A/N: So for the previous chapter, I just wanted to at least have a single chapter with Jack and Janet Drake. Of course, I am fully aware of Tim's background regarding his parents in the new 52. After all, I included this concept in the first chapter of the story. Nonetheless, I'd like to give a small thanks to those who informed me about Jack and Janet in the new 52 and pre-new 52.
Since Jack and Janet are not shown that much in current comics, I tried my best with their character portrayals. I'm aware that many people don't like the new background/concept behind Tim Drake in the new 52 (trust me, I don't blame you), but since I'm completely familiar with the new 52 concept, not to mention we don't have that much fics of new-52 Tim Drake, I tried to tamper with it. After all, Tim Drake being raised with a "perfect childhood" is what gave an idea for this fic, being the "perfect child" who gets neglected because he wasn't such a problem.
Yet, what I loved before new-52 was Tim and Bruce's father-son connection, and since I was not happy with the new-52 erasing that concept (and his relationship with Kon), I tried my best to incorporate that in this fic by making Bruce a godfather (as well as other elements as you guys may have noticed).
Moreover, in the new-52, most of the Robins still refer to each other as brothers (and all treat each other as such), so at least there is still confirmed family feelings for each other.
Hope that explains some things. Anyway, on to the story!
Chapter 9:
Key Character: Dick Grayson
Today was a sunny morning, another rare forecast in the city of Gotham. On days like these, everyone should be out and about. Everyone should be happy. No one should be sulking.
Especially Tim Drake, Dick thought as he stood in front of Tim's bedroom door. This is his chance. It is bright and early, and Tim is still in bed. There would be no excuse for him to go somewhere, and no chance for him to escape.
It was time to settle this.
Moments after he firmly knocked the door, Tim's voice can be heard saying, "Come in." It sure sounded like he was completely awake. More specifically, it sounded like he was ready to talk.
After opening the door, there he was. His younger brother, laying in bed fully awake. By the looks of it, he had been awake for quite awhile.
Dick closed the door and took a seat at the side of his bed. "What's up little bro?"
A typical response would be 'nothing much,' but that was clearly not the fitting answer. Needless to say, Dick wasn't being casual with that greeting either.
"Damn, how long have I been avoiding you?" Tim asked in a manner that was as humorous as he can make it.
"Been almost a month bro. I know we're busy, but don't think I'll ever let you slip away from me."
Through his cheerful persona, Tim could tell that he was being serious on the inside.
"I guess I should explain, shouldn't I?"
"Please do," Dick persisted.
"Has Jason or Damian told you anything?"
"Yes they did. You can bet I pretty much got the gist of everything, but I want to hear it from you," Dick stated rigidly, "Now, tell me what's up."
Tim let out a brief sigh. After lashing out to people close to him, now it's time to be professional about it. "I just felt completely worthless. I was neglected by you, Bruce, and pretty much everyone. It sucks being that one person on the side that no one gives a damn about."
"Tim, you know that's not tr-"
"Yeah yeah I know," Tim interrupted, "I know you guys love me as much as I love you guys, I hope. If that's the case, then I would say you guys are not really good at showing it."
This time, it was Dick who let out a brief sigh. "I'm sorry Tim. Things have been hectic lately. You know the deal. Crime-fighting here and there, business-related things with Wayne Enterprises, and Bruce trying to create a stable relationships with his sons."
"That was another thing that bothered me," Tim added, "Specifically that last thing you said. You remember that Damian or Jason never really treated me kindly in the first place, right?"
Dick slowly nodded his head. That statement was indeed true.
"It hurt me even more to see Bruce connecting with them more than me," Tim stated, "I'm not trying to sound harsh, but I never gave Bruce a hard time unlike those two. I did anything for Bruce, and was willing to be there whenever he needed me. I wanted to be there for him, but instead he chose those two. Think about how that made me feel."
Dick frowned. It seemed totally unfair to Tim indeed, but Dick still had a reason to back up Bruce, "I'm sorry you felt that way Tim, but just remember you were never a problem with Bruce. Jason and Damian were no doubt a problem, so Bruce was trying to do whatever he can to be a good influence on them. They're his sons too. Unlike you, they were a hassle to deal with. That would surely explain why Bruce is always caught up with them instead of you."
Tim paused and pondered. "That's what Barbara said as well," Tim muttered under his breath. The comment was directed more to himself rather than Dick.
On the other hand, Dick heard what he said, and hearing Barbara's name definitely caught his attention. He talked with Barbara? How is she? Yet, this conversation was about Tim, not her. He'll be sure to bring this topic up another time.
"Like I said Tim, you were never a problem."
"I always hear that," Tim claimed as he sat up, "From Kon, Barb, and my parents, but even if it's true, it still hurts. I'm just as part of this family as everyone else, but it hurts to be cast aside. By Bruce, by Jason, by Damian," Tim took a short pause before continuing, "Even by you, Dick."
Dick looked at him with sadness in his eyes. This was his brother, and a brother deserves to be treated like a brother. No doubt Dick felt like he failed at the job. Quickly, he leaned over and gave Tim a hug.
To Tim, a hug from a family member was one of the most comfortable things to experience regardless of what situation may be at hand.
"I am so, so sorry little bro," Dick told him solemnly. Like Bruce, Dick himself was also busy given all the stuff that had been going on, but that doesn't mean Tim should get brushed aside.
Tim let a few tears come out of his eyes. Hearing that apology, and having arms encasing him, he felt wanted. Aside from visiting his parents the day before, he hasn't felt this way in a long time. It was like he was ensured that he was a part of this family.
"I just felt unwanted," Tim choked out, "It felt like you guys all had the time in the world for each other, but not me. Sometimes I feel like Bruce only took me in because he was obliged to protect me. Sometimes I question if he even see's me as a son the way I view him as a godfather."
Dick then pushed him back to arm's length and firmly spoke, "Tim, don't you even think that. You are no doubt a son to Bruce just as much as me, Jason and Damian are."
"And I... I believe that, but it's just hard to believe it," Tim said, though he was not sure if that even made any sense.
"Maybe you should talk to Bruce?" Dick told him. It was more of a recommendation than a question.
"I know... But..."
"You don't want to 'beg for attention,' I assume."
"Yeah, I guess Jason already covered that part for you."
It made sense. Since Tim is part of the family, Bruce should acknowledge him more. Tim doesn't have to go seeking for acknowledgement. Dick released his arms from Tim and began scratching his chin, thinking of any possible solution.
"Maybe you should give it a little more time. See what happens. By then, you'll either feel confident enough to talk to him, or he'll come to you."
The seventeen-year-old gave him a curious look, "You really think he'll come talk to me?"
"Like I said, either he'll come talk to you," Dick stated, "Or you'll go talk to him. Regardless, the outcomes if either scenario are likely to be good."
Tim was a little hesitant about that, especially given the fact that he had done a lot of waiting to begin with. Nonetheless, he still trusted Dick.
"Okay, your right," he told his older brother.
Dick smiled at him. At this point, hopefully things will get better. On the bright side, Tim is already showing positive communication.
"That reminds me," Tim spoke as a sudden thought came to his head, "How are Damian and Jason? Haven't really talked with them after I said... some stuff."
Right before answering his question, Dick thought of another idea. "Hmmm, why don't you find out yourself?" That would be a better idea.
Tim raised an eyebrow.
"You haven't talked with them in awhile right? Well now's your chance."
Dick was right, and he can tell that he was urging him to talk with his other brothers. As a matter of fact, Tim could tell that he's having more serious conversations ahead of him. When Tim asked about Damian and Jason, he noticed Dick took a brief pause before answering. It was that pause that indicated that Damian and Jason have been affected by what Tim said to them. Surely, Tim had to prepare his own apologies as well.
"Alright, I'll talk with them."
Dick placed a hand on his younger brother's shoulder, "Good."
"By the way," Tim remembered, "You should talk with Barbara sometimes."
Dick felt his heart jump a little when her name was mentioned again. He wanted to talk to her again so much, but never had the time, or maybe even the guts. "Is she doing okay?"
"She's fine," Tim stated simply, "She just misses you."
Sure enough, Dick missed her just as much. "Alright, I'll plan something. Have been wanting to for awhile now."
Tim smiled back. The ironic thing was, they both convinced each other that they needed to talk to someone, outside of themselves of course. They're both brothers, and not only should they keep each other happy, but the people around them as well.
Given the rare sunny day and the warm temperature, Tim decided to go out and grab lunch with a friend. Currently, he's sitting outdoors at a table in an upscale neighborhood in Gotham. Thankfully, during warm days, the restaurant has a whole section that's outdoors. On days like these, the restaurant tends to be really active, while the food tastes just as good as ever.
However, the food wasn't the primary thing that made Tim excited. It was the young man who just entered the restaurant and was now approaching him.
"Sup Tim," the young man greeted as he sat on the chair opposite to Tim.
"Hey Kon."
Boy he missed him so much.
"Great to see you again!"
"Great to see you too!" Tim replied happily.
When looking at Tim, Kon noticed how happy he looked. That was a look he used to love seeing, and he still does.
"Everything going okay?" Kon asked.
"Good," Tim answered truthfully, "Everything is going really well."
Kon smiled, "Awesome. I'm glad you called me today."
"Me too, Kon. Me too."
Tim doesn't know where they're headed in terms of their feelings for each other. Of course, they'll still be friends, but who knows, they might give their relationship another chance. Secretly, that was what Tim was hoping for.
Regardless, Kon is here, and Tim is happy nonetheless.