Ch 40

Raven hadn't left the bed Gar placed her in last night. She remembered him never leaving her side accept to use the bathroom. His body had been in some contact with her throughout the night to remind her she would always be loved. She smiled just thinking about it as she opened her eyes to the darkness of the room. It was then that she realized she was alone until she heard a flush from the bathroom, and the door open.

"You're awake."

"I had to some time," she said as she sat up in bed, watching as Gar joined her.

"How are you feeling? I know yesterday couldn't have been easy for you."

"I don't know," she said as she played with the blanket covering her lap. "I didn't expect her to be so blunt about her feelings towards me. She's always been kind of cold and distant, but I thought time would heal all wounds. I guess I was wrong. She'll always hate me."

"I don't think she hates you Raven. I just think she's hurt from everything that's happened to her in her life. If she doesn't want to be in your life, it's her loss. I love you, and I feel lucky to have you in my life now and forever.

Raven was touched by his words as she threw herself into her arms, holding him tight as she landed on top of him and cried, feeling his hold tighten on her body. "I love you to Gar, please don't ever leave me."

"I'll never leave you Rae," he said. "I promise," he said as he kissed her forehead.

When he felt her body relax on top of him, he brought the covers over their bodies, wrapped his arms around her, and closed his eyes. It felt nice to have her so close like this. Her scent filled him, but he couldn't drift off. His eyes opened once again to the dark of the room. He heard his cellphone light up in the dark and carefully grabbed it with his free hand.

"How's Raven doing?" texted Vic.

"I think she'll be ok. We're just taking a lazy day."

"You take good care of her Gar."

"You know I will Vic."

"Oh and just so you know, Dick and Kory are coming to visit. They wanted to make sure Raven's ok."

"Sounds good Vic."

"Well I have to get back to work, see you later green bean."

Gar placed his phone back on the side table and smiled, feeling he could finally close his eyes and nap with the woman he loved the most in the world. He sighed in contentment. This was the life. At some point during their nap, Gar felt Raven shift in his arms, lean in, and kiss his cheek before softly kissing his lips before lying back down on his chest.

Raven heard voices outside the door and figured Dick and Kory were all ready here. Getting up would be a problem for Raven as she was held tight by her sleeping boyfriend. Raven leaned her lips to Gar's ear. "Gar," she said softly, "it's time to get up."

"Why?" he moaned as his eyes remained closed, holding her tighter against him.

Raven smirked. "Dick and Kory are here. We should get up and see them."

Gar sighed and let go of Raven as she got off him, grabbed some clothes, and went into the bathroom. Getting up reluctantly, Gar grabbed some clothes, put his dirty ones in his luggage, and put the fresh clothes on. Leaving Raven to get ready, Gar left the room, closing the door behind him.

"Friend Gar!" said Kory excitedly as she hugged him.

"Hey Kory, good to see you to," he said as she let go of him.

"How is friend Raven?"

"Well she's coming out of the room to see you, Dick, and the gang so she must be feeling a little better."

"Victor told us you came home with Raven in your arms last night," said Dick.

"It was pretty bad Dick. Her own mother rejected her, and she just shut down. I had to carry her all the way here because she was so out of it. I don't think I've ever been so angry at Angela. She seems good this morning but maybe don't bring it up unless she does," said Gar.

"All right," said Dick.

"So congrats about expecting a baby girl," said Gar.

"Kory was excited and wanted to tell everyone," said Dick.

"Yeah," Gar laughed, "that sounds like her," he said as he watched Raven come out of the room and Kory giving her hug. "I'm going to make breakfast."

"Need any help?" asked Dick.

"Yeah sure, you know Vic grocery shopped and got some vegetarian food and soy milk."

"Are you sure it wasn't Karen?" asked Dick as he smirked. "You know Vic doesn't like to even touch the stuff."

"Well Karen said something about being a good host and threatening to throw out his grill if he didn't."

"Wow, that's harsh."

"Yeah but it was hilarious to see."

"Hopefully the kids didn't see."

Gar laughed. "They were sitting right next to me dude. Silas and Jacklyn thought it was funny."

Raven and Kory came out of their meditation in the living room and sat on the couch. The quiet had been nice for Raven, but it was good to have her friends here.

"So, how's the pregnancy going?" asked Raven.

"Oh! It has been wonderful friend Raven."

"Yeah, you're practically glowing."

"I have heard that term, and I thank you."

"So no morning sickness or strange cravings?"

"No morning sickness but I have had the strange craving for pickles dipped in ketchup, mayo, and mustard. It is delicious!"

"Well you look happy Kory and I'm happy for you."

"How are you friend Raven? Gar told us not to bring it up if you didn't, but—

"It's ok. I'm hurt, but I still have people in my life who care about me. That's enough for me."

"I can't imagine what you're going through friend. My parents were loving beings."

"What happened to them? If you don't mind me asking."

"They were killed along with my younger brother Darkfire."

"Oh, I'm so sorry Kory."

"It was a long time ago. I have gotten past it and keep them alive in my memories."

"I'm sure they would be happy with everything you've accomplished."

"I know they would friend Raven. I just wish they could have had the chance to meet Dick and my unborn child."

"Have you thought of any names for her yet?"

Kory smiled. "I have," she said touching her stomach. "Her name is Nightstar."

Raven smiled. "A very unique name."

"I wanted the name to represent the life Dick and I made together."

"That's beautiful Kory."

"Oh! I'm in the need of a hug."

Raven sighed. "Sure, why not?" said Raven as Kory tackled her.

"Time for break—Dick smirked at the condition he found his wife and Raven in. "Maybe I should give you two a minute," he said as Raven glared at him before following him and Kory into the dinning room to eat.

After breakfast Dick needed to make a few calls while Raven let Kory rest in the guest room. Gar decided to take a cat nap on the couch in the living room, and Raven made some herbal tea in the kitchen and sat down with a book. The only problem is she had been on the same page for 15 minutes now. She sighed, closing the books.

"Hey, everything ok?" asked Dick as he sat next to her at the table.

"I've been thinking if the authorities are still looking for me."

"It bothers you that no one has been looking for you?"

"It just seems suspicious to me."

"Well there's a reason for that. The authorities think you've left earth for good and that Gar's dead. The Jump City authorities have no jurisdiction in space, so they're not looking for you."

"Why would they think that?"

Dick sighed. "As much as I don't want to admit this, I asked for help. Kory and Gar can be quiet persuasive."

"Gar?"

"He pleaded with me to talk to my old mentor. I've never seen someone fight so much to keep someone they love. Kory got emotional over it, and I caved."

"Thank you Dick."

"You should really thank Gar," said Dick as he really looked at her. "You don't think you're good enough."

"I never was Dick."

"You make him happy Raven. He's genuinely himself with you, and you love him. The guy doesn't need grand gestures of love because he knows how you feel about him. I can see this by all the time you two have been together as a couple."

"You observe people way too much."

"It got me to this point, didn't it?"

"We've all been through so much together."

"Any plans on you and Gar's next destination?"

"I guess we could go back to Africa."

"You're not sure, are you?"

"I guess Gar and I will have to talk about it."

"I'm sorry it has to be this way Raven, hiding behind holo rings and traveling every few months, but you have to know Kory, me, Vic, and Karen will always be on your side. If you need us, we'll be here," he said as Raven smiled before Dick went to check on his wife.

The Stone family was home to see Raven reading on their couch while Gar continued to catnap but was now on Raven's lap. The kids were eager to play with Uncle Gar, but they were urged from their mom to wash up before dinner.

"Hey, where's Dick and Kory?" asked Vic as he sit his files from work on his desk.

"They're in the guest room," said Raven as she continued to read and stroke the kitten fur of her shapeshifting boyfriend.

"Doing what exactly?" asked Vic.

"Relax Victor," said Raven. "They're resting together."

"And how do you know that for sure?"

"Well," Raven blushed, "their emotions are calm. They would be more chaotic if they were having sex in your guest bedroom.

"Oh," blushed Vic.

"Are you happy you asked now Sparky?" asked Karen as she went to the kitchen to prepare dinner.

"How can I help?" asked Vic.

Karen smirked. "Get in here Vic."

"Yes ma'am."

Raven put down her book, looking to her content boyfriend resting in her lap. She smiled as his little head rose from his curled up body and yawned. Standing up on all fours in her lap, he turned to Raven as she smiled at him. He rubbed himself against her body, purring as she stroked his fur.

"Mom, dad, can we play with Uncle Gar now?" asked Silas.

"Yeah, can we?" asked Jacklyn.

Raven kissed Gar's cat head. "Looks like you got two eager kids to occupy your time. I'm going to check on Dick and Kory," she said as the kids came into the living room. Leaving the kids with Gar, Raven made her way to the guest room. Sensing they were awake, she knocked on the door. "It's Raven, is everything all right?"

The door opened to reveal Dick adjusting his shirt. "Hey Raven, yeah Kory just wanted some company."

Raven smirked. "You are so lucky I lied to Vic about what you two were really doing in there."

"Thanks, I owe you one."

"I'll remember that."

"Friend Raven," said Kory and suddenly she smelled something good coming from the kitchen as she rushed passed Dick and Raven to see what that heavenly smell was.