A/N: IT'S - FINALLY - HERE! ((parties)) Okay, okay, I know it took forever for it. I had writer's block, so it took a while to get about half of it out, and then, thanks to my very intelligent brother, my computer's files were all erased, due to the computer virus Sub7. Thus, Ihad to write all of this on ffdotnet's document manager, and it took forever.
With that said, I hope you enjoy! There will be one or two chapters more to this fic before the end. I haven't decided yet.
NOTE TO VINNIE: My computer's swiss cheese, and I haven't memorized your email address. Sorry I didn't send it to you to be betaed. :(
Honesty
Chapter 9
When Robin woke up the next morning, there wasn't a sign of the previous night's storm left in the sky. The sun was shining, the birds were chirping, and it was an all-around beautiful day.
Robin, however, felt like shit.
Having fallen asleep on the ground from pure exhaustion, Robin's back was understandably sore from sleeping on the hard surface for so long, and he had several bruises from where he had banged up against the frame of his bed in the night. A bitter taste floated around his mouth, and he felt nauseous to the point of throwing up.
That wasn't why he felt like shit, though.
As soon as he had woken up, all the memories from the previous night had come flying back at him, attacking him, streaming through his head like a cruel movie. Recollections of the evil storm Slade had created, his own impulse to fling himself out the window to fight, and how Raven had stopped him flooded his mind, like a dam had broke. Images of himself, Robin, yelling at Raven to let him go, and Raven crying, yelling that she loved him, before running out the door, threatened to take over his sanity.
It was enough to make anyone feel like shit.
Robin groaned and staggered to his feet unsteadily, only to flop down onto his bed, sinking into the soft mattress, his head buried in the pillow. He sighed, content, feeling slightly better, now that he was lying on his bed. Never again would he take his poor pillow and bed for granted. He loved them so.
A quiet knock at the door came, interrupting him from his sleepy musings. He lifted his head enough to call out a dismal "Come in", before slumping back down onto his pillow, not bothering to look up. What was the point? There was no way it would be Raven coming back to talk to him, and she was the only person he really wanted to see.
"Morning sunshine."
Groaning, Robin turned over, his eyes taking in the sight of Jinx entering the room, struggling to carry in a new window and a toolbox. He smirked as she attempted to haul her heavy load through the tiny doorway. Catching his eye, Jinx remarked, "You could help me, you know."
"I could," Robin remarked airily. "But I won't."
Finally making it into the room, Jinx dropped her load with a loud thud and turned to glare at Robin.
"Well, look who woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning," she said nastily, her eyes glittering maliciously. Robin just rolled his eyes as he sat up. Sleeping time was clearly over.
"I wish," he snorted. "As it was, I didn't ever wake up on a bed, let alone the wrong side."
"Then where'd you sleep?" Jinx retorted.
"On the floor," Robin said automatically, his response forced.
Jinx smirked. "That's a very intelligent thing to do," she said, her voice oozing with sarcasm. "I'll be sure to try that tonight."
"Shut up!" Robin said irritably. "I didn't mean to!"
"Then why did you?" Jinx shot back.
"After Raven ran out, I was too stunned to do anything," Robin heard himself say. "Before I knew it, morning was here."
Jinx glanced around. Robin saw her eyes widen as she realized that Raven really wasn't around anymore. Understanding glittered in her eyes, and a wide smirk spread across her face.
"So that's why you're so upset," she said smugly. "Your girlfriend ran out on you the second she could."
"She's not my girlfriend," Robin objected weakly.
"Yeah, but you want her to be," Jinx shot back, turning. Robin scowled. He couldn't object; he knew it was true. Robin would have given practically anything to have Raven be his girlfriend, save his soul and a few other things.
Robin glared at her dilently as she punched out the frame of the broken window. When she had done so, she turned to set it down, but not before shooting a scathing smile at him.
"You're just sulking because it's true," she sneered. "You'd love it if Raven was your girlfriend."
"So what if it is?" Robin spat. Jinx ignored him as she set about putting in the new window.
"This is why I like the Honesty curse," Jinx remarked aloud. "You can't deny what you know to be true. It being contagious was just an added bonus."
"I don't like it," Robin scowled.
"Too bad," Jinx said. "Deal with it." Peeved, Robin glowered at her turned back, mentally picturing a bucket of ice water being thrown over her head.
"So," Jinx said, not bothering to turn around as she addressed him, "since you're apparently not polite enough to volunteer information on your own-"
"Shut up," Robin snapped, glaring at her.
"-what happened last night with you and Raven?" Jinx finished, unfazed by Robin's interruption. Robin scowled.
"The storm and all the screaming woke us up," he said curtly, still petulant about being forced to answer all questions truthfully, especially to Jinx.
"And?" Jinx prompted, turning to look at him.
"We discussed what to do about it," Robin told her.
"Seems like the best decision would be nothing," Jinx drawled lazily, clearly enjoying baiting Robin. "After all, it'd only serve to endanger you and the city even further.
"I wanted to go fight Slade, to hell with the curse and the city," Robin said defiantly, a reddish tinge staining his cheeks.
"Very wise of you," Jinx said sarcastically. "Of course you should infect the city while killing yourself.
"Shut up," Robin snapped, embarassed. His impulses from last night did seem rather foolish now.
"Then again, everyone knows all common sense flies right out the door with you wherever Slade's concerned," Jinx remarked. "Anyway, I assume Raven realized just how hare-brained your intentions were?"
"Yeah," Robin sniffed, insulted. "Long story short, I ignored her and tried to jump out the window, but Raven used her power to drag me away from it and cement me to the wall."
Jinx raised an eyebrow skeptically.
"Yeah, I know. I didn't think Raven had it in her to be so outspoken either," Robin said, grumbling. "She shocked the hell out of me with that move."
"I'm not all together surprised," Jinx drawled. "Raven seems to have... a weak spot where you're concerned."
"I guess so," Robin said. "Anyway, I started yelling at her, demanding to know why she wouldn't let me go. She told me it was because she cared, but I kept laying into her. She got so upset her emotions started making the storm worse."
Jinx shot him a reprimanding look, but Robin didn't catch it. He was getting caught up in his story. All the emotions he had felt last night were running through his veins again, like her was right there, in the moment all over again.
"Then, after a while of this arguing at the top of our lungs, I demanded to know why she cares so much," Robin said emphatically, "Then, out of nowhere, she yelled at me that she loves me! Then ther was this girnat pink flash, and I realize that the curse is over for her. Raven seemed to realize the same thing at the same time, because then she ran out of the room, tears streaming down her face.
Robin sighed dejectedly, as he reluctantly returned to reality. "Anyway, that's what happened," he said slowly, turning away. "You can go ahead and make your nasy comments now. I know you must be dying to insult me while I'm so vulnerable." He waited, silent, but Jinx didn't make a sound.
"That's it? No curt comeback?" Robin said, hurt evident in his voice. "I was hoping to get the abuse done and over with."
"Robin," Jinx said hesitantly, placing a hand on Robin's shoulder. Robin shrugged her away.
"Robin," Jinx tried again. Her tone was rather docile, almost... nice. "I would never ridicule someone about something like this. Not even you."
"What's that supposed to mean" Robin said suspiciously, turning to look at Jinx.
"Only that I feel sorry for you," Jins said, her eyes downcast, a gesture of peace. "Just because I don't like you doesn't mean I can't emphasize with what you're going through."
Robin sat there, silent as he absorbed her words.
"You know," Jinx said, sitting down beside him. "This whole thing started because Raven had a crush on you."
"What?" Robin asked, whirling around to look at her, astonished. "What are you talking about?"
"In the battle, remember when I threw a pink lightning bolt at you?" Jinx asked.
"Yeah, I think so," Robin said, thinking hard, trying to remember. "You threw one at Beast Boy and Raven, too, right?"
"Yeah," Jinx said. "Those lightning bolts are spells."
"Spells?" Robin asked.
"Yes, Bird Brain," Jinx said, rolling her eyes, her patience waning. "Spells! Incantations, hexes, curses, those sort of things. My name's Jinx, for Pete's sake!"
"Sorry," Robin said hurriedly. "So the lightning bolts are spells?" he prompted, wanting her to go on.
"Yes," Jinx said, getting back on track. "When I shot one at you, it was a curse for leprosy."
"Leprosy?" Robin asked incredulously.
"Yeah, I know," Jinx said, scowling. "I went a little over the top. I was mad that we were losing the fight, and it was kind of a desperate last attempt."
Robin shot her a look. Jinx pointedly ignored it.
"Anyway, because Raven knows magic she was able to recognize the spell for what it was. She came up to me after the fight, demanding to know why I had used such a powerful curse," Jinx said, carrying on with her tale. "I made some retort about you suffering, and she got really mad."
"Really?" Robin asked, surprised.
"Yeah," Jinx said. "It was clear from the hatred in her eyes that she felt something for you. I ragged on her about it, but she refused to admit it. Instead, she went over to the cops to get me convicted for attempted murder because of the leprosy thing."
"I remember that!" Robin exclaimed, recalling the incident with the police.
"Yeah. Anyway, when she came back andtold me,I blew a gasket. We started yelling, and she lost her temper and contro over her powers," Jinx went on. "I used that chance to get free. Then I started hurling things at her, trying to get her to admit that she liked you. The Honesty curse would have made her speak the truth until I got out of jail. But," she sniffed, "you got in the way, diverting it, making it much more temporary."
"Why's it contagious, though?" Robin asked. Jinx waved a hand.
"Residual magic left from the leprosy curse and the fact it hit both of you," she said dismissively. "After that, you were out cold, and I went over and asked her if she liked you. See, because she'd have to tell the truth now."
"Yes, yes, I get that!" Robin said."What'd she say?"
"No," Jinx said.
"No?" Robin exclaimed, astonished, heartbroken, wringing his head. "What? Don't tell me that she just lovesme platonically! This is terrible!"
"Chill out," Jinx snorted. "With the chemistry crackling between you two these past few days, there's no way there's nothing but friendship between you. Anyway, she said something else, instead."
"What'd she say?" Robin demanded. "What'd she say?"
"You know," Jinx said, her tone condecending, her nose turned up. "Maybe I shouldn't tell you, the way you're demanding things like a king or something."
"Please!" Robin cried. "Please, Jinx, what did she say?"
"I don't know," Jinx said, wavering, clearly loving lording this power over him.
"Please, Jinx," Robin asked her. "Please, I'm begging you. What did she say?"
"That she loved you," Jinx admitted, relenting. "She loved you even then."
"You knew she loved me?" Robin gasped. "And you didn't tell me?"
"I thought it'd be better for her to tell you, so whatever relationship you guys wanted could evolve naturally," Jinx shrugged. "Besides, I didn't want to meddle in your affairs."
"Too late for that," Robin grumbled.
"Robin," Jinx said, uncharacteristically patient. "I don't see what you're so upset about. Raven's in love with you. What else is there to worry about?"
Robin muttered something incomprehensible, even to himself.
"What?" Jinx asked. "I couldn't hear you."
"I said I don't know what to do about it," he said louder, his cheeks flaming. Jinx laughed. Not a cruel, mean-spirited smirk, but a genuine laugh.
"No one really knows what to do about love," Jinx laughed. "We're all in the same boat. You have to play it by ear."
"What do you mean, 'no one knows what to do'?" Robin asked. "There have been thousands of successful relationships before us. How can no one know what to do?"
"Everyone's different," Jinx explained. "What works for someone may not work for another. There a books and stuff to guide you, but everyone has to feel it out on their own."
Robin cocked his head. This made a lot of sense. A relationship with Raven would be a lot different than any other. And with him in the picture too...
"I suggest that as soon as you can leave this room, you tell Raven how you feel," Jinx said. "No, strike that. Take a shower and clean yourself up first. Make sure you look great: pressed uniform, clean boots, the whole works. Then tell her. Make it as romantic as possible."
Robin laughed. "Take a shower?" he asked, smiling. "This is your great advice on how to woo a girl?"
Jinx smirked. "You'd be surprised how many guys forget the essentials."
"Like Cyborg?" Robin teased. Jinx flushed, but a sad look crept over her face.
"Sometimes," Jinx confided. She looked up at Robin slowly. "I gave you advice. Will you help me in return?" she asked, her voice nearly cracking.
Robin looked down at Jinx, her face hopeful, her large eyes wet.
"Sure," he said gently.
"In a few days, the curse will end, and I'll be free to leave the Tower," Jinx told him, impatiently wiping her eyes. "But I'm not sure I want to."
"Cyborg?" Robin asked.
"Yeah," Jinx admitted. She looked up at Robin. "I really like him," she confessed. "I don't want to leave him, but I don't know what else to do."
"You can always stay here," Robin said. "With powers like yours, you'd make a great addition to the team."
Jinx laughed hollowly. "Me? Be a Titan?" she asked, her voice empty. "What about my friends? My school? My life?"
"I don't know," Robin conceded. "But I'm not going to encourage you to be a villian."
"Being a criminal is what I do best," Jinx said. "Your gifts, your powers - they can all be used for good. Mine - they bring bad luck. They can't be used for good."
"That's not true," Robin argued. "Look at Raven! She has dark powers, yet she uses them for good!"
"Yeah, and guess where that's gonna get her..." Jinx muttered.
"I beg your pardon?" Robin asked, having not heard her fully.
"Nothing. Listen, Robin, thanks for the offer and everything, but it's my decision, and I'll make it," Jinx said, backing up to leave the room. "Thanks for your advice. Remember, tell her how you feel, and be romantic. Girls love that."
"Yeah, thanks," Robin said, watching as she quickly left, shutting the door behind her. He smiled dimly. At least he had a plan, though he couldn't put it into action for a couple days.His eyes scanned the room, looking for something to do. His eyes fell onthe pile of stuff by the window, and he laughed.
"She didn't even finish putting in the new window!" he laughed. Getting up, Robin went over tocomplete what she had started.
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"Hey, Raven!" Cyborg exclaimed, jumping about a foot in the air as the dark mystic appeared in front of him. "I didn't know the curse had ended for you!"
"It wore off last night," Raven said, levitating to the kitchen. "How's everyone?"
"Not too bad," Cyborg said. "BB's at the arcade, and Star's gone shopping."
"You're still here," Raven noted. "How're you doing?"
Cyborg sighed. "I'm beat. Slade's game with that storm really took it out of me last night."
"We saw you running around saving people," Raven told him, as she set a kettle of water and tea leaves onto the stove to boil. "It must have been exhausting."
"The papers are all over it," Cyborg said. "No one died last night, but the city was in a panic. Everyone noticed that you and Robin weren't there, and the press wanted to know why. None of us knew what to say. You're the one who always makes the statements to the papers."
"Are they still expecting us to make one?" Raven asked, pouring the hot tea into a mug and floating over.
"Yeah," Cyborg admitted. "Reporters've been swarming around the island all day."
Raven took a long draught of her tea, before setting the mug down on the coffee table. "I'll do it," she said, moving to go to the door.
"Rae," Cyborg said. Raven halted, turning to look at him. "Is everything alright?" he asked. "It's just- you seem- I don't know- kind of out of it..."
Raven looked at him, her eyes blank.
"Sorry," Cyborg said hurriedly. "I was just- you know- concerned..."
"I'm not alright, but I will be," Raven interrupted, fixing Cyborg with a piercing gaze. "Robin and I had a fight yesterday, and I'm not completely over it yet."
"That sucks," Cyborg said. Raven rolled her eyes.
"You're so sympathetic," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "That sucks," she imitated in a deep voice.
Cyborg laughed as Raven reached for her cup. "Well, we all know you're crazy about him," Cyborg said as she took a sip, "so I know a fight really must've-"
Raven choked and coughed, spitting the hot tea all over the coffee table. "What?" she gasped, still striving for air.
"Oh, yeah," Cyborg said, looking at her with concerned as she hacked up the liquid in her lungs. "We all know you like Robin-"
"How do you know that?" Raven interrupted, looking at him sharply. Cyborg flinched.
"We heard you tell Jinx that you loved him after the fight," Cyborg told her. "Robin was the only one that didn't hear it, since he was knocked out."
A lamp blew up behind them. Raven impatiently waved a hand at it, and all the pieces collected themselves up and flew into the garbage can. "Please tell me the media didn't get wind of that comment," she pleaded, desperate.
"You're in luck," Cyborg said. "The reporters at the scene were too chicken of Jinx to get that close."
Raven breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank goddess for small favors," she said. Draining the rest of her tea, Raven levitated her mug to the sink, and rose from the couch. "I'll go talk to the press," she told Cyborg. "Talk to you later."
"Raven?" Cyborg asked. Raven turned. "Are you sure you're going to be okay?" he asked.
Raven's face softened. "I'm sure," she said. "I just hope you will be."
"What do you mean by that?" Cyborg asked, confused.
"Jinx is leaving as soon as Robin's better, which'll be in a couple days, " she said gently."I just hope you'll be able to deal with her departure."
"Jinx- leaving?" Cyborg fell back onto the couch, stunned.
"I'm sorry," Raven said sincerely. "I didn't know the thought didn't occur to you," Raven said, looking at him sadly from the door. "But she's a villian. She's going to leave to go back to the HIVE. That's the risk you run when you fall in love."
Cyborg just lay there, broken. A lone tear slid down his face from his human eye. Raven glanced at him sympathetically, before raising a hand, submerging Cyborg in a light blue aura, sending him off to dreamworld.
"Sleep well,Cy," she said as she left the tower. "It'll help heal yourbroken heart."
If that's true, maybe you should be back in bed healing yourself, then, a voice in her head whispered to her as she descended the stairs.
My heart's not broken, Raven told her subconscious. My heart's not broken.
Wow, Raven, I'm astonished, her mind mocked her. Your first lie in almost a week, and it's to yourself. You know you care about him, and you know your heart is bleeding.
So? she challenged. At that, she stepped outside, to be greeted by the swarms ofjournalists and TV cameras, all focused on her. Reporters called out, "Raven! Care to make a statement?" and "Raven! Care you tell the city why you weren't at the fight last night?"
Raven sighed. This would take a while, and she was not ina patient mood.
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Worth the wait? Probably not, but there has to be space beween confrontations, now, doesn't there:P
Please, review! No death threats, please. I've recieved my fair amount for not updating every two hours, and some of them tend to freak me out, thus making it harder for me to write.
Please, review:)