Archive of Our Own

Kon and Cassie came into Mount Justice like a whirlwind.

Their chatter was loud and continuous, some kind of playful ribbing from what Tim could discern.

It seemed like Cassie was arguing some kind of point that Kon took great mocking offence to.

If Tim hadn’t been so concentrated on the experiment he was doing, he might have paid their words more mind, which would have saved him… a lot.

As it was, they came in, leaking chaos as they moved through the tower. His earbuds had died about ten minutes prior, but he had yet to take them out. He told himself as soon as he finished the adjustments to the adhesive dissolvent he was trying to improve he’d take them to charge.

He never got the chance. He was staring into a small test tube, painstakingly counting drops and recording the amount of milliliters he was adding.

He never startled easily anymore, he had been told he was sometimes too aware of his surroundings to be healthy.

So he wasn’t surprised by the door to his mini-lab, the one his team was allowed full access to, swung open and bounced harmlessly off the door stop.

He wasn’t even surprised to hear whatever conversation Cassie and Kon were having continue as if he wasn’t there.

However, he was surprised to feel Kon’s warm hands tug on the loop of his earbud, though not enough to jostle his work.

He was nearly done, he could feel it. He had been trying to figure out a more gentle mask remover since he saw Damian’s skin drying out in the shape of his mask.

He figured he was one of the only of his brothers that had a strict enough skin care routine to combat the ill-effects of their masks.

Either way, he had managed to get a concentration that pulled off the adhesive, but not their skin. All he needed was to test and see how much oil he could add before it had ill-effects on the efficacy of the dissolvent.

Then, with one earbud out, he finally caught on to what Kon and Cassie had been arguing about.

“Hey, Birdie! You’d marry me if I asked, right?” Kon’s smooth timber asked.

The vial slipped from Tim’s fingers, spraying his precise concoction all over the floor, glass flying out.

Somehow, none of it landed on Tim.

That would be Kon’s TTK, if the perfect circle around him was anything to go by.

“Oh shit, man! Didn’t mean to-”

Tim turned to face Kon, “Don’t do that! You know my fight or flight instinct will always say "stab first, ask questions later!”” He jabbed a finger in Kon’s direction, catching sight of Cassie badly hiding a laugh behind him.

Kon raised his hands in surrender, “Okay but, to be fair, we had already been making noise in here!” Kon wilted at Tim’s glare, “Which I can see is not relevant here- anyways! Back to the question at hand, you would marry me if I asked, wouldn’t you?”

Tim’s glare didn’t falter, even as he could feel heat crawling up the back of his neck. He hoped his hoodie kept it hidden. “What the fuck are you talking about?”

Kon let out an exaggerated sigh, “Ugh, you’re usually much quicker than this, sunshine! Cassie told me that no one in their right mind would agree to marry me-”

“Are you accusing me of being in the right mind?” Tim joked, hoping if he deflected enough he could spin his way out of answering.

Cassie jumped in, “Only comparatively, don’t worry.” She smiled at Tim, hoping it was enough to give him an out.

Tim faked a sigh of relief, “Phew, things were dicey there for a second!” With that, he turned back to clean up his spill and hopefully get back to his tests.

Unfortunately for everyone involved, Kon was persistent. “Oh come on! I am totally husband material! Come on Cassie, tell him!”

Tim wanted to bury himself alive. He and Cassie had come to a very clear mutual understanding that they didn’t mention the times in which Cassie dated Kon, or the times they kissed, both imagining their dead-at-the-time friend/ex-boyfriend.

He kept his eyes trained on the floor, trying to clean up broken glass and mask dissolvent.

Cassie, who was subjected to Kon’s puppy-eyes and earnest smile, sighed, “You were a pretty good boyfriend,” Kon let out a cheer, “But that was literal years and multiple deaths ago!”

Kon groaned, “I would still be a good boyfriend! I can woo people!” He defended.

Tim couldn’t help his soft snort of laughter. It was mostly aimed at himself, thinking over the fact that Kon never even had to try to get Tim to fall in love with him. It was just Kon being Kon that did all the leg work there.

Kon, however, heard the laugh and took it as a scoff at his wooing techniques, “Oh careful what you wish for, pretty bird, I’m gonna sweep you off your feet for that! Then you’ll have to agree that you’d marry me if I asked!”

Tim could feel his stomach sweep out from under him at the nickname. Kon had first said it as a joke after running into one of the, frankly too many, villains obsessed with Tim. Somehow, it stuck. Thankfully he was able to write off his blush as embarrassed frustration, rather than the violent show of how much Kon calling him pretty affected him.

Now, though, he just had to keep facing away and hope his blush would go away by sheer force of will.

Which he would have been able to do if he could focus on cleaning up the mess he dropped onto the floor.

Kon had other plans, with a few swift movements of his TTK the glass was in the trashcan, the dissolvent in a small pile to be mopped up with some towels. “There you are, doll, a good husband wouldn’t let you hurt your back doing that on the ground.”

Tim looked up at Kon, planning to roll his eyes at him, only to be met with a wink. He grit his teeth against the rush of affection threatening to pour out. “Don’t call me doll.” Was the only thing he could force out of his mouth.

Kon’s smile was all teeth, “Noted.”

Tim made eye contact with Cassie, hoping for some support.

All she offered was a shrug and thumbs up, the traitor.

Tim stood and looked around his lab. He could stay and finish perfecting his adhesive dissolvent. Or he could make a quick escape and avoid all wooing attempts by Kon. “Well, my fine furry friends, I do believe it's about that time. Trains to miss, villains to catch, you know the drill-”

“Aww I thought you were in for our movie night tonight!” Kon said, grabbing the paper towels to finish cleaning the spill.

Tim stopped halfway through the door, that was right, he got the night off so they could all hang out. Damn, he didn’t realize it was already Wednesday. “Shit, it’s already Wednesday isn’t it. Well, I guess you’re stuck with me now.”

Cassie laughed, “Right, like it’s such a hardship.” She joked.

Tim made his way to her side and bumped her shoulder, smiling. “I know, torturous really. Especially when I pre-ordered food for us. And by us I mean mainly Bart, because it was a catering order.”

Cassie threw an arm over his shoulder and squeezed him close, “I always knew you were my favorite!”

Tim wrapped an arm around her waist, enjoying the hug. “Yeah well, it's easy to be the favorite when I’m also the only one with an unlimited card.” He joked.

Kon, who had finished cleaning, laughed, “You’re everyone’s favorite, and not for your deep pockets.”

“Ah yes, deep pockets and access to league gear- of course.”

Kon’s smile held his exasperation with Tim’s joke, “No, it would be your cute face and winning personality, but who’s counting?”

Kon’s smirk was lethal, only growing when Tim couldn’t stop a blush from dusting the tops of his cheeks. “Cassie, tell him he’s not doing the joke right.”

Cassie pulled Tim closer, “Yeah, Kon, can’t tell him the truth, then we’d have to admit we care more about him than his plastic. And that’s just uncomfortable for all of us.”

Tim pinched at Cassie’s side, “You guys are the worst.” He knew he wouldn’t be able to break Cassie’s grip without exerting more energy than was worth it, so he stayed tucked against her.

“Ah yes, team leader Red Robin everybody. Can take out a battlefield of opponents and look sexy while doing it, but can’t take a compliment.” Kon said, only worsening Tim’s blush.

Tim shook his head, “Oh kayyy, if you’re all done with your let’s embarrass Tim routine I need to plug in my headphones and change before movie night.” He still didn’t leave Cassie’s side.

Kon let out a quiet, “Ah,” before digging through the pocket of his sweats. “Here, forgot to give that back.” He tossed Tim’s earbud at him.

Tim caught it with his left hand, keeping his right around Cassie, “Oh yeah, thanks.” He had totally forgotten that Kon had taken one of them out.

“I’m going with Tim, gonna steal my hoodie back for movie night.” Cassie said, before pulling Tim with her out the door.

“Kay! I’m gonna get the movie room ready then go change.” Kon called after them.

Cassie removed her arm from Tim’s shoulder as soon as they were out of sight, trading it for grabbing his hand and dragging him along to his room at a run.

They quickly made it to his room, Cassie making sure to shut the door behind her and seal in the noise proofing they had outfitted the tower with. She clicked the white noise machine on Tim’s nightstand, knowing that on the off chance Kon was extending his hearing it would interfere enough.

“Oh gods, Tim, I didn’t know he was going to ask that, or do that, I’m- oh I’m so sorry.” She started immediately, settling in his desk chair.

Tim shrugged, “Don’t worry about it, this has Kon written all over it- not your fault.” It was true, not like Cassie could have guessed that Tim’s deflection would get him on the receiving end of Kon’s “wooing.” Tim had hope, “With any luck he’ll forget about it by tomorrow and I’ll live in peace once again.”

Tim went searching through his closet, pulling out Cassie’s hoodie, one of Kon’s old ones for himself, along with a fresh pair of sweats, and some socks to slip on. He tossed Cassie’s hoodie at her and started to get changed. They had all long since gotten over any shyness there.

Cassie bit at her bottom lip, “What if he doesn’t? Are you gonna… Is that going to be too much?”

Tim tossed his dirty hoodie into the laundry, he had spilled oil on it that he knew was going to be a job for Alfred’s special laundry detergent. “Honestly, probably. But it’s either put up with it and hope for the best, or lie to his face and say “Nope, wouldn’t marry you if you asked” and have him know I’m lying through my teeth.”

Kon was somehow the only one who managed to tell when he was lying. He refused to tell Tim what his tell was.

(Mainly because Kon didn’t know, he just had a feeling when Tim was lying and had almost never been wrong.)

Cassie slipped her hoodie over the t-shirt she had been wearing, “You could pretend to be exasperated and tell him yes?” She offered.

Tim tightened the drawstring on his sweats, they were an old pair where the elastic was nearly entirely worn out. “You think I could pull it off without making him realize how serious I’m being?”

Cassie cringed and waved her hand in a “so-so” motion. “Maybe?”

Tim’s laugh came out like a bark, “Gee, real convincing. Anyways, he’ll probably forget about it. Tonight will be tough because it’s fresh on his brain, come tomorrow it’ll be like it never happened.” He said, digging through his sock drawer.

He sat on the edge of his bed to pull on his softest pair of socks, “Alright, out to the trenches we go?” He stood, socked feet already warming up slightly, and offered a hand out to Cassie.

She took his hand and let herself be pulled up, “When’s the food supposed to be here?”

Tim linked their arms, taking a moment to shut off the white noise machine and plug in his headphones, and led them back out his door. “Scheduled for 7:30 delivery to the apartment building across the street, the one I have rented for us.”

They walked through the tower together, “Need help going to pick up? If it’s for the four of us it’s gotta be a lot.”

“I’ll go with him!” Kon called, inside his own room but with the door open and his shirt off. “Movie room is sufficiently blanketed, we’ve practically got a nest in there.”

Tim let his eyes wander down the expanse of Kon’s chest, tightening his arm around Cassie’s to try and help push away the thoughts that wanted to call Kon biteable. “Put some clothes on, I’m not dealing with another poor delivery person dropping our shit because of you.” He turned to continue walking, Cassie with him.

He heard Kon’s steps pattering behind them, “Aye aye, captain. What’d ya get?” He came up on Tim’s other side, throwing a still bare arm over his shoulder.

Cassie ducked away from the pair when Kon tried to ruffle her hair with the hand now resting on the front of Tim’s shoulder. “Please tell me it was that ungodly expensive Japanese steakhouse over on 3rd.”

Tim smiled, studiously avoiding thoughts about Kon’s warmth enveloping him, “It’s your lucky day, they were the first place willing to do such a big order on a week’s notice. Probably because of how much we spend there between the four of us.”

Cassie pumped her fist, “Fuck yeah, been craving their Hitachi steak and- oh their potatoes! Oh gods my mouth is watering.”

Tim smiled at her, if his calendar was right, and it usually was, she would be getting her period soon- which was part of the reason he was calling steakhouses first. The first time Cassie got dizzy standing up because of it was going to be the last too, if Tim could help it.

And at least Cassie didn’t mind him keeping it in his calendar. Unlike some people, ahem, Steph.

(To be fair, she really only minded when she didn’t know about it. Tim caught on quick and asked Cassie if she would mind before he got his shit rocked by her.)

The trio rounded the corner into the movie room when Kon spoke up, “Please tell me you got-”

“Their brownies and coconut ice cream? Of course I did, what do you take me for, an amateur?” Tim joked.

Kon stopped walking and turned both of them so he could pull Tim in for a proper hug, “Here I was trying to prove that I’m husband material. You can’t beat me at my own game!”

Tim’s arms instinctively wound their way around Kon’s waist, still bare. “Skill issue I guess.” He muttered, directly into the skin of Kon’s neck.

Cassie cleared her throat, “You’ve got like twenty minutes before the food arrives, I’d cover up and head over.” She raised an eyebrow at Kon before offering Tim a smile.

Tim pulled his phone out of his pocket, “Yeah we should, the restaurant emailed me the delivery confirmation already. If you see-”

Tim was interrupted by Bart speeding into the room, “-Bart, nevermind here he is. I was going to say that you guys can pull out the table for the food when he gets here.”

Bart nodded, “Hell yeah! I am so pumped for tonight. It’s been too long since we’ve been able to sit around and not worry about the world ending for a few hours!”

The four of them could feel their shoulders collectively dropping. The kind of comfort they could only draw in together.

“Kon and I are picking up the food, yeah?” Tim turned to look at Kon, who was finally pulling his hoodie on.

His Red Robin hoodie.

Tim could feel his face heat. “Where the hell did you even find that thing?” He was certain he had hidden it the last time Kon had left it out. It was a lot for his already weak heart to see Kon proudly wearing his symbol brightly on his chest.

Kon smirked, “The bottom of Bart’s laundry, which is interesting because he and I have an agreement about this hoodie that I know he didn’t break. Anyways, a good husband would show his support for his partner, dontcha think?” His eyes flicked meaningfully down to the Superboy socks Tim had pulled on.

“Shut the hell up, they’re comfortable. Go on get some shoes, we’re leaving.”

Kon put up a mock salute and used his TTK to bring over a pair of slides for each of them, “One thing before we go, Bart you’d marry me if I asked, right?”

Bart wrinkled his nose, “Eh, depends on how you asked.”

Kon brought a hand to his chest, “You wound me, Imp! I’ll have you know my proposal would be unmatched!”

All three of his friends raised an eyebrow at him.

“Hey! Excuse you guys! I would have a great proposal story! Ahem, for you, Bart, I would set you up for a scavenger hunt across the world, getting you to your favorite food places in a bunch of countries, then pop the question in Jump City!” Kon crossed his arms.

Bart brought a hand to his chin and thought about it, “If you had paid for my food all day, then yeah, I’d say yes.”

Kon pumped his fist, “Finally!”

Tim scoffed, “I think I have my answer-”

“Ah ah, for you it would be entirely different!” Kon cut in.

Tim raised an eyebrow at him, egging him on.

Kon smiled, large and devious. “First and foremost the day would start with breakfast from that pastry shop you love but never make time for out in Gotham, we would spend the day out on the town, hitting those shops you secretly love to shop at just off the downtown strip, lunch at Ellies, then the park you keep saying you want to take pictures at, so you actually go and take pictures there, then I’d make dinner back at your apartment and ask after dessert!” Kon looked proud of himself.

Tim could feel his heart aching at the thought. A perfect day with Kon ending with him asking to marry him? Which would mean they’d be together already. God it was like Kon ripped it straight out of a mix of Tim’s dreams and a romance novel.

Cassie could see the look in Tim’s eyes and tried to come in for a save. She whistled low, “Damn, Kent, we might make a respectable man out of you yet. Now get a move on, my stomach is growling and I’m not afraid to make it your problem.”

Kon listed his hands in surrender and laughed.

Tim shot a grateful look at Cassie, she bought him enough time to find his composure and put on an unaffected face. “Come on, after she takes you out, I’m next.” Tim started walking towards the hallway that would lead them to the ground.

He could hear Kon say something else to Bart and Cassie before his footsteps were jogging to catch up.

The pair walked quietly for a moment, only the echo of their footsteps following them. Once the door out to the false lobby of their building was in sight, Tim found his voice.

“It was a good idea, all in all.”

Kon hummed in question.

Tim shrugged, “The… your fake proposal. It was a good idea.”

Kon picked up his pace and got to the door before Tim, holding it open for him, “That’s cause I know you so well, duh.” Kon put a hand on the small of Tim’s back as he passed through the doorway, guiding them out to the street together.

Tim let out a soft laugh, “I don’t think Bart or Cassie could have come up with that. No, I think you’re a closet romantic.”

Kon let out a loud laugh, “Ha! Haven’t been in the closet about anything for years, babe, I’m an out romantic thank you very much!”

Tim was glad for the darkness already permeating around them, it did wonders to hide the redness of his ears.

They stayed pressed together as they crossed the street. Tim thumbed at his phone, getting all of the electronic doors to open for them. It was one of the many reasons this building was perfect for a shell apartment for them.

That and the location.

Tim stopped by the front desk, letting the receptionist there know he was getting a catering delivery, if they didn’t mind letting them through. He knew the restaurant’s protocol was to give him a call as they arrived, but he didn’t want the person at the desk, just doing their job, to get caught up in the middle.

He said he’d buzz them into the building and up the elevator, as long as they were allowed to pass the desk.

Kon stood next to him, smiling blandly as Tim spoke. The only tell he was paying any attention at all was the way his gaze narrowed as the man at the desk smiled wider, speaking in a sweet tone, offering to bring it up himself.

Kon pushed off where he was leaning on the desk to stand behind Tim, wrapping his arms around Tim’s waist and hooking his chin over Tim’s shoulder.

Tim didn’t react, not when he and his friends were some of the most tactile people on and off the planet most days. He just used his head to point at Kon’s face, now pressed to his, and letting the worker know it was alright, he had someone to help him.

Once the elevator closed behind them, Kon having pulled Tim in by the waist as they walked away, he spoke up. “Guy was trying to hit on you, you know.”

Tim let out an airy laugh, leaned against Kon’s side, “Yeah, clearly. Literally no reason for him to offer to bring the stuff up himself. I thought for a second it was because of you, but then you hugged me and he looked like he wanted to staple your hands together.”

Kon sagged against Tim, “Sometimes I forget that you’re really not the oblivious type.”

Tim let out a little laugh, “Spotting a stranger with a passing physical attraction to me is literally imperative for any time spent at a gala. Which is far too much in my line of work a la my day job.”

Their elevator dinged as they reached the top floor, letting them out directly in front of the apartment they could claim as theirs.

Tim made his way to the door before sighing, “I forgot the damn key. Here, I’ll run-” Behind him the lock clicked.

Kon wiggled his fingers like a cheap magician, “Now what kind of husband would let you go back to the man who was hitting on you? In we go, bird brain.” Kon pulled Tim into the apartment with him, hands gently resting on his waist.

“You’re serious about this whole wooing thing, huh? Why?” Tim asked, curiosity outweighing how bad of an idea he knew it was.

Kon scoffed, “If your best friend won’t agree to marry you, what hope do you have?”

Tim was saved from having to come up with an answer by his phone ringing. “Ah, this’ll be the restaurant, let me take this.”

A quick phone call later and Tim was buzzing in the very helpful person delivering their catering order.

It was brought to them on a wagon.

When Tim opened the front door he quickly stood to the side, gesturing for the delivery person to come in. “Everything on the kitchen island is perfect. Thank you so much!” Tim reached into his pocket only to remember he had changed at the tower and hadn’t refilled his pockets.

“Ah, would you do me a favor and grab my wallet from the bedroom?” Tim looked meaningfully at Kon, hoping he would catch the hint that he needed the spare cash he kept in the room for emergencies so he could tip.

Kon nodded, “Sure thing, sweetness, top drawer on your side of the bed?”

Tim nodded, barely registering the implication in their words.

“You guys are cute together.”

Tim’s head snapped towards the delivery person, who was unloading the food onto their counter.

“Ah, sorry, I don’t mean to pry. I’ve seen you and your friends at the restaurant.”

Tim got a good look at their face, “Oh, yeah, River right?” He asked, fairly certain they were the host on more of the nights they went than not.

They blushed a bit at being recognized, “Yeah! Surprised you remembered that.”

“Tim’s got crazy recall, like he remembers stuff about me that I don’t even remember!” Kon said, joining them in the kitchen once more. “Here’s that for you.” He handed Tim the money clip that lived in that apartment.

Tim smiled and thanked Kon. He quickly pulled out a few bills to give to their delivery person. “I know the gratuity on the orders goes towards most of the staff, but here’s this for you. Thanks for lugging all of this food up here.” He tried to give the money over.

River’s eyes widened, “Woah! It was one drive, I can’t take-”

Tim cut them off, “Trust me, you’re doing me a huge favor here. Plus this isn’t even twenty percent of the order, if anything I’m under tipping you.”

Kon jumped in, “Trust me, either take the cash now or he’ll call the restaurant and add it plus whatever he thinks will come out as tax. Which is a lot because he’s rich and a little out of touch about that kind of thing.”

River swallowed thickly, “I- I don’t even know how to thank you.”

“Good. Don’t. Makes me kind of uncomfortable.” Tim said, his deadpan making both people with him laugh. “Not kidding, I’m gonna start getting itchy soon.”

Kon nodded encouragingly as River took the tip and then led them to the door, “I’m sure we’ll see you soon! Thanks again!”

After River made it safely into the elevator Kon shut the door and rubbed his hands together, “Alright, how’re we getting this to the tower?”

“Originially I was going to wait in the lobby for it, but when you offered to come with I’d figured you could TTK it through a window.” Tim shrugged and headed towards the window that faced their base.

Kon nodded, “Sounds good to me.” Kon followed him to the window, looking to the window he’d have to send it through on the other side.

“Kay, I’m gonna throw this back in the room.” Tim held up the money clip before turning and walking down the hall.

Kon made quick work of the food, just getting it into the tower for them all to set up once he and Tim made their way over.

He was soon joined by Tim, “Already got everything over?”

Kon nodded, “Now it’s just the two of us.”

Tim offered out his hand, “We’d better hurry or Bart and Cassie’ll start without us.” He joked.

Kon made quick work of flying them over and getting their food to the movie room. The four wasted no time diving in, all realizing just how hungry they were at the smell of all the food.

Their movie night went off without a hitch, it was Cassie and Bart’s turns to pick movies so Tim and Kon had the luxury of sitting by and enjoying their picks.

Kon did insist that a good husband meant being a good pillow for any and all movie nights, and Tim wasn’t really in a position to argue when he was warm and comfortable.

They were under a large fluffy blanket, enough to cover the entirety of the huge couch they were spread across and then some.

By the time the credits were rolling on the Disney movie Cassie had picked Tim was out. Soft puffs of his breath were hitting Kon’s neck, leaving goose bumps in their wake. Kon himself could feel his eyelids getting heavier with each blink.

He waved off Bart and Cassie, sleepily telling them to head to bed- he and Tim would be fine, before he fell asleep.

Tim woke the next morning curled up on the couch. He stretched and let out a soft groan as his muscles and bones argued with him.

He vaguely remembered thinking he was going to end up falling asleep on the couch during Cassie’s movie. It seemed like he was right.

He quickly realized that the smell of food is what woke him. There was the quiet clicking of plates and a mouthwatering smell coming from the kitchen. He was about to get up when he heard steps coming towards him.

“Ah, I was right. You are awake.” Kon said from behind the couch.

Before Tim could turn to look at him, he walked into view. He was holding some kind of tray.

“Did you..?”

“Make you breakfast? Why yes, yes I did.” Kon placed the tray a little ways away, out of the range of any flailing limbs. “Your favorite.”

True to his word, Kon had made fluffy looking waffles, bacon, and hashbrowns. Tim’s stomach gave a rumble in appreciation.

The noise got Kon to smile, “Come on, sit up and eat. I know you’re hungry!” Kon didn’t wait for him to respond before making his way back to the kitchen.

Tim sat up and rubbed at his eyes, idly wondering if he was still dreaming. The brief flashes reminding of his dreams the previous night were trying their best to assure him he was awake. Though, having dreamt about being pressed against Kon on a couch of their own didn’t seem like a far jump to breakfast in… well on couch.

While the food looked and smelled delicious, Tim's mouth felt like death. He padded over to the nearest bathroom, content to just open a new pack of toothbrushes rather than making his way to his bathroom a few hallways away.

He made quick work of brushing his teeth, a little more aggressively than normal in his rush to get back to his food. One look at the, ironic, bird’s nest on his head, he gave a valiant attempt to comb and smooth it down with his fingers.

He was unsuccessful.

He gave up after a few moments, telling himself that anyone walking into the tower had seen him in much worse states.

He came back to find Kon settled on the couch, once again with his hoodie off. He thanked his sleep-addled brain for the fact that he simply raised an eyebrow and let his gaze flit over the smooth lines.

Kon smiled wide, holding his own plate of food. “I didn’t want to get batter or grease on my hoodie! Plus it’s too hot in there when I cook.”

Tim rolled his eyes but settled in next to Kon anyways, stealing the warmth he radiated.

After eating his way through about half of his plate, Tim finally felt awake enough for proper conversation. “What’s the occasion, by the way?” He asked, nodding towards his plate.

Kon finished his bite, face splitting into an easy grin. “Gotta wake your husband up with a surprise breakfast every once in a while, right? Plus Cassie and Bart had to make a quick exit this morning, they both had stuff to get to so I figured you and I could eat in instead of going out.”

Tim smiled, still slowly coming back online in the comfort of Kon’s presence keeping his hyper-vigilance from waking up with him. “You know, I pretty explicitly didn’t agree to be your husband, if you’ll remember.”

Kon let out a sharp laugh,”Which is why I have to change your mind, obviously.” He used his fork to point at Tim’s plate again.

Tim shook his head with a smile, he supposed he could appreciate it while it was his. Was he taking advantage? Maybe a little, but if he could bask in the experience of being with Kon, he was going to.

Another few bites passed in silence, until Kon broke it. “Plans for the day?” He passed Tim a glass of apple juice that he hadn’t noticed sitting on the table next to Kon’s end of the couch.

Tim shrugged as he sipped from the glass, putting it back into Kon’s outstretched hand when he was done. “B wants me to help him with some WE stuff, I think. R and D for WayneTech. Probably going to float the idea of bringing back the aux jack on cell phones, been seeing a lot of stuff online about it- and honestly it irritates me too. Patrol tonight, of course. But this morning I’ll probably try to actually finish that experiment I was doing yesterday.” He shot a smile at Kon, reminding him of the mishap in his lab the previous day.

To his credit, Kon looked a bit sheepish. “If I can help let me know, yeah?” He lightly bumped his shoulder against Tim’s, “And if you’re doing development for WayneTech, maybe try selling a phone Krypto can’t bite through? I’m lucky you're my best friend or I would literally never have a phone again.”

Tim tipped his head against the couch and laughed, drawing Kon’s attention to the column of his throat. He shook the thought off and listened to Tim speak.

“Listen, we’ve bulletproofed these things to hell and back, by excuse of it being Gotham-made. I think Krypto is a level even I couldn’t explain away.” Tim joked. “Oh, also, about my experiment today- it’s just a new mask adhesive dissolvent. I’m nearly done with it anyways.”

Kon hummed in question, since his mouth was full.

Tim set his plate down, done with his food for the time being. “I noticed Damian’s skin was getting a little dry where his mask sits. I’m sure if I looked at everyone’s faces I’d find similar marks. Trying to develop something more gentle and a bit moisturising to trick my brothers into skincare.”

Kon laughed lightly, “Sweet of you, you know? They’re lucky to have you.”

Tim snorted, “Pfft, as if I’m going to tell them what I did. Nah, I’m just going to replace the mask dissolvent we have and move on. I already made them all do skin allergy tests so I know no one will react to it.”

Kon set his own, empty, plate down and lightly shoved Tim’s arm. “Why you don’t take credit for your good deeds I’ll never know.” He pulled Tim closer to him by his shoulders, laying them back against the couch. “Got time for an episode of something?”

Tim nodded against Kon’s chest, already getting comfortable. “You got any plans?”

Kon nodded, his chin jostling some of Tim’s hair, “Yeah, helping Pa fix up the tractor again. Then Ma’s baking for Jon’s bake sale at school tomorrow so I’ll be getting all of her stuff for her, then helping get it all packed up. Probably flying it to Metropolis too, since I won’t accidentally squish it.”

Tim smiled as he watched Kon flick through their options on their TV, “That sounds nice. D’ya think Pa would let me design a new engine for the tractor? Since you keep having issues with it?”

Kon opened yet another streaming app, looking through their options. “He’ll insist on paying you for it, but I think he’d really appreciate it. Honestly, they’ve been asking after you, you should come over for dinner soon. Maybe take a look at the engine and see if there’s anything we can do before you go making a new one.”

Tim tapped Kon’s arm, silently asking him to go back a couple of options, “Hell yeah, I miss it out there. Plus Ma makes the best food, next to Alfred. Maybe weekend after next?”

Kon selected the show Tim had asked him to go back to. “Sounds good, I’ll let them know tonight. Will you stay the weekend or just the night?”

Tim pulled a blanket over them, “I’ll see if I can get Bruce to make a trip of it? We can have the whole hellish clan there if they’ll have us?”

Kon laughed softly, “Please, she likes Bruce more than Clark sometimes, plus Damian always gets Jon laughing up a storm- trust me they’ll have y’all.”

Their conversation petered out as the show captured their attention.

After an episode and a half filled with lighthearted commentary and closeness, Kon’s phone went off.

With a click he silenced it, “That’s my cue, gotta get ready and head out to Kansas. Need a lift home?” He waited for Tim to sit up before following suit so he didn’t jostle him.

Tim stretched and shook his head, “Nah, I’m going right to the cave- I’ll take a zeta. Thanks for the offer, though.” The pair stood, Tim leaning to clean up their breakfast still sitting on the table near them.

Kon gently grabbed his wrist, “I got it, Birdie. You go get ready.” Without letting Tim respond, Kon collected the dishes with his TTK and sent them on their way to the kitchen.

Tim huffed out a laugh, “Thanks, Kon.” He was about to turn and head to his room to throw on a quick change of clothes just to make it to the Batcave when Kon’s hand stopped him again.

He paused and turned just in time to get the full experience of Kon pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek. “What kind of husband would I be if I let you go without a goodbye kiss?” He teased.

Tim valiantly willed the redness to leave his face to no avail. He cleared his throat, “The fake kind, maybe.” At least his voice didn’t waver, silver linings he supposed.

“Fake or not, I gotta prove my game, pretty bird!” Kon shot him a wink before heading to the kitchen to finish cleaning up.

Tim squeezed his eyes shut and focused on keeping his heartbeat steady. After a moment he felt stable enough to make the trip to his room in one piece.

He decided on a shower first, then he would do some work in his lab before heading back to Gotham. That way he could synthesize a full batch as soon as he made it in.

Definitely not to give Kon any other reasons to see him before heading to Kansas.

That would be ridiculous.

Over the next few days Tim had all but forgotten about the whole “fake husband” thing. Gotham, as per usual, kept him busy and distracted. Plus the time it took to switch out all of the vials of adhesive dissolvent was more than he had guessed.

(They kept bottles of that stuff scattered around everywhere, he found one under the sink of the unused powder room near the west library. What the hell guys?)

So a few days later, following a day of draining meetings with Bruce at Wayne Enterprises, when there was a delivery of flowers to Wayne Manor he didn’t think anything of it.

The bouquet was beautiful, he was actually a little envious of whomever they were for, as he had an empty spot on his vanity that was perfect for flowers. But seeing Alfred get the door and retrieve them his mind fluttered through possibilities.

The most likely of which being one of Bruce’s many over-eager admirers.

He returned to the work he was doing on his laptop, paying little mind as Alfred rifled through the flowers for a note.

Just as he pulled out the card and began to read, Tim’s phone buzzed with an incoming text from either Kon, Cassie, or Bart, who all had a specific notification vibration pattern in his phone.

Grateful for the distraction from the mind-numbing spreadsheet he had been trying to organize, Tim checked his messages.

[Hope you like them (｡•̀ᴗ-)✧]

Kon’s message made him smile, while also slightly confused. Tim figured he was waiting on a photo to deliver. Probably of some cute animals Kon saw while out on a rescue.

He kept his eyes on his phone, waiting for the follow-up, when Alfred cleared his throat. He looked up and met the man’s eyes.

“Master Tim, I believe these are for you.” Alfred raised an amused eyebrow at him, holding the card out for Tim to take.

Tim would like the record to show that he didn’t connect the dots any sooner because he hadn’t otherwise heard from Kon, other than in a group chat, since the previous Thursday when they had breakfast together.

As it was, his eyebrows crawled their way to his forehead as he read the small card that was once perched amongst the flowers. “Just because. Plus, the arrangement reminded me of you, beautiful if a little thorny.”

It was signed “Your fake husband,” with a little heart. “Pfft, these could- that could be from anyone!” Tim tried, feeling his face grow hot.

Alfred let out an amused hum before leaning over and flipping the card over and replacing it in Tim’s grip.

The back of the card had just his name, printed in beautiful script.

Tim blinked, the signature clearly being from Kon didn’t take away from the experience of flowers being directly addressed to him. He felt a severe swoop in his stomach at the thought that he could have this.

That he could have Kon’s affection.

He shook the thought away and thanked any deity listening that he had a halfway decent poker face, if you didn’t acknowledge the way it burned.

“I supposed you're right. I think I’ll put them on my vanity.” Tim said, aiming for nonchalant and landing somewhere in the realm of whelmed.

Alfred’s smile grew, gaining a mischievous air. “Well, refresh the water every day or every other and let me know if the stems need trimming.” He paused for a moment, clearly waiting for Tim to offer up additional information. When Tim stayed silent, Alfred continued, “I suppose I’ll be forced to ask who your illustrious fake husband is?”

Tim forced out a laugh, “Ah, just a stupid joke- you know how it is.”

“While I applaud your ability at being vague, I didn’t quite hear a name in there. I must admit they’re already making a smashing impression. The flowers are lovely, as is your reaction to them.”

Tim cleared his throat and flicked his gaze around the room. “Right, yes, a name. Well, they’re from Kon- Conner. Kent. You know him.” Tim cringed and whispered a quiet “Duh,” at himself.

“Well, we ought to have this Kon Conner Kent character over for dinner, if he is planning to join our family. Even if it is on false pretenses.” Alfred, always offering the littlest of mercies, turned away to make himself a cup of coffee.

Now, out of his grandfather’s sight, Tim couldn’t help but silently facepalm at his own horrendous misstep.

Tim swallowed and regained his composure. “Well, I think both of our schedules are a little packed.” When Alfred threw a sharp look over his shoulder Tim raised his hands in surrender, “I was going to say that I had plans of getting Bruce to drag us all out to Kansas for a weekend, though! Next weekend, actually.”

Alfred’s face softened back into a pleased smile. “It would be wonderful to see Mr. and Mrs. Kent again, admittedly. Perhaps we can go out there and then extend the offer for them to join us out here.” He hummed to himself, already planning.

Tim let himself sag in relief, he was not going to do a “meet the boyfriend” dinner with someone he wasn’t even dating! Not with his crazy ass family, especially. However, hosting the Kents as a whole he could do. They really were lovely people.

Despite the fact that his back was once again turned, Alfred said a quick, “Don’t think that’s the end of this now, Master Tim. I do expect more details about your counterfeit betrothal.”

Tim looked towards the door, “What’s that, Bruce? You need me in the cave immediately? Yeah, of course, already on my way!” Tim pointed at the doorway, already standing up.

Alfred raised a dubious eyebrow, “Your father isn’t even home.”

Rather than backing down Tim made a few unintelligible noises and gestured toward the door before turning and all but fleeing the man.

He made it about ten steps down the hall before he huffed out a curse and turned back around. He shuffled back through the door and grabbed the vase of flowers before making his escape once more.

He heard Alfred huff out a laugh just as he turned the corner towards his room.

In his haste, Tim had abandoned his laptop. For the better, he thought, one less screen to kill his eyes via spreadsheet.

Once he was securely behind his closed door, he set the flowers up on his vanity. Tim took some time to fully look through the bouquet, now that he knew it was for him.

The main makeup was the florets of chrysanthemums in all different colors throughout, surrounded by red camelias. The forget-me-nots filling in the empty space kept Tim’s eyes roving from one end of the bouquet to the other.

Though, the real draw for Tim was the large sunflower and red rose nestled together in the center of the bouquet.

Somehow they didn’t look out of place. It looked as if the rest of the arrangement was made to surround the center flowers and support them, as if their rightful place was nestled together in the sea of petals.

Tim’s heart ached.

What a torturous kind of bit. Giving him a taste of what it would be like to be with Kon, only for the stark reminder to set in.

Rather than dwell on that, Tim snapped a picture of the vase set up in front of his mirror, his own form reflected making a peace sign in the photo, and sent it off to Kon.

[you’re ridiculous]

[they’re beautiful]

[Only the best for you, sunshine (⸝⸝> ᴗ•⸝⸝)]

[Glad you like them !!]

[interesting arrangement, where did you get them?]

[Flower shop I saved from being hit by a car]

[But I picked the flowers myself (^-^)ゝ]

[hand curated, aren’t I special]

[Uhhh DUH, special, yet still classic]

[Like a red rose]

[hmm, that must make you beautiful and strong]

[you know, like a sunflower]

[You said it, not me!!]

[Also the whole powered by the sun thing]

[Thought that was funny]

[kinda figured]

[well, either way, thank you- ya big idiot]

[you can stop w/ all the fake husband stuff, I
think I’ll have to agree to marry you now]

[OH NO YOU DON’T]

[I gotta EARN that]

[I’m not taking a half-assed agreement]

[I’m gonna need a “yes, a thousand times, yes!’ from ya]

[i'm rolling my eyes. I need you to know that.]

[for that, a thousand times, no]

[(҂⌣̀_⌣́) you wound me]

[</3]

[^^my broken heart btw]

[just HOW will you recover]

[You know, I don’t think I will]

[Think I need you to kiss it better]

[you’re incorrigible]

[And you’re using scrabble words to
deny me affection]

[rolling my eyes again]

[They’re gonna get stuck back there]

[that won’t earn you affection]

[...o(╥﹏╥)o]

[...]

[<3]

[☆(≧▽≦)☆]

[Oh shoot, gtg- earthquake in N Texas]

[Byeeee]

Tim stared down at his phone, shaking his head. Even just a few minutes through a screen, talking to Kon always forced his feelings to the surface.

He set his phone down and tried to ignore the smile he couldn’t wipe away as he caressed the petals of the sunflower.

He supposed fake husband was better than nothing.

The next couple weeks passed without incident. Over text Kon was much the same, he had never really been shy with compliments.

Now they just had a little bit more of a romantic overtone to them.

Tim was…coping.

He and Cassie had spent some time together, where she encouraged him to vent it all out. She took some time to lament the special treatment she wished she could be on the receiving end of, if only someone would catch her hint.

Oblivious best friends aside, Tim let the whole fake husband thing fall to the back of his mind. Only really brought up when the bouquet of flowers reminded him.

(And, he had to give it up for Alfred. Those things were nearing weeks old and they still looked fresh. Tim was convinced the man was magical.)

Dinner at the Kent household was both fantastic, as it always was, and a little torturous.

Kon insisted, quietly, as to not draw unwanted attention, on making all of Tim’s plates, getting his chair pulled out for him, and making him overall as comfortable as possible.

Tim was eternally grateful that only Bruce, Damian, and Alfred were free to spend the weekend in Kansas. Bruce was too occupied keeping a close eye on Damian and Jon’s interaction to pay any mind to his and Kon’s.

Alfred already knew far too much, there was no going back on that front.

But he wouldn’t have been able to handle Dick or- gods forbid- Cass witnessing the behavior. While Dick would be louder and more obnoxious about it, he would at least be a little unsure. One look from Cass and Tim would feel flayed open.

Having that conversation with anyone was absolutely not on his bucket list.

Either way, he came out of it relatively unscathed and lived to take Kon’s teasing another day. All the while there was a traitorous part of his mind asking the question of why Kon was so dedicated to the cause.

It was the same part of his brain that fixed on the perfect proposal Kon had seemingly planned out and the hand curated flowers he chose to send.

A part of his brain he wanted to be silent for a while.

It all came to a head about a week and a half after their dinner at the Kent’s down in the Batcave a few hours before patrol.

Tim had been down there working out with his bo staff, getting in some exercise before patrol but after a few days of mindless meetings sucking him dry.

Bruce was sat at the computers, running a few pieces of evidence through various databases to try and get answers for a couple of cases. Jason was leaned over a workbench, his helmet open as he worked on getting his voice modulator to stop frying. Dick was using the climbing peg board, trying to beat his personal best time. Damian was cleaning and sharpening some of his weapons.

All of them were content to work with the speakers turned to a shared playlist, not feeling the need to fill in the silence.

It was about forty-five minutes into their parallel work time that Alfred came down to the cave carrying some kind of box.

Tim glanced at him but didn’t stop his workout, figuring it was something someone else had ordered.

Dick gracefully dismounted the peg wall without a sound and padded over to Alfred. “Whatcha got there, Alfie?”

His words caught the attention of the rest of the family, causing their gazes to turn towards where Alfred had paused, on the benches nearest Tim’s workout location.

Tim rolled his neck and shoulders, getting back into position to rerun the drill he had been for the last few minutes when Alfred pointedly cleared his throat.

“Seems there was a delivery for Master Tim.” He lifted the box slightly in Tim’s direction.

Tim’s muscles tensed before relaxing again. Surprise deliveries never really went well for him. The last time he received a mystery box in the mail it contained a jar that held his spleen.

Now that had been a fun one to explain to his family. Most of which weren’t aware his spleen was… no longer attached.

This one, though, seemed innocuous enough. It was a pretty sage green color, with a light blue ribbon wrapped around it in a bow.

“Timmers, have you been ordering organs again?” Jason joked, making his way over to the slowly forming group.

“Har har, no- I shouldn’t be getting any more organs, my own or otherwise.” He joked back, going to put his bo staff back in its stand.

Damian came over next, eyeing the box. “Seems like some kind of gift. I know I didn’t miss your birthday, was there some other inane occasion I wasn’t aware of?”

Tim was approaching when Bruce’s meddlesome gaze popped up from behind Alfred. “It has a card on it.”

He saw the look on all of his family member’s faces and quickly closed the distance between himself and Alfred, gently plucking the box from his hands before anyone got any bright ideas.

“Thanks Alfie, I’ll open it later.” Tim tried.

To no avail. He was met with five matching unimpressed stares.

He groaned, “Ugh, you guys are too nosey for your own good.”

“Yeah yeah, curiosity killed the cat and all of that, just open the damn box.” Jason said, waving at him to hurry it up.

Tim was about to pull on the bow and untie it when Dick stopped him.

“Woah woah, read the card first! I’m on the edge of my seat here!”

Tim rolled his eyes but plucked the card out from under the ribbon. The exposed side simply had his name on it, hence how Alfred knew it was for him.

The other side had a lopsided drawing of a bat flying through the sky. Underneath it were the words, “Couldn’t help it, made me think of you.”

In the place of a signature was a pen scribble of the crest of the House of El, colored in with red and blue pen.

Tim tucked the card into his pocket, it would go on his corkboard in his room, next to the one that had come with his flowers which was already sandwiched between a few pictures he had snapped while hanging out with Bart, Kon, and Cassie.

“It’s from Kon, not that interesting.” He quickled pulled the ribbon, not wanting to be stopped again.

Bruce and Dick let out an eerily similar suspicious hum. Dick immediately cringed while Bruce smiled.

Tim rolled his eyes and opened the box, letting the lid block the view any of his family might try and get.

He could feel his stomach swoop, filling him with affection. Sitting inside was a fuzzy robin plush, complete with little stick legs Tim instinctively knew would look adorable on his bed.

Upon closer inspection he saw that the plush was “wearing” a leather cuff bracelet. He shifted the box into one hand so he could pull it off and look at it closer.

It was thin, maybe three quarters of an inch wide total. At first it looked like a plain band, black, just the kind of thing Tim would throw on whenever he thought his outfit needed just a little something.

But, upon a closer inspection, he saw there were a few small symbols etched into it. On the exact opposite end from the buckle clasp he saw his Red Robin emblem etched next to the crest of the House of El. The pair of emblems were tiny, maybe a centimeter square a piece, so close they were nearly touching.

He turned the bracelet around in his hands, looking to see if there was anything else he missed.

Sure enough, on either side of the buckle, ways away from the Superboy and Red Robin pair, were each of Bart and Cassie’s emblems.

Tim blinked away a sudden mist over his eyes and tried to play it off, as if there was nothing interesting for his prying family to see. “Just a silly plush, nothing interesting enough to gather all of you, hate to report.”

He turned the box around, now holding the bracelet and the box in the same hand to keep the bracelet out of sight. Dick reached for the plush, picking up and giving it a squeeze.

“It’s so cute! What’s the occasion?” He asked, holding the plush out for Bruce to see.

Tim shrugged, “Just because, he said. Nothing special, really.”

Bruce held the plush out to Jason before saying, “So you wouldn’t mind letting us see the other item that came in the box?”

Tim looked at him and narrowed his eyes, playing confused. “What other item?”

Bruce searched his face, “You’ve got a good poker face, I’ll admit that. I would have believed you if I hadn’t seen the fur displaced along the base of the plush’s neck as Dick grabbed it.”

Tim let out a sigh, damn Bruce and his detective’s eye. “Fine. It was a bracelet. Also nothing special.”

Damian, who was now putting the plush in the box, asked “Then you wouldn’t mind showing us that as well?”

The worst part was that Tim knew he was well meaning. They had talked about Damian’s struggle with gift giving a long while ago, spurred on by the fact that Tim was also having trouble getting Bruce a birthday gift a year or so back.

He, of everyone there, was probably the only one curious for more pure reasons. The rest of them were just snooping in on his business.

He sighed an acquiescence, he probably would have been able to avoid giving up to anyone else but he had, unfortunately, grown quite the soft spot for his little brother. He silently extended his hand to Damian, bracelet sitting on his palm.

Damian inspected it closely, undoubtedly seeing the small etching immediately. “Custom made, it seems.”

Tim cocked his head, a silent question.

Damian handed the bracelet back, now inside out, where Tim could see the watermark of the leatherworking who had created it.

Tim was about to reach for it again when Jason’s hand joined the mix. Tim backed off and just let it happen. It was either let it go and get it all out in one go, or they would see it later and over react.

Jason lifted an eyebrow and gave Tim an impressed look. “Didn’t expect him to have actual taste, but I gotta admit, this is pretty good.” He passed the bracelet to Dick, and Tim accepted his fate.

Immediately upon inspection Dick began cooing. “Oh it’s so cute! What a sweet gesture! And there was no occasion?” The bracelet was already in Bruce’s hands by the time Dick was done speaking.

“Seeing as I haven’t heard word of you dating, I would hope it's not some kind of anniversary gift.”

Tim’s eyes widened as he sputtered. “Wha- ahem, no, it’s not! It’s nothing like that- Kon and I- we aren’t together. Dating, whatever.” His face was hot, and likely bright red.

Alfred stayed blessedly quiet. Though the single judgmental eyebrow did enough psychological damage that Tim wasn’t actually sure what was better.

Dick watched Alfred gently inspect the bracelet and asked again, “Soooo, no occasion?”

“Not really, no. Just because.”

Jason took one look at him and laughed, “Spit it out tweety, you’re gonna have to tell us eventually.”

Tim rolled his eyes, “I resent that nickname.”

“Resent it or not, none of us are letting this one go easy. Your choice now.” Jason snarked back.

Tim took the bracelet back from Alfred, slipping it onto his left wrist after he set the box on the bench they were surrounding. “It was a stupid joke. Literally the furthest thing from interesting to anyone who wasn’t there.”

“I dunno, Tim. I like to laugh.” Dick prodded.

“Might this have something to do with-” Alfred started.

Tim quickly cut in, “Alright! Alright, you’re all going to see you’re blowing this way out of proportion!”

Five faces looked at him expectantly. He sighed and braced himself for the story.

“A few weeks back Kon came into the tower with Cassie, apparently they had somehow gotten onto the topic of whether Kon could get someone to agree to marry him. So he comes in and asks me if I’d marry him if he asked. When I didn’t really answer he said he was going to prove he was husband material to all of us.” Tim stopped there, not wanting to give any further context if he didn’t need to.

Jason levelled him with an unimpressed look, “And he thinks gifts will do that? He knows you’re rich right?”

Tim was suddenly very defensive. “It wasn’t just cheap trinkets! It’s- why am I even explaining this to you.” He crossed his arms, mindlessly fiddling with the bracelet already.

Jason’s gaze flicked over to Damian, who then narrowed his eyes at Tim for a moment. “Did he?” Was all he asked.

“Did he what?” Tim asked, voice cautious.

“Prove he was husband material?”

Tim’s face flushed again. He stalled for a second when Dick spoke up, “I do want to hear the answer to that, don’t get me wrong, but why didn’t you answer him? It would have saved you a lot of trouble if you had just given him a yes or a no, right?”

Tim’s fingers froze where they had been running over the leather. “I didn’t want to lie to the guy. He seemed pretty earnest about it.” True enough to get away with.

“But now it's been weeks. He’s still trying to convince you?” Bruce jumped in, gears already whirring in his mind.

Tim looked down at the box, “Sort of. The random gifts weren’t really a thing before, but most of it was just like he was turned up a couple notches. So yes and no.” He wanted them to have a high opinion of Kon, he realized.

He was in deeper than he expected.

“I believe that leaves us with the original question: did he manage to prove himself a qualified suitor?” Alfred asked.

Tim swallowed, he knew the only way out of this interrogation was through. He just wasn’t sure if he was happy with that option.

He looked around at the family, letting his tongue run along the back of his teeth, just to give himself something to. “He didn’t have much to prove.”

There was a grin slowly forming on Jason’s face as he spoke, “And that’s because…” He trailed off, expecting Tim to pick up.

Tim let out a sigh through his nose, “Because I’m already half in love with him, happy?”

Jason and Dick let out victorious cries, with the general sentiment of “Finally!” being thrown around.

Alfred had a smile on his face, the kind that made little crinkles appear near his squinted eyes.

Damian had a small smile on his face, it seemed the information was not entirely new, but entirely welcome.

Bruce… Well, Bruce looked like he was expecting just about anything else to come out of Tim’s mouth.

“Alright alright, laugh it up later, please?”

“Sorry Timbit, no can do. Dickie and I have been waiting for this for, oh let’s see, years?” Jason teased.

Dick nodded, “I could probably go back in our texts and give you an approximate date, if you’d like?” He added.

Alfred let out a soft chuckle, “You have to admit, it has been quite a long time, no?”

Bruce’s gaze snapped to Alfred. “Am I supposed to believe everyone knew before me?”

His father and children all shrugged and made general hums of agreement. Tim took pity on him for a moment, “To be fair, I have gone through some extreme lengths to keep it under wraps from anyone who associates with the Justice League. Despite the fact that I trust him with my life I don’t think for even a second that Clark would keep my secret.”

More nods of agreement from their peanut gallery made Tim smile.

Jason spoke up, “Plus, he’s been pining long enough that it seems normal. No new behavior for you to analyse.”

Tim levelled an unimpressed look at Jason, “As much as I hated the way you said that, he’s not wrong. Can’t fault yourself for having an inaccurate control group.” He turned to look at Bruce.

Bruce looked like his approximation of a wounded puppy. Which was to say his mouth was slightly downturned, hardly enough to be seen.

Tim blew out a breath, “If you swear on your life to never tell Clark, I’ll tell you more?” He acquiesced.

Bruce’s invisible ears perked up. “I would like that.”

Tim’s face burned red. “Okay enough of this feelings fest, I’m going to break out in hives soon. Anyone else have something they want to share? Anything?” Tim tried.

Damian, who seemed to be a saving grace for Tim for once, spoke up. “Oh yes, I was actually going to commend father for the new adhesive dissolvent. Much gentler on my skin. I hadn’t even noticed how abrasive the old one was.”

Dick quickly nodded along, “Oh yeah! I noticed that too, it also smells better, right?”

“Kinda like coconut?” Jason posited.

Tim cleared his throat and looked away. “Coconut oil, yes. Trace amounts since it’s solid at room temperature but it was mainly for smell.”

“Seems like we’ve got Tim to thank, I haven’t updated the adhesive dissolvent in quite a long while.” Bruce said.

Tim shrugged, “Saw Damian’s skin drying out, figured it was happening to everyone. No biggie.”

Jason scoffed “No biggie, he says. I can wear my domino under the hood again, brat.”

Dick leaned over and slung an arm over Tim’s shoulder, “You gotta let us know these things, dude, we were ready to give B credit!”

“I was hoping there would be no noticing and no credit. Thank you very much.” Tim slipped out from under Dick’s arm and grabbed the box holding his plush. “Anyways! I’ve got… anywhere else to be!”

With that he turned and made his way out of the cave, taking the steps two at a time uncaring for the noise he was making.

He checked his phone, which had been left charging on his nightstand, expecting to see a message from Kon.

When this gift came without a message Tim debated sending a picture of the bird plush (which he had decided to name Soup) sitting on his bed to Kon, but ultimately changed his mind.

(Although, he did enjoy Soup. The little thing made a permanent home next to Tim’s pillow.)

The entire ploy came to a head nearly a month later.

After far more time than Tim expected the whole thing to run.

It once again was preceded by Cassie and Kon whirling through Mount Justice like their only purpose was to sow chaos and energy.

Cassie popped her head into Tim’s open door and let out a quick, “Hi, bye! I’ve gotta head to Themyscira and I’m already nearly late!”

She was gone before Tim could even wish her a safe flight.

He shook his head with a smile, content to get back to the book he was reading, one that had been left with a note on his bedside table a week ago.

(The note was a simple winky face drawing signed “Fake Husband.”)

Tim could hear vague crashing and banging noises coming from the training room, where he assumed Kon was. But, for now, he was content to read for a while and catch up with Kon later.

So, when thirty minutes later he found himself hungry, Tim figured he could extend the offer for food out to Kon.

He made his way to the training room, prepared to interrupt for a moment. But, as soon as Tim made it through the doorway he froze.

There was Kon, sweat pants swung low on his hips, tanktop cast away into a corner, training with one of Tim’s old bo staffs.

He was using it to strike a punching bag hung near one corner of their training room.

Tim felt his mouth dry up. All he could do was drink in the sight of Kon, shirtless and panting with exertion, as he used Tim’s weapon of choice.

Tim knew, deep down, that if he were in a cartoon there would be hearts shooting off of him to surround Kon.

And Kon, as if he knew the effect it would have on Tim’s heart, paused just long enough to smirk at Tim and ask, “Like what you see?”

Thankfully for Tim, it was enough to shake him out of his stupor. “Oh fuck off, you know you’re hot. What are you even doing bo staff training?” He made his way over attempting to project a casual air.

Kon smiled and pushed his hair out of his eyes. “Oh you know, wanted to see what all the fuss was about.” Kon’s shrug was a painfully forced kind of easygoing.

Tim raised an eyebrow at him.

Kon dropped his shoulders and let the bo staff rest on the ground, “Alright, you caught me. I’ve been trying to learn how to fight with a staff for a while.”

Tim waited him out, knowing there was more.

Kon let out a sigh, “I wanted you to have a sparring partner that wouldn’t try to kill you.” He tried to joke. “You know, somehow I don’t think Lady Shiva would let you off the hook again.”

Tim’s mind was whirring as he took another step towards Kon. “You’re doing all this for me?”

Kon’s head tilted to the right, soft smile gracing his features. “Who else?” He’s about to continue when his gaze flicks down to Tim’s left wrist.

Tim follows his gaze and sees where his right hand had moved to fiddle with the buckle of the leather bracelet Kon had gifted him.

“You’re wearing it?” He asks, breathless from something other than his workout.

Tim smiles, feeling a bit shy over the call out. “Of course I am.” He paused for a moment, forcibly lightening his tone to a playful joke, “It’s no wedding band, but it’ll do.”

Kon flushed down his chest, and Tim reveled in being able to watch it spread.

“I’m surprised you never asked. You’ve always been the inquisitive one,” Kon said, apropos of nothing.

Tim let his confusion show on his face, tilting his head and furrowing his eyebrow. “Asked about what?”

Kon swallowed and let his gaze track the ceiling above them, just long enough for him to regain his bearings. “Why I was-am, so dead set on making sure you know I’m… you know, husband material.”

Tim blinked. If he was honest with himself he would say that he was deadly curious. That the fact that he didn’t know why Kon was so insistent was eating him up. Instead, he simply said, “Didn’t think you’d tell me if I asked.” Which was also true, to some degree.

“Probably wouldn’t have.” Kon confirmed.

Past tense, Tim noted. He stepped closer, close enough that he could feel the heat radiating off of Kon’s skin. “Would you now?”

Kon stiffened slightly, nervous. “Depends. Why d’ya wanna know?”

There was no right answer. The plain truth would be a flaying of his own heart for Kon to witness. Anything less than would be laughable in the face of Kon’s uncanny ability to read him. A blatant lie would tear him apart more than the truth would, Tim figured.

The pause lingered, long enough to press between them. Tim searched Kon’s face for any trace of an emotion he could read off of him, to no avail.

He had to start somewhere, “How’d you come up with the idea?” He held up his left arm, shaking his wrist to get the leather band to move.

This was a safer topic, one that danced around the meat of their questions. Though, Kon still flushed. “Ah, well you see…” He cleared his throat. “You did some promotional work for WE, right? I saw those pictures.”

It was Tim’s turn to blush, he remembered those photos. He was really proud of them, actually. Bruce wanted to do a more official introduction of him, and after a few years of bizarre headlines including his name, Tim was eager to agree.

He wanted the photos to make him look professional, but like he was still in his early twenties and wouldn’t be in full suits every damn day for the rest of his life.

It worked, the satin red dress shirt that he wore through most of the pictures made him eye-catching and in-charge-looking, paired with nice dress slacks, shoes that cost what felt like an egregious amount and Tim was set.

That was, until he saw a really nice leather corded bracelet that wardrobe had with them. He managed to convince the photographers to let him wear it for a few, ensuring he looked his best in those.

So much so that a few of them had been printed. And, apparently, made their way to Kon. “So you saw the pictures and were struck with the idea for one of the most thoughtful gifts I’ve ever gotten?”

Kon smiled, clearly pleased at Tim’s high praise. “Sort of. I just thought it looked good on you and kinda forced myself to figure out a way it would make sense for me to get you something similar. Hence our team.”

The sentiment was so sweet it almost made Tim’s teeth hurt. He couldn’t take it much longer. “Any reason why I get to keep us pressed against my pulse?” He asked, pushing his arm towards Kon, so they could both see the small etchings of their symbols resting right over the veins in Tim’s wrist.

Kon’s flush made it another inch down his chest, Tim was entranced.

He scratched the back of his neck, hoping it would buy him some time in the face of Tim’s inquisitive stare. “Any chance you’d believe there was no significance?”

Tim smiled, “Not when that’s how you say it. Maybe if you had even an ounce of conviction in your voice. Now spill it, clone boy.” He could feel his heart ratcheting up a few beats, but didn’t care to slow it.

If he had any luck in this world, he wouldn’t need to soon.

Kon let the bo staff he was still holding clatter to the ground. It bounced pathetically off of their training mats and sadly rolled away. I would have been comical if they could look at anything but each other.

Kon starts, casual as all else, “You know, people wear a wedding band on their left ring finger because people believed it was the only finger that had a vein that led directly back to the heart.”

Tim nodded, he was familiar with the origin.

Kon blew out a breath, as if he was hoping for a few more moments to collect himself than Tim offered, “Well, I figured cultural significance meant next to nothing. But, um, well, it’s the easiest place for me to hear your heartbeat from. So, personal significance.” Kon shook his hands in a small imitation of jazz hands in Tim’s direction.

“Not from my actual heart?”

Kon shook his head. “Not an accurate one. You can control your heart beat too well. It takes some time for the rest of your body to regulate, though, so I can usually hear your radial artery- as long as I tune in fast enough.”

Tim swallowed thickly.

That was the most romantic thing he had ever heard, he thought. “And what do you hear now?” His voice was steady despite the fact that-

“Fast. Pounding. You’re…” He broke off, Kon couldn’t tell if it was because Tim was nervous, at least not for sure, "Your heart is racing.” He just bit off his question of why.

Tim nodded. “Why did you think you had to prove you’d be a good husband?”

Kon’s pupils dilated, just enough for Tim to catch. “Your answer was the only one I actually cared about.”

“Notice that I never actually said no?” Tim asked, tone teasing but achingly genuine.

Kon shook his head, as if he didn’t quite believe it. “You… You didn’t say no, did you.” Kon didn’t ask, he was remembering the one time he actually asked, the deflection and runaround.

Tim shrugged, “You can always tell when I’m lying, somehow. Couldn’t say no, didn’t want to say yes.”

A sharp brow raised, lifting with the corner of Kon’s mouth. “And why, pray tell, didn’t you want to say yes, pretty bird?”

Tim could feel his skin heat even further. “You were joking. I wouldn’t be. Easier to avoid answering altogether and hope you dropped it.”

The space between them further shrank as Kon took another step towards him. “Didn’t want to say anything when I didn’t drop it?” Kon’s voice dropped into a low tease, the kind of tone that Tim hated to admit made him weak kneed, “Didn’t want to say yes?”

Tim held eye contact, not wanting to yield and look away first, two could play at the teasing game, and he always had the better poker face. “And have you stop? Never. This way you’d indulge me.”

(Which would have been entirely true, if Tim’s guilt complex over it hadn’t eaten him up. Well, he supposed it was all a wash now, given the circumstances.)

“I would have indulged you anyways, if you had told me.”

Tim quirked up an eyebrow, “When have you known me to take a risk I can’t calculate?”

Kon gave a little nod, a silent acquiescence. “Fair. Counter, I was asking if you would marry me. Low risk, high reward.”

Kon smirked seeing Tim’s face burn even more red.

“Ha, low risk my ass. You were asking a hypothetical in which you were asking me to marry you. Big difference, clone boy.”

Tim’s eyes tracked Kon’s throat as he swallowed, wishing he could follow the path with his lips. Not an unfamiliar thought in the face of Kon, shirtless as he was.

“Fine, lower risk: go out with me.”

Tim leaned forward, relishing in the height difference that forced him to look up to maintain eye contact. “Are you asking or telling?” He’d never admit that either option was equally appealing, in different ways.

“I’m a few seconds short of begging, sweetness. Give me a straight answer?”

The breathlessness of Kon’s voice, combined with his words and the new nickname had Tim surging forward, snapping the rope of tension that had been attempting to suffocate them.

Kon caught him around the waist, easing their lips together in a much gentler press than Tim had been attempting or anticipating.

Tim let his arms wind around Kon’s shoulders, soaking in the warmth enveloping him from all sides and Kon ran his hands over his back and waist.

The press of Kon’s lips against his own was going to be filed away in his mind for a long time coming. It was better than he had ever imagined- which had happened plenty of times over the years.

Kon kissed him as if he would only get one chance, pulling him in and holding him tight. It was all Tim could do to keep up and match Kon’s pace.

The gentleness was growing infuriating, Tim wanted the chance to convey the wealth of feelings and affection he held for Kon. In his growing restlessness, Tim tugged Kon closer, biting at his bottom lip.

Kon’s reaction was immediate, as if he had been waiting for the show of permission to want openly and freely.

And there was no mistaking it. The slide of their lips, tongue, and teeth kept Tim moored, proved to him that he was desired just as much as he wanted.

Tim could feel the leather bracelet pressing between his wrist and Kon’s neck as his hands made their way through his curls. The thought that their symbols adorned him, so close to his heart in the way Kon knew it, sent a thrill through him.

They stayed intertwined for what could have been hours, though knowing his own lung capacity was likely closer to minutes, before Tim pulled away.

They both heaved in air, chests colliding with each deep inhale. Tim couldn’t help but preen, he knew that Kryptonians didn’t need oxygen in the same way humans did. Kon’s gasps were a direct show of the effect Tim had on him.

Their foreheads stayed pressed together, one point of contact to replace the press of their lips. As though any less was an unfathomable notion.

Once his lungs no longer felt like they would collapse, Tim joked, “Not necessarily a straight answer, but I hope it was at least clear enough for you.”

Kon pinched at Tim where his hands still held his trim waist, “Crystal. Though, I must know- did I woo you with all of my charms convincing you I was a good husband?”

Tim could feel where Kon was waggling his eyebrows despite not being able to see them. He scoffed quietly, not daring to interrupt the space between them, “You didn’t have anything to prove. You got me… let's say an amount of time I would find embarrassing to admit ago.”

Kon’s radiant smile was worth any momentary embarrassment. Tim would gladly make a fool out of himself everyday for the rest of his life to see that smile directed at him.

And wow, didn’t that sound like a marriage proposal in and of itself.

“All I’m hearing is that I tried so hard after you already liked me.” Kon joked, sounding far more affected than his words would let on.

Tim laughed lightly, “It didn’t hurt, for the record, you wooing me. Did embarrass the hell out of me in front of my family, but they can do that with anything.”

At this Kon leaned back, getting a full view of Tim’s face. “They know?”

Tim raised an unimpressed eyebrow at him, “You sent flowers and a gift box to the manor. I live in a house full of bats. It didn’t take much.”

Kon flushed, joining in on Tim’s laughter. “Okay, fair. I didn’t really think about it like that. Was it… weird? Were they weird about it?”

He sounded nervous. It made Tim… kind of giddy. Knowing that someone so confident, someone so powerful, was brought to nerves over the opinion that Tim’s family had of him.

Tim smiled, the reassuring kind where his sincerity was written plainly across his features. “They had all apparently been waiting for this to happen. Other than Bruce, but he’s kind of out of touch with that kind of stuff. He thinks all of his kids are never going to be in relationships ever.”

“I kind of figured that at least Dick and Damian had me figured out, to be honest. Like, the last time y’all were out in Kansas, I could feel Damian staring me down anytime I did anything for you.”

Tim let out a soft laugh, “Honestly I think he has more of an investigative interest in our relationship development. He’s discovering, what I have to assume is the first time, that his best friend is actually fascinating in more ways than he thought. I know that feeling.”

Kon’s eyes lit up, “Okay! I was thinking the same thing but he’s kind of a closed book to me. Can’t read him for shit.”

“Yeah, well, not an entirely unique experience, most people have a hard time- not Jon though.” Tim’s eyes shone with mirth teasing his little brother.

Kon smiled but shook his head, “Alright alright, enough about them! You came in here with a purpose, which I don’t think was kissing me- not that I’m complaining, but still.”

Tim perked up, “Oh! Yeah, I’m hungry, wanna grab food?” he had completely forgotten.

Kon’s smile softened, “You came in here to ask to go get food and..?”

His flush was back with a vengeance, “I don’t think you can blame me for getting distracted! You’re…” He gestured to the entirety of Kon, “You know, and I’m a weak, weak man. So sue me!”

Kon grabbed Tim’s hand, where it was still waving around, “Nah, I liked this outcome. However, if you think you can wait a bit for food, I’d like to take you on an official date. No more skipping steps here.”

Tim rolled his eyes, fond. “Of course you’d want to be gentlemanly.” He teased.

Kon pulled him in for a hug, “Just want to do things right, if I have the chance I’m sure as hell not going to screw it up but rushing through everything.” His voice dripped with genuine intent.

It made Tim’s face light up once again. “Shut up,” he pushed at Kon’s shoulder, light enough that he didn’t budge.

“Ah signature defensiveness, that’s how I know it’s working.” Kon pulled him in tighter.

Tim tucked his face into Kon’s neck, “Oh just go get dressed so we can go out, I’m starving and not above skipping steps.” He ran a daring hand down Kon’s spine, fingers gently brushing each groove.

Kon could barely suppress a shiver. “Alright! That’s my cue to get us going before I throw all of my restraint right out the door, meet me in thirty?” He pulled back, holding Tim by his shoulders, as if any closer was dangerous territory.

Tim let his eyes rove the still bare expanse of Kon’s chest. “Thirty minutes, no more no less. I’ll meet you by the door.” With that he spun on his heel and began the short walk back to his room.

With thirty minutes he could take a quick shower and primp before their date. A call to Cassie would have to wait until after. Or, if he got his way, tomorrow.

He heard Kon rushing after him a few seconds later, making his way to his own room. The eager sound of his footsteps made Tim smile.

Husband material indeed.

The next few years passed in beautiful bliss. Tim recounted Kon’s fake husband plot with a fondness he saved for his partner.

They had talked about it, more seriously, once their relationship had settled. Despite the fact that they knew they were it for each other, it felt a bit much to discuss actual thoughts of marriage before you had been dating for even a week.

So, when the day came and all of the stars aligned, when Tim had been needled into taking an actual vacation, and woke up to Kon having brought him pastries from the bakery he loved but still never made time to go to, all he could do was smile.

Lucky for the both of them, Tim already knew what his answer was going to be, elaborate proposal plan or not.

He remembered Kon wanting to hear something along the lines of “Yes, a thousand times, yes!”

He figured he could manage that.