The Gift

By Misty Fortner

A Robin and Raven story

To My Reviewers:

Delirium24, Spawn of Darkness, Enkaiame Katina, cherished18shiroi-hana/animefreak04, reeltreble1031viperdarknessTeen Titan's Terminator: Glad you all are enjoying. Keep reading. Only 2-3 more chapters left.

raerob4ever, robin and raven 4 ever: Thank you. This chapter is more serious. But I love the fact that you say it's brought tears to your eyes. That's a great compliment.

Turq. Star is no third wheel. I like the character and the Titans wouldn't be the same without her. She just needs to get over Robin.

SweetNCrazieSugarmuffin: Yeah but Robins too stubborn. Knocking him out will just set him in his ways more.

Ravenrogue19: Basically the end of chapter 9 consisted of Robin realizing that little moments in his memories of his parents were still impacting him the way he did things today.

Rixietrixie19: You won't find out what she said word for word, but you will find out what was caused Arella to send Winter back in time. I'm hoping to have the story done in the next two weeks.

Raven of the night676: Thanks. Yes he is being an ass, but he wants his own way. But yeah things are starting to sink in.

Guybrush007: Thanks. Hope I did as good in this chapter, though it was a heck of a lot harder to write.

Loner of shadows. Don't feel bad about not reviewing. I really don't review as often as I should either. Glad you like the Charles Dickens element. I thought it would be different.

Calda Pesca492: Thanks. Yes I am going to continue with the theme. I like it and it fits what I had in mind for the story.

Dennisud: thanks. Glad you liked the use of Bruce Wayne. It was a toss up between him and Alfred. I went with Bruce because I felt I could write him a bit better. Hope you like the choice for the next "ghost".

Techna: Yes I did have a nice Christmas and New Years. I hope you did too. Hope you continue to enjoy.

Chapter 10: Where are you Christmas

"Where are you Christmas, why can't I find you?

Why have you gone away, where is the laughter you used to bring me?"

Robin sat up in his bed. Charles Dickens, Arella had said. He wondered who the next two visitors would be and what they would show him. Seeing his parents again had brought up so many memories. He had loved Christmas as a child. He had always enjoyed the Christmas performances that the circus would do. Everything would be so festive. He would have loved to see Winter watching his family perform in the Christmas show.

Robin stopped himself mid thought. He had no place in Winter's life. That was best. Winter was a beautiful, like her mother. Winter also had a very joyful attitude about her. Raven had done fine with raising the little girl. He knew nothing about raising a daughter. The best think Robin felt he could do for the little girl was to leave her to be raised by Raven with her mothers help. If Robin tried to be a father to her, criminals like Dr. Light or Slade would try and kidnap her to use her as ransom. Robin had won his inner battle and convinced himself that his daughter was still better off without him.

Raven felt sick to her stomach. The sadness she saw in Starfire's usually bubbly green eyes was tearing her apart. Telling Starfire about her and Robin's betrayal had been one of the hardest things she had ever wanted to do. Raven wanted Star to yell and scream at her. She wanted her to toss bolts or Tamaranian curses at her. Anything would be better than watching Star just sitting there with large tears in her eyes. Arella had told Raven that Starfire had to know about the betrayal. Arella had been willing to tell Star, but Raven had insisted on doing it.

Starfire sat in shock. She had become aware of the attraction between Robin and Raven when they went out on their outing. Even so, she couldn't believe that the two people she cared about the most on this earth had betrayed her like that. She thought of Raven and Robin's daughter. She was a beautiful little girl with her mother's hair and her father's eyes. Starfire felt as if she should hate Robin and Raven right now. Something told her she should hate the little girl too. Starfire couldn't do it though. As angry as she was about what they did to her, she still couldn't hate their daughter or them.

"So this is why you are no longer on the team." Starfire finally found the courage to say. I don't understand. We handled having Winter there. Why did you have to come here to Azarath. We would help you and Robin take care of Winter."

"That's just it Starfire. When Cyborg gave us the news about my condition, Robin freaked. He practically ordered me to have an abortion."

Starfire looked at Raven as another tear slid down her cheek. "He wanted you to kill Winter?"

"We didn't know Winter had came from the future yet. But yes, he wanted me to kill our baby. Star please I know you must hate me and Robin right now. Our baby did nothing wrong. Please help me convince Robin that Winter should be born."

"I'll do the best I can."

Raven took Star's hand and squeezed it. "Thanks."

Arella had been listening outside the door. She came in and thanked Starfire for her help, and took her back to the Tower.

Another flash of light blinded Robin's eyes as he looked around. He was in a house he had never seen before. Looking around he saw no one. "I'm here, ghost of Christmas present. Where are you? I'm ready to get this overwith."

Starfire stepped through a wall. "Hello Robin."

Robin stumbled backwards. This wasn't funny. Arella had no right to include Starfire in this. Present wasn't going to be fun at all. "Look, Star. I don't know what Arella told you, but let me explain…"

Star interrupted him. "There's nothing to explain. Raven already did it. Arella is just trying to protect her daughter so give her a break. No matter how I feel about you and Raven, I don't want Winter to die. I am confused to how you could."

"Starfire, please listen. It's not that simple. I don't know how to be a father. What about the duties I have to the city. Having a child would just screw everything up."

"Robin, I'm sure you know were over. But you are still my friend, and well I still love you even after all this. I believe you will be making a big mistake if you abandon her. From Arella's actions I fear the consequences of your actions. I don't know what were about to see, but it scares me."

Robin looked at Starfire curiously. She was very obviously scared. He could see that she was upset about learning about him and Raven. Robin could also tell their was more to it. "Shall we see what's going on?"

"Yes. Arella did tell me that this was slightly off the Dickens tale. This isn't what's happening right now. It's the first Christmas after your daughter is born."

The former couple walked down the hallway. When they came to the living room they found Arella in the kitchen. She was cooking something. Raven was sitting on a maroon couch with baby girl on her lap, sucking at her breast. Arella and Raven were lost in conversation.

"I can't wait till tomorrow. I finally have a day off," exclaimed Raven.

"Yes, I know. I'm so very happy that you will be meeting Wilson, also. He's such a wonderful guy Raven. I know you'll adore him. Especially when you see how much he adores Winter. He's going to make a wonderful grandfather for her."

Raven smiled at her mother and then lovingly watched her child nurse. "I'm so glad you found him mom. You deserve to be happy."

"You do to," said Arella.

"Mom, I've told you, I'm not interested in dating. I have all I need in Winter. Plus with working at the library and the gas station, when do I have time to date?

Arella's voice saddened. "I know dear. If only that jerk who donated Winter's sperm would send you some money to help. Then you wouldn't have to work two jobs."

"Mom, please don't say things like that in front of Winter."
"I'm sorry. I just hate to see you working so hard."

"It's worth it; Winter is worth every complication in my life." Raven took the baby off her breast, and began to gently pat her on the back. After a couple minutes, Winter let out a large belch and then snuggled close to Raven closing her eyes. Raven rocked her for fifteen minutes and then laid her in a small crib.

"I'm off to work mom." Raven blew a kiss to her daughter and walked out the door. Starfire and Robin followed Raven to work. It became obvious that she worked night shift at a gas station. The gas station was out where not much traffic came.

Everything seemed normal for the first couple hours Raven was at work; there was a regular stream of customers. Around midnight it slowed down. Finally one man walked in and picked up a soda. He was wearing jeans, a western shirt, and a cowboy hat worn in a way that allowed the shadows to hide is face. The two Titans watched as Raven tensed up. She looked worried about something. The man put the soda on the counter and fiddled with the condoms on the wall. He picked one up and put it next to the soda.

"Will there be anything else, sir?" Raven asked.

"Why yes, little lady I think there will be," the man said in a fake southern drawl that didn't fool anyone.

"Slade" said Raven, Robin, and Starfire in unison.

"Don't I feel special? You recognize me" Slade responded.

"What do you want?" Raven asked emotionlessly

"Well, I've once again chosen an apprentice. I think I've made a good choice.

Raven glared at Slade. "I will not be your apprentice" she said forcefully.

"I'm glad," he responded. "I don't want you as my apprentice. You will be my wife. Winter will be my new apprentice."

Raven was obviously furious at the mention of her daughter. She began chanting "Azarath, Metrion, Zenthos".

"Sorry beautiful, that won't work. I expected a refusal. That's why I got me this here hat. It works as a magic neutralizer."

Raven's eyes widened. She wasn't quite sure what to do. The two of them struggled against each other, knocking potato chip racks and various other things on the floor. Slade with his neutralizing hat was stronger than Raven, and he finally pinned her down. "I caught me a pretty birdie, now what am I going to do with her." Slade ran his finger over Raven's breast. Raven spat in his face.

Robin and Starfire both tried to intervene. They through punches at Slade, yelled curses, and Star tried to throw bolts at him, but they were incorporeal and couldn't influence the scene.

"Such boldness for a helpless little girl." Slade said to Raven. He kept her pinned for a while longer. Raven continued to struggle, but could not escape. Finally, her captor sighed. "I would love to have you tonight. Your fighting turns me on, but I will settle for your mother."

Raven spat at him again, and attempted to bite him. He shifted to avoid her, but was able to keep her pinned. You're beginning to be more trouble than your worth. I'm going to have to finish this before you get away for the authorities to track me down. Slade pulled out a gun, and held it to her head. "Don't worry Raven, I'll take care of your mother and charming little girl. After your death, I'm sure your mom will be more than willing to become my bride. Then I will teach Winter to be a good soldier of evil.."

Raven looked desperate. "I'll marry you, just don't hurt my mother or daughter."

"Too little, too late," he replied pulling the trigger and shooting Raven in the head. Robin once again tried to catch Slade, but failed. Slade grabbed the cash register money and disappeared. Starfire kneeled beside the lifeless body of her former friend.

"Friend Raven, this is awful. You can't go on to the land of passing. You have much to live for," she sobbed.

Finally giving up a weeping Robin kneeled down beside Raven and Starfire. Robin attempted to stroke Raven's hair, but his hand went through her head. "I don't understand. How am I to help her? What good is showing me Raven's death going to do."

Tearful eyes looked up at Robin. "Friend Raven dies trying to provide for your and her child. Doesn't that prove that you need to be there for and Winter?

"NO" Robin shook his head multiple times. "It just proves that Raven would be better off terminating the pregnancy."

Starfire had tears streaming down her face. But she had a look of rage that Robin had never seen before upon it. "We live in the United States. The laws of the country give Raven, not you the right to decide what to do about an unplanned pregnancy. Raven decided to give birth. You may not like it, but you do have some responsibility to her! I don't like what you and Raven did. But I'm dealing with the hurt and confusion I feel inside, and trying to do what is right for me and three people I care about. Yes Robin, even after what you have done I still care about you, Raven, and your child. You need to stop acting like a little boy who is not getting his way, and act like the man you need to become."

Robin looked at the body of Raven lying on the ground. Blood was pooling on the floor. This was his fault. If he had been able to control himself then, they wouldn't be in this predicament. Star was right about one thing, Winter was his child and he did have some responsibility in it. He would get a job, and send Raven money. Then she wouldn't have to work this job. He convinced himself that money would be enough to keep them safe.

Starfire didn't say a word as once again a bright light flashed. Once again Robin found himself alone and lying in his bed. Once he realized he was back at the tower, he hit his com button. He needed to talk to Starfire. He hoped what they had seen wasn't the truth. She didn't answer, she wasn't in the tower. Next he called Cyborg.

"Where's Starfire!" he demanded

"Chill!" She's gone to visit an old friend. She needed to figure out what's next for her."

Robin sighed as he turned off the communicator. Looking around he spotted the rose that had appeared earlier. Beside it was a pacifier with a red star clip that would attach to clothing. He lay back in his bed. He truly hoped Starfire would find the comfort she sought. Staring at the ceiling he wondered who his next visitor would be and what they would show him. It couldn't be any worse than watching Raven die at Slade's hands. Robin smiled to himself slightly. There was no doubt in Robin's mind that the next time he saw Slade, he would seeing the bastard tortured.