A/N: Whoa, these are some long chapters. And I'm extremely sorry, but, Robin will end up dying. It's in the summary. He's not going to die in this chapter, though. There's a teensy bit of SuperMartian fluff in this one.
"No! No! That's not fair! You're Robin! You're so young and you just- don't deserve this crap! You should be able to laugh and worry about whatever boys your age worry about! You shouldn't-"
"Con, i-it's cool. I knew this wouldn't sit well with you. And you may be mad we didn't tell you earlier, but we wanted to be absolutely sure if we could help it or not before saying anything. I didn't want you guys to have cows when they told you I was dying, then, say they found a cure, and you get all asterous, but then they find out it's only temporary and you guys are disappointed, heavy on the dis."
"I'll be at Wayne Manor these next few weeks." Because that's all I have left. "In case, I dunno, you wanna drop by, or something." Roy and Wally and everyone else don't hesitate to embrace their little brother. "I'm staying here 'til tomorrow. I wanna hang out with you guys before I go again."
He is changing the subject, because he doesn't want to remember some of his last few moments with this team-his team- as depressing and grief-stricken. He wants to remember smiles and laughter. They comply to his wishes, because they want the same. So they play video games, watch movies, throw popcorn at each other, tell bad jokes but laugh anyways, play-fight, and Robin is the first to sleep.
The next day comes sooner than the Young Justice team would prefer. Robin is the last to wake. This concerns Wally and Roy, though the habit is nothing new. They just keep hoping, despite the reality, that one day Dick will rise early like he used to, and practice his impossible acrobatics. Then they will know, somehow, he's getting better. Only, he's not. He's sleeping a little more and doing a little less each day. Not that they can blame him.
M'gann makes pancakes in the kitchen, humming a happy-sad tune to herself and she is extra careful not to burn these, Robin's first meal back with the team. Superboy watches her, supervises, in case things get out of hand, and, just to occupy himself. Artemis practices archery outside and Kaldur does a morning swim. Roy and Wally haven't left Robin's side since he arrived yesterday.
Superboy approaches M'gann from behind, wrapping strong arms around her. He mumbles a quiet 'Sorry' when she squeaks, startled. But they're both comfortable in this embrace.
"Yes, Conner?"
"Nothing. Just..just want you to know. I love you. In case you're here today and gone tomorrow, I want you to know, I love you. Nothing will ever change that."
There are tears in M'gann's eyes and the martian fights back a sob.
"I..I know. I love you, I love you, too, Conner. Forever and always, no matter what."
He leans forward to kiss her quickly, not wanting to distract her too much. But he doesn't leave her side and the couple relish in the warmth and security they find in each other. When the food is done they have to separate so they can call everyone in. Robin is carried in bridal style by Roy, who laughs as Robin tries to squirm away.
They can't help but smile and enjoy it. Robin may not ever be alive like this again.
The breakfast is pleasurable. There are moments of comfortable silence and random silence-interrupting laughter that make it seem very family-like. The food only enhanced it. It's the best Robin has had since all he has eaten lately is hospital food. And he makes sure to let M'gann know. He embraces her in a quick hug, thanks her for the wonderful meal and goes to wash his plate.
The rest of the day passes far too soon but is nonetheless filled with fun and excitement for Richard. He knows he will forever this moments as his mentor arrives for him.
"Recognized Batman 02"
"Hiya, Batsy. Over here."
Batman scowls at the nickname but walks over to the voice. Roy, who has called him, is sitting on the couch, Robin's head in his lap and Kid Flash is petting the Boy Wonder's hands. His ward sleeps peacefully and Batman can't help but wonder.
"Where is the rest of the team?"
"Well, it's nice to see you, too. They're not here," he states the obvious just to spite the Caped Crusader. "If you must know, they went out to buy something for Robin. Why? I don't know. They just did."
Batman shrugs and gently shakes his partner's shoulders. Dick stirs slowly, but closes his eyes once more, signaling that he wants to go back to sleep. Bruce shakes his head. He and the other two boys are sure that Dick gives them cavities. The Dark Knight places his hands under his protege, lifts him, bridal style, and makes his way to the nearest exit.
Roy and Wally follow him, like lost puppies. Their brotherly bond makes them spend every second with the acrobat, not that they're complaining. Bruce lets them follow. He knows they're...good kids. They wouldn't hurt Richard and the little bird in his arms means almost as much to them as he means to Bruce.
Before anyone realizes, they reach Wayne Manor. Alfred greets them, per usual and sets off to prepare dinner, keeping Wally's metabolism in mind. Robin is set down onto his plush bed and Bruce makes his leave to his own quarters. Mountains of paperwork accumulate while he was off, taking care of his son.
"Alfred is preparing dinner. You two are free to stay if you want."
They know he doesn't need to say that. Bruce knows that too. But, Alfred has drilled it into his head since he was a boy. Everyone's favorite little bird stirs once more, mask off to reveal those beautiful blue eyes. He yawns and stretches, much like a cat and his brothers have to fight the urge to treat him like a little kitty.
Alfred calls them soon and the other four occupying the manor come. Dinner consists of Alfred's marvelous food-that butler can cook even better than Robin can do acrobatics- and light, small talk.
Robin eats the least, being the youngest and smallest, and retires to his room after helping Alfred clean, despite the man's protests. Roy and Wally sleep wherever their little bird is, and though Roy lives alone, Uncle Barry and Aunt Iris understand Wally's reasons completely. The trio chat about silly topics in Rob's room and end up telling extremely ridiculous made-up stories to each other.
Robin pulls two blankets and a few pillow out from a closet in the hallway. He sets them on the two couches that occupy space in his room. Well, one is a couch, the other is a rather roomy armchair. Both equally comfy.
"Here, these are for you guys." He hesitates, a heavy blush makes it's way to his pale face. "I-if you want though, you can sleep on my bed...with me. It's really big, in case you guys don't like the couches. I don't mind."
Robin's bed is much too big for him. Really, it is. A simple sleeping bag is more than enough for the acrobat, his skinny body, even skinnier since the Joker incident, takes too little space up on his king sized bed. Besides...he gets lonely sometimes...
So it is decided the trio will share the bed tonight, not that it's anything new. They just haven't done this kind of thing since they were children. More tickling assaults ensue throughout the evening and Dick practically collapses from exhaustion.
He's done this before, but Roy and Wally can't help their worry - this is earlier than when he slept yesterday. They decide to change into their own pajamas - Dick always keeps a few pairs of clothes for them - and sleep with him.
They wake at late morning and are both relieved and panicked that Richard is no longer on the bed with them. They almost have heart attacks until the missing acrobat is spotted on the armchair, reading.
Roy moves to Robin, slinging an arm around his thin shoulders. "Hey Little Bird. What're you doin' up?"
Robin scoffs lightly at the petname, but makes no move to remove himself from the brotherly embrace. "Reading," he responds with a 'Duh' kind of tone.
Wally snickers and is at Dick's side immediately. He scrunches his eyes at the cover. "'Flowers For Algernon'? What's that?"
"It's a book, Kid Mouth. It's really good. It's about this retarded adult, Charlie Gordon, and he- wait, no, nevermind. You guys should read it for yourselves."
"Bu-But! Look at that thing! It's got so many pages! And words! It'll take a bajillion years to finish it!"
Robin and Roy raise eyebrows, unimpressed. Ignoring the eccentric speedster, Roy turns to the acrobat.
"So, what're you doing awake? Couldn't sleep?"
Robin chuckles. "What? Is it a crime to be awake before you guys? Nothing, I just woke up and I guess I got enough sleep since I couldn't go back to sleep."
"A'ight. Cool."
"Uh, dude. Use proper English. 'A'ight'? You did not just say that."
"This coming from the one who dedicates everyday finding new ways to butcher the English language."
"Dude, that's so not asterous!"
"See what I mean?"
"Psh, you're just jealous."
"Nevermind. Hey, what's Walls doing?"
They turn in the direction of the speedster, only to find him vibrating in place, madly.
"Should we be worried?"
Roy shrugs and flicks a speck of lint at the redhead. "Hey man, what in the seven Hells are you doing?"
Wally turns to them. "Do you...smell that?"
"What?" Dick makes a face. Before his mouth opens in realization. "Oh, that. Dude, Alfred's just cooking breakfast."
"Rob. Rob. ROB. Are you telling me that you get heaven like that every morning?"
"Well, yeah. Alfred makes all the meals."
Maybe it is just his metabolism talking, but Kid Flash wants nothing more than to race downstairs and hug the British gentleman for blessing him with his presence. He doesn't though, he knows he should wait for his friends to come with him.
"KF, y'know, you can go and eat right now without us. We'll be down soon, anyways."
"Really?" His eyes widen as he looks at them and Robin's sure that if Wally was a dog, his ears would've perked up, too.
"Yeah, no biggie."
"Thanks," is heard as he runs off. He must've really been hungry. The remaining two shrug it off. Wally's always been like that. They follow after their middle brother and thus begin the day.
A/N: Hi! Hi! Jeh-Peng here! So, this is Chappy Two. And thanks to my reviewers. You guys mean alot to me. Oh yeah, earlier, 'Flowers For Algernon' was mentioned. I just want to say, it's a really good book. My dad read it in college. I'm in middle school, and I read it. And it was AMAZING. It made me cry. You guys should check it out. Thanks for reading and don't forget to review~!