Chapter 12: I'm betraying everyone I know. And I'm cool with that.

(Robin's P.O.V.)

It wasn't long before Slade came. In fact it was probably only ten minutes. I immediately glared at him. I could tell he was amused.
"Up so soon?" He chuckled. My glare intensified.
"Yeah, actually I am." I retorted.
"You seemed quite tired on the ride here."
"I wonder why!" I snapped, sarcasm dripping from my words. Slade chuckled.
"You should get changed into something more... Casual." He stated. I rose my eyebrows at this.
"And you?" I asked, gesturing to his armour.
"I have no reason to take it off." He simply stated. I glared harder.
"There are clothes in the cupboard. I suggest you get changed. I will be back in five minutes."
"And if I don't?" I challenged, narrowing my eyes.
"You can have a relaxing week off in here until you do." Slade said casually. I glared at him again.
"Fine." I sighed, getting up. I could feel his grin. I grit my teeth but said nothing as he closed the door. I walked towards the cupboard, opening it. There wasn't that many clothes in there, but I didn't really care to be honest. I picked out a green hoodie similar to one I have at home. Yes, I am already homesick. A pair of casual pants, and some blue sneakers.
I grudgingly made my way to the bathroom not trusting Slade. He probably put a camera in there somewhere. I took off my costume, and put on the clothes. I walked back out, folding my outfit and put it at the end of the bed, before lying on the bed. I rested my hands under my head, staring at the ceiling and thinking.

Was the team okay? What about my family? Were they okay? What happened? How did Slade defeat them? He was able to defeat Batman and Red Hood not once, but twice. Red X was even there to help and they still lost! Just how powerful was Slade? I have no chance of going up against him and winning. There's no way. I'm no where near their level! I want to be able to take down Slade and save my friends, but there's no chance of me possibly being able to defeat him... It's just like Batman said. I'm not ready. No wonder they always left me behind. They didn't need me getting in their way. I would just slow them down. I was weak, pathetic. I was just a little kid that was always tagging along. Nothing more than a nuisance. They will always treat me like that! Like a... Like a little kid. Just like Slade said....
I scowled.
"No wonder they always left me behind. I'd just slow them down." I muttered to myself.
"On the contrary." Slade mused, appearing out of nowhere. I gasped and shot up. How long has he been there?! He was casually leaning against the door frame.
"When did-" I started.
"I've been here for quite some time." He interrupted, answering my unfinished question. "You've been thinking a long time. What goes on in that little mind of yours?"
"That's none of your business." I snapped, glaring at him again.
Slade chuckled. "Is that glare attached to your face? Or is it just something you Bat's naturally do? Honestly, your so gloomy."
"I am not gloomy!" I retorted, standing up. "People say I'm the happiest out of all of us."
"Really? I only heard you enjoyed playing with the English language and that's about it. Something about always being overwhelmed." Slade mused. A smirk snuck on my face.
"Whelmed." I stated, all tension completely dissolving. I almost felt at home here. Not like I was intruding, or wasn't allowed to be here. Like I wasn't a little kid anymore. A small part of me hated that fact. A small, small part. But the rest of me said otherwise at this moment of time. I didn't have to worry about all of the daily restrictions of my life with Batman. I felt free. Almost like I was flying. A free feeling but without actually having to fly.
"What?" Slade asked, confused.
"Whelmed. Overwhelmed is the opposite of underwhelmed. So whelmed must be in between." I explained.
"I guess the rumors are true. You do like to destroy the English Vocabulary." Slade chuckled.
"Hey! I don't destroy it! I... Improve it!" I laughed.
"And how many people actually use your version of English then?"
"Uh....I'm perfectly content with only me using it!"
"Oh really? And what other whelming words would you use then?" He asked. My smirk grew, and excitement rose in me. I ignored my guilt and feeling of betrayal as I continued.
"Aster! If like is the opposite of dislike, then aster is the opposite of disaster!"
"Aster and disaster... Sounds interesting. I'll be sure to remember that." 

A silence ensued, but I was fine with that. It was... Comfortable.
I was also faintly aware of the the fact I was betraying everyone I know. Everything I know. But I couldn't help but feel that was okay...
"I suppose we should go." Slade said.

"Where to?" I asked, raising an eyebrow but following him anyways.  

"You'll see."

I rose my eyebrow at this again, but kept following him quietly.

The sound of gears, and clicking filled my ears.

"What is that?" I asked. It reminded me of a clock ticking. Or a bomb... I quickly dismissed that thought. Why would he blow himself up? Slade remained silent. I picked up my pace to catch up to him slightly.

We Entered a large room. I found myself gaping at the massive gears and parts rotating around. 

"What are those for?" I asked, gesturing to the massive structure of sorts.

"Nothing of importance." Slade stated, before walking to the other side of the room. I looked at him skeptically, but kept following him otherwise. We walked through a long corner, taking a couple of twists and turns until the sound of gears stopped. Slade finally stopped in front of a door.  He opened it, and I followed in after. The room revealed to be a kitchen. I did not expect that... It's times like these that will probably remind me, that Slade IS also human.
"Wintergreen?" Slade called,  closing the door behind us.
A man that reminded me a hell of a lot like Alfred walked in.
"Good afternoon Slade." The man greeted, before turning to me.  "Hello there. My name is William. William Wintergreen, but you can call me Will." The man greeted.
"Richard." I stated.
"It's a pleasure." William smiled at him. There was a painful pang that echoed in my heart. The guilty feeling I was desperately trying to ignore, had doubled. William instantly reminded me of Alfred. My guilt was skyrocketing, but I was still desperately trying to push it away.
Slade turned to me.
"I have something to do, so I'll leave you two to talk and whatever." He stated before turning around and leaving.

(SORRY. I HAD TO. IT'S JUST I AM SO GLAD TO GET RID OF SLADE. IT'S EASIER TO WRITE WITHOUT THAT ASSHOLE NEARBY. BUT HE SHALL RETURN EVENTUALLY. UNFORTUNATELY.)

I was slightly glad that he had left. I turned back to William and he smiled at me again.
"Are you hungry?" He asked.
"No. I'm fine, thank you." I replied, still not liking the concept of 'food'.
"But dear boy! You must eat something! You are so skinny!" William exclaimed. I shrugged. William practically dragged over to a counter with stools, before pushing me down into one, reminding me of what Jason does when I don't eat.
"You must eat something. I will fix you something, and you will eat it. Are we clear?" Will demanded. Slightly scared, from personal experience of dealing with Alfred, never mess with the butler, I nodded agreeing to the foul term of eating.

I watched as Will whipped around the kitchen, making me something to eat. I had offered on several occasions if he wanted help, - I had even gotten up and tried to do something when I realized what he was making, only to be pushed back down, insisting that I just watch. I sighed and watched the steam rise from the pot in front of me. The steam was all over the room, making the cold room a comfortable warm. The heat of the room wrapped around me, warming me to the core, fuelling my guilt and sorrow, and homesickness. But the smell of the pasta was also making me hungry. I still wasn't liking the thought of eating, but my hunger was beginning to show and eat at me, my stomach practically eating itself.
I sighed, trying to push away the pain of betrayal I was feeling.
"Something wrong?" Will asked me, not turning around from stirring the pasta.
"No... Nothing really. Just thinking." I sighed again.
"Can I ask about what?"
"My family..." I muttered, snuggling into my arms As I leaned down on the counter, absentmindly staring to the side. I wonder how Alfred was dealing with the news I was gone. Did he even know yet? Did he even care for that matter? Surely he would. He's Alfred. The faithful, loyal butler that I was able to trust even my darkest secrets too when I couldn't find it in me to tell my brothers or Bruce. I hope he was okay...
"I'm sure you must miss them, my boy. But you never know. You may even see Slade as your father in time." At this, my head snapped up and I narrowed my eyes.
Slade. A father figure? No. Just no. I doubt that.
"Slade, a father figure? No way." I scowled.
"You may not see it now, but maybe in time. Slade had practice with being a father after all."
Had? As in, not anymore? I narrowed my eyes again, but then calmed down, trying to keep my detective mode at bay. I can search through all the details later. When I have all of them anyways.
"He does?" I asked sceptically.
"Yes. Believe it or not, but Slade used to have children." Will replied.
"Used to?" I asked, trying to get some information. Winter sighed.
"I am afraid I have already told you too much. Sorry, but maybe another time. Your food is ready anyways." Will put a plate of pasta in front of me.
"Thank you."
"You are most welcome. Now, eat it all up. You'll need the energy." Will smiled at me before ruffling my hair, catching me by surprise.
"Hey!" I complained swatting his hand away. Will smirked at me, before turning away to clean the counter. I scowled, but couldn't help the smile that slipped onto my face.
I found myself actually being able to eat the pasta, enjoying its taste. The feeling of not liking eating vanishing.
As long as William was here, maybe it wouldn't be so bad.

GOOD EVENING CHILDREN.
IT'S A UNICORN.
How you guys been?
Sorry for the photo in the middle, it was unnecessary but I couldn't help myself.
I'll remove it. - Eventually...
This chapter is shorter than the rest. Sorry.
Word count: 1836
Not including this little speech I'm having...
Welp! Have a good day!
*Jumps off a bride.*
UNICORN OUT!