A/N: Once again, thank you to all who have reviewed my story! Apparently, you all think it's good so far and I hope this next chapter won't disappoint you. Sorry it took me a little longer to get it up, but I wanted to make it longer (at least longer than my last chapter). I hope you enjoy it and don't forget to review!

Deals, Chapter 4

"Well, here we are," I said after a moment and turned to Rachel. She was now lying on my bed with her eyes closed, legs dangling over the side, and hands folded on her stomach. "So, Rachel, how much do you know?"

"Oh, I know lots of things," she said with distinct mockery. "I know the alphabet, I know that one plus one is two, I know that those little plastic things at the end of shoelaces are called aglets—"

"I mean about this situation," I interrupted her with a vague hint of annoyance.

She opened her eyes and slowly raised herself up on one elbow, smiling sadly. "I know everything you know," she said quietly. "I know that I was created so that you may have the joy of experiencing emotions. I know that I am not real and have only a week to live." I felt her grief, a deep, unaccustomed pain in my chest. My eyes were becoming bordered with tears.

She sighed and sat up, giving a resigned shrug. "I also know," she continued, her mood seeming suddenly buoyant, "that you and I will have a crappy week if I keep thinking about that." She stood up. "Any more questions?"

I studied her intently. "On the outside you look and sound like me," I said. "So, how much of me is on the inside?"

She gave me a sly smile. "Some stuff you probably don't want anyone else knowing about," she said mischievously. "Seriously, though, in order to be used to my fullest potential, I had to know almost everything about you.

"At first, I was like a blank slate. That's why I was so out of it when I was brought to life. Now, I have most of your memories. I know what your needs, wants, and desires are. I have the same likes and dislikes as you. Basically, I am you...minus the powers."

"Okay," I drawled, trying to register the significance of her words. "You're me. Nobody would believe it. You're just way too...chipper."

The sly smile returned. "Care to find out?" she said playfully. I shook my head slightly and she continued. "I can sound just as somber and monotonous as you. I just choose not to since I can express my feelings freely without fear of negative repercussions." She leaned forward a bit and lowered her voice as if she were going to tell me something confidential. "It's not much fun either."

I felt the beginnings of a headache forming and decided it was time to get ready for bed. "Do you have this double vision, too?" I asked, retrieving my black charmeuse nightgown from the floor where Rachel had thrown it earlier. I was too tired to worry about the mess.

"Nope," she responded as I made my way toward the bathroom. "All I know is what's going on in Rachel's head and body. What's it like being in two places at once?"

"Annoying," I muttered and closed the door. I hung the nightgown on the back of the door and began my nightly routine. I tried to stay aware of what Rachel was doing while I thought about the events that had occurred since returning to the Tower this evening.

I turned on the shower and allowed it to run while I stripped down to nothing. Placing a clean towel nearby, I gingerly stepped in, closing the curtain and submerging myself beneath the spray. Almost immediately, I began to relax and exhaled a long sigh of contentment, closing my eyes and forgetting for the moment the troubles that awaited me outside this room.

I had only been in there a few minutes when my eyes snapped open in realization. I was only seeing through my eyes. "Rachel?" I called out, pulling the curtain back slightly and looking out. I turned off the water and called again. Still no answer.

Curses fell from my mouth as I snatched the towel and wrapped it around myself before stepping out of the shower. I opened the door slightly and peered out. "Rachel?" I called, hearing the desperation in my voice, and opened the door all the way when there was no answer. The room was empty.

My thoughts were racing dangerously. Rachel was missing. I had no idea where she was. Was she still in the Tower? Had anybody seen her yet? Why couldn't I see what she was seeing?

I closed my eyes, allowing my mind to go blank, and took in a few deep breaths in an attempt to calm myself. I was standing in the doorway of my bathroom, wearing nothing but a towel, allowing my wet hair to drip onto the tiled floor, but I didn't care. I had to be rational.

"Are you okay Raven?" I heard Robin ask. My body stiffened in shock and my eyes flew open in alarm. At first, no one was there, but then I saw him...in the kitchen.

A wave of apprehension swept through me. I sat down on my bed and watched the scene unfold, aware that I could do nothing without arousing suspicion. I only hoped Rachel knew what she was doing.

"Are you okay Raven?" Robin asked.

Rachel opened her eyes and found herself in the kitchen. Satisfaction pursed her mouth. "Just peachy," she replied, having no idea how sensuous her voice sounded.

His eyes traveled from her sandals to her dress. "Did you know that you're wearing a dress?" There was a slight tinge of wonder in his voice.

She looked down, trying to keep her expression impassive. "So I am," she said carelessly. "What are you doing?"

He grinned sheepishly. "I had a craving for some ice cream," he said quietly. He was sitting at the table, eating out of the half-gallon container of cookie dough ice cream. "There's plenty for two. Grab a spoon and dig in."

She offered him a small, shy smile, her heart dancing with excitement. She found a spoon and slipped in beside him on his right, drinking in the comfort of his nearness. After taking a few bites, she noticed he was watching her.

Anxiety spurted through her. "What's wrong?" she asked. Warning spasms of alarm erupted within her.

He regarded her quizzically for a moment. "There's something different about you," he said with determination. "I just can't put my finger on it."

She tried to keep her fragile control. "What makes you think that?" she asked. Her mouth was beginning to feel dry. She casually took another spoonful of ice cream to show how undisturbed she was by this conversation.

"You're eating ice cream," he pointed out.

She dropped her eyes before his steady gaze. "Am I not allowed to eat ice cream?" she asked softly, feigning innocence. She put her spoon down and began to move away. "I can leave if you want."

He took hold of her hand and pulled her back gently. "I'm sorry," he apologized, flushing slightly. "No more questions. I promise."

Rachel looked down to find that Robin still had not released her. Her cheeks began to burn as her pulse skittered alarmingly. She raised her eyes to find him watching her again.

She couldn't help but notice the tingle of excitement inside her, all from a touch. With a pang, she realized what was happening. Giving a small gasp, she pulled her hand free of his and left the table, walking away quickly.

"Raven?" Rachel could hear the confusion in Robin's voice as he moved behind her. She had made it into the living room before he halted her escape with a firm hand on her arm, swinging her around to face him.

"Robin, please," she whispered, swallowing the despair in her throat. She bowed her head so he couldn't see her face. "Let me go. I have to leave now."

"Not until you tell me what's going on," he said with quiet emphasis. He cupped her chin in his warm hand, gently tilting her head up towards him. His gaze traveled over her face and searched her eyes. His voice was now full of entreaty. "You know you can tell me anything."

She had to fight her overwhelming need to be close to him. Without looking away, she backed away from him, shaking her head slightly. "You wouldn't understand," she murmured, hugging her arms to her.

He gave a sigh of frustration and in a defensive gesture, he folded his arms across his chest. "Then help me understand," he said.

"I can't." Knowing that's all Robin would get out of her, he allowed Rachel to move around him and make her way to the door. Before leaving, she stopped and glanced behind her, whispering "Good night, Robin," and left the room without another word.

I hear the door open and know that it's Rachel. "Not so easy, was it?" I sneered as she entered the room. I lie in bed, having dried my hair and changed into my nightgown while that whole scene played out.

I could feel the war of emotions raging within her as she made her way over to the bed without turning on the lights. She lies close beside me, worn out from the emotional roller coaster that just took place. "I had to remember to be just like you," she murmured. "I thought it would be so easy, considering I know all about you. But it hurt so much since I wanted him so bad."

"Welcome to my world," I muttered and rolled over, away from her. "Don't ever try it again. Good night, Rachel."

"Good night, Raven," she whispered and we fell asleep at the same time.