The weekend passed quickly for everyone. Raven's friends went home happy with how their get-together succeeded. Terra stayed longer in order to greet Gar when he arrived home. There was much glomping and squealing to be had.
The other half of the gang - that spent their weekend at the V-Gamers Con - had a successful time also. Robin and Gar had been dropped off by Victor on Sunday evening. They were obviously tired but happy and carrying bags of swag. This of course is when the glomping happened.
The front door had barely opened before Terra threw herself onto Gar. He dropped his precious bags with a grunt of dismay but all was remedied when the blond began to kiss him. Raven stood in the foyer, leaning against the staircase baluster and making faces at the couple. However the childish antics ended quickly when she was caught by Robin as he pushed his way through the door and around his friend. He grinned and winked over at Raven, who paused mid-face, blushed and looked away.
Robin moved forward, his dark hair sloppy and hanging over his eyes. Eyes that were not hidden behind shades for once. Raven was peeking at him through her hair. He had his duffle hung from one shoulder, his game bags in his opposite hand. Raven continued to watch as he stalked forward, pausing slightly to wave at her aunt and uncle in another room and came to a looming stop at her side. With his free hand he brushed hair away from her pinken face and leaned in close to her ear.
"Being cheeky aren't we?"
His breathe tickled in her ear and she scrunched her shoulder up against it. He smiled, thinking of how cute she looked at the moment and motioned his head up the stairs. She caught it and nodded in return. They went upstairs and into Robin's borrowed bedroom. Raven made herself comfy in his computer chair while he placed his bags on the floor and sat himself at the foot of his bed, directly in front of her.
Robin leaned forward, brushing the hair from his face before resting his elbows on his knees. His intense and pale gaze roamed freely over his girlfriend. When he finally brought that gaze to her face and caught her watching, he winked. Her legs were crossed, her foot bouncing in the air, arms crossed over her chest and an eyebrow raised. He smirked and cocked his head to the left. Raven thought it resembled a puppy.
"You want something?" She asked politely.
He nodded slowly, sucking his bottom lip between his teeth and released it in a deliberate move that had Raven's eyes glued to his mouth. He had her now.
"Come sit with me". He drawled.
Robin patted the empty space next ho him and smiled. She sighed heavily, unraveled her body from the chair and moved to the bed. 'Damn hormones', she thought before dropping down next to him. Of course this led to a long and much needed make-out session. It didn't move much beyond that though. Both felt disappointed about that aspect but couldn't help it. The whole family was home.
When they came up for air the final time, both were sprawled across Robin's bed and breathing hard. Once they regained themselves, Robin pulled Raven tighter to his side and weaved his fingers in her hair.
"I've wanted to paw at you since that phone call we had".
Raven punched him playfully in his side, causing him to chuckle. She 'humphed' and turned away slightly.
"My boyfriend. The romantic"
"Oh shush". He reached over and tickled her side. "Hey. I have some news. If it's good or not". He shrugged the best he could, laying on his side facing her.
"Well. What is it?"
"My parents called today..." He paused briefly. "They're coming home in two weeks. So...I'll be going home then".
The expected sigh passed loudly through Raven's lips. She turned and hid her face against his chest. Moments passed sweetly before she spoke.
"So soon, hmm?"
"Yeah but remember, I'm just going home. We won't be able to sneak around during the night though. I'll miss that but nothing else is changing". He hugged her closer.
"True. Problem is that I kind of like having you around".
It was Robin's turn to raise a brow at her. "It's good to know my girlfriend 'likes having me around'". He nudged her a bit, grinning.
"You grow on me. Like fungus". She snickered.
Robin pushed her further against the bed and laid a raspberry against her exposed collar bone. "Brat!"
Raven laughed and tried pushing him away. "Punk!"
Robin snuck a quick kiss and continued talking. "When they get back, they're throwing a small party. My uncle Bruce is flying in also".
"Mr. Wayne is coming? Surprised he's able to get away from Gotham at all".
"Same here but he has vacation time." He shrugged again.
Raven gave a small smile. "It's nice though. I always liked your uncle".
Robin's brows furrowed and his lips turned down in a frown.
"Like my uncle how? In what way?"
He found himself shoved away and his purple-haired love looming over him.
."Richard! Are you jealous?" She was grinning now. "Your uncle is a good looking man".
"I...You...Damn it!" He sputtered and quickly turned to pouting and sulking.
"Oh come here baby". Her voice was droning but still playful.
Before Robin could really start to wallow in his insecurities, she leaned in the rest of the way and captured his mouth with her own. Another make-out session was had.
Later that evening as the Logan family - plus Robin - sat down to dinner. The topic of discussion was of Robin's leaving - the family as a whole was sad to see him eventually go but didn't dwell on it. After all, the Greysons and Logans were close friends and spent much of their free time together -depending if the Greysons were in country or not. But Mr. and Mrs. Logan hadn't been able to conceive again after Garfield and always wanted more children. So now after experiencing a third - but temporally - child in the house, it panged them deeply.
When the discussion finally ended, Mrs. Logan sent her husband a look that only he would understand. It had been so many years ago - though Zoë Logan would object that phrase, it indicated she was 'Over the Hill' - when the couple had found out they wouldn't have the large family they dreamed of. It was tragic news but not as tragic the news they received months later. Arella had died. Zoë's precious sister. She was gone. Leaving a young daughter behind. It wasn't long before Raven came to live with them. The whole experience had been the worst and best - in a round about fucked up way - time of her life.
Zoë was pulled from her wandering thoughts with a sigh. Not her own sigh however. She turned to her right and smiled at her niece. The girl caught her gaze and rolled her eyes, pointed at the Robin and Gar - who were chatting animatedly with Mr. Logan about the Con - and mouthed 'Boys'. It made Mrs. Logan smile more and think how much Raven was like her mother at times. Her gaze slid over the scene around her and finalized something that had been lingering in her mind for months now. Another look was sent to her husband. He sent her a nod as if reading her mind. They had been talking privately about this matter. Gar and Raven were old enough now.
It was time to adopt.
She wasn't counting. Really! She was not counting...Ok. Let's face it. She was. Damn. It had only been four days since Robin's announcement. Days that now had a big X over them in her calendar. How many days were left now?
This thought was soon followed by a sigh. A deep and depressing sigh. She admitted to herself already that her feelings were mixed about it all. Raven wasn't sure herself as to why. He was only going home. Right? Nothing was really changing. Right? But something lurked along her sense of security. Robin and she never had much of a relationship in the past. They grew up together, along with Gar, but he was never anything more then Gar's friend. It all changed when he moved in. When they met online.
Raven stretched herself out on her bed and rubbed at her eyes.
"Quit it! Quit it!"
She whispered. Followed it up by kicking her feet against the mattress and made a pitiful whining noise.
She was working herself up over nothing. Hopefully. 'Negative energy leads to negative happenings', her aunt told her that once. The relationship was good. She and Robin were good. But was it a fluke? Was she dreaming and reality was about to wake her?
Raven bit into the nearest pillow and screamed. Her thoughts were starting to run in circles. It had to stop. Now. She inhaled, counted to ten and exhaled. This process repeated three more times before she calmed down. Her lips stretched into a half smile. She felt better now. Well more then she did, say, an hour ago. The thoughts still lingered in the back of her mind but she wasn't freaking out over it. It was normal. Yes. Normal.
Apparently all that thinking left her exhausted and with an effort she pushed herself up into a sitting position and reached for her phone. A speed dial number was pressed and rang three times before answered.
"Hello?" The annoying male voice asked.
"Hey pip squeak. Get your sister for me." Raven tapped the nails of her free hand against her knee. 'Ugh. Why'd he have to answer?'
"Raven? Hey baby! I knew you would be calling for me so -- Give that phone to me now!"
Raven stifled a giggle as she heard Jinx steal the phone away from her brat of a brother. She also heard the slap that followed, of Gizmo whining with complaints of telling their parents on her, and of Jinx daring him too. Finally there was a huff of an exhale before Jinx's voice was on the line.
"Hey girl. What's up?"
"Ehh... I'm on the edge of wallowing in self despair." Raven flopped back onto her back and sighed.
"I see. Something involving Robin I'm guessing. Honey, is he dumping you? Are you dumping him?"
"...No."'Always right to the point, little bit-'
"It may sound a little rude but don't harp over it. He's only going home. To a house that's a ten-minute drive away. Nothing is going to happen. I know you're worried some. It's your first real relationship but trust me. It's good. And makes me mildly jealous that you scored yourself such a hunk. That hair. Those eyes. My goddess that ass! "
"Hey now!"
Both girls giggled for a short period of time before Jinx sobered up and began to talk again.
"All right. Let's talk about happier things. I was going to call you. I want you to come with me soon. Now really. Are you dressed?"
"Hmm? Yeah but where do you plan to drag me off to?"
Jinx let loose a giggle that let all know it wasn't going to be a typical day out with her. A shiver made its way down Raven's spine. The last time she heard that giggle, felt that shiver, was when Jinx had taken them for body-piercings. Sadly Raven's got infected and healed over. Some form of bodily pain was going to be felt today.
"You'll find out when we get there. I'm leaving now. Be ready."
Raven listened to the dial tone for the briefest of seconds before turning her phone off. 'Be ready...fantastic.'
----------------
Close to six exhausting hours later left Raven with enough energy to barely stumble through the front door. The un-expecting girl had filled her purse with things like Band-Aids, pepper-spray, and among other things, a switchblade. Sometimes it was just down right dangerous to go anywhere with Jinx. Luckily, when they arrived to their destination, none of it needed to be used. Raven had sighed a breath of relief when the car stopped in front of a familiar tattoo parlor. The same one they had gone to before. The owners were older but very much into the 'biker-rock' scene.
The two girls had entered the shop and were greeted with smiles and hellos. There weren't many customers at the time. One sat at a tattoo station. A couple had lingered over a large binder displaying the tattoo artists' previous work. Jinx was excited, practically giddy and hopping in place. Raven had rolled her eyes. She was sure they where here for piercings. Cool. But nothing to get that hyper over.
It wasn't long before a very familiar face popped into their view. They smiled and waved at him as he made his way over. He was tall, twenty-one - if Raven remembered correctly - his hair was short, spiked and red, eyes a bright blue and could never stand still for short period's time. He was always on the move, almost flashing from place to place. Raven grinned when he stopped before them, said a brief hello to her and laved the rest of his attention on her friend. 'And hopelessly enthralled with Jinx', she had thought.
Minutes later Raven had found out the reason for being there. Not for piercings. No, no. Tattoos. Ah, tattoos. Raven's eyes had widened at Jinx's enthused announcement. Of course she had nothing against tattoos. She had wanted one for quite awhile. It was just so sudden. But she had conceded quickly and soon found herself participating in Jinx's giddiness.
But now the ordeal was over. Raven was home and wishing she could poke at Jinx's own tattoo. A revenge for the pain she was feeling now and was, of course, Jinx's fault. She sighed heavily and closed the door behind her. It hadn't taken her long to find and fall in love with a design. An almost solid black Raven with what seemed to be glowing eyes, It's wings in mid-spread and head turned to the side. She had known it was going to hurt. But God ...did it hurt! Stung actually. Throbbed a little. She opted to have it on her lower back. To which it felt like it had taken up all available space. But even with the pain she still loved it.
Slowly and carefully she made her way across the hall and into the kitchen, where everyone who lived in the house were loitering. She shuffled to the counter and placed her bag on the stool beside her. Her aunt was pouring soda into glasses. There were at least five boxes of pizza scattered on the counter. Her uncle, Gar and Robin sat at the table already, their plates loaded with pizza. 'Just in time', she thought, 'I'm so hungry'.
She eyed the food, a plate sitting near the boxes and the watched her aunt grab another glass and fill it. She groaned slightly. 'So far away'. Her aunt was the first to speak.
"Just in time, huh? Or did you eat already?"
Raven shook her head in a negative and smiled lightly. "Nope. I'm starving."
"Good. There's plenty." her aunt paused long enough to twist the cap back unto the bottle. "You where gone for a long time, everything ok?"
Raven glanced at the table. Her uncle and cousin ate alike, she realized. Just kind of shoveled it in without really tasting it. She grinned and slid her gaze to Robin. He ate slower, not by much, but was eyeing her. She turned back to her aunt.
"Yeah. Jinx wanted to hang out. She took us the tattoo parlor."
Mrs. Logan nodded, picked up her own plate and put a slice or two of pizza on it. "Get new piercings?"
Raven missed Robin raise his eyebrow. She again shook her head in the negative. "Nope. Tattoos."
Her family's reactions weren't dramatic. Not even shocked really. Her uncle and cousin stopped eating long enough too say cool or nod at her. Her aunt smiled and asked to see it. Robin choked a little on his pizza though. He may have been a little surprised.
Raven removed her light jacket and lifted her tank top up in the back as she turned to her aunt, who bent down enough to get a better view through the clear bandaging. She smiled and patted Raven's hip lightly.
"It's beautiful honey".
"Thanks". Raven replied tiredly.
Before she could turn back to the counter and pizza, and think 'mmmmm food', Robin was at her side, lifting her tank slightly and peeking at the tattoo. She closed her eyes as he traced the tip of his finger around the bandaging. However, and to her disappointment, he moved away before she could really enjoy it. She sighed and accepted a plate from her aunt and focused on her food.
It was getting late. She was tired and sore. Only two real thoughts chasing around in her mind. Food and sleep. When the food was taken cared of, she slowly made her way down to her bed room and flopped, belly first, onto her bed. She yelped out and hissed in a breath. The action had hurt the raw tattooed area of her back.
'Idiot'
A sharp and quick sounded on her door moments before it opened and Robin poked his head in. The room was lit dimly and took him a moment to pin-point the girl wiggling on the bed. Said girl grunted at him.
He smiled. "Hey can I come in?"
She grunted again before answering. " Yeah. Sure."
A little more grunting. A small groan. The 'clunk' of shoes hitting the floor as she struggled to get comfortable. Robin entered the room, closing the door behind him and sat next to Raven. Who was half laying on her side and half curled into a fetal position. He chuckled just a little and received a glare.
"How are you feeling? Need anything?" His voice was sincere, despite chuckling at her.
"Eh… and... Eh..." She smiled a little at him. "I'm fine. Took some Tylenol already. Just sore."
He nodded. His left hand smoothing over her arm, through her hair, over her hip, down the outside of her thigh. She raised a brow at him.
"Areyou alright?" She questioned quietly. Again he nodded.
"Yeah. Why?"
She tried to shrug. "You're just all touchy tonight."
"Is anything wrong with that?"
"No" She paused long enough to entwine her free hand with his. "I like it actually."
His fingers tightened around hers. "I like it too."
She smiled and closed her eyes as he leaned forward and kissed her slowly. She returned the kiss equally and tugged him closer and somewhat man-handling him lying down next to her. He did without complaint. The kiss was slow and long and made them both hot-under-the-collars. Of course it didn't go beyond that, not while they were under the same roof.
Robin pulled away just enough to breathe comfortably and slid his fingers through her hair. He kissed the tip of her nose and pinched her cheek lightly.
"You should have told me about the tattoo. I would have come along, you know, and held your hand." He raised his brows some. "Maybe I would have gotten one also."
Raven blinked. "It was Jinx's idea. Kind of sprung it on me and then I got excited when we were there and didn't think to call, sorry." She made a small shrug and gave him a small smile, which he returned. "Would you have really gotten a tat?"
"Possibly. I never really thought of it much before but I suppose if something caught my eye." This time he shrugged.
"Hmm. I never pictured you as a tat or piercing kind of guy." She nodded mainly to herself.
Robin stretched his body and flexed some of his muscles. "You just can't see me marring the masterpiece that is my body."
Raven laughed and pushed him away. "Yeah. Something like that. How about you take that masterpiece upstairs and get me a glass of water?"
Robin sat up and stuck his tongue out at her before borrowing a sentence she said earlier. "My girlfriend. The romantic."
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A.N - I'm not sure if author's notes are allowed anymore, but oh well. I was going to make this chapter longer but I have other things to do, hehe. I'm going to try to get the next chapter out soon and there won't be many left. For many reasons but mainly because I'm kind of over this story ( It kind of got way off track from what I had originally planned and I want to move on) and I lost the notes I made for it and kind of have to wing it now. I'm also sorry that it took forever and a day to update this. I really lost all interest in writing (a sad day for me). But I want to get better, much better, so I'm going to try to keep up with the fan fiction and try new stories and maybe venture over into Inuyasha. Who knows?
I was also vaguely thinking of opening a new live journal account and using it to talk with everyone, and joining fanfic/writing/teen titans/robrav communities. Do the blog thing. I'm not sure about that yet. Decisions decisions. Alright everyone. Hope you enjoy the update! D