Tim Drake oneshots

A night off

Title: A Night Off

The dimly lit Gotham rooftop was quiet, save for the faint rustle of Batman’s cape.

But this wasn’t Bruce Wayne’s Batman. Tonight, it was Dick Grayson, donning the cape and cowl, still getting used to its weight.

By his side was the new Robin, Damian Wayne, scowling as usual.

Suddenly, a voice broke through the silence.

“Riddle me this, boy-”

Dick, in his best Batman voice, interrupted. “Yes?”

The Riddler stepped forward from the shadows, looking confused for a moment before his eyes squinted behind his bright green mask.

“Batman? Who the f—" Riddler trailed off, noticing something off. He pointed dramatically. “Who the hell is this?”

Dick crossed his arms. “This is Robin.”

Riddler’s eyes narrowed, flicking between Dick and Damian. “Obviously. But he’s different.”

He leaned in, inspecting Damian’s unamused face.

“He’s all… scowly. Where’s the fun one, who likes my riddles?”

Damian’s scowl deepened, clearly unimpressed.

Dick, rolling his eyes beneath the cowl, sighed. “He’s taking some PTO. Can we get on with this?”

Riddler crossed his arms defiantly. “No.”

Dick blinked. “What? Why not?”

“Well,” the Riddler said, dramatically pacing, “I would, but it wouldn’t be very fair. See, the riddles I had for tonight were kind of specific to a couple of past games me and the other one had done.”

Dick was taken aback. “What—you never did that for me when I was Robin!”

The Riddler smirked. “Yes, well, it just wasn’t as fun with you.”

Damian glanced sideways at Dick. “Seems fair.”

“Not helping, Damian,” Dick muttered. Then louder, “So what, are you going to just let the hostages go?”

The Riddler sighed, looking almost disappointed. “Well, I guess. I’ll have to come up with something different. We can reschedule.”

“You don’t just reschedule a hostage situation!” Dick protested.

Riddler shrugged nonchalantly. “Eh, I do. It's not as exciting if the dynamic isn’t right. He and I had a whole thing going. This kid?” He gestured at Damian. “No spark.”

Damian glared at him. “I’ll give you spark.”

Riddler waved dismissively. “No, no. That’s not it. I need the playful Robin. The one who leaves little notes in my traps. Fun.” He sighed wistfully. “I’ll table this for when he gets back.”

Dick rubbed his temple beneath the cowl. “So… what? Do we just take you back to Arkham, or…?”

Riddler shrugged again. “That’s fine. Sure, let’s do that. But tell the other one I’m saving the good riddles for him.”

With an exasperated sigh, Dick motioned for Damian to cuff Riddler, who offered no resistance.

As they led him back to the Batmobile, Damian muttered, “The criminals of this city are ridiculous.”

Dick couldn’t help but agree.