Disclaimer: I own no part of the Teen Titans or their associated canon nor, any other already copyrighted material.

(A/N): I think this will be the end…unless I have some flash of inspiration for another chapter.

Chapter 10

Another Dawn

Beast Boy rolled over in his bed, staring groggily at the alarm clock. Drowsily making out the time as 10:30 am he managed to force himself up. After a few minutes of stretching he began to come around. Making his way to the bathroom and the shower his mind began to focus enough to let him consider the previous day. It had been…easily…the best day of his young life. Getting dressed in his loose training clothes he headed for the kitchen, furiously trying to figure out how to keep whatever it was he had with Raven going. It was only as he neared the door he began to consider what to say to Robin if he tried to pin him for skipping out.

Passing through the sliding doors he reached the kitchen where Robin sat at the counter, working on ham and eggs and reading the paper. The question of whether or not it was a delivered paper popped into his mind at that moment unbidden. "Morning Beast Boy."

"Morning Robin." When nothing further came from behind the folded pages he let out a small breath and headed for the fridge, digging out his traditional tofu and juice. He quietly went about cooking as Robin leafed through the paper. Washing out the pan and taking a place across from the Boy Wonder he worked slowly through his meal, mind on other things. Halfway through an egg Robin finally spoke again.

"Cyborg's gonna be gone for a couple days. He'll be staying at Titan's east." It took fully twenty seconds for Beast Boy to process this news.

"He went home…with Bumble Bee?"

"Sort of. It was the only way the League would let Speedy and Aqualad go after that fight they got into. He agreed to drive them back. Though I'm sure having Bee along was also an incentive."

"I imagine."

"Speaking of the fight…it seems the last time anyone remembers seeing you and Raven was right after it started." The paper slid to the side to reveal one masked eye, waiting for a response. Beast Boy choked down the bite he had just taken. And there it was. Now…how best to handle it…

"Really?" He was stalling for time and Robin knew it.

"Really. I'd almost think you two were skipping out. How do you think that makes me look?" Well…two could play this game.

"Well…you and Star seemed otherwise…engaged…we didn't figure you'd mind if we ducked out for a moment and sort of forgot to come back." Bullseye. Robin's cheeks flared red. His mouth twitched and he responded in a low lethal voice.

"You saw nothing." Like he would or could pass up this chance to push Robin's buttons.

"I don't know man…it looked like a lot more than no-"

"YOU SAW NOTHING!" Beast Boy's hands sprang up defensively.

"I saw nothing! Got it!" Robin calmed down, picked up the paper again, color slowly fading from his face. Beast Boy went back to his breakfast and picked through another egg. "So…how was she?"

"Fucking awesome." Robin replied before he thought. "YOU HEARD NOTHING!"

"Deaf, blind…want me to throw in mute?" Robin still had the death glare on him. "Dude…relax. I'm not gonna say anything. I solemnly promise not to reveal a word to anyone I'm not having wild monkey sex with." Robin's eyebrow cocked up. Beast Boy could see his anger was giving way to mirth.

"That means less from you since you can turn into a wild monkey."

"Dude! That's just not right. But not that you mention it…I bet there's a lot of lonely ladies down at the zoo… I mean it doesn't count if I'm another species…right?" He sat in a mock thinking position as Robin gagged.

"Dude! I'm trying to eat here! Fucking stop it!" He shook his head forcibly to shatter any mental images that were trying to form. "Still…speaking of wild sex…where were you and Raven last night?" It was Beast Boy's turn to feign disgust.

"Dude! Seriously! Man… We were patrolling the city."

"Really?"

"No. We were here. Asleep. In our own rooms." Robin gave a 'sure, I believe that' nod. "Dude, whatever." Again they lapsed into silence for a minute. "So…how did you and Star make out." He heard what he said and raced to correct it. "Not like that! I meant how did the rest of the evening go?" Robin hadn't even bothered to get angry this time. Instead he had an idiot grin on his face.

"Great." He spoke in a dreamy voice one would never usually associate with Robin.

"Okay…great…come on man! Details!"

"A gentleman never kisses and tells."

"Damn Rob, I don't want the play by play, just give a lonely guy a few highlights to live off!" Robin chuckled at his green friend before indulging him.

"Fine, fine… Okay…after we got done…uh…getting some air…we headed back inside and danced the most incredible dance I've been a part of."

"Really?"

"Yeah… It was like there was no one but me, Star and the band in the whole world. Everything else just…disappeared."

"Woah."

"My thoughts exactly. Star and I mingled with the others for a while but we just weren't into it. After the party broke up around midnight we rode back to the Tower after getting the security codes from Cyborg. We stopped for some more air…twice."

"Damn."

"Couldn't seem to catch my breath. We got back…and…"

"Dude! Did you…?" Robin's head shook furiously.

"No! Never! We said goodnight at her door…and I haven't seen her since."

"Really? She's usually up early."

"I know. It's sort of freaking me out. I've been on edge all morning, afraid I'd blow up at the first person I talked to. Which was you by the way."

"You don't say."

"Uh…yeah. Sorry about that. Well, at least it wasn't Raven. She was in and out too fast to talk to."

"Raven's up?"

"Yeah. She grabbed some tea and headed for the roof I think. Seemed like she didn't really want to talk to anyone." Beast Boy stood and mechanically stashed his dished in the washer. "Did she seem…off to you last night?"

"Off? No…no more than normal. Why?"

"She just seemed…different somehow."

"Eh…maybe I should go check on her." He started for the roof.

"You do that."

Raven awoke to a timid tapping tap tap tapping on her door. Somebody was either incredibly stupid or suicidal. Or Beast Boy an unbidden voice added. Rubbing her eyes she managed to focus her eyes on the clock. They widened as she realized it was already 9. A whip crack of black energy brought the lights up enough so she could see, illuminating the dark violet, almost black, satin pajamas she was wearing. Sliding her legs off the edge of the bed she gained enough coherency to remember just how late she had fallen asleep and the reasons she had been up so late. Interrupting this rather pleasant reverie was another tapping on her bedroom door. Only this and nothing more.

"Yes?" She had considered simply opening the door and blasting whoever was there. She dismissed this however on the grounds her timing might be off and she'd hit the door. Instead she rose and padded toward the steel on bare feet. It took several second for whoever it was to answer.

"Ra…Raven? It's Starfire. I was hoping we might-" the door slid open bombarding Raven with light and the final word of the sentence, "-talk?" Raven shielded her eyes as they slowly came to grips with the luminous assault. Before her stood a fully uniformed Starfire looking oddly nervous.

"Uh-huh… So…talk…"

"I…I was hoping we might talk…in private." Raven's eyebrows rose dreamily.

"Sure…why not. Come on in." She stepped aside and let Star float into her room before letting the door slide shut, leaving them both in a far more comfortable dimness. Raven's eyes opened again, no longer trying to adjust to the change in brightness. She sat back on the edge of the bed waiting for Star to stop floating around the room. As the alien's eyes adjusted she seemed to finally realize the way Raven was dressed.

"Did I wake you? I am sorry!"

"Don't worry about it." Raven waved it off and motioned to a chair where Star sat…and was promptly up and about again five seconds later. Raven sat back and waited the girl out. After several minutes Star decided on what she wanted to say.

"So…how was your night with friend Beast Boy?" She concentrated hard on Raven, obviously hoping for some long answer to put off talking about her own concerns. Raven would be damned if she were going to indulge her after she got drug out of bed. After a moment Raven realized the inherent problem with the previous statement.

"Fine. We took off and came back here. We went to bed almost immediately. I at least was tired." She let the girl hang for several seconds, know the question had been a set up for her to ask about Robin. Giving into what she knew would be long conversation she asked. "And how was you date with Rob-"

"Wonderful!" The girl damn near exploded, right there in the room. "Oh…friend Raven! It was the most wonderful time!"

"I figured. You two were going at it pretty heavy when we bailed."

"Yes…we were 'making the out'…"

"Making out Star."

"Yes! And then we danced…it was…like nothing I have experienced since I came to this planet."

"Everything just sort of disappeared except for you, Robin and the music?" Starfire's eyes popped open wide.

"Yes." She looked puzzled. "How did you know?"

"Uh…lucky guess?" Star accepted this and sat for several moments with a delighted grin on her face, staring at nothing. "So…what did you want to talk about? If this was it, you could be talking to Rob right now. So…what else?" Star's face fell in confusion and frustration.

"I…I am so confused. The night was wonderful…I am sure he had as much fun as I did…but when we returned…he was content to kiss me again and part at my door."

"And?"

"I…I just thought…he might want…more…" Raven only stopped herself from laughing to spare Star.

"I'm sure he does Star. But he's too much of a gentleman to rush. He'd want to be perfectly sure you were both ready, and knowing him it would be a written declaration signed in triplicate to accomplish that. Besides, he's got a lot to consider. He's the leader of the Titans. Every thing he does he has to consider how it will affect the team. And if there is any chance it might cause problems with the rest of us, he won't do it. He'll sacrifice his happiness for the team. That's why he's the leader." Star listened and considered as Raven spoke. For her part Raven was trying to get this over as fast as possible. She needed a shower. "He just needs to get his head screwed on right, and so do you for that matter, and then the two of you need to have a long talk and figure out what you both want." Star seemed comforted by what she said and slid into the chair, thinking hard. After several moment she looked up.

"Friend Raven…how is it you are so wise?"

"Meditation…and lots of tea. You'd be amazed what's written on those packets." Star nodded slowly. "Now come on." She rose and helped the girl to the door. "You need to head back to your room and think about exactly what you want so you know what you're after when you talk to Robin. Tell you what. I'll get rid of Beast Boy and Cyborg so you two will have the tower to yourselves this evening. Okay?"

"Um…friend Cyborg in in Steel City."

"Really?"

"Yes. He left with the Titans East last night."

"Well, that makes my job easier. Beast Boy and I will be gone all evening."

"Thank you Friend Raven."

"Uh…no problem. Now get going. Lot's to think about." She managed to get the slowly walking girl out her door. Rolling back against the wall she let it shut as Star slowly made her way down the hall. And speaking of thinking about what to do… She headed for the bathroom, shedding clothes as she went.

Beast Boy slowly made his way up to the roof via the rebuilt doorway. The midmorning sun broke through the otherwise cloudy sky in various places, shining little fingers of light down into the city. None of these were anywhere near the tower though. Glancing around his eyes quickly found Raven seated with her legs hanging over the side of the ledge, staring at nothing toward the bay. It actually looked like her feet were randomly kicking out away from the building and swinging back. Spooked, he took a calming breath that failed to calm him and began to approach her. She seemed to notice him but made no other move. Arriving next to her he dropped his legs over the side and mimicked her position.

"Morning Raven."

"Morning." Her voice was a flat monotone. She must be thinking…or mad. They sat in silence for several minutes, neither wishing to be the first to speak. Beast Boy decided to take the first jump.

"Sleep well?" She seemed caught off guard at the mundaneness of his question.

"Uh…yeah. Overslept actually."

"Me too." The again lapsed into silence. "So…about last night…"

"It can't happen again." The curtness of her reply cut through him like a blade. He felt the breath ripped out of his lungs. After a few seconds he managed to get out the only thing he could think.

"Why?" She turned then and he could see the pain she was desperately trying to conceal behind her eyes. She was trying to stop him…why? It wasn't like it has hurt…anyone… Something clicked and Beast Boy thought he knew what was going on.

"It…it just can't."

"That's not a reason Rae." She was unable to speak as he waited, only shake her head slowly. "Is it because you're afraid? Of hurting me?" She nodded.

"Not just you…everyone. What if I lose control? What if I hurt people? I can't do that. I won't…" Beast Boy slowly took hold of her shoulders and looked deeply into her eyes.

"Raven…you're not going to hurt anyone. I know you're scared. You think I'm not? You're not the only one who's had their heart broken. I know that you want to run, pretend last night didn't happen, go back to that icy world you lived in. But I can't let you do that." She waited, unable to look away from his eyes; afraid he might disappear if she did. He leaned in closer until she could feel his short breaths on her chin. "I can't let you run Rae. Because…" She knew what he was going to say. She could feel it. Was it possible? Was everything she thought she felt for him…being felt for her? "…because I'm falling in love with you." The last word was spoke nearly against her lips as he pulled her into a kiss of pure ecstasy.

She felt like she was going to explode, though with what she couldn't say. Two emotions were fighting for release, happiness, and her newly appeared violet cloaked one. As she willingly melted into him she felt her powers cut loose and do…something, though what she couldn't say. They could be tearing the city apart and for once, she wasn't sure she would care. He gently pulled back from her still staring at her eyes.

"Beast Boy…I…I…" He smiled, putting a finger to her lips.

"Wait until you're sure." She could only smile in response. She couldn't bring herself to say it. Not yet. And he understood. She nodded against his finger and he pulled his hand back. His popped up a bit as he looked over her shoulder. "What the…?" She turned, following his gaze, remembering the release of her powers and wondering if she had done something horrible. As she turned she came to face a small pile of books, tied with a ribbon, hanging from half a dozen black energy balloons, floating back and forth across the roof. Her mouth twitched for a few seconds before she found calm and made the bizarre apparition disappear. "Rae…what was that?"

"A long story." She turned back to him, smiling. "At least I didn't take down the tower."

"You really are getting good at controlling your emotions."

"Yeah…but for a second there…I wasn't in control. I gave it up for just a moment. I was just lucky nothing bad happened." Beast Boy realized why she had lost it.

"I'm sorry…"

"NO! No…don't apologize. It was worth it. It was wonderful for just a moment…to let go." Her eyes became sad then…as if with the burden of loss. "I…I can't get close to someone…no matter haw much I want to. If that were to happen…and it wasn't just books and some balloons…"

"Okay. I never expected you to get all gushy Raven. I'll never push you to show more emotion than you want to. If I ever go too far…tell me to stop. I won't have you live with the burden of doing something bad with your powers. And if that means…we can never do more than smile at each other…so be it." She wanted to kiss him again, deeply. Thank him, somehow show him how much it meant that he understood, that he accepted her. All she could do was smile. "So…any chance on a second date?" A sly look crossed her face.

"I think we can work something out."

"Great…cause I know this great little place. Out of the way, great view, wonderful atmosphere…what do you say?" She acted as if considering it hard but soon broke into a smile.

"Sounds wonderful."

"Okay… Well, I'm gonna go hit the training room for a while, then I'll make the reservations." With a quick peck on the cheek he disappeared back down stairs. Raven turned back to the ledge, for once, just watching the city to watch the city. For the first time in a long time…she didn't want to meditate.

Descending back into the tower some time later Raven made her way to the common room. Setting her cup in the sink she filled the pot with water for another steep. Glancing around she was only half surprised Starfire wasn't in evidence. Robin was hunched over the computer, searching for whatever it was Robin searched for obsessively. He was so wrapped up in his screen that he didn't realize she was there until the kettle started to whistle. With a start he pooped to his feet and instinctively drew a birdarang before realizing who it was. Raven calmly began steeping her tea, ignoring his action pose.

"Getting a little sloppy, aren't we Boy Wonder. Slade could have marched in here and you wouldn't know until it was to late." The comment had the desired effect of combining annoyance and sheepishness in his face and getting him to loosen up.

"I was…busy."

"Uh-huh." She poured the tea into a fresh cup and took a deep whiff of the vapors, letting it permeate her being. "If I didn't know better I'd almost think you were trying to avoid talking to anyone."

"What? No! Never! Why would I be avoiding people?"

"Okay…maybe not everyone. Perhaps just a certain red haired alien?" She sipped her tea serenely, waiting to see how he would respond. His explosion surprised her.

"Nothing happened!"

"Whoa…slow down bird boy…didn't say it did. Know it didn't in fact…"

"Who have you been talking to!"

"Starfire. Believe it or not, being the only two women here, we tend to talk to each other occasionally. If you have a problem with it…I suggest you take it up with her." He seemed to become far more sedated at the mention of Starfire.

"I…uh…no…that…never mind."

"Uh-huh. You're going to have talk to her eventually Robin." The distressed look on his face seemed to want to contradict this.

"But…I…I don't…I'm not sure… Help?" He finished feebly.

"You're a big boy now Robin. That means you have to handle some things yourself."

"But…but…but…I don't know what to do!"

"And you think I do? This is between just two people. And neither of them am I. I suggest you and Star sit down and talk this out. I'd find her if I were you. If she had to find you…well. She's a hell of a lot stronger than you are. Hate to think what she might do 'accidentally'. Later." She glided out through the doors, headed for her room, leaving a still distraught Robin in her wake.

It was mid afternoon when Star heard a tapping on her door. She hadn't left the room since returning after talking with Raven that morning. She had been sitting in quiet contemplation for hours, examining each and every memory she had of Robin, every word they had exchanged, every glance…every kiss. After hard deliberations she very nearly had figured out what she wanted to say and what she wanted from him. The knocking tore her from her thoughts and brought reality into sharp relief. She swallowed heavily and rose from the bed. 'Robin? Could it be?' She rushed to the door and opened it expecting, hoping to see the white-eyed mask of the black hared titan. Instead she met the dark eyes of Raven.

"Oh…friend Raven. I had thought it would be…" Her face fell.

"Sorry Star. I just dropped by to let you know Beast Boy and I are taking off now. We won't be back until late."

"Have…fun."

"I'll try." She turned and took several steps forward before turning back. "He's in the training room. I'd go soon, he's about to tear that bag apart." Turning again she left the girl staring out her door. Taking a deep breath she squared her shoulders as if facing an unseen enemy and stepped determinedly out of her room to find Robin.

Gliding high above the ocean an hour later Raven and an eagle cut through the winds of the open sea. She was again dressed in cargo pants and a T-shirt under her cloak. Mostly cloudy skies still dominated the horizon, a few fingers of light still slashing down to the water below. Raven was becoming more and more convinced they were lost, internal animal compass or not. For the fourth time she asked, "Are you sure this is the right way?" The eagle merely nodded in response. Looking around once again she could see nothing save water all around. Except…what was that? Directly ahead a small speck appered in the ocean of blue. As they got closer she realized it was fairly good size. It appeared to be a horseshoe of peaks surrounding a valley of dense foliage that spilled down to a long, deep beachfront.

She flew on in awe of the place for several seconds before realizing Beast Boy was descending. Turning she followed him in as he nearly touched the water before rising over the beach. Twisting, turning, following she chased the eagle through the canopy of the small forest. Crossing most of the three mile diameter island they slowed and landed near the base of the small mountain range. The eagle transformed and landed as Beast Boy, again wearing jeans and a T-shirt. Raven looked around from her landing spot.

"You like it?"

"How did you find this place Beast Boy?"

"Garfield."

"What?"

"Here I'm Garfield. Beast Boy doesn't exist on this island. Okay?"

"You got it. Garfield."

"I was just flying around one day and I found this island. Great place to get away for a while. No people, no animals…just plants and bugs. It's a nice change. I can do whatever I want out here and no one's gonna get hurt and I'm not gonna get a bill." Raven's eyes widened a little as she noticed destroyed foliage in a few spots around that had obviously been smashed by an animal. "Now…it's just a short walk." Heading up a steep incline he took her hand and helped her climb along a small path that zigzagged up the peak. After a couple minutes Raven's curiosity got the best of her.

"Where are we going?" Garfield turned back.

"If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise. Just a little bit further. Scouts honor."

"Were you ever a scout?" They started on again.

"Nope." Glancing out over the trees Raven could see they were a good twenty feet higher than the canopy. Another few steps up, around a corner, and laid out before them was a large cliff ledge. The view encompassed the entire island. A row of peaks on either side, the canopy flowed away below them into the sea. Raven quickly checked the sun. That son of a bitch. It was going to set dead center in the middle of the horizon. At the back of the cliff a small cave was formed in the mountainside. Perhaps fifteen feet deep, ten wide and seven high Garfield stood in front of it proudly.

Raven's eyes widened as she saw the other things that were there. A small fire had a grill grate laying over it with a kettle of water warming. A small, low table spanned the cave mouth with a short chair on either side. Deeper in the cave she could just make out an unrolled sleeping bag and pillow tucked against the back. "Bea- Garfield…what is this place?" He looked around proudly.

"My little home away from home. I come out her to watch the sunset or the stars every once in a while. I've spent the night a couple times. Like after that nufu incident. Just to get away for a little bit."

'Does anyone else know about this place?"

"Just me…and you. You're not going to tell anyone…right?"

"Wouldn't dream of it."

"Good. I might not invite you back if you did. So…hungry?" He pulled a large picnic basket out of the ether.

"A picnic?" Raven was really surprised and off balance at this point. 'He's got his own secret island and now it's a picnic.' "Sure! What have you got?"

"Burgers!" It was a joke…she was hallucinating…burgers?

"Uh…what?"

"Veggie burgers!" In a split second he had set the table with disposable plates, a bag of buns, two bags of chips, a small tray of lettuce, onions, tomatoes and pickles a porcelain cup and saucer and a plastic cup with a pitcher of water. Another second later four veggie burgers were happily cooking over the fire and he sat with a pair of tongs keeping an eye on them. Too stunned to do much else she carefully folded her cloak and set it aside as she sat on the opposite side of the table. "Just a minute, tea'll be right up."

"Tea?"

"Never seen you drink anything else." From within the basket he pulled out a steeper and a packet of tea. She watched in amazement as he deftly made a cup and placed it before her for testing. Taking a sip she smiled. He was getting good at this. She nodded in appreciation of his efforts and their results. Replacing the kettle he flipped the burgers and opened the pack of buns. He opened the chips and set them before her. "I didn't know what you liked so I got plain and corn chips."

"You really didn't have to do all this."

"I know. I wanted to." Dishing up two burgers apiece he sat and they ate. Neither seemed to be able to say much. The burgers were rather tastier than Raven had expected and she discovered an affinity for ripple chips. Much of the meal they were content to just watch each other. Everything that crossed their minds to say had either already been said…or was just a waste. Very quickly therefore the meal was finished and Garfield did a quick clean up. Raven turned to watch the sun as it approached the horizon a small smile crossing her lips. Garfield carefully removed the table and leaned it against the wall. Pulling his chair closer he sat next to her and waited, unsure of what to do next.

"Thank you Garfield."

"Glad you enjoyed it."

"This place is incredible."

"Yeah. It's nice to come her and just let go." Raven's eyes closed, she could feel him unwinding next to her. All the pressure of being a titan, of being Beast Boy was leeching out of him.

"That's why you're Garfield here…isn't it?" He nodded. She could feel it rather than see it. "Must be nice to be able to do that."

"You can too Raven."

"No I can't. I might hurt…"

"Me? Yeah. But I'm the only one here and it takes a lot to really hurt me. No one else for a hundred miles. You could just let go." Her eyes snapped open. He was leaning in front of her staring directly into her eyes. Emotions flooded through her. Instinctively she clamped down on them. Through out most of this she had been able to distract herself from his proximity but now he was right there.

"I…" He was so close… It was getting harder and harder to control herself. "I have to protect everyone. My powers…"

"Aren't going to hurt anyone out here. Please Raven, if only for a little while, let me see the real you. Just let go." He could see the begging in his eyes, she wanted to show him, all he wanted was to see her…in only for a little while. She could feel the tide of her emotions welling up one especially was fighting for release.

"You…asked…for it." He could see the acceptance in his eyes and with the very slight nod of his head. Unsure of what would happen she gripped the arms of the chair…and let go. The torrent of suddenly released emotion threatened to consume her. It was Garfield's eyes that kept her grounded in reality. After several deep breaths the force became a steady flow. Letting her emotions rule her actions she could see a broad smile cross Garfield's face as he saw what he knew was her. It was several seconds before he fully comprehended the form her face was taking. He got the hint when she seductively reached up and pulled his head to hers, embracing him in the most incredible kiss her had ever felt. He was actually thankful for the unseen sunset to cool him off a little.

She pulled him closer and it began to feel as if her sudden emotional outlet would consume him. Part of him fought to maintain some dort of control while the rest wanted to give in and let go. Her hands worked across his back, tracing every well-defined muscle group, every part of him. Holding the back of her neck gently with one hand he began trailing kisses away from her mouth and down past her chin. She gasped as he hit a particularly sensitive spot. Delighted in the reaction he danced around that spot, playing with her. She strained trying to get him there again. Relenting he did and sent a shockwave of pleasure through her again, and was once again rewarded with a louder gasp.

Happy was going berserk in Raven's mind, Courage was urging her on and Fear, for once, had just shut the hell up. By far though, it was love that pulsated in her. She could feel it breaking off of Garfield like tidal wave, reaching her, and echoing back. Each trip only made the feeling stronger and more overwhelming in each of them. She could feel his hand starting to push back her shirt along her left hip. Suddenly Fear was there, strong as courage, telling her to stop, that this was a bad idea. The bit of her that maintained clarity knew this was it. Her decision had to be made now. With Courage and Fear each screaming at her she had to decide.

Garfield froze as he sensed her tense. His hand waited, a bare inch of flesh exposed on her stomach. He wanted this. He had known for days. He also knew that it would be her choice. He waited. Raven's eyes seemed to sharpen. "W…wait."

"Whatever you say Rae." He could see her struggling, fighting to say possibly the hardest words she ever had.

"I…I…I love you Garfield." The effort of speaking seemed to have drained her a little. A smile cut across his face. He could die happy having heard those words. But he had other things to do tonight.

"I love you too Raven." He melted into another kiss and suddenly found his shirt up and over his head, discarded on the floor of the cave.

"The don't stop." Three words that had an electric effect on both of them. Fear was driven away, Happy, Courage and especially Love were a trio in her mind, singing one tune. Both his hands started sliding up her sides then. His mouth soon joined them. His lips found every newly uncovered spot of flesh and massaged it gently. With terribly wonderful slowness he worked the shirt off of her. A strong arm slipped under knees and another cradled her back as he lifted her from the chair. Standing, she became acutely aware of just how strong he was. Her arms wrapped around his neck and she pulled him along as he laid her on the bed.

"As you command." Pulling him into another kiss Garfield felt his jeans loosening and begin sliding down his legs. Encased in black energy they flew to the side. Working back down her neck he carefully removed the last garment on her upper body. Letting his mouth explore again he was rewarded with many more gasps and the occasional groan. Every inch of her insanely long legs fell victim to the same horribly wonderful sensation. His black boxers and her black panties were now all that stood between them. As once again went to sup her from her lips a sudden flip found him on his back staring up and her pale skin, bathed in star light, every detail driving him mad.

Raven could feel Courage pumping through her veins. She let it run. Slipping of her underwear she slowly held it off to the side, making absolutely sure he saw, and tossed them to the side. His eyes crossed in anticipation himself turn from wood to steel. Raven slipped a finger into each side of his boxers and waited. In the starlight she could make out his lips moving silently. Judging from his expression he was on the verge of begging her to keep going. Just before he reached the breaking point she ripped his boxers down the length of his legs and tossed them aside.

Garfield nearly screamed in ecstasy when he felt her hand. Correction hands. With strangely catlike movement she slipped up beside him and whispered in his ear. "Been spending too much time as a horse Gar?" He could only grin stupidly as she rose to her knees and positioned herself. His hands involuntarily rose to hold her waist. He felt a hand grasp him again. Their eyes locked and they waited. An eternity seemed to pass then, the whole of creation passed them by. With no warning she crashed down onto him. Her face was momentarily contorted as both her hands hit his chest supporting her. Instinctively he held her, both reveling in bliss and reeling in sorrow that he had hurt her.

Raven took several deep breaths, Courage momentarily silenced. Expecting it hadn't really prepared her. After several moments she managed to compose her self and rose several inches. She could see Garfield's eyes rolling around in his head, obviously in heaven. Giving into the motion she soon joined him.

Instinctively awake at dawn, as he always was when he slept in the wild, Garfield looked around the cave and saw everything in order. Nestling back into the dark violet hair under his chin he went back to sleep.
They sat, again side by side at the entrance to the cave a couple hours later. Garfield had been out surveying the area for a while.

"Every thing looks normal."

"I…I didn't destroy anything?"

"Well…you rocked my world. But in looks like everything else is the same."

"No…everything has changed. The whole world.

"Well…yeah. That's fine with me."

"You do realize this makes everything far more complicated?"

"Yeah." Garfield gathered up the few things he had brought in the basket. They were both dressed and ready to get moving. "Well, let's get going. What we leave behind isn't nearly as important as what we take with us."

"What?" Raven's head popped up at the deeply philosophical point of view.

"The food. It'll go bad if we leave it."

"Oh…of course.

(A/N): That's it for this one. If you want to know what happens next read Making Peace.

(A/N): If you feel it is warranted feel free to review. I welcome any and all opinions.