Blood Bonds

submission dated 7-2-05
author: FireCracker
(Italic copy bordered by_underscore_)
Archive? You'd better.
Warnings: This is an Elseworlds Vampire Fic

Pairings: Some kinky family fun after dinner.


Blood Bonds 2: Tim's First Hunt

Tim paced the library, full of energy and tension. He couldn't keep still, growling and hissing. His brothers watched in quiet amusement. Waning sunlight cast long shadows through huge bay windows, bathing everyone in eerie purple orange glow.

Jason grinned, lounging on a couch. "Getting hungry, little brother?"

A snap of sharp teeth. "What do you think? It's getting worse. My gut hurts!"

Dick pursed his lips, observing. "What else do you feel?"

A pause. "I'm...I don't know. It's like I want everything at once."

"It's your first time." Dick stated.

Tim crossed the room and stood in front of him. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Knowing fingers traced along the fine body, a combination of soft youth and approaching manhood.

"After the hunt, come tell us."

Tim stared into matching eyes. "That doesn't explain anything, Dick. Can hunting make the blood that much different?"

A sharp smile. "Yesss. You have no idea."

"But-"

"You think too much, Tim. The hunt is pure instinct, raw pleasure."

"It tastes better fresh?"

From a corner of the room, Jason laughed. He stood from his vantage point.

Tim was angry. "What's so damn funny, Jason?"

"You are, Tim."

"Maybe I should bite you first!"

"I haven't fed yet, so it wouldn't get you anything. Except maybe a black eye."

Fists balled. "You'll try, anyway."

"Knock it off, you two." Dick growled in his throat. He glared at Jason. "Now explain it to Tim, and stop teasing."

Jason snapped his teeth. "No one has a sense of humor anymore..."

"Get on with it!"

"All right!" Jason shrugged, smiling savagely. "There's a psychic connection through human blood. It feeds us their soul, makes us stronger."

Tim thought that over. "And I thought it just tasted good."

"Sure. But the need is psychic as well as physical. When you drink, you feed on their essence, their life force."

"When I drank from everyone I couldn't sense that."

"No, because you were fed second hand. You only get that benefit from drinking directly from a mortal."

Tim smacked his lips, eyes flickering.

Jason observed his hunger in appreciation. "Time you were off the bottle, kid. Besides, We're tired of being chewed on."

"So? I'm a growing vampire. I need plenty of nourishment."

Dick chuckled. "Well, now you'll hunt for it."

"Hmm." Tim stretched impatiently. "Where's Bruce?"

"At a meeting. He'll meet up with us later."

"He should be here." Tim snarled petulantly. "I'll want an explanation later!"

Dick raised his eyebrows.

"I think" Jason said slowly, "that your blood's a little high right now."

"What are we waiting for?! I want to hunt now-"

"Soon. It's almost dark."

"Now I said!" Tim started shifting to his bat form. With inhuman speed, Dick grabbed him.

"No."

"Ssss. Let me go!"

Powerful hands massaged the base of Tims' skull. The teen shimmered, resuming his human form.

"Listen to me." Dick purred, soothing. "Hold on a little, until it's dark."

Tim visibly calmed a little. "I need...I want-"

"I know."

"But there's no point in waiting!"

"Feeding is safer at night. Less attention, less interruptions."

"But we can walk the day!"

"True, but as you know we aren't at full strength under sun. Nor do we get the full benefit of feeding."

"Will it really make that much difference?"

"Words can't describe it, Tim. You'll understand soon enough."

Tim glanced over at Jason. "It's better at night?"

A slow nod. "After your first taste, you can't go back."

"Hmm...there must be a scientific explanation."

Pale blue eyes were steady on the teen. "For what?"

"Why there's such a difference. Maybe later we should work on a way around the problem."

"It isn't a scientific problem." a new voice stated suddenly. The young vampires stood back in surprise. A huge bloom of mist appeared suddenly among them, shaping into a familiar form. Alfred smiled serenely, tastefully clad in turtleneck and slacks.

"Nice trick, grandfather." Jason grinned.

Alfred nodded slightly. "I decided to get in on the conversation." he turned to Tim. "Are you ready?"

"Yes, and tired of all this talking!"

Ancient eyes looked out the window. "Ah, the night. The blood sings to be free." he abruptly went silent.

Dick followed his eyes. He could have sworn he saw (and sensed) a slight shadow moving some distance off.

"What's everyone looking at?" Jason wanted to know.

"We have company outside." Dick frowned. "On the grounds."

Jason concentrated, suddenly alert. "Sss...not an attack. But someone strong enough to cloak themselves completely. I don't like it."

"It's dark now." Tim stated impatiently. "I'm hungry, dammit!"

Alfred laughed. "Yes, it's time." he gathered Tim into his arms. "Your pulse is strong, young one. Wild."

Jason licked his lips. "I could do with a snack myself."

"You were supposed to have fed awhile ago." Dick reminded him. "This night is for Tim."

"We'll see how long you last around a few warm throats, bro."

"Ssss!"

"We can argue about it later!" Tim growled, still held by Alfred. He glanced up at his elder. "You are going, right?"

"I will follow you. Go, children."

****

Gotham nights were a time of fear, even for the criminal element. A time when hunters became prey for creatures of the night. The most powerful drug lords and arms dealers were merely food, surrounding themselves with inferiors for protection.

Local law enforcement agencies were quite aware of the resident vampire population, although the exact number was unknown. It was a new 'dark age' in Gotham. Undead hysteria was everywhere. Murders among citizens with night shift positions were up 30%. Wild rumors and rampant speculation had paranoia and fear at an all time high. A new 'visionary' network aired recently, giving tips and clues for spotting and destroying vampires. Crackpot mystics were directly responsible for dozens of innocent people being killed. So called citizens groups stormed the streets, staking street people out of fear they might be turned.

It was a time of insanity. And reality.

As real as leathery wings beating the night skies, bats with blooded eyes and fangs. Immortal creatures looking for food and feast.

Tim was such a creature. Scents and sounds were everywhere, fuelling his bloodlust. They soon came upon a seedy dive in the warehouse district. Rough waterfront characters were everywhere, drinking and fighting. Cheap neon lighting decorated an alley littered with debris and trash.

Four bat things crouched on a rooftop across the street, eyes red against the dark. The smallest one was practically vibrating with hunger and excitement. Powerful wings flapped wildly in anticipation.

Alfred reached over and held them. *Sss. Enough, Tim!*

The young vampire slavered, watching the crowd. *Food!!*

"Quiet!" Dick hissed. *You'll draw attention too soon. Remember, some humans carry weapons that can harm us.*

*So what? We're still superior!* and with that, Tim dove down like a shot into the fray.

*He's crazy!* Jason immediately flew after him. From the rootop, Alfred snarled at his oldest grandson.

*How could you let him leave in such a state, Dick! He's too young...*

Dick edged to spring down himself. *I didn't think it would be this bad-*

*He needed blood to take the edge off. Your father won't be pleased.*

Dick sniffed the air. *I'll deal with that when the time comes, Alfred. Tim needs us now.* he leaped soundlessly into the night, joining his brothers. Alfred didn't move, baring his fangs in the dark.

*Foolish. Tim's first hunt will not go well.* the ancient bat mused to himself.

****

The scene below was sheer chaos. Brawlers everywhere scattered with shouts of "vampire!" Shots rang out in the dark.

Tim swooped down on a burly man, bearded with a knit cap. He pulled out a pistol.

"Suck on this, freak!" he fired point blank. Tim didn't even slow down, crashing into the broad chest. They went down in a tumble, Tim sinking his fangs in a shoulder. He didn't hear the screams, only the blood...

It roared in his ears, pounding heartbeat. Liquid ecstacy, spilling hotly down his throat. He'd never had blood like this. Fiery sweet nectar, filling his mouth and feeding the craving...

/yes, yessss...so good.../

The buzz he got was indescribable. Tim gulped noisily, clutching his victim on the ground. A bottle grazed his head, but he barely noticed. Nothing mattered except the blood.

Screams filled the air everywhere. Jason found his meal with deadly accuracy, swift and silent. Dick circled the mob from above before choosing his own victim.

"Stinkin' vamps!" someone shouted into the din. More bullets cracked everywhere, chipping brick walls and breaking glass.

Tim finally glanced up, mouth dripping. He wanted more. Another rough looking group raced out with deadly looking weapons, taking aim. Uncertain of the situation, he sent out a call over the noise.

"SKEEEECCCH!"

Dick and Jason turned at the bloodcurdling shriek, assessing their predicament. Jason dropped his victim as the others opened fire. He took to the sky, Dick close behind. A strange, murky cloud enveloped the entire area.

Tim had no problem negotiating the gloom. Shouts of confusion and anger were heard in the chaos. Bright orange taser beams flared through the fog. The teen staggered along, drunk from his glut. Leathery wings flapped madly as he strained to fly.

Dick and Jason paused above the calamity, wings beating in silence.

*Do you sense him?* Jason looked into the smoky noise. More taser shots sizzled upwards in a blazing display.

Dick sniffed the air. *He's tasted first blood. But those weapons are a danger.*

Sirens warbled in the distance.

Jason lowered a bit. *Hear that? Police. We can't stay!*

*No. We'll have to retrieve Tim.*

An unearthly scream pierced the air suddenly. Dick and Jason dived at the cloud again, their thoughts lethal.

****

Tim flopped about in the cloud, tasting the blood on his lips. He wanted that feeling again, that ecstasy...there were too many warm pulses nearby. Sweet smell, just under the skin...

Distracted by his bloodlust, Tim scarcely noticed the taser beam dot on his back. He located a sprawled figure in the murk, face down.

/Yes...still warm. I want it!/

Growling, he crouched low to feast. The 'victim' rolled over suddenly, his features hard.

"So long, sucker." he snarled.

Blinding pain ripped through the young vampire as he screamed in agony. The odor of scorched flesh filled the air. A sickening crack, then Tim felt himself being lifted, safe...

Squad cars surrounded the area, sirens blaring. The cloud had spread down two city blocks, creating a zone of darkness. Screams and shouts were heard, more shots fired. Gunfights broke out between officers and roughnecks. A news crew arrived on the scene.

Dick and Jason nearly entered the cloud when a large bat form shot past them, carring a smaller bat form. The smaller form trailed blood in the murky air.

*Tim!!*

*Come, children.* Bruce flew on, cradling his burden gently.

Jason and Dick followed silently, flanking on each side. Alfred appeared suddenly, bringing up the rear. They disappeared into the long night, leaving a war zone behind.

****

Thick trails of mist slipped through the tiniest cracks, entering the mansion. Mist that reformed into human shape once inside. Everyone crowded around Tim down in the caves. The teen was unconscious, features oddly peaceful.

Alfred looked worried. "He's lost a lot of blood, Bruce."

Bruce held his youngest tenderly, eyes dark. "Take him up, Alfred. We'll join you soon." he glared at his other sons.

Nodding, the ancient vampire took his burden with care, floating gently out of the caves.

"I can explain." Dick began, moving forward.

"Do so." Bruce bared his fangs, eyes like flint.

Jason looked around absently. "It wasn't our fault, father. Tim wouldn't listen-"

"You were supposed to look out for him!"

"We did!" Jason snarled. "The situation got out of hand when the humans arrived with tasers."

"Really?" Bruce paced the cave. "Tim was out of control with thirst. Why did you wait so long to bring him?"

"It wasn't my idea, exactly." Jason glanced at Dick. "Just so you know."

"Thanks for nothing." Dick replied.

"Well?!" Bruce demanded, rounding on his oldest again.

"I thought...it would be better if we left under complete darkness."

"Hardly necessary, Dick."

"No, but Tim was pretty agitated. I didn't want to risk detection."

Bruce pursed his lips, thinking. "It was his first hunt. You knew he'd have no control!"

A sigh. "I know now."

Bruce snarled. "Fortunately his wound is cauterized, so he didn't loose too much blood."

"I'll feed him, father." Jason offered. "It may help his recovery."

"And I can insure his sleep." Dick added.

Bruce shook his head. "It's been a long day. Rest, both of you. I'll spend the night with Tim."

"You're still angry." Dick stated.

"Yes, but that isn't important now. Tim is home, and safe where he belongs. The wound isn't threatening but he needs much rest." Bruce turned to go but added "We'll talk about this more." then promptly vanished.

Jason spared a smile. "That wasn't quite what I expected."

"It's not over, though. I admit I could have handled the situation better."

"Don't beat yourself up about it, Dick. All that sweet smelling food got us distracted. And little milkfang got his first tonight!"

"Yeah." Dick grinned sharply. He slung an arm around his brother.

"Come on, lets go watch some porn."

"You got it."

****

Bruce entered Tims' bedroom. Alfred had dressed the boy in pajamas. He lay quietly under layers of soft blankets. The elder vampire sat nearby, watching in silence. Intense blue eyes flickered as his son entered.

"He rests well."

Bruce nodded, edging to the bed. Glacier orbs bored into his son. "How is his wound?"

"See for yourself. It's healing cleanly."

Bruce turned Tim over gently, exposing his left shoulder. A smooth, circular scar had already closed. He stared in disbelief.

"This fast? How is it possible, father. He's so young!"

Alfred smiled gently. "He reminds me of someone else. A child quite remarkable, as I recall."

"I didn't-"

"Your blood is strong, Valeraan. Never forget it."

"No." the handsome vampire smiled. "No one calls me that except you, by the way."

"It was your given name by lineage."

"I prefer Bruce."

A shrug. "Of course. Your mother always had more contemporary ideas. And I realize the importance of adapting to the times."

Bruce undressed quickly, slipping on a robe. Alfred watched in appreciation. "Have a care. This old bloodsucker might be visiting your bed soon enough."

"Is that all you think about, old man?"

"Ask Jason and Dick for me."

"Touche'."

"I may jump your bones without an invitation."

Bruce lifted an eyebrow as he slipped into bed beside Tim. "So much for ancient control."

Alfred watched impressive chest cleavage. "My own fault I suppose, for breeding so well."

Powerful arms cradled Tim under blankets. "Your ego is quite massive father."

"With good reason, don't you think? I may be old, but I can still get it up!"

Bruce laughed, leaning against the bedpost. "You're impossible!"

Alfred glided to his feet. "It's hard to resist such delicious offspring."

Bruce glowered at his elder. "Dick and Jason are adults, father. Their buisness is their own. But Tim is off limits!"

Alfred stared in surprise. "Of course. I'm not a complete idiot!"

"Then stop acting like an old bitch in heat."

A youthful giggle interrupted their conversation. Bruce glanced down. "Tim?"

"That was pretty funny, what you said."

"In ancient Babylonia insolent children had their tongues cut." Alfred snipped.

Tim turned in his fathers' embrace."Yeah but this is Gotham, grandfather. Twenty first century, you know?"

"Another wise ass." Alfred ruffled the boy's hair affectionately. "Sleep, little one. Keep your father out of trouble."

"I will."

"And now I'll see what your brothers are up to." Alfred turned to go.

Bruce watched him icily. "Father dearest."

Alfred turned slowly, eyebrow up.

"Remember what I said earlier."

The elder vampire gave his son a long look. "See that you follow your own advice, then." he turned on his heel and departed. The door closed quietly behind him.

Tim looked into his fathers' eyes. "What did he mean?"

"Nothing important. How are you?"

The teen nestled, cuddling. "Feel weak...strange. Everything was fine hours ago."

A kiss on the smooth forehead. "So. Did you enjoy your first hunt?"

Tim smiled against a square jaw. "It was great. I felt so strong, like I could do anything. But now, I'm just embarassed."

Bruce kept kissing. "Why?" his voice was gentle.

"It was like...the blood went straight to my head, you know? Dick and Jason tried to tell me but I wouldn't listen."

"You drank too much too quickly."

"I couldn't control anything. Before you found me I was stumbling around looking for more."

Bruce smiled. "I was there all along."

Tim blinked, eyes wide. "Oh, I thought..."

Warmer than human lips kissed eyelids next. "Did you really think I'd miss your first time?"

"Nn...ah, no." Tim went boneless under an assault of kisses over his face. He pressed into his sire.

Bruce pulled back momentarily, shocks of black hair shading his eyes. Tim stared into those blue lakes, lips red and panting.

"I want-"

"Stop." Bruce laid a finger over the plump mouth.

Tim grabbed and held close. "You don't know what I was going to say." he breathed.

Bruce glanced down between them. Tim's arousal was quite evident through the thin material of sleep pants. A rock hard erection poked his side.

"I do."

"I'm not a kid, Bruce-"

"Listen to me, Tim. Hunting makes the blood burn past the point of control."

"Yeah." the teen purred, groping the hard body next to his. "I was tired, but now I feel great."

"That's my point." Bruce grimaced, feeling his cock throb suddenly. A small snarl rolled in his throat. /Down, dammit!/

Tim licked his lips hotly. "You want me, too. Yessss."

Bruce looked Tim over slowly, eyes dark. "Not yet." he murmed to himself.

Tim wiggled underneath, smooth chest peeking between his pajama shirt. Soft, silken nipples poked through shiny fabric.

"I disagree." the teen panted harder, sticking tongue between his fangs.

"Sssss." Bruce forced his eyes away, holding the boy down.

Tim arched up, grinding hips. "Do you think I'm beautiful, father? Everyone says I'm pretty."

"You're...growing up quite well." Bruce resisted his own swelling body. Carefully he rolled away.

Tim grabbed at his robe, voice husky. "Let's do it."

Bruce tasted one of Tim's ears, tongue circling. "Don't tempt me. You're playing with fire."

Tim shivered, closing his eyes. "I'm old enough. And I know about Jason!"

Bruce stiffened, leaning back in shock. "That was different-"

Wild eyes opened again, bright red. "Love me." Tim purred, flush and warm. Ruddy lips parted around sharpening fangs.

A large thumb caressed those lips, pushing them wider. Tim lay passively, holding his mouth open. Raven hair shimmered in a sexy tangle over long lashes. He sucked a finger briefly before tracing it wetly across a nipple.

Bruce fell silent, watching every motion as he teased soft skin with a nail.

"This goes no further." a gutteral growl. "You will sleep."

Tim snaked his tongue out, reaching between them. "It's so big..."

Bruce felt his whole body seize at the touch, hot fingers squeezing the base of his cock. Dark desire boiled his blood, forcing motion. Lunging forward he filled that mouth with tongue, smashing Tim into the bed. A curvy, strong leg wrapped around as Tim dry humped insanely.

Neither of them could last. Cocks trapped between surging bodies exploded in molten relief. Tim cried out soundlessly, clutching the broad back. Bruce still drove against him mercilessly, a tangle of skin, blankets and pajamas. Tim shrieked again as his cock filled once more, driven mad by relentless friction. Yowling like a hellcat he held on, bouncing from powerful shoves against his groin.

Bruce moved on instinct, hips snapping and grinding, heating the soft material of his robe. It was insanity, he had to stop...

Yet he couldn't. Vampires had impossible sexual drives, and his were no different. The more Tim wanted, the more he wanted. Sharp fangs clamped the smooth flesh, biting shoulders and throat. Tim screeched in pleasure, clawing blindly.

"Moremoremore!!"

Bruce didn't drink, and damned if he knew why. Tim's screams only excited him further, fuelling lust known only to their kind. Arms like iron bands crushed the boy close, held him in place.

Another sweet pulse left them sticky and spent. Bruce lay heavily against his son, pondering the merits of suicide.

Tim purred in rapture, eyes glazed and blue once more. "That was so good." busy hands roamed everywhere.

Bruce didn't move or respond, his expression blank.

"Ssss. I feel so warm, safe. Next time, I want you inside!"

Bruce finally found his voice, edging to an elbow. "There won't be a next time, Tim."

The teen stared in disbelief. "You can't mean that. Show me, teach me-"

Fingers halted his lips again. "It's my fault, Tim."

"What are you talking about?"

"The fiasco at the warehouse should never have happened. You were injured on your first hunt."

"Stuff happens. Besides, I'm fine. It was pretty exciting, actually."

Bruce managed a smile. "You would think so."

"I want you." Tim slid into an embrace.

"No."

"No, I don't want you or no, you don't want to?"

"Enough, Tim."

"I get it. You still think I'm a kid. Well I'm not!"

Bruce lifted the defiant chin. "No, you're not. But you're caught between boy and man."

Tim licked his lips seductively. "Then help me get to the man part."

"When the time is right."

The teen growled, annoyed. "That's it? I'm supposed to wait for how long?!"

"Until you have more life experience. Sharing a full bond before then would be a disaster."

Tim snorted. "I see. So when do the stars have to align?"

Bruce smiled again. "When you're older."

"Give me a number."

"Twenty four."

"Hell no! I'd go blind."

"Hmm. Twenty two?"

"Seventeen!"

"Fool! Twenty."

"Eighteen?"

"Nineteen."

Tim snarled, sitting up in anger. "All right. Nineteen!"

Bruce smiled again, adjusting the tattered remnants of his robe. Swinging his legs around, he sat next to his youngest at the foot of the bed.

"Deal."

Tim stared hard at his sire. "You still want me."

"Ssssss."

"Your eyes are blood, father. Don't deny it."

Bruce glanced away briefly, crimson orbs glowing. "You know me too well."

"None of us can stop the hunger, father. It's our nature."

Bitter smile. "When did you get so wise?"

Arms enveloped broad shoulders. "I come from great stock. With any luck I won't have to wait."

Bruce untangled their arms. "Don't _push_ your luck."

Tim brushed lips boldly. "Can we seal the deal with a kiss?"

"I'm warning you for the last time-"

"Or what? You'll bang me senseless? I hope so."

Bruce grabbed him, blood on fire. He rolled Tim on his back. "So beautiful." he rumbled.

Tim pulled his collar away, offering his throat.

An inhuman hiss. Bruce leaned in, fangs bared. To hell with waiting...

A deafening peal of thunder cracked outside, breaking the spell. Bruce sat back, dazed.

Tim glared up. "Cheap trick, father."

"It wasn't my doing, Tim."

The teen sat up in confusion. "Then who? It's not even storming tonight."

Bruce looked around in the dark. "I can give a guess or two."

"Probably Dick or Jason. I know all their dumb jokes."

"I'm not laughing." Bruce slipped out of bed. Tim wrapped his arms around his knees.

"You're not staying, are you?"

Bruce shook his head slowly. "Not tonight. I don't trust myself. Try to get some sleep." the imposing form glided to the door.

"Wait."

Bruce turned. "Yes?"

"When did you do Dick? And Jason?"

A dark brow lifted in amusement. "Comparing notes, detective?"

"Checking for consistency."

"Ask them yourself." Bruce dissolved into the darkness. Tim smiled in satisfaction, wrapping himself in sticky and scented sheets. Savoring a glob of cream from the blanket, he snuggled in for the night.

"Three freaking years? We'll see."


THE END

Next: Family Roundtable