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Tim had always been a strange kid, of which Bruce would be the first to admit. It came with the territory, he supposed. You had to have some screws loose somewhere to partake in the life they did, but Tim had always seemed to be the best at it. He compartmentalized, adapted, and conquered everything thrown his way.
Perhaps that was why he hadn't thought much of Tim's newest behavior. He would leave the patrols an hour earlier than he used to, made sure to shower before leaving the Manor, and even started to turn down his favorite energy drinks. Alfred had even tried to offer him coffee, his second-best caffeine option, only to be promptly denied.
Now, Tim always took care of himself. He had bad habits, like getting five and a half hours of sleep exactly. He liked to drink energy drinks and take on more than he should be able to handle, but he had always been wise about it. His deciding to increase his sleep and lower his caffeine intake was just another thing he did to take care of himself, and so, Bruce thought into it no more.
That is, until Dick broached the subject.
"Is anyone else a little worried about Tim?" Dick asked one night after a long patrol. It had gotten so chaotic out that Dick had been called in from Bludhaven, which he was always willing – but not necessarily happy – to do. "He's been answering every single time I call him."
Bruce didn't think that was so strange. Tim always answered his calls, unless there was some sort of emergency. But Steph just gasped at him.
"Me too! I thought it was weird." Steph said, "And! He started to hang out with me twice a month. I normally have to drag him out!"
Well, that wasn't so strange. Tim had lunch with Bruce once a week.
"He comes to sit in my art room now." Damian said from the sideline with a scowl. "It is a...new behavior."
One by one, everyone in the Cave piped up with their own instances of Tim acting strange. Barbara even chimed in through the Bat-computer speakers.
"This is not new behavior." Bruce said, a bit lost, after everyone fell into contemplative silence. At everyone's strange looks, he grunted. "Tim always seeks me out. We have lunch once a week. He answers all my texts and calls immediately, unless he is in school. He even visits me at work."
"Well, you don't count then." Jason said, because even Jason had a new Tim experience. "He comes to my apartment to talk about books. Books!"
Bruce considered this. Tim had rushed in, done a quick check of his physique for any injuries, and then left as quickly as he had shown up. He supposed if Tim being more active with his relationships was strange to everyone else, then there must be something causing it.
"What do you all normally do when Tim doesn't initiate contact?" Bruce asked. Something like dread started to fill his gut.
"We hunt him down, duh." Steph said.
Bruce hummed. He couldn't let them know he had his suspicions as to why they were suddenly getting a lot more Tim. His son was obviously dating someone. For months, at that. Why hadn't he been told? Well, he'd just have to figure that out.
"Perhaps he is just trying to keep contact." Bruce said. Gently, he added, "You know things were hard with his parents."
Dick winced. He knew better than anyone how long it took for Tim to use their first names, let alone show any affection. "You think he's finally figured out how to socialize?"
Bruce made a show of his uninterested shrug. "He's done it with me for years."
"Ugh, no fair." Steph said.
"Why did I get dragged into it?" Jason asked, but he didn't sound all that upset.
Bruce didn't smirk at his successful diversion because he was a professional. Slowly, his children (and co.) migrated out of the Cave and to their rooms in the Manor or their own house. Bruce stayed in the Cave for another hour, making sure the latest breakout was truly handled.
In the morning, he shared coffee with Dick. Alfred made sunny-side-up eggs with toast. Damian got ready for school and prompted Bruce to hurry up when they were running late according to his own mental schedule. Tim showed up with lunch after Bruce's second WE meeting, smiling as he waved the bag around. It was from their favorite bagel place.
"How is school going, chum?" Bruce asked. Tim passed him his sandwich, and he happily started to eat it.
"Good." Tim shrugged, "It's just Gen Ed, it's not that special."
"Nonsense." Bruce denied easily. "We all start there. I'm proud of you."
The first year after Bruce returned from the Timestream had been hard for all of them, but Tim seemed to take it the hardest. He didn't leave Bruce's side for weeks on end, and refused to restart his life. Tim smiled, his usual awkward one whenever he got praise of any kind. They ate with idle chatter, mostly about the previous night's Arkham break. Tim was always business first, but Bruce couldn't say he was any different.
"Speaking of." Bruce cut in, "Everyone has noticed a change in your behavior."
Tim stilled just slightly. Bruce stared at him intently, prompting him to speak.
"Ugh, fine." Tim said, slumping back into his chair and taking a big bite of his sandwich. Avocado smeared up his cheek. "I'm dating someone and you know no one in this family has boundaries!"
Bruce smirked at the confirmation. "Well, who is it?"
Tim mumbled into his food. Bruce raised an eyebrow. "Ives. You remember him, right?"
Bruce had met him only once, but Tim spoke of him time to time. He was a crafty young man who rivaled Tim in his paranoia and smarts. Ives and Tim had a class project a few years back, and Bruce wasn't necessarily one to spy on his son and his civilian acquaintances, really. But as he passed by the parlor, he overheard them speaking not of chemistry, but of comics. Tim's expression had been so bright as they debated. It had been such a nice sight to see, since that expression diminished greatly after his father's passing.
"I do." Bruce smiled. "Is that why you're taking better care of yourself after patrol?"
"Yeah," Tim sighed. Normally it was harder to get information from him, but seeing as he knew he was beat, he was easy to give it. "He stays at my place some nights."
At that, Bruce frowned. "And how are you keeping this a secret then?"
"He knows." Tim said. He quickly added, "I mean. I'm pretty sure. He hasn't told me, but I went through his things, and he hasn't told anyone either." He winced then, "Does that make me a bad boyfriend?"
Bruce pinched his nose but calmed himself down. He told himself Dick had done worse when he was a kid. Like tell his whole team without Bruce's approval. At least Tim had followed his orders in that regard. Mostly.
"Okay." Bruce said. "I would like to talk to him."
"Really?" Tim asked. "I have it handled. Ives wouldn't rat."
"No, not about that." Bruce said, but privately thought it wouldn't hurt to anyways. "Can't I know your partner?"
Tim's cheeks turned red, always one to quickly get embarrassed. "Fine. But don't be weird."
_
Bruce went to dinner at Tim's Nest a week later, when all their schedules lined up. Tim's place hadn't changed drastically, but there were several pairs of shoes at the door that weren't his size along with a few jackets hung on the hooks that Bruce didn't recognize. There were knickknacks that Tim wouldn't personally have on his bookshelf, and he seemed to have forgone his deep need of having his Livingroom completely spotless. There were comics, notepads, and a few cups on the table. Blankets were haphazardly thrown over the couches.
Tim smiled nervously, and he knew Bruce was picking apart the place. At the kitchen table sat a young blonde man with circular glasses. He smiled at Bruce but didn't raise. He had mobility aids leaning against the table.
Bruce walked over to him, smiling as he offered his hand. "Good to see you again, son."
"Likewise." Ives' grip was firm, and his eyes seemed distinctly calculating. "Tim didn't manage to keep it from you, I heard."
"Not much gets past me." Bruce said lightly.
The table was already set. Tim wasn't much of a cook, but with the few lessons he had from Alfred (much like they all received) he was able to string together a few dishes. Tofu in some sort of sauce on a bed of rice. There were a few vegetables and side options around the table. Tim glared at him slightly as he sat down. He'd changed his diet since Bruce returned, and when he found out it was due to the fact he didn't have a spleen anymore, Bruce had been less than happy. He doubted the nutrient dense diet was just for Tim, though. He recalled that Ives struggled health wise for the entirety of their friendship.
"Well, this looks great." Bruce said.
"We've been experimenting." Ives agreed, smiling at Tim. "He only knew how to make lasagna and soup."
"It's decent dishes to know." Tim scowled playfully.
They passed around the dishes, and soon Bruce had his plate full as Ives told stories from high school. Tim buried his face in his hands in embarrassment at a few of them but overall seemed too happy to care. Ives sent Tim these soft looks whenever Tim spoke in an animated way Bruce isn't lucky enough to see often.
Bruce found himself enjoying the evening. He didn't know what he expected of the evening, but this was pleasant and simple. Many of his days weren't simple, lately. Tim clearly cared deeply for Ives. Bruce didn't know if he was aware of the way his gaze softened whenever he looked at the other man.
Tim brought out dessert long after their dinner was finished. Ives was proud of his brownies topped with a raspberry compote, and Bruce complimented him once he tasted it.
"I mean," Ives said, motioning to Tim with a wave of his hand. "I gotta keep busy with his night routine."
Tim froze minutely but stared at Bruce as though his eyes were made of daggers. Bruce took another bite of his dessert, thoughtful.
"So, you are aware?" Bruce asked.
Ives shrugged. "I found his secret basement, like, two weeks in."
Tim planted his face in his hand. Bruce shot him a stern look, though his son didn't see it. "I'm sure I don't have to tell you–"
"I won't tell anyone." Ives said, sounding affronted. "Was this not a threatening dinner?"
"No!" Tim glared at his boyfriend, but sighed. "No, he just wanted to meet you."
"Oh," Ives said. "Well, sorry. I promise I won't say anything. I feel like I'm too deep for that, aren't I?"
"Why didn't you tell me you knew?" Tim asked.
"You knew." Ives rolled his eyes, "Don't disrespect me like that."
"Okay, I knew." Tim amended. "But, still."
"What was I supposed to say? 'Hey babe, I found your secret, high tech, Red Robin room. Can I join in?'" Ives asked sarcastically.
"Whatever," Tim blew at his hair. He looked at Bruce, wincing slightly. "I hid it really well, in my defense."
Bruce grunted. "What's done is done."
Tim gaped at him. "What? I'm getting off that easy?"
"Yes, Tim." Bruce said patiently. "You're getting off easy."
Tim smiled, real and bright. "And you aren't going to tell the others?"
"Well..." Bruce trailed off, huffing a laugh when Tim scowled. "You can tell them when you want to. Ives." Said man looked startled at being addressed. "Yes, you can join in if you want. You are good with tech, yes?"
Ives gasped, "I mean. Yeah?"
"Okay," Bruce stood. "Think about it. Thank you for dinner."
After they all said their farewells, Bruce stopped at the front door to kick his shoes on. He smiled when he heard Tim excitedly say, "I told you it would go okay. He totally loved you."
He could keep the others off Tim's tracks for a little bit. He felt like Tim deserved that privacy. But he was in a family of detectives; it would come out eventually.