30Kisses Theme Ficlets

Robin/Raven

By Kysra

Theme #3 (jolt!): Observance

It was probably the stupidest observation in the history of her life, but there was no denying it, Robin had grown up. She wondered when that had happened, and why in hell was she noticing it NOW?

Once, they had been of a much similar height and build. His uniform had fit her almost perfectly (if a little tight in the bust area) when she had given into the insanity of her teammates while the Boy Wonder was away. The spandex had been comfortable and smelled of him. Of course, she had no idea why the fact that she could remember the precise scent and took comfort in it disturbed her so. The bare point was, she was completely stumped as to how she could have missed the very important, BLATANT change in his physical appearance.

She had been partaking in her favorite past-time - brewing a fresh cup of tea - when he had entered their mess of a kitchen. At first, it hadn't really registered, she was so accustomed to the feel of his presence; but the moment she had turned to greet him, she was aware to the point of near-swooning. He seemed, in that moment, to take up all the space in the room and rob her of all breath. It was then that she realized she had to look up at him. The whole episode had been surreal, and now all she could do was beat herself up for not noticing before. It was like she had woken up in a totally different world. Her leader had suddenly graduated from gangly boy to certified man.

And because he had the audacity to mature, she was completely disconcerted; and for Raven, being disconcerted was tantamount to serious danger.

So, she had retreated to the roof where she couldn't be bothered by his shadow at the corner of her eye, disturbed by the smell of his sweat, or cradled in the strands of his aura. Azarath. Metrion. Zinthos. Deep breaths passed from nose and mouth. In and out, in and out, longer now, calm the mind, no Bird brains allowed.

Of course, some Bird brains were just stupid when it came to their teammates' need for privacy. She felt him before the shrill shreak of the roof door opened to admit him to her sanctuary, and - unable to hold her altitude in the wake of his voice (when had it grown so deep?) - she found herself cradled in his arms rather than just his aura.

Damn him.

"Raven?" He was looking at her with some measure of concern, the worry-lines deepening between his brows; and she realized with a jolt that she had not heard a word he just said.

"I'm sorry. Can you repeat that?" She was only mildly horrified that her voice sounded breathy and that her hands - possessed by some spirit not her own - crept around his broad shoulders utterly against her will.

Perplexed, he asked again, "We're going out for pizza. Wanna come?"

Even his teeth were perfect and beautiful! It made her sick. "I think . . . I need to meditate some more. I'm feeling a bit distracted." And his lips! She had no idea what "kissable" looked like, but she imagined it was him.

"Is everything okay?" Now he looked positively concerned, his attention fixed solely on her. Somewhere in the mindscape of Nevermore, one of the fragments of her personality was crowing with delight as his arms tightened around her.

Everything save my newly awakened hormones. "Everything's fine. I've just been . . . noticing new things lately." Who knew a guy's Adam's apple could be so appealing? Part of her wanted to stay right where she was forever and ever. Hades, I am turning into Kitten!

He shifted slightly to better balance her in his hold. "Anything I can help you with?"

Yes, I think I'm in heat. Take me? "No . . . no. I just have to sort it out, myself. I'll be fine. I promise."

Robin had smiled at her before, but the sight of it had never made her feel weak in the knees (and she wasn't even standing)! "Well, then, we'll bring some back with us for you."

It didn't escape her notice that he was still holding her without complaint or sign of letting go. "Thank you. You can put me down now."

He chuckled softly as he set her - with great care - on her feet, and she couldn't help the shiver that ran up her spine. Is this attraction? Ugh.

"It was bound to happen sometime."

Raven blinked, slightly confused but unable to show it. "What?"

Robin's smile was small, mysterious, and incredibly sexy. "Let's just say, I'm noticing new things lately too." Then, to her surprise and complete confusion, he gave her a wink before turning and walking away, leaving her to admire his form.

"Oh and Raven?" He stood at the open door, staring at her with a wide grin.

"Yes?"

"You're cute when you drool."

Yep, definitely, the stupidest, most mortifying observation in the history of her life; but when she finally reached a true meditative trance, there was a smile still fixed upon her lips.