Chapter Text
Tim had done it, he had gotten Bruce back, he hadn’t given up on his father mentor, regardless of what his brothers coworkers had said.
Tim had always been waiting for the other shoe to drop, it always did when he got attached. His first nanny left because he was too trusting of her. His mother had left him after years of Tim doing anything he could to get her attention and make her happy. His biological father left him after barely surviving death, only to leave his son again and run off with a new girlfriend. Then Bruce had left. One of the most stable and important figures in Tim’s life just vanished, and there was nothing he could do about it. Then to top it all off, once Bruce was gone, the rest of the Waynes saw no purpose in keeping him around. Damian had always hated Tim, claiming Tim was unworthy of Bruce’s affection seeing as the assassin child was the true blood son of Bruce, and thus the one most deserving of the mantle of Robin, regardless of the fact that Robin was all Tim knew, the only thing that kept him afloat. Jason had never bothered to fix his relationship with Tim. The older boy had begun to repair his relationship with the rest of his family, but had never approached Tim. The two seemed to mutually acknowledge the fact that they were both triggers for each other, and neither interacted much as a result. Lastly, the man he once foolishly believed to be his older brother took the last of what Tim had left of anything he had ever held dear. One of the people Tim had come to trust the most had taken Robin from Tim, had taken the last of what Bruce had given Tim, and gave it to Damian, the small child who actively tried to kill Tim, and there was nothing Tim could do about it.
The day after Tim had lost Robin, he vividly remembered sneaking into Bruce’s room to steal a large hoodie from the man’s closet before slipping back into his room. Tears flowed freely down his face as he sobbed silently (an essential skill for the children of the socially elite) while packing one small suitcase. He threw Bruce’s hoodie over his clothes, before placing a short note he had written to his supposed family, and slipped out into the night.
Tim had secured an apartment in the middle of Gotham before his departure from the Manor, and after arriving, quickly began his frantic search for his mentor. Dick had called him crazy, but Tim truly believed he was on to something. Eventually, Tim was right, and his lead led him straight into the hands of the League, and donning his new vigilante persona, Red Robin, Tim joined their ranks.
Tim quickly learned why both his predecessor and successor acted the way they did, living with the League was horrible. Nevertheless, Tim endured it all for Bruce. Tim spent time thinking about what would happen when he returned Bruce back to his family. Maybe they would let Tim still help on patrols and come over for dinner every now and then, not unlike Stephanie. Everynight Tim fell asleep clinging to his happiest memories. Bruce and Dick consoling him after Jason’s attack. Bruce holding him close and never letting him go for hours after Tim’s mother had been killed in front of him. More often than not Tim found himself crying himself to exhaustion, wanting nothing more than to be held by Bruce, or even Dick, but he had to remind himself that getting Bruce back wasn’t about Tim. How was Tim supposed to subject Damian to growing up without his father after 10 years of being forced to live in the hellish landscape of the League knowing he was nothing more than a tool for his grandfather? Jason had just started repairing his relationship with Bruce, something Tim had been trying to arrange the second he discovered Hood’s identity. Dick had finally worked up the courage to start calling Bruce Dad for occasions other than guilt tripping to get what he wanted. Tim didn’t need Bruce as much as Bruce’s kids did. Tim wasn’t one of them, Damian had told him, Jason had never liked the idea that Tim had stolen Bruce from him, and Dick had abandoned him the second Bruce was gone. Tim sometimes thought that it was better this way. Better that Tim didn’t have as much time to get as attached to the rest of the Waynes, only ever having his one-sided familial bond with Bruce and Dick. If this had happened later, Tim would be far too old to try and make new connections when his family had abandoned him. At least he was still young.
Tim still vividly remembers the day that would forever change his life while he was under the League. Having finally gotten all the information he needed from Ra’s, Tim was starting to formulate his escape plan, however that all came to a screeching halt during one of Tim’s daily training routine with Ra’s himself.
“Alright Timothy,” Ra’s had said, expression neutral as he leveled the boy with a sharp look. “Let’s see how you can handle this new technique.”
Tim would never forgive himself for missing the signs, he should have seen it coming. The two typically trained with dull weapons, however Tim had caught sight of the sharp sword blade after a close call from before. Maybe it was the relief his body felt at the potential of leaving soon, getting ever closer to finding Bruce. Tim would never know, and even if he did, he would probably never forgive himself.
Ra’s hadn’t lied when he said he would be trying a new technique on Tim, however Tim quickly realized it was not with the intent of learning. The older man had quickly leaped forward, sword extended in front of him in a poise not unlike a fencer. Tim’s own sword easily knocked the blade away with a sharp clang, and Tim was momentarily distracted by the fact that Ra’s blade had left a sharp gash in Tim’s own blade. Ra’s took the opening and sprung forward, light on his feet as he drove the tip of his blade through the center of Tim’s abdomen. Tim’s mind finally caught up to what was happening as he let out a pained scream. Ra’s retracted the sword, Tim’s blood shining crimson in a puddle on the floor as a small ray of sunlight trickled through a crack in the room’s wall. Tim’s knees gave out as he fell towards the ground, landing hard on his knee caps, his sword clanging hard on the ground as it fell loose from his hand. The last thing Tim remembered was Ra’s crouching down and cupping a hand under Tim’s chin in a manner that Bruce had done once before, the thought causing tears to spill from Tim’s eyes, as Ra’s spoke.
“Good night Timothy, time to make you my strongest creation yet”
And then Tim had awoken to nothing but green. Green everywhere he looked. Everyone he saw coated in green as a voice screamed in his brain to kill, and that’s what he did.
The first assassin went down easily, Tim simply ran forward (finding himself much faster then he remembered) and snapping the man’s neck. Within seconds the room was abuzz as more goons stepped out of the shadows in a poor attempt to stop Tim. He grabbed the sword off the first man’s body and gave in to the green. Tim’s body moved on autopilot, a stab through the stomach, a slice across the throat, a quick decapitation. The bodies kept piling into the room, only to hit the cavern floor within seconds of approaching Tim. Tim wasn’t sure how long the green took over, losing himself in the rampage, until he heard a voice ring out from above him.
“Timothy!” Ra’s boomed from an alcove platform that loomed over the cave floor where Tim’s massacre had just occurred next to a Lazarus Pit. “Your time has come, I have trained you to the best of my abilities, go find Bruce Wayne, and bring him back.”
“Fuck you.” Tim snarled, spitting out a wad of blood. The boy stalked out of the cave and off to finish his quest to find his father mentor.
That’s how Tim found himself in his current predicament. Donning his Red Robin persona, he somehow managed to prove to the Justice League that Bruce was still alive, just stuck in the timestream, and without revealing Tim’s own identity, the Justice League had found Bruce. Tim had to push away his tears at the sight of Bruce, tattered and beaten up, but leaned against Barry after just returning to the present. The rest of the Justice League hovering nearby, concern and relief etched on all their faces, before a familiar costume of blue and red stepped forward.
“Bruce?” Clark had asked, stepping forward to get a closer look at his friend.
“Clark.” Bruce simply nodded in acknowledgement, “How’d you find me?”
Clark stepped out of the way to reveal Tim standing there, “Red Robin here helped us find you.”
Bruce raised an eyebrow at that. “Red Robin? Do I know you? You look…”
“No Batman.” Tim cut off, dropping his voice a bit lower.
“Then how’d-” Bruce had started.
“I was trained by the League of Assassins to bring you back. After stealing their information and defecting, I brought you to the hands of the Justice League, instead of Ra's, as originally planned. Now that my job is here I’ll be taking my leave.” Tim turned and started to walk away.
Tim’s mind was screaming, begging for Bruce to recognize him, to question him, maybe take him home, but Tim knew that was unlikely. Even if Bruce did know Red Robin was Tim, why would he want Tim with him?
As Tim waited for the elevator, tears desperately threatening to be freed, his thoughts were interrupted by a familiar group of voices as the doors to the elevator opened up.
“Move Todd, I should see father first as I’m the blood son.”
“Shut up demon brat, I’m the one who came back from the dead so I should be the one to scold the old man about dying and coming back.”
“He didn’t die you imbecile, did you even read the report?”
“Can you even read? You look like you were born 3 days ago.”
“Guys” a third voice rang out and Tim had to repress a flinch. Dick cut off his two younger brothers as the eldest eyes caught sight of Tim. “You’re Red Robin aren’t you?”
“Uh- yeah” Tim tried to deepen his voice again, but he was already choked up at seeing his brothers coworkers after so long, so he doubted the fake voice was convincing.
Dick didn’t seem to bat an eye at Tim’s voice as he flashed a big smile at the younger hero. “Thank you!”
“Of course.” Tim nodded solemnly, “Gotham needs Batman.”
“Grayson, hurry up, I want to see father.” Damian definitely didn’t whine, tugging on Dick’s sleeve.
“You can run ahead Dami, I wanna ask our friend here a few questions.” Dick smiled at his little brother. Tim couldn’t help the mix of happiness and jealousy that swirled within him at the gesture.
“I can stay too.” Jason piped up, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck.
“Nah, go make sure the baby doesn’t get lost.” Dick’s massive grin never left his face as he aimed it at Jason this time.
“I am not a baby!” Damian growled, jabbing Dick in the side with two fingers.
“You little-” Dick grumbled lightheartedly before ruffling the youngest’s hair and shoving both of his younger brothers towards the door that led to Bruce’s room. The two cast one last look at Tim before shuffling into Bruce’s room.
“I can’t thank you enough for bringing him back.” Dick started.
“Look, I’m glad I could be of service but I really need to get going, more heroes to save and whatnot.” Tim blurted before Dick could finish his thought.
“But-” Dick spluttered “Are you a new member of the league? Will we ever see you around?”
“Maybe.” Tim shrugged “I may stick in Gotham for a bit, make sure he gets back on his feet properly.”
“If you ever need a place to stay, just come find us, our family’s had a fair share of ex-Leaguers joining the ranks.” Dick smiled cautiously.
“Perhaps.” Tim nodded, “I really must get going, best of luck, and wish Batman well for me.”
“Okay…” Dick seemed reluctant to let Tim go “But please, don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything.”
“Sounds good.” Tim responded, as the doors to the elevator closed in front of him, and he finally let the tears flow freely.
Dick really didn’t want to let Red Robin leave like that, but he also didn’t think he could force the new hero to stay if he wanted to. The man seemed panicked and desperately in need of an escape, and Dick couldn’t figure out why. Dick sighed before running a hand through his hair, tugging on a few strands as he finally stepped forward to see his father after so long. Before entering Bruce’s room, Dick paused and glanced up at the ceiling
“I miss you Timmy. You’d be so happy right now, you were always right.” Dick said, with a sad smile as his eyes began to water. “I hope you're smiling up there.”
Dick steeled himself as the doors to Bruce’s hospital room opened for him. He couldn't help the genuine smile that broke out at the sight of Damian curled up against their father’s side atop the hospital bed, his younger brother’s head resting on Bruce’s chest as the young boy dozed peacefully. Jason had pushed a chair up next to Bruce and was resting his head on Bruce’s bed, a few inches away from Bruce’s other side. Without a word Dick slipped out a phone and snapped a quick picture, Bruce’s soft smile just as captivating as his adorable little brothers.
“Dick…” Bruce whispered as his face softened even further.
“Hi dad.” Dick whispered back, a massive smile plastered across his face.
“C’mere.” Bruce’s own smile matched Dick’s in size as he patted the empty space beside Damian.
The Justice League must have given Bruce the biggest bed in the hospital knowing that his kids would all end up sharing it with him eventually. Dick hoped Tim’s ghost was curled up with them.
Dick strode over to Bruce’s side before lying down and wrapping an arm over Damian protectively, hugging his little brother and the arm that Bruce had wrapped around him, close to his chest.
“Missed you.” Dick spoke softly, as he rested his cheek against Bruce’s upper arm.
“I missed you too chum.” Bruce said, as he craned his neck to press a kiss to Dick’s forehead. “I missed all of you.” The older man paused before speaking up again. “Where’s Tim?”
Dick couldn’t help the soft strangled sound that left his throat, as he closed his eyes, the tears from earlier coming back in full force. Dick shuffled closer, letting his head rest on his dad’s shoulder before speaking in a small, sad voice.
“It’s my fault… I- I kicked him out.” Dick couldn’t stop the sobs that racked his body, but he tried to lower their intensity to not wake up Damian.
Dick heard Bruce choke on air before the man took a deep breath and spoke softly.
“I’m sure it wasn’t sweetheart, tell me what happened.” Bruce, at some point, had snaked his hand out from being sandwiched between Dick and Damian and was rubbing circles on Dick’s back.
“Pretty soon after you left, Tim tried to convince me you didn’t die, you were just lost in the timestream. I didn’t believe him, I- I thought he just wasn’t coping well after everything he’s been through.” Dick paused to take a few deep breaths at the request of Bruce. “I told him he had to let it go, and that he was just upset because he didn’t want to grieve again, and… and I had just given Robin to Dami. I never thought about the fact that Robin was all he had. He thought I willingly took away the last thing you gave him because I thought he didn’t deserve it.”
“How do you know?” Bruce prompted, as the back rubs had been replaced with a calming hand being run through Dick’s hair.
“He left a note B.” Dick choked out, “It was- just like Jay.”
“Oh, sweetheart.” Bruce said, the pain in his voice evident. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there.”
“It’s not your fault B, you had no control over it.” Dick cried, refusing to let his dad shoulder anymore blame for things after just coming back.
“It was definitely more our fault than yours old man.” Bruce and Dick both startled as Jason joined the conversation.
“Jay-” Dick started
“Nuh uh Dickie, I didn’t even try to reconnect with him. After the horrible things that I did to him, I just left him. I tried to kill him cuz the Pit told me he stole Bruce from me, and then when the pit was gone, Tim was too much of a trigger for me. I didn’t talk with anyone to try and fix it though, I just let it happen.”Jason responded, a sad look on his face.
“And I told him that you were not his real father and tried to kill him numerous times.” Damian piped in, but didn’t open his eyes or lift his head from its current position on Bruce. “I thought my life would be better if he were gone because I was afraid to let people in.”
“Dami-” Dick gasped.
“Jaylad…” Bruce looked to Jason, a pleading look in his tear-filled eyes as he patted the bed on the opposite side of Dick and Damian.
Jason rolled his eyes before responding.
“Only because of all the emotional talk, old man. This won’t be a regular occurrence.”
Jason kicked off his shoes before climbing in next to Bruce and quickly being flushed close to Bruce’s side. Dick watched as Jason gave an inaudible sigh before melting into their father’s touch.
After a few seconds of silence Bruce finally spoke up.
“We all did Tim wrong, and while he may not be with us anymore, we’ll do everything we can to remember him, and he’ll always live on with us.” Bruce wasn’t even trying to hide the tears that rolled down his face as he held his kids close. “We’ll always love him, and he’ll always be with us.”
“Damn, time travel really made you a sap B.” Jason grumbled.
“Way to ruin the moment you oaf.” Damian scoffed.
“Love you too Dad.” Dick smiled, as he closed his eyes and drifted to sleep.