(Here's Chapter 2, it isn't as long as others, so far there is only one chapter shorter. Based on where Chapter 3 goes, it's better this length. Enjoy. ~RavensMind~)

Chapter 2: Sun Flares

When she awoke, Raven found a glass of iced tea and a note on her bedside table. Reaching over, she picked up the note and read it. 'See you in the sunrise' – Robin. Raven deduced that he wanted her to meet him at their usual spot on the roof. Giving a small smile, she picked up the iced tea and took a drink. With the glass in hand, she got out of bed and headed for her bathroom. She took a quick shower and got ready, slipping into another leotard and clasping her cloak around her neck. Taking the glass and sipping it, she headed for the door, trying to think of how she would explain her problem to Robin. Raven didn't want to tell him any of it, he would just worry and ask her about it until she blew up in his face. At least, that is how these types of conversations usually went. The iced tea was a nice touch though; it would relax her mind so they could speak longer. Exiting her room, she walked down the hall to the stairs that led to the roof. Of course, there was something else to talk about as well: the few thoughts Robin had last night, and that topic was both frustrating and flattering. Her mind was made up on how she would handle it, though. Reaching the top of the steps, she opened the door and stepped out onto the roof. Robin was standing close to the edge, watching the sunrise, turning as Raven closed the door.

"Good morning," Robin said, showing an encouraging smile.

"Morning… Thank you for the drink," Raven replied, crossing the roof to stand in front of him.

"You're welcome…"

"…Aren't you going to ask me if I am feeling better?"

"I was, but not right away. I wasn't sure if you wanted to talk about it or not."

"I don't, but now I have to, or you and the others will start worrying about it… And we have something else to talk about, too."

"What's that?"

"One at a time…"

"Okay, so, what is going on?"

"When we defeated my father, we defeated a part of me as well, and ever since then, my mind has felt…broken. It has noticeable effects, too, like a loss of energy, and strength in my powers. Those two things joined last night and caused me to lose control. It hasn't been that intense before, though."

"This sounds serious… Is there a way to stop it?"

"I'm looking into it. Several notes my mother made looked promising, and I am going to be doing what I can with them to mend my mind."

"But there is no way to know if they will help?"

"Yes…"

"Why didn't you tell me earlier?"

"Like I said, it wasn't as serious then, and I was managing it, but now…"

"Raven, nobody can deal with everything on their own, we all need some help every now and then, and this…"

"Please don't start with that… it sounds patronizing, I know you mean well, but it won't help the situation."

"Alright," he sighed, "at least promise me you will say something when it gets worse or continues, and let us help you."

"I will," she replied, frowning slightly, anticipating the next topic. Robin stepped closer to her and put his hand on her shoulder. "We're friends, and I will help even if you don't ask," he said, smiling.

"I know you would… There is something else we still need to talk about…" she said.

"Right, what is on your mind?"

"It's more about what is on your mind, actually."

"What do you mean?"

"Last night, when my mind was racing, a few of your thoughts passed through our link to me. I think you can guess which ones I'm talking about…"

"Oh…you heard those?"

"Yes… And I'm not upset… it is hard to avoid those thoughts in… that position. This isn't the first time you've had them either, so… we need to talk."

"I'm not sure if we should talk about that."

"Me either, but it is out now, so we need to deal with it."

"Ok… We have been friends for a long time, after experiencing more things with you… I feel …closer to you. I'm sorry… I'm probably just adding another load on your mind."

"Yes…I feel…different… around you, in a good way, I have thought about you… But, I don't trust my mind right now… And before I can even tell you anything… I need to get it in order."

"In other words, you're saying no?"

"What I'm saying is, my mind needs attention, I need time…and so do you. There are at least ten reasons why you shouldn't even be thinking about me. We could spend more time together, though, as friends…"

"So, you're saying 'maybe'?"

"I'm going to say no if you keep annoying me with that question. Why should I say anything, you haven't technically asked me yet…"

"…Good point… we'll talk later, I guess. Do you need help with anything you are looking into for your mind?"

"Not yet. I'll let you know how it's going later."

"Okay… you're making me nervous."

"Well, you made me tell you…"

Robin laughed, "Yeah, I guess I did. Any chance I can make you say-?"

"Don't push it…" Raven replied, "Let's go inside, I need to get started."

"Sure."

They went back into the tower together, talking about the schedule for the day. The other Titans would be learning new attack patterns that Raven and Robin came up with from Robin for most of the day, giving Raven time to do as she would. Even though she had told him plenty already, she wasn't planning on telling him about her trip to her mother's guide. As for the dating idea, she was pushing and pulling it across her mind. Robin was being relatively mature about the entire matter, which she did appreciate. Maybe he was on to something… No. Yes? Ugh. Too much was going through her head; she really needed to visit her mother's guide sooner than she had planned. As they approached the living room, she broke away from his side, saying she needed to get started. Robin smiled and nodded, and then he turned and entered the living room. Heading for her room to get the books, Raven prepared her mind for whatever trial was ahead.

The others were busy with their own activities, so Robin decided to give them a few minutes before he interrupted them. Which would give him time to unwind, his conversation with Raven was still playing out in his head, and he was trying to sort it out while pushing it out of his mind's eye at the same time. He needed to be focused, especially if they were needed in the city. Sitting down on a chair near the kitchen counter, he stared off to the far wall, thinking. Robin felt bad for putting pressure on Raven with his few uncontrolled thoughts about her; it wasn't that he didn't want to think about her, just not then, or now. What did he need to wait for? He wasn't with Starfire anymore, that ended two years ago. It was sudden and maybe misguided, but he thought that he and Raven had spent enough time around each other, and this was just another step for them. He didn't really trust that view right then, he needed some more time to think about it. Where things would go from that point was unclear, which was nerve-racking. Stop thinking about that, now, he thought, he had things to do.

"Hey, what's up?" Terra asked, plopping down on a chair next to him.

"Just getting ready," Robin said.

"For what?"

"…We have…some new attack patterns that I need to tell you and the others about. We can't exactly practice all of them completely because Raven is busy, so I'm picking the ones we can."

"What is she busy with? She didn't come and see me when she got back yesterday, did something happen?"

"Not really, I think someone really irritated her at the bookstore, she wanted to be alone," he lied.

"Oh. That sucks. So, she's still dealing with it?" she asked.

"I don't know, I haven't spoken to her much today," he said, lying again.

"Damn, well, maybe tomorrow will be a better day for her. Now, when are we learning this new attack pattern?"

"In a few minutes, as soon as those three finish the race they're having…"

Cyborg, Beast Boy, and Starfire were playing a racing game and as they reached the last lap, things were getting more intense. Holding first place at the moment was Beast Boy, but Cyborg always managed to pull ahead at the end, and Starfire was still mastering the controls.

"Eat my dust, screw-head," Beast Boy said to Cyborg as he got a boost.

"Prepare to become extinct, monkey-ass," Cyborg retorted as his car fired a missile at Beast Boy's.

"Where did you find that?" Starfire asked.

"Press the blue button after you get a gem and then- Yeah! Who's in first now, circus reject?" Cyborg said.

"Circus what? You're going down!" Beast Boy said.

"I'm moving up…Boo-yah!" Cyborg said as he rocketed across the finish line. "Can't beat my time now, you green fart."

"My car won't move anymore," Starfire said.

"The race is over, Starfire," Terra said, walking over with Robin.

"Oh. Can we start another?" Starfire asked.

"Sorry, Star, we need to learn some new attack patterns now," Robin said.

"Fine…I'll get him next time," Beast Boy said.

"Like hell you could…" Cyborg said.

"Enough, let's start, or we won't get through them all today," Robin said.

(Same drill, Chapter 3 will be up in another week.~RavensMind~)