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“Ugh,” Tim groaned, head lying on the table beside his plate. Alfred had placed an incredible breakfast in front of him, but he didn’t feel like eating. He had forgotten about an essay in English about ‘The Odyssey’ by Homer. Tim had never read the book and wasn’t interested. Not when he had cases to work through.
That was when he saw Jason. Jason had always loved English and those old classics. If Tim could convince him… No, Jason would never go for it. Not for Tim. They might be on better terms than when they had met after Jason’s resurrection, but that didn’t mean the man would be willing to help him.
Not unless he was able to manipulate Jason. But could he do that? Would Jason figure out what Tim was trying to do? Oh, if Jason knew what Tim was doing, he’d get punched. Jason hated being manipulated. But would it be as bad if it were something that Jason enjoyed? Either way, Tim would have to try. He needed that paper done for next Monday, and it was Wednesday. So, he had three days before he’d have to give up and pull two all-nighters just to read the book and finish the essay.
At least Tim was a fast reader and typer.
The first attempt was to sit in the library, where he knew Jason was going to be that day, and read the book. It wasn’t a very good plan, but it at least got him a head start in reading if Jason chose not to help him. Tim was hoping that his brother would come in and strike up a conversation about the book. If they were to get talking, maybe Tim wouldn’t need to ask Jason to write the essay, but he could write what Jason said.
Unfortunately, that wasn’t what happened.
Turned out Jason had a mission that day and wasn’t going to be home until after his nighttime patrols. And even then, he said he’d probably just go back to his apartment! So, his first plan was a failure, but at least he got some of the book read.
Alright, he got a few pages read. He was so focused on waiting for Jason that he kept forgetting to read.
Attempt number two should have been easier, but everyone else just had to make it harder.
The next morning at breakfast, Tim brought up his essay. He should have known. Of course, Bruce would know about it and realize what he was trying to do. Alfred knew what Tim was attempting! That should have clued him in.
While he was trying to talk about his essay, Bruce decided to ask him a question he hadn’t been expecting. “You can take a few nights off if you need them to do your homework. It’s a very important assignment, after all.”
Tim blushed crimson with a mix of embarrassment and frustration. It didn’t help that Steph, Cass, and Jason were snickering to each other. They knew that wasn’t what Tim wanted at all, even if they didn’t know what he genuinely wanted to happen from bringing it up.
He decided he was going to try one last attempt that night, and if this one didn’t work, then he’d have to take Bruce up on his offer, whether he liked the idea or not.
That night, when they arrived back from patrol, Tim put his plan in motion. After school, Tim had stopped at a convenience store and bought his secret weapon.
“Jason?” Tim called once they were back in the Batcave. Jason had just taken off his helmet, and Tim had reached into his costume’s pocket, taking hold of the object. “I’ll give you my leftover fruit roll-up.” When saying that, he took out the treat, holding it out to the older man. “If you write my 2000-word English essay on ‘The Odyssey’ for me.”
Tim hadn’t expected this to work, especially not with Bruce right there getting ready to intervene. But to both Tim’s and Bruce’s surprise, Jason grabbed the fruit roll-up with a shit-eating grin plastered on his face.
“Deal!”
“Wait,” Tim stuttered. “That easily?” He was confused. Usually, Jason would get angry at him for asking him to do anything for him, but now all it took was a fruit roll-up.
“Well, yeah,” Jason snorted, shaking his head. “I mean, it’s a fruit roll-up. And not the off-brand shit, but the real deal.” To prove his point, he held the packaging up to Tim’s face and pointed at the brand logo. “That means you’re in some serious need of help, and I’m going to be the one to help.”
Tim smiled. It was a smile of triumph, but one of love and appreciation. He hadn’t expected Jason to do this for him and was fully prepared to have to write the essay. He didn’t feel happy for long, however, as Jason followed it up with what Tim had been expecting.
While Jason was walking towards the stairs leading to the mansion above-ground, he looked back with a smirk on his face. “And that also means I’ll have something to lord over your head while you owe me a favour!”
Before Tim could respond, Jason was already halfway up the stairs. Tim wouldn’t have been able to catch up, especially not when Bruce was by his side, dragging him to the Batcomputer to help him before he ultimately sent Tim off to bed.
Why did Jason have to be like that? Then again, Tim did expect it. Maybe that was why Jason had agreed so willingly. To throw Tim offguard long enough to get him a free favour. For all Tim knew, Jason would make him do a case that he didn’t want to do, which would put more pressure and work onto his shoulders!
Before Tim could be sent off to bed, Bruce clapped him on the shoulder. “While I don’t like that you are having Jason do your assignment, or that he’s doing it for you, I’m glad you two are getting along.” There was a pause. “At least, somewhat.”
Tim couldn’t disagree with Bruce’s statement. It was nice knowing that, for the time being, he and Jason were on good terms. He could only hope that it stayed that way. “Yeah,” Tim smiled. “Yeah, I’m glad, too.”