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Tim Drake has a plan. This was nothing surprising, of course, and neither was it that no one knew of it. It wasn't even odd that it involved the Bats without their knowledge.
He has a plan and nothing was going to stop him this time. When he leaves Gotham, he will not return. There is no reason to.
There were 3 main parts of the plan:
Have a secure, hidden location to disappear to
Say goodbye (without them knowing)
Leave without interference or trace
Two of said parts would be difficult to achieve under Batman and specifically Oracle's nose. The last would be extremely difficult to hide from a family of detectives. He is optimistic, though.
He already had a place chosen. Between the inheritance from his parents, his time as a CEO, and Lex Luthor's underutilized bank account, he has the financial means to disappear virtually anywhere. To hide from the Bats, Ra's al Ghul, and any other super-powered source (super hearing, magic, technology, or other means), there are only a few places he can truly disappear to. Outfitting said place with white noise machines, lead, and magical charms stealthily, with no trace, is a matter of extreme finesse and attention balancing.
This project has been in the works for awhile now, although originally it was supposed to be a safe house retreat if any trusted allies were compromised or the world was ending. It is remote, self sufficient, and defensible against most attacks. Even if he were to be found, it would take days of planning to breach the first layer of defense.
After being attacked in two places he considered safe and having his dad killed in his third home, such preparation and paranoia is justified.
The final touches to the base are added, last details in the getaway are fleshed out, and he knows he can't stall any longer.
The only question is who goes first?
He's already decided on Bruce being last, whether to prevent him from finding out early, to create one last chance of being stopped, or as nostalgia for how it all started. Maybe it’s a combination of all three. Either way, he hasn't talked to Bruce, outside of the cowl, in 7 months.
It wasn't from a lack of effort on Tim's end. He's made several outings, dinners, and other plans. Besides the occasional offer of dinner at the Manor from Alfred, Bruce has made no plans with Tim and has declined or ditched all others.
This will be the last chance Tim gives Bruce.
So, who first?
Should he start with the oldest sibling, the one who was first to make him feel wanted in the family?
Dick Grayson and Tim's current relationship is, well, strained. He can rationalize and logic Dick's decisions during Bruce being lost. He can see where his oldest brother was coming from. It doesn't change how much it hurt, how much those decisions ruined him, and how much he had to sacrifice in consequence. They still don't know about his spleen.
He could start with Jason. The dead Robin brought back to life. His hero, the reason he reached out, the one to beat him in the Titan's Tower, and the one who took away his ability to ever feel safe again. Tim and him may tolerate each other's presence, perhaps even have the friendliest relationship out of all the rest of the Bats, but he still can't fall asleep unless several security systems are enacted and weapons are within reach (though Damian is also to blame).
Instead, for how simple Tim suspects this engagement to go, he decides to start with the youngest.
---------
For the first time in months, Tim Drake makes his way to Wayne Manor.
He finds Damian curled up in one of the libraries, sketchbook propped on his knees, and Titus curled on the floor next to the couch. Although Damian has probably already sensed his presence, if the slight tightening of his shoulders is any indication, Tim takes a moment to really look at him as he leans against the door frame.
Despite their bad blood, Tim wants to watch his little brother just a little longer. Just one last time.
He gets broken out of his daze too soon.
"Drake. I was under the impression that we had finally ridden ourselves of your unnecessary presence." Green eyes lazily drift over to him, before darting back to his sketchbook.
Tim progresses into the room and settles into the couch across from the youngest. He doesn't respond to the jab as he draws a flash drive and a series of papers out of his bag.
"Hey, Damian. I brought some things for you to go over from WE." Green eyes dart up to his, shock being replaced by heavy scrutiny. "Since one day you'll be running the company, I have the necessary papers, guides, and tips I use day-to-day for you."
"Tt. As if I'll need your guidance. Your papers would hinder me more than be helpful with all that you're useful for. I'm sure I'll more than manage without." Despite the harsh tone in which the words were used, Tim sees him staring at the objects he had brought.
Tim presses his lips together. "Perhaps. I've given them to you regardless."
He pulls a second flash drive out of his bag. "I've got a proposal." When green eyes met blue, both studying each other for a moment, he holds the drive up for view. "I've got blackmail material on Batman."
Damian could not control his expression fast enough. Tim would probably reminisce on his shocked face for years to come.
"What would be the terms of the proposal?"
"Three terms. One, you can not tell anyone anything about this deal for 2 months. This includes me coming to the Manor, anything I've given you, or anything I've said. If they ask, you play ignorant. They will eventually find out. 2 months is all I ask for."
Tim has one finger raised as Damian slowly nods. Tim raises a second finger.
"Two, you can not destroy, temper, or use anything I've given you for two months. You can view it or study it, but you can not utilize it. One of said items will also automatically unlock after 2 months."
Another slow nod, though Damian looks suspicious. Tim continues and raises his third finger.
"The final condition is that you allow me to speak to you, uninterrupted, for 5 minutes. During which, you may not attack or harm me. Once I leave, then you can freely speak, move, or attack as you see fit."
"Tt. You wish to insult me without retaliation? You're too weak to deal with the consequences?"
"Damian. Do you agree to the terms or not? It's blackmail on Batman."
"If the blackmail is not sufficient enough, I shall make you pay."
"Deal." Tim pulls out his phone to set a timer. "Are you ready?"
After some hesitation, Damian adjusts himself as if to prepare for verbal blows. He nods.
"Okay. Remember, no matter what I say, you can not interrupt me."
"I am aware of the terms and do not require reminders like you would."
Tim nods and starts the timer.
"Damian. I consider you to be my little brother."
If Tim thought Damian looked shocked before, he's not quite sure what to call the pure disbelief and surprise on his face now.
"I know you have tried to kill me multiple times. I know you continue to verbally attack me. I do not blame you for it. It hurts, of course it does, but I can not blame you for your actions. I especially can not blame you for how Dick and Bruce have failed you." Damian's hands clench. He looks furious on their part, but, after checking the timer, he remains silent.
"I work better with rules. I assume, with the League, you are used to more clear rules. Although you've been here for a while already, I have complied a list you may find useful. It includes rules, when they are applicable, when exceptions may be made, and a comparison to family, Gotham, and general American society rules. I recommend asking Jason or Alfred about them if you want to double check."
Damian looks confused, but he also seems contemplative. He looks back from where he was staring at the wall when Tim pauses. Tim gives him a smile.
"I love you. I am hurt by the actions you've done. I don't feel safe around you. I still love you and want the best for your life. I have also included information on how parents should act, how to navigate Gotham socialites, and mental health practices. No one in this family cares enough about mental health. I also want you to remember that just because we are a vigilante family that doesn't mean we have exceptions to what a healthy family dynamic should look like."
Tim glances down at the clock and sighs.
"I have a few more minutes, but I'll wrap this up. I want you to think about our conversation before you try to reply. Final note: you have, and will always have, a place in this family. No matter what mistakes you make, everyone in this family will care about you. Your place is also not contingent on any factor. If you were to never be a vigilante again, if you were to not speak to the family for years, if you decide not to run WE, you would still have a place. You are valued, important, and accepted for who you are. You are a caring person. You are good . Take care of yourself and them, okay?"
Damian looks slightly alarmed at this. He opens his mouth, but he forces it closed after glancing at the timer. Tim stands up. He wasn't expecting Damian to exactly take his words to heart, but he was expecting more relief or reassurance in Damian's expression. No matter. He has to leave before the timer runs out to avoid retaliation.
As he makes it to the door, he shouts over his shoulder without looking back.
"I love you, Dami."
With that, Tim can cross off the first goodbye.
----------
Out of both necessity and care, Tim has all of Jason's safehouses cataloged. He knows which ones Jason frequents, under which circumstances, and how likely someone else is to show up to that safehouse.
It took a bit of time, but Tim finally found a time when Jason was alone, at a safehouse the other bats didn't know about, and there were no plans for either Jason nor Tim to patrol that night.
The only downside was that Jason doesn't know that Tim knows about this safehouse. Hence, Tim is greeted with a gun.
"What the fuck are you doing here?" The anger, frustration, and confusion were understandable. The hints of... dread? If Tim is reading that correctly, he doesn't understand the last emotion. He'll think about it later, though.
After slowly closing the window behind him, he shrugs off his backpack. While rooting inside it for what he needs, he merely shrugs at Jason. "I came with gifts and a deal."
Though Jason lowers the gun, he doesn't holster it or put it away either. He does send Tim an incredulous look and scoffs. "They aren't gifts if they're a bribe."
Tim shrugs again and Jason mutters curses. He finally holsters the weapon and walks back to the couch, merely collapsing onto it as he sighs.
He rubs his face and peers up at Tim. "Well? You should get on with whatever the hell this is. I doubt you went through all this trouble to listen to me telling you to get out. Get this over with so maybe I can have a better night."
Feeling empowered by the permission(?), Red Robin lays a series of folders onto the coffee table. 3 main piles are evident before Tim meets Jason's gaze again. "Like I said, presents. These piles are as follows: cases you are currently working on or the current situation in Crime Alley, WE actions/projects/charity work in Crime Alley, and any foreseen future problems Crime Alley may run into. This is merely information you can choose to utilize however you see fit."
This type of investigation into Hood's territory would usually cause strife with the Bats and Red Hood. Fortunately for the younger Bat, Red Hood got distracted by the wording of the last sentence.
"Any way I see fit?" After receiving a nod, Jason continues. "Even murder?" Another nod.
Sensing the depth this conversation is bound to go through, Tim sits next to the piles on the coffee table.
"While I have not utilized your method, that's a personal choice. Seeing as Crime Alley is your territory and all murders you try to commit, bar one exception, have been thoroughly researched, I see no issue with how you decide to handle your issues. It would be highly hypocritical of me to judge your vigilante style while working with other heroes who have, or continue to use, the same methods."
Jason blinks at Tim a few times. Minutes pass as both of them just stare at each other processing.
"You're completely serious."
Tim nods slowly as Jason runs through his breathing exercises.
"Alright." Another hand rubs his face and Jason nods. "Sure. Why not? And this one exception?"
"Me."
"Fuck." A sharp intake of air as he tips his head back and studies the ceiling. Whatever answers he was hoping to find between the cracks of drywall, he obviously doesn't receive. He finishes collecting himself before peering back down at Tim.
"And this proposal you mentioned?"
For the first time since arriving, a smile appears on Tim's face. He drags out three flash drives.
"34 recipes from Alfred." A small clink is heard as he sets the drive on the table. "Blackmail on Dick." Another clink. "Most of the known locations of cameras in Crime Alley that Batman has access to." The final clink sounds out as Jason's eyebrows raise. He makes a whistle and tips his head back down to stare at Tim.
"You're making me nervous, Baby Bird. What do you want in return?"
Two fingers are brought up as Tim lists them. "5 minutes and a favor." Jason's eyebrows furrow. "I want 5 minutes where you aren't allowed to retaliate or interrupt, verbally or physically, as I talk. After those 5 minutes are up, you are free to resume any verbal or physical activity. I will leave after those 5 minutes. You may not discuss with anyone that I was here or what I said for 2 months either. As far as the favor, it will be a small-scale simple favor that will not impact your work nor any relationships you have. Are these terms acceptable?"
Hands twitching nervously, Jason looks away from Tim. "So you want to talk to me for 5 minutes and you wanted reassurance I wouldn't hurt you for that?"
"I know you won't hurt me. I just selfishly wanted to say a few things without you interrupting me. It won't be a verbal attack. Our family is just really bad at communicating and letting people talk."
Despite hope otherwise, the tension doesn't leave Jason's shoulders and he continues to refuse eye contact. He consents to the terms, but he doesn't appear happy with them.
"Cool. I'm going to set a timer so we both are aware of the time constraints. Are you ready?"
After one more hesitant nod, Tim nods and starts the timer.
"Jason. I consider you to be my older brother and I love you." Jason's head snaps over to meet Tim's gaze. He looks ready to interrupt, but Tim pointedly looks at the timer. Jason closes his mouth and continues staring.
"You were my hero. I think the things you accomplish as Red Hood are amazing and I am proud of you. I hate how our relationship has started, but I know you regret your actions. You know better now and I forgive you." Tim shifts and looks away. He can feel the stare that's concentrating on his face, but he ignores it.
"Bruce is an asshole." This startles a laugh out of Jason, but he refrains from commenting further. "You didn't deserve what he did to you, how he reacted to you, and how he continues to react to your methods. He is a hypocrite."
Tim glances over at Jason, archives the tension in the older man’s jaw, and looks away again.
"I am so glad you're alive. You are not broken. You didn't come back wrong. You are you and you went through some horrible fucked up shit. You changed, and that's okay."
Red Robin hopes the days spent on researching cPTSD, trauma, near death experiences, and positive remarks to tell your loved ones is paying off. He knows one conversation won't instantly heal, but it's a step.
"You've found a support system outside of the Bats and I am so happy and proud of you. You deserve the world, Jason. You are kind, caring, intelligent, and good. I see that. They see that. Alfred and Dick see that. Damian is a child and he needs guidance, but he does look up to you."
Tim glimpses at the timer and sighs. He stands up and really looks into Jason's eyes. He needs to drive this point home. "You. Are. Good. You are worth caring about. People love you. I love you. I forgive you. You are enough ."
They continue to stare at one another. Tim let's Jason read the honesty, conviction, and fondness he feels. Unknowingly to the younger one, sad understanding peeks through as well.
"I still have some time left, but I'm going to use that to leave. You can think through those words before trying to respond. Goodbye, Jason."
If Tim had glanced back, maybe he would've caught the panic the parting words had caused. As it was, Jason is a man of his word. He sits there watching his little brother climb out the window unable to stop him.
----------
Dick Grayson. The first of the Wayne family to accept him into the fold. The last brother Tim needs to meet.
This encounter was mostly held off due to the emotions their meeting is sure to be wrought with.
Dick was also not likely to sit there and listen as the other two had. There needed to be contingencies due to Dick’s tendancies to interrupt both physically and verbally. Luckily for Tim, there was a solution in the batcave.
Coincidentally, someone also owed him a favor.
Knowing that all the other family members were absent from the house, Tim hops off his bike and makes his way to the containment cells.
"Tim! Tim, you have to get me out of here! I don't know why Jason would lock me in here, but I can't get out."
Decked in full Red Robin gear, he stops before the glass door and nods.
"I'll get you out of there." A smile starts to appear on Dick's face. "In a few minutes. I figure we can use this chance to talk."
Tension appears in Nightwing's body as he continues to try to smile. "What do you mean, Tim? Just get me out of here. We can talk afterwards."
Red Robin shakes his head and begins to fiddle with the panel connected to the cage. Once it is ready, he glances up at Dick.
"A few things. One, you'll find some folders and a few flash drives in the containment cell for you."
"You planned this out?"
"Two, the lock to the cell will automatically unlock in 15 minutes. If you have not texted Barbara in 30, a text will automatically be sent to her so that she is aware and can release you."
"Tim. What the hell is going on? You don't need to bother with all of this. Just let me out so we can talk."
"Three, in a few moments the microphone in the cell will be turned off. You will be able to hear outside the room, but I won't be able to hear you."
"What the fuck? No, seriously Tim, what the fuck?"
"The files contain important information about Bludhaven. You can't utilize the USBs in there, but hopefully the papers will tide you over after I leave. It won't be too long until you are released anyways."
"Tim. You have to tell me what's going on."
"I merely want to tell you some things and I was afraid you would interrupt me either physically or verbally."
Nightwing takes a few deep breaths in and slowly releases them out. "Okay. Okay." A few more deep breaths in. "You did not need to resort to this level, but okay."
"I'm turning off your mic now."
"Tim! Wai-" The eldest brother's eyes are wide in alarm as he tries to speak. The younger man shakes his head.
"I can't hear you. I know you can hear me still." By the slight downturn of lips, that assessment is correct.
"Dick. You are my oldest brother. I love you." The man stumbles back as if he was hit. Tim is confused and concerned by this reaction. The fact that all three of his brothers have reacted in similar ways to verbal confirmations of love paints distressing signs. If he had more time, he would try to remedy that. He has a timeline. To delay would compromise that and possibly prevent him from his smooth escape. He loves them, but he can’t sacrifice more of himself for them. He would not survive that.
As if seeing the inner turmoil, Dick cautiously steps forward. His eyes are calculating in ways that spell trouble to his plans. The older man places his hand on the glass.
“I love you. I understand the actions you took while wearing the cowl. The pressure you were under, the grief, the expectations, all of it would have destroyed a lesser man. That should not have been placed upon your shoulders.
I am sure you are aware now that your actions hurt me.”
Sapphire blue eyes tear up. Tim has to focus his gaze elsewhere. No matter the feud between them, watching his eldest brother cry will always hurt the younger one.
“I do not blame you. While your actions were detremetrial to my well being, they were the overall right move. I understand that now. It hurt. Fuck . It still hurts, but it wasn’t wrong. Yes, you should’ve talked to me first.” Tim glances over at Dick, sees a tear roll down his cheek, and quickly looks away.
A shaky breath in and Red Robin continues. “I wanted to give Damian Robin. You hurt me, took the last thing I had of Bruce, and took the chance I had to do that for Damian. I’m glad he’s Robin now. I wish it would’ve been under different circumstances. He’s a good Robin. He’s a good kid.”
Head tilted back, Tim releases a measured breath out. “You did good with him, Big Bird. I don’t think anyone else will admit it, but you’re a good dad. I’m sorry you had to be one, but you did good.” Tim squeezes his eyes shut and is glad he can’t hear the sobbing that must be occurring in the confinement cell. He has just a few more points to cover and then he can leave. Just a bit longer.
“I am proud of you. I love you. You should not have had to be Bruce’s emotional meter. You should not have had to protect your younger siblings from his idiotic tendencies. You are loved by all of your siblings. They care for you and want to be there for you. Let them. Please, Dick .” His breath is hitching, but Tim can do this. “ Don’t bear everything alone .”
A dull thud sounds out as Tim’s forehead hits the glass separating them. He refuses to open his eyes as tears flow.
A few minutes tick by as the younger brother tries to get his breathing under control. Eventually he finds the strength to push himself up from the glass and open his eyes.
His brother looks wrecked.
He can’t hear the convulsive gasps, but he can see Dick’s shoulders tremble as his hand covers his mouth. Tears are freely falling and his expression is agonized.
Come on, Tim. Those positive affirmation websites and all the planning will go to waste if he doesn’t pull himself together. He runs through breathing exercises and he scrutinizes the bats flying in the cave.
“You deserve to be happy. Your feelings matter too and I am so glad that I met you.”
A huffed laugh escapes and he finally gazes into his brother’s eyes again. “I figured it was time our family tries their hand at healthy communication.” Looking around at the confinement cell, Tim winces. “Well, as much as our paranoid family could handle. I am sorry for locking you in there, but you’ll be let out soon. Please think about what I have said before trying to respond. I meant every word.”
He places his hand on the glass. Dick follows suit so their palms are only separated by glass. “I love you. See you around, Dick.”
As he leaves, he can hear frantic banging on the door. Tim’s shoulders shake, but he keeps moving.
---------
Tim loved his parents.
His hands grip the coffee cup tighter. The calming atmosphere in the cafe is allowing his mind to drift as he waits.
He truly did love them. They weren't around much and they sent him to boarding schools instead of raising him, but he did love them.
When they died, he felt utterly lost. What hurt worse was not their deaths, but the missed chance to cultivate a relationship with them. He knew them from afar and would never have the ability to know them more.
For a time, he thought he would come to know his dad. The physical therapy, while frustrating and painful for the older man, allowed father and son to finally deepen their bond. That was ripped away from Tim before it had the chance to really blossom.
He loved his parents. He loathed them as well.
He rarely spent any time with his parents.
Timothy Jackson Drake had parents who loved him. They just loved their work more.
It was okay. He became aware of this fact and eventually accepted it. If his biological parents put their work before him, at least he had their affection they showed through monetary means. He had little left to want or need.
Sure, he needed care and attention. Even at such a young age, Tim was smart enough to realize this. He remedied it as well.
Tim turned to a man dressed as a bat for affection. A violent, rich, illegal hero who still showed care towards victims and his partners. Someone who could maybe love Tim too.
As he took another sip of his drink and once more checked the door, his mind drifted to the first few months he was Robin.
It was... difficult, to become Robin. He wasn't wanted nor was he shown the same affection previous partners were. Tim wasn't there as a son, though, so he understood the difference in treatment. At that time, Batman had also been lacking in care towards citizens while drowning in his grief.
For a while, it had gotten better. Bruce stopped fighting him at every turn. Dick was coming around more and spending time with Tim. Alfred showered Tim in quiet affections, such as cooking his favorite meals, placing blankets over him if he had fallen asleep at the Manor, or softly chastising him over wounds. It was more attention than Tim had gotten consistently in a long time.
Bruce got two more sons, though. The son returned and the blood son. Both wanted to murder Tim. Both had complex needs from their trauma that required constant attention.
Then Bruce disappeared.
Another sip of his drink and Tim shifted in his seat. He didn't like thinking about that time period of his life. At that point, he was clutching dangerously to the hope that he would finally get that care and affection back when Bruce returned. That everything would be okay.
He should've known better. The situation wasn't stellar before Bruce left. The likelihood of Bruce picking up a parenting book or two while trapped in the timestream was nonexistent.
In fact, the unscheduled vacation seemed to make Batman more paranoid. He's constantly running JL missions now. Bruce is hardly home. When he is, there's 3 children living nearby that require attention and one in Hong Kong. Tim, the emancipated minor that's not even a Wayne, can handle himself. He always has.
It's okay. His parents loved Tim. Bruce loves Tim.
He understands. Being Batman is important. Bruce shows Tim his affection through the trust he places in him. It’s okay that Batman has always and will always be more important than Tim.
Tim sighs. He waited 2 hours past when he said he would wait. There's no point in continuing to sit here.
Finishing off his drink, he opens up a specific program. A series of passwords, bypasses, and a final update to the program brings up a simple prompt. With no clarification, two words appear on the screen.
Continue. Cancel.
He presses the enter key and grimly smiles. He hopes Jason likes the final parting gift.
With that, Tim packs up his things and leaves.
---------
Tim is going to disappear. He loves them, with every fiber of his being, but he can't stay.
Cass loves and cares for him. He knows this. When he's ready, when he's had a chance to heal, maybe he'll go visit her.
He has left a USB with Alfred. The message will unlock at the same time as the others. He has also left multiple photo albums filled with pictures of Jason and Dick's Robins. He had filled half of one with Damian's.
Barbara, as soon as Tim leaves city limits, will have compiled evidence sent to the Clocktower. It will summarize the family's current dynamics and his mental state. He didn't want to reveal said information (Bruce's contingencies for ally takedowns flashing in his mind), but he could not have Oracle trying to track him down.
She may have also been bribed with in-depth knowledge on the League of Assassins' servers and the backdoor Tim still had installed.
---------
It will take 5 weeks before Bruce realizes that he had missed Tim's meeting.
It will only take him a few seconds to realize it was the last chance to see Tim before he left.
Because that's what had occurred. He wasn't kidnapped, trapped, or injured. He did not need a rescue. He had left of his own free will. The gifts the brothers and Alfred were presented had unlocked at that point to explain.
Who could blame Bruce, though? He had been busy searching for whomever had installed a subdermal implant into the Joker. They had activated a lethal shock on the man!
Someone capable of killing the Joker, especially from afar, is a threat Gotham isn't ready for.