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TIM
Tim was sick of sitting around doing nothing. Batman’s paranoia had seemed to increase tenfold with the appearance of the new Rogue in Crime Alley. Well, in Tim’s opinion, the Red Hood didn’t count as a Rogue, he was more of an anti-hero.
The Red Hood was an enigma that Tim couldn’t solve. He seemed to be vicious and cruel, but he protected the people of Crime Alley. He killed, but not indiscriminately. He was quick to anger, but he kept a tight lid on crime in his territory. The Red Hood seemed to have become a drug lord to keep the streets clean, and even if his methods were a bit extreme, Tim could respect his motive and actions.
Tim felt he had a fairly accurate read on the Red Hood. His motivation, his methods, his ideals. But the one thing he couldn’t understand was the name. why would anyone want to take up one of the Joker’s old aliases? Red Hood didn’t seem to be a Joker fanatic or wannabe. In fact, he seemed to hate all mentions of the clown. Then why would he assume that title?
Tim only knew one way to find out. He carefully removed the tracker in his shoe, courtesy of B, and placed it on his bed. Then he took out his camera and sneaked out of Drake Manor, making sure he wasn’t spotted by the cameras his parents had recently installed.
There was a bus scheduled to the Bowery at 10:00 pm. He could make it if he hurried to the bus station. He looked at the camera and smiled, it was time to take up his old nighttime hobby again.
--oo0O0oo--
JASON
Jason smirked menacingly as he approached the thug who had decided to break his rules. Two of his own men flanked him and the thug was quivering in fear.
“Let this be a warning,” he said, raising his guns, “you think you can ignore my rules in my territory?”
The thug didn’t respond. Jason didn’t mind, the question had been rhetorical anyway.
His men didn’t seem to get the memo, and Jason sighed internally as the one to his left, let’s call him leftie, snapped at the thug to answer the question.
The thug seemed to gain some confidence and yelled, “You’ll be gone soon anyway. No Crime Lord lasts long here.”
Jason frowned, he did not like that one bit. He unclasped his helmet pulled it over his head. His domino concealed his identity and he wanted the thug to look him in the eye and see his intentions. The thug would die knowing that the Red Hood will succeed in cleaning up the streets. He would succeed where even Batman did not. If that took some drastic measures, well, he had no problem getting his hands dirty.
He crouched to the level of the thug and got in his face. “That’s where you’re wrong.”
The thug’s eyes widened and Jason straightened. He smirked once again, and this time his victim saw it.
“Now here’s how this is going to go-“
“eep”
Jason turned around immediately, searching for the source of the noise. His eyes easily found the cause of the interruption to his right, in the form of a short, skinny kid with a camera around his neck, face full of fear.
The kid turned and bolted.
Jason cursed and looked at leftie. “Take care of this,” he said pointing at the thug, “I need to catch a little birdie.”
--oo0O0oo--
TIM
Tim couldn’t believe his eyes or ears. When Red Hood had taken off his helmet, he had had his camera ready to capture his face, but his plans had been ground to dust soon after.
Because Batman had left out an important detail when he warned Tim about the Red Hood. The anti-hero’s voice without the helmet’s modulator had sounded familiar, but it wasn’t until the smirk that Tim put it together. Embarrassingly, he made a sound when he made the connection, causing the Red Hood to turn that familiar, mischievous smirk, that now seemed threatening, to face Tim. The build was different, but the face was undoubtedly one he knew.
Tim hoped that Red Hood- Jason- had not seen his awe before he got the sense to run, that would have been even more embarrassing.
Tim didn’t know why he was running; Red Hood didn’t hurt kids. All he could do was think about what he had just learnt. Red Hood was Jason. Jason was supposed to be dead. But he wasn’t anymore. The Red Hood had been active for months but Jason hadn’t come home. Did Bruce know the Red Hood was Jason? He must right? The why didn’t he bring him back to Wayne Manor? Jason was holding a grudge against someone. Most probably him or Bruce.
Tim sighed. He had known his stint as Robin would be temporary, and if his presence was preventing Jason from reuniting with Bruce, Dick and Alfred, it was time to leave. Realizing this, he stopped running and leaned against the wall of the alley he had been sprinting through. He would miss all of them, but there was no point in staying. It was better to leave of his own volition; he couldn’t bear it if they decide to cut him off. Mind made up, he straightened up from his position on the wall and turned, only to jump.
The Red Hood was standing behind him, wearing only a domino, face unreadable.
“You ok, kid?”
Tim nodded silently, his mouth dry. He could barely contain his excitement; he was meeting his hero!
“I’m sorry you had to see that. I should have been more careful about clearing the area,” Jason continued when there was no response.
Tim fidgeted with his camera, not able to look his idol in the eye.
“Do you have some place to go?”
Tim nodded a little too forcefully.
Jason narrowed his eyes, “if you don’t, there are some good shelters here that won’t rat you out to CPS”
Tim’s eyes widened, “Thank you J- Mr. Hood, but I actually do have a house.”
Jason didn’t seem to be convinced. “And is it safe?”
Tim was confused. What did he mean by safe? And then it hit Tim. Jason thought he was an abuse victim.
“Uh yep 100% safe.” Tim cringed at his words.
Jason nodded but Tim felt the words coming up and he couldn’t stop it.
“My parents are busy all the time, so I don’t really see them much. I’m an only child so I’m bored a lot. I sometimes feel like my parents care more about their job than me, you know?”
Tim hadn’t wanted to reveal any of that. Jason didn’t seem like he knew how to respond to that so Tim hurriedly deflected.
“What about you, Mr. Hood? Do you have a family?”
Jason grew cold at the question. “No. Not anymore.”
Tim frowned. Jason’s anger might go a little deeper than he had assumed. He needed to change the plan. He couldn’t leave without bring Jason back into the fold.
--oo0O0oo--
JASON
Jason needed to leave this kid at a safe place and then go blow something up. The kid’s innocent question had him on edge and he didn’t want to scare him.
So he took a deep breath in and calmed himself before saying, “I’ll escort you to your place.”
The kid frowned slightly, clearly not wanting to that.
“Or if you don’t trust me, you can take this burner and contact me when you reach home?”
Jason held out a burner phone, one of many he kept with him at all times. The street kids didn’t fully trust him yet, and the burner phones were a good compromise so he could make sure they were safe.
When the kid didn’t take the phone, Jason added, “for my peace of mind.”
The kid took it reluctantly (or was it reverently), and gave a small smile. “Thank you.”
Jason slunk into the shadows without a reply, heading back to teach the thug a lesson, if he wasn’t dead already. The whole time, he could feel eyes on him, staying on him even when he hid in the shadows. No one was there but he couldn’t shake off the feeling.
--oo0O0oo--
TIM
Tim didn’t sleep that night. Partly because of the mortifying word vomit and partly because he had plans to formulate and a family to mend. A small part of him, a very small part, was happy for the excuse to stay longer. He squashed that part and put his full efforts into the new plan.
Jason might not be as receptive of him if he found out that he was Tim Drake. He was confident he could convince Jason to come back home, he just had to make sure not to reveal his identity. He warred with himself on whether to bring Dick in, but ultimately decided against it until he had met Jason a few more times.
His plan would have to change depending on how much Bruce knew. He couldn’t ask Bruce directly, so the only way was to hack into the Bat Computer or contact Oracle. Tim checked the time and made the first smart decision of the night by choosing to go to sleep and visit the Bat Cave the next day.
He wasn’t going to sleep because he was tired, it was because he couldn’t go to Wayne Manor due to the time, so he had nothing better to do. He could function efficiently for over three days without sleep and had done so before. And he hadn’t been hallucinating the mini clown swimming in his coffee on that one occasion, he could swear that it had really been there.
--oo0O0oo--
BRUCE
Bruce held himself stiffly, waiting for the inevitable complaints. Instead of furious yells, he was met with a sharp nod of ascent and an ‘ok, Bruce’.
Bruce hadn’t expected it to be that easy. Tim had been upset at being left behind the previous day but hadn’t made too big of a fuss. He had anticipated a bigger reaction today, but was pleased that it never came. Tim clearly understood where he was coming from and had decided to ease his worry.
It was a nice change after Dick and Ja- Jason. They had both hated being benched, even in the face of danger. He tried to push thoughts of them out of his head. Jason was dead and it was his fault. Due to his incompetence, his son was taken from him. Bruce might as well as be dead to Dick with how rarely they talked, almost always devolving into arguments.
He had lost both of his sons to his stupidity and he was not going to make that mistake again. He would protect Tim at all costs. Not that Tim was his son, the boy had parents.
But he had a sense of responsibility towards his Robin and he would be damned if he let anything happen to his partner again. Until this Joker knockoff was caught, Robin would not appear on the field.
Alfred stood at the entrance of the cave and smiled sadly, “Maybe you should try using your words Master Bruce and tell him how you feel.”
Bruce shook his head, he couldn’t make Tim choose between his parents and Bruce.
Nevertheless, Bruce hoped that Tim was able to see the love he held for him. The love that Dick and Jason held, still hold, but never saw. The love that Bruce could not articulate.
--oo0O0oo--
TIM
Bruce wanted him to stay off patrol again and this time Tim agreed readily. He needed to see everything that Bruce knew about Jason.
Tim knew that Bruce just wanted to protect him, but he could take care of himself. He had been doing it since he was seven. If not for his mission, he would have insisted on going for patrol. Of course, once he found what he was looking for, nothing and no one could stop him from donning Robin.
Careful to hide what he was searching for from Oracle’s all-seeing eyes, Tim set up a keyword find, looking for all mentions of Jason or Red Hood. He scrolled through the mission reports written by Jason, crimes committed by the original Red Hood, and other unrelated topics until he found it.
Bingo
Tim scanned through the document looking for any hint that Bruce knew Red Hood’s identity and came up blank. Bruce didn’t have a clue and Tim needed to play this very carefully. The first step would be to get Jason to trust him. Tim grinned and headed for the exit, unaware of the audience he was leaving behind. He had a trip scheduled to Crime Alley, after all.
--oo0O0oo--
STEPH
Steph silently followed the shadow in front of her. She stopped abruptly when Robin paused, clearly lost. She sighed quietly and sent Agent A a quick message.
When Agent A had called her, asking her to check in on Robin, she had been reluctant. In her opinion, anyone would sneak out if grounded from patrol. But Agent A had insisted, worried about Robin’s safety, claiming he was acting differently. So, Steph had agreed and pulled up Robin’s location only to find his suit tracker signal leading to the Bat Cave, meaning he went out as a civilian. Highly suspicious and finally concerned, she had asked Oracle for Robin’s location. O, with her awesome skills had been able to locate his rough area.
What was Robin doing in Crime Alley?
Finally understanding Agent A’s apprehension, Steph had hurried to get to Crime Alley and find Robin. After he was safe in the Bat Cave, she was going to kill him. Sneaking out was fine, but to go to a place called Crime Alley without backup was insane. Especially with the rumours of a new Rogue in those parts. Steph patrolled in Park Row quite often, but she grew up close by and knew the streets, unlike Robin.
Robin finally seemed to have made a decision and Steph continued following him. Steph frowned as Robin took a right at the fork, knowing that it led to a dead end. What was he playing at?
Robin faced the wall in front of him and quickly turned, not allowing her to disappear from view.
“What are you doing here, Spoiler? Why are you following me?” Robin asked, frowning.
“What am I doing here? I could ask you the same thing!”
Robin sighed, “Who sent you? It was Batman wasn’t it?”
Steph smirked, “Agent A actually.”
Robin shook his head in disbelief, “Why? I’m fine.”
Steph finally lost her smirk and let her anger and worry show. “Because you’re currently in Crime Alley, in civvies, without backup.”
“Oh.”
Steph sighed and said, “Look, we’re just worried about you. Just tell me why you’re here. We can finish it up, together and then go get some grub.”
“Uh…”
Steph raised an eyebrow, waiting.
“Ok fine, but you can’t tell anybody, not even Batman.”
Steph’s left eyebrow lifted to match her right. Things just got interesting.
--oo0O0oo--
JASON
Jason was on patrol when he caught sight of a flash of purple. He slowed down and saw a costumed girl talking to a kid. Wait, that was the same kid from yesterday. He had worried when the kid didn’t message him. Who was the girl in purple, a new villain?
He dropped down behind them quietly, surprised when they both turned to look at him immediately.
The kid seemed to relax on seeing him but the new mask got into a fighting stance.
“Spoiler, wait! It’s just the Red Hood. He’s a good guy,” the kid said. Jason was starting to think he didn’t have any self-preservation instincts.
“Can’t say anyone has described me as ‘a good guy’ but I mean you no harm,” Jason smirked. Realizing they couldn’t see the grin, he removed his helmet and the girl loosened her stance.
The mask, spoiler, looked him up and down before asking, “You a Joker fan-boy?”
Jason pushed the green down and took a deep breath in before replying, “Are you a Batman lackey?”
Spoiler snorted, “As if. He wishes.”
Jason calmed down considerable at that. He had assumed that Batman put another kid on the field. But if that wasn’t the case, who was she and what did she want? Did she have anyone or anything to keep her safe? She was just a kid, and the field was very dangerous. Jason pushed all the questions back. It wasn’t any of his business, except for one.
“So you’re just an independent vigilante? Or are you aspiring for Rogue status?”
Spoiler straightened up. “From what I hear, that’s more your thing.”
“Oh, and what did you hear? That I clean up the streets permanently and make sure it stays that way?”
Jason smiled mockingly. Spoiler was glaring at him now. He liked her spirit. He wondered if she would like to patrol with him sometimes, he could use a little backup occasionally. It depended on how old she was. He opened his mouth to ask just that when the kid interrupted.
“O-kay Spoiler. Thanks for checking on me, bye!”
The kid was clearly trying to get rid of Jason’s new prospective partner and Spoiler was suitably unimpressed.
“I’m not leaving until you agree to go home,” Spoiler said firmly.
When the kid gave no response, Jason spoke up.
“Gotham is dangerous at this time of the night kid, maybe you should head home.”
Spoiler smirked at that, “Yeah kid, better head home.”
The kid made a noise of protest. “You’re only two months older than me!”
And wasn’t that interesting. The kid seemed to know Spoiler’s identity.
The guilty look he shot Spoiler confirmed it for Jason. They were friends and the kid knew who Spoiler was under the mask.
Spoiler seemed unbothered by the slip up, enjoying the kid’s indignation.
Jason had a feeling he would be seeing a lot more of the kid from now on. For some reason, he didn’t mind. In that case, he should probably learn the kid’s name.
--oo0O0oo--
TIM
Tim was feeling smug, even if he wasn’t showing it. The meeting with Jason was going exactly as predicted and Spoiler was playing her part perfectly. He could see Jason’s interest spike when he let his familiarity with Spoiler show. Now, he just need to cultivate that interest as Tim and Robin. As the only new factor in the Manor since Jason’s death was Tim, it was obviously him that Jason had a problem with. If he could manufacture a friendship with Jason, the problem would go away and Jason would come back!
It was a great plan and it was going to work. He hoped.
Jason interrupted his musings by clearing his throat and asking, “What’s your name kid?”
Tim blanked. “Uh. Alan. Yeah, Alan.”
Jason narrowed his eyes. “Alan, sure.”
Tim stayed silent. No kid in Gotham would give their real name on the streets, so his answer shouldn’t be too suspicious. He hadn’t said Tim because he didn’t want Jason figuring out who he was just yet.
Tim started panicking when Jason did not reply. Maybe he should have answered differently. He failed. Jason hated him and-
“You worried me baby bird. You didn’t reply after returning home.”
Tim paled, he had completely forgotten about the burner phone!
He immediately rooted through his bag and found the phone at the bottom.
Jason just let out a chuckle, “It’s alright. I just wasn’t sure you were safe. How about we have a similar deal today? Spoiler and I leave you alone, but this time you remember to check in after reaching home?”
Tim considered this. There wasn’t much more he could talk to Jason about at this stage, so he agreed.
Jason grinned and said, “Don’t forget to shoot me a message, baby bird.”
Tim stopped his retreat and squawked, “I’m not a baby!”
“Could’ve fooled me,” Jason teased.
Tim stomped his foot and stormed away. He was average height for his age!
--oo0O0oo--
JASON
Jason had been right. He did see the baby bird frequently after that. He just popped up in Crime Alley at random times, mostly with a camera strapped around his neck. Jason had sent an alert amongst his goons to notify him if baby bird was seen in the area. He dropped whatever he was doing every time to go play bodyguard. He didn’t even mind, baby bird was good company. They shared a lot of similar interests and baby bird always listened avidly when Jason spoke about literature.
Baby bird had gotten bolder with each interaction, turning the tables and teasing Jason at times. And the kid somehow always seemed to know when Jason was on edge and the green was taking over. If not for his quick retreat at those times, Jason would think he had no safety instincts.
He had even postponed his plans for Batman and replacement due to baby bird’s visits. Revenge could wait.
--oo0O0oo--
TIM
Every time Tim visited Jason, he came back filled with dread. Tim always had a blast, but he didn’t want it to end. At some point, he would have to admit that he had lied to Jason. Then, when Jason was integrated into the family again, he would have to leave. His departure seemed to loom closer with each genuine smile Jason gave him. He knew it was selfish of him, but he couldn’t stop that line of thought. He couldn’t help but fantasize about staying, even if he was unnecessary.
Even while he was having fun with Jason, he couldn’t forget the fact that Jason would soon hate him. He was Robin after all. The one who took up the mantle when Jason died. He didn’t know how Jason would react, outside the sure negative outburst. Tim feared the green would take over.
Tim didn’t know how Jason came back but he was doing his best to find out. He didn’t especially care but Bruce definitely would. So he took careful notes of Jason’s mannerisms and emotions, trying to get a read on it. He had narrowed it down to the Lazarus pit, the flashing green eyes were a dead giveaway. But he still had no idea if it was Ra’s or Talia who had put him in the pit. Whoever it was, had fed him false info, leading to his anger at Bruce and Tim.
Having found out the reason for his hatred, Tim could have told the truth to Jason. But he decided against it, justifying himself weakly. What if the manipulation went deeper than he thought? Depending on if it was Ra’s or Talia, the extent of their influence would vary.
He had gather more information and gain Red Hood’s trust. And if he enjoyed along the way, it was no one’s business but his own.
--oo0O0oo--
“What are you doing here, baby bird?”
“Aww, didn’t you miss me, Hood?”
“Some big power plays are going down this weekend, I thought I told you to stay away.”
“But I have a project!”
“A school project?”
“…no”
“Then scram.”
“No, don’t give me that pout. Fine, you can come back in three days. But no sooner! Don’t smirk, you haven’t won anything.”
---
“Robin to Bat Cave. Something big is going to go down in Crime Alley, everyone is shifty and all the big players are preparing for something.”
“Noted, good work Robin.”
--oo0O0oo--
“Hey, what are you doing?”
“HOW DID YOu get into my safe house?”
“Chill, you left the window open.”
“You climbed in through the wiNDOW?”
“Jeez, stop screeching, it’s only the second floor.”
“You’re gonna give me a heart attack one of these days, baby bird.”
--oo0O0oo--
“What’s with the groans of pain baby bird?”
“It’s groans of boredom. I’m so bored, ugh.”
“hmm. Wanna play a game?”
“YES!”
--oo0O0oo--
“What do you want to eat?”
“I’m not really hungry.”
“I definitely don’t believe that. You’ve been here for a few hours and haven’t eaten anything. You’re a growing boy, you need the fuel.”
“I’m fine, I don’t want to trouble you.”
“What do you call breaking into my house? Not trouble?”
“uh…”
“I’m cooking for you baby bird, that’s final. You need some fattening up.”
“It’s really not-“
“Shush. It’s happening.”
--oo0O0oo--
“Hood? I need some help.”
“Are you alright? Did anything happen? Maybe-“
“Oh my god, I’m completely fine, stop getting so worked up.”
“Can’t help it baby bird.”
“We got assigned an essay in English and I need some help.”
“Oooh what topic?”
“Pride and Prejudice. The subtle metaphors fly over my head.”
“That’s my favourite book! This is going to be fun.”
“God, you’re such a nerd.”
“If you’re trying to insult me, you shouldn’t sound so fond, baby bird.”
--oo0O0oo--
“Movie night!”
“What is Spoiler doing here?”
“I brought her, is that fine?”
“You basically live here, at this point, what’s one more.”
“You sound like a tired dad with twenty kids.”
“You are equal to at least fifteen of those.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“Of course you do.”
“Come, Spoiler will glitter bomb us if we miss the opening sequence.”
“Glitter bo-?“
“Too late!”
--oo0O0oo--
“Who did this?”
“Ok your quiet angry voice is actually much scarier than the shouting.”
“Baby bird, who hurt you?”
“It’s nothing, don’t worry about it. Just a little accident.”
“Accidents don’t result in hand-shaped bruises.”
“I’m fine, totally.”
“Accidents don’t give black eyes.”
“Hood, I’m fine, I swear.”
“You will tell me who did this, right now and I will give them what they deserve.”
“I’m f-“
“If you say fine, I. will. snap.”
“Was it your parents?”
“What? No. They’re not home for long enough to do this anyway.”
“What does that mean?”
--oo0O0oo--
“Hey, Hood.”
“What’s up baby bird?”
“I haven’t told you this, but I’m pretty good at hacking.”
“I’ve noticed.”
“What? How?”
“You hacked into my security system to enter my safe house the first few times.”
“Oh. I forgot about that.”
“You also added yourself to the system after that.”
“I’m pretty proud of that actually. It was a little complex.”
“I’m proud of you too, kid.”
“Aww, are you blushing?”
“Shut up. Look this is important. You know the warehouse you shut down last week for selling to kids?”
“Yeah?”
“It’s still going on. Operations didn’t stop, someone else is controlling it now.”
“You sure, baby bird?”
“I hacked into the cameras there. See the footage.”
“Thanks for bringing this to my attention, baby bird. I advise you to go home now.”
--oo0O0oo--
“What’s up, Hood?”
“Kid! You’ve got to stop sneaking up on me. What if I shoot you by mistake?”
“Aren’t you supposed to be on alert always? I’m just training you.”
“If you say so, baby bird.”
“I do say so. Anyway, I was wondering, Hood, if-“
“Jason.”
“What?”
“My name is Jason. I trust you.”
And it all came crashing down.
--oo0O0oo--
TIM
Tim had no excuse to keep the truth from Jason any longer. He doubted Jason would hurt him. He trusted Jason and he was pretty sure the sentiment was returned. Jason had given Tim his name, his identity. Tim couldn’t lie any longer.
He had thought about it for a long while and had even slept on it. He was going to reveal his identity to Jason. He headed for Crime Alley, careful to hide from Bruce. He had made it up to the Bowery when his phone rang loudly. He startled and rushed to decline it, until he saw the caller ID.
He answered and held the phone up to his ear. Steph cut right to the chase, without any pleasantries.
“Are you going to tell him?”
Of course she had found out. Tim sighed, “Yeah. This has gone too far.”
There was no argument. Steph understood why he needed to do this. “When?”
“Right now.”
“No!” Tim stopped in surprise. She hadn’t seemed against the idea until now.
She continued, “Wait. Let me get there.”
Tim frowned, “I’ll be fine.”
Steph hesitantly asked, “What if he attacks you?”
“Hood wouldn’t hurt me,” Tim said not very convincingly.
Steph didn’t let it go, “This isn’t the second Robin. Face it, he came back a little wrong.”
Tim revolted at the idea. “Ja- Hood is still Robin underneath it all. You’re saying you didn’t see it all these days? When he cooked for us, binged stupid tv shows together?” How could Steph say that?
Steph sighed, “Look I care for him too, but don’t go there without backup.” Her voice was stern, but Tim could hear the note of defeat in her voice. She wanted to tell Jason the truth too.
She wanted him to wait for backup? “Too late.” He was here.
“No! Robin, wait- “
He cut the call.
He shouldn’t have pulled Steph into this. If she figured out their identities after this, Bruce would kill him. Well, that was if Jason didn’t kill him first.
Jason wouldn’t hurt him, would he?
--oo0O0oo--
JASON
Jason got a familiar notification. Baby bird was visiting again. Jason rushed to hide the papers. Baby bird wasn’t ready for it yet. He had to broach the idea slowly and see his reaction. Jason didn’t think he would be against it, but one could never be too sure. He would talk to baby bird about it next week. Today, he wanted to try being more open with his feelings. He didn’t want to end up closed off and emotionally stunted like Bruce.
He knew his occupation was no better than Bruce’s, but he couldn’t help it. The adoption craving seemed to run in the family. He would be a better father than Batman, though. He would be there for baby bird whenever he needed. He would also never put him in the field. At most, Jason would trust him with comms. Jason knew he was a little young for kids, but baby bird was suffering on his own, and Jason would not allow it to continue.
Jason’s warped plan of vengeance had long since been dismissed. He ignored the green, urging him to seek out Robin. He needed to protect baby bird and keep him safe first. He didn’t care about revenge anymore, he acknowledged his own part in his death. Batman was at fault too, but Jason no longer felt the pressing need to hunt him down and make him pay.
Jason was ready to face his emotions and talk freely about them for the first time since his undeath. He owed all his healing to his baby bird.
--oo0O0oo--
TIM
Tim had come to Jason’s house with a purpose. But on seeing Jason, all his determination had disappeared. He didn’t want to lose this. So he put it off, promising himself he would reveal the truth before leaving. They watched a movie, and Tim paid no attention to the screen. All his focus was on memorizing this feeling of spending time with Jason.
Tim didn’t notice the credits rolling until Jason switched off the TV and turned to him. Tim stiffened slightly at the serious expression on Jason’s face. He gasped when Jason peeled off his domino, revealing his face.
Jason just smiled and said, “Jason Todd, at your service.”
Tim just gaped, too stunned by the turn of events. In hindsight, he should have expected this after Jason had given him his name.
Probably knowing he wasn’t going to get an answer, Jason continued, “A while back, you asked me about my family. At that time, I was alone. But now, I like to think my family has grown to include you. I love you, baby bird. Sentiments like this don’t come easy to me, but for you, I’ll try.”
Tim had never felt so seen. His parents disliked him and Bruce saw him as a placeholder or replacement. He had never been so readily accepted by anyone. He had become attached to Jason too. He was so happ-
Tim felt guilt overwhelm him. He loved Jason, but he had been lying to him.
It was now or never.
“Um. I’ve not been completely truthful actually. Alan is not my real name.”
It was out now.
“I figured. You don’t need to tell me.”
Oh, but Jason didn’t understand. Tim had to tell him. Deceiving Jason and manipulating him into caring about Tim was wrong and Tim had to right it. He took a deep breath and savoured the last moments before Jason started despising him.
“It’s Tim. My name is Tim.”
--oo0O0oo--
JASON
Jason stilled. Tim? What were the chances that the new robin had the same name as baby bird?
Baby bird would have told him if he was robin. Right?
Unless he was sent by Batman. Jason could feel the green clouding his vision. He held his breath until the green cleared and then opened his eyes.
He was just paranoid. Tim was a very common name.
Baby bird seemed to be gathering his courage to say something else.
“A- and I’m robin.”
Jason felt like the ground had opened up beneath him. He was in freefall, only partially listening to baby bird- Tim- Robin.
Tim was Robin. He had lied to Jason. The green reared its ugly head.
He’s just a kid. You were planning to torture and murder a child.
He wasn’t going to murder the replacement, just slightly maim. The green was all he could see.
He’s family. You said so yourself.
That was before the green knew he was the replacement.
What about the adoption papers?
That didn’t matt-
He was Tim. Jason’s friend. His baby brother.
The green vanished.
He got up and reached for Tim, face expressionless. Tim’s eyes widened and flicked to something behind him. Jason turned but it was too late. Spoiler hit him with a pan, eyes just as wide.
“Why did you hit him?” Baby bird was yelling.
“I-I thought he was going to hurt you.”
That was all Jason heard before losing consciousness.
--oo0O0oo--
TIM
That had gone worse than Tim had imagined. Jason hadn’t said anything about his reveal, looking not angry but sad. Tim had expected the green to take over, but other than Jason’s eyes flashing green for a few seconds, there was no outward reaction. To make matters worse, when Jason had finally seemed to come to a decision, Steph had tried her best to give him a concussion. Now, he had an unconscious Jason and a guilty Steph.
He didn’t know what to do. He watched as Steph hauled Jason onto the couch. Tim had only one person he could call. He took out his phone and scrolled until he found the contact
Tim: I need your help, it’s urgent.
Big Bird: ETA 20 mins
Tim sighed in relief. Help was on the way. Everything would be fine.
Tim reconsidered when Jason stirred.
Steph jumped back and whisper-yelled, “He’s awake.”
Tim felt the dread rush back in.
--oo0O0oo--
JASON
Jason groaned as he woke up, a headache pounding at his temple. He opened his eyes to see baby bird and Spoiler standing in front of him, both looking tense.
“Wha- what happened,” he managed to stammer out.
Tim’s (Tim? Where did he get that from?) eyes widened, “He doesn’t remember. I can’t tell him again… I
can’t!”
Spoiler tensed even further when baby bird (Tim?) slid to the floor, seeming to have a panic attack.
Jason rushed to sit next to Tim, ignoring when Spoiler got into a fighting stance.
“Whoa, what happened, calm down baby bird, breathe with me.”
Tim was following him, good.
“1, 2, 3, in. 1, 2, 3, out.”
And the memories came rushing back. Baby bird was Tim, and Tim was Robin. He pushed away all worries of their friendship being a mission to Robin and focused on calming him.
Once Robin- Tim had settled, Jason stood up and looked at the pair. “I want an explanation.”
Tim took a deep breath in and said, “I’m sorry, it’s all my fault. I pulled Spoiler into this.”
Jason raised an eyebrow, what did that mean? Was it confirmation that he was nothing but a mission to Tim? Tim surely knew who he really was by now. Had he told Bruce?
“My real name is-“
Jason interrupted, “Tim, yeah I know.”
“You remember?”
Jason nodded, “But I want to know about Robin. You probably know who I am then.”
Tim hesitated before nodding, “I became Robin after you. You were my role model and idol growing up.”
“So you decided to just become me after I died?” Jason hadn’t meant to snap.
Tim flinched before answering, “Your death was hard on me, but it destroyed Bruce.”
Jason snorted without meaning to, “Seems pretty fine to me right now.”
Tim straightened up, “You didn’t see him then! He was putting common muggers in the ICU. It felt like he was trying to follow you.”
Jason sneered, stance purposely loose. “Then why is he still alive? Why wasn’t I avenged?”
Spoiler finally spoke up, “Batman can’t kill.”
Jason nodded, “That’s exactly my problem.”
Spoiler shook her head, “No, Batman can’t kill. If he crosses that line, there’s no turning back. He is accepted as a vigilante and hero. But if he kills, Gotham will change.”
Jason had never thought about that. Batman differentiated himself from his Rogues using his morals. If he disregarded them, the concept of Batman would be destroyed. Bruce would think himself no better than Joker.
Jason pushed the thoughts away. “What about Robin? He had no issue replacing me just six months after I died.”
Tim flushed, “Batman didn’t want to, I forced him.”
Jason stared. “You… You forced Batman.”
Tim nodded.
Jason let out a bitter laugh. “No one could force him to do anything he doesn’t want, Tim.”
Tim cringed at the change in address before replying, “My memories say differently. Batman was getting more violent and the people were getting scared of him. So I asked Dick to help Bruce heal, but he refused, even with the blackmail. So I went directly to Bruce and-“
Jason raised his hand in stop motion and halted Tim’s rambling. “Hold up. I have so many questions. Why was Goldie on the outs with Bruce? How did you know their identities? You had blackmail over Batman and Nightwing?”
Jason’s voice had slowly risen with his questions, reaching a shout by the end.
Tim blinked. “uh, Dick was angry with Bruce because he didn’t tell him about your death until later.”
What. Talia had told him that Dick didn’t care enough to be at his funeral and had immediately become attached to his new brother.
Tim continued, unaware of Jason’s growing anger. “I found out your identities when I was nine. It wasn’t that hard actually. And their identities was the blackmail, of course.”
What. “Nine?”
Spoiler let out a little laugh, “Tim likes to undersell himself, but he’s a little genius.”
Jason could only stare in awe.
Tim cleared his throat and sent a glare Spoiler’s way.
“Since Dick didn’t agree, I took it on myself to keep Batman in check. I just knocked on the Manor door and Alfred welcomed me with open arms when I explained why I was there. He was worried about Bruce too, you see.”
No, Jason did not see.
“Batman didn’t accept me until a few months in. I just showed up at crime scenes until he was forced to train me for my own safety. And that’s how I became Robin.”
Jason felt his headache rise up a notch. How much danger did baby bird put himself in? Jason had been right about the lack of self-preservation.
Tim finally seemed to notice his growing anger. Tim’s next words caused Jason’s anger to finally overflow.
Tim, in an attempt to pacify him said, “Of course, I’ll give Robin back to you. I was just a placeholder until someone better came. And it’s even better if that’s you.”
Jason calmly walked to the small coffee table and threw it. Tim jumped back while Spoiler just looked resigned.
“So, what? Robin meant nothing to you? You’re fine with giving it away?”
Tim looked confused at the question. “No, Robin is everything to me. It gave me a purpose. But Robin belongs to you. I was just an inferior replacement.”
How many times had Jason himself thought that? Jason felt guilt and anger warring within him.
He shelved the topic of Robin for now and asked the most important question. “Was I only a mission to you?”
Tim’s eyes widened and he shook his head vigorously, “No! I didn’t tell anyone who you are.”
Jason felt lighter all of a sudden. “So, Bruce doesn’t know?” Jason had to confirm.
Tim seemed to sense his shift in mood because he replied, “No. So does that mean you’ll come back?”
“Come back?”
“Home. Everyone misses you. You can take Robin and everything will be like it was.”
Tim wanted it to go back to how it was earlier?
Jason internally counted to ten before saying, “If everything went back, then you wouldn’t be there. Don’t think the family would like that too much.” Why do you want to leave me, Jason didn’t ask.
“Oh they wouldn’t care. I’m not an actual part of the family. Bruce sees you when he talks to me. Alfred and Dick miss you more than they care for me.”
Jason regretted destroying the coffee table. This was worse than before. Jason had known that Tim’s parents were neglectful at best but he had expected better from the Bats. He had thought that Bruce would focus his adoption tendency on Tim. Instead, it seemed that Bruce was the neglectful parent. What was Bruce doing to Tim? Better question, how could the octopus-hugger ever give Tim a reason to think he didn’t care about him? He was going to steal Tim from them, serves them right for all the trauma they gifted baby bird.
--oo0O0oo--
DICK
All Dick felt when Tim asked for help was terror. Tim only ever did it as last resort. If he was asking for help, the situation was serious. He dropped everything immediately and rushed to the car. He was going to get there as soon as possible. Forget the usual forty-minute drive, he was getting there in twenty minutes. He followed the tracker that Batman had insisted they all be injected with and saw that Tim was in Crime Alley. His worry sky-rocketed. Rationally, he knew that Tim was safe enough to text, but that didn’t pacify him. He pulled up the others’ trackers and frowned when he saw Batman and Alfred in the cave. Oracle was at the clock tower as usual and he gave her a call.
“N,” Babs greeted, “Visiting Gotham?”
“Hey O, I need a favour.”
“Of course, what can I do for you?”
“I need Robin’s mission objective and status.”
“N, Robin hasn’t been assigned any mission recently. Batman is keeping him off the field because of the new Rogue.”
Dick stilled, either Robin had sneaked out or he was in trouble as a civilian. Neither option was comforting.
“New Rogue, you mean the Joker copycat?”
“Yes, he made some threats against Robin, so Batman felt it safest to bench him.”
“Could you give me Robin’s exact position?”
“Robin’s suit trackers show it is in the cave, but he seems to be in… Crime Alley.”
“That’s what I feared.”
“Sending coordinates now.”
Tim had probably gone to Crime Alley to find out more about the Red Hood and gotten into trouble.
“N, you there?”
Dick focused back on the conversation. “Yes, thank you O.”
Oracle hesitated before saying, “Be careful N. If I don’t receive word from you in thirty minutes, I’ll send back-up.”
Oracle hung up before Dick could reply. He sometimes forgot the she had lost Jason too. Barbara had lost everything to the joker and she couldn’t afford to lose Tim or Dick.
Dick headed to the coordinates Barbara had sent. He was not losing another brother to the Joker, even if it wasn’t the original.
--oo0O0oo--
TIM
Tim didn’t understand. Jason was angry, but not at him?
He was even more confused when Jason came forward and hugged him.
He accepted the long hug nevertheless and waited. When Jason backed away, Tim felt a sense of loss. Was the hug a goodbye?
“Ok baby bird, this is what is going to happen, you’re coming with me. The bats don’t deserve you. We’re going to my safe-house. You can send your precious Batman a message from there, but you’re not going back to them.”
Tim was speechless. Jason wanted to keep him. He still cared for him.
Not getting a reply, Jason added as an afterthought, “Spoiler can come too.”
Steph pumped her fist while Tim tried to figure out what Jason was suggesting.
“Batman will-“
Jason interrupted him, “I don’t care about the Bat. He won’t find you.”
“That’s where you’re wrong,” a new voice spoke up.
Everyone twisted around quickly to see Nightwing standing with his batons pointing at Jason.
Tim moved forward to step in between his brothers when Nightwing’s lens widened.
Nightwing ripped off his domino and reached for the mask-less Red Hood.
“J-Jay?”
Jason seemed resigned to having his identity revealed.
“The one and only.”
“But… you’re d-dead,” Dick must be really shaken up if he was stammering.
“I got better,” Jason replied in a deadpan tone.
“How?”
“Got thrown into a green acid pit by B’s ex, and voila, here I am.”
Dick looked as if he didn’t know whether Jason was real or a trick.
Tim hurried to explain, “It really is Jason. He was thrown into the lazarus pit, by Talia apparently. I tested his DNA and everything. It’s a perfect match.”
Getting his confirmation, Dick goes to hug Jason, barely keeping in the sobs.
Jason on the other hand indignantly squawked, “You knew about the pit? When did you even get samples for the DNA test? Dickhead, let go of me, we get it you’re happy.”
But Dick refused to let go, and no matter his words, it was obvious just how tightly Jason was hugging his brother back. Spoiler stood next to Tim, ‘aww’-ing at the display. Tim’s smile was bittersweet. Now that Dick was here, Jason didn’t need Tim anymore.
He didn’t want to deal with the goodbyes. When he found an opportune moment, he would leave.
--oo0O0oo--
BRUCE
Bruce was working on case report when the alarms blared. He straightened up immediately and connected his comm to Oracle.
“Oracle, report.”
“Batman; Nightwing, Robin and Spoiler might be in trouble.”
Bruce grunted for her to continue while getting into the batmobile.
“Tim-“
“No names on the field.”
Oracle took it in stride and resumed, “Robin sent a message to Nightwing, requesting assistance.”
Batman raised his eyebrows. Robin asking for help? It was more serious than he thought. Robin hadn’t asked for backup even he was facing Two-face and the Riddler at the same time.
“Nightwing informed me, at which point I tracked Tim to Crime Alley.”
Batman didn’t remind her to call him Robin. Tim was in Crime Alley, in civvies, by the sound of it. Batman wasn’t called the ‘Greatest Detective’ of the generation for nothing. This reeked of the Red Hood’s involvement. Crime Alley was his territory.
“It seems Spoiler was with Tim when Nightwing reached.”
What was Spoiler doing there? Batman knew that she occasionally patrolled Crime Alley, but with the appearance of Red Hood, he had forbidden it.
“Before Nightwing entered the house, he confirmed the presence of Red Hood.”
Batman felt dread curl up his spine, “And then?”
“Then nothing. The security system was no joke, it fried the comm when N went in. I called you as soon as I lost contact.”
“ETA 2 minutes.”
Batman would not be late this time around.
--oo0O0oo--
JASON
Dick still hadn’t let him go, but Jason was fine with that. He had missed his brother. As part of his quest to be more open than Bruce, maybe he should let said brother know.
Mind made up, Jason said, “I missed you Dickwing.”
Dick gasped and hugged him tighter, “I missed you too Jay.”
Jason grumbled, “Yeah, yeah, moment’s over, you can let go now.”
Dick finally released him and sat back, looking slightly sad. Now that wouldn’t do. Jason got up, went to Tim and picked him up. Ignoring his protests, Jason deposited baby bird in big bird’s lap.
Pointing at Tim, he said, “hug.”
Dick seemed a little confused but happy enough to follow the order. Tim looked ready to melt into Dick’s arms. Jason nodded in satisfaction, his work here was done.
He turned to Spoiler, “If you want a hug, y-“
“No, thank you,” she chirped, “I have no intention of getting trapped in the void of hugs.”
Jason laughed before turning serious. “Does this mean you work for Batman after all?”
Spoiler looked just as serious when she responded, “I don’t work for him. But I do work with the Bats occasionally.”
Jason nodded and turned to his brothers. “Ok time’s up. Baby bird, I’ll see you the next time you decide to break in. Dick, you can drop in if you want.”
Jason’s voice had become hesitant at the end. He wasn’t sure if Dick would want to meet up again after he realized he was Red Hood.
Tim made a thumbs up motion before heading for the window, with Spoiler in tow.
“Wait, You’re not coming home?” Jason raised an eyebrow at Dick’s question.
“Don’t think Daddy Bats would be too happy about all the murdering.”
Dick shook his head in disbelief, “B would do anything to get you back. He would accept you with open arms even if you committed mass genocide.”
Jason scoffed, “Yeah right, that’s why the Joker is still alive.”
Dick paled slightly. The green flickered into existence and Jason continued, “That’s why I went unavenged.”
Dick moved to put an arm on Jason’s shoulder, but Jason moved back.
“That’s why you let Bruce lock him up in Arkham like usual.”
Dick collapsed unto the sofa and Jason regretted how far he took it. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Tim and Spoiler standing awkwardly near the window.
Dick seemed to be gathering his words. Jason felt guilty at the broken expression his brother was wearing. Jason offered him an out, “I’m sorry, Spoiler explained it already, you don’t have to-“
Dick interrupted him, “No, you deserve to hear it from me.”
Jason settled in next to Dick and waited.
“When the Joker killed you, I was shattered. We have one rule, one line we won’t cross and B would have crossed the line if not for Superman.”
“What?” Jason hadn’t heard about this.
“Uncle Clark had to pull B off Joker, before he killed him. If not for Uncle Clark, B would have succeeded in murdering the Joker. Batman cannot kill, but Bruce came close. Blurring the lines of Bruce and Batman wouldn’t have ended well.”
Jason felt faint. Bruce had almost killed the Joker for him? All that he thought he knew was wrong.
Dick seemed to understand Jason’s shock, so he paused.
Jason wanted to get it over with though, so he motioned for his brother to continue.
“I’ve never admitted this to anyone, but I… I almost broke the rule.”
Tim gasped. Jason agreed with the sentiment. The Golden Boy breaking the most important rule?
“It was after Tim got captured by the Joker. Tim was in bad condition, I thought he wouldn’t make it.”
Jason stopped the story, “Tim was taken by the joker?” He could feel the green choking him, demanding he avenge himself, his brother.
The green wisps disappeared when Tim placed a hand on his shoulder, grounding him.
He smiled shakily at Tim and nodded at Dick to go ahead.
“I beat the Joker to death,” Dick says plainly, no emotion in his voice.
Tim takes Dick’s palm with his free hand in support.
“Batman revived him, knowing I would regret it. But… the thing is, I never regretted it. I would do it again and again for my family.”
Jason was speechless. He couldn’t imagine the weight of the secret Dick carried. Jason admitted freely to killing but Dick was firmly against it. Unless family was involved apparently. The guilt Dick must be feeling because of him was enormous and Jason had the gall to ask him why the Joker wasn’t dead.
The Joker was dead a thousand times over in Dickie’s mind, killed brutally in a thousand different ways, for daring to put his hands on his baby brother. And Jason, had dismissed his trauma, putting his own at the forefront.
While Jason had lost his father and brother, he had forgotten that Bruce and Dick had lost him too.
Jason scooted closer to Dick and leaned on him, silently showing his regret. Dick, predictably, pulled him into another hug, freely giving his forgiveness.
Jason had decided he would never go back to Wayne Manor. But now, he thought, he could maybe go back one day.
--oo0O0oo--
TIM
Tim had never felt so angry before. Not at anyone in particular, just at life dealing him a bad hand as usual. He had succeeded in bringing Jason back to the family, and he felt a flicker of satisfaction at a fruitful mission. But when he formulated the plan, he hadn’t accounted for his unwillingness to leave. He had, of course, foreseen a reluctance to remove himself from the people who had showed him love for the first time. But an aversion to the degree of red hot anger was unexpected. Why did he always draw the short stick?
When he had finally found his people, they no longer needed him. He was useless, vestigial. He could hear his mother, sneering at his worthlessness. How could a son of hers let emotions rule him? How could a son of hers leave his fate in others’ hands? It was laughable really, the son of the feared dragon who ruled with an iron fist was as meek as a mouse.
Tim pushed away thoughts of his mother and focused on the situation. Jason had Dick now, so Bruce would know about it soon. His work here was done, he could leave. Not could, should. Before Bruce decided he didn’t want Tim anymore, didn’t need him, Tim had to leave.
This was the perfect time to put his exit plan in motion. He had his goodbye message ready to send once he left city limits. He had arranged for an actor to pose as an uncle who won custody from his neglectful parents. He was all set in the monetary department and had full access to his parents’ bank accounts. Bruce, Dick, Steph and Jason might miss him for a while, but once that disappeared, it would be like he had never been there before.
Tim looked at Dick and Jason hugging on the couch for a second, before climbing out the window quietly. He would miss them too, but it was better this way.
--oo0O0oo--
JASON
Jason stiffened as someone else entered through the window. Jason waited for the green to consume him as it always did when he caught sight of the familiar bat symbol in yellow. The green came but vanished just as quickly when Dick squeezed his hand.
Dick stood up and went to Bruce. Bruce, who looked like he’d been hit by a bus, figuratively. In an action reminiscent to Nightwing’s, Batman pulled off his cowl, eyes wide. His gaze was searching, looking for something he thought he had lost.
”What big eyes you have.” “All the better to see you with, my dear.” Jason let out a chuckle at the sudden thought, and this seemed to break Bruce out of his trance.
Bruce stalked forward and growled, “My son is dead, and I will only ask you once. Whatever you did to mimic him, reverse it, or you won’t like what happens next.”
Jason felt a trace of something at his words. Not fear, not anger, but something else.
Dick raised a calming hand, “B, it’s really him.”
Bruce did not spare his eldest son a glance, eyes focused on Jason.
“Did you steal his body? Or is it a spell? Tell me,” his voice was a snarl by the end.
Jason finally spoke up. Meeting his Bruce’s eyes, he said, “It’s really me, dad.”
In a less serious tone, he continued, “I died, but Hades didn’t really want to deal with my shit, you know?”
Dick snorted even as Bruce’s face went through a set of complex emotions that Jason couldn’t read.
“…Jaylad?”
Jason just nodded and went to Bruce, who immediately pulled him into a hug.
“You’ve been alive all this time? I’m so sorry, I should have known.”
Jason pulled back slightly, “How could you have known? It’s not your fault, B. I should have come home instead of believing Talia’s lies.”
Bruce’s eyebrows drew together, “What has Talia got to do with this?”
“She threw me into a lazarus pit.”
Bruce clearly understood the implications of that statement. He murmurs to himself, “The pit heightens emotions, especially negative ones. If Talia lied to you about us, you would have turned your anger on us.”
Jason closed his eyes, not wanting to see Bruce’s expression. He had planned to go after a child, Robin. He had planned to kill his baby brother in the same clothes that Jason himself had died in.
His eyes flew open when he was yanked into another hug.
Bruce held tight as he said, “I can imagine what Talia would have told you, so let me explain. Tim was not your replacement.”
Bruce didn’t say that he loved Jason and missed him. He didn’t say that he loved both Jason and Tim equally. He didn’t say that he couldn’t compare Jason to Tim. He didn’t talk about Red Hood. He didn’t say that he wouldn’t oppose Jason’s methods as long as he didn’t kill innocents. But Jason heard it all in the hug. All that Bruce wanted to say, but couldn’t, was poured into that hug and Jason understood. In turn, he apologized in the same way, begging for forgiveness.
They broke apart only when they heard a loud click. Father and son tuned unimpressed glares onto Dick, holding a camera. Tim’s camera, Jason noted absently.
“Now that that’s all over, let’s go back to the manor,” Dick cheered.
Jason went to protest when Bruce’s phone beeped insistently. Bruce’s emergency signal. Dick quickly put his domino back on, and picked up Batman’s cowl. Jason followed suit with his helmet, while Bruce answered the call.
“Oracle, report.”
“Thank you for briefing me on the current situation, Batman. And good job checking-in, N.”
Dick looked guilty at that but Bruce just sighed.
Oracle… Was that Barbara?
“It’s good see you again Hood, you’ve been missed.”
“Thanks Oracle.”
Bruce asked, “Is that why you called?”
“It seems you’ve forgotten the reason you went there, B. Robin”
The three men swirled around to see an empty room, no sign of Robin or Spoiler.
Bruce frowned, “He wasn’t in the room when I got here.”
Dick shook his head, “When did he sneak out? Why did he sneak out?”
Jason just shrugged, mostly unconcerned, “He does that a lot. Disappear suddenly. He’ll turn up.”
Bruce straightened up, “You’ve been in contact with Robin regularly?”
Jason replied, faking nonchalance, “Yeah, he’s been popping over for weeks.”
Oracle interjected, “How did I not catch that?”
Jason sniggered, “Didn’t you know baby bird is an amazing hacker?”
Apparently they didn’t know, because the others looked at him in confusion.
Oracle cut through again and said sharply, “I called on the emergency line because… Tim’s tracker just went haywire and then died.”
“He’s trying to give us the slip. Why?” Bruce asked.
Dick shrugged and Jason thought about it.
He spoke up, “Tim told me some concerning stuff when I found out he was Robin.”
“What kind of things?”
Jason grimaced as he picked up the camera Dick had been holding. This wasn’t going to be easy.
What have you done, baby bird?
--oo0O0oo--
TIM
Tim bopped his head to the beat and hummed along with the song.
Before I love you (nah, nah, nah)
I'm gonna leave you (nah, nah, nah)
Before I'm someone you leave behind
I'll break your heart so you don't break mine
The bus stop was crowded, not an unusual occurrence at that time of the day. Tim waited for the next bus, which would take him to Bludhaven to start his new life. His new house in Blud had a great view of the skyline. Maybe he could get a few glimpses of Nightwing too.
He continued humming, but stopped when he saw a familiar blonde. Had they already figured out his plan? He had been banking on having time to become untraceable. He slumped his shoulders, hoping Steph would skip over him.
Tim gulped when Steph’s search stopped on him. He back away slightly as she approached him, eyes narrowed.
“Steph! Heyyy, what’s up?”
“Don’t act smart,” she snapped, pointing a finger at him, “I saw you sneak off on your own.”
“Uh, about that-“
“What are you up to, Tim? You better not be going on a mission without any backup.”
Tim needed to not be here. He couldn’t answer Steph’s questions without cluing her into his plan. Steph had followed him from the safe house, which meant that the others had no idea where he was. He could work with that.
Tim looked around before dragging Steph to a nearby alley. “Look, this is important S. I need to-“
As always, Tim hadn’t anticipated the fact that Steph knew him. She knew how he thought, and how he acted.
Steph interrupted him, tone icy, “You need to what Tim? You need to run away? Spoiler alert, you don’t need to, you want to. Your feelings scare you, so you want to leave. That’s what happened in our relationship, isn’t it? You caught feelings, got scared, and left. It’s pathetic. Sure, you may have a hard life, but look around, everyone has a hard life! This is Gotham.”
Tim shook his head, voice rising, “It’s not like that. I have to leave. I’m not needed there anymore, so what’s the point of staying?”
Steph stepped forward and shoved him. Not hard enough for him to fall, but hard enough to leave a mark.
“What the point of staying? Batman, Nightwing, Red Hood, Oracle, Agent A, me!”
Tim’s eyes widened he hadn’t expected that. he had thought they would forget him in time.
Steph looked in the eye before softly saying, “I thought you would stay for me at least.”
Tim was speechless. He loved Steph, but she would get sick of him too at some point. Right?
Steph continued when she didn’t get an answer, “So, is that why you orchestrated the whole Jason meeting the rest of the family? You were getting too close to us and you wanted an excuse to run?”
Tim felt shame churn in his gut. He hadn’t done that, had he?
“Steph, I-“
Steph shook her head, silencing him. “No, I don’t want to hear it. I’m not going to chase after you. By all means, run.”
“Steph, don’t you get it?” Tim yelled, finally letting loose. “They’ll get sick of me at some point, and ask me to leave. What’s the point of staying till then? I have nothing new to offer that each of them can’t provide. I would rather leave before they ask me to leave!”
Steph looked flabbergasted at his outburst.
Tim flinched when she didn’t respond. “I’m sorry-“
Steph hugged him. What was with the hugs? He’d gotten more hugs today than he’d gotten in the last three months.
The soft voice reappeared as Steph said, “Oh, Tim, Batman isn’t like your shitty parents. He wouldn’t abandon you if you weren’t useful anymore.”
Tim looked at the ground, arms still wrapped around Steph.
Steph didn’t wait for him to muster up his courage to say something. “Nightwing and Red Hood don’t like you just for the help you give them.”
Tim tore away from the hug, fired up again. “You don’t know what you’re talking about! My parents left me as soon as they could no longer show off how ‘cute’ I was. Bruce saw me as a second-rate Jason. You know how many times he’s called me Jason? Now that he has Jason back, why would he still want me around? Dick feels guilty about how he treated Jason so he’s trying to be better with me, as penance. I replaced Jason, why would he want me around now that he knows I took up Robin after him? and you-“
Tim abruptly stopped, looking away from Steph.
Steph moved forward again, “And me? Tell me why I’ll leave you too. Yes, your parents shouldn’t have had kids, but Bruce isn’t like that. Once he got used to you, he probably had adoption papers ready. Dick loves hanging out with you, train surfing and all the jazz. You made it your mission to annoy Jason as much as possible and he still stayed around to protect you. And I’m not gonna leave, no matter what.”
“But-“
Steph put her hand on his arm, and said firmly, “Your worth isn’t defined by your usefulness, Tim. You are worth more than what you can provide.”
Tim let out a shuddering breath and nodded.
“Okay.”
Maybe, he didn’t need to be angry at fate. Maybe, this time, he could stay.
--oo0O0oo--
JASON
Jason was filled with worry for Tim. Oracle couldn’t track him at all and Spoiler was unreachable. Bruce, Dick and Jason had come to the Bat Cave hoping something there would help them trace Tim.
Jason had imagined that he would never step inside the Bat Cave again voluntarily. Yet here he was, rushing there, to help the one he had considered an enemy, his replacement.
Jason had no time to take everything in, they had a baby bird to find. He headed straight for the computer and started searching. He got more desperate the longer they came up with nothing.
He was no longer optimistic in their chances of finding Tim and he said as much, startling when Oracle’s image projected onto the computer.
“B, N, Hood. I think I’ve found him.”
The other two hurried to the screen both talking at once.
Oracle stopped them both with a gesture. “I couldn’t find Tim but I traced Spoiler and found her at a bus station. And you know who was with her?”
Dick seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, “Tim.”
“Bingo. I’m tracking her right now; she seems to be heading to the cave.”
Batman frowned, “Back here? Then why leave in the first place?”
Oracle shrugged, “Unclear, but Tim is with her, so sit tight.”
Jason nodded and Bruce said, “Thank you Oracle, your help was invaluable.”
Oracle’s expression softened, “Of course, I care for the kid too.”
The screen blanked with that and the family turned to watch the cave entrance, waiting for their wandering bird to come home.
--oo0O0oo--
TIM
Tim and Steph burst into the Bat Cave, laughing. The laughter stopped when they noticed three sets of eyes trained on them. Tim felt guilty when he saw the worry in them. Steph had been right. He made the correct decision by staying.
After leaving the bus stop, Tim had deleted the message he had prepared to explain his absence. He had also called the actor he’d hired and given him compensation for the late cancellation. He had also convinced Steph not to tell the rest of the Bats about his plan to run away. Tim was set to go back, without anyone knowing better.
Seeing their welcoming committee, Steph went back the way they came. “I’ll leave them to you,” she called out as the door closed.
He paled slightly now, as Bruce got up and went into lecture mode. “Room empty! No note! Tracker gone — could have died — out of my mind with worry — did you care? — never, as long as I’ve lived — you wait until Agent A gets home, I never had trouble like this from Dick or Jason —"
"As if,” muttered Tim.
“He’s got you there, B,” Dick chuckled.
Dick laughed, but Tim could see the relief in his eyes. What Tim didn’t see coming was another hug from Jason, he accepted it nevertheless.
Jason pulled back and gently said, “You said some pretty concerning things to me, baby bird.”
Tim dismissed Jason’s concern with a swipe of hid hand, “Don’t worry about that. Steph talked some sense into me.”
Jason let out a sigh of relief.
Tim continued, “Steph helped me understand that not everyone is like my parents and-“
Jason frowned, “Wait you have parents?”
Tim frowned back, “Yeah, I told you about them?”
“I thought you were talking about Bruce!” Jason shoots.
Tim laughs, “No, Bruce doesn’t want to adopt me. Anyway my parents are not that bad, just a little neglectful.”
“Not that bad? This is child abandonment,” Jason said furiously, thrusting some papers into Tim’s hands.
“What is this?”
Jason smirked and replied, “Sign these, I’m suing for custody.”
Bruce had looked confused at the conversation up till that point. He decided to interject here.
“Jaylad, you’re not officially alive yet, why don’t you leave the adoption to me?”
Jason sneered, “You had your chance old man, it’s my turn.”
Bruce looked at Tim inquisitively as he said, “Yes, but someone failed to mention the difficulties he faced at home.”
Jason raised an eyebrow, unimpressed, “Doesn’t matter, you’re a detective.”
Alfred, who’s entered a few minutes previously spoke up, “He’s got you there, Master Bruce.”
Jason twisted to see Alfred looking at him, smiling.
“Alfie, it’s great to see you again.”
“It’s lovely to see you too, Master Jason. I was delighted when Miss Barbara told me the news.”
That comment was clearly directed at Bruce, who rubbed the back of his neck guiltily.
Jason smirked at Bruce while heading to the Bat Computer. He picked up the camera on the table beside it and held it out to Tim.
Tim examined the camera, pleased to see his absence had not resulted in any scratches.
Jason crossed his arms, playfully asking, “What? Are you doubting my ability to take care of it?”
Tim shook his head, smiling slightly, “This was the camera I used to follow Batman around with when I was nine. I would hate to lose or damage it.”
Jason lost his playful tone, “Wait up, you followed around Batman when you were nine. In Gotham.”
Tim nodded, “Yeah, that’s how I figured out his secret identity.”
Jason twisted to look at Bruce. “You didn’t notice a nine-year-old following you with a camera?”
Bruce shrugged and Dick shook his head.
Jason stared at baby bird in wonder. “How are you even alive?”
Tim flushed, ”I took all precautions to be safe.”
Jason gave him look that clearly said he didn’t believe Tim.
Well, Tim was here, wasn’t he?
Dick smiled at them as they argued and said, “I’m so glad my baby brothers get along.”
Jason protested, “I’m not a baby.”
Dick laughed, “You two are the youngest of the family, therefore you’re the babies.”
Tim was about reply when Jason froze up. Tim lightly poked Jason’s arm concerned.
Jason seemed to come back to himself and batted Tim’s hand away.
“Dick, I forgot about Damian,” Jason said shrilly.
Dick placed an arm on Jason’s shoulder and asked, “Whoa, calm down, who’s Damian?”
Jason took a deep breath and replied, “Talia’s son.”
Dick raised an eyebrow, waiting. Tim tried to figure out why this Damian was important. Was Talia mistreating him? Did Jason grow attached? Bruce hadn’t dated her for long, so Tim didn’t really know much about-
Tim jumped and practically yelled, “Damian is Bruce’s son?”
Dick’s eyes widened as Jason nodded. Bruce looked stunned at the news.
“We need to get him out of the league,” Bruce said determinedly.
Tim nodded slowly, already forming plans in his mind. Bruce would no doubt leave him behind, stating he was too young. Dick would have to go; Bruce couldn’t do it alone. Jason would demand he accompany them. So he would be the only one in the cave. He would be damned if he wasn’t helping save his younger brother. He had finally accepted his place in this family, and he would fulfill all the necessary duties of the position. He would save Damian from the league.
Watching Jason planning and preparing with Bruce and Dick, Tim smirked. He did it once already, the second time would be much easier. The league couldn’t have his family, be it Jason or Damian. The league of shadows could throw whatever they wanted at him, he wouldn’t let anything happen to his family.
He had succeeded in bringing Jason into the family, how hard could an eight-year-old be?
--oo0O0oo--
Ra’s partially listened as his daughter ranted about the young detective who had stolen her son. Apparently the boy had managed to kidnap his grandson before Batman had even got there.
Ra’s leaned forward finally interested. “Tim, you said? How fascinating.”
How fascinating indeed.
--oo0O0oo--