Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Please Kon, pleaaaaaaaa–” Jon begged before getting smacked by a pillow.

“For the last time, I won’t do it Jon! You and your little boyfriend can figure out another way to date each other.” Kon yelled stubbornly, rolling his eyes. “I’m not going to make my friends date that brat.”

“Like you can talk!” Jon shouted back, shocking himself with his voice. “I just– I just really like Damian. Please.”

Kon sighed at the puppy dog expression on Jon’s face. “Look, I get it. But I’m not going to set anyone up with Tim. I doubt he'll be nice to the girls and I can guarantee that they won’t get along.”

“Oh no,” Jon said. “Tim’s into guys, Kon. Not girls.”

“Hm…” Kon said thoughtfully. “What do I get for helping you out with this anyways?”

“Uh, my eternal gratefulness?” Jon tried sheepishly.

“Try again.”

“A new car?”

“I already have an amazing bike, thank you.”

Jon scrunched up his face deep in thought. “You wanted that Skier Sonic guitar right? But dad said no.”

“Squier Sonic, and yes, continue.”

“I’ll convince him that it’s a good idea. And that you are taking music seriously.”

Kon spent a minute thinking about if he could milk anything else out of Jon before agreeing.

“Deal. I’ll see what I can do. If you can convince Clark.”

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3 Weeks Ago

“Dad, I really don’t see why we have to go to this rich kid school.” Jon groaned for the thirtieth time, stabbing angrily at his eggs and toast. “I mean, it’s in Gotham.”

Clark sighed for his thirtieth time, furrowing his brows. “Jon, my job gave you boys the chance to go to Gotham Academy, which is known as one of the best schools in the country. This is an amazing opportunity, considering how high the tuition fee is. I will not hear you complain about it again.”

“But I’m leaving behind everything I know in sunny Metropolis for rainy Gotham,” Jon complained. “I won’t know anyone there. I’m joining in the middle of the school year! Everyone’s already gonna have friends! I’ll be all alone,” he ended dramatically.

“Okay, first of all Gotham is not that bad. You boys are plenty strong and smart, you can handle what life throws at you. And the school year has hardly started. It’s early October, not June. And besides, when has making friends been hard for you? You’re just overreacting, Jon. I know it’s a hard move, but it’s the right one. And, you won’t be alone. Kon’s coming with you.”

“Great,” Jon grumbled. “Then, the whole school will get to know me, and my brother too!”

“Well, if that’s not enough people you know, you remember Mr. Wayne? His youngest, Damian, is in the same grade as you. And his second youngest, Tim is two grades above, with Kon.”

“Ugh,” Kon said, finally walking down the stairs to join the family at the dinner table. “Tim goes to GA?”

“Kon, you need to start building a healthy schedule. Waking up at 10 is not going to do you wonders there. And yes, Tim does go to Gotham Academy. Is there an issue?”

“No, no issue,” Kon said absentmindedly, chewing his toast. “Just that he’s a total brat.”

“You’ve talked to the kid once, over ten years ago. Give him a break,” Clark said, exasperated.

“Fine, fine.” Kon said, putting his plate in the sink. “I’ve gotta go to Rick’s house.” He began walking towards the door, when Clark stopped him.

“You need to stop hanging out with those boys. They aren’t a good influence on you. Especially now that you’re going to Gotham, you need to start focusing on your studies more.”

Kon rolled his eyes. “Clark, why do you think I’m going anyways? I just need to get my guitar back, say my goodbyes, all that jazz.”

Clark huffed but let him pass.

“I’m gonna go too,” Jon piped up from the table. “I wanna meet up with my friends real quick.”

“Sure, go ahead,” Clark sighed, walking over to the dishwasher.

“You need to stop being so hard on Kon,” Lois said as she walked downstairs, her hair a mess. She had been in another late night writing craze.

“I know, it’s just I worry. He’s a smart kid. I wish he would just use his brain sometimes.” Clark said, giving her a little peck on her forehead as he made her coffee.

“Are we sure it’s the right thing to do to send them to Gotham on their own?” He asked quietly, like he was secretly hoping she’d say no and let them stay.

“I know it’s hard, but this will be amazing for them. I went to a boarding school, and you learn so much about yourself there. Trust me, everything will be fine.”

“If you say so,” Clark said, handing her the coffee.

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“We get our own dorms?!” Jon shrieked, setting his box down on the floor. He jumped on the bed, elated.

“Well, no, not exactly,” the receptionist lady who had guided them informed. “You are technically sharing with Damian Wayne, but he usually goes home for the night.”

“Well, who am I sharing with then?” Kon asked the lady, still holding his heavy boxes. There were 4 more in the car.

“You are a senior, right?” She asked, checking down her list. “First we need to go up to the fourth floor. That’s where all the seniors stay.”

They went into the elevator, leaving Jon to begin unpacking his belongings, although Kon had a feeling he would be doing anything but. The elevator doors opened, revealing a vast hallway forward, one to their left, and another to their right.

“The seniors have a few more accommodations,” she explained. “Ahead of you, you can find study rooms, a free to all library, and a small lounge. To your right, there are the girls' dorms. And to your left, you’ll find the boys’ dorms.”

She led him down the hall, wallpapered with a deep emerald color. The doors were dark oak with gold handles and numbering. She stopped in front of room 432, looking down at her clipboard to make sure that she had the right room number.

“This will be your room Mr. Kent. You’ll be rooming with Mr. Allen,” she said, opening the door as a bright flash of red hair leapt up to them.

Underneath the messy hair was a short, maybe 5’5” boy, his face split into a huge grin. He was wearing a ratty black anime t-shirt and red shorts, no shoes. Just baby pink knee-high Kirby socks.

“Hi, I’m Bart! I’m suuuper happy to have a new roommate, ever since Slobo left, I’ve been alone. My bed is on the right, what classes do you have?” Bart chattered excitedly, barely breathing in between words. Kon stepped into his new room. 

There was only one word to describe it. Huge. He had a twin loft bed with a space underneath for books and clothes. Next to the bed was a desk that was already stocked with some paper and pens, along with some textbooks. Kon picked up one reading the cover. An Introduction to Calculus.

“Oh, those are your books,” Bart explained. “There’s only like 40 people in each grade here, so the student body is tiny. They give us basically anything we want.”

“Really?” Kon asked, his eyebrows raised.

“Yeah, but the downside is that they’re super strict on the most random things. E.g., guys and girls can’t go into each other's dorms, instead we have a common room, and lights are out by 10, but that rule is actually bent a lot, especially during finals season.”

Kon was starting to realize that Bart only had one speed at talking, lightning fast. He tried very hard to listen as Bart told him the rules he would be expected to follow at GA.

“Uh, no food in the libraries, no loud music past six, no skipping class,” Bart spoke energetically, sounding like a chipmunk version of the student handbook. “We have uniforms, but they’re pretty chill on how we wear them as long as you can see the Gotham Academy logo. You can visit the other floors, but–”

“Wait,” Kon cut him off. “I didn’t get a uniform yet.”

“Sure, you did.” Bart informed him. “It’s in one of the drawers under your bed.”

Kon opened the wardrobe, pulling out a hanger with folded clothes draped over it. He unfolded it, looking at the outfit. It was a cream colored shirt with a dark red tie and a navy blue sweater vest. A neat Gotham Academy crest was stitched over the heart, complete with a crow, the school’s mascot. There were two pairs of slacks, black and navy, but Bart informed him that he could swap those out with whatever. No shoes, so Kon assumed they didn’t care about those. 

“There are also shorts and hoodies and lots of other stuff at the school commissary.” Bart said excitedly. “The hoodies are actually super soft. Like a cloud.”

He then proceeded to drag Kon away, telling him that he could unpack in the evening, and that he should look around the school with him for now.

Their first stop was the library in the adjacent hall. It was beautiful. Rows upon rows of books, multiple armchairs around the fireplace to comfortably study, little throws to curl up near the warmth. Lois would’ve cried. Attached to the library were the study rooms, each equipped with desks and huge whiteboards to work out problems. Kon appreciated the cozy yellow lighting instead of the typical fluorescents used as he passed.

Next was the lounge/common room as Bart explained, a huge room with chaises and couches and a little minifridge with snacks and drinks. Someone had written a little note saying Stay Hydrated with a bad doodle of a cat and stuck it on the fridge. When Kon laughed and mentioned it to Bart, his smile impossibly widened.

“That’s Teekl.” He explained. “Some senior named Klarion had a cat named Teekl, and left this note ages ago. Now when it’s exam season, we leave offerings for Teekl outside, for good grades. If you pet Teekl, some people say you get a wish. But of course, barely anyone’s seen him, let alone pet him.” He ended with a sigh.

They moved downstairs to the ground floor, where Bart showed him the lobby and how he could make trips outside the school.

“And here’s the school commissary!” Bart said, leading Kon in. The shop was filled with random items with crow logos printed on them. Crow dumbbells, notebooks, snacks, you name it. Kon ended up buying a red hoodie and a navy blue hoodie along with a shirt that had the school’s motto “Sic Parvis Magna” on it.

They walked out of the student building into the Great Lawn. It was encased by the other buildings and the surrounding forest. Bart warned Kon against going into the forest at night, but then gave him a conspiratorial wink, thoroughly confusing him.

The lawn had picnic tables scattered everywhere, along a giant hole in the ground to their left.

“What’s that,” Kon asked. “A sinkhole?”

“No, that’s our amphitheatre,” Bart explained. “Student performances and stuff go on there. But when nothing’s happening it’s just a free space.”

Beyond the amphitheatre was the athletics area. Bart informed him that he did track and his friend Cassie did the javelin and shot put for the team. Kon asked if there was a basketball team, to which Bart enthusiastically told him sign-ups were in November.

To the right was the cafeteria. Kon just prayed that it wasn’t like the school food in Metropolis and didn’t ask further. Bart excitedly led him to the biggest building ahead of them. It was Gothic in appearance, with reaching towers and a large rose window in the front.

“This is our main school building.” Bart told him, opening the large glass doors. “Since you have to start going to classes tomorrow, I’ll just show you where you have to go now!”

He first showed him where the core subjects would be taught and who would teach them.

“Cassie’s mom teaches a special archaeology unit in History every year to the seniors. It’s finally our turn!”

“Mr. Gupta gives a lot of homework, but most of it is just for completion, not accuracy.”

“Dr. Quinn is the AP Psych Teacher. Watch out for her husband though. Or maybe they divorced? I can’t remember– anyways, he’s a total nutjob.”

“Ms. Gordon is new, she’s the CompSci teacher,” Bart said, leading Kon down the Thomas Wayne Science Wing . “She’s really nice. Gives out a lot of candy.”

“There’s the engineering class, my grandfather used to teach it. Now it’s Mr. Kord. He’s the best!”

“And there’s PoliSci,” Bart said, opening the door. “Mrs. Waller sucks, but she’s good at her–”

“Anarchism undermines the concept of justice,” a voice said loudly. “It’s in human nature to form social groups with one another. Who’s to say that larger or more powerful groups won’t take advantage of having no punishment to fit their crime and hurt others?”

“In a true anarchist society,” another voice argued. “Without capitalist influence, justice would be found through mutual cooperation, and helping one another.”

“Must’ve walked in on the debate team,” Bart whispered, closing the door, before someone called him.

“I saw you lurking, Mr. Allen,” they said. Bart sheepishly opened the door again, making eye contact with a plump Black lady sitting at a desk in the front center of the classroom.

“Sorry Mrs. Waller,” he said. “I was just showing Kon around. He’s new.”

“Well then,” Mrs. Waller said, putting on a pair of glasses and shuffling through papers. “Why don’t you help your new student get situated by making some friends. Start with the debate team. We were just wrapping up anyway.”

Kon stepped into the class, looking at the students. The boy who had spoken last walked up to him and extended a hand. “My name’s Lonnie.” he said, brushing his strawberry blonde hair out of his face. 

He then met Jessica Cruz, their original orator and Mia Dearden, their humorous interpreter. Kaldur, who didn’t provide a last name, hugged him and then asked what classes he had.

“Tim,” Lonnie called. “Come say hi to the new kid!”

Kon froze. Tim as in, Tim Drake?  

“One sec, just packing,” Tim called as he walked up. Kon could now recognize his voice as the boy who had spoken first. Tim held out his hand.

“I’m Tim Drake. Nice to meet you…?”

“Kon. Kent. We’ve met before.”

“I’m sorry, I don’t quite remember,” Tim said stonily, not showing any expression on his face whatsoever. What was Kon supposed to do with that?!

“You’ll have to forgive Tim,” Lonnie laughed. “He’s known on our campus for being the Ice Prince. Only me, Ives, Cassie, Tam –although that’s just because she’s just as cold as he is– and– oh Bart!” Lonnie exclaimed as Bart jumped up on Tim. 

“What’s up Timalim?” Bart said excitedly, pulling on Tim’s face.

“Bart, get off,” Tim giggled. And Kon freaked.

He hadn’t gotten the chance to notice it before since he was too busy panicking, but it seemed like the gods had given Tim all the best puberty genes. His skin was glassy smooth, the only blemishes were two tear drop beauty marks on his cheek, but that just made him all the more beautiful to Kon. His lips were a pretty shade of pink that Kon was already panicking about. How’d the little brat he’d met ages ago turn out so hot ?

He may have stared too hard because Tim looked up at him with piercing glacier eyes and cocked an eyebrow.

“Is there a problem?” He asked. “Because you’re staring holes into my face.”

“No, no problem,” Kon managed to struggle out.

“Good. Don’t do it again,” Tim said with finality as he walked past Kon to the door. Lonnie gave him an apologetic look as he followed him out.

Nevermind, Kon thought. Still a brat.

Chapter Text

Jon walked down to the lecture hall, feeling nervous. He had no idea where any of his classes were, but he had talked to a few students before coming out. 

There was Mia, who liked to go by “Maps” and solve mysteries. Then it was Colin, a sweet boy who was apparently friends with Damian. Skye had apparently got in on an art scholarship while Connor had extensive martial arts training. Everyone at this school was so talented. Jon felt dim by comparison.

He opened the large glass doors, looking around. The secretary had told him that someone would be there to show him around but he didn’t see anyone who looked like they were waiting to help. As soon as he had entered with his friends they had all dispersed to their classes in a rush, while Jon stood near the main entrance waiting for someone to come around.

The bell rang and Jon started considering just roughing it and going around the halls himself. Just as he was about to turn around, the glass doors opened and a deep voice called out “I apologize!”

Jon spun back, booking at the man bent over from racing to the building.

“Oh, are you my guide?” he asked, curiously eyeing the guy.

“Forgive me,” he said, getting up. He dusted off his pants, and looked up to meet Jon’s eyes. “My name’s Damian Wayne. I was your assigned guide.”

But Jon had long stopped listening. Damian had a complexion like warm honey, with pink lips that were in a natural pout. His black hair was styled back, but strands had managed to fall out in the front. Damian had reached up to push them back, but to no avail as they had slipped out again. But what Jon was staring at the most were his eyes.

He had deep green eyes, like mossy stones after the rain. Jon could wax poetry about them for days. That combined with the flush on his cheeks from running, he didn’t know what to do anymore. Jon had just fallen in love, hard and fast.

He didn’t pay attention until he realized Damian was walking away, and he eagerly followed him, trying to listen to what he was saying.

“The secretary made me accompany you, since we had similar classes,” Damian informed him in that husky voice of his. All Jon could do was nod along.

“We have English with Mr. Corrigan. He’s somewhat of a wastrel, but we make do.”

Jon entered the class alongside Damian and immediately popped out of his little pink heart glitter bubble. He had no place to sit. Everyone had already taken a seat, and he didn’t have anywhere to sit. He stood awkwardly, trying to gauge who would be okay with letting him sit next to them, when Damian grabbed his hand.

“Stop standing there and gawking,” he told him impatiently. “I sit near the back. There’s an empty seat there where you can sit.”

Oh god. If Jon wasn’t crushing before, he was absolutely doing so now. He walked down the aisles, following Damian to his seat. The desks were arranged in groups of two, and Damian didn’t have a partner yet.

Jon pulled out the English book that had been left on his desk and began flipping to the page Damian had gone to. Damian pointed out the line they were on for him, leaning in on Jon, just enough so he could catch a whiff of his hair. It smelled like summer, a citrusy scent with hints of basil and mint.

Fuck. Jon had fallen hard.

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Honestly, the school wasn’t that bad. Kon was adjusting well enough. The classes actually managed to keep his interest, unlike his high school in Metropolis. The people were certainly much easier to get along with than Rick and his gang back home. Bart and Cassie were quite literally the funniest people he had ever met. 

There was just one little problem. Tim Drake. Kon shared AP PoliSci and a business class with the guy and he could not figure out his problem! Tim seemed to get along with everyone but Kon. 

Well, that was an exaggeration. Tim hardly got along with anyone. But all of Kon’s new friends also turned out to be Tim’s. There was never a moment without someone running up to say hello to him. And Kon didn’t mind, god honest!

If only Tim didn’t glare at him while bestowing greetings to his followers. It was insane!

Bart would go up and hug him, jumping all over him, and Tim wouldn’t even bat an eye. Kon would raise his hand to say hi, and be met with the iciest stare he’d ever seen.

Did he kill his dog in a past life or something? What the hell was his deal?!

By the end of his first week, Kon had resolved to not think about Tim Drake at all. Anytime their eyes met, he immediately looked away. Once he even caught Tim rolling his eyes at him!

If only he wasn’t so damn pretty.

At least Jon was having the time of his life. He had quickly made friends with his whole class and had a new crush by the sounds of it. Kon came across them on campus once and immediately clocked the intense flirting that was going on. Honestly, they were two steps away from calling each other “honey bunny” and “lovebug”. 

That’s why when Jon came crying to him about how Damian had rejected him, Kon was shocked.

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Jon had finally built up the resolve to ask Damian out. He had it all planned out. The school was letting them have an outing, and Jon had instantly gone up to the front office to fill out the application to leave for the day. He reserved a table at a cute little cafe just outside the woods, that was known for having lots of deer spotted around. 

Then, after some idle chatter, Jon would segue to asking him out with a bouquet of pink camellias, white carnations, and gardenias. Damian was big on flower language so he’d definitely appreciate the choice of blossoms. 

Everything was going according to plan so far. They had sat at their table and ordered some fries and pizza. Jon was preparing himself to ask Damian, when the latter sighed.

“You know, I wish I could date you,” Damian grumbled, looking irritated as he sipped his chocolate milkshake.

“W-what?!” Jon spluttered. “Why can’t you? And how’d you know I was going to ask you out?!”

“Well, first of all, you can’t hide anything, Jonathan,” Damian quipped, a smirk on his face. “It was really obvious that you were into me. And second, my father is really strict. I can’t ever date– not unless Drake does.”

“Huh,” Jon asked, confused. “Wait, why can’t you?”

“It’s a long story,” Damian said, rolling his eyes. “Tales of epic romance and heartbreak and finding your family, etc.”

“Well, our reservation is until nine,” Jon informed him. “We have time.”

Damian sighed, realizing that Jon wasn’t going to let it go. “Fine. But only because I like you so much.”

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“Drake’s always been something like a favorite to Father. I’m told he was very weak when he was adopted, and Father immediately pitied him and spoiled him rotten with gifts and such. Then when he went to the academy, some senior named Jean-Paul Valley apparently took an interest in him and asked him out.

“Drake was skeptical but he agreed. Soon he started coming home every single day with a new story about Valley. But turns out he was a manipulative devil, who came to besmirch my brother's honor instead of the angel he painted himself to be.

“He’d stop texting him for days on end, right when Tim needed him the most, and then come back with a terrible apology. Then he’d start fucking gaslighting him, telling him how naive and silly he was to worry about things! But whenever Tim tried to leave him, he’d say some bullshit about how Tim was his angel, how he was only better because of him, and the idiot stayed!” Damian huffed, trying to control his temper. “Not idiot. Lovesick fool.”

“But the downfall of their failing relationship was when Jason, my second eldest brother came to pick Tim up on his motorbike. Valley was convinced that Tim was seeing another guy and started becoming jealous. He’d get reckless around Tim, and then he started insisting that they have sex. Tim kept saying no, and that he was too young, but one day Valley cornered him and tried…tried to… make him .

“Luckily Drake wasn’t too frail and managed to run away and get back to the manor. As soon as everyone found out, they immediately broke that shithole’s legs. He didn’t walk across the stage with the rest of his class that June. In fact, I think he got denied from every college and is now in prison for his crimes.” A semblance of a smile flickered across Damian’s face before he sobered again. “But now, Father is terrified to let us date. I’m his youngest and he feels extra protective fo me for whatever reason. When I protested, he said I couldn’t date unless Drake did, which he won’t until his late twenties now.”

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Jon was about to do what was possibly the most selfish thing he had ever done. He knew it wasn’t right to want to break Tim’s heart again, but he couldn’t even see past Damian’s sad smile and words.

He knocked the door to Kon’s dorm, anxiously twiddling his fingers as he waited.

The door swung open as Kon looked down on him, raising one eyebrow in question.

“I have a favor to ask.”

Chapter Text

Kon had promised Jon he’d carry out his request, but he honestly had no clue on how to do it. Even if he hated Tim, he didn’t want to break the guy’s heart!

But who could he convince to go out with Tim? He had only been at the school for a few weeks, and it seemed that almost everyone else avoided Tim like the plague.

Oh well, what was the phrase again? “No job better than one by oneself”? “Best to do a job yourself?” Whatever.

Kon figured he couldn’t jump into this fake-dating sitch with a half-baked idea. He needed a plan.

He pulled out a notebook and began writing down bullet points on what to do.

• Flirt with Tim and make him fall in love

• Jon convinces Damian’s dad that he’s a good match

• Break up with Tim GENTLY

Eh. It definitely could be thought out more, but it worked for now.

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He decided to start with flirting. Light banter would work wonders, he was sure. 

During lunch break, he skipped getting food and looked around the lawn for Tim’s inky hair. He was sitting on a bench with Lonnie and Ives, picking at his pizza while listening to something Ives was passionately yelling about Dungeons & Dragons from what Kon could hear. 

He watched as Tim slightly tipped his head back as he laughed, and immediately was hit with what he was doing. He could do this to anyone , let alone Tim! He needed to go back and tell Jon that it wouldn’t work out, that they’d have to find another way to get together, because Kon couldn't manipulate someone and have it on his conscience. (It could also be because Tim looked so damn pretty but Kon wasn’t willing to dwell on that right now.)

But then he remembered Clark’s face telling him to give up music, and his time with the band back home. He couldn’t give up music, ever, and this was his one chance to get it back. He picked up his resolve and walked over to the table, praying that he caught Tim in a good mood.

As he approached, Lonnie raised an eyebrow, asking him why he was coming. He shook it off and looked at Tim until he stared back. His natural stone-face expression was back on his face, but there were still traces of a smile at the edges. Okay Kon, you got this.

“Tim,” Kon began, hoping this wouldn’t crash and burn horribly. “Do you like water?”

“Uh, more of a coffee guy but sure,” Tim responded, every part of his face screaming no way. “Everyone likes water.”

“Then you already like 75% of me!” Kon said, cheeks already reddening in embarrassment.

“With that logic, wouldn’t I like 75% of everybody?” Tim deadpanned.

Fuck. Kon had screwed up. He was about to turn around and hide under his bed forever until he heard a snort.

Tim was giggling, cheeks pink from the lack of air.

“Did you– did you really think that was going to work?” He stammered out in between laughs.

“I figured it’s better to try and fail than to not try at all.” Kon shrugged, pasting on his best smile.

“Good effort, soldier.” Tim quipped, before turning back to Ives and saying something. Kon took that as his cue to leave, walking on cloud nine on the way out.  

Holy shit. This could work.

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Clearly, this was not working. Kon hadn’t gotten any more chances to approach Tim after the pick-up line incident, so he was now waiting for PoliSci for a chance to speak to him.

Unfortunately, his seat was near the back, and Tim sat at the very front, so he could always be the first to argue with Mrs. Waller. The teacher seemed irritated by the backtalk, but it became evidently clear after a while that Tim was her favorite.

Kon needed to come up with an idea to talk to Tim. Maybe he could act like he needed help with the class. And then the homework help that Tim provided him would be enough, so he would obviously need to be tutored. And then one night while working late at the library, Kon would crack a joke, and Tim would laugh, and suddenly a tension in the air would be clear, before Kon leaned in to close the gap between them, scared that Tim wouldn’t enjoy it, but then he would reciprocate, pressing into the kiss–

“Uh, Kon,” Tim’s voice called. Kon snapped out of his daydream and looked up. Tim was standing near his desk, one eyebrow quirked up.

“Yeah,” Kon responded. “Hi, Tim.” Why was he here? His seat was in the front of the class?!

“Do you have scissors?”

“Uh, sure,” Kon said, confused. Why would Tim ask him? When there were so many other people closer to him.

Tim’s cheeks turned pink, and he began stammering, as if he’d read Kon’s mind.

“I–I asked around and no one else said they had one!” He defended. “You were my last option, really!”

“Okay, harsh,” Kon joked, handing Tim his scissors. “You could let a guy down easy.”

“I just wanted to make sure you didn’t get the wrong idea!” Tim huffed, before turning on his heel and walking back to his desk.

Kon went back to finishing his worksheet, but not before he heard Lonnie say “So you asked everyone , huh?”

“Oh, shut up!” Tim grumbled, the color of a raspberry. “Maybe I asked everyone but you!

“Mhm,” Lonnie responded, the smirk clear on his face, even from where Kon was.

Maybe this was working better than Kon thought…

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“Hurry up brat!” Jason called from the street. “Alfred’s going to kill me if you’re late!”

“Coming!” Tim called, running from the great lawn to Jason’s car. It was a dark red Porsche, the prettiest car Tim had ever seen (although he’d never tell Jason).

He hopped in the passenger seat and started fiddling with his phone, connecting to the Bluetooth.

“Do you know what’s up with Damian?” Jason asked as Tim was trying to pick a playlist to play, settling on his Laufey one.

“What do you mean?” Tim responded, curious. He hadn’t noticed a change in Damian recently, but he also didn’t talk to Damian very much outside of the house. 

“He’s been walking on air lately,” Jason responded. “Yesterday, I caught him humming. Humming!”

“Well now that you mention it,” Tim said, shrugging. “Maybe he’s got a crush?”

“No, but then he’d be sad,” Jason said, waiting at a traffic light. “Because he can’t date.”

Because of him. Tim felt a pang of guilt. If he hadn’t been so stupid, Damian could still live his life. No wonder he hates him.

“No,” Jason said loudly. “I know what you’re thinking right now. It’s not your fault Tim. You were a kid. You are a kid. Bruce shouldn’t have created that rule, but we were too worried to stand up then, and now he’s implemented it. That’s not your fault.”

“Yeah,” Tim sighed. “I’ll talk to Damian when we get home. See if I can figure out what’s got him so happy.”

“Uh sure,” Jason said. “But I think his friend Jon or something is over right now.”

ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ🫀ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ

Oh Jason, you idiot, Tim thought as he walked into Damian’s room. He and his “friend” Jon were lying on his bed, cheeks pink from laughter. Damian was even smiling at the kid. They had to be dating. There was no way they weren’t. 

“I wish you could meet my father,” Damian said. “It’s hard to keep anything a secret in this house.”

There it was. Damian and this boy were dating. They just couldn’t tell anyone. Because of Tim. Because of his stupid mistake.

Tim breathed shallowly, trying to keep the boys from hearing him eavesdrop. Jon was biting his lip, looking nervous for some reason.

“Damian,” he began anxiously. “I may have done something that you may not like.”

“What?” Damian asked, turning to face him.

“I– I told Kon to date Tim in exchange for this guitar he wanted. Since you can’t date anyone until he does.”

Damian sat up, shocked. “Jonathan! How could you do this to my brother?!”

“I’m sorry, I wasn’t thinking, I just want to date you, and I’ll go tell Kon to stop and–”

Before Jon could finish the statement, Damian kissed him passionately. Tim didn’t catch the rest of their heartfelt chat, running off.

Tim was angry. Forget angry, he was furious, enraged even. Kon was flirting with him as a part of some bet?! For a fucking guitar?! Oh, there would be hell to pay. After Jean, Tim swore that he would never be so stupid again. He couldn’t believe he was ready to fold so fast for someone who was using him. He wouldn’t get away with this.

Tim briskly walked to his room, careful not to bump into anyone. The last thing he needed was a concerned Alfred peeking in on him while he fumed. Tim shut his door behind him and then flopped onto his bed. 

And then he cried. There were a million things he could’ve done instead. Put up a dart board with Kon’s face on it. Plot on his downfall. Sabotage his academic career. Scheme some more. Find Damian’s little boyfriend and scream at him.

Damian. Tim knew why he was crying. This was his fault. If he hadn’t been so foolish, so fucking  stupid, maybe Damian and Jon wouldn’t have had to sneak around and find some idiot to date him. And as much as he wanted to strangle Kon right now, he saw how much Damian liked Jon. He couldn’t take that away from Dames. 

Suddenly, a rather sinister plan popped into Tim’s head. What was that adage again?

Two birds, one stone.