Disclaimer: I do not own Teen Titans. This is a work of fanfiction, and I am not making any money off of this.
A/N: So, I posted this on Tumblr and forgot I hadn't shared this here! This is what happens when you get old!
Five More Minutes
'You've diffused bombs before.' He thought, closing his eyes as he felt his temper rise. 'You've been shot, beaten, broken, and had the fate of the world in your hands.' His eyes opened settling on the five year old in front of him. 'This shouldn't be a problem.' His fists relaxed as he took a deep breath. "Timmy…"
"I don't want to go to bed!"
His took a deep breath. The parenting books told them not to engage.
Don't take the bait.
Don't make it a power struggle.
Don't yell.
"You don't want to be tired for your first day of school, do you?"
"I don't want to go to school!" Timmy stomped, his voice reaching an all most dangerous decibel. "I'm not tired! I wanna watch cartoons!"
The changeling sighed. It would be much easier if they were lion cubs. One good roar and they'd understand each other better.
Damn parenting books.
"Timmy, turn off the television and go to bed." The green man kept his tone even and firm.
"No!"
"One." He would give the kindergartener until the count of five.
Timmy folded his arms, scowling at his father.
"Two."
"I'm not tired."
"Three." He counted.
"I said I'm not tired!"
"Four." His voice a bit firmer, his pointer finger popped up showing the child he was running out time.
"But-"
"Five." Raven spoke, from the doorway. Her arms tightened around the sheets she carried.
Timmy's blue eyes widened, arms lowering to his sides.
"I'm going to upstairs in ten minutes to tuck you in." Raven told him. "You need to brush your teeth, use the bathroom, and be under those covers by the time I get to your room. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Mommy." Timmy nodded. "Night Dad!" He called, running up the stairs.
Garfield's eyes narrowed, forcing his amusement down. "How'd you do that?"
"What?" Raven asked innocently.
"You said one word."
"The count was up."
"No, I am pretty sure if you hadn't said something we'd be missing a wall."
The empath chuckled. "You had it."
"I always figured I would be the scary parent."
"No." Her voice was deadpan despite the smile. "You turn to mush anytime Stella or Luna throw their spoons on the floor."
"It's cute."
"Their playing fetch with Daddy."
"Well," Gar shrugged. "Daddy can actually turn into a puppy."
"Don't encourage them."
"They don't know." He dismissed.
"How much TV were you going to give Timmy?"
"None."
Violet eyes narrowed skeptically.
"Five minutes." Gar admitted. "Ten max." He raised his hands in defense. "I swear."
The empath smiled, pressing a tender kiss to her husband's lips. "Extra time for weekends only, not school nights."
