which is relatively worse, but at least that’s over.

Currently, he was resting in the corner, watching Brucie dazzle a group of reporters. He wished he could come here with the Waynes, but his parents would never allow it, so he was stuck pulling some excuse out of his ass for why Tim couldn’t be there (an injury he most definitely had, but it just helped his cover). He knew Dick was also there somewhere, along with Cass and Steph, who was the one most annoyed at the fact Tim couldn’t be there ( ‘it’s embarrassing to show up without my boyfriend, Timbo.’ ).

“Nice dress.” Someone said from behind him, making him jump and curse himself internally at the fact a civilian managed to sneak up on him, only to be met with his very own girlfriend, behind her his sister who’s squinting at him like she doesn’t recognize him. Well, he couldn’t blame her.

Tim snorted, looking down at the dress his mother forced him to wear for the occasion. Some boring strapless one, but he figured she would like it, it being her favorite shade of purple and all. It still looked too weird on him for his own liking, but that was to be expected, he guesses. “Thanks, it was my mom’s.”

Steph hummed, grabbing two champagne glasses from a passing waiter (Cass didn’t drink) and offered him one. He took it, nodding in response, and chugged it all at once. God knows he wasn’t doing this shit sober. 

“I’m Stephanie Brown, by the way.” Steph offered her free hand. “And this is Cass, you probably know her, she’s more famous.”

Tim stared at her hand for a second before snapping out of it, shaking her hand and smiling politely. Of course she didn’t recognize him, that was the entire point. She’s only ever seen him with his binder on, wearing at least two shirts and either jorts or baggy jeans, depending on the time of year, so it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to him that she didn’t connect the girl in a dress with him. He should probably be proud of this, the three hours and fuck ton of makeup he wasted didn't go to waste (he really didn't want Bruce to recognize him today). “Tabatha Drake,” he smiled. “But my friends call me Tabbi.”

Steph raised a brow. “Drake as in you’re Tim Drake’s sister?”

Fuck, he needed to make out a good lie. Damn you, Cass, and your cursed talents.

“Mhm.” He nodded, grabbing another drink. It would be easier to dismiss his incriminating body language if he was drunk, right? “In the flesh.”

“Why isn’t he here?” Cass chimed in for the first time, undoubtedly trying to figure out what she was missing. Right, what did he tell Bruce and what would his twin (they’re the same age after all) sister would know?

“Oh, he never gets to go to these things,” he said bitterly, sipping the champagne as he decided to tell the truth and just leave some parts out, just like Batman taught him. He leaned in closer, as if he was going to tell them something groundbreaking. “Our parents don’t really like him, that is, they’re ashamed.”

The two girls looked at him with matching confused expressions on their faces. Note to self; pat my shoulder for fooling Cass later. “Why...?” Steph trailed off. Yeah, it probably makes no sense to them. He was, after all, a model Average Guy, he got good grades, didn't go out to party until 3am, did his chores, etc etc, so, without context, this sounds like something stupid as hell to say.

“Doesn’t fulfil their expectations, or whatever.” Tim looks away to stop the tears from coming to his eyes. He can’t cry now, he’s got a whole ass backstory to make up. “They barely even acknowledge his existence at this point. I don't think they've had a normal conversation in at least six months.”

He sees the two of them exchanging glances from the corner of his eye, and he has a second to worry if he overshared before Cass spoke up.

“That’s... bad .” She said with barely contained rage. Oh, he’s going to regret this conversation tomorrow, but that was Tim’s problem, not Tabbi’s, so he’s going to enjoy the alcohol in his system while he can. He hadn’t had champagne this good since... probably the last time his parents missed a gala. They never let him drink.

“Yeah,” Steph nods along, her hand automatically at Cass’s shoulder. “Is that why we never see him with his parents?”

Wow, so they’re letting all the questions out of their system now, okay, pop off. He sips his drink again, savoring the feeling as the bubbles travel down his throat, before he responds.

“Uh huh,” he needs a way to end this conversion and get the fuck outta there. “I would recommend you asking him about it, I usually tune out their fights, y’know.” They both nod awkwardly, making him want to fist the air. Boom, he managed to make them believe his story while using a touchy subject that would get them off his tail, hell yeah! “Well, it was nice to meet you two,” he smiled at them, already walking away. “Hope to see you soon.” On patrol, because I got a lead on that trafficking ring we were working on were the words left unsaid, so easy on his tongue yet somehow so heavy at the same time. He glances at Bruce while he walks out the door, the way out already memorized, and sees him talking quietly with the two he was just talking about, no doubt talking about him.

Great, with his luck Bruce would contact Alfred before he even leaves the event, asking him to dig some dirt on the Drakes, leaving Tim with his second all nighter in a row, now having to race against his sorta-grandpa in order to fish out his contingency plans for this exact situation. Thank you Batman for your instilled paranoia .

Chapter Text

The next time Tabbi was brought up, it was three days after that gala. Honestly, Tim hoped he would have more time to pretend he didn’t tell his girlfriend his parents were kinda neglectful, but whatever.

He was on a walk with Stephanie, the two of them sipping the boba he bought and holding hands in a comfortable silence, watching as the sun set and knowing they should probably start heading to the cave, but continuing their walk anyways.

“You know,” Steph started, sipping with purpose. “I met your sister a few days ago, at that gala you bailed on.”

Tim also took a sip, pretending this was a casual conversation, like he wasn’t quite literally the ‘sister’ she talked to. “Oh? What d’ya think of her?”

“She’s cool, makes me wonder how the two of you are related.” Steph nudged him with her elbow. “And how come you never mentioned her before.”

“I guess we just don’t talk much,” Tim shrugged, and started leading them towards a shortcut leading to a secret entry to the cave. Bruce would probably be upset if they would be late for patrol. “She usually hangs around our parents more.”

Steph became uncharacteristically quiet after that, letting him lead them. By the time she spoke up again, they were already sitting on the bus.

“Is that why you never come to galas?” She asked, fidgeting with the edge of her sweater. “Because your parents never let you?”

From the corner of his eye, Tim could see her gaze lifting to his face, searching for anything. He didn’t return the gesture, keeping his eyes on the view from the window in front of them. “Guess so. ‘S not that big of a deal.”

She stayed quiet for a few more moments after that, then moved to rest her head on his shoulder and grab his hand. “Too bad, cause I looked fucking hot in that dress.”

Tim smiled and rested his head or hers. “I bet.”

Another gala. This time, with his parents. This time, he could feel Bruce’s eyes following him across the room. This time, he could just barely see Dick’s shadow, keeping close to him and his parents as they made their way across the room, shaking people’s hands and asking polite questions.

“Straighten your back, Tabatha, you’re standing like a homeless man.” His mother hissed in his ear. He bit his tongue in order to not snap back. Last time he tried that, he was left with a red mark on his back for a week. Whatever, who cares, he was used to it.

Tim did as he was told, standing up straight, and leaned in to shake the hand of Mr. Henderson. He tried not to gag as the man’s eyes wandered over his figure, stopping only when he walked away after making some bullshit excuse. As he left, he could feel his mother staring daggers at his back. Yeah, he’s gonna pay for this. Whatever.

His eyes caught Steph, again standing with Cass near the food. Steph was doing most of the talking, as usual, while Cass was nodding along and finishing the tiny cake bites on the table.

“Tabbs!” Steph waved as soon as she noticed him. Cass waved to him as well, her mouth full of cake. “Can I call you Tabbs?”

Tim walked over to them, leaning on the table and shrugging, then pushing himself off realizing how masculine that looked. “If you wish.” He grabbed a piece of cake. “How are you doing?”

“Good, good.” Steph answered, leaning against the table herself. Of course she could do it without worrying her mother might see her and get upset. “How bout you?”

“Oh, you know.” Tim covered his mouth with his hand as he was chewing. “Living life, nothing too interesting.”

Steph nodded along, the conversion becoming awkwardly quiet. Tim turned his head to Cass, who was still chewing while watching his face.

“How about you, Cassandra?” He asked politely, trying to make his voice sound different (ahem more femme ahem) so they wouldn’t get too suspicious.

“Just Cass.” She answered, obviously avoiding his question. He nodded, finishing his bite.

“Say, Tabbs,” Steph spoke up, nudging him in the elbow. “Where do you go to school?”

It took Tim less than a second to find the answer in his mind, all the memorizing he did the night before coming in handy. “I’m homeschooled, but thank you for asking.”

A waiter passed by, and both Steph and Tim accepted a glass when he offered. It wasn’t champagne, but a cocktail, something fruity, maybe with strawberry and lychee. Tim wasn’t a fan, but booze was booze, and as much as he says he hates being drunk, Tabatha sure doesn’t, he fucking hates those events, and being drunk makes it just a bit better.

“Lucky!” Steph called after taking a sip. “I wish I could be homeschooled, I’m too poor for that shit.”

Tim raised a brow, feigning confusion. “How come you’re attending this event then?”

Sue him, he has a character to build, and if Tabatha was based on his parents, she’s going to be a bit classist, okay?

Steph gasped, pressing a hand to her chest as if clutching her pearls. “Remind me to fuckin’ shoot your brother later. Did he really never mention me?”

Tim avoided her eyes, taking another sip. “Not that I can remember, I apologize.”

Steph huffed, looking at Cass for support. His sister only shrugged, still attempting to finish the ridiculous amount of cake on the table. “We’re dating.” She cleared it up, probably already planning her revenge. “Even though at moments like these, I don’t know why.”

Tim huffed a laugh, taking another sip of the surprisingly good drink. “I couldn’t imagine anyone putting up with him , but good for you, I suppose.”

Steph barked a laugh, hitting Tim on the shoulder as she did. “You’re funny, I like you.”

He tilted his head, smiling. “You’re not too bad yourself.”

From the corner of his eye, he could see Dick finishing up a chat with some socialite and heading towards them. So, he braced himself, fully aware of the fact Cass was still watching him and most definitely noticed that.

“Hey, girls!” Dick called and Tim had to fight not to cringe. Dick stopped in front of them. “Steph, Cass,” he greeted, then his eyes landed on Tim. “I don’t think we’ve met, my name's Dick Grayson.” He offered his hand and Tim took it.

“Tabatha Drake, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” He smiled, folding his hands as soon as Dick let go, fighting the urge to stim with the edge of his way-too-short-dress.

“Oh, I think I know your brother.” Dick said, feigning ignorance. “Tim, right?”

Tim nodded, avoiding his eyes by staring right above his lip, a trick Bruce taught him when he just stared Robin. He took another sip.

“Really, Dick?” Steph said, sounding offended. “Does anyone here even remember I’m dating him?”

“My bad, my bad.” Dick raised his hands and Steph scoffed again.

“Tabatha, there you are.” His father’s voice came from behind him, making Tim tense up immediately. He placed the glass down, praying Jack hadn't seen him drink it. His father stepped forward, placing his hand on Tim’s shoulder. The skin there suddenly felt hotter.

“Mr. Drake!” Dick smiled, offering his hand again, to Jack this time. “It’s nice to meet you! I’ve only heard good things.”

The older man shook his hand, sparing Tim a glance as he did. “Well, I should hope so, right, Tabatha?”

“Of course, Father.” Tim attempted a smile as the hand on his shoulder squeezed with a little too much force. ‘ That might leave a mark tomorrow ,’ the little voice in the back of his head informed him.

“Nice to meet you too, Mr. Drake.” Steph smiled and offered her head as well. Jack hesitated for a second before taking it. “I, uh, I know your son, he’s great.”

Fuck. Fuck fuck fuck. This is not good. This is really bad, actually. This is horrible. He’s fucked. Damn you, Steph, couldn’t you keep your mouth shut for one night.

His father tensed up, his lips pressing into a tight line as he glared down at Tim, who was trying to make himself look as small as possible at the moment. “I have no idea who you’re talking about.”

Steph looked at Dick in confusion, but all he could offer her was the same confusion. “Your son, Tim...?”

“I have no idea what you're talking about.” Jack repeated, sounding angrier, his fingers digging into his son’s flesh. “I don't have a son, I have a daughter.”

Tim watched silently as his siblings’/girlfriend’s face morphed from confusion to understanding. 

“You might be thinking of another Tim, Steph.” Dick tried. “Don’t you have a Tim in your class?”

Steph stared at Tim’s face before nodding, forcing her eyes away from him. “Ye-yeah, my bad, sorry.”

Jack looked down at her. “Hm.” He turned to Tim. “Come on, Tabatha, we’re going home.”

Tim looked between his family’s faces and his father’s face for a moment before answering. “Okay.” He barley recognized his own voice, that's how small it was.

He could feel his family's eyes on his back as he walked out next to his father, but he didn't look back.

Chapter Text

Steph hadn't heard from Tim for a week after that gala, and she was starting to worry.

She wasn’t stupid, she saw how Tim’s dad grabbed Tabatha’s shoulder, how he looked at her, but what she didn’t understand was why . Why did he refuse to acknowledge his son’s existence . Steph knew she wasn’t insane (probably), and she knew damn well Tim existed, okay? But the way his dad acted... yeah, it made no sense.

Tim wasn’t returning her calls, he was ignoring her texts, she even tried to call his Robin-comn-thing! And he was still ignoring her!

At this point, she didn’t know if she should be mad at him or worried.

“Say, B,” she asked Batman earlier that night while on a stakeout. “Have you heard from Timbo lately?” 

“Codenames on the field, Spoiler.” Was the only response she got.

Steph huffed, wrapping her cape tighter around her to avoid the chilly wind of Gotham’s October. “Oh, excuse me , have you heard from Robin lately?”

Batman didn’t respond for a while, taking the time to pull a cup of something warm from his utility belt and offer it to her, ‘it’ being Alfred’s unworldly good hot coco. She took a sip, still looking up at him expectantly. 

“No.” He responded eventually, when he understood she wasn’t going to drop the matter. “Not since the incident with his sister.”

Steph didn’t respond then, but she knew they were missing something, and she didn’t like having unsolved puzzles. Especially around her boyfriend.

Which is exactly why she was standing on the roof of Drake manor after successfully breaking in.

Now, this was easy up until now, but Timbo had (at least ) 10,000 different ways to detect anyone coming anywhere near his window. He told her about it one time, but she dozed off after ‘trap number 31.2, a second silent alarm in case the first one malfunctions-’, and decided to just stare into Tim’s eyes and try to remember why was she even dating him. Eventually, she got bored and shut him up with a kiss, which led to a pretty great makeout sesh. Yeah, that’s why she was sticking around, right.

Anyways, the traps. There was probably an easy way to transpass them, which was just knocking on his window and hoping he was in his room. She means, it worked out in the past, right?

That’s what Steph hoped while securing her grapple to the side of the rooftop and jumping down, counting the windows- she needed to get to floor 7, so that was 4 floors down- as she went. When she reached Tim’s window, she braced her legs against the wall, stopping right next to it. She tilted herself to the side, hoping to find her boyfriend there, but what she saw was... hm. Weird isn’t the word she’s looking for. Strange? Out of character?

His room was cleared out almost completely, everything except for his bed and his desk, was missing (even his Batman shrine, which was probably a hassle to take out). The floor was covered with clothes, books, and trash. The door to his walk-in closet was missing, and from what Steph could see, it was almost completely empty. 

The entire thing was super weird because Tim was one of the biggest perfectionist she’s ever met (the one one above him was fucking Batman ), and his room always reflected that. Well, it was usually a bit messy, but come on, he was a teenage boy, that was to be expected. And it was never this bad. His room looked like... like hers !

But that wasn’t even the worst part!

Tim was there, she thinks. He was sitting at his desk, his back to her. He was hunched down, a textbook open in front of him. Thinking of it, there were two piles of new books on the floor next to him (maybe he was studying something for a case?). That part was normal, his posture was ass and he was always at his desk. The weird part was what he was wearing . He was in a pink tank top and tiny jean shorts. Wait, was this Tabatha? No, there's no way, this is Tim’s room, she was here before, she’d recognize it. And- yeah, on his back was the scar he got three weeks ago from Ivy. So what was that about?

Steph tapped his window maybe a tad bit too harshly, making his snap his head back to her. His face looked pale, his usual eyebags looked deeper, his cheeks more sunken than usual. Something was different about him, but she couldn’t quite place her finger on it.

Tim stared at her in horror for a long moment before rushing to open the locked window. She jumped in, dusting herself off for dramatic affect. When she looked back up, Tim was already crouched down to pick up a sweater, with his bag to her again. He put it on at a speed that wouldn’t shame the Flash, only then turning back to her with his hands crossed. But he couldn’t fool her. He could glare at her all day, she saw the fear in his eyes. But he wasn’t scared of her , right?

“What are you doing here?” He asked, avoiding her eyes.

“What am I- Tim!” She threw her hands up, but she didn’t miss how he glanced at the door when she yelled that. “What is happening? Why are you ignoring me? Why-”

She was cut off by Tim clasping a hand to her mouth, but before she could slap it off, he was already talking. 

“You have to hide.” He whispered, his eyes fixated on the door. “I’ll explain it later, but please , Steph, just-”

Steph nodded, running off to the closet as she also heard the footsteps approaching. She closed the door, but left it a little open. Maybe now she’ll get the answers she came here for.

The door flung open, and a woman who she recognized as Tim’s mom walked in, looking around the room instead of looking at him.

“Tabatha.” She said, her voice cold. “Was someone here?”

“No- no, of course not, mother.” Tim looked down, his hands fidgeting with the edge of the sweater he just put on.

“Don’t try that tone with me, young lady.” Janet’s voice rose and Tim flinched back.

“I’m sorry.” He said quietly. His mother hummed and walked in, still looking around. Her eyes landed on the open window.

“Why is your window open, Tabatha?” Her head turned sharply towards Tim, who took a step back.

“I jus- I just needed some air, is all.” Tim’s eyes were still on the floor, but he didn’t miss his mother stepping closer to him until she was close enough to grip his jaw, hard , and force him to look at him.

“You weren’t trying to sneak out, were you?” She said as Tim squirmed to get out of her grip, only succeeding in making her grip stronger. “Because last I checked, you were still grounded.”

“No, it’s- I know, mother, I didn’t try to sneak out, I swear it.” Tim’s voice was so unrecognisable that, for a moment, Steph forgot she wasn’t here as Spoiler for a child abuse case, but to check on her boyfriend.

Janet let go of his jaw, making a point of cleaning her hand on her dress. She continued scanning the room, not moving away from Tim was standing, rubbing his jaw.

“Did you, um...” He said after a while. “Did you need something?”

His mother looked down on him. “Yes, in fact, I did. I came to inform you that me and your father will be leaving tonight. We have a flight to the Maldives.”

Tim’s eyes remained firmly on the floor. “I wish you safe travels, mother.”

Janet hummed again, then left, closing the door behind her. Tim didn’t move after that, so Steph decided it was okay for her to come out of the closet (not like that , get your mind out of the gutter).

“Tim.”

“Yes...?”

“What the fuck .”

Chapter Text

Tim was still avoiding her eyes, keeping his gaze on the same place he did while his mom was talking to him. He didn’t move for a long moment before snapping out of it. He started walking around and picking up his clothes, still refusing to look at her. Steph crossed her arm and started tapping her foot, resisting the urge to repeat her question. She knows all too well that, similarly to Batman, Tim usually took two to three business days to answer a simple question. Eventually, when he realized she was still there, Tim stopped, his back turned to her.

“You should leave.” His voice didn’t even sound  his. It was like she was talking to a completely different person, and if he didn’t respond to the name Tim she would’ve thought she was talking to Tabatha. Speaking of which, why did Tim’s mom call him Tabatha? What was up with that?

“I- you-“ Steph stammered, moving closer to him. “I’m not just gonna leave , Tim! What the hell was that?!”

She didn’t miss the wince he tried to hide as her voice rose, and the Bat-trained part of her brain screamed at her to stop yelling at a potential abuse victim. She ignored it in favor of the second half of her brain yelling at her for answers. 

“It’s…” Tim hesitated, then resumed walking around and picking up clothes. “Just… leave, Steph, please.”

“I’m not going to leave before you give me answers , Tim!” Steph threw her hands up in frustration. Why was he acting like he was keeping some government secret? Was it really that hard to talk to her? “You do understand that if you were literally anyone else right now I would’ve already been reporting this to Batman, right?”

“ Don’t.” Tim’s head snapped to glare at her, but she wasn’t even looking at him anymore, instead pacing back and forth while running her hands through her hair.

“Why does your mom call you Tabatha? What happened to your room? What happened to you?”

“Listen, Steph-“

“Why are you wearing girls’ clothes? Did your parents make you do that? Is Tabbs here?”

“No, just-“

“Does Tabbs even exist ? Why were you ignoring me for like a week? You didn’t show up for patrol and you know Batman-“

“ Spoiler .”

That made her stop. Damn it, he was too good at imitating the way Batman growled her name. She turned back to Tim, who was standing right in front of her, looking way too tired for someone their age.

“Just…” He dragged his hands across his face. “Go. Please.”

Steph’s entire will to fight deflated as she heard his tone. He didn’t sound angry, or upset, or even tired, unlike the way his everything else was right now. He was begging. Steph has never heard him beg . She wasn’t sure she liked it.

“Tim, I just want to know what’s going on with you,” she took a step closer, and he took a step back. “You do know you can trust me, right?”

He wasn’t looking at her, and his arms remained crossed on his chest. “Steph… please, Steph, it would be better for you and me if you would just go .”

She didn’t like what was happening one bit. She came here for answers, but all she got so far were more questions. She wanted to refuse, to yell at him until she got some answers, to understand what the hell was going on, then kick Janet Drake’s teeth in.

Unfortunately, she knew that Tim wouldn’t budge, because no matter how ass his mental health is, she also went through the ‘what to do in an interrogation’ part of the Bat-boot-camp and she knew it’s not a thing you forget very easily.

“Fine.” She said eventually, walking to the still open window. “Fine. Whatever you want, Tim. Just... know that I’m here if you need me.”

He didn’t respond until she was already halfway out the window.

“And, Steph...? Tell Batman I’m quitting.”

Three Days Later

“I’m telling you, Cass, something was seriously wrong!”

“Hm...”

“His mom grabbed him like- like... ugh, I dunno how to describe it, it was bad, okay?”

“Okay.”

“And he looked like he was used to it! Who is used to their parents grabbing them like that!”

“...”

“Sorry, that was rude.”

“Hn.”

“I’m gonna talk to Batman. I’m serious! I’m telling you, we’re missing something crucial!”

“Steph.”

Steph tore her eyes from the wall and looked at her best friend, who was lying on the couch. Cass was looking up at her, replicating Alfred’s look to a T. What was it with batkids and being strangely good at imitating each other?

“Yeah?” She answered, already turning back and sticking another note to the wall, said wall already covered with paparazzi pictures of the Drakes, texts from Tim she’s deemed as ‘evidence’, notes, and a surprising amount of red string (thank you, Mr. Brown’s knitting phase).

“Did you sleep?” Cass asked, and Steph could almost see her concerned posture, the way her eyes scrunched a bit, how her mouth kinda twisted- “At all?”

“I- t-” Steph stammered, making general gestures at the wall. “No, but- this is more important-!”

“Bed. Now.”

“Yeah, yeah, just...” Steph scrambled something on a sticky note and stuck it on a paparazzi photo of Jack, Janet, and Tabatha. “Look! I still haven’t found one picture of Tim with his family! It’s always either only his parents, one of them with Tabbs, or the three of them. Tim is never there .”

“Okay.” Cass’ hands were on hers, gently guiding her away from the wall. Her eyes were still glued to it, but she let Cass lead her to the couch, sitting down next to her. “Sleep now, I will call him after.”

Steph’s eyes did feel heavy, like bricks, and Cass was now pressed to her, hugging her from the side, and she was warm, and her sweater was so soft, and the blanket she threw over herself was even softer, and maybe, just maybe, Tim would be fine for a few more hours without her?

“Okay.” She mumbled, shifting closer to her best friend.

“You get, eh, paparazzied a lot, Bruce, does that make any sense to you??” Steph pointed to the part of the wall covered in about 98 photos she was able to find, not one of them featuring Tim.

Bruce didn’t answer, but he did scan her wall, and in Batman terms, this meant he was paying attention, and that was good enough.

“ And- wait, you do know about the Batman shrine he had in his room, right?” Steph questioned, getting a nod in response. “Right, so, that wasn’t in his room! Okay, that- that sounds normal, but I’m pretty sure he values that shrine more than his own, like, life , and maybe even mine, okay? And it’s huge , like, double his height, huge.”

“Steph, I think you might be reading a little too much into this.” Dick noted, yet he was still right next to her, trying to read all the notes she scrabbled in the past four days. “Parents ground their children, there’s nothing special about that.”

Yeah, she wasn’t buying that. She didn’t even think he was buying that. But, whatever, she had more evidence.

“Okay, yes, I hear you,” Steph scrambled to get to the table and grab her notebook. “So let me tell you everything that has happened since the first time we met Tabbs, okay?”

She looked around the room, but only Cass was really looking at her. The two guys were too busy reading her notes. Well, a win is a win.

“I’ll take that as a yes, okay. So , first time we’ve met Tabatha, she snorted and said something sarcastic, which is not surprising, her being Tim’s family and all. Then, when we introduced ourselves, she changed her... everything, and became more, like, gala-polite, if that’s a thing? And the next time we met her, she was full on socialite, all polite and shit. Also, that first gala, she told us something along the lines of, ‘our parents don’t really like Tim, every time they talk they fight’.” Steph scanned her notes again. “Oh! Tim never mentioned me to his family! So, um. That’s also... weird.”

Cass gave her a thumbs up.

“Uh, what more...” Steph flipped through pages full of notes. “Here! So, Dick, you know that time when you talked to Tabatha and her dad came?”

“Uh huh.” Dick nodded, now leaning against the wall with his arms crossed.

“Did you see how Jack acted? When I mentioned Tim, he looked mad at Tabatha , and he sorta squeezed her shoulder hard enough to hurt, and she looked scared- right Cass?”

Everyone in the room turned to her. Cass thought it over, probably trying to remember that night.

“Yes.” She said carefully. “She looked... nervous. Anxious.”

Steph snapped her fingers and pointed them at her best friend. “See? I was right. That’s sketchy, right?”

“Maybe.” Bruce finally spoke up, but he was standing up, and his face was blank, and he was looking at her like he did after she hit first, asked questions later (which was pretty much every night). “But that’s not enough evidence to go prove anything.”

“I’m not trying to prove anything, I’m trying to tell you something is wrong!” Steph argued, throwing her hands up.

“Then you’re trying to prove something is wrong.” Dick pushed himself off the wall.

“You’re- ugh , you can’t just tell me that was normal!” Steph all but shouted. "Even if Tim is a twin, why would he answer to the name of his sister?! Nothing about that makes any sense!"

“Maybe not, but we can’t do anything about it.” Bruce said, and he looked a bit... Sorry?

“You’re Batman , of course you-” She deflated and slumped down on the couch. “Please, Bruce, there’s no way you really think that.”

That’s when he hesitated, when he was already halfway out her window. “I promise you, if it’s...” He paused, looking for words. “I’ll take care of it.”

“Fine.”

“See you tonight.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

When she woke up the next morning, Cass- well, Batgirl, was there, perched on her window.

“Jesus!” She jumped, almost falling off her bed. She took a moment to compose herself before turning to the window again. “Cass, what are you doing here?

“Janet Drake is dead.” She put it simply. “Last night. Poisoned, died on the plane.” That was the thing about Cass; she didn’t know what sugarcoating was , she always said things as they were. Usually, it’s either funny or helpful, but right now...

Now, it made Steph’s stomach turn.

Because she was worried for Tim. Tim, who didn’t know how to handle death at all , Tim, who always talked about his mother as if she was a goddess, even if the version Stephanie saw made it hard to view her that way. Tim, whose mental health, at least from what she could see last time they spoke, was absolute dog shit at the moment.

“I’m going to see Tim.” Steph declared, jumping out of bed and hurrying to her closet and pulling out her Spoiler. If what she suspected was true, she might’ve already been too late. “You coming?”