Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 8

Dick stepped onto the Watchtower in his Nightwing suit for the first time in what felt like an eternity. But without knowing what his mental state was, he didn't want to show up in the Batsuit. His heart was racing as he headed for the isolation area, spotting Clark waiting for him. "How is he?"

"Conscious and alert," was the immediate answer, Dick relaxing at hearing that. "He could use some of Agent A's cooking and it will take time for him to get back to peak shape. The doctors are being cautious in case he was exposed to any diseases that are dead now. Plus, they've given him some booster shots to be safe. If he stays stable then they'll release him once the blood work comes back clean," Clark explained.

Dick nodded, relieved to hear B was in such good condition. It could have been so much worse…could still be if he was carrying something. Tim had been right and Dick felt the guilt eating at him…if not for Diana Tim would be dead because Dick hadn't been willing to listen. Dick would have locked the kid up as insane…

And then they stopped in front of a clear wall, seeing the medical room behind it. And there was B, skinnier than Dick could remember ever seeing him, his hair longer than Tim's when the kid left, but sitting up as Doctors in full gear checked him over. The doctor finished and Dick tapped the wall, Bruce looking up.

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Bruce heard the tap and looked up, getting to his feet as he saw his eldest standing with Clark who withdrew to give them privacy. "Dick," he said as soon as the intercom was on.

"B…" Dick pressed his hand to the wall, looking utterly distraught. "We…we thought…"

"I'm here Dick, I'm alive," he promised, glancing around. "Your brothers?" he asked, had they kept them back to keep from overwhelming him if he hadn't been doing so well?

But then Dick flinched slightly and Bruce froze.

"Dick?" he asked, worry growing.

"Everyone's alive," Dick quickly assured him. "Tim…Tim nearly died. Ra's kidnapped him and when the rescue team found him, he stabbed him, was going to throw him in the Pit," he explained, and Bruce felt sick. "Diana saved him and Ra's…Ra's is dead. The other three core members of the old Young Justice plus Jason were there," Dick shrugged slightly, and Bruce nodded.

For Tim, any of those three teens would have attacked Ra's with everything they had. And Jason would have happily shot him for what he'd done over the years.

"How is he?" Depending on where he was stabbed, the damage…

"Jason said he's healed and doing well. No one but Diana and Cassie have seen him in person. Apparently…she took him to the island for healing and as far as I know, they're still there."

Diana had taken Tim to Themyscira? He had been accepted? How? What had Ra's wanted with Tim?

"So, Jason and Damian?"

"Physically fine. Jay's…not really talking to any of us. He actually went overseas with Tim to look for the clues you left. Damian is…struggling. The press is crucifying him as Robin and Damian Wayne," Dick admitted. "And Viki isn't helping, she's pushing that something's happened to Tim since no one's seen him and she even managed to get to some of the kids from his school who said Tim had come to school injured several times since Damian arrived. That was just published so if Tim comes home soon, it should be easier to counter it."

None of his children had ever liked Viki, only Tim really seemed to know how to deal with her out of them. So, was it surprising she was focusing on him being gone and the possibility of sibling violence? It seemed he was coming home to a mess.

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Damian was grateful that Father was returning. He would ensure things were as they should be. Richard was not a very good Batman at all, Gotham would be better once the true Batman was back. And yet when Father arrived, he did not look happy to see him as he stood proudly in his place.

Richard and Father embraced, speaking quietly, and then Father approached him and Damian stood tall.

"Damian."

"Father," he returned the greeting with a slight nod.

"We have a lot to talk about later," Father told him, resting a hand on his shoulder, touch firm but painless. It was still strange, Mother loved him and yet she often caused pain, but it was to teach him.

"Welcome home Master Bruce," and then Pennyworth was stepping forward, Father hugging the servant.

"It's so good to be home, Alfred."

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Everyone watched as Diana appeared on the Watchtower for the first time in months and then standing at her side was Wonder Girl and…whispers spread. Was that the third Robin? Word had spread that she had saved his life.

Clark entered the room, nodding to Diana and then his eyes went to the male at her side. Tim…he stood tall and healthy; skin tanned from months in the tropical sun. He had grown and even put on a little muscle, his hair longer. He looked at all of the onlookers and they dispersed, leaving just the four of them.

"Tim," he murmured, and Tim smiled at him slightly.

"He's really here?" Tim asked, and Clark nodded.

"He went back to the Batcave this morning."

Tim went to head back to the Zeta but Diana stopped him.

"I'll speak with him first Corvus."

He grimaced slightly but nodded and Diana left, Wonder Girl leaning against the wall, sticking close to Tim.

Clark took in what Tim was wearing, Greek armour and what was obviously a make-shift domino, make-shift in that it was lacking any tech. He looked like an Amazon or ancient Greek warrior, a sword on his hip and the bracers going up his arms shone like Diana, Donna, and Cassie's bracelets. There was an empty slot on one, cut in…like where Tim's wrist comp usually sat.

"It's good to see you Tim. I'm glad you're better and…I'm sorry. I should have taken the time to really listen to you rather than just believe others." He had wanted to apologise in private but Cassie's stance made it clear she wasn't leaving them alone.

Tim stared at him and the reached up to remove his mask since no one else was present. His face had filled out a little, making him look a lot healthier than Clark could ever remember him looking. "You've known Dick for years, you're close to him. We've never been close, because of Kon. It makes sense you'd listen to him, but you should have at least heard my side," Tim agreed with him. "And…you came for me. Diana and Cassie, both said you came to try and save me from Ra's. I don't remember any of that. And you didn't stop them from dealing with Ra's either. Even when I was angry at you over Kon, I could still work with you." Tim shrugged and Clark nodded.

It wasn't forgiveness, not really, but he also knew that Tim could have done a lot to make his life difficult. The kid was very vindictive when he wanted to be and he had the skills to back it up. Lex could attest to that, not that he knew Tim or even Robin was behind a lot of the issues he'd had in the last years.

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Tim stepped into the Zeta, fighting not to flinch as he stepped out into the Cave but it was silent. He wondered if any of the things he'd left behind were still in one piece, he could use some clothing and it should still fit okay till he could buy some new stuff. Cassie had reluctantly remained on the Watchtower when Diana had come back, letting Tim go alone.

He could hear the bats above him, water dripping in the distance, so much more than he used to in the cave. He hadn't noticed his enhanced senses as much on the Island, maybe because they developed there? And then Bruce moved into view and Tim looked him over, Bruce doing the same to him.

"Hey B," he choked out, wanting to move closer but suddenly frozen in place.

"Tim," Bruce whispered. "You're alright?" Bruce was walking slowly towards him.

Tim managed smiled. "I'm good. How…how much did Diana tell you?"

"Not a lot. Though apparently, we need to work out a custody arrangement."

Tim felt his face warm. "Yeah, I'm Timothy Drake Wayne-Prince now due to the Greek gods meddling. But they did heal me so I can't really complain. If they hadn't…I'd probably still be bed bound and a mental mess from being drugged." He was shaking slightly and then Bruce was in front of him, hands moving to rest over the shoulder plates of his armour. "B…"

And then he was being pulled into Bruce's arms and he slumped against the man before lifting his hands to grab onto his shirt, fighting tears. He knew his armour couldn't be comfortable but B just held on to him.

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"Thank you for finding me, son," he whispered into Tim's hair. The armour was hard and uncomfortable to hug, far more than his old Robin suit, but he wasn't ready to let go, not yet. Not when he knew how close he'd been to coming home to find Tim dead or drugged into being Ra's'…consort.

Tim had grown while he was gone and dressed in his armour, he almost hadn't recognised him. Tim, like many Gothamites, had always been a bit pale but now his skin glowed with health and exposure to the sun. His son was an Amazon now, accepted by their gods, Diana's son and therefore an actual Prince.

"I am so proud of you Tim." He released the hug enough to pull back and study him, taking in the Greek styled sword on his hip, the designs on his armour that obviously had meaning behind them, the flashes of dark blue tunic underneath it. "Will you be wearing this in the field?"

"I added pants to the Robin suit, there's no way I'm wearing what's basically a skirt in a fight!" Tim glared at him, and Bruce laughed, Tim joining him.

And then there was the sound of an approaching motorcycle, Jason ripping his helmet off to stare at them both.

"Jay!" Tim called, rushing to him, and Jason caught him up in a tight embrace.

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When Clark had called him with the news that they were both back, he'd raced to the Cave. And there they were Bruce and Tim, both alive and well. And then Tim was running towards him and he caught his baby brother, staggering from the force of the hit, glad he had his own gear on since it softened the impact of Tim's armour a bit. He hugged Tim tightly, finally able to truly accept that Tim was alive, healed from what Ra's had done to him.

He eventually pulled back to look him over, taking in the armour. "You look good baby bird."

Tim just shook his head, smiling. "Missed you," he murmured.

"Tim, I…I'm so sorry."

That got a frown, Tim staring at him. "For what?" he asked, sounding confused. "What happened to me wasn't your fault. Ra's was waiting for the chance to grab me. If you hadn't been with me, it would have been even longer before anyone realised that I'd been taken. You saved me."

he pulled Tim into another hug, clearing his throat awkwardly. "The minions know you're back?" he asked.

"The min…" Tim snorted. "Have you called them that to their faces?"

"Nope, don't plan to end up in another grave. So have you?"

"Cassie knows since she came back with us. I just…I needed to see B first," Tim answered. "Clark knows, might have told him."

"We haven't been invaded yet so I doubt it."

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It was a relief to see Tim and Jason together, so close, especially after spending the day with Dick and Damian. He was exhausted but having Tim home and safe, having Jason willingly in the Cave…that was worth so much, energising him some. He knew it could take months for him to recover from the weight loss and he planned to use that time well, to try and heal his family. So long without them had forced him to confront his own failures. And then Jason was looking at him warily, Tim urging him forward.

"Jaylad," he called to his most volatile child. Or at least he had been, it seemed Damian was doing his best to take on that role and that Jason had calmed while Bruce was gone. Maybe leaving Gotham for a while had been good for him.

Jason hesitated, glancing at Tim who rolled his eyes and literally shoved his larger and much heavier brother as if he weighed a lot less…Diana had warned him that Tim was changed by the gods but seeing it…

"Old man," Jason grumbled, arms crossed defensively.

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"Clark?" Kon was surprised when the older man showed up at the farm and…he was smiling?

"Tim's back," was the answer, and Kon slumped against the porch railing.

He closed his eyes, focusing, and…there!

"For what?" Tim sounded confused. "What happened to me wasn't your fault. Ra's was waiting for the chance to grab me. If you hadn't been with me, it would have been even longer before anyone realised that I'd been taken. You saved me."

Kon itched to race to the Cave but he could hear Jason and…Bruce with Tim. Better to let those reunions happen first. He was smiling when he opened his eyes, finding Clark watching him with…fondness.

"He makes you happy," he murmured, and Kon struggled against a blush.

He knew Clark knew, he'd been in the Cradle after all, had heard his words to Tim as he begged him to stay with them. "He does," he agreed. "I love him so much Clark. Maybe it was cruel…kissing him before I died, would he have handled it better if I hadn't? Or would it have been worse?" he sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know what he did and I don't blame him, if he'd died or if Ra's had…I don't know what I would have done."

"He's alive and mentally sound, Kon. And now harder to kill from what Diana said. A male Amazon," Clark shook his head.

"If anyone would, it would be Tim." Kon smiled at the memories of the insane things Tim had done over the years.

Of course he'd end up an Amazon, it was that or a vampire or something, to fit with the whole bat theme. But whatever crazy plan he came up with, they'd always followed him, knowing he would do everything possible and even some things considered impossible to ensure they all made it out alive.

He wanted to go to Tim, to see for himself, but he could wait, he would wait. He figured he'd go home with Jason since Dick and Damian were at the Manor and he could see him there.

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Tim watched as Jason and Bruce practically circled each other, fighting the urge to shake his head…or them. He'd tested his strength on the Island, stronger than he should be given his age and build but not as strong as an Amazon of similar build. Still…he could lift them both and shake them? And then Bruce pounced, taking Jason by surprise, hugging him. Jason put up a token fight but then allowed it to happen. Good. No shaking necessary.

And then Tim looked up at the stairs, seeing movement, stiffening, hand dropping unconsciously to his sword. He needed to go…but he was in armour still… he shifted back towards the Zeta, he could go to the tower…call Kon.

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"Tim?" Jason called and then looked towards where the kid was staring. He swore softly and then looked at Bruce. "We'll be at my place," he told him.

"Jason," Bruce started but he cut him off.

"Kid's about to bolt B, better my apartment then out of the city totally. I'll call his team over; they take my place over all the time anyway. It's obvious he's not ready to see any of them," he motioned upstairs. And then he moved towards Tim, making sure his brother saw him coming, seeing the white knuckled grip on his sword.

"Hey Timmy, I've got some of your stuff at my place, you can change then we can get you some stuff that'll fit better."

Tim blinked and then nodded and Jason put his helmet on, Tim getting on the bike behind him…in what was basically an armoured skirt, so he'd drive fast since it probably wouldn't be comfortable.

Soon enough, he was parking in the hidden garage, leading Timmy up to his apartment and then to the room he'd had readied for the kid, watching as his eyes went wide as he realised.

"Jay…"

"You're my little brother, Tim. I know I've done a lot of things…but you will always have a home with me, okay?"

Tim nodded, smiling shakily, and Jason left the room to let him change.

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Tim was shocked to find stacks of his photos, an award from school, even his skateboard. And in the closet and drawers were his clothes. Had Jason emptied his room at the Manor before he came to Europe or after he came back to wait for word on Tim's condition?

He shook off his confusion and began stripping out of his armour, it had felt heavy at first but now he didn't even notice the weight. Without a stand or chest, he placed it on the bed for the moment, very happy to find underwear, proper underwear! He pulled it on and then a pair of sweatpants, grinning when he found the cuffs stopped a good four inches above his ankles. Yeah, he definitely needed new clothing. He grabbed what had been his loosest shirt, actually…it was one of Kon's. It was still loose but not as loose as it had been, he'd put on some muscle and his shoulders were broader. He hadn't really noticed on the Island since he'd been around mostly new people. Cassie had always been taller than him, she was a demi-god so she was tall…and now Tim looked her in the eyes. Oh.

It was weird, that it almost felt strange to be back in modern clothing. He'd thought he'd never get used to wearing a chiton but he had and now wearing pants felt a bit odd. Though not the underwear, that was just a relief.

He left the bedroom and found Jason in the kitchen, his brother snickering as he saw how his clothes fit. Tim just shrugged. "At least I finally grew?" he offered.

"Called the bf yet?" Jason asked. "I made enough for hungry metas."

Tim sat and then blinked. "I count now," he whispered.

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"Yeah," Jason agreed.

It wasn't surprising that Tim was only just realising that since he'd been living in isolation on the Island and he'd apparently changed slowly.

"Hey," he nudged Tim's leg with his foot as he passed him to get to the fridge. "It doesn't change anything. You're still the same Tim as ever," he told him firmly, seeing the kid relax a little at that. "And your team won't see you any differently so call."

Tim nodded. "Kon?" he called out and Jason went back to making lunch.

Soon enough, the window opened and Jason purposely didn't listen.

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"Kon?"

As soon as his name left Tim's lips, he was airborne, heading for Jason's apartment. He opened the window and stood in the lounge, watching Tim stand up. They stared at each other and Kon took in how Tim had changed in just a few months, seeing the hesitancy in the way Tim held himself so still.

"Tim," he whispered.

He was really alive, he was okay. Tim was as tall as Cassie now, broader through the shoulders than he had been, skin tanned…he was gorgeous. He felt frozen in place, like Tim would vanish if he moved but he lifted his hand and then Tim was slamming into him. Kon wrapped his arms around him, feeling Tim shaking, his hands gripped tight in his shirt.

"I'm here, I've got you," he murmured, gently running his hand up and down Tim's back. He could actually feel the strength of Tim's grip for the first time when not affected by kryptonite. "I love you," he promised, turning his head to press a kiss to Tim's hair.

Tim sobbed, pressing his face to Kon's shoulder.

Kon moved to the couch, sitting with Tim cradled against him. It took some adjustment since Tim fit differently against him to how he used to when they'd do team cuddle piles and the few times the two of them had curled together when one of them had needed comfort…and they'd both been pretty blind to not see how they felt sooner.

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Jason peeked in and winced when he realised Tim was crying in Kon's arms. He met the Kryptonians eyes and motioned to where food and drink were before slipping back to his own room to do some work and give them space.

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Tim couldn't stop shaking or crying but Kon just held him, offering quiet comfort. On the Island, it was easy, they were all women. But stepping onto the Watchtower…all those eyes on him… thankfully Bruce and then Jason had felt safe. Sure, Jason had attacked him in the past, but he never would touch someone like Ra's had. He'd put a bullet in anyone he found touching someone under-aged or against their will.

And Kon…Tim loved him, knew he would never hurt him. Even when Luthor had mind-controlled him, he'd been fighting it, they'd all noticed it and looking back he'd fought it even more when Tim had been his opponent. Wrapped in his arms, he felt safe.

Finally, the tears stopped and his body slowly relaxed, his head on Kon's shoulder.

"Better?" Kon asked, and Tim hummed softly, nuzzling at him, making Kon laugh softly.

"Love you," he whispered.

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"So, no Amazon's caught your eye, your Highness?" he teased but deep down…there was a little worry there. Tim was their Prince now; wouldn't they prefer him to be with one of them?

Tim sat back, meeting his eyes, smiling softly if still a bit shaky. "I love you Kon. Just you. And yes, there are some very pretty Amazon's, but they aren't you."

Kon smiled back, he should never doubt Tim. "I'm so glad you're back."

"I…I'm not sure I'm staying in Gotham. I know Diana and Bruce talked before I came to see him."

Kon nodded in understanding, he may end up living with Diana instead, or maybe even moving into Titans Tower for a while. He could theoretically stay with Jason but then he'd still be operating in the same city as the demon brat and Dick. Maybe Bruce would kick Dick back to Blüdhaven and get the brat under control but Kon doubted Tim would want to live in the Manor if he was there.

"Good thing I can fly," he grinned at Tim who nodded.

"Kind of wish I'd gotten that," he admitted.

Kon nodded, Tim loved soaring between buildings with his grapple, was quite content being tossed around in fights, so it wasn't surprising that he wished he could fly. "Most Amazons can't, right?"

Tim nodded, leaning back into him, shifting to sit sideways in his lap. "Amazons are immortal and gifted but Cassie is Zeus' daughter and Diana was sculped from clay and given life by the gods. So, they get flight and the rest of us are stuck on the ground."

"But you were gifted by the gods too and are recognised as her son," Kon pointed out. "My powers came in gradually, maybe sometime in the future you'll join us in the sky."

Tim hummed softly, considering it. Kon lifted his hand to gently run it through Tim's hair, wrapping him gently in his TTK, and Tim smiled softly. His hair felt softer, the extra length, the Amazon's hair care routine?

"Thank you for fighting to come home," he whispered. No matter how drugged, he knew some part of Tim would have been fighting it. Tim had fought to live long enough to reach Themyscira and then to keep living till the gods healed him. Tim was a fighter, always had been.

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It was strange to sleep in his own bed in his own room. It felt unreal but he was home and safe, all thanks to Tim's belief and Jason continuing his brother's work after Tim was wounded. Seeing all of his sons, safe and healthy had been good, the animosity between them…he honestly didn't know how to fix it or even if it could be.

Finding out that Dick had threatened Tim with Arkham…it made him feel sick. When Jason had been at his worst, Bruce had made plans, but it had never included Arkham, not when the Joker was there. That would be torturous cruelty, to lock someone in the same building with their murderer. So, for Dick to threaten to send Tim there…

He was so grateful that Diana had found Tim, had listened and offered support. The idea they now shared a child was strange but he found himself grateful. Tim had always appeared so self-sufficient but looking back…Tim had needed so much support and they had failed him. He had put so much on Tim's shoulders, pushed him so hard to be perfect…he hadn't been a good father to him at all. No wonder he'd made up a fake Uncle after Jack's death.

And he understood why Diana wanted Tim to leave Gotham, they were both worried about him should he stay. He could live with Jason or even get a place with Kon – with two bedrooms please. He wasn't at all surprised that the two had begun dating once Kon returned, he'd been expecting it for years honestly. Gotham was in Tim's blood; would he stay away? No, the best they could come up with was Tim splitting his time between Gotham and another city.

Having Diana there as a second parent was good, despite Tim being at an age where parents were generally not wanted as much. But Damian…he could hardly call Talia for help there. Dick had obviously been trying, to a point, but the boy had resisted every effort to help him fit into society. Bruce hadn't read the articles yet, he would tomorrow, and he was dreading it. How was he meant to help a child who didn't want to see that the way he'd been raised was wrong?

When he'd dared to think of coming home, he hadn't ever thought that he'd come home to such a mess between his children. And Cass…where was his daughter?

TBC…