A/N

Came up with this story after reading the Judas Contract in the Teen Titans comics. What was Slade and Terra's relationship in the Teen Titans show? Since it was never elaborated on, here is a story letting readers behind the scenes. Rated T for heavy adult undertones and innuendo. Disclaimer: I do not own the Teen Titans or any of their franchises.

Pulling the Strings

"Slade, please, where are you? I need to talk to you!"

Slade watched from the shadows as Terra passed him by, and he smiled to himself as he heard the desperation in her voice. It was too easy. His first conversation with her had left her confused, and after she'd left the Titans' Tower a day ago, Slade knew it was only a matter of time before she came to him. Only hours before, Terra had reached a breaking point. At thirteen hundred hours, an earthquake with a magnitude of seven had suddenly struck the northern sector of Jump City, felling several buildings and probably killing multiple inhabitants. Again she had lost control, and this time, she had nowhere to go. And when she had no one else to turn to, she would come to him. Now, here she was.

"Slade, please! I need to — "

"Welcome, Terra," Slade said, stepping out of the shadows and startling the girl.

Terra whirled around, her eyes already flashing yellow with panic. Then, seeing Slade, she relaxed, though not before the watchful Slade saw a flash of frustration on her face. Slade couldn't help smiling silently when she sniffed a moment later.

"Slade, I . . . " her voice trailed off, and now her eyes were downcast.

Slade stepped forward and laid a gentle hand on her shoulder, not missing a beat. "What is it, child?"

She looked up at Slade, and he saw fear, panic, and confusion all mixed into one expression of entrapment. He knew he had her, but there was one more thing he had to do to break through her defenses. Slowly, Slade leaned toward her, placing his other hand on her hair. "You can trust me."

Terra's panic melted in that instant, though a bit of confusion still remained. She glanced over her shoulder in hesitation, then back to Slade's masked face. "I . . . need your help," she forced out.

Slade held back a laugh. Why else would she be here? Coming to this place for any other reason was foolish at least and dangerous at most. "I know," he said silkily.

"Will you help me control my powers?" she asked, her voice shaking.

At this, Slade stood up and turned away from her, and his deft ears caught a small gasp of panic. Yes, let her wonder in confusion. Let her fear and consider. "Perhaps," he said.

"Slade, please, I — "

Perfect. Now she was practically begging him for his help. Swallowing a growl of satisfaction, Slade turned back to Terra, composing himself instantly. "Do you swear to do anything I tell you and follow all of my orders without question?"

Terra's lower lip was shaking now. "Y-yes."

"Will you destroy anything — or anyone — that I command you to without hesitation?"

"Yes!" she practically shouted.

Now Slade was smiling broadly. She needed him. "Will you serve me for the rest of your days?"

"Yes!"

Slade saw that she was trembling now, hoping with all the power inside her that he wouldn't turn her away as so many others had before him. "All right," he finally said. "I will help you." Master of emotions as Slade was, he was never startled. Rarely did anything ever shock him or catch him off guard. However, at that moment Slade was minutely surprised when Terra suddenly rushed toward him and wrapped her arms around him, embracing him tightly.

Slade lightly rubbed Terra's back as she buried her face into his armor. He allowed a chuckle to escape his lips. In that moment, he owned her.