A/N: In order to avoid any confusion, I'll leave you guys this short note beforehand.
In the new 52 continuity, Jack and Janet are alive and aware that Tim chose the path to becoming Red Robin.
So in this case, though they are aware that Tim is Red Robin and that Tim is placed under the care of Bruce Wayne, they don't know the identities of the Batfam.
This is just me trying to mix new 52 and pre-new 52 elements together. I know this may seem weird to those who are used to the pre-new 52 continuity, but just remember that this is just a fanfic with a particular story and background.
Chapter 8:
Key Character(s): Jack & Janet Drake
"Hey, Tim my boy! Welcome home son!" Shouted the excited father while his wife strongly wrapped her arms around their son.
Tim couldn't wipe the wide smile off of his face. The moment he rang the doorbell, love was lavished upon him instantly.
Jack and Janet Drake weren't living in their old house anymore. Now, they live in a new, small house on the suburbs of Gotham, where they continue to be watched over by local policemen 24/7. Due to strict regulations from law authorities, as well as Tim's busy schedule as Red Robin, seeing his parents became a rare event. It was a shame that he could barely see his parents anymore, and he had no one to blame but himself for putting them in this witness protection program.
"How is my boy doing?" His father asked as Tim stepped inside the house.
"Doing fine dad," he lied slightly, "And you guys?"
"Ah you know, just as boring as ever, but we're safe."
"It's always better whenever you stop by sweetie," his mother commented happily.
Tim gave a wide grin, "Thanks mom. I'm glad to hear that."
"Look at my boy," his father spoke as he playfully punched his son in the shoulder, "Looking as fit as ever."
"Not to mention still as handsome," his mother kindly told him as she took him by the hand, "Now come on. Let us make dinner!"
It was a pleasant greeting indeed. Things were always pleasant whenever his parents were around.
After they settled in the dining room, Janet began cooking chicken and rice while Jack began setting the table with his son. Both men occasionally helped Janet whenever they are needed to. All throughout prepping their meals, they engaged in avid conversations. They talked about anything, such as family life, social media, hobbies, friends, and jokes. There was much laughter, and Tim felt great that he actually got to laugh for once.
Tim told them all about his hobbies, his goals, and staying healthy. Of course, Jack and Janet had bright smiles on their faces when hearing about their son working hard, but what made them happy the most was seeing their son happy. Never will they hold back from telling Tim how proud they are of him.
And Tim couldn't be anymore grateful.
He wishes he could feel like this every day. It feels good to know that he still has a family, and his parents were the ones that know how to make him feel like he actually belongs in a family.
It just felt great to be loved, wanted, and admired. He didn't want to be selfish and think himself to be deserving of all that, but every human being deserves a little bit of it every now and then.
"I miss you guys so much," he told his parents passionately. It sounded like a cracked voice, and his parents surely noticed.
"We miss you too sweetheart," his mother responded heartily.
"Everything alright Tim?" Jack asked worriedly.
Tim gave a small sigh, "Things haven't been so great lately."
Instantly, his parents were concerned. Anything that got in the way of their only child would bother them.
Jack went over to sit at the kitchen table while motioning his son to take a seat next to him. Janet still kept on eye on the cooking, but could still listen in on the conversation.
After both men sat down, Jack asked, "So, what's up?"
"It's... my 'other' family."
Alerted, Jack asked again, "What did they do?"
"Not anything bad," Tim explained, "It's just... They never acknowledge me the way you guys do."
"What do you mean sweetie?" Janet asked.
"For the past months, I never felt like I was part of a family whenever I'm with them," Tim confessed, " Bruce, Dick, Jason and Damian seem to have all the time in the world with each other, but not me."
Jack and Janet's heart ached. How could their sweet child be treated like this? To them, Tim was their world. He was amazing. If anything, people should acknowledge how much of a brilliant young man he is.
"Oh Tim," his mother responded gloomily, "I'm sorry to hear that."
His father patted him on the back. "That's a big shame on their part."
Tim admired his parents' care, but he will defend his other family a little bit. "I guess the situation is sort of understandable. You guys remember Damian and Jason right?"
After they nodded, Tim continued, "They've been quite a handful. Not exactly the kindest of all people, especially to their loved ones and each other. Bruce has been so caught up with trying to mend things between them as well as raising Damian, I guess that's when I started to feel cast aside."
That's when Jack and Janet began to understand the situation.
"I see," Jack commented, "The man is so focused on his most troublesome boys, he forgets about the 'good one,' eh?"
"I never proclaimed myself to be better than the others," Tim stated, "I just wanted to be acknowledged too."
"Well your father has a point sweetie," Janet pointed out, "We don't expect you to be 'perfect,' because none of us are, but you were never a problematic child. Maybe that's why Bruce pays more attention to the other two. He may be trying to educate them."
"And what about that Grayson fella?" Jack asked, "He's probably busy trying to help Bruce too. They probably just want everyone in the household to get along. Bruce most likely wants to get along with all his sons."
"That's what Barbara said," Tim whispered to himself.
"How is Barbara by the way?" Jack asked, having heard him mentioning her name.
Tim looked up, a little surprised, "Oh yeah, she's doing pretty good. I had dinner with her a few days ago. She actually made me feel a little better."
"That's great honey," Janet happily responded, "What did she say?"
The seventeen year-old paused briefly before answering. "She actually told me that I should trying talking to them. It's better to try and fix the problem rather than running away from them."
Jack and Janet smiled at each other before smiling at their son.
"At least you have a good friend by your side," Janet told him.
"How are things with Connor by the way?" Jack asked.
That made Tim feel a small lump in his throat. "Not too well the last time we spoke, but I'm trying to fix that too."
"Atta boy," his father commented, "You guys were best friends to begin with. You'll work this out."
Tim loved being around his parents. They always knew the right things to say. If it's any regret he has in his life, it was having them put here in this witness protection program. They didn't deserve any of this.
When Jack noticed a small tear forming in his son's eye, he was alerted yet again, "Tim, what's wrong?"
His mother was alerted as well.
"I'm sorry guys," he choked out.
"For what?" Janet asked worriedly.
"I'm sorry that you guys are in this situation," Tim sadly confessed, "I wish it could be like the good old days when I can just come home and be with you guys. I wish we can be a regular family again. I'm sorry that I put you guys in this position."
Jack patted him on the back once more, while Janet came over and gave him a warm hug.
"Tim, you don't have to apologize," his mother told him, "No matter what the circumstances were, we understand that you wanted to choose this life. We won't stop you from chasing your dreams."
"My boy is Red Robin," his father added, "He is one of Gotham's saviors. Nothing can make me more proud than that."
The seventeen year-old sniffled, but smiled nonetheless. "You guys are the best. I just feel guilty that I put you guys into this mess. I also wish I can see you guys more often."
"Well a busy schedule is out of anyone's control right?" Janet pointed out while parting from their hug, "Especially Red Robin's."
"Besides, we're living in a house under protection with no rents," Jack stated, "We're not exactly complaining."
The three of them giggled. That was a unique point that Jack made right there.
"Plus, things happen for a reason," Janet added, "You also made another family."
That was another great point. Sure, his 'other' family was the cause of all his anguish lately, but he was proud to have them nonetheless.
"You're right mom," Tim said, "And I love them too."
He turned to look at Jack, "Dad, Bruce is like a godfather to me. That's why it pained me to see him focused on his other sons instead of me, but I just wanted to let you know that no matter what, you are my father. You always will be. Both of you will always be the greatest parents ever, and I can't be any more lucky for having you guys."
His father placed a hand on his shoulder, "I know Tim, and you'll always be my son. Our son. I don't mind if another man see's you as a son either, especially if he's a billionaire who helped funded this program we're in."
"How is it that our son gets to work with Batman and is living under Bruce Wayne's roof?" Janet commented.
"Luck is just a common thing to happen to our son," Jack claimed.
They all giggled.
"You guys always know how to put a smile on my face," Tim told them.
"No matter what, you'll always be our little boy sweetie," Janet stated as she pinched his cheek.
"When you're happy, we're happy," Jack claimed.
To Tim, it was vice versa. Knowing that his parents are okay and well makes him feel at ease. Having loving parents is a luxury. Nothing is more priceless than unconditional love, and not everyone is able to have that either. Tim will always consider himself lucky because not everyone has parents like his.
All of sudden, his other problems don't seem to matter that much anymore.
"Maybe I should just take it easy," the seventeen year-old stated, "Maybe I should stop letting my emotions get the best of me. Even if I do feel neglected by the others, I'll just keep it to myself and get over it. I'm not exactly flawless either."
"That's my boy," his father commented proudly, "Just be strong."
"Focus on yourself Tim," his mother added, "No matter what, you know who you are. You know how important you are to us. You will always be loved."
Tim couldn't feel any happier. It was the type of happiness he hasn't felt in a long time.
Thanks to his parents, he can finally feel at ease. When it comes to his 'other' family, he may not have that much attention bestowed upon him like the others, but he was happy to have met them and is proud of how far he came in life after meeting them.
And it was thanks to his loving parents that helped him realized this.
So yeah, not totally familiar with the concept of Jack and Janet Drake in the new 52 except for the few issues we have on them. However, the pride they have for their son is specifically shown, so of course, I added that element.
Again, for those of you who are used to Jack and Janet's characterization before the new 52, I'm sorry if this may have seem a little weird to you. Like I said, I tried my best to incorporate new 52 and pre-new 52 elements into my own story.
I hope you guys enjoyed it regardless!