Chapter Three: Time

By: The BatThing



Tim entered the house, a smile spread across his face as he searched for some welcome that he knew he would never receive unless Alfred wasn't busy tending to Bruce's own needs. So the boy hurried his pace heading toward the study, wishing Bruce could learn to be a little more lenient.

He knocked on the door, knowing perfectly well to do so. Many times he had walked in on an ongoing meeting and ticked off Bruce. So, mistake after mistake he finally took it into his head to knock.

"Come in." Came the guff reply, not at all a question or hope, but a well worded order.

The boy pushed the door open, sticking his head in and smiling. "You wanted to see me? I have homework so I hope this doesn't take long. life isn't easy when you're taking Algebra II and Geometry at the same time 'ya know."



Bruce stood next his desk, glaring at the youth. "There is someone here to see you Timothy." For a moment, the man looked apologetic, but his stature jerked back to being that of a statue.

Tim strolled in, not liking the use of his full name, knowing it meant someone important was in the room, that or he was in trouble. "Er, hello?"

"Tim this is-." Bruce began, but was cut off.

"Mr. Wayne, I think my own son knows me." A young woman said clearly as she got to her feet, turning and facing the boy. Her features much like his own. She smiled causing her face to light up, and her dark black eyes glow slightly as they studied the boy. "Don't you?"

Tim's once easy smile faded, and his mouth fell. The teasing and fun expression his eyes once let off seemed to disappear and he shook his head. "What are you doing here?"

The woman chuckled as she looked at Bruce, then back to Tim. "I never received word of Steven's death till a month ago and I decided-."

"He died more than two years back." Tim growled, his eyes becoming slits. "It's amazing to hear you just found out."

"Word is slow, especially around my town." She cleared her throat. "If I had known I would have came as soon as possible, please forgive me for not being here sooner."

"No feelings." Tim spat.

Bruce looked at the boy, then at the woman. "Tim, just listen to her please."

Tim jerked his head at the figure.

"Tim, I know it hasn't been easy, but I am willing to move here, and get to know you." She smiled and moved toward him. "If you will let me, I have to have your permission in order to get closer."

Tim said nothing, trying to block her out, wishing Bruce would have sent her away.

"I know your father gave you a very poor life, and I am sorry that-."

"Leave my dad out of this, the life I had with him was fine. I know it wasn't top notch, but it was sure a hell lot better than what you could have done!"

"Timothy." Bruce managed his voice warning. "Listen to what she is saying and-"

"No!" Tim shouted, throwing an accusing finger at the woman. "She might be my dam* biological mother, but she sure wants nothing to do with me. the only reason she came back is for the money! Figures if she can get close to me then maybe she can get some cash from you. Well, I'm not stupid, I know the story. She hits it off, knocks up some guy, get pregnant and demand an abortion. How many kids you have?"

"Only you." The woman whispered.

"No, I mean how many abortions have you-."

"Timothy!" Bruce growled.

"What?! If it weren't for dad I sure wouldn't be here."

The man glared at the youth. "The Juvenile Court wanted you to meet your mother, get to know her. they say it will be good for the both of you. Is that so hard to ask?"

"That depends who you are asking. but obviously I have no say in this matter, now do I?" His eyes flashed and he turned on his heels, leaving the room. "I never want to see her again. Get here out of my life."

Bruce watched him go, and then turned to the young woman. "I hate to seem rude, but you should leave."

"Yes. I suppose I should."



*Ohhh, we all love Tim, and when I say we all I mean me, Ronica, Li and a few other loyal fans *winks*, and I had to put him in there! But the plot, if there is any thickens, and now we all get to wait and see what happens to Dick, Barbara, Tim, and Commissioner Gordon... I don't do cliff hangers so bear with me, this isn't CriMson.

P.S. This is my last fanfiction I will be posting, I told most of you I was leaving and if you are reading this wondering if I was lying, I am not, but I wanted to finish up this fanfic before heading out and finding a new site. ok, are we clear?*