The truth of it was, that Tim did not want to leave Stephanie at all. He had gone so far as to ponder at length what it might be like to take her with him. To have her share in his travels. In the end though, he realized his thoughts for what they were. A fool's dream. For even if he could conceive of a way for her to travel with him without sending up a million red flags with her mom, he knew that this was something that he was going to have to do himself.
He rested his hands on her arms lightly, and squeezed once.
"I don't know how to explain it any better than by just telling you that I can't... do this anymore. At least not... not in the same way that I have been." And it was true. For as much as he had adored and prided himself on being 'Robin', he now recognized his feelings for what they were regarding the mantle as well. He felt constrained. Tired, and worn. And if he continued at all, he knew he had to start doing things differently.
His way.
He sighed and leaned forward, so that his forehead touched her own. "Leaving you is going to be the hardest part of this."