Brothers Portraits, and Messages.
Part 3
Tim looked down at his hands and saw they were shaking. 'I've lost something and I don't know if I can ever get it back. I keep seeing my father's body transformed into Bruce, even Dick, Jason, and Damian. I couldn't stop it . . . I'm afraid of it happening again.'
Alfred could see that Tim's hands were shaking and he knew that something was disturbing the older teen. He watched Damian leave then picked up the bow staff. He pressed the hidden button and it collapsed into its compact size and placed it in his pocket.
"Perhaps it is best that you rest Master Timothy," the butler said, and helped Tim to lie down.
After Tim was comfortable once more, Alfred left Timothy alone to dispose of the soiled bandages and pajamas. His thoughts of what had transpired intruded on his current duty. Alfred found Master Damian leaning against the wall his hands in his pockets with a scowl on his face much like his father's. Tim's injuries had affected the whole family. It was time to do something about it.
'I must speak to everyone on this matter. After listening to Damian and Timothy's conversation I understand what the problem is.' Alfred thought. "Master Damian, please ask Masters Richard and Jason to join me in your father's study."
" -tt- " Damian replied with a scoff, but wandered over to Grayson's room and knocked on the door. Dick answered the door and Damian could see Jason was sitting on Dick's bed.
"Yes, what is it Damian," Dick asked.
"Pennyworth wants us in the study." Damian watched as Grayson helped Todd to his Father's study.
Alfred went immediately into the study to talk with the master of the Manor. "Master Bruce . . . I need to speak with everyone. It is of great importance."
"What is it Alfred?"
"We must wait for the others than I'll speak," Alfred replied
Alfred watched as Dick carried Jason inside and placed him in a chair then took a seat on the floor. Damian followed behind.
"Alfred, what's this about?"
"As you know, Master Timothy has suffered an unusual amount of difficulties this past three to four months. I fear despite the promise he made to Master Damian, if he has one more such incident as this one, it will shatter his spirit all together and he will do something rash." Alfred saw several worried sets of eyes. He knew his statement must have alarmed everyone, but he continued. "With all that has happened Master Timothy's confidence in himself has been utterly shaken. He not only is suffering from extreme guilt, Master Timothy believes he is a liability."
"A liability . . . He hasn't said anything to me," Bruce stated then asked, "Has he said anything to you three?
"He must have mentioned it to me about three different times," Jason stated.
"Same," Dick answered. "It annoys me actually that Tim thinks that. All the reassurance we give him and he still pushes that thought to the front of his mind."
"We do suspect as to what brought it on," Bruce stated. "Dick, you and I discussed it. Perhaps we need to backtrack and do something to honor his parents' memories. Maybe through the Wayne Foundation."
"Seems like the right thing to do," Dick concurred.
"We see what can be arrange. I was planning on bringing his parents' bodies here to rest in the Wayne family cemetery. I need to make that call. Dick, your parents are there and Jason, your birth mother is buried there as well. I never got a chance to tell you that. It's fitting that Tim's parents be there too."
Tim picked up his calendar and counted the days . . . 114 days have passed since . . . A year and 114 days . . . 108 of them hurt, sick, wounded. 'Dad, why can't I do things right any more.' Tim questioned. 'I have to do something . . . Get out of this rut . . . Say goodbye.' Tim got up, but was a bit shaky. He put on some pants and a jacket. He slipped on some shoes and moved to the door. Everyone seemed busy. 'I'll take the old access tunnel. It's faster . . . And no one will know I was even gone.'
Tim made his way to the cave via the elevator and walked to an area that had several old filing cabinets. They used to house all of Batman's records on villains. Behind one was the old tunnel leading to his father's country house. Tim made his way down the tunnel and noticed it had been cleared. As he drew closer, the memories of that night assaulted his mind. He stepped into the basement and made his way upstairs. The house was once again put in some reasonable order.
'Could Alfred be taking care of it for me?' Tim's hip was hurting him, but he ignored it. He moved through the rooms and ended up in his father's study. Tim pulled down what he wanted most to see, the photo albums. He started flipping through each one. He saw his Mother's face and the memories flooded back. All those archeological trips, he missed them. They were truly a family during those times. Then he saw his Dad's face, then Dana's.
'She made my Dad happy, but I will never forget that horrible night. I was Robin and I could not stop it from happening, hearing it over the phone it sounded so surreal, but seeing my father's body just broke something in me. One year and 114 days. I'm so sorry Dad.' Tim pushed the photo album away, bent his head down on his Father's desk and wept. 'I never thought I would miss you like this . . . Miss you so much that it ached deep down . . .I miss you . . . I miss you . . . ' Tim fall asleep on his father's desk with the photo albums surrounding him.
Bruce made the phone calls after the meeting with Alfred. Jack and Janet Drake were buried in Gotham City Cemetery. It would take a couple of days for everything to come together. The vaults would have to be removed along with the headstone. The three waited until Bruce hung up the phone.
"Okay, it's been arranged. Tim's parents will be moved to the Wayne Family Cemetery in two days. I know of a spot near some trees overlooking the old barn."
"Dick, could you and Damian tell Tim the news about his parents. Jason and I need to have another conversation."
Jason watched as Damian and Dick left the room.
"Jason . . . Perhaps I was too hasty in my decision . . . I saw how you worked with Alfred to take care of Tim. It is obvious you do care."
'He is now just realizing this?' Jason frowned but did not say anything.
"There are times I am blinded from . . . seeing the obvious or what is underneath when it comes to my sons."
"You need to work on that," Jason said with a smirk.
"I think you're right," Bruce smiled slightly. "I will do my best. I cannot promise that I won't make mistakes . . . "
Bruce was just wondering what was keeping Damian and Dick when Damian rushed into Bruce's office.
"FATHER! Drake is not in his room!"
"WHAT?"
Continues with Part 4
