A Leap of Faith
Chapter 2: The Truth of the Matter

"What did you want, Raven?" Robin asked as he entered onto the roof.

"Do you remember what I told you about that attack last week?"

"You said it would have happened to anyone who had opened the portal at that time," he replied.

"That was a lie."

"What?"

"I lied."

"Why?"

"Because I didn't want you to know I'm a freak."

"You aren't a freak."
"That's because you don't know."
"What don't I know?"

"The truth."

Robin put his hand on her shoulder, reassuringly, "Then tell me, Raven. You can trust me."
"Can I?"

"Yes."

"Will you swear not to tell? Ever?"

"Yes."

"No matter what happens, you won't tell?"

"I swear."

"Will you swear to trust me and let me have my own secrets?"

"Yes."

"Will you promise to do what you have to when you have to?"

"What do I have to do?"

"Let me go."

"No. I can't promise that."

"Then I can't tell you."

"Raven," he looked her straight in the eyes, "Tell me. I swear that I will do everything I can to protect you and follow whatever rules come with it. Except let you go. You are one of my best friends. I can't just let you go like nothing happened between us."
"But nothing happened between us," Raven replied, narrowing her eyes.

Without hesitation Robin moved forward and kissed her. Raven stepped back in surprise, pushing him away from her.

"That happened."

"But-" she replied, then stopped herself, "You don't really feel that way about me. I know you don't, Robin. You don't have to pretend."

"How do you know that? How do you know how I feel? You said it before yourself, you don't know what I feel. I'm masked."

"I know that someone like you could never love me."

"Why?"

"Because the hero never loves the villain."

"Raven! Tell me what's wrong!" Robin pleaded. He was tempted to kiss her again to prove his point, but he knew that wasn't a good idea.

"Robin, I- I- I…" she hesitated.

"It's okay to tell me, I promise I won't judge you."

"I can't control my powers," she began.

Robin nodded encouragingly.

"But it's not my fault. It's my father's fault. I inherited my powers from him…and he never taught me control. If I use too much of my powers at once I become like him. I become evil, and I destroy everything. And I don't mean too! I really don't! I just lose control and…and….and I can't control it. It's not my fault!" There were tears running down her face, and she couldn't bring herself to look at him. He wrapped his arms around her.

"And I try so hard," she whispered into his chest, "I just can't do it alone."

"Can I help you?" he asked gently.

"No," she whispered, "No one can do that."
"What can I do for you?"

"Be my friend. And let me go."

"I can't let you go," he said.

"I mean right now," she laughed.

"Oh, right!" he released his arms and she stepped back.

"Robin," her sad smile melted his heart, "Someone wants to kill me. I can't tell you why. It's not my fault. Just know that. It's not my fault. Someone wants to kill me."

"The Titans will protect you."

"Thank you."
"You know, you owe me for that hug," he grinned cheekily.

"I'll pay you back later, when you really need it," she replied, grinning as well, "They're coming for me soon."

"We'll be ready."

End Chapter.