03.

Raven was sure she wasn't dreaming. Because if this were a dream, there would be hellfire surrounding her. Burning every single thing alive.

Even the person behind her.

"We have a bond, remember?"

Her heart sank at those words. Strange. The first time she heard him acknowledge the bond, she was more hopeful than she was now. And she was facing the end of the world. They went through it, and here they were. Everyone safe and alive.

A few days passed, and she avoided her leader as much as possible. She became better at hiding her emotions again. It reminded her of when she had to meditate every single day to suppress her emotions to control her power. She rarely said a word, and when it was inevitable, she kept her conversations to a minimum. Not happy with that, Richard caught up with her when she was leaving the common room.

She slowly turned around, facing the one person who went through Hell just to help her. The one person who called her hopeful, even when she thought everything was over. Funny how life can get.

"Raven, I may not remember what happened.. But I'm still the same person. I'm Robin."

Her jaws tensed, but she didn't say anything. Memories surged up again, trying to engulf her. Raven fought hard to keep her emotions in place.

"It's just that.. It feels so strange. Not being able to remember anything. And now everyone's suddenly older.."

His confusion and anxiety waved over her and she thought it was a miracle that she hasn't brought the whole building down yet. Numbly commenting to herself that Cyborg would be enraged if that was ever to happen (He just upgraded the security system this morning) she gave out a long sigh. Perhaps hanging out with Starfire and Beastboy lately helped her to be more in control. Maybe she ought to go out to the mall more often.

"I need to know that I still have my best friend.. next to me."

She stared at him. He looked so lost. Someone in her head nudged her, telling her that she should probably say something.

But what?

I know you don't remember, but I happened to be your lover for the past few months?

You managed to give me surprise kisses without getting caught by the others?

I finally asked you out on a proper date after weeks of practice, but still yet haven't got an answer back because of that stupid accident?

Oh that stupid accident. She gave a long heavy sigh.

"So do I."

She guessed that lying would be better for now. Just until he recovers.

"I'll be back to normal once the day of my birth passes."

She looked at him, knowing that she wouldn't have to explain that she still had nightmares around this period of the year. He already knew it. He even suggested they spend the night together -

but he looked clueless. That innocent look brought her back again to that day they first discussed the bond.

He doesn't remember.

So that stupid accident erased years of his memories?

He doesn't remember anything about my birthday.

The realization finally hit her, all the feelings she left at the back of her darkness started to creep out.

He doesn't remember falling in love with me.

She felt an impulsive urge raging out, telling her to go rip Cinderblock into pieces. Into ashes.

It would be easy, purred her rage.

"I need to go.. and meditate."

Of course, that was a lie.