Man I'm on a roll. It usually takes me a lot longer to get these chapters out. I supose I'm just making up for lost time or somethin. I don't know. Anyway heres chapter eight. I tried to cut downon the cursing, but ya know what, its really hard. So, sorry if your offended. Hope you like it anyway.

Disclaimer: I do not own the Teen Titans, or "Skeleton Song"

Ch. 8: The New Recruit

As soon as the Titans got back to the tower, Cy called a meeting. Everyone grudgingly assembled in the common. Well, everyone except Raph, who happily reminded them that he was never really part of the team and there for did not need to be present. The team reluctantly agreed. They figured it might be a little weird having him present for the meeting. After all, he was the main topic.

"Ok, now, as I'm sure you've all noticed, we didn't do so hot today. Hell, if it weren't for Raph I'm pretty sure we wouldn't have made it out of that one alive. So that's why I think we should rethink Raph's membership. After all we are short handed with Robin being gone." Cy announced.

"Yeah, man. After how you guys took car of Cinderblock, I definitely think we should." BB stated enthusiastically.

"Yes, I to believe that this is a fine idea. He would make a wonderful addition to the team." Star concurred.

"Well, ultimately this is up to you Rae, being the temporary team leader. You've heard what we think so now it's up to you girl. Should we ask him to join or not?" The whole team turned to face Raven.

Raven slunked back into her seat. He did save her life, and he seemed to be quite the skilled fighter. But there was still something about him that she just couldn't quite put her finger on it. Every time she was near him, she always got this strange feeling. It wasn't necessarily a bad feeling, but it wasn't necessarily good either. It was just... a feeling. Oh well she couldn't say no now. Not after what he did for them. Raven let out a long sigh.

"Ok guys, we'll give it a shot." The entire room erupted into hoots and hollers of joy, and Raven couldn't help but laugh. Being team leader did have its good points.

"I will go inform friend Raph of the good news." Starfire sped off up the stairs, but returned shortly after with a goofy grin across her face.

"Heh heh, I seem to have forgotten where friend Raph was going." She chuckled.

"Don't worry. I think I know where he is." Raven said while Star sat back down. She quickly stood and started toward the stairs.

She had a hunch as to were he was, but just a hunch. From what she had seen of Raphael he seemed to her to be a deep thinker. Many times she had caught him standing in front of the window staring off into the distance. Not really looking at anything in particular, but just looking. He always looked as though he were almost entranced by the view, but as soon as he noticed you looking he would immediately revert back to his normal jackass personality.

As she reached the door to the roof, she once again heard the melodic sound of a guitar, and once again she quietly opened the door and stepped out onto the roof. He sat astride the ledge plucking away at the guitar. But this time sang as well.

Was it that hard - to open the door to faith

When everyone feels the same

A different face but on the same page

And I don't need something - that hurts more than nothing

So I lose myself in a song again

And there's nothing wrong

In being far from right

Another skeleton song

Stuck in my head all night

And there's something wrong

When everything goes right

Another skeleton song

Will save my life tonight

Raph looks back to see Raven staring at him completely lost in thought.

"So, wachya think? Am I good, or am I good?" He asks as he turns back to gaze out into the setting sun. Raven grins, as much as she hated to admit it, his cocky attitude was growing on her. She walked over to where he was sitting.

"I've heard better." She proclaimed, slowly lowering herself down onto the ledge next to him.

"I thought you might be here. After all, it's the best view in town." Raven declares as she to is absorbed by the view.

"I've seen better." He declares flashing playful grinning. She chuckles silently.

"So, how long have you been playing?" She asks.

"My father taught me the basics when I was nine. From there I kind of learned on my own." He began to play once again. As his fingers flew across the strings with practiced ease, Raven couldn't help but stare. She looked the instrument up and down. It was a truly beautiful instrument. Thats when she noticed the gold lettering that ran down the underside of the neck.

"What does that say?" Raven turns her head slightly to read the inscription, but to no avail. Raph unwraps the strap from around his shoulder and turns the guitar over so she could more easily read.

"It says 'A hero must never forget what they fight for. For to forget this, is to forget yourself.' My friend Bru...... I mean, Batman gave me this when I left."

"You don't have to do that. I already know that Bruce is Batman." Raph turns back to look at Raven smiling mischievously.

"You do, do you? Well, it looks like my little brother is a blabbermouth." Raven turns to face him.

"Actually, Robin never told me." Raph raises a quizzical eyebrow at Raven's comment. She quickly turns away in attempt to hide a deep blush that overwhelmed her.

"I kinda.......... read his mind." Raph begins to laugh hysterically, and falls over onto the roof top. Raven's blush deepens even more and she chuckles slightly to herself.

"Well now, your just full of surprises aren't you." Raph stands and picks up his guitar examining it for any more dings or scratches.

"Ya know, I could teach you to play if you'd like. It's really quite easy when you get the basics down."

"I might just take you up on that offer some day, but for the time being, we need to get down to the others. We have made an important decision that you need to hear." She stands and starts toward the door signaling for him to follow.

For those of you who are wondering that song was called "Skeleton Song" by Sevendust. I'll get chapter nine out as quick as possible, but I still have some sorting out to do before I can even get started. Ya see I'm really not even sure what I want to do next. Anyway I hope you liked this chapter. I look forward to your reviews, cause ya know what? They make me happy. So please review. Cya.