A/N: Thank you for those reviews! I hope everyone is having a great Christmas and New Year holiday!

robgray - Dick Grayson did not reveal his identity to Slade because Slade already knew who he was. He knew who Robin was when he was his apprentice. This was mentioned in Chapter 10 :)

This chapter is very Robin centric. I've interpreted a few scenes from The Batman and Batman: The Animated Series (unfortunately, I don't own these) and used them both in Robin's memories. Basically, I've combined them into this chapter to show what he has gone through. Slade has no idea and will eventually find out more about Robins true side as this story progresses. Robin will soon realise that Slade and him aren't as different as he'd hope they were.

I've said too much! If you've watched both series, then you're in for a brief trip down memory lane. Thanks for reading!

Thank you, PaperWings95!

DISCLAIMER- I don't own the Teen Titans or DC Comics.

~AprilRaven~

-Sunlight-

To see a world in a grain of sand,

And a heaven in a wild flower,

Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,

And eternity in an hour.

A robin redbreast in a cage,

Puts all heaven in a rage.

Auguries of Innocence, 1-6 - William Blake

Right. Shall we get started then?

Slade's words sounded familiar to him, but were still strangely novel. Having the enemy so close had left him feeling out of place. Alarms were screaming in his head, telling him to run away and hide from the monster lurking inside of his home. Yet, Dick didn't feel like running or hiding. Without Bruce or Alfred around, he expected all forms of comfort to escape him. However, he felt warmth emitting from the monsters frozen heart, despite the predicament he was currently standing in.

"Slade, open the door!"

"Not until you have cleaned yourself up." Slade held his palm firmly against Dick's bedroom door, caging him in.

The villain had sent the young boy to his room to clean himself up, despite Dick's objections. Remnants of smoke plastered his face and the sudden change in body temperature would soon leave him feeling a whole lot worse. With the current dilemma looming over them, Slade didn't want to take any risks with the stubborn boy.

"We shouldn't be wasting any time." Dick depressingly stated, peeling his now smoky coloured shirt off his chest.

"The sooner you sort yourself out, the sooner we'll get things done." Slade lectured from outside his bedroom.

"We can get things done now, if you'd open the door." Dick shouted. He debated whether or not he should break the door down. He knew he could; considering he had once done it when he was younger. Back then, there was an unimpressed superhero and his understanding butler standing behind the door. This time, however, there was a villain standing on the other side and Dick knew it would anger the villain, which would lead to wasting more precious time.

"You'll feel better once you've cleaned yourself up." Slade answered from the other side of the door.

"With these bruises on my back? I doubt it." Dick angrily said, rubbing the marked area on his back as he threw his bathroom door wide open.

Dick's objections to getting cleaned up earlier had led to the villain literally throwing him into his room, causing him to land harshly on his lower back. Before he could stand, Slade caged him in. Dick didn't want to waste any time, but after looking at himself in the mirror, Dick concluded that he truly did need to clean himself up. He looked physically and mentally drained. Slade knew he needed to freshen up so he could efficiently begin working on this mission.

I guess you're right, Slade.

Dick scowled as he could feel the villains lips form into a smirk from the other side of the wall. He knew that the villain knew what was processing through his mind. Grabbing some fresh clothes, Dick scolded the villain once more and headed into the bathroom, slamming the door shut behind him.

As Slade heard the bathroom door lock click, he released the pressure off the bedroom door and headed back towards Bruce's office, leaving the boy in peace.

This was an unusual move made by the League of Shadows. Slade could only wonder why Ra's would switch to using personal tactics, if he had no interest in using their identities against them. Whatever they were planning was obviously important. If Dick was the true target, then that only left many questions open. It also meant that Dick wasn't safe. The boy couldn't stay here on his own. He was too reckless to be left alone with this dire situation hanging above his shoulders. It would only lead to him getting hurt.

Luckily, Slade had an idea.

Slade sat down at Bruce's computer and searched for the files containing all the security tapes from the previous weeks. If Wayne Manor started preparing for the event weeks in advance, then that meant the manor was open to the public for a large amount of time. It was easy to disguise yourself as a caterer or a decorator. He highly doubted that Bruce was in command of these things. It wouldn't surprise him if the assassins used disguises. Slade knew that they had done so in the past. This would have given the League plenty of time to prepare for their attack.

Taking careful observations of this office, Slade moved his desk chair towards the delicately carved oak cupboards behind him. Opening the first one revealed a set of files with Wayne Enterprises sprawled across each spine. They appeared to be untouched. He assumed Dick was right when he said they weren't interested in Wayne Enterprises technologies. Ignoring them, Slade moved on to the next one. As he worked his way across each one, Slade eventually found the stationary cupboard. Kneeling onto the office floor, Slade reached towards the back of the cupboard and pulled out a box of blank disks.

Slade grimaced at Wayne's old school approach to maintaining his office. He concluded it was rather handy for his 'not so bright playboy' civilian image, so he couldn't blame the man, despite him having all of this technology at his disposal.

Pulling out one of the discs, Slade inserted it into the computer.

What was Ra's planning? Slade himself had not heard much about their activities, so he wasn't surprised that Dick had not unearthed anything. That only meant that this was bad. Villains only act low key for a reason, but Ra's was no ordinary villain. Slade knew that from experience. In some way, Slade respected the League of Shadows for their abilities. Unfortunately, past experiences have taught Slade that not everything is how it seems. When corruption strikes, all you have is yourself to rely on.

Slade's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of light footsteps approaching the office door. Dick appeared donning clean civilian clothes and with a confused look plastered to his face. His hair was damp, due to his rushed shower and hung carelessly over his glassy eyes. Despite the tired blue eyes, he was looking slightly refreshed.

"What are you doing?" Dick asked, surprised to see his adversary at Bruce's desk.

"Downloading all security tapes from the last couple of weeks." Slade made eye contact with the younger one.

"Why? What are you going to do with them?" Dick moved towards the desk, picking up the communicator that Alfred left underneath the desk. He couldn't help but clutch the communicator in fear of losing it too.

"We'll review them, at a different location." Slade explained, leaning forwards.

Dick paused. "A different location?" He raised his eyebrow in curiosity.

"You're not staying here, it's not safe."

"So where do you expect me to stay?" Dick was beginning to get worried. Of course, he agreed with Slade that it wasn't safe to stay here alone. Unfortunately, he knew what Slade was thinking and deep down, he did not want to verify his beliefs.

Slade eyed Dick's composure with care. "With me."

Dick shook his head and raised his hand, heavily disagreeing with that thought. "No. No, thank you. I'll be fine on my own."

"We had a deal, remember." A sigh escaped Slade's mouth. He wasn't in the mood to argue with him again.

"I did not agree to live with you."

"You agreed to remain with me." Slade verified.

Dick mentally screamed. His hands balled into fists behind his back. He wanted to kick and punch at the villain in order to blow off some steam. He had no idea what the villain was planning, but he was only going to find out once Bruce and Alfred had been saved. Right now, he needed to prioritise his feelings. If staying with Slade meant that this rescue mission would run smoothly, then he had no choice but to do what the man was telling him to do. It's not as if he had much choice.

I suppose I'll be much safer.

I'll have an assassin by my side in case anything goes wrong.

That assassin just so happens to be Slade.

But, this isn't about me.

This is for Bruce and Alfred.

My family.

Dick groaned, knowing that Slade was right in some way. "Ok, fine. Where is this underground haunt of yours located then?" He couldn't help but picture his days as his apprentice. He couldn't go back to those days where the darkness tore him apart.

Slade released a brief chuckle. "Sorry, to disappoint you, but we're not going to an underground haunt."

"A warehouse full of gears, perhaps?" Dick scoffed as he paced across the room. He was annoyed at the villain for having him do this. The temptation to start a sparring match was overwhelming.

The villain scowled at the young hero, watching him with his lone eye. "No." Slade was starting to feel as though the young boy was mocking him.

"A dungeon ran by robots?" Dick continued in an attempt to release some negative emotion, without knowing that he was irritating the one eyed villain.

Slade locked his hands together harshly on the desk. "No."

"So where are we going?" Dick turned to face his adversary.

Slade briefly closed his eyes. "My apartment."

Dick could feel the heat rising to his face, feeling slightly awkward in the current atmosphere contained within the office. "Oh."

Slade feeling unamused, shook his head. "Unless you would prefer an underground haunt, warehouse or dungeon. I'm certain I can arrange it."

"Apartment sounds good." Dick stiffly smiled as he raised his hand to the back of his head. It wasn't until now that he had finally realised what his suggestions were making the villain feel. He was human, after all.

We're all normal in some way.

"Go pack your belongings." Slade breathed out of his nose in annoyance.

"Err…sure." Dick slid out of the room, without making direct eye contact, and hurried back to his room.

As Dick pushed the door open to his room, he didn't hesitate to shut it behind him.

What have I got myself into?

We won't be able to get along.

How are we even supposed to work together?

An exhausted groan escaped him as he collapsed onto his plush bed. They were on opposite sides, yet, there was no time for scrapping at each other. Even though Dick had acted impulsively that night in the library, he knew that it could have been so much worse. Seeing his true face, that night, made all those painful memories resurface causing Dick to be unable to stop himself. Despite that one-off event in the library, Slade was right when he suggested that he would still run blindly into the firing line, if any of this were to happen a while ago. Their time apart had allowed Dick to take a few steps back. Being on edge all the time was damaging his health. If it weren't for Starfire, then who knows what would have happened.

Starfire?

I should call them.

Dick shook his head at the thought. Calling them would only complicate things. He would only waste time, but he needed to contact them. He was their leader and their friend. If he couldn't call them, then he supposed a message wouldn't do any harm. However, he knew he couldn't tell them of his current situation. This needed to be as low key as possible. It's not like he could tell them about Slade. That would certainly complicate matters.

I have to lie to them again.

Reaching over to his bedside drawer, Dick shakily pulled out his communicator. Dick could feel his fingers tremble as he held the cold metal communicator. It felt as if he was holding Titans Tower in the palm of his hands. The psychological pressure felt overwhelming and, if left untreated, would inevitably destroy him.

It's not like I'm pulling another Red X stunt.

But, does that make it alright?

Hiding things from them?

This was now his mission. His focus was on his family. Of course, he considered his friends as his family, but there was no way that he could get them involved. It was too dangerous for both sides of this involvement.

This was personal.

With decisions made quickly, Dick began to type his message.

I'm sorry...

It was only for one mission.

How hard could it be?

I'm choosing Slade over my friends?

Of course, I'm not.

But, am I?

He's helping me.

I need to stop this.

I don't have time for this debate.

Time is of the essence.

Shaking his head, to rid himself of any more complicated thoughts, Dick sent his message. He told them he was going on a mission with Batman and was unsure of how long it would take. In some way, he wasn't completely lying, but he still wasn't telling the whole truth. He could not drag his friends into this. This was different. This had nothing to do with the Titans. Slade knew more about the League of Assassins than any other hero or villain due to his previous activities. He didn't care that he would be staying with Slade. It's not as if he was being blackmailed again.

This was for Bruce and Alfred.

Without waiting for a response, Dick switched off the communicator, pushed himself up and headed towards his large wardrobe. His friends would have to wait. If they were in his position, they would understand. Right now, he had more important matters to attend to.

After briefly digging around, he pulled out a duffle bag and placed it on his bed. He came to the conclusion that if he took a suitcase full of unnecessary items, he would only irritate the villain once more. He knew that both of them needed to get along. Petty arguments were a waste of time and right now, time was precious. Dick needed to travel light. This was a mission, not a holiday and all he needed were his essentials.

Durable clothes and essential toiletries were placed neatly into the bag. These were the items of Dick Grayson. Dick Grayson didn't go on search and rescue missions to save people. Dick Grayson was a civilian. Placing his hand against the inside part of his wardrobe revealed a set of brightly coloured clothing and a small array of weapons. The colours held symbolic meanings that only few were able to understand. Bruce was one of them, and now he was gone. Grasping one of his uniforms lightly in his hands left a small reminder, which touched his heart every time the memory pierced the back of his mind. It was painfully comforting to recall that time where he first donned his Flying Grayson's uniform. His Robin costume was a modification of his Flying Grayson's uniform, yet the colours remained. To picture his parents alive and well was intensely problematic because it hurt him emotionally. His parents were the only family he had and now their voices were all that remained.

"Ok, Dick. Come on out now." Mum called for me from behind the emerald curtain.

This costume is so bright. I can actually feel it hurting my eyes. "No. I look like a loser."

"Your Mother put a lot of work into the new costumes." Oh, great. Dad was waiting behind the curtain too. I don't know why they're so bothered. It's just a costume.

"Well, are you going to just stand there?" Dad asked, encouraging me to step out and reveal myself.

I want to delay this, but I can't. Tonight is the night. The grandest show on Earth, as Mr Haley would put it. I sigh as I stepped out from the shadows, revealing my identity and my colours. "Is there a reason why this costume has to be so colourful?" I pulled the fabric away from my neck, hoping they'd understand.

Mum knelt down in front of me and raised her delicate hand to my chest. "Because when I see you up there, Richard, you make me think of a little Robin." Her hand lovingly moves to my heart where it bears a symbol that one would never forget.

"Eurgh, a robin, like the bird? You know, kids my age get beat up for nicknames like that." I couldn't believe her. Did I really remind her of a robin? Robins are cute. The Flying Grayson's shouldn't be known for having a cute 'Robin' in their team. Perhaps?

I guess we'll stand out tonight.

Dad moved closer to me and placed his arm around my shoulders. "How about if we call you our Flying Squirrel? Better?" His face widens as he smiles at me.

I couldn't contain my smiles in response to his joke. "You know, dad, I'm not the only one who looks like a loser." We were the Flying Grayson's and together we'll all look like red breasted robins.

"Loser? I'll teach you." He ruffles my hair as all of us burst into laughter and embrace each other before we head onto the stage.

Indeed, ladies and gentlemen and children of all ages, tonight was the grandest of all nights.

Their laughs echoed like feathers falling onto the ground. The image was gradually fading. It had been years since that fateful day. He used to remember them as clear as day. As time passed, the sunlight was fading and only dark remained. Their voices became so much more distant as the shadows consumed them. Dick was fearful for the day where he finally forgets their faces and voices. He knew it would happen and he knew he could do nothing about it.

Little robin...

Robin?

"Robin?"

"Robin?"

"Dick?"

"Are you listening?"

"Apprentice?"

Snapping his head towards the source of the noise, unaware of his door opening, Dick came face to face with a concerned villain standing in the doorway. "Slade?"

"Well?" Slade asked, folding his arms across his chest.

Dick paused, unsure about what he was insinuating. "What?"

Slade shook his head. "We need to leave as soon as possible."

Dick nodded his head, depressingly, as he was thrown back into reality. Slade noticed his lost expression. He knew something was bothering him and it didn't take a genius to figure out what the problem was. Slade stepped into the room, closing the door behind him.

Dick glanced up, as the sound knocked him out of his thoughts and began processing what the villain had just said. "I'm not your apprentice." Dick moved his gaze towards the floor as he realised what the villain had called him.

"Not yet."

Dick spun around and uncontrollably snapped at the villain. "Stop this. I'm not in the mood for your games."

Slade smirked. "Well, now that you've snapped out of it, it's time to hurry up. We've got a lot of work to do."

Dick ignored the villain, refusing to give a verbal response, due to the irritation he had towards him.

Just calm down.

You know what he's like.

You know what he's trying to do.

As he packed his costumes and weaponry, Dick watched the villain out of the corner of his vision, as he paced across his room with his hands placed neatly behind his back.

The villain stopped when he reached a large portrait hanging on the wall. The portrait showed what appeared to be a couple embracing one another. The golden background of the portrait flourished like the sun rising on a clear morning, giving the impression that it was emitting a warm glow onto anyone admiring it.

It was a truly stunning portrait.

Dick noticed the villain observing the extravagant image in front of him and wondered why he was so fixated onto the image. The villain had feelings too. Both hero and villain had feelings, yet neither of them would reveal them to each other. Dick felt bad for snapping at him before. Sometimes, it was hard to forget that they were no longer wearing their masks. There was no way to hide any emotions with their eyes being so exposed.

Should I?

Zipping his bag shut, Dick walked over towards him and stood by his side as if he knew what was going through the villains mind. If they were going to work together, they may as well try and feel comfortable in each other's presence. More importantly, Dick needed to try and feel comfortable or else his emotions would control him and drown him.

This was his first attempt.

With a deep breath, Dick spoke. "It was painted after they got married." Dick stood before the painting. He didn't know why he was telling his adversary this, but it felt as though it was the right thing to do.

Slade looked for the source of the gentle voice. "These are your parents?" Slade spoke softly as he turned to face him, surprised at the boy for opening up to him so suddenly.

Light destroyed the walls that darkness held so rigidly. I could hear Bruce's footsteps heading in my direction. I don't want him to see me like this. I quickly wiped my damp face to hide my tears. He approached me and sat down on the windowsill next to me. "I know it must be very difficult." Bruce spoke. At least he finally came to see me. He's never around. I wish I knew why.

"If only I could've stopped him. I saw him coming out of the tent. I knew he didn't belong there." The tears are welling up. Please don't fall.

Bruce took a deep breath. "I know. You keep thinking 'If only I'd done something differently. If only I could've warned them,' but there isn't anything you could have done. There isn't anything either of us could have done." Either of us? What does he mean? I watched him move his face away from mine and up towards this huge painting on the wall. There are two people in the painting baring loving smiles on their faces. My parents would make the same face whenever they were happy.

"Your Mum and Dad?" I ask. It must be. I can see how similar they look.

A nod from the man was my only response.

Such an empty response...

I couldn't help but ask. "Does the hurt ever go away?"

Bruce looked at me right in my eyes and hesitated. This can't be good. "I wish I could say yes, but it will get better in time for you. That, I promise." He promised? What does he mean? He placed his large hand onto my shoulder. It felt warm and comfy. It felt right.

Dick clouded the memory from his consciousness and, after some time, nodded his head. "They were."

Slade watched as the young boy turned and shuffled back towards his packed duffle bag, appearing to be more concerned with what was running through his head. He wasn't expecting the boy to do anything of the sorts. Surprisingly, he was actually opening up to him, even if it was rather briefly. Perhaps, with Bruce missing, the situation had caused Dick to feel slightly insecure. Slade didn't fail to realise the emphasis on his last word. He couldn't help but feel how much this was affecting him, even if he was trying hard to not show it. Whatever he was thinking, Slade knew he had a role to play as his guardian, even if he too was trying hard to not show his concerns for the boy.

"All done?" Slade asked, trying to pry Dick away from his thoughts. He wondered what was bothering him, but knew it was too risky to ask. He didn't want to cause any trouble by setting him off in this delicate situation.

"And remember, lad, you'll always be a part of this family." Mr Haley wraps his strong arms around me. I don't want to leave. Mr Wayne seems like a nice guy. Mr Haley even agreed. I can't help but feel like Mr Wayne isn't all that he appears to be.

Why does he want to take me in?

"Thanks, Mr Haley." I politely smiled as I hugged him. I don't want to let go. Do I have to leave?

A tapping on my shoulder pulled me away from Mr Haley. "I know, Sitka. I'm going to miss you too." I don't want to leave Sitka. She's the kindest creature I've ever met. If only humans were the same. At least I have my toy elephant to keep me company like you did, Sitka.

I want my parents. Why aren't they here?

Is that car waiting for me?

Looking up towards his adversary, after another pause, Dick released a long breath. "I think so." Dick shakily replied, picking up his packed bag.

"Good." Slade gently laid his heavy hand on his shoulder, leading him out.

Dick flinched at the sudden weight, feeling himself tense up. Slade must have noted his response and removed his hand, leaving Dick with a blanket of cold air around him. As they reached the door, Dick allowed Slade to exit first. After taking one last look at the golden portrait on the wall, Dick closed his bedroom door and followed his elder down the hallway shrouded by darkness.

"What about the Batcave?" Dick asked as the shadows pressed up against him. He wanted to tear himself away from his memories in fear of them ripping him apart. Right now, he needed to concentrate on this mission.

"I checked, whilst you were packing, for anything peculiar and found nothing. With the state that the fire had left it in, it'll be a miracle if there was anything left behind." Slade spoke from his side, feeling each other's presence in the stolen light.

"The systems are back online. They were rebooted after the lockdown. We might be able to find something." Dick declared with hope lining his words.

Slade stopped as they reached a set of stairs, illuminated by the sun striking down from the windows above, and turned to face the younger one. "We don't know how much access the League has gained through tampering with the system. If they were able to bug the system without Batman knowing, we can't be sure how far they have truly gone."

"I suppose it would make more sense for them to tamper with the system instead of leaving actual bugs in the Manor itself. It's probably safer that way." Dick stepped out of the shadows and into the sunlight.

Slade paused and processed what Dick had just said, fixing his grey eye onto him. "You checked?"

"Erm...after what had happened between us in the library, I checked." Dick briefly explained. "Thanks, by the way." He whispered, allowing his gaze to fall to the floor.

"For what?" Slade raised his eyebrow, taking note of the red mark on the side of his head.

"Clearing up the mess." Dick muttered as he drew out his breath.

"And you assumed that I rigged the place with my own devices?" Slade asked.

"I did."

Folding his arms, Slade mused to himself. "It's good to know you're being thorough."

Dick rolled his eyes. "When will you ever move on?" Dick began to head down the grand set of stairs away from his adversary. He didn't want to listen to the villains words anymore. He'd heard them too many times to know where most of the conversations lead to.

Slade watched from the top of the staircase and gently spoke, without showing any traces of villainy. "You know, I meant it when I said you would have made a fine apprentice."

That made Dick stop in his tracks, causing him to drop his bag.

Waves of anger ware building up inside of him and Dick was afraid of releasing that negative energy. Balling his hands up into firm fists, Dick closed his eyes in an attempt to soothe his emotions. That cold hearted monster wasn't standing behind him at the top of the stairs, but was located inside of him. If Dick allowed it to consume him, then it would do more harm to himself than on anyone else. It was up to him whether or not he should let it escape.

How am I even supposed to do this?

I can't do this.

Yes, you can.

Just try and breathe, it'll be fine.

It will be fine.

Just focus on Bruce and Alfred.

It will all be fine.

Dick Grayson looked up at the giant doors to his home and with a shaky breath turned to his adversary, swallowing his frustration.

"Can we just leave now?"

A/N: I hope you've enjoyed this chapter and have felt like I've executed this memory combining effectively. Will Slade and Robin be able to cooperate or will Dick's walls start crumbling? Or, perhaps, will Slade's walls start crumbling? Find out next time.

Drop a review and let me know what you think.

See you soon!