Batfic: Brothers (Tim)
Batfic: Brothers (Tim)
Characters/Pairings: Tim, Dick
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: None
Disclaimers: Don’t own, not making any money.
Word Count: 3005
Summery: Dick+coffee=confession time
Acknowledgements: Thank you
glitterandlube for the wonderful betaing
Author’s Notes: If you haven’t done so already, you should read part 1 and 2 of Opportunity and part 1 and 2 of Regrouping. To be continued in Brothers (Dick).
He’s not in the Cave by the time I’ve finally convinced the electronics to cooperate. Not a surprise, all things considered. I can still smell the Batmobile’s exhaust. A little frown makes its way across my features. Okay, not a frown, that’s far to mild a term. Looking around at the cave I’m already thinking about what items I’ll need to incapacitate him once I corner the man. I have every intention of hog tying him and making him listen if that’s what it takes.
Stupid, stubborn bastard.
Well, yes he’s stubborn and stupid, but there are other reasons behind his actions. It’s obvious that he’s scared. Not that he’s likely to ever admit it to himself, let alone anyone else, but that’s the reality just the same. He lost control and he’s going to hide until he’s sure that it won’t happen again. It’s one of his patterns.
Moving to the computer I notice that the diagnostic equipment is in use. A sample of Bruce’s blood is being tested, isolating the new strain of toxin. That’s reasonable. It still has another four hours at least before we see any results. I’m not so optimistic as to think he’ll come back for them. A quick look through the computer’s automated settings confirms that; the information is going to be sent via secure lines to the satellite caves. All of them. He couldn’t even give me a clue about which one he’s eventually headed towards.
With a sound like a strangled scream, I almost throw myself into the chair before thinking better of it. Instead I just stand there clenching my fists. I’m angry, sore, and dangerously short of sleep. That’s not a good combination. Thankfully there is a convenient heavy bag at the edge of the sparring mats. Distractedly, I realize that the mats are far cleaner then, well, they were before. Catching that small detail causes me to look around. Yes, he’s cleaned away all traces of what happened.
I don’t know why, but that makes me…sad? Furious? I don’t want to forget what we did, those few hours of a tormented heaven I thought I’d never experience. I swing a vicious right hook at the bag and set it swaying. Without thinking, I start in on the taped canvas, alternating sides, changing the targeting and making it creak loudly on it’s chain. It’s a while before the sting of my knuckles registers through the haze of my own anger. Looking at the bloody mess I belatedly think about how I should have wrapped them. Too late now.
Oh crap, I should unlock the rest of the cave and let Alfred in. The man did his usual stiff upper lip routine, but I know he’s worried. I just can’t bring myself to explain what happened. Not now, maybe not ever, we’ll have to see.
I watch my bleeding knuckles as my fingers hit the proper sequence of keys at the computer, then dial upstairs. He answers before it’s had a chance to ring once, which is curious. “I’ve unlocked the Cave, Alfred.” Please tell me that I don’t really sound that tired.
“Thank you, Master Tim. Master Dick is on the main line. I think he would truly appreciate speaking with you, since you are still awake.” There’s a rebuke or three in those mild words.
Ah, good old call waiting. Is it wrong of me to suspect that Alfred called the my older brother? I’m not complaining, mind you. It’s just that everything seems to be moving far too fast and I have no control over any of it. Playing catch up has never been something I liked.
“I can do that.” No I don’t say thank you, since I’m not sure I like being set up, intentionally or otherwise. I switch lines. “Morn--”
“What the hell is going on? Alfred is beside himself!”
“--ing Dick.” He sounds as frantic as he’s claiming the ever proper butler is. What exactly did Alfred say to him? “Uh. I’m still trying to figure that out, actually. Bruce had a bad night, I think, and he’s failing to deal.” Well that about sums it up, though I doubt it will satisfy the other in the least.
I can almost hear his eyes narrowing, “How bad?” And his muscles tensing as though bracing himself for the worst. I really don’t want to do this over the phone.
“He locked himself down below then took off before I got in.” Keep it simple and to the point, that’s safest. “Look, I don’t think--”
“Yeah, I know. I’ll be down in about forty minutes. You can tell me all about it then.” It’s a statement of fact and even if I’d been inclined to protest it wouldn’t make any difference.
I’m actually relieved, though a bit concerned. It takes me an hour and a half in light traffic on my bike. How the hell is he planning on…
He hangs up before I can ask. Figures.
There is a tsking sound over my shoulder, out of the corner of my eye I can see Alfred disdainfully regarding my hands. “Dare I ask who’s face you were visualizing?” I scowl. He doesn’t really deserve it, but I’m not answering that. Of course, he isn’t expecting one. Instead the man gets to work cleaning up the mess I’d left, before busying himself in other parts of the cave. He’s very careful not to be too obvious about his surveillance of…well, everything.
With a sigh I settle myself into the large computer chair and decide to use my time to look over…erm, something. There’s always something new that needs to be read, absorbed, catalogued. Something.
Alfred didn’t ask this time. He just appears beside the chair and puts a laden breakfast tray down. I wince at the sheer amount of food. I’m a growing boy but good grief.
The man doesn’t say anything before turning on his heel. He will have some choice words for me if I don’t eat it all.
Leaning forward I fold my arms on the console and lay my head down.
I don’t even remember closing my eyes, yet the next thing I know is there’s a hand on my right shoulder, not actually shaking me. My mind snaps awake in an instant, searching, identifying, reviewing. The computer keys are no doubt making interesting indentations on the left side of my forehead. Damn, I feel asleep in the Cave.
Sitting up I blink sleepily at the person standing over me. It’s not Alfred. The concern on Dick’s face is almost comical to my fatigued mind. I must have managed a little smile because some of the tension eases. “Hey.” I try to pretend that didn’t come out almost slurred.
“Hey yourself.” There are way to many frown lines on his brow.
“Uh…sorry. I…” Come on brain, time to engage.
“Lets go upstairs and get some coffee. Then I want you to start from the beginning.” Well, that sounds reasonable enough. Except that I really don’t want an audience for this. Hell, I’m not sure I can even put it into words, not any that would make sense. That and the fact I feel, justifiably, guilty.
Right. I need to get up now. I can tell by the look on his face that Dick sees the wince as I stand. Oh yeah, this is just going to be so much fun to explain. I bat away his hands as I force my body to cooperate. I’ve functioned with far graver “injuries” then this and damned if I’m going to telegraph any of it.
“I’m fine,” I mutter irritably as I head for the stairs. It’s not fair, I shouldn’t be taking my self-recrimination out on Dick. “Sorry.” I’m speaking over my shoulder as we head up. “I’m just. It’s complicated and stupid and I have a feeling that I really screwed things up.”
“You? How? You said Bruce had a bad night.” The bewilderment is not only in his voice. I can practically feel it radiating off him.
“He did. It involved me.” I leave it there as we exit through the old clock in the study. There are other ways into the manor, of course, now that every thing has been unlocked but there’s something to be said for sticking with tradition.
He catches me around the bicep. “Involved how?” I think Dick would have done, well something, except I’m out of his grasp and out of reach in the next moment. I don’t like being manhandled. Not like that. Dick knows this, so I frown at him even as I roll my shoulders under the cape I’m not wearing. “Jesus, Tim. Talk to me.” His wonderful rich, sky blue eyes are stormy now, swirling with emotions he has no intention of hiding even if he could.
“Coffee.” I don’t wait for him to agree, I just turn on my heel and head for the kitchen. I can imagine the look on my big brother’s face; the concern probably overrides the annoyance, but not by much.
I can smell the delightful aroma of high octane liquid awareness before we get to the kitchen. Bless you, Alfred. The man is in the kitchen polishing silverware that really doesn’t need it at all. To those that don’t know him, he’s the picture of bland competence. To me, his eyes are pinched with worry and his motions betray a certain amount of nervousness. I’ve really been doing a piss poor job of handling this.
Sliding into a chair at the small kitchen table I slumped down with a stifled groan, head in hands. Someone waves a steaming cup of much needed coffee under my nose. Taking it, I all but burn my mouth with the first gulp. Perfect.
Legs of a chair scrape on the linoleum as Dick settles down beside me. A large hand grasps my shoulder, doing a wonderful job of kneading my corded muscles. Not that it accomplishes anything, but the gesture is appreciated.
“Okay. Talk,” he says. I can’t delay any longer.
Sitting up I look to both of them. They are waiting on me and I…I’m working my jaw, not yet saying anything. Come on Boy Wonder, just get it over with.
“Last night, Bruce successfully dealt with Ivy. I’m not sure how or why, but he got dosed with her pollen and our standard anti-toxin proved insufficient.” They can figure this out, right? I’m not going to have to say it, am I?
“And?” That’s Dick, of course he’s not going to let me off the hook that easily.
“And.” I lick my lips, trying to think of how best to phrase things. “When he came back to the cave he--” No, don’t hide behind the coffee cup. Don’t take a sip. Just get on with it. “He assaulted me.” Yes, that’s a sufficient word.
“Are you injured, Master Timothy?” The quietly fretful voice reminds me who is listening. Oh god, I can’t do this.
“Nothing some sleep won’t cure, Alfred.” Well that’s honest enough. I turn to look at him and try to smile. I don’t think it’s as reassuring as I want it to be. Dick’s frown is almost palatable.
“Assaulted. How?” Of course he’d ask that.
“How do you think, Dick?” I can’t get my voice above the level of a whisper.
“He..! He..!” Looking up, I pale. I can see his assumption in his face. Shock, horror and then fury. Oh no.
“I chose to stay.”
The silence in the room seems to stretch on forever. I work to keep my posture something approaching straight, even though I want more then anything to hide. Glancing out of the corner of my eye, I wonder how I can convince Alfred to be elsewhere.
Dick has finally clued in. “Alfred could you give us a minute?”
“Of course, Master Dick,” the butler intones, courteous as ever. I see the look he gives Dick as moves to take himself elsewhere. He’s going to find out what’s going on one way or another. Probably by interrogating my older brother. I can live with that, better him then me.
For his part, Dicks nods and waits until the man has not only left the room but taken himself up to the second floor before leaning towards me. “Tim…” Again the hand is on my shoulder. No, I’m pulled into a full on hug and he’s stroking my back. I’m sure he’s trying to be soothing.
“Tim…” The hand moves up into my hair, massaging and I sigh. Of course he knows what will turn me to goo.
“The anti-toxin didn’t work,” I repeated. “He came in and… He gave me opportunities to get away, the best he could. I should have taken it, I should have grabbed the tranqs or some more anti-toxin or something! But I stayed put, I let him because….because…” I don’t know when I’d leaned into Dick’s shoulder, or when the tears started.
“He raped you.” The voice is utterly emotionless.
“No!” I sit bolt upright and have to wonder what Dick is seeing as he searches my face. “You can’t rape the willing. And that’s the problem, I let it happen! You know what he’s like, you know how he’s going to react.” My cheeks are wet, and I wonder, are the tears are still flowing? Does it really mater?
“Shhh. Tim, it’ll be okay. We’ll talk to him,” he assures me. Do I look as sceptical as I feel? Dick actually grins. “Even if we have to chase him down and hog tie him.”
Now I have to smile as well, listening to him echo my own thoughts on the matter. He takes my hands in his own and give them a squeeze.
“Are you okay? Did he hurt you,” is the next earnest question.
I shake my head. “Only in the best way,” I tell him softly, again trying to smile. This time I can feel it in my eyes.
Dick’s smile widens, which should be against the laws of physics. “So,” he draws the word out suggestively. “How was it?” The bastard is wiggling his eyebrows at me. I give an exaggerated eye roll in response before smacking his shoulder. Hard. That earns me a laugh, his hands coming up in mock defence. Then I’m pulled into another hug. More then that, he carefully gets me into his lap and just snuggles as only the tactile acrobat can.
I sigh and lean into it accepting the comfort of his every touch. Right now I just feel so insubstantial. Empty. How could I have made such a stupid mistake?
“Stop that!” He tells me with gentle force and then nips the ridge of my ear. That get’s my attention. I sit up a little, just enough to look at him. “You’re very obvious when you’re kicking yourself, little brother,” he explains softly, the thumb of one hand coming up and playing across my lower lip.
“There’s no point in your fretting over what happened. You can’t change the past, and we won’t find him until nightfall at least.”
“But--” I protest, which only gets a finger pressed to my lips.
“We are not going to search until nightfall. He needs some space and YOU need some sleep.” Those blue eyes are trying very hard to imitate Alfred and I have the absurd urge to giggle. “You know he’s not going to forgo his patrol. It’ll be our best chance to catch him.” Leaning against his shoulder, I mutely acquiesce to his reasoning even though part of me is railing against it.
“I just,” I begin, only to fall silent with a frown. “He’ll convince himself of all kinds of things in the meantime.”
Dick sobers, but the quiet petting doesn’t stop. “He’s had more then enough time to do that already. And there’s no way you are in any shape to chase him through sewers or other such, even if he lets us figure out which cave or safe house he’s holed up in.”
I don’t want to admit that he’s right. I’ve fought through worse then this, several times. Of course the circumstances then usually involved the possibility of imminent death for myself or some innocent.
When Dick tries to pick me up, I wriggle out of his grasp and glare at him. He is most certainly not going to carry me up to my bed. I level a glare at the man and he has the audacity to grin as he puts a strong arm about my shoulders, steering me towards the stairs. A part of me is still screaming that we should be working on how to find Bruce but between basic logic and Dick’s physical presence I do my best to tamp it down. I don’t think I’m going to be able to get to sleep given the way my heart is now thumping with adrenaline for a chase that will not happen for at least another twelve hours.
And with the recriminations I can’t shut out.
Logic doesn’t often make much of an impact when it comes to feelings.
As Dick push/pulls me into my bed, I realize that I’m still in my civies and make an effort to at least get the boots off. Apparently I’m not allowed to do that. One large hand is pushing me to lie down on the bed as the other takes hold of my left foot, putting it in his lap when he sits down on the thick duvet.
“Just close your eyes,” he tells me while working on the laces. He obviously hasn’t noticed that my eyes are already shut. I can vaguely note him tugging the hiking boot off and the pads of his strong thumbs working the arch of my right foot, but it has an oddly far away feel to it. The last thought I have before sleep claims me is to wonder which of them had drugged my so-called coffee.
(End)
This Way To Brothers Part Two
Characters/Pairings: Tim, Dick
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: None
Disclaimers: Don’t own, not making any money.
Word Count: 3005
Summery: Dick+coffee=confession time
Acknowledgements: Thank you
glitterandlube for the wonderful betaing
Author’s Notes: If you haven’t done so already, you should read part 1 and 2 of Opportunity and part 1 and 2 of Regrouping. To be continued in Brothers (Dick).
He’s not in the Cave by the time I’ve finally convinced the electronics to cooperate. Not a surprise, all things considered. I can still smell the Batmobile’s exhaust. A little frown makes its way across my features. Okay, not a frown, that’s far to mild a term. Looking around at the cave I’m already thinking about what items I’ll need to incapacitate him once I corner the man. I have every intention of hog tying him and making him listen if that’s what it takes.
Stupid, stubborn bastard.
Well, yes he’s stubborn and stupid, but there are other reasons behind his actions. It’s obvious that he’s scared. Not that he’s likely to ever admit it to himself, let alone anyone else, but that’s the reality just the same. He lost control and he’s going to hide until he’s sure that it won’t happen again. It’s one of his patterns.
Moving to the computer I notice that the diagnostic equipment is in use. A sample of Bruce’s blood is being tested, isolating the new strain of toxin. That’s reasonable. It still has another four hours at least before we see any results. I’m not so optimistic as to think he’ll come back for them. A quick look through the computer’s automated settings confirms that; the information is going to be sent via secure lines to the satellite caves. All of them. He couldn’t even give me a clue about which one he’s eventually headed towards.
With a sound like a strangled scream, I almost throw myself into the chair before thinking better of it. Instead I just stand there clenching my fists. I’m angry, sore, and dangerously short of sleep. That’s not a good combination. Thankfully there is a convenient heavy bag at the edge of the sparring mats. Distractedly, I realize that the mats are far cleaner then, well, they were before. Catching that small detail causes me to look around. Yes, he’s cleaned away all traces of what happened.
I don’t know why, but that makes me…sad? Furious? I don’t want to forget what we did, those few hours of a tormented heaven I thought I’d never experience. I swing a vicious right hook at the bag and set it swaying. Without thinking, I start in on the taped canvas, alternating sides, changing the targeting and making it creak loudly on it’s chain. It’s a while before the sting of my knuckles registers through the haze of my own anger. Looking at the bloody mess I belatedly think about how I should have wrapped them. Too late now.
Oh crap, I should unlock the rest of the cave and let Alfred in. The man did his usual stiff upper lip routine, but I know he’s worried. I just can’t bring myself to explain what happened. Not now, maybe not ever, we’ll have to see.
I watch my bleeding knuckles as my fingers hit the proper sequence of keys at the computer, then dial upstairs. He answers before it’s had a chance to ring once, which is curious. “I’ve unlocked the Cave, Alfred.” Please tell me that I don’t really sound that tired.
“Thank you, Master Tim. Master Dick is on the main line. I think he would truly appreciate speaking with you, since you are still awake.” There’s a rebuke or three in those mild words.
Ah, good old call waiting. Is it wrong of me to suspect that Alfred called the my older brother? I’m not complaining, mind you. It’s just that everything seems to be moving far too fast and I have no control over any of it. Playing catch up has never been something I liked.
“I can do that.” No I don’t say thank you, since I’m not sure I like being set up, intentionally or otherwise. I switch lines. “Morn--”
“What the hell is going on? Alfred is beside himself!”
“--ing Dick.” He sounds as frantic as he’s claiming the ever proper butler is. What exactly did Alfred say to him? “Uh. I’m still trying to figure that out, actually. Bruce had a bad night, I think, and he’s failing to deal.” Well that about sums it up, though I doubt it will satisfy the other in the least.
I can almost hear his eyes narrowing, “How bad?” And his muscles tensing as though bracing himself for the worst. I really don’t want to do this over the phone.
“He locked himself down below then took off before I got in.” Keep it simple and to the point, that’s safest. “Look, I don’t think--”
“Yeah, I know. I’ll be down in about forty minutes. You can tell me all about it then.” It’s a statement of fact and even if I’d been inclined to protest it wouldn’t make any difference.
I’m actually relieved, though a bit concerned. It takes me an hour and a half in light traffic on my bike. How the hell is he planning on…
He hangs up before I can ask. Figures.
There is a tsking sound over my shoulder, out of the corner of my eye I can see Alfred disdainfully regarding my hands. “Dare I ask who’s face you were visualizing?” I scowl. He doesn’t really deserve it, but I’m not answering that. Of course, he isn’t expecting one. Instead the man gets to work cleaning up the mess I’d left, before busying himself in other parts of the cave. He’s very careful not to be too obvious about his surveillance of…well, everything.
With a sigh I settle myself into the large computer chair and decide to use my time to look over…erm, something. There’s always something new that needs to be read, absorbed, catalogued. Something.
Alfred didn’t ask this time. He just appears beside the chair and puts a laden breakfast tray down. I wince at the sheer amount of food. I’m a growing boy but good grief.
The man doesn’t say anything before turning on his heel. He will have some choice words for me if I don’t eat it all.
Leaning forward I fold my arms on the console and lay my head down.
I don’t even remember closing my eyes, yet the next thing I know is there’s a hand on my right shoulder, not actually shaking me. My mind snaps awake in an instant, searching, identifying, reviewing. The computer keys are no doubt making interesting indentations on the left side of my forehead. Damn, I feel asleep in the Cave.
Sitting up I blink sleepily at the person standing over me. It’s not Alfred. The concern on Dick’s face is almost comical to my fatigued mind. I must have managed a little smile because some of the tension eases. “Hey.” I try to pretend that didn’t come out almost slurred.
“Hey yourself.” There are way to many frown lines on his brow.
“Uh…sorry. I…” Come on brain, time to engage.
“Lets go upstairs and get some coffee. Then I want you to start from the beginning.” Well, that sounds reasonable enough. Except that I really don’t want an audience for this. Hell, I’m not sure I can even put it into words, not any that would make sense. That and the fact I feel, justifiably, guilty.
Right. I need to get up now. I can tell by the look on his face that Dick sees the wince as I stand. Oh yeah, this is just going to be so much fun to explain. I bat away his hands as I force my body to cooperate. I’ve functioned with far graver “injuries” then this and damned if I’m going to telegraph any of it.
“I’m fine,” I mutter irritably as I head for the stairs. It’s not fair, I shouldn’t be taking my self-recrimination out on Dick. “Sorry.” I’m speaking over my shoulder as we head up. “I’m just. It’s complicated and stupid and I have a feeling that I really screwed things up.”
“You? How? You said Bruce had a bad night.” The bewilderment is not only in his voice. I can practically feel it radiating off him.
“He did. It involved me.” I leave it there as we exit through the old clock in the study. There are other ways into the manor, of course, now that every thing has been unlocked but there’s something to be said for sticking with tradition.
He catches me around the bicep. “Involved how?” I think Dick would have done, well something, except I’m out of his grasp and out of reach in the next moment. I don’t like being manhandled. Not like that. Dick knows this, so I frown at him even as I roll my shoulders under the cape I’m not wearing. “Jesus, Tim. Talk to me.” His wonderful rich, sky blue eyes are stormy now, swirling with emotions he has no intention of hiding even if he could.
“Coffee.” I don’t wait for him to agree, I just turn on my heel and head for the kitchen. I can imagine the look on my big brother’s face; the concern probably overrides the annoyance, but not by much.
I can smell the delightful aroma of high octane liquid awareness before we get to the kitchen. Bless you, Alfred. The man is in the kitchen polishing silverware that really doesn’t need it at all. To those that don’t know him, he’s the picture of bland competence. To me, his eyes are pinched with worry and his motions betray a certain amount of nervousness. I’ve really been doing a piss poor job of handling this.
Sliding into a chair at the small kitchen table I slumped down with a stifled groan, head in hands. Someone waves a steaming cup of much needed coffee under my nose. Taking it, I all but burn my mouth with the first gulp. Perfect.
Legs of a chair scrape on the linoleum as Dick settles down beside me. A large hand grasps my shoulder, doing a wonderful job of kneading my corded muscles. Not that it accomplishes anything, but the gesture is appreciated.
“Okay. Talk,” he says. I can’t delay any longer.
Sitting up I look to both of them. They are waiting on me and I…I’m working my jaw, not yet saying anything. Come on Boy Wonder, just get it over with.
“Last night, Bruce successfully dealt with Ivy. I’m not sure how or why, but he got dosed with her pollen and our standard anti-toxin proved insufficient.” They can figure this out, right? I’m not going to have to say it, am I?
“And?” That’s Dick, of course he’s not going to let me off the hook that easily.
“And.” I lick my lips, trying to think of how best to phrase things. “When he came back to the cave he--” No, don’t hide behind the coffee cup. Don’t take a sip. Just get on with it. “He assaulted me.” Yes, that’s a sufficient word.
“Are you injured, Master Timothy?” The quietly fretful voice reminds me who is listening. Oh god, I can’t do this.
“Nothing some sleep won’t cure, Alfred.” Well that’s honest enough. I turn to look at him and try to smile. I don’t think it’s as reassuring as I want it to be. Dick’s frown is almost palatable.
“Assaulted. How?” Of course he’d ask that.
“How do you think, Dick?” I can’t get my voice above the level of a whisper.
“He..! He..!” Looking up, I pale. I can see his assumption in his face. Shock, horror and then fury. Oh no.
“I chose to stay.”
The silence in the room seems to stretch on forever. I work to keep my posture something approaching straight, even though I want more then anything to hide. Glancing out of the corner of my eye, I wonder how I can convince Alfred to be elsewhere.
Dick has finally clued in. “Alfred could you give us a minute?”
“Of course, Master Dick,” the butler intones, courteous as ever. I see the look he gives Dick as moves to take himself elsewhere. He’s going to find out what’s going on one way or another. Probably by interrogating my older brother. I can live with that, better him then me.
For his part, Dicks nods and waits until the man has not only left the room but taken himself up to the second floor before leaning towards me. “Tim…” Again the hand is on my shoulder. No, I’m pulled into a full on hug and he’s stroking my back. I’m sure he’s trying to be soothing.
“Tim…” The hand moves up into my hair, massaging and I sigh. Of course he knows what will turn me to goo.
“The anti-toxin didn’t work,” I repeated. “He came in and… He gave me opportunities to get away, the best he could. I should have taken it, I should have grabbed the tranqs or some more anti-toxin or something! But I stayed put, I let him because….because…” I don’t know when I’d leaned into Dick’s shoulder, or when the tears started.
“He raped you.” The voice is utterly emotionless.
“No!” I sit bolt upright and have to wonder what Dick is seeing as he searches my face. “You can’t rape the willing. And that’s the problem, I let it happen! You know what he’s like, you know how he’s going to react.” My cheeks are wet, and I wonder, are the tears are still flowing? Does it really mater?
“Shhh. Tim, it’ll be okay. We’ll talk to him,” he assures me. Do I look as sceptical as I feel? Dick actually grins. “Even if we have to chase him down and hog tie him.”
Now I have to smile as well, listening to him echo my own thoughts on the matter. He takes my hands in his own and give them a squeeze.
“Are you okay? Did he hurt you,” is the next earnest question.
I shake my head. “Only in the best way,” I tell him softly, again trying to smile. This time I can feel it in my eyes.
Dick’s smile widens, which should be against the laws of physics. “So,” he draws the word out suggestively. “How was it?” The bastard is wiggling his eyebrows at me. I give an exaggerated eye roll in response before smacking his shoulder. Hard. That earns me a laugh, his hands coming up in mock defence. Then I’m pulled into another hug. More then that, he carefully gets me into his lap and just snuggles as only the tactile acrobat can.
I sigh and lean into it accepting the comfort of his every touch. Right now I just feel so insubstantial. Empty. How could I have made such a stupid mistake?
“Stop that!” He tells me with gentle force and then nips the ridge of my ear. That get’s my attention. I sit up a little, just enough to look at him. “You’re very obvious when you’re kicking yourself, little brother,” he explains softly, the thumb of one hand coming up and playing across my lower lip.
“There’s no point in your fretting over what happened. You can’t change the past, and we won’t find him until nightfall at least.”
“But--” I protest, which only gets a finger pressed to my lips.
“We are not going to search until nightfall. He needs some space and YOU need some sleep.” Those blue eyes are trying very hard to imitate Alfred and I have the absurd urge to giggle. “You know he’s not going to forgo his patrol. It’ll be our best chance to catch him.” Leaning against his shoulder, I mutely acquiesce to his reasoning even though part of me is railing against it.
“I just,” I begin, only to fall silent with a frown. “He’ll convince himself of all kinds of things in the meantime.”
Dick sobers, but the quiet petting doesn’t stop. “He’s had more then enough time to do that already. And there’s no way you are in any shape to chase him through sewers or other such, even if he lets us figure out which cave or safe house he’s holed up in.”
I don’t want to admit that he’s right. I’ve fought through worse then this, several times. Of course the circumstances then usually involved the possibility of imminent death for myself or some innocent.
When Dick tries to pick me up, I wriggle out of his grasp and glare at him. He is most certainly not going to carry me up to my bed. I level a glare at the man and he has the audacity to grin as he puts a strong arm about my shoulders, steering me towards the stairs. A part of me is still screaming that we should be working on how to find Bruce but between basic logic and Dick’s physical presence I do my best to tamp it down. I don’t think I’m going to be able to get to sleep given the way my heart is now thumping with adrenaline for a chase that will not happen for at least another twelve hours.
And with the recriminations I can’t shut out.
Logic doesn’t often make much of an impact when it comes to feelings.
As Dick push/pulls me into my bed, I realize that I’m still in my civies and make an effort to at least get the boots off. Apparently I’m not allowed to do that. One large hand is pushing me to lie down on the bed as the other takes hold of my left foot, putting it in his lap when he sits down on the thick duvet.
“Just close your eyes,” he tells me while working on the laces. He obviously hasn’t noticed that my eyes are already shut. I can vaguely note him tugging the hiking boot off and the pads of his strong thumbs working the arch of my right foot, but it has an oddly far away feel to it. The last thought I have before sleep claims me is to wonder which of them had drugged my so-called coffee.
(End)
This Way To Brothers Part Two