Tim looked around the large room sighing. This sucked. The gala was boring and since Bruce had slipped out to do his thing Tim was now left here alone. It wasn't like he was having trouble with all the people, in fact no one noticed him so he stood awkwardly and alone. He did it well since he practiced so much with his parents though.
His eyes scanned the room yet again for any sign of escape but unfortunately there was none in sight. Well there wasn't. As his eyes roamed from face to face something caught his eye. A white streak in black hair. Huh? His eyes caught on the face. Jason Todd. Red Hood. Standing in a suit, that if Tim was being honest fit him quite well, holding champagne, talking openly with the fancy rich guests. What the hell? Then he remembered his escape. Ah yes this was perfect. He made his way across the room to the man all while Jason stood what almost looked naturally talking to a Wayne Tech business partner. Luckily for Tim, the slightly drunk, older man sauntered away as soon as Tim snuck up.
Using his index finger to tap on Jason's shoulder he reached up and poked him a few times to get his attention. Jason turned with a confused expressions plastered on his face.
"Oh hey Replacement! What are you doing here?" He asked casually sipped his champagne.
"I live here Jason, what are you doing here," Tim inquired.
"Well since Bruce practically begged me to come..." Jason trailed off.
"Thats absolute bullshit, for real, why are you here?"
"Relax Timbo, I'm here for intel,"
"Uh huh, on who?"
Jason smirked. "This guy right here," he said averting his gaze. Tim spotted a definitely drunk man, in his early 50s stumbling over to him. If you asked him, Tim would never admit that he squeaked when he felt Jason's arm around his waist pulling him to his side.
"Jason!" He hissed.
Jason leaned to his head and whispered, "this guy is a total creep, trust me, just pretend we're dating or something,"
Tim would also never admit that the combination of Jason's breath on his ear and the words he spoke made him blush.
"Jason! My man!! How are you sir?!" The man practically yelled, throwing his hands up.
"Doing just fine, Drew," Jason said through his grinding teeth. The man, Drew, laughed slapping his hand on Jason's shoulder before turning his eyes on Tim.
"And who might this be?" He said in a voice that made Tim feel very very threatened. He pressed himself into Jason's side.
"This is my boyfriend, Tim. Tim, Drew," Tim held out a hand for a handshake with a tight smile. Drew grasped his hand which just felt wrong to Tim. He pulled back quickly.
"Nice to meet you Tim,"
"Likewise,"
"You know," Drew started, "If you ever wanted to,"
Jason tightened his grip on Tim's waist, his fingers digging into the soft flesh by his hip. If was angry, protecting him or comforting him, Tim didn't know, but he said nothing.
"He's fine right where he is thanks," Jason cut him off in a voice that sounded far too nice for the angry look on Jason's face.
"Well maybe,"
"No, go ahead and do yourself a favor and back off Drew,"
"Okay okay man, just consider it," Drew sent a wink on Tim's direction making him want to gag. But even as Drew disappeared back into the crowd, Jason didn't remove his hand from his hip.
"Um, Jason?" Tim asked looking up at him. No response. He also looked extremely pissed
"Jason?" Jason snapped out of whatever gaze he was in and looked down at the smaller boy.
"Huh? What's up Timmy?"
Tim smiled awkwardly, "um..." Jason glanced down at his arm around Tim's waist.
"Oh, um, sorry," Jason stuttered quickly removing his arm and stepping away.
"No, it's fine. Um, thank you, you didn't have to do that," Tim said awkwardly.
"Do what?" Jason inquired as if he didn't actually know.
"You know," Tim said motioning with his hands trying to get Jason to understand.
"What? Pretend to be your boyfriend to save you from that creep?" Tim blushed and looked down towards his shoes.
"Yeah," he mumbled. He heard Jason chuckle. "Don't mention it." The two stood awkwardly for a moment. Tim bit his lip and looked up. Did he mention that Jason looked really good tonight? He shifted his eyes back down.
"So I should, go get my gear and stuff, I've got then intel I need," Jason said. Tim's heart sped up but he didn't break the gaze on the floor. "Oh yeah, ok." He mumbled. Why did he feel so desperate?
"Alright then I'll just go," Tim could almost sense a bit of disappointment in his voice as he turned away. Tim's breath hitched. Now or never.
"Jason!" He called latching his fingers into the cuff of his suit sleeve. Jason turned his head back to Tim.
"What's up Timmy?"
"Would you um, would you like to, to get coffee with me sometime?" Hope flared in his chest as Jason grinned.
"Yeah sure," Tim almost sighed in relief.
"Cool,"
"Yeah, call me,"
"I will," and with that Jason slid into the crowd leaving Tim behind awe struck and giddy.
Two years later, two men lay in a bed, suits in a pile on the floor, covers pulled protectively over them, curled up together.
"Jason?" Tim asked as Jason's hand ran through his hair. Jason replied with a soft hum. "Why were you actually at the gala that night?"
He felt Jason chuckle behind him. "I'm not telling you,"
"Jason!" Tim whined squirming around to face his boyfriend.
"Nope!" Tim put on his biggest puppy dog eyes.
"Please?"
"Fine," Jason sighed. "I was there to see you,"
"No way!" Tim laughed, "really? For me?"
Jason smiled, "well yeah,"
"Awe you big idiot!"
"But I'm your idiot," Tims laughed died down and he laid his head on Jason's chest.
"Yeah you are," he said fondly, "Thank you for being my idiot," Jason chuckled and kissed Tim's head before resuming petting Tim's hair.
"I love you, Timmy,"
"I love you too,"
