"Raven? We need to talk," Slade said seriously, walking into the study. Raven peaked her eyes over the book that she was reading, so you could only the see from the bridge of her nose and up.
"Oh, we do? About what?" she asked, curiously.
"About Richard."
"What did you find out?" she said, closing her book rapidly, sitting uneasy in the chair.
"I found out that he's going to dinner, this Thursday."
"That's useless for us, it's Wednesday night."
"Either we leave now, or he dies tomorrow. Your choice," Slade said bluntly.
"I want him to live, Slade!" Raven cried.
"Of course you do. Pack your things; we need to be at the airport within two hours."
"But—"
"My dear, I am a vigilante; I have my ways of transportation." He left and quickly as he came, and Raven quickly followed him out of the doorway to pack only what she needed for the trip. She didn't question him about how much to bring, or for how long they will be gone, but just packed as if she was a fugitive.
"Do you have a rather elegant dress for tomorrow night's dinner?" Slade asked.
"Which one should I bring? Do you want something more gown like, or simple?" she asked heading for the closet.
"The one that looks the least suspicious."
"What exactly are we—"
"Finish packing and be at the front door in five," Slade said, interrupting her, exiting the room.
"I forgot how neurotic he was," Raven whispered quietly.
-xXx
"I promise you he will be finished by the end of the week," Slade said while getting up.
"Oh, I forgot to mention something. We sent someone else to get him. Because we thought you forgot. And if he sees you there, he will kill you too," Vince glared.
"We'll see about that."
The conversation reverberated in his thoughts as he stared blankly at the computer screen. How was he going to get a person from a restaurant setting, into an alley to kill him? And in a way that was most discrete? The task seemed rather impossible, but he would find a way.
"I'm ready. You said be ready in five minutes, and you are on the computer! How--"
"Just give your things to Wintergreen. He will--"
"Slade, Wintergreen is dead," Raven said softly with a concerned facial expression, "what's wrong?"
"Nothing. I guess I just forgot, that's all."
"You don't forget about a friend's death. Something is troubling you."
"I'll be there in a minute."
"Don't try and allude me! Tell me what is going on!"
"I will tell you in the car, I promise." Raven sighed heavily. She knew something was up, and she also knew he was stubborn enough not to tell her. So she struggled with the suitcase, and walked by the room. Little did she know, that he didn't want her coming in the room, nevertheless him standing up, because clutched in his hand was a freshly polished handgun. The handgun was a small fright to what was in the rather large case under the desk, with a wide variety of sharpshooters. Placing the gun in it's proper place, he closed the lid and clipped it closed. Lugging the large, with other luggage, he made his way towards the front door. Barely getting through the frame by mere millimeters. He shoved the cases in the trunk, and slammed it shut. He opened the front door of the highly expensive, and rather luxurious, car, and got in.
"The luggage is quite cumbersome?" Raven asked with a smile.
"I didn't notice," he said, putting the car in drive, and pressing on the gas pedal so that the car sped down the road at an unsafe speed. Feeling the jolt of the rapid acceleration, Raven pleaded for him to slow down, the normal plea from a front seat passenger. He only sped up faster, at the cry.
"What the hell are you doing!" Raven shrieked. Slade pressed the break down, and the car stopped perfectly right behind the white line of the four-way intersection.
"You are so lucky that--"
"There is no such thing as luck. It's all skill," he said conceitedly.
"Oh, shut up. Now tell me what is bothering you," Raven said, partially demanding an answer.
"Things have gotten more complicated."
"What do you mean?" The car moved onward as Raven's question was asked.
"I mean that it is more complicated now." Raven rolled her eyes in frustration.
"How so?"
"Some else is after him. Someone good. The best of the best, Rae. The next couple days aren't going to be a tea party," Slade explained.
"But you are the best. Right?" Raven asked, her voice quivering.
"Times change, Raven. There is always someone better than you."
"Don't say that, Slade. You have to save Richard," she pleaded.
"I will do what I can," he said back, his voice strained.
"And you can save him!"
"Right."
"Slade, you aren't being very convincing…."
"Alright then. I will gallantly save your friend, and bring him back to you in one piece, okay? A promise is a promise. We've been together for a long time, and I haven't broken one yet, have I?" he asked, his voice raised.
"No…."
"Then shut up! You are making it worse by pestering me. I take my work seriously, and I don't need you to annoy me about what I do best!" Slade yelled, furiously. Raven was astounded at his anger. He had never yelled at her like that in a long time, and it made her uneasy. With not knowing how to respond to him, she looked out the car window with hurt eyes. The car ride to the airport was filled with silence, and only the humming of the engine was heard.
At the private airport, a plane was waiting. The two grabbed their things, and handed them to two men who placed their things in storage. The two boarded the plane, and in ten minutes, the plane was off the ground and climbing steadily.
"I'm sorry, Rae," Slade said apologetically.
"You surprised me. I've never seen you so…lost," she looked him in the eye with concern.
"Instead of killing someone, I'm saving him. It's a new experience. And a failure is out of the question."
"I know it's a lot of pressure, but I can help."
"No, you can't. Promise me, you will not use your powers. I've been around Jump City a couple of times. It's alleyways are darker, and it's people altogether are Titan haters."
"Why…we used to protect the city…."
"You disappeared. Their heroes fell off the face of the earth."
"So--"
"If you
reveal your identity as a Titan…things could turn for the
worst."
"But I want to help you. I can turn the other cheek
with the crazy crowd."
"Raven, I can't die. What's the worst thing he can do to me?" Slade said with a pompous tone.
-xXx
"I like what you did with the place," Raven said, commenting on the dust. She dropped her bag, and a layer of dust jumped up at the impact.
"It's been awhile since it's been in use. But we aren't here for its wondrous technology," Slade turning on another bank of lights.
"So, is there a living space in this warehouse?" Raven sighed, ready for a good night sleep.
"Yes."
"You still remember how to get around?"
"I'm not senile my dear."
"That's what I love about you…you will never forget anything about me."
"Even if I did get old, how could I forget about you?" Slade asked, rounding a corner.
"If you really wanted to you could."
"And I don't."
"Good," Raven said with a smile.
"Did you know, that this is the place I first thought of capturing a Titan?" Slade asked.
"No, so I presume it has some sentimental value to you?"
"It lead me straight to you. So I guess it's got a value."
"Oh shut up, with your mushy lines. They get old," Raven sighed.
"Not as old as some of the crap in here," Slade said, wrinkly his nose at the smell emanating from the kitchen.
"That's disgusting," Raven gagged. The two passed the kitchen and made their way to the bedroom. Raven flung her suitcase on the bed, and collapsed on the bed.
"We have reservations at six. So that gives us a few hours to kill. I figure--"
"How about we just relax?"
"How can you relax when we have to plan to go save your stupid asinine friend? Who, may I mention, assisted in the murder of our daughter?" Slade questioned.
"This empty bed has just got me thinking," Raven said seductively, tracing her finger around on the comforter, "that's all."
"I really don't think that I'm in the mood for --"
"Sex? Tsk tsk, Slade. And I was only thinking of cuddling."
"Really?"
"Does it look like I'm kidding?"
"It looks like you are lying."
"Oh, the harshness of the accusation. It's killing me!" Raven cried, "why won't you agree to a simple…bonding moment?"
"Rae, we have to take this seriously," Slade said turning his back towards her, to ready his things for later tonight.
"Fine, but are you sure you don't want just a little fun?" Raven asked tapping him on the shoulder.
"I'm…--" Raven stood in bra, and her pants unzipped and loosely hung to her curvaceous hips.
"Speechless? Now do me a favor, and take my breath away," she said, lightly kissing his lips. Slade couldn't resist the call of lust from her, and brought down his guard. The kiss became deeper, more passionate. The rush of happiness coursed through their bodies, closer uniting them. Slade proceeded to take of his shirt, and Raven felt every muscle, and every battle wound that left a mark, with her lips. Raven undid her bra strap as he zealously kissed her neck. She sat down on the bed and with her hands on his shoulders, pulled him in close. She whispered, "Don't love me quietly… do it with intensity." And that's exactly how the rest of the scene played out. They both hungrily groped for each other, like never before. The feelings were more intense then their first time, and the hype was most pleasurable. Like two untamed animals, they displayed their feelings for one another. The peak of the passion had grown, so big and so deep, and the climax was heading downward. The two breathed heavily, as they separated. Raven sighed deeply, and lay there motionless.
"Now, did that take your breath away?" Slade asked, panting.
"I can barely breathe," she said through sharp inhales, with a playful smile. Raven turned on her side, her bare back facing toward him, and closed her eyes.
"Are you okay?" Slade asked, finding the position rather offensive.
"I'm…I'm fine," she muttered, "I need to get ready." Raven rolled out of bed, and grabbed her clothes and headed towards the bathroom. Her warm feet slapped against the cool cement as she picked up speed toward her destination. Once she was in the bathroom, she slammed the door shut, and collapsed on the floor crying, trying to keep her sobs down so Slade would not hear.
The dreams she would have turned to dark nightmares, and it was always the same scenario every night. The piercing screams of a woman, a pool of blood knee deep. There was always a man, in her nightmares, radiant…but he was distant, and he could never be touched or talked to. He was just there. The point of view, was always shaky and intense. It all felt so real, and she missed the dreams of "cloud 9", a paradise compared to her horrific nightmares. But what scared her even more, was that her dreams usually had some parallel to what was to come. And all she could think about was death. And since Slade can't die….
Raven turned on the shower, and continued to sob heavily. Once the ice cold water turned warm, she got in, and rub her face while the water caressed and slightly stung her face. Her mind wandered off into the realm of what might happen tonight. So many things could go wrong, and only one person can make it right. It flustered her that Slade would not let her help, especially when she was apart of the team that could not defeat him. But she hadn't used her power in so long, and didn't know what would happen if she suddenly used it with vigor.
Done with her shower, she stepped out and grabbed a towel, and wrapped it tightly around her body. She looked at the clothes she brought in, but they were not the dress that she would wear tonight. Raven exited the bathroom, and found her suitcase, but found Slade nowhere in site. She figured he was looking around the place he left behind. With dress and tights in hand, she made her way back to the bathroom. She shut the door gently behind her, and turned to face a figure.
"You are not fine," he abruptly said, making Raven scream with fright.
"Why do you say that?" Raven asked, tying the towel around her waste, exposing her breasts so she could put a bra on.
"Because your eyes are red, and your face is disgruntled because of heavy thought. Something is troubling you."
"You are mistaken, because I am fine. I'm just a little upset about tonight. I'm nervous."
"It's more than that, Raven."
"Slade! Why are you up my butt about this?" Raven cried.
"You have known about this for quiet some time, and you are accepting of it," Slade explained.
"What are you saying? That I'm okay with this situation?"
"No--"
"Then just leave me alone."
"So, you seduce me, run off as if you were upset about seducing me, and now you are telling me to go away? What happened in those seconds that changed your mindset?"
"Leave me alone!" Raven cried, using her power to push him away.
"Rae, I jut want to help…."
"I need to get ready. I just need time to think and prepare myself for the worst tonight. Leave."
Slade followed the command, and thought to himself, 'Must be another 'time of the month'.'
-xXx
The limo rolled up to the restaurant, and stopped directly in front of it. The driver opened the door, and out stepped a young woman. She walked out on the sidewalk, and a man came out of the limo next. The man was none other than Richard Grayson. He took her arm and escorted her into the restaurant. They came to the front desk, and a short bald headed man asked what he could do for them.
"The Grayson party of two has arrived," Richard stated with poise.
"Ah, good. Mr. Grayson, right this way," the man said, escorting them to their seats.
"This is to much, Richard," the young woman said, seeing the amount of money in this place, "to much for just a little date."
"It's no problem, really. Just enjoy," he said with a smile, pulling out the chair so she could take a seat. She sat down, and a menu was handed to her, and Richard sat down quickly after her, taking a menu from the man.
"Enjoy," he said with a jolly smile.
"Look at these prices! I really feel--"
"It's on me, Sanaa."
"Fine. But I will pay you back later. This is way to nice," Sanaa sighed.
"I'll be happy to accept." Sanaa giggled softly, and it sounded rather flirtatious.
"Anyways, down to business."
"Of course. I love you--"
-xXx
"My hands are shaking," Raven said amazed, looking at her outstretched, shaking, hand.
"A bit nervous?" he asked, taking her hand into his own.
"Yes, and I am so cold," she answer shivering. The two rounded the corner and saw a limo with a woman getting out. They watched as the other man followed her out of the car.
"Is that…?" Raven gasped, while squinting, "oh my god! It is!"
"Shush!" Slade barked.
"Why should I be quiet, when my best friend's husband just waltzed into one of the most expensive restaurants, in Jump City?" Raven shrieked.
"Things aren't always--"
"So you are defending when he is doing wrong, and not when he was doing good?"
"I still hate him either way, my love. It's just that sometimes in the business--"
"The business of what? Cheating! Don't tell me you are talking from experience!"
"No!" Slade cried. He sighed and sagged his shoulders, it was useless trying to explain this on deaf ears. "Just act casually. I will talk to him. Besides, I need to get him out of there. Relax. Things always aren't as they seem." While Raven calmed herself down, the two entered the restaurant and reached the front desk.
"Wilson, party of two," Slade said abruptly.
"Certainly. Right this way, now," a bald headed man said, grabbing two menus. The two followed him, and Raven spotted Richard and the woman.
"She looks about half his age!" Raven said, her whispered voice stressed.
Slade pulled out the chair, and Raven sat down in it, and adjusted it so she was comfortable sitting at the table. When Slade sat down, the menus were distributed, and the man wished their dinner well.
"We will get drinks, and then I will go talk to him. Just don't be to upset. It's nothing, really."
"Why are you so relaxed?"
"Why are you so convinced he's cheating? No other woman could probably stand him anyways."
"Just go now. The sooner we get this done, the sooner this all will be over. I want to know--"
"Fine. I'll go talk to him," he said, rising from the table, rather casually.
-xXx
"You love him?" Slade asked, placing his hands on the table, leaning over.
"No! I was going to tell him…why should I tell you? Who are you?" Sanaa asked perplexed.
"Meet my friend, Mr. Wilson. He's a pleasant surprise," Richard said with a forced smile.
"I know this is business, my lady, but I need to talk to Richard in private."
"If it's about his job, I should be notified too."
"Well, its about his life. And his life is on the line tonight. Whatever you two did, you are pissing people off, and someone is out to get Richard. I know he's not as nimble as he used to be, so I am here to save his sorry ass."
"He still secretly--"
"What is his success rate, miss? It's getting slimmer each day he puts on the mask. I know this is an ego bruiser on your part, Rich, but today, and just today, you have to trust me. We need to leave."
"Do you know who this person is?"
"He's the best."
"I thought you were the best!" Richard cried.
"You're right, I was. But he's a huge threat. Now we can get out of her like calm people, or I will pull you out of this place myself."
"Is Raven here?" Richard asked.
"Yes, why?"
"Because she's sitting with another guy."
A/N: Cliffie! Thanks for the great reviews, guys! But fresh blood is always great to hear from! Enjoy!
