Chapter Text
Tim hid in his room, it had been days after the little justice incident, and frankly he was traumatized. Well okay, not traumatized because Tim had been traumatized by others before, no this was a deep shame in his gut.
He remembered everything he and Jason had talked about, every sweet moment with Lian, the whole wedding thing, and Tim wanted to stay in his bedroom for the rest of his life. It didn’t help Dick kept blasting the family group chat with photos of him or Bart. It made Tim squirm to think of all the vulnerable moments he and Jason had had. He wasn’t supposed to be vulnerable with Jason, he was supposed to be the annoying little brother who guilt tripped him.
Tim hadn’t even bothered to check in with his friends the past few days. He knew Bart probably was in a worse place than he was, since he never talked about anything from his past and the playdate with Jaime hadn’t gone so hot for Bart. Tim figured Cassie would be doing fine since nothing really embarrassing happened for her. Maybe she would be a little awkward with Diana but that was it.
And Kon, well Tim was avoiding Kon, even more than he was avoiding everyone else. He couldn’t deal with what he had said as a kid, and he wasn’t going to. He would just avoid Kon for the rest of his life. Yep, that was the plan. Maybe not the most sound since Kon was his best friend, but he figured he could become best friends with Tam. Although she was his employee so maybe not.
Tim would figure it out.
Well he thought that until he heard a knock on his window. Tim jumped, looking out his window where Kon floated, his arms folded.
Tim flipped Kon off and closed the curtains.
“Tim, I’m not leaving,” Kon said, knocking on the window again. “We’re going to talk now, you can’t avoid me forever.”
“I should’ve lined my house in lead,” Tim said, shaking his head.
“I heard that,” Kon said, yelling slightly.
“I know,” Tim said, pulling at his hair. He sighed, Kon had a stubborn streak even if Tim pulled out his emergency kryptonite Kon would still barrel through it to talk to Tim.
So Tim walked over to the window and opened it. Kon flew in, taking off his boots and sitting on Tim’s couch.
Tim plopped at his desk chair and kept typing on the case he was working on.
“Are you just going to ignore me?” Kon asked, when Tim hadn’t said anything for five minutes.
“Are you ever going to get to the point of why you’re here?” Tim said, a little sharper than he meant it to be.
“I just wanted to tell you that nothing between us has changed, that whole wedding thing was a joke, even if Cassie claims it still counts.”
“She what?” Tim asked, turning around in his chair.
“Yeah, I don’t know, something about how if we didn’t do it as kids, we would never be able to admit our feelings for each other,” Kon said, shrugging like he hadn’t just said the most absurd thing.
Tim blushed deeply, because he knew what Cassie had said was true. He probably would never admit his feelings for Kon, but did that really mean they had to have a whole wedding for them?
“And I told her it was ridiculous because you’d never like me,” Kon said, shaking his head. It seemed he was trying to fake a smile but it turned out to be more of a grimace. “You don’t even think you can sustain a relationship with your vigilante life.”
Tim grimaced, he had told Kon that. It was directly after he had broken up with Bernard. But he didn’t want Kon to feel like that was the only reason he’d stay single for this long.
“It’s not ridiculous,” Tim said, his voice small.
“What?” Kon asked, his head jerking up to look at Tim.
“It’s not ridiculous that I would like you, because I’ve liked you for a long time now,” Tim said, still looking at his hands.
Kon beamed and closed the distance between them, pulling Tim into a hug. “I thought you didn’t want a relationship anymore.”
“That was all nonsense I was spewing after I broke up with Bernard,” Tim said, wrapping his arms around Kon.
“So you feel different now?” Kon asked, his voice tinged with hope.
“Conner Kent, do you think I would’ve just confessed to you if I wasn’t ready for a relationship?”
Kon broke into a smile and kissed Tim. It wasn’t like the kiss they shared as kids which had lasted barely a second but this was hot. Their bodies were pressed up against each other like they were puzzle pieces and were always meant to fit together.
After he got together with Kon, Tim felt much better about rejoining society. He still had Dick blocked, because the amount of baby photos was annoying as fuck, but he had started going on patrol again with Cass and Steph.
It was fun, even if they did keep teasing him about how cute his chubby cheeks used to be. Tim felt like everything was going back to normal.
One night when Tim was going on patrol alone, he was stopped by Jason.
“Hey Hood, what’s going on?” Tim asked, as Red Hood dropped a grocery bag on the ground in front of Tim.
“I got you food,” Jason said, his voice gruff.
Tim looked at Jason one more time before reaching towards the bag. Inside were a stack of Jason’s waffles.
“Shit, thanks dude,” Tim said, scratching his neck. “But other than this can we forget about what happened during that week.”
Jason laughed, “sure. But I am going to make sure you go to therapy. I’ve already called Black Canary.”
“What?” Tim asked, throwing his hands in the air. “I’m not even that traumatized.”
“Sure, Mr. I’m a four year old that thinks I will get in trouble for being a burden,” Jason said, shaking his head. “You’re going to therapy.”
“I’m not getting out of this am I?” Tim said, sitting at the edge of the roof.
“Nope,” Jason said, sitting down next to him.
“Where have you been these last few weeks?” Tim asked, realizing this was one of the first times he had seen Jason on patrol at all.
“We’ve been moving,” Jason said, shaking his head. “We’ve also been going to shelters and looking at all the cats there. I think Lian already has her heart set on one, and we’ll pick her up tomorrow.”
“Oh shit,” Tim said, shaking his head.
“Yeah, you kinda shook up my family dynamic,” Jason said, laughing. He actually seemed excited for this change.
“Are you guys still thinking about adopting?” Tim asked.
“Yeah, after we settle in Roy and I are going to an agency to start setting it all up,” Jason said. Tim couldn’t see his expression from underneath the mask but he was sure Jason had a dopey grin on his face.
“Oh, and I’ve also been working on Bruce’s case.”
“What case?” Tim asked, he hadn’t heard anything about Bruce getting arrested.
“Oh it’s all on the downlow, but Bruce got arrested for attempting to kill Uncle Clark.”
“Vaild,” Tim said, nodding his head. He had heard from Kon all Clark had done when they were kids, and Tim wanted to kill him as well.
“Yeah, Ollie is on Clark’s side, which has kinda put some strain on Roy,” Jason said, bitterly. “But Ollie’s an asshole anyways.”
“Yeah he always seemed like one of those guys who would say ‘but he had such a bright future!’”
Jason laughed out loud. “I need to send that one to Roy.”
They spent the rest of the patrol on that rooftop, eating waffles and chatting. Tim felt it was just like old times.
Weeks after the incident Bart hadn’t contacted anyone outside of Young Justice. He was in his apartment trying to figure out his homework when he got the call. It was Jaime again.
Bart knew he was getting worried. Before this they spoke everyday, and then after Bart had sent him one text saying he needed space and left it at that. He knew Jaime was asking about him to Cassie and Tim, but he ignored it when they told him to call Jaime. He wasn’t going to. Because one, if Tim was telling him to do it, then Bart wasn’t going to do it, and two he was wimp.
Bart let the phone go to voicemail and played it. Because he did miss Jaime even if he didn’t want to admit it.
“Hey Bart, I know you needed space, but we’re all really worried about you. Wally said you haven’t talked to him in weeks, and neither have I. I know Cassie says you’re fine but we would like to know for ourselves. So if you could just meet me or Wally for coffee, or just call us. I would love that.”
Jaime’s voice cut off after that, and Bart was left sitting there. They had no reason to worry about Bart. He was a fully grown adult, who could make adult decisions. Even if those choices included eating a whole thing of oreos in one sitting.
Bart needed to make this right. Or at least convince them he was alright. So Bart walked into his room and changed out of the sweats he’d been wearing for the past two days. On his closet shelf he still had the stuffed animals Wally had bought him. It was nice, he didn’t have anything from his childhood, and it made Bart nostalgic.
He remembered playing on the ground silently, pretending some old pieces of junk were superheroes coming to save him from the big bad Blue Beetle. Bart had had to leave those behind when he traveled back to the past, but he could still remember them clearly.
Bart decided Wally might be easiest to talk to first, so he sped over to Bludhaven where Wally and Dick were sitting in their apartment.
Bart knocked on the door, and waited. In a moment the door opened and Wally stared at him with big eyes. He was still in his work clothes, lab coat splattered in what looked like ketchup.
“Hey,” Bart said, waving his hand. “Long time no see.”
Wally looked stunned for a moment then wrapped Bart in a tight hug. “OhmygoshId- idn’tthinkwewouldspeakagain!IwassoworriedaboutyouIcouldonlygetinfofromCassiewhichwascoolbutnotyouandwejustmissedyousomuch!”
“Babe, you’re speedtalking again,” Dick said, standing in the doorway. He was in full Nightwing gear, and looked like he was about to go on patrol. “Hey kid, you scared us.”
“Sorry,” Bart said, looking at his feet. “I just needed some time.”
Wally squeezed Bart tighter, then let go to lead him into the house. Well let him go somewhat, he still had an arm wrapped around Bart like he was worried Bart would bolt. Which was a valid fear with traumatized speedsters.
They sat down on the couch and Dick waved goodbye to Wally, running up to the roof where he flew off.
“So you want to talk about it?” Wally asked, his eyes seemed glassy like he was trying not to cry. “You went no contact for weeks Bart.”
“I’m sorry,” Bart said, looking at his hands. “I’m not used to people knowing my past.”
Wally’s face melted. “Dear, you don’t need to worry about that. I will never judge you for your past.”
“But you judge my family,” Bart said, looking up. “I can see you judging my mom. But you didn’t know her. She was doing her best for her situation. I respect her the most.”
Wally shook his head, “I would never judge Meloni. I don’t know what I would’ve done in her situation. I judge the people who put you in that situation, like Thawne.”
Bart shook his head, not looking at Wally. “But you still look at me differently. You think I’m weak.”
Wally’s eyes widened, and he took both of Bart’s hands. “I could never think you’re weak. You’re the strongest person I know Bart. You don’t need to hide your past from me or anyone.”
Bart was silent. Part of him didn’t believe, didn’t want to believe it. He wasn’t strong, he was a coward. Bart had run away from his past because he was scared. Bart tried to act like it didn’t happen at all instead of accepting it was a part of who he was.
He didn’t realize he was crying until he felt wet drops fall on his lap. Bart looked up at Wally and began sobbing. Wally took him in his arms and held him tightly. They stayed on the couch a long time after that, letting Bart’s tears dry.
After a while they were both silent, sitting on the couch.
“You should go talk to Jaime sometime,” Wally said, shaking his head, a small smile on his lips. “That boy cares about you a lot.”
Bart couldn’t help himself but smile. “I know. He’s what convinced me to go talk to you.”
“Smart boy,” Wally said. “So when are you going to break it to him, you like him?”
“What?” Bart asked, eyes wide. “I don’t.”
“Sure,” Wally said, side-eying him. “And I’m a unicorn.”
“Are you?” Bart asked, patting his hair, looking for a horn.
“No stupid!” Wally said, shaking Bart. “Go talk to your man.”
“Whatever,” Bart said, standing up. He shook his head, and flipped off Wally.
“I’ll see you next Friday for dinner right?” Wally asked, as Bart walked out the door.
“Sure, old man.”
Bart arrived at Jaime’s apartment in record time, it only took like twenty seconds from the time he left Wally’s apartment.
Bart wasn’t sure what to do as he stood in front of the flat in El Paso. Should he knock? It was late at night, what if Jaime was trying to get some sleep? But then again, when had Bart ever cared about Jaime’s sleep schedule, their first hang out had been in the middle of the night.
So Bart took a deep breath and knocked a little too loudly. After what felt like hours the door opened. Jaime stood there at the door, looking stunned at Bart.
“Hey, sorry it’s been a while,” Bart said, waving.
Jaime blinked once more then tackled Bart into a hug. “I didn’t think you’d actually come over,” Jaime said, his voice low. “I was sure you were going to ignore me forever.”
“I can’t do that,” Bart said, laughing. “You’re my what’s it called again? Mewhore Amigo?”
“Mejor amigo,” Jaime said, shaking his head. He let go of Bart and led him into the house. Bart settled onto the couch, pretending everything was normal, although he knew it wasn’t.
“I’m sorry for avoiding you,” Bart said, looking at his hands. Why was this so much harder with Jaime than it had been with Wally? Wally was his pseudo father figure, didn’t that mean hard conversations were supposed to be harder, due to that parental disappointment or some shit. He didn’t know.
“Yeah that wasn’t cool,” Jaime said, sitting down next to him. “I know you texted saying you needed space, but you didn’t let anyone know about your safety.”
“I told Cassie,” Bart said, shrugging.
“Okay, you told Cassie,” Jaime said, shaking his head. “We were all just really worried about you.”
“Yeah I know,” Bart said, still not looking Jaime in the eyes. “I just finished talking to Wally.”
“And what did he say?” Jaime asked, an eyebrow raised.
“I have to eat dinner with them next week,” Bart said, shrugging.
“You’re lucky your parents are white,” Jaime said, shaking his head laughing slightly. “My mami would’ve beaten my ass.”
“At least you guys can cook!” Bart said, looking back up at Jaime. “Dick still thinks salt is too spicy.”
Jaime laughed, then paused. “There you are again,” he said, looking Bart in the eyes. Bart immediately grew uncomfortable and stared at the floor instead.
“I’m sorry about the whole nonverbal thing,” Bart said, his voice quiet.
“Do you really think I’m mad about that?” Jaime asked, lifting Bart’s chin so he had no choice but to look at him in the eyes.
“No, yes, maybe?” Bart said, his voice speeding up slightly.
“Bart, I will never judge you for that,” Jaime said, placing his hand on Bart’s shoulder now. “I will judge you for going no contact because you’re embarrassed though.”
“Yeah I need to work on that don’t I?” Bart asked, blushing.
“Sí,” Jaime said, smiling now. “We’re only mad because we were worried.”
“I know,” Bart said, his voice small.
“We all good now?” Jaime asked, his tone soft.
“Yeah,” Bart said, and he leaned into Jaime, putting his head on his shoulder.
“I missed this,” Bart said, after a moment of silence.
“Me too,” Jaime said, sighing.
This felt natural, sitting with Jaime like this. Just listening to each other's breaths. They didn’t need anything else to fill the space, just themselves.
Was Wally right about Bart liking Jaime? He had always thought this was just a thing really good best friends did, but he wasn’t like this was Cassie or Kon. No, that was different.
“I think I like you,” Bart said, before he had even a moment to consider what that meant. What can he say? His name is Impulse for a reason.
“Qué?” Jaime asked, eyes wide. He seemed to flinch like the Scarab was speaking again, and after a moment he looked down at Bart again. “Do you actually mean that?”
“If I said it, do you think I wouldn’t mean it?” Bart said, rolling his eyes. “I’m impulsive, not stupid.”
“Khaji Da says that’s debatable,” Jaime said, laughing slightly.
“I’ll debate him!” Bart said, sitting up. “It’ll be like a presidential debate.”
“Please no,” Jaime said, shaking his head.
“So, aren’t you supposed to say something after I confess my feelings?” Bart asked, tilting his head at Jaime.
“Yes, I like you too,” Jaime said, and leaned in. To Bart the kiss seemed to last forever, maybe he was digging into the speedforce a little bit there, but it was perfect. Like those stories his mother used to tell him.
Bart wrapped his arms around Jaime’s neck and pulled him closer. Jaime had his hands on his waist, and he slid Bart so that he was sitting in his lap.
They broke away for a moment to catch their breaths, their foreheads touching. “That was nice,” Bart said, breathlessly.
“Yeah.”