"Well Crock, it looks like you've got me all figured out."
"Wait- how do you know whow I am?"
"Do you really want to know?"
"Probably not."
He laughed softly, but it wasn't normal. It wasn't Robin's signature cackle, or Grayson's chuckle. It was dry, and had no actual humor behind it. It was just a noise. A mockery to actual laughter; laughter was supposed to come all tied up with bows and an undertone of happiness. This wasn't the Robin she knows.
And that fake laugh that hung in the air a few seconds ago? It didn't stick around too long. In fact, Dick wasn't even trying to act happy around her anymore. His eyes were glassy, and tear trails stained his vampire-pale face, as more threaten to spill.
He just looks so... vulnerable. It had never actually occured to Artemis that Robin was, in fact, just a 13 year old kid.
Artemis looked up just in time to see the teen punch the brick wall behind him, drawing small bits of blood from his fist and all the while leaving small fractures where it had made contact. This had gone on too long, she had to do something. The blonde walked over to where he stood and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. He jumped at the sudden touch and got into a battle position should the need to fight arise. Poor kid, he must have forgotten I was here.
As the moments passed, the sobs were starting to rack Dick's small body. Slowly his back slid down the wall until his butt was on the cold concrete. Instinctively, Artemis sat down beside him and placed her arms around him in a comforting embrace. The black haired teen resists the touch for a few seconds, but eventually gives in. Dick buries his face into her shoulder and he cries harder than hes ever cried in front of someone.
And if just for a moment, he isn't afraid to show emotion. Even if he might-will regret it tomorrow.
Lots of people said that they wanted me to continue this, even though it was intended to be a one-shot. But hey, the more the merrier!