"So that's how you spent your time."
Raven nodded stiffly, thankful that Xavier wasn't pressing her for further details. In just a minute, she had truthfully told him – at his request – what she had been doing after her disappearance, giving only the barest details. She made no mention whatsoever about Karzor or Clelo, or being in another dimension, nor how Karzor had sealed away a huge portion of her powers.
"Would you consider staying with us again?"
"No." Raven made no attempt to be polite. "I'm already staying with my other friends, and I'm happy there. Besides, I think no-one would be too happy about me being in such close proximity with them."
"Raven, no-one hates you, even if you think so," Xavier sighed. "It's true there might have been some hostility on our part, but we don't think of you as someone to be hated, or greatly feared."
"I think you'll understand if I disagree."
Xavier sighed again, wondering hard how to deal with this stubborn, cold girl. "Raven…"
"Seriously, can we end this conversation soon?"
"Then let us at least make peace," Xavier said. "I don't want you to leave still thinking of us as your enemies."
Raven arched her eyebrows, eyes watching Xavier suspiciously.
"Please, Raven. Let's just put the past behind us and start again. If we can't be friends like old times, let's at least be allies. If you and your friends ever need us, just ask, and we'll be there."
"Right." Xavier could almost hear Raven thinking, And the last time, no-one was really there for me.
"Whatever's happened, I'm honestly glad to see you here again. Will you and your friends stay a while?"
"That's up to them. Good day, Professor." Just as abruptly as she had appeared, Raven now made her exit swiftly. The sooner she and the Titans were on their way, the better.
Unfortunately, in her dreamy state, she failed to detect Bobby and Jubilee heading in her direction side-by-side. As it was, the two mutants spotted her first. Both of them halted abruptly in their steps, staring at Raven with bulging eyes and mouths.
"Holy…Rachel!"
Oh no. Raven groaned inwardly as her heart lurched in her chest.
"Hey guys! Rachel's back!" Jubilee's excited voice was loud enough to be heard from miles away. "She's here!"
"Jubilee!"
Too late. A door nearby flew open, and Rahne's head popped out. Raven felt ready to make a disappearance at any moment now, but unfortunately for her, the other mutants were already beginning to exit their rooms, crowding around her.
"Rachel! You're back!"
"What happened to you?"
"Where did you disappear to?"
"First of all," Raven replied coolly, "the name's Raven now, not Rachel. And I'm not staying. I only came here to talk to the Professor."
"How can you not stay after vanishing for so long?" Roberto demanded.
"I have a right to choose where I want to stay," Raven retorted.
"But now that you're here, can't you stay just a little longer?" Amara asked. "Can't we at least…talk?"
"How much talking do I have to do?" Raven was beginning to lose her patience.
"Uh…"
"Forget it. I'm out of here." Raven made a dismissing gesture with her hand and strode down the stairs swiftly.
"Rach…Raven, wait!" Bobby hurried after her, almost tripping down the stairs in the process.
"Can't I be left alone even for a few minutes?" Raven grumbled.
"What's the matter? Are they bothering you?" As Raven reached the foot of the stairs, the tall Cyborg loomed up before her, hands on hips. Nightwalker was watching her from across the room, still struggling to control his anger. Only Starfire seemed to be at ease, as usual.
"Oh." Bobby and the other X-Men stopped and looked down at the Titans with surprise. "Hey Scott, are they…"
"Raven's friends, yes. The Teen Titans."
"The Teen Titans?" Rahne's eyes widened. "The famous crime fighters?"
"That's us, yes."
"So Rach…Raven's been with you all along."
"Uh-huh."
"Good to know she's got some friends, at least."
"Thank you for your concern," Raven said coldly, "but I'm not the loner you think I am. Titans…"
"Can we not stay longer?" Starfire pleaded, guessing what Raven was about to say. "It would be most nice to make friends with these X-Men. After all, they're the good guys, too. When we have bad guys to fight…"
"Starfire…" Robin began.
"Please, Raven? Please?" Starfire begged.
Resisting Starfire when she was in that mood was not simple at all. "Fine," Raven finally replied, with obvious reluctance.
"Oh, thank you!" Starfire flashed Raven a beaming smile and resumed her conversation with Kitty and Jean.
Sorry about this, Raven. I know it must be hard for you.
Actually, it's not that bad. I thought it would be hell meeting them again, but well…
Well what?
It's tolerable. At least I've managed to come to an understanding with the Professor. That's better than nothing.
Right.
I just hope that Starfire doesn't intend to spend the whole day chatting.
The other X-Men warily drew the other Titans into conversation after introducing the others to them. Nightwalker watched everyone with narrowed eyes and folded arms, his expression just as hostile as before. Raven kept her mouth mostly shut, only answering questions now and then with very brief answers.
Eventually, the Titans relaxed, and began asking the X-Men more questions about their powers, how they tackled the bad guys, and how life was like as mutants. Beast boy brought out his arsenal of never-ending jokes, and was utterly delighted when the X-Men laughed at them.
Looks like our friends are getting on well with them.
Yeah, well they do have lots in common with each other.
Uh-huh.
I mean, the X-Men can be considered crime fighters too, in a way.
Of course. But that doesn't mean they deserve to be looked upon as heroes.
His telepathic voice was filled with obvious disdain, and Raven couldn't help but grimace. You're not going to make an effort to get along with them, are you?
After the way they treated you?
So you're angry with them because of me.
Think whatever you like.
Raven gave up at this point.
Robin was in the middle of talking to Scott when a distinct ringing sound emerged from his watch. The Titans went on the alert immediately, all eyes turning towards Robin.
"What's up?" Terra asked.
"Trouble going on at Loft Street," Robin reported. "And I mean major trouble!"
"Well then, let's move it!" Cyborg urged.
"Titans, go!"
"Sorry! Please excuse us!" Starfire said, as she turned round to address the X-Men.
"Actually, why don't we come with you?" Jean suggested.
Robin stopped in his sprint, paused, then nodded with approval. "Sounds good to me. The more, the better."
"Alright, then." Logan took charge of the X-Men with his usual efficiency. "I want the newer recruits to come along with me and Storm this time. Good chance for you to observe the professional crime fighters in action."
"Roger that." Bobby, Amara, Ray, Rahne, Roberto and Jubilee were looking surprisingly eager.
"Let's move!"
