Fan Fiction ❯ Anything, Anytime, Anywhere, For You ❯ Exes, Exes Everywhere ( Chapter 23 )

Anything, Anytime, Anywhere, For You

 

Chapter Twenty-Three

“Exes, Exes Everywhere.”

 

A/N: Big thanks to everyone who reviewed; once again my replies are at the bottom. This chapter's going to be dedicated to the person who left the first review of Chapter 23, as well as many others in the past. scathac's warrior, I hope you enjoy this chapter. ^^ I also hope everyone else enjoys it too.

 

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Bruce Wayne was a prisoner.

 

He had only just woken up, but his senses kicked in automatically. He could not see; the slits of his mask were covered by some kind of blindfold. His head hurt him a lot - and judging from the cold sensation on the back of his neck, he was probably bleeding somewhere on the back of it. Someone had knocked him over the head with something heavy, apparently. His hands and feet were tied; tightly. Too tightly for him to wiggle his way out of the ropes; and they were thick, he'd be unable to get rid of them by rubbing them against the wall until friction sawed them apart.

 

None of the cliché movie tricks would work here, it seemed. He was a prisoner. That was bad. He was also in a sewer - or somewhere very similar to one. He guessed this because he felt rushing water on his lower half. Occasionally he'd heard what sounded like rats, and debris would rush past him in the water. In addition, it smelled like sewage - which was a dead giveaway.

 

The last thing he remembered was being on his way back to Gotham. He was following the police van that was transporting the Joker and Harley Quinn from Jump's local prison, where they had been incarcerated after the famous “Doug” incident; to Gotham's famed Arkham Asylum. Batman had wanted to be there when the Joker was taken back to Arkham - he always wanted to be there; especially when the Joker was involved.

 

“I see you're awake, Bats.”

 

Speak of the devil. Bruce now knew who his captor was.

 

“A sewer? Not exactly glamorous Harley.”

 

He couldn't see her, but Bruce knew Harley Quinn's voice. He also had a pretty good idea of what happened. The Joker and Harley must have escaped on the way to Gotham - and Batman must have been taken down while trying to stop them. Now he was in real trouble.

 

“You're good Bats.” Harley replied. “I don't like it down here; but Mr. J has his reasons for picking this place.”

 

“I don't supposed you'd be kind enough to share them with me, would you Harley?” Bruce asked, sarcastically. Harley responded by kicking him hard in the ribs. Bruce recoiled in pain, but he refused to wipe the smirk off his face.

 

“Just you wait. It won't be long before Mr. J's ready. Then we're going to have some real fun.” Harley's voice was dripping with depraved excitement.

 

“Let me guess, this `real fun' will involve my untimely demise?” Bruce asked once again.

 

“Eventually.” Harley's voice became even wetter with deranged glee. “But first we're going to get some friends together and have a big party.”

 

Now Bruce was starting to worry. “Friends?”

 

“Well, they're more our friends than yours; but you know them all. It's going to be a great party, really Bats. Then we're going to have a big raffle; with three very big prizes.”

 

“Oh really? Do I even have to ask?” Bruce knew what was coming.

 

“Nope. Each of the three winners will be very happy. The first gets to kill Jimbo here.” Harley kicked something sitting to Bruce's right. A moment later he heard a man's voice; groaning in pain. Bruce recognized the voice as that of Police Commissioner James Gordon. Wayne hadn't realized there was someone else in the sewer. Jim Gordon was a hostage too; and a friend. He was also one more reason why Bruce had to think of a way to escape.

 

“The second place winner gets the right to kill you, of course.” Harley continued.

“I'm only second place? How disappointing.” Bruce replied.

 

“No, killing you is second place. The grand prize winner gets to do something even better. They get to be the one to take that annoying mask off your face before the bullet goes in your head.” Harley snapped.

 

Bruce laughed. “Unmasking Batman is better than killing him, eh?”

 

“Sure. Because whoever gets to unmask you will know who you are; and they'll get to kill your family. Isn't that always the best, Bats?”

 

Bruce's sarcastic smile finally faded. “You're a little late, Harley.”

 

“What is that supposed to mean?” Harley demanded; her voice was no longer amused. She sounded like a spoiled child who had just dropped her ice cream cone and was told she couldn't have another one.

 

Bruce didn't answer. She kicked him again. He stayed quiet.

 

Bruce merely had to wait. He knew people would be out looking for him. He didn't know how long he'd been down here for; but odds were Alfred and Tim were either worried already; or would be soon. And since Jim was with him, the police were missing their leader. The vigilante Batman could disappear for a few days, weeks even, and no one would be too worried; but the Commissioner of Police was another matter. The cops would be looking for him.

Unfortunately, the cops were no match for the Joker. If they were, there never would have been a need for Batman in the first place. He'd just have to keep himself - and Jim - alive until Alfred and the others could find him; or until he could find a chance to get out of these ropes.

 

He was half right - Alfred, Tim and Barbara were worried about him. However, he never would have expected them to go to Dick Grayson and the Teen Titans for help.

 

But of course, they already had.

 

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Robin had almost finished packing, although from the messy state of his suitcase it looked more like something Beast Boy would have done. The single, large suitcase lay open on his bed; things crammed inside it messily. His extra costumes, a backup utility belt, and some random gadgets he thought he may need; all of the usual refineries he took with him, shoved inside sloppily. Robin was not a sloppy person. Sloppy didn't fit in with his usual personality.

Of course, `usual' was a dangerous word. Normal was gone. It had returned for a brief spell; but now it was out the window again. Bruce's disappearance - and Barbara's appearance -- had ensured an end to normality. Gotham City was now in danger, and it was Robin's fault. Moreover, he was still paranoid about the idea of Starfire and Babs being together. It just made him . . . nervous.

 

The worst part was, he couldn't figure out why. Starfire loved him. He loved her. It should be simple. It should be, but it was not. He had not spoken to Barbara Gordon since he left Gotham City. Babs hadn't brought that up, but Robin knew she would the second the two of them were alone together.

 

I'll just have to make sure we're not alone together. Robin thought. Hah. He had no chance. Babs would find a way to make him confront it. He just hoped she'd understand - and he hoped Starfire wouldn't make a big deal out of the entire thing. She shouldn't, after all, Robin had done nothing wrong. Starfire had not been the first girl he'd fallen in love with. There was no point in denying that - but she was the girl he loved now; and that's all that should be important.

 

He just hoped Starfire would see it that way.

 

Maybe you should follow Raven's advice, and talk to Starfire now. Tell her things before she starts figuring them out on her own. Robin was having a problem. His heart was compelling him to deal with the “Starfire Situation” right now; while his mind told him Bruce's life being in danger was a more pressing matter.

 

No. I have to focus on finding Bruce. Then I'll deal with Starfire. Robin argued with himself.

 

In the meantime, Barbara and Starfire will be running around together; they aren't stupid. You know Babs. She's smart as a tack, she's probably already figured out that you and Starfire are more than just friends. How do you think she'll feel about that? And Starfire's not an idiot, Dick. She's naiveté, but she's not a idiot. She'll be able to see the history between the two of you. She'll want to know why you didn't tell her about it. She'll think it's because you still have feelings for Babs. Then she'll dislike Babs. You don't need Babs and Starfire becoming enemies. That would be bad. Robin's heart was making a lot of sense.

 

Bruce Wayne dying because I wasted time on my love life would be worse. Robin's brain argued back.

 

Oh please, he's Batman for God's sake. I think he's capable of keeping himself alive long enough for you to find him; he may even get himself out of whatever trouble he's in all on his own. You're using Bruce as an excuse. Robin's heart still made sense; too much sense.

 

Fortunately, for Robin, the battle of his emotions would have to wait. His bedroom door opened and another visitor joined him. This time it was Starfire, rather than Raven, and she had a blank face. Robin only had to look at her face one time to know she knew. He didn't know how much Starfire knew, but he knew she knew there was more to Barbara Gordon than being “an old friend from Gotham.”

 

“Robin, may I speak to you?” Starfire asked, quietly.

 

“Sure Starfire.” Robin replied. He wasn't looking at her, instead he turned to his suitcase and began shuffling things around in a attempt to make the lid close. Under the false pretense of organizing, he could avoid her eyes. That was good.

 

“Robin. I am curious, is there a reason you did not mention your friend?” Starfire spoke softly. “Forgive me if I seem nosy, I just realized how little I know of your past.”

 

Robin gulped. This was his chance. He could come clean and tell Starfire the whole story. It wouldn't be hard, and it wouldn't take long. He just . . . He couldn't. He could not bring himself to say those things to Starfire, and against his better judgment, he replied to her without thinking.

 

“I never really talk about my past Starfire, you know that. It's not just Barbara; there are lots of things I've never discussed with you before.” Robin turned around to see her reaction. “It's not because I'm trying to hide it from you Star, I'm just not in the habit of discussing that part of my life. The time I lived in Gotham . . . Those weren't happy days, Starfire.”

 

Starfire didn't seem pleased. She was smiling at him; but Robin could see through that smile. Her feet were fidgeting too. “Oh. I see.”

 

There was a pause.

 

“Starfire?”

 

“Yes?” Starfire replied.

 

“Barbara Gordon is Batgirl. She's Jim Gordon's niece - well, daughter now, by adoption. Bruce trained us both. That's how I know her.”

 

Starfire's eyes widened a bit, and then a huge smile spilled across her face. In her mind, it was relief. She had been worried to death that Barbara was Robin's ex-girlfriend, or something like that. It turned out she was just a fellow superhero who had trained with him. That was a completely different matter! Starfire's joy at this revelation was incontrollable, and she couldn't stop her natural reaction to such fantastic news. A moment later Robin found himself crushed in a back-breaking hug.

 

“Oh Robin I am delighted to hear that!” Starfire squealed while she unknowingly choked her boyfriend.

 

“Yeah, me too Star. Can you let me go now?” Robin gasped from her grip. Starfire released him, blushing furiously at her constant forgetfulness when it came to her alien strength.

 

“Forgive me Robin. I had . . . wild ideas. I shall leave you to pack now.” Starfire, still grinning, floated out of his room without another word.

Robin sighed and sat down on the bed. He had chickened out. He had neglected to mention a few things about his relationship with Barbara. Like the date. He had only made the hole he was in deeper; and he was only taking more chances with Starfire's reaction when she found out everything.

 

“Love is a dangerous thing in this business, Richard.”

 

Bruce had told him that once. Now Robin saw why. He'd be sure to tell Bruce just how right he had been, after they saved him; which was the priority. Robin's heart would have to come second. The `situation' with Starfire and Babs would have to be second. He was a superhero, so saving people in danger was his job. In addition, he was a son with a missing father - and that was all that mattered for right now. He would tell Starfire everything, and he would have to talk to Barbara too - but that must wait until he knew Bruce Wayne was safe. Until he knew, his father was safe.

 

Robin closed the suitcase and snapped the latches; then he quickly hurried down to the garage. The garage was empty and the garage door was wide open. He could see the T-Car outside; and he could see his friends waiting for him out there as well. Robin loaded the suitcase on the back of the R-Cycle and then headed out to meet the group.

 

The entire group had gathered outside the open garage door, looking at a map. Cyborg had loaded everyone's luggage into the back of the T-Car already, and now he stood next to his prized automobile. Beast Boy and Raven were standing side by side across the way from Cyborg, their eyes flicking up in silence as Robin joined the group. Starfire was floating nearby; and Barbara, to Robin's relief, was standing far away from her leaning against a black-and-yellow motorcycle that he recognized as her own crime-fighting vehicle.

 

“We've been looking for the quickest route to Gotham.” Cyborg explained as Robin joined the group. “Trying to figure out which road Bruce would have taken.”

 

“The highway looks like the fastest way.” Beast Boy piped up.

“Bruce hates traffic; he would have avoided the main roads.” Barbara said quickly.

 

“She's right.” Robin confirmed. “I'd say he would have either taken the northern most road, it leads almost directly to Gotham and few people use it since the interstate re-opened; or he'd take this -” Robin pointed out one of the routes on the map with his finger “-one. They're the fastest, and less crowded, ways back to Gotham from here.”

 

“Two possibilities, eh?” Cyborg asked.

 

Raven's eyes shot from Starfire, to Barbara, and then to Robin. If they split up and the three of them wound up going together, Raven knew there would be problems. So acting quickly Raven voiced her opinion. “We should split up. Cover more ground. Robin and Barbara can each lead a team of three; in case one group gets to Gotham before the other, it would be good to have someone with some first hand experience of the city.”

 

By making Robin and Barbara, the group leaders and knowing Starfire would insist on going with Robin's group, it would keep the problems she worried about away - at least for a little while.

 

“That's a good idea Raven. Then Starfire, Cyborg and I will take the northern road; you, Barbara and Beast Boy can take the other route.” Robin replied, sending Raven a silent `thank you' with his eyes.

 

“Aww, can I ride with Cyborg? My moped can't make it all the way to Gotham.” Beast Boy instantly complained. Raven and Robin both opened their mouths to speak; but Starfire was quicker.

“You most certainly may friend Beast Boy; I shall go with Raven and Barbara's group.”

 

“Thanks Star.” Beast Boy grinned innocently; completely unaware of the chaos he was causing.

 

“You are most welcome.” Starfire responded, before she turned her eyes to Barbara; who was already sitting on her motorcycle. Starfire wanted to be in Barbara's group. She had been curious about Robin's unmentioned friend. After talking to Robin, she no longer had the worries she once had about the nature of their relationship - now Starfire just wanted to get to know his friend.

 

Robin sighed. His plan had backfired very much. He hadn't told Starfire everything because he didn't want Starfire to suspect he and Barbara had ever been more than friends - and it worked, Starfire did not suspect that. What he hadn't counted on was Starfire wanting to become friends with his old friend; which would undoubtedly lead to the revelation that Robin and Barbara had been more than friends. Raven had been right; he should have just gotten this over with in his room.

 

Now it might be too late - all because of Beast Boy.

 

“We had better get moving soon, the sun's going down and the search will be harder at night.” Barbara pointed out.

 

Robin sighed. He didn't want to get moving soon - he wanted to figure out how he was going to dig himself out of the hole he'd fallen into.

“Let us go then. Robin, I will see you in Gotham.” Starfire smiled at him - she still had no clue - and she kissed him quickly on the cheek. Robin's eyes flickered towards Barbara for a minute and he could tell from the look on her face that she had some questions - and he knew her well enough to know she would be asking Starfire the first chance she got.

 

“Yeah, see you there Star.” Robin did his best to cover up his nervousness.

 

A moment later engines roared and Barbara took off down the road on her motorcycle. Starfire took to the air and followed her, waving goodbye to Robin happily, as she did. Robin wondered if she would be as happy with him the next time they saw each other.

“Guess it's just us boys, huh Cyb-ooooooooooooorg!”

 

Beast Boy had begun to speak when suddenly he was lifted upside down and began floating into the air. He floated over to Raven, who looked anything but pleased with him. At once Beast Boy realized he must have made some mistake; because Raven's eyes were narrow and she looked mad.

 

“You and I need to have a serious talk when you get to Gotham.” Raven snapped, before dropping Beast Boy roughly on the ground. “Robin, I'll do my best.” She added to the boy wonder before she floated into the air and took off after Starfire and Barbara.

 

“DUDE! Does anyone know what her deal was?” Beast Boy asked as he lifted himself to his feet and began rubbing the back of his neck.

 

“Yeah, we'll fill you in when you reach Gotham.” Robin replied bitterly before revving up the R-Cycle and speeding off towards the northern road. He would have been a lot angrier if Bruce's life was not still on the line.

 

Beast Boy shook his head. “Cy, I think those two went a little crazy.”

 

“And I think you're a little clueless. See you in Gotham.” Cyborg said before shutting the door of the T-Car and following Robin down the road. Beast Boy opened his mouth to speak; but Cyborg was already gone.

“HEY! I was supposed to ride with you dude!” Beast Boy shouted; but it was too late. Cyborg had done that on purpose - which only furthered Beast Boy's annoyance. His moped wasn't up for the journey, so he'd have to get there using animal form. He hated to imagine how tired he would be when the trip was over with and he arrived in Gotham.

 

However, as soon as Beast Boy was standing there alone, something happened that put all his other worries out of his mind. A voice spoke from somewhere behind him.

 

“Raven doesn't treat you very well, does she Beast Boy?”

 

Beast Boy's blood ran cold. The voice was female. Beast Boy recognized it in a heartbeat's time. However, he knew he must have heard wrong. Even though he knew that voice well, and even though he had, an animal's senses when it came to hearing - it just couldn't be her.

 

“Then again, I didn't treat you very well either.”

 

Beast Boy's body felt numb; his brain felt numb. Part of him wanted to turn around and see with his own eyes; but part of him wanted to run and scream and never look back - he didn't even want to think about what it would mean if he was right.

 

Slowly, very slowly, Beast Boy turned around. His eyes widened, his mouth fell open in shock, and he began to shake from head to toe. This was impossible. He had been right - he recognized that voice. Now he wished he had ran away; but instead all he could do was utter a single word in a terrified voice.

 

“T-T-Terra?”

 

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A/N: This chapter is a bit shorter than usual; but it is also the second update in two days. ^_^ I could have made it longer, but honestly I wanted to end it exactly where I ended it. Well, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, I hope the cliffhanger wasn't too evil, I hope you'll leave a review or two, and I hope most of all that you'll come back for more - cause I'm gonna write more ASAP. Thanks for reading! Review Replies coming up!

 

Review Replies:

 

scathac's warrior: Well I could just tell you what's living inside Raven - but that wouldn't be fun. Don't you worry, you'll find out very soon. I promise. As for the monkey-in-the-pants idea; well, just keep the chimps away from me and I'll be happy. Hope you enjoyed this chapter, and thank you for reading.

 

DarkSin: Dude, you're waaaaaaaaaaaay too nice to me. Thank you so much for your kindness. I hope today's chapter wasn't a disappointment; and I hope you enjoyed it.

 

xBxMYxJaMeSxDeANxcandyclouds: Yeah, I did; and I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. I used to dedicated stuff all the time, then I just stopped doing it. Dunno why; I'm weird.
As for Babs; well, Robin and Starfire's relationship was just too perfect. Babs is like a little dramatic monkey wrench to throw in. I love dramatic monkey wrenches.
Oi. Yeah it is. See, I have a rare muscular disease. Mynestenia Gravis. I won't get into all the medical details and stuff, but basically my thymus gland makes anti-bodies that attack my immune system. It effects the muscles in my body. It can make my eyelids droopy, it causes me to have difficulty swallowing, it makes my arms weak so I can barley lift them, and it causes the muscles in my legs to stop working; therefore I can't walk. I'm on medication for it, and that medication makes me retain water; which is why my face is swollen. But I'm okay now. My arms are better, my eyelids no longer droop, and I have full use of my arms. I just have to keep working on my legs for a couple more months - until then I have my wheelchair and my cane.
DUDE! I love House. It's the only “doctor” show I can stand. (Usually I can't watch doctor shows like ER or crap `cause they're so graphic with the surgery for my taste). The drinking scene was priceless. I wish my doctor was a little more like House . . . err . . . well, maybe . . .

 

Dramaelfie: I'm delighted that you enjoyed it and I hope you also enjoyed the update. I'll have another update for you real soon; that's a promise.

 

IllegalDayNightSnappingIguana: Wow, your review is almost as long as the chapter.
Frightened? Naw. Are you kidding, it's wonderful to see the two of you review all the time. Makes me feel good. It gives me a warm fuzzy feeling to have loyal reviewers/stalkers. Run out of things to say? Mmm, I don't think so. You always have something to say. And it's fun.
You went to a co-op when you were younger? Hah, that's cool. I used to go to regular school when I was younger. It was fun, for a while. Till high school. The high schools here in Springfield suck. They seriously need to revamp the school system or something. Nuns made you think of truth or dare? That is a bit strange; but the idea of nuns playing truth or dare sounds funny. I'd like to play truth or dare with some nuns. -blinks- Now I'm the one going off topic . . .
Of course, there is no real “topic”. At least not one I can find. Besides, off topic is fun! Yes, this is probably the longest review ever written in the history of reviews. You should get a trophy or something. Anyway, thank you for once again reading and replying.