Hey, hey, hey! I'm baaaack! Well, sort of. I just had a free time and I used it to create this little old chap. I know everyone who read Love Cross knows that I won't be back, like, a month which I wrote in chap 3. So, hear ye, hear ye. Another reason for this chap's lateness is because I also posted chap 5 with it. I'm not yet sure whether to continue this story because lately, I've been busy for a long time and I have a lot of assignments to work on and our exams just arrived and I'm not very sure of my results whether I should pass especially in Math and it really cramps up my nerves. Not to mention, I'm not yet sure if I should finish this story up to chap 9 or I should continue on. Well, you be the judge! You're my readers and I think you know better than I do since you're very professional about these. Enough problems to hand you, beloved readers. I now give you chapter 4 and oh, this chap contains some seriousness to it and a few emotions revealed.

Dedications (finally!): Mutilated Bliss, Tecna, .dead.addict., Queen Rae, Ulrich38 (or is it Nightwing38?), NoirGoddessFromHell, RioN VhEnTeUnO, WiccanWitch14, Serena Noble, brokensoul10917 (these two reviewed in my new story Secrets Revealed)

Disclaimer: if I own Teen Titans, I'd make a museum of them.

Chapter 4

Previously on chapter 3…

The knocking continued only louder. 'Who the hell could that be?' Rachel asked herself. "I'll get it." She announced as she got up and walked to the door. The emotionless face turned into a glare as she stared at the person who just knocked. "Hell." She said instead of a polite greeting.

Present

Amethyst clashed with stormy blue. Rachel stared at the tall, dark man in front of her. Her eyes signal of danger that is soon to come if the man at her door won't go away. The man only stared back at her with a smirk on his face and obviously in a joyful mood. Whether to pop her veins or to do something more important than the former, Rachel didn't know. Still, she's very suspicious of why this man, of all people to visit her (which is just Kori and Roy), why him?

"Hey." He said simply like he knew Rachel for three years. "What are you doing here?" Rachel talked back like she was making a threat. "Hey, Rich!" Roy suddenly said at the back. "Roy! How long has it been since we met?" Richard greeted back. "Two years and a month." Roy answered a matter-of-factly. Rachel whirled around to look at Roy with wide eyes then to Richard, then back to him. "You know each other?" She asked that's almost close to a yell. Then suddenly, Kori brightened up and clasped her hands. "Oh, Richard! Thank you for attending our party for our engagement. Friend Rachel, he's Richard Grayson. He has been friends with Roy since they were children and they still are! He was also Roy's colleague and since I haven't seen them together for a long time, I forgot him." Kori explained happily but she shrank when Rachel glared at her.

"Whatever. That still doesn't explain why he's here." Rachel said like Kori's explanation didn't matter at all. "Actually, I was invited by these engaged couples for a little celebration and I was going to see you about the case what do you know? She made me go to your home. I can see you're very excited about this." Richard scanned her body head-to-toe like what she did when they first met. "Yeah? Well, they put me in this, okay!" she blushed, knowing that he's studying what she was wearing. "Whatever. It looks good on you anyway." Richard argued back which made Rachel blush even more. But what made Rachel really blush three times than the first was when Richard leaned and kiss her quickly on the forehead. Well, that really did pop one of Rachel's nerves so she glared at him as dark as the night and was about to punch him when…

"Let us sit down and eat! I am very sure Richard is hungry." Kori who didn't saw the quick kiss tried to break the soon-to-be trouble and it worked. The two sat down opposite of each other. Rachel was still glaring at Richard until Kori nudged her. "What?" she whispered in an irritated voice. "Rachel, please! I don't know what he did to you but I don't want to cause you stress and I'm thinking that we are the ones who are causing this to you. I think I should call this off." Kori whispered disdainfully. Rachel widened her eyes. No way is her hard work going to be thrown away by this Richard guy! Who the hell is going to eat her dinner? What's the use for her to wear the wardrobe? What about her gift? What's with these questions? She grabbed Kori's hands before she could react. "I'm sorry, Kori. It's just that…" Rachel whispered and drifted off. "That what?" Kori asked, curious.

A cough was heard and both girls turned to look to the source. "Care to share?" Roy asked. "Uh, can you excuse us for a moment? It's a girl thing." Rachel asked and waiting for no answer, she got up and dragged Kori with her to the kitchen where the boys can't see them. The boys just looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders. "Women." Roy muttered.

Rachel made sure that the boys couldn't see or hear them. "Oh, please Rachel! I am very excited to hear of it!" Kori said in an eager tone. "He kind of…did something." Rachel said shyly which wasn't normal for her. Kori rolled her eyes (she can do that because she had been friends with Rachel for five years and she was influenced by her). "That is why I am here! Oh, please, please! I swear to my grave I won't tell a soul." Kori raised her hand as if making a scout's honor. Rachel looked at her then turned back. Kori dropped her hand and her face now has concern across it.

"Rachel, I…"

"Hemnrrvhrrs." Rachel mumbled.

"What?"

"Hemroseme." Once again, she mumbled.

"Rachel, I do not have a degree in understanding mumbles." Kori said like a mother.

"Heproposedtome." Rachel suddenly said. Kori sighed. She was being difficult! Well, she's always difficult.

"I do not have a degree in understanding mumbles and fast phrases that you had just made." Kori said with her patience halfway to its end.

"Look, it's nothing. Let's just get back and eat." Rachel suggested evasively. Kori suddenly blocked her exit and planted her firm eyes at her.

"No. If you don't say it then we will leave." Kori said firmly.

"Fine." Rachel agreed.

"Okay, he did something to you that you don't like. What is it?" Kori's eagerness was back.

"He proposed to me." Kori just stared at her for a while and then she squealed.

"Hey! Stop that!" Rachel scolded while blushing. She knew this would happen. Kori is very and I mean very overreacting.

"Oh, Rachel. What did he say? Are you going to get married? When? Oh, I hope it's the same day of my marriage with Roy!" Kori said dreamily then stopped.

"Wait, that does not make sense. You don't even know his friends! Further explain this, friend." Kori requested in confusion.

"He said he likes me."

"And you like him back?"

"No!" Rachel exclaimed with anger.

"Then what?"

"It's just that…I don't know." Rachel said uncertainly. Her shyness was back. Kori smiled at her. Typical Rachel. She's very sensitive and moody about relationships especially about love.

"Don't worry. I'm sure he won't…seduce you." Kori said. What would he do anyway?

"Are you sure?" Rachel asked childishly. She looked very cute when she does so.

"Yes. I know him. Roy and I often met with him." At the corner of her eyes, she saw the boys taking about something and she was sure it was them.

"We ought to get back now. I think we're wasting our time here." Rachel said and Kori agreed. When they sat the two boys started questioning them. "So, what did you talk about?" Roy asked casually. "Trade Secret. It's a girl thing." Rachel replied. The boys rolled their eyes as if to say 'Women' in a sarcastic way. Raven and Kori smirked. Everyone who knows them knows that both use their advantages for their safety and girl thing rules, whatsoever. The point is that these two women are very professional in using their girl power. They finished their food and Rachel was about to go up and dress until…

"Rachel!" Rachel stopped on her tracks and looked at the speaker. "Where are you going?" Kori asked. "Uh, room then bed." Rachel answered and was about to turn when Kori laughed. Rachel narrowed her eyes. Kori's up to something and she knows she wouldn't want it. "Okay, Kori. Spill it or else." She threatened and she didn't want to hear her laugh of amusement to her. Kori stopped laughing and coughed a little and spoke: "Rachel, the celebration is not yet done. We still have to go out for a romantic outing." Kori beamed at her.

"I'm sure you mean that it's for you and Roy." Again, she turned to her heels, not caring of the world.

Kori sighed and ran after her. She caught up with her at the front of her bedroom. "Please, Rachel. For once, agree to this. This might be our only night since we'll be moving out when we get married to Beverly Hills. Besides, you have said in our conversation hours ago that you will give us a chance." Kori reasoned with her. Rachel first, stared at her with a blank expression until she finally said "Fine."

Kori brightened up and dragged Rachel downstairs. "Rachel has approved! We shall do the hanging out!" Kori announced while Rachel rolled her eyes. Kori's voice really makes people look at her strangely with her deep English and all. 'Then again, they would shove it off.' She mused. Whenever Kori meets with new people she would first speak her words full of long pronunciations yet have a shorter and simpler word. She would flash them her smile and genuine emerald eyes.

I…

The pairs went in Roy's shiny Porsche. Roy was the driver; Kori was shotgun while Rachel and Richard are at the back.

Rachel did her best not to thrash Richard here and there as she got in. Richard was at the left side of the back so she distanced herself from him by moving herself from him the opposite direction. Richard, meanwhile, looked at her with an amused expression. 'She really looks good in that dress. Maybe she…' his mind started thinking of naughty thoughts and he shook his head unconsciously gaining the attention of his attention. Rachel glared at him for his stupid face. At the corner of her eyes, she saw his head moved and she was sure she was looking at her since she also saw his fair skin and stormy blue eyes. 'Just like Apollo.' She was really fond of mythologies especially Greek. Of course, when she gets her hands on something she's interested in, she'll totally store every word there is.

"What are you looking at?" she spat at him. Instead of flinching, Richard did his best not to look shocked rather; he masked his face with a smug smirk.

"Free will. Is your face that expensive to be seen?" He replied in a princely way. Her glare intensified. "You didn't answer my question." She was about to continue when she realized that she was still wearing the dress that Kori suggested and also remembering about her promise to Kori. Richard was surprised that she didn't continue arguing with him and that she just turned her back on him. Being Richard, he's always thrilled when a mystery important or not, occurs. He silently moved to her side inch by inch.

Rachel noticed a presence that is way too close to her and it irked her. She turned to the intruder of her personal space and when she did, stormy blue eyes caught her amethyst orbs. She pulled her head slightly out of reflex. "What's got you?" He asked coolly and it made Rachel more vexed. "Shoo." She simply said and turned her back on him again. 'Just keep ignoring him within four hours and you'll be fine.' She assured herself and then frowned. 'Why the heck am I being optimistic?'

Richard raised a questioning eyebrow at him and smirked. No way was she going to get away from him. He faced in front and pretended to not know Rachel was there and put his arm on her shoulders. With this act, he distracted Rachel and she tilted her head up to his face. He didn't look back at her for one second and while keeping his eyes in front he slowly turned his head to him. "What?" This time, he turned his eyes on her with a questioning look. 'Nice move for an actor wannabe. But not good enough.' She thought sarcastically and rolled her eyes. "Nothing. Just the fact that your arm is on my shoulders." She glared at him intensely and roughly took his arm away, tossed it to him then pushed him to the other side if the car.

Instead of being down, he became more amused by her. He tried another one but this time he just leaned on her. "You got your period?" He asked seductively, almost like a careless whisper. Her head shot up and Richard waited for a violent reaction but all she did was distance herself from him and looked in the window. At this, Richard was really confused. 'What's wrong with women?' He kept thinking whether she heard him or thought of something. He was about to make another move on her though he stopped.

Hate…

"We're here!" Roy announced from the front. Quick as the words were said, Rachel was already getting out. Roy quickly got out too and went to Kori's side and opened the door for her. Kori blushed when Roy offered his arm which she took. Richard was the last one to get out. He didn't look at the direction he was going to and when he did, he received a punch in the abs. It knocked the air out of him and was surprised that it was just Rachel. 'How--?' "I heard that." She spat at him with a glare that could make the evilest of the evil retreat in the shadows.

She turned to her heels which made her hair and dress swish with the wind. Richard was now doubly confused by her. Where did she get that kind of strength? Sure, she's got it because of her job but man! He has a six-pack abs and he felt a piercing sensation when she punched him. Did Vincent teach her about pressure points? He rubbed his tummy and waited for the pain to subside. When it did, he followed the group and decided that he'll have to think about it later.

'You rock, Rae! You totally nailed him and exchanged it for a part of your identity!' Her mind yelled at her. She couldn't blame it or herself. It was really an accident. She couldn't stop her frustration for Richard. 'Damn him!' she kept cursing him with words from the depths of hell. She forgot to not use what her mentor taught her and it also made her guilty and angry at herself. She needs to distance herself away from other people even Kori and she had no choice. If she gets too personal with people, she'll only cause pain and sorrow. When they'll know of her secret, they'll only turn her away and start criticizing her.

"Don't you think it is a very romantic place for a romantic night, Rachel?" Kori broke her thoughts when she asked. She dumbly nodded and noticing that she wasn't herself, she searched for a one-line remark. "Whatever." that was the response from the Ice Queen. Now that the couple was off to their business, strolling in the fountain-filled national park, she returned to her thoughts.

Richard observed that Rachel was…quiet. 'Too quiet.' His mind corrected him. What's wrong with her today? Maybe her period is really today? Or was it about earlier? His head was full of questions concerning her and it troubles him. Ever since he met her, he's somewhat attracted to her. It's like they're the perfect pair and he thinks so too. There was something about her that makes him want to get closer to her. She was a mystery to him and to everyone and he was determined to find about her. Even if he had to reveal himself to her.

Rachel was slowly walking, close to pacing but still walking. She still thinks of what harm she might cause. It's like she was forbidden in everything. Also, she feels like people try to reach her. Vincent wanted her to be in more interviews which she always decline. Kori and Roy want her to hang out with them a lot usual and in which she makes excuses. And Richard…he was the one who really wants to know her the most. He just kept trying to get her attention which he does so successfully. There was also something about him that entices her, strangely enough to know him more.

Plastics

The soon-to-be-married couple is sitting on a bench near the biggest fountain that is at the center of the park. Exchanging romantic words and what their plans are for the future. Rachel was sitting near them at a nearby swing behind the two. Richard was leaning on a tree though it was illegal to go near the garden, it was a peaceful night today and the security must suspect that there won't be any trouble. Each minding their own businesses and lost in their selves.

Suddenly, with a jolt, Rachel shot her head up when she felt trouble. She saw in a flash of light in her mind the location of the villain and the villain is the big glob of zit a.k.a. Plasmus. 'Great. Just great. What a way to spend recreational time.' She deadpanned and went to the lovers therefore interrupting them. "Is something the matter?" Kori asked innocently. "I'll just be strolling the north, that's all." She said and without waiting for an answer, she went up. The clueless ones just shrugged their shoulders and went back to their romances.

Richard was still thinking ways on how to reach her. He suddenly felt vibration below his hips, inside his pockets. He realized that it was actually his communicator that he made himself with the help of his mentor, of course. There was trouble in the north side of the park and Plasmus was already thrashing the scene, he supposes. He went to the lovers and again, they were distracted. "So, what's wrong?" Roy asked casually with slight irritation. "Nothing. Just telling you guys that I'll be in the north side of the park." Richard answered and went up. The two looked at each other and again, shrugged.

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Okay, so maybe this is an empty one but please bear with me. I know I am unbearable so please try anyway. As you have read, Raven sensed trouble much faster than Robin's communicator. I made that up because I remembered 'Titans Rising' when Raven saw Terra's association with Slade. I thought that what I did was a part…well, a little of it or none but I think Raven's cooler when she gets all these future senses. And about the pressure point, Raven's middle finger was slightly pointing at him thus making a painful sensation when she struck it to him. Robin felt it was a punch because Raven quickly realized she revealed something that was only taught to her by her mentor therefore changing it to a punch. That's all, folks and don't worry about the dedications. I'll write everyone who reviews to me since I think they deserve respect and authority. I think they're the most important substance to make a story. I won't be listing everyone actually but those who made true and kind reviews. You know what I mean! Anyway, next chap!