A/N: Thanks to Jordan for the superglue-comment! Had to use it… ;o)
Here we are, as promised! And since the last chap was published last Thursday, and today is Wednesday… I'm even early! Actually it was all finished y-day, so… maybe I'm late anyway… -sigh-
No particular warnings for this chapter… a bit angsty, perhaps… a bit of an emotional rollercoaster…
Just one more thing: I love you! Yes, each and every one of you! –points- You give me the energy I need to write, and your clever little pointers and questions makes me smarter and the story (hopefully) better. So please continue to review, even if it's just to wave and say hi, telling me that you are reading… I'm just honored that you are there…
Chapter twenty-one: The Tiger and the Bird
Due to the ordered-induced sleep, Robin rested peacefully and after an hour Slade left the room, knowing that the boy would not wake up until ordered to. He found Chang, who was still working away, even though it was now close to two in the morning. The man was, probably because of that fact, in a foul mood.
"What happened now? Not having fun with your two toys?" the professor dared to snarl.
"No. Especially not since one of them is dead." Slade answered, his voice hinted that he wouldn't mind adding another body to the pile if provoked.
That got Chang's attention, and he carefully asked for the whole story.
"You are aware that if you drive him completely insane the bond might shatter?" the professor sighed.
"What makes you think that? If I remember my history correctly, and believe me, I do, insanity in rulers were not that uncommon."
"Yes… and history tends to repeat itself." Chang muttered.
"What was that?"
"Uhh… nothing…-he-he- no, the bond might not be effected by a bit of personality disorders… but if he completely shuts down… well, I am not sure, you might want to consult Raven on the subject."
"I might." Slade nodded. "Any ideas how to hold him together in the mean time?"
"Super glue?" Chang smirked and then started to gesture quite wildly as it was clear that Slade was not amused. "No-no-no, just joking! I am not a psychologist, though… be careful, that's all I can say. Stop pushing him."
"He's on trial."
"I thought you said you wouldn't punish him? That just surviving might be punishment enough?"
"I did, didn't I? Well… who knows…?" Slade purred.
"Then push him, by all means, and you might lose everything. And even if the bond doesn't break, you will be fucking a gibbering, drooling nutcase from now on…"
Slade appreciated Chang's honesty. It was a good thing that the professor wasn't influenced by the contract. Slade would have liked a bit more respect, though.
"I will take care of it." Slade eventually growled. "And I have a feeling my bird is stronger than he looks…"
Returning to the bedroom, Slade spent the rest of the night carefully thinking through different scenarios for the next day. He let the boy sleep in for a few extra hours and then slowly lifted the command, letting Robin wake up naturally.
Robin felt warm under the covers, and he enjoyed the feeling of being alone in bed. Somehow he knew he was, without opening his eyes or reach out. Then the day before slowly started to come back to him, and for a moment he curled up into a small, tight ball. He had been so close to losing everything last night.
I hate to lose.
He had to find the strength to go on, somewhere. Pull himself together.
I REALLY hate to lose.
It was only two days let of the trial… tomorrow would be the last. He had done well so far. Slade had said so.
I WON'T lose.
Slade. He had to make Slade happy. He didn't think his could, though. That meant touching the man, acting obedient and eager. If he didn't…
I CAN'T lose.
With that resolve firmly planted in his mind, Robin opened his eyes.
Slade had been watching the boy curling up and then slowly relaxing again, with something close to pride. It was clear to him that Robin was working through yesterday's events and seemed, yet again, to come out on top. Slade's plans shifted to suit the situation at hand, and he was ready when Robin looked up.
The first thing Robin saw was Slade standing across the room, fully clothed. That made him release the breath he had been holding, but he still flinched slightly as the man spoke.
"Good morning, Robin. Go take a shower. I have put fresh clothes in there for you. I let you have a bit of a sleep-in today, so I am already finished."
The little speech, carefully rehearsed of course, told Robin three things. The man wasn't angry, and Robin would be allowed to both shower and dress alone. He didn't consciously understand the hidden meaning saying 'I won't touch you right now', but the words hampered the rising panic in him, if only a little.
He hurried out of bed, eager to put a door between him and Slade, but kept glancing wearily at the man while closing in on the bathroom door. To reach it, he had to come just a little bit closer to Slade, and he nearly didn't make it. If the man had moved even a muscle or as much as glanced in Robin's direction, the boy would have bolted again. All the firm resolves were there, but they were presently covered by a thick blanket of almost primal fear. The fear of the predator.
Slade knew better than to move, though, and pretended to be deeply engrossed in a stack of papers he was holding.
Finally inside the shower, Robin let the hot water wash away at least a thin layer of that fear. Slade wasn't in here. The door wasn't locked, but at least there was a door. He dried and dressed quickly, and he was surprised at the clothes Slade had left. They were clingy as usual, showing of his body, but the trousers were regular jeans and the black t-shirt was actually a whole shirt, not one of the cut-off, skimpy kinds. It did remind him of the apprentice uniform, though, as it had an orange 'S' printed over the heart.
Robin stood in front of the bathroom door for a full five minutes, before being able to open it. As he finally did, the first thing he looked for was Slade, but again the man stood quite some distance from him, over at the desk. Robin studied the man as he forced himself to step out from the relative security of the bathroom.
"Good boy, Robin." Slade said softly, like he was trying to calm a frightened animal. "Come over here and I will put the collar on you. Just as always… After that, we will go to the main room and have breakfast."
Slade used a technique intended to let the frightened person know exactly what was going to happen, to let them feel like they had some control over their surroundings. It was a well known practice that usually worked very well, at least short term, and also had a great success rate with children.
Robin was trembling as he came to stand in front of Slade, and the man still had to move slowly. He insisted on fastening the collar around Robin's neck himself, though. He could let the boy do it on his own, or even leave the thing off for the day, but he didn't want Robin to have that much leeway. Robin was up and walking, and that, Slade decided, was a good sign. He would soon be fuckable again. Well… he better be…
Robin caught a glimpse of the word on the collar before it encircled his throat, and he looked up at Slade questioningly. Today the collar simply said 'Robin'. Slade didn't comment, and didn't let his hands linger on Robin's skin longer than necessary. He simply clicked the clasp shut and then turned towards the door. He didn't call out for the boy to follow him, Robin did anyway, but the teen kept a bigger distance than usual.
Robin walked down the hallway, still ready to flee at any sign of danger, and he ran his hand across the collar. 'Robin'… it was like Slade wanted to remind him about who he was… and today, more than ever, he needed that reminder…
As they entered the room, Robin jumped at seeing Starfire floating towards him. He couldn't handle being touched at the moment, and one of her bone crushing hugs right now would be catastrophic. As the only one who also usually didn't like the girl giving him hugs was Slade, Robin dared to quickly edge closer to the man.
"Starfire, I need you out on patrol immediately." Slade commanded, having picked up on Robin's silent plea for help. Starfire obeyed instantly, turned and flew away. The other Titans were still in the kitchen, but Slade dismissed them all except Raven. She was a rather safe card as she was not the touchy-feely kind and was least likely to say something hurtful to the boy. She was the least likely to say anything at all, for that matter. Slade had her set out a plate for Robin on the kitchen table, and let him eat in peace while he himself retired to the chair. Now… for the next stage of his 'renovation plan'.
Robin ate slowly, but not too slowly… he didn't want to look like he was stalling, though he indeed was. A sandwich and some porridge could only last so long, though, so at the end he had to get up from the chair. Robin had sat facing Slade the whole time, and his eyes had never left the man, except glancing nervously in Raven's direction, but the girl was busy cleaning up after her slobby teammates, and even a very anxious bird had to eventually decide that she wasn't a threat. Slade, on the other hand, was a completely different matter.
Robin approached the dais carefully, but couldn't find the strength to climb it. Instead he sat down on the lowest step, tensing as he expected to be reprimanded at any second. He wasn't though, and he studied Slade carefully for any signs of irritation. There was none. The man was writing a note, and when he seemed to be done he put the pen down on the armrest of his chair. It rolled over the edge, however, and clattered down the steps before it came to rest at the one above Robin.
"Could you bring me the pen, Robin?" Slade asked evenly, and reached out a hand. Robin looked from the pen to the man and slowly reached out for it. His whole body was screaming 'trap', but there really wasn't anything he could do but pick the pen up and climb a few more of the seven steps. He put the pen in Slade's hand quickly and then sat down again just as fast. He sat on the step he was standing on, so he was a little bit closer to the man now, but that didn't matter as long as he sat. Curiously, standing in front of the man made Robin more nervous than sitting.
He didn't try to grab me. The realization surprised Robin a great deal.
"Robin, take this note to Raven, please." Slade asked him, and held out a folded sheet of paper. Robin had to come a bit closer this time, but again, Slade didn't move or barely seemed to register his presence. Robin took the offered note and hurried over to the other side of the room, strides slowing as he approached the girl who was about to leave the room. Robin quietly held out the note and as Raven took it, one eyebrow raised questioningly, he turned and hurried back again.
As soon as he got close to the dais, Slade spoke again.
"Fetch me some breakfast. Raven left a sandwich in the refrigerator. A glass of water too, please."
Robin did as he was told and then climbed the dais yet again. He expected, or rather hoped, that Slade would reach out for the food, but the man was reading some papers again.
"Just put it on the armrest for now." Slade told him without looking up. "Then sit down. I imagine it is more comfortable to sit up here with me, but you may sit where you please."
Robin had already felt how cold the steps, which was not covered in the sheep-pelts, really was, and it was clear from the man's voice that Slade preferred him to sit by him… which in reality left Robin with no choice at all. Swallowing he sat down, still as far away from the throne as he dared.
He had barely had time to adjust when Chang walked in, carrying a big pile of papers. Suddenly the man tripped, and the loose sheets went flying across the room.
"Damn!" Chang swore, and Robin crawled back from the sudden movements and noise, until his back hit the chair.
"You could be more careful, professor." Slade chuckled. "What is… or was, that?"
"The weekly report! Now it will take me forever to get the papers in order!" The old man growled.
"Just leave it. Robin can do it, can't you pet?" Slade looked down on the boy briefly. "Collect the papers, bring them back up here, and make sure they are sorted. I gather that the pages were numbered?" he asked Chang.
"Yes, of course." The man nodded.
"Good. Then leave us. It seems we both have work to do. Robin? Get going."
Chang left immediately, and Robin started gathering up the several hundred pages, that had spread out across the whole room. Only that took almost twenty minutes, although some it took a bit of extra time since he didn't want to turn his back on Slade, and had to keep him in sight the whole time. Carrying the large pile up to the throne, he gingerly sat down and started working.
Slade smiled to himself. His plan was working beautifully. He knew he couldn't let the boy brood over what had happened, and the best way was to keep him busy. He had set up everything, making Robin come closer to him and, of course, he had already prepared the stack of papers. Raven bringing the note to Chang had been his cue to bring them and pretend to trip. Slade studied the boy who had spread out some of the papers in front of him and was working determinedly. The key was to keep the task simple, but not so simple it would allow the mind to wander. This way Robin had to focus on the, rather small, page numbers, and there were 357 pages.
Two hours later, Robin was close to finishing. Sitting straight up for so long had made his body ache, and he had, ever so slowly, edged closer to Slade, so he could lean against the throne. He was so focused on his task he never noticed the hand that came to rest lightly on his head until he shuffled the last page in place. Then the warmth made him look up. He startled as he saw that Slade was looking at him, as well as touching him, but he managed to clamp down on the fear once more when he noticed that the man was smiling at him. Slade had supposedly eaten his breakfast and not bothering with pulling down the mask again.
"Are you finished?"
Robin nodded. That was the first form of communication Slade had received from the boy that day.
"Excellent." Slade patted Robin's hair, very lightly, a few times. "You are a very good pet, Robin. Would you read the title out to me, please?"
Robin swallowed, feeling like Slade had just asked him to lift the throne. He then glanced down on the top page and blinked, trying to get the letters to make sense.
"R-report. Rescores inventory and f-front movements."
"Very good. Go to the bedroom and put it on my desk. Come back as soon as you can."
"Y-yes Slade."
Entering the bedroom again was a nightmare. Robin expected to see Xia's body sprawled on the floor. He hurriedly put the stack of papers on the desk and got out. As he reentered the main room he got a shock as he saw that Slade's chair was empty. His eyes searched the room in panic and he almost sobbed in relief as he spotted the man in one of the soft chairs.
"Come over here, Robin."
The boy complied immediately; glad the man wasn't hiding somewhere to attack him.
"I am feeling a bit tense again. I want you to massage my shoulders. Do you think you can do that?" Slade asked.
Robin, who didn't expect the question, even though he had to admit that the man had been very courteous the whole morning, gaped for a second before nodding.
"Good. Would you want me to sit on the floor?"
Robin nodded dazedly.
"Then I will. I think you will be able to give me a better massage if I remove my shirt, though?"
Robin nodded again, although decisively more hesitantly now.
Slade rose gracefully and pulled off his shirt slowly. He then folded it neatly over the back of the chair and sat down on the floor, facing away from Robin.
"You may begin when you are ready."
Robin, correctly, took this as an order to start at once, and carefully reached out for the man.
Slade concentrated on sitting still. The massage was far from the quality of the previous ones, as Robin was clearly afraid.
"Good, but I know you can do better, Robin. I will just sit still, you don't have to worry." Slade told the boy. This encouraged Robin a little and the massage deepened somewhat. After ten minutes Slade decided that Robin had come far enough to test, and declared the massage over.
He sat back down in the chair, after pulling his shirt back on. Robin was still kneeling on the floor, and looked up at him almost shyly.
"That was nice, Robin. Thank you."
The boy nodded the tiniest bit.
"That won't do, Robin, you are not mute. What do you say?"
"Y-you're welcome." Robin answered at once.
"Good boy. Now. We need to talk."
Robin shied back a little at the words and looked up at Slade in trepidation. Slade continued.
"You are my pet, and I can't possibly have a pet that's afraid of touching me, or even being close to me. I know what happened yesterday was traumatic for you, and I have taken that into consideration when I decided how to treat you today… but it is clear that I have to tell you plainly what my intentions are…" Slade seemed to give his next words some careful thought. "You have my promise that I will not hurt you as long as you continue to be good. I will, however, do anything to protect you and the bond, and that includes killing anyone who might be a threat. I also expect you to keep up your duties to me. I won't allow any more panic attacks like the one last night. If you feel like you can't handle it, I might be able to give something to help you relax and make you more… accepting… but that is a last resort. Have I made myself clear?"
Robin nodded, before remembering his voice.
"Yes, Slade."
He had relaxed as the man spoke. Slade was in control here. Slade would take care of everything. He just had to leave it all to him, and the man would deal with it, telling Robin how to act and what to do. That felt good right now.
Slade was about to continue his speech when the elevator opened and Cyborg stepped out. The Titan hurried over to Slade.
"Master Slade! There's a visitor."
"Chian again?" Slade asked, and Robin could hear a bit of tension in his voice.
"No, I don't know the dude, but he claims to know Robin." Cy never even glanced at the kneeling boy, but Robin's hear started beating faster in fear.
"What security measures have you taken?" Slade asked, pressing a button on his wrist guard, and almost immediately more Slade-bots showed up and lined the walls.
"I scanned him for anything electrical, and BB sniffed him for anything like plastic explosives or drugs. We found nothing. Then we got Raven and she did a mind scan. She says that she can't be sure, but it seems like the dude means no harm…He just wants to see Robin."
"Just out of curiosity… what did Starfire do?" Slade asked.
Cyborg grinned lopsidedly.
"She kept asking the guy to 'please tell if he was up to bad things'"
Slade chuckled, and even Robin smiled wanly.
"That's my girl…" Slade nodded. "Well… bring this mystery guest up. Robin, come here." Slade walked to the dais and Robin followed obediently, sitting down next to the chair as usual. He managed not to duck as Slade's hand came to rest on his head again.
A few minutes later the elevator doors opened, and Robin felt like he was suffocating.
No-no-no-no…
The man took a few steps forward until he spotted Slade and Robin and then stopped.
"Master Richard." The voice was filled with a sorrow that matched Robin's own.
"…Alfred…" Robin's voice was no more than a whisper.
No-no-no-no…
Slade had understood who the frail-looking old man was the moment he walked in and cursed himself for letting Robin see him. This was not part of his plan, and could destroy it all. He could feel the boy trembling beneath his hand, and he had to act quickly.
"Robin, why don't you go and greet our guest?" he suggested, hating that he had to put faith in the Titans security measures. If this was part of an attack-plan… Robin looked up at him, then at the old man and then back at Slade again. He clearly didn't believe that he had heard him correctly.
"M-may I?"
"Yes. Go. But don't even as much as hint at the future plans, is that clear?" Slade said, and the next thing he knew Robin nodded and almost tumbled down the steps and into the waiting man's arms.
Slade decided to give them a moment before joining them, and settled for studying them booth intently.
As soon as Robin felt Alfred's arms around him, felt his scent, he broke down and cried.
"Shhhh… Master Richard… shhhh… it will be all right…" the butler tried to soothe him, but his voice sounded broken as well.
"No… no… you… you shouldn't have come! Why!? Why?… he… he will kill you… he… he killed a boy last night… he'll… he'll kill you too…"
"Well, if he does, at least I got to see you again." Alfred told him firmly, using his skills as a butler to control his features and emotions.
Slowly Robin started to calm down, and Alfred never stopped talking to him.
"I want you to know that we love you very much, Richard. Please never doubt that."
"It's… it's all my fault." Robin sobbed.
"Don't be silly, dear boy. It wasn't you who got that contract. It was Slade. He is the one to blame here."
"I- I only signed it because I thought… I thought it would only bind me… and… and he had the trigger… there… there was a bomb…"
"I understand… it was not you fault… can't you see that?"
"People think so…"
"No… no one who knows what happened blames you, Master Richard. No one."
"But… so many… dead… even League members… What… what about Flash?"
"I… I'm sorry, Robin… he didn't make it…"
This revelation, even though Robin had suspected it, brought a new set of sobs.
"I- I'm so sorry!"
"Master Richard! It's not your fault, how many times will I have to tell you that, young man?" The butler's voice had changed to a mock stern one, which Robin remembered. The boy looked up at him and Alfred brushed the tears away. "That's my lad. Stiff upper lip and all that, remember?"
"Y-yes…" Robin tried to grin a bit, but it didn't quite work.
"How… how are you, boy?" It was a question Alfred did not really want to hear the answer to.
"I-I'm fine."
The butler held the boy at arms length and studied him. Yes. The boy looked healthy enough. He was probably better well-nourished then he had been since leaving the manor. Yes, he seemed fine. Until you looked into his eyes.
"I'm so proud of you. We all are." Alfred said quietly.
Robin nodded shortly.
Alfred then saw the faded scars on Robin's arms and shook his head.
"I know it makes me sound like a monster, Richard, but I'm glad he stopped you."
"But… but the world would have been free!"
"And I would never see you again."
"But…"
"Oh, Richard… If Slade would have gotten away as the contract was broken, don't you think he would have tried again? Then it all would have been for nothing…"
Robin hadn't considered that. He had just imagined that as soon as the bond was broken everything would go back to normal. Everything would be fine. Maybe Alfred was right, maybe it wouldn't?
Robin nodded reluctantly, more for Alfred's benefit than his own. It was worth it, though, when he saw the old man smile.
Heavy footsteps, closing in, ended their private meeting, and Robin quickly backed away a few inches from Alfred, trying not to see the hurt expression in the man's eyes. Robin's mouth had gone dry as he remembered that Slade had watched it all… Slade, who didn't like other people touching his property. Slade stood so close now, that Robin could feel the man's body heat.
"Aren't you going to introduce us, boy?" Slade asked.
Robin jumped slightly and turned half way around.
"Y-yes, Sorry. Slade, may I introduce Alfred Pennyworth. He's Bruce Wayne's butler and… and… like a grandfather to me." Robin winced as he saw the warm glow in Alfred's eyes. Had he told him enough times that he loved him? "A-and Alfred, may I introduce Slade Wilson, my- my owner." Robin quieted, praying that he had done this right. He had been drilled in the many rules of introduction, by Alfred actually, and he hoped he had been correct enough… he had desperately tried to find something more to say about Slade, but had drawn a blank. He was brought back from his musings by a snort of disgust from Alfred.
"He is no such thing, Master Richard!"
Robin made a scared noise and quickly placed himself between the men.
"He is! Please… Alfred, I… I can't lose you… please." Robin whispered desperately.
The old man sighed, and it sounded like it came from an abyss of pain. "As you wish, Richard. I won't challenge him." At this there was a small, amused snort from Slade. "But I want you to remember that you have a real family. That loves you. Can you do that?"
"Yes… yes I do remember… I love you too! I love you so much! I'm so sorry, I…"
"What did I tell you, Master Richard?"
"I… I know… I'm sor- I…" Robin's voice faltered and he just shook his head. There was something important he wanted to tell Alfred… but what? Then he remembered. "Al… I… I told Slade about Saint Elmo's… do… do you remember?"
"My dear child… of course I remember! But why? Are... are you afraid he will hurt you?"
A heavy hand placed himself on Robin's shoulder and he swallowed, backing up a bit until he came to rest against Slade's chest, trying to pacify the man with this move.
"No… no, he won't hurt me, he promised… but… if something should happen… if there was an attack… I just wanted to make sure you… you remembered..."
"I do. I just pray that I won't have to see that day."
"You won't, old man. I will make sure my pet is safe." Slade growled.
"With all due respect, sir, the only place he will be safe is at home. With his family. Where he belongs." Alfred haughtily answered back.
"My pet belongs with me, don't you pet?"
"Yes, Slade." Robin immediately answered.
"It must make you proud. Mr. Wilson, to torture a young boy unt-"
"Alfred, please!" Robin had felt Slade straighten against his back. "Slade doesn't torture me! He takes care of me! Please don't make him mad? Please, Al?"
Robin had never seen Alfred this angry, and boy, had he seen him angry! This wasn't roller-skating in the east gallery or dropping a bucket of paint down the stairs though… this wasn't even sneaking out at night without telling anyone…
The man seemed to be able to hold back his rage, however, and Robin dared to breathe for a moment.
"I think your butler has rather stepped out of line…" Slade's voice was very cold.
Robin turned around to face the man. He had to crane his neck back as far as it went to be able to look up into the masked face. He reached out for the man's arm, gripping it softly.
"Please, Slade, may… may I speak to you… in… in private?"
Slade nodded and gestured for two of the robots to approach.
"Escort this man to the kitchen and watch him." with those words he turned around and Robin followed as Slade headed for the opposite side of the room. This way Slade would still be able to see his guest, but if Robin didn't raise his voice if wouldn't carry across the vast room.
"Well, Robin? What did you want?"
"A-are you…" Robin swallowed. "Are you going to kill him?"
"Are you going to beg for his life?" Slade asked, amused that Robin still hadn't learned that begging was useless. But this time, Slade was wrong, because Robin had learned.
"I would. I would do anything if I thought it would change your mind… but if you have decided…" Robin lowered his head. "I… may I hold his hand?"
"When I kill him? You want to watch?" Slade was surprised.
"No… I… I want to be there for him… that's… that's what family does…"
"I see. Well. I didn't say I would kill him, did I?"
"You… you won't?" Robin's eyes were bright with hope now when they looked up at Slade. The man was amazed that the boy still could look like that.
"Is he a threat?"
"No! No he's not!"
"Well, then."
"C-can he go? Can he go right now?"
"If he wants. I will let the Titans escort him out."
"Can I go tell him?"
"Yes."
This time Robin spun around at once, and hurried towards the man. At a gesture from Slade, the robots resumed their positions.
"Slade says you can go! He won't kill you!" The joy in the boy's eyes and voice was overwhelming after seeing him so broken.
"Thank you, Richard. I would imagine that Master Bruce would be quite cross with me if I were to get myself killed. Especially since he doesn't know I'm here."
"Wayne doesn't know?" Slade had followed Robin almost immediately, and had heard the conversation.
"That is correct." Alfred told Slade dryly, and then turned to Robin. "He tried to hide all the facts from me, but when I heard about the suicide attempt… I had to come and see you. I knew that I probably wouldn't even make it into the tower, but I had to try."
Robin beamed up at him.
"Sometimes, Alfred, I think you are a bigger hero than Batman…"
The old man blushed slightly, but his eyes twinkled.
"You are the hero, Robin… god knows where you get your strength…"
"… from my family… from you…" Robin whispered, and dared to hug the man briefly. "But I'm not a hero anymore… I'm a pet now… I can never be a hero again… but… that's okay… I don't want to. I wish I could be with you and Bruce, though… I miss you so much…"
"We miss you too… one day you will be, Robin… never lose hope."
"Hope hurts, Alfred…" there was fresh pain and tears in the boy's eyes now. "I'm just glad I can say goodbye."
"No-"
"Yes… Goodbye Alfred. I love you. Please tell Bruce as well, as soon as he has stopped yelling at you for doing this, okay?" There was a small smile on the boy's lips.
"Hmm… maybe I should stay here?" Alfred teased, his heart breaking behind the very British mask.
Robin grinned back shortly. "No, I think you should take your chances with Bruce. Be brave."
"You too, Master Richard. You too…"
Ten minutes later Robin watched from the window as Starfire escorted Alfred to the shore. He couldn't make out much with the distance, but it was enough to make him euphoric with joy.
As the small figure of Alfred stepped into a cab, Robin turned around and threw himself in Slade's arms.
"Thank you- thank you- thank you!" he hugged the man as hard as he could, feeling like Slade had just saved Alfred's life instead of simply refraining from killing him.
"I am sure you will find a way to thank me later." Slade purred. Robin immediately fell to his knees in front of the man. Slade reached down and pulled him back on his feet. "I appreciate the thought, but I have work to do right now." Slade gestured to Chang and Raven, who stood waiting a short distance away. Robin had not even seen them, and in this state he really didn't care.
The small group resumed their seats in the chairs from the previous day and again started the tedious task of going through candidates. Robin sat pressed up against Slade's legs, and couldn't keep his hands off the man. He was so happy, and he knew that the only way to thank Slade was with his body… why wouldn't Slade let him?
Slade, for once, had an attention-problem. His pet seemed intent on driving him crazy, the way Robin kept running his hands up Slade's thighs. He had by now given up on trying to predict how Robin would react to different scenarios and it was rather irritating to him that he had the boy under perfect control one moment and then Robin's psyche threw him another curveball. He understood this reaction to a point… after all Robin had been convinced that he would kill the old geezer and now he was thankful, perhaps in a way even happy, for the first time since Slade had caught him… and he didn't know what to do with those emotions but try to pass them on. And if Slade had made sure Robin understood one thing, it was the importance of keeping his owner happy. So now Robin tried. It was a pity that Slade also tried to listen to Chang. Slade didn't want to send the boy away, as Robin would see this as a punishment, but something had to be done before he would lose control and just bend the boy over the chair.
"Robin, come here." Slade patted his knee and Robin happily curled up in his lap. Good. At least the boy couldn't really touch anything now… except… oh, damn… Robin moved slightly, grinding his backside against Slade's crotch, and was running his hands all over Slade's chest. As the boy buried his face against Slade's neck and started to kiss and lick a bit of exposed skin there, Chang coughed.
"May I ask why he acts this way?" the professor remembered the conversation from the night before, and this was not what he had been expecting to see.
"I didn't kill a friend of his." Slade muttered. He didn't like this. This was too much like the Rob-alter ego.
"Oh." Chang said, not really understanding what Slade meant.
"Maybe I can help?" Raven offered, and Slade nodded.
"If you can, please do."
Raven closed her eyes and focused. Then a small smile appeared on her face. "He is very happy, but annoyed that you don't let him show you how happy. But it's just a… high of sorts. Something temporary… an overload due to stress and shock. I can take it away, if you want?"
Slade thought about it.
"Will it pass on its own?"
"Yes… probably as soon as you… well… let him thank you." a slight blush on the pale cheeks made the girl even prettier.
"I don't have time for that now…" Slade sounded wistful. "Can you dampen the effect? I don't want him back in the panic he was in this morning, but I do want him coherent."
"I will try. I'll be careful."
A few seconds later, Robin blinked and looked up at Slade in confusion. Finding himself in the man's lap was slightly scary, but it was okay, because… because… first he couldn't quite remember, but then he did.
"Thank you. For Alfred. Thank you." Robin mumbled softly.
"You are welcome." Slade said simply. "Now, Chang, continue."
"I-heh- think I better start from the top…" the man giggled, and Robin's brow furrowed at the sound.
A few minutes later Chang didn't feel like giggling any more.
"What's wrong with them? They are a stable couple, married six years…"
"And still no children of their own?"
"They are having trouble conceiving… this child would be a blessing!"
"A blessing that might be taken from them in a few short years? But that hardly matters, what matters, though, are the fertility drugs and the miscarriages… there is a big risk that will happen again. No. They are out." Slade decided.
"All right… this, then… Married couple, woman 31, five children-"
"No."
"What?!"
"The boy needs special training and attention. None of them will have the time."
"Bu-"
"No."
Chang sighed.
"All right, before I continue. Can we please repeat what we have decided? At first we only looked for someone to give birth, but now we are looking at a whole family, correct?"
"Yes. I don't only need a manufacturer; I need storage as well…" Slade chuckled.
Chang giggled at the bad joke and continued. "And do we want the parents to know? I'm unsure about were we stand on that?"
"I have considered it, and I'm sure we can arrange it so the parents think the baby is their own…"
"But surely, most of the women in Jump would be delighted-?"
"Yes. And delighted people talk. We do not want anyone to find out, or they will make sure there would be no 'back-ups'. If we can arrange this quietly it would be for the best."
"As you say, sir" Chang nodded. "What about this couple, then?"
Slade took a look at the photo and disregarded it.
"Fat."
"What?" Chang repeated himself. "The woman is not a pound overwh-"
"No, the husband. Will probably die of a heart attack at 55."
"But his genes are not involved here!" Chang exclaimed
"No, but development is not all about genetics, it's also about environment. I can't see this man taking his son out for some healthy exercise, can you? No, he will teach him how to vegetate in front of the TV."
Chang felt himself aging considerably.
"All right, this couple then…"
The last couple Slade thought was close to faultless on paper, but they were both blond. The baby would, with genetic probability, have Robin's dark hair, and that might be hard to explain. They were put in the very small 'maybe-pile' though. Perhaps they had dark-haired relatives. Slade considered that it was worth checking out.
"Next one…" Chang was beyond tired, but at least for every fault Slade found he learned what to look for. If the man had been more specific from the beginning, this might not have taken so long.
"So you want looks, brains and athletic abilities. Meet Megan. She is even a gymnast and has won an Olympic gold medal. Now she has her own school with her husband of 4 years. She is 28. No children so far, but they haven't-"
"Don't bother." Slade sighed.
"What the hell NOW?!" Chang lost it.
Slade glared at him and he calmed down. "Look at her picture."
"Yes? Very pretty." Chang muttered.
"Yes. Very pretty, very short, narrow hips and rater flat, don't you think?"
"Most gymnasts look like that…"
"Yes. And there is a reason. Hormones. Really strenuous training, and probably some helpful pills from a coach… she is practically a boy."
"I'm sure it will be safe to-"
"No. It won't."
Chang sat seething for a moment.
"Well, if no one is good enough for you, why not have Raven turn Robin into a girl and knock him up yourself?!"
Slade threw his head back and laughed. "Believe me, Chang, if the contract allowed women, I wouldn't hesitate for a moment."
Robin had been absolutely still and quiet through all this, especially since his earlier behavior had started coming back to him. He also remembered the terror from the morning, and was thankful that that seemed to have subsided… he could still feel it, though, especially when Slade made any sudden sounds or movements like now. He managed to suppress the fear enough to snort at the suggestion.
"I'm sorry, sir," Chand excused himself "I am just tired. It's been a long night. I will find some new candidates for tomorrow…"
"You mean that those were all?" Slade sounded displeased.
"No. But the faults you found in the others, can be found in these too… But don't worry… I now know what I have to look for… bloody perfection…"
"Off course." Slade shrugged "Did you expect me to aim for any less?"
As Chang stomped off, Slade looked down on Robin.
"Dinner time, I think? Raven, would you prepare something?"
Rae nodded and glided over towards the kitchen. Robin didn't move a muscle, though.
"You may join her… " Slade told the boy, "Unless it was something you wanted?"
The man still felt it was important to keep the boy as busy as he possibly could to keep from thinking too hard.
"I… I got to say goodbye." Robin whispered, and sighed. "I… won't see him again, will I?"
"Probably not, no."
"He said they still loved me. They don't blame me. They blame you." there was a hint of accusation in the boy's eyes now, something Slade had to make sure died as quickly as possible.
"Well, pet… we know better, don't we? You signed the contract, knowing it was magical… you should have suspected it was more than I told you it was… it was your fault."
"…yes…" Robin lowered his eyes. "… they love me, though…" he added in a whisper.
"He said so, yes." Slade concurred "And maybe he does… but Bruce? I'm not sure you have the family the old man pretended you have…"
"He said Bruce-"
"He said 'we'. Who's 'we'? Him and Batgirl? He never said that Bruce loved you, and isn't that a bit odd? And him sneaking away without Bruce knowing? Would the bat have stopped him? Yes. But why? To protect the old man, because he thinks that you aren't worth it?"
Robin's eyes had grown bigger for every word. Slade was telling the truth. Alfred had only said 'we', but he meant… surely he meant…?
"…I… I still think…" Robin tried.
"And you would be wrong. Bruce can barely stand watching you on a screen. He would never come here like Alfred did."
"He can't! You told them you would-"
"I know. But he has no powers. If he had walked up to the tower like Alfred did, with no weapons, no communication systems and, most importantly, no other motive than to see you… I might let him. But do you think he would do that?"
Robin swallowed. No, Batman wouldn't. A visit inside the Tower would be a great opportunity to survey the enemy camp, maybe plant some bugs or find out something useful… Raven would pick up on that. Robin shook his head.
"Well, then. What does that tell you? You are a smart boy, Robin, you can figure it out."
Robin didn't answer; he only bowed his head and curled up tighter in Slade's lap. "That's it, Robin. You don't have a family, but you have me… you should be grateful that I'm willing to treat you this nicely, boy… that I allow you to be my pet…"
"Yes… you… you said that you only had to keep me alive… I remember…" Robin murmured.
"That's right. And here you are, well fed, you have a nice bed to sleep in, and you get regular exercise… I even let an old friend visit you." Slade said, trying to sound like it was his idea from the start.
"… yes, Slade. Thank you." the boy mumbled.
"That's better. Now, forget about those foolish notions and go eat you dinner. I think it's about ready."
"Yes, Slade." Robin slid of the man's lap and headed for the kitchen. The happiness in his movements was long gone, and his blue eyes had dulled to almost a stormy grey.
Slade watched him go with a smirk on his face. Oh, he knew how to keep his pet in check, all right… Now to close the deal…
Slade walked over to the eating boy, who looked up and stood before his master. Slade placed his hand under Robin's chin and lifted it up.
"Don't look so sad, little one… did I forget to mention how proud I am of you? How well you are doing? You have by far exceeded my highest expectations, Robin. Continue like this, and after tomorrow I might very well decide that you have earned a reward and not a punishment."
Robin's lips parted in amazement and his eyes became very wide.
"Really?"
Slade chuckled and ruffled the boy's hair.
"Yes, pet. Really. Now finish your dinner and hurry back to me, will you?"
Robin nodded and his eyes had once again turned a little bit brighter. There was even a pale smile on his face. Slade left the boy to his dinner and walked towards his chair with an even bigger grin. He was learning how to play the boy like a fine tuned instrument… but only perfect was good enough… He frowned slightly at this and suddenly felt a hand on his arm. He turned and was surprised to see that it was Raven, and not Robin, who stood there.
"Might I speak with you for a moment, Master? It's about the research."
Slade glanced over at Robin and, seeing the boy eating, he nodded and followed Raven to the 'laboratory' they had set up next to the sickbay.
Robin looked up as Slade left the room, and immediately his anxiety rose. He still needed to see Slade at all times… he wasn't sure why. It wasn't that the man gave him any comfort, as such, it was more the feeling of suddenly losing sight of the tiger in the high grass. It was not a good thing to do.
Robin concentrated on his food and his thoughts instead of his fears. It helped a little. Maybe Slade was right…? Maybe he should be grateful? He could have been locked up in the basement without being able to as much see the sky, and not have any opportunity to help anyone. Not that he was doing much helping… he only seemed to make it worse… but this way, he had at least made sure that the JL knew there was a magical contract involved… without him they would have no idea what was going on. And who knew? Maybe, some day, they would find a way to break it. That made it worth it, being Slade's pet… Robin chewed thoughtfully, his eyes glued on the corridor Slade had disappeared into. Slade had praised him. He wasn't used to praise. If he got a 98/100 on a test, Alfred was the one to pat him on the back… and Bruce the one to ask why he missed two points. Did that mean Slade was right about Bruce? Didn't he love him? But Bruce had said… Robin shook his head irritably. It shouldn't matter! It shouldn't matter if no one on the whole damn planet even knew he existed… he still had to try his best! He needed to focus on the future of the world, and not his own. And he should be grateful that he was in a position like this… right now he was even left alone! Robin knew he couldn't do much, not at the moment, but at least he wasn't rotting away in some cell.
Because being threatened, beaten, raped and having to watch people die is better? A dry voice inside him wondered. Robin shrugged at it. Not better. Just another kind of bad.
Slade was gone for almost an hour, and by then Robin had finished dinner and cleared away his dishes. He was sitting by the throne as he heard familiar steps coming down the hall. He hurried down to meet Slade.
"You were gone a long time!" Robin's tongue slipped as he laid eyes on the man. Slade stopped, not really expecting to meet this kind of accusation. It almost reminded him of his mother… 'where have you been? What have you been doing?' Slade shivered. No, mixing images of Robin with his mother was not a good idea. In the mean time, the boy had realized what he just said, and looked like he had swallowed something nasty. "I-I'm sorry…" he spluttered. "I was just…"
"Missed me?" Slade chuckled, and immediately the boy stood very close in front of him.
"I… just got worried…" Robin drew a deep breath. "I have been thinking… and… you are right… I have been ungrateful. I have realized that you let me have a lot. I'm sorry."
Slade was again surprised, but this time at the sincerity of Robin's voice. Robin was a good actor, but Slade could tell that this was real. The boy really had realized that things could be worse.
Good… that means I don't have to waste time showing him just HOW bad it could be…Slade thought. He reached out and, once more, ruffled the boy's hair playfully.
"Apology accepted. Now, are you tired? Do you want to take an early night?"
Robin was tired. Emotionally exhausted.
"Will you come with me?" he asked.
"No, I have things to do here… but you can go to the bedroom by yourself if you wish."
Robin thought about it and shook his head.
"No, I would rather rest here with you. Can I?" He wasn't ready to fall asleep without knowing exactly where the tiger was.
Slade nodded. He knew Robin wouldn't bother him.
Half an hour later the boy was sound asleep at his feet. Slade noticed a slight weight on his foot, and looked down to see one of Robin's hands resting on it. He grinned. The bird made sure to watch over the tiger's moves. Smart bird.
As had happened on many nights before, Slade woke his pet up when he had finished working. Robin was yawning hugely all the way to the bedroom, but got tenser as they were about to enter it. He didn't need any reprimands from Slade to carry on, though. Slade kept his distance all through the evening routine of washing, changing and getting into bed. He couldn't help but chuckle when Robin left the bathroom door open while brushing his teeth, however, just to be able to keep an eye on Slade.
Slade got into his side of the bed while Robin finished, and stayed there as Robin crawled under the covers. He understood that he probably had to keep his hands off Robin for tonight, although he wanted nothing more than to ravage him at the moment. He did not want the day to repeat it self, though, it had been hard work, and Robin still wasn't 'fixed'. The cracks were more visible now, and he needed them to fade… he just wanted to know they were there, so he knew were to push if needed be. Yes, Slade expected Robin to keep his distance, but again the boy did the opposite of what the man thought. Suddenly there was a small, lithe body curled up tightly against his, arms holding on to him like he was some sort of stuffed animal. The man grinned. Slade the teddy bear… somehow he just couldn't see that happening. Slade was rather disappointed as he heard Robin's breaths even out almost immediately. The boy had fallen asleep. Now, he could wake him… Slade sighed. No, for once he was the one needing to be patient. There was always tomorrow… and if the boy really was grateful… and it was the last day of the trial-week… The tiger smiled. Maybe his patience would be rewarded…
To be continued…
A/N: the word on the collar today was suggested by KaliAnn. The one from last chapter was suggested by Horrornatrix, but in my haste to publish the chapter I forgot to mention it… sorry…
I'm aware that I might have been rather hasty and simplistic in resolving the worst of Robin's issues… but in my defense: chapter after chapter where he slowly gets 'better" might be more accurate… but rather boring, yes? And then I decided that a strong negative emotion that suddenly collides with a strong positive emotion should, somehow, cancel each other out… with a little help from Raven… and yes I KNOW it probably wouldn't work, but… but… -runs out of excuses- It just did! –grin- I hope you forgive me for doing bad things to psychology, and enjoyed the chapter anyway… ;o)
Missed the slash? For those who did, just wait until the next chapter… ;o)