Chapter 7

Raven was brought back to the Titans Tower safely. She was lying down on the living room couch, still asleep. She felt at peace, no longer consumed in the dark prisons of the sea. The other Titans waited impatiently and nervously for Raven's awakening. Robin sat at the kitchen table with the others, running his hand through his hair in frustration. Beast Boy was making tofu eggs for breakfast, trying to calm down.

"Has Raven awaken from her slumber yet?" asked Starfire with a concerned look.

"No. .Not yet, Star," said Cyborg, who was worried as well.

Raven had been out-cold all night on the couch. It was morning now. Everyone thought 'Shouldn't she be awake by now?'. She was still breathing lightly, so it was proof she was alive. Worry rose up in Robin, causing him to become more and more impatient.

"I'm going to check up on her, I'm getting concerned," he said, as he rose from the table and walked into the living room.

He stopped at one side of the couch. Raven was still laying there, her eyes closed. Last night, Starfire helped her into pajamas, Cyborg carried Raven to the couch, and Beast Boy wrapped a blanket over her for warmth. Robin looked at her sleeping face. Her complexion appeared younger, innocent. 'She really is cute when she's asleep,' Robin thought. He sat down on another couch close-by. He reached out his hand and placed it gently on her forehead. It was a little warm, but not burning hot. Suddenly, she gasped, and Robin took his hand away, alarmed. Raven gasped again, and then calmed down to her earlier state. She sneezed loudly, rising up to a sitting position.

"Bless you."

Raven turned towards Robin.

"Thanks. ." she said in a raspy voice.

"Are you ok? You don't sound too good."

"Yeah, I'm fine, rea-eh-ACHOO!"

"Bless you, again"

"Thanks."

She brought her hand to the side of her head and winced as she felt pain. A bruise had formed from the blow of the street lamppost. Robin got up and examined the bump on her head.

"Looks like you have a bruise there. Want some ice to numb the pain?"

Raven nodded and lay back down. Robin left the living room and back into the kitchen. The Titans leaned towards him for news on Raven.

"She's awake, she'll be ok."

"Oh joy!" said Starfire with glee.

"Thank goodness," sighed Cyborg.

"Good to hear that she's ok," said Beast Boy, putting the last touches to his tofu eggs.

"Wait, I'm not done. She's ok, but it seems she's getting a cold and she has a bump on the side of her head. I don't think she'll be crime-fighting for a few days, so let's try and make her feel comfortable."

"We shall, for she is our dear friend."

"Is it ok if we all go see her?"

"She just woke up, give her a while to settle down."

"Alright."

"Hey, how about I make her some of my famous tofu eggs? That'll cheer her up!" said Beast Boy, going straight to work on the eggs.

"Tofu. . .Bleh," said Cyborg under his breath.

"Tofu's good for you! It's better than eating meat that used to be part of an animal."

"Yo, what do you have against meat?"

"I become what meat used to be! It's like you're eating me!"

"But I'm not eating you!"

Beast Boy and Cyborg's "meat" argument went on and on. Robin shook his head from side to side as he got some ice from the freezer.

"May I help with the frozen cubes of water?" asked Starfire.

"No, that's alright Starfire, I got it."

He took out the ice from the tray and poured them into an ice pack.

"Actually, Starfire, can you go to the guest bathroom and get me the thermometer?"

"Ther-mom-ih-tor?"

"It's a long, skinny tube that has like a red line in it. It's right in the medicine cabinet."

"Oh! I see! I shall fetch that then."

"Thanks."

Robin picked up the ice pack and walked out of the kitchen. He stepped into the living room and up to the couch. He reached over and handed the ice pack to Raven.

"Here you go."

"Thank you."

Raven took the ice pack and carefully placed it on the bruise.

"You ok?"

"Peachy. ." she said sarcastically.

Robin smirked at her comment. Starfire appeared in the room with the thermometer in her hand.

"Here is the ther-mom-ih-tor, Robin."

"Thanks, Star."

Robin took the thermometer out of the plastic tube that covered it, careful not to touch the tip that would go into the mouth.

"Open wide."

"I hate thermometers. ." said Raven.

"I hate them too, but in order to check your temperature we're going to have to use this. Now c'mon, open your mouth. .please?" said Robin, trying to give a "puppy-dog" look.

"Fine, I'll get it over with."

Robin gently placed the thermometer in her mouth. They waited five minutes, and Robin took out the thermometer, checking Raven's temperature.

"Hm. . .100. .That's not good," he said, putting the thermometer aside," You're going to have to stay at the tower for a few days until you get better, and plus you have a delicate bruise on your head that needs to heal. I'll be here for you if you need anything. I'll do anything to make you feel better."

Raven looked at him. Hearing his sincere words took her mind off her cold.

"You'd. .You would do anything. .for me?"

"Of course I would."

He placed his hand on hers warmly. Raven tried to hide a smile from him, but it didn't work. She looked away, turning slightly red.

"Wow, dark and emotionless Raven is smiling?"

"Oh c'mon, I wasn't smiling," she said, as she tried to act like her normal self.

"No, I saw you smiling there."

Robin grinned as he noticed that he "busted her chops".

"Don't beat yourself up over it, it's ok to smile."

Raven nodded her head. She pulled the blanket up to cover herself from the chills. She cleared her throat and looked down at her knees.

"Robin. ."

"Yeah?"

"Thanks. .for last night."

"You're welcome. Raven. .you don't how scared I was when I saw you fall into the sea. When I got you back up to the bridge, all I could think was 'Don't let her die. Don't let her die.' I'm sorry I didn't get you sooner. It's my fault. I should've kept an eye on you, then Jynx wouldn't have smacked you in the head and-"

"Robin. Calm your emotions, please."

"I'm sorry," said Robin, as he looked down at the floor.

"It's alright." She covered her mouth as she coughed. She then continued her sentence. "Look it wasn't your fault at all, Robin. Things happen, it's in the past now. Thinking about it day after day will not help you at all. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be here talking to you."

Robin looked up and half-smiled.

"I meant it when I said that I was glad you were ok."

"Why. "

"Why what?"

". . .Why do you care for me?"

"Why wouldn't I care?"

Raven stared at him for a minute. This sincerity that Robin showed was no act, it was real. It actually was real. She looked deep into his masked eyes.

"Robin. . .I-"

"Morning sleepy head!" yelled Beast Boy, as he strolled into the living room with a tray of tofu eggs, soy milk, and white bread toast. "How about a tofu-ey meal to make you feel better?"

"Tofu doesn't make you feel better! Meat does!" protested Cyborg, as he appeared with a tray of sausage links, bacon, and eggs.

Beast Boy rushed forward to get to Raven before Cyborg did. Cyborg bumped Beast Boy to the side, Beast Boy nearly dropping the tray.

"Why you-"

Beast Boy stomped forward ahead of Cyborg.

"Guys, relax," said Robin.

Beast Boy and Cyborg glared at each other before looking at Raven with huge smiles.

"Raven, I made you a nutritious, non-meat breakfast! Hope you like it!" grinned Beast Boy, as he handed the tray to Raven.

"Thanks Beast Boy."

"You haven't had a good breakfast 'til you've had my meat breakfast! You'll feel better in no time!" said Cyborg, handing his tray to Raven.

"Thank you, Cyborg."

"Do you need anything?"

"No, I'm fine."

"You sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure."

"Holler if you need us, 'k?"

"Sure."

"She's going to like the tofu better."

"No she ain't. She'll prefer meat."

As they walked away, the "tofu-meat" argument went on. Raven sweat dropped while Robin shook his head.

"I swear it if I hear those two argue about tofu and meat one more time. . ."

"I know what you mean," smirked Raven.

She began picking at both Beast Boy and Cyborg's meals with a fork, poking at the tofu eggs. Robin looked at her face, and smiled warmly. Her eyes were half-hidden from sleep; her nose was slightly pink from the cold; her long eyelashes brushed against her cheeks as she blinked; the red jewel upon her forehead glowed. Raven's simple beauty intrigued Robin. 'So pretty. .' Raven sensed his thoughts, and looked up at him. His smile was still there.

"What?"

Robin shook his head.

"Nothing."

He rose up and walked to Raven's couch.

"I'll be right back, I just need to get washed, ok?"

"Ok," she said weakly.

Robin brushed a lock of Raven's hair out of her face, his gloved hand
resting on her cheek for a second. He took his hand away and left for the shower. Raven placed her hand on her face, where Robin's hand used to be a
second ago. She smiled lightly at the thought of him. 'This feeling is so
unlike me. .It's so. .nice. .Amazing how the Boy Wonder can make me feel this way. .Robin. .' Raven's eyes widened, repeating that last thought in her head. '. . .Please don't tell me I'm getting all gushy over a guy.' She
shook her head, emptying out her thoughts and emotions. She turned on her
side and relaxed, pulling the covers over herself for
warmth.

She slept for about an hour and a half. To pass time, she read a collection of Edgar Allan Poe's poems, delighted by the darkness and mystery blending onto each page. One particular, "The Raven."

"Then this ebony bird beguiling my sad fancy into smiling, By the grave and stern decorum of the countenance it wore, "Though thy crest be shorn and shaven, thou," I said, "art sure no craven, Ghastly grim and ancient Raven wandering from the Nightly shore-- Tell me what thy lordly name is on the Night's Plutonian shore!" Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore." "

"Raven!" called Starfire.

Her loud voice broke Raven's concentration on reading, becoming slightly annoyed.

"Raven! You must try this recipe I had just made. It is special on my planet and we eat it when we are feeling unhealthy. I recommend it to you since you are unhealthy."

"Er. ."

She looked at this "recipe" in the bowl Starfire held. It looked like a glop of clay, bubbling like lava. Raven made a twisted face, trying to look pleased.

"Um. .Thank you, Starfire, I'll be sure to eat it in a minute."

"Oh no, you must eat it now! Its medicine will wear off easily if left alone. Allow me."

"Starfire, really, you don't need to-"

Raven was silenced as Starfire spooned the recipe into her mouth. It tasted like stale pancake mix and vinegar.

"Well, is it working?"

Raven's eyes were tearing and she looked like she grew 6 times sicker. She swallowed hard and covered her mouth, controlling herself from vomiting. She coughed and spoke in a rusty voice.

"That was. . .different," she said, coughing once more.

"Oh joy! Would you like another taste?"

"No!. .I mean, no, Stafire, that's alright."

"Oh, alright. Please call me if you need assistance!"

"I will. . Hey Starfire?"

"Yes?"

"Thanks for trying to help me feel better."

"You are very welcome, Raven. You are, how do you say, "under the weather", and you need assistance. Friends help each other."

Raven half-smiled. Even though Starfire got on her nerves like hell, sometimes she could get along with her quite well, despite their differences.

Starfire left the room, holding the bowl in her hands. The rotten taste of the recipe began to fade from Raven's mouth.

"Hello Beast Boy!" said Starfire.

"Hey Star," he replied as he passed her by.

Beast Boy walked over to Raven's couch.

"Hey Ray, there's this girl here that says she knows you. You know anyone named 'Isis'?

"Oh yeah. Bring Isis in."

"Sure. You can come in, she's not cranky," he said, grinning at Raven.

Raven stuck her tongue out at him in reply. Isis appeared in the living room, wearing her hair in a high pony-tail. She wore a black sleeve-less shirt with blood red swirl designs on it, a black sailor skirt, fish net stockings, black boots, and to finish the outfit: her usual Egyptian ankh.

"Hey Raven. Are you ok?"

"I'm hanging in there."

Isis made her way to the couch to speak to Raven. Beast Boy stood where he was, trying to brush his hair back and giving his best smile to impress Isis. He marched forward with confidence.

"So what brings you here?" Raven asked.

"I wanted to check up on you. I heard the news this morning from the nearby residents and they said something about you falling into the sea. I panicked and had to come over to see if you were ok."

"That's nice of you."

"Hey, anytime," she said with smile. "So, how are you and your future boy- friend getting along?"

"Huh?" asked Raven, turning slightly red.

"Yo, Isis."

Isis turned around and looked down onto Beast Boy, who was giving his best charm smile.

"Yes?"

"How's it chillin', girl?"

Isis giggled at his remark. Raven just smacked her hand to her forehead, shaking her head.

"Um, fine, thanks for asking."

"You doin' anything tonight?"

'He's so pathetic sometimes. .' thought Raven.

"I'm sorry, Beast Boy, but I have to work at the café late tonight. Maybe some other time. Thanks for asking, you're a cute, little guy."

"Well I- wait. .'little'? 'Cute'?

Isis smiled at him and sat down on the extra couch. Beast Boy scratched his head and walked off.

"'Cute?'"

Beast Boy repeated the words until he got to the kitchen. Robin came from the hallway entrance, his hair still a little wet.

"Hey Robin?"

"Yeah, BB?"

"Why don't girls find me hot?"

"Don't ask me."

"I mean, I give the dashing smile, and I give the wink. What am I missing?"

"Well, just don't try too hard to impress girls. Just act calm, that's all."

"Hm. .'act calm'. .I gotta write that down. Thanks, Rob."

"No problem."

Robin opened the refrigerator door to look for something to eat while Beast Boy practiced his pick-up lines.

Meanwhile, Isis and Raven were having a conversation in the living room.

"So?"

"'So' what?"

"So, how are you and Robin getting along? How was the party?"

"Oh. .Robin and I are. .Well, same as before I guess. We get along fine. The party was actually nice, with the exception of dancing fools."

Isis giggled at her remark.

"Besides that. What happened with Robin?"

"Well, he asked me to dance. And. . .it was nice. . I didn't want it to stop. When he held me, it felt so. .right."

"Wow. .Raven, that's one of the best feelings to have. If it feels right, then it must be right. Did you tell him anything yet?"

"Not yet."

Isis turned her head as Robin came into sight.

"Why don't you tell him now, here he comes."

Raven sucked in air to calm her nerves. Isis turned towards Robin and greeted him.

"Hey Robin."

"Oh Isis, hey. I haven't seen you since Plasmus attacked. How are you?"

"I'm fine. Everything is good at the café. How is crime fighting going?"

"It's the same. Though we're going to have to train a little more in order to defeat Slade's henchmen."

"I hope you get him and his crew. Good luck with it."

"Thanks."

Isis checked her watch to see what time it was.

"Shoot. .I need to go, I need to get back to my job. I'll see you later, Raven! Feel better!" said Isis, as she hugged Raven good-bye.

"Bye. Thanks for coming."

"You're welcome. See you, Robin."

"Later."

Isis leaned towards Robin and whispered to him.

"Be good to her, you hear?"

"Um, ok," he replied, not knowing what she meant.

Isis waved good-bye and left out of sight. Robin faced Raven and walked over to her couch.

"Hey, are you feeling ok?"

"A little, I guess. My head stills hurts."

"Oh. Do you need some ice?"

"No. I'll try and use my healing power on it to bring the swelling down."

"Are you sure you want to use your powers while you're sick?"

"Yes I'm sure. I can handle it."

"Just be careful."

"Robin, I will. Why are you so worried?"

"It's just. .I feel guilty about you being sick and all and I just want you to feel comfortable. I don't like it when people I care about are sick."

Raven smiled. In a second, she smacked it off and went back to professional mode.

"Well, I appreciate that but really, I'll be ok."

Raven kicked off the blanket and tried to rise up on her feet.

"Carefu-"

"I'll be ok. I can do this by myself."

She leaned on the armrest for support. Raven took a step slowly. Letting go of the armrest, she took another step. She stopped dead in the tracks as the room became blurry. Her breathing quickened, and as if the pressure of gravity increased, her body fell towards the floor.

"Raven!"

Robin yelled out and ran forward, stretching his arms out. He caught Raven's limping body in his strong arms, holding her tight. Raven's eyes slowly opened, the side of her face pressed up against Robin's chest.

"Robin?. ."

"It's ok, I caught you. I don't think you can make it to your room by yourself in this condition."

"I can. .make it."

"Raven, you can hardly stand up."

Raven placed her hand on Robin's shoulder as she attempted to stand up straight.

"Easy there."

Robin held her, just in case she fell again. Raven tried best as she could to stay up. Unfortunately, the attempt failed and she became limp once more.

"I can't do it."

"Want me to carry you?"

"No. I might be too heavy for you."

Robin bent down and scooped Raven off her feet.

"Hm. .you don't seem heavy at all," he said, shrugging his shoulders.

Raven's cheeks turned a few shades of pink. She decided to relax as Robin carried her through the halls. Her head rested on his chest, the sound of his heart beat bringing her comfort.

"Almost there," announced Robin.

Raven nuzzled her face in the soft material of Robin's grey cotton shirt. He blushed at the face, and swallowed hard in the throat. He walked through the forever shadowed halls. It somewhat gave Robin an uncomfortable feeling. It all ended when he finally reached Raven's bedroom door.

"We're here."

Raven opened her eyes and turned her head towards the door. She felt a little disappointed, knowing that she'd have to leave Robin's arms. Robin tried as best as he could to slide the door open.

"C'mon. .Almost. ."

"I got it," said Raven weakly.

Using her telekinetic power she slid open the door.

"Thanks."

Raven nodded. She was too tired to reply. Robin walked into Raven's room for the first time. 'Nice room,' thought Robin. He carried Raven over to her bed and gently lay her down. Raven was close to jumping back in his arms, but she decided to keep her cool instead.

"Thanks for carrying me here, Robin."

"You're welcome. Do you need any blankets?"

"No, I'm fine. It's warm in here anyway."

"Alright. You rest up now, you hear? If you need anything call me."

"I will."

Robin smiled down at her. Surprisingly, she replied with a sweet smile of her own. 'She's smiling! Raven never smiles. She must be really sick, then.' Robin left her room and quietly closed the door, leaving Raven by herself. She turned over on her stomach and buried her face into the soft, white pillow. Her eyes grew heavy and weary, and they slowly began to close. She drifted off to a pleasant sleep, still having the feeling of Robin's protective arms around her.

Author's Note: Well, there's Chapter 7. Sorry about the long delay, homework and reports have been taking up most of my time. I hate 8th grade so much . Um, hopefully I can type up Chapter 8 soon, though it'll take me a while (I don't know how long) since I am on the corner of Writer's Block, and that's not good ^-^; You might have to be patient, I'm trying the best I can to type this fan fic up. Again, thank you for the reviews, I'm glad to hear people are enjoying my fic and I hope you will continue reading it as I post new chapters. RxR forever! :D