My Hero
Chapter 11
Richards POV:
A week later we had moved into a little house on the edge of Blüdhaven that was almost completely surrounded by woods. Raven chose it, and I was fine with the little house. She was happy here for a few days before she started pulling away and distancing herself from me. I knew she wasn't sleeping at night and hadn't been for some time. But I don't think that has anything to do with it. She still curls up against me at night pretending to be sleeping, but she's gone before I wake up. When she comes back, she won't talk, and she's been getting more and more depressed as the days go on. Ravens said barely five words to me in as many days. When I hear the back door open it was well after midnight. I got off the love seat and left the living room to meet her in the kitchen. Just one glance tells me she was crying recently. "What's wrong?" I ask pulling her into my arms hoping that she'll tell me tonight. She just shakes her head slowly. "I hate seeing you like this…" I tried again, hoping. She rests her head on my shoulder with a sigh. This happened last year too. She became distant and was really depressed for over a month, but she never told me why. Last time she avoided me for the whole month. "What is it about September that upsets you this much Rae?" She looked up at me, her eyes pleading for me to drop it. "Why won't you tell me?" What could be so secret that she isn't willing to tell me? Pushing me away she ran into our room and slammed the door behind her.
I slowly followed her. I walked into our bedroom to be met with a pillow in the face. That pillow was shortly followed a second. Taking the hint that I was sleeping on the couch tonight, I backed out, closing the door behind me.
I laid on the couch for a couple hours, unable to sleep. I knew Raven was across the hall, awake as well. She hasn't really been able to sleep alone since she had first moved into Wayne Manor at the beginning of the summer. She had spent maybe five nights on her own since then. Laying on the couch, I had nothing better to do that try and figure out WHAT it was with September that bothered Raven so much. Thinking through everything I knew about her, I realized that I didn't know her birthday. Whenever I asked her about it she would always tell me that it was either too early for her birthday, or that it went by already. Maybe her birthday is why she hates this month so much, but why would she hate her birthday? Thinking I heard something, I sat up and listened. Going back to the bedroom I wonder if getting a house with only one bedroom was the best idea since this is the second time I've ended up on the couch already. Quietly opening the door I silently approach the bed. I know she's still awake even before she turns over so her back is to me. I trail my hand lightly along her arm, before bending down, placing a kiss on her head, and whisper a quiet 'I'm sorry' and 'I love you'. Slowly standing back up I walk back out the door and make my way back to the couch to finally attempt to get some sleep. Not even five minutes later, I heard the soft padding of Raven leaving our room. What surprised me is that she comes over and lays on the couch with me. I knew she was exhausted, and I wanted her to get a good nights sleep, whether or not she was actually going to sleep tonight, so carefully I scooped her up and brought her back into our room where our king sized bed was waiting for us. With one knee on the bed for leverage and balance, I put her in the middle of the bed. Ravens eyes fluttered open and she grabbed my hand. "You aren't going to leave me again…are you?" Her voice is quiet, almost childish. "No sweetie. I'm not going anywhere." I laid down, wrapping my arms tightly around her small frame. Having an idea, I removed my arms from her, and sat up pulling my shirt over my head, before laying down again. I knew she liked it when I slept without a shirt because she liked the skin to skin contact. It helped her realize that I was real and still with her. I had figured that much out not long after the whole Joker incident.
Raven was still sleeping in my arms when I woke up the next morning. With a smile I kissed her forehead. I hadn't realized until now how much I had missed this. I loosened my grip on her as she stirred. Raven tried to get closer before settling down again curled as close as possible. I brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. She moaned quietly, waking up. With a yawn, she rubbed her eyes. "Morning sleepy head" I whisper. She looks up at me for a second before she slid off the bed and disappeared in the closet. She came out shortly after in sneakers, jeans and a hoodie. "Raven, where are you going?" She pulled the hood up whispering one word, "Out." I stood up and followed her. The storm raging outside caught my attention when a boom of thunder sounded. Putting on a small burst of speed, I caught up with her at the back door and grabbed her arm. "You're not really going to go out in this, are you?" The wind was whipping through the open door. She wouldn't look at me, "Raven...whatever's wrong, you know you can tell me right?" She relaxed a little and I loosened my grip on her arm. She jerked her arm free and ran out the door, into the storm. I stood in the doorway for a second before running back to the bedroom to put on a shirt, coat and pair of shoes. I ran out the door and into the woods. As the storm picked up my nerves were on overdrive.
The wind howled, thunder boomed, lightning split the still dark sky and rain fell in sheets. I could barely see where I was going. It didn't help that I didn't wander the woods very often. There was no point in calling out, she wouldn't be able to hear me over the wind. Looking around carefully I found a newer looking path. Trying my luck, I started down the path. I wasn't sure where she was going when she left, or even why she left. Saying I had no idea of how to find her was an understatement, basically. It wasn't long before the trees and shrubs started thinning out. Coming to the edge of the woods, I found myself on the edge of a small clearing. And it surprised me that it looked, from what i could see, pretty well maintained. There was a huddled figure in the middle of it. Raven was on her knees with her face in her hands, and as I got closer I realized she was shaking. When I stood behind her I saw the headstone.
Here lies Arella Roth.
An amazing mother.
January 23, 1970 - September 17, 2002
"Raven..." I didn't know what to say. "...I'm so sorry." What else was there to say? Her face was in her hands. I knelt down behind her, wrapped my arms around her and rested my forehead against her back. "What are you doing here?" I can barely hear her over the wind. "I came looking for you. I wanted to find you and make sure you were ok." She turned around and wrapped her arms around my neck, crying into my shoulder. I picked her up bridal style and started making my way out of the clearing. I was completely oblivious I the rain now. All I cared about was taking care of Raven. "What are you doing?" Her voice was on the edge of panic. "Im taking you home. You're going to get sick if you keep staying out in the rain." We were both soaked to the bone. It had poured almost everyday this week. "But- but I-" I put a finger to her lips. "Arella would agree with me. I'm sure she wouldn't want you getting a cold, or something worse if you keep this up long enough." My voice was soft as I whispered to her. Ravens reply was a simple six words and yet they told so much, "But i don't want to go." I felt bad for her. "I know sweetie, I know." She didn't say anything for the rest of the walk home.
Kicking the door shut behind me I walked into the living room and sat on the love seat with Raven sitting on my lap. She was soaking wet and shivering. Pulling a blanket over I wrapped it around her. I wouldn't be surprised if she's already sick...she's been out in the rain for three days. I thought as she sneezed. "Bless you." I murmured rubbing her back. She looked up at me, tears still trying to fall. "Can I go back yet?" She was still shivering. I shook my head. "How about we get you out of these wet clothes and have some hot cocoa?" She didn't answer me, merely looked down with a sad sigh. Pulling the blanket away, I pulled the hoodie over her head followed by her shirt. Rewrapping the blanket around her, I picked her up enough to pull her jeans off. "Rae...what was your mom like?" I asked picking her up and bringing her into the kitchen while I made us some hot drinks. "You really want to know?" She seemed shocked. I know I should have asked a long time ago but I didn't want to hurt her by bringing it up. "Of course I want to know." I sat her on the counter while I put the water on to boil for the cocoa. Not long later we were both back on the love seat with our drinks talking about Arella. We spent the rest of the day talking about her too.
"What was your favorite thing to do with her?" I asked. "We would always go out together, just the two of us and ...and celebrate...my...birthday." She was tearing up again. I took her empty mug from her and put it on the floor. "Oh Richard it's my fault! It's all my fault!" That shocked me but I was quick in responding. I wasn't going to let her think like that. "No it wasn't. You said she died in a car crash. You can't blame yourself for someone else's stupidity." She shook her head. "I-it was all my fault." She sobbed. I pulled her closer wrapping her in my arms. She still was wrapped in just the blanket and her bra and underwear. "Don't think like that Raven, it wasn't your fault. How could you possibly think that? You were just a little kid at the time." She looked up at me, "She died because of me Rich..." I ran a hand through her still damp hair. "Why would you blame yourself?" Pulling out of my arms she turned her back to me with her head bowed. "We were going out...to-to celebrate...m-my birthday..." She blames herself. Her birthday is today. Todays the 17th. It's the anniversary. No wonder she never wanted to tell me when her birthday was. "Raven. It's not your fault. No matter what you think, it wasn't your fault." My voice was soft as I put a hand on her shoulder. "Yes it is!" She yelled, standing up to whip around to look at me. "It's because of me that she's DEAD! Me and my stupid birthday killed my mother!" Raven fell to her knees sobbing. "She's gone and I'll never see her again!" I got down on my knees in front of my sobbing girlfriend determined to make her feel better. Gripping her shoulder with one hand, I lifted her chin with the other. "Raven, if you didn't have a birthday your mom might still be here. But if you didn't have a birthday, you wouldn't be here and I wouldn't have thebestgirlfriend ever." She looked me in the eye for the first time in a few days. "And your mom will always be with you, right here." I picked up her still shaking hand and placed it over her heart. "She's always with you Rae, even when you can't see her." Moving my hands to cup her face, I placed a kiss on her forehead. "She would have loved to meet you Richy...I wish you could have met her..." Pulling Raven to her feet I lead her to the bedroom. "Well, how about we go together." Raven opened her mouth to interrupt but I kept going, not giving her the chance. "As soon as it STOPS RAINING!" I gave it emphasis so she knew how serious I was about her staying dry for a while. "I can't wait." Rae had a small smile and I knew i had just made her night and this was probably one of the best birthdays she's had in a while.
Ravens POV:
I crawled in bed next to him after I let the blanket fall to the floor. "You'll always be mine, right Rich?" He smirked. "Of course because you're mine." I rested my head on his chest, surprised how easy I got off. I had figured he would nail me for leaving every morning without him knowing where I was. "Oh and Rae?" I squeezed him so he knew I was listening. "If you ever go off without letting me know where you are like that ever again, you'll find yourself chained to the bed at night with locks on all the doors and windows." I sighed lightly. So much for getting away with it... "I figured but I didn't think you'd go as far as chaining me to the bed." He rolled over so he was on top of me before whispering, "Lets just call it my version of being a protective boyfriend." I giggled as he nipped at my bottom lip. "I can live with that." I murmured before sneezing. Richard rested the back of his hand against my forehead as I sneezed again. "I'm beginning to think you're right." I admitted. "I think I am sick." He frowned at me. "I hope not. But you do feel a little warm. If you seem to get worse we can go get you checked out by a doctor." I tried to push him off me without much luck. But he took the hint and rolled off, laying on his side. Worming closer I turned one of his arms into a pillow while the other wrapped around my waist, holding me close. I was ready to let myself get a good nights sleep. Richard wasn't out all night risking his life anymore. I didn't need to worry about the Joker. After over a week of getting only a light doze every night, I was more than willing to let myself sleep in my boyfriends grip. He didn't leave me alone at night anymore and I loved that. "I love you Richy!" I whispered quietly. "Hm I love you more Raven." Managing to kiss his cheek I whispered, "No, because I loved Robin before I knew he was my boyfriend!" I knew he was smiling as he replied, "Ok Rae. You win tonight."
I wasn't any better the next morning. Richard had taken me to the doctors, and I had been diagnosed with walking pneumonia. The doctor gave me antibiotics and told me to take it easy for a few day while my body fought it off. Now three days later I was currently curled in a chair in the living room with a book in my hand. Richard was sitting at the computer a few feet away. Finishing the book I looked out the window with quiet longing. I wanted to go to the grave. "Rich?" He was focused. Lets see how focused he is, maybe too focused. "Yeah Rae?" He sounded distracted. This might just work. "I think I'm going to go lay down." I threw a yawn in to make it a bit more convincing. Casting a quick glance at me over his shoulder he nodded. "I think that's a good idea. I'll come join you in a bit." Getting off the recliner I went and kissed his cheek before walking out of the room. Instead of going across the hall to our room, I turn left making my way to the kitchen. Slowly I crossed the room. My hand was on the nob when I jumped. "Nice try Raven." Busted! I hung my head muttering, "And to think I actually thought you bought that." He came and put a hand on my shoulder. "You should be resting, not trying to sneak out of the house." He put his hand to my forehead. "You're hot, and you look pale." I could hear the concern in his voice. We walked back to our room where I laid on the bed and he went into the private bathroom for a shower.
I stood at the bathroom door, nervous. I knew what I wanted but I couldn't seem to make my legs work. Taking a deep breath, I quietly entered the bathroom and was met with a cloud of steam. I could see his silhouette through the shower door. The silhouette was washing its hair when it suddenly stopped. "Rae, are you ok?" I stepped closer to the door without replying. "Raven?" The shower door opened. I looked self consciously at the floor and took another step, stopping at the edge of the rug. I was in one of his shirts and nothing else. All my scars were exposed which didn't help my confidence but I knew they didn't bother him. "Raven...?" I looked up at him. His blue eyes locking with mine. He reached a hand out cupping my cheek and pulling me closer, into his arms for a kiss. "I think I'm ready." I finally whispered when we broke apart for air. He smiled and gently tugged the already soaked shirt over my head, leaving me completely bare. I stepped into a corner of the shower and wrapped my arms around my chest, embarrassed. "Hello beautiful." His voice was soft and sincere. He stood in front of the spray, gently removed my arms, leaving me exposed and blushing. "You're adorable when you blush." I finally looked up at him. "I'm beautiful?" My cheeks were bright pink. His smile faltered momentarily at the question. "You're the most beautiful girl I know." He kissed me again and turned us so I was under the spray. Reaching for my vanilla soap he started slowly washing me up. I tensed up. "Relax," He laughed lightly and I finally was starting to relax a bit, enjoying this. "Do I get to wash you next?" His eyes were twinkling with laughter. "Hmm...yeah. I would say that's only fair." He soaped up his other hand and carefully washed my still pink cheeks. Next he pulled me flat against him and I tensed again before I realized he was washing my back. I could feel him linger over some of the scars there as he went. He slowly washed every inch of me. "I think I'm cleaner now than when I wash myself." I mused quietly as he gave me the soap. He smirked, "Then maybe you should shower with me more often." I slowly started washing his back. I hadn't realized until then that I wasn't the only one with scars. "Richy...what happened?" I had never noticed them before. He turned to face me. "Back from my nights as Robin." I paled realizing that he could have easily been killed without me even knowing. I went on my toes and kissed him, wanting reassurance that he wouldn't disappear. I wrapped my arms around his neck and felt my feet leave the floor. I pulled back from the kiss, I was sitting on his arms with the spray pounding at my back. Wrapping my legs a little tighter around him I smiled. All my nervousness from earlier was gone. The hot spray disappeared and I shuddered from the sudden cold. Nuzzling the skin at his neck I relaxed. He was so wam. He walked out of the shower and set me down on the sink but I didn't want to let go yet. He reached over tio the towel rack and grabbed a fluffy light purple towel and started drying me off. He dried off my chest and smirked whenever a light moan would escape me. When he had finished drying both of us off he lifted me off the counter and I wrapped my arms around his neck again as we crossed the room to our bed. With one hand still under me, he pulled back the blankets and laid me in the middle of the giant bed. "Are you sure you want to do this?" He asked while he searched for any sign of hesitation in my eyes knowing that is the only place it would be found. Taking a deep breath I nodded. "I'm ready." And with that he kissed me. We spent the rest of the night making love and whispering sweet 'I love yous' to each other.