Chapter 16
Saturday February 9 (Raven's birthday)
9 AM
Logan wakes up in Raven's bed, spooning her. He sees that she is still asleep. He kisses her below her ear then rolls to his back, looking up at her ceiling. Raven stirs when she feels Logan's kiss then him moving. She opens her eyes and turns onto her other side so she is facing Logan. Logan turns his head to face her.
"Hey Rae," Logan says.
"Hi," she replies. "Thank you for sleeping in here last night. I always have bad nightmares around this time of year."
"No problem. Did you have any last night?"
"No."
"Good. Happy birthday Rae." He leans up to kiss her.
"Thanks, I guess."
"Look, I know you don't like your birthday, but I want to make it a good one. So what can I do to spoil my beautiful girlfriend?"
"You don't have to do anything for me."
"I know I don't have to, but I want to." Logan sits up. "Why don't we go down to the kitchen and I will make you breakfast."
"Vic usually does that."
"Well then let's go down to eat and I'll think of other things to do." They get out of bed and Raven brushes her hair and puts on a sweatshirt. They then go down to the kitchen where the others are eating.
"Morning you two," Dick says. "Happy birthday Raven."
"I too wish you happiness on this anniversary of your birth," Kori says.
"Thanks," Raven replies. She grabs her mug from the cupboard and heats up water for tea. When she sits at the table next to Logan, Vic sits a plate of waffles in front of her.
"Happy birthday Raven," Vic says. "I made your favorite."
"Thank you Victor," Raven says, then starts eating. When Dick and Kori finish eating, they take care of their dishes, then each hand Raven an envelope.
"We know you don't like to make a big deal about your birthday so we just got you something small," Dick says. Raven opens both envelopes and pulls out two $15 gift cards, one to a bookstore and the other to a small café/coffee shop.
"Thank you," Raven says, "but you didn't have to get me anything."
"Of course we would get you something for your birthday," Kori says. "You are our friend." Victor hands Raven an envelope as well.
"This is from me and Bee," Vic says. Raven opens it and pulls out a $25 Visa gift card.
"Thank you," she says, "but you really didn't need to get me anything."
"Too bad," Vic says. "We will get you gifts whether you like it or not. You'll just have to learn to accept them."
"I'll give you your gift later," Logan says. "I forgot it upstairs." Logan and Raven continue eating their breakfasts while Vic cleans up. Dick and Kori go into the living room and sit on the couch to watch TV. When Vic is finished cleaning his things in the kitchen, he joins Dick and Kori. A few minutes later, Raven and Logan finish eating, take care of their dishes, then walk out of the kitchen. They get in the elevator and go back up to their rooms. They stop outside Logan's room.
"I'm gonna go work out," Logan says. "Do you want to join me?"
"Not today," Raven replies.
"Okay. Well after I finish my work out, do you want to hang out? We can do whatever you want. I want you to have a good birthday today."
"…Okay."
"Great. And I'll make sure your dad doesn't get to you to hurt you either." Raven doesn't say anything at this. "Well I'm gonna go work out now."
"Okay. Just come find me when you're done."
"Will do." Logan kisses her cheek then goes into his room. Raven goes to her room and changes out of her pajamas. She dresses in a long skirt and a hooded sweatshirt. She grabs her phone and her keys then goes down to the garage. She gets in her car and drives off. An hour later, Logan finishes his workout then takes a shower. After his shower, he dresses in jeans and a t-shirt. He then goes to Raven's room and knocks on her door.
"Raven?" Logan calls. "You in there?" He opens the door and looks inside. Not seeing Raven, he goes up to the roof to check for her there. When he doesn't find her there, he checks all of her usual spots around the Tower. Still unsuccessful, he goes to the living room where Dick, Kori, and Vic are still watching TV.
"Have you guys seen Raven?" Logan asks.
"Not since breakfast," Vic says.
"She's probably just in her room," Dick says.
"I'll go check again," Logan says. "Maybe she was in the bathroom before." Logan goes back up to Raven's room and goes inside. He looks around her room for anything that might hint as to where she is at. He sees an envelope partially under a book on her nightstand. He opens the envelope, pulls out the note inside and reads it.
"Shit," Logan whispers. "Shit, shit, shit." He runs out of the room, note still in hand. He grabs his keys from his room then goes down to the garage and gets in his truck. He drives to the location on the note, parks his truck, and gets out. He sees a window in the building and goes over to it to look through. He sees a group of men all surrounding something. When one of the men moves, Logan sees that what they are surrounding is Raven. He then sees several men hit Raven, either with their fists or belts. Not wanting to see any more, Logan goes back to his truck and calls the cops to report what he saw. He then anxiously waits for them to show up. When they do, he is instructed to stay outside until the group of men is apprehended. The police get ready to enter the building. On the count of three, they enter.
"JCPD! Freeze!"
Several of the men surrender while others try to run. All of the men are caught and handcuffed. When the area is secure, Logan enters the building. He sees Raven blindfolded and with her hands tied together above her head suspended from the ceiling but she is still able to stand on the ground. Logan sees two officers trying to release Raven but she won't let them get near her. He runs over to her.
"I'll take care of her," Logan says to the officers then turns to Raven. "Rae? It's me Logan. You're safe now. Let me untie you."
"Logan?" Raven says.
"Yeah Rae, I'm here. You're safe. Can I take off your blindfold so you can see me? I promise I'm the only one close enough to touch you."
"Okay." Logan moves closer to Raven and removes her blindfold. After her eyes adjust to the light, she sees Logan standing in front of her.
"Hey Rae."
"You're really here."
"Yes I am. Will you let me untie your hands?" Raven nods. Logan works on untying the rope for several minutes before it finally unties. He catches Raven as she falls against him. Logan gently lowers both of them to the floor. Raven wraps her arms around Logan and lays her head on his shoulder. When she sees two paramedics walking toward them, Raven tightens her arms around Logan.
"Don't let them near me," Raven says to Logan.
"They're not gonna hurt you," Logan says. "They're just paramedics. They want to make sure you're okay."
"No. Keep them away from me."
"Will you let them check you out if I am with you? I won't let them do anything more than what they have to to make sure you're okay."
"You won't leave me alone with them?"
"No I won't. I'll be with you the whole time."
"Okay then." Logan stands up then helps Raven stand. They go over to the ambulance with the paramedics who then check out Raven. They clean and dress several cuts she has.
"There are no broken bones," one paramedic says. "Just a few cuts and a lot of bruising."
"Any burns?" Logan asks.
"None that we found," the other paramedic replies. "Unless there are some in areas she wouldn't let us check."
"Rae? Do you have any burns or anything they haven't checked yet?"
Raven looks over at him with uncertainty in her eyes. Logan squeezes her hand in reassurance. She squeezes his hand back. "Yes," she says softly. "There are some things they haven't checked yet."
"Will you show them please?" Raven hesitates then slowly nods. She then starts pulling up her skirt. She pulls it up until it reaches the tops of her thighs. The paramedics look at the burns on her thighs.
"Can you spread your legs a little more, please, so we can dress the burns?" a paramedic asks. Raven does as she asks and the paramedics take care of the burns on her inner thighs then wrap them up. When they finish, they take their gloves off.
"We have taken care of all of your injuries," one paramedic says. "I would like for you to go to the hospital so a doctor can look you over and make sure we didn't miss anything."
"No," Raven says. "I'm not going to the hospital."
"It would really be best for a doctor to look you over. You need to go to the hospital."
"No. I'm not going."
"Please Rae?" Logan says.
"I'm not going to a hospital," Raven says.
"What if a doctor came to the Tower and checked you out in the medical wing?" Logan suggests.
After hesitating for a little bit, Raven answers. "I guess that would be okay. Will you be with me the whole time?"
"Absolutely," Logan says. "I won't leave you." He turns to the paramedics. "Can you arrange for a doctor to come to our home to check on her or give me a number to call so I can arrange it?"
"Here is a number you can call," one paramedic says as he hands Logan a business card.
"Thank you," Logan says then turns back to Raven. "Let's go home Rae." Raven stands and leans against Logan for support as they walk to his truck, stopping once to talk to one of the police officers about getting Raven's car back to the Tower. After those arrangements are made, Logan helps Raven get into his truck then calls the doctor on the business card to arrange for him to come to the Tower to look over Raven. After he hangs up, he gets into his truck and drives back to the Tower. After Logan parks in the garage, he gets out of the truck and goes around to Raven's side to help her out. They then go into the elevator to go up to the medical wing floor. As they are riding up, Logan sends a text to Dick. The text reads:
"A doctor will be arriving soon to take a look at Raven. Please send him to the medical wing. No questions."
When the elevator doors open, Logan picks up Raven and carries her to the medical wing. He sets her down on one of the beds.
"You didn't have to carry me," Raven says.
"I know," replies Logan, "but you were struggling to walk and I'm sure you're in a lot of pain. I didn't want to see you suffering more than you already have today."
"It's something I always have to deal with every year."
"You shouldn't have to go through that. And I'll do my best to make sure it doesn't happen again. I do have a question though."
"What?"
"Why did you go to meet your father? You knew what would happen."
"If I didn't go, then he would find me eventually and do worse than what he did today. I know because I've done that before. I didn't meet him when he wanted me to meet him and a couple days later, he found me. I ended up with a broken arm that time."
"That's horrible. Hopefully with him being arrested now, he'll be in jail for a while and won't be able to get to you."
"Maybe. How did you find me today?"
"After I took a shower after finishing my workout, I was looking for you so we could spend time together. When I couldn't find you, I looked in your room for any clue as to where you were. I found the note from your father about when and where to meet him today so I went there and called the police after I saw you being hit. It was so hard to wait for the police to show up before going inside."
"Why did you come after me? Why didn't you just wait for me to return?"
"I didn't know what your father would do to you or what condition you'd be left in. You're my girlfriend, Rae. I care a lot about you and don't like seeing you hurt. Also, you told me to come find you after my workout." Before Raven can say anything, the doctor walks in. He walks over to Raven and Logan.
"Hello," the doctor says. "I'm Dr. Evan Cutler."
"Hello Dr. Cutler," Logan says, standing and shaking his hand. "I'm Logan. I'm glad you were able to come here to take a look at Raven."
"It was no problem. Gives me a different scene than the hospital. Now how about we get started? I read the report from the paramedics and they said they dressed all of the external wounds. I will take a look to see if they missed anything and if there's any internal damage."
"Okay," Logan says. "You ready, Rae?"
Raven looks at him then back at Dr. Cutler. "Yes," she says.
"Okay," Dr. Cutler says. "Why don't you first tell me how you got the injuries so I can know what to look for?"
"You won't tell anyone right?" Raven asks uncertainly.
"Of course not," the doctor says. "Doctor-patient confidentiality."
"Okay." Raven takes a deep breath. "My father and his friends suspended me from the ceiling and hit, cut, and burned me."
"Why?"
"Because he hates me."
"Were you still able to stand on the ground while being hit?"
"Yes but it pulled on my shoulders."
"Okay. Let's check your shoulders first." Dr. Cutler presses in different spots on her shoulders. "Does any of this hurt?"
"No."
"Okay. Lift your arms out to your sides." Raven does this. "Now above your head." She does. "Back down then straight out in front of you." Raven does this as well. "You can put your arms back down." She lowers her arms. "Did any of that hurt?"
"All of it."
"What hurt the most?"
"Out to the sides and above my head."
"Okay. Now I want you to relax your arms and I will move them." He moves her arms in all different directions. "Does any of this hurt?"
"A little." He lets go of her arms.
"There's no structural damage to your shoulders. Just soreness that should go away in a few days. Now I want to check your ribs for any broken bones. Could you take off your shirt or at least raise it?" Raven lifts up her shirt and Dr. Cutler examines her ribs. A few times, Raven intakes a sharp breath. The doctor finishes his examination and Raven lowers her shirt. "I didn't feel any broken or cracked ribs so they're just bruised. They should feel better in about a week if not less. Now, the report from the paramedics stated that most of your burns are on your inner thighs. Is that correct?"
"Yes," Raven says.
"Do you know why that area was targeted?"
"Probably because my father believes I'm no longer a virgin."
"Are you?"
"I have never had sex before." Raven looks over to Logan and he squeezes her hand and nods. "But I have been raped twice before."
"By your father or his friends?"
"No. By someone at my school."
"There's no record of that in your medical file. When did this happen?"
"I never reported it. The first time was in October. The second time was right before Christmas."
"Why didn't you report it?"
"I just wanted to forget about it. And after the childhood I had, I don't have a lot of faith in the police."
"So did you tell your father you are a virgin and he just didn't believe you?"
"Yes. And one of his friends is a doctor so my father had him examine me. He told my father that I was lying to him and that I had had sex because my…barrier was broken."
"Did any of the men there sexually assault you?"
"Other than some groping? No. My father felt that burning me would be better than raping me."
"Well since you were not assaulted in that manner, I will not do an examination."
"Thank you."
"I believe we have covered everything. Take it easy for about a week or until you feel better. Regularly change the bandages. If you're not feeling well enough for school, then don't go and I will give you a doctor's note. Feel free to call me if you have any questions."
"Thank you for everything Dr. Cutler," Logan says. "I'll walk you out. I'll be right back Rae." Logan and Dr. Cutler walk out. Five minutes later, Logan returns. Raven gets down from the bed. "So now that the doctor looked you over, what do you want to do?" Logan asks.
"Go to my room and stay there for the rest of the day," Raven says.
"I'm sure the others are worrying about you since I sent them a text saying a doctor was coming to check on you. Staying in your room would probably not be the best way to reassure them."
"I just want to relax."
"How about we watch a movie? That way you can still relax but the others will see that you're doing okay."
"I guess we could do that. But I want to go wash up and change clothes first." She starts slowly walking toward the exit. Logan walks next to her.
"Do you need help with that?" Raven looks at him. Realizing how that sounded, Logan blushes. "I didn't mean it like that! I swear! I just wondered if you'll be able to wash up and change clothes by yourself. I mean…I don't want you to be in pain doing that so I could help. I mean…um…do you know what I mean? There's no good way to say this without it sounding bad."
"Yes I do. I know you didn't mean it in a perverted way. But I'll be okay." They get in the elevator and go to the floor with their rooms.
"Are you sure, Rae? You told Dr. Cutler that moving your arms in any direction hurt."
"It does but I'm going to have that for a few days so it really doesn't make a difference."
"But—"
"Look, Logan. I'll be sore for a few days but then I'll be fine again. I've had to deal with being in a lot of pain before and you guys never knew about it. I'll be okay. Besides, when you had your strained shoulder, you still had to use it even though it hurt you. You deal with it and then it'll be healed again." They get out of the elevator and go to Raven's room.
Logan sighs. "Fine. I guess you have a point. But if you do need help with something, will you please ask me for help?"
"I'll try."
"I guess that's the best I can ask for."
Raven grabs some clothes from her room. "I'm going to go get washed up and changed. Do you want to wait for me up here or just go down to the living room?"
"I can wait for you up here. Are you taking a shower even though you just got all those bandages wrapped on?"
"I was just going to wash off with a washrag that way I wouldn't have to put on all new bandages yet."
"Okay. I'll be waiting here for you when you're finished." Raven goes to the bathroom and closes the door. Logan goes to his room and puts the gift for Raven that is sitting on top of his desk into one of the drawers. He then lays down on his bed to wait for Raven. Ten minutes later, he hears the bathroom door open and Raven walk to her room. A few minutes after that, she walks to his room and stands in the doorway. She has on sweatpants and a long-sleeve t-shirt.
"You sure we can't just stay up here and relax?" she says.
Logan sits up. "I'd like to but the other might find it suspicious."
"I guess we should go downstairs then." Logan stands up and walks over to her. "Can I take one of your zip-up sweatshirts down with me in case I get cold?"
"Sure but why not one of yours?"
"Yours would be looser on me and easier to get on and off."
"That makes sense." He grabs one of his sweatshirts then walks out of his room with Raven toward the elevator. When they are in the elevator, Logan puts his arm around Raven. "Come here." He pulls her into a hug and sighs. Raven wraps her arms around him and rests her head on his chest, returning the hug. Logan kisses the top of Raven's head. "I was so scared when I found the note from your father. I didn't know what he would do to you. And then I found you hanging helplessly while being hit by a bunch of guys. I'm so glad you don't have any serious injuries." Raven doesn't say anything, just tightens her arms around him. When they reach the floor for the living room, they release each other. They walk into the living room and the others come over quickly, all talking at once.
"What happened?"
"Why was there a doctor here?"
"Are you okay?"
Logan speaks up. "Calm down. Raven can explain what happened. Just give her some space first and actually let her come into the room."
"Sorry," Dick says, taking a couple steps back. "We just haven't seen you two for several hours then you send us a text saying a doctor is coming to look at Raven and not to ask any questions. We're concerned."
"I get that but let us actually make it into the room before bombarding us with questions."
"Well you're in the room now," Vic says, "so what happened?"
"Let me sit down first," Raven says, walking over to the couch. She winces as she sits down and the others move over to the couch as well. Logan sits next to Raven while the others sit facing her, waiting for her to explain. "A doctor came to the Tower to look me over because I was mugged earlier today. I went to my favorite café this morning for tea and then went to the bookstore that is down the street from there. As I was walking there, a group of guys pulled me into an alley and demanded my money and a little more. When I refused, they started hitting me. After about 10 to 15 minutes, the police showed up and broke it up. When the police were arresting the guys, I saw Logan walking toward me as I was trying to keep the paramedics away. He was the one who called the police."
"Why were you trying to keep the paramedics away?" Kori asks.
"I was still in the frame of mind that they wanted to hurt me as well. When Logan came over, he made the paramedics back away and he was able to calm me down. After that, the paramedics checked me for injuries and wrapped up any wounds. The doctor came here just to make sure that they didn't miss anything."
"Why didn't you just go to the hospital to see a doctor instead of the doctor coming here?" Dick asks.
"I don't like hospitals," Raven says.
"So what did the doctor say?" Vic asks.
"No broken bones or structural damage. Mainly just bruises and the wounds the paramedics dressed. I'm to take it easy for a few days while my injuries heal. Should be fine in about a week."
"That's good news," Kori says.
"Yeah it is," Bee agrees. "But I still have another question."
"What's that?"
"How did Logan find you there?" Everyone turns to look at Logan.
"I couldn't find the gift that I got for Raven this morning so I told her that I'd buy her a book for her birthday and we could go to the bookstore after my workout this morning. She said that she wanted to go to the café first and that she would just meet me at the bookstore when I was finished working out. I said that we could go to the café together before going to the bookstore but she still said she'd just go there by herself then meet up with me. I was on my way to the bookstore when I passed by the alley and saw the guys attacking someone. When one of the guys moved to the side, I saw it was Raven. I called the police and they told me to stay back until they arrived. It was so hard to stay back but there were at least 6 guys and I knew that I wouldn't stand a chance against them. Luckily, it didn't take the police too long to show up."
"I clearly should've waited for Logan," Raven says. "I'm lucky that he showed up; I don't know what would've happened if he wasn't there."
"Well we're glad that you don't have any serious injuries," Dick says. "But I'm sure that you won't want to go out for dinner now for your birthday."
"I wouldn't want to anyway, regardless of what happened today."
"What do you want to do, Friend Raven?" Kori asks.
"I just want to relax. Why don't we just watch some movies?"
"Sounds like a great idea," Bee says.
"We could just order pizza for supper," Dick says. "Or whatever you want, Raven."
"Pizza is fine with me."
"Why don't you guys decide on some movies?" Logan says, standing up. "I'm going to grab a drink. Anyone else want anything?"
"Water, please," Bee says.
"I'll have water as well, please," Kori says.
"Grab me a beer," Vic says.
"I'm good," replies Dick.
"You want some tea, Rae?" Logan asks.
"It's Raven, and that would be nice," Raven answers. "Make a chamomile please."
"You got it." Logan goes into the kitchen and starts heating up water for Raven's tea. As that is heating up, he brings everyone else their drinks. When the water is hot, he pours it into her mug with the bag of tea. After a few minutes, he takes the bag out and throws it away. He stirs in a little bit of cinnamon then takes the mug along with his glass of lemonade into the living room. He hands the mug to Raven then sits next to her. She takes a sip and closes her eyes and sighs. When she opens her eyes, she turns to Logan.
"It's perfect," she says. "Thank you. And nice idea adding the cinnamon to it."
"You're welcome," he replies, sitting next to her. "So what movies are we watching?"
Dick holds up several movies. "Raven picked out Front of the Class, Freshman Father, Charlie St. Cloud, and The Adjustment Bureau," he says.
"Those are just some ideas," Raven says. "We don't just have to choose between those movies."
"It's your birthday so we will watch what you want to watch," Kori says.
"Someone else can pick what we watch," Raven says. "I picked out those four so if it's one of them, I don't mind which one we watch."
"How about Freshman Father?" Bee suggests.
"Fine by me," Raven says.
"I'm good with it," Logan says.
"I like that choice of movie as well," Kori says.
"I guess," Vic says. Dick puts in the movie then sits next to Kori on the opposite end of the couch as Raven and Logan. Vic and Bee are sitting together on the loveseat. Kori leans into Dick as he starts the movie. Raven turns to Logan.
"Could you massage my shoulders please?" Raven asks Logan quietly. "They are starting to stiffen up."
"Sure thing, Rae," Logan replies. He moves to sit behind Raven on the back of the couch. He puts his hands on her shoulders when Dick speaks up.
"What are you doing, Logan?" Dick asks.
"He's massaging my shoulders," Raven says. "When I was being mugged, one of the guys pulled my arms behind my back so they're very sore from that. Since Logan is good at giving massages, I asked him to rub my shoulders for me because they are stiffening up." Dick is about to say something when Bee cuts him off.
"Shh. The movie is starting," she says. Everyone quiets down as the movie starts. After ten minutes of massaging Raven's shoulder, Logan moves out from behind her to sit next to her on the couch again.
"How's that?" Logan whispers to Raven.
"Much better," she whispers back. "Thank you."
"No problem." The rest of the movie is watched in silence. When the movies ends, Kori and Bee move off of their boyfriends. Dick takes out the movie and Vic orders pizza. Logan stands up to get a refill on his drink. He grabs Raven's mug as well. "Do you want more tea Rae?"
"Just water is fine," she says.
"You got it." Logan goes into the kitchen to get their drinks. Dick goes to the kitchen as well to get a drink. Logan returns with his and Raven's drinks. He hands Raven her water.
"Thanks," she says. "Could you please bring me some Aleve, too?"
"Of course," Logan says. "I'll be right back." He walks out of the room to get Aleve. Raven puts on Logan's sweatshirt.
"Is that a new sweatshirt, Raven?" Kori asks.
"No, it's Logan's," Raven replies.
"Why are you wearing his sweatshirt instead of your own?" Bee asks.
"His is bigger than mine so I figured it would be easier to put it on and take it off since I'm pretty sore from today's events."
"I guess that makes sense," Bee says.
"It is nice of Friend Logan to lend you his sweatshirt," Kori says.
"Yes it is," agrees Raven.
"He sure is helping you out a lot," Bee says.
"Well I can't really do much since almost every movement hurts," Raven says.
"But you haven't asked anyone else for help," Bee points out. "Just Logan."
"So?"
"Just an observation. Makes me kind of curious."
"Curious about what?"
"If maybe there's more than friendship between you and Logan."
"There isn't."
"Isn't what?" Dick asks as he walks back in the room.
"Nothing," Raven says.
"More than friendship between Raven and Logan," Bee says.
"Why do you say that?"
"Because she's only asked Logan for help, not any of us."
"True but he also knows more of the extent of her injuries since he found her and was around when the doctor checked out Raven."
"So because of that, he has to get her tea and Aleve? Not one of us?"
"No but they have a different friendship than with the rest of us. They have a different level of trust with each other than with us. Isn't that right, Raven?"
"Yes," Raven says. "I trust Logan more than anyone else."
"Why?" Bee asks.
"I'm not having a discussion about that," Raven says.
"Why not?" Bee asks.
"Because I'm not," replies Raven.
"Is it because you two are in a secret relationship with each other?"
"We're not dating. He's just a friend."
"Seems like more than a friend."
"He's my best friend. Nothing more than that."
"Aww, Rae. I didn't know you felt that way," Logan says as he walks back into the room.
"My name is Raven, not Rae," Raven says.
"Here's the Aleve," he says, handing it to her as he sits next to her. "So what are we talking about?"
"Your secret relationship with Raven," Bee says.
"What?" Logan says. He turns to Raven. "Why didn't you tell me we are in a secret relationship, Rae? I would've gotten you flowers."
"Shut up," Raven says.
"Pizza's here!" Vic says as he walks in carrying three pizzas. Vic sets the pizzas on the coffee table and Dick grabs plates and napkins for everyone. They all grab some pizza then start the next movie, Front of the Class. After they all finish eating, Dick takes care of the empty boxes and everyone's plates. Kori cuddles into him when he returns to the couch. When the movie ends, Vic gets up to take the movie out.
"Are we watching another movie?" Vic asks as he takes out the DVD.
"I'm going to go to my room," Raven says. "I'm tired from today and need to lay down." She slowly moves to stand up.
"Do you need help standing?" Logan asks, concerned.
"No," Raven replies. Slowly she stands up and lets out a deep breath. Logan stands as well. When she starts to take a step, she stumbles and grabs Logan's shoulder. He puts his arm around her waist to steady her.
"You okay?" he asks.
"Yeah," Raven says. "Just give me a minute. The blood is just going back through my legs after sitting for awhile." She stands with her arm around Logan for support for a little bit. After she feels able, she removes her arm from Logan and takes a step. Her legs buckle a little and she winces but she doesn't grab onto Logan. She slowly makes her way to the door.
"I'm coming with you," Logan says, walking with her.
"I'm fine," Raven says.
"No, you're not," Logan replies. "What if your legs give out? Then what will you do?"
"I'll be fine, Logan."
"Stop being stubborn and just let me walk up with you."
"Maybe you should let Friend Logan go with you Raven," Kori says. "Just as a precaution."
"Fine," Raven relents. They walk out the door and to the elevator. When they are in the elevator, Logan turns to Raven.
"I thought you were going to ask me for help when you need it," he says.
"I said I'd try to," Raven replies. "I'm still not accustomed to asking anyone for help. And I didn't need help."
"And how much pain are you in?"
"Doesn't matter."
"Rae—"
"Logan, I'd still be in pain even if I did ask for help. Every movement hurts and most of my body is bruised. I will even be in pain when I lay in my bed. So it doesn't matter that I didn't ask for your help."
Logan sighs. "Okay." They walk out of the elevator to Raven's room. "Do you want to change the bandages tonight?"
"I probably should."
"Am I allowed to help with that? I know you have some on your back that you can't reach."
"Yes you can help me. I would actually appreciate it if you would help me. I can never re-wrap the injuries as good as they are now."
"Well I can wrap wounds pretty well. I've had enough practice on myself." They go to the bathroom and Logan grabs the first aid kit. Raven takes off Logan's sweatshirt and sets it on the counter. "It will probably be easier if you take off your shirt since you have wounds on your back and your arms."
"I can just change into a short sleeve shirt or a tank top. Then I can just lift it up for the cuts on my back."
"I know it's because of what happened with Malcolm that's making you uncomfortable with the idea of not wearing a shirt around me, but I promise that I will not do anything like that to you. I would never do that to anyone. If you want to change into a tank top, then that's fine, but I don't want you to think I'd try to take advantage of you."
"I do trust you Logan. But I'm not ready to be around you like that."
"You've been around me in a bathing suit before."
"I know. But this is just different to me."
"Okay. Go change. I'll wait here for you." Raven goes to her room and changes into a tank top and shorts. She then returns to the bathroom. "Let's take off the bandages on your arm first." Logan unwraps the covering from Raven's arm then pulls off the gauze pad. "That's good that it didn't stick to the wound. That would've really hurt to pull off." He throws away the used bandages and cleans the wound and re-bandages it. "Lift your shirt up." She does and Logan removes the bandages and puts new ones on. Raven puts her shirt back down. Logan lowers the strap of Raven's tank top from her left shoulder and changes the bandage on the back of her shoulder, then puts the strap back in place. Raven turns around to face Logan. "All I have left to change are the bandages on your legs. Why don't you sit on the edge of the counter? I think that'd be the easiest." Raven nods and sits on the edge of the bathroom counter. She pulls her shorts up to allow Logan access to the bandages. Logan kneels down in front of Raven and starts to carefully remove the bandages. "So why didn't you tell the paramedics about these burns at first?"
"I don't know. It's just kinda in an embarrassing area, I guess."
"What do you mean?" Logan switches legs and removes the bandages from that leg.
"Where are your eyes right now? Imagine if you were in my position with someone paying specific attention to that area. And how close they are to another area."
"Okay. Point taken." Logan re-bandages both legs then stands up. "All done." He washes his hands then puts the first aid kit away as Raven gets off the counter. They walk back to Raven's room.
"Are you staying up here with me?" Raven asks as they go into her room.
"I'd love to but it'll probably make the others suspicious. I don't see why we can't hang out together without them thinking we're dating."
"I know. Probably just because we never really hung out much before. And now that we talk more and don't always fight, then that apparently automatically makes them think we're dating."
"Which we are but just because we don't fight as much shouldn't make them assume we are."
"Right." Raven sighs. "Oh well. I guess I'll see you later tonight then?"
"Yes you will. I'll be back up probably between 10 and 11. And I still need to give you your birthday present."
"I think I've had enough of birthday stuff today."
"Fine. I won't give it to you today, but you can still expect it sometime."
"I guess this is something I'll have to get used to."
"Yep." Logan kisses her cheek then takes a step back. "I should probably go back downstairs. The others will be wondering what's taking me so long."
"Yeah. I'll see you later then."
"I can massage your shoulders again too if you need me to."
"Sound great." Logan smiles at her then turns to go back downstairs. Raven goes into her room and changes back into sweats and a long sleeve t-shirt. She sits on her bed leaning against the headboard and reads. Logan goes down to the living room where the other are watching another movie. He sits on the couch to watch with them.
"You took a while up there," Vic comments.
"I was helping Raven change her bandages," Logan says.
"How long is she going to need the bandages?" Dick asks.
"Probably only a couple days," Logan replies. "The doctor said the wounds aren't too bad so it shouldn't take too long for them to heal."
"That's good," Dick says. Logan nods and they all resume watching the movie. When it ends, they all decide to go to their rooms to get ready for bed. Logan goes to his room to change into shorts to sleep in then goes to Raven's room. He knocks on the door.
"It's open," Raven says. Logan opens the door, walks inside, and then closes it again. He sees Raven sitting on her bed, reading. He walks over and sits on the other side of the bed. Raven puts a bookmark in her book then sets the book on her bedside table and turns to Logan.
"Hey," Logan says. "How're you feeling? Stiff again?"
"Not too bad right now," Raven says. "Could I still get a shoulder massage though?"
"Of course. Do you want to be sitting up or laying down?"
"Whatever is easiest for you."
"Either way is fine with me. All depends on which is more comfortable for you."
"Sitting is fine. It requires less movement."
"Alright. Move forward some so I can slide in behind you." Raven moves forward and Logan sits behind her. He starts massaging her shoulders.
"So did the others ask what took you so long?"
"Yep. I told them I was helping you change your bandages."
"Any more comments about us dating?"
"Surprisingly, no."
"I'm shocked."
"Me too. That really would've been an opportune time to bring it up, too. But I'm glad they didn't." They don't talk for the rest of the time Logan is massaging Raven's shoulders. When he finishes, he wraps his arms around her waist and pulls her back into him as he leans back against the headboard. Raven leans her head back against his chest and closes her eyes.
"How is it that you can make me feel so relaxed?" Logan kisses her head then leans his head against hers.
"I hope you don't actually want an answer because I don't really have one." Raven opens her eyes and looks up at him with a small smile on her face.
"Let's go to bed." Logan removes his arms from around Raven then moves out from behind her. Raven lays down on the bed as Logan turns on the bedside lamp and turns off the overhead light. He then gets in bed beside her, turns off the lamp, and lays down. Raven moves closer to him so he can put his arm around her. Logan kisses her forehead.
"Good night, Rae."
"Good night." They both fall asleep shortly after.