It had been a nice week over in Jump City. Summer had started to push out spring and offered some nice warmer weather. Even crime seemed to enjoy the warmth and decided to take it easy resulting in the Titans to have some extra time on their hands.

For the past few days, the teenage heroes found themselves outside for most of their week. It had started off as having dinner on the roof which led to playing a game, or multiple, of volleyball well into the night. Rematches were more often than not called with accusations of cheating and resumed first thing in the morning, some games lasting until lunch.

When sports on the roof became a bit of a bore, they decided to hang out around the beach area. It was the perfect weather to do so and they had the time, so why not?

Starfire and Beast Boy happily splashed in the water. Starfire had a blast learning new earth water games and finding all sorts of shells. The purple ones were her favorite. Besides teaching her the games, Beast Boy enjoyed turning into an array of aquatic animals while Starfire tried to catch him.

Cyborg had been asked to join the shenanigans in the water but declined saying that the salt water really messes with his metallic joints, but maybe another time. He instead alternated between talking with Robin and watching the two gleeful teens play.

Robin, never seemingly knowing how to relax, brought some files to work on. It wasn't anything too terribly important, just some files to do as busy work. Occasionally he'd stop and chat with Cyborg when he came over to the picnic table about what he was working on or if there were any plans for the rest of the day.

And Raven, to nobody's surprise, chose to sit in the shade with a book. She had been asked many times if she would like to join the others but she declined, rather choosing to be the ref while they played a game or reading when a third party input wasn't needed. She at least was out with them though and not holed up in her room, so they didn't argue when she didn't want to join.

Robin, finished with one of his files, took a minute to raise his arms above his head and stretch. There was no back support with the picnic tables so he made sure to stop and stretch every now and then so as to not get a killer back ache.

Taking a moment to look around, he smiled at the three by the water. Even though one was on land and the other in the water, that didn't stop Cyborg and Beast Boy from having a squabble. He couldn't make out what they were saying, just seeing a lot of arm flapping and muffled yelling, but judging from Starfire giggling at their antics, it didn't seem like anything he should be worried about.

Turning his gaze to the more shaded side of the sand, he saw Raven sitting and reading in a low beach chair. He had seen her look up and watch Starfire and Beast Boy play every now and then and would occasionally dig small holes next to her and fill them back up. A few shells that she found while messing with the sand were lined up on the armrest for her to bring back inside when she was done outside.

Getting bored with his work, he decided to go and sit with her for a bit.

Raven looked up when he made his way over. "Hey." She greeted, offering a beach towel for him to sit on.

"Hey." He greeted with a smile and took the offered towel. "Thanks."

Raven nodded and went back to her book. She didn't know exactly why he came over but she doubted it was to ask if she was sure she didn't want to play with the others. He usually backed off when she said no.

"What are you reading?" Robin asked after a minute of silence.

Raven angled the book to show Robin the cover. "A book that Cyborg got me a few weeks ago. Figured I had the time to read it so why not?"

"Are you enjoying it so far?"

"I guess. It's not really my favorite but there's still a good hundred fifty pages or so left, so that could change."

Robin nodded in understanding. She could be quite picky or particular with her reading options and has been known to drop a book halfway through if it loses her interest. "I hope it turns out to be something you like."

Raven nodded in agreement, also hoping that this could be a book she would read again.

It was quiet after their short conversation, not really knowing what to say or wanting to talk much in general. They were content just sitting next to each other and watching the world go by.

After glancing at the three still down by the water, he turned his gaze back to his purple haired friend.

She had brought her legs up on the chair and had her book laying against her thighs. Occasionally the wind would help her turn a page or would gently blow a strand of hair in front of her eyes which would get pushed back behind an ear. There was also what appeared to be some flakes of sand clinging to her cheeks.

"I think you have some sand on your face." He pointed out. "Looks like it may have stuck to your sunscreen."

"Really?" Raven asked, brushing her hand across her face but not feeling any grains. "Where?"

"On your cheeks." Robin pointed to his own to show her where.

"Did I get it?"

"No." Robin shook his head. "Can I?"

Raven nodded and leaned forward a bit, watching as he leaned closer and gently brushed at her cheeks. She looked away, cheeks slightly flushed, hoping he wouldn't notice.

"That's odd. It's not coming off." He ran his thumb over her cheek again when he realized. "Wait, these are freckles." He looked closer at her face, small dots graced upon her cheeks. "I didn't realize you had any."

"Oh." Raven brought a hand to her face. "Yeah, they come out in the sun and I've been outside a lot recently."

"I can't believe I never noticed." Robin sat back and shook his head at himself. "I mean, we've been living together for what, three years?"

Raven shrugged. "I mean, it's not like I go outside in the summer as much as I have recently."

"Yeah, I guess you're right." He shrugged back. "It looks like your cheeks got a bit of attention from the sun too, they're a little red."

"Yeah," she turned her gaze back down to her book, "looks like it."

"The thought never crossed my mind before, you having freckles." He took a moment to look at her lightly spotted face again and smiled. "They look cute. You should let them come out more."

Raven kept her eyes on her book, not daring to look up and show just how much attention the "sun" really gave her deeply flushed cheeks. "Thank you, we'll see."

They sat together a few moments more before Robin got called over for something.

When he left, Raven looked up and brought a hand to her still warm cheek. Maybe she would spend more time outside with her friends. Afterall, it couldn't hurt.