Disclaimer: Why are you reading the disclaimer? You already know what it is going to say! Read the story instead!
A/N: *Rubs eyes to make sure he isn't dreaming* Wow. There are so many reviews. And all of them good!
Vincent – You cant be that surprised that people like your story.
Kev – But the reviews are so good! I have more on this story than I did on my last TT fan fiction and I'm not done yet!
Vincent – That just means you're getting more popular.
Kev – Me popular? I've never heard those two words used in a positive sentence before.
Vincent – Get used to it. Now reply to the reviews.
Kev – Okay, okay!
Brunet Blessing – Its ok! You don't really have to review but it really helps my confidence when you do. Thanks for the compliment. Which part did you like the best?
Lady Karmina – Your boyfriend? Kale actually resembles a real person other than me? That's surprising. And his name is the same? Astounding! And thanks for the compliments. *Blinks twice* Oh! So that's what that means!
Raven A. Star – Thanks! (Kev – Gave me credit! Woohoo!!)
gotterdammerung – I've said it before and I'll say it again. Cliffhangers are evil. That is why I didn't put one in the last chapter. Vincent is happier now. And Slade would never team up with Kale's mother. She isn't interested in the other worlds at all. She just wants her trophy…I mean…son back.
Dragon star – I like to explore with the characters' feelings and emotions. That scene was easy to write because I have felt the same thing thousands of times. I never dealt with it in that way but I did have those feelings before. I am prone to depression over matters of the heart. Thanks for your compliments!
Alia G.L – Yes poor BB! Don't worry, I like happy endings. No spoilers here!
dragonmaster01 – I'll think about it. Not likely though. Thanks for the suggestion! It is greatly appreciated.
TaiyoukaiMars – I don't like making people beg. It is fun to watch though. I have to put little hooks in there to keep you coming back for more. If I didn't what kind of writer would I be? Very boring!
Ruby – Thanks I think.
DaRkLiGhTrObIn – That's more or less what I was going for. Glad you like it!
DarkValentine – I think so too! I wonder why the show's producers haven't contacted me yet. Maybe their phones are busted. Oh well!
Chapter Eight: Paradise
Raven was happier than she could remember being in a long time. Things were going so well. She did still worry about Beast Boy but he seemed to be coping well enough. Kale had been coming to dinner every couple of days for two weeks now. What Raven was so happy about was that Robin and the others had decided to make Kale an honorary Teen Titan. He was moving into the room across the hall from her. Now she could see him any time she wanted.
Raven was sitting in the kitchen. She had a dreamy smile on her face and had become completely oblivious to the world around her. All she could think about were the opportunities that she now had. She was sipping her herbal tea and staring off into space. She didn't notice Kale walk into the kitchen until he spoke.
"Having herbal tea?" she jumped slightly and looked up at him. Unable to speak she just nodded. "Cool. Mind If I have some?" She shook her head. He poured himself a steaming mug and pulled a spoon out of the drawer. He stirred his tea a few times before sipping at it. "Chamomile and green," he mused, "Odd combination but tasty none the less."
Raven stared in surprise. None of the other Titans had ever been able to guess at the mixture of tea she drank. Not even Cyborg's scanners had been able to identify it, since it wasn't something that anyone else did. "How did you know?" she asked
"When I first came to your world I discovered that you boiled tea leaves and certain beans to make hot drinks. I tried those 'espresso' drinks, you know, the coffee, and it just didn't suit me. Then I tried different blends of tea. Its about the only thing I've ever liked, aside from milk." Kale took another sip of his tea and sat down next to Raven. "I've got something to tell you," he said.
"What?" Raven inquired.
"Remember when you tried to read my mind?"
"Back when you were taking care of me?"
"Yeah. Well I didn't move all of the way out of your path."
"So?"
"I've created a personal mental link between the two of us."
"Really?"
"Yes. I couldn't have projected that shadow into your room if I hadn't. All you have to do is think about me and I will respond." Raven could only stare. After a few moments of silence she spoke again.
"How does it feel to be a Teen Titan?"
"It feels good. But I wont be going on any missions with you."
"Why?"
"I wouldn't be any help. I'll just stay here and keep watch over the Tower. I'll clean, cook, and help you guys do research when you need it. If one of you gets hurt I can use my healing skills to help that person recover."
"I'm sure that you will be a big help no mater what you do."
"Thanks. And don't worry about Beast Boy."
"What about BB?"
"I'll talk to him. Maybe I can help him with his problems. I've had to deal with some of the same feelings."
"How did you know?"
"It's a gift." He finished off his tea and stood up. "Well I need to finish unpacking my stuff," he said, "See you later."
((()))
It was amazing how well Kale fit in around the Tower. He taught Starfire how to cook some fancy meals. He could actually understand Cyborg's techno babble, not to mention help him with some of his projects. He spent two hours each day, when there wasn't anything going on, to give Robin writing lessons. He kept the tower semi spotless and always knew where the remote was. He even spent time helping Beast Boy with his problems.
Kale was always nice about everything and almost never lost his temper. If anyone needed his help he would gladly give it. Every time he did something that helped someone, even the smallest tasks, he would be happier coming away from it. Through all of this and more he still found plenty of time to spend alone with Raven. Raven loved the time she spent with Kale.
They would compare poetry, talk about everything from life and death to spring flowers. All of their time together was spent either on the roof or the beach. Raven liked the performances the best. Every so often Kale would put on little ballets and shows with his images. The one he showed the most was the dance scene that he had first showed the Titans. All of the showings of that performance were private from there on though.
Raven could only find one word to describe it: Paradise.
((()))
Beast Boy was injured badly. The med-wing of the Titan Tower was off limits until Kale was finished performing the necessary healing. Most of the Titans had only brought home minor scratches and scrapes after a tussle with some strange alien man-hunter. That fellow was now safely on his way out of the solar system, unconscious in the back of his starship.
Kale had taken care of the bruises and scrapes on Robin and Starfire; Cyborg was in the tech-lab attending to his damages. Raven lay in a hospital cot as Kale used his talents to put Beast Boy in his right state again. She watched as he diligently worked. His hands glowed softly in a gold color. He used his glowing hands to stitch up the changeling's wounds and stave off infection. He applied salves and ground up certain plants for medicine.
When he finished he placed the unconscious green boy into one of the other cots and pulled the curtains shut. He then turned his attention to Raven. He asked her to undress for him. When he saw her answering blush he added, "You can leave your undergarments on but I need to get a good look at your wounds so I can heal them properly." Raven was thoroughly embarrassed sitting in her underwear. Kale gently began to inspect every scratch and bump and scrape. Raven knew he was only worried for her health but she couldn't stop blushing at his gentle touch.
Once Kale had determined that none of her wounds were infected he began to heal the minor abrasions. His softly glowing hands hovered gently over each cut and bruise. As he worked his magic Raven felt warm and safe. She watched as each of her injuries disappeared before her eyes. "How do you do that?"
"I just speed up the natural healing process. I attract as many of your body's recourses as it can spare to the site of the injury or infection and let them do their work. As a result the wounds heal much faster than they would normally. It's no big deal."
"How is Beast Boy doing?" she asked.
"Physically, he's a mess but he will recover." He paused as he concentrated on a particularly large scrape on her left thigh. "As for his other problems; it's taken some time but he's getting over them. He realizes now that there are a lot of people out there and that his perfect match is still waiting for him. He still regards you as his first love but he has decided to leave the past behind and try his hand at dating." Raven smiled softly, glad to know that Beast Boy was feeling better. "Well," Kale said, "You're done. You can put your clothes back on."
Raven smiled mischievously, "What if I don't want to put them back on?"
Kale too smiled, "That's fine with me. I don't mind looking at your beautiful body."
Raven blushed at his compliments and began to redress. Once finished she gave Kale a quick kiss before going to check on the others. She walked into the den to find Robin fussing over Starfire. He was waiting on her hand and foot, and she was enjoying every minute of it. Raven giggled at the sight and sat down.
Robin looked up when she giggled with a questioning look. "What's so funny?"
"Oh, nothing."
"Then how's BB coming along?"
"Kale says he will be fine. He's asleep right now."
"That's good to hear."
"Robin honey?" Starfire asked their caped leader in her sweetest voice.
"Yes Star?"
"Could you get me another pillow? This one is too lumpy." She pushed her lower lip out in a pout.
"Anything you say Star." The Teen Titans' glorious leader had been reduced to an errand boy. He didn't seem to mind though. Raven marveled at Starfire. That girl had learned well. Though she still spoke in full, grammatically correct sentences, she could now manipulate her 'life mate' like a pro. In other words, she had Robin wrapped around her little finger.
((()))
It was late at night and Raven couldn't sleep. She tossed and turned but just couldn't seem to get comfortable. She was dead tired from the fight and needed rest. Blissful sleep somehow eluded her that night. She eventually threw her covers off in frustration. Her nightgown was long and covered most of her body. She got to her feet, not really knowing what she was going to do. She vaguely thought of getting a glass of water. She didn't really pay attention to where she was going, sleep clouding her senses, and was surprised to hear Kale's voice.
"What's the matter," he asked, "can't sleep."
"No," she said, "I'm really tired but I can't get comfortable."
"You can hop in with me if you like." Raven blinked and looked around. How had she gotten into Kale's bedroom? She must have wandered in by mistake. But feeling the offer too good to pass up she crawled under the covers next to her boyfriend and promptly fell asleep resting her head on his chest.
A/N: Well that was cool. I didn't think I had it in me to do something like that.
Vincent – That is impressive. It seems like a good way to set it up.
Kev – Shhhh! You're going to give it away.
Vincent – Whoops! Sorry!
Kev – It's all right. You didn't say anything to give the plot away so we're fine.
Vincent – Right! Okay everyone. It's review time. Leave a review and tell us what you think. Let us know about any inconsistencies, spelling errors, or plot holes. We greatly appreciate any help and suggestions.
Kev – Be warned! Just because you suggest something doesn't mean I'll use it. I will give each one consideration and thank you for your input. Just don't expect to see your idea used in the near future.
Vincent – We hope you like the fic as it still has a ways to go.
Kev – Se you next chapter! Ciao!
