Disclaimer: not mine
Chapter 4
Jason nodded as Tim joined him on the rooftop, accepting the offered chilli dog, and from his favourite stand at that! Was it a little creepy the kid knew, yep, but apparently, he'd been their stalker for years without any of them knowing. Tim had been destined for a mask or villainy since he was tiny, they were just lucky he'd chosen the mask. Tim as a villain…not something he wanted to consider; kid was way too smart.
"I found some more intel on that shipment," Tim murmured as they ate.
"Oh?"
"Luthor," Tim answered, and Jason swore.
Luthor, wonderful. He really hated that man, most of the hero group did too. How anyone had ever voted that monster into the Oval Office…but most only saw the businessman and not the monster behind the mask. It was one of his many disagreements with the Justice League, Luthor's action should be exposed.
"So, is he doing business with the Penguin or has he been dumb enough to steal from Luthor?"
"The deliveries aren't listed as being for any of Penguins operations, he could have started a new one or they could be off the books." Tim finished his food. "There's another shipment coming in tomorrow night."
Jason nodded and looked at his little brother, seeing the hesitancy there but also…hope? "I'll meet you on the same roof as last time?" he offered, seeing the small smile.
Tim brought up his wrist comp and Jason's own beeped a few seconds later, shocking him with access codes and a location. To his knowledge, none of the Bats had been given access to Red Robin's Nest. He looked up at Tim, wishing he could see his eyes but Tim was even in the full cowl again.
"You're sure?" he asked, and Tim smiled at him, gently nudging against his shoulder.
"I trust you," Tim murmured. "You've really…mellowed since that fight. We've both changed a lot since then. And you never did anything even after I rebuilt the Monarch."
"I was wary at first," he admitted. "But you kept out of the Alley for patrols and you're a good landlord even if they don't know you own the building. If you want to do work on buildings in the Alley, you can. The ones you've fixed up on the edges have been well received."
Tim just stared at him before nodding slowly, seeming to be in shock.
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Tim lay on the couch, shirt off, as Bernard gently traced his scars. It was getting easier, he no longer flinched and there was never any hesitance in Bernard's actions. He really didn't care about all of Tim's scars. And then he gasped as Bernard leant down and licked the splenectomy scar. He licked it!
"Okay?" he asked, and Tim managed to nod.
Bernard stroked the scar. "This is from the assassination attempt," he murmured. "Tim…do you have a spleen?"
He froze, shocked that someone had finally worked it out, that it was Bernard and not one of the Bats…but he'd seen Bernard with some medical textbooks and he'd admitted he was considering some kind of training, not a doctor but some level of emergency response maybe. "No," he whispered.
And then Bernard was wrapped around him, hugging him. "It explains the dietary changes since high school," he murmured. And then his kissed Tim's cheek. "I'm so sorry Tim, this shouldn't have happened to you."
Would he say that if he knew the truth of how Tim really lost the organ? He hated the secrets between them and he was so tempted to leave a weapon out or the access to his Nest. B had seemed accepting of him wanting to tell Bernard, so why couldn't he say it? Tim reached up to cup Bernard's face in his hands. "There's so much…"
"It's okay Tim."
Tim shook his head and then moved out from under him, holding his hand out to Bernard who stood and took it. His heart was racing, palms clammy, but he could do this, he could. He'd never told someone outside the community before. He led Bernard to the fishtank, fighting to keep his hand from shaking as he reached for the switch, watching as the lift was revealed.
He glanced back at Bernard, seeing his wide eyes. "Trust me," he pleaded softly.
"Tim, you don't have to do this, you're terrified," Bernard answered, shifting to hold him. "I love you, all of you," he whispered, pressing their foreheads together.
All of him? Did…did Ber know? He searched his face, seeing only love and acceptance. "I'm," he swallowed.
"I trust you Tim, completely, you saved me," he whispered.
He had to know, because Red Robin was the one to save him. "Ber…"
Soft lips pressed to his and Tim closed his eyes, relaxing in his embrace. Bernard was giving him the same kind of protection that Lucius did, plausible deniability. Bernard knew, he had to know, but he wouldn't fully acknowledge it to keep them both safe. "I think I love you," was all he could say, feeling Bernard's grip tighten in response. He opened his eyes and found Bernard smiling at him.
"I love you Tim." He kissed him again, tugging him towards the couch and Tim used the switch again to close the elevator.
Tim instead tugged Bernard towards the stairs and Ber let him, following him up and into the master bedroom. They'd slept there together after he'd been exposed to the fear toxin, Bernard had helped him shower even. Bernard knew, accepted his scars, had his own and they didn't bother Tim at all.
Tim stopped beside his bed, feeling Bernard's eyes on him. He undid his belt and then his jeans.
"Tim?" Bernard asked softly.
He let his jeans drop, stepping out and then sat on the bed in just his boxers. His legs didn't have as many scars but there were a handful, how Dick and Jason's legs weren't totally messed up given they'd worn the scaly shorts, Tim had no idea. He held his hand out to Bernard again and he stripped out of his own jeans before crawling onto the bed to join him. He tugged him into another kiss, reaching up to hold onto Ber's shoulders before letting his hands move over his skin. Bernard was cooler to the touch which had worried him, but he'd looked it up and he was still in an okay range, just at the lower end. He also had a slower than normal heart rate and the two together suggested a heart condition but Bernard hadn't mentioned anything and he wouldn't betray his trust by hacking his medical records. He trusted that Bernard had seen a doctor for it.
"What do you want Tim?" Bernard asked between kisses, one hand gently caressing his side.
"This? I've…I've never, I'm not ready, I'm sorry," he almost babbled, feeling his face warm in his embarrassment.
Bernard blushed as well. "Only once," he admitted. "And there's no rush Tim. We're not ready," he agreed. "This is good, really good. You're gorgeous," he murmured, sucking on Tim's neck, and he moaned in response.
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Jason pulled his bike up to the seemingly blank wall, bringing up the codes Tim had given him, watching the entrance appear. Nice. He drove down the tunnel until he came out in a large room, parking beside Red Robin's bike. He got off and removed his helmet looking around, spotting at least two levels above him. Ut was huge, more than one person needed, had he originally intended for the other bats to be able to use it when on this side of town?
And then Tim's head appeared over the top rail. "Up here, stairs and elevator are over there!" he pointed to the right wall.
"Nice place!" he called back as he headed for them.
He came out on a level full of computers and work benches, most covered in half finished projects. Tim was at the computer, mostly dressed for the night but both cowl and domino were missing, his hair loose and messy.
Jason did a double take as he noticed a darker patch of skin just above the line of his uniform. Was he hurt…no, was that what he thought it was? Tim caught him looking and frowned before his face flushed. "Good for you," Jason said.
"Thanks?" and it made him sound so young, sometimes he forgot that Tim was still what, four months off eighteen? As the CEO of the company, he'd be expected to have a big fancy party, poor kid.
"Anyone I know?" in other words, one of the community.
"Someone from one of my many schools," he answered and that was interesting given he'd dropped out when B vanished.
"Do they know?"
"He knows there's a lot I can't talk about," Tim's answer was purposely vague, but Jason got it. If anyone found out then the civilian would be in a lot of danger.
And that was the end of their chat as Tim began going over the files he'd found.
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Bruce leant in the doorway of Tim's office, watching his son work. Tim looked up and offered a confused smile. "Hey kiddo," he stepped inside and shut the door.
"Hey B, something wrong?"
He shook his head and sat on the couch, Tim moving to join him. "Your birthday is coming up," he pointed out, and Tim groaned.
"Do I have to?" he muttered.
"Sorry, but you're CEO Tim, it's expected."
He sighed but nodded. "Fine. Where and when?"
"We'll leave your actual birthday for you to do what you want. I'm guessing you have plans with Bernard?" he asked, and Tim nodded.
"We've got a dinner date planned and I've scheduled the night off. I was kind of hoping you have lunch free?" he asked hesitantly, and Bruce smiled.
"I do." And he was very glad he'd not accepted the zoo invite from Dick and Damian. He'd been hoping that Tim would ask him to do something with him. Did they even realise it was Tim's eighteenth? "Anywhere specific you want to go?"
"Surprise me?" Tim asked, and Bruce nodded.
He knew about Tim's dietary needs, that was one of the few things he'd found out about from before his return. Watching the footage, seeing Tim shot on live television, even knowing he was alive and well… The loss of his spleen was not good especially with their lifestyle, he was exposed to so much risk with a compromised immune system. So, he would plan their lunch around it, maybe that new vegetarian restaurant?
"Maybe have the official party the weekend after?" Tim suggested. "There's nothing in the social planners yet for that date."
"The hotel?" Bruce asked, knowing Tim didn't feel comfortable at the Manor.
Tim blinked, caught by surprise, but Bruce would not force him back even for a party. Tim's distance from most of the story was old news anyway, and there'd been enough photos of the two of them together lately to stop any rumours that Bruce would disinherit Tim due to that distance.
"Wouldn't the Manor be better?"
"But you'd be more comfortable at the hotel, especially with Bernard there."
"You're okay with me inviting him?"
"He's your partner Tim, of course he should be at your birthday."
"Thanks, B."
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Bernard stared at the official invite to Tim's birthday, happy but also worried. Such a big reveal would definitely get unwanted attention…but he would not step back from their relationship. If anyone came after them for it, he'd deal with it. He'd gone back to lessons, wanting to improve his fighting skills. Tim thought it was a reaction to his kidnapping by the cult but it wasn't, not really. If Tim hadn't been collateral at the restaurant, he never would have been taken but he'd been distracted when Tim had been knocked out.
Then there was the injury he had taken that had caused Tim to come into his apartment. Things like that were a risk any time he ventured into the vampire businesses. Some of them ignored him, a very few tolerated him, and most made their hatred clear. They sold blood to him because money was money and any of them with sense didn't want to risk someone hunting and coming to the notice of the bats. If they knew he was dating one…
At least Tim now knew that he knew he was Red, at least he was 90% sure Tim knew with the way he stopped him at that hidden elevator, claiming he'd saved him. Something in him had relaxed even more since then and he didn't seem ashamed of his scars anymore. Sharing a bed occasionally was very nice, he loved getting to hold Tim or be held by him in return. Yes, he hoped for the day when it would be more than just sleeping but neither of them was really ready for that. His sole experience with sex had been…educational true but he had not really enjoyed it, honestly, he hadn't been ready for anything like it but he'd felt so alone.
He wanted more than that with Tim. Tim had tried to tell him his biggest secret…was it time to tell Tim the truth about him? It terrified him, the thought of Tim being scared of him or disgusted… could Tim accept him?
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Kon grinned at the sight of Cassie in her dress, she was beautiful. He tugged her into a quick kiss and they were heading down to the ballroom. He knew this was not the kind of Birthday Tim liked but it was what came with his kind of money and influence. Bart was already downstairs, Wally there to keep an eye on their most chaotic teammate. It was hard to believe Tim was turning eighteen, where had the years gone?
He was excited to finally get to meet Bernard, they'd heard so much about him since the two had reconnected. The party was just starting but he spotted Bart easily enough and they made their way to join him. The Waynes were expected to make an entrance together, to show family solidarity, not that it existed. Sure, they could work together and work well in the field and they could even pretend for the cameras but it was all fake. The only family members Tim really got along with anymore were Bruce and shockingly Jason, who wouldn't be there due to being legally dead.
He nodded at Tam and then she headed their way, a blond guy with her. "Hey Tam," he greeted once she was close.
"Conner, Cassie, Bart, and Wally," she grinned and then tugged the teen with her closer. "This is Bernard. Keep him out of the vultures hands for me, would you?" and then she was gone.
"Uh, hi?" Bernard looked between them awkwardly, and Kon laughed.
"It's good to finally meet you." He offered his hand and Bernard took it.
"You too, Tim talks about you guys a lot," Bernard smiled hesitantly at them, obviously unsure about meeting them without Tim there.
Kon automatically checked him over and was instantly concerned by his slow heart rate and cool skin. Was he sick? Did Tim know? But he looked healthy enough.
"So, shall we share embarrassing Timmy stories?" Bart suggested.
Bernard looked between them. "I know some from school," he admitted.
That got grins and they began sharing stories, Bernard relaxing the more they talked.
And then polite clapping filled the ballroom as Tim appeared with Bruce as his side.
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Bruce hid his anger very well as he and Tim made their way to the hotel, Alfred driving. Tim just gave him a tired smile, having obviously expected it. He hated how accepting of it all his son was, but better than rage he supposed. He moved across to sit beside him, drawing Tim into his side while being careful of their tuxedos.
Cass was understandable, she'd been radio silent for weeks, another week and they'd be sending backup as previously agreed. Steph was currently bed bound with a bug but had sent Tim a message on his birthday. Duke had even reached out though the two didn't know each other very well, he'd actually called earlier since he hadn't realised the exact day.
But Dick and Damian…he wasn't sure if he was more angry or disappointed. They were in San Francisco; Dick had decided to take Damian to try integrating him with the Titans again…while their leader was in Gotham. Bruce had easily agreed to the three attending the party, Tim needed friends there as well as all of the expected guests. Especially since his relationship would likely be revealed.
"It'll be okay," he murmured.
"The press is going to have a field day. If Ber and I…they might accuse the family of being intolerant."
"Then we'll deal with it. Everyone except Dick and Damian have good reasons for not being here and we can assure everyone they've sent their regards to you already," Bruce assured him.
"If they get too annoying, I suppose I can set Kon and Bart on them," Tim murmured, and Bruce snorted.
"Please don't be that mean."
And Tim just smirked but curled against him, eyes mostly closed, obviously trying to rest a bit before they arrived.
Once there, they got out and quickly checked there were no wrinkles before heading in, ignoring the flashes of cameras.
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Tim smiled for the guests as they clapped his appearance, quickly spotting his friends and Bernard together. Bruce's arm was over his shoulders, Brucie smile in place.
Tim just let it all wash over him, smiling and saying thanks until finally it was Bart who grabbed him in a hug, guiding him into the safety of their group.
"With me Tim?" Bernard murmured, eyes dark with worry, and Tim blinked, squeezing his hands.
"Yeah," he answered.
Usually, he wasn't the focus of attention to such an extent which made it easier to deal with. When it was for business, Lucius was usually right beside him to help take some of the attention. It used to be easier, he'd had no issues dealing with the whole corrupt cops and WanyeGagement issues but since then he'd been more camera shy and he didn't even know why. It didn't make sense to him but he hadn't talked to anyone about it.
Bernard tipped his head slightly and Tim stepped in, Bernard wrapping him in a hug. "It's okay," he whispered.
Tim nodded and then stepped back, finding Kon and Cassie blocking the people from seeing them.
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Dick stared at the headline in shock.
Tim Drake Wayne, Taken?
And there was a picture of Tim with his old teammates and another young man. A familiar young man. Ber had said he was dating Tim but Dick had kind of brushed it off after that night. Ah, and his name was Bernard Dowd, the Dowd family was wealthy though nowhere near the Drake or Wayne level, but definitely comfortable. The article went on about the extravagance of Tim's eighteenth birthday party…surprisingly not at Wayne Manor and with two very conspicuous absences.
Dick sat down, that had been this weekend? That explained why the three weren't there and maybe the cold shoulder from Raven. But Damian had really wanted to come to the Tower this weekend and Dick hadn't even double checked. They'd really screwed up; the one rule was to always present a united front to the press.
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Bernard woke slowly, feeling strong, warm arms wrapped around him, soft breaths against his shoulder. Tim. The room didn't smell familiar and he opened his eyes, realising it was the hotel, right, they'd spent the night at the hotel in the Wayne's suite rather than head home since the party had ended so late. He shifted slightly and Tim made a soft noise in his sleep. He really was adorable when asleep.
He carefully shifted, rolling over to face Tim, seeing his face relaxed in sleep. It was nice to see him so unguarded, looking his actual age in his sleep.
Obviously feeling him watching, Tim shifted, eyes opening, smiling sleepily when he recognised him. "Hmmm…morning," Tim mumbled.
"Good morning," Bernard grinned, leaning in for a gentle kiss. "Glad it's over?"
"Yeah," Tim yawned and then stretched. "No more big parties till my twenty-first," he grimaced at that. "Should check the papers."
"Leave it, Bruce would call, wouldn't he? If it was something that can't wait?"
Tim hesitated but then nodded, cautiously snuggling back in against him, and Bernard wrapped an arm around him.
"Get some more sleep, we had a late night."
Tim nodded and closed his eyes, soon asleep again.
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They looked at the pictures, recognising the blond with the Wayne boy. That could not be allowed.
TBC…
