Vlad leaving the Fentons alone because distance makes the heart fonder but not so much that they forget him. He goes to Gotham because the Manson child accompanies her parents sometimes and can report to Daniel about him.
He did not realize it would he ao lonely and looks around to see who would make for a good target, money does make him happy but then there HE was. The ma who adopted so many children and who adored him in equal measure. Vlad introduces himself to Bruce wanting to know his tricks but Bruce is in full Brucie mode so Vlad sighs but goes to the next source, the children.
Tim is suspicious as he watches Vlad talk to Dick but as he ease drops he begins realizing Vlad CAN be dangerous, but there is another way to neutralize him and satisfy his curiosity.
Tim hanging out with Vlad and doing research and starts worrying about some similarities he is seeing because yeah, you ARE being taken for granted and maybe I am too 😦 Tim checking himself for tampering and finds nothing concerning. He is just compromised and Vlad is being seen for the first time in a long time. He feels paternal over Tim and decides he will speak up for young Tim (he has learned to listen) and schedules a meeting with Bruce only for the meeting to get canceled. The next one is montha away so Vlad gives him one more chance before he wil enact drastic measures.
Dick concerned about Tim begins joining in on the Vlad hang outs labeled as business dinners and meetings. Vlad is happy to get another perspective from an adopted child. Dick is confused because he was expecting many things but not this guy who all but bends backwards. Especially when Tim is measuring Masters that friendship is a two way street so none of that here. Vlad doesn't want to chase Tim away, unaware of a new obsession forming, so that is why he is being so accommodating per Tim's requests. Vlad does have a private chat with Dick seeing as the older brother is protective, and in that chat he mentions rhe reason he and Tim got along so well is they they were lonely people looking for family, "I am telking you this so you can do better before it's too late. Tim is aware he only needs to ask and I will make him my heir."
Dick is now conflicted but sees Vlad as a personal threat and not an actual threat. Cass joins him and is surprisingly dotted on by Vlad who says he learned too late how to be kind to his daughter but would like her assistance if given a chance. She can see and feel hia sincerity so that is another child Bruce has to share custody of without knowing because he delays talking to Vlad lol
By the time he realizes, Vlad haa enacted the extreme measures aka throwing a glove into his face and demanding a duel. He isn't sure if it's for a meeting ir for the children's custody, but Vlad has become annoyed with the pretty man thay has it all but squanders their affection 😠
Bruce: you think I'm pretty?
Vlad: not all of that can be accredited to your butler, anyone can see now back to the duel!
After the duel the batfam sees him around and are surprised he can get through Damian. It's the liminality in Damian that is more likely to listen to Vlad. Jason stoping by because he has to see this. They brawl to the worry of everyone and Jason gets the deepest bestest sleep ever. Duke is the shyest of Tim's siblings so he tries to offer homework help to speak to the young man in a setting where he can slowly get to know him. It becomes a headache to those around because he gets Duke interested in the application of his meta powers and science. Maybe even inventing tools to enhance them because he thinks with a little support we can get your powers up to the daytime hero's level. "It would greatly comfort us to know you can defend yourself if any oof those metahunters try to go after you. Not that they will have you for long as I will find them and they WILL regret having targeted one of my kids." Duke is touched and concerned but also how do you tell your step dad not to worry?
Alfred enjoys someone who appreciates his skills and is open to learning some of them. Steph asking him if he will turn evil again and he blinks before letting out a big belly chuckle and he tells her no my dear I have a family to think of. Steph does the I'm watching you and his core is almost purring with how much this family cares about him. Steph reminds him she is not adopted by him or Bruce and it makes him think of Danie-Danny. It's been ages since he thought of any of the Fentons but he thinks it might be better this way. He hopes there might still be a chance with him and Dani, but he will wait for them to reach out first since he has always done it in a way that hurt them.
Meanwhile back in Amity Park Danny feels like it's quite 😌, maybe a little too quiet... has anyone seen the fruitloop?
