Chapter Text
I4.6
Chapter 51: Honesty
Disclaimer: I own nothing. Adult themes. DO NOT read if you are underage or dislike controversial things.
Author's Note: There were so many different plans for this plot, but I've finally decided on the direction I would like this story to go in. I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Flick of a wrist.
That's all it took to send the perpetrators soaring through the air. Richard watches on in amazement as a dark force catches their bodies before they hit the ground. Calculating blue-grey eyes observe the way that the team's empath rocks them just above the concrete floor. He glances back at Raven to see a gleeful smile stretching across her face as she yanks them up before dropping them, catching them before they can touch the safety of ground. Richard steadily takes in her demeanor as she continues to do this a few more times. Amusement evident in her lovely face.
The Boy Wonder is by no means an empath, but he does understand how people and power dynamics work. Watching Raven enjoy toying with the criminals like a cat playing with mice puts him on edge. The daughter of a demon. A dark side that she couldn't hide. Unholy powers that can wreck this world if she so chooses. There are too many things about her that makes him uneasy. That makes him question if she is a good fit for this team. How can she be when everyone knows that she's a ticking time bomb? When she knows that she's a ticking time bomb?
He can feel his brows dropping down into a frown. How can he trust her? How can he trust any of them?
As if reading his thoughts, the amusing smile slowly begins to fade from Raven's mouth. She glances as him nervously as she hovers the crying criminals in the air. A look of shame crosses her face as she turns away from him. She quietly clears her throat.
"That's enough, Raven," he says in a stern voice to cover the cracking. Lately, his voice has been dropping in baritone. He's not mad at it because he knows it's just a part of growing up, however, he does acknowledge that the cracking undermines his authority when giving directives. "Put them down so that I can arrest them properly."
She complies and for that Richard is thankful. He still hasn't decided how he should deal with her when the day comes that she decides to push back. There has been no break through in a technique or tool or formula that can mute Raven's power. He knows because he checks in regularly with Batman about it. Of all the members of his Teen Titan Team, Raven is the only one who gives him pause. Partly out of envy and partly because he knows what he would do if given the type of power she possesses. There is no way that absolute power like that would not or could not corrupt her absolutely. She attempts to come off as a humble being who is well learned and wise. He could attest that there is some truth in that. She is wise beyond her years, but it is easy to deny temptation when there is hardly anything tempting you.
Yes, the young girl floating before him desires comfort, family and above all else, a sense of safety and belonging. All those things she is starting to build with every member of the team. Sometimes, it is heartwarming to see the genuine connections being built between everyone during moments of downtime. Richard understands the importance of feeling connected to the whole for a sense of purpose, especially for the job that they do. He's just concerned that Raven needs more than they can provide. She needs the reassurance that they are there for her, but she also needs to know that there will be consequences should she buck his authority and step out of line. Richard often grapples with what those consequences should be and every time he asks his mentor for advice on this, Batman just tells him to do his best to figure it out himself. He knows for a fact that the older man has a contingency plan for every member of all teams, so Richard is more than miffed that he is not willing to share even though he knows the young leader is struggling. Since he has no idea about what he can physically do to contain her, he has resorted to controlling her through other means. Namely, her desire for positive reinforcement.
For now, she listens and obeys because she cares about what he thinks of her. She desires to make him happy. He may not be an empath, but he has learned to read the twitches of her face. The lift of a lip. The slight tilt of a head. An expression so endearing that she has to turn her whole body away from him as she processes that someone is proud of her and acknowledges that she is doing a good job. This is how he toys with her in order to keep her in check.
Richard fixes a bright smile on his face as he allows the feelings of pride to flow through him. He doesn't attempt to hide them because he wants her to pick up on it. Oh yes. The young leader has learned his lesson over the years. Since the first time she called him out on the mismatch between what he was saying and what he was feeling. It had been over something small. Burnt waffles to be exact. But she had picked up on it and her off the cuff comment had his guard up for a while. He really had thought that she could read minds for a minute and the amount of fear that coursed through him did not go unnoticed by her. So much so, that she chose to keep her distance from him.
It took a few days and many meditation sessions, but he was able to calm his jittery nerves. He came to the realization that Raven could not read his thoughts, but she can pick up on the fluctuation of his feelings. Richard then had to learn how to allow those feelings to pass through him. Like a great actor, he adapted to let the emotions course through him so that his speech matches what she's sensing...even if his thoughts are completely different. It hasn't been easy. Channeling and taming the internal self is something that takes years of single minded dedication and the Boy Wonder had no time for that. He had to learn on the fly. He figured out his own way to read his little empath and adjust to what she needs to sense in order to believe him.
"Great job today, Raven," he offers as the clicking sound of handcuffs permeate the air. Allowing his emotions to project positivity and pride while pushing his concerns away. He'll have to analyze those on his own down time. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
A slight blush crosses Raven's pretty round face and Richard's smile widens. It was nice to know that she wasn't completely immune to his charm. There were moments where she seemed as cold as stone. His smile falters a little when she responds with, "You don't have to do that, Robin. I know that I scare you…"
The look of sadness that flits across her face pulls a little at his heart strings. They have been working together for a little over two years now, but still dance around each other. It can't be helped. Neither one of them are as open or as playful as Starfire, Beastboy or Cyborg. They both have a difficult time breaking the ice with each other, however, he has never intentionally wanted to make Raven feel as though she's something to fear.
"That's not t…" he begins, but she cuts him off.
"You don't have to tell lies for my benefit, Robin," she states. Her voice is steady but her bright violet eyes are wavering. "I know what I am."
It is then that he realizes that she picked up on his concern from earlier. Doubling down on positive feedback won't yield the results he wants, so Richard decides to change tactics. "Fear isn't the right word for it when I watch you wield your powers. I'm not afraid of you. I'm in...awe, but I'm also wary."
Blended truth. Just enough to make it believable. That is how he's been able to get under Raven's skin. If she's caught on, she hasn't called him out on it nor does he believe that she will. Not for what it will cost her. Their delicate relationship would go up in flames.
Richard watches the witch before him wrap her arms around herself beneath her cloak. Glaringly self soothing behaviors that signal insecurity and a desire for comfort. As stoic as the young girl before him is, she is emotional within. As powerful as she is on the outside, she is equally as fragile inside. He can't overpower her in the physical world, but he can manipulate her from within. That is how he plans on keeping her under thumb until he can find a more tactile way of controlling her...just so that she doesn't go rogue and bring the world to an end, of course. Richard has the best intentions of everyone at heart. Obviously. The Boy Wonder isn't using his teammate as a very dangerous social experiment just for the fun of it, even though he can secretly admit to himself figuring out the ways that make Raven tick has become an interesting hobby.
"Awe isn't what I always pick up from you," Raven says. "Sometimes it's something else. You really don't trust me, do you?"
She sighs and turns away from him and the quiet criminals on the floor. Both men are listening intently. Partly out of curiosity and partly waiting for both teens to let their guard down long enough for them to escape. Richard has his eye on them, glaring at their nosiness. He lets Raven turn away from him so that he can better channel the emotion he wants her to feel without needing to reflect it on his face or in his posture. He takes a deep breath and settles on being as calm as he can be.
"If I'm being honest, I don't really trust anyone," he states.
Raven is still facing away from him when she counters with "You trust Cyborg."
This is true. Of all the members of the Teen Titans, it is Cy who Richard believes has his back the most. The rest will fall in line, but it is the older metal man who is most in tune with his logic and goals for the team.
"I trust him because I've known him longer," Richard responds. Attempting to exude calmness. A leader should not be playing favorites.
"Are you sure it's not because he's the easiest one for you to take out in a fight?" Raven asks with a glance over her shoulder. Richard couldn't read her expression, but he can feel his jaw drop before a frown mars his face.
"What are you implying, Raven?" he asks. Anger seeping into his voice.
Another sigh is emitted from the shorter girl as she reaches for her hood. "Forget it, Robin. Let's just get these guys to…"
"They're not what's important right now," Richard counters. "Say what you mean to say."
Violet eyes hesitantly glances at the men on the floor. "Are you sure you want them listening to the team's business like that?"
Richard doesn't even look at them as he pulls out a small taser from his utility belt. Without so much as a glance down, he reaches for the man closest to him and grabs him by the hair. The feeble protesting, coupled with the kicking feet barely registers on Richard's radar as he raises the taser to his neck. With one quick jolt and a yelp that sounded more animal than man, the Boy Wonder knocks out his prisoner. The second man is pleading with them as he tries to crawl out of their reach, but he is stopped by the dark glow enveloping him. With a simple snap of her fingers, Raven puts him to sleep.
Two unconscious men lay at their feet as a leader stands off with his subordinate. He can feel anger flaring to life in him even though he's trying his best to keep it at bay. Not only is this little girl questioning his authority, she's also questioning his integrity. Richard hates it when others try to make it seem like he's not a good person when he clearly knows he is. His choices are logical and in service to the team and the world as a whole. How dare this wicked witch insinuate things that she knows nothing about!
"Say what you mean to say, Raven," Richard says through gritted teeth. Is this really how she plans on repaying his kindness?
An unreadable expression flits across Raven's face. She's seen him angry before, but it's never been so plainly directed at her like it is in this moment. She drops her arms and allows her cloak to flow over her body and her hood to hide her facial features. Some conversations just needed to be had.
"…"
"…"
Both Titans are sizing each other up. Trying to determine how much they want this to escalate.
"I've noticed," Raven begins in her monotonous, gravel like voice, "that those you keep closest to you are the ones you...have the greatest advantage over."
Richard half snorts, half laughs. "In case you haven't noticed, but we're a part of the Teen Titans. SUPERheroes. I'm the only human on the team. I don't have any advantage over anyone."
Blue-grey eyes watch as the hooded figure before him tilts her head in thought before responding, "But yet, you do. Cyborg is bionic, this is true. But you also have advanced weaponry at your disposal. I've seen you use devices to incapacitate your opponents that could easily take down or even kill Cyborg."
Richard falters for a split second because he didn't realize that she had picked up on that. Does that mean that the metal man also noticed? Or has she mentioned that to him already?
"That still doesn't explain my trust him in," Richard reasons, "he's a good second in command who is able to support the team and its goals."
"Your goals, you mean," she challenges. "If he's such a good leader, would you be willing to step down and let him take the lead?"
The Boy Wonder finds himself balking at that thought. "Why would I do a thing like that? Especially when I know that Cy isn't interested in leading us."
"That's even more reason why he's in your close circle," Raven retorts. "You don't expect him to challenge you and even if he does, you'll be able to fight back."
"Why would he challenge me?" Richard inquires with a raised brow. Annoyance joining anger. "Is there something you know that I don't?"
"What I know is that those who are the closest to you, are the same ones who you have the most leverage over."
Richard can't read anything from her body language because of her cloak and hood. His silence is an invitation for her to continue.
"Starfire is head over heels for you, so she doesn't really question your methods...or motives," Raven says. Her voice is calm, but Richard knows that she's gauging his emotions to determine how far to push it. Why is she provoking him like this? "Beastboy admires you. He wants to be like you. The ever strong and capable leader…"
"What about you, Raven?" he asks as he allows feelings of curiosity to mix in with his annoyance. "What do you think of me?"
Violet eyes glow beneath the brim of her hood. Assessing. Calculating. Determining what is safe to say. What won't disintegrate their very fragile working relationship. There's a flicker of red from the gem at the center of her forehead as she makes her decision. Richard is confident that she would choose to keep the peace and hold her tongue, but he is surprised by her response.
"I think you are the least honest person on this team, Robin," she states in a matter of fact tone.
Richard is stunned. He can feel him mouth hang open at the statement. Or was this an accusation? In all of his 16 years, no one, besides Bruce and Alfred, dared to truly call him out like this. He clears his throat before answering her, while attempting to keep his amusement in check. A literal child is attempting to tell him about himself.
"I am the leader of the Teen Titans," he states as though she doesn't already know. "I have to do my best to gather information and filter through it for the team. Sometimes that means…"
"I meant yourself," Raven cuts off his well rehearsed lines. Seemingly impatient with his scripted reaction. "You are the least honest person with yourself, Robin. You like to cushion the things you do and say by claiming it's part of being a good leader. That you've got the best interest of everyone else as your priority. You like to make it look like you're a selfless person...but that's far from the truth, isn't it? Your own gain determines how invested you are in doing the 'right' thing."
Richard's humor is quickly replaced with feelings of anger and Raven takes a minuscule step back which emboldens him to take a step forward. Closer to her. He's just starting to hit his final growth spurt and is now slightly taller and broader than he was when they first met.
He quietly whispers to her in anger, "You don't know me as well as you think you do, so these conclusions you're jumping to are flat out wrong."
"I don't know you at all," she rejoins. "But I do know that there are moments where there is an extreme mismatch between what you're doing or say and what you're feeling. I know that you're desperate to prove yourself...to yourself. You don't need to do that if it'll cost you your…"
"I don't need a pep talk from you of all people," Richard sneers. "I'm not the one who is closed off and guarded with everyone I meet. You've been a member of this team for how many years and still...you're not anyone's favorite."
He watches Raven flinch beneath her hood and feels a sense of sick satisfaction at having hurt her in the only way he knows how. A pained expression flickers across her face before she forces her features back into neutrality.
"Finally."
Richard frowns at her word and she elaborates. "You're finally being honest with me. I know that you're always on edge because you're worried about me reading your emotions. You're not the first one who has treated me this way...or tried to trick me. Even without my powers, I would be able to pick up when someone is being disingenuous with me. It's a skill I learned VERY young because my survival depended on it. Depends on it."
Both birds are staring at each other in a pseudo standoff. Both searching for understanding in the other. Fighting through the frustrations that come with being truly unheard and misunderstood. Is this their first time recognizing kindred spirits in one another? Richard couldn't tell, because looking past the anger he felt at being called out is very difficult in this moment. Connection isn't what he's seeking with Raven. Just obedience.
"If I'm such a horrible person, why are still a part of my team?" Richard demands.
Raven pauses as she thinks about her answer. "I don't think you're a horrible person. I think that you're...fighting your own personal demons. I think that if you stopped rationalizing with yourself, then you'd be much happier than you are right now."
Richard snorts in response to her presumptuousness. "You overstep."
"That's not my intention, Robin," Raven responds. "I just want you to be more comfortable around me. I've seen you…"
There's a hesitant breath from the younger girl but she steels her nerves to speak her mind. "I've seen you enjoying time with the rest of the team, but the moment I enter the room, you completely lock up. It's like you're on high alert whenever you see me...like you think I mean you harm…"
Ahh, now Richard sees. She's reaching out a hand to see if he'll take it.
And take it he did.
Even as she was berating him for lying to people and himself, she was also seeking. The stark contrast between the way he treated her and the way he treated the rest of the team weighted heavily on her mind. It was then that he truly realized the best way to get in her head. At first, he bit the bullet because he thought it was his duty. His responsibility as the leader of his team to conduct that unsavory business in order to protect everyone else.
Well, that spectacularly backfired in a way that he didn't plan for. He may have been able to work his way into her head, but she managed to worm her way into his heart. Burrowed so deep that the thought of not having her near him physically pains him. Some of that may be due to the mental bond that they share, but he has long since given up on that resentment. Now, he's willing to embrace it in a way that his love is not. Fear not, even if she wants to withdraw from him, he would not let her.
With a small smile on his lips, Richard closes the lid of the digitized ice box. The familiar beep alerting him to the seal being activated disturbs the silence in the air. His reaches over to pull the heavy safe containing his weapons over the hole in the ground. Covering the ice box that holds extra doses of I4.6. Keeping it in the ground and out of direct sunlight will help to keep the formula stable. The last thing he wants is to accidentally poison Rachel. Most people would just raid the safe, thinking that's where the most valuable weapon would be. Not knowing that it's laying dormant just beneath.
Richard stands up and stretches to his full height. He's spent a while on the floor as he worked with the drug. Thoughts and ideas for a cleaner administration playing around in his mind. There is so much potential here that he couldn't help tinkering with it. As he steps outside of the shed, he takes a deep breath of fresh air. Even though it is the evening hours, the air is still heavy with the warmth of the day.
Summer will fade soon, Richard thinks to himself as he looks at the golden light casing a hauntingly surreal glow on the nature around him. Who knows when Rachel's brothers will attack next? They might not make another move for days, weeks or even months. The Titans who are still at the Tower have been searching for a sign, but they have been eerily quiet recently. Maybe they really are just waiting for his love to regain her powers so that they can suck her dry? He wouldn't be surprised to see this extend into the winter months, but how is he going to convince Rachel to continue taking the drug? She's been complaining about the side effects and when he brings up potentially continuing to use is, she pushes back. Richard believes that she's more frightened of being so defenseless than anything else. Her whole world and the way that she's used to existing in it has shifted overnight. In the blink of an eye. She was not willing to take anymore even if it was administered in a lower dose or a different method.
Richard turns his back on the sunset and looks towards the house he purchased for her. Thoughts running through his head about the aftermath of their little confession session in the dressing room of the store. He has been racking his brain to think of ways to ease her fear that keeps her bound to his side. He's astute enough to know that he wants her completely dependent on him. The surges of happiness that courses through him when she leans on or asks him for help with anything can't be described. He wouldn't know how to go back to living without it. If she were to regain her powers, Richard fears that she would begin distancing herself from him out of some sense of protection. He doesn't need that from her. He can take care of himself...and her.
His reaches for the backdoor knob and gently pulls it open on silent hinges. He quietly steps out of his dirty work boots and set them by the door like he normally does. There's a warm feeling in his chest as he thinks about the little signs of a life lived in this little house. When they both arrived, it was cold and barren. Clear that no one has visited, much less lived here in a while. Now, there are mismatched towels hanging off of the stove. Two favorite mugs left in the dish rack. Post it notes on the fridge to remind them to pick up perishable items like eggs and milk. Blue-grey eyes roam around the little kitchen. Taking in the details that mean so much to him in this sentimental moment.
Home.
Is this what a real home might feel like? Up until this point, the Tower has been the closest place that feels like home to him since the circus. But, even that place never truly made him feel comfortable. His work as team leader was always weighting heavily on his head. He found moments of peace there, but that's all it was. Fleeting moments that were broken up by the sound of an alarm because of some crisis. Wayne Manor was always too large. Too impersonal. No matter how much he tried to make his room feel like a comfortable space, he was never able to fully make it his.
However, here there were no expectations. No need to worry about anything that didn't concern him or Rachel. That's not to say that all of his concerns flew out the window, especially with everything going on. It was just easier for him to close the door and only focus on the lovely woman he lives with. Speaking of...where is she?
Richard found himself walking towards the living room, however, he quickly quiets his steps as he hears Rachel's voice in the study. She was not in the habit of talking to herself, even when she's deep in thought, so she must be speaking to someone. Probably someone from the Tower, but she didn't tell him that anyone had called. She usually alerts him because they promised that they would be honest with each other during this dangerous time. The last thing they want is miscommunication giving the enemy a deadly opening.
His sharp ears pick up on a deeper male tone that's not as deep as Cyborg's. So he can rule that one out. There's a sinking feeling in his stomach as he inches closer. He knows this voice, but it sounds more masculine than he remembers.
"Raven, you're in danger!" comes a boom, followed by the lowering of the volume.
"Shh!" Richard is sure that there is a nervous glance towards the door he's standing to the side of. Rachel, the clever minx, left it slightly ajar so that she can see when he comes back in from the shed. The study is off to the side of the kitchen, so Richard stands with his back pressed against the wall so that she couldn't see him.
She lowers her voice as she says, "Keep your voice down, BB. Dick is right outside."
"I don't care where he is, you need to leave where ever you're hiding," the green man reasons. "They know where you are. You're not safe there."
There's a deep sigh from the lost woman in the office chair. "I'm not safe anywhere. If they where interested in me then they would have attacked by now. They haven't. They won't make a move until my powers return."
"Then return to the Tower," he pleads. "We can keep you safe while you're powerless. And if anything were to happen, you'd have the support of the whole team...of me."
There is a pause as though Rachel is considering his proposition. "I don't want to put the team in unnecessary danger, BB."
"Your brothers are not my biggest concern or fear," the changeling states. "You're living with a monster."
"Don't talk about Dick like that," she sharply replies. "He's been good to me. He has been taking care of me…"
"I'm sure he has." Richard can hear the insinuation in his voice. "You know that man has ulterior motives with you. He's the most dangerous one out here. My blood test came back positive for some unknown drug. Cyborg is working on analyzing it. I'm willing to bet money that he's the one who gave it to me."
"You have no proof!" Rachel counters, even though he can hear the hesitation in her voice. She's a smart woman. Richard is sure that she's put two and two together to figure out that both BB and Star was his doing. Why else would he conveniently have drugs on hand that could mute her powers? That her symptoms are strikingly similar to theirs? She's never actually asked him if he did it. If she did, he would answer honestly. Yes.
"Right. Think for a minute Raven," BB counters, "too many things are aligning to miss. There is something not right with him. I don't know where things went left, but he hasn't been the same leader we've followed for years. Not since that day…Not since Trigon got in his..."
"STOP," she says. Richard can hear the exasperation in her voice. He's not sure why she stopped him. Richard wants to know what the younger man is eluding to. What day? He has always been this way. This feeling towards the team's empath were home grown over the years. He's older. Wiser. Has a better handle on what he wants.
"I don't want to talk about Dick anymore, BB," she pleads. "Just tell me what the language expert told you."
Dick can hear a few soft clicks telling him that something is popping up on the screen. He's dying to know what BB is showing her, but to see, he would have to fully stand in the hallway which will blow his cover.
"He analyzed the images your provided," BB states. "He wants to talk to you. Preferably in person. If that doesn't work then a video call will have to do."
"In person is out since I can't travel around like I used to," she replies. There's a pause. "I'll have to wait until Dick goes out to the shed or shopping to video call him."
"Why?" BB inquires. A genuine question in his voice. "I thought you told your precious Dick everything. I didn't even know you were capable of keeping secrets from him."
"I know what you and the rest of the team are thinking," Rachel responds with frustration. "I'm not some loss puppy that just follows him around. Doing whatever he tells me to. I know what kind of man he is. Believe me. I've seen it. I've felt it."
"Is that why you're choosing to keep secrets from him?" the changeling counters. "I didn't know you had it in you Rae-Rae."
"I'm not keeping secrets. I'll tell him what he needs to know," she says.
"Do you think he's the person that this prophecy is referring to?" BB asks. "If so, you're right not to tell him. His main character energy is big enough. God knows he'll probably try to take over the world."
There is a huff of laughter as she agrees with him. "His ego is big enough as it is...but that's not why."
"The portal that they're referring to could be you or maybe Trigon has another daughter out there somewhere," BB says. "Maybe they found her and that's why they're leaving you alone?"
"I doubt it," Rachel states. "They're not just looking for a female. They need a human one."
"This is why you should stay with Starfire," BB pleads. "Tell her where you are and she'll fly over to you in a heartbeat. Get yourself away from him."
"Star already has a lot on her plate and I don't want…" Rachel slowly says.
"Shut up, Raven," BB says with force in his voice. "I'm tire of hearing you talk like you're a burden. No one here thinks that way about you. And I know that you and Star weren't on good terms for a while because of that asshole, but she doesn't want to see you hurt… or worse, dead."
"I know," Rachel admits. "I just feel more comfortable with Dick around, is all."
"Ugh, then let me tell you the rest of what the inscription says."
Richard finds himself perking up even more.
"According to the translator, Earth is only a stepping stone for Trigon's ultimate goal."
Richard finds himself leaning in to hear better.
"But we already knew that," BB continues, "The real wild cards in all of this are your brothers. My contact thinks that they're trying to stop him and that's why they're after your energy. You have the fusion needed to keep him at bay."
"I don't get it," Rachel responds. Richard can practically hear the gears turning in her head. "Why not just ask me to help them? If they don't want Trigon to win and I definitely don't want him to win, then aren't we on the same page?"
"Your help will lead to your death," BB reminds her. "I'm pretty sure they know that you wouldn't give up your life for this."
There is a silence from Rachel's end of the line which worries both men. BB feels the need to clarify, "Right Raven? You're life is worth living. Don't even think about trying to sacrifice yourself."
"Of course not Beastboy," she says. Her voice sounding smaller than he would have life.
"There's something else that you should know Raven," the changeling continues, "something about Robin. I know you don't want to hear it, but…"
"I can handle it," she cuts him off. "I know Dick well and I know he wouldn't willingly do that to me."
"Willingly is the keyword," BB counters, "but we've seen otherwise. Remember when he…"
"Shh!" Rachel hushes him. "That wasn't him and you know it. He was possessed and out of his mind…"
"Yes," the green man states, "I know. But it's happened once so it can happen again. Don't you remember the lengths you went to release him from…"
"Yes," Rachel says. "Trust me. I know, but we're past that now."
"Yea," he counters, "keep telling yourself that, but I know what I see when he looks at you. There's some of it left. He's the last person you should be hiding out with."
Richard is trying to rack his brain to think about what they could possibly be referring to. What incident? Hurt Rachel? Him? Never. Something doesn't make sense. When was he ever possessed? By who? By what? What did he do to her? Why were they keeping secrets from him?!
He was so deep in thought that he didn't realize that he had shifted his weight onto a squeaky floor board. Both Titans on the video call went silent. Richard's cover is blown so he chooses to stretch so that Rachel can see his arm waving from the kitchen. Slowly, he makes his way towards the study. Groaning like a creaky old man. He thought that he would walk into the video call and would be forced to speak to BB for a few minutes. As though he doesn't know that they were just talking about him. Instead, he's greeted by a black screen and a pretty young woman already on her feet and making her way to the door.
She meets him by the door frame. There is a frazzled looked about her and she doesn't quite meet his eyes. Richard sarcastically wonders why.
"Oh!" he says with his trademark smile as he leans against the wall. "I thought you were on the phone with someone."
"Oh," she says as she glances at his broad chest instead of his face. An obvious sign of guilt. "I was just talking to...to Cyborg. Did you just come in?"
Interesting choice, Richard thinks to himself. Why not just tell him the truth. It's not like they haven't spoke to BB before.
"I see," he slowly drawls with a smile still plastered to his face as his eyes search her face. "How has he and the team been doing?"
"They're worried, but there's no real update about anything," she states. Lying through her teeth. "It seems as though everyone is stumped. My brothers have been silent since our last encounter."
"Hmm," Richard hums as he gently cups her face and angles it upward. She blushes so prettily and he wonders how anyone could not be obsessed with her. He leans down and presses a firm kiss against her pliant lips. He pulls away but doesn't let go of her face. He smiles down at his little liar again.
"Is that all you talked about with Beastboy?" he calmly asks.
Richard can practically see Rachel's heart drop when he mentions the changeling. She sheepishly attempts to look away from him, but he doesn't let go of her face. He coos at her, "It's okay, beloved. I'm not mad, but I do know that we shouldn't keep secrets from each other. Especially during these dangerous times. Tell me what he said."
A brief flash of what seems like worry crosses her face, but it disappears as soon as it arrives. She tells him, "Well, you already heard it."
"That's not true," Richard reasons. "I only heard BB's voice, but I couldn't make out what you two were saying when I came in. Too much wind, you see."
Rachel's brows raise in relief at not being heard. Thinking that she dodged a bullet she says, "We were talking about the inscription and how it describes using me as portal. That my brothers only care about me when my powers are intact. You know...things that we already know. Things that the two of us have already spoken about at length."
Richard starts to sway both their bodies as he hears her stress the words "two of us." He knows what she's doing to appease him, even as she spits in his face with these unnecessary lies. He leans in closer and pressed another kiss to her warm lips. He slips his tongue into her lying mouth and slowly strokes it against hers.
He whispers against her, "That's it? The same old, same old?"
"Yes," she whimpers back as he lays a kiss against the corner of her mouth while continuing to sway their bodies towards the wall. A small gasp escapes Rachel's lips as her warm back is pressed against the cool surface.
"No new connections, huh?" he inquires as his lips trail down her neck. Laying butterfly kisses as he goes.
"No," she moans as her hands come to rest on his shoulders. A strangle cry rings in his ear as his teeth sink into her rapid pulse. She's so responsive. His little, lying virgin.
"No old connections either, huh?" he half asks, half states, but Rachel's not listening to him properly because his sneaky hands have found their way up her sweater. Well versed fingertips tracing patterns across sensitive skin.
"Dick," she says as she brings one leg up to wrap around his waist.
"So…" he coos against her. "Nothing new to report."
He was giving her one final chance to come clean. To not keep secrets from him. To tell him about a time that he can't remember. If she takes this opportunity to come clean with him, then he could let the annoyance bubbling away in him simmer down.
"No," she whispers through a shudder. "Nothing that you need to know."
A strong hand buries itself in her dark locks. Thick fingers curling around silky strands as he jerks her head upwards. He gruffly groans against her mouth, "Everything. I need to know everything. About you. About us."
His lips are brutal and forceful against hers. His tongue is searching the depths of her mouth. Searching for the truths that she refuses to tell him. It's not like he didn't know that she has her own share of secrets and things that she would be too embarrassed to share with him, but the fact that BB knows things that he doesn't irks him. Her not telling him, even though she knows she's been caught in a lie frustrates him. When did she learn to keep things from him? When did this inexperience mouth learn to speak lies and half truths?
With that thought, Richard forces her leg back down. He breaks away from her without stepping away. He takes his hands off of her and braces it on both sides of her head. Since she insists on lying through those pretty lips, he might as well put her mouth to good work.
Rachel wraps her arms around his neck and he obliges her by leaning down. She lays a kiss on him, but as she is about to deepen it, he pulls away. A tight smile stretched across his lips.
"What's wrong," she asks. Nervousness laced in her voice.
"Nothing," he chimes. "I'm just trying to memorize your face."
Her blush deepens, but Richard's eyes are sharp. He is quick to take in the way that her features shift when lying. The unwillingness to meet his eyes. The down turn of the corner of her lips. Constantly glancing down and to her right. Even though she's in this moment with him, her mind is else where. She's just trying to change the topic and while Richard is angry with her, he doesn't call her out on it. After all, this is just another side to his beloved. He can't claim to love her without also loving this facet. However, that doesn't mean he is pleased.
"Rachel," he gently calls her name. Allowing affection to seep into his voice. Affection that doesn't quite make it to his eyes. He waits until she finally looks up at him. Her arms tightening around him. "You know I want what's best for you, don't you?"
Even if you don't know what's best for you.
"I know, Dick," Rachel agrees. Nervousness still evident in her shaky voice. She knows she's been caught in a lie, but has no idea how much he actual knows.
"Good," he states. "This is why you shouldn't keep secrets from me, especially ones that pertain to your safety. I'm all that you have out here."
There is a small nod from the smaller woman. Even if she called the whole team to this house, there is nothing that they could do to keep them apart. Contingency plans have already been set in place.
Rachel nods again and licks her lips in nervousness. Richard rests his forehead against hers. He pecks the red gem that has laid dormant in the center of her forehead. Thinking about how it has not glowed since she took I4.6.
"Kneel," is his quiet command. She glances up at him with a question in her eyes.
"There isn't enough room…" she weakly protests. There is very little space between his body, her body and the wall.
He ignores how befuddled she is attempting to sound. She knows what he wants from her by now.
"Slide down the wall and kneel," Richard calmly states. Dangerous authority laced in his voice. A combination of lover, commander, and the promise of rough pleasure. Usually, Dick is very careful to make sure that Rachel enjoys the experience since she doesn't have much of it. Most of what they've done together up until this point have been exploratory. Two love birds learning the ins and outs of each other's body.
In this moment, Dick isn't in the mood for it. Her lack of honesty has brought to light and reaffirmed things about her that he already expected. In this moment, he decides that he's only concerned with his own enjoyment. He'll worry about her aftercare later.
"Dick…" she halfheartedly protests. The demand he's laying on her excites something within her.
"Do. It." A simple command with so many heavy implications. Richard hears her swallow as she takes a deep breath.
Blue-grey eyes watch as Rachel widens her stance so that her feet were on either side of him. He watches in excitement as she slowly slides down the wall. The back of her short violet hair dragging across the paint to create an adorable cow lick. When her knees hit the floor, she looks up at him with a question in her eyes. Waiting for her next orders.
Richard crosses his forearms against the wall and lays the top of his head on it. He is peering down on her as her hands reach to grasp the extra fabric of his pants.
"No," is his order. He doesn't pull away, but he doesn't let her touch him. "Rest your hands on your thighs."
A nervous Rachel is glancing at him again. Attempting to gauge the man before. They haven't done something quite like this before. Never this tense with something darker simmering under the surface. It had always been spontaneous and fun. Nevertheless, the former empath does what she is told. Her knees are resting on either side of his feet and her hands grip the fabric of her own pants.
Richard reaches down and strokes the side of her face in a comforting way. His thumb ghosts over her lips and she instinctively parts them but he doesn't slip in. Instead he keeps his head resting against a forearm on the wall while his other hand tucks a lock of hair behind her ears. He uses that hand to tilt her head back. Angling it awkwardly against the wall.
Up until this point, they both had been ignoring the bulge in his pants, but Rachel's eyes couldn't help glancing at it. Well, it's in her face after all. She leans forward to place a kiss on it, but the hand clamped around her throat stops her before she can reach him. His gently kneads the soft flesh in his hands before giving it a good squeeze. He watches in satisfaction as Rachel's eyes widen and her mouth falls open at the sensation.
"We're going to practice following directions today," he playfully tells her. "This is an exercise in listening."
Rachel opens her mouth to say something, but Richard just tightens his grip. The veins in his hand straining and he quiets her. "No talking. Just doing. So listen carefully."
You'll only tell me lies anyway, he thinks as he continues to look down at her. "Nod if you understand."
Two small nods are his answer. "Good. You're doing better already."
He gives her throat an affectionate squeeze before releasing it. He braces his other hand back on the wall and continues to rest his head on it. A smug smile blooming on his face. No one else will ever get to enjoy this sight of her. Least of all BB.
In a voice deepened by lust and possessiveness he give his second command. "Use your hands to unbuckle my belt. And only my belt."
Two shaky, pale hands reach towards him. Violet eyes equally as focused on their task. The sound of leather and metal join the heavy breathing in the room. She reaches for his zipper, but the sound of a slap and a surprised cry greets his ears. She retracts her hands and holds them against her chest as surprised eyes glare up at him.
"I didn't tell you to touch that," is Richard's guff response. "Listen and obey or I'll stop."
A look of uncertainty crosses Rachel's face, but Richard just smiles at her and continues. "I don't think you really want me to stop. You're already wet. See."
Before Rachel can response, Richard takes one sock covered foot and rubs it between her open legs. She couldn't close them fast enough because her knees are spread too far apart. A whimper leaves her mouth as both her hands cling to his calf in an attempt to stop him while her hips buck against him.
"Such a confusing message from such a confusing woman," he coos. Flicking his big toe against her swollen clit. Even through her pants and panties, he knows just were to touch.
"Ah-ah," he mocks as he continues to rub against her. "I didn't tell you to touch me there."
"Dick, please," is her response. Needy violet eyes looking up at him. Just the way he likes.
"Then listen," he playfully reasons. "And do as I say."
There is a nod as Rachel reluctantly lets go of his leg. Richard puts his foot back down and smiles. "If you do this right, I'll return the favor until you squirt all over the floor again."
A recollection so vivid has Rachel's face flush and her back braced ramrod straight against the wall. The memory of the sore achy feeling the morning after is more tantalizing than anything else. She can recall how sensitive she was after. How she would rub her thighs together to encourage the sensation throughout the day. She had been in such a daze that she was willing to throw caution to the wind and just told him to put it in. Luckily, Dick had his wits about him and was able to hold himself back. It wasn't the right time. Losing one's virginity while dangling over a banister just won't do.
A deep chuckle bubbles from Richard's throat as he recalls the incident. Knowing that it would be hard for her to resist. "If you agree then nod."
A violet head bobbles and Richard finally finds himself relaxing. "Good. Now listen."
Richard returns his head against the wall and looks on in amusement as the tense young woman awaits his directions. If only she could always be at the ready like this.
"Keep your hands on your thighs," he says. "Use your mouth. Pull my zipper down."
She doesn't hesitate. Rachel angles her head forward and grasps the metal tab between her teeth. Slowly pulling downward. Her warm breath puffs against the cloth of his swollen cock and he has to stifle a groan. It's uncomfortably bent as it pushes and pulses against the fabric. There is a little wet spot where his precum has started leaking.
Richard exhales heavily as he gives his next command. "Find the tip and graze your teeth over it. Look at me while you do it."
Violet eyes lock onto blue-grey as a pretty mouth with straight teeth opens wide enough to suck the tip of his clothed dick into her mouth. A shiver runs down his spine as she runs her teeth over the tip. Giving it gentle nibbles. He reaches down and cups her cheek. Gently stroking it as she works the tip.
"Perfect," he murmurs. If only she could always be this compliant. Their world would be perfect. "Use your tongue and slip it into the slit."
Eyes flutter close in acknowledgment as she shifts her head to the side to gain better access. A pink tongue darts out and hooks itself in the slit of his briefs. He hisses at the feel of her moist tongue on his heated flesh. She runs it across the length that she has access to. Rachel flattens her tongue against him and moans as the taste of him fills her palette. Richard continues to gaze down at her without blinking.
Such an amazing mouth shouldn't tell such dirty lies.
"Take it out," is his next order. She hesitates. Unsure if she should be using her hands or not. He lets her decide. Small, soft hands slip into the waistband of his briefs and pulls it down. Richard's swollen cock springs free. Throbbing in the space between them. Without thinking, Rachel leans forward to take him in her mouth, but Richard's firm grip on her hair stops her.
"I wish you would listen better," he coos as he grasps himself with his other hand. "I didn't tell you to suck on it."
His slow strokes himself. The tip of his cock barely grazing Rachel's bottom lip before tapping it against the side of her face. The heaviness of his erection takes her by surprise as he continues to smear precum across her face.
"Take your shirt off," is the next order. Richard pulls away far enough so Rachel can comply. Continuing to stroke himself in front of her. He violently twitches in his own hand as he takes in the sight of his topless lover. Bare breasts heaving in time with each pump. Lust clouding her usual clear gaze. If only she were always this honest with him.
Honesty. It's something that they will continually have to work on.
"Do you want to suck it?" he asks as his thumb circles the tip.
A breathless "yes" is the reply.
"But you haven't done anything to earn it," he coos before letting it go. He shifts his weight and violet eyes are locked on to how it sways with his movement, so he shifts again and laughs when she tracks it.
"What do I have to do?" she asks while licking her lips. Her head still braced against the wall.
"Tell the truth," he responds. His fingers gently raking through her hair. "Do you love me?"
Without missing a beat she states "yes."
"Do you love me enough to be honest with me?" Dick asks. His tone mild. His voice gentle.
"Of course," Rachel responds as she looks up at him. Such a fucking liar.
"Then open your mouth," he orders. She complies without hesitation. His low groan is met by her muffled cry as he pushes his thick cock into her warm mouth. He normally only goes half way so that she has time to adjust, but today she doesn't deserve it. Lies compounded on lies.
There are tears in her eyes as he pushes all the way down her throat. Nose brushing against his navel. Chin grazing his heavy balls. They feel like they're about to explode as he releases a long exhale in order to stop himself. He pulls out a little to give her some air when he begins to feel her choking around his girth. The sound of her slick saliva joining their heavy breathing.
"Relax your throat and take what I give you," is his command. He holds still as they hold each other's gazes. Rachel attempts to nod, but can't fully move her head. She couldn't pull back even if she wanted to since she couldn't break free from the wall. She should be concerned by this dangerous situation, but she felt at ease knowing that he wouldn't hurt her. Even if he was mad at her in the moment.
Richard starts with shorter thrusts. Pleased to see her meeting each one with the bobbing of her head. He keeps his strokes smooth and rhythmic so that Rachel can follow along. Her spit mixed with his essence is drooling out of her mouth and onto her chest. Her brows furrow in concentration as he reaches down and smears some of it against her expose breasts that bounce in time with his thrusts. He cups one and gives it an affectionate squeeze. Playing with a nipple as he keeps himself from bruising her mouth and throat with deeper strokes.
"Play with yourself," he encourages once he sees that Rachel has gotten used to his flow. He watches as a hand slowly reaches into the band of her drawstring pants. Her throat vibrates with her moans around his throbbing cock as she skillfully plays with herself. Richard notices the telltale circular motion of her middle finger. Even through the thin fabric.
If she had been honest with him from the start of their conversation, then the both of them could have finished at such a pleasant pace. However, she chose to lie and dishonesty will not be rewarded.
With that thought, Richard takes her by surprise when he thrusts with so much force that her head is pinned to the wall. Her cries are muffled by his girth buried in her throat. The squeezing feels good to Richard and he glances down at her.
"Bare with me," he tells her. "Keeping playing with yourself. Don't stop until you cum."
Rachel's cheeks are flushed red and her eyes hold a determination he wasn't expecting at the beginning of this. She wasn't supposed to be enjoying herself this much, but it was nice to know that she took pleasure in his enjoyment as well.
Richard laces his fingers in her hair to hold her head still as he thrusts become deeper and more erratic. He was dangerously close to cumming. He can feel the tightening in his balls as Rachel's natural reflexes squeeze in response to his violent thrusting.
He manages to ground out, "When I cum, keep it in your mouth."
He doesn't wait for a response as he feels the build up release and waves on waves of pleasure radiate throughout him. He fills Rachel's small mouth with thick streams of cum. Coating everything, but he is pleased to see that she doesn't swallow. She holds it in as he smiles at her. Placing an affectionate kiss on the top of her head.
Let his cum wash away all her lies.
"You did well," he coos down at her. "But don't swallow yet."
She gives him a questioning look because she can't respond. Her mouth is full and her throat is starting to feel sore. Tears are still streaming down her face. This is the first time he has ever been this rough with her and she finds that she doesn't dislike it.
Richard kneels down and reaches for her pants. Slowly pulling them down her legs.
"You did so well," he coos as he throws her clothing to the side. "It wouldn't be fair if I left you like this, would it?"
He asks knowing that she can't answer, but her frown of frustration is all he needs to see. He gently cups the sensitive flesh between her legs and grinds the heel of his hand against her bud. She whimpers in response and almost spills what's in her mouth.
"As long as you don't spill or swallow, I'm willing to help you out," he teases. "If you do, I'll stop."
She looks like she wants to say something but can't. She wants release as much as he did.
"Nod if you agree," he says. Rachel pouts at the unfairness of it all, but nods her head once as Richard slips his finger in. "So slippery wet. If I had know fucking your mouth would have this affect on you I would have done it sooner."
A whimper is his response as he catalogs this information for later. His little lady is quite the pervert after all. He had been worried that she would be the prudish type being a book worm and all, but he's glad that it's not true.
His cum sloshes around in her mouth as she attempts to say his name.
"Ah-ah. Don't spill, Rachel," he coos. She's still leaning against the wall with her legs spread wide. Cheeks full of him. Richard uses his thumb to firmly massage her clit as his fingers pump in and out of her. He let's her set her rhythm. Matching her frantic pace. Tears and choked back sobs greet his eyes and ears. He can see her frustration building as she wants to let go and enjoy the pleasure radiating within her, but she has to maintain enough control to not swallow what he left in her mouth. What an interesting dilemma to have. He should put her in more dilemmas like this in the future.
Richard smiles as he watches her give up before his very eyes. Drool and cum leaks out the side of her mouth as she bucks against him. Pushing him into the sweet spot that will give her release.
"Come baby," he gently encourages her as he continues to torment her. "You're doing so well. Don't make a mess now."
A whimper is his response. "Ride my fingers like you did this morning. That's it. You did so well taking my cock in your mouth, I'm sure your pussy can learn to handle it too."
Rachel moans as more of his seed drips out of her mouth. Richard uses the fingers of his other hand to scoop it up and push it back in.
"You're so lovely when you're a mess like this," he says. "If you listen to me more and were more honest with me, I could play with you like this everyday."
There's a muffled cry from his beloved as he feels her spasming around his fingers. Tittering on the edge of her own release. He curls his arm around her and pulls her into an embrace as his other hand works to bring her to completion. She clings to him as she rests her head on his shoulder. What's left of his cum flows out of her mouth and down his back as she cries out his name.
"Dick!" They cling to each other as her spasms shakes her body and a rush of warmth spreads across his hand.
"Oh no," Richard says in mock surprise as he feels the drippings on his back. "You made a mess."
There is a whimper from the spent woman in his arms. She croaks, "my mouth hurts."
"Oh no," Richard says in mock surprise. "I've made a mess out of you."
Both plot and spicy time in one chapter?! I hope this makes up for my absence. Procrastination is my enemy. It's a good thing RiverRunRed kept poking me to get it done. Happy holidays and enjoy the New Year!