#but I'll be honest. I do not think Bruce is capable of retirement. I do not think he would ever hang up the mantle willingly

[nerdybirdboy]

"You can be as vain as you want, my honeybirb, but the pudges are a testament of how far you came and of your decision of changing things." Lio kisses his forehead and smiles. "We can reduce them if you want, but please, don't get rid of them? I... like what they mean to you and to us." He cups Tim's face between his hands and gently brushes his thumbs on both sides. "You're perfect no matter how you look. I love you no matter what come to pass or how your appearance may come to change overtime. It's just... I don't want to fail the only thing you ever asked from me." Lio cares, it may seem superficial when he's speaking of looks, specially when he's always so pristine, good looking and loves fashion, but his feelings and words to Tim have always been sincere. He always kept things real, clear and honest between them. "I've been with you for little more than a decade now and... I dare say I know how some of the dominos fall in your head. When you start going too hard, soon you lose track and go all the way... and I know you've been looking at your old uniform."

"You have many questions. I do too. It's still too early to know if your decision was right or wrong... too soon to measure possible consequences, but we need to have faith in those we left behind and trusted to keep our jobs. Dick, Steph, Duke, Cass, Damian, Bruce... they'll continue and there will be others after them too — and just like you were inspired by Jason and Dick, you'll see others follow in your steps too." Lio give him a soft and confident smile. "You'll see. Red Robin certainly left a trail of his own and, soon enough, someone else will pick up from where you left and continue the amazing work you've done."

Continuing from this ask || @goldentemplariumcrow

Tim sighed. "I know looks and beauty are important to you and I want to look good for your sake." If he was going to be honest, he kind of liked not having to spend hours each day training and meticulously thinking about what nutrients he ate. He also liked the way Lio liked to spoon him and squeeze him gently and their hugs were a little nicer with his added pudge. Most importantly, he was more relaxed than he had ever been, even Dick had commented on it. How retirement from Red Robin suited him, which had led to Dick once again talking about retiring himself. Tim wanted him too, fearing he might lose his brother otherwise, but he'd never try and pressure him into anything. Thankfully, Bruce was retired, which had only happened after he'd had a heart attack.

When Lio cupped his face, Tim closed his eyes. His husband's thumbs felt warm and gentle against his cheeks. "So you really don't mind that I'm a bit chubby now? To be honest, part of it is your fault since you cook too well," Tim teased, even if it was partly true. "I think you know me better than I do sometimes. I don't want to do a comeback, my body aches enough as it is, but you're right, if I got fully in shape I probably would out of duty." And he wasn't sure how many more beatings his body could take before it gave up completely. "I guess I could've inspired someone and I do trust my siblings, but Dick might retire himself soon and Bruce has retired from the physical part of the job, just like me." Cass, Damian and Duke were still going though and he knew they were very capable.

"Okay, I'll let the pudge be. It makes hugging nicer anyway," Tim said with a soft smile before stealing a kiss. "Though you'll have to continue to feed it delicious food or it might disappear anyway." Like Lio would ever stop cooking for and with him.

#goldentemplariumcrow #v: retired #v: 30 going on 40