Faye Feng → Dick Grayson ✔

Kinder

"Aqualad: 5," a female computerized voice said. "Robin: 4. Aqualad: Victorious."

"I'm sorry," Aqualad said apologetically, holding out his hand. "I thought that you would block."

Robin smiled, wincing as he let his friend help him to his feet. "It's alright, Kaldur. Not your fault."

They walked towards the holographic control panel, both costumes black and red.

"You seem distracted."

Robin gave Aqualad a sideways look. "What gave that away?"

"You are only defeated in training when you have something else on your mind. It has been this way for a few months."

The Atlantian was as honest and as perceptive as ever. Robin thought that Faye would like him, if she didn't find him boring, that was. Over the years, Robin had come to appreciate Kaldur's calm demeanor, their friendship cultivated from five years of dodging bullets together.

"I've been busy." He confessed. "Gotham's not in a good place, and Batman's been gone since mid-January."

"Yes, the intergalactic distress call." Kaldur nodded. "So has Aquaman, but I suppose Atlantis is not as prone to crime as your city."

"Ocean Master hasn't been acting up?"

"A few minor attacks – nothing more. Besides, our people know how to defend themselves. I cannot say the same for Gotham."

"Yeah, not everyone can wield electricity." Robin typed absently into the translucent keyboard. "When do you think they'll be back?"

"The League?" Kaldur shrugged. "Who knows? It could be a while before they resolve the planetary war."

Robin sighed. Following Lydia Whitegate would have to wait. Then again, Gotham hadn't seen another murder connected to the Fengs as February and March passed in a rainy, grey blur. The wealthy began to feel secure once more, and grief was always dulled by the past. His own urgency to solve the Feng case did the same, even though it nagged him like an itch he couldn't scratch.

"There is something else."

"School's started for me, if that's what you mean. It's been dragging on for a couple of months."

Kaldur scoffed good-naturedly. "You never have problems with school."

"Thanks for the compliment."

"You are welcome, but forgive me for wanting to know why you have been occupied."

Robin sighed. "Always the caring team leader, huh?"

"Not for much longer. You will take the mantle very soon."

"Sooner than I'd like."

"You were always meant to."

"What I was trained for," Robin nodded solemnly. "I know."

"Yes, and before I lose the ability to pressure you into telling me what is wrong, I'd like to find out what my successor is thinking."

Robin chuckled, and Aqualad smiled. "Thanks for reminding me that you're the oldest."

"Well, you are certainly not the youngest anymore."

"Remember when I was thirteen and half your height?"

"Scrawny and underestimated," Kaldur laughed. "You took so much pride in beating Kid Flash and I in sparring sessions."

"Two-on-one, man – and both with powers too! The first time I did it, I thought I would never need to train with Black Canary ever again."