Chapter 8: Fading Feelings

Raven's P.O.V

When Raven opened her door she did not expect to find what she found. No, she expected to make Chamomile tea, avoid Robin, and return to her quiet chambers. She never suspected that she would see a large teddy bear directly outside her door. For a split second all Raven could do was stare at the bundle of fur. The creamy white fur securing the stuffing, was tinged with purple. It had two lavender ribbons hooked onto its ears and a matching one around its neck. Delicately placed in the bear's arms was a new box of tea and the classic horror story 'The Call of Cthulu'. The anonymous gift just stared back with his vacant, chocolate brown eyes. Raven stepped over the threshold casting a glance down both ends of the corridor. No one was in sight. Picking up the bear, she warily inspected it and noticed the inscription on the collar.

"To a certain empath," she read. Walking back into her room, Raven wondered who would have gotten her a present.

"Do you like it?" a deep voice asked. Raven looked up to see Robin standing in the middle of her room with an unreadable expression.

"Now that I know it was from you, hell no," Raven hissed, tossing the bear in his direction. Robin caught the bear at the last second, his mouth turning into a slight frown.

"And how did you get in here?" Raven demanded.

"I am the boy wonder after all," he smirked.

"Well, I suggest you leave before I make you," Raven continued to fume. She wasn't going to let Robin get off the hook that easy. The harsh words he spoke the previous day struck a nerve and Raven wasn't about to let it go.

"Raven," he took a deep breath. "I wanted to apologize for what I said."

"Apologize for what? For calling me a liar or implying I was a traitor of some sort. Or how about just insulting me in general," Raven retorted.

"All of it. I admit, I was a huge jerk to you and you didn't deserve that. I'm very sorry for the way I acted," Robin apologized. Raven remained silent, unsure if she should forgive him.

"I'm sure this doesn't justify my actions, but I had a reason for it," Robin continued. "Lately you've been acting different, more distant, I should say. I'm worried that we'll become strangers to each other."

"Robin, I-I'm going through a change. I finally have the freedom to express my emotions and live a life without fearing the threat of my father. Although I'm not going to become a complete stranger, I will be a little different," Raven finally spoke.

"I totally understand where you're coming from, but that doesn't mean you have to abandon our friendship," Robin argued. Raven paused before responding to what he had just said. The word friendship took a heavy toll on her. Being around Robin, knowing they were just friends, broke her heart in two. She didn't know how much longer she could continue with a burden this heavy.

"I would never abandon our friendship, but at the same time I'm not always going to be there," Raven spoke softly.

"I need you, Rae," Robin took a step closer.

'Please stop doing this,' Raven silently begged. 'Stop making me fall in love with you.' The boy wonder just had the insanely annoying habit of knowing the right words to say to her. Robin was her only kryptonite; he made her a victim to his charm.

"I need you, too," Raven whispered. Robin pulled her into a tight embrace. Raven stiffened at the physical contact, willing herself to be strong and not give in. However, all of her defense mechanisms melted from the feeling of his strong arms encircling her. Raven slowly wrapped her thin arms around Robin completing the act of affection. She rested her head against his chest and listened to the rhythm of his heartbeat. Raven could've stayed like this for an eternity, but unfortunately, all good things must come to an end.

"Robin," a familiar voice called.

"Oh, I completely forgot that Starfire is coming home today," Robin groaned, lightly slapping himself in the forehead. He shot Raven an apologetic look.

"You should go," Raven said retracting her arms from around him. Robin nodded and headed towards her door before looking back at her.

"Are we okay?" he asked.

"Yeah, we're okay," Raven lied. With that said he left her room. She couldn't help the tears that fell from her eyes and slid down her cheeks. The masked boy held her heart and didn't even know. Robin had once again left her for the real love of his life.

Robin's P.O.V

As Robin walked down the long hallway, thoughts restlessly filled his mind. Despite the conversation he had with Raven, he still felt very uneasy about the entire situation. She still withheld information regarding the night at Royals. And above everything else, his newfound attraction towards Raven haunted him with every glance he had of her. Entering the living room and seeing his supposed girlfriend made him feel even guiltier than he had already felt. How was he in love with Starfire yet attracted to Raven?

"Did I hear someone call my name?" he smiled, pretending everything was just perfect. Starfire lifted her head to the sound of his voice.

"Robin," she squealed, rushing towards him. The Tamaranean enveloped him into a huge hug.

"Umm Star, alien strength, remember?" Robin barely choked out. Starfire quickly released him, but her excitement in seeing him was in no way dampened.

"Oh, I do apologize, it is just that I have missed you so much," Starfire lightly caressed the side of his face. Looking down into her angelic face, Robin could feel himself weaken in the knees. Her beautiful green eyes held such kindness and innocence. With every second passing, he was reminded why he loved her so much.

"I missed you too," Robin told her. He gently pressed his lips against hers. Robin was in a state of ecstasy; he silently wished this moment would never end. However, a soft 'ahem' broke them apart.

"Oh, Raven," Starfire's eyes lit up once again. She floated to her and took Raven's gray hands into her orange ones.

"Dear friend, I missed our time of the girl together greatly," she said.

"If you would like to, we could take some time right now for just us girls," Raven replied. Starfire shot Robin a pleading look. As soon as he gave her the sign it was okay, Starfire led Raven out of the living room. Robin let out a soft chuckle and shook his head as he went to pick up the luggage Starfire had left behind. If he had paid attention, he would've noticed Raven's pained expression.