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Chapter Text

Tim Drake, her Genius Bird.

She had not been prepared for her third bird, no, the boy came crashing into her life quite unexpectedly. In fact he had sought her out one night as she was trailing behind a depressed and hurting bat. Marinette had to admit the little bird had some spunk he had practically thrown himself off the building when he saw her.

Ignoring her reprimanding him over dangerous stunts like that, and he just pulled out a picture. 

A picture of her, Dick, and Jason-her sweet babybird-a picture she had never seen before. 

Soon after pulled out another one, this time of Lady Noir, Robin, and the newly named Nightwing, it was his first patrol after finally letting go of Robin. Two things ran though Marinette’s mind as she stared at the pictures.

1-I’ve never seen these before, Alfred would have given me copies.

 2-He knows.

It was after he lowered them, that she recognized him. Tim Drake, the shy little boy that was Bruce’s neighbor. 

'He shouldn’t be in Gotham. Janet and Jack are currently in France. Why isn’t their son with them?’ 

Tim looked up at her before placing the photos in her hand giving her a small smile.

“I knew you wouldn’t let me fall, Miss Marinette, you never let them fall.” This caused her to flinch, she still blamed herself for what happened to Jason. Tim had noticed and knew he had to plead his case before the hurting mother closed in on herself. “Just like how you won’t let Bruce fall completely into the darkness. You can’t do it alone though.” He said softly, grabbing her free hand in his own attempt to be comforting. “Batman needs a Robin, without one he sinks into the darkness.” Marinette turned looking away from the boy, slightly anger burning in her chest. It wasn’t directed at Tim though, no it was at herself.

“Robin is gone kiddo, we can’t keep living in the past.” She said and stood up, ready to summon Kaalki so that she could take Tim back home. 

“Jason wouldn’t want you to blame yourself, and he wouldn’t want Bruce to self-destruct.” Tim said determined, not flinching when Lady Noir turned her neon green eyes on him. “Dickie needs to be his Robin again.” He pulled out another two pictures, this first one older and more worn. 

It was her and Dickie out on his first patrol, Batman stood behind them in the picture. She was Ladybug, a rare sight, Ladybug rarely showed herself in Gotham, and Dick was in his first Robin body armor. They sat on the edge of a building, feet dangling as they ate ice cream. 

She had insisted on it, stating that they had to celebrate and Batman had simply grumbled knowing better than to argue with someone even more stubborn than him. The second picture was Ladybug and Robin again, but this time it was her tough little bird and Nightwing sat on her other side. They all sat eating ice cream, smiling and enjoying their time together. Lady Noir let out a soft ‘oh’, she missed her babybird so much. “You need a Robin too, a Robin to help you.” Lady Noir stared at the picture before sitting down a fake nail carefully rubbing over Jason’s face.

“My baby boy.” She whispered softly a sad smile on her face before she looked up at Tim. “May I keep these?” Tim nodded vigorously, smiling as he moved closer.

“I have more pictures in my room at Drake Manor!” He said, scoffing his foot against the ground and looking down abashedly. Lady Noir nodded looking up at him with a gentle smile.

“I’d, I’d like to see them please, Mister Drake.”

“Just call me Tim”

“Very well, Tim.”

Tim was on the right track, Batman did need Robin, but Dick had already flown. He started making a name all his own, but this time he’d get to help in training their next bird.

The start had been rocky, Bruce hadn’t wanted anything to do with him. He had even snapped at Marinette accusing her of trying to replace Jason. 

That had landed him in a fight he couldn't win, Marinette had thoroughly beaten him for it before snapping at the man verbally. Alfred had taken his anger out in a less violent way but extremely unpleasant way. 

Bruce had to endure burnt food for what felt like months. 

Marinette had taken the boy under her wing from the moment she had found out he was completely alone at Drake manor. She didn’t report the Drakes right away however, instead she took Tim in, giving him his own room. She went through the entire manor, taking pictures of all the rooms absolutely covered in dust. Showing that only three places were taken care of Tim’s room, the kitchen, and the library. She then reached out to all former employees, including the Nanny that had been employed just a year previous. The amount they had to say left Marinette very happy and unhappy. Happy for it was more to add to her case, a case that her lawyer was more than excited to work on. It wasn’t a surprise, Adrien had always loved it when she brought him hard cases that needed a lot of work. Unhappy because of what poor Tim had gone through.

Since taking him in Marinette and him had slowly grown closer, however she still refused to let him go out as Robin. Which annoyed the young boy greatly because it was clear Robin was still needed. Dick was the one that provided him the help he needed. 

For a year Dick would pick Tim up every weekend claiming they were going camping, when in reality they were going to the old Titan’s tower. He had trained Tim for a year and then he had given Tim his own Robin uniform. Telling him to be safe and let him know when to expect his first patrol, already in fear of Marinette’s reaction.

“The woman is scary ya know?”

“But you love her.”

“I do.”

When Lady Noir first saw a new Robin flying she nearly snapped until she noticed her first bird trailing behind. Instead of rushing in and snatching her bird up she decided to follow him. The entertainment of watching the bird drive the big bad bat up the wall made it worth it. It took half an hour for Batman to finally call it quits and call a family meeting, or well, he called it a team meeting but pot meets kettle.

“Did you do this?”

He immediately rounded on Marinette which caused an immediate glare at him as she crossed her arms and leaned back in the chair. Dick and Tim were tense watching the two questioning if they should speak up. It took a rather hard hit to Dick’s rib cage by Tim for their eyes to snap to Dick.

“Ya so it may have, possibly been me.”

He said giving them his most charming smile, Bruce’s face didn’t budge but he saw Marinette’s lip twitch just slightly. Which calmed him only a little, the night was long and ended with Bruce agreeing to take Tim as his Robin. He had tried to get the kid to stay at the manor but Marinette refused.

“Not gonna happen Bruce, you can pick him up every night from me, two buildings over from my penthouse. Now come on Dickie, we need to get ice cream.”

———————————<3————————————

Tim Drake, His Parents Return.

Tim had flourished under Marinette’s care; he was only twelve and yet he was one of the smartest people she’d ever met. Everything she decided to teach him he learned in less than a week, and as they progressed he learned even quicker. So much so she couldn’t keep up with him. Her boy was incredibly smart, probably smarter than Bruce as well. 

He had already surpassed her with his knowledge in technology and science. The only thing he could not surpass her in was her talent in fashion. He had attended multiple Galas with her at this point and knew almost everyone in the fashion industry by name. He also knew those to watch out for and those to treat with high regards. For instance, to avoid Lila Rossi at all costs, they had not been able to dig up solid proof of her working with Hawkmoth so she still ran free. He knew could trust Adrien Agreste with his life and that the man would do anything to help him or Marinette, granted. Finally he knew to always give respect to Audrey and Chloe Bourgeois, but if they overstepped a boundary it was imperative for him to stand up for himself. Neither women respected people that allowed themselves to be walked all over, that’s why they held Marinette in such high regards.

But it was his attendance to those Galas that brought his parents attention back to him. The night they arrived at Marinette’s penthouse she had been ready for a fight. She had Adrien there already, having sent Kaalki to get him. Tim sat on the couch finishing his homework glancing up every so often at the two adults whispering together.

“Mari, there is nothing we can do until the police are involved, and you know they can take him. You can't leave him in the dark about this.”

“I don't want them to take him, Rein. There must be something we can do.”

“Not right now, I have pulled up everything I could, but if you refuse to let him go they can charge you with kidnapping. You need to tell him Mari.”

“Fine”

Marinette stood walking over to Tim, she slowly kneeled on the ground by the couch. Tim refused to look at her, he already knew what was coming and didn’t want to acknowledge it.

“Tim.” She said softly calling for his attention, he simply shook his head, burying his face deeper in his textbook. Marinette’s heart broke as she slowly reached up, taking the book from his hands. “Tim, I need to talk to you.”She took his hands in hers, kissing his knuckles softly. “Please look at me TimTim.” He hesitated before looking into her eyes, tears brimming his own. “Tim, you are going to have to go with them.”

“I don’t want to, please don’t make me.”

“I don’t want you to either Birdie, but if I keep you they can charge me with kidnapping and that will hurt our case.” She slowly pulled the bird into her lap cradling him against her chest. “I promise you Tim, you won't stay with them long. I will not stop fighting until you are released into my care. I have Bruce, and Commissioner Gordon on my side, not to mention Adrien who is one of the best lawyers in the world, as well as Bruce’s large list of lawyers. I will get you back TimTim, it will just take me a little time.” Tim wrapped his arms around her waist crying into her shoulder. Marinette stroked his back, rocking slowly as she held back tears, she hated this, all of it. 

“I am moving in with Bruce until this is over, Adrien is coming with me, and Dick is finishing the week off, then taking a Leave of Absence from Bludhaven PD. He will be at the manor too and will be sneaking over to Drake manor to see you.” Tim nodded before pulling back, wiping at his eyes, only stopping when Marinette pulled his hand away. She began softly dabbing under his eyes, a gentle smile on her face. “Let's get your school work together okay?” They put away his work, sending each other teasing little comments and lightening the mood. Adrien watched his best friend with a soft smile, as she completely relaxed. Their peaceful atmosphere was interrupted by a sharp knock on the door. Marinette gave Tim one last tight hug as her housekeeper slowly made her way over. Mrs. Reynolds turned looking at her young employer, her hand hovering over the door knob.

“You can still run. I know the Horse God can take you anywhere Miss. I can say you’re not here.” Marinette smiled at her shaking her head even though she wanted nothing more than to take him and run.

“Non, Mrs. Reynolds, we can not run from everything. The barbarians are at the gates, and I fear it's time to face them.” She gently brushed Tim’s hair down, nodding for the women to open the door. Janet was the first to enter storming past Mrs. Reynolds nearly knocking the women over, Jack following behind her.

“You! Give me my son back! How dare you take him from his home, and make it look like my husband and I are unfit parents!” Janet said, beginning to get in Marinette’s face, expecting the smaller woman to back up, but Marinette stood her ground looking unimpressed.

“Oh no, you did that to yourself Janet. You and your husband are unfit parents, and don’t worry soon everyone will know it. Adrien if you’d please.” Adrien stood up making his way over and held out a neat stack of papers to Jack as he looked at Janet.

“You may be taking young Tim home tonight, but I promise you, he will not be there long.” Adrien smirked, pushing his glasses up; he didn’t need them he just thought they made him look mature. “You see I already had Commissioner Gordon get a search warrant for your mansion. Given you two just arrived back in the states, you were already much too late to have the mansion cleaned up in time.” Jack and Janet’s confident looks slowly dropped as Jack took the papers. “I promise you this, Tim will not be in your care for longer than a week.”

“Enough I am not scared of new money! Give me my son now!” Janet snapped glaring at Marinette who simply stared back at the women. She turned away looking down at Tim with a soft smile.

“Go with them, I promise we will have you back soon TimTim.”

Tim nodded before walking towards Janet and Jack, tensing when Janet gripped his arm dragging him out of the penthouse.

“We’ll get him back Marinette.” Adrien said softly while Mrs. Reynold’s closed the door, Marinette nodded before turning and heading towards the balcony. Plagg slowly floated up resting on his kitten’s shoulder.

“Just let her be for a bit, Adrien. She needs time.”

“I know Plagg”

Marinette walked out and stared down at the entrance to the building watching until Tim and the senior Drakes finally exited. Janet still dragged him as they headed towards their limo, a tear fell as she watched her bird forced in. She pulled out her phone dialing Bruce’s number.

“Brucie, they took him. Ya could you send Alfred please, I-I don’t want to be here right now. Thank you.”

It wasn’t until four days later Marinette saw her TimTim again. Her, Bruce, and Adrien sat with Commissioner Gordon and a Social worker discussing the case. When Dick burst into the room carrying Tim in his arms pure rage clear in his eyes. “I swear to the lord above if you don’t get him out of that house I am going to commit murder.” Dick sat down in Marinette’s lap much to the amusement of everyone in the room. Both boys curled in the smaller woman’s lap as she wrapped her arms around them. “The nerve of that woman! How dare she! How dare she think she could get away with it too!”

“What happened, pretty bird?” She asked softly, running her hand through her eldest’s hair, calming him slightly.

“She slapped him mom! She slapped him and blamed this all on him! I went over to check on him and their housekeeper let me in and immediately rushed me to the living room! The woman was begging me to get him away from them! I entered the room right as she slapped him, while Jack watched drinking bourbon from his arm chair!” Marinette reached up with one hand tilting Tim’s face towards hers showing the bruises.

“Oh baby.” She whispered softly, her eyes tearing up. Bruce frowned, turning to the shocked social worker and determined Commissioner.

“Enough proof?” The social worker nodded, pulling out her phone and typing on it.

“I am giving you and Miss Dupain-Cheng temporary custody of Tim Drake until the trial. At which you will both be given the opportunity to adopt him.”

“Good.” Bruce said, turning to look at his boys and their mother, only wishing that their second bird was there with them. Soon enough Marinette and Tim were splitting their time between the manor and their penthouse.

———————————<3————————————

Tim Drake, The Titans.

Restarting the Titans had been Marinette’s idea, Tim wasn’t so little anymore, in fact he was now taller than her by eight inches and was fifthteen. She knew her little bird needed to spread his wings, much like her first did. However he needed a little push, and she was more than happy to push him, with her eldest’s help of course. 

It was one Saturday morning when the newest Titan’s were called together, Robin the third, Wonder Girl the second, Impulse, and Superboy, of course they had no idea why they were there.

 Nightwing had them under the impression that it would be a temporary teamwork when it happened. You see, Cyborg knew that something was going to happen in Jump City and agreed to see how they worked together. Of course the original Titans and Ladybug along with Chat Noir were watching to make sure nothing happened if the team self-destructed, but they were all pleased that they worked as if they had been together for years. Ladybug slowly lowered herself to land beside Nightwing and Starfire, as the team celebrated their win. Until Robin noticed his mother and brother’s smug looks, putting the pieces together rather quickly.

“So this was your plan? You wanted to test us all together as a team, I knew something was up when Nightwing pulled me out of Gotham for this team up. However I did not think Ladybug was also behind this, along with Chat it seems.” Ladybug waved her hand with a smile, looking up towards the building she had come from where her old partner resided. He grinned waving down at the currently shocked new Titans. “Well he wanted to stretch his legs for a bit and I wanted to see how my bird would do with a team. What do you think, Robin, Wonder Girl, Impulse, Superboy? I have all your mentors' approval, how would you like to be a team together under Nightwing and Starfire’s supervision?” Nightwing startled looking at his mother in shock.

“Hold up, under my-” He paused seeing the look Ladybug was giving him before nodding vigorously much to Starfire’s amusement. “Yes, yes under mine and Star’s supervision.”

Robin gave him a deadpan look before turning back to Ladybug, the two sharing a silent conversation. 

‘Are you trying to get rid of me?’ His eyes glancing down at the ground then back up.

‘Never. You need some time with others, not Bats’ She shifted onto her right leg leaning towards the others, placing her left hand on her hip.

‘And if I say no?” His nose twitched slightly.

‘I will accept it, but be sad.’ Her head tilted to the side, slight frown.

‘Fine, I will try for you.’ He crossed his arms, meeting her eyes.

‘Thank you.’ She smiled at him.

Robin turned towards the others stating that he’d be willing to try if they would, and soon after the new Titans were formed.

“Hold up, no one's gonna comment on their freaky silent communication?” Beast Boy asked, causing laughter to ring out from the old and new Titans.

Soon Tim spent every weekend in Jump City, and while Marinette missed him, she was happy because her bird was finally making real friends.

———————————<3————————————

Time Drake, Joker Jr.

“Three weeks! He has been gone for three fucking weeks!” Marinette snapped, slamming her first against the wall of the cave. “Three weeks and we have no leads to where my boy is!” Tears fell from Marinette’s eyes as Batman removed his cowl and moved over to her. Marinette hugged him, needing someone to stabilize her and bring her back down to earth. “Three weeks...three weeks.” She whispered weakly, cherishing this rare moment of Bruce’s comfort. 

“We’ll find him Marinette, Dick and Barbara are out there now, and we need to be out there too.”

Marinette was silent before nodding and pulling away.

“You are right. Tikki, spots on!....Tikki, Plagg, Unify!!”

Bruce slipped the cowl on and soon they were both in the Batmobile speeding through the streets of Gotham.

Lady Noir was jumping over an alleyway when a familiar high pitched voice called out to her.

“Sweetie! Sweetie! Ah geez, what-a the bird brats call ya again? Oh! Oh! Miss Noir! Or is it Mrs. Noir?” Lady Noir’s eyes narrowed as she dropped into the alleyway taking in Harley Quinn’s beat up appearance. She dropped down ready for a fight when to her surprise Harley threw her hands up. “Wait-wait! I’m not here to fight ya see! I swear it! I need your help Miss Noir and I can help you in return! Mista J has gone too far this time, and it affects your third bird!” Harley was wringing her hands together looking at the ground before back up at the hero. “You know just as most do, I’m not all there there in my old noggin. But I could never-would never hurt kids to the point that my Puddin has, first your second bird boy and now this one. I needed to stop him but I wasn’t strong enough! I thought I wouldn’t be able to do anything! But then! Then I remembered you! Oh geez Miss you gotta hurry before he hurts your boy for good!” Harley pleaded tears in her eyes as she grabbed the shocked heroine’s hands. “Save him before he is too far gone like me.”

“Where is he?”

“Old Arkham, the first one. You need to hurry Miss, you and the rest of you birds and bats. I’ll stay here, I swear it-can’t exactly go far right now anyway.”

Lady Noir nodded before using her yo-yo to get back to the roof. Setting off her com as she went alerting the other three heroes out.

“The Arkham ruins now, and hurry.”

Lady Noir arrived after Batgirl and froze in horror at the sight she saw. Batgirl was currently fighting a miniature Joker while the real Joker stood and laughed. It wasn’t until the tiny Joker pulled a move only four others knew that realization sank in. That was her third bird. Joker had tortured her bird and created this. He took one from her forever and permanently scared the other. Lady Noir launched herself at the Joker landing a solid right hook to his face, sending the insane man stumbling. His laughter never stopped as he faced Lady Noir addressing her as the other two fought.

“Well, well, well! If it isn’t the other cat that prowls Gotham!!” Joker said laughing as he wiped blood from his mouth. “Tell me kitty cat! Have you met my boy yet?” He laughs, dodging a punch from her, leading them both towards stacks of crates. “He is just perfect!! HAHAHA!!! I really did a number on this one!” Lady Noir let out an animalistic growl lashing out and caught Joker’s shoulder. Ripping the clothes and drawing blood. “Ooooh! Kitty does have some claws!” He said stumbling back and leaning against the crate. He stuck his arm behind his back, acting like he was stabilizing himself. His fingers wrapped around the crowbar laughing even louder as his crazed eyes met Lady Noir’s unfocused ones. She advanced on him, lost in her anger and not thinking straight. 

Joker let out a cackle as he swung the crowbar hitting her hard on her right side. She let out a pained scream, jumping back when he raised the crowbar for another swing. Noir gripped her side jumping back again ignoring the pain flaring in her side as she dodged the crazed clown. She kicked her leg up, hitting him square in the jaw before keeling in pain. She took a deep breath as the Joker got back up laughing at her. He stumbled slightly rubbing his jaw as he looked at her. “Oh come on kitty cat! Don’t you just feel like laughing with me! Look, your wannabe bat over there is losing! It’s a great show!! HAHAHA, shame you had to interrupt my show. You know, I have put up with you for a long while now. You’re getting in my way now, YOU AND THOSE STUPID BIRDS! I’VE HAD ENOUGH! It’s time to put you all down! Then you won’t get in the way of me and Batsy! Oh well I suppose one of those birds will get to live, though he’ll live as Joker Jr. First I’ll take care of you oh I’ll have so much fun beating you black and blue. Just like I did to the second boy blunder, except I’m going to beat the life out of your eyes!” He said before laughing and charging at Lady Noir. She continued to dodge him, using her baton to block a few swings. She spun out of the way before gasping at the sudden sharp pain, and dropping her baton. The Joker laughed using her momentary distraction to hit her again. This time hard on her right forearm, bursting out in laughter at the audible crack. She bit her lip holding back her scream, causing her lip to bleed. She jumped back again doing her best not to move her now broken arm. Joker followed her laughing harder until his sight of her was blocked by Batman. “Batsy!! Finally arrived to the party, late as always I see!!” He laughed, swinging the crowbar around with a mad grin. Batman glared at him while Nightwing dropped down next to Lady Noir standing defensively by her side. She grabbed his arm gently looking up at his covered eyes.

“Help your father.” She whispered, ignoring Batman and Joker’s fight, her eyes trained on Batgirl and her baby bird. “I have to help him so make sure your father puts Joker in a full body cast.” She nodded to him before gingerly making her towards the two watching Batgirl hold her own against him. She took a deep breath bracing herself before rushing him from the back. She grinned as he tried to turn to hit her but she already had her arm wrapped around his torso pinning his arms down. He struggled elbowing her and trying to scratch her through the suit, she let out a yelp when he hit her rib. Then bit back a sob when he began hitting it repeatedly, tears gathered in her eyes but she refused to let go. “Smart bird.” She gritted out, tightening her grip pulling them both to the ground. Batgirl took a deep breath watching Lady Noir hold her hurt bird. Joker Jr. froze at the nickname, tears beginning to fill his eyes as he started to elbow her hurt ribs even harder. Lady Noir let out a broken sob as pain erupted and soon began struggling to breathe. Her rib just punctured a lung, if they didn’t wrap this up soon she’d be in danger. “My baby bird.” She whispered softly criss crossing her legs so he sat in her lap. “I’m so sorry, I should’ve found you sooner. I should’ve protected you.” Joker Jr. stopped struggling and broke into uncontrollable laughter before tears began to fall. Soon laughter turned to sobs and he curled over her good arm gripping it tightly. “It’s gonna be okay, we’re gonna get through this together. You,the family, and me, we’re going to get through this baby bird.”

———————————<3————————————

Tim Drake, Youngest CEO of Wayne Enterprises.

They weren’t prepared in the least bit, and Marinette felt lost. Bruce, the Batman, one person she thought would fight till he was old and gray. Now he was gone and left behind his family and his newly introduced son.

 They were struggling, bad, and Marinette barely kept them together. She nearly snapped when Tim told her he was taking over Wayne Enterprises. Her baby bird, seventeen, not done with school taking over an entire company. She stopped herself when Dick stepped in, her boys would be managing Wayne Enterprises together. Tim took over as CEO while Dick took over the publicity side. Together they moved into Marinette’s penthouse bringing Bruce’s birth son with them. Her smart bird was very disgruntled over that, upset because the boy tried to kill him and over how he talked to Marinette. Things weren’t smooth, the family was hurting, Marinette was hiding her bout of depression. Tim was getting no sleep, running the company and finishing school at night. Dick took over as Batman, running himself ragged trying to manage three jobs at once. Marinette finally put her foot down and Dick conceded taking family leave from BPD, and she slept in Tim’s room until he began sleeping curled up against her side. She hid her depression as best she could from a family of detectives and focused and took care of her boys. Alfred helped every step of the way, while also forcing her to talk to him about her own feelings. Alfred knew everything after all, her boys didn’t see the depression but he did. Mrs. Reynolds was at a loss for how to help them all, but did her best to keep them all on schedule.

The only real struggle they had was Tim being convinced that Bruce was alive. God did they want to believe it. Dick was too scared, worried that in the end it wouldn’t be true. Marinette because she didn’t know if this was denial or not. After long family talks including Damian who vehemently denied being a part of the family. They all agreed to support Tim in his search, and search he did even calling in favors from all over. Marinette was surprised by the amount of friends her TimTim had, proud wasn’t even able to describe how she felt. Her boy hadn’t even graduated yet but he was so far in life. She just wished Bruce was there to see him running Wayne Enterprises.

———————————<3————————————

Time Drake, Bruce is Found.

Life was better, much better than it was a year ago. Damian was still rough around the edges but was much closer to them. Especially Dick and Marinette, and he no longer tried to kill Tim. They were slowly healing, Marinette’s depression was gone and she had informed the boys of it half way through the year. They were not prepared to find out Bruce was stuck traveling through time. Marinette joined Superman, Green Lantern, Rip Hunter, and Booster Gold jumping through time in an attempt to get Bruce back. Only for Bruce to find them first and of course have a fight following him. Now, they were locked in a room monitored by Superman and encased in green thanks to Green Lantern. Unable to do anything as they stop Bruce's heart without even telling his family the reason why. She paced back and forth hoping Tikki would make it back in time with Kaalki. 

“Mistress Marinette I must insist you sit down. You have been fighting all morning and you only just got back from jumping through time.” Alfred insisted, causing attention to fall on Marinette, all of them taking in how stressed she was. He led her over to a chair ignoring her protests and getting her to sit down. Tim walked over fidgeting with his computer still trying to get service. He groaned, shutting it with a snap while wiping his eyes.

“I don’t know what to do.” He whispered softly and held back tears. The people he thought they could trust had locked them in this room. Marinette reached out, pulling him down in front of her. Tim rested his head on her leg crying quietly as she ran her fingers through his hair. Dick shuffled over sitting beside him leaning back against Marinette’s leg. Jason moved sitting on the arm of her chair turning to look behind her at Alfred. While Damian took a spot leaning against Dick.

“It’s okay Tim.” She whispered softly a few tears slipping as Alfred laid his hands on her shoulders. “It’s gonna be okay. They’ll slip eventually, we just need to stay calm. Tikki and Kaalki will be here soon.” Tim huffed, leaning his head into her hand.

“But will Bruce still be alive when we get out? All this work, all this time and when we finally get him back his own friends want to kill him!” The family was silent before Tim turned to Dick meeting his eyes. “Dickie, you know them best, why are they doing this? Is this even them?” Dick winced as he wrapped an arm around Damian’s waist pulling him closer.

“I,” he started turning to look at the door. “I don’t know Tim. Clark wouldn’t even say anything to me, he just ignored me.” Marinette ran her fingers through his hair before turning attention back to Tim.

“We’re here Tim, we’re here and together.” Tim nodded, wrapping an arm around her leg turning his head to look at his brothers. He snorted at the mild glare Damian had sent him and the middle finger Jason was failing at hiding.

“Just putting it out there though, this is not what I meant when I said we should spend more time together.” Dick said, causing a few chuckles and a flick to the head from Jason.

“Not the time, Dickhead.”

“Jason! Watch your language!”

“Please the Demon Brat has heard worse.” He mumbled out not looking Marinette in the eye.

“Master Jason, you better apologize to your mother, young man.”

Jason groaned, throwing his head back dramatically at Alfred’s comment. He turns to Marinette, meeting her eyes.

“I am sorry for calling Dickie, Dickhead.” Marinette smiled softly nodding in response ignoring Tim’s snort of amusement.

“Mom?” He asked softly, pulling away and sitting up. He was quiet for a second before seemingly making up his mind. "After we get out, can we take a break? Like can we leave Gotham and the public eye for a while and go to the Temple?” Marinette was surprised at the request and before she could question him, he continued. “Stephanie, and Cass can handle it for a while, especially with Barabra watching over them, and if they need help I’m sure the Titans would be willing to help as well.” Marinette thought it over before looking at Alfred, sharing a silent conversation.

“We’ll go to the Temple once Tikki and Kaalki get here. Alfred deserves a vacation, and I think it’s time I begin training you in using the Miraculous. We’ll have Mr.Fox tell the press that we are going on vacation. The Justice League won’t be able to find us as well.” Her boys smiled, even Damian gave a slight smile at the idea and soon after Tikki flew into the room, Kaalki’s glasses held in her arms and her fellow Kwamii followed. Marinette stood quickly taking the glasses, placing them on. “Kaalki, full gallop!” She called out transforming and grabbing the Horseshoe off her back. “Voyage!” She called, opening a portal to the temple, ushering her boys through as she watched the green disappear. She jumped through as Superman appeared, but he didn’t reach the portal in time. The last of the Batfamily was gone. “Quickly Tim hack the WatchTower, and find Bruce’s status!” Marinette said, waving the Monk’s off as she reached Tim. He sat crisscross typing quickly. His eyes widening and tears beginning to fall giving it all away. “Oh...oh Bruce.” She whispered softly, dropping transformation as she fell to her knees pulling Tim against her chest. Dick, Jason, and Damian joined the hug soon after. Alfred nodded to the Monks asking for a bit of privacy before joining his family in all but blood.

A few months past and they hadn’t left the Temple once, all of them healing from actually losing Bruce. Marinette took her time training her boys with the Miraculous that fit them best. 

Dick and Xuppu take to each other like long lost best friends, learning the ins and outs of their partnership flawlessly. Jason and Trixx took to each other after they caught the other sneaking around the Temple. Damian and Longg bonded over formalities and soon you could not find the two separated from each other. Tim, her smart bird bonded with Nooroo, helping the gentle butterfly Kwamii heal in ways Marinette couldn’t. She couldn’t be prouder of them, especially her little Tim. He opened Nooroo’s heart back up and she finally got to see the Kwamii that existed before Hawkmoth took him. None of them were prepared for when Bruce came to the Temple and refused to believe it was him until blood tests were done. Tim demanded an explanation, glaring at his father figure as he held back tears.

“You were dead! You were dead and they didn’t tell us anything! They-they locked us in a room and didn't even acknowledge us!” Bruce frowned, pulling Tim into a hug, comforting the young man as best he could.

“Bruce.” Marinette called, eyes soft as they met his own. “Tell us what happened.” Bruce nodded letting go of Tim.

“They had to stop my heart in order to dissipate the Omega Energy that remained inside me. I don’t know why Clark didn’t explain this to you all.”

“You’re back then, for good? No more jumping through time? No more wondering if I’m crazy, you're actually back and alive?” Tim questioned looking Bruce in the eye, hands shaking not wanting to believe it was all over. 

“Yes, it's over, Tim. I’m back and I don’t plan on leaving again.”

———————————<3————————————

Tim Drake, Sexuality Crisis.

Marinette sat on the bed purposely not looking at her bird who had buried himself under his blankets. She kept focused on her newest book, waiting for him to pop out. Tim shifted slightly under the blankets and his head slowly moved out from under. Marinette held back a soft laugh as she watched from the corner of her eye. After a few moments his head was fully out and resting on her thigh. She slowly began carding a hand through his hair, scratching his scalp softly.

“Do you want to talk?” She asked softly using her thumb to change the page. Tim was silent as he stared at the wall, he shook his head as he placed a hand on her calf squeezing it. “Okay TimTim, whenever you’re ready.” He smiled softly nodding as he thought to himself, sitting in silence together.

"Mom," he said softly, looking up at her. "I think I like Bernard." Marinette closed her book looking down at him. 

"Okay." She said softly, waiting for him to continue.

"But I also liked Stephanie. I liked both of them...is..is that weird? I mean like both of them like boys and girls??" Marinette brushed his bangs out of his face, shaking her head.

"Tim, this doesn't make you weird at all. It makes you human. Bisexuality is common although unfairly frowned upon. So you like both genders, who cares? It is your life, no one else's."

Tim smiled as he sat up and hugged her tightly.

"I think I'm going to ask Bernard out." Marinette smiled, returning the hug.

"Just be careful, your brothers already have the shovel talk ready."

"Already!?!?"

"Ya we all thought it was going to be Kon but you never cease to surprise us."

"Kon?!?"

"Ya I thought it was gonna be me too." Kon said from outside the window, causing Marinette to let out a bout of laughter.

"Kon!?" Tim jumped out of Marinette’s arms glaring at the window.

"What I thought I finally had my chance, and then this Bernard guy slips in, so unfair Tim-Tam." He says in good-hearted teasing, Marinette waves her hand giving Kon permission to come in.

"Why don't I leave you two to talk this out, I need to go stalk Jaybird and his new team anyway." 

She said as she walked to the door.

"Take pictures!" Tim called, causing Marinette to laugh softly as she walked down the hall.

———————————<3————————————

Tim Drake, Coffee Addiction.

"An intervention.” Batman said finality in his voice as he stared at Lady Noir and Red Robin who were beating the life out of a for once terrified Joker. Matching cackles and a particularly hard hit to Joker’s groin had Nightwing cringing and nodding. Red Hood sat on a crate with a baggie of cookies helmet off as he ate.

“Count me out, this is therapeutic. Kick him in the balls again!” A quick thumbs up was all they got in response as Lady Noir and Red Robin kicked him simultaneously.

“Holy guacamole, how much coffee did they drink??” Nightwing muttered slowly backing away. “Ya know B, Bludhaven is really busy right now I should-”

“Don’t even think about it.”

“Damn.”

Lady Noir delivered one last punch to the Joker’s face before dropping him to the ground and Red Robin promptly maced him. She grinned, flipping her braid over her shoulder turning away from the screaming clown and wrapped an arm around Red Robin’s shoulder as they began to walk away.

“Let go after the Penguin next!” She chirped out excited only to be stopped when Batman walked over and picked her up holding her under his arm as he used Red Robin’s cape to make him stumble towards Nightwing. “Hey! B! Put us down! We have work to do!”

“No. Sleep time.”

“Oh you're one to talk hypocrite! If we go to sleep now, everyone goes to sleep now!” Lady Noir said, turning slightly to point a finger up at him.

“Lady Noir.”

“Everyone.” Lady Noir hissed out glaring up at him, Batman was silent before looking away.

“Fine.” He said as he carried her to the Batmobile Nightwing following with Red Robin. Red Hood trailed after them before voicing out the one thought on his mind.

“So are we gonna just ignore that RR, who definitely doesn’t share moms blood, inherited her coffee addiction?”

“Yaaa, we are definitely having an intervention.” Nightwing sighed, already making plans to get Harley Quinn available as the mediator.

———————————<3————————————

Tim Drake, Mom meets the Boyfriend.

Marinette was rushing around the living room straightening pillows, folding blankets, and brushing her boys hair down repeatedly no matter how many times she had passed them. “Ma, you’re gonna give me a bald spot at this point.” Jason complained only receiving a glare in response. He smiled at her cheekily before getting up from the couch and pulling her into a hug. "Come on Ma, if you keep pacing around you're gonna make Alfred think he does a terrible job cleaning." Alfred sniffed from his place besides the living room door.

"As if I could ever Master Jason, do not even insinuate that." Jason shot him a grin nodding in acknowledgment as he moved Marinette to sit in the chair besides the window. Bruce standing behind gazing out the window at the drive watching Tim’s car pull up.

"They're here, now boys remember Bernard is not from the hero community. On top of that he is a theorist of our identities, do not give anything away." Dick rolled his eyes sharing a look with Jason.

"Honesty B, we know this song and dance you don't have to worry." Damian huffed as he walked in with Jerry on a leash.

"Richard, father has every right to worry. Bernard is not one of us, there is no way to know what he could do if he finds out." Dick and Jason stared blankly down at Jerry as Damian walked over to Marinette. Bruce raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching in amusement as he watched Marinette lift Jerry into her lap. Damian gave a small smile as Marinette pulled him closer to her chair and ran her hand through his hair. "Ommii, Jerry wanted to see you." Marinette snorted softly cupping his cheek.

"Yes of course, it's not because Jerry will attack someone as long as you point at them." Damian sniffed, pulling an innocent look.

"Of course Ommii, don't make assumptions, that's beneath you." Marinette nodded, stroking his cheek before removing it, starting to gently run her fingers through Jerry's feathers. Bruce moved over, placing a hand on the back of her chair.

"You two spoil that turkey." He said, earning a reproachful look from Damian.

"Hush now Bruce, they are almost here." Marinette said, smiling softly as her and Damian shared a look.

"The family is this way Master Tim, you know Mistress Marinette is partial to this living room because of the gardens." Alfred's voice was heard approaching the door.

"Ah that's right! Your mom loves the gardens of Wayne manor doesn't she? Or well you said she loves every garden that is well taken care of but the Wayne garden is special." Tim’s familiar laugh rang out as the door opened and Alfred let them in.

"I do hold very fond feelings of the Wayne Gardens. Alfred and Damian take very good care of them." Marinette answered looking over Bernard with a twinkle of amusement in her eyes at his slight embarrassment. "Hello Tim" Tim grinned at her, grabbing Bernard's hand and pulling him over to her.

"Mom! This is Bernard, my boyfriend. Bernard, this is my Mom behind her my adopted father Bruce, my youngest brother Damian and in Mom's lap is his Turkey Jerry. My brother Jason is the one closest to the bookshelf and my brother Dick is the one upside down on the couch." Tim said shooting Dick a blank look that was returned with a grin.

"Richard."

"Yes Mom. Sorry Mom."

Dick was quick to correct himself on the couch but didn't lose his grin. Marinette turned back to Tim and Bernard with a gentle smile.

"Hello Bernard, it's a pleasure to meet you, Tim has told us about you."

"More like bagered on and on about you." Damian said, wincing when Bruce pinched his side.

"Ignore Damian, he likes to be a bratty younger brother." Tim said with a glare directed at Damian. Marinette held back a snort as she glanced between her two youngest.

"Ignore both of them Bernard, I think they like bickering back and forth." Marinette said teasingly as she stood up gently, setting Jerry on the ground. "It really is a pleasure to meet you! Tim has told us about you but getting to know someone in person is always better." Bernard grinned nodding as he walked closer.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Miss! Tim talks about you a lot!" He announced his smile brightening at the twinkle in Marinette’s eyes. "I'm happy to meet you all and can't wait to get to know the actual people behind Gotham's royalty." Marinette let out a loud laugh, nodding at the comment.

"Oh, we are just as crazy as the media shows, if not a little more! Come, come let's sit down, we still have sometime before dinner is finished. Tim told me you love going over conspiracies with him, I'd love to hear what you have been talking about." Bernard glanced at his boyfriend that was being held apart from Damian by a deadpan Bruce.

"Well, I totally think the Mr. Wayne is secretly Superman." Bernard said after they sat on the same couch as Jason. Marinette grinned brightly as she saw the horror full Bruce’s eyes as he tried to pretend he hadn't heard. Jason snorted, struggling not to laugh as he looked between Bernard and Bruce. 

"Oh kid, you're my new favorite. I gotta introduce you to my partner Roy."

"That Oliver Queen's adopted son right? One of my favorite theories is that Mr. Queen is Green Arrow." Jason and Marinette were silent before Marinette made a face shaking her head.

"No Oliver is definitely too traumatized to pick up a bow and arrow after all that time he was missing. However, I definitely think he might be Batman, it's a great cover you know! Plus I have never seen them in the same place before!" Jason held back a laugh at the look of betrayal Bruce sent Marinette.