tim drake just can't get a break

Theo does not like the new guy, and it is definitely not because he was able to dodge the knife they threw and also managed to throw it back. That guy just irks them, the way he was acting like you couldn’t tell if he was being genuine or fake. All in all, Theo really doesn’t like him.

So, when that morning Theo woke up extra early to go to their in-house library to get some book, they are just ecstatic to see Tim there lounging on one of the comfortable chairs. Book in one hand, a mug in the other. Next to him there is a stack of books, no, scratch that there are two stacks of books one on each side. He had eyebags under his eyes and looks like he hasn’t slept a day in his life. He was wearing some of Remus’ hand-me-downs, the huge sweater, and trousers too big for him that he had to roll them up. Theo also noticed that he had a chain necklace with a ring in the middle, he was twirling it while reading his book, after he put the mug down.

Theo would very much like to just turn around and leave, but they really wanted to read those books, and they wouldn’t just leave because Tim was there. So, they went in and started looking through the books to find the ones they wanted. After they did, Theo went to one of the unoccupied chairs, sat down and started to read.

It was quiet, both of them reading but no one starting conversation. Every now and then, Theo glanced at Tim, wondering what his deal was. That guy was an enigma, not like Tom, they knew who Tom was, to some extent. But they wouldn’t just up and ask Tim.

On one of the times that Theo glanced at him; Tim caught their eyes. “If you have something to ask me, do it. Instead of just looking at me.” Tim said closing the book, switching the way he was sitting so he could look at Theo without craning his neck. Theo felt embarrassed that they were caught so easily, but easily pushed it down, “I have nothing to say to you” Theo said instead, not wanting it to seem like Tim won the conversation.

What they expected was to hear an irritated huff, and Tim going back to his book, instead Tim just sighed “alright, how about this” he said, showing no irritation whatsoever “we can go back and forth with the questions, one at a time, that way its more equal.” He suggested.

Although they loath to admit it, it was pretty solid.

“Fine” Theo said, out loud “but I’m starting.”

Tim made a ‘go on’ gesture with his hands as he brought the mug he was holding to his mouth, taking a huge chug, drinking the remains in one go. Theo wrinkled their nose at that knowing full well that it was black coffee he just drank. As they were watching that unfold, they heard a sudden crack and saw Kreacher, coming over to Tim, and refiling his drink. Tim saying ‘thank you’ to the house elf, Kreacher just grunted, then left.

Theo watched this whole ordeal like it was unordinary. because it was. How could he already be acquainted with the house elf let alone be in good terms with Kreacher. It has only been some few hours since this guy started staying here.

Theo got out of their daze when they noticed that Tim was looking at them oddly. they realized that their hair had turned yellow, they quickly began to change it back to its original color. They were irritated that they couldn’t control it well enough that a little distraction can make them change hair-color. Theo’s face though showed nothing out the ordinary, just dismissing it after they were sure that their hair was the color it was supposed to be.

Theo then remembered what they were doing. The question was, should they beat around the bush, or just be blunt? Who were they kidding, they already knew the answer.

“How do you know how to throw like that” they asked. They wanted to ask so many more questions, but they started with the one that they were most curious about.

“Hm?” was all Tim said, tilting his head. asking Theo to elaborate, so they did.

“The knife, you threw it with practiced precision” they continued “Where did you learn that?”

“Multiple people taught me. come on, ask better questions.” He said. 

and that ticked Theo off but when they opened their mouth to respond, Tim put his hand up to stop them. 

“My turn” Tim said, taking a while to come up with a question, putting a hand up to his chin and humming, as if contemplating.

Finaly, he said, “your hair” he started with “why does it change colors?”

By the time he asked Theo had some time to calm down and took their time answering that, they could just be straight forward and say it, but they really don’t want to, and they were also a little spiteful. Tim seemed to let Theo take their time, waiting patiently, as he took more sips from his mug.

“Because I have something called metamorphmagus” Theo said. Tim stopped sipping his mug, narrowing his eyes at Theo. But then, he just sighed.

“I’ll have to wait another round to find out what that is, don’t I?” he said, sounding resigned. Theo just smiled, but before any of them could continue Remus ran into the library, looking disheveled like he just woke up. His hair pointing in every way. He was looking around before his eyes locked on them both. He sighed, sounding relieved. Theo was confused why that is.

“Sirius and I sensed disturbances at the wards we set up outside, and wanted to check if everyone was alright” Remus said, looking them both up and down, as if to check for injuries. His shoulders slightly untensing when finding that there was none.

Tim put his hand up and made a noise to gain their attention, taking one last sip from the now empty mug before putting it down. “Uh, yeah” he said, after both Theo and Remus turned to look at him “that was me.”

Remus looked as confused as Theo felt. Before Remus went and checked the wards again, murmuring something Theo had to strain their ears to hear. ‘The disturbance came from inside’ and ‘Kreacher didn’t warn us either’. Then he looked at Tim, as if fully seeing him for the first time. He took a long scrutinizing look at Tim before saying, “you didn’t sleep at all last night, did you?”

Tim just shrugged, standing up with the mug in one hand and the book he was reading in the other. The book was written in a language Theo didn’t recognize, when they looked back at the pile of books Tim left behind, they realized that all of them was in a different language. Some they recognized, most they didn’t.

Tim smiled after standing up “I wouldn’t be a Gothamite if I did” he said, then went to leave the library, he whispered to himself ‘or alive’ before exiting the door. making Remus and Theo confused all over again, and a little worried, though Theo would never admit that.

Tim is absolutely done with the bullshit called his life. one day that’s all he’s asking, one fucking day. When he gets back, he promises to become the terror that will keep Ra’s up at night or better yet, make sure tat Ra’s never wakes up no-kill rule be dammed.

He’s walking towards where he believes is the kitchen, after his little nightly tour he is pretty sure he knows where to go.

He also tried leaving but an invisible barrier was in the way. That’s when he met kreacher though. Terrifying, but in a good way. Like Alfred but grumpy. Tim likes him already.

God, he missed Alfred. It’s only been a day and he already miss his cooking and company. As well as the othe-

Okay, back on topic.

As he’s walking, he’s musing over what his next move should be. While these people are nice. Well, most of them are. He will not be able to rest at this place comfortably without going full bat on them AKA interrogating them.

He knows the basics though thanks to Constantine and the library he found. So at least he understands partly what’s going on. He will continue his research and do it thoroughly later on.

Also, he needs to be more cautious, yesterday was a mess. He was just taking risk after risk (a truth serum? Really? Bruce would have his head. Metaphorically.) and that is excluding the late-night panic attacks and the minor, minor mental breakdown.

Before he could go into that rabbit hole again, he reached the kitchen where two people were already there. 

The older man, Sirius was his name was near the oven making what Tim presumed was breakfast, and the younger boy who was sitting on a chair and leaning on the counter, with a steaming mug in his hands.

He was also the one that was looking at Tim with a little too much interest the other day, in a ‘I wanna cut you apart and know what’s inside’ kind of way. Which was justifiably creepy. 

Sirius seem to notice him walking in and greets him. Tim greets him back and sits next to the younger boy. He might be creepy but that doesn’t mean he will back down. 

Sirius poured more coffee into Tim’s mug after his confirmation. He chugged it, steaming hot and all. Felling the headache already starting to disappear. Only being witnessed by the other boy, much to his displeasure. Tim smirked.

Unexpectedly it is said boy that is the one to initiate the conversation. 

“So how did it feel.” he said, “Switching dimensions that is.” 

Wow, he’s blunt, but that doesn’t mean he will answer his question.

“I think” Tim said. Brushing his thumb against the mug “that you shouldn’t ask strangers questions when you haven’t even introduced yourself. It’s rude” 

Tim saw something flash in the boy’s eyes, it was brief, but Tim saw it. The boy smiled as if nothing happened. 

“Tom” he said in a cold voice, his smile not reaching his eyes “Riddle. Tom Riddle” 

Tim doesn’t know wether to laugh or wince at that reaction. 

“Tim” he said putting his hand forward. 

When Tom doesn’t respond other than looking at his hand, Tim can’t resist to say, “in my world this is called a handshake.” 

“It’s how we greet people” he says slowly, as if that will make it easier to understand. 

Tom was about to respond, with something not nice presumably. Before Remus came waking in with Harry and Theo with him.
Tom’s demeanor changed immediately. Interesting. 

Another thing to add in that list, right along with slightly murdery and blunt. 

Fun. Tim is having too much fun with this. But, he needs to leave. 

“Well,” he turns to stand up “this was nice and all, but I need to leave. Places to be, people to meet, dimension to return to.” 

The reaction was immediate. Everyone’s eyes were on him as he walked over to the sink and put his mug down. 

“Your leaving?” Sirius asked, “now?” 

“Well, I can’t find a way home by lazing around.” 

“We can still help.” 

“Thanks, but no thanks.” 

He turned towards the door, but before he could the kid with the snake stopped him. 

“Could you just take a moment and listen” He said, “all we want is to help.” 

“I already said no, now move.” 

Why are they so stubborn. 

“You can’t stop me from leaving.” He said with finality. 

He hears Remus sigh and turn to him. “you’re right.” He says, “we can’t and won’t stop you from leaving, but, just could you-“ he took a deep breath looking to sincere for Tim’s liking. “Hear us out? for a moment.” 

Tim took a second to consider, only because of how sincere he sounded, and honestly? It would be less of a hassle staying and having a roof over his head. Plus, he’s not Bruce nor is he here. So he can take a gamble. 

“Fine.” He moved over to the couch in the living room, and they started discussing.