2017.01.29 - Time Keeps On Ticking
Normally Batman and Robin would be out fighting crime on the streets at this time of night. But, for various reasons, there is only Batman here alone in the Batcave at the moment. He's sitting in front of the computer busily working, the multiple monitors filled with various information regarding a couple of current cases.
The easiest way to deal with interpersonal problems is to ignore them until they go away, but this one... probably isn't going to go away. Tim has exhausted several lines of inquiry into some matters he was investigating, provided an unconscious crook or to to the GCPD, and solved one missing persons cold case (she moved to California and changed her name to pursue an acting career). Now there's nothing left to use an excuse, so he finds himself in the Batcave, in his uniform but without the domino mask, yet. "Batman," he greets stiffly, keeping a respectable distance seeing as how they no longer know each other.
There's a stillness that settles over Batman for a moment at the voice intruding on his thoughts and his work. To him, it's a relatively new and perhaps yet unfamiliar voice. He swivels around in the chair to face Timothy, taking silent stock of him.
"Timothy," he finally says by way of greeting and also identification of this third person who also wears the costume of Robin.
If it's even possible, Tim stands up straighter than he was before, spine held so rigid that he might topple over if an errant breeze comes through. He is very much wearing his Handling It face, eyes carefully empty of emotion, mouth a flat line. "Sir," he answers, and then, after a moment, clears his throat. "I understand that you'd probably prefer to patrol with the Robin you're familiar with, but if there's anything you need help with, well. I figured I'd offer." It's a visible struggle for Tim to force himself to relax, but he does it, fingers flexing out of the white-knuckled fists he'd been holding them in. "It just seems a waste for me to not be doing anything," he continues. Even though he technically hasn't been doing nothing.
"I am... adjusting... to this new reality," Batman offers. It's not an attempt at trying to patronize Timothy by claiming everything will be all right, but it is a conscious effort on Batman's part to give Timothy legitimacy. "Dick, Jason and I have been working together a bit," he further elaborates without going into details. "You and I should work together too. I understand that you managed to deduce all of our identities. That takes a sharp mind."
Tim blows out a careful breath and nods. It's... more than he was expecting when he came down here. He tends to prepare for the worst without hoping for the best. "Thank you," he says, though he still maintains the distance, both literally and figuratively. It's going to be an adjustment period for the both of them, apparently. He's quiet, for a moment, then says: "Quadruple somersault." He frowns. "I was, uh... I was there, the night the Flying Graysons performed. My memory is pretty good," which is an understatement, "And it's not something that most people can pull off, so." One of his shoulders moves, slightly.
Batman nods. "I don't know how many people would remember that nor make the connection," he says in a thoughtful tone. "Of course, telling Dick not to be acrobatic would be about as useful as telling him to stop breathing," he attempts a bit of humor. "Neither will be happening any time in the near future."
"I don't think it's a pressing concern," Tim agrees, which means it's at least somewhat of a concern to him, somewhere in the back of his mind. He manages a quiet chuckle, as he recognizes that Batman is trying to make things less awkward, and the least he can do is match the effort. "He's grown up a lot since then. I'm not sure anyone would make the connection between the two any more."
"I hope not," Batman says in all seriousness. If Timothy could reason that out, who else could? It was a dangerous thought to ponder. But they had been safe thus far so hopefully the trend would continue. "Do your parents know what you're up to? I don't seem to know them, but they move in the same social circles. I'm sure I'll eventually bump into them."
Tim seems to echo his former mentor's concern, judging by his expression, but this is more something he worries about when he's supposed to be sleeping instead. "My stepmother doesn't. My father..." He hesitates. This may be hard to hear, and it's evidently hard to say. "My father does. He doesn't... exactly approve?" By the uncomfortable frown on Tim's face, that is clearly an understatement. "But he knows that I'm not going to stop. Gotham's my home, I'm not going to sit by and do nothing when I know I can help make it better, even if just a little bit," he says.
The momentary downturn of Batman's lips is the only visible indication of the frown on his face. "How trustworthy is he?" he asks bluntly.
"He understands that revealing anything would put me in serious danger," Tim answers, plainly. He doesn't seem to have any issues with Batman asking. "So there's nothing to worry about. But you'll probably end up meeting him eventually, so you can make your own judgment call then." No offense taken, apparently. Actually, it seems like the question actually put Tim at ease, a little bit.
"All right," Batman replies in an even tone, not pursuing an argument with Tim at the moment. "Your karate training has been a good basis for you. And according to Dick, I've given you additional instruction. I also saw you in action the night of the Gotham City Zoo fund raiser ball. You're quick and light on your feet but perhaps a bit of a lightweight when up against someone like Killer Croc. Keep up training with the staff. It'll even the field for you."
Tim takes the assessment without visible reaction, beyond his head tilting to the side as he listens. "I don't have the combat instincts Jason has or Dick's agility," he agrees, quietly. "You're right. I've been considering going abroad to expand on my training, but it'll have to wait until I have a break from school."
Batman nods, lips pursed in thought. "Maybe over summer break," he suggests. "Spring break is what? A week? That's not enough time to learn anything."
"Nothing substantial, no," Tim says. His chin lowers as he stares down at the ground, considering, eyes narrowed as he continues, "Summer would probably work best. I have a few leads on potential teachers that I'd like to pursue." He shifts his weight from one foot to the other, looking back at Batman.
"We'll work on that, then," Batman agrees, mentally filing it away for future reference. "There are some good instructors here and there around the world. I'm sure you'll pick someone exceptional."