Extremely sorry for the long long wait. I don't even realize so much time passes with work and what not. Enjoy the art work of Jay x Roy kissing~ a small recap from last chapter lol. ;p
Disclaimer in first chapter.
Chapter 18:
"Tim?" Bruce was in the batcave per usual in front of the bat-computer, speaking on the phone with Superman.
"I believe so. The name was lost along the way, but it certainly wasn't Jason. Both Superboy and Young Flash had high regards for him. He was a valuable resource to them the other day when Metropolis was attacked. From what I've heard it seems he's very agile when it comes to thinking."
"What are you suggesting?" Batman asked.
"I was hoping he could help the titans in their oncoming mission. He seems to be very skilled with computers and navigating. Of course he won't be assigned to the field, but he can be quite useful behind the scenes. It'd be a waste for his talent to not be utilized." Superman persuaded.
"This isn't up to me. I'll have to ask the person in question himself." Bruce deadpanned.
"Of course. Let me know." With that, Superman hung up.
Later that evening, Bruce explained the situation and request to Tim. Dick so happened to be there as well.
"What? No, of course not! How can you even bring that up? You already got Jason involved and nearly killed—now you want Tim to join too?!" Dick immediately went off.
"This is why I asked first. This will be entirely Tim's choice. And to clarify, he wouldn't be joining them on the field. Tim won't be leaving the Titan's tower." Bruce elaborated.
"…I don't mind." Tim shrugged. It sounded like a change of scenery and he was intrigued to take part.
"What?!" Dick whipped his head towards him.
"Hey, it's not like I'm fighting. I'm just managing the computers and helping communicate." Tim reasoned. "It'll only be for this short mission anyhow, from the sounds of it. And besides, I'm smarter than Jason, I won't find myself in that situation."
Dick sighed.
"He has a point." Bruce casually remarked. "Then if you've made up your mind, I'll inform them. You'll be leaving tomorrow, so pack your things."
Tim nodded in response. Apparently, he would be living at the Titan's tower during the duration of the mission, to understand all the logistics and operating the system.
"Really you guys are all…" Dick huffed, rubbing his forehead. "Just for this mission. And don't even dare think about stepping outside."
"Yes, yes. I hear you."
"Just be careful okay. I can't believe you."
Tim nodded in response before going to his room. 'So Flash and Superboy praised him? Wouldn't have seen that coming… especially not from Superboy…' Tim was flattered indeed. He never would've imagined being contacted by the Justice League themselves.
The next day Tim was escorted to the Titan's tower by Superman. Jason was a tad jealous that he was still under house arrest and count take part in any hero activities. Also the fact that Batman never really allowed him to join the titans despite the numerous offers he had received.
"This is where you'll be staying for the week. I'm sure you'll get along with everyone. They're nice kids, all around your age." Superman stood outside the building with Tim.
"Thank you." Tim answered cordially, refraining from making a comment about how it sounded like a day care. Before they could enter the doors opened and a tall built woman with reddish pink hair and glowing green eyes exited the front doors. 'Starfire…' The teen recognized her.
"Greetings. It is very nice to meet you. My name is Starfire." The woman extended a hand.
"The pleasure is mine. You can call me Tim."
Behind her, there were three other teens who walked out as well and greeted him.
"Yo~ I heard you're the newbie! Welcome! You're gonna love it here as long as you know how to have some fun!" A green haired, green skinned boy let out.
"Easy Beastboy." Starfire reminded. "Allow me to introduce you. This is Beast Boy, Blue Beetle, Kid Flash and Raven." She pointed to the green haired boy, a boy in all black and blue armor, a brunette with a similar outfit to Flash and lastly to a sullen girl with a hood over her head. "Everyone this is Tim Drake. He'll be assisting us in the upcoming mission."
"Sick~ You don't look too muscular though." Kid flash zoomed around him in circles, examining every side of him.
"He's going to be our communicator." The tamaranean told.
"It's nice to meet you all." Tim nodded.
"Welcome~" Blue Beetle waved.
"Is this…everyone?" The brunette glanced around, thinking it was a small group.
"Super Boy stepped out and it seems Cyborg is still upstairs. Come in, we'll give you a tour." Starfire gestured.
"Okay, it looks like you've got it covered from here. Good luck Tim, we're counting on you. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out." Superman gave him a firm pat on the back before backing away.
"Of course, thank you again for bringing him here." Starfire appreciated as they walked inside the doors. They took the elevators up the stairs to the main lounge. The tamaranean also filled him in on the all the floors and what was located on each. They had their own gym, arcade, training room, computer lab, equipment room, and so on. The main lounge they liked to hold meetings or simply hang around was on the top floor. When they made it to the top, Cyborg greeted him with a bone crushing handshake.
His new team didn't seem to hard to get along with either. Beast Boy was very talkative and energetic, not his usual friend type but he appreciated the frankness. Blue Beetle was relatively normal, but when paired with Beast Boy could get a little rowdy too. Raven, mostly stayed to herself, quiet, only speaking when absolutely necessary, but he didn't mind. It would've been awkward if it was just the two of them but that's never been the case so far. Cycborg was pretty friendly as well, with a touch of a matter of fact tone and sometimes a bit hot headed. Kid Flash was just as speedy and talkative like Young Flash, but he was easy to get along with as well, just hard to keep up with. A part of him reminded him of Wally. Lastly, Superboy was the same as his initial impression, distant, serious and not there to make friends.
While the others scattered and trained, Tim spent hours in the computer lab to figure out their software and programs. He also studied all their maps and adversaries. The brunet stretched his arms once, looking down at his notes before deciding to take a break.
'There's a vending machine in the gym area…' Tim thought as he grabbed his note pad and went across the hall to the gym. The brunette skimmed over his notes on the way, reviewing any typos or mistakes. The teen wasn't looking up and reached for the glass gym doors.
Smack!
Tim flinched when he heard a firm smack inside the gym. He instantly looked up to find Suberboy pounding the punching bag within an inch of it tearing. The teen stood there dumbfounded debating on whether he even wanted to be involved in that kind of atmosphere. 'What's gotten into him?' Tim couldn't look away from how the other kept striking the bag alternating each fist. Before he could change his mind and leave, the kryptonian glanced his way, trapping Tim in his footsteps.
"Er…" Tim stuttered. 'Great.' "Hey? Bad day…?"
He only earned an unwelcoming frown in return, which was very much expected. However, there was no turning back anymore, so Tim walked into the gym, going straight to the vending machine, ignoring Superboy straightening and wiping his chin dripping with sweat. Tim stood there for a moment, pressing the buttons, gearing turning in his head.
"Here." A voice demanded and Superboy shifted his gaze to his right. He was momentarily stunned to find Tim holding out a cold energy drink out towards him. The taller teen grimaced one last time before reluctantly taking it. "No thanks?" The brunette challenged sipping on his own drink while he was at it.
"I didn't ask." Conner turned the bottle cap and Tim rolled his eyes.
"Why do I bother?"
"…but thanks." The kryptonian mumbled, taking a large a gulp.
"What did I just hear?" Tim blinked in surprise.
"Why are you still here?" Superboy sighed.
"You're right. Why am I still here? I guess I was starting to feel sympathy for the poor punching bag." Tim attempted to lighten the mood. Superboy didn't humor him and simply stood there. "You wanna talk about it? That didn't look like regular training." Tim had yet to understand why he was even trying.
"Why would I talk to you about it?"
"Sometimes consulting a stranger is easier." Tim shrugged. It almost looked like Suberboy was considering before he shook his head.
"Mind your business."
"I'm a good listener." Was the final push Tim gave before he succeeded. Suberboy let out a 'che' before he retreated to the bench against the wall. The shorter teen followed, boldly taking a seat next to him, a comfortable distance apart.
Even then, they sat awkwardly in tense silence, Suberboy struggling to start. So, Tim gave another push. "Did you fail a test or something?"
"I'm defective. There's no way I can catch up to him." Superboy abruptly let out, confusing the other teen further.
"Who?"
"Superman." Tim raised a brow waiting for Conner to continue. "Even as a partial clone, I cant seem to replicate all his powers. No matter how much I train, none of those powers exuding."
'Clone?' Tim refrained from mouthing in shock. 'So he's a partial clone of superman? That certainly explains the looks.'
"Goddammit. All I have is super strength and super senses. And that's been fine so far but, che, it isn't enough if I wanna be like Superman."
"Why be like him?" Tim naturally retorted.
"What? Why not?"
"I mean, you're you. Not Superman, even if you were supposed to be his clone and somewhat his successor… you can't possibly be him."
Conner stared at him like this was all newfound knowledge when it was really just common sense from where Tim was standing. "But…" He started but averted his gaze as he trailed off unable to say the next words.
"That was your purpose?" Tim finished for him. "I can imagine that's probably why you were created—why else would someone clone if not to replace or amplify. However, that doesn't change the fact that you're a separate entity and existence. Your experiences make you different. You are still human after all."
There was a long wordless pause before the grumpy teen said. "…Half."
"Hn?"
"Half human." Conner repeated.
"Okay, whatever, you get my point." The brunette huffed, feeling a bit embarrassed for taking him seriously. Conner was quiet again, his sullen expression hardly changing as he stared aimlessly at the floor beneath him. Tim couldn't tell if his little pep talk worked or not, but at least he wasn't being shoved out of the room.
'You're you.' The words echoed in Superboy's mind. No one's ever said that to him before. But then again, when does he go around pouring his feelings. Hardly ever.
Conner stood up. "I need a shower." Was all he said before bashfully walking out of the gym.
"Well I expected as much." Tim crossed his leg over his knee, dropping his chin on his palm. "But wow, I didn't expect him to have insecurities. He seems so aggressive and assertive all the time." He pondered out loud when Conner was clearly out of the room. "I should get back to the computer lab too."
Jason and Bruce were sparring again and the teen finally found an opening, knocking the elder down in the last moment and straddling on top of him in the process. "Yes! I knocked you down! I did it—that means I can patrol now!" Jason practically yelled in his face with triumph. Bruce exuded a displeasing grunt but kept his word. "Well? I wanna hear it." The younger demanded.
"Alright. You can patrol. However, as per the deal, only once per week." Bruce reminded, involuntarily placing his hands on the other's hips to balance him better.
"Dammit you're annoying but I'll take what I can get. I'll prove to you that I can take of myself."
"I see." The elder expressionlessly said. "Now, how long do you plan to pin me down?"
Jason realized he was still sitting on top of the other. "I-I was just getting up—" he rambled, fighting a blush as he climbed off and went to change.
"Don't over do it while you're out." Bruce reminded as he sat up on the floor.
"You don't have to tell me twice. Plus who says I'm just gonna patrol?" the younger sniggered. The billionaire raised a questioning brow at that. "I already have my eyes on this something."
"What exactly is this something?" Bruce's voice was stern now.
"Mmn…" Jason hummed. "Just a case I've been thinking about infiltrating…"
"Jason."
"Ugh, stop thinking that batman voice is going to intimidate me." The smile wiped off Jason's face as he scowled back. 'yes he was still Batman, but Jason was no longer Robin. He would appreciate if the elder stopped that.'
"It's still my rules, while you're in Gotham." Bruce respectfully reminded.
"Whatever."
"So what is this case?" The elder walked on over to him.
"You think you I'll just flat out tell you and run the risk of you meddling?" Jason snickered again arrogantly.
"You make it sound like I'm some child interfering?" Bruce leaned against the computer shelf.
"Well I know you. You're going to search up the case immediately and do your magic, completely trumping over any effort I would put in." Jason elaborated.
"…So you have no intentions of disclosing or consulting with me, hm?"
"You bet~" Bruce continued to stare him down with a sober look. Jason was beginning to feel self-conscious under the gaze and thus excused himself. "Anyways, I'm gonna go shower. Don't worry, you'll get over it big guy." The teen patted the elder's shoulder twice before leaving.
"Hey Dick, great news!" Dick's co-worker stepped over to his office cubicle.
"Hey what's up?" The ravenette looked up from typing on his work computer.
"Me and you were assigned to cover the headlines for the President's arrival in D.C." His co-worker, Sean told. Sean was the chill kind of guy, yet equally ambitious about his career.
"Seriously?" Dick didn't care as much, but it sounded like fun—and more work. He already had some publishing deadlines to meet, but at least he wasn't alone on this report regarding the president.
"Yeah, we'll fly out the night before, book a hotel room and then fly back the next day." Sean told.
"Okay, sounds good. Let's look over flights during the break." Dick smiled back. He'll be gone for one night, hopefully Jason won't do something stupid. Tim was already living with the Titans so it'd only be Bruce and Jay at the manor—along with Alfred of course.
Meanwhile Wally also received a call from the Justice League informing him that the League was in charge of ensuring the President's safety as she was inaugurated into the White House for the first time.
"Okay, sure I'll be there. Maybe we can also have some fun later~ I know they throw a lot of parties there."
"Sounds great but focus Flash." Superman reminded.
The day of the inauguration, half of the Justice League was outside waiting for the President's limo at the White house. The other half was with the President escorting her to the White House.
There were crowds of people outside at a safe distance, barricaded by guards and standing outside the streets of the White House. Wally was bored of just standing near the doors so he encircled the property once, or a few times…he lost count with the number of times he zoomed past the back and front yard.
At one point he noticed an old grandma cross the street, a block away from the crowd. With all the cars passing and quick signs changing, the old lady was struggling to find the right time to cross at her slow speed. The redhead sprinted to her in a heartbeat.
"Excuse me! Allow me to help~" Wally grinned like the good Samaritan he was.
"Oh how generous of you young man." The old lady mouthed in appreciation. Wally helped her cross the entire street. "Thank you so much. I hope you have a nice day."
"This is nothing, my pleasure ma'am! Enjoy your day as well and be safe~" Wally waved cheerfully until he phone buzzed. "Hello~?"
"Where the hell did you run off to? I swear you're such a slacker. They'll be arriving any moment." Hal, the Green Lantern scolded from the other line.
"Geez~ can you not get your panties in a twist? I was just helping an old lady cross the street—wait, who's the slacker?!"
Dick halted in his footsteps, a camera in his hand and a messenger bag strapped over his shoulder. 'Wait, did I just hear Wally? It had to be. Wally's voice was unmistakable after all.' Dick and Sean were walking towards the White House as well, to join the herds of people that stood outside. Sean was steps ahead of him while he swung his head to find the voice coming from someone in a hero costume. He must have been staring for a good minute because the other sensed a gaze on him and locked eyes back. They made eye contact for hardly three seconds before Wally turned away in distraught.
'What is Dick doing over here?! Wait was I too obvious just now?' the redhead fretted. 'Nah, I'm dressed up, it should be fine. There's no way he'll—'
"Wally?" Dick mouthed from behind him. Flash jolted once and looked back at him. This give the ravenette another chance to study the hero. Even though the hero was wearing a mask, the eyes were cut out and Wally's emerald green eyes were standing out like they always did. Additionally, the red hair was uncanny. He couldn't miss it. "Wally? Is that you?"
"Er, sorry? Can I help you?" Wally closed his eyes and forced a smile, also attempting to change the cadence of his voice.
Dick impulsively frowned, offended. "Who are you trying to fool? I know it's you!"
"Urgh…" 'There was no changing Dick's mind once he was certain…and if there was, he was never good at it.'
"What are you doing here? Why are you dressed like that?" The ravenette studied him up and down once with a confused look.
'No hiding it anymore…' "Uh haha…hey…cosplaying?" Wally still tried to play it off. Dick would kill him for keeping such a huge secret from him, all this time.
To Be continued…
Lol, Wally is so busted. Or is he? Maybe he can play it off. Sorry for the cliffy again
Anyways, thanks for reading and following and for the patience. Sorry again for the long wait.