Its been a long time coming, but here's chapter 5. I hope it will tide you over till I can get the next one up

Disclaimer: I do not own the Teen Titans

Ch. 5: Secret Admirer.

It had been a good two weeks since Raphael had come to the tower. Fortunately, it had been a very uneventful two weeks as well. Since Robin had decided to visit his fallen Comrade in Gotham city, the Titans were a little short handed. Raphael had offered his services to the team, but Raven, being the temporary leader, had refused them.

"For the last time, No. Raphael is far too unpredictable, and I have serious doubts about his capabilities." Raven walked briskly down the hall in hopes of losing the annoying little alien. Ever since she rejected Raphael's offer, Starfire had been following her around. She was everywhere. Continually trying to get her to change her mind.

"But I am positive that if you just gave him the chance he could be a very valuable member of the team." Star pleaded. Raven let out a frustrated sigh, and turned back to face her. She placed a hand on Star's shoulder and looked her directly in her eyes as she spoke.

"Look Star, I know he's your friend and Robin's brother, but there is just something about this guy. I can't explain exactly, but I just don't think it would be a good idea right now, ok."

"I.... understand. But perhaps later on when you know him better, you could reconsider his services?" she asked. Raven let out another long sigh. She doubted that things would ever change between them....... but still.

"Perhaps, it's not for sure, but maybe..... later on." Star jumped with joy upon hearing the news, and Raven could help but chuckle. She was so naive at times. It was probably that very lack of worldly experience that made her so likeable.

"Oh, thank you, thank you Raven. I am sure if you allow him to try, he will not let you down." Starfire happily bounded back down the hallway, most likely to tell the others the good news.

Raven just shook her head at her childish friend, as she turned back to the stairs. She understood all too well how Star was, and how easily she made new friends. As she made her way up to the Roof top, she thought back to the first time she had met Starfire.

Robin had found her shortly after she had landed, and brought her directly to the tower. At first Raven was quite skeptical of this new girl, but after some time, one could say, she sort of grew on her.

Raven's thoughts were interrupted, however, by what sounded like.... like a guitar. She ever so quietly turned the door handle and opened the door. Sure enough there, sitting on the edge of the roof, was Raphael strumming away on his guitar.

Luckily for Raven, he seemed far too absorbed in the task at hand to notice her. So she stood in the door way, watching him closely. His fingers flew across the strings with practiced ease. He sat on the ledge facing the rising sun. One leg propped up in front of him, and the other dangling off the edge.

For the first time she took a good look at Raphael. He wore a pair of black leather boots similar to Robin's apart from the fact that his had steel heels as well as steel toes. A chain wrapped tightly around his waist served a s a crude belt to hold up his baggy black pants.

It being a hot summer day, he had long since discarded his heavy leather coat. The tight black shirt he wore had been ripped in many places, most likely due to many a battle. He also wore a pair of plated gloves, with the fingers cut off, and strange chain and pendant around his neck.

Although he still wore his sun glasses, he was without his hat. At first glance his hair looked black, but as his head bobbed to the beat the light revealed a hint of blue. It was cut short with the exception of a long strip that ran down the middle, giving him a makeshift Mohawk.

She would have liked to study him from afar a bit longer, however.

"Hey Rae, breakfast is ready." BB bellowed from down the hall he ran up to were she was standing. "Hey, have you seen Raph."

"He's right over there." Raven pointed her thumb back toward Raph, and retreated quickly back down the stairs.

She left quickly not even turning to see if he had noticed her staring at him. She figured he hadn't...... but what if he did? What would he think? She began to feel embarrassed.

'What if he did notice?' she quickened her pace so as to avoid their catching up with her, but suddenly stopped dead in her tracks.

'Wait a minuet. Since when do I care what he thinks?' She shook her head violently in an attempt to drive these thoughts from her mind. She quickly regained her composure and continued down the hall at a slow, even pace.

Sorry it took so long. We just got moved into our new house and I haven't had any time. This chapter is a little short, but I still think it will be ok for now. Well hope you like it. Please review. Oh, and I am trying to find a superhero name for Raph but I'm having a bit of trouble. So, ideas are very welcome. Thanks, Cya.