SQ: Hello my wonderful readers, thanks for the comments and deciding to favorite/ follow my story! I hope you continue to like it. This chapter nods to the femslash goodness in the very beginning. You have been warned.

[Chapter 7: Raven's Decision]

Raven tossed her covers aside; sweat beaded on her forehead and neck. She wiped her hand across her skin and pushed the sheets farther down. As if that would help her. As if anything other than Starfire could in this moment.

Warmth seared through Raven's body, her power spiraling to the very tips of her fingernails, straining against her pores, against her will. Wanting more than to be just let free, but to be satisfied in a way that made heat creep up Raven's cheeks. Of course she wanted Starfire in that way, body on body, sweat slicking the curve of a breast, tasting every inch of her.

No.

Raven sliced that image out of her mind and pushed her powers down. Another bead of sweat leaked from her forehead. It wasn't right to fantasize that way. Not without Starfire's permission. Archaic maybe, stupid definitely, but Raven couldn't help feeling guilty about thinking such thoughts. If Starfire didn't know… it just didn't feel right.

Raven sat up and threw her pillow across the room, lashing out with a single strand of power. A tiny amount, insubstantial in the scheme of her strength. Darkness whipped out of her, wrapped around the fluffy pillow and ripped it to shreds like a dog ripping into a toy. Except this dog came constantly at her heels and didn't want to stay down.

No. It seemed like the only way she'd find peace was to tell the gorgeous alien how she felt. Her chest tightened. Her conversation with Robin a few hours ago flashed through her mind. The anxiety of it all. But if telling Robin had been difficult… how could she possibly confess to Star? Her bright green eyes surfaced in Raven's mind and she let out a laugh. Star would probably think it's a joke, tilting her head to the left like she always did, confusion darkening her eyes to jade instead of emerald. Raven's breath caught. It wouldn't be difficult, it would be impossible. Her heart pounded even now, even at the thought of telling Starfire how she felt. But her power thrashed against her skin, wanting to be set free of its cage.

What if she hurt another bystander? Or worse, what if she hurt her friends?

Her logical mind took over, as it so often did. The others took it well enough. She had confronted the boys in the workout room just an hour earlier.

"You're gay?" Cyborg arched his eyebrow. "And you're hot for Starfire, right?"

Raven's mouth fell open. "How did you know?"

Beastboy smirked. "Aw, come on, Raven, you're not that good at hiding your emotions."

"Pah, tell me about it! You're powers go haywire every time you see that girl." Cyborg winked. "And I gotta tell you, you have a good eye."

Beastboy wheeled around, dropping his weights to stare at Cyborg laying on the bench press. "You've got a thing for her too?"

Cyborg sat up. "She's a green skinned, green eyed alien who can shoot energy out of her palms and fly and likes real food? Who wouldn't like her?"

Beastboy twisted around to look at her. "Am I'm missing out on a club or something?"

Cyborg got up and clapped him on the shoulder. "Don't push too hard or Raven'll power you through the wall."

Raven stepped forward and started to speak when Cyborg smiled at her. "I'm only kidding, Rae, don't worry about it."

"Yeah, go after her all ready."

Although grateful they accepted her, Raven still crossed her arms. "You two seem too keen on me talking to her."

Cyborg and Beastboy shared a look. Beastboy smiled. "We've played through our games and need a new form of entertainment…"

"At least until the new system comes in." Cyborg added.

Entertainment? Raven narrowed her eyes. But the goofy smiles on both of their faces melted her anger. "What do you think I'm going to let you watch?"

"Pah, you've been hiding that you're gay. You could have all sorts of weird fantasies." Cyborg sauntered over to her, flexing his muscles. "Ever have a thing for robots?"

Beastboy leapt up, green fur spreading over his face and body, changing into a tiger. "Or a furry cat fetish?"

Raven flicked her power out just an inch and snapped them both away. But a grin curled her lips. "Sorry, there's only room for one."

The boys laughed and waved her tendrils of power away from them. "One fantasy you mean?" Beastboy said, wiggling his eyebrows.

Heat rose on the back of Raven's neck and traveled across her cheeks. She spun on her heel and walked out before the boys noticed but not before giving them a rare smile and a nod of thanks.

Raven picked at the sheets at the base of her bed. They had made it easy. They were more interested in what would happen with Starfire than with Raven's confession. But, of course, that's what it all came down to at the end. How would Starfire take it? Taking a deep breath, Raven stood.

There was only one way to find out. She opened her door and stepped out into the dark hallway.

SQ: Comment if you like it! Constructive criticism is always welcomed, too, of course. If there's a way to make this story better, let me know. Thanks for reading!