I walk back to the living room and help Robin fix the party decorations. As everyone else gathers Beast Boy places arrows leading to the living room in a path from Raven's door. We all gather in a group in front of the doors with the lights off and confetti ready to go.
The doors open and we try the surprise party again by turning the lights on quickly and the confetti popping out with noise makers going.
"Um, surprise?" Beast Boy says sheepishly.
"Look, we know you didn't want a party, but after today," Cyborg starts.
"We hoped that you might reconsider," Starfire finishes.
"You may not like your birthday," Beast Boy says, getting in front of Raven. "But we're all glad you were born."
Silence echoes through the room as we wait for Raven's reply. "We're going to need ice cream," She replies slowly. Starfire laughs happily and Beast Boy says, "Coming right up." He rushes to get the cold dessert and Cyborg says, "I'll cut the cake."
"And I shall fetch the Throknar," Starfire says, flying off to get her crown of meat, leaving Robin, Raven, and I alone again.
"You're sure you're ok?" Robin asks her as she walks towards us.
"I will be," She replies as Beast Boy runs behind her, carrying a load of ice cream tubs and Starfire flies over carrying her Throknar.
"What you told me about your destiny, that something bad was supposed to happen, I guess it did. I'm sorry I couldn't stop it," Robin says quietly.
"I'm sorry as well," I say to her as Robin clasps my hand.
"No one could," Raven admits.
"We will find Slade," Robin vows. "We'll figure out how he did what he did and why he was after you. But right now, you're safe." We all look at the kitchen where the others have set up everything and Beast Boy chows down on ice cream.
"You're here with friends, it's over," Robin says, striding towards the others.
"And we've got to celebrate," I say smiling, trying to lighten the mood. I look at Raven who looks at her hands and says, "No, this was just the beginning."
"Raven, you'll get through this. I promise," I say smiling at her. She leans over and hugs me saying, "Just promise you won't hate me for what will come."
"I could never hate you, unless you hurt me tremendously," I say quietly.
"I wouldn't do that," Raven replies, releasing me.
"Now come on, let's get you set up to smack the Beast Boy piñata," I say laughing.
"Now that sounds like fun!" Raven says as we walk to the party. I look at my friends and smile, knowing that tomorrow evening; I wouldn't be here to help them through their next missions.