Wow, I am sorry I haven't updated in a while. It seems like I'm so overwhelmed with life right now. Anyway, here's chapter 7, and I hope you enjoy it. –Jason

PS- The following lyrics are from Goldfinger's new song, "Damaged".

Crimson Shadows

Chapter 7: Distraction

When I come home
I know it's you that I'll find
Pacing the floors once again
I know that I'm bored
I'm staying in bed too long
Counting the holes in the door

It was a Friday night, and both Raven and Garfield had the night off; they were going to make the best of it. Their first stop was the pier; it looked beautiful with golden rays of light casting from the horizon.

"C'mon, Raven, let's go on the ferris wheel. The view's really something." Raven sighed. "Gar, I really don't like… rides. You know that." "I think what you're trying to say is you're afraid of heights," Gar grinned playfully. "I'm not! I'm just… fine, let's go," she said, giving in. Gar pumped his fists in glee and grabbed her hand, practically dragging her along while he sprinted to the line.

They gave the ride operator two tickets and climbed into the cage and the man shut the door while telling them the rules and such. After a moment, the two teens could feel the cage climb up into the waiting night sky.

Garfield's wacky smile faded as he saw Raven's eyes go wide; maybe this hadn't been the best idea. He scooted even closer to her and put an arm around her, trying to comfort the shaken girl. "It's OK, Rae. You're safe." Suddenly, she wasn't so scared anymore. "But I won't tell Garfield that," she smiled to herself, leaning into his warm body…

As they later scrolled through the busy boardwalk, Gar spotted a photo booth. "How 'bout some pictures to remember zis night FOREVER," he said in a fake French accent, wiggling an eyebrow up and down. "You're quite the charmer," Raven said, trying not the laugh. "Alright, you're buying." Garfield placed two dollars into the slot and they stepped inside.

They sat down on the small bench and positioned themselves in front of the camera eye. "Say che-" Gar started to say, then stopped when he saw a figure peering through the curtain. It looked like a man in a dark mask…

"Garfield? Garfield! Are you OK?" Raven said, shaking him. "Huh? What?" he said, still shaken from what he had just seen. "Um, y-yeah. Sorry, I guess I was daydreaming." Raven looked his face, which had gone pale, and she didn't buy it. Something was up…

Alone I'm a mess
I don't care how long it's been
I know I'm just wasting away
The clothes on the floor
Just like the mountains outside
The prison I live every day

After they printed the photos out, the two went to the food court and bought some French fries. "This really has been a great night," Raven said, sighing. "Fun really isn't my expertise." "Don't say that Rae. You're such a great person; my life has been nothing been great since I met you."

"Do you really mean that?" she said, tears forming in her radiant, violet eyes. "Yes; absolutely," Gar said without hesitation. He took a finger and wiped her tears away. "Raven- I… I'll be right back," he said, suddenly embarrassed, getting up from his chair. She started to get up and follow him, but she decided to give him some space…

I want to know if this is real
All of these things that I feel
I want to know if this is real
All of these things that I feel

Garfield Logan cursed himself for the first time in a long time. "Why did I leave her sitting like that? I'm such a fool," he said out loud. "You're afraid of rejection," a voice inside his mind seemed to say, echoing in his brain. He shook his head vigorously, as if trying to silence the voice.

As he began to walk back to the table, that same shadow back at the photo booth came into view from the darkness. "Garfield Logan?" the man said in a surprisingly amused voice. "Y-yes. What do you want?" Gar said, now a little afraid.

"I want to help YOU," the man said. "My name is Slade Wilson, but you can just call me Slade, if you wish." Garfield didn't like this man from the get-go; there was something… dark about him. "That's OK, dude, I think I'm OK."

"Ah, but you're not, are you?" Slade said. "You seem troubled, young man." "Is that really any of your business?" Gar said, slightly annoyed. Slade laughed, an eerie, demonic sound. "It depends, Garfield. You have incredible power; I've watched you for quite some time now."

The thought of some creepy guy stalking him made Gar weak in the knees. "Why have you been following me?" "I want to, teach you Garfield. I want you to use your powers to their full potential. You have SOME gift."

"And why should I even be listening to you? How do I know you're not tricking me?" Garfield said. "I don't need to trick you, my friend. If I didn't believe it you, I won't be talking to you right now, would I?"

This struck the changeling with shock; no one had ever said they BELIEVED in him before. "Come, all you have to you is see what I have to offer. I think you'll like it." Garfield hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Besides, I'll only be a few minutes. Raven will be OK…"

When I come home
I know it's you that I'll find
Pacing the floors once again

Enjoy the chapter? It's kind of a weird, I know, but interesting to see what effect Slade could have on BB instead of Robin, like we always see. Expect the Titans to appear next chapter. Thanks for the read; now review! Thanks. -Jason