Hello, how are you? I just want to tell you that I love you all. Everyone at the Forbidden Love forum has been so nice to me, even though I've been a depressed bag of sht. That friend I talked about in "The X-factor" you know? Well she got HIV from the bastard who did that to her. So I've been really afraid, and sad for her. I saw the sleeze at the grocery store last week with his Mother. My only consolation is that he looks like death warmed over. I've found it amazing how spiteful and unsympathetic I can be with the right incentive. I blew up at him in front of God, the grocery store, and his mother, and now they all know what he did. He cried most pathetically, yet I feel no remorse.
Honk your horn if you think what I did was justified.
Responding to every single review is too time consuming for me, so I'll just respond to everything at once.
Thank you, if you said you liked my story. I will, if you said you hoped I would continue. Doubtful, go read Dark Weezing, Noriaki Kakyoin, and Chocolate Curlz' stories (among others, I'm thinking off the top of my head here, okay?) if you said this is the best RxR story you've ever read. And sorry, but you'll have to read further if you said you hoped Raven isn't pregnant.
Ha! There we go. Bulk response, review style.
I'm really sorry. I had good intentions of getting this done on Friday, but that wasn't meant to be. The chapter is longer than I meant it to be because I actually went out of my way for one part.
Chapter 5
"Am I really doing this? More importantly, do I really want to know?" Shaking herself out of her mood, she tossed the test into her bottom drawer. "I can't yet." She already knew, though. In her heart she knew, she just wanted to hang onto the chance that she might be wrong. She wanted to stay in the dark as long as possible.
Raven had never planned on having children. There was too much risk involved for any baby she might have. Being the grandaughter of a powerful demon, however imprisoned he was, was not an inheritance she would wish on any child. So she could hope. And she could pray. But she knew. She was going to have Richard Grayson's child. She was going to have the demon Trigon's grandchild.
And that thought put fear into her heart more than anything she had yet to experience. The tiny being she harbored would not have to have a life like hers. She would make damn sure that she wouldn't. Raven placed a hand over her abdomen and a feeling of protectiveness like none other suffused her. Her daughter would have what she never did.
Hope.
Raven procrastinated about going through with the test. When she finally did, the night before the benefit, her intuition was confirmed. She was pregnant. She worried all that night and baled out of the meeting with Robin. She just wasn't up for it that night. She had managed to keep her secret from him for nearly a week, but now that she had irrefutable proof, she was afraid she might not be able to any longer. He could tell when something was wrong with her. It was one of the things she hated about him.
She tried to get out of going to the benefit, but the rest of the team wouldn't hear of it. If she had persisted it would have led to questions she did not want to answer. So she capitulated, and agreed to go. As she was getting ready the next night she had an unexplainable and unwarranted urge to cry. She propped her elbows on her vanity and put her face into her hands. What was wrong with her?
If she reached way down inside herself, she could feel the faint stirrings of life in her womb. This increased her inexplicable need to weep. She had also been thinking about what Robin's reaction to the news would be. She had worried herself into meditation over it, running through possible scenarios. Would he reject her? Would he be overjoyed? Or would he be indifferent?
Bitterness rose up her throat, as rancid as bile. Why did it have to be so hard? She looked herself in the eye, and began speaking in a calm composed voice. "Okay Raven, enough with this personal pity party. Despite the fact that the baby shouldn't even exist, you want her. You are perfectly capable of raising this child by yourself if Richard is anything less than happy. You can always just leave, because you'll be damned if you want you or your baby to be seen as any kind of obligation. Being on your own would be better than that. So, you will tell him tonight, after the party, and guage his reaction. At the first sign of any negative emotion, you're gone."
Even though it vaguely disturbed her that she had just given herself a pep-talk, she felt mildly better due to it. She stood, resolve evident in her posture. After this benefit she would tell the Boy Wonder. And whether she stayed or not depended upon his reaction.
Wolf whistles and good natured cat-calls accompanied Raven and Star's entrance into the lobby of the tower. Star blushed and laughed, twirling around and basking in the attention. Raven merely raised an eyebrow. The tinge of pink to her pale complexion was highly noticable, but the other's chose not to comment on it. She had to admit that the guys looked very dapper in their tuxedoes, also.
They piled into the T-car and drove to the gala in relative silence. They were all a little nervous on account of none had ever been to such an extravagant party. There was a brief flare up between BB and Cyborg over the type of music to listen to, but it was quickly resolved with a glower from an already irate Raven. There was a tacit agreement that there would be no music.
When they got there, Cyborg reluctantly gave the keys to the valet. He then proceeded to give detailed instructions on how to drive the car. The last thing he said was, "If there is so much as a scratch on her, I'll have your ass," in a very intimidating way. The terrified young man practically inched out of the driveway.
"So, should we make our entrance?" the metal man asked, apparently satisfied that the valet had been scared into exercising the proper caution and thus miraculously cured of the trepidation regarding his vehicle.
"You continually amaze me," Raven commented wryly.
"I aim to please,"
At the top of a series of steps was the elegant front door of the Sinclair mansion, where an equally elegant... bouncer seemed an inappropriate term, stood. Though it was obvious that that was what the sharply dressed, walking advertisement for weight lifting was.
"Your names. Please," he said in an after thoughtish kind of way, as if he wasn't used to the word.
"The Teen Titans," Robin said for all of them. He was the leader after all.
"Individual names," the bouncer prompted boredly.
"Right. I'm Robin, this is Cyborg, Starfire, Beast boy, and Raven,"
"I'll need to see some ID,"
"Oh, for goodness' sake!" Raven exclaimed disgustedly.
"There will be no need, Bruno." A smooth female voice spoke up from behind the imposing man. "The Titans are my special guests." A beautiful woman stepped in front of 'Bruno.' She was tall and lean as a willow. Her brunette hair was swept up in a fashionable twist and she wore a simple black dress. "Please, come join the party,"
Bruno stepped aside, and Beast boy made a face at him as he passed. The thugs face didn't register any change, but he seemed to grow larger. BB yipped and scurried to catch up with the group.
Once inside, the woman introduced herself. "I am Hope Sinclair, the hostess of this particular charity benefit. I am sorry about all of the extra 'muscle' but one cannot be too careful. Especially considering what happened last year." Mrs. Sinclair's face seemed to darken for a moment, then she was all smiles again.
"I am sure that you have ascertained the purpose of your invitation. Quite frankly, the main reason is the publicity your presence is sure to attract. The most influential of the media have been invited also, to ensure that we wring every penny that we can from the lucky benefactors. No one wants to seem greedy, especially in front of the paparazzi." These very cold words were said in such a way that they didn't seem the least frostbitten. All was spoken with an engaging smile, and a warm tone.
"However, there is another and that is that I wanted to meet the infamous Teen Titans for myself. I must say, you lot know how dress for a party. I am not the least bit disappointed. If you will pardon me, I must take my leave to mingle with my other guests. I do not wish to monopolize your time. I hope you enjoy this benefit, it is for a good cause. There is a buffet in the center, and a dance floor as you can see. Ciao for now!"
The Titans were left vaguely breathless, though Sinclair had done most of the talking. Raven, for one, was glad to see her go. Her persistent disuse of contractions was starting to grate on the telepath's nerves. So was her overwhelming congeniality. God, she was like an older version of Starfire. Only there was something not quite genuine about Hope Sinclair's graciousness.
Ever the party animal, Beast boy took their hostess' words to heart. "Excuse me while I try my charm on all these foxy women. They can't resist the Beast in me,"
"Yeah, let's go boogy down!" encouraged Cyborg, uncharacteristically tolerant of BB's 'prowess.'
"Let us dance and be merry. I shall teach everyone the ancient Tamaranean festival dance, Xorthlac!"
"What about you Raven? You coming?" Robin pleaded with his eyes. She cast her gaze to the floor.
"I'll pass,"
A barely perceptible sigh escaped through his nostrils. "Suit yourself,"
"I usually do." But by then, Star had already dragged him away.
Raven decided to scope out the buffet. She desperately needed some herbal tea, but there was none to be found. So she approached the waiter, who looked suspiciously like all the french waiters in american movies, complete with the curly-Q mustache.
"Excuse me?"
"Oui, madamoiselle?"
"Is there any way that I could get some oolong tea?"
"Fe zee beautiful madamoiselle? Ev coez. David, fetch a cup ev oolong tea fe madamoiselle,"
"Oui, monsuer,"
David was back in no time, with her tea. "Ah, thanks-?"
"Ah, I am Jaques"
"Jaques."
"If madamoiselle will be needing anysing else, she has only to ask"
Raven walked back and found a seat close to the dance floor, so she could watch the goings on of her team mates. As she watched, she began zeroing on on specific conversations. Paricularly the one that was taking place directly behind her.
A voice that bore remarkable resemblance to Fran Drescher(sp?) said, quite loudly as a matter of fact, "Well, don't they just make the cutest couple?"
"Who dear?" came another, less distinct voice.
"That redhead and the boy in the mask."
"Oh. Starfire and Robin. Yes they do make a lovely pair. Very striking together. You know, there's a rumor going around. I probably shouldn't tell you." the second voice said coyly.
"Oh, please, I'm just dying to know!" said the squeaking styrofoam voice, sinking her teeth into the gossip.
"Well... I heard that they're practically engaged! He's about to pop the question any day."
"No! They're so young!"
"But does age really matter when it's true love?"
"I guess not. How romantic."
Now Raven had sat tight lipped through the entire conversation. But these last conjectures were more than she could handle. She stood abruptly, and mechanically made her way to the terrace, leaving her tea untouched on the table. All of a sudden, just the thought of anything entering her stomach nauseated her.
Once she was in the fresh air, she felt marginally better. She heard the glass doors open behind her. She didn't bother to look. She already knew who it was. "What are you doing out here? The party is inside." said the voice of the intruder.
"I'm aware of that. Tell me, Mrs. Sinclair, why did you really invite us? At first I was sure it was for publicity, but now that I see just what a big deal this is, I'm convinced that that isn't the case. There was already more than enough media coverage, and none of us has been approached by a newsperson, so it's become clear that our being here is incidental to that purpose. What gives? What's the real reason for our invite?"
Hope Sinclair approached and leaned over the railing, imitating Raven. "You caught me. You really are a smart cookie, aren't you?"
Raven feigned surprise. "Oh, so you really do know how to use contractions. And I suppose you're sugary niceness is a facade also,"
"On the contrary, I am very nice. If I like you. Or your money. Unfortunately for me, you fall into the former catergory, seeing as how you have no considerable wealth."
This woman was confusing her with her nonsense. Her thoughts seemed clear enough, but it was possible that she was intoxicated "Who are you, Hope Sinclair?"
"Me? I'm nobody. Just a small town girl who happened to be gifted with beauty and brains and the wit to use them both to her advantage. I married Argus Sinclair six years ago when I was nineteen. He was sixty-two. I guess it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out I married him for his money. He could give me the lifestyle to which I thought I should become accustomed."
"You used him,"
"We used each other. I wanted a sugar daddy for a husband who would leave me all his assets when he croaked, and he wanted a pretty little trophy wife he could brag about to all his cronies. I even dyed my hair blond for him," she laughed, shaking her head. "It goes both ways. Why are you sulking out here on the veranda?"
"I'm not sulking," this woman's candor was extraordinary. Raven sensed that she was actually saying what she meant this time. "You didn't answer my question. Why did you invite us here?"
"I suppose I just wanted to have some real company. People who are without all the pretentions I live with every day. Hell, even the servants are conceited. I wanted someone I could talk to without all the pretense. I wanted a gal-friend. I think you could be it. Nothing against that Starfire chick, she's just too... too..."
"I get it. Believe me. And about the other- I have no idea what you are talking about. I have all the friends I can handle."
"But no one you can really talk to. Listen, I may be a shallow bitch, but I'm loyal as hell to what few friends I have."
"For some odd reason I can believe that. However, you're wrong, because there is someone I can talk to openly,"
"Ooh, I just bet I know who, too. I shared my secret, now it's time for you to spill. I'm very perceptive. What's the deal with Robin? I saw the way you were looking at him."
"Nothing. There's nothing at all between me and Robin,"
"The lady doth protest too much, methinks,"
"Ugh, please don't quote Shakespeare. Alright, I'll tell you. Partly because in some strange way I find you amusing and slightly non aggravating. Also because you're the most irritatingly contrary person I've ever met. Earlier I compared you to Starfire in my mind. I was so completely off base, which isn't like me. You wanna know the deal with Robin? Well here it is..."
Raven completely enthralled Hope with her story. By the time she finished, the other woman was leaning forward in rapt attention.
"... and now I'm pregnant,"
Hope's startled laugh was full of disbelief. "Wonder boy knocked you up?"
"Don't be crass, Hope. But yes, I became pregnant with Robin's child,"
"Oh man, this is unbelievable. So... what are you going to do? Have you told him yet?"
"No, but I plan to after the party. Speaking of which, we had better get back before we're missed."
"Of course, you are right," Hope said with a mischievous glimmer in her eyes. In spite of herself, Raven had to catch herself to keep from chuckling.
"Damned if I know why, Hope Sinclair, but I like you,"
"It's my irresistable charm,"
Raven snorted. "Somehow I doubt it,"
They entered through the glass doors, right as a slow song started. Almost immediately, Robin appeared next to them.
"May I have this dance, Raven?"
"Uh, are you sure? Starfire..."
"Is dancing with Cyborg," as he led her onto the dance floor, she looked back and caught a wink from her new friend.
The rest of their time passed quickly and peacefully. Everyone sat down and listened as the spokesperson for each charity made their cases and tried to convince the benefactors and benefactresses to donate the a lot of money to their charities. If anyone caught that Raven was clearly out of it and drifting in her own world, they didn't comment on it.
As they were leaving, Hope was meeting everyone at the door to say goodbye. When it was Raven's turn she leaned forward to air-kiss her cheek and whispered, "Good luck, new friend," This gave Raven much needed courage as she walked out of the benefit and into the rest of her life.
Whew, sorry it took so long. The whole thing with Hope Sinclair was an impulse I couldn't ignore and it took longer than I planned. I'm sorry if Raven seemed extremely OOC, but nobody ever writes completely perfect.
Honk your horn if you think what I did was justified.
Responding to every single review is too time consuming for me, so I'll just respond to everything at once.
Thank you, if you said you liked my story. I will, if you said you hoped I would continue. Doubtful, go read Dark Weezing, Noriaki Kakyoin, and Chocolate Curlz' stories (among others, I'm thinking off the top of my head here, okay?) if you said this is the best RxR story you've ever read. And sorry, but you'll have to read further if you said you hoped Raven isn't pregnant.
Ha! There we go. Bulk response, review style.
I'm really sorry. I had good intentions of getting this done on Friday, but that wasn't meant to be. The chapter is longer than I meant it to be because I actually went out of my way for one part.
Chapter 5
"Am I really doing this? More importantly, do I really want to know?" Shaking herself out of her mood, she tossed the test into her bottom drawer. "I can't yet." She already knew, though. In her heart she knew, she just wanted to hang onto the chance that she might be wrong. She wanted to stay in the dark as long as possible.
Raven had never planned on having children. There was too much risk involved for any baby she might have. Being the grandaughter of a powerful demon, however imprisoned he was, was not an inheritance she would wish on any child. So she could hope. And she could pray. But she knew. She was going to have Richard Grayson's child. She was going to have the demon Trigon's grandchild.
And that thought put fear into her heart more than anything she had yet to experience. The tiny being she harbored would not have to have a life like hers. She would make damn sure that she wouldn't. Raven placed a hand over her abdomen and a feeling of protectiveness like none other suffused her. Her daughter would have what she never did.
Hope.
Raven procrastinated about going through with the test. When she finally did, the night before the benefit, her intuition was confirmed. She was pregnant. She worried all that night and baled out of the meeting with Robin. She just wasn't up for it that night. She had managed to keep her secret from him for nearly a week, but now that she had irrefutable proof, she was afraid she might not be able to any longer. He could tell when something was wrong with her. It was one of the things she hated about him.
She tried to get out of going to the benefit, but the rest of the team wouldn't hear of it. If she had persisted it would have led to questions she did not want to answer. So she capitulated, and agreed to go. As she was getting ready the next night she had an unexplainable and unwarranted urge to cry. She propped her elbows on her vanity and put her face into her hands. What was wrong with her?
If she reached way down inside herself, she could feel the faint stirrings of life in her womb. This increased her inexplicable need to weep. She had also been thinking about what Robin's reaction to the news would be. She had worried herself into meditation over it, running through possible scenarios. Would he reject her? Would he be overjoyed? Or would he be indifferent?
Bitterness rose up her throat, as rancid as bile. Why did it have to be so hard? She looked herself in the eye, and began speaking in a calm composed voice. "Okay Raven, enough with this personal pity party. Despite the fact that the baby shouldn't even exist, you want her. You are perfectly capable of raising this child by yourself if Richard is anything less than happy. You can always just leave, because you'll be damned if you want you or your baby to be seen as any kind of obligation. Being on your own would be better than that. So, you will tell him tonight, after the party, and guage his reaction. At the first sign of any negative emotion, you're gone."
Even though it vaguely disturbed her that she had just given herself a pep-talk, she felt mildly better due to it. She stood, resolve evident in her posture. After this benefit she would tell the Boy Wonder. And whether she stayed or not depended upon his reaction.
Wolf whistles and good natured cat-calls accompanied Raven and Star's entrance into the lobby of the tower. Star blushed and laughed, twirling around and basking in the attention. Raven merely raised an eyebrow. The tinge of pink to her pale complexion was highly noticable, but the other's chose not to comment on it. She had to admit that the guys looked very dapper in their tuxedoes, also.
They piled into the T-car and drove to the gala in relative silence. They were all a little nervous on account of none had ever been to such an extravagant party. There was a brief flare up between BB and Cyborg over the type of music to listen to, but it was quickly resolved with a glower from an already irate Raven. There was a tacit agreement that there would be no music.
When they got there, Cyborg reluctantly gave the keys to the valet. He then proceeded to give detailed instructions on how to drive the car. The last thing he said was, "If there is so much as a scratch on her, I'll have your ass," in a very intimidating way. The terrified young man practically inched out of the driveway.
"So, should we make our entrance?" the metal man asked, apparently satisfied that the valet had been scared into exercising the proper caution and thus miraculously cured of the trepidation regarding his vehicle.
"You continually amaze me," Raven commented wryly.
"I aim to please,"
At the top of a series of steps was the elegant front door of the Sinclair mansion, where an equally elegant... bouncer seemed an inappropriate term, stood. Though it was obvious that that was what the sharply dressed, walking advertisement for weight lifting was.
"Your names. Please," he said in an after thoughtish kind of way, as if he wasn't used to the word.
"The Teen Titans," Robin said for all of them. He was the leader after all.
"Individual names," the bouncer prompted boredly.
"Right. I'm Robin, this is Cyborg, Starfire, Beast boy, and Raven,"
"I'll need to see some ID,"
"Oh, for goodness' sake!" Raven exclaimed disgustedly.
"There will be no need, Bruno." A smooth female voice spoke up from behind the imposing man. "The Titans are my special guests." A beautiful woman stepped in front of 'Bruno.' She was tall and lean as a willow. Her brunette hair was swept up in a fashionable twist and she wore a simple black dress. "Please, come join the party,"
Bruno stepped aside, and Beast boy made a face at him as he passed. The thugs face didn't register any change, but he seemed to grow larger. BB yipped and scurried to catch up with the group.
Once inside, the woman introduced herself. "I am Hope Sinclair, the hostess of this particular charity benefit. I am sorry about all of the extra 'muscle' but one cannot be too careful. Especially considering what happened last year." Mrs. Sinclair's face seemed to darken for a moment, then she was all smiles again.
"I am sure that you have ascertained the purpose of your invitation. Quite frankly, the main reason is the publicity your presence is sure to attract. The most influential of the media have been invited also, to ensure that we wring every penny that we can from the lucky benefactors. No one wants to seem greedy, especially in front of the paparazzi." These very cold words were said in such a way that they didn't seem the least frostbitten. All was spoken with an engaging smile, and a warm tone.
"However, there is another and that is that I wanted to meet the infamous Teen Titans for myself. I must say, you lot know how dress for a party. I am not the least bit disappointed. If you will pardon me, I must take my leave to mingle with my other guests. I do not wish to monopolize your time. I hope you enjoy this benefit, it is for a good cause. There is a buffet in the center, and a dance floor as you can see. Ciao for now!"
The Titans were left vaguely breathless, though Sinclair had done most of the talking. Raven, for one, was glad to see her go. Her persistent disuse of contractions was starting to grate on the telepath's nerves. So was her overwhelming congeniality. God, she was like an older version of Starfire. Only there was something not quite genuine about Hope Sinclair's graciousness.
Ever the party animal, Beast boy took their hostess' words to heart. "Excuse me while I try my charm on all these foxy women. They can't resist the Beast in me,"
"Yeah, let's go boogy down!" encouraged Cyborg, uncharacteristically tolerant of BB's 'prowess.'
"Let us dance and be merry. I shall teach everyone the ancient Tamaranean festival dance, Xorthlac!"
"What about you Raven? You coming?" Robin pleaded with his eyes. She cast her gaze to the floor.
"I'll pass,"
A barely perceptible sigh escaped through his nostrils. "Suit yourself,"
"I usually do." But by then, Star had already dragged him away.
Raven decided to scope out the buffet. She desperately needed some herbal tea, but there was none to be found. So she approached the waiter, who looked suspiciously like all the french waiters in american movies, complete with the curly-Q mustache.
"Excuse me?"
"Oui, madamoiselle?"
"Is there any way that I could get some oolong tea?"
"Fe zee beautiful madamoiselle? Ev coez. David, fetch a cup ev oolong tea fe madamoiselle,"
"Oui, monsuer,"
David was back in no time, with her tea. "Ah, thanks-?"
"Ah, I am Jaques"
"Jaques."
"If madamoiselle will be needing anysing else, she has only to ask"
Raven walked back and found a seat close to the dance floor, so she could watch the goings on of her team mates. As she watched, she began zeroing on on specific conversations. Paricularly the one that was taking place directly behind her.
A voice that bore remarkable resemblance to Fran Drescher(sp?) said, quite loudly as a matter of fact, "Well, don't they just make the cutest couple?"
"Who dear?" came another, less distinct voice.
"That redhead and the boy in the mask."
"Oh. Starfire and Robin. Yes they do make a lovely pair. Very striking together. You know, there's a rumor going around. I probably shouldn't tell you." the second voice said coyly.
"Oh, please, I'm just dying to know!" said the squeaking styrofoam voice, sinking her teeth into the gossip.
"Well... I heard that they're practically engaged! He's about to pop the question any day."
"No! They're so young!"
"But does age really matter when it's true love?"
"I guess not. How romantic."
Now Raven had sat tight lipped through the entire conversation. But these last conjectures were more than she could handle. She stood abruptly, and mechanically made her way to the terrace, leaving her tea untouched on the table. All of a sudden, just the thought of anything entering her stomach nauseated her.
Once she was in the fresh air, she felt marginally better. She heard the glass doors open behind her. She didn't bother to look. She already knew who it was. "What are you doing out here? The party is inside." said the voice of the intruder.
"I'm aware of that. Tell me, Mrs. Sinclair, why did you really invite us? At first I was sure it was for publicity, but now that I see just what a big deal this is, I'm convinced that that isn't the case. There was already more than enough media coverage, and none of us has been approached by a newsperson, so it's become clear that our being here is incidental to that purpose. What gives? What's the real reason for our invite?"
Hope Sinclair approached and leaned over the railing, imitating Raven. "You caught me. You really are a smart cookie, aren't you?"
Raven feigned surprise. "Oh, so you really do know how to use contractions. And I suppose you're sugary niceness is a facade also,"
"On the contrary, I am very nice. If I like you. Or your money. Unfortunately for me, you fall into the former catergory, seeing as how you have no considerable wealth."
This woman was confusing her with her nonsense. Her thoughts seemed clear enough, but it was possible that she was intoxicated "Who are you, Hope Sinclair?"
"Me? I'm nobody. Just a small town girl who happened to be gifted with beauty and brains and the wit to use them both to her advantage. I married Argus Sinclair six years ago when I was nineteen. He was sixty-two. I guess it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out I married him for his money. He could give me the lifestyle to which I thought I should become accustomed."
"You used him,"
"We used each other. I wanted a sugar daddy for a husband who would leave me all his assets when he croaked, and he wanted a pretty little trophy wife he could brag about to all his cronies. I even dyed my hair blond for him," she laughed, shaking her head. "It goes both ways. Why are you sulking out here on the veranda?"
"I'm not sulking," this woman's candor was extraordinary. Raven sensed that she was actually saying what she meant this time. "You didn't answer my question. Why did you invite us here?"
"I suppose I just wanted to have some real company. People who are without all the pretentions I live with every day. Hell, even the servants are conceited. I wanted someone I could talk to without all the pretense. I wanted a gal-friend. I think you could be it. Nothing against that Starfire chick, she's just too... too..."
"I get it. Believe me. And about the other- I have no idea what you are talking about. I have all the friends I can handle."
"But no one you can really talk to. Listen, I may be a shallow bitch, but I'm loyal as hell to what few friends I have."
"For some odd reason I can believe that. However, you're wrong, because there is someone I can talk to openly,"
"Ooh, I just bet I know who, too. I shared my secret, now it's time for you to spill. I'm very perceptive. What's the deal with Robin? I saw the way you were looking at him."
"Nothing. There's nothing at all between me and Robin,"
"The lady doth protest too much, methinks,"
"Ugh, please don't quote Shakespeare. Alright, I'll tell you. Partly because in some strange way I find you amusing and slightly non aggravating. Also because you're the most irritatingly contrary person I've ever met. Earlier I compared you to Starfire in my mind. I was so completely off base, which isn't like me. You wanna know the deal with Robin? Well here it is..."
Raven completely enthralled Hope with her story. By the time she finished, the other woman was leaning forward in rapt attention.
"... and now I'm pregnant,"
Hope's startled laugh was full of disbelief. "Wonder boy knocked you up?"
"Don't be crass, Hope. But yes, I became pregnant with Robin's child,"
"Oh man, this is unbelievable. So... what are you going to do? Have you told him yet?"
"No, but I plan to after the party. Speaking of which, we had better get back before we're missed."
"Of course, you are right," Hope said with a mischievous glimmer in her eyes. In spite of herself, Raven had to catch herself to keep from chuckling.
"Damned if I know why, Hope Sinclair, but I like you,"
"It's my irresistable charm,"
Raven snorted. "Somehow I doubt it,"
They entered through the glass doors, right as a slow song started. Almost immediately, Robin appeared next to them.
"May I have this dance, Raven?"
"Uh, are you sure? Starfire..."
"Is dancing with Cyborg," as he led her onto the dance floor, she looked back and caught a wink from her new friend.
The rest of their time passed quickly and peacefully. Everyone sat down and listened as the spokesperson for each charity made their cases and tried to convince the benefactors and benefactresses to donate the a lot of money to their charities. If anyone caught that Raven was clearly out of it and drifting in her own world, they didn't comment on it.
As they were leaving, Hope was meeting everyone at the door to say goodbye. When it was Raven's turn she leaned forward to air-kiss her cheek and whispered, "Good luck, new friend," This gave Raven much needed courage as she walked out of the benefit and into the rest of her life.
Whew, sorry it took so long. The whole thing with Hope Sinclair was an impulse I couldn't ignore and it took longer than I planned. I'm sorry if Raven seemed extremely OOC, but nobody ever writes completely perfect.