Time is relative...

Tick tick tock...

Dick watched the wall clock in a daze, it was nearly six in the morning.

He woke up not long ago. At first he was relieved that the nightmares were over.

But he was alone. That is a nightmare in of itself.

He knew his wrists hurt. He knew he was hazy with fever. And though his stomach was against it, his brain was telling him his body required food.

Deep down he knew those things but he wasn't aware of it. He didn't register the sting of pain, the discomfort from fever, or the need for food.

All he was aware of was that single clock. And time seemed to move so slowly. Like an eternity.

Tick tick tock...

Deep down he knew that the only reason Wally wasn't here with him is because he was probably still asleep.

But...

He left you Dick. Everyone always seems to leave you, don't they?

Tick tick tock...

"No..."

Why do you bother speaking? No one can hear because no one is here. Because no one cares.

"That's not true... it's not..."

Isn't it? Honestly, why would anyone care about you? You're just a useless little acrobat. A meaningless orphan that no one wants.

"No. Bruce--"

Bruce? But he replaced you! And why wouldn't he? You couldn't even save your own parents!

Tick tick...

Dick's gaze on the clock wavered as it seemed to stop for a second. A small tear slipped from his eyes.

Then the clock started again.

Tock...

I know what your secret is Dick. I know what you have hidden. Why don't you just use it? It will be better for everyone. Just do it...

Dick swallowed and mechanically reached down into his pocket.

Even in civilian clothes he has always carried this certain item just in case a certain psycotic clown shows up.

But lately, he's been carrying a much larger quantity than necessary.

He slowly pulled a vial from his pocket. It was the drug that made the Joker collapse.

He reached again for the needle but he was too weak, his hands wouldn't stop shaking.

Enough with the needle! Just drink it!

There was enough to sedate the Joker six times...

It would be more than enough.

And maybe this time he wouldn't be stopped.

Quickly now! Or are you scared? Typical...

"No. I'm not."

He narrowed his eyes and brought the vial to his mouth.

The drug was green but not too thick. It should go down easily.

He slowly tilted his head and allowed a few drops to flow past his lips.

He slightly winced.

There wasn't a definitive taste but it was definitely bitter.

Tick tick... tock...

Ignoring it, he allowed a bit more to pass down his throat.

He finally started to feel faint, time seemed to slow. But of course, it actually wasn't. Not for Robin... and certainly not for Dick.

Tick... tick...

Yes, yes. Keep going boy!

It suddenly felt as if time finally stopped. But reality also seemed to kick in.

He could now hear the hustle and bustle of the family downstairs, starting to prepare breakfast.

His dazed thoughts drifted to the Titans.

There were still people out there that cared for him, that needed him!

And they would be devastated if he went through with this.

How could he do this to them?

He closed his mouth and sighed. He wanted to do it, he really did.

He just wanted it to be over.

But he still had things holding him back.

What are you doing?! You were so close!

Fighting the dizziness, he forced himself out of bed and towards the bathroom.

With just a moment's hesitation he finally gave in.

He dumped his 'saving grace' down the sink.

He quickly washed his face and ran a hand through his hair before he turned and staggered to the bedroom door, making his way down to the kitchen.

He didn't look at the clock, he just kept his head down.

As soon as he closed the door behind him, the minute-hand of the clock raced to the number six, quickly correcting itself from it's frozen position.

Tock. Tick tick tock. Tick tick tock. Tick tick tock. Tick tick tock. Tick tick tock...

Time is relative. Despite the illusion, it does not speed up or slow down. It does not stop for one being.

Time is an eternal heart. It forever beats a constant, steady rythm.

It is not a soldier. It is not a puppet.

Time cannot be manipulated.

Time is relative.