Prepare for some subtle, Ravinesque-style cuteness...

* * * *

In the living room, hugs were exchanged all around, excluding of course, Raven. She stood to one side with arms crossed, a surly expression on her face. This wasn't uncharacteristic, but that didn't make it any less down-heartening. The still-rising sun was now pouring through the large panes of glass, shining brightly on the broken shards from the one shattered pane.

"I'm so glad you're okay, buddy!" Beast Boy pounded fists with the revived half-robot, utterly thrilled that his friend was okay at last. "You looked awful!"

"Thanks B...I think," Cyborg beamed back at the changeling.

"Cyborg, it is glorious to see you up again!" Starfire cried, and then tackle-hugged him for the third time. Cyborg didn't mind though – this sort of behaviour was to be expected from the kindest of all the Titans.

"Good to have you back," said Robin, pounding fists as well.

Cyborg turned to Raven. "Thanks so much for helping me, Raven," he grinned. "You're simply amazing." Then, in a moment of tactlessness, he added, "And your mirror is all fixed too!"

Everyone's attention flew to Raven, and she almost cowered under their gaze. "It's okay," she said simply, fighting to hide any emotion. Look away, she thought. Just ignore me...please.

Robin instantly understood. "Okay guys," he said, keeping up a happy facade. "How about you three start making some great party waffles for breakfast?" As he spoke, he ushered Cyborg, Beast Boy and Starfire into the kitchen area. They were smart enough to know what he meant, so they let him be.

When the other three Titans were busy arguing over ingredients in the kitchen, Robin went to stand by Raven at the broken window.

"Sorry," he murmured, as an apology for Cyborg.

To his surprise, she gave him a tiny smile. "You shouldn't say sorry when you don't need to."

Robin smiled back at her. "Well, I guess I learned from the best."

Raven averted her eyes again. "But...it really is my fault, you know. That mirror caused so much damage...I caused so much damage. The city was nearly lost to oblivion."

"Aren't you the one who always says that we cannot change the truth? What's happened has happened, Raven."

"Yes, I know," she replied. "However...I can't stop thinking about it. I was there you know – the whole time – I was each one of those Ravens you met. I remember everything you said – everything that everyone said to me."

Robin blanched a little. "I hope...I hope no one said anything offensive."

There it was again – a small, subtle smile that lit up her face. "No, not offensive, but it's got me thinking. All this time I have been isolating myself; thinking you all call me 'creepy' and that you keep your distance. But the way you have all been explaining things...it's almost like...well, like I'm the one at fault. I'm the one who is supposed to-"

"Raven, stop," Robin held his hand up. "No one – I repeat, no one – is at fault. We're all young, and we all suffer from different things. Just because you handle things differently doesn't make us think you're creepy. I don't know what the others said to you, but I definitely recall telling you that we are your best friends, and nothing comes between that. Stop making yourself sound like a problem that needs to be fixed, and instead work on your friendship. Not one of us will ever scorn you, or push you away – ever. If you want help, ask. And if someone else needs help, offer. That's really all there is to it."

Raven felt chastised, but smiled again at him. "Okay," she said.

"I feel like I keep repeating myself," said Robin, sighing. Then he added quickly, "Don't say sorry to that."

"Wasn't going to," Raven replied, suddenly light-hearted. "Thank you, Robin...again. You're a good leader...and...and you're a good friend."

"So are you," he answered back, squeezing her shoulder affectionately. "Now, would you do me a favour, and look at the door to your bedroom?"

* * * *

Raven had already seen the presents outside her door, but found herself doubly surprised when she approached them the second time. To the right of her door, there were three, small, wrapped presents accompanied by little notes, each signed by one of the Titans, along with an extra – supposedly from Silkie. What were they for?

However, she was sure there had been another present on the left side – she distinctly remembered a rose lying there. How long ago that seemed...it had been less than twenty-four hours. She bent down, scooped up the presents and carried them inside her room. Once inside, she placed them on her dresser, next to the dreaded, handheld mirror that had caused so much trouble the night before. She was about to open the smallest one when she heard a knock on her door. Raven knew who it would be before she opened the pneumatic door, and she rubbed her eyes nervously.

It was Beast Boy.

There he was again, standing abnormally straight-up with both hands behind his back. She could sense him shaking – was it actual fear? No, Robin had already reminded her that they didn't think she was creepy. He must be nervous, then.

"Yes?" She tried to sound pleasant, but she really didn't feel it.

Suddenly, a rose was shoved in her face. Beast Boy held it at arm's length, eyes tight shut. "Um," he choked, through gritted teeth. "I know it's a day late and everything...but I wanted to say it." Here, he cleared his throat and opened his eyes, trying to look suave, but ending up looking a little terrified. "Happy Valentine's Day!" he blurted.

So that's what all the presents were for. Yesterday had been St Valentine's Day...and she'd blatantly ignored everyone's presents. The memory of Beast Boy standing outside her door was held in a new light, and suddenly she felt incredibly embarrassed.

"Thank you, Beast Boy," she said, trying to sound even a little jovial. She took the rose from him and customarily sniffed it, but Beast Boy remained. She looked quizzically at him, and added "It's very, er...nice."

"I...I..." the changeling was choking on his words again. For someone with a big mouth, he seemed to be abnormally timid. "I...got you this," he declared, and held out a present; a small, blue box wrapped with black ribbons. "Don't worry," he added. "It's not chocolate."

She took the box and held it in her palm for several seconds, before realising he was desperate to see her open it. Sighing inwardly, she slid the rose stem through her brooch and began pulling at the ribbons. Beast Boy wouldn't take his eyes off it, and she couldn't help but silently chuckle.

However, when she pulled the lid off the box and saw what was inside, she let forth a loud gasp.

It was a carving. A small one at that, made out of dark walnut – it really did in fact look like chocolate. The dark wood was an intricately carved sculpture of a raven, nestling in the centre of a rose in full-bloom. It was unbelievably beautiful.

Raven stared at it, speechless. Beast Boy wrung his hands, hoping she didn't dislike it. "Sorry if you think it's tacky," he said. "It just...I dunno...I just thought of you when I saw it, I guess."

"I love it, Beast Boy."

"Wh-what? Really?"

She looked up at him and smiled. Not just a small smile – a real, full smile that blew Beast Boy away. He blushed, rubbed his arm nervously, and said simply, "I'm glad."

Before he could prepare himself, Raven's arms suddenly flew around him, and he found himself in a real hug. This wasn't just the one, compassionate part of Raven – this was the whole, real Raven...and she was hugging him.

"Beast Boy," she said softly. "I don't hate you. I've never hated you, so please don't think like that. Everything you've told me – I remember it all, and I'm sorry that I make you feel so terrible. I hope you realise that I really do want to be your friend."

This wasn't happening. It couldn't be...this was real? She was apologising? She was hugging him? Beast Boy suddenly felt very dizzy. But he answered, "It's okay, Raven. How about we just forget about it and start it all over?"

She stood back from him and looked him straight in the eye, and he returned the serious look. "Best friends?" he asked.

Raven nodded, smiling genuinely. "Best friends."

* * * *

Well, I'm afraid that that's the end, my dears. I want to thank EVERY SINGLE PERSON who reviewed, alerted and favourited this story – only you kept this story going! Without encouragement, my default mind setting is "this story sucks..." so you are, in fact, my heroes. I love you so much, and I'm so glad that you enjoyed my story. I'm out of ideas now, since I've written my two-part epic and my "cuteness" story...so if anyone has any prompts, I might just give them a go. Once again, thanks! You make writing ten times more fun. ^__^