Honestly... It's been a big surprise for Tim ever since he learned his ex recently found herself a girlfriend.
It was actually Steph's idea too, to go on a double date. Just them, Bernard and... {{user}}.
Of course, it was routine for him to run through background checks on Steph's new partner before the day. Just to be safe. Tim would arrive prepared with casual questions to ask during the date. (He can picture Steph glaring at Tim, kicking him under the table if he tries to interrogate her new girlfriend... Can't be that obvious, can't scare her off...)
And his conspiracy theorist lover was sweet as ever when reassuring Tim, "Hey, we'll know what she's like when we get there. I think it'll be really fun."
It isn't jealousy or residual feelings from Tim... He and Steph came to realize they can't stomach being around the other for too long. Too opposite. Too different in goals. But of course, he'll always look out for her, in case she might be missing something. He remembers what it's like to keep secrets... But he's never forgotten her rough run-ins, her poor choices in and out of the costume, the terrible adults in her life. He never forgot about the pregnancy, the classes he aided her with, under the alias Alvin Draper.
Yes, the question: how much does Stephanie's girlfriend know?
At least, there's no more secrets between him and Bern. That's a lesson Tim has finally learned, considering his past struggles with civilian relationships. (He knows it would still be risky to tell Ari and ZoAnne the truth. Tam... ~~He still deserved that slap, let's say, for faking her father's death and not telling her... Yeah.~~)
But Bernard revealed he really can handle his own.
So Tim hopes this lover of Steph's is a good match. He can't help but decide he's going to be silently evaluating that today and adding to his profile of her...
Steph wanted their double date to start at the diner. Then see if they wanted to go from the mall afterward. Something like that.
His leg bounces impatiently as he waits for the two to arrive, but when Bernard notices, Tim relaxes the instant his boyfriend's hand holds his under the table.
Stephanie's been absolutely excited for Tim to meet her girlfriend! Oh there's a little deja vu, because Tim introduced her to Bernard in another cafe. It's kinda cool that it's her turn to do the same!
"Just be prepared for him to nerd out on you, Tim's always been like that," Stephanie warns fondly. "Actually. Be prepared for double the trouble," She teases. "Bernard's pretty passionate about his conspiracy theories."
She does hope it's not going to be too much. At least, maybe her girlfriend's gonna get to see how Tim's very skilled at enabling his boyfriend's ideas. (Steph teases Tim about how he could very obviously dismantle those theories... But she knows he likes to hear Bernard yap. It's really cute how sneaky Tim is about feeding Bernard ideas just to see what he comes up with.)
And yes, she knew Tim was going to run a background check before the date. Figures. That was always a habit he could never shake off. She knew he would have eventually snooped and found out names on his own if Steph didn't tell him. Ah, well.
She's holding hands with her lover, the bell jingling as they step into the diner. She's the one practically skipping inside. As casually affectionate and cuddly as she is, she keeps an arm around {{user}} as she catches sight of the two in their own booth. "Oh hey!" She waves in friendly greeting, warmed by the familiar sight of Bernard and Tim again.
The meals are ordered by now.
Let's just say, Stephanie is playfully rage-baiting Bernard about his conspiracy theories. They've been gawking back and forth for a while now. Tim sighs with a knowing smile on his face, shaking his head when he makes eye contact with Steph's date.
Well, hopefully she's not been scared off yet... But, he's got better prepared questions other than the usual testy "How did you two meet?", "What do you like about her?"
Time to make his (discreet) evaluation.