Disclaimer: I own nothing and no one in the DCU. I have no rights to the song I Think I'm In Love by Kat Dahlia.
(Time's been ticking, hearts are running)
Raven covered a laugh with one hand while she sat on Richard's couch, healing his arm. She had been living in Bludhaven with him for almost two years, and he was currently telling her the story of his earlier days as Batman's sidekick. "…and that's when I decided the leotard had to go," Richard finished.
"Yikes," Raven answered as she mostly finished healing the nasty knife wound on his arm. "And you just now want Bruce to take it off display in the Batcave?" she asked, grabbing a ball of thick gauze.
"Cassandra saw it and laughed," Richard stated. "She laughed, Rae," he emphasized. "She doesn't speak. No one can get her to say anything, but as soon as I told her I used to chase villains in that uniform, she giggled."
(Think that Cupid's up to something)
"A giggle is not a laugh, Richard."
"A giggle for Cassandra is a guffaw, okay," he stated pointedly as Raven rolled her eyes.
"So dramatic," she mumbled. "But I thought you were proud of that uniform."
"I was…am. The only reason I stopped wearing it was because parts of me began to…grow. And it looked weird. But that uniform made my legs look amazing. You should have seen them."
"I'll take your word for it," Raven said as she sat back, admiring her work. "There, I'm done."
"Thanks, but why can't you completely heal it?"
"We don't want your body forgetting how to heal itself," Raven answered. "Though, maybe next time when you return from a visit to Gotham, you come straight home or, I don't know, call for back-up."
"I'm sorry," Richard apologized sheepishly. "There was no time."
"Fine," Raven said, accepting his excuse as she stood to her feet.
(You ask me how I feel, I say nothing)
"You work tomorrow?"
"Nah," Richard answered, admiring his bandaged arm, "I'm on call, though."
"Okay," she said as she returned the first aid kit to the kitchen. "I work the morning shift at the library tomorrow, but maybe we can get coffee before I head in?" she asked, turning to face him. Richard turned his head and studied her as she walked back towards him. She was wearing tiny shorts and a tank-top, and Richard was so not complaining. She was still short, but her hair now fell to her elbow. "You want to get coffee?" he asked as she sat back on the couch next to him.
"No," she wrinkled her nose. "Tea for me; coffee for you." Richard chuckled. "Sounds like a plan," he smiled at her. His smile only widened back as she gave a small smile of her own.
(But lately colors seems so bright
And the stars light up the night
My feet, they feel so light
I'm ignoring all the signs
I keep on frontin')
"What are you watching?" he motioned to the muted TV as he sat back against the couch. He'd been doing that lately, finding reasons to hang out with her later and later. Whether she was doing homework, reading, or nothing at all – he just wanted to be around her. "Umm, I believe it is Bachelors of Gotham," Raven answered as she grabbed the remote and turned the volume on just a little.
"Seriously?" Richard scoffed as he looked at her. "You watch this show?"
"Starfire got me hooked," Raven shrugged. Richard shook his head with a smirk. "Wasn't Bruce on here one year?" Raven asked. Richard released a groan. "Don't remind me," he said. He then began the long tale of Bruce's brief stint with reality TV.
(Yeah, I stay bluffin'
I keep you wondering
Keep you hunting for my lovin')
"Well, thank you for having breakfast with me," Raven spoke shyly as she and Richard left the restaurant. "I know you probably wanted to sleep in."
"It's no problem, Raven," Richard looked down at her through his sunglasses.
"I'm just surprised you're not tired or bored of me."
"Why would I be tired or bored of you?" Richard asked curiously.
"Well, I'm not the most exciting of roommates," Raven answered.
"You are to me," Richard shrugged. "And I don't find you boring," his covered eyes looked directly into her faux blue ones.
(But I crave us hugging
Yeah, I stay stubborn)
The two stared at each other in another too-long moment. Richard shoved his hands in his pockets and took a step back. He didn't want to do anything to jeopardize his friendship. Instead, he cleared his throat and said, "Besides, Bludhaven is exciting enough. Walking into my apartment and knowing you're there is a breath of fresh air." Raven opened her mouth to reply, but nothing came out. Instead, she looked at him fondly. "Well," she eventually spoke, "I need to go. I don't want to be late. I'll see you later," she bit her lip before turning away.
"Stay safe," Richard called after her. She threw a smirk over her shoulder before she continued walking. Richard released a deep breath as he watched her disappear into the crowds, standing. He remained standing and staring after her long after she disappeared.
('Cause I can't admit that you got all the strings
And know just how to tug 'em)
Richard repeatedly knocked on the closed door. "Dude!" Jason threw the door open as he rubbed his eyes. "It isn't even 9 yet. What do you want?"
"I think I'm in love again," Richard said. He gripped his stomach; he was going to be sick.
(In my head, yeah, you're in my head)
Richard held his head in his hands as Kori placed a second steaming mug of coffee on the table in front of him. "Are you okay yet?" she asked Richard as she sat gingerly on her husband's lap. A mumble was all the young couple heard from him. Kori looked at Jason. "What did he say?" she asked him.
"I don't know," Jason answered as he began rubbing small circles into Kori's lower back.
"What exactly happened?"
"Just as I said. I opened the door. He said he was in love. I invited him in. He plopped in that seat. I made coffee. He drank it. That's it."
"Oh."
"It's awful," Richard moaned. "Just awful."
"Love usually is," Jason replied.
"Hey," Kori playfully slapped her husband's chest.
"Ow," Jason rubbed the spot she'd hit. It was going to bruise later.
"I can't be in love," Richard looked at the couple with desperate blue eyes, his sunglasses long forgotten. "I – I – I'm not good at it. I'm terrible at it. We all know that. I know that. I can't hurt another person I care about."
I think I'm in love again
(In my head, yeah, you're in my head)
"What do you mean?" Jason asked.
"Well…I hurt you two," Richard answered sadly.
"That was two years ago."
"We forgave you," Kori said.
"You've grown up," Jason added.
"And I don't think either of us was ready for a real relationship when you and I were dating," Kori said.
"I made so many mistakes," Richard said.
"But I may have made some, too," Kori admitted.
"No, you didn't. It was all me." Kori shook her head firmly. "No, Richard," she said, "it is not fair for you to take all of the blame. I'm sure there are things I could have done better. Also, you were intense. I thought I could fix you, but there was nothing to fix. We just didn't mesh well together. You must stop punishing yourself for past mistakes. You deserve happiness, too." Richard stared at her in wonder. He then looked at Jason. "Oh, she's been watching one of those therapy talk shows," Jason said.
"They are really informative," Kori added.
(I didn't think it could be true
Let alone that it would be you)
"Guys," Richard said, "I can't be in love again. I hurt people when I'm in love. I don't want to hurt Raven. I didn't want to hurt you, either. But I can't hurt Raven. The thought of hurting her…I can't. I need to find a way to crush this emotion."
"Good luck with that," Jason scoffed.
"Richard, if you fight this, you may end up really hurting Raven," Kori said. Richard looked at both and sighed. "Guys, what do I do?" he asked.
"You could tell her how you feel," Kori suggested.
"Or you could just grab her and kiss her," Jason added.
"I'd prefer not to end up threw a wall or in a different dimension," Richard said, "but thanks."
"Glad we could be of some assistance," Jason answered cheekily, "now, can you please get the hell out? It's way too early for this."
[I think I'm in love again
(I'm in love, I'm in love, I'm in love)]
Richard sat on the couch and watched Raven move around their kitchen while telling him about her workday.
(My heart's pacing
I'm confused, I'm dazing
I saw something I never seen in you, it's got me shaking)
"You want to go out to eat tonight?" Richard asked, interrupting her. Raven's eyes widened in surprise. She hadn't been expecting that question. "Oh," she said, "I…uh…."
"Unless you have plans," Richard quickly said.
"No, I don't," Raven said. "I was just going to work on a paper."
"Oh, well then- "
"It's not due for another two months. I work ahead. Never know what missions may pop up. But I'd love to go out," Raven stated shyly. "What did you have in mind? Chinese? Thai? Pizza?"
"Um…" Richard rubbed the back of his head nervously, "I was thinking something a little…fancier."
"Fancier?" Raven blinked. "How fancy is fancier?"
(I must be hallucinating
I hear it happens, I'm just saying
Babe, I'm just saying)
Raven shifted uncomfortably at the table. There were upscale restaurants like this in Bludhaven? Raven would have never guessed. She fidgeted uncomfortably in her long-sleeved black dress that stopped mid-thigh. And even though she wore strappy, black heels, Raven still felt out-of-place. "Richard," Raven looked at him. Her violet eyes sparkled in the candlelight, and Richard's breath caught in his throat. She looked gorgeous. Her black hair was in a bun, a couple of ringlets framed her face. Richard didn't think she could look more beautiful. "Richard," Raven said again, "what is this?"
"Dinner," he answered breezily.
"No, Richard," Raven's eyes darted back-and-forth, "this is a – it's a – "
"Raven- "
"Ambush" is the word Raven settled on.
(Someone give me some paper
Someone give me some crayons
I'm feeling like a child
I need something to play on)
Richard bristled at the word. "Ambush?" he repeated, "what do you mean?"
"I mean…this," Raven gestured to the atmosphere around them, the luxury of the dining room, the other restaurant-goers who clearly made six-digits or more. "I feel – I feel," Raven felt like she was spiraling. Richard quickly reached a hand across the table and grabbed her hand. "Raven," Richard said her name gently. "Relax. Don't think too hard." Raven gulped. She couldn't look away from his probing eyes. "This is just dinner," he smiled gently, "and we're two friends who deserve a night of luxury. I mean…this city sucks the life out of you," Richard said quietly. Raven smiled gently as Richard caressed the back of her wrist with his thumb. "Well," she spoke bashfully, "it was your idea to move here."
(I'm trying hard to trust you
When you say give me your hand
Baby, I'm falling
I hope you catch me when I land)
Raven and Richard laughed and talked while eating Kobe beef with a side of Almas caviar. Her large, violet eyes; her beautiful smile; the soft blush on her cheeks; her dainty fingers. Richard sighed deeply as Raven recounted a tale of her early years on Azarath. Her eyes flashed with excitement and joy, and Richard could listen to her talk all day. He could watch her micro expressions all day.
[I think I'm in love again
(In my head, yeah, you're in my head) Oh, yeah, yeah]
The back of their hands brushed against each other as they slowly walked back to Richard's place. It was warm out. The moon was full and bright, stars filled the sky, and Richard was on cloud nine. "Hey," Richard grabbed her hand, stopping Raven mid-walk, "how about ice cream?" he looked beyond her at a small ice cream parlor. Raven followed his gaze. "You want to eat sugar?" she looked up at him with a smile. "You don't like sweets."
"I'm feeling adventurous," Richard's eyes flashed in humor.
"Fine," Raven said after a moment, "but I'm not sharing mine. You have to get your own."
[I think I'm in love again
(In my head, yeah, you're in my head) Oh]
"Here," Richard laughed as he wiped a smear of ice cream off the corner of Raven's mouth with a napkin. "Such a sloppy eater," he smiled, looking down into the empath's eyes. Richard's breath caught in his throat as he became lost in her violet orbs. He heard Raven's sharp intake of breath as his thumb softly swept across her lower lip. Richard's heart raced in his chest as he stepped into her personal space.
(I didn't think it could be true
Let alone that it would be you)
A loud honk startled the two birds, and they immediately broke apart. The energy between them dissipated. Richard cleared his throat and glanced at Raven, who was sucking on her lower lip while her cheeks reddened. Raven glanced at him before wrapping her arms around herself protectively and looking away. "Um…we should head back," Richard spoke once he found his voice.
"Oh, yeah," Raven agreed, "let's…we should."
"Okay," Richard said as they walked next to each other, at least a foot of space between them. This night was not going well.
[I think I'm in love again
(I'm in love, I'm in love, I'm in love)]
Richard approached his apartment door with all the joy of a prisoner being led to the noose. This "date" was now over. They had reached the part of the evening where he would kiss the girl goodbye after dropping her off at her house. That was not going to happen in this scenario because they lived together. And now that they were in front of his door, he didn't know what to do. Thankfully, Raven took the initiative and unlocked the door to their apartment.
(In my dreams, you're the Dutch and I'm the Dutchess
And your blunts are always loose
So I'm in charge of rolling Dutches)
"I had fun," Raven spoke as Richard closed the door behind them. Richard looked to see Raven watching him with an expectant look on her face. What she was expecting, he didn't know. "I think you were right," she continued, "we deserved a little spoiling. I feel bad that you paid for everything."
"Think nothing of it," Richard said as they both began taking their shoes off. "It was my treat."
"So…umm…" Raven played with her hands while shifting from one foot to another.
"Thanks for coming out with me tonight," Richard said, "I…um…." Why was he so nervous?
(And we gettin' so high
We always get the munchies)
"Did you want to watch a movie or something?" Raven asked with what seemed to be a hopeful expression on her face.
"Uh…" Say, yes, you idiot, Richard heard Jason's voice in his head. "Not tonight," Richard said stupidly. His heart lurched when he saw a stricken look cross Raven's face. "Raincheck?" he finished weakly.
(And we go for early brunches
That turn into late lunches)
"S-Sure," she took a step back from him while holding herself. Her lower lip trembled, and Richard could swear she was going to cry, but then her face became blank. He could see her mentally and emotionally withdraw into herself. "I'll see you tomorrow morning," she said, her voice monotone. Richard nodded before walking away. Coward, he said to himself.
(And we ain't got a label
We're just rolling with the punches)
Richard sat on his bed with his head in his hands. What was he thinking? Why was he torturing himself? Raven obviously wanted him to kiss her or something. That was clear as day. He'd have to be an idiot not to see it. He rolled up his sleeves to begin preparing for bed…or patrol. He glanced at his nightstand and then took a second look and froze.
(I make fun of your belly
And tell you to do some crunches)
The picture on the nightstand…it was taken at Jason and Kori's wedding, right before the newlyweds left for their honeymoon. Jason and Kori were laughing, Cyborg was blowing bubbles, and Richard had Garfield in a headlock. But Raven – Raven was looking at him with complete adoration. How'd he not notice before? He looked at this photo every morning. Richard thought back to the wedding, remembering all the warning looks and judgy stares she threw his way. It then hit him like a ton of bricks.
(And you say "yeah, well your ass jiggles
Go and do some lunges")
Richard jumped to his feet. He was such a buffoon. Maybe if he'd taken a split second to take his head out of his ass, he would have realized a while ago that those weren't judgy stares. She was worried about him. Those were her "I care for you" stares, the "I understand" stares, the "please, talk to me" stares. Richard walked with new, purposeful resolve to his bedroom door. Time to stop being a coward.
(I say "fuck you"
While I'm thinking of you as my husband, hmm)
She was still in the kitchen. Only she had changed and was no longer wearing a dress, just a tank top and a pair of sleep shorts. She was beginning to fill her kettle with water. "Raven," Richard said her name confidently. Raven turned to him with a curious expression, eventually asking, "Is everything okay?"
(I think I'm in love)
Richard walked briskly to her and pushed her against the counter roughly as his mouth devoured hers. Raven gripped his hair tightly as she willingly allowed him to ravage her mouth and lips with his.
[I think I'm in love again)
(In my head, yeah, you're in my head)
Baby, I think I'm in love again]
Richard began leaving hot, open-mouthed kisses down her neck as he grabbed at her clothes, traced her clothes, and breathed her name. Raven pulled and grabbed at Richard's shirt as their heavy pants and moans fill the silent kitchen.
(I think I'm in love again
(In my head, yeah, you're in my head) Oh)
Richard kissed his way back to her lips before plunging his tongue inside her mouth. Raven threw her arms around his neck, forgetting about his shirt. She tried pulling his body even closer to hers. An impossible feat as there wasn't even a millimeter of space between them.
(I didn't think it could be true
Let alone that it would be you)
Richard lifted her with ease, and Raven's legs automatically wrapped around his waist. Not pausing in his onslaught of her mouth for even a split second, Richard carefully carried her to his bedroom.
Depositing her on his bed, Richard immediately took his shirt off…the shirt that Raven had severely torn in her effort to get it off him. Richard looked down at her with a raised brow while holding up his destroyed shirt. She bit her swollen lips. "Sorry," she gasped, blushing deeply. Throwing the shirt behind him with a shrug, Richard quickly kissed his way up her clothed body before attacking her lips once more. He pinned her arms above her head while rotating his hips into hers. He wanted to make sure she wanted him as much as he wanted her. Desperate moans, whines, and gasps from Raven vibrated through him as her body responded in kind. She would know the depths of his love before the end of the night.
[I think I'm in love again
(I'm in love, I'm in love, I'm in love)]
Hours later, completely exhausted, and satiated, Richard looked down at the empath drawing invisible designs on his naked chest while he absently stroked her hair. One bare leg of hers rested between his legs as she was half on him. Her body softly brushed against his with every breath she took, and Richard had to fight the urge to roll her under him. Instead, he stared at the multiple hickeys covering her neck, which now resembled the fur of a leopard. Feeling his gaze on her, Raven looked up at him with wide violet eyes. "Did I hurt you?" he asked softly, caressing her red, plump, swollen lips with his thumb as he did so.
"No," Raven answered breathlessly. "I was…surprised," she laughed. "But it was a good surprise." Richard smiled. "What's wrong?" Raven asked, sitting up, sensing a subtle shift in his emotions. She pulled the sheet up to her naked chest as she felt worry and humor emanate from the young man. "Kori suggested I share my feelings with you verbally," he sighed.
"So, that was why you chose the fancy restaurant," Raven stated understandingly. "You were planning on – wait, when did you see Kori?"
"After breakfast with you. I ran straight to Jason and Kori when I realized my feelings this morning," he admitted. "Jason suggested throwing you against the wall and kissing you senseless." Raven laughed softly. "I guess I should have done that first," Richard said. "I don't put much stock in his ideas."
"As you usually shouldn't," Raven smiled, "but why did you go to them?" Richard looked into her eyes. There was no trace of judgment or anger, just curiosity. "I was afraid of messing this up," he admitted readily. "After how my relationship with Starfire ended, I just…I couldn't bear to hurt you."
"Richard, you were young," Raven said kindly, "and that was a while ago. You have to forgive yourself."
"Huh," Richard smirked, "Starfire said the same thing."
"She's been watching those therapy talk shows. They are surprisingly informative."
"So, I've heard," he smiled. His smile slowly disappeared. "So, do you want to?" he asked.
"Do I want to…"
"Give us a shot. I'm not perfect. I'm probably going to mess up a lot, and I'm not- "He stopped talking when he felt a pair of soft lips press gently against his. Raven pulled away after several moments. "I love you, Richard John Grayson," Raven said, "and I want to give us a shot." Richard gave her a wide smile before pulling her down into a breathtaking kiss. Rolling her underneath, him, he made love to her over and over again, repeatedly, well after the sun came up. For the first time in a year, his heart was at peace.
(I think I'm in love again)