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Take your Medicine	By : Imaginary Category: DC Verse Cartoons - Teen Titans > Slash - Male/Male > Robin/Slade Views: 8215 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 2
Disclaimer: I don't own Teen Titans, nor the characters of the series, nor do I make any money or profit from this story.

Chapter List
- 17
- 18
- 19
SladinForever: I just wanna say I'm sorry for being a bad editor when it comes to getting my job done. I would give the job to someone else but I would worry they won't be as thorough as I am. I check for EVERY wrong sentence structure and wrong form of a pro-noun or verb. Kaz trusts me to do the job right, and I do. I just need to stop being a lazy fuck and get it done. Luckily, chapters 19 and 20 have been fully edited for months, so the next two chapters will be available a few days apart from each other after this one. Again, very sorry for not editing faster like I should

Kazhiru: Kudos to Sladinforever. I sure appreciate your beta work, and I know that you are the best beta out there : D I'm glad we got this story going once again. Sorry for the cliff hanger we left for you back then XD

"So, who's to begin?"

Both Red X and Robin paid a side glance at each other, merely waiting a full second before saying simultaneously, "You!" Since that didn't work, they both chanted, "Rock, paper, scissors!"

Robin chose rock. He knew that everyone's first pick would be scissors. God only knew why, but picking rock always beat Beast Boy.

"Paper beats rock! Now spill!" Red X laughed in mirth, even performing a small victory fist pump before paying full attention to him.

Robin swallowed nervously as he felt the butterflies in his stomach. He wasn't sure what he should tell Red X and he wasn't happy that he had to start.

"Well, basically we made a deal. If I can stay with him for one week, I'm free to leave."

Robin nodded his head at Red X to initiate that it was his turn.

"If you only tell me that much, then you're only going to get equal treatment," Red X said smugly, knowing the reaction this would cause in Robin. "There's an organization after Slade."

And there it was, the Robin growl. It always made X grin knowing he could annoy the Titan leader so easily.

"I was on a mission with the Titans, but the fever I had made me feeble and almost pass out. That's when Slade picked me up. He told me that he would make my friends or myself pay if I didn't agree to his terms," Robin elaborated.

The only response resembled a cocked eyebrow from Red X. "The organization is about to kill Slade so they can cause chaos between the people wanting to take over his position."

"Why?" Robin asked.

"Why indeed."

Robin frowned, realizing he'd have to play the game to gain the prize. "We made a deal that Slade would train me and make me go through missions with a preset deadline every day. If I broke any of his rules, I would get punished. If I complied, I'd get a prize. Slade doesn't seem to have much planned out because he hasn't tried to brainwash me yet. He seems to have gotten a more reasonable approach on trying to gain my trust."

Red X gave him a hopeful look. "Is he succeeding?" It was Robin's turn to lift his eyebrow. "Fine, fine, be a kill joy. You are turning out just like him." Red X grinned, getting a grimace from Robin at being compared to Slade. The thief waved his hand in the air as if to brush away the bad air. "This organization is set to destroy the super villains. Its true intent is to get to the top of the food chain without having to pass the heroes first."

This got Robin interested. How the hell could an organization manage that? What were they dealing with?

"Slade's goal isn't fully clear to me, but I bet he's trying to get me as his apprentice again. I won't attempt to escape, but will continue to comply with whatever he wants me to do for the next three days and then the deal wears off. The training has been, more or less, dealing with combat, gaining trust in commands, enhancing my reflexes, to rid me of my phobias, and some simulator training. I've been on two missions so far, one to retrieve the master security and, today, the artificial intelligence. Your turn."

"The organization doesn't believe there is anyone strong enough to defeat the heroes, so instead they decided to weed out the bad guys to cause havoc," Red X explained, finally sounding happy with what Robin had told him. "Once every super villain is out of the game, then every single little evildoer can step out of their hidey-holes to fight for the open slot. That would keep the heroes busy until the organization climbs to the top. They want to take over the system and control the world anyway they please."

Robin was astounded. How huge was the organization; who was in it; when did it take place; which villains were already down and out? He couldn't stop talking now. He had heard so much already, but learned so little.

"Slade and I have finally gotten past our hate for each other. We can actually work together now without starting a fight or trying to gouge each others' eyes out," Robin mentioned, getting a laugh out of his companion.

Red X seemed absolutely taken by the fact that two people, who never, in any circumstance, could work together, were actually doing exactly that. "You crack me up, you know that? Beware boy, or you shall be behind our lines before you can spell his full name." Robin tried to hide his surprise. Did X hint that he knew Slade's identity? "Anyway, my turn. The organization is well hidden. Took me a lucky shot to be at the right place at the right time. I don't know who's in it or how many exactly, but I know that they have men all over the world, and the plan is already in operation. Lex Luthor is down or at least locked up. Joker is temporarily unavailable and no one knows who's next." There was a long pause. "Alright, enough of this waltz. What have you been doing down there all by yourself?"

Robin couldn't help but grimace at X's wink as he had asked his more-than-demanding-to-be-answered question. "I've already told you: training. A talk here and there. Slade just seems fixated on getting me to work alongside him. So far we've managed that to some extent. But, in the end, I'm as clueless as you are," Robin mumbled as Red X laughed.

"You really are clueless if you haven't caught on yet," he snickered.

"You seem like you know him well. How?"

Red X smiled at Robin's demanding look that was so eager for knowledge. "I just like to know things. And on the streets, rumors fly. Everyone knows Slade and everyone knows what his motives are. The man has made a deal with us lesser beings. For this week you are completely untouchable. No one is allowed to intervene. Even so much as looking at you would cause something to happen and I wanted to know why. I guess I know now." Red X grinned, promising trouble. Robin didn't even dare to imagine what kind of trouble, but he guessed it didn't matter right now. "Slade has his eyes on the prize and it seems he's finally ready to get what he wants. So you better stay put if I were you. Slade can get rather…possessive with what he deems his…"

Red X trailed off and then started inspecting the camera.

"Wait, what do you mean? What is Slade up to? You know something, tell me!" Robin demanded.

Looking at him, X laughed straight in his face. "Sorry, no intervening, remember? I promised Slade myself that you would be left for him to…" Red pulled in a breath and carefully considered his words. "Take," he finally finished.

Red X quickly jabbed the camera, breaking it. Robin stared in puzzlement at what he had said and what he did. Was there a deeper meaning to his words? Why had he smashed the camera? Robin was about to ask this out loud, but was interrupted by the thief shooting out the rest of the cameras with his trademark X-shaped weapons. Robin tried to restrain him, but was too late as he already jumped down and reached for the diamond.

"Hey, leave that there! You have no right to take it!" Robin yelled, jumping after him.

Looking up at him with hands on hips, Red X smirked maliciously. "I have no right? This is my job, dear bird. Just as it's the guard's job to protect it, it's a thief's job to steal it. What would those poor guards do if guarding valuables was useless? Then they wouldn't have a job, that's what! We can't let that happen, can we? So, in a twisted sort of way, I'm making the world a better place by fighting against unemployment! Now, prepare for the alarm and I'll race you to Slade's base."

Right after he said this, Red snatched up the diamond and the alarm sounded. It rang loud and painful in their ears and Robin saw the annoying red lights announcing the emergency. They didn't stay and wait as they both ran as fast as their legs would allow. They decided to take the front doors, since the lobby was empty anyway. The smoke from before was still heavy in the air, so they got out undetected. Red X was humming "Who Let the Dogs Out" the whole way. When they made it outside, Robin looked at the giant town clock. It now read 2:20. The last time he saw it, it was fifteen minutes past noon. He swallowed worriedly because only ten minutes remained for him to get to Slade. Otherwise, he was done for. Robin sped up some more, suppressing Red X and his heavy load as he jumped from roof to roof in hopes of saving his hide from Slade's wrath. If Slade wasn't angry at him for meeting Red X, he sure would be if he noticed him late.

"Sorry, Red X, but I haven't got time for this! This mission's deadline is two and half hours, which is running short as we speak!" Robin yelled as the adrenaline from breaking in and out of the bank made him run faster than he had run in days.

With his load, Red X was getting farther and farther behind. He called off the race because of this and made his way back to wherever he lived. By the time Robin saw the front door of the hideout, his legs were tense and aching, but he didn't dare stop yet. Slade said the timer would go off once his weapons returned to their place. He ran through the halls and slammed the training room door open when he finally reached it. Gulping air into his stinging lungs, he slapped the storage door and watched it slide open. Inside, he saw the timer. He quickly entered and, in a hurry, tried getting his equipment back in their place. He only had less than a minute left to go. When he was finished, he looked back at the timer and noticed it was still counting down. Frowning, he thought maybe it was a malfunction, but then he remembered the gloves were still on his hands when he tapped the glass. Robin grumbled as he tore them off—with difficulty because of his sweating palms—and slammed them back into place. The timer stopped with just two seconds to spare. He let out a huge sigh of relief at his luck. As he sorted out his breathing, he wiped his hands on his legs to rid them of sweat.

"Well, that was a fairly tight call, Robin. What took you so long?" Slade asked from behind with a voice that taunted him.

By now Robin was starting to get used to Slade's silent but lingering presence, only making himself known when he opened his mouth. "I got a little preoccupied," he grumbled.

He sifted through his pockets for the artificial intelligence prototype. Once he finally found the chip, relieved that it was still intact and secure regardless of all that jumping and running around, Robin handed it over to Slade to take. Instead, he inspected it from his hand. His concentration was quickly broken by a beeping sound that came from a small device in his belt pocket. Slade pulled it out and paid a glance at it, before releasing a small laugh.

"Red X says hi. Care to elaborate?"

Robin looked at Slade with eyes that he hoped reflected innocence. "Erm…"

Robin was playing with time. So far, Slade didn't look angry, but he couldn't read him even if he tried. He might as well be hiding his rage so that he could start complaining. Robin wasn't sure if he should lie or just tell the truth about Red X. Slade would find out eventually and he knew that. Besides, why shouldn't he tell Slade? What X had said had just as much to do with Slade as it had with Robin. To be honest, this concerned Slade more than he could ever imagine. And, technically, he hadn't broken any rules.

"Yeah, I met him on the mission. He was at Wayne Enterprises, stealing all the goods," Robin explained.

He expected to hear Slade mock him for letting him be seen, but instead he said, "I know."

He knew? What? Robin was ready to state his confusion, but Slade pointed to somewhere behind him. Looking back, he saw what it was and turned silent. Slade was pointing at a monitor that currently showed his lair. Inside were two dots, one orange and one red, right next to each other.

"Oh…I already forgot about the damn chip…" Robin mumbled before he cussed about something that sounded like, "screw you and your dog tags, Slade".

"I was hoping you would tell me about it yourself and I'm glad to know that you didn't disappoint," Slade said as he ruffled his hair.

Robin felt shivers run all along his body, starting from his neck and ending at the tips of his toes. For once, this wasn't one of those annoying noogies that he had received in the past. This one was more like petting, except it wasn't.

"Yeah, well… Yeah. So, you know everything that's been going on?" Robin questioned, reluctantly pushing Slade's hand away. The feeling he got from the touch reminded him of his dream. A dream he didn't want to be reminded of, now that he was merely a foot away.

"I know that you visited the bank. I heard there was a diamond that had been stolen and I saw the two of you taking different routes to the vault," Slade said. "Then when you mingled in there for a while, I expected you to be talking to Red X. He's the one who stole the diamond I'm guessing. And I must ask, should I be concerned that the two of you were alone in there?"

Robin distinctively heard his tone change. It sounded more…jealous than concerned? Irked maybe? Slade couldn't possibly be jealous of X. They'd only talked for about two hours, doing nothing else. Not that Slade knew that.

"We had a race." Robin was scratching his neck, but when he finally realized he wasn't in too big of trouble, he decided to explain the whole thing, even if he decided to leave out some stuff. "I told him about our deal and he told me about some organization wreaking havoc. Do you know about them? They're trying to become the dictators of the world by taking out the bad guys, trying to keep them busy."

Slade sighed. "I'm aware. You don't need to worry about that, I have it covered. This doesn't concern you anyway. Even though you're here, you are still a hero."

Robin snorted. "Yeah right. No, seriously, this shit is going to fall on me when all those freaks are trying to take your place. More importantly, I'm worried that…" Robin had to swallow his words. Was he just about to admit that he was concerned for Slade? Slade of all people? No, he wasn't. Robin tried to cover up his slip. "I mean, I just want to know that you are prepared, that's all."

Smooth move Boy Wonder, real smooth. Robin felt like hitting his head for his idiocy. What was it with him? The moment he was with Slade it seemed like the rational side of his brain stopped functioning.

"I'm flattered, but you don't need to worry. Nothing's going to happen. So this was what you were talking with Red X about?"

Robin could hear the relieved tone in Slade's voice. By now he was pretty sure he was just jealous of Red X and was relieved that they had only been talking about some organization rather than doing something else. Whatever that may be.

"I have one villain after me, I don't really need anymore than that," Robin mumbled.

Slade laughed for a moment. "You wish." When Robin didn't say anything, he took the artificial intelligence for safe keeping. "Well, it's only three, want anything to eat?"

"Okay." Slade turned and walked out of the room, Robin right behind him. "What are we having?"

"What would you like?"

Robin had to think about that one for a moment. "I could use some pizza. I haven't had a decent one in weeks." Slade just nodded. They were heading for the kitchen, but Robin was in the mood to eat outside. Being inside the base for so long was too much for now. Asking Slade for this request wouldn't be possible though. Unless of course, he was jealous of Red X, then maybe… "You know, it was nice to meet Red X after such a long time. I know that he's an annoying thief, but it was nice to have some small talk with him. Also, I enjoyed the city," he said discreetly. Slade only grunted. "It was actually relaxing to just talk. I wouldn't mind meeting him again. I know that I can't talk with my friends and spend the evening outside with them, but I guess Red X can suffice."

Robin was a decent liar, but that didn't mean he wanted to do it very often. Slade, on the other hand, was getting the hint, but the jealousy was drowning out the voice of sense. He didn't like it when Robin chose to spend time with Red X rather than with him. Slade was stiff, restraining the urge to ball his hands into fists and narrow his eye.

"I just want to spend some time outside is all," Robin mumbled with a sigh. "I've been here for a while now and the only one I've seen and talked to is you. I'd just like to eat out where I can be around people." Robin was being oddly honest with him. Telling the truth did feel better than lying. He wanted to go out where it was sunny and where people were minding their own business. He didn't feel like talking with anyone in particular, he just wanted to blend in with the masses and feel like he was still part of society. It felt grim to be down here, he had yet to complain, but the isolation was getting to him.

"So all you want to do is go outside? You do realize what all that entails, don't you?" Slade growled more out of frustration than anything else.

"I do understand! I could escape, someone might notice me, my friends might be around, I could get in trouble, I could say the things I shouldn't, not to mention I'd have to find something to disguise myself. You can come along if you wish, but nonetheless I'd want to go out. We do have time to kill before the simulator exercise today anyways, don't we?" Robin rambled, getting a suspicious and questioning leer, but he only showed determinacy.

"Fine. But I'm not going to a pizza joint," Slade answered, tearing his look away.

Robin was cheering mentally as he took in his approval. To his pleasant surprise, Slade was willing to come along. For once, the boy kinda wanted him to. Otherwise, who knew if he could keep himself in line with no rules and with all the people around.

"What if we go to a fancy pizza place of your choice? Because I crave for some pizza," Robin bargained.

Slade sighed and mumbled, "Fine, but next time we are going for a steak."

"Sounds good," Robin said gladly, non-verbally pleading for him to hurry up.

Robin didn't get Slade to move any faster though as he ordered him to another room where he had clothing of Robin's size. They were the perfect disguise for moments like these. Robin wanted to question why Slade had clothes his size, but he didn't want to risk his chances. Slade went to work on his own clothes while Robin searched for a pair of sunglasses that were black enough to prevent anyone seeing his eyes. He didn't pay much mind to his clothes. He knew that the place Slade would pick would probably be fancier than the places he usually went, but it was a pizzeria, so he didn't feel too obliged to wear anything too fancy.

Robin returned in half an hour. In the end, he decided to wear nothing too special or anything that could draw attention to himself. He had brushed his hair down and off to the side without spiking it so people wouldn't recognize him from his hair only. He didn't want people to point fingers. He wore a pair of black sunglasses, some regular jeans, and a black, long and slim t-shirt to go with it. He also had a jacket. He knew that it wasn't cold outside, but he felt more comfortable with something that covered his arms now that he didn't have any gloves on. He always felt naked without them.

Slade came out soon after. The man had a black pair of straight pants on, a long collared brown sweater, and a jacket to match. He also wore a fedora that was tipped over his eyes and a nice scarf hid the lower part of his face. Robin was really unsatisfied with that, seeing as he couldn't see any of Slade's skin. Even if the hat or scarf was removed, his face would remain a complete mystery. Robin sighed with frustration.

"I already know a place. The owner is quite nice and knows to respect me," Slade said; the scarf didn't hinder his speech at all.

It was endearing how Slade managed to pull off a look of a fine man with a proud posture without showing off any of his face. The scarf didn't seem out-of-place at all and Robin had to admit that Slade looked rather good in a form-fitting sweater.

"So I take it you go there often?" he asked.

"No, very rarely. I only go when I need to visit the owner."

With that, they were both out of the house and Slade drove them over to a place that didn't look like much of anything from the outside, but really mastered that Italian restaurant feel on the inside. Robin took it in. It was colored with royal red walls and furnished with wooden ebony furniture. Robin listened as Slade talked with the cashier, and after they both had agreed, the man had showed them to a table. The restaurant wasn't a formal kind. There weren't any of those fancy waitresses or the formal feeling to it. For Robin, it felt comfortable. There was a man to take their order, but after he was off with it, they were left to themselves.

The restaurant was peaceful and full of people. People were chatting and talking with others and the clatter of silverware was heard as people ate. This wasn't like the places Bruce had taken him. Usually at the restaurants he had gone with his former mentor the mood was tense and people were dressed prim. This place, on the other hand, didn't give that formal feeling and people seemed to be here to enjoy good food and company. Something that Robin enjoyed pretty much himself.

"This is a nice place Slade. I see why you like it here," Robin said, feeling comfortable enough to relax in his seat without worrying about table manners or proper posture.

Robin also felt himself at ease enough to rid of the jacket. It was fairly warm, but Slade was still wearing both the sweater and jacket.

"Yes, it's peaceful."

While they waited for their food, the two had a pleasant conversation. Robin was glad that Slade had taken them outside, not expecting him to be so willing to take him anywhere at all. There were too many things that could go wrong today, but Robin didn't feel like making this any harder than it had to be. It was really relaxing to be here with the people. It made him feel less like a prisoner. He didn't know fully what was it that it made him feel like that, but he was sure that it must be good.

Robin was enjoying their conversation and the talk didn't die even after the pizzas arrived. He had ordered a Quattro pizza. Many people disliked mushrooms, but Robin rather enjoyed his pizza with mushrooms, shrimps, pineapple, and ham on it. Slade had ordered a pepperoni pizza. Once Robin had tasted the pizza, he understood why Slade was willing to pay the higher than average price. Robin would have to bring his friends to this place once this was all over.

Robin enjoyed the delicious pizza. He almost always ordered the same one because he knew which one was good. Plus, he didn't have to worry about waiting for lunch or dinner while the other Titans argued over what toppings to have on their pizzas. At least with Slade they didn't need to fight over it.

Though now, Robin felt like he should maybe try and taste out some other kinds of pizza than the one has been stuck with for the last couple of years. He didn't know if he dared to ask Slade to let him taste his though. Robin took one slice from his pizza and wondered if he could exchange it for a slice of the pepperoni. Robin wished that this time he would be more smooth than he was earlier that day.

"Want to taste mine?" Robin asked feigning nonchalant as he handed him the slice.

Slade looked questioningly at Robin before he accepted the offered food and, with a small thanks, he bit on it.

"It's delicious. Want to have some of mine?" Slade asked and Robin nodded with a smile.

Instead of just handing him a slice, Slade cut out a piece with his knife, picked it up with a fork, and then led the end to him. Robin tried to take it with his fingers, but Slade pulled it back with a smirk. Grinning mischievously from the hint, Robin grabbed it with the bottoms of his teeth and pulled it from the fork prongs. He chewed on the piece and enjoyed the salty and meaty flavor of the pepperoni. Maybe he should give pepperoni pizza another chance sometime.

"That is a good pizza," Robin said after he swallowed. He then licked his lips before he swiped them clean with his napkin.

"Thought as much," Slade said, returning to eating his own pizza.

Robin couldn't help but feel the burn on his cheeks for the sudden act of boldness, but as he saw his reflection from the knife, he was glad that it didn't show on his skin. He took a sip of his cola to cool him down anyways. They both ate with comfortable silence hanging in the air, neither of them feeling the need to say anything. Robin savored the taste he had been missing and managed to eat the whole thing before he laid down his silverware. Robin made a mental note to thank the chef. Slade had yet to finish his portion, so Robin had some time to just watch him. Slade had covered his face with a scarf and fedora, but he still seemed capable of eating it without hindrance in any way. He couldn't help but wonder why Slade hid his face, other than the obvious you-don't-need-to-know-my-identity part. He did only have one eye, so maybe his face was scarred. Not that Robin minded. He had a few scars of his own. After getting thrown against walls enough times, he was sure that the skin on his chest and back were probably rugged with scars. Not to mention the bullet scar near his heart, no thanks to the stupid Joker and his sudden liking to real guns.

"Why do you always mask your face?" Robin finally asked as Slade bit into the last piece of his pizza.

Robin could hear him stop chewing for a while as he lifted his head up. He could see a glint of light, but wasn't fortunate enough to see the eye itself. Slade then returned to his eating before he swallowed.

"I remember something along the lines of having already told you that I won't show you my face until I'm sure you are trustworthy," he said while leaning back in his chair. "Why should I remove my mask at all? After this week is over, you'd just go back to your friends and sing to them like the bird you are. So in the end, my reasons are the exact same as yours regarding those sunglasses."

Slade pointed his finger discreetly at Robin's glasses, but only for a second.

"You are right," Robin mumbled, instinctively pushing the sunglasses farther up his nose to make sure they were still in their proper place. "So what are we going to do now? Can we walk home?"

Robin liked walking after lunch because it was always good for him.

"What? No complaints about me not showing you the town?"

Robin grinned now that Slade's usual tease was back in his words. And no, Robin didn't want to go out. He disliked shopping and huge crowds and he'd be damned if he found himself sitting on a park bench with Slade while he twiddled his thumbs and wondered how in the hell they got there.

"Nothing to see here really. I just want to walk some," Robin said, standing to crack his back as he stretched.

Slade piled their plates in a small stack to ease the burden of the cleaners before he stood up too. Robin was slightly surprised that he held his jacket open for him. Smiling at him, Robin let him put his jacket on for him. It seemed even Slade could be a polite and pleasant man to be around. They both walked back to the cashier and Slade paid for them both. He also had a small chat with a customer that had just waltz in. It seemed like he had charisma, for he was now even shaking the man's hand. He seemed to be the friend Slade had mentioned before. Robin stood behind him without knowing what to do until he distracted himself by looking around the restaurant once again. He quickly took notice of the kitchen. There was an opening on the wall, like an open window, where you could see the chefs making their specials. Robin couldn't resist himself as he went to attract one of the cooks' attention.

"Thank you for the food, it was delicious," he said casually.

The man, who was about fifteen years older than Robin smiled and waved his hand through the air, like it was nothing. He leaned on the counter and winked. "I'm pleased to hear that. I would love to see your pretty face over here again sometime. Maybe I should make you something even better."

Robin laughed at the man and his carefree attitude. "I'll count on that."

Robin felt a sudden hand on his shoulder. He looked up and saw Slade, who started steering him to the door, where, Robin assumed, his friend was waiting for them, probably to tell them good-bye. He wasn't sure if he liked the man or not, but he thanked him for the food anyway. He nodded at him and accepted the praise with a smile.

"Always pleased to serve you. If it wasn't for you and your date right here, this place wouldn't be standing," he said with enthusiasm.

Robin was about to protest the "date" part, but he didn't have the time since Slade was already guiding them outside and the man was waving good-bye.

They hadn't yet even walked cross the street when Robin couldn't resist to ask, "What did he mean his place wouldn't be standing if it wasn't for you?"

Slade was silent for a while before he sighed. "That man was trapped with the wrong kind of people. He just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was part of a gang I had taken down and he was crestfallen for his idiocy. He had screwed up his chance to impress any possible boss willing to hire an ex-thug and was just going on and on about how he wanted to be a chef and not some stupid lowlife. I don't know what made me do it, but I left a stack of cash for him as a nest egg. He doesn't know about me being a villain though. I found him grieving and sitting in the gutter when I was on my walk later that evening."

Robin smiled. "Well, it's a good thing you did. Look at the guy; he's happy and the place is a blast!"

Robin watched Slade pull a device out of his pocket and then push some buttons. Seeing the interested look, he said, "I'm just calling a bot to retrieve my car."

He pocketed the device before they both started walking. Robin enjoyed the real breeze and smells of the city since he had been so used to the simulator's fake kind back at Slade's base. It was early evening and people were still on their way, not caring nor minding about anyone else as they headed home for their families. Some just seemed to be busy with shopping when the shops were still open, but it was nice to see some youngsters just lingering around, talking with their friends, goofing around and skating. There was also a middle-aged woman with her daughter who was asking for some ice cream from the ice cream cart on the other side of the street. It seemed that the city was feeling well and everything was normal. It was moments like these that made Robin feel proud of his heroic efforts.

"Thanks for letting me go out," he mumbled with a voice so low he was positive Slade hadn't heard him. The encouraging rub on his shoulder made him positive that he had.

Slade and Robin walked the beach line. Robin could see Titans Tower hovering above the surface of the water on the island it was built on. The sun was setting and even if it was still sunny, Robin could see the red twilight on the horizon.

Robin and Slade hadn't talked much on their walk home, but Robin didn't mind. He hadn't felt nervous in the least, and it was nice to know that the man was walking beside him, not a step behind, nor was he leading him. It made Robin realize how much freedom he got from the man. Slade let him walk beside him and let him go outside. Even if he could have one thousand and more ways to ruin the whole situation and possibly even escape, the thought never crossed his mind. To be honest, Robin hadn't been thinking about escaping in a while now. The thought was stressing and made him feel nervous. He didn't want to think about it and he didn't want to feel like he was betraying himself and his friends now that he had finally accepted the deal they had made. But still, the small voice in his head told him that he was already half way through, and he'd see his friends in no time.

"What's got you so silent?" Slade finally questioned as he broke the spell.

Robin looked at him, slightly annoyed with the sand flying up to hit him no thanks to the harsh wind. "I'm fine. I really liked today," he said, not knowing why he had, but not regretting it either.

"Just don't assume you're getting out of another simulator training. There's no bargaining that," Slade said with a slight mock in his voice.

Robin noticed that the sentence was merely a joke. He laughed at his attempts to be funny, even if he wasn't any good at coming up with funny things to say. It was then that Robin noticed that most of the time Slade only did this to strike up a conversation. Truth be told, the villain wasn't any good at this socializing thing.

"I would never skip the simulator. That thing keeps me sane down there," Robin joked back, zipping up his jacket. The wind had started to blow through his T-shirt, making him shiver.

"If you like the simulator so much, then I can prepare it the moment we get back. How does that sound?" Slade asked as they kept on walking.

His base wasn't far away anymore and one could see it if they knew what they were looking for. Slade had tried to keep it as inconspicuous as possible.

"Sounds like a good idea."

Robin had to think, working on something while he did. He did things better that way. He had been hoping that Slade had some kind of training course set for him because he had just recently found something to take into consideration. It wasn't bugging him too bad yet, but he wanted to know what the line he stood at was.

"I thought as much," Slade said, ruffling Robin's hair.

He slid his hand from his neck to the top of his head, making his hair stick out and return to something that resembled more of his usual hairstyle. Robin really did have something to mull over. He wasn't sure yet, but he just might, but only slightly, like Slade. He had to find out what his feelings were and what to do with them. For some reason, admitting to himself that he might actually care some for Slade made his stomach lurch before quickly settling back down.
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Take your Medicine