Chapter Text
“Yeah… we’re close.”
Harry shuffles in his big comfy chair, another thought pricking at his mind. Normally, thoughts don’t bother him, even if they’re about the past. Something to think about definitely breaks up the monotony of sitting and waiting.
But there is something about this thought that really irks him.
Maybe it was the setting. Maybe it was his jealousy of not being dead. Maybe it was something else. Harry wouldn’t say he’s close to anybody , let alone Robin or Manny. Manny is too childish to really be friends with, and Robin…
Harry slowly moves his eyes, moving his gaze from the floor over to his right. He sees Manny first, him and his small chair. Looking a little more to the right, Harry can see Robin reading a newspaper and rocking in his rocking chair. He looks totally engrossed in reading his paper.
Although, the squeaking of the rocking chair is a little annoying. Almost like Robin. Annoying and loud. And hard to listen to. And oddly interesting to watch. And sometimes comforting, like a soft breeze on a hot summer day. Like that one time they went on a picnic and Manny left, it was just them alone. They didn't talk much, just choosing to eat. It was nice.
Harry blinks. It dawns on him that he’s looking at Robin again. And before he can move, Robin’s eyes move away from the newspaper and to Harry.
For a split second, the two look at each other. Their eyes separate just as quickly, Robin looking back to his newspaper while Harry looks to the floor.
Harry huffs, feeling his heartbeat get a little faster than before. A part of his mind ridicules him for even caring that Robin looked back. He’s just some green bird, he doesn’t matter.
There are better things to look at. Like the floor! Or… the wall! Or the floor again!
But it’s not really the same.
“Really? You like looking at me?”
Harry remembers Robin’s words. They were surprised but happy. Maybe it was a mistake to admit his feelings, but lying never did Harry any good. It felt really good to say those words out loud.
There was something oddly comforting about the darkness. Harry didn’t have to worry about being seen by all those eyes or look at anything else. Everything was simple and dark. It made looking at Robin sweet.
“Well, I like looking at you, too.”
There was no fear, no worry, no deceit. When Harry looked over to see Robin already looking at him, something inside him felt good. They could look at each other and feel good about it.
Harry blinks. He’s looking at Robin again. He isn’t looking at his newspaper, but instead at Harry. They’re looking at each other, silent and still.
Harry feels exposed, like Robin’s eyes reveal all his little secrets. It’s a terrifying feeling that Harry almost enjoys. It’s almost nice to know that only Robin can make him feel this way.
Harry doesn’t notice he’s speaking until his words hang in the air.
“… that outfit looks stupid.”
Robin blinks and slightly recoils, his face changing to one of frustration. He rebuttals with his squeaky voice.
“At least I’m wearing clothes, you look like an ugly mop!”
Harry scoffs, leaning towards Robin to hurl another insult.
“I’d rather wear nothing than be seen in that stupid grey suit, have you ever washed that stupid thing?!”
Robin squawks in disrespect, putting down his newspaper to respond to Harry. At this time, Manny looks between the two in despair.
“Oh shut up, it’s light mink! As if an idiot like you could understand that!”
Manny cries out, scared at this new conflict.
“Guys! Stop fighting!”
Harry turns to Manny, responding with bitter disdain.
“No! Not until he apologizes!”
Robin recoils again, shaking his head before squawking back.
“Apologize for what!?”
Harry goes to speak but is stopped. Something inside him shuts down every feeling and emotion. He leans back in his chair and looks to the ground, murmuring his next words.
“… it’s nothing…”
“Don’t you give me that!” Robin leans towards Harry, his voice sounding as annoying as ever. “What am I supposed to be apologizing for!?”
Harry groans, feeling his emotions spark again.
”You said… you liked looking at me and that’s obviously a lie. I hate it when people lie.”
Robin shakes his head, not in disgust but confusion.
“I wasn’t lying you idiot. Why would I lie about that?”
Harry shuffles in his seat, eventually looking over to Robin who looks genuinely hurt by the accusation. Harry speaks again, feeling vulnerable and foolish.
“You really like looking at me…?”
The room is silent. When Robin speaks again, the words sound just as soft and comfy as Harry’s chair.
“Of course, you mop. I like looking at you.”
Harry inhales, his chest feeling all weird and different. Robin’s gaze is familiar yet uncomfortable, exciting and terrifying. It’s like the darkness again.
It’s just him and Robin, alone, looking at each other. And it’s nice.
Harry speaks again.
“I love you.”
“You what?!”
“Nothing.”
[Roll Credits]