Reagan National airport was unusually busy, even by Monday evening standards. Jade had had to drive past the domestic arrivals pick-up area twice before she had been able to find a spot to pull up along the curb, and once she got it she wasn’t going to let it go. At one point a security guard had come up to ask her to move her car if the person she was waiting for’s flight wasn’t in yet, but she had smiled at him from behind her sunglasses (that she was still wearing despite the fading light) and he had wisely chosen to move on. She was leaning up against the side of the sleek black porche, legs crossed at the ankles, watching the people exiting the terminal, waiting for Roy.
Roy: -steps into his apartment, a few envelopes under his arm and an open take-out box in one hand, chopsticks set in his mouth as he shut the door. He moves tot he kitchen and starts setting things down on the counter- Jade, you here?
Robin: Pretty sure she's out, or I'd be in a lot of trouble right now. -sitting on the couch, my arms draped across the back, watching you through my mask lenses-
Roy: -sighs, shrugging out of my coat- I'm sure you would be. -hangs the coat on a nearby hook- To what do I owe the pleasure, Robs?
Roy: Mm. So, pulling a Wally. Got it. -he grabs his food and chopsticks from the counter and moves to the living room taking a bite- He usually calls first, though.
Robin: Yeah, well, he was a little busy with planning. -pulls my arms from the back of the couch and crossing them in front of my chest-
Roy: Wally? Planning something? -smirks- Color me surprised.
Robin: Yeah, y'know, nothing special. -watching your expression carefully, my face blank- Just a surprise party.
Roy: -swallows a bite, nodding slightly at that- Sounds like loads of fun. -he rolls his eyes a bit sarcastically, setting his food on the coffee table to sit back on the other end of the couch-
Robin: -raises an eyebrow- It was, actually. I had no idea.
Roy: So... You're here because Wally managed to slip something past you?
Robin: -narrows eyes again, my tone suddenly more Batman-like than it's been in a long time- No. I'm here because one of my best friends decided to just fall of the grid for a few months and didn't even send notice of his apparent non-bachelor status. -glances at your hand and the ring on your finger pointedly- And I'm here, because that thing he managed to slip past me was a surprise party. My surprise party. For my sixteenth birthday, which was Saturday.
Roy: -my own eyes narrow at the tone, fidgeting with the ring on my finger as the feeling was still new. After a couple moments of silence he clears his throat- Knew I missed something...
Robin: -stays silent for a moment, watching you before adding more fuel to the fire- You haven't even met Batgirl yet, have you?
Roy: -raises an eyebrow unamused- Batgirl? Was this before or after Joker made you and Walls his new punching bags?
Robin: Before. Long story. Which you would've known ages ago, had you bothered to keep in touch.
Roy: You knew I was going to Canada. The same night I came back I found you two bloody. If this Batgirl was here before that night why wasn't she helping you? Why wasn't she in that room with you guys? -he slowly crosses his arms-
Robin: Because it was my solo patrol and my problem. Wally was only there because he ignored my warning to stay out of Gotham.
Roy: Oh. Right. Thanks. I forgot about that. I feel so much better than only you would have been killed. -he retorts smartly-
Robin: -looks away, my posture stiff with frustration and anger, my response sharp- I would have.
Roy: Fine. Fine. You didn't die this time. Now other than the fact I usually don't forget your birthday. what upsets you so much about me not showing up? I never do polite social occasions well, Robs. I thought you could figure that out.
Robin: -sinks down in my seat a little more- It's not the fact that you didn't show up. It's that I haven't heard from you since Wally and I were stuck in the medbay, dude. And now... -gestures around to the apartment, my lips tightening into a line-
Roy: Yeah.. I left Star. But things have finally started looking up for me. Not that you seem to care about that part. -crosses arms tighter over my chest-
Robin: Good. -narrows eyes again- Great, actually. Glad to hear it. I just don't see why it took me hacking your files and accessing trackers to find you and hear about it.
Roy: Because you don't care, Robs. You and Wally don't care. I have to pry and near beg to get Wally to tell me anything. -tone gets a bit harsher- I have to show up in your town to get anything from you. Neither of you listen to me. Why do I try so hard to keep you guys safe if you don't even listen to simple advice. I don't ask much from you guys.
Robin: What... -uncertainty flashes across my expression for a second before I force it away, going back to my usual mask- What are you talking about? Of course we care, Roy. And in case you forgot, I live in Gotham. 'Safe' is a relative term.
Roy: Yeah, you sure have funny ways of showing it. -roll my eyes, looking towards the window- Though I do love the guilt trips. We should do this more often.
Robin: -scoffs, folding my arms over my ribcage and bringing a foot up to rest on the edge of the coffeetable- Look, I just...I could handle you quitting before, because at least you were still around. We could still hang with you and know where to find you. But now you're with Cheshire and hunting the Light.... first you, now Wally...Kal's been spending more and more time in Atlantis or Poseidonis, I think something's up there. Bats hasn't given us a mission in awhile and I... -sighs- Maybe I should just quit while I'm ahead. Clearly he doesn't think I can handle it, and why should I think any differently?
Roy: -Shakes his head a bit, annoyed the conversation already twisted itself back to Robs- Or maybe he's not sure your little team has it's head on straight. I don't know. Why don't you ask the Bat yourself? -he lets out a slow and deliberate sigh- Get your team under control and maybe you'll have more to occupy your time and risk your life for. Everything you ever wanted, right?
Robin: -stiffens in shock at your tone dripping with sarcasm, my eyes narrowing dangerously- What is that supposed to mean?
Roy: Why are you here Robs? You're not listening. You are only hearing what you want to hear. -he uncrosses his arms and leans forward, eyes narrow at Robs- Maybe you'll get it this time. I'm not part of your team. If anything, I'm Justice League. Focus. On. Your. Team.
Robin: And what, just forget about you?! You're my friend Roy, I'm not going to just pretend you don't exist anymore!
Roy: You don't have to forget I exist. -he shakes his head- What are your priorities? I have Jade here keeping an eye on me, alright? So do you want to be everyone's buddy or you do want to do what you've dreamed of and worked hard for?
Robin: -mutters quietly- Maybe that dream isn't the same anymore...maybe I'm not capable.
Roy: -sighs- Why are you doubting yourself? Why now? After everything that's happened? Why now? If you want to give up on this I have nothing more to say to you.
Robin: -rolls my eyes, glaring at the floor- Oh I'm sorry, I didn't realize everyone was allowed to doubt themselves or quit except me. -frowns again- There's a....it's complicated. But there's this kid that's staying with me for awhile. And he has....potential. A lot of potential, if he uses it right. I don't know, I just--everything's changing. Maybe I should too.
Roy: See? I do talk to you and you still don't tell me what's going on. So there's some kid and its making you doubt yourself? If he's got potential he needs someone to show him how to use it. Just like we all did. -he falls back into the couch-
Robin: -shrugs- Batman trained me and Batgirl, I'm sure he could do perfectly fine with him too.
Roy: Sounds like this quitting thing is something you should bring up with Bats. Maybe you haven't had missions because he wants you help these other Bat brats.
Robin: -shrugs again, keeping quiet-
Roy: -pushes himself to stand up- Yeah. You're not listening again. -he starts to walk around his living room- You are so selfish. Some how you blame everyone's problems on yourself. Life happens, Rob! Things happen that we have no control over, I know that first hand. -he stops his pacing to stare at him- Get a grip on what you can change and stop worrying about what you can't.
Robin: -freezes, my eyes wide behind my mask for a moment before I drop my gaze to the side, flushing with guilt and shame- I-I know...believe me, I know.
Roy: Then why do I have to repeat it? -he sighs in frustration-
Robin: -laughs bitterly- Because I'm a selfish, reckless, guilt-seeking child? -pushes myself to my feet, walking around a few stray boxes and moving toward the window- I shouldn't have bothered you. Sorry.
Roy: Yeah. That's great. Roy Harper ticks off yet another person. Alert the media. -he crosses his arms over his chest, eye narrowed as he watches Robin move across the room-
Robin: -stops, my hands curling into fists at my sides, trying to control my emotions- God, when did you get so-- so spiteful about everything?! -spins back around to face you, not bothering to mask my anger and hurt anymore-
Roy: I'm not being spiteful. I'm being realistic. -his tone while level, is slowly rising- I'm not the Roy Harper you want to think I am. I'm a fraud. I know that. Stop trying to make me be your brother when I'm not, Robs.
Robin: -narrows eyes- News flash, Roy, I never even met the real Speedy. So you're as much my brother as Wally is... -trails off quietly as I turn back toward the window, sliding it open alongside the fire escape- Or at least, I thought you were.
Roy: There you go with the guilt again. I thought I was Speedy too -laughs mirthlessly- I understand your confusion, but I'm not. Not any more. Find some one else to lean on, I've got my own problems and my own life. If you're not here to help me then stay out of my way. I'm on stolen time.
Robin: -eyebrows knit together, biting my lip to keep from saying any more and simply turning around, ducking through the window and out onto the fire escape, giving you one last look through the glass before heading up toward the roof and disappearing from sight-
Roy: -glares at him as he leaves, walking to the window and locking it loudly when he's out of sight-
Roy: -glances at his watch as he leans against the wall of Central City High, sports jacket half zipped and sunglasses over his eyes as he waited for the last bell to go off- Any minute now...
Wally: -as soon as the last bell goes off, he quickly speeds out of class and screams out loudly as he pumps his fists in excitement- Woohoo! I'm free!
Roy: -smirks, pushing off the wall and chuckling- I figured you'd beat everyone else, Walls.
Roy: -glances around- I hoped to never stand on the grounds of any school again, but yeah. It's me.
Wally: -he zooms over to him and gives him a hug- Roy! Dude, you made my day!
Roy: -stumbles slightly at the impact and scowls briefly before a small smile takes back over- Glad to hear it.
Wally: -he lets him go and continues smiling at him- So what brings you to Central?
Roy: Just came to check on my bro, that's all. -he nods his head away from the school and starts walking- Let's start walking before more people come out.
Wally: Ah thanks man. All is good now that you are here. -he nods at what he says- All right! Let's go! -gets ready to run-
Roy: -grabs him by the back of his collar before he shoots off- I said walk. Anyways, how are you doing? -he lets go after a few seconds and starts walking at a decent pace, shoving his hands in his pockets-
Wally: -gets stopped by him and he sighs- Oh all right but at least try to keep up with me, okay? -he starts walking a quick pace, going only slightly ahead of him- I'm doing great! School's over, I have the whole night off from missions and now you're here! Life is great man!
Roy: -keeps up his pace- Good to hear. I'm just glad to see you're okay. -his eyes are on the sidewalk-
Wally: -smirks at him- Of course I am okay! There's nothing the Wallman can't hand....ah!-trips over his own feet from not watching where he was walking- Ow.
Roy: -doesn't stop walking- Nothing you can't handle? I'm surprised you manage to get anywhere at all without falling on your face. -smirks-
Wally: -groans and gets up, following him again- Hey I manage...so what have you been up to lately? I haven't seen you since Halloween.
Roy: I've been... Busy. Nearly got thrown off a building trying to get information from Robs in Gotham, Dinah hunted me down, like she does, and I've been.. spending some time with Jade. -glances over at him-
Wally: -nods at all of this- Never a dull day then huh?
Roy: -sighs- Not lately. -he glances around- We can hang out for a bit if you want. I'll probably come see you again after I get back from Canada.
Wally: -raises an eyebrow- Excuse me? You are going where now?
Roy: C… Canada? -he says slowly, glancing back at him-
Wally: -narrows his eyes at him- You're joking right? Why would you want to go there?
Roy: It's.. a long story. Let's just say it's somewhere I haven't looked so I need to just cross it off my list. -rubs his forehead a bit as he sighs-
Wally: A long story huh? Well lucky for us we are hanging out today so can tell me about that very long story. -smirks at him-
Roy: -sighs- I guess... Let's just, wait until we get back to Barry's. Alright? Just change the topic right now.
Wally: -shrugs- All right. Can we pick up the pace now? I haven't eaten since lunch time and with horrible stuff they serve every day...I'm pretty much dying to taste some real food.
Roy: Alright, man. -he smiles a little, and zips his jacket up further- I haven't had a run in a couple of days. -smirks over at him as he bounces on his toes for a moment before breaking into a run-
Wally: -smiles at him as he watches him run, deciding to give him a head start and after a few seconds he takes off after him and even passes him up in which ends up at his house first-
Roy: -shakes his head, knowing he wasn't going to win in the first place, making it to Barry's a couple minutes later, smiling- Cheater. -he chuckles-
Wally: Hey man, I'm starving and I would've probably taken a nice nap on the pavement had we kept going at your pace. -smirks and then grabs the key, trying to open the door as quickly as he could-
Roy: Whatever man. -puts his hands back into his pockets as he half jogs up the steps- Iris and Barry at work or something?
Wally: Yeah they both shouldn't be home for a few hours or so. Barry has some League work to do and Iris has some extra hours to put in on some big story or something like that. -finally opens the door and takes off at full speed to the fridge and he grabs several sandwiches, pieces of pizza, and other food items-
Roy: -shuts the door behind him, taking a look around the house, noting that not a lot had changed over the years- Good for them..
Wally: -he sits down at the table and starts shoving several of the food items down- You..want...some?
Roy: Nah man, I ate not long ago. -he waves a hand dismissively as he slowly moves around the living room, looking at the pictures on the mantle-
Wally: -he continues chowing down on his food items and then he speeds back over to the fridge and grabs a pop which he proceeds to chug down quickly-
Roy: -picks up a picture of Barry and Wally- Oh Halloween... All of us dreamt. -he paused before deciding to omit most of his dream- Speedy was in Canada for mine... -he shakes his head, setting the picture back down-
Wally: -he stops eating upon hearing this and he looks over at him- Really? Why was he in Canada?
Roy: I don't know if it's really there... But in the nightmare there was a small Cadmus lab out there, mostly unconnected to the others. -he shrugs- It may be a dead end, but I won't know if I don't check it out.
Wally: Well that makes sense but do you really think that there's one in Canada? I mean dreams can be pretty misleading sometimes.
Roy: I..yeah..I know.. -he leans against the mantle- I couldn't even look at Jade that night. Everything was so confusing..
Wally: -looks at him while raising his eyebrow- Why couldn't you look at Jade that night?
Roy: Dinah was blaming her for the whole auction.. and some stuff happened in that dream. -he shakes his head- Can we drop it?
Wally: -shrugs- Sure. I'm not pushing or anything. Are you okay though?
Roy: Yeah, everything's fine. -he says quietly before forcing a smile-
Wally: Are you sure? -cocks his head a bit at him-
Roy: Yeah man. It was just tough for a bit...I wanted to make sure my bros were doing okay.
Wally: Why did you want to make sure we were okay? -looks curiously at him-
Roy: It's nothing, alright? Why are you and Robs so pushy about this? -he scowls a bit at him-
Wally: Because you don't just bring something up like this and expect me to drop it. -narrows his eyes at him-
Roy: I'm just worried. -he looks down- I don't want anything to happen to you guys.
Wally: -smiles at him- Hey don't worry about us man...you know we can take care of ourselves.
Roy: I know..just be careful, alright? -looks at him almost pleading-
Wally: -he notices the tone in his voice and he gives him a hug- I will, Roy. I can't vouch for Rob but I will.
Roy: -hugs him back- Thanks man.. That's all I can ask.
Wally: No problem! It's not like any of the bad guys catch me anyways. -smirks-
Roy: Don't get cocky, kid. -he smiles lightly before messing up Wally's hair-
Wally: -he grins at him when he messes up his hair- Never. It's confidence remember?
Roy: Uh-huh, sure. Can't wait to see that backfire. -he teased-
Wally: It won't. Barry always told me that having a lot of confidence is a good thing because it helps me use my powers to my full ability I guess. Anyways what should we do with the rest of the time we have left?
Roy: -rolls his eyes- I don't know man. Been a while since I've been here.
Wally: -shrugs- I suppose we could just chill and talk for awhile. -flops down on the couch-
Roy: Sounds good. We can do that until you bored, I guess. -sits down in the armchair and puts his feet on the coffee table-
Wally: Well I've got room to move so we're good...sooooo how long are you going to be away? -puts his hands behind his head as he lays back and puts his feet on the coffee table as well-
Roy: I don't know. As long as it takes.
Wally: Do you really think he's there?
Roy: I don't know. -he runs a hand through his hair-
Wally: I'm sure you'll find him. It just a matter of where and when. The Light always seems to be on top of things so it's hard to tell what they are going to do next.
Roy: -scowls- Yeah. They seem to know me...
Wally: -puts a hand on his shoulder- If you need any help, you know the Team and I would glad to do so.
Roy: -his eyes widen a bit, as he glances over- I.. No. That's fine. I've got this.
Wally: Are you sure? Because you know if you need help that we'll be right there.
Roy: -he shakes his head- You guys shouldn't worry about it. It's.. my problem.
Wally: Yes but whether you left or not, you will still always be a member of the Team. -smiles at him-
Roy: Thanks man. -he says quietly-
Wally: -smiles and gives him another hug- No problem. Just promise that we'll get to hang like this again soon.
Roy: -hugs him back- Of course. I'll make sure to stop by when I get back.
Roy Harper:-c- So yeah, I'm headed over to see what we can come up with in Canada. I hit a roadblock when I tried getting information from across national borders.
Robin: -fighting off a few thugs as I talk, throwing punches and well-aimed kicks- -c- And you want me to look into it, naturally. -smirks, punching one across the face and knocking him out- -c- I'm bound to get a lot further than you in terms of information.
Roy Harper: -c- Having a hacker for a best friend comes in handy, sometimes. Though I am not referring to my email accounts in high school, Robs. -he takes a Zeta to Gotham- -c- Where are you? I can help wrap up your patrol faster.
Roy Harper: -c- Robin? -his eyes narrow as he scans the streets near the Zeta- -c- Robin, you better answer me. -he grapples up to a rooftop to get a better view, worry already setting in-
Robin: -grits my teeth as the thorns drag along my exposed arms, trying to fight it and tug myself free-
Roy Harper: -after looking through binoculars he sees something that looks promising, moving out right away- -c- Rob, tell me you're fine. I don't care if it's a lie.
Robin: -gasps as the plant pheremones and poison start to get inside my head, vines loosening and letting me fall forward on the rooftop, groaning as I grip the sides of my head tightly- N-no...you can't..!
Roy Harper: -shoots an exploding arrow near Ivy's feet from a neighboring rooftop, eyes narrowed into a scowl as he follows up with a net arrow.-
Robin: -trying to keep all my muscles locked, laying on the rooftop and gritting my teeth against the urge to lash out as you appear, Ivy making a hasty retreat-
Roy Harper: -quickly grapples to the other roof, ignoring Ivy to run over to you instead- Robin, you're okay. I'll... I'll take you somewhere. Come on, talk to me. -puts a hand lightly on your shoulder-
Robin: -eyes snap open at the hand on my shoulder, twisting automatically, my hand already curling into a fist and aiming for your jaw-
Roy Harper: -taken by surprise, he takes the hit, quickly scrambling backwards and to his feet- Robs? What the...? -with uncertainty he grips his bow-
Robin: -gets to my feet, breathing erratic and blinking slowly, trying to clear my head- I...nngh.. -rushes you, spinning and aiming a roundhouse kick toward your arm, trying to dislodge the weapon-
Roy Harper: -A bit more ready this time, he pulls back his bow to avoid the hit, gritting his teeth, as he moves back, trying to create some space- What are doing, Robs? -his tone is annoyed and confused-
Robin: -spins again in the other direction, aiming one punch right after the other instead at your chest, my jaw still locked and my movements stiffer than usual-
Roy Harper: -he parries some of the blows with the bow in both of his hands, taking a few hits before he moves back enough to pull out another net arrow and throw it at your chest-
Robin: -throws myself at the ground to roll into a dodge, sweeping a leg under your ankles instead and dropping you onto your back, kicking your bow away across the rooftop-
Roy Harper: -grunts, hitting the ground and immediately rolling away and back up into a crouch, hands at the ready-
Robin: -pacing toward one side slowly, my steps measured and hands raised, ready for a fight-
Roy Harper: -he watched Robin circling him, eyes focused and turning to keep him in sight when he spotted the belt around his friend's waist. The kid had everything in there. With any luck there would be a "how to" on how to snap him out of this. He slowly shifted his footing to lunge at you-
Robin: -counters your movements easily, weaving to the side and letting you lunge past me, stiffening and squeezing my eyes shut for a second, teeth clenched and hands holding my head as it throbs- Agh!
Roy Harper: -rolls back into a crouch, turning to face you, once I see that you're a bit distracted I move to tackle you again- Sorry, bro, I just hope this helps...
Robin: -lands hard on my back, my head smacking against the ground with a crack and momentarily stunning me, vision spotting as I groan, attempting to twist away and throwing a poorly aimed punch up at you-
Roy Harper: -winces at the sound, feeling guilty as I pin you down and distractedly push your punch out of the way and start pulling anything I can find out of your belt, more focused on the objects-
Robin: -twists and squirms underneath you, attempting to break free and throwing another punch, this one more on target-
Roy Harper: -winces at the hit, glaring up at you for a moment before he finds a vial with a label that looks promising, he quickly snatches it up and pops off the top before holding it under your nose, blood dripping from my own-
Robin: -eyes widen in shock behind my mask as I breathe, whipping my head to the side as I start coughing and choking on the air I just inhaled, trying to speak between coughs- You--o-off--
Roy Harper: -he sighs a bit, wiping the blood from his nose off on his forearm, irritated- Are you done trying to hit me?
Robin: -gasping for breath, propping myself up a bit on one elbow and glancing at you from the corner of my eye- Wh-what...? I...what happened? -confused- Are you bleeding?
Roy Harper: A bit... -moves to sit next to you- I'm more worried about your head... And you need to make your labels more non-bat friendly. -he moves a hand to his own chest to check the damage-
Robin: My what? -sits up fully as you move, groaning as everything spins for a second, closing my eyes to counter the vertigo and touching the back of my head gingerly- Oh... that.
Roy Harper: It may be a concussion... Sorry. -he stands up slowly, wincing as my back straightens- Ivy got away... I was too worried about you. I think it was that toxin stuff you mentioned a while back.
Robin: -shakes my head carefully, opening my eyes but keeping a hand on my head- Don't worry about it...I'll deal with her later. Toxin....toxi--oh! -frowns, looking up at you- How badly did I hurt you? I'm sorry, I wasn't prepared for her mind control pheromones to be in use already...she usually goes straight for the poison when she's freshly released like this.
Roy Harper: -shakes his head- Don't worry about me. -he moves to start picking up things he pulled from your belt- Where can I take you? To get your head looked at.
Robin: -holds a hand out for the things you've picked up, carefully restocking my belt- Don't--I'm fine, really, 's just a bump. You're the one who's bleeding.
Roy Harper: I wasn't paying attention, and it's just my nose, man. -he goes to retrieve his bow- I sort of tackled you, though, so...
Robin: -frowns- Doesn't seem like just your nose. How hard did I hit you? -finishes fixing my belt inventory and pushes myself to my feet, swaying for a second, holding my hands out for balance- See? I'm fine.
Roy Harper: I'm fine. Just wasn't expecting you to turn around and hit me. -he rolls his eyes a bit- Don't you dare think I missed that.
Robin: Can't say I was expecting it either... -shoots you a glare, crossing my arms- I don't know what you're talking about.
Roy Harper: Yeah, didn't figure you would know anything about it. Now, since the cave's off limits to me which hospital am I taking you to? Or you can call A. But you're done patrolling tonight. I'll get info on Canada some other way.
Robin: -narrows eyes- You can't take me off patrol; Bats' is overseas. I'm all we've got. Besides, I was almost done...and I can't exactly walk into a hospital like this. I can still hack for you too, as soon as I finish these last few streets.
Roy Harper: -rolls his eyes at how stubborn you're being- I can finish up the last few streets.
Robin: It's my city. -walks over toward the ledge surrounding the rooftop, ignoring the deliberate feeling to my movement, intent on preventing myself from swaying or stumbling-
Roy Harper: Fine. I'm coming with you. -he moves to follow-
Robin: -glares again- You aren't even supposed to /be/ here. I can handle myself. -puts a hand on the ledge, subtly steadying myself- Ugh, I lost my comm...
Roy Harper: You knew I was coming. And if I hadn't? -he crosses his arms over his chest-
Robin: -rubs my forehead gently- ...I would've handled it.
Roy Harper: Well, you can handle it alone next time, I guess. -watches you carefully as you're on the edge of a roof-
Robin: -nods- Yeah. -looks around for my grappling gun, frowning and moving slightly unsteadily towards the fire escape instead, realizing I left it with the R cycle for tonight, next to the zeta-
Roy Harper: -gives him a bit of distance, but stays close enough to grab him if needed- Where we headed?
Robin: -glances over my shoulder at you, mildly annoyed but knowing you won't go away- Back to the R Cycle. -relying on the railing as I make my way down the metal steps, pausing as I reach the ladder to the ground and jumping, landing on my feet but stumbling a few steps-
Roy Harper: Figured you made up the last of the patrol. -he narrows his eyes a bit as he jumps down next to you and sighing- Please be going home, Robs. I'm worried... more than normal...
Robin: -rolls my eyes behind the mask, straightening and walking back towards the zeta- Whatever...you don't need to; I'll be fine after a little sleep and some ibuprofen.
Roy Harper: -tone gets a bit more annoyed, and a bit pleading- Robs... please. Please don't 'whatever' me right now. You're my little brother and I want to make you're okay, alright? Stop acting like I have no reason to worry.
Robin: -stops walking, surprised at the change, turning back towards you, my expression hinting at my confusion- ....you're really that worried?
Roy Harper: Yes. Yes I am. I'm even going to see KF for the same reasons. -tries taking a calming breath- I'm sorry... the 31st was hard... on a lot of us, as I understand... I just want to know that... everything is fine now.
Robin: -looks down, breathing out and nodding slowly- I...y-yeah. Yeah, it was. Just-- -makes eye contact again, smiling hesitantly- Really, I'll be okay. I've had worse...and I'm sorry for hitting you. I shouldn't have let her get the jump on me in the first place.
Roy Harper: Hey, we'll just think of it as a very convincing spar... -he shakes his head a bit- Please go home and rest... please. For me?
Robin: -nods again, rubbing the back of my head gingerly- I...was...I was planning on it.
Roy Harper: -he moves down the alley, slowly holding his arms out-
Robin: -raises an eyebrow, not moving- What are you, KF now?
Roy Harper: -he sighs and rolls his eyes, letting his arms drop- Never mind.
Robin: -snickers, stepping forward- Dude, I'm kidding. Lighten up. -holds my arms out toward you- You have ten seconds before this chance disappears.
Roy Harper: -shakes his head and pulls him into a hug- You're a stubborn twerp.
Robin: -hugs back, laughing into your shoulder- Yeah, yeah. Whatever you say, jerk.
Roy Harper: -careful of his head injury, he lightly messes up his hair, smiling-
Robin: Hey! -swats at your hand, still smiling with you-
Roy Harper: -chuckles a bit, letting go- Just.. be safe okay?
Robin: -rolls my eyes, shooting you an exasperated glance and pulling away- Obviously. I always am.
Roy Harper: Good night, Robs. -he smirks-
Robin: -waves, taking a couple steps back before turning and continuing through the alleyway back towards the R Cycle- Night, Red. Go get your nose checked out.
Roy Harper: I'll probably just shove gauze up it. -he salutes lazily before turning on his heel and walking away-
It had been about a month since the last time Roy had been on the Watchtower, and it hadn’t become any less awkward for him. That was when Batman stated that the search for Speedy was taking a backseat to other business, later confirmed by Flash. Every time he came here, he felt the eyes of other Leaguer’s on him, and he couldn’t blame them, heck, he still blamed himself.
Trying to push it away, he put his hands in his pockets and kept an eye out for Dinah. There was a vague and maybe a bit too optimistic hope that if he talked to her here, with other members of the League around that she may not try to murder him or Canary Cry him out of her apartment. The worst that could happen here was that she Canary Cried him into space. At least that would be a quick death, anyways.
His silent musings were cut short when he found Dinah on monitor duty. Covered blue eyes swept the monitor room to find it empty, excepting Dinah, and he couldn’t help but wish that Flash or Hal, or anyone really, where here also. Slowly taking a breath and lingering in the doorway, he bit the bullet and cleared his throat so she’d know he was there.
