When you look up who created Tim Drake you’ll see Marv Wolfman and Pat Broderick, but that’s just because Pat Broderick drew Tim’s initial cameo as a creepy looking toddler cause he couldn’t draw a toddler.
And I’d rather not believe we’re supposed to take this as what Tim is suppose to look like, when he looks much more different during his origin story.
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Today I want to attempt to make the most quintessential Tim Drake post I can manage. By talking about his characterization as written by the man that created Tim, with help from various artists, Marv Wolfman. So basically, the man that has no better authority on Tim Drake.
That way I figure is the most concrete characterization you can get for Tim. And while obviously he’s had character development. His stories were made to show us who Tim Drake was at his heart.
So that’s what I chose to go off of for this post that goes over his origin, motivation, personality, and looks.
That way you can get the ultimate understanding of Timmy Drake! Or at least the basics.
Also, as a note, and what may be obvious, this is his origin, meaning that he’d obviously develop more as a character, which would lead to the degree of some of these traits being changed, or written by other writers that focus on some more than others, or even just made to be out of character.
I’m just choosing to use the origin, because it’s the closest way to show what the intention was for the heart of his character. <3
(I don’t own the hardback cover, but man, if I did. I’d…just treat it the same as my softback. But it’d be really cool. It’s a very fun cover. Batman’s smiling again and look at Timmy’s toothy grin!)
I think the easiest way to begin to explain Tim and his characterization, is what I can gather may be the most obvious way to it. His origin story. Which I’ve covered in quite some detail in another post, which I may link if I can figure out how to do that. So I’ll just recap the important parts of it, before just going to the character moments that can show us what little Timmy is like.
I wanted to write a story focused on Theo but instead he has another sister and I have a lot of ideas but can’t write them.
Or so it seems…I am writing something but it’s taken me a week, five days but still, to even write more than I had started.
I’m also involving the Batfamily…again.
It is not my fault that Talia Al Ghul could have been Talia Hale at one point.
In my headcanon only but still not my fault that they could be the same person. It just makes sense.
And the fact that Jackson and Roy could be the same person or related. Colton did play both characters. Jackson’s also related to Tim through their mothers being Drake’s (whoever came up with Jack taking Janet’s surname I will love forever.).
Or that I like to headcanon Alicia and Boyd being related to Duke and Alicia being taken to Gotham where she is with her cousin/brother (it depends, I always change it up) after being saved. (She’s doted on by the whole family by the way, like Lian. As they should be.)
So many different ideas and every time I think of how to write the story, it changes.
This is what I have written so far, including today, by the way.
Theo let out a growl; making his companions glance around wearily.
They only saw dancers until Theo stalked forward and yanked a woman away from her companion.
Ignoring the protests, Theo strode back to the pack and pushed the woman at Malia and Cora. “Watch her while I go take out the trash.”
“Theo don’t!” The woman grabbed his arm, “Dick was making sure no one else got close. That’s it!”
“You were hanging all over him!” Theo snapped.
“Yes because it kept everyone’s eyes on us while Roy snuck around but since you interrupted us; we can’t finish the mission.” She snapped back.
“What mission?” Lydia interrupted.
“None of your business,” the man the woman had been dancing with walked up along with another male, “Nisha, let’s go. We’ll figure something out later.”
“Tanisha isn’t going anywhere with you. Not without me at least.” Theo growled at the males.
“Theo!” The woman, Tanisha, snapped, “Stop it! I can go with them if I want to…you may come also since I know you’ll just follow my scent.”
Theo smirked at the men while Cora just stood there staring.
She finally groaned; catching the group’s full attention. “Oh for heavens sake. Why are you here on a mission Dick? And why not with more than Roy and Tanisha?”
Dick grinned at Cora as he walked over and hugged her and then a surprised Malia. “We just are. Now let’s get out here before we get more looks than we already are.”
“You’re still explaining.” Lydia ordered before leading the way out of the club, the others following like little puppies.
Can someone please explain why the fuck AO3 has a #Bruce Wayne is Damian Wayne’s Biological Parent tag? Or even #Bruce Wayne is Damian Wayne’s Parent tag?
Why the fuck are they needed? They’re not!
For fuck’s sake, do people really think Damian and Bruce are not father and son?
They might be on the other siblings tags but that makes sense for them. Damian doesn’t.
I wanted to write a story focused on Theo but instead he has another sister and I have a lot of ideas but can’t write them.
Or so it seems…I am writing something but it’s taken me a week, five days but still, to even write more than I had started.
I’m also involving the Batfamily…again.
It is not my fault that Talia Al Ghul could have been Talia Hale at one point.
In my headcanon only but still not my fault that they could be the same person. It just makes sense.
And the fact that Jackson and Roy could be the same person or related. Colton did play both characters. Jackson’s also related to Tim through their mothers being Drake’s (whoever came up with Jack taking Janet’s surname I will love forever.).
Or that I like to headcanon Alicia and Boyd being related to Duke and Alicia being taken to Gotham where she is with her cousin/brother (it depends, I always change it up) after being saved. (She’s doted on by the whole family by the way, like Lian. As they should be.)
So many different ideas and every time I think of how to write the story, it changes.
This is what I have written so far, including today, by the way.
Theo let out a growl; making his companions glance around wearily.
They only saw dancers until Theo stalked forward and yanked a woman away from her companion.
Ignoring the protests, Theo strode back to the pack and pushed the woman at Malia and Cora. “Watch her while I go take out the trash.”
“Theo don’t!” The woman grabbed his arm, “Dick was making sure no one else got close. That’s it!”
“You were hanging all over him!” Theo snapped.
“Yes because it kept everyone’s eyes on us while Roy snuck around but since you interrupted us; we can’t finish the mission.” She snapped back.
“What mission?” Lydia interrupted.
“None of your business,” the man the woman had been dancing with walked up along with another male, “Nisha, let’s go. We’ll figure something out later.”
“Tanisha isn’t going anywhere with you. Not without me at least.” Theo growled at the males.
“Theo!” The woman, Tanisha, snapped, “Stop it! I can go woth thwm if I want to…you may come also since I know you’ll just follow my scent.”
Theo smirked at the men while Cora just stood there staring.
She finally groaned; catching the group’s full attention. “Oh for heavens sake. Why are you here on a mission Dick? And why not with more than Roy and Tanisha?”
Dick grinned at Cora as he walked over and hugged her and then a surprised Malia. “We just are. Now let’s get out here before we get more looks than we already are.”
“You’re still explaining.” Lydia ordered before leading the way out of the club, the others following like little puppies.
Do you ever just fall in love with a character from fanart but know NOTHING about them because they're from a comic book franchise with lore that tends to change repeatedly, new things get added, stuff gets taken away etc.
But you still love them dearly and wanna write stuff about them but don't want them to come off as OOC and have the fandom hate you because you completely mischaracterized their blorbo?
(This is about Dick Grayson btw. Not in the DC or Batfam fandom but he pops up on my dash and I think he's lovely 😍 but I don't know anything about him and I don't know where to even start because there's so much to cover 😭)
like idk I just think that if I spent several years with a man who took care of me in the wake of one of my worst traumas and most of the people I met who were against him were A) criminals who want him dead B) social workers who want to rip me away from him or C) my friends who mock me for being loyal to him, I would probably not be very receptive to criticism either
My notes on Family is where the Crossroads Meet by PotatoStaresBackATTACK
It got too long and I didn’t feel like breaking it up so I’m putting them here and then sending the author the link.
I laughed aloud at Tim on not realizing his mom had to be pregnant to have a baby until Janet and Jack came home. With all his research he’s still a little kid.
I love Ivy and how patient and soft, in her own way, she is with Tim.
I adore Dick and how he has claimed Tim and now Amelia (before he heard her middle name) as his baby siblings.
Robin is going to have everyone wrapped around her fingers, including Damian when they finally meet.
I also adore that Tim named her after Amelia Earhart.
Tim accidentally giving away a lot, in a way, by asking to learn how to feed Robin hurts. Maybe it’ll help bring them home sooner. Maybe.
Dick getting to hold Amelia, well burp her, is such a cute image I hope someone took a photo.
Tim asking Dick to babysit? Yes please! Bring your baby siblings home for good Dick!
$400 for every six hours while she’s a newborn?!? Dang! Dickie is making buck!
^ Tim’s plans had outgrown his sister and he’d had to cut back to age-appropriate-opportunities. From his research, he knew babies needed skin-on-skin contact which sounded like a hug to Tim. Ergo, hugs were still always age-appropriate, which was fantastic for Tim because he wasn’t certain how to research hugs otherwise. The library had not been useful, though the librarian he had sought out had been very solemn in her promise to see if there were any resources to add to their collection.)^
Is that a Barbara mentioned? Wait, she’s probably closer to Dick’s age here so probably not but I love that Librarian. Though more red flags that Tim gave.
Tim, baby boy, the nurses are correct here. You can’t do everything. Plus, Robin is a baby and babies cry and are loud. You were.
Bruce will love you Tim. You and he are alike in your lists and record keeping.
Okay, I can’t be the only one that is annoyed with the nurses calling Robin Baby. Especially to Tim. Why can’t they call her by her name? Then again Tim only calls them Nurses because he can’t tell them apart. (Probably deliberate on his parent’s part. So neither of their kids get used to the nurses.)
Why did they let it go so long without giving Tim a baby monitor?!? Like really nurses! It would have helped you a whole lot I bet.
Dick doing research and telling Bruce for future reference (and Alfred) and then going with Tim to get him a booster seat is adorable. He is going to be so ready when Lian comes, to help Roy out a lot, and it is all because of Tim and Amelia.
Zitka being from Bruce and not Dick’s stuffie from his parents makes me smile. Batfrog is awesome.
Tim trying to figure out Batfrog’s secret identity and making Alfred laugh makes me grin.
Alfred is hovering over you Tim because he loves you and Robin and he knows you are too small for things you think you’re big enough for but he won’t say a word; yet.
Robin just knows who loves her and Tim and will care for both of you always.
I love Dick explaining to Tim that being overwhelmed is okay. I wish the Nurses had done that but they didn’t or won’t. It’s probably a good thing that Dick was the one who explained it also. I think Tim will listen more. Well him, Bruce, and Alfred.
Tim wanting to give Ivy a Christmas present makes me laugh. She is going to be a worried aunt even more than before.
Good job on realizing why you can’t bring Robin with you on your bat watching Tim. Though your reason is having me shake my head. I also wish you weren’t out either.
I’m laughing. Poor Ivy. She will never be able to get away from Tim or Robin. Especially if Tim asks her to steal a panic button. What will she tell Bruce and Dick? Will she tell them?
The blanket has to be from Alfred. It has to be.
Tim, no! Reddit can be wrong! Very wrong! Don’t always believe them.
Damn, Dick. How are you getting away with school during this time? Especially if you’re only in Gotham for a week because of ‘school work’. Are you working online?
The conversation Dick and Tim had and the one about John made me cry. I also love that Dick lets Tim call him Dickie. I adore the story about the moon and sun. Especially how you wrote it.
I also love how they are both so tired neither realized what they said to each other and won’t for a while if ever.
Ivy is an aunt and just realized it I bet.
Hi Selina! I thought it would be Harley but I’m glad to see it was Selina.
Awe, I love the hug between them.
Tim thinking he made up the ‘no baby in the field’ rule when it is normal.
Tim doing his own things but still involving Robin and Dick being so glad to see his baby brother even if he is mad at his dad. He’s also such a big brother to Robin and I love him for it. Also for bringing Tim home so Alfred can watch over his grandsons for a bit; even if he can’t watch his granddaughter. (Though it won’t surprise me if he somehow hacked into Robin’s baby cam and is watching over her that way.)
Now I’m wondering if Bruce is the only one out of the loop on the two newest family members (even if they don’t live with them yet.)
I love Dick using real world examples when explaining why Tim can’t do anything hard yet in certain things. He’s so patient with Tim, I just know he will be with Jason also (after getting over the anger at Bruce bringing Jason home.).
You know I’m glad Tim pushed through the art series on Loneliness. He needed to see it, even though it hurt and he probably doesn’t understand everything yet. It will still be on his mind for a long time.
(The balloon part reminded me of Tim and Jason, as the teddy bear reminded me of every small child and even bigger ones.)
I love Tim’s little ‘spy mission’. Bruce noticed 100% I bet and so did Dick but they let Tim have his fun. (Dick probably told Bruce it was just photos. Maybe.)
Let me guess, Dick Zeted (or however you spell it) from New York to Gotham thinking it was a real emergency. Which it was. Tim and Amelia shouldn’t have been left alone. Even if Tim is a responsible big brother.
Is Tim teaching Robin sign? Or is it her own version? Because that is so adorable. Just like her nursery is also.
Janet…. Why do you love Robin but tolerate Tim? Is it because Tim taught her to be good? Because he’s a boy and she’s a girl? Or just because he’s himself?
^It was a nice thought that she’d make a child-neutral version just because he’d been a miserably idiotic eight-year-old. He wondered if anyone else realized that Ivy had a sweet side.
Probably Harley did. Ivy had refused all attempts to let Tim meet Harley, and she was much too chaotic to approach when she was in a ‘Teasing Batsy’ kind of mood. He wanted to know what she thought about the cotton-candy tea.^
Ivy is an aunt who cares. If it helps other children out when she’s protecting her nephew oh well.
Harley is still under the Joker’s thumb here isn’t she? So I can see why Ivy wants them not to meet. The Joker will hear about Tim and that is not good…for the Joker. Ivy, Selina, Alfred, Dick, and Bruce (because of Dick) all gunning for him at the same time? Yeah, Joker is done. Especially if Ivy gets him first.
Tim, you better use that antidote or Ivy will not be happy with you.
I love to try Ivy’s Dino nuggets. They sound good.
I think this version of Ivy is one of my favorites. She cares so much in her own way. (I wonder if Jason is one of her children who is helping her out. That could change their interactions as Robin and Rogue a lot.)
Okay, please tell me I am not the only one who wants ‘puppy’ to be Jason and for Jason to remember Tim in the future this way.
Tim got a fun birthday it seems. I love how Alfred came over to give Tim his presents/check out the nurse (that’s how I’m taking it) and that Dick is the only one who remembers her name out of him and Tim.
I love Dick’s gifts to Tim, Alfred’s also. I wonder what they will get Robin?
I still wonder how Dick can miss so much school or is he now graduated?
Oh wait. I forgot it’s summer. lol
Donna is Tim’s first crush and I love it.
It’s got to be kind of weird to have a teenager say he’s in Canada one day and then show up the next. Even if you can get flights that fast and Dick’s father is rich. (Though he zeted in, didn't he?)
^“Batfrog said you needed a hug.”
“Dickie!” His voice rose an octave. “He did not!”
“He really did. Called me up while you were sleeping and everything.”^
I won’t be surprised if Alfred sewed a button or camera into Batfrog and was the one who called Dick in. Though now I want Bruce to have been singing to Tim as they waited for Dick to get back.
I love Ivy but I hate her also. Tim took forever to react and now it’s bad. I hope she feels really bad. Especially since Dick will be after her and so will Bruce.
Tim, please tell them! Dick will get mad but he’ll also understand.
You aren’t a baby Timmy. You are a little boy who needs help. Let them help you. Please.
Ivy does know what she’s talking about Tim. She knows you and Dick are brothers and always will be.
Oh Tim.
Really Nurse? You couldn’t take Robin with you while you followed Tim to the hospital?
Tim! You are such a menace. You really need your family to help you out.
Okay, I can understand the excuse of not being comfortable to take Robin to the hospital but then I can’t.
At least they let Dick stay with Tim during everything and both Alfred AND Bruce came to check on Tim, no matter that Tim thought Bruce came for Dick only.
Wait, why is Dick getting Tim’s care plan? Why isn’t Nurse Lily? Did she even bring Amelia to see her brother at all? At least she’s making sure Tim is taking his meds and being careful.
Oh, the nurse is getting fired for sure and this time it isn’t a stupid reason. Getting drunk with a ten year old and a baby who isn’t even one yet? On the clock? She is in so much trouble.
So she drank because the CPS lady came over? (Which is not your fault Tim.)
Alfred, I love you and I hope you gave her a stern talking to.
Awe, Alfred is such a grandpa here. Dick sneaking books into his baby brother’s room makes me smile. I wonder if he’s done the same to Robin’s room (will do the same)?
Tim and his binders. Are we sure he isn’t Bruce’s here? lol
Oh good. Nurse Lily was fired as she should have been. Okay, maybe for a stupid reason but also not one. (Which is not Tim’s fault at all.) And there will be no suit filed because she got drunk while on the clock.
Of course Robin is not happy. She hadn’t seen one of her favorite (and most constant) people in a week. I wonder how she’ll react to their parents?
So Tim didn't tell Dick about the newest nurse. But Dick will find out, even if he ignored it for now.
Dick went to all these different states, countries, etc and he’s only graduating now? How is he still in school while being in New York? Online classes?
Tim is a menace asking Dick about his true love. Dick is so nervous and I am laughing at him. Welcome to having annoying little siblings, Dick. They ask a lot of personal questions but you still love them.
They are siblings here, all three of them and I love Dick acknowledging it.
Bruce grounding Dick but willing to talk to Tim is so cute. And then take him for ice cream. I’m squealing at the cuteness and their interaction. Oh Tim, Bruce has a lot he’s going to be looking into even more now.
Bruce is so patient with Tim, I can’t get enough of it.
Dick, I know you want to be there for Tim but talk to him. He will listen.
I think Dick just realized he likes long hair and men also when he saw Mr. Andrews. lol Thank the lord that Tim is still innocent and has no clue what is going on otherwise he will be teasing you so badly, Dick. Though he did give you an Alfred look.
Okay, Tim has a basic idea. An innocent basic one but still an idea on why Dick is acting like an idiot.
Dick is such a great big brother.
Puppy! Why do I want it to be Jason so badly? Especially since I can hear the attitude/defense in his voice as he snapped at Tim. Then again Puppy is smaller than Tim and I think Jason was a bit taller when he met Bruce for the first time. Though being on the streets would not help Puppy grow.
Awe, Tim has his own little school for the street kids.
^When his bag was empty, Tim thought about visiting Ivy, but the number of kids who had independently told him to not stay out, all of them knowing something was up with Batman and Robin, but not being willing or able to explain what was wrong with their usual level of information stressed Tim enough that he had to see that his sister was safe and happy at home as soon as possible. He knew it was irrational, but he couldn’t help it. Not being able to see her was the worst and he wished for the million billionth time that there was a way he could keep an eye on her while he was out.^
I wonder if it’s because of Tim? Maybe you could take the monitor with you Tim? Or ask Dick his opinion? Or Alfred?
Nope, it’s the Joker. Damnit. At least Selina is being more helpful in a way then the kids but I can understand why they are not.
The whole family as Star Wars characters?!? Bruce agreeing? Yes! Let him get to know his baby daughter.
What the heck lady? So what if Dick is 17 and hanging out with Tim and Robin? It’s not like he’s doing it alone, Bruce and Alfred are there and Dick treats Tim and Robin as siblings; which they are!
Robin is too young for body paint so good job on thinking about asking Alfred for help, Tim.
A lot of the most ugly clothes are some of the softest and comfy ones ever. Plus, you helped Miss Judy out Tim. She is grateful.
Of course Robin wanted Dick to hold her. He is her namesake/older brother and she hasn’t seen him in forever (in her mind).
I love how Dick introduces Bruce to Robin. It's so funny and also so Dick.
Alfred letting the family spend time together, he gets his own time with them, without him or Nurse there and Bruce holding Robin as he speaks to Tim and Dick makes me want Tim and Amelia home with the Wayne’s soon.
Bruce totally knows Tim and he doesn’t even live with him! lol
I just laugh at Dick translating his dad. Robin is going to just do grunts for a while isn’t she, before actually speaking? If she does, I’m blaming Bruce.
^“Hm.” Mr. Wayne flipped the tablet back around. “Think a three point buckle would work?”
Dickie’s grin grew a little evil-genius. “I can do some safety tests with Wally.”^
You know that if Tim didn’t know he would wonder why Wally would be needed and just saying Wally is a fast runner wouldn’t work for Tim. Though I love how considerate Dick is of Tim’s safety. If the belt can last through a speedster test, it will work for Tim.
I’m confused, did Dick think Bruce would just change his voice? Or bring out something they use all the time as vigilantes?
Bruce is better than that Dick.
I love the picture of the voicebox I can see in my head.
Now I want the family (once Jason, Damian, Cass, and Duke join them) to recreate the costumes. Amelia can go as Ahsoka and Cass as Leia. Duke could be Lando and Damian Ezra or even Cal or Caleb. Jason is not Han in this situation but maybe Rex or Obi-Wan? Or Fox or Wolffe.)
I wonder when Alfred snuck in and took Robin. Or did the Nurse take her for her nap? I’m saying Alfred.
Did Alfred make a nursery up or just use pillows? Because I don’t remember Tim and Nurse taking a playpen/travel crib with them.
So when did the highchair get there? Or did Bruce buy one because of Dick babysitting Robin? Because I reread and they only took the stroller and diaper bag over.
Of course it’s by Bruce, Tim. Robin is his youngest. Wait, why is Alfred and Nurse eating in the kitchen surprising to Tim? Oh, he eats with Robin and her nurses doesn’t he? So he’s not used to eating with Nurse not there and helping to feed Robin (watch him feed her).
Awe, they bought her bibs! That really makes me think the highchair is a staple of Wayne Manor now and there is more stuff for Robin and Tim somewhere in the Manor.
^Tim glanced at Robin. “She can be still.” (He didn’t mention how he’d slowly begun teaching Robin Stillness. It was one of mom’s lessons.)^
That makes me want to scream at Janet. Kids aren’t made to be still! They are made to annoy us and be moving around all the time.
Oh Tim. The rules for guests are meant to change and not be so strict. It just depends on who you are around. But you can interpret nicely. Which you didn’t but Bruce doesn’t care.
Bruce and his interactions with Robin makes me wish she and Tim were home for good.
Dick isn’t being disrespectful of his last name Tim. He is a teen and teens act out. Just like kids.
It’s part of growing up. You aren’t adults yet. Have fun and enjoy life.
Dick loves his family so much. You can tell as he watched his dad interact with his baby sister and baby brother.
Tim’s love for taking pictures is really shown here with Miss Judy and I am so glad.
Kendall and Tim’s interaction had me laughing, as did Kendall flirting with Dick and Dick being flustered by it.
^Puppy said something Tim couldn’t catch, but Kendall seemed appeased because he moved his hand away. Puppy ate more ice cream and said at a more reasonable volume, “don’t you know anything? That’s how you wake up Robin and get your wish heard.”
Click. Went Tim’s camera, capturing the shock-incredulity-astonishment that crossed Dickie’s face. He took another picture, catching Puppy grinning as he explained that there was a whole system of calling out to the City’s Robin depending on what one needed. Cartwheels on the rooftops for a wish to be heard, a flip over open space for good luck. A robin’s call for hope, a laugh in the shadows for safety. With each addition, Dickie looked more and more mesmerized. Tim made sure to take pictures of Selina and Kendall as they listened to this spiel. Tim wasn’t sure if Puppy was making the whole thing up or not, but he’d find out later; he wasn’t about to ruin Puppy’s fun either way.^
Even if I’m wrong (I probably am) about Puppy being Jason I adore him and want nothing to happen to Puppy. I love how innocent he still is. Puppy and other children deserve to be as innocent as they can be.
^He refocused on a young man writing in a notebook, and above him in the sunlight a curly haired boy with his nose stuck in a beat-up paperback. Tim shifted, trained his camera on them both, careful to keep them in focus, as he snapped a few pictures.^
That is so Jason but there has to be others who do the same.
I love Bruce finding excuses to invite Tim over. I hope Robin goes also even if her costume is easy compared to the others.
Awe. :( It’s only sometimes but at least she goes over.
Of course Robin loves it there. She gets to see her biggest big brother and dad! Plus, they adore her and she can tell.
^“Up!” She said with more emphasis.
He lifted her with a smile. She crushed the collar in her pudgy fist and then chewed on his shoulder. Tim couldn’t look away. Mr. Wayne was laughing in his quiet, nearly silent way that Tim only ever saw when he was very amused by something.
Tim did not understand.^
I love Bruce here. Oh Tim. Bruce loves you both and he has different (better) ways of showing it.
Robin’s nickname for Tim is adorable and then she gets Dick and Bruce to call him that also? Love it. (It's also a nickname in my family. I think a lot of families have that nickname. It’s a common one that is great.)
Bruce putting a safety harness on the costume makes me think of all the safety features he has on all his children’s costumes.
Dick is so ADHD coded but Bruce is so patient with him. He’s a great father.
^Tim heaved a sigh. “The Rouges tend to play hard on Halloween.”
She didn’t look like she understood, and Tim didn’t want to get banned from trick-or-treating, so he shrugged and said. “The mayor made trick-or-treating after dark illegal.”
Nurse wrinkled her nose. “I don’t think that’s something a Mayor can do.”^
Maybe not in other cities but in Gotham? It is. Especially for the children’s safety.
Even when he was younger Bruce never went trick or treating? Dang. No wonder why Alfred is going.
Robin is also watching Alfred get ready and that helps.
Of course Alfred made her onesie. If not him, Martha Kent made it.
^Robin really did look like a muppet. He kept telling her she was the cutest muppet ever. (He hoped Miss Piggy would agree.)^
Miss Piggy would adore Robin.
^While they waited for Mr. Wayne, Dickie fetched trick-or-treat bags. Tim grinned when he saw that they had the Teen Titan’s logo on the back—the front of each bag had been hand painted with a scene from Starwars. Tim got the one with the Death Star exploding. (Dickie said his friends made them for him. Tim politely did not point out that the logo was a bit telling.)^
If Dick still is surprised after all of this with Tim knowing, he needs to be (lightly) slapped over the head.
I love that the team helped make the bags.
lol
I’m guessing the costumes were a bit too realistic for Nurse. It is totally Alfred and Bruce to go all out though.
^(decorated to look like the floating egg baby Yoda was carried in; Mr. Wayne had said no to anything that hovered). Tim had a robot arm that carried the trick-or-treat bag. ^
Even with Lucius’ help Bruce would not trust anything that hovers with his children. The robot arm seems awesome.
It wouldn’t shock me if Bruce used Bat tech in the costumes and the camera. And used one of his old capes for Darth Vader’s cape.
Robin falling asleep in her grandfather’s and then dad’s arms make me so wish that she and Tim were home for good.
The end notes had me laughing; especially Selina just telling Bruce he’s going to Tim’s showcase.
For Ra’s sake Janet! Your daughter’s first birthday is not a big deal? I hope Bruce does something special for it.
Nurse and the school don’t even question Tim’s silence? You got to kidding. Someone should. He can be quiet but not that quiet. Especially when Tim is never quiet with Robin.
Oh my god, you really think his photography would tell you why he is so quiet Nurse? You could have just asked! I mean I’m glad you looked into Tim’s quietness but why not just ask him instead of taking his camera.
Tim getting to know the Titans and having them read to him and Robin is so good.
Is Nurse stupid?!? You’re going out into the fight?! If Tim or Robin get hurt because of you…
At least the staff tried to stop Nurse. And good job on taking the courses for living in Gotham even if you lived there your whole life Tim.
I wonder why Ivy had been following Dickbin. At least she helped Tim and Robin get away.
Tell me Tim got his presents back at least, please!
Well even if Bruce wasn’t there at least Dick was for Amelia’s first birthday.
I have mixed emotions on Nanny 1. I can get where she is coming from but the way she handles Tim and even Robin is making me nervous. She could handle Tim a lot better than she is.
What is with the scores and engagement at school? That isn’t something she needs to know about or handle. And stuff about the public eye? What the heck? Are we sure she’s an actual nanny and not someone their parents are paying from their business to pretend to be one?
If Nanny 1 is not a plant from Drake Industries I don’t know what she is. (Besides a nanny I don’t really like, though I agree on some things and disagree on other things.) like, I’m glad she is making Tim step away from caring for Robin and actually be a child but the way she is doing it makes me sad because she is not helping either of them. She just seems to be hurting them emotionally.
The showcase Tim is supposed to be at? If he isn’t there how will she explain it? And the shower! That made me angry.
I’m glad Tim talked to Alfred so Alfred has an idea of what is going on (not like he doesn’t already) and Alfred could help Tim calm down and read to him.
Oh Tim. Nanny 1 needs to actually talk to Tim, in a gentler tone, and help him understand. Because if he’s throwing up, he isn’t understanding and she isn’t helping both Tim and Robin. (At least I don’t think so.)
I also hate that Nanny 1 says his full name. It makes me shudder every time I read it.
I enjoyed the whole photograph showcase but I loved Lily’s quilt photos. They seem like they be awesome to see.
Donna and Roy came! Yay! Hi Bruce! Hi Selina!
lol Of course Selina got Robin a rattle. Question is did she steal it or did Bruce buy it and Selina stole it from him with Bruce knowing that she did?
Lady, you just made a mistake in saying Dick is not a good caretaker and won’t be babysitting again. Men and boys can be great caretakers. Not to mention not believing Tim about his onboarding documents.
I hope you leave quickly, even if you are helping Tim and Robin be more independent of each other.
The one thing I will give Jack and Janet credit for here is actually listening to Tim and not making him skip grades. I know he could do it but I’m glad he didn’t have to.
I’m so glad Dick didn’t ignore Tim and is trying his best to understand Tim and not ask him everything.
^(It was probably a good thing Tim had never started a rumor that Robin didn’t have bones. He was willing to consider that maybe Dickie might be a cryptid after all.)^
Which, to me, means Tim DID start that rumor.
Oh Tim. I get it but baby boy you are in so much trouble.
What the fuck? Nanny 1 thinks Dick is the terrible influence? For Lord’s sake lady! Oh my gosh, she is a bitch right now and I hope Tim at least talks to Alfred about everything.
Sorry Tim. Being grounded was good. Though I don’t know about the suspension part. Then again I can get why.
Wow. So in this verse Tim was six when JJ happened? Well almost happened? And Harley is not with the Joker anymore? Never mind, it seems as if she is but she’s slowly leaving him. (Hopefully)
I’m glad Tim went to an adult for help, even if it wasn’t Alfred.
I can see why Selina agreed to help Tim by stealing and blaming Nanny 1 but I can also understand why she was hoping Tim would tell her if it is getting bad because she would get Bruce involved then.
Tim didn’t get his presents he found back. :( Hopefully whoever took them could actually use them.
What is with the name lady? Everyone, including Janet if I’m recalling correctly, calls her Robin. Tim is not being disrespectful, he shouldn’t have to apologize, especially when it is her name!
Nanny 1 needs to go, now! She is not being nice and she is being mean and hurt Tim. Tim, please tell someone and get her away from you both.
No Tim. You don’t deserve that punishment. No one does. She made the mess, she cleans it up.
I hate her right now. I thought I understood her a bit but I don’t.
Ra, I wish Tim had told Alfred but at least he told Roy some of it. I’m glad Tim has Roy and the others to talk to. Even if he doesn’t tell them everything.
What is with Nanny 1 and being nice to Tim? On Christmas?!?!
Bruce! You got your kids gifts that are handmade (I’m so betting the plushies are) and cameras! You’re letting people know silently that these are your kids and only yours.
What the fuck is with letting Robin cry so long? There’s leaving them to cry for a while and then there is leaving the babies to cry for too long. Thank the lord Selina came.
Your parents leaving you and Robin IS NOT YOUR FAULT TIM!
Tim calling Dick accidentally and then talking to Dick and Bruce made me smile and cry. They love him. So much.
Oh my god. Tim doesn’t understand why she changed the rules. I do though. It’s because their parents are on the way home isn’t it?
Clark and Tim’s talk made me laugh and grin. I love that Clark adores Tim so much already. I do wonder why Clark and Bruce were at the library though.
Of course Bruce is watching over Tim. He didn’t know if anyone was with Tim and wanted to be sure his son was okay. Now that he knows Tim is he can check on his daughter.
Oh my gosh I just realized that the elephant Dick got Robin is exactly like Zitka!
Of course Robin isn’t happy with her parents. She doesn’t know them!
Thank goodness Tim got Robin out of the way of the fighting. She doesn’t need to hear that.
Tim, isn’t Courage, the Cowardly Dog a little too old for a one year old to watch?
I’m so proud of you Tim! You called for help! Good job!
Thank you for telling Tim that Tim did good Bruce. Thank you for staying on the phone with him.
Janet is a good mom here. She might be a bad one a lot of times but here? She’s being a good one.
The cold showers worked in Tim’s favor if you think about it. It made the police look closer into Nanny 1. Which is good because now she is gone.
You know I think Nanny 1 took stuff before even Selina stole and framed her. (The part about the key for the liquor cabinet coming up again made me think.)
I forgot this was happening the same day as the gala until Tim asked about it. That means Tim called Bruce and Bruce called Jim at the Gala or right before it.
I love Janet being so reasonable with Tim here. She does care, just doesn’t show it. I think Jack and Janet would be a great uncle and aunt.
I should remember New Years Day is always a work day but I always forget. Probably because it seems as if a lot more people seem to be out and about and come into my work (retail in a way) it seems.
I love Dick getting his dad to watch his siblings. I know it’s because he’s with his friends but I still love it.
Bruce is so precious with his children and they aren’t even his yet! He is a great father and I wish more people could see him as one.
^Mr. Wayne stopped him with a very large hand. “Tim,” he said with a stern look. “Don’t run down the stairs.”
Tim bit his lip with a blush. “Yes, sir.”
Mr. Wayne’s eye twitched. “Let’s go.”
He didn’t let Tim go first. Did Mr. Wayne think Tim was likely to fall downstairs again? Dickie did complain that Mr. Wayne was the 'biggest worry-wart ever, on the whole planet.' Tim was glad no one could see the way he smiled at the way Mr. Wayne made sure to never be more than two steps ahead of Tim.^
Get used to it Tim. In my headcanon, Bruce never lets any of you go first when he is with you. Maybe as vigilantes but as civilians? He always goes first…unless you are at home in the Manor or Batcave where he can control the outcome a lot better.
Tim thinking it was Alfred or Dick giving Bruce the ‘dreaded’ booster talk but it was Bruce himself I bet. I am also betting that the booster seat is a second one and just looks like Tim’s.
Thank you for telling Tim you are proud of him Bruce. Tim needed to hear it.
^ He didn’t want to think about the Manor’s lack of stair gates. How did people survive before baby gates were invented? The whole species of two-story-house-dwelling humans should have died off. Robin might be perfect, but she was still a baby and worse she’d started to climb things. (Badly, but still.) He’d hoped it was a once off, the first time, but he knew it wasn’t. He could see in the way she was learning to move with more and more agility that the real climbing hadn’t even started yet. (The Mommy Blogs had a lot to say about climbing. And terrible twos.)^
They are built into the stairs I bet. Or will be. Hopefully by the time Robin hits the terrible twos they will be home and Tim will have more help watching Robin. Alfred and Bruce are used to climbing kids (Dick) so it will be a breeze for them…maybe.
Yes! Tim told another adult what happened with the showers! Good job Tim! I’m proud of you. So so proud. (Even if Bruce did push a bit at least Tim told.)
The gifts! Selina got Tim’s original gift for Dick back! Thank you Selina!
^Mr. Wayne stiffened a little at Tim’s burbling explanation. “I am glad Selina managed to recover it.”^
Bruce is thinking about what could have happened to Robin and Tim. He will be thinking about it and having nightmares for a long time I bet.
Oh Tim. You aren’t a bother and you don’t need to apologize. Bruce and Dick are worried. Let them worry. Please.
I love how the chapter ends. It was so great. The humming between Tim and Bruce is sweet.
