Chapter 11
Author's Note: Two more chapters and this fic is done. Wow. Already? Anyway, I must warn you before you read this chapter. Do NOT be deceived by the ending. Read Chapter 12 right after this chapter. You'll see why. And do not worry, Star will not be some psycho in these chapters, that'd be wrong. Also, I do not read the original comics, so I am not totally sure about the pasts of Raven and Robin. Some of it in this chapter will be acurate, and some of it will be made up by myself. I just wanted to tell you that.
~*~* I dedicate these last chapters to Mrs. Gaia Calabrese. May her soul rest in peace in the heavens up above.~*~*
Raven slid open her bedroom door and walked in. She felt tired from the long day. She rubbed her dry eyes as they slightly itched. 'Must be from crying earlier today. .Did I cry that much?' She lazily took off her clothes and slipped into soft pajamas. Raven folded her clothes and threw them in the hamper. In the corner of her eye, she could see her uniform in the garbage can. 'No need for that in the trash.'
She bent over and picked up her uniform, adding it to the clothes in the hamper.
Raven flicked off the lights and flopped into bed. 'Ah, the warm, welcoming blankets. So nice.' She rested her head onto the pillow. She turned over on her back and stared at the ceiling, slowly awaiting her slumber. The feeling of Robin's strong, yet gentle arms around her was still present. She felt protected and safe in his embrace. 'I want to stay in his arms forever more,' she thought. Raven lightly smiled as her eyelids closed shut for the night. Sweet dreams.
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A light tapping on the window was present. The clouds were stone gray and the air was humid. The morning felt so mellow and dull. Warm blankets covered Raven's body. She wished to sleep more in this welcoming warmth. Her eyes opened slightly, a dull light revealed the fact that it was morning once again. 'Already..?' Raven turned over on her side, away from the window.
"More sleep," she mumbled.
She let out a deep sigh. She rubbed her droopy eyes and rose to a sitting position. Looking through the window, she could see raindrops pitter-patting on the glass. A light thunder echoed off the walls. Thunder. It was a sound that was so calming.
Raven stretched out her arms and got out of bed. She slowly walked over to her bathroom and brushed her teeth. Her eyes were half-closed, but she was wide awake. After rinsing out her mouth, she walked out of the bathroom and slipped on simple pale-blue slippers. The door slid open telekinetically as she made her way for the kitchen. Maybe some food will boost up some energy. Raven levitated into the kitchen, noticing that someone was watching television in the living room.
Beast Boy sat comfortably on the couch with a bowl of cereal in his hands. Nothing like cartoons in the morning to start off your day, huh? On the screen, there were three young boys: a short, loud boy who loves money; a thin, intelligent boy with a black ski cap on his head; and a tall, dumb, uni-browed boy. This trio was planning yet another scheme to gain some money for jaw-breakers.
'Hey! That bird stole my quarter! I hate birds!'
'I like chickens, Eddy.'
"Hah ha ha!" laughed Beast Boy, as he pointed to the screen.
"Enjoying your cartoons, Beast Boy?" asked Raven from the kitchen.
"Oh.."
Beast Boy flipped the channel.
"Uh..What makes you think I'm watching cartoons? Heh heh. ."
"Hmm. ."
When Raven wasn't looking, Beast Boy turned on Cartoon Network once more. Raven took some bread from the fridge and placed them in the toaster oven. As she waited for the slices of bread to heat up, she prepared some jasmine tea for herself.
"Aw man! Don't tell me it's raining!" yelled Cyborg from the hallway.
He stomped out of his room and into the kitchen.
"Sleep well, Cyborg?"
"Yeah, just fine. And I was planning on seeing today's football game at Gotham City Stadium. But it just HAD to rain. Now it's canceled! Ugghh. . ."
"You could see it tomorrow then. It's just a day."
"I guess so."
Cyborg dragged himself into the living room and flopped down onto the couch.
"Can we watch something else besides cartoons?" asked Cyborg.
"Dude, I like this show!"
Raven rolled her eyes as she carefully took out the toasted bread and placed it on a paper plate.
"The arguments annoy you too, huh?"
Raven turned her head towards the hallway entrance to see Robin in his slate grey pajamas. She smirked at his comment.
"Oh, you mean all the senseless arguments for some device? No, not at all," she joked.
Robin chuckled.
"So, how'd you sleep."
"Fine. You?"
"Like a log."
Robin stretched his arms upward as he made his way to the cabinets. He checked to see if there was any cereal left. Ah, the last box. Robin grinned as he grabbed the box and a bowl. He tilted the box downward into the bowl, however no cereal came tumbling out. He shook the box harder. Nothing. Robin growled deep in his throat.
"Ok, who ate all the cereal?"
A loud crunch sound escaped Beast Boy's mouth. His eyes widened. He remained as silent as he could.
"It wafsn meh," he said, with a mouth full of milk and cereal.
Robin's eyes narrowed in his direction.
"Ugh. .I'll just have eggs then."
Robin opened the refrigerator door and looked for eggs. 'Hopefully they aren't buried in this blue furry junk,' he thought. Beast Boy arose from the couch and put the empty bowl into the sink. He lightly hiccupped and sighed.
"Good ol' Frosted Flakes. ."
"So you ate all the cereal, I assume?" asked Robin.
"Um. .Gotta go!"
Beast Boy ran off and down the hallway. 'Note to self: stay away from pretty boy's cereal,' he thought. Beast Boy slowed down his pace and calmly walked to his room. On his way, he passed by Starfire's room. He stopped in his tracks, for he heard Starfire speaking to someone. 'Everyone's in the living room chillin' out. Who is Star talkin' to?' Beast Boy knocked on her door three times.
"Yo, Star? Who you talkin' to?"
The door opened all the way, revealing Starfire in her fluffy, pink night-gown.
"Ah! Friend Beast Boy. Please come in, I am in need of your assistance."
"Sure."
Starfire welcomed him into her room. He looked around. The walls were painted tickle-me pink; on a dresser were little unicorns of all different colors; the bed was covered with lavender sheets with white stars on them; and last, a long mirror, framed with polished wood, hung on the wall. 'I think I just stepped into Barbie World.'
"So, you need my help, huh?"
"Yes."
"With what?"
"Well. .I am preparing a speech for. .someone. ."
"Cool. Who's it for?"
". .I am embarrassed to tell you. Let us just say he is one of our friends. ."
"Oh, a 'he'? Heh heh, let me guess, Robin?"
Starfire grew a shocked expression on her face.
"How did you know?! I had not spoken about this situation to you before."
"Dur, everyone knows. It's pretty obvious. So, what you wanna tell him anyway?"
"I. .wish to tell him. .how I feel about him."
"'Confess your love' you mean?"
"Yes. I have prepared a speech and I wish to know if it is good enough."
"I'll be the judge of that. I'll pretend to be Rob, 'k?"
"Alright."
Beast Boy sat on a nearby chair. He sat up straight, flexing his muscles trying to imitate Robin. Starfire giggled.
"You have something to tell me, Star?" said Beast Boy, in a deep voice.
"Yes, 'Robin.' I wish to tell you something. I am being completely honest with you. Ever since I have been acquainted with you, I have had feelings. These feelings are. .how do you say. . joyous. I like you very much. I wish to tell you that. .I love you."
Beast Boy nodded his head. He slouched and relaxed his muscles, indicating that he was himself again.
"Not bad. I like it. I don't know what he'll say to you after that though."
"I hope he feels the same."
"Who knows? Only Rob can tell you the answer."
"Thank you for your time, Beast Boy."
"No prob, Star. Good luck with it, 'k?"
Beast Boy patted Star on the shoulder and left her room. 'Hope you have better luck in love than I've had.'
Robin finished the last of his breakfast whole-heartedly, enjoying the taste of eggs and ketchup. Raven made a disgusted face at the sight of ketchup and eggs together.
"How can you eat eggs with ketchup?"
Robin shrugged. He swallowed and wiped his mouth with a napkin.
"I like it. I've been doing that since I was a kid."
He picked up the paper plate and threw it in the trash.
"Hey Ray, are you doing anything on this rainy day?"
"No. Why do you ask?"
"I was wondering if you could help me put together a new bookcase that was delivered yesterday. What do you say?"
"Sure, I have nothing better to do."
"Cool. Hey Cyborg, you want to join us?"
"Sorry, Rob," said Cyborg from the living room, "I need to repair some damages on the T-Car soon."
"It's ok. I guess it's just you and me, Raven."
"Seems to be."
"Ok, meet me at my bedroom door in about. .10 minutes? I need to clean up a bit."
"Whatever, it's fine with me."
"Alright. See you in 10."
Robin disappeared into the hallway, leaving Raven to herself at the table. 'Just him and I in his room? Why don't I like the sound of that?. .Wait, what am I thinking? Robin wouldn't try anything stupid. Besides, he knows I can destroy the living day lights out of him if he were to cross my path.' Raven arose from the kitchen table and made her way towards her room. She entered and closed her door shut. 'I should at least freshen up a bit.' She went into the bathroom, stripped off her pajamas, and took a refreshing shower. The warm water washed away the sleepiness and enlightened Raven's dry skin. She turned off the water and stepped out, wrapping a fluffy white towel around herself.
Raven took out a brush and ran it through her wet hair. Straight and tangle-free, as usual. After towel-drying her hair, she slipped on underwear and tossed on some comfortable heather grey pants and a dark purple short-sleeved shirt with a black crescent moon on the front. She put on her slippers and walked out the door. As she started on her way to Robin's room, her heart began to beat faster than usual. 'Why is my heart beating so quickly? I should be calm about this. Please, I am just helping Robin with some bookcase, it's not like some date.' She smiled to herself at the thought of a date. 'Romance with Robin. Sounds like a movie.' A nearby vase on an end table began to shake as Raven passed by. 'Wait, stop it! All this just because he needs help with something?. .I despise my young hormones SO much. .'
At high speed, Robin put away clothes that were thrown everywhere in his room. Lazy lazy. He shoved the last bit of clothes in the closet and wiped the sweat off his forehead.
"Phew. .That's the last of that. Now to get washed up."
Robin quickly ran into the bathroom, took off his clothes, and had a nice shower. He squirted some shampoo on his head and ran his fingers through his soapy hair. After rinsing off the bubble foam, he turned off the water and stepped out. Grabbing a towel off the rack, Robin dried off his hair and body. He slipped on a clean pair of boxers, midnight blue jeans, and a simple black shirt. He decided to not gel up his hair today. He'll leave his coal black hair alone for one day. Last but not least, he applied his mask to his face to conceal his identity. 'Might as well get the supplies ready.'
Robin tore open the thick, rectangular brown box from the mail and took out 2 long wooden boards, five medium length wooden boards, and a plastic bag full of screws and nails. Setting them aside, he brought out a toolbox he borrowed from Cyborg. 'All set.' Just then, he heard a knock on the door. 'That must be Raven.' He rose from the floor and opened the door to find Raven standing in front of him.
"Hey Raven."
'Robin?. .He looks different with his hair down. He looks kind of. .nice.' Raven slightly blushed, but went back to non-emotions mode and spoke.
"Hey. So, let's get started on that bookcase."
"Right on."
Raven found the necessary objects on the floor, placed together closely.
"What should we do first?" asked Raven.
"Well," said Robin, "let's start with the outer boards, then we'll place in the shelves."
"Sounds good."
Robin stands up one board steadily.
"Can you get the other board, please?"
"Sure."
Using telekinesis, Raven raised one medium sized board and placed it in the correct position. Robin took out two nails, a hammer, and started hitting the nails into the wood.
"Hold it there for one more second."
Smack! Smack! Smack!
"Alright. You can let go now."
Raven released the power hold on the board.
"Are you up for the next board?"
"Bring it on."
Robin grinned. They repeated the same process once more. With one difference.
"Ow!. .Ah, my finger."
"What is it?"
"I hammered my thumb. .Ow," complained Robin.
Raven couldn't help but laugh to herself and roll her eyes.
"Here."
Raven reached out for his hand. Placing each hand on one side of Robin's hand, she closed her eyes and concentrated on her power. 'Her hands feel warm,' Robin thought,'. .Feels nice.' A glow formed around her hands. Robin felt the swelling slowly wasting away. The glow died down and Raven took away her hands.
"Thanks."
"No problem."
He sent a smile her way. She lightly smiled and looked away.
"So, let's finish up this case."
"Right."
They began to place in the shelves, making sure that the spaces between them were even. One shelf was left, and then the case would be complete. Robin bent down to pick up the board. As he attempted to grab the board, his hands met up with Raven's pale, delicate hands. They looked up at each other in embarrassment.
"Sorry," they both recited.
They placed in the last shelf, while avoiding eye contact.
"Alright, we're done."
"It looks good."
Robin stood back and admired the work he and Raven finished.
"Now let's get the books up," said Robin.
"You read books?" asked Raven.
"Of course."
"I'm surprised. I never see you with a book."
"I usually read before I go to bed. I don't know, I guess you could say that's my routine."
Raven nods her head. Robin walks towards his closet and opens the door. After throwing the hidden clothes towards the far back of the closet, he slid out a big box full of books of different sizes.
"Ok, let's put up these books."
"Do you want them in order?"
"No, just put them in."
Raven bent over and started placing books on the shelves, as did Robin. She picked up one and read the title. ' "Of Mice and Men." Sounds like him.' Raven placed it next to the other books. Taking another book from the box, she read it's title. ' "Sherlock Holmes." Not bad. .' She placed the book on the shelf. She read the title of the next picked-up book and nearly fainted. ' "The Collection of Edgar Allan Poe's Masterpieces." '
"Oh my God. ."
"What?"
"You read Edgar Allan Poe stories?"
"Some of them, yeah."
'I could kiss you,' she thought.
"I love his work. Why do you read his stories?"
"I'm not much up for the horror, but I do love the mystery he writes in some compositions. He was the Father of Mystery you know."
"I'm impressed."
Robin grinned like a goof. As he placed the last book onto the shelf, the bookcase was now a library.
"Phew. .All done. I couldn't have done this without you, Ray. Thanks."
"You're welcome. To be honest, it was better than meditating."
"Oh really? Better than meditating?" asked Robin, crossing his arms and smirking.
"Ok, I enjoy meditating and spending some time isolated from others. But. .spending time with you was better than those things."
Robin half-smiled.
"I like spending time with you. Raven, I want to know you better. You've already told me about the Raven of the past. .tell me about the Raven of the present."
". .You really want to know, don't you?"
"Yeah."
"Fine. I will tell you about myself. But nothing we speak about shall be known by others."
"Fine with me."
"And in exchange, tell me about who you are."
"Well, ok, it's fair enough."
"Alright."
Robin and Raven sat down on the floor across from each other. Raven was sitting in Indian style, while Robin lay on his side, propping up his head with his hand.
"Let's start with you. .What books do you like?"
"Anything by Edgar Allan Poe and Stephen King."
"King's good."
"Scariest books I have read are by him."
"What are your favorite colors?"
"Black, navy blue, and violet."
"Favorite food?"
"Hmm. .noodles, sushi, and pizza."
"Favorite bands?"
"Evanescence, Linkin Park-"
"Linkin Park rocks, they're great."
"Aren't they? Their music isn't about some 'girl next door' like other rock bands, they actually sing about real feelings and experiences."
"Exactly. The lyrics you hear in their music: I been through those things."
"Same with me."
"We should go to a concert sometime together, it'd be great."
"Sure."
Raven stretched out her legs. After sitting in Indian style for a while, her legs began to lose circulation.
"You had told me that you used to live in a place called 'Azareth.' How did you get here to Gotham City?"
"Uh. . .When I was ten, Azar had died of old age, leaving me alone. I could not turn to my father for obvious reasons. He was imprisoned in some force field prison. It is guarded by my mother. I was left alone so I came here in search for a place to stay. A kind woman that found me off the street took me to an orphanage. I'll never forget her. I was taken care of for a few years. I did not get along well with others. Most of them feared me because of my powers, so I never had any friends."
"I'm sorry."
"It's not a big deal really. I have people with me who care for me, so it does not matter."
Robin smiled.
"Anyway, a few years had passed. At 14, I had first heard of Teen Titans."
Robin laughed to himself.
"What?"
"I remember when I first met you. You were so shy, and to cover it up you tried to act all emotionless."
"I was not shy."
"Yes you were. When I first interviewed you, you were turning red when I made eye-contact with you, you stuttered some answers. It was cute."
Raven crossed her arms and half smiled. Ok, so some of it was true. 'It was when I had my first crush on you, Robin. How could I not blush? I can't tell you that.'
"Well, now you know about me and how I came here. Let us talk about you now."
"Ok. Ask away."
"Alright. First question: What is your favorite book?"
"The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes."
"Colors of choice?"
"Red, green, and black."
"Foods?"
"Pizza, lobster, Chinese food."
"Bands?"
"Linkin Park, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and Metallica."
"Now. .I don't know if I want to ask you this-"
"You mean how I got here?"
"Yes."
Raven had a worried look on her face. Knowing that his parents are dead, she wasn't too sure if she would upset Robin with that question or not. 'Oh great, he probably thinks I'm some cold-hearted, nosey witch.'
Robin rose to a sitting position. He noticed the look on Raven's face and could almost read her thoughts just by looking into her eyes.
"It's ok, I'm not mad at you."
Raven began to relax her tensed muscles.
"It's only fair. You told me how you got here, now it's my turn. I've always lived in Gotham City with my parents. We were in a flying trapeze act together as a family. And. .one night out of nowhere. .it happened."
"What happened?"
". .My parents were killed. Right before my eyes. Some villain murdered them."
Raven shook her head.
". .Oh God."
"You now see why I want to demolish Slade and his henchmen so much. I don't want them taking away loved ones like it was done to me years ago. I was then an orphan, no one was there to take care of me."
A look of hope replaced his grim expression.
"But then there was Bruce Wayne. The greatest man I have ever met in my life. He took me in when I had no one else. Little did I know, he was also Batman. One day, I somehow sneaked into his lair; it was filled with computers, labs, these bat-like automobiles, it was cool. Bruce caught me, but he wasn't mad. That's when I found out Bruce Wayne was also the crime-fighting Batman. I was jumping up and down like a small kid. That was such a cool moment. I asked him if I could be his partner. He said 'No' and 'You are too young to crime-fight.' I was mad. So, I asked him the next day. 'No.' The next day. 'No.' And the next-"
"I get it, Robin."
"Ok. After asking about a hundred, million times, Bruce finally decided that he'll let me crime-fight with him. .if I pass this training session. So I geared up and prepared for this 'training session.' We entered this training area and there was a white room. Bruce told me to enter the white room while he was at the controls. I battled these holograms and turned out to be good after all. After witnessing my skills in the training area, Bruce finally decided to let me fight with him the next time there would be a call. From then on, we were known as Batman and Robin."
"I see. I guess I'm not the only one with a dark past."
"Guess so."
"I won't repeat any of this to anyone else if you don't want me to."
"Don't tell anyone else. I only told you my past and present because I trust you."
Raven looked at him.
"You trust me?"
"Yes. I mean, you trusted me before."
"I do."
Raven looked around the walls. They were covered with newspaper clippings of Slade, his henchmen, and other criminals.
"You know, it was a good thing you told me about your past. With the whole 'Slade' thing you have going on, I thought you were nuts."
Robin laughed. "Hey now."
Raven smirked.
"I'm just kidding."
"I know. One of the things I like about you, your humor."
"Thank you, I'm happy someone likes my humor."
"You're welcome."
Raven rose from the floor and stretched out.
"How long have we been talking anyway?"
"A while."
Robin stood up and shook his leg from "sleep."
"I think I should go. I need to clean my room as well."
"Ok."
Robin walked Raven to the door and opened it for her.
"Uh. .Robin?"
"Yeah?"
". .Thanks for sharing your past with me."
At that moment, she pulled Robin into a light hug. He faintly blushed in the face and hugged back.
"You're welcome. Thanks for sharing with me."
Raven nodded. Robin nuzzled his face in her violet hair. The smell of soft lavender tickled his nose.
"Um. ."
Raven pulled away and gave a quick smile. She turned away and started walking down the hall. She wanted to stay longer with Robin, but he would suspect that she "fancied" him. 'I mean. .we're just friends. .Right?. .Right?!' Of course, no one answered back.
As she walked away with her thoughts, Robin watched as she turned a corner and disappeared from his sight. He thought to himself silently. 'Something about her. .' He smiled to himself. '. .I think I'm starting to. .like her. .Wait, this is fast, we're just friends. Yeah, just a teammate I happen to share my secrets with and hug a lot. .and yet. .Ah! I'm confused.' Robin shakes his head. All these feeling rising inside caused his head to spin.
He started to return into his room when an urgent voice shot through the hall.
"Robin! Please await for me!"
Robin turned around to find Starfire standing infront of him. She brushed her scarlet hair behind her ear as she caught her breath.
"I need. .huff. .to tell you . .huff. .something important," said Starfire.
"Sure," said Robin.
"Um. .May I discuss this with you in private?"
"That's fine with me. Would you like to come in?"
"Yes, please."
Starfire followed Robin into his room. 'This is it. .this is the moment,' she thought. The sliding door was left half-open. Hopefully no wondering eyes will peer inside.
Raven finally reached her bedroom door, only to stop in mid-step. Something prevented her from moving into her bedroom. 'Raven, you need to tell him.'
"No."
She leaned her head against the closed door.
"I can't tell him."
'Raven, you need to. He already trusts you as a friend. Now is the time to tell him how you really feel.' Raven despised the fact that her conscience was correct, and unfortunately so persistent. She shook her head and tried as best as she could to silence the pushy voice from within her being. 'This could be it. This could be the moment where you can reveal to Robin your passionate feelings towards him. He trusts you. He said so himself. Now it's time for you to trust him.'
She lifted her head from the wall. Robin did say he trusted her. He already accepts her as a person. If she were to tell him her deepest secret, what would happen? Maybe, just maybe, he'd feel the same. Or. .
"Rejection," said Raven, in a deep whisper.
'. .I fear for rejection. I do not "do" fear. .but alas. .the thought of being rejected by the only one I have ever loved. .frightens me. .I'm afraid of something as simple as that. .I cannot think like this! I am not weak. I may not ever feel like this ever again. If I can defeat an army of villains with one hand behind my back, I can tell the Boy Wonder my feelings for him. I have gone through things much worse than this.'
After a little self pep-talk, Raven stood her full height. She pushed down her cowardice feelings and marched down the hall. Once and for all, this little "secret" will be done and over with. No more hiding, no more pretending, no more acting ridiculous infront of the leader. She turned a corner. Almost there. She breathed in deeply and calmly walked up to Robin's bedroom door. 'Hey. .It's not closed all the way. Hm, who cares. It is not of my concern.' Her eyes peered into his room. .only to find one of the most shocking and painful sights she had ever seen.
Starfire leaned towards Robin and planted a heartfelt kiss upon his curved lips.
Raven's breath halted to a stop. Her heart began to beat in her ears. Louder. . .and louder. Her lower lip quivered as she turned away from the horrid sight. Raven's pale hands began to shake. The door shook as her emotions rose. She took notice and ran off. Tears welled up in her shadowed eyes.
"No, no, no. ."
She ran up the staircase and up to the roof. She bawled as she shut the door behind her. Her wobbly form sunk to the floor on her knees. Her head lay low as tears flowed down her slender cheeks. She sucked in air in between sobs. Raven's shakey hand cupped over her mouth.
"I was wrong to have these feelings. I was stupid!"
She banged her fist onto the concrete floor. Raven looked up to the crisp heavens. Citrus orange clashed with soft violet. The evanescent, burning solar star winked as it hid behind faded clouds. Why must rejection hurt this much? Hope lost. Raven's glass heart shattered as it hit the concrete floor.
Author's Note: Two more chapters and this fic is done. Wow. Already? Anyway, I must warn you before you read this chapter. Do NOT be deceived by the ending. Read Chapter 12 right after this chapter. You'll see why. And do not worry, Star will not be some psycho in these chapters, that'd be wrong. Also, I do not read the original comics, so I am not totally sure about the pasts of Raven and Robin. Some of it in this chapter will be acurate, and some of it will be made up by myself. I just wanted to tell you that.
~*~* I dedicate these last chapters to Mrs. Gaia Calabrese. May her soul rest in peace in the heavens up above.~*~*
Raven slid open her bedroom door and walked in. She felt tired from the long day. She rubbed her dry eyes as they slightly itched. 'Must be from crying earlier today. .Did I cry that much?' She lazily took off her clothes and slipped into soft pajamas. Raven folded her clothes and threw them in the hamper. In the corner of her eye, she could see her uniform in the garbage can. 'No need for that in the trash.'
She bent over and picked up her uniform, adding it to the clothes in the hamper.
Raven flicked off the lights and flopped into bed. 'Ah, the warm, welcoming blankets. So nice.' She rested her head onto the pillow. She turned over on her back and stared at the ceiling, slowly awaiting her slumber. The feeling of Robin's strong, yet gentle arms around her was still present. She felt protected and safe in his embrace. 'I want to stay in his arms forever more,' she thought. Raven lightly smiled as her eyelids closed shut for the night. Sweet dreams.
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A light tapping on the window was present. The clouds were stone gray and the air was humid. The morning felt so mellow and dull. Warm blankets covered Raven's body. She wished to sleep more in this welcoming warmth. Her eyes opened slightly, a dull light revealed the fact that it was morning once again. 'Already..?' Raven turned over on her side, away from the window.
"More sleep," she mumbled.
She let out a deep sigh. She rubbed her droopy eyes and rose to a sitting position. Looking through the window, she could see raindrops pitter-patting on the glass. A light thunder echoed off the walls. Thunder. It was a sound that was so calming.
Raven stretched out her arms and got out of bed. She slowly walked over to her bathroom and brushed her teeth. Her eyes were half-closed, but she was wide awake. After rinsing out her mouth, she walked out of the bathroom and slipped on simple pale-blue slippers. The door slid open telekinetically as she made her way for the kitchen. Maybe some food will boost up some energy. Raven levitated into the kitchen, noticing that someone was watching television in the living room.
Beast Boy sat comfortably on the couch with a bowl of cereal in his hands. Nothing like cartoons in the morning to start off your day, huh? On the screen, there were three young boys: a short, loud boy who loves money; a thin, intelligent boy with a black ski cap on his head; and a tall, dumb, uni-browed boy. This trio was planning yet another scheme to gain some money for jaw-breakers.
'Hey! That bird stole my quarter! I hate birds!'
'I like chickens, Eddy.'
"Hah ha ha!" laughed Beast Boy, as he pointed to the screen.
"Enjoying your cartoons, Beast Boy?" asked Raven from the kitchen.
"Oh.."
Beast Boy flipped the channel.
"Uh..What makes you think I'm watching cartoons? Heh heh. ."
"Hmm. ."
When Raven wasn't looking, Beast Boy turned on Cartoon Network once more. Raven took some bread from the fridge and placed them in the toaster oven. As she waited for the slices of bread to heat up, she prepared some jasmine tea for herself.
"Aw man! Don't tell me it's raining!" yelled Cyborg from the hallway.
He stomped out of his room and into the kitchen.
"Sleep well, Cyborg?"
"Yeah, just fine. And I was planning on seeing today's football game at Gotham City Stadium. But it just HAD to rain. Now it's canceled! Ugghh. . ."
"You could see it tomorrow then. It's just a day."
"I guess so."
Cyborg dragged himself into the living room and flopped down onto the couch.
"Can we watch something else besides cartoons?" asked Cyborg.
"Dude, I like this show!"
Raven rolled her eyes as she carefully took out the toasted bread and placed it on a paper plate.
"The arguments annoy you too, huh?"
Raven turned her head towards the hallway entrance to see Robin in his slate grey pajamas. She smirked at his comment.
"Oh, you mean all the senseless arguments for some device? No, not at all," she joked.
Robin chuckled.
"So, how'd you sleep."
"Fine. You?"
"Like a log."
Robin stretched his arms upward as he made his way to the cabinets. He checked to see if there was any cereal left. Ah, the last box. Robin grinned as he grabbed the box and a bowl. He tilted the box downward into the bowl, however no cereal came tumbling out. He shook the box harder. Nothing. Robin growled deep in his throat.
"Ok, who ate all the cereal?"
A loud crunch sound escaped Beast Boy's mouth. His eyes widened. He remained as silent as he could.
"It wafsn meh," he said, with a mouth full of milk and cereal.
Robin's eyes narrowed in his direction.
"Ugh. .I'll just have eggs then."
Robin opened the refrigerator door and looked for eggs. 'Hopefully they aren't buried in this blue furry junk,' he thought. Beast Boy arose from the couch and put the empty bowl into the sink. He lightly hiccupped and sighed.
"Good ol' Frosted Flakes. ."
"So you ate all the cereal, I assume?" asked Robin.
"Um. .Gotta go!"
Beast Boy ran off and down the hallway. 'Note to self: stay away from pretty boy's cereal,' he thought. Beast Boy slowed down his pace and calmly walked to his room. On his way, he passed by Starfire's room. He stopped in his tracks, for he heard Starfire speaking to someone. 'Everyone's in the living room chillin' out. Who is Star talkin' to?' Beast Boy knocked on her door three times.
"Yo, Star? Who you talkin' to?"
The door opened all the way, revealing Starfire in her fluffy, pink night-gown.
"Ah! Friend Beast Boy. Please come in, I am in need of your assistance."
"Sure."
Starfire welcomed him into her room. He looked around. The walls were painted tickle-me pink; on a dresser were little unicorns of all different colors; the bed was covered with lavender sheets with white stars on them; and last, a long mirror, framed with polished wood, hung on the wall. 'I think I just stepped into Barbie World.'
"So, you need my help, huh?"
"Yes."
"With what?"
"Well. .I am preparing a speech for. .someone. ."
"Cool. Who's it for?"
". .I am embarrassed to tell you. Let us just say he is one of our friends. ."
"Oh, a 'he'? Heh heh, let me guess, Robin?"
Starfire grew a shocked expression on her face.
"How did you know?! I had not spoken about this situation to you before."
"Dur, everyone knows. It's pretty obvious. So, what you wanna tell him anyway?"
"I. .wish to tell him. .how I feel about him."
"'Confess your love' you mean?"
"Yes. I have prepared a speech and I wish to know if it is good enough."
"I'll be the judge of that. I'll pretend to be Rob, 'k?"
"Alright."
Beast Boy sat on a nearby chair. He sat up straight, flexing his muscles trying to imitate Robin. Starfire giggled.
"You have something to tell me, Star?" said Beast Boy, in a deep voice.
"Yes, 'Robin.' I wish to tell you something. I am being completely honest with you. Ever since I have been acquainted with you, I have had feelings. These feelings are. .how do you say. . joyous. I like you very much. I wish to tell you that. .I love you."
Beast Boy nodded his head. He slouched and relaxed his muscles, indicating that he was himself again.
"Not bad. I like it. I don't know what he'll say to you after that though."
"I hope he feels the same."
"Who knows? Only Rob can tell you the answer."
"Thank you for your time, Beast Boy."
"No prob, Star. Good luck with it, 'k?"
Beast Boy patted Star on the shoulder and left her room. 'Hope you have better luck in love than I've had.'
Robin finished the last of his breakfast whole-heartedly, enjoying the taste of eggs and ketchup. Raven made a disgusted face at the sight of ketchup and eggs together.
"How can you eat eggs with ketchup?"
Robin shrugged. He swallowed and wiped his mouth with a napkin.
"I like it. I've been doing that since I was a kid."
He picked up the paper plate and threw it in the trash.
"Hey Ray, are you doing anything on this rainy day?"
"No. Why do you ask?"
"I was wondering if you could help me put together a new bookcase that was delivered yesterday. What do you say?"
"Sure, I have nothing better to do."
"Cool. Hey Cyborg, you want to join us?"
"Sorry, Rob," said Cyborg from the living room, "I need to repair some damages on the T-Car soon."
"It's ok. I guess it's just you and me, Raven."
"Seems to be."
"Ok, meet me at my bedroom door in about. .10 minutes? I need to clean up a bit."
"Whatever, it's fine with me."
"Alright. See you in 10."
Robin disappeared into the hallway, leaving Raven to herself at the table. 'Just him and I in his room? Why don't I like the sound of that?. .Wait, what am I thinking? Robin wouldn't try anything stupid. Besides, he knows I can destroy the living day lights out of him if he were to cross my path.' Raven arose from the kitchen table and made her way towards her room. She entered and closed her door shut. 'I should at least freshen up a bit.' She went into the bathroom, stripped off her pajamas, and took a refreshing shower. The warm water washed away the sleepiness and enlightened Raven's dry skin. She turned off the water and stepped out, wrapping a fluffy white towel around herself.
Raven took out a brush and ran it through her wet hair. Straight and tangle-free, as usual. After towel-drying her hair, she slipped on underwear and tossed on some comfortable heather grey pants and a dark purple short-sleeved shirt with a black crescent moon on the front. She put on her slippers and walked out the door. As she started on her way to Robin's room, her heart began to beat faster than usual. 'Why is my heart beating so quickly? I should be calm about this. Please, I am just helping Robin with some bookcase, it's not like some date.' She smiled to herself at the thought of a date. 'Romance with Robin. Sounds like a movie.' A nearby vase on an end table began to shake as Raven passed by. 'Wait, stop it! All this just because he needs help with something?. .I despise my young hormones SO much. .'
At high speed, Robin put away clothes that were thrown everywhere in his room. Lazy lazy. He shoved the last bit of clothes in the closet and wiped the sweat off his forehead.
"Phew. .That's the last of that. Now to get washed up."
Robin quickly ran into the bathroom, took off his clothes, and had a nice shower. He squirted some shampoo on his head and ran his fingers through his soapy hair. After rinsing off the bubble foam, he turned off the water and stepped out. Grabbing a towel off the rack, Robin dried off his hair and body. He slipped on a clean pair of boxers, midnight blue jeans, and a simple black shirt. He decided to not gel up his hair today. He'll leave his coal black hair alone for one day. Last but not least, he applied his mask to his face to conceal his identity. 'Might as well get the supplies ready.'
Robin tore open the thick, rectangular brown box from the mail and took out 2 long wooden boards, five medium length wooden boards, and a plastic bag full of screws and nails. Setting them aside, he brought out a toolbox he borrowed from Cyborg. 'All set.' Just then, he heard a knock on the door. 'That must be Raven.' He rose from the floor and opened the door to find Raven standing in front of him.
"Hey Raven."
'Robin?. .He looks different with his hair down. He looks kind of. .nice.' Raven slightly blushed, but went back to non-emotions mode and spoke.
"Hey. So, let's get started on that bookcase."
"Right on."
Raven found the necessary objects on the floor, placed together closely.
"What should we do first?" asked Raven.
"Well," said Robin, "let's start with the outer boards, then we'll place in the shelves."
"Sounds good."
Robin stands up one board steadily.
"Can you get the other board, please?"
"Sure."
Using telekinesis, Raven raised one medium sized board and placed it in the correct position. Robin took out two nails, a hammer, and started hitting the nails into the wood.
"Hold it there for one more second."
Smack! Smack! Smack!
"Alright. You can let go now."
Raven released the power hold on the board.
"Are you up for the next board?"
"Bring it on."
Robin grinned. They repeated the same process once more. With one difference.
"Ow!. .Ah, my finger."
"What is it?"
"I hammered my thumb. .Ow," complained Robin.
Raven couldn't help but laugh to herself and roll her eyes.
"Here."
Raven reached out for his hand. Placing each hand on one side of Robin's hand, she closed her eyes and concentrated on her power. 'Her hands feel warm,' Robin thought,'. .Feels nice.' A glow formed around her hands. Robin felt the swelling slowly wasting away. The glow died down and Raven took away her hands.
"Thanks."
"No problem."
He sent a smile her way. She lightly smiled and looked away.
"So, let's finish up this case."
"Right."
They began to place in the shelves, making sure that the spaces between them were even. One shelf was left, and then the case would be complete. Robin bent down to pick up the board. As he attempted to grab the board, his hands met up with Raven's pale, delicate hands. They looked up at each other in embarrassment.
"Sorry," they both recited.
They placed in the last shelf, while avoiding eye contact.
"Alright, we're done."
"It looks good."
Robin stood back and admired the work he and Raven finished.
"Now let's get the books up," said Robin.
"You read books?" asked Raven.
"Of course."
"I'm surprised. I never see you with a book."
"I usually read before I go to bed. I don't know, I guess you could say that's my routine."
Raven nods her head. Robin walks towards his closet and opens the door. After throwing the hidden clothes towards the far back of the closet, he slid out a big box full of books of different sizes.
"Ok, let's put up these books."
"Do you want them in order?"
"No, just put them in."
Raven bent over and started placing books on the shelves, as did Robin. She picked up one and read the title. ' "Of Mice and Men." Sounds like him.' Raven placed it next to the other books. Taking another book from the box, she read it's title. ' "Sherlock Holmes." Not bad. .' She placed the book on the shelf. She read the title of the next picked-up book and nearly fainted. ' "The Collection of Edgar Allan Poe's Masterpieces." '
"Oh my God. ."
"What?"
"You read Edgar Allan Poe stories?"
"Some of them, yeah."
'I could kiss you,' she thought.
"I love his work. Why do you read his stories?"
"I'm not much up for the horror, but I do love the mystery he writes in some compositions. He was the Father of Mystery you know."
"I'm impressed."
Robin grinned like a goof. As he placed the last book onto the shelf, the bookcase was now a library.
"Phew. .All done. I couldn't have done this without you, Ray. Thanks."
"You're welcome. To be honest, it was better than meditating."
"Oh really? Better than meditating?" asked Robin, crossing his arms and smirking.
"Ok, I enjoy meditating and spending some time isolated from others. But. .spending time with you was better than those things."
Robin half-smiled.
"I like spending time with you. Raven, I want to know you better. You've already told me about the Raven of the past. .tell me about the Raven of the present."
". .You really want to know, don't you?"
"Yeah."
"Fine. I will tell you about myself. But nothing we speak about shall be known by others."
"Fine with me."
"And in exchange, tell me about who you are."
"Well, ok, it's fair enough."
"Alright."
Robin and Raven sat down on the floor across from each other. Raven was sitting in Indian style, while Robin lay on his side, propping up his head with his hand.
"Let's start with you. .What books do you like?"
"Anything by Edgar Allan Poe and Stephen King."
"King's good."
"Scariest books I have read are by him."
"What are your favorite colors?"
"Black, navy blue, and violet."
"Favorite food?"
"Hmm. .noodles, sushi, and pizza."
"Favorite bands?"
"Evanescence, Linkin Park-"
"Linkin Park rocks, they're great."
"Aren't they? Their music isn't about some 'girl next door' like other rock bands, they actually sing about real feelings and experiences."
"Exactly. The lyrics you hear in their music: I been through those things."
"Same with me."
"We should go to a concert sometime together, it'd be great."
"Sure."
Raven stretched out her legs. After sitting in Indian style for a while, her legs began to lose circulation.
"You had told me that you used to live in a place called 'Azareth.' How did you get here to Gotham City?"
"Uh. . .When I was ten, Azar had died of old age, leaving me alone. I could not turn to my father for obvious reasons. He was imprisoned in some force field prison. It is guarded by my mother. I was left alone so I came here in search for a place to stay. A kind woman that found me off the street took me to an orphanage. I'll never forget her. I was taken care of for a few years. I did not get along well with others. Most of them feared me because of my powers, so I never had any friends."
"I'm sorry."
"It's not a big deal really. I have people with me who care for me, so it does not matter."
Robin smiled.
"Anyway, a few years had passed. At 14, I had first heard of Teen Titans."
Robin laughed to himself.
"What?"
"I remember when I first met you. You were so shy, and to cover it up you tried to act all emotionless."
"I was not shy."
"Yes you were. When I first interviewed you, you were turning red when I made eye-contact with you, you stuttered some answers. It was cute."
Raven crossed her arms and half smiled. Ok, so some of it was true. 'It was when I had my first crush on you, Robin. How could I not blush? I can't tell you that.'
"Well, now you know about me and how I came here. Let us talk about you now."
"Ok. Ask away."
"Alright. First question: What is your favorite book?"
"The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes."
"Colors of choice?"
"Red, green, and black."
"Foods?"
"Pizza, lobster, Chinese food."
"Bands?"
"Linkin Park, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and Metallica."
"Now. .I don't know if I want to ask you this-"
"You mean how I got here?"
"Yes."
Raven had a worried look on her face. Knowing that his parents are dead, she wasn't too sure if she would upset Robin with that question or not. 'Oh great, he probably thinks I'm some cold-hearted, nosey witch.'
Robin rose to a sitting position. He noticed the look on Raven's face and could almost read her thoughts just by looking into her eyes.
"It's ok, I'm not mad at you."
Raven began to relax her tensed muscles.
"It's only fair. You told me how you got here, now it's my turn. I've always lived in Gotham City with my parents. We were in a flying trapeze act together as a family. And. .one night out of nowhere. .it happened."
"What happened?"
". .My parents were killed. Right before my eyes. Some villain murdered them."
Raven shook her head.
". .Oh God."
"You now see why I want to demolish Slade and his henchmen so much. I don't want them taking away loved ones like it was done to me years ago. I was then an orphan, no one was there to take care of me."
A look of hope replaced his grim expression.
"But then there was Bruce Wayne. The greatest man I have ever met in my life. He took me in when I had no one else. Little did I know, he was also Batman. One day, I somehow sneaked into his lair; it was filled with computers, labs, these bat-like automobiles, it was cool. Bruce caught me, but he wasn't mad. That's when I found out Bruce Wayne was also the crime-fighting Batman. I was jumping up and down like a small kid. That was such a cool moment. I asked him if I could be his partner. He said 'No' and 'You are too young to crime-fight.' I was mad. So, I asked him the next day. 'No.' The next day. 'No.' And the next-"
"I get it, Robin."
"Ok. After asking about a hundred, million times, Bruce finally decided that he'll let me crime-fight with him. .if I pass this training session. So I geared up and prepared for this 'training session.' We entered this training area and there was a white room. Bruce told me to enter the white room while he was at the controls. I battled these holograms and turned out to be good after all. After witnessing my skills in the training area, Bruce finally decided to let me fight with him the next time there would be a call. From then on, we were known as Batman and Robin."
"I see. I guess I'm not the only one with a dark past."
"Guess so."
"I won't repeat any of this to anyone else if you don't want me to."
"Don't tell anyone else. I only told you my past and present because I trust you."
Raven looked at him.
"You trust me?"
"Yes. I mean, you trusted me before."
"I do."
Raven looked around the walls. They were covered with newspaper clippings of Slade, his henchmen, and other criminals.
"You know, it was a good thing you told me about your past. With the whole 'Slade' thing you have going on, I thought you were nuts."
Robin laughed. "Hey now."
Raven smirked.
"I'm just kidding."
"I know. One of the things I like about you, your humor."
"Thank you, I'm happy someone likes my humor."
"You're welcome."
Raven rose from the floor and stretched out.
"How long have we been talking anyway?"
"A while."
Robin stood up and shook his leg from "sleep."
"I think I should go. I need to clean my room as well."
"Ok."
Robin walked Raven to the door and opened it for her.
"Uh. .Robin?"
"Yeah?"
". .Thanks for sharing your past with me."
At that moment, she pulled Robin into a light hug. He faintly blushed in the face and hugged back.
"You're welcome. Thanks for sharing with me."
Raven nodded. Robin nuzzled his face in her violet hair. The smell of soft lavender tickled his nose.
"Um. ."
Raven pulled away and gave a quick smile. She turned away and started walking down the hall. She wanted to stay longer with Robin, but he would suspect that she "fancied" him. 'I mean. .we're just friends. .Right?. .Right?!' Of course, no one answered back.
As she walked away with her thoughts, Robin watched as she turned a corner and disappeared from his sight. He thought to himself silently. 'Something about her. .' He smiled to himself. '. .I think I'm starting to. .like her. .Wait, this is fast, we're just friends. Yeah, just a teammate I happen to share my secrets with and hug a lot. .and yet. .Ah! I'm confused.' Robin shakes his head. All these feeling rising inside caused his head to spin.
He started to return into his room when an urgent voice shot through the hall.
"Robin! Please await for me!"
Robin turned around to find Starfire standing infront of him. She brushed her scarlet hair behind her ear as she caught her breath.
"I need. .huff. .to tell you . .huff. .something important," said Starfire.
"Sure," said Robin.
"Um. .May I discuss this with you in private?"
"That's fine with me. Would you like to come in?"
"Yes, please."
Starfire followed Robin into his room. 'This is it. .this is the moment,' she thought. The sliding door was left half-open. Hopefully no wondering eyes will peer inside.
Raven finally reached her bedroom door, only to stop in mid-step. Something prevented her from moving into her bedroom. 'Raven, you need to tell him.'
"No."
She leaned her head against the closed door.
"I can't tell him."
'Raven, you need to. He already trusts you as a friend. Now is the time to tell him how you really feel.' Raven despised the fact that her conscience was correct, and unfortunately so persistent. She shook her head and tried as best as she could to silence the pushy voice from within her being. 'This could be it. This could be the moment where you can reveal to Robin your passionate feelings towards him. He trusts you. He said so himself. Now it's time for you to trust him.'
She lifted her head from the wall. Robin did say he trusted her. He already accepts her as a person. If she were to tell him her deepest secret, what would happen? Maybe, just maybe, he'd feel the same. Or. .
"Rejection," said Raven, in a deep whisper.
'. .I fear for rejection. I do not "do" fear. .but alas. .the thought of being rejected by the only one I have ever loved. .frightens me. .I'm afraid of something as simple as that. .I cannot think like this! I am not weak. I may not ever feel like this ever again. If I can defeat an army of villains with one hand behind my back, I can tell the Boy Wonder my feelings for him. I have gone through things much worse than this.'
After a little self pep-talk, Raven stood her full height. She pushed down her cowardice feelings and marched down the hall. Once and for all, this little "secret" will be done and over with. No more hiding, no more pretending, no more acting ridiculous infront of the leader. She turned a corner. Almost there. She breathed in deeply and calmly walked up to Robin's bedroom door. 'Hey. .It's not closed all the way. Hm, who cares. It is not of my concern.' Her eyes peered into his room. .only to find one of the most shocking and painful sights she had ever seen.
Starfire leaned towards Robin and planted a heartfelt kiss upon his curved lips.
Raven's breath halted to a stop. Her heart began to beat in her ears. Louder. . .and louder. Her lower lip quivered as she turned away from the horrid sight. Raven's pale hands began to shake. The door shook as her emotions rose. She took notice and ran off. Tears welled up in her shadowed eyes.
"No, no, no. ."
She ran up the staircase and up to the roof. She bawled as she shut the door behind her. Her wobbly form sunk to the floor on her knees. Her head lay low as tears flowed down her slender cheeks. She sucked in air in between sobs. Raven's shakey hand cupped over her mouth.
"I was wrong to have these feelings. I was stupid!"
She banged her fist onto the concrete floor. Raven looked up to the crisp heavens. Citrus orange clashed with soft violet. The evanescent, burning solar star winked as it hid behind faded clouds. Why must rejection hurt this much? Hope lost. Raven's glass heart shattered as it hit the concrete floor.
