Robin wasn't sleeping that night. He had too much on his mind, among them Dr. Gray escape from prison and sweet little Rowan. He had permitted her to join the team, yes, but he still didn't feel comfortable with it. She was small and likely to get trampled. Also, just because she could navigate the obstacle course didn't mean she could fully control her powers. He hated to think of her controlling them like her sister did, by not allowing herself any emotion at all. She was too cute and sweet, a bundle of energy that would never cease to entertain the team, but he couldn't help thinking that her tendency to be over emotional was dangerous. He sighed. He couldn't help feeling sorry for the little girl. She had no one but Raven, who didn't ever show any kind of feeling for the sweet little child.
As if prompted by his thoughts, Robin heard quiet foot steps past his door. He opened the door and saw a dark blue cape standing in front of the living room door.
"Raven?" he asked and she jumped.
"What?" Her voice was clipped and impatient as if she had just been caught doing something she wasn't supposed to do. Robin looked through the door and saw, as soon as the lightning illuminated the room, Rowan sleeping on the couch with her head in Beast Boy's lap, the kittens sleeping in the crook of her arm. Robin entered the room quietly with Raven close behind him.
"Beast Boy?"
"She fell asleep." he said as he eased Rowan out of his lap and laid her gently on the couch. Robin smiled. "She's so cute. I want one."
"A kid?" Raven asked rudely. "Oh yeah, they sell those at every Wal-Mart in town."
"No Goth-Girl," he snapped, sticking his tongue out at her, "A little sister." Robin smiled, everyone of his paternal instincts taking over at the sight of sweet, but tough, little Rowan sleeping soundly, her soft curls falling haphazardly over her face, and her thumb resting limply in her mouth.
"We'll put her to bed Beast Boy." Robin said as Beast Boy gave a cat-like yawn.
"Ok. 'Night." Robin nodded and brushed Rowans hair out of her face. Raven smiled slightly, but hastily stopped when she noticed Robin watching.
"What?" she snapped again.
"Nothing," he said hastily. He could sense Raven wasn't in a good mood. Of course, he mused, when was she ever in a good mood? "What do you say we put the little monkey to bed?"
"Nah. He's old enough to…oh, you mean Rowan." She said dryly with a look up the stairs were Beast Boy had disappeared. Robin laughed and scooped Rowan off the couch and held her with her head against his chest, like a baby. Raven followed with the kittens. Robin lead the way to Rowan's room, which was close to Raven's. She opened the door for him and he laid the sleeping child on the bed while Raven pulled the covers up over her. Her arm wrapped around the kittens and her thumb found it's way back into her mouth. Raven smiled, not caring that Robin was watching. They quietly left the room.
"You're very good with children." she said softly, "Have you babysat a lot?"
"Nah." he said and they lapsed into silence once more.
"It's not that I don't like her," Raven snapped as soon as they were out of Rowan's room.
"I know, I know" Robin said gently. Raven leaned against the wall.
"I'm worried about her." she said suddenly.
"Why? She's doing fine." he asked, but he knew she was probably thinking the same thing he was.
"I'm afraid she'll get hurt around us. I mean, honestly Robin don't tell me you haven't worried about the same thing." He nodded.
"I know what you mean. She looks so fragile."
"But she isn't fragile." Raven said, "I have never met a tougher kid then Rowan." Raven smiled and then quickly hid her face with her hair, but it was to short to hide her completely.
"She sure showed Plasmus a thing or two about underestimating a Titan." Raven laughed involuntarily. "I know you love her Raven, so don't you question it. I know you have been. You can be very maternal when you think no one's looking, very sisterly." She smiled for Robin to see now. "It's like those kittens." he said and she glared at him. "Jessie's always bullying and pushing Tigress around, but, as Terra found out the hard way, Jessie will always protect her little sister. That's just how it works." He put a gentle hand on her shoulder as the thunder rumbled loudly enough to shake the tower.
"I do love her." Raven said.
"I know, but don't tell me. Tell her."