fic: Of Mistletoe and Snow Globes part 1
Title: Of Mistletoe and Snow Globes part 1
Author: darthbatgirl
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I own nothing
Characters: pre Kon/Roy/Tim, Kon/Roy, Tam, Bruce, Dick, Jason, Damian, Clint, Remy (hints of Remy/Tim), Talia, Ra's Al Ghul
Summary: It's a full house as Dick invites some Titans to Gotham for the holidays. The question is will Roy and Kon get their Christmas wish of wooing Tim or will Ra's Al Ghul put lumps of coal in everyone's stockings
Word Count: 3306
Warnings: angst, fluff, an attempt at humor.
A/N: Okay first part of my holiday fic for all of you. :) I'm also using this for a couple of challenges and tables, which would be: my schmoop bingo card - Christmas: dressing as Santa, my dcu_freeforall table for Kon/Roy/Tim - hug, the dcu_freeforall winter challenge -Santa and bradygirl_12 snow winter challenge.
Tam stood in the doorway of Tim office, a disapproving look on her face, “Tim Drake! Don't tell me you've spent all day in your office!”
“Well considering that's how the work gets done, then yes I have,” Tim answered not even looking up from his computer.
“You told Dick that you were going to go do your Christmas shopping this afternoon,” She scowled.
“I did,” Tim said looking up and giving her a smile. “There's this wonderful thing called on line shopping.”
“I think Dick wanted you to get out of the office,” Tam said rolling her eyes as she came in and put a brightly color present on his desk.
“I suppose so, but that little boutique you like had free shipping on orders of seventy - five dollars or more,” Tim said giving a cheeky grin. He looked at the package and picked it up. “What's this?”
“Ooh what 'cha get me?” Tam smirked, her eyes dancing. “It came in the mail for you today.”
“All good little girls have to wait till Christmas,” Tim smiled as he unwrapped the gift and took out a snow globe out of it's box. Tim shook it a little and snow swirled around a miniature version of Wayne Tower in the globe. “Who's it from?”
Tam shrugged as she looked at the card that she fished out of the box.”All it says is, 'A gift for you for all of your hard work. No name.”
Tim swirled the snow globe a couple of times, the snow sparkled as it fell on the miniature tower, Tim's eyes followed the snow fall and for just a moment his eyes seemed to sparkle just like the snow - but Tam was sure that was just a reflection. “Nice gift,” he said softly as he sat it down on the desk. He blink once and shook his head and looked up at Tam. “What else is there?”
“Nothing much. Dick says you that you need to be out in San Francisco for the toy drive tomorrow.”
“All ready to go after I get a couple more things wrapped up here. Alfred called and the jet's ready to go.”
“Then there is the reminder for the black and white ball the week before Christmas, the proceeds going to the Thomas Wayne Children's Hospital.”
“Tux is at the dry cleaners now.”
“Mr. Albright has once again “respectfully” that you don't bring Ace to work any more, this time he complained about dog hair getting over everything.”
Tim snorted, “Well you can “respectfully” tell Albright that since Bruce doesn't mind when I bring him. He really doesn't have a choice, it's not like I let him roam the halls, he stays with me.”
“And Mr Wayne would like to see you before he leaves for Tokyo.”
Tim laughed, “You just won't call him Bruce now will you?”
“Nope and I'm perfectly fine with that,” Tam smiled.
“You know he really isn't that scary,” Tim said as he got up from his desk. “He doesn't bite you know.”
“That isn't what I heard,” Tam scoffed.
“But he's had all of his shots,” Tim smirked as he headed out the office door.
And elevator ride up three floors and a wave to Bruce's secretary saw Tim in Bruce's office. “Your going to end up late for your flight if you don't get moving.”
“Since I own the plane I don't think that's a problem,” Bruce said as he signed a couple of documents. “You got your ride taken care of?”
“Yeah Alfred called, said I just have to show up. You sure you don't need any back up in Tokyo?” Tim as he perched on the side of Bruce's desk.
“I'll be fine. It's just a simple recon job. Dinah and Ollie will be there for back up and we'll be back in time for Christmas.” Bruce said. “Sorry I have to leave you with handling the ball and all the other odds and ends because of this.”
“It's okay. I'll be back by Monday. Everything will be taken care of I promise,” Tim said.
“I know you will Tim,” Bruce said as he got up and clapped Tim on the shoulder. “Have some fun this weekend and keep an eye on your brothers for me will you?”
“Shouldn't you be telling Dick that,” Tim smirked.
“He's spending the weekend with the Titans, it's Christmas, and he's doing charitable work for children. All sense of responsibility will go out the window. I wanted the responsible child to keep and eye on things,” Bruce said as he pulled his coat on “Be safe.”
“Damian will be so pleased to hear that,” Tim said with a smirk as they headed out to the elevator.
“Don't make me ground you,” Bruce said as he gave Tim and affectionate smack to the back of his head. “Be safe,” he said as he stepped in the elevator and the door started to close.
“Will do.”
* * * *
Roy smiled as Rock Around the Christmas Tree played loudly across the plaza in front of Titan Tower. Various members of the Titans milled around with the media and children that had shown up for the toy drive. On the stage Dick, dressed as Santa, talked to children and posed for pictures - generally hamming it up as only Dick could.
Roy's eyes wandered ever the crowd until they settled on Kon and a wide smile spread across his face as only Kon could cause. He watched as Kon talked animatedly to a couple of boys, his hands waving wildly around and then scooped up one boy and flew up a couple feet off the ground and then did the same with the other boy, laughing at their excitement.
A hint of red out of the corner of Roy's eyes got his attention as he saw Tim, in his Red Robin uniform, talking to a little girl. Without even thinking about it Roy started walking over to him listening to the conversation.
“Mama says Gotham is a bad place. Does Santa even go there?” the girl asked.
Tim smiled softly. “Oh yes, he comes every year. From what I hear, it's one of his favorite spots to rest at is on top of Wayne Towers. He takes a break just long enough there to look over the city and see all the twinkling lights and he imagines that every light he sees is one of the good people who live there, making it a better place to live.”
The little girl beamed up at him, “I bet he thinks you are one of the brightest lights there.”
“Maybe,” Tim said smiling broader at the girl. “I try.”
Roy had to hold back a chuckle as the girl threw her arms around him in parting hug.
He waited till the girl had left and rejoined her parents before going over to Tim, “You're going to ruin your tough guy rep if you keep doing stuff like that.”
“There are those that would question weather or not I had one to begin with,” Tim answered softly.
“Only those of us who know you watch chick flicks,” Roy said with a smirk.
Tim ducked his head, “I totally blame Steph and Cassie. They drag me to them.”
Roy knew under the cowl there was a faint blush on Tim's cheeks. His heart warmed a little knowing he still could make Tim blush. Tim had been keeping his distance ever since he and Kon had started dating and Roy worried that Tim might take an interest in someone else before he and Kon could convince Tim that the three of them could have a happy relationship together.
Roy clapped a hand on Tim's shoulder, “Hey I got a friend I want you to meet.” Without giving Tim a chance to say no, Roy dragged him through the crowd to a man dressed in blue and purple. “Hawkeye I want you to meet Red Robin. Robin, this cheap knock off is Hawkeye.”
“Ya know if anyone is going to be calling someone else a knock off, I don't think it should be you kid,” Hawkeye smirked as he shook Tim's hand. “Hope you don't believe all the lies the kid's probably been spewing. Most are only exaggerated truths.”
“It's good to finally get the chance to meet you,” Tim said. “You did an admirable job on that case in Boston.”
“Boston? How'd ya hear about that? It's suppose to be classified.”
“Robin's our little ninja spy,” Roy beamed. “Not a lot he doesn't hear about.”
“Red Robin,” Tm corrected.”Really it was just a case of I know a guy who knows a guy.”
An aw from the stage drew the three men's attention as someone had shoved Damian onto the stage what an elf's hat and pixie boots on though the look on Damian's face was far from what any elf would look like.
“Man that is one pissed off elf,” Hawkeye stated as they watched Dick walk up to Damian and wrapped an arm around Damian and waved to the crowd.
“That's how he always looks,” Roy snickered.
“And he looks like he's a second away from disembowelingg Santa,” Tim said. “if you'll excuse me, I need to stop Santa's helper fromtraumatizingg these kids.”
As Tim disappeared in the crowd, Hawkeye looked at Roy with a raised eyebrow. “Man you are heads over heels for him aren't you? Was expecting little hearts to float over your head. Sure he's interested kid?
“Of course he interested. He just . . . shy's away from what's good for him.” Roy grumbled. “But . . .I think I finally come up with a plan that'll get Tim to see Kon and I are serious about the three of us being together.”
“Hope so Roy. I didn't come out here to spend Christmas with you guys just to watch you and your fly boy crash and burn.
* *
Dick sat back happily grinning in the rec room where all the Titans gathered after the toy drive. The Santa beard was gone, the jacket unbuttoned and the stuffing removed. “Well I think that was a great success.”
Damian glared and crossed his arms, “Speak for yourself. Grayson. That was humiliating and embarrassing.”
“Aw but you looked so cute in the pixie boots,” Jason smirked.
Damian's hands flexed and moved for one of his hidden knives. “No one asked you Todd. That whole mess was your fault anyway. How dare you throw me onto the stage like that!”
Jason just laughed as he helped himself to some cookies. “Aw come on shrimp, you looked like you could use some Christmas cheer.”
Roy chuckled as Jason and Damian's ongoing bickering as he handed Dick a mug of hot chocolate. “Got to love the holidays huh?”
“I really do. Everyone together, helping out kids . . . it can't get any better,” Dick smiled.
Roy nodded as he took a sip, “Too bad it can't continue, it would be great to have us all together for the holidays.”
“Too bad the guys and I have to head back to Gotham on Monday. We got to keep an eye on things while Bruce is gone.”
Roy nodded, “Yeah with Ollie and Dinah gone, it'll just be me, Lian, Mia, Connor, and Clint without much to do.”
Dick sipped his hot chocolate for a moment, quietly thinking, “Why don't you guys come to Gotham?”
“What?”
“Spend the holidays with us in Gotham, There's plenty of room for everyone at the penthouse. We can invite Kon and Kara too and you all can come to the black and white ball and we can all be together when Bruce and the others get back.” Dick said grinning widely at the idea.
“Short pants I like the way you think,” Roy said
“Absolutely not!” Damian exclaimed in a shout. “They are not staying with us. I forbid it!”
“Damian . . .”
“I hate to say it, but Damian may be right,” Tim offered quietly from the corner he was sitting in. “You know how Bruce gets about visitors.”
“Don't want to see Kon and me for the holidays little bird?” Roy asked raising an eyebrow.
Tim's head snapped up and bit his lower lip, “No, that's not it at all. I . . .always want to see you . . .it's just Bruce . . .”
“ . . Will get over it,” Dick finished. “This'll be fun, all of us together.”
“Great!” Roy said getting up, “I'll call Mia and let her know to pack,” he said over the shoulder as he headed out of the room, grabbing Kon's hand and dragging him with him. Damian's sputtering following them as he tried to argue with Dick.
As soon as they got out of the room Roy wrapped Kon up in a fierce hug and kissed him enthusiastically. “I knew I could get Dick to go along with it. He's a sucker for big get togethers at Christmas.”
Kon smiled and wrapped his arms around Roy returning the hug, cuddling into Roy's side. “But do you think it's fair to Tim? Sounds like we're kind of backing him up in a corner . . .and that's never a good thing.”
Roy hugged him closer, nuzzling the side of Kon's head, “We'll wine him and dine him, smooch under the mistletoe, get him a thoughtful and heartfelt gift.”
“What are we going to get him?” Kon asked.
“I don't know.”
“Where are we going to take him?”
“I don't know.”
“You really gave this a lot of thought didn't you,” Kon said smiling, love in his eyes.
“Come on Kon, this is our chance win Tim over, to show him how much we love him, to show him how we all can really be together. What could possible go wrong?”
* * * *
Tim huddled against the building as the winter wind blew past him, not that Tim noticed. Roy and Kon were coming to Gotham for Christmas. The two men he loved most of all, the two he had given his heart to without thought or reservation - the two men he had missed his chance with and now they were with each other more happy than he had ever seen either of them be.
And on the sidelines was Tim, watching it all - not that he minded, he would give anything for them to be happy, and if that was each other . . . then Tim was okay with that, even if it left him feeling wrung out and a little heartbroken. Tim had considered just staying at the Manor just to avoid it all, but both Dick and Alfred had insisted everyone stay at the penthouse and Tim didn't really feel like fighting a losing battle.
A bright flash of light and a sound of what could be fireworks caught Tim's attention. He shot off his grapple gun and swung in the direction of the disturbance. He land on ledge of a building and peered into the windows of an office. A shadow moved steadily throughout the office, Tim quietly opened a window and slipped inside.
Before Tim could do anything a playing card was lit up with a purplish glow and thrown at him. Tim dodged to the side as it exploded. “Wha . . .Gambit?!”
“ . . . Petit?”came the familiar drawl. Gambit emerged from the shadows, his red eyes glinting in the little light there was, he cocks his head to the side, his eyes roaming over Tim. “Dat you Petit?”
“Yeah Gambit it's me,” Tim said as he straighten up. “It's . . . been a while.”
“Dat it has Petit. Ol' Gambit didn't recognize you,” he said, his voice deep and husky. He ghosted a hand over cowl. “Da cowl is a new look for you.”
“Yeah it is,” Tim said as he tried not to just melt into Gambit's touch. It had been a long time since he had seen Gambit. Tim wasn't sure what it was with Bats and thieves, but the X-Men's master thief had long ago managed to steal a bit of Tim's heart for himself, not that it went beyond flirting and a stolen kiss or two. “Should I ask why you're here?”
“Ah Petit, don trust Gambit anymore?” Remy asked as he cupped Tim's chin and lifted it up to get a better look at Tim's face.
“I'm pretty sure it's after business hours,” Tim said softly.
“Oui, Gambit here on Xavier's orders. Owner is a friend of his, dropped somet'ing off.” Gambit said, a sly look on his face. “Petit really want in on X-Men business?”
“Uh . . no thanks, being transported to another world isn't in my Christmas plans,” Tim said with a smile.
“Only happened once,”Remy teased.
“So here for a quick drop off and back to Manchester for the holidays huh?” Tim as he involuntarily moved closer to Gambit.
“Not dis year Petit. T'ings ain't all cozy with me and da other X-Men right now,” Remy smiled as Tim moved closer. “Best if t'ings cooled off for a bit.”
“So all alone?” Tim asked as he covered Remy's hand with his own.
“Always a card game somewhere,” Remy said with a smirk.
“Still . . .” Tim began and then before he could think more he said “Stay here with me for the holidays.”
“What?”
“Bruce is out of town and we've invited a bunch of people here, there's a ball at Wayne Enterprises, and . . and I would really like it if you stayed,” Tim said in a rush. “Please.”
Remy took a moment and looked at Tim, brushing his fingertips over his cheeks. “Alright, Remy will stay.”
* * * *
Talia knocked on her father's door and walked in after been given admittance. She made her way over to Ra's as he stared out of the large windows over the cityscape of Gotham. “The package has been delivered to Wayne Enterprises as you had ordered Father.”
“And did Timothy take possession of it? Did he touch it?”
“Yes,” Talia nodded. “Our security cameras show that his assistant gave it him and he opened it. Father . . .what is it that you sent Timothy?”
“Something very old that was made to be new. An enchanted snow globe. Upon making contact with it, Timothy's resolve will start to weaken, his will bending to mine and his mind clouded. When the time is right he will have no choice but to come to me when I call.”
“What of my Beloved Father? Surely he will not sit by and let Timothy be taken.” Talia asked.
“The Detective has been properly distracted and is not an issue. All that is left is the rabble of children that the Detective has collected, and they are easily dealt with if they interfere. By Christmas Timothy will be mine.”