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Chapter Text

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Stray ran through the desert slipping past assassin after assassin. He was not in the mood to deal with such small fry when his target, the Widower, had finally showed himself. Leaping at the larger man he wrapped a strong leg around the assassin's neck and twisted gracefully as the momentum of his attack carried him through the movement. The snap was loud and gruesome as he broke Widower's neck cleanly before flipping around him.

The poor man had probably been under the delusion that Stray avoided killing. A fact that led to him not being cautious enough. He had been an easier mark than he had should’ve been because of it. Unfortunately for him Stray had long since gotten over his reluctance towards killing. He didn’t particularly relish in the action but he’d rather kill than have someone he cared for die. And Widower went after his friends.

“Fuck Kitty” Pru gasped as she, Z, and Owens took out the remaining ‘Council’ Assassins “remind me not to piss you off ya scary twat”

Stray smirked. Pru and the boys said the similar things every time he killed. Like it was shocking to see despite knowing exactly how dangerous he was by now. Still, it was funny. Like they weren't all literal assassins.

“Love you too” he teased paging the League for extract. With the Widower eliminated the Council of Spiders was officially no more. He had done as requested by Ra’s.

Now it was time to save Bruce.

Ra’s handed him the flash drive with everything he’d need to ensure Bruce’s rescue from the time stream. He was more than satisfied with Stray’s abilities. He just wished the young man would consider his offer to stay with him and his League as his chosen heir.

“Are you certain I can’t convince you to take the mantle of heir Detective” he asked one final time despite knowing the answer.

Stray, no, Tim smiled at the ancient man. It was a kind offer. He liked working with the League of Assassins. His skills were highly valued here. But he wasn’t ready to commit to such a thing. He wasn't sure he'd ever be ready to make such a commitment, and they both knew that.

“Maybe one day Demon Head” he teased making direct eye contact. It was one of the many things Ra’s admired in the boy, his willingness to face him head on “but for now no. If you need any help in Gotham though feel free to reach out”

Ra’s smiled. He had been hoping for such an offer. Though he hadn’t been naïve enough to think he’d actually get it.

“But remember” Tim continued stepping close enough to whisper directly into his ear “if you ever come for anyone I even remotely like or care about I will make your League the 3rd group of Assassins I have eliminated from existence”

Ra’s felt his smile turn into a wicked grin as Tim stepped back crystalline blue eyes warning him of Tim’s sincerity. This was why he liked his Detective. The ruthlessness that none of the other Bats possessed. A ruthlessness that was matched only by his own.

“Of course Detective” he promised meaning it “please, bring your friends with you as assurance that I will keep my word”

Pru, Z, and Owens had been 3 of his best Assassins. Very few active agents excluding himself, Talia, Lady Shiva and Tim were better. But they were no longer loyal to him. They were loyal to Tim and to Stray. So they should be with him.

“there’s a jet prepared to take the four of you back to Gotham” he continued concealing his fondness well “I’ll be in touch detective”

Tim smirked. Of course he knew that. Ra’s would never just let him live peacefully now. Not that it mattered, he had done as promised. So Tim and the trio left.

It had been almost a year since he had been in Gotham. Almost a year since Batman ‘died’ fighting Darkseid. And it was finally time to bring him back.

Picking up a secure phone he entered the personal number for the woman behind Oracle, Barbara Gordon, and pressed dial. Knowing Barbara it’d only take a ring or two before she answered. Yes there we go, ring 1 and a half.

“Hey Barbie” he called not waiting for her to answer “I need your help with some files I have”

“Tim” she startled “Tim oh gods where are you? Everyone thinks you’re dead. What happened? Are you ok? Are you in trouble”

“Barbara” he snapped silencing her questions “I’m going to send you some files in a minute. I need you to look through them and ensure Clark and Barry follow the instructions in them. Can you do that for me? Please”

There was a pause as Barbara considered it. They hadn’t seen each other in nearly a year. He was presumed dead. And now he was calling to ask for a favor? “Yeah” she conceded with a sigh “yeah I’ll make sure it’s taken care of”

“Thank you Barbie” he smiled. The Justice League might not listen if he went to them directly but they’d definitely listen to Oracle “I’ll be back in Gotham soon. Don’t worry I’m ok”

Barbara sighed audibly from the other side of the line. Tim was fine. Oh gods Tim was fine. She hadn’t lost another person she cared about. She needed to tell everyone. Jason had been tearing the streets of Gotham apart looking for him. Dick was a mess thinking it was all his fault Tim had left in the first place.

“I’ve got to go Babs” Tim informed her cutting her from her thoughts “thank you for this”

The line went dead. And then the files came through. Skimming them quickly she felt her eyes go wide as she called the Justice League her entire body shaking. Bruce was alive. Bruce was really alive.

Tim had been right the whole time.

Three Months Later – Wayne Manor

After spending just over a month in quarantine Bruce was finally back home in Gotham. His entire family was there with him. Or, almost his entire family. Someone was missing.

“Where’s Tim” he asked after all of the hugs. Clark had told him that Tim had been the one to find him. That Tim was the only person to realize Bruce wasn’t actually dead. But no one would tell him anything past that. And every time he asked they just got quiet and something akin to guilt would flash across their faces “where’s Timmy”

The entire family remained silent. The same guilty look the League would give him every time he asked flashed across their faces causing his blood to run cold. Where was Tim? Why wasn’t anyone answering him?

“Dick” he pleaded approaching his oldest son his voice trembling “where’s Tim? Where’s your brother”

Dick sobbed before turning away tears filling his deep blue eyes. Oh gods no. Anything but that. Please, anything but that.

“We don’t know” Barbara admitted softly her face haunted “the only time anyone has heard from him in almost a year was when he called me to pass along instructions on how to save you”

Bruce froze. How was that possible?

“I’ve searched everywhere Bruce” she continued her eyes full of guilt and heartbreak “We all have. No one has been able to find him. Not even Clark or Conner”

Bruce’s elation at seeing his family turned to dread at that. Tim was missing, had been missing for nearly a year. He could be hurt or dying and none of them had a clue. Oh gods he could be dead. His darling son could be dead for all any of them knew.

Bruce felt himself spiraling as he ran through the Manor towards the cave. He needed to find Tim. He needed to make sure Tim was ok. He couldn’t lose another child.

He only just got back.

2 Months Ago - Elsewhere in Gotham

“Kitty-Cat” Harley squealed pulling Tim inside Selina’s home “Cat your Kitty-Cat is home”

Selina all but launched herself down the stairs tackling Tim into a hug. Her baby was home. Her baby boy was home and he was safe.

“Hi momma” he laughed as she hugged him before nodding at Harley being dragged away by Ivy "hi aunties"

Ivy smiled from the kitchen forcing Harley to give Selina and Tim some space to hug. As Tim’s honorary aunts they were equally thrilled to have him home. But Selina got first dibs at hugs as his mom.

“Were you successful” Selina asked before laughing to herself “who am I kidding of course you were successful”

“Yeah” he agreed laughing “if my math is right Bruce will be home in a month or two depending on how long they quarantine him for”

The only people in the world that knew where Tim had been the last year were the Sirens. His mom and her 2 closest friends, Aunt Ivy and Aunt Harley. Most of the other Gotham Rogues knew he was alive and well but not the specifics. Just enough to keep Uncle Eddie, Victor, and Waylon from burning Gotham to the ground looking for him.

“I’ve missed you momma” he admitted hugging her tightly silent tears falling down his face “so much”

Harley and Ivy joined the hug at this point. Their Kitten was home. Safe and sound. Bruce would be back soon. Tim had succeeded.

Tim was safe.

Presently

Tim smiled. It was his 18th Birthday and there wasn’t anywhere he’d rather be in the world. Bruce was back and Damian was Robin. He no longer had to pretend to himself that he was a loved or accepted member of that family. He had a family all his own and they loved him just as he was.

Fixing the white streaks in his hair he stepped out of his childhood bedroom to join everyone for his small birthday party.

Eddie Nygma was explaining his newest contraption to Dr Freize while Freize offered suggestions and commentary. Maybe a winter themed riddle they could work on together. It could be a fun way to help with the summer heat. Hell even the Bats might let them have their fun if they ensure it's only an inconvenience and not a danger to the people.

Ivy introduced Tim to the sentient plant that is Frank. Tim, ever the brilliant mind, was fascinated by Frank’s entire existence. Frank shockingly seemed to like Tim. Maybe it was the fact that Tim complimented him. Selina didn’t know, nor did she care as long as Frank didn’t pose a threat to her kid. He was prone to trying to eat people after all.

Harley was running around taking photos of everyone with Tim’s old camera. He had gifted it to her a few years ago when he got a newer model as it was a great beginner camera and Harley was obsessed. None of her pictures were particularly good but they were whimsical and fun. Tim had multiple scrap books full of pictures she had taken.

“Happy birthday Kitten” Selina whispered kissing Tim’s temple fondly.

Who would have imagined that the child she met 9 years ago would change her life in such a profound way. Who could have imagined that lonely child would beg to stay with her when his parents died a year after their first meeting. And who would have imagined she’d not only say yes but that she’d spend the next 8 years thanking any deity that would listen for the fact that she had made that choics.

He was her son. He was her darling Stray.

Chapter Text

9 Years Ago

Timothy Jackson Drake was lying under the bed in his parent's bedroom reading a book on gemstones. He often found himself in there room when his parents were out of the country as it allowed him to pretend he was less alone. They had promised they’d be home earlier in the evening. But they had rerouted their flight to Haiti at the last minute. They wouldn’t be home for another few weeks now. They’d be missing his 10th birthday.

Suddenly he heard the click of the window being unlocked. His initial thought was to panic but then he saw a black heel touch down on the carpet gracefully and relaxed. He knew that heel. It was Catwoman's heel. And Catwoman never hurt children, which meant he was safe.

Selina Kyle had spent the last several weeks casing Drake Manor. The Drakes were rumored to have one of the most extensive gem collections in all of Gotham. But they had the least predictable schedule of all of Gotham’s Elite. She had debated on canceling the heist all together when she heard that they their flight back to Gotham had made an emergency landing in Haiti.

Tonight was the perfect night to strike.

She just hadn’t accounted for their being a child. Hadn’t accounted for said child to be home and not with his parents. And she hadn’t expected the child to catch her breaking in his large crystalline blue eyes peering up at her from under the gaudy bed located in his parent's bedroom.

“I can see you kid” she teased crouching down “I won’t hurt you so why don’t you come out”

The little boy, Timothy if she remembered correctly, crawled out to face her his eyes wide with wonder. He wasn’t scared? Interesting. Or concerning. Definitely concerning. She was a criminal after all. She could've been lying about not hurting him for all he knew.

“Hi” the boy squeaked as he emerged waving shyly “I’m a really big fan Miss Catwoman”

She blinked. He knew who she was? That was surprising? He was at most like 6 wasn’t he? How could he recognize her so quickly? She wasn’t such a big name criminal to warrant that kind of immediate recognition.

“Are you here to rob the vault” he asked crystalline eyes glittering in a way she couldn’t quite understand “I can help, uh, if you teach me how to do that trick you did at the Museum Gala last year when you took all those gems”

That gave her a moment of pause. Not only did this Brat know who she was but she knew of one of her heists? Weirder still he knew of one of the heists she actually got away without any consequences. One not even the Batman knew of. And if his words were any indicator he had been there to witness it.

Oh gods, she had thought there was something off that night. Had felt like someone or something was watching her. But neither Batman nor the GCPD ever showed up or got wind of it. She just chalked it up to nerves. Never did she imagine some toddler had been there watching from the shadows.

“How do you know about that heist kid” she asked as the boy took her hand gently. He guided her through the mausoleum that was Drake Manor until the stood before a massive vault. A vault even she wasn’t certain she could successfully break into.

“There was an emergency at work and my parents forgot me” he explained calmly with a shrug before visibly recoiling his eyes suddenly frightened “but don’t worry that’s the only time they’ve ever forgotten me anywhere. They’re really good and responsible parents”

That was complete and utter bull she realized immediately noting how rehersed that had been. Not only was the kid absolute shit at lying but she had cased the Drakes enough to know that they didn’t have a nanny or housekeeper and hadn’t for almost a year and a half. This literal child, spent almost the entire year alone fending for himself while his parents traveled the world without him.

Crouching down slowly to look him in the eye she smiled “you help me get in this vault and I’ll teach you the trick kid” she promised aloud while silently considering how difficult it'd be to kidnap a child.

Could she even take care of a child? With her lifestyle? Would her cats allow another person into their home? They barely tolerated Harley and Ivy. No. She would make them like this child. She had to. Else he’d end up dead in this mausoleum of a home. But what if taking him only hurt him worse? What if he was safer here?

The child beamed at her promise his much too large shirt slipping down one shoulder. She had never once considered a child to be cute but this one was pretty adorable. Fuck she was already attached. Goddammit.

20 minutes later the boy managed to deactivate the alarms on the safe. Another 5 minutes and he had it swinging open. And fuck was that a lot of gems. Honestly they had more gems in one vault than she had ever even stolen in her entire life of crime.

Tim smiled as he helped her put the gems in her heist bag informing her of any and all gems that could be traced. Which, while shockingly few of them, was incredibly helpful as she wanted to be able to sell at least some of these later. Once satisfied with her haul the boy took a few papers from the vault himself for some reason before closing everything up and reactivation the security.

“Now you’ll teach me how to do your trick” Tim asked his eyes hopeful.

A small part of Selina considered breaking her side of the deal. But for a reason she refused to address she followed through. She couldn’t kidnap the kid after all. He had parents and they weren’t her. No matter how much that little voice in her head argued that’d she'd be a better mother then they were. She was a legit criminal after all. He deserved better than the life he'd life with her.

“Of course kid” she assured ruffling his hair “but be warned I’m a strict teacher”

“Tim” the kid corrected informing her that she did in fact remember his name correctly “and I’m ready”

While he wasn’t particularly talented in acrobatics he was arguably the most dedicated little shit she’d ever met. And, in her opinion, dedication made up for a lack of inherent talent. Dedication is what allowed him to figure out the trick despite having little if any foundational knowledge in just a few hours.

“You have potential Tim” she praised as he mostly succeeded at the trick. He didn’t quite have the necessary control of his body to do it properly but he was close. And that was impressive.

Tim blushed as he walked Selina back towards the window she had entered through. He wasn’t used to receiving genuine praise like this. It was nice.

“Have a safe trip home Miss Kyle” Tim called as she landed on the grass below the window waving at the departing woman.

Did he just? He knew her identity? The whole time? Who the fuck is this kid?

A Year or so Later

Selina was busying herself with feeding her cats when her doorbell rang. It was far to early for Harley or Ivy to be stopping by. And she hadn’t ordered anything as far as she remembered. Was Bruce paying a visit or something? They had called it quits a few weeks ago but he was prone to unannounced house calls when they were on breaks so that was possible.

Grumbling softly she opened the door and blinked. There was no one there. Was this a prank?

“Miss Kyle” a small voice called from lower down.

Glancing down she saw Tim standing there in a pair of pajamas. His face was red and splotchy from crying. But why had Tim been crying? And why was he on her front steps? She lived in the Diamond District. That was quite a ways away from Bristol. Especially for someone as young as Tim.

“I don’t have anyone else” he whispered not able to look her in the eye “and I don’t want to bother Mr Wayne as he’s busy being a dad and Batman and you’re the only other adult I know that won’t hurt me”

Ushering the clearly upset child inside quickly she closed the door behind him and locked it. What had happened she wondered as she guided him to the couch in her living room before heading to the kitchen to get him a glass of water. She didn’t drink tea or coffee so it was all she had in hand.

Returning she smiled softly as her hoard of cats busied themselves by cuddling with the distressed boy. They liked him. That was good. It meant he could be trusted.

“What happened Tim” she asked softly as she handed him the cup of water.

He drank about half of it slowly before speaking his eyes locked on the cup “my parents died in Haiti”

Oh. Oh gods. This child was an orphan. And he had no one. Meaning he was bound for an orphanage. And he turned to her rather than his neighbor Bruce Wayne because. . .oh fuck. . .the kid knew Bruce was Batman. Fuck. Ok, breath Selina. She had debated on kidnapping the kid anyway. She could do this.

“I” she paused not willing to give him sympathies. Her own parents had died when she was about his age and she hated when people said nonsense like ‘I’m sorry for you loss’ and refused to become one such person “you can stay here if you’d like” she offered weakly.

Was it a smart choice? No. She was a criminal. This was not a suitable home for a child. And she was not suited to be a parent. But this darling child needed someone. And she was all he had. He had said so himself.

Slowly crystalline blue eyes looked up at her full of surprise and doubt. “I don’t want to be a bother” he whispered tears brimming his eyes.

Selina smiled softly before sitting beside the small child on the couch. She pulled him into a hug slowly, carefully, to ensure he could stop her if he wanted. He crumbled into her arms as if the depth of the situation only just hit him a weak sob breaking the silence.

Tim cried against her for almost an hour. She wasn’t sure if he was crying because he missed his parents. Maybe he was crying because she offered him kindness in his hour of need. Maybe he was crying because he was very clearly touch starved and the fact that he was being hugged was overwhelming. She wasn’t sure. It didn’t really matter.

“I nearly kidnapped you that night you know” she teased when he finally stopped crying “if I had known this is how it would play out I probably would have”

Tim smiled weakly at that. He believed her even if he didn’t understand her logic behind such a decision.

“Promise you won’t send me to an orphanage” he begged eyes still full of tears.

She brushed his messy bangs aside before kissing him gently on the forehead. She decided in that moment she would be the best mother she could be for this darling boy. And the first step to that would be to ensure he was legally hers. Even if she had to break a few laws to ensure such a thing.

“You’re stuck with me Kitten” she teased standing up to guide him to her spare bedroom. There wasn’t much in the room past a bed but it would work for now. She’d have to make a stop by Drake Manor to get everything he owned later “I’m your mom now”

Tim hugged her tightly at that. Janet hadn’t been a cruel mother by any means. She, like Jack, was just never around. In his 10 years of life he had spent maybe a month with his parents. So while he missed them it was more because he knew he was supposed to than anything else. Maybe with Selina things would be different.

The papers Tim had swiped had apparently been all of his relevant papers including his birth certificate and the original copy of his parent's will. With them Selina Kyle became the legal guardian of Tim Paws Kyle a week later. They moved into a slightly bigger apartment in the Diamond District left to Tim in his parents will and begun their new life together.

A week after that he managed to convince her to begin training him to be her future partner in crime Stray. Under the promise that he would not do anything past training until he was at least 14. She didn’t want to expose him to any more risk than absolutely necessary. But she wasn’t naive enough to believe she could keep him from it forever. She had already caught him trying to sneak around Gotham at night with a camera to go Batwatching or whatever.

Unfortunately the death of the 2nd Robin changed things. Well, more specifically, Batman’s change after the death of the 2nd Robin changed things. Because Batman was spiraling without a Robin. And while Tim didn’t want or desire to become Robin he didn’t see an alternative. Not after Batman very nearly killed Uncle Eddie in response for a nonlethal riddle setup that made the man angry.

Someone had to do something before someone died at the hands of the Bat. Someone had to do something before Gotham lost her only real protector. And when trying to bring Dick back into the fold failed Tim couldn’t see any other options.

“No” Selina decided sternly when the subject was brought up “You don’t understand Kitten, Bruce isn’t the same man you once idolized. He hasn’t been since Jason died”

Tim knew that. He had seen the proof of that first hand. If it hadn’t been for him being in the right place at the right time Uncle Eddie would’ve died that night. But someone had to do something and he was someone.

“I know momma” he assured her with a sad smile “but if not me then who”

Selina frowned a single tear sliding down her beautiful face. He was right of course. He usually was when he made a decision like this. But she didn’t like it. Didn’t like the idea of putting her baby in such danger. Especially when she knew, in her heart, that she wouldn’t be able to help. Tim Kyle would cease to exist for as long as Timothy Drake was needed as Robin. They would, categorically, be enemies for the foreseeable future. And that killed her on the inside.

“Promise you’ll be safe” she begged pulling the one person she loved with all of her heat into a hug “promise you’ll never forget who you really are”

Tim smiled that brilliant smile she loved so much. The smile that reassured her that taking that small boy in 3 years ago had been the right choice. That allowing herself to be vulnerable had been the right choice.

“I’ll always be your son momma” he promised honestly “I’ll always be Tim Paws Kyle”

Selina smiled kissing his forehead. She hated that he managed to make his middle name a pun when she wasn't looking. It was supposed to be Felix after her grandfather. But one pout and she had folded like a piece of paper.

"Always" she agreed hugging him close.

Tim never wanted to be Robin. He never wanted to bear the responsibility the mantle of Robin came with. But someone had to. Someone had to ensure Gotham had her rightful protector. So Tim did what needed to be done.

He became Robin.

Chapter Text

The first time Tim is informed that his relationship with Batman is toxic is when Selina finds out his combat training had been handled by Lady Shiva. Sending an untrained 13 year old to spend 6 plus months training with some of the most dangerous people in the world is not something she approved of. The fact that he had been sent to individuals like Lady Shiva by Bruce under the explicit request to 'turn him into something useful' probably didn't help the situation either.

Selina very nearly pulled Tim from Robin after she learned of all of that when he returned to Gotham just before turning 14. The only reason she didn’t was the fact that Tim pointed out how much better Bruce was in the field now that he had a Robin again. She despised it but he was right. Bruce was no longer sending petty thieves to the ICU because he had a Robin. He was no longer ending up half dead in alleyways either.

The first time Tim ever agreed with her that being Robin was probably bad for his health however was on his 15th birthday. When he was attacked by the Red Hood in Titan Tower. Something he intentionally kept from Selina even to this day.

3 years Ago - Titan Tower 3

Tim was sitting in the lounge a pair of comfortable sweats hiding his Stray suit while working on homework. He might officially be Robin but when he wasn’t on mission in the Tower he liked to pretend he was Stray instead of Robin. He despised wearing the Robin colors, they weren’t his to wear and if felt almost disrespectful to be in them. That being said his Stray suit was a tad more formfitting than he was presently comfortable with so he typically wore it under sweats. Maybe one day he'd be comfortable enough to wear it regularly without the desire to cover up but at this point in his life he was not that confident.

He had just finished saving his now completed assignment when the lights of the Tower flickered before turning off entirely. A moment later the emergency lights came on. Tim frowned before slipping out of his sweats before making to hide in the shadows ensuring he wouldn’t be in the line of sight of the presently closed door. The last thing he needed was to be caught off guard if this was indeed an attack and not just a power outage.

“Where are you hiding little birdie” a robotic voice called as a man wearing a dumb ass red helmet entered the lounge “come out and play little Robin”

Red Hood, some up and coming Gotham crime lord, was in the Tower. Man had beheaded a bunch of crime lieutenants to make a splash. Had beef with Batman and those affiliated with him for some reason. Tim wasn’t quite sure the reason and when asked Bruce said it wasn’t important. How he managed to break into the Tower he wasn't sure.

“And who might you be” he purred once the man had his back to him “I don’t believe Tweetie Bird was expecting any guests”

The man spun to face him guns drawn shooting Tim in the side on instinct. Tim hissed as the bullet pierced the kevlar lining of his catsuit imbedding itself into his side Red Hood’s intimidating demeanor evaporating as he realized he had just shot a kid. A kid that wasn’t the kid he intended to shoot anyway. Running over to put pressure on the wound he frowned behind his helmet as the boy swatted him away to retrieve a shockingly large med kit from somewhere.

“So much for the infamous Red Hood not hurting kids huh” the vaguely feline looking kid laughed as he removed the bullet himself before patching the wound up neatly without so much as flinching. Watching how effortlessly he did it made Red Hood nauseous from the fact that it was clearly not the first time he had patched himself up after getting shot “what do you need Robin for anyway”

“None of your business brat” the man spat “just here to show him what happens to those who wear that suit. After the last owner died it should have been retired”

Tim shrugged, he had a point. Only not really, because Batman needed a Robin. Even if no one else quite wanted to admit it. Trust him, he wouldn't be wearing the blasted colors if it wasn't necessary.

“If it makes you feel any better Tomato Head” he teased pretending his side wasn’t screaming in agony as he distracted himself by fiddling with the whip he kept when Stray “I agree with you. Unfortunately Batman was spiraling after the last Robin died so someone had to step up to keep the overgrown furry from getting himself killed"

The man scoffed. Whether it was at his comment or the nickname Tim didn’t know. He also didn’t really care considering the man had quite litterally just shot him and all that.

“Then he should have killed the fucking Clown” the man spat irrationally angry “killed him for what he did to me”

“Again” he repeated fixing his suit now that his wound just throbbing in pain rather than screaming “I agree with you. But you know how he is about killing”

Red Hood groaned in indignation at that. He knew Bruce had a no kill policy but wasn’t he important enough to consider breaking it? He was his son for gods sake.

“So who are you” Hood asked waving the gun still in his hand at the younger boy.

“I suppose you could say I’m a. . .friend of Robin” Tim admitted careful not to give his actual name. Or the fact that, technically, he was also Robin.

Red Hood tilted his head. According to his Intel only his replacement was supposed to be in the Tower tonight. Not this cat kid or whatever the fuck. And where was Robin anyway?

“You know I’m going to have to at least try and fight you right” Tim asked looking at the whip in his hands “if only to ensure the big bat doesn't get his panties in a twist"

Red Hood laughed. He might not know who the fuck this kid was but he appreciated the gumption. Appreciated how he clearly didnt fear Batman like everyone else seemed to. If only he wasn’t affiliated with his replacement, maybe they could’ve been friends.

“I’ll let you get a clean shot” he offered “to make up for shooting you unprovoked”

Tim smirked as if he could see the gears turning in the Crime Lord’s head. He snapped the whip at the older man his eyes glinting behind his Domino as it was caught easily in a gloved hand.

“You’re going to have to do better than that if you actually want to win this” the larger man mocked wrapping the whip around his wrist once and then a second time for good measure.

“But can’t you just feel the sparks between us” Tim purred activating the whip.

Red Hood yelped as the whip, wrapped tightly around his wrist, electrified. Even with the protection of his suit it only took a few seconds for him to pass out hitting the floor with a loud thud.

Tying the large man to a chair was a bitch and a half considering their size difference but Tim managed it after a bit of struggle. Removing his myriad of weapons was annoying, who carries that many knives anyway, but easy enough. Taking his helmet off he thanked the gods it didn’t have explosives or something stupid built in before he examined the man before him.

Jason fucking Todd.

He called Bruce as he changed back into his Robin suit ensuring his carefully styled hair was disheveled to complete the transformation from Stray to Robin. It took 3 tries before Bruce actually took his call.

“I’m busy” Bruce snapped his voice irate.

Tim sighed.

“Your son paid me a visit at the Tower” he explained calmly.

“Dick is with me” Bruce countered. That explained why they didn’t come when the alarm triggered. He was too busy bonding with his actual son to care that his present Robin might be in danger.

“Your other son B” he almost laughed as he walked back to the lounge Jason still unconscious in the chair “the supposedly dead one”

There was a pause as Bruce took in his words. And when he spoke he broke something in Tim’s young heart.

“Red Hood attacked the Tower” Bruce asked not actually sounding surprised.

Because of course he knew Jason was Red Hood. And of course he would keep such a thing from him despite the man apparently wanting to kill him to make a point. Why was he surprised? This was the man who sent a 13 year old to train with some of the most dangerous people on the planet because ‘it isn’t worth my time to train you myself’.

“Yeah” he acknowledged biting back his true opinions on how fucked this whole situation was “so if you wouldn’t mind being a good dad and picking him up before he tries to shoot me again that’d be great”

There was another pause.

“You subdued him” he asked finally sounding surprised. Because of course he would assume a man he trained personally would be better than Tim.

“Yes Bruce” he replied his tone scathing “so do me a favor and come pick him up”

The line went dead immediately after his confirmation meaning Bruce didn’t hear that second bit. But at least he’d be on his way so that counted for something right.

Jason grumbled awake shortly after Bruce hung up on Tim his eyes flaring green at the sight of the boy. He made to lunge at him when he realized he was bound to a chair, expertly at that, ensuring he was truly stuck. How did he? Oh that cat like kid, fuck.

“Why do you want me dead” Tim asked while tinkering with the man's helmet.

Double fuck. If the kid had his helmet then he definitely knew who he was and called Bruce. Mother fucker ruined his entire revenge plan. Next time he saw that cat kid he'd kill him for this that mother fucker.

“You replaced me” he spat the green in his vision blurring the world ensuring all he could see was the boy who stole everything from him. The boy who was arching an eyebrow in confusion at his accusations.

“How so” he asked calmly without bothering to look up from what he was doing to his helmet “it’s not like I’m B’s kid or anything”

Jason blinked the green in his vision slowly receding. He wasn’t Bruce’s kid? But Talia said Bruce had adopted him. That he had moved into Jason’s old room and everything.

“You’re not” he asked his voice suddenly soft.

The boy, Tim if he remembered correctly finally looked up crystalline blue eyes full of confusion. Was that what this was about he wondered silently. Was Jason afraid that Bruce had adopted the first kid he saw with black hair and blue eyes?

“No I am not” he stated with finality “I am nothing more than a coworker to Bruce. You and Richard are his sons”

Jason opened his mouth to say something when the sound of the Zeta activating stopped him. Suddenly Batman and Nightwing were barreling towards him for hugs. Bruce was even crying.

“Jaylad” Bruce whispered hugging his wayward son “I’m so sorry I couldn’t save you in time”

Jason hummed distantly as he watched Tim get back to his feet his hand going to his side as if in pain. Jason felt his eyes widen as the realization hit him. Tim was also the kid that had taken him down. The kid that he had shot earlier.

The kid who never once referred to himself as Robin but a ‘friend of Robin’. His heart lurched as he realized that the kid hadn’t been telling him nonsense to pacify his anger. The kid meant every word.

Amongst the hugs and the crying Tim snuck out completely certain in the fact that neither Dick nor Bruce noticed him leave. It didn’t matter much either way though, he had plans he was late for.

Selina was throwing a small get together for his birthday.

Later

“Does that mean you’re done” Selina asked as Tim sat on the couch petting Professor Blep, a black cat with white paws he rescued a year or so ago “please tell me you’re done with Bruce and with being Robin"

Selina loved Bruce, she did. But their relationship had taken a sharp nose dive since Tim became Robin. She despises how flippant he had been in his treatment of her son. She despised how he treated him like something disposable when he’s her entire heart.

“We both know I’m not” Tim admitted sadly “until he finds someone willing and able to take the mantle I’m stuck making sure he doesn’t relapse”

Harley grumbled in the kitchen careful to keep her tone quiet so Tim wouldn't hear her. She and Ivy also had strong opinions on their favorite (only) nephew being a Robin. Had strong opinions on someone they cared about being treated as an expendable tool by ‘Gotham’s Dark Knight’. And they weren't particularly positive opinions.

Thankfully none of the Bats have noticed that every Gotham Rogue excluding the Joker actively avoided fighting Tim. And when such avoidance isn’t possible they take special care to not actually hurt him. Ivy and Crane always make sure to tell him when they’re out so he has antidotes to whatever they are using that night. And they make sure to bring a few antidotes of their own just in case shit hits the fan.

“I can’t believe the world’s greatest Detective hasn’t realized his present Robin is the darling of the Gotham Rogues” Ivy laughed bringing Tim a slice of birthday cake. He’d already had a slice but she insists he eat more as he can’t drink yet. And he’s far too skinny for a boy his age in her opinion.

Tim loves his little family, they’re weird as hell but they are his favorite people in the world. They were his family. Them and most of the Gotham Rogues. Minus the Joker. Fuck that abusive psychopath.

Stray made his unofficial debut though which was nice. And the whip he had electrified using tech similar to Dick’s escrima sticks had worked like a charm even against an armored opponent. Which gave him some options when he didn’t want to use his the claws built into his gloves. He was also working on a 'gun' that would fire 'bullets' composed of a strand of Ivy's paralytic and sleep pollens just in case he needed something with more range.

Now he just needed someone to take the mantle of Robin. Preferably before Selina ever learned that he got shot by Red Hood.

Chapter Text

2 Years Ago

Tim was informed of Bruce's 16th birthday tradition weeks in advance. A ‘prank mission’ that was supposed to be a fun way of figuring out your real gift. He was actually quite excited about it. Excited at the possibility that Bruce and everyone actually started considering him as part of the family. And endlessly grateful he had been given notice given his anxiety around surprises.

And then the day arrived and everything went to absolute shit.

He knew it was supposedly a ‘prank’ but after dealing with evil version of the Young Justice team from an alternate future a month or so ago he was already on edge. An edge made worse by his removal from the team the week before his birthday for 'betraying' them on Bruce's order. He needed to be perfect lest Bruce fire him from Robin like his team had fired him from Young Justice. Young Justice might not need a Robin but Bruce did.

And then the setup to his ‘gift’ was a future Alfred sending him on a mission to save Gotham from an alternate future evil Bruce. Naturally, with everything going on in his life, he took it very seriously. Bruce required copies of all Young Justice mission reports on the Bat-Servers after all, he'd never make such a ‘mistake’ unintentionally. Did it suck that his 'prank mission' was a real one? Yes, but he wasn't family so he understood. Really, he understood.

But then he spent almost 2 weeks fighting for his life in the caves beneath Gotham. Some ‘Court of Owls’ and their ‘Talons’ were hell bent on taking out Bruce and the rest of the Wayne’s for interfering with their plans for Gotham whatever those plans may be. So he did what he had to do and eliminated the threat.

Thankfully he came across a Lazarus Pit and a ‘Talon’ from an alternate reality wanting him to succeed. Otherwise he’d definetly be very dead. Like multiple times over. But it’s fine, he’s fine. Excluding the new white streaks carefully hidden in his otherwise midnight black hair he’s fine. The ‘Court’ and their ‘Talons’ have been exterminated entirely. And he’s fine. . .he will be fine.

Walking out of the caverns below Gotham he frowned as Bruce stood Alfred calmly. They didn’t even look the least bit repentant. Like sending a 16 year old to fight a murder cult as a birthday was something nice and not at all traumatizing.

“Good news I take it” Bruce asked smiling widely as he approached.

You know what, fuck this and fuck them. He got the message, he wasn’t part of their fucking family. He had long since accepted that but they were fucked up for allowing him even a sliver of hope for something different. And how dare they decide the best way to get that point across was to send him on an actual suicide mission. How dare Bruce send a literal child on a mission like that.

Did Selina even know where he was? Did she know that he had spent the last 2 weeks fighting for his literal life beneath Gotham? Was she panicking like she had that one time he forgot to tell her he was going dark for a Young Justice mission? Oh gods she was probably a mess with worry.

“I won’t ask for an apology” he stated softly his crystalline blue eyes dark with silent rage as he swallowed the green of the pit refusing to allow it to take seize of his mind “but know that I’m done. Effective immediately I quit”

Bruce flinched as Tim shoved his way past them making his way towards where he hoped his bike was still located. Noting Bruce’s tense shoulders Alfred took a step forward his brows knit together.

“Master Tim” he asked softly not quite brave enough to stop him “did you not enjoy your gift”

Dark eyes snapped to face the man he once respected most in the world. How dare he help Bruce with such a ‘prank’. He was a goddamn child. It was his sweet 16. How could they think this was even remotely ok?

“Fuck you Alfred” he swore straddling his bike and starting it up “fuck you both for putting me through that”

Revving the bike he sped away leaving the two men alone in their confusion.

Batcave

“What do you mean he quit” Dick asked not understanding what Bruce had told him.

Tim loved being Robin, he would never quit. Furthermore he rarely if ever swore. And would never swear at Alfred of all people. Tim idolized Alfred. What in the world could’ve happened to make him so mad?

“I think he was upset he couldn’t figure our the puzzle” Bruce admitted glumly “I didn’t think we made it too difficult but maybe I was wrong”

Jason hummed neither agreeing or disagreeing. From what he knew of Tim that could be entirely possible. The boy took perfectionism to a weird level. Like if he was anything less than perfect he’d be punished or some shit. However something about the situation struck him as off. Tim was anything but rash. Quitting without notice over something as benign as a that was out of character. He’d have to talk to him about it later.

“He’ll come around in time” Alfred assured them calmly “I’m certain of it”

Selina’s

Selina was fuming. Her son had been off the grid for almost 2 weeks. And then he comes home in tears saying he quit Robin. In tears because Bruce had sent him on some suicide mission against some ‘Court’ or whatever as a ‘birthday present’. In tears because he very nearly died multiple times and Bruce either didn’t notice or didn’t care.

Her baby had nearly died, at least twice.

It took some doing but she had called in some favors with the Gotham Rogues. Most were more than happy to help but some took convincing to not actually kill the Bats as it would only upset Tim further. Still, they were going to give them hell for hurting her baby.

“I don’t understand” Tim admitted weakly “what could I have possibly done so wrong to deserve being sent on a mission like that without backup"

Selina’s heart broke as she hugged her darling son. She wished she had the answers he was searching for. But she didn’t. She remembered both Dick’s and Jason’s sweet 16s. Neither one of their ‘pranks’ had been remotely dangerous. And yet Tim’s had quite literally been a suicide mission. If it hadn’t been for some alternate reality ‘Talon’ helping him he very well would’ve died. And she wouldn’t have been able to do anything about it.

At first she assumed it was a misunderstanding but he walked her through how he pieced everything together. And it made logical sense. They even played on his very recent fear of alternate versions of the people he knew. Like it was some sick game specifically tailored to cause him mental anguish or something.

The only problem was she didn’t know how to address the situation with Bruce without informing him that Tim is her son. Which wasn’t an option because they were worried there would be consequences if that happened. Like Bruce trying to take Tim away from her for being a Rogue or some self righteous bull. So she settled on letting her fellow Gotham Rogues make Bruce’s life hell for a bit.

“Does this mean Stray is ready for his official debut” she asked hoping to break the tension as Tim's sobs quieted down “The Sirens have a heist planned and we'd love the assist”

Tim perked up a little at that. With the new white streaks in his hair, a feature he’d have to cover if he decided/needed to resume being Robin in the future, he’d be even harder to recognize. Plus his dip in the pit had gotten rid of some of his leftover baby fat making his Stray suit fit properly for the first time ever.

“Really” he asked almost shyly “do you think I’m ready”

Selina laughed kissing her son on the forehead fondly. He’d been ready for years. Though she is immensely grateful he waited to debut as Stray. There are a lot of touchy people in the cape community, especially amongst the Rogues/Villains. And while she wasn’t comfortable with the idea of anyone potentially touching her son inappropriately the idea of said son being 16 versus 14 was significantly easier to swallow. At least at this age he was fully aware of the difference between consensual touching and nonconsensual touching.

That being said, she and the Sirens would disembowel anyone who considered touching her son without his permission. And she was fairly certain most of the other Rogues in Gotham would help them get away with it.

“You’re definitely ready Kitten” she teased fondly “and I can’t wait to witness how the Bats handle your arrival on the scene”

2 Weeks Later

Nightwing was frowning on patrol again. It had been 2 weeks since Tim quit as Robin and they haven’t seen or heard a peep from him. Bruce even started training a Stephanie Brown to replace him as Robin. Girl had been running around under the name Spoiler without any real training. And apparently she was Tim’s ex-girlfriend? He hadn’t been aware that Tim had ever dated anyone. Honestly he presumed Tim had a crush on his friends/teammates Conner or Bart.

Personally he didn’t think she was going to last. She was talented and had the work ethic to be a vigilante. She just wasn’t cut out to be Robin. She clashed with Bruce far to frequently for that to ever work long term. He and Jason were taking bets on how long it’d take one of them to break. Jason said 3 months. He said at least 6.

Steph aside he just missed having Tim around. They had never been particularly close but he liked the kid. He was bright and remarkably talented. And he made a damn good Robin always competently covering for all of their weaknesses. He just wished he and Bruce would make up so everything could go back to normal. It didn’t make sense to be so upset over a small prank, it wasn't like he got hurt or anything.

Plus they could really use the assist lately. The Gotham Rogues have been on a rampage these last couple weeks. No one’s died thank goodness but it’s been headache after headache since Tim left. The Joker was still in Arkham though so all things considered it could still be worse.

“The Sirens are pulling a heist at the Museum on 6th” Oracle called over the coms “they have a kid with them”

“Hostage” he asked swinging towards the location via grapple. That didn’t sound like the Sirens. They didn’t typically take hostages. Especially not children.

“I” Oracle paused “I think the kid’s working with them actually”

That was almost worse. A kid villain? The hell were the Sirens thinking? Kids had no place in this life, especially not as villains. Swinging across the final building he grimaced as he spotted the trio with their child assistant.

The kid appeared to be 16 or so which was something at least. When Oracle had said kid he was expecting someone much younger. Honestly the boy kinda reminded Dick of a more graceful and more confident Tim. Though he could never imagine tiny introverted Tim wearing a form fitting catsuit with a cropped leather jacket. Tim didn’t even like how form fitting the Robin suit was for goodness sake.

He kinda looked like Tim a bit too. Though this almost Tim was smiling far brighter than he’d ever seen Tim smile. Plus he had white streaks in his hair styled into almost faux cat ears. . .oh, so he was with Catwoman. He hadn’t been aware she had taken a sidekick. Maybe Bruce knew something, he'd have to ask later.

“I’m in route” Batman called via com as Nightwing landed silently just outside of the range of Ivy’s vines. Unfortunately the kid noticed him almost immediately which was a tad concerning. Very few Rogues in Gotham could notice them so quickly and those who could had years of practice. He either had fantastic senses or he had been actively expecting him.

“My first ever heist and the Bats came to play” the boy practically purred putting some distance between them and the Sirens. He was going to run interference? He was a literal child “or are you a bird? I always forget”

“This isn’t a place for children” Nightwing chided drawing his escrima sticks. He didn’t electrify them as he was hoping he wouldn’t have to use them. He didn’t want to hurt a kid villain or otherwise.

The kid tilted his head his confusion palpable “Don’t you Bats have a Robin my age” he asked tone full of derision “or is it only ok for the Batman to risk the life of a child”

“Wait” the kid paused his eyes glinting with an emotion Nightwing didn’t recognize “Is that why he hasn’t been seen out and about for a bit? Did he die like the Robin before him?”

Nightwing roared with anger at that. How dare this little brat make such remarks about his family. Charging he distantly noticed how talented the kid was in martial arts. Nightwing was stronger and faster of course but the kid somehow managed to dodge everything he threw at him. Almost as if he saw the attacks coming or knew how Nightwing fought or something.

“You know” the kid continued his voice almost mocking as he danced around Nightwing’s anger “I always wondered. Did you cry when the other Robin died? Did you even notice?”

Nightwing felt his vision blur as his rage consumed him swinging blindly only to become more enraged with every miss.

“I bet you didn’t notice for weeks” he wagered wrapping something around Nightwing’s arm while slipping around him using Dick’s truth against him as if he knew Dick had been off planet when Jason died, completely unaware that his brother was dead and buried “I bet you celebrated when some new kid showed up so you could pretend it was just some bad dream or something”

Nightwing screamed in indignation before his scream turned into one of pain as his body was suddenly electrocuted. All of his rage dissipated as he passed out Stray’s electrified whip wrapped expertly around his arm.

Putting his whip away Stray smiled wistfully. The Siren’s had finished stealing what they wanted and he felt much better. Who knew using Dick’s insecurities against him like that would make him feel better? And not a minute too soon either as he could hear the Batmobile approaching.

Nodding at Catwoman the trio left quietly while he waited for Batman. This was Gotham after all. He wasn’t just going to leave Nightwing unprotected no matter how mad he was at him and his stupid family. He didn’t want them to die or anything, Gotham needed them still.

“What did you do” Batman demanded immediately taking a fighting stance at seeing Dick’s unconscious form.

Stray shrugged a teasing smile splayed on his lips “Nothing much really just cooked up a birdie” he teased laughing at his own joke before noting how Batman kept checking for signs of life “don’t worry he’s alive” he reassured his smile softening “just unconscious”

Batman relaxed just a hair at that. Honestly if Stray didn’t know what to look for he probably would’ve missed the slight release in tension from his shoulders. And then Batman took the kid standing there in looking him over with a critical gaze. He almost reminded him of Tim but the stark white streaks in his midnight black hair reminded him of Jason. Reminded him of Jason freshly returned from the dead crying in his arms a year or so ago.

Noting how focused Batman was on his hair Stray raised a hand to touch one of the streaks “You like? They were a birthday gift” he explained his tone sardonic.

Batman sighed in relief clearly missing the subtle venom hidden in Stray’s words. He took his words literally. Meaning he presumed the white streaks were a style choice and not something decidedly less pleasant. Whatever, at least it wouldn’t be a headache for a bit.

“Your name” Batman demanded moving slowly towards Dick noting that the boy took a half step back every time he stepped forward. Smart “What is your name”

“You can call me Stray” the boy responded grinning playfully “and while this has been fun I had best run or else my chaperones will worry”

Batman opened his mouth to say something but the kid was already leaving. He’d need to pay Selina a visit later. Figure out when and why she decided to take on a sidekick. Last he knew she hated children, including teenagers.

But first he needed to get Nightwing home safely.

Chapter Text

A Few Days Later

Jason found the individual known as Stray sitting on a roof eating a hot dog while on patrol as Red Hood. Excluding the new white streaks in his hair he looked exactly as he remembered from a year ago in the Tower. Tim, a ‘friend of Robin’ was the Rogue known as Stray.

“Mind if I join you” he asked landing on the roof beside the boy.

Stray didn’t turn to face him but he didn’t make to leave either so Jason took it as approval. Excluding when Stray had glitter bombed the batmobile with everyone inside it he’d been mostly free from his pranks and ire. He didn’t intend on getting on his bad side now, this was his favorite jacket.

“Are you really done” he asked no judgment in his tone. If what he had seen in their rare interactions over the last year was the norm he would’ve left too. Dick and Bruce might say Tim was part of the family but they sure didn’t treat him as such. He always seemed to get the hardest cases and the least assistance despite being the youngest. Everyone also seemed to expect more from Tim than anyone else which just wasn't fair to the boy. But he didn't know what he could do to change it so he just tried not to add to the problem.

“Yeah” Stray replied not bothering to look up from his food “I can’t die for them again”

Jason blinked slowly as he removed his helmet his brain making the connections. The ‘dyed’ streaks in Stray’s hair were from a Pit. Whatever had happened during Tim’s ‘prank mission’ had caused him to need a dip in the waters of a pit. He hadn't even been aware there was a anywhere pit near Gotham.

Sitting beside the younger boy he thought for a moment before speaking “do you want to talk about what had happened”

Tim turned slowly at that. He hadn’t expected Jason to even remotely care. They weren’t close in the slightest. In the year or so since the Tower they had interacted maybe 10 times total. But maybe telling him would help him feel less alone.

“My ‘prank mission’ setup” he started pausing to mentally prepare himself “it was poorly thought out”

Tim had since figured out the original ‘goal’ of his mission. He had hacked Bruce’s files to figure out if and how he had messed everything up. He understood the train of thought Bruce, Dick, and Alfred had been following in their preparation but honestly it made the whole situation worse.

The original ‘goal’ of his mission was to send him and the Young Justice team to Wendy Con in Seattle. There was just one problem, he had never actually seen Wendy the Werewolf Stalker. He had never been allowed to ‘hang out’ with his team as anything other then their leader, Robin. He wasn’t their friend, only their teammate, per Bruce’s explicit orders.

He'd tried to befriend them once in the beginning. He’d even fooled around with Conner and Bart in their early days as a team coming to terms with his sexuality in the process. But then everyone started trying to figure out his civilian identity and Bruce forbade him from getting closer to them. And then he made him betray them for the ‘mission’ which led to him being kicked from the team shortly after the whole alternate versions mess.

All things Bruce, Dick, and Alfred knew when planning Tim’s mission. If any of them had actually cared they would’ve worked around that when planning. But they didn’t, because they didn’t actually care. Because he wasn’t a part of their family. He was just ‘something useful’ they could use.

“I spent two weeks fighting for my life beneath Gotham” he explained calmly “I lost count of how many times I was forced into the waters of a Lazarus Pit just to keep fighting for an alternate version of Bruce"

Jason felt his vision blur green at the admission. He had known something had been off about Bruce’s explanation but he never expected this. Tim was just a kid, younger than he had been when the Joker had killed him. And he had spent 2 weeks fighting for his life and, more or less, dying multiple times in the process.

“Bruce doesn’t know” Jason asked eventually as he forced himself to calm down. His anger, however justified, wouldn’t help anyone here.

Tim shook his head. Excluding the Sirens and now Jason, no one knew. “I submitted a report” he admitted “but I wager he either didn’t notice or didn’t care enough to read it”

Jason hummed in agreement. Bruce would definitely make a scene if Tim had forgotten to submit a report on time. But the only time he’d ever actually seen Bruce open one of Tim’s reports was when it had in fact been submitted late so he could use any mistakes he found in it to berate Tim for his work ethic. He had, at the time, assumed it was a growth tactic or something. But now he was starting to fully understand the truth behind Tim’s words from a year ago.

He wasn’t part of the family. Bruce would never treat someone in his family the way he treated Tim. Neither would Dick or Alfred. But Tim wasn’t family, not to them. Not to Jason either though at least he was aware of that fact.

“Are you happy” he asked his curiosity palpable “now that you’re free from it all I mean”

Tim smiled at the question. A brilliant smile that was so unlike every smile he had ever seen him give any of them in his time as Robin.

“So very much so” he assured him softly “I was only ever Robin because someone needed to be after you died Jason. Stray is who I chose to be. This is the life I was meant for”

Jason nodded understanding completely. He too was much happier no longer bound to the mantle of Robin. Robin was like a box that no one, not even the original, could fit into. It restricted and it hurt the wearer.

“I’m glad” he promised honestly as he stood up slowly “truly, you deserve to be happy Timbo”

Tim smiled softly his crystalline blue eyes crinkling with happiness “as do you Jay”

There was a pause as Jason remembered something. A pang of guilt filled his heart as he turned to face the younger boy again.

“I never apologized for the Tower” he stated more to himself then Tim he just tilted his head in response “I’m sorry for shooting you” he started motioning towards where the scar had been prior to Tim’s dips in the pit “and I’m sorry for trying to use you to hurt Bruce”

Tim shrugged the lenses of his Domino dropping back down to cover his eyes as he stood up so silently if Jason hadn’t been staring at him he wouldn’t have known he moved at all. Sometimes Jason forgot that Stray, that Tim, wad arguably the best trained amongst the Bats. He also had the most emotional maturity amongst them though he wagered having Harley Quinn as an aunt of sorts probably helped with that.

“Thank you for apologizing” he started as he stretched his mannerisms all Stray, or the authentic Tim he supposed “you can make it up to me by distracting B night while I go ‘shopping’ for some new jewelry tomorrow night”

Jason barked a laugh at that before putting his own helmet back on. Stray rarely stole ‘jewelry’ without Catwoman or the Sirens present all of which were out of town at the moment. Meaning he was likely intending on stealing information or tech. He could work with that.

“You got it Kitty” he promised pulling his grapple out “feel free to text me any details I may need. We might not ever be family but we can be friends yeah?”

Stray smiled that ever knowing cheshire grin of his as he nodded in agreement. Being friends could work, he would like being friends with Jason. Furthermore Stray could be friends with Red Hood.

“Let me know if you ever need my assistance Hood” he teased firing his own grapple “I don’t come cheap but I’m one of the best there is”

Jason laughed as Tim flew off into the night towards the Diamond District. Probably to head home going based entirely on the time. But you can never be fully sure with Stray.

A Week or So Later

“I don’t know how you put up with him for so long” Steph vented as she ate ice cream on the shifty couch in her apartment with Cass and Tim “I mean honestly, the man is an absolute nightmare to work with”

Tim shrugged. He had warned her when she decided to take Bruce’s offer to become Robin in exchange for actual vigilante training.

“At least he’s training you” Tim offered with a laugh “the most training I’ve received from him is how to take a punch”

Cass frowned. She was aware of how, questionable, Tim’s training had been. Of them all he had the greatest amount of training learning an impressive myriad of skills. The problem being most of the people Bruce had sent him to were either incredibly dangerous or actual villains. And Bruce and Dick seemed to have deluded themselves into believing that they were responsible for training him when neither actually trained him at all.

Catwoman, Lady Shiva, Deathstroke, Cheshire, Lex Luthor, and some 20 or so other villains had all trained Tim at Batman’s request so he didn’t have to do it himself. The fact that none of them killed him was a stroke of luck and incredibly concerning. Though finding out that Tim’s mysterious foster mother was Catwoman herself did help alleviate some of that concern though Bruce didn’t know she was his mother so not really. As far as she was aware only she and Jason knew Tim's connection to Selina and neither intended on spilling that secret.

“What’re you gonna do when he fires me” Steph asked as she grabbed another tub of ice cream “are you gonna take the mantle back up”

Tim frowned. He would love to say no. He would love to say he plans on telling Bruce to go fuck himself. But he knew if asked to come back he probably would. Because Batman needed a Robin. And regardless of his thoughts on the mantle and the Bats he was presently the most qualified to wear the colors if Steph stepped down.

“Unfortunately” he admitted eventually “but only until someone else comes along” he paused “or I turn 18. Whichever happens first”

Steph and Cass laughed at that. Cass knew Selina and the Sirens had been big on him retiring from Robin and ‘being a hero’ after he turned 18. Though for the life of her Steph couldn’t figure out what he’d do without being a Hero. Would he go to college and become a normie? Was college even an option for people like them? She’d love to go if it was.

“Still brother” Cass determined aloud before hugging him tightly.

Tim smiled and agreed. They’d been chosen siblings since their time together with her mother Lady Shiva. She was the best thing to ever happen to the Bats and he loved her to pieces. Honestly, if he asked, she’d probably drop the Bats to help Stray in a heartbeat. As it stood though she just consciously chose to avoid Stray while they were in the field so she didn’t have to choose and he respected that.

“Did you hear” Steph asked suddenly pulling her phone out “Stray replaced the wiper fluid of the Batmobile with liquid glitter. B was pissed”

Cass shot Tim a look while he laughed. Technically Stray hadn’t done that. Harley had done it, at Stray's bequest. He had been home studying for finals. He couldn't afford to let his grades slip else he risk his spot as valedictorian.

“You guys are coming to my graduation right” he asked sitting up “B hasn’t given me an answer yet but I was hoping to use my speech as a final olive branch to him and Dick or whatever”

Steph groaned muttering something about ‘his lack of self respect’ under her breath before promising she’ll be there. Cass said she would try but she was leaving for Hong Kong in a week and she wasn’t sure when she’d be back in Gotham. But she would try to make it if she could.

And as sad as it sounds, trying was more than enough for him.

Chapter Text

Steph was fired from Robin before even hitting the 2.5 month mark. Making her the 3rd Robin fired. Only 1 had ever quit. And that ex-Robin was presently avoiding Bruce Wayne and his oldest son like his life depended on it. Honestly it was getting to be rather ridiculous. They just wouldn’t take the hint that he wanted nothing to do with them or their fucked up family of vigilantes.

Stepping out of Gotham Academy Tim frowned upon spotting Dick waiting by Bruce's jaguar waving at him. He spun on his heel and walked back inside pretending to have forgotten something. He left through the woods behind the school grateful he followed Selina's advice and joined the gymnastics team to explain how he could flip over the back fence so gracefully.

It took Dick 20 minutes to realize Tim had given them the slip. And by then he was safely at home. They’d have to try again later.

Later proved to be the next day as he was walking to the bus. Normally Selina would drive him but she got food poisoning the night before so he was taking the bus.

“Hop in Timmy” Dick called as the pulled up in Bruce’s favorite convertible “I’ll give you a lift”

Frowning Tim did as was requested. Not because he particularly wanted to but because it was easier. The last thing he needed to deal with was the questions he’d be asked on the bus ride to school if he declined.

“Understand that if I’m late to school my foster mom will quite possibly kill Bruce” he warned honestly. Selina took school very seriously. He skipped for a case once without running it by her first and she benched him for a week. Bruce thankfully got the message that school was not negotiable though he still grumbled about it quite a bit.

Nodding tightly, as someone who remembered having to patrol for Bruce as Alfred hadn’t let Bruce patrol without Tim as punishment for getting him benched for skipping class, Dick drove them towards Gotham Academy.

“We’ve missed you” Dick tried as they waited at a stoplight “the whole family has”

Tim didn’t convey his disbelief but he still got the feeling Dick understood it anyway. “Bruce just misses having his favorite soldier around” he countered looking at anything other than the men driving him to school.

“Are you still mad about the birthday prank” Dick asked not understanding “it’s ok that you didn’t figure it out Timmy”

Tim openly flinched at that. At the implication that he was mad over a prank. At the implication that he had been treated the same way they had. It was incredulous and insulting. He very nearly died for that goddamn mission. He would have died if it wasn’t for that ‘Talon’ taking pity on him.

“I’ve long since stopped being mad Richard” he snapped his tone tense “I made a mistake (in trusting any of you) and it will not happen again”

“Baby bird” Dick tried as Gotham Academy came into view “you should come by the Manor sometime after school, I miss hanging out”

Hanging out? They had never hung out. Not unless you count working together on patrol. Or kicking his ass as Stray. Which he doubted counted considering they still hadn’t pieced together that he was Stray thanks to spray on hair dye he used when out of costume. They probably wouldn’t take such news overly well considering he’s beaten them several times now. Like when Stray rigged multiple ‘bombs’ of eco-friendly edible glitter to go off when everyone got in the Batmobile. No one beside Blackbat was spared, not even Spoiler or Red Hood, it was delightful. Or when he added used a paralitic 'bullet' made from Ivy's pollen to draw on Batman's face with a permanent marker while he was forced to watch unable to move. That had been hilarious plus he still managed to steal the 'skeleton key' Kord Industries was working on which was nice.

“If Bruce wants me to come back he can find me himself” he hissed hopping out of the car when they stopped at a stop sign. He was done listening to this nonsense.

At least until after school when fucking Bruce Wayne himself was waiting for him. Honestly he could probably give him the slip like he had Dick the other day but Bruce tended to be more persistent. He’d probably start following him home or something if he did that. And the last thing he wanted to have to explain right now is why he was living with Selina Kyle, or why he called her mom. That could wait until his graduation.

So he got in the car like a good little soldier his face forcibly devoid of emotion.

“Come back” Bruce demanded more than asked.

Tim sighed deeply. He wasn’t getting out of this nonsense. Selina was going to be pissed. “Fine” he conceded “but if you ever pull something like that again I swear to Diana that I will make you regret it”

Bruce nodded tightly. Silently he wondered why Tim was taking such a mistake so hard. It didn’t make any sense to him. Though Dick and Jason had began to rebel at a similar age so maybe it was just puberty stuff.

Either way, he didn’t intend to lose another son.

Several Months Later

The original plan was to introduce Selina as his mother at his high school graduation. The only problem? None of the Wayne’s actually showed up to the event. Except Jason who showed up in disguise as he was still presently legally dead but he already knew Selina was his mom so he didn't count. Cass was out of the country on mission which gave her a pass. And Steph she was out with the flu so he understood her not being there. She video called him earlier to apologize when she had a small respite from the throwing up. But Bruce, Dick, and Alfred had all promised they’d be there, and they weren’t.

It wasn’t until several days later did he learn that they bailed on him because Bruce learned he had a secret child. Apparently his 11 year old bio-son showed up on his doorstep and they were busy figuring all of that out. Which is what it is but a text would have been nicer then finding out through a tabloid article he saw in passing. To be fair to Jason though, he hadn’t known either as he had been fighting with Bruce at the time. He didnt actually find out until after Tim texted him about it.

Honestly it was fine though, he was fine. He wasn’t family and though he liked to delude himself into thinking he could be, even after the hell they had put him through for his 16th birthday, he understood that would never change. Still, this felt like the final nail in the coffin. The final piece of proof he needed to accept his place as nothing more than a coworker to them.

Besides Damian’s arrival was a good thing in theory. It meant he could step down as Robin sooner rather than later. It meant he could go back home and stop renting some apartment he really didn’t care for just so Bruce wouldn’t realize his mother was Catwoman and he was Stray. It meant he could be done pretending to be someone he wasn’t.

If only Damian wasn’t such a piece of work.

Tim understood that the kid was literally just a child raised by a literal League of Assassins. He understood that. But gods was he tired of all the half baked murder attempts. Rat poison in his nice coffee he got on his way to the cave? Really? Rat poison isn’t even overly effective on humans. At least use arsenic or something potentially fatal. Not that it’d matter with the month he spent training with Chesire to develop resistance/immunity to poisons/toxins but some actual effort would be nice.

Honestly Damian would’ve probably been a bigger threat if Tim actually lived at the Manor. But he didn’t which limited Damian’s access to him. And since Tim avoided sparring with any Bat other than Bruce he didn’t have any real chances to make any serious attempts on Tim’s life.

Though, arguably, one could barely call what he did with Bruce sparring. It was more like parrying while Bruce took his anger and frustrations out on Tim. Though he did learn how to set broken bones and how to block while in immense pain as he wasn’t allowed to fight back in these ‘matches’. He was just there so Bruce had someone to take his anger out on so he wouldn't beat a petty thief into a coma again. Thankfully the pits had given him enhanced healing and all that cause patrolling with broken bones, like he had prior to his dips in the pit, had been brutal.

“You should take Dami on patrol with you tonight Timmy” Dick suggested one night as Tim was suiting up "it'd be a good bonding experience for the two of you"

“No” he answered immediately his voice flat. The only reason he patrolled with anyone ever was because they insisted on it. It was a pain in the ass explaining why he could talk down over half of the Rogues in Gotham and he didnt like doing it not even with Jason or Cass. Besides, he was not babysitting some kid who openly wanted him dead for being an ‘interloper’ or whatever.

Damian tutted before mumbling something about Tim being too incompetent to patrol with. Which was honestly kinda funny as he got solo patrol privileges at age 14 despite both Dick and Jason requiring supervision until they were 16.

“Tell you what” he relented picking up his training bō “I’ll bring the Brat with me if he can land a clean hit with his training sword”

Was it bait? Yes. Was it a tad cruel? Yes. Did he care? No. Damian tried to kick him off the fucking T-Rex the last time he had humored Dick by sparring with the kid. Why would he care about being nice to him? Still, the bait worked as Damian grabbed his sword before immediately attempting to land a strike.

Damian was an arguably talented fighter. He was inherently good. Unfortunately he believed natural talent was more important than hard work and practice. He believed he was a better fighter than Tim because it came more naturally to him than it did Tim. Probably because Bruce, Dick, and even Jason all coddled him in training constantly going easy on him and praising him for the simplest of things. But Tim was trained by Lady Shiva and an ever growing list of other highly dangerous combatants. He didn’t coddle anyone, he didn’t know how.

“Again” he called as Damian hit the mat for the 10th time. The kid was getting tired and his frustration was making him sloppy “or have you had enough Tweetie Bird”

Damian snarled before charging only for Tim to sidestep and trip him easily with his staff. Tim wasn’t nearly as strong as Jason or as fast as Dick but he was smarter. And he had far more practice fighting opponents stronger and faster than he was. Far more practice surviving when death was all but guaranteed.

“Don’t you think you’re being too aggressive” Jason asked hesitantly from beside Dick “he’s only 11 Tim”

Tim arched an eyebrow “what’s your point Jay” he asked not turning to face the older boy “I was only 13 when Bruce sent me to Lady Shiva to start my training”

Both men froze at that. Bruce sent Tim to Lady Shiva for training? Why in the hells would he do that? She was quite literally the most dangerous woman on the planet. Bruce was more than talented enough to train Tim, he had trained the rest of them after all. What else didn’t they know about Tim’s time in training?

“At least he waited until I was 16 to send me on a suicide mission though” Tim continued softly more to himself than them.

Damian blinked at him his emerald eyes wide in confusion. He was the only person to have heard that last part. And as unlikely as it sounded the conviction in Tim’s tone told him he wasn’t lying. Bruce had indeed sent him to train with Lady Shiva before sending him on a suicide mission 3 years later.

“Father sent you to die” he asked horrified.

Tim blinked not realizing he had said that part aloud. “Oh don’t worry about that Dami. He would never send one of his actual kids on a mission like that” he assured him with a sickly sweet smile “that’s what I’m here for after all”

Damian’s blood soured at the thought of his father doing something so cruel. Also wasn’t Tim one of Bruce’s children? His mother had been certain that Tim was Bruce’s favorite child. She spoke of it with certainty and venom. His chosen heir or whatever. So why was Tim so certain he wasn’t part of the family? He didn’t understand.

“Well” Tim smiled offering Damian a hand after kicking his training sword away. He wasn’t stupid enough to risk an attempted stabbing however unlikely. Shockingly Damian actually accepted his hand without remark “this has been fun but I’m gonna go patrol now”

In Damian’s shock he forgot to ask Bruce about Tim’s revelation. As did Dick and Jason. They just couldn’t believe Bruce would do something like that, especially not to Tim. . .well Jason could but still, it was weird to see how differently Tim had been treated. And then they forgot about the conversation as they busied themselves with getting Damian properly trained.

A Few Months Later

Bruce ‘died’ on Tim’s 17th birthday. A fact that didn’t surprise him in the slightest. He was used to his birthday coming with bad news after all, especially when it came to the Bats and their never ending family drama. What did surprise him was the realization, a few weeks later, that Bruce wasn’t actually dead. He wasn’t quite certain why he was so certain Bruce was alive but he was 100% certain nonetheless.

Unfortunately no one actually believed him. Not that it mattered really. He would just figure out how to handle the situation and bring him back on his own as he had originally intended. He was really just telling Dick as a curtesy. The only problem was the whole ‘leaving Gotham without a Robin’ thing. Gotham needed a Robin just as it needed a Batman, two sides to the same coin and all that. Though Dick might be little more than a child dressing up as his father for he was still Batman. Which meant he needed a Robin.

And then he spotted Damian in his Robin suit. Well not his Robin suit, but a Robin suit made for Damian’s measurements and tastes. Which was shocking but also a relief. Though he wasn’t sure Damian was ready for such a mantel. He was still very prone to stabbing first and asking questions after. He was also still grieving the death of his actual father. He was also very much still in training.

“Is he ready” he asked not turning to face Dick. It was a simple question really. Unfortunately Dick mistook his tone for indignation.

“It’s my choice Tim” Dick snapped tired of his authority being questioned. He and Jason had gone to blows over who would be Batman after all. He was tired of everyone having an opinion on his decisions.

“That has nothing to do with this” Tim countered not understanding why Dick was so snippy. It was a simple yes or no question “is he ready” he repeated

“I said it was my choice Tim” Dick practically roared not grasping that Tim was merely concerned for Damian’s safety. The kid was 12 and his father had just died. He should not, in Tim’s opinion, be going into the field.

But Dick was right. It was his choice. With Bruce gone Dick was Damian’s legal guardian. He had the authority to decide this. Whether Tim agreed with the choice or not didn’t matter. Besides, with Damian as Robin he was free to go rescue Bruce.

“You’re right” he conceded alleviating Dick’s misplaced anger “just keep him safe alright? Don’t make the same mistakes with him that Bruce made with you and Jason”

Whether Dick heard him or not he hadn’t a clue. He didn’t stick around to find out. He had a trail to follow and a Batman to save. Preferably before Dick broke under the impossiblr weight of the mantel that was Batman. Preferably before Damian got hurt wearing a mantel he wasn’t quite ready to wear.

This would be his last mission for the Bats, saving the Batman.

Chapter Text

Presently (A Week After Ch 1) – Gotham Harbor

The Secret Six were holed up in an abandoned warehouse with the Penguin. They were planning on striking while Batman, the real Batman, was still missing and/or dead. Who the imposter thought he was kidding wearing the coil was anyone’s guess. Just a two-bit phoney pretending he was something he wasn't.

“Our targets” Bane explained “are Batgirl, Robin 3, Catwoman, and Huntress”

“No Huntress” Catman countered his tone irate. They had a fling at one point or another. It was a complicated mess but he still cared about her. He wouldn't have her dragged into Bane's war.

Stray laughed softly alerting the Six, why they’re called the Six when there’s like eight of them he doesn’t know, of his presence. He had intentionally chosen a spot Deadshot couldn’t shoot him from as he wasn’t an idiot. Getting shot wasn’t part of today’s plan. He didn’t like the idea of testing how good of a shot Floyd really was.

“Your info’s out of date Bane” he purred from his perch “Catwoman hasn’t been with Batman in years”

Bane scowled, he hadn’t known that. Though he had heard rumors of her getting a kid a while back. Maybe that had changed things between her relationship with the Batman. He hadn’t had the chance to look into that. And anyway, it seemed unlikely, the Selina he knew disliked children.

“And Robin 3 isn’t anyone of import to the Batman” he continued with a wistful smile “rumor has it he left the Bats and Gotham like a year or so ago”

Bane scowled again, he hadn’t known that either. He hadn’t been in Gotham much over the last year or so. Not since before the imposter Batman stepped onto the scene. Not since Nightwing had the gull to call him and his team the bad guys for rescuing people from kidnappers just because they didn’t adhere to the ‘no kill rule’ nonsense the Bats followed.

“Than who do you suggest kid” Deadshot asked lowering his guns.

Stepping out slowly his hands raised in surrender he smiled.

“It’s Stray” he corrected with a playful wink “and for maximum hurt I’d probably go for Nightwing, the newest Robin, Batgirl, and maybe that Red Hood guy”

Red Hood? The Crime Lord? Was this kid fucking with them? Why in the fuck would the Batman care about a murderous Crime Lord? Didn’t they actively hate each other?

“Apparently Red Hood reminds Batman of the dead Robin 2 or something. I haven’t a clue if those rumors are true or not unfortunately” he explained only half lying with a casual shrug “and I’d say Blackbat would be the absolute best option as Batman’s favorite but trust me she could beat everyone here without an issue even Miss Jeanette”

That they believed, Blackbat was horrifying to fight. You avoided her whenever possible unless you wanted to walk away with injuries. While she might not kill you she’d likely make you wish she had.

“But honestly” Stray offered “I’d cut your losses as the real Batman is back in town and your little Penguin buddy here called him already. They’ll be here with friends in maybe 5 minutes tops”

Fucking A, Cobblepot you sick son of a bitch. They weren’t planning on killing him, just rough him up a bit of whatever, but now? Now Bane was considering it. Maybe King Shark was hungry or something as they hadn’t let him eat Penguin’s penguins earlier.

“And you’re offering this advice because” Catman asked his curiosity getting the better of him. He had heard of Stray's albeit brief claim to fame. Kid took down Nightwing a few years ago single handedly. Made a scene for a month or two before vanishing again to deal with personal nonsense. But the kid was still a Gotham Rogue, and they didn’t just offer advice for free.

“Let’s just say it’s my way of thanking you for helping Gotham while Batman wasn’t able to” he admitted with a soft smile “I and all of Gotham appreciate what you did for our city"

That. . .that was actually unexpectedly nice. The only cape that even acknowledged their attempts at helping around Gotham while Batman was gone was Nightwing. And he had been very much against them assisting at all. Something about Gotham not needing the ‘help’ of villains. Honestly he had been a bit of an asshole about it all things considered. It definitely highlighted why they disliked the Hero Community as much as they did.

Damned if you do, damned if you don't. Fucking hypocrites.

Something on Stray beeped causing him to frown. They needed to leave, like now, if they wanted to avoid the Bats.

“Well, do what you want but I’m gonna go before Bats and co get here and ruin such a purrfect evening” he teased looking over his shoulder as he fired the grapple before tossing a small box at Bane with a wink “if your need me for anything I’m sure Catman will be able to find me easily enough”

With that he was gone leaving the Six, or however many they are, alone to deal with the approaching Bats and the traitorous Cobblepot. Or what was left of him as King Shark had indeed decided he was hungry and that traitors tasted delicious. Rest in peace Cobblepot, you probably won’t be missed.

“Fuck I’m out” Deadshot folded first. He wasn’t necessarily a coward but he definitely knew his limits “Bats I can handle, their friends? No thanks”

Jeanette, Scandal, Catman, Ragdoll and Knockout all agreed. Though Knockout only agreed because Scandal agreed. She was totally fine with fighting the friends of the Bats. She actually looked forward to the idea, it could be fun. But her new wives and their continued safety and freedom came first.

Bane and King Shark however were committed to the plan. More so now that the rest decided to bail. They could at least offer them a chance to escape safely. It’s not like their plan was going to work anyway. If what Stray had said was right only 1 of the people they had planned on targeting was even remotely valuable towards their end goal. And Bane didn’t like the idea of fighting teenage girls, Bat or otherwise.

Plus staying still accomplished Bane’s end goal of removing himself from Scandal’s life. Before someone used his place as her pseudo father figure to hurt one of them or someone else they cared about. It also ensured she didn’t get hurt in the process which accomplished a silent, selfish, goal of his. She deserved to be free with her wives, not in some prison for the decisions of her not quite father. She deserved to be free from this life. She deserved to be happy.

“Stay safe my daughter” he whispered as he and King Shark injected themselves with venom before attacking the Bats and their friends. They took down quite a few before they were eventually subdued. Bane could go to prison knowing that, thanks to the small piece of kryptonite that had been in the small box Stray had tossed him, he was not only the man who had broken the Bat but the man who had broken Superman as well. It didn’t mean much considering Superman’s healing abilities but the crunch of the Man of Steel's spine breaking against his knee as the Kryptonian screamed in agony would bless his dreams for years to come.

Elsewhere in Gotham – An Hour or So Later

“Stray” Catman greeted landing on the roof beside the younger Rogue “thank you”

Stray smiled at him. But the smile didn’t touch his eyes. Like he was torn between helping them and the Bats. Which made sense considering Stray had been Robin 3.

What? He’s the greatest non-meta tracker in the world. He had always known the truth, he could quite literally smell it. Plus it’s not like they really look any different besides the white streaks anyway.

“For bringing the Batman back I mean” he continued silently noting how Stray tensed at that “on behalf of all of Gotham and me personally, thank you”

Stray blinked unsure of how to respond. Excluding Selina and the Sirens no one knew he had been responsible. Sure some of the Justice League did as did some of the Bats, Oracle and Batman specifically, but they all thought Robin had done it. They didn’t know Stray had.

Furthermore Selina and the Sirens hadn’t actually thanked him for it. They thanked him for returning safely, for not dying. But not for rescuing Bruce/Batman. Not for doing what needed to be done.

A strong hand cupped his cheek gently bringing him out of his own head and back to reality. Green eyes locked with crystalline blue as Catman, no, as Thomas Blake smiled warmly at him. “Thank you kitty, for doing what no one else could”

He hadn’t needed thanks, he hadn’t. He didn’t do it for thanks but hearing the words in the barely audible rumble of Thomas’s deep whisper he broke. Tears slipped unabashedly down his face as he crumbled against the man before him. As he sobbed against the man who awkwardly moved to embrace him in a hug in return.

“Let’s get you home Kitten” Catman offered a reassuring arm wrapping around Stray’s waist while the younger man continued to sob softly against him. He knew he lived with Selina, he knew he was her kid “ready”

Stray nodded against him as Catman fired his grapple. They flew across Gotham in silence until they eventually made it back to Selina’s. Slipping in through the skylight he helped a now drowsy Stray onto the couch tucking a plush blanket around him. Evidently Tim was recovering from severe touch starvation Blake realized noting how he had started falling asleep as soon as he had taken him into his arms on the roof.

“Thank you for bringing him home” Selina appreciated from the kitchen. She had been worried about him with Bane still actively facing off against the Bats and their friends. And while she didn’t exactly like Blake she respected him, he was a good guy deep down with deeply held morals. He’d ensure Tim was safe around him.

Removing his mask Blake nodded curtly. He didn’t know Stray very well. They had only met maybe 3 times in his tenure as Robin. And prior to today he had never actually met him as Stray. But he knew he was important to Selina and the Sirens. It was the least he could do for her to repay her for having offered him advice when he was just a baby Rogue inspired by her gag and his love of cats.

“Blake” Selina called before he could slip out “may I ask a favor”

Blake arched an eyebrow but nodded “of course Cat”

“Will you let Tim stay with you and the Six at your base in the near future” she asked cautiously “he needs to get out of Gotham for a bit, somewhere the Bats won’t find him”

“or at least he will in a few days” she corrected glancing at her son snoozing lightly on the couch “he’s planning a job apparently. A very dangerous job”

Blake paused at that. If even half of the whispers he’s heard about what Stray spent the last year doing were true that could mean literally anything. Very few people could tango with the Demon Head and survive. Even fewer could do so and end up with the Demon Head’s genuine respect. Stray had done both.

“Of course Cat” he promised almost immediately. If Selina was worried about him knowing everything she knew about him then he was going to need all the help he could get. And since Tim had been willing to cross the Bat for him and his friends it was the very least he could do. Plus he kinda wanted to get to know Tim, he was cute.

“What’s he planning Cat” he asked looking at Tim sleeping peacefully on the couch multiple cats appearing from around the apartment to snuggle with him. That help with his touch starvation, good.

“I don’t know” Selina admitted wistfully “he won’t tell me. But he said he’ll have to disappear for awhile after to avoid the Bats which means it can’t be good”

Blake nodded. Tim had spent over 5 years fighting beside the Bats. Keeping secrets from them sure but always near enough that he was reachable if they ever bothered to put in the effort. So if he believed he’d need to truly avoid them after this, after only just returning to Gotham, he must be planning something big.

But not even Selina could have predicted exactly how big his plans really were.

A Week Later

It was the dead of night when Blake received the call. He had stayed in Gotham to ensure there would be no hiccups in helping as promised. But still, he hadn’t expected the call to come so soon or so suddenly. Yet he did as requested none the less, he went to go smuggle Tim out of Gotham.

Pulling up to Selina’s home in a nondescript tan station wagon he waved in greeting. Floyd sat beside him in the passenger seat grumbling about the ungodly hour. He hadn’t exactly needed to come but he had some jobs on the way so he decided to tag along. He mostly enjoyed Blake’s company and besides, the man offered him a cut of what Selina was paying him to keep the kid safe just for helping with the drive back to their old base.

“Thank you Blake” Selina purred as Tim loaded his bags into the back seat before climbing in “seriously”

Blake smiled warmly “of course Cat” he reassured her before smiling at Tim in the rearview mirror. Tim smiled back his crystalline blue eyes glittering in the car’s dim console light. How had he never realized how stunning Tim’s eyes are he wondered silently before speaking up again “I’ll keep him safe don’t worry”

Floyd nodded tightly beside him. Selina had paid Blake handsomely for to let him stay with the Six. And in turn Blake was offering Floyd a 40% cut just for tagging along for most of the drive back. That 40% was more than he had earned in the last year with the Six so he was more than happy to help.

Waving one last time the trio sped off in silence. The listened to a police scanner without talking until they were out of Gotham careful to avoid any active crime scenes and Bat sightings. Carefully waiting until they were out of the Bat’s domain to ask the question they were both dying to know.

Floyd broke first noting that Tim seemed more than content just smiling peacefully as he looked out the window “what’d you do kid” he asked gruffly “what’d you do that was so bad you needed to hide from the Batman”

Tim’s peaceful smile turned almost feral at the question. When he spoke it was barely a whisper yet for reasons neither man cared to address it rang clear in their ears. Four words they never thought they’d ever hear anyone say. Especially not a barely 18 year old associated with the Batman.

“I killed the Joker”

Chapter Text

A Few Hours Ago - Arkham Asylum

The Joker smiled widely as a dark figure slipped into his cell. He hadn’t received a visit from the Batman in what felt like ages. Not since just before the imposter started running around Gotham. He couldn’t wait to get out to punish them for pretending they could be his Batman. Couldn’t wait to clip the wings of this imposter's Robin. It'd be just like old times, killing a Robin to show a Bat their place in his city.

“I’ve missed you Batsy” he called his cheer dropping when the shadow morphed into a figure far too small to be the Batman “hey you’re not Batsy”

The shadow didn’t acknowledge his remark. They weren’t here to converse. They were here to do what should’ve been done years ago. What needed to be done if the rumors of Damian being allowed to patrol on his own despite not even being 13 were true. He wouldn’t let another Robin die to this clown. He wouldn’t.

“Want to play a game with me” the shadow asked softly as they approached “I believe you called it which hurts more”

Joker made to lunge at the shadow only to fall short when something cut him causing him to stumble.

“Don’t rush Joker. We have all night after all” the shadow mocked their voice barely a whisper yet astonishingly clear in the clown's ears “now, which hurts more” a blade went through the Joker’s hand causing the clown to scream in surprise “this? Or” another blade appeared removing a finger from the opposite hand cleanly “this”

The Joker roared in pain as his assailant played his game. This? They asked before a shallow wound. Or this? Before a deep one. Rinse and repeat. Over and over. As the clown had done to Jason only with a blade instead of a crowbar.

“The Bat will have your head for this” the Joker spat knowing Batman would be here soon to stop this. He always saved him. Because he couldn’t survive without him there to show him the true darkness of Gotham. To show him just how badly Gotham needed the Batman.

“You think he's coming to save you don’t you” the shadow asked in the same clear whisper voice they had used earlier. It was the same question the Joker had asked Jason years prior “you think he actually cares if someone else decides to kill you in his place”

That was the kicker wasn’t it. The Joker wanted to die. But he wanted the Batman to be the one to do it. To prove he was just as dark as the rest of them. But if what this assailant was saying was true the Batman didn’t actually care if someone else stepped to the plate to do what he couldn’t. Didn’t care if someone already tainted by the darkness of Gotham ended his life.

The clown fought his rage hitting new peaks at the possibility. The possibility that the Batman, his Batman, had decided to throw him out like he was nothing more than yesterday's trash. But his assailant, this shadow figure, had ensured he couldn’t fight with carefully placed cuts. He would never again hurt another soul, not now, not ever.

“He’s watching this by the way” the shadow lied their whisper tone almost jolly “you could beg for him to save you”

Manic eyes went wide as he saw the small camera he hadn’t noticed earlier in the corner of the room a little red light informing him that it was recording. The Batman could see this? He could still come and be the one to kill him instead of this talking shadow? All he had to do was beg?

“Batsy” he called his fear genuine as the shadow walked around him in a slow circle examining something on their person “Batsy you have to save me before this shadow kills me in your place. Batsy please”

“I lied” the shadow informed him a wicked smile on their otherwise expressionless face as they forced something into a wound they had made on the joker’s chest. Based on the size of the device he wagered it was an explosive of sorts “that camera isn’t broadcasting anything to anyone. The Batman rejected the feed request”

Hot tears slipped down the Joker’s face for the first time in literal ages as his entire fucked up world shattered around him. The shadow slit his throat cleanly forcing him to bleed out while his greatest fear became the last reality he’d ever know. He died, in an explosion of gore while choking on his own blood, fully believing that the Batman didn’t care that he was dying at all.

Presently – Arkham Asylum

Batman and Red Hood arrived at the scene together. Bruce had been against the idea, he knew how Jason was when the Joker was involved, but Barbara had insisted. Which was weird considering her own trauma regarding the clown. Though it became a lot less weird when they arrived at Arkham only to find the GCPD already there.

“It wasn’t a break out” Gordon explained as they approached. The man was fighting a smile for some reason.

Striding inside they realized the meaning behind his words immediately. It hadn’t been a break out. It had been a break in. And who ever had broken in knew exactly what they were doing. They knew exactly how to get to their target without being seen or caught.

“Holy fuck” Red Hood swore as they approached the containment cell that had previously belonged to the Joker.

It was a mess. Blood and guts everywhere. Body parts scattered about everywhere. And the Joker was very clearly dead. He was not coming back either, not even with magic. It looked like after he had been killed, slowly and painfully, a low-grade explosive had been put inside him to ensure there was nothing more than a face amongst a scene of gore left, not nearly enough for anyone to consider bringing him back. While also being a weak enough explosion to ensure nothing outside of the Joker’s cell would be damaged in the process.

But that wasn’t the part Bruce was focusing on. It was the single blade left inside the room. An intentional ‘mistake’ made by the killer for the Batman to find.

“The League of Assassins” he grumbled softly knowing he’d need to call Talia.

Ra’s knew better than to come to Gotham. He knew better than to send his agents here. But at the same time he felt like he could look past it. The Joker was dead and, even if he had wanted to do something about it, he was willing to bet money that he had been dead long before the alert ever went off.

“The explosion triggered the alarm” a officer informed him confirming his theory “bastard was long dead before anyone even knew someone had broken in”

“Camera feed” he asked curious.

The officer in question shook his head. Nothing had been caught on the Arkham cameras. But as he explained that another officer approached holding a small evidence bag with a camera place carefully inside.

“There was a small camera located on the scene” the officer explained handing the small bag directly to Red Hood “Gordon said to give it to the Red Hood specifically. . .it’s apparently a gift from the killer but I don’t know how he knew that. The footage is fucked up man and you cant see the assailant clearly at all”

Batman nodded flinching slightly when he noticed Red Hood pocketing the camera before moving to take a selfie with the carnage. Now he understood why Barbara had insisted he go. They were celebrating the death of the clown, as was their right. The Joker had done irreparable damage to them and their lives. He had killed hundreds if not thousands of people. If anyone deserved to die it was him.

And silently he was thankful no one in his family had to darken their souls to do it. Grateful none of them had killed him.

But that didn’t change the fact that someone had killed him. It didn’t change the fact that someone as high profile as the Joker had been murdered in Gotham without him being able to do a damn thing about it. Which was concerning and needed to be rectified.

The Next Night

Bruce and Damian were waiting atop the roof of Wayne Enterprise when Talia al Ghul, daughter to the Demon Head, arrived. She appeared almost skittish for some reason. Distrusting of even the shadow she seemed to appear from. It was jarring to say the least. Talia was not one to frighten easily.

“Beloved” she greeted warmly despite the tension she was carrying “Darling” she continued greeting Damian after Bruce.

Damian returned the equally polite greeting while Bruce tried to figure out what was wrong. He had known Talia a long time. But this was the first time he had ever seen her so nervous. Like she was trying to tap dance around eggshells or something with the fear of death if she made a misstep.

“The League completed a hit in Gotham” he accused his voice faltering when she visibly recoiled at the accusation.

“We did not” she stated immediately her voice holding the barest sliver of fear hidden beneath it “I can assure you there are no League operatives in Gotham other than those explicitly permitted by him. And those operatives follow only him, not the League”

Him? Based on the way she said that he could make the assumption that she wasn’t speaking about Ra’s. And he got the distinct feeling that despite looking at him while speaking she was not actually speaking to him. Who she was speaking to however he didn’t know just yet.

He opened his mouth to question her wording when the shadow to his left shifted. A bald woman he didn’t recognize stepped out with two men following close behind.

“Message for you” the woman stated in a definitively British accent as she handed Talia a note before immediately leaving with her companions.

Talia opened the note slowly her entire body visibly relaxing at whatever it said. Furthering Bruce’s suspicion that someone or something in Gotham worried Talia. Which was concerning because, again, Talia wasn’t easy to scare.

Now her normal flippant self Talia ran a hand through her ebony hair and smiled.

“He says I am excluded from his agreement with Father” she stated her voice laced with relief “says I may come and see you both as I wish without consequence as long as I mind his rules”

“Who is he” Damian asked his tone tight “and why does he have an agreement with Grandfather”

Talia smiled weakly. Like the answer both pleased and displeased her at the same time. “Father’s chosen heir” she explained calmly.

“I don’t have such an agreement with Ra’s” Bruce responded almost immediately his voice sounding almost disappointed before he remembered that Damian was Ra’s heir “neither does Damian as far as I’m aware” and even if they did he couldn’t imagine Ra’s actually keeping his word for anyone, not even Damian.

Talia shook her head at that. Clearly they were missing something. Or something had changed? Neither of them were quite sure.

“Father has taken a new heir” she admitted almost respectfully “and while I am loathe to admit it, given our. . .personal differences, he is in fact the perfect choice. Brilliant, ruthless, and with a clear affinity for waters of the Pits”

Damian went rigid at that. It couldn’t be, could it? Before he had come to Gotham his mother had warned him that Tim was a threat to his standing as the family’s heir. At the time he taken that to mean the Wayne Family. But what if she hadn’t meant the Wayne’s? What if Tim had been a threat to his standing as the heir to the Demon Head? It would make sense given Tim’s opinion that he is not a member of the Wayne family.

Traditionally League heirs are only replaced when killed. Unless the new heir chooses the previous heir is worth more alive than dead. If. . .if grandfather had decided Tim was a more qualified heir then. . .then sending him to Gotham had been more than a means to have him form a bond with his father. It very well could’ve been done primarily to ensure his actual survival. To ensure that Tim would be reluctant to have him killed off when he accepted his place as grandfather’s heir.

“Drake” he asked meekly his green eyes almost fearful at the idea of knowing the truth. Almost fearful of the idea that the individual he treated with nothing but scorn and derision had gracefully chosen to allow him to live when, according to the League’s traditions, he had every right to kill him without repercussion.

Bruce felt his eyes widen as Talia nodded in response. How did Tim ever even get on Ra’s radar? As far as he had been aware they had never even met.

“He noticed Tim when he was training abroad with Lady Shiva and the others” she explained calmly “at first it was just a mild curiosity. After all how many untrained 13 year olds can survive her training” she laughed at this “and then he bested Jason after he took a dip in the Pit”

Oh gods, this was all his fault Bruce realized with growing horror. But that’s just curiosity, it didn’t exactly warrant naming Tim his heir.

“But eliminating the Court of Owls with little real assistance is what sealed the deal”

Bruce felt his blood freeze at her words. Tim had gone against the Court of Owls? The Court that was, as far as he had been aware prior to this moment, little more than a myth? The Court that, according to legend, had an army of ‘undead’ assassins even stronger than any within the League of Assassins? He had gone against that Court of Owls? On his own? And won?

“So when he learned that Tim was searching for you” she continued ignoring his growing horror “he offered his assistance in return for having him eliminate a rival organization, the Council of Spiders with 3 of our best agents”

Damian felt both respect and abject horror at that revelation. Respect because it was immensely impressive. He wasn’t even sure his mother could accomplish such a feat under the stated parameters. But horror because Tim had only recently turned 18. He had, as a child, eliminated 2 of the strongest groups of Assassins in the world with little to no help at all.

“So Tim is the chosen heir to the Demon Head” Talia finished with a respectful flourish. She might not have liked that Damian had been ‘usurped’ but she had long since gotten over it. Damian was still the Wayne heir “and until he takes his place as the next Demon Head Gotham is his domain and the League is not to interfere without his explicit permission”

“Lest he choose to destroy us as well” she finished so softly neither Bruce nor Damian heard her say it at all.

She didn’t exactly fear Tim. In a one on one fight she was confident she or Ra’s could best him. But she was also confident that he would destroy the entirety of the League of Assassins before either of them managed to eliminate him. And unlike with the Court and the Council he has had time to actually plan their destruction. He had time to ensure he wouldn’t make any mistakes or complications while doing so.

Bruce frowned at this revelation. He had known of none of this. Not of the Court or the Council. Not of Tim ever having worked with Ra’s. None of it. Exactly how much had happened in the year he’d been gone? When had he taken on the Court of Owls? And why hadn’t he mentioned doing so?

“But if the League didn't kill the Joker who's knife is this" Bruce asked tossing the blade left at the crime scene towards Talia.

Talia caught the blade her eyes glinting. It was one of several Ra's had gifted Tim in his time with the League. Back when her father was trying to court the younger man before thankfully getting it through his head that Tim would never desire him in such a way. The knives were beautiful resembling the claws of a feline when drawn.

"These would belong to Stray" she explained admiring the blade with a soft smile "I believe he was gifted a rather large collection of blades like this one from Father"

Damian and Bruce exchanged a look. Stray, while a nuisance  and a pain in the ass, had never killed anyone. It was one of the few reasons, other than respect for Selina, that Bruce allowed the young man such freedom in his city. So why would that change?

Wait. . .why would Stray have been gifted knives from Ra's? The two had never interacted as far as they were aware.

"Why does Grandfather know Stray" Damian asked hesitantly "and why would Stray kill the Joker"

Talia made a face. The face she made when someone said something she thought was stupid. Pursed lips and an arched eyebrow with a slight head tilt. Always followed by a cheshire grin as she realized the logic behind the foolish question.

"Because Stray is Father's chosen heir" she explained with a smirk "Stray is Tim"

No, that can't be right.

If Stray was Tim and Stray killed the Joker than that meant Tim killed the Joker. It meant one of his children, excluding Jason, killed someone. It also meant that they've spent several weeks looking for someone who was right in front of them.

But, if Tim was Stray, it also meant he knew where to find him.

Chapter Text

A Day or So Later

Officially the Secret Six had retired since Tim had last seen them a week or so ago. Excluding Floyd and Blake they were all retired and actively trying to live a respectable life. Their ‘auxiliary members’, as Floyd called them, had even been trying to do so before the whole Bat fiasco. But after that nonsense the rest of them had decided to give it a try too, ‘retiring’ to the suburbs in Southern New York, just a hop skip and a jump or so away from Gotham. Only an hour or so drive depending on how closely one followed the speed limit.

Scandal and her wives, Knockout and Liana, got a small house next to Ralph Dibny aka Elongated Man/Bigshot and his wife. Ralph and his wife had legally adopted Lori aka Black Alice who was ‘dating’ or ‘talking to’ Ragdoll. No one was actually sure what was going on between those two and no one really wanted to ask, they were both consenting adults and that was all that mattered.

Mary aka Stryx had her tree house home in Ralph’s backyard and was still slowly adapting to a life free from the Court of Owl's influence. Kani/Kevin aka Porcelain got a house across the street from them and was happily dating Jeanette. Floyd occasionally joined them for some fun when he was in town. Even Blake was considering getting a house in their little slice of suburbia though at the moment he tended to crash on Ralph’s couch when he was in town.

With the clean slate Amanda Waller and the US government had provided them, anything was possible.

Except for Bane who was happily in prison. And Shauna aka Ventriloquist who was unhappily in Arkham. And maybe King Shark who was, well a Shark. No one actually knew where he was at the moment, not that it mattered, he'd show up if he wanted to because he was in fact, a Shark. Honestly he was probably somewhere with his on again off again boyfriend Constantine.

But none of that really mattered at the moment. Because they weren’t going to the suburbs in rural New York the Six now called home. They were heading to their original base and Blake's longtime home located in Vermont. A place not even the Batman or the League of Assassins would be able to find them without powerful magical assistance.

A place known as the House of Secrets.

“A few things you should know” Blake offered as the drove the last hour just the two of them. Floyd had left about an hour or two ago as he hadn’t intended on seeing them all the way back, just helping them with the obnoxiously long drive until they reached his personal destination of visiting his kid and ex-wife “about the House of Secrets I mean”

Tim looked up from the book on electrical engineering he had been reading to pass the time. He knew the house was magic and very much cursed but that was about it. No one outside of the Secret Six had been permitted within its walls in quite a few years. Well no one who lived to talk about it anyway. 

“1, don’t ever wonder anywhere without me until the house accepts your presence within it, not even the kitchen” he explained his tone serious “the house doesn’t take kindly to guests it hasn’t accepted who wonder around without permission and it will try to kill you if I’m not there with you” Honestly if Blake could ever figure out how to get it to stop 'eating' unattended guests he'd probably relocate it to the suburbs in New York to live near his friends. But alas, no such luck just yet.

Tim nodded. Zatanna and Constantine had both warned him in the past about magical homes. Very dangerous to those who didn’t actually call it home and very finicky in their treatment of guests. He didn’t intend to take any unnecessary risks. He enjoyed not being dead thank you very much.

“2, the only thing I can cook are eggs” he confessed with a shrug “they’re decent but if you want anything else you’ll have to cook it as the town only has like two restaurants only one of which is any good and the house doesn’t have a working microwave”

“I can cook” Tim assured him “not amazingly or anything but I can cook. I can take care of lunch and dinner if you’re willing to handle breakfast”

Blake nodded. He could work with that. It’d be nice to not have to eat just eggs for a change. They couldn’t exactly order out from the House of Secrets and the nearby town only had two restaurants. Only one of which was any good. They didn't even have any fast food for fucks sake. Thats how smalle their little town was.

“And lastly” he started his face heating up slightly as he slowly pulled up the driveway “to ensure the house doesn’t eat you while you’re sleeping like it did our last guest we’re going to have to share a room while you’re here. At least until the house accepts you as a proper resident”

Tim tensed minutely at that. He had very limited experience with sharing a room with others. Excluding a. . .less than desirable occasion while with the League of Assassins the only time he had ever shared a room was while on mission with Young Justice. But as long as Thomas didn’t snore or kick in his sleep he was sure it’d be fine.

He opened his mouth to assure the older man that such arrangements were fine when the House came into view effectively silencing whatever words he had intended on saying.

Tim stared in amazement as he took in the sight of the decrepit appearing Manor. It was the single largest house he had ever seen, somehow even making Wayne Manor appear small, while also managing to look smaller than Steph’s tiny studio apartment at the same time. It also had the coolest architectural design he had ever laid eyes upon.

It was almost like it was in a constant state of fluctuation. From Victorian to Modern to Gothic it never seemed to settle on any one design. The longer he stared the more it changed and the more it changed the longer he wanted to stare. Clearly it was the effect of the magic influencing the house and he thought it was brilliant. Forever a shame he had little to no affinity with the mystic arts though Klarion had once said he could become an ‘Agent of Chaos’ if he wanted.

“Thank you for this Thomas” Tim murmured as they excited the car. The larger man grabbed his bags refusing to let him carry them himself scoffing playfully at the younger man.

“Please call me Blake” he corrected as he slowly escorted Tim towards his room after stopping to briefly to show him the kitchen and the gym/training room.

Blake’s room was massive featuring what a very real and very well maintained tree growing in the center, honestly Ivy would be thrilled to see such a healthy and well taken care of tree. Around the tree was a custom king sized mattress with a canopy covered in far more faux fur blankets and plush pillows than any one person could ever need. They appeared heavenly soft. A small well loved chaise lounge sat in one corner of the room with an artificial sun lamp above it for sun bathing and catnaps. It was covered in even more faux fur blankets. A large wardrobe sat in the opposite corner of the room thrown wide with clothes haphazardly strewn about. As far as Tim could tell though all of the clothes were clean despite quite a few of them being on the floor.

Connected to the room was a large en suite bathroom. A large tub big enough for multiple people sat in one corner with a nice standing shower opposite of it. A double vanity filled to the brim with Blake’s skin care and hair care products. Towels were thrown everywhere both on towel racks and the floor though most appeared to be clean and dry. Maybe Blake had a thing for appearing messy? Or maybe the house itself didn't like being neat. He wasn't sure and, honestly, he didn't care.

"This is my room or our room I guess” Blake explained softly as Tim stared in wonder “Will you be comfortable sharing the bed or should I sleep elsewhere”

Tim tensed at the question. Was Blake expecting that? Would he kick him out if he said no? Blake was an attractive man but he wasn’t sure if he was ready for anything physical with him. They hardly knew each other and he wasn’t sure he was ready to get back on the metaphorical saddle after his. . .less than desirable experiences while with the League.

“Hey” Blake whispered a hand catching Tim’s elbow causing the younger man to jump “there’s no pressure Tim. If you’re not comfortable sharing a bed I can sleep on the chaise lounge or in the tree. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to”

Tim nodded slowly as he took a deep breath his shoulders relaxing slightly. He could tell Blake was being honest based on body language and tone. He wanted to trust him.

“We can share the bed” he decided softly “it’d be a waste not to with how big it is”

Blake nodded slowly. He had an inkling Tim might be into him having caught the younger man stealing glances at him on the drive from Gotham whenever he thought he wasn’t looking but he didn’t want to push the issue. Besides it was clear that Tim had some trauma regarding sex and intimacy and he would rather die than further enhance said trauma. They'd work at Tim's pace and if it lead to something than cool but if not then oh well.

That being said, maybe some light teasing while reassuring Tim that no was always an option could help the younger man heal. If only a little.

“Just so you know” he growled his deep voice a low rumble in Tim’s ear as he tested the waters taking care not to actually touch him “if you ever want to cuddle all you have to do is ask”

Tim audibly gulped at the provocation a deep crimson blush on his creeping up his neck as a result. He was very clearly interested despite everything else going on in his head.

“I” Tim stuttered blinking rabidly as his brain reset “I might be ok with cuddling” he admitted finally “if you don’t mind me changing my mind later”

Blake smiled happily at that. Tim was clearly choosing his words to test the waters the same as he was. Good. It meant he was open to the idea of trusting him.

“I will respect whatever you decide Kitten” he teased honestly with a smile “your wish is my command”

Gotham – Presently

Since learning Tim was Stray none of the Bats had seen him at all. And as none of the Sirens had committed any crimes they couldn’t exactly ask any of them. Well Bruce could ask Selina, and he had tried multiple times, but she straight up slammed the door in his face for it. He didn’t understand, he just wanted to make sure his son was alright.

The Sirens weren’t up to anything nefarious tonight. They were just meeting up for their bi-monthly girls night at a local, Rogue friendly, bar. It was the perfect time to accost her in suit.

“Where is he Cat” he called landing on the roof behind Catwoman “where is Stray”

He knew how the words sounded and hated himself for that. Hated that it sounded like he was hunting for Stray for his crimes. When he really just wanted to make sure his son was alright. And maybe, after ensuring he was ok, ask him why he thought killing was the answer. But only after checking to ensure he was ok.

Selina however didn’t know that and turned to grabble, ready to flee immediately without hearing him out at all. Thankfully he caught her in time the pleading look in his eyes giving her pause. She wasn’t sure she had ever seen him look so desperate.

“Please Cat” he begged his voice cracking “at least tell me if he’s alright, Is my son alright”

The sound of the slap was loud enough to he heard in the Batcave. That was the slap of someone filled with the righteous fury of a woman scorned. A slap he, Batman, had never earned but he, Bruce Wayne, knew extremely well. Selina was pissed, as a direct result of something he had said or done.

“Your son” she spat the vitriol in her tone more venomous than one of Cheshire’s lethal poisons “he is not your son, he’s mine. He is not your anything after everything you’ve put him through over the years”

Bruce flinched. What he put Tim through? He hadn’t been the greatest father sure but he hadn’t, as far as he was aware, been particularly cruel. Excluding sending him to Lady Shiva and various other equally dangerous individuals for training. And using him to play bait against the, at the time, dangerous Red Hood without his knowledge or consent. But that was it. And he had been trying really hard to make up for those mistakes. Or he would be trying really hard to make up for those mistakes if he had actually seen the boy since his return from the time stream. And run-ins with Stray didn’t count as he only just learned Stray was Tim.

“Oh. My. Gods. You don’t know do you” she asked registering the confusion on his face “Bruce you sent him on a literal suicide mission for his 16th birthday. How can you even dare call yourself his father after that”

Bruce recoiled violently at her words. He had done no such thing. He would never do something like that. Least of all to one of his children. And certainly not Tim who had been through more than enough by then to not need something as traumatic as that added on top of everything else.

“What are you talking about Cat” he asked his voice painfully tight “I would never send a child on a mission like that least of all one of my own”

Selina blinked slowly. Like the puzzle pieces they were working with weren’t the correct pieces for the puzzle they were trying to solve together.

“Read the file titled Court of Owls” she stated forcibly calm as she fired her grapple “it should be dated after he retook that infernal mantel. Find me when you’ve processed everything he went through because of you and that fucking mission”

With that she flew off leaving Bruce alone on the building confused and more than a little afraid. What in the world had happened on Tim’s birthday to make them think he had sent him, a literal child, on a suicide mission?

Frowning tightly he called it an early night and headed back to the cave to find and read the file Selina had mentioned.

Batcave

Finding the file hadn’t been particularly difficult. There were several files named Court of Owls from several years ago but only 1 from the same year as Tim’s 16th birthday. It was also the most recent file by that name. Meaning it was most likely the correct one if they had in fact been eliminated as Talia said.

Ensuring he was alone in the Cave he opened the file, careful to keep it off the big monitor. He didn’t know what he was about to learn and he was worried one of his other children would come and see before he had a chance to process the information. He wasn’t sure he had ever seen Selina so upset which implied that it had been something horrific.

What that something was he couldn’t fathom. So he took a deep breath and began to read the file. He paused to read the attached file embedded in the file first as instructed by the file notes though. A deep dread settled in his stomach as he read through the Young Justice report detailing their run-in with evil alternate versions of their team. He had a sinking feeling that what he was about to learn was worse than anything he could've imagined.

Now Bruce has always prided himself on having a strong stomach. You have to in their line of work. But he hadn’t even successfully made it through the report before he had to pause to throw up thankfully making it to the bin in time if only just barely.

Oh gods.

How had things gone so terribly wrong? How had a simple prank mission, an innocent and harmless prank, gone so abysmally wrong? They spent literal years making fun of Tim’s need for perfection over his reaction to this mission. They had spent literal years assuming that he had been so upset because he couldn’t figure out a puzzle.

They had spent years assuming Tim was being overly dramatic. When he had every right to react the way he had. In fact Bruce would argue he handled the situation with far more grace than anyone should ever have had to.

No wonder Selina was furious that he called himself Tim’s father. He would’ve been furious too if the situation had been reversed.

How had he, the literal Batman, made a blunder this monumentally big?

Oh gods, how do you even begin to fix a mistake this astronomically large?

Chapter Text

Operation – Court of Owls

Participants – Robin 3

Foes – Court of Owls & Talons

Status – Success

Mission Debrief – Mission assigned by Batman through Agent A for 16th birthday of Robin 3. Alternate Time Line Future (ATLF) Agent A responsible for Mission details. ATLF Batman infiltrated mysterious organization bent on eliminating the Bats. ATLF Batman offline for 72hrs, situation deemed an emergency. ATLF Batman presumed deceased or compromised.

Tracked ATLF Batman to caverns below Gotham. Mysterious organization discovered to be the Court of Owls of Gotham legend. Diplomatic solution attempted, unsuccessfully. Court sent their Talons to eliminate Robin 3 and ATLF Batman. Lethal force authorized and encouraged by ATLF Batman.

Court of Owls and Talons completely eliminated. No known survivors.

Edit – 1 confirmed survivor. Talon by moniker of Strix, real name Mary, took offer to leave Court. Threat level minimal as long as left alone in peace with found family. Existence is being monitored by Robin 3.

Notes of Import – ATLF Batman returned to original timeline upon completion of mission. Connection between ATLF Batman’s timeline and ours severed successfully.

Robin 3 submerged in underground Lazarus Pit multiple times to ensure survival from fatal wounds. No adverse effects or pit madness noted.

Bruce minimized the file only to throw up again. He remembered the ‘prank’ mission debrief. A ‘future’ Alfred informed Tim of a mysterious organization bent on eliminating the Bats. He was supposed to meet up with ‘future’ Batman for further debrief.

Except the hints provided in the mission report should have sent him to meet with Bruce in Seattle. The mysterious organization was a Wendy the Werewolf Stalker convention. The theme of the convention was ‘Eliminating the Bats’ to celebrate the upcoming Wendy Season focusing on the titular character having to work with werewolves to hunt an even bigger threat, vampires. It was supposed to be an innocent mission that ended with him having a fun weekend with his Young Justice friends.

But Bruce hadn’t read the Young Justice report made a week or so earlier before they assigned the ‘prank’ mission. He hadn’t been aware that Tim and the Young Justice team had just fought Alternate Evil Versions of themselves. He didn’t know such a mission would trigger Tim’s hypervigilance causing him to ‘miss’ the provided clues.

He also hadn’t been aware that there had been an Alternate Version of himself in the caves beneath Gotham. Or that the Court of Owls was anything more than a myth. If he had he would’ve called the Justice League in for assistance. He would’ve never sent a child to face such an organization with his only backup being a Talon version of himself from an alternate timeline. He would’ve never intentionally exposed Tim to such danger, especially not on his fucking birthday.

No wonder Tim had quit after this. He would’ve quit too if their positions had been reversed. Fuck, he swore aloud, how does he fix this? It’s been over 2 years and he hadn’t a clue it had even happened until this very moment. He hadn’t even considered checking to see if Tim had made a report on the situation. He had just assumed everything was fine because Tim came back.

Worse still he didn’t know what the redacted portion said. What had happened that was so questionably bad that it had to be redacted by Tim. . .oh gods no.

As he pondered the question he remembered the first time he had met Stray.

“You like? They were a birthday gift” the boy had said his tone sardonic while referencing the white streaks in his hair.

Bruce had assumed his tone had to deal with being a hormonal teenager. Had assumed he was upset for some reason about dying his hair. Maybe he had wanted to dye all of his hair white and had been told no. He didn’t know, he hadn’t cared.

But he did know, he just chose to ignore it. He had ignored the fact that the white was far too perfect and the afflicted hair was far too healthy to be anything but from a Lazarus Pit. Because admitting that meant that another 16 year old had died or nearly died only to be brought back through that infernal pit. It meant that another 16 year old had taken a swim in the mystical waters of the pit just to keep living.

Bruce threw up for the third time at the realization of what information was redacted. Stray had Lazarus Pit streaks in his hair that he got for his birthday. Stray was Tim and this had happened around or on Tim’s sweet 16. Meaning Tim, his darling boy Tim, had spent the weeks surrounding his sweet 16 taking multiple dips in a Lazarus Pit in the caverns beneath Gotham to avoid death on a mission he believed Bruce had intentionally sent him on. Worse still he had likely been submerged in their waters by the alternate version of Bruce himself.

Bruce had done all lot of unforgivable things as a father. He’d failed to meet Dick’s expectations. He’d failed to make it in time to save Jason’s life. He missed Tim’s high school graduation while focusing on the arrival of Damian, something he still needed to apologize for. But this? This was quite possibly the worst thing he had ever done ever.

He had, accidentally, sent his son to die on his 16th birthday. And then he and his other sons made fun of his reaction to that fact. Had spent literal years belittling his response to one of the worst kinds of trauma a child could have inflicted upon them by a parent.

Shaking fingers reached for his phone as hot tears slipped down his face. He dialed Selina’s number carefully, the back of his mind screaming over the fact that the number he had for Tim was deactivated, and prayed she’d actually answer. It rang once, twice, thrice, and he felt his stomach drop when finally she picked up.

“I” he stumbled his words cut off as he sobbed against the phone all Bruce “I didn’t Cat, I swear I didn’t. I had no idea about any of this”

There was a long sigh on the other side of the line while Selina listened to Bruce fall apart in his guilt and grief. She hadn’t anticipated this. She had been ready for indifference. Had been ready for Bruce to give some bullshit about the ‘mission’ or whatever else he told himself to bury the guilt as he usually did. She hadn’t expected him to actually cry in a way she hadn’t heard him cry since Jason’s death.

She hadn’t expected him to blame himself. But even still, she wondered if it mattered. Tim had given up on fighting for a relationship with the Bats long before he had brought Bruce back from the dead. And since bringing Bruce back he had wiped his hands of them entirely.

She couldn’t imagine that changing anytime soon either.

House of Secrets

Tim had learned a few things thus far in his admittedly short stay with Thomas Blake. 1, the man does indeed like to cuddle. 2, he very much enjoys being cuddled by Blake. 3, Blake actually meant it when he said no was an option. Anytime Tim said he wasn’t in the mood for cuddles Blake listened without complaint. He never forced the issue or pressed. 4, he found Blake incredibly attractive and very much began considering more than just cuddles with the older man.

Blake didn’t wear a lot of clothing around the house, he really only put on a shirt when going into town choosing to spend most of his time around the house in nothing more than a pair of pajama pants and slippers without underwear unless he was going for a run or training. Honestly Tim was pretty sure the only reason he was even bothering to wear anything at all was for Tim’s own comfort. He had an amazing body and he was very clearly aware of that but he never did anything remotely inappropriate towards Tim. Light flirting and occasional lingering touches whenever Tim was comfortable with such contact but nothing further. And if Tim ever vocalized discomfort Blake immediately apologized and stopped without complaint. It was nice.

Blinking awake from their post dinner ‘cat nap’ as Blake called it Tim practically mewled in Blake’s grasp. Strong arms were wrapped decadently around his slender waist and he could feel every inch of Blake pressed against him. The cuddles felt amazing and helped sooth his deeply touch starved soul. And the fact that Blake would stop if he asked helped sooth the wounds in his heart he refused to acknowledge aloud.

With every passing day he found himself more interested in the man that was Thomas Blake. Interested in seeing if they could be more than just ‘roommates’ and occasional cuddle buddies. Interested in seeing if they could be something more intimate.

He wouldn’t cave though, he couldn’t. Blake was, essentially, a work colleague that was several years his senior. The last thing he wanted to do was put him in a tight spot by admitting he liked him romantically. Even if all he wanted right now was feel Blake’s lips against his own. And besides, even if Blake did like him back he’d probably expect sex to be on the table and Tim wasn’t sure he was ready for that just yet. No, he would behave himself until Blake made a move because he refused to be hurt by rejection again.

“I take it you slept well Kitten” Blake asked all but growling as he awoke from his nap deeply satisfied by the fact that he wasn’t alone in his oversized bed. Tim fit almost perfectly in his arms and it was taking all of his self restraint to ensure that Tim made the first move. With Tim’s not so well hidden trauma he refused to put the younger man in a tight spot by pressuring him into anything. But, silently to himself, he swore that if given the chance he’d prove he would that him right. He’d be a good mate for him if given the chance. Even if all Tim ever wanted from the relationship was cuddles he’d be satisfied. As long as he could call Tim his and keep him close.

“I” Tim blushed wiggling in embarrassment. “I was gonna take a shower or something”

“Or something” Blake repeated making to release Tim his touch lingering just a hair longer than strictly necessary as he breathed in his scent.

Teasing him was fun but there was a limit even for him. He wanted, no he needed, Tim to be the one to make the defining move. He needed Tim to be the one in control to ensure he didn’t accidently push any boundaries. He was as old as Tim’s almost not quite brother Dick Grayson for fucks sake, he would not be the one to make the first move. Not matter how badly he wanted the younger man.

Standing up slowly he stretched fully aware that Tim was blinking rapidly his crystalline blue eyes locked upon Blake’s ‘eagerness’. Sitting on the mattress he was the perfect height for Blake to have some fun with. But he wouldn’t, not until Tim told him it was ok. And if Tim decided he was never ok with such activities that was fine too, he had two hands after all.

“I’m gonna go for a run” he decided speaking more to himself as he turned away to ensure his resolve didn’t break “text me if you need anything”

Tim nodded as he watched Blake change into his running clothes before leaving. He really needed to find a way to bring up his growing feelings before he said or did something to ruin everything. Blake probably just thought of him as like a horny virgin kid or something after all, he didn’t want to make him uncomfortable.

Location Unknown

Ra’s smiled as his agent confirmed the news. The Joker had been killed by his Beloved Detective. His heir was presently hiding from the Batman somewhere outside of Gotham. Somewhere not even he could reach him.

“What do we know of this Thomas Blake” he asked Talia as he pondered the information.

Clearly the man was talented as he had been able to smuggle Tim out of Gotham without their notice. Even now they hadn’t a clue where they were hiding which was almost as impressive as it was infuriating.

“He goes by Catman and is the leader of the now retired Secret Six” she explained handing her father the Rogue’s file.

She wasn’t a huge fan of Thomas Blake. Mostly because he had outright rejected her offer to work for them several years ago when she was working with Lex Luthor’s clone. He had been a constant thorn in her side but he was also infuriatingly competent. The best non-meta tracker in the world and on par with some of the League’s best in combat abilities. Even Lady Shiva respected his combat abilities which was saying something.

“He will work brilliantly” Ra’s exclaimed to himself more than Talia as he devised a plan.

His Beloved Detective would be back in his clutches sooner than he knew it. And this Thomas Blake was going to be the catalyst that ensured that.

Thomas Blake and his Beloved Detective’s old spleen would bind them to him forever.

Chapter Text

3 Months Later – House of Secrets

Tim and Blake sat in the kitchen in near total silence. Tim was eating breakfast made by Blake, eggs of course, with some jam and toast. While Blake was just staring at him in shock and confusion.

“There is no way your legal middle name is ‘Paws’ Tim” he argued sounding incredulous “I don’t believe Selina would ever allow such a thing”

Tim smiled deviously as he handed the older man his legit and very legal very real New Jersey drivers license. Blake blinked in shock at the name clearly written on it, Tim Paws Kyle.

“I was 10 and knew that my mother was Catwoman” he explained with a shrug “I thought it was cute, you know, cause it’s a cat pun and cause it’d give you reason to Pause”

“also” he added when Blake just blinked at him clearly not finding the joke funny “Selina didn’t actually agree to the name, it was supposed to be Felix or something but I wrote ‘Paws’ on the form when she wasn’t looking”

Blake rubbed his eyes before staring at the ID some more. Tim’s entire reason behind his middle name was a pun? and a bad cat pun at that? Honestly that was pretty fucking adorable. He actually liked silly puns even if he’d never openly admit that fact aloud.

“You’re lucky you’re cute” he grumbled taking Tim’s now empty plate with his own empty plate to the sink. It was nice to see Tim eating everything he made him these days, in the beginning of his stay he only pecked at his food hardly eating any of it “otherwise such nonsense would annoy me”

Tim fought the blush. In the last few months he had not made any headway in his relationship with Blake. He had no idea what the man wanted or if he wanted anything. And it was driving him crazy.

“Can we go into town today” he asked eventually “I’m out of books to read”

It’d been almost 4 months, the Bats probably weren’t looking for him anymore. And now that he was out of books to read and games to beat all he really had to do anymore was workout, cook/eat, shower, and sleep. He wanted to go outside but Blake had been insistent that they wait at least this long. Just to be safe.

“Sure Kitten” Blake relented “we can get groceries and hit up the book store before heading to the nearby diner that the Six and I like”

Tim beamed at that not catching how Blake’s eyes crinkled at the sight. He had been trying to respect Tim’s boundaries but the more time they spent together the more he wanted their relationship to be something more then just friendship. He wanted to be someone of importance to Tim, he wanted to be more.

They had similar interests and Tim didn’t mind when he went nonverbal even going so far as to teach him some basic ASL to ensure he could still convey his thoughts even when he couldn’t speak audibly. He included him in his gaming even though Blake knew little to nothing about video games and he was a delightful cook. Plus they had taken to sparring together and he liked how easily he found fighting with him. They'd make an excellent team.

And the cuddles, gods the cuddles. He hadn’t been aware someone could fit so perfectly in his arms. Hadn’t been aware that he could feel so rested.  Wasnt aware he could go multiple consecutive days without being plagued by nightmares. It was nice and he loved it.

But it was getting difficult to keep his hands to himself. He couldn’t tell if Tim was interested or just flirtatious. And while he was fairly certain Tim liked him he wasn’t sure if it was in like a ‘straight but friendly’ way or a ‘queer and interested’ way. The last thing he wanted to do was make a move on a straight guy several years younger than him. Especially when Tim had no where else to go at the moment if things got weird between them, not with the Bats and everyone hunting for him.

‘Breath Blake don’t stress yourself out over the unknowns’ he mentally chided as he and Tim got dressed for a day out in town ‘Focus on Tim. Maybe him asking to go into town is him trying to make a move. We can work with that, just call it a date at some point and see go from there’.

Tim, as he is still actively in hiding, wore an oversized hoodie with a baseball cap and some sunglasses with simple jeans and converse sneakers for there outing. It was his ‘I’m just a dude’ look that allowed him to blend in easier. It was also incredibly comfy.

Blake however wore clothes he thought Tim would enjoy seeing him in. He was trying to show he was interested after all. Tight jeans that hugged his ass and bulge with a loose flannel the sleeves of which were rolled up to his elbows. Tim was prone to staring at his arms whenever he worked out around him and he was hoping showing them off would help show he was also interested in pursuing a romantic relationship. Was it lame? probably, but he didn’t have much experience pursuing people. He was usually the one pursued not the other way around.

“Ready” he asked throwing an arm over Tim’s shoulder as he guided him towards the door. Town wasn’t far enough away to necessitate driving but it’d make getting the groceries back easier. So they’d take the car and make sure to bring the nice cooler to ensure nothing spoiled on their date out.

He was gonna find a way to make it clear he was interested without crossing the line today. He was.

Gotham – Batcave

Bruce and Selina had talked things through. Harley and Ivy had helped quite a bit in ensuring Bruce kept his temper under control. He hated himself for a lot of things involving this but he was also upset that no one told him anything. He understood Tim not saying anything but Selina? He had thought she’d have at least called him out on it far sooner.

What’s worse is that even though he and the Sirens had talked it out he can’t see Tim and apologize. Tim wasn’t in Gotham and wouldn’t be for awhile. He was quite literally in hiding from him and the rest of the family after the Joker incident and not even Selina knew exactly where he was. Just that he was safe wherever he was.

So now he just needed to talk to everyone else. So they were all on the same page and could fix things when they found Tim. So they could prove to him that he’s part of their family too even if they hadn’t always acted like it.

“Is everyone here” Bruce asked as he and Alfred entered the cave together.

Everyone except Barbara sat around the circular table they had for mission debriefs. Barbara wouldn’t be coming but that’s cause she’s on mission with the Birds of Prey. She’s already been briefed though so it’s ok that she can’t make it today.

When his children and pseudo children (Steph) all nodded he spoke “First, Tim is Stray” he explained calmly.

Dick slapped his forehead, likely upset that he hadn’t realized it. Which made sense considering they had fought and actually spoken on multiple occasions. Damian and Duke grumbled while Cass nodded clearly already aware of this fact. It didn’t surprise him that she knew and chose to keep it to herself, she didn’t like telling other people’s business.

Jason’s reaction was interesting though. He looked like he was actively trying to appear surprised. Like Tim himself had told him or something before swearing him to secrecy. It was something he’d have to bring up later, Jason wasn’t one to keep secrets. Especially not secrets like this.

“That jerk” Steph swore “I vented to him about Stray glitter bombing the batmobile and he acted sympathetic when it was him this whole fucking time”

Everyone except Duke and Damian shuddered at the mention of the glitter bomb incident. It had been a brilliant trick but gods had it sucked absolute ass. Stray filled the batmobile with glitter bombs set to go off only when the car had all 4 main seats filled. Bruce, Dick, Jason, and Steph had all been victim to the trick on their first and only family patrol while Steph was still Robin. Duke was safe at home sleeping and Damian hadn’t yet joined the family. Cass had been in Hong Kong but she was aware of the incident thanks to Steph.

Alfred spent nearly 2 weeks trying to get it the glitter out before giving up entirely. The suits had to be destroyed and all of Alfred’s suit washing equipment had to be replaced. It had been a ‘harmless’ prank but it had also been the worst Rogue interaction any of them had had since the Joker killed Jason. Ivy’s cuddle pollen had nothing on the month and a half it took to get all of the glitter out of his hair. On the upside it prompted Dick to cutting his stupid mullet.

They had to replace the entire batmobile for fucks sake. Thankfully Young Justice had a spare batmobile ready for them. Though he never did figure out why Young Justice had a batmobile. He’d have to remember to ask Tim when they got him home.

“What is a glitter bomb” Damian asked arching an eyebrow “and why is it so upsetting to everyone”

Dick pulled out his phone and pulled up the pictures. Handing it to Damian to look at with Cass and Duke. Duke and Damian shuddered while Cass discretely sent herself copies of the pictures. Everyone was covered head to toe in black and gold glitter, it was off-putting. It was even on their teeth.

“It does explain why Stray never revealed Batman’s secret identity after the marker incident” Alfred added.

Bruce shuddered while Jason, Dick, and Steph roared with laughter at the memory. Stray had been, temporarily, branded as Bat enemy #1 after that incident. Stray had shot Batman with a ‘bullet’ made with Ivy’s paralytic pollen before unmasking him to draw a dick on his forehead in permanent marker before re-covering his face.

Then he, carefully, added a glitter bomb to Bruce’s protective cup triggered to blow if he tried to remove it. Thankfully it never went off but still, it had been humiliating. He had to walk like a penguin the entire way to to batmobile just to ensure he didn’t accidentally trigger it and, in Stray’s words, ‘orgasm glitter’.

“Second” Bruce started realizing they had become sidetracked “we all” he paused “and I do mean all, need to apologize for the jokes made about Tim’s reaction to his 16th birthday when he gets home. Me especially”

“Is Tim still not over that” Dick asked genuinely surprised “I thought he was more mature than that”

The glare Bruce gave him shut his and everyone else's comments down immediately. It told everyone that this was not up for debate or mockery. This was serious. Once satisfied everyone understood he was serious he pulled the mission report up onto the big screen.

“As some of you may know I have, in the past, created a ‘prank mission’ for that ties into everyone’s 16th birthday present” he explained “Cass and Steph however got theirs at 18 and 17 as both were over 16 when they joined the family”

“I have never created a ‘prank mission’ that would intentionally endanger any of you” he continued “however I also didn’t ensure there were adequate fail safes in place to guarantee said missions were not misinterpreted which lead us to this catastrophic mistake”

The collective read the mission debrief slowly all experiencing different levels of grief. Dick cried while Jason’s eyes flared green at his theory that Bruce only just learned of this incident, despite Tim posting the report years ago, being confirmed. Steph yelled while Cass, and Duke just read in shocked silence. Damian handled it with a shockingly large amount of grace though considering his upbringing he likely didn’t fully understand what was wrong with it. Or maybe, after their talk with Talia, he had already read the file. Bruce wasn’t sure. Either way he’d call Dinah and look into getting Damian and everyone else some therapy just in case.

“His mission was supposed to take him to Seattle for Wendy Con” Dick stated through the tears to which Bruce nodded in response. Dick, Alfred, and Bruce had all worked together to create the ‘prank’ knowing it’d be something Tim and his friends would love. This wasn’t what was supposed to happen.

“Unfortunately due to my own negligence I failed to notice that his team went through a similar situation just days prior to this” Bruce pulled up the Young Justice report “if I had read this report as I should have none of this would’ve happened”

Bruce knew the tears were falling but he didn’t care. He had nearly lost another child. Only this time the monster that would’ve been responsible was himself and not the now deceased Joker.

“And we made fun of him for it” Jason whispered his anger turning inwards as he remembered his own mocking words about it prior to learning the truth “we made fun of him for being mad at almost dying”

Bruce nodded tightly. They had done so. For years. Duke and Steph had even done so the other day.

“Which is why we all need to apologize” Alfred responded roughly. He had spent days crying and stress baking after learning of all of this this “just as soon as Master Tim returns to Gotham”

As if on cue a request for a video call popped up on the monitor. It was Clark calling. Clark who had been looking, and listening, for Tim.

Accepting the call Clark’s frowning face came through. He was at the Daily Planet working so whatever he was calling about was clearly important.

“I heard him Bruce” he explained softly “it was only for the briefest moment but I heard him. He’s somewhere north of Gotham. Vermont or New York maybe I’m not sure”

Bruce blinked. He didn’t know of anything in Vermont that would attract Tim. Nothing of import to him or his past.

“Do you have a more specific location” he asked eventually.

Clark shook his head almost sadly “I think where ever he’s staying has some sort of magical interference that’s blocking me from locating him past that unfortunately”

There was a pause as he titled his head. He was listening for something but what that something was Bruce wasn’t sure.

“I’ll keep an ear out but you might want to call Constantine or Zatanna, they’d likely be able to narrow down places with enough magical activity to block my hearing”

Bruce nodded. Zatanna wasn’t presently available as she was on tour with her father. Which left him with Constantine. He wasn’t a huge fan of the man but desperate times and all that. He’d have to make the call and deal with the insufferable spellcaster.

“Thank you Clark” he grumbled knowing that’s all the man wanted in return for his assistance on this. Which said a lot more about their relationship than Bruce cared to admit. That a simple thank you was enough to satisfy such help.

Maybe he should start going to therapy too after all. Harley and Dinah have both offered to take him on as a patient. He’d call Harley later today and look into setting up an appointment. She wouldn’t pull her punches but she’d agree to see him with such short notice for Tim’s sake at the very least. Dinah likely would too but he’d rather risk the Gotham Rogues knowing his dirty laundry than Oliver fucking Queen.

Clark smiled happily before ending the call. Leaving Bruce to turn to face his children.

“I’m going to call Constantine” he explained calmly “and then we’ll prepare to get Tim back”

Everyone but Jason and Cass nodded in agreement as they continued to discuss how badly they needed to apologize. Cass and Jason however exchanged a look unnoticed by the rest of the room. They weren’t sure Tim wanted to come back. In fact they were pretty sure he was actively avoiding such a thing.

They sat there silently plotting with one another while the rest of the table spoke in hushed whispers about apologizes. A few moments later, as Bruce began speaking to Constantine a ways away one important detail clicked amongst the group regarding the file they had just read. The redacted information in the file, they all knew what it likely said. And they didn’t like it.

“Guys” Dick started his voice cracking a tiny bit “I think the redacted part of that file was about Tim taking a dip in a Lazarus Pit”

Jason nodded already aware of that fact while everyone else felt their frowns deepen. It explained the perfectly white streaks in Stray’s hair. It also explained how a 16 year old survived against an army of Talons and Owls with little to no real assistance. Lady Shiva was an excellent teacher but not even she was that good.

“Fuck” Steph swore grateful Alfred wasn’t still there to scold her on her language.

Tim might not have died but he got close enough for it to count.

Chapter Text

Somewhere in Vermont

The drive into town was peaceful. It wasn’t a very long drive, barely 10 minutes, but Tim looked at everything with such vapid fascination that Blake enjoyed it anyway. Tim had seen quite a bit of the world but coincidentally his experience with seeing it for leisure and not work was shockingly limited. It would be rather cute if it wasn’t so despairingly depressing.

“Is that the diner” he asked the excitement in his voice palpable “it’s like from the 50s or something”

Blake chuckled in agreement. The diner had been built in the late 50s. It has been open ever since though the owners have changed several times. The present owner was pretty nice, Esmerelda had always treated the Six well. She didn’t judge them for being villain adjacent or anything. And her the food she served was top tier.

“Groceries and bookstore first” he explained smirking at him “we’ll have plenty of time for our date after”

Tim swallowed at that. Was it a date? He wanted it to be a date but did Blake? Was he just projecting onto the older man like he had with Conner and Bart in the past?

“When you say date” he asked hesitantly as the parked in front of the grocers “do you mean of the romantic type or the friend type”

Blake looked him over green eyes glittering playfully “Would it be alright if I said I’d like for it to be of the romantic type”

Tim shook his head his face burning scarlet. When he spoke next his voice was barely a whisper as he stared at his hands half afraid of looking Blake in the eyes.

“I’d like it to be romantic” he admitted nervously “if that’s something you’d be interested in attempting”

A strong hand cupped Tim’s chin before gently lifting it until he was looking into Blake’s eyes again. The taller man was smiling happily his green eyes crinkled in the effort.

“I’m very much interested in that Tim” he assured him his deep rumble of a voice calm and sure.

Tim smiled back his nervousness washing away in an instant. Blake liked him back. That didn’t necessarily mean a long term relationship or anything but at least it meant there was a chance. No ‘it was just a game’ or ‘I was just curious’ or ‘it wasn’t even that serious Tim’. Because Blake actually wanted to go on a date. He had used the actual words to say so and everything.

“Let’s get those groceries and books then” he decided still smiling as Blake took his hand in his “so we can go our date”

Later

Tim and Blake entered the diner all smiles. The grocers had been fun, lots of fun regional snacks to try including some huckleberry chocolate imported from Montana that sounded amazing. The bookstore had been interesting, Tim got a copy of Pride and Prejudice to read. Jason was constantly raving about it but he had never actually had the time or energy to read it. It’s not like doing so now would matter but the idea made him feel nostalgic or whatever.

Blake even bought an egg specific cookbook because Tim said it was the perfect book for his culinary prowess his crystalline eyes glittering fondly as he spoke. He hadn’t known that eggs were used in French toast, he was going to try and make them some for breakfast tomorrow. Hopefully it’d go well, or at least well enough to ensure Tim would enjoy it.

“Blake” the owner of the diner, an older woman by the name of Esmerelda, cheered at the sight of them entering her restaurant “your normal booth is free I’ll bring menus by in just a sec hun”

Blake smiled at the older woman as he guided Tim towards the booth in question. It was far enough away from the doors and windows, just in case someone less pleasant decided to come looking for them here, to feel secure. It was also in the sweet spot for the diner’s ac unit which was an added plus for hotter days. Though on a spring day like today such a fact didn't really matter.

They had only just managed to get settled in when Esmerelda came by with a thing of coffee and menus. She smiled at them as she rattled off the specials of the day while they read the menu.

“Finally found someone you’re interested in Blake” she teased after she finished her menu rundown. Of the Six Blake was the only one to never have anyone on his arm. He kinda had a thing with that Chesire girl a while back but Esmerelda didn’t count her. Woman had been cruel towards Blake and a bitch to the rest of his friends too.

“Don’t jinx me Esme” Blake teased smiling at Tim “I still have to get him to like me back”

Tim lit up like a tomato at the casual flirting and Esmerelda made a joke about how she was pretty sure he was safe regarding Tim liking him back. Then she took their orders and scurried off.

“I wasn’t joking” he admitted running a thumb across Tim’s hand “I do like you, romantically I mean”

Tim blinked. He had half read studies on proximity based attraction. Something about sleeping in the same bed tricking the brain into thinking it likes someone. Plus being the only person Blake had contact with for 3 plus months probably helped. There was no way-

“Hey” Blake called snapping him out of his spiral reading his worries as easily as Tim could his own “this has nothing to do with this trip” he explained eyes locking with Tim’s “trust me, I would’ve fallen for you even without it”

Tim opened his mouth to say something admittedly stupid and/or embarrassing when someone else interrupted them.

“What’s this here” a gruff incel looking man asked rudely his small gaggle of ‘bros’ backing him up “a couple of fairies gaying up our town”

Blake felt his anger flare. What was it with ‘big’ men thinking homophobia made them tough or some shit? Men like this, men like his father made him want to hit things. He just wanted to eat a fucking burger with the guy he liked in peace for gods sake. Is that too much to ask?

“Esmerelda” Tim called not bothering to look at the man actively trying to peacock them “do you have any policies against violence in your delightful establishment”

Esmerelda thought for a minute before smiling a knowing smile, she had known the Six for years after all and was no longer surprised by their antics. Most everyone in town knew of them, and they knew better than to piss them or their friends off. This new guy and his friends were definitely tourists or something.

“Just no killing please, I don’t like having to deal with the cops” she responded deciding that she liked the kid. Most of Blake’s friends would’ve just killed the man and apologized by leaving a nice tip leaving her to deal with the cops later. This one respected her place as the diner’s owner and she appreciated that. Plus she looked forward to seeing how he dealt with this situation.

Tim nodded before flashing Blake the smile that made Blake’s heart skip a beat. It was dangerous and innocently charming all at the same time. It said ‘you’re safe but someone is about to get really hurt’ and it was very much something he liked seeing. Did that say something about him? maybe, but he too much blood was running south for him to care.

“Didn’t you hear me” the man continued to yell “I said this town ain’t no place for you fa-“

Tim smiled innocently now holding the man’s tongue in his previously ungloved fingers. Blake had seen him move but it was still remarkably impressive how quickly he had done so. Where did he get gloves though? Had he always had them? And did he actually care? It was hot as fuck and he was very much turned on by the lethality of it all.

“What’s wrong” Tim mocked tilting his head to the side 100% Stray “Cat got your tongue”

There was a flash of steel as the man fell backwards screaming bloody murder his hands at his face. His tongue was still in Tim’s hand cut effortlessly out of his mouth with one of the stake knives that had been with their table’s cutlery. Tim arched an eyebrow in warning towards the man and his friends before tossing the tongue at the dog that they had brought with them despite the ‘no pets allowed’ sign on the entrance door. The man now missing his tongue watched in horror as the dog caught it in his maw like he would a biscuit happily chewing at the offered tongue.

“I’d recommend leaving” Blake warned the group as Esmerelda handed him their plates of food “cause if I get up you’ll be missing a lot more then your tongues”

The men nodded their eyes wide with fear as they began dragging their still screaming friend out with them. Maybe they’d make it to the clinic in time to reattach his tongue, maybe they wouldn’t, honestly he didn’t care either way. If they came back, he’d bury them.

Tim sat back down before apologizing to Esmerelda for causing a scene. She laughed it off before letting it slip that she had been a small time mob boss back in the 70s. A man losing his tongue for being mouthy brought back fond memories for her.

“Is it weird that I found that hot” Blake asked as they began eating silently grateful Tim couldn’t see exactly how hot he had found it thanks to the table between them.

Tim was enjoying the fish special Esmerelda had recommended. Blake was eating a burger and some ribs. They were sharing a strawberry shake on the house as a thanks for the show. Esmerelda had apparently been quite serious about the fond memories bit, Tim respected that.

“Only if it’s weird that your follow-up threat turned me on” Tim admitted with a bashful blush “but then we can just be weird together so who cares”

“Nice to know your into that kinda thing too” Blake teased laughing as Tim winked playfully in response. No longer nervous that it was a game or something Tim was far more relaxed. He liked when Tim was relaxed.

An Hour or So Later

Walking out of the diner towards the car they were both in an excellent mood. The drive back to the house was lively as Tim gushed about Esmerelda’s cooking.

“We’ve made it back in one piece” Blake teased as they parked “would it be forward to kiss you on the first date”

Tim smiled foolishly at the silly flirting. It was almost cringe but he adored it. Adored that it felt almost normal. Like they were just two regular people on a date and not two highly trained killers essentially playing house while they wait for the Bats and worse to find them.

“I’d really like that” Tim admitted allowing Blake to lean across the seat to kiss him.

It was a soft, almost innocent, kiss. Like he was half afraid he was imagining it or Tim was just an illusion his mind created so he’d feel less lonely. But it was nice. The way Tim leaned into it as he pulled him closer his tongue exploring his mouth like it held the secrets to the world was nice. The best first kiss he had ever had, for sure.

Breaking apart after what felt like eternity they brought the groceries and books inside. They busied themselves with putting everything away openly planning a make out session before their bedtime cuddles later in the evening when Blake’s phone rang.

“Go for Blake” he called the number blocked. He put the phone on speaker so Tim could listen too just in case it was Selina.

“I’m a shark” King Shark replied confusing Blake a bit. He hadn't been aware King Shark owned a phone. He opened his mouth to ask what the fuck was happening when someone else took the phone speaking in a English accent.

“Blake it’s Constantine” the spellcaster explained clearly in a rush “I didn’t know you where helping Cat hide her kid when they asked for my help I swear”

Tim froze immediately touching his neck. His eyes widened as he realized something before bolting to the room. He was back in moments his eyes wide as he held a necklace or choker thing Blake vaguely recognized. He recognized it as something Tim was always wearing it but he just assumed it held sentimental value or something.

“It’s a heartbeat blocker” he explained softly “to keep people like Superman from hearing my heartbeat”

Fuck that wasn’t good. But the jamming radius of the house's magic covers the city so they should still be in the clear. He’d most likely only know they’re somewhere around Vermont or New York. Unless someone with magic helped narrow their location down of course.

Fuck, Constantine is someone with magic.

“The Bats asked you to locate us” he asked knowing the answer already.

“I’ll stall as long as I can but you’ve got maybe 2 months tops before they turn to Z for help Blake” Constantine apologized “Sorry mate, I didn’t even realize til King Shark told me when I got home”

Double fuck. Ok, they could handle this. He hoped. Maybe. Fuck he didn’t know. Would the Bats handle this on their own? Or would they bring the whole Justice League down on them? He wasn’t sure but he hoped they’d handle it without involving the entire League. Bruce wasny prone to calling in the League when he could handle it himself.

He only just managed to start his relationship with Tim. He couldn’t let the Bats take him away. Couldn’t let them lock him up and throw away the key like he was certain they would. Not with everything else riding on Tim's continued safety.

“Thanks for the heads up Constantine” he grumbled “we’ll figure something out” he paused before allowing himself a more positive moment “and make sure you guys invite us to the wedding”

King Shark confirmed that he is indeed still a Shark before hanging up. He stared at the not frighteningly calm man that is Tim and sighed.

“We’ll call the Six” Blake decided on impulse “they’d help keep you safe, I’m sure of it”

Tim frowned. He didn’t want to drag them into this specific mess. Didn’t want to risk them getting hurt or sent to jail because of him. They deserved to live happy lives free from this shit. Besides, he had a plan.

“Hey” Blake called cupping his face gently “we’re in this together now” he explained kissing him gently “you and me for as long as you’ll have me”

Tim fought back the tears as he smiled. That's right, they would do this, together. Kissing Blake back he nodded tightly.

“Good, I’m gonna call Black Alice and make sure everyone knows what's up”

“No” Tim argued causing the older man to arch a brow “we follow the plan. This doesn't change anything but the timeline"

Blake opened his mouth to argue when Tim kissed him hot tears slipping down his young face. He didn't want to drag the Bats into this but he had always known it would eventually happen. He just thought they'd have more time to ensure everything went according to plan. Had hoped he have more time to figure out his relationship with Blake.

“Just” he paused uncertain of what he was about to say “will you stay? I didn't want to drag you into this like this but I don't want to do this without you"

Blake kissed him again carrying him into their bedroom. If this was the last few weeks they for sure had together he’d make sure they enjoyed themselves. They'd figure out everything else after this nonsense was handled.

“For as long as you’ll have me Kitten”

Chapter Text

1.5 Months Later - Batcave

“Bruce” Selina pleaded knowing the obtuse man wasn’t actually listening “Tim is fine, he’s safe with the Six. He’s safe with Thomas”

Bruce clenched his fists. It had been just under 2 weeks since Constantine figured out Tim was staying at the House of Secrets with the Secret Six. Less than a day since he figured out exactly where the House is located. Tim was in rural Vermont with a bunch of incredibly dangerous and unpredictable criminals. Criminals who had tried to hurt him and his family just a few months ago. Sure most of them had fled before the actual fight but that’s not the point. They were dangerous criminals.

Thomas Blake was the only halfway decent person on that team. And he had killed plenty of people over the years. He could be hurting his son for all they knew. Any of them could be hurting Tim for any number of reasons.

“I can’t risk that he’s not” he admitted reluctantly “I can’t risk that knowing I nearly lost him once”

Selina understood, she did. Tim had been her son far longer than he had been Bruce's. But he was safe with the Six. He was safe with Thomas, she knew he was and Bruce wasn't listening. He never did when it came to those he considered family and it almost always ended badly for those involved.

Worse still Tim likely thought Bruce was aiming to take him in. To lock him away in Blackgate or worse for what he had done to the Joker. He didn’t know Bruce considered him a son. He had no reason to think they considered him family. Which meant he would likely put up a fight. And knowing him he’d likely try to fight them entirely on his own to avoid dragging the Six into his mess. Though, knowing Thomas he’d probably stay and fight alongside him despite Tim’s reservations.

Because Thomas Blake was likely head over heels for Tim. Which meant he would fight with everything he had to keep him safe. Blake's ‘family’ would too if Tim allowed them. Hell they very nearly doomed the world to protect Black Alice and they had known her for less than a week. Nearly 6 months with Tim they’d likely be willing to do far worse than that.

“I’ll bring him home Cat” Bruce promised stepping on the Jet leaving her alone with Alfred in the cave.

“That’s what I’m worried about” she whispered softly refusing to allow the tears to fall. She just hoped Tim would be ok.

House of Secrets

Tim woke up smiling in Blake’s arms. The last several weeks had been, magical. And as of a few days ago he had seen paradise and it was lovely. Waking up naked in Blake’s arms in the morning was definitely one of his new favorite parts of his day.

Unfortunately they had to get up sooner rather than later. Because Constantine had called to inform them that the Bats were coming. Today was the day and hell or high water he'd see this through.

“You ready Kitten” Blake asked into his hair clearly not wanting to get up just yet.

Tim stretched against him before nodding. He didn’t want to deal with all of this nonsense but he had to. So he got up carefully getting dressed in his Stray suit ensuring he remembered to put on his special necklace. The last thing he needed was a Clark trying to steal him away mid fight. He'd fail as he had kryptonite on him but he didn’t intend to make it easier for them to launch a sneak attack or whatever. No, everything had to go exactly according to plan for this to work.

“If I said yes would you believe me” he asked playfully and he grabbed his weapons.

Blake laughed. No he would not believe him, but hearing him joking around helped soothe his own nerves. They had no idea how many friends the Bats were bringing or if they were bringing any. He wagered it’d be a lot but you never know with Batman and his stupid pride. Constantine had informed them through King Shark that Batman was under the delusion that they had kidnapped Tim and that all of the Six were here.

“You sure you don't want to leave Blake” he stated the humor in his voice suddenly gone “before they get here”

Blake took his face gently in his hands forcing him to look him in the eye. Tim had a tendency to look away when he was scared. But he needed him to look at him.

“I’m not going anywhere Kitten” he reminded him firmly “you and me until the end remember”

Tim let out a broken sob as he nodded meekly buried himself in Blake’s arms his face pressed against the larger man’s chest. It had only been a few months but he loved the man before him. So deeply it hurt. And he was dragging him into his nonsense when he should be living comfortably with his chosen family. Instead he was going to fight a nearly impossible battle just to try and keep him safe for a little while longer.

It was time to finish this.

Elsewhere

“We might have a problem B” Dick called piloting the jet as they neared their destination.

Clark and Diana had argued that because the Six were involved with this that it was a Justice League issue. Bruce had disagreed. It was a family issue and they would handle it themselves. Which is why he was only accompanied by Dick, Jason, and Damian.

“Explain” he grumbled moving towards the window to look towards where he could just barely see the House of Secrets in the distance.

“There are only two people down there” Dick explained the words causing everyone in the jet to turn in confusion

There jet’s scanners were only picking up two people in the House of Secrets. Tim and Thomas. None of the other members of the Six were there. A fact that made little to no sense. Thomas Blake was an excellent fighter but there was no way he could keep Tim hostage on his own. It wasn't feasible.

But they couldn't figure out what it was they weren't getting.

House of Secrets

Tim frowned as the Jet landed. On the one hand Bruce seemed to have kept it between the Bats and him, which was good. On the other hand it increased the likelihood that this would end in conflict which meant more chances of things going wrong. Bruce was predictable sure but Clark and Diana were far easier to deal with. Far easier to manipulate without risk of complication.

Blake stepped in front visibly enabling Tim to retreat back into the House if necessary. Constantine had most certainly warned the Bats about the dangers of entering without permission so they weren’t likely to pursue if they chose to retreat. He knew they would never risk such a thing though. Not unless the absolutely had to.

“Get out of our way Blake” Bruce growled not even bothering to use codenames “we’ll take him by force if you make us”

Now, in Bruce’s defense, he hadn’t yet accepted that Tim was here of his own volition. Some part of him still believed Tim was being held prisoner despite being aware that Tim could take Blake in a fight. If he had been held against his will by only Blake he would’ve escaped by now.

“And if he doesn’t want to go with you” Blake asked fighting his temper.

“We’re his family” Dick snapped his negative opinion of Blake taking the foreground of his brain “and we won’t let you keep him from us”

Tim shot Jason a look. He wasn’t following the conversation at all. Were they not here to bring him to justice for killing the Joker? He didn’t understand.

“Surrender Stray and we won’t hurt you Catman” Damian growled his nonlethal blade drawn as he made to attack.

Jason discreetly swapped his rubber bullets for tranq darts as he nodded at Tim. He’d subdue Damian and leave Dick and Bruce to him and Blake. Tim nodded his whip cracking Dick’s face as Blake lunged forward.

Bruce moved to intercept Tim not noticing as Jason subdued Damian from behind. He was so hell bent on ‘rescuing his son’ that he didn’t realize all of the various pieces at play. Hadn't realized he was meerly a pawn on Stray's chessboard.

“Come quietly Stray” he roared exchanging blows with Tim as Blake fought Dick and Jason dragged Damian back to the safety of the jet.

A roundhouse to the face gave Tim a slight edge not realizing that his whip had wrapped around his own arm. Bruce noticed however and made to end the fight quickly. He knew where the trigger was having seen Stray use it many times against them. All he needed to do was flip the switch.

Time froze as Bruce flipped the switch activating the whip. Tim screamed as white electricity pulsed through him in a way Bruce had never seen the whip trigger. Blake roared in panic as he threw Dick aside catching Tim with a grunt as he took some of the electricity into his own body as he willed himself through the pain coursing through his body as he deactivated the whip.

He heaved heavy breaths as Tim’s unconscious body convulsed in his arms his lithe frame was seemingly racked by the aftershocks Blake's strong hand keeping Tim's head steady. After about a minute they stopped as suddenly as they had started Blake paling at the realization.

Bruce stumbled backwards as Blake fumbled his way through something that, at a distance, resembled chest compressions. As Blake begged Tim to stay with him until finally, after what felt like an eternity, Tim started breathing again. Unconscious but alive.

“Do you truly hate him so” Blake asked hot tears streaming down his face as he tried to center himself after the very real scare of potentially losing Tim. Logically he knew the plan and was following it to the letter but that didn't ease the fear in his heart. For a split second he truly believed Tim was dying even though he knew it wasn't true.

“I didn’t” Bruce stammered unable to process what he had just done “I didn’t mean to”

He hadn’t meant to hurt him. He was only trying to subdue him as Stray had subdued them in the past. He didn’t realize that Stray’s whip could be potentially lethal. How could he have? Tim didn’t kill, Stray didn’t kill.

But Stray did kill he realized with a pang of guilt. Stray had worked with Ra’s for almost a year killing at the ancient assassin’s bequest. Tim had eliminated the Court of Owls and their Talons years ago. Stray had killed the Joker. Tim and Stray did kill he just refused to accept that. And Tim had nearly died because of his inability to do so.

“I’m sorry” he whispered moving over towards his unconscious son timidly taking one of his hands, careful to move slowly so Blake understood he meant no harm “I’m so sorry Tim”

Jason helped Dick back onto the jet before coming back to the trio. He very much desired to put his father in his place for this but it’d have to wait. He had his own role to play in this game of Stray's and he wasn't about to mess it all up because his dad deserved a beat down.

“I know it’s not ideal Blake” he offered removing his helmet careful to allow the older man to see the white streak in his hair “but we should take him back to the Batcave to ensure he’s ok”

“I’m not leaving him” Blake warned his grief around his boyfriend tightening “especially not with you Bats”

Jason put his hands up in defeat. He wasn’t suggesting they take Tim away. He wanted Blake to come with them. He didn’t quite know the full depth of the man’s relationship with Tim but it was clear they cared for each other. Maybe him being around would allow everyone the ability to talk like fucking adults. Plus he was curious as to the true relationship between Tim and the man presently holding him.

“Then come with us” he offered ignoring Bruce’s half hearted protests “I just want to ensure Tim is ok, please”

Blake looked up at him for the first time since he began talking. He took in the sincerity evident on his face and nodded. He was amenable to that idea. As long as he could ensure that Tim was safe.

Besides Tim had told him that the Red Hood was an ally in this game of his. Him and Blackbat were the two Bats they could trust implicitly. They could also trust the blonde one, Batgirl or Spoiler or whatever her name was. So he’d trust the man before him, he’d trust the Red Hood.

For Tim.

Chapter Text

Batcave

They had barely finished getting Tim hooked up to the medical equipment in the Cave's medbay when Oracle called in a near panic. News of the Joker's death had broken worldwide. Furthermore a shockingly long list of other villains / big name criminals had been reported as dead as well.

Most everyone on the list were truly abysmal people. Captain Nazi, Doctor Psycho, Professor Pyg, and several more truly terrible people. All of which had a file released listing why they had been killed and video evidence of their death.

It was incredibly graphic and clearly all done by the same person though said individual was never actually seen on camera. But everyone understood that they had been killed by the same individual responsible for murdering the Joker. Stray had killed all of these people without ever once getting caught by anyone. No one even knew half of these people were dead. A few had been noted as missing prior to the news breaking but none had been reported dead. No bodies had ever been found excluding what had remained of the Joker.

But it wasn’t the list of villains that gave Barbara pause. It wasn’t the gruesome deaths of villains who deserved far worse than they received that caught her attention. It was the one hero on the list.

A recently accepted hopeful for the Justice League.

Sometime Ago - Location Unknown

Stray was not one to ‘play with his food’ as it were. He was a consummate professional through and through. It was part of the reason Ra’s had decided he’d make a perfect heir. He handled any and all agreed upon jobs quickly and efficiently to the letter regardless of what was desired by the client. And if it wasn’t something he could or would agree to for whatever reason he just declined the job simple as that.

But this job was different.

Stray had never accepted a hit on a hero before. He’d considered it on occasion but he never felt the desire to accept them. Or the desire to deal with the Justice League after completing such a job as even dealing with them amicably was a pain in the ass these days.

Too many people that would be a headache to deal with if he ended up getting caught. Too many people that believed Dick when he said Tim had ‘suffered a mental break’ for realizing Bruce wasn’t actually dead but lost in time. He wasn’t crazy and he wasn’t some bat in distress, he was Stray and sooner or later they would have to learn and accept that fact. That being said he didn’t actually want to deal with the headache that was the hero community anymore than absolutely necessary at the moment.

And then a hit came through against the heroine named Mirage.

He had never met Mirage in his time as Robin. She had already been kicked from the Titans before he was made to join Young Justice. But he had read about her, and what she had done to Dick, while snooping through the Titan’s files years ago.

That being said he couldn’t just murder a 'hero' for personal reasons as that wouldn’t look great with his whole ‘professionally neutral’ stance. Least of all a Justice League hopeful like Mirage. It would attract the wrong kind of attention and all that. But then the League of Assassins received a hit against her shortly after the date of her actual addition to the Justice League had been officially announced as a few weeks out. A hit he was almost certain, or at least liked to imagine, had been placed by a alien princess who also happened to be a Titan and on again off again lover of Dick Grayson himself.

Which led us to know. With the ‘heroine’ known as Mirage running through a building begging for her life as Pru, Owens, and Z blocked all of the exits while Stray approached silently his knife glinting dangerously in the dim emergency lights above them.

“What is this about” she begged a cacophony of wounds already bruising or bleeding “I’m a hero under the Justice League’s protection. You’d be a fool to mess with me”

“True but I’m willing to deal with the Justice League if it means ensuring they don’t have any rapists amongst their ranks” Stray whispered confident that the older woman could hear him clearly despite the distance. Some League tricks are brilliantly effective. Tricks like being able to talk through shadows.

“I’ve never” she argued “all of my partners have been willing”

Stray scoffed. Her partners had been willing for the individuals she used her illusionary powers to disguise herself as. Dick had been willing for Kori not Mirage pretending to be Kori.

“They were never willing for you” he chided closing the distance between them his pearly whites looking like dangerously sharp fangs in the light as he twirled the blade in his hands around his fingers expertly “and you know that”

Mirage had already realized how this was going to end. The League of Assassins had a frighteningly impressive success rate and Stray himself had thus far never failed to complete a hit. He was ruthlessly effective and impossible to link to his crimes. She would die and there would be no true evidence that Stray or the League had murdered her. She would die like every other hit he had taken since he began working with Ra’s in exchange for his assistance, without anyone ever knowing she had been killed at all. Maybe someone would report her missing but somehow he doubted it. And even if she was reported missing there wouldn't be a body left to find.

“I swear” she begged the tears flowing freely “I’ve learned my lesson. I’ll never do it again”

The cut was clean her throat slit before the last word ever finished leaving her mouth. She hit the floor lifelessly with a light thud as Stray frowned the blade used to end Mirage’s life unstained through League magic.

“No” he agreed “I wager you won’t”

Present - Gotham

The streets were alight with celebration. The Joker was dead and they were free from his dark clutch on their city. The video proving his death revealed that it had taken place months ago. He was truly dead and gone and he wasn’t coming back.

The GCPD faced some backlash for not revealing his death to the public sooner. But it was superficial at its core as everyone was too overjoyed by the news to truly care that they were only learning of it months after the fact. Too happy that his reign of terror was over to care who had killed him or why. There was even a petition floating around demanding a presidential pardon for his murder.

The Sirens realized as a collective that this is why Tim chose to leave the city. Killing the Joker was a huge slap in the face to everything Bruce believed in and everything Batman stood for. And as Tim didn’t know Bruce considered him a son it made sense that he would fear his reaction. Yet the trio knew something no one else in the city knew.

They knew why the news had been released.

Tim had informed Selina before he left with Blake of the ‘failsafe’ he had ready. The tech in his Domino would release a ping if it entered the Batcave and if he wasn’t awake to stop the process it would then force the Batcomputer to ping a server he had full of ‘evidence’ of every hit he’d ever done with the League or after. ‘Evidence’ that would then be released to various publications around the world.

She wasn’t quite sure the goal of this move but she wagered it had something to do with the League of Assassins. Likely a signal for Ra’s or something but she wasn’t certain. What she did know was that Tim was in Gotham.

He was in the Batcave.

Wayne Manor

Blake was not happy. The Wayne’s had forced him up to the Manor proper so Dr Leslie Tompkins could look Tim over in privacy. Something about him being too aggressive anytime someone got too close to Tim or whatever.

Look, he apologized for stabbing Dick already for trying to touch Tim. And for threatening to maim Damian for getting too close. He hadn’t been aware that they considered Tim to be part of their family. He had assumed they were just as hell bent on locking Tim away as Bruce seemed to be.

Only Bruce didn’t seem to wish to lock Tim up. He was apparently just REALLY bad at communicating. Though after what had happened at the House of Secrets Blake didn’t fully trust the man even with the knowledge that everything was going exactly as planned. Fuck was Tim's mind horrifying sometimes.

But all of that aside he was worried. They hadn't even made it to the part he was worried about. Being forced to sit in some kitchen while Tim was incapacitated downstairs made him anxious. He didn’t care how certain Tim was of this ‘game’ of his. Knowing Tim was in the cave below utterly defenseless put him on edge even with the certainty of everything else.

Besides what if someone entered the cave with magic. . .oh gods no.

Suddenly on his feet he sprinted towards the study his nose telling him it was go time. Someone new was in the cave. Someone who wasn’t a Bat or the doctor they had left downstairs. Someone he recognized that eas extremely dangerous.

Ignoring the protests of the Wayne’s following close on his heels he panicked. He didn’t know the code to open the entrance to the cave. He didn’t know how to open the entrance to check on Tim and the alarms in his head were blaring.

Only the alarms weren’t in his head he realized as a panicked Bruce opened the cave. The older man followed him to the cave freezing at the sight of an unconscious Dr Tompkins and an other wise empty medbay.

Location Unknown

Ra’s smiled at the news. Lady Shiva had delivered his Beloved Detective to his side where he belonged. Injured and left alone with nothing more than an untrained doctor to keep him safe he was easy to steal from under the nose of Batman and his family. Lady Shiva didn't even have to kill anyone much to her dismay as she refused to kill as legit medical doctor.

The young man seemed to be under the after effects of some sort of electrical attack. Had Bruce tried to torture him as punishment for his crimes? That didn’t seem likely though one could never be certain. Bruce took his no killing rule rather seriously for a man who had sent his Beloved Detective to fight the Court of Owls on his own after all.

Unfortunately it wasn’t a wound that guaranteed recovery in the waters of the pit. So he, like a benevolent master, stabbed the unconscious boy in the spleen for old times sake before tossing him into the green depths of the pit. It wouldn’t do to have his Beloved Detective hampered by whatever Bruce and his ilk had done after all.

Not when he had a better way to ensure his heir remained loyal to him and him alone.

Batcave

“I need an immediate extract” Blake explained to someone over the phone “they’ve got Tim”

Bruce pulled up the medbay’s camera feed on the Batcomputer and frowned. Dr Tompkins was checking on Tim one minute and the next frame she was unconscious and Tim was gone. It didn’t make any sense. Who or what had gotten in the Cave without them noticing and how had they done so?

“We’ll get him back” Dick assured him his confidence wavering as Blake laughed in disgust at the remark.

The man had finished his phone call and was gearing up for something. And he looked furious.

“You’ll be doing nothing” Blake snapped his words full of venom finding the words he needed to say remarkably easy to sell as completely honest “if it hadn’t been for you lot Tim would still be safe. If it hadn’t been for your fucking insistence that I trust your security Tim would still be safe”

That wasn’t fair Dick countered clearly heartbroken. It shouldn’t have been possible for someone not affiliated with them to enter the cave. How were they supposed to know his paranoia was warranted?

“The Six will take care of this” Blake explained the venom in his tone never wavering “and you and your fucking family will stay out of our way or I’ll cut you down and apologize to Tim later”

Everyone froze at that. Did they think Blake and his Six would go through with such threat? Honestly they weren’t sure. Blake wasn’t usually super keen about murder but he had been known to be ok with it when he was particularly emotional. And for some reason or another the idea of Tim in danger made him particularly emotional.

“Why do you care so much” Damian asked his eyes wide with curiosity. He didn’t trust Blake anymore than the rest of them but he could tell that he cared. He just couldn’t figure out why he cared.

“Because he’s in love with him” Selina answered as she and the Sirens entered the Cave. Jason had thankfully caught them up on everything and man were they upset. All of this could’ve been avoided if Bruce had just listened to her when she said Tim was safe. But no now Stray was a known assassin and he had been kidnapped by some unknown entity.

Blake nodded at Selina’s statement. He was indeed in love with Tim. And now he was back in the clutches of the one person on the planet he wanted Tim free from. But he was going to get him back.

Even if it meant killing an ancient immortal assassin himself Tim’s plan be damned.

Chapter Text

Location Unknown

The first thing Ra's did when Tim reemerged from the pits was tell him what had happened. Bruce had left him for dead after using his own whip against him and stopping his heart. To make matters worse he had taken Blake to Blackgate in a deal to cancel the Justice League's hit out on Stray. Blake was taking the fall for all of Strays crimes as punishment for Tim breaking Bruce's no kill rule.

Tim was all alone again. His mother didn’t know he was missing and the man he loved was in prison for his crimes. All he had was the League of Assassins.

Well, that’s not all he had. There was someone Ra’s wanted him to meet.

 Someone special.

A Week Later – House of Secrets

Blake was suiting up. Constantine and Lori had finally managed to figure out where exactly Tim was being held. Which meant it was time for them to swoop in, kick some assassin ass, and save him.

Bruce was not at all happy that he wasn’t involved in this but honestly Blake didn’t give a fuck. This was a mission where killing was 100% on the table and he was not going to have some morality nonsense keeping him from saving the man he loved. This was his mission and if Bruce wasn’t willing to potentially kill some Assassins he wasn’t going to come.

It's also why Jason had been allowed to come. Sure they had Floyd who was a far better shot but Jason could handle himself in a brawl whereas Floyd would fold like a piece of paper. Plus the man was someone Tim actually trusted and he was willing to kill to save Tim so his assistance was appreciated.

Other than Blake, Jason, and Floyd they had quite a few of the Six coming as well. Lori was their transport but she wasn’t coming as she and Ragdoll were both out with mono. No one dared ask how they both got mono at the same time but they all knew. Creepy demonic fucks were made for each other that’s for sure. That being said no one actually wanted to know about their relationship past the fact that they were definitely in one.

Scandal, Kani/Kevin (Kevin today), Jeanette, Mary and Nanaue were all tagging along as well. Kay was staying behind to watch and protect Liana and their infant daughter Sienna. Which side note, finding out his best friends named their baby girl after his late mother as a thanks for donating the sperm they used to conceive her was arguably the sweetest gift he had ever recieved. His niece was arguably the cutest baby he'd ever seen and he loved her to pieces.

Ralph and his wife were taking care of Lori and Ragdoll. Constantine was coming as their magical support under pressure from his now fiancé Nanaue. Which, aww, but also if they didn’t invite him and Tim to the wedding they’d be having words. King Shark was known for his parties and he’d take personal insult if he wasn’t invited to the big guy’s wedding.

Was that nearly enough people to take on the League of Assassins? Probably, definitely, not. But Jason called his team of Outlaws and Talia contacted them saying she and Lady Shiva would help in anyway she could so at the very least, everything was going according to plan.

Watchtower

The Justice League conference room was in utter chaos right now. One of the newest members they had agreed to let join their ranks in a few weeks, Mirage, was among those listed as having been killed by Stray. And while their was no definitive proof that it had in fact been Stray who killed her it was pretty clear that it had been. The information regarding her death had been released along with a file listing her crimes as with all of Stray’s other victims. Though, technically speaking, they couldn’t actually link Stray to any of those either not even the Joker. But still, they all knew.

And the evidence against her was damning. Mirage had been using her powers to pose as the partner or lover of various heroes to sleep with them. Then, while the other hero slept, she would return to her true form and collect ‘evidence’ of their encounter like photographs. Evidence she’d then use to blackmail the hero or heroine into doing whatever is was she wanted. Usually for money or favors.

Thus far she hadn’t blackmailed anyone notable. No Leaguers were in her clutches. But several up and coming heroes were. Several young and inexperienced heroes who didn’t have the safety net of the League or the Titans to fall back on.

“I recognize him” Oliver stated pointing out one of the photos proving Mirage’s criminal activity “he was a good kid but he-“

He broke. According to the file he had tried to stand up against Mirage and she retaliated by exposing his ‘infidelity’ to his fiancé, his parents, and his civilian boss. Cost him the love of his life, his family, his civilian job, and then in a moment of weakness, his life. A bullet to the head alone in his apartment surrounded by empty liquor bottles.

“This is my fault” Dick whispered causing multiple Leaguers to turn and face him “I could’ve-“

“No” Kori countered immediately “you were a victim too Dick, none of us could’ve known there were others”

Everyone froze as Dick broke down crying against his longtime on again off again girlfriend as she and the rest of their team did what they could to console him. None of them had known Mirage had other victims. They had, for the most part, just pretended that their own incident with Mirage had been a nightmare. She was off the Titans and they were safe from her.

Until she had been accepted into the League anyway. The news had cause Dick to spiral. And Kori, still wrapped in her own guilt of how she had reacted to the incident when it had happened all those years ago, had done something impulsive.

She had hired the League of Assassins after hearing rumors of an assassin who focused on eliminating individuals guilty of such crimes. She hadn't been aware said assassin was Stray but knowing it had been gave her some level of satisfaction. Knowing that Stray, that Tim, had taken out the one who hurt Dick all those years ago helped in a way she couldn't explain.

Maybe it was the fact that it proved to her that Tim still cared about his not quite family. That he still cared about Dick despite everything Dick had done to hurt him in the past. Maybe it was just the knowledge that she knew the individual responsible and could thank them one day for doing what she couldn't. She didn't fully know and honestly she didn't really care. Because Mirage was dead and Stray had ensured that she would never have the chance to hurt anyone the was she had hurt Dick ever again.

“Dick” Bruce called making his way to his eldest son as fast as he could “I didn’t know”

“No one knew” Wally admitted sadly “we didn’t react to the news well when it happened and by the time we apologized for everything Dick had decided he didn’t want anyone else to know. We hadn’t known there were other victims”

Bruce nodded tightly as he took Dick into his arms. He wasn’t sure who placed the hit but he wanted to thank them. And he, silently, thanked Tim for ensuring Mirage couldn’t hurt anyone else again.

But that didn’t change the fact that Tim had murdered people. Yes they were all people who arguably deserved it and sure he had been working for the League at the time but murder was still murder. What if he started killing again? Would he have to be the one to stop him?

He wasn’t sure he could do that. He hadn’t even been trying to arrest Tim last time and he nearly killed him by mistake. What if he messed up and actually killed him? He was his son and he loved him. He wasn’t sure he could handle the guilt of knowing he could hurt him again.

“From what I gather” Diana started flipping through the report in front of her “all of Stray’s confirmed kills happened while he was working with the League of Assassins in order to retrieve Batman from the time stream correct”

Bruce nodded. According to the files release the only person Stray had killed post his return to Gotham was the Joker. Everyone else had been presumed dead or missing for at least a month before Bruce’s return.

“Now, I’m not condoning murder” Diana explained after Bruce’s confirmation “but given the circumstances I would argue that Stray did the best he could in such a situation. We are to blame for not listening when he first presented us with proof of Batman’s survival and for putting him in a situation where he felt the need to turn to someone like Ra’s al Ghul for assistance we could have and should have provided him”

There was some murmuring at that. Technically they hadn’t listened to Robin. But, as they recently learned, the Robin they had ignored and Stray were the same people. Meaning they had indeed been at least partially responsible for him working with Ra’s. Which, through proxy, made them somewhat responsible for these deaths.

“I vote that we keep an eye on him” Clark offered “but, under the pretense that he doesn’t kill again, we give him a pardon this one time. After all with 1 exception everyone on the list was a confirmed villain”

“I’d argue that Mirage counts as a villain” Oliver countered still upset over learning that she was the reason that young hero took his own life “and while his actions might not be great he did removed a potential League threat”

There was some more murmuring as everyone more or less agreed. Was murder bad? Yes, objectively so. Was it less bad considering who had been murdered and why? Maybe a little bit. Besides it wasn’t like they were all innocent either, sometimes eliminating the threat truly was the only option. Sometimes there really just wasn’t another option.

Location Unknown

Ra’s walked with Tim through the League base until eventually they arrived at an ornate door. It was the door leading to Tim’s old chambers back in his time with the League. A room he had hoped to never see again.

Opening the doors Tim paused at the sight.

His room had never been particularly ornate. Stone floors and stone walls it was one of the nicer chambers in the League if not a tad chilly. A large bed in the center from back when Ra’s was trying to court him still covered in silk sheets and lavish blankets. And a small attached bathroom. Honestly it was pretty bare all things considered but something was different this time. It felt more alive for some reason and not because there were people in it waiting for them.

Talia was in the room discussing something with a League doctor Tim didn’t recognize. And behind them? Behind them was a crib of sorts. Why was there a crib in his room? And why was there something inside the crib?

“Allow me to introduce you to your son” Ra’s whispered through the shadows as he physically guided the frozen boy forward a clawed hand rested territorialy on Tim's back.

Inside the crib sat an infant maybe a few months old with a head of midnight black hair. Pale skin only a shade or two darker than Tim’s own the child played with some sort of toy effectively ignoring their presence entirely. Objectively the child was adorable but staring at it Tim felt his blood freeze.

Who was the other father? Had Ra’s successfully managed to merge their DNA? Hadn’t the pit in their blood rendered their DNA incompatible though? Ra’s mentioned something about it being a shame that he couldn’t create a child that was theirs in the past. Had he succeeded somehow?

“Who is the other parent” he asked his voice trembling as all of his greatest fears ran through his mind.

And then the baby looked up. A crystalline blue eye and a pale green eye blinked at him in wonder. Heterochromia is a rare condition where someone is born with two different eye colors. It allowed the child before him to inherit the eye color of both of his parents. An eye color he recognized immediately.

“Thomas Blake has extraordinary DNA” Ra’s stated off handedly as a clawed hand smooth the child’s hair gently “wouldn't you agree”

The baby was his and Blake’s Tim wondered as the infant made grabby hands at him. Ra’s had created a child for him with the man he loved? The man Ra's said he was never going to get to see again because Bruce hated him so?

“May I hold him” he asked his voice cracking as Ra’s stepped to the side allowing him to pick up his son.

Everything was going according to plan Ra’s realized with a smirk. His Beloved Detective would be indebted to him forever now. All he needed to do was whisper a few more words.

“Just remember who made this possible” he hissed before vanishing into the shadows leaving Tim alone with his child, the doctor, and Talia.

Everyone waited several minutes and then another before moving or saying a word.

“I believe he bought your lack of memory” the Doctor stated eventually “well enough not to ask any questions anyway”

Tim and Talia nodded in unison. Tricking Ra’s wasn’t exactly difficult after all. He always believed himself to be the smartest man in the room fully in control of all things. Never noticing that he was being played for a fool by someone centuries younger than himself and had been being played for several years now. Though neither of the mastermind that was Tim not the snake that was Talia had ever anticipated this particular hiccup in their plan things were still manageable. More than manageable now that Ra's believed he had already won the game he lost almost 4 years ago.

“He and his team will arrive tomorrow” Talia explained in League Sign Language before she and the Doctor departed in silence.

Tim sat on the bed still cradeling the tiny infant in his arms. Gaining a child hadn’t been part of the plan. Becoming a potentially single parent at 19 hadn’t been part of the plan. Sure Blake had said he always wanted children and sure he said he’d love to have a family with Tim but what if the prospect of that happening so suddenly scared him off? What if seeing this innocent scientific miracle made the prospect too real and he couldn’t handle it? What if the fact that the child had been made without their consent was a deal breaker? Tim didn’t want to be alone again but he also couldn’t bring himself to abandon the child either.

“I’ll keep you safe little one” he promised the infant as the baby boy began to fall asleep in his arms.

Chapter Text

Location Unknown

Ra's grunted as the Six bound him to his throne. He hadn’t actually anticipated such an attack. He had wagered Blake would come alone on some naïve quest to save his Beloved. He hadn’t anticipated him calling in backup from his retired team of misfits. All of his agents at his present location were either dead, incapacitated, or missing. Talia and Lady Shiva both appeared to be in that last category. At least they didn’t appear to have betrayed him at present which counted for something.

He had actually been expecting Talia when the doors to his throne room had been blown open by his uninvited guests. He had been expecting her report regarding his Beloved Detective and the child he had created for him when the Red Hood and Deadshot took out his knees with their pesky guns. Of all the weapons in the world he despised guns most of all, they were crude and barbaric just like their wielders. He missed the days of swords and true, honorable, combat.

Now he was a talented fighter, arguably one of the best in the world, but against individuals with superhuman strength like Bizarro and Starfire he was helplessly unprepared. Especially after having his kneecaps shot out. And now he was magically and physically bound to his own throne. Which, in honesty, showed about as much class and taste as one could expect from those invading his home without permission. Not even a proper greeting? How abysmally rude.

“Here for my Beloved Detective” he asked openly mocking the very clearly pissed off Thomas Blake “it’s too late to ughn”

His words had been cut off by a knife through his leg maybe an inch from his crotch.

“Call him your Beloved one more time you sick son of a bitch and I’ll watch you choke to death on your own dick” Blake spat tone dripping in venom.

Tim refused to give him all of the details regarding Ra’s attempted ‘courtship’ of him. What he had learned though was that the man was handsy and didn’t understand the meaning of the word no. And when his own advances had been thoroughly rejected he sent his sister to try and get what he wanted in his place. Thankfully Tim assured him that Ra's sister had failed too. But he still saw how the incident haunted his Kitten and he truly despised Ra's and his ilk for causing him such harm.

It was a shame they had a plan to follow as he very much wanted to castrate the immortal assassin. And thanks to Ragdoll’s very descriptive explanation of such a process he was more than aware of how to do such a thing if allowed/required. But alas they weren’t here for that and they did have a plan to follow. Though if he continued to mouth off about the man he loved he’d reconsider. Improvisation was always a useful skill to have after all.

A Few Weeks Ago – House of Secrets

The Six sat around the table in their old Boiler Room reading the plan devised by Tim. They weren’t particularly fond of the plan but it was his show so they’d follow it as closely to the letter as possible. But still, they really didn’t like the idea of using someone they had grown to consider one of their own as bait however well thought out the plan may be.

“I don’t like it” Blake repeated for probably the millionth time “we could just run”

And keep running until we’re cornered everyone asked sarcastically at the same time. Tim would need to face the Wayne’s eventually. And more importantly he would need to face Ra’s eventually. The man didn’t take no for an answer and he was obsessed with making Tim his. Hell bent on claiming his Beloved Detective and 'training' him to be the perfect heir.

Which side note, Scandal really, really hoped that Tim had been joking when he told them Ra’s called him his Beloved Detective. She knew he wasn’t joking and that Ra’s, that creepy ancient and immortal mother fucker, probably did call a kid not yet 19 his Beloved in the same way Talia called Batman her Beloved. If the plan didn’t already end with Ra’s very dead she’d ask if it could. Man made her own father look damn near normal and her father was Vandal fucking Savage for fucks sake.

“I know Blake” Tim assured him “but if everything goes well the League won’t be a threat and the Bats won’t bother the Six again in the future”

The plan was simple, relatively. Blake and Tim wait for Bruce and whomever he brings to come to the House of Secret to grab Tim. They either A think Tim is a threat and bring Justice League backup or B think he’s someone they can handle themselves and don’t bring League backup. Either is workable but B would be preferred. They’d rather not have to fight Superman or Wonder Woman after all. He could, he had a whip designed specifically to take them down but he REALLY didn’t want to use it.

If A they fight whomever is brought along until Bruce or one of his helpers take them down. Ra’s will likely kidnap him from prison shortly after before Lori and Constantine break Blake out. Then the Six attack and eliminate Ra’s using Tim as a focal point to locate them via magic. And then Tim and Blake go back into hiding and avoid the Bats and the Justice League for as long as possible under the hope that they forgive and forget.

If B they ‘fight’ the Bats ensuring Bruce or Damian notice Stray’s regular whip. One of them would likely try to use the whip if they notice it wraped around Tim ‘subduing’ him. Blake then acts like they killed him while injecting him with one of Ivy’s sleep pollens from behind the ear while he fakes convulsions until the pollen actually nocks him out. Blake then pretends to attempt chest compressions while Tim’s heart is momentarily stopped before accusing them of trying to kill him. Then either Jason or Cass will guilt Bruce into letting Blake tag along back to the Cave. And if neither Jason or Cass are in attendance for whatever reason Blake forces his way into tagging along.

From there Blake just needs to give Ra’s a window of time where Tim is unprotected in the Cave. The predictable bastard will likely kidnap him once he thinks he’s alone or unprotected. Then Blake can blame Bruce and the Bats before grabbing the Six to perform the rescue without interference. Guilt is a powerful tool that Bruce is particularly susceptible to which should ensure he goes along with this without much complaint. Especially if they remind him that the Six are 100% willing to kill people and that they don’t work with people who aren’t ok with that.

Jason and his Outlaws will likely insist on assisting in this scenario, to comfort Bruce's inability to come along, which would increase the likelihood of success. That’s why it’s preferred despite the less enjoyable method for Tim. Jason, Bizarro, Roy, Kori, and Artemis would be fantastic additions to the mission. They’re incredibly competent fighters and are comfortable with the use of lethal force making them the best choice for backup.

“And if Talia betrays you” Constantine asked while going through a spell tome. Ralph was pretty insistent on Lori not being forced to see combat, which was fair that's his daughter, so Constantine would likely be their magical assistance against the League. Though if Lori managed to convince Ralph to let her come no one would complain. Two casters are better than one after all, plus they both had their own masteries. And anyway Constantine would be useful at ensuring King Shark stayed in control of his blood lust. “She’s not exactly trustworthy you know”

Everyone arched an eyebrow. Talia betray Tim? For this mission? Unlikely. . .possible, but unlikely. She gets the League of Assassins at the end of it all, which is all she’s ever wanted for like almost a hundred plus years. She likely won’t betray them, not when she knows doing so will likely only end with her dead too. Besides this plan was years in the making first conceived when Jason attacked Titan Tower ages ago.

“After this is all over Kitten” Blake teased kissing his partner's hand lovingly “we’re going someplace nice and warm for a few months, just the two of us”

Tim smiled at the suggestion. It’d be nice to have a real vacation where they could actually leave the house. He adored the House of Secrets, now that it wasn’t trying to eat him, but he missed being able to go out and about whenever the mood struck. A few months traveling with Blake would be divine. No cape nonsense, just them, and he couldn’t wait.

“Well” Tim decided standing up “now that everything is decided I hope you don’t mind me stealing Blake away for some alone time”

“You guys want a third” Floyd offered with a smirk before the duo made it to the door far more accepting of his own bisexuality after months of having fun with Kani/Kevin and Jeanette. A nice ass and pouty lips are more than enough to get him in the mood parts be damned. Tim had both in spades and honestly he was pretty curious to see if the rumors of Blake having a ‘third leg’ were true. Hell he’d be content just watching though he’d love to actually participate if they were open to the idea.

Blake and Tim exchanged a look before shrugging and waving him on. Floyd Lawton was a fairly attractive man and they’d heard good things from Kani/Kevin and Jeanette. So a third could be fun, on occasion.

Location Unknown - Present

“You know father” a voice purred from the shadows causing Ra’s to flinch “the young feline did warn you about what would happen if you entered his turf and hurt someone he cared about”

Ra’s blinked. Who had he hurt? The doctor? Surely not. She was just some woman of little consequence was she not? He’d checked, his Beloved Detective had no connection to the woman. And besides, Lady Shiva had ensured him that she was unharmed just in case she did secretly matter to the boy.

“Dr. Thompkins is indeed very dear to him” Talia confirmed stepping out of the shadows and into his line of sight “but I was referring to his most recent dip in the pit”

Ra’s flinched clearly shocked by the revelation. The boy counted himself? That conniving deceitful little. . .honestly he respected it. Well done Beloved you out played him. Regrettable but not particularly surprising all things considered. He always knew the boy would one day accept his rightful place as his heir and successor he just hadn’t anticipated it happening so soon. He had presumed he’d have more time to ‘train’ him to his standards before such a coup d’état.

“Talia” Blake warned drawing another blade “I’ve decided I am going to show him what I think of him calling my Kitten his Beloved so I’d be ready to go for the kill or he will likely bleed out before you get the chance to claim your throne”

Ra’s paled minutely at that. His Beloved wasn’t going to be the one killing him? But losing only mattered if his Beloved killed him. The one who kills the Demon Head becomes the Demon Head. Why would his Beloved give such an honor to his treacherous daughter when such it was rightfully his?

He didn’t have the chance to ponder the question further as a scream was ripped from his throat as Blake made good on his promise. His ‘manhood’ had been removed moments before Talia shoved her blade through his chest tearing his heart asunder with a cruel twist of her wrist.

The ancient and immortal Demon Head Ra’s al Ghul was dead, killed and replaced by his daughter Talia al Ghul. A new Era for the League of Assassins was beginning. A better Era if she had anything to say about it. But first she'd put her father's head on a pike and allow the shark known as King Shark the honor of devouring her father's corpse so she could sit on her new throne and enjoy the moment.

“Your feline is down the hall second door on the left” Talia explained smirking at the realization that Blake was already gone. Man was in for a surprise when he got there.

Blake entered the room his nose told him Tim was in quietly. Tim was sitting on a massive bed covered in silken emerald sheets smiling warmly at a small child in his arms. Wait. . .why was Tim holding a child?

“Is that a baby” Blake asked incredulously.

Tim nodded as he looked up to face him smiling broadly at the man before him. He was beyond happy about the baby in his arms but why? Whose baby was it?

No sooner had he thought it the baby giggled blinking in wide eyed wonder at his presence his infant nose crinkling with joy. Blake recognized the child’s eyes almost instantly, Tim’s crystalline blue and his own pale green. The baby had their eyes.

“Is he”

Tim nodded his smile softening “Yeah” he confirmed laughing softly as Blake stumbled closer “Ra’s thought making a baby using our DNA would bind us to him or something”

So the creepy bastard actually did something good before dying? Who’d of thought? Who cared though? He had a child, with the man he loved. He had a son and a partner and his heart just felt so full he feared it would burst.

“Can I” he asked reaching for the infant and melting as Tim helped him take the tiny child into his arms carefully positioning his hands to best ensure the baby’s safety.

He was the single most precious thing he had ever held. Even more precious than he ever thought possible his excluding only his niece Sienna who was equally precious. His and Tim’s darling baby boy with their eyes and Tim’s midnight black hair smiled at him giggling wildly as he held him.

Their son that shouldn’t have been possible.

“I know it throws a wrench in our vacation plans” Tim teased snuggling up against him “but you think we have room for this little guy to tag along”

Blake nodded dumbly at the question. He’d known the baby for all of like all of a minute and he’d burn the world to ash if that’s what it took to keep him safe. The same he would for Tim and little Sienna. He loved them all with all of his heart and couldn’t believe the sick fuck that was Ra’s gave him the chance to have a family like this. Gave him a chance to be a father like this. A chance he never thought he’d ever actually have. Not since his child with Jade had been hidden away from them.

Plenty of people wanted to have his children but no one ever seemed to want to have him as the father. But Tim did, Tim wanted both him and their son. He wanted their precious little family and he could see that so clearly in the way the man was smiling at him. In the way he melted against him content with just being next to him.

“Does he have a name” he asked as the baby took his massive finger into his tiny baby hands.

“Not officially” Tim replied smiling softly at his partner and their son “but I was thinking Felix Thomas Blake-Kyle”

The perfect name. It paid homage to the middle name Selina had once intended for Tim. It paid respect to Bruce’s influence on who he was as a person while also allowing the child to have Blake’s given name mixed in. And it gave the child their joined last names.

“It’s perfect” he assured the younger man tilting his head up so he could kiss him gently as a follow up question popped into his head. A question he had originally intended to wait until they returned from their vacation to ask as the ring was still being made “Tim" he started gazing into the younger man's crystalline blue eyes lovingly "would you do me the honor of marrying me”

Tim smiled sweetly as he leaned up to kiss him one last time his answer ringing clearly in Blake’s ears despite being said in a whisper that should’ve been inaudible.

“Yes”

Chapter Text

Selina, Harley, and Ivy were not excited to be woken up by a clearly sick Black Alice. It was far too early in the morning to be dealing with magical nonsense and a obscenely powerful and very sick spellcaster when their Kitty Cat was missing still. But then Lori explained that she was there to get them at Tim's bequest and they forgave the slight. Anything for their little Timmy.

Of all of the reasons they had imagined being called a baby was not among them. On the one hand it was a relief to know that this was the emergency and not, ya know, death or some shit. But it was also weird as fuck. Tim wasn’t even 19 yet and he was a dad? Ra’s had, without the knowledge of anyone of relevance, made a baby using one of Tim’s old spleens and Blake’s DNA? If the man wasn’t already dead, his head mounted on a pike next to Talia’s new throne, they’d kill him themselves. Even dead Harley took time to spit on the man’s severed head.

And side note, they needed to discuss the fact that Ra’s had had access to multiple spleens once belonging to Tim. Not one or two of them but like six or seven. The fact that the boy’s hair wasn’t all white at this point from how often he took a dip in the pit was a miracle. And the fact that he truly did seem immune to the pits maddening effects was both concerning and awe-inspiring. But they’d discuss that later in therapy with Auntie Harley.

“We wanted you guys to be the first to meet him” Blake explained as he walked them into the room where Tim was sitting playing with baby Felix.

Keeping the Six out of the room had been difficult, they’re a nosey bunch, but they had done it. The promise that they’d get to see the ‘big secret’ after the Sirens had been enough to temporarily subdue their curiosity. That and the promise that he and Tim would treat them to a nice fancy dinner once everything was settled.

“Hi mama” Tim greeted smiling at his mom and aunties “I’d like to introduce you all to Felix Thomas Blake-Kyle”

Selina melted immediately. The baby was absolutely precious and looked like a cherub blend of both of his fathers. She made grabby hands smiling wide as Tim let her hold her grandson. Gods, if you had told her all those years ago that she’d one day be a grandmother to a human child she’d suggest checking in to Arkham. The idea of her as a mother yet alone a grandmother was positively crazy. But here she was holding her grandson while her son smiled at her. And she wouldn’t change a damn thing except maybe the frequency of how often she got to see them as Tim didn’t visit nearly enough for her tastes. She missed movie night with her son. She'd even welcome Blake into her house and family if it meant she got to see her son and grandson more often.

Harley made faces giggling along with the baby while Ivy pretended to be indifferent to the child’s existence. But they knew the truth. She was already head over heels for the newest addition to their weird little family. Was already planning on how to best spoil the darling boy and make the world a greener place for him to grow up in.

“You hurt them” Ivy began her voice low and soft as she prepared to scare the green into the large man only to be cut off by the man in question.

“I hurt them you kill me” Blake finished in more of a request than a statement.

He could never imagine willingly hurting his little family. The mere thought of doing such a thing made him nauseous. He wasn’t a perfect man by any means but he intended to do his fucking best to keep his little pack happy and safe. And if he failed to do so he prayed one of the Sirens would kill him to ensure he couldn’t hurt them a second time.

~*~

Jason was torn on how to feel about the present situation. On the one hand he was beyond honored to be the first of Tim's Wayne ‘family’ to be allowed to meet his nephew. That Tim and Blake trusted him enough to he around their son after everything he’d put Tim through in the past meant the literal world to him. Felix was hands down the cutest baby he had ever seen excluding maybe his own not quite daughter Lian. He really should ask Roy out, officially, one of these days. Their official unofficial relationship dance was already old and he really just wanted them to officially be a family too.

On the other hand though being asked to keep little Felix a secret until after Tim and Blake returned to Gotham in a few months was tearing him apart. He wanted so badly to rub it in everyone’s face that he got to meet the baby first. But he wouldn’t, not yet, if only because Tim wanted and deserved the chance to tell everyone himself. He just wished Cass hadn’t been on mission in Hong Kong as Tim really wanted to tell her too.

But at least he wasn’t entirely alone. The Six all knew of the baby and he and the Outlaws got along famously with them. So well in fact that they were discussing collaborating together anytime anyone from the Six wanted to get back out into the field. And the Sirens all knew too which meant he could also talk about his little nephew with Selina, Harley, and Ivy.

Tim even asked him to be the godfather of the little baby. Despite all of their issues Tim was certain that Jason would never let anything harm little Felix if he could help it. And he was 100% right as Jason was already planning on spoiling the little tot rotten even before they came back to Gotham. But damn did Tim vocalizing such strong faith in him mean a lot, he was so glad they had become something akin to brothers.

Scandal was Blake’s choice as his godmother. He was the godfather to her daughter Sienna and knew that Scandal would love and protect his child if, gods forbid, something were to ever happen to them. He also knew that the rest of the Six, the Outlaws, and the Sirens would all be in his and Tim’s corner like the family of misfits that they all were.

~*~

Kori smiled warmly as Tim walked with her through the League base. Blake and the Six were watching little Felix and she was excited to know another human child she could spoil as an aunt of sorts. But first she wished to discuss something personal with Tim, with Stray.

“Thank you Stray” she stated calmly “I know you aren’t as close to Richard as he believes but I appreciate what you did for him”

Tim, no Stray, smiled at her his sharp teeth glittering in the dim lights of the League base. He didn’t need her thanks. Even if he hadn’t known what Mirage had done to Dick he would’ve taken the hit. It was the least he could do for all those that she had hurt over the years.

“Do they know” he asked simply his eyes dark as his theory was confirmed “that you placed the hit”

Kori smiled warmly. Even if they did it wouldn’t change much. She had diplomatic immunity as a literal princess. But still, she was certain they had their theories. At the very least her fellow Titans did. Wally specifically seemed to know if the amount of hugs he'd given her for no reason seemed to be an idicator.

“Some might have a clue” she replied honestly “my fellow Titans and Batman himself certainly have an idea at the very least though it matters not. We are all grateful for what you did even if not everyone is willing to say such things aloud”

“Thank you Kori” Tim said the mask of Stray gone from his voice and mannerisms “for caring about him as you do”

They shared a look. One of mutual understanding. Tim might not say he cared, he might even argue he didn’t, but he did. He likely just feared being hurt again. Which, while strange to her, made sense from what she knew of Tim’s relationship with the Wayne’s. They had hurt him so much over the years and she wagered it was hard to put himself in a position where he might be hurt further.

But still she hoped, one day, he’d be willing to give them another chance. If not for himself than at the very least for his child. He deserved to know that the Wayne’s could be better than their past mistakes. That they could, if given the chance, show that they were capable of being better.

~*~

And now Tim and Blake were vacationing in the recently restored Lion Preserve Blake had once called home with their darling baby boy. Felix had evidently inherited his fathers’ natural inclination towards felines and got along famously with the lion cubs. Tim often found himself watching little Felix and the cubs while Blake hunted with the lionesses. Which, while it took some getting used to, was nice. The lionesses even watched little Felix on occasion when he and Blake wanted some ‘alone time’ together.

They had recently learned that the House of Secrets wasn’t bound to any set location. It had only ever been in Vermont because Blake was too lazy to figure out how to move it. But as an engagement gift Constantine had walked them through the process before thoroughly child proofing it. So they now had a magically travelling home that was no longer actively trying to kill its inhabitants. Sure it still ate unwanted guests but it no longer posed a threat to wondering guests that had permission to be within its walls. It also thankfully stopped frying tech much to Tim’s relief.

Legally speaking they had gotten married before leaving for their vacation both men officially becoming Mr. and Mr. Blake-Kyle for simplicity sake. It had been a small courthouse ceremony with just Selina and Scandal in attendance as witnesses. They had originally intended on sharing the moment with more people but after discussing it decided on just one witness each due to the nature of who they considered friends/family. As such only Selina, as Tim’s mom, and Scandal, as the closest thing Blake had to a sibling, made the cut. Felix was there too but he slept through it.

But they were planning a real ceremony upon their eventual return to Gotham. A big ceremony with all of their friends and family in attendance followed by a party. Tim was even planning on attempting to reach out to the Wayne’s prior to it with hopes of being able to invited them as well. Plus he intended on asking Jason and Cass to be a part of his wedding party. Obviously the Six and the Outlaws would be invited as well plus a few other, mainly Gotham based, Rogues. And maybe even a few Justice League affiliated heroes like Supergirl and her wife Lena. Tim even considered reaching out to his old Young Justice teammates in an attempt to maybe actually befriend them for real.

But for now they were just enjoying their time alone as a family. Travelling the world in their magic house and making memories with their darling child. Including making a special stop in Hong Kong so Cass could meet her nephew because she deserved to get to meet him before their return to Gotham. Visiting old friends and seeing the world without it being for work.

If Stray and Catman made an appearance or two when the mood struck who was to blame them? It’s not like they had retired or anything. And besides sometimes the score was too nice to pass up.

And, on very rare occasions, there was a threat that just needed to be eliminated.