Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

At a young age, Tim had been curious and inquisitive. When a problem arose, Tim wanted to take it apart and fix it. Even as he got older it was apparent that he was good at puzzles.

Timothy remembered the first time he met Lex Luthor. Luthor had asked for any archaeologist who would be able to carefully extract a rare mineral from the confines of an ancient tomb. Tim’s parents had jumped at the opportunity. The young child was usually left home alone; however, due to the location of the tomb, it had been the one and only time he had joined his parents on their excursion.

The high walls of the old buildings had mesmerized Tim as his mother dragged him through the tomb.

“Don’t touch anything.” Janet had snapped at him as they began their dig. “If I see so much as a hand out, there will be consequences.”

“Yes, mother.” Tim murmured, as he let go of his mothers hand.

Tim did what he did best at these times– he stood silently and watched. His parents had engraved that into his head– if he wasn’t needed he should keep himself from being a distraction. While his parents worked on the entrance to the tomb, Tim had let his eyes wander. His eyes flickering from the different images along the walls.

Pulling out his notebook from his book bag and a pencil, he began studying the inscriptions, trying to figure out the ancient writing.

Tim didn’t know how long he had stood there, his eyes focused heavily on the information he digested with ease. He never got close enough to touch, but he wrote everything. That very same night, Tim began to decrypt the words. His parents slept soundly in their make-shift beds while Tim stayed up, matching symbols with letters and rearranging the words until he had solved his puzzle.

There was only one problem.

Jack and Janet Drake were looking in the wrong spot for the ancient mineral Luthor had been searching for. It was peculiar to a young Tim, eyebrows furrowing together as he studied the words closely. Maybe– if Tim showed his parents they would be proud of him. Hope had bloomed in his chest.

The following morning, Tim decided he should tell his parents.

“Mother, I think.. I mean…” Tim finally had the courage, glancing over to his mother during breakfast. “The words on the wall… said they put traps up around here.” He murmured, eyes quickly moving to the floor. He had his notebook opened and turned towards his mother. Tim’s writing looks messy with words crossed out, letters rearranged, and spelling errors.

“Timothy, do you truly believe so little of your parents? We have spent years as archeologists. Just because you spent one night here doesn’t mean you understand it.” Jack cut in before Tim could explain any further.

Tim jerked back at the words, quickly shutting the notebook and feeling ashamed. “S-Sorry.”

Only a few hours later, the Drakes would quickly realize their mistake. Tim had jumped at the loud CRASH that echoes through the old tomb– the entrance his parents had been attempting to open crumbled before their eyes. Layers upon layers of rocks fell into place making it impossible to get around the now destroyed entrance.

The yelling came soon after. Tim was hysteric when he saw Lex Luther walk over to his parents. The expression on the man’s face was filled with rage– Tim had been reminded of one of Batman's villains. He stood, listening as the man’s chilling words cut through his parent’s excuses.

Tim was terrified.

“I–I know a way in.” Tim blurted out, trying to get the argument to stop. He tried to sound more confident than he felt. “There is another entrance.”

The loud voices and arguments seem to stop suddenly. Tim felt uneasy as the attention turned quickly to him.

“Whose child is this?” Luthor’s voice had been cold and calculated.

Jack stood tall, “I apologize, Mr. Luthor. Tim seems to have forgotten manners. We shouldn’t have brought him.” The tone Jack held made Tim flinch back.

Using the last ounce of courage he could muster, Tim pulled out his notebook once more, flipping to the pages he had written his translation.

“B-But there is another entrance. According to the writing, there would be traps activated if you don’t go a certain way. That is why the door fell apart.” Tim practically shoved the papers into Luthor’s hands, feeling his hand quiver as he did.

“Timothy.” Janet hisses, quickly getting between him and Luthor pushing the child away. “He will not be here after today. He will definitely be receiving a punishment for his behavior.” The woman tries to get Tim as far away as quickly as possible, saying the words over her shoulder. Tim shrinks at his mother’s words.

“Wait.” Luther put his hand up in a stopping motion, his eyes scanned Tim's translation. Janet paused in her movements, her sharp eyes snapped coldly to Tim then back to Luthor.

Tim was frozen in place. He had made a mistake– he had just wanted the yelling to stop.

Instead, Tim’s eyes traced Luthor as the business man walked closer to him. Luthor turned a page in his notes, skimming the messy handwriting. Tim felt his mother’s hand digging into his shoulder.

“Where did you gather this information?” Luthor questioned, not even looking up from the paper.

Tim did a quick glance to his mother before looking back towards Luthor. “I… I was bored watching mom and dad work on the door so I started to explore and some of the walls had weird symbols.” He paused remembering the random hallways he had walked down. “Some of the symbols looked a little strange, but there were some used more than once in different spots so I started to try to figure out what they meant.”

Tim’s eyes moved to the floor. “Once I had a few of the letters, I used the process of elimination for some of them. The really hard ones took longer – l-like the one about the door. Some of those symbols I couldn’t find anywhere else, but I realized it was talking about a stone.”

Tim had tugged at his sweatshirt, and grimaced, “Since you were looking for a mineral I thought… I thought that maybe it had something to do with that.”

Tim could feel Luthor’s eyes on him now. Tim’s fear began to grow the longer the silence filled the other.

“Sorry, sir. I am probably wrong about it. Please forgive me.” He clenched his hands tight around the hem of his sweatshirt, trying to keep himself from shaking under the scrutiny.

Tim saw the shadow of hand move up, causing him to flinch back. Instead, Luthor ruffled Tim’s hair. Tim’s own eyes snapped up to look at the man in stupefaction.

“You did well.” The kind words suddenly filled Tim with amazement– his own parents rarely approved of his actions, yet Luthor had seemed intrigued.

Tim could only watch Luthor turn around and begin ordering people around, keeping Tim’s notebook in hand as he does.

He only broke out of his fascination when his mother pulled him away, her lips thin and fury in her eyes. Tim knew he should have been worried, but all he thought about was the warm hand that had been on his head.

~

Tim had known something had shifted after meeting Luthor. His parents who had never been home suddenly were there for weeks. Tim couldn’t even find time to sneak out and take pictures of Batman.

Janet had taken Tim to multiple different doctors, psychologists, and teachers. It confused Tim. The doctors would ask difficult questions that Tim would have to solve. Tim never knew if his answers were right, but he tried his hardest. It was actually fun for the young 11 year old, the problems were like puzzles. Some of them had pictures; others had word word problems. Tim never said he didn’t understand a question for fear of upsetting his parents or the doctors themselves. He always would have a large quantity of papers after the visits, each filled to the brim with writing. Tim never got to keep the papers which he had been upset about– all his hard work always ended up in another folder.

Surprisingly, Tim also caught glimpses of Luthor at some of the doctors appointments. While the man never approached Tim during the visits, Tim made it his goal to try and find the man. It was another puzzle that filled Tim’s brain. Tim had connected the dots that Luthor was the reason for the change in his parent’s behavior. While puzzles were always fascinating, this was a puzzle Tim couldn’t seem to solve.

A month had passed of his parents staying in town. It was one of the longest times Tim could remember his parents being present in recent years. On one particular day, Tim had heard his parents arguing in hushed whispers. Before Tim could gather any information, a creak echoed through the hall as he had stepped on a board in the hall. The talking had stopped abruptly, Tim scurried away before his parents had opened the door. He didn’t want to get into trouble after all.

It was only days later that everything in Tim’s world was taken away from him.

The puzzle seemed to only become harder that day as his parents grabbed one of the suitcases and began to fill it with Tim’s belongings. The young boy had suddenly felt a small ray of hope– he was going to go with his parents! He doesn’t question them as they make sure to pack his necessities; clothes, toothbrush, and other toiletries. Tim made sure to grab his backpack and fill it with his camera (his pictures of Batman safely on an sd card hidden in a pouch) and his laptop (information on Batman’s patrol routes safely encrypted on the machine). He couldn’t leave such important information behind.

With all of his luggage packed, his parents put his bags into the truck. The first warning Tim received that something was wrong was the lack of his parent’s suitcases. Tim quickly pushed those thoughts away– his parents probably already had bags at the location they were going to.

Tim couldn’t stop his face from falling as they drove past the exit for the airport. That had been his second warning.

“Mother…?” Tim made the word sound like a question, furrowing his eyebrows together.

“Not now, Timothy.” Janet brushed it off, Jack ignoring him completely. Tim’s frown deepened when they stopped at a plain white building. It looked a lot like the other doctor’s buildings that he had been to previously.

Tim hadn’t made a noise as he had been dragged into a new building– the letters large enough to read. CADMUS was written in bold letters along the entrance as Tim was pulled inside by his mother. Tim frowned as he was forced into a room, his parents now looking uneasy. The room itself wasn’t extravagant. One door on each side, an office chair and desk sat off to the side.

The door opened on the opposite side of the room open, Luthor strolledin with a smile on his face. Tim felt like it was just like Jack’s gala smile– sharp and threatening.

“Mr. and Ms. Drake. I am glad you decided to accept my offer. I was beginning to think you had refused.” Luthor’s voice is calm, but Tim can’t help but hear an underlying threat in the words.

“Let’s make this quick.” Jack responded stiffly, “We want to change the arrangement. Raise the amount to 100 million or we back out.”

The puzzle had a few more pieces in Tim’s brain. Jack was trying to make a deal with Luthor– perhaps he was finally going to get all the information he would need to solve this mystery. Tim can’t help but lean into the conversation, trying to hear all the details. He would have gotten closer, had his mom’s hand not tightened around his own. The grip was a bit too tight, making Tim’s fingers tingle.

“Mom, that hurts.” Tim mumbled, trying to be quiet enough that the men wouldn’t hear him. His mother didn’t loosen her grip.

“50 Million.” Luthor stated sharp as a knife. “That was our deal.”

“It’s not enough. 100 Million or we back out now.” Janet spoke up. Tim can’t help but flinch at the tone– it is the same one she used when he has done something wrong.

Luthor seemed to eye between the two, his gaze calculated. He takes a moment, picking up the phone that sat at the desk between the Drakes and Luthor.

“Please bring in the file. It seems Mr. and Ms. Drake needs a bit more incentive than originally planned.”

Tim blinked. Was Luthor going to blackmail his parents? What information could Luthor have gotten from his parents? Tim’s mind was suddenly going a million miles a minute.

It only took a moment before the door opened and Jack was handed a folder by an assistant. The woman gave a small nod to Luthor before leaving the room once more. Luthor sat down in the chair, his hands rested on the desk. Tim noticed a growing smirk on the man’s face. Tim quickly glanced at his father as Jack opened the file. It didn’t take long before Jack’s face paled.

“How long was your last excursion? 4 months I believe?” Luthor spoke with authority, eyes shining dangerously as Tim’s eyes flickered between the two older men.

Tim knew the exact number of days– he always counted when his parents left. It had been 129 days without his parents and only Ms. Mac checking up on him. Tim always said it was fine– he could take care of himself– but he did get lonely. He couldn’t help but mark every day his parents weren’t there, waiting for their return.

Luthor leaned back in his chair, “Funny little detail I noticed, there were only two plane tickets out of the country. I am sure you can see that in the file. It made me wondering, who was taking care of Timothy.”

The conversation was bizarre. Tim could tell his parents were stiff at the words. Tim wanted this to stop.

“I-I have a nanny.” Tim blurted out, all eyes snapped onto him. “Her… Her name is… Emma!” Tim exclaimed.

Luthor let out a cryptic chuckle, “I don’t appreciate liars, Timothy.” He paused, “Imagine my surprise when I checked your bank accounts and camera footage to find such a young brilliant child alone.”

Tim flinched back, “It’s fine. I can take care of myself.” Tim suddenly let go of his mother’s hand, motioning to himself. Tim couldn’t let his parents be blackmailed because of him. “They didn’t do anything wrong.”

Tim’s parents are oddly silent. Unease begins to grow in his stomach. His mind raced trying to figure out what he was missing. He tried to line up his clues. Tim needed to find a solution. How could he get Luthor away from his parents?

“You are quite brilliant, Timothy.” Luthor kept his eyes on Tim. The young boy flinched back. “I can already see so much potential.”

Tim finally looks back at his parents in panic, “Mom– Dad– You can’t go through with it… whatever the deal is– I’ll.. I’ll find something.” He could dig into Luthor Corp and try to get back at the man. He would protect his parents somehow.

“Timothy. Stop.” Jack snapped, his eyes never leaving the folder in his hand, the words harsh and cold. Tim clenched his jaw shut, his gaze turning downward.

“Your options are simple,” Luthor began to speak again, “Either I go forward with this information to the police, you lose Timothy and possibly business opportunities or we settle our agreement here. 50 million.” Luthor waved his hand up in the air, “No matter your choice, I will end up getting what I want. One is a bit messier, I’ll admit. I would rather avoid that if I could.”

“50 Million.” Janet’s voice sounded far away to Tim’s ears. He can feel his whole body shake. “We accept the terms of your agreement. Send the paperwork to us and we will fill it out. We expect the money in our bank account prior to signing.”

“That is acceptable.” Luthor stated. Tim couldn’t get himself to look anywhere other than his tattered shoes. Tim could hear as Luthor stood up from the chair. “I always appreciate doing business with intellectual people.”

Tim clenched his eyes closed, waiting for his parents to respond.

“We won’t be meeting again.” Jack stated, Tim can imagine him shaking Luthor’s hand as he spoke.

Tim suddenly sees his mother’s shoes turn the other direction as if to leave. Tim quickly turns to follow her, his head moving up only just so he can make sure to follow quickly and silently without running into anything.

Tim makes it only three steps behind his mom before a hand on his shoulder stops him. Tim assumed his father was the one to do so. Tim turned his head, surprised to find Luthor instead of his father.Tim furrowed his eyebrows with confusion.

“Mr. Luthor?” Tim murmured before looking back to the door. “Mom…? Dad…?”

Jack had already made it to the door, “Mr. Luthor, don’t expect anything from us after today.” He quickly left the room, the folder still in his hand.

Tim’s mother followed closely behind but had paused at the door for only a moment, glancing at Tim with a void look on her face. “Do behave, Timothy. You may not be a Drake for much longer, but we taught you to behave.” Janet stated harshly, before turning around.

Tim felt his breath catch in his chest. The room seemed to get smaller with each breath. All the clues leading up to that point suddenly come to the forefront of Tim’s mind.

The tests and questions from the scientists. Luthor’s sudden interest in Tim’s intelligence. The suitcase. The money. The blackmailing. How Luthor mentioned them losing Tim.

Tim suddenly felt like screaming and crying. He wanted to run out of the room and ask his parents why. He had only ever wanted their love and support. Instead Tim stared at the door that stayed closed.

He kept hoping it would fly open and his mother would drag him into the car. His dad would take them to the airport and take him on one of their excursions . Instead, nothing happened. Tim didn’t even register when Luthor began to push him through the halls of CADMUS. Tim didn’t cry– Tim felt numb.

Jack and Janet Drake had sold Tim, their own son, for 50 million dollars.

Chapter Text

Inside Camdus, Tim was given four rooms. The first room only contained a bed, a nightstand, and a dresser. The walls were eggshell white; the nightstand and nightstand made of a dark oak wood, and the bedding was navy.

The room lacked anything that reminded Tim of his own bedroom filled to the brim with electronics, superhero memorabilia, and notes made by him about the mysteries he had solved scattered around. His room had always looked like a disaster even if he always knew where everything was.

The new room had blank walls– no electronics in site. Tim wondered if Luthor was attempting to keep him from contacting anyone. Tim decided at that moment to keep his laptop and camera hidden for the time being.

Attached to the room was a small bathroom. It shared the white walls with a single mirror. There was no bathtub, only a shower. The sink was a bit too tall for Tim, but there was a step stool next to the sink. A ceramic toilet was next to the shower.

The next room Tim was given was filled to the brim with books. The books appeared to be both old and new. Most of them seemed to be non-fiction with very few being fiction. A single recliner sat off to the side of the library, with a small stand with a light placed in the center. On one of the many bookshelves there were rows of empty notebooks. Tim had been puzzled by the notebooks when he first noticed them, the one thing that seemed out of place compared to the rest of the massive book collection.

The last and final room appeared to be a small gym. There was an area for running, a foam mat in one corner, a boxing bag, and an exercise bike. Tim had glanced around the room thinking of all the places he had biked and ran through in Gotham. He wouldn’t be able to do his nightly activities if the room was anything to go by.

The first week Tim was in the three rooms in Camdus, he did not act like a Drake should. Tim yelled and screamed. He threw every book he could around the library. He broke the lamp in the library. He kicked down the exercise bike and ripped up the foam mat.

Tim tried multiple days to open the door that led to his room out into the hallways of Camdus during the first few days. The door handle had jagged edges along the wood by the end of the second day. Tim had been locked into the three rooms. The only interaction he got from others was when someone dropped off his food. Tim had asked them questions. He never received any response.

Every night, after Tim had exhausted himself screaming his throat raw. Tim had wondered if Luthor had purchased him just to punish him in some way. He would fall asleep with tears soaking his pillow.

He would wake up to find everything back in place where it had been previously. The messes he made with the books would be stacked neatly back into place. The broken lamp would be replaced with a new lamp. The foam mat being tapped back up to make it usable once more.

Tim felt like he was going crazy.

Tim’s behavior lasted one week. His frustration and resentment towards his parents selling him slowly dwindled as he began to lose his fight.

At the end of the 10th day, Tim started to ask the people who dropped off his food what they wanted from him. Why was he not allowed outside? Why did Luthor buy him? What did they want from him? They didn’t answer.

Tim didn’t get an answer until the following day.

When Tim heard the door open for food, he didn’t feel like getting up. Instead he stared blankly at the white wall of his room.

“Timothy.” A voice echoed through the empty room. Tim blinked a few times before his brain registered the words. His head snapped to find Luthor standing at the entrance of the room. It was the first words Tim had heard in eleven days. Tim couldn’t help but feel his heart soar as he stumbled out of his bed, finally able to talk to someone.

“M-Mr. Luthor.” Tim looked down at himself and flushed. His clothes were the same ones he had on yesterday. His hair was greasy from lack of showering. He was even missing a sock.

Luthor seemed to study the child a moment, silently taking in his appearance. “If you are done acting like a fool, go get ready. We are having breakfast.”

Tim didn’t need to be told twice. He was going to be able to talk to someone for at least 30 minutes. He can’t stop his hands from shaking at the thought. He quickly got ready, making sure he was presentable before he tripped over his feet as he rushed back to where Luthor had stood. The man hadn’t left like Tim thought he would.

Tim followed behind the man as they made their way to the kitchen. Tim wanted to ask questions, he wanted to find out what the man wanted, but instead he stayed quiet.

Tim waited for Luthor to begin. Tim’s father always had been like that– wait until spoken too. Tim didn’t want to upset Luthor and be sent back into his room. Tim finally had someone acknowledge his existence.

“Have you figured out the puzzle I want you to find out?” Luthor asked calmly, eating the food just like Tim had learned from his father. Tim picked up the correct silverware and copied the man. He kept his back straight as he tried to make a good impression. If this was his only time to talk with someone, Tim wasn’t going to waste it.

“Puzzle… Sir?” Tim asked, eyebrows furrowed together. “I wasn’t told of a problem that needed to be solved. The doctors didn’t ask me this time.” The weeks of doctors visits always had a question posed– Perhaps Tim hadn’t realized this was another problem they wanted him to solve.

“I assumed you would have put the information together based on the books in your room.” Luthor comments, glancing at the boy.

Tim held onto every word. It didn’t matter if the man had called him names or yelled at him– Tim let out a breath he hadn’t known he was holding. Tim missed talking with people.

“Sorry, sir… I haven’t read any of the books.” Tim murmured, taking a quick bite of his eggs.

Luthor sighed, “Disappointing.”

Tim flinched– he didn’t want to disappoint Luthor. Maybe he can correct the behavior. “Mr. Luthor… can you tell me the puzzle? I promise I’ll help you solve it.” Anything to get out of his room.

Luthor seemed to consider it. “Alright, Timothy.” Luthor stares directly at the child, piercing Tim with a hard look. “Have you ever worried about what would happen if a superhero went bad? My job is to protect the people of Metropolis. If something were to happen to Superman, I would have to find a way to stop it.”

“Like… a different superhero?” Tim asked, eyebrows furrowing together. Tim had thought of the superheroes in Metropolis but none fit with Luthor’s body type.

Luthor didn’t seem to like that comparison if his expression was anything to go by. “In a way. I need a way to protect my city.”

Tim nodded in understanding, “How do you plan on doing that?”

Luthor smiled sharply, “What do you know about genetics, Timothy?”

Tim paused, “I know a little bit… there were a lot of books in my room about genetics.”

“The puzzle is simple really. We need to create a hero that would save the day.” Luthor offered in response, “We have quite a bit of information on superheroes in Camdus. We even have Superman’s DNA.”

The pieces of the puzzle started to fall into place. Genetics and Superman’s DNA. “Do you… want to clone Superman? Why would you do that?”

Luthor nodded his head before taking a drink of his coffee, “We need something just as strong as Superman to save the day right?”

“But what about Batman?” Tim asked, Bruce definitely had plans for different superheroes. He always had plans for everything.

“What if Batman is the bad guy?” Luthor asked back.

“Batman isn’t evil.” Tim scoffed.

Luthor gives a fake laugh, “You can never know, Timothy. We have to be prepared.”

The two of them fell into silence. Tim had a thousand questions running through his head, but he was worried about what Luthor would do back. Tim had gotten used to his father’s behavior when he was home– Luthor was an unknown variable.

“You have been feeling lonely haven’t you, Timothy?” Luthor ruffled Tim’s hair, pulling Tim out of his thoughts.. Tim leaned into the affectionate motion. “If you managed to create a clone you would have a friend too wouldn’t you?” Luthor offered, “You could have someone to talk to everyday.”

Tim felt a yearning in his heart– While the idea of cloning Superman seemed strange– Tim really did want someone to talk to. “I don’t know…” Tim comments, still reluctant. “Does Superman know you are cloning him?”

Luthor nods, with a dark gleam in his eye. Tim decided he didn’t like it. “Yes. Superman has agreed that a clone would be the safest route to protect the city.

If Superman was alright with the cloning then Tim needed to help people right? He might not be like Batman, but he would protect people in his own way. “Okay.” Tim murmured again, “I’ll help you create a superhero, but they have to be my friend and stay with me.”

Luthor put out his hand as if he was going to shake Tim’s as a deal. “I will show you the lab location for your experiments when we finish eating. We will have a meal together every few days to a week. There are cameras in your room as well as the lab so if you need anything, the scientists will get it for you.”

Tim took the man’s hand. The deal was set.

~

Experiment 4.

Tim hadn’t been there for the previous experiments. It was obvious after reading through the books what Luthor wanted to do. Cloning by itself was nearly impossible, but a clone of Superman? Tim couldn’t believe that there was even a chance.

Still, Tim didn’t want to disappoint Luthor. The young child still missed the warmth of the man’s hand when he ruffled his hair.

Before Tim began the experiment, he reviewed the notes given to him by Luthor. The information contained the errors that had occurred in the previous experiments. Tim used the notebooks in his library and began to jot down ideas.

Tim wondered how Luthor would react if he managed. Luthor was the only one that spoke to Tim– it made him cling to every word the man would speak. Tim wanted his approval more than anything else. If he did this, perhaps Tim could even go outside again.

Tim spent a month of theorizing and editing numbers trying to find the best concoction to create Superman’s clone. His papers were filled with math equations, crossed out lines, and genetic coding.

Tim named Experiment 4. He decided Oliver based on Oliver Twist. Oliver Twist was a story about the mistreatment of young boys being forced to work. Tim thought it was a bit ironic, but he thought the name would fit the clone. He believed that Oliver would have always fought for what was right. He would have been an advocate for young kids who were mistreated. Tim knew Oliver would have been heroic.

Tim was disappointed when Oliver only made it to 20%.

The night Oliver passed away, Tim remembered staying up all night thinking of what type of person Oliver would have been. His favorite food. His favorite movie. His favorite activity. His favorite class. All night Tim stayed up making a list of things Oliver would have loved to do.

It took Tim a week before he started on Experiment 5.

Tim named Experiment 5 Darwin after Charles Darwin. Charles always talked about evolution in the books Tim had read. He thought perhaps Tim needed a change in ideas.

Darwin only made it to 36%.

Tim cried when Darwin died. He stayed up all night thinking of what Darwin could have done. Darwin would have been a scientist. He would have been brilliant. Darwin would have helped Tim learn even more about the world. They would have worked together to solve crimes not even Batman could solve. They would have been best friends.

Tim spent 4 months before starting experiment 6. After the loss of Darwin, Tim wanted to make sure he was prepared for experiment 6.

Tim named Experiment 6 Hawk. It was an interesting name sure– but Tim was missing his skateboard. Tim remembered copying Tony Hawk’s skateboard techniques when he was younger. He missed feeling the fresh air on his skin. It had been almost a year since Tim had seen the sun. Each experiment taking months to finish.

Hawk died at 40%.

Tim ripped up his notebooks. Tim fell back into old habits from when he first lived in the room. He didn’t shower. Didn’t exercise. He just stayed in his bed. He thought Hawk would have been really fun to hang out with. Hawk would have gotten Tim a skateboard and taken him out of this room. He would have flown Tim through the streets until they found a perfect skate park.

Tim realized after a month what he needed to try again.

Tim needed human DNA to mix with Superman’s. Kryptonian DNA was much harder to figure out than human DNA. When Tim brought this information up to Luthor, the man had offered his own DNA. Tim didn’t know how to feel about how quickly Luthor accepted his request. Tim had shifted uneasily during that day at lunch.

Experiment 7 was named Evans after Walker Evans. When Tim had first gotten into photography, he scoured the internet for urban photographers. He truly adored the man’s work when he had seen him.

Tim believed that Evans and him would have enjoyed taking pictures of Gotham together. Tim could have finally shown someone his pictures of Batman too. The bag that held the SD card of his pictures had been unused since he was placed in this room. Tim was too afraid of getting caught then to look at them. Still Tim would close his eyes and imagine Evans and him running through the street managing the best pictures of Batman and Robin.

Evans died at 73%.

Tim stopped trying to think of good unique names based on people he knew after Evans.

Experiment 8 was named Jorge.

Jorge died at 80%.

Tim thought Jorge would have been really good at making Tim laugh. Jorge would have made the best jokes. Tim missed laughing.

Experiment 9 was named Hanna. Tim wondered if changing the chromosome would help stabilize the Kryptonian DNA. Tim was wrong.

Hanna died at 47%. Tim didn’t try changing the chromosome again.

Tim bet Hanna would have loved playing sports. While Tim was never one to join sports, Hanna seemed like she would have been the best at soccer and tennis. She would have taught Tim how to hold a tennis racket when they got outside.

Tim wished Hanna and him could have hung out for real. After Hanna, Tim took a break from experimenting. Tim had started to read again. He had already read all the books along the library walls, yet he opened them once more and started from the beginning.

He kept telling Luthor he needed a bit more time before attempting again. Luthor gave him space. Luthor ruffled his hair. Luthor spoke to Tim.

Had Luthor not been there, Tim probably would already have been broken. Tim needed Luthor.

Tim had been able to read Luthor’s paper one morning during one of their breakfasts. Tim had always yearned to be near Luthor for the small amount of human interaction he was given. During one of those days, Tim had noticed an article about how Bruce Wayne had a fight with his adopted son, Richard. Richard had moved away to Bludhaven.

Tim spent the entire night staring at his ceiling wondering what had caused Batman and Robin to fight. Batman and Robin had broken up. He hadn’t even been able to get a picture of their last few nights.

Tim named Experiment 10 Robin. Tim just really wanted Robin to come save him– even if he no longer held the title. Tim wanted someone to take him out of this hellhole.

Experiment 10 died at 33%.

Tim didn’t put much effort into Experiment 10.

Experiment 11 was named Klaus.

Klaus died at 86%.

Tim didn’t come up with a story for Klaus. But he did know Klaus would have liked talking and telling stories.

Experiment 12 was named Steven.

Steven died at 90%.

Tim didn’t give Steven a story either. Tim did believe that Steven would have always been hopeful about the future. Tim wondered if he lost hope after Experiment 10.

Tim named Experiment 13 Conner.

Tim stared dully at the percentage numbers on the screen. Tim didn’t know how many more friends he could lose before it truly broke him. Oliver, Darwin, Hawk, Evans, Jorge, Hanna, Robin, Klaus, and Steven. They may not have been real– but Tim was getting tired.

Tim missed Oliver’s need for justice. Tim missed Darwin’s scientific mind that solved cases. Tim missed Hawk’s freedom. Tim missed Evan’s photography. Tim missed Jorge’s jokes. Tim missed Hanna’s companionship. Tim missed Robin’s safety. Tim missed Klaus’ stories. Tim missed Steven’s hope.

Everytime an experiment died, Tim was losing a part of himself.

Tim wondered what he would lose when Conner died. What percentage would he lose another friend?

Tim watched the numbers go up.

93%

94%

95%

Tim watched and waited for the pin to drop.

96%

97%

98%

99%

Tim gave a hysterical laugh. It was just his luck. It was going to fail at one percent away from a hundred.

100%.

ATTEMPT 13 SUCCESSFUL.

After 3 years of trying, Tim cried.

Chapter Text

The success of Experiment 13 had Tim feeling giddy. While Conner was not allowed out of the green tube he currently resided in, Tim talked to him for hours. While running tests, Tim would just mumble about what he was doing, or go off on a tangent about something on his mind.

Tim didn’t even realize he was doing it until his throat was sore and his mouth parched from the continuous use of his voice.

After years of talking very little, it was as if the flood gates had been opened. He talked about everything that came to his mind. Tim had come to the conclusion that Conner was unconscious and didn’t hear any of it, but it gave Tim some comfort to talk with someone.

“There was one picture I took in Gotham when the sun was rising, and the light was hitting the top of the buildings…” Tim began to explain his hobby of photography as he wrote down the progress Conner was making.

While the cloning had finally worked, the next process was now focused on memory and speeding up the growth process. Tim placed memories into Conner’s brain making sure to include current events and scientific knowledge. Tim didn’t put everything in fear that it would overload Conner’s memories and be too much– instead he focused on little things– the basics were a given.

“Did you know that Poison Ivy’s mixture can easily be combated against? I once saw Batman give Robin an antidote and it took only seconds for him to feel better!” Tim explained on a different day, remembering the night as he started to implement information on atoms and nuclei into Conner’s subconscious. He would go on to explain in depth how Poison Ivy’s mixture can affect the human body.

Tim doesn’t mind these days. Tim felt like he was able to finally talk with someone– sure Conner wasn’t able to respond and wouldn’t remember any of this– but Tim couldn’t help himself.

“I hope I can show you some of my tech, Conner.” Tim stated a few days later. Tim hadn’t thought about his tech in awhile– he might be a bit out of practice. Tim still talked about how he used to have his room set up. “I had this one device that I made that could shock even Killer Croc! I had to use it once when I was out in Gotham late at night.”

This process went on for a few weeks. Tim would show up in the lab, take notes, and talked to Conner. It was only when Conner had aged up enough that Tim had decided it was time. He had spoken with Luthor about the progress he was making.

Now all Tim needed to ask is if he could wake Conner up.

~

Tim stared at his plate while listening to Luthor explain his engagement with a few business owners. Luthor often talked to Tim about LexCorp and asked him often what he would do if he were in charge of the business. It was one of Tim’s favorite things to do. Outside of talking with Conner, it gave Tim some time to solve puzzles to keep him going. Usually they were small insignificant details that Luthor could easily solve on his own, but the man was trying to give Tim something to do during their meal time together.

“I wouldn’t make a deal with Mr. Javier.” Tim stated after Luthor had finished.

“Explain?” Luthor responded back, bringing his hands up and folding them together.

Tim leans slightly, “Mr. Javier doesn’t seem very reliable. You mentioned that he had attempted to make connections with other high profile people for his business. He is likely trying to use you for your money.”

“Most people are after my money, Timothy, that doesn’t mean we should cut off a deal.” Luthor shook his head at Tim’s thought process.

Tim hesitates.”You’re right Mr. Luthor; however, you also mentioned to me that Mr. Javier the types of questions he asked when it came to the deal. If he truly wanted to work with LexCorp, he should have asked questions on what the future would look like and how both companies could help each other. Instead, Mr. Javier asked the percentage of income that would be allocated to a specific department.”

Tim unconsciously brought a hand up to his chin, “I think… Mr. Javier might be doing something shady in that department. Why does it care how much is allocated to that one specific place? Shouldn’t he be worried about all of the departments, not just that one? He didn’t bring up the department either after your initial discussion.”

Luthor seemed to consider this, before a smile forms on his face. “You did well again Timothy. You caught on quicker this time.”

Tim grins back, eyes sparkling. Luthor often tried to test Tim. The young boy always wanted to prove himself, and listened intently to what information Luthor had given him.

“You are correct. I already had my assistant track the department you were wary of. Javier had been taking money behind closed doors. You are quite a good detective, Timothy.”

Tim closes his eyes as Luthor ruffles his hair. Tim had gotten used to the small movement, but even now he always leaned into the touch, feeling his shoulders relax at the positive reinforcement. Tim felt his chest swell with pride. Tim’s own mother and father hadn’t ever told Tim positive about himself. Being called a detective made Tim ecstatic– any connection to Batman (the best detective if it were up to Tim) made Tim shake with glee.
“How is Experiment 13? The data you have input shows a steady increase in brain activity. I am interested to hear your thoughts.” Luthor leaned back in his chair as he spoke. Tim suddenly felt nervous once more.

“I actually did want to talk to you about him– it actually.” Tim always had to remember to change the pronouns of Conner when in front of Luthor. To Luthor, Conner was an experiment, he isn’t meant to be a person. When Luthor spoke of Conner, he always phrased him as nothing more than a science project. Tim would often have to use ‘it’ to describe his friend instead of what he usually did.

“Oh? Did something change in your research?” Luthor asked, sounding intrigued.

“I… I was wondering… Experiment 13 is almost ready.” Tim fidgets with his fork in hand. He can’t meet Luthor’s eyes. “I want to try and wake him up.” His words come out fast. He waited for the disappointment that was likely to come. He clenched his hand tightly around the fork.

Luthor let out a drawn out hum, “It could end poorly if we awaken him too early.”

“B-But I crunched the numbers. At this point there is a 93% chance that he will wake up fine currently. If we don’t wake him up now, he might wake up on his own. If we don’t slowly introduce him to– well everything– the percentage of him acclimating to the world dwindles significantly.” Tim barely took a breath as he spoke.

“Can you truly put a number on emotions?” Luthor questioned, making Tim flinch back. Tim sometimes forgot that not everything can be put down to numbers and scientific equations.

“I… I just want him to like me.” Tim finally admitted, “If I wake him up now… maybe he will like me.”

Luthor lets out a huff, “Alright. You may try to awaken Experiment 13. You will need an emergency button in case it goes south. I will also be nearby with kryptonite in case he does something… regrettable.”

Tim’s head snapped up, a small smile playing on his lips. “I… I knew you would understand! Thank you, Mr. Luthor.”

“Don’t make me regret this, Timothy.”

Tim nods quickly. “I’ll make sure everything goes perfectly.”

Tim would finally get to meet his friend.

~

Tim couldn’t help but feel nervous. Conner laid out on a bed, the only thing connecting to the clone included a heart monitor.. He didn’t note any changes until there was a shift in the heart monitor. A small change showed that Conner was waking up. Tim placed down his clipboard and waited in anticipation.

Tim froze when blue eyes opened to meet his own; his heart pounding in his chest.

“H-Hello!” Tim said, standing up from his chair, practically tripping over his own two feet as he got closer. “I’m Tim.” Tim put out his hand, watching Conner– Experiment 13– look at the hand with what seemed to be confusion. Tim couldn’t stop his hand from quivering in the air. After a few moments of silence, Conner didn’t put out his hand, Tim felt concern wash over him.
Tim paused, “Did… Did I mess up on the memory implants?”

He murmurs to himself, “Luthor is going to be so mad.” It would be bad if the memory implants giving the clone information on society hadn’t been implemented correctly. “Can you talk? Is it a muscle problem or a memory problem? I checked for muscle movements just yesterday– it seemed fine then. Crap, did the memories go to the wrong part of the brain?” Tim’s expression shifted into horror, “Did I put it into short term memory?!”

Tim was about to freak out some more when a hand reached out and shook his own. Tim became rigid. Conner’s hand was warm; the skin was smooth– unlike Tim’s own hands which were dry.

“Nice to meet you.” Conner’s voice was a few pitches deeper than Tim had been expecting.

“W-We– I mean I need you to ask some questions! For research obviously.” Tim grabbed the clipboard and pen he had left on the counter. Tim could do science. Science was an easy distraction. “I-I am Tim, like I said before.” Tim was half tempted to groan at his own awkwardness.

“I helped make you– I mean not like with my DNA or anything but like… create you.” Tim paused, “That didn’t sound any better did it.”

Tim saw Conner's lips twitch Tim’s ramblings. “Right. Questions–” Tim quickly looked down at the paperwork. He brought the clipboard high enough to hide his warm face behind it.

“Are you feeling any nausea or headaches?” Tim quickly asked.

“No.” Tim marks his paper

“Are you in any pain?”

“No.” The answer was short and to the point. Apparently Conner was very straightforward. Tim wondered what other traits he might have.

“Any muscle aches?”

“My shoulder feels stiff… I think.” Conner tried to lift his arm up as if to show Tim what he meant.

“Ah. Muscle aches might be expected. You have been floating around in goop for quite awhile.” Tim explained, “I did some tests, but your muscles aren’t quite used to being outside of a liquid. That sensation will hopefully go away in the next few days.” Tim quickly scribbled down the information on his paper.

“Are there any sensations you can’t describe?” Tim asked.

“I don’t think so?” Conner responded with what sounded like a question himself.

Tim paused in his movements, “Did I mess up mental processes?” He suddenly felt concerned again. “Can… Can you solve 2+2?”

“Obviously it is 3.” Tim’s head snapped up to Conner, ready to ask more questions only to see the other teen giving him a smirk. “Just kidding.”

Tim watched as Conner seemed to roll his eyes. Apparently Conner seemed to be a bit more… confident? No… arrogant? Maybe. Perhaps a bit sarcastic.

“R-Right.” Tim mumbled, writing down that mental processes seem to be working fine. Tim was about to continue his questions when Conner reached out and grabbed the clipboard out of Tim’s hands.

“H-Hey! Give that back.” The words left Tim’s mouth before he could even comprehend what had happened. He sounded like he was three again and his dad had taken his stuffed animals.

Conner ignored the words looking through each other's questions, “I feel fine. My vision is good. I can read. Nothing is wrong with my skin.” He only seemed to pause after a second of reading.

“Experiment 13?” Tim watched as Conner’s eyebrows pinch together as if they were confused. “Is that my name?”

“Ah– yeah.” Tim began to fidget with his pen. “You were… the 13th.”

“The 13th?”

“Ah… There were 12 other experiments… They didn’t make it.” Tim tried not to show any emotion on his face as he said the words. It was still hard for Tim to talk about the others.

Conner’s lips curved into a frown, “Why did you call me Conner?” The clone asked, appearing baffled.

Tim furrowed his eyebrows– Conner was the name Tim had given him. When Tim had gone on his random tangents he often referred to Conner as if he were in the conversation, but Tim had never given him memories of the name. Tim didn’t dare for fear of Luthor getting upset. “W-What do you mean?”

Conner tilts his head to the side contemplatively, “I heard you talking to me… You were the one who spoke to me every day, right?”

Tim felt his face begin to heat up, “You heard all of that?” He questioned, he brought his hands to his face to try and hide his embarrassment. His first day truly meeting Conner and he managed to talk his ear off even before they knew each other. Tim stomach dropped– what if Conner didn’t want to be friends with him after all the hours of talking.

“S-Sorry for talking too much. You couldn’t even tell me to go away. It must have been annoying.” Tim muttered. “You also don’t have to be Conner if you don’t want to!” Tim suddenly blurted out, “Mr. Luthor doesn’t know about the name so when he is here, he will probably call you Experiment 13.” Tim paused, realizing what he just said, “I mean, not that I want to call you Experiment 13– it sounds dehumanizing. You can choose your own name.” Tim couldn’t get himself to look back at the other teen.

Tim wanted to go hide in his room and pretend this meeting never happened. How could he have already messed up so badly?

“Conner is fine.” Conner said with certainty. Tim finally got the nerve to look at Conner after the simple sentence. Conner himself has a grin on his face, “Plus I liked your talks. You were really descriptive with your words.” Conner leaned forward slightly on the bed. “You made Gotham sound beautiful. You should show me your pictures.”

Tim didn’t know how red his face was getting, but he turned away quickly to try and hide it.

The door creaks off to the side, making Tim feel slightly uneasy. When in the lab, Tim never gets visitors. The other doctors are never allowed in while Tim is there. Even Luthor stayed a few distance away. Tim quickly goes to grab the clipboard, snatching it back from a surprised Conner.

It is only moments later when Luthor walks into the room, his hand resting on a small box. Tim quickly deduces the lead lined box to keep the kryptonite safe and at the ready. Tim’s light mood changes quickly, “Mr. Luthor, I thought you… were coming a bit later.”

Luthor doesn’t even seem to see Tim. Tim is suddenly reminded of when his own dad would completely disregard him for more important things. “As you can see, Experiment 13 has woken up and appears to be in perfect health.”

“Hm. It looks far too much like him.” Luthor comments idly. Tim furrowed his eyebrows. Over the years, Tim had come to realize that bringing up Superman never ended up positive. In general, Tim tried to avoid conversing about the alien.

“Experiment 13 is not a complete replica.” Tim’s own lip began to curve into a frown. “However, the predisposition of him getting some qualities is to be expected.”

“Who are you?” Tim glances back to Conner, noticing a stiffness that hadn’t been present before.

“Experiment 13. I have high expectations for you.” Luthor watches the clone closely. Tim suddenly gets an uneasy feeling– the same one he got sometimes when Luthor spoke.

Tim shifts on his feet, “This is Mr. Luthor. He is the one that funded and ensured your creation was a success.”

Conner’s head tilts to the head slightly, “Lex Luthor? C.E.O. of LexCorp?”

Tim glanced down and marked that the memories implanted seem to have stabilized. “That is correct. He… He is here to help of course.” Tim nodded his head. “Mr. Luthor has helped me a lot through the years. I wouldn’t have been here if it wasn’t for him.”

Conner’s expression changed, a hint of concern was shining through. It is quickly hidden away, “Ah so you’re the big man.” Conner seemed to adopt a personality Tim had previously seen from him. He didn’t know what was going through his head. “Funky.”

“You also seem to be quite immature.” Luthor crossed his arms over his chest. “Who even says funky anymore?”

Tim’s eyes snapped back and forth between Luthor and Conner. “It must have been one of the things I did… sorry.” Tim murmured. He didn’t want Conner to get in trouble. “I didn’t think about slang when… when making memories.”

“What is wrong with the word funky?” Conner asked like he should be offended.

Luthor hums in thought. “You will do well to learn from Timothy. He has done a sufficient job so far. I only stopped by briefly to ensure everything was in order.” Luthor finally turned away from Conner. Tim felt himself unwind at the action. “Finish the examination and get the information to me as soon as possible. We will talk more later.”

Without another word, Luthor left just as quickly as he had entered. The two young teens were silent, both could hear the footsteps of Luthor echo in the distance.

“Well he seems to be fun at parties.” Tim could tell Conner was trying to lighten the mood.

“We… We should finish the examination.” Tim muttered, quickly getting back to work. He should have been farther along. He hoped he hadn’t disappointed Luthor.

Chapter Text

Tim glanced out into the hallway. He felt nervous with the idea of allowing Conner into his room. He hadn’t gotten permission– Tim didn’t know how Mr. Luthor would react.

“Are we gonna go?” Conner asked, looking right over Tim’s anxious glances. “No one is gonna be here. I haven’t heard anything since you showed up.”

Tim nodded before moving towards his room. It had been a week of the two hanging out. Tim only saw Conner in the lab. When Tim wasn’t there, Conner was forced back into his sleeping pod. Tim tried to spend as much time as he could with Conner; however, that meant he needed to be getting scientific research done when he was in the same room. That meant most hours of their conversation had been focused on studying Conner and seeing if he had any abilities.

After the first few days, Conner had suggested Tim show him his photography. Tim was adamant on saying ‘no’, only to give in a few days later.

Which is how Tim found himself leading Conner through the hallways towards his room.

The hallways were long and dark. Tim had gotten used to the underground hallways, maneuvering through them with ease. His own room was only a few doors away. Tim wondered if Luthor had placed his room close to make it easier on all of them.

“What? You got something in your room you don’t want to show me?” Conner asked when Tim had paused in front of his door.

Tim lifted his own key and unlocked it. “No! And if I did, I wouldn’t share it with you.” Tim stuck his tongue out which got a laugh out of Conner. A smile plays on Tim’s lips at getting the other teen to laugh.

Conner only pauses when Tim finally gets the door open. “Your door only unlocks from the outside?”

“Ah– Mr. Luthor doesn’t want me to wander around. I did it once and he got angry. He decided a stronger lock was necessary.” Tim explained– He didn’t want to go further in depth. It had been one of the times he had tried to escape. For once, Tim had managed to get the door open from the inside. Luthor had caught him, dragged him back and locked the room up, adding more extreme measures to the door. Tim remembered it was weeks later when Luthor showed up again. Those weeks had been quite long and lonely.

“Hmmm.” Conner hums out, following Tim into the room. Tim watched nervously as Conner seemed to look around. Tim didn’t know what to do. His room wasn’t a disaster per se, but he hadn’t had people visit him… well since Luthor.

“Welcome to my humble abode!” Tim motioned around. “This is my room– that door leads to the bathroom. The other door is the library and gym.” Tim explained.

“I thought it would be bigger.” Conner stated looking around, only pausing at one spot in the room and walking towards it. Tim felt his face heat up. Some nights after Tim finished in the lab, he would get random bouts of inspiration and started to jot down information. Since he hadn’t been in the lab, he didn’t have any paper other then the books in the other room. Instead of destroying good reading material, he started to jot it down and write on the walls.

“That– You don’t have to read that stuff.” Tim sounded flustered as he trekked after Conner, grabbing his elbow to stop him. “That is just a bunch of mumbo jumbo. Pretty sure I didn’t even use it in my research.”

Conner raised an eyebrow at Tim, “And the walls were the best place for research?”

“Yes.” Tim answered automatically.

A laugh escapes Conner, the clone shaking his head. He did listen to Tim, moving laying down on the bed. “So…. those photos.”

Tim nodded quickly, “Right! Ah… I don’t have them in here. I didn’t want to lose them so they are… somewhere safe. Just wait here a moment.”

Tim ducked out of the room, going into the bathroom. Tim went to his secret spot, loosening a tile he had hidden his laptop and camera behind. When Tim was younger, he often had two SD cards, one for landscape shots and one for Batman. When his parents asked him to look at his pictures (which was never), he would always be prepared with the landscape shots. When Tim pulled out his two SD cards, he made sure the SD card with his Batman pictures wasn’t in the camera before sliding the tile perfectly back in place with the laptop and second SD card hidden underneath. Tim had feared that Luthor might take his laptop and camera away in the early years of living here so he quickly had found a hiding place. The bathroom had no cameras and tiles could be opened easier than in his room.

After getting his camera, Tim went to go find Conner, quickly realizing he wasn’t in his room. Tim moved into the next room and rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand. The room was more of a disaster than the other. The floor was covered in books with writing. Some were thrown half-hazardly into a corner.

Conner waltzed through the disaster, scanning the books along the bookshelves. “Not one for fiction?” Conner asked, as his gaze ran along the titles.

Tim shook his head, “Ah well no. I do like some fiction but not much. I like non-fiction– especially science related. Detective stories are some of my favorite in fiction but–” Tim paused, “Mr. Luthor didn’t think fiction would be productive to my experiments.”

Tim noticed Conner’s eyes narrowed, but he didn’t look over at Tim. “Do you like a specific author or scientific research?”

Shrugging his shoulders, “I guess you can’t really go wrong with Doyle. When I was younger, I would read Doyle before going to sleep.” Tim thought back to before he started to live with Mr. Luthor. “I do remember enjoying Robert Millikan’s work on electrons. It was really fascinating to see how he figured out the charges. Or Robert Paine! He began his research about how species can impact the ecosystem.”

“I like the way you talk nerdy to me.” Conner joked, his eyes gleamed with humor as he glanced over to Tim. “You must get all the girls.”

Tim flushed deeply, “You were the one who asked!”

Conner let out a howl of laughter, “You make it too easy to tease you.” Conner lifted up his hand, “Let me see these pictures. The only images I know of the outside are the ones you put there.”

Tim didn’t know how to take that sentence, but he did turn on his camera and advanced closer to Conner. He fidgeted with a few settings before loading up the pictures of Gotham he had acquired all those years ago.

The first picture to pop up was a gargoyle. Tim felt his lip twitch at the memory. “I almost fell off the building to get this picture.” Tim stated, moving the camera to show the screen to Conner. Conner leaned in closer to see.

“Why would you want a picture of a creepy gargoyle?” Conner asked, letting out a low whistle.

A smile played on Tim’s expression, “In Gotham there are hundreds of them. This one was one of my favorites–,” Tim had seen Robin hang out on this particular gargoyle more than once. He wondered if Robin had liked that gargoyle too.

Tim flipped to the next picture, “This one is when Ivy had covered a bunch of buildings in her plants. Most of Gotham hated it, but I thought the green leaves against the brick walls were beautiful.”

“Does she usually go around covering things with ivy?” Conner asked, studying the image with a peculiar expression.

“Yes… actually quite often. But this time it looked like a jungle had spouted out all over the city.” Tim can’t help but get excited as he explained. “At that point, I really understood what Ivy meant by letting nature run wild. It was magnificent.”

Conner snorts, “You say that until you gotta clean out the leaves in your gutters.”

“I didn’t have to– obviously my parents paid someone to do it.” Tim pushed Conner jokingly as he said it.

Conner’s eyes snapped to Tim, causing Tim to pause. “Your parents? I thought Luthor was your dad?”

Tim rarely thought about his parents anymore. When he did, it usually ended with him wanting to cry or throw things. He decided instantly, he needed to change the subject. “I don’t want to talk about it. And Mr. Luthor isn’t my father.”

“What is the next picture?” Conner took the hint and didn’t push further. Tim was thankful, flipping to the next image.

Tim held his breath. The silhouettes of the buildings reflecting off the sun had been burned into Tim’s memory. Seeing the picture he had taken brought him back to all those times he would run along roof tops. He remembered jumping and crawling. He remembered chasing after Batman and Robin. He remembered the exhilaration he felt– his heart pumping– eyes shining– and the sensation of being completely and utterly free.

“That picture is pretty fly.” Conner commented, bringing Tim back to the present.

“Y-Yeah…” Tim had a yearning in his chest. “I am sure you would love to see Gotham.”

“You’ll have to take me. Show me where you took this picture, right?” Conner asked.

Tim tried to shake off the want of seeing Gotham again. “Only if you don’t ever say fly ever again. I swear it sounds like you grew up in the 90s.”

“Fly is an awesome compliment. You’re just hella jealous.” Conner bumped his shoulder teasingly against Tim’s own.

“Sure.” Tim scoffed. Tim pressed the button for the next picture.

The two of them stayed there for what seemed like hours. Tim would show a picture and Conner would comment on it. Tim would explain how or why it was taken. Going through each picture made Tim wish he could go back– but he stopped himself from saying it outloud.

Tim had been so engrossed with the pictures that he didn’t notice the time passing by. It was only when Conner abruptly shot up, “Oh, fuck.”

The words made Tim blink in surprise– he hadn’t heard Conner say that before. Perhaps the teens vocabulary is increasing the longer he is alive. Shaking away the thought, Tim tilted his head to the side.

“Quick, you gotta hide your camera or something– I didn’t realize he was so close.” Conner spoke quickly, practically shoving Tim back into the other room.

Tim was about to ask what was going on only to enter his room to see Luthor standing in the doorway.

Tim stood as straight as a statue, his shoulders leveling out. His expression changed to be impassive. “Mr. Luthor. I thought you weren’t going to be here today.” Luthor was never here two days in a row. He had dinner last night with Tim– The pattern had changed and Tim wasn’t prepared.

Luthor inspected Tim, making the young teen shuffle uncomfortably. “I heard you took the clone out of the lab. That wasn’t a good idea, Timothy.”

Tim could hear his own heartbeat in his ears as it increased in speed. “It was an experiment to… see how quickly he could read. I forgot to bring a book with me and thought I could just bring him here.”

Luthor appeared disappointed at Tim’s words. He curved his attention to Conner. “Experiment 13. I stated the first time we met you need to learn from Timothy. It appears you have been a bad influence.”

Tim hadn’t realized Conner still had a hand on his shoulder until he felt it tightened at the words. “Maybe Tim needs to relax a little. He did what you wanted didn’t he? Can’t just give a guy a break can you.” Tim wondered how Conner could sound so confident in this situation.

Luthor’s face contorted to anger, he reached a hand out. “Timothy, the camera.”

Tim’s hands shook, his palms sweaty as he held the camera close. “Please… It is all I have left.”

“You should have thought of that before breaking the rules.” Tim’s vision started to blur. The past few hours had been peaceful. The pictures he had taken reminded him of so many happy times. He couldn’t lose them.

“Maybe you shouldn’t be an asshole and let him keep his camera.” Conner stood by Tim’s side. Tim was thankful for Conner’s words, but anxiety gripped him. He couldn’t say no to Luthor.

Tim watched through blurry eyes as Luthor sighed, his hand reaching into one of his pockets and pulling out a dark box. Tim knew exactly what was in the box.

“S-Sorry Mr. Luthor. Here… P-Please take my camera. I am sorry for my actions.” Tim shrugged off Conner's hand and pushed the camera towards Luthor. “Experiment 13 doesn’t understand the importance of my research. H-He wasn’t at fault. It was my mistake.”

Luthor paused in his movements. Tim could hear Conner exhale deeply at his words. Luthor gives Tim a smile. His free hand moving to ruffle Tim’s hair. Tim always enjoyed the touch– but this time the hand was heavy on his head. The movement made Tim’s skin crawl in discomfort and fear. Luthor took the camera from Tim’s outstretched hands and examined it. He placed the strap around his arm before placing his hand back on the small black box.

“Then he must learn just as you did.” Mr. Luthor stated, opening the box to reveal a dark green rock.

“No!” Tim flipped around back to Conner, and watched as the alien started to get pale. Tim reached out, grasping onto Conner as he wobbled where he stood.

Luthor exhaled, keeping the box open. “I am sure Experiment 13 will learn with some alone time. We shall place him in his sleeping tube until the time is right.” Luthor placed the box down gently, moving back to the camera. “As for you Timothy, you must understand the dangers of a camera in such a secure facility.”

Tim’s head snapped back as he watched Luthor lift up the camera and throw it ruthlessly against the ground. The lens shattered on impact, the light flinging halfway across the floor, and the SD card landing at Luthor’s feet. “It is for your protection. If information was to be fed out of the lab, it would end with quite a few problems.”

Luthor picked up the SD card and examined it. “We must not let any information get out.” He snapped the card in half– ensuring all the pictures Tim had were destroyed.

Tim felt like his heart had shattered with his camera and it fell apart with the sound of the ‘snap’.

“You’re such a dick. There is no way in hell I would listen to you.” Tim heard the murmurs from Conner who had slowly crumbled onto the ground.

“Move along, Timothy. You will be staying here for a few days to think about what you have done. I shall be taking Experiment 13 back to his facilities. I expect you to be on your best behavior when I return.” Luthor commented, moving to take Conner away.

All Tim can do is watch as Luthor takes Conner out of the room. Tim can’t even get himself to clean up the broken camera off the floor.

~

Tim stared at the locked door. He didn’t know how long it had been since he was left in the room. Without the need of finding out how to clone someone, he was left in a daze. Tim’s camera was still in pieces along the floor.

Tim didn’t know what to feel– his body numb from what had transpired. Tim did what he had to to survive– he got up, ate, showered, and slept. Tim tried to be on his best behavior just like Luthor asked him. Tim hoped that when Luthor came back, he would realize how hard Tim had worked. If Tim was doing his best, maybe he would be able to see Conner again. Even if Tim could only see him to jot down notes– Tim missed Conner.

Tim stared at the wall– the only thing that brought him back from his headspace was a loud noise echoing down the hallway. The noise was unexpected. Tim hadn’t heard much of anything the past few days so to hear anything made him blink back to reality.

Tim jumped when the door was suddenly slammed open, his body frozen at the sudden movement.

Standing in the doorway stood Conner. Tim felt relief course through him as he jumped off his bed. “Conner!” A smile played on his lips as he practically ran to the other teen. “Did Mr. Luthor decide to let you come here? It really was stupid of me– I shouldn’t have brought my camera.” Tim mutters under his breath.

“Tim…” Conner sounds relieved as he takes a few steps into the room, lips curved into a smile.

“It’s okay though, since Mr. Luthor–” Tim cuts himself off when he is close enough to see two people behind Conner that he hadn’t met before. Tim felt his heart jump, his body reacting negatively as he took a few steps back instead of forward. “That isn’t Mr. Luthor.”

The first individual behind Conner was slightly taller than Conner. He wore a black suit, the only clashing color being a strip of blue across his chest. His mask matched the dark blue hiding his face. The other was a complete contrast to the dark vigilante– the yellow and red suit screams for attention. How had Tim not noticed them before?

“Tim! This is Nightwing and Kid Flash. They were here on a mission and ended up finding the lab.” Conner explained, He had only stopped moving once he was right in front of Tim. “They said that they can help get us out of here. You don’t have to listen to Luthor anymore.”

Tim could hear Conner’s excitement at finally being able to get free. Tim couldn’t get himself to join in the excitement, his stomach curling uncomfortably. Tim couldn’t just leave.

“But Mr. Luthor didn’t do anything wrong.” Tim didn’t understand Conner’s focus on getting out. “I made a mistake. I shouldn’t have had my camera. He obviously didn’t want any of his scientific research to escape the compound.” Conner had to be able to see reason right? If they did what Mr. Luthor said he would let them out eventually.

Tim could see the moment Conner’s excitement dwindled.

“How long do we have to wait?” Conner asked, “You kept saying he would let us out but he didn’t. Instead he locked you up. He put me back in that tube.”

Tim clenched his fists at the words. Tim thought only he had gotten the punishment– Conner didn’t know what he was doing. It had been Tim’s fault.

“Hey, Tim! Nice to meet you. I don’t mean to cut this conversation short, but we should probably leave soon.” Kid Flash stated, quickly pushing Nightwing into the room, as he glanced around the corner.

Tim flinched– he wasn’t used to people talking to him. “I– I can’t leave.” Tim suddenly said– it practically was a whine. “Mr. Luthor would get so mad… He is already angry with me!”

Conner’s shoulder sagged, “I can’t leave you here, Tim.”

“How do you even know you can trust those two? We don’t know who they are.” Tim motioned to the superheroes. “For all we know this could be a test. Mr. Luthor always did that in the beginning. I won’t fall for it again.”

“This isn’t a test! They are here to save us.” Conner sounded distressed and uneasy.

“We can’t force him to leave.” Nightwing spoke for the first time since entering the room. “Conner, if you would like to leave we have to go now. It is only a matter of time before the alarms get set off.”

The voice sounded familiar. Tim knew he had heard it somewhere before. He closed his eyes for a moment thinking about who it was.

“Please, Tim… we have to go.” Conner reached his hand out as if that would help make his decision.

Tim couldn’t get his body to move– fear and anxiety coursed through his veins. His attention focused solely on Conner’s deep blue eyes. Tim could see the emotions swirling around, on the clone’s expression. Tim wanted more than anything to reach out– but he remained frozen.

A sigh from the side made him peered away from the emotional turmoil of Conner. “Tim, right?” Nightwing walked over to them, it took all of Tim’s willpower not to scramble away. The young superhero placed a hand on Tim’s shoulder. “Conner refused to go straight to the exit without you. I don’t know what happened here, but I really do think you should come with us.”

Nightwing smiled– it appeared a little sad. Tim wondered why Nightwing would be sad at a time like this. The small smile gave Tim a flash of a memory. A young kid telling Tim that he would do a flip for him at the circus. It only took a moment and the image clicked in Tim’s head where he knew Nightwing from.

“You’re Robin.” Tim blurted out without thinking.

Nightwing couldn’t stop his surprise from appearing on his face, “I was Robin.” He nodded his head slowly, “And as an ex-Robin, I promise I will get you out of here to safety.”

Tim had many dreams of Robin saving. Of Robin opening the door and escaping. Sometimes he dreamt of Batman and Robin being there together. Tim had lost hope of ever getting out when Experiment 10 (Robin– Tim would always know him as Robin) died. The day Tim had read that newspaper that Dick Grayson had left Bruce Wayne behind. Tim had lost the hope that the real Robin would ever come and save him.

Slowly, Conner had brought back all of the things Tim had lost with each of the experiments’ deaths. Conner gave him companionship, humor, photography, stories, and safety. He had gotten so much back– yet hope was the most terrifying. Hope meant Tim could have a future. And now Conner had brought Tim the one thing he had always hoped for – Robin saving him from this hell.

Tim moved his attention back to Conner who hadn’t moved. Tim could identify the emotions on Conner’s face now– hope.

Tim took a deep breath and reached out. “Okay. Let’s go.”

Nightwing pat Tim on the shoulder before moving to glance out of the hallway to prepare for their escape. Tim took that moment to run to the bathroom and grab his hidden bag with his laptop and SD card filled with pictures of Batman. Tim might not have his pictures from Gotham, but he still had the ones of his heroes. He put his bag on his back before looking over to Conner.

Conner beamed as brightly as Tim could have ever seen.

Tim didn’t stop Conner as he was pulled along out into the hallway. Tim felt fear and anxiety, but the feeling of hope was overpowering.

Chapter Text

Tim was being pulled through hallways he had never been to before. Tim followed closely behind Conner as he dragged him through the dark hallways.

“Quick! This way!” Kid Flash motioned before a blur of red whizzed away.

“Aqualad, we are heading towards you.” Tim heard Nightwing say into his comm. Tim had never heard of a hero named Aqualad before. His earlier concerns about the rescue being fake made him grab onto Conner tighter. Aqualad could be an alias for Mr. Luthor, but Tim knew Robin. The Robin who saved the day. Robin would never do something so harsh.

To Tim’s relief, they came up to the hero known as Aqualad, who stood in front of a locked door. Tim knew the locked door. Every time Tim tried to escape, he would end up in the same spot. The door was reinforced. Tim never got a chance to break through the keypad before being forced back into his room.

Tim hated that door.

“Nightwing, the door appears impenetrable. I have spent a few minutes attempting to open it with no avail.” Aqualad offers the information.

Nightwing has a flicker of concern on his face before he schools his expression, “Conner can you give it a go? We need to get out of here before someone or something raises the alarm.”

“They already know we escaped,” Tim muttered, his attention staying on that dreadful door.

“What do you mean?” Nightwing asked as Kid Flash, Aqualad, and Conner attempted to open the door.

Tim furrowed his eyebrows, “I thought you knew… That is why you were so eager to leave.” Tim eyed the superhero, “My room had a silent alarm. If it is opened without permission or at the wrong time of day, Mr. Luthor gets a message. I thought he had removed it since I hadn’t tried escaping recently, but he knew I took Conner back to my room, so it must still be active.”

Nightwing stiffened, “We need that door open now.” Nightwing rushed forward to help them open it. Conner tried punching the metal door only to hear the noise echo through the room.

“We’re trapped? I don’t want to die down here! Maybe there is another exit.” Kid Flash said over-dramatically before running to the hallway. Tim could have informed him that no there was no other exit.

“We got another problem. You got maybe 3 minutes before the room is filled with robots. Why the hell does Luthor have so many robots?” Kid Flash is back in only a matter of seconds.

Tim gets a wary smile on his lips, “Mr. Luthor ensured that the entrance of the lab was reinforced so not even Superman could get into there.”

“I could attempt to use water pressure, but if it is sealed, it might cause the room to fill with water.” Aqualad offered.

“The only way to open the door is by breaking through Mr. Luthor’s technology.”

“You can do that, can’t you?” Conner questioned him, breaking through all the other questions. Conner was studying Tim closely.

Tim paused and hesitated, “It has been years since I tried to break into someone’s security.”

“But you have before,” Nightwing asked.

Yes. Tim had broken into the Batcomputer to figure out a case. No, he was not going to say that to Nightwing.

“Not Mr. Luthor’s.”

“Tim, you’re on door duty. Conner, your job is to ensure no one gets close to Tim. If anything gets near him, you destroy it. Aqualad and Kid Flash, make sure nothing gets through the hallway. I will set up traps around the hallway, so be careful coming back in here.” Nightwing took control of the situation, assigning jobs with ease.

“You got it.” Kid Flash saluted Nightwing before running off. Aqualad nodded in understanding before following behind.

Nightwing smiled brightly at Tim, placing a hand on his shoulder. “You got this, Tim.” With one last pat, Nightwing was off getting out different things from his tool belt to help protect Tim.

“Nothing will happen to you while I am here.” Conner offered Tim more reassurance.

Tim felt sick. They were relying on him to get through the door. Tim didn’t have time to question Nightwing’s choice before he was at the door in seconds.

“I need something to get the wall off with.” Tim first tried to take it off with his hands but failed miserably. He really wished he had his old tool kit.

Conner suddenly appears at his side with a piece of metal. “Will this work?” Conner asked. Tim eyed the metal– it was obvious where he got it from (If the crackling of electronics from a broken machine a few feet away was anything to go by).

“Thanks.” Tim took it from Conner before going back to the keypad.

“I mean, there are only 10,000 options for codes.” Tim gently moved the small piece of metal between the lock and the wall. He didn’t have time to do 10,000 codes, but he did have time to mess with the wiring.

A sound of relief escaped Tim as he popped the keypad off. “It is just a puzzle,” Tim muttered to himself as he began to pull out the wires. He ignored the concerned yells behind him as the others started to fight the robots. “Take it apart and find the pieces.” He grumbled, digging through the wires.

The wires were easier to pull out than Tim had expected. He managed to get a large portion out without causing them to snap or break. Tim ran his fingers through the wiring to try and find which one was needed. He quickly removed the ones dedicated to the keypad, instead focusing on which one could open the door.

Tim let out a low frustrated noise when he couldn’t find the right one. Taking a deep breath, Tim closed his eyes and organized his thoughts. If he couldn’t find the wiring, it would have to make the device think the code he put in was correct. He would need to work with the keypad’s chip and make the door think they put in the right code.

Moving his attention back to the device, he quickly popped off the numbers and tried to find a flaw in the data chip that he could use. He let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding– a small piece of the chip that likely controlled the number of inputs at one time. He just needed a screen and something to connect it with.

“Robin, I need your wrist device.” Tim turned and watched Nightwing do a flip as he took care of one of the machines.

“A bit busy right now,” Nightwing dodged another attack.

“You’re gonna be busy a lot longer if you don’t help me,” Tim yelled back, attention quickly moving back to the keypad.

Nightwing grumbled under his breath, “Conner. Switch jobs.” Nightwing did one last flip off one of a robot. Conner didn’t need to be told twice. Tim felt a rush of air as Conner moved to take care of the robot. He heard a loud crash which he assumed had been Conner dealing with the chunks of metal.

Nightwing ripped off the device from his wrist and handed it to Tim. “We got maybe five minutes before all hell breaks loose. You got this?” The device was small and had a screen attached to it. Had it not been attached to Nightwing, one might assume it was a type of cellphone.

Tim didn’t respond, instead, he grabbed Nightwing’s device and wiggled his hands on the corner. The plastic covering didn’t hold under the pressure and broke off giving Tim a chance to use both the screen and the machinery Tim needed to connect to the keypad. With quick hands, Tim got to work.

It only was a matter of seconds before the screen came to life. Tim skimmed the coding as it flew across the screen. “There.” He muttered, quickly typing in a new code. His eyes darted across the screen, hoping the new coding could break through the old.

There was a loud beep coming from the door before the doors flung open.

“KF, Aqualad, Conner! Time to go!” Tim didn’t have time to react before Nightwing grabbed a hold of him, arms wrapped around his chest. Tim barely had a second to remove the cord attaching Nightwing’s device to the keypad before they were moving out of the room.

Tim was greeted by giant windows with the sun shining through. Tim blinked, protecting his eyes from the sudden brightness. A hiss escaped his lips as soon as the door outside slammed open.

Tim’s breath caught in his chest as he blinked away the pain to look around.

Trees and Grass. The light breeze in the air. The smell of wet soil and a flowery smell. Tim had forgotten what the outside was like.

Tim didn’t even realize Nightwing had put him down on a patch of grass. The other members of Teen Titans are all trying to catch their breath along with Conner. It seemed the machines were not made to leave the facility.

A laugh escaped Tim as he kneeled down on the grass. His hands run along the green sod, the grass prickling against his skin. Tim laid down on the grass looking up at the blue sky. Tim forgot how blue the sky was.

“You’re gonna get bugs in your hair.” Kid Flash warned Tim, but Tim didn’t care. He was feeling grass against his skin. He was seeing the blue sky with white fluffy clouds and a sun so bright that it made his eyes sting.

Tim doesn’t know how long he stays there blinking up at the sky until Nightwing asked a question bringing him back to the present.

“Robin, huh? Haven’t been called that in a few years.” Nightwing mentioned out of breath with a grin on his face. “You a fan?”

Tim felt his face flush. “I didn’t mean to say that, I just needed your tech.”

Nightwing looked like he was going to go ask another question when suddenly they are surrounded– not by robots.

The Justice League.

Tim got up quickly, tripping over his feet to get next to Conner. Nightwing was trustworthy– he proved that– but Conner did so much more.

“Nightwing, report.” Batman’s voice echoed.

Tim could feel his nerves growing as Nightwing did just that. Nightwing didn’t go into full detail but enough information to know that Conner was a science experiment and Tim had something to do with it.

“So like a clone?” The Flash asked clarifying, the superhero glanced towards Tim and Conner. Tim grabbed onto Conner trying to calm himself down.

“My name is Conner.” Conner offered up, “I was made from Superman’s DNA.”

Tim refrained from cringing back. Tim never had been able to tell Conner about mixing DNA with Luthor. The way Conner acted around Luthor made Tim hesitant with giving out that information.

“And Tim is–,” The Flash motioned to the other teen.

Tim opened his mouth and closed it. He didn’t know how to respond.

“A prisoner.” Conner offered. Tim frowned– he wasn’t a prisoner. Prisoners don’t get the freedom of having a lab to do experiments with.

The Flash, however, seemed to hum in understanding.

“What should we do with them? Lex won’t just let them be on their own.” Wonder Woman crosses her arms over her chest. “They are still children.”

“Conner has shown he has super strength. I would be okay with him joining the Titans.” Nightwing offered, trying to give a positive placement.

Instead of warming Tim at the offer, Tim felt dread. They were going to split them up. Tim was human– he didn’t belong in the Titans. Conner could probably do some good with the Teen Titans.

But Tim didn’t want to be alone. He would be left abandoned with no one.

“I’ll tell!” Tim said loudly, sounding more confident than he felt. The heroes surrounding them went silent and turned to him.

“Tell what, Timmy?” Nightwing said cautiously, looking slightly puzzled. He was now standing between Tim and the Justice League. The young hero blocked the League from view.

Tim breathed in, shifting his shoulders higher. He let his face relax into a neutral expression. Years of training from his parents made Tim fall back into his gala facade.

“We need to come to an agreement.” Tim tightened his grip on Conner’s arm. “If you split us up, I will inform news outlets and villains alike of Batman’s and Nightwing’s secret identity. I will give them undeniable proof of who is behind the mask and any information pertaining to Batman’s routes through Gotham.” Tim might not know Batman’s current routes– but he could easily break it apart just as he did when he was younger.

Tim watched as Nightwings eyes widened, his lips opening in shock.

“Are you threatening us?” Batman’s voice echoed above the silence. Tim flinched back. A flurry of movements came into his vision before the vigilante stood in front of him. No longer was Tim protected by Nightwing’s position. Tim was getting the full glare of the Dark Knight.

“Step back,” Conner stated. Tim could feel Conner try and move in a protective stance in front of him, but Tim held him back with a tight grasp on his arm.

Tim was worried. Being glared at by Batman was terrifying; however, the thought of an empty room was far more intimidating.

“I am,” Tim responded coolly.

“B– I didn’t know.” Nightwing spoke up, “He asked if I was Robin– he didn’t say anything else. Conner said Tim was locked up for a long time. He didn’t say anything about my identity.”

Tim could feel Batman’s narrowed eyes on him. “How do you know our identities? What is your proof?”

“If Tim says he knows your identities, he knows them.” Conner sneered back, still trying to push Tim back.

“Do we need to place him in a secure location?” Superman spoke up for the first time since seeing the two. “If he has been working with Luthor, we cannot allow him to roam free.” Conner stiffened under Tim’s hand.

Conner snapped his eyes over to the flying alien, “If you lock him up, you are no better than Luthor!”

Tim wanted to argue. Luthor had done what was necessary. Tim should have met Luthor’s expectations and wouldn’t have done what he did. Tim didn’t speak up, however– now wasn’t the time for that argument.

Superman looked as if he had just been slapped, “We need to take precautions. We don’t know if this is a trap led by Luthor.” Superman eyed Conner’s clothes– his lips thinned when he recognized the Kryptonian symbol.

Tim watched as Batman took into consideration Superman’s words. Tim felt nauseated just thinking about another bare room without anyone to talk to.

“Why were you locked up?” Batman’s voice was steady. The bravado Tim had fell after the question. Tim had wondered that question for years. On the days he sat scribbling away notes. The days he wouldn’t be able to get out of bed. Why had Tim been chosen?

Tim bit down on his cheek, his eyes glancing between Superman and Batman. “Mr. Luthor asked me to help him save the world. He didn’t want any information getting out.” Tim didn’t outright say the reason– but Tim hoped Batman could get the implication.

“B, the door was locked on the outside. Tim’s room had writings on the wall and a destroyed camera on the floor. There was nothing else in the room other than what was necessary.” Nightwing breaks the silence, “There were scratches on the door from a prior attempted escape I can assume. Tim knew how to break the passcode on the doors. I think the only reason Tim hadn’t escaped was that he needed manpower.”

Tim felt his heart stutter. Batman’s training in detective work was on full display. Tim hadn’t realized how much Nightwing had managed to gain just by looking around his room.

Batman grunted at Nightwing’s words, his gaze still holding steady on Tim.

“We should still place the clone in the tower until we have more information.” Green Lantern suggested.

“My name is Conner. Not clone. Not Experiment 13.” Conner sounded agitated the more they talked. “And we are done listening to this crap. I thought maybe Batman would listen since Tim always talked about how cool you were.”

Tim doesn’t expect arms to suddenly wrap around him. “Conner– Wait–!” Tim couldn’t say another word before Conner lifted him and jumped.

Being locked in a facility, Tim hadn’t been able to test Conner on his ability to fly, and apparently, Conner didn’t seem to care to test it before running away from superheroes.

Tim should be yelling at Conner to stop. Running away was counterproductive to the deal he was trying to make. It was going to end badly.

Instead, Tim grabbed onto Conner ensuring he wouldn’t fall. He can’t help but closes his eyes and feel the wind rushing past them. It is only a few minutes, but it felt freeing.

Conner tumbled as his feet hit the top of the building. Gently, Conner placed Tim down before looking him over.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.”

“I heard your heart it was… erratic,” Conner murmured, rubbing the back of his neck. “I didn’t want to stay there.”

Tim blinked, as he registered what exactly Conner had said. “You can hear my heartbeat? We didn’t take notes on that. You just said you could only hear loud noises.”

Conner huffed, “Of course, you would focus on that. I didn’t tell you. I didn’t like the idea of Luthor knowing.”

“Did you know you could fly?” Tim asked, now questioning how much information he didn’t know about Conner.

Conner laughed lightly, “Nope. I just hoped. Saw the big man in blue flying above all menacingly and thought why not give it a go! I am Kryptonian like him so the chances were pretty high. Good thing too, I really wanted to punch Green Lantern. Seriously– Can’t even call me by the right name.”

Tim hummed, “They are gonna be upset with us.”

“So what? We can just run away together. How do you feel about Hawaii? I bet they have the best fruit.” Conner brought a hand to his chin in thought. “You miss Gotham, though… maybe we should find a place similar to that?”

Tim laughed hysterically, “We can’t run away from the Justice League! Besides, there is no place like Gotham.”

Conner’s lips curved into a grin, “So if there was a place like Gotham you totally would be down.”

“No! I would not be down!” Tim began to pace on the rooftop. “We are going to get murdered by the Justice League.”

“Relax. I could hear them coming from a mile away.” Conner motioned to his ears as he spoke. “Or we could just fly off into the sunset every time they show up.”

“That would mean they only would look for us during dusk. Which is completely ridiculous.” Tim blurted out— Conner was not helping him think of a plan. If anything his offhanded comments made Tim’s mind go in the complete opposite direction. Tim groaned, putting his face in his hands. “I even blackmailed Batman for you. We are so dead.”

Conner’s laughter fills the air once more. “Only if they can catch us.”

Tim made to sure sigh loud enough for Conner to hear.

“I would do it again if I had to.” Conner’s jovial mood shifted suddenly, surprising Tim. Lowering his hands, Tim stared at Conner.

Conner was looking away, his smile having fallen to a frown, “You were acting weird. I didn’t like it. You sounded too much like Luthor.”

Tim flinched back, “Sorry. I was trying to help.”

“You’re already sounding better.” Conner offered back, “Talking about being worried about everything and geeking out about random stuff like Gotham.”

“I wasn’t geeking out,” Tim muttered.

The noise of a piece of metal piercing the side of the building distracted Tim from Conner as he looked away. “I thought you said they wouldn’t find us?” Tim knew that sound better than anyone.

Only seconds later Batman and Nightwing landed swiftly a few feet away.

“It is only them. Thought you would wanna hear them out.” Conner shrugged his shoulders. Tim felt like pulling out his hair in frustration and anxiety.

“Hey again, Timmy! Conner!” Nightwing waved at the two, “You definitely know how to make an exit.”

Conner grinned.

Tim shook his head.

“The Justice League thought it best if we came alone,” Batman explained.

“More like Batman, gave them an earful and then left all menacingly,” Nightwing added.

Tim quirked an eyebrow. Batman had no reason to yell at the Justice League. Tim had blackmailed him and then ran away with Conner. “Why would he do that? I did blackmail you both.”

“About that, how do you know our identities?” Nightwing smiled, tilting his head to the side as he asked. He might have been acting nice, but Tim knew there was definitely a threat underneath the warm exterior.

“If I tell you, I wouldn’t have blackmail material.” Tim countered, crossing his arms over his chest.

“You wanted a deal, Tim,” Batman’s voice sounded pressing, “I am willing to listen to your demands but first you must tell us how you know.” Batman paused, “If there is a leak out there, we must ensure no one else finds it.”

Tim paused, his options were limited. Tim could give him the information, and lose their blackmail or they would have to run for as long as they could.

Tim hesitated, “Conner… What do you want?”

“I would like to stay near you if I can. You’re a trouble magnet– I mean who gets kidnapped and forced into creating clones is not something normal people do.” Conner explained, “I can’t do that if they put me with Teen Titans– unless Tim can join.” Conner turned to look at Batman questioningly.

“I don’t think the Justice League will agree to that,” Batman responded with a shake of his head.

“So wherever we can safely be together.” Conner motioned back and forth between Tim and himself.

Batman seemed to ponder the question, looking over at Nightwing. Tim watched as a flicker of emotions passed between both their faces. Tim wondered if they could somehow talk telepathically because Nightwing responds instead, “There aren’t many places like that.”

“There is one place.” Tim fidgeted nervously with his backpack strap, “Like Wayne Manor.”

Silence filled the air, Tim thought you could hear a pin drop.

“Well, that answers that question!” Nightwing stepped closer to Tim and stopped in front of him. Nightwing had a hand on his chin, as he eyed Tim up and down. “Now you have me really curious how you know.”

“You will agree to have us stay at Wayne Manor?” Tim asked directly now.

“Metas are not allowed in Gotham.” Batman– Bruce stated sharply.

Tim frowned, furrowing his eyebrows together. “Technically, Conner isn’t a meta. He isn’t human either.”

Nightwing chuckled as Tim watched Batman’s lips curve into a frown.

“He still has abilities,” Batman argued back.

“Ones that he hasn’t been able to use regularly and might need to work on his control. He almost fell onto the rooftop when we landed.” Tim motioned around himself.

“Hey, it was my first time landing!” Conner grumbled.

Batman narrowed his eyes, “Metas always end up going bad in Gotham.”

“Then you will want to keep Conner extra close.” Tim offered.

“You aren’t going to let this drop are you?” Batman huffed, raising an eyebrow– at least Tim thinks he does if his mask movement was anything to go by.

“Nope. Where he goes, I go, and vice versa.” Tim pointed at Conner and himself.

“Fine, but once you are comfortable he will need to leave Gotham,” Batman sounded off– it took Tim a moment to realize the man was moping. It didn’t matter to Tim; however, since they came to an agreement.

Tim felt relief wash over him like a hot shower. His shoulders relaxed as he gave Batman a shy smile. “Thank you, Mr. Wayne.”

“Now about that blackmail…” Nightwing edged Tim on, his hand motioning for the young teen to explain.

“I doubt anyone else will make the connection. I had a lot of nightmares so the quadruple somersault was seared into my mind.” Tim shifted his backpack on his back slightly, reaching into one of the pockets.

“What does a quadruple somersault have to do with our identities?” Nightwing asked cautiously.

“That is a silly question coming from you.” Tim rolled his eyes, pulling out his memory card. “Only a few people in the world can do such a feat. When Batman started to take Robin out at night, Robin had a tendency to show off. Especially with his acrobatics.” Tim explained, grasping the memory card a bit tighter. It was the last of his pictures, but Batman and Nightwing needed them more. Tim needed to keep Conner and himself safe.

“I have pictures on here that show both Dick Grayson and Robin doing the same move.” Tim holds the SD card close to his chest. “When you are done looking at the pictures, can I have some back please?”

“Sure.” Nightwing put his hand out and nodded at the question. “You’re saying I was the one that did it?!”

Tim felt his face flush, “I… yeah.” He slowly reached out and placed the small sd card out to Nightwing.

“Jason is never gonna let me live this down.” Nightwing– Dick– groaned, putting the SD card safely in his suit.

“What did you mean by nightmare?” Batman questioned. He had been slightly through the explanation excluding a few grunts of acknowledgments.

Tim flinched back, memories of the fall engraved into Tim’s mind. It had been the first and only time his parents had taken him somewhere. It had taken him years to get rid of the image of their death out of his head.

“I went to the Grayson’s performance when I was younger.” Tim tried to keep his voice steady. Instead of focusing on the negatives, he explained the positives. “Richard gave me a hug and said he was going to do a flip for me.”

Batman and Nightwing share another look– the one that Tim thinks they are talking telepathically. The silence seems never-ending, but Tim can’t get himself to break it.

“And the interrogation is done now.” Conner stepped up to him, “Why don’t we start heading to Gotham? Tim made me always want to see it.”

Tim smiled.

He was finally on his way home.

Chapter Text

“If you need anything my room is a few doors down. Conner will be sleeping next door as well.” Nightwing– Dick Grayson stated as he motioned to the doors as they passed. “We have a few clothes from when Jason was younger that might fit Tim. I might have a few outfits for Conner– we have a slightly different build but until we can go shopping it will have to do!”

Tim wasn’t really paying attention. Instead, Tim’s eyes wandered around the home. The decor wasn’t something Tim would have paid attention to before. Tim was used to bland and bare walls– seeing the extravagant home before him reminded him of his own– Tim paused on the thought it wasn’t his house– the Drake’s house.

Tim shifted uncomfortably.

“Tim…?”

Tim blinked, realizing Dick was holding out pajamas for him to wear. “Oh– thanks.” Tim glanced down at the Wonder Woman logo and black pajama pants.

“Sorry, I don’t have much else for clothes that will fit you.” Dick shrugged as he spoke. “Alfred will probably be up before anyone. He set up your bedroom. You will meet him in the morning. Bruce didn’t want to overwhelm you both with people.” Dick explained, opening the door for Tim.

Tim didn’t interrupt, listening as Dick spoke. Tim didn’t even register half the things Dick was saying, instead, he looked around the room. It wasn’t the same as the blank white walls he was used to.

“Thanks.” Tim offered in response once Dick stopped talking, he didn’t know if that was the right response or not, but it seemed acceptable when Dick didn’t question him.

“I’m going to get Conner settled in the next room. You can head to bed when you are ready.” Dick nodded, motioning Conner to follow.

Tim put the clothes down on the dresser, eyes looking around his new room. Instead of laying down on the bed, Tim takes a seat in an office chair that is in the corner of the room.

He listened, hearing Dick saying goodnight to Conner before going off to sleep in his own bed– Tim would assume.

Silence followed shortly after the words left. No noise was made.

Tim looked around. A bookshelf. A bed. A dresser.

Closing his eyes, Tim tried to take a deep breath. He tried not to connect the items in the room to his stay at Cadmus. They looked completely different after all. He tried to ignore the growing anxious feeling in his chest. Opening his eyes, his attention landed on the closed door at the entrance of the room.

A bookshelf. A bed. A dresser. A locked door.

Tim stared at the closed door.

The door wasn’t locked was it?

The walls seemed to close in on him, his hands clenched into fists. Even with the windows, Tim felt trapped in the small room.

It had to be locked– Batman wouldn’t trust him in his own house, would he?

Tim is seized by anxiety. He couldn’t be locked in another room. Tim wouldn’t survive more years in complete isolation. He doesn’t take a second to think, his body moved independently. He doesn’t even register the movements until he left the room.

Tim didn’t realize his breath had become quick, his hand clenching on the shirt he wore. Tim knew he needed to calm down, but it felt like the air was too thin. The hallway was too dark for Tim to see– almost like the same hallways in Cadmus. Tim could only see light through the windows, shining down from the moon.

Tim needed to get outside.

It felt as if Tim had blinked and he was running out the backdoor of Wayne Manor. He couldn’t particularly remember how he got there, but now that he was, the air seemed to suddenly be easier to breathe.

There were no walls out here. No bookshelves to read. No desk to write information.

Tim could breathe again. Walking forward, Tim lay down on the grass, staring up at the night sky. The stars twinkled brightly– Tim had forgotten how bright stars could be.

Tim took a deep breath. Then another. Another.

Slowly, Tim was able to re-orient himself– the cool air on his skin was from the light breeze of the night. The prickling sensation on his skin was from the grass– not the sterile white tile in Cadmus. The smell was of flowers and trees.

Tim didn’t sleep. Instead, he stayed up the entire night and focused on the sounds and sensations around him. The things he had completely missed for years inside the lab.

The only thing Tim could catalog was the hours passing by watching as the moon went up high in the sky before moving down again.

The next thing Tim even registered was a rock thrown against his ribs. With a groan, Tim looked over to where the rock had come from– the morning sun peaked through the trees and bushes. A shadow was over him blocking the sun from his eyes.

It takes a moment for Tim’s mind to catch up, and quickly he sits up looking around the backyard of Bruce Wayne’s home.

A young child– no older than fourteen or fifteen glared at him where he sat. “Good morning?” Tim knew his words sounded like a question.

The young boy scoffed, “You have made Grayson distressed. I have come to retrieve you so he will calm down.”

Tim opened his mouth and then closed it. He looked the teen over, categorizing small details. When working on Conner, Tim had to research elements of genetics to incorporate into the clones. Now, when Tim saw specific genetic mutations, his mind would go off on variables. Currently, Tim had noticed key details about the young boy.

Green eyes– 2% of people had green eyes. He may be young, but Tim could see a broad nose. Roundish-almond eyes and round-lobed ears. The child had a distinct jawline– one that Tim had seen before.

Tim blinked. Surprise formed on his face. Many of the features were the same as Bruce Wayne.

“You’re Bruce Wayne’s biological son?” Tim blurted out before he could stop himself. Tim snapped his mouth shut once he realized what he had said.

The young boy furrowed his eyebrows together in what looked like annoyance. “Obviously. Now stand up. Grayson won’t stop tearing through the house until you get inside.”

A loud crash is heard inside the manor causing Tim to flinch back.

The boy turned towards the sound. “Fantastic. The clone has awoken. Let’s hope he doesn’t tear down the walls along with Grayson.” Sarcasm rolled off the child’s tongue as he spoke.

“Conner– His name’s Conner.” Tim corrected without a second thought, standing up and dusting himself off. There was a kink in his neck from having slept on the ground. He stretches, “And I don’t think they would react that badly.”

The boy rolled his eyes and started to walk toward the entrance. “Get moving, Timothy, unless you wish for me to drag you inside by your entrails.”

Tim was startled by the dark threat that was stated so calmly– was this how normal children spoke?

Shaking his head, Tim trailed behind the boy. “You know my name but I don’t know yours.”

The boy grimaced, “Damian al Ghul-Wayne.”

Tim knew he had heard the name al Ghul before but decided to place that on the back burner for now. “A pleasure to meet you…” Tim paused– His parents always told him to use last names when conversing with possible business partners– should he call him his first name or last name?

“Mr. al Ghul-Wayne.” Tim offered, sounding as if he were greeting a dinner guest at one of his parent’s banquets.

Damian seemed to pause at the words, “You sound like my grandfather with such formality.”

“Thank you…?” Tim didn’t know if being compared to Damian's grandfather was good or bad, but he didn’t want to offend the young boy more than he already had.

Damian eyed Tim up and down before opening the back door Tim had stumbled out of last night.

“Father! Grayson! I found Timothy. This proves I am more than qualified to return to my duties as Robin.” Damian yelled through the house. There were a few loud thumps and then footsteps. Richard was the first to appear.

“Tim!” Relief formed on Dick’s face as he looked the teen over. Tim gave an awkward wave, not knowing what else to do.

“Where have you been? I woke up earlier this morning to check on you guys and you weren’t in your room. I checked on Conner and he was sleeping.” Dick explained, eyes skimming over Tim for any injuries. Tim rubbed the back of his neck nervously.

“I accidentally fell asleep outside,” He might not have actually slept, but they didn’t need to know that.

A second later Bruce entered the room smoothly, Tim heard him release a sigh of relief. “Thank god.” was mumbled under his breath. “I am glad you are alright, Tim.”

“Sorry for worrying everyone.” Tim hadn’t realized everyone would be this concerned.

“We were going to have breakfast but we couldn’t find you,” Bruce explained, his eyes glanced over Tim just as Dick had done. It was at that moment Tim realized he was wearing the same outfit as the day before. Tim wanted to berate himself– how could he have forgotten to change into the clothes Dick had given him?

“You are uninjured?” Bruce asked, his voice was stern.

Tim quickly shook his head, “No sir.”

Silence followed the answer. Tim shifted uncomfortably being in the same room as three bats. Tim never got to see Damian, but here he was standing next to his two idols from his childhood. He didn’t particularly want to mess it up.

“Alfred has prepared breakfast for everyone. We can eat and discuss plans for the day.” Bruce offered, motioning with one hand towards the dining room. “I sent Conner there already to try and calm him down.”

Tim nodded slowly, and trailed behind Dick who had already started to walk towards the dining hall. “You’re gonna love Alfie! He is the best.”

Tim didn’t argue with that as he trailed behind the man, eyes glancing around the room as they walked. It didn’t take them long to enter the room, an older gentleman was standing off to the side, food set and prepared on the table.

“Master Dick. Master Bruce. Master Damian. Good morning.” The gentleman nodded and motioned to different spots.

“You trying to give me a heart attack?” Conner asked Tim, lips forming a frown.

“Sorry.” Tim felt like he was saying that a lot. Conner seemed to let it go, shaking his head slightly.

“I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you. I am Alfred Pennyworth. You must be one of the stragglers Master Bruce invited to stay.” The man nodded in greeting.

Tim gave a small awkward wave, “I’m Tim, sir.”

“Please, Alfred will be fine.” Alfred offered.

“Only if you do the same for me, Mr. Pennyworth.” Tim couldn’t help but be formal. Even with the man asking– Tim was still a guest.

Alfred huffed, “I have two seats prepared for you young sirs.” Alfred motioned to two seats next to each other.

Conner was already sitting in one of them. Tim took the seat to the right of him, eyes glancing nervously around. “Mr. Pennyworth, may I have a cup of coffee?”

Alfred nodded, “No problem at all Master Tim, is there anything you would like to add to it?”

Tim shook his head, “Black is fine.” Alfred did exactly as asked. Tim took a small sip of the coffee, having missed the bitter taste. Tim barely registered the others coming into the room and taking seats themselves.

After taking a few sips, Tim didn’t know what to do with himself as they sat at the table. Bruce was on one end, looking half asleep. Damian kept sending glares at both Tim and Conner. Dick was the only one who seemed pleased to be there. Conner was intently scarfing down the food without a care in the world.

Tim sat ramrod straight in his chair. His hands gliding gently over the silverware. The words of his mother echo as a reminder– don’t make any noises. Keep your elbows off the table. No slouching. The list went on.

“So– Tim, how did you sleep last night?” Dick asked as if trying to break the ice. “One time, I fell asleep on a chandelier– it wasn’t very comfortable! Falling asleep outside has to be similar to that.” He smiled– Tim thought while it looked quite genuine, it was probably a front. Tim had played this game with his father before. Luthor also had a tendency to do the same game when they ate as well.

“I slept fine. I cannot believe I fell asleep in such a place. I already am feeling some bug bites!” Tim gave a fake laugh he usually reserved for when his parents took him to meetings.

Conner stopped eating, and his eyes snapped over to Tim with worry. Dick’s own smile didn’t falter.

“Alfred probably has some lotion that could help with the itching. At least you were close by. Do you have any kinks in your neck? I had a sore neck for days after the chandelier incident.” Dick responded, in the same tone as Tim.

Tim realized, Dick also knew the game. Tim narrowed his eyes slightly– what was the point of bringing up the lotion? Was he trying to get back at Tim for not sleeping in the bed they provided?

“Of course, Master Dick, I can retrieve it right after breakfast,” Alfred stated calmly off to the side.

“No need. It is my own fault. Maybe next time I should just bring the bed outside.” Tim huffed waving off the concern. Father often tried to get Tim to mess up in his responses just like Richard was doing– it would take more than a butler to fool Tim.

“Just take the medicine so Grayson will stop following you around like a lost puppy.” Damian chimed in, snapping through the words. Tim blinked in surprise– that was not normally allowed in these games. The brash frustrated words sounded angry.

Tim furrowed his eyebrows.

“Damian…” Bruce said the name like a warning. Tim flinched back but quickly recovered to schooling his expression. He was waiting for the yelling like his father– or the cold sharp words like Mr. Luthor. “We talked about this,” Bruce said, sounding disappointed but it wasn’t what Tim was expecting. It sounded warm even with the warning.

Tim’s eyes flickered over to Bruce, seeing the man open his mouth and shut it just as quickly at Tim’s actions.

Tim felt like he was walking on eggshells.

“It's not my fault he is acting like that!” Damian yelled back, scoffing at Bruce's words. “If anything he should be demanding it. He already blackmailed you.”

Tim couldn’t stop the look of horror on his expression from forming– he realized blackmailing was bad, but how else was he going to get Batman to listen to him?

“Better than the way you are acting.” Conner cut off whatever response Tim could think of. Tim was mortified when he saw Conner stick his tongue out at the young teen.

Damian slammed his hands on the table standing up and glared at the clone, “Stick that out again and I shall cut it off.”

In an instant, Dick was standing up and moving to Damian’s side. “We should go talk.” Richard doesn’t wait for a response before pulling Damian out of the room.

“Let go of me, Grayson, I need to show the test tube what he is truly up against.” Damian’s words echoed through the door and down the hall. Alfred bowed slightly and followed them out of the room.

Conner looked smug. Tim felt ill.

Bruce sighed, rubbing his tired eyes. “Damian is trying his best. He didn’t mean what he said.”

“Well, he should try harder.” Conner said back, his attention going back to his food. “Tim didn’t do anything wrong.”

Conner was wrong. Tim did a lot wrong already.

“Nonsense. He has done nothing wrong.” Tim countered, hoping he could fix this problem. “We have overstepped our bounds. Perhaps tomorrow we should eat separately.” Tim offered– it sounded like a good compromise. Conner rolled his eyes, giving Tim an annoyed look.

Bruce seemed to hesitate, “I would like if you continued to have a meal with us, but if you don’t feel comfortable, Alfred can set up another room.”

What was the right answer? Tim didn’t know. The game was much harder than Mr. Luthor’s or his father's. There always was an obvious answer to those. Tim truly wanted to learn more about Bruce and the other bats, but Tim knew that he should stay quiet and not be a bother.

“Tim always talked about the bats when I was being made.” Conner broke the silence, “One time he told me that he had to jump across buildings to try and keep up with you guys to learn what Dick’s favorite type of pizza was.”

Tim felt his face heat up in complete embarrassment, “I did not!”

Conner grinned, “Oh so that story where you found them at Harry’s Pizza near the harbor wasn’t true? Dick doesn’t like Greek pizza?”

“Greek pizza is Dick’s favorite.” Bruce supplied, his voice sounded strained.

Tim put his face in his hands to try and hide his brightening face. Bruce wasn’t supposed to know his obsession with Batman and Robin. “I– That– I didn’t mean to follow you around all those times.”

“All those… times?” Bruce choked on his own words, “How often did you follow us?”

Tim wished he could melt into the floor. At least then he would be free from his new form of torment.

Conner started to laugh.

“You’re the worst.” Tim shook his head, looking sheepishly at Bruce.

The man himself looked confused and concerned. Tim thought it was probably because he didn’t like being stalked by a young boy around the city.

“I… I really am sorry, Mr. Wayne. I found out who you guys were and I…” Tim paused, not knowing how to explain the comfort he felt when following Batman and Robin.

“How long were you with Luthor?” Bruce asked suddenly, his expression shifted blank.

Tim flinched back, “Around three years.”

Bruce’s lip twitched, “You were less than 12 years old following us around?”

“Uh… yeah.” Tim nodded his head slowly– he didn’t know what his age had to do with this.

Bruce furrowed his eyebrows together. Tim wondered what he was thinking so hard about– it wasn’t that big of a deal.

“I think… I need a moment.” Bruce said calmly, standing up slowly. “When you are done with your meal, you may call Alfred and he will clean up your mess. I… will be back.”

Tim watched in confusion as Bruce walked out of the room. “Do you know what that was about?” Tim asked Conner.

The other teen snickered but shrugged his shoulders, “I think you just do that to people.”

Tim scoffed, going to reach out for his coffee cup. Finally being alone, Tim relaxed his shoulders. Without the concerns of those around him, Tim finally began to eat without worrying, drinking his coffee every few bites.

After a few minutes of silent eating, Conner turned to Tim with excitement. “Look what I can do!” Conner stated proudly as he picked up Tim’s coffee-filled cup. Tim wanted to grab it back but resisted the urge.

Tim watched as Conner expression shifted to focus. After a few moments of awkward silence, nothing happened.

“That is great?” Tim commented, it sounding more like a question than a statement.

Conner gave Tim a deadpanned look, “I haven’t done it yet.”

Tim lifted his hands in surrender.

“I couldn’t sleep last night so I kept trying to fly again.” Conner eyes scanned the cup in his hand. After a few moments, the cup flung out of Conner’s hands shattering against the floor. Conner beamed, lips curving into a grin.

“Fascinating.” Tim’s eyes widen as he looks closely at the cup now laying on the floor, his mind starting to analyze the meaning of the ability. “Superman doesn’t have any abilities like this. I need more data.” He mumbled under his breath. “How long can you hold it up? Is there a weight limit? What about liquids; can you levitate liquid in a certain structure?” Tim brought his hand up to his chin in thought, “Perhaps your flying abilities are connected to this one– is the sensation the same? Perhaps you aren’t flying but instead lifting yourself up using telekinesis.”

Tim’s eyes stayed on the cup. “I wish I had my notebooks… We need to do more tests.” The shattered cup on the floor suddenly breaks further at the words. Glass and coffee spread over the tiles. Tim jumped back, letting out a low hiss when a piece of the cup scrapped along the side of his leg.

“No.”

Tim’s eyes snapped over to Conner. The shift in tone was darker than Tim was used to hearing from the young clone. Tim furrowed his eyebrows, confused. Had he said something wrong?

“What?” Tim asked puzzled, ignoring the slight sting in his leg.

Conner scoffed, “We aren’t in the lab anymore. We don’t have to do any more tests or take down notes. We are free to do whatever we want!” Conner stated as if it was obvious.

“But how are we supposed to improve your abilities if we don’t analyze them?” Tim was perplexed. All his life Tim had been told to write down everything and anything that could help him in life. Every puzzle he solved had to impact someone positively. If it didn’t help his parents, it was useless. If it didn’t have anything to do with creating clones, it was a hindrance for Luthor. Conner’s abilities were another puzzle he needed to solve; Tim assumed that was why Conner had shown him the new ability.

“I don’t understand.” Tim murmured, furrowing his eyebrows together.

Conner sighed, “How about we do something fun? We could fly through Gotham– you could show me some of those spots you took those photos. Or we could get you a camera and you could start taking new pictures from the sky.” Conner sounded excited at the idea, Tim wondered if it had to do with the idea of flying more so than anything else.

“How would we know how well your abilities work if we don’t test them prior to running around the city?” Tim questioned, “What if you suddenly lose the ability and we crash down on the cement?”

“You worry too much.” Conner groaned, looking disappointed.

The more Conner spoke the more Tim didn’t get what the problem was. Not knowing how else to respond, Tim instead focused on the broken glass on the ground. Without thinking much of it, he knelt down and began to pick up the pieces.

“We should get this cleaned up before Mr. Wayne shows up. He might get angry.” Tim had a flash of a memory from his mother yelling at him when he dropped a plate. “We would need his permission to leave the house anyways.”

“No, we don’t.” Conner hissed, “He isn’t my keeper just like Luthor isn’t. I am my own person. I can do whatever I want.”

“I didn’t say you weren’t.” Tim kept saying the wrong things. “Mr. Wayne offered us a place to stay safe. Shouldn’t we give him respect in return?” Tim managed to pick up most of the larger pieces of glass, glancing around he tried to find a broom.

“Fine. I will go on my own.” Conner didn’t wait for a response before heading towards the door.

Tim felt his heart leap from his chest, leaving the small pieces of glass and following after Conner. “Wait, Conner, this isn’t a good idea.” Tim trailed behind the clone, eyes glancing around as he walked. He hoped someone would show up and stop them before they left.

“You don’t have to go.” Conner snapped, opening another set of doors towards the exit.

Tim felt more anxious the closer they got to the last door. “It isn’t even dark out! Half the fun of running around Gotham is doing it at night.” Tim lied through his teeth, trying to get the other teen to stop. “And if anything happens, Batman doesn’t usually show up during the day. We really should at least wait.”

Conner wasn’t listening as he exited the final doors to outside. Tim grabbed onto his arm and pulled back. “Y–You won’t know where you're going if I don’t come along.”

Tim didn’t want to be left behind. He had only just become friends with Conner– What if something bad happened? Tim couldn’t just let Conner roam around Gotham by himself. “I’ll go with you,” Tim said the words slowly.

Conner beamed, “Great. Let's go.” In a matter of seconds, Conner had grabbed Tim just like before, pushing open the front doors before jumping towards the sky. Tim hoped he had learned how to control his telekinetic powers as they soared through the air.

There was no backing out now.

Chapter Text

Tim shouldn’t admit it, but he was having a blast.

Conner still struggled with his flying ability, but thus far neither of them had fallen and gotten injured. Instead, they had flown around the city, Tim explaining different parts of the area and fond memories he had with them.

Tim often referenced the pictures Conner had seen on his camera– the one Luthor had demolished. Conner seemed to remember a large number of them.

“This was the spot when I first found Robin and Batman.” Tim motioned to the top of the building.

Conner listened intently, “How? There is no latter.”

Tim snorted, “I didn’t get to the top of the building, I saw them from down there.” Tim motioned to a small spot on the ground near an alleyway. “I wonder if I still have that picture at my old house… I didn’t have a digital camera then.”

“We could go steal it back.” Conner offered.

Tim flinched at the idea of sneaking into his old house. Tim hadn’t explained much of his parents and he didn’t want Conner to know either. “I don’t need them. They are probably torn up by now.” That was a lie. Tim had hidden them under the floorboards in a far room in his mansion. No one ever went into that room.

Conner pouted, “Alright– we won’t go ransacking your parent’s house.”

Tim laughed nervously. “I… I do wish I still had my camera. It made me feel like I had proof that the life I had before really did exist.”

“Well, that just means you are going to have to take new pictures. Of everything– like me.” Conner winked at Tim. “How about I take a dashing pose?” Conner questioned, moving his arm up to show off his biceps.

Tim groaned, feeling his face flush, “That was so cheesy.”

“I don’t know what you mean– I am da bomb.” Conner offered.

A snort escaped Tim as he let out a laugh. “Sure you are. I still don’t understand your fascination with the 90s slang.”

“It isn’t a fascination– it is gonna make a comeback. You’ll see.” Conner huffed but had a smile of his own on his face. “You could probably ask Bruce if he could get you a new one.”

Tim felt scandalized by the words, “Absolutely not. I do not want to be a bother. Mr. Wayne has more important things than– than getting me a camera. It is also far too expensive. He already is feeding and housing us.”

“I am pretty sure Bruce has enough money to spend,” Conner stated dryly.

“You… also shouldn’t call him that. We are his guest.” Tim looked away from Conner now. “You aren’t acting like you should in front of him.”

“How should I act then? Like a robot that does whatever he asks?” Conner questioned, his voice had an edge.

Tim furrowed his eyebrows, “That is better than acting like a child. You should have better manners.” Tim could hear the same words being told to him by his own mother.

“That is better than sounding like Luthor.” Conner snapped. “You never talk that way when you are with me.”

Tim flinched back, his eyes gliding back to Conner to see the other teen upset. “I… I need to behave when in the presence of those who are willing to help me.”

“No actually, you don’t!” Conner was visibly getting more and more upset. “That kid, Damian, was saying crappy things about you and you didn’t even do anything.”

“I do agree that Damian’s words were unexpected.” Tim offered.

Conner threw his hands up, “That is what I mean– Why can’t you laugh when you are near Bruce? Why not make jokes and smile at Dick? Robin is supposed to be your hero right?”

Tim clenched his hands, he wanted to make a good impression. He wanted Richard and Bruce to like him. If he were to act like he did with Conner, they wouldn’t like his company.

“They won’t like me… if I act like myself.” Tim’s chest felt tight. “My parents never liked me when I laughed, it was too loud. Or… or when I didn’t solve a puzzle, Mr. Luthor would be disappointed and would skip a lunch day. I don’t want Batman and Robin to hate me. I have to act properly or Mr. Wayne might kick me out.” Tim's voice sounded neutral– no emotions made their way into his explanation. “You can easily see it from my perspective. I am expendable.”

Tim wanted to do the same things as Conner– but he knew his place.

“That won’t happen.” Conner said softly, “We won’t let it happen. Bruce and Dick aren’t gonna kick you out either. If the gremlin is anything to go by, they will let you get away with way worse than laughing. If they are really your heroes, shouldn’t you trust them to let you be yourself?” Conner asked, his tone hopeful.

The question was a difficult one to answer. Tim wished– hoped– that what Conner said was true. “I don’t know that I can.”

“Alright, then I’ll help you. When you start sounding like a robot I’ll give you a signal.” Conner brought his hand to his chin, “How about I kick Damian anytime you start acting like that?”

Tim let out a small laugh. Tim was glad to have Conner. Even with such a small joke, it made Tim feel a bit better. “I don’t think that would work very well– and Damian might be too hard to catch every time.”

Conner chuckled, eyes gleaming. “But really, I’ll try and help break you out of that habit of yours.”

Tim and Conner stayed on the top of the building for a bit longer. Tim told Conner a few more stories about Gotham. Conner often made off-handed comments and jokes to keep the mood light. Tim was thankful that the other teen didn’t dig too much further after their emotional conversation. Tim felt exhausted afterward.

Tim noticed Conner get a far-off look on his face. Tim started to get worried. Conner suddenly looked away. “We need to get down.” He murmured, but his attention seemed to be elsewhere. Without waiting for a response, he grabbed Tim and jumped down, and landed on the sidewalk. The building they had just been on seemed much larger from the bottom.

“Are you okay, Conner?” Tim asked, noticing the sudden shift.

Conner furrowed his eyebrows, “You know how I said I could hear things…”

“Yes,” Tim wanted so badly to test the range of his hearing, but his reaction this morning made Tim hesitate to ask. “Why? Do you hear something?”

“There is a bank robber a few blocks away. There are a large number of hostages inside.” Conner offered back, he didn’t seem too focused on Tim. Instead, he eyed a direction Tim assumed the heist was occurring.

“I want to go help,” Conner said suddenly.

Tim stiffened, “You can’t.” Anxiety seized Tim.

“Conner we really shouldn’t.” Tim could hear the warning in his own words, “We don’t know what would happen to you if you got hurt! We don’t even know if you can get shot!”

Conner seemed to consider this a moment, “Superman can survive a bullet.”

“That is not what I wanted you to get out of this conversation. The police are already there! Let them handle it.” Tim sounded pleading– he didn’t want Conner hurt.

“But…” Conner looked hesitant, his eyes glancing at the bank. “I can hear them. The people in the bank are scared. I have to try, right?”

Tim paused, not expecting such a response. The question had struck Tim– if Tim had the ability to help people, he would want to. “Conner…”

“Sorry, Tim.” Conner looked hesitant only to turn and run towards the screams. Tim felt his words stuck in his throat as Conner dashed away. There was no way Tim would be able to catch up.

Tim didn’t know what to do. He stayed silent, staring at Conner’s back until he no longer could see the other teen. Tim felt his breath catch as a similar image of his parents leaving out the front door comes to mind.

Conner left him.

Conner left him behind.

Conner left him behind in Crime Alley.

Conner left him behind in Crime Alley when a burglary was occurring.

Tim stiffened, head snapping to a scratching noise to the side. Tim needed to get out of Crime Alley as quickly as possible. Tim tried to ignore the feeling of betrayal in his chest, instead, he focused on his current predicament.

Mr. Luthor always said that feelings would get in the way of things. Maybe, Mr. Luthor was right. Tim shoved his emotions aside, taking in a deep breath. Mr. Luthor always said to have the upper hand on people– Conner had the upper hand on Tim. Tim had gotten emotional and Conner had tried to make him feel better. Tim had allowed Conner to get into his emotions. Tim needed to switch the playing field in the future or Conner would leave him again.

Now wasn’t the time to re-think the plan for that. Now Tim needed to find a way to get back to the manor. He was on the lower side of Crime Alley– if he got to the rooftops, he could easily jump from one building to the next. If he got near 7th Street about ten blocks, half a mile, he could jump on the bus and head towards Bristol. He used to take the same bus when he was younger. The question was, did it still run? Tim didn’t know the hours of operation.

Tim heard gunfire and noises down the alleyway, snapping him out of his thoughts.

“Get back or I’ll shoot!” A man showed up on the far end. Tim can see him carrying a kid, a gun against his head. The man himself hadn’t noticed Tim at the other end. Instead, the man had his back to Tim.

Tim couldn’t let the man get away, especially with a kid. Tim knew what kind of things happened to kids who got in the way of crimes. Tim had been a kid who had been sold. He didn’t want that to happen to someone else. Tim glanced around the alley to see if there was anything he could use against the robber. A metal trash lid was laid to the side. Tim quietly picked up the lid, glancing at the best place to catch the robber unaware.

It only took seconds, but Tim pushed himself up against the wall; a few pipes kept him hidden until the robber and the kid got closer. Tim waited, listening closely to the sound of feet running against concrete.

Tim takes a deep breath. The sounds get closer.

Tim listened.

Ten feet away. Five feet away. Three feet away.

Tim moved out of his spot, throwing the lid almost like a frisbee aiming for the robber’s legs. Tim let out a sigh of relief when the man had to let go of the child. The kid could get away.

“Run!” Tim yelled at the kid who had been dropped. “Get help.” He yelled, keeping his attention on the robber.

The man made a grab for the kid– Tim moved forward trying to push into the thief as hard as he could. The man stumbled but quickly got back to his feet. A curse escaped him as he made a fist and tried to punch Tim.

Tim barely managed to dodge out of the way, tumbling backward. Tim needed a distraction. With a quick glance at the pipes from before, Tim used his foot and started to kick. Tim is thankful for the old falling apart buildings in Crime Alley when the pipe breaks off with ease. Hot water begins to flood out of the broken pipe.

The burglar lets out a grunt when the steaming water hits his face. His hand moves to block the onset of water. From the steam coming off the water, Tim assumed it wouldn’t be pleasant on the skin. If the scream was any indication, Tim thinks the water must be in the upper 100-110 degrees Fahrenheit. The man could possibly have burns later if it was hot enough.

Tim picks up the piece that came off, swinging it back towards the man. Tim felt it make contact, a loud yell was heard as the burglar fell backward.

“If stealing is too draining, maybe you should pick another job.” Tim blurted out. He can’t help but laugh slightly at his own joke. Tim felt like he was unrestrained– able to do anything. It was liberating.

The thief didn’t seem to agree, his face growing red with anger. Tim realized a second too late that he may have made a mistake. A fist connected with Tim’s face, causing him to stumble.

Tim could taste blood in his mouth. He wondered how long it had been since he had felt something like this; adrenaline running through his veins. The man managed another hit to his chest.

Tim coughed, grasping at his chest. He was definitely going to be bruised later.

“Ya little punk. I am gonna beat you black and blue for what ya did.” The man sneered.

Tim might not be strong, but he could use the man’s movements against him. The man lunged at him once more. Tim put all his energy into kicking the man’s feet from under him.

The man tripped, falling face-first.

Tim grinned, wondering if his teeth were bloody from the earlier punch. It may have been the adrenaline– or the feeling of fighting for someone else– but Tim felt alive. It felt like the times Tim had run after Batman and Robin. Flying through the streets trying to catch up as he lunged across buildings.

“Perhaps you should work on walking before robbing a bank. Feet are usually needed when running away.” Tim didn’t think about the words leaving his mouth– he couldn’t resist the sarcastic comment leaving him. It had been years since he was allowed to say anything that resembled sarcasm.

It felt freeing.

Tim was about to make a break for it when the man grabbed him by the hair just as he stood up.

“Ya think that is funny?” A knife appeared in Tim’s vision. Tim let out a hiss of pain, his hand going up to push against the hand grasping at his hair.

So this was how Tim was going to die? Tim thought it was a bit anti-climactic. All those years fighting would have been a waste. Anything Tim was going to say or planned to do was cut off by the sound of a gun going off.

Tim flinched, waiting for pain– the man must have had a gun and he didn’t notice it.

Instead, Tim tumbled to the ground as the man released his hair to grab onto his now bleeding shoulder. Tim blinked at the unexpected turn of events.

“You seem to have forgotten where you are.” A robotic voice echoed through the alley. “My rules have always been simple– don’t mess with kids.”

Tim turned to find a man with a leather jacket, a sleek gun facing the man who had been clutching at Tim’s hair. His face was completely obscured by the helmet. Tim watched in fascination.

“Please, Hood– you have to understand,” The man who had been all high and mighty now cowered. Tim couldn’t help but be reminded when Batman did the same to the criminals he caught.

Hood– Tim assumed it was the man in the red helmet– didn’t respond. Instead, he shot the man once more in the leg making him cry out in pain.

“Better figure out how to get out of here quick. The police should be here any second.” Hood told the man, knowing full well he wouldn’t escape with the injury to his leg. The man let out another whimper.

Tim felt himself freeze when the helmet turned slightly in his direction. Hood walked closer, only pausing a few feet away from Tim. Hood kneeled down slowly, putting his gun back into his holster and lifting his hands up to show he wasn’t a threat to Tim.

“You okay, kid? Joey came runnin’ all in a huff saying some kid was gonna get himself killed ‘cause of him.” Hood was far enough away that Tim could easily run away. Tim glanced towards the exit. Hood motioned for him to go if he wished.

“You look like you might have a head injury. I know a place you can get it checked out.” Hood commented, but still left room for Tim to run.

The more time Tim spent with the strange man the more intrigued he got.”What’s your name?” Tim blurted out. He felt his face flushed– how had he forgotten his manners?

Hood seemed to pause, Tim watched as his head tilted to the side. Tim wondered what the man’s expression was.

“I am Red Hood. I take care of the people in Crime Alley. You new here?” Red Hood commented– so Tim wasn’t too far off with the name.

Tim quickly shook his head causing pain to erupt from his skull, “No– I was just gone for a few years.”

“Then you should know not to be in Crime Alley. What the hell are you doin’ here anyways?” Hood reached his hand out as if inviting Tim to use it. Tim hesitated for a moment before grasping the hand.

“I was sightseeing,” Tim answered– technically he was being honest. “My friend wanted to see the gargoyles.” Tim paused– who wanted to see the gargoyles? He couldn’t remember the name.

Hood snorted, “Picked a shitty spot to look around.”

“Not as shitty as where I was before,” Tim commented, his mind taking a second to register what he said. He realized over the past few minutes his brain was running a bit ragged. “I think… I need to see a doctor.” Tim added on, “I am not thinking as clearly as I should. I made some bad choices with him as well.” Tim muttered, motioning to where the man was currently trying to drag himself out of the alleyway.

Hood barked out a laugh, as he tilted Tim’s head to the side, looking at possible injuries. “Probably a concussion. Getting hit on the side of the head will do that to ya. You got a headache?”

Tim hummed before nodding. The dull ache in his brain increased drastically at the movement.

“Come on, kid. I got a bike and can drive you to Leslie.” Hood motioned for Tim to follow. Tim stumbled after the man walking down the streets.

“-- will give you some pain meds.” Tim blinked, confused at Red Hood’s words. Tim knew he had been listening, but the words weren’t registering. Hood passed Tim a helmet for the bike.

Something in the back of Tim’s mind told him to stop and think for a minute. Tim furrowed his eyebrows There were red flags but his mind wasn’t catching up as quickly as it should. “I don’t think I should get on a bike with you.”

Right– Tim was in Gotham. He didn’t want to be sold off into some kidnapping ring either.

“And here I thought you were stupid.” Red Hood shook his head, “At least you have a bit of sense.”

“Also, I probably shouldn’t go to a doctor's office. That could be bad.” Both in the sense of Bruce getting into trouble and Luthor finding him. Both options were not good.

Hood seemed to stiffen at Tim’s words. Tim didn’t understand what the problem was.

“Why can’t you?” Hood’s words sounded rougher than before.

“I can’t say.” Tim probably shouldn’t have said that– was it still too late to run?

“Listen, kid, you got a name?” Hood’s voice sounded concerned. Why would he be concerned for Tim? All Tim did was get into a fight with some random stranger.

“I’m Tim. My parents call– sorry– called me Timothy, but I don’t like that. Mr. Luthor also called me that which isn’t as bad. He was pretty nice.” Tim paused, “I really think I should get home.” Tim’s world swayed to the side. “Mr. Hood, I am not feeling too great.”

Tim attempted to go through the list of his symptoms, his hand going to his now throbbing head. “Oh. I definitely have a concussion; headache, confusion, change in personality, and dizziness. Do you happen to have some ibuprofen, Mr. Hood? Not much a doctor can do other than that.”

Tim had Hood’s complete attention now. “Sorry, Tim. Gonna have to take you to Leslie’s whether you want to or not. I can’t leave a kid out here without getting you checked over. Leslie won’t tell anyone either if you are worried about gettin’ caught.”

Tim considers this. He couldn’t exactly find his way back to Bristol when he can barely follow along with Hood’s words. Tim decided to trust the man– he did save him once already. It would be counter-productive to kill him now.

“Alright, Mr. Hood. Please don’t tell anyone.” Tim murmured, putting on the helmet with a click.

Hood’s shoulders sagged in relief.

Tim hoped he didn’t place his trust in the wrong person.

Chapter Text

Doctor Leslie had been nice. Tim didn’t spend much time with her, but Red Hood stood off to the side as she checked him over. It didn’t take much time for her to conclude he did in fact have a concussion. She handed Hood Tim’s medication– even though Tim said he could keep track of it.

Afterward, Hood offered one of his hideouts to Tim. Tim should have said no, but something about Red Hood intrigued Tim. He decided to follow Hood to the secret hideout. The man had given let him lay down on the couch to try and rest. Dr. Leslie had told them both Tim would need rest to help with the concussion.

Which is where Tim currently resided, laying there staring up at the broken-down ceiling. Tim couldn’t sleep. Tim’s mind was going a thousand miles per hour. The events of being left behind by Conner weighed heavy on Tim. Tim had known that people usually left him behind– his parents did it regularly. Tim thought Conner had been the exception– instead, he was just like them.

Luthor hadn’t left Tim behind. Luthor always came back.

Tim shook his head, listening to the world around him. He heard some mumbles coming from the other room, likely being Red Hood. Since Tim couldn’t sleep, he decides maybe he should talk to the vigilante.

Standing up, Tim makes his way to the door. Tim blinks a few times when he realizes Red Hood is talking to someone– either on the phone or through his helmet. Intrigued, Tim wants to learn more about Hood. Mr. Luthor once stated that listening when people didn’t know you were there was one way to gain information. Information always held power.

Tim leans closer to the door attempting to listen in on the phone conversation.

“Tell him no. I am busy with something else to run around helping you guys.” Hood says into his helmet. Tim wonders who Hood is talking to exactly– he sounds annoyed.

Hood let out an exasperated sigh, “You figure it out.”

Tim waits as silence follows, Hood listening to the other side of the phone. “And why can’t you explain over the phone?”

Another pause.

“You lost a kid? I thought we all agreed B wasn’t going to be getting any more kids in danger after what happened with R.” Hood’s voice shifts to flat, anger growing in his words. “What the hell are you guys thinking?”

More silence, Tim’s mind races as he listens in. B and R– Batman and Robin? Did Red Hood know Batman? What happened between them? Tim was missing pieces of the puzzle. He needed more information.

“Too bad. My job is in Crime Alley and protecting those here–,” Red Hood cuts himself off as the person on the other end talks over him, “You lost him in Crime Alley?! Has B lost his touch?! You’ll be lucky if he wasn’t picked up by black market dealers.”

Tim leans into the door, only realizing he made an error seconds later. The door creaks and Tim stumbles through as he freezes when Hood’s head turns to look at him. “Look I have to go. I’ll keep an ear out, but I have other problems I gotta solve.”

Hood brings a hand to his helmet hanging up on the other line. “Sorry, Tim. I didn’t wanna leave you to wake up alone but I had a bird that kept pesterin’ me.”

Tim shrugs his shoulders, “It’s okay, I am used to it.”

“How are you feelin’? Your headache any better?” Hood asks, his hand moving to take off the helmet. Tim waits in anticipation only to find a mask hidden under the piece of metal.

“I’m fine. The medicine helped.” Tim had questions– lots of them filtering through his head. Normally, Tim would know he needed to have manners, but at the same time, he felt fairly relaxed. When Tim was with Luthor or his parents needed to be perfect. When Tim was with Nightwing and Batman, he wanted to be perfect. Hood– Tim didn’t know how to act around Hood. He was an enigma that Tim was fascinated by but also didn’t fall into those other categories. Did Hood expect him to use manners like Mr. Luthor?

“You look like you’re about to fall over,” Hood says sounding amused.

Tim shrugs his shoulders, “I’m fine.”

Hood doesn’t appear to like that response.

“Tim… I know I just met you but do you need someplace safe to go? Some of the stuff you have been sayin’ makes me on edge.” Hood offers, “I know the system is bad, and I can’t have ya stayin’ in my safe houses, but I know of a few good people.” Hood’s finger begins to tap nervously on the table. Tim focuses on the sound, “Hell, if you wanna stay on the streets, Joey would probably help you out. That kid has been livin’ out here and knows how to defend himself.”

Tim furrows his eyebrows with confusion. Why was Hood saying that? Tim looks down at himself with a questioning look before the realization dawns on him. Tim hadn’t changed since he left Luthors– his hair was a disaster, his clothes ruffled up and unclean. When the thief had knocked him onto the floor, he got dirt all over himself. He hadn’t been eating properly since Luthor had taken Conner away from him– he likely had lost a few pounds. Adding on Tim’s words from when he was concussed, Hood had made an obvious assumption.

Red Hood thought he was a runaway. Not only a runaway– an abused runaway.

“I’m not homeless– I’m–,” Tim pauses, wondering how much he should explain to Hood. He didn’t know if B and R were Batman and Robin. He could still be an enemy if given the wrong information.

“Right. Not homeless.” Hood hums in agreement but obviously doesn’t believe it.

“I’m not,” Tim re-iterates, “I am not a runaway either.” Tim shook his head quickly, sure he had left Cadmus, but he wasn’t a runaway– runaways usually have a good reason. Tim was just following after Conner.

Hood doesn’t push, instead, he quirks an eyebrow. “Then what are you?”

Tim doesn’t know how to respond. Tim goes back to Luthor’s lessons. If someone is asking questions you don’t want to answer– create a distraction. Change the subject. Do it swiftly and efficiently.

“Were you talking to Nightwing?” Tim blurts out trying to think of something to change the topic, “In your helmet. At first, I wasn’t certain– but you said B– meaning Batman and R– meaning Robin. That means you have some connection to them.” Tim pauses, trying to explain his thought process. “Sorry for eavesdropping, but you mentioned that Batman is losing his touch and that you had a problem with Robin. It can be deduced that previously you were not on good terms. You have a slight accent from those in Crime Alley, so you have a connection to Gotham. My guess is you worked previously with Batman only to have a falling out for some reason but still wanted to protect those in Gotham.”

“Nightwing fought with Batman a few years ago– Batman found you.” Tim blinks in sudden realization, “He took you from Crime Alley, didn’t he? That is why your area is Crime Alley! Nightwing needed your help to search the area because you are in charge of it.” He buzzed with excitement, “You obviously don’t like the crime in the area so you are trying to fix it. You have connections. You really care about kids… maybe you were mistreated as one? Batman must have helped you which is why you are trying to help kids as well.” Tim could tell he was starting to ramble, but his he couldn’t stop his thought process. He felt his excitement grow with each connection his mind makes.

Tim watches as Hood’s expression shifts to one of intrigue. “Nightwing– who used to be Robin stopped being Robin quite a while ago. The new Robin couldn’t have taken up the mantel that quickly afterward– he was too young.” Tim brought his hand up to his chin in thought. “Which means there was a Robin between them.” Tim pauses, his mind making the connections with the short conversations they had spoken.

Tim can’t help but smile as he feels giddy, “The only way to work with Batman was to be his sidekick… You’re the second Robin, aren’t you? That is the only way this makes sense.”

Hood sits silently for a few seconds, “Holy shit, Timmy.”

Tim feels his face flush as he realized exactly what he had done. Luthor had often chided him not to do that. “Sorry– I got excited.” Tim murmurs, looking down at his hands.

“That isn’t what I meant.” Hood tries to back peddle, “I just mean that was… a lot.” Hood obviously was a bit uncomfortable with Tim breaking apart an entire section of his life.

“It’s okay to be angry with me. Mr. Luthor always corrected my behaviors when I did something wrong.” Tim’s attention focuses on messing with a cuticle on his finger. It was a nervous habit that was hard to break. “Mr. Luthor says that it makes people uncomfortable.”

Tim bites down on his lip, only to look up when Hood places a gentle hand on his shoulder. “Why would I be angry? You’re just really smart. Smarter than I was expectin’.”

Tim gives Hood a half smile as Hood pats his shoulder a few times. “You mentioned him before… Mr. Luthor.”

Tim stiffens for only a second before he wills his body to relax. “Mr. Luthor has always worried about what is best for me.”

Hood’s eyebrows furrow together as if in deep thought, “Mr. Luthor– as in Lex Luthor?”

Tim nods his head.

“I’m goin’ to have to call Nightwing back.” Hood asks, sighing loudly, “You’re the one they are looking for.” Hood must have made the connection after realizing who Tim was connected with.

Tim feels his face flush even more, “I didn’t mean to upset you…”

“If anythin’, I can shove it in Dickwad’s face.” Hood gives Tim a grin as he speaks.

“You know their names as well?” Tim asks– he thought Hood might but didn’t want to assume.

“Do you?” Hood asks, Tim thinks he can hear humor in Hood’s voice.

Tim hesitates, “I found how their identities when I was nine.”

Hood snorts, “Of course you did.”

“Dick shows off too much– how was I supposed to know that memorizing the pattern of a quadruple summersault was going to help me solve Gotham’s best-kept secret?” Tim asks,

Hood lets out a bark of laughter, “I think imma like you, kid. Calling out Dickface like that– you should say that to his face. I want to be there when you do.”

“I’m not a kid,” Tim mutters, a small smile playing on his lips. Tim seems to like Hood quite well.

“Sure you aren’t.” Hood chuckles.

“Since Dickwing and Batman need a reminder on how to take care of children, how ‘bout we let them stew on it for a while.” Hood states, motioning to another room. “This hideout has a kitchen if you are a bit hungry.”

Tim was a bit weary of going back to the mansion– waiting a few more minutes wouldn’t hurt anyone too much. Tim nods.

A few hours later, Tim was on the back of Hood’s motorcycle as they race through the city. Before leaving Hood’s safehouse, Hood had given a call to Nightwing telling them to meet in the cave. Tim felt it was a bit rude to not tell them he was bringing Tim, but Hood said they needed to learn a lesson.

Pulling into the cave, Tim was amazed by the things littered throughout. Hood parks the bike and gets off, helping Tim as well. Tim takes off his helmet (Jason was adamant about safety) to look around the room.

A T-Rex stands tall just off to the side. How Batman got a T-Rex was intriguing. Off to the other side were many different types of cars– motorcycles, jeeps, and the batmobile. Tim’s eyes gleam as he takes a step closer, wishing to look inside the car. A giant screen was on one side of the room– Tim hopes one day he can try and break through the machine and look through its expansive files.

Sitting at the computer was none other than Batman. Batman’s attention was focused on the computer– Tim watches as it seems to flip through cameras throughout the city.

“Bruceman! Dickwing! Dinner’s ready.” Hood yells through the cave, sarcasm lacing each word.

Batman stiffens, turning around in his seat. Tim watches, his hand starts to fidget with the helmet still in his hands. “Uh– Hi, Mr. Wayne,” Tim says when the man’s gaze freezes on him.

“Red Hood, I thought you told Nightwing you had other plans for the evening,” Batman states, his gaze staying on Tim.

“You see, I did have other plans. I saved a homeless kid from being stabbed in a back alley. Turns out the kid was pretty brilliant. And also not homeless.” Hood points at Tim as he talks, Tim definitely can hear humor in his words.

Batman pauses, bringing a hand back to the computer, “Come in Nightwing. Return to the cave. The mission has been successful.”

“What do you–,” Batman cuts off communication as Nightwing is about to ask for clarity. The Bat stands swiftly, making it over to Tim, his eyes looking him over. “Are you injured? We need to call Leslie to look you over.”

“I am fine, Mr. Wayne.” Tim shook his head, feeling awkward at the attention drawn to him.

“Sure he is. A concussion is totally nothing.” Hood throws the bottle of pills Leslie had given him earlier to Bruce. Bruce caught it on reflex, looking over the label. “He took one about two hours ago– will probably need another in about an hour.”

Batman nods. Tim didn’t know why they were freaking out over something so minor. “Nightwing, Robin, and Conner should be back soon. They went out together to see if they could find any clues as to where Tim had gone.” Bruce explains, looking back and forth between the two. “I am expecting a report from you later, Hood.”

“Conner made it back?” Tim asks with relief at the same time as Red Hood lets out a groan. Conner rushing into an unknown situation was terrifying– Tim was glad to hear he was okay.

Batman grunts, “He came back a few hours ago and told us he lost you. He didn’t know his way around the city well enough to go searching on his own.”

“Thank god he was okay.” Tim lets his shoulder sag, “He wasn’t hurt or anything, right?”

“No. He appears to be impenetrable by bullets. Conner explained he got shot at while trying to stop the robbery.” Bruce's voice sounds rough, placing the medicine down next to the bat computer. “I’ll have Alfred keep track of your medication.”

Batman turns his attention back to Hood, “Has he slept much? I assume after visiting the clinic you told him to sleep.”

“Nope. After visiting Leslie, he slept maybe an hour before spying on me.” Red Hood shrugs his shoulders looking nonchalant, “Probably should let him sleep some more before doing your broody dad thing.”

“I do not brood,” Batman responds hotly. Tim couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. The interactions between the two was… strange. It wasn’t like when Dick talked to Bruce who was trying to be his own person or Damian who was arguing just to argue. Tim watched in amazement– Red Hood was making fun of Batman.

Tim was about to comment when a voice rings out through the cave.

“Tim!” Tim turns around just as broad shoulders run into him into a tight embrace. Tim almost falls over at the sudden impact. Tim didn’t remember the last time he was hugged. It had been years since someone had held him in the way Conner was now. Hesitantly, Tim wraps his own hand around Conner.

The warmth of another person was something Tim didn’t realize he could miss. Tim closes his eyes hoping the moment can last just another second longer.

“Oi watch it– He is still injured!” Red Hood is already pulling Conner off Tim, looking livid at the young teen. Tim for a moment wants to curse Hood for removing Conner from him, but quickly remembers the time and place.

“I didn’t just spend the past few hours watching him just for you to get him hurt.” Hood huffs, his helmet tilting to the head slightly.

“You disappeared! I left and came back and you were gone.” Conner is lifting Tim’s arms, looking for any injuries, ignoring Hood. Tim flinches slightly as Conner causes one of his bruises to ache. Conner freezes for a moment before leaning in closer to Tim to examine his injured face. Tim wonders what his face looks like– probably black and blue from the punch he received earlier.

“Tell me who did that– I’ll make sure he doesn’t get a chance to again.” Conner’s voice is cold– Tim flinches.

“Hood already dealt with them.” Tim murmurs, pushing the other boy back, turning his face away to hide the injury. Tim wants to say it was Conner’s fault– Conner had left him. Tim tries to ignore the feeling of betrayal that lingers in his heart. “You managed to save those people so it’s fine.”

It wasn’t fine.

“I swear I’ll never do that again. Or… Or I’ll find a way to find you next time!” Conner comments, noticing how Tim seems to pull away from him.

Tim grimaces, he would have to do what Mr. Luthor suggested– He would find a way to make sure Conner couldn’t leave him. Perhaps he would need kryptonite– Luthor did always have some when needed. Tim would assume Batman likely had some in the cave somewhere.

Before Tim could respond, a car drives into the cave a few seconds later; Dick and Damian exit the car. Dick looks relieved, eyes shining with worry while Damian watches Tim with distrust and annoyance.

“Dickface and the brat finally appear.” Hood comments dryly, “Looks like I one upped you again, Nightwing.”

Dick flashed Hood a look of irritation, “Not the time, Jason.”

Tim’s eyes snap over to Dick– Jason. Hood’s name was Jason. He files that away for later.

“Nice going, idiot. I don’t give out my identity as easily as you. Moron.” Red Hood– Jason says throwing a paper ball he crumples up from the bat computer at Dick.

“Where was the evil scientist anyways?” Damian asks eyes focus on Tim. “We split up to look around but found no evidence of where he had gone. The only information we could gather is that the police had arrested a man there earlier.”

“Good. That man deserved it. Tim was gettin’ his noggin’ checked out.” Jason answers for him.

“Don’t call him that.” Conner barked, his teeth clench. “I am never doing a mission with him again.” Conner snarls, turning to Batman, eyes gleaming dangerously. “All he does is say rude things and act like an ass. He is lucky I didn’t throw his face against the wall earlier.”

“I wouldn’t have to call him that if he hadn’t created an ugly idiotic clone.” Damian sneers back.

Dick quickly gets in between Conner and Damian. “Damian, go change back into civilian clothes.”

Damian huffs, eyes narrowing on Conner but does as Dick asks. Tim watches the entire interaction with confusion– what the hell had happened while they searched for Tim? The exchange has Tim on edge.

Dick releases a breath, “Well now that is resolved, Tim, I am happy to see you safe. Let’s avoid the disappearing act in the future.”

“Yes, sir.” Tim blurts out without a second thought. The small fight caused him to quickly go back to the old habit. Strangely enough, Tim notices Jason stiffen at his words. “Sorry– I mean– I will avoid it in the future Mr. Grayson.”

“I think maybe Tim is a bit tired. Let’s get Tim up to a bed so he can sleep– and a change of clothes,” Bruce says, motioning for Tim to head up. “Conner and Dick please go with him while I discuss what happened with Red Hood.”

“And make sure he actually sleeps– Not that fake shit he was doin’ at my place.” Red Hood adds on.

Tim scoffs but begins to make his way up the stairs. Dick and Conner trailing behind him, keeping as he walks.

Conner hovers closer to Tim than Dick. “What happened?” Conner asks as they make it up the stairs out of the cave.

“I got into a fight,” Tim explains briefly– he was too tired to explain more than that. The day's events were weighing him down. Conner seems to have realized this and doesn’t ask anything else. They walk in silence until they make it to Tim’s room.

“I’ll be right here,” Conner says as he takes a seat on the sofa found in the hallway. “Go take a shower– you smell.”

Tim huffs, but goes to take a shower. Right after, Tim lays down on the bed. Tim didn’t realize how tired he truly was until his head hit the bed.

It only felt like seconds later before he woke up, but in reality, it had been hours. After waking up, Bruce made sure to call both Tim and Conner into his office.

Tim is reminded of the times his father had called him to his own office after he had made a mistake. He remembers the loud words and the dark tone. The broken glass after his dad had thrown things.

Tim didn’t want Bruce to get angry like his father. He stood at attention, body stiff and eyes focused on Bruce.

Bruce stares at Tim and Conner, his gaze holding steady. Tim squirms under the attention– he notices Conner’s lack of concern.

“Want to tell me why you both decided to run around Gotham?” Bruce asked, his voice sounding commanding to Tim’s ears.

Conner rolls his eyes; Tim wonders how Conner can do something so calmly in front of Batman.

“I wanted to go see the city.” Tim blurts out, cringing back at his own words. “I thought…” Tim pauses, “I wanted to see some old sites and dragged Conner along with me.”

Bruce’s eyes seem to narrow at the response. “Please don’t blame Conner. It was all my fault.” Tim motions to himself– he can’t let Conner get into trouble. The last time that happened, Luthor had put him back in cryosleep. “He didn’t do anything wrong.”

If Tim did take the blame, Conner would have to pay him back in some way. Luthor always said that if you want someone’s help you have to make them feel like they owe you for something. “I missed Gotham.” That… wasn’t a complete lie either.

Bruce’s gaze softens.

Conner’s eyes snap over to Tim. Before Bruce can even respond to Tim’s pleas, Conner snorted. “Remember, Tim, we want to work on that,” Conner mutters– Bruce can definitely hear the words. “That is a lie– I dragged Tim out because I was bored.”

Bruce’s eyes glance between the two boys, and his lip twitches at the two. “So now I have two stories.”

Tim shifts uncomfortably while Conner just grins. Bruce shakes his head.

“For now, Conner you’re grounded,” Bruce comments dryly, his arms crossing in front of his chest.

“I’m grounded,” Conner asks in disbelief.

“Yes. You cannot leave Wayne Manor unless you have someone with you– preferably someone other than Tim,” Bruce explains.

“You can’t ground me.” Conner’s voice has an odd tone. Tim wonders what emotions are flickering in the other teen.

Bruce keeps his gaze steady on Conner, “You went out without any ideas of how your abilities work, flew around the city without any care and left Tim behind who then got hurt. You went and faced an unknown situation without backup. Your behaviors and recklessness are unacceptable.” Bruce motions with one hand to Conner, “The deal we had is that you both will be staying here. If you cannot follow instructions, our deal will be null and void.”

“Our deal was that Tim and I stayed together. You agreed to that.” Conner was starting to sound nervous.

“And under my house, that includes protection. I cannot protect you both if you act rashly as you did today. Would it sound better if we say you are benched instead?” Bruce asked calmly.

Conner looked at him in disbelief. “What if I say no?”

Bruce’s expression hardens, his eyebrows furrowing together. Tim thinks that expression is something he has under the Batman cowl. “If you cannot listen, I will have to take my concerns to the Justice League.” The threat was present– not explicitly stated but there. “Tim would be allowed to stay here if he wished.”

Conner balks, eyes gleaming with frustration and anger, “Why aren’t you grounding Tim?” The question sounds strange– Tim wonders if Conner is worried about Bruce’s punishment for him.

Tim cringes back, his gaze meeting the floor. He waits patiently for Bruce to tell him what was going to do to him.

Bruce gives Conner an indifferent expression, “I am a detective, boys. I can easily deduce what actually happened.”

Tim shook his head, “If Conner is grounded, I should also have an expected punishment.”

“For following your friend and making sure he didn’t get hurt?” Bruce asked back, “Damian and Dick wouldn’t be able to leave the house if I grounded them for actions like that.”

“But I didn’t stay in your house, Mr. Wayne. I am as much at fault as Conner.” Tim tries to reason– how could the man not see that he needed to be in trouble as well?

Bruce studies Tim closely, “Alright. This is your punishment.” Tim clenches his eyes closed, his body stiffening as he waits for whatever is going to happen next.

What he doesn’t expect is a hand moving his own up and a small item being placed in it. Tim opens his eyes, Bruce is standing in front of him with a serious expression. Tim glances down at what was placed in his hand– a small button.

“You are to carry this around at all times. If anything like what happened today happens again, I expect you to push that button.” Tim was bewildered.

“What?”

“Your punishment– you are to carry that around,” Bruce stated again.

Tim felt like he was missing something important, “Alright. I can do that.” He says the words slowly, waiting for the pin to drop.

“Now that you both have received your punishments, you may leave.” Bruce motions them out of the room. “I am sure Dick would love to talk with you guys. He mentioned teaching you, Tim, how to defend yourself.”

Tim found himself standing next to Conner outside Bruce’s door. His gaze turns to Conner. Conner’s expression shows anger and frustration. He doesn’t say anything to Tim as he storms off– obviously upset with Bruce’s punishments.

Tim stares down at the small button as if it was a mystery in and of itself.

Tim had another puzzle to solve.

Chapter Text

It had been two weeks since Tim and Conner had run around Gotham. Tim felt it was strange trying to fit into the Wayne household. Tim had done as Bruce requested, never trying to be a bother. On the other side of the coin, Conner seemed to be actively trying to annoy and agitate Batman.

Tim often finds himself wondering if Conner had it out for Bruce because of his grounding. Conner seemed to refuse to be in the same room as Bruce. Tim didn’t mention it, instead, he did as Bruce asked him, he rarely went outside.

Until today.

Tim sat nervously in the room, glancing around. Tim wasn’t sure what to do when Bruce stood in the doorway, shifting on his feet. They had eaten breakfast together most mornings, but there was still tension and awkwardness that hadn’t left since Tim’s first day there.

Bruce moves into the room, Tim thinks he might be uncomfortable– of what Tim doesn’t know. The man is wearing odd clothing; A hat lay on his head, a t-shirt, and jeans. It was confusing to Tim.

“Tim, I wanted to speak with you.” Bruce began. Tim stiffens.

“I’m sorry,” spills out of Tim’s mouth before he knew what Bruce will say. Tim had found with his parents and Mr. Luthor that it was better to apologize upfront.

“No– You’re not in trouble,” Bruce quickly backtracks, shaking his head. “It has been brought to my attention that I don’t know much about you.” He pauses, “After the incident with Conner, I wanted to make it up to you.”

Tim furrows his eyebrows, Mr. Luthor had been interested in Tim in the beginning but later cut out the things he had deemed unimportant. Was Bruce doing the same thing? It didn’t matter much– Tim already had all the things he enjoyed taken from him.

“I have something to give you.” Bruce motions to a box in his hands. Tim was even more confused. Tim hadn’t done anything exceptional that deserved recognition. All Tim had done lately was stay in the house and read or stayed in his room. Perhaps Bruce was showing that staying in his room was exactly what Bruce wanted him to do.

“I don’t need anything, Mr. Wayne. I am perfectly fine.” Tim tries to decline the gift.

Bruce sighs, but hands Tim the box anyways. “Shockingly, there is no return policy. And this would just collect dust up in the attic if I don’t give it to you.” Tim could tell it was a joke– but that confused him further. Instead of questioning it, Tim grabbed the box and slowly opened it.

Tim stares in awe at the high-end camera– three lenses in the box. Tim picks each one up gently, looking them over. A wide-angle lens. A standard lens. And a telephoto lens. Tim’s mind races. He always used a telephoto or standard lens when chasing Batman and Robin. His parents didn’t offer him much else for his hobby making his old camera something he purchased after months of doing odd jobs. Usually, it involved doing other students' homework for cash.

Tim gently runs his hand over the camera itself. It was a full-frame mirrorless interchangeable lens, with 45 megapixels. His fingers glide over the buttons, testing each one slowly. Turning on the camera, Tim looks over the screen, the high-definition being better than anything he had previously had.

“Dick mentioned the broken camera the first time we met. Conner talked about you taking pictures the other day. You also gave us your SD card full of pictures. I thought it might have been a hobby of yours.” Bruce explained, breaking Tim’s fascination with the camera. “I asked a friend of mine which would be best. He is a journalist for the Daily Planet.”

Tim blinks, “You asked Superman for help with picking out a camera?” Tim feels like his heart is going to beat out of his chest.

Bruce chuckles softly, “Yes, I asked Superman for help.”

Tim pulled the camera close to his chest, he didn’t know what to say. Tim remembers years of people telling him it was worthless to have such a hobby. Instead of showing the same disdain, Batman got him a camera. Not just a regular camera, a high-end, fully functional, with three lens, camera.

“Oh, I almost forgot.” Bruce reaches into his pocket and pulls out an old outdated SD card. “I wanted to return this.”

Tim reaches out with shaky hands, grasping the SD card. He pushes the card into the camera’s slot, the pictures showing up on the small screen.

“The day of the incident with Conner,” Bruce states, “You mentioned following us around. I left because I had to make sure you were telling the truth. I flipped through the pictures and had Oracle match the dates and times from security cameras around Gotham.”

Tim understood then– Bruce was always a man of knowledge. Having a young child following you around without your knowledge probably had been concerning.

“There weren’t many, but Oracle managed to find reports and blurry pictures of a young boy running around Gotham around areas Batman had been seen.” Bruce sighs, “That had been very dangerous of you.”

Tim hums, “Watching Batman made me feel safe.”
Tim barely registers the sharp breath from Bruce, his own attention still focused on the camera. Tim wanted to take pictures. Quickly, Tim brought the camera to his eye, looking through the lens, he snaps a picture of Bruce standing in his strange outfit looking out of place.

A smile plays on Tim’s lips as he gazes down at the picture he just took.

“I am glad you like it… You ready to go?” Bruce asks.

“What?” Tim asks, “Go where?”

“We have to test out the camera. The Gotham Cathedral is the perfect place to use it.” Bruce offers an explanation.

Tim could cry out of happiness. He didn’t want this moment to end.

“You probably won’t get any pictures of Batman, but hopefully the artwork and architecture will work for you,” Bruce says, eyes gleaming. “Plus you just got a pretty strange picture of Bruce Wayne in a weird outfit.”

“Thank you.” Tim manages to croak out, “Thank you.” he says again, not how else to show his appreciation.

~

The large gothic Church had a beautiful interior that Tim had taken pictures of every inch of. He had climbed, crawled, and captured everything he could possibly have had. Bruce had been trailing behind the young teen, keeping mostly silent, but offering positive feedback when Tim would show him a particularly well-done photo.

Tim loved every second of it.

Tim raved to Bruce as they started to make their way out of the Cathedral. Tim took one picture just at the entrance, showing the large stained glass windows. Looking around, Tim felt like he was still missing something with his pictures. He remembered taking pictures of the Cathedral a few times when he was younger.

One picture he truly loved had been from the upper part of the church. Those pictures lay shattered on the floor in Cadmus.

Tim shook his head to get that thought out of his head. Instead, he focuses on the structure of the church.

Tim really wants to take a picture from a higher angle. Without turning to see if Bruce is following him, Tim runs towards the alleyway to the side of the Cathedral. Just as Tim remembers, the fire escape goes close to the top where Tim wants to be.

Tim feels his lips twitch into a grin, his body moving on its own as he runs towards the stairs. He climbs up them two at a time.

“Tim, that doesn’t look very secure.” Tim hears Bruce say. Tim doesn’t stop. The stairs give a loud creak as Tim makes it to the top.

Tim felt the same as he did when he took out the mugger only two weeks before. Tim was as free as a bird, wings soaring through the air. Eyes looking for the best angle, Tim realizes he still isn’t at the right spot. Without waiting for a second, Tim jumps grasping onto the side of the roofing.

Tim vaguely hears Bruce let out a curse– Mr. Pennyworth should definitely make him put money in the swear jar. Tim manages to pull himself up onto the roof.

“Get down, Tim! That is dangerous. You have no protective gear or–,” Bruce is still on the fire escape, sounding nervous. Tim wonders why– Batman jumps from building to building all the time. He probably even brought a grappling gun. Still, Tim doesn’t falter in his movements. He climbs up higher, finding a ledge that his feet will fit on. If Tim’s feet were any bigger, the small beam wouldn’t have worked. Keeping one hand on his camera, he moves the other out in a line to keep his movements steady.

Tim walks carefully and with precise movements. He was almost in the position he needed to be in. Tim lets out a ragged breath. Tim looks to the side; another small ledge moves diagonally from his position– he grasps it and slides down slowly.

“Tim!” Bruce sounds further away now– he probably couldn’t follow on the ledge with his shoe size.

Tim stops his movements, the angle perfect. He can see the grooves of craftsmanship with the cutouts, the large pillars can be seen all the way down the side of the church. Tim brings his camera up, he tilts his head to the side ensuring the picture wouldn’t be off-kilter.

Tim holds his breath and snaps his picture. The picture was flawless. Tim’s feet slip. Tim falls.

Clenching his eyes shut, Tim waits for impact. Instead, Tim feels his arms cushion his fall. Eyes opening, Tim finds Bruce staring down at him, looking frazzled. Tim had been right that Mr. Wayne had a grappling gun. They both land with a soft thud and just as quickly as Tim had seen the grappling gun, it was hidden away. Probably for the best– Bruce didn’t want people to know he was Batman.

“That was–,” Bruce starts.

Tim beams, “I got the picture, Bruce.” Tim feels giddy, eyes returning to the picture he had taken. It was exhilarating, his body still shaking from adrenaline. Had Tim not been high off the feeling he would have realized he had cut off Bruce. He looks down at the picture– the sun shining through the structure making it look angelic.

“Look, Bruce! It looks perfect.” Tim shoves the camera into Bruce’s hands, “I didn’t think I would get it– the angle just wasn’t right here on the ground. I thought that if I were up higher it would work. But then there were the issues with the lighting. I couldn’t take it from on top of the fire escape–.” Tim watches Bruce closely as the man looks down at the picture. “Next time, I am going to have to get a front view of the stained glass windows. I wonder if it would look better from the top instead.” Tim murmurs in thought, already looking back at the cathedral for a new way up.

“Let’s avoid climbing on the side of buildings for now.” Bruce huffs, both looking relieved and worried at the same time. “The picture looks amazing, Tim.”

Tim’s smile widens– “I could do this all day.”

“Its getting a bit late, we should head back to the manor.” Bruce pauses, “We can do this again sometime soon okay, bud.”

“Of course, Mr. Wayne.” Tim couldn’t wait for it to happen again.

“Bruce.” Bruce says, “You called me that before… please call me Bruce.”

Tim flushes, not realizing in his excitement he had called the man by his first name, “Alright… Bruce.”

Bruce brings his hand up and ruffles Tim’s hair. The motion felt different from when Luthor had done it. When Luthor ruffled his hair, it had always been after he solved a puzzle or did something Mr. Luthor wanted. Bruce had done it for no reason. Tim had wasted hours of his time, called him a disrespectful name, and almost got him hurt by falling. Instead of getting angry, Bruce ruffled his hair.

Tim brings a hand up as if trying to keep the sensation from fading away.

“I am sure the boys would like you to call them by their first names as well.” Bruce slyly says, as if trying to hint at something, “I am sure they would want to get to know you just like I did.”

Tim hesitates, “I doubt that. I am not that interesting.”

“Well, I can’t agree with that, based on what you just did. Don’t know many people who climb on buildings just for a picture.”

“You’re Batman, you literally know superheroes.” Tim can’t help but laugh lightly.

“Hey, I did say for a picture.” Bruce teases, “I.. I want you to feel welcome in my home, Tim. Can you try to talk to them? Dick has been wanting to get to know you since he helped break you out.”

Tim hesitates but nods slowly, “Okay… I can try.”

“I will be proud of you if trying is the best you can do,” Bruce says offering Tim another bright smile. “Let’s go get some lunch and head back.”

Tim nods trailing behind Bruce.

~

Tim’s first choice had been difficult. Tim could easily talk with Dick, but he always got nervous about the first Robin. He could go find Jason, but he didn’t even know where to look for Red Hood. That left him starting off with Damian.

Tim didn’t know how to start talking with Damian as the young boy obviously didn’t like him. Tim wandered around until he found Damian feeding the cat– Alfred.

Tim stands off to the side, waiting for Damian to greet him. The other boy seems to notice him but ignores him as he continues to open the bag of cat food.

Tim bites down on his lip. How does he start a conversation?

“Did you know that all male cats get their color genes from their mother?” Tim blurts out, watching as Damian feeds the cat. “That means Alfred the Cat’s mother had to have had black fur just like him. She also probably had white spots as well. Black fur color is a dominant trait which is usually passed down.”

Damian pauses in his moments, turning to glare at Tim. “Why are you so interested in my cat?”

“I just meant that his physical trails can be connected to his mom I guess.” Tim murmurs, feeling embarrassed. He probably shouldn’t have started out with such a stupid topic.

Damian’s eyes narrowed, “If you attempt to clone Alfred, I will not hesitate to cause you harm.”

“I am not gonna clone your cat!” Tim quickly tries to backtrack. “You seem to really like animals and I thought– maybe you would be interested in the genetics behind cats.”

Damian snorts, giving Alfred the cat a few pets, “Who in their right mind would study cats for their genetics? All cats are perfect the way they are. Including Alfred.”

“Of course! Most scientists when studying genetics began with animals. Cats are used regularly to test out theories and to create clones. I read in a few books the different experiments they used to create clones for cats.” Tim explained, nodding his head quickly.

Tim watches as Damian’s face transforms into fury, “And you experimented on cats too I assume? You are the worst kind of person.”

Tim felt like this was going downhill very quickly. “No– I never used animals. Nope. I only had Conner’s DNA to test ideas on.” Tim laughs nervously, how could he salvage this? “I never would experiment on animals. Besides Mr. Luthor doesn’t like pets– or animals.”

“You seem to think of Mr. Luthor in high regard,” Damian mentions, his face showing a lack of any emotion.

“Mr. Luthor always looked out for me. He taught me everything I know.” Tim shrugs his shoulders. He didn’t know how else to explain it to the other teen.

“Hmmm.” Damian hums, “My grandfather sounds a lot like Mr. Luthor.”

Tim pauses, he knows that Damian must be talking from his mother’s side. “I couldn’t imagine my life without Mr. Luthor. Do you… look up to your grandfather?”

Damian is silent, his hand slowly petting Alfred as he looks away. Tim notices Damian is still keeping no emotions on his face. “I thought grandfather was powerful and full of knowledge. I held him at a high pedestal that I always was trying to reach.”

“Sounds like you really wanted to meet his expectations,” Tim could relate– Mr. Luthor always wanted Tim to succeed.

“My grandfather was not a good man.” Damian states.

Tim was confused; why would Damian compare Mr. Luthor to him then?

“But you still care about him right?” Tim asks. Damian is silent, his attention focused on the cat.

“It wasn’t until I moved in with father that I realized my emotions were far harder to understand.” Damian finally looks up to Tim. “Timothy, do you truly understand how you feel about Mr. Luthor? Or are you hiding behind lies?”

Tim tilts his head to the side, “What? Mr. Luthor is the best man I have ever known.” His heart clenched in his chest as he spoke., “Mr. Luthor just wants me to succeed.”

Damian’s eyes look Tim up and down, “Locking someone in a room for days does not sound like a good man.”

“You don’t understand,” Tim said quickly, Damian had the wrong idea of Mr. Luthor– Tim knew that Damian had to be mistaken.

“My grandfather would have me train for hours without a break. Did Mr. Luthor make you research for hours without a break?” Damian asks, the questions throwing Tim off.

“I-It was my choice. I wanted to study– I wanted to be a better scientist.” Tim shakes his head quickly. Tim begins to feel like the walls are getting smaller the more he talks with Damian. He was starting to feel like there was no exit.

“You’re acting like a scared child.” Damian seethes, “You should get angry. He took away everything you loved– make him pay for it.”

“Mr. Luthor is not your grandfather,” Tim yells back, trying to regain some semblance of control. “You’re wrong! Mr. Luthor was proud of me. He cares about me more than my parents ever did.”

“He manipulated you and you fell for his act. You are no better than a rat caught in a cage.” Damian yells right back, crossing over his chest, “I am able to accept who and what my grandfather is. It is time you did the same for Luthor.”

Tim wants Damian to stop talking. He doesn’t want to think about the words. Without a second thought, he picks up something– a cup– and throws it at Damian. Of course, Damian dodges with ease. It was obvious Tim wouldn’t be able to hit him with a cup.

“Marvelous– now you have fallen to acting like a toddler.” Damian edges Tim on. “Did you learn that from Luthor as well?”

Luthor would be appalled to see Tim presently. Tim didn’t care– Damian deserved it. Tim lifted his fist up and swung. Damian fell back in surprise, moving to grasp onto Tim’s arm. It was obvious with the training Damian was the better fighter in his agility and movements. But Tim… Tim was being fueled by all his pent-up emotions. All his anger and frustrations. All his fears and sadness.

Tim didn’t remember how to regulate such emotions. He had learned to bottle them up and close them tight. Damian had caused a flood, the whirlwind of emotions in Tim made him want to cause the same damage back.

Damian wasn’t taking the fight seriously, underestimating Tim. Damian didn’t expect Tim to use his moment to take out his knee. Damian’s knee buckled at the sudden hit, causing him to stagger. Tim took that to his advantage, swinging another fist right at Damian’s face.

Tim bet Damian would have a bruise later. Damian snarls, “If I had my sword I would cut you in half. How dare you!”

Damian goes in for an attack of his own, at that moment the door slams open, Dick stands there, eyes darting between the two. He quickly goes to grab Damian, stopping him from hitting Tim.

“Damian! Knock it off.” Dick holds the young boy back.

“Let go of me, Grayson. I shall cut open his insides and then Luthors to see if he bleeds just like him.” Damian hisses, trying to fight off Dick.

The words make Tim want to hit Damian once more. “Say that again and I will put you in a hole and make sure no one can find you. Not even Batman.” Tim’s voice is cold as ice– something he had also learned from Luthor. If someone doesn’t respect you– you have to make them. Tim notices Dick’s hold falters slightly at his words– likely from shock. “You think I am acting like a child, you don’t know what I am capable of.”

“Tim. Out. Now.” Dick says, over Damian’s rebuttal. Tim doesn’t need to be told twice. The feeling of the walls moving in was becoming unbearable.

Tim needs to get outside before his masks can crumble.

Chapter Text

Tim’s knuckles and wrist hurt.

Tim remembered watching Batman and Robin beating up villains all those years ago, yet they never reacted when they threw a punch. Unlike now, Tim cradles his hand as he leans against the tree he had fallen asleep next to the first night. It had become a habit for Tim– he would go to this exact spot when he was feeling overwhelmed.

Here, Tim would listen to the chirps of the birds, feel the grass on his skin, the tree bark rough against his back. Tim found the small sounds and sensations helped him recenter his thoughts and attention.

Tim took a deep breath focusing on the sounds, his fingers clenching and unclenching to try and get rid of the tingling pain moving through his hand. Tim tried not to feel hurt at the harsh command that Richard had yelled. Tim understood, of course, Robin (Nightwing not Robin – Tim always had to remind himself) was trying to control the situation and remove the factors leading to the problem. Remove the instigator and the issue will be resolved.

Time passes, and Tim stays in the same spot. He can’t get himself to go back into the house– not after what he did. He wonders what Bruce will do.

“Tim!” Tim flinched back at his name being called out. He glanced up to find Bruce looking both relieved and concerned. “Dick told me what happened. Damian’s gonna have a bruise for a few days.”

Perhaps Bruce was giving him a warning in a roundabout way. “Sorry.”

Bruce sighs, looking down at Tim. Tim makes no move to stand back up, his gaze moving down.

“I tried, Bruce. I really wanted to try.” Tim murmurs, his voice cracking. “I thought– Damian likes animals I said something stupid.”

Bruce stands in silence for a few seconds taking a few steps forward and sitting down next to Tim.

Tim was mortified– The man was wearing a well-tailored suit– something that definitely shouldn’t be getting dirt on it. “Mr. Way– Bruce, please don’t you’re going to ruin– You don’t have to sit down– I’ll get up.”

“Thank you.”

Tim froze, his eyes snapping to look right at Bruce when he hears the words. Tim was bewildered– for what?

”You listened to what I asked you to do.” Bruce stated, patting Tim on the shoulder. “That took courage.”

“I– I punched him,” Tim said, waiting for Bruce to take back his words.

“That… wasn’t the best response, no.” Bruce offers, shaking his head at Tim’s puzzlement.

Tim tilts his head to the side, trying to figure out what Bruce was waiting for. “I threatened him.”

“That tends to be a regular occurrence in this household.” A huff– Tim thinks it may have been a laugh– escapes Bruce. “I won’t say Damian is perfect– nor is Dick.”

“But I’m not them–,” Tim wasn’t family. Tim didn’t have the option of being imperfect for fear of getting kicked out or taken into custody. Tim clenches his hands, “Batman is perfect. He always saves the day. I… I have to be like that. If I make mistakes, people can get hurt or die.” Tim thinks of those small errors with each and every experiment. Tiny mathematical discrepancies caused them to fail. He practically killed those clones with his own two hands because of his errors.

Tim watches as Bruce’s expression shifts quickly between emotions, “People aren’t perfect. Batman– He– I’m only human. Batman is not always there to save the day when he needs to be.” Bruce’s eyes look slightly glazed as if Bruce was thinking of a memory. “If heroes can make mistakes, why shouldn’t a young boy also be allowed a few missteps?”

Tim opens his mouth to try and argue back but comes up short with a response. “Bruce, I’m really tired.” Tired of trying so hard and not succeeding. Tired of trying and having it thrown back in his face. Tim was tired of not being perfect.

“Then rest.” Bruce offers.

The two of them sit in silence after that. Tim feels like the words were a relief. He could finally stop trying so hard.

Their serene silence is broken only by Dick rushing out the back door looking frazzled. “Oh thank god.” It was practically the same words he had said he first day Tim was under the same tree. If Tim wasn’t emotionally spent, he probably would have laughed.

“Tim and I were just relaxing. He needed a bit of a break.” Bruce offers. Dick just nods quickly. Tim sees them give each other a glance– It is the same one he has seen between Nightwing and Batman. Tim is starting to believe they can talk telepathically.

“Dick, can you help Tim ice his hand. It is looking pretty roughed up.” Bruce asks.

Dick looks surprised but nods his head, motioning for Tim to follow after him. “We can get some ice from the fridge.” Tim stands, giving a small wave to Bruce as he trails behind Dick. He walks in silence as Dick begins to ramble through topics. Tim wonders how Dick can talk so much. It almost seems as if he is frightened by silence.

Tim doesn’t say anything as Dick wraps the bagged ice in a thin cloth before putting it on Tim’s knuckle. “Your hand is gonna be swollen the next few days. You might want to ice it to keep the swelling down.” Dick tilts Tim’s hand over, “You got a pretty good hit in– for not being trained– you didn’t do too much damage to it.”

Tim nods his head slowly. When making Conner, Tim read medical books in order to better understand the human body. While the books didn’t include information on punching, they did provide information on caring for broken bones and strained muscles.

“It doesn’t look like you broke it. You were able to move your hands with Bruce.” Dick continues as if trying to fill the quiet. Tim had gotten used to the hours of silence– but Dick seemed to have the opposite problem. The words kept flowing from the young hero's mouth.

A frown appears on Tim’s face as he listens to Dick ramble. “You don’t have to pretend.”

Dick cuts his sentence off, shoulders shifting down in disappointment. “I’m not pretending. I thought we could just talk.”

Tim wonders if Bruce spoke to Dick about their previous discussion about making connections. “I get it– Damian’s family. You were right to send me away.”

“I didn’t send you away because Damian’s family, I sent you away because–,” A pause, Dick seems to consider his words carefully. “I needed Damian to calm down. Damian… is trying. He isn’t good with people. When he feels an emotion, he makes sure everyone knows it. He felt anger towards you, I didn’t want you hurt.”

Tim didn’t know if he believed Dick’s words, but it was a good excuse. “Okay.”

“Okay?” Dick restates with a sigh, “I never know what is going through your head.”

“Why do you need to know what is going on in my head?” Tim questions feeling self-conscious. “You could just ask.”

Dick hums, “Right now, I am questioning why you punched Damian. You always seem so level-headed.” Dick offers, moving the ice slightly on Tim’s hand. “I know Damian can get under people’s skin.”

Tim’s eyes look down focusing an the ice resting on his hand, “He called Mr. Luthor names.”

“Oh? Well, that wasn’t very nice of him.” Dick may have said it in a chipper voice, there was an edge of cold Tim could hear in the words. “You seem really close to Luthor. What kind of person is he?”

Tim’s eyes narrowed, wondering if perhaps Dick was digging for information. “Mr. Luthor ate a meal with me at least every two to three days– unless I misbehaved.” Tim explains a small smile playing on his lips, “He would give me puzzles to solve every time too. He even gave me tests and information on his business. I would always try and get them right. In the beginning, I did struggle, Mr. Luthor would get really disappointed when I got it wrong.” Tim could feel his chest warm at the memory, “He even laughs at my jokes! I knew some of them are really cheesy sometimes, but I tried to come up with the best ones for him.”

Dick nods his head in acknowledgment, “He sounds like he was trying to connect with you.” While the words seemed positive, Tim couldn’t help but feel like there was an underlining emotion hidden away in the words.

“I didn’t get to talk to anyone else while living in Cadmus– well except for Conner. Mr. Luthor was often worried about information getting out. I understand, Mr. Luthor always said the research would change the world.” Tim explained, “But it was okay! I got through it– Mr. Luthor would sometimes yell at me when I had my bad moods. The only time it got really bad was after Darwin, Hawk, and Hanna died. Mr. Luthor was there to comfort me after I was done acting like a child. So it was okay. It always helped that my equations got better after them.”

Tim could feel the moment Dick’s body stiffened through the ice pack. Tim quickly reviewed what he said, trying to figure out where he had gone wrong.

“Who are Darwin, Hawk, and Hanna?” Dick asks, “I don’t remember you talking about anyone else– I thought it was only Conner, Luthor, and you?”

A flush begins to form on Tim’s cheeks, embarrassment causing a pit in Tim’s stomach. “S-Sorry, Mr. Luthor always said giving them names was pointless. They– It–,” Tim struggles, “The experiments that failed– they were Experiments 5, 6, and 9.”

“That…” Dick seems to be at a loss for words as if struggling to figure out his next move. “Did you name all of them?”

“N-No of course not!” Tim felt humiliated, “I am not a child.”

Dick sits in silence for a minute– Tim didn’t know Dick could sit so still and quiet until now. It made him uneasy.

“I wish I could have met them– Darwin, Hawk, and Hanna.” Dick finally breaks the silence.

Tim felt something warm falling from his cheek. Tim brings his free hand up to whip at his face, only to feel another fall. He looks up at Dick to see a sympathetic look.

“Oh.” Tim realizes– how long had it been since he cried? “Sorry– I don’t– I didn’t mean to cry.”

“It’s okay to cry.” Dick offers softly which only makes Tim want to cry more. “You lost a lot, you are allowed to grieve.”

A noise escapes him– it makes him sound like a child who couldn’t find his mother at the supermarket. “They would have loved you–,” Tim manages to choke out, “They would have loved it here.”

“I am glad you think so. I could have taught them how to swing from a chandelier.” Dick jokes, his voice tender.

Tim laughs through his tears, “Jorge would have taken you up on that offer.”

Dick wiggles his eyebrow, “Well, now I have to live up to that standard.”

It takes a few minutes before Tim is no longer crying. His hand no longer hurts from Dick treating it properly. The rest of the time, Dick comforts Tim with a few jokes and stories.

“Thank you for taking care of my hand,” Tim pauses, feeling reluctant, “Dick.”

Dick’s face shifts, a smile beaming on his expression. If Tim had been young, he would have had a heart attack from Robin looking at him that way. “No problem, Timmy.”

Moving the ice away from Tim’s hand, Dick continues to smile brightly, “No problem, at all.”

Perhaps staying at Wayne Manor would be alright.

~

“Let's run away again. We already did it once– it wouldn’t be hard.”

Had Tim been holding anything, he would likely have dropped it in surprise. “What?”

Conner floats next to Tim– Tim wonders if he even realizes he is doing it but decides not to comment. The two of them had been hanging out yes– but ever since Tim’s talk with Dick, he had been a little more open; however, he was still embarrassed. He was avoiding Dick when he felt particularly embarrassed about his fallout. It had only been a few days since the incident occurred. During that time, Tim had spent the majority of time with Conner. They hadn’t been able to do much other than stay at the house. Tim could tell Conner was becoming stir-crazy since he was still grounded.

“I heard what happened. I don’t like Bruce– you don’t like Dick and Damian– why should we stay here?” Conner asks.

Tim takes a second to register the words, “I don’t hate Dick. He… We are friends.” Tim quickly back peddles wondering if his avoidance was that obvious, “And… I just had a disagreement with Damian.”

Conner snorts, “Okay, but we can still leave. Hawaii is sounding really good right now. We can get Piña coladas.”

“We are under twenty-one.” Tim wonders if perhaps he did mess up when creating Conner– did he not know age restrictions?

“I am pretty sure we can get away with it.” Conner shrugs, “So, running away.”

“We aren’t running away.” Tim comments slowly, “Did you forget about the Justice League.”

“You are overly worried. Come on– what is the worst that could happen?” Conner asks.

“Space Prison.” Tim retorts.

Conner snorts out a laugh, “So the same with Luthor. Not much of a difference except location if you ask me. We might even have a better view. And here hasn’t been much different– I am not allowed to go outside.”

“That isn’t funny.” Tim huffs, “We can’t just leave. We would worry Bruce.”

Conner seems to freeze for a moment for his shoulders return to being relaxed. It was a strange development, but Tim lets it go.

“Alright, let's join the Titans. Screw what Batman says, I bet we can get some leeway into the group. Being a clone of Superman has to have its perks somewhere.” Conner grins brightly at Tim, eyes gleaming.

“You’re just upset that Bruce grounded you for playing vigilante.” Tim offers.

“He is literally Batman, how can he be angry with me for saving civilians?” Conner pouts.

Tim wants to correct Conner– it wasn’t because he was a vigilante– it was for leaving Tim behind.

Tim always felt like he had a rock in his stomach when he thought about it.

“You should try and talk to Bruce. I bet he would be understanding if you did. We could even ask to go out together.” Tim offered.

Conner gets a mischievous expression on his face, “Timothy, are asking me out on a date?”

Tim’s face heats up, eyes widening at the insinuation, “N-No! That is not what I meant.”

“It’s okay– Making a boyfriend in a scientific lab isn’t what most people do, but you never can do things in halves.” Conner teases and a laugh escapes him.

Tim was going to die from embarrassment. “You are the worst. There is no way I could ever date you.”

“If we are going to go on a date, I call dibs on choosing the restaurant. We are getting pizza– or maybe some Piña coladas as we run away to Hawaii to get married.”

“We aren’t running away.” Tim groans, “And we aren’t getting married either!”

Conner chuckles, “Alright, I’ll hold off on the proposal for now.”

Tim definitely didn’t have a crush– no matter how much his heart felt like it was beating out of his chest.

Tim lets out a huff, before noticing a sudden change in Conner’s expression. He no longer looked confident and full of himself. Now he looked hesitant.

“Is something wrong?” Tim asks.

“I can’t stay in here much longer…” Conner responds hesitantly, “I know— I know I keep making jokes about it, but Tim I am feeling trapped.”

Tim shifts on his feet, thinking of the best words to respond, “Let's plan on talking with Bruce. I’ll be there with you. If you ask him… he may even take you out himself.” Tim offers.

Conner looks uncomfortable, but nods his head, “Alright– You can help me plan what to say right?”

“Of course, I will give you a few–,” Tim is cut off by a knock on the door before it opens to reveal Dick.

“Tim, Conner.” Dick waves at the two, “Time for dinner.”

“What a buzzkill.” Conner offers. “We can continue later.”

“Later…” Tim agrees.

“I’ll change your mind eventually.” Conner winks, and Dick laughs not knowing exactly what they had been talking about. The seriousness before gone in an instant. If Tim hadn’t been there, he would have thought it had never happened.

~

Tim wanders around the house, finding room after room empty. It was strange not to see anyone roaming the halls of the large house. He wonders if perhaps he missed a meeting that had been planned. Tim grimaces but continues to search through the home.

Tim is surprised to find them in the library, the TV on as they all watch in fixation. It was a strange place for all of them to be– Had they planned on being here without Tim? Tim looks around the room, finding Conner standing off to the side, Bruce standing stiffly in front of the TV, Damian sitting cross-legged on the sofa, and Dick leaning over the couch, transfixed on the TV.

None of them seem to notice that Tim had entered the room. Tim stands in the doorframe, wondering what has them all on edge. A large bookcase obstructs most of Tim from their view.

Tim is about to ask why everyone seems so tense until a voice cuts off any of his words.

“I am pleading for help in finding Timothy.” Luthor’s voice echoes in Tim’s ears. His breath catches in his throat, eyes snapping to the TV. Luthor stands at a press conference, a picture of Tim shows him smiling brightly, blue eyes shining. Tim doesn’t remember ever taking that picture (Tim wonders when Luthor had gotten it– perhaps it had been faked through recordings of his stay at Cadmus).

Still, Tim’s face goes blank as he listens to Luthor’s words. Tim looks over at the man on the screen, his clothes look disheveled and he has bags under his eyes.

Luthor clears his throat, “After a long and complicated discussion with Jack and Janet Drake, I offered to take care of Timothy. The bright young boy liked his privacy, something I gave him as he requested. I grew attached to the young boy. He is quite intelligent– someone I could discuss a multitude of things with. A few weeks ago, Information was leaked and someone got ahold of where Timothy was living.”

Tim’s attention snaps away from the TV when he hears a snort– his eyes land on Conner. Conner’s eyebrows are scrunched together, lips curved into a deep frown. His arms are crossed in front of him– Tim could practically feel the agitation radiating off Conner.

Tim’s attention quickly moves back to Luthor. Luthor pauses, glancing away from the cameras. Tim can see emotions flicker on Luthor’s face. Anger. Sadness. Something else is there, something Tim can’t place.

“Timothy is my family… this person took him from his home. I have yet to receive a ransom request.” Luthor sounds choked up.

Tim felt his heart leap into his chest. Luthor was waiting for him. Luthor wanted him home.

Tim left Luthor alone.

Tim was just as bad as his parents.

“I am asking whoever has my son, please return him,” Luthor states, looking right at the camera. Tim falters backward at the gaze– it was as if the man himself was looking right at Tim through the tv.

“What a narcissistic, deranged, psychopath.” Conner snarls, breaking Tim out of his trance. “Bruce, don’t believe a single word of that BS.” Conner motions to the TV, “What is he wanting to gain from this? He obviously knows the Justice League was there!”

“For once I agree with the clone. Luthor is obviously playing the long game.” Damian pipes up, his eyes narrowed on the screen. If Tim weren’t going through emotional turmoil, he might have congratulated Conner and Damian for agreeing.

Tim could see a grimace making its way onto Dick’s face, “I might have an idea. Whatever happens, we can’t let Tim see this. He already is in too deep when it comes to Luthor.”

A grunt escapes Bruce, his hand resting on his chin in thought, “This will make it far harder to move around with Tim. With such a high reward amount, people will be looking for him everywhere.”

“How much?” Tim asks, his voice low even to his own ears.

Four heads snapped in his direction as he came out from behind the bookshelf. “How much am I worth this time?”

“I thought you wouldn’t be that narcissistic.” Damian is the first to snap out of the surprise, rolling his eyes at the question.

“Tim, come on bud, let's go practice your right-hand swing, you were making a lot of progress.” Dick offers as if trying to steer the conversation into a more comfortable setting.

“No.” Tim snapped cutting him off. Dick looks like Tim had practically slapped him– Tim realized it had been the first time he went against Dick. “Tell me. How much.”

“25 Million,” Bruce spoke for the first time since he realized Tim was in the room. Tim could see Bruce analyzing the situation– Batman was finding new pieces in the puzzle that was Tim’s life.

“My worth went down,” Tim murmurs to himself in thought. Luthor would only invest in things that were worth value– if he originally was worth 50 million from his parents— he wasn’t valued as highly as he previously was deemed. Tim will have to fix that if he wants Luthor to think positively of him. Perhaps if he increases his efforts in Luthor’s business and his productivity in the lab, Luthor will forgive him for running away.

“What does that even mean?” Dick asks, sounding frazzled, “Your worth…?”

Tim turns to Dick, eyeing him up and down. “My productivity went down. My value has decreased.”

“Maybe to a bastard like Luthor, but who cares what he thinks?” Conner snaps, cutting off whatever Dick was doing to say.

“Tim– Why do you think your value has gone down?” Bruce asks, Tim thinks he is starting to get into his Batman voice.

Tim thought it was obvious, but glancing around the room, the others didn’t seem to understand his meaning, “Originally I was worth 50 million. I caused Mr. Luthor problems and ran away. My experiments failed regularly. I went against his wishes since I had a camera at Cadmus. He has deemed that I am not worth what he put in the first time.”

Tim watches as it seems to register as Bruce’s eyes widen. Dick tilts his head to the side, eyebrows furrowing together. Damian’s eye twitches, but still confused. Conner isn’t hiding his aggravation with clenched teeth.

“Your parents sold you.” Disbelief is woven into each word, and Bruce’s lips part in shock.

“What?!” Dick’s eyes snap to Bruce as his breath catches, “The news said Jack and Janet Drake– our neighbors?”

Tim shrugs his shoulders, “They likely aren’t there now. They traveled a lot.”

“Bruce,” Dick practically hisses, “Our neighbors sold their child and we had no idea?! What the hell have we been doing if we didn’t catch that?” Tim had never seen Dick this angry. Tim remembers Dick getting frustrated and outraged as Robin because of Bruce’s rules, but never this emotional.

Tim shifts uncomfortably as Bruce seems to keep his attention completely focused on Tim. “You know that isn’t right. You shouldn’t have… Your worth isn’t based on a dollar amount.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Tim says, shaking his head. “Mr. Luthor is showing that he is upset with me.”

“Why doesn’t it matter?” Damian asks. “If Father says it matters, he means it.”

“Well, I have to go back. Mr. Luthor is family.” Tim says, repeating what was said over the broadcast.

Chaos ensued.

“No, you’re not,” Conner yelled over the sudden commotion, shoulders becoming stiff. “No way are you ever going back to that– that monster.”

“He isn’t a monster.” Tim remained calm, remembering all the training Mr. Luthor had offered him. “Mr. Luthor might have made some mistakes in the past, but he isn’t a bad person.”

“Are you hearing yourself right now?” Conner scoffs, “Why are you always on his side?”

“We– Mr. Luthor is family. He– He called me his son.” Tim motioned to himself as he spoke. Tim finally had a family that cares about him. Luthor even said it to the world– Tim had a family.

Conner looks frustrated, his shoulders growing stiffer, “He isn’t family. He deserves every bad thing that happens to him.”

Dick seems to know things are about to go south, “Conner, let's go talk about this–,”

“Maybe I should show up and tell Luthor that you ran away from him because he is an abusive asshole.” Conner cuts Dick off, “Maybe then you will actually see what kind of person he is.”

“Don’t.” Tim warns, eyes narrowing.

Conner’s eyes narrow, “Why? Luthor deserves worse. How many times did he make you create clones? I know it was a max 13– that was my number– right?”

Tim’s hands clench, “Mr. Luthor had nothing to do with the other experiment’s deaths.”

“There shouldn’t have been any experiments, to begin with!” Conner argues back, “You shouldn’t have been forced to go there.”

“I had more family there than I ever did with my parents. At least he cares.” Tim motions to the TV as he spoke, “I was the one who did the experiments. They were all my fault.”

“He doesn’t care about me or your other experiments,” Tim could hear the hurt in Conner’s voice, “Do you agree with Luthor? Is that what they were to you? Just another test gone wrong?”

“Boys, I think you both need a minute.” Bruce steps between them, “We can talk more about this, Tim. You can explain your reasoning.”

It was better this way. If Conner hated Tim he wouldn’t come after him. “No. Conner wants the truth I will say it now.” Tim remembers each and every death. “They were just numbers on a screen.” Tim was realizing how easy it is to lie.

They weren’t. They all had a piece of Tim with their deaths.

And now Tim was doing the same to Conner.

“Tim, that isn’t–,” Dick tries to stop the argument. Tim should have realized Dick would try and speak up.

“Stop, Mr. Grayson. This is between Experiment 13 and myself.” Tim tried not to cringe back at the look of hurt on Dick’s face.

“So you are just like him.” Conner’s voice was low, his eyes becoming downcast. “I thought–,” Conner closes his eyes. “You don’t mean it… Do you?”

Tim wanted nothing more than to take back all his words, “You can join Teen Titans without worrying about me.” Apparently, that wasn’t enough.

“I refuse to believe that. The amount of time we spent together– Tim you can’t fake that!” Conner’s voice sounds pleading, his hand moving up as if to grab at his shattering heart.

There was only one thing left Tim could say that would truly break Conner. Tim didn’t want to– but he knew it would be the final straw. “I do hope they accept you into Titans Tower. With whose DNA you are combined it will be much harder to join.”

“Superman…?” Robin– Nightwing– Mr. Grayson (Tim was going to have to call him Mr. Grayson again.) asks– of course, he still believes the best in people.

“Kryptonian DNA is too unstable to replicate on its own. Human DNA was combined together to create Experiment 13.” Tim could hear his voice waver when he doesn’t call Conner his name. This was the only way to get Conner to let go. “Superman’s and Lex Luthor’s were mixed together in order to stabilize the replication process.”

Conner looked lost. Conner looks broken. In a flash he is gone, Tim barely saw him move as he ran out of the room.

It only took a second before Dick races after him. Tim wonders if Robin (Mr. Grayson– Tim needs to remember it is Mr. Grayson or Nightwing) will ever choose him first. Richard doesn’t seem to want to choose Tim. At first, there had been a reason– Damian was family. Now, Grayson raced after Conner– Tim watches his back leave.

Tim understands to an extent. Nightwing was the Robin that started it all. The bright light next to Batman.

Tim could never be that bright. He was damaged goods.

Turning, Tim sees Bruce’s eyes on him, his expression cold and masked. It would be easier if he ensured Bruce (Mr. Wayne– Tim couldn’t call him Bruce anymore.) and the others wouldn’t follow him back to Mr. Luthor. Mr. Luthor always said hate would drive someone and quickly sever ties.

“Tim.” There is an edge to Bruce’s voice. Tim can’t tell if it is disappointment or anger. Bruce always had a way of hiding his emotions. “I think we need to discuss what just happened. I have been giving you space– but we need to acknowledge was Luthor has done.”

Tim glances at Bruce– Batman. “You shouldn’t be one to talk about the conditions Mr. Luthor brought me up in.”

“Excuse me?” Tim heard the shift from Bruce to Batman easily.

“How many soldiers are you at now? I count at least three. They go out and get beaten down; how is that any different than Mr. Luthor preparing me through scientific research.” Tim knew it was a low blow, “One of your soldiers which doesn’t seem to like you that much. Maybe I should go ask Jason exactly why he decided to run away.”

“Don’t talk to Father that way.” Damian leaps up, his eyes alight with anger. “You know nothing if you think Father is anything like that.”

Tim glances at the teen, he already was burning this down. Damian hated him already– it was easy to break it off with the younger boy.

Anything that was going to happen was interrupted by the TV. A breakout from Arkham was showing multiple escapees rushing the gates.

“Damian. I need you to watch Tim– make sure he doesn’t leave the house. I need to deal with this.” Batman gives Damian— Robin a job.

Tim thought the timing was a bit too perfect (The detective in Tim wondered if it was planned– he knew Mr. Luthor did have his hands in quite a few prison systems).

With Mr. Grayson talking with Conner and Batman dealing with a prison break– Tim only had to worry about Damian.

Tim would be out of the house by morning.

Chapter Text

Damian watches Tim like a hawk. Any movement Tim made, Damian’s eyes followed. Tim had to think of a plan quickly.

Tim knew it would be difficult to escape Damian with his watchful eye. That meant Tim would have to get somewhere the younger boy couldn’t look at him before he made his escape.

“I don’t know what your thinking, but stop.” Damian comments, coldly, his arms crossed over his chest as his gaze stays on Tim.

Tim rolls his eyes, “Do you really think you can keep me here?”

“Father asked me to. So you are staying right here.” Damian responded back, his eyes narrowing on Tim. “I will not fail my current mission.”

Tim thought a moment, trying to figure out a way to perhaps emotionally manipulate Damian. The young teen obviously wasn’t in control of his emotions– the problem was that Tim was more likely to get injured if he said the wrong thing to Damian.

“You are listening to your father, I am just trying to do as mine asked.” Tim offered motioning to himself.

Damian scoffs, “That man is not a father. Luthor is exactly like my grandfather. You would do well to ignore his attempts at manipulation.”

Tim wanted to argue back– but it wouldn’t help in his current situation. Perhaps emotions were not the way to go in this situation. Instead, he should lean towards something more practical. That would ensure Damian wouldn’t stab him nor would they just start yelling back and forth.

“It has been over an hour. May I at least use the restroom?” Tim asked, motioning down the hall.

“No,” Damian responded without hesitation.

“What are you gonna watch me like a creep?” Tim asked, keeping his tone perplexed.

“What? No I am not going to watch you use the bathroom.” Damian quickly back peddled. “You just can’t use the restroom.”

Tim raises an eyebrow– this was working much more effectively than he expected. Damian was acting like a child– Tim quickly realized he still was a child after all. Tim thought about himself when he was younger– he hated being called names or being called different. Perhaps causing Damian discomfort with the idea will give him more leeway.

“Tell me where to go then.” Tim motioned around the room. Damian seems to hesitate for a second time. “Are you going to keep me locked up even if I have to use the restroom?” Tim asked, “It will take me two minutes and it isn’t like I can just escape from a bathroom. You’ll even hear me through the door.”

Damian seems to struggle with a response. “Two minutes or I will break down the door.”

Tim waves the teen off before opening the bathroom door and shutting it. Two minutes was all Tim had.

Tim looks around the bathroom, finding a small window just big enough that he could get out. The amount of time it would take him to get out would be too suspicious for Damian. Without a second thought, Tim turns on the faucet to hide any noises he was making.

Tim brought a hand up to his chin in thought– the only way for this to work would be to insinuate he did escape through the window. He would have to make sure Damian wouldn’t notice him. As quietly as he could, Tim walks over to the shower curtain, moving it just enough to obscure the vision of half the tub. He could easily hide behind it – he likely wouldn’t but it was an option if he needed.

Tim moved his attention to the window. Tim attempts to push the window open, hearing a loud screeching noise as the window moved a small amount. Tim stopped. The noise would be too loud and with how slowly it moved, Tim was concerned with how quickly it would get Damian’s attention if he were to try and push it all the way up. He also wanted Damian to start to trail after ‘him’ as quickly as possible.

“What the hell are you doing in there? You have one more minute before I start breaking the door down.” Damian calls through the locked door.

Tim let out a hum, his time was running out.

Looking around, Tim’s eyes land on a large antique vase– heavy enough to break through glass and likely a window. Tim opens the cabinets and finds a towel. Quickly, he wraps the vase in the towel before glancing around once more. It would be better for him to hide in the cabinets with the towels instead of the tub. If Tim kept half the cabinet open, Damian would less likely check there as well.

Tim took a breath, pulling his arm back, he chucked the large vase against the window. The window shatters loudly. Tim hears the door jiggle quickly.

“Timothy, you insolent idiot! That better not have been the window.” Damian seethes loudly through the door as he begins to pull at the handle.

Grabbing another towel, Tim places it over the broken glass making it appear as if he crawled out the window. Just as quickly, Tim moves a few towels over and closes one half of the cabinet, leaving himself concealed while only showing the unused towels in disarray as if he had moved them quickly to escape.

Tim held his breath.

The door slams open. A hiss escapes Damian as Tim listens to him, and rushes over to the broken window.

“T-That moron!” Tim is surprised to hear worry slip into the tone– he had been expecting anger and annoyance– not worry. Damian doesn’t leave immediately, he checks around the bathroom. Tim hears him unveil the bathtub before letting out a curse and running out of the room.

Tim waits.

30 seconds.

1 minute.

There is silence.

Tim releases the breath he didn’t realize he was holding. Tim gently opens the cabinet door, eyes glancing around the room. Damian was likely either searching for Tim outside or running to Dick. Tim hopes it is the latter.

Tim silently went towards his room, quickly grabbing his laptop. His gaze halted on the camera Bruce had gotten him. Tim bites his lip, suddenly feeling unsure before shaking his head. He places the camera on the desk in the room before grabbing a piece of paper and a pen.

In scratchy quick letters, Tim writes, ‘Thank you’, before placing the paper next to the camera. He makes sure his SD card is next to the paper– showing he wasn’t going to use the pictures against Bruce. He wanted Bruce to know he truly did love his time here.

Tim turns back, taking his laptop and heading to his last stop– the Batcave.

Making quick work towards Bruce’s office, he enters the cave, with his mind going in overdrive, planning all his next steps as he moves through the motions. Eyes glance around the cave, listening for any sounds and making sure Batman hadn’t come back. Nightwing seems to still be with Conner as well. Tim opens his laptop and begins his work.

The first thing Tim does is send coordinates to Luthor’s phone– with a hint about who sent the message. Tim furrows his eyebrows before sending the message, hoping the information was clear enough that Mr. Luthor would understand.

After sending the message, Tim connects his laptop to the highly sensitive batcomputer. It takes a bit of time to break into the computer’s coding before time gets through the firewalls. Tim starts to bite at his nails the more time he wastes.

It had been roughly fifteen minutes since he gave Damian the slip. Tim looked at the coding on his computer– he quickly edited the information– adding keywords for what he needed.

A breath of relief leaves Tim as he finds the material he was searching for. Batman’s materials were locked up tight but could be hacked and released if given time.

Tim didn’t have time. If Tim weren’t focused on breaking the program, he would have let out a curse. Another fifteen minutes go by. Anxiety starts to rise in Tim only for the words “Approved” to appear on his and the Batcomputer’s screen. He releases a breath as a machine begins to move different materials around. Until finally a green rock opens in a compartment just to the side of the computer.

Tim picks it up and looks at the Kryptonite in his hands. There was no going back after this.

“Tim.” Tim flinched back, nearly dropping the rock in the process. Conner stands at the Batcave entrance, a look of disbelief and frustration on his expression. Tim’s and feel his heart begin to pound even louder and faster than before.

Tim opens his mouth before closing it, trying to think of the best response. “Experiment 13. Should I be expecting any other uninvited guests?”

Conner flinches back at the tone, Tim feels like he truly was the worst. Conner clears his throat, “Damian and Dick are searching for you… they didn’t think to check down here.”

“A fault on their part. Damian doesn’t seem to be the best Robin either. It was quite easy to get past him.” Tim imagines how Luthor would say it– he tries to emulate what the man would do. He was hoping not to run into anyone– especially Conner.

“Even if you think you like him,” (Tim knows he means Luthor), “I can’t let you go back.” Conner murmurs, “It is too dangerous. You could create more clones or do something worse.”

It stings hearing those words. Tim would never go back to creating clones. After creating Conner, Tim couldn’t imagine ever trying to re-create the other teen. It wouldn’t be the same. Just like how all the failed experiments were not the same.

“You know I thought about what to do with this.” Tim murmurs, motioning to the Kryptonite as Conner begins to falter. “I thought– well I thought maybe I could get it to make sure you didn’t leave me.”

Conner’s eyes widen ever so slightly, his shoulders sagging.

“But that wouldn’t work either. You always want to run away.” Tim stepped closer to Conner, the other teen takes a step back. Tim could see his face begin to pale at being so close to the Kryptonite. Tim keeps his eyes steady. “I guess– maybe when I made you I put all of my wants of freedom into it. Maybe that was what you took from me. Just like all the others.” Conner’s legs seem to shake as he tries to keep steady as the effects of the Kryptonite begin to effect him.

Conner doesn’t seem to understand, “Why are you doing this, Tim? I trusted you.” Conner’s voice cracks as Tim pauses in his movements. Tim studies Conner’s face– the teen looks somber– his body practically screaming defeat even though Tim could never outright win against him. The signals confuse Tim, why was Conner looking like that? Tim had already tried to cut off ties once. Why was he even here?

Tim tries to keep his emotions in check, just as Mr. Luthor had told him all those times. Tim kept his face blank. “You didn’t come back.” Tim’s voice cracks– the only break in his carefully crafted facade. “You left me just like my parents.” Taking a deep breath, Tim places the rock a few feet away from Conner– just far enough away that he couldn’t throw it. Tim knew it would keep Conner from being able to move quickly enough and allow Tim enough time to get away.

“What…?” Conner asks eyebrows furrowing together in confusion.

Tim let out a hysterical laugh before quickly recovering from the break in his character, “Trust goes both ways, Conner. You broke my trust.” Tim pauses, “Mr. Luthor always told me not to give my trust to others. Keep it close to your chest.” Tim remembers the conversations Mr. Luthor always gave him. The lack of connecting with others made Tim grab onto every word– Every detail– that left Luthor’s mouth.

“I-I didn’t know, Tim. I won’t do it again.” Conner pleads, his expression still puzzled but appearing to want Tim to stop. “Whatever I did, you need to stay here.” It seems at that moment Conner’s strength left him as he fell to one leg. It wouldn’t be much longer before all his strength would be gone.

The words Conner practically begged remind Tim of all the times his parents said they would change. “Mr. Luthor always came back. He may have been strict but he never went back on his word.” Tim closes his eyes, he needed to end this conversation. “I won’t tell Mr. Luthor any information about your location. You may do as you, please. Mr. Wayne will likely be back in a few hours and will remove the kryptonite when he comes back. You can even ask him to join the Titans since I will no longer be by your side.”

“Tim, please don’t leave.” Tim could hear the anguish in Conner’s words. It reminded Tim so much of all those times he asked his parents the same question.

But Conner wasn’t family. Conner wasn’t the same as Mr. Luthor. Conner could make more friends and join the Teen Titans. Conner didn’t need Tim.

Tim could feel his lips quiver, “My family is waiting for me.” Tim turned away from Conner and began making his way toward one of Batman’s cars. He already had planned on borrowing one (Tim refused to say he was stealing it) to escape.

“T-Try and be happy, Conner.” With the last of his words stated, Tim didn’t look back.

He made his way to the center of Gotham. It wasn’t long before he stood in the streets of Gotham, wanting to break down.

Tim couldn’t break yet. He had to get back to Mr. Luthor.

~

Tim sat in the alleyway next to the Cathedral. The message he sent to Mr. Luthor through his laptop should have the coordinates of his location. Tim wondered how long it would take. It had already been roughly an hour and a half since he ran away from Conner. Tim hoped Mr. Luthor would show up soon.

Tim stares up at the large church he chose as the extraction point. Tim knew he probably should have chosen somewhere else, but the memory of Bruce letting him take pictures was engraved in his mind. He couldn’t remember the last time he had felt that happy. Tim didn’t know when he would ever be able to do such a thing again. He wanted to visit this place one last time just to make sure the memory would stay– his eyes study the structure as he remembers the feeling he had rushing up to the top.

Maybe one day, Tim could thank Bruce in person for letting him be a kid one last time.

“There you are!”

Tim flinched back as he heard a robotic voice sound out. He realized his attention had drifted, allowing the man to get too close. Tim turned ready to run only to have a hand grab onto the back of his shirt keeping him in place. “Let me go!” Tim snarled, turning to come face to face with Red Hood.

“Yeah, right.” Hood shook his head, “So you can waltz off after I got such a frantic call from Dick? I do not think so.”

Tim attempted to pull his shirt out of Red Hood’s grasp only to fail miserably. Tim glared up at Hood, his mind trying to think of a plan.

“Plan all you want, I can see those little wheels in your head turnin’.” Hood’s grasp tightened, “You might have gotten away from the gremlin, but I am much hard to escape from.”

Tim watched closely as Hood brought a hand to his helmet, “I found him. The Gotham Cathedral.”

“I will be out of your hair shortly. No need to call for backup.” Tim scoffed, pulling at his shirt once more. How could he be such an idiot? He had planned out everything perfectly. Bruce was out of the picture. Dick and Damian were busy looking in the wrong area. Conner was on the floor of the Batcave. He had been so meticulous yet he had forgotten about Red Hood.

Hood snorts, “We already covered that. We aren’t going anywhere. What was your plan? To hide out for the night?”

Tim kept himself quiet, instead of responding, he glares at the vigilante.

Tim thinks Hood would have rolled his eyes if he didn’t have the helmet on. “I saw the news. Lex sure does know how to put on a performance.” Hood comments, tilting his head to the side. “You sure you want to go back to that madman?”

“It wasn’t a performance. Mr. Luthor is my family.” Tim explained again. Why did they not understand? “Mr. Luthor is just brilliant and charismatic.”

“Hmmm.” Hood didn’t sound like he agreed, “Nah, sounded to me he was just tryin’ to manipulate the press.”

“Why do you care? You don’t even know me.” Tim said, narrowing his eyes on Hood. Tim didn’t know Hood very well– but maybe he could get him to stop caring. There is a reason he doesn’t like Batman– perhaps he could use that against him. “At this point, you are just a pawn for Batman.”

Hood snorts before letting out a laugh, “That’s a good one, Timmy.” Red Hood pauses only for a moment, “What about you? Runnin’ back to Lex– ain’t that the same thing?”

“Of course not. Mr. Luthor might be strict, but he has always been there for me.” Tim retorted, glancing around the alleyway to think of another escape route. “Unlike Batman for you, it would seem.”

Tim could tell that hit a nerve. Still, Hood didn’t lash out or let got like Tim had wanted him to. Red Hood was different from Damian in that regard.

“You know somethin’ I noticed, you keep complimentin’ Lex,” Red Hood says, “But you haven’t said anythin’ about how you feel about this whole thing. Even before when I was helpin’ you with that concussion.”

Tim snaps his attention back to Hood at the words, “I am happy to be working with Mr. Luthor once more. That is why I left Mr. Wayne.”

“That doesn’t sound scripted at all.” Hood snorts, Tim thinks he probably is raising an eyebrow in disbelief. “Thought you said he was your family– you sound like it is a job interview.”

“He is family. Mr. Luthor is –,”

“Stop.” Hood cuts Tim off, with a groan, “Sometimes you have to separate how you feel about someone from how someone makes you feel.”

“B-But Mr. Luthor is–,”

Jason shakes his head, “You described him as a person– not what you feel. What does he make you feel?”

Tim is silent, thinking over the question. Tim thinks of all those days, alone, staring at the door waiting for Mr. Luthor. The feeling of loneliness eats away at him from the inside. He thinks about those meals where he sat perfectly straight, anxiety gripping him. The crushing disappointment when he did something wrong and the stress made him quiver.

“I-It doesn’t matter what I feel! Mr. Luthor is family.” Tim snaps, wrapping his arms around himself as if trying to wrap himself up in his own ignorance. “We are family.”

Jason sighs, moving one of his hands up and removing his helmet slowly. “You seem to be struggling with answerin’ the question, Timmy.” Tim can now hear the emotions in Jason’s words no longer stopped by the robotic machine.

“I have to go back! That is what family is supposed to do.” Tim tries to explain, his family left him behind– He couldn’t do that to Mr. Luthor. “I can’t leave family behind.”

“Why not?”

“Because– Because it hurts! It hurts to be left as if you are nothing. It hurts worse than getting punched or shoved or locked in a room for hours. It hurts like– like your heart will burst if they don’t come back and no matter how long you wait they never show up.” All of Tim’s pent-up emotions explode, and he can’t stop a sob escape him. “I- I can’t let anyone feel that way because I know how crushing that feeling is.”

Tim doesn’t register when Jason released his hold. Tim can’t get himself to run away.

“Tim…” Jason says softly.

“You want to know why I can’t answer,” Tim choked out, “Because if I do I will lose my nerve.” Tim explained, “Mr. Luthor made me feel worthless if I didn’t do things perfectly! I was lonely and anxious. I hated living at Cadmus. Every time an experiment died, I lost a part of me– and Mr. Luthor didn’t care. Is that what you want to hear?”

Jason gives Tim a small sad smile, “He doesn’t sound like family to me. How you can describe someone and how you feel when they are near are important to distinguish. If he makes you feel those things, he isn’t worth you.” Jason brings his hand up and points at Tim as he speaks. “You are more valuable than that.”

“B-But I don’t have anyone else. Mr. Luthor called me family– who else can I rely on?”

Jason hums, “Alright– who makes you feel happy? Or excited? What about safe? Hell, we can even be upset sometimes at the people who care about us. If you can’t think of anyone, you can come home with me. We can have hot cocoa. Sounds like you might need some after today.”

Tim has different people flash in his mind.

Tim remembers laughing and joking with Conner. The other teen always teasing Tim and slowly making him relax. The heart-to-heart they had previously comes up in Tim’s mind. The way Conner had tried to lean on Tim for support only they never got to talk to Bruce about his concerns. Conner, who was kind, funny, and ready to take on the world.

Tim remembers the excitement of meeting Robin– Dick always stuck out in his mind. The way Dick always tried to get him to do new things while showing such positive emotions. Even when Tim talked about Mr. Luthor, Dick was always there to listen even when everyone else kept telling him he was wrong.

Bruce– Bruce had made Tim feel safe even before all of this went down. Bruce– Batman was everything Tim had clung to as a child. While Mr. Luthor made Tim feel anxious and nervous; Bruce made him feel alive and happy. Those feelings Tim hadn’t felt in a long time.

And Damian– Sure Tim and Damian hadn’t gotten along but Tim had to admire his strong will and firm attitude. Tim was still jealous at how easily Damian was able to access and show his emotions. Damian might not be friendly with him, but maybe he had been trying when Tim had snapped back at him.

“I want to go home.” Tim whispers, “I want to make jokes with Conner and experience new things with Dick. I want to feel safe and happy with Bruce– he is always there when I need him to be. And Damian–,” Tim lets out a small choked laugh, “He sounded so worried when he couldn’t find me while I hid.”

Jason's smile grows wider at Tim’s words, “Sounds like you got a pretty good family there. You don’t have to run away. Sometimes we find our own family through trial and error.”

Tim couldn’t stop himself before he latched onto Jason. “Please let me go home. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean anything I said.” He managed to say through choked sobs. He can’t get himself to let go of the leather-cladded teen.

Jason seems surprised at first before he wraps his arms around Tim, Tim burrowing his face into Jason’s shoulder. “You’ll be okay Tim. We’ll get you home in no time.”

The words made Tim cry louder as he pleads for forgiveness even if they can’t hear him. Jason doesn’t push him away, instead, he rubs soothing circles on his back.

Tim barely registered the sound of a car door opening, his face planted in Jason’s shoulder in an attempt to hide what little dignity he had left. Tim didn’t know if he could face Bruce– or any of the others– after all, he did. He tried to hide his face deeper into Jason’s shoulder.

What he didn’t expect was for Jason to shove him back, making him stumble. Jason made sure he was securely hidden behind him. Tim hears the sound of a gun cocking before he snapped his eyes up.

“Don’t take another step unless you want a bullet between your eyes.” Red Hood’s voice is cold, a complete shift from what Tim had just heard.

Tim tilts his head enough to get a view of who had just exited the car. Tim’s eyes widen and his body freezes.

“Timothy. I received your message. I was quite happy to hear that you were unharmed.” Mr. Luthor stood just at the end of the alley looking as callous as ever.

Chapter Text

“Timothy. I received your message. I was quite happy to hear that you were unharmed.” Mr. Luthor stood just at the end of the alley looking as callous as ever.

Tim can’t seem to move, his eyes still filled with tears from his breakdown. He knows he isn’t presentable. He must look like a disaster.

Lex lifts his hands up as if motioning Tim forward into his arms.

Tim’s legs stay shakily where they stand. Tim notices the moment Luthor’s lips curve into a frown.

“I am pretty sure I said get the fuck back.” Jason seethes, allowing the click of his gun to be another warning.

Luthor doesn’t seem at all too worried about Red Hood, his attention completely focused on Tim. “Using genetics as a hint of your location for coordinates was fascinating to break apart.”

“T-Thank you, Mr. Luthor.” Tim finally found his voice. He can’t help but feel pride in his chest at the compliment. Years of yearning for the man’s attention and positive words wouldn’t be wiped away by only a month apart.

“Come along, Timothy. We have much to catch up on and work to do.” Luthor motions Tim forward.

Tim takes a step around Hood almost out of instinct. He is only stopped when Jason’s arm pushes him back.

“Like hell.” Red Hood sneers, “You’re lucky I don’t shoot people dead in front of kids or you would be on the floor.”

Luthor finally seems to look at Hood in acknowledgment. Luthor stuck up his nose, looking at Jason as if he were nothing more than dirt on his shoe. “I have heard of you and your accomplishments, Red Hood. Personally, a head full of duffle bags doesn’t seem like enough. If I were to clean up this city–,” Luthor glanced around at the alley with disgust on his face, “an explosion clearing off the majority of gangs would have been a much stronger start. Perhaps an accident at Arkham Asylum. It seems it would fix the majority of your issues.”

Tim could see Hood start to shake– he is pretty sure it is out of rage not fear. “That would have hurt civilians.” Hood snapped.

“A loss for the greater good. Gotham is in need of a change of pace.” Luthor offers, looking undisturbed by his own suggestion.

Tim felt Hood stiffen next to him.

Luthor appears disappointed at Red Hood’s response before sighing. “Your payment,” Luthor comments dryly, reaching into his suit and pulling out a small checkbook.

Tim can practically feel the confusion coming from Jason. “I don’t want your fucking money.” Jason seethes, causing Luthor to pause.

“Another deal then. What exactly do you want for the return of Timothy?” Luthor exuded annoyance at the idea. “Maybe something under the table. I am sure we can come to an agreement.”

Tim could only stand frozen behind Jason.

“You’re not getting Tim back.” Jason scoffed, his hands staying steady and trained on Luthor.

Luthor raised an eyebrow, “You seem quite close to Timothy calling him such a name.”

“I don’t know him.” Tim stated quickly, “He caught me once and returned me to the Justice League.” He quickly tries to cover any tracks of his connection with Jason.

“Interesting,” Luthor murmured– Tim could barely hear him with space between them. “Red Hood. Let’s do a trade. You give me Tim, and in return, we can start a business between us.” Luthor motions to himself. “It appears you do not have enough backing you up in order to fix this city. You would have to work under my commands, but it would get you the materials you need for this…” Luthor lifts an eyebrow, his lips curving into distaste, “city. Since you seem so keen on it.”

Hood snorts, sounding offended. “I would rather kiss Wayne’s shoes before I work with you. Are all rich people snobs?”

Luthor huffs, “That is disappointing to hear. You must not love this vile place as much as you say.”

It is only when Tim sees something glisten in the distance. Tim should have realized Luthor would have planned this out. Luthor wasn’t actually going to give away the money he said he would. The media would eat up whatever he said about it. Luthor gets a call about an exchange– it goes south and the captors end up getting shot and killed in the crosshair. The easiest way to do so would be a sniper keeping an eye on things.

Without a second thought, Tim pushed Jason as hard as he could to the side causing the older teen to lose his balance. Taking a deep breath, Tim ran as quickly as he could toward Luthor. Tim can hear Jason calling for him to stop, but he doesn’t. He can’t let anyone be harmed because of him.
Tim practically trips over his own two feet as he wraps his arms around Luthor. Maybe if he got out of there with Luthor quickly enough, Hood wouldn’t get shot and be left uninjured.

“I missed you,” Tim says with his arms around the man. Luthor stood stiffly, uncomfortable at the show of affection.

After a moment, Luthor returned the hug by wrapping his arms around Tim for only an instant before, he pulled back. Tim lets go of the man and takes a step away. Luthor looks over Tim, his eyes scanning for injuries. Tim didn’t move, his body standing stiffly.

“Tim, get the hell away from him right now. I swear I will hunt you down if you go with him.” Jason had managed to right himself back up, his gun no longer aimed at Luthor with Tim standing in between the two. Tim didn’t know how to give Hood a hint of why he had run. Did Jason not see the sniper?

“So you can take me back to Batman? I would rather keep my distance.” Tim pauses, turning around to look at Hood. “After all he has eyes everywhere. I am surprised he hasn’t shot you down like all the other rogues. You never know when someone might take a shot at you.” Tim furrows his eyebrows as if pleading with Jason to understand.

“Batman is going–,” It only takes a second before Hood’s head snaps up to glance around the buildings. Tim’s shoulders fall down in relief.

Luthor seems to notice the change in Red Hood, “Well as it would seem, I no longer require your assistance. Following after us would not be advised.” Luthor states, lifting his hand up as if about to give a signal.

Tim could see a glint in Luthor’s eye. Worry begins to fill him as he glances over to where Jason stood, trying to think of a plan. “He has worked with Batman.” Tim blurts out, “Their relationship is strained but they work together. Batman has already been a nuisance. If you harm Hood, Batman will likely retaliate.”

Luthor seems to consider this for a moment, “While that might be true, we also need to give Batman a lesson. He took something of mine. That is unacceptable.” Tim watched as Luthor gave a signal before the sound of a gun goes off. Tim turns to look at Hood, dread filling him.

Tim watches just as Hood dodges out of the way before he is shoved into the car followed quickly by Luthor. The car had dark leather seats with a light illuminating the inside. The leather feels smooth against Tim’s hand as he is shuffled instead. Tim slides into the seat as Luthor joins him. Luthor motions for the driver to start going, as he shoves Tim’s head down in case any stray bullets were to hit the car.

“Quickly. We must get out of Gotham.” Luthor calls to the driver, glancing out the back of the car.

“You hired a sniper?” Tim asks, trying to stay calm. He didn’t want Red Hood injured (it was why he ran away the way he did after all). “Who is willing to go against the Justice League?”

Luthor quirks an eyebrow at Tim, “Is that information necessary?”

“I just want to make sure Hood won’t come follow us.” Tim offers, trying at all to save face.

Luthor shakes his head, “It doesn't concern you. After all, Batman and his gang are just men in a costume. He is nothing compared to Superman.”

“Good.” Tim didn’t feel good at all. Tim felt sick to his stomach with the idea of anyone shooting at Jason. “I… I am glad to see you again.”

Luthor gives Tim a small smile– it wasn’t like the one Bruce would give him. The smile felt sharp like a shark. “I was quite proud to see your inscription. You managed to escape the Justice League. That is quite a feat.”

“Thank you, Mr. Luthor.” Tim murmured, feeling his heart pound in his own ears.

Luthor glances out the back of the window, ensuring they weren’t being followed. “We will be switching cars once we hit the edge of the city. We don’t need any bats following us.”

Tim was starting to feel numb. He had asked for this– he should be excited. Luthor was here with him. He shouldn’t need anything else. He would go home and live the rest of his life with Luthor while Conner gets to be free. It will be fine.

“Timothy. I need information on what exactly happened.” Luthor asks, his eyes still looking out the window to keep track of any movement that could be Batman. “Starting with the escape of Experiment 13.”

Tim was starting to feel a bit nervous, “Experiment 13 showed up at my door with two superheroes; Nightwing and Kid Flash.” Tim explained, looking hesitant. “I was worried about Experiment 13 running off on his own so I decided to play along. After escaping, The Justice League showed up and had a disagreement about where to put us.”

“What information was given out? How much do they know about our lab?” Luthor asked, his eyebrows furrowed together, looking agitated with the information he was receiving.

Tim thinks a moment, “They know I was locked up and that Experiment 13 was made from the genes of Superman. Minimal information was given to the Justice League. Batman we can assume has more information; however, I don’t know how much he shared.”

Luthor brings a hand up to his chin in thought. Tim sits silently as the man seems to think over the information. “I read articles about a superhero with powers in Gotham. I assumed they were keeping you here. Do they have a base located here?”

Tim shook his head quickly, “No. Batman brought us to–,” Tim cut himself off. He couldn’t say that he was staying with the Waynes. Luthor could easily connect that Batman was Wayne if given the information. Sure Bruce did play up his persona, but it still could end poorly for everyone involved if the wrong information was given. “He brought us to a safe house in Gotham. He usually had Nightwing, Robin, or Hood keeping an eye on us. He probably has already burned the safe house after I escaped.”

Luthor nods his head, “We will need to keep an eye out for any Bats that decide to play along with Superman. We will be heading towards Metropolis and staying there over the next few weeks. After the events that have happened, you will be staying near me for the next few days. We don’t want any mishaps to affect my plans.” Luthor explained, looking down at his watch. “You will do as I say when I say– do you understand?”

“Yes, sir.” Tim responds, on instinct.

Tim doesn’t get to talk much after that until they are switching cars and head towards Metropolis.

Tim can’t shake the feeling of unease as the silhouette of Gotham shines out the back window.

~

Tim watched outside as the trees turned into buildings. The time he spent in the car reminded him of the same trip he made with his parents all those years ago. He tried to erase it from his mind, but all he could think of was the sinking feeling in his chest.

The streets were empty– it being so late at night it was not unexpected to see no one out. It was also the perfect time to sneak Tim into a building if necessary.

The car only stops once they stop at a particularly large building. It didn’t say Cadmus as Tim had expected. Instead, the building had in large letters ‘Lexcorp’. The building was taller than all the others, the Daily Plant would look like a house in comparison.

Tim was a bit confused– He was expecting to be placed back at Cadmus or locked in a room similar to before. Instead, he is swept up into the elevators. Tim watched as the numbers go higher and higher. They stop only three floors from the top as the doors open with a ding. Floor 160. Tim didn’t know how to feel about being so high from the ground. He didn’t get much time to think about it before he was dragged out of the elevator into one of the many rooms.

He enters one of the rooms, his eyes glancing at what was around the room. The room wasn’t very large– the only thing to note was the large windows that showed Metropolis and two desks (one bigger than the other). A sofa is placed along the wall to the left of the door.

Luthor shuts the door behind him– Tim watches him put in a code that locks the door shut. Tim tries to ignore the anxiety that seizes him at that moment. His mind flashed back to all those hours he spent locked in his room.

“We will have a bed delivered here later this week. There is a bathroom through that door. You are to work at that desk regarding anything that I ask of you.” Luthor explains as he walks into the room.

Tim walks in, moving toward the large windows. Tim couldn’t help but be mesmerized by the site. The buildings spread through the city at varying heights. Random rooms throughout the city were illuminated with lights, showing some who worked late at night.

Tim turns, his eyebrows furrowed together. “Why am I here?”

Luthor quirks an eyebrow, taking a seat at the more oversized desk, turning on the computer as he does. “We cannot have a repeat of what occurred.”

“I’m staying here?”

“As I stated earlier, I want to keep a close eye on you. You will be staying in this room. As it has been a long day, you may lie down and sleep on the sofa if you wish. I have business to attend to. I will wake you in the morning.”

Tim knew that was a hint that Luthor was done with their conversations. The small chats they had along the way had been strained and awkward. Luthor had been digging for information that Tim had tried to keep not wanting to give any information about Bruce and the others. Tim takes one last look out of the window before making his way to the sofa.

Tim doesn’t sleep. Instead, he stares up at the ceiling and waits. He doesn’t know what is going to happen next. He can feel the anxiety in him growing. If he were at Wayne’s home, he would have made his way back to the tree he had found comfort in.

Tim already missed the Waynes.

~

At some point in the night, Tim must have fallen asleep as he is shaken away in the morning. Tim shoots up from his spot on the sofa, his eyes scanning the area around him. The events from the day before fill Tim’s memories as he turns and finds himself looking at Luthor.

“G-Good Morning, Mr. Luthor,” Tim murmurs, trying to rid himself of his grogginess.

Luthor quirks an eyebrow at Tim, handing him a coffee cup. Tim couldn’t help but feel a warmth spread in his chest as he takes the cup. Tim remembers how every time Luthor had breakfast with him, there would be coffee for him. Luthor might not be a good man, but Tim can’t help but think of him as family. It was such a small thing, yet Luthor had done it as if he actually did care for Tim.

“I… I missed our breakfasts together.” Tim says before taking a sip of the coffee. He closes his eyes. Maybe if he kept his eyes close he could pretend that Luthor and him were truly family. That they were going to be fine and live together happily.

“We need to discuss what information you received about Experiment 13. Did he display any new abilities?” Luther questioned as Tim drank his coffee, “The reports on the metahuman in Gotham were sparse with his abilities. The only one that was confirmed was flight.”

Tim’s imaginary world shatters.

Tim remembers Conner telling him his concerns about telling Luthor all his abilities. The idea of betraying Conner’s trust in such a way made Tim uncomfortable. He hesitates, “Experiment 13 was hesitant in giving me any information on his abilities.” Tim wouldn’t give him too much information. “He was able to fly small distances but had to take breaks regularly. He also appears to have super strength. He regularly carried heavy items with ease.” Tim keeps Conner’s telekinetic abilities to himself. “He also displayed heightened hearing. He often told me that he could hear different things going on in the city.”

Luthor hums, “What of invulnerability or laser vision like Superman?” Tim can tell he is digging for information. Luthor wants to know if Conner was a successful clone or not. Tim can’t help but feel sidelined. The first morning with him being back with Luthor – the man who said he was family– and he seems more concerned about Conner than Tim.

“Unknown. I was not near him if he displayed such abilities. He… left me behind often.” Tim murmured the last words quietly.

Luthor seems to pause at the words, “It is hard to hear that he mistreated you.”

“It’s fine.” Tim quickly recovered, shaking his head.

“We will get him back.” Luthor states, “Then we can finally get rid of Superman.”

Tim’s eyes snap to Luthor, his body stiffening. “Get rid of Superman?” It felt like a complete 180 from the man Tim thought he knew. The off-handed comment threw Tim through a loop. Tim knew that Luthor didn’t care for Superman, but he had never out right said he planned on killing the alien.

“Obviously. What do you think we have been working towards?” Luthor explains, not even taking a second to look at Tim.

It was almost as if Tim’s world had shattered in that moment. All those years ago; whenever Tim questioned why he was making clones he would think about who was counting on him, how Mr. Luthor had asked Superman. Now, it felt like a punch in the gut. “You said we had his permission.”

Luthor turns and glances at Tim shaking his head, “I taught you better than that, Timothy. Sometimes you must stretch the truth in order to get what you need.” Luthor huffs, “After your capture with the Justice League I assumed you would understand where my concerns about superpowered beings were coming from.”

“You never asked.” Tim suddenly felt like he was being slapped across the face with Luthor’s words. “You lied to me.” Tim felt like an idiot. He had spent years hanging onto every word Luthor had spoken. He was blind to what type of many Luthor had truly been.

What else had Luthor lied to him about? Did he lie about thinking Tim was family? Did he actually ever care about Tim?

“If you hadn’t listened and done as I had asked, you wouldn’t be where you are now. You are old enough to understand the complications that arise when it comes to superheroes. We are just cleansing the palette clean and ridding ourselves of unnecessary roadblocks.” Luthor talks, motioning Tim to take a seat at the desk.

“Right.” Tim quickly nods his head in agreement. “I was too young before. I… I understand now.” Tim didn’t. Superman saved people. Superman was there to protect others. Why did Luthor hate him so much that he was planning a murder? Tim felt like his world was crumbling before him. Years of carefully mapped out plans and emotions questioned. It was as if Tim had built a sandcastle with what he knew of Luthor, only for the man to kick it down and tell Tim to rebuild it once more.

Luthor places a hand on top of Tim’s head and ruffles his hair just like he used to. “I knew you would get it. I made you what you are after all.”

“What are you going to do with Conn– Experiment 13?” Tim asks, trailing into the room.

“The question isn’t what I’m going to do, Timothy. It is what you are going to do. Since Experiment 13 was a partial success when it comes to some of Superman’s abilities–,” Tim decides in that moment not to tell Luthor of Conner’s growth. “You are going create a way to shield Experiment 13’s human DNA to allow complete access to his Kryptonian DNA. Perhaps it would show even more of his abilities.”

Tim furrows his eyebrows, “But Conner’s my friend. What if he loses– what if he isn’t Conner if you block his human part?”

Luthor huffs as if humored by Tim’s words, “Experiment 13 doesn’t seem to think you are friends. Why else are you here alone?” Luthor motions to the desk in front of Tim, “There is one way to get back at him for betraying you. Create the one thing that could bring him to his knees. Make it so you are the strongest person in the room.”

The mentality was something Tim had seen in Luthor before. The wolf-like hunger for power. When Luthor had spoken of his company, he would regularly talk down about those two working in other companies. Luthor’s holier-than-thou attitude was something Tim only saw glimpses of were not fully transparent in front of him now.

“What about control? If you are going to create the perfect Kryptonian soldier, you wouldn’t just let him run wild.” Tim needed more information– if he was going to try and protect Conner– he would need everything Luthor knew. Luthor wanted Tim to help him create a monster; Tim would have to fight against it.

Luthor seems to study Tim closely for a minute before shaking his head, “I will be in charge of that. Your concern is the shields. With your cloning knowledge, it shouldn’t take much time to piece together an idea.”

Even if he lost everything he had, Tim would protect Conner. Even if it was the last thing he ever did.

Chapter Text

After years of being locked up in a room, Tim had learned patience. Since being forced to stay in the room, Luthor had a few items arrive, including a bed and a TV. Tim assumed the TV was mostly for Luthor who had kept the TV on the news as he worked at his desk.

Tim knew he needed to get into Luthor’s computer, but it all depended on timing. For a few days, Tim had watched and kept track of the amount of time Luthor would leave his computer. Oftentimes, Luthor would only be gone a few minutes.

Tim knew Luthor didn’t completely trust him as much as before. The man regularly came around and looked at Tim’s work. Previously, the man rarely gave input on Tim’s thought process. Now, Tim had to make it look like he was working on separating DNA while also not actually doing so. While he did have ideas on how he could keep the human and Kryptonian DNA separate, he didn’t want Luthor to take that information for fear of causing Conner harm.

It was as if Luthor and Tim were playing a strange cat-and-mouse game. Luthor would keep his eyes trained on Tim as he wrote equations and jot down ideas. While Tim watched Luthor figure out how to break into his computer and the timeframe he would need to do it.

Tim was starting to lose hope when something unexpected happened only three days after Tim had arrived in the room. It had been a long three days, but Tim had managed to keep up his facade.

“Mr. Luthor, Bruce Wayne is here to speak with you.” It took all of Tim’s self-control not to snap and look at the phone. Tim had gotten used to calls from the offices on speaker for Luthor as he had worked. The new information; however, caused Tim to take a moment of surprise. His eyes focused on the image of Superman and Batman fighting against Luthor’s robot on the TV screen.

If Bruce Wayne was downstairs; who the hell was in the Batman suit? Tim studied the movements closely. The movements weren’t as elegant as Dick’s. There was no flurry of spins and flips. It wasn’t Damian– the kid wouldn’t be able to pretend to be an adult. This Batman had a firm stance and tended to stay a bit further away than the real Batman. His aim was also very accurate– Perhaps Green Arrow?

“What is he doing here now?” Luthor sounded agitated, “Years of trying to get ahold of the man and he shows up on a whim?”

“He says he is interested in looking into a partnership with Lexcorp, sir.” The lady on the phone explains, “His actions do match up with certain tabloids.” Tim could hear humor in the lady’s voice. So, Bruce was acting as he did at Galas– trying to get Luthor to leave the room when there was an unknown person in the bat suit.

This was definitely planned.

Tim doesn’t say anything before Luthor sighs, “I’ll be right there.” He hands up and turns to Tim. “I will be back shortly.”

Tim nods his head, watching as the man leaves the room. Tim released the breath he had been holding. If Bruce was distracting Luthor, he likely had an hour to do what needed to be done.

Without a second thought, Tim rushed over to Luthor’s computer. The man had signed out before leaving the room which meant Tim was going to have to break through the system.

Tim messes with the power button until the system restores and appears on Luthor’s computer. Clicking on a few more buttons, Tim manages to get a command prompt open. Typing in a few coding prompts, the system appears to try and kick Tim out.

Tim lets out a breath of relief when he manages to crack into the system through the registry editor and opened a command line erasing Luthor’s password.

Immediately Tim is bombarded with files upon files of information. Tim founds hundreds of Superman in an instant.

Tim needed to find something– anything that could get Luthor in trouble. Not only that, he needed to erase any information on the creation of Conner. Tim fidgets nervously as he scans a large number of documents.

Finding the information about Conner was easiest. He started by searching for anything connecting to experiment 13 from genetics to testing locations. Tim didn’t pay any mind to the time– if he started to pay attention he would get more anxious.

He deleted the files and backup files linking a quickly made virus to follow any trail of the mention of Conner. The virus would destroy anything that would give Luthor information on Conner’s genetic material. The carefully crafted virus spun through the documents making it impossible to recover the information. One problem is solved. Tim did a quick glance at the time– roughly thirty minutes had passed.

Tim moves on to his next problem. He should probably warn the bats of Luthor’s plan. Tim didn’t know what was going to happen to him after this– he needed to ensure they could keep Conner safe.

Tim needs a way to get this information to Bruce without it being suspicious. Releasing it to the public could endanger Conner as well.

Teen Titans.

Tim could send the information to Teen Titans who could relay the information to Batman.

Breaking into the Titans Tower was easier than Tim had expected. He was definitely going to need to talk to them about upgrading their system in the future– if he had an opportunity to do so at least.

The screen flashes showing a mostly empty room. Tim clicked a few more buttons– an alarm begins to go off on the screen. Tim sees a zip of color before Kid Flash stands in the center of the screen.

“What is the emergency? Does the Justice League need our help?!” The superhero sounds excited for a moment only to tilt his head to the side confusion.

“Kid Flash, I need you to warn the bats.” Tim says quickly, “I don’t have much time.” Tim moves the window with Teen Titans to the side as he starts to flicker through more documents. What would get Luthor in the most trouble?

Kid Flash leans in closer to the screen, “Aren’t you that kid we saved a few weeks ago?”

Tim hums in response, “Look do you want this information or not?” He snapped, he didn’t have time for this.

“Right, what do you want to tell ‘em, young padawan?” Kid Flash starts to look a bit more serious.

Tim pauses only momentarily, “Luthor is planning to manipulate Conner’s DNA. If he gets what he wants, Conner will be in trouble.”

“Okay, so what do I need to know?” Kid Flash disappears only for a moment to reappear which Tim could only assume was something to write with.

“Conner has two types of DNA in his system, both human and Kryptonian. He isn’t just a clone of Superman– the experiments were unstable without human DNA added to the mix. Since Conner was successful, he is going to now attempt to remove the human DNA from the Kryptonian. The outcomes could be disastrous.”

Tim takes a deep breath, “You have to protect Conner. He– He didn’t ask for this. Make sure he is safe.” Tim asks Kid Flash, feeling like he had to say it.

Kid Flash seems to pause with his notes. “You gonna be okay, kid?”

Tim can feel his mouth form a thin line. “Tell him I’m sorry. I don’t think… I don’t know when I will see him again. Can you tell him I didn’t mean any of it? He… he will make a great hero.”

“That doesn’t sound like you’re okay.” KF’s voice grows with concern.

“I don’t have much time. I– I have to go.” Tim cuts the connection, making sure to hide any trace he made to break through the Teen Titan's system. Afterward, Tim takes a deep breath and begins looking for dirt on Luthor again.

Tim’s mouse pauses on one of the documents he finds. He freezes when he reads the title. Opening it and reading the context, the information was thorough.

It could work. It would bring down Luthor’s stocks and get people to distrust him.

Tim opens a new browser, going to the Daily Planet. He needed this to get to the top quickly. Breaking into the Daily Planet’s system wasn’t difficult in comparison to Luthor’s or Batman’s. He selects the documents, sending all the files to each and every person on the Daily Planet’s payroll. He hacks the system making sure it is marked as important.

Once the information is sent, Tim stares at the computer in front of him. There was nothing else to be done. No experiment to focus on. No Batman to figure out. Nothing.

Tim feels hollow.

Tim waits.

Tim moves away from the computer screen, staring at the tv in anticipation. He wonders how long before it all comes crashing down. Tim watches as Batman and Superman save the day. Tim can’t help but smile as he watches.

The Daily Planet suddenly shifts from the heroic save to the anchors of the news. Tim holds his breath.

“We have breaking news regarding the well-known entrepreneur and business owner, Lex Luthor.” Tim looks away, his eyes staring out the large windows.

“Information has been leaked that the man in question has illegally purchased the child he recently went on record stating that Timothy Drake was his son.” Tim’s hands clench, “Possible human experimentation and imprisonment also appear to play a role in the abduction of Timothy Jackson Drake.”

Tim finds himself feeling nauseous, reaching over and turning the TV off with the remote. Silence fills the room.

It doesn’t take long until the door slams open as Tim watches Metropolis outside the window. Luthor was faster than he expected. He likely has warnings any time he is mentioned in breaking news.

“You!” Luthor grabbed onto Tim’s shoulder. Tim turns, only to have his back slammed hard against the glass window. Tim worries for a second it will break with the force. Tim flinched at the pain but looked up to find Luthor’s furious expression. “What have you done?”

Tim debates on how to answer for a moment, “If you need to bring someone off their pedestal, you must first find information to manipulate them into what you want.”

Luthor sneers, “And who taught you that? Batman?”

“You did.” Tim murmurs, feeling the man’s fingers claw into his arms.

“You were everything to me. I thought… I wanted you to be my family.” Tim takes a deep breath, “Did you never care about me? I loved you like a father. You were in some ways.”

“Then why go through with this?” Luthor questioned, “I brought you back into my folds after you betrayed my trust to run off with that failed experiment.”

“I don’t think I could ever really fight you, Mr. Luthor. Even after everything you did to me. I still care about you. I was going to let you use me like a pawn just like always.” Tim had to say this– he didn’t know what Luthor would do to him. Tim does feel Luthor’s hold on him loosened “But you threaten Conner. I can’t let you hurt Conner. He’s my friend.”

“So you try and ruin my image?” Luthor asks as he takes a step back walking towards his computer. “Break into my system and use your own adoption as a way to tarnish my reputation? What else have you done?”

Tim doesn’t answer, he curls into himself hesitantly.

“I asked you a question, Timothy.” Tim flinches as Luthor grabs the monitor ripping the cords out before throwing it harshly at Tim. Tim barely has a second to move before it rams into the window, shattering it into thousands of pieces.

Tim tries to make himself taller– he felt like that young boy during their first lunch together; scared, anxious, and surprisingly excited. While Tim wanted nothing more than to ask Luthor for forgiveness, the idea of breaking apart Luthor’s schemes was exhilarating. Tim wondered if this perhaps was what freedom felt like.

“All information regarding Experiment 13 has been removed from your system. The purchase and entrapment of Timothy Drake were released to the news outlets. The Justice League has been informed of your plans.” Tim spoke firmly, “Mr. Luthor, you will not be getting anywhere near Conner.”

Luthor storms towards Tim once more, “Do you think this is a game?”

“No, Mr. Luthor. I just know whose life is more important than mine.”

Tim hears a door slam open once more. Tim wonders if someone came running up after the screen had been thrown out. Luthor looks over and lets out a hiss.

Tim glanced over to what had caught Luthor’s attention. A smile played on his lips as he sees Nightwing and Robin. Nightwing has his escrima sticks, and Robin is only a foot behind him with a katana in hand.

They hadn’t forgotten about him. Tim felt warmth grow in his chest. For once, Tim had been chosen for something.

“Luthor, release him now.” Nightwing’s voice doesn’t have its usual humor– he sounded angry.

Luthor seems to ponder the request, glancing behind Tim towards the broken window. Something seems to catch his eye before a manic grin forms on Luthor’s face. “Alright. He is worthless to me now.”

Before Tim could consider the words, he is pushed making his legs stumble backward before he feels a rush of air around him.

Ah. He deserved that. The last thing he was going to see was Luthor looking down at him as he crashed onto the hard cement after being pushed out the window.

At least, Tim had saved the people he loved.

Not a bad day.

Tim closed his eyes and waits for his final moments.

Instead, strong arms wrap around Tim, slowing down his fall. Tim thinks for a moment that maybe he died so quickly that he didn’t feel the impact. For that second, Tim didn’t want to open his eyes for fear of lifting the illusion he was in.

“Didn’t know you hated to look at me that much.”

Tim snapped his eyes open to stare at light blue eyes. Conner grinned down at Tim as he flew back up the floor he had been shoved out of.

“Conner.”

“Gotta say, if you wanted my attention, you could have just asked.” Conner teased as if Tim hadn’t said those awful things to him only a few days ago.

“Oh, I am dead.” Tim lets out a sigh, his shoulders sagged. It would be the only reason Tim could hallucinate Conner saving him at the last second.

Conner quirked an eyebrow as if mystified by the words, “If your dead, Nightwing is going to be pissed.”

As if by some comedic timing, Conner stops just as the window Tim had been thrown out of. Nightwing had Luthor on the floor, his fist flying. Tim could see blood covering Nightwing’s knuckles as he went for another punch. Behind him, Robin was attempting to pull Nightwing off of the man.

Conner glides forward, landing gracefully on the floor. Tim definitely thinks his brain is making this up now– Conner wouldn’t have been able to land so steadily based on past experiences.

“Nightwing!” Conner calls, his expression grim at the sight before them.

Nightwing paused in his movements, his eyes snapped over to Conner and landed on Tim. Tim could only describe his expression as feral, his eyes heated with rage. He let go of the bloody beat-up Luthor and rushed over to Tim just as Conner put him down. Nightwing is looking over Tim, checking for any injuries. His expression completely shifted from anger to concern in an instant.

In a matter of seconds, Tim finds himself in Nightwing’s arms as he is swept up in a hug. “Never do that again.”

“It’s okay, I won’t. I’m already dead so it isn’t like I can.” Tim offers wrapping his arms awkwardly around Nightwing. Tim can’t help but enjoy the warm sensation of the muscular arms around him, ignoring the blood still on Nightwing’s hands. Tim wonders if this is what a real hug would feel like.

“What?” Nightwing exclaimed, letting go as his eyes darted over Tim once more. “Why are you dying now? Were you poisoned?”

Tim shook his head, “No– but I must have hit the pavement. It's okay though, I knew it might happen after releasing Luthor’s secrets to the public.”

“You’re a moron.” Robin stated, looking at Tim in disbelief, “You’re standing right here and you think you're dead?”

Tim rolled his eyes– he should have expected this from Robin. “There is no way Conner came to rescue me, or Nightwing, or you. This is a really nice dream. I don’t think I could get into heaven so it definitely isn’t that, but maybe my mind is trying to find peace before I really bite the bullet.”

“I can’t believe we went through all this effort to save a complete idiot.” Robin deadpanned, looking over to Nightwing, “Remind me why we decided to save him?”

“Robin and I were trying to break into Luthor’s building for the past hour. We made it and almost lost you by seconds.” Nightwing says as if explaining it would help Tim understand the situation.

“Doesn’t explain why he is here.” Tim motioned to Conner, who seemed content with glaring at the man who was still bloody on the floor.

Conner looks surprised for a moment, “Tim, you called and gave Teen Titans a warning.”

Tim furrowed his eyebrows, “I wanted to make sure Conner was safe and couldn’t get a hold of anyone else.”

“Batman left me with Teen Titans while they tried to come to rescue you,” Conner explained.

Tim opened his mouth to argue back, only to pause. Bruce Wayne was keeping Luthor occupied while Nightwing and Robin tried to break in. Tim called Teen Titans and gave them a warning which allowed Conner an opportunity to fly here and save Tim. It was as if the puzzle was complete and Tim could finally see the big picture.

“Oh.” Tim said, “You didn’t leave me behind?”

Conner gave Tim a thoughtful smile, “While you were a jerk, no. I came back for you.”

“And Nightwing beat up Mr. Luthor?” Tim asked, looking at the man who had moved so he was now leaning against the couch.

“Might have done worse if you hadn’t shown up,” Robin mutters under his breath.

“I’m not dreaming?” Tim asked hesitantly one last time.

“We are really here, Timmy,” Nightwing spoke giving him a small smile.

“This is all very touching,” Luthor stated sarcastically. Luthor’s face looked bruised from the punches Nightwing's hand landed on him. “But get that child out of my site. If I see him again, I will not hesitate to cause him harm.”

Tim flinched back, at the words. He walked over to Luthor before kneeling down next to him. He could feel all the eyes on him at his motions.

“You have a lockdown procedure for this room,” Tim says softly, as he gazed over at Luthor. “Why haven’t you authorized it?”

Luthor’s eyes narrowed on Tim, and a cut runs along his eyebrow that Tim only noticed now. “Perhaps I don’t want a snot-nosed brat under my care. The easiest way to remove a tumor is to cut it off.”

Tim digested the words, thinking a moment before responding, “I don’t think I can ever forgive you for locking me up all those years.”

Luthor scoffed but kept his eyes focused on Tim, “Next time, I expect only the best from you. My plans will be far more harmful than today.”

Tim couldn’t help but choke out a laugh, “I’ll have to be ten steps ahead of you.”

“Go now. Before I change my mind and lock you all in here together.” Luthor turned away, a hand going up to wipe at the small cuts along his chin.

Tim stood up, eyes darting back to Conner. A smile played on his lips, “Let's go.”

Conner didn’t need to be asked twice.

Only seconds later, Tim could feel the fresh air flowing through his hair as they flew through the city.

Chapter Text

Tim and Conner land gracefully in the Batcave. Tim’s feet land on the floor gently as Conner puts him down. Tim doesn’t say anything as Conner looks him over for injuries.

“Are you okay?” Conner asked, sounding uneasy.

Tim shifts on his feet, taking a step away from Conner. “I’m fine.” Tim doesn’t know what else to say. The awkward feeling between them was palpable. Even if Conner showed up to save Tim, that didn’t mean he was forgiven. Conner likely was just trying to be a good guy– a good hero. Tim couldn’t ask for anything after he had left Conner weak and on the floor.

“Look I think–,” Conner starts to say before the Batmobile glides into the cave, turning both their attention away from each other.

Batman pushes to door open and steps out looking between the two, “Shit am I ruining a moment?”

Tim blinks trying to register the words– something he never would have heard Batman saying.

“You’re an ass,” Conner mutters before sighing.

“Not my fault you are trying to have a heart-to-heart in the middle of the Batcave.” Batman – who is definitely not Batman– walks up to them brushing past Conner and straight to Tim.

“Timmy, Timbo, Tim-buck-two,” Batman says as he places a hand on Tim’s shoulder, “You ever do that shit again, and I am going to save your ass just to beat the crap out of you myself.”

“Red Hood?” Tim asks, his mind finally connecting who exactly was under the cowl.

A grin spreads on Batman’s (Jason’s) face, “I am too dark and broody to be the Red Hood– who is the best and strongest hero in Gotham. I am the night– I am Batman.” Jason put his hands up and waves them around for dramatic effect.

Tim couldn’t stop himself– he burst out laughing. Tim tries to cover his mouth to stop his laughter but it just kept coming.

“I think you broke him,” Conner stated, his body looking less strained at Tim’s laugh. Conner seemed relieved.

While Tim tried to calm his laughter down, Jason pulled the cowl off, his arm moving up to wipe away the sweat on his brow.

“Where is Dickwing and the Gremlin?” Jason asked, “Thought they were the ones bringing Rapunzel back from her evil stepmother.”

“I got a headstart getting here.” Conner explained, “Ended up catching him before…” he trailed.

“Right.” Jason’s humor vanished for an instant, as he glanced seriously at Conner.

Tim glanced between the two, his laughter falling away, not wanting to talk more about the events, “I’m glad you’re okay. I’m sorry you got shot at for me.”

Jason shrugged his shoulders, “I get shot at daily. Wasn’t much of a difference. Dickwing managed to stop Deathstroke before it got too out of hand. Not even gonna get a scar where he nicked me.”

Tim nods slowly, “Why are you in the Batsuit? That was you helping Superman on the tv, right?”

“We needed to distract Luthor while Dick and Damian went to rescue you. We were also concerned with Lex connecting Batman back to Bruce Wayne. If we had Batman and Superman fighting and Bruce Wayen show up at the same time, Luthor wouldn’t be able to concentrate on someone breaking into his building.” Tim spins around, surprised to see Bruce walking down the stairs dressed in a well-tailored suit. “It would have worked had someone not leaked information to the press. He didn’t seem to care about Bruce Wayne after that.”

Bruce smiles at Tim, “I am glad to see you are unharmed. Did Lex take care of you properly?”

“What? Yeah, Mr. Luthor was fine until I leaked information to the press.” Tim explains confused, “It was fine.”

Bruce doesn’t look like he believes Tim, but he doesn’t push. Bruce walks up closer to Tim, he pauses right in front of Tim. Bruce pulls Tim into a hug, his arms wrapping securely around Tim. Tim freezes in the hug as Bruce gently pats Tim’s back.

Tim’s mind goes a million miles a minute, not knowing how to respond. Tim lifts his hands, trying to figure out what to do with them, before wrapping his own arms around Bruce’s torso.

“It must have been hard to betray Lex when he meant so much to you,” Bruce murmured.

It was as if all the events from the days prior fully hit Tim. Tim’s chest suddenly felt heavy as if someone ran him over. His hands latch onto the back of Bruce’s suit. “He didn’t care.” Tim whispered, “I-I thought he wanted to be my family. He lied to me.”

It was as if the floodgates had been opened. Tim couldn’t stop himself from wailing. His shoulders shook as he sobbed into Bruce’s shoulder. “Why does no one want me? What is wrong with me?”

Tim was waiting for Bruce to yell at him for getting his suit dirty. Tim waited for Bruce to push him away and lock him up after betraying everyone. Tim waited for Bruce to say how much of a nuisance he really was.

“Nothing is wrong with you, Tim,” Bruce murmurs soothingly to the child. “Lex didn’t know what he had with you.”

“B-but it happened twice now! My own parents didn’t want me,” Tim gasped for air through his sobs, “and now Mr. Luthor doesn’t either.”

“You can be our family.” Bruce offers, “I–” Bruce hesitates, as if trying to think of the right words, “I can be a father to you… if you want.”

“You… You promise you won’t leave me?” Tim asks, his voice muffled through Bruce’s shirt.

Tim could feel Bruce shift on his feet– Tim tightened his grip on Bruce’s shirt. “I won’t leave.”

“We can be a family?” Tim asked hesitantly.

Bruce puts a hand on the back of Tim’s head trying to calm Tim down. “We saved you, right? You’re already family.”

Tim couldn’t count the minutes as he cried for what seemed like hours.

~

At some point, Bruce must have motioned for the others in the cave to leave. When Tim finally lifted his head, there was no one else present. Tim’s eyes felt puffy from crying, his nose running, and his throat parched.

Bruce had led Tim up the stairs to the Manor after they both had managed to calm down. At this point, dusk had broke and the moon was coming out. Dick and Damian had gotten back home and had offered Tim a look. Dick managed a strained smile toward him.

It was then that Tim started to notice things he hadn’t realized prior; the dark circles under Dick’s eyes, the hollow expression on his face, and how pale his skin looked.

Tim knew he needed to talk with Dick. He didn’t know how to feel about the older man. The actions he took against Luthor seemed extreme and violent– something Tim rarely had seen from Robin in the past.

However, Dick motioned for Tim to follow him. Tim, hesitating, trailed after the older male until they made it to the balcony. Without a word, Dick, gracefully climbed the side of the manor, ending up on the roof.

“Come on– up! Up!” Dick said, reaching down for Tim. Tim’s first thought is this is probably very dangerous; his second is that Dick is ensuring he can’t escape this conversation. If Tim is stuck on a roof, it isn’t like he can just jump off.

Tim reaches up and takes Dick’s hand. Dick pulls Tim up with very little effort. “You’re too light. I feel like Damian is heavier than you.” he jokes as Tim manages to crawl up the side of the roof. Tim looks around, seeing the moon shining through the trees surrounding the manor. The stars flickering in the sky. Tim could see miles out from the Manor from this spot. You can hear the noises of crickets and birds echoing around them. It was beautiful.

Dick sat along the edge of the roof, looking over the manor. Tim less gracefully, takes a seat beside him, the shingles dig into Tim’s skin. “I used to sit up here a lot when after moving in. Bruce didn’t like it– but he never stopped me,” Dick explained. “Still come up here from time to time when life gets a bit hard. It reminds me of the circus sometimes. When I look up at the sky and hear the noises– I can picture those nights where I would lay in some hay.”

“It sounds pleasant.” Tim offers, listening closely to the noises around them. “Soothing.”

Dick hums, “Is that why you named them all? Because it helped soothe you?”

Tim’s head snapped to look at Dick. The other male doesn’t give anything away. Instead, he stares up into the sky with a blank expression on his face.

Tim takes a moment before responding– his stomach churns thinking of all the experiments. “I guess. I would… I would think of stories for all of them. Who they were– what type of people. Well almost all of them. Near the end I couldn’t– I was starting to lose hope.”

They sit in silence for a few minutes, just staring off into the sky before Tim breaks the silence once more. “I named Experiment 10 after you,” Tim murmured, bringing his knees up to his chest. “His name was Robin.”

“Oh? Did he have a story?” Dick asked, his voice soft as Tim debates on how much to tell him. His hands wrap around his folded-up knees.

“Robin always saved the day– I think I hoped that maybe he would do it just one more time.” Tim paused, “But he wasn’t like the real Robin. The one who did show up when I needed him to.”

A noise of anguish suddenly leaves Dick as Tim’s eyes glance quickly over to him.

“But he– the real Robin wasn’t fast enough today.” Dick sounded heartbroken.

Tim shook his head, “No he was right on time. He showed up and it made me feel wanted. Like maybe I had a place where people cared about me. I think that is all I could ask of him.”

“That wasn’t enough,” Dick responded back, his words sounding hard to himself.

Tim turns to keep his eyes out along the trees, “It was. At that moment. He was my hero.”

“No, he needed to be faster. When I saw Luthor throw you out of the window I–,” Dick held his breath as his voice cracked. “I tried to go after you, but Luthor got in the way. It all happened in seconds, but I knew when Luthor stepped in front of me, I wouldn’t get to you in time.”

Tim sat quietly as Dick spoke, his shoulders folding in on himself. “I felt so much fury and I was terrified. I already had lost one brother before, and I was losing another one.”

Tim froze in his spot at the words.

“You know, you’re my brother. I know we aren’t related by blood and that you haven’t been here for long– but that doesn’t matter to me.” Dick did a swift glance at Tim. “I can’t lose another brother, Tim. I don’t know how far I would have gotten with Luthor if Conner hadn’t saved you.”

“I’m not dead. I– You don’t have to worry anymore.” Tim says softly.

“But it does matter, Tim!” Dick turns his entire body so he is completely facing Tim. His gaze steady on Tim making Tim shift in his spot. “You didn’t think your life mattered. Jason told me how you put yourself in danger for him. And then you did it again for Conner by releasing that information to the press.”

“I had to! Jason was going to get shot and then Mr. Luthor was going to hurt Conner!” Tim snapped back, not understanding why Dick didn’t get it. Tim’s life was minuscule to everyone else.

“You matter to me,” Dick said, his eyes getting misty. “Just– Promise me you won’t put your life in danger like that ever again,” Dick asks, his voice sounding pleading to Tim’s ears.

“Damian goes out all the time–,”

“Damian has had years of combat training and didn’t avidly put himself in a dangerous situation without backup. If you want to be a bat, we can train you– I will train you. But right now you can’t handle things like that.” Dick says, his voice growing strained.

“I can’t agree to that,” Tim muttered. If Tim had to save himself or someone else, he would choose them every time.

Dick lets out an exasperated sigh, “Let’s compromise, until you are fully trained you will not engage in anything dangerous. And when you are trained, you won’t go in without backup.”

Tim opens his mouth to argue back, only to see Dick’s expression. Dicks lips form a straight line, his eyes glassy with unshed tears, and his eyebrows furrowing down.

“Fine– I promise.”

Dick’s body relaxes but still seems stiff. Dick pulls Tim into a hug, his arms latching on Tim as if he was afraid Tim would just disappear. “Bruce, the others, and I will keep you safe. If you let us.”

Tim can’t get himself to respond. Instead, the two of them sit in silence as the moon continues to move through the sky.

~

Tim knew he shouldn’t be doing this.

Something inside Tim made it impossible for him to stop. Conner hadn’t been at the Mansion since he saved Tim. Bruce explained to Tim that Conner needed some space and was staying at Titan's Tower.

That meant Tim felt like he was floating without an anchor.

Since Conner wasn’t there, Tim felt the need to latch onto someone. Since Bruce and Tim spoke about the events in the cave, Tim had started to follow Bruce around wherever he went. It was as if Tim thought Bruce would disappear or yell at him to get away from him. Tim often thought it was going to happen.

Bruce was half asleep eating Breakfast? Tim was drinking coffee in the seat next to him.

Bruce was in the Batcave training? Tim would be asking him questions on how to do certain moves.

Bruce was in his office for work? Tim would be reading a book or on his computer working on his hacking skills on the sofa a few feet away.

The only time Tim wasn’t following Bruce around like a lost duckling was when he was Batman. Tim did argue that he used to follow them around with a camera when he was nine so he obviously could do that again.

After that comment, Bruce made Tim sit in the Batcave with Alfred for the rest of the week. Tim didn’t understand the problem.

While the others seemed to have noticed Tim’s sudden attachment to Bruce, no one had commented on it. There were times Tim did try to see how far he could push Bruce. Tim didn’t mean to, having his whole life under someone’s thumb made it hard for him to know what was the line or not. Tim knew Bruce was going to snap eventually– he just didn’t know when.

Sure, Bruce did discuss with him the importance of safety and other hazards (Bruce hadn’t been clear that hanging off the side of the house for a particularly good picture was not worth it. And climbing the T-Rex in the Batcave to get a different view for a photo was also dangerous), but Tim was still waiting for the pin to drop.

Surprisingly, it was Damian who called Tim out on his behavior.

“Can you stop doing that?” Damian scoffed, corning Tim one day. Bruce had already left as Batman. Damian himself was in his Robin suit except for his mask.

Tim furrowed his eyebrows to look at Damian. “What?”

Damian crossed his arms, his lips curving into a pout. “Following Father around. It won’t help.”

Tim grimaced, his shoulders stiffening. “I am not doing anything wrong. Bruce said it was fine.”

“Father doesn’t see a therapist as he should, so he doesn’t have a way to ask questions. I do.” Damian responded haughtily.

“I haven’t done–,” Tim paused in confusion, eyes looking around for a moment. “You see a therapist?”

Damian shifts his shoulders obviously uncomfortable at the question, “After Hood and I had some… problems, Richard thought it would be productive for us to go to therapy together. Hood outright refused, but Richard dragged me to a session or two.”

“How long ago was that?” Tim asked– he hadn’t seen Damian and Jason get into an argument. “I didn’t think you guys fought.”

“A few years ago, that isn’t what we are talking about! Stop trying to change the subject.” Damian snapped, “Currently you are not doing yourself any favors by following father around!”

Tim turned his head to the side, taking into consideration what Damian was saying. “But Bruce makes me feel safe. A-And he said I could be family.” Tim motioned to himself feeling anxiety seize him. “I am not taking your place, I promise” Tim quickly tries to back-peddle. Tim was quickly realizing how much time he was taking off Bruce’s. The others must be feeling that Tim was taking away their father. “Please don’t tell Bruce to kick me out.”

“That isn’t–,” Damian started, “You’re not–,”

Damian lets out a curse, “This is why I should have told Grayson to do this.” Damian takes a step back, eyeing the hallway back where he came from. Tim wondered if he was thinking of just trying to leave this conversation.

A loud sigh escapes Damian, “You’re becoming dependent on Father. It is fine if you are a part of the family. You may also spend time with Father.” Damian explained before shifting uncomfortably, “However, your previous parental figure often controlled your life and told you exactly what you needed to do and when.”

Tim flinched back when Damian brought up Luthor. He still wasn’t completely over what Luthor had done. “What does that have to do with Bruce?”

Damian scratches at his arm nervously, “I have noticed you often get anxious when you aren’t told what to do or when you have to make decisions.” Damian furrows his eyebrows, “Currently, you are doing exactly as Father tells you. If he doesn’t give you a job, you are still doing things that will only help Batman or Father.”

“I like being helpful,” Tim commented back quickly, shaking his head. “Bruce wants me to be helpful.”

“Father doesn’t want you to be anything but yourself.” Damian seems to be glaring at the wall beside him.

“How would you know?” Tim had to be helpful or Bruce wouldn’t need him anymore and Tim would lose this family that had been offered to him.

Damian’s eyes narrowed, “Because he did the same thing with me.”

Tim’s mouth slammed shut to whatever he was going to respond with. He had been expecting Damian to tell him anything else– but not that.

“I tried to be someone else for Father– but he didn’t like it,” Damian explained, his face suddenly becoming flush in embarrassment. Tim knew how difficult it was for Damian to admit any form of weakness. “Father wants you to be yourself. You are your own person. You are not Luthor nor are you Bruce.”

Tim brings his arm around himself as if to try and find some form of comfort. “I don’t know who I am.”

“Then figure it out.” Damian huffed, sticking his nose up in a form of pride. “You like… photography and technology correct? That is something that is you. You’re annoyingly smart and know far too much about Batman and Robin.”

Tim doesn’t know what to say. Damian– the kid who hates everyone was attempting to comfort Tim. Perhaps Tim didn’t completely understand Damian like he thought, “Is that a compliment?”

“No.”

“That sounded like a compliment.”

“Maybe I should have emphasized the annoying part of my words.” Damian crossed his arms over his chest as he started at Tim in agitation.

Tim smiles at Damian– he should have expected as much. “Thanks… Damian.”

Damian lets out a sigh of relief, “Perhaps I should use more wikiHow articles on how to interact with others. It appears the last one I read worked out quite well in this conversation.”

Tim lets out a laugh.

“I also have an idea that you may enjoy.” Damian offered.

Tim quirks an eyebrow.

Damian motions towards Bruce’s office where the entrance of the Batcave lay. “There is an extra suit from when Richard was young. Perhaps you would like to take a few photos of the city tonight. We don’t have to tell Father.”

Tim had never run to the Batcave faster.

~

Tim was grounded.

After following Bruce around and pushing his buttons, apparently running around Gotham in an old Robin suit would cause the man to have a heart attack. It was the first time Bruce had yelled at Tim. Damian also got grounded since it was his idea– but Tim couldn’t help but feel lighter after that. Even after Bruce had yelled (Tim was anxious the entire time) and Damian yelled back (Tim wondered if Damian wanted to piss Bruce off), Tim hadn’t been kicked out.

Tim was still wandering after Bruce regularly, but after Damian’s concerns, Tim was trying to find some independence. Tim still felt awkward being on his own, but he was managing.

Tim found a rhythm in the Manor with Bruce, Dick, and Damian. Tim had noticed they often worked around him. He wondered if they had scheduled shifts to check on him. One time, Tim had spent two days straight in his room on the computer– a bad posting of Luthor had caused him to spiral. The others had come to check on him and he swiftly told them to leave. After the second day, Alfred barged into his room, pulled him out of his bed, and pushed him into the bathroom for a shower.

Tim found out that day they wouldn’t just let him curl in on himself. It was both heartwarming and frustrating. Tim wanted them to stop hovering over him at the same time he wanted them all as close as can be. It was driving him mad.

After a month of the Wayne residence trying to help Tim, Conner showed up in front of Tim (Dick had magically disappeared when Conner had shown up. He probably planned this– the traitor). Tim tried not to react, his face dropping into a neutral expression as Conner shifted awkwardly next to Tim.

Conner offered a small awkward wave, appearing just as unsure as Tim.

“Good… Good Afternoon.” Tim offers biting nervously on his lip.

Conner gave a small nod in return, “Hey… it’s been a while.”

Tim shifts back and forth on his feet, “Have the Titans been treating you well?”

“Yeah! Nightwing is ah– trying to make a new small team for Young Justice. He said I could be a part of it. Impulse and Wonder Girl are also gonna be on it.” Conner informs him, rubbing the back of his head as he spoke.

“Nightwing tries his best to show he cares. I am glad that he is offering you such a positive way to interact with others.” Tim could tell that he almost sounded robotic to his ears. He tries not to cringe at how much he was reminded of his fath– of Jack Drake.

“He told me… When I asked how you were doing, he said he has been trying to give you some combat advice. How is that going?” Conner asked, obviously trying to ignore the bland tone Tim had offered him.

“He has given me some advice. Bruce and him think that I will be strongest with a bo-staff.”

They both stand in an awkward silence, not knowing how to proceed with their conversation. Their eyes darted to each other then away just as quickly.

“Look, Conner… I am not the person you think I am,” Tim says, unable to meet Conner’s eyes. “I did a lot of things I am not proud of. I have experimented on people, blackmailed Batman, and did everything Mr. Luthor asked me to do. I don’t know how to talk with people and I lie to get what I want.”

“Tim I just–,”

Tim closes his eyes and cuts Conner off, “When you first were created, you said you wanted to know things about me– but who I am is that person who created those clones.”

“Wait I want to say–,” Conner begins once more. Tim doesn’t want to hear Conner completely cut off ties before he is done. He has to say what has been on his mind.

Tim shifts on his feet, “If Mr. Luthor ever told me he wanted to try again and be better,” He can’t help but feel choked up, “I would give him a chance. I know I shouldn’t. I know he isn’t good, but he listened to me when I was completely alone.”

Conner seems to be growing frustrated the more Tim talks, “Mr. Luthor doesn’t deserve–,”

Tim jumps in once more, “If you can’t accept that about me, we can’t be friends. If you want to cut off ties, I get it. You can if you want to go to Young Justice and leave me behind. I won’t… I won’t stop you.”

“Tim. Stop talking. Please.” Conner finally jumps in, a groan escaping him as he puts his face in his hands. “Just– stop.”

Tim does stop. He gathers up the courage to look at Conner once more. He really was going to miss him.

“I spoke with Nightwing about some stuff. I think at the beginning of all this, I was a bit too reliant on you as well.” Conner seems to hesitate, “I did some things that upset you and never realized it.”

“My own emotional turmoil shouldn’t be put on you.” Tim didn’t want Conner to blame himself for all of his problems.

“I know– but my problems shouldn’t have been placed all on your shoulders either.” Conner hesitates, “I can’t forgive you for making saying those clones didn’t matter; however, I also wouldn’t be here if you hadn’t. As much as I am my own person, they were too.”

“I named them all.” Tim blurted out. “They all were their own person– I swear.”

“What?” Conner blinked.

“I cared about all of them. I was… breaking apart when you were created. Every time one of the clones died, I felt like I was dying with them.” Tim wraps his arms around himself as he spoke, “I know I have lied too much for you to believe me, but I am happy you were the one who survived. You reminded me how to be human– and are still showing me.”

Conner’s mouth opened and shut, his eyebrows furrowed together in deep thought. “Were they happy? When you named them in your head?”

Tim thought about how Oliver would have had an elegant smile when helping others. Like how Conner always grinned at Tim when he did something nice.

Darwin would have picked out a book for him to read. Conner had thrown a book at Tim once to get him out of the library– Tim remembered laughing.

Hawk would have pulled Tim along into rambunctious adventures while climbing up and down the sides of buildings. Conner didn’t need to climb– but Tim could remember as they both would fly up to the top of a building with ruffled hair that first week they were with Bruce.

Evans always loved Tim’s photography and would stare at them for hours. Tim remembers Conner helping him through the manor to try and find the perfect place for a picture. Tim was still sad he wasn’t able to get near the chandelier since Conner had left.

Jorge had made Tim laugh when it was late in the night and Tim couldn’t sleep. Conner regularly made sure to tease Tim– Tim wondered if one day they really could go to Hawaii and joke around.

Hanna would have been the best of the best when it came to sports and how she taught Tim how to throw a ball. Tim couldn’t stop laughing when Conner accidentally through the ball too hard and it went through Wayne Manor’s window.

Tim had been saved by his real Robin– The clone Robin would have been just as heroic. Tim still thinks about how good of a hero Conner was making. How much he wanted to help people– how he helped Tim.

Tim’s eyes would have lightened up at Klaus’ ridiculous over-the-top stories. Conner had told Tim some stories about how Dick and him had played a prank on Damian– Tim could still see the giddy expression on Conner’s face.

Steven had given Tim hope when there was none left– his eyes had been bright as he pushed Tim along. Conner catching Tim that day give him hope that one day things would be alright.

“They were so happy and caring. Kind and thoughtful. Funny, intelligent, bright, athletic, hopeful…” Tim trailed, “I didn’t want to lose them.” He looks at Conner closely, thinking of all those traits in Conner, “I think I see some of them in you now. You are a lot like them in some ways.”

Conner looks stricken for a flash before he quickly washes it away, “I’m– I’m not them.”

“I don’t want you to be them. I want you to be happy.” Tim says, “They didn’t get a chance to be here… but I think all of them would have liked who you are becoming.”

“What if I’m not enough or I make a mistake?” Conner asked, his shoulders sagging, “What if we don’t agree on something again?”

Tim takes a minute to ponder the question carefully, “Bruce said I need to work on making mistakes. We can learn together.”

“Can we go back to being friends? I missed hanging out with you.” Conner asks, a far-off look in his eyes. Tim wonders what is going on in Conner’s head. What was he feeling?

Tim sucked in a deep breath and nodded without a second thought. “I would love that.”

Conner nods, “Let’s start with that. I think… with time I could understand you better.”

~

Tim fidgets nervously with his mask, his bo-staff to his side.

“Come on, Red Robin! You’re gonna do awesome.” Nightwing said, giving Tim a small nudge as they walk forward.

“Says you,” Tim mutters under his breath as he trailed after Nightwing.

Conner let out a laugh, “I bet Impulse already knows you. He talked my ear off when we first met asking about Red Robin. A bit confusing since you know– Red Robin wasn’t a thing.”

Tim scoffs, stopping right in front of the large doors. Nightwing walks over to the controls. “You ready for this?”

Tim takes a deep breath, his hand reaching out to grasp onto Conner’s own trying to find some way to comfort his nerves.

Conner tightens his own grip around Tim’s.

Nightwing grins at Tim, “You’re gonna fit right in. Young Justice is going to be lucky to have you.”

“Alright. I’m ready.” Tim says, trying to sound confident.

The doors open and Tim takes a step into the room.

There were times Tim struggled. Tim would often question his worth or value. He might even lock himself up in his room sometimes to try and find comfort. Tim might not be ready– but he was going to do the best he could for his new family. That is all he could ask for.