It Hurts Sometimes

4. Jealous of my Alter Ego

"So, you finally turned up to school." Barbara said, trying to sound happy, although she was kind of hurt with all the time Dick had spent away. "How long has it been? Four, five days?"
"Yeah...sorry." He apologised. "So, who've you been hanging out with?" Dick was still in shock from Barbara's crush confession last night. But he had kept true to his word and was going to prove Robin existed in the day.
"Oh...not really anyone in school." Who was Barbara to deny half-truths?
"Just been in the library?" He asked.
"Yeah, something like that."

As Barbara and Dick struggled to stay awake in history, he handed her a note.
Are you mad at me or something? Barbara sighed. How do you tell your best friend you have a crush on a hero?
No, I'm just tired. She decided on.
That's not your tired face. It's your 'pretending to be okay' face. Dick replied.
I'm fine. Just drop it. She finished. It was clear that she wasn't going to talk to Dick about Robin.

When Barbara opened her locker, she jumped in surprise when she saw the pastel-iced cupcakes, heart shaped cookies, and roses sitting on the shelf. She pulled out a note hidden under a plate of choc-chip biscuits.
Believe me now?
Sorry it couldn't be more personal, but secret identities are secret for a reason, right?
-R.
Barbara blushed, and carefully folded up the note and put it in her pocket.
"What is it?" Dick peeked over her shoulder and saw all the lovey-dovey gifts. "Who gave you all that?"
"It was anonymous." She lied, trying to hide the dreamy smile on her face.
"Are you sure you haven't been spending time with someone else?" Dick asked, a hint of jealousy in his voice. But how could he be jealous of himself? He had done this all...Babs just didn't know his secret.
"I'm sure."

"So, I saw you at school today." Robin said, legs swinging over the top of the Wayne Enterprises building.
"Wait, you go to Gotham Academy?" Barbara asked in surprise.
"Maybe." Robin said, his cheeky grin that reminded her of Dick, spread across his face. "Did you like the cupcakes?"
"They were so good! They were as good at Alfred's!" She exclaimed. "My friend's butler-"
"I know Alfie." He interrupted.
"You know, I could totally figure out who you are right now." Barbara challenged.
"Sure." Robin replied, but a hint of worry polluted his voice.
"Don't worry, Boy Wonder. I won't do anything yet. Emphasis on yet." She gave him a light punch.
"Hey! I'm friend with Superman. If you find out my identity, I might just have to give him a call." Robin laughed, as he and Barbara collapsed into a pile of giggles. Their hands inched closer until their fingers were practically intertwined. When they saw, they quickly pulled away and turned their backs to each other, so neither could see the other blushing.
"I should probably..." Robin started.
"Yeah..." Barbara agreed.
When she and Robin's hands touched, she felt like she was betraying Dick somehow.
Meanwhile, Robin-Dick-was on his R-cycle, driving back to the cave. He couldn't believe it.
I'm jealous of my alter ego.