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”Okay what about this one?“ Bernard asked, coming out of the changing room with a massive fur coat.
Steph looked at him for one second, the gentle indie rock of the clothing store creating a calming atmosphere that was then then broken up by Steph’s uncontrolled laughter. Bernard smiled at having achieved the desired result.
“For what occasion?” Steph asked, “When the cops show up to your door to ask about your husband who died of mysterious circumstances?”
“I mean Tim is rich I guess.” Bernard said, wincing internally at having mentioned his relationship.
Truth be told, he was surprised when Steph hit him up to hang out one day. Tim was out of town on business so Bernard was planning on staying up and binging his favorite YouTube series about superhero conspiracies. He was all ready to be nestled all cozy in bed for the afternoon when his phone surprised him with Steph’s text.
Have plans for the night? Her text read.
I feel like you’re about to give me some. Bernard replied, after some hesitation.
He and Steph hit it off when Tim first introduced them. If anything, Bernard was shocked to learn that Steph was real and not someone that Tim made up in high school because he was so deep in the closet. What shocked him more was how friendly Steph was, with her being super excited to meet him. They exchanged numbers but he didn’t ever expect her to message him to hang, much less without Tim.
So his surprise at her text was warranted. He was excited at the prospect of hanging out with her, but this is also Tim’s ex-girlfriend. Would it be awkward? Would Tim get upset? Maybe…maybe she was cool enough where what Tim didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him?
They decided to hang at the mall. Go shopping and maybe catch a late movie. There was a new romcom that Bernard wanted to watch but knew Tim wouldn’t want to. Luckily for him, Steph was super open to the idea.
“If you need help planning Tim’s murder to get away with his fortune, I can help.” Steph replied with a smirk.
Bernard internally let out a sigh of relief at not having made things as awkward as he expected.
“We should probably get out of here soon though.” Steph said, checking her phone, “Movie starts soon.”
“Oh shit, you’re right.” Bernard said, taking off the fur coat and putting it back on the hanger. “Thanks again for being down to watch it. Tim would never.”
“Trust me, I know.” Steph said, rolling her eyes, “The boy is allergic to anything cute, I swear.”
Bernard laughed as they walked out of the store, starting to head in the direction of the movie theater.
“Did Tim reply to the selfie you sent him of us?” Bernard asked, to which Steph smiled as she hooked her arm around his.
“Yup! He got nervous when I said we were gonna exchange embarrassing stories about him so obviously we have to.”
“You’ll definitely have more than me but trust me I wanna hear them all.” Bernard said, “I still can’t believe you’re real. Back in high school I could’ve sworn you were someone Tim made up to seem straight.”
Steph quirked her head in Bernard’s direction, a bit surprised by that. “Really? I guess that explains why you said ‘you’re real’ when we first met and looked like the most surprising thing ever just happened to you. Back in high school, did you think Tim was bi?”
Bernard blushed a bit as he shook his head. “Kinda? Looking back on it now I don’t think it’s so much that I thought he was gay or bisexual, but that maybe I was secretly hoping. I didn’t even realize that I wasn't straight yet…but I guess subconsciously I must’ve known.”
“And look at you two now.” Steph said, smiling genuinely at him. “It took a while, but you guys worked it out. Sounds like it was inevitable, honestly. Don’t tell Tim but you guys are living in your own romcom.”
“Okay well now I have to tell Tim!” Bernard cheerfully exclaimed as they passed by lit up movie posters. The smell of popcorn wafted around them, welcoming them into the theater.
Every time he entered this theater he got the same flashback. He and Tim had a date here and they hadn’t yet held hands, but Bernard really wanted to. They were in a theater and there weren’t many people. It felt more like they were the only ones there, but that’s how Bernard always felt with Tim. He couldn’t even pay attention to the movie because he was too focused on Tim’s hand and how badly he wanted to hold it.
Sure, he was afraid. The last thing he wanted to do was push Tim too far too fast. But the urge was too great and he couldn’t stop his body when it reached over and held Tim’s hand. His heart stopped for seconds, waiting for Tim to pull away.
He didn’t. They held hands the entire movie. Bernard felt like there were fireworks going off inside him.
“What’re you thinking about?” Steph asked, looking at Bernard. “You’ve got this cute dreamy look on your face.”
Bernard babbled incoherently as Steph arched an eyebrow and smirked. Steph was cool and she wouldn’t get mad. But was it awkward? She did imply he and Tim were meant to work out so maybe it would be okay?
“Thinking about Tim?” Steph asked, Bernard’s heart stopping in his chest.
“Y—yeah…” Bernard admitted. He looked away bashfully, two stopped in the middle of the movie theater lobby. “This was the first place we held hands. I think about it every time I come here. It was one of the scariest moments of my life.”
Steph smiled as she wrapped her arms around Bernard, hugging him tightly. He reciprocated, some people in the theater looking at them oddly. They didn’t care.
“You don’t have to feel awkward about talking with me about this stuff.” Steph said, pulling away and looking at him. “Tim's always gonna be one of my best friends. He’ll always be a big part of my life and I’ll always love him. And sure, it’s because I love him so much I wanna be friends with you, but I also just think you’re a cool person.”
“I think you’re cool too.” Bernard answered with a crooked smile.
“Cause I am.” Steph replied, swatting his shoulder. “Dating Tim isn’t easy, and there’s gonna be times when you wish you could talk to someone who understands how you feel. Luckily for you that’s what I’m here for, so you don’t need to feel awkward. If it helps, I think I got over him a long time ago. The last few months of the relationship felt like something I had to do and not something I wanted. I never told Tim, but by the time we officially ended it, I didn’t feel sad. And when I found out he was dating you? I was so happy for him because I hadn't seen Tim that happy in a long time. There’s no hard feelings on my end so there shouldn’t be any awkwardness on your part. Deal?”
“Deal.” Smiled Bernard, feeling something settle within him. It felt nice to hear that from Steph.
“Now tell me about the time you held hands for the first time.” Steph said, “Let’s call it a pre-game for the romcom.”
“Well…” started Bernard, “My hands were super greasy from the popcorn.”
Bernard’s leg was moving constantly, foot tapping on the ground as he waited at his front door. He was playing Sufjan Stevens to calm him down but it wasn’t doing much. He had been freaking out internally, an unstoppable forest fire raging inside him for the past 24 hours.
K N O C K
Bernard jumped off his couch so fast that he almost tripped on her way to the door. He opened it in a frenzy, his eyes meeting Steph’s in the doorway. Her eyes were wide as her hand was raised mid-knock.
“Did you bring the goods?” Bernard asked, sounding insane.
Steph smirked as she raised her other hand, a plastic bag inside with the sound of glass clinking coming from within.
“One red and one white so we don’t have to choose.” She said, “And based off the psychotic look on your face I'm guessing it’s gonna be both.”
“Definitely both.” Bernard said, moving aside to let her in.
Once the door was locked, he hurried to the kitchen and got two wine glasses out of his cabinet. The sound of one of the wine bottles being uncorked calmed him, turning around to see Steph opening the other one with her keys.
“Thanks for coming, Steph.” Bernard said. “It means a lot.”
“I don’t need an excuse to drink with you and gossip.” Steph said, “Now spill, what did Tim do that had you texting me in such a hurry?”
"It's what he didn't do." Bernard sighed. He grabbed the red wine bottle and filled it up halfway. Steph looked on in horror as he filled it up the rest of the way with white wine. “What? Back in college this was rosé.”
“Honey I literally could’ve just bought you rosé.” Steph laughed, pouring her glass up with only white wine. “And I’m getting the vibe that this is a category 5 disaster so hurry up and tell me because the suspense is literally killing me.”
Bernard plopped down on the couch, a small frown on his face as the memories of the previous night came to him.
“I told Tim I love him and he didn’t say anything back.” Bernard said.
He looked over at Steph but her expression was unflinching.
“I mean, he couldn’t.” Bernard said, “He was having a panic attack and I was helping calm him down. It kinda slipped out of me. I didn’t think much of it at the time because there was way too much going on but then I woke up next to Tim and it all hit me and I had to sit through breakfast with him like everything was fine but no it’s not fine because I told Tim I loved him when he was having a fucking panic attack and now he’s—“
“Okay, Bernard.” Steph said, sitting down next to him and putting a hand on his leg. “Take a moment to breathe before you have a panic attack also.”
Bernard decided to down half his wine instead of breathe.
“Okay, or you can chug wine instead.” Steph shrugged. “I’m going to ask you something and it’s not to be mean. I want an honest answer.”
Bernard clenched his hand around his wine glass so tightly he wouldn’t have been surprised had it shattered in his hand. He wouldn’t have minded, maybe savoring the feel of the shards in his hand and the screeching noise piercing the air. He was very unwell right now. He couldn’t even even speak, opting to just nod silently.
“Were you or were you not aware that Tim is emotionally stunted?” Steph asked, surprising Bernard. “Because he is. Extremely so. It’s one of his main character traits.”
Bernard said nothing as he looked at Steph. She was smirking at him as he raised the wine glass up to his lips.
“…yes.” He whispered, before finishing his glass.
“Sorry, what was that?” Steph asked.
Bernard let out the worlds most exasperated sigh. “Yes, I know he’s emotionally stunted.”
“Then what’s the deal?” Steph asked, passing the bottle of red wine over to Bernard. “Tim not telling you he loves you once you drop the bomb is on brand for him. You know this, Bernard. I know you know this. It shouldn’t have been a surprise, especially because he was having a panic attack and I’m sure there were other things going on in his mind. Was it the best time? I mean honestly probably not but I can see why it would slip out in such an emotional exchange. Maybe Tim didn’t even catch it. You know how oblivious he is.”
“He definitely caught it and that's the problem!” Bernard exclaimed, ignoring the wine glass entirely and now drinking from the bottle. “What if he freaks out because of it and breaks up with me?”
“Then we find him and knock sense into him because he’d be a dumbass to do so.” Steph shrugged, “Bernard, I see the way he looks at you.”
“How does he look at me?” Bernard asked, putting the bottle down.
“Like you’re the only thing worth looking at.” Steph said, and Bernard felt a familiar flutter in his chest. He knew Tim liked him, but hearing it still felt unreal to him. It still felt so incredible and filled him with so much joy. “I know Tim and he loves you, even if he didn’t admit it yet. Plus, you yourself said he was pretty preoccupied.”
“…yeah I guess.” Bernard admitted, leaning back and looking up.
Did Tim love him? The thought sent a shock through his system. That’s all he ever wanted to hear. All he ever wanted since high school was to be loved by Tim Drake. And now he’s so close, so goddamn close. If Bernard ruined it in his haste, he’d never forgive himself.
“I don’t think Tim is gonna break up with you.” Steph said, sensing his worry, “If he did, you know I’d still be your friend, right? We would start a league of evil Ex’s. It’ll be blondes only. You can be the Roxie and I’ll be the Todd.”
Bernard laughed. He never told Steph that Scott Pilgrim was one of his favorite movies, but of course she just knew. Very intuitive, that one.
“There’s no use dwelling on it because Tim won’t tell you he loved you until he’s good and ready.” Steph said, “Which knowing Tim, might be a while. So the only solution now is how do we distract you so you’re not constantly freaking out?”
Bernard smiled as he walked over and grabbed the TV remote, turning it on.
“Wanna watch Scott Pilgrim?” He asked, “You’ve infected me with the brainworms.”
“Only if we can order ramen for takeout.” Steph said, taking her phone out.
“What did I do to deserve having you in my life?” Bernard asked, sitting back down and leaning on her. She wrapped an arm around him and brought him close.
“You’re you, and that’s enough.” She replied.
The rest of the night was spent laughing, talking, eating, and drinking. Bernard felt better, no longer all consumed by the anxiety.
And a month later, when Tim told Bernard he loved him in a drunk phone call and then in person, Bernard wondered how he ever could’ve been nervous at all.
“Fuck.” Steph said, burying her head in her hands.
She was at the park, sitting alone at a bench. Glancing over at her phone as she had been doing every ten minutes, she saw it was 7:43 PM. He was now almost an hour late.
Although Steph knew that saying he was late implied he was still gonna show, which was probably my not happening. He would’ve at least sent a text if he was still planning on coming.
She sighed as she leaned back, some of her blonde hair covering her eyes as gravity threw the rest back. Dating sucked.
“You’d have thought dating Tim would mean I’m used to this.” She said to herself quietly.
The sound of families laughing in the distance and birds chirping as the wind whistled through the trees just unsettled her more. This would normally be calming, a perfect evening for everyone here. And to all the other park goers it would be, all blissfully unaware of Steph and her inner turmoil.
“Steph?”
A familiar voice captured her attention. Her hair still a mess, Steph tilted her head forward to see Bernard standing there, looking at her questioningly. He was wearing running shorts and a T-shirt she recognized as belonging to Tim.
“Bernard?” She asked “What’re you doing here?”
“Uh…I’m running?“ he replied, a smile playing on his lips. “The thing people do at parks?”
Steph’s mind was a snowy television, pure static. “Right…that would make sense.”
“The better question is what’re you doing here alone, looking so good?” Bernard asked, “Bat stuff?”
The weirdest thing about Bernard knowing that Steph was Spoiler was how not weird it felt. Bernard had become one of her best friends, and keeping it from him hurt. When it came out that he deduced Tim was Red Robin and she was Spoiler, she didn’t even deny it. Tim was dating a genius. Fitting.
“Nope, Steph stuff.” she replied.
Bernard smiled as he sat down next to Steph, smelling a little of sweat. He didn’t move that close to her or say anything. He just sat there, trying to let her know he was there should she need to talk.
Would it be weird to tell her ex-boyfriend's current boyfriend that she got stood up? She didn’t tend to be open about her dating life. Long ago she had told Bernard that they didn’t have to be awkward, but even she had some reservations. They were best friends but their connection couldn’t be ignored. Still, Bernard had trusted Steph enough to go to her with many of his relationship problems. Maybe it was time for Steph to be vulnerable.
“I got stood up.” Steph said, Bernard looking over at her.
“Want me to kill him?“ Bernard asked, no hesitation in his threat. “I mean I know you’re capable of it but…he doesn’t know me so it would be harder to trace.”
“No, you don’t have to.” Steph laughed. “It just sucks. Dating sucks. Dating when you have the life I have sucks. Sometimes I have a glimmer of hope that I can pretend to be normal for even one night, but then it’s gone.”
Bernard was silent as Stephanie blushed, realizing the extent of her word vomit.
“Sorry, it’s stupid.” Steph said, “Ignore what I said I—"
“Steph, I don’t know if you know this but being stood up is a very normal thing.” Bernard said, “Being ghosted is very normal. You don’t know about the guys I went out back when I first came out but I literally commuted an hour to a restaurant only to be stood up. Hate to break it to you but this is normal. I don’t know why you want to be normal when normal sucks.”
“I don’t…I don’t know.” Steph groaned, burying her head in her hands. As her blonde hair draped from her shoulder, she felt Bernard put an arm around her in comfort. He was sweaty but she didn’t care.
Tim had once confided in her that Bernard made him feel safe. She understood now what he meant. They weren’t dating but even she could feel safe when she was with Bernard.
“I don’t wanna be normal but I like the idea of just…getting away from it all for a bit.” Steph said. “Does that make sense?”
“It does.” Bernard said, “I mean, I’m not in your line of work but sometimes there’s moments that I get way too overwhelmed by everything that I’m dealing with. Overwhelmed with my life. It’s hard not to wish that I had someone else’s life, but that’s the thing. We’d still be us.”
Steph looked over at Bernard, eyebrow raised as he smiled that sunshine smile of his.
“I can’t tell you that your life is great and you don’t need to wanna escape it, because that’s not my place.” Bernard said “But when you feel like that, that’s when you call me, your normal friend, and we hang out and go bowling or some other normal shit.”
“Oh sweetie, you’re far from normal.” Steph laughed, hugging him. “And I appreciate the offer, but I want you to be aware that another reason I date is because I have needs that only a non platonic person could help with."
Bernard blushed and she couldn’t help but to laugh. Steph wasn’t even thinking about the guy anymore. Hanging out with Bernard like this was nice. That’s when it hit her that this was the first time they hung out and didn’t once mention Tim. Or maybe not the first. Who knows. Tim stopped being the main part of their friendship a long time ago. It’s a good thing she was open with Bernard, because for her to not be after everything would just be silly.
“Steph, who is this?”
They both looked up, snapped out of their mirth by a guy with glasses and short black hair. He was walking up to them and looked pristine, not like he was running to try and make it on time. He didn’t look like he cared.
“This is my friend, Bernard.” Steph said, breaking away from her hug and crossing her arms, staring him down. “The better question is where have you been? You're an hour late.”
“I was busy.” He said, shrugging, “I don’t know why you’re upset. You know how it is. You also look like you’ve kept yourself busy in my absence.”
“Steph, who is this dickwad?” Bernard asked, turning to her with an expression that said that he knew exactly who the dickwad was.
The man gasped, eyes narrowing at Bernard as he puffed up his chest, trying to look intimidating. Bernard was unflinching.
“Who am I? Who the fuck are you? Do you know who I am?”
“No one.” Steph replied, grabbing Bernard’s hand. “You’re no one but a dickwad. It’s over, by the way. Stay away from me unless you want a brick to the face.”
The man rolled his eyes before walking away, not before loudly saying “Fine, you’re not that hot anyways.”
Bernard jumped up to chase after him but Steph, with her strong grip, held him in place. Bernard looked back at him and Steph saw pure rage in his eyes. Pure desire to protect those close to him. Whether he picked that up from Tim or it’s always been there, she’d never know. Secretly, she hoped it didn't lead him down a path he’d regret.
Bernard was too good for the lives that Steph and Tim led.
“Not worth it.” Steph said, trying to calm down Bernard.
“You gonna let him talk about you like that?” Bernard asked.
“I’ve got more important things to do and more important people to hang out with.” she shrugged, standing up but not breaking her grip on Bernard’s hand. "Wanna go bowling or some other normal shit?”
Bernard’s smile was blinding as he nodded. “Hell yeah, I’m pretty tired of running anyways.”
Bernard was sitting at the bar, savoring the cold beer going down his throat as the old guy with the beard finished his rendition of Sweet Home Alabama. They introduced him as Sweet Lou, so it was fitting. Bernard wondered what song he would sing for karaoke if they called Sweet Lou back up.
He also wondered what song he and Tim would sing together once Tim arrived. The fact that he was a half hour late now meant that he would feel too guilty to say no to anything. Bernard didn’t care about Tim being late because it meant he would be able to get him to duet with him. So many options.
“This seat taken?”
Bernard turned to see a beautiful girl with long blonde hair, stunning make up, and a familiar smirk. Steph, taking a seat next to him at a bar in a beautiful outfit. Where was she going out so dolled up?
“Steph?” Bernard asked, joy in his heart. Would Steph be joining him and Tim? That changed things. In his mind, he started going through trios instead of duets.
“Felt you’d want some company tonight.” Steph said, a sad smile on her lips. She reached over and grabbed Bernard’s hand, holding tightly as he scrutinized her trying to process her words.
What did she mean? He wasn’t gonna be alone. This was a date night he had been looking forward to all week. The night he finally got Tim to go to that karaoke bar he loved. Tim was on his way and then….
Oh.
“Of course.” Bernard said, breaking free of Steph’s grip, unable to hide the resentment in his voice as he reached for his bottle to take a long swig.
“Something came up.” Steph said, “I can give you the details later, if you want them. I asked him if he wanted me to go with him, and he instead asked me for a favor. He said it would be more important than his mission.”
Bernard savored the crisp ale as it worked its way down his throat, saying nothing as he continued to listen to Steph making excuses for Tim.
“Obviously I’m here so I don’t need to tell you what he asked.” Steph said, “I almost said no because like, did Tim really ask his ex-girlfriend to keep his current boyfriend company? Such a bisexual disaster.”
“That's why I love him.” Bernard said. His tone was empty even if the words were truthful. He did love Tim and how chaotic he could be. “Yet you’re here.”
“Not as a favor to him, and I made that clear.” Steph said, “I”m here because I love you too and I didn’t want you to be alone and hurt. Or angry. I don’t know which is worse.”
“I mean I tend to switch between the two but right now I’m angry.” Bernard said, “I’m angry at Tim for doing this again, but I’m more angry at myself because I’ve known that it’s never a certainty with Tim. I know that he has more important things to be doing and it’s a fantasy to think I can be his priority, but I still let myself believe it and it sucks. And I can’t tell Tim this because it would make him feel bad for no reason. It’s me. I knew what I was getting into and yet I still get mad when this happens and I hate that I do. It makes me feel like the bad guy.”
Steph put her hand on Bernard’s arm, and he didn't pull away.
“Honey, you’re allowed to feel what you need to feel.” Steph said, “You’re disappointed, it’s clear. You’re also allowed to be mad at Tim. Sure, you knew what you were getting into and I know you’d rather have some Tim than none of him, but that doesn’t mean your feelings aren’t valid.”
“I just…” Bernard put his head in his hands, Steph putting her hand on his back and rubbing circles to calm him down. “I wish I could be as important to him as Gotham. Maybe more. I used to think I’d take what he could give me, but lately it’s not enough. I hate feeling so selfish.”
“Bernard, look at me.” Steph demanded. When she brought out her Spoiler voice, Bernard knew better than to disobey. He looked up so fast he felt his neck crack. “You’re not selfish. You’re in love.”
“Some would argue that’s inherently selfish.” Bernard smirked, taking a sip from his drink as Steph laughed.
In the background, they could hear the familiar lyrics of Dreams by Fleetwood Mac playing. Bernard joked that there was always the one girl at karaoke who sang that song. Good for whoever it was on stage right now. This was their moment.
“I’m not gonna even try to unpack that.” she said, “I wish I could help salvage this or give you a guarantee that Tim will eventually prioritize you like he should, like you deserve, but I can’t. At the end of the day I’m not Tim and I can’t speak for him. I shouldn’t have to and I don’t want to. But for you, I can at least be a distraction.”
“Bullshit, you’re more than a distraction.” Bernard said, his anger slowly melting away as it dawned on him that he was with Steph. Someone who had become one of his best friends. This night would be fun, even if it wasn’t what he originally wanted.
Steph smiled as the bartender came over and took her drink order. Bernard said nothing as she got her Margarita that she immediately held up to toast with Bernard.
“Then can I ask that we move on from this heavy emotional talk because it’ll just be awful, and instead focus on having a good night and singing amazing songs at karaoke?” Steph asked.
Bernard clinked his drink with Steph. He still felt angry, but at least he had Steph.
Steph, who ordered a round of shots for them. And a second. And a third later on that Bernard paid for.
Steph, who told him about the awful date she had with a guy who made her want to never date again.
Steph, who entertained his drunk notion about a vacation the two of them should take to Mexico to get away from all men. She drunkenly agreed. Bernard drunkenly realized she had the money to make it happy and didn’t know what to make of that.
Steph, who debated Bernard about his conspiracy theories. He knew she didn’t care about them, but from how passionately she was talking and smiling, he could’ve been fooled. He let himself be.
Steph, who made Bernard realize that it wasn’t just that he at least had Steph. He was lucky he had Steph. As they sang Don’t You Want Me, Bernard was more thankful than ever to have Steph in his life.
“This is gonna hurt.”
Steph winced despite Bernard’s warning as he gently doused rubbing alcohol over the wound to clean it. Some of her blood was getting washed away from her but Bernard caught it with the rag in his other hand.
They were sitting in his apartment, Steph’s Spoiler outfit on the floor as she sat in her underwear for Bernard to stitch up the wound in her shoulder. Bernard’s apartment had become a designated safe house recently once word got out that Bernard had been stitching up and taking care of Tim for a while now. If Leslie’s or the Batcave was too hard to get to, they had someone else they could go to. Still, only Tim and Steph ever came by as everyone else was too awkward to let Bernard take care of them since they didn’t know him as well.
“Do I even wanna know?” Bernard asked. He had remained mostly silent since he heard his window shatter, running to his living room to the sight of a bloody Steph on his floor.
Luckily, Bernard had the window repair people on speed dial at this point and the Wayne family was always going to pay for the repairs. Last time they came by to fix his window, he asked if they had a punch card. The window repair guys laughed and said it was a good joke but Bernard wasn’t joking.
“Rogue talons.” Steph answered. He just nodded as he wiped up the rest of the blood off the wound and then got his thread ready for the stitches. “The Court of Owls doesn’t pull their punches. I’m sure you’ve got plenty of conspiracies about them.”
“I might have dabbled in a few.” Bernard said, “Stitches incoming so just…prepare yourself emotionally.”
Steph laughed and shook her head. “I’m prepared emotionally, mentally, and you’ve definitely prepared me physically. You’re really good at this, you know.”
She turned to see Bernard blush at the praise, smiling as he started the stitches.
“So I’ve been told.” Bernard said, “It’s not something I ever wanted to be good at but when Tim first came through my door asking me to stitch him up, well…he’s lucky I’m a quick learner. I’m just glad I can do something to help you guys. I feel too useless since I don’t wear a costume or anything.”
Steph should’ve expected this conversation. There’s no way anyone could be as close to their lives and not want to become a vigilante themselves. Bernard was too good for this life and she and Tim knew it. Tim had talked to her about it a few weeks ago. He mentioned how Bernard had started acting distant and secretive. Tim started getting worried that Bernard would wanna become a vigilante and that was a non-starter in his mind. He was worried and anxious and said he didn’t know if he would be able to convince him not to become a vigilante. He didn’t know what to do and she said she would try to get it out of him. This wasn’t what she intended when she crashed through his window but, looks like it’ll have gotten the job done.
“Bernard, you don’t need a costume.” Steph said, “You’re perfect as you are and this is more than enough to help.”
Bernard’s face remained unchanging as he continued stitching her up, already almost done. He had become so quick that he could give Alfred a run for him money.
“I can be doing so much more.” Bernard said, “That’s why I wanna run an idea by you. I know you said I don’t need to wear a costume but, maybe there’s one I do need to wear because I can.”
Steph closed her eyes and prepared herself. She would argue tooth and nail with Bernard so that he wouldn’t become a vigilante.
Bernard finished the stitches and turned Steph towards him. She opened his eyes and she could tell he was fidgeting, resting his hands in his lap. He was nervous.
“What do you think about me becoming an EMT?” Bernard asked.
“Bernard you don’t need to become a hero trust me, nothing good comes from it and you’re perfect and—wait what?”
Bernard just laughed as he took one of her hands and squeezed tight. “I want to become an EMT. The training is one to three years but apparently Gotham has a program where depending on your aptitude, you can get it sooner. Something about a high demand and low supply, go figure. I already have most of the basics down and a few people I’ve talked to online said that I’d get the certification asap with my skills. I could start working towards it as soon as next week and hopefully be out on the streets like you and Tim in a few months, but I'd be helping people instead of hurting bad guys. I know I can fight but I don’t think I want that life. I get enough of it from you and Tim. But to be an EMT means I could help all those people who need help that you and Tim and the Batfam don't have time to help.”
“Have you talked to Tim about this?” she asked, talking slowly as if saying it any faster would break the illusion. This was…an incredible thing for Bernard and so much better than him becoming a vigilante.
“No.” Bernard said, blushing, “You’re kinda the first person I told about this. I was afraid Tim would get over protective and tell me no, and to be completely honest if he told me no I wouldn’t do it.”
“Sounds co-dependent.” Steph said, “No offense.”
“Not like that.” Bernard said, “I just…he deals with way too much. I’m afraid he’d say no because he’d start worrying about me and if I asked him like I’m asking you now, I’d be way too vulnerable to debate. That’s why I wanted to talk to you first about this to get your opinion. If you think it’s good, then I can take whatever Tim throws at me and fight him on this until he sees it’s a good idea.”
Steph rushed forward and hugged Bernard, only to yelp and lean back as she felt her stitches pull.
“Steph you literally just got stitched, calm down.” Bernard said, laughing so fully that Steph was smiling just as big as him. In his chest, he was thrilled by her enthusiasm. Bernard had held this idea within him for so long that to finally let it out and get affirmation felt amazing. He felt hopeful. “So that’s a yes?”
“Of course, Bern!” Steph said, “That’s an amazing idea. You’re gonna be a great EMT. This city needs someone like you because you care so much. You care with your whole heart and everyone you help is going to see that and be lucky to have you helping them. And don’t worry, Tim’s gonna support you the whole way. If he doesn’t, I’ll knock some sense into him.”
“Honestly, having your support means just as much.” Bernard said, “You’re my best friend after all.”
“Good, cause you’re mine.” Steph said, flicking his nose, “Now let me get dressed and go open a bottle of wine to celebrate.”
“I don’t have any wine.” Bernard said as Steph went into Bernard’s closet to pull out some clothes. She had kept some here after the last time she needed to get stitched up, just in case.
“I thought you knew me better than that.” A newly dressed Steph smirked, taking out a bottle of sauvignon blanc from her pile of clothes. “If you’re gonna be an EMT then remember the most important rule in life: Always be prepared for emergencies.”
Bernard and Steph were laughing in the diner, a caramel milkshake in front of Bernard and cookies and cream in front of Steph. It was a late night for Bernard with his EMT training and he asked her if she wanted to grab a dessert while Tim was on patrol.
“Did I miss anything?”
They both turned at the same time to see Tim standing over them with a smile. Bernard’s grin widened as he scooched over, grabbing Tim’s hand and pulling him down next to him.
“All good tonight?” Steph asked.
“Yup, finished early.” Tim said, “I had more important people to be with. Mind if I crash?”
Bernard and Steph looked at each other, exchanging that glance that Tim had become used to. They had a secret language which totally wasn’t weird at all.
Okay, maybe a little weird.
“I guess you can.” Steph said, arms crossed.
“Eh, if you must.” Bernard joked.
“Wow, curb your enthusiasm.” Tim said, rolling his eyes as he wrapped his arms around Bernard, kissing his cheek. Bernard just smiled, melting into his touch.
“Fine, fine.” Bernard said, “Have some of my milkshake.”
“I thought you’d never ask.” Tim said, taking a sip. “Now, what have I missed in the world of Steph and Bernard?”