Extremely sorry for the long wait! Sometimes I wonder how you put up with me.

I'm glad that people think this story is coming together. When I read over the past chapters...I feel like they are still lacking. However I will refrain from editing them till the story is done.

Chapter 16

Disclaimer: Don't own Teen Titans

Coffee.

The pungent scent of that annoying beverage seeped from the old antique-looking building that he stood in front of. He glanced down at the name scrawled hastily on the note card. MochaNista. What a catchy name. The young man stepped inside nodding in appreciation at the well-decorated interior. The room had been painted in a neutral beige color and the flooring was a dark brown wood.

With the soft fluffy green cushioned booths and the green retro swivel chairs at the bar table...Speedy concluded that they must have been going for the cozy-home like effect. A sigh slipped past frowning lips. Speedy hated coffee. So why did that annoying bitch ask him to meet up here?

He stood with his hands buried within his dark wash denim trousers, staring in disdain at the items on the menu. Did they have hot chocolate? Perhaps just a cup of tea would suffice?

Anything to take away the scent of coffee from his nose. Leaving would help...but that was out of the question. Sucking in a curse, the archer ordered a cup of chocolate and sat down on one of the barstools, thumbing through his Samsung Galaxy Fit. He needed to update his Facebok page...and his Twitter account.

Such stupid priorities. Why were they even forced to do this kind of shit? Did the mayor think that updating Facebook would reduce crime? The residents of New York didn't really care about Titan East. Compared to the Justice League and the main Titans team...they were more of backup.

At the gentle tapping on his shoulder, Speedy glanced up through his darkly shaded glasses. The red hair and piercing green eyes only worsened his mood. Really, how could he have gotten into such a mess? How could he have gotten so drunk that night...he couldn't remember anything?

It wasn't like the other parties where you'd wake up with a pounding headache and dread in your stomach. This was more of waking up from a coma. Or perhaps coming back from the dead. Either way...he couldn't believe himself. He couldn't believe what he'd done. And he couldn't believe how this woman had been threatening and harassing him ever since Robin had found out as well.

What was he supposed to say? Was he supposed to beg for forgiveness? Wasn't this problem just as much her fault as it was his? Why was she trying to make it seem like he took advantage of her? Why was she trying to act like the innocent victim?

Rising, Speedy grabbed his beverage and followed her into the booth at the corner. He sat down reluctantly and stared watching as she sat her purse down and delicately folded her hands across the table. The jangling of her bracelets on the wooden table assaulted his ears.

Speedy rested his head in his hand and stared at her intently. "Listen sugar, I don't want to drag this out. So let's keep this simple. Tell Robin to fuck off. Tell him he can't blame me for everything. Tell him you were just as willing as I was that night. When you've done that, fuck off as well."

Starfire chuckled and tilted her head, staring at him as if he was a child. "Why would I do that? Isn't it better this way? Isn't it better that you suffer...suffer for killing your child too? Why must I be the guilty one?"

Speedy closed his eyes, drumming his fingers on the table. Her voice was irritating. That laugh was irritating. He was seriously pissed off. "Did I tell you to get an abortion? Did I threaten you, drag you there kicking and screaming? Did you even discuss anything with me before you made up your mind? We all know the truth, Starfire. I know, and you know and Robin knows that you went there willingly...you made that decision on your own."

Starfire stared intently, her jade green eyes radiating with a strange light. "Perhaps he does know. Perhaps he'll hate me for what I've done. But whatever may happen to me...I'll do everything in my power to make sure you suffer as well. That is your lot as an accomplice." Such a spiteful and vengeful voice.

Was she trying to scare him? A chuckle escaped Speedy's lips. "You make it sound like we planned the whole thing."

"It wouldn't hurt to give him that assumption." Now it was dark and menacing, the kind of voice that Raven would be proud of. Who knew Starfire was capable of sounding like that?

The archer stared down into his cup of hot chocolate and tried to hide his astonishment. She was trying to trick Robin? Was she insane? Did she think she would get away with the whole thing? Who did she think she was to threaten him and deceive her own boyfriend? When did Starfire become...such a bitch?

"Sugar, I don't take kindly to people threatening me. It wouldn't take much to kill you right here and make it seem an accident. So watch your tone. As for tricking Robin...you're on your own. Tell me how it turns out." He stood and turned to leave, not wanting to glance into her face again. Somehow...Starfire didn't seem normal anymore. She wasn't the happy-go-lucky teen he once knew. He couldn't help the pang of guilt that washed over him when he stared into her green eyes.

Those eyes that reeked of insanity.

"She...she looked just like you...even her eyes. I-it would have been...impossible to hide the truth. Everyone would... have noticed the resemblance."

The archer was silent. He couldn't turn around..he wouldn't. Slowly he walked away, his shaded eyes meeting up with violet ones. Speedy shook his head slightly and he watched intently as a mournful look briefly flickered across her face. That one look seemed to paint his whole world gray.

Starfire really was insane.

oOoOo

The light danced off Raven's purple and black streaked hair as she stood with Speedy outside the small coffee shop. In the brightening sunlight, Raven peered up at him, squinting her eyes slightly. Right now, she couldn't help but remember Robin...and how they had somehow drifted apart.

"So, why did you come all this way? Is it Slade related?" Raven had to know. Because Robin was now searching for the assassin in other states and cities. No longer was he confined to Jump. Just last week, Robin had taken a trip to Montana, simply to follow up on some Slade related leads. Of course it was a dead end.

Speedy stared up from his cup, a grave look on his chiseled features. "There's been some weird stuff going around lately. Strange break-ins, and assault cases. At first we thought it was the work of gang members. But Bee thinks it's something else."

Raven nodded, taking a bite out of the glazed and sprinkled doughnut she had purchased earlier. "What kind of signs were left behind? Do you know what they mean or who they belong to?"

The archer slipped a hand into the inside pocket of his dark leather jacket and pulled out a small manila envelope. Pursing his lip, he placed the folder into Raven's hands and leaned back against the brick building watching for any kind of reaction. Quietly, he observed Raven as she sifted through the photographs...eventually his patience was rewarded when her slender eyebrows rose slightly. It was a look of recognition, Speedy realized. "Do you know of such a symbol?"

"Where was this taken?" Raven's voice was quiet and somber. One might also say fearful...but that was more of a speculation. Fear was something he had never seen Raven display...pinpointing that emotion on her face would be difficult at best.

"The break-ins happened around the outskirts of New York City. Those assault cases happened in Gotham City. The victims weren't hurt badly though, just tattooed. And strangely enough, they weren't permanent."

Raven slowly passed the folder back to the red-haired archer, then lowered her hand to grip his arm tightly. "Listen to me. Don't tell Robin about the incidents in Gotham. I wish I could give you a reason...for now just don't. On your way back, go see Bruce. Show him those. He'll know what to do." Her purple eyes bored into him, and Speedy was overwhelmed by the intensity.

What was Raven hiding? And why go see Bruce Wayne? Was it because of his rapport with the Gotham City Police? Whatever the reason, Raven knew about these tattoos. Perhaps more than she wanted to admit. But wasn't it just detrimental to keep all these details hidden? Wouldn't it be best to lay all the cards on the table?

Raven was good at concealing thing, good at hiding the truth and an excellent liar. Sometimes Speedy wasn't sure if it was a good trait, or destructive habit. There were times when skill in lying and deceit came in handy...like a game of poker or some other card game. Concealing information when working in law-enforcement, however, only spells more trouble...and then you end up with a Robin/Slade disaster. The kind where people almost die.

Raven should know this well. Unfortunately, Speedy also knew how Raven could behave sometimes. She often acted above the rules...without any awareness of her actions. "Wouldn't it be best to just tell him? After all he knows Batman."

She tilted her head slightly and stared at him for several seconds. Her lips seemed pursed in thought but Speedy knew better. It was a warning to lay off. He continued to stare at her, his eyebrow raised slightly.

So she was prepared to fight him cause of these pictures? That realization only stirred his curiosity. "Fine. I won't tell him. But you owe me for this. And you'd better tell someone what you know soon...if something goes down, we need all the info we can get."

Raven nodded, face once again blank and empty. "I'll keep Robin off your back, so just forget about Starfire. She needs some time to figure things out."

Speedy watched as the young woman sauntered off, and he couldn't help but admire her figure. How could someone change so much? She used to be so tiny. Now she was all curves and almost as tall as he was.

When did that happen?

The haunting sound of the violin, a loud throbbing base guitar and an angry voice filled Raven's ears as she entered the small Third Street Theater. Really, if these were the people she was working for, perhaps it would be a good idea to leave. She could demand another charity task from the mayor tomorrow.

The sorceress looked around, gripping her cup of chocolate. It was the only thing keeping her from freaking out. How could someone listen to that mismatched music? Purple eyes glared at the stage, landing on the short, petite, blonde woman that was busy, seemingly tuning her violin.

Her eyes moved to the center of the stage, where someone else sat, trying to hook up the instruments to numerous wires. He didn't have a guitar, Raven realized. The sorceress turned again, and glared with malice at another dark-haired man, who was strumming an electric guitar and scribbling ferociously on a piece of paper. Was he the composer?

Then who was yelling angrily? Another turn finally solved the mystery. Standing in the other corner of the room was Derek, loudly yelling and cursing into the phone. What was his deal? Wait, why was he even here?

Something tapped her shoulder softly. Raven whirled around and gazed with surprise at another man with light brown hair and grey eyes. Who was this one? "Are you one of the Titans?" His voice was strong and commanding. He seemed to be the no-nonsense type of person. Unfortunately his clothes didn't seem to fit that assumption. A pair of sagging blue jeans, long red tee-shirt and a pair of red Nike high-tops clung to his physique.

He dressed like some of the kids she had met while in Gotham. Then again, wasn't this kind of dress a style? Something along the lines of hip-hop? Or was she mistaken? Purple eyes stared in suspicion. "If I was?"

He stared at her silently, eyes taking in her outfit. Raven had dressed careful today because of this task the mayor assigned to her. Instead of the usual tank-top and ripped jeans, Raven was wearing a fitted hot-pink tee-shirt with a black corset vest and a pair of dark-wash skinny jeans.

She was also wearing high top Nikes...only hers were pink. Despite her aparent rocker status, Raven couldn't give up on the high-top and skater shoes. Her closet was littered with different color Nikes, high top converse that usually were patterned with everything from checkers to skull and crossbones, and thick heavy Vans. It was something she had never really let go after her short life on the streets of Gotham.

Raven had even gone as far as to straighten her thick wavy hair, and now the straight, polished locks draped her face. She thought she looked pretty good. The only thing missing was a pink baseball cap. Raven didn't really want to wear one though...she thought she'd would be 'over-doing' it.

"You dance?" The quiet soft reply was more like a statement than a question. The expectant look radiating from in his murky grey eyes and trim loosely shaven face made the sorceress rather un-easy.

"I dance...but I'm not really good." She bit her lip, hoping to sound convincing. "I can sing though, in fact, it would be better to let me sing." At this statement, an innocent wide-eyed look was employed. Thankfully it worked. The man nodded and beckoned for the violinist to step off the stage. "Excuse me, what's your name?" Raven simply had to know.

The brown haired young man turned and looked at her for a while. Finally he opened his mouth, speaking one word. "Damian."

Such a dreamy name! Had Raven been a fan-girl, she probably would have swooned. Raven shook her head. Being a fan-girl was overrated and degrading. She look past Damian's shoulder and smiled brightly at the violinist, who had now reached her and held out a hand. From this close, Raven realized that the hair the sorceress had thought of as blonde was really a startling, platinum white! Even her eyebrows were the same color! And she looked so young and so...fragile.

The musician was very tiny and lean, the kind of lean that one would associate with sickness, rather than a healthy fast metabolism. Her pale, slender arms were lanky and childlike, reminding Raven of Terra when Malchior had freed her from the stone confinement. She had such long and thin fingers; perfect for playing the violin and piano.

And she was so beautiful! It wasn't anything like the vibrant, allure of Starfire, the sassy spunk of Bee and Jinx, or the subtle charm of Argent. No, this was gentle, child-like adoration. This was the beauty one saw in a new born baby...a beauty that urged you to protect, to cherish and to love.

Raven looked into her smiling face once more and was overwhelmed by the young woman's powerful aura. Emotions, feelings filled the sorceress mind, threatening to overwhelm and tear her apart. Intense sadness tasted like bitter gall in her mouth. The scent of tears and blood nauseated her. Such sorrow! Such bitterness! Such anger and hatred! All in this beautiful doll-like woman.

Violet eyes fluttered shut. She needed to remain calm. She needed to stay in control. Raven couldn't allow this heavy and sad aura to destroy what little sanity remained in her mind. She couldn't be drawn in by the sadness...she couldn't be influenced by the anger. She wouldn't let the darkness in this woman's heart entice her inner demons.

No, don't be drawn in...don't be enticed. Don't give in!

Heavy hands rested casually on her shoulders. Derek's hands.

Raven didn't have to look at them to know...it was something she had engraved within her memory. Derek's heavy, warm hands. The long slender, calloused fingers and the smooth, patterned palms. Raven could never forget Derek's hands. His warm, comforting hands that seared her chilled, icy skin and filled her with serenity. Hands that gave her peace. He alone could still her troubled heart...he alone could give her such a sense of calmness. Raven couldn't understand why.

Slowly, Raven held out her hand and took hold of the musicians long pale fingers. "It's so nice to be working with you. I'm sure we'll be able to set up a wonderful event."

The violinist smiled beautifully, cheeks flushing brightly and startling green eyes twinkling with excitement. "I'm Natalie Hale, and I want to thank you so much for finding the time to help with this project! When I first saw you on Good Morning America, I was moved to tears by your words. After I was assigned this task, you were the first person I could think of to help me. I look forward to working with you!"

The girl's sweet tinkling voice and earnest words nearly moved the sorceress to tears. Really, who would have the nerve to bring up that embarrassing interview up to her face. Raven herself could not bear watching it the few weeks after her sight was restored. Such helplessness! Such shame! And yet this woman was moved to tears? Had what she said that morning really been so profound?

Even Derek, who seemed impassive and nonchalant of everything, stiffened and tensed whenever that incident was mentioned. As he was doing now. His once comforting hands now were shaking slightly, and no doubt his golden eyes were shifty and unsettled beneath those dark Ray-Ban shades. Was that what made Derek so sorrowful?

Was that why he would often sit and stare into her face quietly, chewing his lips with an uncharacteristic nervousness? Was that why his fingers trembled when he would trace the faint scar? Could that be the reason for his slight hesitation and restraint when he would touch her. Was Derek afraid?

Was he afraid of hurting her once more?

"Oh, Derek do you know Raven as well?" Natalie's voice rang out cheerfully and Derek lifted his head from where it was buried between the sorceress neck. Whatever he had been doing was lost in their eyes.

"She's my Princess." That being said so boldly, Derek buried his head once more in Raven's neck, ignoring the sputtering voice and embarrassed flush that crept up on Raven's pale face. The sorceress whirled around him, gripping the man's hands and stared angrily.

"Don't call me that!" A devilish grin flashed across Derek's handsome face. Raven swore her heart fluttered for a minute. She wasn't sure if it was the smile, or the effect of the sudden kiss he had planted on her sensitive throat.

Natalie grinned, her green eyes twinkling with amusement. "He gives everyone nicknames. Apparently, I'm Baby-Doll."

Raven turned around and looked back at Natalie. "Really? Baby-Doll?" Somehow, with those glittering eyes and white soft hair, Raven couldn't help but think the nickname fit her perfectly. She did look like a doll with her pale creamy unblemished skin and small stature. Perhaps Derek must have felt her aura as well...perhaps he too was struck with the urge and the need to protect this fail looking woman. "Somehow, I think it suits you." Raven smiled softly.

oOoOo

Sheets of music lay scattered against the worn oak table, rustling gently as the musicians argued and debated over what pieces to play. A charity event run by a local band. How were they going to draw in visitors? As a small, local band, fans were scarce, and they typically made their money by providing music for high school events and private parties.

This was the first time they were being told to plan out a show...and that any money earned will be turned in to charity organizations. The funds for renting this old theater, setting up the equipment and lighting was coming out of their own pockets...and they still had not found a singer. How were they supposed to bring in a crowd if the didn't have a decent singer? Or at least someone who was well known? Either one worked.

This was where Raven came in. She was well known in the city and... according to rumors, she could sing really well too. Rumors all spread by Derek, of course. He was the only one (besides Argent) to have heard her singing voice. How else could the others have known?

The sorceress slowly looked around the table, taking in all the people that currently were arguing and bickering. There was Damian, complaining about the "lack of hip-hop". Raven could sympathize and agree with him. As someone who loved rap and hip-hop, she always sighed in annoyance when those kinds of songs were absent from 'top 40' CD's and music playlists. And for Beastboy to perfom at this event...some kind of dance was needed.

She could somewhat sympathize the arguments of Russel, who was demanding some heavy metal. Raven propably wouldn't give his idea a vote simply because heavy metal wasn't well known. And those who did know about the interesting genre labeled the music as 'goth' or 'emo'. It would proably be best to stick with popular songs that everyone knew.

Natalie, So-Young and Isaac requested for something simple and easy to play. They seemed to want those simple kinds of songs that could be played with few instruments...Raven liked that idea. It was those songs that appealed to a lot of people anyway. Simple songs with simple instruments and lyrics that could inspire people. That was what Natalie had described.

Derek didn't seem to care. In fact, the man had left the heated discussion, preferring to occupy himself on the old stage with his antique guitar. Raven watched him with a strange sensation of envy as he absently strummed the instrument, golden eyes shielded by thick long lashes, full pale lips frowned in concentration. No amount of words could describe the picture before her.

Raven found herself fervently wishing for a camera...Ah, her phone! Yet another picture to treasure. A gentle smile broke out on her usually stoic face, as she pressed the save button, cherishing the photo along with a shot of Beastboy, Starfire and Cyborg planking and Robin in a Shakespearean era dress. Such good times.

Sneakered feet strode towards the old worn theater stage, making a small thumping sound as they approached. Raven climbed to the top stair and sat down quietly, purple eyes still staring intently at the young man with the guitar.

To be honest, Raven was afraid to approach him. She was uneasy, wary of approaching and destroying that look of contented peace on his handsome face. Yes, she was content to sit and watch from afar. To become deeply involved with this man of many secrets would be a danger to her team, and her only means of living.

Derek too would not be spared from the consequences of her actions...he could be imprisoned along with her, or even executed. He could be tortured, imprisoned and could even die as a result of her selfish actions. Raven wasn't about to let another person suffer for her actions. Not anymore. So she sat there on those old theater steps, elbows resting on dark, denim-clad thighs, head angled slightly, violet orbs watching intently beneath lashed eyelids.

Suddenly, Derek opened his eyes. Intense golden orbs stared into vibrant purple. A gentle smile broke out on his face. "Come to me, Raven."

That voice. How could she refuse that voice? How could Raven ignore that beautiful smile? How could she erase those alluring golden eyes from her memory? Against her better judgement, her treacherous feet stood, carrying her over to where the man sat. Her purple eyes stared down at him, no doubt flickering with countless emotions.

Sadness, anger, happiness, the strangling grip of love. They filled her mind and tore at her icy heart. Raven sank to her knees, not wanting to sense these feelings anymore.

"It's all right, Raven." Oh Azar, why was she so weak? How could his voice melt the ice in her heart? How could those words fill her with such peace? Raven found that she couldn't resist. Not anymore. Raven wouldn't resist. Not when his warm hand lifted her chin slowly, not when his lips gently wiped her tears, and not when he kissed her passionately.

Those feelings, those sensations, Raven couldn't run from them. She wouldn't run...not anymore.

So this is chapter 16. Full of sentiment and fluff. On the bright side, Raven finally caving in to her feelings will set the stage for perhaps a lemon? And then the trip to Gotham. (for sure the Gotham trip...this story needs to move a bit faster.) I wanted this chapter to be filled with other things. This is what my brain churned out...Forgive me if it is not to your liking.

Derek's words, at least the ones at the end were inspired by Jesse McCartney's song 'Come to Me'. That song is one that always touches my heart...and I feel that the Raven I've created for this story needs words that the ones in that song. Look it up and tell me what you think.

I have finally figured out how Derek's voice should sound like. If you look up the song 'Two is Better that One' by Boys Like Girls I think that Derek's voice should sound like the guy singing. (Sorry, I don't know his name) I also plan on having Derek and Raven sing this song...I just haven't figured things out yet.

It's either that or 'Lucky' by Jason Mraz.

Please review, listen to the songs and give me your opinions.

~ heartless16