Emotions were a difficult concept, Raven knew that. They were undetermined and unable to be controlled. They would pop up out of nowhere, and the most you can do is shove it down, hoping it didn't try to break surface.
She knew that, she really did. She studied emotions with the monks of azarath and learned how to control her own.. But it didn't mean she didn't hate it any less.
In fact, she loathed it for months. But after a while, she grew tired.
Hating was very difficult, and incredibly draining. Instead, she grew to accept that her gaze would follow them. She accepted the smiles that made their way onto her face when she saw the innocent smile pointed her direction. And, yes, the bone crushing, but warm hug that she received in response.
Hell, she even accepted the painful truth that, more than likely, her emotions would be one sided.
That she would see them happily flirt away, but if questioned, they would think it was a civil and innocent conversation. She accepted that the gaze they gave him would never be directed towards her. She accepted the ache in her chest, knowing that it wasn't just a simple crush like the others, that won't go away with time.
But just because she accepted it, didn't mean it hurt any less. Oh no. In truth, it was the most painful thing she's experienced. Her emotions, more times than not, reminded her of that. It was tearing her apart. Her powers would rip their way out of her when she was alone. She couldn't count how much furniture she's replaced. She gave up after a while. Now her room is just scattered with broken pieces of mirrors and shelves.
She stopped inviting Star into her room for 'girl time' and meditation after a while. Didn't feel like explaining it to her.
It hurt when she was alone, but when she looked at them, the warm feeling she got would muffle the pain.
So, she accepted it. She accepted the painful fate that was brought to her. That nothing would be 'normal' between them. She tried, she really did.
She she had to accept it.
She loved Starfire.