Chapter 4
Lies
Two and half weeks later Robin's hands are finally healed, and another week after that the scars aren't quite so bad. 'Still look terrible though.'
Sulking as he inspects the pinkish silver lines across his palms and fingers the acrobat sighs in mild irritation. School had been difficult, and even switching hands to write consistently hadn't made it any more comfortable. Then there was the excuse of his injury. 'Accident on an after school job with a piano? Jeez, people already think I hurt myself, teachers have even sent me to the counselor. Last thing I need is to raise any more suspicion.'
"Hey Dick!"
Rolling his eyes heavenward Richard stops in his tracks so his friend can catch up to him. Terry runs up to the brooding sophomore in his usual, bulldozer manner.
"How goes, my man?" The huge football player wraps an arm around Robin's shoulders, squeezing tightly. More than anything else, Richard hates the nickname Dick. His parents never called him that, and neither had anyone else until recent years.
"We've talked about this Terry, don't call me that." A bony elbow is jabbed into Terry's ribs for good measure.
With an oomph the blonde laughs and scratches the back of his head sheepishly. "Oh yeah, sorry dude I forgot. Oh hey! I remember what I wanted to talk to you about."
Releasing his shorter friend Terry fishes in his jeans pocket, pulling out his wallet then two tickets and holding them before Robin's face. "Ta dah!"
Blinking at the paper before him in astonishment Richard snatches them out of the senior's hand to see if he's reading them right. "Th-these are-"
"Tickets to The Gallows, yeah I know."
"-but they-"
"Were sold out months ago. Dad works at the concert house, when he's bored, and got a killer deal on them when they went on sale. I want you to have them, take someone special and kick some ass."
Richard stops dead in his tracks, emerald eyes becoming wider. "I thought you were taking Cali?"
'Cali' is the nickname commonly used for the linebacker's girlfriend. Shaking his head Terry mumbles, "nah, she had her appendix taken out and is on bed rest, and I don't want to go without her. Besides you love this band just as much, if not more than we do. I'm going to get her assignments and take them to her now. Really dude, you deserve it. Thanks for the help with my English stuff and have fun, I expect to hear a full report!"
Knowing better than to ask if his friend is sure Robin simply nods and thanks him in dumbfounded gratitude. Terry may be the epitome of a jock, but he has a lot of heart and beneath his impressive build is a big teddy bear. As a side thought thinking he's happy he didn't get the tickets until after school Richard almost runs to his motorcycle. 'I hope this works…..'
"Eddie! Are you busy?" The breathless question comes as Richard throws himself into the office chair with a sigh. He's never gotten to Wayne Enterprises so fast in his life. Looking up from a file folder on his desk with a pencil hanging out of his mouth the scientist in question blinks for a moment before shaking his head, removing the abused writing implement before continuing. "Never too busy for you, Ri. What's up?"
'He must have some kind of oral fixation; he always has something in or near his mouth, especially while working.' Gathering up his courage Robin tries to think of the best way to phrase what he wants to ask. Unfortunately for his poor friend, its right in the middle of a sip of coffee. "I wanted to know if you'd go to a concert with me."
The choking and sputtering that follows the innocent question makes Ri jump out of his seat and rush over to his hunched friend. "Jesus Eddie! Are you ok? I'm so sorry!"
Giving a feeble thumbs up Ed goes on choking for a moment longer before sitting up to full height, back cracking loudly. "Yes, sorry about that. I was just…surprised. Luckily I kept from raining coffee all over my work."
The light hearted joke doesn't really register so much with Richard as the fact he's surprised. Feeling heat rush into his face the student pretends to be enthralled with the coffee mug full of pens and pencils close to the edge of the desk, pulling one out and clicking it rapidly. "Um anyways, they're my favorite band and my best friend gave me the tickets. Originally he was going to go with his girlfriend but she can't so-"
Long fingers wrap around Robin's wrist, stopping the clicking instantly. 'Oh yeah…I forgot he hates that.'
Holding perfectly still as the pen is taken from his grasp and his hand is turned palm up Ri watches as Ed's expression becomes unreadable again. "Those are some….interesting scars, Ri. Are they on both hands?"
Hesitantly Robin holds out his other hand, which is promptly taken and held next to the right. "What happened? I've never seen anything like these before. They look painful, and pretty new."
"I uh…" Ri has to clear his throat to keep his voice from breaking. The last person he ever wanted to have to lie to is Eddie. "After school job, I was fixing a piano and wasn't paying that good of attention I guess."
Even as there is a certain level of discomfort having to talk about the scars, yet alone having them being delicately traced, Richard can't help but be amazed at how warm Ed is; or even how easily his hands fit into the researcher's. Withdrawing regretfully he begins again, "so about the concert…"
Remorse, or something akin to it, crosses the redhead's face before he turns towards his computer. "Shouldn't you be going with one of your friends from school?"
"I want you to go with me." Might as well be stubborn if he's gotten this far. Besides, there is nothing wrong with being friends with someone older- and not that much older anyways.
"You know how I feel about things like this."
Fighting the overwhelming urge to be thwarted by this train of thought Ri decides to just put it all on the table. "Look Eddie, I…I really like you and I think it will be fun. I know you hate concerts and think they're good for nothing more than a study on Darwinism but I don't want to go with anyone else."
Green-grey eyes are on him again. "Please?"
"I-"
"Nygma." The stern voice that cuts Ed off makes Robin want to turn around and kick the obnoxious man in the face. No one who has been with the company more than an hour can mistake the gravel whine of Mr. Staeman's voice. "I presume there is a reason why you are talking to the Wayne kid and not getting that damn report on my desk?"
Richard doesn't bother to correct the asshole with his last name, after all, it's the only reason he is being shown the vaguest shred of respect and not being ripped down to the core like Ed. 'This guy really needs to back off….'
Without even looking behind him the redhead grabs a folder and holds it up, waving it like a paper fan. Baffled by the completed report Staeman snatches the folder and starts flipping through the information. Robin suppresses a gasp as he notices the date in the corner. 'That report has been done for two days!'
"Why didn't you bring this to me?"
"I was about to; it's rude to not address a guest who has come to pay a visit."
"This is wrong. Redo it."
Turning to face Staeman Ed simply stares at the bastard. "Excuse me, sir?"
"You heard me, Nygma." Stomping up to the desk Staeman drops the folder as if it's on fire. "This is shit!"
"And why is that?" There is no challenge or threat, just calm, softly spoken words.
"I told you to stop writing in that damn green pen, so now you get to redo it and the DIOS project. Congratulations, smartass."
Richard's fists are clenched so tightly his scars are hurting. 'That project took Eddie three months! He kept sleeping at work so much he actually had Bruce worried.'
Smiling kindly at his boss Ed pushes up his glasses. "Yes sir, I will see to that immediately."
Leering in satisfaction Staeman scoffs at Robin before turning and leaving.
"As I was saying," the words come smoothly before Ri can voice his outrage about the man with the obviously tiny penis if he has to pick on everyone around him, especially the really tall guy. "Usually I wouldn't, but for you Ri, I'm willing to try."
Anger melting away Robin nods happily, making all the necessary arrangements for when to meet up, looking for the entire world like a happy little bird. After all, what could possibly go wrong?
Practically bolting head first down the stairs of Wayne manor Robin calls behind him quickly, "bye Bruce, bye Al! Promise to be back by midnight unless something else comes up- if that happens I have gear in my motorcycle's trunk."
"Hold it right there mister." Halting at the front door with this command the nimble creature moves from foot to foot impatiently. 'Please don't let him say anything about my clothes….please don't make me change….'
Feeling he should be dressed in a manner befitting a rock concert Richard is decked out in a different style than his normal day to day style or school clothes. A form fitting green v neck t shirt matching his eyes, black leather pants that lace up the sides with the leather cording stopping just below his hips, black leather boots, two belts, four black rubber bracelets per wrist and a small padlock on a chain around his neck. The overall look manages to be alluring without being slutty- yet at the same time Robin fears others will see it differently, particularly the guardians he has to pass in order to get out the door.
Circling the teenager once Alfred adjusts a belt then tightens a few laces on the pants towards the top so not as much skin shows close to his hips. Nodding in satisfaction the elder opens the front door and holds out the boy's coat and helmet to him. "Have a great time and be safe."
Taking the things from Alfred Robin beams brightly before nodding, "thanks Al! Later!"
The drive to the concert house is uneventful; the more Robin doesn't see the bat signal in the black sky or see any signs of criminal activity on the way the more his hope rises. 'Maybe….just maybe I can actually be a normal teenager tonight. That would be great. I hope I get there before Eddie, he's probably going to be oh so thrilled.'
As the Eve comes into view Richard can feel a tight knot forming in his stomach. The half concert house half bar was once some kind of factory near the turn of the century, after minimal repairs it is one of the hottest places to perform; but also one of the most intimidating buildings in Gotham's skyline. Not by size, but by being one of the only structures left of a forgotten history.
Parking and leaving his helmet and jacket with his motorcycle Robin approaches the building leisurely. Can't seem too excited or nervous. Once he is close enough to see the people milling about out front the brunet can't help but sigh. A very decidedly miserable Ed is propped against a wall near the main entrance, eyes steel with disdain for the sloppy drunks almost falling on him as they stagger around. 'Crap how long has he been here? Well for all his obvious hatred of people he sure looks awesome.' The thought is followed with a slight blush and an appreciative glace. The man who usually wouldn't be able to be noticed in a crowd is in black jeans, hiking boots, and a blood red t shirt; very simple for most but a first for Eddie.
Swallowing anxiously Robin walks up and can't help but blurt out, "I didn't know you have contacts."
It's unusual seeing the scientist without his nondescript glasses, almost like looking at a different person. The hardness in Ed's eyes leaves immediately as he recognizes who's speaking to him. "Ri, you look….amazing."
"Yeah? Well so do you." Laughing Robin takes the older man's hand without thinking, "come on."
Getting the annoying black x's on the back of his hands and Ed's wristband the boy drags the only half heartedly resisting researcher into the overwhelming atmosphere of the club. The air is permeated so thickly with alcohol and cigarette smoke it's enough to make the toughest person reel, not to mention the booming bass of the opening band starting up. Making it a little closer than halfway to the stage in the open area full of already dancing drunks Robin notices for the first time the redhead seems strangely out of breath.
"Eddie what's wrong?" Staring up in worry at Ed he already feels guilty for something he's not even sure is his fault.
"It's nothing, Ri. No worries. So when is this band of yours supposed to start?"
The change of topic only intensifies Richard's worry. "The opening band is 45 minutes then it's the main show, which is at least an hour without encore."
"I see. I might have to step out every once in awhile to get some air."
"Air? The smell's bothering you?"
Flicking a stray lock of hair from Robin's eyes Ed states nonchalantly, "I'm allergic to tobacco."
Immediately the acrobat feels indignant, "what…why didn't you tell me?"
"Because you are so excited to be here, and I want to be here with you. I took some medicine I'll be fine, just have to be careful is all."
Uncertain how to even respond Robin doesn't have a chance before he's pulled into a tight hug. "Have fun, and don't worry so much. Do what you want."
Again with the stupid blush. 'He smells so nice….I know this scent from somewhere…but where?'
Robin begins to worry as he is let go and an impish smile crosses Ed's face. "Hold on, I'll be right back."
The lanky man disappears into the ocean of people and is indeed back in no time with a beer bottle. Amused and delighted by Ed's attempt at relaxing the sixteen year old raises an eyebrow, "didn't peg you for much of a drinker."
Again that smirk. "Generally no, however…."
Taking a quick sip of the beer Eddie closes the distance between them and captures Robin's lips, being startled the liquid is easily passed as planned. 'Oh my god he just kissed me….oh my god he just passed beer to me and I swallowed it.' Jaw still being lightly held the Boy Wonder finds himself staring up at a very pleased Ed. "How else can I share? You're not old enough."
The taste lingers, the beer itself isn't bad mixed with spearmint, and in fact it's much more tolerable than whiskey. Biting his bottom lip Richard nods slowly. "So I guess I made it obvious I like you a lot."
"No, not terribly. I'm just very observant," the reply is given with a confident tone. "Although it isn't very difficult to be perceptive when I feel the same. Here I thought my willingness to drop anything and everything for you made me obvious."
Turning his back to Eddie for a moment Ri scans the area, self conscious and worried someone they know may be around. The hand unexpectedly at his waist stops this concern. "No one we know is here, I checked while getting the beer."
Twelve songs, four trips outside, and two shared beers later Robin is dancing about with languid grace that puts everyone else to shame. He's never seen himself as a good dancer, but has been told so many times that he is when not even trying so he simply chalks it up to acrobatic experience. Although he is one of the only ones not dancing at this point Ed is more than willing to lend encouragement; putting the ex circus star totally at ease. So much so he dares dance as close as possible, the long fingers trailing across pale arms or sides just adding fuel to the fire.
It all ends with a gunshot and the sound of laughter- laughter that is like having your face ground into glass as needles stab into your mind.
'No…not even…'
Robin can only watch numbly as the lead singer of his favorite band falls onto the floor in a crumpled heap. The source of the laughter bounces out onto the stage as if his goon didn't just kill someone in front of the now hysterically screaming civilians. Whirling around not only does the raven haired teen find that all of the exits are covered by men in clown makeup with guns, but Ed is nowhere to be seen. 'I hope he went for air and made it outside. I can't get to my gear.'
"Ladies and gentlemen~! Boys and girls of all ages WELCOME!" Robin's attention returns to Joker with anger so unfathomable its molten lava in his veins. "Please, please don't try to leave unless you want to join this meathead up here. Unfortunately your entertainment schedule for the evening has been changed."
Kicking the corpse to his right the Joker breaks into new peals of laughter as the screaming becomes louder and more afraid. "Now, now don't fret! We have an INCREDIBLE SHOW for you!"
"And what is good, wholesome entertainment without a little FEAR?" One of Joker's men must have gotten into the light booth, as the lights dim on the clown from hell and shine on a living scarecrow swaying as if listening to forbidden music. "Fear is your desire for survival, your humanity crying in injustice."
Beginning to move through the crowd as if with rigor Scarecrow joins the Joker on stage, both leering at the audience in a way that feels beyond surreal. 'What is the point of this? What do they want?'
From directly behind Richard another voice rings out across the whimpering masses. "RIDDLE ME THIS!"
Turning around as the lights again move but this time to the bar Robin finds himself staring at the Riddler, who is sitting on the bar counter with one of those unhinged smiles of his. A quick glance to the Joker and Scarecrow's reaction to this confirms his suspicions this was meant to be a two man show. Standing on the worn wood the mastermind twirls his cane, tipping his hat as he continues.
"When you don't know what it is, it means something. When you know what it is, it means nothing." jumping off of the counter the Riddler continues to speak as he moves towards the Joker and Scarecrow, the crowd wearier with the appearance of another villain and parting for him quickly. "How about we lose the pitiful drunkards and have a talk. After all, our last conversation really struck a chord."
Sliding his phone out of his pocket but keeping it as close as close to his body as possible so it is harder to see Richard texts Bruce and quietly wills him to pay attention.
Concert crashed can't get to gear, joker scarecrow riddler, exits covered by 2 guys w guns per door the Eve one dead no one else wounded currently
Checking to make sure his phone is on silent the defenseless hero keeps it in his open hand against his leg. 'Al was right; it's a good idea to have my phone with me all the time.'
The look Joker is giving the Riddler can only be described as willing him to drop dead; meanwhile Scarecrow places a hand on the clown's shoulder and whispers something to him. Eyes sparkling with malicious glee Joker nods and steps back, leaving Scarecrow to whatever trap he has devised. "All right, Riddler fair enough. However we are going to play a game of mine. Don't worry it's a fun little game, and as long as everyone cooperates no one should be hurt. However don't listen to me and the nice gentlemen at those doors will kill you."
With an all-encompassing gesture towards the crowd Scarecrow adds harshly, "UNDERSTAND?"
Nods and chorus's of yes ripple through the room, and satisfied the disturbingly masked man begins his "game."
"All the women are free to go WITHOUT RUNNING. Run and you will receive a penalty shot to the head."
All around Robin the people buzz, wives, mothers, sisters, girlfriends and friends not wanting to leave their important men behind. The numbness intensifies as words of comfort and encouragement to leave slip under the boy's barrier and tug painfully at his compassion. 'I'm glad Cali and Terry are safe, I'm grateful only one person I know is here. I'm grateful no one else has been hurt. I don't know what the hell this asshole is doing but if he tries to hurt anymore innocent people I will take him down. This is my fault, I should have known…..should have protected everyone.'
Filled with nothing but guilt and numbness Richard forces himself to watch as women who don't even know each other take hands and walk out in groups and chains as calmly as possible. 'Holding hands must make it easier on them….God Eddie, where are you…?'
Once all of the women are gone the men glare rebelliously at the Scarecrow, who pauses to make sure they are all truly out of the building and away from the doors before barking out his next order. "Gentlemen! If you are fifteen and younger you may go."
Again shuffling and whispers, however this time only a handful of people make it outside.
Looking down and detecting his phone lighting up Robin checks it, finding Bruce's message asking for more detail and if he personally is ok.
It doesn't matter but I'm fine, and scarecrow is playing some kind of game- weeding us down, don't know the point of it yet
"Gentlemen, if you are eighteen or older you are free to go." The once sea of citizens is now no more than a small pond. Looking around the acrobat finds he is one of perhaps twenty to thirty people left, and all of them are either sixteen or seventeen. 'What is he…'
"Scarecrow," The Riddler's voice is a barely audible growl. "What. Are. You. Doing?"
Each word is bitten off harshly, the sharp tone enough to send a chill down Robin's spine. He doesn't like where this is going.
"Why, Riddler, you should know the answer to that." The burlap textured mask pulls into a grimace that is its effort at a grin. "As we both enjoy the works of Darwin, I thought it most appropriate to have a little fun in a scientific manner. I believe there is a young man here that was the key to your survival when you were at the mercy of the Joker, correct? I am simply seeing if I can trace that external factor."
"You son of a-"
"Gentlemen! Four of our associates are going to come through to have a look at you, hold out your hands with your palms facing up. If you don't have any unusual scars that have occurred within the last four weeks you are free to leave as well. However this is only after our colleges have confirmed this."
The Riddler is poised to attack, but is stilled in a single moment. "Try anything and I will have all of these young men executed on the spot. There are more than enough guns to do so."
Robin's blood freezes in his veins, nearly fumbling his phone he texts as fast as he can.
Scarecrow must have been told about me saving Riddler's life- trying to find me in
A bulky fist takes the phone from the willowy teen and crushes it. "Pay attention pretty boy or I'm going to cap your ass."
Seizing Robin's wrists the lumbering giant flips his hands over, gawking at the scars for a moment before taking both wrists in a single meaty hand and dragging him forward. "Got 'em boss!"
"All of you leave now!" Not needing to be told twice the rest of the group is out the door in a flash, no longer does order matter. "Good work, now bring him here."
Picking Richard up with effortlessness the thug throws him over his shoulder and brings him up onto the stage, casting the high schooler harshly onto the floor before Scarecrow. Yelping as he's grabbed by his hair and tugged from the floor Robin is pulled up to Scarecrow, head tilted back so the taller man can get a better look at him. "Well, well, what a pretty little bird."
"Crane if you don't let go of him I FUCKING SWEAR TO GOD!"
The roar of the infuriated Riddler and his blood flowing faster through his veins is muffled by the name that is spoken. "Crane?"
The eyes beneath the mask glimmer with dangerous mirth. "Grayson, was it?"
With a snarl the green clad rogue lunges toward the stage and is abruptly stopped by two of the clown faced guards. Loosening his hold just a little so his fingers aren't biting quite so hard into Robin's skin Jonathan Crane moves the teen in front of him, one arm firmly around his waist while the other hand holds his jaw, all the while being as close as possible.
Panic bubbles quickly and Richard gasps and tries to gain leverage to escape, failing horribly as his fear escalates. 'Don't touch me don't touch me don't touch me GET OFF OF ME!'
"If you hurt him I will kill you, I will skin you alive and roll you in salt and lemon, I will castrate you with a rusted blade, rip your organs out in alphabetical order from your mouth." The convictions beneath the rumbled words leave no doubt that this is a vow, a solemn oath of all the horrors the Riddler would readily commit for Robin's sake.
Squeezing the slighter frame harder to his body the Scarecrow shouts in condemnation, "there is nothing I can do to this boy that is worse than what you have done! The atrocities you have committed are not only unforgiveable, but you have betrayed him in ways he will never, ever, fully comprehend. Tell him of your treachery, monster!"
Struggling renewed by the venomous words Robin screams, "you're a lying sack of shit, Crane! Let go of me!"
"And look how sweet and naïve this Boy Wonder is, he combats the depravity of this city, yet he still has all the faith in the world vested in you." The boy's efforts still once he feels the cool metal of a gun barrel pressed to his cheek. "Let's try this again, tell him the truth, Nygma. After all, Joker doesn't know where he is half of the time to remember this night, but I personally would like to savor this."
In a single instant everything Robin thinks he knows about good, about evil, and about his crush crash down around him, slicing more profoundly than the sharpest glass. Tears sting in wide emerald eyes that don't want to even try comprehending what has been said. "E-Eddie?"
"I….he's not lying to you. My god, Ri what have I done…" The pure misery that Ed speaks with makes the Joker and Jonathan laugh.
"Well I feel this is suitable enough punishment. Don't double cross us again, Edward. You and your harlot are free to go. Go on, boy. Run along home. And don't dress like such a whore; it gives men like Nygma ideas."
As soon as Scarecrow has freed the teen Joker fires his gun again, this time everything happens around Robin so quickly it doesn't dawn on him he's been shot until he feels someone picking him up and cursing.
"Consolation prize, Riddles."
Warmth, a thundering heartbeat, and the scent of cologne and spearmint surround Richard as everything goes black.
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Author's Notes:
Happy Valentine's Day everyone! I just wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the story reviews, favorites, and watches. When I get a bit of spare time I plan on responding to the reviews I have received so far. I really hope you enjoyed this chapter! ^_^
And please check out 'A Nagging Feeling,' the joint fic my best friend is writing from Eddie's point of view.
By the way, are there songs you attribute to certain characters? If so please note them in the comments, I'd love to know what you think!
