Authors note: sooooooooooooooo the Boy wonder has been shot? God how evil am I? I swear, though, that I'm not gonna subject him to anymore near-death tortures/experiences.

In this chapter we note the arrival of Batman, and continue with the progress of BB/Rae fluffiness...but wait...what's this? Do I spy turbulent waters ahead?? Read on to find out

As always reviews and comments are very much appreciated :D

TRANSLATION OF TAMARENIAN:

J'ann-my dear/ darling/sweetheart

Sk'torfa-strong

DISCLAIMER: I don't own TT...

Pain...unlike anything he had ever felt before...oh God it hurt so much to breathe...and then...a warm tingling feeling...and the blessed embrace of unconsciousness. He was falling deep...deep into his mind...there was no direction...no speed...no purpose...just pure emptiness.

He was a child again, and his parents were there right beside him. 'You ready for this sweetie?' asked his mother. 'Remember, we're going to be out there with you.' His father laughed, 'don't worry honey, he's a flying Grayson. It's in his blood, he'll do just fine...isn't that right champ?' Robin nodded, his father's compliment boosting him with confidence. Seconds later he was flying through the air, being passed between his mother and father as they performed their daring trapeze act.

In the next instant, he was in the Batcave, and listening intently to his guardian's lecture. Batman loomed in front of him, and said, 'the most important thing to remember Richard, is that the only thing worse that a miss is a near miss. In our line of business, there is no chance for error. If you want to survive then you're going to have to be one step ahead of your adversaries, and you need to be at your best. Anything less is absolutely unacceptable, because failure isn't an option.'

Then he was in a middle of street, approaching this vision in a purple suit, who had the most gorgeous red hair he had ever seen. 'There. Now that it's off-' but she suddenly pulled him in and planted a kiss on him before shoving him back and said, 'If you do not wish to be destroyed, than you shall leave me alone!'

Then there was the snippets of conversation as he sometimes surfaced briefly into consciousness...

Oh X'hal!

Nau....nau

He's flat lining!

Don't you die on me!

Need to eat something Star...

How long will he be like this? It has been....

Dude...wish there was a way to turn back time...

Gave us a hell of a scare...you dick...

TTTTT

Raven floated in her lotus position in the medical bay. It was her turn to keep an eye on Robin, and the only way to do it was to get the alien princess to at least take a break. For the last 3 days, Starfire had kept a constant vigil by his bedside, seeing to his every need. She was exhausted, and although she denied it, all the Titans could see the toll this stress was taking on her. She was neglecting herself, as her normally bright eyes grew dull, the red hair lost some of its shine, and dark circles appeared under her eyes. Raven had had enough, and demanded that Starfire take a shower, eat something besides mustard, and take a proper nap. She had protested, but none of the Titans were having it. She finally gave in, and now Raven waited for Cyborg to come, as he was next on duty. Even though Robin was still unconscious, based on his psychic aura, Raven hoped it would not be too long before he came out of his coma. Her thoughts were interrupted, as the medical bay doors swished open, and Cyborg walked in. Raven watched as Cyborg did the customary check to make sure Robin's vitals were stable.

'Everything looks okay. He still hasn't woken up has he?' Cyborg asked.

'No not yet. I was hoping he would, especially with Batman arriving soon,' Raven replied. 'I guess I'll head out then,' she said as she started walking towards the door. She stopped, realizing she wanted to ask him something. 'By the way, where's-'

'Grass stain's in the pool room, completing some laps,' Cyborg interrupted without looking back. Raven was taken slightly aback, not sure how he knew what she was going to ask. Cyborg glanced over his shoulder, and gave her a cheeky wink before continuing, 'well go on girl, I'm sure he's waitin' for ya as well.' She smirked to herself. Her brother knew her quite well it seemed. Without further hesitation she went to find her boyfriend...She suddenly stopped in her tracks...Did I just call him my-

Indeed you did Raven said Wisdom with a smile. Raven shook her head, but couldn't keep the smile from slowly appearing, the things that boy makes me think.

TTTTT

Beastboy pushed his muscles to their limit, trying his best to squeeze in a few last laps. Since Robin's injury, they were prepared to expect a backlash of crimes, but surprisingly the last 3 days had been quiet. It was almost as if the villains were paying their respect to the wounded hero, by not doing anything at all. And without Robin making them train, this was a way for him to keep his body active, just in case anything did happen. At one point he saw Raven through the corner of his eye, as he lifted his head each time to breath, and decided to call it a day. As soon as he reached the edge, he saw that she had walked towards him, and now stood close by. 'Hey,' he called out in greeting. 'I've just finished; be right with you.' She nodded, and as he lifted himself easily out of the pool, she grabbed a nearby towel for him. She turned around facing him, and upon laying her eyes on him, any rational thoughts she was having moments ago was gone with the wind. Her eye twitched, and it certainly wasn't because she was irritated. Brave let out a wolf whistle, and Happy just couldn't seem to contain herself.

Beastboy stood up straight as soon as he pulled himself out of the pool and ran his fingers through his hair, pulling it back, seemingly unaware of Raven's reaction to him. This was the first time Raven actually saw Beastboy without his uniform, let alone in a pair of rather small and extremely fitting trunks, and had no idea he was hiding all of that underneath. Azar, she thought as she felt a blush spread over her face, when did he get so...

Hot? asked Affection.

Sexy? offered Happy.

Mouth-wateringly appealing? said Brave.

Panty-droppingly gorgeous? added Rude.

Raven was so occupied with admiring Beastboy's physique that she didn't even bother coming up with a scathing comment to her outspoken Emotions. And it certainly didn't help he was wet, and the drops of water seemed to shine on those rippling biceps, those wonderfully broad shoulders, that sculpted chest and amazing six-pack...she could go on.

As soon as he had pulled back his hair, and looked at Raven, Beastboy could see what was going through her mind. Dude, he thought with a cocky smirk, she's totally checking me out! I should do this more often. He made sure to take his time walking to her, pretending not to notice her staring. When he reached her, he took the towel from her limp hands and said, 'Oh Raven, stop. I'm blushing.'

She immediately snapped to attention, and deadpanned, 'don't know what you're talking about.' She quickly pulled up her hood, and surreptitiously touched her lips. She wasn't drooling was she? 'Riiiiight,' he drawled, that cocky grin never leaving his face. He draped the towel on his shoulders and said, 'I'm just going to take a quick shower. I'd invite you to join me.....' he trailed off waggling his eyebrows suggestively. She glared at him from under her hood. I can't believe he actually has the balls to say that. 'Move it or lose it,' she growled back, but not sounding as frightening as she normally would have. 'Okay...okay. I was only joking,' he said with a laugh as he turned to walk towards the showers. Just as he rounded the corner towards his destination, he turned back to call out, 'Or was I?'

TTTTT

A few minutes later they were both back in the common room. Raven sat in her customary position on the couch, reading a book, and nursing a hot cup of herbal tea while Beastboy sat beside her playing on his PSP. After a few minutes he threw it onto the coffee table, and said exasperatedly, 'Dude, I'm just so bored!' Turning towards her he said,'Raaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaae, I'm bored.' Without looking from her book she droned back, 'I heard you the first time, and don't call me Rae. Go check up on Robin if you have so much time to spare.'

'But, I've already done my shift,' he whined back. 'Hell, I've even donated blood to the guy!' Due to Beastboy's unique genes, his blood was so universally compatible that even Starfire's body didn't reject it, so the team decided that it would be best if he donated a certain amount for them to keep in storage for any medical emergencies. Given the present situation, they were all glad to have taken this precautionary measure.

Shifting into a cat, Beastboy gave one last shot to get the empath's attention. He let out a pitiful meow, and walked over to her. Then, he started rubbing himself repeatedly on her arm. 'You're going to get cat hair all over me. No, don't try giving me the big-eyed kitten look either. It doesn't work on me,' Raven said. But he was so persistent, that she finally sighed and put the book to a side. Seeing this Beastboy immediately leaped onto her lap, and curled up into a ball, before purring contentedly. Raven had no idea where she seemed to suddenly acquire all this new found patience with him, but she found herself slowly running her slender fingers through his soft fur, feeling the vibrations of his purr rumbling through his feline body. After a long while, he suddenly shifted back to his human form, and now Raven saw that her hands were running through his green hair and his body stretched out over the rest of the couch. She was caught by surprise by his sudden change, and this caused her powers to momentarily lash out and rip into pieces, the book she had been reading. 'Great, now look what you made me do,' she said, agitation hinting at her voice. With a wave of her hand she repaired the book, before fixing an icy stare at the green boy. His ears wilted slightly, and he gave her an apologetic look. 'Sorry Raven,' he said, 'it's just that your hands felt so nice running through my fur like that, I really wanted.....on second thought...I'll get up, I really shouldn't have done that.' He moved to lift his head off from her lap, but felt a gentle pressure on his shoulders push him back down. Surprised he looked up at her, and she said, 'it's alright. Just...give a little warning the next time. I don't want to...rush things.' He nodded his head, trying not to show how happy he was she was doing this, and closed his eyes to enjoy this sweet and intimate little moment between the two of them.

After a few minutes he felt her shift, and opened his eyes lazily to see why. He saw her face looming right over his, those amethyst eyes locking onto his own, and Beastboy's eyes opened wider when he saw her bend towards him. Her purple hair, slipped down like a veil, as if to block them from the prying eyes of the world. He's nostrils filled with the soothing scent of her lilac and lavender aroma. Even the Beast seemed really interested, sniffing the air hopefully as she approached him. He felt his eyes shut once more as her soft lips connected with his own in a timid little kiss. Beastboy raised one of his arms to hold her head in place, before he deepened the kiss. This was their second kiss in 3 days, and by God, if she wanted to kiss him, then he was certainly going to encourage her.

Mate, the Beast growled contentedly, causing something to change deep within Beastboy, and he literally felt a shock run through his system. It was almost like he was feeling...sensing Raven for the first time. Her very scent, her very taste, was just so irresistible he didn't know how he had never noticed that fact until now. HIs eyes suddenly snapped open, and he hastily broke the kiss. Beastboy quickly moved his head off Raven's lap, before scooting to the side on the couch, taking deep breaths to calm himself. What the hell just happened? he thought, his heart racing madly in his chest. 'What's wrong Beastboy?' Raven asked, shocked that he had suddenly pulled away from her like that. She reached out to touch his arm, but Beastboy visibly moved away from her. Raven quickly retracted her arm, the hurt in her eyes nearly breaking Beastboy's heart. 'So, that's how it's going to be,' she said before standing up and wrapping herself in her powers.

'No wait Raven, I didn't mean-' but she was already gone. Shit, now I've done it, he thought. Half of him wanted to run out the common room, and profusely apologize to Raven for his actions, but the other half knew it would be futile. How was he going to explain his actions, if he himself had no real clue as to what just occurred. The Beast had never spoken to him like that before, and this left Beastboy a little unnerved. Not to mention the fact the Beast had just changed something deep inside Beastboy. It almost felt like the Beast had pushed something into place, and Beastboy had no idea how that was even possible.

Mate gone? the Beast asked. Find Mate, it continued.

Wow, thought Beastboy. Since when can you talk?

Mate sad, the Beast said, ignoring Beastboy's question. Need Mate...find, the Beast said, whining softly.

This is the freakiest shit...ever. Why would this happen now? How could this happen now? Beastboy wracked his brain, trying to find an explanation. Suddenly, the answer hit him like a thunderbolt and he paled significantly. How the hell am I gonna explain this to Raven? he thought with trepidation. I wouldn't have expected this to happen in such a short time.

TTTTT

With a shriek of power, Raven arrived in her room. She was so...unsettled by Beastboy's behaviour, that her bookshelf started shaking. Taking a deep breath to control her emotions, she quickly got into the lotus position to meditate. Why did he-he-he draw back like that? I th-th-thought he liked me, stammered Timid. For once, I actually don't have an answer for that, said Knowledge, confusion clouding her voice.

Raven tried to hold back the tears that were welling in her eyes. Of course, how long would he have to spend time with her before realizing the truth. He never liked her at all, she was just a distraction. Clearly, seeing Robin and Starfire together for so long made him wrongly think he actually harboured some feelings towards her. He only wanted a distraction, and now that he finally admitted the truth to himself, he was ready to shake her off like an insignificant being. Daddy was right. Who was I kidding? No one is going to like me...Azar, it's only been 2 months and I'm already acting...no, she took a deep breath. She was not going to think that.

Suddenly she heard a knock on her door, and she felt her throat well up with emotion as she heard Beastboy call out, 'Raven? I know you're in there. I can smell you. Please open the door, and at least let me expla-'

'I have nothing to say, Beastboy'

'I'm begging you Raven, don't turn me away. Give me a chance to explain.'

'I said leave me alone. I'm not going to repeat myself.'

Raven heard nothing but silence after that. She was about to curl up in bed, her sadness and the effort of not crying suddenly making her feel exhausted, when Beastboy appeared in front of her. 'How the hell did you-'

'I turned into a termite and crawled under your door. I'm sorry, but I had to take drastic measures.'

'Get out Beastboy,' she growled. He reached out to hold her hands, but it was her turn to recoil back. Hurt splashed across Beastboy's face, and his ears wilted slightly. But he didn't give up. Instead, he strode forward and grabbed her shoulders. 'Please Raven, I am so so sorry about what happened back there. It's just that the Beast, he spoke...for the first time...and it freaked the hell out of me. I didn't know how to react to that and-'

'Stop with the lame excuses Beastboy. You know the real reason is because you realize you never liked me. After all who could ever learn to like a filthy demon spawn like me? You just didn't realize what a mistake you made until now.'

Beastboy's grip tightened on her shoulders and he forced himself to control his voice before saying, 'don't ever say that Raven. You are not a filthy demon spawn. What even made you think that?'

'I don't know Beastboy, maybe it's when you literally flinched when I tried to touch you. I mean one moment you've got your tongue shoved in my mouth, and the next moment you pull away from me...what's up with that?' Raven said, her temper barely concealed behind the controlled flat tone.

'Raven, I'm sorry. It's just, the Beast...his attitude...changed towards you. And the sudden shift in emotions, it caught me off guard. I didn't mean to pull away from you like that...I just..' he trailed off.

'Just what Beastboy? Tell me what it is. Maybe I can help you,' Raven said.

'It's not that easy Raven. This is a lot more...complicated.'

'Then simplify it Beastboy. Be open with me. That's the only way any relationship can work. It's built on mutual honesty.'

'It's also built on trust. Do you trust me, that it was something a little complicated ...and...embarrassing to explain right at this moment. But I swear, I'll tell you everything later.'

'For Azar's sake Beastboy, I'm your girlfriend! If you can't tell me the truth now, then how am I supposed to believe you in the future?'

'Do you trust me?' he asked suddenly, looking deep into eyes. The fact that she had just referred to herself as his girlfriend boosted him with confidence. 'Do you trust that it's just a small insignificant thing for now, and that it doesn't in any way, shape or form affect the fact that I really really like you, and am willing to do anything in the universe to make this relationship work?'

This caused Raven to silently study him for a second. 'You're an empath,' he continued. 'So sense my feelings and tell me, am I lying to you? Has my feelings for you changed at all?' At that, Raven realized to her shock, that indeed his feelings hadn't changed. Well, not changed in the sense that it certainly hadn't decreased, but there was something different...something that, at the moment she really couldn't put her finger on, and that bothered her slightly.

'No,' she said after a length, 'you're not lying. I'm...sorry for over-reacting like that. But...why did you pull away?' Instead of answering her, he pulled her into a tight hug, which surprised her, but she nevertheless returned it. 'It's something I'll explain to you in due time, I promise. You know I'd rather cut a limb that hurt your feelings. You..mean too much to me Raven. I would never...could never, intentionally cause you any pain.'

For now, Raven decided to leave it at that.

TTTTT

Swish...

Cyborg looked up from the magazine he was reading to see who walked into the medical room. He frowned when he saw...'Starfire, hun, you need to go back and rest some more.'

'It is alright friend Cyborg, I have rested enough. I thank you for your concern, but I can do the 'taking it from here' for now.'

'Starfire, I'm not sure about this. I mean ya've already been here for the last 3 days.'

Starfire gave Cyborg a tired smile, and said, 'I think you have forgotten that I am a warrior princess Cyborg. I have been trained from a very small age to withstand tremendous amounts of...I think the word is...stress. I have endured far worse circumstances than 3 days without sleep. I would not be here if I were not sure that I am well again, and able to take care of Robin.' Cyborg sighed in defeat, knowing that there was no way Starfire was going to change her mind. 'Fine. Give a holler if ya need anything 'kay?' Starfire nodded before moving towards Robin's bedside. Cyborg couldn't help but smile to himself as he left the medical bay. Boy blunder, you got yourself a gem of a gal. I hope you realize that.

Starfire sat gently on the edge of Robin's bed. She lovingly stroked the hair strewn across his forehead. How she wished she could bring him back from the coma, and keep him from ever getting injured. She was missing him so much...the way he smiled, the way he looked at her, and the way he would so patiently teach her the ways of the earth. J'ann, I would give anything to have to hold me in your arms again...to have to kiss me with so much passion I would start to float. Starfire felt her throat swell with sadness...an emotion she swallowed with great difficulty.

'You must get well soon Richard,' she said. For the first time out of the privacy of her room, did she ever refer to him by his real name. Words couldn't express her happiness when he had trusted her enough to not only remove the mask, but tell her the name and the life story of the boy, man, she corrected, who wore it. But that was a tale for another day. 'Your father will come to visit soon. You must show him that you are sk'torfa.' She leaned down and placed a tender kiss on his lips, further saddened by the fact those lips couldn't kiss her back. With a sigh, she settled for another day of praying to X'hal that Robin would once again wake up.

TTTTT

Beastboy walked back to the common room. After this little hiccup with Raven, he realized that it would be wise to give her a little space. Plus, he needed this time as well to sort through his own thoughts and emotions. The Beast had pretty much thrown a wrench into any plans of taking things slow now. I gotta admit, you have just perfect timing dude he though sarcastically to himself. As the common doors swished open, he saw Cyborg reading a paper thoughtfully at the kitchen counter table.

Cyborg nodded his head in greeting before saying, 'Well, at least we know the big B is gonna be in town in 2 more days.' Beastboy raised an eyebrow questioningly before Cyborg tossed the newspaper he had been reading. BILLIONAIRE WAYNE CLOSES MULTIMILLION DOLLAR DEAL, read the opening headline. 'I don't know how he did it, but it seems Bruce Wayne just happens to be coming to Jump City to close a deal with a shipping company he just bought. Papers claim it seemed like a spur of the moment decision, but hell, we know better. Man, he really must care about Robin a lot. I can only imagine the strings he had to pull to manage this one.' Beastboy put the paper down, and silently twiddled his thumbs. Cyborg noticed how unusually quiet his best friend was and asked, 'What? Raven pissed at ya again? What did you do this time?'

'It's not Raven...well...not entirely...' Beastboy said, debating whether or not to tell Cyborg what was happening with the Beast.

'What is it? Ya can tell me,' Cyborg prompted, sensing that Beastboy needed someone to talk to.

'Hmm...alright...but dude, this is not a joke, and I want you to promise on the T-car that you will never breathe a word to this to anyone, especially not Raven.' Cyborg nodded, his interest heightening. What could possibly be so important that Beastboy couldn't share it with Raven? He settled down to listen to what the changeling had to say.

TTTTT

Hours passed.

It was almost dawn and the sun seemed to peak hesitantly over the horizon, debating whether or not to come out, bringing with it a new day. Starfire gazed out the medical bay windows out onto the bay. She stood near the large windows as she stroked a sulking Silky. It seemed that Robin's accident had meant she didn't pay much attention to the larvae for the last few days, and Silkie didn't like it one bit. So now he warbled contentedly, claiming back the debt of affection that he rightfully deserved from Starfire.

'You know, when the sunlight hits your hair like that...almost looks like it's on fire. Honestly, I could stare at it all day,' a hoarse voice said from behind her. Starfire nearly dropped Silkie in surprise. She couldn't whip around fast enough, praying that the voice she heard had not been a hallucination. 'Robin!' she shrieked happily and flying over to his bedside. It took all her will power to give him a bone crushing hug.

'Hey there Star,' he said tiredly, his hoarse voice just above a whisper. He raised a hand to stroke Starfire's face. She leaned into his touch, basking in the joy that he was finally awake. There had been so many things she had wanted to say, but now, she seemed at a loss for words. 'Robin, I-'

'Ssh,' he said, placing a finger on her lips. 'There's something I have to do first. Could you help me sit up? I'm still a little weak.' She obeyed quickly, trying to be as gentle as possible, as she saw he visibly flinch from the effort. 'Robin,' she started, 'when did you awaken? I must tell-' Without saying a word, Robin cupped her face in his hands, pulled her forward to give a blistering kiss. In the back of her mind, Starfire knew she should go tell the rest of her friends the great news, but with each second he continued to passionately kiss her, even bringing his arms around to gingerly hold her close, that thought became more and more insignificant.

'I always knew you had a thing for redheads,' a deep voice said.

Robin and Starfire couldn't break their kiss faster. They were both shocked at the sudden intrusion, not so much as the timing (Cyborg and Beastboy had seen to that over the past 3 years) but who it was that now stood at the entrance of the medical bay doors.

'Hello Richard, I hope I'm not...intruding,' said the man. Walking towards them he continued, 'And you, young lady, must be Starfire. I've heard much about you, Richard made sure of that. I don't think we've met before. I'm Batman, Richard's father.'