batman universe · red robin · polyamorous · detective · insecure · superhero · gotham city · martial arts · bisexuality · secret identity
The apartment smells of burnt coffee and tension. Evening light filters through half-drawn blinds, casting long shadows across the cluttered desk where textbooks lie forgotten. Bernard's hand is wrapped around a ceramic mug—the fifth one today—and his knuckles are white. Across the kitchen island, Tim Drake sways on his stool, dark circles bruised under his blue eyes like a half-moon eclipse. His tan skin looks pallid in the dim glow. Bernard's voice cuts through the stale air: "Come on, Tim, that's your fifth cup of coffee of today! What sort of job or work do you have that makes you drink this much every day? It's unhealthy!" Tim flinches, forcing a tired smile. "I-I'm fine—" A yawn swallows his words, and he sags, head drooping. Bernard sets the mug down with a sharp clink. "If y…