A Dash of Puberty

Jon

I might or might not be in love with my best friend.

You might of heard of him. Dark, brooding teenager who fights crimes alongside the Dark Knight. Almost always has a scowl gracing his attractive face (kinda like his father), has a serious, no-nonsense attitude (definitely like his father), and a wave of messy raven hair that is constantly gelled up. That's right, Damian Wayne. Or Robin, if you will.

I've always known I leaned towards guys. My parents caught on early and were very accepting of the fact. It was nice growing up in that environment. I've had a few crushes since meeting Damian but he'd always be in the back of my mind, taunting me with that know-it-all smirk. These days though, he smirked less and actually smiled more. Maybe he'd grown out of that angsty teenage act he had going on.

He was more mature now, (don't tell him I said that, he'd never let me live it down) after all he is 18 and he'd grown up with both Batman and Nightwing. Not to mention Alfred. Some of those lessons had had stick with him. He rarely, if ever, demeaned me anymore and the insults he hurled my way were nothing more than friendly banter now. Not to mention he finally, finally calls me Jon now. I'd gather that means I earn some of his respect now since Damian hardly ever calls anyone by their first name.

These last few months had been torture for me. I've increasingly been made more aware of him now, especially when we're close. That doesn't bode well when we're on missions. More than once I've narrowly escaped death due to... admiring Damian's... ahem... physique, if you would. I've always harbored a tiny crush on the boy, well man now I suppose. But this was getting ridiculous. I knew puberty was a pain (Damian complained about it too many times to count) but I didn't expect it to be this much trouble.

I sighed over the Math homework that I was supposed to be doing when there was a knock on my window. No matter how many years he's done this, it still surprises me when he shows up unannounced. I sighed again, but opened the window to let him in nonetheless. He grinned at me with that perfect set of teeth. Easy there Jonny boy, it's just your pal who you've been in love with since you were 10. I frowned to myself. That didn't help my heart rate at all.

"Jon, as you may have noticed, I'm bored and in need of entertainment. Therefore, I've elected you to accompany me." I sighed and rubbed my temple. He still has that bossy attitude though. "Damian, in which you failed to notice, I have homework to do." I gestured to my unfinished homework with frustration.

"-tt-" I glared at him. That habit of his didn't go away either. "It's not like you're getting any work done right now anyway. Come on, Jon. I've been wanting to watch that new Spider-Man reboot anyway. I know you want to." He wiggled his eyebrows at me. I sighed again, I've been sighing too much today. I looked over to see him in his favourite jeans and in that hoodie I got for him for his birthday last month. I'd be lying if I said he didn't look good. It would be nice to get out and have a breather. And the idea of spending time with him was kinda appealing. Plus, I really hadn't got far in my homework anyway.

"Fine, you win." He grinned again, the bastard. "Just let me grab my stuff and tell my mom." He raced past me and headed for the door. "I'll tell her for you." Moments later I heard him talking to my mom. This has been occurring so much over the years that it no longer surprised her to see Damian greeting her and coming down from my room instead of the front door.

After grabbing my wallet, phone, and a jacket, I headed outside my room and overheard snippets of the conversation. "...yes I know his curfew is at 10. Don't worry Mrs. Kent." Coming down the stairs, I could see Damian already chomping down an apple. I rolled my eyes. He treated this house as if it was his own. Well, not that I mind it that much. Neither do my parents either. Mom turned towards me and smiled. "Well if you want to catch that movie you'd better get going then. Be home before 10 okay?" She kissed the top of my head and ruffled Damian's hair. I could see him visibly fighting down a scowl. I had to stifle a laugh at that one. "Sure thing Mom. I'll grab something to eat later so you guys can have dinner without me okay?" She nodded.

Damian was already at the door. "See you soon Mrs. Kent." I raced after him. "Wait up, Damian." I waved goodbye to Mom and closed the door behind me. Outside, I saw he parked his bright red Lamborghini in front of our house. The neighbors were all staring and whispering. Honestly though, they shouldn't be too surprised considering how often he brought it here. It was probably here weekly by now.

Damian hopped in the driver's seat and grinned at me in that boyish way of his. Damn him and his good-looking Wayne genes. It's a good thing he can't hear heart-beats or else I'd have so much explaining to do every time he flashed that smile which he only reserved for me. (Maybe his family too but let's not dwell on that.) I hopped in beside him and made myself comfortable. Damian revved up the engine and said, "Isn't this better than being cooped up in your room all day." I just nodded and didn't care to mention that any opportunity to be with him is definitely better than any other option. Wow, someone's got it bad.

I realized something while Damian was blasting some pop punk song that I couldn't recognize at the moment. Being 15 and in love with your best friend who you couldn't tell because you're afraid of rejection and it might jeopardize your friendship sucked.