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“Why would someone be cosplaying as the Red Hood to get Labubus?” A voice behind him whispered.
“You think that’s crazier than him actually being the Red Hood?” another voice asked, equally quiet. “It’s much more plausible for him to be a cosplayer.”
Jason wouldn’t have been able to hear either of them if he wasn’t wearing his helmet. The uniform was necessary, unfortunately. By being dressed as the Red Hood, he’d been able to get past the rules stating that people had to wait until seven to start lining up, no one wanting to argue with him. He assumed most of the staff didn’t even realize he was here for the new drop until he’d stuck around and refused to move when they started forming the line.
Jason sighed, hoping the cosplay rumor would cement itself. He didn’t really want to take a hit to his reputation if he didn’t have to, but as long as he got what he needed, he wouldn’t have any regrets.
He checked the time on his helmet’s digital display, noting that he only had two more minutes left to wait. He stretched his arms over his head, groaning softly as his shoulders released a bit of tension.
Finally, the staff opened the doors. Jason strolled in casually, scanning the boxes with his Bat Vision so he could see inside. Normally, he used it to find contraband weapons or illegal drugs in various shipments into Gotham, but it worked great for blind boxes too. He quickly found the one he was looking for and picked it up before heading to the counter.
Despite being the first inside, he wasn’t the first to check out. Some people had clearly just grabbed a handful and bolted to the front, trying to find the one they wanted by buying more than they needed. Jason pitied the poor girl holding five different boxes, four of which held identical Labubus. Based on what he’d heard while in line though, the fifth one was the one she wanted.
“Nice cosplay,” the cashier said, ringing him up. “Are you sure you just want one? It’s a five per customer limit this go around instead of one.”
Jason shook his head, “I’m good.” He’d gotten what he’d came for after all. Not that he could tell the cashier that. He was pretty sure Bat Vision would be seen as cheating, but he didn’t particularly care.
The cashier shrugged, their voice genuine as they said, “Hope you get the one you wanted.”
Jason smiled underneath his mask, “Thanks.”
“Why is TikTok telling me that you were in line for hours for the Labubu drop?” Tim asked immediately as Jason entered his bedroom.
Jason grinned as he took off his helmet and laid it on Tim’s dresser, “It was more like fifteen.”
Tim rolled his eyes, “I didn’t say four, I said for.”
Jason laughed, shrugging off his jacket as he went over to the bed. He leaned over Tim, pressing a short kiss to his lips.
“You didn’t actually go, did you?” Tim asked as he pulled away.
Jason sat down on the bed, pulling off his boots, “You said you wanted one.”
The mattress creaked, and Jason turned to see Tim struggling to sit up. Jason put a gentle hand on his chest.
“Lay down,” he said softly.
Tim winced but did what he asked. He was on bed rest after a fight with Killer Croc had almost taken him, Duke, and Steph out last month, the three of them only making it because Cass had suddenly discovered she could fucking bloodbend.
Jason reached over, tucking some of Tim’s hair behind his ear, giving him a once over to make sure he hadn’t accidentally hurt himself further while Jason was gone.
“I’m okay,” Tim promised, his hand reaching up to circle his fingers around Jason’s wrist.
Jason smiled, leaning down to kiss his forehead.
Tim sighed happily, “You're such a simp.”
Jason didn’t bother denying it, “You want your little freak now or after you take a nap?”
Tim raised his hands, making grabby, gimme gestures. Jason chuckled, pushing off the bed to grab the box he’d left in the hallway. He’d planned on surprising Tim with it later, but he should’ve known someone’s video of him online would’ve already gone viral.
“Open it for me?” Tim asked as Jason sat back down on the bed.
Jason nodded, carefully lifting the lid of the box so he didn’t tear the cardboard. He lifted the Labubu out of the box, smiling at Tim’s little gasp of excitement, and deposited it into his open hands.
“Oh, it’s the one I wanted!” Tim said happily, lifting it over his face to look at it. He grinned up at Jason. “First try, nice!”
Jason shrugged, ducking his head. “Cheated a little,” he admitted quietly.
“Come here,” Tim reached out, and Jason went so easily, not a single bone in his body wanting to resist as Tim pulled him into a sweet, lazy kiss. “Thank you, baby,” Tim murmured, letting his hand drop from Jason’s hair.
Jason caught it, pressing Tim’s fingers to his lips, peppering his hand with kisses. Tim laughed, and Jason’s heart twisted at the sound. He still couldn’t stop thinking about how he’d so narrowly avoided never hearing that sound again. His other hand wrapped around Tim’s wrist as he pressed more kisses into his skin.
“I’m okay,” Tim said softly. “Jason-”
“I know,” Jason breathed, opening his eyes and looking down at him. “I know.” He laid down, careful not to put any real weight on Tim as he buried his face in Tim’s neck. “I know.”
Tim’s arms wrapped around him as he kissed Jason’s head.
“This was really sweet,” Tim said after a few minutes. “You’ve been really sweet.”
“I’m always sweet,” Jason mumbled in protest.
Tim giggled, kissing him again, “Yes, you are. This is extra sweet. Thank you for going. You didn’t have to, especially not as Hood.”
“Wanted to,” Jason said honestly. “Needed to make sure I got the one you wanted.”
“You cheated with Bat Vision,” Tim said, the realization hitting him. “Smart.”
Jason kissed Tim’s neck, warmth blooming in his chest from the compliment.
“Next drop, when I’m better, we should go together,” Tim said, his fingers finding their way back to Jason’s curls. “We can cheat so hard and give the really rare ones to the Alley kids so they can sell them for like a bazillion dollars.”
Jason lifted his head up, “I love you.”
Tim didn’t even look surprised, “I love you too.”
Jason kissed him, long and soft, before pulling back to smile down at him. Tim smiled back, and Jason couldn’t help but give him another kiss.