Author's Note: If you're a TimKon shipper, this chapter is for you. If not, you can skip it or just read it anyway.
Chapter 4:
Key Character: Connor (Kon) Kent
It was almost midnight in Gotham. The moon was full, it's glow glistening over the city. Tonight was one of those rare nights in this gloomy city, where not one cloud tainted the clearness of the sky. This is the type of night when it was common for citizens to relax outdoors, whether from a balcony or an open park, in order to gaze their eyes up above.
Not Tim Drake, however. Despite the Wayne Manor having one of the best settings, where one can see the moon shine over Gotham's skyline, Tim remained in his bedroom. His blankets snuggled half his body, while the curtains remained open so the moon's rays can shimmer in. It added a beautiful lighting into his bedroom, but it was still dark enough for him to settle into bed.
Bruce and Damian were out doing whatever, while Dick and Jason were somewhere doing whatever it is they do. Dick and Jason have been contacting him separately to meet up, but of course he wasn't in the mood. If he never brought up his feelings, they probably would have never noticed. It was irritating to know that the only reason Dick and Jason started to care was because he brought it up, particularly in a negative way.
"I'm all good Dick, please, let me go to bed." That was the last text he sent to his oldest brother.
"Damn it Jason! Just leave me alone! I don't need your help!" Those were the last words he said to Jason right before hanging up on him. He will admit, that was a little bit too much. It was somewhat easier to be rude to him now, but unfortunately, Tim was not in the mood to care.
It was ironic actually. Usually, venting is good because people get to unleash bottled-up emotions out from inside them. And yet, Tim still feels really low. Did he needed more venting? Should he have gone out tonight? Should he at least talk with his brothers? Doesn't matter now though. He already declined the offers, and plus bed right now was comfortable anyway.
Once he turned his face towards the wall, he saw something that surprised him. It was a shadowy figure that resembled a man. Turning around to see where that shadow came from, Tim was surprised to see who it was.
Kon-el.
Also known as Connor Kent, but Tim always preferred 'Kon.'
That's who he was, Kon.
There he was, hovering outside in mid-air and smiling from behind the glass with the moon shining behind him. Tim felt his heart jump. He wasn't expecting a surprise, especially from his ex in such a nice setting.
Tim walked out of bed and opened the windows. Despite his heart beating, it was great to see him again. "Hey… Kon."
"Hey Tim. Can I come in?"
"Uh… yeah. Sure."
Kon hovered in and landed on his feet. He took a glance around the room, the room he hasn't been in for quite awhile. The place where he and Tim would spend much time together. It sure wasn't one of the cleanest rooms, but it sure was a Tim Drake room.
"Ever thought about cleaning this place yet Tim?" Kon addressed with a smirk on his face.
"Haha, really funny," Tim answered sarcastically, but with a smile on his face as well. He missed hearing his voice. "So what brought you here today?"
"Oh you know," Kon answered without trying to sound awkward, "Just wanted to say hi and see what's up. And come on, talking with me seems much better than sleeping in on this rare beautiful night, eh? Just wanted to save you from the boredom."
"So you came up here through my window to save me? Way to make me feel like Rapunzel, Kon."
They both chuckled.
"Well at least you don't have to let down your long hair."
"True true. I don't need my hair yanked in order for you to climb up in here."
They both giggled even more. It felt great to hit it off on a friendly note. Even after the break-up, Tim and Kon were able to maintain a sense of professionalism. After all, they were best friends to start with, and despite the fact that the break-up may have had a hidden impact within each of them, they weren't going to lose the friendship they had.
"So how are you Kon?" Tim asked curiously.
"I'm doing well," Kon replied, "Things are going well in Metropolis. Clark is training me a lot."
"That's awesome," Tim said as he walked over and sat on his bed, "Clark is giving you the attention you deserve. That's great for you."
Suddenly, Kon noticed a solemn look on his face. "Everything alright?"
"What? Oh yeah, everything's going great here too."
Kon walked over and sat next to Tim. He knew Tim better than that, and he didn't have to see through him to prove it. "Tim…"
Tim sighed, "Fine… Not really."
Instantly, Kon was worried. "What's wrong?"
"It's not that big of a deal, honestly."
"Come on, tell me."
No matter how big or small the situation was, Kon never liked seeing Tim sad.
"Alright," Tim murmured, "It's just that… I feel left out. I live in a family filled with heroes, and I'm that one pointless one."
Kon was surprised, "What? You were never 'pointless' Tim."
"Tell that to Bruce," Tim pointed out, "He's constantly around Damian and Dick, not to mention still grieving for Jason. Me? Not really, I'm just kicked to the side."
"That's not true Tim."
Tim sighed again, "Thanks for believing that Kon, but honestly, how would you even know?"
"I remember seeing you and Batman working together a lot," Kon explained, "He trusted you, which is why he let you go out and form the Teen Titans, and look what happened. We were a successful team. We fought lots of crime, and it was thanks to your guidance. Bruce knows that."
Tim admired Kon's positive explanation, but unfortunately, it wasn't relevant today. "Thanks Kon, but that was the past."
"So? If he knows that then, he knows that now. He's probably busy trying to connect with Damian, especially since he's his biological son."
Though Kon had a point, Tim still thought it wasn't a good enough reason. "Look, I know Damian can be a hassle to start with, and I'm glad Bruce was able to build a relationship with him, but how is it fair that I become forgotten?"
"Come on Tim, don't believe that. Damian was tough to start with, but Bruce was determined to get him to change. That's probably why he didn't have that much time to be with you because he was trying to get into Damian's thick skull."
"I get that, Kon," Tim replied, "That was acceptable, but you should see them now. Yes, Damian did change a lot, but now only him and Bruce go out together. Not to mention Dick is often invited to their missions or patrols."
Kon had no response. All he did was look at Tim while he spoke.
"Ever since I came home after the Titans disbanded, that's how it was like here," Tim continued, "Bruce, Dick, and Damian. Also, Bruce wants Jason with them too, yet he seems to forget that I'm right here. I'm right here, when Jason was not. I'm just as much as a partner, a son, to him too. But no! He would even want Damian or Jason around, but not me."
"Maybe cause you never needed 'fixing,' unlike those two," Kon claimed as he placed his hand on Tim's knee, "Bruce wanted to fix his sons, and he needs to do it by getting close to them. You never needed 'fixing,' Tim."
Tim stayed silent for a few seconds as Kon gently rubbed his back. Maybe Kon did have a point, but it still doesn't excuse the fact that he is often excluded.
"I know that I didn't come from difficult beginnings or traumatic events the way Dick, Jason, or Damian had, but I still don't see why that gives them special treatment."
"If you feel this neglected Tim, maybe you should talk with Bruce."
"No way," Tim affirmed, "I don't need to beg for attention. I shouldn't have to."
"Well do you want me to mention it to Bruce? I don't have to bring up your name."
"What?" Tim reacted as if it was the most ridiculous thing ever, "Kon, don't! Trust me, we don't have to mention this to Bruce."
"Well how are you going to feel any better then?" Kon questioned worryingly.
"I guess…. I guess I'll just get over it. It happened for awhile now, so I'll get over it eventually."
"Tim," Kon spoke calmly as he softly grabbed his hand, "I'm worried. Dick's worried. We just want to make sure you're okay."
Dick?
"Huh, so Dick told you, didn't he?" Tim questioned.
All of a sudden, Kon felt like he screwed up. Maybe he shouldn't have mentioned Dick, but regardless, it was true. Tim needed to know that Kon was not the only one who was worried.
"He- He said you seemed off."
"So that's why you came then?" Tim questioned in an annoyed tone, "Because Dick told you too?"
"What?" Kon was slightly offended, "I came because I wanted to see if you're okay, not because of Dick."
"Well you guys can just let it go. Seriously, this is starting to get annoying. I'm fine."
"You sure about that?" Kon asked specifically, "Cause that's not what I'm seeing."
"Well I will be. Kon, please, let it go. Please."
"I just want to make sure you're okay Tim! I don't want to let it go."
"Well you let me go before, you can do it again."
And silence fell upon the room.
Kon let go of Tim's hand, and Tim wasn't going to lie, his hand felt colder.
Moreover, Kon looked hurt.
It was sort of ironic, because Tim hated seeing Kon hurt just as much as Kon hated seeing him the same way. The worst part is, the pain was inflicted by him.
"I'm sorry Kon," Tim confessed, "I shouldn't have said that."
"I don't have to look into your heartbeat to know you're not 'fine' Tim," Kon addressed, "And I don't have to be Martian Manhunter to know that you're mad at me too."
That was true. Kon was always good at reading him.
As a matter of fact, he did hold a resentment towards Kon. If he and Kon were still together, he would have been happier. Being neglected by his family did hurt, but if Kon was there, he would have made it better. He wouldn't have been alone.
But Kon wasn't there, and Tim had no shoulder to lean on.
"Talk to me Tim," Kon pleaded.
"I just wish you would have tried," Tim stated softly, "I know we were busy. I know we were out saving people on totally different cities, and even different worlds, but I wish you would have tried to maintain our relationship. I would have."
"I'm sorry Tim," Kon replied as his voice cracked, "But how can you be sure we could have? We were so busy that we don't have time for each other anymore."
That was true. They were not Titans anymore, so they couldn't see each other 24/7. Not to mention Tim stays in the Gotham area, while Kon is with Superman all around the globe and other planets. Maybe it wasn't meant to work out, and that idea pains Tim.
This time, it was Tim who placed his hand on Kon's.
"Kon, please don't worry about me. I'll be fine. Go back to Metropolis."
As soothing as his voice sounded, the words that came out were painful. Kon can tell Tim just wanted him to be happy, to go do his own thing without having to worry over him. Of course, that notion also worked vice versa.
Kon looked at Tim, seeing his watery eyes staring at the ground, lost. Before he could leave, he placed a kiss on his cheek.
"Good luck Tim," Kon told him. It was all he could say.
After he flew out the window, the room felt colder. Not even Tim's blanket can warm him.