Fic: Corners and Turning Points
Jul. 7th, 2010 01:07 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
munninTitle: Corners and Turning Points
Author: Munnin
Rating: PG-13
Characters: Tim, Bruce, Dick, Alfred.
Verse: Mended Wings, Fly and Fall and Clipped.
Disclaimer: No ownership, no profit and no offence meant. Everyone is of the age of consent in their country and period of history.
Author’s notes: 100% organic. May contain minor flaws and imperfections that beta-treated slash wouldn’t.
Bingo card: H/C. Caught in a robbery. Masterlist here.
Summary: Wrong time. Wrong place. Right person?
Tim moved through his life in a daze for the first few days after his meeting with Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson.
Not only had he discovering the true identities of Gotham’s protector but that they trusted him, liked him even...
He hadn’t spoken to the butler on the way home but the old man’s presence was strangely comforting, as if the world hadn’t just been completely turned upside down. The man had rested a hand on Tim’s shoulder as he lifted his bike out of the car.
“We’ll be in touch.”
But it had been a week and nothing happened...
So Tim went on with his life, went to school, did his homework, shared milkshakes with Bernard and carried on as usual. But he carried the sharp little R in his pocket, just to prove to himself it wasn’t all a dream.
He headed straight to the bank after school. Bernard wanted to go out but Tim’s allowance had just cleared into his account and he really wanted to replace his camera. He missed taking photos even though it didn’t feel right to follow Batman right now.
Tim filled out the withdrawal slip and lined up, his walkman on as he shuffled along, absently waiting for his number to be called.
He let his mind drift to the thought of Dick being coop up in the manor on his own...the proud Robin caged by his own body. The discovery only made him admire the young man more and he spend several nights staring at the photos he’d taken and thinking about how brave Dick Grayson truly was.
The first gunshot dragged him out of his reverie and Tim instinctively dropped to the ground.
Four men in ski masks armed with AK-47s swarmed into the bank, followed by a man with a familiar looking tube over his shoulder.
One of them firing into the air to get everyone’s attention. “On the ground, hands on heads and no-one gets hurt.”
Tim crouched low, making himself as small as possible and observed the bank robbers. They moved like professionals, covering each other as they covered the space. Two of them monitored the crowd, their AKs slung low and ready as two others pulled props from bags and shoved them into the automatic shutters, preventing them from closing.
Then the fifth man fired the cannon. The shockwave was smaller this time, more refined but it was still enough to make Tim’s ears pop. The lights died and several people screamed.
“Stay down!” the nearest man yelled, raking the crowd with his gun menacingly.
Tim watched as the girl next to him reached for her phone, stabbing at the buttons but he knew it was futile, everything electronic in the room was now dead.
The men didn’t speak to each other but moved like a well oiled machine, bagging the money and covering the hostages with almost military precision.
Tim felt more than heard Batman arrive, like a change in air pressure. The Dark Knight shifted like a shadow in the gloom, disarming and breaking the hands of the two thieves who covered the hostages. The two more robbers swarmed into the foyer, bullets flying around the room.
Tim ran with the distraction, herding the people closest to him towards the door as Batman fought the thieves. The Gotham PD were waiting outside, moving people away and directing them behind the armoured squad cars. One of the cops spotted Tim and tried to usher him over but Tim ducked away, slipping back inside.
Batman was still fighting the two of the villains; two more were in the ground...
But the fifth was still missing.
Tim spotted him just in time as the fifth man raised an AK and aimed at the back of Batman’s head.
“Batman! Down!” On instinct, Tim threw the little star at Batman’s attacker.
Batman dropped neatly to one knee as the sharp little R passed over his head and buried itself in the fifth man’s shoulder. The gun rattling, letting off a spasm of shots before Batman’s kick laid the man out cold. The Dark Knight pulled a hand full of zip-ties from his belt and secured the thieves before turning to Tim.
The youth was on his knees, clucking his upper arm.
“How badly are you hurt?” Batman demanded, grabbing Tim’s arm.
“It’s just a graze.” Tim said quietly, a little pale. “The police are outside.”
“Were any of the hostages injured?” Batman asked, tearing back Tim’s sleeve. The graze was superficial but bleeding freely. He pulled a dressing from his belt and bound Tim’s arm.
“No-one was injured but me.” Tim answered, trying not to wince as Batman pulled the bandage tight. “I counted 24 customers and 6 staff. All of them are now with the police.”
Batman gave him a tight nod and doubled checked Tim’s arm. He bent over the fifth robber and ripped the star out of the man’s shoulder, tucking it into his belt. “I will return this to you later.”
“Batman?” Tim said carefully. “They were watching the clock. I think they were gauging response time.”
“Mine or the police?”
“Not sure. Possibly both.”
The front door of the bank opened and Commissioner Gordon tipped off his fedora. He whistled, looking over the tied up bad guys. “Impressive work. I’m getting my men to take witness statements now. I’d send them to you but I don’t doubt you’ll have lifted of the precinct computer before they even hit my desk.” He spotted Tim standing in the corner and eyed the stained bandage. “You aright son?”
Batman placed a heavy hand on Tim’s shoulder. “He’s with me.”
The Commissioner looked the pair of them over for a long moment. “Understood.” He said eventually. He turned his back to surveyed the scene. “Let me know it there is anything you...” When he turned back, Batman and Tim were gone.
Tim let Batman lead him to the car and got in without a word.
Batman punched a button and a screen in the dashboard lit up. “B to R.”
“R here.” Dick appeared on the screen. “Oh hey Tim. How ya doing?”
“Ok...thanks.” Tim answered, not sure what else to say.
“R, Tim has just been witness to a bank robbery. There’s a chance it was part of a larger operation. I need you to go over any footage you can rescue and build me a profile of what happened.”
“Sure B.” Dick smiled. “So are we doing this remotely or...?”
“I’m sending Tim to you with the car. Have Alfred meet him in the cave.”
Dick raised an eyebrow. “B? What are you going to do?”
“Finish the night’s patrol.” Bruce’s growl was deep and slightly warning. “Setting the car to autopilot.”
“Be careful out there hey?” Dick called earnestly. “See you soon, Tim.” He rang out and the screen went dark.
“Buckle up.” Batman pressed a sequence of buttons and the car roared to life. “Work with Robin, I need everything you know about this robbery.” He climbed out and slammed the door.
As soon as the door closed, the car took off, pushing Tim back in the seat. The windows darkened as the car drove, blocking out any view he had of where it was taking him. He knew where they lived but not their base of operation. Suddenly realising how cold he was, Tim pulled his school jumper from his bag and put it on, covering his injured arm.
Part of him wanted to count the minutes, keep track of the turns and bends but it felt like too much like cheating, like a breach of the trust Batman had placed in him. The car dipped suddenly, plunging forward and slowing to a stop.
Tim opened the door cautiously, slightly surprised to find Dick waiting for him.
“Welcome to the Batcave.” Dick grinned, leaning heavily on a pair of forearm brace crutches.
Tim stared around the cave, utterly gobsmacked. It was a massive subterranean maze filled with strange trophies and elaborate tech. There was a medical area, several workshops and more than a few different types of vehicles. Tim turned slowly, taking it all in as he turned back to Dick.
But there was something pained about Dick’s smile and his skin was flushed. “I’d give you the tour but...”
“No, no. I’m so sorry.” Tim fluttered, realising how hard it must be for Dick to be standing for so long. “What do you need me to do?” He followed Dick over a bank of computers.
The fallen Robin lowered himself carefully into a chair with a frustrated sigh. “Walk me though what happened tonight.” Dick punched a few buttons and queued up the security footage from the bank, starting at the point Tim entered the bank. “All the footage got scrambled after the EMP cannon was fired but with your help I can build up a simulated model of the robbery.”
***
About an hour later Alfred coughed politely, a tray of sandwiches in hand. “I took the liberty of preparing you young gentleman some supper. I doubt Master Timothy has had a chance to eat with this evening.”
Tim blushed to his roots. “No I haven’t...Thank you, that’s very thoughtful...” He didn’t realise how hungry he was till the food was presented to him.
“Shut up and eat.” Dick grinned playfully, leaping on the sandwiches. “Alfred’s cooking is the best!”
Alfred smiled discreetly, resting a hand on Dick’s shoulder as he scrolled through the model they’d created. “Bank Robbery?”
“Hmm,” Dick swallowed hastily, “But there’s something screwy about it.” He ran the simulation again. “The crew are pros – the robbery was well planned and coordinated but ultimately pointless. The bank wasn’t holding that much money and according to the police reports, they didn’t even try for the vaults. It was almost as if they were waiting to get picked up.”
“We think it was a ruse to gage both police and Batman’s response time.” Tim queued the simulation to a different point, showing one of the thieves checking the time against an analogue watch.
“There was no cell phone activity in the area after the blast.” Dick continued, pulling up another screen showing the disruption to the nearest cell tower. “But it looks like someone used a shielded satellite phone to texted their lap times to an external source. We’re tracking the call now.”
Alfred smiled softly. “You two make quite the investigative team.” He patted Tim on arm. Much to his surprise the young man flinched. “Master Timothy? Are you all right?”
“It’s nothing.” Tim shrugged it off, clutching his arm but Dick caught hold of him.
“Tim?” Dick demanded, his tone a little dark as he reached for the hem of Tim’s jumper. “What’s wrong? Show me.”
Tim tried to pull away but Dick wasn’t letting go, shifting his crutch under Tim’s knee to stop him standing up.
“Tim.” Dick growled.
Alfred cleared his throat meaningfully and both young men stopped struggling. “Master Timothy, if you are injured in any way; I implore you to let me look. I am a train field medic and have spent many years dealing with Master Bruce and Master Dick’s injuries. Please let me see.”
Shamefaced Tim shed his jumper, rolling back the tattered sleeve of his shirt.
Alfred wrapped a hand around Tim’s upper arm, holding the bandage up to the light. “May I ask what happened?”
“It’s nothing.” Tim whimpered, upset and embarrassed. “It’s just a graze. One of the bullets just missed me.”
Dick looked pole-axed. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
Alfred shushed him and steered Tim towards the medical bay, pulling on latex gloves and peeling back the bandage.
“It’s nothing. Really.” Tim squirmed as Alfred cleaned the wound.
“The graze is shallow.” Alfred said gently as he butterfly clipped the edges of the cut before re-bandaged it. “But it may scar.”
Dick followed them over slowly, leaning on the bench with his arms crossed, his crutches dangling. “Alfred, will you give us a moment?”
The older servant nodded and let them be.
Dick dropped his head with a sigh, his hair covered his face. “Talk me through it again.” He ordered, his voice tired and a little angry.
“I saw the fifth man come up behind Batman with an AK.” Tim said quietly, going over the scene as before. “Something hit him and the gun fired. Batman then kicked him to the ground. One of the bullets grazed my arm.”
“What hit him Tim?” Dick asked quietly. “What aren’t you telling me?”
Tim bit his lip; he didn’t want to say anything because he didn’t want to imply Batman needed his help. “Your R shuriken. I threw it at him.”
Dick sighed and scrubbed at his face. “’s a good shot. Ever throw one before?”
“No sir.” Tim answered, feeling his stomach plummet.
“So how did you curve it around Batman?”
“I didn’t.” Tim stuttered, frightened and ashamed. “I...I told him to duck.”
Dick gave a tired little laugh and reached out to cup Tim’s face. “Why didn’t you tell me this earlier?” He asked at a whisper, brushing his thumb over Tim’s cheek. “Why didn’t you tell me you were hurt?”
Tim shuddered and blushed, ducking away from Dick’s hand. No-one touched him much. Bernard did sometimes – a tap on the arm to get his attention, a hand in his shoulders to steer him into the cafe but never like this... never lovingly...“I’m sorry.” He muttered, bitting his lip. “I should go.” He swallowed hard and headed back to the computer to grab his bag.
“Tim, stop!” Dick called as Tim raced back the way the car came in. “Please come back. I can’t chase you.”
There was something defeated about Dick’s tone, something broken that made Tim’s heart ache. He turned and walked slowly back, his head down.
“I shouldn’t have grabbed at you earlier. I’m sorry.” Dick sighed wearily. “I had no right.”
“I should have said something. I’m sorry.” Tim stammered, “I’m just not use to having people make a fuss over me.”
“You’d rather people not notice you.” Dick observed.
“It’s easier that way.” Tim shrugged.
“But lonely I’d imagine.”
Tim glanced up and saw sadness in Dick’s eyes, and not all for him. How lonely was Robin, trapped in that big house with only Bruce and Alfred for company?
“The hardest thing we ever learn,” Dick mused quietly, almost to himself, “is that our heroes are human.” He reached out as if to touch Tim again but let his hand drop. “You’re covering for him already. If I needed a sign I guess that was it.” He took a deep breath. “You know how you said you always wanted to be Robin, Tim? I think maybe you should. I want you to take over from me.”
Tim backed up so fast he bashed into the gurney. “I couldn’t! I’m no-one. How could I ever be you?”
“You’re already well on your way with the skills Robin needs. You’re observant and resourceful; a natural detective. You’re cool in a crisis and you’re already watching Batman’s back. You picked up the computer’s programming like you were born to it. You’re agile, fast and stealthy enough to have tracked us for months without getting caught. You’re a fast learner, you’ll pick up combat skills quick enough especially with Bruce and I to teach you...”
“I can’t.” Tim whispered desperately. “I can’t take that away from you.”
“You won’t be.” Dick said earnestly. “The attack you saved me from has done serious damage to my legs. By rights I shouldn’t even be walking around yet, Leslie’s going to kill me for pushing myself this hard but...it’ll be months before I can even think about suiting up again.” He pushed his hair out of his face and looked up at Tim, his bright blue eyes flashing. “I need to know someone’s got his back in the field. And I think that someone is you.”
Tim’s breathing was fast and shallow. “I...I need to think.”
“Of course.” Dick said quietly. “Alfred can drop you home as soon as you’re ready.” He sighed again. “I’m sorry to dump this on you Tim but...I think it’s the right thing, for all of us.”
***
Alfred drove in silence, watching Tim’s expression with concern. “Something on your mind Master Timothy?”
Tim let out the breath he didn’t realise he was holding. “I just...I’m not sure what to do.”
“Regarding Master Dick’s offer to train you as Robin?”
Tim looked across at him sharply. “You know about that?”
Alfred nodded sagely, leaving Tim wondering if there was anything Alfred didn’t know.
“If I might offer some advice?”
“Please?”
“If your reluctance is out of concern for Master Dick then it is unfounded. By passing the legacy of Robin to you, he is not giving his life as a crime fighter, quite the contrary. He’s already begun to design his next suit.” The old servant smiled with quiet pride. “Darker than the Robin red but very elegant, very suitable for the man he has become.”
“Even so...” Tim sighed, “I’m not sure I’m good enough.”
“Master Dick and Master Bruce have chosen you for a reason, and rightly so I believe.”
“Bruce knows?” Tim looked startled.
“Yes. He too shared your concerns for Master Dick’s wellbeing but he also shares Dick’s faith that you are worthy and capable of acting as his partner.”
“I...I need to sleep on it.”
“Of course,” Alfred pulled the car up smoothly, slipping a card and a new cell phone into Tim’s hand. “Should you need us at any time, simply call.”
“Thank you Alfred.” As Tim walked from the warm car into his cold and empty house, he wondered if he had any reason to say no. And that thought alone scared him.
***
Bruce came back from patrol to find Dick asleep at the console, his head resting on his folded arms. He changed out of suit and back into civvies before lifting Dick into his arms and carrying him back up to his room.
Dick snuffled as Bruce laid him down, pulling the blankets up over him. “I screwed up B.”
“How so?” Bruce asked, perching on the edge of the bed to brush Dick’s hair back from his face. “Apart from pushing yourself too hard when you should be resting?”
Dick gave an irritable little growl. “Tim. I pounced on him when I realised he was hurt then I dumped the idea of being Robin on him without warning.” Dick rolled into his back and looked up at Bruce with plaintive eyes. “I came on too strong. I think I scared him off.”
“Tim’s tougher than you think. We just need to give him time.” Bruce ran his hand over Dick’s brow, smoothing away the creases of pain and worry. “Rest now little Robin.”
Dick snorted sleepily. “You haven’t called me that in a long time.”
“I know.” Bruce leant in, kissing Dick’s forehead fondly. It had been a long time since Dick had seemed so pliant, relaxing into his touch without his usual stubborn resistance. “Get some sleep. We have a lot of work ahead of us.”
Dick rolled over, curling around Bruce through the blankets. “More bank robberies?”
“I suspect so. The police truck transporting tonight’s team was ambushed on the way to the precinct. No-one was hurt but all five men got away clean, along with the pulse cannon.”
“Damn.” Dick mumbled, his eyes drooping.
Bruce pressed another soft kiss to Dick’s hair. “Sleep now. We’ll deal with it in the morning.” But Dick was already out like a light.
Author: Munnin
Rating: PG-13
Characters: Tim, Bruce, Dick, Alfred.
Verse: Mended Wings, Fly and Fall and Clipped.
Disclaimer: No ownership, no profit and no offence meant. Everyone is of the age of consent in their country and period of history.
Author’s notes: 100% organic. May contain minor flaws and imperfections that beta-treated slash wouldn’t.
Bingo card: H/C. Caught in a robbery. Masterlist here.
Summary: Wrong time. Wrong place. Right person?
Tim moved through his life in a daze for the first few days after his meeting with Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson.
Not only had he discovering the true identities of Gotham’s protector but that they trusted him, liked him even...
He hadn’t spoken to the butler on the way home but the old man’s presence was strangely comforting, as if the world hadn’t just been completely turned upside down. The man had rested a hand on Tim’s shoulder as he lifted his bike out of the car.
“We’ll be in touch.”
But it had been a week and nothing happened...
So Tim went on with his life, went to school, did his homework, shared milkshakes with Bernard and carried on as usual. But he carried the sharp little R in his pocket, just to prove to himself it wasn’t all a dream.
He headed straight to the bank after school. Bernard wanted to go out but Tim’s allowance had just cleared into his account and he really wanted to replace his camera. He missed taking photos even though it didn’t feel right to follow Batman right now.
Tim filled out the withdrawal slip and lined up, his walkman on as he shuffled along, absently waiting for his number to be called.
He let his mind drift to the thought of Dick being coop up in the manor on his own...the proud Robin caged by his own body. The discovery only made him admire the young man more and he spend several nights staring at the photos he’d taken and thinking about how brave Dick Grayson truly was.
The first gunshot dragged him out of his reverie and Tim instinctively dropped to the ground.
Four men in ski masks armed with AK-47s swarmed into the bank, followed by a man with a familiar looking tube over his shoulder.
One of them firing into the air to get everyone’s attention. “On the ground, hands on heads and no-one gets hurt.”
Tim crouched low, making himself as small as possible and observed the bank robbers. They moved like professionals, covering each other as they covered the space. Two of them monitored the crowd, their AKs slung low and ready as two others pulled props from bags and shoved them into the automatic shutters, preventing them from closing.
Then the fifth man fired the cannon. The shockwave was smaller this time, more refined but it was still enough to make Tim’s ears pop. The lights died and several people screamed.
“Stay down!” the nearest man yelled, raking the crowd with his gun menacingly.
Tim watched as the girl next to him reached for her phone, stabbing at the buttons but he knew it was futile, everything electronic in the room was now dead.
The men didn’t speak to each other but moved like a well oiled machine, bagging the money and covering the hostages with almost military precision.
Tim felt more than heard Batman arrive, like a change in air pressure. The Dark Knight shifted like a shadow in the gloom, disarming and breaking the hands of the two thieves who covered the hostages. The two more robbers swarmed into the foyer, bullets flying around the room.
Tim ran with the distraction, herding the people closest to him towards the door as Batman fought the thieves. The Gotham PD were waiting outside, moving people away and directing them behind the armoured squad cars. One of the cops spotted Tim and tried to usher him over but Tim ducked away, slipping back inside.
Batman was still fighting the two of the villains; two more were in the ground...
But the fifth was still missing.
Tim spotted him just in time as the fifth man raised an AK and aimed at the back of Batman’s head.
“Batman! Down!” On instinct, Tim threw the little star at Batman’s attacker.
Batman dropped neatly to one knee as the sharp little R passed over his head and buried itself in the fifth man’s shoulder. The gun rattling, letting off a spasm of shots before Batman’s kick laid the man out cold. The Dark Knight pulled a hand full of zip-ties from his belt and secured the thieves before turning to Tim.
The youth was on his knees, clucking his upper arm.
“How badly are you hurt?” Batman demanded, grabbing Tim’s arm.
“It’s just a graze.” Tim said quietly, a little pale. “The police are outside.”
“Were any of the hostages injured?” Batman asked, tearing back Tim’s sleeve. The graze was superficial but bleeding freely. He pulled a dressing from his belt and bound Tim’s arm.
“No-one was injured but me.” Tim answered, trying not to wince as Batman pulled the bandage tight. “I counted 24 customers and 6 staff. All of them are now with the police.”
Batman gave him a tight nod and doubled checked Tim’s arm. He bent over the fifth robber and ripped the star out of the man’s shoulder, tucking it into his belt. “I will return this to you later.”
“Batman?” Tim said carefully. “They were watching the clock. I think they were gauging response time.”
“Mine or the police?”
“Not sure. Possibly both.”
The front door of the bank opened and Commissioner Gordon tipped off his fedora. He whistled, looking over the tied up bad guys. “Impressive work. I’m getting my men to take witness statements now. I’d send them to you but I don’t doubt you’ll have lifted of the precinct computer before they even hit my desk.” He spotted Tim standing in the corner and eyed the stained bandage. “You aright son?”
Batman placed a heavy hand on Tim’s shoulder. “He’s with me.”
The Commissioner looked the pair of them over for a long moment. “Understood.” He said eventually. He turned his back to surveyed the scene. “Let me know it there is anything you...” When he turned back, Batman and Tim were gone.
Tim let Batman lead him to the car and got in without a word.
Batman punched a button and a screen in the dashboard lit up. “B to R.”
“R here.” Dick appeared on the screen. “Oh hey Tim. How ya doing?”
“Ok...thanks.” Tim answered, not sure what else to say.
“R, Tim has just been witness to a bank robbery. There’s a chance it was part of a larger operation. I need you to go over any footage you can rescue and build me a profile of what happened.”
“Sure B.” Dick smiled. “So are we doing this remotely or...?”
“I’m sending Tim to you with the car. Have Alfred meet him in the cave.”
Dick raised an eyebrow. “B? What are you going to do?”
“Finish the night’s patrol.” Bruce’s growl was deep and slightly warning. “Setting the car to autopilot.”
“Be careful out there hey?” Dick called earnestly. “See you soon, Tim.” He rang out and the screen went dark.
“Buckle up.” Batman pressed a sequence of buttons and the car roared to life. “Work with Robin, I need everything you know about this robbery.” He climbed out and slammed the door.
As soon as the door closed, the car took off, pushing Tim back in the seat. The windows darkened as the car drove, blocking out any view he had of where it was taking him. He knew where they lived but not their base of operation. Suddenly realising how cold he was, Tim pulled his school jumper from his bag and put it on, covering his injured arm.
Part of him wanted to count the minutes, keep track of the turns and bends but it felt like too much like cheating, like a breach of the trust Batman had placed in him. The car dipped suddenly, plunging forward and slowing to a stop.
Tim opened the door cautiously, slightly surprised to find Dick waiting for him.
“Welcome to the Batcave.” Dick grinned, leaning heavily on a pair of forearm brace crutches.
Tim stared around the cave, utterly gobsmacked. It was a massive subterranean maze filled with strange trophies and elaborate tech. There was a medical area, several workshops and more than a few different types of vehicles. Tim turned slowly, taking it all in as he turned back to Dick.
But there was something pained about Dick’s smile and his skin was flushed. “I’d give you the tour but...”
“No, no. I’m so sorry.” Tim fluttered, realising how hard it must be for Dick to be standing for so long. “What do you need me to do?” He followed Dick over a bank of computers.
The fallen Robin lowered himself carefully into a chair with a frustrated sigh. “Walk me though what happened tonight.” Dick punched a few buttons and queued up the security footage from the bank, starting at the point Tim entered the bank. “All the footage got scrambled after the EMP cannon was fired but with your help I can build up a simulated model of the robbery.”
***
About an hour later Alfred coughed politely, a tray of sandwiches in hand. “I took the liberty of preparing you young gentleman some supper. I doubt Master Timothy has had a chance to eat with this evening.”
Tim blushed to his roots. “No I haven’t...Thank you, that’s very thoughtful...” He didn’t realise how hungry he was till the food was presented to him.
“Shut up and eat.” Dick grinned playfully, leaping on the sandwiches. “Alfred’s cooking is the best!”
Alfred smiled discreetly, resting a hand on Dick’s shoulder as he scrolled through the model they’d created. “Bank Robbery?”
“Hmm,” Dick swallowed hastily, “But there’s something screwy about it.” He ran the simulation again. “The crew are pros – the robbery was well planned and coordinated but ultimately pointless. The bank wasn’t holding that much money and according to the police reports, they didn’t even try for the vaults. It was almost as if they were waiting to get picked up.”
“We think it was a ruse to gage both police and Batman’s response time.” Tim queued the simulation to a different point, showing one of the thieves checking the time against an analogue watch.
“There was no cell phone activity in the area after the blast.” Dick continued, pulling up another screen showing the disruption to the nearest cell tower. “But it looks like someone used a shielded satellite phone to texted their lap times to an external source. We’re tracking the call now.”
Alfred smiled softly. “You two make quite the investigative team.” He patted Tim on arm. Much to his surprise the young man flinched. “Master Timothy? Are you all right?”
“It’s nothing.” Tim shrugged it off, clutching his arm but Dick caught hold of him.
“Tim?” Dick demanded, his tone a little dark as he reached for the hem of Tim’s jumper. “What’s wrong? Show me.”
Tim tried to pull away but Dick wasn’t letting go, shifting his crutch under Tim’s knee to stop him standing up.
“Tim.” Dick growled.
Alfred cleared his throat meaningfully and both young men stopped struggling. “Master Timothy, if you are injured in any way; I implore you to let me look. I am a train field medic and have spent many years dealing with Master Bruce and Master Dick’s injuries. Please let me see.”
Shamefaced Tim shed his jumper, rolling back the tattered sleeve of his shirt.
Alfred wrapped a hand around Tim’s upper arm, holding the bandage up to the light. “May I ask what happened?”
“It’s nothing.” Tim whimpered, upset and embarrassed. “It’s just a graze. One of the bullets just missed me.”
Dick looked pole-axed. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
Alfred shushed him and steered Tim towards the medical bay, pulling on latex gloves and peeling back the bandage.
“It’s nothing. Really.” Tim squirmed as Alfred cleaned the wound.
“The graze is shallow.” Alfred said gently as he butterfly clipped the edges of the cut before re-bandaged it. “But it may scar.”
Dick followed them over slowly, leaning on the bench with his arms crossed, his crutches dangling. “Alfred, will you give us a moment?”
The older servant nodded and let them be.
Dick dropped his head with a sigh, his hair covered his face. “Talk me through it again.” He ordered, his voice tired and a little angry.
“I saw the fifth man come up behind Batman with an AK.” Tim said quietly, going over the scene as before. “Something hit him and the gun fired. Batman then kicked him to the ground. One of the bullets grazed my arm.”
“What hit him Tim?” Dick asked quietly. “What aren’t you telling me?”
Tim bit his lip; he didn’t want to say anything because he didn’t want to imply Batman needed his help. “Your R shuriken. I threw it at him.”
Dick sighed and scrubbed at his face. “’s a good shot. Ever throw one before?”
“No sir.” Tim answered, feeling his stomach plummet.
“So how did you curve it around Batman?”
“I didn’t.” Tim stuttered, frightened and ashamed. “I...I told him to duck.”
Dick gave a tired little laugh and reached out to cup Tim’s face. “Why didn’t you tell me this earlier?” He asked at a whisper, brushing his thumb over Tim’s cheek. “Why didn’t you tell me you were hurt?”
Tim shuddered and blushed, ducking away from Dick’s hand. No-one touched him much. Bernard did sometimes – a tap on the arm to get his attention, a hand in his shoulders to steer him into the cafe but never like this... never lovingly...“I’m sorry.” He muttered, bitting his lip. “I should go.” He swallowed hard and headed back to the computer to grab his bag.
“Tim, stop!” Dick called as Tim raced back the way the car came in. “Please come back. I can’t chase you.”
There was something defeated about Dick’s tone, something broken that made Tim’s heart ache. He turned and walked slowly back, his head down.
“I shouldn’t have grabbed at you earlier. I’m sorry.” Dick sighed wearily. “I had no right.”
“I should have said something. I’m sorry.” Tim stammered, “I’m just not use to having people make a fuss over me.”
“You’d rather people not notice you.” Dick observed.
“It’s easier that way.” Tim shrugged.
“But lonely I’d imagine.”
Tim glanced up and saw sadness in Dick’s eyes, and not all for him. How lonely was Robin, trapped in that big house with only Bruce and Alfred for company?
“The hardest thing we ever learn,” Dick mused quietly, almost to himself, “is that our heroes are human.” He reached out as if to touch Tim again but let his hand drop. “You’re covering for him already. If I needed a sign I guess that was it.” He took a deep breath. “You know how you said you always wanted to be Robin, Tim? I think maybe you should. I want you to take over from me.”
Tim backed up so fast he bashed into the gurney. “I couldn’t! I’m no-one. How could I ever be you?”
“You’re already well on your way with the skills Robin needs. You’re observant and resourceful; a natural detective. You’re cool in a crisis and you’re already watching Batman’s back. You picked up the computer’s programming like you were born to it. You’re agile, fast and stealthy enough to have tracked us for months without getting caught. You’re a fast learner, you’ll pick up combat skills quick enough especially with Bruce and I to teach you...”
“I can’t.” Tim whispered desperately. “I can’t take that away from you.”
“You won’t be.” Dick said earnestly. “The attack you saved me from has done serious damage to my legs. By rights I shouldn’t even be walking around yet, Leslie’s going to kill me for pushing myself this hard but...it’ll be months before I can even think about suiting up again.” He pushed his hair out of his face and looked up at Tim, his bright blue eyes flashing. “I need to know someone’s got his back in the field. And I think that someone is you.”
Tim’s breathing was fast and shallow. “I...I need to think.”
“Of course.” Dick said quietly. “Alfred can drop you home as soon as you’re ready.” He sighed again. “I’m sorry to dump this on you Tim but...I think it’s the right thing, for all of us.”
***
Alfred drove in silence, watching Tim’s expression with concern. “Something on your mind Master Timothy?”
Tim let out the breath he didn’t realise he was holding. “I just...I’m not sure what to do.”
“Regarding Master Dick’s offer to train you as Robin?”
Tim looked across at him sharply. “You know about that?”
Alfred nodded sagely, leaving Tim wondering if there was anything Alfred didn’t know.
“If I might offer some advice?”
“Please?”
“If your reluctance is out of concern for Master Dick then it is unfounded. By passing the legacy of Robin to you, he is not giving his life as a crime fighter, quite the contrary. He’s already begun to design his next suit.” The old servant smiled with quiet pride. “Darker than the Robin red but very elegant, very suitable for the man he has become.”
“Even so...” Tim sighed, “I’m not sure I’m good enough.”
“Master Dick and Master Bruce have chosen you for a reason, and rightly so I believe.”
“Bruce knows?” Tim looked startled.
“Yes. He too shared your concerns for Master Dick’s wellbeing but he also shares Dick’s faith that you are worthy and capable of acting as his partner.”
“I...I need to sleep on it.”
“Of course,” Alfred pulled the car up smoothly, slipping a card and a new cell phone into Tim’s hand. “Should you need us at any time, simply call.”
“Thank you Alfred.” As Tim walked from the warm car into his cold and empty house, he wondered if he had any reason to say no. And that thought alone scared him.
***
Bruce came back from patrol to find Dick asleep at the console, his head resting on his folded arms. He changed out of suit and back into civvies before lifting Dick into his arms and carrying him back up to his room.
Dick snuffled as Bruce laid him down, pulling the blankets up over him. “I screwed up B.”
“How so?” Bruce asked, perching on the edge of the bed to brush Dick’s hair back from his face. “Apart from pushing yourself too hard when you should be resting?”
Dick gave an irritable little growl. “Tim. I pounced on him when I realised he was hurt then I dumped the idea of being Robin on him without warning.” Dick rolled into his back and looked up at Bruce with plaintive eyes. “I came on too strong. I think I scared him off.”
“Tim’s tougher than you think. We just need to give him time.” Bruce ran his hand over Dick’s brow, smoothing away the creases of pain and worry. “Rest now little Robin.”
Dick snorted sleepily. “You haven’t called me that in a long time.”
“I know.” Bruce leant in, kissing Dick’s forehead fondly. It had been a long time since Dick had seemed so pliant, relaxing into his touch without his usual stubborn resistance. “Get some sleep. We have a lot of work ahead of us.”
Dick rolled over, curling around Bruce through the blankets. “More bank robberies?”
“I suspect so. The police truck transporting tonight’s team was ambushed on the way to the precinct. No-one was hurt but all five men got away clean, along with the pulse cannon.”
“Damn.” Dick mumbled, his eyes drooping.
Bruce pressed another soft kiss to Dick’s hair. “Sleep now. We’ll deal with it in the morning.” But Dick was already out like a light.
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Date: 2010-07-07 04:04 am (UTC)I know, Isn't Bruce awesome when he's being sweet. He really cares very deeply for Dick, even if Dick won't let him show it some time.
Thank you!