[The thing about vulnerability was that people used it. Used it to manipulate him, to use him, to betray him. He'd learned that being vulnerable resulted in pain at far too early of an age and it was a lesson that his life hadn't let him forget.
But for as well as the lesson had been beaten in to him -literally and figuratively- he was still unable to completely turn off his emotions. He'd never been able to and it had caused more than one fight between himself and Bruce. Garzonas hadn't been the first fight, but his death had been the first real accusation. It had hurt almost as much as being stripped of Robin and his desperate attempt to find some kind of connection to anyone had ended in Sheila Haywood using his vulnerability to earn herself Joker's good graces.
Later, the Pit had stripped away what little control he did have, so when Talia started to tell him all about how he'd never been mourned and how he'd been so easily replaced, the anger had just festered. Time and space had helped ease some of her skillful manipulations, but it was still so very hard to let himself just be.
But he'd reached out to Dick. He'd taken that first tentative step forward, showed his throat in a proverbial surrender to the alpha. He had to trust him, right? More importantly, he wanted to trust him.
He didn't pull his arm away from that gentle touch as he sat back down, though he kept his gaze firmly on his hastily re-wrapped bagel.]
....you said you missed me. Last night, when I was wrapping your ribs. You said that you were glad I was here because you missed me.
[His voice was small, but thick with emotion and the younger man cleared his throat and frowned down at his table, but he let Dick keep his arm.]
But for as well as the lesson had been beaten in to him -literally and figuratively- he was still unable to completely turn off his emotions. He'd never been able to and it had caused more than one fight between himself and Bruce. Garzonas hadn't been the first fight, but his death had been the first real accusation. It had hurt almost as much as being stripped of Robin and his desperate attempt to find some kind of connection to anyone had ended in Sheila Haywood using his vulnerability to earn herself Joker's good graces.
Later, the Pit had stripped away what little control he did have, so when Talia started to tell him all about how he'd never been mourned and how he'd been so easily replaced, the anger had just festered. Time and space had helped ease some of her skillful manipulations, but it was still so very hard to let himself just be.
But he'd reached out to Dick. He'd taken that first tentative step forward, showed his throat in a proverbial surrender to the alpha. He had to trust him, right? More importantly, he wanted to trust him.
He didn't pull his arm away from that gentle touch as he sat back down, though he kept his gaze firmly on his hastily re-wrapped bagel.]
....you said you missed me. Last night, when I was wrapping your ribs. You said that you were glad I was here because you missed me.
[His voice was small, but thick with emotion and the younger man cleared his throat and frowned down at his table, but he let Dick keep his arm.]
[The call for them to get a room meant that when Edward pulled back, a blush was creeping out over the bridge of Jason's nose. He didn't mind PDA, had in fact weaponized it for situations exactly like this one. But he'd lost himself a little into that kiss and for just a split second, he'd forgotten that he was just a hired man.
Fuck, Edward felt so fucking good.
Shoving his hands through his hair, the younger man let himself be dragged along. He didn't put up a fuss, keeping his arm looped around the smaller man's waist until they'd made it all the way down to his bike. Then Edward was letting go and twisting to turn around and for just a second Edward might see Jason's gaze lingering on his lips before the younger man made himself look away.]
Yeah. No, I mean, of course. My pleasure.
[He was smoother than this, dammit. Why did this man turn him into a stuttering idiot?
Taking a deep breath, he gnawed lightly on his lower lip for a moment before he glanced over to his bike.]
You know, I am pretty hungry. Wanna grab a bite? There's a burger joint a few blocks south of here that has amazing fries. Truffle butter or some shit like that.
Fuck, Edward felt so fucking good.
Shoving his hands through his hair, the younger man let himself be dragged along. He didn't put up a fuss, keeping his arm looped around the smaller man's waist until they'd made it all the way down to his bike. Then Edward was letting go and twisting to turn around and for just a second Edward might see Jason's gaze lingering on his lips before the younger man made himself look away.]
Yeah. No, I mean, of course. My pleasure.
[He was smoother than this, dammit. Why did this man turn him into a stuttering idiot?
Taking a deep breath, he gnawed lightly on his lower lip for a moment before he glanced over to his bike.]
You know, I am pretty hungry. Wanna grab a bite? There's a burger joint a few blocks south of here that has amazing fries. Truffle butter or some shit like that.
[Edward dismissed the apparent subject of Jason's attention - he was letting the ploy and his own enjoyment of physical affection influence his perceptions. It would be foolish to think Jason was there for more than a job and maybe some degree of sympathy over his plight.
Snorting softly at the fumbling, he was about to turn to go find his car and save Jason the trouble of making an excuse to get away when the younger man spoke again. He glanced back in surprise, head tilting as he studied Jason. The company would be preferable to going home to his empty apartment to either work on his personal project or load up a game to play, and it had been some time since he'd eaten his quick lunch whilst poring over his work. He turned back with a deliberately casual shrug.]
I did offer you food. It would be unfair not to follow through after such a stellar performance.
[Even if Jason was just looking for a free meal, he hadn't been bad company in any of their previous meetings. If that changed with a more personal setting, that would help remind Edward that this was a practical arrangement, not anything else. And if it didn't, well, that would make future acts like tonight all the more convincing.
Stepping closer to Jason and the bike, Edward gave the latter a wary look.] As long as you thought to bring a spare helmet?
[Otherwise they were taking his car, no arguments.]
Snorting softly at the fumbling, he was about to turn to go find his car and save Jason the trouble of making an excuse to get away when the younger man spoke again. He glanced back in surprise, head tilting as he studied Jason. The company would be preferable to going home to his empty apartment to either work on his personal project or load up a game to play, and it had been some time since he'd eaten his quick lunch whilst poring over his work. He turned back with a deliberately casual shrug.]
I did offer you food. It would be unfair not to follow through after such a stellar performance.
[Even if Jason was just looking for a free meal, he hadn't been bad company in any of their previous meetings. If that changed with a more personal setting, that would help remind Edward that this was a practical arrangement, not anything else. And if it didn't, well, that would make future acts like tonight all the more convincing.
Stepping closer to Jason and the bike, Edward gave the latter a wary look.] As long as you thought to bring a spare helmet?
[Otherwise they were taking his car, no arguments.]
[He hadn't actually expected the older man to say yes and as soon as he did, Jason's smile turned from practiced charm to lopsided excitement.]
Yeah? Great, I think you'll really like this place. Very modern.
[His own helmet, simple red with custom panels to make it fit closer to his skull, was hanging securely from it's lock on his frame. Holding up a finger, he turned back towards his bike, jiggling the janky lock on the storage bin until it finally flipped open. From inside, he pulled out a slightly smaller helmet. Green with purple edging, a full face shield to protect him from debris that managed to get past Jason's bulk.
Blushing slightly, he held out the helmet and cleared his throat. Honestly, all that was missing was digging his toe into the ground.]
This one should actually fit you better than the black one I've had you wear before. And it has a built in sound and walkie system, so we can talk while on the bike. If you want it, of course.
Yeah? Great, I think you'll really like this place. Very modern.
[His own helmet, simple red with custom panels to make it fit closer to his skull, was hanging securely from it's lock on his frame. Holding up a finger, he turned back towards his bike, jiggling the janky lock on the storage bin until it finally flipped open. From inside, he pulled out a slightly smaller helmet. Green with purple edging, a full face shield to protect him from debris that managed to get past Jason's bulk.
Blushing slightly, he held out the helmet and cleared his throat. Honestly, all that was missing was digging his toe into the ground.]
This one should actually fit you better than the black one I've had you wear before. And it has a built in sound and walkie system, so we can talk while on the bike. If you want it, of course.
[The change in Jason's expression was charming, moreso than anything else he'd seen from the younger man. Edward didn't examine it too closely or the idea that Jason had considered what sort of food he might like. It was more likely somewhere Jason wanted to go for himself, and this was a convenient opportunity. So long as the food was decent, he wouldn't begrudge it.]
I'll hold you to that.
[Blinking at the helmet that Jason produced, Edward took it carefully and examined it. The colour scheme was noteworthy... but green was hardly an unpopular choice. It certainly wasn't worth reading into what had to be a helmet chosen for a college friend who, like most people, was of smaller stature than Jason and happened to have similar tastes to Edward.]
I'm hardly going to ride without, am I? [Putting on his typical smirk, he quickly patted down his pockets to ensure he had everything he might need.] It will be refreshing to be able to talk to you and find out what's going on rather than waiting till we arrive.
[He tugged the helmet on and spread his arms for Jason to assess, trying not to seem too invested in the younger man's opinion.]
I'll hold you to that.
[Blinking at the helmet that Jason produced, Edward took it carefully and examined it. The colour scheme was noteworthy... but green was hardly an unpopular choice. It certainly wasn't worth reading into what had to be a helmet chosen for a college friend who, like most people, was of smaller stature than Jason and happened to have similar tastes to Edward.]
I'm hardly going to ride without, am I? [Putting on his typical smirk, he quickly patted down his pockets to ensure he had everything he might need.] It will be refreshing to be able to talk to you and find out what's going on rather than waiting till we arrive.
[He tugged the helmet on and spread his arms for Jason to assess, trying not to seem too invested in the younger man's opinion.]
[It was true that the helmet could have been meant for someone else, but the padding inside was undented and crisp. There were no trapped hairs in the fabrics or scuff marks on the art outside. It was a new build, unworn and fresh. It fit Edward like a glove and Jason's smile widened as the older man pulled it on.]
That looks better than I was hoping it would. You are missing one thing, though.
[He shrugged out of his jacket, giving the leather a shake before he held it open for Edward to slid his arms in. It would be big on him, of course, and there was a scent of motor oil that clung to it, but it would protect Edward's nicer clothes as well as his torso should something happen.]
There, perfect. Well...Perfect until we can get you a better jacket. Mine is no where near nice enough for you, but it's all I got right now.
[He swung his leg over the bike, settling his weight onto the saddle as he pulled his own helmet on. He touched where his ear would be, then reached out to lightly do the same on Edward's.]
Test. Can you hear me?
That looks better than I was hoping it would. You are missing one thing, though.
[He shrugged out of his jacket, giving the leather a shake before he held it open for Edward to slid his arms in. It would be big on him, of course, and there was a scent of motor oil that clung to it, but it would protect Edward's nicer clothes as well as his torso should something happen.]
There, perfect. Well...Perfect until we can get you a better jacket. Mine is no where near nice enough for you, but it's all I got right now.
[He swung his leg over the bike, settling his weight onto the saddle as he pulled his own helmet on. He touched where his ear would be, then reached out to lightly do the same on Edward's.]
Test. Can you hear me?
(Continued from here.)
Jason's laughter followed them through the city as the older man lead the way over rooftops. It wasn't a sound that many people had heard in recent years, and Tim had managed to coax it out of him twice in one night. Dick would be jealous, Bruce would be suspicious, but Jason was just enjoying the rare bit of levity.
Eventually, the run ended on a fire escape, the metal oddly stable considering how hard Jason's bulk hit it. Any other fire escape in his part of the city would have shuddered and creaked, rust flaking off weathered bolts, but this one barely twitched. The window was armed and a fake brick shifted away under Jason's touch so he could key in a code. There was a chirp and Jason slid the brick back into place before sliding the window open on well oiled tracks.
Inside was dark, but they were both well used to the dark. Tim ended up climbing into a living room, not barren and barely furnished like most of Jason's safehouses, but comfortable looking and decorated. Bookshelves lined most of the wall space, an overstuffed couch in the center of the space. Where most people would put a TV he had a desk with a computer set up, though the screen was large enough and the space small enough that he could probably scroll through Netflix with a wireless mouse. Art dotted what wall space wasn't claimed by books and Tim might recognize a couple as Damian's.
This wasn't a safehouse. This was his apartment. His home. The place no other Bat even knew existed, let alone had ever been inside.
Jason himself had crossed the space and rounded the bar into his kitchen, setting the bag of food on the counter before he reached up to thumb the hidden latch that let his helmet pop open enough to slide off his head. His hair was mussed but he was grinning as he set the helmet aside and shrugged out of his jacket.
"Thanks. I've been working on it for a while. Slow going between the shelters, clinics, and the night job. Take off your cape, stay awhile."
Jason's laughter followed them through the city as the older man lead the way over rooftops. It wasn't a sound that many people had heard in recent years, and Tim had managed to coax it out of him twice in one night. Dick would be jealous, Bruce would be suspicious, but Jason was just enjoying the rare bit of levity.
Eventually, the run ended on a fire escape, the metal oddly stable considering how hard Jason's bulk hit it. Any other fire escape in his part of the city would have shuddered and creaked, rust flaking off weathered bolts, but this one barely twitched. The window was armed and a fake brick shifted away under Jason's touch so he could key in a code. There was a chirp and Jason slid the brick back into place before sliding the window open on well oiled tracks.
Inside was dark, but they were both well used to the dark. Tim ended up climbing into a living room, not barren and barely furnished like most of Jason's safehouses, but comfortable looking and decorated. Bookshelves lined most of the wall space, an overstuffed couch in the center of the space. Where most people would put a TV he had a desk with a computer set up, though the screen was large enough and the space small enough that he could probably scroll through Netflix with a wireless mouse. Art dotted what wall space wasn't claimed by books and Tim might recognize a couple as Damian's.
This wasn't a safehouse. This was his apartment. His home. The place no other Bat even knew existed, let alone had ever been inside.
Jason himself had crossed the space and rounded the bar into his kitchen, setting the bag of food on the counter before he reached up to thumb the hidden latch that let his helmet pop open enough to slide off his head. His hair was mussed but he was grinning as he set the helmet aside and shrugged out of his jacket.
"Thanks. I've been working on it for a while. Slow going between the shelters, clinics, and the night job. Take off your cape, stay awhile."
Edited 2024-09-02 05:42 (UTC)
[So a new helmet for a friend Jason hadn't yet seen to share it with. At least it saved Edward from needing to ask questions about the other users' hygiene before putting it on.
He tilted his head at Jason's assessment until the jacket was presented to him. Chuckling to himself - he really wasn't dressed for the ride, having not anticipated when he got ready that morning - he slid his arms into it and let it fold around him. Trying not to dwell on the lingering warmth or let Jason see him inhaling, trying to catch a hint of anything beneath the smell of motor oil.]
Mm, you can tell me where I should go shopping for one and help me pick it out.
[He wouldn't, of course. It would be foolish to invest in something like that for the sake of their act, but it was an enjoyable fantasy to indulge in for now.
Waiting as Jason settled himself on the bike, Edward nodded.] You're clear as can be.
[He sat himself behind Jason, arms winding around the younger man tightly. It wasn't his first time riding with Jason but there was still a little flicker of anxiety that came with doing so that at least saved him from needing to find an excuse for how close he pressed himself to the broad back in front of him.]
I'm ready to get some distance from here before they try and drag me back.
He tilted his head at Jason's assessment until the jacket was presented to him. Chuckling to himself - he really wasn't dressed for the ride, having not anticipated when he got ready that morning - he slid his arms into it and let it fold around him. Trying not to dwell on the lingering warmth or let Jason see him inhaling, trying to catch a hint of anything beneath the smell of motor oil.]
Mm, you can tell me where I should go shopping for one and help me pick it out.
[He wouldn't, of course. It would be foolish to invest in something like that for the sake of their act, but it was an enjoyable fantasy to indulge in for now.
Waiting as Jason settled himself on the bike, Edward nodded.] You're clear as can be.
[He sat himself behind Jason, arms winding around the younger man tightly. It wasn't his first time riding with Jason but there was still a little flicker of anxiety that came with doing so that at least saved him from needing to find an excuse for how close he pressed himself to the broad back in front of him.]
I'm ready to get some distance from here before they try and drag me back.
Just about everyone who sells clothes has a leather jacket, but if you're after something that will actually do it's job while you ride, you wanna go to Wilson's. Or another place that specializes in riding gear. That's where this one is from, albeit from like six years ago. That's the great thing about leather, though. You take care of it and it'll last a lifetime. Hell, that jackets survived two wipeouts and my best friend.
[His smirk was audible and he shook his head as he reached up to flick his face shield down. He took a moment to make sure his passenger had a good grip, then he was turning over the engine and basking in the throaty growl the machine gave in the confines of the parking garage. For a split second he considered whipping out of the parking spot, but Edward had only ridden with him a couple of times and he rather liked the feeling of the smaller man against his back.
He kept it smooth and controlled, rolling easily through the garage until he was finally able to pull out onto the street.]
So, why does he hate you? Greene, I mean. He's obviously targeting you and I'm guessing it didn't actually start when you started showing up to work functions with a guy.
[His smirk was audible and he shook his head as he reached up to flick his face shield down. He took a moment to make sure his passenger had a good grip, then he was turning over the engine and basking in the throaty growl the machine gave in the confines of the parking garage. For a split second he considered whipping out of the parking spot, but Edward had only ridden with him a couple of times and he rather liked the feeling of the smaller man against his back.
He kept it smooth and controlled, rolling easily through the garage until he was finally able to pull out onto the street.]
So, why does he hate you? Greene, I mean. He's obviously targeting you and I'm guessing it didn't actually start when you started showing up to work functions with a guy.
The place really did suit Jason, once Tim paused to look around. Especially the books, there were so many titles that he'd have guessed the older vigilante was into, and maybe a couple that Tim might tease him about later. Damian's art softened his smile, pleased that the two of them had enough of a bond that Jason would display it. The tiniest little hint of jealousy sparked in his chest that nothing in the room had anything to do with him, but what would Jason even have done? Displayed mathematical equations? He just--he didn't want to be on the same level as Dick and Bruce.
As he took on the space, though, it slowly dawned on him that he hadn't been taken to some safehouse that would end up ditched in a few months. Jason trusted Tim enough to take him to his actual home. His heart stuttered almost painfully in his chest as he forced himself to suck in a breath. It nearly overwhelmed him for a second, being given such an important gift. Was it even done consciously, or had Jason come to trust him so much he didn't second guess the idea?
Okay, so he was definitely wrong about being on the same level as Dick and Bruce. There was no way those two knew about Jason's apartment, and Tim immediately told himself he'd die before he ever told them about its location. This was special. He was going to hold onto it like the rarest gem.
As his gaze finally turned back to the older man, Tim saw him standing there relaxed and smiling, sans jacket and helmet. The faintest of flushes bloomed onto his cheeks, but he didn't let the sight distract him for long. Instead, his own hands moved to work on stripping as much of his suit off as he could. Practiced, skilled fingers disabled traps and unhooked latches. His cape, the gloves, the belt, his staff, anything other than the skin tight kevlar was peeled off and politely set aside on a chair. There was a moment when he debated taking his top off as well, but it felt out of line to even ask if he could just hang around shirtless while visiting someone's apartment for the first time. Pity he didn't have any civvies.
"I can pour some drinks if you show me where the stuff is?" The younger of the two offered, stepping away from where he'd left most of his gear behind.
As he took on the space, though, it slowly dawned on him that he hadn't been taken to some safehouse that would end up ditched in a few months. Jason trusted Tim enough to take him to his actual home. His heart stuttered almost painfully in his chest as he forced himself to suck in a breath. It nearly overwhelmed him for a second, being given such an important gift. Was it even done consciously, or had Jason come to trust him so much he didn't second guess the idea?
Okay, so he was definitely wrong about being on the same level as Dick and Bruce. There was no way those two knew about Jason's apartment, and Tim immediately told himself he'd die before he ever told them about its location. This was special. He was going to hold onto it like the rarest gem.
As his gaze finally turned back to the older man, Tim saw him standing there relaxed and smiling, sans jacket and helmet. The faintest of flushes bloomed onto his cheeks, but he didn't let the sight distract him for long. Instead, his own hands moved to work on stripping as much of his suit off as he could. Practiced, skilled fingers disabled traps and unhooked latches. His cape, the gloves, the belt, his staff, anything other than the skin tight kevlar was peeled off and politely set aside on a chair. There was a moment when he debated taking his top off as well, but it felt out of line to even ask if he could just hang around shirtless while visiting someone's apartment for the first time. Pity he didn't have any civvies.
"I can pour some drinks if you show me where the stuff is?" The younger of the two offered, stepping away from where he'd left most of his gear behind.
[Jason hopefully wouldn't notice the way Edward's hold on him tightened at the mention of a wipeout - multiples, in fact. Maybe he would splurge on something after all. Even if he only rode with Jason a few more times till the younger man tired of the act, it would be worth it not to be plagued by visions of road rash. He could always give it to Jason when it was no longer needed to pass along to whatever friend the helmet was for.
Still holding tight as they left the garage, he huffed at the question.]
Hardly. He's gotten worse since then, but he disliked me from the moment I was hired over a barely-competent friend of his. [He shrugged.] He might have gotten over that if I hadn't immediately pointed out the idiocy of certain ideas he was pushing in front of most of upper management.
[With exactly that degree of tact.] Add in the fact I'm not willing to compromise the quality of my work to allow him to boast about reduced spending on the project, and he's taken to exerting petty authority wherever possible.
[Getting to vent his frustration served as a good distraction from any concerns over a potential fall at least, and Edward's grip around Jason had settled down into merely snug as he talked.] Once he's gone, I'll only have to deal with the idiots who want to pester me about socialising and 'team-building' at those things.
[His tone made it clear how distasteful that prospect still was.]
Still holding tight as they left the garage, he huffed at the question.]
Hardly. He's gotten worse since then, but he disliked me from the moment I was hired over a barely-competent friend of his. [He shrugged.] He might have gotten over that if I hadn't immediately pointed out the idiocy of certain ideas he was pushing in front of most of upper management.
[With exactly that degree of tact.] Add in the fact I'm not willing to compromise the quality of my work to allow him to boast about reduced spending on the project, and he's taken to exerting petty authority wherever possible.
[Getting to vent his frustration served as a good distraction from any concerns over a potential fall at least, and Edward's grip around Jason had settled down into merely snug as he talked.] Once he's gone, I'll only have to deal with the idiots who want to pester me about socialising and 'team-building' at those things.
[His tone made it clear how distasteful that prospect still was.]
[It Jason noticed or not, he kept it to himself as he pulled out onto the road. He kept the bike steady and even, tame in comparison to the few times that Edward had ridden in with him for work functions. Those times had been all about the show of Edward getting off the back of his boytoy's big bike, but this time there were no witnesses to show off to. It was just them and Edward might appreciate the fact that without that layer of requested drama, Jason was actually a pretty reasonable driver.
Or, as reasonable as could be expected for someone who willingly threaded through Gotham traffic without a chassis to protect him.]
Sounds like it's past time for him to be moving on. I'm glad he finally is. The new kid seems like a better fit. He didn't push back too hard when I stole his food and he certainly didn't sneer when we touched. At the very least, I don't think he's a bigot. Hopefully, his accounting style will just that little bit more relaxed.
[They hit a stoplight and Jason sat up a little, leaning back into Edward's arms as he stretched his shoulders and flexed his arms. He hadn't been lying about being at work and he was stiff after working all day. The mechanic shop was small, but it was respected and they had clientele from all parts of Gotham, including Bristol. He and Roy both worked there and for as small as the place was, it went a long way to pay for their two bedroom apartment.
Before, Jason had filled that difference with overnight shifts at the warehouses, unloading pallets until 4 in the morning before going home to crash until 7 when he had to get up to get ready for his morning classes. Now, Edward filled in that gap and Jason had never been more thankful for actual time to sleep and study.]
I got a question. You hate the people there so much....have you ever thought about starting up on your own?
Or, as reasonable as could be expected for someone who willingly threaded through Gotham traffic without a chassis to protect him.]
Sounds like it's past time for him to be moving on. I'm glad he finally is. The new kid seems like a better fit. He didn't push back too hard when I stole his food and he certainly didn't sneer when we touched. At the very least, I don't think he's a bigot. Hopefully, his accounting style will just that little bit more relaxed.
[They hit a stoplight and Jason sat up a little, leaning back into Edward's arms as he stretched his shoulders and flexed his arms. He hadn't been lying about being at work and he was stiff after working all day. The mechanic shop was small, but it was respected and they had clientele from all parts of Gotham, including Bristol. He and Roy both worked there and for as small as the place was, it went a long way to pay for their two bedroom apartment.
Before, Jason had filled that difference with overnight shifts at the warehouses, unloading pallets until 4 in the morning before going home to crash until 7 when he had to get up to get ready for his morning classes. Now, Edward filled in that gap and Jason had never been more thankful for actual time to sleep and study.]
I got a question. You hate the people there so much....have you ever thought about starting up on your own?
[Whether the more careful driving was Jason's true norm or a concession to Edward's nerves, he wasn't going to question it. It was reassuring and meant he didn't feel the need to cling as tightly, so that was what mattered. He still preferred the safety of a car with airbags and crumple zones, and every other modern safety feature, but this was fine.
He hummed at Jason's assessment of the replacement.] He does seem like he will be more tolerable at the very least. [A chuckle.] Or he just wanted to make a good impression on you. In which case I'll be calling you in more often.
[He shifted as Jason sat back, still keeping ahold of the younger man but allowing him to stretch out as needed. And if he found himself watching the play of muscles on Jason's arms, that was his business. He'd looked into the mechanic shop where Jason worked during his investigation of his companion's surprisingly sparse social media presence and had some idea of how busy it kept the younger man. It made sense of Jason's lack of online life compared to Edward's prolific posting across platforms.
He was pulled from his thoughts of social media stalking by the question, tensing up where he was pressed against Jason's back. Edward frowned, considering how much to share as the light turned, and they started moving again.] To do that, I need capital. Enough to get a company off the ground. I don't have that yet or enough connections to convince someone who does to fund me.
[He fidgeted unconsciously, fingers twisting together and toying with the fabric of Jason's shirt.] This project I'm working on. Once I finish it and it goes live, that will be my chance. They say there are already buyers interested, and I'll get a cut of whatever they sell it for. I built the thing from scratch, the money and the reputation I'll get, I can start something actually worth my time. [He shrugged, trying to sound nonchalant about the plan like it wasn't something he'd been thinking about for years but hadn't yet made a reality.] It's just a matter of seeing this through.
He hummed at Jason's assessment of the replacement.] He does seem like he will be more tolerable at the very least. [A chuckle.] Or he just wanted to make a good impression on you. In which case I'll be calling you in more often.
[He shifted as Jason sat back, still keeping ahold of the younger man but allowing him to stretch out as needed. And if he found himself watching the play of muscles on Jason's arms, that was his business. He'd looked into the mechanic shop where Jason worked during his investigation of his companion's surprisingly sparse social media presence and had some idea of how busy it kept the younger man. It made sense of Jason's lack of online life compared to Edward's prolific posting across platforms.
He was pulled from his thoughts of social media stalking by the question, tensing up where he was pressed against Jason's back. Edward frowned, considering how much to share as the light turned, and they started moving again.] To do that, I need capital. Enough to get a company off the ground. I don't have that yet or enough connections to convince someone who does to fund me.
[He fidgeted unconsciously, fingers twisting together and toying with the fabric of Jason's shirt.] This project I'm working on. Once I finish it and it goes live, that will be my chance. They say there are already buyers interested, and I'll get a cut of whatever they sell it for. I built the thing from scratch, the money and the reputation I'll get, I can start something actually worth my time. [He shrugged, trying to sound nonchalant about the plan like it wasn't something he'd been thinking about for years but hadn't yet made a reality.] It's just a matter of seeing this through.
While Tim was peeling himself out of Red Robin, Jason was continuing to do the same. His heavy utility belt was connected to his holsters, so the the who bundle of tactical weave was slipped off his thighs and set aside with his helmets. Surely the kitchen counter wasn't where all this stuff was supposed to go, but there didn't seem to be a specific space set aside for it. At least, not where Tim could easily see.
"That is a great idea, but first let's shove this shit somewhere we don't have to look at it for the rest of the night. Come on, it's just upstairs." The secret wasn't going to remain secret for long, it would seem. And, apparently, Tim was welcome to stay long enough to make hanging his gear a viable option. Gathering up the discarded pieces of his kit, not bothering to take off the thick armor that protected his torso. It would be easier to transport it on him.
Leading the way down the short hall, he ignored the two open doors. The one to the right was a bathroom, while the corner of an unmade bed could be spotted through the door that was at the end of the hall. To the left, however, was a small set of stairs leading up and it was those stairs that Jason took.
Bruce had his Cave. Tim had his Nest. Jason, it seemed, had the upstairs apartment. It wasn't fancy or high tech, but it had room to do his weapon and armor maintenance. It also looked like it had roof access, which meant that Jason could have just brought Tim in this way instead of down into his main apartment.
Heading over to the table, he set down the gear in his arms before gesturing over at a couple of armor stands. "Feel free to hang him up to air out. As long as you don't mind stuff that is going to be way too big, there are civvies in the drawers. Bathroom is in that back corner if you want to shower. Don't take too long, if we let the garlic knots cool down, Nan will kick my ass later."
"That is a great idea, but first let's shove this shit somewhere we don't have to look at it for the rest of the night. Come on, it's just upstairs." The secret wasn't going to remain secret for long, it would seem. And, apparently, Tim was welcome to stay long enough to make hanging his gear a viable option. Gathering up the discarded pieces of his kit, not bothering to take off the thick armor that protected his torso. It would be easier to transport it on him.
Leading the way down the short hall, he ignored the two open doors. The one to the right was a bathroom, while the corner of an unmade bed could be spotted through the door that was at the end of the hall. To the left, however, was a small set of stairs leading up and it was those stairs that Jason took.
Bruce had his Cave. Tim had his Nest. Jason, it seemed, had the upstairs apartment. It wasn't fancy or high tech, but it had room to do his weapon and armor maintenance. It also looked like it had roof access, which meant that Jason could have just brought Tim in this way instead of down into his main apartment.
Heading over to the table, he set down the gear in his arms before gesturing over at a couple of armor stands. "Feel free to hang him up to air out. As long as you don't mind stuff that is going to be way too big, there are civvies in the drawers. Bathroom is in that back corner if you want to shower. Don't take too long, if we let the garlic knots cool down, Nan will kick my ass later."
sorry it's so long, but, yk, ~~feelings~~ please don't feel like you gotta match!
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prettyredbird
2024-09-04 04:58 pm (UTC)(link)
The rest of the night? Tim paused, blinking stupidly for a moment. Apparently this would not be a quick dinner and a drink. Jason must have wanted to spend some time with him, to offer to let him hang his gear. A little thrill went straight to his belly, and he quickly gathered his things so he could follow along behind the older man obediently.
As they entered the top floor he took a moment to appreciate the base that had been set up there. Tim was all about tech, hadn't wanted to lose his access to a super computer and crime lab when he moved out of the manor. Also, he was a giant nerd that lived for that sort of thing. There was a simplicity, though, in not having to worry about all of that. He allowed himself to take a good look around as he moved over to a stand and hung up the pieces that he stripped off. His boots were set next to it and his gaze turned to the shower. Whether or not Jason was aware of his little idiosyncrasies, he was thrilled at having them respected.
"I'll be quick." Tim promised, grabbing for some clothes from the drawer and making a bee-line for the bathroom that was tucked away. The kevlar was stripped off and set on a counter out of the way. As soon as the water was warm he ducked under it, quickly scrubbing away the sweat and grime that came with the job. He'd never been the type to luxuriate in long showers. They were a means to an end that got him clean.
The civvies were too big on him. He tied the pajama pants around his waist so they wouldn't slide off, and tugged on a t-shirt that seemed to dwarf him. As he toweled his dark hair dry, Tim caught a look at himself in the mirror. Immediately his cheeks flushed and there were tingles everywhere that cloth touched his skin. Jason's clothes. It wasn't at all an intimate thing to let a fellow vigilante borrow some civvies so they didn't sit around in their sweaty gear, yet the sight managed to strike Tim deep in his core, right in the spot that had always been desperate to belong to someone.
Fuck. Fuck.
It hadn't mattered how much he told himself not to do this, not to feel this way, he... he had never gotten over his thing for Jason, had he? Everything had started as a dumb elementary school crush, developed over nights of sneaking out to get pictures of Robin. The most amazing side-kick that had ever existed, the one who did a goofy little wave when he saw Tim and his dumb camera. Even when the guy had tried to kill him (more than once), it had never been quite enough to fully silence the stupid flutter in his chest. And as he got to know this Jason, the adult he'd grown into, it reignited those feelings into an inferno.
So, he was fucked.
Tim carefully hung the towel back on the rack and stepped back out of the bathroom, bare feet padding gently on the floor as he made his way to hang up the rest of his suit. Then he headed for wherever it was that Jason was waiting for him, looking a little more vulnerable than when he left.
As they entered the top floor he took a moment to appreciate the base that had been set up there. Tim was all about tech, hadn't wanted to lose his access to a super computer and crime lab when he moved out of the manor. Also, he was a giant nerd that lived for that sort of thing. There was a simplicity, though, in not having to worry about all of that. He allowed himself to take a good look around as he moved over to a stand and hung up the pieces that he stripped off. His boots were set next to it and his gaze turned to the shower. Whether or not Jason was aware of his little idiosyncrasies, he was thrilled at having them respected.
"I'll be quick." Tim promised, grabbing for some clothes from the drawer and making a bee-line for the bathroom that was tucked away. The kevlar was stripped off and set on a counter out of the way. As soon as the water was warm he ducked under it, quickly scrubbing away the sweat and grime that came with the job. He'd never been the type to luxuriate in long showers. They were a means to an end that got him clean.
The civvies were too big on him. He tied the pajama pants around his waist so they wouldn't slide off, and tugged on a t-shirt that seemed to dwarf him. As he toweled his dark hair dry, Tim caught a look at himself in the mirror. Immediately his cheeks flushed and there were tingles everywhere that cloth touched his skin. Jason's clothes. It wasn't at all an intimate thing to let a fellow vigilante borrow some civvies so they didn't sit around in their sweaty gear, yet the sight managed to strike Tim deep in his core, right in the spot that had always been desperate to belong to someone.
Fuck. Fuck.
It hadn't mattered how much he told himself not to do this, not to feel this way, he... he had never gotten over his thing for Jason, had he? Everything had started as a dumb elementary school crush, developed over nights of sneaking out to get pictures of Robin. The most amazing side-kick that had ever existed, the one who did a goofy little wave when he saw Tim and his dumb camera. Even when the guy had tried to kill him (more than once), it had never been quite enough to fully silence the stupid flutter in his chest. And as he got to know this Jason, the adult he'd grown into, it reignited those feelings into an inferno.
So, he was fucked.
Tim carefully hung the towel back on the rack and stepped back out of the bathroom, bare feet padding gently on the floor as he made his way to hang up the rest of his suit. Then he headed for wherever it was that Jason was waiting for him, looking a little more vulnerable than when he left.
[As far as social media went, Jason didn't exist. He showed up in the wings of others, of course. His siblings would sneak pictures of him and post them, but without an account of his own they couldn't tag him. And even if he did have an account they could tag, the last name would be different than the one that Edward would be searching for. No less accurate and real, but different nonetheless.
In fact, the only social media posts that came up under 'Todd' were from his room mate and best friend. Usually pictures of him with a little girl, either candid or with Jay rolling his eyes and using the baby to hide his face. He was a private person, it would seem, which helped paint the picture of how exhausted he'd been when he'd first made his profile on the app that he and Edward had met through. Something had had to change or he was going to break. Fortunately, something had changed and Jason was very pleased that it had and not entirely because now he got to actually sleep.
He listened as he wove them through traffic, nodding a little as Edward explained why he'd been working so hard on this particular project. It made sense and he could hear the thin thread of eager excitement in Edward's voice...but there was a part of him that had spent too long at his dad's elbow during board meetings that questioned if the company was going to follow through with that 'promised' cut. Or if they'd change the percentage after the fact, before the contract could be drawn up. If Edward didn't have one already, it was a concern.
Covering those fidgeting fingers with his hand he gave them a reassuring squeeze as he leaned into the turn that took them off the street and into the parking lot for the surprisingly small little bistro.]
You know I'm double majoring in business finance and tax, right? If you want me to look over any contracts, I can. I can also recommend some really good finance lawyers who don't have that much of a retainer. If you're interested, of course. I'd hate for you to put all this work into this project and end up getting dicked over by upper management.
I really want to see you take that step.
[It was surprising how true that statement felt. Edward had never once taken him up on the traditional routes that most people took with situations like theirs. Jason wasn't a 'sugar baby', he was more of an employee. A mask to hide behind for functions like the one they'd just left. If Edward went into business for himself, there would be no work functions and, since Edward had no use for him outside of that, it would be back to the warehouses.
And yet, his words were genuine.]
In fact, the only social media posts that came up under 'Todd' were from his room mate and best friend. Usually pictures of him with a little girl, either candid or with Jay rolling his eyes and using the baby to hide his face. He was a private person, it would seem, which helped paint the picture of how exhausted he'd been when he'd first made his profile on the app that he and Edward had met through. Something had had to change or he was going to break. Fortunately, something had changed and Jason was very pleased that it had and not entirely because now he got to actually sleep.
He listened as he wove them through traffic, nodding a little as Edward explained why he'd been working so hard on this particular project. It made sense and he could hear the thin thread of eager excitement in Edward's voice...but there was a part of him that had spent too long at his dad's elbow during board meetings that questioned if the company was going to follow through with that 'promised' cut. Or if they'd change the percentage after the fact, before the contract could be drawn up. If Edward didn't have one already, it was a concern.
Covering those fidgeting fingers with his hand he gave them a reassuring squeeze as he leaned into the turn that took them off the street and into the parking lot for the surprisingly small little bistro.]
You know I'm double majoring in business finance and tax, right? If you want me to look over any contracts, I can. I can also recommend some really good finance lawyers who don't have that much of a retainer. If you're interested, of course. I'd hate for you to put all this work into this project and end up getting dicked over by upper management.
I really want to see you take that step.
[It was surprising how true that statement felt. Edward had never once taken him up on the traditional routes that most people took with situations like theirs. Jason wasn't a 'sugar baby', he was more of an employee. A mask to hide behind for functions like the one they'd just left. If Edward went into business for himself, there would be no work functions and, since Edward had no use for him outside of that, it would be back to the warehouses.
And yet, his words were genuine.]
Edited 2024-09-05 00:31 (UTC)
Never apologize for novels. XD I love them! Also, TW for injury and medical shit.
deadbirdarising
2024-09-05 01:04 am (UTC)(link)
He didn't not know about Tim's need to shower after patrol. He had spent many a month stalking him back in time before his ill-fated attempt at a homecoming. He didn't know the exact source or even the extent of it, but he understood the need to have a ritual to separate the vigilante from the person.
He had his own, after all. Tim didn't take long in the shower, but in that short amount of time Jason had been busy with his own. He'd gone through his weapons, checking them over, cleaning any that he'd fired. He'd reloaded his clips and made sure that his load outs were in easy grabbing distance. His blades had an oiled cloth ran over them before he'd hung them back on the peg board. His helmet and armor were set up on their own stand, along with his holsters, gloves, and boots.
By the time that Tim came out of the bathroom, he'd stripped off his under layer and was in the process of stapling a small knife slash on his side shut. He preferred stitches but the angle made sewing himself up almost impossible, so three neat staples would have to do. It would scar more, but what was one more? His torso was already a collage of pain and injury, between the flash burns that dripped along his back to the thick Y-shaped incision that bisected his chest and stomach. Blades, gunshots, blunt force ripping- all of them had a place on his skin. One more knife wound would just fade into the narrative.
He caught sight of Tim as he was twisting to align a tegaderm dressing over the small wound and he sucked in a small breath. Tim was wearing his clothes. He'd known that, of course. He'd offered them. He'd fully been preparing himself to see the lithe man come out of the bathroom in them.
He hadn't prepared nearly enough.
"I.." What was he trying to say? He'd had something, something about letting him finish putting the dressing on and then he'd take a quick shower and then they could eat, but that single word was all that came out.
Really, it shouldn't have been a surprise when the thin plastic dressing crumpled in his suddenly clumsy fingers, sticking to itself and making Jason startle out of his stare to frown at it. "Well, shit."
He had his own, after all. Tim didn't take long in the shower, but in that short amount of time Jason had been busy with his own. He'd gone through his weapons, checking them over, cleaning any that he'd fired. He'd reloaded his clips and made sure that his load outs were in easy grabbing distance. His blades had an oiled cloth ran over them before he'd hung them back on the peg board. His helmet and armor were set up on their own stand, along with his holsters, gloves, and boots.
By the time that Tim came out of the bathroom, he'd stripped off his under layer and was in the process of stapling a small knife slash on his side shut. He preferred stitches but the angle made sewing himself up almost impossible, so three neat staples would have to do. It would scar more, but what was one more? His torso was already a collage of pain and injury, between the flash burns that dripped along his back to the thick Y-shaped incision that bisected his chest and stomach. Blades, gunshots, blunt force ripping- all of them had a place on his skin. One more knife wound would just fade into the narrative.
He caught sight of Tim as he was twisting to align a tegaderm dressing over the small wound and he sucked in a small breath. Tim was wearing his clothes. He'd known that, of course. He'd offered them. He'd fully been preparing himself to see the lithe man come out of the bathroom in them.
He hadn't prepared nearly enough.
"I.." What was he trying to say? He'd had something, something about letting him finish putting the dressing on and then he'd take a quick shower and then they could eat, but that single word was all that came out.
Really, it shouldn't have been a surprise when the thin plastic dressing crumpled in his suddenly clumsy fingers, sticking to itself and making Jason startle out of his stare to frown at it. "Well, shit."
If Jason was looking at Tim any differently, it wasn't immediately picked up on. No, his eyes were drawn to the wound he hadn't even been aware of. It wasn't in his nature to fuss too much over a small wound, they got them all of the time in their line of work, but a little frown twitched onto his features before he could stop it. "If you had said something I would have stitched you up." The younger of the two told him as he stepped closer, helping himself to Jason's medical kit without waiting for any sort of permission. Clearly he just wasn't used to having someone around that could help. "Here, let me put the bandage on."
As he grabbed for a disinfecting wipe, it occurred to him that perhaps Jason hadn't said anything because he didn't want any help. But, well, too bad. Tim could be just as stubborn as the rest of the Bats, if not worse. Still, he did his best to be gentle as he wiped down the wound. Jason might have already taken care of it, but it didn't hurt to have it cleaned up a second time before it was bandaged. Staph infections were the reason behind his insistence on showering off right after patrol; he wasn't going to lose Jason to one. Even if it got him bitched at.
The scars weren't terribly shocking to him. Not even the autopsy scar, as much as it different from anything on his own body. That made sense. Jason had died, of course they would perform an autopsy, but he wouldn't have felt it. Others must have been the result so much misfortune and pain. Tim felt empathy, sure, but more than that, they made him admire Jason all the more. The scars were a roadmap to the suffering he had endured in order to do what he felt was right. They didn't always agree on what that meant or the methods used to get there, but he never doubted the man's passion. It wasn't Tim's place to trace those scars with his fingertips, but he gazed at them with an open curiosity as he carefully smoothed the tegaderm over the stapled wound.
"There." Time seemed to slow down around him when he lifted his eyes to peer up at Jason again. There was something different about the way the other man was looking back at him. Tim wasn't sure exactly what it was, but he knew what his foolish heart was hoping for. God, it was so much easier to have feelings from someone from afar. When everything was so out of reach it wasn't worth dwelling on. Were they actually any closer now, though? Did Jason even like men? Even if he did, would he want Tim, of all people? The guy that he'd spent a not insignificant amount of time hating? He was just so bad at this. Didn't even know what to do with himself. "Did you get hurt anywhere else?" This time, when he spoke, his voice was softer. Like if he was too loud, he might wake and realize the whole thing had been some sort of dream.
He didn't even realize he hadn't pulled his hand away from Jason's side. Just kept looking up at him with so many different feelings swirling in his eyes like galaxies rotating through space.
As he grabbed for a disinfecting wipe, it occurred to him that perhaps Jason hadn't said anything because he didn't want any help. But, well, too bad. Tim could be just as stubborn as the rest of the Bats, if not worse. Still, he did his best to be gentle as he wiped down the wound. Jason might have already taken care of it, but it didn't hurt to have it cleaned up a second time before it was bandaged. Staph infections were the reason behind his insistence on showering off right after patrol; he wasn't going to lose Jason to one. Even if it got him bitched at.
The scars weren't terribly shocking to him. Not even the autopsy scar, as much as it different from anything on his own body. That made sense. Jason had died, of course they would perform an autopsy, but he wouldn't have felt it. Others must have been the result so much misfortune and pain. Tim felt empathy, sure, but more than that, they made him admire Jason all the more. The scars were a roadmap to the suffering he had endured in order to do what he felt was right. They didn't always agree on what that meant or the methods used to get there, but he never doubted the man's passion. It wasn't Tim's place to trace those scars with his fingertips, but he gazed at them with an open curiosity as he carefully smoothed the tegaderm over the stapled wound.
"There." Time seemed to slow down around him when he lifted his eyes to peer up at Jason again. There was something different about the way the other man was looking back at him. Tim wasn't sure exactly what it was, but he knew what his foolish heart was hoping for. God, it was so much easier to have feelings from someone from afar. When everything was so out of reach it wasn't worth dwelling on. Were they actually any closer now, though? Did Jason even like men? Even if he did, would he want Tim, of all people? The guy that he'd spent a not insignificant amount of time hating? He was just so bad at this. Didn't even know what to do with himself. "Did you get hurt anywhere else?" This time, when he spoke, his voice was softer. Like if he was too loud, he might wake and realize the whole thing had been some sort of dream.
He didn't even realize he hadn't pulled his hand away from Jason's side. Just kept looking up at him with so many different feelings swirling in his eyes like galaxies rotating through space.
The thing was, Jason had never really hated Tim. Not as a person, anyway. He'd hated the fact that Bruce had given Robin to someone else. He'd been jealous of exactly how well Tim had worked alongside the stoic man. Jealous of his brilliance and how much better he was at being Robin than Jason had ever been.
Jason had been all exuberant energy and unending drive to help people, but he'd never really been a detective. Not like Bruce or Dick and certainly not like Tim. He wasn't dumb, he knew that, but things that took Dick or Tim only seconds to connect his brain didn't see the connection for a minute. Tim had been the Robin that he could never have been, even if he hadn't died. He'd hated the idea that even if he had come home after that trip, Bruce probably still would have replaced him. He'd been a better son than partner.
At least, he'd thought. The batarang scar on his throat seemed to tell him otherwise every time he saw it in a mirror.
Tim stepped in close and helped himself to the oversized medical kit he'd spread out over the table. His stomach twisted and tightened in a way that had nothing to do with the sharp sting of antiseptic and everything to do with the fact that he could smell his own shampoo mingling with the undertones that had to be just Tim. He was still as the younger boy worked, letting himself be poked and prodded and finally bandaged...and then the distraction of his wound was gone and all that was left was the heat of Tim's hand soaking into his side. His eyes like crystalline lasers, making his very being twitch to be perceived so completely. His own cornflower blue eyes flicked down to trace full lips...and in doing so, the faint scar on Tim's neck caught his attention and doused him in ice cold reality.
He'd left that scar. He couldn't even remember exactly which time it was that he'd left it, but he knew that he had. He'd left that scar without a second thought and Pit influences be damned, he'd done it with intent. At the time, he'd been so out of his own mind with manipulated anger and absolutely no control of his own emotional regulation....but he'd still done it. The Pit had done a lot to him, but it hadn't ever forced his hand.
Pulling away, he rubbed at the back of his neck as he moved to cross the room and put space between them.
"Nah, I'm fine. Thanks, though. I'm...I'm gunna shower real quick and then we can head back downstairs. I didn't lock anything if you want to not wait for me." He grabbed clothes as he spoke, then closed the bathroom door almost before his last sentence was finished.
Jason had been all exuberant energy and unending drive to help people, but he'd never really been a detective. Not like Bruce or Dick and certainly not like Tim. He wasn't dumb, he knew that, but things that took Dick or Tim only seconds to connect his brain didn't see the connection for a minute. Tim had been the Robin that he could never have been, even if he hadn't died. He'd hated the idea that even if he had come home after that trip, Bruce probably still would have replaced him. He'd been a better son than partner.
At least, he'd thought. The batarang scar on his throat seemed to tell him otherwise every time he saw it in a mirror.
Tim stepped in close and helped himself to the oversized medical kit he'd spread out over the table. His stomach twisted and tightened in a way that had nothing to do with the sharp sting of antiseptic and everything to do with the fact that he could smell his own shampoo mingling with the undertones that had to be just Tim. He was still as the younger boy worked, letting himself be poked and prodded and finally bandaged...and then the distraction of his wound was gone and all that was left was the heat of Tim's hand soaking into his side. His eyes like crystalline lasers, making his very being twitch to be perceived so completely. His own cornflower blue eyes flicked down to trace full lips...and in doing so, the faint scar on Tim's neck caught his attention and doused him in ice cold reality.
He'd left that scar. He couldn't even remember exactly which time it was that he'd left it, but he knew that he had. He'd left that scar without a second thought and Pit influences be damned, he'd done it with intent. At the time, he'd been so out of his own mind with manipulated anger and absolutely no control of his own emotional regulation....but he'd still done it. The Pit had done a lot to him, but it hadn't ever forced his hand.
Pulling away, he rubbed at the back of his neck as he moved to cross the room and put space between them.
"Nah, I'm fine. Thanks, though. I'm...I'm gunna shower real quick and then we can head back downstairs. I didn't lock anything if you want to not wait for me." He grabbed clothes as he spoke, then closed the bathroom door almost before his last sentence was finished.
[That lack of any social media had made Jason's presence on the app so suspicious that Edward had been certain the younger man was running some kind of scheme at first. Being less active than Edward himself was one thing, but to have no footprint at all - without being some old man or wealthy recluse? It was suspicious. After that first gathering, he'd been hesitant to reach out again despite how well Jason had played his role, concerned that further meetings would lead to trouble of some kind.
It was only the sheer exhaustion that had been obviously plaguing Jason when they met - and his ever-growing frustration with his coworkers - that had convinced Edward to contact the younger man again. Finding that handful of posts from Jason's roommate had further helped to dismiss those concerns, and now he thought nothing of going alone with Jason to some small, out-of-the-way restaurant.
He'd even gotten comfortable enough to share his future plans, things he'd shared with almost no one else. Hands stilling under Jason's, he breathed out slowly, surprised by the wave of relief that came when the younger man didn't mock the idea of starting on his own despite being the one to bring it up.]
I don't doubt your capability but it's fine. I've built the whole thing from the ground up. Engineering, bespoke programming, it's all me. If they want to implement any upgrades in the future without starting from scratch, they need me to teach the other programmers. Anything less, and it will be months of additional work just to be able to do basic troubleshooting once I've left. They'd be fools to take that risk.
[Edward distracted himself from Jason's baffling encouragement as the bike came to a halt, sitting back and dismounting, removing the helmet to pat at his hair. It was easier than dwelling on why Jason would care about his career and future plans. Leaving his current employer didn't benefit the younger man at all, and thanks to the NDAs in place, Jason knew barely anything about what Edward was working on. He'd call it an act, playing the part of the caring boyfriend, if it didn't sound so sincere. Which was still possible but if that were the case, Jason was missing his calling as an actor.
Clearing his throat once he'd done as much as he could to fix the mild case of helmet hair, Edward turned towards the entrance to the bistro. On a whim, he offered Jason his arm.] Shall we? I want to see if it lives up to the expectations you've set.
It was only the sheer exhaustion that had been obviously plaguing Jason when they met - and his ever-growing frustration with his coworkers - that had convinced Edward to contact the younger man again. Finding that handful of posts from Jason's roommate had further helped to dismiss those concerns, and now he thought nothing of going alone with Jason to some small, out-of-the-way restaurant.
He'd even gotten comfortable enough to share his future plans, things he'd shared with almost no one else. Hands stilling under Jason's, he breathed out slowly, surprised by the wave of relief that came when the younger man didn't mock the idea of starting on his own despite being the one to bring it up.]
I don't doubt your capability but it's fine. I've built the whole thing from the ground up. Engineering, bespoke programming, it's all me. If they want to implement any upgrades in the future without starting from scratch, they need me to teach the other programmers. Anything less, and it will be months of additional work just to be able to do basic troubleshooting once I've left. They'd be fools to take that risk.
[Edward distracted himself from Jason's baffling encouragement as the bike came to a halt, sitting back and dismounting, removing the helmet to pat at his hair. It was easier than dwelling on why Jason would care about his career and future plans. Leaving his current employer didn't benefit the younger man at all, and thanks to the NDAs in place, Jason knew barely anything about what Edward was working on. He'd call it an act, playing the part of the caring boyfriend, if it didn't sound so sincere. Which was still possible but if that were the case, Jason was missing his calling as an actor.
Clearing his throat once he'd done as much as he could to fix the mild case of helmet hair, Edward turned towards the entrance to the bistro. On a whim, he offered Jason his arm.] Shall we? I want to see if it lives up to the expectations you've set.
For a moment there, Tim had thought Jason was going to kiss him. He canted his head and leaned in just a fraction of an inch to try to encourage it. Just like that, Jason was gone. Trying to get as far away from him as possible. The cold hand of disappointment reached around his heart and squeezed painfully. It was such a small thing, not even really a full on rejection, but it still stung in a way that was beyond his understanding. Why was he so disappointed?
Some sort of response bubbled in his throat, but he didn't manage to get anything out before the door closed between them. Tim took a moment, physically shaking it off like a dog after a bath. Shut down any possible thought of just going for it as soon as Jason was close enough again. Just so he could know for sure and stop having to dwell on it in the back of his mind. Rejection would be easier than not knowing. Then he could tell the little voice in the back of his head to shut up. But this was supposed to be bonding time, and he couldn't let his feelings make him do anything that could ruin it. The wrong move could sever everything the two had worked towards to be able to get along and work together.
It was hard to trust himself to behave when every cell in his body with singing with desire for him. Tim, who always had complete control over his emotions, who never let this sort of thing get in the way--he was floundering.
He didn't go anywhere. It didn't feel right to explore Jason's place in his absence, even as nosy as he was. Besides, it would be rude to go eat without him, especially when he'd been nice enough to let Tim shower off first. One of his hands reached to rub at his arm and his toes curled awkwardly against the floor. They just needed to eat, have a drink, and everything would be okay. He was determined to make everything okay.
Some sort of response bubbled in his throat, but he didn't manage to get anything out before the door closed between them. Tim took a moment, physically shaking it off like a dog after a bath. Shut down any possible thought of just going for it as soon as Jason was close enough again. Just so he could know for sure and stop having to dwell on it in the back of his mind. Rejection would be easier than not knowing. Then he could tell the little voice in the back of his head to shut up. But this was supposed to be bonding time, and he couldn't let his feelings make him do anything that could ruin it. The wrong move could sever everything the two had worked towards to be able to get along and work together.
It was hard to trust himself to behave when every cell in his body with singing with desire for him. Tim, who always had complete control over his emotions, who never let this sort of thing get in the way--he was floundering.
He didn't go anywhere. It didn't feel right to explore Jason's place in his absence, even as nosy as he was. Besides, it would be rude to go eat without him, especially when he'd been nice enough to let Tim shower off first. One of his hands reached to rub at his arm and his toes curled awkwardly against the floor. They just needed to eat, have a drink, and everything would be okay. He was determined to make everything okay.
You realize that everything you just said is just giving your company all the more reason to keep you under their thumb, right? I'm not trying to say that they aren't going to pay you and keep their end of the deal, I'm just saying that if you don't already have contracts in place, you should do that as soon as you can. If it's not written down, it doesn't exist.
[He followed Edward off the bike, taking off his own helmet and clipping it securely to it's lock. Edward's joined it and he made sure they were both secured and switched off before he turned back to the other man.
The sight of him fussing with his hair was endearing and Jason smiled as he reached up to give his own dark curls a little bit of a fluff. They didn't really need it, but this was the first time he was going to be out in public with Edward that wasn't a work function. The first time he just got to be himself instead of the punk biker flyboy that Edward had hired him to be. So what if he wanted to look a little presentable as he took that arm and let himself be lead into the building.
Inside, the bistro was a blend of sleek modern and wood classic and as they were greeted and taken back to a table, Jason found himself settling into his skin just that little bit more.]
Confession time: I've never actually been inside. Roy gets this place from Doordash at work. Which probably means I've tasted everything through a layer of garage grease, but hey...it was still delicious.
[He followed Edward off the bike, taking off his own helmet and clipping it securely to it's lock. Edward's joined it and he made sure they were both secured and switched off before he turned back to the other man.
The sight of him fussing with his hair was endearing and Jason smiled as he reached up to give his own dark curls a little bit of a fluff. They didn't really need it, but this was the first time he was going to be out in public with Edward that wasn't a work function. The first time he just got to be himself instead of the punk biker flyboy that Edward had hired him to be. So what if he wanted to look a little presentable as he took that arm and let himself be lead into the building.
Inside, the bistro was a blend of sleek modern and wood classic and as they were greeted and taken back to a table, Jason found himself settling into his skin just that little bit more.]
Confession time: I've never actually been inside. Roy gets this place from Doordash at work. Which probably means I've tasted everything through a layer of garage grease, but hey...it was still delicious.
In the bathroom, Jason was fighting to keep himself even. He had almost kissed Tim. He'd wanted to. Had been wanting to, if he stopped to really think about it. He'd wanted to kiss those snarky, slightly chapped lips for longer than he cared to admit. And, he was pretty sure that Tim had wanted to kiss him back.
But how could he? How could anyone want to kiss someone like him? He was dead, for fuck's sake. Sure, he was better now, but it was all just borrowed time and he was under absolutely no delusions of out living the job. He was going to go down exactly like he did the first time and, more importantly, that was the death he deserved.
He was not a good person. Maybe he never had been, but he certainly wasn't now. He was trying to be better, trying to not let his anger overwhelm everything until all he knew was green...but it was hard and it was slow and he didn't deserve to kiss someone like Tim. Someone he'd hurt time and time again, not on accident but on purpose. With intent. He'd been aiming for his knife to sink into that elegant throat, why the hell did he think he had a right to caress it now instead?
Crossing over to the shower, he twisted the knob as hot as he could stand it, then twisted just a little bit more. The heat was quick to bite into his skin but he didn't let himself hiss as he stepped into the spray. He washed methodically and completely, letting the burn of the heat drive away the image of Tim looking up at him like he had been, all hopeful blue eyes and trust.
By the time the shower stopped, steam was leaking out from under the door. His skin was bright pink and a little shiny, steam coming off his red shoulders and wet hair. The towel scraped against sensitive skin, so he dried off enough to not drip before he pulled on a pair of sweats and the loose, comfortable t-shirt he'd grabbed. There was still steam in his hair when the bathroom door opened, but he was at least a little more settled in his own skin.
His smile was still haunted on his lips, however, so he kept it small so that Tim hopefully wouldn't notice.
"All clean. Ready for some food? I have some beers in the fridge, I think. Tequila, if you want it. I'm probably going to stick to Zesti, though."
But how could he? How could anyone want to kiss someone like him? He was dead, for fuck's sake. Sure, he was better now, but it was all just borrowed time and he was under absolutely no delusions of out living the job. He was going to go down exactly like he did the first time and, more importantly, that was the death he deserved.
He was not a good person. Maybe he never had been, but he certainly wasn't now. He was trying to be better, trying to not let his anger overwhelm everything until all he knew was green...but it was hard and it was slow and he didn't deserve to kiss someone like Tim. Someone he'd hurt time and time again, not on accident but on purpose. With intent. He'd been aiming for his knife to sink into that elegant throat, why the hell did he think he had a right to caress it now instead?
Crossing over to the shower, he twisted the knob as hot as he could stand it, then twisted just a little bit more. The heat was quick to bite into his skin but he didn't let himself hiss as he stepped into the spray. He washed methodically and completely, letting the burn of the heat drive away the image of Tim looking up at him like he had been, all hopeful blue eyes and trust.
By the time the shower stopped, steam was leaking out from under the door. His skin was bright pink and a little shiny, steam coming off his red shoulders and wet hair. The towel scraped against sensitive skin, so he dried off enough to not drip before he pulled on a pair of sweats and the loose, comfortable t-shirt he'd grabbed. There was still steam in his hair when the bathroom door opened, but he was at least a little more settled in his own skin.
His smile was still haunted on his lips, however, so he kept it small so that Tim hopefully wouldn't notice.
"All clean. Ready for some food? I have some beers in the fridge, I think. Tequila, if you want it. I'm probably going to stick to Zesti, though."
babyyy :< meanwhile, tim: https://i.imgur.com/bGFAK1T.jpeg
prettyredbird
2024-09-05 11:36 pm (UTC)(link)
Asking Tim not to notice even the smallest of changes was like asking a wolf not to hunt. His skilled eye was innate, honed by years of training under Bruce. Even if he hadn't seen that there was something off with Jason's facial expression, the sudden shift from wanting to be bought a drink to avoiding alcohol set off a red flag in Tim's brain. The pink skin and the steam from his hair hair didn't get past him, either. Pieces started to click together in his brain and the only conclusion he could arrive at was that something had gone wrong between his shower and the one Jason took. To the point that the ability for the rest of their night to be tolerable was hanging on by a thread.
His first instinct was to get the hell out of dodge. Emotions? Talking through things? Neither were Tim's strong suit. He wasn't Dick Grayson, couldn't go around hugging everyone too tight and demanding they say how they feel. Despite that, though, he didn't try to make an excuse to leave or bite his lip and following along silently. He wasn't timid or a fragile little waif unable to handle situations head on when the need called for it. A Robin who acted that way was bound to have been eaten alive.
Jason was unhappy with him. Had he realized that Tim had been close to leaning in for a kiss and felt disgusted? God, he didn't want to believe that. If the kiss thing was mostly in his head anyway, maybe Jason hadn't even realized it almost happened. It was about the bandaging, then. Tim must have misunderstood what he perceived as them having bonded and overstepped a line Jason felt was important. Fine. He could handle this. Then the rest of the night would go smoother.
The younger of the two steeled himself, took a breath and set his shoulders. "Honestly, I'd rather have a Zesti, but that's not the point." One of his hands waved as if brushing that off. Anxiety fizzled through his veins, but that was hardly a new feeling for him. He'd survive. "Jason, if you're mad about me helping bandage you, I--" A small snort, because he wasn't about to lie to try to make things easier. "I'm not going to apologize for it. I know I probably should have waited for you to say it was okay, but you needed help. If we're going to work together on things, you have to be willing to let me lend a hand. I know you don't like me much, but I want you to feel like you can trust me." At the last bit, his voice softened.
His first instinct was to get the hell out of dodge. Emotions? Talking through things? Neither were Tim's strong suit. He wasn't Dick Grayson, couldn't go around hugging everyone too tight and demanding they say how they feel. Despite that, though, he didn't try to make an excuse to leave or bite his lip and following along silently. He wasn't timid or a fragile little waif unable to handle situations head on when the need called for it. A Robin who acted that way was bound to have been eaten alive.
Jason was unhappy with him. Had he realized that Tim had been close to leaning in for a kiss and felt disgusted? God, he didn't want to believe that. If the kiss thing was mostly in his head anyway, maybe Jason hadn't even realized it almost happened. It was about the bandaging, then. Tim must have misunderstood what he perceived as them having bonded and overstepped a line Jason felt was important. Fine. He could handle this. Then the rest of the night would go smoother.
The younger of the two steeled himself, took a breath and set his shoulders. "Honestly, I'd rather have a Zesti, but that's not the point." One of his hands waved as if brushing that off. Anxiety fizzled through his veins, but that was hardly a new feeling for him. He'd survive. "Jason, if you're mad about me helping bandage you, I--" A small snort, because he wasn't about to lie to try to make things easier. "I'm not going to apologize for it. I know I probably should have waited for you to say it was okay, but you needed help. If we're going to work together on things, you have to be willing to let me lend a hand. I know you don't like me much, but I want you to feel like you can trust me." At the last bit, his voice softened.
[Edward waved off Jason's concern about his admittedly non-existent contracts - it would be fine; he could handle any attempts to deny him what he was owed. He was smarter than anyone at the company; how could they possibly outwit him? And after finally escaping the office, he wasn't in the mood to discuss contracts and that tiresome legal drudgery. Not when he still didn't see why Jason would want him to succeed in his future plans.
Brushing those thoughts aside, he took in the interior of the bistro critically as they were led to their table. Edward settled himself in his seat and picked up the menu, giving Jason an amused look over it at the confession, lips twitching into a smirk.]
That makes me concerned for your tastebuds more than anything. If you ask them to bring you out some engine grease as a condiment, I'm leaving. [Despite the dig, he went on after another glance at the menu.] So what do you recommend?
Brushing those thoughts aside, he took in the interior of the bistro critically as they were led to their table. Edward settled himself in his seat and picked up the menu, giving Jason an amused look over it at the confession, lips twitching into a smirk.]
That makes me concerned for your tastebuds more than anything. If you ask them to bring you out some engine grease as a condiment, I'm leaving. [Despite the dig, he went on after another glance at the menu.] So what do you recommend?
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