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“Bruce, can I take a day off from patrol?” Tim asked, interlacing his fingers and rubbing away the dried scabs. “I'm going to the parade with Bernard tomorrow.”
Silence stretched between them as Tim stood behind your workstation in the Batcave. Bruce sat beside you, still in his Batsuit, glancing at him from his left shoulder, his left arm loosely circled your waist. You remained on your bench, sliding your safety goggles up to your forehead, and gave Tim a bright smile.
“Tomorrow? Do you want us to give you a ride? We’re gonna be there too.”
Tim waved his hands. “No, no. It’s fine, I can give him a ride on Redbird.”
“I hope I won’t see that R logo on the news tomorrow, young man,” you muttered drearily.
“I won’t.” He shrugged at you, then turned to Bruce. “So… yay, nay?”
A pause.
You sensed the awkwardness simmering between them, tapping on his muscular arms. “Honey?”
Bruce blinked twice before nodding. “Of course. I thought you’d never ask.”
“Thanks, B!” Tim chirped, embracing you both before dashing to the elevator. “I have a date with Bee right now, see you guys tomorrow!”
“I love you, Timmy. Drive safe, okay?” you hollered.
“Love you too, Mom, B!”
With that, Tim left both of you in the cave. You looked at Bruce, who was staring at the elevator exit, his expression unreadable.
“Something in your mind, Broodman?”
You gently caressed his cheek, carefully avoiding a shallow cut around his jaw. Bruce redirected his attention back to you and grabbed your right hand, pressing a gentle kiss on your knuckles.
“Nothing, honey. Just… he grew up so fast,” he sighed, his eyes glassy from the memories. “It feels like yesterday that he knocked on our doors to talk some sense into us.”
“And we’re lucky to have him around. Aren’t we?”
“Yes, we are.”
“I know what you’re thinkin’, you’re just sentimental about our son growing up. He’s happy, Bruce. He needs time away from being Robin. Let him spread his wings and fly.”
“I know, honey. I only want him to be happy and safe.”
“He is, trust me. I met his boyfriend before, a polite kid, nothing sketchy. He’s clean.”
Eight weeks ago, Tim had called for an emergency family meeting, Barbara and Alfred included.
It wasn’t hard to notice the signs—he’d started skipping patrol more often, or how he’d gotten agitated when you knocked to tell him dinner was ready. More than once, you’d caught him shoving his laptop between his pillows, or how he’d searched up online forums to look for coming-out advice or experiences from strangers.
But what stayed with you was the way he looked at same-sex couples out on the streets, smiling like they were invulnerable to the burden of prejudice.
Now, Tim stood by the library fireplace, the flames casting restless shadows across his face. His palm dragged nervously against the denim of his jeans.
Bruce stood near the garnet Persian rug with his arms crossed. Dick and Alfred hovered around the chess table, while Barbara and Cassandra situated behind Bruce. You noticed the tense atmosphere the moment you entered the library.
The flame crackled from moisture, but it did nothing to warm the chilly night. If anything, it only made the silence more pressurised.
“Timmy, what’s wrong?” you asked gently, concern evident in your tone. “Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, yeah. I’m fine. Just…” He swallowed the bile rising in his throat. Everyone’s faces were bursting with expectation and concern all at once. His heart collided with his ribs like it was trying to flee. “We need to talk.”
Bruce remained silent, though he’d extended his hand, silently urging you to his side. You interlaced his right fingers, giving Tim the space to muster up his courage.
Tim felt like his brain had scrambled into puree, oxygen barely seeping into his lungs. He knew that it was only a matter of time before they found out the truth about him. You could only hide that long from a family full of detectives and an ex-MI6 agent.
He knew that the moment he requested a meeting, it wouldn’t be adjourned until he spilled everything. He knew that Bruce suspected something when he kept calling off patrol, and that his internet history was traceable.
His tongue grew heavy, and tears started to sting his eyes. Sweat decorated his forehead and slickened his locks, trailing down his spine as he stood closer to the fire. He was seriously on the verge of a panic attack.
Your pupils widened when you detected his tears. Dick’s lips gaped as Tim lowered his head in shame, hugging himself tightly into a ball. You tried to move closer to hug him, but Bruce pulled your hand, signaling you to give him space.
“Timmy, talk to me,” you muttered, your chest tightened. “We’re here for you as a family, it’s okay.”
“Hey, Timmy. It’s okay, don’t be scared,” Dick called, his fingers pinched one of the chess pieces. “You can just tell them. It’s fine.”
Tim forced himself to even out his breathing, and an occasional, wretched sob escaped his lips as he tried to speak.
“Y’know, some—sometimes? Nights on patrol—up on the rooftops? I’d see some random pair of couples… walking together.”
Tears flowed down his face and landed on the marble flooring, but it didn’t stop him.
“Sometimes I could tell by how they moved—they were more than friends. They were a couple. I could even see it all the way up there.” His eyes locked onto you both. “Can you imagine, a love you can see from the rooftops?”
Tim inhaled a ragged breath, screwing his eyes shut and balled his fists. He exhaled shakily after a few moments, struggling to find the right words to describe himself after everything they’ve been through together.
“I’m seeing someone, and…” His face crimsoned. “He’s a guy, and… I—I don’t know h—how else to say this. I—I’m bisexual. And… I don’t wanna keep lying to you about myself, but I don’t wanna hide him too…”
Tim curled his shoulders inward when the sound of fire cackling grew louder. Nobody uttered a single word around him.
“I’m n—not ashamed of myself, but I want you guys to accept me for who I am, and… and I want to keep the mantle. I want to be a son you can be proud of! But… I love Bernard too, he’s my boyfriend. But his parents can’t accept him, and I’m scared that you guys will be the same!”
Timothy Drake was always Robin. Ever since Batman gave him the cowl with Nightwing’s blessing, he believed that was who he was.
That was who he saw himself to be. That was who he’d been for all the important moments of his life—his mother’s funeral, your acceptance during Bruce’s spinal injury, No Man’s Land, his father’s reluctant approval to continue his role, War Games, and so much more.
With barely any strong foundation of faith to turn to, all he felt was anger when the curse of death lingered around his loved ones. It was much easier than believing in a god who’d allowed that to happen.
But anger solved little when the world was in crisis. So he prayed, kneeling by his bed behind the candlelight, he folded his hands and closed his eyes. He asked God why he, out of everyone, had to suffer such merciless fate.
They said God loves everyone and their sins, but what sin did he commit from simply existing? From being human?
He never asked to be born. It was his parents’ choice to bring him into this world.
Was his parents’ death a result of his nonexistent sins?
But when he confessed his sins of having feelings for Bernard, knowing that it wasn’t the norm for people like him in this society.
He realised he had none.
He asked God once again if his parents knew everything in heaven, wondering if they were proud to have him as their beloved son.
He heard nothing in return, and the wind extinguished the trembling candlelight.
How could someone who tried so fucking hard to be good, who did so much for so many people, be asked to endure so, so much?
He’d lied to his father enough about their secret identities, and he didn’t have the heart to come out to him. The moment Jack found his costume in the closet, he blamed everything on Bruce for corrupting his son. It only fueled his decision not to tell him.
When he finally had the courage to, his father was taken away from him once more.
Now that Bernard’s presence finally brightened his days, he no longer wanted to let fate decide their ending. He wanted to take control for once.
He just wanted to be himself without feeling like every choice he made was wrong.
“I don’t wanna force myself to choose when I can have both…”
It felt great to let out all of his secrets, to embrace the pain with a warm hug. Because underneath the fear of rejection, lies the real question.
Who was Tim Drake if he wasn’t Robin?
Barbara was right, he was terrified of reality. He was petrified that if he ever slowed down and analysed himself, things would never be the same. Things would deteriorate into pieces, it would shatter the illusion of his dreams, it would—
“I’m very proud of you, Timmy.”
His head snapped up to see you smiling at him, hot rivers of tears marring your face. You closed the distance, lengthening your arms when he collided into you.
Fingers tangling desperately in your curls, a broken sound tore from his throat as he buried his face against you. You held him just as fiercely, rocking him back and forth. One hand smoothing over his hair, you murmured against the storm of his breathing.
“It’s okay. I love you, Timmy. Ya hear me? I’m very proud of you for telling us.”
“But… why?” He pulled back just enough to look at you, his eyes swollen with tears.
Had he been worried about this for nothing?
Your hand came up to cradle his face, thumb brushing beneath his eye, catching a tear before it could fall.
“Because I know it wasn’t easy for you. And you’re my son, that will never change. Even if you’re trans, gay, or a green-coloured alien dropped into our lives by accident, you’re still you. You’re always, always worthy of our love and respect.”
Tim hiccuped a shaky breath, his head spun from the weight of everything he’d been holding crashed all at once now that it had somewhere to go.
“I see you,” you continued, wiping away a stray tear with your thumb. “You’re selfless, brave, and kind. All I see is a son who came to us when we’re drowning.” You kissed his forehead. “You are our rainbow baby, Timmy. I love you so much, my baby bird.”
Tim hugged you closer. “Mom…”
When Bane shattered Bruce’s spine on the darkest night, Tim was there through it all. He’d clung to Dick, fists knotted in his shirt, before kneeling on the ground with his late mother’s rosary, wailing broken prayers, begging God to save his other parent from misery.
It was then you realised he wasn’t just a kid you looked after. He’d become the son you held dear.
You gathered him into your arms that night, holding him through the tremors. Without needing to say it aloud, you chose him, and he chose you back.
Perhaps it started earlier than that. You’d spent some time in France during Tim’s training, so that he wouldn’t be alone in a foreign country, much to his surprise.
You insisted it was for his safety, but Bruce knew that you cared about Tim just as much, in your own unique way.
Though it was cut short by his parents’ kidnapping incident, you were there for him during Janet’s funeral and took care of Jack when he was bedridden in a coma.
Somewhere in between, you couldn’t imagine a life without Tim, and neither could Bruce, Dick, Barbara, Cassandra, and Alfred.
“Hey, we still love you the same. Your sexuality changes nothing in my eyes,” Dick spoke up, looping his arms around him and joining the hug. “You’re still my brother, and I love you, Timbo. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Alfred did the same. He stood behind Tim and leaned his head into his shoulders, his bare hands around Dick's and your shoulders.
“I’m proud of you, Master Tim. We’re lucky to have you as a family.”
“We’re so proud of you, little bird.” Barbara wheeled to him and joined the hug. Cassandra followed behind.
Tim’s head was still swimming, but with less nerves and more with something he couldn’t quite delineate. His love for the family he’d chosen magnified tenfold, and he couldn’t be more grateful about it. It turned out better than he expected.
But there was someone who hadn’t state his verdict.
Tim lifted his head, gazing at Bruce with bloodshot eyes. He stood there like a gargoyle, lips pressed thin, his expression was indecipherable. Tim’s heart thudded the longer Bruce took to process things.
After what felt like centuries, Bruce opened his mouth, then closed again, before he finally spoke.
“I… I’m very proud of you, Tim. You’re the bravest soul I’ve ever known.” With that, he crossed the library in one big step and crushed everyone into a hug. “I’m glad you’re finally comfortable telling us. I love you, son.”
“I love you too, Dad,” Tim chuckled through the tears, leaning into his family once more.
With everyone’s arms around him, showing their support and love, Tim finally felt the ginormous rock within his heart dispersed into oblivion.
_____________________________
Back to the present, Bruce rested his stubble chin on your right shoulder, watching you work your magic to repair his grapple gun.
“Ya know, you can’t keep wishing your life away. If you really wanna spend some time with Timmy, you gotta make the effort to do that.”
“I’m trying.”
“Patrol doesn’t count, honey. You know that.” You pressed a gentle kiss on his forehead. “When was the last time you went on a fishing trip with him? Or even tennis? Dick calls him every day, Babs is helping with his school project. You gotta do better than this.”
Bruce remained silent, deep in thought. He cleared his throat after a while; a thought had taken root inside his head.
“I have an idea…”
______________________________
“At least your parents are open,” Bernard mumbled, tying a rainbow-coloured scarf around his forehead to keep his hair away. Powdered glitter glistened around his arms like a fairy in disguise. “Mine just pretend it didn’t happen and ignore the most obvious signs.”
Tim adjusted his Bisexual? Fine by Me cap, before blasting the electric fan into his face, closing his eyes to savour the breeze. “I mean, I thought I was gonna die when B looked at me like that. But at least they’re happy for us.”
“Well, now you’re here with me on our first pride! Whaddaya think?”
Positioning themselves at a shaded spot, people around them were technically decked out in rainbows, you name it—bracelets, visors, glowsticks, scarves, T-shirts, facepaints, sprinkled cupcakes, and more.
Wait, was that a rainbow grilled cheese?
Officers from GCPD were stationed around the premises, wearing the designated parade badges to display their support. The weather wasn’t too humid for early summer, and the scent of deodorant and sun-bleached linens bathed the streets in a comforting atmosphere.
With Bernard by his side, he realised that he’d become the very couple he envied—the kind of love you could witness on the rooftops.
His heart was so full of happiness that he could tear up right there.
“I think… It’s great.” The rainbow stickers on Tim’s face started to itch from the summer heat. “I mean, I’ve repressed it for so long, and standing here with you is just so… different. Like a full circle, you know?”
“I get what you mean. But hey, we’re in this together. Just follow me, and I’ll make sure you won’t get lost.”
Bernard extended his hand to him, and he took it, chuckling at the sweat. His aquamarine-blue eyeshadow only intensified his gaze even more, and blush crept up to Tim’s face before Bernard pressed a light smooch.
Twenty feet ahead, the mayor stepped up to the mic and tapped it twice, the dull thud cutting through the chatter. He cleared his throat, drawing the crowd’s attention in a ripple.
“Ahem. Testing, one, two, three.” Mayor Hill flashed a bright smile. “Hello, Gothamites! How are we feeling today?”
The answer came with frenzied cheers bursting through the square, flags snapping in the air, signboards lifted high above eager heads.
The crowd expressed their delight in frenzied cheers, waving their flags and signboards.
“Alright, I see that excitement!” he continued, feeding off the energy. “Welcome to our annual Pride Parade! To those who’ve joined us before, I’m proud to see you back. And to our first-timers, welcome! I hope today brings you joy, connection, and new friends in our community.”
The applause rolled on before gradually tapering into a buzzing hum. He took a breath, clearing his throat as he leaned back into the mic.
“As always, the parade kicks off in thirty minutes at the fashion district. From there, we’ll march along the GCPD headquarters, the Clock Tower, Old Gotham, continuing onto the Upper West Side at Gotham University, and concluding near Robinson Park.”
A ripple of cheers followed the familiar landmarks.
“You can find the full route on our official page,” he added, lifting a hand toward the crowd, “And don’t go anywhere afterwards, we’ve got street parties lined up all across the city. But before we begin the march, let’s give a warm welcome to our sponsors who made all of this possible!”
“Hey, your parents are sponsors, right?” Bernard nudged.
“Yeah.” Tim lifted his chin toward the stage, pointing. “They’re right there.”
Across the platform, you and Bruce were positioned behind the mayor. He was decked in a crisp, tailored Cucinelli as usual, with a rainbow pride flag pinned to his right lapel.
Sunlight caught on the sweep of your outfit, the vibrant orange fabric shifting like liquid gold with every movement. Your hair luminesced in the morning sunlight, each strand kissed by it until a faint halo gathered at your crown.
“Wayne Foundation has been our biggest supporter for the past few years. So today, we’re honoured to have Mr. and Mrs. Wayne with us. Please give them a warm welcome!”
Applause surged through the crowd as Bruce stepped forward. He adjusted the microphone, letting the noise crest before he spoke.
“Hello, everyone. It’s an honour to be here with you.” His mouth curved faintly. “I’ll keep this short. I don’t want any of you getting heatstroke before the parade even starts.”
A ripple of laughter moved through the crowd.
“Since returning to Gotham, I’ve made it my mission to give back in every way I can, just as my parents once did.” He glanced over his shoulder and gave you a wink. “Together with my wife, the Wayne Foundation has expanded its efforts beyond medical aid and free housing.”
He rested his hands lightly against the podium. “Today, we’re proud to support over two hundred LGBTQIA+ organisations, including the Youth Equality Foundation, Trans & Proud, and drag clubs. We’ve also partnered with bookstores across Gotham to feature affirming literature at accessible prices. Because education is one of the strongest tools we have against stigma.”
He paused briefly. “We’re equally committed to supporting the medical community. My father held the Hippocratic Oath close to his heart, and I intend to honour that legacy. Every clinic funded by the foundation will offer free gender-affirming counselling services, inclusive of comprehensive sexual healthcare.”
“That’s sick,” Bernard muttered, bumping Tim with his elbow. “Didn’t know your dad was that cool, Timmy. Feels like he’s done more than Lex Luthor ever did for Metro Pride.”
Tim huffed. “You heard about Metro Pride?”
Bernard shrugged. “Hello, social media exists. I still remember that giant bald-head float he rolled out.”
“Of course he did.” Tim rolled his eyes. “Bruce would never.”
“Maybe Batman and Robin will. How cool would that be?”
Tim blushed at that question. “I can’t picture a giant Batman float, Bee. That would be very narcissistic of him. Please don’t put that in my head.”
When Bruce stepped away from the mic, the noise only swelled when you moved forward. Even Mayor Hill was visibly taken aback by the surge of excitement.
“Your mom’s hot, Tim! She’d win in a landslide if she ever ran for mayor.”
“Bee!” Tim swatted Bernard’s chest, mortified. “Ewww!”
You adjusted the microphone. “Good morning. I’m truly honoured to be here with you today. To start, we’ve arranged for vendors across the grounds to provide unlimited food, water, sunscreen, caps, handheld fans, and face-painting stations. Please, enjoy everything freely, and help us keep the space clean for everyone.”
As you spoke, your gaze swept across the sea of faces until it landed on Tim. Recognition sparked instantly, and dimples etched into your cheeks as you smiled directly at him.
“One of the reasons my husband and I stand here today is because we believe in a mission. A mission to make this city a haven for Gotham’s children. That’s why we’re launching our Year-Round Advocacy Campaign.”
You folded your notes neatly.
“The Martha Wayne Foundation has always supported Gotham’s artists through grants. This time, we’re taking it a step further. Over the next few years, we’ll be hosting monthly art exhibitions, film festivals, and theatre productions that spotlight independent queer artists. And for those interested, we’ll also be opening volunteer opportunities to help with the backend operations.”
You paused just long enough for the words to settle.
“In addition, we’ve partnered with the Gotham Gazette, Gotham Globe, and Gotham Times to feature year-round articles written by queer voices. Not just during this season, but every day.”
Tim had always known how deeply you and Bruce cared about Gotham, but hearing it laid out like this, seeing your commitment to people like him, made his heart stretch beyond the ribcage’s capacity.
“We’re truly grateful to stand with this community. We hope you’ll enjoy the events ahead, and most of all, today. Gotham loves all of her children. Have a wonderful Pride, thank you.”
Cheers thundered through the streets, louder than before. Tim clapped along with Bernard, though his vision blurred as emotion welled up. He quickly scrubbed at his eyes, laughing under his breath as he tried to hide it.
“Alright, I hope you’re ready for the march!” Mayor Hill’s voice rang out as he took the mic back, the last of his words swallowed by the roar that followed.
The parade surged to life—rainbow flags flooded the streets in a moving tide of colour, the cleared-out avenue transformed into a vibrant scenery. Extravagant, towering floats rolled past in groups, swathed in glitter and streamers, and upbeat music blasted from hidden speakers. In contrast, others kept it simple, marching with hand-painted banners and contagious enthusiasm.
Somewhere along the route, Tim caught a glimpse of his family walking at their own pace, blending into the crowd while somehow still standing out.
Dick waved an androgynous-bisexual flag high above his head, grinning brighter than the sun. Barbara had both a genderfluid and a pansexual flag draped across her wheelchair, matching her makeup. Cassandra swung an enormous pansexual flag with both hands, spotting them and lifting it higher in greeting.
“That your family? I didn’t know they were coming too!”
Tim waved back at them, smiling and all. A comforting warmth bloomed within his chest. “It’s a surprise for me too.”
A few minutes later, as the crowd shifted and the music changed, something else caught his eye. Helena stood at the side with Kate and Renee, already looking straight at him like they’d been waiting. Winking at him, her bisexual-themed shirt and gold rosary swayed gently with the motion.
“Hey, Timmy! Bernard!” you called, waving your Free Hugs cardboard sign as they came into view. “Would you like a hug?”
“Mom!”
Tim ran straight to you. The impact knocked the breath from your lungs, your feet stumbling back a step before your arms instinctively wrapped around him. He clung just as tightly, like he’d been waiting all day for this exact moment.
You laughed softly, still a little winded, and pulled back to cradle his face between your hands. Without thinking, you pressed a firm kiss to his cheek.
“I love you so much, baby. I’m glad that you enjoyed your first pride.”
“Mom,” he groaned, embarrassed. But he didn’t wipe away the lipstick mark this time. “Thank you, Mom.”
“We’ll do anything for you, honey. As long as you’re happy, that’s what matters.” You grew sentimental at his words, brushing your thumb along his cheek. “We’ll always fight for your right to live in this world, visible and proud.”
Bernard hovered beside him, caught between stepping in and stepping back. “Thank you, Mrs. Wayne. It really means a lot to us.”
“Oh, sweetheart, come here.” Your arm shot out, hooking around his shoulders and tugging him in. Bernard let out a startled noise as you squeezed him into your side. “You think I’d forget you? Absolutely not. Bear hug time, woo!”
Tim laughed, looping his arms around both of you. Bernard’s laughter came out breathless in the middle of the affectionate ambush.
“There’ll always be a place for both of you in our family.” You squeezed them once more before easing your grip. “Come by for dinner sometime, alright? We don’t bite.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Wayne.” Bernard’s hand rose briefly to his throat as emotion crept up on him. “I—I’d like that.”
“Please, just call me by my name.”
Someone pointed upward, and heads began to turn toward the open sky.
“Hey, look! What’s that?”
You released them, and all three of you tilted your heads toward the sky. At first, it was just a shadow swallowing the light for a heartbeat. Then it took shape into a silhouette, winged and vast, deploying against a sky crowded with colour. Its outline was layered in hues that bled into one another until it hovered momentarily.
A collective gasp coursed through the crowd, a sea of phones shot up to record the commotion. Gothamite voices overlapped each other in confusion and awe.
“Is it a bird? A drone?”
“What the hell? Could it be Joker?”
“Where’s Batman and Robin when you need them?”
“Does Batman even go here?”
Compared to others, you beamed at the sight, already knowing who it was.
Tim adjusted his cardboard sign within his grip. His mind was already racing ahead—threat assessment, exit routes, the responsibility settling back onto his shoulders. If it were an unexpected invasion, he might have to suit up and abandon Bernard again.
The crowd instinctively parted as the figure descended, boots hitting the pavement with a hefty thud that sent a burst of dust and grit into the air. People stumbled back, jostling for space, some nearly knocked off balance in the rush.
Tim and Bernard raised their arms, shielding their eyes. The boy wonder’s instincts flared up, hands dipping into his pocket, fingers closing around the familiar handle of his knife. He flicked it loose, preparing to strike the second his vision cleared. But your hand grabbed his wrist in time.
“It’s okay, Tim. He’s a friend.”
He fluttered his eyes open to the figure he’d seen every night—the black Bat emblem was unmistakable, six-foot-two and built like a brick wall, with a cape billowing against the wind.
It was Batman who stood in front of him, except this time, he was… a rainbow?
No fucking way, Tim thought.
The suit was striped in bold, unapologetic colours, each band vivid against the next. The bat emblem stretched across his chest, refracting in prismatic light.
His utility belt remained a bright limoncello-yellow, gleaming against the rest, and even the cape and cowl carried the spectrum, shifting as they caught the wind.
Timothy Jackson Drake never thought that Batman would show up at his first-ever pride parade, dressed in a suit that only Dick had seen up close during patrol.
He thought his older brother was bluffing when he babbled about it, insisting that Batman would never dress himself like the rainbow Krabby Patty.
Now with the legend right before his eyes, he might as well believe Dick had a rainbow Discowing suit too.
“Oh-em-gee! What the fuck! That’s Batman!”
“I can’t believe this! I didn’t know Batman fuck with us like that!”
“Do you think he’s gay too? No fucking way!”
“Yaaas, I’m gonna ship him with Two-Face from now on! How should we call them?”
“Two-Bats? I ship him with Joker though.”
You smiled as Batman stepped closer to you. Tim and Bernard were still shell-shocked, their mouths gaped like fish out of water.
“Hello, Batman. It’s good to see you here, enjoying the parade?” you greeted softly.
“Yes, ma’am. I saw your sign, and I was wondering…” Batman replied before opening his arms. “Can I have a hug too?”
You broke into a grin, arms spreading just as wide. “Of course, if you don’t mind.”
Bernard ushered Tim sideways to give you space. Batman stepped in and gathered you in his arms, lifting you clean off your feet. A startled laugh slipped from you as his arms tightened, his face dipping briefly into the crook of your neck, gloved fingers brushing against your curls.
Cheers rang out, more vociferous than before as people waved their flags higher. Someone set off a burst of confetti behind you, and colours rained from above, settling into your curls and his cape.
Bernard scrambled for his phone, hands fumbling in his rush before finally snapping the picture at the right moment, while Tim was still blinking.
“Oh my God, he’s hugging Mrs. Wayne! Does he have a crush on her?”
“Please, she’s married! And I think Batman’s gay, he gives me that energy.”
“Hey, he could be bi or pan. Who knows? Bruce Wayne better know how to fight.”
“He better be aro-ace, we need our representation.”
Batman set you back on your feet after an eternity. He leaned in and mumbled in your ear. You smiled, nodding once before pressing your cardboard sign into his gloved hands.
Tim and Bernard were still rooted in place when Batman lifted the Free Hugs sign against his chest.
“Would you like a hug, chum?”
Tim blinked twice for good measure, not understanding what was happening.
Was the Batman asking him for a hug? What?
Your fingers snapped sharply beside him. “Timmy! C’mon, it’s not polite to stare. Do you wanna hug him?”
“I—I—I su—sure!” he stammered, already moving before his thoughts could catch up. His arms flailed awkwardly.
Batman’s arms came around Tim in one smooth motion, pulling him in close. He felt Tim’s breathing stop momentarily.
Tim found himself pressed against the broad plane of Batman’s chest, the garish colours filling his vision. But beneath it all, he heard that steady cadence of his heartbeat echoing back at him.
This was real. He was real.
Batman showed up at his first-ever pride parade to support him, to give him a hug in broad daylight. Amidst the delightful applause, Tim heard the acknowledgment he yearned for, as an ardent admirer of Batman, a Robin, and a son.
“I love you, Timmy. You’ll always be my son,” Batman whispered, his muscular arms caging the boy wonder. “I’m proud of the time we spent together. I’m proud to have you in our family. You’re perfect just the way you are.”
Tim lifted his head, breath catching as the sunlight spilled between them. His pupils widened in shock when he witnessed his parents smiling at him through the sunburst. Their lips mouthing the words we love you before they fizzled into thin air.
Overwhelmed by affection, Tim trembled in tears, clutching the fabric of his rainbow suit. The weight of grief, love, and relief crashed all at once. Batman rocked him back and forth, pressing him deeper into his chest as you took a picture.
“I love you too, Dad. I’ll always love you.”
Dick, Barbara, and Cassandra appeared by your side.
“Your idea, Mom?” Dick muttered, kissing your cheek.
You chuckled, releasing him to hug Barbara. “He suggested that himself. I won’t take credit.”
“I knew it. Bruce is more caring than we thought,” Barbara chimed in.
“Only rainbow suit?” Cassandra asked, tilting her head sideways.
“Nope,” Dick popped the p. “B has more coloured Batsuits than Krabby Patties. He used to wear this when I had an arm injury, works wonders to distract goons.”
“I thought those bell pepper colours managed just fine,” Barbara laughed. “Now I’m hungry, we should get Big Belly Burger’s Rainbow Specials after this.”
“What is this, Abuse Nightwing Day?”
“Those were the glorious times. I’m just happy to see them spending time together.” Your arm remained on Cassandra’s right shoulder, staring at the duo. “Ya know, he has a pink fairy suit too.”
When Tim finally released him, the rest of the crowd approached Batman. One by one, they took turns wrapping their arms around the Rainbow Knight to express their heartfelt gratitude.
“Thank you for showing up today, Batman. We feel safer with you around. Where's Robin?"
"Does Robin have a rainbow suit too?"
“I never thought I’d see you here, buddy. Nice suit. Keep up the good work!”
“We love you, Batman. Our children can’t stop collecting your merch!”
“Gotham is a better place with you and Robin!”
Tim realised that this was what he’d been fighting for—to be part of the community that accepted him with open arms, to honour the people who’d fought before them, and to lead the fight for everyone who believed in Batman and Robin.
Because he owed them that much, and it was their responsibility to make Gotham a haven for everyone to exist with pride.
“Bee, I know I don’t say this enough…” Tim turned to Bernard, lacing their fingers together as he gazed at him affectionately.
“But I’m proud of us. I’m proud of the time we spent together. I’m proud to have you in my arms again.” His thumb brushed lightly over Bernard’s knuckles. “I know I’m not perfect. I mess up, I disappear, I—” he huffed a small, self-conscious laugh, “—I’m a lot. But I’m happy to have you in my life.”
Bernard’s lips curved, dimples settling deep into his freckled cheeks.
“Tim, you’ve always been enough for me,” he whispered, leaning in until their foreheads touched. “I love all of you. The good, the messy, the complicated parts, whatever. But you’re always worth the wait, till the end of time.”
Tim’s eyes crinkled as he laughed. “I love you too. Happy Pride, Bee-Bee.”
Bernard smiled, brushing their noses together. “Happy Pride, Tim-Tim.”
Across the horizon, a green-violet-caped Lantern orbited in the sky, observing the crowd in silence. The ring on his finger glimmered in neon green against the fluffy white clouds.
His heart teemed with pride when the rainbow-clad crusader down below noticed his presence, peering at him over his shoulder, and smiled.
Alan Scott dipped his head in return, acknowledging his presence. With a close-range flare of emerald, he whizzed his way higher into the sky, giving his old route a spin.