Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 11

He pressed close to Sire, that sound…smell…so good…but Ber said no. Voices speaking but it was too hard to focus on them as he stared at the one the smell was coming from. There was something…something…familiar? He shifted away from Sire nervously, scenting the air. The stranger froze, watching him.

"Tim?" Sire called, a hand resting on his back but not restraining him.

He whined, leaning closer, that smell…he knew it… "Know," he said.

"Yeah kid, you know me," the stranger agreed, and he smiled, he was right!

"C…Co…" he shook his head, trying to remember. He wanted to, he did! What was wrong with him? "J... John?" he asked.

The man, John, nodded at him. "Yeah, John Constantine."

He mouthed the words, focusing. "John…Cco…Constan…tine," it was hard but he knew it shouldn't be.

"So good," Sire praised, and then hand moved from his back.

"You sure?" John asked.

"He's not lunging, he's just curious," Sire answered. "If he can be near you then that's a good step. I'm close enough to stop him from killing you."

,

John forced himself not to tense as Dra…Tim, crawled towards him, scenting the air. But Bernard was right, he didn't seem aggressive or agitated. And he'd recognised John, someone he rarely worked with. Perhaps he was more restored mentally then he appeared? Red eyes seemed to show…curiosity, so maybe not.

John shifted slowly to kneel down, making sure he'd be able to move if necessary but Tim would likely stay calmer if he wasn't towering over him. "Hey kid," he murmured, keeping his voice quiet.

"Hi?" Tim cocked his head inquisitively.

He remained still as a cold hand touched his own, red eyes widening.

"Hot," Tim whispered, but then he frowned. "John sick?"

"No, you're just cold now."

,

Bruce moved about Tim's apartment, taking in the signs of Bernard's presence. He wondered why they kept separate apartments, especially now that their relationship was public. John seemed to have found something in Bernard's apartment, but what? Had he been taken first? Put up more of a fight someone? Could Bernard be a Meta? None of his research had revealed that but a lot of Meta's hid what they were even now.

He wanted his son's back, if there was a ransom then he would happily pay it so long as they were returned. But the things Constantine dealt with…

,

Bernard watched Tim interact with the man from the Justice League group. Tim recognised him! That was a wonderful sign, especially since Tim wasn't attacking. Most vampires his age would be going for the throat, driven to feed or defend the nest, but Tim hadn't.

"How well do you know each other?" he asked, if Tim knew him well then his behaviour would be more understandable.

But Constantine shook his head. "We've worked together a handful of time. Bats isn't very fond of me and JL Dark only gets called in for things of a magical nature."

"Then how…" Bernard was lost, it should be impossible!

Constantine shrugged and then his eyes widened in shock as Tim curled around him, purring softly. His expression was very amusing even as he hesitantly petted Tim's back. "So, what's next?"

"Get Tim to where he can be in public and then run," he answered.

"You're gonna run?" Constantine seemed surprised.

"Well, yeah? There's no guarantee they won't come after us again, even with Tim now a vampire. And while the general population is big, Tim's too well known here, there's no way he wouldn't be recognised at some point, but Tim Drake…has to be dead now."

"Why? There's always exceptions to the rules kid, and I'd say a turned vigilante who's worked with me before would make a good candidate."

Bernard stared at him. "But…the bats?"

"Tellin' them won't be fun," Constantine admitted. "But this isn't your fault, you did everything you could to protect him, and they'll understand that. They'll keep the secret; they keep plenty already."

Bernard swallowed, and Tim scrambled back to him, obviously detecting his turbulent emotions. He hugged Tim, gently petting his hair. Could they really go home? But…ah, yeah, he should tell Constantine that. "The vampire who was leading them….as Joshua Thomas Wayne. He's trying to take control and…he said either I killed Tim, or they'd torture and kill him and then me. He didn't care about Tim's death bringing the bats…or that Bruce is his family…he was looking forward to a chance to kill them all. If we stay…"

"Sounds like he needs to be dealt with either way. You stay and you've got people who care about you both and will help. I'm betting bats can find a way to source blood for you two. How do you feed anyway?"

"I buy my supplies. When we were in Hong Kong they taught me how to hunt in case it's necessary. I grabbed all the blood I had at my place while Tim was turning but we're running low."

"Right, I'll get you topped up and then add some upgrades to the Nest's security to keep vampires other than you two out. That way you can have access to conveniences. And…there's cells if he…"

Bernard nodded in understanding. They may not like it, but it would be better than Tim accidentally hurting someone. The kid would never forgive himself and they both knew it.

"Alright, stay here." He saw Bernard's phone. "They got your number?"

Bernard numbered.

"Alright, I'll call when everything's ready."

,

Jason's eyes locked on the magician as soon as he appeared, he'd been gone for hours, leaving them with nothing to do but wait. Thankfully, B had sent the brat away, he'd sent everyone away technically. Jason had just refused to leave and so had Dick which was surprising given how distant he and Tim were. Was this what it would take to make Dick see just how strained their relationship was?

"Constantine," Bruce growled, and the man held a hand up.

"Give me a few minutes, gotta get this place secure first. Then we can talk."

That…was not encouraging. They watched as Constantine worked, doing something all throughout the Nest.

"Alright, now there's a lot to go over but first thing first, I found them."

Jason slumped in relief; he had said he found them…no indication that they were dead.

"Then where are they?" Dick asked.

"They're coming here once I give 'em the word and you lot are gone."

"What? Why?" Dick demanded.

"Because Tim…is dead."

But…he'd said…B staggered and Jason moved to support him.

"Explain," B still managed to growl.

"Tim Drake is dead," Constantine took a deep breath. "He died several days ago, I'm sorry Bruce."

"But you said they're coming here, you're what…bring Ti…Tim's body here?" Jason demanded. What he was saying didn't add up.

"Bernard isn't…entirely human," Constantine was mostly watching Bruce for his reactions. "Some of the locals took affront at him dating a human and grabbed Tim as bait for a trap. Bernard was given an ultimatum and he made a third choice, the only one that gave them a chance." The man shifted, obviously not wanting to explain. "Look, there are a lot of secrets in the supernatural world and Gotham…well it's as much a mess on that side as with the lot you deal with. Most cities have a form of government but Gotham doesn't. Except it seems someone is trying to take control. They knew exactly who Tim was, grabbed him from here which is why I added to the security."

"What was the ultimatum?" Dick asked shakily.

"Either he killed Tim or Tim would be tortured to death, slowly, and then they would do the same to Bernard," Constantine answered.

Jason felt sick…faced with that kind of threat, he knew what he would choose, he would beg his loved one to kill him so that they would live. And better to die at the hands of someone he loved then to be tortured for who knew how long. But the trauma that would cause to the person who did…to Bernard.

"How the hell did he find a way around that?" he choked out.

"By fooling them into thinking Tim was dead forever," Constantine grimaced. "You cannot investigate this, can't tell anyone, understand?" he asked very forcefully, and Bruce tensed. "No argument Bruce. That's the only way they can come back, that and the fact I'm telling you and not Bernard. He was going to tell Tim, that was allowed because of their relationship."

"I want my sons home and safe," Bruce told him.

"They'll only be safe; you'll all only be safe if you leave this to my team. This isn't a fight you can fight, you're too vulnerable to their powers."

"What is Bernard?" Dick asked softly.

"A dhampir," Constantine answered reluctantly. "To try and get them both out," he hesitated, staring at them, "he turned Tim. Tim's…he's a fledging vampire now, which is why you need to leave before they come. We're not sure how much he truly remembers, though he recognises Bernard. If he attacked one of you, he'd never forgive himself."

Vampires?

,

Bruce sat on Tim's bed, staring at his son's happy smile, running his thumb up and down the frame. It had been taken just after his birthday, Bernard's arms wrapped around Tim, Jason

laughing at them and Cass a quiet shadow in the background.

Tim…Tim was dead. How much of his son remained within the vampire he'd become? Would Tim even remember them? Bernard was half human so they couldn't use him as a way to judge how different Tim would be.

He had come up to the Penthouse, Dick finally returned to the Manor to explain to the others, and Jason was in the guestroom down the hall, refusing to leave Bruce alone. Were the boys already in the Nest? When would he be allowed to see him? As much as he desperately wanted to see Tim, he also didn't want to stress him.

,

Tim stumbled almost drunkenly as they appeared in the Nest, Bernard carefully steadying in, Tim's head buried against his chest.

"It's okay, it's over now," he murmured. "Look where we are Tim," he urged, and slowly, Tim loosened his grip, lifting his head hesitantly to look. Would he recognise it?

Tim kept a hand on his wrist, gripping hard but not enough to hurt. Wide red eyes took it all in and then Tim was pulling him along. Bernard let him, smiling when Tim flopped down into the chair before the computer, curling up in it. "Mine," Tim whispered in awe.

"Yeah Tim, it's yours," he smiled softly.

Tim scented the air, making soft chirps…calling…calling for his nest? But it was just the two…oh. Could he? He gently stroked Tim's hair and Tim leant into him. "Dad?" he looked around. "Dad?!"

"Shh, it's okay Tim." He pulled out his phone, hesitating, would Tim recognise Bruce over a call? Obviously, he was recognising something in the scents in the room, but would he recognise Bruce by sight and voice alone? Would the man still take his call? Surely he would for Tim.

Sure enough, the call connected with video, and Bernard held it where Tim could see.

"Tim?" Bruce asked.

Tim cocked his head to the side, frowning slightly.

"He was asking for you, give him a bit," Bernard warned.

"Dad?" Tim asked softly, unsure.

The relief on Bruce's face was obvious.

,

Bruce saw Bernard's number displayed and took a deep breath, they had to be downstairs to be calling. He answered and there…Tim…he looked different with bright red eyes and even paler than normal skin. "Tim?" he asked, watching as Tim cocked his head to the side, frowning slightly.

"He was asking for you, give him a bit," Bernard warned.

"Dad?" Tim asked softly, unsure.

Bruce felt relief, his son recognised him. "Yes Sweetheart, I'm here."

Tim's voice sounded different, was that being a vampire or his confusion? Tim reached out, touching the screen, whining softly. He'd never seen Tim like that, even on the good painkillers.

"It's alright Tim," he murmured.

He'd been terrified at how Tim might change, that he'd…that he'd be a bloodthirsty monster. But this was his son, confused and scared, trying to reach him.

"Easy Tim," Bernard was murmuring. The image shifted as he moved the phone, setting it against something, and Bruce realised Tim was curled in his computer chair.

Bernard sat and Tim crawled into his lap, nuzzling at his throat, obviously distressed, and Bernard tipped his head to the side slightly. Bruce watched as Tim latched on, suckling slowly, calming. "There you go," Bernard murmured, stroking Tim's hair.

Bernard looked up at him and then down at Tim. "If you're willing to risk it…he'll be sleepy after this. He hasn't been violent so far, he was seeking out your scent."

Bruce nodded immediately. "I'll come down," he agreed, heading for the elevator. He ended the call, shoving his hands in his pockets to hide their trembling.

Tim seemed calm, in control, wanted to see him…but would that change once he was actually there?

,

There was a familiar noise and he looked up, feeling sleepy, full. And then the scent hit him, present…. the thumping sound…he scrambled to get up, movements sluggish.

"Easy Tim," Sire murmured, holding him back, and he whined, reaching out.

"I don't think he's trying to attack," the familiar voice offered.

"Slow Tim, you don't want to hurt him," Ber murmured, and then he let go.

Tim got up, stumbling but then he moved, pressing against the larger form, whimpering and whining.

"Shh, it's okay Tim, I've got you son," the voice rumbled, a large hand gently cupping the back of his head.

"Dad," Tim whined, nuzzling at him. "B?" Tim looked up; he knew him. "B." he reached up and carefully touched warm skin.

"That's right," B smiled.

,

"I'm right here," Bruce promised, ignoring the chill of Tim's hand, the threat of claws so close.

In person, the changes to Tim were a lot more obvious. There was no mistaking Tim for human anymore. He was just relieved that Tim recognised him and was reacting positively to his presence. The thought of Tim attacking… but it hadn't happened. Though, he doubted they were beyond any kind of danger period. If anything of the stories were true, and he was waiting for more information from Constantine, then if hurt or around fresh blood, Tim would likely be more volatile, at least while young.

"I've got you Tim," he promised, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of his head. He looked up to find Bernard watching them carefully, ready to move if Tim lost control. He also seemed nervous, not meeting Bruce's eyes, and he understood why. "Thank you," he murmured, and Bernard's gaze jerked up to his, brown eyes narrowed in confusion.

"You out-thought them and found a way to get you both out of there."

"But…I…I turned Tim, I killed him."

"You saved him," Bruce countered. "Constantine told us about the ultimatum. If you had followed it, you could have just snapped his neck, given him a quick death. You chose the option that gave him a chance to live in some manner."

"You're not…disgusted? I drink blood, Tim does too now. I can pass as human since I'm a half breed but Tim, even once he can change his eyes won't. he doesn't have a pulse anymore, won't age…"

"And I don't have to bury him. I did that once Bernard and it nearly destroyed me. Getting Jason back was a miracle, having another child returned from death…" it wouldn't happen. When Constantine had warned him to prepare himself, he had feared he would never see his son again, that at most all he'd get would be his body. But Tim was here, aware and interacting.

"I don't blame you Bernard, you did your best in an impossible situation. I blame those who took Tim just because the two of you are in love," he assured the teen. He glanced down at Tim, feeling something… "Do vampires purr?" he asked, and Bernard smiled softly.

"Only when totally content," Bernard answered. "He really loves you. He doesn't seem to remember a lot yet. His turning was a bit different because my blood's not as strong, so it'll take him longer to recover mentally. He was dead for a while…his brain had no oxygen or blood…"

Bruce nodded in understanding. "But there won't be permanent damage?" he double checked.

"I checked with some others and they said he should be fine. The more he feeds the quicker he'll heal but if he feeds too much then his body might become too dependent on frequent feeding."

That made sense. The blood would heal the damage done by death, otherwise there would be a lot of mentally impaired vampires.

"Upset, B?" Tim asked, holding on tightly but not painfully so thankfully.

"Just worried for you Tim," he murmured. He wasn't sure how good his hearing was and didn't want to hurt him.

"Love you Dad," Tim purred.

"I love you too Sweetheart."

,

Bernard didn't know what to think or feel. He'd expected to be met with anger and disgust but… instead Mr Wa…Bruce was holding Tim who was utterly content, not showing any signs of bloodlust, because he'd just suckled? Or was Tim already somehow so controlled? Could his training and years as a vigilante be helping him now?

But Tim was utterly relaxed, even purring for his Dad, nuzzling but not moving to bite. Tim's speech and understanding wasn't constant, it came and went, usually better soon after feeding. So he got up and went to the small kitchenette (seriously why did his Nest have or need one?!) and sure enough, it was stocked with blood. Thank you, Constantine. He got out a pack and prepped it, walking towards them. The scent got Tim's attention, eyes locked on it, but he didn't move from Bruce's embrace.

"You want to?" he offered it to Bruce who took it. "He has trouble holding it and not making a mess, just keep it steady near his mouth."

"Hungry?" Bruce asked, holding the pack up, and Tim immediately latched on, drinking, absently kneading at Bruce like a kitten as he fed. When it was empty Tim yawned, slumping against the man. Bruce carefully picked him up and then sat in the chair, settling Tim in his lap. "Does he always get tired like this?"

"Yeah, it's to let the blood go where it's most needed. He'll doze for a little while and then wake up. I figured…he's usually the most coherent after the nap."

"Thank you."

Bernard shrugged and moved to dispose of the pack.

,

Jason frowned when he realised, he was alone in the apartment but then he found the hastily scrawled note.

In the Nest, Bernard called.

Well. That had to be good, right?

TBC…