A/N: Hey, I'm Jeh-Peng. This is my first fanfiction for Young Justice. I hope the idea's not overused or anything. I'm writing this in the middle of the night. I want to apologize if there are any OOC or rushed pieces, I'm still finding my own writing style. Uhm, anyways, here's the first chapter. Please review, I appreciate it. Just, please don't wish I go to Hell or something, it doesn't really help my self esteem at all. Thank you~!
Roy and Wally look at each other anxiously. Then to the large sterile white building before them. Back to each other. Back to the building. They nod in understanding and take anxious steps inside. Into this horrid building full of despair.
Gotham Hospital.
Maybe it is just because, being in so many accidents 'on the job' makes them dread it here. They are in hospitals too many times. If for themselves or visiting an injured friend. They walk up to the receptionist desk. An energetic young lady greets at them.
"Uh, hi. We're here to visit Richard Grayson."
"Oh! Of course, he's in," she flips through her patient book before turning to them. "Room 0404." She gives an understanding smile. "Don't worry about him, he's a strong kid."
Those words are cherished by the two redheads, but they know better. The doctor has told them, along with Bruce Wayne, of course, that nothing can be done. As strong as Robin was, he can't fight off everything. They try to be optimistic when they see the bird, but he knows better, as well. He knows he is dying. He knows they lie when they say everything is okay. But, he still appreciates their efforts.
The older two unsteadily make their way to the fourth room of the fourth floor. The speedster's shaky hand reaches for that polished doorknob. And for once, he's taking his time. As much as he loves his 'little brother', the sight of him in that hospital bed is so haunting. So, here he goes.
Soundlessly, the door opens, and Roy and Wally enter.
The first thing that greets them is the predominant beeping of the heart monitor and the two wonder how their little bird can sleep through it. Speaking of whom, is absently flipping through an old book Bruce dropped off for him. He looks up, and his pale face breaks out into a sweet, innocent smile. And their hearts break all over again.
Wally and Roy visit everyday. And everytime they do, Robin smiles. Smiles for them. Smiles that smile he saves for only them, Bruce, Alfred, and his deceased parents. That smile that they will forever remember, but soon, never again get to see.
Robin puts his book down, marking the page, despite the fact that he has read it numerous times and can probably quote it.
"Hey guys. What's up?" Robin's also trying to be hapy for them. He genuinely enjoys when they visit, but nowadays, he's feeling so tired. His voice is noticably quieter but the jovialness in it is pure.
They smile back. "Nothing, man. Without you, the hero business is boring as Hell." Robin snorts playfully and scoots over, so his friends can sit next to him. Not that Robin takes up much room on the hospital bed. They accept the offered space and Roy pets the top of the Boy Wonder's head, something that the youngest has come to love.
The door opens, and the expected face of the doctor never comes. Instead, it's Bruce Wayne. His eyes look tired and weary and he seems as though he could just fall unconscious on the spot.
"Hi, Dad." Dick's eyes shoot open instantly, and he begins to apologize.
"B-Bruce! I'm sorry- I mean- I didn't mean t-"
"It's okay, son." Bruce feels elated at how Richard's eyes light up when he calls him that, but continues. "I've arranged, with the hospital, for you to be taken home. Alfred and I have more than enough to take care of you. And I'm sure you'd rather not stay here any longer."
Robin will jump into his mentor's arms if he can. But that wide, ear to ear grin is the best he can manage. He stands on his feet, with assistance from Wally and they leave the hospital. The billionaire has checked his son out of the hospital prior to delivering the news.
Surprisingly, they make it to Bruce's car and the Wayne Manor without having to avoid any reporters. 'Guess they all died or something.'Bruce thinks boredly. Alfred opens the door for them, as prim and proper as he usually is, though, obviously overjoyed by the return of the boy he considers a grandson.
"Master Bruce, I see Master Richard has returned safely. Come, his room has prior been prepared for him." Alfred leads the group, even though Bruce and Robin already know the house inside and out. Roy and Wally can't help their gaping faces as they follow, always amazed at the grand size and condition of the considerably old manor.
Many winding hallways later, they reach Richard's room. The door opens up into his colorful, organized quarters and the owner of said room doesn't hesitate to situate himself upon the many pillows of his made bed.
"Ah, it's good to be home."
Bruce watches Alfred for reactions, and winces alongside his old friend when they hear the chipper voice, of the last Flying Grayson, lacking it's usual luster. They make sure to disguise the expression quickly and Alfred speaks up.
"Master Richard, would you or your company care for a snack? There are finger foods assorted upon the counter at your disposal."
"Alright, thanks Alfred."
Bruce signals to Alfred that the two need to share a private conversation. They exit the room, leaving the trio to themselves. Roy and Wally share a look before advancing at their smallest. Robin observes them silently, trying to figure out what their goal is. When he doesn't know and they continue to approach, he swallows. "Guys...?"
The older two pounce onto Dick and begin assaulting him with their fingers. Each digit barely runs over the sensitive skin and Dick lets out shrieks of laughter and begs to stop.
"Y-you guys! Come on, stop! Pl..Ease!" His voice is unsteady as he tries to forms his pleas. His cries go unheard, drowning in the sea of the redheads' laughter. Finally, they let up, removing themselves from the Boy Wonder so he may catch his breath. He glares and pouts, looking quite childish in doing so.
Bruce enters shortly after Robin recovers, and looks around. Robin has isolated himself on the corner of his bed, seeming upset and the archer and speedster are sharing knowing glances, smirking, seeming thoroughly satisfied with something. Bruce decides, he doesn't want to know. He sits next to Robin, whispering something in his ear. At the way his ward perks up, he can't help his own smile.
"You mean that?"
"Of course."
"When can we go?"
"Whenever you're ready."
"Thank you so much~!"
His prepubescent voice sounds adorable as he squeals. And the redheads are now interested.
"Hey man, what's up?"
"Wals, it's the best! I get to see the team today!"
"Aw, dude! That's the shit! Right, Roy?"
" 'Course."
Bruce speaks up before making his way out, "Dick, you'll be able to stay tonight and I'll pick you up tomorrow afternoon. And...if it pleases you, you may tell the team."
"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Bruce, you don't know how much this means to me!"
"Don't worry, I do." With that, he disappears.
"Well, little bird, what are we waiting for?"
"Let's go!"
They take the zeta-beams of the Batcave to get to the base. A female voice announces their arrival and, though that goes unnoticed, when they enter the common room, the team bombards them.
"Robin! Where have you been? We missed you!"
"Hey, Baywatch. Good job bringing him back in one piece. Little brother, how are ya?"
"Hello, Robin. We have missed you very much since your absence."
"Robin, you're back."
"Hey, guys. I missed you, too."
Wally settles Robin down on the couch and everyone huddles around him, as if he is their salvation. He feels a bit uncomfortable about the attention and excuses himself to get a drink. He returns shortly with a juice box that has the Batman symbol printed on it. Nobody comments on it, but the girls mentally giggle.
Robin sits down and calls for everybody's attention, which isn't that hard. Immediately, six pairs of eyes watch as intently as a hawk would watch it's prey.
"Listen, I trust you guys. A lot. You're like family to me. And you may never know how much that means to me. But you will now. I love you guys and I want you to know. To know about my past...
I was born into a circus life. Haley's Circus, to be exact. It was famous for its Flying Grayson act. The only acrobats in the world who could a quadruple flip. We performed without a net." Tears spring to Robin's eyes, though no one can tell due to the mask.
"I was eight. One day, I wandered around before performance and saw Pop Haley. He was talking, well, more like arguing, with Tony Zucco, an Italian Mafia Boss. He told Pop Haley that if he didn't pay for something- I don't remember, since I didn't understand at the time- his greatest act would pay. I didn't really understand what that meant, so I went back to my parents.
The next day, performance day, when our turn came," His voice trembles and Roy and Wally have taken it upon themselves to comfort and soothe the distressed acrobat. "My mother, she reached for my hand and- and- and then," his breath hitches and he whimpers, "the rope...it sn-snapped.."
Gasps rise among the teens and tears come to their eyes. They have no idea what their little brother had to bear witness to. His voice is a mere whisper.
"I saw it. They screamed my name and I could only watch. Watch them fall. Down. Down, down, down. To their deaths...The sight...it was...so bloody, and the noise, the crunch of bones... I couldn't, I didn't save them. And I feel so awful that I hadn't done anything. It was all my fault..."
They try to assure him it's not. They comfort and seek their own comfort in the boy. He recovers soon and continues.
"Artemis, you know me." She stares, bewildered. His pale hand reaches for the edge of his domino mask and tugs it off, gently. The team can't help it as they lean in, on the edges of their seats. His eyes are closed for a moment later and slowly, his eyelids flutter open, revealing eyes of blue. A brilliant, electric blue that Artemis has only seen on one onther person.
"Dick...Dick Grayson... Y-you're..."
"Yup. Guilty as charged."
"That means, Batman is-"
"Yup. Bruce Wayne."
Tears are shed and laughter is heard from the teens that night. But Robin speaks again. It's been a month, almost two, since he's been in this room, let alone with his own team. And he knows that they are curious as to why.
"Guys, you know I've been gone for, well, quite a while now. You probably want to know why."
The vigorous nods are all he needs to continue.
"Well, the last day I was here, I left early, as you remember. Batman called me for patrol. We suited up, went out, nothing major. Then, we came across the Joker. He was with his stupid girlfriend, Harley. They were robbing a bank, which was a little more simple than they were known for. Didn't make it any more easier, though. So, we fought them." Roy and Wally lean in, too. They don't even know the full story behind this. "Harley pulled a fast one. And ran out screaming, which made me cackle.
So I went to help Bats fight the Joker. he was pulling punches and knives and gunshots at a surprisingly fast rate. It was whelming, to say the least. We got so caught up that we didn't even notice Harley come in, but I bet Joker planned that. Things were getting to a really close call, and it was hectic. I didn't hear Harley running towards us, well specifically me, and I don't think Batman did, either. He would have done something. I didn't know what hit me 'til I was impaled. Right in the chest, a little too close to my heart then I would have preferred. It was agonizing and I screamed.
Joker and his clown creep girlfriend took off, money in hand. To sum it up, we failed. Batman turned to me, horrified, afraid. And I tried to apologize. But no words came out. Only blood and it looked kinda more blackish-purple than healthy. And I was so scared. Scared of what was happening and I was getting so tired. The scariest part was wondering how long I had. If I fell asleep, would I wake again? But, I did. In the hospital. The doctor told me I was still alive."
The team looks relieved when he stops talking, but that quickly changes as they look back at him. In his magnificent blue eyes, emotions are raging. He looks devastated and scared.
"Guys, what I'm about to tell you, please, please, don't hate me."
Kaldur speaks for all of them. "Robin, you are our friend, our little brother. We could never hate you."
"Well, you guys are so happy right now. I don't want to ruin it. But, you have to know."
"The doctor, h-he said I was still alive. For now." Robin looks down and continues to speak, unable to meet the devastated expressions on his friends' faces. "That sword, machete, whatever, it was coated in something. Some sort of special made Joker poison. And they don't know what he put in it, but they can't cure it. It got in my blood and it's weakening me, eating away at my body." Before Kid Flash can suggest that he and Flash examine the toxin, Robin replies to his unspoken offer. "They already had the world's best scientists look at it, Flash included. The best money could buy. But nothing. No known cure. We've tried everything. Medicine, treatment, magic, anything found online has been tested. And...I'm-I'm dying."