Time stopped and the room froze. Bruce was the first to recover from the initial shock.
"Dick," He said cautiously, "Put down the syringe."
"I'll do it." He said. "I swear to God I'll do it. I can't take it anymore. Everyone abandoning me like this. Then they take away the only relief I ever had. Of course it made me crazy. Everything I love has been taken away from me, so why can't I have a little happiness? What does it matter if I cut myself? If it helps take the pain away, why should anyone care? Why can't I have my relief?" As he finished, He dug the needle into his arm. He drew blood, and smiled.
Suddenly the realization of what he was doing dawned on him and his sanity came back in a rush. The fog in his mind was gone, and so was the voice. He imagined the voice of his inner insanity being forced to breathe in chloroform, knocking it out for the time being. He looked at the needle curiously. It sparkled silver in the flourescent light. The tip was splashed with a slight crimson. His blood. He looked at his father, who was staring with worry and concern. When Bruce saw the glaze from his eyes was gone, he was filled with relief. Dick stepped forward and handed his father the syringe, before giving him a hug.
"I'm sorry." he whispered, clutching his father's suit.
"That's okay, Dick. You're okay." He said, holding his child.
"I'm not. I'm crazy." He whispered. "I can't stop hurting myself."
"That's why we're here, Dickie. To get you help."
"I don't remember being here." He whimpered.
"Not at all?" Bruce asked surprised, his dectective skills kicking in. He shook his head no.
"We'll have to see what that's about..." The older man commented to no one in particular. "Are you alright now?" He asked.
"I'm fine. Thanks, Dad." He said with a small smile.
Bruce returned the smile. "You're welcome, son. I have a meeting to get to, but I'll be back tomorrow."
"Okay. Bye, Dad." Said Dick with a small wave. Bruce grinned and left.
Bruce was not unaware of the titans waiting in the hallway, but pretended not to notice them. He headed to his car and sped off to his office. The Titans, meanwhile, were discussing what they had just seen, and were debating wether or not to go in. They eventually came to a concencus, and went inside.
"Hey man, How are you doing?" Said Cyborg, entering the room.
"Hey guys, what are you doing here?" Asked Dick, stunned. He climbed off of the bed and went over to his friends.
"Dude, you called us three days ago asking us to come here." Said Beast Boy.
Dick looked at them puzzled. "I don't remember that."
"Not at all?" asked Raven, raising an eyebrow.
Again, Dick shook his head no, but smiled. "I'm glad you're here."
The titans returned the smile, and they spent the next few hours talking before they left.
In the pitch black night of Gotham City, a lone figure hurdled across the rooftops, finally ending at the Gotham City Mental Institution. The grey and shining bodysuit was well hidden in the shadows. The Man snuck into the room of one Dick Grayson. He sat a tape recorder that softly played hypnotizing tapes under the boy's pillow, and would remove it in a few hours time. Little by little, the tapes would cause the boy's sanity to fade, and would eventually bring him back to Jump City for one sole purpose.
Slade would finally have his apprentice.