Author's Note: Hello! ^u^ This is a one shot . Robin is my favorite character and I've always wanted to see a more sentimental perspective of him. I had when I saw the Teen Titans Issue #47 where he actually cried. I was in awe. He was crying because of his parents, who died, and I thought I'd whip up my own creation XD One thing you should know before reading this, Robin's birthday, in the DC Database in November 11th. However, in the Teen Titans Database (I did my research :3 hue hue) it's March 21st, a day before his parent's died, so I used that one. I really hope you enjoy this :) Remember this is my first fanfiction, so it's not bound to be perfect...

He glided through the air. He was flying! Really flying! The boy summer saluted and did a splendid quadruple flip in the air. He landed flawlessly. The boy didn't stumble, or trip, or fall. He landed in a steady line, toes pointed with his arms extended out by his side.

The boy gasped. "I did it! Mom, dad! Did you see it? I did it!" he ran over to his parents, Mary and John Grayson, who beamed at their son.

"Yes, we saw, Richard," Mary giggled, kissing the boy's soft, resilient cheek.

"I can't believe I did it!" Richard threw his arms over his father's waist, who lifted him up and carried him.

"Yes, Dick, we are both very proud of you," John smiled as he eyed his wife, Mary. "No matter what you do, please, don't forget, you'll never stop trying. Never. That's what separates a winner from a loser. And I know you're not a loser. So do you promise?"

"I promise."

John and Mary Grayson beamed, with a pleased look. Mary kissed him, as Dick's father ruffled his son's hair, leaning him over, as he gave a soft kiss onto Richard's nose. "I know son, no matter what you do, you'll never disappoint me."

Never disappoint me…

Never disappoint me…

Those words rang in Robin's head. The voices he hasn't heard in years, clearly spoke in his mind. The memories he hoped he would forget, were still there. The parents he actually wished were here, are gone. It's almost been four years. Four soul trenching years, since he was twelve, that their was gone.

"Mommy! It's almost time! Come quick!"

Mary rushed over outside their house as people surrounded the streets. Banners of 1999 were printed, and were held by people all over the town. John Grayson observed his watch,"Alright guys, it's time!"

The whole town chorused in sync, "5…4…3…2…1… Happy New Year!" Everyone danced and cheered celebrating the first day, of 1999.

Mary Grayson hugged her son, and knelt down to his height. "So, Dicky-Bird, March 21st is around the corner! What would you like for your birthday?"

Dick thought for a moment. "Hmm…I don't know," he shrugged.

Robin expected that year to be happy. He expected that he'd be spending the majority of his life with them. Robin thought that they'd see him turn thirteen.

But life thought otherwise.

Robin glanced at his clock, and saw that it was 10:42 A.M. He woke up later than usual, today. Robin realized something…

Today was his birthday.

It was March 21st, and tomorrow would be the day, March 22nd, that his parents fell to their deaths. For some reason, it felt like he was being punished. Turning 16 today without his parents here. Sometimes it was hard for even the Boy Wonder to face the fact, his family is gone, and he has a new one. Bruce, everyone at Gotham, and the Teen Titans. Yet why was it so hard to admit? Robin finally slumped out of his plain bed sheets, and pulled on his uniform.

"Are you going to stand their forever, Dick?"

"I look stupid."

"Oh, come on, Dick, your mother put a lot of effort into your costume."

The Boy Wonder walked out of the darkness. "Is there a reason this costume has to be so colorful?"

Mary Grayson approached him. "Because, Richard," she stroked the 'R' printed onto his uniform, right where his heart is. "When you go up there, you remind me of a little Robin."

"Ugh! A Robin? Like the bird?"

"Come on, it's almost time. I think it's beautiful Mary," John smiled at his wife.

"You know, dad," Dick called, as the couple turned around. "I'm not the only one who looks stupid," he smirked.

"Stupid?!" John bellowed, and hugged his family tightly, as Dick laughed at the reaction.

That was the last hug he ever received from his parents. Robin looked into the mirror. The uniform he called stupid was now his everyday clothing. Robin stared into his own eyes. He had his mother's charming, blue eyes. Robin let out a sad sigh, and shamefully put on his domino mask. He left the room, hesitating to make his way into the living room. The door slid open.

The Titans popped out of their hiding places, screaming, "SURPRISE!" as a banner hung, with the words, "Happy Birthday" were printed on it. Robin yelped, scaring him out of his wits. The poked his head back, to check if everything was safe now. He walked into the living room, and paled as he looked at the banner.

"Wow, guys," Robin's stomach began to turn. "How did you know?"

Everyone eyed Beast Boy cautiously, not sure if their leader was elated or upset that they knew. "Um, well," Beast Boy explained hastily. "I may or may have not been a fly on your wall," his voice softer.

Robin's eyes widened, "WHAT?!" He yelled, as the rest of the Titans scampered off, leaving Beast Boy abandoned in the hands of the Boy Wonder. Dick grew concerned. Did he see the pictures of his parents? Him without his mask? Even worse, his slight tears? Robin took a moment to get his 'chill' and gave a more friendly tone, to Beast Boy. "What did you see?" It was more of a commandment that a question.

Robin knew that his team knows about his parents. That they know what's tomorrow. But he couldn't solve one question.

Did they remember?

Beast Boy scoffed, "Relax, dude," he alleged, as Robin's back began to slump, as a wave of guilt hit him, for having to yell at his friend. "I only checked your computerized calendar. Everyone's birthday is marked. Including yours. So…" Beast Boy motioned his hand towards the decorated room.

"Oh," Robin chuckled, as he blushed with embarrassment. "Sorry, um, Beast Boy."

Beast Boy shrugged. "Dude, don't worry about it! Let's par-tay!"

Beast Boy and Cyborg helped themselves to some food. Cyborg tried his home-made burgers, while Beast Boy ate his 'delicious' tofu. Starfire came to Robin, and immediately embraced him. "Happy anniversary of your birth, Robin!" Robin's arms were latched by his side.

"Um, thanks, Starfire," Robin back away. Starfire looked at him oddly. Robin wondered why the sudden contact bothered him. He kept his emotions hidden from everyone so long, that they were now even hidden by himself. The slight feeling of desire when a child hugged his parents. The pounding feeling of guilt in his heart when he shouted at one of his teammates. And the rage and revenge he feels when he fights Slade.

Robin looked at Starfire, who stared back at him, dumbfounded. "Robin," her hand made its way up to Robin's shoulder. "Is everything all right?"

"Of course, Starfire," Robin crossed his arms defensively, trying to whisk her arm away, without her realizing. "Besides," Robin forced a fake amount of enthusiasm in his voice. "It's my birthday."

"Yo! Robin!" Cyborg shouted, with his mouth stuffed with burgers. "Eat up!"

Robin sighed. It's too early for this, he thought to himself. "No, thanks," for some unknown reason, there was an ungraspable pain in his heart. "I'll be in my room."

Beast Boy sped in front of him. "But dude!" He wiped away some tofu he had on his head. "It's your sweet sixteen! You have to celebrate!" Robin paled at the world 'celebrate'.

"Thanks, Beast Boy," he looked around, catching everyone's attention. "Thanks to all of you. But, today, I don't feel like doing anything," and then he left. Robin groaned to himself. When he actually needed to get his mind off things, no criminal felt like attacking.

Meanwhile, at the 'party', everyone was quiet. It almost had seemed if everyone had forgotten to breathe. Starfire looked at Raven, who was currently next to her. "What is wrong with friend, Robin? Is it not the day of his birth?"

Raven turned over to her. "Maybe you should talk to him, Starfire. He'll listen to you."

"I shall."

The perky teenager walked down the drone halls of the tower. Eventually, she reached a door, on the side a giant number seven marked in red paint. Starfire put her hand up to knock, until it inched closer making a soft noise. The door slid open, revealing the Boy Wonder.

Starfire opened her mouth to speak. "Robin, are you all right? You do not seem as Robin."

Robin inwardly cringed at the way she said Robin. It was so caring and gentle like. Just like his mother would say it. "Starfire, I'm fine," Robin felt as if his heart was being tugged in different directions. One part of him wanted to feel an embrace so soft and tender like from someone- anybody. It could be Slade of all he cared. Another part of him wanted to break down and tell Starfire. The last part, well, -not a very heroic thing to do-, wanted to cry. It's as if all the Titans had a wall, carefully structured around them. Since they met, eventually they've all seen them fall, but Robin's wall, only has the slightest crumble.

"Starfire," Robin inhaled, choosing to 'spill the beans'. "I'm fine," the door slid closed. Robin felt hopeless, he couldn't tell her. She wouldn't understand. No one does. Well, maybe Bruce. Starfire was right. He didn't act like Robin, because he wasn't Robin. He was Richard. Not the Boy Wonder. Not the leader of the Teen Titans. Richard. And nothing more. If today was only his birthday, Robin couldn't imagine the pain tomorrow, the day it actually happened. Every year, it gets stronger, because it's another year of the constant reminder that they're gone. Another year of grief.

Another knock came from the door, but it was louder this time. The door slid open. No one was there. Robin saw small roses on the floor, leading a trail. He knew it was his friends, but at the same time, something about it stirred his curiosity, into thinking it wasn't. He followed it, until the trail stopped by the main room's door. It slid open, revealing a dark room, with a vanilla cake and candles that perfectly illuminated in the Stygian atmosphere.

Robin walked in, as the whole group sang the 'Happy Birthday' song- even Raven, by everyone's surprise.

"Happy birthday, Iubirea mea," Mary Grayson embraced her son, "Happy birthday, my love," she kissed his forehead.

"Happy birthday, my boy," John kissed his son's cheek. "Tomorrow's the big show, huh? You'll do great," he smiled.

Mary Grayson pulled out a cake with twelve bright candles, as Dick's father turned off the lights. "You're twelve now!" Mary put the cake in front of Richard's face. "You're getting so big!" They both sang 'Happy Birthday' to their boy, as their proud faces glanced at him.

Robin looked at them dearly. But it did not feel right. He had this feeling, rather emotion, he didn't recognize. Robin didn't realize they finished the song, until he heard the awkward silence. "Dude! Make a wish!" Beast Boy said, eagerly. Robin closed his eyes.

I wish, I wish, I wish, that my parents would come back. Just once, so I could tell them I love them one more time. To tell them I'm sorry, and to feel their arms again.

He blew the candles. Robin knew it would never happen, but he wished. A small voice at the back of his head, seemed to tell him, "keep hoping", it wasn't a wish. It was a desire. They all gave small applauds, as Robin smiled. "Thank you, guys," he patted Beast Boy's shoulder, since he was right next to him.

Cyborg got a plastic knife. "Alright! Let's eat!" He cut a giant piece. "One for the birthday boy," Cyborg joked around, handing him a slice on a plate.

"Thanks, Cyborg," Robin turned on the lights, and saw the cake. "Vanilla, my favorite!"

"That's why we got it for you," Raven alleged, grabbing a slice of cake.

At the moment, Robin forgot what tomorrow was. He ate the cake, feeling as if his family were here. But at the sudden thought, he got reminded, they weren't. Robin finished his slice, and put the plate in the sink. "Thanks, guys," he grinned.

"Seconds?" Cyborg asked.

"No thanks, Cyborg," Robin went outside, to watch the sunset, since he woke up too late for sunrise.

Starfire approached him. "May I join you in the setting of the sun?" Robin nodded, putting his knees to his torso, and resting his head on his patella. "It is beautiful, Robin," Starfire shielded her eyes. "But does it not hurt your vision?"

Robin shrugged. He knew the pain at staring at the sun, with salt in his eyes, wouldn't hurt as much as the pain in his heart right now. Robin gritted his teeth, urging himself not to cry. Starfire turned to his direction. "Is everything all right? You do not seem well," she made effort to touch his forehead, but he backed away.

"I'm fine, Starfire," Robin walked away, to his room, as if it weren't the first time he had said that today. Which it wasn't.

Awe, poor Robin... :( Anyways, did you like it? :D Please review! *blushes* As always, thanks for reading! Now, do yourself a favor and press the next chapter ;)