original here. dated 2011-01-19
[A/N: Continuation of yesterday’s The Toss Up (1), which is itself partially based on #3 from iesika’s Tim Drake AU post here]
~
It is several weeks after the attack of the mutant armadillos and Jaime is enjoying having the base to himself, even if only for a little while. It’s not that Tim shows up everyday–even with KORD Industries branching out to El Paso, many of Tim’s duties are still in Chicago–but on the days that he calls ahead, Jaime tries to get there first. To show that he’s not as inept as Tim makes him seem. Though, to be honest, on days when he knows for sure Tim will be in Chicago (or Metropolis or San Francisco or Gotham or wherever KI sends him that’s not El Paso), Jaime doesn’t even use the bases (they only have three but it’s still three too many). It’s not like he really needs them. [tim doesn’t need them, either]
“You can put me down now, Booster.”
“No way, Nymph, you’ll probably shatter.”
“Please put me down now. And don’t call me that.”
Jaime doesn’t really understand the relationship between Tim and Booster Gold. Then again, he doesn’t really understand Booster Gold or Tim separately, so trying to figure out their relationship is like trying to figure out the relationship between quantum physics and ancient Greek philosophy. Theoretically, someone might be able to do it, but it certainly isn’t Jaime. Shut up, Khaji Da. [khaji da did not say anything]
“You’ve told me once, you’ve told me a thousand times. You should just stop resisting. Nymph.”
“Never. Also, you used that expression wrong.”
“Pshaw, that’s what you think. Just wait ‘til the 25th century, it’ll all make sense to you.”
Even if he doesn’t get it, Jaime can still reap the benefits from their weird, barely functional relationship. Whenever Booster visits, and that’s an emphasis on when, Tim’s ire immediately shifts from Jaime and his perceived mistakes to Booster and his… Booster-ness. Usually, Booster visits because he needs Jaime’s help [khaji da’s help] with his latest adventure and not even Tim has figured out how to make comms transmit through time. And sometimes, very rarely, Tim and Booster will reminisce about Ted Kord when Jaime is around to hear it. (Plus, Booster always calls Tim ‘Nymph,’ and that’s just hilarious.)
But right now, Jaime’s just confused. Because right now, held in Booster Gold’s arms is Tim, whose cheek is beginning to darken with a bruise and whose no doubt once expensive suit looks like he walked the entire 1,500 mile trip from Chicago to El Paso.
“What happened to you?”
“Nothing. I’m fine. Booster, put me down.” Tim bites out, if Khaji Da hadn’t told Jaime months ago that that was how Tim dealt with embarrassment Jaime would be really insulted. This time Booster complies, uncharacteristically lowering Tim to the ground gently. Now free, Tim makes his way to the base’s bathroom with a noticeable hitch in his step. [abrasion on his right ankle. struggled against assailant–kicked unknown blunt weapon.]
When Jaime hears the sink start running, he turns his attention back to Booster and asks, “What happened to him?”
“Hmph, I don’t know if I should tell you, rookie… But I will anyway! His plane was hijacked as soon as it left Chicago. They were holding Nymph and the other passengers hostage for ransom money. But Nymph fought back, just like I taught him to–he would have regained control of the plane all by himself if it weren’t for Superman.”
“Really?” Superman? He’s awesome. [khaji da is better]
“No, not really, they were a five man team. Unless you mean Superman, then yes, he was really there,” Shoeless, in sweats and a t-shirt, a bandage wrapped around his right foot and winding upward, holding an ice pack to his face; this is one of the few times Jaime has ever seen Tim look his age. Like a teenage boy who got into a fight for no reason other than aggression and hormones instead of the KORD Industries’ youngest and most successful CEO who survived yet another hostage situation.
“Did you have any specific reason for being here now, Booster?”
“Do I need a reason to hang out with you guys?”
“Yes.” “No.” [based on past encounters, statistically yes]
“Harsh, Nymph, why can’t you be more like Jaime? I even brought you here when you asked me to.”
“No, you volunteered to bring me here when it looked like Superman was going to do it. And I agreed, because I thought you would also have a reason to see Jaime and Khaji Da.”
“Well I don’t. I came here to help you.”
“Then you can go now, because I don’t need your help anymore.”
“You don’t have to do everything by yoursel-”
“Please go, Booster, I’m tired and you’re not helping.”
“Nymph-”
“Hey,” With the way both Tim and Booster swing their heads to look at him, like snakes staring down prey, Jaime almost regrets speaking up. Almost, “If you don’t need anything from us, you can go. We’ll see you next time,”
“Yes, another time, Booster.”
“Well alright, kiddos. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!” And with that, he was gone.
“Thank you, Jaime,”
“He was right you know, you don’t have to do everything by yourself. You’ve got Khaji Da and me,” [yes]
JackSGreyson Says 