Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: not mine.

Chapter 1

He curled inward, hugging his knees to his chest. He was so hungry! It had been so stupid; he’d messed up and now he was paying for it. He closed his eyes and took some slow, deep breaths, ignoring the scents doing that brought to his attention. He wasn’t a fledgling; he could handle it. He had to get it together and fast, he had a date! And that was what had caused this, their last date…he’d run out of time and had had to throw his supplies out to keep them hidden, and he hadn’t had the chance to restock since then. How was he meant to get through their date when temptation would be right there? Maybe…maybe he could compel him, take a few sips, and cover it up with a hickey?

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim kissed Bernard, one hand in his hair, the fingers of his other hand entwined with Bernard’s. Bernard’s fingers were digging into his hip, his back against the wall, almost panting. Their date had ended early but that was okay cause Ber had come home with him, risky, but he was sure he’d hidden everything before he left. Bernard had been a bit off during dinner but everything seemed fine now so it wasn’t him that had Ber so quiet? He tugged Bernard away from the wall and towards the couch, the two of them falling onto it, Bernard giggling, Tim careful to land on the bottom. He smiled up at his boyfriend, reaching up to brush blond hair back from his face.

“Hi,” he whispered breathlessly.

“Hi,” Bernard grinned at him.

A lot of people said brown eyes were boring but Tim could never think that. Ber’s eyes weren’t just brown, like…dirt or something, but they also weren’t hazel, not really. They were hard to describe but they suited him…so pretty…he felt kind of floaty, body tingling with pleasure…

“It’s okay Tim,” Ber whispered, “just relax.”

Relax…

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

He watched Tim’s eyes, one hand gently stroking Tim’s side, seeing Tim’s pupils shrink down to pinpoints. Fiction always had the pupils expanding but he’d always found it to be the opposite. He could see the flicker of confusion and pleasure and he leant closer.

“It’s okay Tim,” he whispered, “just relax.”

And Tim’s body went utterly limp beneath him, his breathing soft and steady. Bernard kissed him, Tim pliant, making soft noises of pleasure, mind lost in the haze of compulsion. He looked so…innocent, open, and trusting. He knew Tim let himself relax more around him than normal but this was different and part of him liked it.

“I’m sorry Tim,” he whispered, kissing along his jaw and then down his throat, sucking on areas to make sure he left some hickeys. And then very carefully, he sank his aching fangs into warm skin, eyes closing as he began to drink.

Tim moaned and it wasn’t in pain, that was good, he didn’t want to hurt him. He…he tasted so good; it made it hard to pull back but he would not hurt Tim! It was bad enough he was drinking from him but he was so hungry. He lapped at the wound to encourage it to heal, leaving only a slight bruise. He lifted his head, making sure his fangs had retracted and there was no blood on his mouth before meeting hazy eyes. He loved the colour of Tim’s eyes, such a beautiful crystalline blue. And slowly, he drew Tim out of the compulsion, watching Tim’s eyes clear, smiling at him, and Tim smiled back.

“Wow,” Tim murmured.

“Good wow?” he asked shyly, and Tim nodded.

Tim reached up and Bernard let him pull him into another kiss. They’d never let things get quite so heated before, everything still new. He’d never had issues with his own sexuality but he knew it was a new discovery for Tim, he’d never push him to move faster than Tim was comfortable with. He’d never even been in Tim’s apartment before and it didn’t…well it wasn’t really what he’d expected, the little he’d seen anyway.

“Not quite the dessert I meant,” Tim admitted when they came up for air.

“So, you didn’t bring me up here to feed me the famous Alfred’s food?” he pouted, and Tim chuckled.

“I did, promise.” Tim ran his hands gently up and down Bernard’s bare arms.

Bernard kissed him again, smiling at him. “Feed me?” he asked, and Tim laughed, rolling out from under him, swaying for a moment and Bernard felt a flash of worry. Had he taken too much? “Tim?”

“I’m fine,” Tim flashed another smile, walking for the kitchen and Bernard followed him, sitting on a stool as Tim brought out a very nice-looking desert that he had no clue about but it smelt really good.

Other scents lingered on the plate, the Wayne’s he assumed. He’d met Bruce and Dick a few times back in high school but that had been it and he got the feeling no one knew they were back in contact yet. He didn’t mind, the Wayne’s got up to crazy stuff, the longer he could stay out of it the better.

No, he didn’t want to meet them, not yet, not till he figured out if they were long term, if…if he could trust Tim with the truth. He knew Tim’s secret, had worked it out the instant Red Robin had come to save him from that idiotic cult. He’d been pinned because the chains had been blessed by someone or something powerful, if they’d been normal, he would have broken out long before a knife got anywhere near him. But as soon as Red Robin had been near, he’d caught his scent and the strange scents around Tim suddenly made sense. It was Kevlar and whatever else went into their suits. Knowing that, he never got mad when Tim cancelled or got an emergency call, he just worried. If Tim knew about him then he could protect him, help him when he got hurt.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim smiled at Bernard as he set out the dessert Alfred had given him. Despite everything, the man was determined to ensure he was eating and looking after himself. And obviously he wasn’t getting enough sleep, not if getting off the couch made him dizzy. Good thing Red Robin already planned to take the night off. He caught his reflection in the surface of the fridge and sighed, he’d be wearing high collars for a day or two it seemed. But it had felt really, really good.

It had felt better than kissing had ever felt before honestly, not that he had a ton of experience. Steph had been his longest and most ‘stable’ relationship and that was saying something. Him and Cassie had been a mistake from the start, both of them grieving for Kon. There’d been maybe six kisses in that whole time? Steph, once she’d learnt his identity and before things went really bad, had been the closest he’d gotten to anything more than kissing but they’d never gone all the way. The less said about Ra’s’ sister the better and he would always owe Cass for showing up when she had.

He really liked spending time with Bernard, it was…freeing. Dating a civilian had scared him more than the fact Ber was another guy honestly, so much could go wrong. But Bernard never got mad when their date was cancelled or he had to leave and was concerned when he saw Tim with an injury, he couldn’t hide but other than asking to be sure he was alright, he never pushed. Sometimes Tim wondered…he couldn’t know, could he? Had Tim done something that night to give himself away? Bernard had asked Red Robin to pass on a message to Tim Drake…but that had been in case he didn’t make it out, right? Bernard was just so understanding and patient, that was it.

They sat at the counter, enjoying the delicious blackberry cobbler, and freshly made dairy free cream. Bernard knew Tim avoided certain foods but he didn’t know why. Tim could use his very public shooting as an excuse for his lack of spleen, it was listed as such in his official medical records, but he hated talking about it. Alfred had outdone himself as always, the cobbler was amazing and so fancy looking. He wouldn’t put it past Alfie to know he had a date or the truth about his changed diet. If anyone had checked his public medical records, it would be Alfred and since no one knew about M’gann taking his place that day…

“Everything okay?” Ber asked softly, and Tim smiled, reaching for his hand.

“Sorry, just lost in thought.”

That got a smile. “So, Spain?” he asked, and Tim sighed.

“Unfortunately,” he grimaced, the last time he’d been in Spain had not exactly been fun. He’d been searching for B, the LoA on his tail… “I wish you could come with me,” he admitted. It would be better, he could show Bernard around, they could go on dates without worrying about Tim being recognised, it would be fun.

“Convince my parents to let me skip school and I’d jump at the chance.”

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

He meant it. He’d be graduating in a few months, after that technically he’d be free to travel. He’d love to go to Spain with Tim but it would be risky. He would need time to investigate who was in power over there. Here in Gotham…well, thanks to the chaos it was pretty much every man, or woman, for themselves. But anywhere else and Bernard would have to be very careful. But it would be worth it to go with Tim. Pity his parents wouldn’t agree. He knew his mother loved him, even with how much trouble he was, but Marcus Dowd…well, the man had never been a loving ‘father’. It had never been discussed but Bernard was sure he knew that Bernard wasn’t biologically his. She’d been the one to push to get him his own place despite still being in school, it made it easier to hide things from the man, like his dating life and…diet.

He'd never met his biological father and had no desire to. He didn’t know if his conception had been consensual or not, the look on her face the first time his fangs had extended though… there was a lot he didn’t want to know. But he wasn’t his dad, either of them.

Tim was the best thing to ever happen to him, he just…he wished he could be human for him. everything would be so much easier if he was.

“So…not what I was expecting, honestly. Not after seeing your room back in high school.” He waved his spoon to indicate the large open space.

Tim shrugged slightly. “A decorator did it,” he admitted. “They did the whole building.”

“At least the couch is comfortable,” Bernard offered.

Tim snorted, shaking his head. “Hey, I’m busy. I’ve added some stuff since moving in.”

Bernard glanced around. “The photos….and a beanbag chair?”

“The bedroom’s better,” Tim muttered and then went red.

“Makes sense,” Bernard agreed, it was the most personal room after all.

He did wonder, did Tim have his gear hidden somewhere nearby or did he join the other bats to change every night? Though…Red Robin was really only ever seen with them during Arkham breakouts. He knew that Tim was close to Tam, his assistant, and his sister Cass but…was he really alone except for the three of them? No, Tim had those friends from out of town, who Bernard suspected were his old Young Justice teammates. But they had their own lives and hero gigs too so how often did Tim get to see them? He hoped he’d get to meet them one day.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim collapsed onto the bed in his suite, tugging off his tie as he kicked off his shoes. He was exhausted which was ridiculous cause he’d only had meetings for the last two days. Being back in Spain brought back memories he’d rather forget and that was affecting his sleep. He groaned as his phone beeped, reaching blindly for it. He unlocked the screen and then smiled at the photo of him and Bernard, reading the message before typing one back in return. It had only been four days…but he missed him.

He raised his head as the door opened, seeing Tam with bags of takeout. She really was the best assistant he could have asked for and a good friend too, once they had gotten past his mess up with letting her think her dad was dead. It had taken time but he understood why she’d been mad, it would have been different if she didn’t know their ids but…she’d been at his side in the League of Assassins, when they’d attacked Gotham, the Unternet…

“I’m not feeding you!” she called, and he smiled, rolling off the bed to join her in the main room. “So…missing the boyfriend?” she teased, and Tim rolled his eyes.

“I’m not that bad, am I?” he asked, and Tam smiled at him.

“He’s good for you Tim, you’re more…relaxed, more human.”

“Hey!”

“Come on, you can be a bit…robotic at times when it comes to interpersonal relationships. You’re a lot better since starting to date him.”

“Thanks?” Okay, he knew he could be emotionally detached but come on…

She just grinned and they ate their meal, discussing the mornings meeting.

Tim eventually returned to bed, surprised to find a new message from Bernard given the time difference.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bernard sipped from his mug, enjoying the contents…but not as much as he had…nope, not thinking about that. It was a one-off emergency; he would not drink from Tim again. It wasn’t right, not without Tim’s permission. He knew what it meant, that he enjoyed his blood so much but he was scared. Batman wasn’t as anti-meta as rumours said, not with the Signal on his team and working with the JL but…well, the undead were a bit different. Sure, he was technically a Dhampir, a half-breed. Scorned by vampires and humans alike for being stuck between the two.

Sure, he could play human but when it came to it, he wasn’t. And he was terrified that he would lose Tim because of it. And then his phone beeped and he smiled at the photo of Tim standing on his hotel balcony, the sun setting behind him. Tam must have taken the shot and he looked really good in it.

He was in love with Tim Drake-Wayne, he couldn’t deny it, and he really hoped that Tim would love him too, would accept him. Eventually, his secret would come out after all.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

“Thanks Alfred,” Tim mustered a tired smile as he took off his seatbelt, and Alfred smiled back. He’d been surprised to see Alfred waiting for them at the airport, they’d already dropped Tam off and the drive had been quiet.

“Any time dear boy. You should get some rest.”

“That’s the plan,” Tim promised, getting out. Alfred did as well, heading for the trunk. “I can handle the bags, Alfred.”

“If you’re sure.”

“Yeah,” he grinned and then stepped in to hug the older man.

Alfred seemed surprised but then hugged him back. Tim felt bad about that but…Alfred had kept quiet when things were at their worst, hadn’t supported him, and it had hurt. But ever since Tim had come home, he’d been trying his best to ensure Tim had anything he needed despite no longer living in the Manor.

“Missed you Alfie,” he whispered.

“I missed you as well, Master Tim. Now, have a good meal and get some sleep.”

“Drive safe.” He waved and headed for the elevator, using his thumb on the scanner to send it up to the penthouse.

He dumped his bags in his room and then changed out of his suit, checking the time. He grinned and dialled.

“Tim?” Bernard picked up within three rings.

“Hey Ber, I’m home.”

“I’m glad, how was the flight?”

“Not too bad, except for a baby in economy that I’m pretty sure they could hear on the ground as we flew over.”

“Ouch,” but he was chuckling. “Bet you wish you’d taken the jet.”

“Definitely,” Tim agreed as he lay back on his bed. “How have you been? Lots of homework?”

“All done…that a suggestion?”

Tim hesitated; he really did want to see him but he was also tired but… “Yes. Takeout and you can use the guestroom?” he suggested. They’d been dating for a few months now but sharing a bed? He didn’t think he was ready for that, even if it was only for sleeping.

“On my way,” Bernard answered, and Tim smiled.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bernard looked down to find Tim asleep against his side, looking younger, peaceful. He gently ran his fingers through black hair when Tim made a noise in his sleep. Tim had nightmares, something Bernard assumed was very normal given his night work. Even without that there were his parents, Darla…so many things had happened to him as a civilian as well. Bernard had his own share of nightmares too because of that, because of his unknown father…the Children of Dionysus.

“Shh, it’s okay Tim,” he murmured, happy when Tim settled. So much for using the guestroom but he didn’t want to wake Tim when he was actually sleeping. Not like the couch wasn’t big enough for the two of them, they could probably fit an adult or two on it as well.

He was happy Tim was back, that he’d called him right away. That was a good sign for their relationship, right? Not like either of them had the best examples. Tim shifted in his sleep, turning into him, head over his heart. He was very glad he had a heartbeat, even if it was a little slower than normal. He shifted again, hand gripping Bernard’s shirt, making a sleepy noise but it wasn’t in distress so no nightmare, hopefully.

“Ber?” Tim mumbled.

He smiled, happy that Tim could recognise him even mostly asleep. “You awake?”

“Hmmm…”

“Want to go to bed?” he suggested.

“Nnggg,” Tim mumbled, pressing closer.

“Okay,” Bernard murmured, reaching up for the throw off the back of the couch, tucking it around them. Good thing tomorrow was Saturday so no school, the penthouse was a fair commute from his.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim woke, staying still, keeping his breathing even. He couldn’t move…kidnapped? What had happened?

“Tim? You awake?” Bernard, that was Ber. Soft lips pressed to his forehead. “We’re on your couch in the penthouse,” he murmured. “You fell asleep during the movie and wouldn’t let go.”

Oh. He opened his eyes to find his head resting on Bernard’s chest and there was his throw blanket tucked around them. Bernard tugged the blanket looser and Tim relaxed as a hand ran through his hair.

“You okay?” Ber asked softly. “You had a few nightmares.”

“I woke you?” he didn’t want to do that, didn’t want to expose Bernard to that.

“No, I stayed up till you settled fully,” Bernard answered.

Tim pulled back enough to sit up, pushing his hair back, looking down at Bernard who was smiling at him. He’d…he’d done that for him? He found himself biting his lip, swallowing hard.

“Oh Tim,” Bernard whispered. He sat up and wrapped his arms around Tim and Tim fell forward into him. “It’s okay. I want to be here for you. How many calls did you take from me at all times of day and night after Red Robin rescued me? You’re my boyfriend, any time you need me, I’ll be here for you.”

Tim closed his eyes, resting his head on Bernard’s shoulder. “I don’t…you don’t have to.”

“I want to,” Bernard answered. “I want to be here for you Tim, no matter what. I know…I know you have secrets and it’s okay. You’re a Wayne and a co-CEO, of course there’s stuff you can’t talk to me about.”

Tim wished it was just that, there was so much Bernard didn’t know…it was a good thing he’d had training to keep from talking in his sleep. Part of him wanted Ber to know the truth, he knew Bernard looked up the bats, liked Red Robin. But it was different to liking a vigilante, thinking they were cool and fighting beside them, to finding out you were dating them.

“I…” Tim frowned, and Bernard gently tugged him back down, running his fingers through Tim’s hair.

“It’s okay Tim. You’re important and you have secrets. Everyone has secrets.” Bernard shrugged under him. “I don’t care,” Ber promised, pressing a kiss to his head. “I…I love you Tim, I know it seems fast but…I’ve liked you since school.”

He had? “But Darla?” he asked softly.

“Was unattainable,” Bernard answered, a hand now resting at the base of Tim’s spine, fingers gently rubbing in circles. “Crushing on her was safe. I never thought you’d be interested in me and then you were dating Steph and Darla liked you.”

Oh. He hadn’t expected that but he guessed it made sense. Tim hadn’t known he liked girls and boys back then, his dad would have killed him…not literally, but it would not have gone down well. He’d loved Steph but it hadn’t been the right kind of love, they’d been better off as friends and now days, were they even that?

“I’m not expecting you to say it back Tim, this is new to you. Even if you never say it or feel it the same way…I will always be your friend, no matter what,” Bernard promised, and Tim closed his eyes.

He’d heard promises like that before and every one of them had been broken. From his parents promising to come home…Dick promising to always be his big brother… but he still wanted to believe in it, believe in Bernard.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim sighed and stared at his phone. He’d almost called Conner about it but would he understand? They were best friends, they shared everything. Kon knew Tim was dating Bernard, they just hadn’t had the chance to meet yet. But this didn’t feel like something to discuss with him first. He made dating look so easy with Cassie, even though Tim knew they’d had their share of issues. Thankfully, Kon hadn’t held their kiss or kind of dating against them when he’d come back, that would have been bad. But he’d understood that Cassie and Tim had both been grieving and scared, clinging to what was left. He hadn’t even been mad about Tim trying to clone him!

So, who could he talk to…once he would have gone to Dick but it’d been so long…was this a parent kind of discussion? He never would have talked to Jack about dating another boy but…

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

“Hey B, can we talk?”

He was surprised by the voice on a private channel. “Comms or in person?” he asked, pausing on a rooftop.

“I’m near WE, meet you up top?”

“Hn,” he agreed, changing direction. “Ten out,” he clarified.

When was the last time Red Robin had reached out over comms? He was practically a ghost these days, more so than even Red Hood. He caught glimpses of him occasionally during patrol, would see Tim at WE or at galas…but that was it. Ever since the incident with Captain Boomerang, Tim had barely had anything to do with the family. Had he overreacted? Tim had planned everything so precisely…but in the end he had done the right thing, had arrested the man rather than let him die.

He arrived at the top of WE and glanced around, taking a second to spot the figure sitting on the edge, legs dangling. He walked over and found two Batburger bags and drinks. He sat carefully beside his son, because Tim was his even if he was emancipated.

Tim wasn’t in full gear but the dull black usually used for quieter ops, a basic domino on his face. It made him wonder what kind of case he was working or if he’d come out for the sole purpose of meeting with him. Tim passed him a bag and Bruce opened it to find his usual order.

“How are you?” he asked, and Tim looked at him, surprised.

“Okay,” Tim offered, eating a Night-Wing. “You weren’t busy, right?”

“No,” he assured him as he took out his burger. “Is something wrong?”

“I…” Tim shifted nervously, something he’d normally hide.

Bruce tried to work out what could have him feeling nervous but…he didn’t have a clue about his son’s current cases or anything. He just knew he’d been in Spain last week, had something happened? “I know things have been distant but you are my son,” he told him, watching Tim’s eyes go wide behind his mask.

“I’m seeing someone,” Tim murmured, shocking Bruce.

“Not Tam?” he asked, just to be sure, and Tim actually laughed.

“And have Lucius kill me?” he demanded, and Bruce chuckled.

“Good point. Do I know her?”

“We went to school together,” Tim admitted.

“Which one?” he asked right, aiming for teasing, as Tim took a sip of his drink. It was a fair question, Tim had been to a lot of schools, shipped off from one boarding school to another until finally managing to convince his parents to send him to a local school. Even then he’d changed schools a few times for a variety of reasons.

Tim coughed to clear his throat, shooting him a glare. “Grieve,” he answered once he could speak.

That really narrowed the options given what had happened back then. He hadn’t been very involved in Tim’s life then since he’d been training Steph as Robin. And apparently Tim and Steph hadn’t been talking either at the time though neither talked about it. Plus, Jack had done his best to completely isolate Tim from anyone in the community, wanting him to be a civilian. He’d never understood that wasn’t something Tim wanted or could really be anymore.

“Have I met her?” he asked, he had managed to ‘run into’ Tim a handful of times as Bruce Wayne, Dick had too, both of them concerned for him given that Jack had threatened Bruce with a gun over Tim being Robin.

“Not sure it was a formal meeting,” Tim answered, “but yeah, you met…him,” Tim finished, barely audible, body held still.

Oh. Oh Tim. The top of WE was well out of sight and Tim had chosen a spot that Oracle’s cameras didn’t monitor. So, he lifted his arm and carefully laid it over Tim’s shoulders, his cape draping over his son. He could feel the tiniest tremors wracking Tim’s body but Tim allowed himself to be drawn into his side.

“Does he make you happy?” he asked, and Tim nodded. “Then that’s all that matters.”

“Even if it risks PR trouble?” Tim asked softly, and Bruce closed his eyes.

“Even then, we can work it out. You are my son Tim and I want you to be happy.” He had to talk, to explain to Tim. Of all his kids, Tim was the most like him but they also had some key differences. And that meant he had to tell Tim how he felt about him.

“Bruce…”

“I was wrong Tim, you did the right thing that night and I lashed out at you,” he told him, struggling to find the words needed, Tim staring up at him.

They were in a blind spot and he wanted Tim to understand. So, he reached up and removed the cowl and then brushed his fingers against the edge of Tim’s domino, Tim leaning into his hand. At the silent permission, he brought up one of the specially formulated wipes for removing their masks in the field and gently wiped at Tim’s domino, removing the adhesive. How long had it been since he’d seen Tim’s face up close without the mask?

“B?” Tim’s voice was shaky.

“Sometimes, we’re so similar Tim but…you’re better than me,” he admitted. He could see the disbelief in Tim’s eyes. “You are growing into a better detective than me, you’re so smart. And you have something more, you make friends Tim, you work with people in ways I can’t.”

Tim suddenly snorted and Bruce arched an eyebrow. “Something I said to Ra’s when he came to Gotham,” Tim murmured.

“Before he kicked you out a window?”

Tim winced and shrugged slightly. “He targeted everyone and thought I’d run around trying to save them all but I called in help…I told him, ‘I’m not Batman, I have friends’.” Tim offered an embarrassed smile, and Bruce found himself chuckling.

“You do have friends,” Bruce agreed, and Tim’s smile widened. “So, what’s his name?”

Tim groaned. “You don’t need to do a background check Bruce.”

“I’m assuming you did a very thorough one, probably back in school.”

“And updated when we met…since he was kind of caught up in a cult. B…if I’d been even a few seconds later…they had him chained to the alter, the knife barely above his skin. The Children of Dionysus, they went after vulnerable teens but Bernard was targeted. He’d been friends with one of the kids, he guessed they thought he knew more than he did. We met up for the first time since school and they came after him. I woke up and the restaurant was a mess, one of the staff was trying to get me up, and Bernard was just…gone.”

“They knocked you out?”

Tim nodded. “I know I’m lucky since they weren’t above killing. Chloroform, I checked my blood and I’ve kept an eye on my liver and kidneys since. No side effects yet and it’s been four months. When I tracked them down, I got Ber out of the chains and instead of running, he helped fight the cult. Turns out he takes martial arts as well. It was…nice, it felt good fighting with him at my back. He even asked Red Robin to give Tim Drake a message if he didn’t make it out, that he wished we could have finished our date…I didn’t even know it was one. Went to see him as me after and…asking for a real date just felt right.”

“Do you think he knows?” Bruce couldn’t help asking.

“I don’t think so, but…I want him to, B. I trust him. He never gets mad when I cancel or leave during a date. I can call him any time outside of school hours and he’s just…there for me, whatever I need. He…” Tim took a shaky breath and Bruce gripped his shoulder.

“Tim?”

“He said he loves me, Bruce.”

“Do you love him?” Did he need to give Tim the Talk? No, he was too old, right? Who had given him that talk, Jack had been alive around the age it was normally given, had he? Maybe Dick had? Tim had dated before so he had to know something at least but a relationship with another boy would be different.

“I…” Tim hugged his knees to his chest, balancing precariously on the edge but he was one of the birds, his balance perfect. “I don’t know,” he admitted softly. “I don’t think I’ve ever really been in love before.”

“Listening to you talk about him, I’d say you’re on the way there at least,” Bruce offered. “Not that I’m one to ask about relationships.”

Tim laughed at that.

TBC…

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 2

Tim felt…lighter, since talking with Bruce, like there was a load off his shoulders. Knowing that he would back him up when his dating life became public was a massive relief. No matter how careful they were, it would eventually. People like Vale were way too interested in them, even though he’d thrown her off her theory on them being the Bats after being publicly shot.

Getting ready for patrol even felt better which was just silly but soon enough he was suited up and off across the rooftops. He spotted movement at one point, glancing over to see Jason on his own patrol of the Alley. His home was just inside the boundary but Jason had never said anything about it and Tim was careful with his patrol route, never doing so on Jason’s side of the line. They’d even shared intel a few times though they only worked together when the whole group was called in for something.

He passed by Bernard’s apartment after a while, pausing to look inside, seeing him on the couch, the tv illuminating his face on and off. And then Ber looked up, surely, he couldn’t see him in the darkness but then he was up and moving to the window, opening it.

“Red Robin?” he called softly and Tim hesitated, it was stupid…but he fired his grapple, landing lightly on the windowsill, holding on tight.

“Hi,” he greeted lamely, and Bernard grinned.

“Hi. Everything okay?”

“Uh…yeah, sorry. I was just pausing and looked over, saw you. So…you’re okay, after eveytthing a few months back?”

“Yeah, I’m good. Even have a boyfriend. Tim Drake agreed to go on a real date after our last one was interrupted. He’s great!” Bernard was grinning at him, and Tim grinned back.

“Good, I’m glad. Told you, you’d get to tell him.” It never got any less strange to talk about himself in the third person.

“Slow night for crime?” Bernard asked, and Tim chuckled.

“So far, makes a nice change.”

“I bet. That doesn’t look comfortable, wanna come in or do you need to keep going?”

“Inviting a Vigilante in, isn’t that dangerous?” Tim couldn’t help teasing, and Ber smiled at him.

“Considering you saved me, nope.”

Tim hesitated, tempted but then his hand flew to his comm as it came on, pressing a finger to his lips and Bernard nodded. “Red Robin here,” he answered, listening to the report. “Understood. ETA 5 minutes.” He removed his hand and looked at Bernard. “Lock your door and windows.”

“Rogue?” Ber asked, and Tim nodded.

“You have a gas mask?” he did, right? Bernard nodded, thankfully. “Scarecrow.” He warned and then he leapt from the window, firing his grapple.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bernard watched Tim leave, worried for him. He shut the window, locking it. He grabbed his gas mask right as the alarm sounded, slipping it on. He’d never been hit by fear gas and he didn’t want to know how he’d react to it. Maybe it wouldn’t affect it and maybe it’d send him into a frenzy, he was not eager to find out. He turned the tv on to keep an eye on things. He grinned as he spotted the flash of red and black, Tim.

He'd been surprised when he’d seen Tim across the way, as far as he knew, Tim never stopped. Sure, he’d seen him swing by though he doubted a full human would be able to tell which bat it was, but Tim had never just sat and stared. And then the news showed a fight from above, the camera crew well out of gas range which was smart. He frowned as he heard screams nearby, going to the window and growling in anger at the sight of ‘fog’ flowing down the street. Fear gas. He glanced back at the screen, watching the fight, worried for all of them but mostly Tim.

And then he watched in horror as Red Robin went down, the Scarecrow obviously laughing as he plunged a needle into his neck. No! He snarled, feeling his fangs dig into his lip under the gas mask, knew his eyes were no longer brown, claws digging into his palms. He wanted to run to the fight, to pull Tim away, even as the other bats fought to get to Tim who was staggering to his feet, stumbling around.

What could he do? He couldn’t go there, risk being seen, questions being asked…could he? He knew a full vampire could, but he didn’t know…and he’d only compelled Tim the once, lightly, and not for long. But he had to try. He sat down and breathed deeply, reaching for Tim.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bruce fought to get to Tim, his son. Who knew what strain of the toxin was in that needle, the dosage… Tim staggered to his feet as if drunk, hand pressed to his neck. It hadn’t fully kicked in then. “Red Robin, can you hear me?” he called over the comm.

“B?” Tim’s voice was small, unsure, slurred.

“I’m here son, you need to get to the Batmobile. You’ve been injected with fear toxin, you don’t have long before it takes full effect,” he explained as quickly as possible.

“B…I…no…” Tim’s breathing was picking up.

“Can anyone get to Red Robin?” he called to the others.

“Trying!” Dick called.

“Sorry,” Batgirl panted. “Too many affected civilians…ouch, come on!”

“Tt.”

“Tim, you need to get to the Batmobile,” he murmured too softly for the fear affected civilians or the goons to overhear.

“No, no, no, no…. Dad please…not dead…”

And then to Bruce’s horror he realised he couldn’t see Tim anywhere. “Oracle, track Red Robin!”

“On it.”

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bernard saw Tim staggering in the street below his window and opened it, dropping down, knowing no one would see, either effected by the gas or hiding. “It’s okay, you’re safe, I’m here,” he murmured as he approached.

“Please dad…please come back…”

“Shh,” Bernard reached out to cup Tim’s face, feeling him tense. “It’s okay Red, look at me, whatever you’re seeing isn’t real.” He stared into the whiteouts of Tim’s mask; it made it harder but he felt Tim relax a little. “Come on, let’s get you safe.”

“Bbb…Ber?” he slurred.

“Right here, you’ll be safer in my apartment till someone comes with the antidote. Trust me,” he murmured, and Tim smiled slightly even though Bernard could hear his heart racing. “That’s it, we’re going inside.”

“He’s here,” Tim whimpered, glancing to the side.

“There’s no one there, I promise. Just look at me, I’ll tell you if there’s any bad guys. You’ve been hit with fear gas. The bats will come to help you.”

Compelling Tim through the mask and the fear toxin was hard, but Tim trusted him. He held Tim’s hands firmly but gently, leading him forward. Tim was shaking with fear, his pulse racing, but he let Bernard pull him forward.

Getting him upstairs felt like it took forever but finally they were inside the apartment. “Doors and windows are locked RR, there’s no one here but you and me,” he promised.

“Ca…can’t…”

“Okay, it’s okay,” he led Tim to the corner where a chair was. “Sit here yeah? The corner means no one can sneak up on you.”

Tim was whimpering now and it hurt to hear. He grabbed the blanket off his bed and came back, gently wrapping it around Tim, not too tight though but he was shivering.

“Do you carry antidote?” he asked but Tim didn’t answer, slightly rocking himself, staring into space. “Red?” he took his hand and squeezed but there was no response, he was lost to whatever hallucinations the toxin was forcing on him.

Bernard backed off, knowing a bat would show up soon, and not wanting to spook Tim into lashing out. Sure enough, he soon heard a grapple. He looked over and there was Nightwing. He went and opened the window to let him in. “He’s in the corner. He was shivering so I managed to get him to accept a blanket. He was sort of responsive at first, recognised me, but now he’s just whimpering and staring.”

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Dick swung quickly; Tim hadn’t gotten far thankfully. The gas had dispersed from the air too which meant even if his rebreather was broken, he wouldn’t be getting a continual dose. And his tracker was now still, inside an apartment building. If someone had hurt him… he landed on a window and went to check only for a blond about Tim’s age to open the window.

“He’s in the corner. He was shivering so I managed to get him to accept a blanket. He was sort of responsive at first, recognised me, but now he’s just whimpering and staring,” the teen explained, letting him in.

Nightwing glanced around to find a normal apartment and…there! Tim was curled in a chair, a comfy blanket covering him. Dick could tell he was still shivering, now he could hear his whimpering as well. “He recognised you?” he glanced at the teen who nodded.

“He saved me from a cult a while back. I saw him stumbling around on the street, saw him get dosed on the news. Figured it was worth a shot to try and get him inside.”

“Has he said anything?”

“Not much. He asked his dad to come back? Said someone was coming. He was trying to say something else but he just kind of shut down instead.”

“He could have attacked you,” Dick chided, and the guy shrugged.

“I kept my distance till he recognised me. He wasn’t being violent or anything.”

Dick moved towards Tim, the whimpers tearing at his heart. Tim’s hair was longer than he remembered, the last of the baby fat gone from his face. When was the last time he’d been so close to the kid? “Hey kiddo, can you hear me?”

“No, no, no….” Tim was shaking even worse now, pushing himself back in the chair.

“It’s okay, you’re safe.”

“NO!” Tim screamed, lashing out, the blanket slowing the kick thankfully. “No…” his head snapped around, searching… “Ber?” Tim mumbled, looking at the other teen.

“Red Robin?” the boy asked.

“Not dead? No…too late…”

“No, you were in time, you saved me,” the kid, Ber?, managed to keep his voice steady. “Remember? We beat the Chaos Monster and got out. That was months ago.”

Tim was obviously frowning, trying to reconcile reality with the hallucinations. Dick shifted closer, needle in hand, and Tim freaked out again, attacking. It…it hurt.

“Red Robin, I’m scared,” Ber murmured, and Tim froze, panting, gaze obviously darting around. The boy reached an arm out towards Tim who got off of Dick to stumbled towards him. Tim tucked himself into the slightly taller boy’s side, wrapping a shaking arm around his waist. “You’ll keep me safe, right?”

Tim pressed his head against a t-shirt clad shoulder, nodding, hands clenched in the t-shirt.

Okay, that was good. Ber looked at him and held his hand out, Dick taking a moment to realise. He hesitated but Tim trusted him, was fighting the fear toxin because of him. So, Dick passed the needle over.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bernard took the needle and then shifted how they were standing, glad Tim had a domino rather than the cowl tonight since it left more skin for him, then again with less skin visible maybe Scarecrow wouldn’t have been able to inject him in the first place. “It’s okay, we’ll protect each other,” he murmured. “You got injected with fear toxin Red. You know I won’t hurt you.” He carefully shifted the needle; he didn’t want Tim to attack him. “Just giving you the antidote. Just keep breathing, we’re safe.”

Slowly, he slid the needle into Tim’s neck, hating the terrified noises Tim was making, feeling the tight grip on his shirt. He pressed the plunger, sending the drugs into Tim’s blood, and then he tossed the empty needle back towards Nightwing.

“How long does it take to work?” he asked, looking up at Nightwing even as he embraced Tim, not caring what the older vigilante thought.

“Depends on the strain but it has a sedative in it, should knock him out pretty, there he goes.”

Bernard shifted as Tim slumped against him, whimpering softly as his hands relaxed. “It’s okay, I’ve got you.” He moved a hand to stroke sweaty black hair, relieved to hear his heart slowing to more normal levels. “I think he’s out.”

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Dick was relieved when Tim allowed Ber to give him the antidote and then he spotted something that made him realise why. It was a photo of Tim Drake and the boy in the apartment.

“I think he’s out,” the boy announced, and Dick approached, carefully taking his brother from the teen.

“Thank you,” he murmured, finding Tim was heavier than he remembered, seemed he’d finally learnt to eat properly.

“No problem, he saved my life…I was seconds from being sacrificed when he showed up. I thought I was going to die, asked him to pass on a message to the person I’d been on a date with…and he refused, said we were both going to make it out, and he was right.”

Dick found his gaze going back to the photo. “You know the Wayne’s?” come to think of it…there was something vaguely familiar about him.

Wary brown eyes stared at him and then realised he had seen the photo. “We’re dating. I met Bruce Wayne and his eldest a few times back in high school, doubt they remember me though.”

Dating?! He…he hadn’t known Timmy was gay…bi…whatever he was. Why hadn’t he said anything? Why hadn’t he told them he was dating someone? So, they’d been on a date and the kid had been taken then Tim saved him. Had they really fallen that far apart?

“Will Red Robin be okay?”

“Yeah, he should sleep off the rest of the toxin. Seriously, thanks for getting him to safety. We owe you.”

But the teen shook his head. “If anything, I owed him.”

Dick nodded, situating Tim before heading out with him, finding the Batmobile waiting.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bruce gently stroked Tim’s hair back from his face, the boy still sedated. Thankfully, all his readings were back to normal, so he should be fine when he woke. Hearing from Dick where he’d found him was a relief, he’d gone to his boyfriend whether he consciously realised it or not. If Bernard hadn’t seen him and managed to coax him inside…. he hated to think what could have happened before they tracked him down. Had Tim given his identity away? Not according to Dick but he hadn’t been there the whole time, then again, Tim had admitted he wanted Bernard to know.

Dick was hurt that he didn’t know Tim was dating but what did he expect? Bruce knew they had all shut Tim out, maybe without meaning too but he was so quiet it was easy to overlook him. He’d admitted his own mistake to Tim, had apologised, would the rest? He couldn’t make them after all.

Tim began to shift restlessly and Bruce kept up the gentle touch.

“It’s alright Tim, you’re safe sweetheart,” he murmured the old endearment and blue eyes fluttered open slowly. Tim tensed, whimpering. “Shh, look at me Tim, I’m right here,” he coaxed, and Tim blinked groggily at him.

“B?” he mumbled.

“That’s right.”

“Wha…” he frowned in confusion.

“You were directly injected with fear toxin. You’re in your apartment and have been sleeping off the antidote,” he explained gently. He’d brought Tim to his own home once he’d stabilised, knowing he would feel safer there.

“Ber? Bern...ard…was…” he coughed, and Bruce helped him sit up enough to drink some water.

“Dick found you in Bernard’s apartment, still masked. He saw you being injected on the tv and then spotted you stumbling in the street. He coaxed you into his apartment for safety.”

“Hurt?” Tim asked groggily, and Bruce smiled at him.

“No, you didn’t hurt him. Even with the toxin, you recognised him. You were in a corner and wrapped in a blanket when Dick arrived. You panicked when he tried to give you the antidote but Bernard was able to calm you and gave it to you. You can watch Dick’s mask footage later. Do you think you can keep food down?”

Tim frowned, thinking it over. “Soup?” he asked, and Bruce nodded, Alfred had made sure he brought a care package with him.

“I’ll be right back,” he promised, leaning in to kiss his forehead.

He grabbed the thermos and poured the contents into a mug and then returned to Tim’s side, helping him drink the soup slowly. He was relieved to see the colour coming back to Tim’s face, the haziness fading from his eyes. “Bruce?”

“Welcome back,” he smiled at Tim being fully aware now.

Tim pushed himself up, looking around and relaxing as he realised, he was sitting on his own couch. He pressed a hand to his forehead; headaches were a common side effect of the antidote after all. “Bernard?” he asked, and Bruce chuckled, pressing his phone into his hand.

“Maybe you should call him.” he petted Tim’s hair again, happy when Tim leant in before rolling his eyes, teenagers.

Tim would be eighteen next month, he should be looking towards graduation and Bruce knew he shouldn’t have let him stay out of school but Tim had just taken the tests and started running the company while he was gone. He’d given up the last of his childhood…not that he’d ever had much of one and that was even before they truly met. The Drakes…well, better to not speak ill of the dead. And he hadn’t made things better in those early days when looking at Tim brought back such painful memories. He’d messed up so many times with Tim and the boy remained at his side, had gone through hell to bring him home.

Sometimes, Bruce wished he knew more of what Tim had done in that year but knowing how it had ended, he could admit he was a coward because he couldn’t ask. He knew the kind of person Ra’s was, what he could do to someone…whatever Tim had done, he didn’t care. Tim had escaped Ra’s and angered the man enough for him to attack Gotham.

He blinked as Tim leant against him. “Still tired?”

“Hmm.” Tim fumbled with his phone, bringing up a contact.

“Here, let me.”

“But…cover…”

“The attack was public enough that it wouldn’t be surprising you breathed in the gas,” he assured his son.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

“Hey Tim,” Bernard was relived as his phone rang.

“Bernard Dowd?” that was not Tim, but he recognised that voice.

“Mr Wayne?” he swallowed. “Tim…is he…”

“He’s alright. He got caught in today’s attack though. He’d like to see you.”

“Of course, where?”

“His apartment.”

“I’m on my way,” Bernard promised.

He grabbed what he needed and rushed out of his apartment. He was relieved Mr Wayne had called, he’d been worried when Tim hadn’t called since Bernard’s apartment was in the attack area and Tim shouldn’t know he was okay. Had the antidote not worked properly or something? He wanted to simply get there but if he arrived too quickly it would raise questions so he forced himself to use his car, glad Tim had given him a parking pass. He pressed the buzzer for Tim’s apartment and was let up.

The apartment door opened to reveal Mr Wayne and Bernard ignored the scents of battle and some kind of medical place.

“Is he okay?” he asked.

“Ber?” Tim called from the apartment and he slipped past the man, rushing to him, dropping to his knees beside the couch, taking Tim’s hand in his.

It was a relief to hear his heart back down to a normal rate and he no longer stunk of fear, though it lingered about him likely because he hadn’t had a chance to shower. “Hey,” he smiled shakily, kissing the back of Tim’s hand.

“Okay?” Tim asked, and Bernard could tell he was tired.

“I’m fine,” he promised. “Had the apartment locked and my gas mask. Even got to see Red Robin and Nightwing. I was worried about you. How do you feel?”

“Tired,” he murmured. “Stay?”

Bernard nodded. “Of course,” he agreed.

“I’ll get him up to his room,” Mr Wayne said, carefully lifting Tim up.

“Dad…” Tim grumbled but didn’t really complain, Bernard following them upstairs. “Need a shower,” he complained, getting to his feet when Mr Wayne put him on the bed.

“Tim…”

“I stink,” Tim complained. Tim looked at him, slightly nervous. “Could you…help?”

Bernard swallowed, that was…okay. Nothing was going to happen, Tim had been through something traumatic and needed help, that was all. “Okay,” he agreed.

“Are you sure?” Mr Wayne asked, and Tim nodded.

“You should go home B,” Tim told him, and Bernard was relieved to hear a more normal sentence. Bernard moved to his side, wrapping his arm around Tim’s waist, happy when Tim leant into him.

“Alright,” he agreed reluctantly. “May I have your phone?”

Bernard pulled it out and handed it over.

“I’ve put mine, Alfred’s, and the family doctor’s numbers in. If anything happens,”

“I’ll call,” Bernard agreed. He waited till he heard Wayne leave and then he gently led Tim into the bathroom. “Can you strip or do you need help?”

“I can do it,” Tim murmured, staring at the floor.

“Hey,” he gently cupped Tim’s cheek in his hand, hearing a soft sigh. “You’re going to be okay Tim.”

“I…” he shuddered and Bernard gently wrapped himself around him, feeling Tim slump against him. “Saw…”

“It’s okay, you’re safe now,” he promised and he meant it. To keep Tim safe, he would reveal himself, he would keep Tim safe. And then Tim’s lips were pressed to his, desperate, and Bernard kissed back, but kept it gentle. He carefully undid the buttons on Tim’s shirt, Tim letting him, pliant in a way he hadn’t seen him outside when he’d drunk from him. “You with me?” he asked, and Tim nodded, watching him through half closed eyes. “Can I?” he asked, hands resting on Tim’s waistband, and he nodded again.

Finally, Tim was naked and Bernard stripped down to his boxers, turning the shower on before guiding Tim under the water.

“Can you wash or do you want me to?”

Tim frowned; he was obviously flagging but touching Tim’s naked body was a lot more than Tim was probably ready for. Tim looked up at him, lifting a heavy arm to touch his face. “Real?”

“Yeah Tim, I’m real, I’m here,” he promised.

“You can,” he yawned. “Gentle?”

“Of course.” He smiled gently and kissed Tim’s forehead, hearing him sigh softly. He guided Tim’s hands to his shoulders to help him balance and then grabbed Tim’s body wash, gently getting him cleaned up, happy the scent of fear was being washed away.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim woke slowly, body heavy, nice and warm…and then something moved and he felt a flash of panic. Where…what…

“Tim?” a sleepy voice murmured, and he recognised it. Bernard…but he was dead…hurt… no…the shower…oh. Fear toxin.

“Ber?” he croaked, and then the body pressed against his was moving, sitting up.

“Hey Tim,” Bernard whispered, and then there was a hand running through his hair. “Do you remember what happened?”

“Fear toxin?”

“Yeah, you got caught up in a gas attack. Mr Wayne called me over after, apparently you were asking for me.”

“Showered?” was that a dream?

“Yeah, you were too out of it to trust not to slip and kill yourself. I kept my boxers on,” Bernard promised.

Foggy memories were coming back, fighting…being knocked down…Scarecrow laughing, pain in his neck…seeing bodies…fights…trying to get away…Bernard? Someone with another needle, Bernard holding him, feeling tired…had…had he gone to Bernard as Red Robin?

“You weren’t hit?”

“Red Robin was on my windowsill when he got the alert so I got my place locked down and the gas mask on.”

“Oh. Why was he there?”

“Saw me, guess he decided to check on me once he did. I saw him being injected on the news and then I saw him stumbling around on the street. I think his visit is why I managed to coax him up to my place. Nightwing showed up after a while and we got the antidote into him, so hopefully he’s okay too.”

“Yeah,” Tim murmured.

He was, but he couldn’t tell him, could he? But…Bernard had risked his own safety to help Red Robin. Lost in hallucinations, Tim could have attacked him, should have really. And yet he hadn’t, he’d let Bernard bring him to safety. Which meant he really trusted Bernard, at least subconsciously.

He rolled over to face the sitting Bernard, he looked a little tired, had he stayed up again because of him? Good thing it was the weekend. He reached out and stroked Bernard’s face, Bernard leaning into his touch, eyes warm.

“Sorry for worrying you,” Tim murmured.

“I’m just glad you’re okay,” Bernard told him, leaning down, and Tim pushed up on his elbows to meet him.

Kissing Bernard was definitely one of his favourite things. This was real. He’d need to report to Bruce, let him know that was a different strain, stronger, the antidote not entirely effective. But it could wait.

TBC…

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: not mine

So, do people like this so far?

Chapter 3

Bernard was very happy to feel Tim’s hand in his as they made their way through the park. Tim’s hair was stuffed under his hat, stylish sunglasses covering his eyes which he wasn’t so happy about it. It sucked that Tim had to hide when they went out together if they wanted to act anything more than friends but he didn’t want to cause trouble for Tim. And Bernard wasn’t unknown in a certain…society, being seen with a full human could cause issues for both of them. He would never forgive himself if someone targeted Tim to ‘teach him his place’ in the ranks. Which was just stupid given that Gotham had no structured ranks or anything.

“At least Ivy’s settled in the last years or this would be a bit more dangerous,” Tim murmured, leaning against him slightly, and Bernard laughed.

“No way I’d agree to come here if she hadn’t.” Even if her pollens didn’t affect him, his hormones and stuff were just enough vampire to make him immune thankfully.

They ended up tucked away in a nice, sheltered area of the park. Bernard lay back in the grass and Tim reclined beside him, removing his sunglasses. Tim had been quieter the last few weeks, ever since Scarecrow, but he hadn’t pulled away. Bernard got the feeling he was overthinking something.

“Kiss?” he asked softly, reaching up to slide his hand to the back of Tim’s neck and Tim smiled, leaning down for a kiss. “Is everything okay? You’ve been quiet since…”

Tim suddenly couldn’t quite meet his eyes. “Do you…you saw…” he was obviously struggling and Bernard sat up, taking his hands in his.

“Tim, whatever it is, it’s okay,” he promised.

“You saw me,” Tim whispered. “How…how can you want to stay with me.”

Bernard frowned in confusion before his eyes widened. He let go of one hand to reach out and touch Tim’s cheek. “Your scars?” he asked softly, and Tim stared at the grass.

Even if he didn’t know who Tim was, his shooting had been very public, he used to skateboard, most of them were explainable. He moved his other hand and carefully slid it under Tim’s shirt, fingers skimming gently over the scar where Tim’s spleen should be. Tim shivered but finally looked up at him again.

“Tim, you were shot, I saw the news that day…thought I’d lost the chance to reach out to you again. You nearly died, could have been paralysed. Of course it left a scar. Scars are normal, everyone has them.”

He took Tim’s hand again, guiding it under his own shirt to where the chains had left their mark on his skin, another point to them not being normal since it would have taken a lot more than straining against normal chains to leave him scarred. Tim frowned, his fingers tracing alone the mark, eyes widening as he realised what it was from. Bernard glanced around and they really were secluded from sight, so he pulled his shirt off, Tim’s eyes widening. He lay down again, drawing Tim’s other hand to his chest as well.

“Ber…”

“Only fair,” he grinned, and something in Tim seemed to relax a little.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim carefully traced the silvery scars on Bernard’s chest…scars that matched where the chains had lain across his body on that horrid alter, tying him down. He’d seen Bernard fighting them, fighting to live, even as the knife had moved down, had known he was terrified yet defiant to the last. Tim hadn’t realised he’d fought so hard that the chains had bit deeply enough to leave scars.

He'd been so scared, that once Bernard saw him without a shirt that he’d be disgusted and leave him. He’d been so out of that night though, hadn’t even considered it when he let Bernard help him shower but it had been stuck in his head since. But Bernard hadn’t left, still looked at him like…like he didn’t know but it made him feel good. And then he was kissing Bernard, feeling fingers in his hair, his hat falling off. He was pressing Bernard to the ground, probably putting more weight on him then he should (he might be skinny but muscle wasn’t exactly light), but Ber wasn’t complaining. Quite the opposite really, one hand moving from Tim’s hair to slip under his shirt again, stroking his skin.

And then he forced himself to sit up, panting slightly. And then he scrambled for his hat, hearing nearby movement, Bernard pulling his shirt back on as he sat. no one interrupted though, still it was better safe than sorry. A photo of the two of them the way they were at the moment splashed over the Gotham press was not how he wanted to come out.

He took a deep breath and set out the picnic lunch that Bart had helped him put together. Speedsters and food…you never got in the way. Sure, Bart had very strange tastes at time but he was good at putting food together as well.

“So, graduation is next month.”

“Finally,” Bernard groaned, taking a sandwich. “So glad to be done with high school. Not all of us can get away with dropping out,” he teased.

Tim stuck his tongue out at him before opening the thermos of hot chocolate.

“Are you coming?” Bernard asked softly.

“It’s in my work diary,” he promised, along with his civilian and vigilante planners. “You’ve got what, three tickets? Who else did you invite?”

“Don’t really have anyone.”

“Well…you know Tam and she’d gladly cheer you on. There’s B too,” he offered.

“Really?”

“Only if you want,” Tim told him. If Bernard only wanted him there then that was fine, but if he wanted the others then Tim would drag them there if needed.

Bernard stared with wide eyes before slowly nodding, which meant he had some planning to do.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bruce sat beside Tim in the auditorium, Tam on Tim’s other side. It had been made very clear to him that he was to come and things were so tenuous with Tim that he had left himself six reminders to come to Bernard’s graduation. He’d found himself looking a little into the Dowd family when he realised the young man was inviting them over his own parents and what he’d found hadn’t been conclusive but giving a sixteen-year-old their own apartment? Yes, Tim had moved out but that had not been because Bruce wanted it.

When was the last time he went to a high school graduation? Dick had graduated, even managed a little college, Barbara had graduated too though he hadn’t attended since there was little reason for Bruce Wayne to do so. Jason…Jason would have loved too once. Stephanie had been ‘dead’ when she should have graduated and had since gotten her GED. Tim had dropped out to go searching for Bruce. Cass was studying on and off online, taking her own time with things. Duke would be next of the brood and then eventually Damian.

That Tim had suggested him as someone to come had made his hope swell, his son still wanted him in his life. And then he smiled as Tim shifted, leaning into his side a little as he pointed out Bernard in his cap and gown.

“Do you regret not being down there too?” he asked.

Tim looked up at him and then back at the stage, considering. “No, I never really liked school. I like learning, but things I want and find interesting.”

Bruce nodded; he’d been much the same. Most of his kids were really. And then they fell silent as the lights went down and the ceremony began. When it was over, they got in the car, Alfred at the wheel, surprising Bernard with dinner in a private room of the Italian restaurant Tim had told Bruce they’d been meaning to try for a while.

“You didn’t have to do all this sir,” Bernard looked around in surprise, and Tim took his hand.

“Please, call me Bruce,” he told the teen. “And it was no problem. You’ve graduated high school; you deserve to celebrate. And I’d like to get to know my sons’ boyfriend.” He kept Brucie under wraps, there was no press or anything and he didn’t want to put on an act with someone who obviously meant a lot to his son.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tam was kind of enjoying watching Tim’s pain as Bernard and Bruce talked. Honestly, his introduction to the family was going a lot better than hers had, no assassins involved…so far. Hmm…she should probably call Pru to tell her about Bernard. Being invited to his graduation had been a surprise, they’d only met three times after all. Then again, he never mentioned his family and Tim never did either.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim lay on the couch, grinning as Kon threw popcorn into Bart’s mouth, Cassie curled against Kon’s side. He was glad they had stuck together after Kon had come back. He knew about the brief attempt Tim and Cassie had made of dating while he was dead and had accepted it. They’d been grieving and had tried to fill the hole left by his passing. They loved each other but it was the same way they loved Bart, the love of family. Cassie had been a steadying influence when Kon needed it and he made sure she lightened up too, especially when she’d felt like she was drowning under the stress of leading the Titans.

“So, when do we get to meet your guy?” Kon asked.

“When you won’t totally freak him out?”

“What, he’s dating you, how can we be freaky compared to that?” He smirked, and Tim threw a pillow at him.

“Sorry Tim, but I’m with Kon. You’re the weirdest of all of us,” Cassie laughed, and Bart nodded.

“Hmph.” Tim glared at them, getting more laughter but they went back to the movie.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bernard sipped at his mug of blood, enjoying the filling warmth, wishing the night was clearer so he could see the stars. It was strange to think that he was done with school, unless he went to college. He wasn’t sure if he would be or not. He had a college fund and should be able to get a scholarship if needed but did he want to keep going at school at the moment?

Without school…he could go with Tim on some of his trips so long as he had enough time in advance to arrange things. Overseas…he might have to hunt for blood since he wouldn’t be part of the bagged distribution network, if there was one. Plus, sharing a hotel room or suite would make hiding supplies rather difficult. He’d never had to hunt before but it was a skill he should have, right?

He wished he had someone to talk to sometimes but there was no one. Sure, he ran into some full vampires on occasion but their opinions on a half-breed were very obvious the instant they caught his scent. Maybe it would be different outside of Gotham?

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Jason stood on the rooftop opposite the old Monarch Theatre, waiting for the kid to appear. He wasn’t really sure about this but…he could use another pair of eyes on the case. He hadn’t really interacted with Re…Tim since they had fought before Dick became Batman. He’d left Gotham after that and when he’d come back, there’d been a new stabby Robin. He had feared he had killed the kid but he’d found no death notification and then suddenly the LoA had been in Gotham, going after the company and everyone B had loved. And then apparently the kid had been kicked out a window by Ra’s al Ghul himself, at least, according to Dick who had only barely made it in time to catch his unconscious ass. There’d been talk of an engagement…and then he’d ended up ringing Alfie after catching the news of one Tim Drake-Wayne being shot live on television. He’d seen the way Tim’s body had jerked, spinning, blood flying…hearing that it hadn’t really been Tim had been a relief in a way he hadn’t expected.

Then the kid had set up shop in the old theatre…right on the edge of his territory. He’d been ready to step in but Red Robin never patrolled the Alley. Jason found he actually approved of the work on the place, he hadn’t destroyed the heritage of the building when he rebuilt it as an apartment block and…he hadn’t charged an arm and a leg for the apartments within either. Even provided good security as well, including letting people in if they were being followed and the like. And several buildings along the border of Jason’s territory had been bought and seemed to be undergoing similar renovations.

But they’d kept their distance from each other, despite where Timbit had chosen to live. Too much bad blood, right? And yet…Tim had gotten him out of prison, had given him a chance…and he’d immediately blown it. Surely after stabbing him in the chest the kid wanted nothing to do with him, but it wasn’t O that sent him that intel last month.

And then he spotted a shadow slipping away from the building, on foot, well, grapple rather than bike. He stepped out of the shadows so that he’d be seen, seeing Tim hesitate, so he whistled the same way B would to get Robins’ attention. He saw RR hesitate but then he fired his grapple, swinging over the street to join him, keeping a safe distance between them.

“Hood,” Tim greeted.

“Red,” he offered in return. “Could use another set of eyes, you up for it?”

Tim stared at him, the full cowl on tonight, it wouldn’t surprise Jason if he’d been wearing it more since the Scarecrows’ attack. He hadn’t been there but he’d seen the news footage later, seen the full syringe plunge into his neck, and then the kid stumbling away, terrified. Even if someone had called him for help, they’d been too far away for him to get too quickly enough to help. According to Babs, Tim had been coaxed off the street by a civilian he’d saved once before. That had been very lucky, things could have gone a lot worse for him.

“Sure,” Tim agreed.

Jason tossed him the stick and Tim used his gauntlet computer to access it, studying the data.

“Looks like one of the Penguin’s operations, but something’s weird…” he was frowning as he brought up something else.

The cowl really made him look different, older, the suit adding bulk and even height. Alfred had obviously tailored it to fit him better since it had originally been made for Jason. But the kid had made Red Robin his own over the last year.

“Looks like there’s a shipment coming in tonight.”

“Should we interrupt?” Jason smirked, and Tim considered before nodding.

They took off for the docks, Tim keeping pace with him.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim was surprised by Jason wanting to work with him on an actual bust but it kind of felt nice. He had always dreamed of flying through Gotham beside his Robin, a dream he had pushed aside after Jason died and then after the Tower. But Jason had mellowed since that last fight they’d had after Bruce ‘died’. He didn’t kill much anymore, only the really bad offenders, Tim kept an eye on that since he lived so close.

They made it to the docks and split up to cover both sides of the warehouse. Tim made his way up the roof, glancing down through a small vent. Small, but not too small for him. There were advantageous to being the smallest other than Damian and he was starting to catch up. Well, Cass had a very similar build to Tim but she could squish through openings Tim wouldn’t have tried even when he was inches shorter.

He made it into the rafters and looked down at the men moving about, shifting crates. At least it didn’t seem to be drugs, with Jason’s penchant for explosions he’d have to use his rebreather to keep from ending up high. Jason had his helmet to filter them after all so he didn’t really seem to consider that. Weapons maybe? Hopefully, not loaded since if they were there was a risk of them going off or the goons grabbing them when they ran out of ammo for their own.

His comm double clicked and he dropped down, taking down two of the goons. Time for fun.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bernard winced and carefully pulled his shirt off, grimacing at the three slashes through the sleeve. He hated going to the only blood supplier in Gotham but it was something he had to do in order to get his blood packs. The claws had sliced deeply into his arm but he had still managed to get away and with his bag intact. He went to the bathroom to get his med kit since some vampires didn’t exactly bother to clean their claws and while he had a stronger immune system than a full human, he could still get an infection. Especially given what was in Gotham.

He turned as there was a knock on the window, hearing a heart racing in worry…Tim. Damn it. He went to the window and unlocked it, sliding it up.

“Red Robin,” he greeted.

“Are you alright?” he dropped into the room, voice more Tim than RR. “Those are deep.” He reached for Bernard’s arm.

“Making a habit of looking in my windows?” he asked, and he could see a trace of red spread under the cowl. “You know, I do have a boyfriend,” he pointed out, unable to help teasing him.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

He hadn’t meant to stop at Bernard’s but seeing him shirtless had almost caused him to slam into a wall. And then he’d seen the blood and rushed to the window, knocking before he realised what he was doing. And now…was Bernard teasing him? Did…was it possible…could Ber know? Had he done something to give himself away? He took Bernard’s arm, seeing the three slashes in his upper arm, they were deep.

“Got a medical kit?” he asked.

“Seriously, it’s fine, I can deal with it,” Bernard told him.

“This needs stitches, I can do them if you don’t want to go the doctor.”

“Red Robin, I’m fine, it’s nothing to worry about.”

“But…it’s…” he struggled to speak, mind feeling fuzzy, what was….

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

“That’s it, just relax Tim,” he murmured, stroking the little skin visible on Tim’s face even as he wrapped an arm around his waist to steady him as he swayed, his body relaxing.

A part of him loved seeing Tim so relaxed and pliant but he knew that was wrong. It was the vampire part of him, the part that wanted to sink his fangs into warm skin.

“Take the cowl off,” he told him, and Tim obeyed, revealing a distant gaze, his pupils had constricted, face relaxed.

He nuzzled at Tim’s throat, hearing a soft sigh from Tim. He pressed his fangs to Tim’s throat and then bit down gently. He only took a sip before licking the wound closed. He closed his eyes, resting his head against Tim’s shoulder, stupid instincts. It was because of the attack, his vampire instincts closer to the surface than normal, he needed to leave an obvious claim on Tim, even if no human would be able to or smell the bite. He wrapped himself around Tim, ensuring he would smell like him and the got him to put his cowl back on.

“It’s time to go home Tim, you peeked in my window and saw me shirtless, and then continued on your way. You didn’t come to my window or apartment and didn’t see anything off. You’ll erase any recordings or evidence of you coming into the apartment. Understood?”

“Mmm…yes…” Tim mumbled.

“Put your cowl back on and go then.”

Tim pulled it up and left.

Bernard watched him for as long as he remained in view.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim entered his nest, stripping out of his gear, not even realising as he pulled up the records from patrol, erasing everything to do with his pitstop at Bernard’s. He got in the shower, embarrassed by how he’d nearly hit a wall when he’d spotted Ber without a shirt. He hadn’t done something like that since his early Robin days.

They had a date tomorrow so he needed to get over that, he’d seen Bernard’s bare chest before! Ugh, stupid hormones. He got a search running on where Penguin’s crates had come from and headed upstairs to get some sleep before work.

He was up again in three hours to head out to WE for a half day in the office to work on some paperwork. The clock felt like it had stopped since he was waiting for their date. He’d gone over everything with Bruce and Lucius, they had a plan in place for when he was spotted with Bernard so he was relaxing more when it came to going out together. He knew there would be backlash but he was allowed to live his life as he chose and the company could weather a dip in stocks.

It was a relief to finally head home and change out of his business suit for more casual clothing. He made sure he looked nice and then headed for Bernard’s on his bike since Ber liked riding behind him. And he was right on time, Bernard waiting for him outside his building. He grinned at Bernard who smiled back and accepted the second helmet, getting on behind him, holding on around his waist.

They were soon at the pizza place, chatting and laughing like normal.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bernard was relieved it had worked, Tim seemed totally oblivious to his late-night visit or the fact that Bernard had been hurt. Not that he was anymore, the wound had healed, just the faintest lines as if he had scraped by something. Now that his instincts had settled, he felt really bad about what he’d done, but…how could he have explained the claw marks? Even for Gotham that was weird.

The pizza was really good and Tim was more relaxed but hearing that they had a plan for when the press caught wind of their relationship was a relief and explained why he was more laid back. It was nice to not have to worry about hiding but they weren’t going to kiss passionately in the pizza parlour either.

TBC…

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 4

Jason nodded as Tim joined him on the rooftop, accepting the offered chilli dog, and from his favourite stand at that! Was it a little creepy the kid knew, yep, but apparently, he’d been their stalker for years without any of them knowing. Tim had been destined for a mask or villainy since he was tiny, they were just lucky he’d chosen the mask. Tim as a villain…not something he wanted to consider; kid was way too smart.

“I found some more intel on that shipment,” Tim murmured as they ate.

“Oh?”

“Luthor,” Tim answered, and Jason swore.

Luthor, wonderful. He really hated that man, most of the hero group did too. How anyone had ever voted that monster into the Oval Office…but most only saw the businessman and not the monster behind the mask. It was one of his many disagreements with the Justice League, Luthor’s action should be exposed.

“So, is he doing business with the Penguin or has he been dumb enough to steal from Luthor?”

“The deliveries aren’t listed as being for any of Penguins operations, he could have started a new one or they could be off the books.” Tim finished his food. “There’s another shipment coming in tomorrow night.”

Jason nodded and looked at his little brother, seeing the hesitancy there but also…hope? “I’ll meet you on the same roof as last time?” he offered, seeing the small smile.

Tim brought up his wrist comp and Jason’s own beeped a few seconds later, shocking him with access codes and a location. To his knowledge, none of the Bats had been given access to Red Robin’s Nest. He looked up at Tim, wishing he could see his eyes but Tim was even in the full cowl again.

“You’re sure?” he asked, and Tim smiled at him, gently nudging against his shoulder.

“I trust you,” Tim murmured. “You’ve really…mellowed since that fight. We’ve both changed a lot since then. And you never did anything even after I rebuilt the Monarch.”

“I was wary at first,” he admitted. “But you kept out of the Alley for patrols and you’re a good landlord even if they don’t know you own the building. If you want to do work on buildings in the Alley, you can. The ones you’ve fixed up on the edges have been well received.”

Tim just stared at him before nodding slowly, seeming to be in shock.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim lay on the couch, shirt off, as Bernard gently traced his scars. It was getting easier, he no longer flinched and there was never any hesitance in Bernard’s actions. He really didn’t care about all of Tim’s scars. And then he gasped as Bernard leant down and licked the splenectomy scar. He licked it!

“Okay?” he asked, and Tim managed to nod.

Bernard stroked the scar. “This is from the assassination attempt,” he murmured. “Tim…do you have a spleen?”

He froze, shocked that someone had finally worked it out, that it was Bernard and not one of the Bats…but he’d seen Bernard with some medical textbooks and he’d admitted he was considering some kind of training, not a doctor but some level of emergency response maybe. “No,” he whispered.

And then Bernard was wrapped around him, hugging him. “It explains the dietary changes since high school,” he murmured. And then his kissed Tim’s cheek. “I’m so sorry Tim, this shouldn’t have happened to you.”

Would he say that if he knew the truth of how Tim really lost the organ? He hated the secrets between them and he was so tempted to leave a weapon out or the access to his Nest. B had seemed accepting of him wanting to tell Bernard, so why couldn’t he say it? Tim reached up to cup Bernard’s face in his hands. “There’s so much…”

“It’s okay Tim.”

Tim shook his head and then moved out from under him, holding his hand out to Bernard who stood and took it. His heart was racing, palms clammy, but he could do this, he could. He’d never told someone outside the community before. He led Bernard to the fishtank, fighting to keep his hand from shaking as he reached for the switch, watching as the lift was revealed.

He glanced back at Bernard, seeing his wide eyes. “Trust me,” he pleaded softly.

“Tim, you don’t have to do this, you’re terrified,” Bernard answered, shifting to hold him. “I love you, all of you,” he whispered, pressing their foreheads together.

All of him? Did…did Ber know? He searched his face, seeing only love and acceptance. “I’m,” he swallowed.

“I trust you Tim, completely, you saved me,” he whispered.

He had to know, because Red Robin was the one to save him. “Ber…”

Soft lips pressed to his and Tim closed his eyes, relaxing in his embrace. Bernard was giving him the same kind of protection that Lucius did, plausible deniability. Bernard knew, he had to know, but he wouldn’t fully acknowledge it to keep them both safe. “I think I love you,” was all he could say, feeling Bernard’s grip tighten in response. He opened his eyes and found Bernard smiling at him.

“I love you Tim.” He kissed him again, tugging him towards the couch and Tim used the switch again to close the elevator.

Tim instead tugged Bernard towards the stairs and Ber let him, following him up and into the master bedroom. They’d slept there together after he’d been exposed to the fear toxin, Bernard had helped him shower even. Bernard knew, accepted his scars, had his own and they didn’t bother Tim at all.

Tim stopped beside his bed, feeling Bernard’s eyes on him. He undid his belt and then his jeans.

“Tim?” Bernard asked softly.

He let his jeans drop, stepping out and then sat on the bed in just his boxers.  His legs didn’t have as many scars but there were a handful, how Dick and Jason’s legs weren’t totally messed up given they’d worn the scaly shorts, Tim had no idea. He held his hand out to Bernard again and he stripped out of his own jeans before crawling onto the bed to join him. He tugged him into another kiss, reaching up to hold onto Ber’s shoulders before letting his hands move over his skin. Bernard was cooler to the touch which had worried him, but he’d looked it up and he was still in an okay range, just at the lower end. He also had a slower than normal heart rate and the two together suggested a heart condition but Bernard hadn’t mentioned anything and he wouldn’t betray his trust by hacking his medical records. He trusted that Bernard had seen a doctor for it.

“What do you want Tim?” Bernard asked between kisses, one hand gently caressing his side.

“This? I’ve…I’ve never, I’m not ready, I’m sorry,” he almost babbled, feeling his face warm in his embarrassment.

Bernard blushed as well. “Only once,” he admitted. “And there’s no rush Tim. We’re not ready,” he agreed. “This is good, really good. You’re gorgeous,” he murmured, sucking on Tim’s neck, and he moaned in response.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Jason pulled his bike up to the seemingly blank wall, bringing up the codes Tim had given him, watching the entrance appear. Nice. He drove down the tunnel until he came out in a large room, parking beside Red Robin’s bike. He got off and removed his helmet looking around, spotting at least two levels above him. Ut was huge, more than one person needed, had he originally intended for the other bats to be able to use it when on this side of town?

And then Tim’s head appeared over the top rail. “Up here, stairs and elevator are over there!” he pointed to the right wall.

“Nice place!” he called back as he headed for them.

He came out on a level full of computers and work benches, most covered in half finished projects. Tim was at the computer, mostly dressed for the night but both cowl and domino were missing, his hair loose and messy.

Jason did a double take as he noticed a darker patch of skin just above the line of his uniform. Was he hurt…no, was that what he thought it was? Tim caught him looking and frowned before his face flushed. “Good for you,” Jason said.

“Thanks?” and it made him sound so young, sometimes he forgot that Tim was still what, four months off eighteen? As the CEO of the company, he’d be expected to have a big fancy party, poor kid.

“Anyone I know?” in other words, one of the community.

“Someone from one of my many schools,” he answered and that was interesting given he’d dropped out when B vanished.

“Do they know?”

“He knows there’s a lot I can’t talk about,” Tim’s answer was purposely vague, but Jason got it. If anyone found out then the civilian would be in a lot of danger.

And that was the end of their chat as Tim began going over the files he’d found.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bruce leant in the doorway of Tim’s office, watching his son work. Tim looked up and offered a confused smile. “Hey kiddo,” he stepped inside and shut the door.

“Hey B, something wrong?”

He shook his head and sat on the couch, Tim moving to join him. “Your birthday is coming up,” he pointed out, and Tim groaned.

“Do I have to?” he muttered.

“Sorry, but you’re CEO Tim, it’s expected.”

He sighed but nodded. “Fine. Where and when?”

“We’ll leave your actual birthday for you to do what you want. I’m guessing you have plans with Bernard?” he asked, and Tim nodded.

“We’ve got a dinner date planned and I’ve scheduled the night off. I was kind of hoping you have lunch free?” he asked hesitantly, and Bruce smiled.

“I do.” And he was very glad he’d not accepted the zoo invite from Dick and Damian. He’d been hoping that Tim would ask him to do something with him. Did they even realise it was Tim’s eighteenth? “Anywhere specific you want to go?”

“Surprise me?” Tim asked, and Bruce nodded.

He knew about Tim’s dietary needs, that was one of the few things he’d found out about from before his return. Watching the footage, seeing Tim shot on live television, even knowing he was alive and well… The loss of his spleen was not good especially with their lifestyle, he was exposed to so much risk with a compromised immune system. So, he would plan their lunch around it, maybe that new vegetarian restaurant?

 “Maybe have the official party the weekend after?” Tim suggested. “There’s nothing in the social planners yet for that date.”

“The hotel?” Bruce asked, knowing Tim didn’t feel comfortable at the Manor.

Tim blinked, caught by surprise, but Bruce would not force him back even for a party. Tim’s distance from most of the story was old news anyway, and there’d been enough photos of the two of them together lately to stop any rumours that Bruce would disinherit Tim due to that distance.

“Wouldn’t the Manor be better?”

“But you’d be more comfortable at the hotel, especially with Bernard there.”

“You’re okay with me inviting him?”

“He’s your partner Tim, of course he should be at your birthday.”

“Thanks, B.”

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bernard stared at the official invite to Tim’s birthday, happy but also worried. Such a big reveal would definitely get unwanted attention…but he would not step back from their relationship. If anyone came after them for it, he’d deal with it. He’d gone back to lessons, wanting to improve his fighting skills. Tim thought it was a reaction to his kidnapping by the cult but it wasn’t, not really. If Tim hadn’t been collateral at the restaurant, he never would have been taken but he’d been distracted when Tim had been knocked out.

Then there was the injury he had taken that had caused Tim to come into his apartment. Things like that were a risk any time he ventured into the vampire businesses. Some of them ignored him, a very few tolerated him, and most made their hatred clear. They sold blood to him because money was money and any of them with sense didn’t want to risk someone hunting and coming to the notice of the bats. If they knew he was dating one…

At least Tim now knew that he knew he was Red, at least he was 90% sure Tim knew with the way he stopped him at that hidden elevator, claiming he’d saved him. Something in him had relaxed even more since then and he didn’t seem ashamed of his scars anymore. Sharing a bed occasionally was very nice, he loved getting to hold Tim or be held by him in return. Yes, he hoped for the day when it would be more than just sleeping but neither of them was really ready for that. His sole experience with sex had been…educational true but he had not really enjoyed it, honestly, he hadn’t been ready for anything like it but he’d felt so alone.

He wanted more than that with Tim. Tim had tried to tell him his biggest secret…was it time to tell Tim the truth about him? It terrified him, the thought of Tim being scared of him or disgusted… could Tim accept him?

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Kon grinned at the sight of Cassie in her dress, she was beautiful. He tugged her into a quick kiss and they were heading down to the ballroom. He knew this was not the kind of Birthday Tim liked but it was what came with his kind of money and influence. Bart was already downstairs, Wally there to keep an eye on their most chaotic teammate. It was hard to believe Tim was turning eighteen, where had the years gone?

He was excited to finally get to meet Bernard, they’d heard so much about him since the two had reconnected. The party was just starting but he spotted Bart easily enough and they made their way to join him. The Waynes were expected to make an entrance together, to show family solidarity, not that it existed. Sure, they could work together and work well in the field and they could even pretend for the cameras but it was all fake. The only family members Tim really got along with anymore were Bruce and shockingly Jason, who wouldn’t be there due to being legally dead.

He nodded at Tam and then she headed their way, a blond guy with her. “Hey Tam,” he greeted once she was close.

“Conner, Cassie, Bart, and Wally,” she grinned and then tugged the teen with her closer. “This is Bernard. Keep him out of the vultures hands for me, would you?” and then she was gone.

“Uh, hi?” Bernard looked between them awkwardly, and Kon laughed.

“It’s good to finally meet you.” He offered his hand and Bernard took it.

“You too, Tim talks about you guys a lot,” Bernard smiled hesitantly at them, obviously unsure about meeting them without Tim there.

Kon automatically checked him over and was instantly concerned by his slow heart rate and cool skin. Was he sick? Did Tim know? But he looked healthy enough.

“So, shall we share embarrassing Timmy stories?” Bart suggested.

Bernard looked between them. “I know some from school,” he admitted.

That got grins and they began sharing stories, Bernard relaxing the more they talked.

And then polite clapping filled the ballroom as Tim appeared with Bruce as his side.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bruce hid his anger very well as he and Tim made their way to the hotel, Alfred driving. Tim just gave him a tired smile, having obviously expected it. He hated how accepting of it all his son was, but better than rage he supposed. He moved across to sit beside him, drawing Tim into his side while being careful of their tuxedos.

Cass was understandable, she’d been radio silent for weeks, another week and they’d be sending backup as previously agreed. Steph was currently bed bound with a bug but had sent Tim a message on his birthday. Duke had even reached out though the two didn’t know each other very well, he’d actually called earlier since he hadn’t realised the exact day.

But Dick and Damian…he wasn’t sure if he was more angry or disappointed. They were in San Francisco; Dick had decided to take Damian to try integrating him with the Titans again…while their leader was in Gotham. Bruce had easily agreed to the three attending the party, Tim needed friends there as well as all of the expected guests. Especially since his relationship would likely be revealed.

“It’ll be okay,” he murmured.

“The press is going to have a field day. If Ber and I…they might accuse the family of being intolerant.”

“Then we’ll deal with it. Everyone except Dick and Damian have good reasons for not being here and we can assure everyone they’ve sent their regards to you already,” Bruce assured him.

“If they get too annoying, I suppose I can set Kon and Bart on them,” Tim murmured, and Bruce snorted.

“Please don’t be that mean.”

And Tim just smirked but curled against him, eyes mostly closed, obviously trying to rest a bit before they arrived.

Once there, they got out and quickly checked there were no wrinkles before heading in, ignoring the flashes of cameras.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim smiled for the guests as they clapped his appearance, quickly spotting his friends and Bernard together. Bruce’s arm was over his shoulders, Brucie smile in place.

Tim just let it all wash over him, smiling and saying thanks until finally it was Bart who grabbed him in a hug, guiding him into the safety of their group.

“With me Tim?” Bernard murmured, eyes dark with worry, and Tim blinked, squeezing his hands.

“Yeah,” he answered.

Usually, he wasn’t the focus of attention to such an extent which made it easier to deal with. When it was for business, Lucius was usually right beside him to help take some of the attention. It used to be easier, he’d had no issues dealing with the whole corrupt cops and WanyeGagement issues but since then he’d been more camera shy and he didn’t even know why. It didn’t make sense to him but he hadn’t talked to anyone about it.

Bernard tipped his head slightly and Tim stepped in, Bernard wrapping him in a hug. “It’s okay,” he whispered.

Tim nodded and then stepped back, finding Kon and Cassie blocking the people from seeing them.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Dick stared at the headline in shock.

Tim Drake Wayne, Taken?

And there was a picture of Tim with his old teammates and another young man. A familiar young man. Ber had said he was dating Tim but Dick had kind of brushed it off after that night. Ah, and his name was Bernard Dowd, the Dowd family was wealthy though nowhere near the Drake or Wayne level, but definitely comfortable. The article went on about the extravagance of Tim’s eighteenth birthday party…surprisingly not at Wayne Manor and with two very conspicuous absences.

Dick sat down, that had been this weekend? That explained why the three weren’t there and maybe the cold shoulder from Raven. But Damian had really wanted to come to the Tower this weekend and Dick hadn’t even double checked. They’d really screwed up; the one rule was to always present a united front to the press.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bernard woke slowly, feeling strong, warm arms wrapped around him, soft breaths against his shoulder. Tim. The room didn’t smell familiar and he opened his eyes, realising it was the hotel, right, they’d spent the night at the hotel in the Wayne’s suite rather than head home since the party had ended so late. He shifted slightly and Tim made a soft noise in his sleep. He really was adorable when asleep.

He carefully shifted, rolling over to face Tim, seeing his face relaxed in sleep. It was nice to see him so unguarded, looking his actual age in his sleep.

Obviously feeling him watching, Tim shifted, eyes opening, smiling sleepily when he recognised him. “Hmmm…morning,” Tim mumbled.

“Good morning,” Bernard grinned, leaning in for a gentle kiss. “Glad it’s over?”

“Yeah,” Tim yawned and then stretched. “No more big parties till my twenty-first,” he grimaced at that. “Should check the papers.”

“Leave it, Bruce would call, wouldn’t he? If it was something that can’t wait?”

Tim hesitated but then nodded, cautiously snuggling back in against him, and Bernard wrapped an arm around him.

“Get some more sleep, we had a late night.”

Tim nodded and closed his eyes, soon asleep again.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

They looked at the pictures, recognising the blond with the Wayne boy. That could not be allowed.

TBC…

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 5

Tim woke up slowly, feeling nice and relaxed, recognising the Wayne suite. Waking up curled together with Bernard was something he could get used to. His head was resting on Ber’s chest, able to hear the slow, steady beat of his heart. Bernard shifted in his sleep and Tim smiled when Bernard nuzzled at him. He shifted so he could lean up, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. “Hey,” he murmured. “Time to wake up.”

Bernard made a soft noise but slowly opened his eyes. He yawned but then smiled sleepily at him, leaning in for another kiss. “Morning, again,” he mumbled, and Tim grinned.

“Morning.”

“Time to get up?” Bernard was practically pouting.

“Hmm, not like we have a check out time since it’s our suite,” Tim admitted and then his stomach growled rather loudly, Bernard chuckling in response.

“Room service?” he asked, and Tim nodded, sitting up to grab the phone. If Bruce was in the suite, Alfred would be there too and would use the kitchenette to provide meals. But B had stayed in the Penthouse last night so Alfred was there.

Soon a tray was delivered, along with the papers. Tim settled back into bed with Bernard to share the food and Ber nabbed a paper, groaning at the front-page photo.

“This has to be the worst photo of me ever,” he grimaced, and Tim laughed.

Last night could have been worse but…it hurt. He knew Damian still hated him but he hadn’t thought he’d just not show up. And Dick…sure, things weren’t good but to not come to his eighteenth. B had obviously not been happy with them but had hidden it from the attendees, giving a lie about Damian’s maternal family having a wedding and Dick accompanying him overseas for it. It would be easy enough for Babs to create the needed documents to back it up.

“You okay?” Ber asked, and Tim nodded, leaning against him. “Well, we’re definitely out.”

“Your parents?” he asked gently, and Bernard shrugged.

“Haven’t really talked to them much since I moved out. And…” Bernard hesitated, string at the covers.

“Ber?” Tim straightened up, worried.

“He’s…I’m not…” he bit his lip, and Tim took his hand. “He’s not my dad,” he whispered, and Tim frowned.

“What?”

“I’m not his kid, not really a Dowd…Mum…she was…”

Tim swallowed. Oh…and that did kind of explain a lot of what he’d seen back in school when it came to Mr Dowd and Bernard. “I’m sorry.” Tim squeezed his hand.

“She’s never really talked about it; I have no clue who my biological dad is. Don’t think I want to know. They never told me, but I worked it out years ago, I don’t really look anything like his side of the family. I could have just taken after Mum’s side except I’ve seen the family photos and I don’t.”

“Did…did they catch him?”

Bernard shrugged. “She won’t talk about it and I didn’t want to know who he was.” He glanced up. “Don’t go looking,” he pleaded, and Tim nodded.

He wanted to, wanted to find the man and make sure he’d paid for his crimes but without said crime…Bernard wouldn’t exist. “I won’t,” he promised. He tugged Bernard closer, kissing him gently, and then he shifted them, rolling with Bernard till they ended up lying down again, wrapped up in the covers. “I think we deserve a day in bed.”

Bernard smiled slightly and cuddled into him.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Dick wasn’t surprised by the stony silence when the trio appeared for lunch. They had been at Tim’s party last night after all. He went to speak only for Kon to shake his head even as Cassie stared at Damian coldly.

“You really don’t care about anyone but yourself, do you?” she asked, and Damian glared. “You’re permanently off the Titan’s roster, we can’t trust you as part of a team and frankly, none of us want to work with you. And Dick, we expected better from you. Then again, it’s not the first time you’ve hung Tim out to dry since dear little Damian showed up. You’ve made your loyalty very clear the last few years. Tim is one of us, neither of you are, so please leave.”

“Cassie, I swear…”

“Save it Grayson. And don’t expect a warm welcome in Gotham. Bruce was not happy, Tim’s hurt, and I’m pretty sure Jason has a few bullets with your name on them, not sure if they’re non-lethal or not,” Kon growled.

“Tt,” Damian scoffed. “Like I would want to be part of this gathering of imbeciles.”

“Damian,” Dick snapped at him. Looking at him…had he really done this on purpose to hurt Tim? “Get your things, now.”

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bernard didn’t think he’d ever had such a lazy day when not sick, not that he’d gotten sick much since his vampiric heritage had kicked in. And with Tim lying on top of him, kissing lazily…it was a really good day. He ran his hands up and down Tim’s sides and back as they kissed.

Telling Tim even some of the truth of his parentage had been hard but it was one less secret he was keeping from him. Soon…soon he’d tell him everything. Let the excitement of Tim’s birthday and them being a couple settle down first.

And then he gasped when Tim sucked gently on his neck, biting his lip, fighting to not let his fangs extend. He tugged at Tim’s shirt in question and Tim sat up enough to pull it off, Bernard yanking his own off at the same time. Touches slowly became more heated as Bernard tugged him back up into another kiss and away from the danger zone. Throats brought out instincts he couldn’t deal with at the moment.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bruce found Dick in the smaller sitting room, staring at something in his hands. His eldest son looked up at him and he realised there’d been no malic in Dick’s absence. “Bruce…”

“As far as everyone knows, you and Damian are out of the country for a family wedding on his mother’s side. Barbara has ensured there is evidence of that.”

Dick stared at the floor. “I really messed up,” he murmured. “I checked…I can’t find anything but I know Tim would have sent me the invite, that Alfred would have sent a check…I think Babs or Tim needs to check my account.” He held his phone out and Bruce scanned the messages from when the official family notice of the party went out and there was nothing. “I don’t want to consider it but…”

“Damian,” Bruce murmured, and Dick nodded. “Barbara will check all your accounts and devices.”

“I knew his eighteenth was coming up…I should have checked. Damian actually asked to go to the Tower, I thought he was looking to try with the team. But when they showed up and Cassie told him he’d never be a Titan…he didn’t care. I really thought he was getting better.”

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bernard kept his head down as he went about his life, wary of the press interest in him since the party. Well, more wary of who might have seen the photos and protest. He’d gotten a call from his parents but had hung up on them after five minutes. He wasn’t sure what to do, he should tell Tim…he couldn’t afford the apartment without his parents and they were refusing to pay since he was dating Tim.

They’d never really liked Tim and he’d never understood why, they hadn’t had issues with his other friends. He’d always thought they would like Tim more given his social class being higher than their own, they usually liked trying to make friends with more money. Had…had they suspected that Bernard liked Tim as more than a friend back then? His Mom loved him, but she would never go against her husband. And his stance on such things was very clear, it was why he had never tried to date a guy before Tim. 

So, he needed to find somewhere to live, fast, and a new job. His didn’t pay anywhere near enough to pay for an apartment and it wasn’t like he could share with someone, not when he kept blood in the fridge! He’d been planning to start looking into paramedic training, wanting to be able to look after Tim when he was hurt but also help other people too, but that would have to wait now. He should have seen this coming.

And then one day, he got home to find a very distinct mark on his door, his heart sinking as his blood froze. They knew and someone was not happy. He’d known it could happen, probably would because he was a half breed. No one complained when a full vampire decided to be with a human because the human didn’t usually stay so for long, either turned or dead. But most half vampires couldn’t turn anyone, they also didn’t need enough blood to drain someone.

When was Tim’s next trip? Or could he convince him to leave the city without one? A romantic getaway somewhere? Red Robin occasionally popped up with the Titans still. Surely something would distract them soon enough?

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim smiled as he opened the door and was immediately concerned. “Ber? What’s wrong?” he asked, pulling him inside and locking the door, activating the extra security.

Bernard moved to the couch, curling up a bit on it. “I, uh…”

“Bernard?” he sat down, reaching for his hand, relieved when Bernard took it. “Whatever it is, you can tell me.”

Bernard took a deep breath. “I’m not asking for anything,” he stated, and Tim nodded. He knew Ber wasn’t like that, but Tim would happily give him anything. “My parents saw the articles and…they’ve cut me off. They pay the majority of the rent on the apartment and my job isn’t enough to pay it without them.”

Tim swallowed, feeling a surge of anger towards the Dowd’s. How dare they! Then again…would Jack have done any differently if he was still alive? Tim could easily pay for a place for Bernard, there was an empty apartment in the building at the moment, it was his if he wanted it. Or…

“You could move in here,” he offered quietly.

Bernard knew he was Red Robin so it wasn’t like he had to keep secrets from him. He could have his own room even, though Tim wouldn’t say no to sharing a bed.

Bernard’s eyes were wide as he looked at him. “Tim…”

“I mean it,” Tim assured him. “I know it’s not even a year yet, but even if we weren’t dating, I’d offer.”

“I just wanted to talk about it…”

Tim shrugged slightly, gently tugging Bernard closer. “And I have issues with wanting to solve the problems of those I care about,” he reminded him. “If you think it’s too soon, there’s an empty apartment two floors down, it’s a one bed.”

“I could never afford a place in a building like this.” He shook his head, and Tim grinned.

“The rent here is dirt cheap; we are on the edges of Crime Alley after all. Besides…I own the building.”

Bernard blinked, staring at him. “You what?”

“I own the building, several in the area actually. All of them are apartments with low rent to help people getting housing.”

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

He hadn’t known that. He’d just wanted to talk to someone about what was going on and he couldn’t talk about the threat. And Tim had realised something was wrong as soon as he’d showed up so being cut off was the only thing he could explain.

The idea of moving in with Tim had his heart speeding up but…he couldn’t. He wanted to so badly but how would he hide his feeding from him? Sooner or later, he’d end up flashing eyes or fangs and that was not how he wanted Tim to find out…and imagine if he found his blood supply?

But an apartment in the building? He should have known Tim owned the building and of course he made sure they were cheap to rent too.

“Tim, I would never expect…”

“I know,” Tim told him, voice firm, eyes locked. “I know you would never try to use me for money,” he promised. Tim lifted a hand to cup his cheek, stroking his cheek, and Bernard leant into his touch.

“I love you Tim,” he whispered, he would never tire of telling him. How many people had said it to either of them? Seeing the wonder in Tim’s eyes every time he said it made him feel warm. But beside the wonder was understanding and acceptance.

“At least take the apartment, please Ber. It’s a secure building, you’ll be safe here.”

But would Tim? His address wasn’t known, they didn’t know his scent so they couldn’t track him, but Bernard could be tracked if they really tried. If they found the building, they might realise Tim lived there too. But if they tracked Tim anyway, and they could if they staked out WE, then surely it would be safer if Bernard lived there and could intercept them?

“You’re sure?” he asked, and Tim nodded.

“And I won’t take a cent in rent, that way you can keep your current job and do whatever course you decided on.”

“Tim…”

“Nope, no argument. I can’t charge you rent.”

Bernard sighed but nodded. With no rent, he could live off his wage. “Alright,” he agreed, and Tim grinned at him. Bernard smiled back, tugging Tim closer to kiss him. “You’re helping me move,” he told Tim who laughed but nodded.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bruce was surprised when Tim walked into his office and flopped down onto the couch.

“It would be unethical to ruin the Dowd’s,” he grumbled and Bruce set his tablet aside in alarm.

“Tim?” he asked, standing to join him.

Tim swallowed, his eyes red rimmed. “They…they cut Ber off, B. Because of the articles, they never liked me back in school but this…”

Bruce pulled Tim into a hug. “How is he?”

“He seemed a bit in shock when he came over. He doesn’t earn enough to cover the rent let alone other expenses as well so he was panicking. He’s moving into the empty apartment in my building next week, it’s two floors under mine. I’m asking Conner and the others to come help him move.”

Bruce nodded. “He can come to me if he ever needs anything.”

“I asked him to move in with me,” Tim murmured. “I know we haven’t been dating that long, but we’re friends too. I would have let Kon move in with me if he needed somewhere to stay and I hadn’t had to worry about Dad when we were kids.”

Bruce nodded. Tim had such a big heart, that had been obvious from the start and despite Bruce’s fear, he had never lost it. Despite all of the times that Tim had suffered because of it, Tim didn’t stop caring. He had trouble expressing it in a normal way at times but so did Bruce. But Bernard seemed to understand Tim better than most and finding out he knew Tim was Red Robin explained it a bit.

“He might not feel ready for that, especially given what his parents are doing,” Bruce offered. The shock of betrayal would be hard to deal with after all, it would take some time for Bernard to accept what had happened and begin to truly process it, no matter what his relationship with his parents had been like till now.

Tim nodded. “Was it crazy asking him?”

“No,” Bruce assured him. “You trust him and he loves you.” Bruce was sure that Tim loved Bernard from the way he talked about him and how they acted around each other.

“Has Cass checked in yet?” Tim asked after a few minutes, and Bruce grimaced.

“No.”

“I’ll go,” Tim said, and Bruce looked at him. “I’m the best choice, B, and you know it. Cass and I work best together, there’s a reason everyone teases about us being twins. I’ve worked with her over there too.”

Bruce nodded, he didn’t like it, but Tim was right.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Conner grinned and picked the couch up easily, seeing Bernard’s eyes widen slightly.

“Uh…”

“You know about Tim, it’s pretty obvious from that,” he shrugged, and Bernard nodded slightly. Yep, that was definite confirmation. He honestly didn’t care if Bernard knew he was Superboy, even if he hadn’t known Tim was RR. He might use the name Kent, things were better with Clark, but there was very little beyond the name available to link them.

“Aren’t you worried you’ll be seen?” he asked, glancing around.

“No one’s in the halls, it’s fine. I’ll hear anyone coming and you can always just hold the other end to make it look like we’re sharing the weight.”

Bernard nodded and grabbed the other end. Personally, he thought Bernard should just let Tim furnish the place for him but apparently the couch was comfy despite how ugly it was. He was getting a new bed though and it was sooo tempting to tease them over that but he didn’t think they’d gone that far yet and he didn’t want to make them nervous over it.

It was only his second time meeting Bernard, but he liked him so far. He’d been hearing about him for months as well. He was quiet but he didn’t let people walk over him or anything, would even argue with Tim which took courage.

“You know, if you asked, Tim would jump at the chance to take you with him.”

Bernard looked at him in surprise. “But it’s a ‘work’ trip.”

“He won’t be working all the time,” he pointed out as they reached the ground floor, putting the couch in the back of the small truck since there wasn’t much furniture being taken.

“Maybe,” Bernard murmured and he left it at that.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bernard stared at his phone and then opened up the hidden directory, carefully reaching out on the anonymous travel board for information on Hong Kong. Would he be allowed? And he was shocked to find the place to be very open, not just to half breeds but mixed couples. He grinned and filled out the forms, so very organised and easy. Within three hours he had permission.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim packed his civilian bag, for this, he was taking the jet which made taking equipment easier. Bernard was sitting on the bed, watching him, chewing absently at his bottom lip. Tim put his slacks in the bag and then sat beside him. “Ber?”

“Remember the Spain trip and how you wished I could go?” he asked, nervous.

Tim straightened, staring at him. “Do you want to come?” he asked. “I’ll be busy a lot,” he warned, but Bernard nodded.

“Would it be okay?”

“Yes!” Tim grinned. “You’ve got a passport, right?”

“Yeah,” Bernard was grinning back at him.

“Right, you’ll need to pack for a fortnight. And…I’ve only got a single room booked, is that okay? Or should I change it to a two-bed suite?”

Bernard leant in and kissed him. “One’s fine, not like we haven’t shared. I’ll go pack.”

Tim fell back onto the bed after Bernard left, unable to stop smiling. He was coming! He sent a message to Bruce to let him know and wasn’t surprised when Alfred arrived with the car to drive them both. And of course, with an extra tracker. Tim had already slipped one into Bernard’s things but it was a good backup to have Bruce able to track them both.

But his excitement to travel with Ber didn’t negate his worry for his sister. Cass was one of the best fighters on the planet, so why had she missed check-in? The team were on standby since they had their own jet and members who could fly and get there very quickly if he needed backup. She would be fine, she would be. He’d find her and she could meet Bernard, he knew Cass would love him, and Bernard knew sign already, for those days when talking was hard for her.

They made it to the airport and Bernard looked suitably impressed by the jet. Yes, the Dowd’s were rich, but not Drake or Wayne level rich. They settled in and were soon airborne, watching a movie together, just relaxing for the journey.

TBC…

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 6

Bernard followed Tim, not wanting to get lost, glad they hadn’t flown commercial since they got priority everything. They were soon in their hotel suite and Bernard felt utterly exhausted, Tim smiling at him.

“Yeah, flying is exhausting no matter how nice the plane,” Tim offered, leaning in to press a kiss to his cheek. “Jet lag won’t help either. I know you want to sleep but the best way to deal is to follow the local time.”

And it was currently 11am…while his body thought it was 11pm. Wonderful. “Okay, caffeine?” he asked, and Tim laughed but nodded, going to the small kitchenette to make some coffee. They ended up cuddled on the rather comfy couch with their drinks, the morning sun shining into their suite. “So, what’s the plan?”

“I won’t be ‘working’ till tomorrow,” Tim answered. “Too risky to go out tired.”

Bernard nodded, that made sense and he was relieved that Tim wasn’t going to take that risk.

“Since we need to stay up, want to go explore?”

Bernard grinned. “Sounds perfect.”

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

It was nice to not have to worry about being recognised, to just walk down the street together, exploring the city. He could hold Ber’s hand and no one said anything or stared. He was worried about Cass and was keeping an eye out for any signs she might have left for him but so far, he hadn’t seen anything. He couldn’t help smiling when Bernard would get excited over something, letting him drag him around the city. He loved seeing Ber so happy, he’d been down ever since his parents had cut him off. Not that he blamed him for that, no matter how distant their relationship, they were still his parents. And he included Mr Dowd in that, he had signed the birth certificate, given Bernard his name after all.

B would never cut any of them off, Tim was well aware he slipped money to Jason still. No matter how upset he got with any of them, they were still supported and looked after. If he ever had kids, adopted most likely, he would never abandon them, no matter what they did.

He felt so free just spending the day with Bernard, even if they did have to get more caffeine to stay awake.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim was shifting nervously, glancing at his second bag, and Bernard went to get it, picking it up to carry it over to him.

He then kissed him as he pressed it into his hands. “Go do your thing Red,” he murmured against Tim’s lips, the closest he’d ever come to acknowledging Tim’s secret id.

Tim closed his eyes, leaning against him. “Ber…”

“You look very hot in that get up,” he told him, startling a laugh out of his boyfriend which had been his aim.

Tim took the bag and went to the bathroom and Bernard stretched out on the couch. The door opened slightly, Tim hesitating but then he left the bathroom. He was in his suit but with his face bare still, and Bernard let his gaze wander over him in a way he hadn’t before since he hadn’t been meant to know then.

“That stuff is really skintight, how do you move?” he asked, getting another laugh from Tim, though he was obviously nervous, his face a little red.

Bernard sat up and held his hands out to Tim who walked over, taking his hands. He smiled up at Tim. “You look amazing and you’re definitely my favourite hero.”

“Pretty sure that’s biased,” Tim told him, looking flustered. He reached out and brushed his fingers through Bernard’s hair. “You going to bed?”

They’d had two days and a night to get over jet lag and had had a lot of fun exploring. He had no plans to stay in, he had a meeting of his own to get to, but he couldn’t tell Tim. He knew about the trackers and would be leaving them behind. “I might go out if I get bored or hungry. Should I leave the medkit out?”

Thankfully, Tim shook his head. “Shouldn’t be getting into any fights tonight, just gathering intel.”

“Stay safe, this isn’t Gotham, you don’t have backup here.” He wanted to shadow him but he had to present himself to the local leadership, he was pushing it already. And he wasn’t used to rooftop travel, might give himself away.

“I will,” Tim promised, and Bernard stood again, hugging him.

He watched as Tim pulled his cowl up, settling it into place. “How does that thing make you look a good five years older?”

“By covering most of my skin. You…you really.”

“I knew,” Bernard finished for him. “Suspected from the Chaos Monster,” he admitted, telling a half truth. “It took a while, but the cancelled dates, the injuries…it all added up.”

“Why didn’t you say anything?” Tim asked, confused.

“Wasn’t my secret. I figured you’d tell me if and when you felt ready, you were going to that day in your apartment but you were so scared.”

“There were a few times I thought you might know, but you never said anything. I wanted to tell you but…I was scared, that maybe I was wrong and you didn’t…that finding out, you’d leave me or something.”

“Tim…” he whispered. “I would never leave you over something like this.” He moved his hands to rest on armoured shoulders, it felt strange under his hands, nothing like clothing. “You are so brave, going out every night to save people, fighting aliens and gods… I’m so proud of you Tim.”

Tim kissed him and Bernard’s hands moved over the suit, exploring it, Tim pulling him closer. Tim yanked his cowl off again, staring at him.

“Tim?” he asked softly, seeing something unsure in his expression.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

“I,” he paused, licking dry lips. “I love you,” he whispered.

He loved Bernard or at least he thought it was love, not like he had many examples of love, but especially the romantic type. But the thought of not having Ber in his life… he wanted to be with him, to just spend time together, to kiss and more and for the first time in a very long time he was actually considering growing old…with Bernard. 

Bernard’s face lit up, a wide grin on his lips, Tim had never seen him so happy before. “Love you so much,” Bernard answered, seemingly unable to stop grinning. “Now get out there and find whatever we’re here for. I’ve suddenly got a lot of energy so I think I’ll head out for a while.”

“Keep to the well-lit areas and be careful.”

“I will,” Bernard told him, giving him a last kiss before Tim pulled his cowl up and slipped out of the suite via the balcony, launching his grapple.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bernard watched for as long as he could see him before he changed and grabbed what he needed before slipping over the balcony, dropping unseen to the ground. He followed the directions he’d been given, glad they were easy to follow, happy when he wasn’t led to a horrible part of town like in Gotham. It was well lit, people out and about, humans, vampires, dhampirs…was that an alien? His heart was racing with excitement which got him a few amused and indulgent looks, others of understanding.

He hesitated outside the building but then took a deep breath and slipped inside where he was soon shown to a room where an older looking woman was waiting for him.

“Welcome Childe,” she thankfully greeted him in English. Yes, he could learn languages fairly quickly, but not as quickly as the time from deciding to come to their arrival. “You do look a little stunned.”

“I…this is…” he swallowed. “We can really live like this?”

Her expression softened. “Where do you live little one?”

“Gotham,” he murmured, seeing her eyes flash even as they widened in alarm.

“How have you survived?”

“By keeping out of the way and my head down, and I can fight. But…I found a warning on my door a while back. My boyfriend…is well, he’s really well known. I went to his eighteenth and photos of us were in the paper. Mixed couples are not exactly well liked in Gotham.”

“And you can’t move since he won’t leave the city?” she asked to be sure.

Bernard nodded. “They’ve threatened him and I don’t know what to do.”

“What has he said about it?”

Bernard winced slightly. “He doesn’t know…about me or any of it.”

“That is dangerous,” she warned, and he nodded.

“I know, I know I have to tell him, I’m just…scared.”

She sighed but nodded. “Leaving America would be for the best or turning him if you can’t, as that would lessen the danger to him but there are other things that can be done to help you protect him.”

Bernard listened in awe as he learnt more in three hours than he had in his entire life about vampires and half-breeds. Most of what he knew was purely physical and none of the more…mystical aspects, the parts that could help him protect Tim.

He beat Tim back to the hotel, changing into sleep clothes before slipping into bed, dozing until he heard the familiar sound of a grapple gun and a familiar heartbeat. He didn’t move till the sliding door opened, sitting up to see Tim slipping inside.

“Did I wake you?” Tim whispered, pulling his cowl off, and Bernard shook his head.

“Wasn’t really asleep. Are you hurt?”

“No, not one fight,” Tim promised as he approached the bed, leaning down to kiss him, and Bernard smiled into it.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim was frustrated at finding nothing, but it was the first night. He headed in eventually, being as silent as possible but he noticed Bernard sit up as he opened the balcony door, feeling a flash of guilt. “Did I wake you?” he asked quietly even as he pulled his cowl down.

“Wasn’t really asleep. Are you hurt?” Bernard asked, sounding concerned.

“No, not one fight,” Tim assured him as he walked towards the bed, it felt…strange but also nice to come back and have Bernard there and ready to help him if he was hurt.

He leant down for a kiss, feeling Ber smiling as they kissed. He shivered as Bernard’s fingers curled into his hair, shifting so he had a knee on the bed so he wasn’t bending uncomfortably. Ber’s other hand ran over the chest of his suit and Tim realised he was looking for how to undo it. He hit the release for the bandoliers and then his belt, letting them fall loose, even as he disengaged the security measures designed to keep him from being stripped by others if captured, measures he had increased after the mess with the Daughter of Acheron. Bernard found the hidden zip and pulled it down before pushing the tunic off his shoulders. Tim shifted enough to free his arms, Bernard then tugging off his gloves. Tim pulled Bernard’s t-shirt off in return, gently running his hands over cool skin.

It was strange how much more relaxed he felt, letting Bernard gently strip him out of the Red Robin suit and then press him back onto the bed. Usually, getting out of his gear was not a relaxing event, more just something that had to be done. Bernard’s fingers gently traced over the edge of his underwear and Tim bit his lip but then lifted his hips a bit, letting Ber pull them off, leaving him totally naked. He tugged Bernard’s sleep pants off, finding he was already naked under them. He found his eyes moving down Ber’s body, sure, they’d been mostly naked before but they’d never gone that last step.

They kissed and touched for a while and then tentative fingers curled around him, making him gasp.

“Okay?” Bernard asked softly, nibbling at his throat, and Tim nodded, biting back a moan as Bernard’s hand began to move.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bernard curled around Tim, gently stroking his side as his breathing slowed, blue eyes dazed. He felt rather proud of himself for having made Tim so vocal and unrestrained. He hadn’t even seemed to notice the slightly bloody kiss after Bernard had purposely bitten his own tongue, it had been the easiest way to get a little of his blood into Tim. It was the first step in placing a permanent claim on him, to protect him.

Tim yawned softly, cuddling closer, almost asleep, and Bernard gently stroked his hair. He just watched as Tim fell asleep, looking utterly relaxed and peaceful.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bruce was relieved when Tim’s report came through, he and Bernard were safe at the hotel but he had yet to find any sign of Cass. Bruce was tempted to join them but he doubted that would be appreciated. It was their first trip together. He’d give them some time but if there was still no sign of his daughter, then he’d go.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

“What is it?” Tim picked up the takeaway cup, sniffing at it.

“Not entirely sure, but they’re popular.” Bernard shrugged slightly, taking a sip of his own. “Huh, kind of…minty?”

Well, Ber hadn’t keeled over, so Tim took a sip. Hmm, it was almost kind of fizzy but yes, minty but also slightly bitter. Strange but not bad. He kept sipping at it as he worked on his laptop, eyelids growing heavy, head bobbing sleepily. He finally slumped at the table, breathing deep and even.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bernard watched Tim grow sleepier and sleepier until he finally slumped forward, Bernard moving his laptop before he could hit it. He carefully lifted Tim up and carried him to the bedroom, laying him on the bed and then went to open the balcony door. Two vampires and a dhampir entered through the door, each carrying a bag.

“This is your partner?” the male asked to be sure, and Bernard nodded.

“Will he feel anything?” he asked warily.

“Don’t worry Childe, he won’t feel a thing,” the councillor who had welcomed him assured him. She hadn’t given her name and he hadn’t given his, even here it was safer since he would be returning to Gotham. “You need to strip him to the waist.”

Bernard nodded and gently lifted Tim into a sitting position, carefully supporting his head as he pulled his shirt off. It was so strange to have Tim utterly unresponsive, even when exhausted Tim would wake long before he was moved this much. He then gently laid Tim back down, squeezing a lax hand briefly. Then all he could do was watch as they went to work, giving them blood when asked. Symbols were painted over Tim’s exposed skin, able to pick out the scent of his own blood and a bunch of herbs, not sure what else was in it and doubting he wanted to know.

There was chanting, the symbols glowed, and then they sank into Tim’s skin, making him glow briefly. He could see Tim’s eyes flickering behind closed lids, his lips parted, but he didn’t react any more than that.

“Is it done?” He asked nervously.

“You gave him blood earlier?” the other dhampir asked, and Bernard nodded.

“Bit my tongue while we were kissing,” he explained, fighting down a blush.

“Any mystical attack by another vampire will be diverted to you and will lose power in the diversion. This will not stop physical attacks however,” the warned.

Bernard nodded. Any protection was better than nothing.

“Though they will not be able to turn or drain him now, not without harming themselves gravelly. His blood will basically be poison to any but you.”

That had been his main fear. The idea of Tim being a vampire was something he was torn over, Tim would be stronger, more durable but…would he still be the Tim that Bernard loved? He’d seen some young vampires before and they were violent, cruel, bloodthirsty…was that just the influence of their Sire? Something about Gotham? A stage they’d grow out of? But Tim’s life was dangerous, if he was ever mortally wounded…

“Is there some way to tell if I can turn someone?” he asked as they packed up. In answer, a vial was placed in front of him.

“Fangs please,” was the order, and Bernard let them extend, grimacing at the feel of the vial being pressed to his mouth for his saliva.

The vial was then held over the flame of a lighter, being tipped this way and that. And then something was added, the vial turning red.

“You can, so be careful when hunting.”

“I’ve never hunted, though…I bit him once. I had run out of supplies and was so hungry…”

“And being together would make him the most tempting meal,” she smiled at him. “The occasional feeding bite should be no risk, it’s other bites that are risky.”

Bernard nodded in acceptance. “Thank you,” he whispered.

Soon they were gone and he got Tim’s shirt back on, carrying him back to his chair and opening the vial under his nose to bring him around. Everything was exactly as it had been when Tim fell asleep. Bernard quickly moved to the couch and picked up his book.

“Hmmm,” Tim mumbled sleepily.

“Hey sleepy,” Bernard called softly, not sure how Tim would wake up. He was out of reach if Tim lashed out instinctively which had happened once or twice, especially when there’d been a bad fight during patrol.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

His body felt so heavy, a fog making his head kind of floaty. A sound came from his throat and then a familiar voice sounded but it was too hard to make out words. Then a familiar hand was guiding him upwards.

“Tim?”

He fought to open his eyes, seeing the blurry figure. He struggled to lift an arm and then he was being pulled to his feet, swaying.

“You’re exhausted, you’ve been pushing too hard.”

His head dropped onto a shoulder, eyelids fluttering as he tried to keep his eyes open. He breathed in deeply, he smelled nice.

“Let’s get you to bed,” Ber’s voice sounded so far away and he tried to walk but sleep was dragging him back under.

He was barely aware as he was lowered onto the bed.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bernard lay down beside Tim to keep an eye on him as he slept off the potion. His breathing sounded fine so he wasn’t too worried that he was having an adverse reaction. Tim must just be susceptible to the ingredients so he’d just sleep it off. Tim had been pushing hard to do whatever he’d come to do, had been missing more and more sleep so it wouldn’t be surprising that he crashed.

Tim shifted in his sleep, sprawling over Bernard, and he gently stroked his back under his shirt to help keep him calm. It was almost four in the afternoon when he finally began to stir again. Bernard swallowed as Tim mouthed sleepily at his throat.

“Tim?” he called softly.

“Mmm,” he nuzzled at him, and Bernard closed his eyes.

“You’ve slept all day, Tim; you need to at least drink if not eat something.”

“Wha’?” Tim slurred. He moved slowly, pulling back, hazy blue eyes meeting Bernard’s and he smiled.

“There you are,” he murmured. He reached up and stroked soft black hair. “Think you can stay awake long enough to eat something?”

Tim’s brow furrowed and then his stomach growled. He sluggishly moved to sit up and Bernard steadied him even as Tim yawned.

“Wha’s wr’ng?”

“You’ve been working too hard Tim,” he answered, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “You’re exhausted.”

“Hmmm.”

“Okay, up we go.” Bernard slipped under Tim’s arm and then stood, Tim wavering as he went with him. Bernard began walking out of the bedroom, Tim stumbling sleepily but slowly he began moving better, shaking his head as he gradually began waking up more.

“Ber?” Tim mumbled, yawning again.

“Want me to order room service or you good with leftovers?” he asked, leaning Tim against the counter of the kitchenette.

Tim blinked drowsily but his eyes were clearer now. “Leftovers,” he murmured.

So, Bernard got out the remains of dinner, heating them up and putting them on two plates. He set it on the table and made sure Tim made it without faceplanting but he was becoming more and more alert thankfully.

He finally finished waking up as they were finishing their food, blinking owlishly at Bernard. “Um…”

“Finally awake?” he asked.

,,,,,,,,,,

Tim blinked, staring at the fork in his hand, the empty bowl, and then looked up to find a concerned Bernard across from him. “Um…”

“Finally awake?” he asked.

“What?” he asked in confusion and then he realised the light level was low. What was going on? Adrenaline helped clear his head fully.

“Tim?” Bernard reached out and Tim fought the instinct to lash out, Bernard pulling back, seeing that. “Easy, it’s okay,” Bernard murmured. “We’re in the hotel, you’re safe.”

“What’s going on?” he asked.

“You dozed off at your laptop this morning. You didn’t even really wake up when I got you back to bed, I almost had to carry you,” Bernard explained gently. “You’ve almost woken a few times but then drifted off again, I figured you needed the sleep but you also hadn’t eaten or drunk anything and it’s getting late.”

He’d slept all day? “What time is it?”

“Bit after four.”

Oh, that was…he’d never really done that before, unless he was really sick. Yes, he’d been feeling a bit worn out, but that much? Maybe…maybe he should call someone in to help.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Seeing Tim’s confusion, Bernard felt horrible. He’d drugged his boyfriend without his knowledge…but it was to keep him safe. He had to talk to Tim but this wasn’t the place…once they were back in Gotham, he’d tell him everything then.

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 7

Tim could feel Bernard watching him as he pulled on his suit, knowing he was worried. He couldn’t blame him, he’d basically slept all day after all, barely able to be roused. But he felt a lot better now and he had to find Cass. He walked over to where Bernard was sitting on the bed and took his hands. “Hey,” he murmured.

“Tim…” the concern was very obvious and Tim leant down to kiss him softly.

“I’ll be careful,” he promised. “I don’t feel tired anymore, I promise.”

“Just come back in one piece. And maybe…call for help? You’re running yourself ragged Tim.”

“If I don’t find something in the next two nights, I’ll call for backup,” he promised. He hesitated but then dug through his gear, offering the earpiece to Bernard. “I’ll check in every hour with this.”

Bernard took it and then looked at him. “You’re sure?” he asked in surprise, and Tim nodded. He then set it in Ber’s ear, showing him how to use it. “Be safe,” Bernard told him, kissing him one last time and Tim left the hotel room.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bernard was relieved to hear from Tim every hour on the hour, he was concerned about how long it had taken him to recover from the potion or had the spell work helped knock him out too? And then he missed a check in and Bernard began to pace. Should he call Tim? He could distract him… what had happened…

“BF, pack everything up, jet’s being prepped,” Tim’s voice was tight with anger and fear over the comm and Bernard was packing before he could even think about it.

“Need the med kit?” he asked, fighting to hide his own fear.

“Confirmed, not for me,” Tim added, and Bernard felt a flash of relief.

Being called BF was weird but there was a no names on comms rule, so Tim had been calling him BF, short for boyfriend. Silly but it wasn’t like he’d ever thought he’d need a name for bat comms.

“Understood.”

He packed everything except the kit as quickly as possible, turning as he sensed movement outside. Bernard quickly pulled the door open, letting Tim inside with a limp figure in his arms…Black Bat. She hadn’t been seen in Gotham for months, had she been here the whole time?

Tim carefully lay her on the bed and Bernard got ready to hand over anything he might need to get her stable enough for the flight home.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim landed carefully, alert and ready for anything. He’d finally spotted a sign of her presence and was following it. Anyone or thing that could take Cass down… he kept his bō in hand, hesitating, but then tapped his comm, going dark. Bernard was going to worry but he couldn’t afford any distractions. Finding a pool of blood was not good but there was no guarantee it was hers.

He wriggled through a window too small for him, dropping soundlessly to the floor. He’d hated his time with the LoA…but they had improved his stealth levels beyond even what Bruce and Shiva had taught him. Sadly, there were no exposed rafters for him to explore from and it made him feel exposed as he began making his way through the building. With what he’d found so far, if he didn’t find Cass tonight then he’d be calling B.

And then he saw her, Black Bat, Cassandra Cain…very securely restrained and seemingly unconscious. It had to be a trap or something, right? And yet there was no sign…there…he snuck closer, taking in the bag and sleeping bag…child size. He grimaced, getting a bad feeling about who had taken Cass down. Tim flipped through the settings on his cowl, no heat signatures, cameras…nothing. He moved towards Cass, relieved she was still warm, alive. Getting her down wasn’t easy and every second he expected to have her attacker return.

But thankfully, he was soon rushing away, Cass over his shoulders. He turned his comm back on as he moved. “BF, pack everything up, jet’s being prepped,” Tim called over the comm, not sure what else to call Bernard since no names on comms was a rule for a reason. If this happened again, he’d need to see what kind of call-sign Ber would like.

“Need the med kit?” Bernard answered immediately, voice tense with worry.

“Confirmed, not for me,” Tim quickly assured him.

“Understood,” Bernard answered.

Tim forced himself to not just rush back to the hotel, just in case he was being tailed. But soon enough he was landing on the balcony, Bernard immediately opening the door for him. Their bags were packed and ready to go, the med kit set up beside the bed that had towels on it. Tim carefully laid Cass down and Bernard stepped up, ready to help him.

“We need to get the suit off her first, just be careful, if she comes too, she’ll come up swinging,” he warned.

“Okay,” Bernard agreed even as he handed over the heavy-duty shears designed to cut through their armour if needed. He then picked up a second pair and they went to work cutting Cass from her suit. “I think her ribs are at least cracked on this side, there’s some bad bruising.”

“Head wound too,” Tim murmured, worried. But they couldn’t take her on the jet dressed as Black Bat or with untreated injuries. Tim grabbed his phone and hit the auto dial.

“Master Tim?”

“Get Doctor T on standby, I found her,” Tim answered. “It’s bad but we can’t stay here.”

“Understood. Should we send the plane?”

“No, the jet’s on standby, it’ll be quicker than having to wait and then come back. If something goes wrong, I’ll yell for a super to get her off the plane,” he offered.

“Very well, be careful.”

“We will.” He hung up even as Cass stirred slightly. “It’s okay sis, you’re safe,” he murmured. “It’s just me and Bernard here, we’re taking you home.”

She settled again and he looked up to see Bernard gently wrapping her wrist. He glanced up as well, their eyes meeting. Bernard was worried but not scared at seeing Cass’ condition. Then again, he’d seen Tim’s scars and accepted them so he had to know how dangerous their work was.

“How are we getting her to the plane without anyone asking questions?” Bernard asked as they finished working on what injuries they could.

“A car’s coming from a WE subsidiary, I’ll drive us to the airport and clear everyone out, then we’ll move her onboard. I’ll be the pilot.”

“You can fly?!” Bernard’s eyes were wide, and Tim couldn’t help smiling at his expression.

“Learnt on the Batplane years ago,” Tim explained quickly as he dressed her in some of his own clothing, hiding both their suits in his gear bag, not caring about stripping in front of Bernard. “Ready?” he asked, and Bernard nodded, grabbing the bags as Tim carefully lifted Cass from the bed.

“I guess we’re stealing the towels?”

“No evidence,” Tim shrugged slightly as Bernard bundled them up and shoved them in a bag.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Alfred stood waiting as the Wayne jet landed expertly, Master Tim obviously at the controls. He moved the car closer once the jet had taxied, relieved the sun had set. He opened the car as the jet shut down and then the stairs lowered and young Master Bernard emerged, looking exhausted, and Alfred moved to relieve him of the bags.

“Tim has her,” Bernard yawned, “sorry.”

“You have nothing to apologise for,” he assured the young man. “Into the front seat please.”

Bernard nodded and got in, slumping down.

Master Tim appeared on the stairs, Miss Cassandra limp in his arms, and Alfred moved closer to help him. “She’s alive Alfie,” he promised, looking as tired as his young man.

“Let’s get you home.”

He got them into the back and then began to drive towards the Manor. Master Bernard was aware of Tim and likely now Cassandra’s identity so there was no danger in taking him along. Not to the Caver perhaps, but he could at least get some rest in Tim’s old room while they got her settled with Leslie.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bruce met them in the garage, seeing the tired Bernard in the seat beside Alfred so he moved to the back, opening the door to see an equally tired Tim, with Cass cradled to his chest. He carefully reached in and Tim shifted her towards him, letting him take his daughter. He rushed for the Cave with his daughter, relieved to feel her breathing.

He entered the medical bay and gently lay her down, Leslie immediately moving to check her over.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

As much as Tim wanted to be with Cass, he was exhausted and so was Bernard, so he guided his boyfriend upstairs and to his old bedroom. When was the last time he’d used it? At least the bed was a queen size so there was room for them both without being squished, if it was a single… he opened the door and dropped his bags to flop down on the bed, hearing Ber laugh softly.

“Come on, get changed,” he murmured around a yawn, and Tim grumbled but began wriggling out of his clothing.

And then Bernard’s hands were there, gently tugging his shirt off and his pants down, a hand gently running down his back and Tim sighed. Seconds later he was being manhandled under the covers, naked, and then Bernard was curling around him. Tim knew that he should say something…but his eyelids were too heavy to lift, brain mushy… a soft kiss being pressed to his head was the last thing he was aware of.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Jason checked the message, relieved to see it said that Tim was back with Cass. He’d found her. He hoped they were uninjured but there was nothing on that yet. Should he go to the Cave? He hated it but to check on those two…

At least the case was over, hopefully. Looked like Cobblepot really had been crazy enough to steal from Luthor. The Iceberg Lounge needed a lot of repairs now but it wouldn’t keep the Penguin down for a long time. Hopefully, the damage done by the Bats to Luthor’s men would keep the man well away from Gotham for the next few months.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bernard woke slowly, able to smell and hear Tim sleeping in his arms but nothing else felt familiar and his eyes opened to slits. It took a few moments for him to realise where they were, Wanye Manor. Okay, that was right, they were back in Gotham after finding Tim’s sister, the most reclusive of the Wayne brood. And from the angle of the sun through the curtains…they’d slept a good portion of the day away.

He kissed Tim softly and his boyfriend began to stir. Sleepy blue eyes fluttered open, Tim blinking at him. Then Tim smiled at him, leaning in for a proper kiss, Bernard tugging him closer, fingers running over the bare skin of Tim’s hip. Tim shivered, arms wrapping around his shoulders.

“You okay?” he asked, stroking Tim’s back gently.

“Hmmm, how long did we sleep?” Tim asked.

Bernard stretched over to grab his phone and check. “It’s 2pm,” he answered, surprised he’d slept so long. Stress he guessed since he didn’t actually need as much sleep as a full human.

Tim’s eyes were wide in shock at how long they’d slept, about twelve hours! “Cass!” he scrambled up and Bernard shifted to sit up as well, unable to help watching Tim.

His boyfriend was incredibly hot and currently naked after all. Tim glanced at him, catching him watching, face flushing slightly. Somehow, Tim was so humble about his looks, it was like he just couldn’t see how gorgeous he was, couldn’t see past the scars the life of a vigilante had given him. Sadly, Tim pulled on pants and then a shirt and Bernard got up to do the same. They held hands as they headed downstairs, Bernard assuming they wouldn’t be leaving until they had word on Cass.

“Hey Alfie,” Tim greeted as they entered the kitchen.

“Good afternoon, Master Tim, Master Bernard. I trust you slept well?”

“Like the dead,” Tim answered, sitting at the counter and Bernard sat beside him. “How is she?” he asked as they were given plates of food.

“Sleeping soundly, her wounds tended. Master Bruce would like to speak with you about what happened.”

Tim nodded.

“Should I head home?” Bernard asked, not wanting to get in the way. “I can call a taxi.”

“I am quite sure there is plenty in the house for you to entertain yourself with while Master Tim is busy. There is a rather large movie and game collection as well as a library after all.”

“Tim?” he looked at his boyfriend who nodded.

“Please stay,” Tim murmured.

“Okay.”

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bruce looked up at the sound of footsteps, seeing Tim looking a lot better than he had when they had arrived. He smiled at his son who moved to his side. “Welcome home,” he greeted him, tugging Tim into his side and Tim tensed before relaxing. “Are you hurt at all?”

Tim shook his head. “Didn’t get in any fights…just wore myself out so much I slept an entire day. Bernard practically had to carry me back to bed. I just…I had to find her.”

“Do you know what happened?” Bruce asked gently, not getting into his worry over Tim being that tired. Then again, he trusted Bernard so him moving Tim might not wake him. How many times had Bruce or Dick carried Tim up from the Cave because he fell asleep at the Batcomputer without him waking?

“Not for sure, she didn’t wake up so I couldn’t ask. But there was evidence…I think it was Cricket.”

“Cricket?”

“An assassin, I tried to help Cass with him not long after I got back from the search for you. He’s ten and he left me with a broken arm, dislocated shoulder, three cracked ribs and a dislocated jaw. He told Cass he’d be back and fight her ‘for real’.”

Bruce frowned, not liking that at all. “What makes you think it was Cricket?”

“The child sized sleeping bag where she was being held and her injuries.”

“Leslie said she’ll make a full recovery; she just needs rest. I assume you have a file on Cricket?”

“There’s not much in it though, just what we both observed. Neither of us could see anything familiar enough in his fighting style to say who trained him, he doesn’t fight like the League at least.” Tim kept glancing towards the medical bay and Bruce ushered him over to it, knowing he needed to see that Cass was healing and sleeping safely.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bernard was curled up on the couch, half watching the tv and half listening to the noises in the Manor. Alfred was in the kitchen, cooking, but he couldn’t hear anyone else. So, wherever the mythical Batcave was, likely under them, it was very well soundproofed. He didn’t like knowing Tim was nearby and being unable…there. He could hear and smell him again, that was good. And a minute later Tim was in the doorway, looking more relaxed.

“Everything okay?” he asked, and Tim nodded, joining him on the couch. Bernard leant in for a kiss and they settled in to just cuddle. “We staying?”

“I want to, for Cass, but…”

“Not the others,” Bernard finished for him. “Whatever you want to do, I’m here,” he promised, and Tim nodded.

And then Bernard smelt someone new approaching but didn’t react, he couldn’t react before Tim after all.

“Timbit?” a voice called, and Tim tensed before relaxing.

“In here Jay,” Tim called out, sitting up properly.

“Tim?” Bernard asked in concern as he sat up as well. And then a young man, almost as large as Bruce, was in the doorway.

“Jason,” Tim stood and approached his…brother? Jason…Jason Todd?!

There was something in his scent that had Bernard’s hackles up, something…supernatural but nothing he’d been exposed to before. Which made sense since Jason Todd had died years ago, there was no way he could be strictly human now, so what was he? So long as he wasn’t endangering Tim or Bernard then it was none of his business and if he had picked up on Bernard then he was giving no indication.

Jason ruffled Tim’s hair and Tim rolled his eyes before being pulled into a one-armed hug. “Okay kid?” Jason spoke quietly enough Bernard shouldn’t be able to sleep.

“Slept almost twelve hours,” Tim answered. “Wasn’t hurt though. Bernard knows about me and he saw Cass in her gear since he was with me on the trip.”

Jason looked over at him and Bernard offered a smile.

“Hi, I’m Bernard,” he introduced himself.

“Jason,” he returned, walking over to shake hands. “Nice to finally meet you.”

“I uh…thought you were dead,” Bernard admitted, and Jason laughed.

“Yeah, couldn’t be bothered with the paperwork to bring me back and it comes in handy. Who’d link the Red Hood to a dead boy?”

Okay, good point. The Red Hood… he’d heard a lot about him, he’d started out on the opposite side to the bats but now worked with them at times.

“Scared?” the man smirked at him.

“No,” Bernard answered, and he wasn’t. Even if he was fully human. “You’re Tim’s brother and obviously welcome here.”

“Smart guy you’ve got there Timbit,” Jason teased. “Welcome to the madhouse Bernard.”

“Have you seen Cass yet?” Tim asked, and Jason nodded. Tim sat back with Bernard and Jason joined them in watching mindless TV but the two of them left before Damian Wayne got home from school, Bernard seeing the understanding look on Jason’s face.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim collapsed on his bed, closing his eyes, it felt good to be home. He felt bad about leaving before Cass woke up, but she’d understand why he couldn’t stay. Ber hadn’t questioned their leaving either, Tim had said enough about his issues with his siblings for him to have the basics down at least. He’d never mentioned the murder attempts or what happened with Dick when B was gone…because they hadn’t really talked about him being Red Robin.

He wasn’t going out tonight, B had insisted he stay in and rest, despite sleeping all day. Jason had backed him up as well. Bernard was downstairs in his own apartment and Tim wished he would move in, but he wouldn’t push.

But just because he wasn’t going out didn’t mean he couldn’t get some work done. So, he hauled himself up and headed down into his Nest. He paused as he entered, something felt…off. He reached for the panel and removed the hidden weapons within, arming himself. It was probably just paranoia, there would be alarms if the Nest was breached but…

He made his way towards the computers and then choked as am arm wrapped around his throat, but immediately extended his bō back into his attacker. There was a slight loosening of the grip but then it tightened again and a hand wrapped around his wrist, tight enough he could feel his bones grind together. He slammed his head back but there was no reaction.

Tim cried out in pain as he felt the bone in his wrist snap, the bō dropping from numb fingers. He struggled, trying to get free, and then cold fingers dug cruelly into his face, yanking his head round to stare at a man.

“Well, I suppose he’s pretty enough,” the man sneered, or…not a man? Sharp fangs were obvious as he spoke and as blood slipped down his face, he realised the fingernails were too sharp.

“Mmmg,” the grip on his face kept him from speaking.

“It’s not personal, you’re just the message.” He smirked and Tim glared but then everything started feeling strange…he had to…had… “That’s it, just relax. You can’t speak or fight back.”

He vaguely felt the arms holding him let go and he crumpled to the floor, unable to catch himself. Voices faded in and out but he couldn’t focus, his vision hazy. What…was…happening…

TBC….

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 8

He stared at the bleeding human lying limp on the metallic floor, the boy unable to do anything, pupils constricted to pinpoints, face slack as blood dripped down from where he’d dug his claws in, his mind lost under the compulsion. They would teach that half breed his place and have fun doing it.

He glanced around the massive underground construct, it was impressive and would be almost impossible to breach by mortal means, at least without setting of a massive set of alarms. It had been interesting to note the boy had somehow sensed he wasn’t alone, exposure to the half breed perhaps?

To leave the mark here or the apartment above? They’d observed the two and there’d been no evidence the brat knew of the base or at least he’d never been in it. And there was no sign of even his faded scent among the metal. So, the boy was hauled up and taken away and he went up to the apartment to make sure their message was received.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bernard groaned as the ringng of his phone woke him, reaching blindly for it. “’lo?” he mumbled.

“Bernard? It’s Tam Fox,” came the very awake voice of Tim’s assistant and friend, and that woke him up fast.

“Tam? Has something happened?” he asked, knowing Tim was going to work today.

“Tim never showed up and he’s not answering his phone, did he go home last night?”

“Yeah, he dropped me off and headed up with no plans to go back out. He said he had some computer work to do but that was it,” he offered as he got up and yanked his jeans on, then a shirt, shoving his feet into shoes. He was exhausted when we got back from Hong Kong, slept almost twelve hours. He was fine while we were at the Manor but seemed pretty tired again when we got back here. Maybe he forgot to put his phone on the charger and slept in. I’ll head up and yes, I’ll have a panic button just in case,” he promised since they both knew the odds of Tim both forgetting to charge his phone and sleeping in.

“Alright, let me know what’s going on. If I don’t hear from you in twenty at the most, I’m calling Mr Wayne,” or Batman in other words…did she know that Bernard knew?

“Okay. Talk to you in twenty,” he agreed before hanging up. He tucked his phone in his pocket and grabbed one of the panic buttons Tim had supplied him with that would alert the Wayne’s if he needed help. If someone had hurt Tim…he licked over his teeth to be sure his fangs weren’t showing and then used his passkey to get up to the penthouse.

There was nothing out of place in the hall, no sign someone tried to force their way in which was good, right? He inhaled but didn’t smell anyone recent except Tim and his scent was hours old, so when he’d come home. Which meant if he’d left, it hadn’t been through the door. The soundproofing on the apartment was too good to let him hear Tim inside sadly.

He drew up the power that let him travel, ready to move in case there were bad guys inside and they tried to shoot him or something. Then he unlocked the door and stepped inside, freezing in horror and shock as he took in the bloody mark on the wall. No…

He inhaled, taking in the scent, vampire, male, unfamiliar. So not even someone he’d pissed off at some point. Great. A note was under the mark and he cautiously picked it up, reading the contents, snarling in rage.

Bernard forced himself to calm and then went to the fishtank, finding the switch. Hopefully his coming down the elevator wouldn’t set off the alarms, but Tim’s scent in the apartment was too thin, too old. He hadn’t been attacked here which meant his base. Sure enough, his scent was stronger in the elevator.

He stepped cautiously into the metal cavern and thankfully, no alarms sounded but he snarled, knowing his eyes were glowing, fangs extended, claws digging into his palms as his hands curled into fists. Vampires…at least five. No blood but Tim had been there. He moved to where the computers were set up and then knelt, able to tell Tim had lain on the floor for some time, able to smell his pain so he was likely injured but not bleeding. And then the slight floral scent that came with being under vampire compulsion. It apparently smelt differently to everyone, why he smelt flowers he had no clue.

They’d taken Tim. And their message was all too clear, either he came alone, or they would kill Tim, slowly and painfully. Damn it, what was he meant to tell Tam? He had to call her otherwise the Bats would show up and that would not end well for anyone. Theoretically, it was possible to compel someone over the phone, but he’d never tried it. Could he?

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tam hung up the phone and blinked before going back to work. It would be good when Tim was back in the office in a few days, but he deserved the time off after having to spend his days at work and nights searching for Cass. Maybe she should invite him and Bernard out to dinner next week? She’d like to get to know him better since it seemed him and Tim were really going to last. She was happy for them, she hadn’t been able to deal with how Tim was on a case, how he could be so calculating but Bernard didn’t seem to have the same issues that she’d had.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

He drifted, voices fading in and out, unable to move or speak, thoughts scattered. Cold…naked? Hands…no…pain…pleasure…

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Fangs pierced warm, soft flesh, drinking hungrily from the naked, pliant human. And then she drew back, gagging, coughing, clawing at her face.

They watched in horror as she writhed before going still…his blood had killed her! Well, if they couldn’t have their fun with him that way… they could all smell it on him, for someone so famous it was surprising to find he was still a virgin. But not for much longer.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

He stared at the dead vampire, she had drunk from the boy and died, painfully. The brat wouldn’t have known how to do that which meant he’d found outside help to try and protect his human. So, they couldn’t drink from him, that didn’t change things. By the time the half breed showed up, his lover would be a well-used toy.

Being with a human was bad enough, but one that was famous and a vigilante? That was pure insanity and needed to be punished.

He looked out at the main floor where Timothy Drake-Wayne, Red Robin, lay sprawled over a table, his body moving limply as the vampire on top of him had his fun. A warm body always made for an interesting time. He would need to compel him again; the boy was mentally strong and he suspected had brief moments of awareness at least. But it wasn’t enough to change his fate. He would never leave the warehouse alive. The manor of his death was up to his lover…not that they’d apparently gotten that far yet. Maybe he should let them before killing the vigilante?

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim’s paranoia might have rubbed off on him but he couldn’t afford to lead the Bats where he was going. He knew Oracle existed, though he didn’t know who it was behind the computer, her identity was harder to guess. But if she had half the access to Gotham that he thought she did…then she had full access to every camera in the city. He’d ditched his own clothing in the rubbish after changing into some he’d bought from Goodwill. He could have donated them but that might be risky if he’d missed any trackers. He’d even grabbed some glasses to help disguise the shape of his face. The fact he was fighting to stay human helped shift his eye colour a bit.

And now he was leaving the barber, rubbing away the cut strands. He’d been due a haircut anyway, it might take a bit to get used to the new style but hopefully it was enough to throw off any surveillance attempts. All electronics had been left back at his apartment so they couldn’t track him that way. He’d bought a cheap burner and put through one call, to Hong Kong. He couldn’t ask for help but he could seek advice. Having her agree with his thoughts on why they had taken Tim had not helped his anger and fear but she’d had a few suggestions, had called on a vampire who had been in the military when human for more advice.

Bernard might be a ‘civilian’ but that did not mean he wasn’t capable of being dangerous. He’d taken martial arts since he was a child, could use some weapons, even small guns. And he was a pro at being sneaky when needed. But getting into somewhere with who knew how many other vampires and then out again with an injured and compulsed human? The odds weren’t good at all. But he had no allies in Gotham. Jason? Would he count to them as human? He definitely was different but how different? Calling him would be risking Tim’s life…and he didn’t have his number. He could be anywhere in Crime Alley or even elsewhere in the city if not doing Hood work.

Would Tim even still be alive when he got there? If they tried to feed off him and at least one vampire died…, would they kill him in retaliation? Maim him? He knew they wouldn’t plan for Tim to come out of this alive, they were probably planning to kill both of them.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bruce was relieved when Cass finally woke up, groggy, but she was awake and aware. So, they moved her to her room and made sure she was comfortable. She’d been happy to know Tim had been the one to come for her and understood why he wasn’t there waiting. Hopefully Tim would come to visit tomorrow when Damian was at school, though Dick had come to visit so there was no guarantee.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Pain snapped him back to awareness, ripping, tearing…get off! It took too long for his mind to put together what was happening him to him, choking on a scream that wouldn’t come out. His body wouldn’t respond to his desperate attempts to fight. What was happening…

“Awww…is the little human aware?” a voice taunted but he couldn’t respond, body moving limply in time to his attackers.

He…he didn’t want this…why couldn’t he move?

“You’re our toy now,” the woman cooed, a clawed finger tracing down his face, even as he struggled to focus his vision enough to make out her features. “How long till your body breaks? It’s been days already.”

Days? Everything was blurry…Cass? Safe… Ber? He couldn’t remember… he could feel tears of pain slipping from his eyes, his mouth hung open and he couldn’t even close it, throat dry. Days…they’d be looking…they’d find him…B…Jay…just hold on.

Then his head was being turned, red eyes filling his vision. “Under you go bird boy,” a male voice commanded. Red eyes…so pretty…he felt kind of floaty, body tingling with pleasure despite the agony he’d been in…pain fading…

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bernard watched the warehouse, a special herbal mix soaked into his hair and clothes to disguise his scent he blended into the homeless youth scattered about the area. He was running out of time and he knew it, sooner or later someone was going to realise Tim was gone and then they’d try to contact Bernard and find he was gone too…a full-on search would be launched. Tim had been taken last night and the sun was beginning to set, who knew what they’d done to him. But rushing in would only get them both killed.

He knew Tim was alive, could hear his heartbeat. So, he knew where in the building he needed to get to, he just had to find a way in. Tracking other vampires when they obviously had been using the building for a long time was more difficult and he didn’t want to break in only to find himself in a room full of enemies.

But eventually, he found his access point, not as close to Tim’s location as he would have liked but it was the best of the lot. He pulled out the small stone and rubbed some blood on it before slipping the chain under his shirt. Once he moved away from the humans, his own heartbeat would serve as a beacon…if they heard it. The charm was meant to hide his life signs, let his pass as a vampire. So long as he’d gotten it right, he’d been working of diagrams and photos sent to him from the Hong Kong group.

He leapt silently upwards, grabbing onto the overhang, swinging himself up onto the roof. He carefully pulled away the broken slats and slid into the shaft, whatever the warehouse had been built for had needed good ventilation so it was big enough, thankfully. Overt power usage wouldn’t be hidden by the charm so he had to keep the rescue as physical only as possible. Making his way down a metal shaft without making noise was not easy but he couldn’t just drop down without knowing what was at the bottom.

He came out in the basement, covering his nose at the stench, fighting back the urge to be sick as he took in what he was smelling. Bodies…all in different stages of decomposition. So this was what happened to their ‘meals’, those that weren’t turned or kept for fun anyway. But Tim wasn’t among them so he moved on, making for the door he could just make out, not looking down since he didn’t need anymore nightmares.

He made it out of the corpse room and found himself in a hall, breathing in the less death-smelly air gratefully, and trying to catch a hint of Tim’s scent…in the hall…that way. He crept along, finding the stairs and another hall, Tim’s scent was in both. Being kept down here and taken upstairs for fun? That made the most sense, so where was he now? He closed his eyes, focusing on his hearing, trying to decide if his heartbeat was above or on the same level…same. So, he turned down the hall till he came to a locked room. There was no choice but to break the lock which would be a giveaway if anyone came to check but he’d just have to deal with it.

He opened the door, glad for the enhanced eyesight that let him see in almost pitch-black conditions. The room was empty except for a crumpled body at the back, moving slightly with every breath. But the scents… he moved across the room and very carefully turned Tim over, supporting his head as he did, seeing the vacant, peaceful expression and constricted pupils, he was deep under.

Bernard made eye contact with Tim, knowing his own eyes were red now. “Tim? I need you to wake up, come back to me Red,” he murmured, throwing everything he had into trying to overpower the other vampires hold on Tim. He kept talking softly, he had to get some kind of response, Tim being deadweight would slow them down too much.

There was a half-healed bite on his throat so at least one vampire had learnt a rather nasty lesson. But how long would they leave Tim alone, especially when it seemed they had been…enjoying his body. The scents were sickening, but none of it was Tim’s fault.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Voice…gentle…calling…

“Can you hear me, Tim? Come on, fight,” the voice whispered. He knew it…who? “Tim? That’s it, come back to me. I know it’s hard, but you’re strong and stubborn.”

There was a gurgling noise…him…he’d made it… a hand stroking his hair. Warmth wrapping around him…tired…he was so tired…

And then glowing red filled his vision fully. “Come back Tim. You’re Tim Drake-Wayne, Red Robin,” the voice seemed to reach inside him, pulling.

Tim…yes, he was Tim…Red Robin… the voice…Bernard? But he couldn’t move still. He tried to speak, a noise coming from his throat.

“What have they done to you?” Bernard murmured. How could it be him? He felt himself being moved, cloth, clothes? “That’s better, gotta warm you up. I know you’re confused, probably scared, but I’ve got you. I need your help Tim, you need to try to walk, okay?”

Walk? More movement and he slowly realised he was upright now, arm thrown over Ber’s shoulders, an arm firm around his own waist. And something in his head screamed to pull away, touch hurt…but Bernard wouldn’t hurt him…would he?

“Can’t go out the way I came in, no way I can carry you up that shaft without making a racket. So, we’ve got to find a ground floor exit.” Bernard stepped forward and his body moved with him, dragged. “Come on Tim, one foot in front of the other, you can do it. Walk!” Bernard growled the command, and Tim’s leg moved. “I hate this,” the other whispered, sad…why was he sad?

His head hung limp to his chest, unable to lift it, all he could do was put one foot in front of the other, obeying. He drifted away, hearing the voice on and off. So tired…cold….

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bernard hated commanding Tim to walk but while he seemed at least semi-aware, he had no control of his body. He hadn’t been able to break the other’s power over Tim’s mind, but he had been able to weasel his way in, to be able to order Tim’s body to respond. Did Tim even recognise him? If he could keep Tim far enough away from whichever one had compelled him, then it should wear off naturally over the next few days, either that or he had to kill the vampire since Bernard doubted that they’d break it of their own free will.

Tim wasn’t even shivering despite being freezing, that could not be good for his health, especially with his missing spleen. He thought Tim had tried to talk, but it seemed he’d been told not to speak or move, at least. Had Tim been aware of what they were doing to him? At least he seemed to be warming up a little with Bernard’s coat over him and being held to his own body. He might not be as a warm as a full human but at the moment he was warmer than Tim!

Getting up the stairs was awkward but Tim just kept walking, steps dragging but still making them. Every step they took without being discovered was one step closer to freedom. He wished he could have simply gone back up the shaft with Tim, after this he had to tell him everything anyway after all, he’d been planning to tell him as soon as they had the time, so displaying inhuman strength to carry Tim out would have been fine. But the metal would have made way too much noise and offered no protection. As soon as they left the stairs someone would realise Tim’s heartbeat was too close though. So, he slipped the stone charm off and put it on Tim. His quieter, slower, heartbeat was less likely to be immediately picked up on, and his scent was still hidden.

Bernard eased the door open, getting Tim through, and then shut it again. The more normal things appeared, the more time they had. It was a large warehouse but there didn’t seem to be anywhere he could get Tim out on this side. Could he risk just transporting? Could they follow if he did? And…he’d never done it with someone else. He could kill Tim trying so that was not a good idea.

So, he moved forward, supporting Tim, hearing the small breathy noise he made, hating to hush him but noise now was too dangerous. There were a few halls and it’d take too long to check them all while helping Tim along so he carefully settled him behind some crates and moved off to try and find an exit. He had to find one! But all of them were boarded up or impossible for him to manage with Tim…except one. And between it and him was a large open area…the perfect trap. Damn it!

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Alone…cold…Ber? No, couldn’t be…wanted…Tim Drake, he was Tim Drake-Wayne…so tired. Then the warmth was back, pulling him up, holding him close, lips pressing to his forehead.

“I love you,” Ber whispered. “There’s only one way out,” scared, he sounded scared.

Their eyes met and he was falling into red, one word echoing through his mind. RUN.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

They reached the room and Tim obeyed, running. Laughter sounded and a guy appeared before him, Bernard reacting in an explosion of violence, strikes aimed at every weak point, claws digging deep into cold flesh. If it took his death for Tim to make it out and to Wayne Manor, then so be it. Oracle would spot him on cameras at some point since he was running blindly for the Manor, taking the easiest path. They’d call in whatever occultist worked with the Justice League and help him recover.

He just had to buy Tim time, keep them focused on him.

TBC….

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 9

Bernard snarled, fighting hard, but he was gradually overwhelmed, forced to his knees and held in place. And then his heart sank as Tim was carried back into sight, body limp. He was dropped down opposite Bernard, his head dropping to his chest as he was pulled to his knees and held there. Bernard got a glimpse of vacant eyes; Tim was deep under again. He’d hoped…but he’d failed. At least Tim wouldn’t feel anything, wouldn’t be aware of dying.

“Tim,” he whispered, but there was no reaction.

And then he shuddered as a powerful presence approach…Bernard knew they were done for; the approaching vampire was old…as in well over a century. No wonder Bernard couldn’t bring Tim fully out of his compulsion. As a dhampir, Bernard wasn’t as strong as a full vampire to start with, add in this one’s age…he never stood a chance. He hadn’t even known there was someone so old in Gotham! Most didn’t survive for more than a couple of decades, maybe a century top, And then the vampire stepped into sight and Bernard’s jaw dropped in shock, he’d seen the man before, in a picture in a history book. Joshua Thomas Wayne was rumoured to have helped the Underground Railroad…would he really kill the son of his family, adopted or not?

“You broke the rules brat,” the man said, and Bernard glared, if he was going to die anyway, better to go out defiant, right? “This is your punishment.”

“So, I’m not good enough to be around vampires, but I’m not allowed to be with humans? What the hell do you want from me?” he demanded. “And what gives any of you the right to tell me that? Gotham has no government, not like every other city.”

A slap echoed seconds before the pain kicked in, he’d been slapped, not punched but slapped. Okay then, that was kind of theatrical…no, no way… but it would make sense of some things he’d noticed over the last few years. He was trying to get back the kind of power the Wayne family held in Gotham but surely it wouldn’t work. A lot of vampires in Gotham had no desire at all to have rules, it was why they stayed.

His head was yanked back painfully and he growled in response.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Floating…emptiness…peace…pleasure… he couldn’t think, couldn’t move…nothing….

And then suddenly everything rushed back in, sounds, voices, memories…he took a shuddering breath, blinking rapidly, staring at red eyes, unable to move. What was happening? His head felt jumbled and his body weak, pain…pain in areas he didn’t want to think about, vague hazy memories of hands and bodies…

“Leave him alone!” a familiar voice snarled. Bernard?

Come back to me…I love you…RUN… the words whispered through his memory. Bernard. And then he remembered, being in the Nest, sensing danger, attacked. Had they grabbed Ber too? Why couldn’t he move?

And then he was being moved, finding himself staring at a bloody and bruised Bernard who was being held down very firmly by several figures, some of whom were also injured…had Ber done that? Why not? Tim knew he could fight. He tried to speak, to ask what was happening, if Bernard was okay, but his lips wouldn’t move, no sound coming from his throat.

“Tim,” Bernard stared at him and then he relaxed a little. “It’s okay, you’re going to be okay.”

That got a chuckle, from the person Tim had been locked in a staring contest with he thought, not that he could look to see. “Comforting him or yourself with the lie, half breed?”

Half breed? What…their eyes, they all had red eyes that he could see. So, not human? Was Ber? He felt a flash of fear but shoved it aside, not human didn’t mean bad automatically, Clark wasn’t human, Kon was part human...and Bernard had come for him.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Bernard hated the flash of fear in Tim’s eyes as he began putting the pieces together. He had to get Tim out but honestly…he was out of ideas. He realised Tim could see his hands with the way they were being held, he couldn’t move them much but he managed to move his fingers, signing one phrase ‘I love you’. It took three tries for it to be clear and for Tim to seem to realise what he was doing. Tim couldn’t move, couldn’t sign back, but he could see it in his eyes.

“You have a choice,” Wayne stated. “Either you kill him in whatever manner you chose, or we will do it, painfully and as slowly as possible while you watch and then you die the same way.”

“You’re insane!” Bernard snapped at him. “He’s a Wayne and a Bat! You’ll bring everyone down on us.” Since they’d taken Tim from his base, they knew. And he saw the look on Joshua’s face. “You want them to come after you…you’re going to kill them,” he whispered in horrified shock. “You really are insane. Something like this…others will have to get involved! They won’t sit back and let you bring so much attention, hands off Gotham or not,” he warned.

“We’ll give you some time to think it over, but when we come for you, either he’s dead or you both die.”

Bernard fought the hands that dragged him downstairs and into a different room to the one he’d found Tim in. they threw him in and he turned just in time to catch Tim’s lax form.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Tim could do nothing to catch himself as he was thrown into the dark room, but he felt familiar arms wrap around him before it became pitch black, the door closed and then a thud as it was locked. Bernard sat, Tim assumed leaning against the wall, Tim held against his chest, a hand running through his hair.

“I’ve got you,” Ber whispered, and Tim felt lips brush across his forehead. “I’m sorry…I’m so sorry, this is all my fault. If we weren’t dating then they wouldn’t have taken you.”

Bernard shifted his position a little. “I can’t undo the compulsion, he’s too strong, but I might be able to lessen it. Just try to relax.”

Tim didn’t know what Bernard was going to do, was hesitant but then he was staring into bright red eyes… and then he blinked, feeling strange. He tried to speak, making a gurgling noise, but it was more than he could do before, feeling his fingers twitch.

“I love you Tim,” Bernard whispered, and Tim felt his forehead rest against his. Could Bernard actually see despite the darkness? “I was going to tell you everything this weekend, I swear, but now it’s too late.”

He sounded so sincere, so upset. He wanted to believe that Bernard was going to tell him. “Hnng…” A hand gripped his and Tim struggled to try and squeeze back.

“I’m a dhampir, half-human through mom, and half-vampire through my father. I told you the truth about him, I have no clue who he was or is, no idea if he’s still around. I do drink blood but I don’t hurt anyone, I get bagged supplies. Being a vampire doesn’t make you evil,” Bernard promised. “Gotham is…different to other cities. There’s no real law here other than not outing the supernatural to everyone. I’ve never been accepted, have to be careful whenever I go for supplies but it wasn’t so bad. Then there was the article after your birthday…a few days later I got a threat but I thought they’d come after me, not you.”

A dhampir…half-human and half-vampire…he wanted to call Constantine and demand answers. But…Bernard’s lower body temperature and slow heartrate, that had to be why. Weren’t vampires dead, how could one father a child? He’d seen Kon’s struggles with being stuck between worlds, how much worse must it be for Ber?

Gentle fingers touched his neck and Tim felt a vague flash of pain. “You were bitten, but the vampire who did that paid the price. I was trying to keep you safe, but it didn’t work. That day you slept in Hong Kong…it wasn’t just exhaustion. I found help there and a protection was put on you to keep vampires from drinking from you or turning you and any mystical attack would be diverted to me. I never thought they’d go this far.”

Tim wasn’t sure what to think of that. Bernard had drugged him? To do something to keep him safe, but did that make it any better?

“I don’t know how long they’ll give us,” he murmured. “He meant it Tim, they’re going to torture you to death, drag it out as long as they can.”

Tim had always known he’d likely die young due to his night work. He’d thought he’d go out on the job but being tortured in front of Bernard? Knowing they would then do the same to him…. he was scared, he didn’t want to die. But he couldn’t ask Bernard to kill him, not just because he couldn’t speak. What would they do to Bernard even if he did it? There were ways Bernard could kill him that wouldn’t hurt or would be quick enough there’d only be a second of pain…but how could he expect Ber to do it?

“I can’t watch that, I can’t,” Bernard choked out, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. “But I can’t do what they want either. There has to be…” he trailed off and the room was silent. “Maybe…” and there was a hint of hope in his voice.

Not being able to ask was frustrating. If he could speak or move, maybe they could find a way out. He hated being so useless.

“They don’t seem to know,” Bernard whispered. “I think I can get us both out,” he leant so his mouth was close to Tim’s ear, right, they probably had enhanced senses. “Tim… it’s going to be okay; you’ll wake up in a few days. And if you hate me forever for this, I can deal with that, at least you’ll be around to hate me.”

What? What was Bernard talking about? He felt Bernard shifting around, repositioning him. and then he could see glowing red again.

“It’s alright Tim, sleep. Just relax and sleep.”

No! No…he had…couldn…sleep…against his will his eyes grew heavy, falling shut, everything fading away.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Bernard was relieved that it had worked, Tim deeply asleep in his arms. “I love you,” he whispered, kissing warm lips one last time. He then carefully tipped Tim’s head to the side, kissing over the vein, sucking at the skin to numb it even if he was asleep. He opened his mouth and bit down, fangs sinking deep, beginning to drink with one thought in mind. He focused solely on turning Tim even as he drank his blood.

Bernard never drank so much at once and it was hard, he felt full, too full, but he forced himself to keep going, even as he heard Tim’s heart slowing. His body was cooling from the blood loss, fingernails and lips tinting blue as his breathing became laboured, not enough blood available to transport oxygen properly. Tim didn’t stir at all as his body began to shut down. He cradled Tim close as his heart struggled to continue beating…a beat…another…beat…another… Bernard removed his fangs, tears trailing down his face as he cradled Tim close.

“I’m sorry…I’m so sorry,” he sobbed, rocking Tim’s body. This was all his fault.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
They were all shocked when they went back and found the half breed holding the dead body of Tim Drake, the boy drained of his blood. They triple checked to be sure, but he was definitely dead, blood loss. The brat snarled in rage, eyes very bright red when they tried to get close, cradling his now dead ‘boyfriend’ close protectively despite him being dead.

Joshua stared at the feral half breed, had killing his love sent him mad? Blood frenzy? It didn’t matter. “Let him go,” he ordered. Let the boy be caught for the murder of his precious human.

He cared nothing for the remains of his mortal family, it didn’t bother him at all that the boy’s death would cause Bruce grief. He knew Bruce was Batman, had always known, thought he was an idiot for it. He had been tempted to turn him after his second son’s death and he became so much more violent, but then a third Robin had appeared and he had backed down.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Bernard ran with Tim’s body clutched to his chest, taking seemingly random turns, shaking off the vampires following him before focusing his mind, travelling to a location he hadn’t been to in years. It had been his hideout when his changes had begun, scared out of his mind as he had started craving blood.

And it was undisturbed as he’d thought it would be since the only way in was via vampire methods, something he had done on instinct back then.

He carefully lay Tim down on the old mattress, despite Tim being unable to feel anything at the moment. It would take three to five days for him to wake, he’d covered with Tam but not for that long. So, what to do? Could he compel Tam again to think Tim was ill? Without his spleen and some overseas travel, it was believable.

He’d fooled them into thinking killing Tim had made him feral, hoping they would release him with Tim’s body to through off anyone looking for Tim, and it had worked. But he knew he was very lucky they had. If they had them for. Day or two, they might have realised Tim was turning since his body wouldn’t begin to decay. And Tim was turning, he was…he had to be. He needed to go back to the apartment to grab his phone, call the councillor in Hong Kong, see if there was any way to check and be sure.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Jason frowned when Tim didn’t show up, he’d agreed to meet up for patrol tonight. He hesitated but then went on his comm. “Hey O, know where Red is?” he asked.

“He hasn’t been out since coming back,” she answered, and he could hear typing. “He’s called in to work sick. Stress from the search for Black Bat and international travel plus his weakened immune system took a toll.”

“Okay, thanks.” He grimaced in sympathy, poor kid. He’d check in with him in a day or two, he was probably happy with his boyfriend playing nurse.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Tim’s body had moved beyond rigor, muscles utterly lax, skin bloodlessly pale. But there were subtle signs of change. He was turning.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Cass limped to the dining room, leaning on Dick. She was feeling better and it was good being with the family. But where was Tim? She missed her little brother, why hadn’t he come back to see her? They settled in to eat breakfast.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Bernard checked on the supplies he’d gathered, the blood ready to go. He had no clue what would happen when Tim woke, he’d made his turning as gentle as possible but he’d had a traumatic time leading up to that. Would he still be the Tim he loved? After seeing those living overseas, he had hope that he would be, but the locals…was it something in Gotham that made them like that? And he didn’t know exactly when he’d wake, could be tonight, tomorrow, or even the night after.

He could feel the sun setting, watching Tim, and that was why he saw the ever so slight twitch of his muscles. “It’s alright Tim, you’re safe. It’s just the two of us. Take your time, there’s no rush,” he murmured.

Slowly, Tim began to shift, muscles tensing and then relaxing as ‘life’ returned to his body.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Something was bothering him but he couldn’t figure out what. Closing his eyes he listened, finding his family, the team…but there was one missing. Tim…where was Tim? Kon’s eyes snapped open and he grabbed his communicator.

“Welfare check on Red Robin,” he snapped without greeting whoever was on comm duty in Titans Tower.

“Checking,” Raven’s voice answered. “Comm is registering as in his Nest, no answer. Attempting civilian phone…no answer,” she responded. “Calling the Cave.”

The silence lasted longer this time as she spoke with the Bats.

“RR is listed as on illness leave. They want to know why you asked for the check.”

“I can’t hear him,” Kon answered tightly. “I can track the rest of the team and my family, can hear Agent A in the Cave…but no Red Robin.” He felt sick.

“Red Hood is being diverted to RR’s residence,” she reported, and then her voice softened. “He could just have the white noise generators on for some privacy,” she offered.

“I…I think it vanished a few days ago, he wouldn’t keep them on that long without letting me know.”

“Just stay calm, we’ll find him.”

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
There was something kind of soft under him, the air still. Noise… something soft close, calming. And then it hit, hunger… a low growl came from his throat, he needed food…so hungry. There was a sound and he locked on, a steady beating noise and it drew him in. He lunged, driven by instinct and hunger.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Bernard grabbed the lunging Tim, flipping him, pinning him down as he snarled and snapped, red eyes empty of anything but hunger. He grabbed the blood bag and poured the contents down Tim’s throat, Tim going still in reaction to getting what his body was demanding. It took three for Tim to begin to calm. The small white noise generator would help since he wouldn’t be overwhelmed by outside noises, while also helping to keep them hidden.

“That’s it, you’re alright,” he whispered, keeping Tim pinned.

As a newborn fledgling, Tim was at his weakest, making him easy for Bernard to pin, especially since he’d been acting on instinct rather than his years of training. He used one hand to stroke Tim’s cheek, letting Tim get his scent, she had said he should react to it once the initial bloodlust faded.

Sure enough, Tim began to calm, slowly going limp under him, turning his head into Bernard’s hand, sniffing and then nosing at his palm. There was a hint of curiosity in red eyes now, the blood spreading through his body and hopefully helping kick his mind back into working.

“That’s it Tim,” he murmured, keeping his voice quiet since Tim’s senses would likely be overwhelming. “I’m here, you’re safe.”

Tim blinked slowly and then whined softly. Bernard carefully shifted but Tim remained still so he got off of him but drew Tim into his arms, cradling him close. He lifted his wrist to his mouth, biting down and then pressed the wound to Tim’s mouth, Tim latching on, suckling gently. His eyelids drooped; head slumped on Bernard’s shoulder. Bernard may only be a dhampir but he was still Tim’s Sire and his blood would sooth Tim. Tim’s hands came up to hold onto his arm, not digging his claws in which was good. He was making soft, sleepy noises as he suckled.

Eventually, he drew his arm away, gently wiping the blood from around Tim’s mouth, letting him lick his fingers. “Tim? Can you understand me?” he asked gently.

Tim blinked at him and ever so slowly, recognition seemed to seep in. Tim’s lips parted, throat working and then he frowned in confusion.

“It’s okay, there’s no rush,” he soothed. She’d sworn that with his death and turning that the compulsion would be gone, but Tim was still recovering.

“B…Br…” Tim got the sounds out, and Bernard smiled at him, relieved he recognised him. Turning could affect the memory after all and a turning by a dhampir was higher risk of side effects like memory loss since the blood wasn’t as powerful and could take longer to act, leaving the brain truly dead for longer.

“I’m here,” he promised gently.

He’d grabbed clean clothing for Tim when he’d snuck home, comfortable and soft fabric so he’d be comfortable. It was better than waking naked or just in Bernard’s jacket. Cleaning up his body had been horrifying, seeing the damage they had done to him, but it had needed to be done, he couldn’t let Tim wake up with the evidence of that…violation. He really hoped that Tim wouldn’t remember anything of his captivity.

“I love you so much,” he whispered, and Tim’s brow furrowed slightly before a small smile tugged at his lips.

Tim lifted a hand, gently tracing his lips with clawed fingers and then he froze, staring at his own hand. Bernard took it, kissing the back softly.

“I know you’re confused, but it’s okay, there’s no rush. You…you were hurt Tim, captured, but we’re safe now.” He wasn’t sure how much Tim was understanding but he didn’t want him to panic.

Tim shifted, curling into him, yawning.

“Sleepy?” he gently stroked Tim’s hair. “Then get some sleep Tim. I’ll be here,” he promised, watching as Tim fell asleep.

TBC…

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 10

Alfred hung up the phone, face creased with concern. “Master Bruce,” he called entered the office.

“What is it, Alfred?”

“It seems no one can locate Master Tim and Mr Kent cannot hear his heartbeat. He realised there has been something missing from his hearing for several days,” he answered.

Master Bruce was immediately on his feet, heading down to the Cave. Master Tim did not generally carry a tracker during the day, only a panic button, but his phone could be tracked if needed.

“Miss Raven attempted to contact him but he answered neither phone or comm and both register at being at his residence.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bruce listened to Alfred as he activated the tracking on everything of Tim’s that he could…but it all registered at home or his Nest. He sent a message to Barbara to start digging into the cameras around Tim’s place to see when he had last left even as he picked up the phone to call Jason. Jason could get there quicker and the two had been getting along well lately so Tim would let him in if he could.

He had to be okay, it was all just a misunderstanding, it had to be. Tim had gone out of town and they’d gotten the dates wrong, or something.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Jason drove fast towards the building, he’d been calling Tim but there was no answer. He knew Bernard had an apartment in the building as well, hopefully he was okay and would know what was going on. He was not losing his little brother when they were finally actually being brothers.

He parked in an almost hidden alley he’d seen before when scoping out the building. There were no cameras and it was blocked so Tim had probably arranged it like that. He fired off the grapple gun, going right up to the penthouse. The door was locked but thankfully it accepted his codes. Why hadn’t Tim told him he had his security set to let him in?

The apartment appeared untouched, nothing out of place, though it was hard to tell since Timmers wasn’t the neatest of people. Though the place seemed neater than he remembered his surveillance showing him to be, growing up…or not wanting to be embarrassed with the boyfriend?

But on the table, was Tim’s bag, his shoes near the door, keys in a bowl…as if everything had been left there when he came home. That…that wasn’t good. But there was no sign of an altercation and he looked around for where the kid would have hidden the access to his Nest.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

He stirred slowly, everything fuzzy, his body heavy. Something was wrong… but a familiar hand was stroking his hair and he managed to press into the touch weakly.

“Tim?”

He whined in pain, the voice too loud. But every so slowly, he managed to open his eyes, looking up at a familiar face.

“Tim, can you understand me?” the voice was softer this time.

He reached up weakly for him and then he was being moved till his head was on a shoulder.

“You’re okay, you’re going to be okay,” Sire whispered, pressing a kiss to his head.

He nuzzled at Sire, asking, and Sire tipped his head, letting him have access. He bit down, suckling contentedly. The blood stopped and he whined but let go, curling into Sire, purring softly in contentment.

“Come back to me Tim, please,” Sire whispered.

Tim…he…he was Tim. He clutched at soft close, pressing closer to Sire, not wanting him to be upset. “Ssss…”

“Tim?” Sire gently cupped his face, staring into his eyes.

“Ss…S…i…” he licked his lips. “Si…Sire,” the word finally came.

“Yes, Tim,” Sire murmured, leaning in till his head rested against Tim’s. “I’m here, you’re safe,” he promised, and Tim smiled at him.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bernard felt sick, Tim didn’t recognise him, not truly. He saw his Sire but not Bernard. Did he remember him at all? Anything? No, he couldn’t think the worst, it could take time. His brain had been deprived of oxygen, dead, for quite a while, repairing that would obviously take longer.

He nearly jumped out of his skin when his phone rang, he’d turned it off! And of course, the bats would be able to force it back on. He’d completely disabled the tracking but if he answered, they could likely track the call. Sure enough, a quick check while soothing the startled Tim, showed that it was Bruce calling. He put his phone down, he hated making them worry, but he couldn’t let them see Tim as he was. There was too much risk that Tim would try to attack.

No matter what he wanted, what Tim would want, Tim would have to accept that his life…existence, was governed by different rules now. He was a vampire, undead, he couldn’t go back to his old life. Tim Drake-Wayne was dead. And he hated that he was the one to end his life, but there’d been no other option. They had to leave Gotham, leaving the country would be for the best but…Conner was going to be an issue. If he looked for Tim, how far away could he hear Tim’s voice? It had changed a little from what he could tell with only one word, but not enough to fool anyone who knew him.

They could return to Hong Kong since Bernard now had some contacts there but would the family expect that? And if Cass returned there, there was a chance they’d run into her, only a slim chance given the population but still risky. He didn’t know what to do, it had never really been in the plans to turn Tim unless he was fatally wounded or dying of cancer, something like that where he’d have more warning to plan things.

“Sad?” Tim asked innocently, looking up at him with big red eyes.

Bernard stroked his cheek and Tim leant into his touch with complete trust. He’d never thought he could turn someone till their trip overseas, had never imagined having someone trust him completely, be so dependent on him. And while it felt strange and incredible, called to instincts he tried to not lean on too much usually…he wanted his Tim back. Would things ever be the same between them again?

Tim nuzzled in, purring again, obviously trying to comfort him, and Bernard smiled at him.

“You always make me happy Tim,” he promised. “I love you so much.”

Tim smiled back, reaching up to pat at his cheek, instinctively managing to not scratch him with his claws. “Ber,” he said, and Bernard felt his heart jump.

“Yeah, it’s me, Tim.”

“Love Ber, Sire.”

Bernard pulled Tim into a proper embrace, fighting the urge to cry. Tim remembered him in some manner, that was a good sign, it had to be. And then Tim pressed his lips to his, Bernard feeling the press of Tim’s fangs. It would take a bit for Tim to learn to appear more human, which would make leaving Gotham harder. He wanted to kiss back but held back, after what had been done to Tim…he couldn’t. Not till he was sure his Tim was back and understood.

Bernard grabbed his phone and opened the photos, showing them to Tim to try and jog his memory.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

With Tim vanished and Bernard’s apartment also empty, though his phone was gone and had rung, they had descended upon the building. It was a limping Cass who showed them into the Nest and they split up between the three locations, looking for any evidence of what had happened.

But there was nothing to find, no signs of a fight, of intruders, nothing. How was that possible? Bruce even called in Clark to examine things and he found nothing.

“Magic?” he suggested before leaving.

Bruce grimaced but made the call. Zatanna thankfully showed up quickly and was able to conclude Tim had been taken from the Nest but that it was outside her scope. Which meant making a call he really didn’t want to but would for his son.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Being called in by the Bat was always a surprise, he hated magic or metas in Gotham so it had to be very important. He went to the coordinates he’d been given to find a rather new looking apartment building though it had been made to compliment the older buildings around it. And waiting outside was a very sombre Dick Grayson.

“Thanks for coming so fast, Zatanna said this is your area,” he explained, heading for the lift.

They went up to the penthouse and there was a photo of Tim Drake and a stranger his age on the counter. He showed John to another lift, this one hidden, and they came out in what had to be a subterranean area, three levels of metal…yeah, it was a bat hideout. And something caused the hair on the back of his neck to stand up.

Something supernatural had been there. “So, what’s going on?”

“Tim and his boyfriend Bernard have vanished. We couldn’t find anything, neither could Clark, but Zatanna picked up something here, said we should call you,” Dick explained even as Bruce stalked over.

“You reacted,” he growled.

“Yeah…something was here,” he admitted. “Let me just,” he waved his hand and the bats pulled back to give him space to work.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Jason watched Constantine work, knowing that anything that needed him was not going to be good. Were Tim and Bernard…no, they were fine, they’d find them and they’d be fine. No more dead Robins. He could see the same fear in Dick’s eyes and bumped shoulders with him, he may still be annoyed at him over…well, a lot, but they were still family.

And from the look on Constantine’s face…it wasn’t good.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Kon floated above Gotham, straining his senses for any sign of Tim or Bernard. He had to find them, he had to. Taking them from the city would be risky and it had only been a few days, so surely, they were still there, somewhere.

Searching visually was slower going but he needed to rule out the buildings he could see into. Sadly, Gotham still had a lot of buildings with lead paint. He couldn’t hear them so there had to be something to block his hearing, white noise maybe?

He’d told Bernard to call for him if anything ever went wrong, told him it didn’t matter what time or day, if he was in trouble that he couldn’t get out of or that Tim couldn’t save him from, then to call. And he hadn’t called so he must have been taken by surprise, or had they grabbed one of them first and used the other as leverage?

But between him and the bats, they’d find them. Not that he trusted all of them, but Bruce, Jason, and Babs? Them he trusted, the others he was more wary of.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

John was swearing his head off…in his head. Vampires, bloody brilliant. He hated the bloodsuckers though nothing was worse than demons. Why target these two though? Had Red seen something on patrol?

“Need to check both apartments,” he told them.

“Constantine,” Bruce growled, sounding more like the Bat.

“Need the whole picture,” he answered.

Thirty minutes later he was standing in Bernard Dowd’s apartment and feeling utterly shocked. Dhampir…a dhampir lived in the apartment. “The boy lives alone?” he asked, and Jason nodded. Had he done something to Tim?

“What is it?” Bruce snapped.

“Nothing you lot can get involved in. I’ll do what I can but…be prepared, I’m sorry Bruce.”

“No,” Dick denied.

“They’ve been gone too long,” he answered and then opened a portal.

Had the Dhampir been a trap? Had he betrayed Tim or…had someone seen and taken offense at their relationship? He’d never dug deeply into Gotham’s supernatural scene and now it was coming back to bit them, likely literally. He began making calls, looking for information.

The odds Drake was alive were very, very slim. The other boy had better odds but the longer he was missing the worse those odds became, unless he ran rather than have to lie to the family about his boyfriend’s fate? Why did Gotham have to be such a cesspit?

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

He watched his Sire…Ber…Bern…he sat, watching Sire. He was worried, scared? Why? Tim looked around, where? He rubbed at his head, everything felt so weird, so…loud.

“Tim?” Sire gently took his hands. “You need to be careful not to scratch yourself.

“C…ca….” he shook his head, frustrated.

“I know Tim, it’s okay,” he whispered. “It’ll take time.”

Why? What would?

“You…you were really hurt Tim, but you’ll get better.”

He blinked at Sire, struggling to understand his words. A pouch was pressed to his mouth and he drank hungrily, so good. He reached out with a hand, tugging at Sire, who sat and cuddled with him, making him happy.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bernard stroked Tim’s hair as he drank, he hated seeing Tim frustrated but it was actually probably a good sign. He was aware something was wrong and wanted to be better. Tim looked adorable as he fed, half dozing. Fledglings often got sleepy when or after feeding so it was normal, so was needing to feed frequently. Which was bad since they would run out of blood soon.

“Ber…nard,” Tim mumbled as he dozed off.

Bernard pressed a kiss to his forehead. Tim shifted, curling into him, one hand curling into his shirt as he went still. It looked so unnatural for Tim to be utterly still, no sign of life as he slept.

It was barely twenty minutes before Tim jerked awake, eyes wide with fear.

“Easy Tim, it’s okay,” he whispered, meeting wild red eyes. “It’s okay, I’ve got you,” he soothed, and Tim shuddered, clinging to him.

“Hurt,” he whimpered.

“Now?” he asked in alarm, but Tim just burrowed into him.

Bernard shifted so they were laying down, tipping his head to let Tim feed if he needed the comfort and he instantly latched on, suckling. “That’s it Tim, Sire’s here. I won’t let anyone hurt you,” he promised.

If anyone tried…he wouldn’t weaken himself playing human again. He was a dhampir but he’d crippled himself because of his parents and to keep the peace, but he had to protect Tim now. That didn’t mean he’d go looking for trouble though.

Tim pulled off, looking up at him. “Safe?”

“We’re safe,” he agreed, smiling gently, and Tim hesitantly smiled back. It seemed the last few feeds were helping, there was more light in his eyes, more awareness.

“Bernard,” Tim got his name out, voice sounded surer.

He nodded, “that’s me.”

Tim licked the last of the blood from his lips, looking around, seeming confused. “Where?”

“Somewhere safe,” he promised.

Keeping Tim calm and safe feeling would be for the best while he adjusted. More blood would help his body recover and heal from the injuries the others had caused as well as his death but too much would risk his body getting used to such high levels and that would be bad long term.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

John stared at the warehouse with a feeling of foreboding. He slipped inside the empty building, it appeared that it had been abandoned quickly. He squared his shoulders and moved inside, following the spellwork that had locked onto Dowd. He could tell the place had been in use by vampires for a while, so why the sudden abandonment?

He followed it downstairs, the most recent trace leading to an empty room but John could smell blood, it was the second room with a broken lock that had him feeling sick. Torn clothing, blood…and worse. The sense of Dowd in the room was brief…and enraged. Was it possible he had come to save Tim? The brief look of both apartments showed the two were often together, the photos showed a loving couple, if that was true, then Tim was likely taken to target Dowd. Had him finding Tim then been a trap for him? How could he tell Bruce his child had been… he grimaced and headed back to the other room.

Both boys had been in there for some time so he began to cast, and then his eyes closed in grief at the sense of death. But…some Dhampirs could turn others. He headed out, recasting the spell to find Dowd, spreading it over Gotham. Where…there! But there wasn’t a trail…he must have transported them there.

John used another portal, taking in the run-down area. Smart kid, no one but the homeless would come around and an old quarry wasn’t usually considered safe. He found the old office building and it was fully sealed up, meaning there was no way in except through magic or meta abilities. The spell led to the back so he entered in the front, better to not too badly startle the Dhampir and probably new vampire.

He entered the back room and sure enough, there was a crouch blond, fangs bared and pushed behind him protectively was Tim Drake, his eyes red and showing confusion. Their eyes met and there was no recognition from the teen.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bernard was hit by a strong scent, the sudden sound of a heartbeat, hearing the confused noise from Tim before he growled softly, obviously scenting the human approaching. He pushed Tim behind him, crouching down to pounce.

A man entered, tallish, blond and unshaven, dressed in a trench coat. He had his hands up, looking them over, something sad when he saw Tim.  “Easy there,” the man murmured. “John Constantine, Justice League Dark. I got called in for a magical trace found in RR’s Nest.”

“By who?” Dowd asked warily.

And…oops, no one had actually said if the kid knew the family secret, depending on how enhanced his senses were though he might know even if not told. “The family,” he answered.

“Do they know?” he asked in alarm.

Tim whined softly in distress, looking between them in confusion. Dowd turned halfway towards him, making soothing noises in return.

John leant against the wall, hands in sight. “Not here to fight kid,” he promised. “How’s he doing?”

Wary red faded to brown as Dowd drew Tim into his arms, the vigilante nuzzling at him.

“He remembered my name, seems to know something bad happened before. I didn’t want this,” he whispered.

John grimaced, sinking into a squat so he wasn’t towering over them. “What happened kid?”

“Bernard,” he corrected. And then he explained what had happened since their return from Hong Kong.

Damn it, this was a disaster. But he couldn’t blame two kids for falling in love.

TBC…

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 11

He pressed close to Sire, that sound…smell…so good…but Ber said no. Voices speaking but it was too hard to focus on them as he stared at the one the smell was coming from. There was something…something…familiar? He shifted away from Sire nervously, scenting the air. The stranger froze, watching him.

“Tim?” Sire called, a hand resting on his back but not restraining him.  

He whined, leaning closer, that smell…he knew it… “Know,” he said.

“Yeah kid, you know me,” the stranger agreed, and he smiled, he was right!

“C…Co…” he shook his head, trying to remember. He wanted to, he did! What was wrong with him? “J... John?” he asked.

The man, John, nodded at him. “Yeah, John Constantine.”

He mouthed the words, focusing. “John…Cco…Constan…tine,” it was hard but he knew it shouldn’t be.

“So good,” Sire praised, and then hand moved from his back.

“You sure?” John asked.

“He’s not lunging, he’s just curious,” Sire answered. “If he can be near you then that’s a good step. I’m close enough to stop him from killing you.”

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

John forced himself not to tense as Dra…Tim, crawled towards him, scenting the air. But Bernard was right, he didn’t seem aggressive or agitated. And he’d recognised John, someone he rarely worked with. Perhaps he was more restored mentally then he appeared? Red eyes seemed to show…curiosity, so maybe not.

John shifted slowly to kneel down, making sure he’d be able to move if necessary but Tim would likely stay calmer if he wasn’t towering over him. “Hey kid,” he murmured, keeping his voice quiet.

“Hi?” Tim cocked his head inquisitively.

He remained still as a cold hand touched his own, red eyes widening.

“Hot,” Tim whispered, but then he frowned. “John sick?”

“No, you’re just cold now.”

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bruce moved about Tim’s apartment, taking in the signs of Bernard’s presence. He wondered why they kept separate apartments, especially now that their relationship was public. John seemed to have found something in Bernard’s apartment, but what? Had he been taken first? Put up more of a fight someone? Could Bernard be a Meta? None of his research had revealed that but a lot of Meta’s hid what they were even now.

He wanted his son’s back, if there was a ransom then he would happily pay it so long as they were returned. But the things Constantine dealt with…

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bernard watched Tim interact with the man from the Justice League group. Tim recognised him! That was a wonderful sign, especially since Tim wasn’t attacking. Most vampires his age would be going for the throat, driven to feed or defend the nest, but Tim hadn’t.

“How well do you know each other?” he asked, if Tim knew him well then his behaviour would be more understandable.

But Constantine shook his head. “We’ve worked together a handful of time. Bats isn’t very fond of me and JL Dark only gets called in for things of a magical nature.”

“Then how…” Bernard was lost, it should be impossible!

Constantine shrugged and then his eyes widened in shock as Tim curled around him, purring softly. His expression was very amusing even as he hesitantly petted Tim’s back. “So, what’s next?”

“Get Tim to where he can be in public and then run,” he answered.

“You’re gonna run?” Constantine seemed surprised.

“Well, yeah? There’s no guarantee they won’t come after us again, even with Tim now a vampire. And while the general population is big, Tim’s too well known here, there’s no way he wouldn’t be recognised at some point, but Tim Drake…has to be dead now.”

“Why? There’s always exceptions to the rules kid, and I’d say a turned vigilante who’s worked with me before would make a good candidate.”

Bernard stared at him. “But…the bats?”

“Tellin’ them won’t be fun,” Constantine admitted. “But this isn’t your fault, you did everything you could to protect him, and they’ll understand that. They’ll keep the secret; they keep plenty already.”

Bernard swallowed, and Tim scrambled back to him, obviously detecting his turbulent emotions. He hugged Tim, gently petting his hair. Could they really go home? But…ah, yeah, he should tell Constantine that. “The vampire who was leading them….as Joshua Thomas Wayne. He’s trying to take control and…he said either I killed Tim, or they’d torture and kill him and then me. He didn’t care about Tim’s death bringing the bats…or that Bruce is his family…he was looking forward to a chance to kill them all. If we stay…”

“Sounds like he needs to be dealt with either way. You stay and you’ve got people who care about you both and will help. I’m betting bats can find a way to source blood for you two. How do you feed anyway?”

“I buy my supplies. When we were in Hong Kong they taught me how to hunt in case it’s necessary. I grabbed all the blood I had at my place while Tim was turning but we’re running low.”

“Right, I’ll get you topped up and then add some upgrades to the Nest’s security to keep vampires other than you two out. That way you can have access to conveniences. And…there’s cells if he…”

Bernard nodded in understanding. They may not like it, but it would be better than Tim accidentally hurting someone. The kid would never forgive himself and they both knew it.

“Alright, stay here.” He saw Bernard’s phone. “They got your number?”

Bernard numbered.

“Alright, I’ll call when everything’s ready.”

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Jason’s eyes locked on the magician as soon as he appeared, he’d been gone for hours, leaving them with nothing to do but wait. Thankfully, B had sent the brat away, he’d sent everyone away technically. Jason had just refused to leave and so had Dick which was surprising given how distant he and Tim were. Was this what it would take to make Dick see just how strained their relationship was?

“Constantine,” Bruce growled, and the man held a hand up.

“Give me a few minutes, gotta get this place secure first. Then we can talk.”

That…was not encouraging. They watched as Constantine worked, doing something all throughout the Nest.

“Alright, now there’s a lot to go over but first thing first, I found them.”

Jason slumped in relief; he had said he found them…no indication that they were dead.

“Then where are they?” Dick asked.

“They’re coming here once I give ‘em the word and you lot are gone.”

“What? Why?” Dick demanded.

“Because Tim…is dead.”

But…he’d said…B staggered and Jason moved to support him.

“Explain,” B still managed to growl.

“Tim Drake is dead,” Constantine took a deep breath. “He died several days ago, I’m sorry Bruce.”

“But you said they’re coming here, you’re what…bring Ti…Tim’s body here?” Jason demanded. What he was saying didn’t add up.

“Bernard isn’t…entirely human,” Constantine was mostly watching Bruce for his reactions. “Some of the locals took affront at him dating a human and grabbed Tim as bait for a trap. Bernard was given an ultimatum and he made a third choice, the only one that gave them a chance.” The man shifted, obviously not wanting to explain. “Look, there are a lot of secrets in the supernatural world and Gotham…well it’s as much a mess on that side as with the lot you deal with. Most cities have a form of government but Gotham doesn’t. Except it seems someone is trying to take control. They knew exactly who Tim was, grabbed him from here which is why I added to the security.”

“What was the ultimatum?” Dick asked shakily.

“Either he killed Tim or Tim would be tortured to death, slowly, and then they would do the same to Bernard,” Constantine answered.

Jason felt sick…faced with that kind of threat, he knew what he would choose, he would beg his loved one to kill him so that they would live. And better to die at the hands of someone he loved then to be tortured for who knew how long. But the trauma that would cause to the person who did…to Bernard.

“How the hell did he find a way around that?” he choked out.

“By fooling them into thinking Tim was dead forever,” Constantine grimaced. “You cannot investigate this, can’t tell anyone, understand?” he asked very forcefully, and Bruce tensed. “No argument Bruce. That’s the only way they can come back, that and the fact I’m telling you and not Bernard. He was going to tell Tim, that was allowed because of their relationship.”

“I want my sons home and safe,” Bruce told him.

“They’ll only be safe; you’ll all only be safe if you leave this to my team. This isn’t a fight you can fight, you’re too vulnerable to their powers.”

“What is Bernard?” Dick asked softly.

“A dhampir,” Constantine answered reluctantly. “To try and get them both out,” he hesitated, staring at them, “he turned Tim. Tim’s…he’s a fledging vampire now, which is why you need to leave before they come. We’re not sure how much he truly remembers, though he recognises Bernard. If he attacked one of you, he’d never forgive himself.”

Vampires?

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bruce sat on Tim’s bed, staring at his son’s happy smile, running his thumb up and down the frame. It had been taken just after his birthday, Bernard’s arms wrapped around Tim, Jason

laughing at them and Cass a quiet shadow in the background.

Tim…Tim was dead. How much of his son remained within the vampire he’d become? Would Tim even remember them? Bernard was half human so they couldn’t use him as a way to judge how different Tim would be.

He had come up to the Penthouse, Dick finally returned to the Manor to explain to the others, and Jason was in the guestroom down the hall, refusing to leave Bruce alone. Were the boys already in the Nest? When would he be allowed to see him? As much as he desperately wanted to see Tim, he also didn’t want to stress him.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tim stumbled almost drunkenly as they appeared in the Nest, Bernard carefully steadying in, Tim’s head buried against his chest.

“It’s okay, it’s over now,” he murmured. “Look where we are Tim,” he urged, and slowly, Tim loosened his grip, lifting his head hesitantly to look. Would he recognise it?

Tim kept a hand on his wrist, gripping hard but not enough to hurt. Wide red eyes took it all in and then Tim was pulling him along. Bernard let him, smiling when Tim flopped down into the chair before the computer, curling up in it. “Mine,” Tim whispered in awe.

“Yeah Tim, it’s yours,” he smiled softly.

Tim scented the air, making soft chirps…calling…calling for his nest? But it was just the two…oh. Could he? He gently stroked Tim’s hair and Tim leant into him. “Dad?” he looked around. “Dad?!”

“Shh, it’s okay Tim.” He pulled out his phone, hesitating, would Tim recognise Bruce over a call? Obviously, he was recognising something in the scents in the room, but would he recognise Bruce by sight and voice alone? Would the man still take his call? Surely he would for Tim.

Sure enough, the call connected with video, and Bernard held it where Tim could see.

“Tim?” Bruce asked.

Tim cocked his head to the side, frowning slightly.

“He was asking for you, give him a bit,” Bernard warned.

“Dad?” Tim asked softly, unsure.

The relief on Bruce’s face was obvious.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bruce saw Bernard’s number displayed and took a deep breath, they had to be downstairs to be calling. He answered and there…Tim…he looked different with bright red eyes and even paler than normal skin. “Tim?” he asked, watching as Tim cocked his head to the side, frowning slightly.

“He was asking for you, give him a bit,” Bernard warned.

“Dad?” Tim asked softly, unsure.

Bruce felt relief, his son recognised him. “Yes Sweetheart, I’m here.”

Tim’s voice sounded different, was that being a vampire or his confusion? Tim reached out, touching the screen, whining softly. He’d never seen Tim like that, even on the good painkillers.

“It’s alright Tim,” he murmured.

He’d been terrified at how Tim might change, that he’d…that he’d be a bloodthirsty monster. But this was his son, confused and scared, trying to reach him.

“Easy Tim,” Bernard was murmuring. The image shifted as he moved the phone, setting it against something, and Bruce realised Tim was curled in his computer chair.

Bernard sat and Tim crawled into his lap, nuzzling at his throat, obviously distressed, and Bernard tipped his head to the side slightly. Bruce watched as Tim latched on, suckling slowly, calming. “There you go,” Bernard murmured, stroking Tim’s hair.

Bernard looked up at him and then down at Tim. “If you’re willing to risk it…he’ll be sleepy after this. He hasn’t been violent so far, he was seeking out your scent.”

Bruce nodded immediately. “I’ll come down,” he agreed, heading for the elevator. He ended the call, shoving his hands in his pockets to hide their trembling.

Tim seemed calm, in control, wanted to see him…but would that change once he was actually there?

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

There was a familiar noise and he looked up, feeling sleepy, full. And then the scent hit him, present…. the thumping sound…he scrambled to get up, movements sluggish.

“Easy Tim,” Sire murmured, holding him back, and he whined, reaching out.

“I don’t think he’s trying to attack,” the familiar voice offered.

“Slow Tim, you don’t want to hurt him,” Ber murmured, and then he let go.

Tim got up, stumbling but then he moved, pressing against the larger form, whimpering and whining.

“Shh, it’s okay Tim, I’ve got you son,” the voice rumbled, a large hand gently cupping the back of his head.

“Dad,” Tim whined, nuzzling at him. “B?” Tim looked up; he knew him. “B.” he reached up and carefully touched warm skin.

“That’s right,” B smiled.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

“I’m right here,” Bruce promised, ignoring the chill of Tim’s hand, the threat of claws so close.

In person, the changes to Tim were a lot more obvious. There was no mistaking Tim for human anymore. He was just relieved that Tim recognised him and was reacting positively to his presence. The thought of Tim attacking… but it hadn’t happened. Though, he doubted they were beyond any kind of danger period. If anything of the stories were true, and he was waiting for more information from Constantine, then if hurt or around fresh blood, Tim would likely be more volatile, at least while young.

“I’ve got you Tim,” he promised, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of his head. He looked up to find Bernard watching them carefully, ready to move if Tim lost control. He also seemed nervous, not meeting Bruce’s eyes, and he understood why. “Thank you,” he murmured, and Bernard’s gaze jerked up to his, brown eyes narrowed in confusion.

“You out-thought them and found a way to get you both out of there.”

“But…I…I turned Tim, I killed him.”

“You saved him,” Bruce countered. “Constantine told us about the ultimatum. If you had followed it, you could have just snapped his neck, given him a quick death. You chose the option that gave him a chance to live in some manner.”

“You’re not…disgusted? I drink blood, Tim does too now. I can pass as human since I’m a half breed but Tim, even once he can change his eyes won’t. he doesn’t have a pulse anymore, won’t age…”

“And I don’t have to bury him. I did that once Bernard and it nearly destroyed me. Getting Jason back was a miracle, having another child returned from death…” it wouldn’t happen. When Constantine had warned him to prepare himself, he had feared he would never see his son again, that at most all he’d get would be his body. But Tim was here, aware and interacting.

“I don’t blame you Bernard, you did your best in an impossible situation. I blame those who took Tim just because the two of you are in love,” he assured the teen. He glanced down at Tim, feeling something… “Do vampires purr?” he asked, and Bernard smiled softly.

“Only when totally content,” Bernard answered. “He really loves you. He doesn’t seem to remember a lot yet. His turning was a bit different because my blood’s not as strong, so it’ll take him longer to recover mentally. He was dead for a while…his brain had no oxygen or blood…”

Bruce nodded in understanding. “But there won’t be permanent damage?” he double checked.

“I checked with some others and they said he should be fine. The more he feeds the quicker he’ll heal but if he feeds too much then his body might become too dependent on frequent feeding.”

That made sense. The blood would heal the damage done by death, otherwise there would be a lot of mentally impaired vampires.

“Upset, B?” Tim asked, holding on tightly but not painfully so thankfully.

“Just worried for you Tim,” he murmured. He wasn’t sure how good his hearing was and didn’t want to hurt him.

“Love you Dad,” Tim purred.

“I love you too Sweetheart.”

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bernard didn’t know what to think or feel. He’d expected to be met with anger and disgust but… instead Mr Wa…Bruce was holding Tim who was utterly content, not showing any signs of bloodlust, because he’d just suckled? Or was Tim already somehow so controlled? Could his training and years as a vigilante be helping him now?

But Tim was utterly relaxed, even purring for his Dad, nuzzling but not moving to bite. Tim’s speech and understanding wasn’t constant, it came and went, usually better soon after feeding. So he got up and went to the small kitchenette (seriously why did his Nest have or need one?!) and sure enough, it was stocked with blood. Thank you, Constantine. He got out a pack and prepped it, walking towards them. The scent got Tim’s attention, eyes locked on it, but he didn’t move from Bruce’s embrace.

“You want to?” he offered it to Bruce who took it. “He has trouble holding it and not making a mess, just keep it steady near his mouth.”

“Hungry?” Bruce asked, holding the pack up, and Tim immediately latched on, drinking, absently kneading at Bruce like a kitten as he fed. When it was empty Tim yawned, slumping against the man. Bruce carefully picked him up and then sat in the chair, settling Tim in his lap. “Does he always get tired like this?”

“Yeah, it’s to let the blood go where it’s most needed. He’ll doze for a little while and then wake up. I figured…he’s usually the most coherent after the nap.”

“Thank you.”

Bernard shrugged and moved to dispose of the pack.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Jason frowned when he realised, he was alone in the apartment but then he found the hastily scrawled note.

In the Nest, Bernard called.

Well. That had to be good, right?

TBC…

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 12

Tim leant into Bruce’s side, watching him work. It was easier to think, to remember, now. Keeping track of things like time was still hard but that was fine. There was a familiar sound and he sat up as Jason stepped into the Nest. He inhaled and then grimaced. “Stinky.”

Jay laughed and ruffled his hair on the way passed. “Everyone’s a critic,” he grumbled playfully but went to the showers.

It wasn’t his fault gunpowder stank!

“Being mean to Jason?” Bruce asked, and Tim chirped, leaning back into his side.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bruce chuckled, stroking his son’s hair. Tim had improved so much in the week since Bernard had brought him back to the Nest. You could almost see the change with every feeding now as his brain healed from the time deprived of oxygen and blood. His curiosity was clear, had been from the start, as was his frustration as he became more aware of what was missing. The key was keeping in occupied so they stayed with him in shifts. It was the easiest for Bernard since he could fall back on the Sire bond.

But Bruce wouldn’t give up his time with Tim for anything, it was like getting an insight to Tim as a young child, if his parents hadn’t been so neglectful and tried to smother who he was under the perfect heir routine. He knew Jason loved his shifts as well, as did Cass but she always worked with Steph since Steph sometimes didn’t know when to stop teasing Tim. Damian was being kept well away given their past together.  The last thing they needed was Tim attacking Damian because of it. There was a reason Tim avoided the Manor when Damian was home…and his birthday had just made things worse again when they had been at a stalemate for almost a year. Dick had been over a few times and Tim seemed to waver in his reaction to his big brother. Duke was fine which was good.

Tim’s old teammates would be helpful but they were on a mission. They were in for a shock when they got back, especially since it had been Kon who raised the alarm. But given they were all Meta’s; he couldn’t see them taking Tim’s change badly.

The thought that his ancestor was behind this, it made him feel sick. Was the man anything like the family history said or had that all been a lie, the man hiding his true personality behind a mask? After all, being turned hadn’t changed Tim so why would it have changed Joshua? Unless the Sire had something to do with that? He’d need to ask Bernard, though the boy had been raised human so there was no guarantee that he would know.

Constantine was gathering Dark and they were working on what to do about the vampire population. Apparently in most cities they ran like any other group of people with a structured leadership, rules, policing their own…Gotham wasn’t the only city that was out of control but it was one of the worse.

He didn’t like waiting, but with how easily they had taken Tim and controlled him, it was too dangerous. Tim needed them right now.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bernard lay on the bed that had been moved into the Nest for them, it wasn’t safe yet to have Tim in either apartment where he might catch a scent and try to take off. Tim was curled up with him, purring softly as he suckled. Bernard gently stroked his back as Tim drifted to sleep.

Part of him dread the day that Tim was fully recovered. Would he remember what had happened to him? That it was all Bernard’s fault? If they hadn’t been dating then Tim wouldn’t have been taken.

Tim whined softly, nuzzling at him in his sleep, obviously picking up on his agitation. Bernard smiled softly at him, pressing a kiss to the top of his head. Tim settled back into a deep sleep; one hand curled against Bernard’s chest.

He loved him so much, whatever it took for Tim to be safe and happy, he’d do it…even if Tim wanted him to go.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Cassie listened as Bruce…Batman explained what had happened to Tim. She felt sick. Poor Tim and Bernard. All because Bernard loved Tim and those bastards decided they had the right to say no.

“But he’s okay?” Kon demanded.

“He’s recovering, the process of turning with a half-vampire Sire means that his brain was deprived of oxygen and blood for some time. He’s doing a lot better now than he was at first. He recognises us all the time now and his speech is improving. His memory can still be spotty, especially with recent events.”

“Can we see him?” She asked, wanting to see him, needing to see with her own eyes that he was…alive, or whatever it was called for a vampire.

Tim…at least he hadn’t attacked or killed anyone, he would hate that. Bernard had kept him isolated enough until Constantine had shown up. She figured at the moment, he was like someone with brain damage, but at least he was getting better. The thought of Tim dead…it made her feel sick. How much worse must Bernard feel for being forced to be the one to kill him? She liked Bernard, but how did none of them realise he wasn’t fully human? Yes, he had a slow heart but shouldn’t she have at least sensed something as a demigoddess? She could usually sense the supernatural, even if not connected to the gods.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Kon entered the Nest, struggling to keep his heart from racing. “Tim?” he called softly and then he heard a growl.

“Easy Tim,” Bernard’s voice reached him and he moved to the kitchenette to find Tim tensed, Bernard holding his shoulder.

Tim stared at him blankly for a moment before his eyes widened. “Kon?”

“Hey,” he greeted gently.

Tim tore himself from Bernard and Kon caught him. He was cold, everything that Kon had memorised long ago to identify him was now silent. Tim held on to him tightly enough he could feel it and then…

“Is he purring?”

“Yep, means he’s happy,” Bernard was smiling softly.

“You okay?” Kon asked in concern. They’d both been through something so traumatic…even if Tim didn’t fully remember or understand at the moment.

Bernard shrugged slightly. “I will be. Just…waiting for the other shoe I guess once Tim’s fully back.”

“He won’t hate you,” he promised.

“Won’t he? It’s my fault they targeted him.”

“You could say it’s Bruce’s fault for being related to the bastard,” he pointed out.

Tim whined at them, obviously picking up the unhappiness. He looked up at Kon with big red eyes, still effective as puppy eyes as the blue had been. The claws and fangs were startling but the paleness…

“Will he ever be able to go out again?”

Bernard frowned. “He might learn to hide some of it, but some vampires can’t. No way to tell yet but most cities have places set up for those who can’t hide to socialise.”

Good, that was good.

“Missed you,” he whispered to his best friend.

“Missed Kon,” Tim answered, and for a second he wondered if he was just parroting the words but no, it was there in his eyes. He had missed Kon.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Dick kept his distance, Tim not wanting him close today. He had to accept that, that when Tim remembered everything, he might tell him to get out. He’d really messed up with missing Timmy’s birthday. He wanted to make things right between them but he just didn’t know how. At least Tim wasn’t attacking him? though Bernard could stop him which was why Dick mostly came around if he was available.

He'd really thought Damian was better than when he first came, and in many ways, he was, but finding out he’d messed with Dick’s systems to ensure he wouldn’t get messages from Tim? That really hurt. And made him question a lot of the last years.

And then Dick yelped as Tim pounced him, tensing, but there was no pain, no attack. Thankfully. Tim stared down at him with eerie red eyes and Dick held his breath. “Why?”

“Why what, baby bird?”

“Not like me?”

“No Tim…I love you kiddo. You’re my baby bird. I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.” He felt the tears in his eyes, shocked when Tim leant in to lick them away. Okay then. A cold nose pressed to his throat, Tim taking in deep breaths. Then he nodded and cuddled in.

The floor wasn’t exactly comfortable but he wasn’t going to suggest moving.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Cass curled with Tim, her little brother. He had saved her in Hong Kong…but she hadn’t been able to save him. Even if she could have, she’d still been recovering. They had a movie on quietly in the background, Bernard had been shoved off upstairs since he couldn’t afford to just vanish from his life. Plus, it might draw the other vampires out if they saw he was back to living in the building.

They all knew Tim wouldn’t like Bernard playing bait, but he’d offered and Constantine and ensured he was as protected as possible.

“Idiots,” Tim scoffed as the people on the screen ran screaming, and she giggled. He was doing a lot better now, talking more. “Sequels better.”

“Change?” she offered, but he shook his head.

He kissed her temple and she smiled at him, kissing his cheek. His skin might be cold and bloodlessly pale, but he was still her beloved little brother.

TBC…

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 13

Tim curled into Bernard’s side, feeling confused. He felt…different, clearer in a way. It was like something had clicked into place in his head. No, the confusion was because he could think clearly and remember. He remembered the man, sharp fingers digging into his face, the feeling of cold metal under him…hands on his body…pain…and then Bernard, more pain, then cold darkness… He could put the clues together, vampires…his attackers had been vampires. And Bernard was one? Tim was meant to be a message or something, that was very hazy. He traced his teeth with his tongue, finding true fangs rather than canine teeth.
And now…he was one too. He was…

“Tim?” Bernard’s voice was soft, and Tim realised he was awake now, feeling a hand gently stroking his back.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” he asked, fighting down the panic. Bernard had been there…had he…

He felt Bernard’s breathing hitch for a moment. “Welcome back.” There was tension in his voice and body now.

Tim sat up, looking down at him, taking in everything he could see now that he couldn’t before. His senses were way beyond human though he doubted he could match Kon or even Cassie and Bart. Most didn’t realise that being a speedster meant enhanced senses, especially vision. How else did they see when running so fast?

“Tim?” Bernard asked nervously, his heartbeat speeding up.

Ber’s heart beat…Tim pressed a hand to his own chest but it was still, silent. He pressed his hand to Bernard’s able to feel the movement.

“Why?” he asked, confused.

Bernard frowned before his eyes widened slightly. “Tim…” he swallowed. “What do you remember?”

“I was attacked, they got into the Nest somehow…” he couldn’t say it, say what they did to him. It’s not like he clearly remembered it or anything. “Then you…pain, darkness.” He wasn’t going to jump to conclusions, he wasn’t.

“They gave an ultimatum – either I killed you or they would torture you to death, dragging it out as long as they could before doing it to me as well. They locked us up together and I chose another option.”

“You made me into a vampire,” Tim choked out, and Bernard nodded.

“They thought you were really dead and that I’d gone mad with grief so they let me go and I carried you to a safe place to wait for you to wake. John Constantine found us, made it safe to come back here using magic to ensure they can’t get back in.”

“But your heart…”

“My mother’s human but my biological dad…he was a vampire. I’m a half-breed, Dhampir.”

Oh. “Why didn’t you tell me?” he asked. He thought Ber trusted him, loved him. He knew Tim was Red Robin even if it had never been stated, not till they were in Hong Kong and he told Tim to get changed.

“I was going to, I swear. I knew there was a threat but I thought they’d come after me, not you. You’re too public a figure, it would risk exposure.” Bernard explained, he sounded so sincere, his heartbeat steady.

Tim closed his eyes, listening as Bernard explained what had happened and why. He’d always been scared that Bernard would be targeted because of him and instead it had been the other way around. Bernard was only half human and now…now Tim was undead. A vampire…and he realised the hollow feeling in his stomach, the slight burn in his throat. He reached up to rub at it.

“You’re hungry,” Ber murmured, slowly reaching up to stroke his cheek. Bernard had always felt a little cool to him but now he was warm and Tim couldn’t help leaning into his touch. “You need to feed Tim, either from me or a bag.”

From Bernard? Vague memories of being held, suckling, safety…  he shivered, eyes drifting to Ber’s throat.

“Yeah, thought so,” Bernard whispered. “Come here Childe.”

That word called to something in him and he found himself moving, letting Bernard guide him down to his throat. He didn’t even need to think about what to do, instinct guiding him into sinking fangs into Ber’s skin. And then…oh…he sucked at the wound, needing more. He felt fuzzy, body relaxing.

“That’s it,” Ber’s voice sounded far away, kind of rumbling through him. “You’re doing so good Tim.”

Bernard stroked Tim’s hair as he suckled, feeling his body go lax as Bernard’s blood lulled him. He was terrified but doing his best to hide it from Tim. He was back, Tim was fully back to himself, aware, able to communicate…and remember. He didn’t seem to remember what Bernard had told him before putting him to sleep to be turned though.

Tim had stayed calm at least, though it had been his growing panic that had woken Bernard. Not surprising, Tim was finally able to understand how he was different. How scary must it be to wake up with no pulse and sharp fangs in your mouth? It had been scary enough to go through the slower changes that Bernard had in puberty. He reached blindly for his phone, sending Bruce a text to let him know that Tim was fully recovered and now dozing from feeding.

Would Tim forgive him?

Bruce checked his phone, staring at the message in shock and relief.

“B?” Jason asked.

“Tim’s back to himself, fully recovered,” he told the rest of his children.

They all looked relieved, all but Damian. He was watching his youngest very closely, Tim and Bernard’s species had to remain secret and he wasn’t sure that he trusted Damian to keep that secret.

“So, you’re going over?” Dick asked, and Bruce nodded.

He looked at Jason and flicked a glance at Damian, Jason nodding slightly.

They finished breakfast and Bruce left the Manor, heading for the Nest.

He entered quietly, knowing that Tim’s senses weren’t really under control yet. He glanced around but couldn’t see them. Which likely meant they were in the makeshift bedroom that had been set up. He headed for it and knocked very softly.

“It’s okay,” Bernard called softly.

Bruce opened the door and found the two in bed, Bernard cradling Tim’s sleeping form. And there on Bernard’s neck was a healing bite. He walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. “How is he?” he whispered.

“Confused, I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet.”

And then Tim stirred, red eyes blinking open. Tim sat up, looking around.

“Tim?” Bruce called and Tim looked at him, hesitant.

“B?”

He opened his arms and Tim hesitated, nostrils flaring slightly. But then he crawled into Bruce’s arms, trembling. “It’s alright son,” he whispered, pressing a kiss to silky black hair.

“Dad, I’m scared,” Tim admitted in a barely audible whisper.

“You’re going to be fine,” Bruce promised. “We’re here for you Tim. No matter what, you’ll always be my son.”

Tim clung to him, shaking growing stronger, crying. Bruce rocked him gently. It felt different, Tim’s body cold and lacking all life signs. But he was still his son. Bernard was watching, pain and grief clear on his face. Tim gradually calmed, nuzzling at him, but not attempting to bite him.

“How do you feel?” he asked gently.

“Strange,” Tim murmured. “I don’t remember much about what happened.”

“You’re still here, that’s what matters,” Bruce told him. “We thought…we thought you were dead Tim. Kon realised he couldn’t hear you, that he hadn’t for days. There were no signs, nothing. When John said you and Bernard were okay…” He tightened his hold on Tim. “I’m so glad you’re back.

Tim sat in his chair, watching the footage of himself and yet it didn’t feel like him. Bernard had explained that he had taken longer to recover from being turned because of Bernard’s own status, that his brain had been starved of blood and oxygen too long and so had taken time and blood to heal. Had he ever been so innocent and open, even as a child?

“Tim, you okay?” a familiar voice asked, and Tim spun the chair to see Kon.

He stood and flung himself at his best friend, Kon catching him easily. “I’m sorry,” he whispered.

“For what?” Kon asked, holding him close, and Tim burrowed closer to the warmth.

“For scaring you,” he answered. “B said you raised the alarm because you couldn’t hear me. I don’t remember everything but…it all happened so fast.”

Kon took a shuddering breath. “You’re really back,” he sounded so relieved. “And you have nothing to apologise for.” Kon pulled back to look him in the eye. “Nothing that happened is your fault. It’s the creep who targeted you and Bernard. Got it?” he demanded, almost glaring at him.

Tim nodded slowly. He knew that, really, but it was just so easy to blame himself. If he’d been faster to react…if he could have fought free of the mind control…

Bernard watched the family come together around Tim who thankfully was handling it well. He stayed close, just to be safe, but didn’t get close. They hadn’t really had the chance to talk and he wasn’t going to push it, he had to let Tim work through everything. They shared the bed, Tim still fed from him, but it felt…distant.

What else had he expected? If he had told Tim, he would have known to be more on guard. Would have had the choice to walk away before they became public and targets. Tim would still be alive, human.

Eventually, they were alone again and he got ready for bed on autopilot. They had to talk but he didn’t want to, he wanted the illusion that everything would be fine. Tim was just settling back in now that his faculties were fully restored.

He got under the covers and stared up at the ceiling, then Tim got in as well, curling into his side, an arm slung across his chest. Tim nuzzled at his throat and he turned his head to give him access, automatically moving a hand to pet Tim’s hair as he suckled.

“Ber,” Tim murmured sleepily, and Bernard closed his eyes as a kiss was pressed to his shoulder, Tim drifting off.

He took slow, deep breaths until he fell asleep as well.

He woke to Tim sprawled over him, his still, too pale form a reminder of what Bernard had condemned him too. Had it been selfish? Would it have been kinder to kill him? And his emotions soured his scent, causing Tim to stir.

“Ber?” Sleepy red eyes stared at him. “What’s wrong? Are you okay?” Tim sat up, straddling his thighs, looking him over.

Bernard took a shaky breath and Tim frowned. A clawed hand reached out to gently stroke his cheek and Bernard leant into it, fighting back a sob, closing his eyes.

“Bernard,” Tim whispered, and then cold lips were pressed to his, and Bernard sobbed.

Tim felt sick as Bernard sobbed, mind going back over the last few days. What could have…oh…oh what had he done? He pressed his body close to Bernard’s, focusing on how he felt, relieved when the soft purr rumbled out of his chest. He’d messed up, so focused on learning what had happened.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered, nuzzling at him. Part of him thought it felt weird but it also felt really right too. “I love you Ber,” he swore. He lifted his head, gently tugging Bernard to look at him. “Open your eyes Bernard,” he pleaded, and slowly, hesitantly, Bernard did it. Seeing the fear there hurt. “I love you; I will always love you,” he promised.

“Tim…” and now there was a glimmer of hope.

“You did what you had to, to save us both. This is…weird and not what I’d ever expected but…it beats being really dead, having you and the family bury me, mourn me. It’s not your fault.”

“Isn’t it?” Bernard asked softly. “If you weren’t with me…”

“I’ve accepted that I’d die young since I first put on the cape Bernard. Being with you is the happiest I’ve been in a very long time. I didn’t mean to get stuck in my head, it’s just…a lot to take in and adapt to.”

He leant in and Bernard lunged up to meet him, kissing hard. Kissing with fangs was weird but he would get used to it.

Dick smiled at the sight of Tim and Bernard curled together on the small couch. Figured Tim would have a movie area in his Nest for team nights. He’d seen the way Bernard had withdrawn a bit since Tim had recovered and he understood why, he’d been scared that Tim would blame him, hate him…just like Dick did. Tim didn’t know about Damian’s interference with his messages. Would it change anything? He’d let Dick close sometimes since being turned but now he had his full memory back.

“Hey,” he called softly, hating to interrupt, even though he knew they would have heard his arrival.

He saw Bernard whisper and Tim shake his head, Bernard getting up and heading for the elevator. He shot Dick a look and he nodded in understanding, don’t piss Tim off or hurt him.

Tim was standing now, watching him, and Dick took a deep breath. He could do this.

“Hey Tim.”

“Dick,” there was a trace of wariness in Tim’s voice that hurt, even though it wasn’t surprising.

He moved closer, stopping when Tim tensed. “I don’t know how much you remember since…”

“Dying?” Tim offered, and Dick winced, but nodded. “Not a lot,” he admitted.

“Damian blocked your accounts from my devices,” Dick told him, seeing the flicker of surprise. “But that’s no excuse. I messed up Tim, so badly. I never saw what was going on and I don’t know why. You’re my little brother, my baby bird, and I… I’m sorry Tim. I love you little brother. When we thought you were dead it was worse than when Jason was, because at least we were on good terms. I thought I’d never get to see you again. You’ve been a bit iffy on my presence, sometimes you let me stay, other times you’d try to attack. Last week you pinned me down, you were coherent enough to know something was wrong between us. You…you asked me why I didn’t like you.”

“What did you say?” Tim asked softly.

“That I love you, you’re my baby bird, but that I messed up. Then you licked me and cuddled right on the floor.”

Tim blinked at that. “Huh.”

Tim was kind of shocked honestly. Dick had brushed him off so many times since the mess with B being missing. But he had apologised several times now and hadn’t tried to give all the blame to Damian blocking Tim’s messages. Maybe…maybe he was learning? Could he take that risk? Let him back in?

“I love you Dick, I just…I can’t keep doing this. Every time I let you back in, you hurt me. I want my big brother back so much.”

Dick nodded sadly.

Tim bit his lip and then winced when his fang dug in too deeply. “One last chance,” he finally murmured. “This is it Dick, you hurt me again and we’re done.”

Dick’s eyes had gone wide but he nodded. “Okay,” he agreed.

Tim sighed. “Come on,” he held his arms up and Dick smiled shakily, moving in to wrap Tim in one of his infamous hugs.

Damian sneered as he watched Richard practically prancing around. All of his work, undone. He’d been glad when Drake vanished but no… he was back, sort of. And now he was an undead monster and none of the ‘family’ cared. Father was punishing him for blocking the interlopers communications with Richard. Robin was benched. Cain and Todd were watching him closely, it was frustrating.

Did Grandfather know about vampires? What killed them? He was going to have to investigate, but very carefully. Dowd could ‘live’ if he didn’t get in the way, Drake was his only tie to the Wayne family. But Drake would be eliminated. He’d been given chances to leave and had refused so death was the last option left.

TBC…