The present…
Tim came that afternoon. Dick brought him. Bruce helped them load the small, red SUV that would belong to Tim when the psychiatrist believed he was stable enough to drive an automobile.
Selina watched from the doorway but didn't say much. Bruce could tell she was uncomfortable. She tapped her index finger against whatever surface it rested on when she was perturbed, and this only happened when she wasn't in control of a situation. He could hear her fingertip tapping against the fabric of her coat.
Bruce shut the back door and crossed his arms over his chest, trying to remain calm and resist the urge to pull Tim to his chest. Part of him wondered if things would have been different between him and Dick had he held him more as a boy.
"So, you're heading to Blüdhaven?"
"Dick said he'd put me up for a while," Tim said and glanced at Bruce's first adopted son, "at least until I head off to GSU."
Bruce nodded.
Tim then looked at Selina. "You guys are an item now?"
"I suppose you can label it if you want."
"Good for you." He gave Bruce a small smile, a natural smile. "My therapist says I'm almost one hundred percent improved."
"It's great news."
"Tell the cat that I'm sorry we didn't stay for dinner." He shrugged. "Maybe another time?"
"Maybe."
Tim climbed into the passenger side of his SUV. Dick didn't immediately open the door. He stared at Bruce for a moment, waiting for one of them to say a word to the other.
"Take care of him."
Dick nodded. "So, the rumors of you resigning from the League are true?" When Bruce didn't deny the claim, Dick also asked, "Have you spoken to Barbara?"
"No."
"I didn't think so. Be sure to tell Selina to take care of herself." Dick got into the SUV and drove off without hesitation.
Bruce knew neither would ever come home for dinner. He knew better.
He walked to the study, passing Selina, and raised his hands to adjust the hands of the old grandfather clock.