Two fics updated in one day *applauds for myself* I got Familiar Manipulation posted, and I only planned on starting this chapter today and posting it tomorrow. However, once I got started, I couldn't stop.
All Tim wanted to do was withdraw some money. He just needed cash to pay for a trip to Gotham's science center for a field trip. Unfortunately, the day had other plans as he found himself at gun point from a bank robber. Tim wasn't even surprised by it, more so annoyed by it, giving the robber an unentertained stare. He was in civilian life so it wasn't like he could do anything as the two armed robbers held the bank up.
The only thing keeping him apart from the others involved was that he forced himself to be calm. And considering how high profiled he was, he could only guess what everyone else was thinking.
"Isn't this one of the Wayne's brat?" The lead robber observed with a malicious grin. "Aren't we lucky?" He dug the barrel of the gun closer to Tim's head. "Give us everything you have and we'll let you and everyone else here go."
"Honestly, I'd rather go home." Tim dryly stated. "Can we just get this over with?"
That annoyed the robber, causing him to growl. Tim was unfazed by the man's anger. He knew that if he stalled long enough, something would happen.
"Not until you give us the money."
"I'd rather not. I mean we all just want to go about our day."
Tim's refusal only irked the robber more, causing him to lash out. He grabbed the collar of Tim's shirt placing the gun right beneath the teen's chin.
"Give us the money."
Tim didn't respond. He knew the robber could shoot him if he responded wrong.
"What do you think you're doing?" A voice aggressively interrogated.
The robber looked behind him, dropping Tim in shock. Entering the bank was the Red Hood. He had guns out and was aiming for the robber by Tim's.
"You're not supposed to be here." The lead robber anxiously stated. "Your usual hang out is on the other side of the city."
"Shows what you know." Red Hood growled. "Now I know you were not about to shoot a minor, right? After all, I thought I made myself clear about going near children."
"I thought that was only for drugs."
A gun fired, causing the bank to go eerily quiet. The bullet brushed passed the robber, hitting the wall. Tim knew Red Hood meant business, but his execution would need work.
"I'll ask you again, were you about to harm a child?"
The other robber aimed his weapon at Red Hood. Jason knew what the man was planning, firing the other gun in his direction. It missed, but it brushed close enough to rattle the robber. Not that it mattered. Red Hood's focus was set on the robber by Tim. Everyone else just watched in silent horror.
"Get out." Red Hood growled, cocking a gun and aiming it squarely at the robber's head while the other aimed at the other. "You already used your warning shot."
The panic on both robbers' faces were evident. As much as they wanted to act tough, the reputation of Red Hood took over their pride. The robbers ran out of the bank, not looking back.
Red Hood put his guns away, approaching Tim. He did a quick inspection on the indifferent teen, who thankfully had not injuries. He then turned his attention towards the innocent bystanders hiding.
"The police are on their way." Red Hood announced. "I'll take Bruce Wayne's child home."
"You don't need to do that Red Hood." Tim admitted, rolling his eyes. "I'm a witness, so they'll need me to make a statement."
"There are plenty of people to make a statement. They can vouch for your involvement."
"It's kind of protocol."
Red Hood did a quick gesture, clearly annoyed with Tim's stubbornness.
"Do you think Bruce Wayne needs you making a scene? You know that when the press finds out, they'll swarm the bank for an interview. Not to mention, Bruce Wayne is probably worried sick. I can get you home safe."
The rest of the bank watched on, wondering what they would do next. Not wanting to cause more of a scene, Tim groaned.
"Fine." Tim complained.
Tim led Red Hood out of the bank. They took a path that would have the least amount of attention, sirens finally coming onto the scene. Once out of sight of the bank, Tim and Red Hood stopped.
"Are you okay?" Jason asked, taking his mask off.
"I'm fine." Tim admitted. "Just another day in Gotham at the bank."
"Good." Jason's demeanor changed to something sterner. "Now, don't you ever scare me like that again young man. You should know better. You're lucky those were just the grunts of the high profiled gang that I've been shadowing."
Tim was a little startled by Jason's sudden concern. He was kind of use to Dick being a bit of worrier, but not so much Jason. The weight of Jason's statement sank in a bit. The fact that these were supposedly grunts for an even more dangerous gang, he could only imagine why Jason could be worried. With Jason's field of work, Tim could understand why he could have those kinds of worries. So while his concerns weren't an often occurrence, they were reasonable ones.
"Okay." Tim responded.
Jason lightened up, sighing in relief.
"Good." Jason proudly accepted. "Let's get home. Bruce really is worried and I doubt he knows I came to save you."
Jason slung his arm around Tim's shoulders and put his mask back on. He guided Tim back on the trail. The two continued on their trek back to the manor.
"You know that it's not like I can avoid everything, right?" Tim inquired. "This is Gotham after all."
"Don't ruin my worried older brother moment." Jason whined.
Tim chuckled. Out of all of the things Jason could complain about, the fact Jason was offended by his brother moment getting ruined, was definitely and entertaining thought. Though in hindsight, Tim figured that Jason was at least aware of that fact.
Tim relished in the protection he unwillingly was given, staying close to Red Hood. Tim knew he could count on him to be there for him. Having Red Hood around was either a blessing or curse, but having Jason around was something Tim never took for granted.
Concerned Jason is concerned. I wanted to work in tough Jason and worried older brother because it would be kind of nice to see. Plus a bit funny given that Jason isn't known for being a worrywart.