Red Strings [JayTim]

Sprout

It was the night of the gala. Tim was not in a happy mood. It's not like he hated Jason, in fact it might be the opposite. Though he wouldn't admit it. He would think he hated Jason forever.

Even after the first few guests arrive, Tim still wasn't ready. He sighed heavily as he read the message from Dick telling him to come down.

So reluctantly, he got dressed in a black suit and a red tie. He brushed his hair from his eyes though they fell right back into place.

It wasn't even five minutes when he heard that familiar voice speak near him, "-yeah I've been doing good. Mostly some motor repair."

Tim's heart sped up and he inconspicuously looked over his shoulder. Jason Todd.

Jason's eyes met his and he gave a grin and a wink before resuming to talk. Tim went to speak out against him, but he saw something that made his heart stop completely. A red string on Jason's finger.... connecting to his own.

No... nonono.... Tim's breathing labored and he quickly shoved people out of his way, moving towards the stairs.

Someone caught his arm, "Tim? Are you okay?"

Tim grit his teeth, "tell Bruce I'm sorry but I just can't be here tonight..." he ran up the stairs. It was starting to hurt to breathe. The string tightened its grip on his finger.

He ignored it and ripped the tie that was constricting his neck. Panting, he laid down on his bed after tearing out of his clothes. Tears welled up in his eyes, "it can't be you."

With those words uttered he enflamed the curse.

A pain formed in the center of his chest, but he ignored it.

Downstairs, Jason was finishing up with his conversations, worry pent up in his brain.

Finally he was free and he walked over to Damian, "yo demon child, where's Tim?" He asked.

Damian turned away from his friend Jon with a scowl, "He's probably in his room." He retorted.

"Ooh, snappy, sorry to ruin your date~" Jason taunted as he walked off.

"SCREW OFF TODD!"

Was what was heard.

Jason bounced the idea around in his head, should I go up? Or no? He decided to go up the stairs.

"Timbo?" He knocked on the door.

Tim's eyes widened and he wrapped his blanket tighter around himself, "Go away..." he hissed.

"Nah I think I'll come in," Jason opened the door and looked at the lump that was Tim, "You feeling okay?"

"I feel like shit but thanks for asking." Tim said sarcastically, keeping his eyes away from that wretched string.

Jason hummed and walked close to Tim's bed, "want me to have Alfred make you tea?"

"What are you even doing here?" Tim snapped in reply.

"Well, I saw a half dead Robin, no pun intended, and decided to see what was up," Jason answered nonchalantly.

Tim just rolled his eyes and stayed put, "I just have a headache. You can go now." He mumbled. He almost added 'like you always do' but kept it inside.

Jason hummed, "you know, I can always tell when you're lying, but I won't bother you further. Though I'll tell Dickie that you're upset so have fun." He warmed before leaving the room.

Tears filled Tim's eyes and he felt himself fall into an uneasy sleep.