How did I get here?
The same question rang through his distraught mind to the beat of the clock resting on the bathroom counter. A pair of green gloves and a black mask lay sprawled out on the ground in a mess, as if taken off in a haste. The owner leaned against the counter, his palms spread out on the cool surface of the granite counter.
Robin inhaled deeply and stared at his own startling blue eyes in the mirror. Tragedy swam in the depths of those cerulean pools; he use to be proud of who he was… He was proud of the person he had grown to become: the Titan's leader.
Gone was the pride he once held in regard of himself. Just the week before, he would've looked in mirror and found a young, strong leader. Now all he saw was the haunting image of Slade.
He raised his fist and punched the mirror, the glass cracking under his skin. He stared dully as the blood dripped down from the cuts in his knuckles.
Imprinted in his mind forever, was the soft words of Starfire's agonized resolution.
I cannot live in a word where we must fight. If you are truly evil, go ahead, do what you must.
Her beautiful emerald eyes had been so full of hope… so full of love; it nearly broke him.
A sob escaped his throat and he rubbed his palms over his face, hoping that it would somehow erase the painful memory.
Starfire was more than he ever deserved. She was the reason he kept going.
He squeezed his eyes shut and dipped his head, sighing.
His friends had kept a close watch on him since he returned to the tower, though he understood why.
They didn't trust him, and frankly… He didn't trust himself.
Even though he was under close watch, none of them had even spoken a word to him.
Starfire had brought him some food and water for dinner, since he had been confined to his quarters. He noticed that she had lingered in the doorway, hoping that he would say something to her. When he didn't, she left, silently telling him that she understood he needed more time. Part of him ached to call out to her, but he knew she was right in thinking he needed more time. He couldn't face her. Not now.
Tears sprang up in his eyes and he didn't even bother to wipe them away as they begun to drip on the counter. He turned away wearily and took somber steps to his bed. He flopped down on his stomach and burrowed his face in his pillow.
Night was the only time he could be vulnerable. It was the only time he could take off his mask and be the broken Richard Grayson who watched his parents fall to their deaths all those years ago.
He lay there in agony and sobbed his heart out for hours, he thought.
His body froze in horror when he felt a pair of hands, warm and soft, caress his bloody hands.
"Don't cry, Robin," soothed the angelic voice, and immediately he knew who it was. Her fingers caressed his cheeks and turned his head to face her. Emerald eyes met cerulean. Warmth spread through his body at the soft smile that appeared in her eyes.
"I'm right here."
Hello, readers,
I would appreciate any reviews! Constructive criticism is welcome; I want your guys' input so I can improve and write things that you would like to read.
Kori Raelyn