Tim Drake oneshots

(7) New Persona

It was another night in Gotham, and Tim was patrolling solo again, his grappling hook taking him effortlessly across the city skyline. But tonight, his mind wasn't on the usual muggers or petty criminals. No, tonight he had something else planned. After the love letter stunt, the Rogues had been thrown off balance. The game had become personal-and Tim enjoyed keeping them guessing.

His next target for tonight's 'fun' was one of Gotham's most physically imposing villains: Bane. The idea had been swirling in his mind for a while now, especially after the last interaction. Bane had looked genuinely confused by the letter, and Tim couldn't help but wonder just how far he could push this game.

Tim checked the signal coming from his tracker-Bane was on the move, and from the looks of it, he was headed towards the abandoned subway tunnels beneath the city. It was the perfect opportunity. With a grin, Tim adjusted his mask and took off toward Bane's location.

---

The subway tunnels were dark and damp, the perfect hideout for someone like Bane. Tim moved silently, sticking to the shadows as he approached the hulking figure in the distance. Bane was overseeing a group of thugs loading crates into a makeshift storage area. Whatever was in the crates didn't matter to Tim right now-he had something far more entertaining in mind.

Tim dropped down from the rafters, landing with a soft thud that echoed through the tunnel. Bane's head snapped up immediately, his massive form towering over the crates as he spotted the young vigilante.

"Red Robin," Bane growled, stepping forward. "You dare approach me again after your... little letter?"

Tim smirked, completely unfazed. "I didn't think you'd be offended by a little compliment, Bane. After all, you do cut an impressive figure."

Bane's eyes narrowed, but there was a flicker of curiosity beneath the annoyance. "You think your games will save you, boy? I am not one to be toyed with."

Tim took a step closer, his voice lowering to a sultry drawl. "Who said I was toying with you? I meant every word. I do love a man with a big figure..." His eyes glinted with mischief as he paused for effect. "And a big... presence."

Bane's muscles tensed as the innuendo hung in the air, and for a moment, his face was a mixture of confusion and amusement. The thugs around him exchanged uneasy glances, clearly unsure of what to make of the situation.

But Tim wasn't done.

"And I gotta say, Bane," he continued, circling around the towering man, "you've got both in spades. You ever think about how intimidating that must be? Strong. Commanding. Hard to ignore."

Bane's jaw clenched, his fists tightening at his sides. "Do you think your words will make me hesitate? Flattery will not stop me from crushing you, Robin."

Tim grinned, stopping directly in front of Bane and looking up at him with the same teasing confidence he'd perfected over the last few weeks. "I'm not asking you to stop. I'm just... appreciating what's in front of me." His gaze flicked pointedly down and back up, leaving little to the imagination. "What can I say? I've always been drawn to strength. And size."

Before Bane could respond, a low growl echoed through the tunnel, and Tim turned just in time to see Killer Croc emerge from the shadows, his reptilian form slinking into the light.

"Red Robin," Croc hissed, his eyes gleaming with predatory intent. "You've got guts, kid, showing up here."

Tim, without missing a beat, flashed Croc a grin. "Croc. You're looking... big as ever. You know, between you and Bane, I'm really starting to wonder if Gotham's villains are trying to impress me."

Croc's lip curled into a snarl, but there was a glint of curiosity in his gaze. "You've been running your mouth all over the city, talking sweet to everyone. You think I'm gonna fall for that?"

Tim's grin widened, and he sauntered toward Croc, looking up at the massive reptilian man. "Oh, Croc. If anyone knows how to make an impression, it's you. You've got that... presence, too. Strong, dangerous, primal." He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "And, between you and me, I do love a man with a big figure... and a big... bite."

Croc blinked, momentarily thrown by Tim's boldness. The thugs standing nearby were frozen, wide-eyed, completely unsure of what was happening.

Bane, who had been watching the interaction with growing impatience, stepped forward, his voice booming. "Enough of this! Red Robin, you mock us with your games!"

Tim turned to Bane, still smirking. "Mocking? Oh no, Bane, I'm being perfectly sincere. I mean, look at you two. You've got the whole intimidating presence thing down to an art. It's... admirable. Honestly, it's kinda hot."

Bane's eyes narrowed dangerously, but there was a flicker of something else behind his usual stoic demeanor. "You are either brave or foolish, Red Robin."

Tim raised an eyebrow. "Why can't it be both?"

For a tense moment, the tunnel was silent, the weight of Tim's words hanging in the air. Bane and Croc exchanged a glance, both of them clearly caught off guard by the unexpected turn of events.

Then, with a low, rumbling chuckle, Bane crossed his arms over his massive chest. "You are playing a dangerous game, little bird. But I must admit... you are bold."

Tim smiled, taking that as a small victory. "I've always believed in taking risks. Especially when the stakes are high." He gave both Bane and Croc one last, playful look before stepping back. "But I'll leave you two to your... business. Don't want to distract you too much."

As Tim turned to leave, Croc's voice rumbled behind him. "You're not scared, are you, bird boy?"

Tim glanced over his shoulder, his smirk still in place. "Scared? Oh, Croc. If I was scared, I wouldn't be having nearly as much fun."

With that, he fired his grappling hook and disappeared into the shadows, leaving Bane, Croc, and the thugs standing in stunned silence.

As he swung through the city, Tim couldn't help but laugh to himself. Gotham's villains might be some of the most dangerous people alive, but he'd just managed to pull off the most absurd stunt yet-and he wasn't done playing the game. Not by a long shot.