Author's note: Happy Easter all - wishing you well! Thank you all for your kind words - I've put some review replies at the end as always. Just a brief note, I've used quite a bit from the TT comics (as opposed to the show) here to try and make it feel more realistic as a future fic. Some of the character names have changed etc. but hopefully will make sense. Any questions do ask in your review and I will reply.

Enjoy the chapter!

Disclaimer: I do not own Teen Titans or any characters from the DCU. But I do own Amara so please don't steal her :)

Chapter Two

As the car pulled up at Wayne Manor, Garfield was reminded of his starry-eyed younger days. Back when he had a mask and a dream of being like the other superheroes he looked up to.

Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman.

During the Doom Patrol days and the Teen Titans days, he looked to his idols for guidance. As mentors and betters. Now he was being invited as a guest to a conference, to give his opinions and thoughts. As an equal.

It was a strange feeling, and as he stepped out of the vehicle with Mar'i dragging him towards the large oak doors of the Manor, he felt peculiar. Wayne Manor almost loomed over him with its towering size and stone structure. It was a far cry from the small tents and vans he'd become accustomed to out in Africa. He almost wanted to ask if he could pitch up in the vast gardens instead but thought better of it.

The doors opened as if by themselves, but of course they were tended by a very familiar face. He had a few more grey hairs and many more wrinkles than the last time Gar had seen him, but it was undoubtedly the infamous butler who stood before him, a large grin on his face.

"Alfred!" exclaimed Garfield, wrapping his arms around the man cordially. Alfred laughed, his dark eyes twinkling as he returned the affectionate gesture.

"Master Garfield! It has been years, has it not?"

Gar released Alfred and, noticing his smiling face, felt a nostalgic look passing over his own features. "Yes, it has."

Alfred patted his arm amicably and then released him. "Do come inside, I've made tea for all the guests."

Gar's arms fell limply to his sides, and he turned to look at Nightwing suspiciously. "Guests? Plural?"

"Oh, did I forget to mention that?" smiled Dick, a certain look about him that Gar knew of old. Manipulation. "The other Titans heard you were coming early and decided to make a mini reunion before the symposium."

"Yes, you did forget to mention," growled Gar, his green eyes flashing fire for a moment, despite his holographic exterior. "Imagine that."

Dick smiled at him nonchalantly, looking as though it was the most innocent error in the world.

"My mistake," he retorted, unfolding his arms and looking sidelong at the changeling. He patted him apologetically on the shoulder. "Sorry."

Dick clearly wasn't sorry. In fact, it had almost sounded sarcastic, but not quite caustic enough to sound insincere. Damn if he wasn't good at this. Gar forced a smile onto his face. "No problem, man. These things happen."

"Ah, but it will be wonderous to have all of our friends together! That has not happened since...since when?"

"Our wedding, I'd guess?" replied Dick, looking pensive and rubbing his chin.

"Oh yes!" exclaimed Star, clapping her hands together. "But that was...eleven years ago, was it not?"

"It was," chipped in Gar. That was a day he remembered well and wanted to forget. "I'm thirty-one this year, and I was twenty when you guys got hitched."

"That is correct," nodded Starfire, pinching his cheek and grinning. "You were so small and adorable."

"Hey, less of the small thanks, Star!" said Gar, in mock frustration despite the smile on his face. "I had my growth spurt later than the rest of you, that's all."

Gar was now around six foot two and eye level with the Tameranean. But when they were younger, he was always the smallest of the group - finally surpassing Raven at eighteen and then slowly growing through his twenties. The genetic mutation of Sakutia had played all kinds of havoc with his hormones, causing growth spurts at random times. Star laughed at his responses, clearly amused at his feigned irritation.

"Aw, but you are still as adorable as ever, if not as small!" The princess chuckled, poking his nose. "Do you not think so, Mar'i?"

"I think he's handsome!" grinned Mar'i, her green eyes flashing. "Particularly with the green!"

"Mar'i!" chided Dick, looking red in the face at his daughter's outburst. Gar chuckled, glad that Dick's own daughter was exacting revenge on his behalf. Dick loosened the neck of his top uncomfortably and gestured towards the door. "Let's...just go inside, okay?"

Mar'i nodded brightly, skipping past the adults and into the ornate hallway. Alfred ruffled her hair fondly as she passed by, muttering under his breath.

"Little scamp. But my if she isn't just like her grandfather."

Gar looked around as they entered the main hall – everything was just as he remembered it. Dark wood panels, antique furniture, leather and bound books. It even smelled like he remembered too; a unique musk combined with citrus. There were voices coming from behind one of the doors leading off from the vast room. Alfred gestured to them politely, his white gloves crisp under the artificial lights.

"This way everyone," he called, voice bright and cheery. Mar'i had already pushed past him and heaved the heavy door open eagerly. Dick and Starfire followed their daughter, shaking their head at her audacious nature. Alfred locked eyes with the young man who loitered awkwardly in the corridor.

"Master Garfield? Your friends are this way."

"I know, it's just..." began Gar, trailing off uneasily. He rubbed the back of his head, the blonde hair ruffling as he moved. He sighed, unsure how to explain. Alfred's eyes twinkled again as he moved away from the door and approached the changeling gently.

"Perhaps, I might make a suggestion, sir?"

He reached across and clicked the holoring deftly. The blonde haired, fair skinned image of Gar flickered and changed. His forest green hair, emerald skin and pointy ears appeared in an instant. The shapeshifter caught his reflection in the grandfather clock that was ticking steadily next to him. He let out another deep sigh and ran his hand through his hair softly. Alfred gazed at him knowingly.

"In my experience, it is always better to face these things head on. Authentically you, you might say," began the butler, gently. "This is the authentic you, Master Garfield, is it not?"

"Not for a long time," muttered Gar, plucking at his ears and turning away from the reflection to look at Alfred. The older gentleman smiled, his tones low and gentle.

"It's always been you underneath. We never lose who we really are, Master Garfield. No matter how far we might run from it."

Gar let his words sink in for a few moments, before a small smile appeared on his face. His fang grazed his lip, eyes lightening for a moment. "Thanks, Alfred."

"Anytime, sir," replied Alfred, gesturing to the door once more and taking the young man's bag from him. "Now then. Perhaps that tea?"

"Sounds good," nodded the changeling gratefully. He walked towards the door and pushed it hard. It was now or never.

The drawing room was as large and ornate as the hallway, dark shelves stacked with books in every corner. A chess board nestled in the far corner by the window. A drinks cabinet was in pride of place, stocked with the finest alcohol in Gotham. There were more people than Gar initially had anticipated. It wasn't just the Jump City Titans who had turned up; yet each face was familiar to the young man and he smiled. There were good memories amongst the bad, after all.

"You get lost?" joked Nightwing, handing the changeling a beer. Gar smirked, taking the offering gratefully.

"Just needed to change," he remarked, gesturing to his verdant skin. Heavy footsteps approached them along with a deep voice.

"Well, well - if it isn't my little buddy, back from his travels."

Gar's eyes lit up as he turned around. "Well, well - if it isn't Victor Stone fresh from the JLA."

Cyborg nodded his head, eyes steady. They stared at each other seriously for a moment before descending into laughter and exchanging a big hug. Gar's feet left the ground as the metal man lifted him with ease.

"Aw, man! I've missed you bro. How you been, B?"

Garfield grinned at the use of his old nickname. He hadn't been Beast Boy in some time, but some things never changed. Cy placed him down with a bump as he continued to speak.

"Or should I say where you been, man?"

"Haha, maybe!" exclaimed Gar, his eyes creasing as he grinned. "You know, Africa is a big place."

"Well, you never write...you never call. I was startin' to think you'd forgotten me."

"I mean this in the nicest possible way, Vic," replied Gar, laughing. "But there's no way anyone could forget your face."

Cy guffawed before grabbing the changeling by the scruff of the neck and giving him a noogie across the top of his head. Gar growled, as Cy laughed harder at his discomfort. "My face is hard to forget, huh? Says the green one!"

"Alright, tin man! I give, I give!"

"As always, I reign supreme noogie king," chuckled the cybernetic man, letting his friend go and pointing to the holoring. "Still workin' for ya?"

Gar rubbed his head, wincing slightly. Those metal knuckles hurt like hell and he was out of practice. "It's great, Cy. The new modifications you made are insane."

"Well, it seemed only fair to help you out buddy," smiled Cy, his eyes filled with care. "Even though you never even sent me a postcard."

Gar laughed, placing a hand on the man's cool shoulder. "Dude, I don't know if you've noticed but there aren't that many postboxes out in the jungle."

"You do surprise me," replied Nightwing, who had been silently watching their antics with some amusement. "That must be how you got our letter so fast. How did it make it to you in the end – carrier pigeon?"

"Almost," chortled the changeling, taking another swig of his beer. "It was hand delivered."

Nightwing snorted, brushing his dark hair out of his eyes. A genuine smile passed across his face. "Well, however it got there I'm just pleased you made it. We all are."

Gar felt a twinge in his gut. She was here, he knew it. He'd smelt her the moment the doors had opened. Goofing around with Cy and Dick had provided a temporary reprieve but he knew that he needed to face the music sooner or later. They would wonder why he hadn't had the good grace to ask about her. Maybe they'd start asking some questions.

Gar hated questions.

"So, where's Rae?" the changeling asked, gently. He tried to keep his cool, voice low and steady. Dick and Victor shared a brief look before the larger man cleared his throat.

"She's over there man, by the window," Cyborg replied, gesturing towards the far side of the room with his beer bottle. "Looks like she's got company."

Gar felt an irrational jolt of anger run through him. Was she really here with someone else? That would make things difficult. Well, more difficult at least. He dragged his green eyes away from his two friends and slowly looked over towards her.

Raven was sat curled up in the bay window. A book was open on her lap, although she was paying no mind to it. Her eyes were looking at her companion, and she was smiling. Not a small, minor smile. A real, genuine smile with a few teeth showing. Gar's eyes moved to the person who was eliciting this unusual response from the half-demon. The shapeshifter immediately felt like an idiot.

Ah, that explains it.

Mar'i was grasping Raven's cloak in her hands, chattering away excitedly to the woman. She was pointing out of the window and making gestures with her pale fingers, as though mimicking flight. Raven was nodding, the smile still on her face as though she was captivated by the small girl's enthusiasm. Mar'i started pointing at the book, green eyes filled with curiosity. Gar felt his breath hitch in his throat as her amethyst eyes flicked down and she tilted her head towards the pages, her lilac hair tumbling about her shoulders. The light was hitting her cheeks just at the right angle, making her pallid skin almost glow ethereally. Gar swallowed, realising he was staring at her, but he felt too transfixed to move.

Raven. She was really here, just as he remembered her to be. Whilst she still sported the same cloak her uniform had changed slightly. Yet her face somehow remained the same.

The Azarathian had undoubtedly aged, but her beauty had changed from that of a young gothic teen to a pale, mysterious beauty. She was still smiling, Garfield noticed. Her eyes wrinkled slightly as she told Mar'i about the book. The young girl bounced on her toes, and started gabbling again, before pointing towards where the changeling was standing.

Gar felt his heart almost stop as her eyes moved up and fixed onto his. Her smile trailed away in an instant as she saw him, and he could almost see her dissociate back to an impassionate state. All traces of mirth were gone, and he could almost imagine her itching to pull her hood over her face and apparate away. But instead she stared at him defiantly, the look bringing a shiver across his neck and down his spine. Eventually, she blinked and gave the tiniest of nods to acknowledge him. In his startled state, Gar did the same but allowed a ghost of a smile to pass his lips. He couldn't name the feeling in his chest, other than to say it felt like home and hell all at once.

Nightwing's voice broke his thoughts. "What am I going to do with that girl? She's going to successfully annoy each and every one of you before the end of this."

"Are you kiddin', man? She's cute as hell!" replied Cy, laughing slightly. Gar tore his eyes away from the empath and looked back towards his friends. On some level he was glad to not be looking at her anymore. Yet, the young man knew that her eyes were still watching him from the edge of the room, and it unnerved him.

"You say that now," countered Dick, oblivious to the changeling's inner turmoil. He folded his arms. "Wait until she comes and wakes you up at 5.30am because she's too excited to sleep. Then she'll bob around the room and you'll try and catch her and before you know it-"

"You'll wish you'd had a vasectomy?" joked Cy, his red eye flashing. Nightwing fixed him with a stern look but there was a small smile tugging at his lips.

"Let's just say I'm happy with one."

"Let's just say we believe you," replied Gar, clapping the dark-haired man on the back. "But Cy's right, she's a real sweetheart."

"Hmm," grumbled Dick, still not looking convinced. But the smile still tugged at his lips. "She's definitely taking after her mother."

That's what you think, bird boy!

Gar smirked, remembering the sly way the young girl's green eyes sharply watched him. He couldn't decide what would be more problematic; a miniature Starfire or a clone of Richard Grayson. Either way, she was trouble with a capital T, and Gar loved it.

As if by magic, the little girl appeared by his side, tugging on his jacket pockets. "Uncle Gar! Uncle Gar!"

"I think we have a firm favourite," muttered Cy, chortling behind his drink.

Nightwing's minor smile grew larger, as he chuckled at the metal man's comment. "Guess we know who's getting the alarm call tomorrow."

Gar shot the pair a look, then turned to the young girl. "What's up, Mar'i?"

"I want you to come say hi to everyone with me!" begged Mar'i, her green eyes looking at him imploringly. "I don't know everyone, and Mommy says she's too busy to come with me."

Gar looked up to see Starfire engaged in a deep conversation with Bumblebee and Jinx.

"I see. What about Daddy?" replied Gar, looking over to Nightwing with a raised eyebrow. Mar'i pouted, turning her head away from the hero haughtily.

"He's no fun."

Gar and Cy snickered at the girl's piercing comment, as Nightwing turned a deep shade of puce. The changeling decided it was time to rescue his little friend. "Come on then, mdogo. Let's go and make you some new friends."

Tempest's eyes goggled as he took another mouthful of his drink. "So, you're saying illegal fishing off the coast of West Africa is commonplace?"

"Definitely," nodded Gar, raising his eyebrow. "See the problem is that there are seven million people who rely on fishing as a livelihood out there - it's a really poor area, so it's a staple. But foreign trawlers will just come by and steal everything. It's basically one step away from pure theft."

"So, have you ever been tempted to...you know?" replied Garth, mimicking a swimming fish with his hand. "Help out?"

"A few times!" laughed Garfield. "But it's complicated. There's already a presence from the law trying to catch people out, and I don't want to draw attention to myself."

"So, you don't really...you know...change often these days?"

"Rarely," shrugged Gar, pushing his hair out of his face. "I can probably count the amount of times I've shifted in the past year on one hand."

Tempest shot him a suspicious look. "Why the past year?"

"Ah," replied the changeling, his green eyes flashing. "That would be telling."

"A girl then."

"Maybe," responded Gar, trying to hold off the blush that was rising to his cheeks. Garth laughed, patting the shapeshifter on the back amicably.

"Been there, my friend. The things we do for the ladies."

"Something like that," nodded Gar, feeling strangely uncomfortable. He didn't like talking about Amara here. Somehow it made his deception feel worse. Garth looked at him sidelong, as though he was gauging the situation.

"You know she's got to find out eventually, right?"

Gar fixed him with a look. "Does she?"

"I mean," explained the Atlantean, gently. "It's who you are, right? Changeling and Gar Logan are the same person."

"Sometimes it doesn't feel like it anymore," conceded Gar, shrugging and finishing the bottle before piling it up on the side with the other two he'd already consumed. "It's like I can almost pretend that Changeling doesn't exist. And you know what, Garth? It's kind of nice to be normal for a change."

"Whilst I can't disagree...it somehow seems unfair if you've gotten involved with someone else," began Garth, cautiously. "Doesn't it?"

Gar sighed deeply. He knew his old friend was probably right but didn't want to yield any further. It was getting too close to the inevitable truth that he knew but wanted to ignore. He shrugged again, slumping slightly. "I guess so."

Tempest noticed his shift in posture. "Anyway, she must be pretty special if she managed to keep you tied down."

"She's lovely," replied Gar, but it lacked conviction. Tempest's eyebrow raised, but he didn't press any further. "How about you anyway? You never had trouble with the ladies as I recall."

"Ah," replied Garth, laughing lightly. His dark eyes twinkled as memories of his previous alter ego of Aqualad floated by. "No, that's true. But not anymore. Not since I met Dol."

"Dol?" replied Gar, feeling entirely out of the loop. Tempest nodded, his dark hair falling into his eyes.

"Dolphin," he replied, eyes taking on an ardent glaze. "A girl I've been seeing. Back in Atlantis."

"Oh, sorry man I didn't realise. Nice to hear you're all fixed up," replied Gar, giving a toothy smile and showing his fang. "You deserve to be happy."

"As do you," replied Tempest, some concern in his voice. It didn't go unnoticed by the shapeshifter, but he felt unable to address it. Thankfully he was saved by an all too familiar mischievous figure, who started tugging at his arm. Garth grinned.

"Uh oh, here's trouble."

"Mar'i!" exclaimed Gar, trying to remain bright and cheerful. He could still feel the remnants of the discomfort from his conversation with Tempest and pushed it away hard. Now was not the time. "What's up, dude?"

"I'm bored," moaned the girl, wrinkling her nose and frowning. "No one wants to play with me."

"Have you spoken to Jinx and Flash? Bumblebee and Herald? Arsenal too?"

Mar'i nodded vehemently, at the mention of each name. "Yes, yes and yes!"

"Hmm, well there's no one else here for you to speak to," laughed Gar, poking her nose playfully. "Just me and Mr Tempest here. Where are your parents, mdogo?"

"They're busy," grumbled Mar'i, looking petulant as she folded her arms. "They're always busy."

"Well, they lead busy lives," explained Garth, gently. He ruffled her hair. "But you can stay and talk to us if you like, Mar'i."

Mar'i huffed, seemingly fed up with the whole situation. Suddenly, her green eyes twinkled. "Hey! Uncle Gar, you haven't been over to talk to Aunty Raven yet! Let's go speak to her."

Gar felt his stomach drop. He noticed Garth tense beside him and didn't dare to look across to the Atlantean. "No, mdogo, I haven't yet. But it's okay, you can go and speak to her and I'll stay here and talk to Garth instead."

Mar'i looked up at him curiously, green eyes full of questions beneath her dark fringe. Her voice rang with innocence. "What's the matter, Uncle Gar? Don't you like Aunty Raven or something?"

Oh, sweetheart. If only you knew.

"No, that's not it, mdogo. I like Aunty Raven very much. She and I used to fight crime together with your Mom and Dad, remember?"

"And Uncle Vic!" exclaimed Mar'i, chiding the changeling and wagging her finger. Indisputably she'd picked that up from Dick. Gar snorted lightly and smiled.

"Yes, and Uncle Vic."

"So...if you used to be friends...are you not now?" asked the young girl, looking positively despairing. Some Starfire clearly remained within her. Garth took pity on the shapeshifter's awkward conversation and he decided to lend a hand.

"Sometimes these things are more complicated than they appear, Mar'i," tried Garth, gently. "People change and sometimes they don't get along so well as they used to."

"But..." protested Mar'i, still looking sad. She sniffed, her green eyes faltering as she stared at the tiled floor hard. "Does that mean that we won't always be friends, Uncle Gar?"

"Oh, no!" exclaimed the young man, suddenly feeling guilt seep over him. "No, Mar'i, we'll always be friends. I promise."

"But Mr Tempest just said people change. How can you know we'll stay friends if you might change?" challenged Mar'i, looking back up at him imploringly. "Maybe if you and Aunty Raven fell out...maybe we might fall out too."

Gar swallowed, feeling Tempest fidgeting at his side. He blinked hard, trying to think of a way out of the situation. But there wasn't one. At least, no resolution that didn't end up with someone getting upset. Better it was him than the little one.

"Okay, mdogo. You make a good point," he sighed, standing to his feet. Garth looked at him warily, and Gar gave him a reassuring smile. He turned towards Mar'i, bending slightly so they were eye-level. "How about we go and say hi to Aunty Raven?"

Mar'i's face lit up immediately, and she jostled up and down in excitement. Grabbing Gar's hand, she pulled him across the room. Suddenly, she paused and looked back over towards him gingerly. "Hey, Uncle Gar?"

"Yes, Mar'i?"

"Why do you keep calling me that strange word?"

"You mean mdogo?"

"Yes!" exclaimed the girl, green eyes flashing. She sounded the word back to him phonetically. "Mmm-dog-o."

"It means little one in Swahili. That's one of the languages they speak in Africa," explained Gar, softly. "My Mom and Dad taught it to me when I was young, and they used to call me mdogo too."

Mar'i laughed, excitement on her face. "Oh, so it's a special name! Like when Mom calls me bumgorf."

"Right."

Seemingly satisfied, the young girl resumed her assault, dragging the man towards the windowsill where the Azarathian still sat patiently reading. A trail of white smoke blew upwards from her tea that was placed carefully at the table next to her. It was fully dark outside now, and her violet hair silhouetted her face in the dark frame. Mar'i grinned as the woman looked up from the pages of her book. Raven met her with a smile of her own, which quickly disappeared when she saw who was being pulled behind her. She swiftly put on a gentler expression, clearly not wanting to upset the young girl.

"Mar'i," came her gentle yet firm, monotone voice. "Why are you dragging Garfield around the room like that?"

"Because," explained the girl breathlessly, bouncing again. "He wanted to come over and say hello to you."

"Is that so?" enquired Raven, her eyebrow arching as she drifted her gaze back up towards him. Gar felt frozen again, a lump rising in his throat as her scent filled his nostrils. Up this close she smelt so good. How could he forget that distinctive scent? Her lips twitched, and he suddenly remembered her empathic abilities. His barriers shot up, but he knew he was too late. Her amethyst eyes blinked at him as she pursed her lips. "Hello."

"Hi," managed Gar, still held in place by Mar'i's vice like grip. She was surprisingly strong for a girl her age, something that the changeling assumed came from her mother's side.

The two looked at each other for a moment and the air felt tense. Mar'i looked between them, waiting for one of them to make further comment. Eventually the girl tired of waiting and let out a frustrated huff.

"You two stay and talk here," she instructed, decisively. "I am going to go and find Uncle Vic. He always makes things fun!"

With that she detached herself from the changeling and ran off into the crowd of Titans without another word. Gar watched her leave, astounded.

"Wow, it's just like being around Dick all over again," he remarked, forgetting himself for a moment. "That girl gives orders as though it's going out of fashion."

Raven let out a light laugh, causing the changeling to turn and look at her in surprise. Her eyes were crinkled again, this time in amusement. She tilted her head to the side. "She's a carbon copy of both of them in different ways. It's strange but also rather fascinating."

"And frightening," added Gar, allowing a small smile to pass his lips. Raven nodded, her face dropping back to its normal expression. There was a slight furrow of her brow as she blinked at him.

"You don't have to stay and talk. If you'd rather not," the empath said finally, her voice quiet. "I'm certain Mar'i was rather...insistent."

"How did you guess?" joked Gar, fiddling with his sleeve awkwardly. Staying with humour felt his only option when he was this close to her.

Raven smirked. "Just a hunch."

Gar chuckled, letting his sleeve go and risking another glance at her. Considering the change in her expression she appeared strangely relaxed. But as ever with the empath, who knew what was going on under the surface. He took a deep breath. He could just walk away right now and keep his distance. That would probably be for the best.

And yet...

Something about being this close to her again was intoxicating. He swore she was like a drug; one exposure and he was right back to being addicted again. Succumbing to his fate, he dropped down next to her on the window ledge, and Raven shuffled over slightly to accommodate him. She folded her arms, looking mildly surprised that he had opted to stay.

"How have you been?" asked Gar, eyes looking straight out towards the others as they spoke. He fixated on a bland point on the wooden panelling and remembered some of the meditative techniques Amara had suggested. Perhaps they would help.

"Fine," responded Raven, rather curtly. She let out a sigh of her own, shifting her eyes towards him sidelong. "You?"

"Fine," mirrored Gar, eyes still staring at the spot. He decided to contextualise, but only briefly. "Busy."

"So I understand," nodded Raven, closing the book on her lap and placing it on the side. She grabbed her tea, breathing in the fumes. "Being a transient hero must be a trying role."

"I'm not," replied Gar, firmly. He finally shifted his emerald eyes to look at her inquisitive face. She tilted her head cutely to the side, eyes staring at him evenly. Gar sighed deeply. "I'm transient. But I'm not a hero. Not anymore."

"Ah," replied Raven, looking away from him and into her dark tea. "I see."

"You're still doing the hero thing then, I'm guessing?"

"Kind of," replied Raven, shrugging. "Not as seriously as I used to."

The empath seemed avoidant, Gar noticed. More so than usual. Clearly, she didn't trust him anymore and he didn't blame her. He felt suddenly overcome with a pang of guilt. "I'm sorry I didn't write."

"Hmm?" Raven replied, her eyes meeting his again. She looked confused and a little taken aback by his comment. Gar gave her an earnest look.

"I said, I'm sorry I didn't write. Or get in touch. With any of you."

Raven blinked, as though trying to process his words. Though her face remained unemotional, Gar noticed the slightest twitch in her eyes. She only ever did that when she was upset. He softened his own gaze and offered her a small smile. His apology probably wasn't worth much, but he felt some relief within himself by offering it.

"Well..."

Her soft voice broke his thoughts, and the changeling refocused his mind to the present.

"...I suppose I didn't write to you either," admitted Raven, rubbing her thumbs along the mug. "So perhaps you're not entirely to blame."

Gar smiled. He couldn't help himself. If being close to her was intoxicating, every time she paid him a compliment or gave him positive attention it was like a bumper hit of the drug. He beamed at her, feeling a warmth surge in his chest. Their eyes met for a moment, and it was as though the atmosphere broke slightly. Nothing was fixed and nothing had changed. But perhaps they had reached some kind of resolution in their own way.

"So, what made you come here?" asked Gar, tentatively. He gestured towards the rest of the group. "Come to this symposium thing."

"Dick asked me," replied Raven, simply. She placed her tea back down and shuffled back into a more comfortable position. "I see him and Kori regularly. I've been helping with new recruitment for the Teen Titans. He thought that my input in Bruce's conference would be useful."

Gar nodded in understanding. He hadn't realised the Azarathian had maintained such close contact with the Grayson family, but it explained her attachment with Mar'i. Raven cleared her throat.

"How about you? No one told me you'd be here," she stated quietly, evading his gaze. "With you being overseas."

"Yeah, it was a bit of a trip back," explained Gar, biting his lip with his fang. He weighed up how to answer her question. "I'm not really sure why I'm here. Curiosity maybe?"

"Curiosity killed the cat," replied Raven, passively. She gave a tiny, almost imperceptible smile. "You ought to be careful."

"Why, you know someone who has got it out for me?"

Raven smiled, closing her eyes and shaking her head. "Maybe. The night is still young."

Gar smiled back, nudging her with his shoulder playfully. Her sardonic comments left him feeling homesick all of a sudden. "You haven't changed."

Raven seemed startled by his sudden contact, looking at his shoulder suspiciously and then up at his eyes defiantly. "You have."

"Have I?" enquired Gar, suddenly feeling discomfort seeping over him. He knew he'd grown and developed in the past ten years, but had he really changed all that much? The empath nodded; her amethyst eyes steady.

"You have."

"In what way?"

"You're quieter," shot back Raven, quickly. "Less outgoing. Calmer too."

"Ah, that'd be the meditation."

Raven laughed, clearly thinking Gar was making a joke. Her amusement diminished rapidly when she saw his serious expression. He raised his eyebrow at her reaction. Her deadpan countenance returned, as she gazed at him; incredulous at his words. "You're kidding."

"I'm not."

"You meditate now?"

"When I need to," replied Gar, feeling strangely smug all of a sudden. Inside, he could have sworn that his younger self was dancing around in glee at seeing her bemused expression. Anytime he got any kind of reaction out of her it filled him with an inexplicable joy unlike any other.

Raven shook her head, clearly still in shock at his disclosure. "Wow. You really have changed."

"So you said."

"Hmm. Where did you learn to meditate?" pressed Raven, her eyes narrowing. It was clear to the changeling that she didn't believe him. Gar felt an awkwardness seeping up his neck but couldn't quite comprehend why. He had nothing to fear, nothing to hide. Did he? His mind felt confused for a moment, before he shook himself back into reality.

"A-amara," he managed, shakily. Raven's amethyst gaze changed slightly, and her eyebrows raised enquiringly.

"Who is Amara?"

"Hey, what's happenin' y'all!" exclaimed Cyborg, who was being pulled by a now floating Mar'i. "I've been told you two need livening up."

Gar fixed Mar'i with a look and she smiled unabashedly. "What? You do!"

The changeling laughed at her antics, feeling secretly relieved. Raven was still gazing at him, a confused expression on her face. Somehow Gar knew this conversation was far from over, and he wasn't looking forward to the next instalment.

Review Replies:

straightlaced17: Thank you very much, I'm glad you like her! You got a deeper glimpse into her impish side here :)

Melissa: Yay! I'm so pleased you loved it...I do struggle writing from Gar's perspective, and men's perspectives in general as you know. Hopefully this one was okay too 3

teamLiEvansDragneel: Thank you very much! I hope you liked this chapter too.

TheForceIsStrongWithThisOne: High praise indeed! I feel very honoured that you liked and reviewed my story :) Haha, I'm glad to have intrigued you - a little more intrigue after this chapter perhaps?

ChaoticEcstacy: Thank you so much! I hope this chapter didn't disappoint...

Mr Ursine: Thank you! Yes, buckle up for the long ride. I've written quite a bit already and the full story is all planned out so don't worry :)

Azarathian666: Thanks so much! :)

SanzoJoe: Yay! He's around my age too. Sometimes easier to write that way (I can use my husband for inspiration too, haha). He's a lot more serious than the younger counterpart. Hopefully some questions answered this chapter but more intrigue for you ahead! :)

TheDarkestOfBlues: Aw, that's so lovely to hear - thank you. Read it whenever you have time! Your review will always be appreciated whenever it comes :) I hope your exams go well - best of luck!

GolemXIV: Ah, you know me too well. I love a good angsty story, and this one is set up rather perfectly isn't it? But you also know I'm a sucker for a happy ending so all will end well (probably) definitely (most likely) ;) Glad you enjoyed it and are here for the ride! :)