Teen Titans © DC Comics

63. Cold Embrace

How could she have found out? He never revealed his familial relations to anyone, not even to Robin. Jericho lied in his Titan profile's history, saying his father was killed in a war, and his mother was the headmistress at prestigious, private academy. While the last part was true, Jericho fibbed about his father's identity, the true enemy to the Teen Titans, Slade. He was too ashamed to admit anything to anyone, and Slade knew he was a Titan, but did nothing about it. Yet, why? Why not intervene or was this the weaving he pulled to reveal his darkest secret to the girl he cherished?

However, Slade had been hiding ever since the Brotherhood of Evil was finished off, meaning he could not have done it. Yet, how did she found it? Why was it happening? The love of his life, his rose in a field of daisies, knew he was Slade's son. Jericho remained silent, not moving his hands to sign. As she sat across from him in her underground abode, Jericho felt sweat form on his brow. The stale air tensed considerably. One false move could have broken the serene feeling they once shared. Jericho glanced away, sighing without a sound.

"Why didn't you ever tell me?" Kole demanded, standing up and slapped her hands onto the wooden table. "How come Raven had to search your mind to tell me? She caught you in a lie about your family, which you could have told me about!"

Jericho frowned, gritting his teeth and furiously signed, It is horrible that I am related to Slade! I never wanted anyone to know!

"Well, I did!"

When did Raven probe me? Why can't I remember it?

Kole sat down, clasping her hands tightly. White coated her knuckles from the intensity of her frustration. He lied to her for so long, making her wonder what else he conjured from his spirited imagination. Kole shook her head, replying, "Raven told me she sensed anxiety from you whenever you spoke of your family. When you were sleeping, I asked her to come down to find out the truth. She used her powers to go through your memory, and she saw who your father was."

You asked? You told Raven to do that? Jericho questioned, lime-green eyes dilating.

"When she said she would tell Robin, I begged her not to. I got on my knees and pleaded, Jericho. I took a while, but Raven eventually conceded. When she left, you don't know how bad I felt for doing it," Kole added, going on as if Jericho had not interrupted.

Jericho froze, composure slacking into stupefied shock. He could hardly bring his hands up to sign, mouth flopping open. There was a rope around his wrists, choking him into an eternal silence without the movement of his hands. Jericho gazed at Kole, but she kept her stare diverted to the nature surrounding them. For a moment, Jericho felt like screaming for her betrayal, but he was just as guilty for lying. Holding his head up in one hand, he drummed his fingers against the oak table.

"Do you have anything to say for yourself?" Kole asked timidly.

Do you? Jericho spat, snorting.

Brief rage flashed across her, seeing red momentarily as she shot up, snapping, "I've never lied to you! You've lied to me about your past! Every skeleton in my closet was revealed to you, Jericho!"

I know that! I am sorry, but you don't get it. You can't possibly understand the pain I feel, knowing Slade is my father! He swooped up like a hawk lunging for prey, startling Kole back into her seat. You can't understand, Kole, and you never will.

As Jericho breathed heavily, Kole nervously stood up and walked tentatively across the table to him. Jericho's hands covered his face, shoulders shaking slowly. Kole crouched slightly in front of him and took his hands from his face. Jericho kept his head low, refusing to meet her eyes. Having a feeling he would not look at her, Kole wrapped her arms around his head, bringing him close to her chest.

Jericho froze, tensing in her arms. She was embracing him, but why? After all of the lies he told her about himself? She knew who he was, the son of Slade! The criminal mastermind! Yet, even in her warmth, there was still an unknown frigidness to Kole. It was not the same hug she used to give. There was a barrier of distrust and uncertainties, feeling the muscles in her arms go rigid upon touching him. While Jericho knew she only wanted him to remain calm, he realized she was beginning to think of him differently. He needed to salvage their relationship somehow, tell her how much she meant to him, but that would not make up for his past lie.

Pushing her away, Jericho stood and signed, Do you trust me?

"Jericho…"

Kole, I'm sorry for lying. Believe, me, please, I-

"Just tell me whatever else you've lied to me about. Please, I need to know if you've lied about anything else."

Jericho shook his head, a pleadingly depressed expression on his face.

Kole sighed, believing him. Jericho would not lie as he was the dearest, kindest boy. It was just his shame clouding his train of thought, forcing him to create that white lie that nearly tore them apart. If he told her the truth, she would not have told a soul, including the Titans. Jericho was the gentlest, most giving person she ever knew. With his earnest personality, Kole was initially drawn to the blonde mute. There was a spark of intrigue and sweetness to him that Kole was the first to speak to Jericho at the Tower after the Brotherhood of Evil was defeated. Jericho was shocked that she would talk to him, but Kole found him to be generous and nice, judging by his widened, flustered eyes. They grew closer, becoming intimate and a couple much to Gnarrk's annoyance and disgust. She gazed at him with a sigh, but a tiny smile split across her face.

"You know, Jericho, you could've told me," she cooed, wrapping her arms around his neck.

But…but wouldn't you think I'm a monster just like him? Jericho questioned sadly.

She laughed, shaking her head. "Of course not, silly! Jericho, you're the nicest, sweetest person I've ever met! That's why you're special to me." She leaned in, forehead touching his. "Believe me, I love you because of who you are, not the person who fathered you."

Kole, you really have my heart, Jericho replied, smiling, and closed the gap between them. Pulling away after sealing his vow, he added, I'll be truthful from now one. No more lying.

She smiled, hugging him tightly that she could have matched Starfire in terms of strength. "Good! I am going to punch you in the face if you ever lie again with my crystallized fist!"

Jericho winced internally, silently chuckling nervously. While he loved her, he feared her poignant power, especially in her crystallized self. Embracing her tightly with his hands around her waist, Jericho smiled into her bubblegum hair and fell into calming bliss. She loved him for being him, not caring about who his father was. Even the son of a deceptive criminal deserved love. Jericho kissed her forehead, stroking through her hair and thanked his lucky stars for falling in love with the kindest, more compassionate girl in the world.

…

I'm not really into the whole Jericho/Kole couple, so that explains the shortness of this one. :3