Author's Note: I'm really, really, really, really, REALLY sorry guys. So much was piled on top of me for school that I never got the chance to post again. I honestly should be doing homework, but oh well. It can wait since you guys waited long enough. I plan on posting every 2 weeks on Sunday, so hopefully I can regulate that soon. On the brighter side, I hope you guys like the new cover photo I made! I spent hours and hours making it and I'm very happy that I finally got to post it. It adds a nice little touch to the story :) Well that's enough outta me. Happy reading!

A Previous Summary: After Raven's first night in her bedroom, she wakes up at an earlier time to join the Titans for breakfast. The experience was less than what she desired and her first lesson with Starfire wasn't exactly easy either. Her frustration was an apparent problem, but she learned of the importance of her emotions, which aided the use of her powers. Starfire taught Raven how to meditate and the meaning behind her mantra, Azarath Metrion Zinthos, and ever since, Raven began to thrive with her abilities. However, even after a successful day, Raven felt guilt and she decided to apologize to Beast Boy, much to his surprise. At last, she feels relieved, but even she knows that no number of apologies could make up for all that he has done.

Amnesia

Chapter 10: Tempting Instincts

"Are you sure you wish to continue?"

I nodded briskly, my eyes set with determination. Starfire and I had been training for the past several hours and the effect of a deteriorating energy supply began to appear. I was weak and feeble, but I wanted to display my improvement. I needed to prove my knowledge to not only Starfire and the Titans but to myself as well.

I'm going to be sore, I told myself. But I'll be proud.

That is if you don't fail...

"I'm ready," I assured her, taking a wide, balanced stance.

"It has only been a few days, Friend Raven. Do not be ashamed if you do not succeed on your first attempt."

"I'll know what to do. Besides, it's just practice, right?"

Starfire smiled kindly, despite her weariness. I could sense her yearning for a rest. She, too, showed symptoms of exhaustion. Apparently, teaching could be a tedious and difficult task. However, she masked her grogginess and confined herself to the wall, allowing enough space for me to demonstrate my abilities.

"Astral projection," she declared in an expanding voice. "Physical."

My arms were rigid at my side, tensing to overcome the pain of sore muscles. My fists became encompassed in a sphere of dark energy, emanating a ghastly glow that threatened to attack. I raised my hands to my face, prepared for a brawl. Starfire smiled with satisfaction, but I had yet to begin.

"Attack!" she commanded me. "Attack now!"

Earlier, Starfire and I had placed training dummies in convenient places across the room with which to practice. They varied in size, and some were already worn from past training sessions, but Starfire approved their usage for me. They absorbed damage pretty easily and I felt terrible for destroying their property.

At least I'm not fighting real people, I had thought as I inspected the dummies.

If I wasn't meant to, then why am I fighting?

I scanned through each of my targets, isolating my first victim. With the continual motion of my hands, I launched a series of blasts towards an individual dummy. My attacks rained upon it until there was nothing left but scraps of leather and cotton stuffing.

I used an extension of my hand as another attack. My dark power took the form of my hand and I shot it across the room so it picked up a dummy. By physically squeezing my hand, the dummy was crushed in the grasp of my astral projection. I released it once I was sure it was dead, in terms of practice.

On the next dummy, I tried a different form of offense. My dark power engulfed the entire object in a large sphere that levitated off the ground, trapping the lifeless victim inside. With mental concentration, the black bubble began to shrink, the claustrophobic dummy suffering from compression as its size began to decrease. The concealed space had crushed the dummy, reducing it to a pile of rubble once the sphere had evaporated.

I then joined both of my hands together, fueling my energy to produce a more concentrated force. My aim was precise, as I had mastered before, and the beam of dark energy hit the dummy square in the chest cavity, where a pulsing heart would occupy. The attack would have been fatal if the dummy had been alive.

"Defense!" Starfire exclaimed suddenly. "Defend yourself!"

Instinctively, I encased myself in a hemisphere dome, my arms spread apart to keep the barrier sustained. I imagined my defensive shield absorbing the attacks from my enemies before I allowed it to vanish without a trace. Starfire had another curve ball to throw.

"A victim is falling," she informed me in a narrative voice. "Catch her before she injures herself once more."

Starfire took flight and soared into the air above my head. She hovered for a moment as she spread out her arms, willing up the courage to entrust her safety as my responsibility. With closed eyes, Starfire ceased her flight and collapsed backwards, impersonating an unconscious victim who needed a rescue. Only quick thinking would prevent her from contacting the floor.

My fast reflexes caught Starfire before I knew what I was doing. She was enveloped in a layer of my power, which held her up with ease. I gingerly lowered her limp body to the floor before I released the sustainment of dark energy. Starfire sat up, smiling in approval.

"Well done!" the tangerine girl enthused. "The improvement within your abilities is remarkable."

"Thanks," I replied. "Wouldn't have done it without you though."

"Do not be humble, Friend Raven. Your skills are wonderful."

I flashed a smile, thanking her once again for her help.

"Now, the next progression."

Starfire flew across the room and gestured to the array of dumbbells and weights that she had strategically placed.

"You are to pick these up and relocate them safely," she instructed me. "There is to be no harm to anything. I expect nothing to be damaged."

I took a stance and raised my hand, but Starfire interrupted once again.

"Mentally."

I rolled my eyes as I lamely dropped my arm, stifling a sigh.

"As you wish," I said with mock formality.

Each dumbbell had a different weight than the next. Some required more concentration and focus than others, and the successful transport of each weight varied. On my first try, the dumbbell hardly budged. I had to strain so hard in order to keep it in the air. On another, I lost focus early and it plummeted to the floor, the unexpected sound scaring both me and Starfire. However, by the last weight, my abilities had greatly improved. It seemed like a painstakingly slow pace, but Starfire was thrilled to see me accomplish the task. Despite my weariness, I was pleased myself.

"Glorious! Nearly all formations of astral projection has been achieved! I am impressed, Friend Raven!"

"Thanks," I said, enjoying the praise like a puppy receiving a treat.

"However, there is still much to learn," Starfire pointed out.

"Like what?" I inquired, suddenly interested, but Starfire only grinned amiably.

"We shall continue with more advanced skills. You see, your dark energy has many uses. There are many other abilities that you may master as well."

"Okay...?" I said, unsure.

"Teleportation is a skill that you had used often. Since you understand the connection between you and your soul-self, perhaps you may find the other advantages you possess during separation. Phasing through objects and creating portals is not an easy ability-"

"Can I try?" I asked eagerly.

It seemed like an interesting idea to exploit. Plus, it was a new topic to study. Launching my soul-self for offense and defense became boring in a sense. I craved for a fresh lesson.

"Now, it is not easy-"

"I know I know," I interjected, waving away her warnings. "But give me a chance, at least."

I held out my hand, preparing to project my power, but the most peculiar thing happened. My focus was concentrated, connecting my emotions to my abilities. I had an ideal stance and my posture was firm yet flexible. However, my soul-self did not follow my command.

"You must think of where you wish to travel," Starfire instructed me.

"Okay. I'll try it."

I tried to summon my dark energy again, but nothing dared to appear. Frustration began to taint my concentration, which only worsened my chances of producing an astral projection.

"Raven, please do not be upset."

"I can't get it," I groaned helplessly. "Why won't it work?"

"It may require time and patience before success..."

I thrusted my hand forward, gritting my teeth and straining with the effort. This time, my power was seen, but it instantaneously dissolved in the air like a ghostly smoke. I kept trying again and again, and I received different results each time, yet my dark energy would not sustain. As I kept attempting to use it, it became less and less prominent. My face was livid.

"Perhaps a period of meditation will-"

"I don't need to mediate again," I barked at Starfire, furious at her suggestion. "I just want to DO this!"

"Raven, it is not an easy skill. Even I have not used teleportation while I had briefly possessed your abilities."

"I should STILL be able to do it! I've done it before, right? Before the amnesia?"

Starfire nodded. I growled in annoyance as I repeatedly tried to access my powers, but my prospect seemed in vain. By now, I couldn't produce any astral projection at all. No matter how hard I punched the air, my soul-self never made an appearance.

"Why isn't anything happening?"

"Raven, I ask that you keep your voice quiet."

"Something's wrong, Starfire. My powers aren't working!"

"Friend Raven-"

I swatted an orange hand away as it attempted to contact my shoulder in assurance.

"Stop it! I'm serious!"

"You must not be angry."

"Well I am angry, Starfire! My powers won't work! Don't you think that's a problem?"

"Please calm down!" Starfire begged. "Do not shout!"

"WHY can't I do anything now?!"

"Your anger," she whispered timidly.

"Starfire!"

The alien flinched, as if expecting pain.

"Are you going to help me or not?!"

"I am trying," she squealed helplessly. "But you must listen!"

"I was just fine! Why can't I-?"

"Your anger!" Starfire exclaimed. "It is your anger, Raven!"

"What about it?" I threatened her. "I thought I was supposed to feel in order to use my powers. That's what you said, huh? Am I right? Well I'm angry, and I'm feeling, now why can't I-!"

"Raven, please stop!"

"You said that I could-"

"It will not work as such!" Starfire pleaded. "You must stop! Do not argue anymore!"

"I'm feeling, Starfire!" I taunted sarcastically. "Oh, I'm feeling. I'm losing control now, Starfire. Something bad is going to happen. I have no control of it anymore..."

"Stop stop stop!" Starfire whined, her hands shielding her face. "Please stop, Raven! You are scaring me!"

I started to laugh at her cowardly reaction. The alien's perspective resembled childhood innocence, much alike a toddler. It contrasted majorly against her maternal instincts of providing support and care. However, she was very naive and gullible, believing even the most absurd ideas and illogical myths. Starfire was quick to establish truth, which was her weakness, and I enjoyed to exploit it by using thick, intelligent sarcasm and nasty jokes.

Starfire's feelings were badly hurt, and yet I was laughing gleefully, my nature becoming sadistic. Her expression of betrayal and embarrassment seemed to please me. The alien glared with green-sclera eyes framed in tears as I chuckled heartily.

"This is not funny," Starfire muttered hotly.

"Oh, I think is," I responded nonchalantly in return.

"You have lied to me!"

"Did I?"

"Yes!"

"Oops."

"Raven!"

"Hmm?"

"What are you doing?"

"Nothing in particular," I answered slyly.

"Why must you act coy?" the alien wondered.

I shrugged, purposely trying to adopt a discrete character and offer little explanation. Starfire reeled at my response, which made me smile.

Her face is priceless, I thought.

I can't believe how stupid she is. Can you?

Someone needs to explain it to her...

The alternation of emotion was brief and sudden, yet detectable. I could sense a level of fear from Starfire, but she sustained a stoic expression as she started to approach me, her arms raised to symbolize peace. Her wide eyes were a window to her feelings.

"Friend Raven," she said quietly. "I ask for your cooperation."

What's getting her so worked up? I thought.

Beats me...

"You must control it," she ordered me. "You must suppress the imbalance."

"Imbalance? Wha-?"

"Raven!" the tangerine girl urged me. "Please! Do as I say! Do not listen to your thoughts! You can overcome it!"

My thoughts?

She's onto us...

"What do you mean?" I inquired worriedly as I became self-aware of the situation. "What's going on?"

"Do not allow your emotions to lead your actions, Raven. Control it!"

"Control what?!"

"Please! Do not shout!"

"Starfire!"

"Stop what you are doing!"

"What am I doing?!"

"No! Do not give in!"

"Don't give in to WHAT?!" I screamed hysterically.

But I knew right then and there what she meant as soon as my speech sounded.

I blinked several times, casting away the construction of water upon my amethyst irises. My vision wavered slightly, like a camera adjusting its focus, before my environment seemed stable. Balance became an apparent issue and I stumbled over my inactive feet. Starfire reported to my side, offering an arm for assistance before I had a chance to accept.

"Raven?"

I released a raspy sigh that I had forgotten to expel, nearly choking on my next inhale. Starfire searched my somber facial expression and glazed eyes for a response, but I provided none. I felt dreary, like the aftermath of a prolonged nap. My mind had seemingly reset itself, slowly remembering what had happened.

"Raven, are you hurt?"

"What?"

"Friend Raven?"

I closed my eyes, long and hard, and reopened them, almost squinting in the curtain of dimmed lights.

"Huh? Starfire?"

The alien relaxed her tense muscles in relief, her heart anxiously pulsing for a mistake that would summon a rescue. She was almost expecting for me to admit a problem that would require her assistance. My hand was plastered to my head, my fingers groping through my scalp in frustration. I had a nauseous headache.

"Raven. You are pale..."

"I'm always pale," I muttered, managing to acquire a little humor.

"No. I meant that you appear ill."

"Yeah yeah, I knew what you meant."

"Please allow me to escort you to the Infirmary-"

"Oh no," I interjected, snapping into action. "No, I'm not going back there."

I started to shuffle away, but once again, my feet refused to perform any locomotion. I nearly tripped and I barely caught myself. Starfire dove with hands reaching for me but I waved her away.

"No! I said I'm fine."

I do this all the time, I thought. I always feel wobbly.

Who said that's a good thing?

"Raven, you are tired. You overcame the imbalance so it is typical to be weary."

"I- I what?"

Starfire shook her head somberly.

"There has been enough of the practice today. I forbid you to continue without a proper rest. Please allow me to assist you-"

"Don't. Leave me alone."

"You are tired, yes?"

I gazed down at my trembling hands, slowly uncurling my feeble fingers. I hugged my arms to my body to cease their nervous shivers.

Did I seriously-?

Yes.

But I-! Oh no...

"I- I got to go," I stammered, turning away.

"Friend Raven?" said Starfire. "Raven, wait!"

I briskly strode out of the room, my shoulders hunched over my arms to conceal my hands. I furiously jabbed the elevator button and entered the platform, the doors pulling closed. Starfire beckoned for me to stop, but I pretended to ignore her and I allowed the elevator to shut her out.

I purposely submitted to my feet. I wasn't paying any attention to where I was going. I only had one intention: to flee. Like a dog who was caught in a crime, I sought for a place to be alone. To hide. A privy location to myself. It was obvious that I would be pursued by Starfire, so I was frantic yet I walked with a dazed faculty of sight.

I knew for a fact that I couldn't escape into my room. That would've been the first place that the Titans would've searched. Through the past weeks, I still didn't know my way around. The building wasn't huge, but it wasn't exactly easy to navigate either. There were so many different passages and elongated hallways and rooms devoted to certain activities that they all got jumbled in my head. My mind was already numb with thoughts as they rattled in my skull. I simply left my feet on auto-pilot. My violet eyes didn't react to the environment until I nearly went blind when I was unexpectedly greeted by the sun after I had scaled a long flight of stairs.

Today, the sky was seamless. It was a vast expanse of atmosphere that blurred in the distance and fused with the tranquil sea. The sun shone brilliantly, alone in the sky overhead, without the presence of clouds to break the rays of light. Even while it was setting, it was effulgent and it splatter-painted the sky with crimson and orange and a stroke of pink. A cool wind stirred the air, wafting a salty fragrance beneath my nose. It stung my nostrils, but I preferred it over the sickening scents of sterilized medical equipment and strong medicine. My nose had detected them numerous times as I had lived in the Infirmary. In fact, nearly all of these external conditions were almost foreign since I had forgotten the last time I had witnessed nature. This experience had been my first, if not for a long time.

Have I ever witnessed nature? I thought to myself.

I don't know. I don't remember.

That explains a lot...

I was at the top of the Titans' Tower. The roof was large and flat, providing a lot of area for recreational activities. I saw a basketball court with two hoops and a launch pad for helicopters, as well as a net to play a friendly game of volleyball. The view around me was incredible. I could see the distant shoreline where the active civilization thrived, and the bowl-shaped bay surrounding the island. My gaze scanned the horizon, fascinated by the urban coastline, until I traced it back towards the sea. I then secluded myself on the edge of the roof, facing away from the city so I could peer into the ocean. I curled my legs into my chest and wrapped my arms around them, my chin resting on my knees. I sighed, comforted by the silence as I hugged myself to keep warm. The wind did chill my exposed skin, even though I wasn't bothered enough to seek shelter.

I'm alone, I told myself, feeling grateful. No Titans. No drama. Just me.

It's always just me.

But my thankfulness lasted momentarily.

I twisted around, sensing a presence about a second before Beast Boy burst through the door. He staggered onto the roof, his eyes frantically scanning the area as he panted wildly like an exasperated dog. It was obvious that the green changeling had scaled the stairs at a record pace because he was desperate to search for me.

I guess they were really worried, I thought as I turned away, facing the ocean.

So they must care about you, then!

Probably not, I answered mentally in return.

They finally give me privacy, but they don't trust me to be alone?

The Titans are pretty strict about certain things, especially when it comes to me.

Hopefully he goes away...

He did no such thing.

"Raven?"

At first, I didn't answer. I ignored him, just as I had done to Starfire earlier, but it didn't have the same effect of success.

"Raven, what are you-?"

"I came up here to be alone," I explained stiffly, emitting a defeated sigh.

"Are you okay?" Beast Boy asked cautiously. "Everyone was worried."

"Fine."

I heard the green changeling take a few steps forward, but he hesitated to contact me.

"Is something bothering you?"

"You are."

"Well, besides me?"

"I just wanted to get away," I answered tiredly, my sullen pupils leering at the evading sun with disappointment. "I doubt any of you want to be near me anymore."

"That's not true…"

In response, I grunted, wanting to end the conversation.

Beast Boy plopped down beside me without questioning my approval. His legs were dangling dangerously over the edge and he kicked his feet out of boredom, but the green changeling never showed any sign of cowardice. My sight skipped to the lapping water, to the jagged boulders below, to the hopeful sky; anywhere other than Beast Boy.

"I see that you came for the view."

I shrugged, refusing to reply to his comment.

"I like it here too, you know?" Beast Boy chatted nonchalantly, stirring up the silence. "It's the perfect place to be alone, although I like to sit down there on the boulders. That's my favorite place to be. Nice and quiet…"

"It'd be better if you didn't talk," I retorted, rolling my eyes.

So much for the gifted silence...

"You're talking too, aren't you?"

"I wasn't before."

"But you are now, so now we're both ruining the silence."

"You started it," I muttered crossly, however, Beast Boy spoke with a taunting sense of humor, as if pretending to engage in a verbal battle.

"Did not."

"Don't argue with me."

"I'm not arguing with you, I swear!"

"And now we're arguing about whether or not we're arguing with each other," I announced with an annoyed tone. "Oh and by the way, we are."

Beast Boy genuinely laughed and my cheeks heated with a blush. It was hard to be mad when he chuckled as such. Plus, he made me feel like I had no reason to sulk. After that, Beast Boy allowed a period of silence. A gentle breeze glided along the roof between us, almost highlighting the division we shared. He patiently waited until he spoke again.

"You know, Star told us."

I didn't say anything.

"Look Raven, there's no reason to be upset-"

"Please stop," I whined, but the pea-green boy was relentless.

"Everyone gets mad sometimes. I do too! I was furious weeks ago. It was the maddest I've ever been."

"Well, you don't have these Emoticlones to manage," I shot back. "And I feel angry everyday because of them, so stop trying to sympathize with me. I don't appreciate your pity."

I spat the word like a venomous curse.

"I'm trying to help."

"You're not helping."

Beast Boy took no offense, despite my countless attempts of hurtful remarks to rid of his presence.

"Okay, then how can I help?" Beast Boy asked hopefully.

"I don't need your help."

"Everyone needs help."

I snuck a glance at him, but he didn't seem to notice. He stared longingly into the ocean, his eyes dull and tired, even though we were submersed in a conversation. I mirrored his vision, gazing into the blurring view ahead.

He IS trying to help, I thought sadly.

We don't need his help...

"I appreciate it," I started slowly. "But I'm telling you, I'm fine. I just needed time away from everybody. A little break is all."

"Mind if I join you?" asked Beast Boy.

"Well then I technically wouldn't be having a break. There's a reason why I wanted to be alone..."

"And I want to be alone too! It can get crazy down there."

"You're not the one who's stir-crazy," I mumbled. "You guys can leave the Tower whenever you want."

"Yeah, you're right," the green changeling agreed. "But it isn't easy running out the door every five minutes either."

"Why do you and the Titans leave so suddenly anyway?" I asked, becoming curious.

"Usually because there's trouble in the city," Beast Boy responded, gesturing to the distant coastline.

"You mean 'saving' people?"

I remembered how Cyborg mentioned things about this before, but I still couldn't figure out what it is that they do. It had something to do with "protecting" the city and stopping crime, which made no sense.

They are teenagers after all! I thought.

Very strange ones, indeed.

"Are you guys some sort of adolescent police-force?" I questioned, which provoked a smile from Beast Boy.

"Sorta, I guess. I wouldn't say it's a job, but I don't know. It puts our abilities to good use."

"Your shape-shifting?"

"Yup."

"And Cyborg's gadgets?"

"Uh-huh."

"And Starfire is an alien-"

"From Tamaran," Beast Boy confirmed.

"So she uses her powers to help also?"

"We all do," the pea-green boy said with a grin.

"And Robin leads you all to fight…"

"Correct."

"Huh."

"Yeah."

We were both quiet for a moment. Beast Boy turned to me, bringing the conversation to an end.

"Alright, so you really wanna be alone?"

I nodded briskly in confirmation.

"Will you be okay if I leave, then?"

"Yeah," I answered.

"Promise?"

"Promise?"

Beast Boy was now looking at me with serious yet stern opals. Our eyes connected briefly, but I had to drop my head. I was starting to feel flustered whenever we looked directly at each other.

"Why must I promise?" I wondered meekly.

"Promise me that you'll be okay," the green changeling said. "Promise that you won't be alone for long. Everyone will be waiting for you, Raven. Please promise that to me."

I've heard him say something like this before, I told myself mentally.

Not exactly word-for-word, but the meaning is similar.

To what? What's it similar to?

The poem...

At last, after a hard swallow, I whispered "I promise" to him.

Satisfied, Beast Boy stood up and stretched a bit. He offered a kind smile, his fang tilting upward as his ivy lips curled, before he turned around to leave. As he departed, I found myself smiling into the distance.

"It really is pretty here," I said quietly, almost in disbelief.

I could sense Beast Boy smiling to himself as well.

"I think so too."

After that, I watched the environment for a while, inspecting the aspects of nature.

Maybe I should talk to the Titans about leaving the Tower soon, I said to myself, admiring the water below. Wouldn't it be cool to see the city? Even if I were to just step out and dip my feet in the water, I'd be happier than sitting in my room and doing nothing.

My thoughts began to argue with each other.

They would never let me…

Who said that you needed their permission? You don't have to do what they say. They don't own you!

No, but that doesn't mean I can do whatever I want here either.

Then why ARE you here?

I almost stopped breathing with those words.

It wasn't a good time, I thought. And I couldn't! I- I just couldn't!

What about now?

NOW?

Yes, how about now?

The idea was so tempting. I have contemplated it numerous times before, and each time I had stopped myself for logical reasons. After all, I caused a lot of trouble while trying to escape. Even today I had escaped, in a sense. I fled from Starfire because I didn't know how to confront the problem. It was almost like a natural instinct, especially during embarrassment.

Well it would be nice, I admitted. If I was successful, I mean.

The ocean seemed to sing to me. Its convincing melody of crashing waves and roaring rapids beckoned for my presence, promising a better future.

What is out there? I wondered. Where would I go anyway? Is there another city like this? Another place for me?

It would never work, another voice warned me.

Maybe not now, I replied with consideration.

Whatever happened to the Titans? The promise?

I never made ANY promise, I whispered mentally.

I knew what I wanted to do. My plan was not plotted with careful calculations yet, but my heart yearned to act upon my idea. I had told myself that I wouldn't, and I knew that I would regret it, but I had the opportunity. It's right there in front of me, dancing with joy.

But why? the voice asked, hoping to persuade me otherwise.

You know why, I told myself.

The Titans! What about them?

I don't belong here. I've NEVER belonged here.

The regret seemed to conform to my heart. It squeezed the oxygen from my lungs, creating a heavy burden in my chest.

I don't belong with them. I trouble them. I cause them stress and worry. The Titans shouldn't be caring about me like this. They don't deserve a life with me.

And you don't deserve a life with them.

It was a mix of pity for them and for me. I didn't like to be here, despite their attempts to provide comfort. I'm restricted and confined; a glorified prisoner with friendly hosts. But they do so much for me, and I can't do anything in return. I have amnesia, or so I think, which explains the confusion. I felt worthless, and yet they treated me as a priority.

It shouldn't be like this...

They have better things to worry about, like their "job" or whatever. Why stay here if this is all that you have to look forward to?

There was still so much to consider. I was in no condition to begin. However, I was determined to follow through.

One way or another, I had to find a way to escape.

When I discovered the Titans feasting in the Main Ops room, I formulated an excuse to dismiss myself to my bedroom. They all seemed disappointed, especially Beast Boy, even though he refused to look at me as if it would be a crime. He entertained himself by inspecting the tofu burger in his gloved hands, though he showed no interest in his food.

"Are ya sure?" Cyborg said to me. "It wouldn't hurt to have a quick burger before bed."

"We're gonna stay up afterwards too," added Robin, holding a bite of food in his cheek so he could speak.

"Oh yes!" Starfire raved energetically. "You simply must accompany us in the potatoing of the couch!"

"We got tons of movies," Cyborg said, almost tauntingly. "We'll let ya pick!"

"Can't you join us for a bit?" Robin asked, nearly begging for my cooperation. "We'd love to have you hang out with us tonight. Maybe that'll cheer you up."

I declined as politely as I could, though guilt weighed me down.

"Perhaps our friend is right," Starfire admitted, rather sadly. "Raven has had a long day. Rest is much needed at the moment for her."

"You should have something though," Robin told me. "You must be starving."

After persistent encouragement, I was persuaded to take a hamburger for the trip through the Tower. With that, I left them, thanking and bidding them a "good night" so they wouldn't be worried or suspicious. I ate the burger during my trek back, which turned out to be surprisingly delicious. The meat had been marinated for hours with autumn spices so the patty was rich and tender. Each bite was soft and it filled my mouth with a seasoned juice; just the way I liked it. Cyborg even added a messy swirl of fresh ketchup for another factor of taste. By the time I reached my door, I had to lick the spicy grease off my fingers so I could access my room.

I climbed into bed without bothering to change into nighttime garments. I had my black journal with me, so I settled comfortably against the ornate headboard and opened the antique cover. The lonely crimson rose that Beast Boy had presented to me had begun to naturally perish, despite my attempts to elongate its fragile life. It drooped in the glassy vase, its petals withering into crumbs on my nightstand. I felt bad, so I decided to press the flower in my book to preserve what little of the rose remains.

I withdrew the flattened plant, fingering the crumpled, red petals. I almost pitied its existence.

Would you want anyone messing with your dead body? a voice asked.

Of course not! I answered mentally, petrified of such an absurd question.

Then why did you do that to the rose? It wouldn't want that! The poor thing probably wanted to die in peace.

You don't know that…

Neither do you.

I sighed as I mulled over my thoughts. The rose was placed once again inside the journal, like a delicate bookmark, and I shut it firmly. It slept with me, beneath my arm so I could hug it for protection.

The singular rose and I had a lot more in common than we thought.

And it scared me to think about it.

Author's Note: My goal is to post my next chapter on-time, which would be on next Sunday; does that sound okay? If I'm ever this late again, I'll post the next chapter, even if I didn't finish the one I'm working on. Anyways, thanks for reading! :)