Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

A few weeks went by and the couple kept on going strong, even though their relationship remained a secret for the majority of the castle residents.

Which was surprising considering that they took every opportunity they had to sneak out into not so secretive places to make out like there was no tomorrow.

Anyway, at this point Conner was more than ready to let everyone know that they were happily committed to each other. He was pretty sure that the Slytherin head prefect – screw him and his sixth-year muscles – kept checking Tim out every damn time his boyfriend would so much as pass along his way.

And Conner was fed up, he really wanted to go public – hoping the guy would have some decency to back the hell off – so he could stop being alert to make sure no one was coming their way every time he was about to undo the buttons of Tim’s uniform blouse.

On the other hand, Tim insisted that it was better if they kept things how they were for a - lot - little longer. He liked the idea of having something his brothers were not aware of and therefore could not try to tell him how to deal with.

And the guy had valid reasons. When he was starting to befriend Bart, Dick made sure to teach him some jokes he could tell him and Jason showed him some self-defense moves he could use for when they had their first fight. Even eight years Damian had sent him some chocolate frogs with a small note saying: ‘’Keep it well fed and it shall not ever leave your side. Works with all animals.’’

Now if he was purposely calling Bart an animal or if he really believed Tim was unable to befriend a person and had to go for an animal instead the Ravenclaw never got to know, but his point remained still: he didn’t want his brother’s - or anyone’s for the matter - big nose in his business.

And to top it all there was Bruce. Bruce who so openly stared at them both and said he didn’t approve. Look, Tim couldn’t do a lot of emotions and he sure as hell couldn’t do disappointment. Especially not from his father.

So things stayed the same for a while.

Until, of course, the accident happened.

Tim and Conner were hanging out side by side on the window seat. They were on the sixth floor and had the beautiful view of the mostly frozen Dark Lake behind them. They were also playing that game Cassie liked to call: You blink, we kiss that was not a game at all, just the two boys with an open book among them they would pretend to be discussing about and, once they realized no one was paying attention, one of them would lean into the other and steal a kiss.

It was kind of sweet and kind of gross.

After a long day of classes, they were doing just that when Conner glanced around and noticed that the few people on the highway couldn’t care less about what they were doing so he turned to his boyfriend, who, in turn, pretended to be completely oblivious – it was part of the not a game – while he waited for that kiss.

Right at the moment the Gryffindor started to lean in, Tim caught from the corner of his eyes Dick’s unmistakable shape coming their way. His instinct to survive, in this case, not to get caught, was so strong that he used his elbow to push Conner’s chest away from him. The strength was enough to make the teen lose his balance and start to fall back with a surprised face.

Tim had exactly one second to let the feelings of dread and fear sink in before he lunged forward and caught his boyfriend by the arm, pulling him with everything he had until they were both sitting straight again. Just for good measure, he lessened his hold and manhandled Conner away from the window and against a very solid, very safe wall.

The book was long forgotten on the floor, people hadn’t spared them a single glance and Dick was nowhere to be seen.

“Oh Merlin, are you alright?” The Ravenclaw asked while cradling Conner’s face in his hands. There was a lump in his throat – he wasn’t sure if it was his heart or simply guilt – that he made sure to swallow and without waiting for an answer started to apologize: “I’m so sorry!”

It took the Gryffindor sometime to recover and finally find his voice. “I’m good, I’m good.” He whispered sounding a lot like he was trying to assure himself. “What happened?”

Tim licked his lips, knowing now that what had gotten caught up in his throat was guilt because it grew in size and washed over his whole being. “I saw Dick approaching and I panicked.” He explained, managing to sound like a complete idiot to his own ears. “I’m so sorry baby.”

Conner let a heavy sigh out and slipped down along the wall. Even though he had just experienced an extreme situation, he couldn’t help but feel light-headed to hear the pet name. As soon as he reached the floor, he made grabby hands at his boyfriend who was quick to sit down next to him. Conner laid one arm across his shoulders and brought him close to bury his nose in his untamed bangs.

They spent some time just being in each other’s company before the Gryffindor finally broke the silence: “Don’t you think it’s time for us to tell our families?” He asked carefully.

“I…” Tim started to protest but under the weight of what had just happened, he agreed with a slight nod. “Yeah, I don’t want to accidentally almost kill you again.”

Conner had the audacity to laugh, which earned him a slap to his chest. “I told you I’m fine, nothing happened.” He landed a kiss to his boyfriend’s head to reinforce his point. “Besides I think we’re worrying for nothing… I doubt anyone will make a big deal of us being together.”

Tim rubbed his face against the Gryffindor’s chest is a way that resembled a cat before sighing. “You saw how Bruce reacted…” He stared ahead with a blank face as if remembering that moment and even though Conner would never have the courage, the look on his face really made him want to hex Mr. Wayne. “But you might be right, I mean… Dick will probably be happy for us, Jason won’t even care and I already told Damian.”

“See?” Conner embraced him tighter for encouragement. “We even have Damian’s support, he’s glad for us.”

There was dead silence before Tim raised his face to look in his eyes. “How do you know?”

“Ahn?” Was Conner’s very articulate reply.

“How do you know Damian is happy for us?” He elaborated. “I didn’t tell you how he reacted when I told him.”

The Gryffindor bit his lower lip and averted his gaze. “Look, Damian and I, we have an agreement, that’s how he calls it.” He explained slowly and carefully and then turned to see his boyfriend studying him with a raised eyebrow. “Remember that day you walked in on us talking on the library? He went there to tell me to stay away from you but I kind of convinced him I was a suitable partner for you and he agreed as long as I kept him updated about us.” By the time he finished, Tim’s stare was so intense he could practically feel the weight of it over him.

“You’ve been feeding my brother information about us.” He stated emotionless.

Conner bit his lower lip again and looked around embarrassed. “When you put it like that it sounds pretty bad but…” He took a deep breath. “I just wanted to be in good terms with one of your brothers.”

A couple of seconds passed by in silence before Tim gave a small appreciative smile. “That was really smart of you.”

The Gryffindor stuffed his chest with pride under the praise and opened a sided smile. “This is what I get from being around you.”

“And what do I get from you?” Tim asked with the same expression.

Conner pressed a firm kiss against his boyfriend’s lips while holding his face. “Undeniable charm, of course.” They shared a couple of awkward kisses, they were grinning too big to make it work properly before they parted and he whispered: “We can do this!”

The Ravenclaw lowered his gaze. “I’m still not sure. Can I think about it?

“Sure, just remember you almost threw me out of a window to keep us a secret.” He answered nonchalantly.

Tim groaned and threw his head back. “I thought you had said that nothing happened.”

“Unless I need to use it against you, then it happened.” The Ravenclaw groaned again and Conner took his hand, kissing the back of it tenderly. “Is it too soon to joke about it?” He let out a chuckle when Tim pouted and nodded his head and without letting his hand go, got closer to stare deep into his blue eyes. “Look, whenever I score in a game I want to point at you, when people ask why I have this dumb look on my face I want to tell them it’s because I’m daydreaming about you, I want everyone to know how lucky I am to be with you.” He admitted slowly, tracing small circles on his boyfriend’s hand. Suddenly a thought came to him and he added in the same tone: “But I understand if you’re not ready.”

“No, you’re right.” Tim said a little shaky, he wasn’t ready for a confession like that after he had just almost killed Conner. “I guess I didn’t want to tell my family because I was worried my brothers would scare you away. But you’re still here, even after what happened at the tea shop, maybe there’s nothing to fear.” He concluded hopeful.

“Even though you just tried to get rid of me, I’m not going anywhere.” Conner assured with a smile.

“You are impossible!” The Ravenclaw exclaimed exasperated but seconds after a genuine laugh escaped his lips. Conner was thankful for hearing that sound, he didn’t want Tim to beat himself up for what almost happened. “And if Bruce still won’t approve of us…” He shrugged his shoulders and gave a small smile. “It will be nice to be the rebellious son for a change.”

“I meant what I said earlier. If you’re not ready we can wait, I don’t mind.” Conner was fast to say.

Tim raised an eyebrow and cocked his head to the side. “You were so sure minutes ago. What changed?”

The Gryffindor let his shoulders fall and sighed. “I just realized I was being a crappy boyfriend by pressuring you like this, I’m sorry.”

“No, Conner, c’mon.” Tim was quick to disagree and held his boyfriend’s shoulders. “You just helped me see there’s no reason to keep us a secret anymore. Besides…” He looked around and leaned into him to whisper: “I’m dying to tell the guys in the Arithmancy club I have a boyfriend and he’s a Quidditch player that happens to be very hot.”

The Gryffindor threw his head back and laughed. “Okay, so since we’re both hot and both sure, we can do it.”

Once again Tim cradled the others face and gave him a deep lingering kiss. “Do you mind if we do it my way?”

Conner circled his boyfriend’s waist with both arms, loving his determined face. “Let me guess, you’re brilliant mind has everything figured out already?”

“Something like that.” He opened a slow smile. “Hey, I’m really sorry I almost threw you out that window.”

“Don’t worry,” He shrugged and said in a low, conspiratorial way: “A couple of years from now we’ll be telling this story to our kids and I’ll tell them their uncle Dick caught us, pushed me off and I would be dead if you haven’t saved me.”

It was Tim’s turn to throw his head back and laugh. “I like this version better.” He said once he calmed down.

And just like that a big decision was made. They would never make out next to a window again. Oh, and they would also tell people they were together.

Two weeks went by and the big day finally arrived. With the help of their closest friends the couple was able to come up with the perfect plan to let their families aware of their relationship and now it was time to test its accuracy.

Someone had suggested they tell one person at a time, this way it would be easier to do some damage control. Unfortunately the more they thought about it, it became clearer that option was not a very good one.

“We can’t tell Dick first,” Tim started to explain one day at the library. “Because he’ll tell everyone else before we can even blink so Jason and Bruce won’t be able to hear it from us.” The next suggestion was pretty obvious so he went on before someone could make it: “He also can’t be the last one we talk to or I’ll spend the next century hearing him whine about being my least favorite brother.”

As his words sunk in, Cassie was quick to add: “Besides, I don’t think you,” She pointed at Tim and Conner. “Would want to be alone with neither Mr. Wayne nor Todd when you tell them, right?” She shook her head from side to side. “I know I wouldn’t.”

Bart nodded his head agreeing. “And if you tell everyone together, Jason will probably keep from swing his bat at Conner since he might accidently hit one of you.”

Needless to say that Conner quickly backed this strategy up, looking way more relieved than he had since the beginning of their planning. Tim was so caught up in his boyfriend and friend’s enthusiasm that he refrained from saying that sometimes he would catch Jason holding his bat and looking at Dick with such temptation that it was no guarantee at all, and instead nodded along.

“All right, so you’re going to gather everyone and rip it off like a Band-Aid,” Jaime said while writing down. He had, as Bart would say: ‘the cutest hand-writing ever!’ and was responsible for keeping everything registered so they could go over the details later. The Gryffindor then raised his head. “But… where?”

Bruce’s office seemed like a good place in Tim’s opinion, but his friends were quick to disagree claiming they wanted to be there for them so they decided to hold the meeting in one of the many tea shops at Hogsmeade then.

“It can’t be on Madam Puddifoots though.” The Ravenclaw shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know if my family is still allowed there after the last time.”

Cassie gave a big laugh. “Don’t forget you sneaked out without paying the bill, you might not be allowed either.”

As Bart and Jaime started to laugh too, Tim’s cheeks became red and Conner shot the girl a death glare. “Thank you for reminding us, Cassie.”

When the laughter finally died down, Jaime took a look at his notes. “So we have a where, who, how and why,” He announced, maybe taking his assignment too seriously, but was Tim glad for it. “We still need a when.” Concluded the Gryffindor.

Conner raised his blue eyes to his boyfriend’s. “We’re going to Hogsmeade in two weeks from now. Is it good for you?”

Tim nodded seriously. “It’s more than enough time for me to get my secret weapon.”

“Wait, secret weapon?” Bart stopped making heart eyes at Jamie to ask. “What is it?”

“Sorry guys, you’ll have to wait to see.”

As his friends and boyfriend started to protest around him, Tim couldn’t help but feel confident of their plan.

That’s how they found themselves outside the Mad Hatter Tea Shop, exchanging some last minute details before they made their way in.

“Guys, before we enter…” Bart said claiming their attention. “Cassie, Jaime and I prepared a little distraction just in case everything goes wrong.”

Conner and Tim shared a glance before turning to their friends just in time to see them exchanging a nod. In the next second Bart let a very dramatic painful moan out and pretended to pass out, Cassie caught him on her arms and Jaime started to call in Spanish:

“Dios mio, alguien me ayuda! El amor de mi vida se esta muriendo! Ayuda! Ayuda! Ayuda!”

Tim did his best to keep from laughing, but as soon as he heard Conner crackling up he gave up. Instead of looking ashamed, the triad before them seemed to be really proud of themselves.

Conner took a deep breath in. “Okay, why is Jaime speaking in Spanish?”

“It will take people longer to realize what he’s saying, it will buy you guys more time to run away.” Cassie explained and then shrugged. “Bart also wanted to add it into the plan because he thinks it’s hot.”

“I do,” The Ravenclaw admitted shamelessly.

Tim finally was able to stop laughing and got closer to the window pane while Bart and Jaime shared a quick kiss and Cassie and Conner, the hypocritical, made some gaging noises. He then turned to them. “Guys, this is very sweet of you, but I think we won’t need it. My secret weapon is waiting inside.”

It was a wonder how Bart, Cassie and Conner didn’t break the door with how they were pushing each other to make their way in, Tim shared an exasperated look with Jaime and they both found a way to control the other three before they were kicked out from another tea shop.

“Alfred, I’m so glad you were able to come.” Tim said as he approached the man standing next to a round table. He knew the butler would rather not step out from his formal stance so he refrained from hugging him this time.

“Master Timothy, there is no way I would miss it.” He replied with a light bow of his head.

“Guys, this is Alfred: the glue that holds my family together.” He introduced. “Alfred, these are my friends: Cassie, Jamie, you already know Bart and this is Conner,” He blushed a little when the Gryffindor held his hand. “My boyfriend.”

They made small talk after the introduction. His friends seemed to be touched by the legend that was the man in front of them and were extremely polite and not weird at all, something Tim didn’t know was possible.

The Ravenclaw was aware that the butler was silently studying Conner and the time he would give the oblivious teen his version of the shovel talk would come someday. Alfred preferred to do in in the Manor kitchen, where he had all that knives and other utensils under his domain.

“Well, we’ll be sat there if you need anything,” Cassie pointed at a table nearby and the triad turned to leave. She seemed to remember something and faced them again. “If you need us to do that other thing, just cough three times in a row.” She gave an exaggerated wink and this time was gone for good.

Alfred did raise one of his eyebrows, but Merlin probably took pity on him and sent help in the form of Ma and Pa Kent. He had never seen them before, but knew who they were just by the way Conner’s smile lighted the whole room up when he went to hug them.

Tim had practiced his smile for when the time to get to know them arrived, but nothing prepared him for the tight hug Ma caught him into.

“It’s so wonderful to finally get to meet you, my dear.” She said and just then released him.

The Ravenclaw gripped Pa’s hand still in awe. “Conner has told us so much about you! We’re glad to finally put a face to the name.” The man added with a big smile.

“It’s a huge pleasure to meet you both.” He stuttered, certain that his face was red as a strawberry.

Ma gripped his arm in a comforting way. If the woman wasn’t careful with her touches Tim, the touch starved creature he was, would be glued to her for the rest of this life. “We wanted to invite you to come spend some time with us on the next school break. If I’m no mistaken, I owe you a pie for raising Conner’s grades.”

Before he could answer with the biggest ‘Of course!” ever known by witches race, Pa said: “We were also hoping you’d tell us what you did to turn Conner into a less grumpy teenager, I swear he’s complaining a lot less ever since he met you!”

“Okay, I think that’s enough.” Conner interrupted before he could be embarrassed any further and raised an arm, already leading his parents to the table. “Have you met Alfred?” He quickly introduced them and went back to his boyfriend’s side just as the next guest arrived.

Of course it had to be Damian. “Timothy. Kent.” He acknowledged them with a firm nod.

The Ravenclaw was still trying to process that his youngest brother and boyfriend were trading information behind his back and to avoid blurting ‘why’ to get to know Damian’s reasons, he just smiled and let Conner do the talking.

“Hey Damian, we’re glad you could make it.” The Gryffindor started cheerfully and Tim really felt the need to throw up. “I know you have a busy schedule and all…”

The little menace raised a single hand to shut him up and shrugged. “It is a very important day for me too.” He analyzed the table and opened the tiniest smile. “I see Alfred took my seat arrangements into consideration.”

To hell with it. “Seat arrangements?” Tim inquired baffled.

“No need to thank me.” He assured with his always there superior face and then frowned. “Richard will be here in a while. The moron couldn’t be on time for his own funeral.” And deeming the conversation done he went to sit down.

Conner looked at Tim and he met his stare looking really annoyed. “Let me guess: you already sent him a letter telling what today is about.”

The Gryffindor didn’t even bother to look ashamed. “He did give me some tips on how to approach your father.”

Time passed and the couple started to worry. The cloak had already stroke 10pm, the time they had specifically asked everyone to be there. Seriously, they had even highlighted it! Everyone that had arrived already knew about them so if no one else came at least they could have a nice tea party.

Considering that the only people left to get there were male, they only paid attention to the two women approaching them when they were right in front of them.

“Hey kittens!” Selina greeted with a big cat like smile.

“Boys.” Ms. Prince acknowledged with her small grin.

“Hello Ms. Kyle, Ms. Prince.” Conner greeted once he realized his boyfriend was too confused to say anything.

Selina waved her hand around. “We’re not at school, kitten. You can call me Selina.” She shot a suspicious look around and leaned into them to whisper: “I presume you’re here for Bruce’s big announcement, right?”

Tim frowned, but it was Conner who just blinked that answered. “No, actually we’re here for our own big announcement.”

Ms. Kyle pouted and crossed her arms. “I don’t understand but I want to be on the first row for that show.” She turned to the other woman with a big smile and hooked their arms together. “Come on, baby. Let’s get some ‘tea’.” She said in a way that would make anyone think she was getting anything but.

The couple just stood there, feeling like their ears were playing a prank on them.

It was Conner who got out of his trace first. “Did she just call Ms. Prince…”

“Yeah.”

“So they are a…”

“Yeah.”

There was a moment of silence. “I have so much respect for Selina right now.”

And Tim who hasn’t quite recovered from his shock yet, said the only thing his brain could come up with: “Yeah.”

A few minutes passed in which the couple exchanged some glances with their friends who were watching, startled, Ms. Kyle and Ms. Prince – who had pulled two seats to their table - act all lovey with each other. The conversation was going on strong, even Damian seemed to be engaged.

They were considering to join them when Jason came in. As soon as Conner’s eyes landed on him all color left his face. For some reason Jason had brought his Bludger bat with him and was casually holding it over his shoulder.

“Tim. Kent. What is this all about?” He asked in the same second he stood in front of them.

Conner kept his mouth shut and let Tim do all the talking this time. The Ravenclaw joined his hands as if he was praying and made that cute face that got Conner saying yes to whatever he wanted. “There are still some people left to arrive. Do you mind sitting down and waiting for a little bit?” Jason made a face and opened his mouth to protest, but Tim was quicker: “You can have something to drink on me, please.”

The way he dragged the last word did the trick and Jason rolled his eyes. “Whatever.”

While he made his way to the counter, Dick crossed the door shop. “Sorry I’m late I got caught up on the way here.” He explained with a big smile.

Tim understood that he probably lost time while flirting with someone, but at least he was there. “It’s fine Dick. We’re just waiting for Bruce and Mr. Kent to arrive. Why don’t you sit down for a little?”

“Sure.” He didn’t bother to follow him with his eyes but Tim heard when he exclaimed a loud ‘Alfred’ and smiled when he imagined the butler scolding him for it.

It seemed like a lifetime passed before two massive figures came into the tea shop. Tim and Conner shared a long glance as if trying to pass the confidence neither of them felt to each other. It’s now or never, Tim’s eyes seemed to say. No backing off, was Conner’s reply. They held each other’s hand and turned to the newcomers.

Before they could approach them, Alfred literally appeared by the teens side and signed to the professors is a discreet way. “Master Timothy, if I may.”

The butler didn’t have to offer twice. The Ravenclaw nodded and gripped his boyfriend’s hand. “Thanks, Alfred.”

The elderly man approached the newcomers with the mission to lead them to their table, leaving Tim and Conner to slowly make their way to stand where Damian had assigned them. He had made a great job leaving the Kents to sit together and even putting Alfred in the middle of Jason and Bruce, although the last arrangement was broke when Ms. Kyle and Ms. Prince pulled their chairs to sit there. Still Tim couldn’t help but think there was some kind of error, there was no way Damian had put himself to sit next to him willingly.

As soon as Clark, Bruce and Alfred got there, the table fell in silence. Even though the former was supposed to seat at the other side, he also pulled a chair and sat next to Bruce as they greeted everyone. Tim thought he saw Damian’s eye twitch unpleasantly.

Tim shot a nervous smile in Bruce’s way and then turned to Conner. They nodded at each other, faced everyone and then the Gryffindor started talking: “Well, we don’t really want to hold anyone up more than we already have so we’d like to thank you all for being here today.” He said, trying hard not to let his gaze fall over Jason’s bat.

Tim was sure he had never felt nearly as nervous as he was feeling now. Of course there were days he spent with Conner, before they even got together, that the teen thought he would melt in a puddle of sweat due to how anxious he felt, but in those times there was also that nice feeling in the mix that got him blushing and smiling like an idiot.

Right now there was only nervousness as he said: “We invited you because we wanted to share some news with you,” He took a deep breath in. “Conner and I are together.”

When no one said anything, the Gryffindor felt the need to complement. “As in a couple. As in he’s my boyfriend and I’m his boyfriend and we’re really happy together.”

There was no specific emotion they could describe in anyone’s face, it was like time had frozen right when everyone decided to put their blank faces on.

After a few seconds of silence where all kind of horrible thoughts passed through the couple’s head it was Selina out of all people who spoke with her arms raised to the sky. “It was time for you guys to rise into the lovely couple you were destined to be right from the start.” The smile on Ms. Prince’s face said she agreed completely.

Tim and Conner chuckled a little, feeling the mood get lighter. “Thanks Ms. Kyle.”

The moment was broke when Dick sniffed loudly. “I didn’t think it would happen so soon, but I’m glad you found someone Tim.” He sobbed and the Ravenclaw was glad his brother was too far to catch him in one of his hugs. “Congratulations to you both.”

Before they could thank him, Jason started to talk, looking at them suspiciously. “Roy did mention something about you two.” He shrugged his shoulders. “If you’re both happy then I am too.” He them opened one of those wicked smiles of his and looked straight at Conner. “I’m sure Connie will tell me all the details on practice Tuesday so,” Tim felt his boyfriend shudder when Jason got up. “If you excuse me…”

Before he could say any further, Bruce also got up and interrupted him. “Actually I also have something to say and I was hoping you would stay to hear it Jason.” The teen was about to protest but a single glance from Alfred was enough to make him sit back down with a groan. The man shot the butler a grateful small smile and turned to the couple, fixing his stare on Conner. “First, I would like to apologize to Conner for what I said the last time we were gathered. I do think you’re worth of my son’s affection and I’m happy to welcome you into our family. Congratulations to you both”

The Gryffindor felt his cheeks hurt from smiling so big. He encircled his boyfriend’s waist with an arm just to make sure that if he did pass out at least he wouldn’t hit his beautiful face on the table. “Thank you, Mr. Wayne.” He said at the same time Tim opened a wide grin to thank his father.

Bruce nodded at them, his smile growing just a little bit before it vanished as he turned to face everyone else. “Clark and I also wanted to share some news of our own.” As if on cue the other man got up to stand next to him, a nervous smile on his face. They shared a quick glance and then Bruce cleared his throat. “We’ve been dating for a couple of months now and we’re also together.”

Silence fell heavy once again on the table. But this time, apart from the man standing and Ms. Kyle and Ms. Prince, everyone had a shocked expression on their faces. Alfred actually had only raised both eyebrows for a split second, but it meant he was very surprised on his own body language.

It was Selina once again who broke the silence with an excited grin. “Great! No we can go to double dates together!” She cheered loudly and it seemed to wake everyone up.

Jason slammed his hands on the poor table. “Wait! What do you mean with dates?” He gritted out, the look he was shooting at Mr. Kent was so cold it could probably freeze the sun.

“Clark, I thought we were friends!” Dick whined in a hurt tone. The way he was holding his chest would make anyone think he was having a heart attack. “You’ve been snuggling my father behind my back this whole time?”

Damian seemed to be turning to his true form of a gremlin as he spitted out. “Why was I not made aware of it sooner?”

Ma looked at her son confused. “Clark, you never told us a thing…”

Bruce did shoot a pleading look at Alfred but he was probably mad for not being warned sooner because the only thing the butler did was to take a sip from his tea, as if saying: you fix it.

Conner was pretty cool with it. As long as the murderous looks weren’t turned at their direction he was calm as a breeze.

Tim himself didn’t know exactly how to feel, he wanted to be happy for them, but this was about his father, for Merlin’s sake.

The voices grew louder as more questions were asked. The situation was quickly becoming out of hand just like it had on Madam Puddifoot’s tea shop.

Feeling the atmosphere of tension Tim shot Conner a desperate look who in turn did the only thing he could think about: he coughed three times.

Just as practiced they heard a loud moan coming from their friends’ table. For a second Tim thought it wouldn’t be enough to catch their attention but they all shut up and in the moment Jaime started to yell, Conner grabbed his hand and pulled him out of the tea shop without anyone noticing.

They made sure to walk a great distance away from the shop before the Gryffindor asked astonished: “Can you believe it?”

Tim nodded his head slowly, still trying to process the news. “I know right?”

“After their announcement it was like we were not even there!” He said angry and then rolled his eyes. “It’s just like Clark to steal our spotlight like that.”

Tim came to a stop and so did Conner since they were holding hands. The Ravenclaw shot his boyfriend an annoyed glance. “My father and your brother are going out and that’s all you’re worried about?”

“Well,” Conner thought the situation through and shrugged when he find no other reasons to be angry. “Yeah.”

Tim let his hand go to massage his nose bridge. Merlin, the Gryffindor could be so dense sometimes. “What if they get married? Mr. Kent will become my stepfather and you will be my step uncle or something like that.” He explained impatiently.

Conner opened his mouth and stared ahead. He should look dumb like that but no, still totally handsome in Tim’s humble opinion. “There’s only one way to fix it.” He said after a while.

“How?” Tim asked suspiciously.

“We elope and get married first.” He explained like it was the most reasonable thing to do.

“That’s it? That’s your brilliant idea?” If the Ravenclaw wasn’t so blinded by worry for the fact that his father was dating he would have noticed that Conner was just messing around.

Conner chuckled, which only made Tim’s face get sourer, and joined their hands again. “Look, they’re happy just like us. It would be very hypocritical for us not to support them, right?” He tried to reason.

Tim pouted and looked elsewhere. Shrugged. “I guess.” He looked a little down but still so damn cute. “I mean… I don’t even know if Mr. Kent courted Bruce properly.” He whispered but Conner was still able to hear it loud and clear.

“Oh Merlin,” The Gryffindor chuckled again. “I never thought you were the overprotective kind of son.” He said although in the back of his mind he wondered if he had courted Tim in the right way. He would remember to ask later.

“Shut up.” The Ravenclaw complained before gluing himself to his boyfriend’s chest.

Conner embraced him and they stayed like that enjoying each other’s warmth while the winter breeze blew around them. The Gryffindor was sure his boyfriend was thinking about his father relationship and if he didn’t find a way to stop it he swore he would get revenge on Clark for it.

Suddenly a thought came to him and since that was all Conner had he decided to try it. He lowered his voice to that husky tone that never failed to make Tim shiver and said: “It just occurred to me that they’ll be so engrossed out with each other that they won’t even care about what we do.”

Tim raised his head from his strong chest, blue eyes burning with interest. “When did you get so clever?” He asked and the Gryffindor knew he had succeeded.

With a laugh he packed Tim’s lips. “I get it all from you baby.”

And in that moment they were both alone in the cold, only aware of each other and of how lucky they were for having one another, Conner felt an urge blooming inside of him. It was something as warm and solid as Tim’s presence against him and he just knew that there was no reason to keep it for himself any more. “I love you.” He said simply, after all that pretty much summarized that feeling.

And Tim, who was staring deep into Conner’s eyes, felt it much more than he heard it. He couldn’t say he was surprised, deep down it was as if he was already aware of the love Conner felt for him because he felt just the same for the other boy. “I love you too.” He replied and the sensation to say it out aloud was just like the feeling of coming back home.

They shared a long deep kiss, sealing what had just been said and then Tim pecked Conner’s lips one more time before putting some distance between them. “Just for the record: we’re not getting married just so you can rub on your brother’s face you were faster than him.” He shrugged. “I’m sorry.”

Conner pouted, pretending to be upset. “Damn.”

It was okay though, the Gryffindor had a feeling that there was nothing he could do to worse the position Clark currently found himself in.

Besides there were thousands of other reasons he could come up with to get Tim marry him. He leaned in to kiss the shorter teen, already getting started on it.