To Be Robin (Tim Drake SI) (DC)

The sunlight of the morning entered through the enormous windows of Wayne Manor, coming in as golden squares on the clean and polished floor. Tim was inclined in a high-seated backed chair, playing with the edges of his coffee cup absentmindedly. He had a distant look on his face, the usual sharpness of his mind softened by deep thinking. His father and mentor were across from him, like a watchdog, he leaned on the mantelpiece his arm was crossed on his chest, his expression undiscernible.

"It's not like I went around handing out calling cards," Tim spoke, not really mad at the revelation of what was going on between him and Arianna. "She just... recognized me." He stopped before he added in a really quiet way, "Recognized Robin."

If Bruce's face could get sharper, it happened impossibly. "Recognized you how?"

Tim paused, hesitating. The explanation would not make sense to any normal person, but Bruce should understand—or at least, Tim was hoping he could. "She said you don't forget the shadows that save you from the darkness," Tim confessed, but he held a hint of appreciation at her poetic flair in describing how she recognized him. "She saw Robin save her from KGBeast. Then, during the two weeks I was out healing, she transferred to my school. A little too much time to connect the dots, I guess."

There was a strong silence that passed after the reveal, the only sound that was there was the grandfather clock that was ticking, also concealing the way to the Batcave. It was then that Bruce exhaled, his mouth becoming a thin line like he was holding back a scolding and then realized it made no sense. "It's not your fault, Tim. She was bound to notice something. Some people have... stronger connections to moments of trauma. Or salvation."

Tim nodded along, knowing that Bruce would've understood where he was coming from all along. He placed his coffee down, as he straightened up in his chair. "She has a crush on me, too," he placed in, a little defensive in how he spoke like he was expecting teasing, but he wasn't exactly sure if that was the only thing he was expecting. "I'm meeting her at the Gotham Museum today for a science exhibit."

Bruce chuckled unpredictably, not matching the image Tim had expected. "So, she recognizes you as Robin, and now she's got a crush on Tim Drake?" He was shaking his head. "Careful, Tim. Dangerous waters. Especially with someone who knows the truth."

Tim blushed a little, but he stood his ground, not looking away. "I know," he said strongly. "I'm not taking it lightly. But she's not in danger as long as I'm careful."

Bruce kept his amusement evident in his smile before it faded away with seriousness that Tim recognized was paternal. "Just be honest with her," he cautioned. "And be careful. It's not just your life that's complicated—it's the life you're choosing to lead. You can't protect everyone."

Tim agreed, but then there was something beneath his demeanor like hidden treasure trove, an understanding he hadn't voiced yet. He liked Ariana—truly, he did. She was a nice girl that was also sharp, matching Tim's maturity. Unfortunately, Tim knew the kind of man he was. His heart was like a map with different ways to explore the world, and Tim wanted to try them all even after one way had already worked out. Ariana was a candle lit in the dark, but she wasn't going to be the only candle Tim wanted to light.

Bruce probably sensed that there was more that Tim left unsaid, he clapped a hand onto Tim's shoulder. "I'll drive you to the museum," The man offered, his voice warm instead of cold. "I'd like to see how this story of yours develops."

Tim did not bother to correct him, he did not say that it was not a love story, well not in the traditional sense at least. Right now, it was enough that Ariana trusted him, even if she did not understand what that trust truly meant to him.

When Bruce's footsteps grew fainter down the hall, Tim got up, brushing dust that was not there of his pajama legs.

Tim went through the morning motions of getting dressed, guided by invisible formulas that made every motion he did perfect. He chose to wear something elegant and casual: it was a dark blazer with tailored jeans, it was the kind of outfit that screamed wealth in all but a shout. It was a costume unironically, it allowed him to mingle with the crowd while still keeping an air of untouchability. The irony was there in the dark. Everything down to the last minute details was all part of a grand equation that made his life perfect without mistakes.

The equations are ever present, as if Tim was seeing the world in two, one where the world was purely math while the other was purely normal. Patterns came with ease not unlike breathing: a thrown object's trajectory, escape routes with angles, human behavior probabilities.

He reached for his bag, stopping for a second to just check if he had his Robin costume. It wasn't a copy of the original Teen Titans show or the comics where Tim wore his costume in any era; This new version of Tim had made his own. The cape was longer and shrouding, just like Batman's pool of darkness, and the interior of the cape had a deep red. His upper torso was red with his shoulder coverings as black. The Iconic R symbol was there as well. His lower legs were green with black & towards the edge silver boots. There were tiny upgrades and reinforcements that he made to the utility belt—all in all, his suit was perfect to any criminal and Batman villain he could think of unless he was looking to tackle people above his pay grade like Superman or Wonder Woman.

Tim had his bag slung over his shoulder before he made his way downstairs. Tim had reluctantly went along with Bruce's offer, though he was caught off-guard when his father figure was already in deep conversation with his other father figure.

"Master Timothy has a girlfriend?" Alfred said with delight, unlike the stoic demeanor of the man. His usually dignified look became more of a smile, a beaming one too.

Tim stopped mid step like a deer caught in the headlights, his face had become grimaced. "She's not my girlfriend," he said quietly, almost like he was talking to himself then anyone else. As he reached the bottom of the stairs, Tim figured that any disagreement would only fuel Alfred's protest.

"Well, she seems quite fond of you," Bruce interjected, there was a hint of teasing in his calm exterior. "Just try not to break her heart, Tim."

Tim just brushed past the comment and the duo, heading straight for the car. The comfortable weight of the bag steadied him when he climbed into the backseat of the car. Bruce made his way into the driver's seat, other than Batman, it was rare to see Bruce Wayne drive but Tim knew better. It wasn't just merely a ride; it was just Bruce's way of keeping watch over Tim.

The car became a long drive and that's when Bruce's tone had changed, it took on a more serious note. "You know King Snake hasn't forgotten what you did."

Tim inclined his head, his expression was unchanging. He knew way too well why the villain was holding a grudge against him. King Snake didn't just receive embarrassment—he was broken in two, not just physically but symbolically, by Lady Shiva after Robin's victory. However, King Snake forgot what Lady Shiva did to him and thought Robin did that. Tim kept everything he knew to himself. If he were to reveal everything right now, it'd only raise questions he could not answer. Like before, it was best to let everything unfold naturally, finding the best route to expedite the inevitable.

"I'll handle it," Tim responded in a simple manner, unconcerned. He kept looking out at the passing streets, seeing strategies with math everywhere in case King Snake and his goons were following this car at this very instant.

When they made it, they had a lot of curious glances. Ariana was at the entrance waiting expectantly, her smile became bright when she spotted him exit the car. She unashamedly ran to meet him, throwing up her arms around in an embrace. Tim froze for a moment, not used to showing affection in such a public way.

"Don't do anything naughty," Bruce quipped from his position in the driver's seat, his tone held a little bit of amusement.

Tim had pulled back from the embrace, his cheeks had become cherry, whether it was from embarrassment or irritation or both, it did not matter. "Thanks for the ride," he muttered watching Bruce drive away, the engine becoming non-existent in the distance.

With Ariana like a jolly roger at his side, Tim had puffed out his chest and squared his back as he made his way into the museum. Every move was precise and measured, planned-like. It was like the equations had led him to this exact moment in his life.

The museum's atrium which was grand had welcomed him, the vaulted ceilings which held a lattice of steel beams that was interlocking and was receiving light from the skyscrapers above. To any observer, they looked like two teenagers that were in love, and at least in Ariana's case that was true but not for Tim. Numbers, equations, vectors, angles, graphs, and god knows whatever Math that was current and had yet to be discovered was available to Tim. The manchild was building a path to bring Ariana into his harem then trying to cultivate his own genuine love for her. Her voice was pretty, her words regular, yet each syllable was a node in the equation to fuel Tim's ultimate goal.

Tim felt her interest in him, but not as Robin at all, but as simply Tim Drake. The unassuming quiet boy. Her laughter was not just pretty but also held something else; it was a fondness for the man that saved her world that made Tim full of pride and guilt. He wasn't sure if he really wanted to do this to Ariana, and yet the equations told him that he could not fail and that it was very possible. Right now, his every move and response was done with ease, practiced by formulas. Ariana did not know what was going on, but all Tim did was follow the math to his final conclusion with her. Without this insane power, he might've been a nervous wreck and could never have made his harem plan possible.

As soon as they reached the science exhibit, everything changed immediately. The Ghost Dragons did not show up quietly and rather chaotically. The explosion rang out through the air, shards and fragments of debris and glass showered the exhibit. Tim felt his heart rate pick up. His concentration sharpened as he felt the adrenaline surge through his body. Ariana yelped, adorably clutching his arm in an instinctive manner, and he drew her to the closest column possible for cover.

"Stay here," he mentioned, he was calm despite the tornado that was surging within his body. For a second their eyes met, and it told more than words ever could, especially in this situation. Tim did not need to tell Ariana what he was about to do or where he was going to go as she knew that he was Robin. Ariana nodded, the blood on her face drained but resolute.

Tim slid away, becoming one with the chaos as he materialized as Robin. The suit had become more than just a second skin, it had become a part of him, as real as the equations that swirled in his vision. When he showed his face, he saw the Ghost Dragons. Their purple and black uniforms were rough looking. Forward ahead was Lynx, her presence commanding and ready.

Her figure was sleek, and she had the singular eye that matched that of her namesake. The other eye was concealed by an eyepatch, and it was a history Robin knew all too well just like how he knew about King Snake's grudge. He understood how Lynx lost that other eye, how King Snake took her other eye for her deception against King Snake. Foolishly she pinned the blame on Robin for her loss. It'd be funny if it wasn't so pathetic. Loyal to King Snake, even after losing her eye. How was that possible?

"Robin," she hissed like a snake that was dripping with venom. "I've waited for this."

Robin didn't flinch, already knowing her misplaced hate. "You lied to King Snake, Lynx. I didn't take your eye—your choices did."

She became a mask of rage, her beauty centering itself around fury. For just a split second, the museum froze like someone was pulling the arrow to a bow. Sharp order followed the freeze as Lynx unleashed her gang onto Robin. Gunfire dominated the room, the sound echoing off the wall as Robin went for cover.

The air soon smelled of smoke and was audible by the shouts of Lynx's men, but despite all of this Robin remained a machine in his mind. All he could see was limitless mathematical pathways to get out of this situation. He held no room for Ariana in his head as of now, who was probably cowering somewhere here. All he could do was trust the hand of fate that she was hidden somewhere safe.

Batarangs ran through the air, following precise Geometry that Robin had calculated in an instant before the throw. The weapons of The Ghost Dragons clanging, the sound easily swallowed by the cavernous museum. Tim jumped from his cover with so much grace and ease, he looked exactly like an old-school character from a Kung Fu movie. With one smooth motion, he threw a smoke pellet at their feet, the gang becoming swallowed by the smoke.

During the haze, Robin was like a ghost. His hands worked efficiently, having deployed a gadget that wrapped one of the gang members in thick reinforced rope, like he was caught in a web. Another man came charging at him with a knife, but Robin had already sidestepped, twisting the offending hand in a lock that was painful before having knocked him unconscious with a planned strike.

This whole situation was far from difficult. These Ghost Dragons for all their training and discipline just did not compare to the likes of KGBeast and especially someone like Deathstroke. Other than his natural training and inhuman mind, he had the ultimate edge in the form of math that no street tier could ever match.

In his peripheral vision, he saw Lynx. She hadn't even joined the battle once, evidently, assessing her chances of victory from the sidelines. When the last of her crew had been taken apart, Lynx just turned tail and ran. She was very swift in her movements that Robin would've appreciated if he wasn't trying to put her in jail first.

"Coward!" Robin screamed, his voice loud enough that he knew she heard him.

He quickly activated his grappling gun and pointed it at the musuem's glass ceiling in no time flat. Tim had crashed through the ceiling, his cape following him like his loyal pool of darkness, shielding his body from the glass shards. Landing on the rooftop like a ball form from Sonic, he found Lynx who was already darting through the rooftops ahead of him.

Tim ran after her with ease despite his boots touching uneven titles. The numbers that filled his vision was a big part of why he felt as if he was running on stable ground as well as his training. The gap between them was diminishing rapidly. Tim was faster, he had all the advantages. In the end, Lynx continued to push on, her frustration clearly evident with every uncoordinated look over her shoulder.

"Face me!" Tim shouted, loud over the city below. "Or are you always this pathetic when you're alone?"

Lynx did not respond. She jumped to the next rooftop, still precise in her movements despite the desperation that clung to them. Tim followed without any hint of stoppage, the wind biting at his face annoyingly. He was making impossible leaps and stunts like Sonic thanks to his math power. At this point all it would take was one more leap, and she was his.

All of a sudden, he saw it.

Below in an alley between two towering buildings was a mugging unfolding. There was a man who laid on the ground sprawled and clutching his side, two thugs loomed over him, one of them holding a knife. The equations in Robin's mind fell apart from the pursuit of Lynx into how to stop the mugging. If he let Lynx go now, it was going to take forever to catch her again. But the man in that alley didn't have forever. He probably didn't even have seconds.

Tim came to a halt, his breathing heavily. "Damn it," he said under his breath, turning his attention away from Lynx's retreating figure.

He fell upon the alley like a shadow, landing in between the fallen man and the two thugs. "Walk away," he said angrily at letting Lynx escape.

The thugs hesitated for a moment, recognizing Robin before they decided it was a good idea to charge.

To call it a fight would be an insult. A discard knife, a powerful kick to one of their ribs, a quick throw that let the other fall towards the ground harshly. Robin relayed the GCPD, a small light of the Bat symbol glowing on his wrist communicator.

"Help's on the way," he mentioned to the victim, kneeling to check the man for injuries, "You'll be fine."

The man nodded in a shaky manner, his words coming out in a jumbled mess of gratitude and shock that Robin really did not care for. Robin gave the man a nod as if it answered his words, before grappling away back to the rooftops.

When he finally made it to the exhibit the GCPD had already garrisoned the area. The place was closed. Ariana was waiting by the pillar that Robin had left her, her arms wrapping around itself like it was enough comfort. Relief came upon her face the moment she spotted Tim.

"Tim!" she declared, making her way hastily over to him. "You're okay!"

All Tim could do was force a smile that looked genuine as he thought about letting Lynx go. "Yeah," he said. "I'm fine."

Ariana failed to notice how his hands trembled slightly, how his eyes were stealing glances at the shattered ceiling. Tim knew he had made the right choice, but he wasn't sure about the consequences that would arrive from this choice.

For now, Tim allowed himself to bask in the glory of Ariana's presence, her form a solace with the choice that he had made.

He then suddenly remembered that he never told Ariana not to call him Tim when he was wearing his robin costume.