Disclaimer: I do not nor have I ever owned Teen Titans.
Better than Before
The next six days of detox were at times challenging for Speedy. The first few days were the worst, but gradually by the end of the week he was able to function normally. Raven kept her promise and visited every day. When he was experiencing the more difficult effects of detox, she sat with him and held him. All the others visited, with the exception of Mas and Menos who were too young. Aqualad, Bee, Nightwing visited every two to three days until Bee and Aqualad had to return to Steel City. Cyborg, Beast Boy and Starfire dropped by at the end of the week and brought books and played a few board games to pass the time.
After the first week, Speedy started taking long walks on the extensive grounds when he was not in counselling. He realized how much he missed spending time around nature since moving to Steel City. When Raven visited, they would set out on a two hour hike. It was during these walks that they really got to know each other. Raven would tell him about her childhood, or lack thereof, her interests, her hobbies and of course update him on the latest news regarding the Titans. Speedy spoke of his childhood, his interests and on this particular occasion why he turned to drugs.
Speedy explained, "I messed up when I let an assassin go free. She lied to me and she used me. I didn't know who she was when we started getting involved, but when I found out, I let her get away. Yeah, some hero I am. I went into a period of depression and self-loafing and that's when I turned to drugs. I hated myself for my lack of judgement and for being manipulated."
"Everyone makes mistakes. Unfortunately, because we are heroes I think we have a harder time accepting our mistakes. Maybe because we hold ourselves to a higher standard or maybe because we are arrogant, thinking we are incapable of making mistakes. Probably a little bit of both, I suppose," reflected Raven.
"That's deep, Rae," replied Speedy. They walked in silence for a while before Speedy spoke up.
"I've been meaning to ask you, why are you helping me? I mean you don't have to come every day. Don't get me wrong, I really appreciate everything you've done and I really like spending time with you but I also don't want to be a burden to you," said Speedy dejectedly.
"You are not a burden, don't think that ever! I come because I want to. I also enjoy spending time with you and if it helps with your recovery, then of course I will continue to visit every day," replied Raven.
Speedy held her shoulders and spoke earnestly. "Yes, seeing you and having you around really does help. I don't think I can do it without you." Speedy hesitated. He was about to continue but instead dropped his hands and took a step back.
"It's getting late, we should head back," he said, his voice heavy.
Raven shot Speedy a curious look but did not say anything. They walked in silence back to the building. Speedy hugged Raven and they wished each other good night.
Speedy went to sleep that night, not thinking once about the drug craving that still lingered but about his teammate and how essential she was to him.