The angst of the Red Robin

Chapter 3

"So this is the place, huh." Jason strided through the front door. "Holy shit. You weren't kidding about the kitchen babybird!" Tim nodded and walked over to the kitchen, brewing a pot of coffee.

"Yes. I was not kidding. I'm still keeping the other apartment as well, but I'm making it into a safe house, or my emergency house." Jason nodded.

"Ok, that was expected. So where'd you come up with the money for this place?" Tim smirked and called out.

"Red Robin initiative please, Mercury."

"yes, sir." an electonic voice responded. The TV in the living room, seemed to pull apart from the wall, leaving two small flatscreen TV's popping out from behind it. The Red Robin restaurant logo popped out on the screen. Jason closed his eyes tightly.

"Tim, you didn't." Tim shrugged.

"I only used the remaining billions of dollars I got from when Drake industries sizzled out. I sold that business, bought this one, and kept my savings, and here I am. Both the business and I have never been more successful." Jason stifled a laugh.

"Tim, you bought out a fast food joint, only for the namesake of your vigilante name." He full out collapsed of laughter. Tim rolled his eyes.

"Say what you want Hood, but at least I am set for life, even if the business fails. Besides, I need this type of money for this." Tim walked down the hallway and beckoned Jason to follow. Tim led Jason to a spare bedroom. "Ok, I converted a bedroom into my tech room, but take a look at this." Tim hit a button on the wall, and the wall slid open, revealing a Zeta tube. Only it looked different. "I can travel to different pockets of time, like Bruce did, and I think I get get him back through this. I just don't know what pocket of time he's stuck in." Jason scanned the piece of tech.

"I can't believe you did this Tim. Anything you've done, really. Especially the burger joint." Jason snickered. Tim stomped his foot.

"I just showed you what is basically a time machine, something people have been trying to build, for literal years, and you're more interested in Red Robin. I don't even know what to say." Jason snickered once more.

"Hey Tim?" the boy looked up. "How do you find time to do all this? Bruce, W.E., Red Robin, Vigilante work?" Tim shrugged.

"I have designated days. And it all works out somehow. Besides. Everybody works for me. It's less work, thanks to my employees." Jason gave him a weird look.

"Why did you phrase it like that? You're such a weird little evil scientist." Tim snorted and grabbed a tablet that way lying around.

"Thanks for that, Jason. Thank you so-" alarms went off throughout the building. Tim scrambled over to the array of computers, and checked the security cameras. Alfred stood with Dick and Damian, at the front door. Tim glared at Jason.

"What di you DO, Jason?" the older man shrugged.

"I just changed my living status on Facebook." Tim glared at him.

"Why the actual fuck did you- Yeah, ok. I'm going to go and hide. Luckily, I have nothing personal here yet, that can out me. Pretend it's your new place. I'm gonna hide in here." Tim shoved him out of the room. Jason groaned and answered the door.

"Master Jason!" Alfred exclaimed, giving Jason a small, but meaningful hug. Dick rushed forward and tackled Jason in a hug, tears streaming down his face.

"I missed you little wing!" Jason rolled his eyes and pushed the grabby Dick off. Damian gave him a curt nod, and placed the cake he was holding on the counter. Dick whistled.

"Wow, Jay-Jay. This place is amazing. How did you afford it?" Jason could practically hear Tim snickering.

"Yes Master Jason, this apartment is quite exquisite compared to your last one." Jason shrugged.

"Right place, right time. So what are you doing here?" he got right to the point. Alfred glared at Dick, who suck a little in his seat on the couch.

"Master Richard, you told me he knew we were stopping by." he turned to Jason. "I apologize Master Jason. This was rude. I apologize for intruding." a loud clatter sounded from the other room. The one Tim was in.

"What was that?" Dick asked, suspiciously. Jason's face paled.

"Err, that's my dog. Yep. TIM, GO LAY DOWN, GOOD DOG! Yep, don't go in there Dickie, he's a big, mean, scary-" Damian rushed to the door and opened it.

"Drake?" Damian asked, face loosing all color. Tim's hair covered his eyes. He supplied a meek smile to Damian.

"Woof, Woof?"

****************************

"M-Master Tim? You're back? You're alive?!" Alfred rushed over and wrapped the small boy in a hug. Tim's eyes widened. He quickly gained his composure.

"Yes Alfred, I am alive." Dick stood up from his seat, frozen. Tim held out a hand to his older brother, eyes cold, and full of empty emotion. "Richard." he greeted coldly. Dick stepped forward, as if to hug him, but Tim took a step back, seeing the pain in Dick's eyes. Jason walked over.

"I think we should-"

"Shove it Jason." Dick snapped. He walked forward. "Where the hell were you Tim? You don't back out on family like that. You left your family." Tim's eyes blazed as a warning.

"Please excuse me saying so Richard, but you are one to talk. 'Family, leaving no one behind' absolute bullshit!"

"Master Timothy!" Alfred scolded, but Tim paid no mind.

"You didn't believe me when I said that there is a chance our father might be alive. You threatened to lock me away. My own brother. You see, you left me, Dick. I didn't leave anyone. And now I have evidence that Bruce is alive and if you want to have even a relatively civil relationship with me-"

"Listen Tim-"

"No, you fucking listen Dick!" Tim shouted. "I will not be walked over. I refuse to be unheard. I'm taking a fucking stand. And all of this bullshit will stop. Now." everyone in the room stood, shocked. "Now would you like to see my evidence?" Alfred waked over.

"Master Timothy, nothing would make me happier." Tim smiled at the old man.

"Sounds excellent."