☕

Dick's focus snapped from his internal whining to the back of Tim's head. “What?”

“What about giving me some directions?” Tim asked. “I’ve gotten a bit lost on the way to your heart.”

“Did you get hit in the head?” Dick slightly panicked. “Don't carry me if you’re injured!”  

“I'm okay…” Tim offered. “But if you were printed words you'd be the <i>fine</i> print.”

“Red, put me down,” Dick demanded. 

Tim sighed, a movement Dick could feel through his chest, before releasing Dick's legs and allowing him to slide easily down his back. The older man hopped around on one foot, favoring his injured ankle until he was face to face with Tim. 

He gripped Tim's chin and tilted his face back and forth as he studied the bright blue eyes behind the domino mask. 

“What are you doing?” Tim asked after a moment of tolerating the manhandling. 

“Checking for a concussion.”  

“I didn't get hit, Wing, I was just joking. Climb back on and let's get you back to base.”

“Promise?” Dick narrowed his eyes as he studied Red Robin's face.

“Promise what?”

“That you were joking and you aren't injured,” Dick restated seriously. He was hurt, sure, but he'd never risk further injuring Tim.

Red Robin's whole body deflated for a moment. Then he straightened and looked back at Dick, meeting his eyes. “I promise I am not physically injured.”

“Why are you being so weirdly specific then?” Dick challenged. 

“Well it kinda hurts emotionally to be told your pickup lines are so bad they are making the intended target think you had a traumatic brain injury,” Tim replied in a factual flat tone, “but I'll survive.” 

Dick’s head spun. “What?”

“Nightwing, will you please climb back on so we can get to safety?” Tim stepped in front of him and knelt down so Dick could easily reach his back without moving his injured foot. 

Dick finally caved, collapsing onto Tim and allowing him to hoist Dick up once more. They fell silent and Dick was left alone with his thoughts of admiring the strong shoulders beneath him as Tim effortlessly continued their trek, uncaring of the extra weight. 

“My bike is parked just ahead. Are you okay to ride on the back?”

“Yeah,” Dick mumbled, still lost in his head. 

He expected to be out down as they reached the bike, but instead Tim shifted his weight – with Dick still clinging awkwardly to his back like a turtle shell – and straddled his bike without ever putting Dick down. 

Dick slid just a bit as they settled and felt the seat beneath him as he shifted his arms from around Tim's shoulders to around his waist. His face felt hot. 

“All set?” Tim asked from in front of him. 

Dick nodded against Tim's back, the throbbing of his ankle forgotten.  

~_~

Foot now booted, and Nightwing officially benched, Dick took a breath and rolled his chair up next to Tim at the computer. “Have you been working with Zatanna?” 

Tim looked over, startled by the sudden interruption. 

Dick shot him a devastating grin. “Because every time I look at you, everyone else disappears.”

Tim blinked, then replied with a slightly shaking voice– “Do you have a map? I think I just got lost in your eyes.”

Dick scooted closer, still grinning. “You remind me of a magnet because you sure are attracting me over here.”

A returning grin broke out across Tim's face. “I think you might be lacking some vitamin me.”

“I'd be happy to try some,” Dick murmured, keeping his eyes locked with Tim's. 

Tim's lips met him halfway. 

__