Chapter Text
Christmas has always been a complicated holiday for Tim. His parents would send presents, which usually arrived well after the 25th. Rarely, they might be in town on the actual day, and Tim would get to celebrate like he’s always seen other kids do in tv and movies.
Then, with his team, Santa fucking died. They took on his job delivering presents. It became an annual tradition. But then his teammates died or retired from hero work. Even now, with Kon and Bart back in the world of the living and on the correct earth, the team doesn’t get together to deliver gifts anymore.
A dangerous storm brings many heroes together this holiday season, requiring heroes to work with first responders to rescue those trapped in the immense amount of snow or frozen in the ice. Some need to be delivered to hospitals due to carbon monoxide exposure, their home generators leaking the gas into their living space.
Gotham got fourteen inches of snow, plus three of ice. Everything is shut down. Tim couldn’t get back into the city if he tried. Not even the rogues are out and about in this weather.
Tim happened to be visiting Kon in Metropolis when the storm blew in. Helping Kon set up a bat-grade security system. With the storm dropping sixteen inches of snow in less than six hours, Metropolis is just as paralyzed as any other place in the country.
Of course, Kon has offered to fly Tim back to Gotham. But the manor is empty except Bruce, who has been pissing Tim off lately, and Damian, who has finally graduated from attempts on Tim’s life to being the world’s most annoying younger brother. Alfred is away visiting friends back home in England, so Tim would be stuck with them.
So Tim declined the flight out. Despite how drafty Kon’s shitty little Metropolis apartment is. Despite that Tim hates Metropolis with every fiber of his being, like any born and raised Gothamite does. Tim dons his back up costume to help Kon clear those stuck on the roads.
They return to the apartment and Tim can’t get warm. He dons a stupid amount of layers. Thermal long johns, leggings, wool pants and shirt, sweaters, and a coat. Still, Tim is cold.
Now Tim is stuck with Kon. In his tiny apartment, with nothing to do. Nothing to talk about that won’t lead to Tim ultimately revealing his big fat crush on his best friend. It puts Tim on edge. Or maybe its the mess of confusing feelings swirling around in his chest every year during the holidays. Whatever the reason, Tim is irritable, more so than normal.
Kon suggests they keep moving to warm Tim up. They decorate the apartment together, with minimal conflict. But Kon keeps brushing past Tim, finding opportunities to make contact. Tim isn’t sure what it means. He has theories, sure, but none of them seem like reasonable explanations for Kon’s behavior.
Thankfully, unlike most of the country, they still have power. Kon is playing episodes of Star Trek on the tv in living room, while baking in his kitchen. The kitchen island separates the two rooms.
There is only one bedroom, so Kon insisted on taking the couch to give Tim his bed. Tim declined. Kon insisted. They had a bit of an argument about it.
“You can have the bed, Rob. It isn’t a big deal.” Kon says, frustrated. Tim can see it. But he pushes anyway. “I’m not sleeping in your bed, Kon.” Tim refuses.
“Why?” Kon asks, throwing his hands up. “What? I’m just gross or something?”
“I never said that, Kon.” Tim bites out. “Don’t put words in my mouth.”
“Then explain!” Kon demands, voice raising. “What is so bad about you taking the bed and me taking the couch?”
Tim can’t take Kon’s bed. He just can’t. He’ll feel like a burden. Alone like his early Christmases. Plus it’ll smell like Kon, just reminding Tim of how close they are and how he’ll never have Kon the way he wants to.
“I can’t!” Tim yells, frustrated. He’s exhausted from rescuing people today. Overstimulated by the ridiculous amount of layers he has to wear just to stay warm.
Kon took a step back and just stopped talking. Tim hadn’t known what to do.
Kon retreated to the kitchen, and has been baking ever since.
That was three hours ago. Tim has been sitting on the edge of the couch, bouncing his leg anxiously, since the first half hour passed. Star Trek provides little solace. Tim has seen all the episodes with Kon before, and without him on the couch cuddling with Tim and pointing out his favorite lines, the show just isn’t the same.
“I’m sorry.” Tim says quietly, as he approaches Kon. He’s stirring some batter in a bowl and Tim couldn’t tell you what baked good it was for if he had a gun to his head. He steals a quick finger lick of the batter anyway, relishing how close the move brings him to Kon’s face.
“Are you apologizing for the batter or for the argument?” Kon asks suspiciously, narrowing his eyes at Tim and turning his body so Tim can’t reach the bowl.
“Both.” Tim admits quietly. “I guess I’m just grumpy ‘cuz this time of year is hard for me.”
Kon sets the mixing bowl onto the counter with a soft thud. He turns back to Tim with a raised eyebrow.
“Whatdaya mean Rob?” Kon asks gently. He knows how difficult it is for Tim to open up. “I offered to fly you back to your family.” Kon points out. “But I’m guessing there is something more going on in that big brain of yours than that?”
Tim nods. “You did.” He acknowledges. “But even if I’m there it still won’t be the same.”
Kon places a warm hand on Tim’s shoulder. Tim can feel the weight of it through the four layers he is wearing.
“I used to celebrate on my own, when my parents were outta town.” Tim explains slowly, trying to find his words. “Then, when mom died, Dad tried to keep certain traditions going. But we never really did that before, so… it didn’t really stick.”
Kon nods, and smiles. He waits for Tim to continue. Kon’s face is so open, so lacking in judgement, that Tim tries to open up. Sharing his feelings with others feels like burdening others, but Tim knows that Kon would never see it that way.
“Dana tried.” Tim adds, still avoiding the crux of why he’s being a grinch. “But then Dad died and she moved to Bludhaven. And I moved in with Bruce.”
“Does Bruce do anything special for Christmas?” Kon prompts gently.
Tim shoots Kon a grateful look. “Yeah, he and Alfred do. But Alfred won’t be home this year. And I won’t see the team like we used to do every year after the whole Santa debacle.”
Kon chuckles. Young Justice delivering presents had been its own special brand of chaos. Especially when they could dole out the naughty list as well. Punching Darkseid had been particularly entertaining. Tim gives a small smile.
“I dunno.” Tim says, sighing and leaning against the counter next to Kon. Their shoulders are touching. His warmth burns into Tim’s arm and begins to fill the rest of him.
“I guess I want some consistency. And that feeling people always talk about with the holidays.” Tim confesses. “And I feel weird for imposing on you.”
Kon huffs and pushes off the counter. “I told ya. You ain’t imposin’.” Kon says, his twang heavy. His accent usually only thickens when he’s tired, needing a solar recharge. A pang of worry tugs at Tim’s heart. Kon has been so busy trying to be a good host to Tim, that he hasn’t done his daily flight to soak up the sun. How could Tim have missed this? He’s been so petulant. So caught up in his own shit that he’s missed the glaring neon signs of Kon needing a recharge too.
“You need some sunlight, don’t you?” Tim pushes, grabbing Kon by the elbow to get his attention. A weird expression flashes over Kon’s face before disappearing. One Tim hasn’t caught before and isn’t sure how to place.
“I’m okay.” Kon says softly. “I have a sunlamp in my room.”
Tim pauses. “Then why did you suggest I take your bed to sleep?”
Kon shrugs nonchalantly. “Figured I could help keep ya warm.”
Tim’s brain comes to a screeching halt. What. No, no way Kon meant that as anything other than platonic. He just wants to cuddle Tim to keep him warm. They cuddle during team movie nights all the time. This isn’t different. Tim has to keep himself from reading into Kon’s behavior to see what he wants.
“Okay.” Tim says, wanting to see Kon smile. Kon’s expression lights up and he beams. “Okay?” He asks. “Okay.” Tim replies simply. Kinda weird that Kon is this excited to cuddle Tim to keep him warm. Guy is like a human sized space heater. It would be silly to not take up the offer. Besides, Tim agreeing cheers Kon up, and Tim really would do anything to see Kon smile right now.
Kon’s beaming smile has melted into a fond grin and he reaches to tuck an errant strand of Tim’s hair back behind his ear. Tim’s breath catches in his chest. His muscles are tense, locked in place like he’s ready for a fight or… something else.
“I have a few traditions from the Kents that you might like.” He offers. Tim nods wordlessly. His brain feels like static. Kon laughs and points to the trays of cookies cooling on the island.
“Let’s ice those.” Kon suggests. He breezes past Tim and grabs the frosting.
Kon’s kitchen is small. Tight quarters. But not so tight that he had to brush past Tim to get the frosting. Did he do that on purpose? Why? To piss Tim off?
Tim is no stranger to Kon rage baiting him. Hell, Tim has often returned the favor. But this feels… different.
Tim helps ice a few dozen cookies. Kon laughs at how bad he is at it. But Tim doesn’t have the advantage of Kon’s TTK. He’s working with normal human abilities here. Kon takes a few videos on his phone, sending them to Jon and a few of their friends. Tim doesn’t mind.
It actually feels kinda fun. Nice, even. Kon showing Tim off. Well, not really. He is ragging on Tim and his shit icing skills. But, hey, Tim is still the center of Kon’s attention, and that feels great. So Tim decides to lean into it.
“You're really talking a lot of shit for someone who has to use his super powers to add sprinkles.” Tim teases. Kon laughs and Tim feels the tips of his ears go red. Tim grabs a bag of frosting and squeezes it at Kon’s phone. Kon freezes it in the air before it can do any damage.
“Oh you wanna play?” Kon says, tone low. Tim feels his whole face go red. Kon sets the phone on the counter, and steps into Tim’s space again. Tim’s knees feel like jelly.
Kon swipes a finger through some frosting and smears it onto Tim’s face. It happens in slow motion. Tim watches as Kon’s pupils widen. Tim licks his lips. Kon’s eyes follow the movement. Tim presses his back into the counter, letting Kon cross the distance.
Kon does, blocking Tim in. “You look good in red.” Kon murmurs. Tim isn’t sure if he’s talking about his blush or the red frosting smeared across his cheek. His pulse is pounding in his ears.
Tim gulps down a breath, trying to clear his head enough to form a coherent response.
“You look good too.” is all he manages. Kon laughs, stepping back and going back to icing cookies.
“Thank you, Tim.” Kon says lightly. Like whatever that was didn’t just happen. Tim awkwardly finishes icing his half of the cookies. Kon keeps brushing past Tim. Initiating contact and bumping shoulders, wholly unnecessarily. The whole time. It is driving Tim crazy. He’s so worked up. Frustrated and excited, confused if Kon is meaning this. Is Tim misreading him?
Tim does wash the frosting off his face before returning to the couch. Kon is warming up stew on the stove for dinner, and Tim snags a few cookies to snack on in the meantime. Trek continues to play on the tv. But Tim can’t focus. He’s bouncing his leg again.
Kon joins Tim on the couch, laying his arm across the back of the cushions. Tim leans back, letting his back brush against Kon’s fingers. Electricity jolts through him when Kon’s TTK slides over his, massaging into the tense muscles in his back.
“Kon.” Tim breathes out, holding back a moan. “Dude.”
“You gotta take care of yourself Tim, before someone else does it for you.” Kon whispers lowly. He isn’t looking at Tim. His eyes don’t leave the screen in front of them. Tim tries to do one of his breathing exercises to lower his heart rate.
Kon continues to massage the knots out of his back until dinner is ready. They eat their stew in companionable silence. Afterwards, since the sky has gone dark, they retire to Kon’s room. Tim changes quickly, limiting how long he has exposed to the cold ambient air.
Kon changes too. He slides a pair of sweats on, to replace his jeans. Then tosses his shirt, joining Tim on the bed shirtless. The sunlamp clicks on in the corner. It’s bright, but not super warm.
“Glad you’re taking care of yourself too.” Tim says quietly, tucking his chilly socked feet against Kon’s warm legs. Kon smiles softly. His eyes are closed and he’s breathing deeply, like meditating.
Kon shifts, lifting an arm to curl around Tim’s waist lightly. Tim goes rigid. The pressure of Kon’s hand so close to where Tim has wanted it is tantalizing. Normally, when they cuddle in front of the team, Kon will drape an arm over his shoulders or pull Tim to lean on his shoulder. Again, this is different. Or it is for Tim, anyway.
“Kon.” Tim says, stilted. Kon’s hand retreats. Tim immediately regrets saying anything.
“I think we should talk.” Tim suggests softly. Kon’s expression drops. He opens his eyes to look at Tim, face neutral. “Talk.” Kon replies.
Tim takes a deep breath, wringing his hands in his lap awkwardly.
“Have you been flirting with me?” Tim rushes out. Kon laughs, throwing his head back. Tim is mesmerized, the smooth column of his throat on display.
“I have for months.” Kon says with a sardonic smile. “Thanks for noticing.”
“You have?” Tim asks, baffled. Kon shrugs unapologetically.
“I guess not very well if you didn’t notice.” Kon adds. “Being trained by the world’s greatest detective an’ all.”
Tim gapes. “Wait, really?”
“Yes, really.” Kon confirms, a soft pink blush gracing his cheeks. It spreads slowly down his face, onto his neck, and across his chest. Tim grins. He reaches forward tentatively, grabbing one of Kon’s hands.
“May I kiss you?” Tim asks softly, leaning forward. Kon nods, wordless.
“Sorry baby, I need you to use your words.” Tim teases, a breath away from Kon’s lips.
“Yes.” Kon huffs, rolling his eyes. “Kiss me.”
And how can Tim dismiss such a polite request? He leans in and kisses Kon. It escalates quickly, hands exploring and limbs tangling. Kon pulls Tim onto his lap with a groan. Tim breaks the kiss to remove several of his sweaters. His wool pajama bottoms slip off easily, but his thermal long johns take a little extra effort. Tim has to stand to slide them down.
Kon leans back against the headboard, eyeing Tim as the layers come off. Tim grins, moving slower. “You’re teasing me.” Kon mutters. Tim winks, flinging them off. “Turnabout is fair play.”
“Is it?” Kon asks, pulling Tim back onto his lap. His boxers and Kon’s sweats remain the only barriers between them now. “Yeah.” Tim says, moving to kiss Kon’s jaw and below his ear. Kon shivers. “I thought I was supposed to be the one getting cold?” Tim teases, grinning against the smooth skin of Kon’s neck.
“Shut up.” Kon grumbles. Tim laughs and shakes his head. “Make me.”
Kon leans in and kisses him hungrily. He flips them and pins Tim to the mattress.
“How far you wanna go tonight?” Kon asks, panting. Tim can feel Kon’s length pressing into his thigh. “I…” Tim starts, struck wordless by the feeling of Kon’s TTK sliding up his sides and gripping his ass.
“I want…” Kon prompts, leaning back and giving Tim a chance to kick his brain into gear.
“I want to fuck you, eventually.” Tim says, catching his breath. “But…maybe not tonight?” Kon nods and kisses the cold tip of Tim’s nose. “Of course, sunshine. Is what we’re doing now okay?” He replies, brushing Tim’s hair out of his face with a gentle hand.
“Yes.” Tim breaths. “This is good.”
“Good.” Kon says, kissing Tim on the forehead. “Because I really like kissing you.”
“Do you?” Tim says, flipping them again to straddle Kon’s thighs with just enough space to deny them both the friction. Kon’s grin falters as his eyes widen.
“To be, like, super clear, I really really like you.” Kon says evenly, cradling Tim’s jaw gently. “And I wanna take you out on dates.” Another soft kiss on his forehead. “And show you off.” A kiss to each cheek. “And hold your hand.” A kiss on his nose. “And, when you’re ready, give you the best orgasms you’ve ever had.” A kiss on his jaw. “And kiss you until the end of time.” One final kiss on the lips.
Tim’s whole body feels warm, nerves buzzing. “Kon.” He says softly. “I think I love you.”
As soon as the words leave his mouth, Tim regrets them. It is too soon. Too fast. Kon doesn’t freak out, like Tim thought he would. Instead, he melts. He kisses Tim again, deeper and more passionate than before.
“I love you too.” Kon says, pulling back. Tim beams.
“So…” Tim says, leaning his head against Kon’s collar bone. “Partners?”
Kon wraps his arms around Tim tightly, pressing their bodies together. “Always.” He confirms.