The first star I see may not be a star. We can't do a thing but wait. So let's wait for one more, and the time, such clumsy time in deciding if it's time. I'm careful, but not sure how it goes -you can lose yourself in your courage."

-Jimmy Eat World 'For Me This Is Heaven'

Oh Silent Prayer of My Thoughts:

By: The BatThing

Chapter Six:

Robin leisurely ran a gloved hand through his thick black hair, pushing it back, out of his face. A haircut was in order - that much was clear. It was no wonder Alfred use to schedule an appointment to trim his hair every couple of months. Tim had never questioned the butler, but now he had his unwanted answer.

The thoughts of Alfred caused the ever-present flock of butterflies in his stomach to take flight. And Robin didn't enjoy that one bit. 'Keep your mind off that,' he criticized silently. 'You have a job to do. Don't ever forget that.'

Not that he ever would. His work was his home now. No matter how much Gordon pushed and pulled he could never take Robin from this – from his roofs.

The boy pushed his index finger to his right ear, feeling the disagreeable presence of a small headphone. Even if he was Robin he still was connected to the police nowadays. Gordon made sure of that much, always keeping him at hand. And what better way to make sure the kid was playing safe by placing him with Gordon's close friend, Renee Montoya.

Tim had to admit, he liked Montoya, and she was okay as far as he was concerned. Not to mention she was extremely good looking in his mind. The boy allowed a sigh to escape his mouth and didn't bother to cover it. He tossed his head and glanced around, it was apparent nothing would be happening tonight, at least not in this area.

The boy walked to the edge of the roof and dug into this utility belt, pulling out a grappling hook. He aimed, and then fired, allowing it to catch before walking off the roof and letting himself be pulled away.

Half way back to the police station he got a call. It was Montoya, and she sounded excited. "Robin?"

The boy grunted in reply. "Yeah?"

"I think we have a lead to the Gauss murders!" There was a pause. "Are you close to the station?"

"Relatively, what kind of lead are we talking about?" The boy squatted down in the shadows.

"Well, this guy was brought into the police station admitted to knowing something about the matter. He was scared stiff, but his lawyer told him he would get a few years knocked off if he answered the questions."

"Who is this guy? Anyone we know?"

"No, no one important," the young woman admitted. "But, well, you'll recognize the one in charge of these murders though. It's Mr. Zsasz."

"Victor Zsasz - as in the guy who tallies every victim onto his body, that guy?"

"Yeah, I'm afraid so."

Robin gave a low whistle and nodded, "I suppose it would make sense." He glanced around and watched as an older lady turned down the alley, pushing a shopping cart filled with blankets, a cat was perched on top of the bundle.

"Mm-hmm, so we still can't confirm anything, but I have a feeling it's good. He was really scared, and didn't budge for a long time."

Robin didn't answer, he watched the woman settle down between a few garbage bags.

Montoya seemed to be waiting for an answer, but when she didn't get one she moved on with the conversation herself. "I was looking through his profile, and well, there isn't anything hinting towards it, but at the same time there isn't anything against it. So I think it's worth following."

The boy slid through the shadows, and silently crept up to the woman attempting to rest. He pulled out crumpled five dollar bill and pushed it in her blankets, then hurried along. "Well, I'll see what I can find out here, I am sure people know something about it."

"About that. Gordon told me to tell you to come back – he said something about not working too late tonight."

"He did, did he." Robin clenched his fist, angry. He couldn't take it; he couldn't take Gordon's tender care, or whatever the hell he was trying to do. Tim wasn't one to argue with someone like Gordon, Bruce taught him that much about respect, but at the same time, Bruce and Alfred were the only two people Tim had ever allowed to boss him around. He didn't mean to, but his words came out harsh, "Is he around by chance?"

"He's in a meeting actually, but if it's important I'll get him for you."

"Don't bother," Robin growled. "Listen, if that's all I'm going to head out."

Montoya was silent for a moment, "yeah," she finally answered, "that's all. See you soon kid."

The boy ripped the phone piece from his ear and raised his arm, ready to launch it at the brick wall a few feet away. He stood in that position for a few moments, and then carefully placed the piece into his belt. No use in wasting equipment, he decided.

Robin shoved his suit into the thin backpack, and sighed as he slipped his feet into the Teva flip-flops. He then pushed his hand against the stall door and walked out into the bathroom, staring at himself in the mirror. "Ugh, looking a little pale I see," He chuckled at his words.

The door to the bathroom was opened and Harvey Bullock entered. When his eyes settled on Robin he stopped in his tracks.

The boy washed his hands in the sink, ignoring the rude stare, and then carefully wiped them against the seat of his jeans. He then proceeded to pull the short gloves over his hands. Seeing that Harvey was still stunned the boy walked past him, leaving the bathroom.

"Hey there, 'Boy Wonder'," a voice said.

Robin stopped and slowly turned around, looking into the face of a young cop he didn't recognize.

"It's Robin, if you don't mind."

"Sure thing - I heard you was working here, but didn't believe it. But I guess I was wrong."

"Sure." The boy then stiffly turned back around and walked towards Gordon's office, hoping not to be noticed anymore that night.

"Wait, I wanna to talk to you for a sec," the cop caught up to him and began walking alongside the boy. He flashed the Robin a smile, and it was all the more apparent he wasn't older than 26. "The name's Extine, Justin Extine, and trust me – the pleasure is all mine!"

Robin gave a small nod and glanced at the man, "Robin, erm, just Robin."

Justin gave a large laugh, filled with pleasure. "You could say Robin Batman, you know? Hee-hee. So, why are you hanging out here?"

The boy quirked an eyebrow, "I don't have much of a choice I guess."

"What do you mean?" Justin stopped the boy, "hold on for a moment, let me get a cup of water. You want some?"

"Uh, sure."

The man filled up two cups and handed the boy one. "Don't feel the need to answer anything you don't want to, I'm just kinda curious. What gets me though is the fact that you've been around longer than I can remember, at look at you – you're only a kid! How do you manage that? I heard Batman was human, but I mean – if you don't age then…" He gave an expectant look, and Robin couldn't help but chuckle.

"Classified," the boy replied calmly. "I can't answer that one for you."

"No prob, little buddy. You don't have to answer anything you don't want too."

Robin took a large gulp of water, then carefully look the man over. "You're new here?"

"Sort of, yeah – yeah I am." The young man sighed and shook his head, blushing slightly, "I guess it's apparent huh, otherwise I would have known for sure you worked here."

"Not necessarily. I haven't been around here that long," Robin admitted softly in reply.

"So, you know the Batman real well then? That has to be cool, huh? Not to mention you get to hang out with Batgirl," the man smirked at this.

Taking another sip, Robin forced himself to think of the lovely Batgirl. He didn't feel up to it at the moment.

"You always work this late?" The man tossed his now empty cup into a nearby trash can. "I just got this shift for the night, which is a shame."

"I work all day," Robin told him, looking at his water and not feeling up to drinking the rest. "Sometimes I'll be in the back, or I'll be out, you know."

"Out, I know what that means! It means kicking bad guys butts," Justin was smiling stupidly now. "Why do you work in the back?"

Robin shifted his weight and sighed, "I'm on the Gauss murder, and it's easier to work where people aren't hanging around. You know, it's hard with the mask sometimes."

Justin nodded, accepting the boy's words as truth. "Hey look, that meeting is finally done and over with. My partner was in it, that's why I'm kinda doing nothing. Aw cripes, here comes Gordon, look busy!"

The boy couldn't help but smile as Justin picked up some papers frantically started flipping through them. "Why look busy? I doubt you'll be fired for getting water."

"I'm new; I don't want to start out on the wrong foot."

Gordon and the others made their way down the hall and Robin stepped beside Justin. "Why don't we hide rather than look busy."

"What? Well, 'cause we could get in more trouble for that!" Justin looked confused. "Why would you want to hide anyhow? You're Robin!"

The boy rolled his eyes but closed his mouth as Gordon caught sight of him. The Commissioner made a beeline for him.

"Robin, there you are!" The man smiled at the two standing side-by-side. "And Officer… Extine, correct?"

Justin looked thrilled for being called by his name – by the commissioner. "Yes sir!"

Gordon chuckled. "Have you boys been up to much?"

"Just talking," Robin carefully answered, making sure there was an edge in his voice.

"Very good, well, if you don't mind Justin – I need to steal your friend from you." Gordon smiled pleasantly and Robin scowled.

"Oh- sure, erm--" Justin looked at the Boy Wonder--"I'll see you around?"

The boy nodded, "yeah, what shift are you usually?"

"Morning, early morning," Justin replied, "if you ever are around come and find me."

"Be happy too." Robin then followed Gordon down the hall, waving to Justin, hoping he had just made a friend.

Robin awoke the next morning to the sound of running water; he groggily checked his mask to find it securely in place, and then got to his feet. The boy walked into the halls, quietly finding the bathroom in the dark and flicked the lights on. He closed the door firmly, and then proceeded to lock it. Tim took a short shower, allowing himself the freedom of removing his mask, and then wrapped a towel around his waist, making his way back down the hall to his room.

The boy sighed as he dressed, looking around the room. He couldn't manage to call it his room. He didn't know why, it just didn't feel right. It had been a few weeks now since the bombing and Tim felt he was ready to face the manor to attempt to steal a few of his things.

There was a dull knock on his door and the boy carefully replaced his mask, than slipping his feet into his flip-flops. There was another knock and Tim grunted, "Hold on a minute!" He then opened the door, looking at Gordon. "Yeah?"

"Hey, you mind if I come in so we can talk for a few?" Gordon actually waited for an answer, which Tim couldn't help but notice. "Uhhh…sure, come on in."

Gordon did, and sat down on the unmade bed, looking around the room. "I haven't been in here for awhile, is it holding up all right for you?"

Tim nodded, placing his hands on his hips. "It's fine. Is there something you need to talk about? Or are we just visiting?"

"There is something I would like to discuss with you actually." Gordon removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes gingerly. "Well, I guess we already lightly touched the matter, but I would like to bring it up again, that and a few other things. Robin, we need to decide what is happening."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm not here to try and figure out who you are – I'll be sure no one finds out who you are, and I don't want to know who you are if you don't want to tell me. But the trouble is school, school and whether or not you have any family you can live with permanently."

Robin studied the man, feeling the butterflies in his gut act up again. "I can't tell you something like that." The boy could feel his cheeks turning red, and he couldn't stop them from doing so.

Gordon noticed this and frowned. "You don't have to give me names, just tell me if you actually have family who can take you in, that's all I want to know. You don't have to mention people who wouldn't be willing."

"My family – erm – no. I don't know…I don't think I have a family." Tim released a long breath. "I couldn't say. And anyways, Batman might come back."

"Besides one of your friends coming back – you have no one."

"My…parents aren't…They don't…Well, we never…no, there's none. There's no one else.

Gordon nodded his head, "very well – now I am going to make you an offer. You may live with me, under my house as long as you understand one thing. You have to do as I tell you, I'll give you as much freedom as I can – as much freedom as I'm able. But you are still a boy, and you still need an education. I've asked around, and found you a tutor from the police station."

Tim was studying the man. "And you won't let me be Robin if I say I'm going to leave?"

"If you leave you must have some sort of support that can allow you to safely be Robin." Gordon smiled wryly.

"Who is the tutor?"

Gordon frowned for a moment, then reestablished him stature. "It's Bullock."

Tim's mouth opened at this, "Harvey Bullock? I thought he hated the entire Bat-clan."

"Yes, you're right."

"How can you spare him just so he can tutor me? And since when can he teach? Since when can he even read?" Robin considered this being a joke – how could someone like Bullock teach him?

"Well, it wouldn't be for long, he would just teach you what you need to know – you know – maybe for three hours a day. The subjects you have to know. And Bullock isn't as stupid as people take him for, Robin. Looks can be deceiving, I mean, you don't exactly look like Robin material."

Tim glared at Gordon, but let the comment pass. "Why would he agree to teach me? Are you forcing him? If so I don't feel like I should agree to this."

"No, I'm not forcing anything Tim, I just offered him pay – and Montoya said a few words with him. She's his partner; he respects her as much as he does me. And I think the both of us managed to get it through that he was the only person trustworthy enough to teach you and not make any attempts to unmask you. Montoya has too many responsibilities on the force, and there's no one else I can trust." Gordon got to his feet, and then walked to the door. "I'll let you think about it. Meantime, I'm cooking some breakfast, are you planning to come to the office with me?"

"I'll be by later today, I have to stop and see an old friend about something – don't look at me like that – it's not Robin business, I swear."

Gordon looked confused, but nodded. "Ok."

To be continued…