^when Dick says his own sound effects because he can. I'd do that if I was a hero

M'gann had been letting her mind wander when she came across a question she'd never thought of before. When was Robin's birthday? She didn't remember any conversation about it so it couldn't have gone by already. With curiosity fueling her determination, she searched the cave for either Robin or Wally. Both would know. She found Wally in the commons room and asked him. He fidgeted and looked askance. (HE'S PENNILESS HE'S FLYING BY THE SEAT OF HIS PANTS.) "It's better to forget about the subject green cheeks. Rob doesn't like his birthday so he never told anyone except Batman," he explained. She frowned at him. 

"Maybe he'll like it more if we throw him a birthday party." Wally sighed, knowing she wouldn't let this go. "Well he's missed almost five years of parties. Even if we don't get the right day, we're making up for lost time." And so it was decided. Wally informed the team that Robin would be away for two days due to a mission with Batman in another country. That gave them ample time to plan the party and buy the gifts. M'gann was on food, Kaldur and Connor on decorations with Wally and Artemis on gifts. They thought they could pull it off, keyword being thought.

Everything had been going to plan. The gifts were bought and nearly wrapped, some having to be re-wrapped as Wally valued speed over quality. The cake was only slightly burnt but you couldn't tell with the heaps of frosting on it. The decorations were a mismatch of Halloween and some old birthday supplies which would probably appeal to Robin more than anyone. The last thing they needed was the birthday boy. "Guys he's on his way now! Are we doing a surprise?" Wally announced. "Duh Baywatch, that's the best part," Artemis snapped. They quickly found hiding positions as the computer announced Robin's arrival.

Robin walked into the Mountain with slight disappointment. Normally he would face a warm welcome after coming back from a long mission but not this time. "Maybe they're all out or something," he thought to himself, keeping chipper. He made his way to the kitchen and flipped on the light switch. "Surprise!" his team screamed in unison. Sadly, he didn't jump but just stared at them in confusion. "What are you guys doing?" he asked.

"Celebrating your birthday," M'gann replied. He then saw the birthday cake and decorations. That's when his body started to shake. Images of past birthdays with his family shot past his eyes. He felt ill at seeing them as the images contorted into those from that night. "Robin? Are you alright?" Kaldur asked, placing a hand on his shoulder. Robin jumped at the sudden touch and moved away quickly. The team knew something was up just by that. Who jumps at that and not a bunch of people screaming surprise? "Robin, you do look much paler. Is there something wrong?" M'gann inquired. The words were stuck in his throat. 

"N-no, I'm fine," he lied. There was no point in it but he still felt the need to pretend. Something like this could let his identity slip. "Yeah, you're the embodiment of fine. Did we give you a heart attack or something?" Artemis asked in a slightly mocking tone to cover her worried one. She'd never seen him look this out of it. Robin fiddled with his hands. "You put a lot of effort into this and I can see that but-but I don't do birthdays for a reason," he tried to explain before he felt that burning sensation of unshed tears. "I know but you've missed out on them for five years dude." Wally reasoned. But the reasoning fell on deaf ears. 

"You look like you're about to pass out," Kaldur commented. Not moments later, Robin did just that.

M'gann screamed as well as did Artemis, whilst Connor caught him. "Did we kill him?" M'gann shrieked. Connor checked for a pulse and shook his head. "Should we call Batman?"

"And have him come down here and kill us for breaking Robin? Nope." Wally said. 

"I know! M'gann can just go into his head and sort out whatever is going on in there." Artemis suggested. She was given agreeing nods from her peers except for M'gann. "But Kaldur said I can't go into minds that aren't the enemies," she protested. 

"This is an off chance." he told her. She nodded and told Connor to put him on the couch. Then she sat down, putting his head on her lap, and pressed two fingers against his temples. Her eyes shone a light green and she was in his mind.

By the looks of it, Robin had barriers up against this sort of thing. "Robin? It's M'gann. Where are you?" she asked. Without Robin's approval she wouldn't be able to catch a glimpse of his mind, let alone explore it. Robin appeared in front of her and looked quite upset; with her or for a different reason she didn't know yet. "Robin, I know this is getting in your personal business  but-"

"But you're wondering why I fainted and are just worried," he finished, never laying an eye on her. "Yes. So why did you?" 

"Dehydration?" That got an unimpressed eyebrow. "Sleep deprivation?" 

"Robin," she said in a serious tone. 

"No? Alright I'll show you but we'll tell the others it was a mix dehydration and sleep deprivation. Deal?" he asked, putting a hand out. She took it and nodded. "I'll blur out faces, for ID reasons of course."

"Of course," she repeated. M'gann found herself slightly disappointed in not getting a hint on who he really was. Robin waved his hand and about eight memories of birthdays popped up. Each had two adults and a small boy on a trapeze. They seemed happy. "Are those your parents?" she questioned. 

"Yeah, every birthday I had with them was great," he said. His voice has something melancholy to it. "Why are there only eight?" 

"They died before my ninth. After that I refused to celebrate them." The memories went black and white, some flickering to parts of a gruesome image M'gann didn't want to see. "What do you do on your birthday?" she asked. 

"Stay in my room and brood. Batman knows to stay away, he's made no attempt to make me feel better and part of me likes it that way."

"Part? Robin, you can't just lock yourself away because they're not there for you anymore."

Robin had his back turned to her at this point as the memories shattered. She frowned and turned him around. "You've spent the last five or so years not moving on. I know we only met a few months ago but I care for you like a brother, you're the closest I have. I think I know you well enough to know you're family would want you to celebrate," she insisted. He looked up at her and hugged her tightly, almost knocking her over. She hadn't expected that of all reactions. 

"You're family too."

"You ready to go out there? We can take down the stuff if you want?" she suggested. 

"You put too much work in it. Besides, today is actually my birthday," he admitted. She grinned at him, "Then let's celebrate."

Robin woke up with Wally's face all too close to his. "See! Told you I could wake him up without touching him," Wally proclaimed.

"I can put you in unspeakable pain without leaving so much as a bruise," Robin said, shoving the older's face out the way. "Point taken. You're feeling better I presume?" Robin nodded and looked to M'gann to back him up. "Just dehydration and sleep deprivation. The usual Bat stuff," she lied, winking at Robin. "Are we still doing the party?"

"Are you wearing Flash underwear right now?" Robin retorted. Wally went bright red and pouted. "I'll take that as a yes," Artemis said.

They partied for a while and Robin seemed like he was having fun. If he was honest, this was a lot better than brooding in his room all day. Right now his team were up and dancing like idiots. Not being much of a dancer, he leaned against a wall and watched them make fools of themselves. "They look like they're having fun," Black Canary commented suddenly. Robin smiled and nodded. "I saw what happened earlier Robin, I'm here if you want to talk," she reminded him. "M'gann has me covered on this one Tanti," he replied. She smiled at him then looked back at the teens. "Loosen up a bit and join 'em," she said, egging him on. 

"Not a dancer." Black Canary then whistled to Artemis who came running over. 

"Yes Black Canary?" 

"Get Robin dancing will you, he could use the fun." 

"Say no more." Robin was promptly pulled towards the dancing and slowly but surely joined in. 

"That's my boy wonder."

This was supposed to be short but ended up being over 1000 words. Why does this keep happening?