Disclaimer: not mine

So happy, my Kickstarter reached its goal! I can get an editor for The Girl Made of Stone, one step closer to publishing!

Couldn't decide on a new name for Damian to use so re-used his non-Robin name from another of my fics.

Chapter 13

Tim walked through the apartment, seeing all the changes that had been made in the years since he'd been taken. Everywhere he looked, there were signs of Kon and Bernard, but his own things were still present. They'd wanted to keep him close even when they thought he was gone forever.

It had been nerve wracking to leave the safety of the Manor for the first time since Kon picked him up but he knew he couldn't just stay locked away there forever. He was still struggling to accept that both Kon and Bernard loved him and wanted him to be with them but part of him also longed to say yes. He was so confused.

He smiled at the fish tank and flicked the control; the elevator being revealed. He got in and headed down to his old Nest, looking around. Other than the addition of a nice bed and bigger fridge, there didn't seem to be many changed, maybe updated tech? He hadn't been cut off totally from the world but it had all been new to him but now he could see how things had changed while he was dead or amnesiac. He found his old uniform, obviously not the one he'd been wearing that night, on display, just like there was a copy in the Cave. A vigilantes memorial. Did he have a statue in Titans Tower?

And that raised another question, was he comfortable with everyone finding out he was back? Cassie and Bart were one thing, the four of them had always been inseparable. But the other Titans? The Justice League? Clark and Lois knew but Bruce said they'd keep it quiet till he was ready. Did he want them to know what had happened to him, what he'd done and become? Kon had admitted that some were of the opinion that all vampires were evil, no matter who they'd been in life. And that was even after Dick had had a 'talk' with them and then Diana and Clark had taken their turns. B had pulled back a lot from the Justice League since then.

"Heavy thoughts?"

He turned to see Bernard leaning against the wall, watching him. Their scents were so saturated in the Nest that Tim hadn't even realised he was there. "Just remembering," he admitted.

Bernard walked over and took his hand. "Will you move back in?" he asked.

He took a deep breath and drew Bernard in closer, resting their foreheads together. "You're sure?" he asked softly.

"We've both missed you so much Tim, we love you," Bernard promised. He closed the last distance, pressing their lips together, and Tim closed his eyes, just letting himself enjoy the kiss.

"I love you too."

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Kon grinned as he poured himself a coffee, setting up two mugs of blood as well, carrying them all into the bedroom to wait for Tim and Bernard to wake. Tim had moved into the Penthouse with them three weeks ago and it still felt like a dream. They all shared the bed but nothing beyond kissing and some touching happened. Tim was still adjusting and settling and they had to work out how things would be between the three of them.

And he'd seen the way Tim looked at his old uniform, it wasn't surprising to him that Tim missed the life. He hadn't chosen to retire; he'd been kidnapped and his memories wiped. With his memories back Tim seemed to be missing being out and helping people and…some of it was probably guilt for what he'd done since being turned between his Sire and Ra's. Would Bruce agree to Tim taking on a new id to work with them? Bernard hadn't really shown any interest in being a vigilante, he'd been busy with school and he did spend time with Babs. And Kon had been fine only being on call for the big things like invasions and natural disasters. But if Tim wanted to take the cape back up, Kon thought he'd do it too, to back him up. Maybe Bernard could be their Oracle?

He sipped his coffee, waiting for them to wake, the windows in the apartment slowly lightening as the sun began to set. Bernard began to stir, scenting the air before fully conscious, reaching for the mug of blood. Kon chuckled and handed it over, watching him drink greedily and within two minutes Tim was stirring as well, yawning cutely. Soon, they'd both finished their blood and were much more awake.

"Any plans tonight?" Tim asked, leaning against the headboard, dressed in only shorts despite the approaching winter.

Kon tugged him into his side, kissing his cheek, and Tim smiled. Bernard mock-pouted and then tugged Tim closer to him, nuzzling at his throat before kissing him, making Tim laugh as they playfully fought over him. It was good to hear him laugh, his eyes bright with happiness. He was so quiet now, weary and wary, so seeing him laughing and even giggling as they played was a relief. Their playing slowed gradually, touches gentle and lingering, soft kisses pressed to bare skin until they were just lying there in a tangled mess.

Tim and Bernard weren't really affected temperature anymore but that didn't stop them soaking up the heat he radiated. He didn't mind it either, letting his warmth soak in and make their skin warmer, closer to human temperature. He didn't care that they were cold but he could tell it made them both self-conscious, at least around the others. But the bats were great at accepting it, at never flinching from their cold touch. He knew Tim carried little heating bags to warm his hands with but he did it all the time and not just when seeing the family, would hold tight to hot mugs too, because he liked the warmth. Bernard didn't but he'd been with the family for a lot longer, had a more supportive and relaxed place as he adjusted to his new life. And Tim's desire for being close to warmth but not sleeping in much seemed to be something learned during his time with the LoA…and had Kon considering what it would take to sneak in, kill Ra's or at least remove certain bits of his anatomy, and then get home before anyone noticed.

"So, plans? Tim murmured, sounding utterly content, and then…yep, he was purring and Kon tipped his head to see Bernard gently scratching at his scalp and petting his hair.

"Stay in and relax?" Bernard offered, rolling and flopping on top of Tim who oomphed as if he'd had the breath knocked out of him.

Tim had never learnt how to pass as human since he'd been kept close by his Sire and Ra's didn't care since any humans that he interacted with were either targets who died or fellow assassins who knew he was a vampire. So, all of them were helping him learn, something that had become easier since his memory returned. Tim was as frustrated as Bernard had been since it didn't feel natural despite once being automatic, but Bernard now did it without thinking and Tim would get there too.

"I'm good with that," Kon agreed.

It'd be nice to just stay in for the night by themselves. And Tim still had a lot of culture to catch up on, like the newest Star Trek and Star Wars movies that had come out since he was turned.

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Bart zipped inside as soon as the door opened and then froze, staring at the teen…vampire before him. "Tim?" he asked softly, getting a nervous smile in return, and he lunged forward, wrapping his arms around his friend. "TIM!"

"Bart," Tim whispered, holding on tight, almost too tight but Bart didn't care.

Tim was alive…well back. "You're back, you're backImissedyou! You'reback! How? Where?" he rushed out, and Tim laughed, pulling him into another hug.

"Tim," Cassie called, and they separated so she could hug Tim as well. "How…they said you were dead…well…" she waved a hand at him.

"I was," Tim told them, shifting in place. He then moved to sit and they did as well, even as Kon joined Tim, Bernard barely visible in the study area, working on something.

They listened in silence as Tim spoke of what had happened to him and Bart…Bhart was considering how long it'd take to find a certain so-called immortal and end said immortality…and he had the feeling Cassie and Kon would help.

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Bernard sat on the rail of the floor above the open area where Kon and Tim circled each other. He'd learnt to fight in school and had trained some since the warehouse but watching them…it was breathtaking, good thing he didn't need to breathe. Kon had the advantage in speed and strength but Tim was still winning the majority of the time. He'd never seen Tim truly fight before, he'd caught a few glances at Robin and even Red Robin at night but that had been nothing like this. How much of it was from before and how much from the creepy freak who had resurrected him?

Maybe he should ask to learn more? Because watching Tim pin Kon was…yeah, if he still had a pulse he'd be blushing. They both looked up at him and he shrugged slightly, he couldn't help the way his body reacted to see them, they all had enhanced senses and were used to smelling things others couldn't. It had made reading Bruce a lot easier for Bernard in the early days given the man had issues with using facial expressions.

Eventually, they stopped sparing and joined him on the higher level before Kon went to shower since unlike Tim he had sweated during their fight. Bernard dragged Tim into a kiss and Tim wrapped his arms around him.

"Liked watching us, huh?" Tim asked, and Bernard grinned.

"Yep. It was very," he kissed him again, "very hot."

Tim laughed at that.

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Dick grinned as he watched the trio together. Seeing Tim so relaxed and happy was a gift. Even after he had remembered, Tim had been so quiet and sad, but that had been fading over the last few months. Other than how pale he was, he honestly seemed like the Tim that Dick remembered, shifting slightly as he sat and talked, body moving slightly with every breath.

He'd been scared that Tim would be unable to adjust, to heal from everything, but it seemed he was wrong and for that he was very glad.

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Bruce looked up, surprised to see Tim standing beside the Batcomputer. But he smiled at his son and the eternal teen smiled back, approaching now that Bruce knew he was there, and Bruce wrapped him in a hug. "How are you?" he asked.

"Good," Tim smiled. "It's still…hard at times but Bernard and Kon help a lot. I think the fact they left most of my things there helps when it doesn't feel real."

"Every time I've seen you lately, you've been acting human."

"Yeah, getting my memories back helped make it easier to remember to breathe and move,' Tim agreed. "I still mess up sometimes but most of the time it's fine. Kon and I have been sparring too, make sure I can modulate my strength and speed."

"Do you want a new identity so you can live a life, finish school or something?" Bruce asked, he wanted Tim to have the chance to live his life as best he could. Maybe one day vampires would be more well known and he and Bernard could be fully accepted…then again with the attitudes of some of the League members he wasn't sure if that would or could happen.

"I don't look that different, wouldn't it be suspicious?"

"But there is enough of an age gap and with the small changes your turning made, you could pass as your own younger cousin, perhaps even a younger brother taken or adopted out," he offered, it would be believable given Janet and Jack's attitude towards children and heirs.

Tim considered it and Bruce let him, there was no rush after all. "I wanted to talk to you…about going back to work," Tim finally offered, motioning at the uniforms on display. "I know I'd need a new id there too; Red Robin is officially dead and while I could use it as a legacy title…it doesn't feel right now."

Bruce studied his son, taking in his nerves but also the sureness that this was what he wanted. "You're sure?" he asked, and Tim nodded, gaze steady. He knew it made Tim happy that they never hesitated to meet his eyes, despite knowing what he could do, what he'd done to Dick so long ago. "Alright then," he agreed, seeing Tim's surprise at his quick agreement. "Do you have any ideas for a name and look?"

Seeing Tim all but bounce to the computer to start pulling up files sent over from the Nest had Bruce smiling, reminded of a young boy who had waltzed into his life and told him that Batman needed Robin.

Whatever design Tim chose, Bruce would ensure it had the best fire, chest, and throat protection possible since those were really the only vulnerabilities Tim had now. There might also be another option if Tim couldn't come up with something… but he would have to speak with Dick and Jason first.

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"Uncle Tim!" Jon threw himself at the young man beside Kon and he was caught, spun around.

He looked exactly how Jon remembered, except for the whole vampire thing. He hugged him tightly and Tim laughed, hugging back.

"Look at how tall you've gotten," he murmured, hands on Jon's shoulders, looking him over. "So, the new Superboy and on a team with Kestrel too," he smirked, and Jon nodded.

"You're okay?" Jon asked gently, and his uncle nodded.

"I'm good Jon."

And then his parents were there, greeting the three as Bernard ducked into the apartment, a gift in his hands even as the older vampire rolled his eyes at Kon and Tim. Today was his sixteenth birthday and he was so happy that for the first time, everyone would be there.

Damian and the other Waynes were already there since they had arrived during the day. Some school friends were at the party as well and that worried him with Tim but then Tim introduced himself as Matt Drake. A fake id?

"Matt Drake is Tim Drake's much younger brother who was given up for adoption at birth and only recently tracked down his birth family," Kon whispered. "He was going to go with cousin but no one in the family has had a sibling."

"That has to be weird but at least he can get a driver's license and stuff now if he wants." Not that he really needed one since Jon was pretty sure all the batkids had been riding motorcycles before they were old enough for a licence.

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Jason glanced at Dick, knowing he was as torn as he was. Once, he would have jumped at the chance of wearing the cowl, of being batman, he'd even asked Timmy to be his Robin. He'd honestly though B would never step down but he was seriously considering it. And if neither of them wanted it…he'd offer it to Tim. Tim would be an excellent Batman but Dick had said Tim once said he didn't want it. Though that could have changed. Despite how many of them there were now…if Batman was gone for too long then things got worse so someone had to take it on.

Would that mean a new Robin as well? None of them were young enough to want that role. Damian was the youngest and Duke the newest but neither would be willing to leave their own identities to take on Robin.

Being Batman would mean working all through Gotham, not just the Alley, though his men had a pretty good handle on that. It would mean hanging up the guns, even the non-lethal ammo because Batman couldn't use guns. But he'd seen how the cowl had worn on Dick when Bruce was lost. Though this time would be different without all the death and horror surrounding the handover.

He just didn't know what to do.

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Tim kissed Bernard back, feeling hands slipping under his shirt, caressing his chest, and Tim moaned into the kiss. It felt good…right. Not like…he forced his mind to focus on Bernard, feeling his knees hit the bed, falling back, Bernard landing on top of him. There was no cold floor, just the soft mattress under his back, no concrete…this wasn't the warehouse or any of the other places Sire had them stay. Sire was dead…

"Tim?" Bernard looked at him in concern. "Hey, it's okay, we're in the apartment. We're free Tim," he murmured, nuzzling at his throat.

He shuddered, wrapping his arms around Bernard. "Sorry."

Bernard purred softly, pressing soft kisses to his throat, and Tim tipped his head back to give him more room. He shuddered as fangs gently scraped over his skin, hands holding tight to Bernard. It felt…it felt really good. Sure, they'd kissed some since he'd gotten his memories back, but nothing like this. Tim moved his hands to the hem of Bernard's shirt, tugging, and Bernard pulled back long enough to yank it off. Bernard touched Tim's shirt and he nodded, letting Bernard pull it off him.

Kissing turned to heated touches, clothing gradually vanishing as they continued to kiss and touch and then Tim gasped as fangs sank into his throat. Bernard jerked back, red eyes wide with shock and horror.

"Tim…I…"

He pressed a hand to his neck, feeling the trickle of blood. And then he pulled Bernard in, sinking his own fangs in, hearing Bernard gasp then moan, feeling something snap into place.

"What?" Bernard mumbled, body limp on top of him.

Tim licked the blood from his lips as he realised what they'd done. "Mating bites," he murmured, hand stroking Bernard's back lethargically.

"What?" Bernard pushed himself up enough to look down at him.

"Mating bites, we're mated Bernard, forever."

They were naturally pale but Bernard seemed to go even more pale somehow. "Kon," he whispered, and Tim frowned.

"Our fangs would break on his skin," he pointed out sadly. Not being able to bond with Kon as well made him feel horrible. Maybe Kryptonite would soften his skin enough…but he wasn't a vampire, would a bond form even if they could bite him?

"Can feel you," Bernard purred, nuzzling at him.

"Yeah," Tim whispered, it was…amazing. Part of him had missed feeling Sire but this…this was so much better. He pressed a kiss to the top of Bernard's head and closed his eyes. They drifted as the bond solidified between them.

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Kon smiled at the sight of Tim and Bernard curled together, shirtless and…bite marks? They'd bitten each other? Bernard had never lost the instinct to bite when intimate though so Kon would bite him instead, though he didn't have fangs so any bite he made was bigger. But it was good they had done that, right? He sat on the edge of the bed and reached out to pet Tim's hair since it was closest, and blue eyes fluttered open, Tim smiling softly at him.

"Have fun?" he asked with a grin, confused by the flash of guilt in Tim's eyes. "Hey, what's wrong?"

Tim's hand went to his neck, licking his lips nervously. "Kon, we…uh…they're mating bites," he admitted softly. Bernard didn't know what he was doing and I responded without even thinking."

Kon leant in and kissed him softly, tasting vampire blood on his lips. "I'm glad," he told him, and Tim blinked at him. "You guys are on your own, no nest or Sire or anything. Bonding with each other will be good for you."

"We want you too," Tim promised.

"But you can't bite me," Kon finished, and Tim nodded. "It's okay Tim. I get the biting instinct; I bite Bernard from time to time when intimate because it helps him be calmer."

"You do?" Tim asked, and he nodded.

"Constantine is as close to absolutely positive as possible that I can't be turned so it's fine if I get some of your blood in my system."

Tim shifted out from under Bernard who mumbled softly but didn't open his eyes. He crawled into Kon's lap, wrapping his arms around his neck and Kon put his hands on Tim's hips. Tim kissed him and Kon kissed back, tipping his head back when Tim moved to suck on his neck, tongue licking at his skin. "Taste like sunshine," Tim murmured.

Kon chuckled and returned the favour, taking in Tim's scent, there was blood and death but he was used to it. But under that, it was just Tim. He nipped at his skin and Tim shuddered, whining softly. He opened his mouth, teeth resting on the skin in offering and Tim's grip tightened even as he pressed himself closer.

"Please," Tim whispered so Kon bit down, just hard enough to break the skin and bring a little blood to the surface. His blood tasted different to Bernard's, which was weird, how could he tell the difference? Tim gasped, whimpering softly as Kon licked at the wound.

"Good?" he asked, and Tim nodded, curling into him.

Kon smiled and shifted so they were lying on the bed with Bernard. He…he wished he could have a bond to them. He knew Tim wouldn't let him poison himself with Kryptonite just to enable them to bite him. Maybe red sun lamps? They didn't make him sick like Kryptonite did but would make him vulnerable. He didn't want to talk to Clark about it…but he might have to.

TBC….

So coming to the wrap up