"Dude! Why didn't you tell us it was your birthday?!" Beast Boy's outburst should have been indignant, but instead he looked positively elated. I could practically see the gears turning in his head about what kind of elaborate surprise he could plan for me...

"Well," I said a little sheepishly "I don't really... You know, do anything for it usually. I don't normally have anyone to celebrate with." That last bit came off a little weepy. Eh, maybe that was a good thing. I didn't like seeming weak, but maybe the Titans pity was another way I could earn their sympathy...

"We'll have to do something to celebrate," declared Robin. "How about tomorrow night?"

"Oh yes!" sung Starfire. "I have learned much about celebrating the day of one's birth! I wish to plan the festivities!"

"Er... Maybe I should help out a little, Star?" Raven chimed in. "Remember the 'cake' you made for Cyborg last month?"

Cyborg suddenly went pale, apparently at the memory of Starfire's confection. I didn't know what everyone's problem was with Star's food. I always enjoyed it...

I put my hands up in protest. "Guys, you really don't have to do anything, it's not a big deal!"

"Oh no you don't!" Beast Boy hopped over and slung an arm around me. I felt my face flush uncomfortably. "We're going to make sure this is the best birthday you've ever had!"

And with a rousing declaration of Robin's signature catch phrase, the Titans all disappeared down the elevator. I darted to the great window at the front of the room and watched as the T-car sped toward the city.

The tower was eerily silent. What was I supposed to do while everyone was out planning my party? I flapped a hand uselessly against my hip...

I sighed. I knew what I was supposed to do.

I started heading for my room. Each footstep was heavy and deliberate. He said these opportunities would be rare; chances to talk to him away from everyone would be few and far between. I knew what I had to do, but... I just didn't feel like I had anything interesting to report. What was I supposed to say? That they were all out planning my birthday bash? It was almost embarassing. This was the first time I would be contacting him since I'd come back to the Tower. It seemed like kind of a momentous occasion...

Finally I reached my room. The door hissed open smoothly and I ducked inside, fearful that someone could swoop around the corner at any moment. I hadn't bothered to check whether all of them had hopped into the T-car, after all...

I flopped onto the couch in front of my little desk and laptop. I took a deep breath, switched the computer on, and opened a video call. The screen displayed a "call connecting" window for a few seconds. My heart pounded in my chest, and I clenched my fists. Maybe I should have planned what to say? I should have thought this through better.

Just as I was about to hit the "terminate" key, a coldly familiar face filled the screen.

Slade.

"Apprentice," he addressed me flatly. "It's been some time since I've spoken to you."

I swallowed. "Yes," I answered, trying to keep my voice as level as his, "You were right about having few opportunities to speak to you alone. The Tower is empty..."

"I take it you have successfully earned their trust."

"Yes..." I pictured them, now. Probably picking out banners, candles, balloons... And Beast Boy especially. What would he be planning?

"Well done," Slade's congratulation sounded satisfied enough. But I knew he wanted to hear more. He wanted details.

"They're all excited to have me back," I started, "Raven was the only one who showed any resistance to allowing me into their team. The rest of them were more than happy to... have me recruited." Beast Boy especially, I mused to myself.

"You must not underestimate them," Slade warned. "They are trusting fools, but they are not completely inobservant. It is vital to the Plan that you gain their complete and total confidence."

"Yes," I assured him solemnly. "I'm sure they don't suspect anything. They're..." I hesitated. I wasn't sure how he would take this news. But I supposed it couldn't hurt...

"They're throwing me a party."

His one visible eye widened in... surprise? It wasn't an exaggeration to say his emotions were constantly masked. His expression was literally hidden.

He seemed to mull this information over for a moment. "How quaint," he finally replied. "And what is the occasion?"

"It's... It's my birthday."

"I see..." He purred. I shivered. I could never get used to his dark, velvety voice. "In that case, I offer my best wishes."

And then the screen went dark.