Chapter Text
Disclaimer: not mine
Final part!
Re-posting the chap to fix the oops that appeared as I was tired when writing. the character declared dead last chap is now still dead.
Chapter 2
Lucius was relieved when his secretary opened the door and Tim Drake-Wayne walked in. He was older, taller with longer hair, but it was Tim. He stood, smiling at the boy he had seen at various galas since he was a tiny little thing. “It’s good to see you Tim, it’s been too long,” he offered his hand and Tim took it, his skin cool. And there was something about his eyes.
“Sorry about that Lucius, Dick told me you wanted to see me. I’ve been in Europe for…studies. And before that, well…” Tim pulled out his phone and unlocked it before showing him. It was a picture of Tim and another black-haired boy but held between them was a baby. “Jackie has Conner’s energy levels, babies are exhausting.”
“Congratulations,” he offered, shocked. Tim was a father? “He’s adorable.”
“Thanks. Jackie is a handful, takes after his Papa Conner.”
Conner…Conner Kent? Superboy? That was surprising, then again Tim had never been seen dating in Gotham. So, he had left while they used a surrogate? They were very young for a baby but…wouldn’t his age line up with when Superboy was dead? He got the feeling he really didn’t want to know.
“So why have you been looking for me? Has Bruce been giving you a hard time?”
He marvelled at the way Tim could ask that with such a straight face, they both knew that man was not Bruce Wayne. “Sadly, yes.” He brought out all of the paperwork, seeing Tim’s frown deepen as he read it over.
“What the hell,” Tim whispered. “Has Dick seen this? Why not go to him?”
In answer, Lucius passed over the papers and Tim sighed.
“He didn’t change it, even when he thought…” he ran a hand through his hair. And then he pulled a device from his pocket, scanning the room. “We’re clear to talk honestly. B isn’t dead, he’s lost in time and the League is prepping to get him back. They believe he’ll be back within two months but we don’t know what condition he’ll be in.”
“And you can sign it back over to him then, but this can’t go on for another two months, not without seriously damaging the company.”
Tim nodded. “Alright,” he agreed. He scanned the forms and began signing.
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Jason rushed into the room to find Tim standing there, shattered glass at his feet, staring blankly. “Timmy?” he called but there was no reaction. “Tim?”
A shaking hand pressed to a heaving chest, right where…damn it. Of course, he had to remember when Kon wasn’t there.
“Easy Tim, it’s just me, it’s Jason,” he murmured, approaching carefully.
Alfred appeared in the doorway and Jason shook his head, waving him off. Without being sure what was going on in Tim’s head, he didn’t want to make it worse or have Tim lash out and accidentally hurt someone, especially Alfred. Tim would never forgive himself if he hurt Alfred.
Jason carefully put a hand on Tim’s shoulder and then realised how stupid that was…Tim had been impaled from behind. Sure enough, the kid spun, eyes wide and unseeing as he attacked. Jason fended him off but didn’t retaliate. Tim was gasping for air, shaking, and then Jason caught him, cradling him in his arms, lifting him up to avoid the glass. He carried Tim to the nearby den and sat on the couch, Tim pinned to his chest as Tim struggled.
“It’s okay Tim, you’re safe, you’re home at the Manor.”
Dick appeared in the doorway, looking stricken as Tim cried out wordlessly, still fighting his hold. “Is it…”
“Flashback,” he answered, wincing as a pointy elbow dug into his ribs. “He was touching where he was, you know.”
“Oh,” Dick murmured, some of the tension bleeding away. Jason knew what he’d been worried about, that Tim would be like him, would be stuck with the rage.
Slowly, Tim began to stop fighting, breath coming in panicked little gasps. It was surprising Kon hadn’t heard and shown up.
“Kon?” he asked Dick.
“He was headed to the Watchtower today,” Dick answered, moving slowly closer. “Hey baby bird, it’s okay.” He knelt by the couch and reached out to gently stroke sweaty black hair back from Tim’s face. “You’re safe, we’ve got you. Come back Tim.”
Ever so slowly, Tim’s breathing began to even out, muscles relaxing. Jason was relieved when his grip could go from pinning him to just gently holding him. Dick kept stroking his hair as Tim began to shake and from the pained expression on Dick’s face, the kid was crying. Jason shifted around and Dick got onto the couch so that Tim was pressed safely between them.
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Dick gently rubbed Tim’s back as he cried, heart breaking for his baby brother. He couldn’t imagine the trauma of remembering how he died. It had been bad enough watching it after the fact. But slowly, the crying stopped, Tim slumped between them.
“Dada!”
Jackie’s voice made Tim jerk and Dick tensed, not sure of his mindset but Tim pushed himself away from them, falling to his knees on the carpet, arms open for his son. Dick relaxed as Tim hugged the toddler to his chest, rocking him. Even with the lingering effects of the Pit, Tim hadn’t tried to harm his son.
“Back with us Tim?” he asked gently, and Tim’s head jerked in a nod.
“It’s okay Tim, we all knew that was coming,” Jason assured him, reaching out to rub Tim’s back.
“He…”
“Shh, you don’t have to talk about it,” Jason promised. “We saw the satellite footage when Clark arrived and you were gone.”
“Cl…Clark came?”
“You called out for him but the fight was over when he arrived then Kon showed up and said…”
“He couldn’t hear me anymore,” Tim whispered, running his fingers through black curls even as Jackie stared up at him with big blue eyes. The kid was so good at picking up on Tim’s moods, even from rooms away. Could Kryptonians be empathic?
“Babs traced the jeep and Jason got intel out of Damian on nearby bases. Diana, Cassie, and Bart joined them to take on the League and find you. We knew Ra’s would use the Lazarus Water to bring you back,” he explained to Tim who nodded slightly, hugging Jackie.
“There’s no scar…so why does it still hurt?”
Dick winced at that, glancing at Jason, seeing the understanding in his eyes. Even years after…did Jason still hurt from his death?
“It’ll get better with time,” Jason promised, slipping off the couch to sit beside Tim.
Dick smiled when Tim leant into him, glad he could relax even after remembering his own death.
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Kon held Tim as he slept, hating himself for not being there when Tim remembered. Jackie was in Dick’s room for the night so that Tim could sleep through the night, though Jackie didn’t often wake anymore at night. But they’d needed a Kryptonian for a translation and Kon had volunteered since Clark was off world. His Kryptonian was better these days and Kara had agreed to let him give it a go.
He hated what had happened to Tim, what he’d been through, but he was home now. If Ra’s came after him again…he’d kill the bastard himself. No, Ra’s was dead, not even he could come back from decapitation. That left Talia and surely, she wasn’t interested, not when Jason and Damon had come primed to kill him. Had she wanted him dead because of Ra’s interest in him? He would never let her have Tim, turn him into someone he wasn’t. Tim as Batman in the future had been scary enough, but under the League of Assassins control?
Tim stirred and Kon kissed his forehead softly. Sleepy blue eyes opened. “K’n?” he slurred.
“Go back to sleep, I’m home now,” he whispered, and Tim cuddled closer, entangling their legs, making it impossible for Kon to leave the bed without waking him, sneaky.
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Alfred smiled as Jackie smashed his hands in the dough scraps, giggling at the mess he was making. It had been a very long time since a child so young had been in the Manor and he had missed it. While sad that young Master Damian had been removed, he was glad to finally have Masters Tim and Jackie home where they belonged. Tim was finally healing from the time in seclusion and then his travels. There had been no signs of any side effects from the Lazarus Pit thankfully, though his eyes were no longer the same shade of blue as they had been, the slightest tint of green darkening them.
He glanced up and smiled at the sight of him in a suit, his hair neatly tied back.
“Morning Alfie,” Tim smiled and then kissed the top of Jackie’s head, careful to not get any dough on his suit.
“You look very smart this morning dear boy.”
“Lucius needs me in a meeting with the Board. Wish me luck.”
“I dare say you won’t need it,” he smiled at the teen. He doubted the board members were expecting to be confronted with Janet Drake’s son after all, Timothy did take after her the most with his sharp mind and even sharper tongue when the time called for it. They had become far too used to dealing with ‘Brucie’ Wayne over the years.
“Thanks. Be good for Grandpa Alfred Jackie.”
“Dada go?” Jackie’s eyes glittered with tears and it was quite obvious Tim leaving was going to have to be dealt with.
“I’ll be home after lunch Jackie, promise. Only a short go time.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll keep young Master Jackie entertained.”
“Thanks Alfred, Kon’ll be back soon too. Ma needed some extra help today.” Tim darted in and hugged him too before heading for the garage.
“Please take a car! That suit is not made for riding.”
The laugh he received in reply was not encouraging but it was a car that was soon headed for the gates, thankfully.
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Tim stepped into his office and froze, sensing he wasn’t alone. His hand moved to his pocket for a weapon.
“Hey boss,” a familiar voice called, and Tim hit the lights, staring in shock at three very familiar assassins.
Damn it, he was in a suit, no armour, no real weapons…and backup was back in Bristol. Unless Jason was in the Alley?
“Do you offer dental?” the girl asked, and Tim stared at them.
Did he what? He looked at the third, seeing the prosthetic limb…he remembered now, he’d been stabbed too, in the shoulder. “You want to work for me?” he asked in disbelief, getting three nods.
What the hell was his life?
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Dick sat back, unable to believe it. After so long…they had found Bruce. All thanks to Tim. He took slow, deep breaths, he was not going to freak out or anything. Would Bruce be proud of how they had managed with him gone? Would he be angry that Dick had sent Damian away? He didn’t even know where the Justice League had put him, just that it was far from Gotham.
Hopefully, B would recover quickly from what he’d gone through so he could take the company back because Timmy just didn’t need the stress of being a teenage dad and CEO. Just one of those roles would be tiring, even with all of them offering support. He had the feeling that as soon as they were old enough, there’d be rings involved, they already had a kid after all. Would they want to move out and have their own place or would they stay at the Manor where Alfred would be on hand to help with Jackie.
He loved being an Uncle, loved his nephew, but he understood why Tim was nervous about Bruce’s reaction. Tim hadn’t broken his precious rules, but cloning? He didn’t think Bruce would take anything out on Jackie, his first grandson, but would he accept what Tim had done? No matter what, Dick and Jason would stand by the young parents, he knew Alfred would too.
Tim was at WE at the moment but once he was home, Dick would tell the family that Bruce was coming home. He doubted Jason would want to go up to the Watchtower but he hoped Tim would go with him too. It would surely make Bruce happy if one of the first people he saw was Timmy, safe and alive.
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Tim hugged Jackie and then kissed Kon before heading for the Zeta. He was in full gear, just like Dick, Nightwing and Rook heading up to the Watchtower for Bruce’s return. He felt sick, his stomach churning with nerves and excitement. It had been over a year since he’d seen his dad, the dad who thought he was dead or a captive. If he could go back, he would have worded that note better.
They stepped out into the Watchtower and Tim could feel eyes on him but he ignored them. He knew his actions had likely destroyed his reputation with many members but he honestly didn’t care anymore, he had Jackie and Kon and was going to have his dad back any minute.
“Okay?” Nightwing murmured, and Rook nodded.
“It doesn’t bother me,” he promised.
And then Superman was in front of them, motioning for them to follow him. “It worked, he’s here.”
He could feel his heart rate accelerating as they approached the medical wing and then turned off down to the isolation wards.
“Visitors are limited and through the glass only since he’s still undergoing testing for any diseases he might be carrying,” Superman warned.
And then they were there. They exchanged a look and stepped up to the glass. Nightwing pressed down on the intercom. “B?”
The figure on the bed stirred and slowly sat up, blinking at them. Then he was staggering to his feet and to the other side of the window. “Dick,” his voice was raspy and the intercom didn’t help.
And then their eyes met, well eyes met the whiteouts of his mask, Bruce frowning in confusion as he looked him over. He shifted closer to the intercom and N…Dick stepped away. “Hey dad,” he forced the words out shakily, seeing Bruce’s eyes narrow. He looked between them warily.
Tim looked at Clark who nodded and went to guard the hall. Tim checked his wrist comp, shutting down the cameras. He then reached up and removed his mask. “It’s me B, I’m here.”
“Tim?” Bruce croaked, pressing a hand to the glass.
Tim put his hand against his, hating the glass between them, nodding.
“It’s really him Bruce,” Dick assured him. “Passed all the checks.”
“Tim,” Bruce whispered, studying him, taking in how he’d changed.
“I’m sorry Bruce, I’m so sorry. I never meant to hurt you; I didn’t realise you’d think I was taken. I left of my own free will,” Tim explained. “It’s a long story and it can wait till you’re home. There’s someone there waiting to meet you.”
“You’re alright?” Bruce asked, and then frowned, staring at his throat.
Tim knew what he was looking for but it could be excused by makeup. He’d covered that scar from the start after all…and Bruce would know that, would know how to spot the cover up.
“Where are your scars?”
“Bruce, they said not to get you too excited, not yet,” Dick spoke up. “It was touch and go getting them to let Tim come so soon.”
Bruce grimaced but nodded and Tim was relived, he didn’t want to have to tell Bruce just yet. “You’re alright, both of you?”
“I’m good,” Tim promised. “So happy you’re back.”
“I’ll be glad to give the cowl back, though Jason’s worn it occasionally too,” Dick explained, Bruce staring in surprise.
“Jason?”
“Yeah, he’s…mellowed a lot since you ‘died’. He’s been staying at the Manor for a few months now. Alfred enjoys the help in the kitchen.” Dick continued to talk, keeping it light. “Oh! And Timmy is now CEO of WE,” he grinned, having removed his own mask as well.
Tim groaned. “Please B, take it back as soon as you feel able to.”
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He listened to his sons, his sons! He couldn’t stop looking at Tim, taking in how he’d grown. How long had Bruce been gone? Knowing that Jason was coming home more was so wonderful. But for Tim to be CEO, that meant his will had been enacted, if they had officially killed him that could make things complicated. He’d never meant for the position to go to Tim so young though, he’d expected him to at least be in his twenties.
Tim…Tim was alive and home. He even had a very light tan, body slender but he could see the muscles. The new suit was interesting, the colours darker, more armoured…and he could remember seeing something similar once on the Batcomputer when Dick was working. Had Dick designed it for him? Tim shifted nervously, realising he was looking his new gear over and Bruce nodded.
“It looks good,” he told him, getting a flash of a shy smile. “What’s your name?”
“Rook,” Tim answered.
Rook…it suited him. It kept with the bird theme like Robin and Nightwing but it also referenced Tim’s sharp mind and like for solving crimes that way rather than with fighting. The rook was a powerful piece in chess, able to make many moves, just like Tim with his plans and keeping ahead of others. And then Tim was glancing away, the two putting their masks back on as a nurse approached. Goodbyes were said and then they were gone.
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Tim moaned softly, rocking against him, eyes half closed and wow it felt good. Kon gripped the sheets tight, not wanting to risk holding onto Tim, he would never hurt him. Instead, he gently ran his TTK over Tim’s body, watching his reactions, hearing his breath hitch. He used it to tug at the waistband of Tim’s sweatpants and Tim lifted his hips, letting them be pulled off. Kon fumbled with his own and then settled more firmly on top of Tim who whimpered.
“Please Kon,” Tim clutched tight to his shoulders, tugging him down into another kiss.
“Sure?” he asked, and Tim nodded. “Okay.” He was nervous, so aware of just how breakable Tim was if he lost control for even a second. But Tim trusted him so Kon grabbed the supplies Tim had bought in advance for when they felt ready for this.
“I love you; I trust you,” Tim murmured, smiling at him, and Kon smiled back, finding himself relaxing a bit.
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Jason smirked at the couple when they walked into the dining room and Tim shot him a warning glare. He had not appreciated hearing them since his room was closer than Dick’s, but it was good that they didn’t look ashamed or anything. And no one was limping or looking to be in pain either. That had been a worry considering Kon’s powers. Though Tim did have some very familiar looking bruises on his neck, ah hickies. No, he would be nice and not tease them, he would.
And then Dick appeared with Jackie who immediately went to his parents, babbling happily about his night in Dick’s room. It was kind of adorable and getting more and more understandable every week. Kid was growing up way too fast. B was going to freak when he met the toddler. Speaking off…
“Any word on the old man coming back?”
“Diana called last night; he’ll be discharged tomorrow. All his tests came back clear, he’s a bit underweight but otherwise healthy,” Dick answered as he reached for the bacon.
“Right,” Tim murmured, bouncing a laughing Jackie. A blind man could tell Tim was nervous, sure they’d had a reunion but there was so much Bruce didn’t know. Tim had to be nervous about Bruce meeting Jackie.
Kon leant in and kissed him softly. “It’ll be okay. And if he says or does anything then we can go to the farm, Ma loves having us there.”
Tim nodded, relaxing a bit. Jason glanced at Dick who nodded, they weren’t going to let it come to that.
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Tim checked the reports, chuckling at Pru’s. She sure had a…colourful reporting method. But they had found and taken care of a spider infestation. They had explained why Ra’s had targeted him and honestly, two assassin groups taking each other out was no problem as far as he was concerned. But both groups were still targeting the innocent as well. The trio knew not to kill unless it was the target or them, but there were other ways to deal with someone permanently.
No one else knew, not even Kon, but he wanted them to all have plausible deniability. He wasn’t going to give Talia a reason to target anyone else. She was still securing her position as the new Head but eventually, she’d come for information on Damian’s location.
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Bruce stepped into the Cave, looking around and seeing one or two small changes, not surprising given he’d been gone for nearly a year now.
“Hey old man,” Jason greeted stiffly.
He looked his son over, relieved to see he looked healthy. Before Jason could retreat, he stepped closer and hugged him. Jason stiffened for a second before hugging him back. “It’s good to see you, Jason.”
“Welcome back.”
“Where are Tim and Damian?” Bruce asked, not liking the look his two eldest exchanged.
“Tim’s upstairs with Conner,” Dick answered carefully. “Damian…Damian’s gone B, J’onn took him and we haven’t asked where.”
“What?” he asked in alarm.
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“Damian…Damian sent information on Tim to the League of Assassins that ended in his capture by Ra’s. He admitted to several attempts on Tim’s life too. He was out of control and wouldn’t answer when asked where Ra’s could have taken Tim till Jason…encouraged him,” Dick explained without mentioning Tim’s death. Tim had insisted they not tell him, that it was up to him and Dick wondered if Tim had any plans to tell him at all.
So far, Tim had shown no side effects from the Pit, for which they were all very grateful but there was no way he could hide the lack of scars and old pain from Bruce for very long at all. And Bruce was already suspicious of that from their trip to the Watchtower.
“I’m sorry Bruce, I just…I didn’t know what to do. I tried everything.”
Bruce nodded slowly but didn’t say anything, was that good or bad? He was so hard to read sometimes, even when Dick had known him for so long.
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Tim fought the urge to pace, forcing himself to sit on the floor with Jackie who was pushing the right shaped block into the matching hole. Kon was lying on his side, serving as Tim’s back rest and also where he could cover them both with his TTK, not that Tim thought it would be necessary, Bruce wouldn’t hurt them, not physically at least.
And then Kon stiffened slightly behind him and Tim knew they were coming. Tim took a few slow breaths, making sure Jackie was still close. And then…Bruce was frozen in the doorway, staring at them and their son.
“Jackie, someone’s here to meet you,” he called softly, his son looking at him and then where he was pointing.
“Gandpa!” he called excitedly, lifting his arms upped to the visibly stunned Bruce.
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Bruce could tell Dick and Jason were nervous…watching him, concerned over his reaction. Hearing that Ra’s had taken Tim, the lack of scars…the thought of Tim being thrown into the Pit terrified him but Tim had seemed alright. There’d been no rage like Jason had and he’d seemed in full control of his faculties. He stepped into the doorway and then froze as he took in the toys scattered around. Tim and Kon were together on the floor and with them…a child, a toddler.
“Jackie, someone’s here to meet you,” Tim called softly to the child who looked at him and then where Tim was pointing.
Bruce met the boys’ eyes and they were very familiar, the same as his good friend and the boy sitting with his son.
“Gandpa!” the boy, Jackie, called, lifting his arms towards him.
Grandpa. The child’s age…that…that was Tim’s nose. He knew now what that lab had been, a cloning lab. Oh Tim.
Hesitantly he entered the room and then knelt before the child, seeing so much of his son in him but also Kon. The boy smiled at him, showing off the gaps in his teeth, still growing in then.
“Up?”
Bruce reached out and picked him up, carefully settling him on his hip. He knew from Ma and now Clark that baby Kryptonians were not invulnerable. He ran his hand over the wild black curls, tracing his face carefully, making Jackie giggle. “He’s beautiful,” he whispered, looking over at Tim, seeing him relax.
Tim…Tim thought he would be angry. But he wasn’t, all he felt was grief for the pain his son had been in. He didn’t know why Tim had made them a child with Kon dead, wished he’d come to him, but he would not turn him away for making him a grandfather.
“Jackie?” he asked. A name that could be for either of Tim’s parents.
“Jackie Kent-Drake. Jax-El,” Tim answered, getting to his feet. Bruce held his free arm out to him and Tim hesitantly moved in, letting him embrace them both.
“I love you Tim,” he whispered, and Tim choked back a sob. “Though you could have waited a few more years before making me a grandfather,” he grumbled. He gently set Jackie down and the boy went to his other father, Kon picking him up, watching Bruce warily and Bruce couldn’t blame him.
He focused back on Tim, gently tipping his head up and yes…the scar on his throat was gone, so was the small one under his left eye. “Oh Tim,” he whispered, tracing where the eye scar had been, not wanting to touch his throat and scare him. Tim flinched but this close, Bruce could see the tint of green to once icy blue eyes. “What did he do to you?” he asked, fighting to not show his anger, he wasn’t angry at Tim.
But Tim shook his head. “He didn’t have time, I uh…managed to call Clark as I was…” Tim took a deep breath, shaking slightly. “I died, impaled through the chest by a sword. Some of Ra’s ninja grabbed me and were gone by the time Clark got there. But they tracked us down within minutes of my coming out of the Pit.”
“He didn’t kill anyone,” Kon finally spoke up, voice firm. “Even lost in the madness, Tim only knocked them out. And he didn’t attack me, he came to me. I brought him home and by morning he was back to normal.”
“No side effects?” he asked, needing to be sure Ra’s hadn’t hurt another of his children.
“Nothing we’ve noticed, except the missing scars and the slight shift to my eye colour. It took a while for me to remember dying and that was bad, but that’s it.”
Bruce heard Jason snort slightly at Tim saying his remembering had been bad. Bruce didn’t want to know for once. Impaled through the chest, hopefully it had been quick. If it had only pierced one lung then Clark would have made it to him before he died so it had to have been quick. But quick didn’t mean painless.
Bruce just wrapped his arms around his son, he could have come back to find a new tombstone in the family plot. He didn’t know why Ra’s had brought Tim back, but he was thankful to have his son safe and alive in his arms.
Tim’s arms came up around him too, hugging back tightly. “I love you dad; it was worth it. I’d do it again to get you back,” Tim whispered. “I’m sorry…I was so scared you’d hate me, try to take Jackie. I messed up, but I could never give Jackie up. He’s my son, our son, and I love him so much.”
Bruce just held him, gently running his fingers through long black hair. “Shh, it’s alright Tim, you’re home safe. Your son is safe. And apparently Kon is back from the dead?”
Kon snorted. “Me and Bart, thanks to the future. Had to do a tv interview in hope Tim would see it and sure enough he called for me the night it aired. Found him hiding out in Montana with a house more secure than the Cave and Watchtower combined.”
Of course, Tim had made a secure place to raise his child alone. It hurt, that Tim hadn’t trusted him enough to come him but…it wasn’t surprising, was it? After that birthday, the way he’d treated Tim in the early days…
“I’m sorry Tim, you should have felt safe enough to come to me. You’re my son, no matter what.”
“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry,” Tim clung to him, and Bruce just held him.
He had rarely seen Tim so emotional. When they’d found Jack Drake, after Kon’s death, then Bart…those were pretty much it. He knew it had led a lot of people to think Tim was cold and unfeeling, both as a civilian and as a cape. But Tim felt deeply, he just struggled to show it due to his childhood.
“No Tim, I’m sorry,” Bruce whispered. He let Tim cry himself out in his arms, glad that Kon and the others were keeping Jackie occupied. “Now then, tell me about my grandson? And what you’ve been doing?” he asked, gently wiping the tears from Tim’s face. “I’m sure you have a million photos.”
That got a watery laugh and Tim nodded.
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Kon held Tim as they lay in bed together, gently stroking his hair. Tim was still, breathing steady, but he was still awake. “Okay?” he asked softly.
Tim nodded against his chest; hands tangled in his t-shirt. “Tired,” he mumbled.
“So, sleep,” Kon pressed a kiss to his head. “Jackie’s fine in the nursery. Bruce is in his room, Alfred’s in the cave running comms for Dick and Jason. We’re safe.”
“I…want to believe him, that he would have accepted us.”
“But you can’t stop thinking that he’s only saying that because of everything that happened since you disappeared, that if you had come to him at the start, he would have reacted differently,” Kon finished for him, and Tim nodded.
“I can’t answer that, no one can,” Kon admitted. “Not unless we time travelled to another world where those events took place. But I do know that Bruce loves you, you’re his son, Tim. And he’s obviously already wrapped around Jackie’s finger like everyone else.”
“Love you,” Tim murmured.
“Love you, dork,” he chuckled. He gently tipped Tim’s head up and kissed him softly. “Stop worrying about it and go to sleep.”
“Sorry.” Tim cuddled in, grip loosening.
Kon smiled as Tim finally relaxed fully and fell asleep. He was very relieved that Bruce had taken Jackie’s existence and their relationship so well. He had honestly been expecting some kind of blow up over Tim having dipped into mad scientist territory to create Jackie.
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Bruce carefully opened the door to the old nursery, not turning on the lights. He could hear the soft breathing and slipped inside, watching the toddler sleep. The room had undergone some changes, everything clean and spruced up. There were toys and clothing scattered about in a way there hadn’t been since he’d been little enough for the room. He smiled as Jackie moved, curling into a familiar sleeping position, just like his dad.
He was utterly adorable and Bruce wished he had known him from the start. He would have to do better now, he had to fix things with his children so that they would know they could come to him about anything. As for Damian…he would need to speak to J’onn and work out what to do. He couldn’t send Damian back to Talia but he couldn’t have him threatening Tim and Jackie either. That he had wanted Ra’s to take Tim… he just didn’t know what to do about it.
He felt eyes on him and tensed but then relaxed as he recognised Kon-El.
“They’re the best things to ever happen to me,” the young man murmured, moving to check on his son.
“Hm.”
“You’ve hurt Tim a lot over the years, all of your family has. Hurt him again and I’ll help him get away, I won’t let them be hurt,” he warned.
Bruce bristled at the threat to take his son and grandson from him but…could he really blame him? So, he nodded in acceptance and left the nursery.
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Tim crouched in the shadows, watching the men below. His heart was racing with excitement because the darker patch of shadows wasn’t Dick, it was Bruce, back where he belonged. Dick was off with Jason dealing with a weapons deal in the Alley, leaving the goons to Batman and Rook. Keeping Bruce off patrol for just over a year had not been easy but it had been necessary. He’d had a lot of weight to regain and then he had to get fighting fit. He’d chafed under the restrictions but they all did.
Things were finally starting to feel right again. He still had nightmares about his death, Kon’s death… but they were slowly becoming less frequent. He enjoyed his work at WE, sharing the role of CEO with Bruce to one day take over fully. It gave him an ongoing income beyond his trust and meant if anything ever happened to him or Kon, Jackie would be alright. Jackie’s third birthday was coming up and this one would be perfect because all of their family would be there.
Life wasn’t perfect but then he’d probably be bored stiff if it was. In six months, he would be a married man and while the wedding itself made him nervous, he was looking forward to being Tim Kent-Drake. He’d never gone back to using Wayne, though it was still on his paperwork but thankfully no one ever asked about it anymore.
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Jason stood beside his baby brother, dressed in a very nice suit. He could feel the kid practically vibrating with excitement and nerves. Jackie looked adorable in his toddler suit, is curls combed till the shone. He was just glad they’d avoided a society wedding since he wouldn’t have been able to be there since he was technically dead.
Bruce, Alfred, Clark, and Lois were in the front row. Somehow, Lex Luthor had only recently found out about Kon and Tim, had tried to push his way into the wedding. Then Tim had met him privately and now the man was staying well away from Gotham. His creepy little brother had grown into a scary young man. If he ever went villain…Jason would do whatever he had to in order to stay in his good books.
Kon walked in with Bart, Cassie, and Jon at his side. Several vigilantes and heroes were scattered through the audience, all in civilian guise. Only those who had never turned on Tim though, today was a happy day. He glanced at Dick, unsurprised to see the tears in his eyes, Cass smiling fondly. Steph was sitting in the audience, despite how her ‘death’ had hurt Tim and the fact they’d never really patched things up.
The only Wayne missing was Damian. Jason had never gone to see the brat, neither had Tim. He didn’t blame Tim at all for not wanting to see or speak with the boy after everything he’d done. He was living somewhere in Australia, far away from Talia’s clutches. Other than that, he didn’t care.
Kon and Tim stood across from each other, clasping hands as the officiant began. The ceremony was short but beautiful and then they shared their first kiss as a married couple.
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Kon grinned at the sight of a shirtless Tim stretched out on the lounge chair beside the pool, the sunscreen shimmering slightly in the sun. He had a hat perched over his face, offering some shade.
“Daddy!” Jackie yelled, and Tim pushed his hat up, smiling as he saw them approaching.
He stretched, sitting up to catch their son. “Ready to swim?”
“Uh hu!! Swim!” Jackie cheered, making them both laugh. Kon leant down and kissed Tim before scooping them both up and tossing them gently into the waiting pool, Jackie shrieking in delight.
Tim surfaced, spluttering. “Conner Kent-Drake!” he yelled, but there was laughter in his eyes.
Kon didn’t think he’d ever get tired of hearing their combined name. Maybe some people would think them crazy for taking a toddler on their honeymoon but why not? It was a private island so it wasn’t like there was anyone else there, just them and the very discreet staff. Next week, the rest of the Wayne’s and Kent’s would be joining them. For them, that was the perfect honeymoon.
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Tim smiled as he checked on the trio, the spiders were all dealt with as was another League base. The trio now had other ex-League members working with them, those who had decided he offered better benefits than the League of Assassins.
He knew the man would eventually realise what Tim was doing but honestly, it was his own fault. His targeting Tim had led to his death at the hand of the Widower after all and he’d made some small moves over the years to try and grab him again. Tim would not allow him to threaten his family so it was his own fault that Tim was slowly dismantling his little cult.
Tim would do what he had to defend his family. Kon had recently asked him if he thought he could re-create the method that had made Jackie but with a gender switch. Having a daughter would be nice.
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She smiled, nudging Timothy’s thoughts in the right direction had changed things there for the better. She had failed in her own attempts to get her family back, but it felt good to have helped another do the same. This timeline would be better than it would have if he had not succeeded in creating Jackie.
The End.