Author's notes - hi guys! This story is so much fun to write, and I really love writing it. This week flew by, and the weekend's going by even quicker. Happy Easter everybody!

...

Richard couldn't believe it. The facts had been right under his nose, but he was oblivious to them all. Raven called him Boy Blunder, a mistake Rachel had made. And come to think of it, Red X made an appearance in the diner that night that Rachel had to flee, but Richard never thought anything of it.

Until now, at least.

She knew his name, that night that he had saved her from the hero. And when she said he was capable of holding a conversation, she hadn't meant that night on the roof that she had saved him.

She meant the night they went to dinner after the bar.

Even at a different time of day, they both had to bolt on their... Date? Social gathering? He didn't know what to call it, but all he knew was it always got interrupted, and always by the heroes.

Always those damn heroes.

He was aware that his body felt warmer and everything became brighter, something crunching under his feet. Richard looked next to him, Raven in her human form rather than her villain one. They were in the woods somewhere, it couldn't have been far from the dock.

"That was a close-" Raven's sentence was cut off as Richard grabbed her arms and slammed her into a nearby tree.

"Why didn't you tell me?" He demanded, pushing his face closer to her own.

"Tell you what?" She laughed. "You mean you wanted me to tell a man, one that I found highly attractive, that I was a half demon sorceress? Sure, because you wouldn't have been freaked out at all."

"I meant after we met. When you saved my ass."

"I didn't know that was you. I didn't have any idea who you were until you told me your name after X attacked me."

"So why didn't you tell me then?" Richard was still in her face, and it seemed he wasn't planning on moving away until he had his answers.

Or until Raven's extra eyes made an appearance and startled him, causing him to stumble back a few steps. "I wanted to be sure."

They fell into an uncomfortable silence, Richard staring at the ground, while her eyes were trained on him. Raven could feel Richard's anger, his frustration, she even caught a little hint of betrayal. But, all that faded, and was replaced with hurt.

Finally, Richard raised his eyes to meet hers. "Were you ever going to tell me?"

"Richard." Rachel took a step closer, reaching for his hand. He flinched at the contact, but Rachel held onto his hand. "I wanted to be sure. I didn't want to scare you away."

Richard nodded, closing his eyes for a moment before opening them again. "Nothing could have scared me away from you."

Rachel gasped, tearing her eyes away from his, berating herself for blushing.

"You can't run forever, Little Bird!" The voice was close, tearing the two villains away from each other. They saw the black blur closing in on them and exchanged glances again.

Rachel took Richard's hand and he felt the darkness wrap around him again.

...

They landed on the rooftop of his apartment building, Rachel still grasping his hand. She pulled him to the entrance, both of them running down the stairs and to his floor. She flung open the door with her powers, slamming it behind them.

They leaned against the door, shoulders touching, both of them breathing deeply. The exchanged looks, then burst into laughter.

"So you blew off the first night because he showed up?" Richard asked, looking over at her.

She nodded, laughing. "And you blew off the second night because of Slade, who then found you later in the alley."

"Which, you saved my ass from." He smiled at her, finally pulling away from the wall.

"Gladly, saved your ass from." She returned the smile.

"So," Richard began, picking up her hand in both of his, playing with her fingers, "I'm beginning to think that we can't have our date in the city."

She chuckled, shooting him that sinful smirk again. "I think you're correct."

"Well, since we're in agreement, why don't we go somewhere outside the city?"

"That may be the best idea you've had all day." She smiled again, taking his hand as he led them back onto the street.

...

Raven snorted into her hand while her other smacked the table. "You can't be serious!"

"Dead serious." Richard replied, laughing as Raven laughed even harder.

"You seriously slipped Slade a muscle relaxer?"

"Yeah, it was great. I kept running from him, and then he just got really tired and dropped. Of course, the joke was more on me, because I had to carry him to the nearest hospital and just leave him there."

Raven laughed again, covering her face with her hands. Richard picked up his drink, emptying his glass and setting it back down, looking to find Raven staring at him.

"What?" He said, feigning worry. "Is there something on my face?"

She chuckled, shaking her head, a few strands of pitch black hair falling into her face. "No, it's not that."

"Then what is it?"

She was quiet for a few moments, spinning a small ring on her finger. "I don't know, honestly."

"Hmph." He uttered, crossing his arms. "Fine then, don't tell me."

She laughed again, casting that sinful smirk his way once again. "It's hard to explain. I'll try another day, I promise."

Sighing, Richard uncrossed his arms and have Raven an eye roll. "I guess I can wait for it." She laughed and his blank expression broke, a smile lighting up his face.

"I do believe we should be heading back soon."

"Oh?" He questioned.

"I have a job, and I cannot be late for it."

"Ah, I understand. Then, may I escort you home, Rachel?"

A faint red color spread across her face. "I suppose you could."

He smiled back at her, standing from the table and taking her hand.

...

Rachel lived in an apartment complex, much like the one he lived in, only a few miles away from his. He walked her up to her floor and paused by the door.

"Well, I guess I'll see you around, Richard."

"Oh, I guarantee you'll be seeing a lot of me."

She smiled at him, her hand still in his. "Goodnight, Richard." She tugged on his hand, pulling him closer. She reached up on her tip toes, pressing her lips to his cheek.

Something inside of him snapped. His hands gripped her waist and pushed her back against the door, leaning down and pressing his lips against hers. Shortly after, her hands tangled in his hair, pulling him closer. His tongue traced across the seam of her lips, hers darting out to meet his.

He pulled away reluctantly. "Goodnight, Rachel." He whispered, pecking her lips once more before taking a step away from her.

"Richard?" She asked, seeming to be out of breath.

"Yes, Rachel?"

"I get off work at six tomorrow. Would you like to-"

"I'll be here at six thirty." He smiled at her. She returned it before turning her back on him and opening the door.

Richard wished every night could be like this.