Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 10

He lay on his bed, mind spinning, even as he waited for sunrise to send him to sleep for the day. He wasn't sure if his perfect memory was a blessing or not as he continually went over the data in the files. He was Timothy Jackson Drake Wayne…officially declared dead five years previously, 'travelling' for the two before that. But the file said he had been missing, turned, and taken by the Sire he had no memory of. The files were very detailed, including how he had come to the League of Assassins. Master…Ra's al Ghul had brought him back from true death to serve him, something he had tried when he was human. In return Timothy…Tim had blown his bases, temporarily crippling the League. And the two years he was gone, his family had never given up searching for him, even once they found out what he was.

There had been other files linked to his, those of his family, birth and adoptive, but one file had stood out above all others. Kon-El, Conner Kent…that face…he saw it sometimes, in flashes during the brief period he could dream at dawn and dusk.

He knew the truth now, of his past and how he had come to the League. So, what was he to do with that knowledge?

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Kon smiled and ruffled Jon's hair, the kid was getting so tall now. His little brother/nephew looked up at him and scowled, not that the expression ever lasted long, crazy little ray of sunshine. He was doing very well as Superboy, continuing the tradition of working with Robin too. Watching Damian and Jon wasn't painful, they were so different to the original team up of Robin and Superboy after all.

Damian was eighteen now, so different to the prickly ten-year-old that had shown up in Gotham. Tim's death and Dick's captivity had changed him, for the better. Otherwise, he never would have been comfortable with the bat hanging around Jon. Jon was fifteen now, growing like a weed and a confident hero, and Kon was proud of him.

They sat on the roof, watching over Metropolis as they ate their burgers.

"I miss Uncle Tim," Jon whispered, and Kon closed his eyes.

It had been a joke at first, Jon had covered for Kon a few times before anyone knew they were dating. The kid had called him Uncle Tim and it had kind of stuck. Tim had been shocked and embarrassed but also happy.

"I do too," he admitted. He would always miss Tim, they all would.

"But I like Bernard too, I like that you're happy again."

Kon smiled and pulled him into a hug.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

"Father?"

Bruce looked up from his work, smiling at his youngest as Damian entered his office. "Is something wrong?" he asked as Damian approached.

"No." he sat down. "But I think it is time…that I move on from Robin."

Bruce closed his eyes, feeling a flash of grief. Unless one of his children took on a younger partner…it was the end of an error. He would never take on another Robin, he couldn't, not again. Tim had been right all those years ago that Batman had needed a Robin but now it was different, Gotham was full of vigilantes, his family. He wasn't getting any younger and one day…Batman would have to retire or become a liability in the field. He could not put a child at risk and he never would have asked any of the children to follow in his footsteps, they had all chosen to do it.

"Alright, do you have ideas for a new identity and suit?" he asked.

Damian lit up far more visibly than he once would have.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bernard leant back into Kon's embrace, almost hot fingers gently rubbing circles over his hips as lips pressed to the side of his throat. He shivered as a hand worked its way up under his shirt, caressing cold flesh. He moaned softly as Kon kept touching him ever so gently before removing his shirt to get better access. He turned and leant up to kiss Kon, smiling at him, glad he was home.

It was good for Kon to leave Gotham and visit his family but Bernard always missed him when he was gone. Kon looked almost exactly how he had when they first met, despite half a decade passing, Kryptonians, at least on Earth, lived longer than humans and Kon was a clone too. He was aging even more slowly than Clark, something Bernard was relieved about but knew would cause issues for the Kents as the years passed.

"Love you," he murmured, and Kon smiled, kissing him again.

"Love you Ber," he murmured, making Bernard laugh as he was picked up and carried to their room.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

"Hey Timbers," Jason murmured, looking down at the grave, seeing the dying flowers there.

He knelt down to clean the grave up, talking quietly as if Tim could really hear him, who knew, maybe he could. Just because Jason didn't remember anything of being dead didn't mean there wasn't anything after death. He hoped it was something good, happy, because Tim deserved that after all the pain in his life.

"Think the old man's really starting to consider hanging up the cape. He's not getting any younger, none of us are. Dami's moving on from Robin and B doesn't seem to be even remotely considering putting someone else into the suit. You might not have been Robin when you…died but with two of us…I think he's finally seeing sense on bringing kids into this. It's one thing when they have powers, need training…" he sighed.

"Kon's considering another degree, going for his Master's. You'd be so proud of him. Bernard's even started online classes, finishing up high school and considering university, on B's dime of course. He's got them both set up with trust funds, and you named Kon your heir so he's got those funds too. A teen with a will…but you did always like to be prepared for everything. If you'd known about vampires, they never would have managed to get you like that."

He stood and stared at the stone. "Miss you Timmy."

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Timothy stood on a rooftop, staring up at the stars, wondering if one of them was the Watchtower that had been in the files on the Justice League. What he was about to do was insane, if Master found out… but he was using him. Even if he owed him for reviving him, he had repaid that debt over the last years. It had been months since he found the files and nothing had happened, he couldn't detect anyone watching him so he was as sure as possible that Ra's didn't know that he'd found them. The reports had included pictures of a gravestone with his name and of the various bats visiting it, they missed him, grieved for him. They had known he was a vampire and had still wanted him. Would that have changed?

He took a deep, unneeded breath. "Kon-El," he called out the name that felt like he should know it. "Conner Kent!" he wasn't Superboy anymore so he couldn't call that name without getting the attention of the youngest Kent.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Kon paused, something…

"Conner Kent!"

He froze, not daring to breath. That voice…it wasn't possible… he found himself in the air without even thinking. He hit full speed as soon as he was in the clouds, following that voice despite knowing it couldn't be him.

"I don't know if you'll hear me. There are files…I do not…don't remember…"

And then he was landing to see a figure in League of Assassins robes. "Take off the hood," he demanded, hands in tight fists, nails biting into his palms.

The figure turned, staring at him, before pale hands lifted to remove the dark cloth. And there he was…Tim… he took in a shaky breath. It wasn't possible… no heartbeat and pale skin, so a vampire…clone? Why make a clone and then have it turned, to try and fool them but…

He froze as cold fingers traced his face, blue eyes staring at him with growing wonder.

"It's really you," Tim or his clone whispered. "It's your face I see."

Kon slowly lifted a hand to touch his face, hand skimming down his throat. Turning erased scars but Bernard had told them of one that Tim had gained as a vampire. And his fingers stilled over scar tissue. "Tim? How…you…the warehouse exploded. There was nothing but ash…"

"Ra's al Ghul," Tim answered, and he should have expected that answer given how Tim was dressed. "It was all in the file, a ritual plus the Lazarus Pit."

"A file?"

"Hidden on the computers, I thought it was a training exercise but now I don't think he ever meant for me to find it. Not when it listed his previous attempts at recruiting me as a human and the damage I did in return. It was very detailed and proved he was using me. He was glad I have no memory of anything before the League."

Kon closed his eyes in grief, Tim had just been regaining his memories when he'd chosen to die. "Tim," he reached out and wrapped his arms around him.

Tim stiffened and then just went limp against him, pressing his face against his chest. "Please," he whispered. "Please…save me."

Kon didn't even hesitate, shifting his hold to cradle Tim to his chest and then they were airborne, Tim suddenly holding on tight.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bruce moved to the Cave, surprised that Kon was there. He headed down just as the young man landed, someone in his arms, Bernard? No, the hair was far too dark. He carefully set the other on their feet and Bruce stiffened at seeing a League uniform, a high ranked one at that but then they turned and Bruce froze. It…it wasn't possible… Blue eyes met his and…there was no recognition there. He looked to Kon for answers.

"He called my name, I found him on a roof in Morocco. He…he doesn't remember, Bruce."

"Then how did you know to call for Kon?" Bruce forced himself to ask the teenager, in appearance at least.

He held himself stiffly…like Tim when he was unsure. "I found files in Ra's computers. All of yours and…mine. Everything he told me was a lie, he was using me. The file said even when you found out I was a vampire, you still…you still wanted me." The words were clinical but Bruce knew Tim and he could hear the well-hidden fear…the hope for acceptance.

He walked closer, taking in everything. Was this really his son? "You burnt to ash," he whispered, unable to keep his voice stern, to remain detached.

"The file detailed the rituals used as well as the Lazarus Pit. I was apparently uncontrollable for months," he admitted. "When I sleep there are voices…sometimes glimpses of faces, like Kon's."

"You don't know me?" he asked, and Tim shook his head slowly.

"I'm sorry."

Bruce carefully reached out, cupping Tim's face in his hands, studying his features. He wanted so badly to believe this was his son, once again back from the dead. "I want to believe it's you sweetheart."

"But you have to be sure," Tim finished for him.

Bruce nodded and moved to call Constantine. Thankfully, the whole vampire mess had made the man quicker to reply.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

John stared at the vampire in shock. He had never expected to see Tim Drake again, ever. And yeah…he now knew the reason for all that power he'd sensed almost six years ago. He cautiously held his hand out and the boy copied him. John took the cold hand in his and closed his eyes to focus better.

"It's him," he announced, able to see Kon-El almost slump in relief even as Bruce closed his eyes, trying not to cry?

He stepped back and then Bruce was in front of the kid, reaching for him before hesitating. And that was his cue to get out of there.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

He stared up at the man he knew was Bruce Wayne, Batman, unsure what would happen next. He hadn't really expected Kon to bring him to the man.

"Can I hug you?" Bruce asked, and Timothy blinked but then nodded slowly. Warm, strong arms wrapped around him and Tim stood rigidly at first but as the warmth sank in, he relaxed. Slowly he lifted his own arms to return the embrace, it felt…nice. "I've missed you so much Tim," was whispered against his hair. "I love you son."

"I…" Tim pulled back, looking at him, bewildered, and Bruce gave him a sad smile.

"It's alright Tim," Bruce told him.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

"Hey B, leaving early for pa…" Dick's voice trailed off as he stared. He…he had to be hallucinating, right? "B?"

"It's alright Dick, Constantine confirmed it, it's really him," Bruce answered.

Dick staggered down the rest of the stairs, eyes locked on Tim's form. Constantine had checked…but how… "Timmy…baby bird?" he whispered. He looked good, healthy, dressed in...he swallowed, a League uniform. Oh Tim…but it made sense, who else could resurrect a vampire reduced to ash? Who else would be crazy enough to try?

Tim looked at him in return, seeming…curious?

"Tim?"

"I'm sorry," Tim finally spoke, his accent was different, more like Damian's when he first came to them.

"For what?" Dick asked, heart in his throat.

"I don't remember anything before the League and Ma…Ra's."

Dick's heart sank, he didn't even remember being a vampire in that warehouse? "Oh Timmy." He slowly walked over to stand in front of Tim.

"Do you want a hug too?" Tim asked and Dick laughed, wiping at his eyes.

"Yeah, that'd be good. Okay with you?"

"Hugs are warm," Tim murmured.

Dick nodded and wrapped his arms around him. "I missed you so much kiddo. Even if you never remember, you're still my baby brother." He was so happy when Tim hugged him back hesitantly. "I'm sorry Tim, so sorry. I should have tried harder to get you away from the warehouse before it blew."

"It's not your fault," Tim whispered, leaning against him, nose at his throat but Dick didn't tense. "You smell…" Tim pulled back and tugged at his collar to reveal the long-healed bite marks. "Me…I did this," he whispered, running his fingers over them.

"You didn't know Tim, your Sire made sure you wouldn't remember who I was. You weren't cruel, you got me water and a blanket, would listen to me talk…and you had instances of trying to remember. In the end, you didn't fight us when we got you out, even got me out before I could breath in too much smoke."

"Us?" Tim asked.

Dick looked to Kon, that was…oh boy. Kon looked a little lost. He still obviously loved Tim but he was also in love with Bernard now. Then again, Bernard loved Tim too…could that work? But Tim might not want to be with either of them since he didn't remember.

"Bernard, he was another vampire there. You two were in school together, you were friends. He made it out of the warehouse and lived here for a while. He's still in Gotham and he blames himself for your death too because we got split up."

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim's head was spinning with everything, it was all too much. And…he was hungry.

"Do you need to feed?" Kon suddenly asked, and Tim nodded hesitantly, not sure how heroes would take that.

He watched Kon walk over to a…fridge? he pulled something out and heated it up before handing it to him and Tim smelt the delicious scent of blood.

"We keep blood packs on hand for Bernard," Bruce explained as Tim began to drink.

It tasted good, like it was fresh.

"It's artificial, B paid a fortune to research blood alternates. Wayne Enterprises now supplies hospitals with it so there's no longer a shortage of donor blood," Dick explained.

"I started the research as soon as we found out you'd been turned and kept it up even after your death. Constantine said vampire related deaths have dropped since it hit the market."

He'd done that…for him? So, he could come home and be able to feed? He looked between them all and then the next second, he was falling.

"TIM!"

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Dick caught Tim's collapsing form, automatically going to check for a pulse but of course there wasn't one. He lifted Tim, he was so light, and carried him to the medical bay, laying him on the bed. He gently brushed black hair back from his face, still unable to fully comprehend that Tim was 'alive'. B and Kon quickly attached the special monitors that had been created for Bernard. All the monitors seemed normal which was good, so why had he passed out?

"Should I call Bernard?" Kon asked softly.

"If Timmy hasn't been near another vampire as far as he remembers plus adding another new person…it could be even more overwhelming," Dick pointed out even as he kept gently stroking soft black hair.

"Mmmm…Dick…" Tim sleepily whined and Dick froze, looking up at the others. That…that sounded so much like their Timmy.

"Hey kiddo, can you open your eyes for me?" he asked softly.

Slowly, blue eyes fluttered open, hazy with confusion. "Wha…" Tim lifted a hand to rub his head. Tim blinked at him. "I…Dick…you're Dick…"

"Tim?" he asked softly, heart racing.

"I…I know you…don't I?"

Dick bit his lip, fighting the urge to cry. "Yeah Timmy, you know me." He reached out to stroke his hair again and Tim reached for him. Dick wrapped him up in his arms, moving to sit on the bed, Tim cradled to his chest. "It's okay baby bird, you're safe, I've got you." He rocked him gently, feeling Tim's fingers tangle in his shirt like when he was younger.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Kon watched them, his heart breaking as Dick held Tim, rocking him. Had Tim remembered something? He didn't know what to do, seeing Tim all he wanted was to hold him, kiss him, and never let him go. But he couldn't, he was with Bernard, he loved Bernard. And he knew that Bernard loved Tim too, could…could they make that work? Would Tim want that? He'd been amnesiac when with Bernard and he'd been with others during that time too. What if Tim didn't love Bernard as well? Then again, without his memory, would he love either of them?

No, that wasn't important right now. All that mattered was that Tim was back, needed help, and maybe protection from Ra's. Would Ra's try to reclaim Tim when Tim left willingly? He'd likely believe Tim remembered in order to leave so he would know Tim wouldn't believe him.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bruce watched as Dick rocked Tim who was clinging to him. Was it possible for his memory to return? He'd mentioned voices and faces in his dreams. Surely that meant the memories were still there if that was happening. Was it possible J'onn could do something to help? He was one of their members who had never had issues with Tim or Bernard becoming a vampire against his will, understanding that it didn't make them evil even if they had been made to do evil deeds while being controlled and amnesiac. He also hadn't bought Tim being mentally imbalanced when Bruce was gone.

He wanted his son back in mind as well as body but he would love Tim even if he never remembered. He would love Tim even if he chose to not stay in a place he didn't remember. But…he had called out to Kon-El, just to get away from the League or to come home?

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bernard frowned, it wasn't like Kon to not show up and he was getting worried. He pulled out his phone and hit the speed dial for him. "Kon, is everything okay?" he asked once he picked up.

"Uh…not exactly."

"Kon?"

"Ber it's…it's Tim…the League of Assassins…they resurrected him."

Bernard didn't realise he dropped his phone even as he hit the floor.

Tim?

TBC…