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Despite Bruce’s promise, things didn’t get better.
Well, technically Bruce never promised anything, but it was implied, so Tim still felt betrayed.
He sat at the dinner table, chewing mechanically on a plain pancake (it was breakfast for dinner day) as Dick and Jason argued over the last chocolate one. Alfred had run out of chocolate chips halfway though making them, so about one third didn’t have any.
Of course, Tim got the pancakes without chocolate chips.
Why did he even bother?
Bruce sat at the head of the table, reading over the newspaper, and Damian, who already had a chocolate chip pancake, was watching the fight in boredom. Cas would occasionally whisper something to him, and he would smirk and whisper something back.
Duke was gone, already on patrol, and Steph was out hanging with her friends. He knew she had a spare change of clothes for him to change into so she could introduce him to her friends.
Alfred walked over to Bruce as they discussed his schedule for the day.
Dick and Jason.
Damian and Cas.
Bruce and Alfred.
Duke and Steph.
Where did that leave Tim?
In a house full of alphas, it was hard for him to be heard. It was harder when he was a beta. But it was hardest when he was the outcast.
Tim stood up, half hoping someone would at least look in his direction. But of course, no one did.
“I’m leaving the manor.” He announced. “Don’t know when I’ll be back. Maybe I’ll hunt down Joker. I’m feeling awfully like Joker Jr these days, and have decided he’s my real dad.” Tim announced. He even added a couple giggles in the sentence to really sell it. Bruce absent mindedly waved a hand as if to say ‘okay, have fun,’ and no one else made any motion that they heard.
Tim rolled his eyes and stomped up to his room. He didn’t want to actually go out, he just wanted Bruce to acknowledge him.
In his room, he pulled out his phone, figuring he'd scroll for a few hours.
That's when it popped up. A notification from a guy he went to school with.
To go to a party.
TIm stared at it. He didn’t really wanna go, but…it was his last year of high school. Ah, fuck it. Not like these guys would notice. He sent a thumbs up in reply, then stood up.
He needed to find something to wear.
The party’s theme was ‘sexy’ (of course it was, they were highschoolers) but that didn’t leave a lot of options.
Then he remembered it. He had to dig through his closet, but he found it. A joke from Steph back when they dated. Though they had gotten over it and were friends now, he had always forgotten to throw the shirt out. It was a black, sleeveless shirt that was tight enough to be partially see through. He decided to match it with a pair of dark blue jeans that flared just a little at the end but ‘fit in all the right places’ according to past people he had dated.
Eh. Good enough. He combed his hair just enough to be ‘messy-but-cute’ as people liked to call it.
Then he put on a pair of shoes and checked the time. Perfect. He grabbed his wallet where his bus pass was. He didn’t bother sneaking out; no one would notice him anyway. Then he began the ten minute walk to the bus stop.
He tapped his foot impatiently against the floor, sighing and checking his phone. Finally, the bus came, and he flashes the pass almost absent mindedly. The bus ride took about thirty minutes, which was enough time for him to regret coming, but also enough time for him to be committed.
It wasn’t hard to find the house after he got off the bus. It was the loud one with cars parked outside and music blaring.
He walked into the house, side stepping another beta who nearly puked all over him at the door. He paused to help her when another beta, one he assumed was her friend, ran over to help.
Well, this was starting off great.
He made his way to the refreshment section. There was a bowl of punch that he assumed had alcohol in it.
Ah, what the hell. He was here, wasn’t he?
He grabbed a cup and poured some of the punch in, taking a whiff. Yup. Definitely alcohol. He downed it in one go, then poured a second.
That helped. It made his head buzz and his nervousness disappear. He guessed this is what people meant by ‘liquid courage.’ He also guessed this is what Jason meant when he said Tim seemed like the type who would be a light-weight.
It’s not his fault he doesn’t drink!
Okay. It kinda is. But c’mon.
He raised the cup over his head as he made his way through a group of people, only to hear someone shout his name.
“Tim!” He turned to see Mason, the guy who had invited him.
“Oh, hey dude.” Tim said.
Mason smiled. “I’m glad you came!” Mason was an alpha, one Tim didn’t know very well, other than the fact they had a few classes together. He was nice enough, and a linebacker on the football team, so he was big. Tim was pretty sure he also wrestled.
The two chatted for a while, long enough for Tim to finish his second cup and get a third. By now he felt fuzzy, and had to use the bathroom.
He blames what happened next on the alcohol. He left his cup unprotected, and took a big sip when he returned. Mason was still waiting for him.
“So,” Mason said, resuming small talk.
“Uh… y-yeah…” Tim mumbled. He felt... Weird. His vision was beginning to sway after a minute or so, and his breath was quickening.
“....ou…o…kay?” Mason said.
“Huh?” He asked. He felt a hand on his back, guiding him out. Good. Everything was too bright, too loud, and too much now. Only, they didn’t leave the house. Instead Mason guided him to an empty room and… and…
He shoved Tim on to the bed.
“Hey!” Tim shouted, dropping his cup as he fell onto the sheets. It hit the floor, the punch spilling.
“Re….ax…baby,” Mason said, climbing on top of him. He could smell pheromones now—a mix of relax-submit-lust filling the air.
Oh.
Oh. shit.
Tim reflexively reacted, shoving Mason off as he stumbled to his feet. Mason grabbed his hands and threw him to the floor as Tim pushed at his face. He knew he wasn’t putting up a good fight, but his body wouldn’t cooperate and he couldn’t think.
Tim managed to kick him off after rolling on the ground a bit, and shoved himself towards the door, pulling out his phone and dialing the first person he saw. The phone only rang once.
“...im?” The phone answered.
“He…lp,” He slurred. “Drugged.” He grunted as Mason lunged for the phone and he shoved him away, still struggling to open the door he was beginning to realize was locked.
Right. Mason was friends with the kid who lived here. He probably knew where the keys were. But Tim couldn’t see straight enough to snatch them, let alone get them into the keyhole.
Fuck.
“...old….on…Tim…’oming’...et…ou,” The voice on the phone said.
“Uh-huh,” he mumbled. Mason lunged again, this time grabbing it and hanging up.
“You little bitch!” He hissed, grabbing TIms hair and throwing him to the floor. “We were supposed to enjoy this! Look what you did! How are you even still awake?”
“Then… why… drug me?” Tim managed, not answering the question. Mason didn’t respond, his hands holding Tim down as he bent down to Tim’s neck. Tim struggled, but it was no use as the alpha licked his left scent gland.
Tim felt a puppy keen for help escape him, which was weird because he wasn’t a puppy.
“Shut up, bitch.” Mason snapped, backhanding him across the face. Mason’s hot, alcohol reeking mouth began to suck on his gland, one hand had Tim’s arms pinned above his head and the other reaching underneath him to grab his ass.
“Stop,” Tim whined, “stop, get off me—” Mason cuts him off with a rough kiss, shoving his tongue inside of Tim’s mouth, who in return bites him.
“Ow!” Mason shouted. “You motherfucker!” He slapped him again, and Tim winced, the sound loud and sharp.
Mason leaned back down, his hand coming up from his ass to roughly grab Tim’s face.
“Do not. Ever. Do that again.” Mason snarled, alpha command laced in his voice. Tim whimpered. He wanted this to stop. He wanted to scream for help, but with the music so loud, he knew no one would hear.
Mason’s grip on his arm loosened, and Tim managed to kick him in the gut, springing to his feet and kicking him in the face. Mason groaned, falling back and Tim searched for a weapon. He knew he couldn’t break down the door and he wouldn’t have enough time to get the key in but if he could just knock him out—
Mason lunged for him again, and once again they both fell to the floor, rolling and kicking and snarling. Mason managed to pin him again and just as he put his mouth back on Tim’s neck, the door was kicked open.
There, in all his glory, stood Jason Todd, and right behind him Dick Grayson.
Tim couldn’t help it. He let out another puppy whine for help, and the two moved so quickly he could barely see it. In one second, Mason was off of him, pinned to the floor with his face smooshed against the wood, Jason on top with his knee digging in the alphas back. Dick was by his side, arms wrapping around Tim as he helped him up. Tim stumbled. Dick gave up and just picked him up, an arm hooked under his legs.
“D..ick,” Tim slurred.
“Shhh, I know, I know Timmy, you’re okay,” Dick mumbled into his face. Dick pulled back with a growl, and Tim flinched. Dick apologized with a soft rumble, but his eyes were trained on Mason.
“Did he touch your gland?” Dick asked.
Tim nodded the best he could. “He… licked… and kissed…” That was all Jason needed to hear. He hauled Mason up, eyes promising murder, and Dick didn’t seem keen on stopping him. Tim didn’t care anymore. Exhaustion was pulling at his consciousness, and with one final tug, he let it take him.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Tim woke up to being scented. It took him a minute to get his bearings, but when he did, he realized two things. One, he was in the den. Two, he was in Bruce’s arms.
Tim groaned, and everyone’s attention snapped to him. “What… happened?” He asked.
“You went to a party without telling us, drank alcohol despite being underaged, and got roofied.” Bruce rumbled.
Tim blinked. “Tecnically I did tell you I was going out to do something even worse. So on you for not checking.”
Bruce nipped him, but sighed. “Yes, I suppose that's true. I’m sorry for that. How are you feeling?”
“I don’t really remember last night,” Tim admitted, “but mostly okay. Though a little scent drunk. What's up with that?”
“Blame Jason and Dick.” Bruce grumbled. “They wouldn’t let you go, they practically cuddled you to death.” Tim blinked again. Dick he could understand… But Jason? He paused, the whisper of a smile tugging at his lips. Then he paused. He had Bruce to himself. He couldn’t let this opportunity pass him. He had to ask. It took him a second to build up courage, but when he did, he took a deep breath.
“... hey Bruce?” Tim asked.
“Hm?”
“Could you talk to the others?” Tim began. “About ignoring me? And yourself, really. It’s just,” he was rambling now, “I know I’m just a beta, but I still want to be heard sometimes and—”
“You are not ‘just a beta.’” Bruce interrupted. “But yes. I will. I’m sorry for ignoring you, Tim. Next time I do that, throw something at me.”
Tim did smile at that. “Will do.”
“You’re still in trouble.” Bruce said.
Tim sighed, not all that upset. “I know.” He mumbled, pressing himself deeper into Bruce’s arms. Bruce smiled and kissed his forehead.
“Maybe punishment can wait for later.” Bruce decided.
“... Hey Bruce?”
“Yes?”
“Thanks.”
“... you’re welcome, chum.”