Title: So This is Goodbye
Characters: Tim, Dick, with a bit of Damien
Disclaimer: All characters belong to DC Comics. I own nothing. ;__;
Summary: Tim is about to leave Gotham City as Red Robin. How can he say goodbye to it?
Author's Note: Minor Battle for the Cowl spoilers, I suppose. But even Grant Morrison agrees that was just filler.
----
"I don't understand, why that costume? Wouldn't you rather come up with your own? Or just ... stay as Robin?"
Tim sighed, about to put on the cowl of the Red Robin costume. "I don't have time, Dick, I have to start looking now. I know you think I'm crazy and in denial about Bruce, but I have to try."
Dick put a hand on his shoulder. "Tim, I understand. It's okay. But ... why not wear your Robin costume?"
"Robin belongs in Gotham or with the Teen Titans. I'm not going to be in either." Tim had put down the cowl as their conversation had continued, and instead was replenishing the contents of his utility belt. "Anyway, it looks as though Batman already has a Robin." He nodded toward the hooded cape that Damien had left draped over the chair.
"Tim, he doesn't--"
"You're not about to turn him back over to Talia, Dick. Not now. And the little jerk is pretty determined, I'll give him that much. I'm not going to be here. Besides," Tim's voice was tight in his throat, despite his lips curling into a small smile. "Batman needs a Robin, right?"
Dick stared at the younger man in front of him for a moment, and then pulled him into a hug. "I love you, little brother." Dick knew the feeling was mutual and didn't expect to get anything back. Tim was too locked up now, almost like Bruce. So he was mildly surprised when Tim hugged him back tighter after hearing Dick's words. Dick held him tighter in return. Despite all he'd seen, all the grief and pain, Tim was still the same kid underneath.
They broke apart awkwardly, Tim put on the cowl, buckled the utility belt, and stole a quick glance at the four Robin costumes in their glass cases. He knew he would be back, but it was still goodbye.
"Look, I know you think this is a wild goose chase, but I have to try."
"I know you do, Tim. And I do hope that you're right."
"Thanks."
Tim hopped into the jet he was using to get to Europe.
"Good luck, little bro--" Just then there was a loud "SLAM!" as a certain obnoxious child of their acquaintance entered the Batcave. "What are you guys doing? Why is he still here? When do I get my own Bat-plane?" Enter Damien.
Tim stifled a laugh. "You too, Dick. You too."
With that, he closed the hatch, powered up the jet and took off out of the Batcave.
Tim didn't actually leave Gotham just then. He went into the city, parked the jet in an empty warehouse conveniently owned by Bruce Wayne, and found a hidden perch atop a building near Wayne Tower. He waited patiently for several hours, knowing he would soon see it. A part of him couldn't help but enjoy this, his old childhood game of waiting and watching.
And finally, there they were.
Two dark silhouettes--one graceful and steady, the other small and laughing--swept to the top of the Wayne building. They paused at the northeast corner, above its guardian gargoyle, staring out at the city before them. The next moment they were in the air again.
Though it was still heavy and in pain, Tim's heart leapt at the sight of the two figures disappearing off into the darkness, embarking on their nightly patrol. Smiles and laughter would be dulled by heartache for some time, for all of them, but ... Batman and Robin were in Gotham City. It wasn't how he'd ever imagined it, but he clung to the knowledge that they would still be there, for whatever solace it provided.
Comforted and freed, Red Robin took flight.