As The World Falls Down
A Word: An idea circulated on Tumblr and was prompted to me by Kaitouhime. JayTim slow dancing as the world ends. One singing quietly to the other. The song is the title as sung by David Bowie.
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"Jay, what?" Tim protests as Jason pulls on his arm. Turning him slow enough that Tim doesn't fall over from his utter exhaustion. Sleep is a distant memory that doesn't even matter anymore. Nothing matters anymore. Not against the blood red light streaking across the skies.
Unstoppable death and destruction. Something they've only now learned is inevitable as the world dies.
"Shhh," Jason looks old and worn beyond his years. His eyes every bit as tired as Tim feels as he pulls Tim in closer than he's ever been to Red Hood before without a knife being pressed somewhere vital. Jason's hands are gentle and almost reverent as he arranges Tim into a familiar pose that leaves him dumbfounded.
"Really?" Tim wants to laugh as Jason slowly moves him through a very basic box step. Swaying Tim in time to some music that only he can hear. He wants to laugh but knows that will only lead to tears and scream. Things that Tim just doesn't have the energy to indulge in anymore.
"Really," Jason says as he starts to turn them. Pulling Tim in close and Tim moves automatically. Feet keeping step even as he tries and fails to find any outrage. "Let me have this, Red. Just let me."
Jason's voice is low and pleading and Tim just doesn't have it in him to fight anymore. Not over anything important, and not over something as inconsequential as this. Tim sighs as they turn again and relaxes. Closes his eyes and lets his head rest on Jason's shoulder. Tucks his face up against his neck as Jason starts to hum the bars of a song that Tim can almost recognize. It's comforting in a way that standing around and staring at their death wasn't.
"I'll paint you mornings of gold. I'll spin you Valentine evenings," Jason quietly sings, and Tim can feel the man turn his head so his lips are pressing against Tim's ears. His voice low and achingly sweet as the words go straight down Tim's spine.
There's a world of regret and sadness in them that make Tim's chest ache as he recognizes the lost chance that he had, that they both had. The fragile connection that had been too new and precious for either of them to trust with anything more than the label of mutual ally. "Though we're strangers 'til now, we're choosing the path between the stars."
Tim's grip on Jason goes tight and he clenches his eyes shut against the grief that wants out. Lights burst behind his closed lids. Red and all consuming even as Jason clutches back just as tight. His breath stolen even as he chokes out one last line, "I'll leave my love between the stars."
Tim gasps and the last thing he knows is Jason's arms holding him close and tight.
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