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The two silent figures stood at the edge of the water, faces lifted upwards, gazing into the space above where their friend had slowly faded from sight. Finally Beast Boy looked down, turning his head to fasten wide, sorrowful green eyes on his companion's violet ones. "Raven…are you going to leave, too?"
She blinked, surprised by the sudden question and uncertain of how to answer. The thought of leaving had lingered in the back of her mind, but she hadn't truly dwelled on the possibility until now. She gazed at the ruins of the city beyond the water. Their city and home were destroyed—there was no need to stay and protect a place that no longer existed. Robin was gone for good, Starfire had just left, probably never to return, and Cyborg…well, he would never be the same. What reason did she have to still be here? What had kept her here this long already? "There's no reason to stay," she answered softly.
Beast Boy was silent for a long time. When Raven turned to him, she saw tears as they traced silent paths down his pale face. "Beast Boy…?"
His expression suddenly changed as he tried to pull a false grin. "Heh heh, don't mind me, I'll be fine by myself." He looked up at her, trying to hide the pain in his eyes. "Just…take care…wherever you go…"
Suddenly Raven realized what it was that had kept her here. She didn't want to be alone. She understood exactly what Starfire had felt; this place held so many memories now, and so much pain. Raven didn't want to stay anymore, but if she left, she would be alone. And so would Beast Boy. Unless…
Placing a cool gray hand on his shoulder, she asked in a whisper, "Will you come with me?"
He didn't need to answer. Raven could see it in his eyes.
And for the first time since the explosion, she felt a surge of peace. Not genuine happiness, but a relief from the guilt, sorrow, and pain that had plagued her for the past few days. Looking at Beast Boy's face, she thought he felt it, too.
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