AN: Hey guys! I'm back! Sorry I haven't posted in awhile. It's been a crazy summer, and I know, I kind of made a promise. I was in the hospital for a while. But I am better now, and then I had my acting school to go to. But that's enough of my random banter. I do not own the Teen Titans, if I did, Raven and Robin would be together, and there would be a live action movie with myself as Raven.
I was stunned. His apology was not something I was expecting. Normally when Robin, or should I now say Richard? Does something wrong and he needs to apologies he does it formally, and over the type posh. Except for with Beast Boy, only because BB's brain is so, well BBish. There's really no other way to describe him. I mean, he never went to school, and learned American History off of a cereal box. I know this doesn't sound like me at all but it's true. Oh and here I'm rambling and Robins looking at me like I'm an idiot. Great.
"Heat of the moment Robin." I replied. Okay, so I don't exactly forgive the guy. And I have no other idea on what to say. Am I supposed to reply "Oh don't worry about it. I'm to in love with you to really care. Now get your cute little ass in my bedroom and let's have a sleepover?" Believe me, if I let Lust and Love coincide with my feelings and my mouth, who knows what will happen.
"No Raven, you can't just shrug this off and act like this was nothing. I obviously hurt your feelings. To tell you the truth though, I don't know how it happened. I have been going over it in my head and haven't come to a perfect analogy." I take back what I said. This apology is obviously a subtle way to investigate what was going through my mind at the time. He can't and won't find out, if there's one thing I am good at, it's hiding.
"Do you really want to have this talk right here and now? In a hallway, with your mask off. Being unprofessional?" My monotone voice soft and gentle but had some form of demanding and lust. Was I just suggesting he come in my room and talk? Oh for the love of Azar, help me against these damn emotions.
"Can I come in then?" Richard asked. No he can't, I… well, I want him to, I really do. It's just, Starfire. That crazy annoying red haired naïve alien.
"No" I then went in my room and slammed that door in his face. I was grateful these were real doors and not those sliding ones at home. It really was a beautiful house; to bad my nature of shielding myself away from everyone will prevent me from exploring.
*Two hours later.
It was late. And I being an insomniac was bored. I forgot to pack books, and I usually read when I cannot fall asleep. I think Bruce mentioned a Library? I started to walk downstairs, and then I felt a presence behind me and turned around sharply since I didn't recognize the emotions or mind.
"Sorry Ms. Rachel. I heard you coming and wanted to make sure you didn't get lost." It was just Alfred, I breathed a sigh of relief.
"Yes, sorry Alfred. I was looking for the Library. Bruce mentioned one, and since I forgot to bring my books I figured I would look and see his collection. And grab some tea on my way back."
"Ah, well the Library is down one more flight to your left. As for the tea, it is my job to serve, so I shall be getting that for you. Any preference on it? Herbal? Earl Gray? We have everything. My favorite is the Apple Cinnamon herbal tea." That sounded perfect.
"I will try the Apple Cinnamon please. And thank you so much Alfred. I'm not exactly used to being waited on." I gave the old man a half smile for his kindness.
"It is no problem. You wouldn't mind me joining you for tea would you? Master Bruce is out saving the city and Master Dick is as you teenagers say, sacked out. And Master Bruce finds you intriguing. I must agree, you seem as much of a mystery as the joker himself. Just must nicer and better looking." He smiled. His attempts at humor aren't so good, but the butler was a very nice man. Seems a little lonely though.
"Company would be nice thank you." I smiled. He nodded and walked off. I followed his directions; sure enough I came to the biggest Library I have ever seen. It was amazing. Bruce must have been a big reader. I found a couple books, and brought them back into my room. I walked back downstairs and into the kitchen where I smelt the tea being brewed.
"It smells amazing Alfred." I voice made the poor man jump. I forgot that most people are not used to how quiet I can be. The monks of Azarath always taught me silence was the best weapon. So now I am a walking portal that can use silence as a weapon. Wonderful.
"Ms. Raven, you startled me. I should have gotten used to that by now. You know, from working the Batman himself. But, it's an old mansion. Normally sound can travel." He handed me my drink and I took it gratefully. To my surprise it was the best tea I ever had in my life.
"Have you ever done this with Richard or Bruce?" I asked. I was trying not to make it to obvious I wanted to find out more about Richard, but I'm sure Alfred saw right through me because of that smirk he had on his face.
"No, not as of late. He's very found of you though." I have to admit I was confused at this statement at first. But after a minute I seemed to have figured it out.
"Richard?" I asked. And he nodded and took a sip of his tea. I did the same, trying not to show how amazing and wonderful I thought that was.
"In all the letters that we received, he always talks about you. Bruce was really looking forward to one day getting to know you, but under the circumstances he has to put that on hold." I took another sip of my tea before answering.
"Bruce did not seem to key on Starfire. Why is that might I ask?" I was extremly curious. Did her speech or bubbly personality make her a terrible companion to his adopted son in his eyes?
"Ah, well. I cannot tell you all of it. For I do not know all, but Master Dick is a good man. And Bruce does love him very much, even when they do not see eye to eye. But Bruce does see himself in the boy, and that scares him. But also helps him understand him better." He then pauses and takes another sip. I watch and listen intensely.
"He doesn't want him to make a mistake?" I guessed. I really hope I'm right, and that Richard would see that Star isn't the girl for him. Even if he ends up not picking me, I would rather not see him with my best friend ever day. I know it sounds selfish, but I wouldn't be able to stand the heartache everyday for as long as we are the Teen Titans.
"That is part of the reason. But I believe the real reason is that he is more disappointed that Master Dick isn't with you." I froze. With me? Bruce thinks Richard and I have more of a chance together than him and Star? My heart is speeding up; soon I think I will go into cardiac arrest if I don't control my emotions.
"Bruce thinks we would make a better couple?" I asked slowly.
"Bruce couldn't think of anyone better. You both have such similar personalities, or at least that's what we gathered from the letters we have received. But even now I can tell that he would be even happier with someone he doesn't have to hold things back because they wouldn't understand. Ms. Starfire seems like a very nice young lady, but nice isn't exactly the type of personality that is compatible with Master Dick." Alfred then got up and brought his cup to the sink.
"He needs someone like you. He just hasn't realized what's right in front of him. But don't worry. I'm sure soon he will. You two have a bond, and if my memory serves correct, you can feel what the other feels. Use that to discover, even if that means opening up a part of yourself that you would rather have kept buried." I sat there for a moment in silence while Alfred cleaned everything up. It was very late, and surely the Butler would like his rest after waiting on everyone all day.
"Now Ms. Raven, I do think it is time for both of us to get some sleep. Things must have been hard for you lately, and perhaps a nice rest might help." And with that he walked out of the room with a proud look on his face. I followed a few minutes after, still in a daze from what I just heard.
Back in my room sleep came a lot easier. I have no idea why, or how. I would like to blame the tea. But it was probably what Alfred said that might have put my mind at ease. In a way this little trip is like a vacation. Only Bruce is at the Asylum and we are waiting word that we should intervene. It's been hours, but there has been communication going back and forth between Alfred and Bruce all morning. I used my powers and reached into Richards mind to see if Bruce was all right. I didn't do it without his permission though, I hate it when people invade my privacy, and so I didn't do it to Richard. He allowed me in, but not without putting a block on something in his mind. I'm not sure what, obviously, because it was blocked. It made me curious, but I will not press this matter farther.
I finally made it out of my room when I smelled Breakfast. Or possibly lunch, either one was all right with me because my stomach was growling worse then rage on a good day. I walked downstairs and the first thing I heard shocked the hell out of me.
"Boyfriend Robin, you have blue eyes. They are most attractive." A round of agreements and "Never pictured you as a blue eyed man." Comments went around the room. But that isn't the part that shocked me.
Suddenly a figure entered in the room. No longer in cowl but covered in bruises and cuts, came Batman. Gasps were heard around the room. Me I just raised an eyebrow and walked in and sat down at the table.
"Guess we weren't needed after all." I replied. A slight smirk could be seen on the dark knights face.
"Sorry to disappoint. And sorry you were called out here for nothing. But I needed good backup incase things got ugly." I raised my eyebrow up and down as if I agreed.
"The only thing that got ugly were those bruises." Replied Beast Boy with a mouth stuffed full of Facon.
"Beast Boy!" Screamed the whole team including me.
"I am going to go and get washed and changed. Perhaps I can finally get to know your teammates a little better chum. The one I am most curious about though is Raven." He then turned and faced me again. "What do you say to the two of you meeting me in my study once Brunch is all finished?"
"I can't object to that sir. But it's been a hard day and night. You do not want to catch up on lost sleep?" Concerned about the man, I couldn't help but ask. Though he is the Batman after all. He can go a couple more hours on sleep.
"Think nothing of it. Sleep isn't my main concern at the moment." And with that he started to walk away.
"Sir! Do you not wish to get to know me? I am the girlfriend of your son." Star said beaming up at Bruce with such longing.
"For now I would like to just talk to these two alone." He didn't even look back, he just walked straight up the stairs and I'm guessing to his room.
"Don't worry Star. I told Bruce a lot about Raven. And about you too. He probably wants to talk about our bond. Nothing to worry about. I'm sure he would have invited you, but the bond is a very personal thing." He gave her that half smile that I love. His hair slightly falling in his eyes because he has not yet styled it up. I feel the blush creeping into my cheeks, and walk away. I grab some tea, and toast then make my way back into my room to get dressed.
I was wearing a simple black t-shirt and black jeans and boots. Along with a blue hoodie for comfort reasons. I heard a knock on my door, and for once opened the door all the way. There stood Dick Grayson, not Robin like I am used to but the man behind the mask. The only man to steal my heart away from Robin. And of course they're the same person, but act like two different people. Therefor I can say, "I am in love with two men who are one in the same."
"It's time to go meet Bruce" I nodded and followed. The study turned out not to be the Library as I was expecting. But an office like area with just as many books.
"Alfred told me you like books. I thought a meeting in an area comfortable to you would be nice. The Batcave tends to be very intimidating to some people." Now I can see the Bruce charm, and not the hard façade of Batman as he showed towards Star. How can someone be so open to me, and so cross with someone as sweet as Star? It just feels odd. I guess I am not used to it, but I can't say I hate the idea of having someone like me better then they like star.
"Yes, this is a very uh comfortable space." I said. Bringing my hood to my head, I felt more at home and at peace. Even if my father has been defeated I still tend to fall into the small space of darkness that my hood gives me.
"Please sit." Bruce gestured to where Richard was sprawled out on the sofa. I went and kicked off his feet. He gave me a look, and as soon as I sat down he put his feet back on my lap. Does he really think he can just play this off like it is nothing? I haven't exactly forgiven him yet. Or did he take the asking to go into his mind to see how his fathers doing as a forgiveness?
"So before we get into all that heavy talk about this bond you two share, I have some questions for you Dick. And from your letters you just about tell Raven everything. So I didn't think you would have a problem with her being here." He gestured towards me as he said my name.
"While we are not in battle or in the tower. You may call me Rachel. If Robin goes by Richard here, I shall go by Rachel." Richard casts me a sly grin and I couldn't help but smile back slightly. I felt a slight blush creep into my cheeks and prayed to the monks of Azarath that he couldn't see under my hood.
"So, what's your question pops?" Richard joked.
"Are you really in love with Starfire?"
AN: Well guys here it is! More to come hopefully sometime this week. Maybe even tomorrow if I can get it done! What do you think? What do you think Richard will say? Will Raven and Richard ever work past this issue? I love the idea of Alfred playing matchmaker and Bruce kind of going along with it. My original plan was that they would all help out at the asylum. But then I thought to get more into the character and less into the action. This is going to be a very long story which is why my chapters are so short. Action will come soon. And hopefully some fluff along the way. ORRR I might just break poor little Ravens heart and make Robin go with Starfire. You never know what's going to happen! I want to hear all of your opinions on what you think will happen. The person closest will get a shout out!