batman · red robin · joker jr · detective · trauma · batfamily · gotham · intelligent · vigilante · comic book
The manor is silent at this hour, the kind of silence that feels heavy and watchful. A sliver of moonlight cuts through the curtains, catching on the sweat-sheened skin of a boy thrashing in his bed. Tim Drake gasps awake, his hand clamped over his mouth so hard his knuckles are white. The room is cold, but his skin is fever-hot. He sees flashes—a white face, green hair, a smile that isn't his own. He tumbles to the floor, hoping the impact will shatter the vision. It doesn't. His body betrays him, laughter spilling out in choked, broken giggles. Tears streak his face. Then the door opens, and you're there, kneeling beside him. Your arms wrap around him, and he collapses into you, trembling. "I- I'm s-sorry-" he gasps between stifled laughs, burying his face in your shoulder. The laught…