Caught in the Act
Part 2
"Revealing Interview"
By Stranj100
In the living room everything was as Tim said, Dana sat on the couch next to Mr. Drake in his chair. She studied us from over the coffee mug she held in both hands. Mr. Drake acted like we didn't exist. He just sat there with his elbows resting on the arms of his chair his fingers steepled together in front of him. A cup of coffee lay untouched on the coffee table. I think it was one of those power things Tim had been talking about.
I moved the chair, slow and being careful making it look like work, so I wouldn't give myself away. After Tim sat, I moved to the couch and took the seat next to him. I made a quick glance at everybody in the room. When I accidentally made eye contact with Mr. Drake, I flinched and began looking at my boots. Suddenly they were very interesting. I also began to pray to Rao. Hoping the Kryptonian sun god would send me anywhere, but here. Why couldn't I be facing Doomsday with two broken arms? I think that would be easier than this.
I heard Mr. Drake shift in his chair and bluntly ask Tim, "Are you gay?"
I glanced up at Tim. His face actually looked thoughtful. "I'm not sure, but I think so," he answered in a voice that sound like he was talking about the weather.
"So, he's your boyfriend?" Mr. Drake asked immediately.
"Yes." Tim replied without a pause in the same cool voice.
I couldn't help, but beam at him with love, pride, and utter happiness. Yes, I beamed. I had to stop myself from smiling too much, because I could feel Mr. Drake's eyes burrowing into the back of my head.
Whatever joy I felt at that moment died, when Mr. Drake asked, "So, what's your name boy?"
I knew he was talking to me. His voiced caused a shiver to run down my spine. I swallowed and gathered my courage before turning to face him. I've faced the hordes of Apokalips and didn't finch. I gone toe-to-toe with Metallo and came out with only a few scratches. I even survived Batman's death gaze before, but for some reason I had trouble meeting this ordinary middle-aged man's eyes.
"Uhh... Conner, sir," I finally stammered out.
"How long have you known my son?"
"Uhm... A couple of years," I answered.
"Where did you meet?"
"We kinda use to hang together with friends."
"How long have you been dating?"
"Dad, stop! Conner's not on trial," Tim said cutting in angrily, "He hasn't done anything wrong."
Mr. Drake's turned and looked at his son with suspicion. "Why are you afraid of me asking him questions, Tim? Why haven't you told me about him—about being gay? Why all the secrets now?" Even I could see the weight of that last question.
Tim looked away from everyone. His face struggled for control, but suddenly he looked very tired. He had the same look as when we had talked about him keeping secrets in the past.
He dropped his head and faced the group. "It's because you're a bigot," Tim answered quietly.
Dana looked surprised, but Mr. Drake looked like he had been slapped in the face. "I... I've never said a bad thing against gays in my life."
Tim turned to me and silently asked permission. I knew what he was asking and why. If we were to stand an honest chance, his dad would have to know who and what I am. My secret isn't my own. Could I decided by myself; should I?
I knew my answer was yes. I would do anything for Tim. I just hoped Clark and the Kents could forgive me. I nodded.
"Not gays, superheroes," Tim said finally answering the unspoken question.
Mr. Drake made a choking noise as his eyes darted between Tim and Dana. I think he feared having to explain everything to his wife.
Dana who sat silent this whole time turned to us and asked, "What does that mean? Are you that Nightwing person from Bludhaven?"
I let out a nervous laugh. Partially because the idea of Nightwing and me being confused is funny to me and partially to hide my own confusion. Tim had said Dana didn't know about his past as Robin.
Tim saved me from having to form an answer. "No, he's Superboy."
Dana just gave nod and began studying me with a thoughtful eye. While Mr. Drake's face had drained of color as he just sat there staring at me with a mix of surprise, fear, and awe. The surprise is understandable. This whole situation is surprising. The awe was kinda normal. After all, I'm Superboy, the next best thing to Superman. The fear surprised me. Only criminals should fear me, not ordinary people. The fear in his eye was worse than the anger I felt before. At least I understood the anger.
After a long uncomfortable silence, Dana said, "I don't think anything more can be said tonight, so I think Conner should go home. Oh, and Conner, I think we'll have to speak to your father."
I was confused for a minute. "You want to talk to Superman?"
"Yes," she said simply.
My stomach clenched.
"I think it would be best. Don't you?"
No. That would mean talking to him. I would have to explain things like sex with Tim, sneaking to Gotham, and the secret identity bomb. "Uhm... Okay."
"I need a drink," Mr. Drake stated before standing up and going into the kitchen.
"Tim, make sure he has are number. We don't Superman to surprise us with a visit. Wait do you have a phone, Conner?"
"We could use the Kents', I guess," I said trying to save at least Clark's identity.
"Can I see him out?" Tim asked.
"Of course, just don't take to long you have school tomorrow"
Tim got up and scribbled on a piece of paper, as I went to the door to put on my jacket. Setting down her mug, Dana got up and whispered in Tim's ear as she gave him a hug. "I've known you were Robin for awhile. That's why I tried to protect your privacy, because I trust your judgment. I think you choosing Superboy for a boyfriend proved me right. We'll talk more later."
Tim just looked at her in surprise as she picked up her cup and walked into the kitchen. She paused long enough to give me a friendly smile. I smiled back shyly.
Tim gave me the number before he put on his boots and jacket. I shoved it in the pocket of my jeans. Tim also put on a hat and gloves before we head for the roof.
We stood there awhile on the roof not saying anything. A cold winter wind howled trough the streets of Gotham. Tim began to shiver. His dress clothes where too thin. I moved and drew him close and wrapped my arms around him trying to share my body heat. Tim slipped his arms into my open jacket and buried his face into my chest.
As we held each other, the tension just drained away. It seemed like heaven. The beating of our hearts was the only thing keeping time. Everything else just seemed to fade away.
I wished I could just hold him forever, but I knew I had to leave eventually. The world was still there. "I have to get home. I've got chores in the morning and Cows don't milk themselves."
"You milk cows?" Tim said lean back to look at me.
"And bail hay. I've got list of chores a mile long. Uncle Jon says it builds 'character'." I replied.
"I think your character's perfect." Tim laughed nervously, "God that sounded lame."
"It sounded nice to me."
As I stared down into his eyes, I felt the tug some nameless need. The first kiss was short and tender. The second that followed turned into something long, heated, and almost brutal. Two tongues wrestled, each trying to claim dominance. We broke it off drifting reluctantly apart.
"You should go," Tim said breathlessly.
I just nodded and slowly lifted into the air.
I was turning to make the long flight back to Kansas when Tim whispered, "I love you."
I don't know if he meant for me to hear it or even if he meant to say it out loud, but those three simple words made me pause. I was stunned as a million emotions filled me all at once. I was pulled down and anchored to the roof in front of him.
"You love me?"
"Yes." Those beautiful blues stared at me expectantly.
"I love you, too." I gave him another impassioned kiss.
I wanted to give him my everything, but I was afraid of breaking him.
"I'll be back," I promised letting him go and shooting into the air.
Flying away, I made a barrel roll and let out crow, not caring who heard or saw me. I'd never felt so alive.
I sped out of Gotham—heading home, but then reaching the city limits, I changed course. I had something important still to do.
-tbc-
Part 2
"Revealing Interview"
By Stranj100
In the living room everything was as Tim said, Dana sat on the couch next to Mr. Drake in his chair. She studied us from over the coffee mug she held in both hands. Mr. Drake acted like we didn't exist. He just sat there with his elbows resting on the arms of his chair his fingers steepled together in front of him. A cup of coffee lay untouched on the coffee table. I think it was one of those power things Tim had been talking about.
I moved the chair, slow and being careful making it look like work, so I wouldn't give myself away. After Tim sat, I moved to the couch and took the seat next to him. I made a quick glance at everybody in the room. When I accidentally made eye contact with Mr. Drake, I flinched and began looking at my boots. Suddenly they were very interesting. I also began to pray to Rao. Hoping the Kryptonian sun god would send me anywhere, but here. Why couldn't I be facing Doomsday with two broken arms? I think that would be easier than this.
I heard Mr. Drake shift in his chair and bluntly ask Tim, "Are you gay?"
I glanced up at Tim. His face actually looked thoughtful. "I'm not sure, but I think so," he answered in a voice that sound like he was talking about the weather.
"So, he's your boyfriend?" Mr. Drake asked immediately.
"Yes." Tim replied without a pause in the same cool voice.
I couldn't help, but beam at him with love, pride, and utter happiness. Yes, I beamed. I had to stop myself from smiling too much, because I could feel Mr. Drake's eyes burrowing into the back of my head.
Whatever joy I felt at that moment died, when Mr. Drake asked, "So, what's your name boy?"
I knew he was talking to me. His voiced caused a shiver to run down my spine. I swallowed and gathered my courage before turning to face him. I've faced the hordes of Apokalips and didn't finch. I gone toe-to-toe with Metallo and came out with only a few scratches. I even survived Batman's death gaze before, but for some reason I had trouble meeting this ordinary middle-aged man's eyes.
"Uhh... Conner, sir," I finally stammered out.
"How long have you known my son?"
"Uhm... A couple of years," I answered.
"Where did you meet?"
"We kinda use to hang together with friends."
"How long have you been dating?"
"Dad, stop! Conner's not on trial," Tim said cutting in angrily, "He hasn't done anything wrong."
Mr. Drake's turned and looked at his son with suspicion. "Why are you afraid of me asking him questions, Tim? Why haven't you told me about him—about being gay? Why all the secrets now?" Even I could see the weight of that last question.
Tim looked away from everyone. His face struggled for control, but suddenly he looked very tired. He had the same look as when we had talked about him keeping secrets in the past.
He dropped his head and faced the group. "It's because you're a bigot," Tim answered quietly.
Dana looked surprised, but Mr. Drake looked like he had been slapped in the face. "I... I've never said a bad thing against gays in my life."
Tim turned to me and silently asked permission. I knew what he was asking and why. If we were to stand an honest chance, his dad would have to know who and what I am. My secret isn't my own. Could I decided by myself; should I?
I knew my answer was yes. I would do anything for Tim. I just hoped Clark and the Kents could forgive me. I nodded.
"Not gays, superheroes," Tim said finally answering the unspoken question.
Mr. Drake made a choking noise as his eyes darted between Tim and Dana. I think he feared having to explain everything to his wife.
Dana who sat silent this whole time turned to us and asked, "What does that mean? Are you that Nightwing person from Bludhaven?"
I let out a nervous laugh. Partially because the idea of Nightwing and me being confused is funny to me and partially to hide my own confusion. Tim had said Dana didn't know about his past as Robin.
Tim saved me from having to form an answer. "No, he's Superboy."
Dana just gave nod and began studying me with a thoughtful eye. While Mr. Drake's face had drained of color as he just sat there staring at me with a mix of surprise, fear, and awe. The surprise is understandable. This whole situation is surprising. The awe was kinda normal. After all, I'm Superboy, the next best thing to Superman. The fear surprised me. Only criminals should fear me, not ordinary people. The fear in his eye was worse than the anger I felt before. At least I understood the anger.
After a long uncomfortable silence, Dana said, "I don't think anything more can be said tonight, so I think Conner should go home. Oh, and Conner, I think we'll have to speak to your father."
I was confused for a minute. "You want to talk to Superman?"
"Yes," she said simply.
My stomach clenched.
"I think it would be best. Don't you?"
No. That would mean talking to him. I would have to explain things like sex with Tim, sneaking to Gotham, and the secret identity bomb. "Uhm... Okay."
"I need a drink," Mr. Drake stated before standing up and going into the kitchen.
"Tim, make sure he has are number. We don't Superman to surprise us with a visit. Wait do you have a phone, Conner?"
"We could use the Kents', I guess," I said trying to save at least Clark's identity.
"Can I see him out?" Tim asked.
"Of course, just don't take to long you have school tomorrow"
Tim got up and scribbled on a piece of paper, as I went to the door to put on my jacket. Setting down her mug, Dana got up and whispered in Tim's ear as she gave him a hug. "I've known you were Robin for awhile. That's why I tried to protect your privacy, because I trust your judgment. I think you choosing Superboy for a boyfriend proved me right. We'll talk more later."
Tim just looked at her in surprise as she picked up her cup and walked into the kitchen. She paused long enough to give me a friendly smile. I smiled back shyly.
Tim gave me the number before he put on his boots and jacket. I shoved it in the pocket of my jeans. Tim also put on a hat and gloves before we head for the roof.
We stood there awhile on the roof not saying anything. A cold winter wind howled trough the streets of Gotham. Tim began to shiver. His dress clothes where too thin. I moved and drew him close and wrapped my arms around him trying to share my body heat. Tim slipped his arms into my open jacket and buried his face into my chest.
As we held each other, the tension just drained away. It seemed like heaven. The beating of our hearts was the only thing keeping time. Everything else just seemed to fade away.
I wished I could just hold him forever, but I knew I had to leave eventually. The world was still there. "I have to get home. I've got chores in the morning and Cows don't milk themselves."
"You milk cows?" Tim said lean back to look at me.
"And bail hay. I've got list of chores a mile long. Uncle Jon says it builds 'character'." I replied.
"I think your character's perfect." Tim laughed nervously, "God that sounded lame."
"It sounded nice to me."
As I stared down into his eyes, I felt the tug some nameless need. The first kiss was short and tender. The second that followed turned into something long, heated, and almost brutal. Two tongues wrestled, each trying to claim dominance. We broke it off drifting reluctantly apart.
"You should go," Tim said breathlessly.
I just nodded and slowly lifted into the air.
I was turning to make the long flight back to Kansas when Tim whispered, "I love you."
I don't know if he meant for me to hear it or even if he meant to say it out loud, but those three simple words made me pause. I was stunned as a million emotions filled me all at once. I was pulled down and anchored to the roof in front of him.
"You love me?"
"Yes." Those beautiful blues stared at me expectantly.
"I love you, too." I gave him another impassioned kiss.
I wanted to give him my everything, but I was afraid of breaking him.
"I'll be back," I promised letting him go and shooting into the air.
Flying away, I made a barrel roll and let out crow, not caring who heard or saw me. I'd never felt so alive.
I sped out of Gotham—heading home, but then reaching the city limits, I changed course. I had something important still to do.
-tbc-