Part II: Chapter Two:

"So, you refuse to come inside. It would have helped to know that before we headed out to eat." Gordon spat as he walked down the gloomy alley. He tried to give a smile to the nervous boy a few feet away from him.

Robin was practically dancing. He was all over, looking around, checking things out, as if he were on duty. He acted much like a cornered animal trying to find a way out.

"Hey, take a break and come eat this would you?" Gordon held out a Styrofoam container. "It's not much, but I enjoy it. And since you didn't have a clue as to what to eat I just got you what I got."

Robin seemed to ignore him, acting like he found something of interest in his utility belt. He went through every pouch. As he opened one he would mutter something, and then snap it shut continuing on to the next one.

The older man watched, humored at the sight, as he silently ate his meal. He should have figured it would have been harder than he thought. "Robin, sit down and eat already!"

Robin jumped at the voice and nervously skittered over to the food. He glanced down at it and then lifted it up, taking it away from Gordon and finding a spot in the corner. Nestling down he watched Gordon for a moment, then began to eat his meal.

The two ate in silent, but both somewhat thankful for the others company. Neither fully understanding why they were so delighted for the other's presence. Perhaps because they were both comforting in one aspect, like two old friends. Or their loneliness was finally being fed.

Gordon was soon done and crumpled the small box between his hands and sighed abruptly. "So, what happened to Nightwing and Batgirl?"

At once Robin was putting away his food, though he was not yet done. He shook his head, ignoring the need to answer.

Assuming the answer Gordon continued with his conversation. "You have a place to stay?"

Silence.

"You know, my daughter died."

"I'm sorry," Robin blurted out as if he had been waiting to apologize for this.

Gordon nodded. "Thanks, but the point is, a lot of people died Robin, and well, I know I am not alone. I have a whole police force behind me, and some family besides that. But the problem is that, deep down, I have this sickening feeling you are alone. And I don't like that one bit."

Robin was dancing to his nerves content. "I better go."

"And do what?"

"My job."

Gordon shook his head. "Robin, it was different when you have Batman. There was adult supervision. I knew that you were in good hands. But with Batman and the others gone you are in a whole different position. Understand?"

Robin shook his head. His nerves seemed to smooth out for a moment as he straightened and focused on his problem. "You try and stop me Gordon, you just try."

"If I have to I will."

"You don't have any way to stop me Gordon, it's just that simple. That would require catching me. And as far as I know you don't have that power."

"I can get it."

"I'd like the challenge."

"You idiot boy! You show me that you are actually in good hands and I will let you continue without trouble, but right now I see no proof of that. So either you get someone or I will get you into a foster home."

"And ruin The Batman?"

Gordon flung his trash at the boy, hitting him in the head. He was somewhat surprised that Robin hadn't moved out of the way. "He's dead Robin!"

"You don't know that though!"

"Robin, get serious for a few moments and consider the facts. There is no way he could have survived!"

The boy tossed his hand in the air and swirled his grappling hook on his fingertips.

Gordon wondered how he had managed to get the object without him seeing it.

Robin was gone within a few seconds, with Gordon screaming after him threats.

"You're being an idiot to do this! You'll never survive at the rate you are going! You'll be dead in just a few days and when you are tell Barbara hello for me you stupid idiot! Tell her," Gordon fell to his knees and sobbed, "that I love her so much and want her back." He removed his glasses and rubbed between his eyes. He remained in that position for a few moments before getting to his feet and taking out a cell phone.

The main dialed in a number quickly and held it to his ear. He waited a few moments then spoke in a low voice. "Hello, this is Commissioner James Gordon, I would like to get a hold of Superman if at all possible, can you help me with that?"

************************************************************************

Robin ducked down into the shadows and cursed rapidly. "They sent in Superman to get me, how do you like that?" He knew perfectly well that he would be caught within a few moments.

There was a strong gust of wind and then silence once more. For a moment The Boy Wonder thought that perhaps he had managed to elude The Man of Steel. He decided it best to remain in hiding a few seconds more.

"It was a good idea I will admit."

The boy jerked around and looked upward, screwing his face up. "Look who it is."

Superman stood, smiling down at him. "Bruce would be ashamed if he knew what you were doing."

"Like you would know."

"I have a few guesses how Batman might act. And I do know that he wouldn't like the fact that you are killing yourself."

Robin gently moved his hand toward his belt. "He wouldn't want me standing around doing nothing either, now would he?"

"You don't have to just sit around doing nothing Tim. You could operate as Robin if you actually were capable of taking care of yourself, which obviously you aren't. I think the commissioner gave a generous proposal. He's not asking much you know, just asking that you take better care of yourself."

"I am alive aren't I? I am still moving around without struggle aren't I? I am my own problem and none of your concern Clark, so go back to Metropolis and leave me and my city alone." With that Robin pulled out a small pebble of kryptonite, something that Batman had once given him.

The boy didn't wait around the see the results. He took of in a sprit, hurrying to get away. Superman would be crazy to follow him. But obviously Superman was. Within seconds Robin found himself picked up and flown upward.

For a moment he considered pulling out the kryptonite but restrained, if he did he would fall to his own death. They were to high up.

"Robin, I like you, I always have," Superman began, "Bruce is my good friend and I know him to well to tell you that he would approve of what you are doing. If he were alive then I am sure he would take care of you himself, but he can't, so you are in the care of his friends now. Respect him for that Tim, don't put up a fight."

Robin stiffened at the comment. "Who said he was dead? What is to say he is not coming back?"

"Tim, you are smart, it doesn't add up to anything other than death."

Robin shook his head and shut his eyes. "Stop that! My name is Robin and The Batman is alive."

"The commissioner's daughter died you know."

Silence.

"And I was thinking about both your situations. You both lost people you loved and you both could use the company. So, I talked with him about it, and though he wasn't thrilled he said it would be all right."

"What are you talking about?"

"I think you know."

"I refuse, he'd have me figured out by the next day!"

"Tim, I mean Robin, if you go and live with the commissioner you will be able to operate under the mask. Gordon cares about the secret, and I think you can trust him more than anyone else around."

Robin opened his eyes and wished he could throw a punch, but knew it would only inflict damage on his own self. "You yourself proved that very point Clark."

Superman began to fly forward, towards The Gotham City Police Headquarters. "I'm sorry you feel that way."

"If you were sorry you would put me down and get lost."

The man made no argument. He just moved onward.