I: tell you what, just fuck the press. I can't do this whole pretending anymore.

T: Irina, are you sure?

I: let them wag their tongues all they can. All I want right now is a dance with you.

T: just one dance?

I: I don't know, let's dance the night away.

T: I still want you to be very certain of this. There will be no going back after tonight.

I: I don't want to go back.

I: I just want you, Tim.

I: so fuck the press and get your ass down here this instant.

***

The venue for the Fall Gala was extensively decorated and the guests as well as the press reporters had started to crowd in. Timothy Drake, being the main event organizer, was rushing back and forth in order to ensure that nothing was left out.

There were reporters lined up to take his interview as well, so he was fluctuating between giving short interviews as well as checking the arrangements and meeting with the guests.

"Mister Drake, the whole event is extensively planned and surpasses even lasts year's Gala. Is it all your effort or do you have others to give credit to as well?"

He had a rather pleasant smile on his face as he replied, "of course, I'm not the only one who should be given credit for this. This whole event has been made possible through teamwork. Me and my team has worked hard together to ensure that the Gala turns out absolutely fantastic."

His eyes were flickering towards the entrance every now and then as if in wait for a particular someone.

"And this floral combination is so unique, we really want to know who has had the final word here?"

"I asked a friend for opinion," he replied, but changed the topic when they started to acquire the identity of the afore mentioned friend. Throughout the questions, he kept a smile fixed on his face, nodding his greetings to the guests who had just stepped in.

"In this Gala, Wayne Tech has been launching its much awaited products, but LexCorp has already taken hold of the market through their own..."

But Tim didn't hear the rest of the words that faded into background noise as his attention trailed off towards the entrance once again.

Irina Luthor had arrived.

Most of the press rushed to greet her and soon enough she was engulfed in a swarm of cameras and reporters.

Still Tim's eyes were fully focused on her gorgeous self, as she looked even more alluring in an off white colored dress that hugged her curves and her dark tresses were cascading down to her waist.

He was shaken out of his thoughts by someone calling his name and had to reluctantly tear his eyes away from Irina.

"Mister Drake?"

His trance was roughly broken as he looked back at the reporters in front of him, cheeks slightly flushing red, "oh I'm sorry, what were you saying?"

"What are your thoughts on the addition of Miss Luthor's creative assembly department in LexCorp?"

"We have heard that you had yourself worked for some time in her department. How has your experience been so far?"

Absolutely remarkable, the words resonated in his mind and were right at the tip of his tongue. But he knew that if he let it slip from his mouth, he would be giving them more reason to churn out theories regarding him and Irina.

Not that they were wrong though. In fact, the problem was that the press was absolutely right this time.

He managed to get the interview done as quick as possible but when he glanced back at the place where she had been standing moments earlier, she had already left.

Disappointment crossed his features but being rather accustomed to acting polite on such events, he schooled his expression and turned back to the guests.

The event was in full swing, drinks were passing around and he had even spotted Jason and his girlfriend Helena owning the bar. Richard and Barbara were among the first couples to take to the dance floor, while Damian was lurking around with a disgusted frown on his face which was his usual expression at parties or formal gatherings.

Out of courtesy and host etiquette, he passed from table to table ensuring that the guests had everything to their heart's desire.

Not long had passed till he spotted her again. Tim had always known that she was stunning but at that moment her beauty seemed ethereal to him. Mesmerizing him fully under an enchanting spell.

She was walking with her little entourage of fellow business people and reporters, observing Wayne Tech's product display.

And as Tim stood in a corner, admiring her beauty from a distance, he saw how she would make a light remark every now and then punctuated by a delightful laugh, basking in the attention given to her.

One could never think from observing her at the moment that she was the sort of person who preferred distancing herself from the press and paparazzi. Only Tim knew because he had come a lot closer to her than before. But to any other eye, she seemed fully at ease with the limelight, confidently passing from one product to another.

For a second, their eyes met and a beautiful smile graced her features before she lowered her gaze, turning back to the woman on her right.

Tim turned away from the spot knowing that the press would be hypersensitive to both of them on that event and typed out a text: you look gorgeous. I can't keep my eyes off you.

He didn't even have to turn around to know that her gaze was fixed on him and then he heard that laugh again which had always captivated him.

His phone's screen lit up with her reply and a smile danced on his face at seeing the words: you look really handsome too, princess.

***

Most of the interviews had been done. Tim had also addressed all the guests through a conference that elaborated on Wayne Tech's new launches and thanked them for their presence.

Dinner had long been served and by then all the people had taken to the dance floor, simply enjoying the night.

Irina was observing the couples twirling together. She had refused many people who had requested to dance with her and was just seated in a corner, having a glass of champagne.

She had been watching Tim Drake and how he was effortlessly handling the whole event and a small smile spread on her face.

Of course she wanted to get out on the dance floor as well. But the only person she wanted to accompany her was currently a little preoccupied.

A while passed and she had almost started to feel a little frustrated, sitting there all by herself, forcing herself away from the night's glamour just because she didn't want the press to turn anything into a scandal.

But then a rather wild thought crossed her mind; how about she just focus on what she wanted rather than worrying about what people would think?

Her lips curved into a smile as she typed: tell you what, just fuck the press. I can't do this whole pretending anymore.

The reply came rather suddenly as if he had been waiting for her to text him: Irina, are you sure?

Let them wag their tongues all they can. All I want right now is a dance with you.

Just then she spotted him right across from her. Not too far but not close enough either. Just one dance?

I don't know, let's dance the night away.

His reply was rather expected since out of the two, he cared comparatively more about public reputation. But more so he cared about her reputation. I still want you to be very certain of this. There will be no going back after tonight.

Irina let her eyes savor him once again, taking in his perfect jawline and apparently delicate frame as she typed: I don't want to go back. I just want you, Tim.

At that their eyes connected and a slow but unmistakable smile crept over his face.

So fuck the press and get your ass down here this instant.

As if in response, Tim walked up to where she was seated despite the fact that heads had started to gradually turn in their direction and the press people who were chilling at the bar had started to come back to their senses.

He stopped right in front of her, a dazzling smile on his face as he offered her his hand, "may I have this dance?"

Her red lips curved into a smile as she placed her hand in his, "certainly, Mister Drake."

It seemed as if even the musicians had sensed the delicacy of the moment as Pachelbel's Canon began to play in the background, its rhythm softly overlapping with each other in a rather inviting manner.

He held her gently by the waist as they twirled together on the dance floor, her hand resting on his shoulder and her face donning that absolutely stunning smile. She looked radiant and so did he such that it seemed as if the two had simply forgotten every other presence, and entered a realm of their own.

All the camera flashes and the paparazzi faded into nonexistence for them as they danced together, giving such a perfect closure to the event which could not have been planned otherwise.

As the music slowed down, so did they until her head was resting on his shoulder and his hand was entwined through hers, gently twirling to the dimming rhythm.

And just as the final note struck announcing the end of the song, instead of the trance being broken, Irina looked up into his blue irises placing both her arms around his neck in that very familiar gesture that the two had shared multiple times before in secret.

The only difference was that millions of people were watching them both at the event and via live broadcast. But it seemed as if nothing else mattered to the two.

With her arms still encircling his neck and his eyes looking down lovingly at her, she pulled him close and kissed him.

The whole venue went wild with noise as the cameras flashed agonizingly, the people exclaimed their shock and surprise but it seemed as if all those sounds weren't reaching the lovestruck couple in the center of the dance floor at all.

He held her close by the waist, one hand sliding up to her shoulder as she pulled apart slightly for a breath of air before kissing him back again.

They were the absolute center of attention at that moment, something which they had avoided for so long but it seemed as if they had decided to let go at last.

When finally she pulled back, her lipstick was smudged but her eyes were shining and to him she looked like the most beautiful person to ever grace the planet by her existence.

But before the reporters could close in on them, he grabbed her hand in his and made a run for the exit.

Chaos broke out in the venue with every person rushing to see where they had gone but amid all the commotion Tim had managed to get her to his car, started the engine and drove off at full speed.

Irina threw back her head and laughed, the mesmerizing sound of it filling the car and a carefree smile was evident on Tim's face as well.

After a long time the two of them felt free and the feeling of freedom as well as being together at last was truly exhilarating.

He pulled into the Drake Manor and drove his car down to the basement parking so that the press wouldn't find out that they had chosen that abandoned manor as their lover's retreat.

He had just stopped the car and taken out the key when she turned over to face him and cupping his face in her hands, she captured his lips with hers in a lingering kiss. Much longer than the one they had had at the Gala and much less restrained as there was no one else to disturb them there.

They didn't notice how long passed with them like that but pulled apart when they were totally out of breath. Tim stepped out of the car and going over to her side, he opened her door for her like a true gentleman. But instead of letting her step out as well, he gently lifted her in his arms bridal style.

A delighted laugh escaped her as she nestled her head in his neck, the scent of faded cologne settling around her as she closed her eyes, allowing him to carry her up to the bedroom.

The whole house was dark but he seemed to know his way rather well as he carried her upstairs to a room. Pale moonlight was filtering through the curtains as he gently placed her down on the bed.

"Is this where we'll spend the night, princess?"

"Of course, sweetheart."

"And I have you all to myself now, right?" Her green eyes sparked in mischief as she playfully fumbled with the cute little bow tie he had been wearing, "no one else to distract you from me."

"Without a shadow of doubt," his hand caressed her cheek as he tilted her chin up so that she was looking straight in his irises, "finally, love... I'm all yours."

His finger traced the curve of her lips tentatively then trailed down to her neck as she deftly unfastened the buttons on his shirt.

Wrapping her arms around him, she pulled him down on the bed along with her. His hands tugged at the zipper on her dress, slightly cold as they brushed against her bare skin. And his head was buried in her neck placing a trail of light butterfly kisses.

And as he lingered at the juncture where her jaw met her neck, mouth working long enough to leave a hickey, she turned him over, crashing her lips down on his in a passionate and much desired kiss.

***

Sunlight poured in through the windows, partially illuminating the room due to the curtains which weren't fully open yet. But it was enough to wake Irina up as she peeled open her eyes.

A smile played on her lips as she recalled the fiasco she and Tim had created last night. No wonder the press would have gone wild by now, searching for them in every nook and cranny of Gotham.

But they were safely hidden from them in the Drake Manor and apparently no one had thought of checking for the two lovebirds over there.

She turned over to see Tim still sound asleep beside her, his mouth slightly open and his arm securely draped around her.

With the light filling up the room eventually, she took her time in observing his rather pristine features. The distinct jawline, the perfect nose and a rather well sculpted mouth, tempting her to kiss him then and there. And those clear blue eyes which were hidden from view as he was still asleep, softly snoring as well.

It seemed as if he had gone to sleep after a really long time and as she delicately brushed back his hair that were falling over his eyes, she could even see the exhausted rings around his eyes indicating fatigue.

She wondered why he kept himself sleep deprived and why he was always so burdened with his work. It seemed as if he worked non stop, without even pausing for a rest or a night's sleep.

But the most surprising part for her was seeing the rest of his body. She had always expected him to be a lanky, delicate person judging by his external appearance but with him so close to her and in the faded sunlight, she could clearly see that her assumption had been wrong. He was surely not the buff sort of guy as he had a rather lean and athletic figure but still his muscles were defined as if he regularly worked out.

And much to her shock, a constellation of scars was engraved on his body, starting from his collarbone and going down to his chest, covering some part of his back as well. As if he had suffered a lot of slashes from sharp piercing weapons like swords, whips or even steel bars.

She couldn't decipher why he had so many scars and then as if by instinct she turned her attention to his hands. Delicate and pale just like she had always teased him about before. But the veins stood out on his hands indicating that either he played some sport like tennis or badminton regularly or he trained himself everyday, just like her.

The latter option seemed ridiculous but she couldn't stop thinking about it. Even his knuckles, though not bruised like hers, were hardened as if accustomed to punching tough surfaces a lot. Just like it was done in physical and combative training.

Tim was supposed to be a person who was so delicate that he would need rescuing every now and then. But the display of scars and traces of training sessions indicated otherwise.

And then a thought crossed her mind which made her shudder. Judging by all those assumptions she had just made about him, there could be only one answer to all her confusing questions. It could all be possible if Tim Drake was secretly one of the Bat vigilantes.

It would explain why he was always in trouble, why it seemed as if he stayed up each night, why he was always down with some injury and why he came up with the lamest excuses ever to convince people that he had just gotten into a minor accident and that was nothing to worry about.

She knew all those injuries couldn't be just a result of being clumsy or getting abducted often, there was still something which Tim hadn't told her yet.

She let her head fall back on the pillow, a thousand questions whirring in her mind. Confusion had gripped her intensely and she couldn't decide whether she had made a stupid assumption or a near perfect one.

She recalled how once before she had told him of the similarities between him and Red Robin. How both Tim and Red Robin had the same voice and the same height. And how she had seen Red Robin rescue her from the fight with Two Face's gang but later woken up in Tim's room. But he always denied it and so did Red Robin.

Red Robin was an annoying little bitch and she hated him. While Tim was the sweetest person she had ever met and she had fallen deeply in love with him.

So how could she even think that Timothy Drake and Red Robin were the same person? Until or unless Tim really was keeping half his life secret from her and had been lying to her in order to preserve his secret alter ego for that whole time. 

The questions were weighing her down and she needed something to distract herself with or else all the confusion threatened to take over.

Taking in a deep breath, she lifted herself again and turning Tim's face towards her, she kissed him lightly.

His eyes fluttered open and clear blue glanced up in marble green as a lazy smile danced on his lips, "good morning, my lovely guardian angel."

All the confusion seemed to have faded into the background for the time being as a smile crept over her features as well, "morning to you too, my lovely damsel."

"You know what, Damian was right about you," she remarked after short pause, playfully pinching his nose, "you look ridiculous while you sleep."

His smile widened, "really?"

"Ridiculously adorable," she added, "so much so that it is really tempting for me to kiss that pretty mouth of yours right now."

"And do you know how you look to me right now?" his hands cupped her face, fingers gently entangling in her brown hair, "absolutely breathtakingly gorgeous."

She laughed at the compliment and he gently traced the curve of her lips again, eyes looking up at her as if bedazzled.

"Oh wait, that's how you look to me all the time... Absolutely breathtakingly gorgeous," he breathed putting emphasis on the three words before pulling her down towards him as he kissed her.

They had no idea how long had passed with them spending the time in bed, but after a considerably long time he sat up though his arms were still wrapped around her.

With his messy hair and goofy lovestruck smile, he looked even more adorable to her. And as far as she knew, Tim Drake being adorable was always rather hard to resist.

"Since I'm the host for the day, let me treat you to a very special breakfast," he offered.

"Oh, so like breakfast in bed?"

He nodded as he put his shirt back on, fastening a few buttons before gently lifting her off from his lap and placed a soft kiss on her forehead, "I'll just be back, love."

And as he left the room, her thoughts started to drift back towards the confusion she had regarding Tim and Red Robin.

But then he reappeared in the doorway, "oh and I almost forgot. You can freshen up in the meanwhile. There's a walk in closet in the bathroom and you can choose whatever you want to wear."

She raised an eyebrow in surprise, "a closet? And who's clothes will I be choosing from?"

He chuckled lightly, "do you really think I'm ever unprepared for anything?"

"And what do you mean by that, lover boy?"

"Well, I knew I was supposed to show you the Manor someday so I had been making a few arrangements as well. As of now the closet has my clothes mostly but I had bought a few for you as well just in case..."

He had left the sentence deliberately incomplete and a playful smile danced on her lips, "you're unbelievable, Tim."

"They call me a genius for a reason sweetheart," his voice came trailing back to her as he had left for the kitchen.

Tim had been right; the closet was mostly filled with his clothes but there were a few dresses for her as well. She chose a short black dress and wore his baggy cream colored sweater over it.

After the special breakfast in bed and a cup of coffee especially brewed by Tim, the two had taken a lot of pictures and Tim even posted his favorite one at his Instagram account with the following caption:

Coffee with the love of my life=Paradise Regained.

In no time the post had started to explode with likes, comments and reposts because Tim had a rather huge following and due to current events, his followers were just as much interested in his love life as Gotham's press community.

After breakfast though, he offered to show her around the manor.

"I have lived here for a very short time," he spoke as he led her throughout the house, telling her his memories associated with each place, "back when my parents were both alive. I wouldn't exactly say that we were a perfect family but at least we were all together."

He took her past the piano room but didn't go inside himself as he stared down at the floor, trying to school his emotions. Even though he had never thought it would happen as a long time had passed since the death of his parents and he thought he had finally gotten over it, but revisiting the place had started to overwhelm him.

"Can you play the piano?" She asked as she sat down on the stool, noticing that the instrument looked untouched.

"My mum taught me," he mumbled, setting a smile on his face as he looked up, "can you play it?"

"Yup, want me to show you?"

As he nodded and finally stepped inside, she struck a low tune, fingers gracefully pressing the keys as she played an old folk song.

Tim was standing by the instrument, his face evident of admiration. But soon as she finished playing and he applauded, he grabbed her hand in his and led her out.

She had also started to notice that he was getting a little emotional but trying hard not to let it come to the surface.

He took her down to the garden next which was truly well kept and had some if the prettiest blooms she had seen.

"This is beautiful," she remarked as he placed a pretty white flower in her hair, the name of which he had forgotten at the moment.

"I didn't normally check up on the manor often but I've made sure that the garden was looked after. My mum planted most of these in here herself as she loved gardening and I didn't want anything to dry up after her."

She understood that Tim was probably a lot attached to his mother because most of his memories included Janet Drake instead of his father Jack. And reliving it all as he showed her around the place had made him rather sad.

He was staring off into the distance again, and she knew that he wasn't looking at her because he feared that he would break down in front of her.

So in order to show him that it didn't matter and she was always going to be there for him, she flung her arms around his neck, taking him by surprise as she pulled him close in a hug.

He appreciated the gesture as he wrapped his arms around her as well, head nestled on her shoulder. He mumbled in a low voice but she heard him anyway, "thank you."

She said nothing in reply knowing full well that he simply needed the sense of being with her, and wanted to dwell in the comfort that came along with having someone who could understand him.

With her arms still around his neck, she kissed him tenderly and he returned the gesture, face breaking into a smile at last.

However they had to pull apart rather soon as camera flashes started to go off and the sounds of paparazzi crowding around reached them.

Rather surprised, they pulled apart to see the press people right outside the manor, snapping pictures because the garden could be viewed from the outside as well.

"Shit," he breathed, "they're here as well?"

Then with a move quick as lightening, he took her hand in his and rushed inside, closing all the doors and windows.

"Such a shame, they spoiled our moment," she remarked playfully, hand still lingering on his shoulder.

"Just one second, love."

He shut off all the curtains as well because he knew that the press had hover cameras and just like Gotham's criminals, they had no boundaries when it came to getting what they wanted.

"But I'm sure they hadn't known about us being here?"

Tim's brow furrowed as he sat down on the couch beside her, "that's the point. Someone definitely told them. And as far as I can guess, that someone goes by the name of Jason Peter Todd."

She laughed seeing the messages that had started to pour in on their group chat. According to Jason, he hadn't told anyone and neither had Richard. But Damian had neither confirmed nor denied that. In fact he had even replied very less.

"I know now for sure that Damian let the cat out of the bag," Tim remarked, resting his head back, "the little gremlin can never leave any opportunity to annoy the shit out of me."

She laughed yet again and as always he found himself getting lost in the sound of it.

Then after a while he mentioned, "it's okay though. I knew this was bound to happen after the Instagram post."

She laid her head on his shoulder, and he looked down at her lovingly with a gentle smile dancing on his face, as she spoke, "but tell you what, princess, this has surely been the best day of my life."

***

Both Tim and Irina had somehow managed to escape from Drake Manor without getting noticed and were finally standing at the gate of Wayne Manor, ringing the doorbell impatiently so that they could get in before the press caught on to them.

Damian happened to open the door and his expression twisted into a scowl at seeing them, "so finally you two decided to grace us with your presence." Tim shut the door soon as they had got in at which Dami remarked, "oh look, at least there is someone other than me who can scare you too, Drake."

"I can't wait till the press finds something on you so that you'll have to face them as well. By the way I know you told them about our location, Damian, and that was extremely horrible of you," Tim muttered darkly while Irina was just standing there trying to stop herself from laughing out loud.

"Look I won't usually say that but I wanted you out of Drake Manor and back at home with us."

He turned to look at him in shock, "you did not just say that..."

But before Damian could fire back a retort at him, his gaze was caught by the trail of hickeys on his neck. Tim had not been wearing a turtleneck so the bluish purple marks were rather exposed and prominent on his otherwise pale skin.

"What are you looking at?" Tim mumbled slightly uncomfortable at his gaze and his hand reached up to his neck as if nervous.

Damian's green eyes were blazing ferociously, "what happened to you, Drake?"

"Nothing..."

"To me it seems like you've been bruised," he forcefully pulled his hand away that he had put up to hide the marks, "who hurt you and when?"

By then Jason had come there as well, "ah finally, the lovebirds are back home!"

Tim looked at him pleadingly as if requesting him to take Dami away from him while Irina was simply covering her mouth in an attempt to stifle her laughter.

"Holy shit, Babybird!" Jay exclaimed, pushing Damian aside, "someone really did a number on you."

Damian turned to face Jay, "I believe his girlfriend has been abusing him."

"Excuse me?" Irina remarked not able to hold in his surprise, "I believe not."

He turned his attention towards her, eyes narrowed threateningly, "oh really? Then what do you have to say about this? Is this not a proof of domestic violence?"

Jay burst out laughing so hard that he nearly collapsed on the floor, "domestic violence?"

Tim was getting extremely uncomfortable, "look, Damian, no one has been abusing me and this is definitely not domestic violence."

Damian seemed not convinced by that as he had turned all his rage towards Irina, "I swear, Luthor, you will pay for this."

"First of all Damian, these are not bruises, these are hickeys," Irina spoke up, "and I'm sure Jason would love to elaborate about that later. Tim has not been a victim of any sort of violence, I can assure you. And even if he were then why would it matter to you? Everyone knows that you don't give a shit about him."

Damian's eyes narrowed into slits as he replied, "only I get to be violent with Drake, no one else. If anyone else dares to lay a hand on him, I'll chop off the fingers and parcel them back one by one and that's the least dangerous thing I could do to that person."

Tim was staring at him in shock and held on to Irina as if his words had almost made him feel faint. Irina had a smile playing her on lips as she steadied Tim by placing her arm round his back.

While Jason on the other hand was still laughing hysterically. And Damian was looking at them all as if they were a bunch of idiots.

When at last Jay got a grip on himself and straightened, he placed an arm around Damian stating, "you know what, kiddo, I think you need a little bit of schooling."

"I do not need any sort of schooling, Todd."

"Oh yes you do. Because if you confused hickeys with bruises in front of anyone else, you would probably not hear the end of it."

Damian's scowl was even more prominent as he folded his arms definitely, "I don't give a flying crap about anything you have to say."

But it seemed as if Jason was having none of it as he dragged him to his room, "trust me, Dami, you really need to know the difference. You'll thank me later."

"I will not."

"We'll see about that."

With the two gone, Tim led Irina inside and took her to the living room.

"Seriously though, I still can't believe what just happened," she remarked, green eyes glittering in amusement.

He smiled as well having recovered from the shock at last, "me neither."

***