Phew, this one is long! A LOT happens in this one, lol.

I'll keep this short and sweet, a huge THANKOU for the favs/follows/reviews! xD

I'll try to update again 'till the end of the week and then I'll probably need to take a short hiatus.

Happy reading and HAPPY HALLOWEEEEEN! xD

Oh, one last thing hehe. Is anyone an artist? I'll be Raven for Halloween and I might be interested in a drawing or something. PM me!


Against All Odds

"Are you still looking for constant immediate gratification to distract from your pain?"

The Changeling chuckled sheepishly at his therapist. He was definitely still partying a lot. And having a lot of meaningless sex. And smoking weed nearly every day. "Uh…maybe? I mean…just a little bit."

She raised an eyebrow at him.

The shapeshifter folded his arms. "I thought you weren't supposed to give opinions and stuff."

"I have no idea what you're talking about. Now, have we discussed your adoptive family?"

"Ah…" Garfield frowned. "That's a difficult subject."

"How about your ex? You know, the one that's a criminal overlord now."

"That's also difficult to discuss."

"Your team, then. Is Nightwing still giving you a hard time?"

"Oh, yes. I actually don't really want to talk about him either."

She laughed slightly. "What do you want to talk about?"

He grinned. "I've been doing better at training. Way better."

"Have you been able to connect with the source of your powers?"

"Yeah. I've been meditating before changing. And I keep seeing this…I don't know. I get this feeling that I go somewhere. Or connect with it. It's only for a second. I've felt it before…whenever I shapeshift, actually. I feel this…like, this energy that connects me with them. But…I never paid too much attention to it. I guess it kinda freaked me out."

"Maybe you should follow it instead of backing off."

Garfield bit his lip. "Maybe if she was around to make sure I'd be okay…"

"She? Do you mean Raven?"

"Ah…yeah."

"Don't you think you could do this without her?"

"I thought we weren't talking about her..."

"Alright. Tell me something about your biological parents."

Garfield exhaled, leaning back on the couch and feeling a little relieved. That I can do. "Well, they were amazing. And really smart. They were scientists, actually. Hence the whole…" He gestured towards his own body. "I mean, it saved my life."

She smiled. "So you'd say there was love in your childhood."

"They definitely loved me." He nodded. "And I loved them, obviously. I do love them."

"I'm sorry; you must miss them very much."

He smiled sadly. "Yeah. Thanks."

"So…I'd assume they took care of you, right? May I intrude a bit and ask why you struggle to pay for these sessions sometimes?"

"Oh, I never touched my inheritance money."

She raised a curious eyebrow. "Really? Why not?"

He bit his lip. "Well, I…it reminded me of them and it made me sad and…I don't know, it felt wrong. How can I spend their money when I couldn't save them, you know? I'd feel guilty."

"Garfield…how old were you when your parents died?"

"I…" He felt his eyes well up a bit. "I don't want to talk about that."

She smiled softly. "How do you expect me to help you if you shut down every time we hit a nerve, Mr. Logan?"

"Well, I…I don't know." The shapeshifter chuckled. "Rae used to do this magical thingy where she went inside my head and helped me sort things out."

"Ah…I see. Well, that sounds…easy for you. Was that her job, though?"

"Ah…no, I guess not." Garfield admitted coyly. "I relied on her a lot, actually."

"How come?"

"She just…she could make me feel better like no one else and if I needed to gain confidence or control, she always had a plan."

"Interesting. Is that why you loved her?"

He frowned. "What? No, of course not. I mean, that was one reason, sure, but…no. I loved all of her." I still love all of her.

"Did she depend on you the same way?"

Garfield chuckled again. "Definitely not. I mean, except for when she was hurt. Slade had tortured and brainwashed her for months…" His chest felt tight at the memory.

"I see…and did you think she loved you more then? When she depended on you, I mean."

"Actually, I didn't think she loved me at all. I would take whatever I could get, but I thought she just kept me around because I made her feel a little better. I told her, too. I said I knew she was using me and that I was okay with it. But then when she ended it, I found out I wasn't that okay with it…but, anyway, she wasn't. Using me, I mean."

"Right. That was just how you felt when she wanted you around all the time because she needed you."

"Right."

"But you need her, right? You want her around all the time because she makes you feel better."

"I…wait." Garfield narrowed his eyes. "I see where you're going with this."

She chuckled. "Okay, then. When did you realize she really loved you? If it wasn't when she was entirely dependent on you."

"Well, I…I'm not sure."

"You're not sure when you realized it or you're not sure she loved you?"

"I mean, it wouldn't be fair for me to say I'm not sure she loved me. She got really vulnerable with me. And that's hard for her. She trusted me. And she got out of her comfort zone to make me happy all the time. She hated corny stuff, but she did it for me. And then there's the way she looked at me sometimes. And the way she touched me. She had a hard time saying stuff, but she still reassured me all the time. I just…I found it hard to believe her."

"Why?"

"See, the thing is…my ex is like, legendary. And that's not even the best of her. She's like, perfect. I just didn't get why she loved me. I still don't, to be honest."

"Did you ever ask?"

"She told me. She said I was brave, and sweet, and strong, and cute, and she said I was her light. I just…I was constantly afraid she would wake up and realize I'm not any of that. But then she went out of her way to make me happy and I thought…she must love me. You know?"

"And did you? Get out of your comfort zone to make her happy?"

"Well, yeah. I worshipped her."

She smiled. "I believe you. But that's not what I asked."

Garfield smiled sheepishly. "Right. Well, yeah, obviously. Dating Raven would be out of anyone's comfort zone. But I told her from the start I'd be fine with however much she could give. I promised her I wouldn't ask for…too much…" He frowned and his voice trailed off.

"Did you keep that promise?"

Garfield's heart tightened. "I…not really, no. I am selfish."

"I don't think you are. I do think maybe working on your self-esteem could help."

He huffed and chuckled slightly. "Well, now you just sound like Raven."

"I'll be taking that as a compliment."

"She always said validation needed to start with me and stuff. And she said it wouldn't matter how many times she told me she loved me if I couldn't stop beating myself up."

"And you disagree with that?"

"Well, no." He smiled and rolled his eyes. "It's just that…you know, easier said than done. I mean, sure, I'd love that. But…how do I even start?"

"Here's a thought. You could start by going on this very personal journey to the source of your powers on your own."

The shapeshifter bit his lip. Maybe she's right. It would feel good to do that. He took a deep breath. "I…okay. I'll try."

"So…tell me more about your childhood."

Garfield got into it. He talked to her twice a week and at first he was deeply uncomfortable, because a lot of what they talked about was painful to him. But it was helping. His distorted image of himself and twisted beliefs weren't quite dismantled yet, but he was starting to question them. It was much harder work than laying his head on Raven's lap and falling asleep to wake up feeling better, but in a way, it felt good that he was the one doing all the work this time. He followed the strange sensation he got whenever he changed and focused on his core, and he actually saw that life force he always connected with. The more confident he felt, the easier it was. And then at one point, while he meditated, he saw himself there and he just knew what it was. Even Nightwing seemed proud when he told them about The Red.

"It's like, this force that connects all animal life. In like, the whole Universe. The whole Multiverse! It's what I tap into whenever I shapeshift! And it feels amazing!"

"That is actually wicked, man!" Cyborg high-fived him.

Connor smirked. "It's pretty cool."

"Can you go there and communicate with other worlds and the animals in them?" Damian asked, fully interested.

"Can you call on them to help us if we need them?" Ravager asked eagerly.

"Okay, calm down you two." Richard told the younger Titans before turning to Garfield and smiling. "That's awesome, BB. We can work with that."

The Changeling beamed at him. Everyone else's praise was great, but he really missed Nightwing's approval. It felt nice. "Thanks."

Garfield also had a new favorite song. It wasn't like the other ones. It wasn't a storm-into-the-ops-room-cheerfully-singing-it kind of song. It was a heartbreak song. The more he worked through his insecurities, the more he understood what he took from her, and the more he understood what he did, the less he thought he'd ever get her back. So in a way, his heart was heavier than ever. He listened to Against All Odds (Phil Collins) in his room to cry over her and get it out of his system. He didn't even care that Connor could hear. He felt slightly better afterwards.

His dreams changed a lot too. There was this one recurring dream he started having every other night. It usually started with him realizing he was back in Africa, and seeing a little green boy in front of him. The boy turned around and Garfield knew who it was, obviously. It was him. Except this child had the most confident look on his face, as if he'd figured out all the secrets of the Universe. It was a little intimidating.

"When will you understand we are never alone?" Younger Garfield would say through a smile. "We are all of them."

He gestured towards their surroundings and the shapeshifter looked around to see every animal he had ever seen or heard of – and even some that he hadn't – gathered around them. It felt familiar, comforting, exciting and terrifying, all at the same time. And then the little boy would disappear and an older man would take his place. He didn't have green skin, though. He was tall, with strawberry-blond hair and gentle eyes.

"D-dad?"

"Hello, my son."

Garfield's mouth usually hung open while Mark Logan walked to him and placed a kind but firm hand on his shoulder, or sometimes pulled him into a hug.

"It's time to become the man you're supposed to be." Mark would tell him.

He usually woke up at that point, with mixed feelings about the whole thing. It wasn't a bad dream. It did leave a warm and fuzzy feeling inside. But at the same time, it was a little overwhelming. But the more he dreamed about it, the less scary it got. He even managed to glance at his parents' wedding rings again, which he hadn't done since she left.

"Hey dude, mind if we join you?" Victor asked his best friend.

The shapeshifter had been sitting on the rocks outside the tower, smoking weed and absentmindedly humming the melody of his new favorite song. He turned around and saw both Cyborg and Damian standing there. "Hey." He held out the joint. "Do you want some?"

"For sure." Robin gratefully accepted it and smoked before Cyborg could protest. "Let's not tell my brother about this, yes?"

The Changeling nodded. "Please."

Victor sighed in defeat and accepted it as well. They sat with their green friend and passed the joint between them.

"That's actually what we wanted to talk to you about. This…" The half-robot pointed at the weed. "All of it…it needs to stop, man."

The shapeshifter nodded. "I know."

Cyborg frowned. "You do?"

"Yeah." The Changeling smiled a little. "The sex, the drinking, the drugs, the scandals…it's not even fun anymore. It just keeps me from thinking about her. But…I think I need to. To think about her, I mean."

"You can talk to us about it." Damian said plainly.

Garfield smiled at him. "You know, I thought you'd hate me. You and Rae were close."

The young Robin chuckled slightly. "We are close. She nearly got captured fixing my spine. And no one hates you, man. I was pissed. But Richard told me Raven asked him not to punish you before she left. So I figured she doesn't want us to hold a grudge against you."

The Changeling frowned and took the joint again, smoking a bit more. It really did make things numb and easy. He would miss it. "She did…?"

"Yeah." Damian shrugged. "But then again, that doesn't surprise me. She loves you."

Garfield scowled. "She loved me. Past tense. But thanks."

"What makes you so sure?" Victor nudged him playfully. "I see you eyeing each other all sensually when we fight them. And all the ambiguous flirty stuff?"

This time they all laughed. It was true. He and Raven had been teasing each other a lot. On their last confrontation, Garfield pointed out she looked good and Raven said he did too, and that mindless sex with groupies suits him, to which he replied not as much as psychotic witch boys suit you. They were both clearly jealous.

The shapeshifter was the first to stop laughing. "That's just…fun. She won't forgive me. But…you don't wanna hear about my problems, trust me. You two and your perfect relationships." Garfield smiled at Cyborg. "See how the tables have turned? Besides, now we pay someone to listen to me, so it's all good."

Damian frowned in confusion. "Wait, what perfect relationship am I in!?"

The other two boys stared at him and Garfield smirked. "C'mon, Robin. Are you going to take as long as I did to see a girl that's like, right in front of you?"

Robin scoffed. He actually had seen her. They meant Rose. He liked her company. And she made him feel stuff – uncomfortable stuff. "We're here to talk about you."

"Actually, we will need to circle back on Damian and Slade's daughter, but he's right, BB. I do wanna hear. You heard me once, so now I'll listen to you." Cyborg said, passing Garfield the joint again.

The Changeling took it and stared at him. "It's been too much to bear, so I've been trying to go numb. The thing is…I really lost her. I don't think I can change that. And that…that burns."

"But…you're Rae and Gar." Cyborg nudged him.

"And I hope she comes home, I do. I'll keep trying to get her back in that way. But…she won't trust me again." Garfield said intently.

"Well, not if you're partying like a crazy person every night…"

"No, not in any case." The shapeshifter continued. "But…feeling numb isn't working. It works for a little while, but then it makes me feel even worse." He finally brought the joint back to his lips. "This is my last one."

Damian narrowed his eyes and Cyborg raised a skeptical eyebrow.

"I mean it." The Changeling chuckled. "I've decided there's only one thing left to do."

"What's that?" Robin asked.

"Striving to be better. To be the person she deserved. I can't go back and fix it now, but I think…I think that would make her feel better. It would make us both feel better. And that's enough." Garfield answered softly.

The other two boys smiled genuinely at him.

"Well, that's surprisingly mature." Damian laughed slightly.

"Yeah, man. I'm proud of you!" Victor said. "Maybe I should try this therapy stuff…"

"So when you're like a whole new man and all that…are we getting less stupid jokes?" Robin asked playfully.

Garfield blinked at him. "The jokes are not negotiable. You need the jokes, Damian. Your life is dark and twisted."

The weed had definitely kicked in, because they stared at each other blankly for a few seconds before bursting into hysterical laughter.

"Wait…that wasn't that funny…was it?" Cyborg panted, wiping his human eye, because they were laughing so much he was nearly crying. "Why is that so funny?"

"It's the weed." Garfield laughed harder.

"Hey, imagine if-" Robin was interrupted by their communicators ringing. His eyes widened. "Oh, shit! I was just going to say imagine if my brother calls us NOW!"

The laughter got impossibly louder.

"You answer, man." Garfield told Cyborg, still trying to slow his breathing. "He won't be as mad at you if he notices."

"Okay, okay, fine. Shut up, you two." Victor said, pulling his communicator out.

The other boys suppressed their laughter and Victor fought back a smile when Richard's face showed up. "Hey, Dick. Man. Man Dick. Not that you're a dick. Well, except sometimes…but mostly, you know. Not a dick. Just…Dick."

Nightwing was frowning quizzically at him. "Uh…sure. Listen, emergency meeting in the ops room. Do you know where Garfield and Damian are? They didn't answer."

"Ah, they're here with me. We'll be there. Bye." Victor blurted out before turning it off, because the two younger boys were looking hysterical trying not to break and it made him want to laugh at them really badly.

As soon as Dick's face disappeared, they all burst out laughing again.

"At least it's not the trouble alarm." Robin said, standing up and still chuckling lightly.

They washed their faces before heading to the emergency meeting, still slightly high. Then they sat down on the couch and focused on looking serious and paying attention.

Nightwing cleared his throat. "Guys, we need to catch Rae. The longer she stays with them, the more danger she's in and the more powerful they get. I trust her, but she could get drunk on power, and, well…we can't get through to her if we only ever exchange a few words in battle. So…we need ideas."

"She gets tired when she uses too much power, right? She passed out after exorcising me and resurrecting the Changeling. And she didn't teleport after healing Damian. What if we just…you know, wear her down?" Connor shrugged.

Starfire nodded. "Sure, that could work, but what about when she recharges?"

"Is there a way to keep her from doing that?" Bumblebee asked. "What about Jinx? Couldn't she make it harder for Rae to get her strength back?"

Nightwing frowned. "I mean, maybe. But we can't keep Jinx shooting bad luck at her twenty-four seven, she has her own limits. We need something that will contain her and last."

"What about those bracelets?" Superboy suggested. "The ones the Witch Boy had made for her. I know she disposed of them, but…can't we, like, get them back? Can't Barry, Wally or Zatanna get there? They can travel between realities too, right?"

"Wally's still figuring that out. Besides, none of them can get there. It was an entirely different world. It took multiples powerful sorcerers to open that bridge." Nightwing pondered. "I suppose Zatanna could reach out to Dr. Strange if we had his amulet…he would want to help Raven. But…she took that with her too."

"Can we make new bracelets?" Bumblebee frowned. "I mean, I know it sounds shitty, but…"

"Sure, let's just do that. We'll call Lucifer and ask for another pair. Who has Satan on speed dial?" Ravager smirked and folded her arms.

Damian laughed a little too loud. Cyborg and the Changeling desperately tried to contain their own chuckles.

"Do any of you three have a suggestion?" Richard narrowed his eyes at them.

Robin managed to regain control. "Ah…what about the sex crystal?" He turned to Garfield and smirked when he saw his cheeks turn red. "How did it work again?"

The Changeling scratched the back of his neck. "Ah, well…she has to say these weird words. She's the only one who can activate it, though. And deactivate it."

"So, potentially, if we had it, we could wear her down, then restrain her, then make her say the magical words, then gag her so she couldn't turn it off, and then try to reason with her?" Damian counted the steps on his fingers. Wait, there's a lot that can go wrong with that. "I don't know about you guys, but I think it sounds a little risky."

Garfield blushed deeper and crossed his legs, because he was suddenly a little turned on.

Ravager chuckled mockingly. "That would infuriate her. Besides, how would we make her say the words? My dad tortured her for months and got nothing out of her."

"Well, I mean…it's kind of mean, but…" Connor said unsurely. "If you overwhelm her emotionally she would have to, right? If she was on edge and about to lose control, wouldn't she rather activate it and be powerless?"

Kory frowned. "Probably…but…"

Superboy looked at Garfield. "You could hurt her feelings. God knows why, but she lets you get to her, so…it could work."

The Changeling frowned. "Well, that's a douchey plan! I'm not doing that."

Richard folded his arms. "You're doing whatever it takes to get her home, whether it's douchey or not. The whole thing is fucked up anyway."

Garfield stared at him pitifully. Please, don't make me break her heart to trick her into being powerless. She would hate me so much. He shivered a little, imagining the hurt in her eyes.

Nightwing sighed. "It doesn't matter; Damian's right. It's too risky. And she took that crystal with her too. All these plans involve breaking into Siren Mansion."

"Well, let's just do that!" Cyborg shouted as if it was the simplest solution in the world.

Bumblebee frowned at him. "Are you okay, honey? Did you forget it's a fortress? And she can sense us coming?"

Victor chuckled sheepishly. "Oh, yeah. Right."

Starfire shook her head. "Besides, I absolutely hate all these plans. They make us sound despicable."

Garfield raised his hand. "I agree! These plans suck." As hot as tied up Raven sounds.

Nightwing frowned. "I know guys, but…if we keep playing fair we'll just lose her for good. We're talking about Raven. She can do anything, right? It requires strategic moves."

The Changeling absentmindedly smiled a little. She CAN do anything.

Starfire sighed heavily. "What if we just try to get her another shot at the ascension and Sixth Dimension thing? You know, actually fix things."

"I sort of agree with that." Ravager said.

Garfield stiffened. I still don't want her to go. But…she deserves it. And it would make her happy. It COULD even make her forgive me. Maybe she wouldn't completely forget about me…maybe...

"It was a one-time-only offer, Kor." Damian said sadly. "But I guess it wouldn't hurt to try."

The Changeling was still slightly high, but he was dead serious when he turned to Damian. "Can I help this time? Please, I…I want to help."

Robin rolled his eyes and smiled slightly, looking a lot more open and breezy than his usual self. Garfield had already been helping him try to find another way to sneak her into Heaven and he hadn't annoyed him to death yet. "Fine, whatever. Why not? But no stupid jokes."

Ravager realized she was smiling at how carefree Damian sounded in his current state and quickly collected herself.

"No promises!" Garfield grinned, spreading his arms wide.

Cyborg chuckled loudly. And then he suddenly got serious and frowned. "Wait, did we come up with a plan to catch Rae? Did I miss it?"

"Nope." Damian and Garfield said in unison, before giggling at each other's faces.

"Are you three high or something?" Nightwing crossed his arms over his chest.

The three boys looked and felt absolutely busted, tripping over their words while everyone else laughed openly realizing that they were, indeed, high. Bumblebee folded her arms and glared at her boyfriend, who smiled sheepishly in return.

"Nice. Very helpful." Richard raised an eyebrow at Garfield. "I assume this is your doing."

"It was his last joint, bro!" Damian protested.

"Yeah." Cyborg elbowed the Changeling. "He's done with all that, right, BB?"

Garfield grunted tiredly. "Yeah. I'm gonna grow up or whatever." He noticed Dick looked skeptical, so he chuckled and raised one hand in the air. "No, seriously. Scout's honor."

Nightwing rolled his eyes, but relaxed a little. Maybe he's serious. "Well, I'm glad to hear that."

"Last joint until Raven marries Klarion or something." Superboy muttered.

The Changeling felt his blood run cold and jumped, standing up on the couch and looking completely deranged. "Wait, she's marrying Klarion!?"

Ravager sighed. "He means hypothetically. And he's messing with you. Chill."

Garfield took a few deep breaths and sat down again. "Oh…oh, okay…good."

Connor laughed along with Damian and Victor and Nightwing sighed and rubbed his temples, wondering if bringing Raven back into this mess really was the best idea.

A few days later, the trouble alarm went off when the Sirens were invading a high-security prison to make more slaves and steal important criminal files. Information was power, so they often engaged in collecting it.

"We're really counting on Raven's good will for this plan." Superboy frowned. "Are we sure she won't just let everyone die?"

"We're sure." Garfield said confidently. "I know her; she'll save them."

"I think it's a brilliant plan." Batgirl said, smiling at Nightwing.

Richard smiled back, but his heart ached. This had been a bit of a struggle for him. Having Barbara this close again was becoming a problem, because it was awakening all his feelings for her and now he was utterly confused. He loved Starfire – that much he knew. She was amazing and gorgeous and sweet and weird in the best possible way, and she pushed him and inspired him to be his very best version. But then there was Barbara, who felt so damn familiar and knew him really well because she'd been there for him through his weakest times. And she was cunning and pretty and he sort of loved her too. Kory still made him nervous, but it was extremely easy with Barbara and he wasn't sure which he should want anymore.

The Sirens were collecting files and prisoners on the third floor. Raven would search their hearts and decide who they should torture for information, enslave or spare. The Titans quickly found them, but she just manipulated them into laying down their weapons. She also noticed – with some disappointment – a certain green shapeshifter was missing.

The empath smirked at her former teammates. "When will you understand that-"

And then she stopped talking at once, because the entire building shook and a loud crushing sound echoed through the floors.

"Holy SHIT!" Someone shouted, staring up at the gigantic green…lizard? Whatever it was, it was roaring ferociously and apparently trying to take the building down.

Raven's eyes widened and she panicked, but only for a second. This was a huge construction with multiple floors, crowded with workers and prisoners – not to mention her friends. If even a single floor collapsed, people would die. She instinctively floated into the air and raised her arms above her head to hold the building in place with dark energy. She struggled to keep the entire structure from falling apart. It felt like lifting a much heavier weight than recommended and it took undivided concentration, so needless to say her hold on the Titans was gone.

"What the fuck is that!?" Catwoman looked up at the enormous monster.

Harley Quinn's eyes sparkled and she grinned, jumping up and down. "That's Godzilla!"

Raven frowned, still struggling to keep the building from crumbling down. Huh. It was Godzilla. And the Titans were the only ones who didn't seem confused, shocked or scared – they quickly engaged against her allies without even flinching, but she couldn't care about that now. Most of the ceiling and several walls had been smashed and she was trying to hold all the pieces together and keep them from crushing someone. The floors were caving under people's feet.

The empath started to sweat. And then she recognized the monster's aura. Godzilla? No, that's Garfield. What the fuck is he doing!? The building nearly crumbled and she lowered herself to the floor, but kept her arms stretched out to stop the structure from falling apart, focusing entirely on what she was doing. No one attacked her, because they knew if they did, everyone would die. But the Titans definitely took advantage of her absence in the fight. Once Godzilla had done enough damage, he just disappeared.

Raven grunted when Garfield strutted inside breezily, whistling to some new song he was probably obsessed with and looking around. They were alone in the room now, but people were still running around, fighting or trying to escape through several floors, so she was still supporting the entire building. The Titans were taking everyone outside and handing the prisoners to the cops. She glared at the Changeling when he smiled cheekily at her.

"That looks difficult." The shapeshifter stated.

"You did this." She hissed. "Why?" He's not out of control. What is he thinking!?

"To keep you busy, of course. I'm calling it Garzilla!" Garfield merrily grabbed the boxes of files. "I'll be taking these, if you don't mind."

Raven's anger peaked. "Don't even think about it."

He stopped and frowned innocently. "Why? Are you going to drop the building to stop me?"

Her eyes widened and sparkled at the same time. There was a part of her that admired this plan. It was smart. Infuriating, but smart. Also, she couldn't help enjoying the fact that he could turn into Godzilla now. It was getting a bit too easy lately, so she appreciated the challenge. Still, he was acting smug and it annoyed the crap out of her. But if she was being honest, it was exhilarating too. "So you put civilian lives in danger just to beat me?"

Garfield moved closer to her and admired her freely. She was all sweaty, panting and flushed because of the effort and it reminded him a little of what she looked like when they had rough sex. They're not really in danger. Not while you're here, love.

"Stop looking at me like that." The sorcerer glared daggers at him.

The Changeling smirked. "Stop looking so damn fine and maybe I will." Oh, there it is. The explicit flirting. Wally was right. Although she might just kill me now.

She narrowed her eyes. The nerve of this jerk. "I'll get you for this."

Garfield grinned widely and a little mischievously, shooting her a charming wink. "Can't wait."

Raven ignored the goosebumps she got from that. "This plan of yours isn't very heroic."

The shapeshifter tossed a Titan communicator on the floor next to her then picked up the boxes again. "We'll let you know when everyone's out of the building. Thanks, love."

"I'll drop it. I will." She threatened. No I won't. He got me.

Garfield stopped and smiled at her. She's so hot. I love her so much. I wish I could tease her more. "No, you won't."

And then he left and she cursed internally. I'm turning him into a frog. Permanently. No, I'm turning him into a fucking cockroach and keeping him in a jar. Then I'll shake the jar every day and laugh. She winced under the weight of the tall construction. Damn him. I'm not doing any of that.

"Raven!?" Harley Quinn came rushing in.

"Oh, good. Quinnie. I thought about reaching out but…ugh!" The sorcerer steadied herself before continuing, because this was only getting harder. "Where is everyone?"

"They fled. We need to go too!"

"Not yet." Raven frowned, completely focused.

Harley walked up to her and watched her intently. "Why not?"

"Because I said so."

The blond Siren grinned. "You're crazier than me, aren't you?"

The empath chuckled weakly. "Probably."

"Uh…Raven?" Nightwing's voice sounded clear from the communicator on the floor. "The building and the perimeter are clear. Take it down."

She grunted loudly and brought her arms down, immediately pulling Harley close and disappearing into the floor with her. They emerged in Siren Mansion and the sorcerer collapsed on her knees, panting heavily. Klarion was by her side in a heartbeat, but she pushed him away and stood up, looking beyond distressed. "Ugh. Those jerks! That douchebag!"

"I know, right?" Catwoman said, looking through one of her disposable phones. "They're taking credit for supposedly taking Godzilla down."

Raven huffed in outrage. "They WERE Godzilla. It was Garfield. To keep me busy."

Pamela scowled. "You're fucking with me."

Harley Quinn gasped. "What!? Can't we tell everyone!?"

"Who would believe us?" Ivy rolled her eyes. "I hate to admit it, but I'm a little impressed."

"It's kind of messed up though, right?" Selina frowned. "I mean, can you believe they went there?!"

"I can." Raven downed a drink by the bar and then smiled a small, intrigued smile. "That's the Titans for you."

Harley chuckled wickedly. "They're getting creative!"

The empath smirked, regaining her cool. "It's all good. They're finally putting up a fight, that's all. We'll get them next time."

"Yeah, it will be more fun this way." Poison Ivy smiled evilly.

Later that day, Harley Quinn knocked on Raven's door and hopped inside her room when the empath let her in.

"Thanks for not mentioning I stayed behind to save people." The sorcerer said plainly.

The blonde sat on her bed and dismissed her with a hand wave. "No problem. So…"

Raven folded her arms and raised an eyebrow. "…so?"

"Why were you all flustered when I found you?" Harley grinned mischievously.

The former Titan huffed and rolled her eyes. "I was not."

"You so were. I thought we were friends! Tell meee."

Raven sighed. Well, she didn't tell on me. Maybe I should just talk to her. Azar, I miss Starfire. "Fine. He flirted with me. Don't worry; I'm not going back to him, I just…"

"I knew it!" Harley chuckled, clapping in euphoria. "And you can flirt with him if you want. You can do whatever you want. It's part of the bad bitch package."

"No, I know. It's just that, well…"

"You still love him." The blond Siren said bluntly. "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone."

Raven stared at her blankly for a few seconds. Harley was dead serious for a change. There was no judgement emanating from her, though. Am I that obvious?

"I'm more insightful than I look, huh?"

The empath exhaled. "I keep forgetting you used to be a psychiatrist."

Back in Titan Tower, Garfield felt good. Not only did their plan work – and he was a big part of it, which partially earned him Dick's trust back – and confirmed Raven's resisting goodness, but he got to flirt with her. He'd even gone further than planned and she definitely looked annoyed, but he was sure he saw a glint of amusement or excitement in her eyes. And he could tell she wasn't hurt. Angry, yes, but not hurt. He could recognize heartbroken Raven easily now, for unfortunate reasons. He didn't feel less guilty about the whole thing, but he felt good about being productive and not drowning in sorrow. The way he saw it, keeping her from going too far was his way of protecting her now.

A few weeks later, it was Raven's birthday – and Halloween. And naturally, both occasions were being celebrated in grand style in Siren Mansion. She had meditated for hours already and decided to have a good time, so the empath was chilling on her throne while Celebrity Skin (Hole) blasted from the sound system. Maybe I can take Klarion to some hellish dimension and fuck tonight. I kind of miss sex.

"Well, this is all very impressive." Lex Luthor said, approaching her and raising a glass.

Anyone who meant anything in the criminal world was taking a night off because they knew this was the place to be, and that obviously included him.

Raven looked down on him. "Yes, well. I don't need poison to control people."

"I can see that." Lex smiled and climbed the stairs to get to her. A few of their minions got in front of him when he got too close.

"It's fine." Raven dismissed them. "He's not a threat."

"This is a huge improvement from the last time we met." Luthor looked her up and down.

The empath smiled wickedly at him. "If you're going to lust after me, get in line with every other creep in town."

Lex chuckled. "Don't get me wrong, I could. But I don't think that would be wise. I think you'll crush anyone who lusts after you once you're done with them."

"That's why you're the smart one." The sorcerer smirked.

"You would know. You were in my head."

Raven rolled her eyes. "I'm not apologizing for that, if that's what you want. But for what it's worth, most interesting brain I've ever invaded."

The villain grinned widely, because that certainly swelled his ego. "I don't want an apology. I just want to congratulate you. I heard you broke Arthur. Vicious."

She sighed. "Yeah…he was a mess. I just cleaned it up."

"So you're not all in love anymore?" Lex narrowed his eyes. It was time to get to the point. He did come with an agenda.

Raven scoffed. Well don't let him know you're weak. "Imply that one more time and I'll banish you to the Phantom Zone."

He chuckled. "No need. I just meant getting over him suits you. You're much stronger now." And I can get to him without worrying about your wrath. Perfect. He had been planning and waiting since he heard they broke up.

"I'm aware, Luthor. Is there a point you're getting to?" She raised an eyebrow.

Already did. "No. I just hope we can do business in the future."

Meanwhile in Titan Tower, Richard and Barbara found themselves alone in the training room. Connor and Krypto were out on a mission and everyone else was done training for the day.

"Hey, Dick…?" Batgirl said unsurely.

He turned around to smile at her, but then he noticed she had a strange look on her face and frowned. "What's wrong, Babs?"

"I just…" She walked up to him slowly and looked into his eyes. "I missed you."

Nightwing's breath caught in his throat. Shit. He knew that look on her. It was longing.

"I know you're…not available." She cleared her throat softly. "But I…I guess I'm just wondering if you're wondering. About us, I mean. I know you missed me too."

Richard inhaled deeply, but then he immediately regretted it, because she was too close and he inhaled her intoxicating, familiar scent. "I…of course I did."

Barbara stepped even closer to him, her heart pounding in her chest, and looked up at him with wide eyes. "Then please stop playing with me." She whispered. "Tell me if you still have feelings for me."

His mind got a little blurry. "Babs…"

They were so close by now they could feel each other's breaths on their faces. And then they closed their eyes and leaned in slightly, parting their lips. And right in that moment, Dick's brain started functioning again and he pulled back.

"I do have feelings for you. But I...I have feelings for Kory too."

Batgirl opened her eyes and frowned. "Well, who do you like more?"

It wasn't common to see Nightwing look like a deer caught in the headlights, but right now he was a pitiful sight, because he had no idea what he wanted. And then, as if all entities had gathered to come up with ways to make him miserable, Starfire suddenly walked in and gasped. Richard turned around at once and the look on her face broke his heart.

"Kory! It…hi." Nightwing said lamely.

Starfire could tell she was about to cry, so she stormed out of there as fast as she could.

"No, wait!" Dick ran after her. "Kory, nothing happened!"

Starfire hastily spun on her heels. "That was not nothing!" She'd seen their closeness and the way they were staring at each other and touching each other's arms. She knew that was something. "What is going on between you two?! Just tell me! Do you want her?"

He considered lying, but he couldn't lie to her. Not when she was staring intently into his eyes like this. "I-I…I don't know! I…I'm sorry, I'm just…I'm so confused."

Kory studied his face for a few short seconds. He looked absolutely miserable, but that couldn't soften her. Raven wasn't the only one with pride. It wounded her profoundly, this confusion of his, because she had never had a doubt in her mind about them. She hardened her face. "If you're that much of a coward let me make this easier for you. We are over."

No. No, no, no, wait. Dick choked up. He didn't even care that the others had gathered around them. "Babe, please, that's not what I want."

"You don't know what you want!" She entered her room, glaring at him. "And don't call me that!" She slammed her door shut in his face.

Garfield frowned and felt sick to his stomach, because the whole thing was giving him triggers.

Starfire collapsed on her bed and sobbed into her pillow. Where's Raven when I need her!? Oh, right. She's heartbroken too. She cried harder, cursing the existence of love itself. And then her anger got the best of her. "You're a cheater and a liar! I hate you!"

Nightwing took a literal step back at that. It felt like being hit by a truck. Only much, much worse. His eyes were full of tears now and he was suddenly very aware of everyone's gazes on him. I need to get out of here. He ran outside and stopped Damian when he tried to follow him. He didn't want anyone to see him cry. Richard stumbled on the rocks by the bay, fell to his knees and sobbed quietly.

"…Nightwing?"

He took a short break from bawling his eyes out to turn at her low voice. The only person he didn't mind seeing him cry. "R-Rae? What are you doing here?"

Raven slowly walked up to him with kind and concerned eyes. "It's my birthday. I thought…I don't know…I felt nostalgic."

"Oh." Dick was trying not to break down in front of her, but then she sat next to him and touched his back in support and he sobbed again.

"Shh…it's okay." The empath pulled him closer so he was crying on her shoulder and she gently stroked his hair. "What happened?"

Richard gratefully accepted her kindness. It was soft and soothing and it was much better than crying alone. "Kory…Babs…it…"

"Oh. Did you cheat?"

"No, of course not!" He sniffled miserably.

"I believe you. Sorry."

I believe you. Richard cried a little harder. "She doesn't…she called me a cheater."

"Oh…I'm sorry. That's not fair."

"Could you maybe…" He looked up at her pitifully, with swollen red eyes. "Could you tell her I'm telling the truth?"

Raven frowned. "You'd always know she only believed you because of my powers, is that what you want?"

"I…I don't know." Dick cradled his head in his hands. "I don't know what to do…"

She touched his shoulder lightly. "I know, I understand."

"I'm sorry. You didn't come here to be overwhelmed with my heartache. I know you have your own. And it's your birthday. I'm so sorry." Nightwing tried to calm down so he could at least smile at her and wish her Happy Birthday.

"That's okay; we can just be hurt and pathetic together."

Richard chuckled sadly. "Your sense of humor is still twisted."

Raven shrugged. "Well, I made you smile, so...mission accomplished."

He nodded. He'd missed her terribly. "I'm sorry this sucks for you, but…I am glad you're here."

Suddenly, her eyes became deeper and her voice softer. "Did you ever think…maybe…we got it all wrong?"

Nightwing frowned. What's that in her eyes? "What do you mean?"

Raven looked down slightly. "You know…we fell so hard for them…what if this whole time we should have been…" She looked back up at him again and her stare was so deep it could cut him open. "…with someone else? Someone…easier?"

Richard's eyes widened. Wait, is she saying what I…shit. He realized Raven was implying that they should be together from the way she was looking at him. Wait, that's insane. It's Raven. Right!? Nightwing looked at her and frowned. Raven. She was beautiful. To be fair, he already knew that, he just didn't know he could find her kissable. But…his heart had been aching so badly and her presence did make it slightly better. What if she's right? It's so easy to talk to her. Maybe that's how it's supposed to feel. But…it's Raven.

And then a dangerous line of thought formed in his mind. That maybe the reason he was so confused was because while Babs was so much like him and felt like home, Kory was exciting and different, like a never-ending adventure. And in many ways, Raven was both. Besides, he was so confused already, and so damn heartbroken, and she was being sweet.

"I mean, maybe…" She whispered, leaning in. "…maybe we haven't been that smart…"

Dick had a moment of weakness. Let her ease your pain. He closed his swollen eyes and leaned in too, bringing a hand to her hair. "I…maybe…"

Nightwing and Raven kissed slowly at first and then they deepened the kiss as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and climbed onto his lap. Richard had been out of it for a few seconds, but that seemed to harshly shove him back to reality. Shit. It's Raven. This is wrong. He frowned and pulled away, realizing this was the furthest thing from the solution to his problem. "Wait, Raven, stop. What are we doing!? We can't do this."

She tilted her head to the side. "Oh."

Dick bit his lip regretfully and fought back tears. "Shit, I'm so sorry. You're hurt because of Garfield and I…I took advantage of that. I made things weird forever. You don't like me like that, Rae. And I love you, but…not like that. And Kory…shit, Kory." Fuck, I just kissed her best friend. Maybe she was right not to trust me. I fucked everything up now.

Raven awkwardly got off his lap when he started crying again. "No, I'm sorry. You're right."

"Please don't tell her."

The empath touched his shoulder lightly again. "Don't worry. It was a lapse of judgement. Never happened." She smiled sadly when he looked up at her. "You two are meant to be. Just talk to her again."

Nightwing returned her sad smile. "Thanks, Rae. You're right."

"I'm always right." She smirked.

Richard was expecting to hear I usually am. He narrowed his eyes. "Huh…"

Raven noticed and wondered if she'd slipped and given herself away somehow, because naturally, she wasn't Raven at all. Real Raven had been back in Siren Mansion celebrating her birthday and Halloween all night. Finally, he seemed to relax and shake off whatever suspicions he had and she exhaled.

Meanwhile, Kory's room had been invaded by multiple Titans as soon as Nightwing ran off. Bumblebee stroked her hair and Garfield passed her tissues while Cyborg went to get her ice cream. Once she calmed down a little, Barbara Gordon awkwardly stood by her door.

"Can I please tell you something?" Batgirl asked.

Starfire frowned. I don't want to hear. But I also do. She wasn't entirely sure what she believed in yet. All she knew was she had walked into a highly suspicious scene. "Fine."

Barbara walked in surely. "Starfire. Nothing. Happened." When the alien just bit her lip, she went on. "Listen, I'll admit…I have been nurturing remaining feelings for him. And I'm sorry about that. This isn't what I…I'm not usually…I wouldn't…" She sighed. "Anyway, he's confused, but…he didn't cheat on you."

Starfire watched her intently. Shit. I think she's telling the truth. She wanted to hold it against him, but being confused wasn't really his choice – not cheating was. Now that she wasn't so angry anymore, she started regretting her outburst.

"We didn't kiss." Batgirl said pointedly.

Kory felt her chest tighten. "I…I need to talk to him."

The trouble alarm sounded in the ops room, making them all run or fly there in a hurry. There was no trouble, though – at least not of the criminal sort. Instead, there was a video playing on the TV. It made everyone let out loud, shocked, outraged gasps and it made Starfire and Beast Boy's whole worlds turn upside down, because they were watching Raven on Nightwing's lap as they made out by the rocks outside. Garfield's entire body shut down.

"Well, damn." Ravager said, leaning against the wall. "I did not see that coming."

Bumblebee frowned. "Ah…maybe there's a reasonable explanation…"

Kory's face hardened. "What's a reasonable explanation for this?"

Barbara was busy dealing with her own shock and heartache.

And then a depressed Richard came into the ops room. As soon as he realized what was happening, he froze and all color drained from his face. "…shit."

If Raven had been there, she would have had a hard time identifying who was hurting the most. It was a double betrayal for Kory, because it was her boyfriend and her best friend. If she was hurt when she thought he'd kissed Batgirl, this was a thousand times worse. It was Raven. She felt like she lost the two most important people in her life – and the two people she trusted the most – at once.

Richard realized his little moment of weakness had been made public and probably ruined everything. His relationship, his friendships, his team…all he held dear. And the way Kory was looking at him made him feel absolutely worthless. She seemed equally furious and hurt.

Garfield was still frozen in place, forcing himself to watch the footage, unsure of whether to hate Nightwing, Raven or himself. His heavy heart broke in a million pieces again. Is this to punish me? She said we could stop hurting each other. Does she like him? Has she ALWAYS liked him!? He panted as his mind tortured him. Of course she likes him, everyone likes him better. She probably only got with me because he wasn't an option. He's better than me at everything. He always gets everything. She knows I'm jealous of him. She knows how much this would hurt me. Why would she do this to me!? Unless…does she love him?

She probably loves him. She doesn't owe me anything, I broke her heart. Silent tears were rolling down his cheeks and he desperately wanted to stop watching, but he couldn't look away. He was vaguely aware of Starfire shouting at Nightwing and Cyborg trying to stop the video. No, but…wait. She wouldn't do this to Kory. She's not cruel. She's Raven. She wouldn't. I've been wrong about her too many times. She wouldn't do this.

"Babe, I'm so sorry. I swear, I don't know what happened, but it didn't mean anything! We were just heartbroken and confused. I stopped it, I swear. Please, you have to believe me…" Richard pleaded in a strained voice.

"I don't care HOW it happened or WHY it happened. You kissed my best friend!" Starfire cried.

"No, this…it makes no sense." Garfield whispered.

Everyone stared at him and he finally looked away from the TV.

Kory frowned. "Maybe it makes perfect sense. Maybe we've just been too dumb to see it."

Richard opened his mouth to speak, but the Changeling beat him to it.

"No, I…I don't believe it. I can't believe it." The shapeshifter shook his head.

"What do you mean, you don't believe it!?" Starfire pointed at the TV. "It's right there! We are looking at it, how can you not believe it?"

"I-I don't know, Star!" More tears rolled down Beast Boy's face. "I don't know, okay? I just don't!"

"Well, Dick is right here admitting he did it." Kory's voice was a little kinder now that she realized he was probably in denial. "They did this to us, this is real."

Garfield shot Richard a quick and painful glance and looked at the Tamaranean again. "She wouldn't do this, Kor. I know it."

Starfire chuckled bitterly and pointed at the screen again. "Then who is that!?"

"I…" The Changeling forced himself to look one more time. It was definitely her. Every time he thought his heart couldn't possibly hurt more, something proved him wrong. "…Raven. That's Raven. But…"

Starfire hugged him tightly and he sobbed softly into her shoulder. Nightwing wept quietly, wondering how to get either of them to forgive him. Connor and Krypto arrived and frowned at the dramatic and rather uncomfortable scene in front of them.

"…what happened now?" Superboy asked. Rose and Damian just silently pointed at the TV and he turned his head. Seriously? Am I the ONLY one she won't make out with? "Oh. Awkward."

"Yeah, that's one word for it." Ravager said pointedly.

Krypto barked angrily at the TV until Cyborg finally managed to turn it off.

"Guys?" Damian walked up to his brother, the alien princess and the shapeshifter. "This is obviously some evil plan to get us to fight. It was probably Poison Ivy's idea."

"He's right." Bumblebee said. "I mean, who filmed it and made sure you watched it? This is clearly meant to break you."

"That doesn't matter." Starfire choked up. "It's still true. They still did it."

"Kory, I swear it was only a few seconds of insanity. We stopped right after that, we don't feel that way about each other at all!" Richard said pleadingly.

Garfield's heart tried to let that make him feel better. They're not in love. We won't have to watch that again. I think…but…he's probably just saying what Kory wants to hear. He's already kissed her now. He could find out he likes her. His chest tightened again and he fought back the urge to grab it. He felt like he was shrinking in size with each second. The whole thing made him feel terribly small and he just wanted Raven to tell him it was all a hallucination. He noticed Cyborg had found his way to his side and was staring at him with wide and concerned eyes.

"I don't CARE! And don't you DARE blame this on me! I know I overreacted before, and I was going to apologize, but you had to go and kiss Raven. Now it's really over, leave me alone!" Starfire flew out of the tower in tears.

Richard took a few steps back and looked around at everyone. He realized this also probably made bringing Raven back to her old self harder. I fucked up on so many levels. Shit. He didn't dare to face Garfield yet. "I…I'm sorry."

The Titan leader ran off to his room and Cyborg pulled the Changeling into a hug the shapeshifter gratefully accepted.

"Babe, can you go after Kory?" Victor asked Karen, who nodded and immediately flew out the window. Then the half-robot turned to Robin. "I think you should check on your brother."

"I think you're right." Damian said, heading after Nightwing.

Once he was gone, Ravager sighed and narrowed her eyes suspiciously. Garfield noticed and slowly pulled away from Cyborg to go to her.

"What is it?" The shapeshifter asked quietly.

Rose shook her head. "Nothing. I just…I know it seems obvious she's done this on purpose as part of some evil plan…but…I don't know, it's weird to me. I just don't see it."

The Changeling allowed a weak spark of hope into his heart. "I know…I don't either…"

The next time they fought the Sirens, which was only two days later, Raven noticed something was definitely…off. For starters, Nightwing actively avoided her – even more so than usual – and was feeling rather ashamed for some reason. Garfield avoided her too, which was also strange, because lately he'd be all flirty, smug and charming around her whenever they had a confrontation. The others were significantly more hostile, though. Even Krypto seemed upset.

But the weirdest part was Starfire. Kory had remained friendly towards her since she left. She understood why the empath had to go and their feelings were simply too strong to be altered by which side they were on. So when the Tamaranean came at her with everything she had, shooting and attacking and glaring and emanating rage and resentment, Raven knew something was absolutely wrong.

"What the fuck, Kory?" The sorcerer frowned at the destruction her friend's blasts had caused after she dodged them. "Are you trying to kill me?"

Starfire's angry, glowing, lilac eyes filled with tears. She didn't actually want to kill her, obviously. But the fact that Raven was acting as if nothing happened drove her insane.

The empath frowned. "Kory, what's wrong?"

But the alien princess was gone before she even finished the question.

"What was that about?" Selina asked.

"I have no idea…" Raven answered truthfully. But I'm going to find out.

Later that day, the tense and awkward atmosphere that had persevered since the Raven incident was making everyone in the ops room uncomfortable. They hadn't really discussed it much. Batgirl was gone. Dick begged Kory for forgiveness and she denied it, but she decided not to leave the team and her friends because of him. The Changeling and Starfire would be silent around Nightwing, who couldn't find it in him to give either of them orders anymore, which was a problem, because he still needed to be a leader. But everyone's hearts were simply too broken at the moment, so they were barely getting by. On top of everything, the Sirens had gotten the best of them earlier. But then a dark energy bird appeared in the middle of the room, making the Titans gasp and straighten up at once.

"There's no way…" Rose smiled incredulously.

Raven was suddenly standing there, with her arms above her head, because they had immediately taken a defensive stance. "Don't worry, I come in peace."

Garfield's heart sank when he saw her, because images of her kissing Nightwing wouldn't stop invading his brain. I still can't believe it. Look at her. There's no way…

"Bold of you to show up." Connor smirked at her. "Love the new look, by the way."

Raven frowned, confused about everyone's emotions. There was fresh, new heartache from Garfield for sure. Starfire too. And Richard – his came with a considerable amount of guilt. Also, Dick couldn't even look at her. Everyone else was tense or worried – though Superboy was a little excited.

The shapeshifter looked away from her and muttered under his breath. "What do you want?"

"I want to know what's going on." The empath said plainly. "Why is everyone acting weird and feeling weird towards me?"

Bumblebee frowned. "You…you're kidding, right?"

Raven folded her arms, absolutely annoyed. "Of course I'm not kidding. I've been a Siren for weeks. This is different." She looked directly at Kory. "You almost killed me. So spit it out." When everyone just stared at her quizzically, she let out an exasperated sigh. "Will someone just tell me what you're all so hung up on already!?"

"Raven." Damian said pointedly. When she just stared at him with a questioning look on her face, he frowned. Is she serious? "I mean, you kissed Dick. Of course things are weird."

She chuckled at what she assumed was Robin's twisted sense of humor until she realized by the tension in the room that it wasn't a joke. Wait, they think I did WHAT!?

"Please, enlighten me about which part of this is funny to you." Kory said. She meant to sound mad, but she just sounded hurt. She just couldn't believe Raven was laughing.

The sorcerer scoffed. "Well, all of it. You think I kissed Dick? Are you all insane?"

"Raven, we saw you." Cyborg sighed. "Maybe your new friends didn't tell you, but they filmed it. Someone hacked our system and…well…"

"We watched it there." Rose pointed at the TV. "Repeatedly and in high definition. Kinda gross, actually."

Raven frowned, feeling even more confused. No wonder everyone is uncomfortable. "Listen. I did not kiss him." She stated, pointing at Nightwing.

"Oh, reeeally?" Starfire asked exasperatedly, walking towards the TV and putting on the video again, in spite of everyone's protests. "Then what is that!? What are we looking at, Raven?"

"I can't believe she's putting us through this again." Ravager whispered tiredly to Damian.

Garfield just looked away. So did Nightwing.

Raven frowned and wrinkled her nose at the screen. And then she huffed loudly. "I have no idea. But that's not me!"

Now everyone seemed just as confused as her. She noticed the Changeling was still looking away, though.

"…that's literally you, Rae." Cyborg said, looking at her as if she was crazy.

"Do you think I did this?" Raven asked Garfield directly.

He looked up miserably. "I…I mean…it's right there…but I…you don't owe me anything…I just…I wish it was anyone else…couldn't you just…I don't know, make out with Connor instead?"

Raven frowned. He was hurting so much. Of course he's hurting. He thinks you kissed Dick.

"Yeah, what's up with that?" Superboy asked. "I called dibs, you know."

"You can't call dibs on a person, Connor." Bumblebee said pointedly, rolling her eyes.

"I didn't do this." Raven was starting to get annoyed. "When even was this?"

"Two nights ago…" Cyborg frowned. She's really committing to this. Was she too drunk to remember it or something? That doesn't sound likely.

"Well, that was my birthday. I was in Siren Mansion all night."

Nightwing sighed. "Raven…denying it won't help…"

"No, you guys aren't listening to me." The empath hissed. "That. Isn't. Me." She turned to Starfire again, who still seemed hurt and angry, but now she seemed a little concerned too. "Kory, look at me." She walked over to her friend and waited until she looked her in the eyes. "I would never do that to you."

Koryand'r choked up and sobbed a little. She kept glancing back and forth between Raven and the screen, feeling absolutely lost. I know what I'm seeing, but…I really want to believe her.

Raven turned to the Changeling. "Or to you." She said pointedly. "I mean, you know, no matter what…still…I wouldn't do that."

Garfield's expression immediately switched to surprise and his heartache eased considerably. For some reason, he trusted her more than he trusted his own eyes.

Then Raven turned to Dick. "Or to you. I know how much you love Kor and I lo…" She stopped midsentence before she could finish saying I love Gar. Fuck, think fast. "…ove her too." Was that too obvious? Get it together, Raven. She cleared her throat. "Anyway, we don't feel that way about each other. I wouldn't let you do something that stupid. If that was me, I would have told you you'd feel this shitty afterwards and stopped you."

Richard inhaled and frowned. That does sound more like her. She WAS acting a little weird…but I figured that was just the new villain version.

Superboy smirked, glancing at the TV. "Okay, but…that looks exactly like you, destroyer of worlds."

"I can see that, Connor." Raven sighed tiredly, rubbing her temples.

Garfield was by her side in a heartbeat and made her turn around to look at him. "That's not you."

She intently stared into his eyes and nodded. "That's not me."

The Changeling smiled, unknowingly relieving Raven's heartache. I knew it.

"But then…" Starfire whispered. She can't be lying, she's not a psycho. She wouldn't go this far…would she? She stared at the screen again. "But then…who is that!?"

Raven placed her hands on her hips. "How should I know? Probably Rouge."

There was absolute silence for a few seconds while the original Titans felt like complete idiots.

"Why didn't I think of her?" Nightwing whispered to himself. Yes, they thought she was dead, but they couldn't know for sure. He should have thought of her. Am I getting dumber!?

Garfield grunted. "You? I should have thought of her. I fought the Brotherhood of Evil longer than any of you."

"You were both too involved to think straight. I'm the one who should have thought of her." Cyborg frowned apologetically.

Raven was still mostly annoyed. "Honestly, I find it absolutely outrageous that any of you thought that was me and-ugh!" She grunted when Starfire enveloped her in one of her crushing embraces. "Are you still trying to kill me?"

Kory let go of her and the empath inhaled sharply to catch her breath. The alien princess was extremely relieved now that she'd decided she definitely believed her. As soon as Raven was free, Krypto tackled her to the floor and happily licked her face.

The sorcerer wrinkled her nose and gently pushed him off her. "I missed you too, Krypto."

"So…wait. So, I…" Richard frowned.

"You kissed Rouge, man." Cyborg said, clearly trying to hold back laughter.

"Who's Rouge?" Ravager asked, watching Dick grimace and shiver at the realization.

"This evil lady who can transform into anyone. She's the worst." Victor said intently.

"And it didn't occur to any of you that might be her?" Superboy asked, pointing at the TV.

"Actually, can we turn that off? It's making me sick." Raven said grumpily, still on the floor where Krypto continued trying to lick her.

"Definitely." Nightwing nodded.

"Yes, please." The Changeling agreed emphatically, though he wasn't watching anymore. He was too busy practically beaming at Raven.

"I never want to see that again." Starfire said as Cyborg turned it off.

Raven slowly stood up and wiped her new uniform and her face. "Anyway, I'll find out who else is involved and why."

"You don't have to. I'll do that. I'm sorry." Richard said, feeling rather embarrassed about the whole thing.

"I want to. Whoever used me to get to you behind my back will pay." The empath's eyes became dark and wicked. "Besides, I can break the law, so my methods are faster."

Rose chuckled and folded her arms. "You know what? I was right. The villain thing suits you."

Raven smirked. "Supervillain."

"I knew it wasn't you." Garfield whispered, still smiling at her.

She turned her head and narrowed her eyes at him. "No, you didn't."

"No, he really did." Kory said quickly. "He said you wouldn't do that, I was the one who convinced him. I'm sorry; I should have known you'd never betray me like that."

Raven's expression softened and she gave Starfire a quick smile then looked at the Changeling again to see him coyly scratching the back of his neck. It made her stomach flutter a bit.

"I'm sorry too; I should have trusted my gut." Garfield told her.

The empath suppressed a smile. "Thank you."

The shapeshifter beamed at her. If I can't get her back, I'll hold on to these small moments until I find a way to make things right.

Raven cleared her throat. "Well, anyway, you're not capturing me today if that's what you all think. So, I'll be leaving now."

"Wait, can I talk to you first?" Nightwing asked awkwardly.

"Sure." The empath nodded. She did want to talk to him. She needed to know how the content of that video even happened.

The Changeling reluctantly didn't follow after them when she went up to the roof with Dick. Instead, he went to the kitchen with Starfire. The two of them had barely eaten in the past two days. She was still aching, of course. Dick did kiss someone else. Someone he thought was her best friend at the time. So Kory was still very heartbroken. Still, he could tell she felt a little lighter and could use a snack.

"I'm sorry too. I don't even know what to say." Nightwing started.

Raven frowned. "What happened? Were you high or something?"

He chuckled sadly. "No…Kor and I had a fight. She thought I kissed Babs and she said some things and…well, I was heartbroken."

"Did you? Kiss Babs?"

"Of course not." Richard said in a defensive tone.

"Well, I'm sorry. I'm not sure I understand your standards at the moment, so I thought I'd ask."

Dick shook his head. "No, you're right. I was confused. But I didn't kiss her. Anyway, you…well, not you. But, you know…that you…comforted me and started saying some stuff and it confused me even more. I did stop it, but…it was too late. I'm really sorry."

Raven nodded slowly. "Well, I forgive you. But you may have lost her for good."

Nightwing smiled miserably. At least ONE person forgives me in this mess. "I know."

The empath tilted her head to the side. "I hope you haven't."

"Me too."

And just like that, she vanished and he went back downstairs, accidentally overhearing the conversation happening in the kitchen.

"And it's basically all my fault." Garfield whispered.

"How is this your fault?" Kory asked softly.

"I don't think any of this would have happened if Rae was here. Or…you know, if she was in some higher realm guiding everyone. Everything sucks since I hurt her. I'm so sorry, Kor."

Nightwing couldn't help but to partially agree with him.

"I admit I've been blaming you for losing her, BB. But I don't blame you for this. None of that should matter. He still shouldn't have done it." Starfire said pointedly.

Ouch. She's right. Richard cleared his throat to announce himself and turned the corner to face them. "Star…"

"No, don't." Kory cut him off intently, standing up. "I'm relieved my best friend didn't betray me, but don't mistake it for happiness." Her voice became more vulnerable and she fought back tears again. "You still betrayed me. We are still over."

Of course we are. Nightwing nodded and said nothing else, because if he opened his mouth he would break down entirely, so he just swallowed his tears as she walked past him. When Garfield stood up to leave as well, Dick whispered. "Do you hate me too?"

The shapeshifter stopped and hesitated. He didn't really want to talk about it yet, because he knew he would get emotional, but he couldn't help it. "I mean, I know losing her was entirely my own fault. It's just…you know how much I still love her, don't you? And I know you're mad at me and with good reason, but…I guess I thought deep down you were still my friend."

The Changeling left hurriedly and Nightwing stood there in silence for several seconds. Well, Dick. You officially suck.


Against All Odds (Phil Collins)