Archive of Our Own

OK so maybe this wasn't Tim's best plan. Not anywhere near anything "Bat" worthy - shit, it wouldn't even be considered CEO of Wyne Enterprise Tim Drake worthy. Maybe if he was still in elementary it could be given a pass, but now? It was just a stupid ass plan the Red Robin out of all people had.

It could have been worse though.

Honestly, all he wanted was coffee at 3am. That was all he truly wanted. He was fucking exhausted, but of course there would only be one 24/7 coffee shop in all of Gotham which just happened to be in Crime Alley.

Jason's "territory" of course.

And shit, Tim did not want to run into Jay for his older brother to judge his caffeine addiction and possibly kidnap Tim in order to knock him out and rest. But shit, Tim was running on a total of 6 hours of sleep for the past two days and he was on the verge of tears if he had to keep feeling exhausted. He absolutely needed caffeine as soon as possible.

So, he made a plan.

In theory.

The plan was simple: make sure Jason doesn't notice him sneaking into Crime Alley, find the nectar of the gods to give him caffeine, and dip without alerting Jason of his presence. Simple for a Bat.

And simple it was.

Almost.

His plan went perfect at first, past the awkwardness of walking into the coffee shop and startling a few college students that were trickled throughout the quiet little shop - thank fuck he didn't have to deal with that. It went fine ordering his drink in his Red Robin costume, despite Tim being mortified - hell, it was amazing that the poor sleep deprived barista gave no flying fucks about having a vigilante order in their shop.

The barista gave Tim a once over being blanding asking,
"Are you ready to order?"

Hell, his plan even made it past his heart attack inducing coffee order that the barista, thankfully, choose to ignore in favor of ringing him up and starting on the drink.

But alas, his plan fell apart the moment a frazzled man basically bulldozed his way into the cafe. Tim chose to ignore him in favor of the sweet, sweet caffeine being placed in the pick up area and gently holding the extra-large iced concoction in his hands. He chose to still ignore the man despite the Stanger quickly speedwalking his way to Tim, because fuck it he was about to finally have some fucking caffeine in his damn sad spleenless body-

But of course - of fucking course, that's where Tim's "I desperately need coffee so I don't care if this ends up on the news" plan took a dive into what Tim could only describe as:

🌟 Gotham's fucking Bullshit🌟

Because of course Tim would not be even one sip into his disgusting coffee drink before the damn stranger (that Tim tried his best to ignore) quite fucking rudely gripped Tim's left arm with both hands, despite one of the man's hand gripping onto a manila folder he held onto for dear life.

Now, Tim could've broken free very easily, but by the man grabbing onto Tim's wrist, it prevented him from drinking. His. Fucking. Coffee.

Which normally, the situation wouldn't be a problem for Red Robin but Tim? Tim was one more minute of being deprived sweet sweet caffeine before he broke down in tears. Which wouldn't be the first time, but definitely would be the first in front of witnesses (besides his friends and Bernard of course). So Tim, instead of doing the logical thing and ripping his arms away from said stranger, did the next best thing besides homicide.

"My guy, if you don't let me go and let me down this shitty ass coffee in one go before you decide to throw hands, I will literally.  And I mean literally . Reach my hands down your throat, find your godamn spleen, rip it out of your well immuned body, beat the ever loving shit out of you and leave you to slowly die of blood loss as I consume your spleen in hopes of it attaching to my body like a fucking parasite and give me the ability to once agian not be taken out a whole month by the fucking flu."

OK threats of bodily harm, and borderline homicide were not his second best plan but fuck it. Tim was tired of Gotham's bullshit.

(What was Batman going to do? Fire him? Agian?)

Tim heard the barista, and a few customers, wheeze behind him, but chose to ignore it in favor of glaring at the man, still holding onto his fucking wrists , gaping openly at him.

"You're literally giving me an opening to do what I just said with your mouth open like a fucking fly trap," Tim seethed.

The man quickly shut his mouth and let Tim go - sweet, sweet caffeine - and watched in horror as Tim chugged the disgusting large concoction that would most definitely be keeping him up for the next 10 hours minimum.

He slowly walked to the trash can before soflty throwing his empty cup into it before facing the now horrified man.

Tim quirked an eyebrow. "You're not from Gotham are you?"

The man meekly shook his head.

Tim clapped his hands together. "Great. Well now that I've had my coffee, let's get to the throwing hands part. So let me take a shot in the dark here. Hm, you're a robber coming to rob, uh, a coffee shop of all places at 3am? Which, shitty. But I guess. Or were you specifically looking to fight me? Since I for a fact know Red Hood's out and about right now-"

"Neither!"

The barista whistled. "Damn. We're you trying to hit on Red over here? Sorry bro, he's too young for you."
"That's not-" The man sputtered.

"Oh gross," Tim whined. "Like good for you man, always shoot your shot. I guess. Uh, but I already have a boyfriend."

The barista cackled. "Deadass!?"

Tim decided to ignore the man choking on his spit as he turned to face the shit eating grin of the barista. He nodded. "Deadass."

"Fuck yeah. Gays for win."

Tim gave a salute of solidarity. "Bi actually."

"Nice," the barista said, saluting back. "Alphabet mafia for the win."

Tim grinned back at the barista before turning back to the man who still looked to be in mild shock. Then agian, the man wasn't from Gotham so he wasnt used to well, Gotham's bullshit. BUT the man clearly had a reason to be here. And honestly the night had been pretty slow, so Tim could fuck around for a bit.

It's not like Bruce would even care if he didn't report back after patrol.

"So," Tim drawled, "You're not from Gotham, clearly, and it seems like you are definitely not here for the coffee." Tim gave the man a once over. "You're a little too well dressed to be walking around at 3 am and to a coffee shop of all places, but not dressed enough to be higher class or give a shit about your shoes getting grim all over them." Tim tapped his nose in thought. "No bag, but you have a manilla folder. No camera either, so obviously not a reporter. Unless you have a hidden camera? No, too obvious... But you are decently paid well..."

"Um, well I'm actually here for a reason-"

Tim glared at the man. "To prevent me from not drinking my nectar from the gods?"

The man wheezed. "No! OK OK so I didn't start this off right. It's just so hard to track you down!"

"I'm aware. That's literally what I do every night."

"Yes! And this was the first night I've actually found you!"

Tim sighed. They weren't getting anywhere at this point, and Tim was still waiting for the caffeine to hit his bloodstream so he was running just a tad bit impatient.

"Ok so why? Why track me down when you're not even from Gotham and have the actual fucking audacity to grab me, a known vigilante, without even thinking about the fact that I could subdue you in multiple ways?" Tim sneered.

OK, maybe he was a little more loose lipped than normal. Sue him. It had been a fucking week for sure.
The man straightened out and reached into his pocket making everyone in the cafe, including Tim, tense up. But to their shock and relief, the man simply pulled out a business card. He handed the card over to Tim, which read:

Tim blinked.

The writing didn't change.

"Huh," Tim whispered.

John cleared his throat. "As you have read, I am from the Red Robin Restaurant headquarters." the barista behind Tim wheezed. Some college students had their phones out. Tim chose to ignore it all and die a little more on the inside. "I am here on their behalf to invite you to become our official spokesperson for our company. We know about your consistent heroism here in Gotham and we firmly believe you would make an impeccable impact for our company - if you would agree to some commercials and possible interviews. You, of course, would be reimbursed for these in a timely manner and without giving anything about your identity to use or the public."

John stared at Tim.

Tim stared at John.

The barista cackled behind Tim.

Tim slowly blinked at John. "So you want me... Red Robin, to collaborate with your company. Red Robin. The restaurant. In order to...?"

"In order to benefit both parties!" John beamed. "Our company would receive much well beloved attention with you as our spokesperson, especially here in Gotham, and you would seem more relatable to the public and boost your hero status!"

"Um, technically I'm a vigilante. And I don't do this for the praise."

John nodded solemnly. "Yes, of course but it would still shine you in a better light for sure. Especially in other cities, since. Well. Youre from Gotham."

Before Tim could respond to that , John whipped out his manilla folder and pulled out a couple of documents to hand to Tim. And despite his hesitation from all the bullshit he had just witnessed, Tim took the documents and began to read.

John prattled on. "What you have there is our contract with everything written out. Dates included, which are all during the day so as to not interfere with your work at night. But of course, we could change anything in a heartbeat! The company truly wants you on board. Also, the amount that you will be receiving if you do agree to these terms. Oh! And if you have any grievances or questions for anything on the contract, please do not hesitate to reach me on my business card."

The barista whistled behind Tim.

"Damn," the barista chuckled. "You really have your shit together, huh man?"

John smiled. "I have to be, or else I'd be out of this job years ago." He paused. "Also, the thought of getting a raise is what's truly motivating me right now."

"Oh mood. AYO, Red Robin! Are ya gonna do what Mr Fancy Pants over there is asking?" The barista asked Tim.

Tim, for his part, was both in awe of how meticulously written the contract was - and seriously, Tim could use someone like John at his company, and also mortified because this could not be happening to him.

"You don't have to decide right now!" John reassured him. "I have to go back to my hotel to get started on work, but please try and make your decision by the end of this week! If you need more time, please don't hesitate to call me as soon as possible! Have a nice night!"

He paused for a second before looking Tim dead in his eyes.

"Also, Red Robin... as a father of 2, I would highly suggest you take this offer because kids are expensive... Have a good night!"

And just like that, John rushed out from the cafe like he didn't just give Tim a million reasons to stress because fuck. He was stressed.

If Bruce found out, he would be upset at Tim for multiple reasons. God forbid Tim actually decided to go through with it. Shit, Bruce would have his head. Dick would laugh and encourage him to do it, after making sure John was legit and sincere. Hell, he'd probably accompany Tim just to make sure everything went well. Jason would die laughing. Literally. He would never let Tim live it down. He could never, ever find out. Damian... wouldn't care if he went through with it or not, but would definitely call him a sellout in a heartbeat. Duke would probably call him insane, but tell Tim that if he didn't go through with it Duke would find a way to do it himself. Cass was thankfully on a mission, but once Steph or Barbara found out? He'd be the laughing stock in their group chat for months.

Tim brought the papers to his face and sighed. "Fuck."

The barista chucked. "Good luck with that dude."

Tim carefully folded the papers small enough to put into his belt and took out his phone that he used on patrol. He waved at the barista as he walked out of the cafe.

"Thanks for the coffee."

The barista smirked. "Thanks for the show."

A few of the customers giggled at that.

Well Tim could never show his face at that particular shop ever agian.

Tim sighed agian as the sharp air hit his face. He looked at the time of his phone. 6 am... Bernard should be up soon, so Tim could always swing by his apartment. He ponderned for a bit. Well, his boyfriend would get a kick out of Tim's fucked up ordeal, and then let Tim crash at his apartment for a few hours. And honestly, Bernard was his best bet. No one else could know. If even one single member from his family found out?

He'd be royally, and absolutely, fucked.

"Hey kid, why are you in Crime Valley? Bats told you to fucking spy on me or some shit?" An unfortunately familiar voice cut through Tim's hazy thoughts.

Tim sighed.

Well, he thought, I'm fucked.

Tim used his grapple to fling himself onto the rooftop that Red Hood stood fuming on. Of course, Jason assumed Tim was spying on him for Bruce. He didn't know Tim and Bruce were on rocky waters. Oops.

Tim gave him a half hearted wave.

"Hi Red," he chirped.

Jason scoffed, with his voice sounding warped with the mask on. "Don't play games with me kiddo. Why are you here?"

"Can't a man take a stroll through the beautiful alleys of Gotham?" Tim smiled innocently.

By Jason's deadpan vibe, Tim didn't pull it off. Shit, he was losing his touch.

Fuck, why hadn't the coffee kicked in yet?

"Try agian, Timbers."

"Names," Tim said on reflex before he sagged and let himself plop down onto the rooftop with a grunt. He saw Jason flail a bit before grunting out,

"Are you fucking injured? Shit, lemme call Wing before you end up passing the fuck out on this shitty rooftop. What the fuck kid!?"

Tim waved him off. His exhausted mood coming back with a vengeance, and he wasn't sure if he could even grapple back home anymore with how tired he was.

Wait...

Fuck, did the barista give him decaf??

Ugh, what an asshole.

Tim sighed, rubbing his temples. "No, Red. I'm not injured. Just fucking exhausted."

"What, no coffee run tonight?" Jay scoffed.

And oh.

Of course that was what broke the camel's back. Or in this sense, Tim's final shred of sanity. Not any of the bullshit that had just happened not too long ago, but of course all it took was one single little poke from his family and his carefully curated bullshit repellent came crumbling down.

And he snapped.

"Hey! I'll have you know I did in fact go to get coffee, but I'm 97% sure the fucking barista bastard gave me fucking decaf," Tim seethed. "AND that's just the fucking tip of the iceberg because of course I had to have this damn stranger stalk me-"

"Excuse the fuck me?"

"-for multiple days, apparently? I dont know, I didn't ask. Fuck I should've asked. Anyways! This bitch stalked me before basically propositioning me while I was just trying to get my coffee-"

"Excuse the fuck me, what!?" Jason gritted out.

"- and then I was, get this, fucking presented with a job opportunity - which I already have a job, obviously so I'm good but the reason he asked me was because I share a name with a company that may or may not have been the reason of my said vigilante name, despite it being a joke at the time so. Yeah."

Tim trickled off his rant, and tried to control his breathing as he calmed down from his little tantrum. And that's what he decided to call it, a damn tantrum because he was so fucking tired.

Fuck he needed a nap.

And Jason? Jason just stared at Tim in disbelief.  Or Tim assumed it was in disbelief because his stupid helmet was still on and-

Loud howling laughter filled the air as Jason ripped the helmet off his head, and threw it to the side. Only the small black mask remained which allowed Tim to take full noticed of Jason aggresive laughter spilling throught the early morning. He then proceeded to fall to his knees wheezing at Tim's pain and suffering, while Tim just sat there staring at him.

Tim sighed. Agian.

"There he finally goes," he muttered. "Can't get away with anything in this fucking city."

Jason's continued laughter drilled into his head. It genuinely sounded like his brother was choking on his spit, but knowing why Jason was laughing like a man on Joker gas.

Tim hoped he fucking choked.

"Are you almost done?" Tim gritted through his teeth.
The laughter, of course, did not stop.

"Ugh, fuck you Jay."

Tim grappled himself away from his stupid brother, giving Jason the middle finger as he went. Jason, despite him laughing himself into hysteria, reciprocated the finger at Tim before he rounded a building corner and Jay disappeared from his view.

Ugh, brothers.

◇

Tim continued his swinging throughout the early morning until he hit the one of the safe houses that none of his family knew about- away from Crime Alley. He quickly changed into jeans and an oversized light pink hoodie. That he definitely did not steal from his boyfriend. Nope. He also took the folded contact from his belt, and shoved it into a bag that he threw over his shoulder. Eh, hopefully it wouldn't get too wrinkled. Tim was too tired to deal with that specific bullshit.

Tim checked the time on his phone.

"7:30... He should be awake by now," he muttered to himself, as he locked his safe house. He began the treck to Bernard's apartment, a quick 10 minute walk from he came from. Which was totally a coincidence, he'd say if anyone asked.

He scrolled down his phone and clicked the dorky picture of his boyfriend, putting the phone against his ear as he let it ring.

And ring.

And ring.

And-

Click

"Hello?" Came his boyfriends groggy response.

Oops, Tim forgot it was Saturday morning and Bernard liked to sleep in when he could.

Tim chuckled. "Hi Bernie Bear, sorry if I woke you up. I just wanted to let you know that I'm gonna stop by your place, do you want me to pick up anything for you?"

"Maybe just a snack... oh wait, you ARE a snack! Ohhhhh!"

"Bernard!" Tim whined.

"Sorry Timmy Bear, you know I had to," Bernard chuckled. "But it's cool. I'll cook us something since you need to eat better! You can't live off frozen food!"

Tim scoffed, rounding a corner and seeing the apartment down the street from him.

"I'll have you know I've been perfectly fine living off frozen food! I'm as fit as, uh, well. I'm fit!" Tim defended himself.

"That's the literally vigilante workout that you get to do practically everynight," Bernard responded. "If you'd go to any Healthcare provider, they'd probably strap your dehydrated ass into a bed and keep you for weeks!"

"Ok, that was one time-"

"Babe, that was two months ago."

Tim chose to ignore the jab as he arrived at Bernard's apartment complex.

"... Lemme in."

Tim heard Bernard's laughter as the door in front of Tim was buzzed open. He quickly rushed to the elevators as he and Bernard continued to talk over the phone. Desspite feeling like a fucking wet rag that shriveled in the sun, Tim's heart soared in happiness. Just even hearing his boyfriend's voice lifted Tim's spirits and gave him enough energy exit the elevator and rush towards Bernard's door. Just as he was about to knock, the door was pushed open and there stood Tim's sunshine smiling brightly at Tim, bedhead and pjs and all. Both of their phones were still at their ears, as neither decided to hang up.

It was, as Bart had put it a few weeks back, disgustingly cute.

Barnard tilted his head, giving him a crooked smiled, and Tim's heart fucking sang.

"Hey handsome," Bernard - his!boyfriend! - teased.
Tim felt as though his face would break with how big he grinned back. He almost never stopped smiling with Bernard.

"Hi gorgeous," Tim quiped back.

Bernard stuck his tounge out in response to Tim's quick reply.
"Shut up," he chuckled, finally disconnecting the call and put his phone away. The both leaned in to a quick kiss, and Tim savored every moment of warm lips on his own.

They made their way into the apartment, softly closing the door behind them. As Bernard made his way back into the kitchen, Tim toed off his sneakers and nudged them into a corner. As he made his way into the kitchen, he removed the bag from his shoulder and shoved it on top of the kitchen counter with a sigh. Tim made himself comfortable in one of the high chairs and laid his head on his arms, while he watched Bernard shuffle around his kitchen.

Bernard had already dragged out a mixing bowl and pancake batter, and had just finished pulling out a small carton of oatmilk from his fridge. Tim watched as Bernard began the process of making pancakes before he felt himself slowly relax.

Fuck, he was exhausted.

But Tim could watch Bernard literally any second of his day and he would always soak it all up. Hell, Bernard could just be breathing and Tim would happily write poetry in a heartbeat. Bernard was his literally sunshine, and Tim was a sunflower greedily bathing I'm his presence.

Tim blinked. Fuck, he was head over heels for Bernard and tired enough that he made wierd ass comparisons to himself and his boyfriend who Tim hazily saw had finished the pancakes, and was now - making omelets? He blinked agian. Wait, hadn't he just started on the pancake and- wait, now Bernard was squeezing oranges, but didn't he just -

In the next moment, Tim felt light finger gently drift across his cheek. The touch lulled Tim back into consciousness. Well, enough for Tim to realize he had just fallen asleep watching Bernard cook for the two of them. It wasn't the first time, but Tim still felt embarrassed.

Fuck, he was too tired. He just wanted to sleep.

The light touch on his cheek transitioned to light poking.

"Wakey wake, Mr-I-hunt-the-night-and-lose-sleep-like-a-dumbass," Bernard teased.

Tim whined, and forced his eyes open. He blinked the haze away from his eyes and the blob in front of him transformed into a soft, smiling Bernard. His eyes sparkled in amusement.

Tim could get lost in them for hours.

"Had a nice power nap?" He teased.

Tim grunted, not lucid enough for words. And too distracted by his boyfriend's fond smile.

Bernard chuckled. "C'mon baby, I just cooked. Do you think you can eat a bit? Then we can cuddle and nap. How's that sound?"

Oh, Tim loved him so fucking much.

After a bit more probing, Tim and Bernard ate breakfast together. They talked about anything and everything, and their voices filled Bernard's apartment. Tim's heart just about burst in happiness.

Breakfast went by quickly, and Tim was ready to knock the fuck out. Bernard took their dishes to put into the sink, before turned back to Tim and sighed.

"Ok boy wonder 3.0, what's bugging you?"

"Sleep. Now. Bed," Tim grunted, half asleep.

"Not yet!" Bernard cheerfully exclaimed. "Just tell me why it looked like you fought some bitches from Arkham when I first saw you, and then bed."

Tim groaned, once agian laying his head in his arms.
"Fine! OK, well... besides being given decaf," he seethed, still bitter at the barista, "I was. Well. Basically given a new job opportunity. To put mildly."

Bernard blinked down at Tim.

Tim stared back.

"Huh. OK. Now what does that actually mean though?"
Tim reached for his bag blindly, before responding, "It means Gotham's bullshit was acting up agian and I almost fought a man for doing his job."

"Baby, you officially lost me."

Tim dug through his bag before he grasped the damn papers and pulled them out, and handed them to his boyfriend to read. Tim was not about to explain for a second time.

Barnard took the papers from Tim, and gave him a mischievous smile.

"Damn, I better get our three children in the custody arrangement baby. Or I'm going to sue you for all that you've got," he teased.

Tim's heart stuttered. Fuck, if they ever got married he would absolutely make sure, 100%, that they never ever split up. Tim would rather give up another organ that to live apart from his sunshine.

But to make Bernard laugh, Tim rolled his eyes fondly, and sat up once agian. "Bernie, they're plants. And plus. They love me more so I would legally fight you for them," Tim teased back.

His boyfriend giggled. "Ok, OK. So what's up with this?"
He shook the papers in his hands.

Tim gestured to them. "This was my fucking bullshit. Go ahead. Please. Read them and then you tell me."

Bernard rolled his eyes.

"Ok Mr. Mysterious, if you say so."

Tim watched as Bernard began to read and immediately froze, clutching the contract in his hands. His eyes widened in disbelief, and Tim could see the moment it clicked for his boyfriend. Bernards eyes darted quickly through the pages, flipping hazardously through them in shock. And Tim finally felt understood! Finally, someone who didn't laugh at his pain and suffering! He fucking knew that Bernard would have his back and-

"Holy fuck they actually did it!!" Bernard screeched.

Tim blinked.

"What?"

Bernard changed his focus from Tim's bane of existence (that fucking contract) to Tim himself. It seemed as though he was vibrating in his seat.

Tim had a very bad feeling.

"No," he whispered. More to himself, than Bernard as Tim began to connect dots that he did. Not. Want. To. Connect.

He saw his boyfriend's face light up even more, if that was even possible.

Oh, Tim had a very, very bad feeling.

"Please. No," Tim begged.

Bernard had the audacity to began laughing out loud as he tossed the papers onto the counter and pulled his phone out.

Tim could only watch in horror as his boyfriend- no, the fucking traitor, scrolled through his phone for a minute before he shoved it in Tim's face. All while he continued to laugh.

Tim decided to ignore the happiness that went through his stomach at the sound of Bernard's laughter, and gently took the phone from his traitor of a boyfriend only to find-

That Bernard.

Was

A

Fucking

Traitor

Tim could only start blankly at the Twitter feed he was given as it simply read:

 

@feelthebern
Hey @RedRobinRestaurant have u guys hired Red Robin?? Cause like. Ur missing out if u haven't lol

@RedRobinRestaurant
@feelthebern 👀 say no more. BRB in 2 to 3 weeks. We're gonna catch a Robin

@feelthebern
@RedRobinRestaurant lol bro u aint gonna catch nothing lol

@RedRobinRestaurant
@feelthebern worm? Bet.

Tim stared at the phone in disbelief.

What.

"Bernie Bear, what-  and I can't stress this enough, the actual flying fuck!?" Tim screeched. He locked eyes with Bernard's, which immediately made him start laughing agian. But he quickly composed himself to respond to Tim, by saying,

"Timmy, I swear I thought it was a joke and-" a wheeze, "they actually-," a snort, "they for real actually-"

Bernard cackled as he dissolved into giggling right in from of Tim.

So this is how Julius Cesar felt.

Tim just calmly put Bernard's phone down as he stood, walking to his giggling boyfriend. Tim gently cupped his cheeks and leaned in close.

"Bernie Bear, the love of my life, I am going to poison you in you sleep," Tim sweetly stated.

He obviously was most definitely not going to do that, and Bernard knew it too but it still made his traitor of a boyfriend fall into a fit of giggles. His giggling didn't stop as he tucked himself into Tim's neck and Tim's stomach swooped.

Shit, even trying to be petty couldn't stop his utter devotion to Bernard.

"Et tu, Brute?" Tim grumbled into Bernard's ear. Fuck, the exhaustion crept up on him agian, and with the warmth of his boyfriend wrapped around him it was hard not to fall asleep right them and there.

He heard a muffled scoff.

"You're so dramatic Timmy," Bernard chuckled, as he pushed himself away from Tim. "Almost as much as a certain Bat Family I know of."

Tim was about to respond when he couldn't help but yawn. At that, Bernard began to tug him into the bedroom as Tim sleepily followed. His energy felt like it had be drained right out of him, and the only thing he could think of anymore was Bernard and sleep.

"Ok, we'll deal with the whole restaurant bullshit later. YOU are going to bed. And I will gladly cuddle you while I finish watching my show," Bernard stated as they both crawled into bed. They immediately lached onto eachother with Tim resting his head on his boyfriend's chest. The beating of his heart soothed the rest of Tim's anxiety from the day's experience, and the bed felt like it was made of fucking heaven. And the moment he laid his head down, he felt himself begin to drift off.

He had eaten a breakfast with his absolutely wonderful boyfriend, and was now about to knock the fuck out on said wonderful boyfriend.

The last thing Tim remembered was feeling warm happy safe-

And then he knew no more.

-
◇
-
"Baby please."

"Bernie! Bruce will literally kill me if I do this!"

Bernard scoffed. "No he won't. Look, I love Batman's work but Bruce can be a little bitch sometimes-"

"Bernard!" Tim screeched.

"- Oh, C'mon you know I'm right! Plus the man loves all his kids, baby. He wouldn't do shit... well, he might be a little mad but still! Think of all the memes that are going to pop up!"

Tim sighed. "We're both not speaking to eachother because he found out that you found out about our nighttime adventures, and now he's being all broody and shit."

Bernard whistled. "Well damn, I've known for years and yet he's being that petty?"

"You don't know the half of it. And HE doesn't know that."

"Ok, so like. Why not just, well, push him more? He's already being a little bitch-"

"Oh my god."

"-so why not just fully push his buttons? What's he gonna do baby? Realistically? And you know you can just stay at my place, right? So that way he won't have the bright idea to stalk you at like three am."

Tim slapped his hands over his ears. It was childish, but he didnt care. "Lalalala, suddenly I can't hear you! Lalalal!"

Bernard sighed, laying his head on Tim's shoulder.
"You're so dramatic!"

They both giggled. After their nap, the two of them migrated to the living room where Tim caught his boyfriend up to speed with John, his contract, and Jason being an asshole. They spoke about the pros and cons of the contract that Tim was given, and the consequences that could occur if he decided to go with it. And in the end, Tim was left with Bernard pleading with him to go with it and do a couple commercials for the restaurant because,

"It would be so funny!"

Tim huffed out, "For you!"

"C'mon, how many heroes can say that they did commercial work? Huh? From, like, a restaurant that has the same name as their hero persona? No one but Red Robin of course!" He exclaimed, while he flailed his arms around in excitement.

Tim's heart clenched. Fuck, his boyfriend was so damn cute.

He threw his hands up. "Ok, Ok fine! Fuck it!"

Bernard cheered and threw his arms around Tim.
"You're the best baby," he smirked, peppering Tim with kisses on his face.

Man, he was so whipped for Bernard.

Tim kissed him softly back.

"Just make sure you arrange my funeral after the bats take me out, please."

"Deal."

◇

Click.

"John Carter speaking, how may I help you?"

"Hi John, it's Red Robin here."

"Oh! Hello! Ah, sorry I just. I wasn't expecting to hear from you so soon... did you come to a decision?"

"Yeah, um..."

He glanced at Bernard, who looked back at him and gave Tim a warm smile. He smiled back and took a breathe.

"I think I'll take you up on that offer."