Title – There is Beauty in a Breakdown
Disclaimer – I don't own anything of Batman, DC Comics or Teen Titans.
Summary – This story is completely Alternate Universe. Jason is alive and the ages are a bit different. Bruce Wayne is taking care of all three sons, Dick, Jason, and Tim but their lives start to shift when Tim falls for a certain Superboy.
Rating – T, soon rated M
Author's Note – I've never written a slash before… so this should be interesting, but I just can't help but see how much these two were meant for each other! So here I go and try.
Ages:
Bruce: 33
Dick: 21
Jason: 18
Tim: 15
X X X X X X X X X X
Minds are like parachutes. They only function when they are open.
Sir James Dewar, Scientist (1877-1925)
It was always mornings like this that gave Timothy Drake something to look up too. Usually his bones felt rigid and his muscles felt sore and bruised, but today, he felt well rested and … happy.
Tim was usually a somber kid; he kept to himself and did things his way but did as he was told. He was happy to an extent; he was taken in and given a home with a loving butler, guardian and brothers. He learned to except that his father was dead, but in his death he left behind for Tim a second life. A life with a family. Before his father died it had just been him and his dad, but now he had a real family and he was thankful and happy for that every day. But that still didn't stop the pain from entering his mind every once in awhile.
He was especially grateful that it was Bruce Wayne who decided to take him in. He's known the whole family since he could remember always being baby sat at Wayne Manor and always playing with Jason and Dick. He was comfortable with them and was happy to know he wouldn't be staying with Dana. Needless to say Tim was happy with his new family and again it was hard to stay depressed when he had such great friends.
And he especially did not feel bad on mornings like this when the sun was shinning bright and the birds were chirping cheerfully. He turned his head and stretched his sleeping muscles.
A smile tugged at his lips when he faced the couch in his room, there sprawled out on it was his best friend, Conner Kent, Superboy.
It was weird in a way at how close the two were. He wouldn't go as far to say that they were bisexual but they did have a strong connection. They shared rooms, beds, and even showers together but never had they had any sexual or romantic connections before. But sometimes Tim had to wonder, was Kon bisexual?
Sure he was girl crazy and loved them and even had his share of girlfriends, but sometimes he felt like Kon just didn't care who he had sex with, so long as the participant was willing.
And at this moment in time Tim had to wonder… where did he stand? Because at this very moment the way Kon splayed himself out on the couch snoring lightly with his mouth spread slightly and his lean arms scratching his strong chest every once in awhile got Tim's blood running. Since when did he start finding his best friend attractive?
As he surveyed his friend he noticed just how strong he was, his muscles on his arms were protruding and sculpted perfect. He's seen his chest and knew how strong that was, he was strong himself, but when you are a copy of the man of steel it's hard to stay normal looking.
He blushed furiously when he had an image of Kon's strong legs wrapped around his waist… and since when did he start day dreaming about his best friend?
Although, he never really thought about how handsome men looked either. Well he still didn't. Sure, Bruce, Dick, and even Jason were good looking men, but that didn't mean he was going to stop and stare ogling at their muscles and day dream about their good looks. So that's why he found it weird that he was actually surveying Kon's face and thinking his dark hair and smooth face was very, very attractive. Sometimes he would even have that goatee, but only sometimes. And god how right now that looked so gorgeous…
His eyes widened when he realized that yes, Timothy Drake Wayne has gotten an erection from thinking about his friend.
He quickly got up and grabbed some clothes and headed for the shower. It had to be the early morning, it had to be, or maybe he got hit with some of Poison Ivy's sex pollen that he wasn't aware of. That's happened before, when it was he, Bart, and Kon out on a mission all three got hit by the sex pollen. They were so horny for each other it hurt, bad. They had huge engorged erections that wouldn't go away with a simple jerking off. No, every time they beat off it got a darker color from the abuse and it was so sensitive that one touch could send sparks of pain through the lower back. Finally they were given the antidote from Nightwing, but that didn't stop him from making fun of them. He gave them kudos though, because the last few times he was hit by the infamous pollen he hadn't been able to control himself.
Man that had been one mission they never talked about again. That was about the only time he thought his two friends were the sexiest pieces of ass in the world. God, how he wanted to ram his cock into their mouth's until he exploded. But that was just the sex pollen talking.
Because as good looking as the boys were, Tim just wasn't into men. What happened right now was just a fluke, he woke up from an erotic dream and saw Kon laying there, it was natural for a teenager to get an erection in the morning, completely normal.
Once his shower was done he came out of the bathroom freshly bathed and refreshed, Kon wasn't sleeping anymore, in fact he wasn't in the room at all. He threw his towel in the laundry basket and walked out of his room towards the kitchen where he was sure everyone was.
"Quit being such a dick, Dick!" Tim's older brother, Jason, whined.
Dick just laughed and then, "Oh that's original! You're such a noob Jays!"
"Gentlemen please, we have guests, be polite in front of them." Alfred scolded.
"What guest Alfred? He's just a free loader!"
"Shut up I am not… I only come here for special occasions… Bat's hates me." He muttered.
Tim walked around the corner in that moment making his appearance known.
"Hey Tim!" Dick greeted taking a bite of his toast, happy for the interruption. Out of everyone, he knew how much Batman hated Metas. It was strange why he despised Superman so much, but whatever reason he always got to be so mean when he found out a meta was in his town without letting him know first. Sometimes it got a little irritating and quite childish.
"Good morning Master Timothy, would you like some orange juice?" Alfred asked setting out a plate of breakfast and some juice for him anyways.
"Thanks Alfred," Tim said sitting down next to Kon, and gulped his orange juice down.
For some reason Kon was staring at him, only discreetly, but growing up with a paranoid Bat made you paranoid yourself, so Tim noticed. Could he possibly know what Tim was thinking this morning? Is his powers mutating and he could now read thoughts?
"Well I'm heading out to class now, my professor is giving us a huge mid term and if I am not there to get a seat, it's on the floor again." Dick grumbled something about cheap colleges and swung his back pack over his shoulders, "You coming Jays I'll give you a ride."
"Why the hell do I want to ride with you when I got my own car?" Jason rolled his eyes and took a bite out of his toast.
"Because I used up all of your gas with out filling up, forgot, so come on I'll give you a ride."
"Jack ass!"
"Master Jason, please watch your mouth!" Alfred scolded as the two older college boys left for school.
Dick was going to college for the police academy much to Bruce's arguments. Dick says that he just doesn't want to help people at night, but during the day too. Commissioner Gorgon is even helping him along and Dick couldn't be happier so finally Bruce grudgingly approved. Jason didn't want to do much of anything, but Bruce said if he promised to get his degrees in college, he will give him shares in the company and even let him work down with Luscious Fox. Jason was excited about the idea and agreed immediately.
Tim couldn't wait to get out of high school and start college, he already had his mind set on criminalistics and forensics. Just like what he is doing now, only during the day it's restricted on what he can do. At least, like Dick, during the day he can do what he does at night.
"Yo! Boy Wonder, you still in there?"
"huh?" Superboy was waving his hand in front of his face frantically, and all he could think about was Bart and how impatient he is. He smirked and slid off of the breakfast bar and put their dishes in the sink and began walking towards the living room. He knew Kon would follow him.
"So what is eating you?" Kon asked plopping down on the sofa next to his partner in crime.
"You can tell?" Tim grumbled flipping through channels.
"Of course, whatever it is, it's been eating you since last night."
Tim Sighed and dropped the remote after hitting mute, "It's Steph. She's been acting weird, Dick told me not to worry but… she's been distant."
"What do you think it means?"
"I really hope nothing. I love Steph, I mean after everything we have been through, with the baby and all it drew us closer. I trust her, she trusts me, I'm not exactly head over heels for her, but she is someone I consider close and I love what we have together. If she were to break it off…"
"Is she … your best friend?" He seemed hesitant, so Tim turned to face him and found him frowning.
"Yes. She is my best friend." He said watching Kon's eyes closely, and just as expected a wave of hurt flashed over his eyes but it was gone just as quickly as it came.
"They say the best relationships are with your best friend." He said quietly.
"Yeah, but she's my best girl, you're my best buddy friend." Tim laughed and punched him lightly.
Kon laughed with him, cheering up but still, what had Tim said that made Kon upset in those brief moments? Was it because he wanted to be his best friend? If that was so, then he already is, Kon has seen him when he collapsed and shattered, he was there to pick him back up again and he was even the first one to see him without his mask on. He simply picked up the mask from where it was singed off and handed it to his boy wonder smiling softly, "Bruce Wayne's spoiled Ward huh? Here, you dropped this Boy Wonder."
Everyone else had freaked out when he came out and finally told them who he really was, but not Kon. Kon was simply happy to know the real Robin; the boy behind the mask. It wasn't always easy, being friends with a Bat but Kon made it easy, he made Tim be Tim and didn't ever worry about what mood change Tim could be in today, because that never mattered to him, all that did was that Tim was always his best friend.
The two were pretty close, but then came someone very special, Bart Allen, Kid Flash but now known as Impulse. He was just a kid then and quiet annoying, too hyper for his own good but now that he is maturing and growing his hyper active self was becoming a staple. It was odd and weird without Bart buzzing around the tower and eating everything in sight.
Sure they had other people on the team, but Bart and Kon would always hold a special place for the Boy Wonder. They were right there with Stephanie, Bruce, Dick, Alfred, and Barbara.
"So how does it feel to be turning sixteen?"
"Like any other birthday, feels like I am getting old. Although, now I can drive legally, so I'm pretty excited about that. I've been driving my Baby Red Bird since I was ten, so it will feel good to actually drive a car in the day light without getting pulled over for underage driving."
Kon laughed and placed his legs up on the coffee table watching the TV screen with no words coming out. The main character in the TV show was killing a nurse…. Oh the show was Dexter. Tim loved that show, it was a bout a man who just doesn't know why, but he kills people, but not just any people, bad people, people that murder others. It was pretty interesting; he'd watch it on occasions with him up at the Tower.
"I'm only four and I look like I am eighteen!" Kon laughed dodging a pillow.
"Well when I am eighteen you will look like you are thirty."
"Come on, let's stop worrying about ageing and go find Alfred and help him with decorating your party."
"Decorating? I don't want decorations; I don't even want a party." Tim Pouted.
"Well they come with the party package, so let's go help." Kon said starting to fly upwards but remember he wasn't aloud to use any of his powers while in Gotham City, that was the only way he could stay and visit.
X X X X X X X X X X
"Yes I realize that your partnership in this project will help boost Wayne Enterprises… but I can not let you in on our project, your company has too many environmental issues and I will not tolerate that." Bruce Wayne calmly spoke through the telephone receiver as he sat at his desk filling out new project ideas and gave his consent.
"No Mr. Daggot, I find it highly improbable that you can clean up your company in just two days. I'm sorry this is adjourned, until I see improvements on the Environmental lists then I will not bargain a partnership with you."
Bruce sighed as he hung up the phone. That guy was always trying to get into a partnership with him, but learning the hard way he had to stay away from companies that were hazardous to the environment. He fought crime at night so why couldn't he be good during the day also?
"Mr. Wayne," Cindy, the secretary called out softly on the small intercom on his desk, "Mr. Kent is here to see you."
Bruce frowned, what does he want in Gotham? "Send him in Cindy."
Not a minute later Clark Kent walked through the double doors and took a seat across from Bruce. The brunette still has not acknowledged the bespectacled man.
"Have you heard the news lately Bruce?"
"Of how you don't call to let me know you are coming to Gotham?" Clark was used to his snide remarks, the man was always bitter about something. It was just easier to be pleasant with the ill tempered man.
"I had to come in person, too risky over the phone; Matt Hagen escaped from Arkham penitentiary. Last we heard he was too weak to even stand up on his own. From the reports this morning at four AM he was able to manipulate the water molecules in his holding tank and used that to his advantage to escape through the oxygen lines."
"He was in a holding cell here in Gotham, why would this concern you Clark?" Bruce calmly placed his hands down on the desk and surveyed the man in front of him.
"Lois and I are here as the reporters, we were asked to help out since the Gotham reporters are busy with the Joker case that happened a week ago."
"The Joker was out back in Arkham last week…"
"Doesn't mean the reporters stop."
"Well thank you Clark, I will let the boys know when I get home." Bruce stood up and began packing his suitcase ready to leave for the day when Clark stood up also and walked around the desk to stand in front of the smaller man, "Yes?"
"Timothy is turning sixteen tomorrow, Lois and I have booked a hotel out here, we are still invited yes?"
For a moment he looked ready to snap but of course years of training had proved otherwise, "Of course, just don't do your night job here in my town." Bruce picked up his suitcase and began walking away but of course the krypton alien was faster and sped in front of Bruce.
"You're not aloud to use that here." Bruce used his Batman voice, low and menacing.
"I just wanted to know how the boys were doing is all Bruce, no need to get hostile." It was always like this, a gamble on how Bruce would react to unannounced visits. He wondered how Kon did it, that boy was constantly flying over here to visit Tim.
"They are fine. Now I am late, if you will excuse me." Bruce spoke tersely and moved swiftly around the taller man.
Clark stood there for a moment watching his Justice League partner walk away in confusion and realized that he was going home… he couldn't be late going home… especially since he was leaving the office an hour early.
The brunette secretary watched as her boss strode past her and out the office doors heading towards the elevators without so much as a goodbye. She frowned and stood up, smiling sadly at Clark, "I'm sorry Mr. Kent, may I show you off?"
"No that is alright, I am friends with Bruce; he is just a bit irritated with me. I will se myself off, thank you."
She smiled showing off her pearly whites, "Yes Mr. Wayne can be difficult to read at times."
Clark nodded and gave her a flashy smile as he headed towards the elevator. You just can't change a stubborn Bat…
X X X X X X X X X X
"Clayface got out?" Dick asked with his mouth full of potatoes.
"Master Richard!" Alfred scolded as he set a bowl of corn down on the table in front of the family.
"Sorry Alfred, when you don't eat with us I loose my manners…" Dick said shyly and smiled at the old butler. He frowned and walked away.
"How is it always you that gets out of trouble around Alfred?" Jason pouted.
"Because I've been grounded more times then both of you put together that's why."
"That's not something to be proud of Dick, and why are you shoveling your food so fast you're going to choke… and then die because nobody will help you." Tim spoke after he swallowed his bread.
"Maybe he has a hot date tonight." Kon teased cutting his meat into pieces with his telekinesis. He had to be careful so Bruce didn't catch him. It was subtle, but Bruce still hated any kind of powers in his home.
"No doks, I eatin' fost so when Bruce gets in, we con cotch Cloyface for Tim's birthday." Dick's mouth was so full they could barely understand him, but Tim got the gist of it.
"How sweet thanks Dick."
"Pft, what kind of older brother does that?" Jason smirked into his chicken.
"Hello guys, has Alfred told you the news?" Bruce said softly as he strode into the dinning room and took his normal seat at the top of the table.
"About Mudface breaking out of Arkham again?"
"Yes Jason; Kon you are welcome to come along."
Everyone including Kon looked up in surprise, no way The Bat must have just got laid! He never said things like that. It wasn't until a year ago Bruce barely started tolerating Superboy but even started calling him by his name. He still would never allow Kon to go on missions with them though and tonight… well hell this was just weird.
After Kon's nod Bruce began eating and after swallowing he spoke, "Then it's settled, Jason, Dick you guys take downtown part of Gotham, Jason knows those streets well. I will take the industry part of Gotham and Tim, Kon, you guys take the Docks and shipyards."
They all nodded, finished eating dinner and headed down to the Batcave to suit up, like always Kon wore his black Superman T shirt underneath.
"Nightflash do you read me?" a defined feminine voice came over all of their ear pieces.
Nightwing sighed, "Yes Oracle I read you…"
"Alright just checking, I am a little surprised at you Batman, allowing Superboy along for the ride… did you get lucky or something?"
Tim and Jason smiled, just like Barbara, since she was shot and paralyzed she lost her ability to walk therefore, no more Batgirl. But she found a new way to help the Bat Family. She became Oracle, during missions she would be at her computer and watch them through the secret cameras around Gotham City, but not only watch them, but converse with them. They all had ear pieces that aloud them to talk with each other and Oracle.
She had the opportunity to communicate with just one persona at a time, but like always she loved embarrassing Nightwing in front of Batman. But just as she loved embarrassing him, he loved embarrassing her.
"Hey Oracle, when are you going to pick of those panties you left in my room?"
"Dick!" She shrieked and it was obvious she had a blush spreading across her cheeks. But it got her to quiet down for the time being.
"Come on you two we have to catch Clayface tonight, Oracle any leads?"
"None."
"Then let's go." Batman jumped into the Batmobile and revved the engine up waiting for the rest to get going.
Nightwing hopped on his black and blue motorcycle and took off, followed by Red X who was already on his black and red motorcycle.
Tim looked at Kon, seeing if he needed a ride, but he just floated up and began flying to the exit. Robin revved up and took off after his friend, finally Batman followed pursuit.
He felt a little bad for acting so rude to Clark today, so to make up for it he was allowing Superboy to use his powers and even help with finding Clayface. But as he watched his youngest son drive away being tailed after Superboy he was starting to regret his actions…
X X X X X X X X X X
"You know, you'd think with this heavy matted armor one would think he'd be warm wearing this outfit… but no it's fucking freezing." Tim complained sitting crouched up on a small shack overlooking the ship yard and docks. The sound of the water next to them was raging from the icy wind blowing across their cheeks.
Kon smirked as he looked over at his friend, "I don't really feel the cold, I feel it, but it doesn't affect me… if that makes sense."
"Nothing makes sense about you Kon, I mean you get shot and you don't feel it… what sense is that?"
"A lot."
"pft…" He leaned back and cupped his hands, blowing his hot breath into them when he saw some movement below, "Kon…" He whispered, letting his hands go and crouching even lower to get a good view.
"I see it." Kon answered getting as low as Tim.
It was a giant mud puddle that seeped out of the sewer and onto the streets forming into Clayface.
"That's our guy." Robin tapped on his communicator, "Oracle do you read? It's Robin, do you read?"
"Hear you loud and clear Baby Bird what's the issue?"
"Clayface spotted here on the north side docks of Gotham bordering Bludhaven."
"Roger, I'll let the others know, requesting back up, don't do anything rash Boy Wonder, Oracle out."
"Don't do anything rash she says…" Robin smirked and pulled out his bo staff, "Thinking what I am thinking?"
"I'm always thinking what you are thinking Rob." Superboy smiled and hopped down from the small building floating towards their guy while Robin jumped down and landed gracefully behind Clayface. The minute he was steady he sprang into action, he leaped up and over Clayface but making sure to clip him on the side of the head.
Of course since the man was made out of mud it made things mushy and difficult. Clayface roared out in rage and charged towards the smallest of the Robin's. Before the collide could happen Superboy swung down and grabbed Robin's wrists flinging him up and away from the charging mud man.
"Robin, The rest of the Bat's are on their way, hold tight on that roof top." Oracle's voice was slightly heard over the loud roar emitting from Clayface's mouth.
"That's great…. Uhh!" He shouted as he propelled off of Superboy's arms and back onto the ground, "But I am a little busy here! Haaaaa!" He flared out his bo staff and charged.
"What? Robin, you are supposed to stay on the roof, we don't know what Clayface is capable of right now. ROBIN! Do you read me? Robin!!"
But Robin's communicator was smashed against his ear when a trash can slammed into him.
"Robin? Robin!!" Oracle switched sides on her computer and began typing away trying desperately to find cameras around that area. She located them and cringed when all she could see was rustling bodies and someone occasionally jumping away only to fly back to Clayface.
"Damn you Tim, you never mind waiting for help… why now?" She began typing away to get back to the communicators.
"Batman, Rex X, Nightwing, do you all read me?"
"Loud and clear."
"What's up red?"
"What's wrong?"
Oracle would have laughed at the three responses if a certain baby bird wasn't in any possible danger. Granted Superboy was there, but it still didn't worry her to know that their least experienced fighter was out there fighting an unknown chemical enhanced Clayface.
"Our baby bird Tim and his Superboy friend decided to take on Clayface without waiting for you three."
"Shit! Why the hell is Timmy trying to take on Clayface? Even with Superboy, he should still wait and normally he's too good at being careful that it's annoying… why now?" Dick's voice blew hard into his communicator as he flew across rooftops and working up his stamina.
Nobody answered him but they did try even harder to get to the north side of Gotham Docks. Their lungs were burning from the cold air, their ribs felt like they were being ripped open from the stitch on their sides and their hearts felt anxiousness as they rounded up on a corner, finally they had made it. The smell of salty sea water was the first sign, second was Superboy flying up and over into a wall obviously thrown into the retainer wall. Robin, their baby bird was running after Clayface… he was chasing somebody.
"Leave her alone!" He shrieked and threw a birdarang straight through Clayface's head. It didn't get very far and sunk straight out.
Nightwing and Red X jumped down and began pelting their freezing pellets ready to freeze the bastard. Once his legs were frozen Robin sprung forth and kicked the stubby legs until they cracked and broke. Superboy went flying fist first towards the clay man once he was completely frozen from the nitrogen pellets. But Nightwing and Jason weren't fast enough. Clayface broke free from his broken legs and turned to mush straight into the sewer. Batman flipped forth from the top ledge and swung himself deep into the sewers chasing after him.
"You two stay with Tim, I'll track down Clayface." Was all he said into the communicator before he switched it off.
"Robin?" Superboy asked quietly studying the mess around them all. Nightwing and Red X were breathing hard and looking around also, pieces of Clayface were on the ground surrounding them.
What caught their attention was their little brother crouched on the ground cuddling something…purple.
"shit!" Jason shouted and ran forth, "Is she alright? What happened?" He asked crouching down and looking into the face of their sometimes fellow partner vigilante, Spoiler.
"I think she is fine, just a nasty bump to the head, nothing a good dose of advil and sleep won't cure." Tim whispered wiping some blood off of her lip.
"I'll carry her home Rob, you take the red bird and I will meet you at the batcave." Kon said crouching down to take Stephanie into his arms.
"He is too injured to keep on fighting right now, we will have to wait for an opportune moment to strike." Batman said climbing back out of the sewers startling everyone.
"Jesus, scare us half to death…" Jason mumbled.
"What happened?" Bruce asked looking towards Stephanie.
"She was trying to distract him from slicing me in half, but he was too quick for her and smacked her hard with a sledge hammer made from his mud."
"Speaking of which, we talk about this later." He swung around heading back towards the batmobile signaling end of conversation.
"I hate when he does that…" Tim muttered. He knew he was busted for jumping out into action like that, really he didn't know what came over him, it was like he had to impress someone… but Kon was the only one there.
Tim looked over at Kon and frowned, he couldn't be trying to impress him… was he?
"Yo Boy Wonder get your head out of your butt, let's get home!" Dick shouted from behind him.
Hell he was thinking too much.
Second chapter up! Sorry it took so long, I've been busy with school and work…. And I still never caught up on my math homework… :S anyways please review, because after all, a happy writer is a fast writer. and reviews make me happy! :D