Silence.

The first thing which greeted him every morning was silence itself.

He appreciated it's presence every day at the early hours he woke up yet…

Today it felt heavy, unbearable and lonely-

March 28th.

A day which changed the trajectory of his life forever.

Made him into what he was today.

Gentle yet pale light of dawn entered into the room through the window as Robin swung his leg over the side of his bed listlessly. He tapped the alarm button out of habit and made his way to the washroom.

He felt no energy or even slight optimism; there was a heavy sensation in his heart, a feeling he was too accustomed to over the years.

The very essence of air he breathed in felt heavy yet still; almost as if the universe acknowledged the weight of this day.

He knew today was going to be hard. He knew today would reopen the pain of some wounds which never truly disappeared and probably never will but…he didn't expect it to be so-... hard and lonely.

It was the first time he was dealing with the Death Anniversary of his parents outside Wayne House.

It had been a year since he left Gotham already.

He moved through the motions of his daily routine, facing the basin he splashed his face with the cold water which almost felt like baptism, cleansing his maelstrom of emotions even if for a few seconds.

Wiping off the water from his features, he took deliberate steps back to his room as if trying to maintain some semblance of balance over the day which had it's own plans for him.

Walking through the hallway, he faced the clean glass panel which let in the beauty of the natural light blossom throughout the space.

Subconsciously, Robin touched the glass as the sun slowly ascended into the heavens emitting a sweet yellow glow aloft the cotton candy like white clouds which were slowly being scattering all across the sky.

He could tell the day was going to be long, gloomy and cloudy as he noticed the clouds slowly consume up the sun fully out of sight.

As he entered his room and donned upon the uniform, his fingers ran over the Robin insignia decorated over his chest.

"Is there a reason for this costume to be so….colourful?"

Mary Grayson sat gracefully in front of Richard adjusting her posture to match his height. "Because when I see you up there Richard"

She smiles as she affectionately puts her hand on the 'R' insignia on his dress. "-you make me think of a little Robin!" Her eyes twinkle in motherly amusement.

A soft smile brushes his face followed by him squeezing his eyes tightly as he inhales sharply, turning himself away from the mirror.

He opens up one of the drawers of his nightstand, pulling out a small old picture encased in a wooden frame. He rubs his thumbs across the photo which had a couple smiling brightly at the camera with their hands on the son's shoulder who smiled naively. Robin's eyes soften.

"Ugh a Robin? Like the bird? You know kids my age get beat up for nicknames like that"

John Grayson puts a hand over his shoulder as he teases, "How about we call you our flying squirrel? Better?"

Dick smirks "You know Dad? I'm not the only one who looks like a loser"

"A loser?!" His dad tries his best to look hurt only to give up the effort within seconds, succumbing to laughter "Ahhh I'll teach you!" He gives a bear hug to his wife and son who giggled.

Strolling down the hallway, as Robin made his way to the gym, he yet again looked through the transparent glass panel. The sky was grayish now and fully cloudy. It looked dull and almost lifeless, soul less mirroring his current being.

"Looks like the circus is in town!" A man with a burning cigarette at his fingertips said confidently, his face was shrouded in shadows due to poor lighting.

"What do you want, Zucco?" Mr. Haley narrowed his eyes.

"Oh I'd like to think I'm here to help you, Mr. Haley…" He took a few steps forward, his face now revealed. He had mostly grey hair, a crooked face with a smirk on his lips.

"...for a small fee." He said with a smug face as he gestured his hand to the side, revealing a guy with rugged appearance accompanied by a well built muscle physique and a shaved head; the man cracked his knuckles instantly.

"My brothers and I shall provide your circus with…protection. You don't pay us-" Two other men wearing suits walked up from behind Haley, making the old man stiffen up in alert.

"You deal with strong men. Protection money and no accidents happen" The man sneered maliciously.

"Well I'm not gonna pay you a single cent, Zucco. Get out" The old man scowled.

"You are making a big mistake, Haley" The man hissed in a low voice.

Dick looked at the scene, hiding behind the large red curtain of the circus, a feeling of apprehension and fear blossoming in his chest. These men…they didn't seem like good people.

"Oh? Looks like we might have a new guest here" The strange man named 'Zucco' pointed towards the little boy, slowly walking towards him.

Richard's eyes went wide as he froze in shock for a second. He quickly made haste and ran away to where his parents were.

Robin punches the punching bag with all his strength for the umpteenth time. He silently pants as he sees the damage he has done to the poor equipment which had bits of sand rolling down from the cracks on it's surface.

He stays silent as he slowly breathes in and out; regulating his breath to ease the maelstrom of emotions threatening to overcome him.

He stood there in complete silence for a few more minutes till he moved towards the bench where he took a sip out of his water bottle and wiped sweat off him with the towel he decided to keep around his neck, holding both of it's end by his hands.

He wasn't sure how much time has passed but the training session didn't really do him much favors. His gaze distant and downcast, a silent sigh escapes his lips.

It's truly been a whole year outside Gotham. Yet so many crazy adventures, finding great friends…building a team…bonding with them…them becoming his second family…the build of trust…encounter with Slade…being nearly killed by his hallucinogen- the list goes on and on.

Life breezed by yet just like every year he felt a pang of longing for his parents, their absence haunting his very soul.

Every step he took since the beginning of the day felt mechanical, a series of motions which he can do with his eyes closed. He couldn't escape the memories nor the dam of emotions which threatened to break at any moment. Everything seemed to remind him of them-

The automated door of the common room opened with a swish as Robin descended the three stepped stairs, greeted by the sight of a certain sorceress resting by the counter of the kitchen with what seemed like a cup of tea emitting slight steam along with a book and a familiar Cyborg who was very absorbed preparing something.

"Mornin' Rob" The man greeted with a smile.

"Morning" He greets back in a tone slightly subdued and energy-less as he trots into the kitchen area, taking out his favorite cup of choice and the coffee powder.

Raven raises her eyes off the book she was reading to look at the Titan's leader concernedly. She could feel negative emotions originate from his being…She could feel the waves of hurt and pain washing over his soul. Something she'd felt when she saw through his-

Her eyes widen as the gears in her head turn.

Could it be…?

Noticing the tone of his usually energetic friend, Cyborg asked softly, "Hey, everything all right man?"

"Yeah, everything's fine" Robin glanced back with a small smile as he poured his beverage in a cup.

Cyborg didn't look very convinced but chose not to say anything on the matter, he didn't fail to notice how slow or deliberate his steps are or how his shoulders are slightly slumped. He looks at Raven as if asking for an answer who matches his gaze with an concerned yet unreadable expression.

"Robin, if there's something-" The sorceress hovered over to him.

The Boy Wonder took a few steps back. "I'm fine, really- There's nothing to worry about"

Before the conversation could continue any further, the door opened up to reveal an enthusiastic Tamaranean flying towards her allies.

"A Glorious Morning to you all, my friends!" She greeted in her usual cheerful way.

"Hey there, Star" Cyborg smiled.

"Morning" Raven monotoned.

Meanwhile, Robin settled down on a kitchen bar stool on the other side of the counter as he took a sip out of his cup; two seats away from Raven which didn't escape her observation.

Starfire sat right beside Robin in one of the empty tools.

"Good Morning, Robin!" Starfire smiled.

"Morning to you too, Star" Robin replies back with a small smile as he removes his gaze from her, taking another sip of the beverage at hand, slowly getting lost in his thoughts.

Her eyebrows furrowed. She couldn't help but feel something was wrong with him. He's usual energetic aura seemed almost… muted. Normally he'd at least attempt for a small talk with her but today…he seemed quieter than ever.

"Is something troubling your heart today, friend? You seem-" Starfire asks gently.

He held a brief pause.

"No, It's nothing really- Just a little tired" He replied back with a soft smile.

"Are you sure…? You donot seem to be your usual …self this morning-" Starfire asks in concern.

The Boy Wonder's smile wavers ever so slightly as he shifts uncomfortably unable to fully maintain his facade.

"It's nothing to worry about, Star." Robin responded.

Starfire didn't look convinced at the least as she continued to look at him. Her gaze fell to her other two friends who shook their head; exchanging a knowing yet concerned glance with her.

The kitchen area fell in silence as the atmosphere became somber, a silent worry for their friend filling up the air.

Trying to lighten up the mood, Cyborg chimed in with a grin, "Yo Robin, bet your tiredness would go away by today's special!"

He pulls out three big plates with a huge stack of waffles on each plate which were lavishly covered in maple syrup with the toppings of whipped cream, blueberries and strawberries arranged in such a way to create a smiling face.

"Cyborg's Breakfast Explosion Special: WAFFLES!" Cyborg declared excitedly as he laid the three plates to each of his friends. Starfire's eyes lit up brightly almost instantly as Raven failed to hide the smile forming on her face. "You know you want it~" He gestures his hand over his mouth as if he were whispering while he wiggled his eyebrows.

Robin blinks at his friend's sudden enthusiasm. His lips curl up in a faint smile. "Waffles, huh?"

"Thanks Cy" He remarks in a soft voice with a slight touch of sadness yet managing a small, appreciative smile on his face.

"The waffles are delectable!" Starfire cheered.

"I have to admit these waffles aren't bad. I might even finish the plate….if I don't die off the sugar overdose first" Raven remarked dryly as she took one more bite off the food with the syrup dripping from her fork.

Cyborg snorted. "Whatever suits you, little lady"

He dragged his own plate of waffles out and dug in.

Looking at others and gaining enough courage, Robin picks up his fork and takes a small bite but as he eats he realizes he really isn't that hungry. He took another bite of the waffle but with each bite, it started to become increasingly difficult for him to eat.

Normally, he'd wholeheartedly enjoy his friend's delicious meal but today…the lump in his throat seems to grow and the food becomes almost tasteless as he chews it slowly.

And that's when the automated door slid open again revealing a certain green changeling.

"Well guess who decided to show up early!" Cyborg smirked.

"Hey! I'm not that late!" Beast Boy argues back.

"Never said you were" Cyborg grins as he takes another big bite.

"Touché" BB remarks as he sits right next to their leader who silently fiddled with his food using the fork.

"Yoo! You made waffles?!" Beast Boy exclaimed. "Aw man, where'd my part go?!"

"Maybe they turned into a waffle-shaped chameleon and escaped. Better keep an eye out for the foot prints" Raven deadpanned.

Cyborg bursts out in laughter as tears come to his eyes. "Oh man that was a good one" He remarks as he wipes away the said tear. Starfire could be heard giggling in the background.

A soft, small smile makes it's way into Robin's face as he watches the banter and laughter, appreciating the camaraderie of his friends. He wanted to laugh along with them yet he felt so… distant. The smile on his face comes to a halt as his lips curl into a straight line, his mind delving into deeper thoughts.

"As for your waffles, here you go 'B" Cyborg smiles as he slides the changeling's portion to him.

Beast Boy grins as he scoops his fork down. "Thanks big guy! You are the best you know that"

As he takes a big bite, Beast Boy notices Robin not eating, instead fiddling with the food using his fork.

"Dude you gotta try these out! They are like a party in your mouth!" BB commented, munching on his waffles as he took notice of his friend's quieter than usual demeanor as well.

Cracking a small smile, Robin stood up as he replied back "Maybe a bit later, Beast Boy."

"I have a few paperworks left in my office that I need to take care of. Enjoy them for me, though"

Before anyone else could say anything, Beast Boy asked out worriedly "B- But you haven't even eaten properly! You've barely touched those waffles, man!"

The Titan's leader, already by the exit; eyes downcast in the mist of sorrow as the door swished open, paused for a moment but then he replied softly "I'm really not that hungry…if you need me though, you know where to look"

As he leaves, the others share a look of concern amongst themselves, the worry for their leader ever increasing.

"He's really not himself today…" Cyborg sighed.

"I feel worried about his well being…" Starfire's eyes soften as she continued to look at the now empty seat. "Is there truly nothing we can do to help him from whatever might be troubling him?"

Beast Boy looked at his friend's faces as he puts his fork down, feeling upset. His eyes suddenly widen as he looks at Raven.

"The Bond! Rae, you and Robin, you've got that whole mind-link thing right? You should know what's wrong with him! Please tell us" He pleads earnestly.

Starfire's eyes widen at the same realization. "Yes friend Raven! Please tell us what is wrong with him…for you have the ability to shed some light in the situation! If I recall correctly, you did once mention that you vaguely saw through his memories when the bond was established-" She asks in concern, a slight tone of desperation leaking into her tone

"Raven, they're right. If something is hurting him…we should support him in whatever we can…He is a family to us." Cyborg added in, his tone carrying a sense of anxiety.

Raven looks at all of them as she thinks about the situation deeply herself. "Even if I do…Robin deserves his own privacy, I can't just invade his thoughts without his consent. That's a breach of privacy even if it's for a good reason. Robin values his privacy and I respect that"

The other exchange looks at each other,

"I understand where you are coming from Rae but…think about it. If he's hurting badly inside and won't open up what's wrong then isn't knowing what's wrong the first step to help him?" Cyborg silently asks.

Raven opens her mouth to say anything but Starfire speaks up as she clasps her own hands "Raven please…if there is something we can do to ease his pain, we must at least try"

"Raven, there's gotta be something you know that we don't…" Beast Boy says hesitantly as his ears droop down in sadness.

The sorceress pauses as she regards their words. Her mind torn between her concerns for Robin and his wish for respecting privacy.

From the shared experience they had which led to her unintentionally seeing glimpses of his whole life's memories, she did know the day carries significant emotional weight for him although the actual reason was a mystery, even to her. She did have her own theory; something she pieced together as she analyzed the fragments of memories she did end up remembering.

"I…" Raven hesitated as she looked down and clenched her fists.

"I get your point but… I won't do anything invasive of his privacy for it is not my place to share. If he wants to talk then he would." She says with determination.

The others lower their heads and gazes down in sadness as their eyes soften.

"But I do have a sense of what he might be going through today and my own theory" Raven added in hesitantly.

This made the others turn their heads and full attention towards her.


Finishing his paperwork much sooner than he, himself, anticipated; Robin sat at the edge of the rooftop of the Titans Tower, his legs dangling off at the side as he gazes at the city skyline. A cool breeze rustles his hair as he continues to watch the metropolis, lost in thought.

He doesn't notice the rain beginning to fall.

The soft raindrops pattered gently against the rooftop, creating a soothing rhythm. The city lights shimmered through the mist causing a soft, ethereal glow over everything.

The rain provided a comforting backdrop to Robin's thoughts as if the heavens themselves were offering him a respite.

He closed his eyes, letting the cool rain drops touch his face. In this quiet moment, he allowed himself to remember his parents…their laughter, their smiles, their time together, their unwavering support…the day of their-

Robin flinches as his downcasted eyes glistened. He still remembers the scene of his parent's death vividly. Shivers still run down his spine even today. It torments him to this very day. The gasps of the audience, the horrified screams, the sickening thud which followed as the trapeze wire snapped. It was so vivid that it was as if he were reliving it all over again. The helplessness he felt…the overwhelming grief he felt….it was all there…etched into his mind.

He clenched his fists, his knuckles going white as he fought to suppress the pain that threatened to consume him.

The rooftop which provided a quiet sanctuary and solace to him, had become a battleground of emotions and memories…he couldn't escape it no matter how hard he tried…It was a part of him, something which made him into what he is today.

Tears welled up into his eyes, threatening to pour out of his mask. He couldn't break down now.

He took a deep, shuddering breath as he forced himself to look at the skyline once more, determined to push the memories back into the depths of his mind.

He can't let them see him like this…

He trusts them with his life, he loves them like his own family and yet… his heart becomes heavy in guilt and sorrow. He can't tell them. He is their leader…he can't let them see his vulnerability to his team-mates…it wasn't… ethical

He is supposed to be the pillar of strength to his friends, the one who holds them together through their darkest hours; a leader had to be strong, unyielding, unbreakable, a one who would shield them from harm both emotional and physical……To reveal his vulnerability felt like a betrayal of that duty.

If they saw him falter…it would shake their confidence…sowing the seeds of doubt, disrupting the unity of the team.

What good of a leader would he be if he can't even do his job right?

More tears threatened to spill as he grips the edge. He couldn't afford to break down now. He needs to be the leader they needed him to be even if it means burying his own pain deep inside.

He took in another steadying breath, determined to regain his composure with a resolve as he pushed back his memories back to the recesses of his mind. He was the leader, he cannot afford to be weak.

Slowly, he stood up from the perch of the roof's edge. As he was about to head back inside, he heard the faint sound of the rooftop's door creaking open. He turned to see his fellow Titans standing at it's opening, their faces etched with concern and worry.

Unbeknownst to him, his teammates had grown increasingly concerned and worried when they couldn't find him anywhere in the tower. His subdued demeanor from earlier, Raven's revelation and later her feeling immensely intense emotions originating from him didn't help at all.

Without a word, they rushed towards him, their footsteps splashing through the rain-soaked roof-top.

Before he could even react, they enveloped him into a group hug. Raven reaching him first, her empathetic gaze meeting his troubled one. She wrapped her arms around him in a tight yet comforting hug. Cyborg, Starfire and Beast Boy joining in the endeavor as they formed a protective circle around him.

The embrace was warm and comfortable. There were no words, just the soothing embrace of his friends and the pattering of rain around them. Rain poured upon them, drenching them to the bone but no one seemed to care.

Robin felt his defenses crumble in the face of their unwavering support and love.

In that moment, he let himself be vulnerable as he buried his face in Raven's shoulder, tears mixing with the raindrops as he finally allowed himself to grieve.

In that moment, still embraced by his friends, he felt a mixture of relief and gratitude wash over him. He had tried to hide his pain but his team had seen through that facade.

In that moment, he realised he didn't have to be an unyielding pillar of strength all the time, his friends were there for him, ready to provide him the unyielding support and love he needed.

The rain washed away his pain, cleansing his wounded soul.

As it continued to fall, the titans held their friend close, offering him comfort and understanding that he was never alone, he always had them.

It was a silent acknowledgement that they were a team bound not only by their powers and missions but also by the deep roots of friendship, love and compassion that united them. In their unity, they found strength and in Robin's vulnerability, they found a deeper connection that would carry them through even at the darkest of days.


A/N: This idea struck me suddenly and I worked on this for 4 days straight to the point of staying up till 2 AM just to complete and finalise it lol

So here we are! I hope this was enjoyable :)

Do lmk your thoughts in the comment section down below!

This has been posted on my AO3 (Archive Of Our Own) account as well! Do check it out if you want :D

My account name there is "SylvieSerene" and the story there is under the same title of "A Solemn Day ".

If any of you who have been following my "The Court Of Owls" story, I just wanna let yk that I didn't abandon it lol

I just lost motivation due to personal reasons but dw! I'm working on the chapter as we speak! :D

I may post the chapter soon :)