Archive of Our Own

Jason winces as he uses his shoulder to push open his door. He definitely strained it a bit earlier when he swung down to disrupt that unapproved drug deal. He was really going to have to get brutal soon if that gang didn't stop trying to sell on his territory. That's a problem for tomorrow's Red Hood though. Tonight he's tired, he's hungry and he has no energy.

Leaning back on the door to shut it, he closes his eyes and rests against it for a moment. After arriving earlier from patrol, he had uncovered a serious food problem in his apartment; mainly there was none. Now his hands were full with the takeout he'd just picked up from the Thai restaurant down the street. He was officially ready to crash on his couch, shovel food in and pass out.

Straightening up off the door Jason nearly drops the precious cargo upon seeing the state of the couch. There on the worn out two seat couch, was a sheepdog sized or sheep sized? Cow sized? Ugh … taking up the whole freaking couch sized dragon.

Jason blinks for a moment at seeing Tim in dragon form. Even in the yellow lighting of the apartment he was so shockingly blue he looked electric. His feathery fur ripples down his back as he looks up at Jason with his bright jewel toned eyes. Tim the dragon obviously belonged in a fantasy novel with all the other fantastical creatures from Jason's imagination. Did he have wings? Jason couldn't remember and couldn't see them, but thought he'd once seen Tim flying.

Jason laments a bit that Tim chose today to present himself like a creature straight out of a fairy tale (this was probably only the third time he'd even shown this form to Jason and Jason so wanted to enjoy pretending he was friends with a dragon) but right this moment Jason was beyond his limit.

“I'm sitting on that couch whether you move or not.”

He walks over to the couch, places the food on the coffee table and flops back without bothering to see if Tim listened. He apparently did as Jason sinks back into his couch and not onto a fluffy dragon.

Jason ignores the dragon shaped problem named Tim for a moment as he situates the food by dividing the meals he'd ordered in half between the takeout boxes.

Can dragons eat spicy panang curry? Well, Tim should know what he can and can't eat Jason supposes.

Jason pushes what is now Tim's box over and digs into his own food. He was almost too tired to chew, but forced himself to continue. Food is fuel.

“That was going to be my lunch tomorrow. Guess I'll go grocery shopping after all.” He shares after a moment, keeping his tone soft so the little dragon wouldn't hear a threat.

Glancing over to see what Tim is doing, Jason isn't sure if he was successful in being non threatening.

Tim isn't doing anything. Just staring between the food and back to Jason. Also he doesn’t seem nearly as big as a moment ago. He's sitting on his back legs, front legs tucked between and his tail wrapping around himself.

“Eat. It's fine. You have to be hungry.” Jason pauses as he chews a bit more. “Unless you are allergic to curry? Onions? Dogs and cats can't have onions.. Is it the same for dragons?” He muses and continues to shove food in his mouth. Manners are for Alfred or just people who aren't deathly exhausted.

Tim continues to stare back and forth until Jason sighs, reaches forward and grabs a decent sized chunk of chicken with his chopsticks.

“Here, you watched me split it evenly. I didn't do anything to it. There is no shellfish. Just eat already.” He shoves the piece of chicken in Tim's face.

Tim finally reacts and takes the bite. Jason nods and gestures with his sticks to the open takeout container on the coffee table.

The dragon slowly slinks off the couch, seating himself on the floor so his face is just above the container. He daintily takes a bite. In dragon form.

Jason stares for a moment in surprise at Tim eating out of the container like a dog.

Well to each their own. He's not sure what else he expected anyway. Was the dragon going to pick up the chopsticks to use? He shrugs and moves back to his own food which was more important than whatever was happening next to him.

After a few more moments of silently chewing, Jason realizes he didn't grab a drink. He hesitates after grabbing a water bottle out of the fridge. Glancing over he sees Tim is about cat sized now and standing on the coffee table to get at the food better. One paw holds the box down so it doesn't scoot off the table.

Jason decides to not think too hard about it and grabs a bowl out of the cabinet. Back at the couch, he sits the bowl down on the table and pours part of a bottle into it before draining his own bottle.

Returning to his food he finishes up the last few bites. His stomach is full and now the need to sleep is all encompassing. He'll clean it up tomorrow. No leftovers to worry about thanks to his surprise guest.

He stretches his arms up and back, feeling the sore shoulder muscles tighten and his bones lightly pop. Releasing his arms back down he sees Tim lapping at the water.

He wonders if he should try to make a list for groceries now. What else is on the to do list tomorrow? Who was on point to check that drug sample he got from the bust tonight? Did he assign anyone at all? He groans. Even if the drugs weren't laced, he still would have to exert control over the situation. His crew needed him to act as the boogeyman.

Jason is suddenly yanked out of his soft spiral by a warm pressure against his side. Tim is still cat sized and pressing himself up against Jason with a sideways arch. He looks like a cat rubbing against someone's legs except it was Jason's arm and side.

Lifting his arm causes Tim to teeter off balance and flop over to land about halfway onto his leg. The dragon slowly blinks up at him with large pupils. Lowering his hand, Jason gingerly strokes the feathery fur.

Jason had never touched a dragon before. He's slightly (completely) awestruck by the texture. Like touching sea grass underwater but it's completely dry. Soft, downy and light as air. Pressing down he can feel the armored skin underneath the soft hair. The places of the dragon’s pelt that aren't covered in the long mane are a slightly darker blue, velvet soft fur Jason discovers as he pets an ear. The dragon's snout is elongated and his ears sit perched on top of his head, short like a cat but narrower. The long fur starts right behind his ears and travels all the way down his tail. Tim did not have wings. Jason ponders that for a moment as he thought he'd seen Tim fly once from a distance in the cave.

Jason is still trying to come up with a full description of the colors and textures of the dragon for his own satisfaction when hears the light rumble from the little lap dragon. Like soft rain on a window. Gentle, muted and steady.

Tim is warm against his leg, soft against his hand and the low sound creates a little vibration he can feel in his chest. Jason feels himself start to relax and his eyes droop.

He loses time for a bit. Maybe he dozes and maybe just zones out but he absolutely becomes aware sleeping on the couch is going to kill his neck and his jeans are not his sleep pants.

He jerks himself up and scoops up the cat dragon. Tim’s purr cuts off and he blinks up before tensing and trying to get down.

“Chill Falkor. I'm not sleeping on the couch.”

Walking into his room, he drops the dragon on the bed by the pillows and grabs his sleep pants. While he's sure he doesn't have anything Tim hasn't seen before, he still changes in the bathroom.

Coming out, Tim hasn't changed size or shape. Jason knows he's probably entering a sleep deprived state of delirium with his next choice. He slips under the covers and pulls Tim under as well, trapping him in Jason's arms like a teddy bear.

Tim’s pretty pliant though and seems to roll with it. Jason strokes his fingers through the dragon’s fur once more enjoying the soothing fluffy texture. Tim starts up his gravel rain sound again and Jason quickly drops off to sleep.

~

When Jason becomes aware again, ambient sunlight is coming in through his bedroom door. Thank God for blackout curtains in the bedroom. He pushes up on his blanket but is met with a bit of resistance. Glancing down he sees the Tim dragon is still cat sized and crossianted up on top of the blanket. The deep slow breaths indicate he's still asleep. Jason wiggles a bit to maneuver out from under the blanket without disturbing his little companion.

Once free, he stretches and makes his way to the bathroom. When the door slightly creaks a few moments later, he pokes his head out of the shower to see the dragon has woken up and followed him. Well whatever. Jason resumes washing off. He hears the sink water turn on so Tim must be washing his face or such.

Jason finishes his shower and steps out, towel lowly wrapped around his waist. It's been quiet so he assumed Tim had moved on. Instead he's surprised to see the sink filled with standing water. Tim is smaller than ever and submerged like it's a little hot tub for mini dragons. Jason stares.

Tim is probably the size of his palm. Bigger than a mouse… Maybe rat sized? But like a fancy pet store rat, not the ROUS that roam the Gotham sewers. Jason had no idea Tim could change his size like this.

The little blue dragon splashes around as Jason walks closer to investigate. When he dives his fur flows and flares around under the water.

Jason reaches out to touch when Tim starts chirping in alarm. Not reacting quick enough, Jason’s hand touches the water. It's scalding.

Tim's chirps increase rapidly as Jason yanks his hand back. It does sting but he's mostly just shocked.

“How did you get the water that hot?”

Tim quiets his chirping to tilt his head at the human.

“I’m fine. Just surprised. Seriously, the water here doesn't get that hot…”

The dragon chirps softly once more before shooting out a miniature flame from the end of his snout like the world’s most adorable cigarette lighter.

Jason barks out a laugh in shock. Oh right.. magic dragon… he chuckles again to himself before reaching under the sink for his first aid kit. He quickly locates and applies the burn cream, holding it out for Tim to inspect.

“See, no big. I'm going to pull on clothes and then I'll bring a towel back for you.”

Jason steps back into his room, pulling on some clothes from the dresser before walking back into the bathroom. The sink is nearly drained and Tim’s fur, which had been so mesmerizing in the water, is now plastered flaty to his sides. He is also back to his previous size, looking like a grumpy wet cat.

Jason scoops him up in the towel and starts rubbing him down. Once the majority of the water is off, he switches to a dry towel and creates a little dragon burrito. He gets to be proud of himself for 2 seconds before Tim escapes, shakes himself, and starts steaming dry.

Right… Dragons create the heat. Didn’t he just learn this lesson? Oh well, Tim doesn't seem upset as he uses his teeth and claws to comb through the slight tangles Jason created in his towel drying roughness. He even lets Jason approach and try to help. The feathery textured fur doesn't seem to knot, but Jason is careful as he uses his fingers to straighten the puffed up coat back to its natural shaggy style.

When Tim seems done, he lets Jason scoop him up again. Jason is enjoying the scooping. It feels nice to hold something small that trusts him not to drop it. The alley cats never let him scoop or dangle them. They'd rub on his legs, accept the treats and lap sitting but fight like life or death if he tried to pick them up.

As Jason approaches the kitchen, he wonders if it’s possible this is his moment. He gently shifts his hold on Tim to under his front legs and lets his back legs suspend in air. Jason moves to the mirror hanging on the wall above his small table. The mirror was aged on the edges and un framed, but it made the room seem brighter and bigger.

Tim blinks lazily at their reflections. He seems unconcerned if his limp hang and half lidded eyes are a true indication of his mood.

So Jason dangles him, swaying him just slightly so Tim is a pendulum in front of his torso. Tim stays limp allowing for a full Dangle test pass. Jason laughs, fully entertained and a bit proud of himself. Better than an alley cat for sure.

He switches back to a supportive carry and gives the dragon a few stroking pets down the back. His blue color looks almost pastel in the morning sunlight.

There isn't much counter space in this small apartment but Jason sets Tim down on the available space anyway. He rummages around for a moment before remembering things were pretty barren in his kitchen.. right he was supposed to go to the grocery store…

“Okay change of plans Blue Mushu. We are going out.”

Jason pivots back to the bedroom to grab his socks and jacket and heads towards the door where his shoes are.

Tim perches on the edge of the counter as if he wants to jump and starts chirping rapidly.

“Well if you want to stay here and wait that's fine... otherwise you are smart enough to be inconspicuous right? I planned on grabbing a bite before the store. Don't shop hungry and all that…”

Tim quieted down his chirping as Jason spoke. He hesitates for a moment, then leaps into the air. The air shimmers around him and he appears to hover over towards Jason. By the time the shimmering dragon lands on Jason's shoulder, he is shaped almost snake-like. A little longer than the span of Jason's hand and as big around as Jason's thumb.

The dragon noodle wraps around Jason's neck, attempting to tuck himself under his jacket collar. That seems to fail as Tim shifts around trying to stabilize without clawing Jason's skin.

He walks over to the mirror by the table again. Tim adjusted so his head was pressed up against Jason's neck and his front and back claws cling to the shoulder of his shirt under the leather jacket.

Jason goes back to his room and, careful to not dislodge Tim, switches his jacket for a dark hoodie. Now in the mirror Jason can just barely see a blue snout against his neck. When he pulls the hood up, he can't see anything other than a questionable shoulder lump.

“Perfect. Don't need anyone getting ideas to try to mug me for a dragon. Plus its softer right baby Nagini?”

Tim huffs against Jason's neck and slowly closes his eyes in the reflection.

Jason takes that for approval and refills his pockets with his keys, wallet and phone to finally set off.

~

It was almost easy to forget Tim was there as Jason grabs breakfast burritos from the first vendor he comes across. Except, it also tickles slightly when he breathes. Jason picks off pieces of egg and chorizo to shove in his hood for Tim. He hopes he doesn't have to clean food out of his hair later, but he'll definitely have to wash the shirt and hoodie.

Jason grabs his standard list of essentials. Seems Dragon Tim can so far eat anything Human Tim can, though Jason hopes human Tim has slightly more consistent eating habits… Tim’s requests are unpredictable and haphazard. From the fresh produce he only wants a single mango, then he turns up his nose at all the fresh meat but is receptive to the canned sardines and tuna. Granola bars are accepted also but the cereal gets a harsh hiss.

Jason lets him get the marshmallows but quickly catches on to the tiny terror picking up way too much junk food. Jason puts up the cookies with candy bits, the candy with cookie bits, and the bag of giant gummy worms the size of current Tim. At the checkout, Tim manages to drop another candy bar on the conveyor which Jason doesn’t catch in time. At least it has peanuts in it so protein and all…

The two make it back to Jason’s apartment without losing any of the goods. He ditches the hoodie, but Tim stays on his shoulder as he unloads.

“You’ll have to wait here while I run my next set of errands. I'll make you some lunch first though.”

A soft chirp is his reply.

“I’m honestly unsure if that’s your protest or agreement.”

A steadier, louder chirp.

“I’m going with agreement. HEY!” Jason snatches the little ear biter off his shoulder. “I tried pierced ears before and it wasn’t for me. Even if I changed my mind, I’m not interested in a dragon shaped earring, I’ll stick with a classy stud thank you.” Jason lectures as he sets the dragon down on the counter.

There is a soft shimmer again around Tim and he is cat sized, staring up at Jason with dilated pupils.

“Hey there Toothless, it’s not happening. It’s not you, it’s me and all that.”

A soft crooning sounded as the dragon wiggled slightly and ducked his head, managing to look up through his eyelashes while maintaining his pupil dilation.

“That is an illegally adorable move, Puss in Boots.” He reaches out to caress the fur along the back of the dragon’s neck. “The answer is still no”

Tim reels back, his split pupil eyes turning into slits as he tries to snap at the large hand. “Yeah, yeah Tiamat. You are vicious and all should fear.”

Jason laughs to himself and moves onto the next task of lunch. By the time he locates Tim again, the dragon is sleeping in a sunny patch on the floor. He decides to leave the food out on the counter (a plate with a few sardines, cubed up mango and a bowl of water) for Tim to find later and gathers his stuff to take off.

Hopefully Tim sticks around and at least finishes up the rest of the mango Jason left in the fridge. Jason hates mango but he hates wasted food more.

~

The sun is setting by the time Jason returns. Even though he bought the groceries earlier, he’s picked up a pizza that is hopefully taken as the peace offering he intends it to be. Especially since his other package makes him more nervous of reception.

Tim clearly ate the offering left on the counter and is sitting by the entryway. He allows Jason one stroke down his back before he dances away and becomes interested in the pizza.

“Yes the pizza has anchovies and artichokes you weirdo.”

He finishes kicking his shoes off and brings the goods over to the coffee table. Before sitting he grabs Tim’s bowl and more water out of the fridge.

In the living room, Tim has already flipped open the pizza box. He’s inside the box dragging a piece by its crust over to the lid side. Jason sets the bowl next to him along with a napkin.

Thankfully only half the pizza is Tim’s. Jason’s half is normal person pepperoni. He flips on the TV and pulls up an old sitcom.

It plays on in the background but Jason is barely watching. The dragon fighting the pizza is ridiculously entertaining. Jason isn’t even sure who is winning. Tim has cheese and sauce all over him with an artichoke heart on his tail somehow. He did fine with the curry and rice last night and Jason wasn't covered in egg this morning, so maybe they need to plan small bite food going forward.

He pauses the show as soon as Tim shows signs of giving up. Tim is already chirping as Jason scoops him up and heads to the bathroom sink. He sets the plunger and turns on the water, leaving Tim to his business. By the time he straightens up the living room, the dragon is back out.

The little fluff pads over, jumps first on the couch and then straight on to the coffee table where Jason left the other bag he brought home. Jason really isn’t sure how this is going to go.

Tim sticks his head in and the bag begins to rustle as he investigates, obviously looking everything over. The laser pointer gets thrown out on the table first. Yeah that was a long shot.

The bag continues to rustle as the dragon begins to fight with something in the bag, before he backs out completely dragging a package. It’s a two pack of toys on a flat cardboard package; one shaped like a small snake and the other like a mouse. Tim has the mouse in his mouth and is trying to rip it off. He’s growling and using all four paws to attempt to tear the package off the prize.

Jason lets out a bellow of a laugh before he catches himself. The dragon doesn’t seem to care what he does though so Jason continues to smile as he reaches for the package. “Hold your horses there Spyro. I’ll get it off for ya.” Jason uses the knife in his pocket and slices through the zip tie holding the toys on. He's tempted to throw it to see if Tim will chase, but figures he doesn’t want to push his luck. He drops the toys back down next to the blue creature and grabs the rest of the sack.

He has jingly balls, a feather wand, some mylar crinkle toys, a tunnel, and a little bed. He puts the bed where Tim found that sunny spot and spreads the tunnel open. He looks back to see Tim staring at everything with the mouse still in his mouth.

“Whatcha got there Smaug?”

Tim’s eyes narrow and his ears pin back. A growl emits across the apartment.

Jason feels a little uncertain. Was it the toys? The nickname?

Tim suddenly leaps off the table and scurries over to the tunnel. The tunnel rattles and rolls with the force of his entry. The mouse was still in his mouth.

While Jason still isn’t 100% confident he is on the right track, he is certainly still entertained. He goes into the closet to grab a box. Sure it was holding stuff, but he dumped that out for the box's new and more important mission.

He sets the box down on its side by the tunnel and places a few more of the toys in it. The growl barely warns him before there is a dragon in his face. Tim’s pupils are slits again, his back arched, and a mouse in his mouth. He jumps into the box, tipping it up so the opening faces the ceiling. The box starts to shake violently as it sounds like Tim begins throwing himself around.

Jason hesitantly peers over. Tim is batting the mouse and diving after it moves. After a few more swipes the dragon suddenly leaps out of the top of the box, darting back into the tunnel and zooming out the other end. Jason sits astounded as the dragon makes laps around the small living room, changing up the path so he goes over or under the coffee table and over or around the couch. Jason is grateful his seat on the floor appears to make him an ‘around’ obstacle.

After the third or fourth circuit, Jason feels brave enough to toss the little snake toy out in the path. It causes Tim to jump and arch again before he pounces and tries to death roll the snake. He kicks his feet up at the toy like a rabbit and Jason’s laughter bounds out.

As they work through the toys, Jason learns the mouse is Tim’s favorite, followed by the snake, and mylar balls. The jingle balls all get pushed under the couch. And Tim steadfastly closes his eyes anytime Jason reaches for the laser pointer. There is probably a story there.

Also Tim will chase if Jason throws a toy, but will not bring it back. Jason's cheeks positively burn from his non stop laughter.

The tunnel and box are the other solid winners and Jason figures the bed will gain favor tomorrow when the sun comes up.

Tim eventually collects the toys he likes and hides them in the box. It takes Jason a bit to realize that Tim has also hidden himself in the box and fallen asleep.

Jason gently lifts the little dragon out of the box and heads to bed. The alley will be fine without him tonight.

~

The next day finds Jason and his dragon out and about again. Jason doesn’t exactly have an agenda but it’s good to just get out and check on the alley in the daytime. He also has a few chores to do that are Tim safe.

He checks in with the donation center that collects clothes for kids. He checks in on the food bank that focuses on fresh produce. And he checks in with the animal shelter that supports the alley cat population through a Trap Neuter Return program.

In retrospect, that probably wasn’t a Tim safe chore. The talk with the staff was fine, but they always provide him food to set out. Tim starts sniffing at the food as soon as Jason opens it.

“Nuh uh, Dragonite. That is cat food.” Jason finishes opening the cans and setting them out as the cats begin to approach.

Tim is still sniffing when the first cat enters the alley. It’s Sasha, a sooty little calico lady who Jason thinks is very friendly. She’d often sit in his lap after eating and let him pet her. Tim stiffens as she approaches and rubs on him. It serves as a greeting and to shove him away from her food.

The rest of the cats begin to approach and Tim and Jason are quickly surrounded. TIm hisses and growls, puffing himself up as he attempts to maneuver around the clowder.

A few of the cats begin to take offense to the dragon in their mix so Jason scoops him up before drama can really start. He bets Tim could hold his own, but no need to traumatize any feral cats today.

The cats rub on Jason’s legs as he stands. Tim glares down, growling to warn them away.

Jason chuckles as he carefully extracts himself from the cats and exits the alley.

“Come on Haku. That's probably enough socialization for today.”

~

Over the course of the next week Jason and the dragon fall into a bit of a routine. They move safehouses once, they grocery shop a few more times, learn raw catnip is not a good idea, make friends with at least Sasha and never once does Jason see Tim the human.

Jason also got Tim on board with staying home while he had Red Hood activities. It wasn't that Jason cared what Tim might see or hear, but bullets tended to fly around him and he didn't have interest in finding out how bullet proof dragons were.

In retrospect Jason should have seen the next bit coming. Out as Red Hood, his men reported seeing Batman on a rooftop. The same rooftop Bruce used to signal him from when he wanted something.

Hood landed and Batman stepped out of the shadows. Everything appeared just as it used to be. Batman looked like Batman, moved like Batman and stared like Batman. It grated on Jason's nerves.

“What's with the drama? Too good to call?”

Jason immediately regretted giving in and speaking first. That's how it always was with Bruce, but Dick wasn't like that. Nightwing would always announce his intentions loudly and proudly when he visited.

“Hood.” Batman acknowledged and he even sounded the same.

Jason tensed further. “What the hell do you want? I have shit to do and you are bad for business.”

“Show respect!” A small figure moved from behind Batman and lunged out at Jason.

Reacting mostly on instinct, Jason used his shoulder to knock the assailant off course and quickly grabbed them from behind. He twisted the small wrist so the katana dropped and placed the child in a restraining hold with their back to his chest.

Jason could then process what he was actually looking at. Robin. Damian was dressed as Robin. “What the…”

“Hood let him go.” Batman growled.

Jason looked up, surprise would have been evident on his face but thankfully the helmet covered him fully. “What am I looking at here Batman?” He spat out.

“Let him go.” Batman tensed more, clearly ready to fight.

“He literally attacked me first..” Jason didn't finish speaking before Batman lunged at him.

Hood tossed Robin at Batman in defense. Sure enough Batman immediately altered his assault to catch Robin instead. Though he held onto Robin instead of letting him escape and attempt to retaliate.

The helmet's distorter couldn't disguise the anger in his voice. “You summoned me here. You attacked. What the fuck do you want already?”

Batman suddenly sighed and all the Bruce seemed to bleed out of Dick. His shoulders slumped forward and he tightened his hold on Damian. “I was wondering if you'd seen Tim.”

“Isn't it your first week? How you are already losing and replacing birds?”

Dick squeezed the kid. Jason wondered why Damian hadn't tried stabbing Dick yet. Robin appeared resigned to his fate though.

“I can't find him Jay. He left the manor about a week ago. You know he usually hides when dealing with things but I thought he was doing better this time. I called the Titans and none of them have seen him. He has a couple civilian friends that shouldn't know about his other form but he hasn't contacted them. Even Oracle couldn't help.”

Here was the point Jason had been privately wondering about for the last week. Why had Tim come to him... When he lost his parents, his friends, and even when they first heard about Bruce, as far as Jason knew Tim went to the first Robin. Any glimpse Jason previously had of the dragon was when he was with Dick.

Jason titled his head. “There's a piece I'm missing from this story…”

“The placeholder couldn't handle seeing a superior Robin…” Dick slapped a hand over Damians mouth.

“Holy shit, you didn't…” Jason looked from Damian to Dick, all the pieces in place.

~

Jason didn't tell Dick anything that night. He felt it should be Tim's choice. Seems most things lately hadn't been after all.

He does tell Tim what happened when he returns to the apartment they are staying at. Over dinner, he tells Tim how he figured it out.

He watches as the dragon slumps defeated into his macaroni but Jason doesn't stop talking.

He tells Tim Dick is a dick but he's legitimately worried. He reminds Tim all the people Dick asked for help are probably worried too. And then he scoops up his cat dragon friend and cuddles him to his chest, messy cheese sauce be damned.

“Look...” Jason hesitates over choosing the right words. “I just don't want you to think this is your only choice. This is a choice, staying here is a choice that remains open…” Jason give him a soft squeeze. “...But there are other choices when you are ready.”

~

Jason's not surprised but he's a little sad when Tim makes a different choice a few days later. There's a note on the counter clearly written by human Tim telling him thank you.

Jason goes out with extra cat treats to the alley and to lure the feral kitties to his side. Sasha at least climbs in his lap easily enough.

Surely they all saw he can be trusted by carrying Tim these past few days right?

He slowly tries to stand, gently restraining the calico as she tries to get down. By the time he straightens up fully she's shredding his arm through his shirt and nearly takes out an eye.

Jason is forced to retreat to lick his wounds in the shelter. The staff let him use their first aid, and even better let him hold a friendly little grey tabby kitten that purrs and climbs his shoulders.

Maybe he should just get a cat… but he has to move often and what would happen if he can't make it home everyday? Dragon Tim could always take care of himself in those situations but a normal cat wouldn't understand.

Jason hoists the kitten up and looks him in the eye. He tries dangling him but it causes the kitten to meow and struggle. He switches back to cuddling and the kitten resumes purring, all immediately forgiven.

Is there a cat cafe in Gotham? If not Jason's totally going to sponsor one post haste.

~

The next few days aren't terribly exciting in Jason's book. He finds the leadership of the encroaching gang. The drugs weren't laced so he allows a deal and they go through his network now. He accidentally buys a mango and pushes it to the back of his latest safehouse fridge. There is no Cat Cafe in Gotham but the shelter told him of a volunteer that is working at a coffee shop. It's a long shot, but it's a start.

Tonight he makes it all the way to his couch with a haul of tacos before he notices anything different.

There is a dragon loaf on his coffee table.

He grins. “Hey Puff. You hungry?”

He barely sits the bag down before the dragon springs off the table. Jason catches him mostly out of reflex.

He gives him a cuddle. Then holds him out to look him over. Tim dangles there in the air completely unconcerned. Jason grins as he gives him a small swing.

~

The thing is, Tim knows it's not a ‘healthy, normal’ response to turn into a dragon. But then ‘healthy, normal’ people can't turn into a dragon either so there is no basis to judge him.

When he was a child he used the form to escape the loneliness of his home and hide in nooks and crannies of Gotham. Now he uses it to lure in acceptable cuddles and hugs from those around him. Tim the human has to remain indifferent to affection, Tim the dragon can purr and snuggle to his heart's content.

It works in short stints. Dick would let him cuddle and sit in his lap for a movie. Kon used to let him ride on his shoulders as he experimented in the kitchen. Even Bruce would let him sit on the desk as he worked on the computer, occasionally giving him a stroke along his back.

Mostly though he'd retreat to his secret pile of squishy plushies and hide for a bit.

When he lost his parents, he did a short rotation through his favorite people. That was the first time Alfred allowed him food in dragon form. It was nice and Alfred even allotted him a few pats on the head.

When he lost Kon, he was glued to Dicks side or buried in his soft plushie pile. Dick was always his favorite retreat. He usually was quiet for Tim in these moments and just offered a steady warm lap with snuggly naps.

Losing Bruce wasn't the same. Dick was withdrawn, distracted. Tim didn't feel comfortable allowing Damian to see him, so his available time with Dick was further limited. His plush pile felt cold.

He knew his head wasn't in a good place as he tried to move forward business as usual. The few moments of release he usually got by being a dragon were gone and Tim had to deal like every other normal human.

Except he wasn't normal.

Seeing Damian in the Robin costume broke something in Tim at a point he didn't even know he had anything left to break.

All things considered he's not sure why he went to Jason. He was moping about Gotham when he saw Red Hood enter an apartment and Jason leave it. He figured it was a good bet Jason would return but wasn't sure what good could come of it.

No expectations, no disappointment. If the bar was buried in the ground, no one was going to trip.

Normally Tim likes to be the size of a large teddy bear like his plushies to get his cuddles. It was an optimal size. But waiting on Jason to return made Tim nervous and he felt his magic build him up till he was taking up the entirety of the small couch.

When Jason did return, the series of events that followed shifted Tim's entire outlook on life a giant step to the left.

Jason treated him like the world's smartest and most precious pet.

He bought Tim toys and let him hoard them in a safe box. He got Tim a soft bed for sleeping in the sun. Jason never forgot he needed food.

He wasn't condescending and didn't try to baby talk to him. Jason knew Tim understood him and would hold a conversation accepting chirps and growls as answers.

When he'd hang out with Dick he was generally expected to move on his own, but Jason would carry him everywhere he could.
He let Tim ride on his shoulders, sit on his lap and hang around his neck. Jason seemed as if enjoyed petting Tim as much as Tim liked to be pet.

It was the greatest week in Tim's memory. There were no responsibilities. Tim loafed on the couch and splayed in the sun. Meals were delivered timely and cuddles given freely. Jason took him outside with minimal constraints or rules.

When Jason came home after his confrontation with Dick, Tim thought that'd be it.

He'd stared morosely into his cheese sauce like it had all the answers. Then Jason had lifted him up and all the good feelings of being cared for, treasured and safe came back. Tim took it to heart that Jason meant what he said.

Tim did chicken out of confronting Jason when he could talk again. He'd left a note and headed back to the manor.

There a few things happened in quick succession. Tim learned Dick was moving to the penthouse with Damian, he saw a portrait that hadn't been there last week, he formed his theory, presented Dick with his evidence and was summarily tossed on his ear again.

Having Dick turn his back again so soon hurt. Was it really that crazy of an idea?

The evening he returns to Jason's, Tim enjoys the easy routine that he falls into. Jason obviously meant what he said and accepts Tim back without questions. He just splits his food with Tim and even produces some cubed mango.

Tim knows he can't stay this way forever though. Not with what he now knows.

He lets himself have this evening though. Lets Jason carry him around, stroke the fur down his back and tuck him into bed. It's easier to fall asleep next to another warm body. He feels safe and cared for. It's an addictive feeling that Tim isn't sure how to walk away from.

~

The next morning Tim knows he's going to have to say something.

As a dragon he balances on Jason's shoulders as he makes breakfast. It's a favorite game of his and a great core exercise. The trick is to maintain his balance without digging into Jason's skin. It was good he invented this practice with Kon who couldnt be injured by Tim's claws.

Jason finishes the eggs with some sort of green stuff mixed in that Tim vows to pick out.

The current apartment Jason's using doesn't have a kitchen table. It has a bar with stools or the couch and coffee table.

The older man sits himself down at the bar with two plates of food and two mugs. Tim knows his mug has water in it, but figures Jason probably made himself tea based on the steam drifting up.

He hops off Jason's shoulder finally to circle his own plate. He recognizes egg and cheese, but the green feels offensive. Jason's looking at something on his phone and not paying attention to Tim. Tim hesitantly takes a bite, and yup that's spinach. He sputters and starts using his claws to separate the egg and spinach. He slowly makes his way through his breakfast.

“How’d you get covered in food again?” Tim looks up just in time for Jason to snap a picture. He snorts for an answer. Why'd Jason have to poison the eggs?

“Yeah, yeah to the bathroom with you.” Jason lifts him up and deposits him on the bathroom counter before heading back to the kitchen.

Tim stares at his reflection for a moment. Spinach was on his nose, in the hair by his ears, smashed in his tail and all over his front legs. The green mixing with his blue almost gave an appearance of him being covered in brown spots. Well better than eating it, he supposes.

He glances at the sink and then over to the shower. Maybe a shower would be better in this case.

~

A fully human, freshly showered Tim goes to the bedroom to steal some clothes before facing Jason again. Jason's shirts were huge and the only pants he can find to stay up are a pair of basketball shorts.

Tim takes a deep breath to fortify himself and steps into the main area of the apartment. Jason had finished cleaning the kitchen and was flipping through the TV when he notices Tim.

“Can you dry your hair like you do your fur?”

Tim laughs at the absolute absurdity. Jason grins back unrepentant.

“Unfortunately no, I can only use magic in the other form”

“Explains why you never roasted anyone as Robin.”

Tim laughs again as he moves over and sits on the couch, his back to the armrest and facing Jason. Jason continues to grin as he too turns to face the younger man.

Tim's smile sobers as he remembers what he wants to say. “So when I was at the manor, I figured out Bruce isn't dead.”

Jason's grin slips to a more serious look. “Isn't dead anymore and we have another zombie situation or faked his death and changed his identity to escape the guilt over failing to be a decent human situation?”

Tim stares, but Jason just meets his eyes and waits for an answer.

“Never died. The zeta beam sent him careening through time.” Tim answers a little breathlessly.

“Figures Bruce couldn't even die right in the first place.” Jason rolls his eyes as he crosses his arms. “Well is this a you gotta rescue him deal?”

“I am not sure” Tim answers slowly. “I think so… But Dick.” He cuts off with a swallow.

Jason's eyes narrow. “But Dick what?”

“Dick doesn't believe me. He blocked me out of the Bat system and the JL system. No one is going to listen to me over him.” Tim rushes through the explanation. Looking away, he feels his throat tighten and breath catch again.

Jason stares a moment longer. “Are you fucking with me?”

Tim jerks his face back towards Jason in shock. “What?”

“Dick. The same Dick who has alien friends, knows several time travelers, has time and space traveled himself and watched not only me but how many others die only to be resurrected later said this was his limit of belief? A magic dragon suspects zeta beam time travel is what takes it too far?” Jason stops his rant and shakes his head. “By the look on your face you are clearly serious…”

Tim closes his gaping mouth and nods.

“Alright Timberly, how can I help?”

~

Turns out Tim doesn't need that much. Jason helps him gain network access and provides contacts on the black market to find art pieces Tim says are his ‘proof’. Jason doesn't disbelieve they are proof, but he is concerned Tim feels the need for so much proof beyond his word. Jason also doesn't particularly feel any urgency to pull the big butthead out of the timestream.

He tries to help, but once he's set Tim on the path, Tim is pretty self sufficient. Some days Jason comes home to a dragon passed out in the sunlight. Sometimes he comes home to Tim having already ordered dinner for both of them. He does confirm that Dragon Tim can eat anything Human Tim can and all the strange food choices had no magic dragon reason, just weird Tim.

When Tim eventually says he needs to go find something in person, Jason goes with him. He saw those creepy messages from Ras Al Ghul. Nope, this is his dragon. He put in the time to deferalize and no other zombie, human, or alien is getting to reap the benefits of his work.

Jason says it's to save on travel prices but feeling Tim snuggled under his hoodie is soothing to his flight nerves. The ninjas outside the airport seem to be looking for two people traveling so, as an added benefit, Jason is able to slip by them completely undetected.

Seeing Tim smiling with relief as he finishes documenting his proof brings a smile to Jason as well. He grabs Tim under his arms and holds him out at arms length. Tim doesn't lose his smile and hangs limply so Jason gives him a little dangle.

~ end ~