Fathers... Pt. 2

[trainedbythebat]

Back at Wayne Manor-home away from home, since said home used to be the stables-my mood was considerably better than it had been at the graveyard. My day wasn't entirely complete. Not yet. I'd wished one father a happy Father's day. Now, I needed to do the same once more.

Making my way up the stairs, I approached one of the many rooms that was currently occupied and made my way inside as silently as possible.

"Bruce? You in here?"

Comments

[wayne-memoirs.livejournal.com]

The drapes are drawn, separating the room from the brightness of the day that lays beyond. It takes Tim a moment to adjust to the darkened room.

"By the window, Tim."

[http://users.livejournal.com/_robin_3/]

Waiting until my eyes were adjusted to the darkened room, I made my way inside with ease. "I just got back from the graveyard and saw my dad." Even if Bruce had adopted me, I still saw Jack Drake as my father-and that wouldn't change.

"The day isn't over yet, and I knew I needed to make one more stop." A small, but light grin crossed my face while coming to a stop beside Bruce in the room.

[wayne-memoirs.livejournal.com]

Jack Drake deserves nothing less. Each year he receives a visit from his son. Each year after Tim's departure, a wreath of flowers is delivered anonymously to the grave. There's no other way Bruce Wayne can express his gratitude and respect.

"How did it go?"

[http://users.livejournal.com/_robin_3/]

"It went well. An unexpected meeting occured, but it worked out for the best."

Translation: a fellow Titan appeared and helped to cheer me up.

"Picked up the mail Alfred got yesterday from the study and found this in the stack." I handed the envelope to Bruce without another word; the address to the mansion was at the top, and the writing on the front of said envelope would tell him more than I could.

From: Jason

To: Bruce

[wayne-memoirs.livejournal.com]

He takes the envelope without looking at the inscription. All his attention is focused on Tim. "What kind of meeting?"

[http://users.livejournal.com/_robin_3/]

"Just a regular meeting, though unexpected, with one of the Titans. In their own way, the conversation helped to cheer me up."

Even if Bruce had an inkling on who said conversation was with, I wasn't about to reveal too much on what had happened-not now anyway, and not on this day.

[wayne-memoirs.livejournal.com]

He's not entirely satisfied with the answer. Tim has a right to his privacy though. He lets the matter drop without further questioning. If his adoptive son feels the need to discuss the details, he'll be available.

His gaze drops to the envelope. There isn't enough light in the room is easily make out the words. "Hit the lights, would you?"

[http://users.livejournal.com/_robin_3/]

A light snicker was heard only seconds before I pulled a Batarang from my pocket and threw it toward the door while barely turning my head! An almost inaudible thunk! was heard as the switch flipped up, the lights came on and I caught the returning Batarang with my still outstretched hand.

"On it." Training-and timing-was everything.

[wayne-memoirs.livejournal.com]

The look Bruce fixes on Tim is far from pleasant. Batarangs are not to be used in the house. However, he did instruct Tim to "hit" the lights. Can he blame the younger man for taking him literally? The expression of disapproval melts away.

Once again, he drops his gaze to the envelope in hand. The name of the sender elicits no reaction. A moment later, the contents are removed. He begins to read, conscious of Tim at his side.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_robin_3/]

I hid the smirk-or any kind of emotion whatsoever-instead deciding to eye Bruce with a calm, reserved one similar to the one I gave the Titans; in this case, my mask wasn't on. I knew for a fact that Batarangs weren't to be used in the mansion, but he did tell me to "hit" the lights and so for once, I took him literally.

A light grin appears as the look of disapproval vanished from Bruce's face. Silent as ever, I watched as Bruce opened the envelope and read the contents appearing at his side a second later. If Bruce wanted to inform me what this was about, he would.

[wayne-memoirs.livejournal.com]

The letter only takes him a minute to read. Jason has never been long winded. The fact that he has chosen to communicate at all on this particular holiday is a wonder. Bruce sets it aside, not bothering to refold it. The look on his face is set in stone.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_robin_3/]

Jason must've really done something unbelievable-or unexpected-to make Bruce do what he normally does. I figured by sending the letter, he'd done the latter. I also figured that by Jason sending the letter today, that it revolved specifically around Bruce.

"Did Jason have anything important to say?"

[wayne-memoirs.livejournal.com]

He reaches for the discarded letter and passes it to Tim. As a partner and a son, he'll find the contents of interest. Important? Tim can decide that for himself.

The expression on his face relaxes. He hasn't abandoned the leather chair to make strides towards the cave. Instead, he crosses his hands casually across his lap. All are good signs.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_robin_3/]

Bruce hadn't made the departure toward the cave-a good thing, if not surprising. At scanning the letter he'd handed to me, I realized why he had a relaxed face-Jason simply wished Bruce a happy Father's Day, along with some other tidbits that didn't need to be mentioned.

"Okay...definitely important."

A light smile crossed my face while I put the letter back down on the table. Jason may have beaten me to the punch, but that wasn't what was important-this day revolved around fathers specifically. And, if my father-and the Titans-had taught me anything, it's that family was important, no matter what.

"Bruce...I've been wondering how I was gonna say this to you the entire way back here from the cemetary, so I think I should just say it: what you've done for me this past year has been both memorable and astounding. I'll never forget it as long as I live; if there's anything you need today, just ask. Happy Father's Day."

[wayne-memoirs.livejournal.com]

There's a single nod of his head. It's a serious and appreciative acknowledgment of his son's well wishes. It says everything that Bruce is incapable of expressing in words.

"There is something I need."

[http://users.livejournal.com/_robin_3/]

A look of curiosity crossed my face. True, I had meant what I said when I told Bruce if there was anything he needed for the day, he could ask. Though, I was curious as to what it could be.

"Alright-what do you need?"

[wayne-memoirs.livejournal.com]

His expression is equally as serious as before. "I need some help finishing off that plate of cookies Alfred set out earlier."

[http://users.livejournal.com/_robin_3/]

A wide smirk crossed my face at that second. Alfred was a master in the kitchen, hence why no one set foot in there unless he requested it. "Shouldn't take us no more than 5-7 minutes."