Okay so it's Valentine's Day and I felt Benevolent. I just finished writing and proofing the chapter and I thought I would post it immediately. There is a lot of sappiness in this chapter. Do not. . .expect sappiness on this level from me on a regular basis. Story on!

Disclaimers: I don't own the DC or Marvel characters.

Chapter 5: Valentine's

A month has gone by since Slade and Nightwing's late night chat, since Storm's attack, and Raven battling the Shadow King within Storm's mind. Things have gone back to a somewhat normal existence. Storm has not had anymore visits from the Shadow King until recently. Today is Valentine's Day and a lot of love is in store for our couples.

Richard leaned against the window of the speeding train with Ororo in his arms. She lay asleep in his arms with her head against his chest her face pointing up at him. He marveled at her beauty as he swept stray hairs from her face. Richard got a call from Bruce Wayne telling him to come home for the day and bring Ororo Xavier with him. So here the two of them are heading to Gotham City, Richard peered out of the train window again his sky blue eyes roaming the dark morning skies. The sun had yet to rise but in a few minutes it would, by the time they arrived in Gotham. Richard wore his black hair in a low ponytail, he wore a grey sweater, and black leather pants and boots. Ororo wore a white sweater, form fitting dark blue jeans, and white snow boots over her pants. Her snow colored locks in a high ponytail. She stirred in his arm causing him to look down at her. She opened her sapphire orbs looking into his sky colored ones giving him a small smile, which he returned.

"Sorry. I fell asleep on you. And I do mean literally." She spoke her humor getting a chuckle out of him.

"It's alright. I love watching you sleep, your beautiful." Ororo blushed at him before looking away. Frowning at her reaction he asked, "What's the matter?" She snuggled closer to him as she looked back up at him. "Ororo. . ."

"I'm so happy to find love with you but I fear my past will tear us apart. I really love you Richard."

"I love you too Ororo. Nothing can tear us apart."

"The Shadow King will try."

"Let him. And we will defeat him. You and I will do it together." He sighed, "Try not to think about him. This is our day. It's our first Valentines together."

"It's hard to think joyful thoughts when a mad man is lurking around in your mind." Pulling her face to see it better he asked,

"Has he contacted you?" Ororo turned her head nodding her head yes as she did. "When?"

"This morning before you woke me up." He pulled her closer,

"I won't let him hurt you." Ororo couldn't help but smile at him. He truly loved her and she just realized how much.

"I trust you Richard. Let us have a good day. Come here." She pulled his face her's capturing his lips with her own. He molded her body to his own cradling her head in one hand exploring her body with the other. The two looked up when they saw the morning sun peek over the horizon. Ororo smiled at the sun's glow over the earth. Richard looked at Ororo capturing her lips again with his own.

"We will be arriving in Gotham City in five minutes." The conductor said over the intercom. The two stopped kissing smiling at one another.

"We have five minutes to make out."

"Richard! We have to get our belongings."

"Okay three minutes."

"Richard! Ha ha. . ." she giggled while they a kissed a minute longer.

"Okay I'm done. . .for now." He said releasing her. They gathered their belongings just in time for the train was pulling into the Gotham City train station. "Just in the nick of time. What!" Richard chuckled at the raised white eyebrow of Ororo.

"You know what." The two stood up and began making their way off of the train. Richard dragged his suitcase with one hand and held Ororo's hand with the other. They were a good looking pair as they walked amidst the crowd.

"Master Dick." A proper man spoke with a British accent. The couple walked over to him,

"Alfred! How have you been?" He said embracing the man in a bear hug.

"I've been well. Is this the lovely Ororo Xavier?"

"Yes sir." Ororo said extending her hand to him, which he kissed, making her blush profusely.

"You didn't do the lady justice Master Dick, she's gorgeous." Causing Ororo to blush more,

"Alfred are you flirting with my girlfriend?" Richard asked joking.

"Maybe young sir." They all shared a hardy laugh, "The car is this way. Master Bruce is expecting you for breakfast. I made your favorite, French Toast. I hope you approve my lady."

"She sure does Alfred. It's her favorite too."

"Yes sir. As Richard said it is my favorite. My nanny use to make it for me. I must ask though do you put the powdered sugar on it?"

"Of course my lady."

"Wondrous." The trio walked outside of the train station to a Rolls Royce. Alfred opened the door for the two of them before getting in himself. Alfred talked of the many changes in Gotham since Richard was last there. The ride was filled with laughs and chuckles as they arrived at the Wayne Manor. Alfred pulled around the circular drive coming to a stop at the front door. As Ororo and Richard were getting their belongings out of the trunk, Bruce Wayne walked out of the front door to greet them.

"Bruce!"

"Hello Richard." Richard walked over to Bruce embracing him tightly patting his back loudly before releasing him. "How have you been?"

"Fine. Ororo meet Bruce Wayne, my father. Bruce, my girlfriend." Ororo held a large smile on her face as she extended her hand to him. He took her small hand in he's kissing it before pulling her into his arms giving her a small squeeze.

"Richard. . .you didn't do her justice. She's absolutely stunning."

"That is what I said Master Bruce." Alfred said taking the luggage in. Ororo turned beat red as everyone laughed,

"You all are too kind." She said fiddling with her sleeve. Richard wrapped an arm around her waist leading her inside of the house.

"You two stop it. Your embarrassing her." Bruce looked back at her smiling again. Bruce led them to the Dinning room. He pulled out a chair for Ororo she sat down and he adjusted the chair for her to sit comfortably. Richard sat across from her, while Bruce sat at the head of the table. He looked at Ororo,

"So tell me about your self. You sound as if you have a slight accent. Where are you from?" Ororo looked over at Richard before speaking,

"Was born in New York City, but we moved back to Africa when I was six months. My father was a photojournalist and my mother was an African Princess in her Kenyan tribe. We stayed in Kenya for awhile before my father was called to Cairo, Egypt for an assignment. We moved their and lived for four years before. . .they died in an accident. Well I moved back to Kenya with my tribe and their I met Charles Xavier. He discovered my mutant powers and offered to help me to control them. A year later he adopted me and he has been my father ever since."

"Such a tragic beginning, but a happy ending. And I am sure it has made you a much stronger individual."

"It has."

"I couldn't ask for a more perfect match." Richard said winking at her causing her to smile at him. Just then Alfred walked in with a cart with food on it then distributed the food on the table. Bruce looked at Ororo then back left at Richard smiling,

"Bon appetite."

Back in Jump City in the Titan Tower, it was now noon, the others already gone, and Raven and Slade were still in the garage preparing to leave. Slade had a whole day mapped out for Raven, and the suspense was killing her in the worst way.

"Ravager where are we going?" She could barely hide the anxiousness in her voice. She had half of her long violet hair in a ponytail and the other was hanging below her shoulders. She wore blue top with a white coat with fur around the collar and sleeves, black jeans hugging her curves, and her normal blue boots she always wore over her jeans. Slade had his platinum hair parted down the middle letting it hang on his shoulders. He wore a black muscle shirt underneath his black leather motorcycle jacket that was zipped all the way up his collar flap hanging, with matching black leather pants and boots. Smiling Slade asked in his annoyingly charming voice,

"Now would it be a surprise if I told you?" Raven pouted slightly getting a chuckle out of Slade, who now ditched the sun glasses wearing a patch on his right eye instead.

"I must say you are adorable when you pout at me, but trust me it will not get you anywhere." He said shrugging. Raven walked over to him her eyes low as ran her fingers up and down his chest,

"Please tell me where we are going?" She asked in a seductive voice molding her form to his causing slight excitement in his nether regions. Smiling showing a perfect set of pearly white teeth Slade again refused to spill the beans,

"Although I enjoy what you are doing, using your feminine wilds on me will not work either. So allow me to put this blindfold on you and we can go. Trust me you'll enjoy what I have planned for you." Raven looked uncertain,

"Do you know what you are asking of me Ravager?"

"If I didn't I am pretty sure I would not ask it of you."

"Smart ass."

"Are you going to trust me or not?" Raven looked skeptical. "Okay, Raven please trust me." Raven smiled at him and turned her back to him,

"Okay. Put on the blindfold." Slade tied the blindfold on her eyes and swept her up in his arms. He placed her on the R-Cycle and got on behind her. Slade cut the bike on and heard her gasp and her body stiffened against him. He leaned into her ear and whispered,

"I would never let anything happen to you." Then kissed her cheek. She smiled and relax leaning into his chest. Slade pressed the button on his bike raising the underground garage. He put a helmet on Raven's head then placed one on his own. He pulled her back into his chest so that there was no possible way for her to fall off. When the garage open all the way the bike speed off through the tunnel. Raven was nervous but trusted Slade enough with her life. She thought off many things as she rode through the streets of Jump City blindfolded. I wonder what Ororo and Nightwing are doing? I wonder what Changeling and Cyborg got planned for Terrain and Starfire this year, because last year those two really out did themselves. Raven was enjoying the rush she got from riding something so dangerous, so fast, so mysterious, sort of like the man in her life. She smiled at her thoughts and dismissed them. She looked in Slade's direction after she felt the bike slow down coming to a stop. Raven then felt the blindfold lift off of her eyes revealing a huge mansion. The large iron gate before them had a W in the center of it.

"Wow."

"Welcome to Wilson Manor. This is my home."

"This is where you live. Well when you aren't with the Titan's."

"Yes ma'am. You always wanted to know more about me, since I know everything about you. So I decided to level the playing field."

"I'm speechless."

"What! This is a conspiracy. Raven Roth is speechless, not the opinionated wisecracking Raven."

"Shut-up." Slade chuckled at her kissing her head,

"Come on. I want you to meet someone." They drove up to the mansion the gate opening as they pulled up. Slade parked the bike helping Raven off. She swayed slightly falling into his arms.

"My legs feel like Jell-o."

"The after effects of riding a motorcycle takes a bit of getting use to. So let's go in." They entered the house to find a butler waiting for them, "Hello Wintergreen."

"Hello Master Wilson. Is this the lovely young lady you refer to all the time?"

"Yes it is."

"You were right. . .she is beautiful." Raven extended her hand to him giving him a smile. "I have made all the preparations you have asked of me sir."

"Thank you old friend the rest of the day is yours." He said looking at his old friend. He looked down at Raven, who was looking around the enormous house, "Would you like a tour?" Raven looked up at him smiling,

"Of course." He offered her his arm and they began exploring his home.

The others sat at the usual pizza pallor for lunch as they rehashed the earlier festivities. Starfire had her red hair down as usual. She wore a pink top with a khaki skirt, and pink knee boots. Terra on the other hand could feel the elements wore green sweater with dark blue jeans, her hair pulled into a loose ponytail. Changeling wore a black and green gym suit.

"Man that was so fun!" Cyborg said looking at the others.

"Yes most enjoyable." Starfire exclaimed grabbing a hold of Cyborg arm leaning on it. Terra looked at Changeling from time to time laughing hysterically at the scene before her.

"This is so not funny." Changeling grumbled, "Look at me! My hair is gonna be purple for weeks." The four of them went to a local paint-ball ranch to get their Valentine's Day started.

"Well, I told you to duck baby." Terra said rubbing his cheek. He simply snorted making everyone laugh.

"Ugh don't be mad Changeling. You have one chick that digs guys with purple hair." They all laughed again with the exception of Changeling.

"Yeah, yeah laugh it up, but payback is something else. And I can't believe you are laughing Star! I expected it out Chrome Dome and Terra, but not you. " He grumbled.

"Apologies friend. I will stop laughing at you at once."

"Garfield is such a sore loser." Cyborg said once again causing everyone to erupt in laughter again.

"Dude! Not cool!"

"Alright Changeling since you are so upset about the whole paint ball incident I'll pay for the pizzas. If you agree to at least admit that whole can of paint falling on your head was pretty dog-on funny. "

"You got a deal man, but you guys are making a big deal out of it. I mean it wasn't even that funny."

"Oh yes it was baby. So tell me. . .what do you guys have planned for us next?" Terra asked taking a sip of her soda.

"Yes I am most anxious to know."

"I am so not telling."

"You girls will just have to wait and see." Cyborg said taking a bite out of his slice of pizza. He looked over at Starfire and winked at her. Cyborg and Starfire noticed that Changeling had stopped complaining and Terra was quiet, and looked over at them and saw that they were making out.

"Jesus! Can't you guys wait till later for that?" Cyborg whined. Starfire placed a leg between his own looking at him seductively,

"Why can we not do the same my love?" Smiling Cyborg leaned into Starfire kissing her lips pulling her closer taking one breath,

"Your wish is my command."

The sun was beginning to set and Richard and Ororo were riding in a carriage down Main Street holding hands. Ororo was excited for this was her first carriage ride, and Richard was more than happy to share it with her.

"Have you been enjoying your day so far?"

"Yes. I must say that I have."

"Well get ready for phase three off your Valentine's Day extravaganza."

"You mean there's more? Richard you shouldn't have gone through all of this trouble."

"I'd do anything for you. I know that we have only been dating for two months, but I have been in love with you all my life. I sort of know that you are my life mate."

"Oh Richard I feel the same way." She kissed him in gratitude. Richard was certainly not complaining. The carriage came to a stop in front of the Gotham Shopping Center. Richard got out grabbing Ororo by her tiny waist lifting her out and placing her on the ground. Then walked to the driver giving him a 100 hundred dollar bill.

"Stay here till we get back. There's plenty more where that came from."

"Yes, Sir." The driver happily place the money into his pocket. Richard led her into a 9 west boutique. Ororo's eyes lit up,

"You can get any gown you want, because right afterwards we're going to dinner." She hugged him tightly as she squealed in delight.

"Hi. I'm Celia. Is there anything I can help you with Mr. Grayson?" The saleslady was about 6'0 with short brown hair, and green eyes.

"Yes. My girlfriend here needs a gown for our dinner date." The Celia smiled at Ororo then looked at her figure,

"Humph? I would say that you are a size 4?"

"Yes ma'am that is correct." Amazed at the saleslady. Celia placed a finger on her cheek tapping it once,

"Come right this way I have the perfect gown for you." Ororo looked back up at Richard, who was smiling at her.

"I'll be sitting right outside the dressing room."

"What about you? What are you going to wear?"

"My suit is on it's way as we speak."

"You sure have this figured out." Ororo smiled as she allowed herself to be pulled by Celia.

After Slade gave Raven the tour of his house, they sat down in the library and sipped tea enjoying the other's company.

"So tell me, Ravager, what did you do before joining the Titans?" Slade cleared his throat and took a sip of his tea,

"I was a Vigilante."

"Really? What city did you protect?"

"Well I was actually like a hire gun." Raven raised a brow at this,

"A what?"

"I was a mercenary."

"So you were like a contract killer or something?"

"Yeah a lot like that." Raven shifted uncomfortably then looked down at the ground, "But I only killed bad guys. Like crooked politician's and mob bosses. People who were a menace to society if you will." Raven felt a little bit better about his profession,

"Why did you feel you had to take on that responsibility?"

"Because. . .I was once a crime boss myself until you changed me."

"I changed you? How?"

"Raven before we get too far into my past I want to take you somewhere. Is that alright?"

"Um. . .sure. I guess."

"Come on." Slade took her by the hand leading her to his garage. He opened one of the seven garages to allow his silver two-seat convertible Mercedes free. (My dream car!)

"You sure have a lot of cars."

"The more to drive you around in my dear." Raven looked over at him and hit him playfully.

"You are silly." He opened the door for her then got in himself. He put the car and drive took off into the Jump City night.

Cyborg and Changeling took the girls to the new Jump City amusement park. The girls had been asking to go since the day it opened but something would always come up to stop them from going. Cyborg and Starfire rode the through the Tunnel of Love, making out the entire way. Only stopping to get air.

"Oh Cyborgie this day has been so glorious!"

"I'm here to please you baby."

"You want some cotton candy?"

"Yes please." She smiled up at him as they got off the ride. They walked along the park until they arrived at the food court. When they arrived they found Changeling and Terrain making out in a secluded corner of the food court.

"They are sad."

"Maybe we should join our friends. Maybe they would like to partake in the candy of cotton?"

"Um. . .Star. I think they want to be alone right now."

"Oh. Maybe another time then. After we get our candy of cotton I would like to ride coaster of rides."

"Whatever you want to do my Star." Starfire giggled as she kissed his lips.

Ororo and Richard finished dinner and now they are walking in the Gotham City park holding hands.

"I have had such a lovely day, Richard. I wish I could repay the favor."

"As I said before Ororo, I would do anything for you." They sat on a bench in the park looking up at the stars.

"I wonder what Raven and Ravager are doing?" Richard looked down at their hands.

"I wouldn't worry about it." He said planting a kiss on her temple.

"Cyborg told me what he and Changeling were doing for Terra and Starfire. I thought their plan was sweet. But it can not compare to the day I have had with you." She smiled looking up to the moon. "I'm so happy I feel like flying!" She exclaimed taking to the air. She looked back down at Richard descending down slowly to the earth. He noticed her look,

"What's wrong?"

"Are you ready to ride the winds with me?" She asked looking into his eyes still floating in the air her feet drifting down planting them firmly on the ground. He looked at her strangely. "Do you trust me?"

"Yes."

"Then take a hold of me." He took her in his arms looking into her sapphire eyes. "Hold on tight."

"I'll never let go." She smiled as her eyes turned white as she gently lift him off of the ground looking into his eyes to see if he was ready for higher heights. She found the trust and they took off into the night skies. They soared high into the sky stopping in the night sky. They began to spin around and around increasing in speed.

"Are you ready to ride the wild winds?"

"I'm ready for whatever." She took his hand and they flew from the tornado she created shooting across the sky at speeds that would rival Starfire's.

Slade sat with Raven on a couch at a poetry club in Jump City. They listen to the seventh poet of the night. She was reciting a poem about Africa. When she finished everyone snapped their fingers with much intensity. The young poet gave a bow before getting off the stage. Raven turned to Slade smiling up at him,

"Ororo would have loved that poem."

"I'm sure she would have." They both looked back to the stage when the host got back on. The average height African American man had an Afro the size of basketball and wore shades.

"Alright everybody. Are you ready for tonight's entertainment? I know we promised Maxwell would be here two weeks ago but hey he's here now. Show your love for the soul sensation, Maxwell."

(An author's note I suggest you listen to Maxwell's Submerged to truly get the ideaof whatI had in mind for this scene.)

Maxwell hummed into the mic as the band began the introduction. He smiled when the crowd got into it.Slade looked over at Raven,

"You want to dance?"

"Excuse me? You dance?" Slade took that as an open challenge. He took her hand in his own leading them to the center of the room. He pulled her close to him, his hand resting on her back. Slade guided her hand to rest on his shoulders, but she was too short to reach so let them rest on his chest. They swayed to the music and all eyes were on them, but they didn't see anyone else but each other. Everything, everyone melted from existence. It was only her it was only him. One sapphire eye pierced amethyst eyes.

His hands glided up her back taking a whole of her hands on his chest he pushed her outward twirling her arms pulling her back against his chest. They swayed for a moment her head leaned back resting against him. She turned in his embrace rubbing her fingers up his chest and down his abs feeling the raw power of him pricking her as she felt his magnificent body. Slade took her one hand swinging her around dipping her holding her there, their lips inches apart, passion in both of their eyes. He pulled her back up lifting her into his arms her arms resting on his shoulder as they stared into each other's eyes, their short warm breaths mingling with the others. They submerged into the other becoming of one mind, one body, one heart, one soul. Instinctively she wrapped her legs around his waist leaning her head back she let the music fill her and Slade brushed his lips against her throat. His fingers crept into her hair pulling forcing her to look at him. She slid one finger across his face as the other hand slipped into his platinum locks. The song ended they continued to stare into the other. They kissed each other hungrily needing to feel the passion of each other. The crowd erupted into a loud applause. Snatching Raven and Slade from their revere. The couple looked around dumbfounded at what was going on.

"Now everyone that is how you dance on Valentine's Day. That was hot! This next artist is a local. . ." Slade and Raven went back to the table wiped out from the intensity of that one dance.

"Wow."

"Wow is correct."

"That was intense."

"It was. . .Raven?"

"Yeah?"

"I know this isn't the right time to come clean about this, but after that dance I have to be honest with you." Raven sensed his seriousness.

"What's wrong Ravager?" He winced at the name,

"That's precisely it. Robin was right. I need to tell you the truth."

"What are you talking about?" He took her hands in his own,

"Raven. . .I'm Slade. Slade Wilson. Ravager is my brother." Raven looked hurt, angry, and flustered all at once. "I'm so sorry Raven. But would you please hear me out before you send me to the 9th dimension of Hell?"

"How. . .how could you lie to me?"

"Would you have even given me a second glance if I came to you as Slade? The Titan's arch rival?" Raven was quiet. "Raven. . .I love you. I love you more than all the power and money I acquired. Hell in fact I gave up being a crime lord because I knew that was not the kind of man you wanted. You changed me Rae. Please forgive me. Everything else I have ever said was the truth." Raven was not saying anything just taking in all that was being said to her, "Raven please say something. I know you felt our chemistry, ourconnection, you had too."

"I did."

"Surely that means something?" She looked over at him looking very serious she said,

"You have a lot of ass kissing to do." Smiling hepulled her into his arms holding her close to him.

"Don't I know it. Thank you so much Raven, but I must say I have never begged so much in my life."

"Oh the begging has just begun."

"Yes ma'am."

See love does conquer all. Did I make this chapter too sappy? Let me know when you review!

gracefulraven,

out!