Chapter 1
Rain

Why am I doing this…?

No matter how hard he tries the young man can't stop the question that circles through his mind like a desperate mantra. By all means of the imagination he should be letting someone know about this; Gordon, Bruce, Alfred…somebody.

Crossing his arms over his chest Robin sighs. At least he didn't have to lie to Alfred. Well, not completely anyways. The kindly old gentleman had caught him sneaking out the door, and quickly inquired as to where he was going and when he'd be back as it is a school night. Originally Richard did have a meeting planned for math tutoring, but as his plans drastically changed from one little note he used the original plan as the excuse to leave. With his costume stuffed into his backpack Al probably believed him. Hopefully. Although old the long time Wayne family friend has a natural ability to read a person that is uncanny. His only response to the sixteen year old's hasty reply was a gentle pat on the shoulder and the promise of dinner saved for his return.

Shivering as the rain picks up Robin curses the rash decision that landed him on Gotham City Bank's rooftop at eight o'clock in an endless downpour. Al would be worried sick if he told him the truth…if he knew about the note, and who he is supposed to meet…

"Birdie."

The young superhero stiffens noticeably as the familiar voice snaps him out of his brooding. Emerald eyes search the shadows and stop abruptly on the lanky figure that is unfurling itself from beside a stone gargoyle. 'Crap! Was he there the whole time?'

Smiling in a way that is clearly unhinged the Riddler saunters over to Robin, looking so much like a strange Mad Hatter to the guarded teen. 'If the Mad Hatter became obsessed with riddles and puzzles, and decided to go Goth….and what is he humming?'

Taking a single step back once the writer of the note is within two feet of him Robin starts his line of questioning quickly, if for nothing more than shaking off the feeling of being intimidated, and to stop from asking what he's humming. 'Why do all the villains have to be so tall anyways?'

"Why did you send me this?" To emphasize his point Robin holds up the folded note before the stranger.

The humming stops abruptly, and if possible, the grin becomes more unhinged. "Ah, I so love when you ask questions, Birdie."

"Stop calling me that and answer."

As if knowing how unnerving he's being the Riddler tilts his bowler hat, hiding his electric green eyes. 'Great, now he's playing Cheshire cat.'

"You know all the answers. You're smarter than him." Taken aback by this statement Robin can only stare up at the other man as he plays with his cane absently. He doesn't have to ask who he is, half the time Robin has run into the super genius with Batman the Dark Knight is being constantly ridiculed by the Riddler for his "false intelligence." Uncrossing his arms the teen sighs. Ok, time for a different tactic.

"So you want to help, why tell me and not the Commissioner? If you told him you'd probably earn immunity for at least some of your past crimes….unless it's redemption you're seeking. If you're seeking redemption through helping my presumption is this has to deal with the Joker. So you're going to tell me what he has planned so I can warn Batman and anyone else who may need to know. Then you'll stay under the radar unless the mood strikes you or you can't just stand by for a specified occurrence. Then when that time comes you'll send me some kind of cryptic message that will only make sense to me because you feel I am one of the only people close to understanding your superior intellect."

Realizing the Mad Hatter wannabe is chuckling softly Robin pauses, he hates making presumptions but by the pleased tone of the laugh he must be at least close. "So I'm right."

"Yes," the word comes as a low purr and before he can stop himself the black haired youth has taken another step back. "You are absolutely correct. And a question for you, little Birdie…"

"Wh-what is it?" Mentally Robin kicks himself for letting the uncertainty he feels come out in his voice.

"What do you think of me? You're so…timid...without the Bat around. Is it just me or are you really so helpless without that brute telling you exactly what to think and do?"

Clenching his fists tightly Robin manages to growl out, "it's not like that. And I think you're a freak who wants to look like some messed up Goth Mad Hatter-"

Before he even has a chance to register what is going on Robin is knocked onto his back, the course tiling of the freezing roof making him gasp. Cursing as he realizes the Riddler is pinning him down Robin struggles in vain. Although physically not the strongest the Boy Wonder has ever faced the villain has the advantage of size and leverage. Taking both wrists into one hand the Riddler holds Robin's arms above his head. "Mad Hatter, you say…riddle me this, Birdie. Why is a raven like a writing desk?"

Jeweled orbs widen in surprise. "I…I don't know."

Snickering the deranged stranger leans in closer, "honestly, neither do I."

"Let me go."

The Riddler tilts his head to the side as if contemplating this idea. "Are you afraid, little Birdie?"

"This isn't funny."

"I wasn't laughing."

"I mean it, let go of me or el-"

"Or else what? You told no one where you were going."

"How do you know?"

"Other than I was waiting for you next to that gargoyle over there for a long time and watched you from the moment you got here…because I told you not to. And you enjoy listening to me."

"No I don't."

"Yes, yes you do." Closing the distance between them The Riddler captures Robin's lips; kissing him harshly. Releasing his mouth the older man smiles in a way that is purely predatory. "You're lips are sweet."

"K-knock it off."

The words go unheeded as Robin's head is forced to the side; a stab of pain followed by a wave of pleasure as he is bitten then the wound is soothed. Mind reeling from the assault Robin continues to struggle, even as the Riddler's free hand is wandering all over his body, groping in a way that can only be described as greedy.

'How'd I get myself into this mess?' Desperately trying to think of a way to escape Robin whimpers. If anyone found out….

Suddenly he's released, sitting up in a daze the superhero stares at his rival, watching every move wearily. Laughing a cool hand reaches out and strokes Robin's cheek, making the boy nearly fall over himself to gain some distance. "Your eyes are so beautiful…like emeralds. They're even more so when you're excited."

Before Robin can open his mouth and say anything nasty that comes to mind a new note is handed to him. 'And the freak is humming again, great.'

Retrieving his cane the Riddler continues his prior tune, tipping his hat like a gentleman and disappearing into the shadows. Wiping rainwater out of his eyes Robin looks around nervously. 'How the hell did he…?'

Deciding he's too tired to care the annoyed high school student leaves, stopping in an abandoned apartment complex to quickly change back into his regular clothes and take his motorcycle home. At first Bruce had a serious problem with Richard driving such a fast vehicle, too young, he'd said. However that was before Alfred got a hold of him and informed him that he had no room to judge when he had attempted to drive one at seven. At least, Al had stated, Robin had waited until an appropriate age. Smiling a little as he thinks of Al the teen can hardly wait for dinner, he really should have ate before he left.

As soon as he gets through the gates of Wayne manor and into the huge house Al is waiting for him, throwing a towel onto the boy's head and drying him like an errant puppy. Startled, Richard attempts to squeak in protest, "h-hey Al, I can do it. I'm not a little kid!"

The words fall upon deaf ears as Alfred sighs and gently scolds Bruce's ward. "Young master, what have I told you about wearing your helmet? Not only that but it's raining very hard out there, you could catch your death."

The elder pauses in his drying of the boy as he notices the deep purple mark on his neck. And from the looks of it the bruise will be getting darker. Eyebrows raising Alfred doesn't ask, instead he simply leaves the towel draped over Richard's neck and whispers, "don't let Master Bruce see that. I will not ask however please don't fall behind in your studies."

Taking a step back Alfred smiles in a very fatherly way. "You must be hungry, let's get you some food."

Nodding happily Robin lets the events of earlier be shoved into the back of his mind. He'll read the other note and deal with it all later. Now, however, nothing sounds better than food and sleep.

Staring at his math test that for all intents and purposes, looks as though its bleeding red ink Richard can't believe his eyes. 'A D? Seriously?' Sighing in exasperation the sophomore lets his head drop onto his desk with a painful thump. This is what he gets for trying to play tough superhero last night instead of going to the tutoring session like planned. 'Bruce is going to kill me. Al's gonna lecture me to death first, then Bruce is going to kill me.'

As soon as the bell rings Richard darts out of his chair, grabs his bag and stuffs it while walking quickly to his locker. Although he's not on any sports team (no time when you have to save the city, of course) he's very popular; today though he would just really like to get out of the school without having to make up a story to explain the nearly black mark on his neck. People have been pointing and staring all day, along with the giggles of the cheerleaders of course. It doesn't help that, to add insult to injury, it's impossible to hide and extremely sensitive. 'Damn bastard! I look like I got into a fight with a vampire, and what the hell was he humming anyways?'

Praising whatever deity is smiling upon him as his locker comes into view slender fingers swiftly turn the numbers on the lock and retrieves the last of the needed materials. Well, if he can get at least a B on the makeup test Bruce shouldn't kill him…and Al's lecture should be at least forty five minutes shorter. 'Maybe public school really was a bad idea.'

Knowing what he was to do Richard nods and closes his locker. Looks like he'll be headed to Wayne Enterprises…