Tim had gotten used to his daily routine. Get up, ride a bike to school (unless it's raining then take a taxi), come home, do homework, get ready to Bat Watch, head to Gotham, make it home, and repeat. He didn't Bat Watch every day, but it would be getting colder soon so he tried to go as often as he could. This plan was thrown off for a weekend when his parents came back in town, but they'd left almost immediately. He had no idea how long they were going to be gone.

Tim was having a bad day. He woke in a foul mood; his parents having left with barley a word the night before. Thankfully, the forecast was good, clear right into the night. Tim biked to school but when he arrived, he realized he'd left his homework on his desk. This was a first offense so he doubted he would get into much trouble, but it drew a cloud on his mind. He almost managed to get through the day without catching the attention of the older boys who liked to pick on him. Almost. A growing bruise on his back from being pushed against the corner of a locker and $10 lighter, Tim realized he'd left his phone home as well. That shouldn't matter. Not unless it started raining and he had to call a taxi.

By the time school let out it was raining. Tim stood by his bike, trying to weigh the worth of finding someone willing to let him borrow a phone (unlikely) or if he should just suck it up and ride home in the rain. He'd just resigned himself to a cold, wet ride when he heard someone calling his name.

"Kid! Tim, Over here!" It was Jason, calling from a nice car by the curb. Jason hopped out of the car and jogged up to him. "Need a ride?"

Tim's first instinct was to say no, but he was tired. His back was sore, and the rain was only getting heavier. Accepting help this one time couldn't hurt.

"Yes please." He said.

"Come on." Jason picked up Tim's bike and loaded it into the trunk. Tim slipped into the back seat. Jason sat down next to him and gestured to the driver. "Alfred, this is Tim Drake. Tim, Alfred." The driver turned in his seat and Tim saw a serious but kindly looking old man.

"Pleased to meet you sir."

"And you Master Tim. And please, call me Alfred. Now where shall I be dropping you off today?"

"He can come home with us." Jason said. Tim looked at Jason quizzically.

"It's ok. you don't have to do that." He said, brow furrowed with confusion.

"No really," Jason insisted. "You live at Drake Manor, that's basically next door. I have a new game for my Xbox but it's two players only and Dick won't be by 'til next week. Besides, Alfred just made cookies and his cookies are the best. So, you have to come. Unless you parents said you have to go straight home or something."

"No," Tim assured, somewhat uncertainly, "They're not going to be back until super late tonight, but I don't want to be a bother. You can just drop me off."

"Nah, it's no problem. We can get you home anytime you need. But if you don't want to come over that's fine, I guess."

Tim wanted to come. Desperately.

"Ok then, If you're sure it's not too much trouble."

When they got to the manor Jason showed Tim to the kitchen where Alfred served them cookies and milk with a stiff reminder to complete any homework they had before play. Jason grumbled as he emptied his backpack. Tim retrieved his math homework without complaint. Jason glanced over to his work.

"I thought you said you were in fourth?"

"What?" Tim asked, startled.

"At the gala that one time, you said you were in fourth grade, but you have Mrs. Wilde and she teaches sixth grade math." Tim blushed.

"I'm actually in sixth. I skipped two grades when I transferred to Gotham academy this year."

"Wow," Jason sounded genuinely impressed. "Where were you before?"

"Um, boarding schools, summer camps, a bunch of places really. This is the first time I've been allowed to stay in Gotham."

"That's pretty cool man," Jason said. "You must be a little genius or something." Tim shrugged, the blush deepening.

"I guess."

"Cool, does that mean you can help me with this?" Jason shoved his algebra homework over to Tim. "Cause, I'm a bit lost." Tim laughed.

"Yeah, I can help you."

Alfred peered in from the doorway of Jason's room where the boys were playing a video game. Both where laughing, enjoying each other's company. Alfred smiled to himself. It had been too long since he'd seen Jason this happy, and Tim had relaxed quite a bit since arriving at the manor as well. That boy was unnaturally tense for one so young. He was glad Master Jason had decided to take him under his wing. Alfred cleared his throat and both boys turned.

"Will Master Tim be joining us for dinner?" Jason turned to Tim hopefully, but the boy shook his head.

"No, I shouldn't. I think my parents will be home soon. Thank you." Jason frowned.

"I thought you said your parents won't be back until late tonight."

"All depends on how late they're working. I should probably head home now." Tim stood. Alfred handed him his bag. "Thank you for having me sir." Tim said.

"You are welcome here any time." Alfred assured as he escorted the boy to the door. It was a shame the boy couldn't stay for dinner. He was much too skinny.

"The rain's stopped. I can just ride my bike home." Tim looked strangely desperate. Alfred chose not to insist on driving him home. It was after all, right next door.

"Hey, wait a minute dude." Jason ran up to Tim. "You have a phone, right?" Tim nodded. "Here's my number. Send me a text if you need anything." Jason shoved a small slip of paper in Tim's hands.

"Oh, Ok. Thank you for everything." Tim gave them a small smile then hopped on his bike and pedaled off down the road.