Disclaimer: Look at chapter 1

Chapter 4

* Song in chapter is Tattoo by Jordin Sparks. I do not own it.

Lust.

Everyone has felt it once. The heavy, hot burdensome sensations. Skin that burned for touch, for warmth...for love.

Love.

What was love? Was it friendship? Companionship? Wasn't it the same as lust? Why would there be two words for the same thing? If one has lust, does that mean, love is present? How do you know if you have love?

Raven sighed heavily as she stumbled into yet another wall. Black Louboutin stiletto heels dangled from shaking fingers, feet, clad in nude hose, were shivering. Damn it. Why did she listen to Jinx? Why'd she go to that stupid party? The small red Prada clutch clattered to the floor and Raven collapsed along with it, biting back yet another wave of nausea.

Glassy, purple eyes took in her surroundings, trying to make sense of where she ended up. Why couldn't she have teleported home? What on earth was she thinking, taking a taxi and ending up here?

The sound of a creaking door startled the drunk teen and she quickly shot to her feet, hands grasping the wall for support. Let's just pretend I was resting my feet. No one'll think anything of it. I'll just slip on my shoes and go back home. Yes, I'll just-

"Raven?"

Damn it. Of all people...why him? The girl bit her lip nervously. Why'd he have to see her like this? Why!

The man placed a hesitant hand on her shoulder, trying to see past Raven's tousled hair. The teen grimaced, feeling slightly ashamed at the warm tingle that raced up her spine. Damn it. Her feelings were getting out of control again. The sorceress pushed the man away, willing her emotions to remain calm.

The man turned the purple eyed teen around, eyeing her curiously. "Raven, why are you here?"

Those icy blue eyes bored into her soul. She needed to look away. Look away! Or else you'll drown. Look away! Raven averted her eyes, staring instead at the beige carpet.

"Answer me, Raven." His hands left the young woman's wrists, deciding instead to gently caress her face. His eyes flickered mournfully and almost perfect lips turned down in a condescending frown. "You are drunk. Why?"

Raven pushed him away, eyes flickering with anger. "Don't look at me like that!" The titan slipped her shoes back on and turned to leave, not expecting the man to grab her wrists tightly. Raven whirled around, disheveled purple hair whipping her face. Lips, red and glistening turned down in a frown. Violet eyes burned with wrath... She looked like Aphrodite.

If only she had a mirror. If only she could see what others could. The man swallowed, biting back a groan. His icy blue eyes flickered with a different light, his mind was lost in a whirl of emotion. Gently, he pulled the teen into his arms, the sound of his ragged breath echoing in Raven's ears. She felt his hands shaking.

"We-we can't stand out here. Come inside, at least till you feel like going home." A stutter? That was so unlike him. Was he feeling...her emotions? What if he...lost control as well?

Raven's feet felt heavy as they stepped past the door way, her body tensed as ears picked up the sound of the lock as it slid across the door. Eyes flickered apprehensively as the man slid the black trench coat from the teenager's shoulders and a blush heated the titan's cheeks as icy blue eyes took in the strapless, short red bodycon dress.

In the soft glowing light, Raven trembled as the man's cold finger traced down her collarbone. Why was he doing this? Why couldn't she calm her feelings?

"Raven." That whispered voice, so full of emotion. How could one express so much feeling in one word?

"I-I went to a party...with my friend. So don't g-give me that l-look." Oh Azar. Now she was stuttering like a fool. Why did she feel like she owed him an explanation? Why was she trying to justify her actions...trying to look for acceptance. Raven didn't need permission to do anything. She could do whatever she damn well pleased.

"Friend. The one with the strange hair." The man raised an eyebrow, as if waiting for the truth.

He wasn't asking about her friend at all. It was as if he knew what happened. That man knew everything. From the beer pong to the lap-dancing to the two downed bottles of vodka. Oh Azar, why did I ever agree to go to a party with Jinx? What had possessed me to do such despicable things?

No doubt she had painted herself as 'the harlot' in his eyes. Was this man disgusted? Perhaps. Did he hate her now? Most likely. She could not be his 'sweet raven' any-

His lips. His almost perfect lips. It was all the sorceress could think of. And who could blame her? He started it, when he decided to kiss her. The gentle, almost chaste smooch soon blossomed into something violent, passionate and full of want.

His hands stayed dormant, as they pressed against the wall for support. The man's heaving chest were just beyond Raven's fingertips and his groin no doubt ached with heat. Yet he came no closer.

The half-demon was angered. Why was he doing this? Teasing her like this?

But...she didn't want him to stop, no, she would never ask him to stop. Raven wanted to reach out, to let her hands caress the smooth stubble of his jaw, to calm his panting breath, to let him feel release. Her frightened hands remained as they were, frozen to the wall, as the man continued to have his way with her tender, now swollen lips.

It seemed like an eternity before he pulled away, staring into Raven's glassy eyes with a strange look. Strange because Raven had never seen him like this before. Such a dark look. Raven raised a tentative hand, softly touching his cheek. His soft, painful moan frightened the violet eyed titan.

"Raven." The hoarse whisper in his voice raised goosebumps on her exposed flesh. "Sweet Raven. Forgive me."

Why was he asking for forgiveness? Didn't they both know what would happen? Wasn't that why she wanted to ignore him and go home? Raven stared at him, her hand still resting against his cheek. The man's eyes were dark, brooding and tinged with desire. The titan's hand slowly descended, resting once more on the man's heaving chest.

He wasn't asking for forgiveness...he was begging for permission. Raven took a step back, pressing herself against the cold wall once more. Violet eyes brimmed with tears. Was this how it would be? How could she deny him? How could she say no?

"Malchior." Raven's whispered voice echoed in the stillness of the night. In her ears the sound of her heart pounded rapidly. Her slender hand remained pressed against the man's broad chest, silently taking in the man's labored breath. "I-"

Violet eyes gazed intensely into the man's pained blue orbs. He wanted this...and she wanted this. All she need do was give in. Surrender to the passion, give in to the stinging heat of lust. All she need do was say yes.

Yes.

The hand on Malchior's chest resumed their descent, quietly, slowly and agonizingly painful. The glassy violet eyes remained trained on the man's face, silently taking in the look of tortured bliss.

Yes. All we need do is to give in.

"Raven, no." His voice was a low murmur, thick with longing. He didn't believe his words either.

"Malchior. Yes." Raven continued to stare into the icy blue eyes of the man before her. "Yes." The sorceress repeated her words as Malchior's hands rose to catch the zipper of the short red dress.

Yes.

Depressed.

Down in the dumps.

Melancholy. This was how the Tameranian felt as she sat gloomily in the kitchen, moping over a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch. The teenager's red hair was tousled and un-brushed, remnants of last night's spiral curls dangled in a very unattractive manner. Why was she depressed? Why was she moping even though the world's tastiest cereal lay in her breakfast bowl?

Raven had bailed. Raven skipped the Valentines party.

And she'd been AWOL all night long! Starfire huffed angrily, cramming a spoonful of cereal into her mouth. What could have been more important? Raven promised...pinky swore! Did she not know it was death to dishonor a pinky promise? Did she not fear the wrath of the gods?

The sound of heavy footsteps against the linoleum kitchen floor entered into the titan's ears. She turned, eyeing Robin with a rather calm look. It had to have been him. Who else would wear such heavy shoes indoors? Didn't he know those steel toed things can scratch the floors?

Starfire's curious green eyes continued watching the man before her, noting with a strange sensation that his usual costume was missing, and in it's place a dark blue polo and a pair of expensive looking black wash jeans. How much did he pay for those jeans?

The alien had to know. He was always getting angry when Starfire took his credit card to the mall and bought the latest Dooney & Bourke items. But Starfire didn't think she was being unreasonable...she always went to the clearance side first.

"Starfire, has Raven come back yet?" Robin questioned, his raspy voice filled with what the red haired titan thought to be irritation. Of course he would be angry, this wasn't the first time Raven had disappeared without any warning.

"I haven't heard any-" The alien's words broke off as the swishing sound of the sliding doors entered her ears. Starfire stood, rushing out of the kitchen prepared to lash out at her friend for abandoning the party. Green eyes flashed in disappointment, pale pink lips were turned down into an attractive pout, eyebrows furrowed with rage.

"Raven, y-"

Terra.

Was that really Terra? The baby blue eyes were the same, the straight, almost greasy blond tresses were the same. Was that really Terra? How? Didn't Raven say it was hopeless? That nothing could be done?

So why?

Starfire stared in disbelief, watching as the sorceress and the resurrected girl set down several duffel bags. The alien noted the pale washed out look on Terra's face and concluded that coming back from the dead really isn't good for the skin. Even so, Starfire had to agree begrudgingly that the pink peasant blouse and light blue jeans suited the earth bender. She really looked alive and healthy in light colors.

As for Raven, where on earth did she get those Louboutins? And the clutch bag, what exactly was the sorceress doing that kept her away from the Tower all night long? Did she really bail to go to some classy get-together?

A huff escaped the alien's pale pink lips. Even the black trench coat, perfectly tousled wavy hair and the stylish shades perched just so on her petite nose. Why was Raven so...so fashionable?

"Terra!"

Beastboy's high pitched shout cut across the silence, startling the red haired alien and causing Robin to quickly exit the kitchen. The two watched in silence as Beastboy and Terra embraced each other emphatically.

Starfire's face was one of awe, she hadn't seen the shape-shifter that happy in a while. Robin, however, was not impressed. His pursed lips were drawn up in disdain, and his eyes no doubt flashed with annoyance and anger behind the domino mask.

Starfire wasn't sure who he was angry with, Terra or Raven. The Tameranian eyed Raven curiously, wondering why she seemed adamant in slipping out of Terra's death grasp and making a bee-line towards the hallway. Why would she try to leave now? Shouldn't she stay and make sure Terra was good? After all, it was bad taste to leave a guest hanging.

"Stop. Stop right there, Raven!" Robin's loud and clipped tone made everyone freeze in their tracks. Starfire, Beastboy and Terra all turned, eyeing their leader with confusion.

Starfire wanted to smirk inwardly, she wanted to see Raven get chewed out for once again doing whatever she pleased. So the alien watched, waiting for Raven to turn around and face her doom.

She never did.

To Starfire's utter horror, the sorceress laughed hysterically, sounding strangely similar to that maniac in Arkham Asylum, Joker. Who knew Raven had it in her? And to defy Robin like that, to just laugh in his face...in the presence of everyone? Who did she think she was?

Raven turned, tilting her stylish red shades forward. "Robin, I'm pretty sure I've warned you about that." A sick sweet smile graced the demoness' features. "Learn to say, please. Please?" The smile disappeared, and in it's place was a steely dark glare. Raven turned once more, and sauntered out the room, her stylish Louboutins clacking down the hall.

Such...such insolence! Such disrespect! Such charisma! Starfire was blown away. When did Raven become like that? What triggered such rude behavior? The alien stood, watching with jaws open as Robin dashed after the violet eyes diva, yelling and cursing loudly. Should she follow them? It would be nice to see Raven get in trouble for disrespecting the leader. Shouldn't the girl know better?

After a minute of hesitation, the alien picked up her feet and followed the two stealthily, still hearing Robin hollering and Raven's heels against the hard floor. She continued, her bare feet padding silently down the halls, they wouldn't notice her. Whenever Robin got involved with the sorceress, it consumed him. Like Slade.

The red haired titan held her breath as she peered around the corner, holding back a huff of satisfaction when Robin grabbed the young woman by the wrist and trapped her in the corner.

"Raven. Answer me. Where'd you go?"

"Robin. It's none of your business. Now let go."

A sigh escaped the Boy Wonder's lips. "Why are you so difficult? Didn't we all agree to at least leave a note before disappearing? Why are you always acting like you're above the rules?"

Starfire watched as Raven's lips twitched into a strange smirk. Her violet eyes twinkled as she spoke. "Since when do I act like I'm above the rules? Robin, I am above the rules. Why else would I still be alive?" The sorceress tossed her hair haughtily as she spoke, the proud and condescending tone irritating the red head hiding around the corner.

"Raven. No one's above the rules. Not you, not me. No one." Robin's voice was quiet and cold, a stark contrast from what Starfire wanted to hear. Shouldn't he have been pissed?

The sorceress pursed her lips, a somber look filling her violet eyes. Starfire watched in anger as Raven raised a well manicured hand and gently stroked Robin's cheek. The alien's ears strained to hear what was being spoken.

"Robin. Don't lie to yourself. You are above the law...isn't that why you're still here? Isn't that why the Justice League hasn't hauled you off for theft? Isn't that why you haven't gotten punished for what you did to me?"

The Boy Wonder slammed a fist against the wall, startling the alien. "Raven! Don't bring that up again!" Robin's fists trembled, jaw clenched in frustration, his chest rose and fell rapidly.

What did Raven mean? What had Robin done? What was he trying to hide?

"Poor child. Does it hurt? Do you feel the burn of regret, the sting of self-hatred? Don't be too hard on yourself-nobody's perfect. We all make mistakes. All that matters is how you deal with it. What have you done? Did you forget? Try to hide your sin? Or are you going to beg forgiveness...should I be the one to speak first?"

The cold and meancing scarcasm in Raven's voice chilled the room, and with the red shades off, Starfire could see the wicked glint in Raven's eyes. So she was blackmailing Robin! How dare she! The alien seethed watching with a strange satisfaction as Robin slammed the sorceress into the wall, whispering silently into the ear of the purple haired titan.

What was he saying?

She watched Raven's eyebrow raise slightly, and her lips turn down in disappointment. The sorceress placed her slender fingers against Robin's shoulders and violently shove him into the wall opposite her, the sick sounding thud echoed in the alien's ears. Raven's head tilted slightly, and her mouth curled in disdain.

Silence filled the hallway, thick unbearable silence. The alien found she was holding her breath. What would happen now? What did Robin say to make Raven so...so annoyed? Jade green eyes continued staring, focused on the unfolding scene before her.

Finally after what seemed like an eternity, she finally spoke. "Robin. Understand one thing. I don't belong to anyone. Not to you, not to Justice League. No one. Don't pretend to think you own me after what happened. I wasn't the one who lost control."

The sound of Raven's expensive heels sounded on the floor, each click and clack filling Starfire with hate. When did Raven turn into...such a cold heartless monster? Had she always been this way? And what did she mean, 'lost control'? What had transpired between the two?

Starfire's mind whirled as she tried to comprehend what had transpired. The dark and agonizing emotion Robin was giving off, and the angry and vengeful glint in Raven's violet eyes... it was all too mysterious. What were the two hiding?

Jade green eyes narrowed then widened with surprise. Was-was Robin crying? Starfire turned away,what was she doing? Why was she spying like this? No, she couldn't sit here and watch Robin suffer. Why did he have to suffer because of Raven? Who gave her that right, who gave her the privilege of tormenting Robin like this?

Starfire pursed her lips and swiftly exited the silent hallways, Robin's hiccuping sobs tormenting her soul. She couldn't bear it, seeing Robin cry. Why should he suffer? What did he do to deserve such cruel treatment?

Raven. It was all her fault.

Starfire clenched a fist, a strange sense of retribution filling her heart. Raven would pay for her crimes. It was high time someone brought her down from that pedestal of pride.

Blue skies.

Blue eyes.

The bluish bruise forming on his shoulder.

A tired laugh escaped pale, parched lips. Robin sat on the Tower's roof staring absently at the sky. He came here a lot to think about everything…but these days Raven was the main thing on his mind. Why had he not noticed her erratic behavior till now? When had she changed into who she was now?

His ears buzzed, Raven's sadistic and hysterical laugh echoed in his mind. The faint scent of alcohol lingered in his nose, yet another reminder of Raven and her antics. So she was out drinking? With who? Where? What if she had gotten hurt?

"Damn it." The Boy wonder cursed. Raven told him to butt out, to leave her alone. He wasn't supposed to care what she did, where she went, who she was with. And he promised her. Stupidly, he promised. Promised to leave her alone, promised not to get involved. Promised to atone for his sin.

Robin couldn't keep those promises. He couldn't just let her go! She...Raven...belonged to him. Raven was his...his and no one else's.

"Boy Wonder, I'd like to have a word with you." A familiar voice broke the peaceful silence.

That accent was very familiar… like someone from New Zealand. He turned and his eyes fell upon a pair of burgundy eyes. "A-Argent? Why are you here?" Didn't she live far away? What was she doing in Jump City?

The young woman smiled pleasantly, red eyes twinkling in the sunlight. He watched as she sat down on the floor opposite him, feet curling up into the lotus position. Leaning forward, the woman began to speak, her thick New Zealand accent coating her words liberally. "Jinx told me to see if Raven was here. She was with me for most of the night. I apologize for any inconvenience."

Robin's heart fluttered at the woman's accent. It was so...captivating. "Raven was with you...for most of the night? She didn't stay for the rest of the event?"

A slightly embarrassed laugh escaped the woman's full lips. "As much as I hate to admit, we lost track of her. She left the party...no one knows where she went. Didn't see her the rest of the night."

Behind the domino mask, ice blue eyes widened. "She just left? Do you have any idea where you think she went?" The young man questioned, hoping he didn't sound too curious. It wouldn't do to come off as obsessive.

Argent's red eyes regarded him skeptically. Her full pale lips scrunched together, as if deep in thought. "What would you do, if I said I knew? You wouldn't just let it go, right?"

Damn. This girl was too smart. "I might let things slide...depending on where she went." The soft peal of laughter that escaped Argent's lips sent a heated flush up Robin's cheeks. Why was he feeling this way?

"Then perhaps you shouldn't know. For Raven's sake, just forget about it. She's already suffering enough."

"Suffering?" Robin grew angry at the thought. "Why would Raven be suffering?" His gloved hands shook with rage. Raven, suffering? What the hell? Wasn't she the one blackmailing him at every turn? Always reminding him of that night? Always shoving all the blame to him? "Is she the one who can't sleep because of guilt? Does she hate herself, hate what she's become?"

Red eyes darkened. Argent's cute lips turned down into an angry frown. "Robin. You think too much of yourself! Do you really think Raven wouldn't feel guilty? That she wouldn't hate herself for betraying Starfire? You don't know anything! You've never seen how she cries herself to sleep every night or what it's like to hear someone you love talk about suicide! Do you!"

"S-suicide?" Robin's face paled, and his hands began to tremble violently. "W-why?" Raven, why? Didn't she know it wasn't her fault? That he was to blame for what happened? Wasn't he the one who couldn't control himself?

Argent bit her lip, looking at the golden bangles resting on her wrists. "It's not just you...something else is tormenting her. Raven won't tell me. So please," Argent held out her hands, folded as if in prayer, "please don't give her a hard time." The young woman's voice wavered, as if she were on the verge of tears.

Robin's eyes watered. He couldn't stand the look of desperation on the woman's face. The pleading glint in her eyes and the anxious gnawing of soft plump lips. He didn't like that face. Couldn't stand that face. He didn't want to see Argent's tears.

"D-don't cry. I promise. I won't give her a hard time." He reached out, gloved fingers grasping Argent's shaking hands. "Please don't cry. I won't hurt Raven. Not anymore."

If I live every moment, Won't change any moment,

There's still a part of me in you.

Feet pounded on the concrete sidewalk, loosely tied hair tossed and turned in the early evening breeze. The music device continued playing, the melody's soulful lyrics pricking the young woman's heart. He didn't care for her that much, did he? Why would he? After all she said, after how she treated him? Who would care?

I will never regret you, still the memory of you

Marks everything I do.

Why was the song right? She didn't want to admit it, she refused to admit it. But it was true. Everything was true. Violet eyes blinked away tears, she didn't want to admit that the song was right. The tears were simply from the wind. Her mind said this over and over...like a never-ending mantra and her heart protested every time.

Why couldn't she just let it go?

Why couldn't she let him go?

I can't waste time so give it a moment
I realize nothing's broken.

Don't waste time. She shouldn't waste time on stuff like this. What's done is done. Hands wiped the drying tears away, sensitive nose picking up the smell of salt and earth. Purple eyes stared at the blur of trees, flowers and rocks that snaked along the dusty pathway. Feet clad in black and white sneakers slowed down, muscles ached with every step.

She had to climb this hill.

No need to worry bout everything I've done,
Live every second like it was my last one.

No more worries, no more second guessing. No more living with the past. The teenager exhaled loudly, fingers brushing the dark strands of hair away from her slick brow. Damn ponytail holders. Her thighs burned, heart pounded, the dark black tee-shirt clung like a second skin. The water proof jogging pants swished with every tiring step.

Almost there. Almost to the top.

The teenager smiled, she could barely contain the bubble of laughter building up within her heart as her steps finally slowed to a stop. Violet eyes stood, staring at the scene that descended before her. The tall trees that shaded the paths, the huge playground that teemed with children.

The solemn and serene benches that dotted the park, and the large fountain. Oh, what she wouldn't give to play in the fountain!

Don't look back, got a new direction
I loved you once, needed protection.

The titan resisted the urge to look back. Why should she? After seeing all that lay before her...the shade, the fountain. Everything! Was this what it meant to put away the past? To simply move on? On to better things, to step onto the path to greatness!

You're still a part of everything I do,
You're on my heart just like a tattoo

Violet eyes twinkled with a solemn silence. Yes, she loved him once...but it was time to let go. Time to give it all to move on. Just move on...and keep only the memories. The happy times. Forever engraved within her heart...

Just like a tattoo, I'll always have you

I'll always have you.

The bubble of laughter burst from her heart and the teen began dashing down the hill, feet flying as if a burden had been lifted from her slender shoulders. Eyes closed behind the rushing wind, dark purple and black hair whipped back and forth as if alive.

Why did she feel so...so happy? So alive...so free? Who knew such feelings existed? This sensation of exhilaration, of renewal, of pure unbridled joy!

What had she been missing out on?

The teen felt the smack before she heard it. Hands flailed in vain, before landing against the concrete sidewalk, where the gravel pierced her flesh. The ear buds that rested comfortably between her ears slipped to the floor, knocked out from the impact. Thighs ached from the contact with the hard ground. And her nose, oh Azar, her nose hurt!

What had she run into? A brick wall?

"Are you alright?"

The purple haired titan's eyes widened. Wait, since when did brick walls talk? The rushing wind echoed in the young woman's ears as she tilted her head towards the sunlight. In the sky, the orange light of evening glowed serenely, signaling yet another day gone.

Violet eyes squinted, the evening sun blinding her eyes. Silently, she watched as the man knelt before her a look of worry etched onto his eyebrows. Whoa... he even blocked the sunlight! Raven thought this, not fully aware of the randomness in her mind. After being hit by something that hard, random acts seem normal.

"Are you alright?" The man spoke again, voice tainted with worry and apprehension.

Raven's eyes fluttered up and stared in shock. Ruby red lips dropped slightly and butterflies filled the young woman's stomach. Oh gosh! When was the last time she felt like this? Why was she acting like a love struck teenager?

She'd seen hot guys before...just not ones with eyes as yellow as honey and lips as perfect as Tom Welling. The man's skin was copper toned, and his nose slanted and curved softly, quite a contrast from the straight pointedness of Malchior's nose.

Dark defined eyebrows rested comfortably on a square forehead, his high cheekbones were chiseled out, displaying his jaw and strong detailed chin. Jet black and tousled hair tumbled messily across the man's face, framing his forehead and narrow eyes.

Raven marveled, wondering how such straight hair could appear so...curly. The man looked like he was native american, but Raven couldn't really be certain. Her violet eyes flickered back up to observe the man's eyes, noting with abject wonder the way his narrow eyelids seemed to slant inward.

This phenomena, along with the unusual gold color, gave the man a strange cat-like appearance. The sorceress shook her head. It was wrong to be staring like this. Snap out of it! "I'm I-I'm fine. Uh- sorry! I wasn't watching where I was going."

Raven smiled sheepishly and chuckled, her mind a whirl and tumble of emotions. Somehow, she felt self-conscious and nervous. Ugh, what was with the stuttering! Raven stared at her hands and began brushing the bits of gravel from between her fingers. Violet eyes stayed concentrated on the ground, hoping to quell the fluttering birds within her stomach.

The man gently took Raven's hands within his own, quietly observing the scrapes. "Looks like you fell quite hard. I wasn't watching my step as well. Sorry."

Oh! That accent! What a strange accent! Where did it come from? His 'sorry' sounded...so different. Raven blinked rapidly, ruby red lips whispered wordlessly. Damn it! Why was she being so nervous? She couldn't even look him in the face without feeling flustered! Cursed emotions! Raven smiled, gently pulling her hands from the man's warm grasp.

She smiled and nodded her thanks as the man helped her up. Her violet eyes searched his face, confused by the strange sense of familiarity. Had she seen him somewhere before? Perhaps, at the bar?

The man smiled, his dimpled grin heating Raven's skin. "Is it possible that...we've met before?" Dark eyebrows rose and a questioning look entered his golden eyes.

Raven bit her lip, drawing her gaze from his muscled chest and arms. Wasn't it unfair to look this good? How was he tall and lithe, similar to Robin, and yet as muscular and built like Aqualad? His arms were toned and muscled, and his hands were large and masculine, but the man's fingers were slender, thin and...almost feminine. Could he be an artist?

"Have we? I can't seem to remember. Um, what was your name, again?" Raven asked apprehensively, not wanting to come off as invasive. Maybe she'll remember his name?

The man grinned once more, causing Raven's heart to flutter lightly. "The name's Derek. And yours, Princess?" The man's voice was light and carefree, the low sophisticated tones giving him the air of a singer.

Raven coughed. Princess! Why Princess! "Um...Uh." Damn it. She can't give him her real name! Then he'd know who she really was. Think, Raven think! A name... A name...

"Call me Adrianna."

Well, here's the next chapter…how was it? This took a long time; I wanted it to be perfect. If you don't think it was, please review and tell me what's wrong. I promise to fix it.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE!

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