It had been almost two years since Jason had crawled out of his own grave. Two years since he managed to stumble back through the manor doors into a family he barely recognized.
His relationship with Bruce had never been better. Ever an emotionally constipated man, Bruce had put great effort into showing his love and affection for his adopted soon after losing him for so long.
Dick visited the manor more than ever before intent to have the brotherly bond that he had previously run away from
But it was the addition of the newest Robin that proved the most interesting change. Jason was a little upset at first. Even a little jealous. But hearing the reason behind Tim’s joining of the family helped put a lot of things in perspective. And of course Jason couldn’t help but respect the kids talent in the field.
That never stopped him from the constant teasing of his “replacement.” Tim didn’t seem to appreciate the nickname too much. But Jason wasn’t going to pass up his chance at messing with his “little brother.”
After two years of recovery. Healing his wounds. And overcoming his fear of all things clown. Jason was finally allowed back out in the field. Tim stayed at the cave as reserve in case of an emergency. Luckily for Jason he managed the night without incident.
Unluckily for Tim he could now see the writing on the wall. Jason moved effortlessly in the field as if he hadn’t missed a single day of action. Him and Bruce made a better team than he and Tim ever had.
Bruce’s son was finally back. The rightful Robin was again by his side. It was clearly time for the replacement to relinquish his place.
With Jason’s memorial case now empty Tim hung up his suit for what he believed to be the final time. Making his way back into the manor he proceeded to pack as may of his things as he could fit into a suitcase. Of course he never had many belongings in the house to begin with. He wasn’t Bruce’s son. He was barely his partner. He always knew his time as Robin would be short. So why bother decorating his room as if he belonged there.
He waited until the early hours of morning to begin his final walk out the Manor doors. He knew Bruce was preparing to kick him out any day now. He might as well keep his dignity by doing it himself.
Tim was surprised when he was stopped by Jason. The teen had been roaming the halls, his post patrol adrenaline keeping him awake into the early hours. Jason had walked over to Tim with a smile on his face until he spotted the briefcase clutched tightly in his left hand.
At this point Jason had lost his sense of time. One moment he was asking what Tim was doing. The next he was begging the Drake heir to stay. He had spent so long getting back to his family only for Tim to try and leave.
Tears streamed down his scarred face as his sobs and screams echoed throughout the manor halls. Bruce and Alfred awoken by the sound rushed into the main foyer to see a shellshocked Tim standing in front of a kneeled over and crying Jason.
Bruce tried his hardest to calm the boy down as he lashed out in his grip. Ultimately a sedative was the only thing to stop him as Bruce carried his limp body to the infirmary.
Alfred stayed with Tim as he offered to take his belongings back to his room. No questions asked with no judgment passed.
Tim decided to stay by Jason’s bedside for hours until the older teen awoke again. He wasn’t sure why Jason felt so strongly about Tim staying in the family when it was clear to him that Bruce has never considered him such.
But after causing so much pain for the second Robin he figured staying was the least he could do. Ultimately in his mind it wouldn’t be long before Jason realized the mistake he had made and grew tired of Tim.
After all Tim was used to people not wanting him around. He already knew what it felt like to be cast to the side. All he could hope is that this time it wouldn’t hurt so much.
