Tim is hesitant as he walks over to Bernard, who's currently sitting in the study, undoubtedly spreading misinformation on Tumblr or Twitter through wack conspiracy theories he already knows aren't likely to be true. "Hey Bernard?"
"Mmhm?" Bernard hums, typing away on his laptop.
"I have a really serious and important question to ask you. Work related, so don't panic", Tim says, voice soft as he places his hands over his boyfriends shoulders, causing Bernard's hands to still as he tilts his head to look up at him.
"WayneTech work or..."
"Or. And you need to closely consider your answer to this question because there is a certain level of risk involved. I normally wouldn't ask this of you, but Dick is fake-dead on the other side of the country.. And you've helped out on missions before. And I know you took that class a while back-" Tim is cut off there.
"What class? How far back?" Bernard asks curiously.
Tim huffs, this is unrelated to his mission, but he answers anyway. "That exotic dance class, maybe a year or so before the cult stuff, you were also taking martial arts at the time- but you had started that way back in highschool. Anyways we need to get into the Iceberg Lounge without raising any suspicion. Konner's already been undercover for a bit, establishing himself as part of one of the gangs for easy access to the club, and while his super-hearing will be super helpful, Bruce's face-recognising contacts won't work in his eyes", Tim is explaining.
"And you need a human who knows how to exotic dance to put your fancy spy contacts in?" Bernard asks, a grin growing wide on his face. Tim was cute when he got all business, using his Red Robin voice. Hell, it was even kinda hot.
"Yes, exactly. And I already have Jason on board, but we'll need more than one set of eyes recording inside footage for us. I would do it, but someone needs to be the guy behind the computer screens, which is why I'm asking you."
"Wait." Bernard turns his swivel chair around to face Tim properly. "Your'e telling me you and Jason know how to exotic dance??" he questions, a little in disbelief.
"Pole dancing and balancing serving trays of liquor, to be specific. And yes, it's part of training, it comes in handy for undercover stings and information gathering like this. Well, Selina taught me, I have no clue who taught Dick and Jason. Which is besides the point. Are you willing to get involved with this mission and do you understand the risks attached?"
"Yes, and yes. And how do you know I'd be any good at balancing serving trays?" Bernard raises a playful eyebrow, nudging Tim's knee with a socked foot.
Tim smirks. "You worked in a restaurant for two years in highschool so you could earn enough money to satisfy your weird claw machine obsession which is a large contributor to your hoard of stuffed toys. And enough for school lunch money too. And your morning visits to starbucks." Tim's voice drops an octave as he continues, "I can even tell you what you ordered every single time if you want me to keep going?"
Bernard hums, reaching out to tug on Tim's deep maroon jacket and pull him closer. "Tell me baby, it's so sexy the way you know everything about me."
"Grande caramel frappe, soy milk- no other reason but because you prefer the taste, and extra whip. Sometimes you'd even treat yourself to a small pastry from the little bakery on 41st before the bus arrived." Tim almost whispers, breath ghosting over Bernard's nose and lips, causing him to shiver.
Bernard didn't know why, but Tim revealing he knew such things about him in such great detail always did something funny to his insides. Despite everything, it made him feel safe; that Tim kept such a close eye on him during his patrols, even after they had drifted apart. It made him feel special. And he leaned up just a fraction to capture his boyfriend's lips in a heated kiss.
"Tell me more", Bernard breathes out when their lips separate, pulling Tim down to straddle him in the chair, hands resting on the vigilante's waist. Tim gladly takes a seat, humming and moving in for another kiss. It's soft and passionate, and-
"Yeah okay, how about we hold off on the weird stalker foreplay for a moment and get back to business?" Konner suggests, appearing out of seemingly nowhere, which has become a frequent occurrence that no longer surprises either boy at this point.
Tim pulls back, a soft blush of embarrassment high on his cheeks as he turns and looks to Kon, who's leant against the door frame with a raised eyebrow. "R-right. Sorry, got a little carried away there." he clears his throat to shake off the tension, not making any move to get out of Bernard's lap.
Konner huffs a small laugh. "Okay, so we have about three weeks to prepare. First order of business is making sure your skills are up to date", he tells Bernard. "In both the dancing, as to not cause suspicion, and your self defence, in case anything goes a little sideways." he explains, drawing closer to ruffle Tim's hair, who tries to swat him away.
"..you'll be training with Jason for that. Unfortunately." Tim elaborates, catching Konners wrist and attempting to push the Meta away.
"Awh, don't want me hanging out with your cooler older brother?" Bernard teases lightheartedly, one of his hands falling from Tim's waist to rub a comforting hand over his thigh. The blonde is aware his boyfriend stresses about interactions with his family, considering who exactly they are.
"I'm worried that you being around Jason without me will give him the chance to scare you off with his over dramatic, psycho-ass shovel talk. And he is known to actually murder people, y'know, so- Stop touching my hair Konner!" Tim squirms in Bernard's lap as he tries and fails to fight Konner away.
Konner only laughs, continuing with his actions, "Stop touching my hand!"
Bernard smiles and sighs. "Quit being gay. I thought we were going to focus on business?" he teases, raising a brow. He's holding onto Tim's waist with both hands again to steady him, else his play-fighting with Kon will have him falling out his lap.
