Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Things were starting to look great at Wayne Manor. Bruce felt so. 

Dick was still living in Blüdhaven, he had learned to respect his eldest wishes and slowly start to come at peace with the fact that he was making his own path, even though it still hurt a little not having his son living under the same roof anymore.

On the brighter side, he was proud of the man Dick was blooming into and their relationship was slowly improving, as well as his own relationship with Jason and the brother’s relationship as well. 

It was a slow progress, it still is, but his heart fluttered with joy when Dick was around and he could hear his and Jason’s laughter around the halls of the manor, doing god-knows-what-shenanigans.

So yes, one could say that Bruce was feeling enthusiastic about the future, but if that was the case then why was he staring at his phone, with Dick’s contact info on the screen, unable to push the little “Call” icon. He could feel it staring back at him. Waiting for his next move. 

“Well, are you going to call him or not?” Jason asked hanging upside down from the couch in his study. He had followed him there when he heard that Bruce was going to call Dick.

“Yes. In a minute” Bruce could feel the kid glare at him, but his focus was still on the phone. 

Jason replied with a frustrated sigh, his neck was starting to feel sore and his head dizzy from all the blood going to his brain so he moved to sit correctly. Also, sitting like this meant he could stare at Bruce better. 

“I can do it”

“No” 

3 months ago Dick started having self-invited sleepovers at the manor, mostly on the weekeds. He came by 2 or 3 times a month (on Fridays or Saturday’s morning) and spend the day hanging out with Jason at the manor or the city.

The 3 of them had dinner together, the first nights were akward and most of them ended up with fighting, but with time and patience they managed to stablish a new record of having 24 dinners without a fight (the latest record was 10 meals). He was looking forward to dinner number 25.

After dinner they would watch a movie (if the movie was good Alfred would join them) before leaving for patrol. 

The problem was on the words “self-invited”, Bruce wanted Dick to know that he was welcome anytime, that he still had a home at the manor, that he, Jason and Alfred looked forward to his visits. So this time, he was going to invite him over, specially because it has been 3 weeks since he last saw him and he kind of missed him. Not kind of, he missed him. 

Bruce finally pressed the call button, he couldn’t remember the last time he talked on the phone with his eldest (talking on the comms was not the same). Sometimes they messaged each other, but it was not the same as hearing his voice. Jason smiled and have him a thumbs up while the phone rang.

“Hello?” He was surprised by how fast Dick answered. 

“Hey” What else was he supposed to say? It was evident he was lost at words, because Dick assumed the worst.

“Everything okay over there? Is there a Rogue on the lose?” 

“Yes…I mean, no, there is not a Rogue on the lose. Everything is fine” Jason gave him a face (clearly having sensed his voice panicking a little), got up from the couch and started walking towards him. No, he could do this alone. He was The Batman for gods sake, he raised a single finger to Jason telling him to hold up, then started walking towards the exit of his study to pace around the hallways.

“…Ooookay” 

“We are fine, I just…wanted to know if you would like to come to the manor tomorrow…”

“Oh” 

“Or saturday, whatever works for you…I trust that everything’s allright? In Blüdhaven?” 

“Are you asking me or do you already know the answer?” Dick asked warely of his father trying to pry in his business in his city, like he used to do. 

“I'm asking you” Replied Bruce calmly. 

“Yeah, everything’s fine here” Dick answered after a few seconds of silence, Bruce could sense the change in his tone to a more relaxed one. 

“I know that I have not been around that much this month and I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I won’t make it this week either, I have a dentist appointment…well, I hope to have one” He said the last part in a bitter tone.

Bruce blinked once, then twice, processing this new information. 

“A dentist appointment? Are you okay?” 

“I may have chipped a tooth like 2 weeks ago, in the stupidest way also. Soooo I'm hoping to get it fixed this weekend but I haven’t received the call back from the receptionist confirming if they can see me this weekend, seriously their service sucks this is the third time I try and they just keep ignoring me"

Bruce nodded and kept listening.

"Buuuuut it’s the only doctor that the shitty health insurance company from work can cover and I can’t keep living like this, it’s ruining my gorgeous face and…sorry, I got carried away. Basically, i’m grounded in Blüdhaven until I can get my tooth fixed because who knows, any hour now they will call saying they have an open space for me” 

Used to Dick’s quick ramble by now, Bruce understood every word. 

“Why don’t you get your tooth fixed in Gotham? I’ll pay for it” 

“That’s not necessary I-“ 

Bruce cut him off.

“You are my kid, I want you to know that I will still take care of you and…whatever issue you may come by” 

Dick didn’t said anything for a few seconds, then he sighed. 

“Wow, so therapy really does work and it isn’t a scam. Okay Dad, you win. I’ll be there tomorrow but you gotta get an appointment with one of those fancy dentist, I’ve decided I cannot trust anyone with my face, much less a sketchy dentist with worst customer service than AT&T” 

Bruce chuckled at this, feeling glad the phone call went well.

Even though Dick said “Dad” with a little bit of sarcasm, it felt nice hearing that word again. It was just a reassurance that things are improving.

He leaned against the wall, from the corner of his eye, he spotted Jason spying on him from the open door of the study at the end of the hallway. 

He turned to him and gave him a smile, a smile the kid reciprocated while Dick continued complaining on the phone, but looking at Jason a thought hit him like cold water. He froze. 

Has Jason ever been to the dentist? He knew for sure he has never taken him to the dentist…oh god. 

“Very well then, I’ll make the appointment with my doctor. See you tomorrow chum” Bruce said keeping eye contact with Jason, his head full of questions being one of them if this was considered child neglect. 

“Byeee, tell Jason and Alfred I said hi” 

Bruce separated the phone from his ear and hanged up, keeping his face glued to the screen thinking his next course of action.

He heard footsteps approaching him and when he looked up Jason was infront of him, his blue eyes scanning waiting for an answer. 

“So? Is he coming or did you blew it? There wasn’t any shouting and you seem happy, you even smiled but then at the end of the phone call your face did a weird thing” 

“Nice detective work kid, Dick is coming tomorrow” 

Sensing something was off, Jason asked. 

“But?…”

Bruce kneeled down a little to make eye contact with Jason. 

“Have you ever been to the dentist?” 

Chapter Text

Jason frowns at hearing the word “dentist”.  Why is Bruce bringing this up? He swallowed trying to hide his nerves to no avail. 

“No, I’ve never been to one but I don’t need to. My teeth don’t hurt” Bruce gave him a sad smile before putting a hand over his shoulder. 

“I'm sorry kid, I should have taken you to one when you started living with me. It just slipped out of my mind with so many things going on…I apologize for not looking into it sooner”

“But you did take me to the doctor, remember? Your memory is starting to fail you, old man” Jason tried a joke to lighten the mood. It did not work. Bruce ruffled Jason’s hair, then got up and started walking towards the stairs.

“A doctor is different than a dentist. Alfred should be back by now, let's find him” 

Jason stayed put for a few seconds, watching Bruce’s back walking away in confussion, until realization hit him. Bruce was going to take him to the dentist unless he did something about it.

“B, i’m fine, seriously. I would know if a tooth hurt or something. Also, what does this have to do with the fact that Dick’s coming home?” Jason hurried behind Bruce to catch up, he passes his tongue over his front teeth and molars trying to feel anything out of place.

Nope, everything felt good, now he just needed to convince Bruce that he was fine. 

A few more steps and they arrive at the kitchen where Alfred was putting away some groceries, seeing this Jason walked faster with the objective to help, but the previous conversation was still lingering in his mind. 

The truth is he didn't want to go to the dentist.

Just thinking about it made his skin crawl, his dental hygiene was not the best when he lived on the streets (after all he had other priorities, forgive him if flossing was not one of them) but ever since he arrived at the manor a year ago he had a nice dental routine that include washing his teeth 2 times a day…well…he still keeps forgeting to floss every now or then but nobody is perfect. 

Still, even with the imperfecciones in his rutine he was sure there was nothing wrong with his teeth or mouth that required him opening his mouth for a stranger to stare at.

Bruce reclined on one of the counters watching Jason empty one of the grocery bags. He followed the boy’s movements with fondness in his eyes until Alfred stepped in front of him with a raised eyebrow. 

“Dick is coming this weekend but he has a tooth emergency, so I’m talking him and Jason to the dentist” 

“Dear lord, is he okay?” Alfred asked worried. 

“Apparently he broke a tooth and hasn’t been able to fix it in Blüdhaven, but yes he is fine, it’s just a little umconfortable”

Jason stopped on his way to the fridge still carrying the ham and turned to face the two adults in the kitchen. 

“No, i’m not going. You can go with Dick” Withouth waiting for a reply, he stored the ham on one of the fridge drawers, closing it a little harsher than he normally would. 

“I told you everything’s fine with my teeth” Jason walked up to them forgetting the rest of the groceries “See?” He showed them his teeth for a brief moment in a forced smile.

“It may look that way but one can never know until it’s too late” Said Bruce patiently. He knew Jason wasn’t the fondest on doctors but this was non-negotiable, as well like other health related things.

“I assure you it will not take that long for the doctor to do a check-up, Master Jason” Alfred replied trying to reassure the young teenager. Jason looked down for a second, stepped away from them and continued putting away the groceries, resigned.

If Alfred wasn’t on his side, there was no point to keep pleading for his case. At least he bought him the good type of the chips, the crunchy ones. 

Alfred joined him while Bruce looked up the contact of his dentist on his phone, a few seconds later Alfred hummed in thought.

After finishing placing everything away, Alfred thanked him and Jason started heading to his room quietly, dragging his feet in defeat. His stomach was already acting up from the anxiety of his upcoming doom, Alfred broke the silence saying:

“Master Bruce, you should include yourself in the appointment as well” at Alfred’s words, Bruce looked up from his cellphone mid-conversation with his dentist, the one in charge of reconstructing his teeth whenever Brucie Wayne got into another extreme sport accident.

Jason stopped on his tracks and turned to listen the conversation.

“Excuse me?” Bruce was baffled.

“All I’m saying is that you should also get a check-up, like Jason. After all, we can never know until it’s too late” Alfred repeated the same words Bruce had said to Jason with a taunting smile. 

Bruce rolled his eyes and continued his conversation with the clinic, scheduling one more patient. 

Jason made eye contact with Alfred, who winked at him. In return, he gave him a smile that didn’t reach his eyes and continued his way to his room.

When he arrived, he picked up his phone from the night desk and threw himself on the bed looking at the ceiling, letting the soft comforter cling to his clothes and suck him in false warmth and short protection.

It wasn’t fair, really. He did his best to avoid getting sick: He took vitamins, he always had a jacket, scarf AND hat on when it was cold (no matter how ridicoulus he looked and the jokes Dick made about him looking like a penguin) 

Heck, Jason even wore facemasks when someone in his classroom had the flu and irresponsably came to school to spread their germs. 

All of his efforts for nothing. He unlocked his phone looking for the culprit of his doom.

Jay

〚16:05〛
» This is all YOUR fault.

〚16:05〛
» You were the one that taught me to protect the face, idiot.

dick :D

〚16:08〛
» ????

〚16:12〛
» OH 

〚16:12〛
» B got an appointment for you too?

Jay

〚16:12〛
» You need to tell him that u went to a dentist in shithaven 

dick :D

〚16:12〛
» No can do, srry :( 

Jay
〚16:12〛
» 🖕🏽🖕🏽🖕🏽

Feeling petty, Jason changed Dick's contact info to "dick D:" then placed his phone on the nightstand and covered his face with his pillow to let out a small muffled scream through the red pillow case. 

Was he being dramatic? Maybe, so sue him if being scared of going to the dentist was a crime. 

Scratch that, he was not scared. He just could’nt understand their business, like why would anyone dedicate years (if not) their entire live studying and working with human exposed bones. 

Also what was up with the creepy chair with the big light and…things attached to it, and the laughing gas? Hello? Is anyone getting Joker vibes in here? 

Letting the pillow go, he rolled on the bed reaching for his phone and scrolled through Dick’s multiple messages.

dick D: 

〚16:13〛
» Srry that he dragged you to this, but I need it so bad 😩

〚16:13〛
» I can’t keep living like this, look 

〚16:14〛
*Image sent*
(The picture was Dick showing his front teeth to the camera, his right canine was missing a significant piece)

〚16:14〛
» You see what I live with everyday? 🥺

〚16:14〛
» Are you there? Hello?

〚16:15〛
» Jay? 

〚16:15〛
Omg is this ur first time going to the dentist? 

Jay

〚16:15〛
» …

dick D:

〚16:16〛
» It’s not that big of a deal I promiseee, I  also freaked out when B took me the first time but everything turned out all right 👍👍👍👍👍👍

Jason just sighed, he replied to Dick’s message by sending a picture of an old man without any teeth with the caption: “Btw u look like him” an tossed his cellphone away. 

A few minutes later he was heading to the training room to let out some steam, like Bruce was teaching him. He tried reading to keep himself distracted but his mined just kept spiralling on different scenarios that could go down. 

What if he had like this nasty invisible disease where all of his teeth needed to be replaced? What if it hurt? Like really hurt? 

Before going down to the batcave, he changed into some gym clothes and checked his mouth in the mirror of his bathroom.

Perhaps with the right tools he could look up for a YouTube tutorial…no, he would only end up making things worst if he tried to fix something himself. (If there was something wrong, in the first place). 

He should make Alfred watch the YouTube tutorial instead.

Chapter Text

Jason delivered a final punch but didn’t look up from the punching bag and didn’t let his guard down, he had lost track of time down there, the Batcave tended to have that effect on people.

Cautious footsteps approach him from behind; he pretended not to hear them. With his eyes closed trying to regulate his breath back to normal, he pressed his sweaty forehead against the bag, his arms hanging loosely.

“Do you mind if I join?” Bruce said

Jason peeked from one eye and saw him standing near, Bruce was also sporting gym wear and bandages around his hands and wrists for boxing. Jason pushed the punching bag in Bruce´s direction. He wasn’t in the mood to spar.

“Go ahead, I’m done”

He walked to one of the benches and sat down, fidgeting with the edge of one of the bandages to take it off.

Bruce was charting into unknown territory. Dick always wore his heart on his sleeve, so it was easy to know what he was feeling and thinking, with Jason was different. Most of the time Jason gave if-you-talk-to-me-I-will-punch-you vibes, putting on a tough guy acting around people he didn’t trust but deep down? Jason could be more emotional and sensible than Dick.

And it was well known that Bruce is not very good at handling emotions. Instead of walking towards the punching bag, Bruce kneeled in front of Jason, scanning him with his eyes. Jason brows were furrowed deep thought, focused on getting the bandages off.

“Would it make you feel better to know more?” Bruce asked warily, his voice steadily trying to project safety.

Jason stopped fidgeting, he didn’t look up from his hands but nodded slowly.

“The appointment is tomorrow at 5. Dick told me that you know he chipped his tooth, whatever the dentist is doing to him will not apply to you or me because we are only going for a checkup. The secretary will call your name, you can go in alone or I can come with you, or Dick…or the 3 of us I guess, Doctor Lee will ask you to sit on a chair, then she will check your teeth with a tiny mirror. Shouldn´t take more than 3 minutes and…yes, I think that sums it up well”

At some point in the conversation Jason started looking him in the eye while he explained the details.

“They are not going to use laughing gas?” Jason asked, Bruce chuckled.

“No buddy, laughing gas is a sedative to help patients under procedure. You are not going to a procedure, just a checkup”

“What if…what if I need a procedure? Then what” Jason insisted.

“What if you don’t?” Jason blinked at Bruce’s question, he hadn’t thought about that. Bruce reached out slowly for Jason’s hands, he let him. Bruces’ hands started peeling at the bandages, helping him get them off. It felt…nice.

“If you end up needing something” Bruce continued, staring at Jason’s hands “We will get it fixed”, Bruce finished at the same time he managed to get Jason’s last bandage off, his hands now free.

Jason nodded again, he didn’t want to learn any more details about what could go wrong. He felt himself feeling better, just a little bit.  

“Okay…”

Bruce stood up, Jason followed, leaving the bench behind. He was retreating to his room looking forward to having a nice shower, his nerves now settled.

“If you are feeling up to it you can go out with me tonight”, Bruce said behind him. Wait WHAT? Jason perked up and turned quickly, facing Bruce with eyes brindling with excitement.

“Really? But is Thursday”

Bruce hummed, crossing his arms.  

“I guess you are right, my bad. Forget about it”

“WHAT? Nooo” Jason whined and walked to him, he attempts to pull Bruce’s arms apart, trying to make him budge. Bruce chuckled again seeing the teenager’s effort. 

“Did you finish your homework?”

“Of course I did, who do you think you are talking to?” Jason gave him puppy eyes, his hands still on his arms. Bruce watched him for a few seconds, then faked a tired sigh, like he hadn’t made up his mind 30 minutes ago.

“Very well then, you can go out as Robin tonight” Jason smiled with mischief before jumping triumphantly.

“HELL YEAH!” He ran upstairs, suddenly full of energy almost tripping from the. Bruce watched him fondly with a small smile on his face.

The next day

“Hello”

Tim stood on his toes, supporting himself with the edge of the secretary desk so he could peek at her. Mrs. Wright looked up from the computer hearing the tiny voice.

“Oh, hello. I didn’t see you come in. Do you have an appointment?” She asked kindly, giving Tim a smile.

“Yes, it’s under Timothy Drake” Tim replied, still on his toes.

“Let me see honey…” The young secretary typed quickly with skill on the computer.

“It looks like you are a little bit early sweety, your appointment is at 6:00” Mrs. Wright explained with sympathy.

“Oh” He confused the hour of his appointment. It would be a waste of time and bus money to go back to Drake manor and return. Heck, he wasn’t even sure he could make it back in time.

It was 4:30 pm, he had arrived before 5 because, surprisingly, there had been no traffic and the first bus was right on schedule. Tim wasn’t sure he would manage that luck again if he returned to Drake manor and stay there for 20 minutes before going out again.

“If you don’t want to come back you can tell your mom that you are more than welcome to wait here, honey. There are 3 patients before you but if Dr. Lee finishes before six she can take you in” Mrs. Wright spoke with a soft, reassuring tone seeing Tim frown.

“Okay” Tim shrugged and walk away from the desk. He didn’t comment on the mom thing. The waiting room of the clinic was empty; there were 2 couches facing each other and a table with some magazines in the middle. He sat on the corner of the couch that was glued to the wall of the front door, so he could stare better at the TV that hangs in the corner of the room.

The TV was playing Jurassic Park, and it looked like it had just started. Tim was in for a ride.

“Usually, I give this out after the appointment, but you are welcome to take one while you wait” Mrs. Wright took a jar full of Tootsie Pops from under the desk and placed them over it.

Oh, he was so in. He approached the receptionist’s desk again.

“Aren’t these supposed to be harmful for our teeth?” He asked but still took one Tootsie Pop from the jar. Mrs. Wright chuckled.

“Just don’t bite it and you will be fine. Are your parents coming?” Tim sat again on the couch he had chosen before.

“Mom is doing grocery shopping, I will text her that she doesn’t need to hurry” He lied, he took out his phone and pretended to text her, but he just checked the schedule of buses that led to his house after 6:30.

He had risked it by making his appointment this late, but he had school in the morning.

“If you need anything just ask, okay sweety? The secretary gave him a smile again before returning to her computer.

Tim opened the lollipop and focused on the movie.

5 minutes later, he heard the door open beside him.

He caught a glimpse of 2 mans close in stature and a boy walking in, but he didn’t pay much attention and went back to his movie. This was the part he liked: when the T-Rex broke loose and flipped the car.

“Good afternoon, I have three appointments under the name Bruce Wayne.”

At those words, Tim quickly turned toward the reception desk, surprised. He rubbed his eyes in case it was just an illusion, but no. There he was: Bruce Wayne, leaning against the counter chatting with Mrs. Wright. Dick Grayson scrolling through his phone at Bruce’s right and Jason Todd, arms crossed and head down reclining against the desk.

Jason felt Tim stare and look up, making eye contact with Tim. Tim looked away quickly, flushing. He stared at his palms on his knees, fidgeting with some loose thread on his shorts. Was this really happening? Was he really in a room with freaking Nightwing, Batman and Robin?

He pinched himself to see if this was a dream. No, he was still here in the waiting room.

Oh my god, he shared dentist with Nightwing, Batman and Robin. This was the best day ever.

“Dr. Lee is seeing a patient right now, but she will take you in as soon as she finishes. Please grab a seat”

Tim heard Mrs. Wright kind voice, he looked up again to the TV. Oh man, he had missed the scene with the T-Rex. Tim really tried not to stare at them, but he was failing miserably, stealing glances at them every few seconds.

Bruce sat in one corner of the couch that was facing Tim’s couch, Jason sat in the middle and Dick on the other corner. A few minutes passed by, but Tim didn’t dare to move following the wise advise of Jurassic Park: If you didn’t move, it couldn’t see you.

Both Bruce and Dick were scrolling through their phones, Dick would occasionally show Jason a meme or a funny video and Bruce would insist that he showed it to him too, but Dick denied his request, saying that he wouldn’t understand it. Bruce argue once that he should at least give him a chance, so Dick gave him one, Bruce only frowned and stopped insisting.

“I have to take this, don’t go in without me” Bruce said suddenly rising from his sit to answer a call, he left the waiting room. Tim froze when Bruce passed right by his side, but kept his eyes glued to the TV. A few seconds passed after Bruce left the room, when Jason spoke.

“Hey kid, are you here by yourself? He asked, looking at Tim. Tim looked away from the TV and looked at the older boy instead. Jason’s arms were crossed, and the hood of his hoodie shadowed his face, but Tim could still look at it.

Oh my god Jason Todd…Robin was addressing his existence.

“I- umm” The lollipop was making it hard to talk, so he took it out of his mouth “Yeah”

Jason frowned, the simple thought of going alone to the dentist was so foreign to him and this tiny kid was here all by himself, he looks younger than Jason.

“How old are you? He questioned.

Tim was gripping the lollipop stick far harder than he needed to.

“I’m 8”

Dick snorted beside Jason.

“Shut up Dickface” Jason tried stepping on his foot, but Dick was faster and moved it, Jason reached out to him with his arms, probably to push him but Dick stood up in a blink of an eye and landed next to Tim, laughing.  

Tim almost stopped breathing. Dick Grayson was sitting next to him.

“What’s your name?” Dick addressed him, his bright blue eyes shining with mischief from riling up his little brother.

“Tim” He answered quietly.

“Hello Tim, I’m Dick and that gremlin over there is Jason. Tell me kid, are you scared of going in?” Dick put his hand near Tim’s face, like he was holding an imaginary microphone. Tim leaned in.

“Kind of” He replied honestly. This was also Tim’s first visit to a dentist. At school they were learning about dental care where the teacher explained the importance of getting regular checks.

Tim got scared seeing the pictures on the textbook of rotten teeth and cavities, he couldn’t recall if his parents ever took him to a dentist, so he took matters into his own hands.

“Is this your first time at the dentist?” Dick continued, he turned to give an encouraging smile to Jason (who ignored it and kept glaring at him) then turned to look at Tim, who could now see that one of Dick’s front teeth was missing a part.

“Oh, you broke a tooth” He pointed out ignoring the previous question. He probably broke it during a badass encounter with some bad guys. Tim thought it was so cool.

“I did, that’s why I’m here. Jason and Bruce over there are just in for a checkup, what about you?” Dick was still using his hand as an imaginary microphone.

“Dick leave the kid alone he doesn’t want to talk to you” Jason said. Oh, Tim didn’t mind at all.

“No, it’s fine” He answered quickly.

The front door opened beside Tim; Bruce came in cellphone in hand muttering something. He glanced up, seeing Tim and Dick sitting together, both kids staring back at him.

Wait a second, Bruce had seen that kid before.

“Oh, you are Timothy Drake right?”

Oh my god now Batman was addressing his existence.

Tim believed that if he ever faced the Bat’s, it would be because they finally caught him stalking them or because he finally managed the courage to approach them at a Gala. He never imagined, not even in his wildest dreams, meeting them at a dentist’s clinic.

“Hi” Tim waved at Batman.

“How do you know him? Oh my god is he your secret son?” Dick gasped dramatically. 

“Just how many black hair and blue eye kids have you got B?” Jason joined his brother in the joke. Bruce pinched his nose with a sigh while Tim was just there brimming with excitement but trying to hide it. This was the best day ever.

“Boys this is Timothy Drake, he lives in the manor that’s at the end of the road”

“I thought that no one lived there” Responded Jason in disbelief.

“Dude” said Dick in response to Jason’s comment, smacking him lightly in the head which earned him a complain from Jason. Bruce ignored this.

“Aren’t you supposed to be in India? I could swear I saw a picture posted on Janet’s Facebook” Bruce said to Tim. Tim squirmed a little but didn’t break eye contact with Bruce.

He decided that he would be the first kid that lied to the World’s greatest detective and survived to tell the story…or maybe not.

Tim did a quick eye check to the receptionist’s desk behind Bruce, Mrs. Wright was gone, he could lie. Lying has become second nature to him after all.

“They are in India. I’m staying with a nanny, but she is grocery shopping”

“And she left you here alone? To face the dentist by yourself?

“Jason don't scare him” Bruce scolded him.

“It’s okay, really. I can take care of myself” He was thankful for the distraction; it appeared that Bruce Wayne didn’t gave a second thought to his lie. Before anyone else could say anything, the door leading to Dr. Lee’s consulting room opened, revealing Mrs. Wright.

“Dick Grayson, Dr. Lee is ready to see you now”

Everyone in the waiting room froze, looking at the door. Tim was the first to move, giving a lick to his lollipop. Jason tried to make himself look smaller by hugging himself and looking down so the hoodie he was wearing could hide his face more completely.

Dick stood up and gave Tim a wink when he noticed the kid looking up at him. He approached Jason.

“Wanna come in with me?”

Jason raised his face quickly, facing his big brother.

“Hell no”

Bruce sighed again.

“Language. Go on Dick, stop teasing him” He raised his arm pointing towards Dr. Lee’s door.

Dick gave a reassuring smile to the anxious teen in front of him.

“I promise I will come back in one piece…wait no, I’ll come back with an extra piece. For my chipped tooth” His smile grew as well as Jason desire to punch him. Even with a broken tooth, his smile was perfect, but he resigned to pouting and glaring at him.

Tim was a silent presence, observing as Jason stared at the door where Dick disappeared. He was not blind; he could notice the way Jason’s right leg bounced anxiously, how the teen was slowly leaning in towards Bruce when he sat next to him and how Dick had teased him before.

Could it be…? No, Jason was Robin. Robin was not afraid of anything.

Tim was back watching Jurassic Park when Bruce’s phone rang again; however, this call had a different ringtone than the one before.

Bruce and Jason stared at each other when they heard the sound, Jason looked down again quickly.

“Just go, Dick can come in with me”

“No, if I don’t make it back, we will reschedule. I’ll try to make it quick.

Tim was studying them now. Is this a Batman emergency happening right in front of him? It wasn’t even nighttime.

Jason didn’t look up though, Bruce kneeled in front of him searching for Jason’s eyes.

“I promise” Jason nodded a few seconds later as Bruce squeezed his hand and went through the clinic’s front door.

And then it was just Tim and Jason waiting at the dental clinic.

Chapter Text

It had been 10 minutes since Dick went in with the doctor. Mrs. Wright had returned and the only noise filling the waiting room belonged to her typing on the computer.
Tim had been staring at the movie for those 10 minutes, not daring to move or say anything, but he kept stealing glances in Jason’s direction.

He couldn’t tell if the older boy was aware of this, he seemed too lost in his own thoughts, his own fear. Jason hadn´t moved an inch after Bruce Wayne left. Tim could tell that he was scared and he felt, well…bad.

Tim too had his own anxious thoughts regarding this visit, but he came in knowing that there would be no one to help him get through it and that his own feelings were stupid anyways.

“Oh Timothy you are way too old to be acting like this. Behave at once” He still remembered the tone her mother used on him one time when he scratched his knee.

“Man up kid” He could hear his father’s voice scolding him. With a shudder he let go of those memories and his eyes landed on Jason’s stiff body.

Jason shouldn’t feel this way, after all the kindness he had shown to others both like Robin and Jason, it was time someone returned it. If there was anything Tim could do to help, he was determined to make it happen.

“So um...do you like dinosaurs?” Jason blinked, his eyes focusing on Tim’s.

“I guess...”

Tim nodded awkwardly. Small talk will not cut the deal. Time to move to phase 2.

He took a deep breath, stood off from his side of the couch and quickly moved across the waiting room and sat right next to Jason, who was looking at him like he had grown a second head.
Okay, rude, but Tim will let it slide because Jason was not feeling his best.

“Jason, right?

“Yeah”

“So…” Tim fidgeted with his hands and looked down to make his nerves look more believable “I lied before”

This piqued Jason’s curiosity.

“About what?

“Being okay going in alone…I guess I’m just used to you know? With my parents being away pretty much all the time but that doesn’t make it less scary”
Now Tim was playing with the zipper of his jacket, not daring to look at Jason. Things were beginning to feel a bit too personal for Tim’s liking, but the bait of helpless little boy was working.

He could feel Jason’s worrying eyes scanning him, Tim and his camera lens had been spectators of that look a hundred times from the dark edges of rooftops, but he had never felt it himself.
“If you are like…cool with it or if it’s like…okay with your brother” Tim tried his best to keep his voice steady “do you think that maybe you could…go in with me?”

After finishing the sentence, Tim looked up and saw Jason’s deep blue eyes staring back at him, but he couldn’t decipher what the older boy was thinking.

They didn’t say anything for a few seconds and stared at each other in awkward silence. Tim bit his bottom lip, regretting his decision.

“I’m sorry forget about it” Color rushed to Tim’s cheek from the embarrassment of making a fool in front of one of his heroes, he stood up quickly to return to his couch, but Jason grabbed his arm stopping him.

“I can go in with you”

Yes. This was Jason’s familiar territory. Helping young (and sometimes) frightened kids, he could go with Tim and stay like…really far away from the dentist BUT he could help him by being there. Make him feel safe. He could do this.

Tim smiled at him.

“Really?”

“I promise”

Tim sat down again next to Jason with relief; he was beginning to think his manipulation abilities were out of touch.

“Thank you”

Jason nodded.

“Don’t worry about it”

Few minutes passed and neither one of them said anything, sharing a comfortable silence until the movie on the TV flickered to black, abruptly replaced by a local news broadcast.
“Oh shit” Jason said standing up to get a better angle of the images on screen, where one of the buildings of Arkham Asylum was on fire. The man on the news was not giving a lot of details, just that there were no reports of escaped inmates…yet.

“Don’t worry, Batman’s got this” The unexpected sound of Tim’s voice beside him made Jason jump.

“Sorry”

“It’s fine” Jason brushed it off and fixed his eyes on the TV again. The broadcast and the man on screen were no help at all, if Jason had been tense before, now his anxiety was rising fast. What was he doing there? He should have left with Bruce.

Maybe this was the divine intervention he’d been hoping for to skip his trip to the dentist. A wicked smile was beginning to appear in Jason’s face.

Yes, it was.

“Why are you smiling like that?” The smile on his face was quickly erased with the sound of Tim’s voice by his side. Jason looked at Tim, at tiny Tim who was looking up at him with innocence.

“I’m just...uh…hoping to see Batman in action…and Robin”

Jason turned back to the TV and put on a stoic face. What excuse should he give Tim to explain his sudden need to leave? Or the secretary that was behind them working on her computer? Would they even care if he left? Probably not, he had just met the kid, surely, he would be fine without…

Tim nodded along with Jason’s answer.

“Me too, they are the best. Especially Robin”

Jason looked down at Tim, not expecting that answer, but the kid didn’t looked back at him, he kept staring at the TV with shining eyes.

“Robin?

“Yup!”

“Huh”

“Yeah, I mean, I think Batman’s great and all that and his gadgets are cool and stuff, but Robin is just…I don’t know.

Tim shrugged, still looking at the TV. No one had ever let him talk this long about his heroes and it seems to help with Jason’s anxiety so it’s a win/win situation.

“Robin helps in a different way; Bad guys need to learn their place but Robin’s not that you know? At least not entirely…he brings hope and magic to Gotham”

“…Huh” Jason had never thought of himself like that. No one has ever said something so nice to him, God damn it he was going to tear up.

“There’s a rumor going around on tabloids that he is a teenager; do you believe it? One of us being Batman’s right hand in his fight against crime and mission to create a better Gotham. I hope it’s true, he inspires me you know? He inspires kids to do good like him and-

Tim never finished the sentence as firm arms closed around him, his face sinking into a soft, reassuring warmth. His breath caught in his throat because Jason was hugging him.

He stood awkwardly, surprised by the sudden contact, but slowly he lifts up his arms and returned the embrace.

“That was beautiful Tim” Jason sniffed, petting the kid’s hair slowly.

Now Jason felt like crap for ever thinking about leaving the little kid alone to face the dentist by himself.

No, they would do this together.

Even though Tim was very much enjoying the hug, he was supposed to not know that Jason was Robin, so he faked awkwardness for being hugged by a teen he met half an hour ago.

“Uh thanks, I just really like superheroes, I guess. Thank you for letting me yap about it.”

Tim made an effort to pull away from the warm embrace, but Jason didn’t let him go away. Not just yet.

“I like superheroes too…my favorite is Wonder Woman though, but those things you said about Batman and Robin were beautiful man. Thank you”

Jason petted Tim’s hair one last time before letting him go. His attention back to the TV, there were no sights of Batman or inmates from Arkham, just firefighters on scene putting out the chaos.

“It looks like everything’s good”

“Yup” Jason’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out and glanced at the lock screen: a message from B.

B
〚17:21〛
» Apparently, just a fire caused by a guard who put a burrito in a microwave…with the foil still on it. Almost on my way, how are you doing?

Jason
〚17:21〛
» Quite good actually, take as long as you need.

B
〚17:22〛
» That’s great champ, I’ll be there in a few minutes, don’t worry about it.

Jason
〚17:22〛
» 🫡

Jason turned off his phone, feeling more relaxed. Tim was already sitting down, still watching the TV but without the anxiety from before, Jason sat down next to him with a content sigh, his neck against the couch.

“Do you want to watch videos on my phone while we wait?” Jason asked, showing Tim his phone.

“Sure! Do you have games on it?” Tim moved closer to Jason to get a better look at the screen.

“A few that Dick made me download” Jason chuckled unlocking his phone, he opened YouTube and searched for an age-appropriate video.

He never imagined he would enjoy hanging out with an 8-year-old at the dental clinic, but he was familiar with life changing events occurring to him and honestly? Jason was more than okay with this one.