Chapter Text
The Batcave was louder than usual
Not because of an alarm or emergency calls, no — It was just Jason. Dick was leaning against the computer console before he felt Jason pull him in.
“Come on dickhead, Star is going y'know?" Jason smirked, throwing an arm around his shoulder and squeezing a side hug that was absolutely meant to annoy him.
Jason’s grin was immediate trouble. There was always a particular look in his eyes whenever he was about to drag the rest of them into something stupid, and right now he looked practically energized by it.
Dick huffed a laugh and shoved him off
“Just because she’s going doesn’t mean I have to plus you know I can’t go and you shouldn’t either.”
“That sounds like a ‘maybe’.”
“That sounds like a ‘no’.”
Jason ignored him completely.
Next to them, sitting in front of the Batcomputer, Tim tried not to listen or to tune them out.
Keyword: tried.
Excitement had been building all week the moment it was known the JL were gonna be out of town for the weekend. Bruce and several of JL were heading to space on a 3 day mission. Officially they are responding to a distress signal from an alien, unregistered ship. It is not supposed to be dangerous as they were requesting help after being stranded near one of the outer sectors.
Bruce couldn’t let go of the fact that they were unregistered so he, along with Diana and Martian, tagged along.
Their confirmed absence had Jason spend the last two days trying to convince everyone that this was the perfect opportunity to throw a party. Of course not everyone was going, with Dick being the closest official member of the JLA, Bruce had left him on babysitting duty—that’s if Jason convinced him to go.
Tim rubbed at his temple.
“Can’t you guys talk about this anywhere else?” Tim muttered. Barely able to concentrate with them bickering. Honestly he couldn’t tell if Jason was joking.
“Nope.” Jason grinned.
Tim sighed, sitting hunched over the main computer with a big stack of reports Bruce had wanted finished during his absence. Normally, the cave was quiet enough for him to work without issue. Tonight, though, Jason had apparently decided volume control was optional.
“Come on Tim don’t be like that, you ain't going or what?” Jason reached, ruffling his hair that earned a quick swat.
“Unlike you, Bruce left me with his homework so unless you wanna finish this for me?” Tim frowned.
“Hard pass.”
“Though so. Hope you have fun I guess, just bring me some leftovers. I’ll take some pigs in a blanket, maybe add in crab puffs too” He hummed, not a single blink as he typed quickly.
Dick raised a brow. “It's a party full of young adults…not a gala.”
“Fine, cold pizza will do.” He huffed in response.
“You’re all acting like B’s leaving forever,” Dick muttered.
“He might as well be,” Jason said dramatically. “Do you understand how rare uninterrupted freedom is around here?”
“Freedom from what?” Dick laughed.
“Emotional repression. Judgment. The creeping feeling that I’m being surveilled at all times.”
Tim didn’t even glance away from the screen. “That last one is objectively true. Babs still has access to the manor cameras”
Jason pointed at him. “See? This place is a prison.”
Dick shook his head, though he was smiling now despite himself.
Again, It was rare to see Jason this animated lately. Loud, argumentative Jason was easier to handle than the quieter version that stalked around the manor like he was waiting for something bad to happen.
Honestly, Tim preferred the chaos.
Even if it gave him a headache.
Jason was about to go another round of persuading Dick when Damian interrupted.
“I will be attending as well.” He announced, coming down into the cave already wearing a frown not even a second into the conversation.
“Uh…don’t you mean, ‘can I go?’ to which my answer is ‘absolutely not’?” Dick said incredulously at his demand.
“Don’t flatter yourself Grayson, I would never do something so absurd as ask for your permission.”
Jason only snorted, unhelpful as ever.
“Well, you’re still not going plus why are you telling me anyway?.” Dick frowned.
Damian rolled his eyes, already done with the conversation. “I have no interest in witnessing inebriated fools act like monkeys, I’ll be spending my time with Jon.”
That caught Tim's attention to look up from the computer “Jonathan is going?”
Jason caught it instantly, a slow smirk curled across his face.
“Oh? That caught your attention? too bad you aren’t going, huh Timmy?.”
Tim didn't rise to the bait, silently annoyed by Jason’s teasing. He did start typing faster, already planning how to get his work done quickly—he would have to convince Oracle to do him a solid.
Dick sighed, rubbing at his temple like a man already fighting off a headache that hadn't even begun. “Why on earth would Conner bring Jon to a party.”
Jason shrugged, infuriatingly casual.
“I think it works out, Jon can hang with Damian while we’re busy.” Jason smiled, raising a convincing brow at dick. He didn't say anything out loud but the doubt flashed clearly in his eyes.
‘Look, I don't know why Conner is bringing Jon but the demon brat is going. Honestly? you don't have to go if you don't wanna” Jason added, like this was some huge act of generosity on his part. “we’re perfectly capable of taking care of ourselves.”
Dick scoffed silently, no way in hell was he buying that.
The last time Jason claimed “capability”, he ended up on the news after a big bar fight involving flaming shot glasses.
And now? Add kryptonians getting drunk? A party hosted by who knows? No way in hell this wouldn't end up in property damage.
“Or” Jason continued, “you can swing by, just check in. Make sure nothing’s on fire and save yourself the headache of Bruce later asking why half of Gotham is trending because we did something stupid”
Dick exhaled through his nose, long and slow like a man surrendering to fate.
Ten minutes. That's all it would be. Just pop in, scan the room for disasters-in-progress, and leave before anyone could rope him into anything stupid.
“If I go….just for ten minutes, will you leave me alone?” Dick sighed, this wasn’t working out for him.. he didn’t trust Jason nor Conner with the kids, hell not even with themselves.
Jason smirked at that. “You have my word.”
He absolutely was not going to keep his word, he had a secret bet going with Roy. Fifty dollars if dick can stay more than 10 minutes.
Dick just sighed and left the cave, already stressing out, maybe Alfred's tea would do him some good. As for Damian it seems his only purpose was to announce his attendance along with giving dick a migraine because he left that very instant.
“So who’s hosting the party?” Tim continued.
“Are you going afterall?”
Tim grinned and shrugged. “Maybe.”
“Hm.”
Oh he was definitely going.
“Well, officially no one is. It’s at a safehouse just outside of Gotham.”
“right”
It seemed like Tim was gonna have to suck up to babs, even when nothing good came out of owing her anything. She probably already knows about the party.
Timmy
Tim: Hey :)
No :Bab
Tim: I didn’t even get to say anything
Well my answer is still no :Bab
Tim: Come oooon.
Tim: Don’t be like that.
Tim: You’re my favorite y'know? :(
The little brotherly act? :Bab
Seriously? :Bab
Tim: I'll do anything.
Hmm :Bab
:/ I don't really want anything right now tho :Bab
Tim: You can cash in the favor later.
Tim: pleaseeee
Tim: Just for tonight.
Tim: Help me with the homework Bruce left me.
Maybe :Bab
What’s in it for me? :Bab
Tim: Uh???
Tim: My love and eternal gratefulness?????
Hmm not really convincing me :Bab
Tim: Supergirl is going.
??? :Bab
Random Fact? :Bab
Tim: Is your fat crush a random fact?
Tim: Don’t even try to deny it either
Tim: Already went through your laptop
Are you kidding me? :Bab
What is your issue? :Bab
Tim: I can totally wingman you.
Tim: Come on.
Please don’t :Bab
but how about this :Bab
Save me some leftovers. Don’t bother her :Bab
Plus the favor, then you got yourself a deal. :Bab
Tim: Deal.
Tim: This is why you’re the best. :’)
Yeah sure, whatever. :Bab
I'm still considering this Blackmail. :Bab
Tim: Worth it.
He was in! Oh he could totally relax now, he still needs to shower and maybe do a couple of other things but who cares.
“You’re grinning like an idiot.” Jason mused, leaning over to see his texts.
Tim groaned, turning to glare at him “oh my god, you’re still here?”
Again Jason rewarded Tim by ruffling his hair aggressively and annoyingly as possible. Tim only had half the strength to swat his hand away again with a huff.
“Go in costume, no need to dress up all nice…but maybe take a shower. You stink.” Jason finally left, Tim pouts… sniffing himself before frowning.
When the time arrived and the sun finally set. Wearing their Gotham's best, Jason, Tim and Damian now stood in the garage rather than the cave. The excitement that they initially started with, is currently dulled by a very serious problem.
“Dick… do we have to take your car?” Jason frowned.
“Yes, we do.” He huffed, he was not going to hear them argue about this. Clicking his key fob, the doors unlocked with a soft thunk. Then he turned—expression already done—when they weren’t getting in.
“We have a perfectly amazing selection of cars and you want to take your Toyota?” Jason deadpanned, arms crossed.
“This is ridiculous and beneath me Richard,” Damian seethed, mimicking Jason's stance.
“We could have taken the batmobile” Tim was more casual… but there was hesitation.
Dick frowned, mocking their stance and standing firmly by the door. “We are not taking the batmobile"
“Why not, it's not like B’s here to stop us” Jason huffed.
“Because I said so”
“Seriously?” Tim snorted.
He received a glare.
“Oh you’re not joking.”
Dick was getting upset, not only was he already driving them to the party they had the gall to disrespect his car. Jason groaned at dicks dramatics, he did not want to lose his bet with Roy and if they kept at it he risked dick not even staying the ten minutes.
“Ugh.. fine, let’s just go.” he moved, sitting himself on the passenger seat. The car dipped with the added weight and rattled when Jason firmly closed his door.
Tim and Damian exchanged a look. No car should have moved that much. Silent judgment stretched until dick cleared his throat expectantly—finally making them climb onto the backseat.
Once they were buckled in Dick’s, worn out, car did he brief them like some sort of mission.
“Alright, I'm there only 10 minutes then I'll take Damian and Jon back home. You two will see to it to get back home alive.”
Tim shrugged and Jason chuckled. “Come on, live a little, you’re there to relax, one drink won’t kill ya.”
“Are you still going on patrol later?” Tim interrupted, watching how dick remained silent. Guess that explains why he didn’t take the batmobile.
“Figures.” Jason sighs.
“Drive the car, Grayson” Damian glared.
Dick sighed, pulling out of the driveway and heading for the location Conner sent. Luckily the drive wasn’t long. Conner and the others had picked a safehouse far enough from civilization that nobody would stumble across the party by accident.
As Dick navigated through winding backroads he grew suspicious the more he looked at the coordinates Conner sent. “Wait, this location… isn't this one of Bruce's old safehouses?”
“Never said it wasn't."Jason didn't even look guilty. Just shrugged leaning back against the seat with a lazy smirk.
“Goddamnit Jay…” He sighed, pure disbelief. If Bruce ever finds out—no he absolutely wasn't going to be blamed for this. In fact he will pay zatanna to memory-wipe his brain about the party.
Within the hour they were rolling in on the old building, the place booming with music inside meanwhile cars and bikes quickly began filling the parking spots.
“Wait, don't park here. Go over there.” Jason said, leaning forward and pointing towards the far corner of the lot.
“Why? There’s still plenty of spots.” Dick frowned in confusion but continued driving toward the corner Jason had pointed out.
“I don’t want to be seen coming out of this car.”
Dick glared, parking the car at the next empty spot instead. Tim snorted, quickly covering his mouth but Jason was already grinning.
“I’m kidding, let's just go.” he laughed, climbing out of the car and slamming the door behind him.
Dick huffed, pinching the bridge of his nose before stepping out with Tim and Damian tagging along.
“Remember, just 10 minutes to say hello and we're leaving Dami.” He only got a grunt in response.
The music hit them before they were fully through the door. The old safehouse had been transformed. Colored lights flashed across the walls, conversations overlapping with laughter and music loud enough to make the floor vibrate beneath their feet. Heroes, sidekicks, and former sidekicks crowded every available space.
Dick barely made it three steps before someone grabbed him in a headlock. He yelped at the strong hold but the familiar texture of metal touching him had him quickly looking up.
"Well, if it isn't Nightwing." It's Cyborg, smirking softly before letting him go.
"Dude!" Beast Boy laughed, jumping Dick into a hug and nearly making him stumble.
"Gar…. Cyborg.”. Before Dick could properly recover, another familiar voice cut through the noise.
"It's good to see you, friend." Dick turned just in time for Starfire to pull him into a hug that nearly lifted him off the ground.
“Grayson” Raven offered a small nod from her place on the couch, smiling softly while Cyborg already sat beside her, drink in hand.
Dick couldn't help smiling, excitement bubbling from suddenly meeting old friends like this. Maybe this party wouldn't be so bad after all.
Behind him, Jason groaned.
"Great. Titans."
"Fromer titans. you can leave.” Dick shot back, his smile almost threatening. He was having a moment. they will not ruin this for him, thank you very much.
The 4 of them exchanged a look before naturally splitting apart.
Jason disappeared into the crowd first, already scanning faces for Roy. With the Titans here he practically secured that bet.
Tim spotted Conner near the kitchen and headed that way without another word.
Damian lingered near the entrance, eyes moving through the crowd in search of Jon.
Dick barely noticed them leave. Beast Boy was already halfway through a story he clearly hadn't been waiting to tell.
Time passed much quicker when they were having fun, he didn't even mind when he was slightly bullied to take shots with cyborg and beast boy. By the time they had naturally separated, Dick had exchanged contact information with them.
Now was a good time to leave. Damian was waiting by the door—already texted him twice with a “are we leaving or not?” urgency. But seeing the crowd and recognizing familiar faces, he was inclined to stay a little longer. It couldn’t hurt to do one more lap? Just one?
maybe he will run into Wally even if the thought made him a little nervous except there was no sight of him—not yet at least.
He slowly walked around, searching, before rolling his eyes when catching Jason and Roy demolishing a dartboard with batarangs in drunken chaos near the far wall. A few more steps and he bumped into a couple as they were dancing.
“Excuse me.” He murmured, quickly turning back when realizing who exactly he bumped into. Upon seeing the flushed, startled look of a tipsy Tim and Superboy he quickly backpedaled.
Tim’s cheeks were flushed and his usual sharp, analytical eyes looked hazy with alcohol. He blinked at Dick like he wasn't quite registering who it was for a second.
Conner? The big guy smiled sheepishly when they locked eyes, the kind of caught-red-handed expression only someone who knew they were in trouble would make.
They weren't even kissing. Just dancing. Holding each other. Being disturbingly domestic in public while both clearly tipsy?
Dick exhaled through his nose, a long, suffering sound reserved exclusively for sibling-related nonsense.
Without breaking eye contact with Conner, Dick asked flatly. “Tim? Is there something you want to tell me?” He frowned when Conner still hadn't let go of Tim.
“Uh no?” He slurred
Dick didn’t miss the way Conner subtly tightened his arms around Tim's waist, protective, he didn’t like it.
“Conner” he said calmly—a calm that felt more of a silent threat than reassuring.
“I want him back by 10.”
“Are you kidding me? It's not even nine-thirty!” Tim whined like a drunk petulant child.
Dick didn't blink. Just kept staring at Conner with that unshakable big brother intensity—the same look that made Gotham rogues reconsider their life choices.
“No problem.” Conner finally mumbled—not happy about it but smart enough to know fighting would lose him points fast.
The moment he agreed, Dick exhaled. Tim was safe or as safe as he could be while drunk. He was not going to allow his siblings to make bad decisions and potentially hook up with someone recklessly.
Dick turned on his heel. It was time to go. Damian would be relieved to finally leave but before he could leave he made a quick detour to the kitchen. It wouldn't hurt to take some food before he left.
The party had trays of snacks lined up in the kitchen. A spread of mini sandwiches, chips, pizza boxes and even dessert. It looked good and he didn’t hesitate to take the chocolates, stuffing a couple down to ease himself. He didn't pay mind the tray he got them from, nor how it was oddly separate from the other food.
All Dick was thinking about where to find a paper plate when he felt a friendly bump against his side. When he turned he instantly brightened.
Zara Kent stood there, all sunshine-smile energy in her usual effortless way. She reached up without warning and ruffled his hair like he was still fifteen.
“Hey boy wonder, been a while.” she teased with that warm laugh only childhood friends could get away with.
“Zara!” He grinned back automatically. Seeing her always gave him a nostalgic glow, they hadn't hung out properly since college really.
“It’s good to see you, still in cali?” he asked, as they hugged briefly.
“Yeah, I come and go.” she shrugged, her signature playful smirk already in place.
“Do you still party hard? Weed’s legal there now."
Zara snorted.
“Speak for yourself, you're here aren’t you.”she shot back, shoving him lightly.
Dick gave her a small laugh.
“Its not the same.” he said before taking another nibble of his chocolate. Zara's eyes flicked down to the chocolate in his hand then curiously tilted her head towards the tray he got them.
Her eyes lit up with recognition… then mischief
“Don’t eat too many chocolates.” she chuckled. A knowing look spread across her face.
“Oh? Why not? You aren’t fat shaming me are you?” He said, feigning offense with an exaggerated lower lip.
Her eyes went wide, He didn't know. She opened her mouth to correct herself fast. “Oh no, yeah totally–not at all–I meant-” before she could backpeddle a loud voice cut through from behind.
“OHHhh ohoho shiiiit!” Garfeild interrupted, jumping onto dick with cheer, his pupils blown wide; half-lidded grin plastered on his face like he was about to laugh at anything.. “You changed your mind, Let’s gooooooo!”
The shove was gentle but immediate, Dick instinctively stepped back from Gar's sudden, overly enthusiastic approach.
“Are you high?” he asked flatly. Scanning his friend’s glazed eyes and lopsided grin.
didn’t get a response other than a giggle.
When he looked at Zara she only smiled with a sheepish shrug. He hadn't considered there would be drugs here and of course no one told him. He sighed internally. Later? He was absolutely grilling Jason about this.
For now, Gar stood in front of him swaying like a tree in the wind.
“Gar, what are you on about?” Dick said equal parts annoyed and fondness for his titan friend.
Not bothered one bit he pointed directly at dick with excitement. “With the shrooms” he announced proudly like it was great news.
Dick blinked once. Slowly processed it.
“What mushrooms?” fondness gone.
“The shrooms in the chocolate!” Gar giggled, pointing at the chocolate still in Dicks hand.
Dick froze, his stomach dropping before his brain caught up.
“T-These are mushrooms?” He looked at Zara, not wanting to believe him.
“Y-Yeah… uh… Gar got this tray from California, it’s an old-school Hollywood buffet thing?” Zara stammered her face going slightly pale with guilt-ridden realization.
“That means theres fucking drugs in the food?” Dick hissed, voice rising. spitting out the rest of the chocolate into a nearby napkin.
“Yeah? What else could it possibly mean?” Gar just laughed harder, the kind that meant he was already way too far gone to care.
“Well im not from california i don’t know what the fuck that means!?” Dick panicked and Zara winced before placing her hands placatingly over his shoulders.
“L-Look it is fine! Its a micro dose oka–”
“They are NOT a microdose!”
Zara quickly turned, beast boy instilling fear, each, stupid word that spills out his lips. “Yes they are? There’s two-eights of a gram in each one.”
“Whaaat, Noooo? It’s two-eights of an ounceee what the fuck is two-eights of a gram? That’s not a thing.” Gar laughed, shaking his head in confusion like what Zara said was the most ridiculous thing he’s ever heard.
“Oh my god, that explains why im so fucking HIGh” Zara panicked, running her fingers through her hair in disbelief.
“Did I just eat a scary amount of mushrooms or not?” Dick frantically asked, hoping for reassurance.
“It's 7 grams in each!” Gar exclaimed.
“O-Okay look, Dick, don’t worry. It sounds like a lot but I only had one and it hit me strong?” She said quickly and bless her soul she tried to comfort herself along with him but she has been extremely high for a while now and her panic wasn’t helping Dick at all.
“But it’s a lot more manageable now, I feel okay… so I-I think you’ll be okay too.” And props to her, it did help him calm down a bit but not enough. Not when dick couldn’t get past the fact that she only had one meanwhile him…
“I had three.” Dick paled.
“WHAT?”
“OOOHOHOOOLY Fuck!” Garfield cheered, immediately counting the amount with his fingers while supergirl paced in a tiny circle by the kitchen island.
“That's too many.. oh my god. Dick that’s too many fuckin’ shrooms.” She stressed before Gar to scream out the total grams dick consumed as if he won the lottery rather than possibly destroying his nervous system..
“You just had 21 grams of SHROOOOOOMS!!!” He roared, beasy boy was fucking nuts.
He needed to go, he was overthinking it. His heart beat spiked up and he tried searching for any of his brothers.
“Oh god, Jay!? Tim? Dami?” Logic was leaving his brain while adrenaline took over, he couldn’t find them, not even the familiar stupid skunk patch of hair he saw earlier. He could feel the drugs taking effect, the walls breathe and the music pulsed with some bass-heavy pop that made his brain vibrate. He needed to focus. He breathed for a second and there he was, same place but different game–playing a stupid ping pong game across the room.
His brother sat slumped over the table, a batarang in hand–not even holding it right–face redder than his helmet. He was losing to Roy of course he was.
“Jasonnn” Dick drawled, arms flailing slightly as he navigated around dancing people and spilled drinks.
Dick squirmed and took three big steps—then immediately tripped over a sudden blur that appeared right in front of him. The harsh and sudden collision had him planting into someone warm… soft… familiar?
He blinked up slowly– and there he suddenly was: Wally West with perfect timing and zero awareness.
“Ooooohhhh shiiit,” Dick whispered to no one in particular
“Diiiiick~! You came?” Wally laughed, happy and excited like he didn’t just hit the ground hard with 6 feet of pure muscle crushing him on top. The ginger haired speedster was clearly drunk too and dick quickly stood up, helping him up and spilling apologies.
“Shit, sorry about that Wally.” How embarrassing, he didn’t want to be seen like this although from the looks of it, hopefully Wally wouldn’t remember. Dick cursed, swooning in his feet before he realized he was trying to do something.
“That’s okay! Are you having fun?" He smiled “Haven’t seen you in a while~” And what was that beautiful ginger talking about when they hung out 2 weeks ago. Dick was clearly distracted again, no longer paying attention anymore… he was… what was he doing? Wally was distracting him although he’s distracting enough even when you weren't fried off 21 grams of psychedelics.
“Wally~” he slurred. He wanted to retreat before making a fool of himself any further but nothing came out, maybe a tiny giggle.Why is he so pretty, his lips have a nice warm color.. he wanted to kiss. And his eyes… it wasn’t fair how they sparkled like that.
Wally must have yanked him towards the center of the dance floor because before he knew it they were moving—all clumsy limbs and too close to be friendly.
He doesn’t know what or when it happened but there was a shift. One moment swaying together with Wally laughing at something only he understood, the next? Their faces just…tilted.
Wally kissed first–a quick peck–but Dick chased, sure he missed and they only giggled before trying again. The kiss deepened, sloppy, all giggles between breaths and lips smacking a little too loud.
Then it was all teeth. No soft romantic buildup, just hungry mouths as they fumbled for balance. They tried moving somewhere quieter, the furthest they got was a hallway before they reached an open door leading to a small storage room. With zero grace whatsoever they toppled inside, Wally tripped first and Dick followed him down like dominoes. They passed out right there in the middle, both boys sprawled out like abandoned puppies after playtime.
Meanwhile In another closet two doors down, Tim and Kon were busy. the sounds of Tim's moans echoed before Conner quickly swallowed every pretty noise with his lips. Tim was having the time of his life drowning in everything that was superboy, clawing at his back despite not doing a single scratch on tan kryptonian skin. He was definitely projected not to walk straight this week with how Conner had him pinned firmly against shelves full of cleaning supplies.