30Kisses Theme Ficlets

Robin/Raven

By Kysra

Theme #9 (dash): Name

Everything had been taken care of . . . at least, according to him.

She wasn't so sure, however. Her things had been moved out of her old bedroom into her new domicile, arranged in a way that was pleasing to her and her new roommate. The paperwork was filled out, only the signatures were missing, an oversight that would be rectified at the service tomorrow evening. She had called the caterers 12 times today alone to confirm and reconfirm their arrival tomorrow evening. There was the church which had been reserved months ago, and the priest had assured her - repeatedly - that yes, he would be there to preside over the service. Her hair would be styled tomorrow in a pre-chosen upsweep, simple and elegant; and the dress in the corner was a monstrosity of white lace, fluffy and sickeningly sweet with seed pearls and sparkly beads (the work and taste of Starfire) draped on a lopsided mannequin.

Taking a long drag of cooling tea, she closed her eyes and savored the liquid warmth. At least the bridesmaids and groomsmen were already here, sleeping in the Tower to save on travel time (and rescue her from having a nervous breakdown - a truly apocalyptic prospect). And thankfully, Bruce had insisted upon taking care of the reception. She only had to worry about the wedding, which was quite enough of a worry all it's own, thank you very much.

Still, even though everything seemed in order, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was forgetting something. It was driving her completely nuts not to mention from her bed. She was going to have puffy, sunken eyes tomorrow.

A snort broke from her, it must be the first time ever she had given any thought to sleep deprivation and the effect it would have on her appearance.

Drifting through all of the scenarios that could possibly spell disaster for what was supposed to be one of the great hallmarks of her life, she wondered if he had remembered to pick up the rings, whether the tuxedoes fit the boys, and did she have everything she needed . . .

The girls' had - at her insistence (read: command) - tried on their dresses earlier today to make sure there were no last minute alterations needed. Shoes had been labeled with the names of their owners. Make-up palettes had been chosen ahead of time (though she had refrained from that measure as she wouldn't be wearing makeup - he had always known her to be a natural sort of girl and her complexion was as clear and flawless as ever). Maybe it was that old rhyme Selena had been singing tonight at dinner, Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.

Her eyes widened. She didn't have the "something borrowed!"

A deep breath and a whimpered mantra later, she was relatively calm again. She would ask for something of Starfire's tomorrow - she looked at the stove digital clock - today.

But that wasn't what she was forgetting . . .

Sweet Azar, what if he forgot to set his alarm clock? What if he didn't wake up in time? What if he stood her up at the altar?I'd kill him.

"You'd kill who?"

His sudden presence caused her hand to jerk, sending tea over the cup rim and onto her bathrobe. She looked up at him with an accusing look as he smiled apologetically and kissed her cheek.

"What are you doing up?"

He settled himself in the seat next to hers, his fingers finding her own. "I could ask the same thing."

"Can't stop thinking that I'm forgetting something."

"Everything has been taken --"

"Care of. Yes. I know, but there's still something niggling at the back of my mind."

Giving a small laugh, he reached out to touch her face. "You worry too much."

She looked directly at him, eyes shining under the white fluorescent lights. "I just want it to be perfect for us."

A self-deprecating grin was her answer. "Maybe we should have eloped."

"Bruce would have us skinned alive if we backed out now." A beat. "Why did he insist on a big wedding anyway?"

"I'm the only kid he's ever raised. He wants to be involved in his only son's wedding."

"Ah."

"Is this helping you remember?"

She gifted him with a rare smile. "No, but the company's nice."

He leered at her as she shrugged out of her tea-stained bathrobe. "I agree."

Draping the robe on a nearby chair, she frowned at him. "Isn't it bad luck to see the bride before the wedding?"

"I figure we've already experienced all the bad luck we can possibly handle since we've first met."

She snorted for the second time that night then echoed his earlier words, "I agree."

"Mr. and Mrs. Grayson . . .," he mused quietly, his hand tightening over hers.

THAT was what she had forgotten --

"My name . . . that's what's bothering me. I wanted . . . I mean. I don't have a recorded last name, but I've always wanted to adopt my mother's, and now --"

"You don't have to feel pressured to take my name, Raven. I just want to spend the rest of my life with you."

"But, it's earth tradition."

"Well, if you feel strongly about both names, you could always hyphenate."

She tried it, feeling an involuntary blush color her cheeks, "Raven Roth-Grayson."

They talked a few moments more before deciding that it would probably be wise to get some sleep before their very hectic, special day began; and as they stood before Starfire's room (where Raven would pass her last night sleeping alone), arms embracing, foreheads touching, Raven couldn't help the excited little smile on her face.

"I love you, Mr. Grayson."

"I love you, Mrs. Roth-Grayson."

A simple dash had never meant so much.

Then he was walking away for the last time, but there was one last thing Raven had to confirm and re-confirm. "You'd better wake up on time, Robin!"