Faye Feng → Dick Grayson ✔

Synchronized

Jason didn't come see him. Instead, it was Sandra.

The words Robin had rehearsed in his head refused to leave his mouth for a second when she walked in. Faye's mother was much more terrifying than her daughter had been when she first arrived at Gotham Academy – they walked the same, and they're neutral expression was the same, but there was an air of merciless brutality around Sandra.

Before he lost his nerve, Robin spoke.

"I have a proposition for you."

She raised an eyebrow. Robin responded with an unwavering stare, although his heart was racing. "You haven't even heard what I'm about to say."

"I can guess."

"Because of Faye," Sandra rolled his eyes at the younger boy's taken aback expression. "I know she was here, although I must confess that I don't know exactly when she paid you a visit. She tried to convince you to agree, didn't she?"

Robin pursed his lips. "I said I would consider it."

"And instead you came up with something else." Sandra sighed. She began to pace the edges of the room. Typical interrogation tactic – Robin had used it plenty of times. "Teenagers. Alright, let's hear it then."

"Faye's in danger. Serious danger."

"Yesterday's events have shown me that, yes."

"We might have beaten Klarion for now, but he will be back. I have experience dealing with him – let me help keep her safe."

"For how long? You're human, and as I understand it, Klarion is not. You cannot mean that you'll protect her for the rest of your life."

"If I said I would be happy to, you wouldn't believe me, so I'll save my breath and move onto something else." Robin said reasonably. "I know you're working with the Light; you think that a compromise with them to guarantee Faye's safety will be enough to restrain Klarion, right? I'm telling you, it's not."

"Why?"

"Klarion is the definition of a sociopath. Worse – he acts like a child. As you know, kids don't obey authority when they're told. Whatever bargain you make with the Light, he will break it. You saw how quickly he turned on Faye."

"That's a valid point." Sandra admitted. "How do I know you're better than any bodyguard for hired?"

"I know Klarion. I've fought him for more than five years. I know his weaknesses better than anyone else."

"Which are what, exactly?"

"If I tell, you'll have no use for me."

Sandra stopped in her tracks. For a second, Robin was afraid he had crossed a line. Then she laughed. The sound was beautiful in the way icicles that sparkled in the sun were enchanting.

"You're very good." She pointed at Robin. "My daughter didn't choose an airhead after all."

She resumed pacing, this time humming while she walked. Robin detected a tint of curiosity in it. "Now what if I twisted your words? What if I said you'll tell me if you care about her; she does need to know Klarion's weakness, since she's the one he's after."

"She knows," he answered promptly. "She helped."

"To take Klarion down?"

Robin nodded. "You can ask her yourself."

"I believe you," Sandra said. "I just didn't realize Faye could fight with the sheltered life we gave her."

"She's better than you think."