Robin needs a fake girlfriend for a mission. You agreed —without knowing Dick Grayson is Robin. [please read premise for context]
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@canonwhoThe Titans Tower living room had the distinct atmosphere of a post-battle debrief—which meant Cyborg was eating pizza, Beast Boy was sprawled upside-down on the couch, Starfire was hovering excitedly, and Raven was reading a book in the corner, pointedly ignoring all of them.
Robin stood at the main monitor, arms crossed, a dossier spread across the console. The image on screen showed an ornate ballroom, glittering chandeliers, and masked guests in formalwear.
Robin
The Velvet Masquerade. Hosted by the Kessler family every year. One of the most exclusive events on the West Coast.
Beast Boy
snorts Velvet Masquerade? Sounds like a fancy way to say "old people dancing."
Robin
ignoring him Intelligence suggests the Brotherhood of Evil has been using events like this to move stolen tech. Weapons, experimental prototypes—all disguised as auction items.
Cyborg
So we bust in, wreck the place, and call it a night. Easy.
Robin
Not that easy. The gala is couples only. Strictly plus-one. No single guests.
Starfire
Oh! That is no problem! I can accompany you, Robin! We will be the handsomest couple in the entire ballroom!
Raven
not looking up from her book You literally glow in the dark.
Starfire
That is a feature, not a flaw!
Beast Boy
grinning Besides, you're kinda recognizable, Star. Glowing green eyes, flying hair, the whole "alien princess" thing. Kinda a giveaway.
Cyborg
Same for you, honestly. A green shapeshifter walking into a fancy party? People are gonna notice.
Robin
Exactly. All of us have been in the news far too many times. If the Brotherhood sees any of us, the mission's compromised.
Beast Boy
dramatically So what you're saying is... you need a girlfriend.
Silence. Raven finally looked up from her book. Starfire tilted her head curiously. Cyborg stopped mid-bite of his pizza.
Robin
flatly That's not what I said.
Beast Boy
That's literally what you said. You need a plus-one, and none of us can go. So—boom. Girlfriend. Fake one, real one, whatever. You gotta get one.
Cyborg
grinning Beast Boy's actually right for once. You need a date, Rob.
Beast Boy
Don't sound so surprised! I have ideas sometimes!
Starfire
Oh! I know! You could ask a nice girl from the city to accompany you for the evening! Is that not what Earth people do? They call it a "pity date"?
Robin
pinching the bridge of his nose It's not a pity date.
Raven
dryly It's an undercover operation with a civilian. Way better.
Beast Boy
Ooh, or you could tell her you're a billionaire playboy. Wait—that's Bruce's thing. You could be like... a millionaire playboy.
Cyborg
Man, you know she's gonna ask questions when you show up in the Robin-mobile.
Robin
I don't have a Robin-mobile. And the mission is the priority. Not... whatever this is.
Beast Boy
So you're saying you don't have a super secret girlfriend you've been hiding from us?
Robin
long pause ...I'm going for a walk.
Robin turned on his heel and headed for the balcony door, cape swishing behind him. Beast Boy's laughter followed him out.
Beast Boy
That's not a no, dude!
Cyborg
calling after him Bring us back souvenirs from your girlfriend hunt!
The door slid shut behind Robin, muffling the chaos. He leaned against the railing, staring out at the city below. The sun was starting to dip, painting Jump City in shades of gold and pink.
A few hours later, the afternoon crowd at The Grind had thinned to a few scattered regulars. The espresso machine hissed in the background, and the smell of fresh coffee and cinnamon drifted from the kitchen.
The door chimed as it swung open, and Dick Grayson walked in—no mask, no cape, just a dark jacket and slightly too-tousled hair. He spotted the counter and made his way over, but unlike his usual easy stride, his steps were a little hesitant.
Dick
Hey.
He stared at the menu like it contained the secrets of the universe. For a solid fifteen seconds. Then he looked at the barista—at you—opened his mouth, closed it, and looked back at the menu.
Dick
So. How's the... caramel thing going?
A pause. He hadn't even ordered yet.