Little One, Little Danger
(The Revision)
Chapter 12:
"Double Confession"
Robin got up early the next morning before the others and quickly went through the routine of washing his face, brushing his teeth, etc. He was currently in the kitchen having a bowl of cereal, phone in hand with his thumb hovering over the call button. Here goes nothing; he sighed and hit the button. "Hello?" a voice from the other end of the phone picked up.
"Hey, Aqualad?"
"Hey, what's up?"
"Want to join me for a jog this morning?"
"A jog? Sure, right now?"
"Yeah, why not."
"Okay, give me ten minutes and I'll meet you in the park."
"Cool, see you ten."
{ }
Robin arrived several minutes before Aqualad and he waved the water-teen over. "Glad you could make it."
"No problem." They exchanged a brief fist bump, "So uh…any particular reason why we're taking a jog on a whim all of a sudden?" The two headed towards the provided track.
"Thought it would be a good opportunity to talk about something."
Aqualad raised a brow as they began their jog, "Talk about what?"
"Our double date with the girls."
"Ah." Aqualad grinned, "I guess it was out of the blue huh."
"Yeah. REALLY out of the blue. But I can't seem to figure out why? Sure, in Star's case I had planned to hang out with her, but you—"
"Hey." He shrugged, "I'd like to hang out with Raven too."
"But…" Robin sighed, "…okay, have you noticed anything different about Raven…and myself?"
Aqualad quickened his pace, "Yeah, who could miss that?"
"Then you should know…" Robin matched his pace.
"Know what? That you have dibs on Raven too?"
"What?" Robin blushed, "That's not what I—"
Aqualad grinned, "Then what Robin?"
"Just…just make sure she has a good time tonight." It ached his heart to say it but, what else could he say? "She might feel a little out of her element but…"
"Robin, look…" Aqualad stopped in the middle of their run, "…I get it, but don't worry. I plan on making sure she enjoys herself."
"And what do you plan to gain from it?"
Aqualad raised a brow, "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing." Robin scoffed beneath his breath and started to jog again.
"No, not nothing." Aqualad fell in beside him, "Robin—"
"If we're gonna do this, I have an idea on how we can make sure both Starfire and Raven feel comfortable while having a good time."
The water-teen snickered, "Fine. What did you have in mind?"
{ }
Raven examined herself within the bathroom mirror after going through the morning routine. She sighed trying to figure out why she accepted Aqualad's offer, aside from the fact that they were friends. Though putting the word "date" into the mix felt a little…friends could go on dates so long as they were just that, "friendly dates" and nothing more. She mentally groaned as she thought about Robin's words last night, her response would usually be a "no" so why…? Stop it. Raven shook the doubt out, she was no longer going to let herself ponder over something so trivial. Even if she did have to see Starfire on Robin's arm tonight. Her heart became pained. Raven exited the bathroom and used her telekinetic powers to make up her bed. Next, she got dressed in a black muscle shirt and some dark-blue jean shorts. She headed out and made her way into the living room though no one could be found.
"Good morning, friend Raven."
Raven turned to find Starfire, "Morning Star. Where are the others?"
"Beastboy and Cyborg took little Raiden to the amusement park for the day. But…I have no idea where Robin had gone."
"The amusement park?" Raven sighed to herself as she hoped that they wouldn't bring the girl back all hyped up on sugar.
Star nodded with a smile, "I gave them the idea."
"Yeah?" Raven raised a brow, "Why is…ah. You were thinking about the double date thing tonight."
"Yes. Is that okay?"
"It's fine Starfire." Raven walked around and sat herself down on the couch, "So, what are WE up to today? Robin's gone, so that leaves us with some time to talk or—"
"I am sorry friend Raven." The alien princess lowered her gaze a bit with a blush.
Raven raised a brow, "Sorry for what?"
"For not telling you about the date with Robin and I sooner."
Raven sighed, "Star, it's fine. Trust me. The boy wonder and I are just friends." The word caused her heart to ache a little, "Besides, I saw this coming eventually."
Starfire lifted her gaze, "B-But I—"
"Why don't we take a trip to the mall. I'm sure you're dying to find something to wear tonight." Raven wanted to change the subject.
The girl's face lit up and she smiled softly, "That was be a most wonderful idea, yes."
{ }
[The Park]
Robin and Aqualad had jogged for about an hour and decided to rest on a park bench. The water-teen was tossed a bottle of water which he gladly begun to chug. "Tonight should go smoothly then?"
"Yep." Robin nodded while chugging half of his bottle, "Say, Aqualad…why did you ask Raven out?"
His friend sighed from finishing the cool liquid in its plastic bottle, "Isn't it obvious? Why else does someone ask someone out?" He chuckled once, "I think the girl is cool…I like her."
Robin could feel a nerve being struck while at the same time his heart aching, "You uh…like her? What is it about her that you exactly LIKE?" He tried to mask the irritation in his voice.
Aqualad turned to him and couldn't help but snicker, "Wow, okay. We're really gonna do this?"
"What?" Robin looked at him surprised, "Didn't think that would be a hard question to answer."
"You know what, fine. If you really must know, the girl is great okay. She's smart, intelligent, darkly funny, deep, unique and just plain amazing alright. VERY AMAZING."
Robin didn't realize that the grip he had on his bottle had tighten quite a bit, but he couldn't disagree with all Aqualad had said so why was it so upsetting? There was no way he knew Raven like he did…no, he shouldn't think that way…he shouldn't-
"What color are her eyes?"
"Are we playing trivia now?" Aqualad shook his head.
Robin folded his arms over his chest, "Color?"
"Amethyst, as sparkling as the jewel."
Bastard. "Her favorite drink/"
Aqualad leaned back in the bench with a grin, "Tea, herbal if you want to get specific."
"Her thoughts on smiles?"
"She's not big on them but every now and then she can't help to give one around those she's close to."
What the hell? Robin knew that he was a part of the East but not his team, so how in the world…suddenly answers to questions he didn't even know he knew began to pop in his head. "How does she like to be held?"
Aqualad raised a brow, "What?"
"Gently. The location of her spot?"
"H-Her what?" The water-teen's face flushed.
"Just below the nape of her neck." Robin grinned, "Hugs or kisses?"
"Robin, what're you-?!"
"Hugs unless we're speaking French kisses. Where does she-?"
'Robin?!" Aqualad finally got him to snap out of it, "What in the hell are you going on about?!"
He shook his head, "What? Weren't we talking about why you liked Raven?"
"Yeah, that's what I thought until you started dishing out facts…personal facts at that."
"I was?" He was?
Aqualad turned to the guy whose gaze was lowered with some slight confusion, "How in the world do you know all that about her anyway?"
"I-I don't know." Robin shrugged, "It was like questions and answers just started flooding my head and coming out of my mouth, apparently."
Aqualad sighed while leaning forward, "Robin look…I'm well aware that I might not know Raven as well as you. But the point of this date…hanging out with her, is so that I can get to know her better. Just let me do that alright because I'm definitely willing to try."
Robin suddenly felt like a jerk and couldn't believe he grilled the boy moments ago. "Yeah, I get it. Sorry about all that." He turned to him with a genuine smile, "Go for it man."
"Thanks." Aqualad grinned and the two fist bumped. Even though he knew he meant what he said…Robin couldn't help but feel agitated with both Aqualad and himself, wanting to take those words back.
{ }
[The Mall]
Starfire and Raven had been shopping for the last couple of hours and was now seated at a table within the food court. Rave sipped on a cola, "I have never shopped this much before."
"It is very exciting is it not!" Star smiled widely.
Raven glanced at the girl sitting beside her, "Starfire…you like Robin, right?"
"I uh…" Starfire blushed, "…yes, I do. But I am sure you already knew that."
Raven nodded, "Yeah but, I never really knew WHY you did? Why do you like him?"
"Well, one thing that has stand out for me is his kindness." The girl's eyes softened with a smile, "When I first came to earth, Robin had no problem in making me feel accepted. No matter how many times I would do the 'screwing up'…he'd understand and show me the proper way of doing things. It never bothered him and he never made me feel like I was a burden."
Raven lowered her gaze to her cup, letting Starfire's words sink in. "Yeah…he does do that."
Starfire continued, "Robin he…does not mind that I am different. Never running away from me or rejecting who I am. He can see pass what other males, whether from earth or not, see on the surface concerning outward appearance. I never felt that was something he solely wanted from me."
Raven felt her heart beginning to ache as she remembered the times she shared with their leader. All that he had done for her…never giving up on her, even at her lowest moment. He should've just let her go but…he didn't…she was grateful for that.
"Raven!" Robin yelled as he chased after her. She kept running, trying to lose him. "Raven wait!" he yelled.
She was so stubborn at that time, but she needed to get away from them…protect them from her.
Slade had taken her to the roof a building, showing her the destruction, she'd be responsible for. The Titans would end…the world would end. He soon let her fall and she thought she should perish, but Robin wasn't going to let that happen…he was there to catch her. "Let's go home." His words were soft and genuine.
Starfire waved her hand in front of Raven's face, "Raven? Are you okay?"
"You know Star…" Raven turned to the other girl and gave her a genuine smile, "…no one could've put it in better words than you." The girl was shocked and thrilled at the same time as Raven's smile warmed her heart. Starfire just wanted to embrace her but she restrained herself, opting for a wide smile of her own.
{ }
[Titans' Tower]
"WHAT did you say?" The sternness in Raven's voice was not subtle as a dark aura begun to outline her silhouette.
"N-Now Raven, no need to overreact. She's in good hands." Cyborg was on the other end of the line.
"Good hands you say? Then how did she end up with a cold? If the forecast called for rain, then you two idiots should've been prepared." The dark aura was growing by the minute. "You bring Raiden home right NOW."
"We uh…can't…"
A crack developed within one of the frames of artwork on the wall, "The next words out of your mouth better be a good reason."
"Well, you see, there's this severe thunderstorm warning and we can't fly in that kind of weather. So, we'll be crashing at a hotel."
"Cyborg…" The tone in her voice deepened, "…if you do not haul your ass back here with Raiden, the consequences will be—"
Robin snatched her phone away, "Hey Cyborg, sorry to hear about the delay. Take care of Raiden and get back as soon as the storm let's up, if it does so before it gets too late." The girl was faced away from him, a vein throbbing on her temple.
"Y-Yeah, sure man! Will do!"
Robin noticed the dark aura seeping out of her and sweat dripped down the side of his face as he grew nervous. He whispered in the phone, "Cyborg, you owe me one big time."
"Did hell break loose yet?"
"No, but I really don't want to be around in case it does, so just get Raiden back safe and sound."
"You can count on me man!"
The call ended and Robin took a deep breath before putting on his best smile, "See, no need to worry Raven, Cyborg is on—"
The girl's head slowly turned to face him, eyes glowing in agitation, "Robin…"
He gulped, "Raven…" Robin, you are a man, you can handle this. "…*ahem*…it was for your own good."
"What about Raiden?" Her voice scarily stern.
"She's going to be okay…" Robin cautiously approached her, extended the phone out back to her, "…just, calm down." He placed a hand on her shoulder, "It'll be okay. Trust me."
Raven's dark aura begun to recede and the glowing in her eyes dimmed until gone. She closed them and mentally sighed, "Fine."
Robin smiled, "That's my girl."
"I…" She suddenly felt the blood rush to her cheeks and she turned away from him, "I guess I should just go get ready for tonight."
"Oh…" Robin watched the girl walk away, "…okay."
{ }
Robin combed through his hair as he stood within his bathroom half-dressed. He'd be heading out on the double date soon and he had no idea of what to expect. Not to mention his conversation with Aqualad earlier…he sighed hoping things wouldn't get more awkward. The boy soon exited the bathroom to rummage through his closet for a decent shirt to wear with the black slacks he wore. His gaze soon fell on the chain that was hanging on the doorknob that held his gold friendship ring; should he wear it tonight?
"What's that?"
"What are you referring to?"
He watched the ring swing slightly as he smiled at the memory that came with it.
"Robin…why…?"
"Just to say thanks for being a good friend."
His smile grew as he grabbed the chain, removing it from the doorknob.
"If that's true then…why the date with Aqualad?"
Robin's smile slowly faded away.
"I would assume the same reason as to why you're going out with Starfire."
Robin clenched the ring in the palm of his hand…why was his feeling like this? Why couldn't they just-? "Robin?!" His thoughts were interrupted by someone calling out to him outside his room.
Robin shook the rest out, "Y-Yeah Star?!"
"Are you done preparing? It is almost seven of thirty and we have to leave soon if we are to keep our reservation."
Robin had completely forgotten about the reservation they had made at the bistro, so he quickly grabbed a shirt and threw it on. "I'll be right out Star! Has Aqualad made it here yet?"
Starfire nodded, "Yes, he is waiting in the living area."
The team leader scrambled around his room trying to find his matching shoe to the one he just put on. He threw a tie around his neck and before he made his exit and applied a layer of body spray; he was ready. When he stepped out, he was surprised not to find Star standing in the hall which was empty. Robin hurried down the hall while adjusting the tie around his neck and just as he was passing Raven's room, her door opened. He got startled and jumped back.
"A bit on edge aren't we." The girl stepped out and let the door shut behind her.
"Not at all. I'm cool as a—"
"Please don't finish that statement." She sighed until she caught sight of his unfinished tie. Almost like an instinct the girl approached him and begun adjusting his tie to his surprise. "I thought Bruce taught you how to tie these properly."
"He did, though…" Robin watched her bring up the nicely made knot, fixing it just right beneath the collar of his shirt. He smiled down at her softly, "…you do it better."
Raven then realized what she was doing and stopped herself, lowering a gaze with a blush. "I…I never have before."
"Could've fooled me." The boy shoved his hands into his pants pockets, smile still on his face as he continued down the hallway past her. Raven stayed behind, frozen in place by what just happened. Robin entered the living room and spotted the two who was in wait; he waved. "Hey guys. Ready to do this?"
Aqualad stood and gave him a nod, "As ready as we'll ever be."
"You look handsome Robin." Starfire complimented as she approached him.
He gave her a smile, "Thanks Star. You look very beautiful."
"Smooth Robin." Aqualad grinned, "Real smooth hehe. So uh…did you see Raven?"
Robin pointed his thumb behind him, "Yeah, she was right behind—"
"At the door and ready to go." The trio's attention was grasped as they saw the girl in wait of them somehow.
Robin looked behind him and then at her again, "Raven? When did you-?"
"Don't we have a reservation?" She opened the door and stepped out.
Aqualad was right behind her, "We sure do, so we better start heading out." As he stepped out, his heart nearly stopped as he got a look at her. "Wow…you look stunning."
"Flattery will get you nowhere." He raised a brow with a grin and she couldn't help but give him a faint smile, "Thank you. You look handsome."
"Tell me something I don't know."
"Your ego is showing."
He placed a hand over his heart, "Ouch, it was just a joke, but I'll be careful next time." The water-teen chuckled and her smile became less transparent as the Starfire and Robin trailed behind them. Their leader feeling tension build within himself.
~o~
{Author's Note}
Below is a description of the four's attire:
Aqualad: Long sleeved metallic blue dress shirt, black slacks, elegant black boots, hair pulled back in a ponytail.
Raven: Dark red sleeveless blouse, nice fitting black pants, dark red stilettos, hair is down, same accessories.
Robin: Short sleeved white shirt, black tie, black slacks, black dress shoes, hair is a little spiked, shirt tucked in.
Starfire: Yellow baby doll style dress, yellow pumps, hair is down, yellow cube earrings, clear lip gloss and tan eye shadow
{Back to Story}
[Bistro]
Their party was seated at a table that was reserved while a live band played a soothing tune. Going clockwise staring at the seat to the right sat Aqualad, Raven, Robin and then Starfire. "I know it's not our usual spot but, you ladies feel free to order whatever you like." Robin grinned.
Starfire looked the menu over a bit nervous, "I had taken the opportunity to look at their selections online but…I feel like I am still lost as to what I would like to indulge in."
"You like salads right?" Robin skimmed his menu.
"Y-Yes…but is that not too plain?"
Robin lifted his gaze towards her with a smile, "Not at all, we'll start you off with that."
She gave him a genuine smile, "Thank you."
Aqualad nodded and turned to Raven, "What about you Raven?"
Raven was considering, "I'll have—"
"The grilled salmon topped with pinto habanero sauce with a hint of oregano." Robin completed her order gaining a raised brow from Aqualad.
Their waiter finally arrived and apologized for the wait, introducing himself as Martess. "May I start you off with something to drink?"
Starfire went first, "I will have the beer of root."
"She means a root beer." Aqualad saw the confused look on their waiter's face, "I'll just have a water."
"I'll have a tea, unsweetened." Raven informed, "And the guy next to me that's not drinking water will take an iced tea. Sweetened with only one tablespoon of sugar and two seedless lemons." Martess jotted down each order and the dark-natured girl got odd looks from both Starfire and Aqualad.
"I'll get those drinks right out for you along with our complimentary breadsticks." Their waiter was soon gone.
Robin grinned, "Wow Raven, I'm impressed."
"Don't mention it, please."
"A tablespoon of sugar and two lemons?" Aqualad chuckled, "What are you an old lady?"
"Says the one who ordered a plain glass of water." Robin smirked.
Something bothered Starfire, "You two…it was like you two read each other's thoughts on what you were wanting to order. Did you do the telepathy?"
Raven raised a brow, "No."
"Then how…?"
Robin and Raven exchanged a look, not sure how to answer her question. "Just a hunch." They replied simultaneously.
~o~
1 hour later…
The main courses that were ordered had been eaten to their full so dessert was not on anyone's mind. The live band was playing a more upbeat tune that could be mistaken for salsa. Their group watched as some of the patrons danced on the provided floor, moving ever lively. Raven never understood why people would just partake in such dances. Though she had to admit, watching them do so was entertaining at times. She then caught Aqualad's grinning gaze in her peripheral vision. No…no he was not-
"Raven…" She tensed up hearing his voice in a teasing manner. Robin and Starfire looked their way and their team leader could guess what Aqualad was about to ask. Robin grinned to himself, there was no way that Raven would accept.
"Aqualad." Raven didn't want to turn to face him, "Whatever you're thinking of asking, don—"
He stood and held out his hand, "Dance with me." The girl groaned and finally shifted her gaze to him; he was smiling a little too much. He leaned towards her, "Take a chance."
Was he referring to their conversation at the beach the other day? Raven turned to look at those on the dancefloor…there was no way she could do that. She then turned back to him, though before she rejected his offer…the band's melody changed. It was deep…alluring…dominant. Stirring this feeling inside her that she didn't know was there. The tune coursing through her; the tango. Raven took his hand and slowly stood from her seat, almost mesmerized by the music.
Aqualad smiled as he guided them towards the floor leaving a very shocked Robin and excited Starfire behind at the table. As they made it to the center of the floor, Aqualad's smile immediately dropped, replaced with a serious facial expression as they got into position. One of Raven's hands upon his shoulder and the other firmly in his hand…a foot between them as they stared each other down like they were about to battle. She moved to her left and he to his right making a quite fierce circular motion matching the timing of the music.
"I have not seen this dance." Star smiled.
"She got up…she actually…" Robin mumbled.
The dancing pair, bent a knee, letting their other leg slide across the floor as they lowered towards the ground. Aqualad brought them back up slowly and straightened their positions before pulling Raven close to him. He held her hand beside them as he begun to move forward with her moving back in unison, her gaze now to their side. Robin felt the blood inside him boiling little by little, his gaze on their bodies touching. Aqualad and Raven began to draw a crowd of onlookers as they continued their dance. The volume in the tune got higher as Aqualad spun the girl away from him and brought her back. The arm he held her hand in, extended out as both their heads faced its direction and they moved that way. Raven could still feel the music coursing through her…like she's done this dance before. Aqualad spun her around, his arms wrapping around her waist as he pulled her towards him in a way that was saying she was his, to match the mood of the music of course. She rested her hands on his as she rocked her hips in unison with his own.
Starfire found herself blushing, "Oh…is that what you would call…appropriate?" Robin gritted his teeth.
Aqualad and Raven continued on as their onlookers let out "oohs" and "ahhs" with each move they made. A fierce step here, an attractive aggressive step there, throw in an alluring spin and a sensual hip roll…you had entertainment. As the song neared its end, Raven ended up with the palm of her hand upon Aqualad's chest and they stared each other down once again, moving in a circular motion. They came to a stop as she did some leg/foot work to the melody before raising her arms, giving him the opportunity to spin her one last time. When she stopped, Aqualad positioned a hand behind her neck and the other on her lower back as he dipped her to end out the song and their dance.
After several moments of hovering over her, the crowd that surrounded them erupted in applause and the two didn't realized they were being watched the entire time. Aqualad helped her up and he waved nervously at the crown while chuckling. Raven's face flushed, cheeks bright red as she hurried off the floor with Aqualad following close behind. The band started up a funk tune soon after their departure and gained others on the dance floor. Aqualad and Raven took their seats back at the table.
"That was uh…" Starfire had no words, "…I never witnessed a dance like that. What is it called?"
"The tango." Robin couldn't help the look of disbelief in his eyes as he gazed at Raven.
"Which uh…" Aqualad chuckled nervously, "…I've only done once and it was a long time ago." He turned to Raven readily impressed, "I'm surprised to learn that you knew the dance, Raven."
"Yeah…me too." Robin dropped his gaze and stood, "I'm gonna go uh…to the bathroom." Raven glanced his way and she recognized the tone in his voice…such a sad tone. It made her want to go after him but…it would probably be best if she remained where she was.
Aqualad picked up his phone and caught sight of the time; it was almost midnight. "Crap, I guess we should be calling it a night soon. Promised Bee that I'd help her with some things early in the morning."
"That is fine." Starfire yawned, "We can go when Robin gets back." She turned and gave Raven a nod, whose gaze lingered on the half drunken glass of unsweet tea in front of her.
{ }
[Titans' Tower]
The four stood outside the tower, "This was fun." Aqualad grinned, "But I guess this is where we part ways."
"Goodnight, friend Aqualad." Starfire gave him a hug before entering the tower with a wave.
Robin had his hands shoved into his pants' pockets facing the tower, "Night man." He couldn't look back at him…he just couldn't, if he did he'd…Robin walked into the tower without another word.
Raven could feel her heart ache as she watched him, but it didn't stop her from turning to Aqualad, "Thanks…for tonight Aqualad. Goodnight."
"Raven, hold on…" His call kept her from moving. "I should be thanking you hehe." He chuckled nervously while rubbing the back of his head, "I can't remember the last time I had so much fun with someone."
She raised a brow, "I doubt that."
"I'm serious." Aqualad smiled, "I really had a great time with you. Even though it was the four of us…you were the highlight."
Raven felt herself grow a little nervous as a blush faintly appeared across her cheeks, "I uh…don't know what to say."
"Just say…" He approached her, "…that we'd do it again sometime. Just the two of us."
"We uh…" She could feel her heart rate pick up, "…we shall see."
The boy lifted his hand to gently brush the back of it over her cheek, "You are, TRULY…" He leaned towards her to plant a soft kiss upon her other cheek before pulling back to gaze into her eyes a mere inch away, "…something amazing." Aqualad took several steps back, "Goodnight, Raven." Raven could feel her cheeks burning more now as she watched the boy turn around and head on his way.
~o~
Inside the tower…
Robin had plopped down on the couch, trying to compose himself from the feelings he was still trying to shake off since the bistro. "Robin?" Starfire entered from the kitchen.
"Yeah Star?"
She took a seat on the cushion next to his, "I really…enjoyed myself tonight."
"Yeah?" He turned to her; how could he forget about her feelings for tonight and wallop in his own? Robin smiled, "I'm glad to hear that Star. I did too." To some extent.
"I think Aqualad and Raven did the hitting it off." She grinned.
Her statement just brought back those negative feelings, "Yeah…they did."
"Robin I…" Starfire brought a hand to her heart, feeling it beat quickly within her chest, "…you mean so much to me and…"
Her words brought his attention back to her, noticing that her gaze was lowered, "Star?"
"…my feelings…my feelings for you run very deeply…" She trembled a bit trying not to choke, "…in my heart." The girl slowly lifted her gaze with a soft smile and tears in her eyes, "You do not know…how much tonight has meant to me."
Robin's eyes had widened in shock and his heart ached, but as he looked upon her innocent and loving face…he smiled at her warmly, "I'm sure I do."
"You…you do?"
He brought up a hand to brush away some of her tears, "More than you would know." Robin leaned forward and planted a gentle kiss upon her forehead. When he pulled back, the girl had a look of shock on her face. He smiled softly, "Maybe we can go out again sometime."
"Yes." Starfire closed her eyes in delight, "I would like that very much."
Robin nodded, "Until then, get some rest." The girl agreed as she wiped away the remaining tears and stood along with him. She gave him a hug before flying off in the direction of the hall to get to her room. Robin decided to make his way to the overlook.
~o~
Moments later…
Raven entered the tower and passed through the living room which she thought was empty. Her gaze fell upon a figure standing inches away from the glass of the overlook. He was still awake. "Raven."
She had to admit that she was a bit impressed that he sensed her presence. The girl slowly made her way towards him until she was standing at his side, looking out into the starlit night sky just as he was. "Robin."
"I feel like I need to apologize…"
Raven was confused, "Apologize for what?"
"Back at the bistro I…" He clenched his fists that were in his pants' pockets, "…I left the table to go to the bathroom."
"Last time I checked, going to the bathroom isn't something to be sorry for."
"I didn't go to the bathroom Raven…" He sighed, "…I took a step outside to get some air."
She figured as much…not knowing exactly how but, he did have that look on his face. "Was it the dance?"
"I…" Robin's heart ached, "…I don't know what had gotten into me." He started to remember how physically close to Aqualad she had become during that tango, "Just seeing you two…together like that just…" Robin ran his fingers through his hair trying to calm himself.
"I'm sorry…it wasn't my intention to make you feel—"
"No." Robin shook his head, "You don't have anything to be sorry for Raven…I just…" He sighed, "…dammit what's happening to us?"
"I…I wish I knew."
"And to make matters worse…Starfire she…" Robin lowered his gaze, "…she admitted to having feelings for me."
Raven's heart skipped a beat, "She finally told you?"
Robin nodded, "Yeah and you know what?"
"What?"
"I really…REALLY wanted to tell her that I felt the same way." His words cut her deep as she caught the lump in her throat, her heart beginning to crack. "To reassure her that she was the one in my heart…to hold her close…make her mine for as long as I could…"
Raven could feel those cracks growing as she tried to swallow the lump in her throat and not choke. There was no reason for her to react this way to a fact that she…ALL of them knew for some time now. She couldn't show any emotion…she couldn't cry in front of him again…
Robin could feel his heart ache more as he held back tears himself, "She deserved that response and I wanted to give it to her…but I just…couldn't."
"Sometimes we're scared to take a chance on our feelings Robin…" Raven lowered her gaze from him as a single tear streamed down her face to her dismay. "…don't let the fear conquer you."
"My fear has nothing to do with Starfire." He relaxed his fists, "If I'm gonna take a chance on anything, it would involve being honest with myself."
Raven became a bit confused and slowly turned his way, "Being honest with yourself?"
He smiled weakly at her, "It hurts me to see you cry."
"S-Sorry…" She quickly turned away from him, a slight blush splashed across her cheeks.
Robin moved closer to her, "There's no need for you to be."
"Robin…it's okay if you have feelings for Starfire. I see it…Cyborg and Beastboy sees it. So don't try to—"
"You're right…" He took a step back away from her as her heart nearly sank, "…I do…in some way…harbor some feelings for her."
"Right." Before he could say something else, Raven teleported herself to her room. She rested her back against the door as she placed her hand over her heart; it was racing. What just happened? It was like she couldn't breathe or she might've started hyperventilating. Mediation. She just needed to…several objects within her room became engulfed in her dark telekinetic aura and she couldn't control it. Raven begun to choke, gripping the front of her blouse, looking for a release of whatever emotional pain that wa—
*knock*knock*
A knock on her door startled her…there was no way she could face whoever was on the other side in her current state. She simply turned around to stare at the door, hoping the individual would walk away. The door slid itself open as someone stood there, a look of disappointment within their eyes…crystal blue eyes that were filled with tears. Raven took a step back, "Robin…"
"You were always first to run away before things were settled." He took a step towards her, "Raven…whatever feelings you might think I have for Starfire…doesn't come close to the way I feel about you."
She shook her head, "Robin…don't—"
"Don't what, Raven?" He brought a hand up to brush the tears from upon her cheek as he stepped closer, gazing into her eyes.
Raven had to practically pull out of his gaze to lower hers, "Don't waste your chance on me."
"It's never a waste, Rachel…" Robin lifted her chin so that her gaze would lock with his again, "…if it's for someone you love."
Raven wanted to step back from him, to push him away and act like he didn't say those words…but she didn't. Her heartbeat was more rapid than it was before he showed up. He pulled her closer to him and held her tightly. This could not happen…it would all end in disaster if she…Raven could feel the breath being taken out of her as his face drew closer to hers. She felt his breath brush across her lips…
"Richard…"
"Take a chance…and let me love you." His lips was a mere centimeter from her own…her lips quivered in anticipation…
She exhaled, "Yes…" Robin's hesitation melted away almost instantly as he placed his lips upon hers. Raven let herself melt into the kiss and his arms as he wrapped both around her tightly. Hers linking around his neck while her fingers passed through his hair. The dark aura that had been engulfing the objects in her room receded, but overlayed itself upon them both…sending a sensational spark through them and their lips.