Delightful Drabbles

by Wynja

SladeRobin drabblecollection, and some Red X now! Both slash and nonslash stories will be listed... mostly slash, though... severe fluffwarnings might be issued.

17. In Sickness and in Health

This story is for 'The Darkest Half" who suggested it… Well, the first part of it… "What if" she wanted to know "the plant Robin got stung by in 'Touch' really WAS poisonous and he got sick?"

Yeah… what if? I started writing and I should probably have stopped a LOT sooner, but more ideas came to me and… it was supposed to be 10 pages… then it was 15… and 30… now its 66! Another Mega-drabble, ladies… I apologies for the discomfort. It starts as hurt/comfort and continues as master/slave…

THIS IS NOT A STORY for anyone who likes Robin to be undefeatable… in this he is rather the opposite, and just a bit slutty at times… so OOC-warning. I tried to keep him in character, but he just pouted and wanted to go snog Slade instead… what am I to do!? He's such a bad boy…

Slade is "my" Slade from "Touch", "Terms…" and the future drabbles in this collection, which means that he is not a COMPLETE bastard, but plays one very well.

This story also mirrors "getaway" to an extent…

Sooo… this story starts with the, slightly altered, end of "Touch" and in the end there is a part that comes from "Terms…" Just so you know I'm not getting senile…

Let's get started then… Let me remind you that neither Slade nor Robin wears their masks as this story begin… when/if they do later it is mentioned…

So, continuing with the wedding theme, I decided to call this story:

In Sickness and in Health

Robin slowly woke up. Stretching lightly, he gradually opened his eyes. He tensed. Something was wrong! Where was he?! It all came back to him in a flash and he stifled a terrified cry as he bolted out of the bed. He didn't get far. A strong arm shot out from under the covers, caught him around his waist and pulled him backwards.

"Where do you think you are going?" Slade's tone was amused but laced with a sharp, warning edge.

"NO!" Robin screamed "No! Let go! Don't… don't…"

"Shhhh… calm down…" Slade hushed and easily pulled the struggling boy closer and back into bed.

"…no…" Robin's protests were weaker now, tired.

"There, there… nothing to worry about, little bird. Relax…" Slade's soothing, almost hypnotic, voice washed over him and Robin's panicked gasps for breath slowly became calmer.

"… please stop…" he whispered in a defeated tone, knowing full well that the man who held him could do anything at all to him without he being able to stop him. Robin closed his eyes tightly, trying to stop the panic that welled up inside him. The plant's soothing intoxication was as good as gone. Everything that hat happened last night, everything he had done, everything that had been done too him, was playing behind his eyelids. He shook his head weakly, he didn't want to remember! Slade's arms held him in a secure, but not hard, grip that could easily tighten if he tried anything. Robin had too, though, he had to fight, and he suddenly slammed an elbow into the man's chest and his heels found Slade's shinbones. Slade's grip loosened enough for Robin to wrench free, and again he headed for the door. He was naked and cold, but that didn't matter right now, he just needed to be away from Slade, very, very fast.

He actually made it to the door and out into a corridor before he heard Slade start to pursue him. The man didn't seem to be in much of a hurry and Robin soon understood why. He had headed the wrong way. He had come to the end of the hallway, and the doors on either side wouldn't open. Suddenly Robin felt like a wave of heat had hit him. For a moment he thought that Slade had shot him with something, but he then realized that the heat came from inside him. He groaned as it was followed by a burning pain, and he stumbled to his knees.

"Giving up the fight so soon? I'm disappointed, Robin…" The voice came from somewhere above him, but Robin only whimpered from the pain, clutching his own body.

"Robin? What's wrong?" the voice had changed, and it now actually had a hint of concern in it.

"…. d-don't know… pain…" Robin gasped.

Slade bent down and reached for him. Robin tried to crawl away, but as the man's hands touched his bare skin the pain eased a bit. Instead of trying to get away, he now pushed against the hand.

"You are hot." Slade commented and at a wary glance from Robin he added "As in 'you have a fever'". Noting that the boy didn't seem to move away anymore, Slade put two and two together. "Does the pain stop when I touch you?"

"… a little…" Robin admitted miserably.

"This has to have something to do with the plant. Let me see your arm." Without further ado, Slade turned the boy around. "Damn…" Slade swore as he saw Robin's right upper arm. It was bright read and swollen. A clear liquid was oozing slightly out of the small puncture wound. "This is infected… or maybe… I think you are having an allergic reaction, Robin."

"… allergic…? To aphrodisiac plants? Who knew..?" Robin was feeling slightly better as both Slade's hands now were touching him as the man helped him sit up.

"I'm taking you back o the bedroom." the man said and picked him up in his arms. The skin-to-skin contact felt heavenly, banishing the heat and pain to a mere murmur, but the situation, being carried to a bed by his worst enemy, made the boy fight again.

"No, not again! I don't want to! Slade, let me g-"

The man unexpectedly stopped and sighed.

"All right Robin, I will let you go. If I am right you won't get far. Just tell me when you are ready for me to pick you up, and we won't have this discussion again."

Robin was suddenly put back on his feet and was running once more. This time he must be going the right way, he just needed to … find… the … exit…

Again he fell to his knees, the waves of pain and heat flooded all his senses and he curled up on the cold cement floor. When he managed to open his eyes for a second he saw Slade's feet just inches away. He startled and tried to get on his feet, but failed as a new wave of pain made him cry out. He knew how to lessen it and, disregarding all sense of dignity, he reached for Slade's legs. As he was about to touch them, the man backed away out of reach. Robin whined and shook from another jolt of pain.

"Just tell me to pick you up, Robin. Tell me to take you back…"

The last jolt had almost made him black out, and as the next one hit, he screamed. The waves were coming quicker now, and Robin sobbed as the last one died down a little bit.

"Please, Slade… p-please… t-take m-me b-b-back…"

He had barely uttered the words before he was pressed against a broad chest, sighing as the pain again diminished.

"Better?" the man asked, and Robin looked up at him, big, blue, scared eyes meeting the single grey.

"P…please don't hurt me…" the boy begged, half out of his mind from pain and fear.

"I won't Robin… I'll take care of you… I'll make you feel better…" The man soothed him and Robin rested his head against Slade's shoulder, too tired to keep it up.

"I… I… don't want…"

"Hush, Robin… you have to unlearn those words, I'm afraid…'I want' and 'I don't want' should no longer be in your vocabulary…"

"…What… what do you mean…?" Robin's anxious voice matched his eyes.

The man stopped, they had come back the bedchamber and Slade put Robin down on the bed and followed suit, taking the boy in his arms again just as Robin began to writher from the pain starting up from the short lack of contact.

"You see, Robin…" the man began to explain as he half settled himself over the boy. "You belong to me now, and the only thing you have to concern yourself with from now on is what I want. What you want does no longer matter. Is that clear?"

Tears spilled out from those blue eyes now as the boy looked up at his captor. There were a few millimeters between their upper bodies and the only thing the boy could do to fight the pain was to put his arms around his master and press himself against him. Robin's body shook with sobs which intensified as Slade stroked his hair.

"Good boy, Robin…. good boy… I knew you would understand…"

"I… I hate you!" Robin gasped, clinging to the man with all his strength.

Slade tore Robin's arms loose in an instant and his body was gone just as quickly.

"No, Robin. I will have nothing from you but total submission. Accept me as your master or I will just watch as the poison finish you off."

The pain had started again as soon as Slade let him go and this time the attacks were powerful from the start. Robin screamed as his body contorted in pain and when he couldn't take it anymore, he ended it the only way he knew how.

"Master…!"

Again Slade's answer was immediate, and Robin wrapped himself around the man's body, making sure as much of Slade's skin as possible was touching his own.

"What do you have to say for yourself?" Slade inquired.

"I'm… I'm sorry, Master." Robin panted.

"For what?" Slade had decided to make a point, rub it in if you will, making sure to nip any rebellious thoughts in Robin's fevered mind in the bud. He was aware that it would probably only last as long as the boy was sick, and he had every intention to try to make him better, but he felt that this might pave the way for his future accomplishments.

"For… for saying I hated you, Master… I… I don't… I…"

"How do you feel towards me, boy?"

"I…. I love you?" the question in Robin's voice was so obvious that Slade chuckled and ruffled his hair.

"In time, my boy… in time…"

Robin let out a low wail at that, but tried to stifle it so he wouldn't anger the man and make him leave again.

An hour later Robin was resting on Slade's chest, almost asleep. Slade had only held him, checked his pulse and asked him about the pain, trying to figure out what caused it. Now the man moved under him and Robin looked up at him.

"This is no good." Slade stated. "I had expected the fever to have gone down somewhat by now, but instead it seems to be rising, and the pain is coming back, isn't it?"

"…. yes …" It was true, even with Slade's body pressed against his own the waves had started to rise again.

"I have to get some medical supplies and-"

"Please don't leave me, Master!"

"Don't interrupt me, boy." Slade scolded "I will bring you with me; it's just in the next room. And we have to get you something to eat. What do you want?"

Robin almost opened his mouth to suggest something, though he wasn't very hungry, but he remembered himself just in time.

"What… whatever you want, Master."

"Very good, Robin." the man said and lifted him up. He had donned a pair of boxers, but Robin was still naked, he had needed to be, to get as much skin contact as possible. Slade took pity on him now, though, and found a pair of his own underwear which he helped the boy get in to. They didn't stay up very well, but it was some shred of dignity and Robin seemed thankful.

Slade found himself lacking in the medical department. He didn't need much in that area himself. He finally sent two of his Slade-bots out to retrieve a collection of medicine equipment and some food. There was something he could do, though, and he needed to set up a communication station. The trouble was that the boy was now shivering in his arms. Slade decided to set the screen up in the bedroom. He juggled the boy and equipment with ease and Robin stayed quiet and docile. As Slade connected the equipment to the satellite lines and waited for a signal Robin lifted his head from Slade's chest slightly.

""What… what are you doing, Master?"

Slade smiled, pleased that the boy's inquisitive mind was still ticking away despite the fever and pain.

"I'm preparing to make a call."

"To who? … Master?" the boy added quickly, almost slipping up.

Slade stretched out on his back again with Robin on top.

"To Batman."

Robin sat up straight, going rigid. He wasn't even aware that he was straddling the man rather nicely.

"What? You can't! He will… he will see… he will…"

"I thought you would be happy?" Slade smirked, deciding to overlook the boy's disrespect for once. "It will be a chance for you to say goodbye."

"G… goodbye?" Robin's voice trembled and he gave Slade a terrified look.

"Yes. I don't expect you will see him again. We are leaving the city soon too."

Something burned deep in Robin's eyes.

"He will find me, Master. Wherever you take me! He won't give up!"

"Are you quite sure, Robin? Are you sure he will deem this" he gestured at the boy's half naked body which still straddled him "worth saving?"

Robin looked down on himself, burning from the lessened contact with Slade but also with shame. He slowly sagged down onto the man again.

"… he loves me…" he murmured uncertainly.

"No, Robin. He tolerates you."

Robin didn't answer.

Soon after, a sladebot entered with two bags containing food and the medical supplies Slade had requested. Slade sat up and leaned against the headboard, smirking he noted that Robin grumbling crawled after him, settling against his side. Well, he wouldn't have the boy that comfortable so he Slade simply pulled him into his lap instead. Robin frowned but didn't complain. As Slade opened the paper bag containing food he found that the bot had fulfilled his assignment. The bag held a container of noodle soup along with some side dishes and rice for Slade. There was a spoon and chopsticks provided too, and he heard Robin sniff the air as he opened the lid of the scolding hot soup. Slade was about to give the boy the food as he got a better idea. Smiling, he dipped the spoon into the soup and brought it to Robin's lips. The boy looked up at him with an offended stare.

"Can't I-?" Robin started.

"No."

The boy sighed and opened his mouth.

A few minutes into the meal Robin's body suddenly shook from a burst of pain. When it subsided he noticed a glare in Slade's eye and discovered that he had made the man spill a spoonful of soup. The scolding hot broth, together with a few pieces of noodles, had landed on the man's upper chest. Robin made a terrified sound, sure that the man would push him away to his death at any second. Without thinking about it, especially since a new wave of pain was hitting him, he darted forwards and snapped the noodles up with his lips. After swallowing he let his tongue lap up the broth. Amazingly this made the building pain disappear all together, and Robin continued to lick along the trace of soup that had been running down the man's chest. As he found the last drops pooled just above the man's bellybutton he started working his way upwards again. He had long since figured out that it wasn't the soup, but something on Slade's skin, that kept the pain at bay. It made sense to him in a way, touching the man was like putting a ointment or a band aid on a wound, but tasting him was like… well… medicine… he now had worked his way up to Slade's neck with his small, almost kiss-like licks. The man tasted like salt and leather, the most delicious taste in the world to Robin right now.

No one would like it as an ice cream flavor, though… he found himself thinking. Well, perhaps Star…

As Robin's lips traced over the man's jaw in search of bigger pray, the boy seemed to pick up on what it was he was actually doing. His eyes flew open, meeting Slade's single one and he gasped, pulling slightly away, again straddling the man's stomach. Wide-eyed he stared at the man, thinking that he was probably in really big trouble now.

"M-master…? I …"

"Did that make the pain go away again?"

Robin nodded, even now it hadn't returned, though he could feel it somewhere deep inside him, gathering strength.

"Interesting."

Slade sounded almost clinical, like he had been handed a test result from some lab. Robin frowned slightly, somehow feeling a bit annoyed that the man wasn't more affected. Then he happened to scoot down a bit and paled as he discovered that the man was very affected indeed. Slade grinned at Robin's first annoyed expression and chuckled out loud at the boy's shocked face at feeling his arousal. The boy just wasn't happy either way.

Robin quickly scooted up a bit again, away from that clearly dangerous area.

Slade just grinned at him and shook his head.

"It seems the more the pain is building, the more it takes to ease it." Slade said. "Are you well enough for me to prepare to do some tests?"

Robin nodded.

"I… I would like to… use the bathroom, Master." he said, flushing.

"Excellent." Slade handed him a paper cup and a vial with a lid from the medicine bag. "I need a urine sample." As the boy's flush deepened the man sighed. "Come now, Robin. I need to send some tests to one of my labs to figure out how to help you, it's nothing to feel embarrassed about."

Robin nodded and shrugged. Slade helped him to his feet and guided him towards the bathroom door.

"Don't lock the door, if you have a seizure I won't be able to help you."

"I won't, Master." Robin agreed tiredly.

Robin easily provided the sample, grimacing slightly as he sealed the vial. He was feeling weak, miserable and frightened. And above all… dirty. He eyed the luxurious shower cubicle that was set in the corner and longed for it. He knew he didn't have enough time to take a shower before the pain and fever returned, though. He sighed and went back to the bedroom, sinking down on the bed as watched Slade.

"Where is the sample?" the man wanted to know.

"Oh." Robin struggled to sit up. "I left it in the bathroom…"

"I'll get it, you just rest."

Robin could feel the corners of his mouth lifting in an involuntary smile of gratitude as he sank back on the pillows. To Robin's surprise the man returned the smile and it was… warm? Robin felt bewildered, especially at the fluttering in his stomach at seeing that smile. What was a man that had stated that he was his owner doing, smiling like that? And what the hell was Robin himself doing, welcoming it? He shook his head. It must be the poison, he had a fever for goodness sake… he probably had imagined the smile too…

Yes, because IMAGINING that Slade smiled at you is somehow BETTER, is it?

His eyes followed the man closely as he came back, labeling the vial and putting it away.

"Are you still feeling all right?"

"Yes… for now…" Robin nodded. "Master." he added, again a little late.

"Good. I am going to take a blood sample from you too." Slade gestured to a syringe and several other vials that were laid out beside the boy. Robin only nodded and Slade took his arm and cleaned if with a piece of cotton wool soaked in disinfectant. Robin winced slightly as the needle slipped in, but he had gotten a whole new perspective on pain over the last hours. He preferred this sort.

"Master?" Robin wanted to ask a question, but was unsure how to phrase it.

"What is it, my boy?" Slade wondered and changed the vial, filling another one with the dark red liquid.

"Are you…. are you really going to call Batman?"

"Yes. Bruce does have access to both the plant and Poison Ivy herself. I think his help in this is crucial."

There were strange sounds from the boy, but no answer. Slade finished with the blood sample and looked up at Robin who was as pale as a ghost.

The boy's world had just shattered. Even the most remote sense of security had been stolen from him, and Slade didn't even seem to understand what he had said.

"You… called… him…?"

"Bruce. Yes, Richard, I did." Slade said, smiling inwardly at the reaction. If the boy was going to be healthy again, the noose needed to be tightened.

"I… understand, Master." Robin had closed his eyes in defeat.

"I knew you would."

Yes, there wasn't any need for threats. Slade held the lives of the boy's only family in his hand, and they both knew it.

"Now. I got you something to get your fever down, and some antihistamine. I doubt it will help, but it probably won't hurt either." He helped Robin to sit up and gave him a couple of pills to swallow with the help of some water. The boy did, and Slade didn't even check his mouth, knowing from the look on the boy's face that he had obeyed.

"Is there anything else you want while you are still feeling better?" he asked.

"Anything you want, Master." the boy mumbled, staring down at his hands. Slade resisted an urge to roll his eye but couldn't suppress a sigh.

"Well, yes, Robin, but let's just say that when I ask you, you are allowed to answer. Clear? So. Anything?"

Robin looked up at him and Slade could swear there was a small hint of glee in his eyes. The damn kid was delighted that he found a way to annoy him while still obeying him to the letter.

"I… I would like a shower, Master…" Robin answered truthfully. "But… I'm not sure if I can … manage alone…" the blush made another appearance.

"Oh, I'll be happy to help. I need one too, after all. I will just finish up here as I need to supply some samples as well. Then we will have that shower, does that sound good?"

'Good' was stretching it, but Robin nodded none the less.

"Why do you have to send your own blood… and stuff…Master?" Robin asked.

"Well, it seems that whatever you have got, I am the cure… or part of it anyway. That needs to be looked into."

Robin nodded again, feeling drowsy. The lack of pain had made his whole body relax and he slowly drifted off to sleep.

He awoke with a cry on his lips as the all-too-familiar pain flowed though his body again. He was so hot he felt like his eyes were boiling in their sockets.

"Slade! Master! Help! I'm…. Aaaahhhh!"

He felt himself being lifted within moments, and though the pain peaks were sliced off Robin was still in agony. He clung closer to Slade, screaming as another wave hit.

"Not… not enough! I… I gotta…. please let me….?"

"Do whatever you feel you need to, Robin." The man said in his ear and instantly regretted it as Robin sank his teeth into his shoulder. The man had settled back in the bed and winced slightly at the pain. Fortunately the skin didn't break and Robin started kissing and licking his skin instead. Much nicer. This time the boy knew what he wanted, though, and made his way up Slade's throat, soon finding his lips. Robin kissed like Slade this time. Eagerly devouring and taking possession of the older man's mouth. Slade wasn't someone who could be dominated, though, and answered the boy with equal greed. Robin relaxed more and more and then he broke the kiss.

"It's… It's gone again…" he panted. His eyes widened as Slade's hand forced his head down again for another kiss. Slade also didn't like his property to decide when a kiss should end. Now, fully alert, Robin let Slade dominate the kiss completely. Robin did what was asked of him, but otherwise kept still. Even so he was flushed and out of breath when the kiss ended, looking up at Slade with glazed eyes.

"Ready for that shower?" Slade grinned.

Robin nodded. He felt fine, actually…

"I think I can manage by myself now, Master…"

Slade lifted him up and snorted, amused.

"Not a chance, boy."

Around ten minutes later Robin found himself under hot water. They had finished washing their hair and upper bodies and now Robin endured being very intimately cleaned. He had no doubt that it needed to be done, he had felt sticky since he woke up that morning, but he really wished that he was allowed to do it himself. He sighed heavily.

I better get used to it… this is not my body anymore…

He suddenly felt a lump in his throat and a small sob escaped his lips. He hoped Slade hadn't heard it, but the man had. After finishing cleaning the boy, he stood up, tilting Robin's face up. The water from the shower flowed over it, making it impossible for the man to tell if there were any tears mixed in.

"Talk. You are allowed to speak freely." he encouraged the boy, but Robin only shook his head slightly.

"Robin…" Slade's tone made the name a warning. "You will not be allowed to speak openly very often. I suggest you take this opportunity."

Now Slade was sure there where tears on the boy's cheeks.

"I… I just… what will happen to me? What will you do to me? Why me? Can't you let me go, Master, please? I… I don't want to be your… your slave! I want to be with my family and friends! You... you can't just take me away!" Robin's voice and anger rose with every word. "I will fight you, Slade, I will never be yours! I can't! I… don't… don't make me, Master?" the anger had died away, replaced with resignation. "If… if you are going to take my life away…. then… just… just kill me instead… you would win then too, right?" the boy looked up at him now with something of hope in his eyes.

"I would… but I would miss my price…" Slade answered and stroked Robin's neck.

"There… there…. must be other boys that…." Robin started.

"Right." Slade said. "You just pick one to take your place, then. Why not Speedy from Titans East? He is quite cute. Beast Boy? No, he annoys me too much. You can just point to some stranger on the street if you like. Would you?"

Robin stared at him, shocked that he hadn't realized what his suggestion would mean for another human being.

"No. No, I couldn't, Master. I'm sorry." he hung his head. Slade turned the water off and wrapped the boy up tightly in a big, soft towel. Then he dried himself off and proceeded to carry the boy back to the bed. He didn't need to, Robin was still more than well enough to walk by himself, but he enjoyed it.

He placed Robin under the covers and slipped in after him.

"Now, Robin, let me answer your first two questions." Robin looked confused, probably not remembering what the questions were, so Slade filled him in. "'What will happen to you' and 'what will I do to you'. The second question is easy and you already know the answer: anything I want. The first question… that is up to you."

"Wh- what do you mean?" the boy wanted to know.

"You are going to grow up with me, that part is not up to you, but you have an opportunity to influence what position you will take. You can simply be my slave, I am happy with that, and that is how you will begin. If you are willing to work, though, you can be my student, my apprentice, and, as you grow in skill and strength, even my ally, my partner. You get to decide which in time. First, though, as I said, you will learn to be my slave, and you better learn quickly. I will give you some leeway now, but as soon as you are healthy again, your training will begin. Does that answer your questions?"

"Yes." The boy glared icily at the man.

"I will not give you that much leeway…" Slade warned.

"… Master…" Robin added, dutifully.

"Good boy. And don't worry, I will be a fair Master to you. I will punish every mistake you make but I will reward you as well. Now, let's see if Batman will take our call, shall we?" He adjusted the screen so it sat low on the side of the bed, making sure Robin would see and be seen, as he was in the foreground. Then he put on his mask, although nothing else. Only their upper bodies would be visible, but that, to Robin, was bad enough.

Robin merely groaned as Slade started up the system, searching for the right frequency. Suddenly the signal came through and Batman's face appeared on the screen.

"Robin! We have been worried sick, where are y-" he cut himself off as Slade laid down behind Robin and so came into view.

Slade put an arm around the boy, drawing him closer.

"Well, hello, Batman. Quite a nice little gift you sent me yesterday…" he drawled.

"Deathstroke!"

Robin frowned at the unfamiliar name, and glanced up at his Master.

"Oh, yes. Better known to my little bird here as Slade."

"You are going to let him go this instant, Slade!" Batman growled, his face white with fury and hate.

"Return the gift? I couldn't do that! Besides, it's been used…a lot." Slade stroked Robin's cheek and chest tenderly. "No, I'll keep him."

"You. Are. Dead." Batman's voice was cold as ice, stating a fact.

"No… but Robin here might soon be… So you better pay attention, Bruce."

Robin saw his mentor flinch at the mentioning of his name, and then he did something that the boy would never fully forgive. He looked at Robin. The blame was clear in his narrowed eyes and thinning lips. Robin drew himself away from the screen, which meant that he pressed closer to Slade, but he didn't notice. His eyes were wide and he shook his head vigorously.

"I didn't tell him! I didn't!"

"I don't blame you…If he tortured you, Robin… and your mask is gone…" Batman said in a tired voice.

He doesn't believe me?! Robin was as shocked at this as at the accusation.

"I would never betray you! I didn't…" he turned his head back and looked up at a Slade. "Please, tell him it wasn't me, Master?!"

Robin heard Bruce gasp and turned back to the screen to be met with a scowl.

"'Master'?" his mentor asked, not believing his ears.

"He… he makes me… makes me call him that…" Robin's voice trembled.

"And Robin is very obedient. And also telling the truth. He didn't tell me about your identities, I have known for months."

"If that is true, why haven't you acted on it?" Batman argued.

"I would, if you were my target, Bruce. But I don't care about you. I have what I want right here."

"And still you seem willing to murder him-"

"No. Now pay attention, Bat. The plant that Robin got stung by had side effects. He is ill. Robin, show your daddy your arm."

Robin obliged and saw Batman's eyes widen under the cowl. It was still as red and swollen as it had been.

"Apart from the wound he has a curious condition where he gets fits of high fever and what appears to be immense pain if he is not being touched. By me. At least I believe it has to be me, although I admit that we haven't tried with any other. I think it is because it was I who activated the plant's poison. The episodes are getting worse, demanding more… extreme measures each time, and since I don't really feel like fucking his brains out every few minutes for the rest of my life just to keep him alive, I'm offering you a chance to help."

Bruce was quiet for a long time before turning to Robin.

"Is this true?"

Robin nodded with desperation in his eyes. He knew Slade wouldn't like it, but he decided to try something… a last resort…

"Yes, it's true, but please don't help! He wants to keep me as his slave, I would rather-" his windpipe was suddenly cut off.

Slade's voice was a bit irritated.

"I thought you would try that, Robin. So… If you die, by this illness, by suicide or even by accident, Batman's secret is out. Understood?"

"Uh-uhhh..." Robin tried to nod, but found it just as impossible as to speak.

"Good boy." Slade let go slightly and turned Robin's face towards his. He then removed his mask, but still holding it so Bruce couldn't see his face. Robin's eyes widened as he realized that the man was going to kiss him in front of Bruce. Their lips met and Slade put slightly more pressure on Robin's throat until he kissed back. As Slade broke the kiss, Robin couldn't look up at Batman, terrible afraid of both the disgust and pity he was sure to see on the man's face.

"I apologize for the interruption, Bruce, have you understood the details of this case?"

"I'll help." Robin heard the man say. He still stared down into the mattress.

The men discussed details for a while, but Robin wasn't paying any attention. Slade's hand kept stroking him like he was a cat, and as time went by and the pain started building again, he found himself leaning more and more into those caresses, much like a cat would.

By the end his ears perked up, though, as Slade mentioned the Justice League.

"I am sure you will inform the League of the situation" Slade told Bruce. "Your little bird here didn't sell you out as you so adamantly wanted to believe, but it occurs to me that he is bound to know at least some of the League's identities. Superman? The Flash?" Robin stiffened, and looked up at the man with scared eyes. "I won't pressure him for information, at least not until I feel threatened. I have a good deal of faith in this boy, but you know as well as I, that Robin will give the names to me if I was to persuade him. So keep your distance, Bat…"

Bruce growled something in reply and then Slade's hand softly caressed Robins cheek.

"Don't you want to say goodbye, Robin?" he asked.

The boy's breath caught in his throat and he finally dared to look up on the screen. Meeting the eyes of his mentor he startled as he saw that Bruce had removed his mask. That made it even harder to meet his gaze.

"Robin… I'm so sorry… I will find a way! Please don't give up. I love you."

That was probably the most emotion Bruce had shown towards him in a long time.

Robin's vision got blurry as his eyes brimmed with tears and they soon started spilling over his cheeks.

"Bruce- I- I love you too! I won't give up, I promise. You will find me, I know you will!" the boy reached out towards the screen and touched it with his fingertips. Bruce only hesitated a second before doing the same thing.

"Very touching. Are you quite finished?" Slade said dryly.

Robin withdrew his hand.

"…bye…" he whispered as the screen turned black. He buried his head in the pillow and tried not to sob. As Slade left the room to return the screen and the other communications gear Robin couldn't hold back any longer. He cried harder than he had since he was little, as a suffocating feeling of helplessness had settled over him. He didn't even hear Slade enter the room again, didn't feel his presence until the man sat down on the bed next to him.

Robin tried to stop crying then, but it took some time for the sobs to die down. They were replaced with ascending pain-waves, but Robin kept quiet.

"Does it hurt?" Slade wanted to know.

"No." Robin lied.

"If you say so." Slade's tone told the boy clearly that the man hadn't believed him.

"Why do you hate me?" Robin suddenly asked.

"Who says I hate you?"

Robin turned over on his back so he could look up at the man.

"You don't do this to someone unless you hate them, do you? You don't abduct and rape a fifteen year old boy and threaten his family with death unless he becomes your slave… not unless you loathe him… so what did I do to you?"

Slade's face was blank and hard.

"I aim to make you mine, boy. The plant's effect was a bonus. I had planned to go slowly with you, perhaps wait until you were older, but this way…" the man smirked "…this way you begged for it. How could I resist that?"

"You… are… hhhnnng…." Robin was silenced by the pain.

"So you did lie, I thought so." Slade stretched out beside him but wasn't touching him yet. "These pains are quite reminiscent of labor-pains." the man commented, almost to himself.

"Wh-what?!" Robin wasn't quite happy to hear that.

"Well, the pain comes back in shorter intervals, in waves…"

"You- you don't think…?!"

"No… don't be ridiculous. It is a severe allergic reaction, nothing more. The pain runs through your whole body, right? It's not concentrated to one area?"

"N… no aaaaahhhhrrrrgh!"

"I also find it interesting that it seems to be bodily fluids, sweat and saliva so far, which helps. Makes me wonder what my semen might do. Maybe we should try."

"No! Don't touch me!"

"I'm not, Robin, and that seems to be the problem. You can try it orally, you know…" Slade sounded like he thought he had a really good idea and was surprised the boy didn't see it the same way.

"Go to h-AAAAAAARRRRGGHHH!"

"Ready yet?" the man asked calmly.

"No! I'll never... uuuhhh…."

"All right, if you feel uncomfortable with that, I have lube right here..." Slade offered.

Robin actually managed to edge away a bit at that and Slade laughed softly.

"I will just lie here and watch you die, then. I make sure they bury you next to daddy… if there's enough left of him…"

Reminded again, that this wasn't just about his pain, Robin gave in.

"I… just…. just kiss me, then…" the boy said and Slade felt his arms around his neck, dragging him down on to him. They kissed, both as eagerly but of course for different reasons. Even with Slade's tongue in Robin's mouth it still…

"… not… enough…" Robin gasped, practically into Slade's mouth.

"Orally then?" Slade suggested.

"N…no time!" the boy whimpered and Slade, to his great astonishment and pleasure, felt Robin's legs embrace his hips. He managed to apply some lube, even if the boy probably wouldn't notice, before placing the head of his shaft at Robin's entrance. He had barely managed that when Robin's hips shot up and he pressed himself up all the way to the root in one powerful thrust. Slade growled, he wanted to set the pace and do the thrusting, but he guessed he could do it properly some other time. Any time actually. Slade started moving inside the boy immediately, seeing as the kid couldn't wait, and did his best to make the man move faster.

"Please! Hurry!" the boy begged, bucking underneath him. If Slade didn't know that he did it to ease the pain he could almost believe he was enjoying it.

"No pressure, eh?" Slade grinned, but his eye became wide as Robin started clawing his back and whispering to him.

"Please Master, fuck me! Harder! I'll be a good slave! Please! Yes, your cock feels so… so gooood! Ah… so… big… Please come!"

The boy must instinctively know that this would hurry up the process… oh, Slade could hold out, but in this case it might not have been a good idea. He noticed that the boy's pain had eased up a bit as he entered him, but the waves were still very noticeable. The man plunged into the boy a couple of more times, pushing himself beyond the point of no return.

As the man came, the pain in Robin's body almost immediately died away and the boy let himself go limp. The man shoved into him a few more times for good measure and then slowly withdrew. Robin jolted as he felt a hand on his crotch. He was hard! He was hard and Slade was…

"No…" Robin complained weakly, trying to slap the hand away. His arms were as powerful as overcooked spaghetti, though, and he had no success.

"Shhh… just enjoy…" the throaty voice seemed to smother his mind like a pillow, only making him whimper softly in protest. The whimpers quickly turned to moans and he felt his hips bucking into the hand. It was like his body did this of its own accord… he didn't even understand why he was hard, he hadn't been before… The plant-toxin had made every one of Slade's touched fill him with pleasure, but since he woke up that morning the same caresses had only taken pain away. That had been very pleasurable in its own way, off course, but not strictly speaking in a sexual sense. Now he was all about sexual sensations, though, wanting to or not. He felt himself building up… he tried to suppress the feeling but the hand wouldn't stop… he couldn't… he was…

He cried out softly as he came over Slade's hand.

"There's a good slave, coming for his Master…" the man purred and brought his soiled hand up to Robin's lips. "Now… lick it clean…"

Slade smiled down on the sleeping boy. He liked Robin. Quite a bit, he had to admit, but he had to harden his heart for the task that lay in front of him. Robin would make a wonderful slave once properly broken and trained. Slade would then slowly rebuild him from the ground, turning him into an equally perfect apprentice… and then… perhaps… a fully fledged partner. Initially the boy would pay, though. He had turned Slade's first offer at apprenticeship down, and therefore he would have to work his way up to that status this time… but first Robin needed to be healthy.

He showered, got dressed and then he left the room knowing that the boy would be all right for a while now. He headed to the computer room, calling up the lab he rushed the tests to.

"Hello Sir, we where expecting your call."

"Any good news?"

"Quite. We will be able to come up with a treatment in a few hours, but to be sure we would need the DNA-structure of the plant. Is that possible?"

"Probably." Slade answered, as he had asked the bat to make himself useful and get exactly that information. "I will try to have it forwarded to you ASAP. And remember, this is a rush order. The last attack was pretty severe."

"Have you tried semen? That seems to give the best results in the Lab." the man asked in a clinical, wholly scientific voice. He was purely interested in results, in cause and effect, not caring what his suggestions would mean in the real world. That's why Slade had hired him, after all.

"Yes. It worked fine, but I'm not so sure about the next attack."

"Try blood. It might lessen the pain sufficiently. The only thing left after that is urine."

Slade made a face behind his mask. That was a level of perversion not even he was about to lower himself to.

"I will count on you to get me results before it comes to that, or you will be eating your own lab rats for a month."

The man only nodded shortly like that was to be expected, and Slade terminated the connection to set up another.

"Bruce."

The man quickly came into view and Slade saw his eyes searching the area behind him.

"Where is Robin?!"

"He had another attack. A serious one. He is sleeping off the… aftereffects…"

"You didn't!"

"I did. I more or less had too. Not that I didn't enjoy it, mind you." The man smiled behind the mask, studying Batman's expression. The man seemed to have aged decades since earlier that day. Slade liked it.

"What. Do. You. Want?" Bruce tried hard to compose himself, Slade could tell. Well. No more time for 'spin the Bat'… back to business…

"I need the DNA-chart. Do you have it yet?"

Batman glanced to a hidden screen to his right.

"Just about. Want to come and get it yourself?"

Slade chuckled.

"Another time. My little bird deserves all of my attention right now."

"How much do you think my identity is worth to me, Deathstroke?" the man growled. "I'll send you the results because you can probably heal him faster, but then I'm coming for you…"

"And as soon as I get any indication that you are near I will make Robin tell me the other identities of the JL-members and then… I'm afraid I will have to kill him. I am rather fond of the boy, but I have to put my own life before his…"

"Robin told me that he would rather die…" the Bat's voice was cold, but Slade could hear the bluff plainly.

"So you will let him? Where can I drop off his body? At the manor? Service entrance perhaps? Alfred can prepare it for the funeral."

Bruce shook his head slowly.

"Don't hurt him."

"I won't. Much. He has already proven to be a very good slave, and he will soon learn to submit fully. There will be no need for punishment then."

"I won't rest until you are dead, Slade…"
"You really don't care about the boy, do you? You are just upset that you are not his Master anymore. I am."

"I love Richard, scum. I'll do anything to keep him safe."
"All you have to do is keep away."

They stared at each other for a while until Batman reluctantly nodded.

"For now. But I'll keep looking…"

"Oh, I wouldn't expect anything else. Good luck. Want any hints? I might let Robin send you Christmas cards or something…"

The dark knight only growled and Slade tried to hold back a chuckle. He didn't want to push the man too far after all. He would have to make his threat reality then, and he actually didn't want to. He gave Bruce an untraceable email address and ended the call. Less than a minute later the lab confirmed that they had received the information and Slade returned to the bedroom and the still sleeping boy.

Robin woke up relived not to feel any hint of pain. He was less happy to spot Slade across the room, though.

"Excellent news, Robin. A cure is being delivered as we speak. It will still be about two hours, though. How are you feeling?"

"Fine."

"Robin… are you being forgetful or just rude?"

The boy pressed his lips shut, staring defiantly at the man. Slade sighed.

"Boy…?"

Still no answer. If Robin had been healthy Slade would have him screaming in pain by now for his insolence, but the man knew that he also could get to the boy through logic and reasoning, the agony provided by Robin's own body surpassed a lot of what he could do to the boy, anyway. Without permanent damage.

"Boy, you don't want your mentor to die, do you? Or Alfred? Batgirl? Or the Justice Leagues-members who's identities you are protecting? Their family and friends? A whole establishment of heroes is resting on your shoulders, all safe from any harm as long as you accept me as your Master. Not to mention that you will save yourself from a whole lot of pain. Now. You are allowed to speak freely again. What do you have to say?"

The boy still kept quiet and Slade had to admire his courage. He noticed the small signs, though, body curling up, shoulders dropping slightly…

"I just spoke to Batman, and he tells me that he doesn't care about his identity being exposed." Slade continued and noticed Robin's eyes brightening slightly "and I am sure that he was being sincere. But what of the citizens of Gotham? Those in Superman's Metropolis? You will leave them without protection? Millions of people, being safer just from the mere presence of heroes. Their images giving them hope and a feeling that, maybe, something is right in the world after all. And now they will loose that. Because of you. How selfish you are, my boy. You are a lot like me…"

"I am nothing like you!" Robin snarled back, predictably.

"Then be unselfish. Bow to me. Sacrifice yourself, if you prefer, for them. Knowing that today's children will grow up seeing that there still are real heroes out there, would lessen the pain, I should think. You are proud and it will be hard for you. You will make mistakes and be punished for them, but take this step and at least they won't be. They don't deserve that, do they Robin?"

"… do I?" the boy asked quietly.

"I'd like you to get cleaned up now and think about this. I want your answer afterwards."

Robin was herded to the bathroom and Slade waited patiently for the boy to emerge. He thought he could hear muffled screams and curses from inside, and one or two rather loud crashes as fists connected with tiles or reinforced plastic. Then the water was turned off and it was quiet for a while as the boy presumably dried himself. Then the door opened, and Robin stepped into the room wearing only Slade's oversized boxers. Slade, standing up straight, saw that the boy had come to a decision.

"Come here, boy."

Robin edged closer.

"So what will it be? Yes or no?"

For a moment Slade thought that the boy would refuse to answer again, but then Robin drew a deep breath.

"It's… yes, Master."

"Then kneel."

Robin's knees hit the floor immediately, and he bowed his head.

"Tell me what you are now." Slade prompted.

"I… I am your slave, your property."

"Good. You are to obey my every command instantly, never speak up against me and never question me. You are to be grateful for your position and for what you receive. You are to be proud to belong to me and willing to show it any time I so demand. You will accept any punishment I see fit to bestow upon you, without complaint, and your goal in life will from now on be to satisfy me in every way. Do you understand and accept this?

"Yes Master." the answer was instantaneous, and Slade smiled. He had to take a look at that bathroom soon; it would have to be pretty busted up. No matter. They weren't to stay here much longer.

"Rise, slave."

Robin got to his feet, standing still before him, his eyes glued to the floor.

"Look at me, boy"

Robin raised his clear blue eyes to Slade's face and the man basked in the resignation he saw there.

"Good boy. Go lie down on the bed and rest, your real training will start when you are better."

"Thank you, Master." Robin turned and headed for the bed, curled up on it on his side and closed his eyes.

Robin's mind was not in shock. It had gone beyond that, bordering on catatonic. He had made it up though. He was to live through this, he would not let anybody down and he would eventually make. Slade. pay. He tried to convince himself that he was strong enough not to loose himself in this. He could keep part of his essence separate, pure, while the other part did what needed to be done. He was going to be a good slave. He would please his Master. And then, as Slade started to trust him, he would, somehow, break free. Yes, Robin really believed he was strong enough. Stronger than Slade. He prayed that he was right.

A hand shook him awake.

"Ooowww…" the pains had started again, but they hadn't grown in strength enough to wake him yet and he hadn't felt them until now.

"Wake up, boy." Slade's voice snapped the boy back to the reality he now had to endure.

"Y-yes Master…" Robin tried to sit up but Slade had to support him. Robin was freezing. Slade felt how cold his skin was and understood that the boy probably was about to enter an even more serious part of his condition. Luckily he had just received the cure. Robin's teeth clattered and he shivered uncontrollably.

"Hold out your arm, you are soon going to feel better." Slade ordered.

Robin did as he was told and Slade prepared the injection.

"I will give you two injections and I'm afraid they are going to hurt as I have to force quite a lot of liquid into your system. The second is going into the wound to make sure that is cleared out as well."
"Thank… you… for doing this… for me, Master." the boy mumbled against his chest.

"You are quite welcome, boy." Slade was pleased at the unforced sign of gratitude, but he knew the training had barely begun. Robin was far from tame, yet.

The shots were painful and Robin bit his lip as he tried not to scream. As soon as they were over, though, Slade let him lie back down and he soon felt like he was drifting amongst very strangely shaped clouds.

"M-master? Where did you go?" he asked, his voice echoing strangely. But… clouds didn't create echoes, did they? He tried to focus.

"I'm right here, boy."

"I… I feel strange…"

"Yes, you will go to sleep soon, but as you wake up you will feel much better."

"Why… why don't you call me 'Robin', Master?"

"I will when you deserve it. From now on you are 'boy' or 'slave', understood?"

"Yes Master… I … I like it though…" Robin slurred and Slade got a distinct feeling that this was what Robin would sound like if he ever got drunk.

"What do you like?" Slade decided to entertain himself and let the boy talk for a while.

"You… calling me… Robin…"

"Really? Anything else…?" Slade smiled. Robin never opened his eyes; he was long lost in a strange dreamt-up landscape.

"I like… your smell… and you… taste good…"

"That's nice of you to say…" Slade almost laughed out loud, but didn't want to disturb the boy.

"Hmmm…" Robin smiled slightly but then his expression turned into a frown. "I… I'm afraid of you…" he admitted.

"Why?" Slade wondered, like the kid didn't have any reasons to…

"Master… you… you make me…"

"Sleep with me?"

"No… you… you make me like it…"

"You should be grateful for that, boy…" Slade could barely disguise the note of glee in his voice. Sure, Robin was high as a skyscraper but he knew there was a grain of subconscious truth in what the boy had said.

"'kay… but I don't like ducks…."

Slade shook his head. Robin was a bit too far gone under the drugs influence now, it seemed.

"Sleep now… just sleep, Robin…"

The small smile appeared on the boy's face again and he sighed before drifting off deeper among the clouds. Oh… a green one…

Robin slept for another two hours before stirring. The boy smiled, still more than half asleep. He felt warm again. Pleasantly warm, not hot. As he became more aware the smiled died quickly and he sat up in bed. He had been tucked in under one of the comforters. He gingerly felt his arm and discovered that it was nearly healed, he couldn't feel that lingering pain or heat at all anymore… he really felt fine. He looked around the room and discovered that Slade was gone. This did wonders for his mood until he remembered his vow. Not his vow to Slade, but the one he made to himself. No one was going to be allowed to suffer because of him. He had every intention of escaping this life, but he knew that he had to take Slade down while doing so. The alternative was to try and contact Batman or his team and tell them where he was, but since he had no idea… He might try to find out though… What restaurant had the soup come from? Robin couldn't remember, but those were the kinds of signs he was going to keep his eyes open for from now on… If he could work out the area…

Robin scooted up to the head of the bed and sat there, waiting for his master to return. He waited for over half an hour, he estimated, before the door opened. Robin looked up at the man.

"... Master…" he nodded, unsure how to greet him.

"When I enter the room, Boy, you will kneel. And you will not speak unless I acknowledge you."

Robin quickly did as Slade had instructed.

"I'm sorry, Master, I didn't know." Robin kept his eyes lowered, not sure if he should.

"No you didn't, so you are forgiven."

"Thank you, Master."

"Actually, since you are now well and your training can begin, I got you a present."

Robin looked up carefully. His mouth went dry. Slade was holding a collar.

"I'm not wearing that!" Robin got up from his knees and backed away.

"Oh, it's not a very nice one, I know. I just got it at the pet store… but if you are good you will earn prettier ones, I'm sure."

Robin shook his head and backed away further. Into a wall.

"Come here, slave." Robin shivered at the word... he had a feeling Slade used it now because he was getting annoyed. He still shook his head. A collar? No! It would make things too real! How could he ever even pretend to be free with a collar around his neck?

"Please, Master, not…" something slashed his cheek. Robin cried out in pain and stared up at the man. How had he…? Then he noticed that the dog collar wasn't the only thing Slade had picked up at the pet store. He had also found a riding crop.

"Kneel!"

When Robin didn't obey immediately, he received another strike across his face by the thin, flexible rod. That made him kneel at last, but he gasped as he felt rough leather encircle his throat. It really was an ordinary dog-collar. Black leather with a few metal studs as only decoration, it had a regular buckle and Slade fastened it securely around the boy's throat. In front there was a metal ring, for fastening a leash. Robin hoped there wasn't one.

"So, you are already showing signs of disobedience? No good, slave, no good at all. You haven't even thanked me for your gift."

"Thank you, Master." Robin mumbled, knowing very well that he had a punishment coming anyway. He was right.

"You will receive forty lashes for this, slave."

"…y-yes, Master."

The riding crop started to crack down on his naked back and Robin didn't care about holding back his gasps of pain this time. Better Slade knew that it hurt, he figured, then, perhaps the man would stop. Of course he didn't.

The whip stung badly but its flat leather top didn't cut the skin, at least. It colored Robin's back red, though, and he knew that he would have to sleep on his stomach that night. The hail of strikes stopped at forty. Slade walked to the boy's front and suddenly Robin felt the end of the riding crop under his chin, lifting his head up.

"What do we say?" Slade sneered down on him.

"T-thank you Master Slade, I'm so sorry…"

"Do you like your gift?"

"Yes, very much, Master, thank you." Robin let his fingers slide up to the collar, touching it carefully.

"I don't have to tell you what will happen if you take it off without my permission, will I?"

"No, Master."

"Good boy."

Robin relaxed slightly. Slade was pleased again. The man walked away, but Robin stayed on his knees, eyes following Slade carefully, trying to detect any sign of what the man wanted him to do. The man ignored him for an hour, walking in and out of the room, obviously preparing for something. Robin stayed put. He didn't dare move.

Slade left the room again and was gone for about five minutes. As he came back in, Robin straightened. He had begun sagging as his body had started to remind him that he only recently had been very sick and needed to rest. It had to be late in the evening now, making Robin doubly tired. Slade was carrying a cellophane wrapped sandwich and Robin felt his stomach grumble. The last thing he had to eat was a few spoonfuls full of soup. Slade threw the sandwich on the floor in front of him and Robin gratefully reached for it.

-slap!-

The riding crop connected with his hand. Robin cried out and crawled backwards.

"Who told you that you were allowed to touch the sandwich?" Slade's silken voice asked him. Robin stared up at the man.

"No one, Master, I only assumed-"

-slap!-

It was his cheek that was hit now, hard enough to snap his head to the side.

"Never assume to get anything, slave. Always ask."

Robin shrank back a little more, but Slade followed.

"And – slap! – never – slap! – try –slap! – to –slap! – avoid – slap! – your – slap! – punishment!"

Robin's face, shoulders, upper arms and already sore back were all hit.

"Please, Master Slade! I- I'm s-sorry! Please, forgive me!" Robin stayed absolutely still now, head bowed low.

"I know you are a good student. Have you learned this lesson?" Slade wanted to know.

"Yes, Master."

"And...?"

"Can I-"

-slap!-

Another hit over his shoulder blades.

"It's 'may I', slave."

"I'm sorry, Master. May I please have the sandwich, Master Slade?"

Robin had expected the man to say no, but Slade kicked the parcel closer the boy.

"Yes."

Robin looked up at him, and then, carefully reached out for it.

"Thank you, Master." he said as soon as the wrapped up food was in his hands. He looked down on it and back up at Slade.

"May… may I eat it now, Master?"

The man chuckled.

"Good boy, quick learner. Yes you may."

"Thank you, Master."

Slade turned away from him and Robin carefully tore the cellophane off. He was so hungry he could have eaten at least a bag full of this thin half-dried sandwich, but he had to be grateful for what he got. He tried to eat slowly to fool his stomach into believing it was getting more then it did, but the food disappeared all too quickly. Robin was still hungry, but he was also bothered by something else.

He looked up, eyes immediately locking on to Slade, and he chewed his lip. Did he dare ask? Should he wait until the man spoke to him? But that could be hours! Gathering up his courage, he decided to ask. If it was the wrong thing to do, he would at least have learned something more. He had a feeling that he would learn a lot in the next few days. He shivered.

"M-master Slade?"

"What is it boy?"

"I'm sorry to speak out of turn, but may I have your permission to use the bathroom, Master?"

Slade walked towards him and Robin straightened up a bit more, swallowed and fought an urge to shy away.

"So you remember the rules?"

"Yes Master."

"And you chose to disregard them?"

Damn-damn-damn-damn…

"I am sorry, Master, but I thought that if I…" Robin blushed fiercely "soiled myself, it would displease you… even…. more…? I… I see that I was wrong…" Robin bowed his head again, curled his hands into loose fists and waited for his punishment.

"No, boy, you thought correctly. I will allow you visit the bathroom."

"Thank you Master!" Robin looked up at the man, relief in his eyes. He then frowned slightly. "Say, Master, may I ask you… if you are not in the room? What am I to do then?"

"Planning ahead, boy?" Slade sounded amused.

"I… I only wish to learn, Master… I don't want to make any more… mistakes…"

"I see. The rules for now, then, is that if you don't expect me back any time soon or just can't wait, you are allowed to leave your position if free to do so. If not, you will wait."

"Thank you, Master. May I go now?"

"Be my guest." Slade gestured to the bathroom door, and Robin got shakily to his feet, He had been kneeling so long his legs had gone numb.

He used the facilities, in the nick of time, washed his hands and face quickly and then returned to the room. He walked back the place he kneeled before, and was about to resume the position, when Slade interrupted him.

"Come to me, boy."

Robin looked up and gulped as he discovered that Slade was on the bed. And he was only wearing his boxers. Robin couldn't afford to hesitate, though, and made his way over, sitting down on the edge of the bed and looked questioningly up at the man.

"Here…" Slade purred and patted his chest. "Don't be shy, boy…"

Robin crawled up to the man and placed his head on his chest, nestling up close to him.

Slade's hand began stroking his hair.

"You are tense, boy."

"I'm sorry, Master." Robin tried to relax against the man's body, only half succeeding.

The man turned Robin's face up to his.

"You realized, of course, that when I said 'satisfy me in every way' I also meant sexually?"

Robin nodded slowly, his eyes widening slightly.

"Yes, I… I know…" he didn't notice the single tear escaping his eyelashes and running down his cheek. Slade did, though.

"And what are your thoughts on the subject? Speak freely."

"I… I am happy and proud that you… can take pleasure in me, Master."

"Is that so?"

Robin was now shaking rather badly. Slade knew he would crack at any moment.

"Y-y-yes, I…" there were sobs now, and Robin couldn't keep it up any longer.

"Just… please do it Master! Don't make me… beg for that too… I... I… Slade?" the boy looked up at him pleadingly. "Just… tell me what to do…"

"So you won't beg to be allowed to sleep with your Master?" Slade's voice was curious, still tapping away at Robin's shell. And now it cracked.

The boy sat up, eyes blazing.

"You won't stop until I do, will you!? You will keep beating me until… until I actually beg you to fuck me! Last night I…!" Robin stopped himself abruptly.

"Yes, boy… what about last night?"

The boy lowered his eyes, shaking his head. Slade had to grab his chin roughly.

"Tell me right now, slave."

"L- Last night… for an m-moment, I... I thought you… perhaps… cared for me… and now…"

"Now you know your place."

"… yes Master…" the boy whispered.

Slade had to steel himself. The boy looked so adoringly helpless and vulnerable that the man's instinct, villain or not, was to simply embrace him and tell him everything would be all right. But that wouldn't do. He wanted Robin at his side, and to reach that goal he had to follow through on his plans.

"I'm willing to accept my punishment, Master." the boy said, still quietly.

"Sleeping with me is never a punishment… it's always a reward!" Slade rebuked him and Robin looked up, startled.

"No!… I mean… yes, I… I didn't mean…" Robin had to take a breath before continuing. "I meant my punishment for my outburst, Master. I was disrespectful."

"You won't receive a punishment for that." at Robin's bewildered look the man continued. "I told you to speak freely, didn't I?"

Robin thought back and remembered. He nodded. Slowly he lay down on Slade's chest again.

"There" Slade stated. "We are done talking." He moved quickly, rolling over and taking the boy with him. Robin now found himself pinned under the man. Slade's lips met his and, closing his eyes, Robin obediently opened his mouth and kissed back. The man's hands wandered down his side, fingers slipping under the waistband of Robin's boxers, pulling them down over his hips. The man then slipped out of his own, all without letting his lips leave the boy's for a second. Robin tried to think about this rationally. It wouldn't hurt much if he could just relax. He was, after all, not a virgin anymore. He had to get used to this. All right, this time he wasn't affected by the plant in any way, so he was much more aware of what was happening to hi-… ahhh…. Slade could really kiss… Wait! What the hell was he thinking?! And what were his arms doing around the man's neck? And… uhhh… his hips was really not behaving themselves… Oh, the kiss stopped… Robin moaned a bit in disappointment, but then he felt Slade's lips again… on his chest this time… was he going to…? Robin's eyes snapped open and he arched his back with a gasp as Slade's lips encircled a nipple, flicking it with his tongue.

"Ahhh, Master!"

Robin felt himself go hard against the man's stomach and he grinded himself against the man. What was happening here? Was he really enjoying this!? He had only imagined doing these kind's of things with Starfire, and when he was feeling brave, with Raven, before. All right… sometimes Batgirl…. and Catwoman… and… well, the point was that they were all women! Not one of them was a white-haired, though handsome, man who happened to be a criminal! Not one! And right now he had trouble remembering what it was that seemed so great with girls…

Well, why not enjoy it, if I can? he thought to himself. It's not like I will enjoy much else in the near future…

Slade had moved up again, Robin was slightly disappointed to notice, but now he could feel the man's erection against his body. Feeling extraordinary brave he reached in between them and started stroking the shaft. He also kissed back, kissing and slightly nibbling on the man's throat and shoulder. Robin moaned and spread his legs, hoping the man would take the hint and fuck him already! Slade didn't want this position for Robin's first time as a slave, though. He had planned something more fitting.

"Hands and knees, boy. Now." he said and lifted himself up slightly so the boy could get loose.

"hmm-mm…" Robin only mumbled and turned around quickly. His back was bruised anyway… Slade had the lube ready and slipped a finger into the boy who gasped and tightened around it. So ready and still so unprepared for the feeling. Slade pushed another finger in and Robin groaned. The man didn't bother to find the boy's prostate, he actually wanted his cock to be the thing that brought the boy pleasure, not his fingers. And speaking of cock… it was time…

He straightened up and pulling out his fingers, quickly replaced them with the head of his shaft. The boy moaned as he pushed in, agonizingly slow. Robin tried to push back but received a hard slap on his behind instead.

"Be still, boy." Slade pushed himself all the way in and then he reached forward. Instead of holding on to the boy's hips he gripped the metal ring off the collar, taking a steady grip before he started thrusting. Robin, feeling like he was choking, had no choice but to follow the rhythm the man decided, moving with him. Robin squirmed under the man, trying to make Slade's cock hit that wonderful spot inside him. This position didn't seem optimal for that though. He sagged down on his elbows as his arms were shaking so bad, and suddenly something touched that spot. He cried out in bliss and pushed his ass further up in the air. Again! Ahhhh… this was heaven! But it wasn't. Heaven came s little bit later as Slade's hand found his groin. The man bent over the boy, trusting deeper and harder than ever.

"Come for me, boy…" he whispered "Come for me, Robin."

At hearing Slade call him by his name Robin gave a harsh cry and was pushed over the edge. His master continued for a while longer, now having to help the boy to stay up on his knees.

As Slade pulled out afterwards Robin sank down flat on his stomach, panting hard.

"Tha… that was quite a… reward… Master…" he gasped. "Tha--- Thank you…"

Slade had been surprised but pleased about Robin's response. If the boy had this kind of appetite it would be much easier for Slade to get him in his grip.

"You are welcome, boy…" he whispered. "Now, get out."

Robin stiffened and turned around to look at the man.

"Master?"

"Slaves do not sleep in their Master's beds unless invited to do so." Slade explained. "Slaves sleep on the floor."

Robin, still shaking, climbed out of the bed. He was naked but didn't dare to look for his boxers. Slade threw a blanket in a corner by the bed, indicating that that was now Robin's sleeping space. He had been taught not to assume anything, though so he had to ask.

"Is the blanket for me Master?"

"Yes.Go to sleep."

"Thank you, Master." he said hoarsely. Robin pulled the thin blanket over his shoulders and curled up in the corner. He looked up at Slade and the man looked back briefly before turning around and pulling the comforter up over his shoulders. Robin pulled the blanket tighter. He was already shivering. The room was chilly and the floor was colder still. He sighed and tried to get comfortable, finding himself longing for the bed and the warm body in it. Getting kicked out of the bed had hurt like it had happened literally. He didn't know why… he should be glad not having to share that bed, right? But he wasn't. He felt abandoned. Useless. With another sigh he closed his eyes and tried to go to sleep.

Slade was resting, he was in more of a light meditation than sleep, when he heard an annoying noise. Alerted he looked over to the corner where he told the boy to sleep and found that the noise came from him. Robin's teeth were clattering. Looking closer he was sure the boy was asleep. He also noted traces of dried tears on his cheeks. He most had cried silently because Slade hadn't heard anything. The man looked down on the boy and shook his head. He suddenly understood new dog-owners who, swearing that the dog would not be allowed to sleep in their beds, let the puppy do just that from the first night. All it took was some sad little sounds and a wagging tail. Well, he was the dog owner now. And he was damn well going to be the tough kind. He turned his back on the sound and went to sleep.

"Up. Shower. Dress."

Robin was awoken by a light kick in the gut. Light by Slade's standards anyway.

"Y-yes Master…"

Robin picked himself up from the floor. His body felt incredible stiff, like it was frozen solid. He almost staggered into the bathroom breathing a sigh of relief when his feet hit the heated tiles and he felt the hot, humid air against his skin. Slade must have already showered, judging by the temperature and the traces of steam in the room. About to step into the shower he caught his own reflection in the mirror and stopped. His hand moved up to his throat, tugging lightly at the collar. He frowned, thinking about something he just realized. Should he..? No… Damn… He grabbed a towel, holding it firmly around his waist and opened the door.

"Master Slade?"

The man who was busy by a wardrobe turned around.

"Yes, boy?"

"I just… may I take the collar off while I shower?"

Slade frowned slightly at him and Robin continued hurriedly. "I just realized that if it gets wet it might be damaged eventually… the leather can dry out and the metal might rust…"

Now Slade smiled slightly instead and walked up to Robin.

"I'm glad you appreciate my gift enough to take good care off it…" the man said, and kissed Robin, who was totally unprepared for this show of affection, or rather, he decided, show of ownership, and almost lost the grip on his towel. As the kiss ended, Slade turned him towards the bathroom again.

"Hurry up, boy, we are on a schedule."

Robin did hurry back inside, more or less just to get warmer again, and, letting the towel drop, he lifted his hands and fiddled with the clasp of the collar. As he managed to take it off he held it in his hands for a while, studying it. It unnerved him that it was just a normal dog collar. Not impossible to open, it couldn't give him shocks…damn, it didn't even have a tracker as far as he could see. And still it would keep him fettered to Slade. Because of his responsibility to other people. Because of his sacrifice. Robin tossed the collar on the counter next to the sink and walked into the shower. It was still pretty busted up from his earlier visit and he was suddenly grateful Slade hadn't punished him for it. The shower worked though, and Robin enjoyed the hot water for perhaps a bit too long. He then hurriedly dried himself off and noticed the pile of clothes set out for him. His size. Finally. He pulled on the boxers, the tight black jeans and then buttoned up the shirt. He took a look in the mirror. The jeans were tight and cut low in the front. The short-sleeved shirt was also black and didn't have a collar, which reminded Robin of Asian fashion somehow. It was probably to show of his leather collar, which Robin now remembered and quickly slipped on, careful to keep it just as tight as Slade had. On the right of the shirt, over his heart, there was a big silver "S" embroidered. The shirt was also, Robin noted, rather short. He tugged at it, but whenever he moved he seemed to show off his flat stomach. Robin winced a bit. His stomach was actually a part of his body he rather liked… he might be on the thin side, but traces of developing abs had started showing within the last six months. He was worried, though, that Slade would be annoyed because it didn't fit.

He found a comb on the counter and managed to untangle his hair. Without any gel his hair framed his face. Robin didn't like it. It made him look pretty, not cool… and with his hair like this people might notice something Robin had tried to hide for a long time: his hair had curls. Why couldn't he have straight cool hair?! No, he had to have soft locks, didn't he? He sighed at his reflection and continued to dress.

The last items where a pair of simple black socks and soft shoes. He might be able to walk quietly in those, Robin pondered, but they would do nothing to help with the extra weight to a kick that his steel-toed boots had brought. He sighed. He guessed his fighting-days were ov- No! Not over! Just put on hold! A week, perhaps a few weeks and then Batman would find him or he would be able to contact him, and they would bring Slade down together. Feeling slightly better about the situation he stepped out into the bedroom.

Slade looked up, about to reprimand the boy for taking his time, but as he let his eyes roam over the young, agile body he actually forgot.

"I'm ready Master." Robin said softly.

"So I see…" Slade walked around him, studying the boy closer and checking the tightness of the collar.

"Thank you for the clothes, Master." Robin added, feeling it was probably expected.

"They fit you nicely." Slade commented and Robin suddenly realized that the shirt was meant to be short. It was meant to show off his stomach. He groaned inwardly. He really was too naïve sometimes.

"It's time to go." Slade interrupted his little 'Robin-gazing-session'. Robin had been looking around the room, noticing that it was stripped bare now. He swallowed. They were really leaving? He looked at Slade and noticed that the man was also dressed in civilian clothes. He looked no less intimidating though, in all black trousers and shirt. Robin's stomach tightened as the man strapped on a shoulder holster, complete with gun, and put on a light leather jacket over it. As Slade turned slightly Robin also noticed the riding crop at his belt, and shivered. He got a feeling that he was seeing more and more of another Slade. An even deadlier one.

"Over here."

Robin's feet began moving before his ears had registered the command, and he walked up to the man. Slade put his hand in his pocket and withdrew it holding…

… noooo…Robin looked up at the man miserably, but Slade only smirked as he fastened the leash to the boy's collar.

Walking briskly out the door, Slade tugged at the lead making Robin follow. The boy tried to keep up the pace so the man wouldn't have a reason to tug again. It was humiliating and it also hurt a bit, almost making him choke.

Slade led him out of the building, his lair cleverly hidden inside a much larger abandoned warehouse, Robin noted, and as they got out into the fresh air Robin gasped. Titans Tower. So close he could almost touch it. He slowed down, just looking at it until a harsh tug on the leash woke him.

"Get in, boy."

There was a car waiting. The windows were special made so you couldn't see inside while you had no trouble seeing out. As Robin climbed in he noted that the back of the car was huge. It had two back seats, facing each other, and as Robin sat down on the one facing forward, Slade chose the one opposite. As soon as Slade closed the door his fingers touched a hidden button and there was a snapping sound as the doors were locked. A Slade-bot was in the driver's seat and as the car started to roll Robin turned his gaze to the left, to his home.

"Yes, say goodbye to that tower of yours boy. You will see your new home soon enough."

Another dank, windowless hellhole, no doubt… Robin thought grimly, thinking he knew Slade's preferred style. Slade was still holding the leash, toying with it. It was made of a long leather cord with a loop in the end, and the boy hated it already.

Robin tried to keep his eyes on the floor after that. Looking around just hurt too much. As they passed the city centre a green flash caught his eye. Robin's head whipped up and there they were. His team! His heart picked up the pace, but then he noted that they weren't actually focused on the direction off the car. They were in fact quite a way off and having a fight with… Robin narrowed his eyes… Cinderblock? But Cinderblock only was involved when Slade… Robin shot the man a glance and got a smirk back.

"I thought you deserved to see them one last time."

Robin didn't answer. His eyes didn't stray from them again. The shining green energy bolts from Starfire, the blue blast beams from Cy, he glimpsed the black energy from Raven and saw BB morph from form to form, quickly and without hesitation. They fought bravely and Robin saw from the pattern that they would win. Seeing his team doing well without him both made him proud and a little bit sad. Then the car turned a corner and they were gone.

They were heading out of town, Robin noted. Where were they going? Gotham? Somewhere further away? He paled as they turned onto a side-road and he saw the symbol for an airport. It was barely more than an airstrip, probably privately owned by some club, and on it sat a sleek jet plane ready for takeoff.

"Master… may I ask where we are going…?"

Slade looked at him seriously.

"I meant it when I told you to say goodbye, boy. Prepare for a long flight. We are going to Europe, and it will be quite a while, probably years, before you set foot on American soil again."

Robin paled even more.

No... no, Slade couldn't take him out of the country! How would he be able to contact Batman!? How would he be able to escape and get help if he didn't know the language?

Before he knew it, the car had pulled up and Slade was on his way out, pulling cruelly on the leash to make Robin follow. As the boy sat foot outside he stayed rooted to the ground, though. He got a hold on the leash with his hands, straining against it.

"No! No, don't make me go on the plane! Please, don't take me away, Master!" he begged.

"Let go of the leash, slave!" Slade ordered, but Robin had gone into fight-mode and wasn't listening. Slade slammed the boy against the car, hard enough to take his breath away. Robin coughed and groaned before looking up at Slade like he was just awakening from a trance. His eyes grew even wider as he realized what he had done, and he immediately let go of the leash he was still struggling with.

"Hold out your hands, slave. Palms up."

Robin did what he was told and shut his eyes.

"Fifteen. Each."

BB had once accidentally hit his hand with a big rubber band, but that sting was nothing compared to the pain that exploded in his right palm now. This must be what it feel like to hold a cherry-bomb a little too long… a weird analyzing part of Robin's mind thought. And then the bomb exploded again in his left hand. He knew that one of the worst things he could do was to withdraw his hands, so, fighting all sane instincts that told him to 1: withdraw 2: hit back and 3: run away, Robin held as still as he could. His hands were hit unpredictably, first his right, then left, then left again, then right… Robin still hadn't opened his eyes. He was unable to keep track of the hits. They seemed to last a long time, though, and as they stopped, Robin slowly looked up. His hands were bright red and throbbing with a dull ache.

"Are you ready to go with your Master yet?" he heard Slade ask.

"… yes Master…" he nodded miserably, and, feeling a pull on the lead he followed. He cursed himself for freaking out, had he really thought he would be able to get away? This would surely make Slade keep a closer eye on him, making it harder in the future.

He refused to look anywhere but the ground, and as he was lead into the plane he kept his eyes on the floor. He was pushed into a big, soft armchair and Slade strapped him in to it. He heard the leash being unfastened from his collar but didn't move. Even as the plane took off he refused to look up. He was afraid he would look out the window and freak again, seeing Jump shrinking away below him. There were voices on the intercom, the pilot or something probably, but Robin didn't pay attention.

"Let me see your hands."

Robin jumped. Slade was standing above him. Robin lifted the hands from his knees where he had been keeping them, unable to even flex his fingers due to the pain. Slade placed Robin's hand firmly on a small table in front of the boy and placed himself in the opposite chair. Robin dully wondered if he was in for some more punishment and was surprised then Slade produced a small jar of some kind of lotion.

"This is a healing-balm, a secret military invention. You don't deserve it, but I will have use of your hands later."

Robin nodded. He had to say something, try to fix this. An angry Slade for a Master was not a good thing. Alright, a happy Slade as a Master wasn't a good thing either, but it was slightly better.

"Master… I'm sorry… I just… I panicked… I didn't mean too!" Robin finally looked up at the man across the table. "I know I am yours. I belong at your feet now, but… It's like sometimes I just can't seem to … listen to… reason…" Robin bit his lip, trying to find the right words. "You are the only one I have now. I depend on you. I don't want to make you angry… please… please tell me how I can make it okay again, Master?" Robin begged.

"You will make it up to me later." Slade's voice was gruff. He was still angry.

"Thank you, Master." Robin whispered and then whimpered as the man roughly began applying the ointment to his hands. Robin couldn't do it himself, after all. As the man finished, Robin thanked him again, then blushed a bit as his stomach rumbled. He hadn't gotten anything for breakfast and he was hungry, but it was rude of his body to announce his hunger like this, he thought.

"Hungry?" his Master asked, a hint of amusement finally in his voice.

"Yes, Master." Robin admitted.

"Let's see what we have."

It turned out to be quite a lot. Robin was surprised at how well stocked the little refrigerator was, but then again, it was going to be an long flight after all…. ten or 12 hours or so, he gathered, depending on where they were going and if they had to stop to refuel somewhere. Slade put ready made sandwiches, not dried thin ones this time but big, sub-like things overflowing with ham, cheese, tomato, cucumber and salad. The looked delicious and there was a pitcher of orange juice to wash them down with. The juice seemed to scream at him, reminding his body that it needed nourishment and vitamins badly after all it's been through. Robin practically drooled. He sat still, though until Slade had finished.

"There. You may start eating." the man said.

"Thank you Master, it looks really – ow!" Robin had reached for the juice, but discovered that firstly his hands were slippery from the lotion, and secondly his fingers were still not moving very well.

Slade chuckled at the lost expression on the boy's face, and seated himself opposite hem again.

"Here." Slade held the glass to Robin's lips and he drank greedily. The man then switched to the sandwich and thought that he had to count his fingers afterwards as Robin bit into it so eagerly.

The food lifted Robin's spirit and he gave the man a small smile of gratitude.

"As soon as my hands are better I will take care off you, Master." he promised.

"What do you mean, boy?" asked Slade, looking rather puzzled.

Robin looked up at him, puzzled as well.

"Well, I am your slave, Master; I should take care of you, not the other way around, right? I'm very grateful that you are kind to me, you are right, I don't deserve it, but I want to make up for my behavior earlier. If… if you don't mind?"

Slade didn't answer, only chuckled, offering Robin another bite of the sandwich. He actually liked feeding and taking care of the boy for some reason. He never had this nursing-instinct before, he didn't even know he was capable of it, but something about this boy brought it out in him. Robin was right, though. He was the slave, and he was suppose to work, so… well, there were always chores to be done. The boy seemed genuinely sorry, but Slade knew a big part of that was because Robin wanted the man to trust him. He was far from trained yet, but he was getting there… slowly does it. Slade read Robin very well, almost to the point of mind reading, and he knew there were already thoughts and feelings appearing in the boy's mind that was sincere. Robin had enjoyed last night, well… until he was kicked out of bed He had NOT liked that, preferring to share the bed with Slade, which the man liked knowing. He was also thankful for the food and the lotion on his hands, and he had meant it when he said that he didn't want to make Slade angry. That was a very good start. Robin was actually much better behaved than Slade had anticipated. The sickness had weakened his self-control and the multiple threats against the people he wanted to protect had cemented itself in his mind.

Robin noticed that Slade was studying him, and turned his attention to his hands. Flexing his fingers was much easier now, he noticed, and they didn't hurt much at all anymore.

"Wow…" he muttered, moving his hands like it was something completely new to him.

"It's working?" Slade wanted to know.

"Yes… this is fantastic… Thank you, Master!"

"Oh, my boy. You are so innocent, aren't you…?" the man purred.

Robin looked up at him questionably.

"Master?"

"The ointment is good. It means that I can punish you for you disobedience without worrying that you won't be able to perform your tasks later."

Robin swallowed as the truth finally hit him. Slade could probably damn near flay him, dab on some ointment and he was good to go for another thrashing half an hour later.

"You… you won't have to punish me again, Master." Robin tried "I'll behave better from now on."

"Good to hear, boy."

Robin used a paper napkin to dry off the extra lotion from his hands, which now seemed almost fine.

"I can finish by myself now, Master, thank you. Aren't you hungry?"

Slade reached for some sliced fruit.

"I don't have to eat very much, but I'll join you for the company." he smirked and was surprised at the warm smile he received. They finished eating in silence, but it was a rather relaxed silence which they both enjoyed. They both had contemplating minds, and liked just to think about things sometimes. As Robin drained the last of the juice and put the glass down he looked around the cabin for the first time. It was really luxurious, and he found himself being curious about the back, which was shielded from view with a curtain.

"Should I clean this up, Master?" he asked, and Slade nodded. The man resumed his original seat across the aisle from Robin, and started to read some documents he had brought with him. Robin got up, put the uneaten food back into the fridge and threw away the empty sandwich wrappers in a bin next to the fridge.

"Err... Master? Is there a cleaning cabinet or something on board?"

"Might be in the front…" he nodded and Robin spotted a small, hidden door next to the entrance to the cock-pit. It turned out to have all kinds of cleaning utensils, and a small sink, but Robin only needed a rag to clean up the crumbs and a few drops of juice he had spilled. He soon found one and a few minutes later the area was clean again. Robin stood, unwilling to sit down again so soon. He stretched and yawned, still tired from the lack of sleep on the night before. He didn't notice that Slade was studying him.

The boy has no idea how hot his body is becoming… Slade thought, almost irritated. If he thought for a moment that Robin moved like that to entice him, he could have chastened him, but the boy simply had no idea. He had just tilted his hips to the side and stretched, arms over his head, showing off that sexy flat stomach and low cut jeans. Slade's eye traveled reluctantly back to the papers before him, but he was soon interrupted again.

"Master, may I use the bathroom?"

"Yes, it's back there." Slade motioned for the unexplored part of the plane.

"May… may I take a look around too?"

"Yes, just don't be too long."

"Thank you Master."

Robin sounded quite happy as he moved behind the curtain. He quickly found the toilet, and used it as he really had needed to go. Then he moved on, curiously.

There was a shower, some storage, and then he came to a bedroom. Looking at the bed it beckoned to him… he was really tired by now, but sleeping on his Masters bed without permission wouldn't do, of course…

Maybe I should seduce him… that might lead to some sleeping… Robin thought naughtily to himself and blushed at the idea. A few days ago he had never even considered having sex with a man and now he thought about coaxing one into bed with him? And Slade nonetheless. Well, I always preferred challenges, haven't I? he grinned slightly. He padded back to his chair, though. He was far from brave enough yet to try something.

"Did you find the bedroom?" Slade asked in an all-too-innocent voice, and Robin startled before blushing.

"Yes Master." he answered quickly.

"Why don't you go lie down? You look tired."

"On the bed, Master?" Robin asked to be sure.

"Yes." the man almost sighed. "Get some rest. I might join you later."

"Thank you Master, just what I need." the boy said mischievously, making Slade wonder what it was he needed, precisely. Robin let a grin slip, and Slade noticed a twinkle in the boy's eyes, before he turned away and disappeared behind the curtain.

Slade shook his head slightly, a smirk on his lips. Either the plant messed with the boy's libido or this hade been something that always been there and released by the resent events. Probably a bit of both. Anyway, this made Slade's job both easier and more enjoyable, so he didn't complain. Far from it.

Robin walked into the bedroom, cheeks burning. He didn't just flirt with Slade, did he? He threw himself down on top of the bed and buried his head into a pillow. It smelled like Slade. Not helping. Why the heck was he acting like this? Was it because the only thing about this situation he had enjoyed so far was to be… touched… by Slade? And so he wanted more of that, hoping it would make the rest endurable? Perhaps, but that didn't make the blush go away. He hugged the pillow beneath him and sighed deeply. He was tired. He should sleep. Especially since his Master had allowed him to rest on the bed. Robin closed his eyes and slowly drifted off into a world of very interesting dreams.

Robin yawned and stretched on the bed, rolling over on his back as he did so. The yawn was cut short by seeing Slade leaning in the doorway.

"Master?!" Robin didn't mean to sound quite so startled, but sat up and quickly slid off the bed to kneel on the floor. Slade had just walked into the room, after all.

"Sit up un the bed, again, my boy" Slade told him softly. Robin eagerly obliged, especially at hearing that tone of voice from the man. Slade stepped up in front of him, standing very close.

"I think you know what I want you to do, boy. I shouldn't have to tell you these things."

Robin looked blank for a moment - so innocent, still… Slade thought – but then blinked as he understood. His hands slid up Slade's thighs, stroked over his crotch and undid the top button of Slade's pants. His fingers found the zipper and pulled it down carefully. Finding Slade only semi-erect Robin immediately set out to correct that situation. He let his tongue play around the big head, slid underneath and he then kissed his way all the way down the shaft. He looked up at the man attentively.

"Master, wouldn't you be more comfortable on the bed? Or sitting down?"

"This is fine, Robin."

The boy's heart flickered. Slade had called him by his first name! He almost felt tears in his eyes.

"Yes Master… please tell me if I don't do this right… I only did it once before, you know…"

The man smiled down at him and Robin quickly got back to work. His left hand stroked the shaft and curiously he let his right one wander down to Slade's balls, cupping them and massaging them gently. His mouth worked faster now, eager to please his master and maybe be awarded with another "Robin". Hands pressed against the back of his head and he understood that his master wanted him to take more of him. He just wasn't sure how.

"Relax your throat, boy, and I'll help you…" the man coaxed.

Robin relaxed, trying to follow the instructions. The hands on the back of his head became firmer, pushing him down. Robin gasped for air for a second but then relaxed and felt the head of the shaft pass into his throat. It wasn't pleasurable, but it was strangely intoxicating, thinking that he actually could do this. Slade increased the pace, making Robin fight to breathe through his nose and he discovered that he managed quite well. Then Slade withdrew from his mouth for a second, making Robin afraid that he had done something wrong.

"I'm going to come in your mouth, boy, and you will swallow, understand?" the man instructed in a slightly threatening voice.

"Of course, Master!" Robin said in a tone implying that he never intended to do anything else. He hadn't. He found he wasn't disgusted by the idea at all, only intrigued. When he had done this the first, and so far only time before, under the influence of the plant, Slade hadn't come in his mouth but had opted to fuck him instead, so he had no idea how this would feel, would taste like. He had tasted himself once or twice after masturbating… it had been slightly weird, but at least he had an idea about what to expect. He got to work and as he felt Slade tighten he worked his hand and mouth even faster. As the man came, Robin got quite a shock. There was so much! Maybe it was the force of the cum hitting the back of his throat that made it seem like a lot, but Robin still had trouble swallowing fast enough. He coped, though, and cleaned his Master thoroughly with his tongue before pulling his clothes back into place and looking up at him to be judged.

"Excellent, Robin." Slade said and patted his head. The boy beamed at him.

"Thank you, Master!" he said gratefully and licked his lips.

"Lie back on the bed." Slade instructed, and Robin did, crawling backwards and turning so he was the right way, head on the pillows.

"Don't think that this will happen often, but I like to enjoy myself and I think you deserve it. Pay attention, you might learn a thing or two…" the man told Robin and climbed onto the bed after him. Slade reached out for the boy's jeans, unzipping him. Robin stared wide eyed at the man... was he going to…? Robin became hard in a second, almost painfully so, and the man smirked. Teenage hormones… how he loved them… Slade had no trouble at all getting Robin to moan in pleasure, but as the boy's hips bucked they received an open-handed slap.

"Be still, boy…"

"Uhhh… Master… It's so haaaard…"

"I can feel that…" Slade chuckled and Robin made an indistinguishable sound that probably could be interpreted as 'I didn't mean it like that'.

Robin wouldn't last a tenth of the time Slade had, which was to be expected. He soon tried to form a comprehensible sentence.

"Master Slade… I need to… please… let me…"

"Go ahead, boy…" Slade allowed, letting his mouth leave the boy's cock for a moment.

"Thank…. aaaaahhhh…" Robin came in the man's mouth and Slade moved up to the boy's face and pressed his lips against his. Robin obediently opened his mouth but frowned a bit as he was made to swallow his own cum. Slade noticed.

"What is that face about?" he asked, a hint of threat in his voice again.

"I just… you taste better, Master."

This made Slade laugh out loud and he rolled over, bringing the boy with him to rest on his chest. Robin raised his head and looked at him curiously.

"I didn't know that Master… that people could taste differently…" he confessed, more intrigued by his discovery than embarrassed.

"Well, people smell differently, don't they?" Slade smirked.

"Yes, Master. I just didn't realize…" the boy let his head rest against the man's shoulder for a moment before looking up again.

"Er… Master? Should I leave now?"

"No, you may stay. I haven't prepared a bed for you on the plane, anyway."

Prepared a bed? a rebellious part of Robin sneered inside. How long did it take to throw that blanket on the floor last night…?

"Thank you, Master Slade" his slave-persona whispered gratefully and cuddled up closer to the man. Robin fell asleep again quickly, small happy-sounding little sighs escaping his mouth. Slade frowned a bit at the ceiling of the airplane. He had slipped. Badly. Calling the boy by his name for a simple blow-job for goodness sake… and returning the favor? Sure, Robin might learn from it, but that wasn't much of an excuse. The man sighed himself. It was just so damn hard to stay cold towards the boy. Those eyes of his… it was like wearing a mask for so long had prevented him from learning how to hide his emotions to the extent other people could. Those blue shining gems turned from fear, to anger, to lust and to gratitude and happiness so quickly and fully he could just as well have the emotion written on his forehead. Slade chuckled a bit at the thought of seeing Robin with the word 'horny' across his brow in big letters. He drew the boy closer and decided to get some rest himself.

Robin awoke suddenly, stomach lurching. The plane was falling! In panic he clung to the thing closest to him, which happened to be Slade's arm. The plane shuddered and dropped a bit again, and Robin's face turned white.

"What is happening?!"

Slade lazily used his free hand and pressed a button above the bed.

"Captain?" he spoke into the air.

"I'm sorry, sir, we are heading into a thunderstorm. We will try to go over it, but it will be a bumpy ride for a while. I suggest you stay put until we are through this. I'll get back to you when we know more."

"Thank you captain." Slade said and let go of the button. "There, boy, just a storm."

Robin tried to loosen his grip on the man, but he was still nervous.

"Bruce and I were on his jet once, in a storm... the plane almost crashed… I… I haven't liked flying in rough weather since then." he discovered that he still clung to the man and finally tore himself away and sat up with his back against the headboard. Slade stayed put and Robin felt slightly awkward, looking down on the man.

"Can… can I get you anything, Master?" he asked, looking for an excuse to move.

"You heard the captain, we are to stay put." Slade smirked. The storm seemed to agree as it took the opportunity to shake the plane around some more. Robin bit his lip and glanced down on the man again.

"Then… what…?" he started unsurely but jumped as the cabin was filled with bluish-white light from the thunderstorm outside. Robin quickly scooted down on the bed again, closing his eyes tight. God! He felt like a damn baby! But that near fatal accident in the jet with Bruce was one of his most terrible memories, often returning in his nightmares, and here he was again. This time someone put an arm around him, though. Bruce hadn't. All right, they had been strapped into their seats, out of reach, and Bruce had comforted him afterwards (a short hug and a pat on the shoulder, but that was a lot coming from Bruce) but he had been barely ten, and terrified. Now, fifteen and equally terrified, he had someone to cling to. Someone who had put a collar around his neck, sure, but he was there.

"I'm sorry, Master Slade" he mumbled. "I'm being a coward…"

"We will talk about this later, boy. I expect my slave to be able to behave in every situation. What if I had guests on the plane that I needed you to tend to?"

Robin took a few deep breaths.

"I understand, Master. I'm better now." Robin let go of the man again – when had he grabbed on? He didn't know – but the arm around him stayed. Robin relaxed into it, as his Master didn't seem to want him to do anything else right now, and just stared up into the air. Another flash of lightening made him jump slightly and he heard Slade chuckle a little. Robin frowned, deciding he needed something else to think about.

"Master? May I ask you a question?"

"All right boy, as we have to pass the time anyway…" Slade agreed.

"Why…" Robin blushed fiercely. "Why do I want to be close to you? Is it the plant, is it… me… or… Master… did you… did you… drug me?"

Slade got up on one elbow so he could look down on the boy. Robin almost stopped breathing, and the man noticed.

"Aphrodisiac in the orange juice? Is that what you think?" Slade growled a bit, making Robin's eyes go wide.

"W-was it?"

"No."

"So you didn't…?"

"No."

"So it was..?"

"You. Yes."

"I didn't even know I was gay…" Robin muttered "so how can it be me? Master?" he added quickly realizing he hadn't been using the word for a while. Slade didn't seem to mind, though, as long as he behaved correctly. Best not to push it, however.

"The drug got rid of the plant's influence, you can't blame that. Besides… its better this way, isn't it?"

He wasn't going to let the boy in on the theory he had that the plant had in fact done some permanent damage to his hormone system. It was better if the boy thought it was all him.

Robin blushed.

"Yes Master."

"Because you realize, of course, that I don't care if you are willing or not. Not as long as you wear this." Slade tugged lightly at the collar.

The blush disappeared from Robin's cheeks and he paled a bit again.

"You… you are really going to… even if I don't want…?"

"As I told you, 'I don't want' are not words you should use anymore."

"But…"

Slade sat up, grabbing Robin's collar tighter.

"What do you think this is, boy? A game? Do you know why I brought a gun today?" as Robin managed to shake his head, looking terrified now, and the man continued. "It was in case the Justice League showed up. If they did, I had planned to kill you. They won't have you back, Robin, understand that. You. Are. Not. Going. Back. Alive."

The boy was shaking under him now and Slade let go of the collar. Gasping, Robin looked up at him.

"I… I didn't need to hear that…"

Slade let a finger stroke the boy's cheek gently.

"I think you did."

He noticed how the boy's eyed seemed glued to the straps of the harness he still wore.

"I'm not afraid for myself…" the boy mumbled. "But… the others… they depend on me… their lives…"

You are far too young to agree to bear that responsibility, Slade thought to himself, but it DOES make you easier to control…

"It's all right to fear for yourself. To fear death and pain. You are bearly more than a boy and I know that you don't want to die. You decided to serve me for the benefit of others, Robin, and that makes it harder for you to accept that there are benefits in this for you, doesn't it?"

Robin was still for a while, thinking, and then he nodded slowly.

"I… I expect to be miserable with you..." he confessed.

"And if you are not? You don't have to be, you know… Self torture gets old fast."

"Then… what do you have to offer me?" the boy asked frankly.

Slade settled down on his elbow again, flush up against the boy. He smiled.

"Are we bargaining?"

Robin looked up on him, rather calmly.

"Since then does the merchandise get to bargain, Master?" there was a small twinkle in his eyes and a hint of a nervous grin. The boy was not sure how the man would react to the joke. Slade just grinned back though.

"I'm glad you are learning your place… it will make your life more pleasurable and mine easier."

The intercom buzzed for a moment and a voice came through.

"Sir, I'm happy to report that we left the storm behind. Smooth sailing ahead."

Slade touched the button briefly.

"Thank you, Captain."

Robin turned around and looked out of one of the airplane windows above the bed. The skies really looked blue again! Again he was totally unaware that Slade was studying him.

Slade's eye traveled over the boy's body. He found it exceptional, that here he was, on his hands and knees looking out of a window, and totally oblivious to how deliciously he presented his body. He guessed women learned it early, from TV, fashion… whatever… boy's though, at least this boy, was still innocent enough not to realize… his thoughts was interrupted as Robin sighed in relief and turned his head towards him.

"The weather looks fine… Should we go back to our seats?"

Slade couldn't help himself any longer and let his hand slide up Robin's jeans-clad inner thigh and higher still, over his butt.

"Why don't we stay put for a while longer…?" he grinned.

"Bring me something to drink"

Robin had barely gotten his breath back when the order came, but got up at once. He was naked, but his boxers were thankfully around his ankles so he pulled them up as he moved out into the main cabin and the refrigerator. It was not much in the way of dignity, but what the hell… there wasn't enough clothes in the world to make up for the sounds he had just made, anyway.

Robin returned a while later, quite nervous.

"Master? I'm sorry, but I could only find orange juice…" he presented the cool glass. At least he had found some ice.

"That is fine, boy." Slade said and took the drink.

"Oh? I though you might have wanted… you know… something stronger…?"

"Alcohol? No, I rarely drink. Clouds the mind. A nice glass of wine now and then is fine, though. And I usually keep well stocked bar around for 'guests'. Do you know how to mix drinks?"

As Robin shook his head Slade shrugged, taking a sip of the juice.

"You'll have to learn that too, then, you will master it in no time, I'm sure."

"Thank you, Master." Robin said in a flat tone. He was not looking forward to acting like a bartender around Slade's supposed 'friends'.

Bartender? More like a barmaid…an evil little voice inside him snickered.

"Go take a shower and get dressed." Slade ordered him, and Robin was thankful as he had just realized that he had no idea what to do with himself.

He showered quickly and got dressed even faster. Same clothes, but at least Slade hadn't ripped any buttons off. Slade was still on the bed, watching him. As Robin straightened up he eyed the man and again got unsure about what to do.

"Master?"

"You are dismissed. Go back to your seat."

Robin nodded and obliged. Sinking down in his seat, he winced slightly. He hoped that Slade would have other things on his mind soon, because he was already limping slightly. He heard the shower turn on and relaxed a bit more, knowing he would be alone for a little while at least. He looked out the window but saw only ocean below. He wondered where they where going… It was essential that he found out if there were going to be any chance of rescue… but when the plane actually landed he was bound to discover it, so he wasn't too worried.

"Daydreaming, boy?"

Robin shoot up from his chair. Was he supposed to kneel? Judging by the look on Slade's face he was. Damn! He did so quickly.

"Yes, Master, I'm sorry. I was wondering where we were going."

"Left hand."

Robin shakily held his left hand out, palm up, and looked up at Slade. He defiantly thought that this was unfair.

"You don't approve of your punishment?"

What? How the hell did Slade read him like that?! Robin just opened and closed his mouth helplessly.

"Well…?"

Shait… this is going downhill fast…

"I'm sorry, Master, I didn't mean to…" he stopped himself and started over. "Of course you have every right to punish me. I made a mistake. I was just angry at myself." his eyes had locked onto the riding crop Slade was holding. Slade was quiet, and Robin reached out with his hand a little, trying to show him that he thought he deserved it.

"Five." the man finally said and let the strikes fall. Robin tried not to cry out, but it still hurt like hell and he thought his fingers would break. He was thankful that the punishment was small, though.

"You may resume your seat."

"Thank you, Master." Robin mumbled and curled up in the chair, nursing his hand.

"Do you understand why you were punished?"

"Yes, Master. I should have kneeled when you came into the room."

"No."

Robin looked up at the man who was still towering above him.

"Then… why, Master?"

"You did neglect to kneel, but that was a small mistake. You owned up to it and apologized. But then you lied."

Robin's eyes widened.

"Care to tell me the truth now?" the man wanted to know and tilted his head to the side like he was interested and wanted to make sure he didn't miss anything.

"Master… I… I did think it was unfair… but I know I'm not allowed too, so…"

"So you told me what you thought I wanted to hear?"

Robin nodded miserably.

"I'm sorry Master."

"I want you to be honest with me."

Robin gave Slade and skeptical look.

"Master? With all due respect… how could I? Unless you allow me to speak freely, I will be punished for being disrespectful… and if I try to be… diplomatic… you will punish me for that too… so what am I to do? How am I to act? I am trying to learn, Master, but with this I am just at a loss… and, again with respect, why should you care? I know you don't care about my thoughts or feelings or you wouldn't have done this to me. Why should I risk pain, telling the truth, when you don't care about what the truth is?"

Robin stopped himself. Another long speech. Those never brought anything good. He should really stick to 'yes' and 'no' from now on…

Slade sat down across from him and pinned him with his grey eye.

"I believe you might have a point."

Robin's jaw dropped, making Slade smirk.

"Complete truth will come in time. Until then, aim to tell the truth when we are alone. Just stay respectful and I won't punish you. How does that sound?"

"That sounds great, Master. Thank you." Robin answered, honestly this time.

"But remember, I can tell when you are lying…" Slade warned him, getting the last word.

They spent the rest of the flight in relative silence. They ate some horrid microwave dinner which Robin heated and served. Robin slept some more, out of pure boredom, while Slade was working by a screen. He awoke to Slade's voice.

"We will be at the base in a few hours. Is everything prepared?"

Robin raised his head to show that he was awake, he didn't want to be accused of eavesdropping, but also to look over and see what was happening. Slade was talking to the screen. Robin couldn't see the person on it but he now heard his voice.

"Everything is ready, I'm sure he will settle in nicely."

Robin swallowed. Where they talking about him? What needed preparation? There were suddenly flashes of cages and strange torture-instruments in his head.

"Good. He is awake now. I will see you soon."

Slade ended the call, but paid no notice to Robin, more than a glance. Robin shivered slightly and curled up tighter in his seat. He didn't look forward to 'coming home' at all.

Half an hour later the captain announced that they were approaching the airport. Robin looked out, hoping to see something that would be a clue to where Slade was taking him, but even though they were over land now, he couldn't make out anything helpful.

"Get me a small glass of juice, boy." Slade ordered him. Robin did so and handed the man the glass. Slade took a small glass bottle and poured some of its contents into the juice. Then he handed it back to Robin.

"Drink it."

Robin knew he had no choice. He also suspected that this was a test of his obedience. He wasn't going to fail. He drank the liquid in a few quick gulps and grimaced slightly at the taste.

"Good boy." came the approval from Slade.

"May I ask what it was, Master?"
"Yes. But you better sit down. You just drank a quick acting sleeping drug."
Robin sat down heavily and curled up again. He already felt woozy.

"Why…?" Robin's eyelids felt very heavy, and he couldn't complete the sentence.

"It's safer for you if you don't know where you are for a while. Don't worry, when you wake up you will be home… isn't that a nice thought?"

No it's not…

Everything went black.

"Time to wake up..."

Some idiot kept talking to him, trying to get him to open his eyes.

"Shut.Up. Sleeping…" he muttered.

"And lucky for you, boy." the voice managed to sound annoyed and amused at the same time. "We are home soon. Wake up, Robin. Now."

The command stirred something inside him and he managed to open his eyes. He was in the backseat of a car, leaning on Slade's shoulder. That made him sit up straighter.

"Where… are we…?" he asked, only getting a chuckle in reply.

"Nice try, boy…"

"What…? Oh." He suddenly remembered that he wasn't supposed to know. "Sorry…"

Slade continued to chuckle and Robin looked out the windows. The only thing he could see was forest.

"Please tell me we're not going camping?" he mumbled, which made Slade ruffle his hair.

"No, boy. Look. We're here."

As the car turned on to a narrower, steep road that led up a small mountainside, the building came into view. Robin gasped. It was a castle. Well, not a pretty Disney castle with towers and pinnacles. This was a medieval stronghold, all massive grey stone and tiny arrow slits. Robin realized that he was just looking on the wall that enclosed the main building, and then they came up to the gate.

The only thing missing is a bloody MOAT… he mused. A moat around a castle at a top of a mountain would just be stupid, though. And probably impossible.

The car pulled up outside the gate and Slade opened the door. Robin climbed out on the same side and craned his head back, looking up at the immense building. He suddenly realized that it might not be huge, it just looked huge. It looked… heavy. He was brought back to reality by a click under his chin. He jumped slightly. Slade had reattached the leash. Trying not to give the man a dirty stare he followed him in under the gateway and out into a courtyard. The heavy doors closed slowly behind them and Robin looked back for a second. He had a feeling he wouldn't set foot on the outside of that gate for a very long time. Suddenly a few catcalls sounded and Robin's eyes flew up towards the sound. The outer wall was practically littered with guards, some of them seemed to have spotted him and liked what they saw.

"I hope you have better control over this unit that it appears."

Robin's attention snapped back to Slade, but the slightly menacing words hadn't been directed at him. Several people had appeared in front of them and the one Slade had addressed must be the one in charge of the guards. He had the same grey uniform as they had, but he also had some kind of symbol in polished copper on his shoulders and chest… insignias? Robin didn't know, but he guessed so.

"I'm sorry Sir, they are at the end of their 6 months shift and we are quite a long way from any civilization. They are just… restless…" the man's cold eyes came to rest on Robin and the boy tried to look back without shivering. "Besides, they were just showing a bit of appreciation concerning your… choice. But they will hear it wasn't appreciated."

Slade nodded shortly.

"Just let them know that this" he yanked a bit at Robin's leash "is mine. And I don't share my toys."

"Of course not, Sir." the man said, but Robin thought there was a hint of disappointment in his voice.

"Dismissed."

As the chief of the guards left an older man approached.

"Glad to see you, Slade."

Robin recognized the voice from the plane. The man with the preparations. The boy edged slightly closer to Slade.

"Wintergreen! I'm glad to see you too. It's been a long time. Everything is fine, I presume?"

"Yes Sir, nothing major to worry about, but you'll be fully updated tomorrow." the man's eyes, old stern ones, but not terrible cold like the others, turned to Robin.

"So this is the boy?"

"Yes. His name is Robin, but you can all call him 'boy' for now. He'll earn the right to the name in time, won't you boy?"

"Yes Master." Robin answered clearly with lowered eyes. This was hard. Alone with Slade it had been more like… acting… but in front of other people it became much more real.

"Sarah."

Robin looked up and was surprised to see a woman among the men. Sarah was older too, in her sixties, and was a bit plump, which seemed to suit her. She looked like someone's grandmother. Her eyes made Robin swallow, they seemed warm and there was a hint of concern there.

"Yes, Mr. Wilson?"

Robin's ears almost twitched at the name. A vital clue to Slade's past! Finally! Now all he needed was a map with the castle marked out and a phone… yeah… that would happen…

"Take the boy to my chambers. I'll be along shortly." he gave her the leash and Robin followed with just a short look back as Slade. Sarah led him into the stronghold and up a set of stairs, to a couple of big double doors.

The room was huge. All stone walls and floor, but thick rugs and wall-hangings that seemed to be antique softened the appearance. There had been alterations here, Robin saw. The castle might look old, and probably was, but no medieval castles had big double-glazed windows as far as he knew. The windows turned out to be doors, leading out to a balcony. There was a small dining area, and two comfortable looking armchairs facing a huge fireplace on the opposite wall, but the biggest canopied bed Robin had ever seen drew his attention. Not that he had seen many. But it was huge. It stood on a large stone platform in the far end of the room, a step separating the living area and the sleeping area into two levels. The colors of the room, or rooms, seemed to be mainly royal blue and gold, matching the medieval feel to the room. Sarah led him into the room and stopped.

"There, Robin." she said and unhooked the lead from his collar. The boy flinched at the name.

"Please, Mam, Master Slade said..."

"Oh, hush. You might be his slave, my boy, but you are not mine. I'll call you by your name if I wish. It's the decent thing to do."

"Thank you, Mam." Robin bowed his head, suddenly trying to swallow a lump in his throat.

"We will get along you and I, won't we?"

"Yes, Mam." Robin dared to look up at her and smile a little.

"Now just so we are clear. I work for Slade and god knows I'm loyal to the man even though he can be a blockhead sometimes." The corners of Robin's mouth twitched at this.

"Slade have set certain rules. We are not to discuss the location of this base with you, and we are to keep an eye on you at all times, so if you are planning to escape you won't get any help from the staff, dear. Slade have promised me he won't hurt you unless you deserve it, so be a good boy for my sake, will you Robin?"

"Yes, Mam." The boy had felt his heart sink as Sarah spoke, he had hoped the woman was his way out of this, but it seemed not. He studied the rug they were standing on to have something else to focus on then the hopelessness that welled up inside him.

Her hand was suddenly on his cheek, caressing it gently.

"If you want to you can talk to me. I won't tell Slade unless you try to betray him. Try to be brave, Robin. You will come to like it here if you give it a chance. Slade is not such a bad man. Who knows? You might grow to like him too."

Robin looked up at her again, tears in his eyes now.

"… yes, Mam." he said softly.

"And call me Sarah, Robin."

".. yes-"

There was a shadow at the door and as Slade walked in Robin dropped quickly to his knees.

"Thank you, Sarah, I'll take it from here."

"Yes, Sir. Should I serve dinner in the dining room?"

"No, we'll eat in here tonight. It's late. Or early. I guess we both will feel the jetlag soon enough."

"Yes Sir. It will be served in half an hour."

Robin was starving after the meager microwave meal on the plane and hoped the time would pass quickly. He looked up as Sarah and gave her a small smile. The woman smiled warmly back and bent down to pat his cheek.

"Now remember to be a good boy, Robin."

"Yes Mam."

"I told you to call me Sarah."

Robin glanced up at Slade, but didn't see any particular dislike in his eye so he nodded.

"Yes, Sarah. Sorry."

As the door closed behind her it was like the room suddenly became a bit colder. Robin remained on his knees and quiet, waiting for Slade to speak.

"So how do you like your new home, boy?"

"It's… big, Master." Robin looked around.

"Get up. Let me show you around."

It turned out there were more rooms leading off this one. A study, a huge bathroom with both a luxurious shower and a big tub, and a dressing room. Robin had his own shelves, both in the bathroom and the dressing room but the latter were pretty empty at the moment, just a few basic things like a couple of t-shirts and a pair of jeans.

"I will see to that when I have the time" Slade explained with a shrug. Let me show you where you are to sleep."
He led Robin to the dais with the bed, but gestured to the side of it. As Robin rounded the bed he stopped, not really believing his eyes. It was a dog-bed. A big one, probably large enough for a St Bernard, but it was unmistakably meant for a pet. It was made of wicker, but at least there seemed to be a mattress and a few blankets in it. He wouldn't be too uncomfortable if he could get over the pet thing. But he guessed that that was exactly what he was at the moment.

"Thank you, Master." he said, trying to sound as sincere as he could. Slade didn't buy it, but only chuckled.

"Go start a fire and then wash up before dinner." he said and Robin did so.

When dinner came Robin's stomach was grumbling loudly again and the smells from the little serving cart Sarah brought were fantastic.

Robin was again unsure how to act, but Slade sorted it out for him.

"Thank you Sarah, Robin can serve the food, I'm sure he is capable."

"As you say, Sir. Goodnight."

"Good night, Sarah."

The woman nodded at Robin who dared to give her a small nod back, before setting the table for Slade. He only set the table for one as Slade had not invited him to join him, and as the man sat down he started to serve the food. Slade had water with the meal and Robin was attentive, filling the glass, asking if he cared for anything more… all the while he was so hungry his hands had started to shake. Slade took his time, reading a newspaper at the table and paying no particular attention to the boy. Robin glanced at the name of the paper, but it was the Daily Planet. Useless. He had hoped it was a local paper, telling him where he was. He cursed himself for not looking at the car's number plates when they arrived. Sure, Slade would have probably have thought of that too, but who knew? He had to pay attention to details!

As Slade finished he headed to the shower.

"You may eat now, then put everything on the tray and put it outside the door. Sarah will collect it later."

"Yes, Master." Robin nodded and eagerly set out a plate for himself. The food was divine, although it had cooled a little, and Robin thought he had never had anything better to eat ever. It was a steak, carved into thin slices, thick brown gravy, perfectly boiled potatoes and steamed vegetables. Robin had both seconds and thirds before Slade emerged from the bathroom. When the man appeared Robin got up from the chair. Slade gestured for him to sit down again.

"You are a good boy, but you don't have to kneel when I come into this room from one of the others. I might move about a bit and that would make your knees bruised" he smirked.

"Thank you, Master" Robin nodded, sincere this time, and smiled back a little bit before resuming his seat and finishing his meal.

He cleared away everything neatly and placed the cart in the corridor as Slade instructed.

Slade, still in only a towel from after the shower, had sat down in one of the comfy chairs in front of the fire, and Robin went up to stand beside him, waiting for the next order. Slade looked up at him and smiled slightly.

"You can have the rest of the night off, boy. Get a shower, or a bath if you prefer, and then you can do whatever you want until I say so. You are not allowed to leave these rooms, of course."

"Yes, Master."

Robin opted for a shower and afterwards he didn't really want to put on the old clothes back, on so he exited the bathroom in a towel, like Slade. Browsing the bookshelves that lined one wall he discovered books in many different languages. He picked on about antique swords, mostly because it had interesting pictures and he was starting to get too tired to read. It was chilly in the room so Robin was drawn to the fire like Slade. He didn't sit down in the other chair, though, he wasn't sure it was appropriate, so instead he laid down on the wonderfully thick dark blue rug in front of the fire. He lay on his stomach, holding himself up on his elbows, with the book in front of him. It was rather interesting, but he was quite full, the fire was nice and warm and little by little his head leaned heavier into his arms. After a little while he was asleep. He only slept for an hour, more resting after dinner than anything else. He rolled lazily over on his back and saw that Slade still sat reading in the chair. Robin studied the half naked man, watching the fire dance over his body. He felt something stir. Damn. Again!? It HAD to be the plant; he never used to be this horny! All right, before he had other things to focus on. Like work. Like Slade. But with clothes on. Slade looked up from his reading and met Robin's eyes. The man smiled, reading that look instantly.

"What's on your mind, boy?" he asked, expecting a blush and an elusive answer.

Robin surprised him though. The boy smiled back, letting a hand stroke the luscious carpet he was resting on.

"I was just wondering if you would care to join me, Master?"

Slade made a deep, amused noise, half between a growl and a purr.

"That was bold, my boy."

"You told me to try to be honest, Master…" the boy sat up, supporting himself on his elbows, and looked directly up at the man. Then he sighed and shrugged. "I guess you don't want too, I'm sorry I disturbed you." he rolled over on his stomach again, treating Slade to a sight a now somewhat disheveled towel allowed. Robin put his head down on his arms again, smiling a bit to himself. He would have heard if Slade had picked up his papers, but so far he could swear the man was still watching him. Suddenly a towel was dropped on the rug in front of him. A weight settled on top of him and Slade's mouth was close to his ear.

"I like to reward boldness within my lines. I think I will reward it in my slave as well…"

Robin smiled and managed to turn around under the man.

"Thank you, Master. That was very generous of you…" he had time to say until demanding lips met his.

His arms soon wound around the man above him as he pressed himself to the much larger body. He gasped as Slade's lips left his and then again as the man rolled over on his back. Robin followed by his own accord, but as he stared down into Slade's single eye hi hesitated.

"Master…? May I ask you something?"

Slade did not really feel like talking, but the before expected blush had now appeared and the man became curious.

"Yes…?"

"What… what am I allowed to do, exactly?"

"Explain…" Slade's hands had found Robin's bottom and they both had a bit of trouble concentrating.

"I… oh… I mean, should I wait for you to tell me what to do… hm-mmmm… or can I do …this…?" Robin bent forward and showered Slade's chest with licks and kisses.

"You can do anything you want, little bird." Slade chuckled "as long as you pay attention to me."

"Will do…" Robin mumbled and continued exploring the man's body with his lips.

"Go to the bedside table. You'll find lube in the drawer." Slade told him after a while of mutual exploration.

"Aww…" Robin sighed, but Slade caught his chin.

"Believe me, you don't want to be fucked without it."

Robin nodded, and, still with his towel loosely around him, he found the tube and came quickly back with it, handing it to Slade.

The man refused it, though.

"I want you to prepare yourself and me…"

Robin blushed but did as he was told. He lay down on his back, after letting the towel fall, and then he let first one and soon after two of his lube-coated fingers slide up into himself. It felt kind of nice, but he needed more. He let a third finger join and as it did he tilted his head back and groaned.

"Not forgetting about me, are you?" Slade wanted to know, hovering above him. Robin groaned. He almost had for a moment. He quickly put some lube in his other hand and let that glide along Slade's length, paying extra attention to the head, coating it well with the slick substance.

Slade decided that was just enough attention and moved closer to Robin, gripping his hips as to turn him over.

"Master? Please, can I be on my back this time?" Robin begged.

"I think it's my turn for that…" Slade purred and turned on his back again, dragging Robin with him. The boy soon felt Slade's cock press against him and the man took a form hold around the boy's hips, lifting him in place.

"Ohh… Oh my g- yes…" Robin gasped as Slade's cock filled him up. Gravity helped, making it feel like there was even more of the shaft inside him than before. He relaxed and gasped as he slid down even more. He was now firmly sitting on the thing. He looked down on Slade's face, eyes wide and lips parted. Then Slade bucked his hips. Robin threw his head back again and cried out; the feeling of the unexpected thrust was incredible. He started to move, wanting more, and was soon lost in a red hot sea of pleasure.

"Oh, lord…" Robin panted. He had collapsed on top of Slade a while ago.
"That's nice, boy, but you can just stick to 'Master'." Slade smirked. Robin just made a little huffing sound, telling Slade that he had heard but not found it funny. Gathering all his strength he finally got off the man, rolling limply to the side. He had almost fallen asleep when he felt himself being lifted up.

"Master?" he looked up at the man holding him and got a smirk back.

"Time to get cleaned up and then get some sleep I think…" Slade carried him into the shower where he finally had the strength to stand up. Robin cleaned them both off carefully but quickly, trying to stifle a yawn.

"I don't know if I should be angry with you boy…" Slade's voice sounded quite flat, but as Robin quickly looked up afraid he had broken another rule, he was calmed by the twinkle in the man's eye. He had become better at reading Slade's expressions by now but one could never be sure.

"Sorry, Master?"

"You are naked with me in the shower and you yawn? That's not very respectful, is it?"

"I'm sorry, Master, you just wore me out…" Robin smiled. It felt strange, actually smiling at the man, but he shrugged the feeling off… hormones and afterglow, who could really blame him?

Slade smiled back and Robin felt that strange fluttering feeling in his stomach again. That he clamped down on, though, and pushed it down until it went away. Robin dried them both off, offering Slade a dry towel and taking one for himself. The man then led him into the changing room.

"It can get chilly here, so I got you this to sleep in."

Robin had already felt the chill and quickly put on the grey knee length pants that fitted snuggly like a pair of thermal underwear, which was probably what they were, and then a t-shirt of the same color. Robin noticed it was the same shade the guards wore. The shirt had a black 'S' on it though, and he didn't think the guards had that.

"Thank you, Master." Robin yawned again.

"Pick up the towels we left on the rug and put them in the hamper in the bathroom. Then go to bed." Slade reached out and stroked Robin's hair. Robin stood absolutely still and let him, looking up at the man with a look even Slade had trouble deciphering. "Go on…" Slade let go of him and ushered him out.

Robin quickly obeyed, feeling the coldness of the stone floor every time his feet had to touch it between the rugs. There was some sort of central heating, but the stones themselves emitted a chill to the air not even modern technology could fully conquer. He actually gave a contented sigh as he crawled under the blankets in his 'bed' and curled up. He was asleep within minutes.

Three weeks later Robin realized that he was close to screaming. Not from pain, not even, regretfully, from passion, but from a feeling he would never expect to have as Slade's slave. He was bored. Bored beyond belief.

Slade woke him every day at 5.30 and took him to the gym for an hour and a half. No combat training, oh no… Slaves weren't trained to fight. Robin always had to spend 30 minutes on the treadmill or a bike and then an hour following a program Slade constructed to tone muscles and hone his flexibility. Robin had a feeling it was just so he would look pretty and be able to try new strange positions in bed… A few times Slade had taken him to the small inner courtyard where there was an assault course for the guards. Robin liked this much better. The first time some off-duty guards had appeared, snickering at the small boy, hinting that he might want to try something easier… like a stroll through a park. The jeers soon died down, and as Robin broke the course record on his third try, some looked quite pissed. Slade had stood by calmly, telling the boy what to do better next time.

"Flipping over the wall with a handspring is pretty, my boy. Very artistic and acrobatic. But this is about getting a good time. Stop showing off."

Robin had muttered, but had done as Slade said and the record was now not simply broken, it was smashed beyond repair.

That was all very well, but after the workout Robin was taken back to the room for a shower and breakfast and then just left there until Slade came back, usually around dinnertime, but sometimes the man didn't show up until after Robin had fallen asleep.

The first week was okay. Robin had decided his main goal was to find out where he was. He had to figure out a way to contact the JL later. First he went through all the books in the shelves, looking for any reference to the castle. There was none. Well… none he could find, since many books were in languages he didn't know. He had flipped through them too, though, hoping to find a picture of the place and work from there. He had no luck. He checked if one language seemed to be dominant in the shelves but not even that got any results. He studied the wall hangings in the room, mostly of hunts and wars. An expert on medieval art and culture could probably tell a lot from those pictures, but Robin didn't get a single clue. The only thing he discovered was that either medieval artists were really bad, or perspective was really screwed up back then.

He knew he couldn't ask anyone, and the only one he ever saw was Sarah, coming in with his meals, picking up the laundry and doing some cleaning. Robin didn't know how to feel about the woman, but he liked the cleaning-days as he then got some company for an hour or so.

He spent time on the balcony, trying to see any form of life out there, but all he could see was forests and, in the distance, low mountains. It didn't make any sense! This must have been a mighty castle when it was built and castles only formed with villages and cities around it… the towns catered to the castle and the noblemen and their army protected the towns… but Robin couldn't see any sign of civilization and the chief of the guards had mentioned that they were pretty isolated here. Weird. The woods themselves might be a clue, Robin considered. Mostly spruce… that might tell him something… if he was a botanist! He thought spruces where northern trees, though, and this sure didn't feel like the south of Europe… did Germany have these kinds of forests? Maybe they weren't in Europe at all? Maybe they had passed it and were somewhere in Russia? He had no idea, and this lack of knowledge combined with the fact that he had no way to do research bugged him. The books in the room were mostly on weapons, war-strategy and history. Then there was fiction… the classics. Robin found first editions and even signed copies. One shelf of these books might be worth a fortune. Robin read Kafka's 'The Trial' but couldn't really feel sorry for the main character, Mr. K… he had it worse himself, he figured…

He had racked his brain about what he knew about navigation and geography. It wasn't much… Sure he knew all about GPS and satellite navigation, but that certainly didn't do much good. He was interested in astronomy, but how would that help? He knew that in the northern hemisphere the north could be found easily by looking for the North Star in the constellation Ursa Minor… the Little Dipper… South of the equator it was the South Cross that instead guided travelers to the south… but he didn't need directions, he needed an address. And he already knew that he must be in the northern hemisphere… probably quite far to the north too. Besides, sneaking out on the balcony with Slade in the room… well... maybe he could persuade the man it was romantic… Then he just needed a book on celestial navigation… and someone to explain it to him.

After that first week Robin had pretty much given up. There just wasn't anything in these rooms that could help him. If he was to find clues he had to go outside. But that didn't seem to be happening anytime soon. Robin had behaved impeccably, he thought. Why did Slade leave him here to rot?! The boy was used to action, to freedom. Sitting cooped up in a room all day with nothing to do but brood, was getting on his last nerves.

At first he had treasured the time alone, sure it would benefit him, but now he couldn't wait for Slade to come 'home' at night. He was simply thrilled those few times when the man came back early or even appeared for lunch… The joy of seeing him frightened Robin, but he guessed it was just the isolation.

He had done one thing that might help him… it sure wasn't much and he was scared to death that Slade would discovered it, but he had carved two symbols in the rather soft stone on the outside of the banister around the balcony. The symbols was an 'R' and a crude bat… well, you try chipping something into stone upside down without drawing any attention to yourself… Anyway he guessed that if Superman should happen to fly by… Robin sighed. It was such a long shot it wasn't even funny… but he supposed that if the JL suspected he might be in the castle, the symbols might be the proof they needed to go in.

Now Robin sat curled in one of the chairs. He had turned it slightly so he could see the door, since Slade moved with about as much noise as an imaginary dust bunny. He glared at the door. The unlocked door. Damn, if it was only him that hung in the balance he would probably left the castle by now. But just running away would only hurt his family. He couldn't do it. But a little stroll? A small recon? Did he dare? If he was caught outside there would be trouble, to say the least… but… maybe? Robin growled a few low curses and pounded the chairs armrest with his fist. Slade had said he would be late today, and Sarah had already been in with lunch… so he should have several hours to… abruptly he stood up. He was going to do this, damn it!

Robin walked up to the door and turned the handle. Heart beating wildly he looked out into the corridor. This part of the building seemed to be Slade's private rooms and so there shouldn't be many people around. Robin moved out quietly.

Ten minutes later he was beginning to relax. He had listened at doors, opened some even, and carefully investigated the corridors without even hearing another human being. Now he got bolder and headed downstairs. He immediately ran into trouble. He was able to hide in a niche as a couple of guards walked by and then he quickly snuck into another corridor. He soon realized that this led to the inner courtyard and the assault course. He didn't want to go there, there was bound to be people around. He was about to turn around when he heard voices coming towards him. There was only one way to go. Out into the yard.

As he stepped out in the fresh air he was relived to find that he couldn't see anyone. The ones behind him were probably going to come through the door any second, though, and he needed to hide. The wall towered in front of him and he darted around it. Only to run into trouble again. Literary this time. All right, the man's name probably wasn't 'trouble' but he sure looked like it could be. A heavy hand gripped the boy's upper arm firmly and as the door Robin just came through opened again the man peeked around the corner of the wall.

"Oi! I'm over here! Look what I caught!"

Three men rounded the corner and eyes widened in surprise.

"Well, well, well…" one of them smirked. "If it isn't the bosses little slave-boy… are you supposed to be out here all by yourself?"

Robin tore himself free from the grip and backed away. Unfortunately that meant that his back hit the wall and the guards formed a semicircle around him.

"I… I'll go back right now…" Robin said, cursing himself for doing something as stupid as leaving the room. He hadn't even found out anything and now he was lucky if he would ever see the sun again.

"No… I think we have to go tell the boss off this, don't we…?" a second man said and Robin's ears perked. The man had a thick German accent! Maybe…

"Aaawww… but maybe we could keep this a secret, yes?" the third man said. In a French accent. Double-damn! The guards seemed to be as international as the books in the bookshelves!

A hand on his thigh brought Robin back to reality. What had they been saying? Oh… no…

"Wait, guys… the boss said 'don't touch', remember?" the fourth man said. A Britt. Naturally. British gentlemen, eh?

"What?" The first man grinned. "It's not like he will find out, right? You won't tell anyone, will you boy? We can keep each others secrets, right? Let's just have some fun…" the hand on his thigh got even greedier and Robin slapped it away.

"Stop! Don't you dare touch me!"

"What? A picky whore?" the German sounded amused.

"Come on… us or Slade? At least we'll leave you alive…" the Frenchman leered.

"One step closer and you'll regret it…" Robin growled, tensing up. The first man took that step. And he did regret it.

Not even Robin could tell for sure what happened next. It was like he took all his pent up anger and frustration out on these men, and before he knew it there were four unconscious bodies on the ground before him. He looked around in a panic. He couldn't stay here. Maybe, if he got back to his room, the guards wouldn't tell anyone. They must be afraid that Robin would tell Slade, after all… Robin hurriedly moved for the door and soon he was safely back on the second floor. He heaved a huge sigh of relief and was about to turn a corner when he heard voices again. And this time one of these voices was Slade's.

Several people, among them his Master, were coming down the corridor adjoining the one he was standing in. As soon as they turned the corner Robin would be spotted. He tried the first door he could find. Locked. The second door. Yes! It opened, and as Robin slipped in he found himself in a small library.
Slade must really love books… Robin thought erratically, and then gasped as the steps that he had expected to pass the door stopped outside.

"We can discuss our business in here, gentlemen…" the doorknob turned and Robin practically flew up one of the tall bookcases. It was an old, deep one, but it didn't reach all the way up to the high ceiling and Robin was able to squeeze himself in. Far above the heads of the men that walked in, deep in the shadows, Robin was invisible. His mood perked up. This might be the perfect opportunity to find something out!

"May I offer you something to drink?" Slade said and as the men agreed he gestured at his right hand man, Wintergreen. Robin felt a small, unexplainable surge of jealousy towards the man, but quickly shook it off. Plant. Gotta be. Wintergreen took the orders and went to a small bar-cabinet Robin hadn't noticed before. He guessed this wasn't a library, then. More like an old fashioned lounge. It just happened to have a lot of books. The men sat down in comfy chairs around a small table, and Wintergreen soon returned with a tray of drinks. Slade's glass held a clear liquid which Robin guessed was actually water. The other glasses were filled with a dark gold liquid Robin thought was brandy.

Slade thanked Wintergreen who left the room and then the meeting began.

Robin studied the other men. There were three of them, all looking quite similar. Robin supposed that they might be brothers or at least family. A family of sharks. Robin didn't like the look of them at all, but what did he expect Slade's business partners to look like? Care Bears? When the men spoke it became clear that they were American. Probably Italian-American and Robin frowned at that… it wasn't like all Italian-Americans belonged to the mafia… these ones, however, clearly did.

"I understand there is a problem with the payment…?" Slade began.

"No-no-no… no problems… not as such…" shark number one made a calming gesture.

"It is just that our father feels…"

"That the contract might not have been…"

"… fulfilled to his…"

"…satisfaction…"

Robin stopped himself from groaning. The men finished each others sentences in the most annoying way. Could they be triplets? They didn't look like they were identical triplets, but he guessed it could be possible. As the discussion roamed on, though, Robin suspected that it was actually a technique designed to disturb the opponent. The boy felt a strange pride as Slade didn't seem to be bothered in the least. The conversation Robin listened closely too seemed to concern an assassination Slade had preformed two months earlier for the men's father. Now the unknown man didn't seem interested in paying the rest of the fee, having his presumed sons come up with more and more ridiculous reasons. Robin frowned again, wondering how Slade had the patience for this kind of nonsense. All three men had emptied their glasses by now, while Slade had barely touched his. One of the sharks glanced towards the bar cabinet and tapped his glass with his fingers absentmindedly.

"Would you care for a refill?" Slade wondered and got a nod of thanks from the man. Slade went over to the cabinet -

Why didn't he just let the creep get it himself…? Robin wondered irritably

- and then it happened. It was so quick that Robin almost missed it. The man closest to Slade quickly tipped something into his drink! It was a clear liquid that immediately mixed with matching contents in the glass. Robin's breath hitched in his throat. When Slade came back with the bottle and refilled the men's glasses, they seemed more relaxed, not surprisingly.

"I, for one, am starting to see your point…"

"… as do I. But you must understand that our…"

"… father is strict in business and when he doesn't feel he got what he paid for…"

"… he can be quite…"

"… unreasonable…"

"… I am sure, though that the explanations…"

"… you have given us, will…"

"… ease his worries…"

Robin's brain worked furiously. Was this his chance? If Slade died, wasn't he free? The guards would be swarming over the place, though. They might find him before he would be able to escape. Robin cringed at the thought. But what the guards might do to him wasn't the main reason why the boy wasn't silently applauding the sharks below him. Slade being killed by these low-lives? By poison!? Should he allow that to happen? And had he really sunk so low as to let another human being be killed right in front of his eyes just because it might suit him?! The both sides in Robin's mind still argued heatedly when the first man raised his glass.

"I think we have reached an understanding… a toast?"

"… to our host…"

".. and to future business…"

Slade reached for his glass, raised it to the scum in front of him and had almost brought it to his lips as the hero in Robin won.

"Master, stop!"

Robin rolled off the shelf and landed smoothly on his feet.

"Robin? What are you doing here?" Slade was actually a bit startled. Startled enough to call the boy by his name, anyway, although it didn't show in any other way. Robin grinned inwardly, though. The man hadn't had the faintest idea that he had been in the room… nice to know, since Robin almost suspected that the man was a mind reader, always knowing how he felt or what he thought.

"Don't drink! They poisoned it!" Robin had automatically sunk to his knees in front of the man, looking up at him desperately.

"Which one of them?" Slade's voice was soft and deadly. Robin didn't mean it, he really didn't, but his eyes darted to the man responsible. The sharks were still in shock and had only just got up on their feet. They still seemed to think they had the upper hand, though. Three against one. Well. One man and a smallish boy with a collar around his neck. No problem.

"So, gentlemen. This was why your father sent you? I expected as much."

"Sorry, Deathstroke, but there has been rumors our rivals is looking into hiring you. Father doesn't want that to happen."

"Of course not. Then he would be dead." Slade nodded, like he understood and agreed with the reasoning. "Instead he is just going to loose a son."

Slade moved with the speed Robin had learned to fear, and the edge of his hand slammed into the poisoner's neck, creating a sound like crisp celery stems being broken in half. Slade grabbed the now former Mr. Shark and tossed him easily over his shoulder. The body hit the floor quite close to Robin and the boy's horrified eyes followed it as it rolled to a halt.

"Boy?" Robin's eyes darted to the man.

"y- yes Master?"

"Back to the room. Now."

Robin bolted.

His mind considered running away for a moment but as usual the thought of his family stopped him and within seconds he was back in Slade's private rooms. Almost fifteen minutes went by and then Slade walked in. Robin was on his knees as soon as he heard the door handle turn, and his was trembling badly. He knew this punishment would be harsh and he was just hoping it would be over soon.

"Sooo… sneaking out, are we?" he heard a rhythmic sound and Robin looked up briefly to see Slade standing before him, tapping the riding crop to the side of his leg thoughtfully.

"…yes, Master." Robin could only whisper.

There was a beeping sound and Robin looked up again to see Slade answer a small cell phone.

"Yes? Really? In the courtyard?" here Slade glanced at Robin again and the boy paled even more. "How many? I see. Yes, I have an idea…" the man looked down coldly on Robin and let the short whip caress the boy's cheek. Robin closed his eyes and tensed, waiting for the strike. Slade ended the call.

"Look at me, boy."

Robin unwillingly opened his eyes. "So, you disobey orders, you decide to attack some of my guards and then spy on meeting of mine. Explain yourself."
The tip of the riding crop was placed firmly under Robin's chin, forcing him to look up on the man.

"I'm sorry. I have no excuse… I …"

"The guards. Explain."

Robin remembered the glance that had lead to one mans death just moments ago. He didn't want to be the cause of others, even if they happened to be low-lives too.

"I… they…"

"The truth. Now. Or I will loose my patience with you. And believe me, boy, if I strike then it will be too hard."

Robin knew he couldn't lie. Heck, he probably couldn't even sugarcoat it without Slade seeing right through him.

"I went to the courtyard and they surrounded me."

"So you attacked before they could call me?"

"No… I ... they…"

"They what?"

"They said they would keep it a secret… if… if I…"

"If. You. What?" Slade's voice was now pure, barely withheld, rage.

"If… I was… nice to them…" a slight blush quickly appeared on the pale cheeks, making it obvious as what was hinted at.

Slade muttered a low curse and made Robin continue.

"One of them warned the others not to…. and I didn't… I didn't want them to touch me… I'm sorry! Are… are they badly hurt?"

"No. But they will be…" Slade snarled and reached for his phone.

"No! Please! I… it was my fault! If I hadn't left the room…!"

"What about the meeting?"

"I was on my way back when I heard you coming… I ran into the first open door I found and when you stopped outside… I hid…"

"And then you decided you didn't want me to drink the poison? Why?" now Slade sounded even more interested, and the riding crop softly skimmed Robin's cheek again.

"I… I don't know…I couldn't! I just… couldn't let them…"

Slade sighed.

"What am I going to do with you? Why did you leave in the first place? Where you trying to escape?"

"No, Master! I know what you would do to Bruce if I did… I… I was just bored!"

"Bored?" Slade sounded slightly amused, which might or might not be a good sign.

"Yes… I have only been here and at the gym for three weeks now, I just… I just wanted to go out for a little while, I meant to come right back! I'm sorry… I'll never do it again, I promise!"

"This was the first time?"

Clear blue eyes filled with honesty met a calculating gray.

"Yes, Master."

Slade started pacing the room and Robin's eyes followed him apprehensively. After a while a suspicion hit the boy, daring him to speak.

"Master? May I ask you a question?"

Slade stopped and looked at him.

"Well, you can't get in much more trouble, so go ahead."

"Are… are you ashamed of me?"

"What are you talking about?" the man sounded irritated again. Crap.

"I've been thinking about why you leave me here all day, Master… you don't want anyone to see me, right? You regret bringing me and now…. are you going to kill me?"

Slade seemed genuinely affronted by the suggestion. He shook his head and went to sit down in one of the armchairs.

"Here, boy."

Robin rose quickly and as he reached the man Slade patted his knee. For a moment Robin thought he would be spanked, but then the man pulled him into his lap, holding him close. It took mere moments for Robin to relax in the grip and nuzzle up closer into the embrace.

"I haven't taken you out because I was waiting for this."

"For… for me to disobey you, Master?" Robin asked.

"Yes. I never thought you would last more than a week, though. You have impressed me, boy."

Robin didn't know what to answer to that, so he kept quiet and just looked up on the man.

"Why…?" he managed at last, and Slade looked down on him and chuckled slightly.

"Being my slave is an honor, boy."

Robin nodded slightly; he thought he was beginning to understand.

"And… you want me to want you to take me with you, right?"

"Yes. That way you would probably cause fewer problems and be more eager to learn, wouldn't you think?"

Robin nodded again.

"I… I do wish I could come with you, Master… but I … I understand if you don't want me too, now…"

"As I said, I expected you to do this… I just didn't expect you to run into quite as much trouble on your first go…"

Robin gave him a small look that seemed to ask if he was really surprised, and the man chuckled again.

"You are causing me a bit of trouble here. I should punish you, but you also saved my life. Well. You thought you did, and it's the thought that counts, isn't it?"

"What do you mean? It wasn't poison?" for a moment Robin hoped it all had been an act, a show put on for his benefit… but then again, how did you act a broken neck?

"I'll tell you some day, boy." the man promised with a smile. "Now… about your punishment…" Slade pulled out the phone again and dialed a three number combination, an in-house number. "Sarah? It's me. I hope you are cooking something messy tonight, because you are going to have help with cleaning the dishes…" Robin's eyes grew very wide as Slade smiled down on him. "And don't think you have been let off easy, boy… you haven't seen those piles yet…"

Late in the evening Robin could only agree. Usually Sarah had state of the art dishwashers and two guards on kitchen-duty to help with the washing-up for the day, but as Robin was doing this as a punishment he found himself doing it by hand. As he finally finished all the plates and glasses – how many guards were there at this place anyway? – Sarah pointed to the pots and pans. Robin sighed and began scrubbing, while listening to Sarah's ongoing monologue about how he had deserved this and should know better. Half way through the evening some guards had come down, asking for some leftovers and trading gossip. Sarah had then learned what had happened during the day, both with the guards and the poison. News traveled fast. She had then switched to a slightly less severe tone, but was still lecturing the boy as he, dead on his feet, was finally done around midnight.

"Now, you go straight back, and if Slade is still up you will tell him again how sorry you are, is that understood?"

"Yes, Mam." Robin yawned. He did hurry back, though.

As he slipped into the room it was almost completely dark, as the customary fire had nearly died down. He saw Slade's form on the bed, but as the man didn't say anything Robin assumed he was asleep. He went into the bathroom to wash off the stench of stale food which clung to him and then he slipped into his nightwear.

As he closed in on his bed, aching for it for once, Slade stirred.

"Come here, boy."

Groaning silently Robin climbed up into the man's bed and was soon under the warm covers snug against Slade's muscled body. He was too tired for this. He was sure he was going to fall asleep during, and then he was in for a session with the riding crop for sure.

"How was your punishment?" Slade purred in his ear.

"Hmm?" Robin was already succumbing, unable to push away the blanket of sleepiness that had draped itself over him. He tried to focus on the question and think of an answer, though. "…hard… dirty… sweaty… long…"

Slade chuckled.

"That didn't sound like a punishment at all… that was you describing how you like it, wasn't it…?"

"Pfft…" was the only answer the man got.

"Tired, boy?"

"Mmmm… 'm sorry…" Robin sighed, snuggling even closer to the man. Then he spoke softly again "I'm just… goin'…rest… 'bit… 'kay? Just… minute… please…?"

Slade chuckled again.

"You go ahead and sleep, boy…"

Robin didn't hear him, he already was…

Robin's eyes opened slowly. It was morning, and judging by the light it was rather later then he usually was awoken. He was also still in Slade's bed. He had never woken up in it before, always getting kicked out before falling asleep. Robin turned his head. He had already felt Slade's body against his and suspected that the man was awake. In a short instant, as their eyes met, Robin didn't have any guards up yet and smiled at the man.

"Good morning, Master…" he mumbled.

"Good morning, boy." Slade purred back, running his hand over Robin's stomach under his t-shirt. Robin was suddenly reminded of the night before.

"Oh… I fell asleep… I'm sorry…"

"Make it up to me, Robin…" Slade whispered and the boy gasped at hearing his name. Turning towards the man he sure did try his hardest.

Robin wouldn't have minded falling asleep again afterwards, but Slade insisted that they showered and got dressed. Robin was only handed a pair of boxers and a robe, though, and quirked an eyebrow at Slade but didn't question him any more than that. He was still walking on tip-toes around the man, well not literary, that would have looked stupid, but he was wary. Slade might, after all, decide that a night doing dishes wasn't punishment enough.

Slade's phone beeped again.

"Yes? Good. Send them up."

Robin drew the robe tighter around himself. There were people coming?

"Two men will be here any minute. There's no use in closing the robe, they will soon get it off you anyway. I will leave you in their… care… for a while. I hope it won't be too uncomfortable."

Robin froze and just stared at the man in shock.

"Master..? What are you…?"

Right then there was a knock on the door. Slade went to open and two men swept in, aiming directly for Robin.

"Oh, so this is the little paramour? Isn't he just lovely?" a gangly blond said, grasping Robin's chin and tilting his head this way and that.

"Oh, yes absolutely adorable!" Exclaimed a decisively shorter black-haired man and pulled Robin's dressing gown off in one sweep.

"And look at that body!"

Robin was close to panic now and turned begging eyes towards Slade.

"Master! Please..!"

Something cold pulled against his chest and he looked down, thinking he was being tied up. What he saw was a measuring tape. He blinked. Hearing Slade laugh at his expression he looked up at the man and dared to give him a deadly stare for once.

"This is Hans and Roberto. They will make sure you have a suitable wardrobe, boy. What do you say?"

"Thank. You. Master." Robin hissed, jumping slightly as the two men's hands started to grope him just about everywhere, measuring him, presumably, for clothes. An hour later Robin started to feel that he would rather wash pots again then to be exposed to this ever again. After the basic measurements had been taken the men had brought up whole crates of clothes, fabrics and other materials and were discussing how to dress the boy over his head. Actually they never stopped talking.

"How is Mr. Wilson in bed? You simply must tell us!" one of them had said barely a second after Slade had left the room.

"Demanding" Robin had growled, getting squeals of delight as a reply.

"Oh, you are so lucky, young man! You must tell us more!"

Robin had desperately tried not to tell them anything, but they simply used his few words or silences to spin there own tales around.

"There! Isn't that grand?!"

Robin looked at himself in the large mirrors the man had brought and groaned. There was leather. And chains. And feathers. And silk. And lace. And enough zippers for a department store. At that instant the door opened and Slade walked in.

"So, how are we doi-"

It wasn't often Slade was unable to continue, but this was one of those moments. Robin shot him a glance that clearly said 'you have to be kidding me?!' And the man almost put a hand over his mouth, hiding a grin.

"Gentlemen… I think I have some questions about this…"

The designers immediately started ranting about how they had aimed for promiscuity and virginity, daring and shyness and- Slade raised a hand.

"I appreciate the effort, You have made good progress, but surely this-" he gestured to the things Robin wore that the designer called a creation and everyone else would call garbage "is but a melting pot of good ideas. Now your aim, I'm sure, is to peel the layers back. Simplify. Perfect. Am I correct?"

The men gave each other a look and immediately pretended that yes, that was their idea from the start. The things Robin wore now were just them, checking what materials suited him and so on.

"I thought so… As we discussed, he will needs formal wear too, but in all clothes, please remember the collar. And gentlemen? I prefer masculine styles. Loose the feathers. Ask the boy too, once in a while, I'm sure he knows what I like…" Slade smirked at Robin and left the room again.

This time things went much better. Robin still winced at the prospect of showing himself in some of these outfits, but most clothes, complete or just sketches Hans jutted down, seemed more or less normal. He was dressed head too foot and the men was adamant when it came to underwear. 'Satin silk or nothing' seemed to be their motto.

As Slade reappeared again, the men ushered Robin into the dressing room, excitingly telling him to pick something out to show the man. As Robin opened the door again Slade was standing with the designers looking at the sketches and discussing the formal wear they were to tailor for the boy.

"I like these lines, just make sure the collar is visible. I know it might be a challenge, but I'm sure you-" Slade looked up and for the second time that day he found himself speechless.

Robin had chosen a pair of snug leather pants that was cut as low as was decently possible and then some. They were open at the sides, all down the outer seams, and laced up roughly with leather cords. The top was blood red with small black splotches here and there. The fabric was roughly torn and only went just below his nipples, leaving his whole midriff bare. Around his slim waist Robin wore something that he had embarrassingly enough found quite sexy: several layer of chain, hugging his body from just above the bellybutton to the loosest chains that hung down over the waistband of the pants. Matching chains ran up his lower arms, and there was a set for his ankles too, but since he opted to wear long pants he had left those off for now.

Robin looked rather shyly up at Slade, who, after the initial blackout, now was grinning like a wolf. The man reached out for him, grabbed on to the chains around his waist and drew him in close.

"Slave…" he purred before his lips claimed Robin's, and for once Robin felt a tingle of pleasure at the word. More than a tingle, in fact.

The designers were, rather rudely, pointed to the door, but seemed only to mind missing the show. Slade quickly got Robin out of the pants and more or less threw him down on his knees in one of the armchairs, facing the back of the chair. He didn't give the boy much warning or preparation this time before he rammed into him and Robin gasped as he grabbed the back of the chair tightly, almost leaning over it. Holding onto the chains Slade thrust into the boy hard and fast, pushing him higher up until he was, in fact, more or less hanging helplessly over the padded back. Robin couldn't help but to glance backwards and smirk naughtily.

"Master? Do… I… know… uhhn… what … you… like, or what..?"

Slade agreed by thrusting even harder. It was a wonder the chair held.

Both spent for the moment, they had collapsed into the chair. Robin had curled up in Slade's arms again, feeling strangely safe and at peace.

"So how was the day with the fabulous tailors?" Slade smirked.

"Torture, mostly. But better than I first thought, Master." Robin remembered that morning. "I thought you were going to… give me away…" he shuddered, only a hint of whimper in his voice.

"Never. You are only mine." Slade reassured him and kissed his neck hungrily.

"Good to know, Master." Robin sighed and then his half closed eyes flew open. He looked up at Slade in alarm. He had meant those words. He had meant them, and Slade knew it. "I… I didn't mean…" he started to object, trying to tell the man he really did not prefer to be his. Not at all.

"Oh, hush…" Slade grinned triumphantly and kissed the lips that had now begun to pout.

Robin laid awake long into the night, tossing and turning in his smallish basket-like bed. Hell, it was a basket, who was he kidding? What was happening to him? He had risked everything sneaking out yesterday and he hadn't come up with one single clue! All right so the result had been good, he guessed. Being allowed to accompany Slade must eventually lead to him being able to figure out where he was. Someone would surely slip up! So… that was good… the bad thing, the really bad thing, was that he wasn't too sure it really was just the plant playing tricks on his mind any more… his blasted heart actually sped up when Slade looked at him… and not in a scared way. Well. Not in only in a scared way. God, he was so screwed…

Yes you are. Well and truly… the snide and Robin suspected, rather slutty, voice inside him snickered. With these agonizing thoughts running through his head he sighed for the hundredth's time and turned over again. He kept this up until Slade's dry voice told him that if he couldn't sleep he could drag his ass up in bed and make himself useful instead. So he did.

Slade didn't seem to think he was ready to follow him quite yet and the next few days Robin spent mainly with Wintergreen, learning how to prepare and serve drinks, food and snacks. Robin discovered that there was a whole science of etiquette behind it all, but he had the advantage of growing up watching Alfred, so it all came quite easily to him. Slade also spent more time with him, teaching him the different roles he would have. At some meetings he would simply be a servant, at some Slade's personal slave… it all depended on the clients or associates Slade was meeting at the moment.

"Wake up."

Ahhh… Slade's lovely, kind words really make you want to jump out of bed in joy… Robin thought sourly, but at least he wasn't kicked awake. He got up quickly, stretching on his way to the shower. There would be no training today as Slade had an early meeting and had finally decided it was time to give his young slave a chance to prove himself.

Slade had picked the same outfit Robin had chosen, for the boy to wear today, but instead of the leather pants he was to wear a pair of tight black jeans, just as low cut as the leather ones, though. The chains were there too, naturally.

"Ready?" Slade wanted to know, and Robin pulled the brush through his hair one last time. Slade liked his hair soft and product-free, framing his face in soft tousled locks.

"Yes Master." Robin walked up to Slade by the door.

"Forgot anything?" Slade looked at him, head tilted to the side. Robin looked back, puzzled, until the man pointed towards the bedroom.

"Get you leash, boy."

Robin quickly retrieved the long leather leash that hung on a hook by his bed, and handed it over to Slade.

"I'm sorry I forgot, Master. Must be nerves…"

Slade secured the lead to the ring in Robin's collar and patted his head.

"Just don't forget again."

"No, Master."

They were back in full Master-Slade mode, but Robin rather preferred it that way if they were to face strangers. Having a well defined part made it easier to play it.

Robin, walking one step behind his Master glanced up at him. He was in full uniform and Robin had almost forgotten how impressi- he meant how intimidating he looked in it. The mask was on too, but Robin knew that as soon as they entered the room where the meeting was to take place he would remove it. It was part of the show. The man they were going to meet was a lower business partner only recently becoming important enough for Slade to handle personally. Showing the man his face would make him feel important and if he was impressed he might sign the contract Slade wanted him to sign. Robin was quite surprised at the amount of manipulation that went on in Slade's world. He had more or less thought the man held a gun to people's heads until they did what he wanted. But that would be to underestimate the master of manipulation. Robin also suspected he actually enjoyed the game.

Robin noticed that they were heading for the small meeting room again. He swallowed. He had been in there after that meeting, with Wintergreen, getting accustomed to the drink cabinet. But it still made his skin crawl.

As they approached the door Robin hurried ahead to open it, stepping through and holding it open for his Master. Good thing it was a long leash.

The man inside got up, slightly huffing, from his chair and, with a curious and rather slimy glance at Robin he extended his hand towards Slade.

Robin again found himself fighting a prejudiced voice in his head. The man was dressed like a cartoon Texan… you know… the short and fat ones… cowboy hat and everything.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir."

"Likewise. I have been looking forward to this meeting." Slade answered gracefully, sounding honest enough.

Robin almost dropped his jaw. The man might be dressed like a Texan but he had a Russian accent! What the heck? Robin glanced at Slade again. The man had taken off his mask before greeting the man and he shot Robin a warning glance. Don't you dare laugh! Robin quickly lowered his eyes and tried to get the corners of his mouth to stop twitching. The man seemed suitably pleased about Slade 'trusting' him enough to show his face, and beamed up at the man confidently. Then he let his eyes slide back to Robin. Or rather, over Robin.

"I guess this is your consort, then?"

"Yes Mr. Boklov. The boy will see to it that we are comfortable." Slade said and unclasped Robin's leash. That was the boys signal to start working.

"May I get you something, Sir?" Robin asked the guest who, unbidden, had sat down in one of the low comfy chairs again. The Texan/Russian leered at him.

"I wouldn't mind a whisky on the rocks and a blowjob, boy."

If Slade hadn't prepared Robin for these kinds of situations it was possible he would have been out the door by now. But Robin knew what to do. He turned to Slade, his eyebrows raised questionably.

"Master?"

"Get the man his drink, boy."

"Yes Master. Can I get you anything?"

"The usual"

Robin walked to the cabinet, selecting a rather cheap whisky since this wasn't a really important visitor and Robin didn't think he would be able to tell anyway. He listened as Slade continued to talk to the man.

"I apologize, but the boy is new and I don't like to share him with anyone… just yet…" Slade told the man, leaving the possibility open. Robin knew this was a game too, but he couldn't help but shiver.

"I understand. Had I known you had a toy I would have brought one of my own. I have a new girl, barely fourteen. Very pretty. Maybe I can bring her next time and we can… switch?"

"Lovely idea, Mr. Boklov, I'll think about it."

The hell you will…

"There you go, Sir." Robin handed the man his drink and quickly returned to get Slade his glass of water with ice and a twist of lemon. Robin moved with all the grace his acrobatic body could muster, and he knew not only Mr. Boklov was looking. He found himself rather enjoying it, but only because he knew that he was entirely safe from the man. The Russian that is. Speaking about the other one… Robin, having finished his task, walked up to his master and elegantly sank down to sit beside his chair. Slade's hand came to rest on his head, petting him like the cat-creature he resembled. Robin closed his eyes, leaned against the man's thigh and almost purred. He didn't mind acting when the scene was this good…

"Now, Mr. Boklow. To business. I have heard you are looking to sell your shipping company?"

"Oh, well… I am loathed to part with it to tell you the truth…" the man sighed theatrically and Robin almost groaned. There were dollar signs in his eyes, damn it! And he tried to play uninterested… oh, well, Slade saw through that charade as easily as Robin did.

The men continued discussing the world of shipping for over two hours. Robin got up now and then to refill the glasses, noticing that as soon as he moved the Russians arguments faltered and he more or less nodded along with Slade while his eyes were glued to the boy. Robin enjoyed himself immensely, pretending to rearrange and dust off some bottles in the bar cabinet, from the lowest shelf that he had to bend down to reach to the highest where he practically had to stand on tip-toe, stretching, to get to the bottles. Then there was a soft knock on the door and Robin sauntered over to open it. It was Wintergreen with a light snack of cucumber and carrot sticks. Robin grinned. He knew light snacks like this, served late in a meeting, were for people who took too long. Get them hungry and they might agree to your terms sooner. And nothing would get people thinking about a real meal faster than a few sticks of vegetables and a thin dip.

Robin took the tray and approached the two men. They had a contract between them now, even a pen, but the Russian had proved rather hard headed. Right now he was watching Robin, though, trying not to drool. The boy got an idea about how to finally end this meeting. He went to the side off the man's chair, kneeled and held out the tray.

"May I offer you something to... nibble on, Sir?"

"To tell you the truth boy, I'm not a great fan of rabbit-food…" the man leered.

"Oh, but Sir… these are delicious… and you know how much fun rabbits have, don't you…?"

The man laughed.

"Does your Master feed you that stuff?"

"My master feeds me very well… He always leaves me… satisfied." Robin smiled sweetly. "If I may…?" he gestured at the food and after getting a nod he put the tray down on the table, picked up a long slice of cucumber and soaked it generously in the slightly too runny dip. As he brought it to his lips the white liquid started to drip and Robin quickly tilted his head back and brought the snack over his lips. Several drops of dip hit his lips before he opened his mouth and caught the drops on his tongue instead. He looked up at the man with pleasure in his eyes and started to lick the cucumber clean.

"Mmm… I'm sorry about my table manners, sir… but the sauce is my favorite… I would have it all the time if my Master let me…" Robin continued to nibble on the snack, letting it slide in and out of his mouth. As he dipped it in the bowl again, Slade made a move.

"I see your point, - I do too… the darker side of Robin smirked, glancing between the Russians fat legs - and if you are not willing to sell, I am sorry to have wasted your time. I was hoping the contract would be signed by now so we could spend the afternoon discussing more… pleasurable… things, but as it is, I guess it's time for us to part."

The man signed the paper without even taking his eyes off the boy.

Soon after, Slade had ushered a disappointed Mr. Boklow out the door with the faint promise of new meetings. The man then turned to the boy, folding his arms.

"You enjoyed that." it wasn't a question.

Robin blushed slightly but couldn't hold back a grin.

Slade shook his head at him which made Robin frown and come up close to the man.

"Wasn't I any good?" he asked innocently.

"You were a little too good, boy…"

"But I got you what you wanted… didn't I?"

"You almost got him what he wanted too…"

Robin gasped.

"Master!"

"I just meant that you got me so distracted I almost offered the man double the amount of what his business is worth."

"But now you bought it for…?"

"Half." the man grinned. Robin grinned back.

Slade's hand touched the boy's chin, tilting his head slightly to the side.

"You still have some dip on your chin…" he man bent down and kissed it off. Robin sighed and tilted his head back so their lips met. Teasing the Russian had actually gotten him hot. Disturbing but true.

"Sorry, boy, no time to play. Clean up here, take the dishes down to the kitchen and meet me in the bedroom. We need to change before the next meeting."

"Yes Master." Robin said and almost succeeded hiding the disappointment in his voice. Almost.

The afternoon meeting was completely different and Robin was properly dressed in a white shirt and black trousers. The only difference between his clothes and Wintergreen's was that all of Robin's shirts lacked collars, instead showing off the one around his throat. This time he was no more than an attentive and effective waiter, doing that job equally well.

The next day held a rather nasty surprise for Robin. He was again dressed in his 'slave-wear' but this time Slade held something out to him before they entered the room. Robin looked at it, not really understanding what it was.

"Put it on." Slade ordered.

"But… but… a mask?" Robin took the black material, discovering that it wasn't just a mask, it was shaped just like a real 'Robin-mask'.

"Yes. You know the man in here, and you don't want him to discover your identity, do you?"

Robin shook his head and quickly put the mask on, looking up at Slade, who grinned and made sure it was on straight. The man then put his own mask on, and, this time, it would not come off.

Robin almost gasped as he opened the door to let Slade in. Standing by the window was Brother Blood.

"Blood. A long way from Steel City. What brings you here?"

"Ahh… just a friendly visit. I heard a lovely little rumor and as I was in the neighborhood, I just had to see if it was true for myself. And I see it is…" the villain smirked as his eyes fell on Robin, taking it all in. "Robin…" he nodded.

"Sir." Robin nodded back, no emotion showing on his face. As Slade undid the leash the boy immediately moved towards their tall thin guest who almost looked scared for a moment.

"May I get you something to drink, Sir?" the boy surprised the man by asking. Brother Blood found his bearings quickly though.

"A Martini, if you know how to make one." he chuckled, his eyes not yet finished with taking in Robin's appearance. "How is that collar, boy? Tight?" he smirked.

"It's just perfect." Robin actually smiled a little. "Would you like a regular Martini or do you prefer a Vodka Martini, Sir?" he was not going to let Blood have the pleasure of seeing him suffer… no… the other way around was better…

"Dry Martini. No olive." the man found himself replying without taking another cheap shot at the boy.

"Yes Sir. Master? May I get anything for you?"

"No thank you, boy."

Not that Slade could drink anything in his mask, anyway… Robin reminded himself, wanting to slap his forehead. He hurriedly reached for the gin and dry vermouth to mix the drink and then served it in a classic Martini-glass.

After that he went to sit by his Masters side as usual, but cuddled up quite close to him and let a hand rest on his thigh alongside his head.

Blood frowned slightly and it was clear he had wanted to see a tortured and scared Robin, forced to obey Slade's every command, instead of this willing… companion. Slade's hand soon found the boy's hair, but even this Robin seemed to enjoy, sighing happily.

"Congratulations. I must say this is not what I had expected…"

"I guess you receive the devotion you deserve…" Slade chuckled behind his mask, and Robin barely repressed a chuckle of his own. It did come out in an amused snort, though.

"What is it boy, you don't agree with me?" Slade said amiably, as his grip on Robin's hair tightened and he pulled the boy's head back slightly so he was looking up at him.

"Of course I do, Master."
"Good boy."

"Some kind of mind-control? Or a drug?" the man asked, sipping his Martini and finding it to his liking. Another surprise.

"No. Just good training."

"Physical punishment?" the man's eyes gleamed for a moment.

"Some, I admit. But Robin here soon complied, and he has been very well behaved since then, haven't you, boy?"

"Thank you Master, I try." Robin smiled up at the man affectionately.

"You must fill me in on the details. I wouldn't mind one of my own. His teammate, for instance. Cyborg. Fine example. Any ideas on how to tame him?"

The hand on Slade's thigh tightened and the man knew that Robin had to hold himself back from going for Blood's throat. Slade's hand tightened a bit again, warning the boy to calm down. It seemed to work.

"I thought you already tried that and failed." Slade chuckled.

"Likewise." came the thin man's reply.

"Well… if you really want something…" Slade chuckled again, disarmingly.

"Right… Well, I didn't just come here to see your new pet, although he is lovely. I wanted to ask you a favor. I came to Europe to recruit some more H.I.V.E members but as I was here I found out about a nice little deal. And now I have a warehouse full of technology and no way to ship it back home. You don't happen to have any free storage?"

"I might. But free? No…" Robin could hear the smirk behind the mask. "I will go and tell Wintergreen to fetch the shipping schedule."

As Robin made to stand up, Slade gestured for him to stay. Robin wasn't too happy about that, but of course he didn't argue.

As soon as Slade closed the door behind him, Brother Blood reclined in his chair.

"So, Robin. Fancy meeting you here…"

"Yes, Sir." Robin said blankly.

"I was informed not to mention where we are, except that we are somewhere in Europe. That must mean that you have no idea where you are being held?"

"No Sir."

"Would you like to know?"

Robin's heart picked up speed. Was he finally…?

"Would you tell me, Sir?" he asked cautiously.

"Sure. I will stay the night. Just come by my room after Slade has fallen asleep and I tell you then."

"Why not now?" Robin looked nonplussed.

"Consider the information your… payment."

"You mean…? Go to hell, Blood."

The man laughed.

"Seems like you are already here…"

The door opened and Slade came in.

"Wintergreen will come by shortly. What have you two discussed?"

"Only Brother Blood's traveling plans. It looks like he has to leave rather immediately." Robin tried to sound regretful. "It seems that is the only way to stop some unwanted information to surface."

The man's eyes widened and he paled somewhat, realizing what kind of result their little talk might have if Robin should tell Slade.

"Yes, the boy is absolutely right. I have to make preparations."

"If you insist. Wintergreen will arrange the shipment if you speak to him before you leave."

"Thank you, most kind. Good bye!"

The man disappeared hurriedly from the room and Robin smirked. The smirk died as Slade towered above him, though.

"What information exactly?" he hissed. Robin decided Blood had enough of a head start.

"He offered to tell me where I am if I would visit his room tonight." the boy shrugged.

Slade was quiet for a while, and took off his mask.

"I'm surprised you didn't take him up on that offer…"

Robin furiously ripped of his own mask, wishing he had inflicted that slight pain on Slade.

"I might be many things, Master, but I'm not a whore! And what happened with 'I'm yours'?"

Well, I can't kill every man or woman who wants you, Robin. The planet would become rather empty..."

The boy snorted.

"I can, however, do this…" Slade continued and picked up his cell phone.

"Are you going to cancel the shipment? Robin wanted to know.

"Oh, no. But I am going to charge him double, and when the ship is out too sea… well… what can I say… Those damn pirates are really after technology nowadays… these things happen…"

Robin grinned.

Another week went by, but now the days passed quickly. Slade didn't have many meetings, most were held over satellite, but there were always someplace he needed to be. Inspecting the guards or grounds or getting reports from various staff members on everything from weaponry to financial affairs. Slade also spent hours training, something Robin didn't necessarily needed to be there for, but the boy had more or less accepted that he liked looking at the man and happily spent those hours watching.

They were in the guards training room at the moment, as Slade was about do a few fighting rounds with the black-belts of the outfit. Slade had disappeared to change and Robin had strolled over to a wall full of weapons and protective gear. His eyes had stuck on one of his own favorite weapons. The bo. He reached out and let his fingers trace the weapon. This was an old-fashioned 'real' bo-staff, made of wood. Rather thicker than what Robin's own had been, but titanium and wood didn't have the same qualities after all.

"Miss it, boy?"

Robin spun around like he had been caught doing something really bad.

He glanced back at the weapon before nodding.

"Yes, Master. I … I miss being a fighter…"

"This isn't enough for you?"

Robin's eyes stayed on the ground. "I… I guess it has to be, hasn't it?" the boy swallowed and hastily added "May I be excused? I… I didn't sleep so well last night and…"

"You may go."

"Thank you, Master."

Robin headed back to their room… or Slade's room. It wasn't really his after all. He was just kept there. He curled up in a chair. Noticing the bo and actually touching it, had brought back memories. He couldn't believe it only had been about two months since he had that life. It seemed like years. Some days he didn't even think about his old life. Some days it was like he was… happy here. What had happened? How could he loose focus like this? Sure, his ears still perked up when he thought he would hear something that might be a clue, but still there had been nothing. All he had heard was whining about how the castle where two hours drive from the closest airport, but what did that tell him? Nothing. Unexpectedly the door opened and Slade walked in. Robin quickly untangled himself from the chair and kneeled.

"Resume your seat. We need to talk."

Robin quietly did as he was told and curled up again. He had really wanted to be alone for a while, especially since he felt tears burning behind in his eyes. He blinked a couple of times, trying to get his emotions under control.

Slade sat down in the chair opposite Robin and sat silently watching the boy for a while.

"We need to talk." The man repeated "And you are allowed to speak freely. You will not be punished for anything you say or confess to. But you will speak, and speak the truth. Just try to refrain from throwing things." Slade added the last sentence with a small smirk, but he didn't get a grin back, Robin had taken a rigorous interest in his own nails, judging by the way he looked at his hands. Slade frowned slightly. This might not be pleasant. He silently took a deep breath.

"Tell me how you find your life here."

Robin looked up at him a bit surprised.

"I… I don't know."

Slade snorted.

"Nice reply, boy. Care to give me a real answer?"

"It's… it's better now, I guess…" The boy's curled up tighter "I know most of the rules so you don't have to punish me as often, and I'm not as nervous that I will do something wrong… and you don't leave me all alone anymore…"

"What is the worst thing about being here?"

"To be kept away from my family and friends." the answer came instantly.

"I suspected as much." as Robin looked up at the man with a question in his eyes, just a quick glace, the man continued. "You cry out for them in your sleep. Cursing me for taking you away from them."

The boy paled.

"I… I didn't know… I didn't mean too, Master!"

Slade waved a hand.

"It is only to be expected. You are young. Memories will fade."

Robin shook his head.

"No. I won't let them fade. They mean too much to me. I need them."

"Hmmm… well… more about that later. What is the best thing about being here?"

Robin blushed and looked down on his hands again. Slade had to clear his throat to remind the young man to answer.

"T-to be with you… when… when you hold me… and let me sleep in your bed… and sometimes when we talk…"

"Thank you Robin. Those are my favorite moments too…"

Robin didn't dare to look up on the man, but he heard the smile in his voice. Instead he continued. He might as well use this opportunity to speak freely after all.

"That's… that's what makes it so difficult… I don't want to be here, Slade! I want to be back home in Jump, fighting crime and protect the city… with my friends… and Bruce just a phone call away… and yet… I know that if I went back… I would miss you… not this place, not this-" Robin tugged at his collar "not even the food, may Sarah forgive me, but I would miss you. And that is so wrong!"

"What's so wrong about it?" Slade wanted to know.

"Are you kidding me? What's right about it?! I should hate you! God knows I have the right to! I know this, but it's like I don't… agree with myself…" Robin finished weakly, looking up at Slade now, pleadingly.

"I can make that better, you know…" the man told him. "You mentioned how you felt you needed your friends and your old family, but you keep having nightmares so the memories don't seem to do you any good. I can take the memories away. There are drugs…"

Robin flew out of the chair and put a good deal of distance between himself and Slade.

"No! You are not taking them away again! Do you hear me!?"

"Easy, boy. It was just a suggestion. But wouldn't it be nice just to settle down here, making this your new home?"

"You can't have a home without love!" Robin snarled and ran out the door.

Robin headed for the only one who had proved to have some heart in this place. Sarah. As soon as he reached the kitchen he threw himself into her arms and started crying uncontrollably. He hadn't cried since coming to this place…well… apparently he had in his sleep, but not much otherwise, but now he let everything out in the arms of a quite overwhelmed housekeeper.

"Dear boy… what is wrong…?"

It took a while before Robin could answer.

"He- he wants to take my family away again! He- wants to drug me! Make me forget them! He can't! Please tell him he can't!"

"You have a family, Robin?" Sarah honestly didn't know. Slade hadn't told her anything about the boy except his name. She had assumed that the man had picked the boy up off the street or from some gang… maybe even from the slave-trade. She had been impressed with the boy's manners, though. She should have suspected something...

"Y-hes… I… have a fa-father and I li-hived wi-hi-th my fr-h-iends… and then he to-took me a-a-way… I… I didn't want to go! He-he beat me… I…" The young boy had turned even younger in her arms, like he suddenly was half his age. What the boy said next made her eyes grow big.

"He… he is going to kill them… he can, and he will if I don't… don't behave… and… and if they try to find me he-he'll kill me… he brought a gun… he'll… he'll…"

"Slade is not going to kill you, Robin!"

"He- he is… he told Batman he would… told me too… on the plane…"

Sarah drew a sharp breath. Batman? And… and… Robin? Could it be? Yes… yes it was. This was very much like Slade too… why some street urchin when he could have the protégée of Batman himself? The leader of the Teen Titans… now she understood who these friends were.

"… dear boy…" she hugged him closer. Then a shadow appeared in the doorway and she looked up at Slade. The man almost recoiled at the fury and blame in her eyes.

"Slade…" Sarah managed to hiss the name nearly as well as Robin used to.

The boy gasped and turned around in her arms. Sarah was shocked as the boy, despite everything, immediately kneeled.

She was even more shocked at Slade's reaction. He took a few quick steps up to the kneeling boy and scooped him up in his arms, hugging him tightly. Sara suspected that he had heard most, if not everything, of what the boy said.

"Robin… Robin, listen to me…" the man purred in the boy's ear. "I won't drug you, not unless you ask me to."

"You- you promise…?" Robin's voice was so small and weak that he sounded like a lost kitten.

"I promise."

The boy's arms wrapped themselves tightly around the man's neck and he buried his face against his chest.

"Let's go back and talk about this…" Slade said softly and started to carry the boy back to the bedroom.

"I would like a word with you later, Mr. Wilson." Sarah said icily and Slade actually did twitch a bit this time, before nodding and disappearing behind the corner.

Robin had stopped sobbing when they reached the room and Slade put him down on the bed gently. He lay down himself and held the boy close to him.

"What am I going to do with you, Robin…?" He whispered softly. But he already knew what he had to do.

The boy walking towards them looked normal enough, dressed in jeans and a white shirt. The only thing slightly weird about his appearance was his mask. But it was that single thing that made them recognize him.

"Rob!"

"Friend!"

"Robin!"

"Dude!"

If Robin thought a hug from Starfire was agony he now knew that a hug from his whole team at the same time was worse… or better, he guessed, grinning like mad.

"What happened, man?"

"You were successful in escaping, yes?"

"Are you hurt?"

"Dude?!"

Robin gestured for them to stop and simply said: "He let me go."

"What?"

"He did release you?"

"Really?"

"Dude!"

"Yes…" Robin smiled. "I'm home…"

A week later a small package arrived for him. He had not been let out of sight from either his friends, nor Bruce and Alfred who had flown to Jump as soon as Robin called them, but now he finally had a few seconds of peace and quiet. He opened the parcel in the kitchen and discovered a small cell-phone-shaped communicator. There was a note attached.

"If you ever long for my voice as I long for yours… /S." there was a number at the bottom.

"Hey! You got a present!? What is it?"

BB had appeared followed by the others close behind. Robin closed his hand, hiding the phone, but Beast Boy had more important things on his mind.

"We have ordered pizza!"

"Wanna watch a movie?"

"I was wondering if you would like to go over some case files, maybe you can figure out…"

"Do you want to meditate with me?"

"May I get you something to eat, Master Robin?"

"Please, I would very much like to cook a special…"

Robin shook his head.

"If you don't mind, guys, I need some shut-eye…"

"Sure."

"'Kay"

"It's probably for the best."

-nod-

"Excellent idea."

"…?… you need shut eyes? I have some garloog eyes in a jar…?"

Robin laughed and walked down the hall leading to his room. His thumb was already dialing the number.

THE END (Finally…)

A/N: Phew! Yeah, I know the ending was kind of sudden and unexpected, but hey! This might have gone on for YEARS and I have to save SOME of the plot-bunnies for other stories, right? I hope you all at least found SOMETHING you enjoyed in this jumble of styles and ideas… I enjoyed writing it anyway, and consider it more or less an experiment…

One question: Mega-drabbles or chapters? I could have split this up… would that make it easier/better? Or is mega-drabbles once in a while ok? I rather do original stories as chapter-stories you see, and keep "what ifs" in this collection…. but what do you think?

What's next then? I know I have promised red/robin and it will come, but I got one idea today which I just have to write first… and it's BAD. VERY BAD. But I HAVE to. You will hate me, but there will be severe warnings in the beginning… as you might have suspected it's a crack-fic… -twitches at how low it is- It's only done in my head yet… I'll try to download it from my brain soon…