Coffee and a Cupcake

[justlikeacircus]

Part one - Part two

Trying to decide what to wear for a date is hard when the date is in the afternoon, why did he pick the afternoon? Why did he decide to take Jason to see the circus? What if somebody says something embarrassing? What if the reality of the world Dick grew up in completely puts Jason off?

He asks Alfred all of these questions and more, while the old man just quietly listens and then hands him some clothes and tells him everything will be fine, because Alfred is the best.

So he's standing where they agreed to meet, in a pair of nice black jeans (that he knows Alfred picked because they're clean and reasonable smart, but which he likes because they make his ass look great) and a dark blue henley, a couple of the buttons undone and the sleeves rolled up - casual, but in a way that makes him look good. His hair is actually styled rather than whatever mess it's ended up in from training and running to the coffee shop and he's even wearing a little cologne, so he's definitely scrubbed up from the usual look Jason gets.

He's leaning against a lampost and casually scrolling on his phone without really paying it any actual attention, looking up every few seconds to try and spot Jason.

Comments

[justlikeacircus]

"Don't worry, I'll protect you from the clowns, I promise." Dick says, and while is tone is lightly teasing there's only a gentleness to it, a sort of underlying sincerity that, actually, Dick was more than willing to provide whatever distraction or support Jason might actually want if the clowns really are a problem.

"C'mon, it's this way." He adds, waving for Jason to follow as he heads down the street, it's only a couple of blocks to the park where the big top is set up, and there's already a few other groups - friends, families, other young couples - heading towards it as well. There are some performers on stilts entertaining the crowd while they enter and queue, but luckily none of them are clowns.

[dontcallmejay]

Jason folds his arms as they head in, not about to argue Dick paying for his entrance fee as well. After all, he was the one who asked Jason out, and they both knew Jason was poor as fuck.

He can't help but look up at the stilt walkers, blinking in shock. His family weren't exactly circus going people. Not really going anywhere except down the block for drugs type of people.

"You really used to live in a circus like this?"

[justlikeacircus]

"Well," Dick grins at him "not like this, -"

His words are cut off when one of the stilt walkers practically bounds over, moving as easily as if they weren't on stilts at all.

"Dick!" He says cheerfully, leaning down to playfully ruffle his hair. Dick bats him away with a scowl that has no heat in it and moves to tidy his hair up again, making the older man chuckle.

"As I was about to say," Dick continues with a smile over at Jason "this isn't like the circus I used to live with, it is the circus I used to live with. This is Marty, he was a friend of my parents. Marty, this is Jason."

The man glances between them with a knowing smile.

"Nice to meet you Jason, hope you know our boy Dick here has brought you to the best circus in town." He laughs at his own joke - yes, they are the only circus currently in Gotham.

[dontcallmejay]

Ah, now Jason remembers why he doesn't date. Being social. With other people. Without a motive for getting something out of it or stealing from them. It's one thing to say he'll go with Dick and another to have to interact with strangers. Strangers on stilts, no less.

"Isn't this the only circus in Gotham?" Jason asks, not to be mean exactly but seriously questioning just how many circuses are necessary for one weird city.

Also knowing this is exactly the same circus that Dick grew up in is... Really, really intimate for a first date. Like meeting the family. Maybe Jason was overthinking things, and Dick looked so happy being here even knowing what that meant about his past... Maybe Jason could suck it up just a little fucking longer.

[justlikeacircus]

Dick is coming to a similar conclusion, suddenly realising just how presumptuous it might be, to bring Jason here on a first date, he'd just gotten carried away thinking what a fun first date the circus would make, how he wanted to share something he loved with Jason. He's only now realising how much more he's sharing in the process.

Marty laughs at Jason's comment.

"Quick as a whip this one." He chuckles good naturedly. "Go on in to the tent why don't you both? Get settled before Haley spots you and tries to add you to the show." He adds, winking at Dick.

Dick laughs, a tiny hint of awkwardness in it, but he nods, thanking Marty as he starts towards the tent entrance.

"Sorry," he says suddenly after a few seconds "I didn't think - is this weird? It's probably weird.. it's just a really good show, I promise."

[dontcallmejay]

"Oh it's one hundred percent weird," Jason says as they head towards the tent. Jason's not going to ever admit that it's a little intimidating, the size of it, the colors, the sensory overload. "I don't think anyone in the history of dating has ever been asked to a circus for a first date that supposedly could end in fucking in a back room at a coffee shop." Jason shrugs. "But you're weird. So it kind of checks out."

[justlikeacircus]

Dick is tense at first when Jason responds exactly how he feared he would, but he's still following, and his tone is so matter of fact and when he continues Dick can't help but laugh. The tension dissipates easily and he glances back over his shoulder with a grin.

"Well you're still here, so either you don't really mind weird, or I guess my ass is good enough to make up for it." He jokes.

"That or you're just really desperate to get laid, but I feel like there would have been easier ways to achieve that." He laughs as he reaches one of the rows of seats - near the front but not at the front, thinking Jason might prefer the slight anonymity of the crowd. He also doesn't move too far along the row before sitting, meaning they're closer to an exit if necessary. He's not actually sure how bad Jason's feelings about clowns are so he'd rather prepare for the worst.

[dontcallmejay]

Dick did have a really nice ass. Not that Jason would be caught staring at it as he walks behind him to get in. Not that he wonders what Dick's entire body looks like without clothes on, if he's just absolutely Adonis-like over every inch. Certainly hasn't been looking at that shirtless photo the past few nights.

"Please, with all the hot gymnasts coming into the cafe to get my number at all hours? Definitely not desperate."

He takes a seat, looking up at the tent. How high it goes, the pole in the middle to hold it all up, the bright colors and banners hanging down displaying the acts that will come on. He's absolutely batshit insane to be here with a stranger. It was probably one of his worst ideas. But Dick was so genuine about it. So excited. Jason hasn't known anyone like that in a long time, who actually still finds joy in Gotham City.

"You really used to trapeze up there?" he asks and then grits his teeth as he looks at Dick, blue eyes full of some kind of emotion that isn't usually there. "How is this not painful for you right now?"

[justlikeacircus]

"Oh that's true. Must be a really good ass then, to beat out all those other gymnasts." He laughs.

He lets his gaze wander around while Jason does, just enjoying the familiar sights and sounds of the tent before a show starts. He looks up when Jason speaks, following his gaze and then looking over to where the trap is tied to the platform. He nods.

"Yea. There was always a net, for me, but by the time I got that high I knew what I was doing." He says easily, with only the slightest catch on the words for me. The question earns a soft smile in Jason's direction.

"It took a lot of time before I could come back, and it's not... it's not like there's no pain at all, of course there is, but I know how much they loved this, how much I loved it, how it's my link to them. I think they would have wanted me to be able to come here, to not let what happened ruin something that was so special to us all."

He shrugs, smiling sheepishly.

"I know that's kind of cheesy, but it's true."

[dontcallmejay]

Cheesy, yes, but also unbelievably attractive to Jason, that level of compassion and self-understanding. Dick is just...he's just himself. Nothing more, nothing less. And though that also makes Jason feel like a complete schmuck in comparison, it's a really goddamn good look on Dick.

"I actually think that's pretty brave," Jason says, quietly. "We all have traumas. Not all of us can get over them or even face them." He sighed. "Unfortunately, it just makes you that much more desirable that you're a healthy, well-adjusted Olympic-hopeful hot gymnast."

[justlikeacircus]

"Oh don't worry, there's plenty of horrible negatives lurking beneath the surface perfection." He jokes, though he can't hide the way his cheeks have gone a little pink, the pleased little look that crossed his face before he pushed it away "my terrible jokes, for one thing. Plus I get cold feet and put cornflakes on pizza, you'll soon see."

He grins over at Jason, and he also reaches out and takes his hand, lacing their fingers together. It's not so tight that Jason couldn't pull away again, and Dick will let him if he does, but if he doesn't then that pleased look will stay on his face even as he turns to watch the start of the show.

omgggg staaahhhpppp so fucking cute~

[dontcallmejay]

Jason's immediate response is to want to jerk his hand back, fold his arms so Dick can't reach for it again, and maybe leave the entire fucking date because he's goddamn unhinged...but Dick is so kind about it, gentle, sincere. He's sat them specifically away from the stage, in the crowd, at the edge of the row, providing Jason with ample ways to leave if he wants. And now he's just taking Jason's hand like they've been dating for years, and it's---

It's a lot. A fucking lot for someone who has never felt worth the love or care of others.

And it takes all of Jason's strength not to pull away. To keep hold. To be just as gentle as his fingers twine with Dick's and he feels his entire body heat up like a stupid fucking teenager.

Cornflakes on goddamn pizza, who was this guy???

The ringleader comes out at that point, and Jason has never been so thankful for the distraction of the energy of a live performance.

Oh Jason bb so precious

[justlikeacircus]

Dick is oblivious to Jason's struggle, but he is very pleased that he doesn't pull away.

As the performance progresses, he does occasionally glance over to Jason to see if he's enjoying it, and when the clowns come out he squeezes his hand lightly, keeping a slightly closer eye on him, just in case.

[dontcallmejay]

The clowns are, at the very least, painted differently than the one that has Jason scarred for life. A story for another time, surely, although he's positive it will somehow come up well before their next date since Dick seems all too ready to buy them his and his towels at every turn.

"Tell me something about that one," he says, nodding to the one that's in a green wig. "Something really goddamn stupid."

[justlikeacircus]

"Oh, easy," Dick tells him with a chuckle, deliberately keeping his tone and mood light to try and reassure. He's pretty sure there's a story behind Jason's fear, there usually is, but while he'll happily listen he won't push.

(He might ask, if the mood strikes, but he will at least accept if Jason doesn't want to talk about it)

"Would you like the story of the time he got drunk and fell into a bush trying to impress a girl who turned out to be a lesbian, or the time he nearly broke his hand because he got the one of the breakaway boards mixed up with an actual plank of wood." He offers, leaning in a little so he can talk without disturbing the other audience members.

"Oh, I heard a story about him calling for help from one of the trailers, and when they got there he was tangled up in one of the safety nets and still refuses to tell anybody how or why."

[dontcallmejay]

Jason grins at that, leaning in close and surprised to find the expensive cologne Dick is wearing to be absolutely wonderful. Not to mention the guy is drop fucking dead gorgeous up close as from afar. He's an impossibility, but Jason's fine living in a dream for a little while yet.

"Who amongst us hasn't tried to impress a secret lesbian?" he asks, but it's clear the story is helping. He doesn't squeeze Dick's hand or anything, but he doesn't look as thrilled with the clown shenanigans.

Thankfully the circus tent is huge so there are three things going on at once, and suddenly, Jason is sitting up straighter, his eyes focused, looking excited as two elephants come out with slim women standing on top of them.

"Please. Fucking tell me you're friends with the elephants." Jason has never seen one so close before, and it's absolutely amazing.

Elephants live like 40 years and this is an au so

[justlikeacircus]

Dick's face is also a picture of delight and when Jason speaks his grin only widens. He's glad, of course, that Jason has found something to distract him from the clowns, but he's also just really pleased to see him so happy to see the elephants.

Dick could never trust someone who was not enamoured by elephants, especially when most people got to see them rarely, or never.

"Well the one on the left is new," he explains "but the one on the right is Zitka and she was my very best friend."

yes I fully support this, imo elephants never die in this AU

[dontcallmejay]

Jason looks at Dick like he's grown a second head. "...You're fucking kidding me." He has to gape between the elephants as they meander closer and curl their trunks up and Dick, who is best goddamn friends with one of them.

What in the fuck is this feeling in his goddamn chest.

Facts.

[justlikeacircus]

Dick grins at him before turning his attention back to Zitka as the elephants came closer.

"It was my job to look after her, we bonded." He admits, dragging his eyes away again briefly to look over at Jason with a sly little smile.

"You want to go meet her after the show?"

[dontcallmejay]

Jason felt suddenly overwhelmed. The lights, the sounds, the fact that this weird guy grew up in this place and knew stories about the clowns and was friends with the goddamn elephant... How was Jason ever supposed to measure up to this shit? It was next level insanity. No person was this hot and wanted him of all people.

Finally, he managed to pull his hand back, nodding. If he continued to touch Dick, he thought he might scream.

But he was nodding. "I'd...like that. Yeah."

[justlikeacircus]

Dick blinked at him, confused when Jason pulls his hand away, not entirely sure what's going through his head or if he should do anything.

But he does want to go and meet the elephants so Dick nods and gives him another smile.

"Okay then." He says, turning to look back at the ring.

His hand feels cold.

[dontcallmejay]

Jason is quiet for a while, just watching, using the elephants as the wonderful distractions that they are. Beautiful and massive and impossible, really. Impossible that Jason was here, on a date, like this. In awe of his luck, because not everyone gets to see shit like this.

One of the vendors comes by, and Jason grabs them a popcorn. It's not much, but at least it's something to do with his hands. And mouth. He offers the bucket to Dick as well.

"I hope you eat popcorn less messy than cupcakes."

This was fine. He would be fine.

[justlikeacircus]

Dick takes a handful of popcorn with a thanks, though Jason's comment has him sticking out his tongue and throwing a piece at him.

"There's no frosting involved here, so I'm sure you're safe from my messy eating habits." He jokes back.

[dontcallmejay]

"Also don't think we're not coming back to that cornflake pizza you talked about."

But they are saved by another performance, this time of the acrobats and trapeze artists and even someone flying around in a ribbon. Jason chances a look at Dick while the trapeze artists go up. He couldn't imagine Dick as a small little boy watching his parents die at something like this and ever wanting to be in the same place again.

Fuck it. He takes his hand again as they start.

[justlikeacircus]

Dick has to admit, he's mostly at peace with coming back to the circus, he's at peace with being on a trapeze himself or doing gymnastics, but watching other people perform... ordinary gymnastics? Fine, no problem, but on a trapeze...

He's tense, he can't help it, and he knows that, as always, he won't be able to stop himself from tracking every movement with his eyes, silently calculating every jump and spin and leap, following the movement until hands catch on to a hold. And every few seconds his eyes flick up to the cables and ropes and scaffolding holding everything up, reassuring himself it's all still secure. The net is still there, nothing is fraying or breaking, everybody is safe.

This time, though, as chalked hands wrap around the bar, as the acrobat bends his knees and Dick hears the allez in his mind despite being so far away he can barely even see the man's lips move to say it, let alone hear it, as the tension creeps in and he once again flicks his eyes to the cable... there's another hand, curling around his own.

He looks over at Jason, slightly wide-eyed, and then after a moment his shocked look softens into something grateful and warm, and some of that tension eases.

It's not gone entirely, and during some longer jumps or tricks his grip on Jason's hand tightens (especially ones that he remembers his parents doing that night), but he appreciates the performance a little more, checks the ropes a little less, breathes a little easier.

When it's over and he joins the crowd in cheering, he smiles over at Jason.

"Thank you"

[dontcallmejay]

"That's fucking insane that you used to do that," Jason says, trying to diffuse some of the tension. He could feel it radiating off of Dick's body the entire performance, and it's really something. To be able to hold onto someone while they experience that. To be a tether for Dick that keeps him in the here and now. "I mean, I know you're strong, but you have to also be flexible as fuck, quick, smart. It's incredible."

He gave up Dick's hand for the popcorn, watching the next act that had horses and beautiful girls (and boys) tumbling and cartwheeling and ramping up for the kids. Jason found his gaze meandering to the front rows, the kids with their eyes wide as saucers as even the clowns played with them, offered them a stick that turned into flowers.

Weirdest first date, but awing to someone like Jason.

[justlikeacircus]

Dick laughs, looking over at him with a fond smile. It grows even warmer when Jason continues, a hint of pink coming to his cheeks.

"Well, I can confirm that I'm very flexible." He jokes with a wink. His voice is slightly weak, but the smile is genuine.

He relaxes as the show moves on, doesn't even mind when Jason lets go of his hand and once Jason's taken some popcorn he reaches for a handful himself.

He knows it's a little unorthodox but he also knows it's memorable, and he's pretty pleased that Jason seems to be enjoying it as much as he is.