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Bruce was yelling.
And Tim was terrified.
But the thing is, Tim would stand there and get yelled at again, and again, and again if it meant protecting his little sister.
Before everything had gone wrong, school had just gotten out and Bronwyn had come over from the elementary school to meet Tim at the older kids' school before Alfred picked them up to go home. But a few kids that had resorted to picking on Tim the last few weeks since his return to school, had moved on from him to his sister. Both kids knew that they were supposed to ignore the abuse inflicted on them by their peers. It’s what their parents always told them when they asked for help when the bullies got worse or even physical, just ignore them, and eventually, it will stop.
Which was why Tim and Bronwyn had agreed to not tell anyone about what was going on and just ignored it.
But now they were calling his sister names. Mean ones that made Tim’s skin boil. And the final straw was when they started to make suggestions about why Bruce adopted them. Tim turned around and launched himself at the two boys. The fight lasted for only a few moments, but Tim managed to get a few good hits in, breaking one boy's nose while the other walked away sporting a big black eye. But Tim still managed to get a few possibly cracked ribs and a broken arm for his troubles. But the four kids, Bronwyn included, were hauled off to the principal's office by nearby teachers. Parents were called and Bruce ended up having to leave work early to deal with Tim and Bronwyn. And to say he was mad was an understatement.
Neither Tim nor Bronwyn dared stand up for themselves as both parents of the offending boys screamed at Bruce about their ‘precious little angels who would never harm a fly’. And Bruce in turn glared at both children, reassured the principal and both parents that they would be thoroughly punished, signed them out of school and the three drove home in anxious silence.
The moment they got home Bruce turned around and faced both kids in the back seat. “When we get inside, you are to go straight to the study. We are going to have a talk about what happened this afternoon.” And his word was final. Bruce opened his door and Bronwyn and Tim rushed to grab their things and follow their adoptive father. Tim had a familiar nervous feeling in his stomach. He was worried. Subtly he pushed Bronwyn behind him in an effort to put himself between Bruce and his sister in case things went south.
Bruce slammed the front door open, startling Jason and Dick who were fighting over the last cookie, and Damian, who Alfred had picked up while Tim and Bronwyn were in the principal's office. Tim made eye contact with Dick who was staring at the group before Tim looked away with a small flinch, pushing his sister even further behind him. Tim followed Bruce into his study and moved himself and his sister into the back corner of the room when Bruce stood at the entrance waiting for them to enter to shut the door. None of the three noticed that Dick, Damian, and Jason were following behind and were listening outside the door.
And Bruce started to yell.
And Tim was terrified.
It went on and on and on. Bruce never seemed to run out of synonyms for disappointed or angry.
Eventually, he calmed down enough that he stopped pacing around the room and sat down heavily in his desk chair. The older man sighed and poured himself a drink.
Bruce never noticed how Tim paled at the sight of the amber-colored liquid.
Bruce also didn’t remember Tim informing him that whenever Jack Drake got out a bottle of hard liquor, bad things would happen.
Bruce certainly didn’t remember that Tim was terrified of people yelling at him.
And Bruce definitely didn’t notice Tim pushing his little sister behind him to protect her from the angry man. He just downed his drink, trying to drink away his issues with Wayne Enterprises and his frustration with
his kids. After he downed his first he poured another.
Bruce looked over at Tim and Bronwyn and felt a bit guilty for all the yelling but figured it was in the past. He shooed them away with a flick of his wrist and the two ran out the door.
…
Dick was livid. He had heard every word that his father had told his two younger siblings. And it was evident that Jason, Damian, and Alfred had too. Dick was about to barge in and yell at Bruce when the door opened and out rushed Tim and Bronwyn, the younger girl hidden behind her brother. Tim bumped into Dick on the way out.
“S-Sorry sir.” Tim ran away.
“Did he call you sir?” Jason clarified with fear in his voice.
Dick nodded, unable to say anything. He marched into the study and slammed his hands onto the desk. “What the hell is the matter with you?!”
Bruce looked up shocked at his eldest. “What?”
“Tim is terrified of you! He just ran out of the room with Bronwyn behind him. And in a way to protect her. He was in such a hurry he ran into me and called me ‘sir’ Bruce. ‘Sir.’ You messed up and now you have to find a way to fix this, or you might have just ruined all the progress we’ve made with Tim so far.” Dick stormed out of the room to find his little brother and sister. Jason and Damian followed. While Alfred stayed behind to yell at his son in a much more effective way.
The three boys split up to cover more ground since the house was big and Tim and Bronwyn were good at hiding.
After hours of searching, Dick found the two siblings were hiding in the basement under a pile of antique furniture stacked in the corner. Tim was scared out of his mind and refused to come out for any reason. Even when Dick tried to bribe them with Alfred’s cookies, the two refused to emerge from their small hiding spot.
Shockingly, it was Jason that managed to bring the two out. Dick had sent a quick text to Damian, Jason, and Alfred saying that he had found them but that they refused to come out. Jason came down after an hour of waiting for Dick to get them out, fed up with having to wait.
Jason kicked Dick out of the basement and once the oldest brother was gone, Jason sat criss-cross on the floor, pulled out a book, and started to read out loud. Jason knew better than any of his other brothers how much one wrong move can scare someone who was already scared out of their mind. Dick used to read out loud to him when he was scared, so Jason figured he would give it a try now to attempt to get his little brother and sister out safely.
“Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much.
They were the last people you'd expect to be involved in anything strange or mysterious because they just didn't hold such nonsense. Mr. Dursley was the director of a firm called Grunnings, which made drills. He was a big, beefy man with hardly…”
Normally Jason would have picked a much better book, but he knew that Tim and Bronwyn were both very nerdy and secretly Ravenclaws in disguise. Jason was also a Ravenclaw, not that he would tell them that. But the older brother continued on with the book, and eventually, Tim’s frantic breathing evened out into something that could pass as calm. Jason continued to read and before he knew it, the third chapter was done and Tim was cautiously leading Bronwyn out of the pile of furniture, though still hiding the little girl behind him
And Jason kept reading. By the time the fifth chapter was done, Tim was asleep, worn out from the day's events. Bronwyn was still awake, but she was drifting in and out the more Jason read. Before Bronwyn could fully drift off into the peaceful land of sleep, Jason picked her up and placed her on his shoulders for a piggyback ride. The girl squeaked in surprise but melted into the feeling of safety. It melted Jason’s heart to know that his younger sister felt safe with him. Once the girl was secure, Jason picked up Tim's bridal style. The boy didn’t even stir when Jason picked him up, a true testimony to how tired Tim was. Carefully, the three made their way back upstairs, past the study where Bruce was still sitting, staring at the wall with a scowl on his face like it personally offended him, and to the safety of Jason’s room.
A quick glance at the clock showed that the three had missed dinner and it was nearing nine o'clock. Bronwyn was still awake but Tim stirred when Jason placed him on the bed. “Hey, Timmy. It’s just me and Bronwyn ok? We are in my room, the doors are locked and no one can get in without my explicit permission. We missed dinner but I keep some snacks up here If you're hungry. Would you like something to eat and to get into something more comfortable than school clothes?” Jason gave Tim two things to decide on at the moment, not wanting to overwhelm the small teen. Tim wasn't up for talking but he did sign that he was a bit hungry and that he would like to change into something else if it was ok ‘sir’.
It angered Jason to think that Tim was so frightened that he wasn’t sure if he could eat or change. And the ‘sir’ at the end of the sentence made bile rise in Jason’s throat, but he swallowed it back down. He was so angry with Bruce for ruining all their progress.
Jason got out a few snacks and a change of clothes for Tim and Bronwyn that were stored in his room. Everyone had a change or the two in each other’s rooms. In case something like this ever happened. Jason never thought he would have to use them.
As the three were silently munching on pre-popped popcorn and fizzy drinks, someone knocked on the door. Jason looked over to see Time paled several shades, and his hands started to shake. He was so scared.
“Jaybird? It’s me, Dick! I have Dami with me. Could you let us in? We come bearing cookies and milk and Bruce is not with us. I promise.”
Jason got up and checked through the peephole in his door (he had installed it as a teen) and confirmed that it was just Dick and Damian before opening the door and inviting them in. Dick ran over to Tim and
Bronwyn, stopping right in front of them before hugging both of them after they gave permission to be touched.
Jason held back with Damian but could see Tim’s shoulders shaking and heaving with the strength of his quiet sobs. After Tim got done crying, he fell right asleep, head resting on Dick’s shoulder. Dick smiled at his little brother and moved Tim down onto the bed, then going to lay next to him. Bronwyn snuggled up with her two older brothers.
“Join us Dami and Jayjay. Please.” Bronwyn sleepily asked.
Damian looked unsure of what to say, but Jason reached over and reassured his little sister, answering for both himself and Damian. “We will soon be princess. We’re going to keep watch and keep away anything
that might want to hurt you.”
Bronwyn's eyes widened before closing. “Ok. I trust you Jayjay. You protect Timmy and me from bad dreams. I love you Jayjay. I love you Dami. I love you Dickie.” She got in close and whispered to Tim. “I love you, Timmy.”
And true to their word, Jason and Damian protected their siblings from bad dreams and people that might want to hurt them all night long.
The next day, Tim, Bronwyn, and Dick woke up to Jason letting in Alfred with breakfast and news.
“Last night I contacted Martian Manhunter for help. When I talked with Master Bruce yesterday, something was off. I had never seen him so angry and enraged. When the man arrived, Master Bruce was rampaging down in the cave. We managed to subdue him and Martian Manhunter was able to determine the cause of Master Bruce’s anger. Now I want you to listen to me very closely, children. Master Bruce is not angry at you and he will never hurt you. When Martian Manhunter got into his mind, he found raw and heightened anger. Turns out that during the previous night's fight with Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy, the latter managed to dose Master Bruce with an Anger toxin. We are working on synthesizing an antidote as we speak. And then with issues at Wayne Enterprises and issues with those foul kids at school, yes I know what they said Master Tim and I do wish that you had told us, but we will deal with this at another time. For now, I want you all to know that Master Bruce was not fully in control of his actions. I will not stand by what he did, and I still thoroughly plan to reprimand him once he is back in his right mind. But I want you to know that you are safe here. Anyone that would want to hurt you would have to go through me.”
“And me.”
“Me too.”
“And me as well.”
Tim didn’t know what to think. He thought that Bruce was mad at him for his mistake and that he was alone when it turns out that he still had people in his corner. “S-So Bruce isn’t mad at me? And he won’t hurt
us?”
Alfred looked so sad. “Of course not my dear boy. I know that foul man at the orphanage hurt you, but that will never happen again while you are under this roof.”
Tim really didn’t want to correct Alfred but he knew that he must. He mumbled a quiet response.
“Can you repeat that Timmy?” Jason asked for the group.
“I said, that wasn’t the first time I had been hurt by a caregiver,” Tim spoke a little louder. And he buried his head back into the blankets, turning away from the looks of his family.
Dick reached down and tapped Tim’s arm and pulled away like he had been burned when Tim hissed in pain. “Timmy? What's wrong bud? Are you hurt?” Tim quickly shook his head but Alfred had already sent Damian out of the room to get his first aid kit and was already helping Tim sit up to lean against the headboard.
“Off with that shirt Master Timothy. I must see where you are hurt.”
Tim shook his head again much harder but stopped when he saw black spots. “No need for Alfie! I’m fine! Promise!” But Alfred pulled off his shirt with the help of Dick and Tim moved to hide his body. Not fast enough however if the collective gasps were any indication.
“Master Timothy, I need you to be 100% honest with me. Did Master Bruce do any of this to you?” Alfred was not able to hide all of the fear in his voice.
“No-o. I got it at school during the fight.”
“Ok, then my boy. Why didn’t you tell one of us that you were hurt?” Alfred asked as he pressed gently along the massive black and yellow bruise along Tim’s left shoulder. Tim flinched away at the pain but tried to stay still after that.
Tim shrugged with his good arm and replied. “The bullying has gone on for a while now. Whenever I told my mother or father about it, they told me to shut up and suck it up. They were not going to potentially ruin future business deals with people because Bronwyn and I couldn’t handle a little teasing. And a Drake does not complain. And a Drake does not cry. It was all part of their training to make me the perfect hair and perfect son. Wrong moves were met with pain and punishment. Eventually, I learned to say nothing. Even though it hurt, I planned to take care of it later when I could bandage it myself. I didn’t mean to be a
burden.” Tim looked down, embarrassed that he was receiving help.
Dick rubbed his hand against Tim’s back in a comforting manner. “You are not a burden Tim. What your parents did was wrong and I have a hunch that what you told us is only a part of it. I won’t press you for more, but I do think you need to talk to someone eventually ok? All of us will be right here. Now, what do you say Alfred? Will our Timmybird live or will we need to use extreme measures and commence cuddles and movies?”
Alfred chuckled at his grandson’s antics. “I do not know Master Dick. Master Tim has a broken arm, several bruises, a small concussion that I am not too worried about, and a few cracked ribs. I think cuddles and movies may be necessary. Please transfer the patient to the theater room and I will come along with prescribed snacks and drinks.” Alfred finished bandaging up Tim’s arm and ribs and left the room, leaving him to the care of his siblings.
Jason scooped up Tim in a bridal carry, being careful to not damage his arm or ribs anymore. Dick picked up Bronwyn, who giggled and squealed in delight, while Damian followed behind carrying blankets and pillows for the group.
Once the group had made it to the theater room, Tim was gently placed on the couch with Bronwyn and Jason while Dick and Damian put on Harry Potter and went to retrieve snacks from Alfred
….
All was going fine until Bruce was given the antidote and came to find his children. The moment Tim laid eyes on the older man, he panicked and tried to back away, further breaking the bones in his arm.
“Timmy! Crap shit crap! You have to calm down bud. Listen to me, just me. Bruce gets the hell out of here! You’re scaring him! Come on bud, listen to me.” Jason multi-tasked with helping his panicked brother who had thrown himself between Bruce and Bronwyn instinctively, and getting the source of Tim’s panic away from him. It took a few minutes, but eventually, the boy calmed down enough that Alfred could remedy his arm’s bandages again and give Tim some sedatives in the form of painkillers. Once both Tim and Bronwyn were asleep, Bruce reentered the room with Alfred's permission.
“I-I did this. I hurt my boy so much that he is too scared to even get near me. Oh my gosh, Timmy, I am so sorry my boy. I’m such a terrible father.” Bruce fell to his knees and cried. He cried because of his past mistakes, he cried because he wasn’t able to help Tim sooner, and he cried for a potentially lost relationship with his son and daughter. He cried just to cry.
He didn’t know how long he stayed there, but eventually, he felt a small hand patting his arm. Bruce looked up to see pale blue eyes piercing his soul. “I forgive you, Bruce. I know you didn’t mean it.” Bruce couldn’t resist, and before his mind caught up with his body, he had scooped up his son into his arms. Tim flinched for a second before leaning into the hug.
“I love you so much, Tim.”
“I love you too dad.”.