"So long ago, I don't remember when, that's when they say I lost my only friend. I see the sun up ahead at the Counterline Bridge, saying all is good and nothingness is dead. Run until you are out of breath, run into there is nothing left. I'm so alone, and I feel just like somebody else. Man, I ain't changed, but I know I ain't the same. But somewhere in-between these city walls is a dying dream, I think of death, it must be killing me."

–Wallflowers 'One Headlight'

Chapter Five:

"How was your day?" Commissioner Gordon knew that conversation was inevitable.

Shrug.

"So, how are you working with Montoya these last couple of days?"

It had been three days since the assignment, and neither Robin nor Montoya spoke much about it. It was closing time, if there was actually a time. It was just time to be done with police work. Robin and he had been there since seven in the morning, and it was already nine at night. Robin sat on the edge of the man's desk, doing something with his wrist.

It was still shocking to see him dressed the way he was. Montoya had taken the money Gordon gave her and bought the boy clothes. Robin couldn't and wouldn't go out into a store, and Gordon didn't know what was 'in', and if that matter to Robin or not, he simply didn't know.

The boy wore jeans and some red Teva flip-flops with a black T-shirt with the Purdue University logo. When Robin received the clothes he was somewhat surprised. He took them and muttered quick thanks.

"Has Bullock been giving you any trouble," Gordon pushed. He wished the boy would talk. It wasn't that long ago where the boy had been so carefree and happy. Now all that was before him was a silent, anxious kid. The man knew the boy didn't mean to act the way he did.

"No, Bullock is cool. Montoya is a good partner." That was it, nothing more to say. The boy pushed off the desk and carefully landed, walking instantly. "I'll be back."

"Robin. Not tonight." Gordon pushed back in his chair. "You need to rest tonight."

The boy stopped and turned slowly, his eyes slits through the black mask. "What do you mean?"

"I mean you aren't going to go out and fight crime, or look for the others, whatever you do." Gordon knew he sounded like a SOB, but what was there to do? The boy did this every night if he could manage. After work he would suit up and roam the city. Gordon had a sinking feeling he was searching for Him. "You are pushing to hard, how about you give tonight a rest and then tomorrow we'll see about it."

"No. I am going out Gordon. Despite what you think, I am not working here because you tell me too. I am working here to help the city. That is my job." So the Boy Wonder was getting mad.

"So is school. Which brings up another interesting problem."

The boy looked frustrated. "I'm not your kid Gordon, I'm no one's kid. I can take care of myself."

"That very well may be true. But we aren't going to find out, son. We won't worry about school right now, but we are going to take a break tonight. If I recall, you weren't even let out every night with Batman. It was more like only twice a week. I am giving you room Robin, as much as I can. But I won't allow you to take on the job of four people."

"Fine, just give me the Batman's job. That is all I want. That is all I need."

Gordon studied the boy. "Not until you are of legal age."

There was look that crossed the boys face.

"I know what you are thinking, that I am blackmailing you with Superman. But Robin, think about what is going on," The man got to his feet and stared the boy in the eyes. "You are no older than 16 and taking on 20 some work hours a day. One of your jobs is life threatening, and you have no adult supervision. You aren't attending school, you have nothing."

"Last time I checked I was just fine."

"That is because I am allowing it." Gordon was becoming irritated. "I am not forcing you to remove that mask Robin, you need to understand that! The city would have forced it on you. I am being as gracious as I can, but I won't allow you to kill yourself. You are not going out tonight, you are going to start working less hours, and you are going to get a tutor."

Robin was silent for a moment. "I'm going back to the house then."

"I know you are, you are going in my car." Gordon was annoyed now. "So, lets go."

The boy studied him and complied without a word. Even though they disagreed, the boy made sure to do as told. He was very well disciplined, and in that and many other aspects, Batman had done well. They walked down the hall, Gordon in the lead and Robin lagging behind, glaring at the ground.

"Night Rodgers, night Kim!" Gordon felt the glances his way. "Hey Bullock, make sure you don't get jelly roll tomorrow!"

Montoya was walking down the hall and smiled at the two. "Are you guys headed home?"

Gordon nodded and gave a pleasant smile. "Yes, it's been a long day. How about you, you aren't pulling more hours are you?"

The young woman shrugged, "as long as I have my coffee I can manage another hour or two. I have a few things I want to get taken care of before tomorrow." She turned to Robin and winked. "How is it going partner?"

The boy blushed, "ok."

Gordon shook his head, giving Montoya a stressed look and the woman only covered her smile.

"Goodnight you two," and she continued down the hall.

And so the two headed back to the house. Not really home, not really anything but shelter. Even Gordon would admit to that.

Robin instantly went to his room, leaving a concerned Gordon behind. The man wasn't worried about the boy sneaking out, not anymore. He had some respect for Robin. Gordon waited until the boy came out to brush his teeth. "Listen, Robin, if you ever need to talk. Well, I know I'm not really one to talk too, but you know, I just lost my daughter. I'm not saying you lost Batman or any of them. But if it helps."

The boy nodded. "Sure, thanks." There was a pause, and the boy looked like he was having trouble speaking. "I just need to find answers. I know He isn't dead. He isn't dead."

Gordon didn't answer this comment.

"I know you all think he is, but He can't be. He wouldn't do that." The boy gave a fearful smile. "You don't know Him like I do."

The man nodded in agreement, though not a work the boy spoke was logic. Batman was dead, dead of long gone. Leaving behind the city, Gordon, and a 15 year old who needed him very badly.

To be continued...

Ok, I wrote this all in one night, so it's not that great. Sorry! I just felt the urge to write, and bam! It was this one that hit me. I don't know how well this chapter is; I can't let it sink in for some reason. Maybe it's to late. So tell me what you think, ok?!

Val: Thanks! It's strange to comment to you for some reason. You aren't worth it. Just kidding! Hehehe. Can't wait to hear from you again. You are so predictable, it's like I have meet you before, strange.

TheDudeLordOfFantasy: I will update. Just for you! Hehehe, well, just for you and the others who reviewed. Thanks for reading this fanfiction, and I hope this next chapter is ok. I did it really fast, listening to weird music, so it might be weird! Ack! I hope not. But we shall see. Tee-hee-hee. Thanks for the review(s)!

Trunksblue: You! Hehehe, great to see you buddy! You are going to find out what happened to Batman, but not yet! I must keep you wondering. You are like putty in my hands... except not at all! Hehehe. Which brings up a sad story. You see, I had this silly putty that lasted me so many years and it died. Yeah, pointless, but I thought you should know... giggles. Kidding! Thanks for the review! Talk to you later!

Sue Falkenralle: You too! Eep, what is this? Just kidding! I am so happy to see you reviewed! I hope you think this chapter is ok, tell me what you think needs to be done, like, honestly. Slaughter me or something. I have a bad feeling that this needs work. So tell me your thoughts and such. Thanksthanksthanksthanks! Love getting reviews from ol' buddies!

-Cas