He Was There For Me
Thoughts
"Speech"
Chapter 2:
Raven's POV
A little under three hours later we were nearing some woods on the outskirts of Gotham. "Close your eyes Angel" Robin told me. "Ok but can I ask why" I asked curious as usual. "I'll explain soon, we're almost there" I closed my eyes and rested my head on his back waiting for the bike to stop so I could get off and stretch. Before I knew it we were slowing down and Robin turned off the bike. He got off first and helped me off before getting my bag. "Ah good afternoon Master Dick, I didn't think you'd be arriving until later tonight." We were greeted by someone I couldn't see, I couldn't even tell where the voice was coming from because of the echo. Robin looked past me with a smile and went to greet the owner of the voice. I turned around to see an older man in front of Robin. I threw my bag over my shoulder and walked over as Robin returned the greeting. "Hey Alfred, yeah I thought I'd come relax a bit before…" he trailed off putting his arm around my shoulders and kissing my temple when I was close enough. "Ah yes, quite understandable" the older man or Alfred I believe Robin had called him agreed. I was totally lost with the conversation. "Alfred this is my girlfriend Raven, Raven this is Alfred, he helped raise me. He's the one who taught me how to make the pancakes you like so much" I nodded and looked at the ground as Robin took my bag from me. "A pleasure to meet you miss Raven." He replied. "We're going to go upstairs and relax a bit" Robin said leading me to some stone steps. "Ok sir, Master Bruce will be home in about an hour" Robin nodded as I wondered where we were going.
When we walked through the door to the main house, I looked back to see a clock where we had just come from. As Robin led the way from room to room I just looked around in awe. Walking into my room he put my bag on the bed. "Was that the batcave?" I was still in the doorway. "Yeah, I pretty much grew up in there and in the gym" Robin said. I walked in looking around the room and asked "What were you and Alfred talking about before when you said you wanted to relax a bit before" I was confused and only understood maybe half of what had been said downstairs in the batcave. "Bruce and I don't exactly see eye to eye on a lot of things, we don't get along as well as we did a few years ago" He explained pulling me onto the bed with him. "Bruce, Bruce as in" My eyes got brighter when I realized who Batman was and where I must be. "Bruce Wayne, yes he is Batman." Robin finished. "And we're in Wayne Manner?" I guessed. He nodded. It was then that I realized he had never trusted me enough to tell me this himself. "Why didn't you ever tell me" I was hurt and looked around the room so he wouldn't see it in my eyes. "Angel, don't take it the wrong way" he took one of my hands in both of his. "But he is just much more uptight when it comes to his identity. It didn't bother me when you found out mine, but if it was him in my place he would have freaked out" I still wouldn't look at him. "Why would it bother him more than you?" if Robin learned from Batman then shouldn't he be just as worried about people knowing? "Well Bruce…" Rabin was interrupted be Alfred standing in the doorway. "I saw Master Bruces car coming up the drive, he will probably want to see you right away" Alfred warned us before going down stairs. Getting up with a sigh from Robin he led me back to the living room as he continued. "Well Bruce has had and interesting past, and because of it he isn't fond of people knowing about his 'other half'. He likes to keep his two sides separate. The secret means the world to him." Robin explained in the best way he could.
As we walked down the stairs into the living room Bruce walked in from the main door on the other side of the room and look around until his eyes landed and stayed on the two of us. Bruce walked over and met us at the bottom of the stairs with what I was sure was a forced smile.
I stood there quietly watching them, observing how tense they both seemed. Robin was acting completely different than he had with Alfred. "Dick, it's been way to long since your last visit. How have you been doing?" Bruce greeted him. "Bruce it's nice to see you too. I've been fine." Robin said looking at the older man. I noticed that even though Bruce was talking to Robin he was watching me closely, almost like he was analyzing me. I didn't like it. It creeped me out. "This is Raven, my girlfriend" Robin introduced me. "Raven it's nice to meet you. Why don't we take a seat and Alfred can get us some drinks?" Bruce invited. Robin took my hand in his and I gratefully squeezed it as we took seats on the couch with Bruce in a big armchair across from us. Bruce was still watching me. Why is he looking at me like that? Am I doing something wrong? "Angel" Robin put a hand on her shoulder pulling me out of my thoughts. "Yes Robin?" I said looking at him and away from Bruce. "Do you want anything to drink?" Robin asked me gesturing to Alfred. "Oh some herbal tea if you have any" I felt weird giving orders to Alfred. "Of course Miss Raven, I too prefer tea to coffee" he smiled at me and went to get the drinks. I felt naked knowing everyone could see me so I reached for my hood only to remember after it was too late that I wasn't wearing my cloak. I smoothly covered my slip up by running my fingers through my short violate hair. "So Raven, what's your family like?" I immediately tensed up and stared at my lap; Robin took my hand again and saved me from answering. "Maybe we could start with something a little easier" Robin ventured knowing how much I didn't like to talk about my heritage, even with him and he had never pressed me on it. "Your drinks" Alfred said passing them out. "Let me know if you would like anything else" Alfred turned to leave. I sipped my tea. "Thank you Alfred, this is delicious" I said quietly to the butler. "My pleasure Miss. I hope you enjoy it" Alfred said before disappearing as quietly as he had come. "How long have you two been together?" Bruce asked me. I bet he just wants to see what kind of girl I am. "Tomorrow will be three months" I said not meeting Bruces penetrating gaze. "How did you two get together, your personalities seem a little different?" he asked. I put my tea on the coffee table. "Um, excuse me I'll be right back" I stood up and walked calmly up the stairs. When I knew I was out of sight I ran straight for my room, wanting the security my cloak would grant. I burst through the door and started tearing through my bag for my cloak. "Where is it" I muttered frantically. My eyes stung with unshed tears.
Robin's POV
I glared at Bruce. I should have known that was coming I thought as I jumped over the back of the couch and ran after Raven. I burst through the door to her room, stopping just inside the doorway. She had her cloak in her hands and was just about to put it on when she saw me. She dropped her cloak and threw herself into my arms letting the tears flow, unable to hold them back any longer. "I'm sorry Raven, I shouldn't have brought you here" I was really beginning to wonder if bringing Raven here was the best idea. Maybe it would have been better if Bruce had come to the tower. At least things would have been on my terms that way. "Why? Is he always like that?" Raven sobbed. "He never has been very good with company" I loosened my hold on Raven just enough to shift my grip and carry her to the bed. I sat her in my lap and rocked her in my arms until Alfred showed up. "Dinner is ready, oh Miss Raven are you alright?" Alfred asked with concern in his voice. "Bruce" was all I said never looking away from Raven. We sat in a short silence before Raven asked "Why would he say that?" I didn't want to answer, but I knew she wouldn't let it go. "I wish I knew Angel, I wish I knew" I started humming a tune that I remembered from when I was little and she calmed down a little more. I pulled back a bit and wiped away her tears. "How about we go wash you up for dinner, knowing Alfred he has probably gone all out because you're here." I suggested to her. She nodded and I brought her to a spacious bathroom. Raven sat on the edge of the bathtub and I gently washed her face with a warm towel. "Thank you Robin. I love you" she whispered. "I love you too" I whispered back.
We went passed Ravens room on our way to mine and her cloak flew out her door and into her hands. "Can I wear my cloak" she asked as I pulled a clean shirt out of my closet. "Of course you can. Right now I could care less what Bruce thinks." I went over to where she was sitting on my bed and clasped her cloak for her. "He hurt you, and there is no way on earth that I'm ok with that." We left for the dining room hand in hand. Taking the long way I showed Raven more of the house. Outside the door to the dining room Raven pulled up her hood before reaching for my hand again. Bruce must have seen us walk in because he got up and met us in the middle of the room. "Raven" Bruce said, she wouldn't look up. He put a hand on her shoulder and she flinched. I stepped forward "I-I'm sorry Raven" Bruce said. I doubt he meant it. Bruce never apologized because according to him, he was never wrong. Raven looked up finally but not at Bruce. "Can we eat now, we missed lunch" Raven reminded me. She probably is uncomfortable with Bruce touching her. "Yeah let's go sit." I said before going and sitting between her and Bruce. As I had expected Alfred had over done it. There was chicken, salad, a fresh roast with a four layer scratch cake for desert. We ate dinner in silence. "I better be going, Dick why don't you come for a walk. I would like to have a word with you" I got up and Raven started to follow. "Alone" Bruce growled. "Do you mind if I go?" I asked Raven making sure she would be alright on her own for a bit. Raven nodded as I got out of my chair to follow Bruce. "I'll be back soon" I said squeezing her shoulder on my way by. I could hear Alfred comment as we left. "You and Master Dick look very good together." I was smiling inwardly. He could always find something nice to say. Alfred could get a smile out of anyone. I followed Bruce down to the cave. I figured I was in for a lecture but every time I asked why he wanted to talk to me he would just ignore the question or tell me to be patient and wait. I waited while he changed into his costume. "Now are you going to tell me why I had to come down here to talk to you and why we had to be alone?" He glanced my way before telling me to suit up. I stared at him in disbelief. "You said I could never be Robin in Gotham again. That's why I left. I'm not going to go with you just because you need me. You're on your own" I turned and left making my way to the gym. Bruce just knew how to push all the right buttons to piss me off. It drove me nuts. That must have been the real reason he wanted me to come. Trying to break me and Raven up must just be a bonus for him. He needed my help. Well he wasn't going to get it.
About an hour later I was still in the gym, beating out my frustrations on a punching bag. It was my favorite way to rid myself of anger. I was so into it I never heard the gym door open. "So I see you found another punching bag to murder" I spun around with fire in my eyes, ready to make whoever was interrupting me pay in injuries. Raven was standing in the middle of the room. I watched her step back in fear and fall to the ground. I instantly regretted my actions when I realized it was Raven. I calmed myself quickly before going over to help her off the floor. "Come on, why don't we go to bed?" I suggested. "OK" her voice was shaky from her scare but she was ok and I knew she was. We went to Raven's room so she could change. She crawled in bed and I tucked her in. Raven grabbed my hand. I smiled down at her before lying down next to her. I started humming an old tune that my mom had sung for me when I was little. Raven curled as close as she could against me, never letting go of my hand. She slowly relaxed and eventually drifted off to sleep. I kissed her forehead and silently left the room.
With Raven sound asleep in her room I went down to the batcave, there were some things I needed to talk to Bruce about. With it being around 3:30 in the morning I knew he would be back soon. Sitting in front of the super computer I used the bond to check on Raven. I loved being able to check on her no matter where she was. Hearing the batmobile come roaring in I stood up out of the comfy chair. Bruce took off his mask asking "Shouldn't you be in bed by now?" I glared at my mentor. "I didn't appreciate you upsetting Raven earlier." I had my hands on my hips. "I told you not to get a girlfriend" Bruce shrugged. "It's my decision if I have a girlfriend or not. Not yours" I hissed. "As your guardian I have a say in it though" Bruce pointed out. I opened my mouth to reply but instead collapsed back in the chair holding my head in my hands. "Richard!" Bruce screamed as I landed in the chair. A wave of pure fear took over momentarily. It wasn't my fear. I was scared but not for me, for my Raven. After I got over the initial shock of it and managed to block most of it out I jumped to my feet and ran to the stairs ignoring Bruces shouts as I practically flew past him and up the stairs. Bruce caught up to me at the door to the house. "What's wrong?" Bruce asked I could see just a bit of worry in his eyes. "I don't know" I quickly slipped out the door before he could ask more questions that I couldn't or wouldn't answer and ran by a confused Alfred. I was taking the stairs two at a time when I heard a scream. I could hear Bruce and Alfred behind me.
Raven's POV
It was dark and I couldn't see anything. I felt rush of air behind me. I could sense someone else in the room with me. I refused to call out and tell whoever was here with me where I was. "I'm coming Raven" I looked around mentally cursing the dark. But do I really want to see him? Slowly and blindly I moved forward towards the voice. "I'm closer than you think" it came from somewhere behind me. "Where are you?" I called out. My voice echoed, wherever I was it must have been big. I felt someone grab me. "I'm in Gotham" he whispered in my ear. NO! I felt tears falling. I was falling. "I'm in Gotham and I'm coming for you!" his laughter echoed loudly. I started screaming.
I opened my eyes. Robin was kneeling over me, his hands on my shoulders. I sat up and scanned the room, my vision blurry with tears. I was shaking from the shock of the dream. I hadn't cried like this since that storm that knocked out the power at the tower a few months ago. Robin pulled me close as I cried. "Oh my" I stiffened expecting him to walk out of one of the dark corners. "It's ok Angel. It's just Alfred and Bruce" Robin was still holding me. I never wanted him to let me go. I only felt safe in his arms. "Shh Raven it's ok. It's over its ok now." His voice was clam and soothing. I just shook my head. "He's in Gotham" I said between sobs. There was a 'pop' as something exploded, I didn't care. Robin rubbed my back and said "It's ok Angel, you're safe. You're safe." I eventually managed to pull myself together enough to stop crying but I was still trembling with fear. What if he gets me? What if he does it again… "Are you ok Raven?" Bruce asked with a hint of concern in his voice for me. "Come on, how about I take you to my room" Robin said. Without waiting for my response he picked me up and walked out the door. I wound my arms around his neck and pressed my cheek to his chest.
Robin set me down in the middle of his bed. He sat down with me and wrapped his arms around my trembling figure. "Do we have anything that might help calm Raven down" Robin asked Bruce and Alfred who had followed us from my room. Alfred left to check and see what they in the house that might be helpful. "Dick, why don't you go change and I'll stay with Raven" Bruce offered. "That ok with you Angel?" I gave the slightest of nods; even if I didn't really want him to go. "That's my girl" Robin said after kissing my temple. Bruce sat on the bed as Robin left. I watched his shadow until it was out of sight before inching a little further away from Bruce. After a long silence Bruce said "Raven, I really am sorry for upsetting you earlier. Again I apologize. I really would like to get to know you better." A clap of thunder shook the mansion and I whimpered. "He's coming. He's coming for me." I was muttering over and over with tears beginning to fall again. I didn't want Bruce. He didn't know how to comfort me. He didn't know anything about me or have any clue as to why I was so scared. I know he's The Batman but I don't feel safe with him like I do with Robin. Every time he tried to get closer to me I would scuttle back a few inches. Bruce finally took the hint that I didn't want him near me and went to lean on the wall. Robin walked in and sat on the bed again pulling me back into his arms. Looking up at him with big violate eyes I said "I don't want to go back to sleep, he'll come for me" I stiffened as the house creaked in the wind. "It's Ok, Raven, you're safe. I won't let him get you" Robin told me. "I promise I won't let him get you again"