I'm having a imagination diarrhea so I'm just going to get this out with no preliminaries.
The Titans arrived home laughing and giddy with fatigue and residual excitement. Raven was the only one thinking clearly. The first opening she got she whispered to Robin to meet her on the roof later that night. He nodded and smiled at her. She announced that she was retiring and the others hollered goodnight. Beast boy and Cyborg practically dove at the couch and took up their controllers. They had a lot of pent up aggression to work out. Star took up her place between them and watched in fascination as two cars revved up and took off inside the small box.
Robin watched them for a moment, a half-smile playing on his lips. He looked up the stairway his lover had disappeared into and wondered what it was she needed to see him about. She'd been awfully distant toward him this past week, maybe she was going to make it up to him.
"Uh, guys, I'm going to bed. I'm wiped out. See you in the morning," he called.
"Good night, Beloved! Sweet dreams," Star answered.
Robin winced. He hated it when she called him that. It reminded him of what a low-life coward he was for sneaking around behind her back. He sighed as he made his way up and onto the roof. He had to tell her. Maybe Raven was right. Maybe there was no way to make it easier on her.
And about Raven. She had been great through this entire time and all she gotten was grief. For the first time Robin realized how selfish he was being. It hit him with the force of a landslide. He had never considered himself a selfish person, and yet this whole time he had been focused on how HE was feeling. How HE would be affected. Now that he could recognize it he was disgusted with himself. He was in love with Raven. It was inevitable that Starfire would be hurt by this knowledge, yet he'd procrastinated, hoping to find a easier way when there was no easier way. If even hoped to keep Raven he had to stop hiding behind lies. He had to stop playing the coward.
Robin found Raven sitting on the edge of the tower. She was staring up at the sky like she wished she could go there. She looked so sad, and guiltily Robin wondered if it was because of him.
"Rae? What's up?" he asked, sitting beside her
"I have something to tell you that you might not like." she began immediately. That was his Raven, blunt and straightforward. "Two things actually. I want you to promise to hear me out, Richard. Even though I haven't changed my demeanor outwardly I believe that this is the most vulnerable I have ever been. I only tell you this because I trust you implicitly."
"I won't say a word until you're finished." he swore, though he was a little confused.
"I told Hope Sinclair about us,"
A blink was the only indication he gave that he had heard her. He was true to his promise that he would not interrupt her, however the next bit of news would possibly be too much for him to handle.
"But there's something else. Yesterday, I found out that I was, I mean I am... pregnant."
Robin had been motionless through the exchange, yet suddenly everything about him seemed to still. There was no gasp, no explosion of swears. Just utter stillness.
"I didn't tell you that I suspected because I thought that I might be wrong. I was hoping that I was wrong, but I wasn't. I'm carrying your child. You can say something now," she urged nervously.
Robin didn't speak for one reason- he was completely shell shocked. He felt like someone had sucker punched him in the face, leaving him dazzled and bewildered. Pregnant? But they had been so careful. Except for that first time. Well, as Bruce had stumbled embarrassedly during their 'birds and bees' talk, it only took one time to make a baby.
Raven was beginning to become irritated. Shouting and screaming she could handle, but this silence was wearing at her nerves. Testily, and with more than a little vulnerability lacing her voice she snapped, "Scream at me, call me names, do something! I can't stand this!"
Her sharp tone was what snapped Robin out of his trance-like state. "What?" he asked like an imbecile.
"What?! Richard, I just told you that I am pregnant with your child. Some feedback would be nice,"
"Right. Give me a minute, Rae, I'm still trying to process this. It's kind of big news, isn't it?"
"Fine! When you decide how you feel about it let me know!" she started to storm away.
"Wait!" he caught her arm and spun her around to face him. He was flabbergasted for the second time that night to see tears sparkling in her eyes. "You're absolutely sure?"
"Didn't I just say I was?"
"Okay. Alright. Now it's your turn to listen to me. No interruptions, okay?"
She bobbed her head in ascent.
"Raven, I'm not sure I'm ready to be a father..."
"I-"
"No interruptions, remember? As I was saying, I'm not sure I'm ready, but Rae, I love you. Do you hear me? I love you. And I will love this child. We'll learn to be parents together, okay? Once the shock wears off, I'm sure I'll be delighted." Infact, that sentiment was already beginning to shove it's way to the front. "After all what could be better than having a baby with the woman I love? It'll just be happening a little sooner than I'd planned,"
Raven let him pull her to him and she buried her face in his chest. This was all she could have hoped for, despite her earlier resolve.
"I just don't want you to think of me or our child as an obligation,"
"Not an obligation, a responsibility. One we'll share. Now that that's over with, I have to go have a talk with Star."
"I should be there too."
"No. I don't want you to get upset. And this is something I feel I should do myself. I can't explain it,"
"I understand. Richard, she's going to be angry with the both of us. And hurt. But Star is strong and I think she'll be okay eventually."
"I hope so, Rae" he kissed her on the forehead and backed away. "You need to get some rest. And you're eating in the morning. No arguments. You can't live on herbal tea while carrying my son or daughter."
"Just daughter,"
"You know we're having a girl?"
"Call it a gut feeling." and with that she disappeared into the building.
Starfire was still sandwiched between Cyborg and Beastboy when Robin returned to the living room.
"Hey Rob, I thought you went to bed," Cyborg paused the game while Beast boy fumed.
"You only did that because I was winning!" he charged.
"No way, shrimp"
"Could you two give Star and I some privacy? We need to talk," he directed at her. His serious manner caused warning butterflies to start fluttering in her stomach. Whatever he had to tell her, it wasn't good.
"Sure boss. Consider us gone," They exited the room still arguing about who had been winning.
"Robin, what is it you needed to speak to me about?"
"What I have to tell you won't be easy for you to hear. Believe me it's not easy for me to say." He took a deep breath and dove in. "Star, I'm not in love with you. I don't think I ever was." at her stricken expression, Robin winced. He'd handled that badly.
"Robin, but what...?"
"There's someone else. I-I'm in love with her. She's carrying my child."
"You had relations with her?! Who is this woman? Where can I find this homewrecker?"
Star was definately angry, but it never occurred to her to be angry with Robin. No, this was all that boyfriend stealer's fault. She had lured Robin away with her wiles and then trapped him by becoming pregnant. That, that gorbeht had to be punished. (AN: translate gorbeht as 'whore')
"Star, Star, it's not her fault. She feels just as guilty as I do. But we couldn't deny what we feel for one another."
"Who is she Robin? You owe me an identity."
"Star, promise me you'll stay away from her until you cool down some,"
"WHO IS SHE!?"
"IT'S RAVEN! Star I'm in love with Raven, and she loves me."
"Raven? Raven betrayed me? But I thought she was my friend."
"She is. We both are. We just couldn't hold back our feelings any more. For what it's worth, we're sorry we didn't tell you sooner."
"How long has this been happening?"
"Almost a month and a half. A few days after her birthday,"
"I see. I would appreciate your leaving me alone now, Robin. I must think about this,"
"You're not going to...?"
"Do not worry about Raven. I will not approach her. Ever again. I suggest that you tell the mother of your child to show me the same courtesy. I do not wish to say another word to her for as long as I live."
"She's your best friend,"
"She was my best friend. Gorbehts who steal other people's men do not deserve friendship."
Robin sighed as she exited. That had been a botch if he'd ever made one. He threw himself back and flipped off the game system and turned on the television with the remote. Dr. Phil reruns. How appropriate.
Beast boy regained his humanoid form looking pale and shocked.
"So, flyboy, wha'ja hear?" Cyborg grilled.
"Dude, you are so not gonna believe me,"
"Try me"
Beast boy was right. Cyborg didn't believe him. At least not until he passed Starfire's room on the way to his and heard the sobs coming from within.
"Robin, my man, I have a feeling the trouble is only beginning for you."
Truthfully, the benefit was the last Raven expected to hear from Hope Sinclair. However, the rich widow had apparently been sincere when she said she wanted Raven to be her friend. The telepath was feeling especially awful that day. She had finally gotten up the nerve to approach Starfire, with disastrous results.
She'd found herself alone with the redhead in the laundry room completely by accident. "Starfire, I'm-"
"Do not dare speak to me. While I must tolerate being your team mate, I am no longer your friend. As such I would greatly appreciate your silence," the alien bit out in a voice colder and harder than diamonds.
"I'm sorry," Raven whispered. She bit her lip at the shrill sound of Star's voice.
"You are sorry?! Sorry, as earthings say, does not 'cut it'! What you have done is more despicable than the language of a Zulgarian Urpthow. You cannot be forgiven!" With those damning words, Star fled up the stairs, leaving Raven fighting to hold onto control and suppress her sobs.
"Oh, Starfire, I'm so so sorry,"
To make everything worse, Cyborg and Beast boy were acting wierd around her. She didn't think they were angry with her, just uncomfortable. They were torn between she and Star.
In addition, Robin had goten a new lead on Slade and therefor had pretty much become inaccesible to anyone.
Even though she valued her privacy, Raven longed for someone to talk to. A perfect example of taking something for granted until it's gone. Irony didn't sit well with her, especially when it was at her expense.
So she was understandable excited when she answered the ring and found a familiar voice on the other end.
"Raven, you sound positively ill. Wanna go shopping? It's the cure all for everything..."
"I don't know..."
"Oh come on. I won't take no for an answer. I'll be there in ten. Oh, and Raven?"
"Yes, Hope?"
"Dress casually. As in jeans and a tee-shirt casual."
"I don't have any jeans or tee shirts."
"Ugh. Don't worry. I'll bring you something." the line went dead.
Raven chuckled softly. She'd lost one friend and had little chance of getting her back. Maybe Hope was just what the doctor ordered.
True to her word, Hope was there in ten minutes on the dot, driving a sleek red convertible. Raven was waiting for her at the driveway. A bag was tossed into her arms. "Put it on over your outfit. And lose the cape."
"It's a cloak,"
"Whatever. Nice, very modern goth. Shall we?"
"How'd you know my size?" Raven asked after she threw on the clothes and got in the passenger seat.
"I guessed,"
"Oh," then Hope took off at a speed that would make Cyborg drop his jaw.
"Our first stop, Jump mall,"
Raven gripped the arm rest and shakily buckled her seatbelt. "If you don't kill us first,"
Hope laughed and pressed the gas further to the floor.
Well, how was it? Sorry about the delay, my computer has been busted. Just got it out of the shop Monday.
The Titans arrived home laughing and giddy with fatigue and residual excitement. Raven was the only one thinking clearly. The first opening she got she whispered to Robin to meet her on the roof later that night. He nodded and smiled at her. She announced that she was retiring and the others hollered goodnight. Beast boy and Cyborg practically dove at the couch and took up their controllers. They had a lot of pent up aggression to work out. Star took up her place between them and watched in fascination as two cars revved up and took off inside the small box.
Robin watched them for a moment, a half-smile playing on his lips. He looked up the stairway his lover had disappeared into and wondered what it was she needed to see him about. She'd been awfully distant toward him this past week, maybe she was going to make it up to him.
"Uh, guys, I'm going to bed. I'm wiped out. See you in the morning," he called.
"Good night, Beloved! Sweet dreams," Star answered.
Robin winced. He hated it when she called him that. It reminded him of what a low-life coward he was for sneaking around behind her back. He sighed as he made his way up and onto the roof. He had to tell her. Maybe Raven was right. Maybe there was no way to make it easier on her.
And about Raven. She had been great through this entire time and all she gotten was grief. For the first time Robin realized how selfish he was being. It hit him with the force of a landslide. He had never considered himself a selfish person, and yet this whole time he had been focused on how HE was feeling. How HE would be affected. Now that he could recognize it he was disgusted with himself. He was in love with Raven. It was inevitable that Starfire would be hurt by this knowledge, yet he'd procrastinated, hoping to find a easier way when there was no easier way. If even hoped to keep Raven he had to stop hiding behind lies. He had to stop playing the coward.
Robin found Raven sitting on the edge of the tower. She was staring up at the sky like she wished she could go there. She looked so sad, and guiltily Robin wondered if it was because of him.
"Rae? What's up?" he asked, sitting beside her
"I have something to tell you that you might not like." she began immediately. That was his Raven, blunt and straightforward. "Two things actually. I want you to promise to hear me out, Richard. Even though I haven't changed my demeanor outwardly I believe that this is the most vulnerable I have ever been. I only tell you this because I trust you implicitly."
"I won't say a word until you're finished." he swore, though he was a little confused.
"I told Hope Sinclair about us,"
A blink was the only indication he gave that he had heard her. He was true to his promise that he would not interrupt her, however the next bit of news would possibly be too much for him to handle.
"But there's something else. Yesterday, I found out that I was, I mean I am... pregnant."
Robin had been motionless through the exchange, yet suddenly everything about him seemed to still. There was no gasp, no explosion of swears. Just utter stillness.
"I didn't tell you that I suspected because I thought that I might be wrong. I was hoping that I was wrong, but I wasn't. I'm carrying your child. You can say something now," she urged nervously.
Robin didn't speak for one reason- he was completely shell shocked. He felt like someone had sucker punched him in the face, leaving him dazzled and bewildered. Pregnant? But they had been so careful. Except for that first time. Well, as Bruce had stumbled embarrassedly during their 'birds and bees' talk, it only took one time to make a baby.
Raven was beginning to become irritated. Shouting and screaming she could handle, but this silence was wearing at her nerves. Testily, and with more than a little vulnerability lacing her voice she snapped, "Scream at me, call me names, do something! I can't stand this!"
Her sharp tone was what snapped Robin out of his trance-like state. "What?" he asked like an imbecile.
"What?! Richard, I just told you that I am pregnant with your child. Some feedback would be nice,"
"Right. Give me a minute, Rae, I'm still trying to process this. It's kind of big news, isn't it?"
"Fine! When you decide how you feel about it let me know!" she started to storm away.
"Wait!" he caught her arm and spun her around to face him. He was flabbergasted for the second time that night to see tears sparkling in her eyes. "You're absolutely sure?"
"Didn't I just say I was?"
"Okay. Alright. Now it's your turn to listen to me. No interruptions, okay?"
She bobbed her head in ascent.
"Raven, I'm not sure I'm ready to be a father..."
"I-"
"No interruptions, remember? As I was saying, I'm not sure I'm ready, but Rae, I love you. Do you hear me? I love you. And I will love this child. We'll learn to be parents together, okay? Once the shock wears off, I'm sure I'll be delighted." Infact, that sentiment was already beginning to shove it's way to the front. "After all what could be better than having a baby with the woman I love? It'll just be happening a little sooner than I'd planned,"
Raven let him pull her to him and she buried her face in his chest. This was all she could have hoped for, despite her earlier resolve.
"I just don't want you to think of me or our child as an obligation,"
"Not an obligation, a responsibility. One we'll share. Now that that's over with, I have to go have a talk with Star."
"I should be there too."
"No. I don't want you to get upset. And this is something I feel I should do myself. I can't explain it,"
"I understand. Richard, she's going to be angry with the both of us. And hurt. But Star is strong and I think she'll be okay eventually."
"I hope so, Rae" he kissed her on the forehead and backed away. "You need to get some rest. And you're eating in the morning. No arguments. You can't live on herbal tea while carrying my son or daughter."
"Just daughter,"
"You know we're having a girl?"
"Call it a gut feeling." and with that she disappeared into the building.
Starfire was still sandwiched between Cyborg and Beastboy when Robin returned to the living room.
"Hey Rob, I thought you went to bed," Cyborg paused the game while Beast boy fumed.
"You only did that because I was winning!" he charged.
"No way, shrimp"
"Could you two give Star and I some privacy? We need to talk," he directed at her. His serious manner caused warning butterflies to start fluttering in her stomach. Whatever he had to tell her, it wasn't good.
"Sure boss. Consider us gone," They exited the room still arguing about who had been winning.
"Robin, what is it you needed to speak to me about?"
"What I have to tell you won't be easy for you to hear. Believe me it's not easy for me to say." He took a deep breath and dove in. "Star, I'm not in love with you. I don't think I ever was." at her stricken expression, Robin winced. He'd handled that badly.
"Robin, but what...?"
"There's someone else. I-I'm in love with her. She's carrying my child."
"You had relations with her?! Who is this woman? Where can I find this homewrecker?"
Star was definately angry, but it never occurred to her to be angry with Robin. No, this was all that boyfriend stealer's fault. She had lured Robin away with her wiles and then trapped him by becoming pregnant. That, that gorbeht had to be punished. (AN: translate gorbeht as 'whore')
"Star, Star, it's not her fault. She feels just as guilty as I do. But we couldn't deny what we feel for one another."
"Who is she Robin? You owe me an identity."
"Star, promise me you'll stay away from her until you cool down some,"
"WHO IS SHE!?"
"IT'S RAVEN! Star I'm in love with Raven, and she loves me."
"Raven? Raven betrayed me? But I thought she was my friend."
"She is. We both are. We just couldn't hold back our feelings any more. For what it's worth, we're sorry we didn't tell you sooner."
"How long has this been happening?"
"Almost a month and a half. A few days after her birthday,"
"I see. I would appreciate your leaving me alone now, Robin. I must think about this,"
"You're not going to...?"
"Do not worry about Raven. I will not approach her. Ever again. I suggest that you tell the mother of your child to show me the same courtesy. I do not wish to say another word to her for as long as I live."
"She's your best friend,"
"She was my best friend. Gorbehts who steal other people's men do not deserve friendship."
Robin sighed as she exited. That had been a botch if he'd ever made one. He threw himself back and flipped off the game system and turned on the television with the remote. Dr. Phil reruns. How appropriate.
Beast boy regained his humanoid form looking pale and shocked.
"So, flyboy, wha'ja hear?" Cyborg grilled.
"Dude, you are so not gonna believe me,"
"Try me"
Beast boy was right. Cyborg didn't believe him. At least not until he passed Starfire's room on the way to his and heard the sobs coming from within.
"Robin, my man, I have a feeling the trouble is only beginning for you."
Truthfully, the benefit was the last Raven expected to hear from Hope Sinclair. However, the rich widow had apparently been sincere when she said she wanted Raven to be her friend. The telepath was feeling especially awful that day. She had finally gotten up the nerve to approach Starfire, with disastrous results.
She'd found herself alone with the redhead in the laundry room completely by accident. "Starfire, I'm-"
"Do not dare speak to me. While I must tolerate being your team mate, I am no longer your friend. As such I would greatly appreciate your silence," the alien bit out in a voice colder and harder than diamonds.
"I'm sorry," Raven whispered. She bit her lip at the shrill sound of Star's voice.
"You are sorry?! Sorry, as earthings say, does not 'cut it'! What you have done is more despicable than the language of a Zulgarian Urpthow. You cannot be forgiven!" With those damning words, Star fled up the stairs, leaving Raven fighting to hold onto control and suppress her sobs.
"Oh, Starfire, I'm so so sorry,"
To make everything worse, Cyborg and Beast boy were acting wierd around her. She didn't think they were angry with her, just uncomfortable. They were torn between she and Star.
In addition, Robin had goten a new lead on Slade and therefor had pretty much become inaccesible to anyone.
Even though she valued her privacy, Raven longed for someone to talk to. A perfect example of taking something for granted until it's gone. Irony didn't sit well with her, especially when it was at her expense.
So she was understandable excited when she answered the ring and found a familiar voice on the other end.
"Raven, you sound positively ill. Wanna go shopping? It's the cure all for everything..."
"I don't know..."
"Oh come on. I won't take no for an answer. I'll be there in ten. Oh, and Raven?"
"Yes, Hope?"
"Dress casually. As in jeans and a tee-shirt casual."
"I don't have any jeans or tee shirts."
"Ugh. Don't worry. I'll bring you something." the line went dead.
Raven chuckled softly. She'd lost one friend and had little chance of getting her back. Maybe Hope was just what the doctor ordered.
True to her word, Hope was there in ten minutes on the dot, driving a sleek red convertible. Raven was waiting for her at the driveway. A bag was tossed into her arms. "Put it on over your outfit. And lose the cape."
"It's a cloak,"
"Whatever. Nice, very modern goth. Shall we?"
"How'd you know my size?" Raven asked after she threw on the clothes and got in the passenger seat.
"I guessed,"
"Oh," then Hope took off at a speed that would make Cyborg drop his jaw.
"Our first stop, Jump mall,"
Raven gripped the arm rest and shakily buckled her seatbelt. "If you don't kill us first,"
Hope laughed and pressed the gas further to the floor.
Well, how was it? Sorry about the delay, my computer has been busted. Just got it out of the shop Monday.