maskormenacelogs | [CLOSED]

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[CLOSED]

WHO: Dick, Artemis, and Wally
WHERE: Downtown Heropa.
WHEN: 7/12, nighttime.
WHAT: Robin's emotional turmoil culiminates in the world's stupidest injury. Stupid teenage dramatics to follow.
WARNINGS: References to a broken bone? And probably yelling.

[ It's 10:20 PM, and it's finally stopped raining that particular variety of Florida rain that's not so much like a drizzle as like the sky's just up and poured a bucket of water on your head. It's wet and it's too warm and there's still lightning flashing off in the distance, and Robin's just made the stupidest mistake of his career.

Okay, so no one realistically-fake-died, and nothing exploded. Which is a plus, considering his track record. But breaking a leg in a fall from a third story roof has to be — without any hyperbole — the most embarrassing thing he's done in his entire life.

He could make a lot of excuses: he's not used to the weather, the railing was slick, he hadn't checked his equipment, the terrain's unfamiliar, he's distracted and emotionally compromised. He doesn't have his team. Every single one is terrible, even if they're all true.

For several excruciating minutes, while he waits for the painkillers to work their magic, Robin debates his options. An ambulance would attract attention. He's pretty sure he couldn't hobble all the way to the hospital like this, even if there was one within the city limits. Maybe the ground will swallow him up right along with his shame and he won't have to admit that any of this ever happened.

It doesn't.

Out of reasonable options, he sends off a text with his coordinates to Artemis, who, logically, is the person on their team most likely to know how to deal with injuries:
SOS.
Achey breaky leg.
Please don't ask.

And moments later, a text to Wally with the same coordinates:
Need a ride to the hospital.
If you're not married to SB's couch now.
Faster is better.

It takes a minute for him to realize the gravity of his possible mistake. If they find a way to fight over this, too... well, maybe yelling makes bones knit faster. ]

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Fine. You really want to know? Fine. But you're not gonna feel better.

All that stuff you said before, after we left Artemis back there— well, you're not the only one who's jealous, all right? But it's worse than just that. And that's why I didn't tell you. And it's not because of you, or because I don't think you deserve to know, it's just—

[ He knew it would be like this. He knew it'd be like opening a floodgate, and once he'd started, he wouldn't be able to stop. Too much pressure for too long, and it has to go somewhere. ]

I'm scared, okay? I'm scared you'll outrun me or something, like you'll find someone who's just as good as me in all the ways that matter but they won't be such a mess, they won't have so much to hide, they won't have all this baggage. And it's not like I think you'll ditch me, you're too good for that, but we just— we won't hang out all the time anymore, and eventually we won't hang out at all, and we'll only see each other on missions and maybe not even then, and... A-and that's dumb, right? I know it is, but it's like— I can't— I can't handle the idea of you feeling like that about someone who isn't me, trusting them with everything and having stupid inside jokes with them and buying them stuff and calling them in the middle of the night.

[ And he's looking right at Wally as he says all of it, like even if this is the last thing he wants to be doing, he owes Wally that much, at least. ]

I know that's not fair, and I know it's messed up, and I didn't want to tell you because what kind of friend does that make me? What kind of person? Right? And part of it, this whole fight with Artemis, everything that's happened with you guys — all I've tried to do is get you two together again, even though we're fighting all the time now and I can't stand it. It's gotten in the way of us being friends. But I care about you, both of you, and I should want whatever makes you happy, a-and... and I do, and that's why I've never said any of this. But it doesn't make me happy. And I hate that.

... And I guess part of this— part of it's just that I like you. As in... I like you. Like you like girls. So I'm putting that on the table, too, because — because I'd rather you know than you think I don't trust you.

[ It's too raw. He feels like he's just carved himself open, like everything ugly and painful inside him is on display and now it's Wally's chance to walk. But at least Wally knows. At least he's ripped himself open, and now he can't explode. It's a small comfort.

Finally, with an exhale that doesn't seem to have nearly enough breath in it, he looks down at his hands. ]

So that's everything.

[He was doing good. He really was; he was holding his tongue -"I am not jealous of you and Artemis-!"- and he was keeping still, he was making eye contact even when Robin couldn't (even though it's hard to tell with that mask) and he was listening, really taking it in. Getting frustrated with it because it's more of Robin talking about him like he's so great ("you're too good for that") and usually Wally loves that, likes it when the praise gets piled on but this is different because Robin's using the same breath to call himself a mess, and who could like that?

But he was still doing good. He was still trying his hardest not to overreact (or even just react) and give Robin time to say everything, because when it comes out with him it comes out all at once or not at all, so he gives him a minute like he did when Robin first told him who he was (and that was a veritable flood of emotion too, that night). His jaw sets but he listens. His brows scrunch together but he listens. He jiggles his leg anxiously and makes the bed shake but he listens, god damn it, and he's gonna hear the whole thing if it kills him-

"I like you."

...what?

"Like you like girls."

And the rest of what Robin says gets lost in the roaring in Wally's ears, because even though his body is the stillest its been in weeks it suddenly feels like everything inside of him is moving way too fast.]

Huh?

[Wally's too shocked to be embarrassed of sounding dumb.

Robin likes him.

Dick Grayson, the motherfucking Boy Wonder, likes him.

It's like those cartoons where the coyote gets stuck on glue, and no matter how far he stretches or how fast he tries to run away, he goes sproinging right back. Wally's thoughts are the coyote and Robin likes me is the glue.]

You...you like me? Like me?

Edited 2014-07-14 20:10 (UTC)

[ Of course that's what Wally gets stuck on.

Robin feels a hot flush creeping up the back of his neck, and his stomach feels sort of like it's trying to escape Earth's gravity, and it figures, it just figures that when he finally got it together (or possibly lost it) enough to say it, he can't even flee out a third story window afterwards. Of course, he never would have said it otherwise, so it's sort of a moot point.

He manages to drag his gaze back up to meet Wally's somehow, and he's sort of wishing he wasn't wearing the mask, but at the same time... ]

Yeah, Wally. I like you.

[ Emphasizing both words, just so he gets the picture. No confusion. Just honesty.

And he uses his real name, because. ]

Oh.

[He's just barely sixteen now Robin, what else is he supposed to get stuck on.

But Robin says it again, uses his real name and everything and KF just kind of sits there feeling like he's just been levitated via M'gann's powers. He can feel his face heating up, because geez of course he's gonna blush when his best friend-

When Robin-]

I-

[WHAT DOES HE EVEN SAY?!]

I didn't...

[HIM? REALLY??]

So in Georgia, when you- when you said someone likes me-

That... was me. Not being stealthy. And you not picking up signals. Yeah.

[ His insides are all quivery and he wonders if this is how normal people feel when they do what he does every day. He can launch himself off skyscrapers and do quadruple backflips without blinking, but somehow this is what's doing him in. He's trying to stay impassive here, look mature and cool and like he has it together despite the way he just spilled his guts. But he feels his cheek twitch and he knows it's probably not working, even if Wally's too busy changing color to match his hair to notice. ]

You don't— you don't have to say anything. And it's okay if you don't feel the same. Or— if you want to talk later—

[ He should probably just stop talking. ]

Edited 2014-07-14 20:45 (UTC)

Yeah, [Wally breathes out quickly, grateful for the option.] I mean- I just-

Just give me time to think. About this. [Wally finally unlocks from his frozen position, lifting his hands to rub at his face. His fingers bump into his goggles still strapped to his head.] And- all that other stuff, about me abandoning you for someone shinier, that's BS. That's complete BS and- and the thought's never entered my head, dude. You aren't replaceable, by anybody. Ever.

[And because Robin had spent the most time worrying over that, KF elaborates.] It's- people aren't that simple, you can't just stack up characteristics you like and measure them up against each other. Y'know? Ignoring the fact that there's maybe four people in the world who can do all the stuff you do and you work for one of them, and the other two are probably Russian spies or something, that's not how it works. And I'm not- [Uncomfortable again.] I'm not some...like, whatever's going on with me and Artemis, it's not...it's not like I'm gonna ditch you for her, dude. You're my best friend.

[Wally drops his hands, giving Robin a somewhat despairing look.] I don't even get why you'd think you aren't. Was it something I did? 'Cause I crashed on SB's couch, or because- [Wally takes a deep breath-] -because I won't get it? Since I, y'know, since I have powers...?

[ Okay. So Wally's not running. Which means at least he can relax, even if his heart hasn't gotten the memo yet. ]

It's not your powers, dude. And it's nothing you did wrong. Even if I do want you to come home. It's... it's a lot of things.

[ The words are hard again, like he got all of them out at once. Like his quota for the month. Maybe his whole life. ]

I've been here for three months, and you've been the only constant thing in my life since I got here, you know? And even if we'd been kidnapped, and stuff was serious, it... it was okay. I liked it. Having you around all the time. But then I went back home, and— and then everything got more complicated. And I realized how fragile our team is. And if even Batman can forget me, then... being your best friend, that's all I have left, and...

[ He bites down hard on the inside of his cheek, folding his hands tightly in his lap and looking out the window at the dark sky. ]

... like I said, I just got scared.

...are you kidding me?

[Wally drops his hands, sitting up straight. He even looks a little angry.]

You think we're fragile?

... well?

[ Robin shrugs, a little helplessly. ]

Up until a week ago, you two were all the team I had. So... physically, no, but emotionally... kinda?

So because there's been a couple bumps, that makes us fragile? [Wally shoves himself up, taking a few steps back. He begins to pace.] We both ran ourselves ragged when you disappeared, and we both came running tonight, and she- Artemis took a bus to get here even though I was here, to make sure you'd be okay and you think she's- that we're fragile?

It's been more than a couple bumps, dude! I'm glad you guys both have my back, and I'm glad she came even though you're here, but— come on, we're a team! We shouldn't have to say even though!

[ But the righteous anger in Wally's voice is actually comforting. Like despite everything, Wally's fighting for this, too. So he pushes back. Prove me wrong. ]

I hate to break it to you Rob, but teams fight! Not everybody can be the well-oiled, dark and brooding machine that you and Batman are- for crying out loud, I had a fight with the Flash three weeks before I showed up here! Fighting with someone is proof you actually give a crap about what they think!

That's what I've been trying to tell you!

...you have absolutely lost me.

Uuugggghhhhhh.

[ And Robin flops dramatically back onto the bed. ]

Edited 2014-07-15 01:57 (UTC)

[Artemis has been engaged in a stand off with hospital staff, one in which she stands there silently like a teenage boss and adult medical professionals try to wheedle their way past her. At least Wally and Robin's words about secret IDs seem to have had some effect on the imPort-obsessed natives, because security has yet to make an appearance.

At various points she hears raised voices--they all do--but its too muffled. Artemis doesn't even try to make it out, though she recognizes both her teammate's voices. Apparently just because Kid Flash knows your secret ID, it doesn't make him less shout-y.

The doctor finally points out that they do actually have other patients who might need the room as well as his valuable time. Not mention the fact that he's not done with Robin's essential medical services yet. Artemis regards him coolly, but knocks on the door behind her.]

... You guys done yet?

[KF is so busy glowering at Robin that when the knock comes on the door, he jumps. He glances at Dick, then too the door before heading over to open it. They should probably get this finished so Robin can be discharged and they can take him home.]

Yeah, we're done. [God. He's probably not going to sleep a wink tonight.

What the hell had Dick even meant with the fighting thing and why did he have this whacko inferiority/superiority complex going on and does he seriously like him???? Wally can't even look Artemis in the eye, just offering the doctor a clipped,] He's fine, [before heading back to the waiting room without even looking back at Robin.]

[ Artemis.

Well. Now he feels even worse, if that's possible. Friend of the Year Award Nominee Richard Grayson. Maybe he'll wake up in the morning and none of this will have ever happened. (Yeah, right.)

Wally leaves without looking at him, and the best he can do is a sullen, apologetic: ] I'm okay, Artemis. I'll meet you guys out there, okay?

[ If Wally doesn't leave now. Logically, Dick doesn't think he would, not after all that, but... it's hard to remember what he'd said about teammates fighting now that all the anger's gone. He doesn't feel like he's gonna explode anymore, but he does feel... kind of brittle. Like there's an empty space in him where everything he'd been bottling up used to be, and he doesn't know what's going to fill it up now. ]

[Suddenly finding herself without a job, Artemis has no idea what to do with herself. She glances down the hall after Kid Flash, then looks back at Robin, unsure.

The doctor makes her mind up for her as he goes back in and closes the door in her face.]

... Ooookay, then.

[She hesitates before following Kid Flash back to the waiting room. Are they okay enough for her to ask what happened? No, probably not. Is she okay with prying into Robin's business and asking about the mask thing? Definitely not.

Instead she's going to stand in the waiting room awkwardly. Waiting.]

[Kid makes his way back on autopilot and slumps into the nearest chair and leans forward, elbows on his knees, face in his hands.

He has no idea what to do about this.

No idea.

After a minute, he looks up and spots Artemis awkwardly shifting her weight by the door, looking like she's considering bolting except for the thunderstorm raging outside and the prospect of having to take the bus again.]

Hey, [Wally says, and he's surprised by how dull his voice sounds in his ears but not enough to try and correct it,] can you show me where you got that coffee?

[Artemis jumps a little when he starts talking.]

... Yeah. Yeah, of course. Come on.

[She leads him to a small hallway off the main waiting area. The lights are too bright and one of them buzzes and flickers. There's a coffee pot half full of coffee that was already old when Artemis started on it.

She lets him get his coffee and then, even though her stomach will not thank her for it later, she pours herself another little styrofoam cup full of the poison. She takes it black, of course, though there is a pathetic little handful of sugar packets and a crusty carton of dry creamer.

She still has nothing to say, or at least nothing she can say, so she just stands back and waits for him to say something. Or not.

... It's weird that he's not talking, weird that he's so still, but she's not going to push him.]

[Just as well she doesn't want the sugar; Wally's taking the rest of it for his own coffee, just tearing all of them open and dumping them in there. It's better than nothing.

...ugh, on second thought after that swig, nothing is probably better. Wally forces himself to finish the rest just for the sugar and immediately goes for some water from the cooler nearby.]

Do you uh...d'you ever fight with your uncle? As his partner?

[Artemis almost blows her entire cover story wide open by asking "uncle?" but she catches herself just in time. Her actual response isn't that much more convincing, but to be fair the question did come out of left field.]

Green Arrow? Um... I guess.

[They haven't been working together long, though, and Artemis still has a little bit of hero-worship left over. The nights she goes on patrol with Green Arrow are like... private tutoring with your favorite teacher ever. She always knows she's going to learn a lot and she usually ends up getting frustrated and snappy somewhere in the middle, but when she finally gets it right and he grins at her like he's actually proud...

But she knows she's not really his partner. That was Speedy. She's just some kid he agreed to help out because her mom asked him to.]

I mean... you've met him. You know what he's like.

[That was nice and vague.]

... Why?

Just wondering. [Downing that cup of water, let's get another.] Thanks for- y'know, playing bouncer. [Nice way to skirt around the actual topic he should probably broach, IE the fact that he knows Robin's secret ID.]

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