My longest chapter to write, and the best one to date. It was so much fun writing this part, and more fluffy Robin/Lexi stuff ^^ And, not to be Debbie Downer here, but I noticed that reviews have gone down a lot. Is the story not holding your guys' interest? Please tell me if you still like the story, because it's reassuring. No, I'm not gonna go crazy with the complaining, but it always feels nice to have reviews.

Ok, rant over. Please enjoy the chapter! ^^

"Bats lives here?" I breathed as I looked up at the giant mansion in front of me.

"Of course," Alfred said smoothly, leading the way to the door. My bag was in his hand, but he acted like it was the crown jewels. I followed him curiously up the driveway, too shocked to even think. Mira was still in the car, staring out at me.

"This way, Ms. Cross," Alfred opened the door to the large house, and ushered to me through.

"Woah," I breathed. The ceiling reached high above my head, a glass chandelier hanging above the large foyer.

A tall man walked up from one of the many hallways that littered the room. He wore a suit, and had short cropped brown hair. His eyes were the same color, and they were guarded.

"Good, you got here," He told us, and I blinked, the voice sounded so familiar…

"Do I know you?" I asked.

Alfred looked at the man, slightly surprised, "You didn't tell her yet?"

"Tell me what?"

"I was getting to that," The man replied through clenched teeth.

"Tell me what?" I repeated.

The man cleared his throat, and held out his hand, "Bruce Wayne."

I couldn't contain my shock. I couldn't believe I was shaking the hand of the man that my father had hated, and my mother had liked.

Finally, the connection clicked in my mind. The voice, the way he carried himself, the guarded face.

"Bats?" I gasped. Bruce Wayne was Batman. Batman was Bruce Wayne. I could barely wrap my head around it.

"I do have a life outside crime-fighting," His voice took on a lighter tone.

"Yeah, being the playboy you are," I muttered.

"What?"

"I mean, I figured. But, I didn't imagine you'd be Gotham's millionaire!"

"As supposed to?" He raised an eyebrow.

"I dunno. Just not someone famous!"

"No suspects the rich guy," He turned to Alfred, "Ready the guest room and take her bag up, please."

"Certainly, Master Bruce," Alfred picked up my duffle once more and walked up the stairs that were right in front. Man, this place was huge!

"Lexi, I have some things to do. Alfred will be back soon. Please stay here until he or I come back. Don't go anywhere," Bats, I mean Bruce, turned and disappeared down the same hallway he came from.

I scoffed. Exploring was in my nature! I wasn't going to stay here when there were thousands of rooms for me to explore! So, I picked a random hallway and started down stealth-like, glancing over my shoulder every few times to make sure Bruce nor Alfred had come back for me.

"Bruce? I got the papers you wanted!" Another familiar voice echoed down the hallway. The body followed the voice, confirming my suspicions.

"Bruce?" Robin called again. I saw him, walking down in his civvies, but something was off. It wasn't that he wasn't in his uniform, but he wasn't wearing his mask.

Robin looked up, yelping and covering his eyes. I only saw the whites of them before they were behind his hand.

"Lexi? What the heck are you doing here?" He asked, fishing his sunglasses out of his pocket. He put them on and then opened his eyes from behind the shades.

I grinned at his confused face, "Didn't Brucey tell you? I'm your new houseguest!"

"What, why?" He didn't wait for an answer, "BRUCE!"

Bruce appeared, annoyed, "What is it? And Lexi, didn't I tell you to stay in the foyer?"

"Something like that," I said while Robin asked "What is she doing here?" At least he was taking it fine. Or I hoped.

"Lexi wasn't safe in her house." No explanation asked, and none was given.

"You never show compassion," Robin pointed out.

"Ms. Cross, your room is ready," Alfred broke in, stopping Bruce from replying and things getting more awkward then it already was. Thank you, Alfred!

"I'll see you later!" I waved good-naturedly at the two, and followed Alfred back into the foyer. We walked up the steps I saw earlier, then down a hallway, another hallway, and then to a room. My mind was spinning; how would I remember the way back down? Most likely I'll get lost and would have to scream would help. Now that would be embarrassing!

"Here is your room. I hope everything is to your liking," Alfred opened the door to the large room.

"Thank you," I told him, and he nodded, "I will take your dog to the daycare now." He shut the door and left me alone.

The room was bigger than the one I had at one, with spring green walls and a white carpet, and had various furniture around. To my left was a white vanity with a matching seat, and on the right was a light brown wood. There was a closet(walk-in!) on the back wall, and next to it was a queen sized bed. The frame was the same material as the dresser, and the comforter was white with green leaves. It was a nice room, no doubt.

Alfred kindly put the bag and my pillow on the bed, and having nothing else to do, I might as well put everything away. I was staying here for a while, after all. First thing I did was replace one of the pillows with my own. The orange looked so out of place among the white and green, but I liked it. It brought chaos to the pristine order of the Wayne Manor.

I hung up all my nice clothes, while the others went into the dresser. Bathroom products went into the adjacent bathroom, obviously, and my other 'prepping' stuff went on the vanity. I also took out the book I was reading, and my sketchbook. Both were placed on the nightstand next to the bed.

The only thing left in my bag was the photo I brought. I brought it out and sat on the bed, forcing myself to look at it. Not to just freak out, to really, truly look at it.

It was a picture of a family. Well, my family. I don't exactly remember what happened the day the picture was taken, but we were outside, and happy. My sister and I had our arms around each other, both smiling ear to ear. It was weird seeing my sister smile, even if it was a picture. In the last few weeks I saw her, her face was always emotionless, or more common, a scowl. She was like Bats in that aspect.

My dad had a hand on my shoulder, grinning. His eyes were shining from underneath the thin glasses he wore. His free hand was wrapped around my mother's shoulders. She in turn had her hand around his waist, and her other hand rested lightly on my sister. It was a good day, and I wish I could go back to those days.

Maybe not. Because, as bad as it sounds, without all that happened to them, I wouldn't have met Bats. I wouldn't have met the Team, or Robin.

A knock startled me, and I quickly placed the photo on the nightstand.

"Come in!" I called, and the door creaked open, "Oh hey, Robin."

"Settling in?" He asked, leaning on the doorframe.

"Yep. What's up?"

"Bruce wants me to give you a tour of the manor."

I raised an eyebrow, "The whole manor? Isn't it kind of big for that?"

"I'll show you the basics. Come on," He turned, and I followed.

"As you know, this is your room," He waved to my room, and walked down the hallway, by passing the other rooms until we came into the foyer again.

"The foyer," Robin said, then led me into a room with just a table, "Dining room. Dinner's at six, by the way." I nodded, and we continued into the kitchen, where Robin told me that Alfred does all the cooking.

We traveled through the gaming room, the gym, and various other important rooms, Robin making side comments("Wally likes to hang out here." and "This is where I spend most of my time.")

He showed me a giant library, and, my favorite, the art room.

"How does Bruce get all this stuff?" I asked, picking up an expensive brand of markers made only in South Korea.

Robin shrugged, "We get lots of visitors. Some are artists."

"You now know where I'll be spending my time," I laughed.

"You like art?"

I nodded, "Love it. I carry my sketchbook everywhere."

"Can I see some of your drawings?" He asked.

I bit my lip, "Maybe later." An idea was forming in my head.

"Can you find your way back to your room?" Robin asked.

I smiled, "I think I'm capable of finding it."

"Well, if you need help, just shout."

"I won't need help," I assured him, then walked out of the art room, but not without a promise to be back.

I smiled down at my work. The hair fell in front of the soft eyes, the cape was swept back by an unseen wind, and the smile was genuine. This person I drew truly wanted to help humans, to learn about them. It was finally finished. All I need was to color it, and the art room had everything I needed and more. But, I glanced at the clock, that would have to wait. Robin told me dinner was at six, and it was six now. I sprang out of my bed, grabbing the book off the nightstand.

I almost tripped over my feet, running down the steps. Batman didn't like tardiness, and it's a safe bet to say Bruce didn't either. That was pushed back into my mind when I found I could locate the dining room without being lost.

"I'm here!" I cried, breathless. All three of them looked up from their plates.

"How nice of you to join us," Bruce said flatly as I slid into the first seat my eyes landed on. Robin was on my right, Bruce on my left, while Alfred was across from me.

I noticed that a plate of food had already been placed in front of me, so I picked up a fork and stabbed a stray carrot. I brought the fork to my mouth, and the book to my face. I only read a page when a short cough interrupted me.

The three residents of the Wayne Manor were staring at me. I was confused until I followed on of their gaze's too my book.

Horrified, I snapped it shut, "S-Sorry! I always read at dinner…I-I'll just put it away," I dropped the book by my feet, flustered. My first day, and I already made a fool of myself.

The silent room was once again filled with dinner sounds. I stared at the meat on my plate, trying to decide what it was.

"Roasted duck, Ms. Cross," Alfred informed, and I nodded my thanks. I cut into the tender meat, and cautiously took a bite. Delicious flavors exploded in my mouth and I let out a moan of happiness.

Robin snickered, "I bet you never had duck before."

I kept my eyes on the food, "I haven't."

"Not everyone eats like us, Robin," Bruce told the shocked boy. Activity picked up once again, but more quickly, as if the room itself wanted to get rid of the uncomfortable moment.

There were a couple of reasons why I never had duck before:

1.) I never had good cooking skills, unless ramen counted.

2.) I don't have enough money to spend on expensive ingredients.

And 3.) I don't have the time to cook such a carefully prepared meal. More so now than before, since I'm on the Team.

The dinner was filled with light chatter, such as Bruce asking Robin about his school, and Alfred asking Bruce about his work. No one really addressed me, but I tried to converse as best as I could.

When my plate was clean, I stood up, "Thank you, Alfred, for the wonderful meal," I gripped the plate and headed for the kitchen.

"Stop!" I obliged, and turned. Alfred was hurrying towards me, and took the plate from my hands, "Let me get that, Ms. Cross."

"No, no, Alfred, it's fine."

"Ms. Cross, my job is to take care of you. Please let me do that," I let go of the plate, and the butler carried it into the kitchen.

"Still not used to being waited on," I muttered, and Robin laughed.

"Where are you going?" Bruce asked.

"To go work on a project. Why? Should I stay?"

Bruce waved a hand, "Not necessary. Go work on your project," Obviously dismissed, I headed back to my room, getting slightly lost on the way. Curling back on the bed, I set my drawing aside, and started on a new one, sketching out the face. I decided I would draw all of them first, then color.

"Hey," Robin's voice made me jump.

"Woah, sorry!" He walked over, and tried to look at my work. I protectively put a hand over it.

"I can't look?"

"Nope," I stared up at him, serious.

"Why not? Is it for me?"

"Nope," I repeated.

Robin frowned, "Then why can't I see it?"

"Because."

"You're always so secretive," Robin snorted, and I grinned.

"What's the point if everyone knows about you?"

"You end up like Wally," He and I shared a laugh, and then a period of silence. It wasn't an awkward silence like the one at dinner. This silence was more comfortable. Like we didn't need to talk to enjoy each other's company.

"Well, I'll leave you to your work," Robin gave a small wave and headed out the door. The weird thing was, I didn't want him to go.

I stared after him, then gave my head a small shake. I turned back to my drawing. I drew the outline of the person's hair, pulled back into a sharp ponytail. I threw myself into the art, blocking out every thought. It was just me, the pencil, and the paper. Nothing could separate us.

My head bowed low, and it took all my strength to pick it up again. My eyes hurt, and my hand was most likely dead. Four hours of continuous drawing, but the picture was no where near finished. It needed more. Maybe more feathers to the arrow? Or more definition to the muscles?

I didn't get too far, because my body fell forward with exhaustion. That was enough for tonight. I placed my picture and pencil on the nightstand, right in front of the photo. I got up from the cramped position I had taken up for the past four hours. My body screamed in protest as I stretched, flexing the hunched up muscles. I then walked over to the dresser, pulling out some pajamas. I quickly changed, and collapsed into the soft bed. The comforter provided instant warmth, and I snuggled down into a ball.

My mind was racing with the events of the day. Bruce Wayne was actually Batman, and Robin was living with him! I've always thought Robin had a family to go to. Maybe he does, but the way Robin and Bruce interact, it's more than just mentor and protégé. It was a son-father relationship. I felt a pain of envy. Robin had a parent, whereas I had no one.

But I couldn't hold that against Robin. He deserved every kind of happiness he has. Me? I was lucky to have friends, even if I didn't see them in school. Sure, Barbara and Bette from Gotham Academy were nice, but neither of us had really made an attempt to go farther than a few polite words. Should I change that?

My thoughts wandered around until I felt my eyes grow heavy. Within moments, I was taken into sleep's embrace.

"Lexi, honey!" I stared, mouth open, at the two people in front of me.

"Why are you staring at us like that. Come give me a hug!" My dad opened his arms, and I didn't hesitate. I felt his strong hands pulling me close, and I cried into his shirt.

"Don't leave me again," I sobbed.

"Alex? What's wrong?" My mother asked, worry in her tone.

"She says we left her," Dad whispered.

"Left? We'd never leave her," A new voice. One that made me look up from my dad.

"Adelaide?" I looked up at my sister. She was staring down at me, her dark blue eyes narrowed.

"Who else would it be?" She gave her blonde locks a shake, "You may be annoying, but you are my sister."

I detached myself from Dad and grabbed my sister in a giant bear hug.

"Woah, Squirt. Too much," She gave a slight push.

"Dear, are you still afraid of fire?" Mom asked.

I flinched, "Yeah."

"Good," A dark voice echoed, and I looked up at my family. They were no longer human, but fire beings. Dark holes were carved into the flames that resembled eyes and mouths. They all raised their hands, and the room exploded into fire.

I swallowed and coughed as smoke made its way into my lungs.

"What happened?" I cried out as the beings advanced on me.

"Oh nothing, just playing, sister dear," said the shortest fire person. It still had Addy's voice, but no way it was my sister.

"Playing?" I wiped the sweat off of my brow.

Suddenly, seven spotlight came out of no where, illuminating seven people. Seven very familiar people.

Robin, Wally, Artemis, Conner, M'gann, Kaldur, and Zatanna were all bound with ropes, the flames licking at their feet.

"No! Let go of them!" I cried.

"Where's your loyalty?" 'Dad' asked.

"You'd pick your friends over your own family?" 'Mom' taunted.

"You're not my family!" I tried to create water, but couldn't. I tried again and again, but this place seemed to have gotten rid of my powers.

Their screams assaulted my ears. The flames were upon them, burning skin until it was black. It was so horrifying that I had to look away.

"What's wrong? Too weak to save your family? 'Addy' spat.

"Stop it!" I yelled, tears running down my ash covered face.

"How about no?"

"Please!" I begged, but the screaming seemed in increase. I couldn't take it. My hands covered my ears, but somehow I could still hear them.

"STOP!" I screamed, sinking to my knees. I curled up into a tight ball, until at last the screams faded away.

"Too weak!"

I screamed, bolting up and throwing off my comforter. I felt like I have been dipped in lava, so I ran into the bathroom, splashing water on my face and gulping down a cup.

It cooled me down a little, but I still felt the heat. It was too stuffy in here. I needed fresh air; I needed to get out!

I sprinted from the bathroom and across the bedroom to the door, but not before my hand brushed against something. Without thought, my fingers gripped it, and I took the item with me, not bothering to check what it was.

Once I got to the foyer, I picked a random hallway. I wasn't dumb to go and just walk out of the front door. It probably has alarms or whatever else Batman's paranoid mind could think of.

I found a latter going up, and there was only one way to find out where it led. I grabbed the first rung with my hands, sweat filling my palms. I climbed it without much difficulty, not to mention thought. There was a trapdoor at the top, and I tried the handle. It moved a little, but it was rusted shut. So, I put my weight on it, and the hatch gave, swinging upward with a creak and a thud. I cringed, waiting for someone to wake up and turn on the lights. But, no one came, and I climbed through, landing on the roof of the Wayne Manor.

I gasped, the view here was amazing! I could see all of Gotham City from here. No wonder Batman resides here; he can see everything that went on in his precious city.

But, it still wasn't enough. I raised a large rock from the ground, and stepped onto it. I made it float high into the clouds, were the stars were the brightest without the light pollution.

My mind finally calmed down enough to remember my dream. I had my family back again, but my they burned my friends to death. By far the worst nightmare I ever had, yet it wasn't caused by Slade. I didn't know how to feel about that. It was good Slade hadn't caused it, but it was a terrible nightmare. Good or bad? Bad. Definitely bad.

My body registered that I had something in my hand, and I looked down at it. Small wonder that it was the picture of my family. It also wasn't surprising that a tear landed on my sister's smiling face. She was gone, they were gone, and there was no going back.

"Hey! What are you doing up there?" Robin called. I didn't reply, but flicked my wrist. Smaller rocks flew into the air, creating steps to the rock I was sitting on. Robin ran up like a cat, making no sound. When he stepped on, the smaller rocks fell to the ground once more.

I scooted over, turning my face so Robin wouldn't see me crying.

"Stunning view," Robin said, then looked at me, "Don't you-hey, are you crying?"

I wiped my eyes, "No."

"C'mon, what's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Lexi, that's not good, keeping secrets."

For some reason, that statement made me laugh. I turned to him, "A bit hypocritical, don't you think?"

He protested, "That's-"

"Different. I know," I broke in, and sighed.

"You know you can talk to me, right?" Robin pressed.

I nodded, but couldn't say anything. How would he react to what I could tell him?

"What's that?" Robin asked, leaning closer to look at the photo. My grip tightened on the frame, turning my knuckles white.

"Lexi, let me see. Lexi," Robin place his hand over mine, and instant warmth spread through my body. I loosened my grip, and he gently took the picture. I finally looked at him, more exactly, his expression.

He just stared at the photo, not reacting. He actually looked interested.

"Is this you?" He pointed to the girl with brown hair and aqua eyes.

"Yeah. I was eight then."

"And your…?"

"Sister." I told him.

"I didn't know you had a sister," Robin looked at me expectantly.

I just shrugged, "Not a lot of people to do."

"And your parents?"

I brought my knees to my chest, "Gone."

"Gone? As in…dead?" I nodded in confirmation.

Robin stared at me, worry on his face, "Lexi, are you alone?"

"Yep."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

I looked out at the stars, "It's not important."

"Not important?" His hand gripped mine, "Lexi, that's extremely important! How can you live without some sort of family?"

I smiled a little, "I gave up on family years ago."

"What happened?"

I swallowed, my throat closing up. It was now or never, and I guess Robin deserved to know about me. So I did something I never thought I would do: I opened up.

"Adelaide wasn't the perfect sister. Not by a long shot. She was about six years older than I was, and always the trouble-maker. At an early age, she fell into a bad crowd of people far older than her. She gotten her first taste of alcohol at age thirteen. Her first drug a year later. She even went as far as getting arrested, though she was just sent home with a warning.

"I think I was cause of her bad behavior, since my parents liked me the best. I'm not full of it, that was truly how it was. Then, one summer night, I was sitting on my sister's bed, watching her pack. I was nine, my sister was fifteen. I begged, I pleaded, I cried to make her stay. But she wouldn't hear me. She just kept on packing, determined to run away from our parents."

"She ran away?" Robin gasped.

"Yeah. Addy always ran away before, but it was only for a few hours, and she always came back. But this time, this time it was for real. She packed her bag, opened her window, and ran away. I promised to never stop thinking about her," My voice dropped to a whisper, "I haven't broken it."

"You still care about her," Robin stated, and I let out a cynical laugh.

"Far from it. I just don't like breaking promises."

"I think you still love her."

"You think wrong. I have no feelings for my sister except utter contempt. How can I love someone who abandoned me and left me alone?" A tear found its way down my cheek, "She left me alone, Robin."

"What happened to your parents?" He switched the subject, but it wasn't such a great move.

"My parents were good people. My mom was scientist, and my dad was the manager of a large company. They were fair and kind, treated others the way they would want to be treated. They taught my sister and I manners and life lessons. I have no idea why Addy hated them so much. They were just trying to set her on the right path. When she ran away, they just, I dunno, fell apart. My mom cried all the time and buried herself in support groups. My dad was worse. He would lock himself in his office for hours on end, never coming out until the sun rose. I didn't see him a lot, and when I did, he had more wrinkles and bags than I could count.

"In a last-ditch effort, we went out to a fancy restaurant. And just my luck, it was robbed. My parents had pushed us underneath one of the overturned tables. The robbers didn't find anyone to kill, so they set the place on fire," My voice shook, and more tears were released, "My parents told me to get out. I-I wouldn't leave them, but they made me. So, I climbed out, and found the nearest firefighter. I said , no, I screamed, that my parents were still inside. Just when he promised me they would save them, t-the p-place collapsed on itself." I cried into my hands, my body shaking with the sobs, "It was my fault they died. I could've controlled the flames! I could've moved the wreckage! But, I stood there and watched them die, all because of the small fear that I would be yelled at for lying about my powers. It's all my fault!"

Arms circled me, and I found myself being pulled into an embrace. Robin held me close, smoothing my hair down. I felt terrible about staining Robin's shirt, but he didn't seem to care.

"Lexi, you're beating yourself up. You didn't kill them," He soothed, and I sobbed harder. The wind had picked up, blowing fiercely, but we both acted like it wasn't there.

"I did! I k-killed them!"

"No you didn't," Robin held me back, looking into my eyes, "You had no idea that the place would cave in on itself. Look at it this way: if you stayed, you wouldn't have met Bats and the Team!"

"You really believe I'm innocent?" I whispered.

I really believe that," Robin shook my shoulders a little, "Did you get any sleep?"

"Maybe. I don't remember," I felt my cheeks go red when I spied Robin's shirt, "Oh jeez. That's embarrassing."

He laughed, "My shirt? Don't worry about it. It was well worth it."

"What?" I raised an eyebrow.

"You finally opened up! And not only that, you actually cried in front of someone!"

"And that's embarrassing. You probably think I'm really weak," I looked away.

'Too weak?'

"Weak? Lexi, that is the exact opposite of what I'm thinking."

"Then what are you thinking?"

Robin told me, "That you are an extremely trusting person. No, really!" He added when I laughed, "You let down your guard and cried to someone. To me, that's the ultimate sign of trust. You should open up more often; I like you this way."

"And you didn't like me before?"

"No, no! It's just…nice to see another side of you. One that's capable of human feelings."

I flicked him on the shoulder, "Shut up. And now, since I shared basically my whole life to you, you have to tell me something."

"What's that?" Robin asked.

"Who are you. I mean, outside of being Robin."

"I can't tell you," He said seriously.

"Why not?"

"Bruce's rules."

"That's so weird!" I burst out, "Bruce is probably one of the most secretive people on Earth, yet he let me know who he was. But you can't give me a lousy name?"

"No," He paused, "Maybe one day."

I stood up, "I swear, Robin, I will unmask you."

He laughed, "I'd like to see you try. I leave no clues."

"No matter," I waved a hand.

"Hey, Lexi?"

"Hmm?"

"Can you let us down?" I nodded, and guided the rock down to the roof. We both stepped off, found the trapdoor, and climbed back into the manor.

"How did you know I was up there?" I asked.

He shrugged, "Instinct?" I left the conversation there. We walked into the foyer and up the stairs, but had to depart.

"Robin," I faced him, "You can't tell anyone about this."

He frowned, "Why? If your worried about what the Team will think, trust me when I say there are far worst secrets."

Wanna bet? "Please, just do this one thing for me."

He hesitated, but nodded, "Alright."

"Thank you."

"Oh, and Lexi?"

"Yeah?"

The Boy Wonder looked slightly uncomfortable, "I want to say I was sorry. You know, for when we first met? And for that thing with Zatanna. I was a complete jerk to you. You didn't deserve that, because you're a pretty asterous person."

I smiled, and bear hugged Robin, "You didn't need to apologize. But thank you," I pulled back, "You're pretty asterous too."

"You know it," Robin grinned, then yawned, "I'm going to sleep. G'night, Lexi. Sweet dreams."

"You too, Rob. Sweet dreams," I echoed, then walked back into my room.

I wasn't worried about the nightmares tonight. They could come up with the worst, but that was okay when I had friends like Robin keeping me sane.

It was disturbing to think about, but what would happen if any of them found out about my connections to Slade? What would happen to me then? I would truly be alone then.

But, I couldn't let myself wander to those thoughts. They wouldn't find out; not when I guarded my secrets so closely. I knew Slade would try and tell them, but I just had to keep them away from him.

Fatigue came over me, and I climbed into bed, almost certain I fell asleep with a smile on my face.