A.N. Sorry I'm late guys! I shall do better next time!

Disclaimer: Don't own Teen Titans. You know the drill.

Raven

"Because I'm in love with you, that's why."

Did he really just say that? Did she really just hear that? Was she really just standing there blinking like a idiot while Slade suddenly looked less composed than she'd ever seen him?

It wasn't romantic in the slightest. How he said it in an argument, with scorn and frustration.

It was completely romantic. How he was on a sort of quest to rescue her from the deep dark dungeon.

"Really?" Raven managed to half-whisper.

A pause, but not too long. Lack of confidence had never struck her as being on of Slade's issues. "Really."

"Um...wow."

"I thought you would have figured it out before now." No, he had not magically transformed into her classic knight in shining armor. He was still Slade. Even in an alternate dimension's alternate dimension Slade managed to act like he knew what he was going on.

Still... when there were spells that could take him back to Earth he had stayed. Somehow... somehow, the wounds left by Blood that would scar forever were closing up. Only a little, but that was enough for now. It was enough for Raven to realize what she had known all along.

She took a half step closer to Slade. She got on her tip-toes, wrapped her arms around Slade's neck, and kissed him.

She had thought, for a second, that it would bring back all those painful, painful ugly memories stained by Blood upon her brain. That they would overtake her again. Instead, the short, not-so-romantic kiss wiped all thoughts of the cult leader from her mind.

"I guess I..." Raven started, then realized she had started it completely wrong and began again. "I love you, too."

She smiled. He smiled. They both were surprised at how uncommonly easily the expression came.

"Then I should probably get around to rescuing you," Slade said. "Tell me what you know about the Church of Blood."

A.N. Short! I know! Sorry again! However, since we are nearing the end here, the chapters ahead should be a good length. Review please!