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Chapter Text

Bruce Wayne was in between a rock and a hard place.

He could up hold his families centuries old custom of combining their company with another Gotham bred family and force one of his three sons to marry someone they do not love. Or he could continue to prolong a wedding and have the company suffer it’s effects every spring.

Gotham took pride in their people, always have, always will. Sure the water was toxic, the air was gray, and the cops where corrupt. But Gothamits are loyal and found joy and entertainment in the little good they could see. And nothing held Gothams eye more than their very own royalty, the Wayne’s.

The Wayne’s have been there before Gotham became Gotham. They helped build the city. Help the city to this day. Every company, investment, and/or organization they helped grew in a Wayne miracle kind of way. Even the way the Wayne’s ancestors marriages helped the city’s grow.

Since the dawn of Wayne’s they always had custom. If they had more than one child they would choose one of the two to marry and add a different born and bred Gotham family to their tree. Do not fret for this tradition was only to be passed on to the heir of the family. As was such many cousins and distant relatives need not worry for their children. Yet the heads of the main family always seem to enjoy the tradition and had many children. All except Bruce’s parents.

Gotham was expecting a second child from their beloved Martha and Thomas, unfortunately their lives where cut short and the city’s excitement for the traditional died down with the Wayne’s.

So the tradition was forgot. Until Bruce Wayne the current head of the clan adopted his second son. Who would have guessed that amongst the many articles of Bruce’s new son a certain metropolis journalist would head in a different route and write about Gothams history.

“Is Bruce Wayne to continue his family’s tradition now that he has a second son?”

After that many other articles posted more into the forgotten Gotham ritual, and excitement grew from the people.

From Bruce? Not so much.

He figured he would ignore it and people would once again forget, as his oldest was only but 11. And they had. Not even a year and the people had quieted.

That is until Dick Grayson-Wayne turned 18.

With that, many stories came of Bruce supposedly having his eldest marry. But Bruce didn’t.

Then like clock work every spring stories would rise of who Bruce would marry off. Spring because as tradition had it a Wayne could only marry in spring, for whatever reason his ancestors thought.

And As Gotham and the internet grew so did speculations.

The Gotham people where hungry for a Wayne wedding and where acting starved.
But really it hadn’t bothered his family much even if his company’s income tanked for a few months a year.

That all came to a halt the moment Dick announced his relationship with Princess Koriand’r.

Gotham way loyal to their own, not outsiders. And unfortunately that was what Kori was to them. The city retaliated and shunned the first prince and pressured the second into marriage , some even went as low as to harass his youngest, Damian at school. And that, Bruce could not stand by and ignore it any longer.

So he went to the only person he knew would give him a way to stop this craziness, Lucius Fox, his friend and the co-CEO of his company and his daughter Tam, who was head of Wayne enterprise PR team.

Which is where we are now. Bruce in between a rock and hard place.

“Listen Bruce the way I see it you either need a wedding, or things will stay the same.”

“But-“ Bruce was cut off by Tam.

“Sure it will be forgotten then it’ll come back next year, and the next and the next. Then what will happens when Jason announces a relationship? It’ll get worse again, is what will happen. Then what do you think will happen Damian turns 18? I’ll give you a hint, it’s not pretty.”

Bruce’s shoulders sagged. “How can I do that to them? They should be able to find someone they want to be with.”

“You could always start with dates, Jason or Damian don’t have to just get married. Have them meet some people help them fall in love.”

“But they have to be from Gotham.” Tam added for her father.

Shaking his head, “they’ll hate it. Jason hates Gotham high society he’ll never even make it to a date. Damian, he’s so little and he’s not interested in romance I’m not sure if he’ll even be honestly. But I don’t want to force them into this.”

Tam exhaled as rubbing her temple. “Well there has to be a wedding Bruce, I’m sorry but that’s the only way to satisfy Gotham.”

They say in a grim silence not looking at each-other. They have been having this discussion for a couple hours now and it felt as though then haven’t taken any steps forward.

Then it hit Bruce. He jerked up starting the Foxes.

“There just has to be A wedding right? A Wayne wedding that’s all we need?”

Their confusion gazes quickly shifted as realization slowly dawned on them.

“Your crazy you know that?” Lucius said shaking his head.

“For my kids that’s fine.”

Chapter Text

“Wayne wedding!”

The next Monday the people awoke to an article of Bruce Wayne’s and his marriage. To who? He wasn’t sure yet, the letter read as such-

“Good morning Gotham,

It is Wayne’s pleasure to be announcing to you all that Bruce Wayne himself is ready to marry. He is calling upon Gothams high society to blend company’s and marry by next spring. As such he will be open to marriage meetings with any singles aged 20-40. Please do not hesitate in contacting us to set a date, as Bruce is looking to announce an engagement at the end of summer Wayne gala.

We are waiting to hear from you all!
Xxx-xxx-xxxx
xxxxxxxxxxx.wmail.com”

Bruce was satisfied with this option, he was never really fond of marriage but if it meant protecting his children he could do it. Who knows he might find someone he actually likes.

The only thing he regretted was not informing said kids on his decision to marry.

He was reminded of that poor decision as his sons sat around him at the breakfast table.

The Wayne’s where not morning people and started their first meal a bit quieter than others but as their sleep left them so did their quiet. Yet this morning as they sat at the table slowly serving them selves, Alfred came in with a stack of papers.

“Good news master Bruce, your declaration was well received by the public. You now have 25 of Gothams high class asking for your hand in marriage. The letters been up 45 minutes ” Alfred waiting for the words to settle into his boys heads.

Damian was the first to react dropping his fork as his older brothers gasped. Then all hell broke lose.

“Father you can not be serious marriage?! Why are they sending you propositions!?”

“What the hell Bruce you’re getting married!! Since when?!?!”

“OMG OMG OMG!”
Alfred chuckled then cleared his throat, a clear indication of wanting silence.

As they quieted the butler nudged the oldest. Bruce squirmed a bit before sighing.

“As you all know the family has been in the limelight since Dicks announced,” Dick opened his mouth but was stopped by a raised hand “it has not been the best publicity for the family or the business and unfortunately we’ve all been targets, of course to no fault of Dick.

So I sought to find a solution to our problem and that so happened to be finding an eligible Gothamit to combine our business with.” As he finished his sons only stared.

“I’m getting married so the public will stop bothering you all into marriage.”

“Damn Bruce you could have just said that.” Jason chuckled.

Next came Dick “Wow so you’re really gonna get married? Like your actively looking? Wait you told the public about this?!” Bruce nodded at him.

“I informed the people I would be looking for a spouse. I will try to meet everyone at least twice before making any decisions.”

“But father what about mother?” Damian’s quiet confession broke threw the oldest hearts.

Bruce stared at his youngest with soft eyes. “Damian… me and your mother, we don’t click. Even if I wasn’t getting married to someone from Gotham I don’t think me and your mother will ever get back together.” Damian’s shoulders dropped a bit.

“Can… will I be able to help find someone?” The caution in his voice broke Bruce.

“Of course you can help Dami.” He turned to his other two sons. “I won’t marrying anyone you guys don’t approve of.”

Jason rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide his smile “Aw why must you get all sappy with us old man.”

“So whose the first candidate”. Dick asked the butler.

“A bright young candidate indeed. His family’s company creates medical supplies. Their products are in all Gotham hospitals including Thomas general . His parents aren’t very hands on with the company and travel a lot but seem to donate to every place they visits. He graduated top of his class at boarding school and is at the moment attending Gotham university majoring in business. He likes reading, computers, photography, is trained in martial arts, is allergic to shellfish, and volunteered with different organizations. He just so happens to be our neighbor, Timothy Jackson Drake. Age 21.”

Before anything could be said Jason startled the table.“WHAT!”

“Jas-“

“TIMOTHY?! TIM DRAKE? AS IN MY TIMMY?!?!?”

Realization fell across the table. The youngest laughed at his brother’s anguish. While Dick tried to calm him.

“My friend, Bruce! No not my sweet summer child Timmy!”

“Calm down jas-“ he wouldn’t let a word out of his father.

“Alfred please tell me you can cancel it!”

“I’m sorry master Jason but I’ve already confirmed with his parents, Master Bruce will be meeting with Timothy today for a lunch date.”

Damian was turning red with laughter at least Dick was trying to cover his laughter.

Jason snapped his head to his father. “Bruce! Old man. Dad.” He pleaded.

“If it really, truly bothers you Jason I’ll call the drakes right now.”

Damian squawked “Father! You mustn’t! At least go on a date with him! Jason is just being dramatic, as usual.”

Dick nodded along. “At least let them meet Jay. What if they are soulmates?”

“Jason?”

“Fineee…” jay groaned. “BUT! No hanky panky you hear me. Timmy’s a fair man he will not be disrespected until at least after your wedding.” He finished pointing accusingly at Bruce.

“I would never.” Jason just grumbled while getting back to his omelet.

Before he could take a bite his omelet his phone started ringing. Fishing it out of his pocket his mouth fell.

“No phones at the table master Jason.”

“It’s Tim.”

The table stilled until Dick called out. “Put it on speaker!” He did as his older brother said.

“Hello?” The Wayne’s all scooted closer, waiting for a response.

“…Hey, Jason….soo.” And audible gulp was heard. “I think I might be going on a date with your dad later.”

Contrary to how he had acted earlier Jason laughed as he took it off speaker. “It’s ok Timmy I already know. Make sure to order the most expensive dish, and don’t you dare even bring a card or cash. Yes, yes. Ok I’ll call you later, oh and he likes the color blue. Your welcome, stepmom.”

Bruce choked as his son put away his phone. “Jay!”

Chapter Text

The devil works hard but Janet Drake works harder.

Many things could be said of Janet from Gothams elite, that she was unindustrious was not one of them.

Like many other women she worked for her families success. Sure Jack’s family had come from money but that did not mean Janet wouldn’t work enough to be able to provide for them if the Drake fortune where to ever be unavailable.

She was strong, cunning, and protective of her boys. But what she was really known for was her brain. After all thanks to her Drake industries because one of Gothams most influential businesses.

She was able to pick out a profitable investment a mile away. Her husband and son teased it was her superpower, to be able to see if something or someone was worth anything. She just always knew where to be and when.

So it came to no one’s surprise that she had been the first to contact Alfred once the letter had been published.

What Alfred had wondered was how it had taken her less than 5 minutes to call.

“Let’s just say the air smelled promising this morning.” She had answered when he asked.

That being said Tim trusted her judgment. She was a smart woman who only wanted the best for him. Yet that didn’t mean he didn’t question her action.

And question he did. Questioned why she had burst into his room that morning giggled about some wedding. Questioned why he was suddenly being nudged into the restroom to start his day (at an hour no one should be awake at him might add).

He didn’t really question why she had brought his hair dresser because really he was in need of a trim. He probably should have questioned why she was looking at wedding venue but he brushed it off not really worrying. Until his father had asked him if he was excited for his date with ‘Mr.Wayne’.

Tim all but chocked I’m his potato’s. “I’m sorry, my date with who?!”

“Tim dear I do hope you don’t choke while at lunch with him, you look oddly…. distraught.”

“Mom… I almost choked.”

“One must choke with grace honey.”

Ignoring his mothers jab at his choking face he turned to his father. “Im going where? With who?”

“Mr.Wayne, you’re meeting him for lunch.”

Tim relaxed. “Oh. You really have to work on your wording dad for a second there I thought you meant an actual date.”

Jack and Janet stared at each other then turned to their son, “Timothy you really must not be so forgetful while on your date later.”

“Honey you’re meeting Bruce Wayne for a date with marriage in mind.” Janet shook her head as if there was something wrong with him.

Tim’s eyes grew wide once again. “I’m sorry I once again repeat. WHAT!?!”

“Bruce Wayne, Tim”

“Uhm I’m pretty sure you’re forgetting a lot of things like I don’t know maybe why I’m going on a date with a man 17 years my senior?!?”

“Oh for the love of Christ Tim do you never listen to your mother?” Janet continued her rant and his father slid him over his work tablet.

It was open to a news article with the Wayne’s letter. His neck snapped up to his parents.

“Oh my god you’re pimping me out mom!”

“Don’t be crude Timothy.” His father said before going back to his eggs.

“Timothy dear it’s not pimping you out, I'm setting you up for a bright future. Think of all the open possibilities! You’ll be able to run both companies!”

Tim stared at her in disbelief. “He’s the father of my friend mom. A friend whose OLDER than me and has an even older brother!”

“Perfect, now you have a better chance than most! Meet your steps sons, bond! I’m positive you will be married by next spring Tim!” She said confidently clapped her hands.

“Dad!” Turing for support.

“Give him a chance Tim I’m sure he’s a great guy, just go on the date and test the waters.” Betrayed by his own father.

“Please sweetheart. You know I wouldn’t set you up unless I saw the potential you both could have.” Tim’s shoulders sank as be sighed in defeat.

“Ok fine but if this one date is terrible you can never set me up with any one ever again.” His mother stood excitedly mumbling of wedding themes.

Finishing his breakfast Tim figured it would be better for Jason to find out from him that he’s planning on courting his father than some news site.

—-

“Honey stop taping your finger you’ll chip a nail.” Halting his fidgeting Tim looked out the window.

His mother had insisted she drop him off claiming to be needed at the office. Yah right she visits the office once a every half year choosing to work from her tablet.

He was meeting Bruce at a popular lunch spot at the center of Gotham, least it was a fairly safe place for the city. Stoping at a light Tim’s stomach dropped.

“Will there be paparazzi?” His mother looked at him from the corner of her eyes. “I’m sure there will be none in the restaurant.”

That’s code for, ‘only when you arrive and are leaving.’ Great now they would see him all nervous arriving. How embarrassing.

“Can you drop me off a little down the street?” His mother raised a brow. “I don’t want to block the street.”

“All press is good press.”

“Mommm.”

Janet stoped the car in-front of a park a little down the street from the restaurant. Tim hoped out before his mother could give him a list of do’s and don’ts.

He was nervous. Tim had never actually been able to meet Bruce Wayne face to face. His parents never brought him to galas when he was younger, do to his attending of a boarding school. Plus he’s never been to Jason house.

Damn it, Jason. This was going to be so awkward. Steph was already blowing up his phone calling Tim, Jasons step mom. He had done the mistake of telling her if that where to come true he would be her mother in law, trying to taunt her for crushing on Jason. She had gotten a laugh out of that one, and Tim stoped responding out of fear of further embarrassment.

His train of thought was broke when he noticed a rather large group of people with cameras out front where the hostess was glaring at then.

Keeping his head down hoping none of them recognized him. His name was known, not his face. Coming up to the hostess he smiled at him.

“Table for one?”

“No I’m actually meeting someone.” Maybe he was in luck. The journalists seemed not to recognize him, dismissing him at little glance.

“Wonderful, could I get a name?”

Maybe not so much luck. “…yne.”

“I’m sorry sir what was that?”

“…Wayne.” Good they still haven’t noticed.

“Oh Mr.Wayne is already waiting for you sir please come this way.”

“That’s Timothy Drake!”
“Mr.Drake!”
“Are you Bruce Wayne’s first date?!”
“Mr.Drake will you soon be Mr.Wayne”
“Timothy is Bruce Wayne your sugar daddy?!”

The yelling and flashes disappeared as the hostess led him up the stairs. Coming up to the landing he noticed all table around the rooftop have been pushed to the back. Except one in the middle where Bruce Wayne stood waiting for him.

Bruce Wayne was talked about for many reasons. His wealth, his activism, his parents, his kids. But Tim really thinks his looks should really be talked about more.

Sure the occasional magazine cover came out here and there but, wow was this man drop dead gorgeous.

There he stood holding Tim’s chair open in crisp cream slacks and a blue turtleneck sweater that clung snugly to his arms and chest.

Locking eyes with him Tim’s face warmed, noticing he had been staring. Clearing his throat as he approached the older.

Tim thanked him as he sat down. As Bruce settle in-front of him he chuckled. “You look nice.”

“You as we-“ snapping his eyes down to him self he groaned. “This is so embarrassing.”

“I thinks it’s cute.” Bruce continued to chuckle.

Great not only had he been caught checking Bruce out he had accidentally matched with him as well. He just had worn his own cream colored slacks with a slightly large knitted blue sweater.

“I’m assuming you followed Jason’s advice?” Tim nodded cheeks still burning.

Bruce tried to comfort him “Hey, Tim it’s fine you look adorable.”

“Adorable? We’re supposed to be on a date. Dates don’t call each other ‘adorable’” he pouted, face finally becoming normal.

“Ok, ok you look really handsome.”

The younger looked up at Bruce’s eyes for the first time since sitting. “You look really handsome as well.”

The stared at each other until Tim looked away coving his face. “Oh man this is so awkward I had class with your son yesterday

“How about we forget for a second I’m Jason’s dad. Let’s talk about you. What have you been interested in lately.” Bruce patiently waited.

Slowly Tim took his hands off his face and nodded. “Well I’ve really been into this detective book series. I just finished the 3rd book but the last two have been hard to get a hold of. Apparently the author was really sick when he finished his last book but hated how he ended it so there aren’t that many copies out there. It sucks because the people who have read it say it’s amazing yet he never got to see how people loved it because he passed. They don’t even have a digital version or audio, can you believe it!”

Bruce smiled softly at the glow in Tim’s eyes as he talk. You like that look on him, he liked it a lot. “No I can’t. Tell me about the book you have read. I’m also a fan of detective books, maybe I’ll pick them up.”

“They are- it’s just- it’s hard to explain it with out spoiling it.”

“That’s ok I don’t mind getting spoiled, go ahead.” Tim brightened up telling Bruce the details of the books had read along with his theories on the next one that he still needed to buy.

After Tim finished telling him about the series they continue on to other things they had in common. Their likes and disliked. They talked and talked only pausing to order and to eat every now and then.

Their conversation didn’t sway once they laughed and agreed on so many things until the hostess told them they closed at 3:30, the restaurant only being for breakfast and lunch.

They stood waiting for Bruce to get his card back. “This was fun.” He commented.

“Yes it was.” They locked eyes both oddly saddened that their time was cut short.

“Do you have a ride home?”

Tim opened his mouth to say yes when he remembered his mother telling him she wouldn’t pick him up and not to even think of asking a driver or his father. “Uh, no.”

“Perfect then I’ll drive you home.” Bruce offered a little to excitingly.

“I wouldn’t want to impose.”

“Nonsense! We live right next to each other, I’m going that way regardless.” Tim still hesitated. “We can stop by the book store, you could get the next copy of the series and I can pick up a copy myself.”

That was enough for him to agree. Tim nodded excitedly, as they brought back Bruce’s check.

Continue with their conversation as they walked down the stairs they had forgotten all about the paparazzi outside.

They where blinded as soon as they stepped out the door.

“Bruce Wayne over here!! Timothy!”
“Are you guys already dating?!”
“Are you matching outfits on purpose?”
“Have you met his kids yet Timothy?”

Bruce reflexively put his arm around Tim while blocking their faces with his other. As he led them to the parking lot next to the restaurant the question and pictures continue.

He walked Tim to the passenger side then jogged with the drivers. Quickly pulling out and driving off as they both laughed at the craziness.

“You know one of them asked me if you where my sugar daddy when I first got here.” Bruce turned to him shocked at the stop light.

“But you already have money? I’ll never understand them.”

“Me either. One of my friends parents are both journalists and they actually do their research. I will never understand how the paparazzi can just saying things like that.”

“You don’t think they’ll ask for the inside scoop do you?”

“Probably not. Unless Lois finds it really interesting.”

“Lois? I don’t think I’ve heard that name around Gotham.” Bruce prided himself on remembering reporters, better safe than sorry.

“Oh no they’re from Metropolis.”

Bruce paused for a moment. “Lois Lane?” He asked.

Tim nodded. “The one and only.”

“Wait so that means your friends with Clark and Lois son?” Eyes wide.

Tim looked at him confused. “Is there something wrong with that?”

“No! No, it’s just… Clark’s a close friend of mine it’s a bit funny how close we where to each other yet this is our first official meeting.”

“Hmm I guess your right. Maybe someone will right a book about us someday.” Bruce chuckled at that. “Maybe.”

Tim looked out the window as he noticed they where leaving the center of the city for suburbs. “Which book store are we going to? I don’t think there’s a Barnes and noble this far out.”

Bruce smiled softly. “No. I’m taking us to a smaller store the boys like to go to. It’s a lot more lowkey.”

Tim snapped his head to Bruce eyes wide in amazement. “Lowkey? I didn’t know you knew that word.”

“Of course! I have three boys I have to learn all the hip new slag.” The older man’s eyes turned to smile softly at Tim who was now laughing in his seat while they waited for the light to turn green.

“Oh god please tell me Jason hates that.” The younger said as the car began to move.

Bruce hm’ed “oh definitely. They all hate it so much I’ve made it my mission to use as much slang as I can in front of them.” As the laughter slowed down so did the car as Bruce pulled into a spot in front of the store.

As they stepped into the empty store they where greeted by an old lady behind the counter. Eyes larger she stared at them. “Hello Tim. Hello Bruce. How are you both doing? No Jason today?”

Bruce looked down at Tim. “You’ve been here ?” The younger shrugged with a smirk before turning back to he lady.

“Hi Pam! It’s just me and Bruce today. How are you doing?” Following behind him Bruce nodded his own greeting.

“I’m doing just fine sugar. You came in for the next part of those books of yours?” She looked at him with a soft smile. “Nothing yet?” He questioned hopefully.

“Nothing yet dear but I’ll be sure to call ya if I find something.” Tim’s shoulders sagged at that before his eyes shifted to Bruce’s. “Actually, do you have any more copies of the first 3 books left?”

“Left corner by the window, just moved them there myself last week.” Said answered walking around the counter “Now im going to step into the restroom for a bit, don’t y’all go steeling from me now!”

Tim chuckled at the old ladies antics as Bruce shook his head “Wouldn’t dream of it!”