The sound of metal slicing flesh barely phases you. It's the blood splatter that makes you cringe, side-stepping the body Slade’s just cut down. His sword shakes, the sticky substance dripping to the ground and across your boots. You’re sure he’s done it on purpose this time.

Slade met you a while back. He hadn’t meant to grow fond of you, but as it is, you caught his attention with no problem. You were somewhat of a challenge at first; he couldn’t easily beat you in a fight. That alone made you pique his interest.

Now imagine what he thinks when he learns you’re also an arm for hire. That just makes everything even more interesting. Slade likes it. The challenge you pose, the mystery you bring.

But now, the time for secrets is long gone. You’ve spent years knowing each other now. You were at his side when a certain Richard Grayson was in Slade’s life, and you remained even when Robin left.

More of a dynamic duo now than ever, you two remain taking contracts. You’re beginning to want to slow down. A life of peace and quiet, you’d tell him. He’d laugh you off, and you know why. Slade chases the adrenaline of fights. He needs this sort of consistency in his life.

You need peace. All Slade needs is sleep.

“What?” Slade huffs when he catches your gaze lingering too long. “The blood’ll wash off.” He refers to your boots.