Chapter 1: Things Hoped For

Raven's P.O.V

Thin rays of sunlight illuminated the dark room in golden shine. A gentle, warm breeze blew into the room, the sheer purple curtains flowing silently along. Raven slowly opened her eyes to the calming sight. Desiring to relish in the peaceful moment, Raven snuggled deeper into the security of her deep blue silk sheets. However, the abrupt shouts of her fellow teammates pulled her out of the heavenly moment.

"Oh joy, Thing 1 and Thing 2 are back at it," Raven thought.

She begrudgingly slipped out of bed onto the cream carpet and headed to her bathroom. The usual morning routine of brushing teeth and a shower commenced. Afterwards, Raven pulled on her normal uniform and famous cloak; the hood staying down to allow her indigo locks to cascade down her back. Leaving the sanctuary of her room, Raven began her walk to the kitchen. As she traveled down the hall, the ongoing shouts became clear.

"Grass stain, do I look like I'm about to eat tofu crap!?"

"It's not crap it's a healthier way to get protein than meat. Besides, DUDE I'VE BEEN MOST OF THOSE ANIMALS!"

"Oh okay, then you're more than qualified to pass this message on to your furry friends. RUN FASTER OR BE EATEN!

Raven entered the kitchen just in time to see the hysteria taking place. Cyborg stared down at the changeling in his 'Kiss the Cook' apron. Beast Boy returned the intensity of the stare while stubbornly holding his plate of tofu.

"So is this battle going to continue until I murder one of you or what?" Raven sarcastically questioned.

"Ah, Raven's here, now we can get a reasonable opinion on which is better," Beast Boy reasoned. Before Raven had a chance to react, a spoon of the white glop was shoved down her throat. Raven slightly gagged at the disgusting taste as she swallowed. Beast Boy looked at her with his forest green eyes shining brightly, knowing she loved it. Those same eyes were filled with terror when a slightly grey hand seized his collar.

"If you ever shove that crap down my throat again I will remove essential body parts" Raven hissed, scowling at him. Beast Boy transformed into a puppy and let out a soft whimper.

"Ha, the boy doesn't even have the stones to handle a girl," Cyborg laughed. Beast Boy instantly morphed back into human form.

"That's not a girl, that's Raven," he huffed. The green boy had only just realized his mistake when a black shield charged into him, sending him into the wall.

"You never cease to amaze me, dark girl," Cyborg shook his head. "Now sit down and enjoy the breakfast I made for ya."Raven happily obeyed, awaiting the food she knew was bound to be good. A heavenly aroma filled her nose as the plate of food was placed on the granite table in front of her. Scrambled eggs, bacon, and pancakes were neatly arranged on the plate, not to mention the steaming cup of herbal tea that was now beside it. As she devoured into the food, the delectable flavor danced in her mouth. Her thoughts drifted to how this tradition started.

Ever since the defeat of her father Trigon, Raven vowed to enjoy every moment she possibly could with her friends, her family. Free from the emotionless state she was in, Raven could fully express her appreciation to the people that loved her no matter what. She could spend time with her friends and actually share a true connection. So Cyborg's regular cooking for her was one of those times she could let him know that he was a good big brother to her.

With the plate of food no longer in existence, Raven drank her tea, savoring every sip before the warm liquid flowed down her throat. She began to head back to her room, but the devastating spectacle halted her dead in her tracks.

Robin and Starfire were kissing right beside her door. Robin's gloved hand grasped Starfire's rose colored hair. Her hands were wrapped tightly around his neck as if she thought she would lose him. They both looked like they were in a state of ecstasy. Raven let out a light cough and they broke apart with a sheepish look and bright red faces.

"I'm so sorry for doing the making of out outside your chambers, Friend Raven,"Starfire apologized.

"Yeah, Rae, didn't mean for you to see that," Robin muttered utterly embarrassed.

"It's fine, just next time don't do that near my room," Raven advised. The couple uttered more apologies and headed to the main room. Raven fled into her room, the door slamming shut. If only it was fine.

Raven had always had a tiny crush on her leader, her best friend. She admired the way he loved his friends. The way he maintained hope in the darkest of times. The way he always fought for good to conquer evil. That crush deepened when their bond was created. She no longer liked Robin as just Robin but as Richard John Grayson, too. But it was when he saved her from the depths of hell to defeat Trigon and restore order Raven realized the love she had for him. Raven loved him to her last breath. If only he loved her.

Raven knew Robin's heart was held by Starfire. When his barriers to his mind slipped, Raven got a glimpse of the eternal bliss he felt with the beautiful princess. A piece of her heart broke off whenever he gazed at Starfire with a look of longing. It hurt even more to know that he needed her everlasting sunshine, not Raven's gloom that still existed.

"You'll never know just how much of me belongs to you" Raven reflected. Tears burned in her violet eyes, threatening to spill into a waterfall. She phased onto the rooftop, to find her peace of mind. She gazed out onto the ocean gently swaying back and forth to the music of the wind.

"Maybe this bird needs to learn how to fly on her own," she whispered.

Robin's P.O.V

Robin awoke to the gentle snoring of his beloved Tameranean princess. He smiled at how her angelic face looked in the moonlight, despite the demonic sound coming from her. No, they had not escalated their relationship in THAT way but he enjoyed the company of her sleeping in his bed. Besides he wouldn't be concealing his eyes with a mask when they did - if they did. Careful not to wake his sleeping beauty he made his way out of his room and down the hallway.

Robin arrived at the kitchen, intent on satisfying his midnight craving of Oreos. He rummaged the wooden cabinets searching for his fix and groaned with delight when he found them. He started partaking in the heavenly taste of chocolate and crème. No one knew of his secret love except for his best friend, Raven.

Raven had caught him indulging in his love when the team first started. Robin chuckled, remembering the look of surprise on her face. Robin let out a sigh as he thought of his jaded friend. Ever since Trigon was annihilated she seemed more distant from him. She had grown closer to rest of the team yet farther from him. In that moment, Robin had to know why. He slammed down the cookies and headed to her room.

He softly knocked on the steel door, only to be meant with a stony silence.

"Raven?" he whispered. After not hearing a response Robin was consumed with worry and punched in the overriding code to enter. The door slid open to reveal the dark purple room.

"Rae?" he questioned again. He glanced around only to see an empty room.

"Where could she be at one in the morning?" Robin wondered.