FLIGHT ✔P.M. ₂

chapter seven

ROBIN COMPLETELY IGNORED THE SMIRKS AND LOOKS THAT WERE THROWN his way as he and Wanda left with their picnic basket. These people either needed to get their eyes checked, or get their gaydar fixed. Couldn't they see that Robin fit most gay stereotypes, and that Wanda was smitten over Vision?

As soon as they left the building, Wanda turned to her friend. "Where are we going?" She questioned.

Robin gave her a smirk. "You'll see." He handed her the basket. She took it without question. In one movement, the boy had her in his arms bridal-style and was taking off into the sky. The girl held onto him right, careful not to fall.

He flew off to a secluded spot right in front of a small lake. Fluorescent green leaves blew around in the wind above them. The grass at their feet was surprisingly dry for the time of year. There was nothing more than a soft breeze, which didn't bother the boy at all.

Birds chirped overhead, singing happy tunes to each other. The sun shone bright in the blue sky, only specs of fluffy clouds to be seen. It wasn't extremely hot out by any means, but it was nice enough not to need a parka.

Robin was wearing his flight school hoodie, and for once, his camp necklace. He had thirteen beads on it now, one for every year he had gone to camp. Of course, the past two were a little iffy considering all the stuff he had going on, but he had made time to go to camp.

Wanda, on the other hand, was wearing her signature red leather jacket and jeans, which may not of kept her as warm. She did not seem to mind.

They set up in an open patch of grass, careful to avoid any and all rocks. They had a red and white checkered blanket, like most picture-perfect picnics did. They only packed a few sandwiches, but it was enough for them.

The two sat down and talked about nothing in particular. Eventually the conversation strayed to relationships.

"You and Vision, huh?" Robin said with a knowing smirk.

Wanda blushed. "Is it really that obvious?" She asked.

The demigod shrugged. "I mean, yeah. Not to the rest of the team though. They're kind of stupid," He admitted, chuckling at how confused they would be if they knew.

She sighed in relief. "I really like him, and I think he likes me back," She said. "I just don't want anyone to know, especially Pietro. He can be a bit much."

He nodded in understanding. "Well, you're in luck. They all think we're going out now!" He said, feigning excitement.

She laughed. "I'm so sorry for your girlfriend, then."

He scoffed. "Still don't have one, but okay." What was with everyone assuming he had a girlfriend? What did he have to do, cuff his jeans? Wear a flannel? Write "I'm Gay" on his forehead? He wasn't the biggest fan of coming out to people, because it seemed unnecessary. Why was being heterosexual the normal? It wasn't exactly fair, but when was life ever actually fair?

"What about that girl who came in the other day?" Wanda questioned.

Robin shook his head. Aphrodite? She was a force to be reckoned with. He would not be able to date her, even if he was straight. "Not my ex, not my girlfriend, just someone I have a phobia of." There should be a name for that, being scared of the goddess of love. Aphrophobia, maybe.

The girl chuckled. "I don't think you can have a phobia of a specific person," She said, and her friend shrugged. She continued. "Can I at least know her name?"

He laughed sarcastically. "Yeah, definitely not."

She pouted playfully. "Aw, come on. I hardly know anything about you!" She complained.

Robin shrugged. "I'm not a very open person, if you couldn't tell," He said.

She nodded, agreeing with what he said. "At least tell me one thing no one knows about you."

"Something no one knows, or something the team don't know?"

"The team, I suppose."

"I'm gay."

Wanda blinked. "Not what I was expecting, but good for you," She said, in full support.

Robin offered a half smile. "Yeah, not sure how much more obvious I could be." He lowered his voice to mock another Avenger. "So, why don't you have a girlfriend?" He returned to his normal voice. "I always say I'm not interested. In girls."

His best friend nodded in understanding. "I didn't want to assume."

"Rightfully so, I guess."

They stayed in that area, eating their sandwiches for awhile longer before eventually deciding to take a swim in the freezing cold water.

Robin took off his hoodie and his shirt. He took a chance and dived in. He immediately jumped back out with a shriek. His body was trembling. He felt like an ice cube. It was a shame the weather wasn't perfect.

Wanda laughed at him, her own jacket off as well. He smirked back, teeth still clattering, and pushed her in. She popped back up, sending an annoyed but playful glare at the other boy. Using her powers, she pulled him back in with her, occupying herself with splashing him.

"Oh, it's on," The son of Zeus said, his smirk not faltering. He splashed her back, both of them quickly adjusting to the water.

The spent the rest of the day hanging around the area and goofing around, ignoring their worries and the looming feeling of an approaching threat. If only for a day, it was as if aliens weren't staying in the tower with them. It was as if they didn't have to worry about feelings. They did not have to worry about questions they don't want to answer, or secrets they have to keep.

If only for a moment, Robin found himself enjoying spring. A light in the chaos that was his life. A break from what he was - a demigod, with his life filled with constant danger. Monsters hadn't even shown up all day. Maybe he was finally getting the break he wanted. Even if just one day, it felt nice.