Devil in My Mind

Pseudo Parent

Nearly two months later.

To Dante's continued frustration, Robin's insisted he reside at the tower. Even though Dante has a lot of experience with portals, the Underworld, and all things demon-related, Robin's convinced that everyone will really only be safe, if the Devil Hunter remains where demons don't follow. It makes sense, but it feels weird staying with the Titans, no matter how necessary.

With Raven's persuasion, Robin did at least give Dante the green light to go out devil hunting, as long as he brings his communicator and returns to the tower at night. Aware this is how Dante earns a living, it didn't seem right not to let him do what he does best.

So, he's been making himself as unavailable as possible, leaving only opportunities for him and Raven to hang out one on one. She's the only one he's truly interested in, though, he's also taken a liking to Jinx, or rather, Lucky. Bringing her along for more devil hunts, the two get on quite well. Having a Titan affiliate with him during battle puts the rest of the team at ease. She reminds him of his associate, Lady.

"Too bad I didn't meet Lady Luck back in the day. She might have actually said yes for a date, unlike Lady-Mary, who blasted me in the head when we first met. Too late for that now, but that doesn't mean I can't show Lucky a few tricks. She's an excellent student. Plus, I've had plenty of one night stands over the years. The last thing I want is for her or anyone to think that's what I'm looking for, hell no."

One night, after a day of demon slaying, he comes home late, bringing Jinx along, still not understanding why the other Titans don't offer her the guest room indefinitely. He'd gladly take the couch, or the floor, or the roof, or just not sleep.

"Stay the night," he tells her as she's about to leave.

"Er, as in stay the night here? I dunno, Robin probably wouldn't like that very much. It's so late and I didn't exactly get his permission."

He plops on one of the large sofas.

"You have my permission. Sleep in the bed. I'm taking the couch."

Jinx puts her hands on her hips, ponders, then struts over to the couch across from him and sits with her legs folded.

"Do you like living here?"

"It's only temporary."

"That doesn't answer my question."

"It has its perks. I like having a variety of food to make. Nice to teach myself how to cook after all these years."

"Oh I know, that must be pretty nice. So, would you say I'm becoming your protégé?"

"Hmm? Sure," he sighs, wishing his private lavatory hadn't been a ruse from Slade.

"What about Raven?"

"What about her?"

"You think it makes her jealous?"

"Why would it? Aren't you two sort of friends?"

"Meh, I guess so. What do you two do together, you and Raven, like for fun?"

"Practice fight moves in her magic mirror. Drink a lot of tea, go places around town when allowed. Ugh, how long have I been here? Man, I need to get an apartment or something."

"Yeah you do," Jinx sighs.

He sits up and gives her a peculiar look.

"You not tired, Lady Luck?"

"I am a little."

"Go to bed."

"Raven's not in bed."