2. :fading away, falling behind:
"Another good capture, Robin," Batman was saying as he climbed into the Batmobile, Robin on the inside. "The Joker won't be showing his face inside Gotham city anytime soon."
"You're right, Batman," Robin said automatically. "We sure beat him good."
. Batman did not answer, busy with undoing many of the Batmobile's safety devices so he could drive it back to the Batcave, nor did he notice the flatness of Robin's tone. Robin was staring out the window, watching the tall skyscrapers fly past as Batman pulled out of the parking spot and down the streets of Gotham. It was possible he noticed his partner's quietness, but if so he put it down to the usual tiredness after the capture of a particularly difficult criminal like the Joker.
In reality, the Joker was the farthest thing from Robin's mind. He felt oddly empty, watching Batman take on the Joker single-handedly. He's the real hero now, Robin thought quietly.
The Batmobile pulled into the Batcave and Batman and Robin unbuckled their seatbelts, opening the doors and pulling themselves out. "A new call for you, sir," said Charles from the doorway, indicating Batman.
"I'll be right there," Batman said at once, striding towards his butler removing his gloves. Robin was silent as Batman and Charles left, barely giving him a passing glance.
A memory sprung upon him suddenly; a fifteen-year old memory, now. Him, commanding the Teen Titans into battle against Thunder and Lightning, coming in for the final blow with his friends around him. He felt an odd pang and realized that he would never have that again, never. Beastboy and Cyborg had gone into their own private lives, hardly remembering him now; Starfire and Raven had set off together into space. Both of them probably forgot all about their has-been leader of fifteen years ago. Where were they now? he wondered silently. Were they the same people he knew?
His eyes lingered on the door into the mansion and he realized with a jolt that he was a has-been. What was he now? Reduced to playing the role of pathetic sidekick to make Batman look good. Did Batman even need him? What was he in Gotham for?
Is this all this means to me? he wondered to himself. It used to be fighting for truth and justice. Now what is it...a job? What happened to the days when we were a team, when I was the leader, when we needed each other?
Robin shook his head and came out of costume, changing back into the street clothes of Dick Grayson, the person he had become.Walking back onto the street, he paused. What did he have to go back to...an apartment in a Gotham high-rise. City of darkness, darkening my soul, he thought grimly to himself. I wish I could go back.
Little did he know how close he would come.
