Rain drummed steadily against the windshield as Dick pulled into the Burger King parking lot.
“You needed this,” Dick said, shutting off the engine.
Tim looked over. “Needed what?”
“A break.”
“I’ve had a break.”
Dick gave him a look.
“You’ve been back from the Mediterranean cruise for three days. In those three days you’ve reorganized the Batcomputer, rewritten patrol schedules, solved two cold cases, and slept…what? Four hours?”
“I slept six.”
“Working yourself into the ground again,” Dick sighed with a smile. “Come on. Dinner first. Detective work later.”
Tim couldn’t really argue with that.
The rain had picked up by the time they hurried inside, the warm scent of burgers and fries replacing the cool smell of wet pavement.
Despite the weather, the restaurant was comfortably busy.
Employees moved between the kitchen and front counter while quiet conversations filled the dining room.
Tim’s gaze instinctively landed on the register.
There he was.
The blond employee.
Tim had seen him before.
Not as Tim Drake.
As Robin.
During late-night patrols, he’d occasionally spotted the same teenager through Burger King’s front windows—taking orders with an easy smile, joking with coworkers while stocking supplies, or wiping down tables after closing. He always seemed to be moving, always talking, always making someone laugh.
Tim had never learned his name.
Tonight was different.
The blond boy looked up as Dick and Tim stepped into line.
Shaggy yet neatly kept blond hair framed a friendly face, while bright green eyes sparkled beneath the restaurant lights.
When it became their turn, he smiled.
“Hi! Welcome to Burger King.”
Then his eyes met Tim’s.
For just a second…
Everything else disappeared.
The chatter of customers.
The beeping fryers.
Even the rain outside.
Tim simply stared.
Those bright green eyes held his for the briefest moment, and something unfamiliar fluttered in his chest.
Across the counter, Bernard forgot what he was about to say.
He’d never seen this customer before.
Dark hair, bright blue eyes, and a quiet expression that somehow felt comforting despite how reserved he looked.
Cute.
Very cute.