Apparently Luthor did care about a few million dollars, given the number of cyber security experts he fired in the following week. Tim discreetly hacked his way into Wayne Enterprise and dropped their resumes into the potential employee pool. The fact that Luthor was trying to black ball them almost guaranteed Lucius would hire them out of sheer spite. How challenging Luthor's system had almost been to access only made Tim feel better about the decision. They'd be valuable to Wayne Enterprises.
As for the money, Tim had rerouted it into an offshore account, as one does, but he'd set a trail for Luthor to follow that bounced from server to server. It ended in Luthor's own office, which caused Tim no small amount of glee. If Luthor had hair he would be pulling it out right about now.
Hiring a faux assassin was proving to be a greater challenge. Tim had his heart set on Jade, but she'd been skillfully dodging his offers without even listening. Tim was fairly certain that she'd promised Roy Harper the Clone that she was done killing, which actually made her more perfect for this. If only she'd let Tim offer her millions of dollars.
He'd been brainstorming plans on how to take out the rest of the Light. Vandal Savage would be nigh near impossible, but if Tim could isolate the rest of his allies the man wouldn't be able to carry out the plan himself.
There was a rapping on his door and Tim flicked the computer screen to anime. "Come in," he called.
Bruce opened the door and leaned against the frame instead of walking in. "How are you feeling?"
"I took all my pills," Tim said defensively. "And I drank my soup."
Other Bruce gave a charming smile. "Allow me to try again. Are you up to going out today?"
Tim gave him a suspicious look. "To Mount Justice…?" Tim thought he'd covered with Bruce that the place didn't freak him out.
Other Bruce gave a wry grin. "It has been brought to my attention that I've been allowing you to run yourself ragged as Red Robin, but haven't given you a chance to be Tim Wayne. Jay wants us to do something as a family." Dammit, Jay. Was this what he and Damian had been plotting?
"And what did Jay have in mind?" Tim smiled as he spoke, as though he didn't want to strangle someone.
Bruce gave a suffering look. "The feature exhibit of the botanical gardens is Batman."
What? "We're going to a Batman themed flower garden." WHAT? "Oh my god," Tim breathed out reverently, "I wish I had a camera."
In a disappointingly transparent move, Dick and Damian rode in one vehicle, sticking Jay, Bruce and Tim in together in a car. Jay had insisted that Tim take shotgun, citing that it would give Tim a chance to get a good look at the city. Jay kept up the conversation, baiting Bruce and Tim into talking with each other.
Tim frowned as Bruce parked in the shopping district, nowhere near the gardens. "Are we making a detour?"
Bruce smiled mischievous, waggling his eyebrows. Tim had never seen such a playful expression on the man's face. His alternate's face. Other Bruce's face? Whatever. "It's a surprise."
Baffled, Tim followed the man out of the car. Even Jay was looking confused but still pleased. Tim walked down the sidewalk, the sights and sounds of the city welcoming him home. He hadn't realized how much he missed this, how much he missed being in Gotham. The city was under his veins, pumping through his blood, and he wouldn't have it any other way.
Bruce led them into the store and it was like walking into heaven. Glistening shelves were lined with cameras, everything from antiques that still used film to the modern digitals. Glass cases displayed lenses like twinkling jewels.
Bruce put a hand on Tim's back, nudging him forward. "Pick one," he encouraged with a pleased smile.
Tim's hands shook. After becoming Robin, he'd always had access to the best camera for surveillance, ensuring that he never missed anything in a case. Taking photos for the sheer pleasure of it had set aside along with the rest of childish things. Other Bruce would have disapproved of Tim getting back into the hobby; too many secrets that Tim might capture by mistake.
"Really?" Tim whispered, still not entirely convinced this was happening.
"Really. Any one. Two if you want. I think I can afford it."
"DId you just wink?" Jay asked. "That's so fucking weird, B. Who the hell winks anymore? Was that ever really a thing?"
Tim laughed and began pouring over the cases, careful not to touch so he didn't smudge the glass. "Which of these are full frame?" he asked the woman behind the counter. She led him to a selection, though from Tim could tell the greatest variation between them was price. Undecided, he waved Jay over. "Hey Jay, which one should I get?"
"Why the fuck you asking me? I know dick all about cameras." Still, he came over. The sale's lady was good, not even flinching at how rough Jay was around the edges. Tim figured she made commission. "You gonna hate me if I pick the wrong one?" he asked a little uncertainly.
"Any of these are fine. I just can't choose."
Jay hummed. He pointed. "That one. It will fit better in your girly hands."
Tim laughed and the sales lady carefully grabbed the camera, placing the rest back. "Is it charged?" Tim asked. It would suck to pick it up now and not be able to use it.
"It will be half charged," the sales lady answered with a smile.
Tim grinned back, knowing he was about to make her day better. "I also need a macro lens, a portrait and a scenery. Not professional grade; I'm only a hobbyist. A carrying case and I assume the body has expandable memory?" She nodded. "I need an SD card with a computer adapter, one twenty-eight gigabytes or higher."
As she fetched Tim's order he felt a burst of anxiety. He turned to Bruce and rubbed his hands on his pants. He should have asked first. But instead of silently disapproving, Bruce walked over with a smile. "Found everything you needed?"
"Yeah," Tim relaxed. "I'm picking up three lenses. I can put one back if its too much."
"I'm sure it won't bankrupt me," Bruce joked, placing a hand on Tim's back. "I'd guess macro and scenery, given that we're headed to the gardens, but what's the third?"
"Portrait," Tim said nervously. "I want to get some photos of everyone for Alfred."
There was a sparkle in Bruce's eyes. "Yes, we will certainly do that… for Alfred."
Testing it, Tim affixed one lens to the camera and looked through the frame. He turned and pointed it at Jay, capturing the other boy's curiosity as stared at a camera so old it probably required flash powder. He looked down at the candid, and couldn't help but smile, his eyes burning. It was reliving a moment he thought gone forever, capturing a photo of Tim's favorite Robin while he was unaware.
"Dude," Jay glanced over, sounding concerned. "You okay?"
Tim gave a sincere smile. "Yeah, I'm good."
From the camera store they made their way straight to the gardens, where Dick and Damian were both waiting. "Why were you delayed?" Damian asked, dandruff up.
Jay cut in. "Bruce was buying Tim cameras. Tim nearly cried."
"I did not," Tim blustered. "And I only bought one camera."
Damian relaxed immediately. "Acceptable. Timothy, I shall carry your bag."
Tim paused. While it would be nice to have someone help with the bag so he could take photos, he wasn't sure Damian was the man for the job. He trusted Damian- and wasn't that something he never thought he'd think- but he was carrying thousands of dollars of glass.
Dick, being awesome, cut in. "Nah, Little D. We're going to train tonight and I don't want you powdering out because you're exhausted. I'll help Tim with the camera stuff."
Damian sniffed. "Fine. Though when I defeat you I shall feel no guilt over this moment. A true warrior uses every advantage they can get."
'Thank you' Tim mouthed over Damian's head the moment the boy's back was turned. 'No Prob' Dick responded in kind.
The garden were linear, biomes sectioned in stages between short hallways. They lingered in each, allowing Tim to capture photos of whatever caught his fancy. He snuck in several candids, immortalizing moments of the Wayne family outing. The first outing that they'd gone on together. Tim was sure Bruce would appreciate that.
"Hey Tim!" Dick called. "Get in between Jay and Damian! I want to snap a picture." He waved his smartphone. Tim didn't even have a chance to move, both boys swooping in to press against his side. Damian, who had an aversion to both cameras and touching, wrapped an arm around Tim's hips.
The day felt like it was going perfect. Then they stepped into the Dark Knight biome.
It was fucking amazing.
Robin was made of vines, poppies, and marigolds that were growing out of a frame designed roughly in the shape of the boy. Flash colored mushrooms had been used to imitate skin, and his cape was chrysanthemums. Batman was made entirely of black dahlias, save for his mushroom chin and daisy eyes. Both he and Robin were in dramatic poses and a man not made out of flowers stood wearily to the side. Going by the brown trench coat, glasses and cut down mop for hair, Tim figured it was Commissioner Gordon.
The rest of the biome had color arrangements based on Rogues. Two face had a stark color contrasting theme, there was a wall of ivy, and a corner was dedicated to black and white in the shape of a penguin.
Tim had arrived first, pushing ahead of the group in excitement. Taking in the scene with the skills of a Robin he spun, capturing everyone's first look of the room on camera. The photo was amazing. Even Bruce, calm, collected Bruce, looked thoroughly horrified.
Tim was framing that forever.
X-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
There was a bounce in Tim's step as he got out of the shower. He'd gone to bed at what Bruce considered to be a reasonable time and had awoken to a response from Jade. She hadn't agreed to take the job, but she promised to listen to it and threatened to gut him if he ever used Roy to pass on a message to her again. Mailing Roy an anonymous note had been a risk, but the Arrows had always had more curiosity than good sense.
Plans were falling into place, he was going to spend part of the day going through his photos, figuring out which ones Alfred would want, and then he'd promised Damian that they'd spar together.
Tim hummed as he headed to the kitchen. Alfred was there, frying up something involving tofu for Damian, and greeted Tim with a smile. "Good moring, Master Tim. You are looking well."
"I'm feeling well," Tim said, walking straight to the coffee pot. He poured himself a cup of the dark goodness, inhaling the scent with pleasure.
"You are a bit earlier than usual. I'm afraid I have not yet prepared your morning meal," the butler said with regret.
"Actually," Tim sniffed the air, "I'd like to try that, if there is enough?"
Alfred smiled warmly at Tim. "There is certainly enough for you, dear boy."
"Question," Tim slid into the barstool at the counter. "Do you have an email or a computer or something? I took a bunch of photos yesterday, but my camera is digital and I don't have a printer here."
"I have a laptop," responded Alred. "It was a Christmas present from Master Dick to allow me to "keep with it"." Alfred's voice was fondly exasperated. "While I am no programmer, I can work my way around the photo gallery."
Tim grinned, trying to imagine Alfred's face as Dick handed him a computer. The shocked Alfred of his universe was easily displaced by the image of this one's confused smile.
The tofu cooked quickly and Alfred served it with a side of hashbrowns. The flavors burst against Tim's tongue and he enjoyed the texture of the tofu as it fell apart in his mouth. It was delicious. Not a permanent substitute for bacon delicious, but it had its own place in cooking.
Damian came down the stairs next. "Greetings, Pennyworth. I trust breakfast is prepared?"
Alfred rolled his eyes. "It is, Master Damian, as it has been every morning since your arrival."
"Excellent! The boy exclaimed. "You serve my Father well." Alfred's lips twitched, indicating he knew that there was a real compliment buried in that statement. "Timothy!" Damian exclaimed in surprise. "Did you not sleep again?" he asked suspiciously.
"I slept. I showered. I am now eating." Tim pointed his fork at Damian, letting the boy know that he would not be bullied.
"That is not soup," Damian said, stunned. "You are not eating soup."
"Yes," Tim nodded. "Hashbrowns are indeed not soup."
"This is a cause of celebration! Pennyworth, fetch us wine."
"We are not getting wine, and really, it is no big deal. I do eat, contrary to what you all believe." Tim sighed in exasperation.
Damian scoffed, but let the matter drop. Instead he explained, in great detail, how he could easily have beaten Bruce Lee in a fight. Both Tim and Alfred catered to the conversation, agreeing whenever it was required.
Jay walked in during that and immediately attacked Damian's argument, using his extensive knowledge of Kung Fu movies to tear apart Damian's stance. When the conversation began to get heated, Alfred swooped in with scrambled eggs, toast and bacon, which immediately distracted Jay from the fight.
"I didn't know you were a sucker for martial arts movies?" Tim mentioned.
Jay laughed. "I started watching them when I first became Robin, hoping I'd learn something. The first time I tried a karate chop Bruce had dragged me down to the Cave by my cape and taught me how to do it properly."
Tim winced, immediately regretting bringing it up.
"Hey, what's with the face?" Jay asked.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked."
Jay leaned back. "Dude. I learned to karate chop. It was a bitchin move."
Tim drummed his fingers. "Bruce can be a bit of a… taskmaster when teaching." That was an understatement. Bruce either shipped you off to Paris or made you practice a move until your arm fell off.
"Other Bruce, maybe. But our Bruce is awesome. He let me practice on him. It was a fucking great time."
"What was a great time?" asked Dick, walking into the room with a stretch.
"Learning Kung Fu from Bruce." Jay called, scrambled eggs pouring out of his mouth.
"You should have followed me and learned escrima. I get to hit people with sticks." Dick stole a piece of bacon directly from the plate. "How about you Tim? Which martial art did you first learn?"
Tim thought back. Rahul Lama's training didn't really count. Though he'd learned healing acupressure and mediation, he the only thing he'd gotten from the combat training was how to take a punch. "My first formal training was with the bo staff under Lady Shiva."
The room fell deathly silent. "What?" Tim asked.
Jay looked to Dick, who sucked in a breath. "You're telling us that you did combat training under Lady Shiva before you trained under Batman?"
Tim shifted in his seat, certain that he'd opened a can of worms but not really understanding what the problem actually was. "Yeah? Bruce sent me to Paris to learn this Tibetian thing, but the combat training was a bust. I ended up in a fight with King Snake and Lady Shiva trained me before I took him on."
Dick took three steps and wrapped his arms around Tim, nearly pulling him off of the stool. He could feel Jay and Damian still staring at him, but just decided to roll with it.
That was when a haggard Bruce stepped into the room, his newspaper clenched in one hand. Dick let go, careful to make sure Tim wouldn't fall from the change in balance. He gave his mentor a once over. "What's wrong, B?" Unless Bruce had thrown a raging kegger in the Batcave after they had gone home, something else was causing a problem.
Bruce pinched his nose and handed Dick the newspaper. The teen took a look at the front page and immediately started to swear. Tim craned his neck to see the headline.
It's Raining Children.
Underneath was a photo of all five of them in the arid biome. Damian had spent the entire time complaining that none of the truly interesting plants were there, such as the one that ate sheep, while Jay had scoffed. Tim had settled the argument in Damian's favor with a quick google search.
"Vikki Vale?" Tim asked grimly. Dick nodded. "How bad?" There was no way that 'good' was on the table. Dick shook his head and handed Tim the paper.
The answer was really fucking bad. She'd been in the camera shop and had snapped a photo of Bruce his hand on Tim's back while the boy looked up with a smile. She'd gotten a close up of Jay, so there was no denying who he was. She had followed them from there to the gardens.
The article was filled with questions as to why Bruce had faked Jason's death and who the new children were. There was the usual speculation of his house being unhealthy for children, and the recent addition of two more being irresponsible at best.
"The largest problem is that she recognized Jason," Bruce said, clenching his fists. "I've been working on the cover to bring him back to life, but hadn't finalized all the details. I'll need to do that before confronting the media. We'll also have to go over cover stories.
"Damian and Jay we can stick close to the truth, that Damian was handed over by his mother and Jay was kidnapped in an attempt to use him against me. Tim will be more complicated."
"Exchange student?" Tim asked.
Bruce frowned at him. "My other son, recently discovered. We're doing a trial run of custody to see if living here is something you'd prefer. We'll have to invent a mother for you."
That was so flimsy. One paternity test, one extra snoopy reporter, and the cover would be blown. Any resemblance Tim had to Bruce was highly superficial at best. No one would fall for that. "No one is going to believe that."
"It's the truth."
If you went the long way about it, Tim supposed. He was a Bruce Wayne's 'son', and he and this Bruce meeting was a new development. Tim was staying here until Bruce let him go. Tim tapped his lips. "I suppose you're right."
He didn't understand why Jay and Damian discretely fist bumped.
As he was not currently the CEO of Wayne Enterprises, Tim found himself with no means of affecting the situation so he retreated to his room to do exactly what he'd planned: edit his photos. Most people didn't understand how time consuming it was to go through them, flipping this image for better balance, cropping that one for better symmetry, or deleting that one because the focus had been on the wrong object.
He sorted as he went, having created a file for both Bruce and Alfred. There was a lot of overlap as to what photo ended up where, but each man received a few that would be unique to his collection.
He was about halfway through when there was a knock against the door frame. He'd kept the door open in case Bruce needed anything regarding the media.
"Hey, Dick," he smiled at the older teen, "what's up?"
Dick shrugged. "Bored. Bruce is handling the media storm and has probably called every lawyer in the city. Damian and Jay are off bonding. I think they are marathoning Kung Fu movies?" He wrinkled his nose.
Tim laughed. "Not a fan?"
"I don't mind them, but I'm not in the mood to tear apart why a fight was inaccurate."
"That's a fair point. But I'm afraid you won't find much help here." Tim waved at his computers. "I'm just doing picture stuff."
"Well, if it wouldn't be too distracting, we could hang? Maybe chat?" Dick sounded hopeful and Tim resisted the urge to desperately agree. This wasn't Other Dick and Tim didn't need to seek his approval. He actually stopped to consider the question.
"Sure," he said after a beat, "as long as you promise not to be mad when I zone out on you."
Dick grinned and jumped onto the bed, landing on his stomach his a bounce. Tim reached out to steady his laptop so it didn't fall off his knees. "You're like a puppy," he groused. Dick just smiled larger, propping himself up on an elbow so he could also see the computer screen.
"Well, I am adorable." Dick's grin faded as a more serious look passed across his face. "I was talking to Jay and I realized that for as long as you've been here, I don't really know you. I've been busy with Team stuff and Jay and Damian, and haven't really been making time for you even though I promised." Tim tried to wave it away but Dick shook his head. "I'm serious, and I don't know that much about you, so I thought we could swap questions. I ask one, you ask one. You start?"
That was actually pretty useful. Files only said so much and Tim did have questions about what they didn't contain. "How'd the team get started?"
Dick laughed. "Oh man, it was great." He ran Tim through how they'd given themselves a mission after discovering that their mentors had lied about the Hall of Justice and Watchtower, rescued Superboy, and had basically browbeat the League into giving them the team.
Other Batman would have had a brain aneurysm and died if any of the Robins had so flagrantly disobeyed him.
Dick lobbed him a few easy ones. Where'd he grow up? What school did he go to? Favorite snack food? Tim kept poking about the team, learning that Wally had retired and gone off to college to be with the girl of his dreams, and where they'd acquired Wolf. He hesitated, needing the intel but knowing that if he opened that door, Dick step right through it.
"Why'd Kaldur change sides?" He kept his voice deceptively casual, not pausing as he edited a macro of a blooming crown of thorns.
Dick tried to match his casualness. "He and Aquagirl had been friends for a long time. She died in a mission gone wrong and he blames us." Tim knew Dick. He might not know this Dick, but he'd spent years with a man with a decade more experience than this Dick, and Tim could see right through that one.
Dick was lying. Interesting.
"Why'd you become Robin?" Dick asked. "If you don't want to answer, you don't have to," he rushed, giving Tim an out.
Tim didn't need it. He'd expected a harder question. "Because he'd needed one." Duh.
DIck frowned at him. "That's not really an answer."
Tim bit his lip, thinking the best way to put this. "Batman didn't handle Jason's death well. He was getting more violent, beating muggers half to death." He closed the laptop and set it aside, turning a bit so he had a better view of Dick. "I had to call nine one one once so the guy didn't die. He needed a Robin to balance him out. I knew who he was, so I told him thst, but Batman wouldn't listen to me. I asked," Dick? Grayson? Grayson, so this was less confusing, "Grayson to come back from being Nightwing, but he had Blüdhaven and wouldn't hear of. He and Batman got captured by Two Face, so I had to step up because there was no one else."
"Hold up," Dick lifted a hand. "So you're telling me you knew who Batman was?"
"Yeah, I figured it out when I was nine." Tim shrugged. It was no big deal.
There was a heavy pause. "And you volunteered to be Robin because Batman couldn't handle his own shit?" Dick's voice had gone weirdly flat.
"He had a lot on his plate," Tim defended. "What with protecting the city."
Dick's voice spiked with panic. "Were you following him around at night?"
"I took pictures. No one noticed. I have a bunch. It's too bad they're in my universe or I'd show you." It was really no big deal. He'd only had his camera stolen once and they'd let him kept the film. His parents had purchased him a new one without asking any questions.
Dick flopped over so he was lying on his back, rubbing his nose. "How did the orphanage not notice you missing every night?"
Orphanage? Oh, that was probably a logical assumption, giving Dick and Jason's history. "My parents were pretty busy."
"But didn't Bruce adopt you?" Tim could almost see Dick trying to fit the pieces of the puzzle together, but there were too many holes.
Tim sighed. "My Mom was murdered on a business trip. Later, my Dad was murdered by Captain Boomerang." He couldn't hide the bitterness in his voice.
"I'm sorry," Dick said sincerely. "I shouldn't have asked about your parents."
"It's fine." It really was. Dick's parents were a taboo topic, but Tim didn't seem to feel grief about his the same way Dick did. He hurt over the fact he and his Dad were finally starting to spend time together and mourned the lost chance to get to know the man, but all he really remembered about his mom was how fierce she could be, how cutting she was without ever raising her voice.
"We should go check on Bruce," Dick announced. He sprang back to his feet. "I want to know if we're suing Vikki Vale or not."
X-x-x-x-x-x-
Not only were they not suing Vikki Vale, the woman had been invited to Bruce's press conference. Tim had been stuffed into a Givenchy suit that didn't fit, an old castoff of Jay's, and had been given a place to stand by Bruce's elbow. He put on his best Drake heir smile, pleasant without being too genuine (don't ever let them know what you're thinking, Tim). Dick stood on Bruce's other side, oozing charm as though as though he was a naturally occuring fountain. Damain stood in front of Dick, eyeing the crowd suspiciously for assassins. Dick had a firm grip on Damian's shoulders so the boy couldn't jump anyone, and they might have actually succeeded in removing all his knives.
Jay was staying at the Manor, having told Bruve in no uncertain terms that he would have a freak out if he had to stand in front of all the flashing cameras. Bruce hadn't pressed the issue, so Jay and Aflred were watching the live footage together. Tim expected a lot of teasing when he got home.
They were in front of Wayne Enterprises on the small platform that was usually reserved for press conferences on the company's latest development. Bruce didn't want the conference at the Manor, and there was no where else that could be set up in such short notice. There was a buzz in the air as speculation was spilled from one reporter to the next.
Bruce lifted his hand, a hush falling over the crowd.
"I know many of you have questions, but I will not be taking any at this time." Bruce kept his face mild, wearing his business man persona as though it was his genuine self.
"Mr. Wayne, are the allegations true? DId you really fake the death of your own son?"
Bruce showed enormous self control when he didn't glare at the man. "As I said, I will not be taking questions and the next person to interrupt will be removed by security," he rebuked. The reporter dropped back into his chair, clearly not wanting to be ousted from the announcement of the season.
Bruce adjusted his tie, making it look as though he was composing himself. "I am sure that all of you have read Miss Vale's article on my sons. The truth of the matter is that yes, Jason Todd is alive, though that knowledge has only recently come to light. A terrorist organization faked his death and recently ransomed him back to me. The police were not involved.
"I made no announcement as my son is currently traumatized from being held captive for so long under such circumstances, and I implore you all the respect his privacy." The look Bruce gave the crowd made it clear that that was an order, not a request, from the richest man in the city.
"Now these," he motioned and both Tim and Damian took a step forward, "are my other sons. This is Damian," he motioned to the boy who stiffly nodded, "and Timothy," Tim gave a socially acceptable wave. "Their mother is a woman who enjoys her privacy, and while I have had relations with her over the years, I was unaware that it had resulted in my boys." Wait. There was something wrong with that statement. "She is in a position where caring for my sons is no longer tenable and has left both boys in my custody."
No, Bruce! That was not the cover! Pulls a stop it now, Bruce! "It is an adjustment for all involved," Bruce stroked Damian's back in a show of parental care. They'd warned the boy that this was a necessary act so he didn't flinch at the sudden contact. "I will be throwing a gala so that the world may meet my newest sons properly." And with that Bruce ending the press conference and the family was loaded into a waiting car.
"That was not the cover!" Tim hissed. "That was nowhere near the cover!"
Bruce shrugged as though it was no big deal. "It was an inspired improv."
"I'm white, Bruce! Damian is Middle Eastern!"
Bruce waved his hand. "Recessive genetics."
"You've told the world that I was Ra's Al Ghul's grandson, Bruce! His grandson!" Talia was going to kill him. Ra's was either going to kill him or worse, adopt him. This was not a family that Tim needed to have any connection with.
Damian placed a hand on Tim's knee. "Is being my brother truly so awful?" He looked at Tim with wide jade eyes that held sadness and a hint of confusion.
"No Damia, that isn't the problem."
"I don't understand." Damian looked to Bruce for answers.
Tim deflated like a balloon. " It's fine. Being your brother is awesome." Dammit, Damian was adorable when he wasn't threatening people.
He missed Damian's smirk.