I don't own any of the characters in the story or much of anything in real life. So if anyone wants to sue me for using the characters, feel free. You'll end up with about 40 cents and a stale cheese puff that's been in the couch for over a year.

Chapter 5


The familiar ring of the communicators was followed by Robin asking everyone to report to the tower's first level. The time had come to split the forces and make the world – not just the city – safer for the citizens.

Bags filled with what personal belongings the new Titans had accumulated were efficiently being packed into the various vehicles waiting to bring them to their new homes.

"I'm not letting you in before you tell me why you're going." Jinx stood in front of Wally holding her hands on her hips.

"You think you can stop me?" He playfully said.

"Yep."

"Really."

"Yep."

Using his lightning quick speed he came at her from behind and swooped her up. She found herself standing about 20 yards away.

Raven looked down on the gathering. Hood over her head, she stood on the roof – not wanting to take part in the commotion below. She watched the playful display but could not hear what was being said.

Robin looked around at the crowd. "Where's Raven? She should be here by now," he asked Beastboy.

"Probably off brooding." He picked up an especially heavy box. "And right now brooding sounds good. I'm going to do that until they're ready to leave." His attempt to flee from the packing was stopped by Cyborg grabbing the back of his jumpsuit.

"I don't think so."

"Something's wrong." Robin said - still scanned the area. "I'll be right back."

"HEY! How 'come he gets out of packing?" Beastboy whined.

"Just get to work."

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"You don't want to say goodbye?" She could sense him before he spoke.

"I'm not one for long goodbyes."

"Are you going to tell me what's really wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong."

"Raven…" I've known you too long to believe that. "There's something you're not telling me."

She continued to look below knowing full well he wasn't going to let the issue rest. "I was…" she didn't know how to continue, "stupid." Robin walked up beside her - silent to let her continue at her own pace. The last of the boxes were being packed and the group was about to leave. While he wanted to be down there, knowing Raven was alright took priority. Taking a deep breath, she continued, "Something happened. I thought… I… I make bad decisions. I took a chance and it didn't work out."

"I'm not following." Robin placed his hand on her shoulder. "Raven, just tell me what's bothering you. You know I won't judge you. What happened?"

"Wally and I…" Her hooded figure turned to him. Without continuing, Robin knew exactly what she meant.

"Is that why you wanted him to leave?"

"No. That happened after the meeting." She once again turned away. "It doesn't matter. He wants to leave and I won't try to stop him."

"Raven…" Things were starting to make sense. When he made the decision to leave, there was no reasoning behind it.

"No. It's better this way… safer. Go. You should see them off."

"Come with me. Tell him how you really feel. I don't think he knows."

"I told you NO!" Robin took a step back as a black aura surrounded her. "They're about to leave and you need to be down there… I'll be fine."

He didn't agree but trusted her decision. He respected the fact that hiding one's emotions is sometimes the best thing for a situation…. the safest thing to do. In fact, he did it everyday.

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"Well, it's been fun…" Bumblebee hollered from the farthest T-ship.

"Bee see 'n ya!" Beastboy punned which evoked a groan from everyone around.

"Hold up! You're third in the launch sequence." Cyborg waved his arms trying to get her attention.

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"This is for the best" Raven once again tried to convince herself. "I shouldn't be down there." Moments later she found herself running down the stairs to the elevator. "This is stupid, Raven. Why are you even bothering. He's not interested." 'I have to say goodbye. To hell with safe.'

She raced out to the front of the building- her hood falling back - just as the Titans East began to take off. Skidding to a stop, she realized her chance had passed. She watched as the ship disappeared over the horizon and a sadness settled in her heart.

The others began returning to the tower. Their new home. Their new team. Raven stood for a moment looking over the now empty launch site. With one last scan, she turned toward the tower.

Leaning against the building she saw an unexpected figure cloaked in red and yellow. Her eyes went wide. His smile was filled with hope and fear. "I hope you're not upset."

Again, Raven remained speechless. "If you want me to leave, I need you to tell me." His voice began to crack with emotion. "I need to hear you say it."

Raven walked over toward him – slowly at first and gradually increasing in speed. He pushed off the rock and started toward her as well. Within seconds they were in each other's embrace.

"AWWWWWW!" Beastboy's voice caused them both to look over.

"SHUT UP!" Cyborg scolded.

"Isn't it glorious!" Starfire proclaimed.

Robin stood there giving Kid Flash a knowing glance.

"Thank you." Wally mouthed.

"It's getting a little crowded. Want to go somewhere a little more," she turned toward the onlookers, "PRIVATE!"

He laughed. "Sounds good to me." Picking her up they were gone in seconds.

They both knew it wasn't going to be easy… but they would get through it… together.