Titans - Rising Robin & Invasion! Crossover Fanfic (Flash x Arrow x LoT)

Chapter XXX: Heavy

Richard stepped through the elevator doors, entering the hallway for the fourth floor of his apartment. Richard sighed in relief as he thought back to the events of the few hours. The Justice League was gone, & Batman was missing, but Richard still had options. The Titans were ready for action if they were to be called upon again, thankfully. The Titans were being led by Raven, with Tim offering to help on occasion when needed. With that being the case, Richard had the opportunity to become the Batman in Gotham City. It was an option for Richard, as well as joining the Titans again, but one thing was certain. Richard needed to catch some sleep.

Richard felt himself yawn as he passed the first few apartments, making his way down to his apartment. As tired as he was, he couldn't help but feel a sense of anxiety wash over him as his thoughts traced back to the predicament with the Batman. Richard really didn't want to become the Batman, that was sure. He knew he wouldn't do it willingly. If he had a choice, he wouldn't accept the suit. However, part of Richard felt as though he didn't have a say in the matter. He may very well have to become the thing he used to fear & grew to hate.

Richard rubbed his face with his hands. He had a choice. Tim said so; he would be supported no matter what he decided to do. Even Clark had said so. "You'll make the right choice, sooner or later." Clark believed Richard would, but, that was based on his Earth. In Richard's life, the one he lived, he couldn't be sure that he would make the same choice as another alternate version of himself. There were too many variables to take into account, & Richard couldn't be sure that he'd make the right choice. He had no idea what he would do, let alone if it was even the right decision.

Richard sighed in defeat. Maybe not being the Batman would be alright. He could continue to be Nightwing, working alongside his friends in the Titans. Richard knew they could operate without him, having Rachel on duty. However, Richard couldn't help but think back to her panic attack back in Gotham during the invasion. She had almost died. If something like that were to happen again, Richard would need to be there for her. He couldn't leave her the burden of the team on her own. Even with Tim working with the Titans, he couldn't dedicate himself to them all. Tim had his own life, his girlfriend. Richard knew all of that. Richard needed to let Tim have the chance at a life that he never did. In fact...maybe it was time Richard had a life.

Richard smiled at the thought of relaxing for the rest of the day, eating Chinese takeout & opening an iced cold beer. To him, that was the best reward for all that he managed to accomplish during the week. As troubled as he was with other worries on his mind, he just needed downtime to relax & pretend to be normal one last time.

Richard turned to his left to spot his next door neighbor, Ms. Goldstein, open her apartment door slightly. Richard smiled at the elderly woman. "Hey, Ms. Goldstein," he said. "How was your week?"

Ms. Goldstein turned to spot Richard from behind her door & her eyes suddenly shot open. "Richard," she cooed. "You're...you're here?"

Richard nodded as he walked up to her door. "Yeah, I've been out town this week, but things got a little hairy."

Ms. Goldstein nodded. "Right, right...those strange attacks that happened. Those...aliens," she muttered. Richard eyed the woman for a moment, trying to piece together what had gotten her so nervous. She was always lighthearted & witty, despite her age, but...she looked different. Sadder. Confused, almost. Ms. Goldstein looked up at Richard. "Did you just get home?"

Richard nodded. "I was home earlier, but, I'm just getting back."

"Ah," Ms. Goldstein exclaimed, "I see!" She let out a soft laugh. "Silly me, I've been hearing things, then."

"Hearing things?" Richard asked.

"Yes, well, I heard a racket coming from your apartment, & I had presumed it was you, but, perhaps it was your girlfriend. Barbara, was it? That redhead must be up to something for you."