It was innocent fun.
Really!
I'm not lying, it's not like we meant for him to…
Let's start this over.
It was just after we'd totally blown away Dr. Light, and might I say the sight of him literally wetting himself in terror was a new one for me. I mean, jeez man, you gotta keep up with the news. I don't even remember who hauled him off to jail. I was too busy with a little plan I called Operation Traffic Light: Stop; which was, in my mind, an ingenious way of saying I was going to make Robin blush like crazy for hours.
Now, I know what you're thinking, Beast Boy you can't be serious. Well, I was as serious as one can be about a prank like this. But, unfortunately, I had no idea how I was going to pull this off.
Unfortunate was the word that would bring my success. You see, Robin wasn't one for trusting Jinx. Well, who would be, she's been our enemy for, well, forever! She…grr. Never mind. So, while he was talking with the cops and everything to arrange for her probation which would be followed by membership in the Titans, someone had to watch her. And since Kid Flash was being a show off and teasing Mas and Menos, someone besides him had to. Raven might kill her, Jinx might kill Starfire (Jinx is a lot like Raven, oddly, but with more of the cruel sense of humor we don't see much…. And everyone knows Star hasn't realized how she can annoy some people), and Cyborg turned beet red and went to go get started on the new T-car. I still wonder what that's about. Since I wasn't doing anything, Raven (did I mention how much I LOVE that girl? Yeah, that was sarcasm. I learned it from her, so I might as well use it.) Raven nominated me. So, I was sitting in this crummy interrogation room across the table from Jinx, when she says to me:
"When are Robin and Starfire just going to get over their terror and make it official?"
Now, I don't know about you, but for me that was an opening. I forgot completely who I was talking to, and the fact this was supposed to be a punishment.
"I KNOW! Sheesh, it's not like we don't already know it. I was trying to figure out how to make them anyways. But, Robin would probably chuck me out of the Titans if I screwed it up."
Then Jinx got this look in her eyes. It's a look I don't see in ANYONE, but it reminded me of how I felt when a great prank idea came to mind, or when Raven hit Cyborg with that Stank-ball. You should have seen his face, he was hysterical. You know, I remember Cyborg saying that the HIVE kids liked pulling pranks; maybe this shouldn't have been so shocking… But anyways. Jinx says to me:
"Really?" The tone of her voice was slightly frightening. "I think I just got an idea. Didn't Starfire say we should have a party?"
She had, and as I wasn't sure where this was going I just nodded and listened.
"Ok, so, you need to suggest it be in a few days, maybe a week or something. A full affair, with music and dancing."
"Wait, wait, wait," I interrupted her, earning a slight glare. "Why me?"
"Because," She informed me with a scathing tone that reminded me even more of Raven than I'd like to admit. "I can't do it, and three can keep a secret only if two are dead. Nobody else can be in on this plan."
"Sorry." Instinctively, I apologized. Then I remembered who I was talking too and crossed my arms over my chest. Who did she think she was, telling me what to do?
"Man, you're weird. But a prank is a prank. Right, so you have to make sure everyone can submit music, and…" She leaned forward and whispered something to me that made every prank I'd ever seen look like burning dog poo in comparison. This was so sophisticated, so subtle, but it would work better than anything! Best of all, she said if need be, she'd take the fall for it.
I mean, how cool is that? Maybe I gotta re-think Jinx, she's not that bad. And you know we need more fun in the Titans. If it's just Cy and me, Cyborg gets away with it by going all serious in a second and I get called a dork. But if Jinx is in on it all, then there's three, and Kid Flash might join in and…
Sorry. So. Like I was saying: we cooked up a plan that would leave Robin blushing from here until Batman retires. Well, I'm sure you want to know how this all worked out, right?
Right. Ok.
So, two weeks later, we've all gotten together. Wait, wait, actually, everyone plus Tara. It took a while to convince her, but after I told her I needed a date and I didn't want to spend a whole afternoon dancing with someone who didn't get my jokes, she warmed up to me. You know, you have to play it cool, make it seem like less of a big deal.
So, we're all together, the music playlists have been entered. Things are going nicely enough, although there was a very funny incident involving a DDR song and Bee. Well, the song goes 'sweet little bumblebee', and people just crack up. She looked stunned for a few seconds, and then shouted "CRANK IT UP!" and broke it down. That girl can DANCE. She took down Cyborg, Argent, Kole, Speedy, all without breaking a sweat. Speedy was a wreck afterwards, she topped his moves easily, and he was trying to show off too.
"Oh, man, that has to hurt. Your leader took you down so hard." Hot Spot couldn't stop laughing. Neither could I, for that matter, until Cyborg smacked me and reminded me he got beat too.
"And you didn't even TRY!"
"Yeah well, I know when not to push it!" I stuck out my tongue, and Tara laughed. So then came the moment of truth, a slow song came on, piano background. I glanced at Jinx and she nodded, so I grabbed Tara, and she grabbed Kid Flash and started swaying. I think she must have nudged a few people, because Cyborg grabbed Kole, Bumblebee snagged the Herald, and (in what might seem a suicidal move) Jericho offered a hand to Raven. I think the real shock was Raven shrugging and taking it. Now, Star dragged Robin out onto the floor, which was the living room, actually. This all happened in about 20 seconds, and I was nervous. Tara seemed to be enjoying herself, so I tried to play it cool.
"Outside on a winter's night as the rain begins to fall
There's a chill in the air and the howl of a wolf
While the rain beats at the door
Seven kings will ride on the wind up towards the mountains high
And the only sound that will break the air is the warrior's bitter cry"
It was a sweet song, I guess, but the part that was the prank wasn't for a while yet. So I had to wait through the first verse. Robin is such an awkward person in social situations. He and Star were doing a waltz, and I could tell it was taking everything in him not to look at his feet. I would have laughed at just that, but I knew there was better coming, so I didn't.
"And we're standing one and all fighting till we fall
Hoping for a better day
Never giving in until we find the words, till we find the words to say
Until we find the words to say..."
Here is comes. I caught Jinx's eye, and she winked before replacing her head on Kid Flash's shoulder. Just for some information, his hand was riding dangerously low, a lot lower than I thought she'd tolerate. But then she was clutching his chest in a perfect position to give a little twist if he got too touchy, if you know what I mean. I guess they really are close, it's pretty weird, but then he did get her to change sides and everything. And the chorus starts:
"Burning…
Starfire,"
And then came the shock. Robin and Starfire both stopped, along with nearly everyone else. I nudged Tara back into motion, and elbowed Cyborg as we passed. I guess Jinx did the same to whoever was near her, cause soon only the couple in question were standing still, as the chorus continued.
"Shine in the sky
For the lives of great men, who stand by your side.
When the night falls, on we will ride
For no lost souls will live on forever"
After that, they started dancing again, albeit blushing quite near the level desired. Raven was smirking, and Aqualad was pointing at Speedy and demanding money for some reason.
The song ended, and Robin pulled at his collar. I saw steam. You don't believe me, but I did. So, he went to go chill against the wall, and Starfire kept dancing. Kid Flash started laughing at him, and soon Speedy, Aqualad, Cyborg; well, all the guys started teasing him. Even Jericho, but I think only Robin understood the sign language enough. Some Euro-pop song came on, and Tara dragged me back onto the floor.
Now, here's the one perfecto thing. Ok, so a line comes on. It was, well, it was this:
"Come with me baby,
Please fulfill my wish
Show it to me truly,
Show me with a kiss."
And, ya know, I thought lets be cute, and I swung Tara down and gave her a little peck. Well, turns out I wasn't the only one to think that way. But Jinx wasn't as flustered as Tara, and the next line was punctuated with a loud slap. Both were still smiling, so I knew it wasn't anything seriously bad. I hope….
Sooner or later, though, Robin had to snap.
"Ok, whoever it was that pulled that stunt with the song, FESS UP!"
This was my cue to trigger a second song. I TOLD Jinx this one might be pushing it, but hey, she was gonna take the blame, so I shut up quick enough. Next thing I know, Nightwish's Wishmaster comes on. That's the one that starts 'Master; Apprentice'. And the second time that line comes on, everyone is staring at Robin. It seemed almost mean, but he smiled at it and actually said "ok, you got me." I think it was an act to figure out who it was who set this up, so I grinned and looked around as well. No one was looking guilty; I think everyone was as paranoid as I was.
At this point, I think Speedy had caught on, cause I saw him near the stereo right before a song came on that was all 'I think I'm paranoid', and he wasn't leaving Robin alone. So, Robin's being picked on at every turn, and I see Raven, Starfire and Jinx talking. Starfire is blushing and shaking her head like crazy, and Jinx is waving her arms around like she's arguing something. I can't see what Raven's doing, cause her back is to me, but I saw her nod at least once and call Argent over. It's like some girls only cult going on, and I know it has something to do with the prank, so this is killing me! I considered sending Tara in to tell, but instead I just went to get us some food.
Finally, Starfire seemed to have been swayed to whatever it was Jinx was trying to convince her to do, and Jinx scampered over to the stereo, pausing the music."Hey everybody! Starfire wants to dedicate this song to Robin."
Everyone turned, as the music started. Robin recognized the song and leapt to the stereo, turning it off. "OK, that is IT! Who did this? I want to know who set this up. I want answers NOW, or so help me, I'll call in Batman!" Everyone fell silent. Robin was fuming, a red I hadn't wanted to see on him. "FINE! WHOEVER IT WAS, YOU'RE OFF THE TITANS! WE WILL NEVER HAVE CONTACT WITH YOU EVER AGAIN! ALL YOUR ACTIONS WILL BE IGNORED! And I will find you, whoever you are." His voice was low, menacing, and he was standing in front of a slightly confused Starfire.
Jinx broke out in a dangerous grin. "YESSSSSSSS!" She screamed, doing a victory dance. "IT WORKED! It worked, I knew I would get out of this, take that Shimmer! Freedom here I come!" Jinx waved, backing toward the door.
Robin's red rage turned to pale, pale white in less time than it takes me to change into a gorilla. "Hold on, let's not be so hasty, maybe I overreacted."
That was the last rock in the dam. Everyone, and I do mean everyone, began laughing. Uproarious, if I'm using that word right. I think Aqualad fell over, unable to breathe, 'cause Speedy dumped the punch bowl on him. I know I was howling, and after Kid Flash realized Jinx wasn't really trying to leave (at least, I think that was true, he grabbed her so fast when she made for the door she probably would've given up if she had been) he realized this was a joke on Robin. "HOLY DRIFTING DUNGAREES BATMAN!" He shouted, tears streaming down his face. Robin had reached perfect traffic light red, and Starfire was giggling.
"Maybe…..maybe he…" Cyborg gasped through laughter, "Maybe he…overreacted... maybe? Maybe he says? Maybe? My god…"
Even Raven was laughing, and I don't think anything blew up! I'm not sure though, we broke a lot of things before.
"Learn to look before you leap, Robin." Jinx sniggered. "And thank Beast Boy for keeping things tame. He helped me plan this whole thing, but I would've started with the Wishmaster personally. And there was another couple I had wanted that he vetoed and threatened to pull the plug because it would've targeted Star too much."
I took a bow. Everyone seemed very relaxed about this now, except Robin, still blushing scarlet. But I wanted to know what the song was Robin turned off, so, I might've nudged the stereo.
How was I to know it had the line 'I want to spend the night with you' in it?
He'll be fine.
The medics said it was only minor cardiac arrest.
He's getting out in a week.
It was innocent fun.