Happy Birthday to YJ Dick!
It is December 1st. Therefore, it is Dick's birthday! (Check the tie-in issues)
... So I update a story about Tim. Wooow... He'd want his brother to be happy, anyway...
I do not own Young Justice.
"You're going to pick me up a little bit later today, Dick."
Tim was speaking to Dick on his phone, classes finally over in what seemed like one of the longest days ever. Stuffing his books into his backpack, the teen listened to his adopted brother respond.
"Any particular reason for that?"
"I have... arrangements with a... friend."
There was a silence for a moment, before Dick spoke again.
"Wait... Last time I asked about friends at school, you said that your classmates all had no interest in ever interacting with you beyond trying to be your partner for projects. When exactly did this change?"
"... Today."
There was a chuckle from the young man.
"Well, there is an answer. Where are you going?"
"The coffee shop across from the school."
"Okay, call me when you're done. Should I tell Bruce?"
"That... may be best..."
"Kay. See you later, little bro'."
Tim stuck the phone in his pocket as he grabbed his bag, throwing it over his shoulder. Swiftly closing the locker, he turned towards the nearest exit.
Only to be met with the chest of a much older boy, others standing around. Tim had to tilt his head upward to even see the face of the senior who was blocking his path.
"Well, if it isn't little Timmy," the older teen drawled out, a smirk on his lips.
"Would you please get out of my way?" he mumbled, staring at the ground.
"Not until I get that paper you offered to do for me, Timmy."
"I didn't offer you anything. Would you just get out of the way? I have to get going."
Tim tried to walk past them, but the main boy's large hand was soon pushing him back.
"What's the rush? Your big brother waiting for you outside? Can't the circus freak understand that some of your friends just wanted to catch up with you?"
Tim wished he could fight back as himself when the teen grabbed the front of his shirt, lifting him a couple feet into the air. Fiercely shutting his eyes, expecting pain to overcome him, he instead heard an angelic voice screaming angrily.
"Hey! I need Tim here intact if we're going to hang out! Would you please put the boy down?"
Opening his eyes slightly, Tim saw the shock on all the older boys' faces. He was almost as surprised when he was gently put down.
"You actually want to hang with this dweeb?" the leader asked, obviously perplexed as he looked from the very pretty Stephanie to Tim.
"Yes, I do. Now, if you excuse us..."
Stephanie then grabbed Tim's left arm, and started literally pulling his towards the door, leaving the still confused boys behind them.
She let go of him once they were out of the school building, and the two headed towards the crosswalk to walk to the coffee shop.
"So, am I always going to have to save you from random jerks?"
"... Today has been a bit worse then usual..."
"Do they bother you often?"
"Those guys... a couple other groups... I've just learned to ignore them..."
They were nearly to the cafe, but Stephanie could not drop the topic.
"Why haven't you told anyone? I know you've got Mr. Wayne, and those guys mentioned an older brother. I'm sure they would be willing to help you."
Tim couldn't stop himself from rubbing his suit arm nervously.
"Bruce and Dick are always so busy, and I don't want to worry them over nothing."
Stephanie stared at him, concern evident on her features.
"This isn't nothing, Tim."
Tim fished some money out of his pocket as they got into line for coffee.
"Just forget it, okay? Let's just have some fun. I'll pay for the drinks."
The girl still seemed a bit worried, but decided to drop it for the moment, and let him pay for her mocha. They were soon sitting.
"So, you have an older brother? What's he like?"
"Dick is really awesome. He's always making some goofy joke, or just being just plain obnoxious, but he really cares about anyone he's close to. He can be a bit overprotective sometimes, but then again, so can Bruce..."
As Tim started drifting off, obviously thinking about something serious, Stephanie brought him back.
"... Is his name really 'Dick'?"
Tim couldn't help but laugh at the question.
"It's short for Richard."
"Yeah, but aren't there other nicknames for 'Richard'? Why did he choose 'Dick'?"
"His parents really only ever called him that when he was growing up, so it sort of stuck, I guess."
"Oh... He's adopted also?"
"Yeah..."
The two were quiet for a moment, when Tim suddenly spoke out.
"I'm honestly surprised you didn't already know all this; we aren't exactly the least famous family..."
Stephanie shrugged.
"I don't really pay attention to the tabloids. Your family seems pretty freaking depressing, though. Is the multitude of dead parents the reason your brother and Mr. Wayne are so overprotective?"
Tim looked away as he answered.
"I guess maybe a bit, since they both miss their parents a lot... I think it is more about... Jason, though."
"Wait... Who?"
The boy sighed, his eyes closed as he responded.
"A little after Dick moved out to an apartment in Bludhaven, Bruce took in this boy from the streets named Jason. He and Dick... well, they were pretty close. Which is why it hurt him, hurt them both, so much when Jason was killed in one of the Joker's attacks on the city."
Stephanie could only stare.
"That-That's horrible! Wait... Was that what Lindsy was talking about when she mentioned 'the last one died'?"
"Yeah," Tim nearly mumbled, his eyes downcast.
"... You know what, our conversation keeps becoming freaking sad."
"Pretty much."
"Let's talk about something more fun... What is your favorite movie?"
The young teen could not help but let a small smile creep on his lips.
"I've always been partial to The Highlander. You?"
"Sliding Doors. I can't resist a good love story."
As their conversation continued on, the two found themselves laughing, smiling, and just having a good time.
They had no idea what was starting at that moment.
