Disclaimer: I do not own teen titans. This is just the product of a silly fangirl's imagination. Please R&R.

Let Me Dream: Part Twenty-four - Lies

"She's avoiding me." Robin thought sullenly to himself as he sat down outside the school. He smiled slightly despite his dark musings at the sight of her laughing with the other cheerleaders. It had been just over a week since they had almost kissed in his room. At least, that is what he thought almost happened. After so much time had gone by without even a hint of interest from her, he wasn't so sure. The few times when he had tried to approach her she was pleasant and friendly, but that was truly the extent of their interactions. His relationship with Raven was also still in shambles. While Star refused to acknowledge what had happened, Raven simply refused to acknowledge him. In fact the only person that seemed truly interested in his company was Slade. Robin was picking idly at the grass trying to figure a way out of his obvious dilemmas when a lacrosse stick landed on the ground in front of him, interrupted his thoughts.

"Are you coming? Or do you plan on hating me forever?" Slade stood just behind him with a lacrosse stick of his own resting against his shoulder. Robin sat there trying to decide what to do. He could tell Slade off and continue what he was doing, but then what was he really doing? His eyes scanned out to the field and lingered there. His heart ached for that girl, but he wasn't sure how to fix things yet. He was lonely, and he knew it.

"I'm coming." Robin stated before grabbing the lacrosse stick and standing. He could use the company, even if it was Slade's. He was tired of being completely alone.

"Excellent." Slade grinned, "Let's go." He guided Robin around the school where he noted other boys waiting.

"What is this?" Robin asked.

"It's practice Apprentice. Watch the master and you may learn something."

Robin grimaced and gripped the handle of his lacrosse stick.

"Don't call me that. I am not your apprentice."

Slade cocked his head back and laughed.

"Fine, fine. Let's just play huh?"

Robin nodded and the boys began. It was hard adjusting to the activity. Once he had been at it for a while however, Robin found that he played with considerable skill. He was not nearly as swift, or precise as Slade, but what he lacked in speed he made up for in vigor and determined focus. Both Robin and Slade were heaving breaths and covered in a thin sheen of sweat before they were ready to stop.

"That's good," Slade stated wiping his brow, "You're still good. I was worried that you may have lost it."

Robin grinned and leaned forward placing his hands on his knees for support while he calmed his breathing.

"Thanks." He managed between sharp breaths.

Slade laughed and swung his lacrosse stick in a lazy half circle. "You're not a master like myself of course, though with proper guidance I am sure you hold great potential."

Robin laughed and swung his lacrosse stick up to meet Slade's in a mock clash. "You are so full of yourself Slade. It's a wonder anyone likes you."

Slade grinned in response.

"You like me."

Robin snorted. "Hardly."

"Kory adores me, loves me even." Slade stated as he moved his lacrosse stick again in a parody of a sword swing.

Robin met that swing with one of his own.

"Yes, I know she does. Though, I can't imagine why. Care to fill me in?" As much as Robin did not want to know any details of their relationship, he thought that if he knew what held it together, it might help him pull it apart.

Slade lowered his lacrosse stick and ran his fingers through his hair.

"Do you really want to know?"

Robin thought about it for a moment before indicating that he did with a nod.

"The sex."

Robin's eyes opened widely.

"Wha..what?!"

"The sex Robin, that is what she loves about me."

Robin snorted, "You're lying. She wouldn't have sex with you."

Slade laughed, "Like she would really have a choice. She is my girlfriend Robby, that's what they are there for.

Robin shook his head, "You're wrong. I don't believe you. I don't believe you have sex with her."

Slade acted thoughtful for a moment, "No.. No I am, but not for long. I'm getting bored with it all."

"Liar, you expect me first to believe that you are sleeping with Star, er Kory and now you claim you are tired of her?! You are a liar."

Slade smiled slying as his eyes glanced past Robin to his right, "It's true. She just doesn't hold my interest anymore. I want something else. Something new."

Robin turned and followed Slade's gaze to find Raven sitting a few yards away from them. She was alone, as she normally was and appeared to be drawing or perhaps writing in a book.

Robin shook his head and leveled his gaze with Slade. "No, you leave her alone. Don't you touch her!"

Slade fluttered a hand to his chest in mock surprise.

"Now here I thought you didn't like her. You don't want her right? So what should it matter if I get a taste of that?" Slade grinned wickedly as he clearly imagined himself with the girl.

Robin's eyes narrowed in anger, "She is my friend. She doesn't deserve this. You had better leave her alone."

Slade frowned, "I had better? Are you threatening me? Just what do you think you are going to do?"

Robin's fist tightened painfully on the lacrosse stick that he still held in his right hand.

"I mean it Slade, she is .." Robin paused trying to express himself, "She isn't for you. She doesn't want you."

"Ha! You don't know anything. If I want something it is mine. I want what is coming to me and I deserve this." Slade stepped forward to brush past Robin and go towards Raven when Robin swung his stick sharply and bashed it into Slade's stomach. Slade doubled over briefly before pushing back to gain leverage. He brought it own stick up just in time to block what would have been a devasting blow aimed for his face.

"You have done it now," Slade rasped as he mercilessly swung his lacrosse stick in a calculated attempt to injure Robin. Robin met him blow for blow blocking each thrust with in a frenzied wave of rage.

"I will not let you have her!" Robin yelled as he rushed forward hoping to break through Slade's defenses. Slade side stepped quickly and brought his lacrosse stick across Robin's back in a sharp sickening snap. Robin fell to the ground stunned as Slade kneeled on his back and pulled Robin's head up by the hair. He leaned close and whispered in Robin's ear.

"You ever try that again, and I will kill you. Get in my way and you won't be the only one that suffers. They will suffer too." Slade motioned to Raven who had taken notice of the situation. She had risen to her feet and was walking over at that moment. "It is easier to be my friend Robby. Why don't you think about that for a while?" Slade spat at the ground before getting off of him and walking away.

Robin lay there stunned and only vaguely noticed Raven's presence before she spoke.

"Robin? " She asked nervously while kneeling next to him. There was blood coming from his nose and mouth and his eyes looked glossy and unfocused.

"Raven.." He whispered reaching for her hand. She clasped his hand and leaned over him.

"It's ok Robin, I'm going to get you some help."

"I'm sorry, I couldn't let him."

Raven shook her head, "Let him what?"

Robin closed his eyes as nausea and pain began to subside and be replaced with a creeping veil of unconsciousness.

"…hurt you. "