Down below is a round up of the lists of links I have created for some the challenges Iāve completed. I figured it would be good to have these in one place to make it easier to find some of the different stories Iāve shared.Ā
Kon had just sat down, a cold drink in one hand and the TV remote in the other when his phone begins to ring. With a loud groan he drops the remote so he can dig the device out of his pocket and answers without looking at the screen.
āWhat? Iāve literally just sat down for the first time today and itās now eight in the evening. Iāve been up since five.ā He doesnāt even try to hide the whine in his voice. Heās grumpy and theyāll damn well know it.
āWell, hello to you too, sunshine.ā
Kon frowns at hearing Jasonās voice. He pulls back his phone to double check the contact and does find itās Jasonās contact up on his screen. He canāt tell if itās a good thing or a bad thing. Before Kon could respond the older man talks again.
āArenāt you superhuman? How can a day on your feet be that tiring? Thatās pathetic, Kon.ā
Kon scowls at the black screen of TV in front of him. āYouāre pathetic.ā Itās a weak retort but he doesnāt have the energy to come up with something creative. āWhat do you want?ā
Ā āTimās in heat.ā
That has adrenaline coursing through him within seconds. He almost drops his drink with how fast he stands up, any lingering tiredness long gone. Placing it down he runs a hand through his hair.
āWhat do you mean Jason. Timās heat isnāt due for nearly two weeks!ā
Konās mind is racing. His omega is in heat and heās not even with him. What kind of alpha was he to leave his mate alone during one of their most venerable times? Tim wasnāt due for another couple of weeks, he hasnāt gotten anything ready, their den isnāt prepared, Kon doesnāt have the suppliesā¦
āConner!ā
Kon snaps his attention back to his phone. Jason had sounded like heās said his name several times while he had been freaking out.
āTimās in pre-heat. Goddammit man, chill.ā
A growl rises in Konās throat. āThatās my mate, asshole. If you had one you wouldnāt be so nonchalant.ā
āYeah, yeah, whatever.ā Jasonās flippant tone triggers another growl from Kon. āAnyway. Come. Get. Him. Heās starting to stink up the place and getting clingy. The asshat probably hasnāt even realised it himself yet.ā
The annoying thing was Kon couldnāt disagree. Timās obliviousness with his own body is rather impressive at times. He often doesnāt realise heās going into heat until itās too late or someone is there shoving him at Kon or locking him away for his safety.
Kon pinches the bridge of his nose. āIāll grab him first thing in the morning. Donāt let him go on patrol.ā
āDuh.ā
Then just like that, Jason hangs up before Kon could give the other man a few choice words.
While his instincts are yelling at him to go and grab Tim now rather than wait to the morning logically he knows he needs to get the preparation done first. The last thing he wants to happen is to being his omega back to their den only to immediately leave him because nothing is ready. Whereas if everything is ready first then he and Tim can easily relax into what will be a few, long days.
Konās already growing hard at the mere thought of it. Ignoring his dick, he gets started on preparing their den.
Kon finishes sorting everything out by early hours. Supplies are stocked, food and drink are over flowing the kitchen, blankets and pillows piled neatly ready for Tim to nest with, and Konās non-washed laundry also within reaching distance.
Their den is a small building on the edge of Kent farm, out of the way and offering plenty of privacy and safety for the two of them. Itās an open plan kitchen and sitting area, with a large bathroom and one bedroom. If they can they always return to it for either of Konās ruts or Timās heats, they canāt always make it here but most of the time they do.
After a nap, and then triple checking everything, because it needs to be perfect for his mate, Kon heads to Gotham in the morning to go and retrieve his omega.
The moment he entered Wayne Manor Kon knew from the scent alone Tim was in pre-heat. Without meaning too his omega has been projecting his pheromones everywhere. Admittedly itās subtle, a stranger wouldnāt have noticed, but anyone close to him wouldāve picked up on it.
Kon follows the sweet scent of marshmallows and vanilla through the corridors, using his nose to track Tim down. Kon had been pleasantly surprised at Timās scent when he first smelt it. He had expected Tim to smell like coffee or leather, perhaps even crime, but the sweetness of his scent was a pleasant discovery. He loves it.
Kon soon finds himself in the kitchen where a few busy bodies are bustling about. Alfred is at the oven, Jason is working the coffee machine, Dick was helping Alfred with plates and food prep. Then there was Tim. He was plastered against Cass who sat at the kitchen island playing on her phone, ignoring the limpet attached to her.
As soon as Kon enters the kitchen, Timās head snaps up from where it had been tucked in Cassās neck, and he immediately locks onto Kon. His hair is a mess, his pupils dilate and his nostrils flare as he scents Kon. As Tim stares steadily at Kon, and at any moment Kon is expecting Tim launch himself at him, everyone else glances his way before resuming back to their tasks.
āFucking finally,ā Jason mutters.
āGood morning Master Conner.ā Alfred greets him warmly.
Kon takes that as a cue to enter the kitchen. āGood morn- oofā
He didnāt get the chance to finish his sentence before Tim barrels straight into him. Although Kon stumbles one step from surprise he manages to keep them steady as Tim wraps his arms around Kon and buries his face into his neck where his scent is strongest.
āMorning sweetheart,ā Kon mumbles into his omegaās hair. His scent is sweet and rich, and Tim is definitely entering pre-heat. Kon presses a kiss to Timās temple, relishing in the way his mate trembles and pulls back again.
By now, everyone had settled at the kitchen island with their breakfasts, and no one is paying them any attention.
āKonā¦ā Tim whines.
āTimā¦ā Kon mimics him, unable to help himself from teasing his poor mate.
Tim nips his neck in retaliation and Kon laughs lightly. He runs his hands down Timās back, letting his scent cover his omega again. He had already been saturated by his family and Konās instinct is telling him he wants his scent over Tim, not theirs.
His mate mumbles something into his neck and Kon has to coax Timās face away in order to understand him. āWhat?ā
Tim rolls his eyes as if Konās inconveniencing him. āI said, can we go now? I want my nest.ā He sounds so grumpy, Kon adores it.
āYou donāt want breakfast?ā Kon gestures over to where the rest of the family are still sat at the island eating, ignoring the two of them as they do so.
Tim shakes his head. āNot hungry.ā
Konās inner alpha grumbles at that. Itās always a battle to get Tim to eat.
āHow about, we go to the den, shower, set your nest up and then have something to eat?ā Itās the best compromise Kon is going to have without Tim throwing a tantrum like a toddler.
Tim contemplates this for a moment with a little hum before giving a decisive nod. āFine.ā
He gives his omega a kiss as a reward and pulls away before Tim deepens it.
āHave you got a bag ready?ā
āItās by the front door.ā
Kon gives him another kiss. After saying their farewells to the family, Kon leads Tim to the front door, shoulders the bag and then picks his mate up bridal style as he launches into the air to head back home to the den.
As they fly, Tim wraps his arms around Konās neck tightly, buries his face into his neck and sucks in his scent greedily. Soon enough a contented purr emits from his mateās chest which has Kon responding in kind. His alpha rumble meets his omegaās purr, two sounds synchronizing in perfect harmony.
When they arrive at the den, Kon steers Tim straight into the shower, which he grumbles at but soon acquiesces when Kon joins him. Once showered, Tim hurries into their bedroom to start on his nest while Kon heads to the kitchen to make them food. His precious omega will be eating whether he likes it or not.
With a small assortment of sandwiches and fresh fruit in hand, Kon stops in the doorway to their bedroom and watches as his mate works. Their mattress ā where Tim has decided to place his nest this time ā is covered in layers of blankets and pillows. Pillows wrapped in blankets outline the edge, creating the frame, the bed cover and blankets act as the base and in between all that is pocket scents where a mixture of his and Timās clothes are.
Timās pulled the curtains shut, wanting the room dark but not quite achieving it as its broad daylight outside. Once itās dark the fairy lights they have on the ceiling will turn on and create a warm glow in the room.
His mate kneels in the middle of the pile, observing his work, before looking over at Kon and grins widely. Kon feels his heart soar at the image Tim makes. Relaxed and happy. Kon doesnāt move until Tim holds out a hand towards him, beckoning with his fingers.
āAlpha.ā
A rumble vibrates in his chest and he goes to Tim. Putting down the food he draws his omega in close and buries his nose into Timās neck, kissing his skin softly. Ā
āAre you okay?ā Kon draws his face away from Tim just enough to ask the question.
Tim sighs and leans back into Kon, letting him take his weight. āYeah, better than before. Being surrounded by only our scent helps.ā
āIām glad. The nest is fantastic.ā
āYou think so?ā Despite how much his mate would have tried, there was no hiding the hint of hope in his voice or the way heās feeling self-conscious about it.
āYeah,ā Kon turns Timās face around to press a kiss to his lips. āAny particular reason for the mattress this time?ā
Tim shakes his head. āNot really, no. It just felt right. Maybe I wanted the height?ā
Kon presses another kiss to his lips before pulling away. He gestures to the food on the bedside table. āWant to eat here or out there?ā
Tim groans and glares at the offending food on the plate. āIām still not hungry.ā
Kon huffs. He let it slide earlier but not anymore.
Without warning Kon tackles Tim into the nest. His mate lets out a startled yelp and squirms as Kon wrestles him around, arranging them accordingly against the headboard. Timās back to his chest, Konās arms and legs wrapped around Tim pinning him there.
āConner!ā
Tim wiggles and bucks as he tries to dislodge Konās hold, all the while Kon grins as he effortlessly holds his feisty omega in place. Tim soon slumps and accepts his defeat. Kon loosens his hold slightly and runs his nose along Timās jaw and down his neck, nipping at the skin there and enjoys the way Timās scent evades his senses.
Pressing a kiss to his bonding mark Kon straightens and grabs a sandwich and holds it up in front of his mate. āEat.ā
Tim huffs and slaps his hand away irritably. āStop it! I can feed myself.ā
āCan you?ā
Turning his head sideways so he could glare at Kon, Tim scowls. āYes alpha, I can.ā Tim reaches for the sandwich still in Konās hold but before he could grab it Kon pulls it out of his reach.
āI donāt think you can.ā Kon grins teasingly.
Unimpressed, Tim falls against Kon again and crosses his arms over his chest. God, it makes Konās heart flutter seeing Tim sulky, heās so adorable when he is.
Kon waves the sandwich in front of the omegaās mouth. āChoo choo! Here comes the train!ā
āI fucking hate you.ā Tim grouches, keeping his attention forwards, although he opens his mouth compliantly and accepts the sandwich.
Kon could his inner alpha preening at being able to hand feed his omega. Itās often only an act done during mid-heat or mid-rut, the act being during the most intimate times between a pair. Tim may not be in heat just yet, but as an established bonded couple the intimacy shows trust and wanting.
Kon feeds them both, taking bites himself between making sure his omega eats enough. Eventually Tim pushes his hand away again, albeit gentler this time, and shakes his head. āNo more, Iām full.ā
Kon accepts this and then makes sure Timās had enough drink before finally letting them settle properly in the nest. They move around until Tim is sprawled out on top of Kon with his face tucked into his neck where his own matching bond mark is, purring gently in contentment. Konās alpha responds to his omegaās call and rumbles back.
Kissing the top of Timās head, Kon closes his eyes, hugs his mate tightly and allows himself to doze off, happy and satisfied his mate is safe and content in his arms.
Summary: On the cusp of giving everything up, one soul taking the time and effort to show him heās not alone pushes Tim to keep fighting. While mental battles are fought, new opportunities arise and itās down to him to make the decisions on what his future will be.
A/N: Please note, this story is focused on suicidal thoughts and behaviours. Please don't read if this topic makes you uncomfortable. Title is from "My Life" by Imagine Dragons.
AO3 Link
Enjoy! :D
āYāknow, I can think of plenty of other places to sit and enjoy the view than here? Want to know what ones are my favourites?ā
Tim doesnāt jump when a voice suddenly speaks next to him. Heād have to be feeling things for that to happen. He merely glances over and finds Superboy hovering beside him and without any prompting the supe sits down next to him and mirrors his position.
Tim hums before looking away again. āIām good, thanks though.ā
He shivers when the wind whips by him and he tucks his hands into his front pockets and continues to stare out at the view of Gotham City from this vantage point. Heās sat on top of one of the tallest buildings within the city. His legs dangle over the edge, people down below appear like ants moving around in their busy lives even at this time, the lights and sounds are nothing more than blurs and echoes.
āNice night, right?ā Superboy speaks up.
Tim sends him a scornful look, not appreciating the company right now. Heās sat on top of this building to beĀ alone, this hero is fucking that up.
āWhy are you here? Donāt you have a cat up a tree to save or something?ā Tim snarks.
He knows the real reason why Superboy is here. Here as in Gotham, not here as in why heās currently lounging with Tim on top of a building at two in the morning. Despite having stopped following ā stalking ā Batman and Robin years ago, Tim never gave up learning everything he could about the vigilantes and their associates.
Superboy snorts and leans back on his elbows as he relaxes next to Tim. āWrong supe wearing the āSā there, man. Thatās Supermanās gig, not mine.ā
āThat doesnāt answer my question.ā
Superboy sits up, turning his body to face him and Tim meets his gaze with a raised eyebrow. It doesnāt go unnoticed how attractive the guy is. This is the first time Timās met Superboy in person but heās seen photos and videos of the man and they certainly donāt do him justice. Flawless skin, sparkling blue eyes, pink lips, fluffy black hair, sharp jaw line. He has it all.
The grin showing his perfect white teeth drops from Superboyās face as he grows serious. He leans in slightly towards Tim, gesturing loosely with a hand. āI donāt need to say why Iām here do I?ā
Tim breathes heavily, feeling the pit in his stomach deepen as he turns back to look over the city. āIām not going to do it.ā
Superboy was silent for a moment. āMaybe, maybe not. You look like you could do with someone to talk to though.ā
āI donāt.ā Tim snaps harshly. āNow fuck off and leave me alone. Iām not going to jump so you can stop wasting your time.ā
The hero does not in fact fuck off. Instead he leans closer to Tim, allowing Tim to get a whiff of his cologne, an enticing woodsy yet cinnamony scent. Tim hates how much he instantly likes it
Superboy stays close as he locks his gaze with Timās. āI happen to think that Iām not wasting my time here, so Iām going to stay here as long as I want.ā
Tim sends him the coldest glare he could and what he gets in return is a beaming smile. Tim huffs in disbelief at the audacity of this supe. Tim knows if he gets up to leave, Superboy would win whatever this is, and if he stays the hero will carry on pestering him until he leaves anyway. Tim has the patience of a saint, but he has a feeling Superboy will be stubborn enough to match it. Heās in a catch 22 and doesnāt like it.
The two of them stay on top of the building in companionable silence until the sun breaks the horizon the following morning. Timās body had long gone numb from both the chilling wind and from sitting still for so long.
Next to him, Superboy lets out a long groan and gets to his feet, dramatically stretching as he does so. āWell, hereās to a new day right?ā
Tim stares at him, not moving, wondering what the hell was happening. Superboy doesnāt seem to be bothered by his lack of response, instead he grins sunnily and holds a hand out towards him. āCāmon, itās time to go I think.ā
āIām good thanks.ā Timās protest didnāt have as much heat behind it as it did earlier in the night. Heās admittedly grown tired, his body is numb, however heās too stubborn to admit defeat even hours later.
āHow about some coffee? Or breakfast? My treat.ā The guy looks at Tim with a hopeful expression and Tim feels his walls start to crack. The damn hero is like a golden retriever.
Somehow he finds the willpower to deny him again. āNo. Iām good.ā He does however, finally get to his feet, stumbling as he does so which Superboy is quick to react by grabbing his arm and steadying him. Tim shoves him away and groans as he stretches his stiff body.
āYou can go now. Iām heading home.ā Tim tells him tersely.
Superboy sends him a disbelieving look, which fair enough, but still. Tim huffs and starts making his way towards the buildingās rooftop door. Neither of them say anything as Tim disappears through the door and starts making his way down the stairs.
He has no idea what prompted Superboy to sit with him for hours that night. In the back of his head, something heād never admit out loud, and now heās looking back on it, Tim is kind of glad for the company. Does it fix his mental health or state of wellbeing, no, but itās something even if he canāt describe whatĀ itĀ is. Ā
=====
Tim made it three days before the urge got the best of him. Itās an improvement considering the last time was 24 hours.
Without thinking he makes his way through Gotham in some sort of daze, not registering anything or anyone he passes. Heās just another body in the sea of people of this overpopulated city. No one important. No one anyone would miss if he suddenly disappeared.
Eventually he makes it to his destination and settles down with his legs hanging over the ledge of Gothamās tallest bridge. Thereās a small latch after a set of stairs where maintenance workers would use for access to the highest parts of the bridge, it didnāt take much to pick the lock and work his way up the dodgy ladder and into the open air on top of the bridge.
Just like last time, cool wind whips by him, everything down below is nothing more than sounds and blurs. Tim breathes deeply and lets his mind wonder. A dangerous thing really, but what else is there to do?
His intentions of getting up high is unclear. A part of him wants too. By god does he want to end it all. How easy would it be to just let go and thatās that. No more worries. No more thoughts. No more pain. Blissful nothing.
Itās getting harder to get through each day, the temptation to end it all is increasing as the desire to live decreases. He has no friends, no family, a job that barely pays, a crippling debt left to him by his father, and his obsession and hobby is stalking strangers who dress up in spandex.
While he currently has a roof over his head and clothes on his back, he canāt say for how much longer either of those things will be available to him. Thanks to his father all of Timās money is spent paying back an unfeasible amount of debt with little else to spend on necessities. It wonāt be much longer until heās forced out onto the streets. Would he be able to survive that? Would he even want to? Why wait for the inevitable when he can just prevent it from ever happening?
āHello again, stranger. Fancy meeting you here.ā
Tim sighs as a familiar voice speaks up. He blinks his eyes open from where they had been closed and eyes Superboy who is floating in front of him. The sight of him sends an unrecognisable sensation through him. His heartbeat picks up and he fights to remain stoic as he stares at the attractive hero before him.
āWhy are you here? Isnāt Metropolis your home, Superboy?ā
Grinning widely, like Timās questions absolutely thrilled him, Superboy leans in. āAw, you keeping tabs on me?ā
āNo.āĀ Yes.Ā Goddammit. Tim knew Superboyās been travelling between the cities because heās helping support Robin as Batman and Nightwing are out of the city on a diplomatic mission or something alike. He may have been keeping a closer eye on the Kryptonian since their last meeting.
āMy offer still stands,ā Superboy drawls, āI can show you the city from a different view. From a much moreĀ stableĀ viewpoint.ā
Tim rolls his eyes, tucking his hands into his jumper. āWhy do that when I can view the city just fine here?ā
Why is he even engaging with Superboy?
Superboy huffs. This is the first time Timās seeing something other than the friendly golden retriever exterior on the hero. āYāknow I can just force you down. I donāt need your permission to do that.ā
Tim shrugs nonchalantly, unfazed by the threat. āYou could, but you wonāt.ā
āI might.ā Superboy grits his teeth. The sight of him restraining his frustration has Tim grinning for no apparent reason.
When was the last time he genuinely smiled?
Damn this hero for making him do so.
āBut you wonāt.ā Tim repeats confidently.
Superboy twitches in the air, as he if physically stopped himself from grabbing Tim just then. The movement makes Tim snort and he shakes his head.
āYāknow, if I really wanted to, I would. There wouldnāt be a way for you to stop me. You may prevent me from jumping but you canāt watch me 24/7.ā Tim tells him, letting go of the grin and turns his gaze back to the glowing city.
From his peripheral Tim watches as Superboy sits down next to him. āPerhaps. But if I can prevent this particular time then thatās something.ā
Tim looks down. He watches as cars drive by underneath him and wonders what are the chances of him hitting a car first compared to hitting the ground first. At night the bridge is significantly less busy than during the day but thereās still a steady flow of traffic.
Would it be better to hit a car first or just straight concrete?
āFor the love of god, no!ā
A hand on his shoulder grabbing him makes Tim blink and he realises he had been leaning dangerously forward. An inch or two more he would have gone if Superboy hadnāt been holding onto him.Ā Oh. Whoops.
āWhatever you are thinking, just stop, dude.ā Superboy says pulling Tim into his side.
Tim tenses unsure on how to react. He wants to break away from the contact, although, itās kind of nice? When was the last time someone touched him? When was the last time he received a hug? Superboy sighs and wraps an arm around his shoulders and rests his head on top of Timās. Tim stiffens at the action but doesnāt try to pull away.Ā
It takes some time and eventually Tim settles into Superboyās side, selfishly enjoying the closeness of the other boy. Heās probably only hugging Tim to keep him from really going over the edge after all. The now familiar scent of cinnamon and woodsy combination hits Timās nose and he breathes deeply, enjoying the unexplainable comfort it gives him.
Just like last time, they stay in silence up until the sun appears over the horizon. A gentle nudge has time bolting up right and he instantly feels his face heat up at the realisation he had been dozing on Superboyās shoulder.
āOh jeeze.ā Tim breathes. He scrambles to his feet, ignoring the way his legs shake as he forces them to move after being stationary for so long. āSorry.ā
Thankfully Superboy doesnāt bring attention to it. He shrugs and also gets to his feet, it doesnāt go unnoticed by Tim how heās placed himself between Tim and the ledge. The thought sobers him and Tim scowls, his mood immediately souring.
āWell thanks I guess.ā He hunches over, burying his hands into the hoodie heās wearing and makes his way to the dodgy ladder. āSee you around.ā
Tim doesnāt give Superboy a chance to reply because heās already scaling down the ladder desperately wanting to get away. He canāt say where the sudden urge to run has come from but itās there and the feeling too overwhelming to be able to ignore.
======
Another two days later, Tim finds himself huddled next to an old gargoyle overlooking the city. He has to admit he canāt recall how he ended up on top of the clocktower. One moment he had been signing off work and the next heās breathing in cold air with the wind whipping against his face a hundred or so meters above the ground.
A warning letter arrived the previous day, telling Tim money is due for both his fatherās debt and his rent, and how if he doesnāt pay it within the next several days then heāll be evicted. Or worse. Tim sighs heavily and leans against the cold stone of the gargoyle.
āWhatās the point? Iām fighting a losing battle here.ā He muses out loud.
He should have known better than to speak out loud. Moments a later, a familiar voice pipes up as the owner comes into Timās view in front of him.
āWhat are you fighting and why are you losing?ā
Superboy floats in front of him, arms crossed and wearing his usual black, blue and red suit where the āSā sits on his chest. The supe cocks his head to the side, an action Tim refuses to think of as cute.
Tim scowls at the supe. āThatās none of your concern.ā
āWhat if I can help?ā
āYou canāt.ā
āWhat if I can? That's what I do, yāknow. I help people.ā
āNot this person you canāt.ā
Unbothered by Timās frosty attitude, Superboy squeezes himself in beside Tim and the gargoyle. Itās a tight squeeze considering how broad the supe is and it leaves Tim pressed up against Superboyās side and the damp stone wall. Warmth encases one side which counteracts the chill from the other and he hates the way his face heats up at the close proximity of them together.
Only if they could be pressed against one another for a different reasonā¦
āHey, talk to me. Maybe I can really help.ā
With the way Superboyās voice has gone low and sincere it almost brings Tim to tears. When was the last time anyone else showed Tim care?
Voice thick with emotion, Tim shakes his head. āNo. I donāt want your help. I donāt need your help.ā
Gods, could he sound any more pathetic? His breath catches in his throat and Tim closes his eyes in order to concentrate on not falling apart. Thereās a heavy weight in his chest, an increasing pressure pressing down on him, suffocating him. He takes a deep breath and lets it out shakily. When he breathes again it comes out as a hiccup and the pressure goes to his throat as his eyes begin to tear up.
Stupid. This is stupid, heās stupid, what's the fucking pointā¦
āHey, hey, cāmon now.ā Ā
Tim couldnāt keep in the sob that breaks out of him when Superboyās soft voice reaches his ears. He ducks his head and clenches his hair in tight fists.
āItās okay, let it out. Let it all out.ā
Itās when Superboyās arm wraps around Timās shoulderās and as he tugs him even closer to his side that Tim finally breaks. Releasing a gut wrenching sob Tim clings onto the hero beside him. His hands clench onto his jacket and he turns his face into the boyās shoulder. Everything Tim had been supressing comes out in one big ugly mess. He struggles to breathe, as every attempt is caught in a hitch of a sob, his eyesight is nothing but a blur and his nose is snotty and running.
To Superboyās credit he doesnāt push Tim away. He gently consoles him in a soft tone, one hand running soothingly through Timās hair, and heās a warm presence melting the ice inside Timās veins.
By the time Timās crying subsides, heās got a headache as if thereās a jackhammer inside his skull, his nose is full of snot making it difficult to breathe and heās left feeling wrung out and exhausted in a completely different sense than his usual state. Superboy doesnāt yet push him away so Tim stays where he is. His hands continue to clench his jacket and his face is tucked against his neck.
Time drifts by and Tim listens to the sounds of the city as he calms down from his emotional onslaught. Itās almost soothing in a way that's familiar.
Eventually though Superboy gently shifts and guides Timās head off his shoulder. Tim refuses to open his eyes, scared of what expression the boy may be wearing. God knows what Timās appearance looks like after that dramatic show. Thereās a rustling of fabric then suddenly a soft press of cloth is pressing against Timās face, wiping his eyes, cheeks and nose.
āI think that was a long time coming, no?ā Superboy says quietly, putting away the cloth. āProbably done you some good even if it doesnāt feel like it right now. Feels cathartic, or some shit like that.ā
Despite himself, Tim huffs out a laugh. āOnly if having a breakdown could solve all my problems.ā
Tim finally opens his eyes and immediately finds Superboyās face. The other boy is staring at him intently without any judgement. Tim doesnāt know what to make of that. Disdain or judgement Tim could have understood, he then couldāve felt embarrassed or even angered, however the sympathetic expression on his face throws him off balance.
Superboy blinks and raises a hand, he cups Timās cheek attentively as if heās something precious and strokes a thumb under his eye wiping away a tear Tim had unknowingly shed. How he has any tears left he has no idea.
Tim breathes deeply and leans into the hand. His gaze drops to Superboyās lips and sudden desire surges through Tim. What would his lips feel like? Are they as soft as they look? Is the hero a rough kisser or a thorough and coaxing kisser. Why does Tim really want to find out?
No.Ā No. He canāt go there. He canāt fall for the one person whose shown him kindness since he could last remember. Also why the fuck would someone like Superboy want to be with someone like Tim? He literally just had a breakdown on the poor man, the last thing he wants is to be dealing with Timās shit.
Then again, why does Superboy keep finding him? What was the saying? Once is an accident, twice is a coincidence, three times is a pattern.
What are the chances that Superboy is seeking him out? What are the chances that Tim is seeking Superboy out instead?
Right. Enough of that.
Tim forces himself to move away from Superboy. He straightens himself and sits as they were before Tim broke, pressed together side by side.
He clears his throat awkwardly. āSorry. Dealing with someone having a breakdown isnāt in your job description.ā
He feels the supe shrug. āMaybe not, doesnāt mean I wonāt help where I can. Want to talk about it?ā
His first instinct is to refuse. Itās none of Superboyās concern, itās not like he could help with anything going on in Timās life. However thereās something inside him that has Tim hesitating. Heās just snotted all over the poor guy, perhaps he could tell him, at this point it wonāt make much of a difference anyway.
Tim sighs and looks out over the gloomy city. āMy mental health is shit. I feel like ending it all would be easier than dealing with anything. My dear old dadās left me with a crippling debt with a local mobster from his time gambling. Iām behind on rent and am one moment away from being evicted. While I do work, the pay is shit and I donāt have qualifications to be able to get a decent job despite being intelligent and competent enough to do so. My computer skills are top notch. I have no friends. No family. No one will miss me if I suddenly cease to exist.ā
He grins and holds his thumbs up sarcastically to Superboy before dropping them and staring back out over the city. Tim feels no different having told the supe whatās going on than when he had been silent on the matter.
āThatās rough.ā Superboy says after a moment of silence. āIām sorry thatās all going on for you right now.ā
Itās clinical and Tim fights the urge to roll his eyes. āThatās life for you.ā
āWell one of those things you said isnāt true.ā
Tim fights the urge a second time as Superboy doesnāt follow up his comment. He rolls his hand lazily, āwhich isā¦ā
āYou would be missed.Ā IĀ would miss you.ā
He pierces Tim with an intense look that Tim feels right down to his core. He feels himself heat up from the stare and refuses to fidget because of it.
āYou donāt know me enough to miss me.ā A second thought occurs to him. āDo you even know my name?ā Itās never come up before so Tim has no idea.
The Kryptonian laughs and shakes his head amused. āNo I donāt. You keep running away before I get the chance to ask you.ā He quickly grows serious. āI would like to get to know you though. You may be going through some things but I think weād be great friends, you say you have no friends, let me be your friend.ā
Timās face scrunches as he thinks it over. āAre you even allowed to be friends with civilians? Also you seem to be forgetting, weāre in Gotham. Batman aināt going to let it slide you visiting here. Youāre only here to help Robin out.ā
Superboy raises an eyebrow, a small grin on his face. āKnow a lot about the local vigilantes, do we?ā
Nope, not going there.Ā Tim will tell him about his struggles, but like hell will he be telling him about his Batman and Robin obsession.
āSo what is it?ā
āWhatās what?ā Tim asks dumbly.
āYour name.ā
āItās Tim.ā
He watches as Superboy mouthās his name a few times, getting the feel for it. Superboy then turns his sunny grin on Tim, making him feel things he shouldnāt, and asks, āWellĀ Tim, itās getting late, would you allow me to take you home?ā
Tim knows what he means, but he opened the door so of course was going to walk through it.
āTake me home? You propositioning me, Superboy? Preying on a weak, mentally unstable boy to warm your bed for the night?ā
It was comical watching Superboyās eyes bug out of his head. He straightens and waves his hands about. āWhat! No! No, no, no. That isĀ notĀ what I meant at all.ā He lets out a sharp breath. āWould you allow me to escort you home?ā
Tim quirks an eyebrow. The gift that keeps on giving. āWould that make me the escort, or you?ā
As the supe facepalms and groans, Tim cackles. The sudden smile hurts his cheeks and Tim had forgotten what it was like to laugh unashamedly. Superboy gives Tim a side-eyed glance and pouts adorably.
āWould you let me make sure you get home safe tonight? Please?ā
All humour subsides as Superboyās reason for asking comes to light. Not that it would take a rocket scientist to work it out, but still. Tim instinctively goes to refuse but for a second time that night the words get caught in his throat and instead he finds himself nodding. Thankfully Superboy doesnāt make a big deal out it. Tim bets he wants to, especially if the grin heās trying to suppress tells him anything but the supe stays quiet.
Quietly they make their way to Timās shitty apartment. While feeling drained and exhausted more than usual, albeit for a different reason tonight, itās the most content Tim has felt in a long time. Has it solved anything, no. However itās given him something he hasnāt had for a while, the simple thing of companionship. Even that he knows will not last as Superboy is due to return back to Metropolis soon as Batman and Night are due back in Gotham meaning Robin will no longer need the extra support.
=======
A week later, Tim stares at the collection of pills in his hands. They appear harmless, like pieces of candy, but have the power to severely harm or even end a life.
Tim breath catches in his throat and he gasps, the all too consuming pressure on his chest effectively suffocating him. He glances up into the bathroom mirror and finds a hollow face staring back at him. Sunken and bruised eyes, shallow cheeks, greasy hair and greying skin. How did he end up like this?
Five days ago, only two after he had broken down in Superboyās arms, Tim found himself on top of the bridge again, only this time he had different intentions even if he wasnāt admitting it to anybody. Unfortunately reality came knocking and that night he didnāt see Superboy. He hates how disappointed he found himself to be once dawn broke and there had been no sign of the handsome Kryptonian.
Two days after that, the debt collectors came calling. Despite it not being the deadline they claimed their boss had decided Tim needed to pay up faster so they came to sort things out. They broke into Timās apartment, stole the few items that had value, such as his laptop, his phone and his television, beaten Tim bloody and fucked off leaving behind the message he had a week left to pay off the rest of the debt.
The day after that Tim had been fired from his shitty job. Since he had no laptop and couldnāt work they fired him on the spot and used the excuse on how his performance had been less than satisfactory for a long time. Just to top that off he received another letter with a final date of his eviction.
It had been the straw that broke the camels back.
Tim tracked down some black market pills he knows would do the trick. Going out from a height lost its appeal, a small voice in the back of his mind telling him he couldnāt do that to Superboy, to use that method, after their nights spent together Tim couldnāt tarnish the last happy memories he has.
Now, a day after getting the pills, he sits on his toilet with the pills in hand, staring at them knowing this is it. No one would know. How long would it be until his body is discovered? When the eviction people come to make sure he actually leaves the apartment or when the debt collectors come?
Gods does it matter? They donāt care about him. No one does. Why is he hesitating on taking the pills? He just needs to do it and be done with it.
āYou would be missed. I would miss you.ā
The words hit him like a sledgehammer and Tim gasps. He chokes on a sob and tears start streaming down his face. Gods heās so stupid. Superboy was just saying those things because itās what someone would say in those circumstances. Superboy doesnāt really care about him. Or does he?
Forcing himself to take a deep breath, Tim makes a decision. He straightens up and puts the pills back into the bottle they came from.
Not today.
========
The following night Tim finds himself high up above the ground once again. He spent the day in bed, numb to everything happening, hiding underneath his thin blanket, and only resurfacing when the urge to get high got the best of him. Without thinking he dressed, left his apartment and in a haze made his way to one of his preferred city vantage spots.
He doesnāt know how long he sits there. The cold wind brushing against his cheeks, the sounds of everyday life meters below him. Itās only when a scrape of gravel could be heard that Tim comes to life, his heart stutters, hope blossoms inside him, and as he turns heās finds Robin striding towards him.
Despite full damn well knowing it wasnāt going to be Superboy, Tim had let himself hope and now thereās nothing but crushing disappointment inside him.
Tim turns back around and faces the city, he ignores as Robin, someone who he had once idolized, sits beside him and lights up a cigarette.
āIām guessing Iām not who you wanted to see, huh?ā Thereās a mixture of amusement and yet soft understanding in his tone as he speaks. He blows out a cloud of smoke and swings his legs as they dangle over the edge.
āThatās okay. Iām used to it, especially when Iām with Nightwing and Batman.ā
Tim doesnāt say anything, both not in the mood for a conversation and because he doesnāt know what to say. Had this interaction been a few years ago, Tim probably would have combusted from excitement but now, thereās just an empty hole inside him making it difficult to care about much these days.
Thereās another puff of smoke.
Tim couldnāt help but snort. āArenāt you supposed to be epitome of health? Surely smoking will hinder your performance, how can you run around all night smoking?ā
Robin turns to look at him. His mouth is curved in an amused grin while his mask sits over his eyes not letting Tim see them. His hair is a black mop on his head, windswept and messy.
Robinās quiet for a moment as he lets out one more puff of smoke before stubbing out his cigarette and placing it aside. Before the hero could say anything Tim jumps in again.
āWhat do you want?ā Heās feeling grumpy and it comes out in his tone of voice. Is he on Gotham watch or something? Surely these guys are busy enough without having to feel the need to babysit Tim.
āIām here as a favour to my best friend.ā Robin comments eventually, his mouth is set in firm line now and a sense of seriousness comes over the young hero. āAs well as not wanting someone to die on my watch if I can help it.ā
Tim hates the way body perks up at the slightest mention of Superboy. āHow is Superboy? Havenāt seen him around.ā
He tries for nonchalance but Tim feels like heās missed the mark. Of course he already knows about the situation and the fact why Superboy isnāt here, it would be suspicious if he didnāt ask. Especially since it seems like the Kryptonian has been talking about him.
āHeās good, but has been rather mopey lately. I wonder why that is?ā He grins knowingly. Before Tim could think of anything to say about the other hero, Robinās smile drops as he continues speaking.
āIāve been trying to find you, youāre a hard man to track down Tim Drake.ā Even through the mask he wears, Tim could feel his burning gaze. āSuperboy tells me youāre good with computers, and how your currently in a tight spot.ā
AĀ ātight spotāĀ is putting it lightly.
āSo?ā Tim doesnāt know where this is going. He doesnāt care Robin knows his name. Itās not like heās done anything wrong. They may be able to track his dadās actions, although they couldnāt do anything about it. Several years too late for that.
Robin digs into his utility belt and pulls out a crisp clean brown envelope. For a moment Timās more interested in knowing how the hero kept it so perfect inside his belt than itās contents.
āIām here to offer you a low-paid intern ship at Wayne Enterprises. There are a couple spots open in different departments, one of which you can choose from, and then if you perform well, thereās a chance you can be taken on full-time afterwards.ā
He holds out the envelope to Tim who stares at it dumbfounded. He blinks for several moments trying to understand what Robin just said.
āIām sorry, what?ā
āInternship. At Wayne Enterprises. Itās yours if you want it.ā Ā
āI donāt understand.ā
Itās ridiculously easy to know Robin rolls his eyes under the mask. āI know itās hard to believe but Superboy spoke to me about your situation and I spoke to Batman who spoke to Bruce Wayne. Thereās an internship with your name on it, if you want it.ā
As if Batman and Bruce Wayne werenāt one the same. Not that Tim should know that, he has to remind himself most people donāt actually know that information.
āWhy me? If youāve spoken to Superboy then youāre aware how fucked in the head I am. Itās only gotten worse since he last saw me.ā
āIām aware,ā Robin stats firmly, āand I think we have an opportunity to help you out, help you get better. If thatās what you want. We start with your financial situation, get you housed somewhere, give you a purpose for each day, and then help you everywhere else.ā
Itās too good to be true. Less than 24 hours ago he was ready to swallow a handful of pills and now heās being offered an internship at one of the biggest enterprises on the planet.
āI donāt have the qualifications.ā Tim says dumbly looking at the envelope. He still hasnāt taken it from Robinās outstretched hand.
āYou said you were good with computers. If not you can learn. As I said, there are different departments taking on and also why itās an internship, to see what youāre capable of.ā
āIām in major debt with a local gang thanks to my father.ā
Tim may as well let Robin know who heās offering this golden ticket too. Also to make it clear why Tim is unworthy of the offer. Robin grins at him like Timās amusing him with all his arguments. At this point Robin is just humouring Tim and they both know it.
āBy the end of the week that gang and your debt wonāt be problem.ā
Unable to speak Tim buries his faces in his hands and hides. He has no idea what is happening! Heās dreaming. Perhaps he did take those pills after all and now heās dreaming or experiencing an after life of what could have been.
A hand on his shoulder jolts him and his head snaps up. Robin is sitting closely and with his mask in place Tim struggles to get a read on him.
āI know itās hard to believe,ā he starts quietly, āhow you can go from nothing to suddenly having things handed to you. This is legit and we want to help. You mean a lot to Superboy and therefore me too. Take the time you need to process this and get back to us when you can, thereās a number in the envelope you can contact.ā
This time when Robin holds out the envelope Tim takes it with shaking hands. Emotion clogs up his throat making it impossible to talk.
Robin rubs his shoulder supportively and stays quiet as Tim stares blankly ahead. Of course Robin would know what itās like. He came from the streets before Batman took him in. Going from poor to stupid rich in a blink of an eye. He understands why this is difficult to comprehend.
āI donāt have a phone.ā Tim mumbles after a long period of silence. āThey broke into my place and stole it.ā
He doesnāt know why he shares that tidbit of information, but it just slips out. Itās not like he was going to call themā¦ was he?
Robin hums and quirks his head side to side. āIāll figure something out.ā
āIām getting evicted in a few days. Iāll be homeless.ā
āWe have a plan for that. Bruce Wayne owns several complexes with studio apartments and house shares for all those who work for WE. The plan was to put you in one of those if your susceptible to the idea.ā
Tim could feel tears well up in his eyes. How is thisĀ realĀ right now?Ā He swipes at his eyes quickly to remove any signs of crying but he knows Robin is aware of whatās happening.
āIām suicidal.ā Tim states bluntly. He takes a deep breath and looks over the city covered in darkness and gloom. āJust yesterday I had a handful of pills in my hand ready to be swallowed. I continuously find high places, wondering what the free fall from the ledge would feel like. I want everything to be over so I donāt have to deal with it anymore.ā
He looks over at Robin whoās staring back at him. āIām not worth this,ā he waves the envelope around, āIām not worth the time or the resources. Someone else should have it who wants to change their life, someone who should be given the opportunity to do so. Not someone who has given up.ā
Robin is silent for a few beats, when he talks thereās no judgement in his voice nor is there sympathy. Itās just straight forward, something Tim surprisingly appreciates.
āWhy didnāt you take those pills in the end? What stopped you?ā
Tim blinks, thrown off guard at the unexpected question. Robin ploughs on.
āSomething stopped you from taking those pills. Whatever it is, whether youāre conscious of it or not, whether youāre ignoring it or not, something inside you wants to keep on going. To keep on living.ā
Timās shared a lot of personal information with the hero tonight, but admitting Superboy is the reason he didnāt take those pills, feels like itās a step to far. Despite that, Tim has a feeling Robin knows anyway. Heās asking so itās at the forefront of Timās mind, to help remind him on why he should keep fighting.
A silence settles between them before Robin breaks it by stretching and letting out a low groan. āIām only in my twenties but by god do I feel like a fifty year old man.ā
Unable to help it, Tim snorts. Heās seen the kinds of aerobatics he does, smoking aside heās probably one of the healthiest people in Gotham.
āOh!ā Robin perks up, pointing a finger towards the sky. āThere is a condition if you accept.ā
Timās stomach drops. Of course there. Thereās always a condition. Robin doesnāt wait for him to ask what it is before heās telling him.
āYou go to therapy.ā
That is the worst thing Timās heard all night.
Robin barks out a laugh, most likely because of the scandalous expression on Timās face right now.
āTherapy isnāt that bad. All the sessions would be covered for and the therapist would have been vetted by Bruce Wayne himself. Itās not the worst trade if you ask me.ā
āThink Iād rather take my chances on the streets,ā Tim mumbles, disgruntled at the very idea of being forced to talk about his feelings.
Robin laughs again and smacks his shoulder good-heartedly. He stands up and stretches again. āOn that note, itās late and time to call it a night. Think about what Iāve said, read through everything in that envelope and try to think of this as a new start. People care about you Tim. Try to remember that even when the weight of the world is crushing your chest.ā
With that Robin jumps off the ledge with a salute and releases his grapple before swinging onto the next roof. Tim watches him until he ends up out of sight, swallowed by the city and itās skyscrapers.
He looks down at the brown piece of paper in his hands. Itās a different type of future resting in his palms compared to the night before. Is it real? Could he really change his life around? How does Superboy play into all this? So many questions and too many mixed emotions. Tim sighs and decides to sort it all out later on.
=====
The next morning Tim wakes up to a parcelĀ inĀ his kitchen. Inside is a brand new mobile phone and a piece of paper with the Robin insignia stamped on it. For the first time in a long time, Tim considers perhaps itās not the end of everything.
=====
Two weeks later Timās life has completely changed. Heās debt free as it turns out Robin had been truthful in saying the gang would be dealt with. Heās now living in a small studio apartment ā on the ground floor - owned by Bruce Wayne where heās not expected to pay for anything other than his groceries. He has a job which isnāt entirely shit and Tim finds himself not hating the idea of going to work each day.
All of this doesnāt mean heās magically healed. The intrusive thoughts still linger, the need to get up high takes over at night, and there are days he canāt even get out of bed.
Heās started therapy, as was required on accepting Robinās offer, and he hates it. Heās had three sessions so far, the aim is for twice a week and once already he's had to cancel because he could not physically bring himself to go. His therapist is a lovely, patient woman called Felicia. Itās nothing against her, Tim just hates the whole idea of it but itās a necessity and he forces himself to go when he can.
Tim reflects on all this as he once again stares out over the city in the middle of the night. Heās on top of a random corner building this time, one leg tucked up to his chest and the other dangling over the edge swinging out into the open air.
He hasnāt seen Robin since the night he gave Tim the envelope. Nor has he seen Superboy. Tim shouldnāt be so hung up on it, however in a stupid way it hurts on how theyāve managed to help change his life, or gave him the means too, and he hasnāt seen them since. And with this stupid crush or whatever heās harbouring for Superboy hasnāt gone away in all that time either.
Thinking of the devil, Superboy suddenly appears in his peripheral. Tim turns and watches as he approaches in the sky, flying confidently wearing his usual get up and a sheepish smile as he comes to stop in front of Tim, hovering steadily.
Tim tries to ignore the way his heartbeat quickens and the way he perks up at the sight of him.
Wordlessly the supe drifts close, allowing Tim to catch his cinnamony scent, and settles next to him on the ledge, pressing their sides together and Tim fights the urge to lean into him.
āI almost gave up.ā
That was not at all what Tim was planning on saying to Superboy after seeing him for the first time in weeks. Why did he admit that? Next to him Superboy tenses although stays silent, and now feeling unsettled in himself Tim ends up rambling.
āHad a hand full of pills in my hands. Sat on my toilet in my shitty apartment. Ready to take them. But I didnāt! Obviously. Oh my god please say somethingā¦ā
āWhy didnāt you take them?ā
Despite it not being the first time heās been asked this particular question, it still catches Tim off guard. He blinks and takes a deep breath trying to work out how to answer.
He definitely wasn't going to say āyouā despite it pretty much being the truth. How embarrassing, even if he did in fact save his life.
Tim sighs and hugs his leg closer to his chest, his hands fisting the fabric of his clothes tightly. āI donāt know. Robin visited me afterwards, offered me a position at WE.ā
He side eyes the man next to him pointedly. Superboy simply grins at him, completely unashamed of his actions. āHowās that going? I also know Robin added some extra bargaining chips inside the offer.ā
Tim rolls his eyes. āThe apartments great, the therapy not so much. The job is adequate but I donāt entirely despise it.ā
Superboy hums and doesnāt say anything more. Heās still tense next to Tim, giving off the impression he has something more to say but for whatever reason is choosing to stay silent.
Tim watches him. Gods heās so beautiful. Black hair artfully wind swept from where heās been flying, a defined jaw highlighting his side profile, blue eyes twinkling with the city lights, a well built body hiding underneath his suit.
Tim really needs to get over this infatuation he has with the hero.
Superboy here, is a well powered being, with high connections across the world, incredible abilities and a kind personality to go with it. Tim here, is a fucking nobody with major mental health issues. There isnāt a timeline where Superboy would ever be with someone like Tim. Thatās also not mentioning the whole identity thing. Tim knows who Superboy is, heās sure Superboy doesnāt know that Tim knows, and heās choosing to keep it that way. Itās for the best.
The man next to him shifts and he holds a hand out towards Tim. āIām glad youāre still here Tim.ā He says, his voice sincere. āIām glad you chose to continue living even if it felt like the hardest thing youāve ever done. How you chose to fight instead of taking those pills, how you never let yourself fall from incredible heights. How you grasped the opportunity to turn your life around when presented with the opportunity to do so.ā
Feeling tears well up in his eyes Tim sniffs. Goddamn him. He reaches out and takes Superboyās hand, linking their fingers together and grips him tightly. Superboy responds in kind, his own grip tightening making Tim feel secure in this single touch alone.
āYou give me too much credit,ā Tim almost chokes out, āitās actually because of you and Robin. Those opportunities wouldnāt have happened otherwise.ā
āDoesnāt matter. You are still here Tim. You chose to keep going. As you said, you even had pills in your hand but didnāt take them.ā
Tim shakes his head, not accepting the idea heās really done anything to deserve the praise Superboy is giving him. He goes to pull his hand away but the supe continues to hold onto him tightly, not letting him go. When he glances up, the man is staring at him so intensely it feels like heās staring right into Timās soul.
āI know itās hard to hear and even harder to acknowledge the idea, but itās true. You are so strong Tim. Eventually youāll see that.ā
He still doesnāt see it however he doesnāt say anything more against it. Theyād only be going around in circles if he did. Superboyās intense gaze softens as they continue to look at one another and a small smile appears on the manās face, Tim couldnāt help zero in on his lips. Lips heās been thinking about for who knows how long now.
Not letting himself think about it anymore, he leans forward and presses against those plush looking lips. He closes his eyes and holds still for a moment, only now wondering what the fuck heās doing. He feels Superboy tense against him and just as regret starts to set in the man gasps presses back against Tim. His lips open and coaxes Timās to do the same. Theyāre as soft and plush as Tim imagined, capturing and releasing Timās bottom lip before a hint of tongue appears.
Their hands separate and Tim grabs Superboyās shoulder with one hand while the other grips a handful of hair, encouraging the other man to tilt his head to the side so they could deepen the kiss. Tim groans as their tongues meet, shivers course through his body, his nerves lightening up at the contact. Superboy cups Timās face with both hands and holds him steady, his own moan vibrating through Tim letting him know heās enjoying this just as much as Tim is.
Eventually they break, gasping for air but donāt stray far from one another. A giggle escapes Tim and he drops his head to Superboyās shoulder, he feels like heās on cloud nine. This may just be a one off but itās the best Tim has felt in a fucking long ass time.
āThat wasā¦ā Superboy trails off, not finishing his sentence.
Coming down from his high Tim lifts his head and looks at the man, worry closing in on him. What if Superboy regretted it? Is he going to gently reject Tim now? Of course he is, Tim is too broken for anyone to be withā¦
Superboy huffs although he's grinning widely. āCalm down Tim, I just meant that wasn't how I expected this to go.ā
Tim frowns feeling lost. āWhat do you mean?ā
āI meant,ā Superboy traces a finger along Timās bottom lip, and Tim fights the urge to take it into his mouth, āthat kissing you wasnāt part of my plan tonight. I actually wanted to ask you out on a date.ā
Hold up.
Tim blinks at him, stunned. āA what?ā
Superboy looks sheepish and rubs the back of his neck. āA date? I want to ask you out.ā He pauses, suddenly looking alarmed. āIf thatās not too inappropriate! I know youāve been through some really heavy things recently and I donāt want to pressure you into anything before youāre ready. I really like you, getting to know you, and youāve been consuming my every thought since we met and not just in the way I hope you havenāt done anything but in a way that should not be spoken out loud in public.ā
Heās so fucking cuteĀ Tim couldnāt help but think listening to him ramble. He puts Superboy out his misery by placing a single finger to his lips to stop him from talking.
āI would love to go on a date with you. You have also been consuming my every thought.ā Tim pauses, removes his finger and looks away feeling insecure. āAre you sure you want me though? You know what Iāve been through, why would you want to put up with that?ā
Superboy is shaking his head before Timās even finished talking. āNone of that matters. We all go through things, none of us are perfect, also not to get ahead of ourselves, itās just a date unless we want more afterwards.ā
Tim snorts, feeling both bashful and amused, Superboy has a point there. He grins at the man. āI would love to go on a date with you. Yes.ā
āGreat! Weāll get something organised.ā
āAbout that,ā Tim waves a hand over Superboyās get up, āhowās this gonna work?ā
Superboy gives him a look. āIāll take you somewhere outside of Gotham, I trust you can keep a secret and we go from there?ā
āJust like that?ā Tim raises an eyebrow. āYouāre going to tell me who you are on the assumption I can keep a secret?ā
āYeah pretty much. I feel like weāve past that boundary long ago.ā
Tim doesnāt have a response to that. Superboy isnāt Robin, he doesnāt have a big bad bat he has to respond too. He reaches out and grabs Superboyās hand and lays his head onto the manās shoulder. āI look forward to it.ā
Superboy presses a kiss to the back of Timās hand and together they sit on top of the building watching the lively city underneath them.
Life isnāt perfect and Tim knows heāll have some major fuck ups, but for now heās starting to think that perhaps he can in fact be happy. There may be a future worth fighting and living for after all.
grown son cuddle with dad challenge :) Jason lost a bet with his siblings but Bruce is lowkey extremely happy with this outcome. none of his children will ever be too big for cuddles.
and what if i say jason sometimes find it hard to be comfortable in his post-resurrection body because he died as a small teenager so when things dont fit around him the way it used to (bruce's hugs, the gargoyle) it sent him spiralling
depending on how you experience the holidays (or don't), you might look for different kinds of stories to disappear into, so here's a sampling to choose from:
I want the good kush of caretaking (and/or being caretaken)
Pup - Bruce is sick; Damian is helping
My Head Is Stripped - Clark Kent has a cold; Bruce Wayne is a dad
Caring For His Boy - Emotional and physical caretaking in parallel
Catch Me - Dick is very sick; good thing he has a Bruce
Hay Is for Horses - Uncle Clark is babysitting
Yes Ma'am - Sometimes the caretaker is a bossy cat
What's a Penny Worth - When Alfred is sick, it's much more alarming
A Quick Pinch - A 5+1 about needles and emotional care
Last of a Dying Breed (+ sequel) - Clark thinks he's dying
Fix This - Jason is unconscious for all of this, but Tim is trying
Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Hood - Tim has an ear infection and Jason's bedside manner could use some work
And After the Storm - Physically Jason has been stabbed; emotionally it's much worse
May Tomorrow Never Come - Jason is sick and Bruce is doing his best
Searchlight Burning - Bruce and Alfred must understand each other again after Bruce's travels abroad
Tunnel Vision - Clark as Bruce wrangler
Puke-Nose - Jason is puking and Dick is mostly sympathetic
I want to be upset but then everything turn out okay
White Lighters / Afterglow - Jason & Bruce fic that seems to trigger the most crying from my good-ending fics
Chicken Bones - Jason has to deal with the rebound of his own actions; healing is a process
The End of Infinity with You - Clark and Bruce are stranded; Clark is dying
Carried (& sequels) - Canonically, Tim Drake's mother's funeral was on Christmas Eve, and grief can be a really weird thing
Choose - Lose - To save a son, Bruce will have to lose another
It Wasn't Real (But We Were Happy) - Tim convincing himself he's not part of his own family, Nanny McPhee-style
Much That Once Was Is Lost - Tim grieving the death of his dad
Right Here, With You series - Jason's return as Red Hood, done differently
Collapsing Star - A medical emergency with Bruce & Clark
Busted duology - Tim is Robin and Bruce is a husk of a man and Jason is haunting the narrative
Take the Spade from My Hands - Don't hurt Cassandra's family
I'm Done with Having Dreams (+ sequel) - Nightmares for Bruce and a late-night walk with Clark
Sleepyhead - Jason finds out what's worse than a nightmare
(S)kittish - Cassandra sickfic, because she deserves to be cared for
Call From - Two times Tim was in a very bad way and called Bruce
There's an Endless Road to Rediscover - Tim and Jason are reminded that healing and done are two different things
Nowhere Safer - Nightmares, Robins, and Batman
Open Line - Dick really just needs his dad
60 BPM - The importance of CPR
Everything is awful and I'm okay with either open-ended stories or no-fix
The Fall of Gotham - What it says on the tin; Dead Dove Do Not Eat
The morning and what came after - A long-feared death
The Gift - A second chance at goodbye
Spider Bite - Blood and fear
A Walk up the Road - Bad timing for everyone involved
Bang - There's a bomb
To See the Stars - "You said you'd always be there for me, but you're not."
The Cave - A magical cave, a broken leg, and salty regret
Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien - If you've seen Tenet, you know where this Clark Kent AU is going
The Rain Again - Grief and anger and grief again
It might be your wound but they're my sutures - Dick and Clark after a battle that goes sideways
I want sweet and soft family togetherness
In My Arms - Time travel and a baby
With a Chance - Bruce is temporarily bedbound; his kids come to visit
Mother Bruce and His Baby Birds - Bruce adopting each of his kids
Kitten - +1 baby for Bruce Wayne
A Child of the Manor - The whole family has an off day together
Sentinels - Domestic fluff for Bruce and Damian
Hello Fadduh - Dick goes to sleepaway camp and Bruce has separation anxiety
Satisfaction - Selina š¤ the writer: LET BRUCE WAYNE BE HAPPY
Jason's First Christmas - A look at multiple first Christmases; the only true holiday-centric fic I've ever written
I'd rather forget about everything IRL except this story, please
Nature and Nurture - 100k character study with some magic and family healing
The Return - 52k fic unpicking wrongs, hurts, and family (part of a 137k+ series)
Like the Cryptkeeper - 22k of bodyswap nonsense
If the Sky Comes Falling Down (for You) - 21k 5+1 (that's also part of that 137k+ series but can be read as a standalone)
Single Dads Club - BatFam/Stranger Things crossover (up through S2)
Old Blood - A warning delivered by the Penguin
Ulcers - The BatFam from Jim Gordon's POV
On Death's Shore - An AU about dealing with Death
I'd like a little giggle
Teenage Mutant Power Rangers - Bruce Wayne is in his early 20s, a brand-new Batman, and baffled by the horde of feral youths that just appeared in his fight
Life Alert - Brielle is no idiot, but Red Hood might be
Battle Royal - pop princess standoms, wrestling, and boys being boys and dads being Tired
Little Brother - Dick and Jason and the urge to show off
WWTAD - The power of Alf compels you!
Punk like Punky Brewster - A HISHE cafe-style post-credit scene for Superman 2025
+1 bonus category: DEV! DEV! DEV! DEV!
Bloody Brilliant - Home invasion and a kiss to the temple
Can't Let Me Go - Kidnapping and naps
Professional Distance - A bad day at work and fingernails gentle in hair
Red to the Wrists - Head injury and hand holding
Worthy the Name - Fear and fever and hugs
McDreamy, Gotham Style - Outsider POV on Dev and the Fam, bless her heart
+ also see The Rain Again above under "Everything is awful"
note: these are all my fics but these are not all of my fics. I tried to pick only the ones that truly fit the categories. if you like what you're reading, try the rest. as of this original post, I have 125 to choose from. go nuts.
