derekctomlinson: Let's hope Garfield doesn't mess it up!
Golem XIV: There is PLENTY of drama to come soon, haha! It's only the beginning!
Sora: Thank you so much for the review! Glad you'll consider the tips! Yes, we'll get to see a lot of their home lives!
LilyTimbers: Thank you so much for your thoughtful reviews! I'm glad to hear the pacing isn't so bad! I apologize we haven't talked often, you've probably noticed my Tumblr has a recent, erm, obsession that has taken over my life. I'll message you, soon, however! :)
Sanzojoe: It certainly will! Thanks so much for the review, and take care as well!
Guest: Hope you like the Robstar this chapter too!
teamLiEvansDragneel: Thank you! I'm glad you like it!
Guest: Sorry it took so long to update! D:
. . .
"Please?"
"No."
"Pretty please?"
"I said no."
"Pretty please with sugar on top?"
She looked away from her paper to stare at him with a glare so fierce he could almost feel the heat radiating from her face.
"I'll pay you," he blurted out, cheeks reddening as he let out an awkward chuckle.
As Raven was about to utter another 'no,' she halted, the offer certainly catching her attention. "How much?"
Gar's smile widened. "Eh, fifty bucks an hour?"
"Fine." She continued doing her work with a blank expression.
"Yes!" Gar threw a triumphant fist in the air, his crooked smile showing off his goofy little canine.
"As long as you focus on studying instead of goofing off."
"Deal! I'll be the most focused tutored classmate you'll ever have!"
"It is called a tutoree." Raven rolled her eyes. "And you are the only one, so I hope you take it seriously."
"You won't regret this, Rae! I promise!"
Raven's expression shifted into another glare yet again, and he smiled awkwardly. "Heh. I meant Raven. Um, so when are we starting?"
"Tomorrow after detention unless you have something better to do." Her expression grew more annoyed for every passing moment that he was still sitting there.
"Sounds good," Gar replied with two thumbs up, though she didn't bother to glance at him. He took that moment to examine her as she did her work. Her eyebrows furrowed either with frustration or concentration as she scribbled on the paper. It looked to be some sort of math problem she was working on.
He must've been staring at her for a long time considering she sighed at one point and asked, "Need anything else? Or can I keep doing my work in peace now?"
"But I'm not talking…"
"Your presence is distracting enough."
Gar grinned. "Why Raven, I didn't realize you found me attractive." He flexed his nonexistent forearm muscles. "No problem. I have that effect on a lot of girls." He sent her a wink.
Raven didn't even bother to glare at him then. She only huffed. "As if. What I mean is you're loud even when you're not talking."
Gar shook his head with a chuckle and stood up to head to the lunchroom since his stomach was starting to make strange gurgling noises. He stopped dead in his tracks when he realized she was still there, however. "Are you gonna eat?" He furrowed his eyebrows.
"I already had a snack."
"A snack? But it's lunchtime. Shouldn't-"
"Garfield. I am trying to concentrate. I have a lot of work to do, so please, go away before I reconsider the tutoring deal."
Gar raised his hands in defeat and nodded as he backed away.
. . .
"Clark Kent? The one and only CEO of the biggest media and news producers in the country? You talked to him?" one of the new girls (Dick hadn't even bothered remembering her name since they'd barely even talked) sitting at his table exclaimed, a hand over her mouth as she stared at Roy with wonder.
Roy grinned slyly at the girl while leaning his arm on Donna's chair to get more comfortable. Donna directed her annoyed expression toward Dick as if to silently ask, Can you believe this guy? Dick shook his head with amusement as he watched his two closest friends. As great of a guy as Roy was, he sure loved to brag.
Donna cleared her throat and pulled her chair forward, causing Roy's arm to slip and almost made him fall backward. He managed to grab onto the table in time, however, and he played it off cool as he continued his conversation with the girl, going on to talk about Dick's famous adoptive father and how he was a good friend of his.
"How do you allow this?"
Dick chuckled as he glanced at Donna. "I don't mind if it amuses him. Besides, I call this one will last a week before Roy scares her off."
Donna smiled at that and continued eating her food. Lilith joined them a few moments later with her own plate. "So what's the plan for Saturday?"
"Saturday?" Dick arched an eyebrow, unaware they had any plans.
Lilith rolled her eyes. "Bee's bash? Don't tell me the Great Dick Grayson forgot?"
It was his turn to roll his eyes. "I've had a lot going on. Not sure if I'll go, honestly. There's always a lot of drama that plays off, and I've had enough of being roped into problems by other people."
Lilith was about to protest but Donna raised her hand as if to stop her, her smirk directed toward Dick. "Kory will be there."
Dick almost choked on his drink. He tried so hard to keep the color out of his face, but judging by their laughter, he was unsuccessful with it.
"I think you guys would make a superb couple." Lilith proceeded to add.
"We hardly know each other."
"Isn't that what dating is about?" Donna pointed out.
Dick frowned, looking down at his plate to avoid their curious glances.
"She seems good for you, Dick. Trust me. I've only known her for two days, and I already love her. She looks like she could get you out of that tough, serious act-shell of yours." Lilith took a sip of her drink before continuing. "And you clearly have the hots for her."
"I completely agree." Donna's grin only grew wider.
"It's not that. Kory just doesn't seem like the kind of girl who would go for me." Dick shrugged, thankful his shades covered up any disappointment on his expression, not that his friends weren't good enough to read him even with them on because they certainly were. However, he generally disliked showing vulnerability with anyone who wasn't close to him.
Lilith huffed. "Trust me, I can totally tell she's into you. Who else would she be into?"
Dick shrugged his shoulders, his eyes tracing through the mess hall until they landed on the blond guy stepping through the doors. "I don't know. Maybe Gar," he impulsively let out, thinking back to their first detention period.
Lilith and Donna glanced at each other before bursting into giggles. "Gar!?" Donna let out in between her laughter.
"Oh God, boys are so oblivious." Lilith slapped her thigh as she started to calm down. "Trust me, Gar is not interested in Kory at all!"
Dick narrowed his eyes, sending her an accusatory glance. "Oh yeah? How do you know that? It's not like you're even close to him."
Lilith shook her head as she stared at the jealous doofus in front of her. "I might not be close to him, but I have eyes. And I've hung around Raven enough to know he obviously has a crush on her."
"Raven?" Dick furrowed his eyebrows, unable to properly contemplate the new bit of information. He shook his head. "Okay, even if Kory and Gar won't end up together, who's to say she won't like someone else? Like…" He scanned the cafeteria again until his eyes landed on the beauty and the guy next to her sitting at Vic's table. "Garth, for example."
Donna let out a sigh. "God, Dick, stop being so melodramatic and just talk to her to see what comes from it. You won't ever know if it'll happen if you don't shoot your shot."
Dick was seriously starting to get annoyed with the two girls teaming up against him. "Oh yeah? Like you shot yours?" he remarked, his eyes glancing at the guy who was still blabbing about all of his influences next to her for a split second.
Donna's smile disappeared, and she narrowed her eyes. "That's none of your concern."
"Well, Kory isn't either, but you just can't help bringing her up."
"Guys, stop." Lilith slammed a palm lightly in between them before the argument could escalate any further. "Let's just talk about the party, no? Dick are you picking us up or not?"
"Why me? I just said I didn't plan on going."
"Well you're our ride, so deal's settled. Pick us up at Donna's at seven?"
Dick sighed, muttering some not so appropriate words under his breath. Upon seeing Lilith's glare, however, he gave in. "Fine. I'll pick you up, but it doesn't mean I'll stay at the party."
"Perfect." Lilith smiled as her plan started to fruition. Donna examined the girl's sly expression, knowing her enough to realize she had something in mind.
. . .
"So what's the task for today?" was the first thing Gar asked as he headed into their detention period.
"Perhaps we will take more personality tests to strengthen our bond!" Kory suggested with a big smile.
"Calm down there, Star. We don't always need vulnerable speeches to get to know each other," Vic chuckled.
"I see my tasks must be working considering you're discussing how to get to know each other better," Diana added as she stepped inside with a folder in hand and a small smirk on her face. "I found the perfect task for you all to take care of until your detention period ends. In fact, if you finish it before the two weeks are over, you're free to leave, but if you don't, you'll have to stay until it's done."
She put the folder down on Dick's desk who was sitting in the middle front row next to Kory before continuing her explanation. "A scavenger hunt."
"A scavenger hunt?" Dick raised an eyebrow. "Like… Looking for stuff in the room?"
"Not quite, Mr. Grayson." Diana opened the folder. "I've hidden four items throughout the school. Each item has a clue as to where the fifth one is hidden, one which is not in the school but it's hidden somewhere in the city. You have to work together to find them in order to fulfill your punishment."
"And if we don't?" Gar asked what everyone was thinking.
Diana chuckled and shook her head. "If you don't, Mr. Logan, I'll let the vice-principal handle your punishment himself. I'm sure he'd be thrilled."
"Uh, no, I think we'd rather just stick to your punishment, heh…" he squeaked.
"I thought so." She grinned. "Well, I wish you luck with your task."
"Can we get out of the room then?" Vic asked before she could step out.
"I suppose so if you want to find the artifacts. But make sure to be here by dismissal time." The door shut, and Dick turned toward the others.
"We should split up, cover more ground that way."
"Isn't this supposed to be a team effort?" Vic crossed his arms, sending the Boy Wonder a doubtful glance.
"We can pair up. But if we want to work most efficiently, I suggest splitting up."
"Sounds good to me!" Gar said, canine poking out as he offered a bright beam and his arm swooped around Vic's shoulder, somewhat awkwardly considering the significant height differences. "Me and my buddy Vic can go with Raven to search, and you can stay with Star."
"Wonderful idea, Gar!" Kory hopped lightly, clapping her hands together.
Dick flushed at the suggestion before clearing his throat. "Right. Sounds like a good plan. Let's get to it then."
. . .
"What are we supposed to be looking for, exactly?" Vic asked as he opened up the leaves of a fake potted plant in one of the hallways. Gar peaked over his shoulder, finding it just to be a normal plant.
He shrugged, turning away and opening his arms up with a loud yawn. "Don't know. Diana wasn't very specific, was she?"
"Don't you have the hint she gave us?" Raven muttered from behind them, standing rooted with her arms crossed and a blank look.
"Yeah, green bean. Get with the program!" Vic lightly slapped the back of his head.
"Ow!" Gar replied, though with a smile as he caught the taller's grin. He wasn't sure why they hadn't interacted much during their past years considering Vic was a pretty cool guy, and they didn't have any conflicts. Perhaps they'd both been too preoccupied with their own group of friends to really notice each other before, but now, their dynamic came naturally like two magnets finding each other.
"What are you waiting for?" his voice loudly snapped him out of his thoughts.
"Oh, right!" He sent a sheepish smile to Raven who looked like she wanted to be anywhere but there.
He pulled out the crumpled piece of paper from his back pocket where Dick had written two of the phrases in. He squinted dramatically and read, "At grief so deep the tongue must wag in vain; the language of our sense and memory lacks the vocabulary of such pain." Then he scrunched up his nose. "What kind of gibberish is this?"
"The language of our sense..." Vic read over his shoulder before yelling, "I think I got it! It's talking about how confusing the line is!"
"Hm." Gar's eyes traced the line again. "I think you're onto something, dude."
"You guys are idiots." Raven mumbled before pushing them apart and walking in between them as she headed down the hallway.
"Hey!" Gar called out. "Where are you going!? Diana said we're not supposed to leave!"
She glanced over her shoulder, the slightest glint of playfulness in her eyes, "To the library, you idiots. I know what we're looking for."
Gar and Vic looked at each other briefly before scurrying to catch up to her.
"Here it is." Dick placed the book on the table in front of Kory and pointed his finger at a specific line. "I have for the first time found what I can truly love–I have found you. You are my sympathy–my better self–my good angel–I am bound to you with a strong attachment. I think you good, gifted, lovely: a fervent, a solemn passion is conceived in my heart; it leans to you, draws you to my centre and spring of life, wrap my existence about you–and, kindling in pure, powerful flame, fuses you and me in one," he read.
When he looked up at the red-head, he noticed her eyes, huge and round, staring at him in awe, mouth slightly agape and the corners of her mouth arched upward. "What?" he asked.
"Dick… That is beautiful." Her breath was gentle and low, and he was suddenly aware of the closeness between them. His eyes went wide behind his shades and he stumbled back, coughing, the book accidentally slipping from his hands and falling to the floor.
"Oh, right. Yeah, I guess the book is pretty romantic at times."
"How did you know of it?" She giggled as she picked up the book again, her eyes tracing over the old cover and her fingers lightly grazing the spine. It made him imagine if her touch would be as light as that on his own skin. "Dick?"
"Uh, I wrote about it for my literature course last year. It was half-assed, really, but the quote struck out to me, I guess."
"Oh! Did you think of saying it to a future lover, perhaps?"
"Not really," he blurted without a second thought. She tilted her head in a cat-like form. "I, uh, just thought it sounded unrealistic, I guess. That's why it drew my attention."
"Unrealistic?" Kory clutched the book to her chest, genuine confusion mixed in her tone. "What is so unrealistic about love?"
His shoulders tensed at the question, considering it for a moment. "It's not love that's unrealistic. It's the way people write about it I guess. They make it sound like it's the best thing in the world."
Kory was quick to answer. "Is it not?" She walked cautiously toward him, gaze still focused on him like he was some sort of rare specimen.
He found himself taking one step back as she took two step forwards, his back hitting the wooden bookshelf behind him. "Well, I don't think it's that great, you know? It's just another part of life."
Kory stopped before him, leaving a bubble the size of a beach ball in between them. Her hand reached out and removed his shades, carefully closing them and holding them at her side. The jewels in her eyes bore into his, a bit of fun shining in them. Yet there was a hint of seriousness weaved into her tone as she spoke the next words that made his heart crawl up his throat.
"Have you ever been in love, Richard?"
His body unwillingly leaned toward her, enthralled by her essence, feeling the tender warmth she emanated like he'd been feeling cold all his life. "I-"
"Oh, there you guys are!" a loud and cheerful voice announced.
Dick's world snapped around him, and he hurriedly took the shades from her hands and slipped them back on, avoiding the way she stepped back with a hesitant glance.
Gar slid a chair out and slumped on it, feet placed comfortably on the table as he took the forgotten book and opened it curiously. "You guys found out all the hints were books, too? Sweet!"
Vic joined them shortly, looking in between Kory and Dick with narrowed eyes. "Did the green bean interrupt something?"
"No!" Dick blurted just as Kory opened her mouth.
"Right…" He didn't appear convinced, though he didn't comment further considering Raven walked out from one of the hallways and placed two books on the table.
"What are those?" Gar took one in his hands and opened it.
"The puzzle pieces."
"Me-ta-mor-pho-ses. What's the hint for this one?"
Raven snatched the book from his hands and opened it wordlessly, scanning the pages. "Happy is the man who has broken the chains which hurt the mind, and has given up worrying once and for all. Be patient and tough; one day this pain will be useful to you."
"So I'm guessing the other quote is from this bad boy?" Vic raised the copy of Dante's Inferno up.
"Yes." Raven turned to Dick and Kory, an inquisitive eyebrow that seemed to ask what the odd tension in the room was about. But she didn't mention it. Instead, she asked, "Have you found the last book?"
"No, we only found the quote from Jane Eyre."
Kory picked up the paper Diana had given them. "Home! That was what they meant, those caressing appeals, Those soft touches wafted through the air, those invisible little hands pulling and tugging, all one way."
They were all silent for a few seconds before Gar exclaimed, "How the heck are we supposed to find out where to find the book for that!?"
"The Wind in the Willows," Raven replied almost instantly.
Gar stared at her like she'd just done a cartwheel while juggling fire torches with her feet.
"Woah… Do you have a whole library inside your head or something!?"
She looked at him, unimpressed, as she raised her phone. "Google exists."
"I got it!" Vic announced as he joined them again (though they hadn't even noticed he was gone) with a new book in his hands. He placed it on the pile in the middle of the table.
"Awesome. What now?" Gar asked.
They all looked in between each other clueless as to what to do next.
. . .
"Did you complete your task?" Diana walked back into the detention room an hour later with a confident smile.
"Yes!" Kory jumped up from her desk and presented her with the stack of four books.
Diana looked pleased. "Wonderful. Now you only need the fifth and final piece."
"How are we supposed to find out what that is?" Dick sat forward on his chair.
"You answer that, Mr. Grayson. You're all four brilliant minds who are perfectly capable of working together to figure that out." She looked across the classroom at all their faces. "But for now, your detention period is over, so feel free to head out!"
Raven was the first one to stand out and practically rush out of the room, muttering a quiet goodbye to Diana.
"What's up with her?" Vic questioned as he headed for the door, falling into place next to Gar.
"No clue," he murmured with a frown, staring at her swaying locks as she hurried out of the office.
"What do you say we hang out tomorrow?"
"Erm, I'm flattered, dude, but I'm not into-"
Vic smacked the back of his head. "Not like that, dufus! I just mean we should play some video games or something."
His eyes brightened at the proposition. "Dude, I'm so in!" However, he frowned quickly after. "But I can't go tomorrow. Raven's helping me with my essay after detention."
Vic sent him a knowing glance, and Gar flushed, somewhat. "What?"
"You convinced Raven to help you with your essay?" He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.
"I'm technically paying her so…"
"Oh." Vic stated. "And here I thought you had game."
"Hey!" Gar protested, smacking him lightly in the arm as they continued out of the office, making plans for a video game session another day and discussing the next Mega Monkeys title coming out soon.
Meanwhile, behind them, Kory said her goodbye to Diana as she headed out of the classroom by herself, gripping onto her bag tightly and staring forward.
"Kory, wait up!" Dick caught up, a hand messing with spikes on his head. "You doing okay?"
"I am well," she said, not making eye contact.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"Um… Well, I just wanted to, uh-" He stopped in front of her, and she stared him down with a stern gaze and tight lips.
"Do you have anything to say, Dick?"
He was somewhat taken aback by her tone, unexpecting of the snappiness of it. It was so unlike the peppy and cheerful voice that practically defined her with everyone she'd met thus far.
"Well?" she repeated, clutching the strap of her backpack.
"Never mind. I'll see you tomorrow?"
Her eyes watched him momentarily before she said, "Goodbye, Dick," and walked away, leaving him somewhat fazed.
"Dick, are you alright?" Diana asked as she walked out of the office and noticed him frozen in the middle of the hallway.
"Oh, yeah, um, goodbye, Diana!" He waved as he backed away, almost tripping over himself as he did.
"Send my regards to Bruce."
"I will!"
. . .
"I'm telling you, you'd be perfect for it, Kory! Seriously!" The animated girl insisted through her laptop screen, pulling up a skirt to the camera. "Look, we even get to wear these cute outfits!"
"I'm not so sure, Bee…"
"Okay, fine, they're not all that cute, but I still think you should try out!"
"It is not the outfit that worries me. My sister is a cheerleader as well, and I am not so sure she would like me joining." She glanced down at her hands, mindlessly playing with her fingers.
"Why would she?"
"Kami is not… Fond of me partaking in the same activities she does."
"Screw that! You don't have to let her boss you around, queen!"
Kory appeared hesitant, opening her mouth a few times without actually explaining the situation. Kami wouldn't be happy about it, for sure, but seeing Karen's enthusiasm about it really made her feel excited. Her parents wouldn't be against the idea either considering it didn't distract her from her studies, and it would most likely look well for her future college application.
"Okay…"
"Wooooo! You go girl!" Bee clapped her hands together. "Tryouts are this Friday, but in the meantime, why don't I give you some tips to make sure you get the role?"
Kory smiled. Bee's excitement was practically contagious, even through the screen. "Sounds fun!"
. . .
"Did you have a good day?"
"It wasn't so bad. Even detention was okay." Victor nodded as they sat in their living room, swiping through the channels on TV.
This was their attempt at father-son bonding, and so far, it wasn't a complete disaster. Silas settled for the history channel before turning to Vic with a half-forced smile. At least he was trying.
"Mr. Palmer actually recommended I join the robotics team…"
Silas' head turned quicker than he could blink. His face brightened up, a genuine smile widening on his expression. "That's wonderful news!"
"I'm not sure if I'll actually do it."
"Why wouldn't you? I could even help you out with some of my own contraptions!"
Vic pursed his lips, staring intensely at the television. "I have to think about it."
From the corner of his eye, he could see his father's shoulders slumping down slightly. "Whatever you decide son, just know I support you."
. . .
Dick couldn't say he was surprised the moment Jason walked into the manor three hours after school had ended sporting a black eye.
"What happened to you?" he asked his brother, munching on some grapes Alfred had offered before dinner.
"None of your fucking business." His shoulder pushed him aside as he headed up the stairs.
Dick let out a heavy breath, muttering a few curses under his breath before turning and watching him with a straight expression. "Jason."
The younger boy only turned back once he was at the top of the stairs. "What the hell do you want?"
"Some respect maybe."
Jason snorted. "Like you're going to get it."
Before he could turn and stomp off, Dick said, "You should really stop hanging out with that crowd if you know what's best for you."
"Like you know anything about it," he huffed.
"I know more than I let on." They locked eyes, a silent conversation taking place. His voice rang nothing but truth.
"I'm not like you," Jason finally settled on replying, this time turning back and walking away without awaiting a reply.
He shook his head and turned toward the dining room. Jason was a stubborn asshole, but Dick couldn't say he didn't understand him. He wasn't going to lie to himself when he knew exactly what he was going through.
After all, he'd passed that exact phase himself.
. . .
Knock. Knock.
Gar didn't take his eyes off the screen when he muttered a "Come in," for the visitor. His fingers were too preoccupied fighting the aliens invading the Apelands with their laser beams and ninja stars.
"Gar?" his mother asked.
That was the only reason he paused the game, seeing as Rita was the only person he sought to never disrespect. "Oh, hey, mom!"
She took a seat on his bed, hands folded on her lap like they did when she wanted to bring up a serious topic.
"Something wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong." She offered a warm smile, glanced at the picture of Gar in his Romeo costume from last year's performance. "We haven't talked."
Gar hopped out of his bean bag and took a seat next to her. "No. I guess we haven't."
"Gar… You know your father loves you, right?"
He swallowed the instinctive quip at the edge of his tongue, deciding instead to settle for a nod.
"He wants the best for you."
Another nod.
"I know you love theater. You're a natural at it." She paused, biting her lip like she didn't want to finish her sentence. "But I know Steve is expecting you to take over the company soon after you graduate college, and he believes theater is only going to be a distraction for you."
He was silent, fingers clenching the bed sheets and eyes focused on the wall in front of him. "A distraction?"
"Yes, honey."
"Why does a passion have to be a distraction?"
Rita paused, choosing her words carefully. "It doesn't, but your father believes differently, honey and-" Her voice was strained, almost out of breath even. "You wouldn't want to disappoint him."
His postured turned firm, shoulders suddenly upright. His stomach swirled with fire, and he was about to respond until she finished her thought.
"Or me."
Gar swallowed his words again, watching his carpet like there was something interesting about it. "Okay, mom."
Rita smiled gently, rubbing his back soothingly.
"Dinner will be ready in an hour. Your father is a bit stressed today so… Please, try to take it easy tonight."
Try not to make him angry, she really meant.
Gar nodded, not bothering to turn until he heard the door shut. The moment it did, he snatched his pillow and threw it across his room, angry tears forming at the edges of his eyes. He breathed in and out until he was able to contain it, laughing afterward at how ridiculous it all was.
He didn't bother talking during dinner that night, opting for eating silently and as quickly as he could before rushing out of the dining room claiming he had an important assignment to finish.
Steve said nothing when he did.
. . .
Raven was fuming as she walked up to her crappy apartment stairs, even failing to insert the key twice with just how tensely she was holding onto it.
No matter how desperately she'd tried, her job wouldn't take her back.
The only job she'd ever really enjoyed too. Gone. All because of that stupid detention period. Her manager certainly hadn't taken it easy on her, claiming she needed trustworthy workers who took their job seriously. Even though the ditzy blonde a few yards away from them was carelessly scrolling through her Instagram while a customer raised his hand to get her attention.
She needed to meditate badly. The only good news about today was that Gar had agreed to pay her in exchange for tutoring services. Yet, even then, it hadn't exactly been great news.
Raven breathed in once inside, clearing her lungs of the disgusting tobacco-contaminated air outside from where her neighbors were having one of their daily relax sessions. She let her backpack fall to the floor and slumped down on the couch, hands massaging her scalp.
"I don't care who you are! You are NOT going to take her from me!" her mother's scream caught her attention. Her head snapped up, and she stood up, frowning as she glanced into her mother's bedroom where she could see the back of a man's figure.
With her protective instincts taking over, she hurried over, clutching the house key between her fingers in case she needed to use it.
Her mother locked eyes with her, panicked and afraid. "Raven."
The man turned, a tall, somewhat muscular figure wearing an expensive suit she'd only seen the parents of her classmates wear.
"Raven." He grinned, his face sending uncomfortable shivers through her fingers.
"Who are you?" Her tone was harsh, accusatory even, wondering exactly why a strange man would be in his mother's bedroom.
Arella's pose straightened, and with her chin raised, she approached her daughter. Her arm snaked around her waist, clutching her side desperately like she would fly away from her at a moment's notice. "Raven…"
"This is Trenton. Your father."
A/N: I don't have an excuse besides: another micro-obsession has taken over my life. I recently had an epiphany today about my writing, and I've been extremely discouraged because I've struggled with finishing stories in the past. I don't trust myself with my writing anymore, and my confidence has practically disappeared, but I'm trying to change.
I can't promise you guys anything. I decided I make too many promises to both my audience and myself, and when I don't end up meeting them, it breaks my heart every time, and I can't imagine how disappointed you guys end up being. I am making it a goal to finish this story, however. It still lies close to my heart even though I haven't been engaging much with the fandom so much recently. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for Glass. That story has been making me tear my hair apart for years now, and I decided I just simply can't finish it. It's a complete mess that I don't know where I wanted to take, and I know it'll be a crappy story because I don't have the heart for it anymore.
Writing from the heart is something I've always strived for, and when I can't achieve that, I feel like I fail to bring my best work out. I love you guys so much, and I appreciate everything you've done for me-from making me smile and laugh to bringing me joy with every review, follow, and favorite. This might probably be my last BBRae story for the fandom for a while, just because although I LOVE the fandom, it's not to the point where I can write with the same passion I did in the past, and I hate to deliver you guys my bad work. You guys deserve so much better. I'm sorry I'm such a mess. I'm sorry I'm so unreliable. I can't make a promise that this story will get finished, but I can say it's one of my writing goals. I hope you guys understand. Thus, please read the chapters after this with that in mind.
I love you all. Thank you for letting me share my writing with y'all.
Best,
Light