eleanore-delphinium:

DamiRae Week 2020: Bound Together

JLDAW AU

Part 1: (YOU ARE HERE)

@damirae-week my late entry…

Part 2: DamiRae Week 2020: SOULMATES

Part 3: DamiRae Week 2020: MARRIAGE

Part 4: I Remember You

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  Damian stood in front of me, and I was at the verge of tears over the loss of our teammates and the emotions of those killed around us due to the parademons. It was suffocating and overwhelming, everything was too much. I could feel so much anger and remorse, and sadness– and the simple realization that this was it—this was their death. The intensity of it all made me rather self-aware, that this was happening to the entire people of earth at this moment. And I couldn’t help it anymore, because it came so suddenly and with such intensity, I found myself crying.

“Raven…” Damian said, he was dripping wet as he had just come out of the water just a moment ago. I found my outstretched hand shaking as I tried to approach him because I had to heal him. But I found myself stumbling, Damian noticing my situation and ran towards me despite his obvious injured state and held me on our knees.

“Raven.” He says my name so firmly for a moment I was able to contain my emotions.

“Little girl, you and I both know your will is slipping, just let me out now and ease your pain.” My father whispers to me, but I just bit my lip to maintain my concentration.

“I have to heal you, Damian.” I simply say as I brought my hand to his face. He looks down at me and he closes his eyes with a sigh. And I healed him, but the contact made me focus on his emotions. It was similar to what I was already feeling, but this was undoubtedly his, and not a collection of emotions from a multitude of people. My tears continue to fall, as his anger, sadness and helplessness begin to blend into the sea of emotions from the entire world.

“Little girl.” I bit my lip harder.

“Raven!” Damian called out to me, a hand on my cheek, my eyes wide in shock.

“What are you doing?” He says angrily, and I look at him confused. “Your drawing out blood!” He says his voice laced with worry; his eyes seemingly focused on my chin—no my lips, that is why it felt numb. I had bit down on my lip so much to injure it.

“Slipping…”A chuckle echoes through my ears.

“I…” I glanced at our surroundings, at our dead teammates and dead parademons. “I can’t take this!” I shoved my face against my shaking hands. It’s just too much, I sob. And I could feel him stay so still. He was dealing with this too; he must think me selfish for acting like this. He wouldn’t understand—no one could understand this knot I was feeling right now.

I felt arms wrapped around me and it caused me to stop crying out of shock. And I looked up to see the setting sky. Damian’s head on the nook between my right shoulder and neck.

“Everything will be alright, Raven. I promise you.” Hearing him say that, made me feel centered again. And I was able to block the external emotions I was feeling. But one final tear slipped from my eye, as I slowly return his comforting hug. And yet knowing, so fully well, that even he was unsure how to proceed after this disaster. Knowing fully well, that everything was not alright.

When all my emotions settled in, all that was left was his and my genuine emotions. Damian now felt that he had a responsibility, I couldn’t help but wonder what he felt responsible for. And I realized that the helplessness Damian felt before, was mine too.

“You won’t be so lucky next time” A light growl from father echoes in my mind.

“We need to find a safe place.” Damian says as he pulled away from me, and I nodded. I absently looked at our team members, and so did he.

“We can’t even bury them…” I whisper softly, and Damian looked down on the ground as he shook his head and after stood up offering me his right hand.

“We can’t afford to waste time, the parademons might attack again, we need to hide now and rest properly.” I look up at him as I placed my hand on top his right hand. I know that he was right.

We had been hiding and killing parademons here and there for a week now. Three days ago, we found out that Conner was alive and joined us in hiding. We were so happy to find that there was someone else who had survived the attack.

“So, what’s the plan Damian?” Superboy asks, we were at a dark abandoned building—our current hide out.

“Nothing, we just have to try and survive now.” Damain glares at Superboy. “This is all Superman’s fault.” He gritted his teeth, and I saw Superboy ball his fist in response. Despite being together for three days, the tension between them had not dissipated. They would fight over this topic.

“Enough!” I say knowing fully well that this could start a fight. “There is no plan Conner, you’ve seen the state of the world already. What can three barely superheroes do? We only fight parademons when they attack us, we have never actively fought them, we can’t risk a horde after us, you know that!”

A faint amuse laughter comes out from my father, and I lean against the broken table for support. I felt their eyes on me.

“Perhaps it was wrong of you to come here Superboy. I did not expect that you were hoping for us three to do something against Darkseid.” Damian says and I look up at him, the tension between the two felt stagnant for a moment. The look on Damian’s face tugged on my heartstrings.

“Perhaps it is better for you to return to your family and protect them,” He looks away from Connor and sighs. “Be thankful you still have them.” Damian’s fist clenched.

When Connor found us, I recalled the relieved look on his face. When we got to a safe place, he told us that when we were attacked, he was hit and flew far away from the tower. When he came to, he had attempted to go to the Titans Tower to collect our dead; but he could not find himself to look at them so closely. So, Conner stood from a very safe distance and left. Afterwards he went to his parents, hoping that they were safe. Thankfully, Superman had implemented a safety measure for them, so they were safe. Damian was very angry when he found out Superman had safety precautions for his parents.

Conner was devastated but with his parents help, he was able to find strength again. And so, he went back to the Titan Tower, planning to bury his fellow members as that was what they deserved, but there were no bodies to be found. And that was when he deciding and hoped that just maybe– somewhere out there– was at least one Titan member that survived. And he found us.

I had opened my mouth to try and comfort Damian but Connor cut me off with a very loud sigh.

“You’re right, Damain.” A pause. “I am grateful that they are safe, and I should probably go and make sure that they will always be safe.” I felt Superboy’s resignation, there was really nothing we could do now. We knew for a fact that the justice league members that went to Apokolips are mostly dead, so what hope and chance did we really have?

Connor approaches Damian and placed a hand on Damian’s shoulder.

“I’m sorry.” He whispers sadly, Damian looks down on the floor.

“Yeah, me too…” He responds faintly, and Connor slowly walks out of our hideout. He glances at me and gives a weak smile as farewell, and I couldn’t help but feel like crying, because I felt them. They were just trying to be strong, but the reality was—they weren’t. They were trying to look for hope in a place that provided no form of comfort. They had felt the resignation long before this moment—this moment that they finally acknowledged their hopelessness.

When the door closes behind Connor, I stood up and slowly approach Damian.

“Raven…” He calls my name in the darkness and I was startled, I look at his green eyes my brows etched in worry.

A gasp from my father.

“I have something I must admit to you.” He tells me and I can see and feel how difficult this is for him.

“I get it now,” My father laughs.

“What is it Damian?” I look at him and gently urged him with a faint smile. He turns his back around me and walked a couple steps.

“You like him.” A fact.

“I have been in contact with the league of assassins,” I stare at his back. “I am thinking of going back.” He crossed his arms behind him, he turns to look at me, his eyes gentle.

“I would like you to join me in leading them.” I stare at his lips as he says those words.

“I will kill the boy if you don’t release me, daughter!” My heart was beating so loud and it felt as though it sunk to my stomach, and I must have looked ashen.

“No…” I whispered breathlessly. Damian was startled—hurt. He took a step back unconsciously and turned around.

“I… I understand.” He mutters to himself, not sounding like his usual self.

A laughter from my father. Damian looked as though he was preparing to leave now.

“No!” I ran towards Damian and grabbed his left wrist pulling him to me, and he turns to look at me. But I just crashed my lips against his, and I placed my right hand on his right cheek.

“You will regret this daughter!” My father screams. I felt Damian wrap his left arm around my waist and his right hand cupping my left cheek as he kisses me back.

Shut up, father.

“Yes! Yes, I want to go with you!” I say frantically, worried that the kiss was not obvious enough. But he had kissed me back—so this means its mutual right?

I hear him sigh and placed his head on the nook of my right shoulder.

“You worried me, Raven. I’m glad you changed your mind so quickly” He chuckles. I hug him and clenched his cape.

You will not win father, I swear it.

When we arrived at Nan Parbat, the first thing Lady Shiva said was about Dick.

“You used the Lazarus Pit on Dick?” I grabbed his wrist and look at him. We were at an empty hallway within the compound.

“I have to try— his my brother!” Damian says not looking me in the eyes.

“Damian…” I took a step forward, placed my hand on his cheek and stood on my tippy toes, understanding what I was doing he places his forehead against mine. “I trust you. I trust your decisions; I might have done the same.” And he wrapped me around his arms.

“Just so we are clear…” Damian clears his throat and pulled away; he looks away from me. “We are together right?” And I laugh and he glares at me with a slight pout.

“Of course,” I cup both of his cheeks between my hands and I felt his relief. “I trust that you trust me too?” He smiles and closes the distance between our lips. A soft gentle and loving kiss.

“Yes, I do.” He says and I could hear my father growl, but I smiled. I will enjoy my moment with him, for as long as I can.

Two years had passed and in those two years, I felt so happy. Happier than I have ever been, but sadly my father has become a little bit too loud and my healing is not as it used to be. But I was at least able to return Dick’s sanity, it was a very long and tedious process, and with my waning healing abilities, there are times that he slips into madness again.

“There is an intruder! Inform the demon’s head!” I heard someone yell, I asked where the commotion was coming from and ran towards the courtyard.

“You!” I heard Damian call out in fury. I had a bad feeling about this, when I stepped out of the doorway, I saw Superman with Constantine and behind them Etrigan fighting assassins. Damian had unsheathed his sword and was ready to attack Superman.

“Damian!” I called out as I use my powers to block Damian’s attack on Superman. He turns to glare at me.

“He wouldn’t be here without good cause, let us hear him out.” Damian sighs and sheaths his sword.

“Your lucky my wife saved your ass.” He glares at Superman whose eyes widened at the information while Constantine chokes.

“I’m sorry… aren’t you two too young?” Constantine was at the verge of laughing but I glared at him, a silent warning not to.

“I already have a lot of regrets, starting from allowing father to follow on your idiotic crusade, Clark.” When Damian said Clark there was nothing but hatred there. “I will not add another one.” He gestures for the uninvited guest through the door and he glances at me.

“You have seen the state of the world, Constantine, at least there is this piece of happiness between us.” I finished for Damian our eyes locked. We had talked about it before.

“And its not like laws matter at the state the world is in.” Damian couldn’t help but comment bitterly.

We had settled the intruders in a room. Damian was not happy with the situation but I give him a look to remind him that they’re purpose here must be important.

“So, why are you three here?” Damian says trying to contain his anger and hatred.

“To the point, I like that.” Etrigan says. And Superman tells us how he thinks Damian could get across Batman, and that when Batman found out Nightwing died there was a reaction from the big bat. Damian and I exchanged a knowing glance. The silence in the room was chilling. Before Damian could respond I interrupt.

“We will think about it.” I glance at Damian and walked out of the room. This is bad. I went to our bedroom, and sat down on a chair facing the door.

I was nervous, or perhaps it was the external factors of it all making me feel so— What am I saying, of course it’s the external factors.

I kept picking on my purple robe out of sheer nervousness, and chewed on my lips, I felt awful. What would they think, what would he think? Why does it matter what he thinks—of course it does, why am I even lying to myself. This inner turmoil I am feeling was just eating me up whole.

The door opens revealing Damian, he looked exhausted.

“I told them that we should sleep it off first, and that we will come to a conclusion tomorrow.” He says as he slowly removes his armor, I stood up to help.

“Raven, you don’t have to, you seem exhausted.” Damain tells me gently and I smiled at him. I look into his beautiful green eyes, and…

“There is something I have to tell you…” He looks at me patiently.

“Do you recall when you offered me to lead the league with you?” I ask him our bodies just two feet apart.

“Of course,” He says as he folds his cloak. “You looked so terrified and disgusted and…” He sets his cloak down and looks at the floor. “It was painful, I did not know you hated me that much to the point of disgust.” A bitter smile as he cups my cheek.

“But you kissed me, and changed your mind quickly.” The bitter smile was replaced by a warmth that we shared over the last two years.

“Yes, that moment, my father decided to threaten me with your life.” His eyes widened with the revelation. “And I decided no more. And so, Damian, my love.” I cup his cheek this time.

“I have something to tell you.” I whisper as I put my forehead against his.

We awoke the next day with loud screaming that we were both very familiar with.

“Dick.” We say as we look at one another, I used my magic to change clothes and ran towards the screaming, Damian following suit.

“It’s all your fault!” Dick says scratching and thrashing toward Superman in Etrigan’s arms. His eyes had come back to that after he was dumped into the Lazarus pit.

“Dick!” I called out firmly, and he stopped thrashing and looked at me with hollow eyes.

“How could you, its all his fault! HIS!” He yelled and I smiled at him.

“I know, I know…” I placed my hand against his temples and soothed him and he fell asleep.

“Bring my brother to his chambers.” I heard Damian command from behind me, and I moaned in pain.

“Raven what’s wrong?” Damian approaches me worriedly as he saw my pain. “Is it your father again?”

“Maybe I can help.” Constantine says as he did a spell and my father’s voice echoes faintly in the hall.

“I don’t believe you! You brat! You ungrateful daughter, you dare!” I couldn’t help but smile. I see a few members of the league bring Dick back to his room.

“You heard that didn’t you Constantine?” I say as I stood up straight. “He says he doesn’t believe me.”

“Yes, well I do not know of the context but…” He eyes me suspiciously.

“Check if my soul is bounded to Damian.” I look at Damian and he just stood still. I could feel Constantine’s disapproval.

“You wouldn’t—you couldn’t.” Constantine says and he looks between Damian and I.

“Well, only you can disprove it.” I look at him sternly, and he did a magic circle in front of me and then moved in to Damian and did so back and forth. But you can tell from his shocked eyes, to his ashen face that it was true.

“That is one nasty, nasty spell, Raven.” He comments his lips tugging into a proud smile.

“Damian’s fate is my fate. If he dies, I die. We are one and bound together for all eternity.” I simply say as I glance over Damian who gave me a supportive smile.

“NO!” I hear my father’s furious voice echo in my head.

I win father.

Part 2: DamiRae Week 2020: SOULMATES

Reblogging for the new followers!

Can’t believe it’s half a year since I made this.

Ashes to ashes

ALT

ALT

V and their true form

Raven’s POV:

“We lost 31% of the earth’s molten core, there is nothing we can do,” Batman explained to Diana and Clark.

I look over to Damian, who is sitting next to me. His eyes meet mine, and I lean forward for a kiss. When our lips touched, I felt everything that I have been longing to feel for the past two years. I felt loved and no longer alone.

The flash stands up and moves over to Batman and the others. I pull apart from Damian, and we both walk over to the conversation.

“If I just make another flashpoint, we could reverse this.” The flash pleads his case.

“No, that is far too dangerous.” Constantine steps in. “You could just make another timeline that is ten times worse.”

“I don’t see any other way.” The flash looks at us all. “Do any of you have a better idea?”

There was silence and all you could hear was the wind blowing past us. Soon the earth will grow cold and those who were left on it would surely die. I turn to Damian. I observed his face and I can tell he had no further plan. He looks over at me.

“What?” He whispers.

“I have too,” I mumble. I stand to my feet, but Damian grabs my hand.

“What are you doing?”

“I have a plan,” I say, just loud enough for the others to hear me.

“And what is it?” Constantine looks as if thinking what I was about to say wouldn’t work. He could at least give me a shot.

“You’re going to have to trust me.” I look at each and every one of them.

Diana steps forward. “I believe in you.” She put a hand on my shoulder and I turned to see her face. She nodded at me and I nodded to her.

Then I stepped away into an open area.

“Raven, wait!” Damian steps in front of me. “What are you doing?”

I put my hand on his cheek and for a second he rests his head on it, then he backs away enough to look me in the eyes. “I love you.”

I kissed him, holding onto his head, wanting to forever remember this moment. I don’t know if this will work, but something inside of me is calling for me to do this. A voice in my head that used to say ‘destroy the world is now saying 'save it.’

One thing I have learned in the Teen Titans is that no matter the sins of people, they are all worth saving. The world is worth saving. Damian is worth saving.

I break our kiss and take one last look at him. I step back and levitate to the sky, not looking away from Damian. When I got to the highest I could go, I looked around. The world was in shambles now. Torn up and destroyed by the need for power.

I took one more look down at the people that I have grown to call my family. Clark saved me from… well me, Starfire who is like a sister to me and who guided me for many years. Dick taught me to fight and hold my ground. Damian made me feel like anything was possible. I needed to save them.

I took a deep breath.

“Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos!” Heal the earth. “Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos!” Heal those that are injured. “Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos!” Bring back those we have lost. “Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos!” Bring those who died, back to life. “Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos!” Heal those who have been taken for machines. “Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos!” In the name of love!

Then my world goes dark.

******

Damian’s POV:

I looked at her. I watched as she slipped from my fingers and ascended to the sky, almost as if she was ascending to Heaven. She wasn’t looking at us anymore, but to the world and the damage that was done.

I didn’t know what she was doing, but I could only pray that it would work. She made it seem like goodbye, but I won’t let this be the end. I didn’t die and be brought back for her to die.

Father steps to my side and watches the sky along with all the others. Dick is in Kori’s lap, and she is stroking his hair. The moment they saw each other, Greyson had recognized her. Father places a hand on my shoulder, bring my gaze back to the sky.

There is a flash of purple, but instead of her black raven appearing around her, she is surrounded by a white one. It was almost breathtaking to watch and I even heard a few gasps from behind me, but I didn’t take my eyes away from her.

Then there was a flash of white that consumed the sky.

For a moment the world would not come into focus. All around, it looked fuzzy. And then it became clear. I looked over at Starfire and Dick, and they were hugging each other. Starfire’s robotic parts were at her feet and she looked as she did two years ago. Dick stood up from the ground and they hugged. It seemed like there was no linger of the effect of the Lazerous pit.

I turned around and was shocked. Robotic pieces were on the ground as the people they belonged to embraced each other in their original forms. Diana was being helped up by Clark, and Batman stood from the ground, no longer in Dark Side’s uniform. Raven did it.

Raven!

I looked to the spot she last was, but she was, falling. I rushed to catch her, holding my arms out for her. She crashed on top of me. She was on my stomach. I sat up.

“Raven!” I grabbed her face and turned it towards me, but she did not move. I tested her vitals. She was weak, but she was alive.

“Raven.” Kori came over and reached for Raven’s arm.

“She is alive, but her pulse is weak,” I say, not looking away from the girl in my lap.

Soon a crowd of people came around us. All asking different questions, like if she was okay or if she was alive. I stood up with her in my arms and turned to the crowd of people who all had worried looks. Clark tried to reach for her, but I did let her go. I was never letting her go again.

“She is alive but in need of medical attention.” I turn to Father. “Father, we have to get her somewhere where she can rest.” He nodded.

“Bring her to the Batcave. I will tell Alfred you are on the way.” Dick came over and placed a hand on my shoulder. He put his other on her arm and checked her vitals. “She is getting stronger.”

Just as he said that Raven’s eyes flew open. Her amethyst eyes found mine. “Damian.” Her voice was hoarse, but she smiled at me.

“Don’t speak. Save your energy.” I hushed her. “We will get you somewhere safe.”

“Did it work?” She asked, looking around at everyone.

“According to my records our molten core is in tacts and the earth’s population was restored to the number it was before Dark Side’s attach.” Father read off his screen. “I am not sure how you did it, but you did. Very good work, Raven.” Father nodded to her.

“Zatanna?” Constantine asked.

“Constantine.” Zatanna’s voice called through the crowd. She stood with a portal open as other Justice League members flooded out.

Raven smiled, and then she turned to me. “I saved you twice today.”

“Yes, you did.”

*******

Raven’s POV:

“Raven?” A voice pulls me from my rest.

“What?” I open my eyes, confused.

“You fell asleep.” Damian brushes his hand on my cheek.

“I didn’t mean to,” I say, trying to sit up.

“No, it’s okay.” He smiled and helped me up. “I was just worried for a moment. Go back to sleep. The car is here and I will take you somewhere safe.” He said. I noticed that I was still in his arms.

“I can walk.” I am not sure if it is true or not, but I didn’t want him to know that.

“I will carry you anyways.” He smiled down at me. My heartfelt warm and tingly, and honestly, I felt like I could curl up into him and sleep forever.

Damian helped me into the seat of the car, putting me in the passenger seat. Then he put the seat belt around me. I gave him a look, telling him I could have done that on my own, but he ignored it.

Damian slid into the driver’s seat of the car, but his father came over before he could start the engine. “Drive her right back to the cave. I will be there when I can.”

“I will, Father.” Damian blew off his father’s words.

His father hesitated but stepped away, and Damian started the car, and then sped off. I grabbed the handle above my head, making Damian turn to me.

“Please slow down,” I begged.

Damian turned to me, and when he saw that I wasn’t kidding, he slowed to almost the speed limit. “Are you alright?”

“I am really light-headed.” I close my eyes, trying to focus on breathing. I turned back to look at Damian who looking worried. “But I will be fine.”

He holds out his hand and I take it. I close my eyes again and take deep breaths. He squeezes my hand and says, “if you puke… you will have to clean it up.” He says, making me laugh.

   ____

Back at the Batcave

Well even though the ride wasn’t too terribly long, it turned out I will be known as the first person to throw up in the Batmobile. Damian started to speed a little more when I got sick, but he only made it worse.

“I am sorry,” I tell him as he helps me out. “I really am.”

“It was a joke, I swear. You are fine.” He scoops me up into his arms and carries me away from the car.

“I’m sorry,” I say as he lays me down on a bed.

“Please stop saying that. It is fine. I will clean it up, but you have to get better. Do what they tell you so you get better. Stop worrying. ” He paused and looked at me. “Please.”

I smile at him and reach for his face. When I touch his cheek, he smiles and leans into my touch. All of a sudden my bed becomes occupied by another guest. I sit up a bit to see Titus resting at my feet.

“Titus will stay with you and make sure you don’t get out of bed.” Damian nodded as if making the plan up as he went.

I didn’t argue, and then Damian left to go clean up. I fell asleep with Titus’ head, resting on my legs.

Damian

“What happened?” Batman came in, immediately sitting down at his computer.

I was cleaning up the Batmobile, from the earlier mess that I had made. I should not have sped so much. Then maybe she would not have gotten sick. “I was speeding to get back here, and Raven became ill,” I explained.

My father turned around to look at me. “Damian, you should not have sped. She probably is tired and easily susceptible to motion sickness.”

“Father, I thought it best we got here as soon as possible, but I admit it was a mistake.” I bowed my head.

“So is she the one you were talking about?” He looked at me.

I stayed quiet, unsure of what he was talking about.

“When you said 'save them, save 'her’ you meant Rachel Roth?” Father said, trying to piece together the puzzle.

“Father now is not the time or place to be discussing this.” I pick up the rag I was using to clean the car and put them in a garbage bag I was using. I stood up and he turned back to his bat computer.

“Her vitals are returning, but she will need rest. I fear this has taken a great deal of energy.” Father says as I go over to the panel on the wall and check the camera in her room. She is sleeping, but so is Titus. So much for a guard dog.

“We must give her time.” I nod and turn to Father.

*****

Raven’s POV:

I woke up in the complete dark. I wasn’t sure of the time, and when I pulled out my phone it was dead. Titus stirred and started towards the door. I opened it for him and followed him out. I hadn’t noticed at first, but there was a sleeping body on the ground.

I knelt to his side and put a hand on his shoulder to wake him.

“Damian,” I whispered.

His eyes shot open and he scanned the room. He stood up so fast that I was almost knocked over in surprise. He turned his head back and forth and soon his eyes landed on me with worry.

“What’s wrong? What happened.” He grabbed my arms and looked around.

“Damian.” I smiled. He was so worried that it was hilarious to watch. I grabbed his arm and made him look at me. “Damian, I am fine.”

He looked me over and then sighed.

“What’s going on, why are you sleeping outside the door?” I reached up and put a hand to his face, gently.

“Nothing. I was just making sure you were alright.” He looked at me with those emerald eyes. “Why are you up, you should be resting?”

“I wanted to get something to eat.”

“Well then let us go upstairs and get you some food. What is it that you are hungry for?” He offered me his arm to take.

I took it and looked up at him. “Cereal.”

“Cereal? It’s almost midnight.” He checked his watch and showed it to me.

“I just want cereal.” I shrugged.

He sighed with a smile on his face. “Fine.” He leads me up the stairs and to the kitchen area.

I sat down at the table while Damian went over to the cupboard and grabbed all the cereal brands they had. He set them down and grabbed the bowls and spoons and a gallon of milk. He set them on the table and I grabbed what I wanted. He did the same.

I took a spoon full of cereal and scooped it into my mouth and smiled at Damian.

“Cute.” He said, nodding at me, and then he took a bite of his cereal.

We ate our cereal in silence, only hearing the noises of ourselves chewing. I got seconds on my bowl, while Damian stopped after one. He watched me eat for a few minutes before his gaze started to annoy me.

“I am sorry that I eat cereal in a different way.” I turned to him. “I am hungry.”

He chuckles and leans back into his chair. “I don’t think you eat strangely, but I think it is funny to see you stuff your face.” He smiles at me.

“Excuse me for using all my energy to save the world.” I joke.

“You are right, you deserve to eat as much cereal as you would like.” Damian bowed his head in acceptance, but when his head turned up he had an evil look in his eyes.

“What?”

“Nothing.” He leaned back, not losing eye contact.

“Damian, you have that look in your eye.” I point at him.

“What look?” He plays innocent.

“That mischievous look that tells me you have a plan that is not going to end well.” I lean back to get a better look at him.

“I have no look.” He teases.

“Yes, you do,” I argue.

“No…” He was about to argue when we were interrupted.

“What are you fighting over?” Bruce Wayne walked into the room. I have never seen Batman out of his bat costume and it was shocking to see him standing before us.

“Father, we are sorry if we woke you.” Damian stood and took our dishes to the sink.

“I was already awake.” He sat down at the table. He turned to me and asked, “How do you feel?”

“I am better.” I gave a weak smile.

“That is good.” He nodded. “Now what was this about a 'look’?”

Damian sat in the chair beside me. I looked at him to see if he would explain it to his father or not. When it seemed like he wasn’t going to answer I turned back to Batman and explained.

“I believe your son has a look that he gives when he has a plan that he knows you won’t like,” I explain.

“Oh, that look.” Batman nods.

I turn to Damian with a triumphant look. “See, even your father knows of this look.”

Damian turned back to me with a smile. “Fine, you win.” He put his hands up in surrender.

“How is everyone, Batman?” I turned to the man sitting across from us.

“Everyone has been informed of the events over the past few years and the Justice League plans to hold an official press meeting in the next day or so to go over the details.” He pulled out his phone from his pocket and set it on the table. “And please, call me Bruce.”

“Well Bruce,” It sounds strange to say his name. “What are you going to tell them?”

He looked at me. “We are going to tell them the events of the past few years and explain the treatment, and we plan to have you there by our side. That is if you are well enough.” He gestured to me.

“Why me?” I questioned.

“You are the one who saved the world.” He looked to his son and then back at me. “The world has been wanting to meet you.”

“I don’t know.” I sank into my seat a bit.

“That reminds me. Lois and Clarke are coming tomorrow to see you. I had to send them home twice while you were asleep.” Bruce stood. “Raven, please feel at home here.” He said before he walked out.

I turned to Damian who was looking down at the table, scowling.

“Damian?”

“What?” He looked at me and his eyes soften.

“What is a matter?” I turn my body towards his.

“You don’t have to go to the press release. I told my father that you would need more time.” He shook his head.

“Damian, it is fine. If I feel up to it, I would like to go. I want to.” I put a hand on his.

“Okay.” He hesitated before standing. He gave me his arm and we walked the lengths of the manor together. I wasn’t really sure where he was taking me until we reached a door.

“You don’t need to sleep in the bat cave.” He explained to me and opened the door to a bedroom “You can stay here in my room.”

“Your room?”

“If you don’t feel comfortable, I can sleep elsewhere.” He said, allowing me to walk in.

I stepped in and Damian followed. I sat on the bed and looked at him. “You can stay here,” I said, wanting for him to stay here. I almost begged him not to leave.

“Alright.” He nodded. “I have some clothes you can wear.”

He went over to his dresser and pulled out a hoody and basketball shorts. He handed them to me. I took them and went to the bathroom attached to the room and changed. When I got out Damian had changed into shorts and a t-shirt as well.

I slid under the covers and looked at him. He turned off the lights and made his way to the bed with only the lamp beside the bed for light.

“Good night Rachel.” He said after he had turned off the lamp, leaving us in the dark.

“Good night.”

******

Next Day

There was a knock on the door. I opened my eyes only to be flooded with light. I buried my head under the covers, blocking out the morning. The person next to me stirred and went to the door, opening it just a crack.

“Morning Master Damian.” Alfred greeted behind the door. “Your father is worried that Miss Roth has run off this morning, but I have come to ask if you know where she might be.”

“Alfred don’t be coy.” Damian shook his head. “I am sure by the tone in your voice, you know she is with me.”

“I had a hunch.” There was amusement in Alfred’s tone. “I will inform your father that I have found Miss Roth. Please join us downstairs, we have some visitors.” He said just about to close the door. “Morning Miss Roth.”

Damian forcefully closed the door and grumbled back to bed. He slid under the covers and his arms wrapped around my waist. I smiled and took the covers off my head and wiggled around so I could see him.

“Morning.”

“Morning,” Damian grumbled into the sheets.

“I think we need to go downstairs,” I say, trying to free myself from Damian’s grasp.

Damian has always been stronger than me, so his hold on me was firm. He was gentle not to hurt me, but his arms were not budging. I turned back to look at him when I gave up trying to get out of his grip.

“Damian…” I warned.

“Five more minutes.” He grumbled again.

“You are normally a morning person, why are you like this?” I say, trying to break free again.

“Because for the first time in two years the world is not in danger and I am in bed with you. I want to keep it that way.” He growled into my ear, seductively.

This sent shivers down my spine. A smile spread across my face and I leaned back into Damian’s grasp. He was right. For the first time, we have been able to be just us without the fear of the world ending or father trying to kill him.

I sighed and then broke away from his hold. I stood up and looked down at Damian who was looking up at me from the sheets of the bed. He did not seem too happy.

“Damian, once we go downstairs and make ourselves known, we can come back up here. I am hungry and want to eat before I fall back asleep.” I said, pulling at his arm to get him out of bed. He didn’t move.

After a moment I dropped his arm and stepped back. He grumbled “fine.” And got to his feet. He went into the bathroom to change into some different clothes I did a simple spell to change close into a shirt and pants.

When Damian came out his hair was wet and he smelled like aftershave. I smiled and walked over to him. I hugged him around his chest, taking in a breath. His arms wrapped around me as he continued to pull socks out of his drawer.

When we were both done getting ready we headed out the door and right downstairs to the kitchen. Alfred was at the counter with a stack of pancakes beside him. When I stepped in closer I noticed Bruce, Clark, and Lois all setting at the table. Damian walked over to the table and sat down.

Lois looked up and her eyes brightened when she saw me. She stood to her feet and practically ran to me. She embraced me and then I hear a chair crash to the ground and Clark got in the hug.

“I am so glad you are okay,” Lois said into my ear. She held me so tight it was hard to breathe.

“Raven, how are you?” Clark asked, not letting go of me or Lois.

“I am fine,” I said, embracing them.

In the past two years, I have grown close to Clark and Lois. Clark saved me from making a huge mistake and ending my life and Lois and Clark took care of me when I grew sick from my father’s wrath.

They had become like a family to me. It was nice to be around them again.

Lois realized me and Clark and she stood back to look me over. They looked at me with concerned eyes, but I smiled.

“I am fine,” I assured them.

Lois enveloped her hand in mine and led me back to the table. She made me sit in the seat that Clark was sitting in before, but he didn’t seem to mind. He went and sat beside Bruce.

“You did it,” Lois whispered in my ear when she sat down.

“What?” Whispered back to her.

“You saved the world.” She smiled at me proudly. “I knew from the moment Clark brought you home that you were destined for great things.”

I smiled. She had told me that a lot throughout our time spent together. She and Clark believed in me when I had lost hope in myself.

Alfred brought over a plate for me and Damian, who was now seated across from me. Alfred smiled at me when he handed me the plate. I couldn’t help but blush.

“Raven, are you feeling better? The past few days we have come they told us you were asleep?” Clark turned to me.

“I am better.” I nod and take a bite of my pancake.

“Glad to hear.” He nodded. “Has Bruce filled you in on the press conference?”

“He said that the Justice League will hold one and that they would like me there,” I said after I swallowed my food.

“And do you feel up to it?” Lois asked me in a concerned tone.

“It should be fine for me to go,” I answered her.

She smiled at me and grabbed my hand that was resting on the table and gave it a squeeze. I looked at her and she had nothing but love in her eyes. I looked to Clark and he was just the same.

“I don’t think Bruce has told you yet, but the Teen Titans have decided to take a season off and most of them are going home to family,” Lois said, making me turn back to look at her. “And I know that the only family you had here was your father, and now he is gone.”

I wasn’t sure where she was going with this. Lois nervously turned to Clark and when I turned to him he just nodded with a smile on his face.

“We were wondering if you would like to come home with us.” Lois turned back to me.

I looked at her in shock. She wanted me to come live with them? Clark and Lois were asking me to come to stay with them for the while the Teen Titans were away.

“What?” I said, not sure I understood all of this.

“Come stay with us, Rachel,” Clark said across the table.

“What do you say?” Lois said in a cheerful tone.

“I…” I didn’t know what to say. I have never felt more welcome.

“Father, surely she would be better staying with us.” Damian’s gloomy tone made me turn to him. He was upset and glaring daggers at his father.

“If Rachel would like to go with the Kent’s then she is the one to make that decision,” Bruce said sternly. “But, she should stay here for a few more days while we track her vitals and such.”

“So what do you say?” Lois asked again.

I looked at Clark and Lois and then at Damian. For the past two years, the Kent’s have held me together and given me love that no family has ever. I knew what I was going to choose, but I only wished Damian wouldn’t hate me.

“Yes,” I said, turning back to Lois. “When the press conference is over, I would like to come home with you and Clark.”

Damian stood up and stomped out of the room. I winced at his footsteps but I knew what I wanted to do. Damian and I are just starting something, but I knew that I wanted to be with Kent’s

“When we go back to Metropolis, I would like to introduce you as my daughter,” Clark spoke up.

“Your daughter?” I turned back and forth at Lois and Clark to see if this was real.

“You are family and if these past two years prove anything, it is that you are a Kent.” Lois squeezed my hand again. “Even if you are not by blood, you are.”

“Thank you, guys.” I smiled at the two of them.

“Rachel, would you mind if Clark, Lois, and I have the room?” Bruce spoke up. “We have a few matters with the press conference that need to be finalized.”

I nodded and stood up. I left the room quietly, still smiling. I couldn’t believe this. I didn’t think about what would happen when I woke up. Clark and Lois took care of me for all these years, and I just thought when all of this was over they would lead their own lives, but now they want me to join them? I was happily surprised.

I was walked back to Damian’s room. I didn’t know how I was going to explain this all to him and I knew by the way he reacted he would not be happy, but I wanted to explain this all to him.

I knocked on the door.

Nothing.

I knocked again and this time when nothing happened I turned the nob. Damian was sitting at his desk in his room, writing something. I walked over to him and waited for him to finish. When he set the pen down I spun his chair to look at me and sat on the bed.

“Damian, I am going.” I start.

His eyes were murderous.

“I love you.” I put my hand on his. “I would stay with you forever, but over the past two years… It was the Kent’s that took care of me.”

I let go of his hand and put it in my lap. I looked down at my hands, not wanting to face Damian.

“I wanted to die. I mean it. I wanted it to be over. If I killed myself, Father would have never been freed and you would have been safe.” I toy with my hands. “And I couldn’t be with you because of it.”

It was hard telling Damian this. I never admitted this to anyone before.

“When Clark showed up and took me in, he and Lois gave me something that I needed. Hope.” I glance up and then quickly back down. Damian was staring at me like hot lasers. “They gave me a home and made me feel loved.”

They were the parents I never had.

“I am going with them because they have become my family. Like the Titans, but with a stronger bond.” A tear slipped. “I love you and this doesn’t mean I don’t. Just because I am leaving doesn’t mean I am leaving you.” I looked up at him, finding my courage. “I will portal here to see you whenever, but I need to do this.”

Damian was silent for a second and I let my head drop. Maybe he didn’t believe me or didn’t want to hear this, but it needed to be said.

I felt his hand reach my face and I looked up to him.

“I love you.” He said in almost a whisper. “And though I will hate having you far away, I understand.” He nodded. “But I tell you this. I will gain your love enough one day to be considered the only family you will ever need.” He said in a wild tone. “And on that day, you will be my wife.”

His words were wild and truthful. I knew he meant this as a promise to me and it warmed my heart. I smiled at him as he whipped a tear from my face.

“We can portal to see each other and spend the nights.” He grinned at me. “But for now, if this is where you want to be, then I will not fight.”

I smiled at him.

“I love you,” I said, meaning it with all my heart.

“And I love you.” He smiled and pulled me in for a kiss.