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amateurwind · 8 months

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Chapter 2

10 years later.

Beep. Beep. Beep. Crash!

Shaking out his hand a bit, Tim huffs from his position in front of the computer. He didn’t even know why he even bothered setting his alarm anymore. It’s not like he even went to bed most nights anyways.

Gazing down at the abused alarm clock in the corner. He shrugs.

7:30.

Huh. He had to be at WE in about an hour. Turning from the gadget back to his screens. Welp let the suffering begin.

Heaving a sigh he stretches before easing out of his chair, and heading to the shower. Only slightly lamenting his lack of sleep. He had spent weeks hunting down Marconi’s drug trafficking ring, and countless hours pinpointing where they were going to make their next drop. Last night he'd finally narrowed it down to a warehouse; about a block west of Gotham docks.

Stepping into the shower, he recounts the events of last night's patrol…. We’ll the absolute failure of last night's patrol.

He suited up. Brought out all the bells and whistles. Even a few prototypes to field test. The deal never happened. And it seemed like everyone had decided to stay in last night. Not so much as a mugging, all night. Put all that effort to suit up and got stood up! Why were criminals so rude?

Yeah… That was the exhaustion talking. Tim, probably needed to sleep. Scoffing softly as he shuts off the water and steps out of the shower. Yeah, sleep wasn’t going to happen anytime soon. He had too much on his plate.

He pats dry the remains of his shower, then starts getting ready for the office.

W.E. was entering its busiest quarter. There was a plethora of meetings and launches happening over the next few weeks. Don’t even get him started on the R&D inspection this afternoon. He also needed to check in with Drake Industries to make sure preparations for the charity event next month, were proceeding as scheduled. Tightening his tie, Tim breathes.

There was also his patrol. He needed to pinpoint what the traffickers would do next since last night had been a bust. He’d probably have to ask Oracle to scrub the surveillance systems. His regular patrol tonight then maybe after he’d get to the case files Batman asked him to update and close. Tim's steps stutter.

Batman.

Oof that was a can of worms.

The bats hadn’t reached out since he brought Batman home. But to be fair neither had he. He felt, with all that had gone down, it was better to stay away. It had been months now. He wasn’t all that surprised. They all had made it clear what they thought of him. Replacement, useless, crazy, unwanted. Those were the words he couldn’t seem to shake. In all honesty, He knew that they weren’t wrong. After all, he had never been chosen for his role.

He’d fought tooth and nail just to be of use to Batman. Did the same with Nightwing, all to show that he had something to bring to the table. That was a waste of time. When Dick had taken away Robin, saying it was because he and Tim were equals, Tim knew the truth. He never had a seat at the table in the first place. So it shouldn’t have been so surprising that he got nothing.

Batman had recovered ages ago and never tried to find him to talk to. Not one call or attempt to reach out to Tim outside of casework. No olive branch or even an invite to dinner.

Signing he gathered up his paperwork. He was used to this. He has gone on a communications silence for longer. He understood, he didn't have anything helpful to add now that he had served his purpose. Tim tried not to let it bother him, but… Blast It All! He had been right.

He found the clues and gathered the evidence. All to bring his family back together. He had thought things would be ok when he returned with Bruce in tow. Maybe not a full membership but at least an apology. Maybe even one of Alfred’s cookies. But he had gotten nothing. No thank you, or a good job.

Dick just acted as if nothing had happened. Dami still seemed to hate his guts. And somewhere along the lines, Jason had joined up with them and he still had it out for his ‘replacement’. Yeah, Tim didn’t know when that had happened, and honestly, he didn't care. It just further proved his status. They force him out but Jason is welcomed back with open arms.

Cold bitterness settled in his heart.

Be the Adult, give it time, they said. Let’s be real… How was an ‘adult’ supposed to react to nearly getting stabbed, and shot at by an infant assassin and resurrected zombie? Anybody and their mother would have don't their best to make sure they never experienced that again. He grits his teeth in frustration.

‘Yeah, but when I try to defend myself, it's ‘Be an adult’.

He wasn't perfect. That was abundantly clear this past year. He could only take so much. He had cracked when Bruce and his friends died, but he had been right! It was all worth it…wasn’t it? Bruce was alive, and Gotham now had its protector back. So why did he feel as if he lost?

He had proven himself. He’d done the impossible. Played the cards he had been dealt and came out on top. They came home and Bruce was accepted back into his circle of family, and friends. Treated like a war hero returning home.

What did Tim get you might ask. What was his reward for bringing B home? For not giving up? He got a revoked family membership, a new ton of trauma, trust issues, and a missing spleen.

‘Congrats. Thank you for playing’ Tim thinks disdainfully.

He’d deluded himself. This wasn't a fairytale. There were no happy end endings, there was just life and that moved on. There was no consolation prize.

He stares at his reflection in the mirror. Sweet Diana. He looks like death-sucking on a lemon. The dark bruising under his eyes practically tells his story for him. A bit of concealer should help. The last thing he needed was somebody noticing and asking questions. Hopefully, that would be enough for today. One of the upsides of being CEO when you passed by everyone avoided you.

Turning toward the door his thoughts continue to drift back to his family. Family…Yeah, even after everything that’s what they were. It didn't matter if they thought the same, he would always sacrifice for his brothers. He had gone to hell and back for his family. That was his cross to bear. His pound of flesh.

It was obvious he was the only one who considered them brothers. Dick was so quick to throw him to the wolves. Hadn’t he meant anything? Dami is hell-bent on him. Hadn’t he done his best to welcome him? An for Jason… He had no clue what he should have done differently. Batman needed a robin, no one else was gonna do it. But that one choice made him the target of the undead’s ire.

They may have tolerated him but God knows that was a stretch. He had overstayed his welcome. He was an employee and he’d been fired. Maybe there was something wrong with him? Nobody ever stuck around. Everybody either left or cast him off. Collateral.

That’s all he’s ever been. That is why his parents found no qualms in selling him all those years ago.

Agony pierces his heart and a crushing weight pounds on his shoulders. He stumbles slightly catching himself on the desk, as his body suddenly sags with the weight of that revelation.

He had never forgotten that night. He’d kept a lookout since then. Then he became Robin. The man or whoever never came for him. When his parents passed away a few years back he had waited anxiously for someone to come for him. Nothing happened. It has been ten years.

He tried bringing it up to Bruce once in the early days but he brushed away Tim’s concerns. He got that. It is not like Tim had any evidence to go will his claims. Tim had searched for a lead himself but he couldn’t find even a whisper of any courts. He tried looking for anything about owls in Gotham solely based on the strange mask he remembered, but that also yielded nothing substantial.

As for his parents, well… They were dead.

They had been for three years now. They had always made their displeasure of Tim’s continued presence known. They never found out he had heard their intentions for him. He made sure to act as naturally as possible so as not to attract suspicion, but the knowledge was enough to kill any familial bond or love he had possessed. He still made sure he kept his charade strong.

He made sure to fulfill their expectations. He became a pawn and nothing more. When he forced Batman to take him the behavior simply evolved. He would keep Bruce in check but also fall in at a moment's notice. He understood the mission came first, no matter the cost. He knew his place. He’d done his best to hide any hope of something more than that. He needed to be useful.

That’s why he had been useful right? He kept Batman from killing himself or anyone else. Gave Dick the chance to learn how to be a big sibling so he was ready when Jason and Damian showed up. Guess he gave Damian a chance to blow off some steam and gave Jason someone to hunt instead of anyone else.

Oh… wow, that's depressing. Is anybody depressed yet?

He couldn’t deal with this at the moment. He had places to be and emotions to ignore. He needed coffee!

Coffee always helped balance his thoughts and kept him anchored. Brushing aside his…. Well, whatever this was; Tim grabbed his laptop bag, and keys before finally heading out the door. He honestly didn’t want to think about the situation with the bats. Like, at all. As for the man in the mask and whatever cult he was a part of…well nobody come in ten years no reason to worry now.

But that didn’t matter. He had a job to do.

Coffee first.

_______________________

Tim stared. He should have known. Looking up from his desk to the figure before him. Yeah, his fault, he should have guessed today would turn to crap as soon as his mind brought all that up this morning. What did TikTok call it? Oh yeah, a “no bones day”.

The day had been fine (after he got his coffee). He went to the meetings, re-evaluated a few details with the launches, and had a wonderful time going back and forth with the engineers in R&D. Sorted out a few issues with the Charity event at DI. All in all, it was productive.

No, what ruined it was the fact that Bruce, bloody, Wayne had decided to stop by the office for a meeting with him.

No forewarning, no phone call, not even a ‘ Hey Tim, is this a bad time’. He had just walked in. Thank Hera, his secretary saw Bruce walk in. He was able to stall his next meeting as Bruce Wayne sauntered through the doors.

Now he was sitting here in front of the man. He didn't know what Bruce wanted to discuss with him, but hell must have frozen since he was here in person. They had barely spoken since Bruce’s return. Not for lack of wanting to, it was just Tim didn't want to impose.

He had fulfilled his purpose; he brought bruce home like the good soldier he was. Now it was time to let him heal with his family. Tim didn't need to be around for that. He knew his relationship with Bruce was only as Robin. But he wasn’t Robin anymore. Dumb and dumber made sure of that. That and he didn't need any accusation of instigating Damian or setting Jason off. No. it was better he just stayed away.

Now here was Bruce in his office. Bruce looked well. A heck of a lot better than when he came home. But again why was he here?

“What are you doing here Bruce”?

Oof. That didn’t come out as he meant it to. Welp this is already off to a horrible start. Is it too late to jump off the clock tower? The first conversation in weeks and he’s already screwing it up.

Bruce, however, didn’t seem to notice his tone. He just continued to stand there. If he didn’t know Bruce so well he would have thought he was uncomfortable. Nervous? Oh, yup it's finally happened Tim has lost his mind.

Shaking himself out of his deliberation he watches Bruce closely. Analyzing every movement and micro-expression. Trying to gain some clue as to why the other was here. Was it the company? Something to do with one of the up-and-coming launches?

“I wanted to stop in and see if you made any progress on those files I gave you”. Came the man's reply.

Huh? This was about cases? He could have just emailed, or called. There were only 4 files, and from what Tim had seen there was nothing time-sensitive. They were cold cases after all. That can’t have been enough to bring him down here. Tim wasn’t born yesterday.

“That doesn't answer my question. Why are you here? If this was about the files you could have just emailed me”. Tim pressed. “I’ve reviewed those files and there is nothing that warrants your being here to check their status”. Honestly, he was too tired for this.

He waited as Bruce seemed to steal himself and tense. Tim braced himself. What had he done now? He tried to wrack his brain for anything that could be counted against him. Did he forget to send the report from last night?

“You haven't been by the manor in a while, and Dick said you weren't answering his messages. This seemed to be the best way to reach you”.

Wait, what?

Tim can only blink at the man. Whatever he had been expecting from this conversation, this wasn’t it. Maybe a lecture, or even a drop-off at best, but dropping by the manor? Not on the list. Ever since he was … what fired? Yeah, let's go with that. He hadn’t wanted to try his luck. What with Damian roaming the halls? But even then why not call…

Hold on! Did he hear that right? His eyes narrow as a few of his mentor's words register.

“Messages? I haven't received a call or a text from Dick or any of you in months. The only thing I've gotten from you is the files. Nothing else”.

He keeps his voice even. He was even more confused when Bruce looked shocked. Ok, what was Tim missing here? Was this a joke? He pulled out his phone and checked his history. Yeah… still nothing he hadn’t missed anything. He looks back to find Bruce watching him.

“Well… just make an effort to come by the manor. Alfred worries”. Bruce stiffly says. Yeah, that's not going to happen. What the heck is going on right now? He blames sleep deprivation.

“I’ll make sure to call him then”. Tim replied cordially. “As for Stopping by the manor…I have prior commitments”.

“Dick said there was a movie night this weekend. How about then”?

An awkward silence settles. Why was Bruce trying so hard? No better yet… why did he care. He stared. He can't help it. It didn’t make any sense. He searches for any sign that this is a joke. His confusion only grows when he can't find anything in Bruce's expression.

Shaking his head, “I don't think that would be a good idea”.

“And why not”?

Tim sighs, “Bruce look, a lot of things went down…changed while you were gone. And one thing that was made obvious is that I am not welcome in your home. I appreciate the invite though”. Tim massages his forehead, waiting for Bruce's response.

The exhaustion of the day is pressing down on his shoulders now. He didn't want to get into this, but there was no way he would put himself in a position to be attacked or gaslighted. Not again.

“That doesn't make any sense”. Bruce looked confused.

Tim blinked. He felt simmering anger. ‘It’s Ok, calm down. Bruce doesn't know what happened, and I’m not gonna say anything either. Calm down.’

“Dick said he's been trying to contact you and left messages. Jason and Barbra say you haven't responded to their calls either”. Bruce insisted, crossing his arms. “ It’s true I don’t know what happened when I was gone, but there are things I have heard. And I am not sure it justifies you ignoring your family”.

Oh, screw this!

Anger burned hot and fast. The only thing echoing in his mind was, ‘How dare he’. He had no clue what the others told Bruce but he hadn’t heard anything from the bats outside the costume in months. They had all made it pretty clear what they expected from him. He was the one that was seen but not heard. Hate the point of adding insult to injury.

He had kept his distance as they wanted. It took him a while but, he got the message. What did they want from him? He had gone out of his way to respect their wish. He wasn’t welcome. Ok! Why act like it was anything different? This was a new low, even for bats.

They were mocking him. They had to be.

Tim’s face hardens. His eyes narrowed in concentrated anger. His jaw sets as he tries to control himself.

“Allow me to repeat myself. I have not heard from anyone in the last several months”. Tim said, speaking slowly, and pausing in between words so he knew they were understood. “If you don’t believe me I can show you my cellphone records as well as my official transcripts from the phone in this office, and you may see for yourself”.

Tim’s voice was cold and sharp. ‘How dare they’, continues to echo in his mind. He realizes it may be a bit petty but he shoves his phone in Bruce’s face. Showing him his call history. A lot of outgoing calls but no incoming ones from anyone besides WE connections. Tim knows Bruce is well aware that Tim kept records of everything.

“I am not going to sit here and argue about what makes sense or not. I don't know what Dick told you, and I don't care”. Ok, so that was harsh but he didn't appreciate being fibbed on and then ambushed. If they wanted to play this game then he would teach them how to play.

“If this concludes our business, then I must be going. As for the files everything will be taken care of. I’ll send them to you once they are complete. Ms. Fox will show you out”. He said standing and brushing past Bruce.

“And next time please call and make an appointment. This may be your company Mr. Wayne, but please consider the time of those of us who run it.

Yes, he is aware he is being completely petty, but the tiny bit of regret is drowned out but vindictive glee when Bruce freezes in front of his desk. Tim could try to figure out what Bruce was thinking based on the man’s face but he could care less. His eyes scan the man before him as he processes. Tim waits half a second before standing and walking around the desk.

Walking out the door Tim signaled Tam to take care of Bruce. Before heading to his next meeting. A small part of him worried he was out of line back there, but it was too late now. Even then he only spoke what he’d believed.

Despite everything it looked like B was doing well, which was good. But he couldn’t deal with everything at the moment. He wasn't ready for that storm cloud. A small bit of him tells him he is ignoring his problems, but he brushes it off. He would deal with it later.

Now hopefully the rest of the day was less eventful.

Where was his coffee?

_______________

Bruce’s Pov

Bruce stood in front of Tim's desk for what seemed like hours before Tam gently usher him out. What had just happened? And what did Tim mean They hadn't called him. Dick said he tried calling him just days ago and got no answer. Oracle had confirmed that Tim hadn't gotten a new number. So that wasn’t it.

He knows that a lot had happened since his return. He had only just started to settle back into his role. He hasn’t been in touch with his third son in that time. He just got so busy with his recovery he just forgot to check-in. Tim hadn't answered any of his messages or calls. The others experienced the same thing. They had all thought Tim was busy or ignoring them.

But even that didn’t make sense. Tim was always attentive so if he was busy why didn’t he call back? That was the main factor that tipped the scales in favor of Tim. He wanted to come down here to see for himself. And he had. There was no record on Tim’s phone of receiving any calls from them. There should be some record of at least one call.

He should know.

He had been the one to make the call to Tim that morning and had gotten no answer. Only there was no record of his call.

What was happening?

The High pitched whine of worry settled into him. Bruce reviewed the conversation. Tim had looked awful. It was hidden well enough to fool anyone else but a bat could see. He was slumped over in what looked to be exhaustion. The touch of concealer under his eyes was further proof of that. The young man had been bracing as if he expected some form of confrontation. Tim was only 16 when Bruce was lost. When had he become like this?

While professional, he was cold. When had Tim become cold to him? When Tim had brought him back he had felt a piece of him heal at the knowledge that his son had been the one to figure out his clues and bring him home. Then when he returned home he was wrenched from the fantasy to learn that Tim had moved out. He wasn't there. One of his sons was gone.

When he asked after Tim’s whereabouts the others were very closed-lipped. Any information about what has transpired was a well-guarded vault. Dick briefly mentioned that there had been a disagreement at the beginning of his departure (death), which led to Tim disappearing for a while. But the Boy had eventually come back when he cooled down.

Bruce is ashamed to admit that he left it alone. Choosing to believe the words of his eldest as well as the input from his youngest. He wanted to ask Jason for his opinion but the young man hadn’t been involved at that point and could offer no extra information. But now, seeing his third son after so long faced with his behavior today it was obvious that he’d miscalculated. By an extreme margin.

He was missing a vital part of the story, and he needed to find out what had transpired. And he had a pretty good idea of where to start. He needed to figure it out and mend the rift between him and his son before it was too late.

________________________

#tim drake #bruce wayne #fanfic #first fanfic

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