"Empty bellies instead of full, it's the hard knock life."
- Play 'Hard Knock Life' -
Oh Silent Prayer of My Thoughts:
By: The BatThing
Robin was simply starving. He scratched at his bloated belly with a petite groan. So much had happened in the last few days, and never in his entire existence had he felt so misplaced and alone. He desired to talk with someone. The longing just to laugh again was almost murder.
He was lonely, so lonely that it hurt almost physically. He would talk, at times, just to hear himself – make sure that he was still capable. It was strange too, the more he thought about talking, the more his Gotham accent became more emphasized. He was starting to show signs of talking like Bullock, which couldn't be good. He was just thinking about it too much.
Sniffling, due to his lack of a tissue, the boy thought to himself. 'I suppose that shows me what happens when you finally love. I loved Dad and he left, Bruce - and he's gone, not to mention the others.'
He rested his head against the cold brick wall and sighed. Inside he told himself that he'd get a good meal tonight. 'Hamburger with fries and a shake are what we'll eat tonight if I just manage to go on patrol for three hours.' With a smile Robin listened to his tummy rumble. It was so easy to fool himself. Deep down the boy knew that after a five hour patrol he'd have nothing to eat but what he managed to get for himself.
"I'd rather not discuss my emotions with you, Montoya. I've asked you again and again not to bring up the matter of my daughter's death. I'd appreciate it if you'd at least pretend to heed my wishes." Gordon couldn't help but sound mean, he was sick of the sympathy – sick of people trying to make him feel better, or trying to make him talk.
Montoya grimaced at the voice. "But commissioner... you can't just hold it in and act so insensitive. I know that you are hurt about what happened to your daughter. I think you need to talk about it with someone. I understand if that someone isn't me, but you need to talk with someone."
Silence.
"Well, it's my break, and I told Bullock I would get lunch this time. So, I should head out. Would you like me to pick anything up for you? It's on the house."
"No, I'm fine Montoya. Thanks."
The woman nodded, acting indifferent. "Just think about what I said, that's really all I'd like. We're worried about you, not to be annoying, but because we care about you. So please, just think about it."
"Sure."
Montoya nodded and made her way for the door. She paused for a moment, then left, closing the door with a light 'click'.
Getting to his feet Gordon extended his arms over his head, wiggling his fingers at the ceiling and trying to think about anything other than Barbara. It wasn't a simple task. His mind was filled with memories of her.
"I need to get out of here." He admitted harshly. Deciding on what to do, he snatched up his trench coat and strode out the door.
And so he walked. He walked all through the city. Minutes turned to hours and the commissioner didn't even notice. His mind was blank with Barbara. It wasn't until he felt the sensation that someone was following him. Trotting a few more blocks, he hoped to lose them. But the task failed. "Damnit, come on out and have at it."
To the grown man's surprise Robin slipped into the light, blinking rapidly.
"What do you need boy?"
"I was just -" Robin paused, as if he wasn't sure. "I thought something was wrong is all."
"Why would you think that?"
The raven-haired boy said nothing and looked at the ground. "Um, I have a question too. Have you heard, I dunno, from Batman lately?"
Gordon frowned.
"I haven't seen him in awhile and was wondering because it's been a few days."
"No, I haven't seen him."
The boy's stomach growled severely and he pretended to ignore it.
Gordon could easily put two and two together. "How are things going for you then? I know it's not business, but I wonder sometimes. How are you managing?"
"Fine, I guess, better than most."
"Where are you staying? I mean, with Batman gone and the others missing in action, how is it that you are getting by?"
Robin lifted his head a little, almost looking proud. "That's personal Gordon, I can't tell you that."
Gordon glared. "Fine, tell me this, when was the last time you ate a full meal? Boy, you look like you have lost 20 pounds since the last time I saw you! Not to mention you look like shit!" He didn't know why he was getting so mad, but he was. "How about you just admit that you are starving, alone, and homeless?"
The two stood, staring at each other.
"You'll die in a few days if you don't do something about your condition."
"It's really none of your business Gordon. I'm not your responsibility."
"Oh like hell you aren't! You are working for me, so that gives me full responsibility! Not to mention you are the child of my good friend. And I won't see his own kid die out of stupidity."
"I'm not Batman's kid."
"Like hell you aren't." Gordon growled.
"You assume you know everything about me when really you have no idea." Robin was almost yelling, and his voice was horse as he raised it.
"Listen," changing tactics Gordon continued. "Let me help you at least. Come and eat dinner with me. Is that asking too much?"
Robin's stomach lurched at the suggestion. "No."
"Then come on, let's go."
His emotions won over. Gordon was a friend, a trusted partner. And loneliness had never hurt this bad. Robin followed the man at a great distance, but followed nonetheless.
To be continued ...