Blue Bird Chapter 6, a teen titans fanfic

An: Well, hi everyone… it's been a while… about a month now, or maybe more. I'm sorry it took so long to update, but I've been pretty busy, what with school starting back up and trying to finish all the work I left to last minute…(sweat drop) I don't suggest that to anyone. BUT, as of today, I'm, officially a eighth grader! ( Balloons fall from the sky…) yes, well everybody, enjoy Chapter six of Blue Bird!

Disclaimer:… you doubt I don't own Teen Titans?

Chapter six

The sun sparkled down on the hot sand of the beach as the five friends relaxed together. Kori had cuddled up next to Richard as he read his book of mysteries, half focused on the print in front of him; trying to solve the mystery before the detective in the book did, the other half on his girlfriend as he slipped his fingers through her long red hair. Victor was munching on the picnic lunch they had brought along, prepared by Garfield and Richard, Kori had wanted to make a special dish from her country, but Richard had kept her from brining it, worried for his health as well as his friends.

The final two friends had spread their towels out a slight distance from the others; Raven wanting some quiet, and Garfield was happy to accommodate her. Raven was busy with her book; casually letting her eyes follow the pattern of print on the page, Next to her, Garfield was stretched out in the sun on his back, his eyes half closed and wondering idly how cold the water was and whether it was worth getting up to check.

"Hey Rae?" He mumbled as he rolled over and one of his hands reached out and gently traced a pattern on her exposed back. He felt her shiver at the contact and grinned as he sat up and shook the small amount of sand that had managed to reach him off.

"What Gar?" Raven didn't glance up, instead turned a page of her small book and reached a hand up to push back the strands of hair that had slipped into her face. Garfield continued to gently play his fingers across her back as he waited for Raven to look up at him. Raven rolled her eyes and placed her book on the ground. "What Gar?" she repeated.

Without answering, he stood up and grabbed on of her hands to pull her up next to him. Once she was standing, he scooped her up so he was holding her bridal style. "Fancy going swimming?"

"No. Put me down." She growled, but Garfield wasn't fazed. He simply grinned and held her slightly tighter.

"Well, I am, and you're coming with me." He rubbed his nose against hers and when she blushed he laughed and started toward the water.

"Garfield put me down." Raven warned, and she struggled slightly. Kori glanced up from her position next to Richard's chest and gently poked him. As he glanced down at her she gestured toward their two friends who were currently making steady process toward the water despite Raven's loud protests. Richard laughed and stood up, pulling Kori up as well.

"Victor, we're gonna hit the water. Want to come?" Victor shrugged and then nodded and stood as well. When he caught sight of Garfield and Raven, he laughed.

"Looks like Raven is going swimming, whether or not she likes it." Shaking his head, he followed his friends as they headed to the ocean.

By this time Garfield had reached the waters edge and wiggled his eyebrows at Raven as she glowered and crossed her arms. "I'm going to hurt you when you put me down." She snapped. Garfield merely shrugged and waded into the water.

"If you really minded you would have made me put you down a long time ago." He winked at her. "But since you really insist…" He let Raven go and she landed in the water with a loud splash.

"…" Raven looked surprised to find herself in the water and then she turned and glared up at Garfield as he simply grinned down at her. Reaching up her hand, Raven grabbed one of Garfield's and pulled hard, causing him to fall forward and land across her legs.

Laughing could be heard from the shore and the two turned to find their friends standing watching them. Richard grabbed Kori's hand again and pulled her with him into the water. She squealed at the cold temperature before Richard picked her up the same way Garfield had held Raven and dove underwater.

"See, Raven? We started a trend!" He pushed himself gently off her legs and pulled her close to him. She glared at him but he simply stroked her wet hair. "Don't be mad, okay? I'm sorry."

Raven sighed and shook her head. "It's alright. I just don't really like the water." She shivered as if to prove her point and Garfield wrapped his arms around her small form and gently kissed her.

"You just don't like the water because you're cold, but if you swim you can warm up." He paddled out a little way and held out his hand for Raven to take. Rolling her eyes she swam after him and caught up with him, treading water, as she couldn't stand to where they had gone.

"Why is it that I can't stay mad at you?" She asked softly as she let her gaze meet the sage green eyes of her boyfriend.

He laughed and ducked under water for a moment before coming up and splashing her from behind. Raven smiled and splashed him back.

"Hey! Raven, Gar! You guys want to play chicken?" Richard called from a shallower area, Kori laughing and hanging on to his shoulders, laughing. Garfield glanced at Raven, who nodded.

"Yeah sure." The two swam back toward their friends and Garfield ducked under water, letting Raven climb onto his shoulders. It was then, as Garfield stood back up, balancing Raven's weight and laughing, Raven looked down at him. He held her legs gently, keeping her from falling backward or forward, he was smiling and laughing and as he raised his face up to look at her, his green eyes were sparkling with fun and joy; and it was at this moment that Raven found she truly loved Garfield Logan.

As the sun set at the beach, Richard, Victor and Kori went in search of driftwood to start a fire so they could cook the dinner they had packed. Raven and Garfield relaxed by the water, lying on their backs as they watched the colors in the sky flare and then begin to fade away as night approached quickly. Raven sighed, one arm bent and pillowing her head, the other at her side. It was strange; the amount of love she felt toward Garfield was like nothing she had ever felt before. She lifted her free hand and timidly reached for his.

At the contact of Raven's hand, Garfield smiled and gently squeezed her hand as she took his. One eye cracked open as he felt her shift beside him and move to a sitting position. "Something wrong Rae?" he whispered softly as he sat up too.

"No…" she turned to him, eyes wide and her head cocked slightly, examining him carefully. "Do you love me, Gar?"

Garfield smiled and eased closer to her. "Of course I love you. I love you a lot Raven." He grew earnest and looked her straight in the eye. "Do you love me?"

"More than anything else in the world." Raven whispered softly. Grinning happily, Garfield locked his arms around Raven's shoulders and let her fall back against his chest as they finished watching the sunset together. It was one of the happiest moments Raven could remember having. The ability to simply sit with the one you love, with out talk or problems was exactly what Raven needed, and she was content.

Raven yawned and rolled over in her bed, glancing at the alarm clock on her headboard she closed her eyes and snuggled back down, pulling the covers up to her chin and once more closing her eyes. It was already five, the normal time she rose and started her day, but two more minutes couldn't hurt. Yawning once more, she let her mind wander over what her day was going to be like. She had her job, which she worked at for about six hours and it started at noon, and Garfield had promised to pick her up for dinner at eight when he got off work. That meant she had the whole morning left to herself. Now that Kori had moved out Raven had the whole apartment to herself, which she enjoyed, taking the liberty to wake up early and do whatever she pleased. Rolling over once more, Raven stared at the ceiling and watched the fan spin about, and as she watched, a spark seemed to light in her mind. Closing her eyes, Raven concentrated on the small bubbled that had formed in her head, and let it expand. For the better part of an hour, Raven lay still and let her mind work around the simple idea, meeting the people the wormed their ways in and let them take the bubble in their hands and shape it.

It was around six in the morning that Raven once more opened her eyes and sat up. Slipping out of bed, Raven padded gently over to her small desk where her laptop sat. She opened up a word file and paused for a single moment. Her fingers hovering over the keyboard before she brought them down and with a clacking of keys wrote 'Chapter One'.

"Can I… help you?" Raven took in the tall man in front of her. He was dressed rather oddly, and in something that looked extremely hot, it being summer and all, people tended to wear shorts and tang tops or t-shirts. However, the man in front of her sported a long cape, long sleeves and long pants. On the top of his white hair that grew at angles away from his head was a black top hat.

"Yes, I'm looking for books on magic." The man paused and pulled out a deck of cards which he attempted to do a trick with and ended up with them spewing all over the floor. Raven held back a small cough of annoyance. "Where might I find them?"

"Well, after you pick up those cards I might-"

"Ahem." Raven glanced over to find Malchior in one of his favorite spots; leaning against the bookshelf that was all about Giants, Dragons and Wizards. He was fixing Raven with a look that clearly read 'The Costumer Always Gets What They Want Or Else Somebody Is Out Of A Job'. Raven managed to suppress a growl of irritation, as she knew very well who would be playing fifty-two pick up after the man left.

Returning to the man in front her, Raven grumbled out a reply and shot Malchior a glare. He simply brushed it off and grabbed a book from the shelf. "Oh sure, he gets to read. He's what? Just the manager, just gets to do whatever he wants…" Standing, Raven walked around the desk and bent to pick up the cards that the 'magician' had dropped. Maybe if he didn't come back she could make a card tower, or simply tear the deck up and enjoy the satisfaction of making Malchior's library dirty. But that would require more cleaning from her later. Raven pulled a rubber band from her desk and neatly looped the cards together before placing them aside. Sighing, and deciding to vent her frustration in another way, Raven pulled out a piece of scratch paper from the desk and jotted down a few notes, and as she did so, a small smile crept across her face.

Raven stared blankly at the painting before her, her nose beginning to wrinkly ever so slightly. "They call this modern art?" She asked dryly as she glanced up at Garfield.

"Something like that, though to me, it looks like paint splashed randomly onto a piece of canvas." Garfield replied as inspected the painting closer.

"Nothing gets past you, does it?"

"Not much."

Raven and Gar turned away from the painting and headed through the doors that led to the Renaissance period. Raven sighed as she casually circled the wall, glancing at the different paintings of holy figures, flowers, people and animals without great interest. After she and Garfield had eaten dinner, they had found this small gallery and had decided to waste sometime before they went their separate ways for the evening. "Raven?"

"Hmm?" She turned to face Garfield who stood next to her, the two stopping in front of a smaller painting of a cat.

"How long has it been since Kori moved in with Richard?" Garfield asked, avoiding Raven's amethyst gaze, instead fixing on the cats golden eyes.

"…Four months. Why?" Raven replied, she two fixing on the cat, tracing the soft pattern of fur that looked real enough to touch.

"Well, do you… I mean, don't you ever get lonely there, all by yourself?" He now was looking nervously at his shoes.

"Sometimes, but it's really not worth the effort interviewing for a another roommate. Besides, Kori still helps to pay for rent since she has left some of her stuff behind, and she feels bad about leaving me alone." Raven stole a quick glance at Gar before letting her gaze drift leisurely up to the ceiling, where she watched a beetle crawl along the white paint. "But why do you ask, Gar?"

"Because, you know… you don't have to say yes if you don't want to, but… well, I was wondering if you… if you wanted to move in with me?" His eyes squeezed tightly shut; Garfield waited for a dry comment or a negative answer. Instead, to his surprise, he felt gentle arms wrap around his shoulders and gentle lips caress his own for a split second before a they pulled back a inch and a 'yes' was whispered over his skin. Smiling broadly, Garfield pulled Raven close and closed the distance between their mouths once again.

Raven yawned softly and snuggled closer to the warmth that came from the other body in the bed. An arm slipped under her and clasped gently with one of her hands. Sighing with contentment, Raven let her breathing deepen once more but opened her eyes as a weight shifted on her chest and found herself gazing into narrowed gold eyes. A throaty 'meow' greeted her and Raven smiled as she reached up to gently run her fingers in Crow's fur. "Looks like Crow's jealous. Am I taking his spot on the bed?" She let her eyes meet the sage green ones belonging to her beau and smiled as he affectionately poked her nose.

"Aw, Crow just is welcoming you to the family. Besides, he spent most of the night at my feet with Timber." He gestured to where the small tabby was still curled up but gave a small mew as she found their gazes resting upon her. Frost was sitting on the dressing table, her blue-silver eyes narrowed, most of her focus was on licking her paw and then scrubbing it over her ear and down her face, but at least a small fraction was on the pair in bed.

Raven yawned once more and let her head flop back on the pillow, drawing the sheets up to her chin. Garfield chuckled as he sat up, the sheets falling to reveal his bare chest as he stretched and then turned to Raven. "I'm going to take a shower, and then I'll make us some breakfast. You can stay in bed, or even join me if you want." Smiling mischievously when she whacked his arm playfully, he placed a gently kiss to Raven's temple and then rolled out of bed.

Despite her usual habit of getting up early, Raven let herself relax into the pillows and resumed stroking Crow. The large cat began to purr, and settle down on her chest, his eyes half-closed in bliss. Smiling, Raven let her eyes slide close once more as she heard the shower start up. It had been a week since she had moved in with Gar, and things had been better than she had expected. Though the difference between her and Garfield's definition of clean was rather dramatic, she had been able to clean up the apartment enough so that it was almost respectfully tidy. Raven had even talked Garfield into buying more food other than tofu, as she plainly stated she would not eat tofu for every meal.

Speaking of meals, Raven opened her eyes. She had not yet made Garfield the special tofu dish she had promised him at Christmas. Maybe sometime soon she would try it. Hearing a small squeak, she turned her head to face Timber, who had moved from the bottom of the bed up onto Gar's pillow. Smiling softly, Raven reached out her hand and gently scratched behind the cat's ears. Purring in approval, the small tabby settled down and Raven too closed her eyes, letting sleep once more consume her.

Raven growled as a black puff of smoke rose from one of the many pots on the stove before an oddly orange colored substance bubbled to the edge of it, threatening to overflow into the flames. Given the acrid smell, Raven bet it would catch on fire the second it slipped into the small gas flame. Swearing, Raven slammed the lid of the pot back down and hesitated to check the on how the herbs were going, for under the top placed on the frying pan there came an evil hissing noise. Sighing in exasperation, Raven swooped her hair up into an elastic and glared angrily at the cookbook that lay innocently in front of, opened to one of the easiest recipes in the book, or so it said. Beside her, perched on the counter, Frost gave a dry mew, the look in her eyes obviously one of scorn for Raven's poor lack of cooking skills.

"Yeah, kitty cat? Well you try cooking…" Raven stole a glance at the name of the dish that was proving impossible to make, "Tofu la Comida de Vida."

Scanning another line within the text, Raven uneasily glanced toward the pot that held the actual tofu. Taking a deep breath she peeked under the lid… and found that the tofu had turned into gooey globs that were bubbling and beginning to surge upward, making horrible popping noises.

Raven slammed the lid back down and yelped as a pair of arms wrapped themselves around her waist. "Hey Rae. What are you doing?"

Raven turned in Garfield's arms and glared at him. "I was trying to cook dinner, but the food is evil and tried to eat me." She pouted, more annoyed that she didn't seem to be able to cook a damn thing more than anything else. Garfield chuckled and gave her a quick kiss, gently stroking her back in a comforting manner, feeling Raven relax in his arms. Letting her go, he turned his attention to the stove.

"If I may ask… what were you trying to make?" he inspected the damage with a raised eyebrow, a laugh rumbling in his chest as a black cloud of smoked escaped from the edges of a red pan.

"It was supposed to be the dinner I promised you for Christmas nearly a year ago, but never got around to making. And when I finally did, well, you can see the results." She sighed and flopped down in one of the kitchen chairs. As Garfield grinned and began to clean up the mess on the stove, Raven picked Timber who was trotting by, and hugged her close. "You still love me even though I can't cook, right Timber?" The small kitten nuzzled her hand happily and began to purr.

"Of course she does," Garfield turned from his place at the stove. "She says that even if you can't cook, you'll still be the Raven that looks after her and the one she loves." He grinned at Raven as she rolled her eyes. "And of course, I still love you Raven, even if you can't cook for your life." He teased gently.

"And here I thought Timber was expressing your feelings, but it seems that you don't need an animal to talk for you." Raven replied dryly, but couldn't help but smile as Garfield stuck his tongue out playfully.

"So you are coming to the Halloween party, correct?" Kori asked.

"Yes Kori, both Gar and I are coming," Raven switched the phone from one shoulder to the other as she spoke to her friend, a small smile on her face as she typed a few more words into her laptop before pausing to concentrate on what her friend was saying.

"Oh glorious! May I inquire what you will be wearing?"

"Actually, I don't know. You want to make me one, or at least choose? You have my size and as long as you don't make it to embarrassing, I'll be fine with it. You could ask Gar for help if you want." Kori giggled. "What?" Raven asked.

"I am so glad you want me to help make your costume, but also I have never heard you call anyone by the 'nickname' except for Bee, and she introduces herself by that name, you are happy, yes?"

"Yes, I am. I love Gar, a lot. You're happy too, I assume?"

"Me? Oh, I am joyous every moment, Richard is so wonderful, and I love him more than anything else." Raven smiled at her friend's enthusiasm. "Well, I must go, but it was great talking to you friend!"

"Yeah, it was nice talking to you too, see you soon?" Raven answered.

"Most definitely, and Raven?"

"Hmm?"

"I am very happy for you." A click followed the statement and Raven was left with a dial tone.

"Uh… thanks?" Raven put the receiver back down on its hook and returned to document that was up on her screen. Shaking her head, she let her fingers return to the keyboard and set them to work, letting the clack down words and sentences. Sighing happily she saved what she had and closed the file. She headed toward the kitchen and, grabbing the kettle, she started to boil hot water for herbal tea. Once it was finished, Raven took her cup and returned to the room she and Garfield shared. Situating herself on their bed, she closed her eyes and began to chant her mantra. Only a few minutes later, when she had slipped into the calm meditating always brought her, Garfield came crashing through the door, managing to trip over Crow if the throaty yowl was anything to go by. Raven opened a single eye and sighed. Removing herself from the bed, she wandered out into the hall, to find Garfield collapsed on the sofa in the living room.

"Rough day?" She asked as she sat down beside him, and raising an eyebrow.

"If you call lifting a very large dog onto the medical table and then having to wrestle with another one to get it to calm down, yes I would say it was a hard day." He opened his eyes and gave offered a small smile up at Raven. "Maybe I should change careers and go into acting." He joked half-heartedly.

"Are you alright?" Raven asked as she bent over and gave him a small kiss on the forehead.

"Eh… strained my back a bit, but other then that I'm okay." Garfield reached up and let his hand pass through her dark hair. "How are you, babe?"

"Not bad. Kori called and she's making my costume for the Halloween party. Now that I think about it, maybe it was a bad idea to let her." Garfield laughed lightly.

"Yeah, you never know what she could turn you into."

Raven cocked her head at her grinning boyfriend. "Roll over."

"Huh?" Garfield asked, confusion in his bright green eyes.

"Just do it." Raven whispered as she slid off the couch and knelt next to Garfield. After a moment Garfield shrugged and rolled on to his stomach, letting his chin rest on his crossed hands. Raven smiled slightly before leaning over him and gently placing her hands on his back, kneading the muscles that held tight knots within them. Garfield's eyes closed in a way that reminded Raven of his cats when they were happy.

"Mmm, that feels nice Raven." He breathed as she worked her way up to his shoulders and then back down towards his lower back, working out the sore places as she went. Garfield let out a sigh as she finished and moved his arm out to catch her. He drew her close and gave her a small kiss of thanks. "I love you Rae, you know that?"

Raven nodded and then pushed herself up from the floor. "Do you want me to make dinner tonight?" Garfield raised an eyebrow. "It' can only be pasta, but I can make it if you want."

Garfield laughed and then nodded. "Yeah, that sounds great, thanks."

"Hey, no problem." And with another small smile exchanged between the two, Raven left to make dinner.

"…You're turning me into a rabbit

"A bunny, not a rabbit, but yes something of that sort. Is it not wonderful? Of course, it was Garfield's idea, but I agreed with it and so here you are!" Kori beamed as she handed the costume to Raven, who shot a glare at Garfield who was slumped in one of their chairs, Timber perched on his lap and Crow standing on the table next to him. Garfield laughed and rubbed the back of his neck nervously.

"Please, put it on friend so we may see you!" Kori urged as she bounced happily up and down. Raven opened her mouth to argue but then shut it and shuffled of to the bathroom, muttering. Kori beamed and turned Garfield. "She has changed a lot for the better, yes?"

"Huh?"

"Well ever since you two have started dating, Raven has seemed to become much happier, she does not seem so cut off and cold. She is opening up, thanks to you." Kori clarified and grinned. "I know Raven loves you a lot. I thank you for giving her the chance."

"I'm just glad she gave me the chance."

"Umm…" Raven had returned, now dressed in the costume. She had to admit, it wasn't that bad. The costume was black and skin tight, and except a portion which was covered by a white mini-skirt, her legs were bare. On her head was a headband with two white ears; on flopping near her face and the other relatively strait except for a slight bend it had at the very top. Garfield gave a low whistle and Kori clapped happily.

"You look wonderful, Raven." Kori grabbed her hand and pulled her to the door. "Come, we must go to the party now!" Garfield laughed and followed her, his costume a great lion, the mask allowing his face to show through the open mouth. Kori was dressed as a witch, complete with a black dress and hat; she even had managed to uncover a wand to match her costume.

The party turned out to be pretty fun, better than Raven had expected. She was introduced to a couple of Garfield's and Richard's old college friends, most she got along with except for a blonde named Kitty who seemed to be insistent about throwing herself at all the guys around, especially Richard. Across the floor, Raven watched with amusement, as Kori got more and more annoyed as Kitty hogged Richard to herself. At last when it seemed Kori was about to explode, Richard frankly told the girl he was uninterested in her and left to spend the rest of the evening with Kori.

Victor was spending a lot of time with Bee; after all, it was the first time they had each other for a while since Bee had been spending time with a group of old friends up in East Jump City. It turned out that she also happened to know Garfield's cousin, "Aqua dude" as Garfield called him.

Raven and Garfield pretty much stuck together for the entire party, Garfield occasionally dragging Raven onto the dance floor when a good song came up, but most of the time they simply relaxed and talked. It turned out to be a pretty good night, in everyone's opinion, especially Kori's since she got all of Richard's attention once Kitty left.

Richard grabbed one of the donuts at his side and dunked it into his coffee. "Thanks Speedy, I needed that." He mumbled as he stared intently into the screen of his computer. The younger officer nodded and moved on, leaving Richard to puzzle over the whereabouts of a certain villain he had grown obsession about. Where the hell was he? How could possibly disappear like this? It had been to long, it had been to quiet, like the loll before the storm. Slade would appear soon, and Richard had to find where.

Groaning, he glared at the computer, blaming the lack of information on the machine. Taking another bite of the donut, Richard leaned back in his chair to think. He would find the information, even if it killed him. He would find Slade for the good of the city, for his own pride… and for Garfield.

Raven placed the dishes in the sink and turned on the water, cleaning off the leftover food and placing the dishes in the dishwasher. "Hey Raven."

"Hmm?" she answered softly, glancing behind her at Garfield who was pouring over a T.V. guide.

"Tonight's the premier of a new series I want to see. Some new Sci-fi thing, and it's on at like eleven. You want to stay up and watch it with me?" He glanced up at her, and when he saw her give a small nod, he grinned. "Great! I can't wait it's going to be awesome." Raven glanced at her watch; it was nearing nine, with Garfield's late work schedule they tended to eat later than most people would. Not that she was complaining. She would be starting a new job soon that would keep her till seven thirty, and since Gar loved his work she was content with it.

"I think I'm going to get on my laptop for a little while." Garfield glanced up and grinned.

"Okay, what ever you want Rae." He gently brushed her arm as she paced and winked at her as she gave him another small smile. Raven settled down comfortably on the couch, opening her computer and began to type. Garfield, one of his books in his hand, joined her shortly; he plopped down next to her and casually placed one of his arms around her shoulders. Frost joined them as well, purring contentedly on the edge of the couch, kneading the cushions and purring softly. It was nice, and as Raven typed, she smiled softly, her fingers pausing and then coming back down again. Around ten thirty, Raven saved her work and returned the laptop to their room and, grabbing one of her books, cuddled up again with Garfield, who had already flicked on the T.V. and was casually flipping through the channels, stopping here and there when something caught his eye but eventually moving on. As Raven snuggled closer to him, he wrapped his arm around her and glanced down, watching as she read her book.

"What are you reading?"

"A new book I found at the library."

"What's it about?" Garfield pushed gently.

"Ancient ideas about witch's and creatures found in mythology. It's not that bad, really."

At eleven, Garfield switched to the channel he wanted and settled down to watch his new show. After about five minutes of time-travel and flying, Raven grew bored once more opening her book. As time passed and it got later, Garfield had trouble keeping his eyes open. After a long day at work he was tired and staying up to watch a new show probably wasn't the best idea. Yawning he stretched out on the couch, trying to stay awake but not succeeding very well.

At midnight, as the show ended, Raven roused herself from her book and watched as the end credits roll. A weight was resting on her leg and as she looked down, she found Garfield asleep, head in her lap and foot falling off the couch. Raven smiled and returned to her reading, letting one hand wander over his face and to his chest. She could feel the steady beating of his heart underneath her hand, it was comforting and gentle, just like Garfield. She felt him shift and her hands were suddenly covered by his own, holding her to him as he slept, and Raven let it be.

The snow softly fell as a couple walked down the street, holding hands and laughing. The young woman's long red hair fell to waist and whipped around her as a gust of wind caught it and played with the long tassels. The dark haired man laughed quietly and helped her tuck it back behind her ears with a smile. The shops were lit once more with brightly colored lights. Objects were placed in windows in such ways to make them seem more appealing, signs advertised shops as 'The place that has everything you need.' It was truly Christmas time once more.

Richard and Kori moved without purpose, happy to simply stroll and window shop. They were not looking to buy anything, not looking to sell, only spend time together. Richard fingered the small box in his pocket nervously, wondering if he had chosen correctly. "What are you getting Garfield for Christmas this year?" Kori interrupted his thoughts.

"Um… I thought about getting him a new game like last year, but then I decided to get him some new books since he doesn't have that many. What about you? What are you getting Raven?"

Kori smiled. "A book on learning how to cook, it seems that she needs the help after ruining a meal."

Kori lifted her head and stuck out her tongue, catching the pure white snow flacks as they fell from the sky above. "I have always loved winter. The snow makes everything different, makes a new world." Richard nodded in agreement as the two passed over a bridge. Kori turned in a small circle, arms raised above her head in excitement. "Tell me, what is your favorite season?"

"I like… the summer, less crime rate." Kori laughed. "No, I like the winter too, it makes every thing more beautiful." He pulled her close and kissed her. It was now or never. "Kori, I have to ask you something…"

"Yes?"

"You love me right?"

"Of course I love you!" Kori laughed.

"I know I love you, and when I'm around you, I feel calmer, more in control, and amazingly elated. I hope you feel the same way, because…" He sunk to one knee. "Kori, I want to spend the rest of my life with you." He reached into his pocket and pulled out the black velvet case he had been carrying. Opening it with a flick, he produced an emerald ring. "Kori, will you marry me?"

Kori gasped and then smiled so brightly it put the glittering gem to shame. "Oh, Of course I will!" She giggled. Richard slipped the ring onto her finger with a grin and then stood, hugging her close.

"Good, 'cause I don't think I'm ever going to let you go."

Raven let her head flop comfortably back against Garfield's shoulder as the two sat in the middle of the busy part. "Tired Rae?" Gar asked as he slipped his fingers around her lithe form.

"Maybe just a bit…" she admitted. Garfield casually ran his fingers through the soft, purplish hair that had been thrown up into a quick ponytail. Raven sighed happily and let her eyes flicker close.

"Hey," Garfield nudged Raven gently. "You have to stay awake so see the ball drop. That's the whole point of New Years Eve…" he murmured softly her ear, breath tickling gently over her skin.

"I hate my job…" Raven moaned softly as she once more opened her eyes. "I wouldn't be so tired if Malchior didn't force me to restock the shelves today. I can't wait to get out of there." Garfield laughed quietly.

"Classic bad boss scenario… lucky you have me here to rely on, huh Rae?"

"Whatever you say Gar…" She rolled her eyes.

"Raven!"

"Hmmm?" Raven sat up to find where the source of the squeal had come from. A few feet away she saw Kori bounding over.

"Raven! I am most glad that you came!" Kori giggled as she stopped in front of the two, a glittering ring on her finger.

"Hey guys." Richard followed his fiancé over happily, wrapping an arm around her waist as he reached them. "You mind if I take a picture?" He asked the couple on the couch.

Garfield grinned and nodded. "Go ahead, dude." Raven simply shrugged but settled back against the couch next to Garfield. Richard smiled.

Snap.

Richard carefully exposed the piece of photo paper, watching to make sure the timer was working correctly. When the light snapped off, he gently took his picture and dropped into the first chemical. "Developer, one minute…" he reminded himself and glanced at the clock, waiting for the second hand to turn completely around the face. As the first minute passed, he grabbed his tongs and carefully fished the picture from the chemical before depositing it in the stop. "Stop… thirty seconds." And then came the fix. Richard drummed his fingers on the table as he waited for the picture to finish. He had always enjoyed using the darkroom at his headquarters, even if it wasn't for crime pictures. It was cheaper then going to Walgreen's or CVS, and he had always enjoyed creating his own art, it gave him a sense of pride. Yawning, he glanced at the clock once more before pulling out the picture.

Grabbing a tray, he headed out of the darkroom and into the light to check the picture. It came out nicely; Garfield and Raven were snuggling together on the couch, the calmness of the moment contrasting the hectic activity behind them. Garfield wore a somewhat satisfied smirk, while Raven looked a mix between bored and amused; something so hard to capture Richard gave himself a pat on the back. He checked the back round to make sure everything had come out clear and bright, and that's when something caught his eye.

He gave a soft sound of surprise as he pulled the tray up closer to his face. Yes, he was sure, the blond hair, blue eye's… it was she. But… had she seen? That expression… he shivered, yes she had seen them, and looked like she was even angrier then she had been when he last saw her… Terra.

Richard set the tray down, he felt suddenly dizzy… Terra, she had gone with Slade, whatever she wanted now… it wasn't good. And the way she was looking at Garfield… and Raven. Richard staggered. He had to tell them! "Shit…"

To Be Continued…

AN: well… I wanted to write more in this chapter, but I kinda got stuck… so the Next Chapter will have the climatic finish… Happy School every body!

Much love,

cookiesandmilk