Robins POV

Our lips slowly parted, eyes fluttering open as if we had just awoken from a dream. Even though it was over, I didnt let go of her. My arms were still locked protectively around her waist as I stared at her face for any reaction.

The truth was, I couldnt find the will to let go. Not at the moment atleast. My body felt strangely numb, yet at the same time, the beating of my heart had accelerated to a point I thought to be unhealthy. My mind was blank, currently blurred. Intoxicated by the taste of her. It was like sweet poison.

I slowly let go of her as her eyes searched something in mine. She was probrably wondering why I had responded to the kiss, when I had so clearly stated I couldnt stay. I didnt even know the answer to that myself.

My skin left hers, my body immediatly missing the warmth she gave out.

"I cant stay" I stated weakly. "Im sorry Zee"

I was sorry, but that seemed like something I was saying very often nowadays.

Her eyes widened in surprise before the momentary emotion passed and was replaced with a sense of panic and fear.

"Robin, no-" Evident panic was in her voice.

"You dont understand!" I said desperately as I cut her off. My voice was strained, it was obvious I didnt have a too good hold on my feelings. I felt dangerously over the edge.

"Whats to understand?" she argued. She took my hand, pressing it to her cheek. My hand involuntarily curled, cradling her face.

"I love you"

Those three words made me close my eyes for a moment, listening to the quick, easy beats of my own heart beat.

I took her face in both my hands, being extremely gentle. I felt the heat of the blush that was painted on her cheeks and felt her wet tears on my fingertips.

I bent down, ever so slowly placing my lips on her forehead, kissing her hair lightly.

"I love you more" I said sincerly. Those simple words rang clear and true.

Then I pulled away, immediatly feeling that large empty loss Ive been trying to deal with the past few months.

"Thats why I cant stay" I explained.

She tilted her head slightly at me, obviously confused. The corners of her eyes built up tears, but I wiped them away with my thumbs before they could have a chance to spill.

"There were so many times I wished for...normalacy" I started. "Where I wished that...we were normal"

I looked straight into her eyes, wanting her to know every single word I was gonna say was absolutely true.

"You couldve been walking in the park. We couldve met at the movies, at a restuarant, anywhere in the world" I said. "And I would have fallen in love with you anyway"

I smiled sadly, but I could tell it didnt reach my eyes. "But fate was cruel. Instead, I met my love under a circumstance saying I couldnt have her with me"

Her eyes filmed over with tears.

"If we were normal..." I started.

"We couldve gotten married, we couldve had kids..."

This was what I truly wanted, I wanted to spend my life with her. But sadly, before I even realized it, I had fallen in love with her, yet I also knew she couldnt be with me.

"I wanted it so badly Zee, I wanted to have a normal, long, life with you" My voice cracked. " I hought that it didnt even need to be long, as long as that I got to spend those years with you."

My hand dropped from her face to lay numbly by my side. Her tears spilled over, her gaze never looking away from mine. Her hands went up to her face to cover her mouth.

"But we both know the world isnt perfect, and that it never will be." My voice was more compossed by now.

"The world will forever need heroes"

I looked at her sternly.

"Robin will always have enemies...and I will always be Robin"

I took her in my arms again, cradling her to my chest. Listening to her sobbing, I buried my face in her hair.

"The mask took my life away, but I cant blame it for everything. I took my life away"

My breathing was ragged and uneven.

"I was born with the name Richard Grayson, but that boy died the night his parents did. And then Robin was born"

"I thought that part of me was dead, long gone" I made sure each word was precise and distinct. I said each one slowly.

"Until I met you" I whispered.

I took her hands in mine, bringing them close to my face as I kissed her fingers. "Ill always belong to you, never forget that"

But then I looked seriously at her, scared of her reaction. "But I need you to forget me"

Her eyes widened in shock.

"I need you to forget I ever existed" I repeated.

It pained me to say those words. Telling her she needed to forget those memories. Our memories. The very moments we shared together.

"Ill never forget you, I couldnt even if I tried" she said.

My eyes widened as my breath hitched in my throat.

"Never" she repeated as she buried her face in my chest.

AUTHORS NOTE: WERE NOT DONE!

more to come, so stay tuned!