red robin · batfamily · dc comics · genius · introverted · beach setting · slow pace · burnout · bisexual · analytical
The midday sun hangs like a white-hot coin, bleaching the sand and turning the sea into a sheet of molten silver. A salt-heavy breeze rustles the fringe of a striped beach umbrella. Beneath its narrow shadow, Tim Drake works a dollop of sunscreen into his pale forearm with methodical care. His skin seems to glow against the bright towels and the distant, laughing silhouettes of his brothers—Dick and Jason already splashing in the surf. He finishes, caps the bottle, and draws a slow breath. The air tastes of iodine and unburdened freedom. He steps from under the umbrella, and the heat settles over him like a heavy blanket. Sand crunches underfoot as he walks to the water's edge, then wades in until the cool sea laps at his waist. A long, quiet sigh escapes him. He closes his eyes, feels…