[ There's quiet, again, because Tim always likes to think before he speaks, tries to find the logic in any situation. It's only when he feels confident in what he comes up with that he starts talking once more. ]
Jeeze, Dick, I--I'm not going to hold that against you. It's not like I didn't know you've got exes. So what if he's one of them, as long as I'm the one you want now. You being so wary makes a lot more sense now, of course that would fuck you up. If I were you I would want to protect what we have, too.
[ the silence is deafening. Dick finds himself bracing for it, not knowing how Tim would react to a secret both him and Bruce have been keeping for years and years.
but then Tim speaks and the sigh of relief that leaves him is breathless. ]
Timā¦
[ heās speechless for a moment and takes a shaky inhale before smiling to himself. ]
I love you too, Dick. [ His voice softens, touched by the admission. His tummy hurts a little, the way it always does when he's experiencing big feelings that he's trying to understand. But it's not necessarily a bad thing. ]
And thank you. For trusting me and being honest. I have to imagine that sucked to have to do.
[ He's learning a lot from Dick, the same way he always has. It's just that this is more about relationships and love than how to be Robin. ]
[ he likes this soft voice of Timās a lot more than the tight one. he smiles, feeling like a piece of him is somehow even more whole, his heart more full. ]
Thank you for listening. Without judging. It honestly feels a lot better now that Iāve told you.
[ to know that Tim accepts him so readily, loves him despite what heās done. ]
Good. If he ever tries something when I'm around I will fist fight him if I have to.
[ Tim probably couldn't beat him, but he'd try. For Dick.
There's another a small pause, and then he speaks again. ]
If I can be honest with you too, there... was one night where it seemed like he was going to try something with me. I thought maybe I was imagining it since we had been fighting more than usual at the time, but now I guess I have to wonder...
Mmm... a few months before you and I kissed for the first time? He tried to take over one of my cases and I showed up in the cave and told him to stay out of it. Instead of fighting with me he offered to let me use the bat computer to copy the info he gathered before I left. It was weird, but I figured I might as well so I could get the case done with. Then he started massaging my shoulders really forcefully. I don't know... it might have been nothing. But I freaked out and got the hell out of there.
[ Tim sounds a little wary. ]
It might have been nothing. He didn't act any differently after and hasn't tried anything since then. Just... the things you've said to me has made me reconsider. It's not important. I know to be careful now.
[ that sends a cold chill down his spine. the idea of those broad hands, digging into his boyfriend constricts in his chest. ]
It is important.
[ he counters, a thread of anger colouring his voice. ]
You know, I was actually scared that telling you would impact your relationship badly but now I'm so fucking glad I did. He shouldn't be doing shit like that to you. Make it obvious you don't want it, Tim. Stay vigilant.
[ he knows the irritation in his voice is affecting Tim. his boyfriendās words get all placating. as sweet as it is, that Tim even has to do that makes him even more angry at Bruce.
he takes a slow breath, wills the snap out of his voice. ]
Iām yours too, Tim. [ this, he says softly. ] And itās not your fault, alright? I know youāll try to prevent it, but Bruce is Bruce, and if anything like this ever happens again, I just want you to know that itās not you, okay?
[ itās a sentiment that took Dick years to convince himself of. ]
And thank you for telling me. Iām glad we can tell each other anything.
I'll let you know if anything happens. I feel pretty confident I can handle it, but it probably wouldn't hurt to have a pissed off "older brother" tell him off.
[ Tim's voice is a little lighter. At least it feels like they're on the right track. ]
You're the only one I want, so it helps that I wouldn't even be tempted. You're pretty great, you know? So I won't let anyone ruin what we have.
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[ His voice gets tight. ]
I guess that's why--did you love him? Romantically?
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Yeah. No. I meanāI thought so maybeāat the time. But now I know it wasnāt love. It wasnāt good.
It just fucked me up. And Iām sorry that itās making me think that way.
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Jeeze, Dick, I--I'm not going to hold that against you. It's not like I didn't know you've got exes. So what if he's one of them, as long as I'm the one you want now. You being so wary makes a lot more sense now, of course that would fuck you up. If I were you I would want to protect what we have, too.
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but then Tim speaks and the sigh of relief that leaves him is breathless. ]
Timā¦
[ heās speechless for a moment and takes a shaky inhale before smiling to himself. ]
I love you.
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And thank you. For trusting me and being honest. I have to imagine that sucked to have to do.
[ He's learning a lot from Dick, the same way he always has. It's just that this is more about relationships and love than how to be Robin. ]
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Thank you for listening. Without judging. It honestly feels a lot better now that Iāve told you.
[ to know that Tim accepts him so readily, loves him despite what heās done. ]
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[ Tim probably couldn't beat him, but he'd try. For Dick.
There's another a small pause, and then he speaks again. ]
If I can be honest with you too, there... was one night where it seemed like he was going to try something with me. I thought maybe I was imagining it since we had been fighting more than usual at the time, but now I guess I have to wonder...
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He was definitely trying something. When was this? What happened?
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[ Tim sounds a little wary. ]
It might have been nothing. He didn't act any differently after and hasn't tried anything since then. Just... the things you've said to me has made me reconsider. It's not important. I know to be careful now.
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It is important.
[ he counters, a thread of anger colouring his voice. ]
You know, I was actually scared that telling you would impact your relationship badly but now I'm so fucking glad I did. He shouldn't be doing shit like that to you. Make it obvious you don't want it, Tim. Stay vigilant.
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[ He may or may not be a little overly anxious about wanting to make sure Dick knows that he appreciates the level of trust they have. ]
I will. I promise, Dick. I won't let anything happen. I'm not his Robin anymore anyway, I'm yours.
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he takes a slow breath, wills the snap out of his voice. ]
Iām yours too, Tim. [ this, he says softly. ] And itās not your fault, alright? I know youāll try to prevent it, but Bruce is Bruce, and if anything like this ever happens again, I just want you to know that itās not you, okay?
[ itās a sentiment that took Dick years to convince himself of. ]
And thank you for telling me. Iām glad we can tell each other anything.
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[ Tim's voice is a little lighter. At least it feels like they're on the right track. ]
You're the only one I want, so it helps that I wouldn't even be tempted. You're pretty great, you know? So I won't let anyone ruin what we have.