Ch 16

Morning came through the window of Raven's room, waking her up. Looking at the clock, it read 6am. She sighed. 'It looks like some things never change,' she thought, remembering she use to get up at this time at the tower. Getting up from her bed, she made her way to the bathroom, stripped her underwear and bra off, and got into the shower.

Wrapping a towel around her waist, she made her way into the room, picked some civilian clothes to put on, and got dressed. Making her way out the door, she walked towards the voices and ended up in the kitchen to see Larry making breakfast while Rita and Garfield waited patiently.

"Morning Rae," smiled Gar. "Did you sleep ok?"

"Yes well accept there was this green monkey hanging around outside my window. Do you know anything about that?"

"I was just getting some fresh air when your window came into my view. Ok maybe that didn't sound right," he blushed. "Uh anyway I was worried, and I was just keeping watch over you just in case something happened. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to invade your privacy."

"It's all right Garfield. I know you were just concerned, but Rita and I had a good talk."

"Yeah, she's good at that," said Larry. "She's helped our team through many tough times."

"Raven's been like that for our team to," said Gar.

"Well once we eat, Raven and I are going into town. She needs lighter clothes," said Rita and the she smiled, remembering something. "You know I use to take Garfield clothes shopping when he was little."

"How young was Gar when your team took him in?"

"He was 8 years old. I believe we have some home movies of him, but we didn't take many because we were on missions a lot of the time," said Rita.

"I use to stay in the village I grew up when the Doom Patrol went on missions. I was too young at the time, and they were still training me to join the team," said Gar. "The village leader is like a second father to me. I'll take you to meet him some time."

"That sounds nice Gar," said Raven.

"Well breakfast is served," said Larry as everyone pitched in with getting the plates to the table.

"Wow, that's a lot of food," said Raven.

"I have a high caloric intake because of my ability," said Rita.

"So where's Steve and Cliff?" asked Gar.

"You know Steve likes to train in the morning and unfortunately he's roped Cliff into it today," said Rita.

"Yeah, I guess I forgot," said Gar in a tone that was not missed by Raven.

Rita and Raven wandered the shops, picking out outfits she deemed suitable. When Rita insisted on paying, Raven said it wasn't necessary but she was able to convince her that it was her treat.

"Thank you Rita."

"It was no problem Raven," smiled Rita. "I'm guessing you're not much of a shopper."

"I've always worn clothes for functionality. I never really thought about if anything was pretty or attractive."

"Well now's your chance to Raven. It's all right to let go every once in a while and experiment with your look."

"I've had the same look since I was a little girl."

"There's nothing wrong with a little change," Rita smiled. "You've been through quite a lot from what Garfield's told me."

"He talks to you about me?"

"Ever since he joined the Titans, he's talked about you. I feel like I know you so well, and I had a feeling he liked you more than he let on."

"I hope someday I'll be able to show him how much he means to me."

"You will Raven. I have no doubt you'll be whole one day."

"So Gar's relationship with Mento?"

"It's a very chaotic relationship. Garfield's always been trying to seek his approval, but Mento isn't easy to impress. They also butt heads a lot of the time because they come from such different backgrounds. In a strange way I believe they love each other like a father and son even if they won't admit it."

"Has he ever told you anything about his parents?"

"No, but I'm sure you're the right person to confide in. He'll tell you Raven and something tells me it won't be easy for him."

"Why?"

"When we found Garfield, he was a little 8 year old boy covered in bruises, blood, and scars. He was being chased by poachers. Whatever he endured, it was terrible. When we finally got Garfield to come with us, he became comfortable. If we asked about his past, the fear in his eyes was heartbreaking. He wouldn't talk about it. He refused and at the time he was too traumatized to go there."

"You think he's finally ready to face his past?"

"Yes and with you by his side, I know he can face this. You're a strong woman Raven, and he needs that from you."

"I'll do whatever I can for Gar."

Raven hung up her clothes from her outing with Rita. She smiled, enjoying her time with Rita. Walking out of her room, she came face to face with her shirtless and sweaty boyfriend. She blushed as she caught herself eyeing him before looking away.

"You really have to stop doing this Garfield."

"What? I was coming down this way to my room to shower, and Mento made me train with him."

"Whatever I'll let you get to your shower," Raven said but felt Gar's hand grab hers before she could leave.

"It looks like you had a good time with Rita."

"I did, and she told me how you met the Doom Patrol. How you never talk about your parents or what happened before you met them."

"It's a touchy subject, but I want you to know. I want you to know about my past. I don't want to keep anything from you and the best way is to show you tomorrow."

"I can tell this isn't easy for you Gar, but I appreciate you being open with me. I promise to be open with you as well."

"Good," Gar smiled. "So you want to join me in the shower or—he smirked.

"You are unbelievable," she said shaking her head. "I might just take you up on that offer someday," she smirked.

"That's all I ask," Gar smiled. "I'll see you later Rae," he said, closing his bedroom door behind him.

She needed to meditate as she made her way down the hall to see Larry making lunch, but changed her mind. She stopped and took a seat at the table. "You really like to cook, don't you?"

"I needed something to concentrate on after my accident. Cooking was something I could control, and it turned into something I became passionate about. Did Garfield tell you I taught him how to cook?"

"No, he didn't."

"The kid was a disaster, but he wouldn't give up. He wanted to pull his weight on his team and contribute any way he could."

"That sounds like Garfield," she smiled.

"I'm glad he's found someone. I was happy when he found the Titans. I always worried about that kid being alone, but I don't have to anymore."

"Thank you Larry," smiled Raven. "Do you need any help setting the table? I'm not exactly the cooking type."

"Sure thanks Raven," he said as he got back to cooking lunch. He was smiling on the inside as he moved the dishes on the table Raven had set up for him.

"It's a nice afternoon, isn't it?" asked Gar as he held his girlfriend hand as they took a walk outside around the Doom Patrol headquarters.

"Yes, it's very nice Gar. So who's been planting all these trees and flowers?"

"Rita. I use to help plant fruit trees and vegetable gardens."

"A cook and a gardener, is there anything you don't do?"

"I'll let you know when I think of something," he smiled.

"Your cockiness is astounding."

"I was just being honest."

"Sure you were," she smiled. "So Mento forced you to train?"

"Cliff had some things he needed do in town and lucky me I was the next choice."

"I can't imagine it was any fun."

"It never is with Mento. No fun and games at all. I mean Rita, Cliff, and Larry would give me some time to act like a kid when Mento wasn't looking, but I was on a superhero team with adults. I had to grow up fast, and I was willing to in order to help people in trouble."

"I know the feeling Garfield because from an early age I had to keep my emotions contained. Feeling anything was too dangerous. I had to be away from mother and other people who would make me feel anything significant, or I would destroy things. I couldn't be a kid. I had to grow up and take responsibility for my powers."

"Whoa, that must have been rough for you Rae," Gar said as he caressed the skin of her hand.

"It was but then I met four special people who became a big part of my life. They taught me what it means to be happy, to have a family that truly cared about me. They made me feel a lot more than I expected."

"Anyone I know?"

"You might know one of them," she smiled as she felt his arms around her waist. Her arms went around his neck.

"Is it someone who loves you more than words could ever say?"

"Could be," she said as their foreheads met.

"I love you Raven."

"I love you to Garfield."

Their lips met in a soft kiss before deepening into something more. Their tongues entered each other's mouths as their hands caressed each other's clothed skins. Breaking apart for air, they still kept their arms around each other.

"I'm glad we're here together," said Gar as he held Raven close in Rita's garden.