Disclaimer: not mine
For some reason, when re-reading this to work on the chapter, I was starting to consider Tim/Jason for this one. Opinions? There's only a 2yr age gap
Chapter 6
Alfred was stunned, the child had put their identities together from a single flip? It appeared Timothy Drake was highly intelligent. And a glance at Master Dick showed he was utterly shocked by the revelation that it had been his actions to give them away…or the fact that a toddler remembered that night? Then again, it was likely his first traumatic memory depending on how much he'd truly seen of the Grayson's fall.
With such a traumatic event tied to his first sighting of Batman, it wasn't surprising that Timothy had latched onto him. He was sad that the event had left the boy with years of nightmares though. But it explained why it was still clear in his mind when he saw Robin on the tv.
,
Tim shifted nervously, he'd hated having to remind Dick of that time, it must hurt so much even now. But then a steady hand clasped his shoulder and Tim looked up, meeting sad but kind eyes.
"I'm sorry kid, you shouldn't have seen that. I never really considered…what that night would have done to the kids in the audience," Dick murmured.
"It was worse for you," Tim stated. He still had his parents, what were nightmares compared to watching his parents die?
Dick gave a slight smile and motioned for him to continue.
"Well, then you left and Robin disappeared. But then Bruce Wayne took in Jason Todd and a few months later there was a new Robin. I've read everything about Batman, both Robins, Nightwing… You've all been so important to me in so many ways," but that didn't mean he was going to tell them about his photography or being Jason's friend. "And when I see the without Robin, Batman is going off the deep end, I know there's serious trouble."
"If this is all true, then what do you want from me?" Dick asked warily.
"He needs you Dick, but he doesn't need Nightwing, he needs you as Robin."
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Dick stared at the earnest expression and wide blue eyes, for a second seeing an older teen who had been so desperate for his attention. Jason…he'd wasted so much time with his little brother, his Little Wing. And he hated to disappoint another child who looked at him with so much hope. "You want me to go back to being Robin?" he asked just to be sure, and the kid nodded. "I can't. I can't just go back to being thirteen again," he explained gently.
He loved B, he did, but he could never go back to that. Stuck somewhere between a partner and child. Jason had needed it but had already been chafing under Batman's rules. Dick had had Robin taken from him but he'd moved on and become his own vigilante separate to Batman. Jason would have too if given time and the chance. Batman didn't need Robin. He just needed someone willing to challenge him when he was being too focused.
"But you're right," he offered Tim a smile. "Batman needs me. And maybe instead of arguing with him, I should try to help him. If he'll accept my help," he finished with a mutter, heading into Bruce's office and the clock, hearing Tim following curiously. He glanced back and smirked before moving the hands. "Guess you've earned the right to see this."
He led the way down the stairs, hearing the soft gasp of awed shock. "It's called the Batcave."
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Bruce scowled, not that anyone was around to see it. He'd saved the twins but that wasn't the end. What was Harvey's endgame? Something didn't add up right. But what? Part of him screamed to call Dick but he ignored it, if he got the message then he got it, if not then Bruce was on his own. Even if he kept glancing down to the side out of habit. But that space was empty and always would be, his son was dead. Robin was dead.
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Tim sat at the kitchen table, listen as Alfred talked to Dick, fiddling with the sandwich he'd been given, too worried to be hungry. "Alfred?" he asked, and the butler turned to him. "Did Dick and Bruce always act like that? I mean, I've seen them at galas together but that's never real. But I never expected Batman and Nightwing to fight like they were in a competition."
And yet…he'd seen it, sort of. Looking back at Dick's last days as Robin, the few times he'd seen him with Bruce before Jason had been taken in… but then the new Robin debuted and Nightwing had mostly been seen with him when in Gotham.
"You ask too many personal questions."
He fought the urge to flinch, Drakes didn't flinch. And his Aunts would tell him to stand tall too.
"I care about them Alfred, I really do." Even if he couldn't tell him everything about why.
Alfred sighed, turning to the sink to work on the dishes. "I'm certain you do," he finally said, and Tim relaxed a little. "And no, they were more like father and son than rivals," he explained as he worked. "I've long felt that when Master Dick moved to New York, Master Bruce took on Jason not only to replace his partner… but his surrogate son as well."
Tim stood and moved to dry the dishes, surprising Alfred but then the man offered a tiny smile as they worked together.
"It's armchair psychology at best lad, but as much as he would probably deny it, I believe that Master Bruce is almost as obsessive about family as he is about preventing crime."
That…actually made a lot of sense.
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Dick grimaced as he looked around the basement, he didn't like this, they shouldn't have split up…and it seemed Tim was right about B spiralling. But who could blame him after what had happened. But he should have stepped back, benched himself, until he could get his head back in the game. But when did Bruce ever do the smart thing when it came to emotions?
He felt bad for yelling at Tim, he was just a kid, he didn't understand everything. He'd be safe under Alfred's watchful eyes for the night, though how would Bruce react when they went back to find Tim in the Manor? He did not like people knowing his id and finding out Tim had known for four years? They wouldn't let him overreact though. Tim had kept their secret and Dick knew the kid wouldn't tell…except no one, especially an untrained kid, could hold out under torture and if anyone realised that he knew… Then again, the way Tim had moved at the circus, he obviously had some level of training. But how much and why?
And then his comm cut out, a sound, and he spun, Two-Face! He immediately activated his tracker, knowing they'd walked into the trap even as the coin spun. He drew a birdarang, throwing, but he wasn't going to be in time…and then there was Batman, lunging towards him as everything went up around them.
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Alfred rushed down to the Batcomputer, young Timothy right on his heals.
"Please tell me!" the boy called, knowing something was wrong.
"Danger, I fear lad. Master Richard has turned on his beacon," he explained quickly as he sat before the computer.
"What's wrong with that? Now we know where he is," the boy sounded confused.
"We do…but only because the computer keeps track of all incoming signals. Look Timothy, the signal was cut off without an end command." He motioned to the record.
"The cut-off was abrupt. There must have been an accident. What do we do?" The boy was obviously distressed but he had interpreted the computer readout swiftly. "We can't just leave him there! We've got to do something!"
But what? Call the Commissioner? "For now, we wait," he murmured.
But time passed with no further word, nothing but the sound of young Timothy pacing behind him.
"Alfred, it's almost two in the morning, we should have heard from them by now. Something's happened. What do we do?"
"Master Timothy, we wait here as I always do. Patiently," he answered, standing to face the child. If he didn't think he would sneak out, he would have put him in a guest room to sleep already.
Timothy looked confused as he stared at Alfred even as he picked up the spare of Master Jason's uniform to return it to storage.
"But you know he and Dick've gone after Two-Face. You know the danger. How can you just put it out of your mind?" he asked, sounding scared and desperate.
"It's never out of my thoughts. Never. It consumes me," he admitted, back to the boy. "I spend each evening fearing the worst." And it had already come true once, would it again tonight? He slowly sat, staring at the uniform in his hands. "And praying for that feeling of relief I get when Master Bruce returns. No matter his condition. "Timothy, if you dwell on the worst-case scenarios, you can worry yourself to an early grave," he cautioned.
"I'm sorry, I'm really sorry," Timothy whispered, placing a hesitant hand on his shoulder.
He seemed a kind-hearted lad, eager to help others. A lot like…
"Maybe someday I can figure out how to do what you do…but right now we know where he and Dick are. And I keep thinking that they're in trouble. I've got to do something." And then a slender hand reached out and took the uniform.
Alfred stood in alarm. "Tim, don't. You know what happened to Jason," he warned, he couldn't watch another child die.
"Of course I do. But it's like I said to Dick – Batman needs help. Batman needs Robin." He held the suit up and Alfred swallowed at the determination in blue eyes.
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Bruce struggled against the beams pinning them down, hearing Harvey muttering to himself. "Wake up," he called to Dick who lay nearby but out of reach. Was he alive? No, he had to be alive, he couldn't bury another son. "I need you," he whispered as he pushed futilely against the beam pinning him but there was too much rubble on top of it.
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"I never wanted this for myself," he whispered, holding the green domino, remembering Jason grinning at him from under it. "But if Dick won't go back…then someone has to be Robin." He carefully pressed it over his eyes.
He took slow, steady breaths, preparing as best he could. Harvey was unpredictable but he was used to that, Aunt Harley was even more unpredictable than Two-Face. He'd trained with all three women, but enough to take on a Rogue? He'd need the speed and agility they'd focused on, don't let the man land a hit, look for an opening to exploit.
As Alfred pulled the car over, Tim stripped out of his jacket, revealing Robin's suit even as he dove out the car door, running for the house right as it went up, hearing Two-Face laughing.
"No," he whispered and then pushed himself faster. "Two-Face, if Batman and Nightwing are dead… Robin is going to make you pay!" he called as he lunged for the now shocked man. After all, Robin hadn't been seen for months now. With surprise on his side, his fist slammed into the man's face.
"I was wondering when the brat would show his little cherubic face. You've been hiding for months now. Get detention? Have to stay in after school?" he taunted, and Tim hid a grin, good, he didn't realise he wasn't the old Robin.
Tim dodged out of reach, seeing him reaching for a brick.
"You know there were rumour about you. Rumours that you had bought the farm." He swung but missed Tim by a mile, seeming surprised that he had already moved back.
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Alfred watched, surprised by how agile and fast the boy was, how good he was at keeping out of reach. There was something familiar…almost…catlike.
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"But I knew better. If you were to die, I'd be your killer," Two-Face snarled. "Just as I'm the one who finally murdered Batman."
Tim glared and then sprung to the side to avoid a blow from the rebar Two-Face had armed himself with. He really needed a way to hit without getting close. But he had no training on birdarangs or anything so he was left with hand to hand, wonderful.
"Lithe as ever, but there's something different about you! Where's the quips kids?" his swings were becoming wilder and Tim watched carefully. "You're always spouting those awful jokes! Lost your sense of humour?"
Tim twisted to the side, driving his fist into the man's ribs. "No, you're just not worth the effort," he snarled, mimicking Jason's voice and accent as best as he could. As Two-Face wheezed, Tim spun, lashing out with a foot, taking him in the chest and then as he doubled over, Tim's knee met his face and he dropped.
"Are you alright?" Alfred called as he stepped into view, looking him over.
Tim panted, feeling the adrenaline surging through him. "I've practiced half my life… studied martial arts…but I still wasn't sure if I could actually hold my own," he admitted.
Alfred gripped his shoulder. "But you did, you did very well."
Tim fought down a blush, looking aside, something catching his eye.
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Bruce came around slowly, feeling the press of the beams and fought down a cough. Another explosion? They… they were buried, he couldn't see Dick.
"Batman! Nightwing! Can you hear me?" the voice was muffled, young, above them?
He coughed, but got his throat clear. "Here!" he called out. "We're here!" he didn't know who it was, had Alfred called in the Titans?
"Batman where?" the voice called, so he'd heard him.
"Under…crossbeams!" Bruce called back.
"Are you both okay?"
"Pinned…can't move…"
Some of the rubble shifted, the sound of movement. "I can't move beams without the rocks falling on you. Just hold on! I have to clear the rocks and then move the beams."
"Two-Face," he called out in warning.
"Alfred's got him, police are on their way," the voice answered.
It had to be one of the Titans, right? But they sounded too young for Dick's teammates…but they knew Alfred. "Who…are you?"
"Robin…just call me Robin for now."
Robin…no. Jason was dead; it couldn't be him…to young.
The voice was still speaking but Bruce wasn't listening. "BATMAN!" the voice yelling snapped him out of his thoughts and the beam began to shift.
And there…Robin. But it wasn't Jason, too small. But he moved to push more rubble aside. "Are you alright?" the boy asked, worry clear.
Dick moaned, and Bruce got an arm under him, pulling him free, the boy reaching to help. "Kid?" Dick mumbled.
Did Dick know the boy?
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Dick stirred to find Robin and Batman and for a second…no, Jason was gone… so who…no way… "Tim?" he asked, and the boy looked at him, moving to his side.
"Are you okay?"
"Two-Face?" he asked in alarm as he remembered what happened.
"Alfred's guarding him, I, uh…think I broke his nose?"
Dick choked on a laugh. "Can't make him look any worse," he joked, pushing himself up, Tim hovering. Bruce stood silent, but there was anger in his stance. "You hurt?"
"He was really obvious with his swings," the boy critiqued.
"Nightwing…"
"He's the reason I came to Gotham, B. No names in the field," he reminded him, that included letting Bruce know who was behind Robin's domino. "Come on, I'm betting you've at least got some bruises kid, and I need a hundred ice packs." He stumbled and then Bruce was there, supporting him.
They found Alfred standing over an unconscious Two-Face, his expression softening in relief at the sight of them. "I believe it's time to go home sir's."
Sirens were moving closer so they moved to the car.
,
Bruce stalked from the car, moving to the medical bay, half carrying Dick, the boy following them. He set Dick on the bed and then spun, ripping the domino from his face, taking in wide blue eyes and black hair. "I don't know who you are but you aren't Robin," he growled.
"I just wanted to help… neither of you came back, and Nightwing set off his beacon and it was cut off. Someone had to do something. I care about you. I care about Robin. Bruce please, listen to me."
"What did you say?" he snapped. He knew their identities…of course, he'd been with Alfred. He glanced at Alfred to see him watching, a warning in his eyes. He looked back to the boy, something about him tugging at his memory… a boy tied to a chair. "Tim Drake," he murmured.
The boy nodded.
"Bruce…he tracked me down at Haly's," Dick spoke up. "He's got incredible instincts for detective work."
"You should have seen him against Two-Face, sir. You would have been proud. His acrobatic ability is quite remarkable, I didn't see Two-Face land one sure hit on him. He's almost as good as Master Dick at his age."
Tim's eyes were wide as he looked from Dick to Alfred, seeming shocked by their praise.
"What are you trying to do?" Bruce demanded of them both. "One boy died wearing that uniform. I'm not taking that risk a third time," he snarled.
Alfred moved past him to begin tending to Dick's injuries.
"I never even thought of being Robin," the boy told him, surprising him. He'd assumed… "But someone needed to help and letting Tw-Face see me wouldn't have been smart. He said there's rumours that Robin is dead because he hasn't been seen in months. But Batman needs a Robin."
"Where is that written in stone?" he snapped. "There's no more need for there to be a Robin."
"Then there is for a Batman?" Alfred asked, stopping Bruce in his tracks.
Timothy met his eyes even though he had the cowl on still. "It's hard for me to say this," he murmured but then straightened up and that look was pure Janet Drake. There seemed to be little of Jack Drake in the boy beyond hair colour. "But since Jason…died, everyone's noticed how you've changed."
Bruce was stunned into silence by his nerve.
"You need someone to make you slow down just a bit and wonder what could happen. I mean, how many times have you been hurt these past months?"
"So, for my sake, I should put some child in danger?"
"No, that's not it," he started, and Bruce cut him off.
"This isn't a discussion."
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"Then if not for you, what about all the petty thieves you've put in the hospital?" he asked, and Bruce stared at him. "Do you know how many ambulances I've had to call in the last few months?" it seemed he had to admit to some level of following Batman around to make him see. "How many people I've had to keep breathing till help can get there? Batman doesn't kill but you've come so close, too close."
Bruce seemed shocked by his words.
"Tim, what are you saying?" Dick asked.
"I've been following you for months, someone had to make sure the people you've been beating half to death survived. You're out of control."
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The photos…Tim had taken them himself…brave kid…or crazy. How long had he followed Bruce for? His determination to protect Robin…had he maybe, known Jason or at least Robin.
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"The boy with the camera," Bruce realised, watching as Tim's face went red. He reached out, taking Tim's hands, pulling the gloves off to see the scar on one hand. "You're the boy Jason saved."
Tim nodded slowly. "He…he was my friend," the boy whispered. And then he glared. "I sent you the photos of what happened on the balcony."
Bruce didn't know what to think. How long had he followed them? He knew how Jason had died, had been his friend, and still put that suit on. "Get changed," he ordered, he needed to think. "Alfred, show him to a room for the night."
"Of course, Sir."
TBC…
So, with a better trained Tim, Two-Face did not escape. Originally planned to keep Tim's photography secret longer but it just kind of came out with Tim admitting to keeping Batman's victims alive.
His Aunt's will not be happy to find out he faced Two-Face.