Birdcage

Chapter 17

Author's notes-I was hoping to finish up this story in this chapter but I got to the end and realized there was just no way to do it without readers wanting more. (You'll know what I mean when you get to the end of the chapter. I also jus realized that I haven't updated since September. Sorry for the wait and would love some feedback. Will hopefully get the next chapter up by the weekend.)

The first thing Jinx noticed when she came to was the groom still frozen in the middle of the church. She also realized that the two Titans were missing. Attempting to get up she let out a groan, rubbing the side of her head.

"I wonder who I need to send my medical bills to when this is all over," she said to no one in particular as she cracked her neck. Walking over to her recent opponent, she poked the side of his face trying to figure out why he was stuck. There was a burst of energy nearby causing her to turn towards the front of the church. Robin and Raven appeared out of nowhere and the portal behind them closed.

"Glad to see you two, you're my ride home. Speaking of which, can we leave already?" Before either of them could reply, the groom unfroze and collapse to the floor. Jinx took a step back in case he tried to attack but it didn't seem that he could even if he wanted to.

"It's alright, he's not going to do anything," Raven explained as she walked over and knelt in front of him. He let out a pained growl as he reached for her but she was just out of his grasp.

"...Was I not enough," he struggled to make eye contact with her as he grabbed is chest. She silently shook her head back as she placed her hand on top of his.

"None of this is your fault. It wasn't fair putting this kind of expectation on you." He squinted up at her, desperation in his tone.

"All I've ever wanted to do was make you happy. Please let me." Raven shook her head again giving him a faint smile.

"You aren't responsible for that anymore. You can be free to do whatever you want," He didn't seem satisfied with her answer and she sighed heavily, "I should have never put all of this on you and then fight you for doing what you were created to do. I didn't even give you a name," she said in a sad tone.

"I don't need any of that. I just want to be with you."

"But I made you feel that way, it's not real." Jinx cleared her throat to interject.

"Soo could you make him this devoted to anyone and if so would you be able to make him like, I don't know,...a house cat or some kind of pet?" Raven arched an eyebrow in her direction still not sure if she was okay with her being here.

"Why?"

"Well I certainly don't need some clingy guy in my life but a super loyal house cat I could deal with. At least that way he wouldn't be all alone, right?" Raven still wasn't sure about it but finally shrugged back.

"Sure, I guess" With that said, she spoke her spell under her breath and a portal appeared nearby. Blinking several times, Robin was relieved to see that they were back in the main room at the Tower. Glancing over, he noted Jinx was holding a black cat. It looked in his direction with an oddly familiar glare and hissed at him. He gave Jinx a sideways grin.

"Glad you're taking that with you," there was a low growl in response to his remark, "Yeah, I get it-you don't like me. It's fine," he rolled his eyes. Raven took a seat quietly on the couch, starting to feel the effects of the last several hours. It was all taking it's toll on her. At some point she heard Robin thank Jinx for her help and shortly after hearing the front door close she felt his presence next to her again. She wearily opened her eyes to look up at him. "Don't you want to get out of that dress?" She arched an eyebrow and his expression dropped realizing almost immediately what he said. "I didn't mean it like that, just thought it looked uncomfortable," he admitted becoming flustered quickly.

"Wear a lot of dresses do we," she inquired causing him to crack a smile.

"Can't say that I do." She finally grinned back before blipping out of the room. She was gone longer than he expected and he couldn't help but become a little concerned considering what they had just been through. Before he could worry for too long she reappeared now in a long dark hooded sweatshirt and leggings. Without a word she dropped back onto the couch next to him.

"Don't you want to get comfortable too," she asked, noticing how torn up his suit was. He sighed back heavily.

"I can't just pop up to my room like you so I'm fine like this for now," he reached over and took her hand as he shifted more to face her. Raven smiled quietly.

"I hope you don't plan to move as slow as you did with your last relationship," he went to object to her statement but when he opened his mouth no words came out. Quietly he let out a huff through his nose as he screwed his mouth shut. Raven took this moment to lean in closer and softly kiss him. He practically froze in place, surprised that she took the initiative so quickly. This was the second time she'd been so bold and he didn't mind it. There was the familiar sound of the front door opening but neither of them pulled away to see who it was. There was the sound of movement in the room and then a sudden gasp.

"Robin!?" His eyes shot open and Raven quickly ended the kiss before turning to see Starfire hovering in the doorway, her hands over her mouth staring at the two of them in shock.