Brothers, Portraits, and Messages.
It's been one year and four months since his father's death and Tim's life is spinning out of control. He has been suffering needless injuries and his health is in jeopardy. Two more devastating injuries have left Tim in a fragile state. What could be causing Tim to be so careless? As everything unfolds, the Bat Family learns they are more connected than they've ever imagined, especially two brothers in arms.
Part 1
Bruce Wayne, Jason Todd Wayne, and Dick Grayson sat at Tim Drake's bedside. Tim has suffered at the hands of yet another antagonist, this time Black Mask. Shot in two places, his hip and shoulder, Tim had lost a lot of blood. Tim has also developed a massive infection. Jason was also shot in the leg trying to rescue Tim. Jason blamed himself at getting Tim involved by allowing him to sneak out of the Manor. They are discussing Tim's mental state.
"Do you or Jason know what's been bothering Tim? He doesn't always talk to me," Bruce questioned.
"I know he's been unhappy about what happened the past couple of months," Dick replied. "He said he feels like he should give up his mask." Explaining what happened Dick felt like he violated a confidence, but he was worried for Tim.
"Tim told me he wanted Dick to burn it," Jason stated.
"Burn his mask? Am I hearing that correctly?" Bruce's eyes narrowed. He looked at his third son, sleeping after emergency surgery. Tim was fighting a massive infection from two bullet wounds. His temperature had risen to almost 104.
"He feels as if he's a liability," Jason stated. "He told me this morning, before this fever hit him."
"Last night is when he told me," Dick said.
"How long has he been feeling this way?" Bruce asked.
"Remember when he tried to kill himself?" Dick explained. "Damian told me about it."
"Yes . . . that was about three months ago," Bruce answered
"That's when it started," Dick added. "It took Damian to calm him down."
"That was when I threatened to take his mask because he had been working too hard, school, the Foundation, patrolling. It was getting to be too much," Bruce stated. "He ran away over Christmas. Poison Ivy showed up, then he got hurt, broke a couple of ribs, was sick . . . and now this."
"Damian was very upset when he tried to take his life," Dick stated. "That's around the time Ace was going to have puppies. We thought Tim was getting better. Him and Damian made an agreement to train together. I guess these latest events are changing his mind, again."
"He wanted to get rid of his mask, but I told him to keep it," Jason stated. "I was going to take full responsibility on training him lightly before he could do anything strenuous."
"It's going to take him a long time to recover," Bruce observed, "He's put a lot of strain on his body, but I'm concerned for his mind. I think the issue here is that Tim's spirit has been broken. I think it started earlier than that."
"What is there to do?" Dick stated. "He's going to get upset every time we go out on patrol. We just can't stop just for him. Gotham has to be protected."
"I don't think that's what is upsetting him so much, though that is part of it," Bruce continued. "We've all gone through moments when we could not patrol for various reasons. Do you know what day it actually began?"
"I can't remember," Dick answered.
"I noticed he became moody more like four months ago . . . but I dismissed it, thinking it had to do with Foundation business." Bruce walked over to Tim's desk calendar and flipped back the dates. One date in particular was circled. 'I should have realized what day it was . . . and no one else paid attention.'
"What is it? Jason asked.
"Dick, do you remember how we used to honor your parents memories by placing flowers. Jason you and I found a means to honor your stepmother. Do you remember what we were doing that week?" Bruce turned the calendar around to show Dick and Jason the date. "Talia was trying to take Damian. We were all trying to protect him, including Tim. When it was over the date had passed. It would have been a year." Bruce nearly tossed the calendar across the room. "How could I have been so stupid as to neglect him like that? And why didn't Tim say something to me?"
"Shit . . . the anniversary of his parents' death," Jason stated.
"His father's, at the hands of Captain Boomerang," Bruce clarified. "Seeing his father with that boomerang sticking out of his chest was devastating for him. Tim threw himself into his work soon after that. The anniversary must have been weighing heavily on his mind, and he's been unsettled and unfocused since."
"And making mistakes as well as neglecting his health," Alfred pointed out.
'Damn...how could we forget,' Dick thought.
"Well, the damage is done. So how do we let him know he is still part of this family and not a liability?"
"Might I make a suggestion, Master Bruce," Alfred stated.
"Please do," Bruce answered.
"This young man lying here needs healing first before anything else. He needs his family around him," Alfred stated. "Perhaps when he is sufficiently healed, we all take a vacation. I believe Master Richard is due some vacation time from the force . . . And Master Bruce . . . You need time away from this place as well. You may all take turns sitting with Master Timothy. I shall broach no argument. Since Master Jason and I have taken care of Master Timothy most of the day, you and Master Richard can take this evening. We shall relieve you in the morning. Please keep an eye on Master Timothy's temperature and add the antibiotic every four hours. Master Jason and I are retiring for the night."
"That is true," Dick stated. "A vacation sounds perfect, just what Tim needs."
"Do you think Gotham can do without us for a week?" Bruce asked as he looked over at Dick. "What about you Jason?"
"A vacation doesn't sound bad at all," Jason replied.
"Good, I'll let Damian know when he gets home from Collin's. Alfred can you make arrangement a week from today."
"Provided Master Timothy is healed sufficiently," Alfred replied.
"Tim needs this," Bruce replied. "We can take care of him wherever we decide to go. Jason, Dick, help Alfred with some ideas . . . Something we can all agree on."
"Can we not go somewhere cold?' Jason asked. "There's a start to an idea. It's freaking freezing here."
"I can think of several places. Are we in agreement Dick?
"Yes, I need a break from this cold weather."
'And I know of other plans for Tim that I can make right now. It only takes a phone call. I will call in the morning,' Bruce thought. "Then it's settled. We just have to decide where. We do have all week. Right now, Dick . . . You and I have a vigil to keep, so let's go get a few things and keep an eye on Tim."
"Okay," Dick looked at Jason and saw he was limping and in pain. "Hey, when was the last time you took anything for pain?"
Jason groaned. "A few hours ago."
"Jason?" Bruce looked over at Jason and noticed he was favoring one leg. "Did you hurt yourself?"
"When we went to rescue Tim, I got shot in the back of my leg," Jason leaned onto the wall for support.
"You took a bullet? How bad is it?" Bruce was shocked that Jason had not said anything.
"The pain now?" Jason questioned.
"Master Jason, I must apologize," Alfred stated. "In all the excitement with Master Timothy . . . Please sit. I shall get you something for the pain immediately."
"Better do as Alfred says, Son. We don't want you getting sick as well."
Jason almost collapsed, but Dick caught him before he hit the floor.
"You need to be careful," Dick stated
"Fuck you," Jason hissed out. He tried to stand back up, but his leg prevented him from doing so. "OWWW!"
"Master Jason, there is no excuse for rudeness." Alfred stated frowning. "You should have said something sooner."
"Here lay on the edge of Tim's bed," Dick instructed. He placed his brother down so Jason could adjust.
"Let me take a look at that leg," Bruce insisted.
"No don't touch it," Jason whined. "It freaking hurts."
Bruce peeled back the bandage. "Is it supposed to be swollen like that?"
"I don't know."
"I don't think so," Dick observed. "Nope. It might be getting infected."
Alfred came back with the pain killer and saw the condition of Jason's leg. "Master Jason, that is indeed an infection."
"No it's not infected...it can't be," Jason stated, trying to deny the obvious.
"Master Jason, it is clearly swollen and painful. I shall run a hot bath where you can sit and soak."
"Do as Alfred says," Bruce stated. "We want you to be as healed as possible as well."
"I shall set up a cot here in Master Timothy's room so neither shall be alone and it will be easier for Master Jason to use the tub to soak."
"Jaybird? It's infected," Dick stated. "Why are you in total denial about your wound being infected?"
Jason mumbled something as he lay on the mattress.
"What did you say?" Dick asked.
"Now I can't help with Tim...you asshole! I can't do anything if I'm like this!"
"You can keep him company," Alfred sated. "And language Master Jason. I shall not warn you again."
"Sorry Alfred," Jason grumbled.
Bruce smirked at my sons. 'Seems thing were getting back to normal . . . Sort of . . . We're missing someone.' Bruce placed a hand on Tim's shoulder feeling the heat from his body.
"Come Master Jason . . . I shall run a bath for you . . . Or shall I have your father carry you."
Jason started to grumble, but thought better of it. To be honest a bath did sound nice. He could relax and enjoy some peace and quiet for a while.
Continues with Part 2