Always the Quite Ones

On a roll with updates (for now :sweat_smile: ). Here’s the next chapter for my lil Jericho story.

P.S. The second half is inspired by another Teen Titans fic I had in mind with a certain dad going helicopter in the most lethal way.

Upon finding out about Terra, Jericho had gotten more secluded. Despite Cyborg saying her death was not his fault, he still felt a sense of guilt because of it. Painting became an outlet for him, but most of it was depressing. Black, greys, and blues with a touch of yellow were common colors in these pictures. It ay have been a harsh truth to hear, but it was a much needed one. Robin and Raven routinely checked in on him, the latter providing as much comfort as Jericho was willing to take.

Robin decided to take a turn at communicating with Jericho. Raven, who was finishing up a meditation session, had promised to go shopping with Starfire, who was looking to snag a few things for a girls night with a few other Titans. And according to her, Jericho had not said much about the whole Terra situation. She could sense that he was troubled, which could be a mix of a number of things. That included. However, she thought it was something Robin could try to worm out of him. If not, just talking to Jericho could be cathartic to the silent artist. Taking a seat on Jericho's bed, he watched Jericho work.

"Are you okay?" Robin inquired, choosing to be a bit more up front about the situation. "I know Beast Boy's evasiveness has been... troubling, and Terra is a bit of a touchy subject."

"Yeah." Jericho responded with a nod.

"Do you have any questions about Terra? Be it her fate or something else?"

Jericho shook his head as he continued to paint. Robin watched him work in silence for a moment. The clouded and storming scene, though darkly hued, was pleasantly crafted and oddly soothing. Robin shrugged before standing up and approaching Jericho. Robin softly placed a hand on Jericho's shoulder.

"Slade hasn't been active." Robin stated, hoping to spark something in Jericho. "As far as we know anyways."

Jericho's head tilted slightly as he looked at Robin. He set his brush down, signifying that Robin had his full attention.

"I don't know if that's something you want to hear," Robin itted, "given how frightful he can be, but it's worth telling you."

Robin was correct in that assessment. His father's disappearance could be a positive, but could also be a disturbing problem too. Jericho wasn't sure how he should feel about it. It was kind of relieving, as he thought that Slade could be leaving him alone for now. However, in the back of his mind, Jericho knew that Slade wasn't going to let him go so easily. His promise to be more firm in taking him was still a lingering threat.

"If you don't want to leave the tower yet, I understand." Robin sighed. "Quite frankly, I don't want you to right now." Robin sighed. "What do you think about Slade's nonexistent existence?"

"I don't know." Jericho itted before letting out a sigh. "The quite will definitely be soothing, but I know far too well just how sneaky my father can be. He may be quite now, but I know he's not done."

"That's fair. I suppose you'd be pretty familiar with your father's antics."

"Yep."

~

Coming out of his room for the first time in a while, Jericho entered the common room. He had hoped to maybe get something to eat or maybe get some alone time out of his room. Instead, he was greeted by the Titans as they were looking over schematics for a case. A news clipping sat in the upper right corner reading “Crime Group Hive 5 Found Dead under Unknown Circumstances”. The photo taken for it, though blurred to the best of its ability, did appear to be quite the blood bath.

The group’s mugshots were plastered across the top of the screen. Most of their faces didn’t look to familiar, though they had a vague familiarity. More than likely from the battle with the Brotherhood of Evil, from what he was able to pinpoint. However, there was one that seemed more familiar than the other. The mugshot of Gizmo struck a cord as Jericho recalled the smaller criminal throwing a sack over his face. That did not, however, answer the question as to why they were killed. It was curiously disturbing.

“Who would be so bold to take them out?” Cyborg mused. “I mean, I know they were problematic, but to kill them is a whole other ball game.”

“I agree.” Starfire stated. “What do we want to do?”

“I’ll try to see if Jinx knows of any enemies they may have made outside of us and the law.” Raven assured.

“Sounds like a plan.” Robin agreed. “I can try to get something from the crime scene. See if the culprit left behind any clues.”

“I’ll come with you.” Cyborg decided. “I can run tests if needed.”

“I’ll you.” Starfire offered. “I’ll assist you in anyway I can.”

Turing away from the screen, Robin noted Jericho’s existence. He wasn’t too fazed by the scene now that he had the time to process it.

“Hey Jericho.” Robin greeted. “We got a case. Do you mind hanging around?”

“I can keep myself busy.” Jericho replied. “Fill me in when you get back.”

“Can do.”

Everyone started to go their own way. With everyone’s plans decided, the group decided to follow up on their part of the case. Beast Boy, who appeared annoyed, grumbled something under his breathe, before eyeing the exit.

“I’m going with Raven.” Beast Boy decided.

Beast Boy shoved ed Jericho, a glare on his face.

#DCStoryTime

#CuratorReview