So, I'm not the only one thinking Robin acted totally weird, right? And what was up with that Xero dude?
After we left the after-party Robin's mood totally shifted. I mean the dude didn't say one word to any of us the whole way home. And when we got to the tower, he immediately left us without so much of a good work team. The nerve!
That night l couldn't sleep. So many things ran through my mind, and I was finally starting to come to terms with reality. I was Robin's boyfriend for the next three months. The same Robin who brushed everyone off after the announcement. The same Robin who couldn't take a joke and only cared about work. The same Robin that I couldn't stand. Still, that night, I saw something different in his usual demeanor. After that weird interaction with Xero…something changed about him. I could tell. I just couldn't tell what.
That night I became restless. So many questions came through my mind. But the ones that stood out the most tended to repeat over and over again. Strangely, I felt like I knew this new foreign hero. But that was impossible. I have never seen him before in my life.
Who was Xero? And would we ever meet again?
COMBO!
COMBO!
ATTACK!
NICE!
This was great. Just me and my best buddy Cy playing Super Smash Guys and eating junk food. Just like old times. For some reason I thought that this whole dating Robin thing would stop Cyborg from wanting to hang out with me. Like it would threaten our friendship and make things awkward. So far he hasn't shown any signs of treating me any different. I was still his little buddy who he teased and made fun of. I was thankful for that.
"You're so going down, dude!" I yelled, gearing up to do my ultimate combo. I have been training for hours to perfect this twenty combo move. It was perfect, there was no way Cyborg could block it.
A few days have passed since the conference. For the most part, things felt pretty normal within the tower. We have all fallen back into our regular routine, and besides the and besides the few questions about mine and Robin's new relationship, it was like nothing ever happened. Even Robin had fallen back into his usual day to day.
Robin had holed himself back into his office, doing research on Slade or whatever criminal warranted his obsession. The only time we really interacted was when everyone was in the common room or at dinner time and even then, we didn't have to be all over each other. Sometimes I forget that we were supposed to be faking a relationship.
Things were finally getting back to normal.
My fingers were moving faster than I thought they ever could. I was so close to winning, I could almost taste it. I could hear Cyborgs' grunts of panic increase as his health bar slowly declined. Yes, I was finally going to beat him! After months of training and memorizing combo moves, I was finally going to beat Cy at his own game. I could see his health bar nearing the end, only a few more hits and I would have bragging rights for the next week. It would all be mine in three…two…
The screen went black…
The screen went black!
I dropped to my knees in devastation. No way. I was so close! How did this even happen? How could it? The controller dropped out of my hand, and it dramatically scattered across the floor. This was a worse fate than the one time I broke my leg while break dancing. Raven still doesn't let me live that down. Why couldn't I just be blessed with this one moment of happiness?
A snicker caused my head to snap towards my so-called friend. He currently had his hand over his mouth while trying to avoid eye contact with me. My knees started moving before I had time to think, and I shuffled over to him, throwing my elbows onto his kneecaps and looking up at him with the most hurtful expression I could muster.
"You wouldn't turn the t.v off on me, right Cy?" I cried, clasping my hands together in a begging motion. "You-you wouldn't rob me of my victory like that. You're not that cruel, are you?" Cyborg couldn't contain his laughter any longer and let out a holler, collapsing back on the couch in a fit of giggles. I could faint. I collapsed back on to my feet. The betrayal was almost too much to bear.
"You," Cyborg began through labored breaths. "You should see your face right now! Oh man, if only I had a camera."
"You monster!" I growled. I can't believe this. That metal head would never let me win, not even just once. "I want a rematch. No, I beat you fair and square!"
"Hey man, whatever helps you sleep better at night." The cyborg cooed, wiping a tear away from his eyes. Maybe this would be the day that I finally lost it. I mean could anyone really blame me if I did? I waited for Cyborg to catch his breath, still on my knees in utter disbelief. He took his final deep breath before smiling at me innocently. "You know, I'm glad we can still joke around like this."
I raised my eyebrow.
"I don't see why we wouldn't." I sighed, finally standing to my feet. Cyborg gave me a look that said you-know-damn-well-what-I-mean. I shrugged, collapsing back on to the couch.
"You know…you…" he began, now growing serious, "and Rob." He trailed. Oh, that. Ugh, why did he have to ruin the mood by bringing up him?
I would be lying if I said I hadn't considered just confiding in Cyborg about our situation. Although he would never let me hear the end of it, I knew he'd be able to keep the secret. It would be better than having me deal with this fake relationship on my own. Robin hasn't exactly been much help. But then I'd remember Rob and I's stupid list. It was like some binding contract that even I couldn't bring myself to break.
I shifted uncomfortably in my seat.
"What about us?" I asked.
"Well…I just thought things would be different." We made eye contact, and I could tell there was more he wanted to say.
"I mean isn't that a good thing? I'm glad everything's still the same." I said as nonchalantly as possible. I threw my arms behind my head, trying to seem unbothered. I really didn't want to get into the whole Robin thing right now.
"Yeah, I just…never would have put you two together. I guess what I'm trying to say is…" he trailed off. Suddenly I felt like I was about to get lectured. What happened to our fun bro time we were just having? "You're my little buddy, you know? And I know how Rob gets so I just want to make sure everything's okay. I haven't really seen you two around each other that much since the conference. I thought you guys would be all over each other now that…you know."
He was starting to stumble over his words as he was trying to explain his thought process. I could feel the awkwardness start to creep in and my face began to heat. God, where was Robin when I needed him to diffuse the situation. I had to deflect.
"Now that everyone knows? Dude, we're going to act the same way we always have. Just because we're out now doesn't mean we have to act any different. Robin is still Robin, and I'm still me."
"You're right. I guess I just don't want to see you get hurt, is all."
It was a nice sentiment. I wanted to tell him that there was nothing to worry about. That Robin and I were just faking, and that Robin was a crazy psycho who made me do it. But I couldn't. And now I was sitting in awkward silence with my best friend who has to ponder about this fake relationship.
Cyborg coughed awkwardly, bringing my attention back to him. His face was beginning to turn red, and I wondered why he was looking so flustered all of the sudden. He shifted uncomfortably, now seemingly avoiding eye contact.
"Dude, what's up? Stop acting so weird." I giggled. However, he didn't laugh along with me. Instead, his cheeks only appeared to glow brighter. He let out another forced cough.
"I uh- I've been wondering. Have you two…uh...you know?" I raised my eyebrow in confusion. It seemed like he was about to have palpitations the way he was attempting to form his sentence. "You know…" He said again, raising his eyebrows suggestively. I shook my head, shrugging in confusion. He grimaced awkwardly before raising his hands, slowly motioning with his fingers. "...you know."
Oh god.
No no no no no. No way is he suggesting what I think he's suggesting.
"Dude, gross!" I screamed.
"Hey! I'm just trying to be a good friend. You two have been together for a few months, right? It's only natural that-"
"-Dude, no-ew. We haven't!"
"Really? Why not?"
This could not be happening. There was no way that Cyborg was asking if Robin and I were having sex. As if us pretending to date wasn't enough. That thought hadn't even crossed my mind before. And he really had the nerve to ask why not?
"Cyborg, I don't even know why you would ask me that right now but-" Before I had the chance to finish my statement, Cyborg whipped around and began digging through the couch cushions. He then pulled out a small blue gift bag, shoving it in my face while looking the other way, avoiding eye contact.
I hesitantly took the bag, eyeing him wearily. Did he plan this? This is not what I signed up for when he invited me for a gaming match. Cyborg was rubbing his neck nervously, and it honestly terrified me that he was acting so shady. Slowly, I peered into the bag, digging for what I hoped was the vegan chocolates I've been begging for for the past year. Instead, I pulled out a handful of small golden aluminum squares. Oh God…
"I-I've been doing research." Cyborg quickly tried to explain. "And just because you are both guys doesn't mean you shouldn't be protected. I still don't really know how it all works but I just want you to be safe whenever y'all decide to do… it."
This was so embarrassing. This was so not happening right now. I gulped now standing up. I hid the gift behind my back, as if that would prevent it from anyone else noticing what was inside. This was not happening right now.
"Uh yeah that's great, Cy. Really." I nervously took a step back. I needed to leave. This was becoming all too much.
"Yo, B, look I was only trying to-"
"-Nope. Don't even apologize, dude." I squeaked as I slowly backed around the couch. Cyborg stood up also, the look of pure embarrassment and devastation was evident on his face. "I'm just gonna…um…put these in my room."
"B, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to overstep."
I was so close to the door now. Just a few more steps. "Nah dude, it's totally fine. I appreciate the thought, really." As soon as I felt the cold metal against my back, I knew I had to escape. Cyborg was still apologizing, waving his hands to stop me from leaving. But I couldn't stay. Not with what he just insinuated that me and Robin do."I'll see you later…um…bye!" I spun around and ran through the door.
I don't think I've ever felt so embarrassed in my eighteen years of life. What possessed Cyborg to go out and get these? Not only that but to do research? It was already bad enough that mine and Robin's kiss was leaked by Kitten. It's already terrible that we now have to fake a relationship to the entire world. But this…this was a new low.
My legs carried me to my room before my brain could process, I had already made it. I immediately rushed inside, slamming the door behind me. Why did my life have to suck so hard? I ran my hand through my hair as I tried to regain my breath. Either I was really out of shape, or I broke a world record with how fast I got out of there. I just couldn't catch a break, could I?
I was about to wipe the sweat from my forehead with my other hand before realizing I was still holding the bag of rubbers. With a totally manly shriek, I threw it across the room and onto my desk. The contents spilled onto the desk, some even making it to the floor. The gold plastic scattered, with the sun from my window making it shine even more. Great, even more mess for me to clean.
Sighing, I slid down the wall, burrowing my head in my knees. Is this what my life has become? It's already embarrassing enough to be in a fake relationship with a guy, now my best friend in the whole world thought it would be best to give me the birds and the bees talk about it.
I jumped at a sudden knock on my door.
It was probably Cyborg coming to apologize. I guess I shouldn't have ran from him in the first place.
"Look Cy I'm sorry I just-...oh it's you."
Robin was standing at my door. He had his arms crossed and his questioning look on his face. How is it that he always popped up at the worst possible moments? We barely talked these last couple of days. What could he possibly want now?
"Lovely to see you too." He said, his voice laced with sarcasm. He raised an eyebrow, seemingly trying to peer over my shoulder. "Can I come in? I wanted to talk to you about something." Today must be national talk to Beast Boy Day or something.
"Uh…sure, dude." I said. Just as I was about to open the door, I remembered the pile of condoms now littered across my room, and I'd be damned if I were to be embarrassed by Bird Boy too. "Actually, now's not a good time. Can we meet in your room?" I said, now trying to block the room with my body even more.
Robin gave me a questioning look but shrugged. "This shouldn't take long. Here." He began, sticking out his hand which held a stack of envelopes. "We have to stay on top of the fan mail, and you've been slacking. Make sure to write back to these by the end of the night."
Great, more things to worry about. I don't see why we have to answer all of these letters. I think a mass statement would be more than enough. But Robin, with his high and mighty ways, thought it would be more meaningful if we personally responded to as many letters as possible. I rolled my eyes, taking the heaps of paper from his hand.
"Anything else?" I asked.
"Yeah," he said, now shifting. "It's the end of the week and we haven't had our outing yet." I smirked.
"You mean our date." I teased, wiggling my eyebrows suggestively. Robin snarled, and I'm sure he rolled his eyes underneath his mask.
"I was thinking we do it tomorrow." He said, obviously choosing to ignore my statement. He sighed, refolding his arm in the cool, stoic way he always does. "Anywhere you want to go?" Huh, I never actually thought about what we would do at these events. It should be something romantic, right? In case we were followed by paparazzi.
"Uh…I don't know, dude. Lunch? I'm not really good with this sort of thing." I admitted. Robin nodded in a silent agreement.
"Lunch is good." There was a brief moment of silence. We both stared at each other awkwardly, not really knowing if there was anything left to add. Robin finally sucked in his breath, pressing his lips together. "Well, I'll see you tomorrow then. Be ready by the afternoon."
I raised my hand, saluting him. "Aye, aye, captain." Rob shook his head. Another moment of silence. I looked up at him, and I could tell by his facial expression he wanted to say something else. Maybe he wanted to finally talk about the after party. It was obvious he didn't like that Xero dude. I mean, he never said a word about it. Maybe now was the time.
"Oh, and make sure those letters are answered by tonight." He concluded before walking away without another word. I rolled my eyes, that guy was so weird sometimes. I guess the Xero topic wasn't anything to talk about. I closed the door and walked over to my desk, kicking away the scattered condoms and slapping the papers on to the desk. This was starting to become a lot more work than I intended it on being. How was it that I was now assigned homework?
I collapsed on my desk chair, scanning the documents. Between these letters and finding Cy to apologize for running off, I choose the letters. The content was always the same; 'You inspired me, I just came out to my family because of you, this is why you're my favorite hero'. At first, they were really heartwarming but after a while they all started to sound the same. But I guess it made my responses that much easier.
I spent about thirty minutes getting through the first half of the letters. They were all the same, and so were my responses. I sighed, flipping to the next envelope. I curiously examined the seemingly fanatic handwriting. Most of the letters were written neatly, as if they spent hours working on it. It was odd that this one seemed to be written more hastily. Curiously, I ripped open the letter and began to read.
Dear Beast Boy,
I hate you, and always will. You don't deserve him. Everyone knows that Robin likes women, and now we may never get the chance to be with him. I hate you with every ounce of my being. Your powers are useless and I don't even know why you're a part of the team. Turning into animals? Please. Everyone else has cooler powers than you. If you know what's good for you, you'd leave Robin alone.
On the behalf of the female population,
Martha
I reread the letter over and over again in complete shock. Did this person really have it out to me for being with Robin? I eyed the rest of the papers and hastily opened those as well. Each letter contained some sort of disdain for me for taking Robin away. At least ten of them contained similar content. Multiple women writing to me to tell me I should off myself for taking Robin away from them. I knew he was the heartthrob of the team, but this was too much. And if there were a few brave enough to personally write to me about it, there could only be hundreds…no thousands more who probably think the same way.
I slump back into my chair in disbelief. My day just kept getting better and better, huh? I thought being with Robin in this fake relationship would be the worst of my problems. Maybe playing the part would be embarrassing and something I could never live down once revealed. But I could never account for this…
They all hated me.
So, uh...I'm back. Yay!
I know, I know. I basically abandoned these fics like the avatar. Adult life just caught up with me but I'm back! At least for now. I've actually transition on to A03 but decided to update the story here just in case anyone was still following. I am also back on tumblr. You can find me at hey-its-lymaria where I give updates on my story. Feel free to PM me there with any questions or ideas!
bbrob is still one of my favorite ships and I have this story pretty much mapped out from start to finish. So that means more frequent uploads. I really want to see this one all the way through. As always, let me know what you think!
Also, if you remember one of my one-shots "Stranded" I rewrote and upload the story on AO3. It has 4 chapters so far. If you want to check it out see my page on there, it is under the same name. Or if anyone would like me to upload it here let me know as well.
As always, thanks for reading!
