Fic: All in the song.

[munnin]

Title: All in the song.
Author: Munnin
Rating: NC-17.
‘Verse: me_ya_ri’s brilliant Left Behind But Not For Long with reference to The Robins and Just One Night.
Characters: LBBNFL!Jason/BandAU!Tim
Disclaimer: No ownership, no profit and no offence meant. Everyone is of the age of consent in their country and period of history
Author’s notes: 100% organic. May contain minor flaws and imperfections that beta-treated slash wouldn’t.
Bingo card: AU. Other: Celebrities . Masterlist here. (I know it’s a long bow to draw but...)

Summary: Jason doesn’t envy their lives but he does like their music. You kinda have to read at least those

me_ya_ri darling, I hope you're ok with me invading your sandpit...


Jay stretched out on the bed. It wasn’t his room, not the one he use to have in the manor but it was home for now. Or at least until he could get home...his home...his Tim...

He thumbed through his recordings and fished out the songs from the ‘verse where the batboys were a band and put them on. He laid back and let the sound wash over him.

Their music was sweet but sad. There was a longing, an emptiness that he understood. They missed home, they missed Bruce, and they missed feeling whole. That he could relate to.

The fansites mentioned a song, something special that Timmy sung alone but he hadn’t been able to find it. He’d managed to download some really crappy cell-phone recordings but it seemed like they never put it on a CD.

He closed his eyes and let the music wash over him. As the few songs he had ran out, he hit play and started them again.

“They sound like they’d be awesome fun live.” Tim called from the doorway. She leant there, arms crossed with her head cocked. “So they’re us?”

“Not really.” Jason said slowly, opening his eyes. “They lived a different life, became different people.” He sat up, shaking his head. “Shit! I’m starting to sound like your Jason.”

“He is the smart one.” Tim sauntered across the room and perch on the edge of the bed. “So you like their music?”

Jason hummed.

“Then go.” Tim shoved him lightly. “Go see them live.”

“Can’t...shouldn’t...” Jason muttered.

“Why not?” Tim asked. “Wasn’t dangerous there and you’re too shit-kicked to go jumping anywhere you don’t know.” She brushed his hair out of his face, running her fingers over the yellowing bruise around his eye. “Go watch them play. You need the down time.”

***

Getting a ticket to one of their smaller gigs turned out to be a challenge but it was amazing what the big and nasty act and a healing black eye could do to the underpaid fifteen year old behind the counter. Ticket in hand and his heavy leather jacket to cover his gauntlet and belt, Jason slipped into the gig and found a quiet spot up the back to watch.

Dick was a real ham on stage. A born showman, he knew how to work the crowd. By the second song he had them all eating out of his hand. The whole bar was dancing and singing along but Jason’s eyes never left the band.

There was a sadness there, a certain protectiveness in the way they interacted. Dick cycled around the stage as he sung, touching and checking on the others as they played. Tim - most of all. It seemed to trouble Dick that Tim was hiding in the shadows off the one side and used every excuse to draw him out.

As applauses thundered across the bar, shaking the roof, Dick leant into Tim and whispered something in his ear. Tim looked mildly troubled but nodded, agreeing to whatever Dick had just asked.

Dick called to the crowd, quietening them down as Tim pulled a stool out onto the centre of stage and perched on it, hugging his guitar close.

The crowd hushed immediately and the girl in front of him leant into her friend and whispered “Gotham Shadows” in an excited and reverential tone, and was promptly shushed by a dozen people.

And Jason could see why. Tim’s voice was softer than Dick’s but timbrous, carrying a clarity of emotion that Jason felt cut straight to the heart. Without a doubt, the song was about Bruce. Through it wasn’t explicit in the lyrics, he knew Tim was singing of loss and sadness, of a love that was cut off so abruptly, unresolved and painful for all for them.

Tim’s voice wavered as he sang, cracking with emotion and Damian ducked his head, hiding his face from the light. Dick crossed to the youth, wrapping an arm around the little hell-spawn’s shoulders. Rather that pushing Dick away as Jason expected, Damian leant into the contact, his eyes closed as Dick hugged him. The other Jason reached out and caught hold of Steph’s hand and squeezed.

“We turn away, and face the day. Farewell to Gotham Shadows.” A single tear rolled down Tim’s cheek as he sang the last line. Dick leant in and kissed it away, whispering something soothing in Tim’s ear.

Tim nodded and accepted a hug as Dick pulled him gently off the chair. As he shuffled back into the corner Tim looked up, straight at Jason across the crowd. Jason hadn’t realised till then that, transfixed by the song, he’d pushed forward to get a clearer view and had left himself out in the open.

Tim caught his eye and nodded to him, almost knowing and went back to playing.

The show closed with three encores as the crowd hollered and screamed for more. By the last time they came on stage, Jay and Damian looked ready to murder Dick if he even thought about going again.

Jason took that as his cue to leave and slipped out. The concert had left Jason feeling melancholy but strangely elated. It was good to know he wasn’t the only one feeling the loss and the band’s music seemed to express it so perfectly. He bought both their albums on his way out and stashing them in his jacket. Night was clear and bright and he felt no urge to rush back to the manor. He bummed a smoke off a passing guy and slipped into an alleyway to enjoy it.

“Jason?” A familiar voice called, almost hesitantly as if he wasn’t sure it was the right name. Tim hovered there in the shadows, watching him carefully. “You are Jason aren’t you?”

Jason looked him over for a moment. The tight black stage clothes looked good on Tim, giving him a mysterious and sophisticated edge and the thoughtful expression only made him more handsome. “Sorry kid.” Jason dropped his eyes and flicked the cigarette away. “You’ve got the wrong guy.”

Tim caught his sleeve as he turned to walk away. “Please...” His fingers closed around the gauntlet under the leather and Jason had to fight not to jerk his arm away. “You don’t have to leave.”

“Yeah I do.” Jason muttered, shrugging Tim off and pushing back his sleeve to check the gauntlet.

“Multiverse?” Tim asked curiously, resting his hand on Jason’s elbow to get a better look. “How far from home are you?”

Jason chuckled humourlessly. “Wish I knew.”

“I’m sorry.” Tim whispered genuinely, his hand warmed Jason’s arm through the leather of his jacket. He looked up into Jason’s eyes, searching his face. “But you have somewhere safe.” He observed, his hand sliding up to brush back Jason’s hair, examining the couple of stitches high on his forehead. “Someone had seen to these injuries for you.”

“How do you know I didn’t do it myself?” Jason challenged, trying not to lean into Tim’s caressing touch.

Tim smiled, at once shy and warm. “You’re Jason Todd. In no universe are you capable of slowing down enough to deal with minor injuries without someone holding you down.”

There was a shout and outburst of giggles behind them and Tim scowled. “Damn, fans.” He took Jason’s hand and dragged him up the alley.

“Price of fame Timmy.” Jason teased but Tim glared at him darkly. “Don’t like it?”

“I can’t...” Tim started, pushing open a door into the back of the venue. “It’s hard, coming to terms with the fact everyone knows my name.” He led Jason into an empty dressing room. “I’m use to Robin being famous, not Tim Drake.” He stopped abruptly and looked at Jason. “Were you...in your world...”

“I get it.” Jason nodded. “As far as I can tell we pretty much had the same history up until a point.”

“What point?” Tim felt Jason tense and shook his head, letting go of Jason’s hand. “Sorry, I shouldn’t ask. I haven’t the right.” He stepped away, running a hand through his soft hair.

It was longer than the Tim from Jason’s world wore it but not so long as the boy soldier...or the young hooker. The memory stuck on Jason’s throat and he tried to shake it off by changing the subject. “So I’m guessing you and Dick are together hey? You looked pretty tight on stage.”

Tim gave a little smile and leant back against the dressing table. “It would be more accurate to say we’re all together with each other, except for D of course.”

“D?” Jason raised an eyebrow.

“Damian.” Tim clarified.

“The hell-spawn gets a nickname?”

Tim smiled again, ducking his head. “He’s still a brat for you.”

Jason snorted. “Every one of them I’ve ever met has been a brat.”

“Our Damian’s mellowed a lot.” Tim dropped his eyes. “I guess losing Bruce changed all of us.”

The pain in Tim’s voice was too much and Jason found himself leaning in, cupping the young man’s shoulder. “How did he...”

“The earthquakes that destroyed the city. He was alone in the cave...” Tim sniffed minutely and turned away.

Jason ran his hand up Tim’s back, cupping the back of the youth’s neck. “You weren’t there?”

Tim shuddered, fighting back tears. “He sent us away to keep us safe. Same as No Man’s Land. But it got worse...so much worse...”

Jason pulled him into a hug. “Least you’ve got each other.” He mumbled.

Tim sniffed and looked up. “Do you have anyone Jason?”

“Not...” he started but reconsidered. “No.”

Tim’s bright eyes cut though his deferral. “There’s someone but you’ve never told them.” He observed, searching Jason’s face. “The Tim from your world?”

Jason snorted darkly and pushed away. “Still daddy’s little detective much?” Flinching as he realised what he’d just said.

“Still a really crap liar much?” Tim retorted, teasing and brotherly in a way Jason had never been with his Tim.

Jason chuckled. “Must be.” He shrugged, pacing the small room. “Not been a very good big brother.”

“But you will be.” Tim urged, stepping closer to touch Jason’s arm. “You care and you’ll give anything to look after him.” he slipped closer, his other hand resting on Jason’s hip. “I can see it in your eyes when you look at me.”

Tim’s lips were tantalisingly close and Jason could smell the soft musk of the youth’s sweat. It would be so easy to... He pulled away. “I should go.”

“It’s ok Jason.” Tim whispered, stroking Jason’s arm. “It’s ok to want this.” His voice was soft and warm and all too reminiscent of the pretty young hooker. “I want this.” He tilted up and pressed a kiss to Jason’s lips.

Jason shivered as Tim kissed him, gentle but inviting. It took everything he had not to drag the youth closer as he wrapped his arms around Tim’s waist.

“Please Jason.” Tim whispered between hot, tight kisses. “Let me give this to you.”

Jason’s resolve crumbled and he lifted Tim up onto the dressing table, moaning to Tim’s mouth as the youth wrapped his legs around his waist.

“God damn jeans.” Tim muttered, trying to shimmy out of the spray-on tight pants.

“Where did you learn such foul language Timmy?” Jason teased as he helped Tim out of his briefs.

“Jay.” Tim hissed, fiddling with Jason’s belt. He seemed to know how to disarm it without even looking. “I spend days at a time trapped in a van with him and his potty mouth; it rubs off after a while.”

“I bet it does.” He eased a hand between Tim’s legs, stroking the youth for the sheer pleasure of hearing Tim moan. “I’ve got nothing to make this easier.” He whispered, swiping his thumb over Tim’s hole.

“Jeans...” Tim mumbled between broken gasps. “Back pocket...”

“Always prepared?” Jason grinned, rummaging around in their discarded clothes.

Tim glowered at him; the threat of it was spoiled by the flush of his cheeks. “I live with Jay and Dick. Preparedness is a survival instinct.”

Jason chuckled, pushing Tim back against the mirror as he covered his fingers with slick. “Tell me if I’m hurting you.”

Tim levelled the same ‘I don’t need rescuing’ look Jason had seen too often already but lost it in a whimpering gasp as Jason breached him slow and gentle.

“Fuck you’re gorgeous like this.” Jason muttered as he stroked Tim open. “Can’t wait to see him...” He broke off, realising what he was saying.

“It’s ok.” Tim whispered, reaching up to caress Jason’s cheek, his palm rasping playfully over the stubble. “It’s ok to be thinking about him. I understand.”

“Will you be thinking of your Jason?” Jason asked, scissoring his fingers slowly.

“Not with you touching me like that.” Tim gasped as Jason brushed over his prostate with short teasing strokes. “Jay likes it hard and fast.”

“Is that how you want me?” Jason asked, speeding up to push Tim against the mirror.

But Tim grabbed his wrist to slow him down. “No.” He said earnestly. “I want you. However you are, however you like it.”

Jason leant in to kiss the youth, opening his mouth as Tim cupped his face and licked his way in.

“Jason please...” Tim moaned, tilting his hips up to meet Jason’s fingers.

“I’ve got you.” Jason whispered, slipping on the condom he found in Tim’s pocket. God it felt good to have Tim in his arms. The youth’s broken whimpers as he eased in were the best things he’d heard in a long time. “Fuck,” he stroked Tim’s cheek, flushed and hot. “You are so beautiful like this.”

“Give him this.” Tim moaned, breathless and high as Jason rocked him to him. “Let him be beautiful for you.”

Jason growled under his breath as he wrapped his hands around Tim’s hips, pulling him closer to thrust deeper. Every sweet whimper, every shudder of Tim’s fine frame brought him ever closer to the edge. “God Timmy...”

Tim arched back, biting his lip as he rode the high.

Jason held Tim close, pressing his face into the youth’s throat as Tim cried his release, groaning as the youth man’s orgasm dragged him over the edge.

“God,” Jason groaned, pulling out slowly and cupped Tim’s shoulders. “You ok?”

Tim was flushed and breathing hard, his eyes half closed. “I’m good...” he sighed, propped limply against the mirror under Jason’s touch. He leant in, resting his forehead on Jason’s shoulder. “Thanks.” He ran his hand over Jason’s arm, looking curiously at the gauntlet. “You’ve been here before. What brought you back?”

Jason looked down to see that, unsurprisingly, Tim was scrolling through the readings. He pulled away carefully, straightening out the kinks in his back. “Just a whim.”

“Really?” Tim asked, a little more archly that a well fuck Timmy should.

“Ok...I liked the music.” Jason admitted quietly. “I wanted to hear you play the song, the one about Bruce.”

Tim nodded shyly as he shimmed back into his pants. “Do you...have you and Bruce reconciled?”

“No.” Jason answered quietly. “But I’m going to. Once I work out how to back.”

Tim leant in for a moment, accepting a hug from Jason. “I’m glad. No Robin should be left out in the cold.”

Jason ran a hand down the young man’s flank to rest it on Tim’s hip, which vibrated.

“Darn.” Tim fished his phone out of his pocket. “Dick’s hunting for me.” He flipped it open and then closed again. “I thought he’d be with the fans longer.”

“So that showboat Grayson really digs on the whole celebrity thing?” Jason asked with a grin as he hauled his jacket back on.

“Way too much.” Tim returned with a smile. He brushed his hand over Jason’s arm. “Will you hang around?”

Jason shook his head. “I should get going.”

Tim held up a finger for him to wait and fished his iThing out of his pocket. “You wanted Gotham Shadows?” he scrolled though the songs but Jason covered the little player with his hand.

“I’ve heard you sing it. That’s all I need.” He pressed Tim into a last kiss, sweet and lingering. “Thank you.”

“I hope you find your way home.” Tim whispered, rubbing his cheek against Jason’s stubble. “I hope you find your Tim.” He squeezed Jason’s hand and pushed away, disappearing through the door.

Jason took a deep breath, staring up at stained ceiling. It was a nice night. Maybe he’d go for a walk before he headed back... away from the crowds who’d mistake him for the band’s drummer.

Maybe he wasn’t cut out for celebrity either.