[Western Crossover] How to Keep the Canon Couple Together When You're Forced to Come Out

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After working nonstop at the vigilante company for three days, Tim Drake, aka Red Robin, finally lived up to everyone's expectations and passed out at his computer desk.

Then, in a dream, he met some abstract thing called the Will of the World.

Will of the World: God said...

Tim: Let there be light?

Will of the World: You have to come out.

Tim: ?? Come out?? No, no, no! I already have a lover. Forget coming out, I can't even cheat!

Will of the World: But according to the setting, you have to come out.

Tim: No. I don't care what you are, I'm not coming out. I love Stephanie, so absolutely not.

Will of the World: Do you really mean that?

Tim: Yes.

Will of the World: No matter what she's like?

Tim: I'm not giving up.

Will of the World: Well, there is a loophole we can use. In light of the many times you've saved the world, all right, off you go!

Next, he woke with a start in bed. The familiar bed, the messy room... So it had only been a nightmare.

After getting ready, he went downstairs. The girls were happily sharing magazines. Tim casually greeted them: "Morning, Cass. Morning, Barbara. Morning, Steph..."

"It's not morning anymore, Timmy!"

A young man with blond hair and blue eyes, the very picture of an all-American sweetheart, waved at him.

Tim: ...Who the hell are you?!!!

**

Stephen Brown (male), aka Spoiler, former Robin, currently enjoying a splendid vigilante career.

Almost the entire Batfamily knows he likes Tim. The only one who doesn't know is Tim himself.

Just as he was about to give up on his bitter, years-long unrequited crush, one day Red Robin, who had always treated him as a comrade-in-arms, suddenly started acting strangely and... pursuing him. Yes, pursuing him, not trying to kill him or anything.

Stephen: ...Is this right?? This can't be right!!!

Warnings

1. This story is Tim x gender-swapped Steph. Gender-swapping is a common fanfic trope. The author won't explain any concerns about it, so if it's not your thing, feel free to click away.

2. This story was inspired by that ridiculous Suicide Squad game that gender-swapped Mr. Freeze into Mrs. Freeze and made her and Nora a lesbian couple. Thanks, DC, you had this trick up your sleeve and didn't do it sooner? (Walks away with hands behind back.)

3. Contains original elements. Please distinguish the gender-swapped version from the original character's flavor.

4. This work references Batgirl Vol. 3 #123 and some anthology issues. The tone is a lighthearted romantic drama, not some grand story with a huge backdrop. That's all.

Theme: People should have the courage to fight fate.