Gizmo had cursed like a drunken sailor for a solid hour before storming off to bed, but had ultimately decided to follow them to Titan tower the next afternoon without uttering a single word. He was still angry if his stomping and scowling were any indication, but it appeared that Jinx wasn't the only one dissatisfied with how life as a thief was going.

It was a peculiar feeling, strolling up to the T-shaped building, with an appointment and everything. Every fiber of her being screamed, "Run!", to the point where Jinx was almost amazed that she was able to maintain a forward momentum, but she knew she had to be strong. If she faltered then Gizmo for sure would bolt, and she figured Mammoth would be right behind him. It was times like these that made her wish that someone other than her was more suited to lead, but at the same time she knew that you just had to play with the hand you were dealt in life. 'Besides,' she grinned to herself, 'I rather like being in charge.'

As they approached the huge metal doors with no visible doorbell, she motioned for Mammoth to knock. Robin was the one to open the doors, but the rest of the team was right behind him.

"Hiya, guys!"

"Jinx." Robin spat out, apparently not any happier about the arrangement than she was. "I don't know what exactly you're planning, but whatever it is, it won't work."

"Well, considering my plan is locking away all those dirty, filthy, law-breaking types you seem to hate so much, I would think you would want us to succeed."

"The only reason you're here is because we were forced," his frown deepened, "to take on the role of your overseers. Apparently even whoever you tricked into believing you doesn't trust you."

"Or maybe they just got sick of paying you so much to sit around doing nothing. Can't blame 'em for trying to get their money's worth."

"As soon as I figure out what it is you're after, you'll be right back in jail where you belong."

Jinx rolled her eyes, getting sick of this stupid game. "Well, until that happens, why don't you quit your posturing and let us in."

Robin flung the door open with a huff and led them inside. The first room they entered was the living room, several times the size of what passed as the living room in the house where she was currently residing.

"Cruuuud." Gizmo walked trance-like toward the T.V., Mammoth closely in tow, a trail of drool following them both. "This thing is... massive."

"Yep," Cyborg beamed, glad that someone else could appreciate his baby, even if they were the enemy. "127 inches of pure, unadultered awesome. Custom spec'd, built just for us."

"An advance copy of 'Mega Monkeys XIV: God of Monkeys'? How did you...?"

Beast Boy bounded toward them, "That would be mine. One of the perks of being beloved by all." He puffed his chest out, toothy grin in place. "And just as awesome as it looked in the previews, by the way."

"But that's supposed to only be available for..." Gizmo squeaked, "GameStation 4?" The shiny console finally caught his eye. "You guys suck. Hardcore suck. That's not supposed to come out for another three months."

Mammoth was busy rifling through the game rack, as taken with the system as Gizmo. "'Super Smash Attack'? 'Weapons of Ultimate Destruction 4: Super Destroy'? 'Fluffy Bunny Bloodstorm'? Is there anything you guys don't got?"

"Well, 'Attack of the Superstrong Space Cretins', but-"

"Hah! I have that one. 'Course, I had to sneak into the developer's studio and steal a beta copy. Totally worth it." Gizmo smirked, glad to one-up them in something, at least.

"Dude! I will trade you anything for that. Aaaanyyyythiiiing." Beast Boy fell to his knees and began pleading, giving up any semblance of dignity.

"Hey! Don't drool on the shoes, SnotBoy."

Raven's voice suddenly cut through the conversation. "Guys, we're here for reason. Or are we just cavorting with enemies for fun now?"

Robin nodded. "Raven's right. We have a job to do."

"And by the way, Raven," Jinx sneered, "we aren't your enemies anymore. Well, at least not according to the JCPD. We're just plain old civilians now."

"Sure. Civilians. Civilians who just so happen to have spent the last four years stealing, destroying public and private property, breaking into places they don't belong, loitering-"

"Loitering?"

"-and generally being a nuisance. Not to mention whatever you were doing before you came to Jump City."

"So, what, you don't think people can change?"

"If it ever happens, maybe I'll revisit my view on it."

"Looky here, little Miss Emo-"

"Guys! Enough. Let's just get this over with." Robin sensed the situation escalating and tried to cool it down before they ended up in another show down.

After bit more prodding to get the more gamer-oriented of their group to the table, they got down to business.

"District Attorney Scalion said he gave you a run down of the basics: no illegal activity, regular drug testing, being available for missions when needed-"

Gizmo jumped onto the table, teeth barred. "That wasn't ever part of the bargain. This whole crap deal just keeps getting worse!"

"Don't worry," Robin glared, "I don't plan on calling on you any time soon. I'd rather not have someone with me who'd be more likely to shoot me in the back as to protect it."

Jinx slammed both hands onto the table, drawing all attention to herself. "For the last freakin' time, we're not your enemies. We're sure as hell not your friends, but this isn't some stupid scheme. You think any scheme would be worth this humiliation?" She sat back down. "Now, if you want to do your damn job and get us back on our way, let's just get this over with. If you're not going to take it seriously, then forget it. I've got more important things to do, like clipping my toenails or playing solitaire."

Nobody spoke for a few moments, until Cyborg broke the silence, his palms out in a placating gesture. "It's cool, chill. It's just... I mean, can you blame us? We fight you about a hundred times, then suddenly you show up on our doorstep sayin' how you're ready to flip sides. Why the change of heart?"

"Smash without jail."

"Huh?"

"What Mammoth means is we got a little sick of the whole criminal thing. Getting tossed in the slam, having all of our hard-stolen possessions confiscated, then having to break out of the can and find a new hideout... it's a pain."

"You want to become heroes out of... convenience?" Robin raised a brow. Raven crossed her arms and huffed.

"More bounty hunter than hero, really, but... uh... yeah?" Jinx finished lamely.

Gizmo mumbled, "I didn't want to do any of it," before he was cut off by a look from Jinx.

"Can you give us moment?" Robin stated more than asked, then motioned for the other Titans to follow him to the other side of the room.

"Alright guys, what do you think?"

"I dunno, Robin. Jinx seems like she means what she says. Mammoth is most likely to go with whatever he's told to do. And Gizmo is a little punk as usual, but if this was some sorta stunt he'd probably be playing his role a little better." Cyborg shrugged. "I say if they want to start helping put out fires rather than startin' 'em, then who are we to argue?"

"I'm sorta with Cyborg on this one, guys." Beast Boy smiled, somehow managing to show all teeth at once. "I'd take another ally over another enemy any day."

Raven spoke up next, "Allies who admit their only motivation is their own selfish desires? No thanks."

"Hmm... Star?"

"Well, while it is true that they have proven themselves to be very serving of their own selves, is it not also true that they have proven themselves to be resourceful when the need arises?" Starfire furrowed her brow. "While I am unsure of whether they will remain on their current path of righteousness, the thought of more Earth friends is a glorious one indeed, yes?"

"I'm all for helping out someone who really wants to change, but I just don't know. Raven, do you sense anything from them? Any vibe that they're lying."

"How could they not be lying?"

"So they are lying, then?"

Raven sighed, "No. I don't sense any deceit."

"I admit, I never would have expected this from them, but it's true: I don't want to throw away the chance at acquiring new allies. I don't plan on trusting them any time soon, but I don't want to just give up this opportunity."

Knowing she was outnumbered, Raven relented. "I've made my own feelings clear, but I'll go along with whatever the team decides."

"Alright. It's agreed. For the time being, we'll give them a chance to prove themselves." Seeing Raven's glower, he added, "One slip up, and they're gone. I promise you that."

The three criminals (FORMER criminals, Robin had to remind himself) seemed to be in the middle of their own hushed conversation which died down as soon as the Titans approached.

"Alright, guys... look." Robin turned to each of them in turn, stopping when his eyes fell on Jinx. "Sorry we jumped down your throats earlier. We'll try to be more... understanding. Let's all try to get along here, okay? But if you screw up-"

"You'll try to take us down. Yeah, yeah."

"Here, take these." Robin handed each of them a communicator. "If you need to reach us, or if we need to reach you, use these." As the three former-H.I.V. examined them, Robin continued.

"And, since we're going to be associates, we're having a barbeque this Saturday. It would be, uh, great if you could make it."

"We'll think about it."

"Great!" Robin repeated, forced smile firmly in place. "Anyways, let's finish up here..."