Cat and Mouse

by dlsky

For Slade the game was in the challenge.For Robin his solace was in the fact he, not Slade who was immortal, would eventually grow old and die but Slade’s new plan just might make this game of cat and mouse last forever.

10. Chapter 10 Hegelian idea, the thought, a

Disclaimer: Refer back to First Chapter, First page.

Chapter 10 (Hegelian idea, the thought, and the way out)

Two days later Robin ended up sick with a cold. He'd known it. The water had been chilling cold, and as Raven had said, dirty and smelly as hell. He wasn't surprised he ended up sick. It had taken shampooing his hair twice just to get the smell of fish water out of it. His skin had felt so grimy.

That morning Robin had woke up feeling tired; not allowing himself to sleep more then six hours the next two days after Slade's attack, fearing that Slade might return, but knowing that he needed some sleep after not having any for a week. Robin's projection of himself being ok, was not bought by the others. His and Slade's conversation at the mall had sealed that.

Robin had walked into the kitchen acting as if he was fine. Really having to put effort into keeping up the projection he wanted his team to see. Sure enough Raven's voice called out from behind her book and cup of herbal tea.

"Morning Robin. Why aren't you still sleeping?"

It wasn't a question, but more an accusation. Robin, his face in the fridge gave a light jump and knew that he was now the center of attention for all present. He turned around and smiled at Raven. Lying that he was feeling quite rested and was planning on working on rebuilding the Tower with Cyborg that day.

Of course Raven didn't buy it, and with the other three Titans all staring him down, Robin confessed everything. His weeks worth of lack of sleep, his new cold beginning to form. The lack of nutrition he'd substituted instead for caffeine and sports energy drinks all week, and finally his not being rested at all.

Robin had never seen Starfire so vicious. Rounding on him about his lack of concern for himself and giving him a very long lecture; one he didn't even think her capable of giving. He'd expected Cyborg and Raven to be upset, Oh yes, just as he'd feared she and Cyborg had in fact haled him off to rest. His only relief was that he wasn't sedated or placed in the medical bay to be strapped down, but was dragged instead to his own room and told everything would be arranged and handled by his team mates. All he had to do, was "sleep!"

Robin genuinely relieved that he wasn't being bullied so much as cared for; relented, and went back to bed. His fiends really did take care of everything. Arranging for meals for themselves and Robin. Finishing repairs to the Tower, and even handling two small criminal calls without his assistance.

Robin barely remembered the first week after Slade tried to blow up his home. The cold taking advantage of his weekend state kept him down for the whole week. Robin ate in his room. Slept, and was finally forced to use his private bathroom within his room.

Robin; being the leader, had been privileged to get the biggest bedroom in the Tower. Complete with private shower and bathroom linen closet. Robin had never wanted his friends to feel like they were anything but equals, so he'd made sure to never use the bathroom and instead shared the one in the hallway like his friends all did.

It was actually Beast Boy that had finally made him stop climbing out of bed and drag himself across the hall to get to the bathroom for his daily shower. "Why don't you just use the one in your room?"

Robin had explained his reason and Beast Boy had just rolled his eyes and exclaimed "Dude, your sick, I don't think we caring about something as dumb as your leadership and ego. Besides if you pass out on your way across the hall, I'm not picking your sick butt up. I refuse to get sick myself, then Cy'd really kick my butt at video games. I have a reputation to protect you know, and I can't let him think he's better then me, now can I?" Robin far to sick and delirious to argue had just nodded and turned to the bathroom he'd never used till now. Drowning out Beast Boy's continued ranting as he closed the door behind himself.

-C-

Greetings Cyborg….

What can I help you with today?

"Greetings Sally, and how is my favorite little lady computer today?"

Fine as pizza….

Cyborg cracked a grin, it had taken months worth of programming and hard work for this response to finally come out correctly. Sally as he'd named his private computer within his room, was not quite like his baby the T-car but she came pretty close.

"Sally would you please activate my computer journal?"

Right away Vincent…

Cyborg sat down in his leather chair and looked up at the monitor. His voice steady he began to talk to the computer a Journal of his voice being written up on the screen.

"Five days now since Slade tried to destroy the Tower. I've been very busy lately. Busy re-fixing up the Tower. Attending to the other Titans and watching over Robin. As acting second in command it's been my responsibility to see things get done and keep running smoothly. The others have been great. Accepting my commands and suggestions without complaint. Raven's been a big help. Her support has helped Beast Boy's and Starfire's loyalty for Robin to pass on to me as well. I guess it's been good for me to lead this team. Sure gave me an ego boost. I felt confident and jumped at the chance to take charge. Even felt right taking the team into battle.

I've always been kind of the big brother around here. Keeping the younger children; BB and Star, under control. Bridging the gap between them and Robin and Raven; who are older, but I haven't had the opportunity to expand that role towards Robin or Raven. Haven't been much help or support to those two. Their the kind that take care of themselves.

Don't need much help, and they certainly won't ask for it. Except maybe from each other. Robin and Raven have their own language. They're own kind of sense.

They don't have to talk to know what's going on with each other. It makes the rest of us feel left out somehow. Like a secret only they know. I don't mind, but some times I feel the urge to ask if I can be let in. Given a chance to assume the role of the older brother without feeling guilty that I'm intruding. This weeks given me that chance. I've taken care of Robin while he's rested. Brought him food and just sat by his side while he ate quietly. I liked taking care of him, made me feel important and needed.

Raven's let me take on that role too. Let me lean on her shoulder and laugh with her like we use to in the beginning. In the beginning when we were still a new team and Raven was too shy to talk. I use to joke with her and reassure her she'd be fine, that she'd fit in eventually. Now, I feel like I'm the younger of us two. She, assuming the role of the older sibling. Only difference is, she's distant now, not clinging for support and reassurance. Her own confidence and ability to watch over herself strong and set. It was nice to see her kind of lost without Robin. I know that sound mean of me, but it was nice of her to rely on me again. Nice that we got to talk just the two of us again, talk as if we were needy for each others reassuring comfort and combined confidents and support. What can I say? I'd forgotten how much I needed Raven, I saw in her eyes this afternoon she too had forgotten what it used to be like.

Still things have been pretty smooth, even took down a couple crooks lately.

At first it was a boost, a thrill, a confidence I hadn't know existed. Now though I've begun to question myself, my decisions. What if I lead this team in the wrong direction. Today's squeamish with some rouge HIVE members had me worried. I feared that I'd made the wrong decision. We did fine! Taking them down, no problems as a team (short our leader temporarily) It was that I faltered in my confidence there for a second. I began thinking what if I made the wrong choice. What if I got us into something we couldn't get out of. What if I lead the team in the wrong direction and got us all killed.

These must be the kinds of thoughts Robin has to live with every day of his life. Man he's stronger then I thought. Strong and confident or is it all a facade he puts on to help keep us all feeling confident even if he isn't. I had a taste of doing that today. Beast Boy asked me if I was OK, I told him "Yah, sure never been better." Trying to put on as genuine a smile as I could. I thought he could see right through me, but he smiled back and bought it.

Robin has to be struggling harder then I am, he battle's Slade and dark criminals like him every day. Unlike my temporary position. No wonder he gave in and created the whole Red X incident. I know now where he was coming from; still don't agree with it, but at least I can understand him now. Guess I'll have to be more supportive of him in the future. Try and show him I understand his feelings. Let him know he's not alone in his feeling of uncertainty. Robin's got pride issues; we all know that, but I guess some of it is a tough choice weather to show uncertainty or not?

Cyborg heard a knock on his door and pushed a button on his console. Pausing the journal entry from continuing. "Yes, come in."

Beast Boy appeared in the door way. A high smile on his face, "Hay, you hungry? Raven and Star are fixing lunch and it's your turn to check on Robin?"

Cyborg nodded, "Yah, just give me a second to finish up." He hit a couple buttons logging the entry and shutting down the program. "Bye Sally." Walking to the door where Beast Boy was waiting.

"Good Bye, Vincent"

-R-

A month later after Slade's first attacking him and his home. Robin was outside and free. The sunny October fall day was a much needed relief from being stuck in bed for a week, and then off and on after that. This cold was sure persistent. Robin didn't quite remember the time going by that whole week he'd spent in bed, but it still had been too long to be cooped up for him. The moment he'd felt able to combat his friends objections to him being up he'd taken a shower; in his private bathroom, he'd begun to love the privacy and none rushing factor; of having your very own bathroom. So he'd decided that, what the hell. Perks were sometimes a good thing. Why not take advantage of what was there. In this case his very own Jacuzzi bathtub.

After a long and very nice steam filled bath. Robin got dressed, put on his coat and a pair of sunglasses; having his mask off for once and he left the tower. On his way out he ran into Starfire; who inquired about what he was doing up, and where he was going. Robin quickly told her he needed to get some air and before she could object rushed downstairs to the garage and rode off on his motorcycle. Dressed in normal clothing and a jacket; even though it was seventy nine degrees out. Robin found he was still slightly cold.

His favorite hill; overlooking Jump City was on a side of town that the wind factor stayed calmer then most places. As he parked his bike and breathed in a big lung full of fresh air Robin felt better already; warmer too. A coughing fit overtook him, but after coughing several times he still managed to keep his smile and told himself he still felt better now then he did before leaving the Tower. He let the sun's warmth fall over his closed eyes and face.

"Ah, I needed this," he thought walking over to his favorite spot and sitting down. Robin leaned back and took in more sun as he just watched the city down below himself. "It's so large. I'd forgotten how really big it is." Time seemed to stop at that moment. Robin feeling the world and all his problems fade into the background. His heart felt relief, at least up here, looking down he was the one in control. His mind and body; his to command or let wonder if he liked. Up here the city didn't know him, didn't care. Everything that was expected, demanded, or required of him was left back down there in the city. Up on the hill. His hill. His own spot outside the world of Slade, being a hero, or even Batman. Robin didn't exist, he was simply Richard up here. A young man with nothing but content and freedom, from all.

A sad feeling hit Richard suddenly. His mind feeling an ache. He'd spent the whole first week just sleeping, the next two healing his physical body and strengthening his muscles again. But he'd ignored and forgotten; pushing his thoughts to the back of his mind. Now though as he sat there staring at the city. His mind played back events of his past and conversations he'd tried to forget.

The mind is a funny thing. Kind of like a child. Let the child stay up and not sleep and one of two things happen. One the child either gives out completely or has this massive energy boost and runs around crazed and making a mess, little since of understanding. Till finally they calm down and go to sleep.

Richards mind was a jumble of thoughts and memories coming to him in no particular order. Just trying to sort themselves out and file all the data in his subconscious away as best it could. Some thing's though could only be file away with the aid of Richard. Like that of with what Slade had said:

"Oh, but Robin you should care, because it's that very thing that's causing this all to happen right now!"

Was everything happening to him really his fault? No, it couldn't be he didn't cause his family's death. He didn't cause Slade to become a criminal bent of ruling the world. No, Slade was wrong. Robin; nor Richard, had that much power over the universe. But what about his life as a hero, and his hands; that held up the lives of his friends? What power over that did he have?"

"Why the destruction of your friends, your home, your very life as a Titan. All because you refuse to become my apprentice and you refuse my offer of help."

"If he did give in, would they all be any better off?" Richard gave a sigh and placed his hands around his lifted knees.

"No, Slade don't, I'll accept! I'll do whatever you want, just stop."

"Too late Robin, I no longer just want you to say, "Yes, I'll do anything." "No, I want to hear you really mean it. I want you to truly be tired of your life and honestly crave my way of doing things."

Really mean it. Really crave Slade's way of life. Never! How, why, would he ever want to accept Slade's way of life. His way was nothing but destruction, death, control. All the things that meant enslavement, enslavement not just of Robin but also that of others. The innocent people out there that had no idea what conversations or struggle's passed by them each day.

No why would be want to choose Slade's way of life. Why? why?….Because it was freeing. It did let Richard be himself. It left all the rules and expectations out of the way. It gave him time to explore. Choose not to be the one who was always right, always careful to be accurate. Slade's way freed Robin and let him be the follower instead of the leader, the one that everyone looked to as an example. With Slade all he had to do was whatever he liked and whatever he was told. Didn't have to feel bad when he followed orders and messed up. Because even if he was yelled at or punished. His mind didn't feel bad that he'd really been to blame. His fear that his messing up would result in the loss of everyone or everything around him wasn't there when he was with Slade. No, he, was free to make choices without feeling the heavy weight of pending danger or consequences in his decisions.

So why didn't he choose Slade and his way of doing things. Why did he resist…? Because he was Robin. His life demanded that the good guy never give in to the bad guy. Robin was a hero, Slade a bad guy. Plane and simple. Black and white. But was it really that simple? Didn't Batman once tell him:

"We all have good and evil in us. We all make choices that are bad as much as good for the world. It's how we choose to live overall that matters. How we either make a difference or cause a problem for the world that matters."

So was Robin making a difference? Was he helping the world? Or was he causing a problem for it? His constantly telling Slade "No" seemed to only cause problems. If he said "Yes" to Slade would it cause greater problems for the world? A hero would have to say YES. That was his expected and challenged answer. If Robin said NO the world would say he was turning bad. Giving in to evil. But everything he felt or witnessed every time he said "No" to Slade just made him think he'd be better off giving in. Answer "Yes" and free not just himself but the world of Slade's anger and revenge for him answering "NO" all the time.

So once again the question came up into Richard's mind:

"What do you want from me! What dose the world want of me?"

"I don't want anything from you right now, just sit back and accept what I'm offering to you. Think about my offer and think about what I've told you. Open your eyes Robin and see what I've been telling you and stop denying the truth."

He did see what Slade said was true. What he said most of the time was true. But would telling him that he was right make any difference? Would it make him leave the world, the Titans, and especially Robin alone. Make Slade go away and leave the world in peace? Probably not! No, Slade would then want Robin to give in and join him. Stating the obvious truth never did anything for anyone but expect them to embrace what they'd just said was the truth and then act upon it. Give in to the words even if you wanted to choose not to.

Richard gave another sigh and lowered his head. Placing his chin on his knees and continuing to stair out over the city. His eyes glassy and his body tired. His mind still feeling unsatisfied. Still needing closure.

"Your weak Robin. Letting yourself get soft. Letting your emotions and your friends for that matter bring you down!"

He was getting soft. Not because he wasn't strong, but because he was getting emotionally weak and tired of fighting. Fighting himself and the world's opinions and viewpoints around him. Weak and soft because he was caught in between Batman's way and Slade's. If only there was a way to change who he was. A way to split himself into two separate beings. Satisfy everyone.

"My apprentice is beginning to look less worthy to me these days. Maybe I should just kill you off and be done with it."

Tear's began sliding down the edges of Robin's face. Richard buried his head in his knees. He wished Slade really would kill him off. Then he would be free. Free of this life he lead, and free of Slade. Of his words of truth and expectations of action. Robin couldn't even tell his friend what had happened. What Slade's true reasons for attacking them was. Not because he was the leader. Not because he wasn't suppose to show weakness in seeking comfort and help. No, not even because he was too proud to seek their opinions and ideas. No, but because he was afraid that he might tell them that Slade was right. Right about him, right about his life holding no comfort for him. And more importantly because they would tell him to keep fighting. That Slade was wrong and Robin's being a hero, a champion of justice was the right path to be on.

So why didn't Robin feel like it was? Why did he want nothing more then to simply vanish from the world. Why keep running from the cat? Why fight back any longer?

Why? Because it was what he did. It was his responsibility. It was just what, Robin did.

-S-

For two months Slade watched the Titans. None of them finding his hidden cameras or video feed devices. Cyborg had discovered Slade's little revenge trick though. The teens had returned from one of Slade's minor assaults and Cyborg had gone to recharge using his machine only to discover it had been reprogrammed to drain his power cells and replace them with water. The sabotage had been programmed to go slow, not let him discover what was happening till it was too late, but Cyborg had somehow felt something wrong.

Maybe a warning sense from what remained of his human side. Who knows? Slade had just been happy that it had nearly destroyed Cyborg's mechanical system. His happiness replaced by disgust when Cyborg had nearly killed the small green Titan thinking it to be a practical joke of his doing. Slade had just shook his head at the fight between them. "How childish. Why dose Robin choose them over me?"

He'd realized later; watching them day after day, that those two fought like this often, and yet remained friends. It was something he made a mental note of in case he could use that info later and had wondered how the other Titans could stand their constant bickering; day in and day out.

Relief had settled upon Slade one day as Cyborg and Beast Boy were in their seventh fight/ augment of the day and Raven, having finally hand enough. Used her powers to rip the two of them apart from each other and with red glowing eyes "had threatened to eat them if they didn't shut up and stop fighting." Her face full of teeth and red eyes. The boys had gone off to their rooms not coming back out till the next morning and even then they'd not continued to fight. Avoiding their daily morning ritual of Tofu vs. Meat battle. Instead they'd both cooked separate breakfasts and ate quietly. Glancing over at Raven to make sure she wasn't still mad at them.

Slade sat in front of a big screen display watched several dozen monitor feeds. There was feed from each of the Titans private bedrooms. The hall ways. The bathrooms they all shared; Slade usually choosing not to switch over to those but having decided to place feed for them just in case others were found, he would have something to fall back on. Their was monitor feed coming to him from the kitchen, living room, the garage and even the roof. His robot's giving him feed from outside of Titan Tower, and the city.

Slade now had access to track and keep tabs on Robin and the Titans when ever he chose. Nothing they attempted to do or plan against him would go un noticed. Even when he wasn't physically watching the monitors himself his computer; thanks to the Titans, was monitoring things for him. Slade cross wiring and linking his own to the Titans computer, but without the Titans having access to his private files and end of the link. Had access to everything they had access to. That, to his delight also included the Titan's east computer, part of Batman's computer, and the Justice League's.

Slade careful not to go too deep into Batman's or the Justice League's computers. Who knew what traps they might have set up that could lead them to him. Ruining his plans for Robin and his little friends. Even so he'd discovered several shocking secrets out and some very informative information too. Things some super hero's would nearly kill to keep secret and things their enemies would have paid good money to find out about them.

Good thing Slade was rich and didn't need the money. But he could use the info for his own ambitious plans towards the future. He filed the info away and continued to keep tabs on the Titans. He had plans to continue to make, now that Robin's first two months of treatments had been given to the boy (thanks to a little blue bottle of stuff). His body already masking it's transformation as him having a stubborn and repetitive cold.

Slade smiled to himself as he watched the Titans living their little lives; un aware they were helping and aiding Slade to conquer Robin a little bit more each day. His idea for Robin's first two months worth of treatments truly one of Slade's best. Who would ever suspect that in Robin's bottle of shampoo held Slade's serum for immortality. New plan's were in the works, but for now Slade would have to keep making sure the boy received the nice time released medication till the end of November. Come December, Slade would have a new means for Robin to receive his monthly treatment and dosage.

Slade switched to a different monitor. This one showing the Titan's returning home to the Tower. He smiled and couldn't help but let a triumphant laugh escape. This was too easy, but far too much fun to stop now. Slade leaned in closer and turned up the volume to listen to what the Titan's were talking about.

-TT-

Returning home to Titan Tower was a muddy, slimly, and smelly bunch of Teenage hero's.

"Ahhk," cried Starfire in disgust, "I feel like one of Beast Boy's boogers."

Beast Boy the worst covered in mud of them all didn't even attempt a reply. Instead he just walked past his friends and started heading for the bathroom.

Raven her cape wrapped around herself, dragged mud up the stairs after her, heading for her now; solo, private bathroom. Robin had finally decided to use the one in his room. This much muck from Plasmus whom they'd just been fighting was going to take forever to get out of her hair.

Cyborg turned and looked at Starfire. "Why don't you take your shower first I'll get cleaned up when your done." Starfire's joy was sending the world into a glow. "Oh thank you friend Cyborg, but are you sure?" "Yes! Go Star! Now, before I change my mind." Starfire did not even say thank you again as she flew off headed for the bathroom and escape to get the smell and muck off of her.

Cyborg turned and looked at Robin, man you were the worst of us all, how'd you get cleaner before coming home. Taken a dip in the river again?

Robin shot his friend a devilish grin, "maayyyybe." "No, I actually got most of it off as the sickle sped through the streets. That wind works wonders."

Cyborg grinned back, "think I can go for a spin, while I wait for Star." Robin looked at his fried questioningly. Was he really asking or just joking. Robin shrugged, "sure, we haven't been for a ride in a while, let's go."

Cyborg opened his mouth shocked. He hadn't expected his friend to actually take him seriously, but what the hell. Star would be a bit.

-C/R-

Cyborg and Robin sped over the streets of Jump City their hair flying in the air, the laughter of the teens having a great time bringing looks of curiosity to those they passed. "Man I haven't had this kind of fun in a long while," commented Cyborg yelling to make himself heard.

Robin cocked his head back for a second to look at Cyborg. "Yah, It's been some time since I just rode this bike for the fun of it. There's nothing quite like the feeling of the wind and freedom of speed."

Robin turned the bike around another corner and started heading back towards the Tower. It had been some time since he'd relaxed and just had fun. No Slade to worry about right now, he'd found himself thinking less and less about Slade in months past. He hoped that with winter coming, Slade would stay in; drink hot coco, and leave him alone. He seriously doubted it. Slade still had something planned, something Robin had to find out what. If he wanted to hold Slade to his promise that was.

"Man you ok, asked Cyborg pulling Robin from his thoughts. "Yes, why do you ask?"

"Because you just missed our turn. Passed right by it as if you weren't thinking."

Robin turned the bike around and gave a small laugh, "Sorry! Truth be told, I was thinking. Thinking too much."

"What about?" Cyborg having the feeling he already knew what or actually whom about.

"Slade, answered Robin, not surprising Cyborg in the least, but then he continued and this did surprise Cyborg. "He gave me a way out! A way to be free of him once and for all."

Cyborg was interested in this, "Oh, yah?"

"Yah, he said that if I could figure out what his new plan was before he completed it, he'd leave me alone for ever. Never bother any of us ever again."

"When did he tell you this?" asked Cyborg a smile spreading over his face. The thought of Slade actually being gone forever was hard to imagine, but would be really nice.

"When I was fighting him in the Tower. Right before it blew up and I fell into the water."

They pulled into the Tower and both boys got off the motor bike. "Do you really think he meant it?"

Robin got off the bike and turned the engine off. He looked thoughtful at first and then looked up a serious expression in his eyes. "Yes, I do, Slade's never lied to me before, he's always done exactly what he's said and I believe him when he says he'll leave us all alone if I can figure out what he's up to."

Cyborg gave a big smile and nodded. "All right then. If it's a game of mystery he wants then lets prove what a great detective you are, and well all help you." Let's beat Slade once and for all."

Robin smiled as the two walked back upstairs. His mind racing and thinking about how to figure out what Slade had planned. His instincts told him he wouldn't have long to wait for clues. Slade loved leaving Robin a trail to follow. It was piecing them all together and getting a step ahead of Slade that was the tricky part. But the mouse was resilient and faster then the cat. With his team pitching in to help he could find a way to beat Slade yet.

-S-

Slade watched the monitor and listened to Robin and Cyborg talking in the garage.

"Do you really think he meant it?" Cyborg's voice coming in over the audio feed.

"What were they talking about?" Slade noticed Robin shut the bike down and look thoughtful for a second. Was that fear Slade saw him show for a second. Yes, and acceptance too.

"Yes, I do, Slade's never lied to me before, he's always done exactly what he's said and I believe him when he says he'll leave us all alone if I can figure out what he's up to."

Slade sat back in his chair and gave a soft smile of approval. His efforts months ago had worked. Robin's mind was growing stronger, finally accepting truths he'd deluded himself from. Slade continued listening, his underlying worry that his efforts had been in vain coming to be reworded. Those mimes, he owed them one now. If he ever saw them again, he'd remember to let them know of his debt. Although he figured that they'd already gotten far more out of the deal then he had to offer them. Their drive for fun and games was all they had seemed to be interested in.

Cyborg gave a big smile and nodded. "All right then. If it's a game of mystery Slade wants then lets prove what a great detective you are and well all help you." "Let's beat Slade once and for all."

Slade gave a mental laugh, let them try. Their efforts where going to be in vain. Slade already had plans in motion for Robin's next treatment and he'd make sure that his friends were so distracted coming up that they'd offer little help solving Slade's plans. "No Robin, this game is only between you and I. No help for you to run from me. Your fait is sealed. You will be mine once again."

Slade watched as Robin smiling; walked back upstairs to the main floor, and into the living room. Beast Boy cleaned and smiling great for once in his life met them with a cheerful smile. "Hay I'm going shopping. Need some new shampoo, dose anyone else want anything? The girls are making me lists."

Cyborg gave a thought and said, "Yah, I could use some things come to think of it. Let me go get cleaned up and I'll go with you." Cyborg left and Robin turned to Beast Boy.

"I just need a new bottle of shampoo. Mine's all gone. Only lasts three months normally, this time only Two thanks to all the showers I've been taking."

Beast Boy and Robin talked as they walked upstairs towards Robin's room. Beast Boy rolling his eyes smiled and laughed. "Yah, tell me about it, I don't think I've ever seen so many mud puddles in one month."

Robin got his empty bottle of shampoo and after writing his name on it gave the bottle to Beast Boy to take with him. "See if you can find me another of the same bottle."

"Yah, sure, I think maybe I might get myself a bottle of it too. I need to try a different shampoo anyway. Yours seems to be working wonders. You're hair's been looking great."

Robin ran his hand through his hair. "Yah it must be the formula they use. I have noticed my hairs been easier to handle lately."

Beast Boy smiled and turned to see Raven coming with a list in her hand. He gave the list to Beast Boy and threatened him about trying to get the generic versions. "I can afford the expense and I expect you to buy what I ask for."

Beast Boy gave a small grin, ah, yes, well that was just a mistake last time. I promise to get it right this time."

"You'd better," warned Raven. "Generic is nothing close to "Charman."

A/N: Thanks to my new reviewers, but If you'd like replies I'll need e-mail addresses. So how was the mystery for Slade's method of giving Robin his first two months worth of treatments? Can you figure out my clues now. Thinking back to all the hints and explanations I gave?

Well next chapter is called "December's Cold" any guesses what might happen?

See you all next week...

Later dlsky