Disclaimer: not mine
Bernard does something questionable to Tim to protect Tim that will likely cause a fight when Tim finds out.
Chapter 6
Bernard followed Tim, not wanting to get lost, glad they hadn't flown commercial since they got priority everything. They were soon in their hotel suite and Bernard felt utterly exhausted, Tim smiling at him.
"Yeah, flying is exhausting no matter how nice the plane," Tim offered, leaning in to press a kiss to his cheek. "Jet lag won't help either. I know you want to sleep but the best way to deal is to follow the local time."
And it was currently 11am…while his body thought it was 11pm. Wonderful. "Okay, caffeine?" he asked, and Tim laughed but nodded, going to the small kitchenette to make some coffee. They ended up cuddled on the rather comfy couch with their drinks, the morning sun shining into their suite. "So, what's the plan?"
"I won't be 'working' till tomorrow," Tim answered. "Too risky to go out tired."
Bernard nodded, that made sense and he was relieved that Tim wasn't going to take that risk.
"Since we need to stay up, want to go explore?"
Bernard grinned. "Sounds perfect."
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It was nice to not have to worry about being recognised, to just walk down the street together, exploring the city. He could hold Ber's hand and no one said anything or stared. He was worried about Cass and was keeping an eye out for any signs she might have left for him but so far, he hadn't seen anything. He couldn't help smiling when Bernard would get excited over something, letting him drag him around the city. He loved seeing Ber so happy, he'd been down ever since his parents had cut him off. Not that he blamed him for that, no matter how distant their relationship, they were still his parents. And he included Mr Dowd in that, he had signed the birth certificate, given Bernard his name after all.
B would never cut any of them off, Tim was well aware he slipped money to Jason still. No matter how upset he got with any of them, they were still supported and looked after. If he ever had kids, adopted most likely, he would never abandon them, no matter what they did.
He felt so free just spending the day with Bernard, even if they did have to get more caffeine to stay awake.
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Tim was shifting nervously, glancing at his second bag, and Bernard went to get it, picking it up to carry it over to him.
He then kissed him as he pressed it into his hands. "Go do your thing Red," he murmured against Tim's lips, the closest he'd ever come to acknowledging Tim's secret id.
Tim closed his eyes, leaning against him. "Ber…"
"You look very hot in that get up," he told him, startling a laugh out of his boyfriend which had been his aim.
Tim took the bag and went to the bathroom and Bernard stretched out on the couch. The door opened slightly, Tim hesitating but then he left the bathroom. He was in his suit but with his face bare still, and Bernard let his gaze wander over him in a way he hadn't before since he hadn't been meant to know then.
"That stuff is really skintight, how do you move?" he asked, getting another laugh from Tim, though he was obviously nervous, his face a little red.
Bernard sat up and held his hands out to Tim who walked over, taking his hands. He smiled up at Tim. "You look amazing and you're definitely my favourite hero."
"Pretty sure that's biased," Tim told him, looking flustered. He reached out and brushed his fingers through Bernard's hair. "You going to bed?"
They'd had two days and a night to get over jet lag and had had a lot of fun exploring. He had no plans to stay in, he had a meeting of his own to get to, but he couldn't tell Tim. He knew about the trackers and would be leaving them behind. "I might go out if I get bored or hungry. Should I leave the medkit out?"
Thankfully, Tim shook his head. "Shouldn't be getting into any fights tonight, just gathering intel."
"Stay safe, this isn't Gotham, you don't have backup here." He wanted to shadow him but he had to present himself to the local leadership, he was pushing it already. And he wasn't used to rooftop travel, might give himself away.
"I will," Tim promised, and Bernard stood again, hugging him.
He watched as Tim pulled his cowl up, settling it into place. "How does that thing make you look a good five years older?"
"By covering most of my skin. You…you really."
"I knew," Bernard finished for him. "Suspected from the Chaos Monster," he admitted, telling a half truth. "It took a while, but the cancelled dates, the injuries…it all added up."
"Why didn't you say anything?" Tim asked, confused.
"Wasn't my secret. I figured you'd tell me if and when you felt ready, you were going to that day in your apartment but you were so scared."
"There were a few times I thought you might know, but you never said anything. I wanted to tell you but…I was scared, that maybe I was wrong and you didn't…that finding out, you'd leave me or something."
"Tim…" he whispered. "I would never leave you over something like this." He moved his hands to rest on armoured shoulders, it felt strange under his hands, nothing like clothing. "You are so brave, going out every night to save people, fighting aliens and gods… I'm so proud of you Tim."
Tim kissed him and Bernard's hands moved over the suit, exploring it, Tim pulling him closer. Tim yanked his cowl off again, staring at him.
"Tim?" he asked softly, seeing something unsure in his expression.
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"I," he paused, licking dry lips. "I love you," he whispered.
He loved Bernard or at least he thought it was love, not like he had many examples of love, but especially the romantic type. But the thought of not having Ber in his life… he wanted to be with him, to just spend time together, to kiss and more and for the first time in a very long time he was actually considering growing old…with Bernard.
Bernard's face lit up, a wide grin on his lips, Tim had never seen him so happy before. "Love you so much," Bernard answered, seemingly unable to stop grinning. "Now get out there and find whatever we're here for. I've suddenly got a lot of energy so I think I'll head out for a while."
"Keep to the well-lit areas and be careful."
"I will," Bernard told him, giving him a last kiss before Tim pulled his cowl up and slipped out of the suite via the balcony, launching his grapple.
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Bernard watched for as long as he could see him before he changed and grabbed what he needed before slipping over the balcony, dropping unseen to the ground. He followed the directions he'd been given, glad they were easy to follow, happy when he wasn't led to a horrible part of town like in Gotham. It was well lit, people out and about, humans, vampires, dhampirs…was that an alien? His heart was racing with excitement which got him a few amused and indulgent looks, others of understanding.
He hesitated outside the building but then took a deep breath and slipped inside where he was soon shown to a room where an older looking woman was waiting for him.
"Welcome Childe," she thankfully greeted him in English. Yes, he could learn languages fairly quickly, but not as quickly as the time from deciding to come to their arrival. "You do look a little stunned."
"I…this is…" he swallowed. "We can really live like this?"
Her expression softened. "Where do you live little one?"
"Gotham," he murmured, seeing her eyes flash even as they widened in alarm.
"How have you survived?"
"By keeping out of the way and my head down, and I can fight. But…I found a warning on my door a while back. My boyfriend…is well, he's really well known. I went to his eighteenth and photos of us were in the paper. Mixed couples are not exactly well liked in Gotham."
"And you can't move since he won't leave the city?" she asked to be sure.
Bernard nodded. "They've threatened him and I don't know what to do."
"What has he said about it?"
Bernard winced slightly. "He doesn't know…about me or any of it."
"That is dangerous," she warned, and he nodded.
"I know, I know I have to tell him, I'm just…scared."
She sighed but nodded. "Leaving America would be for the best or turning him if you can't, as that would lessen the danger to him but there are other things that can be done to help you protect him."
Bernard listened in awe as he learnt more in three hours than he had in his entire life about vampires and half-breeds. Most of what he knew was purely physical and none of the more…mystical aspects, the parts that could help him protect Tim.
He beat Tim back to the hotel, changing into sleep clothes before slipping into bed, dozing until he heard the familiar sound of a grapple gun and a familiar heartbeat. He didn't move till the sliding door opened, sitting up to see Tim slipping inside.
"Did I wake you?" Tim whispered, pulling his cowl off, and Bernard shook his head.
"Wasn't really asleep. Are you hurt?"
"No, not one fight," Tim promised as he approached the bed, leaning down to kiss him, and Bernard smiled into it.
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Tim was frustrated at finding nothing, but it was the first night. He headed in eventually, being as silent as possible but he noticed Bernard sit up as he opened the balcony door, feeling a flash of guilt. "Did I wake you?" he asked quietly even as he pulled his cowl down.
"Wasn't really asleep. Are you hurt?" Bernard asked, sounding concerned.
"No, not one fight," Tim assured him as he walked towards the bed, it felt…strange but also nice to come back and have Bernard there and ready to help him if he was hurt.
He leant down for a kiss, feeling Ber smiling as they kissed. He shivered as Bernard's fingers curled into his hair, shifting so he had a knee on the bed so he wasn't bending uncomfortably. Ber's other hand ran over the chest of his suit and Tim realised he was looking for how to undo it. He hit the release for the bandoliers and then his belt, letting them fall loose, even as he disengaged the security measures designed to keep him from being stripped by others if captured, measures he had increased after the mess with the Daughter of Acheron. Bernard found the hidden zip and pulled it down before pushing the tunic off his shoulders. Tim shifted enough to free his arms, Bernard then tugging off his gloves. Tim pulled Bernard's t-shirt off in return, gently running his hands over cool skin.
It was strange how much more relaxed he felt, letting Bernard gently strip him out of the Red Robin suit and then press him back onto the bed. Usually, getting out of his gear was not a relaxing event, more just something that had to be done. Bernard's fingers gently traced over the edge of his underwear and Tim bit his lip but then lifted his hips a bit, letting Ber pull them off, leaving him totally naked. He tugged Bernard's sleep pants off, finding he was already naked under them. He found his eyes moving down Ber's body, sure, they'd been mostly naked before but they'd never gone that last step.
They kissed and touched for a while and then tentative fingers curled around him, making him gasp.
"Okay?" Bernard asked softly, nibbling at his throat, and Tim nodded, biting back a moan as Bernard's hand began to move.
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Bernard curled around Tim, gently stroking his side as his breathing slowed, blue eyes dazed. He felt rather proud of himself for having made Tim so vocal and unrestrained. He hadn't even seemed to notice the slightly bloody kiss after Bernard had purposely bitten his own tongue, it had been the easiest way to get a little of his blood into Tim. It was the first step in placing a permanent claim on him, to protect him.
Tim yawned softly, cuddling closer, almost asleep, and Bernard gently stroked his hair. He just watched as Tim fell asleep, looking utterly relaxed and peaceful.
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Bruce was relieved when Tim's report came through, he and Bernard were safe at the hotel but he had yet to find any sign of Cass. Bruce was tempted to join them but he doubted that would be appreciated. It was their first trip together. He'd give them some time but if there was still no sign of his daughter, then he'd go.
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"What is it?" Tim picked up the takeaway cup, sniffing at it.
"Not entirely sure, but they're popular." Bernard shrugged slightly, taking a sip of his own. "Huh, kind of…minty?"
Well, Ber hadn't keeled over, so Tim took a sip. Hmm, it was almost kind of fizzy but yes, minty but also slightly bitter. Strange but not bad. He kept sipping at it as he worked on his laptop, eyelids growing heavy, head bobbing sleepily. He finally slumped at the table, breathing deep and even.
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Bernard watched Tim grow sleepier and sleepier until he finally slumped forward, Bernard moving his laptop before he could hit it. He carefully lifted Tim up and carried him to the bedroom, laying him on the bed and then went to open the balcony door. Two vampires and a dhampir entered through the door, each carrying a bag.
"This is your partner?" the male asked to be sure, and Bernard nodded.
"Will he feel anything?" he asked warily.
"Don't worry Childe, he won't feel a thing," the councillor who had welcomed him assured him. She hadn't given her name and he hadn't given his, even here it was safer since he would be returning to Gotham. "You need to strip him to the waist."
Bernard nodded and gently lifted Tim into a sitting position, carefully supporting his head as he pulled his shirt off. It was so strange to have Tim utterly unresponsive, even when exhausted Tim would wake long before he was moved this much. He then gently laid Tim back down, squeezing a lax hand briefly. Then all he could do was watch as they went to work, giving them blood when asked. Symbols were painted over Tim's exposed skin, able to pick out the scent of his own blood and a bunch of herbs, not sure what else was in it and doubting he wanted to know.
There was chanting, the symbols glowed, and then they sank into Tim's skin, making him glow briefly. He could see Tim's eyes flickering behind closed lids, his lips parted, but he didn't react any more than that.
"Is it done?" He asked nervously.
"You gave him blood earlier?" the other dhampir asked, and Bernard nodded.
"Bit my tongue while we were kissing," he explained, fighting down a blush.
"Any mystical attack by another vampire will be diverted to you and will lose power in the diversion. This will not stop physical attacks however," the warned.
Bernard nodded. Any protection was better than nothing.
"Though they will not be able to turn or drain him now, not without harming themselves gravelly. His blood will basically be poison to any but you."
That had been his main fear. The idea of Tim being a vampire was something he was torn over, Tim would be stronger, more durable but…would he still be the Tim that Bernard loved? He'd seen some young vampires before and they were violent, cruel, bloodthirsty…was that just the influence of their Sire? Something about Gotham? A stage they'd grow out of? But Tim's life was dangerous, if he was ever mortally wounded…
"Is there some way to tell if I can turn someone?" he asked as they packed up. In answer, a vial was placed in front of him.
"Fangs please," was the order, and Bernard let them extend, grimacing at the feel of the vial being pressed to his mouth for his saliva.
The vial was then held over the flame of a lighter, being tipped this way and that. And then something was added, the vial turning red.
"You can, so be careful when hunting."
"I've never hunted, though…I bit him once. I had run out of supplies and was so hungry…"
"And being together would make him the most tempting meal," she smiled at him. "The occasional feeding bite should be no risk, it's other bites that are risky."
Bernard nodded in acceptance. "Thank you," he whispered.
Soon they were gone and he got Tim's shirt back on, carrying him back to his chair and opening the vial under his nose to bring him around. Everything was exactly as it had been when Tim fell asleep. Bernard quickly moved to the couch and picked up his book.
"Hmmm," Tim mumbled sleepily.
"Hey sleepy," Bernard called softly, not sure how Tim would wake up. He was out of reach if Tim lashed out instinctively which had happened once or twice, especially when there'd been a bad fight during patrol.
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His body felt so heavy, a fog making his head kind of floaty. A sound came from his throat and then a familiar voice sounded but it was too hard to make out words. Then a familiar hand was guiding him upwards.
"Tim?"
He fought to open his eyes, seeing the blurry figure. He struggled to lift an arm and then he was being pulled to his feet, swaying.
"You're exhausted, you've been pushing too hard."
His head dropped onto a shoulder, eyelids fluttering as he tried to keep his eyes open. He breathed in deeply, he smelled nice.
"Let's get you to bed," Ber's voice sounded so far away and he tried to walk but sleep was dragging him back under.
He was barely aware as he was lowered onto the bed.
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Bernard lay down beside Tim to keep an eye on him as he slept off the potion. His breathing sounded fine so he wasn't too worried that he was having an adverse reaction. Tim must just be susceptible to the ingredients so he'd just sleep it off. Tim had been pushing hard to do whatever he'd come to do, had been missing more and more sleep so it wouldn't be surprising that he crashed.
Tim shifted in his sleep, sprawling over Bernard, and he gently stroked his back under his shirt to help keep him calm. It was almost four in the afternoon when he finally began to stir again. Bernard swallowed as Tim mouthed sleepily at his throat.
"Tim?" he called softly.
"Mmm," he nuzzled at him, and Bernard closed his eyes.
"You've slept all day, Tim; you need to at least drink if not eat something."
"Wha'?" Tim slurred. He moved slowly, pulling back, hazy blue eyes meeting Bernard's and he smiled.
"There you are," he murmured. He reached up and stroked soft black hair. "Think you can stay awake long enough to eat something?"
Tim's brow furrowed and then his stomach growled. He sluggishly moved to sit up and Bernard steadied him even as Tim yawned.
"Wha's wr'ng?"
"You've been working too hard Tim," he answered, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "You're exhausted."
"Hmmm."
"Okay, up we go." Bernard slipped under Tim's arm and then stood, Tim wavering as he went with him. Bernard began walking out of the bedroom, Tim stumbling sleepily but slowly he began moving better, shaking his head as he gradually began waking up more.
"Ber?" Tim mumbled, yawning again.
"Want me to order room service or you good with leftovers?" he asked, leaning Tim against the counter of the kitchenette.
Tim blinked drowsily but his eyes were clearer now. "Leftovers," he murmured.
So, Bernard got out the remains of dinner, heating them up and putting them on two plates. He set it on the table and made sure Tim made it without faceplanting but he was becoming more and more alert thankfully.
He finally finished waking up as they were finishing their food, blinking owlishly at Bernard. "Um…"
"Finally awake?" he asked.
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Tim blinked, staring at the fork in his hand, the empty bowl, and then looked up to find a concerned Bernard across from him. "Um…"
"Finally awake?" he asked.
"What?" he asked in confusion and then he realised the light level was low. What was going on? Adrenaline helped clear his head fully.
"Tim?" Bernard reached out and Tim fought the instinct to lash out, Bernard pulling back, seeing that. "Easy, it's okay," Bernard murmured. "We're in the hotel, you're safe."
"What's going on?" he asked.
"You dozed off at your laptop this morning. You didn't even really wake up when I got you back to bed, I almost had to carry you," Bernard explained gently. "You've almost woken a few times but then drifted off again, I figured you needed the sleep but you also hadn't eaten or drunk anything and it's getting late."
He'd slept all day? "What time is it?"
"Bit after four."
Oh, that was…he'd never really done that before, unless he was really sick. Yes, he'd been feeling a bit worn out, but that much? Maybe…maybe he should call someone in to help.
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Seeing Tim's confusion, Bernard felt horrible. He'd drugged his boyfriend without his knowledge…but it was to keep him safe. He had to talk to Tim but this wasn't the place…once they were back in Gotham, he'd tell him everything then.
