A/N: Chapter 2 is by xbrokenwingsx17.

Chapter 2: All Revolves Around You

For a certain kind of lady things must always be in its place. Jewels belong in the jewelry box, and there's a dress for every occasion. Such a lady wouldn't dare to be seen in the company of a servant or alone with a man who clearly wasn't her husband. So it might surprise any raven fluttering around on a cold December night, in the year 1920 to find that nothing was how it was supposed to be.

It was late December and the snow that had fallen the night before still clung to the narrow pathways, covering everything in a mushy grey blanket. As the graceful raven settled on the window ledge of a rather grand looking house, his tiny heart began to flutter beneath his ebony feathered chest. For the woman, who had recently lost her eldest daughter to a terrible motor car accident, was sat in an armchair, her head in her hands, sobbing. Slowly he husband rose to his feet. Crossing the room to place a gentle hand on her shoulder lovingly. But by then the little bird was already in the air again, flying north to the city of Gotham.

The snow fell heavily there, forcing its residents to retire to their houses, with the roaring fires and cheerful families. The raven flew around the city, checking the windows of many fine homes. It rested on a tree outside the old manor, shaking its ruffled head as a red headed girl giggled and took the arm of her chaperone, while grabbing another glass of wine with her other gloved hand.

The bird darted of the tree, flying from the manor to a simple town house, in the middle of the city. As it perched on the window sill, the fine bird cocked its head to the right, confused.

Rachel Roth, the much loved daughter of Jump cities mayor was clearly not where she was meant to be, simply because everyone had come to believe that she was dead. But here she was, sat in front of a dark wood vanity mirror, very much alive. She stared at her reflection; dark waves of hair fell around her shoulders, violet eyes sparkling in the dim candle light. A smile played at her lips as her husband wrapped his arms around her waist, planting soft kisses on her neck. Rachel pushed him away, a frown replacing the almost smile.

"Careful," she cautioned him, rising from her seat, only to untie the silk dressing gown and press her lips against his with as much force as she could manage.

Richard grinned at her, pulling away from the kiss for a brief moment. Almost skillfully, Rachel unbuttoned his shirt, kissing him again. Her arms wrapped around his neck as he shrugged out of the shirt. It fell to the floor along with her nightdress.

Suddenly the raven tore its beady eyes away from the window. It stretched its beautiful wings without glancing one more time at the house, before soaring into the night sky. Leaving Gotham city and all its secrets behind. Leaving Mrs. Richard Grayson nee Miss Raven Roth, alone with her new husband in a perfect world.

9th December 1920.

"Thats it!" Rachel snapped, throwing the soaking wet washing on the floor. "That is it!"

"What is?" Her husband asked, appearing from his private study, which once had been known as the extra storage room. "Rae, whats wrong?"

"Everything.." She half sobbed, crossing the small kitchen and sinking into one of the wooden chairs. "I cant do this anymore."

Richard sighed; it wasnt like he hadnt expected this. He knew it was hard for her, the sudden change of lifestyle, and she was coping better than he had thought she would. But even though hed expected her to break down sooner or later, Richard hadnt even begin to think about where, when or why it would happen. He hadnt prepared himself to see her so upset, so broken. The image of his true love not just frustrated but slightly depressed, it made his heart sink.

"Rachel. Its alright," He mumbled gently.

"No! No its not!" She cried, cradling her head carefully in her hands. "Im hardly being a good wife am I?"

"Yes you are," Richard said. He pulled a chair up, and wrapped an arm around her. "Rae this is a big change for you, I understand that, but we'll get though this."

Rachel glanced up. She wiped at her eyes with the back of her sleeve. Something she would never have even considered doing back home. "Promise?"

"Promise." Richard smiled.

16th December 1920.

She smiled sleepily to herself as she rolled over onto her side and snuggled into his chest. It hadnt been easy but shed done it, some how theyd both gotten through every hardship life had thrown them. Shocking really that they hadnt even been married a month, and she was already carrying their first child, but she didnt care. She was happy, ten times happier than shed ever been in her life. How could she not be? She had the perfect husband, a good enough house, and in nine months time she would not only have all that but also a little bundle of joy that she could call her own.

"Richard, what are we going to call her?" Rachel whispered.

He chuckled. "How are you so sure its a her?"

"A mother just knows these things," She insisted. "So what are we going to call our daughter?"

"Rachel, darling, dont think that I dont care because I do, but its three in the morning and I'd really like to get some sleep tonight." Richard said.

"Mkay.. I'll ask you again in the morning," Rachel muttered.

"Thanks honey." He replied, wrapping his arms around her fragile body.

20th December 1920

"Are you excited for the Christmas Day friend?" Kori asked.

"I am, are you"? Rachel replied, pouring a mug of tea for her friend and then taking a sip from her own cup.

"Yes!" The redhead gushed. "I hope to attend Garfields party, but with this weather Im not sure Ill be able to."

"Thats a pity, I dont think were going, Richard has to things to finish and wont be home till late."

"Oh, Im sorry," Kori said.

"Its fine, Im looking forward to spending the night with him, hes been so busy now days with his new jobs, but I can hardly complain," Rachel smiled.

"Yes, well my family is coming over from Jump City to visit for new year, and Im looking forward to seeing my sister again, its been so long, to be honest last time we spoke she wasnt pleased with me, but I hope with it being a magical time of year that she will forgive me for what I have done to upset her, if not."

Rachel sighed, gazing out the window as her friend babbled on and on. She knew she was lucky to have a friend here, even if that friend was bubbly and naive Kori Anders. True Kori was nothing like the woman she had met with back in Jump City, but she was friendly and happy to help with anything.

Although Rachel did wonder if the rumours were true and if Kori really changed her attitude depending on who she was dining with, and if she really had spent the night with several men. Only a week ago had Rachel walked in on Kori and Richard, it hurt her even now to think about what they could have been doing, but Richard had insisted that nothing had happened and Kori just had a friendly nature.

And she trusted him, but her heart did wonder.

December 24th 1920

Rachel sighed, placing the china plates on the dark wood table. It was nearly seven pm and she was expecting her husband home soon. Tonights dinner was bubbling away in the kitchen, she wasnt used to cooking for herself, but Rachel had to admit she had adjusted to her new lifestyle rather well since she had been married.

Her simple dark blue cotton dress, didnt quite reach the floor, but it was long enough that is swayed with every movement she made. She had carefully pinned her ebony hair back in an effort to keep it out of her face, but the odd stray curl still refused to stay in place.

Once glance at the calendar made her heart ache with an unknown emotion. It was Christmas Eve, but the relaxed joy she used to feel had been forgotten with the memories of her former life. If she had been home with her family, she would have been sat alone by the fire, clutching a book in her fragile hands, while servants prepared for the celebrations that were to come. Not slaving in a kitchen of a small town house which was hardly big enough for the two, wait three of them.

Automatically her once perfectly manicured hands, found their way down to her stomach. Should she be this scared? What if something went wrong? Of course nothing would go wrong right?

Sighing to herself Rachel started setting the table, getting the cream china plates out of the cupboard, and placing them on the table, along with the small glasses of wine. It was depressing, the thought that as soon as shed finished eating she would be back in the kitchen, preparing tomorrows lunch. But this is what she wanted, she loved him dearly and if being with him meant having to work harder than she used to well that was fine.

Rachel smiled, pulling at her hair, letting it fall freely around her shoulders. He liked in better when it was down and she wanted him in a good mood.

She sank into the armchair, and opened her favourite book, waiting for him to return.

She was already pacing the floor by the time the clock chimed ten. She could understand him being a little late, it was Christmas Eve after all, but three whole hours, there was no denying it, she was worried.

If hes not home in an hour Ill phone Victor Rachel told herself sternly. If anyone could help it was Victor, he was incredibly close to her husband, and she was certain he would go looking for Richard even if it meant staying out all night. Of course he was probably just stuck in traffic or was being held up at work, silly things that no wife should worry over. Silly little things.

In an hour Rachel muttered, dropping the dinner plates into a large bowl of hot soapy water.

25th December 1920.

"Rae, Im sorry, weve looked everywhere." Victor admitted sadly. "Its like hes vanished of this earth."

"Thats not possible," Rachel hissed, pacing the room for the hundredth time that day, although he couldnt see her, she heard Victor sigh. "Maybe he was called away with work."

"He would have told you, Rachel and you know it," Victor yawned. She had phoned him when Richard hadnt returned home. Of course as soon as he heard, Victor had gone looking for his missing friend, but as the hours ticked by, changing from 11pm- Christmas eve, to 4 am Christmas morning,

"Your right," Rachel sighed.

"Ill keep looking okay? Well find him"

"Thanks."

"Dont mention it, Im just as worried as you are, but you should get some sleep."

"No!" Rachel snapped.

"In case you forgot Mrs. Grayson youre with child, and you need your rest, just try and relax a little." Victor advised.

"Fine" Rachel muttered, realizing how tired she really was.

"Thats my girl, Ill call later and tell you if theres any change."

"Thanks Vic youre the best"

"I know," He chuckled "Bye."

"Bye." Rachel mumbled hanging up.

Sighing she crawled into bed, pulling the covers tightly around her. Dressed in one of his shirts she inhaled deeply. Wishing with all her heart that he was alright, Rachel felt herself drift into a dreamless sleep.

End Chapter

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xBrokenWingsx17