Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 11

Dick gently petted Tim's hair, rocking him as Tim drifted, eyes half closed. Tim's body was so still, not even attempting to pretend to be human unlike Bernard. If you didn't touch him, feel the coldness of his skin, then he could be mistaken for human since he breathed and shifted, fidgeted, just like the living.

And then there was noise and Bernard was in the doorway, eyes wide even as they darkened to red, locked on Tim. Tim's head snapped up, nostrils flaring as he scented the air and then Dick's arms were empty, Tim crouched on the end of the medical bed, snarling softly before he froze. The snarls had sounded more…defensive? Was he protecting them from what he saw as a strange vampire?

"Tim?" Bernard whispered; Dick barley able to hear him, everyone silent as they waited to see how Tim reacted.

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

There was a scent, strange…and he was up, crouching protectively, snarling in warning. He saw the other and recognition hit, vampire! He couldn't remember ever meeting another but here one was. No! He wouldn't let anyone hurt them. He bared his fangs in wanting.

"Tim?" The other vampire whispered, their own fangs receding. "Tim it's me." The other vampire tipped his head to the side slowly, calming something inside of Tim.

He moved, pinning him, scenting…nest?

"Tim don't!"

"It's okay," the strange vampire told them. "It's okay Tim," he murmured, turning his head slightly to scent him too.

Tim was shocked when the other started purring but it felt…nice…familiar? He looked at the other, studying him, something tugging… "Bernard?" he asked, and then blinked not sure where the name came from. But it got a soft smile and then a hand tentatively cupping his cheek.

"It's me." He nuzzled at him and Tim tensed but then he slumped, shaking.

It felt…right and then memories slammed into his head, the two of them tangled together on hard concrete, feeding side by side…Bernard…younger, human? In a building…school.

"Ber," he breathed, eyes wide as he took in his friend, his…what had they become? He'd…he'd never asked Bernard; he'd just taken what he wanted from him and Bernard couldn't say no to him. He staggered back from him, eyes wide, but Bernard grabbed his hand. It was strange, for the grip not to feel hot but just there. "I hurt you."

Bernard shook his head. "I was always so scared, except when I was with you. You were gentle Tim, she could make you be cruel but when not under orders, you were kind. I always wanted you to choose to spend the time with me because you never hurt me." Bernard wrapped around him and Tim stood, frozen, but slowly he hugged him back.

"I'm sorry," he whispered.

"You've got nothing to be sorry for," Bernard answered. "What do you remember?"

"You," he answered immediately. "Now and…school?"

Bernard nodded. "We were friends at school but kind of drifted apart, you were busy and my parents," he shrugged.

Tim looked around, there was Kon-El, Bruce Wayne, and Ric…Dick. "Dick?"

"Yeah, baby bird?"

Baby bird… Tim threw himself back into Dick's arms, revelling in the heat of his embrace. He pressed a hand over the bite scars. "Sorry, so sorry." He'd…he went to pull away, how could Dick stand to be in the room with him let along touch him?

"Shh Timmy," Dick held him tightly and then a kiss was pressed to his head. "I love you little brother. What happened there was not your fault. I never blamed you," he promised, a hand moving to stroke Tim's hair and it felt really nice. "I would have done anything to help you remember and come home. Seeing you burn… I shouldn't have let go of you, then you would have had to move."

Tim shook his head, curling closer to Dick…to his big brother who didn't flinch at all from his own coldness. Tim had hurt him, assaulted him, but Dick wasn't yelling, wasn't hurting him in return.

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

Kon watched as Tim pinned Bernard, ready to intervene but Tim didn't attack him, they were just smelling each other. It made sense, Bernard had explained that scent was important to vampires, it held a lot of information. They didn't share a Sire but they had been part of the same nest and it seemed Tim was recognising that, thankfully.

They were speaking too quietly for Bruce and Dick to hear, but he could. His heart leapt as Tim seemed to remember Bernard, that had to be a good sign. There was still no true recognition when Tim's eyes moved from him to Bruce, but he seemed to recognise Dick. So, there was a good chance he'd remember the rest of them, right? Especially since Tim remembered going to school with Ber, so it wasn't just memories since he was turned that he'd gotten back.

And Tim remembered what he'd done to Dick, he'd hoped Tim wouldn't remember that part. Dick had ended up in therapy to deal with what had happened to him during his captivity plus his guilt over Tim's death, without that would Dick be having more trouble being close to Tim? He'd never seemed mad at Tim about it, especially the more Bernard opened up about what it was like in their nest and just how much power a Sire had over their Childe. Tim couldn't have disobeyed even if he had recognised Dick.

Kon just wanted Tim to recognise him too. He didn't know what was going to happen, he loved Bernard and he loved Tim. A cold hand slipped into his and he looked to find Bernard at his side.

"We'll figure it out," his boyfriend breathed, barely audible despite how close they were to keep Tim from hearing.

"Hey B, Alfie wants…what's going…" Jason appeared in the medical bay doorway and froze, staring at the figure curled into Dick. He tensed, seeing what Tim was wearing and Kon moved to pull him away to explain.

"It's Tim, Ra's resurrected him, Constantine confirmed it. He found a file on the League computers on himself and the rest of us, called for me while in Morocco. He didn't remember anything Jason, but he's starting to remember Bernard and Dick," he quickly explained.

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

Seeing the figure in League black curled into Dick had been a shock and his first worry had been another Damian incident but then Kon was pulling him away, talking a mile a minute. Tim? But Tim had…Ra's must have had them under surveillance, had a ninja taken ash from the site or dug up Tim's grave for the urn? They didn't visit as frequently outside Tim's birth and death days but Jason had insisted on sensors. Sure, there was no way for ash to wake up and be trapped but it was just an issue for him.

"How…how long has he been alive?"

"Years by the sound of it, and the fact that Ra's let him out alone," Kon answered softly. "He's still a vampire Jason, that's how he recognised Bernard, because he smelt like nest to him. And he could smell himself in Dick's scars."

Tim was back…he'd forced himself to accept his little brother was gone for good but now he was back. And of course, Ra's was involved. What had he done to Tim? He had enough nightmares of the League, knew Tim still had some from when he'd worked with them and now…

Jason looked to the door at the soft sound of footsteps, seeing Dick leading Tim out. "Hey Timbit," Jason greeted, and Tim stared at him.

"You're Jason?" he asked, and Jason nodded. Tim stepped away from Dick to approach him, studying him, and Jason felt his heart pounding, hoping Tim would recognise him. Tim stopped, frowning. "Your heart…are you scared of me?" he asked.

Jason closed the distance between them, gripping Tim's shoulders firmly but gently, Tim tipping his head back to look up at him. "You're my brother Timmy, I could never be scared of you," he promised, knowing that Tim would be able to tell that he was telling the truth through his scent. "I just…I want you to remember me, all of us. I've missed you so much baby bird. Can I hug you?"

Tim nodded and Jason wrapped his arms around him, Tim hugging back, settling so easily into his hold. Tim might not consciously remember but Jason figured there was at least some familiarity.

"I love you little brother," he whispered.

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

Damian was shocked to return home from the Kent farm to find Timothy sitting on a couch, wearing some of Bernard's' clothing. He looked to his father who took him aside to explain, feeling sick at the depths his grandfather would sink to. How had he ever admired that man, wanted his attention? Child him had truly been an idiot.

"I am glad you are home and safe," he told his older brother. It was strange, it was easier when Tim was gone, to speak to his grave or memorial, but now that he was in front of him, he didn't know what to say or how to speak to him.

"Thank you," Tim offered him a small smile, and Damian could easily detect the league influence in his accent and speech. It was strange, Tim had a natural Bristol accent though he had always been able to switch it due to the undercover work he excelled at. He had even fooled Damian when undercover as a woman.

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

Bernard opened the bedroom door, letting him inside, and Tim looked around the room that had been made secure for his use when at the Manor. It was amazing to know there was technology that could make places above ground safe during the day.

"You and Kon-El smell like each other," he murmured, and Bernard shifted, seeming nervous.

"Tim, I…I'm sorry. We were both grieving and missing you so much, it just…happened. I love him but if we'd known…"

Tim knew from the file and suspected from his dreams; he'd been with Kon-El before being turned. There had been nothing about Bernard in the files but he supposed that made sense, even ninja would have a lot of trouble sneaking into the nest. So, he'd been with Kon-El and then he'd been with Bernard once turned and now they were both together. So how did he feel about that? He didn't know, he didn't remember Kon-El even though he felt something when he saw him but he remembered being with Bernard. Had it been love? He didn't know, didn't know if he'd been capable of that under Sire's control.

Tim reached out and cupped Bernard's face in his hands, studying him. "I think some part of me recognised you, that's why I would go to you. I don't remember love; I don't know if I could feel it with her in my head. But I didn't want you to be hurt. I don't really remember him, most of what I know is from the file. Being in love, you weren't alone and…I didn't want you to be alone."

"I love you too." Bernard leant into him, arms wrapping around his waist. "Liked you ever since school, hated what Mistress did to you, made you do, even before I remembered. We both love you and each other."

"I…" this was nothing he was prepared for, didn't know how to react. He found himself yawning, realising the dawn was almost on them. It was rare for the dawn to catch him off guard but then Bernard shifted his hold on him, guiding him to the bed. "Yoourrs," he slurred, limbs becoming heavy.

"S'okay, we can share." Why didn't he sound as tired?

Keeping his eyes open was a struggle now but he felt the softness of a bed beneath him, shoes tugged off and a blanket pulled up. There was a noise, the door? But darkness swallowed him.

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

Kon opened the door to find Bernard sleepily getting Tim settled into bed, Tim's eyelashes fluttering futilely before he went still in sleep/death. He'd overheard their conversation; he hadn't been able to help himself. He felt sick at what Tim had gone through, how unsure he was of his emotions. He stepped up behind Bernard and wrapped an arm around his waist, pressing a soft kiss to the back of his neck.

"I love you," he whispered.

"Hmmm," Bernard was beginning to flag.

Kon swept him off his feet, setting him on the bed beside Tim, removing his clothes to exchange for pyjamas.

"L've," Bernard yawned, eyes half closed. Usually, Bernard could last a bit longer as the sun rose but it had been a very stressful night and that could affect his ability to stay awake or wake earlier.

Kon pressed a soft kiss to his lips and Bernard hummed softly, eyes opening more as he smiled but then his eyes shut and he went still. Kon gently stroked Ber's hair and then took Tim's hand, squeezing it gently. "I'm so glad you're home Tim," he whispered, knowing he couldn't hear him.

He headed to the main family room to find the others sitting around, obviously still in shock.

"I called Constantine and he admitted there was a massive blast of dark magics in the Middle East several years ago," Bruce stated.

"You think that was Tim's resurrection?" Dick asked.

"I asked him shortly after the warehouse, if there was a way to bring Tim back, he told me the only way was magics no one sane would touch. And there was no guarantee what came back…would be our Tim, it could have been a bloodthirsty monster."

Kon shuddered, it made sense why Bruce hadn't insisted. If what had been raised had been that…they would have had to kill Tim or what, lock him away and hope he never escaped? What kind of existence would that have been? No, it had been for the best that Bruce had never told them. And of course, Ra's took the risk to get an immortal operative who would be loyal. He really, really wanted to kill that bastard.

"So, what now?" Steph asked hesitantly. It had been a very long time since she'd dated Tim but somehow, Tim had always been good at remaining close to his ex's.

"We can't legally bring Tim back to life, there'd be too much attention, too much risk of his condition being discovered. Bernard was only ever missing so there were few issues. We could make Tim a new identity as his own cousin or similar if he wants to exist legally, return to education like Bernard did, find a job, whatever he wants. With everything he's been through, he might not want that though. We'll have to give him time to find his footing and see if more memories return," Bruce explained.

"If he doesn't want to stay here, the apartments set up and has multiple bedrooms," Kon added.

"Kon, how are you doing?" Dick asked, and he shrugged slightly.

"I heard Tim talking with Bernard, other than my face in dreams, he doesn't know me. He's really messed up emotionally at the moment. But he said he's glad we found each other, that he wouldn't want us to be alone. I think all three of us are a mess right now."

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

"Kon!" Jon called happily, and Lois looked up, smiling but then she saw his expression.

"Is everything alright?" she asked in concern.

"Hey squirt, Damian could use a call to vent. Okay?"

Jon frowned, looking between them but nodded and left them alone.

"What's happened? You took off last night, Jon was upset when he realised."

"I was called for help," he admitted, collapsing on the couch.

"You were called, not Superboy?" he'd given the title to Jon, he didn't do the hero thing anymore.

"Kon-El and Conner Kent," he admitted softly, and she tensed slightly. "It was Tim."

"Sweetie…Tim's gone."

"Ra's resurrected him," Kon choked out. "He used magic that Constantine wouldn't touch, ever. And Tim came back but with no memory. But he's still so smart…he found his file on the League's network, realised Ra's was using him, and called for me. He'd been seeing my face in dreams, found my file linked to his and took the chance when out on a mission."

Lois was shocked, felt sick at the thought of Tim trapped in such an organisation. She'd always liked Tim, had been terrified for him and Kon when he was taken. Kon's grief after had scared her, she'd honestly thought they'd lose him for a time, till he got closer to Bernard…and that could be very complicated now. She moved closer and wrapped her arm around him, and Kon slumped into her side, trembling and then the tears fell.

Clark opened the front door and froze, but she shook his head and waved towards Jon's room. Right now, Kon needed comfort.

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

"Bruce Wayne."

"Bruce," Clark greeted his friend.

"Kon told you?" he asked.

"He told Lois, she told me, and Jon was on the phone with Damian," Clark explained. It was a complete and utter shock, Tim Drake Wayne was alive, well…as alive as a vampire could be. His death had impacted the bats so badly, having him back, even amnesiac had to be wonderful. He knew Kon returning to them had been a miracle, this was an even more unbelievable one.

"Are you alright?" he asked gently. Tim's kidnapping and then final death had taken a massive toll on Bruce, on all of them.

"I've checked on the room five times since sunrise," Bruce admitted, "just to be sure that it wasn't a dream. He…he doesn't know me Clark, my son looked at me and there was nothing, no recognition."

He couldn't imagine how that would feel, to have his child stare at him with no recognition. To have his son back from death only for the child to not know him…

"I'm sorry Bruce, I can't imagine that. But some of his memories have returned, right?"

"Hmm."

"Then there's still the chance that he will remember you. Maybe it will just take some more time. Just be there for him, after years with the League, life in Gotham is going to be a big, confusing change and he'll need help adjusting."

"He admitted that he would feed off assassination targets. Tim never wanted to be a killer, even the man who killed Jack, Tim saved him in the end. And now…"

"None of it is his fault," Clark murmured.

"I know. Just like it isn't Damian's fault he was raised to kill. I'm just worried that when he starts remembering, it will be too much."

"He has Jason and Damian there; they'll understand how to deal with killing. I hate to ask but does Tim know about Kon and Bernard?"

"Yes. He and Bernard spoke of it, Kon overheard. Tim remembers being with Bernard but not Kon. He said he was glad they weren't alone and found each other."

"That's good," Clark murmured. He knew that Kon and Bernard loved Tim, could they make that work if or when Tim remembered Kon? He hoped they could all be happy somehow.

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

Kon watched Tim and Bernard sleep, waiting for them to wake. He'd needed the day with his family to work things out in his head. He couldn't help hoping that Tim would know him when he woke but he also knew the odds of that weren't high.

Bernard stirred first, reaching for the thermos of blood before sitting up and then he froze, staring at Tim. And then he looked at Kon with wide eyes. "It wasn't a dream?"

"He's here," Kon confirmed.

Bernard reached out to gently stroke Tim's hair and slowly Tim began to stir, going tense. "It's okay Tim, you're home and safe," Ber whispered.

Blue eyes opened slowly, staring up at Bernard. Bernard grabbed the second thermos and pressed it into Tim's hand. "Evening."

"Ber?" Tim whispered, and Bernard nodded.

"Drink your blood," he told him, getting Tim to sit up.

Tim stared at the thermos before taking a sip, then downing the contents. His gaze slid over to Kon as he drank, and Kon smiled at him.

"Okay?" he asked, and Tim nodded, lowering the thermos, and licking the lingering blood from his lips, eyes fading back to blue.

Tim was just…staring at him, a slight frown furrowing his brow, and Kon felt his heart leap.

"Tim?"

Bernard looked between them and stayed quiet but Kon heard the thermos creak slightly from his grip. Kon looked at him and then moved slowly closer to the bed.

Tim scrambled out from under the covers, shaking hands pressing against his chest…over his pounding heart. "Not dead?" he whispered, and Kon froze.

"No," Kon promised shakily. He had to have remembered something to ask that. "I got better and came back years ago. Do…do you remember?"

"I…" Tim looked from him to Bernard, looking lost.

"It's okay Tim," Bernard whispered.

"You died…it hurt," Tim whispered, looking at Kon.

"I'm alive and I'm right here. What you're remembering…it happened years ago. We were still teenagers and I came back."

Tim shook his head. "Why can't I remember that?"

"It'll come," Bernard murmured, wrapping himself around Tim who didn't try to stop him, even as his own fingers dug into Kon's shirt. "You've already remembered me and Dick, the rest just needs time."

They sandwiched Tim between them and Kon felt him tense automatically, muscles shifting as if for defence or attack, but then he slowly relaxed. Kon didn't take it personally, not after years in the League of Assassins. They had no idea what those bastards had put Tim through, had he been able to trust anyone.

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

Well, that was interesting. The super assassin had gone dark on a solo mission. And there was interesting activity in Gotham. Was it really possible…had it been Tim? Had the bats rescued him? No messages she'd sent through their secure lines had been answered in years, sure, he'd been declared dead. But without a body, she didn't believe it. That was one tough kid, he'd dragger her across the desert while bleeding out from a ruptured organ, no way he went out in a plane crash. Especially one where he was the pilot, no, it had to be a cover up.

TBC…