Fic: What The Doctor Ordered. Part Four
Title: What The Doctor Ordered. Part Four
Characters: Tim, Bernard, Alfred, Jason, The Joker, Selina Kyle
Rating: M
Warnings: Slash, violence
Word Count: 3, 000 ish
Author's Notes: Oh hey look more. *bangs head against wall* I don't think this ever going to leave me alone.
Bernard and Alfred stood together in the kitchen, Alfred was teaching Bernard how to make Bouillabaisse, a dish that Tim had taken a liking to whilst in Europe and Bernard was enjoying spending some time with Alfred whilst Tim was at work.
“Could I ask for some advice?” Bernard questioned Alfred as they waited for the soup base to cook.
“Of course Master Bernard, how can I be of assistance?” Alfred replied warmly.
“The firm I work at often does contract outside of the office, such as the time I was responsible for interviewing all the employees at Wayne Enterprises,” Bernard explained and Alfred nodded in understanding, “the problem that has arisen is that they require a psychiatrist at Arkham Asylum and my boss has chosen me for the job. And I know Tim won’t approve.”
“That is most unfortunate,” Alfred agreed, “what do you plan to do?”
“That’s the problem, Arkham is like a rite of passage in my business,” Bernard ran a hand through his hair, “If I do the Arkham assignment I will gain a lot of respect and it’s a great opportunity to get a leg up.”
“Master Bernard, I have been looking after the Wayne family for most of my life, and much of that time was spent when Master Bruce had taken up the Batman persona, and now the boys after him. If there is one thing I have learnt over the years it is that Arkham Asylum is never safe, and no one there is to be trusted,” Alfred warned him.
“What about Arkham Asylum?” Tim called from the doorway.
Bernard started but Alfred remained still, watching Tim cautiously.
“I’ve been offered a one off job in Arkham,” Bernard said carefully.
“No,” Tim replied bluntly.
Tim walked into the kitchen angrily and Alfred squeezed Bernard’s shoulder in comfort before exiting the room.
“Tim, this is a really good opportunity for me, I know Arkham isn’t the best of places but they’ve assured me it’s perfectly safe, I will have my own personal guards.”
“No Bernard, it’s never safe there, no matter how many personal guards you have it’s still never going to be safe,” Tim’s hands were clenched at his side, “Do you know who you will be interviewing?”
“Unfortunately not, apparently it’s a matter of safety,” Bernard explained, “Tim, I understand how worried you are but you need to let me do this, please Tim.”
Tim stared stoically at Bernard. Bernard approached him and grabbed Tim’s hand, holding it in his own.
“Tim, I know you are worried, I promise I’ll be okay,” Bernard assured him and Tim’s expression softened.
“I’m coming with you,” Tim stated matter-of-factly.
“Thank you,” Bernard said, with a chaste kiss to Tim’s lips.
-----------------------------
Bernard walked slowly through the halls of Arkham Asylum, his hands in his pockets were clenched tightly. Two guards were positioned on either side of him and a nurse walked in front. They passed along rows of cells filled with various definitions of human. Both Tim and Jason had taken him through a basic study of the more serious criminals that were held in Arkham. Bernard had to suppress a shiver as Clayface threw himself against the plastic wall of his cell.
“I understand that Arkham Asylum is perceived as being unsafe, however, as you can see the safety measures in place ensure the safety of any visitors,” the nurse in front told him as they made their way towards a secluded room.
“Your patient is waiting through here; the guards will be stationed outside so as not to threaten the patient,” the nurse explained, “you just need to ask the question shown on the forms and fill in the patient’s answers.”
“Of course, may I ask who I’m interviewing?” Bernard inquired.
“We’re here, you may as well see for yourself,” the nurse answered and opened a door.
Bernard steeled himself and entered the room.
“Good afternoon, I’m Dr. Dowd and I’m here to re-evaluate your psychiatric condition in order to ensure you are receiving the correct treatment,” Bernard said quickly as he crossed the room and sat down in the chair, avoiding looking at the person seated across from him.
“OH! They got me a blond doctor, they do spoil me,” a harsh voice giggled and Bernard’s eyes shot up.
The Joker was sitting in front of him; mouth wide in a manic grin and eyes glinting dangerously in the fluorescent lights. Bernard stiffened and fought the urge to run out of the room.
“I need you to answer some questions for me,” Bernard continued, choking down his fear.
The Joker laughed and lunged across the table, his fingers closing tight around Bernard’s neck. Bernard’s fingers scrabbled hopelessly at the Joker’s, trying to break his grip. The man was laughing and a hissing noise alerted Bernard to the green gas escaping from a button on the Joker’s wrist. He closed his mouth quickly.
Blackness suddenly descended and for a second Bernard was worried he’d passed out but then his felt sharp pain at his neck as the Joker’s hand was ripped away. Bernard looked up to see the Joker get flung against the wall by Batman. Even if Bernard hadn’t known that it was Tim in the suit he would’ve recognised him instantly. Tim moved differently to Dick and Jason, and the fury in the way Tim threw the Joker was obvious. Bernard giggled and clamped a hand over his mouth in horror, Tim turned to look at him, his mouth in a tight line. His hand was clenched around the Joker’s throat and he glared down at him furiously.
“You won’t ever touch him again,” Bernard heard Tim growl out in his scariest Batman voice.
“As if you’re going to do anything to me,” The Joker laughed.
Tim picked the Joker up and slammed him against the floor, he leant down over him and smashed the Joker’s head down, stunning him. The guards suddenly rushed in, grabbing Bernard’s by the shoulders and practically dragging him out of the room. Just before the door closed, Bernard saw Tim pull the Joker’s arm out from under him, lying his hand flat on the ground before stamping on it. The Joker’s screams echoed down the halls as Bernard, still chuckling lightly, allowed himself to bed led away.
“We’re so sorry for this Dr Dowd, it’s never happened before,” the nurse waiting outside apologised, fretting over him.
“Like hell it hasn’t,” Bernard pulled away from her angrily.
“Doctor please, I think it would be best if we continued this conversation in the main office,” the nurse continued, ignoring his anger.
“Not yet, I want to talk to him,” Bernard said with authority, almost ruined by the string of laughter that escaped his lips.
The nurse balked but nodded. At the same moment Tim slammed the door opening, stalking out and staring at the guards.
“Your security is appalling, I’ll escort the doctor off the premises,” Tim growled and the guards backed away.
“If you insist sir,” they agreed and hastily followed the nurse away.
When they were alone Tim quickly held Bernard’s face in his hands, running his fingers over Bernard’s cheeks and down to his neck, inspecting the bruises. Bernard chuckled.
“Are you okay?” Tim asked hurriedly, still clutching Bernard, “the gas, oh god, are you okay?”
“It’s okay, I’m okay, I only breathed in a little. I just want to get out of here,” Bernard managed to reply, shaking slightly.
“You know the way out?” Tim asked and Bernard nodded, “Head that way, I won’t walk with you because that’ll draw even more attention, but I’ll be there, I promise. I’m watching over you.”
Bernard nodded again and Tim kissed him hungrily, pulling away slowly before shooting off a grapple hook and ascending to the rafters. Bernard took a deep breath and headed towards the exit.
The halls were still filled with screams from the inmates but Bernard ignored their jeers, looking straight ahead he continued down the main hall, casting a glance upwards in order to catch a reassuring flick of a black cape. It was only when he heard a soft, mewling sound that he stopped.
A woman was lying curled up on a cot, she was muttering softly to herself, her hands were at her hair, constantly neatening it. She heard him stop and looked up, her eyes were sunken and her expression gaunt.
“Who are you?” she asked and her voice was rough with disuse.
“I’m Dr Dowd, who are you?” Bernard found himself answering despite his instincts.
“Selina,” she said sadly, “although I’m not really sure anymore.”
Bernard felt something move behind him and he turned quickly. But it was merely Tim, who had apparently jumped down from the rafters. He was staring at Selina. He knelt down and pressed his hand against the plastic, she shuffled over and returned the gesture.
“Bruce?” she croaked out and Tim shook his head sadly.
“No Selina, it’s me, the baby bird,” Tim answered softly, all traces of his Batman growl gone.
“Hey birdie,” Selina mumbled back.
“Selina, why are you in here?” Tim asked gently.
“Got caught stealing some diamonds, and, they saw the costume and assumed I was crazy,” Selina explained, “didn’t bother with much of a trial, just chucked me straight in here.”
“Oh god Selina, I had no idea,” Tim’s hand was fisted against the plastic, “I have to go now Selina, but I promise I’ll get you out of here.”
“No you won’t,” Selina muttered dejectedly.
“Yes I will, you will be out of this place as soon as I can get you out. I swear on my life,” Tim promised.
Selina nodded her thanks and went back to her cot.
Tim motioned for Bernard to stand next to him. He wrapped an arm around Bernard’s waist and shot a grapple hook into the rafters again, pulling the both up.
“I parked a glider on the roof, we’ll use that to get out, I can’t stand this place,” Tim explained as he climbed up through the decaying roof.
“I’m sorry for accepting the job,” Bernard apologised once they were out in the open air.
“Don’t be, something good came of this, Selina needs to get out of this place, it’s killing her,” Tim assured him.
“I think that place kills anyone in there,” Bernard sighed.
--------------------------------------
When they arrived back at the manor Tim quickly peeled off his costume and replaced it with a pair of sweatpants before leading Bernard upstairs.
Once in Tim’s room Bernard found himself pulled into a tight hug. Tim was clutching him fearfully, pressing kisses along Bernard’s cheeks, jaw and throat. Bernard rubbed comforting circles on Tim’s back and allowed him to pull off Bernard’s shirt to run his hands over Bernard’s skin.
“Tim, you have to calm down,” Bernard said firmly as Tim started to hyperventilate.
"I need to-" Tim tried to explain but choked on his words.
"It's okay," Bernard whispered soothingly.
He untangled himself from Tim's arms, then gently pushed Tim down onto their bed. Laying down beside him, Bernard slowly kissed Tim, letting Tim grab his hips, holding tightly enough to bruise.
"It's okay," Bernard whispered again as he kissed along Tim's jaw.
Bernard let Tim take control. He moved with a desperte fervour and clung to Bernard tightly, pressing strong kisses and running firm hands all over Bernard's body. Bernard moved gently under him, muttering reassurances between moans.
They came together, Tim's face buried in Bernard's neck, and his hand tangled in Bernard's hair, breathing him in.
"I don't want to lose you," Tim panted desperately as they lay together in the afterglow.
"You won't, I promise that you won't," Bernard reassured him.
"I love you," Tim pressed a chaste kiss to Bernard's lips.
"I love you too," Bernard replied, pulling Tim closer and holding him tightly until they fell asleep.
--------------------------------------
A week later Selina had joined the family at Wayne Manor. Tim and the rest of the Waynes had used a number of connections to convince the justice system that Selina Kyle wasn’t a threat to anyone. Bernard knew that the process hadn’t been entirely legal but he also realised that Selina hadn’t been doing well in Arkham. As soon she they had gotten her back to the manor she had fallen asleep and remained so for twenty-four hours. Everyone was taking turns at staying by her side as she had frequent nightmares and would wake up screaming. Bernard had just left her room, and was feeling emotionally drained but physically buzzing so he went to look for Jason.
He found Jason down in the Cave, working on a case but obviously bored.
“Hey Jason,” Bernard called out as he walked over to him.
“Hey blondie,” Jason answered.
“You busy?”
“Not especially, why?”
“Want to fight?”
Jason answered by quickly saving his work and standing up. He was dressed in his Batman costume tights and a loose shirt, Bernard was wearing sweats. They headed to the training room and Jason quickly checked that all the mats were in place before turning to Bernard and taking a offensive stance. Bernard matched it with a stance of his own and Jason lunged at him.
Bernard leapt back out of the way but Jason shifted and threw a punch. Bernard twisted, feeling Jason’s fist swing past his jaw. Bernard crouched low as Jason aimed a kick at his head, and sprang back up, aiming a punch at Jason’s stomach. Jason knocked it aside easily and used Bernard’s momentum to toss him across the floor. Bernard stood up quickly and turned to face Jason, who was running at him. Bernard jumped aside and kicked at Jason as he ran past, missing by inches.
Bernard followed Jason’s movement as he shifted across the mats. They danced around each other for a few minutes, Jason throwing a few easy punches and Bernard occasionally lunging at Jason. Bernard knew that Jason was going easy on him, but even so he found himself tiring quickly. Jason’s punches were getting closer and Bernard wasn’t even bothering to attack anymore. Eventually Jason grabbed Bernard’s wrist, twisting it and pressing it against his back and kicked his legs out from under him, throwing Bernard to the ground and pinning him.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Tim shouted.
Jason quickly got off Bernard and helped him to his feet. Tim was standing in the doorway, costume still on but cowl down and he was fuming. Bernard winced.
“I’ll ask again, what are you doing?” Tim hissed.
“I’m training him,” Jason snapped back and Bernard saw the flash of anger in Tim’s eyes.
“Training him for what?” Tim yelled, “Are you planning on taking him out on the street with you?”
“No,” Jason ground out, “I am preparing him in case he happens to be attacked due to his relationship with Timothy Wayne, or possibly because of his relationship with Batman.”
“That’s insane! Why on earth would you think anything like that is going to happen?” Tim stalked towards Jason.
“Because it could, because you can’t protect him all the time,” Jason snapped back, “Because he shouldn’t still be scared about his encounter with the Joker.”
Tim sucked in a breath and turned sharply to Bernard.
“You’re still scared about that?” Tim asked softly.
“You know I’ve been having nightmares, but I didn’t want to worry you,” Bernard admitted, “I thought if I knew how to fight I’d feel safe.”
“Oh Bernard, I’m so sorry,” Tim apologised, pulling Bernard into a hug.
“If you two are going to start kissing at least let me leave first,” Jason grumbled as he headed out.
“Wait a moment,” Tim called after him, “I’m sorry for yelling at you, it was out of line.”
“Yeah well,” Jason rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, “it’s fine. I’ll see you later.”
Jason left quickly and Tim went back to Bernard.
“Do you really want to learn how to fight?” Tim asked seriously.
“I want to know how to defend myself, I don’t want you to worry about me,” Bernard answered.
“Bernard, I worry about everyone, even the trained fighters of the family,” Tim told him.
“Tim, if you want me to stop training with Jason then I will, but I just want you to know I’m not doing this as some sort of preparation for joining you out on the streets, I don’t want to fight crime, I’m happy being ground support,” Bernard explained.
Tim smiled at him and kissed him.
“I’d offer to train you myself, but I can’t see it lasting long,” Tim teased lightly.
“Oh, what are you suggesting?” Bernard waggled his eyebrows.
“I think you know exactly,” Tim pressed a kiss to Bernard’s neck, eliciting a soft gasp.
“Mmm, I don’t think Alfred would approve of us having sex on the gym mats,” Bernard reminded Tim.
Tim huffed and grabbed Bernard by the wrist.
“I need a shower,” Tim informed him.
“I’m not quite sure I get your point,” Bernard queried and Tim shot him a disbelieving look, “Oh! Right, of course, shower. I see.”
Tim just rolled his eyes and let Bernard pull him into a searing kiss.
“Has anyone told you that you can be quite dense sometimes?” Tim questioned as they broke apart.
“Be nice,” Bernard chastised.
“I’ll make it up to you.” Tim promised as he stripped out of the Batman suit and turned the water on.
“You better,” Bernard grinned, stripping and stepping in after him.
Characters: Tim, Bernard, Alfred, Jason, The Joker, Selina Kyle
Rating: M
Warnings: Slash, violence
Word Count: 3, 000 ish
Author's Notes: Oh hey look more. *bangs head against wall* I don't think this ever going to leave me alone.
Bernard and Alfred stood together in the kitchen, Alfred was teaching Bernard how to make Bouillabaisse, a dish that Tim had taken a liking to whilst in Europe and Bernard was enjoying spending some time with Alfred whilst Tim was at work.
“Could I ask for some advice?” Bernard questioned Alfred as they waited for the soup base to cook.
“Of course Master Bernard, how can I be of assistance?” Alfred replied warmly.
“The firm I work at often does contract outside of the office, such as the time I was responsible for interviewing all the employees at Wayne Enterprises,” Bernard explained and Alfred nodded in understanding, “the problem that has arisen is that they require a psychiatrist at Arkham Asylum and my boss has chosen me for the job. And I know Tim won’t approve.”
“That is most unfortunate,” Alfred agreed, “what do you plan to do?”
“That’s the problem, Arkham is like a rite of passage in my business,” Bernard ran a hand through his hair, “If I do the Arkham assignment I will gain a lot of respect and it’s a great opportunity to get a leg up.”
“Master Bernard, I have been looking after the Wayne family for most of my life, and much of that time was spent when Master Bruce had taken up the Batman persona, and now the boys after him. If there is one thing I have learnt over the years it is that Arkham Asylum is never safe, and no one there is to be trusted,” Alfred warned him.
“What about Arkham Asylum?” Tim called from the doorway.
Bernard started but Alfred remained still, watching Tim cautiously.
“I’ve been offered a one off job in Arkham,” Bernard said carefully.
“No,” Tim replied bluntly.
Tim walked into the kitchen angrily and Alfred squeezed Bernard’s shoulder in comfort before exiting the room.
“Tim, this is a really good opportunity for me, I know Arkham isn’t the best of places but they’ve assured me it’s perfectly safe, I will have my own personal guards.”
“No Bernard, it’s never safe there, no matter how many personal guards you have it’s still never going to be safe,” Tim’s hands were clenched at his side, “Do you know who you will be interviewing?”
“Unfortunately not, apparently it’s a matter of safety,” Bernard explained, “Tim, I understand how worried you are but you need to let me do this, please Tim.”
Tim stared stoically at Bernard. Bernard approached him and grabbed Tim’s hand, holding it in his own.
“Tim, I know you are worried, I promise I’ll be okay,” Bernard assured him and Tim’s expression softened.
“I’m coming with you,” Tim stated matter-of-factly.
“Thank you,” Bernard said, with a chaste kiss to Tim’s lips.
-----------------------------
Bernard walked slowly through the halls of Arkham Asylum, his hands in his pockets were clenched tightly. Two guards were positioned on either side of him and a nurse walked in front. They passed along rows of cells filled with various definitions of human. Both Tim and Jason had taken him through a basic study of the more serious criminals that were held in Arkham. Bernard had to suppress a shiver as Clayface threw himself against the plastic wall of his cell.
“I understand that Arkham Asylum is perceived as being unsafe, however, as you can see the safety measures in place ensure the safety of any visitors,” the nurse in front told him as they made their way towards a secluded room.
“Your patient is waiting through here; the guards will be stationed outside so as not to threaten the patient,” the nurse explained, “you just need to ask the question shown on the forms and fill in the patient’s answers.”
“Of course, may I ask who I’m interviewing?” Bernard inquired.
“We’re here, you may as well see for yourself,” the nurse answered and opened a door.
Bernard steeled himself and entered the room.
“Good afternoon, I’m Dr. Dowd and I’m here to re-evaluate your psychiatric condition in order to ensure you are receiving the correct treatment,” Bernard said quickly as he crossed the room and sat down in the chair, avoiding looking at the person seated across from him.
“OH! They got me a blond doctor, they do spoil me,” a harsh voice giggled and Bernard’s eyes shot up.
The Joker was sitting in front of him; mouth wide in a manic grin and eyes glinting dangerously in the fluorescent lights. Bernard stiffened and fought the urge to run out of the room.
“I need you to answer some questions for me,” Bernard continued, choking down his fear.
The Joker laughed and lunged across the table, his fingers closing tight around Bernard’s neck. Bernard’s fingers scrabbled hopelessly at the Joker’s, trying to break his grip. The man was laughing and a hissing noise alerted Bernard to the green gas escaping from a button on the Joker’s wrist. He closed his mouth quickly.
Blackness suddenly descended and for a second Bernard was worried he’d passed out but then his felt sharp pain at his neck as the Joker’s hand was ripped away. Bernard looked up to see the Joker get flung against the wall by Batman. Even if Bernard hadn’t known that it was Tim in the suit he would’ve recognised him instantly. Tim moved differently to Dick and Jason, and the fury in the way Tim threw the Joker was obvious. Bernard giggled and clamped a hand over his mouth in horror, Tim turned to look at him, his mouth in a tight line. His hand was clenched around the Joker’s throat and he glared down at him furiously.
“You won’t ever touch him again,” Bernard heard Tim growl out in his scariest Batman voice.
“As if you’re going to do anything to me,” The Joker laughed.
Tim picked the Joker up and slammed him against the floor, he leant down over him and smashed the Joker’s head down, stunning him. The guards suddenly rushed in, grabbing Bernard’s by the shoulders and practically dragging him out of the room. Just before the door closed, Bernard saw Tim pull the Joker’s arm out from under him, lying his hand flat on the ground before stamping on it. The Joker’s screams echoed down the halls as Bernard, still chuckling lightly, allowed himself to bed led away.
“We’re so sorry for this Dr Dowd, it’s never happened before,” the nurse waiting outside apologised, fretting over him.
“Like hell it hasn’t,” Bernard pulled away from her angrily.
“Doctor please, I think it would be best if we continued this conversation in the main office,” the nurse continued, ignoring his anger.
“Not yet, I want to talk to him,” Bernard said with authority, almost ruined by the string of laughter that escaped his lips.
The nurse balked but nodded. At the same moment Tim slammed the door opening, stalking out and staring at the guards.
“Your security is appalling, I’ll escort the doctor off the premises,” Tim growled and the guards backed away.
“If you insist sir,” they agreed and hastily followed the nurse away.
When they were alone Tim quickly held Bernard’s face in his hands, running his fingers over Bernard’s cheeks and down to his neck, inspecting the bruises. Bernard chuckled.
“Are you okay?” Tim asked hurriedly, still clutching Bernard, “the gas, oh god, are you okay?”
“It’s okay, I’m okay, I only breathed in a little. I just want to get out of here,” Bernard managed to reply, shaking slightly.
“You know the way out?” Tim asked and Bernard nodded, “Head that way, I won’t walk with you because that’ll draw even more attention, but I’ll be there, I promise. I’m watching over you.”
Bernard nodded again and Tim kissed him hungrily, pulling away slowly before shooting off a grapple hook and ascending to the rafters. Bernard took a deep breath and headed towards the exit.
The halls were still filled with screams from the inmates but Bernard ignored their jeers, looking straight ahead he continued down the main hall, casting a glance upwards in order to catch a reassuring flick of a black cape. It was only when he heard a soft, mewling sound that he stopped.
A woman was lying curled up on a cot, she was muttering softly to herself, her hands were at her hair, constantly neatening it. She heard him stop and looked up, her eyes were sunken and her expression gaunt.
“Who are you?” she asked and her voice was rough with disuse.
“I’m Dr Dowd, who are you?” Bernard found himself answering despite his instincts.
“Selina,” she said sadly, “although I’m not really sure anymore.”
Bernard felt something move behind him and he turned quickly. But it was merely Tim, who had apparently jumped down from the rafters. He was staring at Selina. He knelt down and pressed his hand against the plastic, she shuffled over and returned the gesture.
“Bruce?” she croaked out and Tim shook his head sadly.
“No Selina, it’s me, the baby bird,” Tim answered softly, all traces of his Batman growl gone.
“Hey birdie,” Selina mumbled back.
“Selina, why are you in here?” Tim asked gently.
“Got caught stealing some diamonds, and, they saw the costume and assumed I was crazy,” Selina explained, “didn’t bother with much of a trial, just chucked me straight in here.”
“Oh god Selina, I had no idea,” Tim’s hand was fisted against the plastic, “I have to go now Selina, but I promise I’ll get you out of here.”
“No you won’t,” Selina muttered dejectedly.
“Yes I will, you will be out of this place as soon as I can get you out. I swear on my life,” Tim promised.
Selina nodded her thanks and went back to her cot.
Tim motioned for Bernard to stand next to him. He wrapped an arm around Bernard’s waist and shot a grapple hook into the rafters again, pulling the both up.
“I parked a glider on the roof, we’ll use that to get out, I can’t stand this place,” Tim explained as he climbed up through the decaying roof.
“I’m sorry for accepting the job,” Bernard apologised once they were out in the open air.
“Don’t be, something good came of this, Selina needs to get out of this place, it’s killing her,” Tim assured him.
“I think that place kills anyone in there,” Bernard sighed.
--------------------------------------
When they arrived back at the manor Tim quickly peeled off his costume and replaced it with a pair of sweatpants before leading Bernard upstairs.
Once in Tim’s room Bernard found himself pulled into a tight hug. Tim was clutching him fearfully, pressing kisses along Bernard’s cheeks, jaw and throat. Bernard rubbed comforting circles on Tim’s back and allowed him to pull off Bernard’s shirt to run his hands over Bernard’s skin.
“Tim, you have to calm down,” Bernard said firmly as Tim started to hyperventilate.
"I need to-" Tim tried to explain but choked on his words.
"It's okay," Bernard whispered soothingly.
He untangled himself from Tim's arms, then gently pushed Tim down onto their bed. Laying down beside him, Bernard slowly kissed Tim, letting Tim grab his hips, holding tightly enough to bruise.
"It's okay," Bernard whispered again as he kissed along Tim's jaw.
Bernard let Tim take control. He moved with a desperte fervour and clung to Bernard tightly, pressing strong kisses and running firm hands all over Bernard's body. Bernard moved gently under him, muttering reassurances between moans.
They came together, Tim's face buried in Bernard's neck, and his hand tangled in Bernard's hair, breathing him in.
"I don't want to lose you," Tim panted desperately as they lay together in the afterglow.
"You won't, I promise that you won't," Bernard reassured him.
"I love you," Tim pressed a chaste kiss to Bernard's lips.
"I love you too," Bernard replied, pulling Tim closer and holding him tightly until they fell asleep.
--------------------------------------
A week later Selina had joined the family at Wayne Manor. Tim and the rest of the Waynes had used a number of connections to convince the justice system that Selina Kyle wasn’t a threat to anyone. Bernard knew that the process hadn’t been entirely legal but he also realised that Selina hadn’t been doing well in Arkham. As soon she they had gotten her back to the manor she had fallen asleep and remained so for twenty-four hours. Everyone was taking turns at staying by her side as she had frequent nightmares and would wake up screaming. Bernard had just left her room, and was feeling emotionally drained but physically buzzing so he went to look for Jason.
He found Jason down in the Cave, working on a case but obviously bored.
“Hey Jason,” Bernard called out as he walked over to him.
“Hey blondie,” Jason answered.
“You busy?”
“Not especially, why?”
“Want to fight?”
Jason answered by quickly saving his work and standing up. He was dressed in his Batman costume tights and a loose shirt, Bernard was wearing sweats. They headed to the training room and Jason quickly checked that all the mats were in place before turning to Bernard and taking a offensive stance. Bernard matched it with a stance of his own and Jason lunged at him.
Bernard leapt back out of the way but Jason shifted and threw a punch. Bernard twisted, feeling Jason’s fist swing past his jaw. Bernard crouched low as Jason aimed a kick at his head, and sprang back up, aiming a punch at Jason’s stomach. Jason knocked it aside easily and used Bernard’s momentum to toss him across the floor. Bernard stood up quickly and turned to face Jason, who was running at him. Bernard jumped aside and kicked at Jason as he ran past, missing by inches.
Bernard followed Jason’s movement as he shifted across the mats. They danced around each other for a few minutes, Jason throwing a few easy punches and Bernard occasionally lunging at Jason. Bernard knew that Jason was going easy on him, but even so he found himself tiring quickly. Jason’s punches were getting closer and Bernard wasn’t even bothering to attack anymore. Eventually Jason grabbed Bernard’s wrist, twisting it and pressing it against his back and kicked his legs out from under him, throwing Bernard to the ground and pinning him.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Tim shouted.
Jason quickly got off Bernard and helped him to his feet. Tim was standing in the doorway, costume still on but cowl down and he was fuming. Bernard winced.
“I’ll ask again, what are you doing?” Tim hissed.
“I’m training him,” Jason snapped back and Bernard saw the flash of anger in Tim’s eyes.
“Training him for what?” Tim yelled, “Are you planning on taking him out on the street with you?”
“No,” Jason ground out, “I am preparing him in case he happens to be attacked due to his relationship with Timothy Wayne, or possibly because of his relationship with Batman.”
“That’s insane! Why on earth would you think anything like that is going to happen?” Tim stalked towards Jason.
“Because it could, because you can’t protect him all the time,” Jason snapped back, “Because he shouldn’t still be scared about his encounter with the Joker.”
Tim sucked in a breath and turned sharply to Bernard.
“You’re still scared about that?” Tim asked softly.
“You know I’ve been having nightmares, but I didn’t want to worry you,” Bernard admitted, “I thought if I knew how to fight I’d feel safe.”
“Oh Bernard, I’m so sorry,” Tim apologised, pulling Bernard into a hug.
“If you two are going to start kissing at least let me leave first,” Jason grumbled as he headed out.
“Wait a moment,” Tim called after him, “I’m sorry for yelling at you, it was out of line.”
“Yeah well,” Jason rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, “it’s fine. I’ll see you later.”
Jason left quickly and Tim went back to Bernard.
“Do you really want to learn how to fight?” Tim asked seriously.
“I want to know how to defend myself, I don’t want you to worry about me,” Bernard answered.
“Bernard, I worry about everyone, even the trained fighters of the family,” Tim told him.
“Tim, if you want me to stop training with Jason then I will, but I just want you to know I’m not doing this as some sort of preparation for joining you out on the streets, I don’t want to fight crime, I’m happy being ground support,” Bernard explained.
Tim smiled at him and kissed him.
“I’d offer to train you myself, but I can’t see it lasting long,” Tim teased lightly.
“Oh, what are you suggesting?” Bernard waggled his eyebrows.
“I think you know exactly,” Tim pressed a kiss to Bernard’s neck, eliciting a soft gasp.
“Mmm, I don’t think Alfred would approve of us having sex on the gym mats,” Bernard reminded Tim.
Tim huffed and grabbed Bernard by the wrist.
“I need a shower,” Tim informed him.
“I’m not quite sure I get your point,” Bernard queried and Tim shot him a disbelieving look, “Oh! Right, of course, shower. I see.”
Tim just rolled his eyes and let Bernard pull him into a searing kiss.
“Has anyone told you that you can be quite dense sometimes?” Tim questioned as they broke apart.
“Be nice,” Bernard chastised.
“I’ll make it up to you.” Tim promised as he stripped out of the Batman suit and turned the water on.
“You better,” Bernard grinned, stripping and stepping in after him.