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Conner has not been to a Wayne party before. It is an experience.

The first remarkable thing about Wayne parties is that they don't seem to be run by the Waynes at all. Apparently it's Dick or Jason who throws them, and Conner knows most of the Titans are here, but there also seems to be a hell of a lot of people he's never seen before in his entire life. Perhaps they're paid partygoers. (Is that a real thing? He's heard Gar talk about it, but he's learnt to take everything Gar says with a pinch of salt.)

Tim seems to know a lot of the people, though. Whether it's due to previous parties or actual prior knowledge, Conner has no idea. Pretty much as soon as they get out of the taxi, not even on the grounds yet, a boy runs up to them.

(Another remarkable thing about Wayne parties is that they are not held at Wayne Manor. Conner knows he must be somewhere in Gotham, but he has no idea where. He also doesn't know who owns this house, and neither does Tim. Which is mildly concerning.)

'Tim!' the boy yells, stumbling up at the street. He's maybe Conner's age, probably younger, definitely not old enough to be this drunk.

'Hey,' says Tim, half-smiling. 'How long have you been here?'

'Don't know,' the guy says, cheerfully approaching to Tim and Conner. 'I just got drunk and watched old Queer Eye episodes. Who's your boyfriend?'

Conner flushes. The boy is too drunk to notice.

'This is Conner,' Tim says, which makes Conner blush even more. (Stupid Kryptonian blood vessels.) 'Maybe go drink some water?'

Conner isn't sure if Tim's talking to him or the drunk guy.

'Okay. Will do.' The boy kisses Tim on the cheek then wanders away, shouting, 'I love you, bro. Full homo.'

Conner turns to Tim. 'Do you even know him?'

'Only kind of. I got really drunk with him once and had one of the most interesting conversations I've ever had. Surreal on another level.' Tim shakes his head. Conner's not sure if he's kidding.

'You just let him kiss you?'

'It bother you?' Tim turns to Conner, a smile toying at his lips.

'No, I - I - No. I just -'

Tim laughs. 'I also think he might be a gangster. Actually, I am fairly certain he's a gangster. So I don't want to annoy him. Don't worry, I don't just let random guys kiss me.'

'Okay. Sorry, I know it's none of my business anyway -'

'You need to worry less, Kon. It's fine, really.'

Tim grips Conner's hand, and he immediately forgets whatever he was worrying about. They walk onto the grounds like that, approaching the manor house and dodging scattered couples and red Solo cups.

'Tim?' says another guy Conner doesn't recognise, grinning.

'Hey,' says Tim, but Conner isn't listening. He's noticed Cassie in the doorway of the manor, waving frantically. He nudges Tim.

'Go meet her, Kon. I'll be along in a sec.' Tim smiles, then turns back to the guy.

Against his better judgement, Conner goes up to meet Cassie.

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