Well, thanks to everyone who reviewed and enjoyed the first chapter- I'm glad I tried something a bit different. Remember, these are the years BEFORE the Titans became a team; it's just my twist on it. :) I'd like to give shout outs to the following people who have supported most if not all of my stories:

blaze-firestorm

Hikari-Moriyaku

Grey Rain

Rose (I don't know your SN)

And anyone who I forgot (sweat drop). Anyway, thanks again; and please, review! I look forward to building my C2 with some good stories, so I'll be browsing as well. -Jason

Crimson Shadows

Chapter 2: Light in the Dark

From Chapter 1: "Raven leaned into him, feeling the warmth of his body. She noticed his skin was green, as well as his hair. "So much for first impressions. I'm Garfield," the boy smiled, offering his hand. "Raven," she said, taking his hand…"

"Raven; that's a pretty name," Gar said politely. "Thank you," she said, as Garfield lifted her up. "Wow, you're stronger than you look." Gar smiled and did a little muscle man pose, flexing his lean muscles. "Tough guy huh?" she teased. Gar just smiled again and shook his head. "It's really nice to meet someone real for once." Raven returned the smile, but inside her mind she had a hard time figuring out what he meant…

The two teens walked in the quiet night, staring at the dark waves that crashed into the brown sand. "…So you're all alone? I'm sorry," Garfield said with sincerely, looking into Raven's lavender eyes. "It's not your fault, Garfield. I just…wish things were different, you know?" she said, digging her foot into the deep sand. "I think I know exactly what you mean," Garfield said with a sigh, looking into the starry, black horizon. Raven's heart wrenched when she saw the tears glisten his emerald eyes. "You saw me back there; I'm not normal. I never will be. If…if anyone found out, they'd call me a freak." "As far as I'm concerned, I'm looking straight at you, and I don't see a freak," Raven said. "I see a nice guy who's funny and charming." Garfield heard these words and as taken aback; no one had ever said something so kind to him before. "I…thanks," he said quickly. "I'm really glad I met you Raven. I feel like my whole life is changing… for the better."

The two had lay in the sand, talking for quite a long time. Suddenly, Garfield got up and stretched. "I better get home; Frank and Lori are gonna be insane if they find out I've been gone." "Who are Frank and Lori?" Raven asked with curiosity. "They're my, foster family," he said with uncomfortable tone. "I see," Raven said, understanding now. "Well, I'll talk to you tomorrow then." "Yeah," he smiled weakly, turning into a hawk and flying away into the night sky. Raven looked on, worried about her new found friend…

Garfield landed on his backyard and morphed back, praying that Frank or Lori hadn't noticed he had been gone. He slipped back through the window, feeling relief… when his bedroom light turned on; there sat Frank on his bed, smiling a madman's smile. "Where have you been, you little bastard?" "I was went out for a little while, that's all," Gar said weakly, panic rising to his chest. "Oh really? That all?" Frank said, his smile getting wider. The man rose up from the bed and Gar suddenly registered what was sticking out of his foster dad's pocket – a knife…

Wow, pretty intense. The next chapter will be sad but good, so don't hurt me . Sorry this chapter was short, but I wanted to leave another cliffhanger for the tension to build.

PS- I know this is out of story, but if you know someone who is abused or you are abused yourself, please, get help. This chapter comes from my own life really, and trust me, it's not your fault. You or your friend do not deserve to feel this kind of pain. On a lighter note, I promise I will update sooner this time. Until then-Jason.