The team walked into the med. lab knowing full well that their friend was not going to be asleep. He was floating in the corner of the room looking out a high window about a medicine cabinet. The room was lit with an otherworldly light. He was wearing his old uniform, having shed the outer cloak and jacket when he was admitted to the infirmary. It made him look younger, almost innocent, like he used to. Robin would have chuckled if the scene wouldn't have been so solemn. It took Danny a few moments to notice them; he seemed to be talking to someone else but without words. It didn't seem to be going well. BB was the first to speak up.
"Dude are you okay?" Danny turned around and the green light faded from the room as he dropped to the floor, now human in form. He smiled at his friends looking around for someone but not finding him or her. His smile dropped from his eyes though it remained on his mouth.
"I was just thinking. Raven stayed to watch the tower?" Robin nodded. Danny seemed disappointed but shrugged it off.
"Oh. So when is the party?" BB had been waiting for that question and he pounced up at the mention of the party.
"Right now dude. Everything is waiting upstairs." At that Star and BB raced out of the room like jackrabbits leaving the others behind. Cyborg followed but Robin stayed with Danny. He blocked the door slightly waiting for Danny to say something. He didn't have to wait long.
"She missed Beast Boy's birthday so that she wouldn't have to see me." It wasn't a question.
"Yes."
"I can leave. Raven should be here."
"Raven made her choice and you made yours. Don't let it each you up inside."
"I can't help it. When I feel guilt then I feel something. I feel like I am becoming more and more like a ghost everyday. I am an observer, detached from the world. Cursed to be immortal and to have to watch people die without knowing if I can ever follow them. Raven, I though she would know what it felt like, but she didn't want someone to share her pain with. She just wants to keep anyone who can see it away form her." His voice was bitter and cut right into the soul but Robin knew it wasn't directed at him.
"I know."
"I am the same way but for a moment I thought that she would understand. I won't make that mistake again." Now his voice had no expression, it would have done Batman proud.
"Let's go eat cake."
"And let them eat cake." No one laughed.
Upstairs
"Sit down Superman."
"I am worried about that boy. His mother gives me the creeps."
"Sit Down Superman"
"He seems so reserved and distant. I don't think that is healthy"
" SIT DOWN SUPERMAN" Batman's voice finally filtered through and Superman stopped his ranting and sat down. The rest of league at the meeting chuckled until a look from Batman shut them up.
"Let the boy go. We aren't as responsible for it as some believe. My sons went through this. It isn't healthy but it should pass or he will get used to it. I suggest that we have him and the Titans attend that stupid training thing that Superman has set up for the local town superheroes."
"Batman, it isn't stupid."
"If you say so."
"You might be right, about the boy. I will ask his mother."
"Does she really give you the creeps?"
"Yes. Why are you smiling?" Batman just walked away.