That same evening, Richard sent a quick email to Cyborg, asking him to send copies of the security camera footage outside his room. Cyborg said he'd get on it, ASAP. Richard then shut his laptop, gently tossing it to the side and flopped on his back. So far, he hadn't been actively investigating…anything. If anything, he'd been surprisingly apathetic towards the whole situation; and it shocked him. The old, younger him would have been all over this secret admirer thing. He would not have rested until him/her/they were found and brought to justice for this stupid crush. But here he was…day 9 of secret admirer Christmas gifts, and he hadn't even bothered to dust for fingerprints or…anything. It was like he had grown completely…numb.

Richard sat up abruptly, his eyes focused hard on the bathroom door – the only part of the house separating him from Raven. His brow furrowed. Raven had been acting stranger than usual. One minute she was cracking jokes about his secret admirer, the next her demeanor would change. She'd look really worried, like, she was afraid he would be angry with her over something.

Could Raven be his secret admirer? He laid back in bed. None of the signs really pointed to her. And no one knew the location of Bruce's private airport. He, along with Bruce, Alfred, and a select few employees were the only people. And Zatanna had put a secret spell on the pilots and staff. They wouldn't be able to tell anyone if they wanted to.

Raven didn't know where Bruce's private airport was located. They only way she'd be able to find out that information was if she read his mind, and there was no way- he froze. Raven had been in his head. But that was almost 5 years ago. She had confessed to Richard all the memories she saw, and Bruce's private airport was not mentioned. Richard didn't think she would keep it secret. It couldn't be her. The information his admirer was finding on him was more than personal. Only Bruce and Alfred knew about the piper ornaments.

Richard groaned. If this was Alfred and Bruce's way of playing a joke on him – and he wouldn't put it past either of them – he would lose it mentally. He was going to have to keep a close eye on those two.

Richard sleepily made his way down the steps of the manor, surprised to see Raven already awake and engrossed in a conversation with Bruce at the table. Richard smiled when he noticed the multiple waffles on her plate. "Morning, Master Grayson," Alfred greeted, staring at Richard who had stopped at the open doorway.

"Morning, Alfred," Richard decided to sit next to Raven. "Morning," he smiled at her.

"Morning," she replied softly.

"Raven was just updating me on…the gifts you've been receiving," Bruce said seriously. Richard could swear there was a humorous glint in Bruce's eye, but it disappeared as quickly as it came. "Any leads?" Bruce asked. Richard heard the hitch in his voice. Bruce knew something.

"No," Richard stared pointedly at Bruce as Alfred placed a plate of pancakes in front of him. Bruce raised a curious brow.

"Don't you think it's something you should be worried about?" Bruce asked with a raised brow.

"I have Cyborg looking into something," Richard answered. "But I didn't want to bring my work here, to Gotham," he smiled at Raven who looked down at her plate with a blush. "Raven has never really had the opportunity to fully…enjoy Christmas."

"Really?" Bruce's eyebrows raised slightly. "Any plans for today?" Bruce asked.

"Dress shopping," Richard answered as Raven scowled at him. "Raven needs one for the Christmas Eve gala."

"I could make a few calls, set up appointments, so you can have privacy."

"What a marvelous idea, sir," Alfred said.

"Isn't that too last minute?" Raven asked with a furrowed brow. She really didn't want to go dress shopping.

"Not for a Wayne," Richard smiled. "And…you're going to need two dresses?"

"Two?" Raven asked curiously. "Why?"

"I'll tell you later," Richard winked at her. "Bruce, we would greatly appreciate it if you found a way to make a private appointment for us. The last thing we need is to be bombarded by the paparazzi and screaming fangirls."

"That still happens to you?" Raven asked wide-eyed.

"It's not as bad as it used to be, but the fangirls…"

"You have fangirls?" Raven chuckled. "How? Richard Grayson does nothing."

"Um…hello," Richard smiled brightly, making a circular motion around his face. Raven rolled her eyes.

"Ahem," Bruce interrupted the two. "I've made an appointment with Leonard. He's expecting you in an hour."

"Oh, then I need to take a quick shower," Raven said as she stood from the table. She carried her plate to the faucet, but Alfred took it from her before she could more. "Alfred," Raven frowned, "I can wash my own plate."

"Nonsense, Miss Raven. We all have our roles, and mine is to wash the dishes."

"Well, thank you for the waffles. They were very good – better than Cyborg's."

"Don't let him hear you say that," Richard said. He followed the empath with his eyes. Raven gave him a small smile before leaving the kitchen.

Richard turned back to his plate, nearly jumping when he realized Bruce was staring at him intently. "What?" Richard asked.

"You smiled more than a dozen times in the last 10 minutes," Bruce's brow was raised just enough to show he was in awe. Richard didn't know what to say. "You really like her, don't you?" Bruce asked.

"Maybe," Richard answered. He did not want to have this conversation with Bruce.

"Well, the manor should be empty from noon to 3:00 if you do decide to-"

"Omigosh!" Richard dropped his fork. His eyes darted back and forth between Alfred and Bruce. Both were giving him cheeky smiles. "What is up with the innuendos? Do you two know something I don't?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Bruce brought his coffee mug to his mouth.

"I believe you're reading into things, Master Dick," Alfred replied. "But, changing rooms at Leonardo's are big enough for two people, should you decide- "

"Enough!" Richard jumped to his feet. "I'm going! I'm going!" he nearly ran from the kitchen, grateful that Raven had not been present for that conversation.

The two birds left the mansion an hour later.

She rubbed her hands together. They'd finally left the manor…on their way to a fancy boutique for dress-shopping. Her comrade in arms promised enough time to enact their plan. It would take some time, but seriously…he should have figured out his secret admirer by now. Come on! She rolled her eyes. Wasn't he supposed to be the world's youngest detective? The Boy Wonder? Was she not dropping enough hints? The signs were always in front of him. But no, his mind was elsewhere, most likely on his Christmas companion. All right, she sighed. Fourth day of Christmas here she comes. This could take several days.

"Come on, Rae," Richard laughed from his place on the fancy chair, adjusting his sunglasses.

"Would you like a beverage, sir?" one of the female employees asked for the umpteenth time. She batted her eyes and unbuttoned the top of her shirt to show her cleavage. She had been overly friendly all day, and it was beginning to wear on his nerves. Had their roles been reversed, he would have been fired for sexual harassment. "I'm not thirsty, but I would like to speak to whoever is in charge," he smiled, finally playing the I-would-like-to-speak-to-your-manager card. Her face outwardly paled as she went to find her boss. "Rachel!" Richard called her by her civilian name once the female employee left.

"It's not fair," Raven complained from behind the curtain. "Guys have it so easy. They try on one outfit, and then they're done."

"I'll have you know, I tried on three suits," Richard laughed.

"Why can't we get the first one I tried on?" Raven whined. Richard couldn't help himself. He had never heard Raven whine before, and it was hilarious.

"It wasn't…you," he answered.

"It was black, long, and had no sparkles," she moaned.

"We can do better. Now come out, or I'm coming in."

"Excuse me, Mr. Grayson," an elderly man, Leonardo, approached him, "I was told you wanted to see me."

"Yeah, one of your female employees won't stop harassing me. I've rebuffed her advances multiple times, but she doesn't seem to take the hint," he said in annoyance.

"Again?" Leonardo said, squeezing his eyes shut and pinching his nose. "This is the last time I do a favor for family. My apologies, sir, she will be dealt with immediately and- Oh my word," Leonardo looked beyond Richard. Richard turned to see what had caused the elderly gentleman to freeze.

"Oh wow," Richard breathed out. He couldn't help but gawk.

Raven stood in front of the curtain. She wore a long-sleeved, light-blue, sparkling gown, that dipped dangerously low in the back. Jewel-like necklaces drooped in a waterfall style, partly covering her bareback. An opening in the front, a keyhole, drew Richard's eyes immediately. He suddenly had an urge to touch her skin. "Well?" Raven pulled at the sleeves, discomfort present in her gaze.

"You look…um…" Richard was at a loss for words.

"You look wonderful, darling," Leonardo said, walking to her. "May I?" he asked, motioning to her hair. Raven nodded hesitantly. "An updo style would complement this dress perfectly," Leonardo said as pulled bobby pin after bobby pin from his pocket and expertly placed them in Raven's hair. "What do you think, Mr. Grayson?" he asked.

"Um," Richard said again. Raven's magically blue eyes seemed to hold him captive. The updo showed off her long neck, and all Richard wanted to do was lay gentle kisses up and down it.

"The poor boy is speechless," Leonardo laughed. Raven shifted uncomfortably, trying not to blush under Richard's heavy gaze.

"Richard," Raven whispered when Richard still had yet to speak.

"I like it," Richard said in a higher-than-normal voice, "a lot. Like a lot. What do you think, Rae?" Raven turned to face the mirror. She gasped when she saw her reflection. It was her, but it wasn't her.

"Wow," Raven breathed. She barely recognized herself. A wicked smile formed on Richard's face.

"Let's try another one," Richard announced.

"What?" Raven whirled around, facing him with slight horror on her face. "What's wrong with this one?" she asked. "It's perfect."

"I have to agree," Leonardo spoke, "it is perfect."

"I agree," Richard smiled. "You're gorgeous. But you need two dresses. And…I may or may not have promised to send pictures to Kori."

"You know what?" Leonardo looked Raven up and down, "I just received a shipment of sheer, lace gowns."

"Sh-sheer?" Raven stuttered.

"Really?" Richard gave Raven a mischievous look.

"There are several that would look stunning on you. I'll be right back," Leonardo scurried off.

A black spark flickered at the end of Raven's fingers.

"Uh-uh," Richard wagged a finger at her, "no powers. There's cameras everywhere."

"I'm going to get you for this," Raven pointed a finger in his face. Richard winked at her before Raven slowly made her way back into the dressing room.

He smiled to himself. He promised Starfire no such thing, he just figured- when was the next time he'd get to see Raven in a dress. His phone alerted him to a message, just as he was sitting. A large email from Cyborg.

Don't know how this is going to help, but good luck. "What's wrong?" Raven asked. Richard looked up at her. "I sensed a shift in your emotions."

"It's nothing," he smiled reassuringly, "Cyborg was just doing something for me." Leonardo walked in with an armful of dresses. "Try on the pink one," Richard smiled.

"I will kill you," Raven glared. Richard only threw his head back and laughed at her.

Three hours later, Richard and Raven were finally finished. "Well, that was fun," Richard said cheerfully as they both entered his car.

"Fun?" Raven turned to look at him with large eyes, "I tried on 15 dresses."

"You looked great in all of them."

"Fifteen," her body seemed to quake with rage.

"Relax," Richard said, "Why didn't you let me see the last dress?"

"No," Raven said firmly.

"But I- "

"No. I'm mad at you," Raven folded her arms in anger.

"Don't be mad," he chuckled, "I have a surprise for you back at the manor."

"It had better be a good surprise," she mumbled.

"It will be, but first…sustenance."

"Sustenance?" Raven asked.

"Do not worry. You will love this café."

The bell rung as Richard and Raven entered the quaint café. The inside was warm, cozy, and inviting. A realistic but mechanical fireplace rested in the corner where a few small bookshelves sat on either side. A few couches and loveseat sofas were spread throughout while small tables for two were set in the middle. The café was much bigger on the inside.

Soft colors painted the walls, and the gentle smell of coffee filled the air. The place was not too packed, thankfully. "Wow," Raven sighed. "I was expecting you to take me to some rich, expensive, over-the-top restaurant where the prices are huge, but portions are small." Richard laughed quietly. He placed a hand on her lower back and led her to a place by the window where they could watch the snowfall. The chairs were so close together, either their elbows or knees bumped each other. "I've dined at those type of restaurants before. Alfred always made Bruce and I a second dinner," Richard picked up a menu that was already on the table.

"So how does this work?" Raven asked, staring at her own menu.

"Figure out what you want; order and pay at the counter; grab a number; they bring the food out," he answered.

"Hmm…"

"Tea is on the other side."

"I think I'll order something venturous," Raven said.

"Really?" Richard looked at her from over his menu.

"Yep. I'm going to order a hot chocolate."

"Woah. Calm down, party girl."

"Shut up," Raven smiled, kicking him gently under the table.

"You're a regular Evel Knievel," he continued with crooked smile, attempting to block the barrage of kicks he was receiving under the table. Raven shoved his shoulder playfully. "Okay, okay, I'll stop. You know what," Richard paused, "I'm gonna do something a little crazy, too. I'm going to order a coffee with one pack of sugar instead of none." He laughed as Raven began hitting his shoulder, again. "Why so violent?" he asked.

"You made me try on 15 dresses. Fifteen," Raven almost growled.

"You're not going to forgive me, are you?"

"Never," Raven pointed at him menacingly, "I will never forgive you." Richard only smiled adoringly in response. Raven only looked at her hands, hoping that he didn't see her reddening cheeks. Richard totally did.

Raven and Richard left the café nearly two hours later, joking with each other, walking close to each other, their hands brushing now and then. "Now," Raven said, "what big surprise do you have…" her voice trailed off, and she stopped walking. Richard stopped also when he saw why she stopped. "Is that a…" Raven began.

"Yep." On the hood of his car sat a small gift in red and green wrapping paper addressed to Richard. "It could be from one of your many fangirls," Raven offered.

"True." The two heroes slowly crept towards the car.

"What do you want to do?" Raven asked.

"I don't want to touch it because I don't know what it is," he said. "In the Batcave, there's a small room where we put items that may be explosive. The material it's made of is alien. Can you teleport it into that room?"

"Richard," Raven looked at him, "I have to know exactly where that room is for that to work. I've never been inside of the Batcave."

"What if I let you in mind? You can see exactly where this room is." A pained look crossed Raven's face. Richard didn't understand why his request seemed to make her so uncomfortable; it wouldn't be the first time she entered his mind.

"What if I send it to a pocket dimension?" she asked. "That way, I won't have to mess with your mind."

"Raven," Richard turned to her and held her hand, "I trust you. You know this." Raven looked down at their joined hands, biting one side of her lip. She was uncomfortable, and Richard couldn't for the life of him figure out why.

"I don't want to accidentally teleport it into Alfred's kitchen," Raven looked up at him, almost pleadingly.

"Okay," Richard said, not comprehending the emotions she seemed to be emitting.

"Okay," she relaxed with a smile. Checking to make sure the coast was clear, Raven quickly said her mantra, and the gift disappeared. She smiled at him, and Richard couldn't help but return it. "Let's head back," Richard said. The two spent the drive to Wayne Manor in silence, eager to know the contents of the package.

Richard led Raven to the Batcave as soon as they entered the manor, barely greeting the butler. Raven didn't have time to wonder at the massive cave as Richard was in a hurry to get the package in some…container. "Here it is," Richard stopped in front of a clear, square 10 × 10 × 10 room. Raven's hands glowed black before the green and red wrapped present appeared on the floor of the alien room. "What is going on?" they heard Alfred ask from behind them.

"Someone left a gift on the hood of my car. I want to make sure it's not explosive," Richard answered. "Suspicious gifts have been being sent to me since the beginning of December," he added.

"What!" Alfred exclaimed. "Has Master Bruce been made aware?"

"Yes," Richard answered.

"And these gifts- are they being sent to Robin or Richard?"

"Both."

"My word," the butler's eyebrows raised. "Someone knows who you are? Should we be worried."

"I'm handling it, Alfred," Richard walked over to a nearby computer and began typing in commands. "It's going to scan the item," he told Raven. She made a small 'oh' with her mouth.

"Should I be concerned?" Alfred asked as beams of light began scanning the small item on the floor.

"I don't think so," Richard answered.

"Well, that's comforting," Alfred replied dryly.

A minute later, the computer beeped. "Not an explosive. And no fingerprints of any kind," Richard muttered, "not very helpful."

"According to the computer, it's safe to open," Raven said.

"Computers can be hacked," Richard said.

"You really think someone hacked Batman's computer?" Raven asked.

"Well, when you say it like that…" Richard's face turned red. He opened the door to the transparent room and grabbed the gift. The box was small, and it barely weighed more than two pounds. He began unwrapping the present. Of course, there was a card. "On the Fourth Day of Christmas My True Love Came to Me," Richard read with an annoyed groan.

"I'm missing something big here, aren't I?" Alfred asked.

"I'll fill you in later," Richard sighed as he opened the tiny box. Inside was a black, origami bird, its wings spread out in mid-flight. A tiny name tag was attached to its foot. "Call me Colly," Richard read. "What's a colly?"

"It's a black bird," Raven answered automatically. "I think," she added with a blush when Richard gave her quizzical look."

"Ahh…in the song," Alfred began, "people used to sing 'colly birds' instead of 'calling'. And it was more about the bird's color rather than voice."

"How do you know this, Alfred?" Richard asked.

"I'm old," he answered.

"But this is just one bird," Raven spoke, "does that mean you should expect more…here?"

"I suggest you alert Master Wayne. Maybe he could shed some light on…this," Alfred said.

"I had Cyborg send me copies of our security videos, namely the ones outside my bedroom," Richard said. "Bruce's computers are better than ours at the tower."

"Don't let Cyborg hear you say that," Raven came to stand by him.

"I'm sorry, Raven," Richard turned to her, "I was going to take you on an extensive tour of the library. That was supposed to be your surprise." Richard had often imagined Raven's facial expression when she stepped foot into the Wayne library for the first time. He frowned. It was such a shame he wouldn't be there to see it. "Maybe Alfred can give you a tour?" Richard suggested uneasily.

"That's okay," Raven gave a tentative smile. "Just point me in the right direction." Richard rattled off directions to the library. "Thank you," Raven said before disappearing into a black portal.

"Well played, Master Dick," Alfred stated wryly, giving him a look of disappointment.

"What?" Richard asked the butler, bringing up security tapes on the big screen. "She'll be fine. Raven will be in her element. She won't even notice my absence."

It was at this moment that Alfred felt like a failure. He fought the urge to slap himself and then the young man in front of him. "Are you quite certain that this can't wait?" Alfred asked as Richard settled into a computer chair.

"Positive," Richard answered.

"Well," Alfred sat next him, "tell me everything that has happened with this 'secret admirer,'" Alfred demanded, daring Richard to deny him his request.

"Fine," Richard groaned, leaning against the desk. "It started with apples…"

She wasn't upset. Sure, she wanted to him to spend as much time with her as possible, but Richard had always been obsessive. That was what concerned her the most when she started this whole thing- his obsessive nature. There was nothing she could do about it now. The only thing she could do was plan out day 3. Also, she needed a book on stars.