(Glad Chapter 9 was so well-received! Here is chapter 10. I still have the next three chapters to keep polishing, and I'm falling behind in my own writing schedule. I will finish the story, but I might need more time than I thought. Anyway, enjoy chapter 10! ~RavensMind~)

Chapter 10: Reactions

Entering the evidence room, Robin swiftly walked over to where Cyborg was standing. Robin looked over at the computer screen, noticing that the analysis had finished. Cyborg turned, looking very…concerned? Angry? Confused? Probably all three.

"What did you find?" Robin asked.

"The analysis finished… and the metal link was identified as a piece from a utility belt that Beast Boy had made for himself. I had recognized the link because I had seen him wear it a few times, but I didn't think it was possible…" Cyborg said, handing the metal link to Robin.

"So, the system couldn't find an intruder or break in-," Robin started.

"Because the attacker was already in the tower, one of us. And we couldn't find him during the attacks because he was the attacker," Cyborg finished.

"What about the power?" Robin asked.

"I had it set up to be able to be turned off by any of us wirelessly through our communicators, in the event that the tower was taken from us, so no one could use our equipment against us. He turned it off himself," Cyborg said.

"So, he turned off the power, transformed into some beast we hadn't seen before, and did so to attack Raven…But…why?" Robin asked in disbelief.

"I was hoping you could help me answer that," Cyborg said, "it just doesn't seem real."

"And apparently there is something wrong with Beast Boy's head, he isn't speaking straight, and is talking to himself," Robin added.

"What the hell is going on?" Cyborg asked.

"I don't know… Beast Boy should be in the interrogation room if you want to look into this some more for me," Robin said.

"Sure, man, but why aren't you coming?" Cyborg asked.

"My arm is killing me, I'm going back to stay with Raven," Robin replied.

"She shouldn't be in danger anymore, you don't have to do that," Cyborg said.

"I want to, I need to tell her about all of this anyway," Robin said.

"Okay, I'll be with the others if you need something," Cyborg said.

"Thanks," Robin said, heading out of the room with the metal link in his hand.

Robin walked down the hall to Raven's room. Everything seemed unreal; he wasn't sure if he was actually walking down the hall, or if it was some sort of insane dream. The pain in his arm seemed real, so obviously he must be awake. Why would Beast Boy attack Raven? Sure, they insult each other, but it never went past that. Despite Raven's countless insults towards Beast Boy, Robin knew that she still thought of him as a friend. And Beast Boy never expressed more than a joke or insult towards her, and he let her punch him during training. It didn't add up at all. He opened Raven's door and was surprised to find her awake, lying in bed. Seeing him come in, she smiled at him, and then frowned when she noticed his expression.

"I didn't think you'd be awake…" Robin said.

"I will pass out, but I will recover from it faster than I had last time. Never mind that. What's wrong?" Raven asked.

He sat on the edge of her bed, trying to figure out if there was a way to ease into what he would say, and there was none.

"Cyborg's analysis of that metal link finished…" Robin said.

"So, you know what attacked me, but why do you still look confused?" Raven asked.

"The metal link came from one of Beast Boy's utility belts… We couldn't find an intruder because he was already inside; he shut off the power, turned into some weird beast, and…attacked you…" Robin said.

"What? Why?" Raven asked, surprised.

"We're not sure and if he doesn't start making sense, we might never know. Something messed with his head; it had a role in making him attack you. I just wish I had a clue as to what it was…" Robin said.

"…I'm done. I am just finished with this shit, wiping up after him and the others… When Cyborg gets beamed to another century, Starfire's evil sister, Terra's issues with Beast Boy, and Beast Boy's issues with himself… we can't save them," Raven said, more sad than angry.

"I'm surprised you don't want to tear him to pieces," he said.

"Well, if you haven't noticed, he isn't coherent, I doubt he'd know I was even mad at him if I went over and started dismantling his body piece by piece. Maybe I can't blame him, I don't know what happened, someone might have forced him to do it. So, no, I won't be killing him...at least not today..."

"Yeah. I noticed I wasn't in your list," he said.

"You were never on it for longer than a week or so, here and there… I'm sure I am still on yours though…"

"I want you on there now," he said, smiling a little.

"I'd like keeping you on mine too, but I just don't know if I'd have the energy if I had the others there to deal with…"

"You really want to leave?"

"I think it's time, don't you?"

"Maybe...Terra and Cyborg seem like they would be ready to lead, they've done well without us this past week. I could see us leaving."

"I just don't know what we would do or where we would go. This city doesn't need much attention anymore."

"Well, I know a place we could stay… and a city that could use our help."

"Oh?"

"It's just…That is where my…friend I told you about lives and I don't know if he would want you, or even me, there…"

"I see…That's too bad."

"I need to think about it and I'll call him tomorrow, if you really want to leave soon."

"Thank you…"

"Are you alright?" he asked.

"I will be…I hope," she said.

Raven frowned and looked down at her sheets for a few moments, then returned her gaze to Robin. He looked into her eyes and remembered their interrupted moment.

"Any way I could help you feel better?" he asked, smiling at her.

"Yes…Why don't you come over here…" she said, returning a small smile.

"Absolutely," he said, moving across the bed and lying down beside her.

"Just a second," she said. Raven reached over and gently removed his mask, placing it between them. "Perfect," she said, gazing into his light blue eyes.

"Not quite," he said, unclasping his cape and dropping it on the floor behind him. Raven got out from under the covers and took off her cloak and settled in beside him.

Robin pulled Raven into a kiss. As her lips touched his, she entwined her legs with his and let one of her hands rest on his chest. He felt her ease into it more this time, she wasn't as nervous, he thought. He stroked her hair with a hand while the other slid along the side of her chest to her thigh. Raven leaned out for a moment and moved to straddle his chest. Bending to kiss him, she tugged tenderly at his upper lip and he leaned up, following her movements. He put his arms around her and moved his lips from hers, tilting his head down, he kissed her neck as she ran her hands through his hair. Finding the zipper on her leotard, Robin flicked it with one of his fingers so she could feel it, testing what she would allow. Raven reached around and took his hand in hers from the zipper. With her other hand, she tilted his head up and kissed him passionately. After a few seconds, she twisted them back onto their sides, and gently eased her lips away from his.

"Raven…" Robin said, pausing to look in her eyes, "I love you."

"…I love you, too, Robin," Raven said, surprised that he said it first.

Robin ran his hand through Raven's hair and leaned in, kissing her once more, before breaking away.

"Sorry about the uh, zipper moment…" Robin said.

"It's alright… You needed to know. It's not that I don't want that…Just not yet," Raven said.

"I understand," Robin said.

"I'd love to stay up with you longer, but I'm pretty tired," she said.

"Yeah, I am too, what time is it?" he asked. Looking over to the clock, it read: 8:00p.m. It had been a long day; they hadn't even changed that morning, or eaten anything because of the day's events. "Eight at night…You know, we didn't even eat today," he said.

"Hmm, you're right… Tomorrow should be a better day," she said, sliding under the covers.

"Yeah," he said, starting to get up.

"Where are you going?" she asked.

"My sleeping bag," he said.

"What for? You can sleep here…" she said.

"Are you sure?" he asked.

"Yes, your arm won't handle a sleeping bag on the floor very well... And I want you to," she said.

"Okay," he said, picking up the covers and getting in, laying his head on the pillow next to hers. Raven moved over and laid her head on his chest below his neck, and laying one of her hands across his stomach. "I never thought you would act like this," he said, surprised, placing an arm around her.

"I'm full of surprises," she said, "Get some sleep, we need it."

"Sleep isn't exactly on my mind right now," he said, sliding his hand along her back.

"Then I'll put it there," she said, threateningly.

"Just kidding… Good night Raven," he said.

"Good night Robin," she said.

"Hey..." he said.

"Hmm?" she asked.

"We don't have a long schedule for tomorrow, maybe we should do something..." he said.

"...Robin, I'm about to fall asleep in your arms, I don't think you need to ask me out," she said.

"So, what do you want to do?" he asked.

"Well, I've been laying around for the past few days, besides the attack. I feel like exercising..." she said.

"Not with your wound," he said.

"I'm not an idiot. I won't do anything too strenuous. Just a few laps in the pool."

"I don't think it's a good idea."

"You could swim with me."

"My arm wouldn't let me."

"So keep an eye on me, and practice meditating."

"The others aren't going to believe I'm watching your back anymore, it will look weird."

"We could do it later in the night, while they are asleep."

"I'll think about it. When do you meet with Shadow next?"

"She told me to wait until next week, but I don't think I will. I need to know if this injury affects how my mind will heal."

"Can I come with you?"

"...I'll think about it," she said, echoing his words on purpose.

"Alright. You can swim, if we go to Shadow tomorrow."

"Stop acting like my keeper, and behave like someone I just kissed."

"I'm sorry, but you're not exactly better yet. And I'm still your leader."

"Actually, you're not."

"Huh?"

"If we're both injured, Terra is in charge until we get better."

"Raven..." he said.

"Fine. You can come with me," she said.

Tilting Raven's head up, Robin leaned down and kissed her.

"I just want you to get better. And I want to be there to help you," Robin said.

"I know. I just don't know how I will heal my mind, some of the spells are painful, and it isn't something I want an audience for... Especially if that audience would strangle the person helping me if I was in such pain from her spells," Raven said.

"How much pain?"

"Don't start."

"Now I really want to be there."

"And I want to sleep, can we talk in the morning?"

"Yeah, whatever you want."

"Thank you," she said, tilting her head back down and running her hand across his chest.

"Are you sure you want to sleep?" he asked, taking her gliding hand in his.

"No. But I'm tired..." she said.

"If you keep touching me, you won't sleep, and neither will I," he said.

"I know... I can't help it, or I'm too tired to."

"Me too."

"I'm going to try... Good night, again," she said.

"Good night," he said.

The following morning, Terra left her room, ready for the day, at least she hoped so. Cyborg had been up for most of the night trying to make sense of Beast Boy's ramblings. They decided that she would take over for the next day, as Beast Boy might act differently for her. That was the hope, anyway. It didn't seem like it would work, but then again, nothing seemed helpful. Terra debated waking Raven and Robin, they might have some new ideas. Cyborg told her he hadn't had any luck. She thought that Robin wouldn't appreciate being pulled out of bed to deal with this, especially when he had left she and Cyborg in charge. Maybe she could just ask Raven, although Raven didn't have any clue where to start with Beast Boy's problem. I'll just go and see Beast Boy, first, she thought.

Terra walked into the interrogation room, immediately greeted by Starfire, who happily glided over. Beast Boy was laying in the corner, sleeping.

"Good morning, Terra," Starfire said, beaming.

"Sup Star? Is Beast Boy any better?" Terra asked.

"No. He is still speaking in nonsense. Cyborg said that the security camera caught Beast Boy turn into that creature and try to leave the room," Starfire said sadly.

"The door was secured, so is this room. He couldn't get out even if he turned into a damn T-rex," Cyborg said.

"Cool. What exactly has he said?" Terra asked.

"Nothing I can understand. I tried to talk to him, but he doesn't really answer me. He just talks to someone who isn't there," Cyborg said.

"Perhaps his brain is hurt," Starfire suggested.

"It is, but we don't know how it's hurt, Starfire... Maybe we could test it?" Terra asked.

"Right, because you're a brain surgeon in your spare time," Cyborg said sarcastically.

"Raven, I didn't recognize you at first, I thought you were Cyborg," Terra said, frowning at him.

"The only one who could pass as a brain surgeon in this tower is Raven, but even she doesn't know what's wrong with his head," Cyborg said.

"Shall we ask Raven again? She might know how we could find out what's wrong," Starfire said.

"She said she doesn't. Besides, both she and Robin are injured, so as far as we are concerned; they aren't in the building or part of the team until they are better," Terra said.

"I'm running out of ideas, and for all we know, Beast Boy might be running out of time, so unless you have an idea, I'm going to call Robin," Cyborg said.

"No. We can handle this... Let's take him to the hospital and get his brain scanned," Terra said.

"Are you nuts? They can't handle him, he could turn into that creature again and tear them apart," Cyborg said.

"We need to get his brain checked out somehow," Terra said.

"Yeah, and Raven would know how we could do that here, she even got that machine from the medical suppliers," Cyborg said.

"What machine?" Terra asked.

"That M.R.I. machine, she spent a year reading those medical textbooks so she knew how to use it, and apparently used it on herself," Cyborg said.

"How do you know about it?" Terra asked.

"Because I knew how to hook that kind of stuff up," Cyborg said.

"And you didn't tell me we could look at Beast Boy's head with that earlier because?" Terra asked.

"I thought Raven might've ruled it out for what we needed," Cyborg said.

"Well, we need her now, if she knows what to look for," Terra said.

"Shall I go and get her?" Starfire asked.

"No, I'll go, you two get Beast Boy to that machine," Terra said.

"Got it, come on, Star," Cyborg said, going over to Beast Boy.

Terra left the interrogation room and went down the hall, turning the corner, passing the other Titans rooms. As Terra approached another bend, she heard Robin speaking.

"...you. They can handle the team, there are some who would be willing to join to fill our places. I'll talk to my friend when we get back," Robin said.

Hugging the wall, Terra inched so she could just barely peer around the corner. Robin was standing in front of Raven, just outside of her room.

"I'm worried that they might need to fill a third position, Beast Boy didn't look like he was going to get better. I'd like to help him, but there is nothing physically wrong with his mind; he has to help himself. He wanted me gone. Maybe if I leave, I'll return to normal... Was it some new criminal messing with his head or did he hate me that much?" Raven asked sadly, looking down.

"I don't know, Raven, I wish I knew. Hey..." Robin said, lifting her chin up and looking into her eyes, "We'll figure this out, but whatever happens, I will be with you..."

Terra's eyes widened as she watched Robin kiss Raven, then her mouth fell open when she saw Raven put her arms around Robin and return the kiss. Unable to stop herself, Terra felt a gasp escape her mouth. Raven heard it and broke away from Robin, whirling around to see Terra peering around the corner.

"...Terra...How long have you been standing there, spying on us?" Raven asked, nervously.

"Not very long..." Terra said, stepping into full view, "...How long have you two been together?"

"A week or so... We didn't tell you or the others so we could explore how we felt..." Robin said, turning to stand beside Raven.

"So, the 'bodyguard' thing?" Terra asked.

"My idea... it sounded believable...under the circumstances," Raven said.

"So, are you really hurt, or were the infirmary trips another lie?" Terra asked.

"No, I really was injured," Raven replied.

"Are you leaving?" Terra asked.

"Maybe. We have some things to figure out first," Robin said.

"You two are that serious after a week?" Terra asked.

"Yes, we are," Robin said.

"So...are you...-?" Terra started.

"That is...none of your business," Raven said.

"I guess not... I'm just surprised, really. You two look sweet together, though, especially when Robin carried you," Terra said.

"He what?" Raven asked.

"You fell asleep on the couch and I picked you up, took you back to your room, and then I went to talk to Cyborg," Robin said.

"Shame I wasn't awake for that," Raven said, giving Robin a slight grin.

"If you want me to carry you, then ask," Robin said, returning her grin.

"Umm...I don't mean to change the subject, but I came to ask if Raven could help us get Beast Boy an M.R.I," Terra said.

"It wouldn't help. His brain is functioning properly...well, properly for Beast Boy. He thinks he is talking to someone who isn't there, and who knows what he means while we don't, and that can only mean that he believes he is talking to himself," Raven said, "He has to stop on his own accord."

"Maybe there's a spell you know or-," Terra began.

"There's nothing I can do, Terra...He wants to attack me, maybe if I leave, he'll get better," Raven said.

"Then, you're putting Cyborg and I in charge of the team for good?" Terra asked.

"IF we do leave, yes. You've done well without our help these past few days. I have a few Titans on record who could be good replacements for Raven and I...maybe Beast Boy too. Like I said, Raven and I have to work some things out, first. We weren't planning on telling you anything until we were sure," Robin said, putting his arm around Raven.

"But, why are you leaving?" Terra asked.

"We think it's time. We're all getting older, I mean I'm turning nineteen in a few weeks, Raven is nineteen, you're eighteen, Cyborg is eighteen, Starfire is seventeen, and Beast Boy is seventeen. And Raven and I feel like we've been leading you all long enough, she's tired of the chaos and refereeing, and I am over-stressed from worrying about everyone on top of managing everything," he said.

"So, where will you go, and what are you going to do?" Terra asked.

"Those are the things we need to figure out still. We have some options on the table, but we haven't decided yet," he said.

"And you're going...together?" Terra asked.

"Yes...As surprising as it is to you, Terra, I feel that I need him," Raven said, looking at Robin.

"And after all the time we've spent together, here, I know I'd worry about her, I couldn't leave without her..." Robin said, meeting Raven's gaze.

"I'm happy for both of you. When will you leave if you decide to go?" Terra asked.

"In the next week or so," he said, looking back at Terra.

"What do we do about Beast Boy until then?" Terra asked.

"If you're that worried about him, I'll get him the M.R.I... But I doubt it will tell us anything," Raven said.

"Thanks!" Terra said.

"While you're doing that, I'm going to make a call," Robin said to Raven, "I'll join you in a few minutes."

"Alright. Come on, Terra," Raven said.

Raven put her hood up and walked away from Robin, her cloak flowing behind her. Nodding at Terra, Robin turned and headed down the hall to his room. Terra then caught up with Raven, now walking beside her. They didn't get far down the hall before Terra spoke once more.

"So...how are things between you two, really?" Terra asked.

"Wonderful," Raven said, smiling a little.

"And what's wonderful, exactly?" Terra asked.

"I know what you're trying to ask and I'm not telling you," Raven said, frowning.

"Oh, come on, I'm sure he'll tell Cyborg if Cyborg asks. You're supposed to talk about boyfriends with your own friends..." Terra said.

"Don't care... Not telling you," Raven said.

"What will you tell me then?" Terra asked.

"You can ask me about anything else," Raven replied.

"Was that the first time you kissed him?" Terra asked.

"No," Raven said.

"Thought so... What made you want to be with him?" Terra asked.

"Did you rehearse this interview?" Raven asked.

"No. I'm just interested, I didn't see you two as a couple. I talk to Star about her dates too. So, what made you want to be with him?" Terra asked.

"He showed me how much he cares, and could care, about me," Raven said.

"What do you think made him want to be with you?" Terra asked.

"I couldn't really answer that and I'm not vain enough to try, you'd have to ask him," Raven said.

"Yeah, probably. Um...does his past relationship with Starfire bother you?" Terra asked.

"It has been over for a few years and it didn't go anywhere. They really only went out a few times and rarely kissed, they fought more than anything. She was too foreign to the culture of Earth, too clingy, he didn't want to take advantage, and he ended it. No, it doesn't bother me," Raven said.

"Do you think your relationship will bother her?" Terra asked.

"I don't know, I doubt it," Raven said.

"...Have you seen Robin nake-," Terra started.

"I told you, I'm not answering questions like that," Raven said.

"Why not, really?" Terra asked.

"Because the following question will probably be something like: 'how was he?' And I'm not answering that," Raven said.

"So...you have gone that far..." Terra said.

"I'm not saying that," Raven said.

"Fine... Do you love him?" Terra asked.

"...Yes... Why are you so interested?" Raven asked.

"You're my friends, I didn't see this coming, and I want to know how happy you are," Terra said.

"I'm...happy...you can stop questioning me," Raven said.

"But I'm too excited for you, I can't help it," Terra said.

"Try..." Raven said.

"Are you thinking about having-," Terra started.

"What did I say?" Raven asked.

"...Beast Boy and I haven't...he isn't mature enough, yet. I know Starfire hasn't..." Terra said.

"You won't give up, will you? ...Yes...I'm thinking about it," Raven said.

"After a week?" Terra asked.

"More like 'after several years,' there isn't much more for us to learn about each other, we knew a lot before, so it only seems sudden to everyone else..." Raven said.

"Is he happy?" Terra asked.

"You'll have to talk to him, but I believe he is, I hope he is," Raven said.

"He looked like he was...It won't be the same around here if you both go, we'll miss you," Terra said.

"We will miss you too...There's nothing that says we won't touch base here and there," Raven said.

"Good," Terra said, smiling at Raven.

"Don't tell the others about him and me just yet, okay?" Raven asked.

"Okay…" Terra said.

They walked into the infirmary and almost bumped into Starfire, who appeared to be waiting only for them. Looking past Starfire, Raven saw Cyborg sitting at the M.R.I. controls. Cyborg looked up and motioned Raven and Terra over.

"Hey Rae…Think this will help?" Cyborg asked.

"No. But apparently that's not the point…" Raven said.

"We need to try," Terra said.

"Well, we're all set up," Cyborg said.

"Is Beast Boy set? Is he still…?" Raven asked.

"He's in there. And still insane," Cyborg said.

"I do not understand how this machine will fix Beast Boy," Starfire said.

"It's diagnostic, it isn't meant to fix anything, but it might show us something we could fix," Raven said.

"Why did you get this anyway? We haven't used it," Terra said.

"No, we didn't…I did," Raven said.

"What for? Was there something wrong with you?" Terra asked, worried.

"Nothing it could help me solve," Raven replied.

"So there is something wrong?" Starfire asked.

"Let's just focus on Beast Boy for now," Raven said.

"No. What's wrong, Rae?" Cyborg asked.

"I'm turning on the M.R.I. now…" Raven said, avoiding the questions.

When Raven pressed the button and the machine began scanning, there was a flash of pure red across the screen before it exploded. Quickly shielding her face, Raven stepped back as the others pulled her aside. They heard a loud otherworldly wail and then a harsh, deep laugh sound through the room. Then, everything fell silent, until Beast Boy began talking to himself again.

"Bad. Not real. It was; you heard it. Not really. What? No. Maybe my ears, yeah…" Beast Boy said.

"What the hell was that?" Cyborg asked.

"Maybe you did not do something correctly?" Starfire asked.

"No. That was…not normal," Raven said.

"What's going on around here?" Terra asked.

"I have no idea. One thing I do know: Do not let Beast Boy out of your sight," Raven said.

"Yeah, we won't. So much for the M.R.I…This is going to take a while to fix…" Cyborg said.

"Terrific…" Raven said, frowning.

(Chapter 11 will be up in one week's time, as usual. ~RavensMind~)