The Shadow Files 3 – Father Where Art Thou
Several weeks after the truth about Tim had been reveled and Batman changing his mind Tim began to suspect something about Bruce. Tim was growing accustom to his abilities and learning that every person had a scent like a finger print and most importantly, related people had similar scents. Tim was beginning to discover that Bruce's scent was similar to Cat's. Tim figured she must not have noticed because she associated his scent as being familiar and safe because she'd been with him for so long. Plus it was hard to discover one's own scent if you're not looking for it. Tim decided to confront Bruce about his suspicions.
"Something's been bugging me that I've been wanting to talk to you about."
Tim told Bruce in the batcave one day.
"What's on your mind?" Bruce asked.
"I've been curious… about why your scent is like Cat's." Tim said and Bruce did not seem surprised to hear him say this.
"I was wondering how long it would take you." He said.
"I don't believe it… You're her father?"
Bruce nodded.
"And she doesn't know?"
"No she doesn't." Bruce told him.
"Why not? She has a right to know!"
"It's not worth it now."
"Are you insane? Of course it's worth it."
"And what should I tell her? That she was an illegitimate birth. That I slept with her mother before she was to marry her father. That she was a mistake?" Bruce said.
"All that won't matter to Cat and you know it. You just let this slide too long and are afraid of how she'll take it. She be furious, that's a given. But you know she's sick of all the secrets. And there's no telling how much longer until she realizes her scent is just like yours. After she calms down you know she'll be beyond happy. Do you know how much it would mean to her to have a father? To have you as a father? You're just afraid to answer the questions she'll have." Tim said.
"My decision stands." Bruce said.
"For all the villains you've faced… you're being a coward over something so trivial. If you won't tell her than I will. I will not lie to her anymore." Tim said and then left, he had no desire to be Batman's partner that night.
Bruce didn't stop him; he knew there was nothing he could to. He only hoped Tim broke the news to Cat gently.