#merrobin

“One second.” Batman grunted before he and Superboy continued to carry the tub to the pool room. Once they got there Batman said “Robin, we are going to carry you into the shallow end and move the tank until it’s under the water level, okay?” Robin nodded. Superboy and Batman carefully carried the tank down the stairs and moved until they were about five feet deep. Robin pulled himself over the tub’s edge and into the larger pool.

“Now, what happened?” Black Canary said, watching Robin swim lethargically around the pool. Batman sighed before pulling down his cowl. Black Canary immediately gasped and said “Bruce, they don’t-“

Batman held up a hand. “They know. Robin, te simți bine, dacă-i spun?” (Are you alright if I tell her). Robin swam up to the edge of the pool, crossing his arms on the ledge, and nodded. He laid his head down on his arms, letting his tail go limp –only moving from the pool’s current- and lazily looked up at the assembled group. “Robin was born a merman. His birth-parents were killed, then the Graysons took him in. He was just kidnapped by the people that murdered his birth parents and we had to go get him back. His heart had stopped when we found him and Kaldur saved him by creating a water bubble around him. He’s exhausted and we should let him sleep right now. We can continue this tomorrow.”

Black Canary reluctantly left, as did everyone but Batman, Kid Flash, Red Arrow, and, obviously, Robin. Batman, Red Arrow, and Kid Flash all went to quickly change out of their hero uniforms and into sweatpants and tee-shirts before going quickly back to the pool. Robin was lightly asleep on his arms when they got back. Bruce walked over and gently shook Robin’s arm. “Dick, Dickie-bird, its time to go to sleep.” Robin groggily looked up at them, squinting from the lights.

“Night Dick.” Roy said, lying down in one of the sleeping bags they had brought.

“Night dude.” Wally said, climbing into another one.

Bruce leaned over and kissed Dick’s forehead. “Goodnight, son. Sleep well.” Robin sleepily smiled before turning and diving into the water. Bruce crawled into his sleeping bag, turned off the lights, then fell asleep.

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Next Morning

Dick woke up when he felt a large, familiar hand rest on his shoulder. He opened his eyes to see Bruce, with a rebreather in, swimming by the rock formation Robin was lying on. Dick stretched his whole body, putting his arms above his head, rolling his shoulders, flexing his tail down over the edge of the rock, then arching his back. Bruce poked his bare stomach when he arched his back, so he hit Bruce with his tail. Dick then shot off, swimming farther into the pool, throwing a smirk over his shoulder. Bruce laughed and chased after him.

After chasing each other for a few minutes, Bruce pointed up and tilted his head. “Do you want to go up now?” Dick nodded and they both swam towards the surface.

Bruce lifted himself out of the water, got and laid down some towels, grabbed Dick’s hands, then pulled him out of the pool and onto the towels. They both ignored Black Canary, who was standing in the doorway, and applied the lotion to Robin’s tail. Black Canary gasped and looked in horror as Robin transformed. Batman grabbed the very large glass of water he had gotten earlier and gave it to Robin, who drank it quickly. He smiled at Bruce, then at Black Canary and croaked “I’m okay.”

“Good, now what is going on?!” Black Canary yelled.

Robin laid back against Bruce, clearly exhausted, but nodded at him before closing his eyes. “Dick was not born human; he was born a merman. Hunters killed his parents, who told him to get away. He got onto a beach, but was dying from the heat and dryness when the Graysons found him. They found an old gypsy recipe for a lotion that would turn him human. The Graysons raised him from then on, as both human and merperson. They taught him what they could of both. I only found out about him being a merman a few years ago. The people that killed his birth parents kidnapped him while he was swimming with Kaldur after the team found out. They only just found out that he was a few days ago. Obviously, you can’t tell anyone.” He stroked Dick’s head, making sure he was asleep before saying “It can be hard on him sometimes. During training, could you give the team one or two more water breaks? He needs to drink a lot, especially during summer and winter because they’re so dry.”

“Of course.” Black Canary smiled down at Robin. “Maybe we could add a water fountain in the training room too. How much does he usually drink every day?”

“Room 419! That’s all I know, I swear! They took him in there! He didn’t look too good.” Batman slammed the man’s head into the wall. The groups went through corridors, searching for any room number.

“Room 318!” Kid Flash yelled. They went to him and followed the growing room numbers. Bang! Batman grabbed his arm and spun around. One of the kidnappers was pointing a gun at the group. Suddenly, Kid Flash was pinning the gunless gunman to the wall yelling “WHERE IS HE YOU FUCKING BASTARD!!!!”

“No where you’ll find. You’re too late anyway. By the time you’d get there, he’ll be dead!” The mad laughed until Kid Flash knocked him out. The group ran until they reached room 419. Batman broke down the door. Robin, in merform, was motionless, strapped to a table. Many strong sun lamps were shining on him. The most disturbing part was the heart monitor next to him that had flat lined.

“No. NO!!” Batman yelled, running over. Superboy got a sudden burning sensation in his head and, luckily, looked up. His heat vision melted the lock on the fire sprinklers, then broke the sun lamps. Kaldur controlled the water to make a bubble around Robin, the only whole being where Batman’s arm came out of the bubble. Robin began breathing. Batman looked up as Robin’s arm moved. He looked weakly at Batman and mouthed “Dad?”

“I’m here, son; I’m here. We’re going to get you out of here. Promisiune. You’re safe now.”

Robin began to weakly struggle with the metal bands holding his arms, head, and tail down. Batman put in a rebreather and stepped into the bubble. He quickly picked the locks and lifted Robin into his arms. “Let’s go” he said once he stepped out of the bubble. Leaving was much easier than coming and within 10 minutes, they were in the bioship with Robin in a fairly shallow pool of water.

Robin, you on the link? M’gann asked, finally able to establish the link.

Y-yeah. Thanks guys. Robin voice was exhausted.

“Of course we were coming for you. We will never leave you. Go ahead and get some sleep. When we get back we’ll get you dinner then you are going back to sleep. We can turn you back tomorrow, once you recover.” Batman said, stroking his son’s hair. Wally was holding one of his hands and Roy was stroking the bottom of his tail. Robin sleepily smiled and closed his eyes.

Kaldur and Robin both twisted to look at a scuba diver holding a harpoon gun that was missing a harpoon. Kaldur pulled out his water bearers as Robin swam towards the mouth of the cave at a newfound speed. Kaldur pointed his water bearers at the diver and flung him out of the water onto a rock. “Not a good idea to attack my friend while an atlantian is around.” Kaldur growled.

“I was just getting you away from him. My partner is grabbing him now.” The diver said.

Kaldur turned and dove into the water. He swam towards the cave, only to hear a motorboat driving away. He felt a sting on his neck, then nothing.

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Kaldur woke up, dazed and confused. Robin. He remembered, spinning around in dizzy circles, looking for his friend. Nothing. He swam hurriedly back to Mount Justice and ran into the living room.

“Dude, where’s Rob?” Wally asked, looking at Kaldur’s worried expression.

“Gone.” Kaldur replied.

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Robin nodded and began walking toward the living room. Superboy helped him the whole way there with the team trailing behind, ready to help if they were needed. “Movie night?” Wally asked once they were seated in the living room. The team all agreed to watch Pirates of the Caribbean 4, and by the time Black Canary walked in, they were all fast asleep.

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Next Morning

“So, Dad said you guys saw me a bit after I transformed. What exactly happened?” Robin asked, looking a bit uncomfortable with the subject.

“Well, we saw the transformation…” Wally began

“We saw the claws” Artemis

“And fangs…” M’gann

“You slammed into the walls…” Zatanna said.

“Something else happened, didn’t it? If you guys don’t tell me I will hack the footage.” Robin threatened.

“You put me in a trance… I was just about to open the lid of your tank when the old man, Alfred I think his name was, grabbed my arm and snapped me out of it.” Zatanna said, looking nervous. The more she said, the more horrified the look on Robin’s face became.

“Oh God, Zee, I’m so sorry. I-I didn’t mean t-to. I-I al-almost…” Robin stuttered as a tear fell down his face. Zatanna immediately went over to Robin and, though a bit hurt when he shrunk back, hugged him.

“It’s okay, Robin. I know you didn’t mean to or want to. I’m okay. I’m okay. You didn’t hurt me.” Zee comforted as Robin shook in her arms. He kept repeating “I’m sorry.” Once he calmed down, both realized the team had left.

Robin turned and just stared at the counter. “You really hate it, don’t you?” Zatanna asked.

Robin turned to her, still looking upset, “Of course I do! I try to kill anyone who gets near me, when the rest of the time I hate being alone! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve nearly killed Dad and Alfred. If the other hadn’t been there I probably would have killed them! I would’ve killed them…” tears fell out of Robin’s eyes, once again as he turned back to the table.

“No. You wouldn’t have killed them. The monster in you would’ve.” Zatanna said. Robin looked at her as if to say and that’s supposed to be comforting? “Look, we all have a monster in us. There are situations where all of us would try to kill anyone too. The fact that you feel so guilty about it is what makes you an amazing person. Most people would blow it off immediately, refusing to admit it was part of them. You see it as you that have done it. You try to take the blame all on yourself whereas others try to push all the blame off of them. You have done everything you can to make sure you don’t hurt anyone, and that’s all you can really do.” Zatanna hugged Robin again and he hugged her back.

“Wanna go find the others?” Zatanna asked.

Robin turned, and sighing said “Look, you know all those stories about merpeople dragging people under water and drowning them; sometimes eating them with fangs and seducing them by singing?” Everyone nodded “Well… that’s what happens to me on a harvest moon. I can’t control it, but during a harvest moon, I can sing in merform, I get fangs, and I get claws. Unfortunately anyone who hears me sing wants to get near me and into the water where I would drown them. I haven’t drowned anyone before, thankfully, but I know that’s what would happen. Dad built a special soundproof fish tank in the batcave. No one outside can hear me sing, there’s a soundproof oxygen pump, and everyone puts earplugs in when Alfred gives me sushi. There’s several feet between the water and the roof of the tank so he can pour it in, but I have seen scratches on his arms after a harvest moon.” Robin looked down ashamed.

“Then why don’t you just not change during the harvest moon?” M’gann asked.

“It hurts if I don’t. I’ve been stabbed, shot, blown up, and tortured; the pain during the harvest moon is so much worse. It feels like something is tearing me apart from the inside, I’m always so thirsty I feel completely dehydrated, and if I see water, I can’t resist going in it. I usually end up scratching myself though, cause I can’t usually reach people. Thankfully most of them don’t need stitches, but I also won’t be able to talk for a day or so and I’ll be exhausted. Now I really have to go or the pain will- AGHHHH” Robin bent in half from the pain.

“Dick!” Wally yelled and ran over to him. Robin kept screaming, even worse than how he screamed during his transformation.

Announcing Batman B01 the computer announced. Batman, seeing his son bent over, ran over to him and picked him up. He ran straight into the zeta, only saying “Come” to the team.

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In the Batcave

Batman laid Robin down on a medical table and quickly stripped of his civie shirt. Batman then picked him back up and carried him up the metal staircase which brought him to the top of a huge fish tank. Once they were at the top, Robin’s dazed eyes saw the pool and he began struggling to get in the water. Batman dropped Robin in the tank and quickly slammed the roof of the tank shut. Once Robin’s transformation was complete, he turned and swam to the top of the water. The team saw his mouth open, and it looked like he began to sing, but the team was more focused on the fangs coming out of his mouth and the claws pressed against the tank walls. Robin was glaring at them.

“Don’t look. If you focus too much, he can still compel you. He won’t stop singing until you look away either.” Batman said as he looked at Robin and the team. A loud bang made the team turn back and they saw Robin, under water, baring his fangs and slamming his fist and body into the tank of the wall. He stared menacingly at the team and Batman. “He won’t turn back for about three days. Three days, he’ll be like that: trying to lure any and everyone to the water, trying to drown them. Eventually he will go after himself: biting his arms, clawing himself, etc. It’s horrible to watch.” Batman stared at his son. “He’ll be getting hungry soon. I assume it’s because he exerts so much energy trying to get people to get close enough to grab them, but he definitely eats more than usual. He will try to trick you into getting close though, so be careful.” Batman pulled off his cowl to reveal Bruce Wayne, sadly turning away from his son.

The team walked away, but Zatanna was stopped by a gently tapping, so different that the previous slamming. Zatanna turned around, and accidentally looked right into Dick’s bright blue eyes. His eyes looked sad, regretful, as opposed to the feral rage that had before occupied the blue orbs. He reached his hand out and laid it flat on the glass. Zatanna, entranced, did the same. Robin slowly began swimming to the stairs, still looking into Zatanna’s entranced eyes. Zatanna followed him and was reaching out to open the lid of his tank when a hand grabbed her arm in a firm grasp.

Zatanna snapped out of the trance and fell away from the tank. Robin lunged at her, only to hit the lid of the tank. He swam a little bit away, but stayed close enough that, while swimming like an angered shark, in frantic angered figure eights, and baring his teeth, both at Zatanna and the man who had grabbed her. Zatanna followed the hand that was still on her arm to the kind, but sadden face of an elderly man.

“You must be Miss Zatanna. It is a pleasure to meet you, but I would not try that again if I were you. Unfortunately, he is very deadly like this. Poor boy. He hates what he becomes. I suggest you put these in and go to the bottom of the stairs.” The elderly man said as he handed her earplugs. Batman walked over to Zatanna, followed by the rest of the team and asked “Are you alright?”

Zatanna nodded “He looked different, his- his eyes I mean. He looked sad and sorry. Then I just couldn’t look away or stop.” She and the rest of the cave’s occupants put in the earplugs as the elderly man grabbed a tray full of sushi and two raw salmon on a silver tray. After checking to make sure everyone had their earplugs in, he pulled the lid of the tank open and slipped the tray on enough that he could slide what was on the tray off of it. Robin lunged out of the water and grabbed the man’s arms, his claws digging into the flesh. Batman ran up and, gloves still on, crushed a flash bang in front of Robin. Robin immediately let go and fell back into the tank, growling and snarling. The old man quickly slammed the lid shut as Robin began blinking. He snarled once again at the man before grabbing one of the salmon and tearing into it with his fangs.

“Alfred, are you alright?” Wally asked, sounding very worriedly.

“Yes, Master Wallace. I am fine. Just a few stitches needed.” The elderly man said as he walked over to the medical part of the batcave.

“Alfred, I’ve told you to just borrow some of my gloves when you feed him. Getting yourself hurt won’t help anyone.” Batman said.

“Next time, sir, I believe I will take you up on that offer.” Alfred said, then he turned and looked at Robin. “Poor boy. He will feel so guilty. No matter how hard I try, he always finds out. Perhaps it is best if they go home now. I think what they have seen is enough for one night, sir.”

Robin swam over to the edge by him and grinned. Roy rolled his eyes and ruffled Robin’s hair. “Having fun little bird?” Roy asked his little brother. Robin nodded vigorously. “Good. I heard the team found out about you.” He turned and glared at the team and said “If you ever try to hurt him, you’re dead. Got it?” The team all nodded.

“Obviously you know too. How did you find out?” Wally asked Roy.

“Well, the first time we met was actually years ago, when I was still with the Navajos.” Roy began.

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Robin is about six or seven in this; Red Arrow is about 11 or 12

Robin’s POV

Wow, the rock is red. At least the water is warm here. Robin thought as he swam in the deep river. His parents had finally said he could go swimming in the river. Dick didn’t like this place much, though. It was too dry and hot for him. He had to drink at least three gallons of water a day to stay hydrated. Times like this he really hated his physiology.

BOOM!!!!!

Robin jumped as he heard thunder. Uh oh. Better get back or Mom and Dad won’t be happy. I wonder how long it’s been raining… Robin thought. He suddenly heard a roar and he turned to see a huge wall of water. The water threw him around, into rocks and the river bottom until black consumed his vision.

Roy’s POV

Roy stealthily walked through the small forest by the river. He knew Brave Bow didn’t like him down there, especially alone, but what is the worst that could happen? He had his bow, a bit of dressing for cuts, and his water skin. It had just ended raining when Roy began heading for the river, figuring he could get his feet wet.

Is that a fish boy? Was Roy’s first thought as he saw the small boy. The boy looked about six or seven with black hair and a dark blue tail. The second thing Roy saw, was the blood. He ran over and saw a long gash across the right side of the boy’s forehead. “Hey, hey, wake up!” Roy yelled as he shook the boy. The boy didn’t even stir. Roy looked closer at the boy’s tail and saw that it looked dry and the boy was sweating and panting. Roy emptied his canteen of water on the boy, ran down to the river, filled his canteen, and poured the water on the boy again. He looked at the boy. Brave Bow will know what to do. Roy thought as he picked the boy up and began to walk towards his and Brave Bow’s house.

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At Brave Bow’s

“Brave Bow, Brave Bow!” Roy said, running into the house.

“What is it, child? Oh my.” Brave Bow said as he saw what Roy was carrying. “Put him here. Luckily, I know a temporary remedy.” Brave Bow gestured to the beat up couch then ran to grab herbs. Roy set the young boy on the couch and began applying a poultice to the gash on the boy’s head. The boy began to pant again and Roy gave him a drink of water, then while waiting for Brave Bow, stroked the boy’s hair and looked at his tail.

“Here, help me apply this, Roy.” Brave Bow said, coming in with a thick paste. Roy helped him apply it to the boy’s tail. After a few seconds, the boy woke up, silently screaming. The screaming soon turned loud as his tail became two legs.

Suddenly the boy looked at Roy and Brave Bow, and jumping said “Mami, tati! În cazul în care sunt eu? Cine eşti tu? Vreau să merg acasă!” (Mommy, Daddy! Where am I? Who are you? I want to go home!).

“What did he say?” Roy asked Brave Bow.

“Young man, do you speak English?” Brave Bow asked.

The boy seemed to think, then with a thick Romanian accent said “Bit. Home. River. Haly’s Circus. Please help. Home.”

“Haly’s Circus?” Brave Bow asked the boy. The boy nodded furiously and said “Home.” Brave Bow nodded and said “We will take you there.”

“Thank you” The boy said. “De apă?” at the confused looks the boy then said “Water?”

Roy gave hime some more water, which the boy greedily drank. “Where is Haly’s Circus?” Roy asked Brave Bow.

“About a day’s walk north. I have met Haly before. He will let us stay for a night.” Brave Bow said as he packed food and water for the journey. “Luckily, you found him this morning. Poor boy must have been in the storm last night. If you hadn’t found him, he would probably be dead. Help him stand. He will probably be very unsteady.” Roy walked over to the boy who was looking at them curiously.

“Home?” The boy asked. “Home.” Roy assured him, firmly grabbing one of the boy’s arms and helping him stand. The boy nearly fell over right away, but Roy holding him stopped him from falling. Roy helped the boy walk in large circles until he was steady enough to walk on his own. Brave Bow gestured for both boys to follow him as he walked out of the door and into the woods.

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About seven hours later

Who are these people? I know the red head saw my tail. Why are they helping me? I wanna go home. Where are Mommy and Daddy? I hope they aren’t mad. Dick thought. He kept looking for anything that looked familiar, even the big top over the trees. He still didn’t see anything, but these people said they would take him home. They even gave him a lot of water. He had already drank two canteens and stopped at a creek for a drink, but it was getting late. He was tiring quickly. He needed water, and soon.

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An hour later

The boy was looking very tired and panting again. I guess he needs more water again. He walked over and handed the boy his canteen. The boy looked gratefully at him and he took a few gulps out of it, then handed it back. He then looked at where Brave Bow was going then at Roy as if asking “How much longer?”

“Brave Bow!” Roy yelled. Brave Bow turned and looked at Roy.  “How much longer until we get there? I don’t think he can go much further. He’s exhausted.”

“Maybe ten minutes. We are very close.”

“Close. Soon.” Roy said to the boy, smiling comfortingly. The boy tiredly smiled back and trudged on. Roy swung his quiver around so that the strap covered his back, stepped in front of the boy, and crouched down, gesturing for the boy to get on. The young boy climbed on and said “Thank you.”

After about five minutes later, the boy climbed off and began walking faster toward Brave Bow. Finally they reached the circus’ camp. The strong man turned and saw Robin. “Karla, get Mary and John! Richard is back!” He jogged over and the boy, who Roy assumed was Richard, hugged his leg. Suddenly a man and a woman came sprinting around a trailer. “Dick!” The woman yelled. The boy immediately let go of the strong man and ran over to the woman, jumping into her open arms. The man was right behind her and hugged both of them. “Multumesc lui Dumnezeu ca esti bine. Nu te speria ca niciodată că ne din nou!”  (Thank God you’re alright. Don’t you ever scare us like that again! )The man scolded the boy.

“Imi pare rau tata. Am fost de înot şi nu a dat seama că a început să plouă.De apă a primit mai dur si l-am lovit cap.Băiatul meu a văzut coada. Pot să am puţină apă? Am fost de mers pe jos toată ziua şi au nevoie de mai multă apă în curând.” (I’m sorry Daddy. I was swimming and didn’t realize it started raining. The water got rougher and I hit my head. The boy saw my tail. Can I have some water? I have been walking all day and need more water soon.) The boy said, his speech muffled by, who Roy assumed to be, his father’s shirt.

A man dressed in a top hat came over to Roy and Brave Bow. “It is good to see you again Haly” Brave Bow said.

“It is good to see you as well. Thank you for returning him to us. We have been extremely worried. What exactly happened?” Pop Haly asked.

“Roy here found him passed out by the river. I assume he was caught in last night’s flood. He has a nasty gash on his head, but he will be alright. I must ask though, since when have you had merpeople?” Brave Bow asked.

Haly looked at Brave Bow with a saddened expression and said, “He is the only one. The Graysons found him dying on a beach and took him in. For quite a while, he had nightmares. We were able to figure out that his parents were killed by hunters with harpoons, right in front of him. The poor boy. He is a vibrant, lively member of the circus now. Everyone is attached to him and we were all very worried. I am assuming that you won’t tell anyone about his tail? Is there anything I can do for you? Anything you need, ask.”

“Of course we won’t tell. We need a place to stay for the night, and we will be on our way in the morning.” Brave Bow said to Haly.

“Of course. Richard seems fairly attached to Roy, doesn’t he?” Haly said, looking behind Brave Bow. Brave Bow turned to see Richard hugging Roy’s leg and speaking in fluent Romani. Roy looked confused, but put an arm on the younger boy’s shoulder. “It will be hard separating them.” Haly said, looking sad.

“Perhaps they will meet again. For their sake, I hope they do.” Brave Bow said.

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Current time

“So we actually met years ago. I’ve known since, well, before Batman.” Roy said with his legs in the pool.

“Really Zatanna, shopping would be much more fun!” M’gann tried to convince her. Robin, Zatanna is here!M’gann yelled as she connected everyone but Zatanna.

Okay… Maybe she should know… What do you guys think? Robin asked.

Yeah

Yes

Yep

Sure

I don’t think she’d care

Okay… Tell her to get on her bathing suit. There’s something I need to tell her. Robin said over the mind link.

“Go change into your bathing suit. We are going swimming. Besides, Robin wants to show you something.” Artemis told Zatanna.

“Why do I need to go? Egnahc em otni ym gnihtab tius” Zatanna cast her spell which changed her into a black bikini. “Speaking of Robin, where is the boy wonder?”

M’gann can you connect her too? Robin asked.

Of course. Guys, I think we should leave the two alone. Robin, I’ll keep up the link and try not to listen. Just get my attention when you are done.

Thanks Meg. Robin replied as everyone but he and Zatanna left.

Robin? Zatanna asked. She jumped when Robin’s head suddenly came up right at the edge of the pool by her. Wow. You’re eyes… they’re blue. Is this what you wanted to show me?

No, just a bonus. Just… please be whelming. I know it’s a shock, but I’m still the same guy. Promise that this won’t change how you think of me? Robin said, looking desperate and nervous.

Of course it won’t. Zatanna said, laying down next to the pool and looking straight into Robin’s eyes. Robin lifted his tail and crossed his forearms on the pool ledge, revealing all of his fins. You-you’re a merman?

First person to get it right on the first guess. Even Wally guessed mermaid. Robin said, still looking nervous.

Can-Can I touch them? Zatanna asked, still looking awestruck.

Yeah, just go to the shallow end of the pool and I’ll meet you there. Robin thought before he began swimming for the shallow end of the pool. By the time Zatanna got there, he was struggling to pull himself any shallower.

You’re fine there. I can get a bit wet. Zatanna said. Robin stopped and looked at her. She sat down in the mid shin deep water and reached her hand to touch his blue/black/silver tail. As soon as her hand brushed it about halfway down, it twitched away from her.

Sorry, keep going. Robin thought, blushing heavily. Zatanna lightly stroked his tail, and then still stroking it, looked at Robin’s face. Once the redness went away, he seemed to relax and enjoy her stroking his tail.

“Did I ever mention that fish are my favorite animal?” Zatanna asked. Robin turned to her and grinned.

I think you left that part out. He said as she took his hand in hers. She didn’t seem to mind that the fin on his forearm was bumping into her arm. She leaned in and, filling half of the space between her and Robin, she kissed him. He slowly kissed her back and brushed his hand against the side of her face. After about five seconds they both pulled away.

“Hmmm. Salty.” Zatanna said, grinning.

Ha ha Zee. Robin thought. Ready for the others? We decided that, since they found out, we would go swimming today. With the sudden revelation of my mer-ness, it slipped our minds that you were coming today. So, what do you say Zee, shall we go for a swim?

They can come, and of course, my prince. Zatanna thought to him, smiling.

Meg, you guys can come back in now. Then he held his hand out to Zatanna who quickly took it. Robin twisted and dove back under the water, making sure to stay within seven feet of the surface of the water. Once they got the closest they could to the door, they went to the surface. The others walked in as Zatanna lifted herself onto the wall. “Hey guys, come over here. I can do a spell I’ve been working on to let us breathe underwater.” Zatanna said and the team walked over to her. “Tel su ehtaerb retawrednu.” The team, excluding Robin who was already there, got into the pool and found that they could breathe underwater.