Archive of Our Own ^beta

The air held a tense silence as he slipped back into his penthouse through the rooftop entrance. He scanned his surroundings, letting his heightened senses comb the space. Every instinct screamed that he wasn’t alone.

He took a careful breath, loosening his grip on his dagger as a figure appeared in the shadows near the balcony. The glow of city lights traced the shape of a young woman, her long hair swept back in the evening breeze. She looked ethereal and familiar, her presence both reassuring and chilling.

“Piper?” Tim’s voice barely rose above a whisper, and he felt an odd blend of surprise and relief.

Piper McLean stepped into the light, offering a small smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. Her expression was guarded, her usual warm confidence replaced by something darker.

“Tim.” She crossed her arms, her piercing gaze taking him in. “You look… tense.”

Tim couldn’t help but smirk. “Tense? A dracaena just attacked me here in Gotham, so yeah, I’d say I’m a little on edge.”

Piper nodded, glancing over his shoulder as if she, too, expected something to leap out of the shadows. “You’re not the only one. Monsters have been slipping through barriers all across the city. New York, San Francisco… even Camp Half-Blood isn’t completely safe.”

That last part hit hard. “Camp Half-Blood’s wards aren’t holding?”

“They’re strained,” she admitted, her voice tight. “Some of the older campers are patrolling the borders. We’re keeping the younger ones away, for now.”

Tim frowned, shifting his gaze back to the view of Gotham. “If monsters are getting into camp, then it’s not just us. This is… bigger.”

Piper’s voice dropped to a murmur. “There’s a prophecy, Tim.”

He clenched his jaw, feeling a pang of frustration and worry. Another prophecy. They never seemed to bring anything but pain.

“Another prophecy, huh?” He couldn’t keep the bitterness from his tone. “So who’s involved this time? Just the Olympians, or are the mortals getting dragged into it too?”

Piper’s expression softened, a glimmer of understanding in her eyes. “I know what you’re thinking, Tim. I know you want to keep your family out of this. But if the prophecy is real, then we’re going to need everyone we can get.”

Tim looked away, the frustration tightening in his chest. “I don’t want them involved. I’ve been through enough wars to know how this goes, Piper. These prophecies don’t just end with casualties—they end with everyone losing something. Or someone.”

Piper sighed, stepping forward and placing a hand on his shoulder. “I know. But maybe this time, we can keep it from spiraling. Maybe we can control it.”

Tim wanted to believe her, but the images of past battles, of Silena’s last moments, flickered through his mind. He pulled away, pushing down the emotions.

“So, what’s the prophecy say?” he asked, forcing his tone to stay even.

Piper hesitated, the rare uncertainty flashing in her eyes. “It’s… vague, even by Oracle standards. Something about ‘shadowed sons of Olympus’ and ‘blood of two worlds uniting under one cause.’ No one’s sure what it means yet.”

Tim’s stomach tightened at the words. Shadowed sons. It felt almost like a direct call to him, like an omen woven specifically to catch his attention. He could only imagine how many others might be drawn into this. Gotham’s protectors, his family—they’d all be at risk. And he was beginning to realize just how hard it would be to keep them out of it.

Before he could respond, his phone buzzed. He glanced down, noting the text from Jason:

[Saw something strange in Crime Alley. Might need backup. — J]

Tim exhaled, feeling a prickle of unease. It wasn’t unusual for Jason to get himself into trouble, but if strange things were going on in Gotham, it could mean Jason was facing something he wasn’t equipped to handle.

“Piper, I’ve got to go,” Tim said, glancing at her. “Jason’s out there, and if there’s more of these creatures prowling around…”

Piper nodded, understanding. “Be careful, Tim. And if you need us… we’ll be there.”

He gave her a grateful nod before slipping out into the night.

---

Tim raced through the dark alleys of Gotham, his mind buzzing with Piper’s words and the eerie sense of the prophecy’s implications. He finally spotted Jason, standing with his arms crossed and an impatient scowl on his face.

“Finally,” Jason muttered, clearly irritated. “Took you long enough, Replacement.”

Tim ignored the jab, his gaze shifting to the unconscious figure sprawled at Jason’s feet. It was a man—a civilian, from the looks of him, with clothes torn and his skin marked with long, dark slashes. A thin layer of dust coated his body, making Tim’s stomach twist.

“This… doesn’t look like your typical mugging,” Tim murmured, crouching to examine the man more closely.

Jason shook his head. “It wasn’t. I found him fighting off some… thing. Looked like a mix between a wolf and a human. Definitely not the type of thug we usually get around here.”

Tim clenched his jaw. More monsters, out in the open. And even in Gotham, a place practically shrouded in its own shadow, they weren’t hiding.

“We need to get him somewhere safe,” Tim said, pulling out his comm. “I’ll call Alfred to come get him and take him to Wayne Medical.”

Jason raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. “So you think this is supernatural, don’t you?”

Tim hesitated, debating how much he should say. “It’s… a possibility.”

Jason rolled his eyes, an incredulous smile tugging at his lips. “Seriously, Tim? You think this guy got attacked by some kind of… Greek monster?”

Tim stared at his older brother, trying to gauge how much Jason already knew—or suspected. There were hints he’d picked up over the years, little comments Jason had made about Tim’s absences and how he always seemed to have some mysterious, unexplainable connections.

“Look, Jay,” he began carefully, “there’s more going on in this city than either of us really understand. Just… trust me on this. Let me handle it.”

Jason eyed him, his gaze flickering with an unreadable expression before he finally relented. “Fine. But if there’s some freaky magic crap going down here, I’m not sitting it out.”

Tim smirked, grateful for the support but still wary of what was ahead. “Deal.”

They moved quickly, getting the man out of the alley just as Alfred arrived in one of Bruce’s black SUVs. Tim watched as Alfred carefully loaded the man into the back seat, his usual calm expression betraying nothing of the strange circumstances.

“Master Timothy,” Alfred said, glancing at him with a slight frown. “Shall I inform Master Wayne of… this development?”

Tim hesitated. He knew Bruce would likely be more help than anyone else, but the thought of dragging Batman into his demigod world felt… wrong. He’d worked so hard to keep his two lives separate, and he wasn’t about to throw it all away now.

“Not yet,” Tim said finally. “Let’s just… see what happens. I’ll keep you updated.”

Alfred nodded, a slight smile playing on his lips. “Very well, sir. I trust you’ll exercise caution?”

Tim grinned. “Always, Alfred.”

As the car pulled away, Tim felt a strange sense of resolve settle over him. The prophecy, the monsters, the strange attack on the civilian—all of it pointed to something bigger, something he couldn’t ignore. He knew he couldn’t keep his family out of it forever. But for now, he’d do everything he could to protect them. To keep the burden of the divine world from touching them, even if it meant carrying it all himself.

And as he and Jason slipped back into the shadows, he couldn’t help but feel the weight of Olympus bearing down on him. Whatever this prophecy was, it had already set its sights on him.

He would just have to be ready.

Tim sat alone in the quiet solitude of the Bird’s Nest, his penthouse-turned-headquarters, high above Gotham. The dim light from his monitors cast long shadows across the room as he combed through security footage of the recent attack. Every detail replayed in his mind—the claws, the slashes, the flash of monster scales in the dark. But underneath it all, there was a feeling he couldn’t quite shake—a nagging sense of anger and loss he’d buried for so long.

He leaned back in his chair, eyes drifting to the small glass case he kept on a shelf across from his desk. Inside lay a single dagger, worn yet pristine. It had belonged to Selina Beauregard, the older sister he’d never expected but had come to cherish during his years at Camp Half-Blood. She’d been the head counselor of the Aphrodite cabin before him, someone he admired and had wanted to protect. But in the end, it had been her protecting him and the others, paying the ultimate price against the Lydian Drakon.

He clenched his fists, the weight of her memory sinking deep. Selina’s loss was a scar he carried everywhere, especially during times like these. She was a reminder of the war they’d faced, the lives sacrificed, and the debt he could never repay.

But what angered him most was how they’d been left alone to fight. His mind flashed to Wonder Woman—Diana Prince, a daughter of Zeus, someone who should have known the price of being an Olympian’s child. She’d stood on the sidelines, watching as they’d faced monsters and death, despite her knowledge of Olympus and the ancient battles the gods waged. Tim’s resentment simmered, a deep ache in his heart. Diana had been absent when it mattered most, and for that, he couldn’t forgive her.

Tim had tried to bury these feelings, to tell himself that it was all in the past. But as he looked at the dagger, the weight of his memories and frustration pressed down on him, reminding him that not every wound could heal. Some simply stayed hidden, scars beneath the surface.

A faint buzz from his phone broke the silence. He glanced down to see a text from Bruce:

[Patrol. Meet me at the docks. — B]

Tim sighed, the dark cloud of his thoughts fading as duty took over. He slipped on his Red Robin gear, tucking Selina’s dagger into a concealed holster. He didn’t often take it with him on Gotham patrols, but tonight… something told him he’d need it.

---

The Gotham docks were quiet when Tim arrived, the night air cool and thick with the smell of salt and gasoline. Bruce was already there, crouched atop a shipping container, his shadow blending seamlessly with the darkness around him. Even in the black of night, the iconic bat ears were unmistakable.

“Late,” Bruce remarked, barely glancing at him.

Tim smirked, falling into step beside him. “Had some… things to take care of.”

Bruce’s gaze shifted, his eyes narrowing slightly. Tim could tell he’d caught something in his tone, but Bruce let it pass. Sometimes, he was grateful that Bruce rarely pried. Instead, he motioned toward the far end of the docks, where several figures were moving among the containers.

“Drug shipment,” Bruce murmured. “Gotham’s usual suspects. But there’s something strange tonight.”

Tim raised an eyebrow. “Strange how?”

“Reports of a creature,” Bruce replied, his voice low. “Several dock workers claimed they saw a ‘beast’ roaming the area. Could be a metahuman, but no one’s certain.”

A chill ran through Tim. He knew better than most that Gotham’s criminals were rarely what they seemed. And if the monster Piper had mentioned earlier was any indication, it was possible this “beast” was no metahuman at all.

They slipped silently through the shadows, each movement synchronized after years of working together. Tim respected Bruce’s careful planning, his absolute precision. In many ways, Bruce was his mentor, and even if he didn’t share every secret, Tim couldn’t deny how much he’d learned under his guidance.

But as they closed in on the figures, Tim’s mind drifted to Diana, and he wondered what she’d do in this situation. He’d once admired her as a hero, seen her as a symbol of hope. But now, every mention of her name brought back the bitter memory of the Manhattan war—the time she’d chosen to turn away. She’d been the one with the power, the knowledge, and the ability to save lives, yet she’d left them all to fight alone.

Bruce held up a hand, pulling Tim from his thoughts. The two crouched behind a stack of crates, observing the scene. Several armed men were unloading boxes from a large freighter, and a figure clad in green and black armor was overseeing the operation. The man radiated authority, his posture tense but confident. It didn’t take long for Tim to recognize him.

“Black Mask’s men,” Tim whispered. “Looks like Roman Sionis is branching out.”

Bruce’s jaw tightened, his gaze sharp. “He’s been moving product through the docks for weeks, but I suspect he’s got bigger plans. This could be part of something larger.”

Tim nodded, but his attention shifted as he spotted something else—a shadowy shape moving along the edge of the docks. It was large, slinking through the shadows with a predatory grace that no human could mimic. Its eyes gleamed in the dark, a sickly green glow that sent a shiver down his spine.

“Bruce,” Tim whispered, nudging him. “The ‘beast.’ Look.”

Bruce turned, his gaze following Tim’s line of sight. For a moment, even Batman looked surprised. The creature was unlike anything Tim had seen in Gotham—its form humanoid but twisted, like some unholy fusion of man and beast. It moved with eerie silence, stalking the oblivious criminals as if it were hunting them.

Without hesitation, Tim signaled to Bruce, and they split up, flanking the creature from both sides. It hadn’t noticed them yet, its attention focused on the men unloading the shipment. But as Tim drew closer, he felt an all-too-familiar chill settle over him. This creature was no metahuman; it was something from his world, something he’d trained to fight at Camp Half-Blood.

In a fluid motion, he drew Selina’s dagger from his holster. The weapon felt heavy in his hand, its familiar weight grounding him. He could almost hear her voice, feel her presence beside him, guiding him.

The beast’s head snapped toward him, its glowing eyes narrowing as it caught sight of the blade. Tim’s heart raced, his instincts screaming at him to attack, but he hesitated. He wasn’t alone tonight, and revealing the dagger to Bruce would invite questions he wasn’t ready to answer.

Before he could decide, the creature lunged. Its claws glinted under the dock lights as it slashed through the air, forcing Tim to dodge and roll to the side. Bruce sprang into action, launching a series of attacks to keep the beast distracted. But it was clear that their usual techniques weren’t working; this creature wasn’t going down without a fight.

Tim cursed under his breath, gripping the dagger tighter. If he was going to take this thing down, he had to act now.

He charged forward, ducking under the creature’s claws and driving the dagger into its side. A shockwave of energy surged through him, the force of Selina’s weapon connecting with the monster’s form. The beast screeched, its body convulsing as it staggered backward.

Bruce glanced over, eyes widening as he took in the unfamiliar weapon in Tim’s hand. “What is that?” he demanded.

Tim didn’t answer, instead pulling the dagger free and circling the creature. He knew he’d have to explain it eventually, but right now, the only thing that mattered was finishing the fight.

With one final lunge, he plunged the dagger into the creature’s heart. It let out a bone-chilling scream before dissolving into a cloud of dust, vanishing as quickly as it had appeared.

Silence settled over the docks as Tim caught his breath, his mind racing. Bruce was staring at him, his expression unreadable.

“Tim,” he said, his voice quiet but firm. “Where did you get that weapon?”

Tim swallowed, his gaze shifting to the ground. “It… belonged to a friend. She… she taught me how to fight things like that.”

Bruce’s gaze softened slightly, his eyes betraying a hint of understanding. He didn’t press further, but Tim could tell he wanted answers.

They walked in silence back toward the city, the weight of the night pressing down on them. Tim felt a strange sense of relief, knowing he’d fought off another monster, another threat. But he also felt the same old anger simmering beneath the surface—the frustration of fighting alone, of being left behind by those who should have helped.

And as they disappeared into the shadows, he couldn’t help but wonder if Diana felt any regret for the lives she hadn’t saved.

---

Back in the Bird’s Nest, Tim set Selina’s dagger back in its case, his fingers lingering on the hilt. He whispered a quiet promise to her memory, a vow to protect his family and to keep them from the fate she’d met.

But deep down, he knew that the shadows were closing in, and soon, he’d have to face the truth.

Tim sat perched on the edge of his couch in the Bird’s Nest, watching as the city of Gotham sprawled out beneath him, alive and untamed. He found moments like this oddly comforting—Gotham’s never-ending hum was a constant companion, something he could always count on, even when everything else felt uncertain. And lately, that feeling was creeping up on him more than usual.

His phone buzzed, breaking the silence. He glanced down to see a message from Bart Allen, a mix of emojis and enthusiastic exclamation points that translated, more or less, to, “Hey, video call! Now!”

Tim smirked, already feeling his mood lift. He swiped to accept the call, and in an instant, Bart’s face filled the screen, all grins and energy. Behind him, Tim could hear the faint sounds of the bustling Teen Titans HQ—a reminder of the world he’d shared with his friends, where they fought together, trained together, and bonded over their strange, chaotic lives.

“Timbo!” Bart practically shouted, voice crackling through the phone. “Why are you hiding out in Gotham when the Titans have an amazing new mission planned?”

“Because,” Tim said with a grin, “unlike you, some of us have work to do.”

Bart made a face. “You call that work? Sitting in a gloomy penthouse brooding all night? Come on, Tim! Conner misses you—”

Tim’s heart skipped a beat at that. “Oh, really?” he said, his tone a little too casual.

“Yes! I swear he’s been sulking without you around,” Bart continued, not noticing Tim’s barely concealed smile. “And you know how he gets when he sulks. It’s like watching a sad puppy with super strength.”

Tim laughed, his mind already drifting to thoughts of Conner. He hadn’t seen Conner—Superboy—in person for a few weeks now, and there was a certain emptiness in his absence, an ache he couldn’t fully explain. His friendship with Conner was one of the best things in his life, something solid and real. Conner had always been there, grounding him in ways he didn’t even realize he needed.

But beyond the friendship, there was something else. It was a feeling that sneaked up on him, one he tried to keep in the background of his mind, but it was hard to ignore whenever they were together. Conner was… well, Conner was Conner. Strong, dependable, fearless—and Tim couldn’t help but notice the way his heart raced whenever Conner was nearby, or the way his breath caught every time Conner gave him one of those rare, gentle smiles.

“Earth to Tim!” Bart called, waving a hand in front of the camera. “Are you even listening?”

Tim snapped back to reality, feeling a warm blush creeping up his neck. “Yeah, sorry,” he mumbled, hoping Bart didn’t notice.

Bart narrowed his eyes suspiciously but shrugged it off. “So, are you coming or not? Conner’s been practicing his new moves, and I have to say, it’s pretty awesome. You don’t want to miss it.”

A part of him wanted to say yes, to drop everything and join them at HQ, but he knew he couldn’t just yet. “I… have some things to finish up here, Bart. But tell Conner I’ll catch up with him soon.”

Bart huffed, clearly unimpressed by Tim’s excuse. “Fine, fine. But don’t make us wait too long, okay? Titans aren’t the same without you.” His voice softened a little. “And neither is Conner.”

With a mischievous grin and a final wave, Bart ended the call, leaving Tim alone in the quiet of his penthouse once more. He let out a sigh, staring at his phone screen for a moment, his mind racing. It was easier to keep these feelings for Conner tucked away, especially when he wasn’t around. But now, Bart’s words had opened up a door he’d been trying to keep shut, and suddenly, everything felt a little too real.

---

The following weekend, Tim found himself at the Titans HQ, his heart pounding as he stepped through the doors. He hadn’t planned on coming back so soon, but after Bart’s call, he couldn’t keep away. He wanted—no, needed—to see Conner, to remind himself why they were so close and why he valued their friendship as much as he did.

HQ was buzzing with activity. Titans milled about, training, talking, planning their next missions. Tim greeted a few familiar faces, exchanging nods and quick smiles. But his focus was elsewhere, his gaze scanning the room until he finally spotted Conner, laughing with Gar by the workout area.

Tim’s heart did that funny thing again, the little flutter he’d come to expect whenever he saw Conner unexpectedly. He hadn’t changed, and yet something about him seemed brighter, larger-than-life. Conner caught sight of him and his face lit up, breaking into a wide grin as he waved Tim over.

“Tim! You made it!” Conner’s excitement was obvious, his voice warm and welcoming. “About time, too. I was starting to think Gotham had swallowed you whole.”

Tim chuckled, brushing off the comment. “You know how it is. Gotham never rests.”

“Neither do you,” Conner teased, nudging him playfully. “I swear, Tim, you’d work yourself into the ground if no one stopped you.”

Tim felt his cheeks heat up, the casual touch sparking something in him. But he kept his composure, nodding in agreement. “Probably. But hey, someone has to keep an eye on things.”

They spent the next hour catching up, sharing stories from their recent missions and trading friendly jabs. Tim loved how easy it was to be with Conner, how natural it felt to fall into this familiar rhythm. Conner’s presence was calming, like an anchor in the storm of his life. And every time Conner laughed or looked at him with those clear, unwavering eyes, Tim felt his resolve weaken just a little more.

The group trained together, but as the evening wound down, Conner and Tim found themselves alone in the quiet of HQ’s observation deck, the sprawling cityscape visible through the large windows.

“Thanks for coming back, Tim,” Conner said softly, leaning against the railing. “I… I missed having you around.”

Tim’s breath caught, his heart racing again. There was something unspoken in Conner’s voice, a vulnerability he didn’t often show. It made Tim’s chest ache in a way that was both thrilling and terrifying.

“I missed you too,” Tim replied, his voice barely above a whisper. He wanted to say more, to tell Conner everything, to finally admit the feelings he’d been holding back for so long. But the words stuck in his throat, his mind battling against his heart.

For a moment, they stood in comfortable silence, side by side, the world outside as vast and endless as the emotions swirling between them. Conner’s hand rested on the railing, inches away from Tim’s, and he felt an inexplicable urge to reach out, to close that tiny distance between them.

Just as he was gathering the courage, Conner glanced over, catching him mid-thought. Their eyes met, and Tim felt his pulse quicken, the world narrowing down to just the two of them. Conner’s gaze was soft, questioning, as if he could see right through Tim’s carefully constructed walls.

“Tim,” Conner began, his voice hesitant. “Is… is everything okay? You seem… I don’t know, different.”

Tim forced a smile, trying to brush it off. “Just… a lot on my mind,” he said, hoping it sounded convincing. “Gotham’s been busy lately.”

Conner nodded slowly, his eyes searching Tim’s face. “You know, you can tell me anything. I’m always here for you.”

The sincerity in his words hit Tim like a punch to the chest. For a moment, he felt the urge to spill everything—to let Conner know about the secrets he carried, the double life he led, and the feelings that kept him up at night. But he hesitated, afraid of what that truth might do to their friendship.

“Thanks, Conner,” Tim managed, his voice tight. “That… means a lot.”

As they stood there, Tim felt a small pang of regret, knowing he might never get another moment like this. But for now, he was content to stand beside Conner, their shoulders almost touching, as they looked out over the city together. It wasn’t everything he wanted, but it was enough.

And maybe, just maybe, that was enough to keep him going.

And that knowledge gnawed at him every time he crossed paths with her.

He hadn’t expected to see Diana in Gotham that day, but when Bruce called him to Wayne Manor for a “family meeting,” he wasn’t exactly surprised to find her in the living room, deep in conversation with his adoptive father. As Tim entered, he saw Damian watching the two of them, eyes narrowed with something close to suspicion. His youngest brother had never quite warmed up to Diana, either.

“Tim!” Bruce waved him over, wearing that rare, relaxed expression he reserved for family gatherings. “Diana is visiting Gotham. She and I were discussing… alliances.”

Tim’s stomach twisted at the sight of Wonder Woman. He forced a polite nod, keeping his gaze cool and his expression unreadable. “Diana,” he greeted.

Diana turned to him, her smile warm but cautious, as if she sensed the unspoken tension between them. “Tim,” she replied, her voice soft and laced with familiarity.

He noticed the flicker of confusion on Bruce’s face and a hint of suspicion on Damian’s. Tim always kept his cool, always projected the image of composure—especially around heroes like Diana. But today, there was a noticeable distance, one that even his family couldn’t ignore.

“What’s going on here?” Dick asked, leaning against the doorframe with his usual casual ease, but his eyes held a hint of curiosity. He seemed to pick up on the tension as well, glancing between Tim and Diana with an arched brow.

“Oh, nothing,” Tim replied, his tone perhaps a bit too breezy. “Just surprised to see her here in Gotham, that’s all.”

Diana’s expression shifted slightly, her eyes meeting his with a knowing look. “I would hope my presence isn’t unwelcome, Tim,” she said, the slightest hint of a challenge in her voice.

“Of course not,” he said, giving her a tight smile. “Just… surprising.”

“Surprising?” Bruce echoed, a look of confusion crossing his face. “You’ve met Diana before, Tim. Surely her being here isn’t that unusual.”

“Yeah, what’s the problem, Replacement?” Jason chimed in, entering the room with his characteristic smirk. He gave Tim a playful nudge. “Diana’s practically family to B. You’re not going soft on us, are you?”

Tim gritted his teeth, forcing himself to stay calm. “No,” he said, “of course not. It’s just… unexpected, that’s all.” But he could tell from the looks exchanged between his siblings and Bruce that his reaction was starting to raise questions he wasn’t ready to answer.

Damian’s eyes narrowed, and he folded his arms across his chest, giving Tim a skeptical look. “You’re acting strange, Drake. You’ve met Wonder Woman plenty of times before. Why is it such an issue now?”

“Damian,” Bruce said in a low, warning tone, though Tim could see the faint glint of curiosity in his father’s eyes too. Bruce was as perceptive as they came—Tim could tell his reaction had piqued his interest.

“It’s nothing, really,” Tim said quickly, hoping to end the conversation before it delved too deeply. He could feel the weight of Diana’s gaze on him, and it only intensified his discomfort. He didn’t want to reveal his reasons—not here, not now, and certainly not in front of his family.

Diana’s eyes softened, and she took a step closer, her gaze sincere. “Tim, perhaps we could speak alone?”

Bruce, though curious, gave a nod of approval. “If Tim’s all right with that.”

Tim hesitated, glancing at his family. He could see the questions in their eyes, the confusion and curiosity written plainly on their faces. But he knew he couldn’t keep dodging this forever. With a reluctant sigh, he nodded.

“All right,” he said, “we can talk.” He turned and gestured for Diana to follow him into the study, hoping that the familiar room would give him a sense of stability.

As they entered the study, Diana closed the door behind her, her expression calm but serious. She waited for Tim to speak, giving him the space to start the conversation.

Tim crossed his arms, staring at the floor as he struggled to find the right words. “Why didn’t you help?” he finally said, his voice barely above a whisper. “During the Manhattan war… You knew what was happening. You knew what we were up against, and you still chose not to fight with us.”

Diana’s face softened, a hint of regret flashing in her eyes. “Tim,” she said gently, “it was not a decision I made lightly. But the war was not meant for mortal eyes. Had I joined, it would have only attracted more attention, more questions—questions that could have jeopardized both our world and yours.”

Tim scoffed, his frustration simmering beneath the surface. “But you left us to fend for ourselves. We were just kids, Diana. Kids fighting against monsters and gods, risking our lives while you watched from the sidelines.”

Diana sighed, reaching out a hand as if to comfort him, but he took a step back, unwilling to accept her sympathy. “You are right,” she admitted, her voice soft. “I should have been there. I regret not being able to stand with you when you needed help.”

Tim looked away, feeling the old anger bubbling up again. “I lost people I cared about. We all did. And you were one of the few who could have made a difference.”

Diana’s face clouded with sadness. “I cannot change the past, Tim. But I am here now. And if there is anything I can do to help, please—know that I am on your side.”

He sighed, feeling the weight of her words but not fully ready to let go of his resentment. “Fine,” he said finally, his tone clipped. “But don’t expect me to just forget everything.”

Diana nodded, respecting his boundaries. “I understand. But I am glad you shared this with me. Perhaps, in time, we can work toward understanding each other.”

Tim didn’t respond, simply giving her a stiff nod as he turned to leave. As they reentered the main room, he could feel his family’s eyes on him, their curiosity heightened by the tension lingering between him and Diana.

“What was that all about?” Dick asked, not even bothering to hide his curiosity.

Tim shrugged, keeping his expression neutral. “Just… clearing up some things.”

Bruce raised an eyebrow, clearly unsatisfied with Tim’s vague answer. “Is there something we need to know, Tim?”

Tim’s heart skipped a beat, but he forced himself to stay calm. “No, nothing important,” he replied, forcing a casual smile. “Just… stuff from when I was younger.”

Jason shot him a look of disbelief. “Oh, come on, Tim. You don’t just look at Wonder Woman like she’s Public Enemy Number One unless there’s a story behind it.”

Tim felt the weight of his family’s attention pressing down on him, each of them waiting for an explanation that he wasn’t ready to give. He had spent years building walls, keeping the world of the gods and the demigods hidden from his family, and he wasn’t about to let those walls crumble now.

“It’s complicated,” he said finally, his voice firm but quiet. “And I’d rather keep it to myself.”

Bruce studied him for a moment, his gaze sharp but understanding. “If that’s what you want, Tim. But know that we’re here for you if you ever want to talk about it.”

Tim nodded, grateful for his father’s trust, but the weight of his secrets felt heavier than ever. As his family exchanged uneasy glances, he knew that his relationships with them were more tangled than they realized. He couldn’t help but wonder how long he could keep his double life hidden before the truth finally came crashing down.

---

As the evening wound down and his family dispersed, Tim found himself alone, staring out the window of the Bird’s Nest, lost in thought. His conversation with Diana had brought all his old memories and wounds to the surface, and he felt more conflicted than ever.

In his heart, he knew he couldn’t fully forgive her. Not yet, maybe not ever. But he also knew that her regret was real, and that made things even more complicated.

With a sigh, Tim turned back to his desk, pushing the thoughts aside for now. He had secrets to protect, a life to balance, and a family who was starting to ask questions he couldn’t afford to answer.

For now, he would keep his distance from Wonder Woman and continue to carry the burden of his past alone. But a part of him wondered if he was running out of time—if his family would one day uncover the truth he had fought so hard to keep hidden.