Chapter four:

Jericho was bitten harshly and had lost a lot of blood. He practically slept for almost a day and a half. Each of the titans took turns watching over him in the infirmary, while the other titans would meet up trying to figure out what to do about Slade's return. Rose was very afraid; part of her did not want to have to go up against her frightening father who she had believed to be gone for good. The other part of her was furious with Slade and wanted to stop him, and also protect her newly discovered brother. Robin was being obsessively persistent in finding and stopping Slade. Naturally his friends had expected that behavior from him. Unfortunately even though Raven knew where Slade had held Jericho captive and attacked him, it was obvious Slade would not have stayed in that area. Also they knew Slade was obviously after Jericho, most likely because of the fact Jericho had escaped him once before. When it came time for Raven to take her turn watching the still unconscious boy, Cyborg had set up their most powerful defensive systems on the tower. The other titans wanted to make sure Jericho and Raven were safe inside the tower before they left to search for clues to Slade's current hide out.

The other titans were gone now. Raven entered the infirmary. Jericho was wrapped in bandages and his bruises had still not healed completely. Raven walked over to the side of the bed where he lay. She looked at him and thought of how much he did not deserve such wounds. Jericho suddenly awoke even though his eyes remained shut. He still felt extreme pain all over. He then thought back to how Raven had saved him. Then he heard her voice.

Raven: Jericho I know you probably can't hear me butI am sorry I didn't get to you faster. If I had you wouldn't be this hurt. I figure the least I could do is use some of my healing abilities to ease your pain. You're too badly injured to heal completely, mostly because you have a few broken bones in your ribs. I still want to try to heal you as much as I can.

Jericho was a little surprised at some of the things she said. Raven had most likely saved his life, because Jericho knew Slade very well might have killed him. Even though she had done such a great thing for him she still apologized for not finding and saving him sooner? Jericho knew Raven was a good person, a powerful hero, and had an almost mystical beauty which he found very attractive. Still he was not aware she was this caring. Jericho's heart began to beat faster as he felt Raven's pale hands grasp his hand. She felt remarkably warm as she used her healing powers on him.

Raven: Azarath Metrion Zinthos….

Raven closed her eyes and continued to chant her magic words. Jericho slowly felt most of his pain melt away. He thought to himself "Raven is more amazing than I thought". Raven healed him to the best of her ability. As she opened her eyes she was surprised to see Jericho's eyes open and staring into her own. A sweet and charming smile was on his face, as he looked at her. This time Raven's heart beat faster. They stared at each other for a moment or two, when Raven started to think to herself about how cute he was. Her pulse rose as he gently grasped her hand back with his, just as she had grasped his before. Jericho saw the moonlight shine in the window behind her. She began to speak in a shy almost timid voice.

Raven: Jericho why are you staring at me like that?

Jericho blinked and used the hand that wasn't holding her hand to sign a response.

"I am sorry it was just the moonlight from the window was shining on your light skin. It made it look like you were glowing like an angel. That made you look even more mystifying than you already do."

Jericho blushed as he told her this. He couldn't seem to stop looking into her eyes. Somehow he felt braver while looking into those eyes. Raven also blushed as she was told this. No one had never been compared her to an angel before. Also the way he used the word mystifying seemed like a romantic compliment. Raven could not hold it in any longer. She was feeling too much emotion. A vase holding get well flowers Starfire brought Jericho earlier shattered when Raven's power reacted to her emotions. Jericho and Raven looked over to see the broken vase parts on the floor. Raven used her power to throw all the shattered parts into the nearby trash can. Jericho simply looked at her in a way that was if he was asking what in the world happened. Raven blushing went from a rosy pink to a bright red.

Raven: I'm sorry about that sometimes my powers react to my emotions. That is why I have to meditate daily to keep my emotions under control. I suppose I just got too- well never mind.

Jericho looked at her with a concerned look. He signed "it must be difficult not being able to freely express your feelings and keep things buried like that. Personally I don't think I could go without expressing myself by playing my music on my guitar or by creating my paintings."

Raven: I knew you could play the guitar but I wasn't aware you painted too.

Jericho suddenly smiled as his eyes widened, as he was hit with an idea. Jericho then signed a question to her.

"Raven would you do me a big favor right now; I think I can do it because your healing really helped? You see when I first came here to spend time to get to know my sister I brought my art supplies. They are in the guest room you all let me use. Would you mind if we got some of my supplies in here?"

Raven: Um. Sure I could go get what you need and bring it in here.

A few minutes later Jericho had all his supplies and was ready to start painting. Although before he could get started he had to ask her more favor. Jericho blushed as he smiled at Raven and asked her the favor. "Raven would you please be my model for this painting?" he asked. She was stunned to say the least.

Raven: You want me to be a model for your painting?

Jericho happily nodded with a sweet smile and a blushing face." Also could you stand in front of the window so the moonlight will shine on you again? Your profile is already beautiful but the moonlight makes you look even better."

Raven felt butterflies in her stomach. She wasn't used to being called beautiful. Blushing deeply she agreed to model in the moonlight. Jericho gave her a request not to pose or try to fake any facial expressions. He told her he wanted to get her as she truly appears to him.

As the other titans searched for clues all night, Jericho and Raven were seeing each other in a very special way. After about an hour of painting and a little time to let the paint dry, Jericho was ready to show Raven his finished painting. As she walked over to the canvas and looked at the painting, she remembered what he told her about wanting to paint her as he saw her.

Raven's eyes widened as she starred at the painting. It was clear Jericho was a great artist by the attention to details such as light and shadow. Although what really amazed the violet haired girl, was the fact that he made her look stunning. Was this really as he saw her?

Jericho handed her the finished painting and signed a single thing to her. "I want you to have this". Raven felt so wonderful she actually smiled for once.

Raven: Thank you.