Chapter Text
Titus wouldn’t go as far as saying he was a new dog, but after many meditation sessions with Damian - who indeed did all the meditation while Titus rolled around waiting for him to be done - he could not deny that it was past time to make some changes in his life.
He had been so engrossed with Damian’s love life, he could not remember when was the last time he caused some mischief just for the heck of it, and not for the ulterior motive to get his owner and Timothy together.
And Titus wasn’t a puppy anymore, he couldn’t spend the best years of his life giving it all to Damian, and nothing to himself. Don’t get him wrong, he will totally be the shoulder for the man to cry on once Timothy grows tired of waiting and decides to move on with his life, but Titus can’t be the only one making an effort anymore.
Besides, Timothy and Damian had grown even closer these past few weeks, they had been exchanging smiles, touches, and being around each other all the time! Titus wouldn’t bet his favorite toys on it but maybe - and he could not stress this maybe enough - they would be able to get together on their own.
As far as he was concerned that was the only way they could do it because Titus was officially removing himself from this mission. Let it be known that from now on he would only take care of his business and that was his final decision, no coming back.
But, of course, there was no reason to stop seeking Timothy’s heavenly pets, he decided when he spotted the man lounging in the living room. Although he was talking on the phone, Timothy opened a smile and stretched his hand once he caught Titus bouncing in his direction. The dog wiggled his tail and relaxed under Timothy’s dedicated caress.
And since he was standing so close to the man he couldn’t help but overhear his conversation. Even though he doesn’t want to because, you know, he’s not that kind of dog anymore, still…
“Hey, do you think I could spend the weekend over at the farm?” Timothy asked and Titus almost whined with the possibility to go that long without being spoiled by the man.
“Since when do you have to ask? Is everything alright, though? I thought things were going great…”
“Things are going great,” The way Timothy scratched that particular spot behind his ear almost made Titus miss the following words. Almost. “It’s just… Damian.”
The dog tensed and barely kept his ears from going up before reminding himself that he had nothing to do with it. He was going to tune out the conversation… Anytime now…
“What? Is he giving you trouble again?
“Yep. But probably not the kind of trouble you’re thinking of.”
“Oh, so you mean guys trouble. More specifically, your big fat crush on Damian.”
Oh, sweet, so everyone knows but Damian.
“Do you have to sound so smug when you talk about it?”
“I can’t help it. C’mon, tell me what he’s doing that’s oh, so horrible.”
Titus wasn’t going to listen in the conversation, but as it seems Timothy needed the hand that was petting him to gesticulate while he spoke, and that kind of left the poor dog with no options but to pay attention, really.
“He’s been more amazing than ever! He’s acting super sweet and caring, asking me how I’m feeling and if I want things and popping up with snacks all the time, and Kon, Kon! Hear me out, there is. So. Much. Touching! And… And… He’s been walking around shirtless a lot! How am I supposed to keep from doing anything stupid? I’m only human, there’s only so much I can take, Conner!”
Titus was able to hear the laughter coming from the phone loud and clear. He was happy to know that someone was able to get joy out of it because as a witness the dog could only feel resigned and kind of embarrassed.
“Man, you are useless. Indeed.“Why don’t you just tell him how you feel?”Right?
Timothy let a deep sight out that sounded heartbreaking. “So he can reject me? No… He’s going to find someone as great as him and I’ll go live on the farm with you to make sure we both grow old, single, and miserable together.
“Tim, dude…”
Titus didn’t get to hear the rest because he was marching out of the room, unable to stand a second longer in such a dark mood. He tried to be a better dog and not to mingle into people’s business but apparently, these people couldn’t get a single thing done without his help.
He angrily made his way up the stairs, praying that no living soul tried to stand in his way right now or he would not be held responsible. He burst into Damian’s room and snatched that particular notebook filled with drawings of Timothy, wondering how it didn’t stink of tears and desperation, and went back to the living room with his mindset.
He was going to finish this for once and for all.
“Hey, boy. What do you have there?” Timothy asked when Titus approached. As it seems he had finished his conversation on the phone and sat on the couch properly to grab the sketchbook from his mouth. Once the man realized what it was and most importantly, who it belonged to, his eyes went impossibly wide. “Oh no, put it back where you found it!” He tried to shove the book back inside Titus' mouth but he wouldn't take it. “Damian is gonna kill both of us.” He whined.
“Now, why would I do such a thing?”
Both Titus and Timothy looked at the doorway with twins startled expressions where Damian stood. The slight tilt of his head betrayed his curiosity as he watched them. Oh, crap Titus thought once he realized he hadn’t planned for this outcome. Damian was supposed to be out!
“We can explain!?”Timothy stated but his lips remained glued as the younger man approached them.
When Damian grabbed the sketchbook, Titus took the opportunity to evaluate his life now that he was a breath away from death and had to agree that although short, it had been a pretty good life.
Green emerald eyes widened a little upon realizing the book’s content and Damian set his jaw before offering it back to Timothy. “Go ahead, take a look.”
“Is this a trap?” The older man asked without making a move to get it back but did so uncertain once he caught Damian’s annoyed face. “Just checking.”
Titus held his breath - and was pretty sure Damian did the same - when Timothy opened the first page and his face became surprised and then amazed with each page turned. “It’s me.” He breathed out. “Damian, these are really good, I mean… You probably know that, but still… Wow.”
The small smile on Damian’s face was accentuated by the pink tint on his cheeks. “I am happy to know they are of your liking.”
“They are incredible!” Timothy exclaimed and then licked his lips before looking at the other man from under his eyelashes. Titus could hear his heartbeat from where he stood. “Do you…” He hesitated. “Have a sketchbook for each person in the family?”
Damian snorted in an attempt to look casual but failed miserably. “As if I would waste my time and supplies drawing their ugly faces.” Timothy gave a short laugh and it was Damian’s turn to lick his lips. “I am still unable to get the right shade of your eye color though.” He admitted in no more than a whisper.
There was a slight tremble to Timothy’s hand when he closed the sketchbook, but the way he looked up to meet Damian’s gaze was nothing but determined. “Maybe if you take a closer look, it might help you.”
The younger man visibly swallowed but nodded. “Perhaps.” He said quietly and when Timothy scooted over he sat down very close to the other, their knees brushing together.
They kept their gazes locked for a while, the distance between their faces becoming smaller as the seconds went by until Damian’s stare fell into Timothy’s very pink and slightly parted lips.
And since the title of “Detective” wasn’t for nothing, he noticed. “Perhaps you need help with my lips too?” He suggested in that same bold way, making Titus wonder if he should have tried to help Timothy make a move from the very beginning instead of his owner.
Damian licked his lips once more but his eyes didn’t leave the other’s mouth once when he nodded. “I could use some help to perfect the shape…”
“Say no more.” Timothy cut him off before carefully placing the sketchbook behind him on the sofa, grabbing Damian’s face by both cheeks and smashing their lips together.
Titus could have done a backflip from sheer happiness the sight brought him but decided to only wiggle his tail from side to side like a mad dog. Finally! After many attempts and failures, he was finally able to get these two idiots to share a kiss!
Well, a couple of kisses actually.
“I’ve been aching for this for so long.” Damian whispered once they broke apart.
“Me too, but I wasn’t sure if you felt the same…” The younger man cut him off with another kiss as if the mere possibility that he could not return Timothy’s feelings was too foolish to even be voiced.
Titus was so happy he felt like he could spend the rest of his afternoon just watching them, but then they got a lot more handsy and he decided that ok, no, he had enough of these two idiots and just left.
oOoOoOo
Titus was just passing by the front hall when he caught Alfred talking on the intercom. Although the butler’s face was always carefully blank, the dog was pretty quick to notice he was very annoyed and decided to approach and see what was going on.
The dog was pretty sure he hadn’t messed up anything lately and he was the only one allowed to make Alfred look this somber and since he was so great at helping his family - take Damian and Tim as an example - he could as well solve whatever this was about.
“The citizens of Gotham deserve to know if the rumors about Damian Wayne and Timothy Drake being together are true!..
“Miss Vale…” Alfred tried to interrupt with a sigh, he couldn’t lift his eyebrows higher in disdain if he tried.
“And I will not rest until I’m able to find out the truth so you should just let me in so I can ask them myself!
At this very moment Alfred’s gaze met Titus’. “I will open up the gates. Please, come in.” And hang up without waiting for a reply. “What do you say, lad, would you care to help me get rid of an unwanted guest?” He asked the dog.
As a reply, Titus happily shook his tail.
Alfred opened up the door in time to see a car pulling up on the driveway and together they watched as a woman exited the vehicle and started the walk to the entrance.
Titus waited until she was halfway through before he broke into a run, using all of his acting powers to look like a menacing dog while barking and groaning. He heard Alfred calling for him from behind but it was just part of the show to convince the reporter he was truly out of control.
The woman stopped and looked like she was going to hold her ground for a couple of seconds but then she shrieked and ran like hell back to her car.
“Titus!” Alfred called once more but the dog only stopped after the journalist was back in her car and driving away to wherever she came from.
Titus bounced back to the entrance and stopped right by Alfred's side, both of them facing the way to the gate as the car got smaller and smaller.“Good boy,” The butler said while scratching behind his ear. “A good boy indeed.”
And Titus had to agree because once more he had saved the day.