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Bernard looked over the sheer amount of destruction that had been left in the wake of... well, Bernard didn't exactly know. It had started out as a typical Arkham breakout, but at some point it had escalated into something far worse.
He had barely escaped to a secluded alley without being seen by any of the more volatile villains after the store he had been in was attacked by an armed group trying to hold it and all the patrons hostage. With the vigilantes stretched so thin, they saw the opportunity and grabbed it.
There was no real way to know where any of the Bats were in the city, nor the rogues, until a fight broke out. Bernard needed to get somewhere safe and out of the open in case of an attack, but that would be easier said than done.
He looked back and forth from the mouth of the alley. He could either go back to his apartment, or to the marina. His apartment would be closer, but it was also in the direction of a good deal of the destruction. The marina, on the other hand, would likely be safer, but was a good bit further, especially without any buses running due to Mad Hatter's latest scheme. There was no guarantee either direction wouldn't lead him to an active battleground, and while it wasn't like Bernard was running around with no ability to defend himself, he still wasn't looking to fall headfirst into a villain fight.
Ultimately, he didn't much need to choose. A large explosion spilling out some type of green mist lit up the sky towards his apartment. At least he had a better idea of where at least one of the villains were, and he was going any way but towards them.
He took off, running down the sidewalk. He wondered if he could make it to Tim's boat before the fight got on top of him.
In the distance, he spotted what looked like Red Robin heading towards the fight, and by extension, him.
Tim must have spotted him as well, because in a blur of movement, he was standing in front of him. He didn't look good. To be specific, it looked like he'd gone a few rounds with Killer Croc, and with the circumstances, he very well may have.
Red Robin pressed the com in his ear. "Go help Spoiler, I'll be right behind you. There's a civilian I need to get out of danger."
"What happened?" Bernard asked.
Tim gave him a tired look. "Long story." He wrapped an arm around Bernard and angled his grapple. "I'm gonna get you a bit further from the fight."
With that, they were flying through the air.
Tim stumbled as he landed a few blocks away, and Bernard rushed to steady him. He didn't fully release him until he was sure Tim could stand on his own.
"You aren't okay," Bernard said.
"I've fought worse people with more injuries. I'll be fine." Tim shot him what was supposed to be a reassuring smile.
It wasn't working. If anything, it shot a surge of anxiety through him. Tim was far more injured than he was willing to let on.
Bernard grabbed ahold of Tim's tattered cape, stopping him before he could turn to shoot his grapple and leave. "And if you aren't? If you go back out there like this and die. Dammit, Tim, you could die, and where does that leave everyone who cares about you? Your friends, family... me?" He ended quietly.
Tim didn't say a word.
"Where would it leave me, Tim? Please, I need you to let me protect you for once."
Tim looked Bernard in the eye. "I can't just leave."
"You want me to believe you can fight anyone while you have more injuries than the fucking Batcave has bats?"
"Bernard, stop, I don't want to do this right now," Tim's voice trembled ever so slightly. Only enough to recognize if you knew what it sounded like.
"I can't watch you die. I've watched too many people I love die. Please, can't we be selfish for once? Let someone else save Gotham and come home with me, Tim."
Tim looked away. He looked pained. "You— I can't do that, Bernard.
Bernard was biting his lips to keep them from trembling. "Why?"
"People will die."
"And you think your life matters less?"
They both knew Tim's opinion on that particular matter. Tim, as much as he doubted himself at times, was undoubtedly good at his core. He had to help. Bernard couldn't stop him from going, and a part of him had to have known that from the beginning.
Tim pulled something out of his pocket, taking Bernard's hand and pushing it into it. "It's a com. You'll be able to talk to me the entire time. Please..." He trailed off. Let him go? Stay safe? Talk to him? It could have been any of those and more. Bernard could only nod.
Tim let his hand rest on Bernard's face for a moment. Bernard pulled him closer, hugging him as tight as he could. They both looked into the other's eyes, neither really knowing who moved forward first to initiate the soft kiss.
Too soon, Tim pulled back. "Get somewhere safe."
"Okay," Bernard forced himself to whisper out.
Tim gave Bernard's hand one more squeeze before letting it go. "I love you."
"I love you too."
Tim gave him one last tired smile before he was off. He didn't promise he'd be back. That everything would be okay. They both knew the promise would be hollow. There were no guarantees when it came to the life Tim lead.
Bernard pushed the com in his ear. He wished at times, as selfish as it was, that Tim would hang up the suit for good. That he'd stay with him. That the two of them could have a life that would never be possible while Tim fought the worst Gotham had to offer.
Bernard always felt horrible for it. He couldn't ask Tim to permanently give up anything that was such a large part of his life. It wouldn't be right. And even if Tim would, well, Bernard didn't know if he'd even still be the same Tim he'd fallen in love with.
"Stay safe out there," He whispered, watching as Tim leapt across buildings. "Come home to me."