Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 8

He stared at the figure kneeling before him, holding up a container. He took it and opened, staring at the ashes within. Well…he could work with this. He looked at the kneeling ninja, his team would be rewarded for their excellent work and diligence. He immediately gave orders for occult experts and scientists to be summoned. He would have his heir.

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Bruce watched his children as they watched a movie together. Damian was tucked against Dick's side, Jason on his big brother's other side then Bernard was squished between him and Kon. Cass and Steph were curled on an armchair together, whispering as they ate popcorn. Duke was sprawled on another chair, mostly asleep, tired from having to deal with Ivy and Harley having an argument in the middle of the city.

He never even considered telling Kon to leave Gotham, he was a great help with Bernard's adjustments to life away from his fellow vampires. Bernard leant heavily on Kon and Jason, likely as the two of them were the best to subdue him if he lost control, which he hadn't. And Kon, who could have hated Bernard for being with Tim, had accepted him, looked after him. He was teaching Bernard to fight since while Bernard was stronger than a human, he wasn't stronger than Kon or really able to hurt him.

He knew people thought he was against meta's, but he wasn't. He was wary of them working as a hero in Gotham due to the various villains in Gotham and their use of chemicals. But Kon didn't act in Gotham, he kept Superboy well away, not that he often went out anymore. Kon was pretty much fully retired now, only stepping up for possible end of the world scenarios or ones that needed Kryptonians. Jon was now Superboy and had become the closest friend Damian had. A new Teen Titans was forming with them as core members and it was doing Damian good; his son was becoming less arrogant and likely to lash out.

But nothing could heal the hole in the family, the space where Tim should be snuggled between Kon and Bernard, making commentary on the movie and how hopeless the detective on screen was. Things would have been different with Tim as a vampire, but they would have helped him, made things work. He wanted his son back but there was nothing they could do. Constantine had examined the ashes, he had admitted there were ways to revive a vampire from even such a state but…they were very black magic, the kind even he wouldn't touch. No one sane would. And there was no guarantee that Tim would be himself. He couldn't do that to all of them, to bring Tim back only for him to be a monster and not himself, to have to put him down. He had never told the children what Constantine had told him, not wanting to give them the hope and then rip it away.

Alfred met his eyes, his own grief reflected there. He was the only other one who knew about Constantine's visit, of the hope he had dashed. Tim had been one of his grandchildren and Alfred grieved as deeply as they all did, even three months later.

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Ra's looked at coffin like structure in which floated a very special mixture of ingredients, including human blood freely given…and the ashes of a vampire. Should the Detective think to ask someone like Constantine about possibilities, it would be too late. Even if his people hadn't gathered them, by now the remaining ashes would have been spread on the wind.

He would resurrect Timothy and the young Detective would serve the League. A young vampire would be far easier to control with the proper encouragements than a human teen. And no one would be looking for him now. Timothy Drake-Wayne was officially dead, killed in plane accident, it had been very well staged. Red Robin had been spotted around Gotham, a ruse to keep the two from being linked but those sightings were becoming rarer.

Normally, such a rite could take years to fully restore the vampire, but that was what the Lazarus Pits were for. Vampiric regeneration would ensure the Pit did not permanently damage his mind or allow the same kind of Pit Rage as Todd had. It would take time for him to regain his mind as from the report the ninja had made, he'd been barely able to speak with his brother, but Ra's was immortal, he could wait.

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Kon placed the bouquet on the grave, crouching to gently trace the letters. "I miss you," he whispered. "It wasn't meant to be like this, we should be living somewhere together, enjoying our time."

He tugged up a few weeds, needing to do something with his hands. "Why…why Tim? Why couldn't you just take Dick's hand." He fought back the tears. "I love you," he sobbed. "Come back, please."

A hand came to rest on his shoulder and Kon let himself be pulled to his feet and into a hug, leaning into Jason.

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Bernard lay on his bed, empty thermos on the beside table. The sleep of daylight was approaching but he didn't want to sleep. He hated sleeping alone all the time, he missed how it had been, sleeping curled with the others, especially Tim. He didn't understand how Kon could be so kind to him but Kon accepted his presence so easily. Bernard had loved Tim so much but now…he thought he might be falling for Kon.

It had been almost a year since Tim had…how could he be falling for Kon so soon? And how could he fall for Tim's boyfriend? He should leave, let the family heal together but having people who were so kind, who did so much for him…he didn't want to lose it.

"Hey," a familiar voice called, the bed dipping. "You okay?" Dick asked softly.

"Why…"

"Oh Bernard," Dick murmured and then he was pulling Bernard up and into his arms. "You're our family, even if we can't make it official."

Bernard burrowed into Dick's hold, clinging tight. But slowly his grip loosened, his eyes drooping as the sun rose higher.

"It's okay kiddo, get some sleep," Dick whispered, and Bernard was distantly aware of being lowered onto the bed as the day pulled him under.

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Damian sat on Timothy's bed, his room had been left as it had been, which was mostly empty. Kon-El had moved some of Tim's belongings back for them after the funeral. He had never been close to Timothy, had spent years hating him, so why…why had his death affected him so much?

They had never been friends, likely never would have, but…he believed there had been respect between them on at least some level. He had not suspected Tim was planning to leave Gotham but looking back, he could understand it. He knew much of that was his fault, even when he had come to respect him as Red Robin, he had not been all that accepting of him within the family.

He picked up one of Timothy's old cameras, studying it. If he had been kinder…perhaps they could have bonded more over art.

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He came up snarling, crimson eyes now streaked with green, skin rippling with burn scars. The room was empty save for three terrified men, targets the assassins had brought in alive rather than kill on the spot just for this purpose. They were all major criminals with a lot of blood on their hands, an attempt to appease the boy should his memory return one day. The young, newly revived, vampire leapt from the waters and grabbed the first, ripping into his throat and draining him dry even as screams filled the air.

Finally, he tossed the last body aside, crouching barefoot on the cold stone, eyes flicking about the cave for threats. He sniffed the air, something sweet…his eyelids drooped and then he fell forward, drugged into near sleep. Ninja slowly entered the room and lifted him, carrying him to a room hidden deep underground where he could rest in peace.

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Bernard frowned, staring out over the grounds from the back patio. Something felt…strange. But he couldn't put his finger on it so he shrugged it off. He held out the treat, holding completely still, Titus watching him warily. Animals could sense the danger even if most humans didn't, instead being drawn to them. Damian was sitting nearby to see if that helped.

An hour later he was smiling as he rubbed Titus' belly, happy the dog was warming up to him. It felt nice. Now if only Alfred the cat would stop hissing at him and then hiding.

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Ra's watched the screen as Timothy paced the room, no sign of anything close to human intelligence. He was naked as he had shown no recognition of what clothing was and the few times that they had dressed him when asleep, the clothing was quickly ruined during feeding.

They had been forced to drug him multiple times but he was beginning to learn it seemed as he backed away from the door for his dinner to be delivered. If he could train Timothy in this state then he should be more amenable when he came out of it. If not, there were other ways.

The whole base was blanketed in security designed to fool the senses of even Superman, there would be no rescue even if Timothy remembered his lover and tried to call for him. By the time anyone learnt of his resurrection, he would be loyal to the League. After all, it was them who had resurrected him, who looked after him, fed him. Everyone else had abandoned him, Ra's would ensure that was what Timothy would believe.

There was no guarantee he would ever remember his old life though, not after the trauma of his destruction and resurrection. The magic used to reconstruct him may have permanently erased his memories. Re-training him once he became more aware would be easy enough, Timothy had had an almost photographic memory before, as a vampire he would truly have one.

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Jason watched as Kon moped around the apartment, not that he could blame him, not with the approaching anniversary. Tim would be twenty-one now, almost twenty-two so it would have been their sixth anniversary. Maybe they would have even been married by now and happily settled in whichever city they chose.

"Something on your mind?" he asked gently.

Kon started slightly, blinking at him, before looking away.

"Kon?" he asked, becoming alarmed.

"It's not even two full years," he whispered, staring dully out the window at the city.

Ah, so Kon had realised. He'd seen it a while ago and had wondered if either of them had realised. "And Tim would want you to move on, to be happy again," Jason told him gently. "You are Bernard have bonded over loving him, it's not that surprising you've developed deeper feelings for him."

Kon turned to stare at him. "You…"

"Cass noticed too, Alfred probably knew before any of us," he shrugged, because of course Alfie would have. "Kon, you deserve to be happy. Tim would want that for you, he would never have wanted you to be alone for life. He loved you, was so happy at the idea of leaving Gotham and living with you somewhere new. If you have a chance to be happy with Bernard, then go for it."

"But…Bernard was in love with Tim, why would he want me?"

"You both loved Tim and now you care for each other. Talk to him."

Kon stared at him, unsure, but Jason hoped he'd make a move. He knew Tim would be happy for them.

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Ra's stepped into the room and Timothy snarled at him, red and green eyes immediately focused on him. "Now Timothy, none of that," he chided, and the boy hesitated, staring at him, scenting the air. Did some part of him recognise Ra's? "It's time you start behaving like a person again."

Timothy cocked his head to the side slightly, growling low in his throat. And then he lunged.

Ra's dodged to the side, burying his blade in the vampire's side, making him howl. "Then don't do that again."

Wary eyes watched him, the wound already healing. He would not put up with attacks upon himself, but he would prefer not to have to harm the boy since he wanted him to see him as his saviour. He held up a bag of blood but there was no recognition as there was no scent. He opened the bag partially and that definitely got Timothy's attention. Time to begin his training.

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"Kon?" Bernard asked in confusion, if his heart still beat it would be pounding in his chest. He didn't understand, he couldn't have said what he thought, Kon loved Tim. What did it matter that Bernard really liked being around him? If he made him feel funny when they were together.

A very warm hand took his, drawing him closer, and he looked up into bright blue eyes. He licked his lips nervously and Kon's gaze dropped to them. "Bernard, I…I like you…a lot."

Bernard swallowed. "But…Tim…" he tried to argue.

"I will always love Tim, and so will you." Kon gently cupped his cheek in one hand. He was so warm, it felt so good. "But Tim wouldn't want me to grieve forever. Say no and I'll backoff."

He knew he would, but did Bernard want that? Kon was beautiful, so warm, kind, protective… he found himself leaning in and then Kon gently drew him closer, wrapping his arms around him. "Yes," he breathed, knowing Kon could hear him. Kon holding him felt right, just like when Tim had held him. He reached up, tugging at Kon, and he leant down, their lips brushing softly.

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He drank the bag and then set it down, crawling towards the one that smelt sharp, crouching at his feet.

"Very good Timothy," the voice was…good?

He didn't understand the words but they felt nice. A hand ran through his hair and he purred, carefully pressing up into the touch. Pleasing him made him feel good, pulling at something inside. Sire?

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Ra's smirked as Timothy began to purr, his eyes hazy. It was working, the boy was beginning to obey his commands, reacting to him as if he was his Sire. He didn't seem to understand language yet, but he was getting closer. Soon, his true training could begin.

Becoming a vampire had made him even prettier than he had been the night he threw him out the window. The scars from burning to ash had healed over time until his pale skin was utterly smooth, almost glowing in the light. Such pale skin contrasted very nicely with long, thick black eyelashes and hair. It was interesting how the transformation had lengthened his hair; Timothy had worn it longer than his brothers but not this long. He also lacked the obvious muscles of the others, his body lithe, muscles sleek.

And in his current state…

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Clark watched the two boys, a small smile on his lips. It was good to see Kon happy again, he'd been very worried about him, the whole family had. He'd really struggled while Tim was gone, then to have hope only for it to be snatched away…he'd been relieved when Kon stepped back fully from the superhero life, worried it would end up suicide by villain of the week.

Staying in Gotham, helping with Bernard, it had given him an anchor to keep him from following Tim to the grave and the fact that it had become more was not something Clark would ever speak against. And really, who better to date a vampire than a Kryptonian? With Kon, Bernard didn't have to worry about hurting him, he was strong yes but Kon was stronger and a lot more durable. Bernard's fangs wouldn't penetrate his skin so there was no danger there either.

He didn't know how far into dating they'd gotten, though it seemed Bernard was spending more time at the apartment than the Manor the last few months. It was safe enough; the apartment had been outfitted with all the vampire friendly features needed to ensure his safety and he could retreat to the Nest too. The good thing about living in such a big city, Bernard could go out at night without too much worry over being recognised. If he'd vanished in a place like Smallville he would have had to move since everyone knew everyone.

Kon looked up and waved at him and Clark waved on before flying on to the Manor. Since Tim, he had made sure to visit Bruce more often, to ensure his friend was alright, Diana did too.

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Bernard woke slowly, feeling the gnawing hunger but ignoring it for the strong, warm arms wrapped around him. Sometimes, it still felt strange, even three months after they'd started sharing a bed. He'd spent over two years used to the coldness of other vampires after all. But no one in his new family ever balked from his cold touch, never flinched when they hugged him. Sometimes, he wanted to go see his parents but he knew they would do that, would hate the thing he had become. Better to leave them all with happier memories.

He smiled as Kon hissed his cheek, stretching. The blinds were still locked down, the glass darkened so the sun hadn't fully set yet.

"Evening," Kon greeted, running a hand through his hair.

"Morning," he shot back, leaning in for a kiss. "Any plans?" he asked as he got up to get dressed.

"No, just the normal invite to the Manor post-patrol. Or to spend time with Alfred while the others or on patrol."

Kon followed him from the bedroom and sat at the counter as Bernard prepped his 'breakfast', not reacting to the smell despite the fact Bernard knew blood did not smell nice to humans or Kryptonians. Sometimes it still shocked him how accepting they all were of all the weirdness that came with being a vampire. Though he'd heard not all the League was but apparently Dick and Jason had had fun dealing with those members, it had apparently made for good brotherly bonding.

Bernard was very happy to stay out of those things and was happy that Kon was pretty much retired. He just wished…but no amount of wishing could bring someone back, even a vampire. It wasn't that Bernard lacked the skills to join in the cape brigade, he'd known how to fight before being turned and now he was even better since Kon worked with him but it didn't call to him like it obviously had Tim and the other bats. If vampires caused trouble in Gotham again…he was terrified of the idea but also knew he would be a big help there since his whole nest had burnt which meant there were no vampires left with a hold over him.

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Bruce stood before the grave, ignoring the soft rain as he placed the flowers, feeling the family gathered around. Today was the three-year anniversary of Tim's death. Red Robin had been 'killed' in the next attempted alien invasion which placed their deaths at almost a year apart, though the vigilante had been rarely seen during that time, the Bats telling those brave enough to ask that he had been working at retiring to focus on other things.

Damian was leaning against Dick who was crying silently, his eldest still struggled with the guilt of Tim's final death. So did Bernard who stood tucked into Kon's side, the young Kryptonians' arm around his waist, their heads leaning together as they mourned the person that they had both loved. Cassie and Bart stood on either side of the two, one of the rare times the speedster was still. Clark, Lois, and Jon stood behind them, Jon closer to Damian. Cass and Steph stood together with Duke with Cass in the middle. Ever since Red Robin's 'death' she had spent most of her time in Hong Kong, Gotham holding too many painful memories now that her beloved little brother was gone.

Jason was kneeling before the grave, cleaning away a few weeds and taking the new vases from Alfred to set into place. He moved the ones Bruce had placed, something that would normally be a bit of a teasing taunt but lacked that energy today. Of all his boys, Jason had become the closest to Tim in those last years and Bruce knew Jason blamed himself for not insisting on going with Tim when he was investigating those sites but if he had…Bruce would have lost two of his sons. He'd come far too close to losing Dick as it was but he had fully healed from his captivity with time, though Bruce knew he still suffered the occasional nightmare. Who among them didn't suffer nightmares?

TBC…

So yeah, Tim is back! And totally amnesiac again, poor kid. As to Ra's…I leave it up to your imagination as to whether or not Ra's really is creepy enough to sleep with someone physically a teenager and mentally not really there.

But yeah, Bernard and Kon kind of just happened, they bonded over their love for Tim and it just…happened.