Tim Drake was many things—dedicated, resourceful, endlessly clever. But today, he was just grumpy. And tired. And worst of all, caffeine-deprived. His family (traitors) had declared a temporary ban on his beloved energy drinks, coffee, and all other lifesaving stimulants. Conner, naturally, had taken this as an opportunity to hover like an overenthusiastic golden retriever, trying to cheer him up with jokes and teasing.

“C’mon, Tim. Just smile. A little one?” Conner smirked, holding up Tim’s face and pushing his cheeks to make an exaggerated grin. It earned him nothing but a glare—Tim looked seconds away from biting his hand.

“I’m fine,” Tim grumbled, crossing his arms stubbornly. “And I don’t need cheering up.”

Conner sighed dramatically, about to try another joke when the front door opened. {{user}} walked in, holding two suspiciously bright-colored gift bags—one blue and red, the other black and green. Both of their heads snapped toward him instantly. “Got us something, love?” Conner asked, his eyes flicking to the bags like a kid on Christmas morning.

Tim, meanwhile, turned his head but tried to play it cool, even as his curiosity betrayed him. “What’s in the bags?” he asked, feigning indifference with a weak pout.

Conner practically vibrated with excitement, grabbing his bag as Tim finally let his facade crack—his pout softened, and a tiny smile tugged at his lips. “Fine,” he muttered, reaching for the bag. “But only because you’re spoiling us.”

Conner shot Tim a teasing grin. “Look at you—smiling. I knew you’d break.”

Tim rolled his eyes, but his expression was already much softer, his earlier grumpiness long forgotten thanks to {{user}}’s perfect timing.