Disclaimer: Lalalala. I'm dreaming that I own Teen Titans. I'm dreaming that I own Teen Titans. I'm dreaming that I own... beep beep beep! Ah! That stupid alarm clock! It made me wake up and realize that I'm once again in reality and that I don't own Teen Titans.

Author's Note: Who else is happy that this chapter is finally up? 'Cause I am, big time. I really am. And my biggest apologies for it being soooooo late. I really didn't mean for it to be posted later then it normally would. I really didn't, but I was so busy and at one point I had writer's block. Once again, sorry. Think of it this way, now that that session of my writer's block is out of the way, I won't have another for a really, really long time (I think...and hope). Anyway, I like this chapter and its ending. I hope you will find it interesting as well. So without further delay, here's Chapter Eight!

What?

Chapter Eight

After a quick dinner, I didn't feel much like going back to work or going to bed. I barely slept at all, anyway. There was work that I had to get done, thefts to plan, and I had to keep planning redirections for the Titans. But I just couldn't bring myself to it. I had been working all day at that chair and after the first few hours, it can become extremely dull. Anyone who has a desk job would know what I'm talking about.

So instead, I went to my personal gym room. I looked around wondering whether or not to do a simulation. The nice thing about this room is that it is sound proof. If any explosion should sound, it would stay inside and not disturb the others. I originally had thought of Wintergreen when I had built the room that way, but at least now it benefits more then one person.

While I normally don't go out into the field, it never hurts to be on top of your game. I wouldn't bring Robin in here for a while. I already know that he was not experienced enough to handle even level one of the simulation program. I was about to press the simulation start button, but halted my motion. No. I did need sleep for some things.

I sighed. I went back out and walked down the hallways. I wanted so much to rub my temples, but I wasn't going to my room anytime soon. Sleep deprival is at times a curse and can get to one every now and then. And with Robin containing his anger towards me as he is now, one could never be too careful. He wouldn't see my face until I found him...loyal enough.

I stopped when I came to a shut door. I stared at it for a minute, not moving. 'No reason I can't check up on him, is there?' I slowly allowed the door to slide open. This time, light did fall in. I stepped inside. My eye widened when I noticed an empty bed that hadn't even been touched. 'He couldn't have gotten out now, could he?'

The room was still very shady. I glanced around the room to see the candle blown out, so I went over and lit it again. Once there was more light, I could see two towels that had been dropped carelessly onto the floor by the dresser. I didn't see Robin until I got to the corner. Lying against the dresser was Robin, curled up in a loose ball. I rolled my eye.

"You stubborn kid."

Turning back to the bed, I brought the sheets and covers back. Then I brought my attention back to the sleeping boy in front of me. I leaned over and carefully picked him up in the way one would hold a small child. I was surprised that he didn't wake up. I knew that normally he was a light sleeper. Yet, he didn't wake up or protest as I gave him the three second lift to his bed. He shook his head slightly, but I think it came from his conscious mind which was now probably in a sea of maybe even blissful dreams.

I gently laid his small frame on the bed and let his head rest on the pillow. I brought the sheets back over him. Robin squirmed a bit by giving off a slight kick, but soon stopped. His hair was spread across the pillow and he really looked quite -- calm. I was a bit surprised at this. Not even in Titans Tower does he sleep this well. (So what if I hack into their security systems and spy on them? It's practically my job.)

I tell myself to leave now, that I do need some rest on occasion, but I can't bring myself to do it. So instead, I take a seat on the side of the bed. Only a day and the kid amazes me more then ever. I don't know why. All he really did today was dinner and a little observation. Why should I be so impressed? There is no reason, but I am. I marvel at the fact that it was so easy to find him. Someone like this should be harder to find. One shouldn't be able to find one so...alike to them without a long search.

Still, I found him by looking in the paper and merely fighting him for less then ten minutes. How did I get lady luck on my side? Robin shook his head slightly and his hair found its way over his masked eyes. It almost was touching his nose which he twitched at the feel of his hair. I gave off a slight smile. It was actually a little cute. I gently pushed the hair out of his face and he relaxed again. His jet-black locks of hair were still damp and smelled of shampoo.

It's strangely soothing to watch him sleep. I'm not very used to being around kids myself. I was at one point, not much anymore. Either way, it doesn't really matter. I feel the covers move and see him kicking in his sleep. The boy groans and twists his body away from me. Robin starts to shudder and moan. I can see his chest rising and falling. Perhaps his dreams aren't so blissful.

I'm not exactly sure what to do to in this situation. I normally would just leave a person to deal with their own nightmares. But Robin is my apprentice now. As his master and teacher I do have a responsibility for this boy, even if I technically am forcing him into this arrangement.

I can't wake him up. He needs his rest and if I were to wake him, he'd probably have a fit again like when he woke up earlier this evening. So instead, I try to comfort him. I softly rub his shoulder and then his back. It seems to work. I slowly feel him calming down. He rolls over and onto his back, so I stop. Robin nuzzles his head into the pillow, taking in the softness.

I feel calm myself. Teenagers, kids, children, they're all the same. You can comfort them all in the same way and it will work. The only difference is that teenagers naturally want to become more independent as they get older. I know that technically I am restraining him, but it's for the best. It's not just for me, but also for him.

I accept that I've taken him on for my own personal gain. I have no regrets for that. I only want to change his attitude towards the current arrangement. His actions are so identical to my own and so are many of his thoughts. I lean over and hold my chin in thought. Robin is not just identical in terms of actions and thoughts. His build, despite the fact that he's practically starved himself, is very similar to my own. He'd grow up to be a strong, skilled man. I smile. When I don't wear this mask, I even like to keep my hair up a bit like he does.

"You don't realize the extent of how identical we are, do you, Robin?"

Nothing out of him. Not like I expected anything.

"Or maybe you do," I brush my fingers against his pale cheek, "You just refuse to admit it."

Nothing still, but I continue, "I doubt that it's not just me that's noticed. The Titans have noticed too, have they not? I know you've heard them talking behind your back. They said that you were losing yourself to your work, to me. They were right, weren't they?"

Robin's so fast asleep that none of this is registering, "Although you must despise me now, is that just because of my qualities or my status as a criminal? Probably the second," I pause, "You'll get over that. You really can't criticize someone for their status when you have the same status yourself now, can you?"

It's as if I'm talking to a lifeless mannequin, but I don't mind, "You like that rush, don't you? The one that comes from being a hero. I've seen it make its impression on you. Ever wonder about the amounts of adrenaline that come through a mere thief, Robin? It's at a potency that makes you never want to be rid of it."

The clothes are so baggy on him. It's actually sad because if he just ate enough they'd fit. "Starving yourself does you no good. You did this to yourself when you worked yourself overtime...and you were working to find out more about me, weren't you? If you only put that same amount of effort into the training I will give you..."

"Is it really that hard to except? You have no idea of what your future could hold. Do you ever stop to think about that?" I paused a moment to think how to continue, "Is your past keeping you from it? Are you letting it keep you from thinking about the future? Past events are our greatest teachers, in particular our mistakes, bad things that happen..."

The kid just laid there as I talked, his chest rising and falling, rising and falling. Was he taking any of this in? Did he already know all of this? "You can't live in either the past or the future. You have to live in the present."

Robin slightly groaned. It was as though he had heard that last one and was objecting to it, "I'm sorry if it's harsh now, but disobedience is not a high quality, Robin. I can't help your attitude and behavior...much. It's all up to you and how you see it. Maybe when you start to listen to me or decide to accept my help, then I can."

The whole time his eyes remained shut under that mask of his. 'Must think his true identity is all he can retain from me.' I wouldn't push him, that was for sure. He was avoiding me enough as it is. Besides, I didn't mind always seeing him with a mask. The day I take off my own in front of him, that's when I'll want, really push to see his eyes.

He kicks at the sheets and his breathing starts to sound more like gasps if anything. I see a thin layer of sweat coat his face. Small cries emulate from his lips while incoherent mumbles follow. He shakes his head back and forth, back and forth. It's as though he is possessed by some gripping force inside his own mind that he can't escape because it is part of him. It is his own demon, not one that I made for him. I feel a slight guilt for thinking practically nothing of this. Why? I don't know.

"Are nightmares starting to plague your sleep, apprentice?" I grip his shoulder, sort of reassuringly saying it will be all right, "Those will be gone soon. Give it time, Robin. Give it time. You'll sleep without problems eventually, but you have to leap the hurdles as they come at you first. Then you can leave them behind."

I tell myself that all the time. Transitions can perhaps be the slowest things in the world. Even a young caterpillar takes time to become a beautiful butterfly. It takes time to change a stack of wood, bricks, and nails into a mansion. It takes time to mold a piece of clay into a delicate vase.

He slowly quits kicking and soon all that is left is a slight shake consuming his frame. I lessen my grip on his shoulder and rub his arm and shoulder gently, soothingly. The shaking also begins to cease. Where am I getting this from? Maybe natural instinct? Maybe from my past experience with kids? I push the last thought from my mind. I don't want to think about that. I do, however, admit that that was probably where I got it from.

I stand up and get ready to leave. He seems fine now. I'm almost at the door when I hear a yelp. I turn just in time to see Robin almost rolling off of the bed. I stoop down and grab him just before he falls face flat on the floor. I pull him up and put him back on the bed.

'I hope it's not like this every night.'

I push his hair out of his face again and move to leave. At the door way, I look back at him. Once again, he's on his side. His shoulders shake as though he was crying, but there's not a tear that runs down his cheek. It's as though he doesn't want to be alone...I shake my head and let the door close behind me. I can't stay in there with him all night.

I walk down the hallways, thinking about what just happened. I tell myself, 'Don't worry about it. His nightmares will die down soon enough.' I was in serious need of some rest. Insomnia only works so long.

I finally reached a large double-door entrance. I punched in the security code: "oaoaao" and the doors parted and slid to the sides. I walked inside and sighed. It had been a long day. Lack of sleep is something that I am accustomed to, but today really was too long for even me. I walked over to the dresser. A large mirror stands above it.

I gaze at my reflection and then pull my hands up to the clasps holding my mask in place. I undo them and my mask falls into my hands. At this, I once again feel grateful for my mask's design. It can stay locked in place while in the heat of battle, but can be removed by it's owner with the slightest touch.

My hair is a little messy, but not enough for one to notice with just a glance. My brow is a bit sweaty, but anyone would get that. After all, one can always feel a hot steam coming from the gears in the main room 24/7. As always, a black eye patch is in its rightful place over my right eye. It took a while to get used to the thing for a while, but now it's just as much apart of me as the hair on my head. Some of my hair covers my face. My hair gel wore off as the day went by.

I smiled and shook my head. As I went over to my bed, I pulled off my armor, leaving it on the floor as I went. By the time I was at my bed, I was pulling off my shirt despite the cold temperature that adored the room. I swear, sometimes that steam room I call a main room is a killer. I dropped onto my bed with a thump and groaned. That kid was going to drive me crazy.

I closed my eye in hopes of finding peace and quiet as my mind drifted off to sleep. When I came to, I couldn't see where I was. There was a dense silvery mist that surrounded me. There was an eerie stillness too. And something was very different though and I couldn't place what it was.

I felt a delicate hand slip into mine from behind. Before I could see who it was, I felt a woman's luscious lips press into mine. I was on cloud nine. Without even looking at her, I realized who it was and began to return the affection. She gripped me tighter and entangled her long fingers in my hair. I pulled my hand up to the back of her neck, indicating for her not to stop. We held each other close and I could feel our hearts beating in tune w/ one another's.

I pulled back as one would for air. As I did I opened my eyes to see her, she disappeared as though she was a mirage among the mist. I glanced around. She was nowhere to be seen. I turned my head to the right and sighed. I knew that this was just a dream, but still that had felt...

I felt a small hand tug on one of my fingers. The silvery fog was so thick now that I couldn't even see the person's face, just their outline. From what I could see they were small and had short curly hair. I heard a small giggle from this person and could immediately tell that it was a little boy. I knelt down to get a closer look at who it could be. As I looked closer, I began to see a very visible mark, no scar seemingly to suddenly appear on the young boy's neck... right over the boy's voice box.

"No," I whispered.

The boy disappeared just as the woman had, out of my grasp. I swiftly got up and looked around frantically.

"But it's okay to compromise your son's life?" She was surrounded by fog, but I could hear her voice echo through out the place as loud as a megaphone. Her silhouette was to my right and she was holding a pistol, a gun.

"Addie..."

BANG!

I yelled and held the right side of my head. Now I know the difference in this dream. I had been able to see with both eyes. A patch forms over my eye. I only see out of the left. Both of them are gone. Gone. I shake my head again. 'Nice going, Slade, really nice.' I scold myself.

I looked around the misty area as though tuning myself into the nature of the dream, searching for any sign of life. I heard a noise. I walked over stealthily towards where I had heard it. Getting closer, I saw a small figure wrapped up in something like a black blanket. Their qualities were more defined then the others, at least considering that I could see a small head with black hair and the others didn't even have any color to them. From here, they looked like they were crying.

I knelt down and put my hand on their shoulder. They turned and I was shocked to see two masked eyes staring up at me. A little boy stared up at me in a brightly colored uniform. Realization hit me. I had come across a younger version of Robin, like the ones I had seen in the papers from Gotham...one with tear tracks running down his pale cheeks.

He was scared and wrenched himself free of my grasp. Robin got up and sprinted away. I followed and it didn't take long to find him. He still kept running. As he did I noticed a couple things. One, he was getting taller and older. It only stopped when he reached his teenage state. Two, he was depleting himself of his energy, while I was staying strong. Soon I saw him collapse onto the ground. I ran up to him and found that he was still crying.

"I can't," He cried.

"What?" I asked and kneeled down on one knee in front of him.

"I can't do it. I can't take it," He sobbed out.

"Take what, Robin?" I inquired as I lifted his chin so that I could see his face.

"I don't... I can't... where is...I need..." He stammered as tears kept creating a river.

"Help?" I finished his sentence.

He just fell apart in front of me and cried. I felt his tears soak a part of my shirt. I rubbed his back and tried to sooth him. Finally, he nodded 'yes' to answer me as he continued to rest his head on my chest. I brought his chin up to look at me again.

"I can do that," I told him.

His expression of worry turned to a look of relief as though his hope had been renewed, "That I can do."

A/N: Oh man. I just finished. Oh MAN! I just finished this chapter! R&R! I hate writer's block. Stupid writer's block. Who else here hates writer's block? I say we protest against writer's block, no just kidding. Anyway, once again, I'm sorry that this chapter was so late. I had writer's block and was super busy. Also does anybody get the meaning of the code? Anyone? If you think you know the meaning, tell me in your reviews. The next two chapters will have more action in them, I promise. Again, thank you for all the awesome reviews! Until the next chapter! Later and I'm still writing!

Rena