Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Bruce had a plan. He never said it was a good plan. But it was definitely a plan.

Alfred put a hand on his shoulder. <Unexpected events are not predictable, Master Bruce.>

***

In sunglasses and a hat, as the sun set on a dull Tuesday, Bruce Wayne forced himself to sit still, sipping his blackberry smoothie. Still, and not fidgeting. It was ten minutes until the appointed time.

That was fine. They would be there.

Nine minutes.

Maybe not all of them would come, Bruce began to admit. He didn't have the best relationship with all of them. And they had their own lives.

But Dick was in Gotham. And they were better lately. Surely he could count on Dick?

(Fragments of arguments in his head. Screams and slamming doors.)

He shook his head. He didn't think about his relationship with the kids often, but it couldn't be that bad. If not Dick, maybe he could bet on Tim. He and Tim were the most alike, everyone said so.

(The first few days, he couldn't even remember his name. He'd left him alone for years and still disappointed him.)

Jason... Bad bet. Jason had more reasons than anyone not to come. But they'd talked. He'd promised to stay.

(A body, a coffin. He'd left his son underground, forced to dig his way out of his own grave. He'd left him to the League.)

There was Cass. Cass was always a sure thing.

(A human weapon, a tortured child he'd found too late. He couldn't remember the last time he'd spent an entire day with her. Maybe she'd neglect him the way he neglected her. Was he better than the Drakes?)

Stephanie. He hadn't argued with her in a while. She was unpredictable but she'd replied to his message with a sarcastic sticker. Was that a yes?

(He took Robin away from her. He did it for her, she almost died in that costume. Stephanie, though, was always so sure when she said she wasn't his daughter.)

There was Damian. Damian always said he was his son. His own blood.

(Damian called him "father" but he trained with Jason, took lessons from Tim, and always looked for Dick when he walked into a room. Maybe he would come but he would hate every moment because Dick wouldn't be there.)

He invited Duke, too. It had been impulsive: Duke was so smart, so good at navigating the family, that Bruce simply saw him as a necessary part of it.

(He had had that boy in his sights for weeks and hadn't seen the curse. And his parents had died at the hands of the same crazy man who killed Jason. Because Bruce hadn't been good enough.)

<Bruce> a female voice, a tap on his shoulder. He looked up and saw Barbara Gordon. <You look like crap. What's going on?>

<Did I fail you, Barbs?>

<Yes> the girl said quietly. <You suck.>

Bruce winced.

Barbs laughed. <You know who else sucks? Everyone. Is that why you were like that?>

Slowly, Bruce nodded. And the first person to ever wear the bat symbol after him asked, in a serious voice, <Do you love me, B? Because you're like a father to me, so if I said no it would be super embarrassing.>

<Of course I do,> Bruce said immediately. <But...>

<But, but, but... listen. I'm better than you and you know it.> She waved a hand. <Would you die for me?>

Bruce had no idea how they got to be having these conversations while drinking smoothies. Barbs's was pink. Strawberry?
<I'd die for you.>

<Don't do that,> Barbs muttered. <But that wasn't my point. I'm like a daughter to you, right?>

Bruce nodded. He didn't know where Barbs was trying to lead him, but she was only telling the truth, and Bruce had no reason to lie.

<What kind of daughter? Am I a daughter in the sense that you're proud of me? Would you talk about me at events? Would you hire me?>

Bruce would do all that. But...
<Barbara, I'd give you Wayne Enterprises if that was what you needed.>

The girl's gaze went soft. <I know, B. Because you're not proud of me. That's different. You're happy because of me. Not because of what I do. That's secondary. You're happy that I exist. You wouldn't talk about me. You'd let me talk, even if someone thought I wasn't good enough. Even if I wasn't good enough, you'd give me the microphone. You wouldn’t hire me. I’m not a protégé, someone you empathize with. We’re family. You’d pay for me to go to college even if I had to spend ten years there, as long as it’s what I need. You don’t love me like you love your best employee. You love me like you love your five-year-old who just broke a window and a six-hundred-year-old vase at the same time. You love me like you love people who can do anything, but who you’d always let come back.>

She held out a hand. Bruce, trying not to cry, squeezed it lightly. <So... you suck. Ready to pick up the rest of the trash and spend a day watching them fight and buy stupid things?>

Bruce nodded.

<Great!> Barbara ran a hand over her face. Bruce pulled out his tissues immediately.

<Umh, take one too, B...>

So, at the end, he cried. At least he didn't do it alone.

***

Dick found his ex-girlfriend and his adoptive father crying and drinking milkshakes.

Barbs had texted him: "Get your ass here now!"

He sighed. There was his dad and his oldest friend crying.

<Hey! Can I have a sip of milkshake?>

***

Tim arrived five minutes early. He found Barbara, Dick, and Bruce sitting at a cafe. He ordered a mango smoothie and joined them.

<Hi. Sorry to keep you waiting.>

<B cried,> Dick said, laughing. <He was worried we weren't coming. Barbs told him he sucks.>

He had stretched out an arm and placed it on his father's shoulders.

Bruce sighed. <You'd think someone with the ability to read emotions would be more tactful. Hello, Tim.>

<Hi, Bruce. Did you cry?>

<I'm fine.>

They gave each other a stiff nod. Barbara gave an exasperated groan. <Sit down and let me try your smoothie, Tim.>

***

Damian and Duke arrived within a minute of their scheduled time, all due to Duke's endless indecision about what to wear.

<I apologize for the long wait, father. It won't happen again.>

<It's my fault, B-man,> Duke said. <I couldn't find my hoodie.>
He pointed to the bright yellow garment he was wearing. In the center, there was a Batman symbol.

Bruce smiled, despite himself. <I see. You want smoothies? I'll pay.>

Damian grimaced. <I'm not->

<Damian> Duke put a hand on the boy's shoulder. <Man, listen to me carefully. As a non-white person, you always have to abide by the golden rule.>

<Thou shalt not kill?> Tim asked.

<Kill whoever you want, it's better than being the one to die,> Barbs replied. <I can get you out of a cell but not out of the grave.>

Duke ignored the two boys and Bruce's muffled protests. <In every situation and context, always, and I mean always, make the rich white man pay for you. Always, Damian. We have centuries of colonialism that we need to be compensated for.>

<That makes no sense,> Damian protested.

Bruce turned to Duke. He looked like a deer in headlights. <You want a milkshake?>

<Yes, B-man. Thanks. I forgive you for being the descendant of the race that systematically enslaved my people.>

Bruce continued to pale. Damian looked at Duke as if he had grown a second head. Barbs took another sip of her milkshake as if she were watching a particularly gripping movie.

Dick laughed. <Okay, Duke, that's enough. Bruce is going through his full-on panic phases. I guess I have Jason to blame for this?>

<Nah. I'm from Narrows. It's the base.>
Duke laughed and Bruce finally seemed to relax.

<You're not mad?>

<No, B-man,> he assured. <It's just my detox from the elite. I swear. We're okay. Sorry if I freaked you out.>

<I wasn't... I'm okay,> he pushed a twenty into Duke's hand. <Please, just get yourself something.>

<Get me a coffee?> Tim asked.

<Am I your slave?>

Tim opened his mouth, then closed it again. He smiled as if Duke had made the best joke ever. <Please, become a vigilante. You'd be the stuff of nightmares for the criminals of Gotham.>
He stood up. <I'll get you a drink, Duke. Preferences?>

***

Cass slipped through the crowd until she was where she needed to be. She took Bruce's hand, and despite the surprise in his wide eyes, he didn't flinch.

<Hello, princess.>

Hi. Did you cry?

Barbara reached out and ruffled her hair. <Hey, Cass. Yeah, you missed B in tears and Duke against colonialism. Tim wants him in the Bats.>

Cass thought about it. When you retire and I'm Batgirl, he could be Black Bat.

<Can Black Bat be a boy?> Damian asked.

Dick smiled. <If you want, Dami, Batgirl can be a boy, too. Robin was a girl, after all.>

<And I was the best, assholes,> a voice called from above. In front of a stunned, semi-deserted mall, Stephanie Brown dropped from the upper floor, landing comfortably on Bruce. <So, did you cry?>

***

Jason didn’t want to join them on their stupid family outing. He was just, you know, passing by. He had to buy something. Not for him! For Roy. Well, yes, that made sense. He was there to buy something for Roy, his friend/partner/half-soulmate/only love besides Kori/maybe-spouse. They hadn’t quite defined the situation. But he was there because of Roy.

From Roy:

Jay, go to your family. I'm not leaving until you sit down and talk to them.

To Roy:

Coward

Come here instead of watching me from the roof

From Roy:

Scared?

To Roy:

Dude, B has been fucking crying

What the fuck do I tell him

From Roy:

Knowing you, you'll have to get food

To Roy:

Duke already did, that asshole

From Roy:

And that's why you like Duke.

Jay

Come on

Go to your family of dumb bats

Come on, my little dumb bat

Go with your own kind

To Roy:

I hate you almost as much as I hate my father

From Roy:

B or the sperm donor?

Because that's a world of difference

To Roy:

Umh, I think B

From Roy:

I'm fine, then. You basically love me

To Roy:

I wish you would burn alive

From Roy:

It happened, remember?(*)

Have fun

To Roy:

I'm not fucking going

From Roy:

And buy me something nice

I love you lol

To Roy:

Die

Die screaming, damn it

From Roy:

I might die having an orgasm if I follow these words, Jay

To Roy:

Congratulations, asshole

Now I'm laughing and some old lady looked at me askance

Get out of my way

From Roy:

Get out of my way, and...?

To Roy:

And I love you, see you later, I'll bring you some food

I'm going to be dumb

***

Cass watched Jason put his phone away and hoped that didn't mean he was leaving. He'd been there when she'd arrived but he'd been good at not making himself noticed.

She watched him look at the blank screen, then at their table.

His lips moved to mutter a curse.

Then he took a deep breath, ran a hand through his hair, and walked over to them.

***

<Hey, assholes. I was hungry, consider yourselves lucky. I'm here.>

Bruce almost threw him his wallet. His eyes still flickered back to Duke with a mixture of fear and respect. <Take what you want, Jaylad.>

Jason grinned. <What's the most expensive thing on the menu?>

Tim didn't even look up from his phone. <The Superman special.>

<This is fucking perfect. I'll take two.>

***

<So> Bruce began, already fifty dollars poorer. He felt bad about not paying for Tim's smoothie, so he decided that one of the stops he had planned "for him" would be the first one. As long as the others agreed to it.
<I made a plan. Any chance you guys just want to follow it?>

<Batman has a plan> Dick whispered. Steph laughed and high-fived him.

Damian snorted. <Tt, it's the same for me.>

<Me too> Tim was still texting. <Barbs?>

<I don't see why not. I'm a fan of having a plan> Barbs said.

Dick nodded in agreement.

<Jason?> Bruce asked.

The boy shrugged. <As long as no one forces me to go into stupid stores, I'm fine with doing your route. But I also have a mandatory stop of my own.>

<Fine. Where...?>

<I'll go when we get past it, old man. Let's start this torture.>

Bruce hesitated. Jason had come. He would try not to pay attention to his tone.

<Good. Let's start at the pride store?>

***

Taking his kids to a queer merchandise store had been a conscious choice. Because deep down, they all loved fighting and defending the innocent. Tim's coming out was just an excuse. They had been regulars at the store long before that. (Also because most of Cass, Dick, and Steph’s cards were in his name, so he knew for sure, not just guesses.)

<What should we buy?> Damian asked.

<Whatever you want. One thing each, if you like. If you like more than one, that’s fine, too.>

Dick glanced around the room behind the curtains. There was a big “No Minors Allowed” sign.

Bruce looked at the door and sighed. <Do whatever you want, just don’t show Damian anything inappropriate. He’s too young.>

He handed Dick a twenty. <And please don’t show it to me, either. Like, ever.>

His son laughed. <Watch out for the kids, okay?>

***

Cass was the first to return. She was holding a pin that read "Women Are Always Better" and a lesbian flag. Bruce felt like asking.
<Do you like girls, Cass? <Do you like girls, Cass? it's ok if so, I'm just... do you like them?>

His daughter shrugged, a gesture she made far too often now and which was surely Dick's fault. Or Steph's.

<Boys?> he tried again.

Another shrug. <None? Both?>

Cass shook her head. I don't know. I like the pin. Is that okay?

Bruce hesitated. Wearing a pin with the lesbian flag was... it would expose Cass. But in retrospect, his daughter was already exposed: a clearly foreign girl, selectively mute and covered in scars. People were probably already assholes.

<Sure. It's a beautiful pin.>

***

Steph showed up shortly after. Her shirt read "My ex-boyfriend now has a boyfriend, you're welcome, gays". It was the most Steph thing Bruce had ever seen.

<Did Tim see it?>

A grin. <No. And I'll wear it every time I come to the mansion. Every. Single. Time.>

***

Duke arrived shortly after. He had nothing in his hand.

<Duke?>

<Damian needed a minute,> he explained.

<Okay.> Bruce patted him on the shoulder. <Thanks for helping him. Do you want anything?>

<I, uh... already had the milkshake.>

Bruce smiled. <Didn't you say something about always making white men pay?>

Dick hesitated. <Bruce, seriously, you don't have to buy me anything. I'm not, you know, like...>

<Stephanie is not my daughter. Barbs is not my daughter.> Bruce shrugged. <Take what you want, Duke.>

<I...>

<I'm going to call Jason and tell him you broke the rule.>

Finally, Duke couldn't help but smile. <Okay, okay. I'll take my stupid "Protect trans kids" t-shirt. I've always wanted one.> A pause. <You should... you should really take a look at the allias career rules. I think it would be nice if Gotham High School had the ability to, you know, use your chosen name.>

Bruce nodded. <Okay. Maybe you can help me out.>

***

Dick emerged from the room with Barbs in tow. The girl had one bag in her hand. Dick had two. Bruce looked away and prayed he would never know what was in the bags.

***

Damian approached slowly. One hand was behind his back.

<Are you getting this?> Duke asked.

Damian looked down.

Bruce was about to make the Batman costume rainbow.(**) Maybe that would be enough to make Damian feel more confident.
<Damian?>

The boy pulled out a poster. The writing, in a rather chaotic style, read: "How dare you assume I'm straight." Bruce could imagine Damian saying that. He could see why he liked it.

<I'm not gay,> he said.

<Okay> Bruce did his best to keep his voice neutral. <Do you want the poster?>

Damian nodded.

<Okay. Let's get the poster.>

***

<I don't see Tim and Jason> Dick said.

<Let's wait> Bruce said. <They'll be here.>

***

Jason raised the poly flag for the third time before putting it back down.

<You look undecided> Tim said.

Jason sighed. <I don't know if I'm poly or not. Me, Roy, and Kori are... something but I swear to hell I have no idea what our relationship is. Or what the fuck I'm supposed to feel. For all I know, we could be married. Really. I don't know if we're married.(***)>

Tim raised an eyebrow. <Your life is weird.>

Jason nodded. He picked up the flag again. <What about you? No bi stuff?>

<I have the flag and two pins.>

<Wow, you got everything you need then> Jason said sarcastically.

Tim looked away. <Bruce already adopted me. I think he's done enough. There's no need to make him spend money. Besides, I'm rich, I got half of the Drake estate after the trial. And I have a stake in Wayne Enterprises. Bruce gave me some stock because "It's Christmas and I didn't know what to get you." He doesn't have to spend any more money on me. Also because... you know. He'll regret it, eventually.>

Jason sighed. <Yes.> He looked down at the flag. <He's bound to regret the likes of us, right?>

<I wasn't talking about you!> Tim's voice rose slightly. <You're his son, he loves you. He's responsible for me. That's different.>

<Is?> Jason's eyes glowed green. <I'm his biggest regret. One day, he'll find a time machine and create a reality where I'm just a Crime Alley brat for the rest of my life.>

Tim took a step forward and Jason felt the anger evaporate. Arms wrapped around him. <I'm sorry we're like this, Jason.>

<Me too, baby. Are we going back?>

<Yeah. Yeah, let's go.>

***

Bruce saw his sons approaching and sensed that something was very wrong. Jason had his arm around Tim's shoulders and they seemed to be getting along well. They were talking about Roy Harper, who Bruce knew from his extensive research for the Justice League with Green Arrow. He and Jay were... best friends, or something. Maybe. Bruce wasn't sure what their relationship was, but he knew that Roy had willingly put himself in multiple life-threatening situations to help Jason. Bruce was already fond of him.

But Tim's eyes were shining. And Jason was holding him like he was holding on to him.

<Did something happen?> Dick asked.

<No, dickhead, we just decided we want to get out of here. Did you guys find your stuff?>

<Yeah,> Barbara said. <But I thought Tim would want something for himself?>

<Because queer people have to wear queer stuff. Like an ID badge?>

<That's not what->

<Wait outside,> Bruce said, acting on instinct. <I need to talk to Jason and Tim for a minute.>

***

Bruce waited for the door to close behind Cass before turning to his two sons.
<I don't care if you buy anything or not,> he said.

<Great,> Jason rolled his eyes. <Then let's get out of here.>

<But->

<There's always a fucking "but,"> Jason blurted out.

Tim was still silent. Bruce had no idea how to fix this mess. Jason was aggressive like a trapped animal and Tim looked like he was on the verge of tears. Why, for the love of Gotham, had he let Barbs and Dick out?

“Because you're the parent,” a voice whispered in his head. Which, of course, sounded like Alfred.

<Tim> As soon as he heard the boy's name, Jason pulled him back. He realized what he had done after a moment and backed away as well. Because Jason had just put himself between Bruce and Tim. Because he was worried about Tim.

Bruce cursed mentally. <Jay...?>

<I'm in a relationship with Roy. Or Starfire. Kori. We...>

Bruce backed away. His son... Jay had just come out to keep Bruce from talking to Tim. Bruce was such a danger to Tim that Jason would rather expose himself in this personal, heartbreaking way than let Bruce talk to Tim. Tim was shaking. This was all so fucking wrong.

<Let's get the fuck out of here,> Jason repeated.

Bruce had never been so scared, so still in his entire life.

Jason pushed past him, dragging Tim with him.

Bruce couldn't stop holding his breath until the door closed behind them.

***

Jason held Tim, trying not to think. What had he expected? A hug, maybe?

***

By the time Bruce had gathered enough strength to return, his kids were watching Tim and Duke play chess. There was a small garden in the mall and tables with chessboards for people to use.

Duke was ahead. But Tim, Bruce told himself, looking at the board, was definitely going to turn the tables.
He looked calm as if nothing had happened.

Dick was sitting next to him, along with Damian. Cass was behind Duke, her eyes on the board.

<Stephanie and... Jason?>

Dick raised an eyebrow at her hesitation. <They went to get a cola. Steph still had your second credit card.>
Stephanie had stolen his card, probably. Not that Bruce cared.

<Barbs?>

<Bathroom break.> Dick shrugged. <What's the next stop?>

***

It was the art store. He had promised Damian and it seemed like a neutral choice. Paint and crayons weren't going to cause many seizures, right?

Just by the way Damian's eyes lit up, Bruce told himself he had done the right thing.

As Stephanie went with Damian to the crayons, Jason walked up to Barbara and dragged her toward the pens, saying something about needing advice. He had a new bag in his hand. His "must stop," probably. Not that Bruce was allowed to go with him.

Both he and Tim acted as if nothing had happened. The boy had even asked Bruce if he could get a couple of new notebooks for school.

He felt like he had been hallucinating.

He bought Tim the notebooks, a bunch of art supplies for Damian (who pretended it didn't matter), a pencil sharpener for Duke (he had broken his, apparently), and some crayons for Stephanie. Dick grabbed a blue highlighter while they were in line at the register. Bruce motioned for him to add it to the pile.

***

The next store was supposed to be for Tim, but Bruce wasn't ready to ask Tim for anything right now. Then he dragged them all to a sporting goods store, because Steph needed a new suit and Dick loved buying new bodysuits.

Duke insisted on not buying anything. Bruce had seen his sneakers and would have liked to get the boy a new pair but he didn't want to impose. Duke had said no, and so no it was.

He had started researching his curse. He was counting on making his first attempt at removing it tomorrow. He wanted the boy to feel comfortable. That was the least he could do, just by the way it made Damian open up or Steph laugh.

Barbs dragged Stephanie to the sports bra section. Bruce shrugged and handed her a twenty.

Tim went to the electronics section. He had a look of mild interest and Bruce knew he was just observing.

Dick dragged him to the dressing room, where Bruce spent a long half hour giving opinions on the most colorful leotards he had ever seen. In the end, Dick took the black one. <In Blüd, after all, there isn't much black> he said softly.

Damian had been silent, his eyes darting up and down his older brother’s arms. When Stephanie appeared holding a tracksuit—purple, to Bruce’s surprise—he assumed they were ready to go.

<Dami? Nothing?>

Under Dick’s softer tone, Damian melted. <I… I shouldn’t wear things that reveal my body like that.>

<Why not?> Stephanie asked. <You’re the cutest brat I know.>

<Tt, of course.> Damian tried to keep his tone casual. <My scars, however, are a source of concern to civilians.>

<You can wear them indoors. Or you can just ignore people. If they give you trouble you can always call me, brat.>

<I'm perfectly capable of defending myself, Brown.>

Bruce reached out and took Damian's hand.

<Father?>

<Shall we pick out something for you? I'll get the same one. I have a lot of scars, too.>

Damian hesitated. <You... really want to?>

Bruce nodded.

Jason chose that moment to arrive. He looked at Bruce, then at Damian's hand in his. <Old man, I'll get a new pair of shoes. Narrows gets the same ones.>

Bruce had no idea if this was a test or just Jay's usual desperate altruism. He reached for his wallet anyway and handed his son a credit card. <It also pays for whatever Cass and Tim picked out.>

A nod.

<And, um, Jaylad...?>

<Bruce.>

He never called him Bruce. It was horrible.
<You're a good brother.>

<Good joke. Say that in the Titans Tower,> Jason said. He turned and walked away.

Behind him, Dick narrowed his eyes. <When we get home, we need to talk, B.>

***

They had arrived at the bookstore area. Bruce had it on his list as the second priority, right after the queer store. He looked at Jason and wondered if he could convince him to go for a walk with him, like they used to do when he was a kid and he would stare at a bookstore like a diamond crown.

Bruce was a coward. He took them to the music store and latched onto Cass, ready to hear every single song he decided to try dancing to.

***

At the music store, Stephanie managed to work a miracle. They all came out with a new CD. She got two. Bruce had the urge to ask her again if she was sure she didn't want the last name Wayne.

Besides, when did Stephanie learn so much about Jason's musical tastes?

***

As they left, Damian's gaze fell on a pet store.

<You like animals,> Duke said. It was a statement. <Let's go in!>

<We won't take an animal that isn't properly trained, Thomas. It would be useless.>

<Umh> Duke pulled out his phone. <Will you say that again while I record a voice message for Jon?>

<Don't... don't tell Jon,> Damian whispered.

<Let's go.> Dick clapped his hands. <Come on.>

Bruce saw Damian cave. He picked up the phone and texted Alfred that they might have to prepare the house for a new guest.

***

Bruce hadn’t been sold on the idea of ​​a pet. But Damian melted over the babies. And not the “cute” babies. Damian knelt down with a gleeful smile on his face next to a small snake, then a sugar glider, and finally a chameleon. Damian loved animals.

Bruce took out his phone and snapped the photos. He winced at how blurry they were. He was too afraid Damian would see him and stop smiling.
Tim looked at him for a moment, then took out his phone.
<I’ll take a couple of pictures and send them to you later. I know you don’t have many. You must be sad that you never get to see a baby Damian take his first steps.>

<I’m just sorry he was never allowed to be his age,> Bruce confessed.

Tim nodded. Then he knelt down next to the boy and began telling him random facts about sugar gliders.

***

Finally, they settled on a dog. Damian named him Titus. <Like the general,> he clarified. Bruce agreed that they would pick him up in two days, when he had a chance to buy proper equipment.

Jason smiled. <I see you have had plenty of Shakespeare lessons at the League, you demon brat.>

<I see you are still the only one with an adequate but useless literary culture, Todd.>

***

Dick then suggested a snack break. Bruce backed him up: food seemed the least likely to cause emotional problems.

<Waffles> Stephanie pleaded.

<Why not?> Barbara agreed. <I haven't had waffles in ages.>

<I don't think I've ever had waffles> Damian confessed.

Duke let out a shocked yelp. And dragged everyone toward the stand.

He placed the order for Damian. They were the most chocolate-filled waffles Bruce had ever seen. What the hell Duke had said to the poor clerk remained a mystery.

***

They were looking for a table big enough to seat them all. Bruce had ordered a serving of waffles for each of the boys without even asking if they wanted them. He was trying to keep Tim from paying for things himself.

While the trial was still going on, Tim had offered to pay for the lawyers himself. Bruce had said, in his best Batman voice: <I'm your guardian. I'll pay for food, legal documents, healthcare, education, and clothes, and I don't want to hear a thing about it>.

Tim had nodded. And he hadn't brought it up again.

But he insisted on paying for everything else. His new skateboard, his laptop case, his Netflix subscription. Bruce did his best to anticipate him.

Stephanie was the best at backing him up in her chaotic way. He had no idea if she did it knowingly or not, but she was always the one asking for money "For movie tickets" or "For the new escape room." She'd buy it for herself and Tim, and only then tell the boy about her idea. If Tim refused, she brought Cass. If not, they bought Cass's ticket later. But Tim never paid when he was out with Stephanie.

<What do you want, old man? You're worrying Dick.>

Bruce looked up and saw the whole table looking at him. <Dick?>

The Incubus had a hand on his stomach. <I'm sorry,> he said. <Your barriers have weakened and... it affected me a little. Sorry. I'm fine. We'll talk about this later.>

Dick had taught Bruce how to wall off his emotions years ago. He had only relaxed for a moment. He closed his eyes and heard Dick sigh in relief as his emotions were hidden.

<Barriers?> Duke asked.

<I'll teach you,> Dick promised. <Incubi feel emotions, especially human ones. I can help it but it's hard with my family. I'm used to leaning toward B.>

Duke nodded. <How is something so important not on Wikipedia?>

<Dude> Jason laughed, <Wikipedia is evil. Humans aren't interested in how creatures live. At most they want us dead. Bruce is weird with his philosophy of endurance>.

The boy raised an eyebrow. <You talk like you're not human.>

Barbara started laughing. Steph quickly followed her.

<What?> Duke asked.

Dick shrugged. He was laughing too. He forced his tone to remain steady. <Sorry, pup. I think we forgot to update you. You know about Dami and me and we forgot about the rest.>

<The rest?> Duke turned to Bruce.

In a perfect imitation of Dick, he shrugged too. <Umh, Jaylad is a Pooka. Steph is a Pixie. Now you know.>

Daevas, Cass added. Bruce nodded. Right, that too.

<I don't know sign language,> Duke said. Jason quickly translated.

<You're not worried?>

<Nah, at least no one else has come up with a Hell King as a parent.>

Damian protested under his breath. Duke ruffled his hair, prompting more complaints.

<You're going to keep this to yourself?> Dick asked. <It's important to protect the little ones.>

Out of the corner of his eye, Bruce noticed a shadow.

He turned as Barbara chimed in. <Besides, I'm part Arachne.>

Duke was reassuring everyone how little he cared about demonic traits. <I'm from the Narrows, I've seen worse.>

<Guys...> Bruce began.

<I know you don't want to hear about demons, old man, just give us five minutes,> Jason said, which set off more alarms in Bruce's head, but...

The smell of gasoline filled the air.

<Down!> Stephanie shouted.

Before he could react, Bruce saw the waffle shop explode.

Chapter Text

They were dead. There was a huge explosion two feet away from them. They were dead. There was no way they could survive something like that.

Besides, Jason couldn't feel any pain. So they had to be dead.

They were dead and this was hell. So of course Jason would open his eyes and see the damn clown.

***

The feel of Batman's cowl fabric on Bruce's skin hit him before he could open his eyes. He was wearing a cowl. That is, not the one he'd been wearing a moment before, when the explosion had happened.

The Joker.
Jason, backing away. He was also wearing a costume, the Red Hood costume, but with a mask instead of his helmet.

He sat up. He had to-

Before he could finish his thought, Nightwing came down from above, kicking the Joker in the face.
< Red Hood, back up and cover the second line. Batgirl, back up. Black Bat, take care of the civilians.>

Bruce leaped forward, putting himself between Jason and the clown. The Joker laughed. <Oh, I didn't expect to find a bat. But where's my bird? Where are you, little Robin?>

Bruce had no idea. He couldn't see Tim, nor did he understand why they were all wearing costumes. He just knew he had to stay between his Jay and the killer.

<Are you okay... Yellow Bat?>

Tim's voice. Bruce glanced over as the Joker backed away from Batgirl's relentless blows. Nightwing was sending waves of pure terror at him. He was using his powers. He didn't do that often, he must be furious.

<You> Duke growled, the only one without a costume. He too, however, had a mask on. Tim's choice, "Yellow Bat", must have been dictated by the color of the hoodie.

Tim had rushed forward to stand between Duke and the Joker, entering Bruce's field of vision. He wasn't Robin. His costume was black, with a red top and a dark cape. He also wore a mask that covered his entire face and hair, leaving only his mouth exposed. He also had a gold belt and a sash across his chest. Bruce had never seen that design in his life.

<Robin?>

<Umh... Red Robin for now. We'll talk about this later, Batman.>

<Why would you add color to Robin-> Jason was interrupted by a burst of energy from the Joker.

<The little bird has changed its feathers> he laughed.

<I wouldn't worry about him> Duke lunged forward, sliding under Tim's legs. <You killed my parents!>

The Joker looked at him for a moment, then his smile widened. <Oh, you're the little brat from that night. Why don't we... enlighten you a little?>
He snapped his fingers as Bruce lunged forward.

He had never seen the curse work like that. Duke screamed as if his skin was being ripped off and his face began to dissolve in the light.

<Leave him alone!> yelled... Robin. Damian, wearing Robin's costume. He was holding his katana and his expression was beyond murderous. He stood between the Joker and Duke. At his feet, a small lake began to manifest.

It was the first time he saw Damian's powers in action.

Bruce spread his arms as he broke a crystal with his hand. He grabbed the black thread that was wrapping around Duke and pulled.

Damian stepped forward.

<Robin, no! You don't control him> Tim shouted.

<I'm Batman's son. I decide what I control> His son spread his hands as a wave crashed into the Joker.

The clown laughed as he was vaporized by black vortices. <Oh, you want to play, then?>

***

Batgirl crashed into the wall where Spoiler lay unconscious. Bright red blood was pouring from Barbara's side.

Black Bat had held up until now. The Joker had pinned her down with six shadow tentacles that had pierced her skin. There was so much blood...

<Back off!> Nightwing yelled as he watched Barbara try to get up. <I can do this!>

The Joker laughed. <No, little bird, you can't.>

At Dick's feet, the black swirled. Dick dropped his escrima sticks and put a hand to his head.

<What did you do?> Robin yelled. His voice was thin. He had been stuck against a wall five minutes ago. Jason was beside him, trying to pull him out of there. Duke was lying on the only nearby bench, unconscious and surrounded by the barriers Bruce had quickly put up.

Red Robin was still beside him. Despite taking several hits, he kept getting up. The Joker looked amused.

Dick was silent, kneeling with his hands pressed against his head.
<I just gave him a taste of his powers. He would have done better to dedicate himself to the usual activities of his species.>

<Nightwing is a thousand times the person you will never be. He is strong, brave, and loyal> Damian shouted. <I will kill you. Do you hear me? I will kill you. Leave him alone!>

Bruce tried to strike him and was hit by a new volley of black tentacles. He dove to the ground to dodge as Red Robin launched another attack.

The Joker smiled. <Two small humans in a graveyard of fallen demons. Let those with magic play.>

Tim was frozen in mid-air. Bruce screamed, ready to spring, but another volley forced him to throw himself back to the ground.

Tim fell like a puppet without strings. Bruce managed to catch him before he hit the ground.

He was breathing. Slowly, just enough to make his chest rise, but at least he was breathing.

<Stay down, hunter. We can play the same game as last time.> He looked at Jason and Bruce leapt forward. A barrier went between them. Before he knew it, he was searching his pockets for a new crystal.

<This time, the bomb is already gone. Luckily, I still have this> he said, taking out a crowbar.

Jason straightened up. He was in front of Damian and couldn't move, not without leaving the other exposed.

Bruce finally managed to get a crystal. He broke it and started to weaken the barrier.

The Joker raised the crowbar while Jason looked him straight in the eyes.
<Robin, look away.>

<Red Hood! Leave him alone, you->

<I said look away> Jason repeated. Then he looked at the Joker. He was covered in wounds and forced to stay still. Bruce saw black tentacles starting to surround him.

Jason had the usual rebellious light in his eyes.
<Do it, asshole.>

Bruce screamed and pounded his fists against the invisible wall. The barrier began to thin but it was too slow and the Joker too close.

<Batman?>

It was Tim. He was slowly sitting up.

The Joker lowered the iron object and Jason screamed in agony as blood began to gush from his chest.

Bruce stopped being himself. He became one hundred percent Batman and told himself the truth.(*)

<Red Robin, when the barrier breaks the Hood will still be alive. He must hold out until we intervene. Take him, Yellow Bat and Robin and bring them out. I will be fine.>

The blood-red crowbar lit up under the neon lights. The Joker laughed and prepared a second strike.

Jason pulled away as he began to cry.

Batman closed everything away and continued working on the flag. Two more minutes. Three more strikes, four at worst.

The crowbar was pushed down with force. And stopped just a hair's breadth from Jason's cheek.

<Don't do this> Jason whispered. <I will survive.>

Tim was in mid-air. Surrounded by red light. Behind him, a circle to the other world.

Canalization. Manifestation. Destruction.

Protection.

Red threads of blood, vengeance, and love surrounded Jason and the Joker.

"I know you don't want to hear about demons," Jason's voice said in his head.

Bruce felt like he was facing the end of the world.

Tim held out his arms as his eyes went completely black. One of his threads wrapped around Damian's arm and water began to flow through it.

The barrier shattered. Tim snapped his arms shut, clasping his hands together.

The Joker shattered.

***

Bruce was the only one standing in the middle of the mall. Jason was a little further ahead, holding Tim in his arms.

<Is he breathing?> Bruce asked. He couldn't think of anything else.

Slowly, Jason nodded.

<That's great,> Bruce said. And passed out.

***

He woke up in his bed at the mansion with a nagging feeling of deja vu.

Alfred appeared right next to him.

<Master Br->

<The kids> he said, dancing to his feet. <Where are they?>

<In the Batcave. But, Master Bruce, you are injured and there are some things we should discuss before->

<I want to see the kids> he struggled to his feet. For a moment, the room spun.

<Fine> Alfred said, offering his arm. <Let's go, then.>

***

When they walked in, no one noticed for a moment. Stephanie was stitching up Cass. Her head was bandaged and both arms were bandaged.

<That’s it,> she whispered. <You’ll be better tonight, when the moon is at its peak.>

It was six in the afternoon. Only six.

Jason was pacing the room. He was talking to someone on the phone. <Well, then fuck you too. I told you I’m fine. No, I don’t want to hear it. Yes, asshole, I love you too but fuck you anyway. I said fuck you. And no jokes.>

He slammed the call off. Bruce looked at Dick, expecting a scolding for Jason’s language in front of Damian and Duke but his eldest son was unnaturally still, his knees pulled up to his chest. Damian had his head on his shoulder. They were both staring into space as the youngest muttered something in Arabic. It sounded like a lullaby. Bruce caught only glimpses. He had learned Arabic so long ago.

ريما ريما الحندقا شعرك أشقر و منقى

و اللي حبك بيبوسك اللي بغضك شو بيترقى

Rima, Rima, beautiful rose of the prairie,
you have shining blond hair.
The one who loves you will kiss you,
and the one who hates you must go away.(**)

Duke stood in the corner, his head resting against the glass cage. The cage that was there for planet-wide threats. Something Bruce would never have used if he had any other choice.

The iron cage, without shadows, where emotions were shielded, that Bruce had cast so many spells on. The cage that not even Superman could escape from.

Tim looked so tiny in there.

<He locked himself in there, Master Bruce. Master Duke was the only one who could get in but he couldn't get him out.>

At Alfred's voice, the others looked up. Damian stopped singing.

And then, like one big machine, all the boys stood between Bruce and Tim.

Everyone except Dick. He looked at Damian and trembled. Bruce tried to lower the barrier a little and push some emotion toward his son.

For the first time in over a decade, he got no answer.

Bruce felt the nausea rising. <What happened?>

Tim, who had been standing there, chained up and looking down, finally looked up. His eyes were still completely black. <I put the Joker in a coma. Permanent brain damage. He won't recover.>

<The best day of my life,> Jason said. <You want a medal for services to humanity? Because you should.>

He spoke but there was obvious fear in his tone. He had been that way for months, at first. Waiting for everything to explode.

<Alfred,> Bruce pleaded. He didn't really know what to do.

The man shook his head. <Master Tim's... nature was unknown even to me. If he could get out of that cage...>

<I don't go in a containment circle,> Tim shouted. The lights flashed. Bruce backed away—it was an instinctive reaction, the fruit of years of fighting the Incarnation of Samael—and Tim crashed into the back wall of the cage.
<I’m sorry. I’m sorry, please, I didn’t mean to. I—>

Tim started sobbing. And Dick still didn’t say anything.

Damian clung to Stephanie. Cass pulled them both close. She looked from Bruce to Jason.

Duke hugged his arms to his chest. He was still wearing his yellow hoodie. The sleeve was stained red.

<Jason> Bruce began but quickly realized he didn't know what to say.

The boy, it seemed, didn't have the same problem. <I can take Tim away. He can live with me... and Roy, and Kori. We won't bother you. You'll never see us again.>

Bruce flinched. <You...>

<Master Jason> Alfred tried.

<I'm sorry I breached your protections, A-Alfred> Tim whispered. <I just wanted to... Batman needs a Robin.>

<If... if you touch Tim, you'll have me to deal with> Steph tried to take a step forward. Cassandra pulled her back. She was still looking at Bruce.

Because that was Cassandra. His daughter, Cassandra. The girl trained to read body language. A daughter Bruce had sworn he wasn't afraid of, despite his years as a hitman. Cassandra, who in that moment saw a human scared of a creature. All his life, he had seen that combination end in a dead creature.

"I'm not killing Tim," he wanted to scream. But that wasn't the point.

Barbara wasn't there. Bruce had just noticed.

"You love me like you love your five-year-old who just broke a window and a six-hundred-year-old vase at the same time."

<Tim is my son, Steph. If I touch Tim, you should kill me.>

Tim shook his head. Jason was still tense, ready for battle.

Cass let Stephanie go.

It would have been so easy to ask his daughter to take Duke, Jason, Damian, and Steph out and then deal with Dick. Leave the Tim problem for later.

But that would have been admitting that Tim was a problem. Maybe he was. (Bruce had no intention of accepting that he was.)

<Jaylad> called. <Tim. It's okay. I promise. We can work through this.>

It was never going to work. Bruce knew it. He took a step forward anyway. He did it with the same stupid instinct that had made him list the bookstore, even without knowing if Jason would come or not. The same stupid instinct that had made him remove the iron from the entire house because he had found a little Pooka. The same instinct that had made him show up to Tim's photography contest unannounced.

No one moved. Bruce felt unsteady on his feet.

His son was in a cage.

Suddenly, he realized that no matter what happened, Tim's option out of a maximum security cell was better than any option that had Tim in a cell.

He remembered, again, what Barbara had said.

"I can get you out of a cell but not out of the grave."
It was something Barbara said a lot, especially to Cassadra and Stephanie. He remembered the first time he had heard her say that.

Cass had been living with her then. She was new to the world. She had come home one night in tears and Bruce had come right after Barbs called.
<What happened?> he asked.
<She was molested. She responded by breaking the guy's nose. She's worried she's gone too far.>

Bruce froze, unable to know what to say. Cass hadn't gone too far, she'd defended herself. Cass was also a trained assassin and Bruce didn't know how to ask her to draw a line, or if it was even right to do so. It was hard to be Batman, a living ideal, in those moments.

<Cassandra,> Barbs said instead. <I can get you out of a cell but not out of the grave. Kill if you have to. But come home.>

Batgirl wasn't Batman. Oracle wasn't Batman.

Bruce Wayne was Batman. He should have assessed the threat.

Bruce decided right then, as he pushed open the door to his son's cell, that he would retire. If, in the morning, he felt that having Tim in the family was against what Batman was supposed to be, then he would retire.

"You are more important than the mission," he thought, looking at his son.

But he couldn't speak. He just stood there, standing in the doorway.

<Bruce?>

Jason took a step toward them at Tim's voice.

<I love you like you love people who can do anything, but who you’d always let come back,> Bruce whispered.

<You...>

<That's something Barbara told me,> he explained. He tried to explain. That was why he hated talking to people; they never seemed to understand. <She said she's my daughter because I love her the way you love people who can do anything, but you'd always let them come back. I... she had that way of saying it, like it made perfect sense. You know how she once told Cass she could kill, as long as she came home? Barbara could never be Batman. I don't think I've ever been as relieved as I was when I heard her say that. Knowing that even if the mission got in the way, you'd still have someone to count on.>

Tim looked down. Bruce had lost control of his words.

<But that's not the point. The point is... now the mission is getting in the way. And you lied to me. And... and all I can think about is that I have to get you out of here and we were supposed to buy you a camera, I didn't take Jason to the bookstore and I could actually stop being Batman if it would get you out of here. And Damian was singing earlier, in Arabic, and he said... I can't pronounce it right but in English it would sound like "The one who loves you will kiss you, and the one who hates you must go away." And I'm terrified because Dick doesn't feel my emotions anymore, Jason hates me and he came out and I didn't invite Roy... or Kori to dinner - I should have invited them, I don't know why I didn't, it was stupid - and... I don't know, Tim. I'm not Dick. I don't know how to get you out of here. You were always the one to get me out. Batman worked alone, then you guys came along. I don't know how to do it alone.>

Tim looked at him, finally. His black eyes turned blue.

<You... you can leave them black. If they work… like Jason's ears.>

“You don't know?” Dick's voice asked ironically in his head. Because if his son were himself, he would have said so.

<I... I don't know. I've never used them, not really.>

Tim had lived alone for years. But he hadn't used them.

He should have sent Janet and Jack to jail. Why had he bargained?

Tim put his hand on the ground. A prop to stand on. The movements were slow, telegraphed to give Bruce time to stop him.

Bruce had bargained because having his son in a safe house was more important than anything else.

<Tim, I'm sorry.>

The boy stopped. <Why?>

Bruce shook his head. <I don't know. I'm just sorry.>

<Me->

<Don't apologize.> The Batman voice came out of itself. It quickly became desperation.

<Please. Okay? Scream. Break something. Stop talking to me. Set fire to the walls. But, for the love of Gotham, don’t apologize. Please.>

Tim nodded. <Okay. Fine.> Then, more slowly: <Fine.>

<Do you really want to invite Roy?> Jason’s voice was thin. His son appeared beside him, looking far too young.

Bruce nodded. <If you want. Kori too, maybe?>

Jason’s ears appeared for a moment, then vanished.

And Jason buried his head in his shoulder.

<Tim, baby, come here. Please?>

Bruce reached out to Tim, careful to stay outside the cage—because it was made of iron and Jay was hugging him.

He squeezed them both while his mind didn’t stop working.

He wasn’t even halfway there.

Chapter Text

Barbara, it turned out, had gone to Bernard. The poor boy was in tears because Tim had stopped answering and Barbara had told him they were going to be together. When the girl hadn't answered either and he had seen the news of the explosion on TV, he had logically panicked.

Barbara said she had managed to reassure him but also that Tim had to call him.

<I can't. Not yet,> Tim had tried to say. But he had at least texted him.

From Tim:

I'm alive. Sorry I didn't respond. A lot has happened. I'm going to disappear for a bit but I'm at the mansion. Sorry.

<That's a horrible message,> Steph commented. She promised not to say anything about Tim's true nature and went into the hallway to call Bernard.

When Steph returned to the living room, Bruce had Duke sitting down. He was analyzing the curse on him.

<So?>

<Good news and... strange news,> Bruce admitted. <You're not cursed anymore. But something doesn't add up.>

<I'm not cursed anymore?> Duke repeated, incredulous. <I felt like something had changed but...>

<During the battle, I pulled your curse when the Joker tried to use it against you,> Bruce explained. <And since I had already done research to cure you, my mind must have catalyzed that information into energy. I broke the bond when the Joker tried to change it.>

Duke nodded. <But something's wrong?>

<I detect something in you. But it's not from the Other World. It's more... genetic. Something dormant that woke up.>

Tim raised an eyebrow. <Basically,> he said, though his voice was still hoarse from crying, <he's a meta.>

<I think so,> Bruce said. He could probably call in a few favors to help Duke out on that. Maybe the Teen Titans could pop down to Gotham and give him some advice?

<Oh.> Duke blinked. <Oh, shit. I don't have the money to move! And I'm going to lose my scholarship!>

That was... unexpected.

<What are you talking about, Narrows?>

<The Batman rule,> Duke said, as if it were obvious. <Everyone knows it: "No metas in Gotham." You even ban the Justice League from entering your city without permission.>

<Uh> Bruce felt kind of embarrassed. He was afraid to turn to Batgirl.

<Yeah, "uh."> Barbara was furious. <Now, what did I tell you about continuing to babble metahuman shit?>

<Language, Miss Barbara.>

<Sorry, Alfred. Bruce?>

<You said I sounded like a racist asshole,> Bruce said. He looked at Duke. <It's not "No metahumans in Gotham," it's "No foreign metahuman vigilantes in Gotham." The meta kids who live here are just as civilized as the rest.>
The speech gave Bruce a starting point. <It's the same with creatures. Civilians are civilians and Batman has to protect them. Metas or humans or aliens or creatures. Okay?>

Slowly, Duke nodded. <But I'm... I'm not a vigilante but I thought... I was training in secret.>

<Not so secretly> said Bruce who had noticed how often Duke went to "watch" Damian practice with Jason. <And, again, you're from Gotham. The rule doesn't apply to you. But you're still not a vigilante. Not until I say you're ready. That can be very dangerous.>

Duke smiled as if Bruce had just said it was Christmas. <Can I change my name, though? "Yellow Bat" is horrible. Tim just started saying random colors at some point.>(*)

***

<I need to talk to Dick, Jason, and Tim. Everyone else, we'll talk later. I'm not working the night shift. Black Bat, do you want to go out as Batman?>

Cass nodded. Damian started to protest when Tim spoke up, <You want to be Robin?>

The boy snorted. <Tt. I should be my father's Robin. Or at most Richard's. I guess I'll have to settle for Cassandra.>

Duke got permission to stay on comms. He told his uncle he was sleeping at a friend's house.

Stephanie said she would go with Cass. Barbara offered to go out too, since Duke had comms under control and Alfred could stay with him for backup.

Gotham would be fine. Now it was the Waynes' turn.

***

<Sit down. Tea?>

Only Dick nodded. Bruce handed him a cup. <Dick, what's going on?>

And then, in front of the downcast gaze and the untouched cup of tea: <Chum, what's going on?>

The Incubus began to cry. Silently, like he had never done before. <It hurts. It's like having a cut in my emotions. I don't know if it'll heal. I don't know if I can feel them. I don't know how to feed myself.>

He felt his heart tighten.

"I put the Joker in a coma. Permanent brain damage."
Bruce felt so relieved at the thought that the clown would never touch any of his children again.

He looked at Dick. <Do you want... can I try a spell?>

A nod. <I know you love me and you'll do what's best. I'm the only one who could never doubt that.>

<None of you should doubt.>

Bruce knelt down and, already hearing Alfred's complaints, began to draw a chalk circle on the floor.

Jason watched him with cautious curiosity. Tim stared into space.

He had never done it in front of them. Not a containment circle. He had used it a few times with the Justice League and often, when he was alone, to conduct investigations. But he had to see the damage before he acted.

<Do you know what it is?> he asked Dick.

<A magic circle. You use it to see spells.>

Bruce nodded. <Exactly. Do you know what it does to creatures?>

Tim stared desperately into the distance. Jason was silent. Dick shook his head. <I know I shouldn't get close. I feel it. Pure instinct.>

<It's the basis of exorcisms,> Bruce explained. <The first circle, also called the Base. For an exorcism, I would have to draw a second one, the Door. With the Base, you reveal the invisible layer. The Door connects. There are other levels, with other purposes. But they all have the power of containment. A creature that enters a circle cannot leave without the death or permission of the one who drew it.>

<It's a prison,> Jason clarified.

<It's a tool. It can be a prison,> Bruce said. <I need it to see what's wrong with Dick.>

He drew the final line, then stepped inside. He closed his eyes and knew the circle was working. He opened them again. <Do you want to come in, Dick?>

Dick stood up but remained on the border. <How... how do I do it? Do I jump? Do I... and then how do I get out?>

Bruce held out a hand. <It's okay. I'm here. Let's go in together, I'll check your aura, and then we'll leave. Okay?>

Dick nodded. He grabbed Bruce's hand and stepped inside.

<It... it's similar to how Alfred regulates the room. It's nice.> He looked surprised.

<Sure> Bruce kissed him on the forehead. <I'm here. Okay?>

Dick nodded.

<Jason. Tim. Are you coming?>

Jason looked at Dick, then Bruce. Without waiting for Bruce to help him, he took a step and found himself inside.

Tim stood up. His eyes were black again. <You know, if you wanted to leave us there afterward, no one could stop you. And if you wanted to draw a second circle, who could stop you?>

Bruce opened his mouth to protest—to say he would never do it, that he would rather die—but Tim was already inside.

<You don't care,> he whispered. <You don't care?>

<I don't want to die,> Tim said. <You told me not to apologize. I can only exist, now. I'll make it as easy as possible for you. Then you'll be happy.>

Bruce had never been this unhappy. Tim was like Jason, he realized. Believing that Bruce felt some obligation to them and held them for that.

<You don't have to try to make me happy, Tim,> he said. <I'm happy because you're my son.>(**)

The boy held his breath for a moment. And Bruce pushed him out of the circle.

He held out a hand. <Are you coming in, Tim?>

Tim nodded. Bruce grabbed his son's wrist and gently pulled him back into the circle.

***

<Here we go,> he said ten minutes and three broken crystals later. <Starting. Okay?>

Dick nodded.

Bruce held up his hands. Tim looked at him with obvious curiosity while Jason managed to look bored.
<Intra.>

Enter.

The room became layered. Instantly the glow of Alfred's wards expanded. Then the magic stopped and went back. Pearly white threads wrapped around Bruce. They approached his three sons.

<There's a reason you wanted us here. Me and Jason. Right?> Tim asked.

<That's right.> Bruce hadn't tried to hide it. <I was hoping to solve two problems at once. We'll talk about that in a second, okay?>

The threads would say brown. <They say it's the color of reality. Green and brown are anchors. They're not used much in spells.>

Bruce's aura remained the same. He reached out and blocked the wires that were heading toward Jason and Tim.

Dick let himself be wrapped around him. <You see colors the way I see emotions> he said.

Bruce nodded. <Maybe. Just every once in a while. Let's see what happens to you, okay?>

***

It was a mess. There was indeed a wound in Dick's aura. Bruce sat down and pulled out a needle, thread, and a strip of cloth.

<What are you doing?>

<You need a harmonic catalyst. It will at least allow you to absorb emotions. Someone will have to give them to you willingly, so you'll be staying at the mansion for a while. In a couple of weeks, you should be able to feel something again. Maybe longer. I have no reason to believe it's permanent.>

Dick watched his hands move as if hypnotized. The needle was moving as fast as it could go. <You never taught me this.>

Bruce didn't stop working, but his shoulders tensed. <This cloth is called "command band." I... I didn't like the idea of ​​you knowing I could do it. You can't. It only works if you're human.>

<You can make command bands.> Jason was backing away.

<Don't go out, it's dangerous if the spell is in effect,> Bruce said quickly. <And yes, I can. I've trained for ten years. I can do... worse things.>

Tim looked at Dick, then at the band. <Why are we here, Bruce?>

<I want to show you something. Then we'll get out of here and talk about something else.>

<Batman has a plan,> Dick joked. <Although, as always, the plan is a way to keep me from going home. Just say you miss me!>

<Alfred misses you,> Bruce said. The band in his hands lit up and turned orange.
<It's the color of harmony.>

He held out a hand and stood still. <After I put it on you, you can't take it off. I'll have to do it myself. I didn't put any seals on it, so it'll be kind of like those bracelets that are welded to your wrist and can't be taken off. It won't affect you. Okay?>

Dick nodded. <Go. I'm ready. Scary bracelet, everything okay.>

<Are you nervous, Dickie?> Jason teased.

Dick didn't answer but held out his hand anyway. Bruce wrapped the band around his son's wrist, then pulled the strings. The band glowed.
<Good.> Bruce nodded. <The catalyst is on. Shall we try it?>

Dick looked at the bracelet with a mixture of fear and curiosity. <Okay. Try it. Go. Emotions, I'm ready.>

He was okay. Bruce had done this many times, a catalyst, for different reasons. Bruce knew he would be okay. (He had been so worried about scaring Dick anyway. He couldn't stand the thought of Dick thinking he wasn't safe with him.)

He reached out for the Incubus, then focused the flow on the bracelet.

He saw Dick's expression change. He lunged forward and Bruce squeezed him.
<Okay. Okay, Dick, you got it.>

<I feel it again,> he whispered. <Dad, I feel it again.>

Dick could feed. All the horrible scenarios Bruce had tried so hard not to think about would not come true. Bruce sighed in relief and pushed more love into the bracelet.

***

When Dick was full and calm, Bruce turned to Tim and Jay.

<I said I had to show you something. Okay?>

Jason nodded. Tim began to tug at the hem of his shirt.

<Tim?>

<What's going to happen?>

Bruce held out his hands and the pearl threads returned. <They'll wrap around all three of you for a moment. They'll glow and change color.>

<Does it hurt?> he asked in a whisper.

<No. No, I wouldn't do it if it hurt,> Bruce promised. <If you want to leave, we can stop. Dick's okay and this... this is important but it can wait.>

Tim nodded. <Okay. Go with the threads.>

***

Dick was first. The threads around his body turned purple— <The color of magic,> Bruce said—and then brown. <Reality,> Dick remembered.

He felt like he was breathing easier. That the world was clearer.

Then he began to feel himself. First his eyes, always the part of his nature that manifested most easily. Two bottomless, hypnotic vortices. Then his lips, just a little redder than usual. And then the markings. Dick hadn’t thought about markings in years. Pack ties. His mother had once been leader of Dick’s pack. Bruce, as a parent, had been leader of the new pack for years. But they had never talked about it, because it was something, a way of expressing themselves, so desperately belonging to the Other World, so little human. And Dick hated reminding Bruce that he wasn’t like him.

He heard a snap, like something breaking. Like a faucet turned on, a lock unlocked.

<That,> Bruce said, <is your aura. It's useless. It's just who you are, Dick>.

Dick's first thought was, "No. No, go back."
He was beautiful. He had never felt lighter. Curls of blue darkness, of passion and love and affection and joy and every voice in Dick screamed look at me. It was his favorite song blaring, it was the tightrope, the leap into the abyss. It was the applause of the crowd.

"It's just who you are."

Dick Grayson was an Incubus.

***

Jason felt his grip slipping. His ears manifested and so did his hooves. The purple turned brown and Jason smelled the earth, the inclinations, the probabilities.

A snap. Bruce's voice. <That's your aura, Jay. It's who you are. A part of you.>

Jason felt the power, the flip of a coin, the choices of humans, the harvest and the sacrifices, the smell of fire and the sound of wind in the leaves.

Jason was energy, he was pure possibility. He changed, then changed again. Hare, dog, his beloved horse. He could run. He could go higher.

Jason was only himself but he was born to have influence over everything.

"It's who you are."

Jason never wanted to be magic, when he could have been like B. But he was.
Jason Todd was a Pooka.

***

Tim saw the threads change color and backed away. Bruce reached out and pulled him toward the center.

<Tim->

<Stop it. Bruce, no, I... stop it.>

<I can't, Tim, I already threw it. It's okay. I already know what I'm going to see. It's your aura. It's you.>

Tim was past, present, and future. Tim was the lies told without hesitation, the tallest tower in Gotham, the homes of the people. Tim was the strangeness of the world, the power hidden. Unanswered questions and desperate searches. The raging sea, the destruction of enemies. He was a portal to hell. He was a mad ride and tragedy made manifest.

He was a thread of love surrounded by black, the everlasting mystery, the unknown that could not be understood.
He was a constant secret. He was-

Bruce gasped. <Tim, what have you done?>

Tim felt the void, as the rest flowed. His back was throbbing.

<I tried to take it off.>

Bruce was holding him.

Tim was evil when he decided to knock on the door.

"It's you."

Tim was the Incarnation of Vine, King of Hell.

***

Bruce held Tim but kept looking at Jay and Dick.

<Are you coming here?>

Dick shook his head. His eyes were squeezed shut.

Jason seemed less nervous. He stepped forward and knelt down next to Tim. <He did it when he was six. I don't know the details.>

Bruce's mind was already wrapping Tim in more threads. Orange, and a little pink for comfort and affection. The thread quickly turned gray.
<I can't heal him, Tim.>

<Better. I don't want to be... that thing.>

<You're not a "thing,"> Jason snapped.

<Tim, you're an Incarnation, no matter how much you hurt yourself. You are.>

He made small circles on his son's back. Jason sat up, casting strange glances at Bruce. He changed, and became a hare. It lasted a moment, before he returned to himself. Bruce smiled at him.

<Dick, come here, please.>

<I can't.>
Dick kept his eyes closed.

<Dick> Bruce repeated.

Finally, his son looked at him.

<I can't... my aura...>

<You're an Incubus> Bruce said. <I already knew that.>

Dick sat down, far enough away so as not to touch Bruce or his brothers. Bruce held out a hand. <Hug?>

<Now?>
Dick pointed to himself, as if Bruce were blind.

<Yes. Yes, Dick. Do you want a hug?>

There was confusion on Dick's face as he approached. He gently wrapped his arms around Tim and gasped.

<It's... Tim tastes like secrets. And something unknown and...>

<And evil,> Bruce concluded, continuing to rub Tim's back. <I know. Try Jason.>

<Little Wing?> Dick called. Jason nodded and took his hand.

<You taste like the outdoors and natural disasters and wind. I didn't know those things had a taste.>

<Auras are like that. Jay, can you tell me what Dick tastes like?>

<Like stage lights and applause and skin touches and passion. If that makes sense.>

Bruce nodded. <Tim?>

<I'm fine.>

<Lift your head, will you? Please?>

Tim lifted his head. His eyes were terrifying. Two abysses that made Bruce feel like he was about to sink. Jason held, but Dick winced.

Bruce ruffled Tim's hair. <What do I taste like, Tim?>

<You... nothing.>

He almost rolled his eyes. <Tim.>

<Food, weakness, and mortality. Are you happy? >

< Thanks. We're done. We can go out if you want.> Bruce closed his eyes for a moment. When he opened them, the spells had begun to dissolve.

<I don't understand,> Tim said. <You just wanted to, what, show us how... wrong we are?>

<No. Never.> Bruce sighed. <I just wanted you to think about how many times I've come to dinner with a spell active or how many times I've cast one on the house. Tim was always hidden but I always saw the true natures of Dick and Jay. All of this,> he gestured to the auras, <I already knew. I know who my kids are. It's never been a secret.>

Dick hesitated. <But->

<No. Listen> Bruce gave him a little tap on the shoulder. <At the mall, Jason said that humans aren't interested in knowing how creatures live, if anything they want to know how to kill them. And then he said, "Bruce is weird with his philosophy of endurance" as if you were this horrible burden I've been carrying for over a decade. I'm bad with words. So I thought of three points... things I wanted to say. Point one: I know who you are, I always have. Point two: It never mattered. And, point three: I love my children. All of you. Even your demonic aspects. There's nothing I have to put up with. You are you. You don't have to... I don't want you to be human. It's you.>

<But I feed off your emotions. All the time. And it's weird, and I'm the kind of demon that->

<If you say "sex demon," Dick I swear you'll have to explain to Damian and Alfred why you became the owner of the Manor. Because I'm going to do a property transfer. And you'd never go back to Blüdhaven.>

<Sure,> Jason muttered. <Threaten your son with your property. He'll be shaking with fear.>

<Do you understand? Because I don't know how to explain it any better,> Bruce admitted.

Jason nodded. <I... I know you don't mind that I'm a shifter. I guess it's a bit like having a pet. Not that bad.>

<You're not a pet!> Dick protested.

<Don't nod and say you understand if you don't understand,> Bruce snapped. <I... what do I do? Please stop saying you don't have to be creatures of the Other World and stop stifling who you are. It's not hard for me. I like you just the way you are.>

Tim sighed. <Dick, Jason. Bruce is trying to say that he loves you and your natures, not that he loves you despite your natures. Like, if there was a magic button to make you human, he would never press it.>

Bruce blinked. <Yes. Yes, that. Exactly that, every word.>
Then he stopped. <It was true for you too. Why did you say "loves you"? That applies to all of you. Even you, Damian, Cass, Steph, Barbs, and Duke.>

<When did you adopt Duke?> Jason asked.

<That's different,> Tim protested, ignoring Jason. <You didn't know. You didn't choose me. You didn't choose to bring something inherently evil into your home.>

<No, that's right.> Bruce lifted Tim's chin. The boy was too particular about details. <Let's fix that.>

Before Tim could process his words, he was on his feet.

Bruce put on his worst Brucie impersonation. <Hi, you're Tim Drake, the Incarnation of...> He hesitated for a moment, returning to his usual tone. <Vine, right?>

Tim nodded.

Bruce was very pleased with his deductive work. <I'm Bruce Wayne. Come live with me.>

Tim shook his head but couldn't help but smile in that half-hearted way of his. <Really, B?>

Bruce's voice went calm. <I've never been more serious, Tim. Vine is a part of you and you're my son. That's all.>

<I lied to you.>

<Yeah. That was pretty impressive. You're forgiven for lying.> Bruce pulled him into a hug again. Dick joined in after half a second. Jason patted him on the back.

Bruce wasn't sure if that was enough. He'd just keep saying it as long as it took, he decided.

Jason put his hands in his pockets. <May I know why the fuck you're a hunter?>

Bruce winced. <No. Don't ever ask that again.>

<I thought you loved us!> Jason enjoyed the look of growing horror on his father's face. It was clear that the question had caught him off guard.

<I've always wondered that too> Dick intervened, more diplomatically.

Tim joined in.

<Fine,> Bruce took a step back. He didn't seem happy with the turn the conversation had taken. His eyes fell on Dick, then he quickly looked away. <Let's step out of the circle.>

<Let's go out> Dick jumped out. Even though it wasn't 100% true, he had his smile back. He hoped it was a start. <Can we do it again?>

<Only with me> Bruce looked scared. <If a hunter asks you to enter a circle, never do it. Call me. Burn it all. Run. Dick, seriously->

<I won't end up in creature trafficking, Bruce, I promise.>(***)

Tim came out and sat on the couch. He pulled out his phone and sent a text.

Bruce had no idea how he went from tears to hyper productivity. When Bruce cried, it took him hours to get out of bed.

Jason pushed him out and dragged him to the couch. <So. The story?>

<You're not going to like it.>

<Ohhh> Jason grinned like he did when he was still Robin and solved a case. <You wanted to kill the Incubus that killed your parents.>

<That's not funny,> Dick scolded. He looked at Bruce. <Is he right?>

Bruce nodded. <I didn't do it. I wanted to, though, it's true. I started getting into it but I realized the philosophy behind the teachings was too extreme. I finished my training and went home. I thought I had to make sure what happened to me didn't happen again, so I started being a hunter.>

<Taking monsters off the streets,> Tim said.

Bruce shook his head. <Protecting people. Aldred raised me, Tim. How could I ever hate creatures?>

<Alfie never uses his powers,> Jason said.

<He does on me. I use the circles when he's around. It's... you know I'm part of the Manor now? Alfred is Wayne Manor and I am the Manor because I'm his son. He says there's a void when I'm not around. Even for Dick.>

<What about us?>

<I didn't ask. But I think so. I think Dick is worse because he's been here longer than anyone else.>

All three became thoughtful.

<B?> Tim called.

<Yes?>

<Who knows about this story?>

Bruce shrugged. <Alfred, Leslie. Partially, Clark. Every single one of you was scared when you got here. I wanted you to feel safe. It's not the best origin story.>

<Why say this now? And just the three of us?>

He didn’t say the obvious reasons. Age, years of training. Those were never real parameters for the Bats.

<Because Jason was scared for you and came out to distract me, which was worse because it made me the kind of parent who would react badly to polyamory. And Dick needed a check-up.>

<I don’t know if I’m poly,> Jason said. <Maybe I’m married. I don’t know.>

Bruce raised an eyebrow. <I don’t have the energy to deal with this but we’ll talk about it. Are you… boys and girls? Pan? Bi?>

<Dunno?>

<I'm straight,> Dick said. He leaned into Bruce and could see the man's anxiety easing. <Just because we're all sharing.>

Tim grimaced. <You know... Maybe I wanted another bi gadget. I don't even have a shirt. Or a hat. Bear has a hat.>

<And I wanted to go into the bookstore,> Jason admitted, not looking at the man. <I'm sorry I thought you'd be an asshole to Roy and Kori.>

<Come with me when I pick up Titus,> Bruce said, trying to make it sound casual. He didn't mean to pressure, really. He just wanted everything to be okay between them. (He wanted to spend an entire afternoon with his kids without anyone crying or risking their life.)

There was a strange look between Jason and Tim.

<Secrets will never end,> Tim said suddenly. <They... they'll never end, B.>

Bruce didn't really know what to do with that.

<We'll figure it out along the way,> Dick said. <Right?>

<Yes,> Bruce promised. Because it was the kind of thing he wanted to say but always needed Dick for.

<Okay.>

Dick picked up his tea again. They were in the mansion, so he wasn't really surprised to see that it was still the right temperature. As the others picked up their cups, Bruce started to feel hopeful again.

<I want you to meet Roy and Kori,> Jason muttered.

Dick had to decide that Jason had run out of hugs. <Aww, little winger! We want to meet the boy you said "I love you" to, too.>

<You already know Roy and Kori! I was talking to Timmy and B!> he said, returning to his usual theatrical self. But he didn't break away from Dick's grip.

<Oh, shut up. And don't get me thinking about me dating Kori.>

Tim grinned. <You were dating Jason's girlfriend/maybe-wife?>

The guys were yelling again. Somehow, it was becoming a competition of who had the better partner.

Bruce sighed. He could hear Barbara's voice again.
"So... you suck. Ready to pick up the rest of the trash and spend a day watching them argue and buy stupid things?"

Apparently, he was ready to do this for the rest of his life.