Authors note: ok some were confused about the ending of the last chapter. At the end, with the opening of her curtains, she had what I like to call, "a moment of clarity." The dream was her "down in the dumps" time, and you know what they say. It can only get better. Sorry I should've explained it better!

And a SPECIAL THANKS TO NERDSAVVY FOR BEING MY 200TH REVIEW!!! hands balloons and chocolate cake to nerdsavvy hope you like chocolate!!

Chapter 18: Breathe

Raven lead the way up to the roof, her cloak unfurling, nipping at the heels of her shoes. Robin followed closely behind her, getting the distinct impression that she had somehow elevated herself beyond her normal darkened mood into something enlightened-like. He smiled to himself in appreciation of the competence she had to live each day with a dark shadow cast over her. But they had extinguished that shadow long ago, and although Raven was still left unable to feel, she had sealed a bond with the titans that will never be broken.

Their feet tapped the floor in unison as the sound of a distant ticking clock reverberated through the dead hallways. The sun's light shone constantly in the cloudless sky, etching its heat into each room of the tower. The simple breathing of the two titans could barely be made out as they ascended to the roof.

Raven threw open the weighty metal door and a small gust of wind soared past her, showering her features in a sea mist aroma as it took refuge inside the tower. The sun instantly slapped her in the face, and while the Boy Wonder's smile showed content in the sun's company, Raven hurriedly pulled her hood up, blocking the enflamed sphere as if its warm rays would burn her.

"It's a nice day." Robin spoke suddenly, his masked eyes closing as the sun continue to warm his face.

Although Raven's idea of a nice day is anything but the latter, she decided not to ruin her and Robin's moment. "Yeah." She simply replied, her mood slowly worsening by the minute.

She eyed her companion as he waltzed over to the roofs edge, glancing down at the pathetic excuse for a beach that their island claimed.

"Raven…"He began, but trailed off, giving Raven an inkling that he was uncomfortable.

She picked up her feet and brought herself over to his side, resting her hands on the cement railing and starring into his face, which was still facing down towards the ocean.

"You would tell me if something was really bothering you right?" He asked, still not glancing upwards to meet her quizzical violet orbs.

The question completely caught Raven off guard. In fact, she was so surprised that she began to stutter slightly. "W-what do you mean?"

A long drawn-out silence commenced, and finally he took a deep breath before he spoke. "I want to know that you're safe." He said, confusing Raven even more.

Out of all the questions racing through her mind, she chose the most awkward. "Why?"

He opened his mouth but stopped, either because he was re-thinking his answer, or he couldn't think of one. A few moments later he turned to her finally, instantly mesmerized by her soft shadow-covered eyes. "Because I care…about you."

Raven's eyes widened slightly, but she regained her composure immediately. Even more thoughts pulsed through her mind as she was trying to grasp his words. Either he meant her cared for her as a team mate and fellow titan…or…the unspeakable. She shook her head No, clearly her meant only as a friend. But somewhere, lurking deep inside her unfeeling heart she hoped that he meant he cared for her a little more than just friends.

"Raven?" He broke her from her thoughts, awaiting some form of a reply.

Robin had put himself out on a ledge, for she knew that it was just as hard for him to succumb to his feelings as it was for her, so she might as well be honest with him, even though it was completely unlike her to reveal her deep thoughts and emotions. "I care about you too." She replied, in a dream-like speech.

They both smiled, knowing the full capacity of each other's feelings for the other. As they both turned their heads towards the gentle sea the unexpected happened. Robin ever-so slowly placed his gloved hand a top Raven's.

Slowly but surely Raven's face began to turn a light, almost unnoticeable pink, and steadily it began to morph deeper and deeper in hue until it finally rested upon an intense crimson red. Raven thanked the gods that she had mounted her hood atop her head, for no one, not even Robin would get to see her lose her composure so easily. As her cheeks burned she could hear a not far off explosion, and Raven frowned at her escaped emotion. But her attention was turned back towards Robin, who upon hearing the explosion didn't jump or even break his focus on the shimmering bay waves. Raven's brow furrowed as she too regained her gaze out onto the bay. No one's ever done that before.

But despite Raven's feeling of awkwardness, she somehow felt at peace with herself, just as if she had spent hours meditating. Maybe there is something to this "feeling thing."

END OF CHAPTER 18!!!

Ok I know it's short, but I got a lot of reviews asking for rae/rob fluff..so I was hoping that the fluff in this chapter would sort of make up for the shortness lol so I hope all you reviewers like this extra special chapter, and im sorry if the characters seem a little OOC!