Disclaimer: I do not own the teen titans or the words to the song I'm
With You by Linkin Park. Ladies and gentlemen conflict had arisen! Bring on
the fight!
Hand in Hand
Chapter Twenty-Three: I'm With You
Raven opened the door with a casual wave her hand. The other titans were near enough avoiding her since the fiasco of yesterday, not that she minded they never paid that much attention to her anyway. Besides Aqualad was here now and he was the only person who she needed to serve as a distraction, she was beginning to wonder though whether she really did want to tell him about her deepest and darkest secrets. Something about what they were doing didn't feel right.
She frowned slightly, she had felt a bit better since they had started going out. However it was not a dramatic increase and didn't people always say that you get better before you get worse. That wasn't a comforting thought. She didn't want things to get any worse. Things were bad enough.
She plastered a fake smile on her face as the door opened to reveal Aqualad.
The dark haired atlantian looked up and grinned, "Hey, Kai and Rei say hi." He said as he stepped over the threshold.
Raven frowned; the two other atlantians were nice enough she supposed but it was as if they were deliberately trying to become her friend. She shuddered. Friends were enemies in disguise, or so her paranoia told her. Instead of saying anything though she raised her eyebrow in question.
Aqualad smiled dryly, "Okay Rei said hi, Kai just sort of ignored the fact that I exist." He gave a small laugh and then looked around, "So what's on the agenda today? Meditation? Talk?"
Raven nodded to him, "Meditation in the morning. After that though whatever you want is good."
Talking about the other atlantians made the emptiness inside her make its appearance known. She wanted the kind of understanding and love that Kai and Rei had. Why couldn't she have that? She wondered if she could have that with Aqualad. He was certainly willing to give it a go. But, she bit her lip and looked through the open doorway leading into the main seating area; she wasn't sure if Aqualad was the one she wanted. In fact she knew that he wasn't but the object of her affection didn't seem to notice her that much...except for that little mishap yesterday...
##I woke up in a dream today,
To the cold of the static,
And put my feet on the floor,
Forgot all about yesterday,
Remembering I'm pretending,
To be where I'm not anymore##
########
Aqualad watched as the far away expression made its way onto Raven's features slowly. She bit her lip and glanced to her right. Aqualad followed her gaze and made a face. Why on earth was she staring at Robin? She hadn't even spared him a glance over the last few days so what was so different now? He watched as Robin lifted his head. He gave a nervous smile in Raven's direction and Aqualad failed to notice that Raven turned her head away at this. Aqualad scowled at Robin. Robin as if sensing the hostile gaze transferred his attention to the atlantian. Immediately the leader of the titan's expression hardened.
Aqualad shook his head, gave Robin a disparaging look and then turned away to address Raven.
"Hey, you go ahead to the roof, I'll catch you up in a minute." He tried to make his voice sound casual but he knew that his anger showed through in his tone. He had to stop this thing between Robin and Raven before it started. He had no real idea what was going on. But he was going to stop it at all costs!
Raven folded her arms and gave him a searching look, "Why?"
For a moment Aqualad internally cursed her perceptive mind. He knew that she had picked up on the undercurrent to his words. And trying not to look agitated he gave an easy smile and said smoothly, "I just need to check some things over with Beast Boy. About me staying for Christmas that is. It shouldn't take long."
Raven absorbed his words and she nodded her head, "Okay, you know where I'll be." She smiled hollowly at him and then turned to make her way up to the roof. Aqualad was sure to wait until she had rounded the corner and was out of sight before he turned around and walked through the TV room.
########
Robin's scowl intensified as Beast Boy tried to talk to him. He was leaning against the counter to the side of the couch straining, without trying to look too obvious of course, to hear what Raven and Aqualad was discussing. He mentally pointed out to Beast Boy that he couldn't hear anything with him babbling away. But of course he didn't speak out loud so the green elf just carried on unaware.
##A little taste of hypocrisy,
And I'm left in the wake of the mistake,
Slow to react,
Even though you're so close to me,
You're still so distant,
And I can't bring you back##
Robin ignored Beast Boy's loud voice as he saw Aqualad turn and approach him. A thousand curses echoed around the inside of Robin's skull. What had Raven said? Had she said anything? Or nothing? How was he supposed to concentrate of finding Slade with all this aggravation happening? Why were things so God damned hard? He had finally admitted to himself, after the little escapade with the sprinklers and eggs that he really did like Raven that way. But now he faced a dilemma. How did he get Raven without hurting Starfire? Aqualad certainly wasn't making the ordeal any easier. And Raven's odd moods of late were driving him up the wall. He wanted to rip his hair out.
He supposed he would settle with ripping out Aqualad's...
The atlantian tapped him on the shoulder. Robin turned his head slightly to make it known that Aqualad held his attention.
"I would like few words with you Robin. In private."
The tone of his words made Robin's eyes narrow. He noticed that Beast Boy was looking between the two of them as if expecting them to try and swing for one another. The tension in the air was so thick you cut it with a knife. Robin turned fully to face the one that Raven was supposedly 'dating'. It was ridiculous Raven shouldn't be dating this...this...his mind couldn't think of a name good enough...this guy! She should be going out with him. With him, Robin and no one else. Robin was slightly surprised at the viciousness in his thought. Whoa.
"Of course." Replied Robin fighting to keep the disdain he felt inside of him. He failed miserably and the titans in the immediate vicinity noticed and picked their heads up in interest to watch.
Aqualad seemed to be struggling with himself, Robin noticed this and filed the information away in his brain for future use, maybe he could get under the atlantian's skin and use the other's annoyance to his advantage.
Robin didn't exactly like playing dirty but...needs must, to coin a phrase.
Robin leaned away from the counter and led the atlantian out into the hall. He opened the door that led to the training room. Despite being Aqualad's present rival his was still courteous and he held the door open and let the taller boy pass in before him.
Robin walked into the darkened room, he closed the door with a click, the door and walls of the room were thick and it ensured that one would hear the words that were about to be exchanged. Robin reached up with his hand and flicked the light switch on.
Bright light flooded the huge room. But neither of them had the time or the inclination to look around and enjoy the view.
Robin moved over until he stood directly in front of Aqualad. He crossed his arms over his chest and tilted his head back slightly to fix the other boy with a glare, "What did you want to talk about then?" he asked not even bothering to keep the annoyance from his tone.
Aqualad met his glare and returned it three-fold, "Raven."
##It's true the way I feel was promised by your face,
The sound of your voice painted on my memories,
And even if you're not with me,
I'm with you##
Robin stiffened slightly and forced himself not to blink. He had gone through a lot of emotional turmoil in the past few days and now that he finally had his feelings figured out he was not going to let anyone stand in his way. "What about Raven?"
"She doesn't want you."
The reply was harsh and abrupt and it definitely was not the one that Robin expected, well he had expected something along the long the lines of negatively but nothing as blunt and as straight to the point as that. Problem was though; Robin viewed this as the wrong point.
Robin looked up his eyes blazing behind his mask, "You what?"
"She doesn't want you. So stop messing around. You have Starfire. Raven doesn't want you." Aqualad's tone was cold.
Robin let his arms fall to his side and he clenched his fists, "And you think it's you she wants?" he asked in challenge.
"She was the one who propositioned me."
Robin froze, not only at the words but he truthfulness he felt coming from them. Even though he had never known Aqualad to lie he just could not accept this fact. Raven would never...
"That's a lie." He growled straining to keep his fists from shaking slightly.
Aqualad folded his own arms, "Go and ask her then."
Robin mind raced; there was no way on earth Raven would ever have asked Aqualad out. Things like that just didn't happen in the real world. It was as if everything had been turned upside down! The thought just didn't sit right with him.
Robin growled in the back of his throat, he shouldn't be doing this he knew, he should be happy for Raven and Aqualad after all isn't that what all good friends do? Robin sighed internally this is what he got for following his heart and not his head.
"So have you kissed her then?" asked Robin raising an eyebrow, he would not let Aqualad win this argument.
Aqualad made a noise but otherwise didn't say a word; there were several moments of silence before he finally did speak, "No. Have you?"
Robin realised that this was a very weird conversation to be having but nonetheless he persevered with it, trying to act confident and cool he smiled although he worried that it came out like a sneer, "Almost."
Robin watched Aqualad's eyes tick nervously. Robin was sure that he had won the argument. There was no possible way to combat that remark.
And so while his thoughts drifted back to Raven Aqualad did something unexpected. And caught of guard Robin had no idea what was going on.
##You, now I see,
Keeping everything inside,
You, now I see,
Even when I close my eyes##
Robin brought his arms up automatically as Aqualad's fist came out of nowhere. The strength of the blow caused him to stumble back a few steps. Robin thanked the fact that he'd had years of training in hand to hand combat. As he skidded to a stop he looked up at Aqualad.
The tall dark haired atlantian was standing in the same position as he had been when he had first spoken only the coldness had vanished from his eyes; they were now full of something that was a cross between a murderous rage and complete helplessness. True, Robin had no idea how he had come up with that analogy of what he saw in his rival's eyes but the description was fitting to say the least.
"Stop messing around with her feelings Robin." The atlantian warned, "She's been a through a lot."
Robin glared, "What's that supposed to mean? I know she has trouble expressing her emotions and that she has secrets and problems that she won't discuss but I want to help her!" he began walking back over, "And I am not messing with her feelings!" this small piece of denial seemed to rile the atlantian more than Robin's previous glares and comments.
Robin ducked to the side swiftly and jumped out of harms way as Aqualad attacked him. The ferocity of the attack threw Robin for a moment, he had assumed Aqualad to be unused to combat like the sort they were now engaged him. He had thought Aqualad to be a lot weaker on land. He saw now, much to his frustration that he was sorely mistaken on the point.
"If that's true then why did you try to kiss her?" asked Aqualad through clenched teeth as he brought his face close to Robin's while lashing out with his fists and feet, "Why when you have Starfire and you know Raven has me?"
Robin blocked the quick and heavy blows smoothly whilst launching a few of his own, "Because I like Raven!"
##I hit you and you hit me back,
We fall to the floor,
And the rest of the day stands still,
Fine line between this and that,
When things go wrong I pretend the past isn't real##
Robin stumbled back at the force of Aqualad's next blow. He was surprised at his strength he hadn't thought of the atlantian as being particularly strong.
"But she doesn't like you!"
Robin whipped his head around and his whole body followed he tried to kick Aqualad's legs from under him, but his strike was blocked and parried, "How do you know? Has she told you? Because I would find that hard to believe!" yelled Robin turning midair and jumping away as Aqualad's foot came from nowhere.
Aqualad grunted as Robin's fist connected with his stomach, "No she hasn't told me! But it's obvious!"
Robin snarled as a blow to the chest sent him reeling backwards, "If it's that obvious I would have noticed it!"
"You don't notice anything!" shouted Aqualad appearing before Robin.
Before Robin had time to react Aqualad had forced him back into wall, Robin glared kind of amazed at how quickly he had walked into a corner, "What the hell does that mean?"
Aqualad glared, "It means you don't notice anything!" he repeated.
Robin pushed himself forward separated himself from the wall and he delivered a roundhouse kick to his rival's face. Aqualad dodged, "I notice plenty!" Robin fumed, "It's my job as leader to notice things!"
"Then you're a lousy leader!" retorted Aqualad swinging his fist and catching Robin in the ribs.
Robin felt pain and doubled over, that slight movement made it almost impossible to avoid Aqualad's next move. Almost but not quite. Robin leapt back and whirled around so that he was at Aqualad's back, "You take that back!"
## It's true the way I feel was promised by your face,
The sound of your voice painted on my memories,
And even if you're not with me,
I'm with you##
Aqualad's dark eyes held unbelievable rage and Robin thought he saw jealousy flickering in their depths. So water-boy was jealous huh? Maybe he could use that to his advantage as well. Even though all this was going on Robin inwardly chided himself, he didn't usually act so hot-headedly.
"A good leader would know to leave things well enough alone!"
Robin felt insanely angry at the remark. True fighting over Raven was stupid, it could have been resolved through friendly talking or merely asking Raven but things had quickly escalated and gotten out of hand. Robin supposed it didn't help when the two of them were so used to getting what they wanted. But now Aqualad had taken to insulting his ability to be leader! Robin was mildly outraged...if one could feel mild outrage that is. He had never led his team wrong...okay so there had been a few upsets along the years but nothing serious.
He blocked another attack and another; he knew his arms were going to be bruised to high heaven after this. He kicked out with his left leg and caught the atlantian unawares. Aqualad teetered backwards but regained his balance.
Robin highly doubted that the fighting would stop unless one of them got seriously hurt and was unable to continue. Which was fine by him, the notion that the others would be angered by their little spar did cross his mind at one point but then he reminded himself that Aqualad had started it all.
"If you leave things alone then things get worse!" Robin rubbed his arm slightly as he dodged a plethora of blows aimed his way. After all it was public knowledge that if you left an open wound it would go septic, if you left food it would rot...such was the way of the world. Robin resented the fact that he was philosophising at such an important event.
"Just leave Raven alone!" yelled Aqualad kicking at Robin's chest just as Robin lunged forward with his fists drawn back, "Leave her ALONE!" he bellowed the last word and it echoed around the room.
Robin spun away from the attack thrown at him; Aqualad blocked his fist and for a second both of them stood back chests heaving, sweat beading on their foreheads.
Their ragged breaths were loud in the silent room. Robin opened his mouth to reply but before his words could come out the door to the training room opened and Starfire, Cyborg, Terra and Beast Boy piled in looking alarmed.
Both fighters paused in surprise and looked up.
TIMING! Screamed Robin's mind, IF ANYONE HAD ANY, WOULD BE NICE! But alas no one could hear his internal ranting.
Starfire blinked her wide eyes at them, "What are you doing? Robin? Aqualad?" it seemed she was the only one capable of speech at the moment, the others' jaws seemed to be glued to the floor as they stared open mouthed at the two boys.
Robin felt a vein throb in his temple.
Aqualad walked towards the door suddenly not bothering to answer Starfire's question or offer a greeting to the other three. When he reached the doorway he paused and looked over his shoulder.
"The ball, as they say Robin, is in your court." He turned to Beast Boy, "Tell Raven I was called away on urgent business and that I'll see her tomorrow." Beast Boy nodded dumbly as Aqualad smiled at the others, "See you around guys." He said to the others and then disappeared down the hall. The defining sound of the front door closing could be heard loudly. Everyone turned back to Robin questions in their eyes and on their tongues.
"Court?" asked Starfire, "Were you playing tennis Robin?"
Robin scowled, "No. We weren't"
##No,
No matter how far we've come,
I can't wait to see tomorrow,
No matter how far we've come,
I can't wait to see tomorrow,
With you##
Hand in Hand
Chapter Twenty-Three: I'm With You
Raven opened the door with a casual wave her hand. The other titans were near enough avoiding her since the fiasco of yesterday, not that she minded they never paid that much attention to her anyway. Besides Aqualad was here now and he was the only person who she needed to serve as a distraction, she was beginning to wonder though whether she really did want to tell him about her deepest and darkest secrets. Something about what they were doing didn't feel right.
She frowned slightly, she had felt a bit better since they had started going out. However it was not a dramatic increase and didn't people always say that you get better before you get worse. That wasn't a comforting thought. She didn't want things to get any worse. Things were bad enough.
She plastered a fake smile on her face as the door opened to reveal Aqualad.
The dark haired atlantian looked up and grinned, "Hey, Kai and Rei say hi." He said as he stepped over the threshold.
Raven frowned; the two other atlantians were nice enough she supposed but it was as if they were deliberately trying to become her friend. She shuddered. Friends were enemies in disguise, or so her paranoia told her. Instead of saying anything though she raised her eyebrow in question.
Aqualad smiled dryly, "Okay Rei said hi, Kai just sort of ignored the fact that I exist." He gave a small laugh and then looked around, "So what's on the agenda today? Meditation? Talk?"
Raven nodded to him, "Meditation in the morning. After that though whatever you want is good."
Talking about the other atlantians made the emptiness inside her make its appearance known. She wanted the kind of understanding and love that Kai and Rei had. Why couldn't she have that? She wondered if she could have that with Aqualad. He was certainly willing to give it a go. But, she bit her lip and looked through the open doorway leading into the main seating area; she wasn't sure if Aqualad was the one she wanted. In fact she knew that he wasn't but the object of her affection didn't seem to notice her that much...except for that little mishap yesterday...
##I woke up in a dream today,
To the cold of the static,
And put my feet on the floor,
Forgot all about yesterday,
Remembering I'm pretending,
To be where I'm not anymore##
########
Aqualad watched as the far away expression made its way onto Raven's features slowly. She bit her lip and glanced to her right. Aqualad followed her gaze and made a face. Why on earth was she staring at Robin? She hadn't even spared him a glance over the last few days so what was so different now? He watched as Robin lifted his head. He gave a nervous smile in Raven's direction and Aqualad failed to notice that Raven turned her head away at this. Aqualad scowled at Robin. Robin as if sensing the hostile gaze transferred his attention to the atlantian. Immediately the leader of the titan's expression hardened.
Aqualad shook his head, gave Robin a disparaging look and then turned away to address Raven.
"Hey, you go ahead to the roof, I'll catch you up in a minute." He tried to make his voice sound casual but he knew that his anger showed through in his tone. He had to stop this thing between Robin and Raven before it started. He had no real idea what was going on. But he was going to stop it at all costs!
Raven folded her arms and gave him a searching look, "Why?"
For a moment Aqualad internally cursed her perceptive mind. He knew that she had picked up on the undercurrent to his words. And trying not to look agitated he gave an easy smile and said smoothly, "I just need to check some things over with Beast Boy. About me staying for Christmas that is. It shouldn't take long."
Raven absorbed his words and she nodded her head, "Okay, you know where I'll be." She smiled hollowly at him and then turned to make her way up to the roof. Aqualad was sure to wait until she had rounded the corner and was out of sight before he turned around and walked through the TV room.
########
Robin's scowl intensified as Beast Boy tried to talk to him. He was leaning against the counter to the side of the couch straining, without trying to look too obvious of course, to hear what Raven and Aqualad was discussing. He mentally pointed out to Beast Boy that he couldn't hear anything with him babbling away. But of course he didn't speak out loud so the green elf just carried on unaware.
##A little taste of hypocrisy,
And I'm left in the wake of the mistake,
Slow to react,
Even though you're so close to me,
You're still so distant,
And I can't bring you back##
Robin ignored Beast Boy's loud voice as he saw Aqualad turn and approach him. A thousand curses echoed around the inside of Robin's skull. What had Raven said? Had she said anything? Or nothing? How was he supposed to concentrate of finding Slade with all this aggravation happening? Why were things so God damned hard? He had finally admitted to himself, after the little escapade with the sprinklers and eggs that he really did like Raven that way. But now he faced a dilemma. How did he get Raven without hurting Starfire? Aqualad certainly wasn't making the ordeal any easier. And Raven's odd moods of late were driving him up the wall. He wanted to rip his hair out.
He supposed he would settle with ripping out Aqualad's...
The atlantian tapped him on the shoulder. Robin turned his head slightly to make it known that Aqualad held his attention.
"I would like few words with you Robin. In private."
The tone of his words made Robin's eyes narrow. He noticed that Beast Boy was looking between the two of them as if expecting them to try and swing for one another. The tension in the air was so thick you cut it with a knife. Robin turned fully to face the one that Raven was supposedly 'dating'. It was ridiculous Raven shouldn't be dating this...this...his mind couldn't think of a name good enough...this guy! She should be going out with him. With him, Robin and no one else. Robin was slightly surprised at the viciousness in his thought. Whoa.
"Of course." Replied Robin fighting to keep the disdain he felt inside of him. He failed miserably and the titans in the immediate vicinity noticed and picked their heads up in interest to watch.
Aqualad seemed to be struggling with himself, Robin noticed this and filed the information away in his brain for future use, maybe he could get under the atlantian's skin and use the other's annoyance to his advantage.
Robin didn't exactly like playing dirty but...needs must, to coin a phrase.
Robin leaned away from the counter and led the atlantian out into the hall. He opened the door that led to the training room. Despite being Aqualad's present rival his was still courteous and he held the door open and let the taller boy pass in before him.
Robin walked into the darkened room, he closed the door with a click, the door and walls of the room were thick and it ensured that one would hear the words that were about to be exchanged. Robin reached up with his hand and flicked the light switch on.
Bright light flooded the huge room. But neither of them had the time or the inclination to look around and enjoy the view.
Robin moved over until he stood directly in front of Aqualad. He crossed his arms over his chest and tilted his head back slightly to fix the other boy with a glare, "What did you want to talk about then?" he asked not even bothering to keep the annoyance from his tone.
Aqualad met his glare and returned it three-fold, "Raven."
##It's true the way I feel was promised by your face,
The sound of your voice painted on my memories,
And even if you're not with me,
I'm with you##
Robin stiffened slightly and forced himself not to blink. He had gone through a lot of emotional turmoil in the past few days and now that he finally had his feelings figured out he was not going to let anyone stand in his way. "What about Raven?"
"She doesn't want you."
The reply was harsh and abrupt and it definitely was not the one that Robin expected, well he had expected something along the long the lines of negatively but nothing as blunt and as straight to the point as that. Problem was though; Robin viewed this as the wrong point.
Robin looked up his eyes blazing behind his mask, "You what?"
"She doesn't want you. So stop messing around. You have Starfire. Raven doesn't want you." Aqualad's tone was cold.
Robin let his arms fall to his side and he clenched his fists, "And you think it's you she wants?" he asked in challenge.
"She was the one who propositioned me."
Robin froze, not only at the words but he truthfulness he felt coming from them. Even though he had never known Aqualad to lie he just could not accept this fact. Raven would never...
"That's a lie." He growled straining to keep his fists from shaking slightly.
Aqualad folded his own arms, "Go and ask her then."
Robin mind raced; there was no way on earth Raven would ever have asked Aqualad out. Things like that just didn't happen in the real world. It was as if everything had been turned upside down! The thought just didn't sit right with him.
Robin growled in the back of his throat, he shouldn't be doing this he knew, he should be happy for Raven and Aqualad after all isn't that what all good friends do? Robin sighed internally this is what he got for following his heart and not his head.
"So have you kissed her then?" asked Robin raising an eyebrow, he would not let Aqualad win this argument.
Aqualad made a noise but otherwise didn't say a word; there were several moments of silence before he finally did speak, "No. Have you?"
Robin realised that this was a very weird conversation to be having but nonetheless he persevered with it, trying to act confident and cool he smiled although he worried that it came out like a sneer, "Almost."
Robin watched Aqualad's eyes tick nervously. Robin was sure that he had won the argument. There was no possible way to combat that remark.
And so while his thoughts drifted back to Raven Aqualad did something unexpected. And caught of guard Robin had no idea what was going on.
##You, now I see,
Keeping everything inside,
You, now I see,
Even when I close my eyes##
Robin brought his arms up automatically as Aqualad's fist came out of nowhere. The strength of the blow caused him to stumble back a few steps. Robin thanked the fact that he'd had years of training in hand to hand combat. As he skidded to a stop he looked up at Aqualad.
The tall dark haired atlantian was standing in the same position as he had been when he had first spoken only the coldness had vanished from his eyes; they were now full of something that was a cross between a murderous rage and complete helplessness. True, Robin had no idea how he had come up with that analogy of what he saw in his rival's eyes but the description was fitting to say the least.
"Stop messing around with her feelings Robin." The atlantian warned, "She's been a through a lot."
Robin glared, "What's that supposed to mean? I know she has trouble expressing her emotions and that she has secrets and problems that she won't discuss but I want to help her!" he began walking back over, "And I am not messing with her feelings!" this small piece of denial seemed to rile the atlantian more than Robin's previous glares and comments.
Robin ducked to the side swiftly and jumped out of harms way as Aqualad attacked him. The ferocity of the attack threw Robin for a moment, he had assumed Aqualad to be unused to combat like the sort they were now engaged him. He had thought Aqualad to be a lot weaker on land. He saw now, much to his frustration that he was sorely mistaken on the point.
"If that's true then why did you try to kiss her?" asked Aqualad through clenched teeth as he brought his face close to Robin's while lashing out with his fists and feet, "Why when you have Starfire and you know Raven has me?"
Robin blocked the quick and heavy blows smoothly whilst launching a few of his own, "Because I like Raven!"
##I hit you and you hit me back,
We fall to the floor,
And the rest of the day stands still,
Fine line between this and that,
When things go wrong I pretend the past isn't real##
Robin stumbled back at the force of Aqualad's next blow. He was surprised at his strength he hadn't thought of the atlantian as being particularly strong.
"But she doesn't like you!"
Robin whipped his head around and his whole body followed he tried to kick Aqualad's legs from under him, but his strike was blocked and parried, "How do you know? Has she told you? Because I would find that hard to believe!" yelled Robin turning midair and jumping away as Aqualad's foot came from nowhere.
Aqualad grunted as Robin's fist connected with his stomach, "No she hasn't told me! But it's obvious!"
Robin snarled as a blow to the chest sent him reeling backwards, "If it's that obvious I would have noticed it!"
"You don't notice anything!" shouted Aqualad appearing before Robin.
Before Robin had time to react Aqualad had forced him back into wall, Robin glared kind of amazed at how quickly he had walked into a corner, "What the hell does that mean?"
Aqualad glared, "It means you don't notice anything!" he repeated.
Robin pushed himself forward separated himself from the wall and he delivered a roundhouse kick to his rival's face. Aqualad dodged, "I notice plenty!" Robin fumed, "It's my job as leader to notice things!"
"Then you're a lousy leader!" retorted Aqualad swinging his fist and catching Robin in the ribs.
Robin felt pain and doubled over, that slight movement made it almost impossible to avoid Aqualad's next move. Almost but not quite. Robin leapt back and whirled around so that he was at Aqualad's back, "You take that back!"
## It's true the way I feel was promised by your face,
The sound of your voice painted on my memories,
And even if you're not with me,
I'm with you##
Aqualad's dark eyes held unbelievable rage and Robin thought he saw jealousy flickering in their depths. So water-boy was jealous huh? Maybe he could use that to his advantage as well. Even though all this was going on Robin inwardly chided himself, he didn't usually act so hot-headedly.
"A good leader would know to leave things well enough alone!"
Robin felt insanely angry at the remark. True fighting over Raven was stupid, it could have been resolved through friendly talking or merely asking Raven but things had quickly escalated and gotten out of hand. Robin supposed it didn't help when the two of them were so used to getting what they wanted. But now Aqualad had taken to insulting his ability to be leader! Robin was mildly outraged...if one could feel mild outrage that is. He had never led his team wrong...okay so there had been a few upsets along the years but nothing serious.
He blocked another attack and another; he knew his arms were going to be bruised to high heaven after this. He kicked out with his left leg and caught the atlantian unawares. Aqualad teetered backwards but regained his balance.
Robin highly doubted that the fighting would stop unless one of them got seriously hurt and was unable to continue. Which was fine by him, the notion that the others would be angered by their little spar did cross his mind at one point but then he reminded himself that Aqualad had started it all.
"If you leave things alone then things get worse!" Robin rubbed his arm slightly as he dodged a plethora of blows aimed his way. After all it was public knowledge that if you left an open wound it would go septic, if you left food it would rot...such was the way of the world. Robin resented the fact that he was philosophising at such an important event.
"Just leave Raven alone!" yelled Aqualad kicking at Robin's chest just as Robin lunged forward with his fists drawn back, "Leave her ALONE!" he bellowed the last word and it echoed around the room.
Robin spun away from the attack thrown at him; Aqualad blocked his fist and for a second both of them stood back chests heaving, sweat beading on their foreheads.
Their ragged breaths were loud in the silent room. Robin opened his mouth to reply but before his words could come out the door to the training room opened and Starfire, Cyborg, Terra and Beast Boy piled in looking alarmed.
Both fighters paused in surprise and looked up.
TIMING! Screamed Robin's mind, IF ANYONE HAD ANY, WOULD BE NICE! But alas no one could hear his internal ranting.
Starfire blinked her wide eyes at them, "What are you doing? Robin? Aqualad?" it seemed she was the only one capable of speech at the moment, the others' jaws seemed to be glued to the floor as they stared open mouthed at the two boys.
Robin felt a vein throb in his temple.
Aqualad walked towards the door suddenly not bothering to answer Starfire's question or offer a greeting to the other three. When he reached the doorway he paused and looked over his shoulder.
"The ball, as they say Robin, is in your court." He turned to Beast Boy, "Tell Raven I was called away on urgent business and that I'll see her tomorrow." Beast Boy nodded dumbly as Aqualad smiled at the others, "See you around guys." He said to the others and then disappeared down the hall. The defining sound of the front door closing could be heard loudly. Everyone turned back to Robin questions in their eyes and on their tongues.
"Court?" asked Starfire, "Were you playing tennis Robin?"
Robin scowled, "No. We weren't"
##No,
No matter how far we've come,
I can't wait to see tomorrow,
No matter how far we've come,
I can't wait to see tomorrow,
With you##