The title of this chapter (and this story) was inspired by a song my uncle wrote--I sorta borrowed it without permission. (COUGH) Um... and one of the scenes in this chapter is based off a verse in his song too... I hope he doesn't find out about this... he's the one with the Davy Jones tickets for this summer... O.o


Broken Glass

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Broken Glass

A light in the Tower's meeting room flickered on as four teenage superheroes returned from their latest mission. They were happily chatting amongst themselves—not quite as animatedly as they used to, but it was happy talk nonetheless. All were eager to clean up the Tower and go home, so their prattle was reduced to a minimum as they went about their work.

"I went to see Dick this morning," Kid Flash said at one point.

"There's a new one. Why don't you just move into Wayne Manor with the guy and save yourself the trouble of traveling back and forth all the time?"

"Speedy!" the others yelled. The archer just shrugged and rather roughly pushed in a chair.

"How is he doing?" asked Wonder Girl.

"Pretty good, I guess. Oh, and he finally confessed that he was the one responsible for all that food going missing a few months ago. Remember that? Anyway, he apologized—about twenty times—and gave us a few thousand to cover expenses."

"A few thousand?" Aqualad repeated in shock. "Dollars?"

"No. Apple seeds."

"…Why would Dick give us apple seeds?"

"Forget it."

"A few thousand dollars seems awfully generous, though," Wonder Girl observed, sounding awed and dismayed all at once. "I hope you refused the offer."

"I tried. He won," the speedster explained. "He may be sick, but he could still use me as a dust mop if he wanted to."

"Why am I not surprised?" Speedy snorted. Kid Flash shot him a withering look and barely resisted the urge to break a chair over the irritating bowman's head.

"Well you boys have a nice chat, and try not to hurt each other," Wonder Girl interrupted. "As much as I'd like to stay here and watch, I really should go."

"And Arthur is waiting for me in Atlantis," Aqualad put in. "We'll see you both soon, alright? And please, no fights."

Speedy and Kid Flash mumbled their agreements as the other two left.

They had only been alone for about two minutes before Kid Flash, in a completely casual tone, asked Speedy, "So why haven't you been to see Dick yet?"

"I just haven't had the time… you know…"

"No. I don't know," Kid Flash said shortly. He turned and looked Speedy right in the eye. "All of us have visited Dick about four/five times already. It's been two months already—I should think you'd be able to make some time in your busy schedule to talk to him for ten minutes!"

"Hey, I don't have to see him if I don't want to! I don't owe him anything!" Speedy yelled.

"Don't you?"

The boys looked up from their argument to see Aqualad standing in the doorway, watching them pensively.

"What do you want, Gillhead? I thought you left with Wonder Girl."

"I left my communicator here."

Speedy and Kid Flash watched with suspicious eyes as the Atlantean meandered over to the meeting table and picked up the small metal object on top of it. He gazed at the communicator for a moment before tucking it back into his belt. Without looking up, he asked in his quietest voice, "Are you sure you don't owe Dick anything, Roy?"

"Now what's that supposed to mean?" Speedy asked defensively.

Aqualad didn't answer directly. Instead, he asked another question.

"Do you remember the case a couple of years ago when we were investigating that factory in Mexico? You were captured and tied up near the riverbank so you'd drown as soon as they broke the dam."

Speedy promptly turned pink at the reminder.

"I was unable to do anything about it then as they had captured me as well," Aqualad continued. "But Kid Flash was there. Do you remember, Kid Flash?"

"Sure do," the speedster agreed with a nod. "Robin practically drowned trying to save your sorry hide, Speedy-o. I seem to remember his spending a night in the JLA Infirmary because of that little incident."

"So did I!" Speedy yelled, sounding indignant.

"Yes," confirmed Aqualad. "But you did not have a choice. You did not choose to be kidnapped, but Robin did choose to dive in and save you. And do you remember all of the other times Robin has saved your life, Roy? And even if it was not something as big and important as that, he was almost always willing to help you with your homework if you had trouble, or to train you—and the rest of us—in fighting techniques and other things."

Aqualad paused as Speedy bowed his head. Yes, now that Gillhead mentioned it, he remembered all of those things. He wasn't stupid; he knew he wasn't the easiest person to get along with, or to take charge of. Heck, Ollie could have told him that.

Aqualad knew he had Speedy right where he wanted him. So he repeated the seemingly innocent question:

"Are you sure you don't owe him anything, Roy?"

Then he turned and left the room without another word. Kid Flash soon followed, leaving Speedy alone to think things over.

---

Speedy remained in the Tower long after the others had left. Okay, so Gillhead and Twinkletoes had made a couple of good points, but they just didn't get it. He couldn't visit Dick—that would just make everything worse.

I mean, whose fault was it that Dick was sick in the first place?

Roy Harper's, naturally.

Nobody knew it, but Kid Flash had accidentally left his report on eating disorders all over the meeting table one afternoon several months ago, and Speedy had chanced a peek at some of the notes. He'd only had time to read a little bit, and that bit had explained that people with EDs often had problems at home. Well, Dick had been a perfectly happy (if not nerdy) teen until Roy started badgering him about how his guardian never paid attention to him, which had probably gotten Dick wondering, and now…

Speedy shook his head. How could he visit Dick? He wouldn't know what to do. He wouldn't even know what to say to an anorexic, for crying out loud. Everything he'd said to Rob these past few months had resulted in temper tantrums, and Speedy saw no reason why he would start saying something decent now.

But the other Titans would keep pestering him until he visited the guy. So no sense in delaying the inevitable. Besides, it might not be so bad. Who knew? Robin might even forgive him.

Yeah, right.

And so, with a resigned sigh, Speedy headed to his room to change. Then he'd call Wayne Manor and let them know he was coming.

No… no, maybe he'd surprise them… it wasn't like he was going for a full visit, anyway. He'd just pop in and out, show his face to let Dick know he hadn't forgotten about him and to get the others off his back. Yeah, that's what he'd do…

---

"Gone? What do you mean, gone?!"

Roy was incredulous as Alfred repeated the simple message—Dick had vanished. Alfred had gone up to check on the boy before lunch only to find that his room had been abandoned. There was no sign of a struggle, all of his clothes were still there… he was just gone.

"And you have no idea where he is?" the red-head queried.

"None at all, Master Roy," the butler admitted. "I'm afraid I will have to call Master Bruce and inform him of the situation—he's been at business meetings all day."

Alfred sighed.

"I'm afraid he isn't going to like this…"

"No, wait…"

Roy placed a hand on Alfred's arm and paused, his brow furrowed in concentration.

If I were Dick, where would I go…?

Roy snapped his fingers.

"I think I know where he is."

As he jogged to the Batcave to use the transporter, he called over his shoulder, "Don't worry, Alf! I've got it covered!"

---

After returning to the Titans' Tower, Speedy crept silently through the halls, hoping that Dick wouldn't be able to hear his approach. Dick's ears were pretty sharp, though, so Speedy had to be extra careful as he got closer and closer to Dick's old room.

Where else could Dick go, he wondered?

But it wasn't Dick he found standing in the near-empty room.

It was Robin.

"I thought I'd find you here."

Robin barely even looked up. Just stood in front of the mirror, watching his bony face stare back at him.

"I suppose Batman sent you here to find me," Robin said. There was a fair amount of disgust in his tone, which surprised Speedy.

"No," the young archer replied. "He doesn't even know you're missing yet."

"Don't worry. He knows."

Robin's voice was quiet as he said this, as if he was too weak and tired to speak any louder. This was the first time Speedy had seen him in over two months, and Robin still looked pretty skinny to him. He wondered how the Boy Wonder had managed to get himself out of bed, into costume, and over to the Tower without passing out.

Then again, maybe he had. Who knew?

"I don't think he knows quite yet. Last time I checked, he was trapped in some business meeting…"

"Figures." Robin sighed dejectedly and leaned heavily against the wall. "You were right all along, Speedy, he doesn't care about me. Never did. Just business meetings and night patrol. I've finally figured that out. Guess I kinda knew it all along but was just too stupid to admit it."

"You're not stupid."

Real smart thing to say, Harper. It's not like he's going to believe you…

Sure enough…

"Yes I am and you know it. Let's face it."

Robin wiped at his eyes, muttering something about allergies, while Speedy tried to figure out something to say that wouldn't do any more damage. He wasn't usually at a loss for words, but he just didn't know what to say to an anorexic.

Yes, that was it. That's what he'd say.

I can't believe I'm doing this…

"Robin… you were right all along. I was the one who didn't know what he was talking about. We've all seen the way the Bat's being taking care of you. He really does care—I can tell. I was completely outta line when I told you different. I should have just… kept my big mouth shut. Hey, I mean, you're the leader of the Titans, remember? You should have told me to can it."

"I did. Multiple times."

Speedy blinked. Was it just him, or was that a bit of friendly sarcasm that had been absent from Robin's voice for far too long?

"Look, Speedy, I know what you're trying to do. And I appreciate it. But it's just not true. I know that now."

Speedy sighed and took a couple of steps forward.

"Robin… I know you're not going to believe this… but there are a whole lot of people out there who care about you like crazy…"

"What for?"

"Because you're just that kind of a guy," said Speedy.

Silence reigned as Robin slowly turned to look at his fellow Titan. He gazed at the young archer for a moment, as if examining him.

"You really believe that, don't you?" Robin said softly, wonderingly.

"No duh," Speedy replied, trying to lighten the mood. Then, becoming serious again, he said quietly, "I just wish you'd let yourself believe that, too, Rob."

Robin bowed his head. It was clear that he was quickly losing his battle with the tears, although Speedy could tell he was trying.

"I can't," Robin finally sobbed in despair. He slowly made himself stand up straight and face the mirror, the tears coming faster and heavier as he continued to stare at his reflection.

"Look at me!" he cried out. "Why can't you see? Why can't any of you see?"

Then Robin wound up his fist and drove it into the mirror.

---

Dr. Thompkins spent the next hour gingerly picking small pieces of glass out of Robin's bloody hand. The boy sat silently, only occasionally cringing when a piece of glass was removed, while Speedy gave Green Arrow a call to let him know that he might not be home for a while. He refrained from explaining why, aside from saying that he was with Dick.

"All set, Robin," Leslie said as she put the bandage in place.

Robin didn't acknowledge the comment. He just lowered his hand and continued staring into space, his expression void of any apparent emotion. After Robin had broken down in the Tower, Speedy had instantly taken his friend by the shoulders and guided him into the bathroom to place a cold towel on his hand to stop the bleeding. He hadn't bothered to try to remove the torn glove just yet. He had felt that that task was best left up to a professional who wouldn't hurt Robin any more than necessary.

And after Robin's tears stopped, he just shut down, refusing to respond to anything. He hadn't spoken, hadn't changed expressions… just stared blankly into space, his eyes moist, as if trying to control himself. Speedy could hardly believe that this was the same cocky, confident teenager who had saved so many lives, who had seemed so perfect that it was infuriating.

Now look at him.

This was what you got for trying to be so perfect, Speedy figured. For not giving yourself a chance to take pride in the small victories, and to just accept the fact that you were human and were allowed to make mistakes.

Robin just couldn't do that.

"You want to tell me what happened, Robin?" Leslie asked quietly.

The Boy Wonder turned to face his long-time friend, the same vacant expression still plastered onto his face, hiding the raging emotions better than any mask or cowl.

He'd had a lot of practice hiding.

"You can tell me, Robin. You know you can talk to me."

"The mirror," Speedy jumped in. "He, uh… he punched the mirror, broke the glass."

"No," Robin countered in a very, very small voice. "The glass was already broken."

Robin spared Leslie a brief glance before hopping off the examination table. Leslie and Speedy watched as he went over to the window, leaned against the frame and gazed up at the sun.

---

Bruce came back from the meetings in a worse mood than usual. He had tried to get out of the last meeting early, but that effort had proved futile. So he ended up listening to three hours worth of boring chatter about some merger with a business on the West coast.

What did he care about a business merger now, for heaven's sake? He had more important things to worry about.

Imagine Bruce's surprise when he found Dick upstairs, sound asleep thanks to the sleeping pills Leslie had given him…

…and Speedy, still in costume, standing guard over his friend.

Bruce instantly knew that the day had not been uneventful.

"What happened?" were the first words out of his mouth.

Speedy's head jerked up at the sound of Bruce's voice. He obviously hadn't been expecting anyone or paying very close attention to his surroundings.

Bruce glanced down at his ward and cocked an eyebrow at the bandage on his right hand.

"What's that for?"

Speedy bowed his head a little. Bruce vaguely wondered what he was in for as the teen began to explain…

"…I would have stopped him if I could, but he just…"

"I know you would have."

The archer swallowed hard. He knew what he had to do, but it was just so darned hard to admit it, especially to Bruce, who happened to be a sturdy six-foot-two and could probably kill him with one punch.

"Mr. Wayne, it's my fault Robin's got the stupid disorder."

"What?"

Speedy swallowed again. Why was he doing this, anyway? Geez… he was turning into such a sap!

"I know what you're thinking, but… you see, I was always pestering Rob about how you never paid any attention to him. I said that that basically meant you didn't care about him. I didn't really mean it… well, okay, yes I did… but I never wanted this."

Speedy shrugged his shoulders in resignation.

"I was just mad because Ollie kept ignoring me all the time and I wanted to take it out on somebody. But if I had known that he was actually taking me seriously, I would have cut it out, honest!" the boy declared emphatically. Then, in a softer voice, he added, "I didn't mean for him to get sick."

Bruce was silent for a minute. Speedy was a surprisingly good kid at heart, in spite of the fact that he usually acted—as Dick put it—like a bonehead.

"That's what Wally said," Bruce admitted at last.

"Wally talked to you?" Speedy asked, surprise evident in his tone.

"Yes. And if I give them enough time, I'm sure all the others will be coming forward with their own excuses, and I'll be telling them the exact same thing—that they're not responsible for Dick's illness. Just like you aren't."

And Speedy believed him. After all, if Batman really thought he was responsible, he probably would have beaten him up by now.

"Is there anything I can do?" the boy asked. "For Dick… I mean, like, making sure he doesn't sneak into the bathroom to puke or something…"

"No."

Well, that ended that conversation.

Or did it?

"No thank you, Speedy," Bruce rephrased his response. "I'll call you if we need anything, or if Dick asks for you."

Speedy nodded. Now that was the end of the conversation.

As Speedy headed for the Cave to use the transporter back to the Watchtower, Bruce pulled out a cell phone and put a call through to Oliver Queen.

He was going to have a talk with him about the way he was raising that boy.

Speedy was a surprisingly good kid and was obviously a good devoted friend to Robin. This was the least he could do in return.


Did that chapter seem cheesy? Oh well... at least Speedy isn't acting like a jerk anymore.

Reviewer Replies

caltha-Well, after Dick spilled it to Bruce about how moronic his classmates were acting, Brucie decided to, um, do something about it. That's why. And yeah, I figure using hair loss as a symptom would go completely unappreciated, at least around here. XD

ShockMePeter-That's okay, I didn't mind :) And that extra hair is called lanugo; it's the body's attempt to keep itself warm due to extreme weight loss (no, I didn't sound like a show-off there... let's just pretend I didn't say that...). And no, no more suicide attempts here!

Boleyn-I'm going to post an epilogue after I finish posting this story. I've written two, actually--one in which he dies and the other in which he doesn't. I've already decided which to post... muahahaha...

PlatinumRoseLady-Why, thank you! (bows) ;-)

Lil' Kanny-I didn't want it to end, either. Now I've got nothing to post for a while. And, well, as you can see, Dick didn't really get the chance to do much of anything...

Adren-In that case, if you ever post, I'll definitely read! And as for Dick not remembering, well, he had a rough night. Also, memory problems can sometimes be found in people who have starved themselves. Something to do with thiamine, I think.

arya-Really? Wow, thanks! And, er (cough) yes, we see the Titans again... ha... thank you for reviewing! I appreciate it lots.

kokomocalifornia-I was hoping you'd like it :)

steelelf-(is surprised) That was your favorite? I don't think I was expecting that, but it's definitely a pleasant surprise! As for Bruce, I think you'll like what he does next chapter (hint, hint).

The BatThing-That's nothin'. I was actually gonna do it, too! XP Just don't expect Bruce to start a career in hair styling; I think he's retired now. As for fathers doing the cooking, that's never been a big deal for me. My dad used to be a chef at the Marriott, so he does lots of cooking around here. Of course, that's just my family. Don't know about anyone else's...