Reciprocate III: The After

Reciprocate[ 1: Raven ,2 : Damian] 

Reciprocate 2021 Version[1: Raven,2: Damian]

~.~.~.~.~.

It took two years and almost a half for Raven to finally wake up from her coma. When she woke up her first reaction was to freak out. She jumped off her bed thinking that she had to go somewhere. 

 But Raven didn’t recall where she ought to go and what it was she had to do. 

 She knocked over a vase of flowers when her feet gave way and she was confused  as to why her legs felt like jelly. 

 She knew however that she had to check her surroundings and her current state. She was fortunate enough to not have injured herself with the shards of porcelain on the floor. She held onto her bed weakly, knowing that she had to go somewhere– but where?

“Raven!” A man had called out as he burst into the room banging the door loudly. She looked up at him with no recognition but the name he uttered was familiar to Raven however she couldn’t figure out why. 

The tone in his voice was filled with so much worry that she could not help but feel anxious too.

She observed him quickly scan the room until his eyes finally met hers. She was mesmerized by his green eyes and a strong sense of familiarity hit her. 

His uneasy state was greatly calmed when he saw her. When he sighed, she did too, and she shared the relief he felt too. He slowly approached her with a gentle expression as she remained on her spot, greatly leaning on her bed for support.

“Raven.” He whispered when he was two feet away and she realized that she was Raven– that was why the name was familiar. 

It was her name.

He picked her up and carried her in his arms and even though she did not know him, she wrapped her arms around his neck. She was at peace in his embrace– in his presence, she felt safe. And she did not make a fuss even when she didn’t know the identity of this man.

The strong sense of need then engulfed her, there was a name at the tip of her tongue that she felt she had to call out.

She struggled to form the word and then, “Damian.” She whispered as she squeezed him and sighed in relief. He had not corrected her so he must be Damian and she felt at peace knowing this.

She rested her forehead on his shoulder, as he carried her back to her bed. He set her down gently as he pulled away. She grabbed his right hand as she sat up as she studied their hands.

“It feels so perfect.” She gently told him, and Damian was startled by her words. A smile slowly formed on his lips and he found himself chuckling. And she found herself enamored by his soft laughter as a faint flutter settled in her chest. A strong sense of knowing came to her: that this man rarely smiled or laughed.

“I’ve been here almost every day, holding your hand. Maybe your hand molded into mine—” He shook his head in disbelief. “Or maybe the other way around.” Hearing his words ignited her anxiousness. 

What did that mean? How long has she been unconscious? And more importantly, who was he to her?

It occurred to her that there was nothing but blankness in her mind. These questions she couldn’t answer. She didn’t even know anything about herself. 

Why couldn’t she remember anything about anything?

Even so, Raven knew she had to at least try and stay calm.

“I—my memory is kind of fuzzy,” Raven said as she laid back in bed as she tried to calm her nerves simultaneously, but the realization that she didn’t recall anything bothered her. However, this man, named Damian, gave her a calmness that was indescribable. 

She knew him somehow. She trusted him without a doubt, even when she wasn’t sure of her name a moment ago– she knew she could trust him.

“But I know you, I remember you.” Raven continued on as she connected the dots that were vaguely on her mind. “I heard you so often, it became so scary when you weren’t there.” She knew him, she finally recalled, his voice that haunted her and the fear she felt when he said he would let her go. 

She did not want him to let her go, she recalled her dread and she clenched his hand. 

Aside from him, she was uncertain about everything else, and she was afraid to know the reasons and the hows or what, but she found herself drifting into sleep. 

Raven wanted to fight the drowsiness because she was so aware that she had just woken up, but there was a part of her that wanted to go back to sleep. If she woke up and he wasn’t there at least she can pretend that this encounter was just a dream, at least then it would hurt less. She held his hand tightly until she fully fell into slumber, to which her grip finally loosened.

Damian took the opportunity of Raven falling asleep to call the doctors and scientists to inform them of her recent development.

When Raven awoke again, she was afraid, even more than when she had awoken earlier that day. She was afraid that the one she called Damian would have really left her like he had said before. Those words that haunted her dreams for who knew how long she was asleep.

“I have decided. I am moving on– I am letting you go.” Those were the words that kept ringing in her head. The fear that came felt like an assault on her soul. It was unwelcomed and it hurt, but she did not know where to find solace.

When the thought of Damian not being there with her crossed her mind, the fear felt like it was about to burst out of her. Even Raven, with her non-existent memory, could tell that her fear was more than just hearing him tell her that he can’t wait for her any longer. It was like she couldn’t breathe even though the air was just there. She could feel that the fear was very deeply rooted into her and she wondered why it is so, why or what could have caused this suffocating feeling.  

What caused this fear to be this strong that it felt like he was life itself?

She jolted up on her bed, ready to jump out to look for him, but then she saw Damian and a tear slipped down her right cheek as a loud exhale escaped her lips. She found herself breathing again, as if the fear of losing him never attacked her in the first place.

It was like air was given back to her lungs, and life was given meaning.

Damian was talking to a doctor and a scientist, but to Raven she thought that he was talking to two doctors in a lab coat. Seeing strangers made her nervous. She started to breathe heavily and with Damian’s sharp hearing, he turned to her instantly and with long strides was already by her side.

“I’m right here.” He told her as he touched her shaking hand and she grabbed his hand with strength she didn’t know she possessed.

“Who are they? What do they want?” She asked giving him a death grip. Damian was surprised by her reaction and tried to soothe her in a gentle tone.

“Raven,” He looked at the doctor and scientist. “They are the head of their department that helped me keep you safe.” He continued on but he noticed the confused look she had on her face when he said head of their departments. 

Raven opened her lips but Damian cut her off, “It’s best if I don’t explain to you your medical history, it would only cause you stress.” He cupped her cheek and caressed her face gently, wiping the stray tear away.

“I– I understand.” She replied as she glanced at the two people in their lab coats. They looked at her like she was some kind of miracle but mostly like a specimen. It was another question added to her list: Why did they look at her like that?

“You two may leave, I will contact you later.” Damian ordered in a soft manner as he glanced at the two in lab coats. His tone was controlled to not freak Raven out. 

The pair look at one another for a moment and then, “We understand.” One said and they left quietly.

“See, those people are completely harmless.” Damian said, turning around to look at Raven like coaxing a child, but he was surprised to see her teary eyes. He couldn’t help but suck his bottom lip inside his mouth as he tried to look as neutral as he could, but he was suddenly wrapped in her embrace, her small back shaking. 

“Everything is fine.” He told her as he slowly wrapped his arms around her. Raven suddenly burst into sobs.

“I thought you were gone!” She wept, hugging him as tightly as she could in terror as she caved in. Hearing this, Damian felt his heart ache and the next second he was convincing himself not to keep his hopes up.

“I’m right here, I’m not going anywhere.” He comforted her in a low voice and she froze. She pulled away to look at him, staring directly into his green eyes as if seeing right through him.

“You said that too, I heard you. But– but–” A tear slipped down her eyes as she blinked. “You then said you were going to leave me.” The words barely got out of her mouth, as her lower lip quivered. Raven found that she could not hug him again, instead she buried her face into her hands as she wept. “You promised.”

He was frozen hearing this, he heard her? How long had she heard him? Did she hear everything?

“I–” He shakily said but Raven cut him off.

“Don’t lie to me!” She glanced up quickly at him and then sobbed back into her hands.

“No. I wasn’t going to lie.” He said and she stopped crying and looked up at him with doubtful eyes. He cupped her face in a solemn expression. “I just– I couldn’t see you like that anymore.” 

She wondered if he was lying, and he wondered the same too. Raven silently gave him another hug as she silently cried. After minutes passed, Raven finally stopped crying, but he continued to hold her for a few more minutes before pulling away.

“You need to gather strength, you need to eat a lot, and train your legs.” He told her in his best soothing voice while wiping away her tears and caressing her face. He wondered if this would be the first and only time he could hold her and touch her in such a manner. 

She nodded profusely in response. “Okay.” She agreed instantly.

“Okay,” He said as he stood up and she looked at him with slight fear. “I’m going to get a damp washcloth to put over your eyes.” He said in the same tone he had been using this whole time– gentle, tender, caring and perhaps even loving.

“Alright.” She said with a small nod and pressed lips as she slowly lay down in bed. He nodded at her and slowly left the room. She kept her eyes on him until he was out of sight and kept her gaze by the door waiting for his return. She patiently waited even though her anxiousness was growing louder as his absence grew longer. 

When Damian finally returned she sighed at the instance she saw him. He had a bowl with water and a face towel inside soaking in the water.

A thought crossed her mind, Raven felt like she was the cloth and Damian was the water, she couldn’t but absorb him into her and want to keep him with her, the basin ensuring that the two will always be together.

“Relax, I’ll be here unless you tell me to leave.” He sat down on the chair beside her bed and she frowned at what he said. “I’m sorry, I’ll be here, always.” He corrected himself and she nodded firmly, closing her eyes. Damian takes that as a gesture that he may place the cloth over her eyes. He twisted the cloth in order for the excess water to leave it, and she placed the damp cloth over her eyes.

He looked at her with grief, certain this time would pass as she was merely just confused. She didn’t actually need him, Raven will surely find Garfield again.

The next day came and when Damian went inside her room Raven was already awake on her bed. Her head turned towards the door and their eyes instantly met.

“You’re already awake.” Damian was surprised as it was still quite early in the morning. In fact, the sun had just risen a few minutes ago. 

When she saw him, her eyes watered and he came running to her side.

“What’s wrong? Are you in pain? Should I–” He turned around ready to call a nurse, but a cold hand over his hand stopped him. His head spun to look at Raven with an ashen expression and Raven wiped away her stray tears with her free hand.

“I just wanted you here.” She confessed in what was barely a whisper. Hearing that made Damian kneel before her as he clenched her hand and brought it to his forehead which was lowered. This had been a habit he had developed over the years he spent waiting for Raven to awaken.

“I’m sorry.” He apologized as a tear slipped away from his eye. “I–”

“You’re not going to leave me, right?” Raven’s voice broke as she asked but she still held onto her resolve to look strong. He looked up at her with green eyes that held terror at the thought. She thought that this was an image she never knew he would show, and yet she was uncertain why she thought so.

“I swear Raven, I will be here throughout your recovery. No matter what.” Damian swore tears pooling in his eyes. She withdrew the hand against his forehead and reached out to his temple, he closed his eyes as she brushed her thumb gently under his eye.

“I will hold you to that.” She replied, pulling her hand away.

“I can’t tell you how you got this way– I can tell you your medical condition– granted not in full, in order not to add stress to you.” He said his tone back to a gentleness she was certain wasn’t his norm. 

Raven placed her hand over his again and nodded in understanding. Even if something was telling her this wasn’t how he normally acted, she still embraced it, maybe only because it was only for her that he was acting like this and no one else. And she kind of hoped that this version of him was indeed only for her, even if it was a selfish thought.

“Okay, so good news is: because of your magical origin you didn’t really lose weight. In fact, because of your magic you were able to survive.” Damian noticed the confused look on her face, and he found himself rather alarmed. 

“What is your latest memory Raven?” His tone on edge, she just looked at him blankly and then eventually frowned.

“I don’t– I don’t recall anything.” She replied and Damian inhaled a sharp breath.

“Yesterday was the same?” Damian tried to confirm even though he did not want to know the answer and she nodded in reply.

“It’s just a blank haze.” Raven mumbled with a frown. 

“Okay, okay– no it is fine, okay?” Damian mumbled although his eyes were shifty. Raven squeezed his hand to try and calm him and reassure him. It was odd how she naturally wanted to comfort him over anything else– over the fact that she has known since she had awaken– that she knew nothing at all.

“I’m in no rush to get my memories– as long as– that is, you are here.” Raven looked at him with calm ease. But his expression did not look pleasant, and a blanket of fear settled over her heart. “I realize– I don’t know how we are related– you must have someone–” The tension in her voice was stifling and Damian immediately cupped both her cheeks forcing her to look at him, making her forget her unreasonable fears.

But were they really unreasonable?

“There is no one else I’d rather be with than with you.” Damian said, leaning his forehead against hers, and she sighed as she closed her eyes, cupping his cheeks in return. She didn’t want to break the silence, and she felt– she was certain he felt the exact same way. Raven couldn’t explain why she knew that but they bask at the silence and their warmth for as long as time would allow.

He told her that she was special and in an almost round-about manner that she was related to a powerful being, whose name and identity shall be omitted to ensure she will not be overwhelmed. And because of this entity, she was born with magic which then aided her rather impossible recovery. If she wasn’t this special, he feared the worst, and Raven knew what that meant.

She could have died.

 ~.~.~.~.~

 Almost two weeks had passed and Raven was utterly frustrated. She wanted to remember something– anything. She wanted so desperately to know him.She couldn’t sleep because of it.

“I know you are having a hard time remembering, so I understand why you are restless in an unfamiliar place, but you need to get some rest.” Damian urged Raven quietly with arms crossed. She looked at him with furrowed brows, she was on her hospital bed that was elevated for her to sit.

“Haven’t I rested enough?” She wondered aloud and he shook his head.

 “You know that is not what I mean.” He replied to her.

 “I just can’t sleep.” Raven confessed in a quiet voice as her eyes dodge around the white walls anxiously.

 Damian took a step closer to her, “Why?” He asked in a gentle manner and her eyes fell on him. The gentleness in his voice is almost associating to his default tone– almost.

 “I’m afraid.” She replied with watery eyes, and her hands started to shake a little. He couldn’t help but press his lips, he did not know what to say. He was supposed to show her how firm he could be but he could see that she had become weary because of exhaustion.

 “Why?” He simply asked as if talking to a child, and she suddenly held onto his wrists.

 “What if, when I wake you’re not here?” She said nervously, her eyes darting to the door momentarily. In fact, she would refuse to eat some meals if she had not seen him for the day.

 “I already don’t know much about you.” Raven looked back at him, her eyes visibly shaking. “What if– what if–” Her stare seemed to unfocus behind him which worried Damian.

 “What if I wake up and I don’t remember what little I know about you?” Her violet eyes suddenly looked at his green eyes which startled him. The fear and the distant gaze made his heart ache and made him equally worry. “I already don’t know anything about you.” Her breathing became ragged and he felt guilty.

 “But what if you remember?” He asked simply in a soft voice as he looked down, he did not want to acknowledge it, but it had to be said.  

 Suddenly Raven held his shoulders and was so close to his face that he was left startled again. Her eyes filled with terror that Damian almost mirrored the same thing.

 “What if I don’t like what I remember?” She asked as she exhaled in an almost wheezing manner. Damian’s heart sank hearing her words. 

 “But– what if you do?” He heard himself barely whisper. He was certain that the first thing she would remember was Garfield and all the happy memories they shared. He had not thought of Garfield in the past weeks, but it made him realize how he had to tell Garfield that Raven was now awake. 

 Damian looked at her with the most indifferent expression he could muster, and cupped her cheek and sighed. But the indifference in his face made her scared. He had told Dick not to tell anyone she was awake for now, as to not have any visitors that could overwhelm Raven, but it is probably time to introduce her to other people. 

 “You know, I think if I introduce you to people you knew before the accident, it can help you.” Damian said slowly, not even looking at her face. Raven’s eyes widened in sheer terror, and her shaking hand reached out to Damian’s jaw to make him look at her. She couldn’t even make him turn his head to her because she had no strength in her body left at his suggestion.

 “Please, don’t make me.” Tears fell down her cheeks as her voice broke. Looking at her like this made Damian feel a different kind of guilt that stayed heavy on his heart. 

 “Okay, okay, okay.” Damian scooped her up into his arms. “I won’t force you.” He comforted her as he rubbed her back. She wept for a few more minutes and then pulled away.

 “But you have to promise me that you will try and get proper rest.” Damian added gently and she pouted. 

 “If you sleep with me.” She replied in a serious tone, but the words shocked Damian to his core, he almost wavered and gave in to her request. Damian knew he shouldn’t.

 He sat there frozen, which made Raven frown. “I can’t do that.” He said standing up, his tone uninviting as he turned his back against her. Raven pressed her lips but did not try to persuade him. She laid back down on her bed, and stared at his back.

 “Fine.” She agreed silently. “I don’t want visitors yet.” She added in a slightly louder tone as she observed Damian nod his head.

 “Let’s just focus on your recovery first then.” Damian turned around to look at her again, but this time with a smile and Raven felt that she had no choice but to pretend to not be hurt at that moment.

~.~.~.~.~

The days passed which then turned to weeks, the doctors and the scientists were surprised with her incredible recovery. 

 In less than two weeks Raven had already found strength in her legs to hold her body. She was still frail, but she could walk a couple steps, albeit with trouble. However, they attributed her speedy recovery from her origins, her magic that she must have been unconsciously using all this time.

Damian had once mentioned to Raven that she could heal herself and be back to normal in a matter of seconds. But her response, which also frightened him, put a stop to any attempts of convincing her to heal herself– Raven simply said she didn’t know how to.

Damian’s heart ached at the implication of Raven not knowing how to do something she was currently unconsciously doing. It could mean she was never using her magic to heal herself, and surviving or waking up was sheer luck. Or perhaps she won in the gene lottery because of her father. If it wasn’t magic that got her this far, perhaps the different composition of her father’s blood in her had helped her somehow. And if that was the case, it would still boil down to sheer luck for Raven to live this long.

The implication was something that he hated. 

Luck was intangible and as untrustworthy as his own mother. If luck was the reason Raven was still here, then he was so close to losing her for all eternity. This was something he could not accept.

“I don’t understand why she can’t recall anything.” Damian asked from outside Raven’s room. Raven was leaning against the wall by her bedroom door. She had initially wanted to go out to meet him, but his worried voice from outside just made her pressed her lips instead. 

Raven felt bad that she couldn’t remember anything, but she also liked the pace she and Damian had. There was a fondness in the fact that their moments together were completely theirs and no one else’s, Raven purely enjoyed this.

“We theorize she doesn’t want to remember.” A voice replied which she recognized as the head scientist.

“Well, aside from obvious trauma.” The doctor added and she pressed her lips again. Raven decided she did not need to hear what they had to say next, as she slowly walked across the room, lost in her thoughts.

“I can’t make these kinds of decisions for her.” Damian had said in a faintly pained voice. 

The door to Raven’s room is eventually opened by Damian as he walks in quietly. Raven was standing by her window as she gazed at the lawn outside. 

“Raven, when did you wake up?” He asked her, the pain in his voice gone and was replaced with a stifling gentleness that she recognized as unfamiliar and yet that was how he had been talking to her since she woke up– gentle, tender, caring and almost so very, very loving.

“It’s odd…” She mumbled, looking out the window and then glanced at the windowsill. “ I am certain you normally don’t talk in such a manner.” She brushed her fingers on the windowsill as she heard footsteps go to her. He stopped a little behind her, and she shifted her gaze out the window again. 

“And yet, I have no memory to supplement–” She raised her hands and gazed at her palms. “This knowledge.” Damian looked down on the ground unsure on how to comfort her or reassure her without having to lie. 

“I just know… you’re not this gentle– but–” She turned to look at him. “I also feel that you are only ever gentle with me.” Raven noted his fluttering eyes which then quickly avoided her, she cupped his cheek making him look at her.

“You still refuse to tell me what we really are to each other.” She said, and she noted how he closed his eyes.

He sighed, “I don’t think you’d want to know.” Was his reply as he slowly opened his eyes to look at her. “We are–”

“I believe you.” She cut him off in a firm but gentle tone. She didn’t want to know, but she wanted to live in this moment. “I believe you’re right when you say that I don’t want to know.”

Raven’s gaze at him was patient and unhurried, she didn’t want to know especially when he said she wouldn’t want to. She smiled at him softly and he stared back at her, hiding the pain he felt. 

Damian concluded that he couldn’t get lost in this moment because when the bubble burst– when she recalls, he knew who she would run to first and it was obviously– it couldn’t be– him. No matter the small hints dropped, Damian had to believe it was unintended because she was merely confused with the missing memories.

He will endure this pain until she chooses Garfield all over again. It was always Garfield– it was never him.

 ~.~.~.~.~

 A few weeks passed by and Raven was finally walking without a problem, she had ventured through the villa and knew every room as if it was her home. Damian had just convinced Raven to take walks outside the villa and she begged him that he had to be there whenever she did go for a walk outside the building. 

They went down the stairs, but being self-aware that she was expected to walk out of the building scared her. She knew she wasn’t ready and she squeezed the hand that held hers firmly. Damian’s green eyes looked at her trying to hide the worry, but she saw through it. 

Raven knew that she had to be strong for him at least, that alone was enough to bring her to the end of the staircase. She knew he asked this of her for her own good. She knew he was worried how she had locked herself inside the villa. She knew these even when there were no words that were said directly to her. 

Raven knew and she did not know why, but she knew all of these.

Damian would ask her if she wanted to know more about her, but she would just shake her head, rejecting his offer. Raven then would tell him that she was content with what little she knew of herself. And she knew and could feel his turmoil as if it was hers, but she would not delve into the matter any further.

She didn’t want to know more about herself. Raven simply wanted to know more about Damian.

Damian guided her to the main entrance, a door she would more often than not pass by as if it did not exist. There were a couple of times she would glance at it and rarely stare for more than two minutes and then proceed to ignore it. She found she had no interest in the outside world, she liked it here, inside this huge mansion with Damian. That was more than she needed. She wanted to be with him– the man holding her hand.

Raven squeezed his hand again as they stopped in front of the door. 

Damian had reached out for the doorknob with his free hand but feeling her squeeze his hand again made him turn to her.

“Do you want to do this?” He asked sympathetically, and she tried to smile to comfort him but her uncertainty had become bigger than her. She squeezed his hand again as she forced herself to nod. 

Damian took a deep breath and opened the door and as it swung open and revealed the green grass, Raven’s legs buckled. An image in her head overlapped with the green grass. And she no longer saw the tranquil lawn outside– instead she saw destruction.

Raven’s breathing became heavy as the image remained in her sight. Cars littered everywhere, smoke and flames, and then there was–

Raven screamed as her palms covered her face. She had fallen on her knees screaming as she wept.

“Raven!” Damian yelled as he dropped to his knees to hold her in his arms. She screamed as she held onto him.

“No, no, no!” She repeated as she held onto his shirt as if she’d ripped it from how strong her grip was. “Damian!” She screamed his name in so much terror his heart dropped to his stomach and he hugged her tightly.

“I’m here, I’m here.” He repeated but her repeating words of no was louder. He called her name but she didn’t respond, just sobbed and called his name in a broken whisper. He forcefully pulled her away from his chest, and she struggled in his arms not wanting to let go. 

“I’m here Raven, I’m here.” He  forced himself to say as he kept her at a distance so she could see his face. She continued to scuffle at him, her eyes unfocused as tears streamed down her face. “Raven!” He called her name as loudly as he could so his voice would not be drowned out by her voice. He sounded like he was about to burst into tears and his chest ached even more seeing her tremble in place at the sudden sound– at his sudden burst.

Raven’s eyes found his, her hands quivering, “Damian.” She hugged him and wept in silence.

“There, there.” He patted her back and they remained that way for a moment, he adjusted his hands so that he could carry her back to her room. “Let’s go back, let’s try again some other day.” He coaxed her quietly. He felt her nod against his collar bone. 

Damian squeezed her one more time and then found his footing in order to stand up. Raven continued to cry as he climbed back up to her bedroom.

When they arrived in her room and he settled her on her bed, she confessed to him how afraid she was that night of the accident. She was afraid she wouldn’t get to experience a life with him by her side. 

Raven initiated their first kiss, and in the confusion he kissed her back with the passion he held onto and had for her for years. Raven kissed back, slipping her tongue inside his mouth and she recognized his inexperience because of it and he confirmed it when he pulled away.

Damian couldn’t help but mention she had dated before, couldn’t help but say Garfield’s name and thus had to see her expression shift right before his own eyes. 

She longed for him– Garfield.

Raven was confused because she didn’t have any memories of Garfield, but her heart beats loudly upon hearing his name. Her expression could not help but mold into longing, and Damian saw all of this. She could vaguely feel his pain behind the turmoil that was brought about when Damian said Garfield’s name.

She still wanted to choose Damian even if her heart and body remembered this man named Garfield, even if she reacted in such an extreme manner. But the turmoil inside of her made her tired, she wanted to rest and yet she still wanted Damian.

Raven asked if they could try walking outside again tomorrow and he quietly obliged. She knew she had to tell him before her feelings got lost in translation– lost in words that were never said. 

Raven had to define what she wanted with him. What she wanted with Damian and no one else.

“I would like to date you, Damian.” Her words were sincere and certain even when she was clearly reacting towards that name– Garfield.

But Damian quickly shot her down by saying, “Your memory isn’t like what it was, Raven. I think it’s too early to say that.” She pressed her lips, she hated how he replied. She hated how he shot her down so quickly. But then, she also hated herself, what could she have done to someone this good to her, to reply that easily? To reply in such a manner?

Garfield, even though the name sparked a reaction to her physically, she didn’t remember her love for him. If someone told her that her heart was beating because of the love she had for Garfield, she’d tell them instantly: that isn’t the case. 

This beating was more akin to fear, she didn’t want to know anything about Garfield because to a degree she was aware it would affect her relationship with Damian. 

Now that was something she did not want at all.

But Raven will be patient, she had to be. 

If Damian wasn’t ready now, she will wait, and she will not have someone who she didn’t remember obstruct her. She knew she chose Damian on her dying breath and that meant something stronger than this person she didn’t remember, named Garfield. 

 ~.~.~.~.~

 Raven had stopped keeping track of the days but a week ago she was finally able to step out of the mansion. Previously they would stand in front of the entrance ranging from a panic stricken melt-down to a staring contest that could last a few minutes to hours and yet she could never step out of the building. 

The first time Raven struggled to go outside helped her remember something though– her accident. She had an inkling why she was afraid of going outside and now she knew her accident took place in an open space. 

Raven found this out the first time she attempted to step out and saw the fast field. Her legs gave in as she so vaguely recalled a scene that overlapped the green grass. It was an unpleasant memory which she had not informed Damian she recalled, even if so very faint. Even when he carried her up to her room and comforted her, she didn’t tell him the details of what she had seen and felt but now it was different.

Raven knew for certain that it involved the man who was always there as she recovered– Damian. 

She tried to calm her mind in order to find peace to try and put the pieces together. And that was how she knew, just a week ago, why she held Damian so tightly every time, why she had to see him, why it had to be him that accompanied her.

Today Damian promised he would go out and join her for a walk. If he wasn’t by her side she would refuse to even attempt stepping out of the safety of the building he provided for her. They stood in front the main entrance of his villa, Raven holding his wrist with both hands in a tight grip. Even though they have gone out over a couple of times, it still wasn’t an easy feat for Raven. 

Damian rested his free hand over her cold hands that were tightly wrapped around his wrist. Even when she was evidently shaking he never forced her out. But there were so many times where she would just faint out of pure fear which then would make him wonder: if Raven knew how painful it is to catch her like that, would she refuse to leave the villa?

Did he even have the right to be hurt when he is someone she didn’t love in that way?

“Damian?” Raven called in a small voice, her eyes worried as she looked up at him. He smiled at her faintly.

“I’m sorry, I was lost in my thoughts.” He admitted, no matter what, he cannot be delusional. It might have seemed like she held her hand out for him twice, but it could be that it wasn’t– no it isn’t the case. She could have been confused and thought he was Garfield. He sighed and closed his eyes tightly.

He recalled what happened weeks ago, where they had shared their first kiss, she said doesn’t remember Garfield but when she does recall her old flame, Damian knew he’d be left with a broken heart. She didn’t know any better, and he tried his hardest to pretend it never happened. He knew Raven could see through him and did not cause any trouble, instead she played along with his unspoken wish. 

Pretend like she didn’t tell him that she was scared to not experience a love with him, pretend she didn’t kiss him and he didn’t kiss back.

“Damian.” She called his name again, her voice sounding like she was at the verge of tears and he looked at her worriedly. “Do you know why I’m scared of going outside?” She thought that even if she just knew a few days ago of the reason why she found it hard to step outside, she had to tell him, even if– when her memories return, it might not be the truth anymore. 

Even when he was clearly pushing her away.

Damian didn’t look at her, he only looked down on the floor. He did not want her to continue. 

And it made her heart ache, it made her wonder why he would act like this. When her memories return, she would know why he is like this, she must have hurt him a lot before. And there was a part of her that hoped she wouldn’t have those memories back, because there was one thing she knew for a long time– she wanted to build a future with him.

She wasn’t sure she could if she really did something awful to him. 

Was she an awful person?

Raven pressed her lips together, but she still had to take a chance, “Whenever I get to hold your hand.” She pulled one of her hands off of his wrist and laced her hand with his. “It feels so perfect, when I get to hold you like this, it makes me feel so safe. Like I would never get lost, and I would never lose you.” She leaned against his shoulder as he remained quiet.

“Please don’t tell me that I will regret this when I have my memories back.” She softly added as a tear slipped her eye which she hid from him. And they remained silent as she found the strength to open the door and step out. 

And for the first time, it was her who guided him out, not the other way around. 

 ~.~.~.~.~

 Then the day she finally met Garfield came, Garfield called her name out and it made her freeze. The beating in her chest wasn’t out of fear, it was love and Raven hated it. She hated how she recognized his voice and when she turned to look at him– she remembered him. She recalled their happy memories. She instantly knew something about him and it scared her.

Raven had been so happy these past months because of the man beside her– Damian. And yet, this person– Garfield, decided to barge into their pleasant conversation. She still didn’t remember much about Damian other than being so terrified when she thought she was dying and couldn’t spend time with him.

But with Garfield it was like her life with him was flashing through her eyes, and she was feeling everything as if it was still happening. 

It was overwhelming her, she knew she loved him. She loved Garfield so much. 

Raven could feel Damian’s turmoil– his pain. She could feel Garfield’s joy at her being awake and his anger at Damian for not telling him. She could even feel the guilt of the man behind Garfield, whom Damian called Greyson. And she can feel the love she had for Garfield for nine long years.

Damian confirmed what he knew– in her eyes Garfield will always surpass him. But this moment also made Damian realize just how much he had allowed himself to sink into this make-believe life they built within the mansion. He wasn’t her boyfriend, and she didn’t have a space for him in her heart. 

The unexpected guest that Greyson brought was a much needed wake-up call.

“Get out.” Raven said firmly and as mean as she could but her words came out gentle and tired. Damian was surprised by this and turned to her instantly, but she turned around and looked out the window. “All of you.” 

Raven was combing the memories that felt more than an assault than anything else. It was her happy memories with Gar, she was sure of it, but she hated it so much. She crossed her arms over her chest refusing to talk to anyone and they left one by one, Damian being the last to leave.

When the hours passed by she felt better with more control over her emotions. Raven sat down by the windowsill thinking of what she could or would do with these new found memories. She knew firmly how she did not want to pursue Garfield even when her memories were playing tricks on her. 

Yes, tricks that is what these memories are– tricks. 

Raven knew who she wanted to be with Damian, it doesn’t matter how her memories of Garfield made her so desperately want to run to said person. She had made her choice, the night of her accident, that she wanted her future to be with Damian.

And yet, why was it that she was convincing herself over and over again of that choice?

When the door opened and she heard footsteps come her way, even when her back was facing the intruder, she knew it was Damian.

“He hasn’t left has he?” She asked even if she did not have confirmation that it was Damian, but the voice that responded was the one who had been with her since she woke up– no since she was in a coma. His voice always followed her.

Damian told her how Garfield refused to leave until he talked to her, but Damian didn’t come here to convince her to talk to Garfield, he came because she had to eat dinner. 

Raven agreed to eat dinner only if Damian joined her and Damian did not complain. He was rather surprised that she would want his company, perhaps this would just be like how they have been living so far, another stolen moment– a temporary happy memory. And yet, he still could not complain, he was still rather glad, even if it was temporary he was still being chosen– for this moment, for this hour, for this day.

Damian brought the food up for the two of them and they sat across from each other in silence. Raven was picking on her food and he remained quiet and patient. 

Raven sighed and then said, “It’s odd, when I saw him, it felt like I just realized the world was a puzzle with missing pieces, and his presence just made all the missing pieces appear on it’s designated places. He was familiar, he was someone I knew— love , maybe even… but something didn’t sit well with me. I didn’t want to approach him and I didn’t want him to approach me.”

There could have been more said after what Raven confessed and yet the pair knew there was nothing that needed to be said or done. They were completely fine with each other’s company. She recognized his pain and his suffering for all these years, and he recognized how upset and angry she was at how Garfield made her react the way she did.

But they said nothing to rely on what they already knew about each other and instead remained in silence which was a comforting embrace for them both.

 ~.~.~.~.~

 Three days passed when Raven finally decided she could meet Garfield. She had to face him sooner or later and she was mostly thankful for his unexpected visit as it became the firestarter for her memories to really come back to her.

It hurt and it was overwhelming, she knew she loved Garfield, but that was a version of her who has always known nothing but loving him. She saw clearly how bad they were together and yet the love she had for Garfield was like looking at the scorching sun directly in the eyes. No matter how bright the sun was, staring at it directly would pain one’s eyes.

It did leave her so utterly confused. But her decision hasn’t changed, it was still Damian whom she wanted to be with.

The day Raven saw Garfield was the last day she had seen Damian. She grew so very anxious, she had lost her appetite to eat or go out of her bedroom. She wondered if her refusal to eat would at least prompt Damian to visit her again. 

Why had he not visited her for days? Had he seen her with Garfield that day– out on his lawn?

She had to explain herself to Damian and then she would find herself standing by her bedroom door thinking of leaving, to look for Damian herself. But her body couldn’t, it refused to go out, she would find herself puking into her toilet instead. 

Her days without Damian passed like that, she couldn’t go out of her bedroom without him. But she wanted so badly to see him and talk to him because the fear in her chest was so heavy it felt like it was crushing her ribs. She didn’t realize until now how dependent on him she had become.

Raven was currently laying on her bed, looking at the ceiling as she tried to control her emotions. She didn’t count the days that she hadn’t seen Damian after the third day because she was afraid that he might never come and being that aware of how many days she hadn’t seen him pained her too much.

She wanted to cry, she was so scared, but she couldn’t even find her voice to express her fear and pain.

Raven got up and faced the door when she felt another wave of panic assault her. She covered her face as she caved in on her emotions. The memory of the night when she was attacked flashing before her eyes.

Was it too late to tell him? Will he never come?

She wanted so badly to be with him, the fear of not being able to– was choking her.

The door suddenly opened and she shot up on her feet, hoping it was him– she catched the familiar black hair and green eyes and that beautiful tan skin of Damian Wayne. Her feet moved fast with a sob as the distance between them only felt like two steps as she gave him a tight embrace. 

Raven was scared, she was terrified that maybe she was manifesting a fake Damian because of her desire to see him. But holding the warm body and familiar aura of the man who had patiently waited for her for years– she knew, it was undoubtedly him.

Damian was confused, but when she felt his strong arms gently returning her hug, Raven held onto him even tighter as she placed her eyes against his shoulder as she wept, refusing to let him go. 

“I thought you wouldn’t come back. I was so scared.” Her pleading voice made his heart ache. 

He didn’t know what to say, “I’m sorry for worrying you.” A soft reply as he tightened his hold on her and held her down so her feet would touch the floor. But she did not let him go and he did not either and so they held each other tightly for a bit longer.

Eventually Raven pulled away as she tried to collect herself. She wiped her tears as she looked at those emerald eyes. She instantly saw the confusion in his eyes and her heart skipped a beat in fear. She reached for his hands, afraid he’d suddenly turn around– deciding to leave her for good.

So she told him all the things that were running through her head. 

“When Gar came and guided me outside, I couldn’t find the strength to step through the door. All I could think about was that I need you. I need you to hold my hand as I step outside. While that night kept flashing through my mind. But he held my hand– and it felt so familiar. And all my fears just vanished.” Raven looked down on her feet, she could remember vividly how that day went. And if Damian had seen them at the lawn, how it must have felt for him to see such a scene.

“And I found myself outside– with him.” She added, sounding distressed, but she hadn’t finished and she found herself holding onto Damian’s hand tightly as if looking for strength to continue on. A broken smile was on her lips as the tears on her eyes slipped and fell onto the floor. She didn’t want to continue, but she had to. 

“I forgot the time I was injured, till the time before he held my hands. It felt like I could breathe again.” Her eyes suddenly met his green gaze and Damian was startled, he had to admit: he hated this conversation. “He will always be someone that matters to me, we will always have history. I have loved him for nine years, we shared so many memories– so many firsts. But I do not want to be with him. I want to be with you. And I know I am asking a lot, but if all these don’t bother you– I would love it, if you would date me.” She said as quickly and calmly as she could. Raven felt like she was just ranting and making a fool of herself now. And it was worse when there was only silence that greeted her.

“I want you. I want to be with you.” She softly added, thinking that maybe it would make a difference. But the silence continued and her confidence shrank even more.

“I don’t mind.” Was his soft reply that she didn’t hear, because Raven was convinced that he did not feel the same way for her. 

She indeed was such a fool.

“If that is an issue for you, then I completely understand.” She mumbled.

“I don’t mind.” He repeated, a bit louder this time.

“I know it’s been two years, and that there must have been someone you became interested in. Or maybe you’ve even dated a bit. I know we don’t talk about it, but I get that–” She tried to rationalize because it made sense. Damian wouldn’t wait for someone who broke his heart over and over again. And yet, it hurt so much, she squeezed her eyes trying not to cry at the truth. 

He didn’t want her.

But Raven’s tone gave her away, she was so close to sobbing. She was so scared of losing him.

“Raven,” Came Damian’s steady voice that echoed into the room, she found her eyes looking straight at him. His strong hand against her cheek, his green eyes steadily gazing at her in a tender manner. “I want to be with you.” She couldn’t find the strength to believe him.

“I’ve always wanted to be with you– I waited for you.” His words finally reached Raven’s soul, she felt his relief and her tears washed away her distrust over his confession. “I almost gave up, I admit that.” He looked away and she cupped his cheeks.

“If I were in your place, even I would waver.” She admitted as she tried to catch his gaze. 

When their eyes were finally locked at one another she added in a gentle tone, “Garfield will always have some meaning to me– his all I have known for nine years, even before sleeping for two years– my history with him is half my life. I was afraid. I thought he was the only one who could possibly love someone like me– I was wrong. I was so, so wrong. I want my next memories and moments– with you. And slowly those memories I had, and my history with him, will just be a fraction of my life. I want you. I want every possible milestone with you, Damian.” She felt that she had to explain herself, had to make him fully aware that being with her would be a challenge, that it wasn’t going to be easy because of her ex. But God– Azar, this was all she wanted since she woke up. 

It was difficult to hold to the desire of wanting to be with Damian when her memories made her feel her love for someone else. It hurt so much and it was draining her, but she had to hold on because she had to see if she had a chance with him– with Damian.

He nodded and she wanted to cry in disbelief and happiness. He really chose her, despite everything and the challenges that had faced and they will face. She knows very well, first hand, how hard it is to hold onto the thought of a future with Damian.

“I never thought this day would happen.” A gentle confession from Damian as he leaned against her, resting his forehead on hers. The contact made her smile softly and they remained like that in silence.

It was Damian who would break the silence, “I was afraid to ask, or open up about this, especially since you were still recuperating– and your memories are fuzzy. But who would have thought you would catch me by surprise and open up the topic yourself?” 

Raven didn’t want to hear him talk anymore because to her ears, it was Damian confirming how closely she evaded not having him in her life. And Raven took another chance– she kissed him and she was surprised when he kissed her back shyly. 

Raven deepened the kiss, wanting to taste more of him. Her worries about losing sight of wanting to be with him are lost at the back of her mind. The kiss seemingly a symbol that anchored her to him. 

She pulled away when she recalled the last time they shared a kiss, his inexperience– the same kind that was now awkwardly against her lips.

“We will take it step by step. I might still remember more about Garfield, and I might get a little confused. But remind me that I chose you since that night.” Raven stood on her tippy toes and rested her forehead against his head. Their eyes locked at one another and she caught the surprise that flashed in his eyes for a moment and then he brushed his thumb against her cheek. 

“I finally caught up to you.” He whispered and Raven couldn’t help the small laughter that she tried to hide from coming out.

Raven felt that it was truly the other way around. It was her who finally caught him.

  ~.~.~.~.~.~

 Damian was asleep with Raven in her king sized bed and he awoke when he noticed the familiar frame that was usually resting on his chest turned to her side, away from him. His green eyes slowly opened, aware of the missing weight and warmth of his girlfriend. His eyes were still half open when he heard the shallow breathing of Raven.

“Raven.” He called out as he turned her to lay on her back, she did not respond but he noticed the sweat forming on her forehead.

“Gar…” She whispered between wheezes. Damian froze hearing her call for Garfield.

“Gar– Please.” He heard her stifle. “Don’t– please.” She turned her head from left to right. “Don’t leave me please.” She begged as tears streamed down her. 

“I love you.” She whispered and then wept, Damian felt like his heart was ripped away from him, but looking at her like that all sweaty and in tears– he couldn’t let his pain get ahead of himself. With shaking hands he wiped her tears with one hand and wiped her sweat with the other.

Raven suddenly jolted awake from the touch. “Gar?” Was the name that she called out first as she sat up and placed her hands on Damian’s chest. Damian’s expression remained as stoic as possible, but he couldn’t hide the slight widening of his green eyes.

“Gar– I thought– I thought–” Raven’s voice sounded desperate and Damian hated it. Her violet eyes were also filled with the same kind of desperation. 

Raven’s shaky eyes stared at Damian’s emerald eyes, but he could see and understand that his girlfriend was not seeing him. He saw how Raven’s gaze of despair slowly turned to pure confusion then fear.

To Raven she had seen Garfield’s green skin, but once she gazed at his eyes, she found that it was not the same shade or shape as Garfield’s eyes. And then suddenly the image of Garfield was replaced by Damian Wayne.

“Damian?” She asked in confusion, almost chokingly. “What are you doing in my bed? In my room?” She glanced around and realized she did not recognize where she was. “Where am I?” Her tone was pure fear and Damian could only press his lips in silence.

Raven stumbled as she got off the bed in her confusion, “Where– where am I?” she mumbled as she gazed at her surroundings again and she tripped backwards. Raven felt extremely hopeless, she placed her hands over her eyes as she wept.

“I don’t- I don’t.” She mumbled as she heard rustling from the bed. Damian got up and slowly approached her and knelt by her side. He was hurt, he was so hurt that she was still looking for Garfield. This wasn’t the first time he would wake up to her hysterics, but it did not make every single one after the first episode any easier. 

This started happening a few weeks after they got together and the intervals became closer as the time progressed.

He reached her hand and she heard her loud gasp as she looked up with wide amethyst eyes that showed both her confusion and fear. She felt guilty at how loud her own breath was.

“Damian?” She asked as she sniffed, there was recognition in her eyes and she hugged him as she wept. “I did it again, didn’t I? Oh my gosh, I am so, so sorry.” She cried and he hugged her tightly.

“It hurts, I admit that much.” He whispered as he put his face against the nook of her shoulder and neck and there was silence from Raven as she held in her sobs by sucking in her lips. “But you are not going to get rid of me that easily. You made me promise, remember? To remind you that you chose me since that night.” 

Raven pulled away to look at him and cupped his face, the tears pooling in her eyes and she nodded as she tried to smile. 

“Yes, that’s right, I chose you. You– Damian Wayne.” She whispered her eyes searching for his pain. His thumb neared Raven’s left eye and she closed both her eyes as he wiped her tears. 

“You choose me, and I will fight whatever fucking monster I have to– to remind you that you chose me– until you don’t want me anymore.” Damian spoke gently as he rested his forehead against hers.

“Me? Not wanting you?” She repeated back, a concept she could not understand and she shook her head. “All I’ve ever wanted in my coma was you.”

Damian felt a warmth in his chest and he found a small hand rubbing against his sternum gently. Her eyes glanced at his chest for a  second.

“May this warmth bloom and grow bigger, I am not letting you go ever.” Raven then suddenly gazed at his eyes. Damian was startled by the firmness in her  eyes.

“Okay.” He couldn’t help but reply. He was more than alright with that. He smiled at her affectionately. 

Damian was always taken aback by her skills as an empath, especially on times like this; when Raven would reaffirm his affection for her by reminding her in small gestures that she can feel his love for her, and he never needed her to say that she loved him back because it was clear in her eyes, in her touch, in her voice– she loves him back wholeheartedly.

It wasn’t something  they questioned when their minds were in this kind of tranquility. 

 ~.~.~.~.~

 They had been officially dating for a couple of months and Damian could clearly see how positively this fact has affected Raven. She was laughing with him so much and she would look at him with such an endearing gaze; which was rather suffocating for Damian, only because he still couldn’t believe it himself– that they are finally together. 

Raven would run around with him through the villa like kids, and they would steal kisses from one another. Whenever he was here, the two would have so much fun. It was unbelievable that the two had been pining for someone for nine years.

When Damian would have to leave, and when his absence would be longer due to missions, he could see the fear and worry in her eyes and face. And it made him want to stay by her side, but he couldn’t do that, he was a hero, this was his job. The guilt and pain Damian felt when he had to leave Raven for long missions was worse now that they are dating.

The feeling of not wanting to leave was so strong that it made it hard for Damian to part from Raven with a tranquil mind. In fact every parting since they started dating had made the feeling even more stuffier; for a moment or two, he had considered leaving the team and Batman entirely.

The couple were in Raven’s bedroom, they were sitting on a new bed that the two had gotten to replace her hospital bed a long time ago. They even spent so much time renovating her entire space. When Damian would step into the room, he could now tell it was hers. She had a space in a house he had asked from his father for her. There was a level of permanency that could not be replaced and could not be described with this fact. He had finally grown and nurtured such an intimate relationship with someone.

However, Damian has to leave for two weeks and he can see it in his girlfriend’s violet eyes that she does not want him to be away from her.

“When you’re gone, now that we are together, your absence feels longer than it actually is.” Raven confessed, she was finally no longer lying on the hospital bed that she had slept on for years, it was oddly comforting. 

Damian was sitting across from her on her bed and he looked at her gently as he brushed her cheek, hoping he could brush off her sad expression.

“I will be careful.” He whispered, the moonlight being their only light within the room. 

“I know, it’s what you always say every time.” Raven answered back, and they stared at each other.

But this time it was different. 

Those were the words that the couple didn’t say aloud but knew was in each other’s minds and it was clear on their faces. 

But this time it was different. It is true, this time, it was different. 

To Damian this would be the first time he would leave her as her boyfriend for two whole weeks. To Raven, when he leaves she could no longer ease her mind by exploring the villa anymore, just so she would not think of the perils he would be in. She wished that she could do more, but she couldn’t remember how to use her magic or more like it wasn’t cooperating– working, even though she really wished it would.

“I need to go now.” Damian said with a heavy heart and they looked at one another. 

When Damian moved, Raven grabbed his shirt and he looked at her with a broken expression. He held her hands, squeezed them and urged her to let go by pulling her hand off of him. 

It was clear to Raven that he did not want to leave, but they both understood that he had to.

“Be safe.” She said, conceding to his wishes but he pressed his lips and Raven’s eyelid twitches.

“I will try my best.” Was his reply, and she closed her eyes, his hands no longer holding hers as he stood up. Raven stood up too and he looked at her one last time. She leaned closer to him and kissed him on his lips.

“Be safe.” She said again and for a second he rested his head against hers and then planted a gentle kiss on her lips and left her room. 

Damian refused to steal another glance; it never made leaving easy. He couldn’t be tempted into staying any longer. He knows his duties and she knows it clearly too.

Raven couldn’t lead him out of the villa, she was scared of seeing his figure out in the open at night. So she stayed in her room quietly, refusing to even take a peek outside the window to seek out his  figure. 

The thought that maybe this time would be the last time she would see him would overtake her thoughts often, tonight  was worse. Now that they are together, she couldn’t exactly not think of him on missions, she couldn’t distract herself by roaming around the mansion he got for her because all she would see was him and her now. 

They had accumulated so many memories within the mansion that it would be too difficult not to think about him at all.

What kind of dangers would he be facing? How close would he be to death’s door? What decision would save his life?

These thoughts often would haunt her mind when Damian left for missions. 

Raven gazed at her palms, wishing and hoping she would remember how to work her magic at that very moment.

She wanted to protect him. But all she remembered were things about Garfield, Damian leading them as a team– some instances with her team members and– that was all. 

When she tries to remember the night of her injury, she only recalled the fear of losing him. She recalle

The Gallery

DamiRae

A woman in a black fitted business dress with her black hair twisted to a low bun stood in front a large painting of a woman. She studied the art crucially as if it held a greater meaning. 

She had entered the art gallery located in Gotham on impulse. She had just happened to pass by the place for the third time this week and she finally decided to go in. She didn’t expect that she would be staring at the piece before her for hours.

A man in a black crisp suit stood beside her and stared at the artwork. “Hello miss, I think you are rather entrapped by this piece.”

“Hmm, I suppose I am. I can’t  seem to understand this piece.” She simply replied not even turning to the man, who then glanced at her, his green eyes showing amusement. He ran his hand through his black hair, the muscles under his suit seemed to be more distinct due to the motion. It was clear that the man was very fit underneath the crisp suit, the skin that peeked out of his sleeves gave an alluring aura.

“But you must have some kind of opinion on it.” He added putting his hand down and looking back at the art on the wall.

“I don’t quite understand it.” She sighed and glanced at the man beside her, her violet eyes widened slightly as she realized that the man beside her was rather attractive. The faint light from the surrounding gave his bronze skin a beautiful glow that she could not help but appreciate– the paleness of her skin made her think that she was a blank piece of paper, rather insignificant compared to the man beside her.

But she also noticed how dim the place has become since she came in. Her violet eyes brushed past his strong shoulders and she noticed that it was dark outside. 

“My how the time seemed to pass.” She whispered as she looked back at the piece, perplexed, this time about how long exactly that she was standing in front of this particular painting.

“Oh you noticed? You’ve been standing on this particular piece for hours.” The man beside her said no malice in his voice. He put his hands behind him still looking ahead. “You must have your own thoughts about this piece?” He added softly unrushed despite her and him being alone in the gallery now.

“It is quite odd.” She began and then shifted her standing position with a leg out and her arms crossed. “It is clearly an image of a woman, it isn’t really that abstract– and yet it brings out a very abstract feeling inside of me.” 

“It’s simply an image of a woman, I find it interesting that you see it so abstractly and feel the same about it.” He remarked as he looked at the painting of a woman who was smiling and behind her was green grass, trees and marble ruins. 

“It really isn’t an abstract art. I just wonder if this woman is the artist’s muse.” She said and shook her head and they both chuckled at the same time. Startled by the unified laughing, she looked his way and to her surprise he was looking at her too.

“Why would you think that?” He asked sincerely. She was captivated by his gentle green eyes and she blinked a few times embarrassed and looked back at the painting.

“It just seemed that the artist–” She glanced at the plaque. “Damian Wayne captured the beauty of the woman in his eyes.” She said thinking that the name was awfully familiar. The man beside her looked at the art in confusion.

“I personally don’t agree with you.” He said his tone revealing his plain confusion to her statement.

“And why is that?” She asked as she looked at him matching his confusion as she stood up properly.

“I think I should know. I’m an artist.” He said and she was startled. “If you’re implying that the artist is in love with this muse, so to speak, you are gravely mistaken.”

“I don’t think one can make this kind of art if,” She glanced again at the plaque. “Damian Wayne, didn’t feel any sort of affection for this woman. Do you think he’d paint anyone in this way if he didn’t love her?”

“I think I would know if he loved her,” He turned to her. “Hello, Damian Wayne.” He held his hand out to her in a polite manner and he smiled at her shocked expression.

“Oh, I’m sorry– I didn’t–” She stuttered and glanced at his hand that started to look awkward. “Rachel Roth.” She introduced herself as she took his hand. “I–” 

“It’s alright,” Damian chuckled, cutting her off. “I like hearing others’ opinions on my work.” Rachel’s face turned pinkish at his words as she let go of his hand and looked back at his work. “But I do admit your statement is something I’ve never heard of.”

“It’s–” She sighed. “I just felt envious of the girl in the painting. Like what would make her look at someone with so much love. You must be a very lucky man then.” Rachel’s tone seemed dreamy but then her dreamy state was broken by Damian’s contagious but sincere laughter that echoed inside the empty gallery.

“I am serious, there is nothing going on with me and this lady in this painting.” He tried to hold in his laughter but she raised a brow at him. “I swear!” He raised his hands up. “I would never paint a lover and put them up in an exhibit.” 

“Oh really? Why is that?” She asked him as she stared at him,

“Maybe I just don’t like sharing.” He shrugged a faint smile on his lips as he looked at the blonde woman in his painting, trying to see what Rachel was seeing with seriousness. 

It was her turn to laugh, “I see.” She shook her head and gazed around her surroundings.

“You’re the only one left here.” Damian said as he looked at her and saw how she just recently noticed how completely empty the space was.

“I didn’t know– you should have said I was bothering you– I mean that you are close.” Her violet eyes glanced back at him and they locked eyes. He smiled at her and she couldn’t help but smile back.

“But you seemed so engrossed in my work, I couldn’t disturb you.” Hearing this she laughed.

“Shouldn’t the building be closed?” She asked as she looked around looking for security.

“I own the building.” He replied and she froze and she shook her head with a small smile on her lips. 

“Now, that explains why I haven’t been kicked out.” She smiled at him.

“Well you have been standing here for hours, and it is quite late, if I may be so bold, would you want to have dinner with me? We can discuss this artwork further.” He offered and she was surprised by the invitation. 

She came here out of impulse, she probably should head home.

“Alright, I’d like that.” She agreed unexpectedly. Well she did enter on a whim, whatever happens after could be considered on a whim too. Like having dinner with a stranger, something she would never do on a normal day. He offered his elbow to her and she hooked her arm over his.

“I think you shouldn’t say never, who knows, maybe one day you will have your lover hung on one of these walls.” She smiled at him as he led her out the building.

He laughed at her statement, “I don’t think that will happen, Miss Roth.” To which she silently smiled.

~.~.~.~.~

Almost five years passed by and there by the same wall but with a different painting, stood the same woman with black hair in a bun, but this time she wore pants and a purple hoodie. She was quietly watching the painting of a woman who was in a white dress and standing around water turning around as if twirling with a picnic hat with a white bow. The only feature that was noticeable on the woman in the painting was her soft smile and her long black hair.

“This seems oddly familiar.” A man with black hair and in a black suit said as he stood beside her.

“Hello, Damian. It’s been a while.” She replied with a faint smile still mesmerized by his artwork. “You made a lovely piece.” 

“Why thank you, Raven.” He replied and looked at his latest work.

“So, I assume this one isn’t your muse?” She asked with a hint of a jesting tone and he turned to look at her seriously. 

“At one point I did tell you I would never paint my muse.” He laughed nonchalantly as he looked at the painting with endearing eyes. “And yet, here I am– showing to the world my muse.” He said as he touched the plaque with his name and the title of his work: My One and Only Muse.

“She must be really lucky.” Rachel replied and he turned to her with a small pout.

“Okay, Raven I played along because you seemed to be in memory lane, but I’m becoming jealous.” He crossed his arms over his chest as he glared at her and she looked at him as she laughed. She raised her left hand to cover her lips and with her fingers tried to hide her amusement. The diamond ring on her finger sparkled as it caught the light around Damian’s new work and she held her laughter.

“I’m sorry,” She stifled her laughter. “But shouldn’t I be the one jealous?” She asked as she took a step forward towards him, a sly smile on her lips.

“No, I don’t like sharing.” He said as he captured her in his arms in an embrace. He rested his head on her shoulder.

“No one can see my face in that painting.” She pointed out as she wrapped her arms around him.

“I’m still a very jealous man.” He whispered as he inhaled her scent. 

“Even though we’re going to get married soon?” She asked as she gently pushed him away to gaze at his face. She extended her hands to cup his face. He smiled at her at the thought that he had proposed to this beautiful woman, and that soon she will be his wife.

“I don’t want anyone else to see you the way I do.” He mumbled lost in her violet eyes and her eyes crinkled as she smiled.

“You’re monopolizing me.” She whispered back as she started to lose herself in his green eyes.

“Won’t you let me spoil you?” He asked, his breathing was uneven as his face inches close to hers.

“If you let me do the same.” She answered back as she stood on her tippy toes to become closer to him.

“If it’s you– only if it’s you.” He replied as he leaned closer and so did she.

“Yes, only if it’s you my love.” She said before their lips met.

~.~.~.~.~.

Bonus Scene

“When did you arrive?” Damian asked as he pulled away from their kiss, his voice gentle and his eyes oozing sincerity and tenderness.

“I just arrived.” She replied, the gallery empty except for the couple.

“And you decided to come here first?” He asked as he found himself cupping her face and gently brushing her cheek with his thumb.

“Yes, I decided to come here, to surprise you. I knew you would be here.” She leaned in on his hand as she overlapped a hand over his. “I was quite surprised to see that though.” She added as she opened her eyes and turned her head towards the painting of her.

“It was my surprise for you.” He gently replied with love in his eyes as he stared at the painting. 

“I can now clearly see how differently you painted her– seeing this.” Raven smiled dreamily. “Those many years ago, I thought she was your muse,” She looked back at her fiancé, “I stand corrected.” 

He chuckled seeing the slight mischief in her eyes. “Oh?” He pulled her closer to him. “I stand corrected too. I swore I would never show anyone my muse, but that is clearly not true anymore.” 

Damian pushed her away gently and seriously stared at Raven, “How was your business trip Miss Roth?”

Raven pulled away from him and laughed. “Well you ruined my surprise, I thought I’d walk here and cover your eyes and say: Guess who? And then we laugh.” She hugged him and rested her head against his chest, listening to his heartbeat. “But this, this feels much better.” She added as she looked at the painting of her. 

“So, this is how you see me.” She whispered in a dreamlike state and she felt his chest vibrate as his soft laughter entered her ears.

“It’s only you, I see.” He whispered back and she smiled at his words.

The couple was very thankful for their chance meeting in Damian’s gallery. They finally found that special someone they had talked about the first night they met. And soon, they will be waking up beside each other as spouses. 

Bonus: Their First Dinner

“Actually, my mother calls me Raven.” Rachel said as she leaned forward a bit, clearly tipsy from the wine and she laughed.

“Raven?” He said, thinking that it was a very unusual nickname. “And why is that?” He asked as he watched her giggle at herself.

“I’m actually not that sure–” She laughed and he couldn’t help but laugh, finding her laughter contagious.

“At least you have a nickname.” He tried to reassure her and she stopped laughing and stared at him seriously.

“No. Way.” She pointed at him, her vision slightly blurry. “How can you not have a nickname!” She shook her head and he laughed.

“I do, it’s just– it…” He sighed and she stared at him intently.

“It’s not coming from a special someone.” She simply said in a somber state. The both became quiet and then Rachel suddenly gulped down her remaining wine. Damian’s eyes widened as he stood up.

“You shouldn’t drink anymore!” He said as he took the wine bottle away from her reach and she laughed at his reaction.

“I can drink a bit more.” She said in a slurred manner.

“Uh, no you cannot, Rachel.” He said as he shook his head.

“Call me Raven.” She whispered as she rested her head on her hand. He looked at her a bit startled by her suggestion before he could refuse her, she smiled and leaned forward.

“I insist.” She said softly as she rested her hand over his hand that was holding the wine bottle. His eyes widened at the sudden physical contact and he looked at her earnestly.

“Alright.” He heard himself reply in a soft tone and he too was startled by his response, something out of the norm.

She smiled at him with affection and he found himself reciprocating the same thing. Today seemed to be filled with unexpected things, responses that would never be their norm. But both parties were extremely thankful for going out of their comfort zone. 

FIN.

~.~.~.~.~

Author’s Note:

I placed the bonus scenes because initially I wanted this fic only up to them talking again five years later. But then, I created the bonus scenes which break off from the initial way I wanted the fic written, but it does add to more depth to the story. Hope you enjoyed it!

Repost from my DamiRae Week 2020 prompts.

Repost FOR DamiRae Week 2021:Soulmates/  Wedding / Honeymoon

JDLAW AU.

Part 1: Bound Together

Part 2: Soul Mates

Part 3: Marriage

Part 4: Teaser(of a new life) 

Phoenix

In a timeline wherein both or either one of Damian or Raven are anti-heroes, Phoenix would be born. Depending on the timeline, there would be subtle changes in his character, but it is constant that he would grow up as an anti-hero too.

His hair is black, his skin is caramel and his body built like his father. Naturally his eyes were so blue it looked purple in some angles. But as proof of his mother’s origins and a sign of the power he holds, his eyes that were blue had become red, an unnatural color for an inhuman being. He would normally be seen with red eyes, but people say there were times his eyes were purple or maybe it is blue? 

His name was Phoenix, the same name he uses as his anti-hero alias and perhaps to maintain a form of continuity Phoenix preferred using fire, notable cases are when he is bored or angry. Phoenix would often be seen creating fire and manipulating it with his hands.

Everyone knew who he was, who his parents were and he did not have a double life. He was Phoenix, son of Raven and son of Damian, and with the respective titles his parents have depending on the timeline. At a young age he became a master of all forms of martial arts and any weapon imaginable thanks to his father’s guidance and became very well-renowned with the mystic arts due to his mother’s great effort and teachings.

He was seen as the perfect hero by the Justice League, it was very unfortunate when he decided to walk the path of an anti-hero– although it was preferred than him being a villain.

Any information about him was rather superficial yet true. Some people would say tracing his parents life would be easier than getting anything meaningful about Phoenix and that the only life worth using to dangle over Phoenix was his parents. However, using his parents as hostages to get him to cooperate would be a great feat in itself. Simply put, he was indifferent to most things and thus seen as bland. But the reality was, he is the type who would openly hand out personal information himself, not caring much about the repercussions. After all, he is a master in both mortal combat and weapons, and the mystical arts and with his grey morality, anything and everything was possible. Even so, Phoenix would rather give information about him that wasn’t harmful in any way, thus the superficial yet true statements.

He was not the type who takes an eye for an eye, he will take bodies over bodies just for an eye. And so yes, the Justice League sees the threat, but he doesn’t do anything to agitate the League.

He is often at Nanda Parbat training to be The Next Demon’s Head, and when he’s not he would go out and find things to amuse himself, like villains the heroes can’t seem to deal with because of their foolish morals.

Raven was asleep in her room inside the Titan Tower. She suddenly woke up and sat up her bed. Her face was trickling with sweat, her eyes wide in fear, and her lips open about to scream. The blanket that was over her shoulders fall to her waist. Her breathing shallow, her chest bare. She clenched her chest, above where her heart was. The fear in her chest feeling stagnant.

The room was cold making the tip of her breast harden instantly when the blanket fell to her waist. But because of the fear running through her veins she did not notice her body’s reaction.

“Damian.” She mutters, her eyes completely blank as she stumbled on her feet. Her pale skin glisten against the moon. The coldness of her room settling on her naked body. She blinked as she realized that she was naked.

She has been sleeping naked for a while now, some research would say that sleeping naked was better for the body. And maybe it was, because she had felt her quality of sleep had increased. It was a good thing she realized at such an important moment that she was naked. And she opted put on some clothes before checking up on Damian.

Damian.

She had a nightmare about Damian. Recalling the dream made her quickly grab a random piece of clothing and pulled it over her body. She had not noticed what she was wearing, but it was a black strapless nightdress. The dress was short enough to invite danger. But with her nightmare still at the forefront of her mind, and as she was clothed as best as she could. She quickly ran to Damian’s room barefooted.

She knocked on his door impatiently, her heart beating loudly. For a moment, she thought that maybe the beating was coming from the end of the dark and empty hallway of the Titan Tower. Hearing no response or even a sign of life from the other side, she impatiently punched the code to Damian’s room without notice.

When she hears the door open, she couldn’t help but sigh in relief, but without confirmation of Damian’s safety, she couldn’t relax yet. Even before the metal door could open completely, through the crack her violet eyes quickly searched for Damian. What she sees shocks her.

Damian Wayne was completely bare while facing her direction. Her eyes locked at that which is the pride of a man. He noticed that she had opened his door and turned around quickly. His initial drowsiness now gone and his back and bottom now facing her.

He was drowsy and was contemplating whether to dress before answering the door, but she suddenly barged into his room. Thus, sharing to Raven a part of him he did not expect to show, especially to her. Well, at least not like this.

Raven stepped into the room and before the doors could even fully open, she pressed the button to close it. And Damian took the chance to grab the blanket on his bed and wrapped it around his shoulders and turns around to face her.

Raven was still standing near his door. But she does not look at him as her cheeks blush.

“You sleep naked like Garfield?” She asked as she cleared her throat. Damian looks down and crosses his arms tighter around him.

“Yes, well I feel free when I sleep naked and its relaxing.” He responses as if it was no big deal. His gaze looking over Raven’s shoulder.

“Uh, yes…I see” Raven unconsciously reply.

“Why are you here Raven?” The question makes her forget the recent development. And for a minute her eyes went dark and she was sucked into her nightmare. A tear slips as she looks at Damian.

“I—I had a nightmare.” He would have scolded her for barging in unannounced because of a nightmare, but her expression just made him sigh as he sat down on his bed.

“How about you take a seat and you tell me about it?” He says patting the space beside him, and she nodded with more tears falling on her face as she approaches him. Her dream weighing down on her.

As she approached him, he noticed how short her nightdress was. And for a moment wondered if she had anything underneath, because it did seem like she wasn’t wearing anything. When the thought came to his mind, he quickly erased it. That was disrespectful to Raven, he scolded himself in his mind.

“It-it was about you—” She wept as she plopped beside him. He refused to gaze below, afraid that the nightdress would ride up and reveal something he shouldn’t be seeing. And she explained her nightmare about Damian which lead her to going to him this late. He listen and was consumed by what she was saying, forgetting his distracting thoughts, and he became worried about her.

“I will always be here for you Raven.” He quietly says, and she looks at him as she wiped her tears away, the nightmare still real in her head.

“As will I, for you Damian.” She responded trying to give him a sincere smile, and she felt a pressure against her hand. She looks down to see him holding her hand and she looks up at him with a genuine smile.

“Is it okay if I sleep here tonight?” She boldly asks in such a faint voice. Damian was startled, he thought he was hearing things. But Raven’s small hands were playing with his, nervously waiting for his response. He smiled, and it was beautiful under the moonlit room. However, Raven had not seen it as her head was casted down afraid that he would reject her.

“Alright.” The simple reply makes Raven’s violet eyes flicker to meet the beautiful green of Damian’s eyes. His eyes had the smallest hint of playfulness. Raven realized that she was holding his hand above her crouch area.

“Then, I should make myself comfortable.” She said as she stood up quietly. Damian was confused as he looked up at her. Suddenly she slipped her black dress off, and his eyes widened to see that she was completely naked underneath. His wide eyes meet her clear violet eyes.

“I sleep naked too.” And Damian blinked in surprise as a small smirk form on his lips. He undoes the sheets on his hips. As he moves over to the other side of the bed, with the sheet over his hips, as he made room for her to slide under the sheets. She smiles as she understood his action and she slid under the bed sheet and moved close to Damian.

She hesitantly reaches out for his chest, and seeing her hesitance, Damian captured her hand with his. He guides her hand across his chest as his other hand slips under her waist. And they silently cuddled in peace.

“Well, they say sleeping naked is a good thing.” Raven mumbles, her head resting against his beating heart. And she felt him chuckle. “For health reasons.” She quickly added.

“Yes, for health reasons.” He responded and his breath tickled Raven’s right ear which made her look up at him. His eyes seemed to hold a storm ready to be unleashed.

~~

Dick Greyson was walking back to his room one evening after going to the bathroom to pee. He heard something odd coming from Raven’s room.  The team was informed that Raven had been having nightmares, and that they were so bad the she would literally shake the building with her powers. Worried that she was having another episode he quickly came and opened Raven’s door as he called her name.

He was not prepared to see what he had seen that night. The first second Raven was completely naked on top of Damian’s naked lap, kissing his brother with such passion. The next second his blue eyes met that of the glaring green eyes of his younger brother, who quickly pushed Raven onto the bed space on his right and covered her with her blanked. Damian openly glared at Dick, daring him to say anything. He was blocking Raven’s nakedness from his older brother’s view with his completely naked body.

Raven properly used the blanket to cover her body, her face red as she hid behind Damian’s naked back.

“I did not expect this.” Dick laughed as his eyes looked down at Damian. “Oh, I really didn’t expect I’d have to see that too.” He adds not hiding the fact he was looking at his younger brothers’ genitals with a sneer. And Damian couldn’t help but blush, Raven quickly covered Damian by hugging him form behind with the blanket over her arms. Her hardened breasts pressing against his back, and Damian suppressed a growl.

“Please don’t tell anyone, Dick.” Raven whispers still completely embarrassed.

“Dick, indeed.” Greyson teased looking at the blanket on Damian. Damian glared at his older brother.

“I get it, Greyson!” He growled in anger this time around, and Greyson laughs.

“Fine, you’re all adults anyways,” Greyson sighs. “I hope you can protect that dick.” He says as he shrugs and turned around. Before Greyson left, he gave Damian a proud little wink.

“Oh my God, I’m so embarrassed.” Raven said as she retracted her hands away from Damian to bury her head on her hands.

“Don’t be,” Damian says as he turned to face her, pulling her hands away from her face. He cups her head gently. “What we do is just a part of life.” He mumbles as he leans in and envelopes Raven’s lips with his.

And the passion that was ruined because of Dick Greyson was not reignited.

“I-I can’t.” Raven mumbles as she pulled away.

“Yeah, I can’t after that.” Damian agreed leaning his forehead against hers, and they both chuckled.

“We can still cuddle naked though.” Raven offered and Damian smirked at her invitation.

“Yes. I’d love that.” He quietly replied as the couple made themselves comfortable on Raven’s bed.

Author’s Notes:

This was made at a request of someone. I actually have another work that deviated from this original plan; which I will post later on.
The flow of this was made in consideration of  the notes I was given.
Hope you all like it! Took me months to make tho… 

Forgot to post this here last night but it’s a Fan Art Friday and here’s a sketch commission I did last year of Raven and Damian from Justice League Dark: Apokolips War. Enjoy~

“Fantasy is the impossible made probable. Science Fiction is the improbable made possible.”
― Rod Serling

We are 4 days away from the release of the second edition of the DamiRae Zine and we couldn’t be more excited!

Here are the artists for today’s spotlight!

Meet Rohan, who will be writing the AU of Baby on Board!

& SweetyBaty, who will be illustrating Spirited Away andHotel Transylvania!

We are on the last spotlights and tomorrow we’ll have our Sneak Peak #3!

“Every writer is a frustrated actor who recites his lines in the hidden auditorium of his skull.”

―Rod Serling

Hello Salers! This week’s spotlight features a collaborative project by @opheliawillowbrookand@esme0013 based on Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window.As well as a retelling of Shakespeare’s romantic ComedyThe Taming of the Shrew written by Ophelia Willow-Brook.

For more of their work, follow them in the links below

Ophelia Willow Brook: A03 OpheliasSong

Esme: Here on Tumblr @esme0013

And Happy Shipping!

“Imagination… its limits are only those of the mind itself.” ― Rod Serling

This weeks’s spotlight includes the art styling’s of @jokodoesstuffand@menaisylillustration both in collaboration with @crimson-mage-02

CrimsonMage Ao3

Jokodoesstuff Instagram

Menaisyl Instagram

*This is a story that takes place in a different world but with the same characters. This is kind of a star-crossed lovers story.*

Raven’s POV:

The cold felt like ice hitting my face, and the moon was the only source of light for me. I was never one for cold weather (being raised in the hot desert with my father). Father is a very well-revered assassin and one may argue the best of the best.

I was a mistake and my father had never let me live that down, but as my skills grew, my father has kept me close to his side. He would never admit this, but I am almost as good as him in a fight.

That is why I was sent here. I was sent here on a mission to get into the heart of our rival assassins clan. Father knew that with my skill I would be able to break-in. Once I got there my next mission would come to me.

There was a faint sound from behind me, letting me know that someone was watching me. I smiled but soon composed myself. It was finally time to get to work.

“Hold.” A voice ordered.

I turned around and searched, putting on a scarred face.

“Who… Who is there?” I said, turning frantically to search for the owner of the voice.

“You are trust passing.” A stranger with a black mask came out of the woods, making himself known to me.

“Oh, dear!” I backed up. “I am sorry. I am terrible lost and have no clue where I am.” I fell to the ground and shivered.

“How long have you been in these woods?” He bent down beside me, feeling my forehead.

“I… I don’t know, sir.” I shivered.

“I will bring you back to the city, where the royals will settle your fate.” He then proceeded to pick me up. I shivered for special effect, and as we neared the city I knew my charade was working.

“Who is she.” Another guard stopped us at the gate.

“I found her wandering the woods.” The guard that was carrying me stated. “I am bringing her in and then the Royals can decide their fate.”

“Fair enough.” He said, letting us pass.

He walked is through the streets, guiding our way to the heart of the city. The castle. The “Impenetrable” castle that no one lives to talk about. And here I was, being escorted into it.

“Miss, I have to set you down now.” The guard told me.

“Okay,” I said timidly.

“It will be just a moment while I go to inform the royal guard of you.” He said, and I nodding in understanding. “When someone comes, you must not look them in the eyes.”

“Of course.” I nod rapidly.

Then he leaves me alone. I look around the small entryway where I had been left. The guard was kind enough to set me in front of a fireplace. The room was a calming tan and there was nothing of value in the room. It was smart. It looked intimidating.

There was a bustle of footprints that made me aware of people heading my way. I moved closer to the first place and leaned in, making myself shiver. It needed to look real.

“Miss,” The guard from before said.

I glanced up at him as the door widened for two men to walk into the room. One was in a royal blue robe, and I could only assume by the white in his hair that he was Bruce Wayne, the leader of the assassins and the head of the Royal family. The other wore royal green and was almost as tall as his father.

Though I wasn’t sure which son he was, I knew he was a Wayne because he shared his father’s looks. I remembered to make brief eye contact with the son and then bowed my head, awaiting the next move.

“What is your name, Miss?” The leader addressed me.

“Raven,” I said timidly.

“Raven, what causes do you have to be in my woods,” Bruce said in a stern voice, not letting his emotions showing through.

“I was on a walk. I was in my town of Lumba'r. I had gone into the woods early in the morning to pick flowers, but I heard someone following me. I had gotten frightened and ran. I became lost in the woods.” I looked down at my hands and shook my head, letting tears rolling down my cheeks. “I know I was out there for two days because that is how many moods I saw.”

“You are far from Lumba'r.” The son said.

I nod, not making eye contact.

“Do you know who was following you?” The head of the family asked.

“I didn’t see anyone. I just heard them. I don’t think they followed me into your woods.” I shook my head. “I am sorry.” I let the tears roll down my face in a show of remorse. Father had taught me how to fake cry on demand and it had become useful.

“Fear not, Raven.” I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder. “You are welcomed in my house until you can rest and recover.”

I took the chance and looked up at Bruce Wayne. “Thank you, sir.”

“You may call me Bruce.” He nodded. “Now, let’s get you to your room so you may get some rest.” He offered me his hand and I took it.

“Thank you,” I said again.

“Please do not think anything of it.” He said, giving me his arm so I could lace mine through it for support.

He walked me down halls, and I shivered into his, which gained my sympathy. I looked around, making myself seem enchanted by the decor in the castle. When we reached a door, he opened the door for me.

“Do not be afraid. There will be a guard at your door all night and if you need anything let them know. A maid will come in the morning and get you ready. Tonight your meal will be brought to you, but you will attend our meals with my family while you stay here with us.” He said, letting me walk into the room alone.

“Thank you, Bruce.” I turned to him. “I do not know how to repay you for your kindness.”

“Just get better.” He said. “Goodnight.”

Then he closed my door and I heard it lock from the outside. I was in the castle, locked in a room. Father had said that it would take a few days for the orders to come and that I must remain in my charade until then. And that was my plan.

I slipped into bed, letting sleep take over.

***The Next Morning***

The door swung open and I fluttered my eyes open to look like I was asleep and had just woken up. The truth was I had been up for an hour, taking note of every nook and cranny of my room. I sat up in bed and rubbed my eyes.

“Morning, Miss.” A young maid came through the door. “My name is Donna.”

“Morning.” I nod.

“I am told to get you dressed and inform you of your plans for the day.” She informed me. “I would like to start with getting you dressed.”

“Of course.” I slipped out of bed and stood before her. I looked around the room and then went to the chair where I had left my clothes. “I don’t have anything fancy,” I said picking up the blue dress I was wearing yesterday.

“Well, that will not do.” She said looking my dress over. “I will call for dresses.”

“Okay.” I nod. “I just don’t want to be a bother.”

“It is no bother. You are a guest of the Royal family.” She waved my worry off. “How about I draw you a bath while we wait for the clothes to arrive.”

“Oh, that would be wonderful.” I sigh.

She smiled and went into my bath that was attached to my bedroom. The bathroom had gold accents and white marble countertops all around. The tub was huge and the shower was beside it.

“Here, please call if you need anything else.” She said before closing my door.

I slipped into the warm water and washed my hair and scrubbed my body of the dirt and filth that I had accumulated over the past few days. It felt nice to wash it all off and refreshing to no longer smell of dirt.

Once I had felt like I was all clean, I got out of the tub and wrapped a towel around me. I peeked through the door and saw that Donna was hanging my cloak and dress in a closet.

“Is the clothes here?” I said, seeming innocent.

“Oh, yes. Your dresses have arrived.” She turned to me. “Would you like me to help you get dressed?”

“No, I can handle it,” I said, walking out in my towel. She handed me a lavender-colored dress and left the room so I can change alone.

I put on my slip and corset, careful to cut it enough to leave me movement while not making it look wrong. Then I put on my lavender dress, and put my hair half up and half down to look innocent. I put my blade in my shoe and then opened the door to my room and looked out.

There stood Donna and a guard, and they were talking. They noticed me and stood up straighter.

“Morning, Miss.” The guard nodded.

“Good morning.” I bow.

“There is no need for that, Miss.” The guard said.

“Oh, sorry.” I fumbled a bit and then looked up. “Donna, did you say there was a schedule?”

“Oh yes, Miss.” She said.

“Please call me Raven. Both of you.” I said to the guard too.

“Raven, we have breakfast starting in ten minutes and then you are to sit in with a few ladies of the courts for the morning. Attend a small lunch with the royal family and then there is a musician coming in for entertainment before supper this evening.”

“Oh, wow,” I said, sounding shocked. “I have never had the privilege of going to a musical performance.”

“It is quite wonderful. The staff is even allowed in the back of the room to watch.” She smiled. “It is going to be the event of the season.”

“Wow.” I smiled.

“Now, we must be on our way for breakfast. We can not have you tardy to meet the Royal family.”

I nodded and followed her down the halls. I was making a mental note of each step I took for a backup plan. I had always been taught to have an escape plan ready in case of something going wrong.

“Here you are, Raven,” Donna said as we neared a door. “Now we will seat you and I will stand behind you for the whole meal so you can tell me if you need anything.”

“Won’t you need to eat?” I asked.

“I have already eaten.” She answered. “Now, please.” She said and lead me through the doors. The table was already full of people and I was seated next to the end of the table, where the seat was empty. The chair across from me was also empty.

“Ah, you must be the fair lady who happened upon our doorstep.” One of the men said, slurring his words together. I found it odd that he was already drunk and it was barely even morning.

“I am.” I nod timidly. Just then the doors opened.

Bruce Wayne came in and sat down at the end of the table. “How did you sleep, Raven.” He asked.

“Quite well.” I nod. “Thank you again.”

“Was everything to your liking?” He said motioning for the servers to start.

“Oh yes. It is the most kindness I have been granted in a long time.” I nod. “You have been so generous.”

“So tell us about yourself, Raven.” One of the men at the table asked.

“Oh, I am terribly sorry, I have forgotten to introduce you.” Bruce interrupted. “My sons Dick, Jason, and Tod. Damian, the one you met last night, will be in shortly. Dick’s wife, Kori, and Barbra who is one of my most trusted advisors.” Bruce introduced everyone around the table in order.

“Hello.” I nod to each of them as they are being introduced.

“Everyone, this is Raven. She had the terrible misfortune to be lost in the woods and has ended up across our border. She will be staying here until she has recovered.” Bruce informed them all, giving them a scolding look.

“Nice to meet you,” Kori said to me.

“It will be nice to have another lady in these halls.” Barbra toasted.

“Shall we dig in?” Dick asked his father.

“Yes.” Bruce nodded.

The cover to my plate was lifted to show an arrangement of fruits, eggs, bacon, and sausage. I am actually a vegetarian and could not eat meat, so I decided to eat the eggs. When I had picked up the wrong fork, to through off suspicion, the door opened once again and the other son, named Damian walked in.

He took his seat beside his father and across from me. He briefly nodded in greetings but turned to his father before I could nod back.

“Father, sorry I am late.” He apologies to his father.

“Training again?” His father asked with a scolding tone.

“I had lost track of time.” He apologized again.

“We have a guest, and you were late,” Bruce said. “You will not do this tomorrow, understand?”

“Yes, father.” He bowed his head to his father.

I continued to eat my eggs and fruit and occasionally would be asked a question or two. I caught glances of Damian but when his eyes would meet mine I would look away. His green robe matched the green of his eyes and they were piercing into the soul.

“Raven, do you not like your sausage or bacon?” Bruce asked after I set down my fork when I had finished off the last of the fruit.

“I don’t eat meat.” I looked at him. “But the fruit and eggs were wonderful,” I added.

“Well, you can’t live off of fruit and eggs and especially if you are to recover.” He shook his head. “Alfred.” He beckoned over a servant that was standing behind him.

“Yes, sir.” He held himself with grace and pose.

“Alfred, can you please tell the chef to repair more food without meat for Miss Raven,” Bruce asked.

“Of course, sir.” He nodded and walked into the other room.

“I don’t want to be a bother.” I shook my head.

“You have to eat.” Bruce shook his head. “And it is already done.”

I nod, understanding that there was nothing I could do. In my father’s place, the cooks were kind enough to sneak me meal before breakfast so I didn’t have to eat the meat that my father was always trying to get me to have.

Father believe me to be weak when I didn’t eat meat, but he learned not to push it with me. It came as a shock to me that Bruce would order more food made just for me. He didn’t even yell at me.

The food was in front of me before I knew it. They had made me toast and gave me more fruit and jams. I spread the jam on my toast and talked with Kori and Barbra about a garden on the castle grounds. They insisted on showing me it once we had finished eating. I agreed, playing along.

I had finished my plate, satisfied with the food.

Once everyone had finished the plates were cleared and coffee was brought out to the men and Kori, Barbra and I took our leave.

“Where is it that you are from again?” Barbra asked.

“Lumba'r.” I answered. “It’s a small village.”

“Oh, I have heard it has the most beautiful flowers in bloom in the spring.” Kori smiled. “I have always wanted to go.”

“It is breathtaking,” I said. I had seen the flowers myself two months ago when I was scouting out Lumba'r. I agree that the flowers there were well worth the 6 days it took to get there.

“Oh, maybe sometimes we can visit you. After you return.” Kori smiled. “You could give us a tour.”

“I would love nothing more,” I said, knowing that by the time this is all over they won’t be able to find me again. What harm is a little white lie?

We walked outside and the warm air was amazing. It wasn’t hot but it wasn’t cold, and so we walked to the garden. They were right when they said it was a beautiful place. The fountain was made of marble and the plants were perfectly placed.

“This is beautiful,” I said to them.

“Damian’s mother had it made while she was pregnant. She was given little freeway with her life so she made this and it is the only thing left of her that stands.” Kori explained, receiving a scolding glare from Barbra.

“We don’t talk about Damian’s mother,” Barbra explained.

“Forgive me,” Kori said.

“I won’t mention it,” I said. “It is a wonderful location, and the sun just hits it perfectly.” I try and change the conversation. I was told not to dig too deep into Damian’s mother, because it would be a dead end. I had no reason to doubt my father on this.

“Indeed.” Barbra nods.

We walked around the garden and they explained each plant to me and told me the stories behind getting the invasive species of plants here. It was quite the story for each plant, but I must admit that this is one thing I would like to do when I get back to my father’s palace. It would be so peaceful.

However, my father would never allow this sort of thing in his kingdom.

“So, are your mother and father worried about you?” Kori asked.

“My mother died a few winters ago and I never knew my father.” I lied.

“Oh, I am sorry.” Kori put her hand on mine. “My parents died a long time ago in the war.” She said referring to the war of the assassins that happened over 24 years ago.

“I am sorry,” I said.

“So, who do you live with?” Barbra asked. Of course, it was obvious from the beginning that this whole gardening idea was just so they could get information about me and bring it back to Bruce, so I played along as if I didn’t know.

“I live with my Aunt and Uncle, but they have left for the season and won’t return until spring so I am staying with my cousin,” I answered. “He probably knows that I am gone, but I fear he does not like me so much so he won’t come looking for me.”

“Why doesn’t he like you?” Kori asked.

“He believes that I stole the attention away from him when I moved in with their family.” I shook my head. “I wish that we could mend that, be he has no interest in me.”

“I am sorry about that,” Barbra says.

We spend the rest of the time in the garden talking about the flowers and then we head inside for tea on a patio. It was nice and my maid Donna was with me. When I had the chance, I ask Donna how she had been.

“I am fine, Raven.” She smiled. “I think I am the one who is supposed to ask about you.”

“Well, you have been so kind to me that I want to see how you have been.” I smile.

“I am good.”

“Good.”

We drink tea and Kori fills me in on gossip that she had heard about some farmer’s boy who fell in love with a peddler’s daughter and had run away together. Barbra seemed uninterested in this news but I followed along, though I was bored out of my mind.

“Forgive us Raven, but Kori and I have pressing matters that we must attend to.” Barbra stood up after a while.

“Oh, of course.” I stood up and bowed to them.

“We will see you at lunch,” Kori said to me.

They left the room and I went over to Donna. She said we had about an hour before we had to go for lunch and suggested that I go and rest.

“I don’t want you to get too tired.” She explained.

“Yes, I think that is a good idea.” I agreed.

After she left me in my room I opened up a book that was on my self. I began to read it, laying in bed. A while passed as I became lost in the story of the book. I was brought back to earth when I heard a knock at my door.

I know I wasn’t paying too much attention to the time, but I didn’t think and hour had already passed.

“Come in,” I said continuing to read my book. When I looked up I saw that it was Damian Wayne standing at the foot of my bed. I stood up quickly and hid the book behind my back and bowed.

“I am sorry, I didn’t see you there,” I said, still bowing.

“You can rise.” He said in a cold tone.

I stood back up and he started to walk around my room. He brushed his fingers across the spines of the books on my bookshelf.

“What book is it that you’re reading?” He asked without looking at me.

“Diamonds and Pearls,” I said, bring the book in front of me again. “I am sorry. I had just seen it on the shelf and thought that I would read because sleep did not come to me.” I explained in a very good lie might I say so myself.

“It is fine. I haven’t read the book myself. Is it any good?” He glanced up at me.

“It is. If you like romance and danger.” I nod.

“How are you finding your stay?” He asked.

“It is more than I could have asked for. Your family has been so kind.” I say politely.

“Good. Good.” He nodded.

There was a brief pause where I waited for him to speak. It seemed as if he wasn’t but then he turned to me once again. “Shall I escort you to lunch?”

“That would be most kind.” I nod. “But I should tell my maid so she doesn’t worry.” I pause.

“I will have my guard find her.” Damian gave me his arm and I took it. I slipped my small hand through him and he walked me down the hall. He was taller than me and he smelled of pine needles and fresh air.

I walked beside him and took long graceful steps to keep up with his pace. When we walked into the lunchroom everyone was already seated at the table. Damian pulled out my chair for me and moved it back in when I had sat. Then he took his seat across from me.

“Alright, let us begin,” Bruce said, waving for the food to come out.

I glance up to see those mesmerizing green eyes looking at me.

What had I gotten myself into?

Raven’s POV:

“Exit on the third floor. Take a left!” Kori’s voice guided me on the intercom. I followed her directions and took a sharp left. I ran down the long hallway, the lights flickering as I went. “The door on your right!”

I swung open the door and chased down the stairs as fast as I could. I could feel it though. This place was about to blow and I was still in it. I couldn’t portal because I didn’t have the strength, but I ran with all my might.

I reached the first floor of the building, pushing the door open with all my strength. The light from outside blinded me for a few seconds, but I ran anyway. I got past a building and sunk into the alleyway.  

There was a loud explosion.

I sank to the ground, keeping my back against the cold building. I took a few seconds to breathe and get my head on straight.

“Rachel!” Kori’s voice cried out in panic as she searched for me. “Rachel!”

“I’m over here, Kori,” I said weakly.

She rushed over to me and helped me to my feet. I put my arms around her for support as the tall Tamaran helped me over to the Titan car. Once we got close enough to the car, I let her go and climbed into the passenger seat.

“Kori, the next time you ask to have a girl time…” I turned to look at her as she started the car. “Remind me not to go.” I sank into my seat and clutched my aching side. Even though it was already healing, I was so weak that it would take time for this bruise to heal.

Kori chuckled and shook her head, as she started our drive home.

Kori had begged me yesterday to go for a girl’s day out. She had in shopping and spas in mind, not almost dying. I had said yes on a whim. I really don’t get to spend much time with other girls and honestly, I didn’t have anything better to do.

What started off with eating lunch on a nice pear, ended up being a chase down with some bad guys that robbed a bank. They ran from the bank to some wear-house, where we followed and caught them. Of course, they bombed the place and a few of them got away.

“Dick will not be very pleased.” Kori shook her head. “He had told me not to go on any calls today and enjoy the day with you.”

“Hey, we had fun.” I smile. “You kicking that ogre of a guy’s butt was pretty awesome.”

“And you are getting quite good at hand-to-hand combat, Raven.” She smiled at me. “You are right, it was a pretty good day.”

“But next time we should stay in and do a movie night,” I tell her, being completely serious. Today had been a close call and had drained me more than I cared to admit.

“You are right.” Kori gave a tired smile. “When we get home how about we watch movies. I can get the guys on patrol for the night.”

I forgot I was even on patrol tonight.

“That would be great, but I might fall asleep during the movie.” I chuckled. As I did that my side started to ache more so I grasped it with both hands. “And maybe some ice tonight?”

“How bad was it?” She gave a concerned look.

The ogre man had kicked me in the ribs and gave me a bad bruise. I am sure it is already purple by now. After the ogre did that, Kori came in like a badass and kicked his butt.

“I’ll be fine,” I said, trying not to worry her. “All I need is rest.”

She nodded and pulled into the drive of the Titan Tower. She opened the garage door and parked the car. When the car had stopped, I slowly climbed out of the car, holding my side. I let my cap fall over me, hiding my arms.

Kori and I walked into the tower together. When we stepped into the living room, the TV was on and showed us fighting on the screen. Garth and Jaime were commenting on something before they turned and saw us.

“Kori, Raven!” They jumped to their feet.

“You’re on TV.” Garth pointed to the screen.

“You did good work,” Jaime commented.

“Where are the others?” Kori ignored their looks. I did the same.

“Dick and Damian are having a training session.” Garth sat back down. “I am pretty sure one of them has killed the other by now.”

“I bet Damian killed Dick.” Jaime joked.

“Boys, have you don’t your homework?” Kori eyed them.

The boys stood up and slumped out of the room. I followed Kori to the training room.

“If they have been in here the whole time, there is a chance they haven’t heard.” Kori turned to me. “Let me explain everything.”

I nodded and followed her in.

Right away my eyes caught Damian slash at Dick’s feet. Dick jumped up and narrowly missed Damian’s sword. Dick countered with his bow staff, hitting Damian’s side with it. Damian hissed in pain and then swiped the feet out from under Dick.

“Do you yield?” Damian said with his sword to Dick’s neck.

“Yes.” Dick coughed and sat up. Damian put away his sword and offered his hand out to Dick for help. The brother took it and stood to his feet.

Both of them seemed to notice us standing there.

“Ladies.” Damian nodded to us.

“Hello.” Kori stepped forward. “I want to explain before you hear it on the news.”

Both of the boys looked at Kori. “What?” They both asked. Dick was confused and Damiana was a tad annoyed.

“Well, you see…” She turned to me. “We were going out to eat when we heard of a bank robbery.”

“You didn’t go… right?” Dick stepped forward, looking right at Kori.

“Well…” Kori backed away.

“We went,” I confirmed. “The bank robbers ran from the bank to a warehouse, where we caught up to them,” I explained to Dick. “We took care of it.”

“Took care of it?” Damian said, pulling up something on his tablet that he had grabbed without me noticing. “It blew up!” He handed the tablet to Dick. Dick started reading.

I was glad for my cap now. I knew that if I had shown any of the guys that one of us got hurt, we wouldn’t have heard the end of it. I stood up taller, trying to hide my injury. I wasn’t going to let them know.

“We hadn’t known it was more than just bank robbers,” Kori argued.

“And you didn’t call for help?” Dick said, handing back the tablet.

“We didn’t have time.” Said Kori.

Damian didn’t say anything. I turned to look at him while Kori and Dick squabbled. Damian’s eyes were on me as if he was searching for something. For some reason his eyes made me feel naked and exposed. I looked away.

“It says here one of the girls was injured.” Damian interrupted Kori and Dick.

Dick looked at Kori and then at me. I looked at Kori, pleading with her not to say anything. She understood.

“It was a lie,” Kori said confidently.

Damian looked at her. I prayed that she wouldn’t crack.

“Well then, if no one got hurt, why does Raven have her cloak on?” Damian didn’t turn from Kori.

“I am fine,” I say. I knew to sell this lie I had to show him, so I opened my cloak and held myself up, telling my hands not to reach for my side. When Damian seemed satisfied, I put the cloak back around me.  

“Look, it was a small brawl and everything is fine now,” I assured them. “We just came here to see if you guys would allow me off patrol tonight. I am beet.”

Dick stood up straight and looked between Kori and me. After a second he nodded. “Fine. I’ll fill in for you tonight.”

“Thank you, Dick.” Kori smiled.

He turned to her. “I am still not happy neither one of you saw the need to call us.”

“We handled it,” I told him.

“The building was destroyed.” Damian stepped towards me. “If one of you had been in there, then this would be a whole different conversation.”

If only I told him right there that I only escaped by seconds. I could just see his whole head-turning red and steam coming out of his ears. But I won’t tell him. I mean what he doesn’t know won’t kill him.

Shortly after that, Kori and I went up to our rooms and changed into something more comfortable. I was already gaining my strength back, so I teleported downstairs and snuck up a cooler of ice.

Kori and I went to her room and watched The Office. Kori had shown me this show a while back, so now when we have girl bonding time, we usually watch it in silence. Kori and I shared the ice and nibbled on snacks that she hid up in her room.

“Damian was very angry when he read that someone had gotten hurt today.” She spoke while the show changed to another episode.

“He did?” I tried to focus on the intro of the episode.

“It was almost as if he cared one of us had gotten hurt?” She said in an almost suggestive tone.

I looked at her, and she was smiling back at me. “I don’t think…” I didn’t know how to play it off. Her gaze on me made me turn red with embarrassment. “He was just angry, there is nothing to it.”

“Hmmm.” She said and turned back to the episode.

I tried to focus on the show, but my face was still red. The way she made it sound almost like Damian cared, but that can’t really be. It was just an illusion.

We spent the rest of the night watching shows and soon fell asleep. I woke up around one in the morning and teleported to my bedroom for the rest of the night. I was already feeling better, but when I looked the bruise was still on my skin. The bad thing about bruises that even when my body heals, the bruising color stays on my skin for a while.

******

The Next morning I got up like normal and took a shower. I didn’t really feel up to an early morning training, so I decided to go on a walk around the grounds. It was a lovely morning with the birds calling and no one in sight.

I was past the gate before I even realized it. I turned back to look at the giant ’T’ in the sky. Titan Tower has been my home for many years now and looking back now, I was lucky to have Zatanna watching over me when I came to earth.

Zatanna was the first person to show me kindness when I came here. She was the one who saw the good in me and got me on the Titans. I owed her so much.

“Rachel?” A voice spoke out from behind me.

I turned and saw Damian in his workout gear. He lowered his sword that he was apparently training with and stepped towards me. I stepped forward, closing in the distance between us.

“Damian.” I nodded to him.

“What are you doing out here?” He put his sword into his belt.

“I could ask you the same.” I nodded to the sword.

“I was training.” He stood straight. “Now you.”

“I am going on a walk.” I stood straight to mimic him.

He nodded in understanding. I turned back, thinking the interrogation was over. I heard his footsteps behind me before I saw him. He was soon walking my pace by my side.

“What are you doing?” I gave him a sideways glance.

“I am walking with you.” He said, looking straight forward.

“Okay.” I nodded and continued on my path.

“Where are we going?” He said after a few minutes of silence.

“Not sure,” I say, brushing my hands across a bush on the path. It was the perfect time of year where the trees were turning green and it wasn’t yet too hot out.

He just nodded and we continued on our walk. Honestly, it was nice to have him walking next to me, and even though we weren’t talking, it wasn’t boring. If it was anyone else like Garth or Jaime, it would be a long and annoying walk, but with Damian I was fine.

“What are you thinking about?” Damian turned to look at me.

“Nothing.” I shrug.

“So are you going to tell me the truth about yesterday’s events?” He gave an all-knowing look. I tried to play it off.

“I am not sure what you are talking about.” I turn so I am not facing him.

“Raven, you are quite good at hiding things and lying, but you should know by now that I can read you. I have been trained by both the League of Assassins and my father. I know you’re lying.” He grabbed my arm and stopped me from walking anymore.

“Fine.” I turned to him. “There was a hick-up and someone got away,” I say, trying to avert his attention from what he was surely asking.

“Someone got away?” He stepped back.

“Kori and I have contacted the Justice League,” I inform him.

“If this was a normal bank robber there would be no need for the Justice League to be involved.” He looked me right in the eyes with his stern emerald eyes. “What are you not telling me?”

“Nothing.” I lie.

“Rachel.”

“Fine, it was a bit bigger of a situation that we ran into,” I tell him. “It wasn’t just a normal robbery and to our knowledge, they were working for someone high up than our pay grade, so we handed it over.”

“How much high up of a pay grade?”

“Lex Luther,” I tell him. “I mean it’s a guess, but that is who Kori and I believe it to be.”

“What makes you think that?” He tilted his head to look at me. He was adorable like this. Oh shut up mind!

“There were just a few boxes and things there that made us believe Lex had funded that place.” I shrug.

“What was inside the boxes?”

“Weapons.” I turn away. “As I said it was more than we bargained for.”

“And you didn’t call because…” He sounded annoyed.

“There was no time.” I turned to him. “Look, I know you don’t like that we stumbled on this for some reason, but it all happened so fast! There was no time to call for help.”

He looked at me as if trying to see if I was hiding anything else from him. I huffed and turned back to the path and started walking. Of course, he followed.

It was a while before he spoke up again.

“And you got hurt?” He said, taking me away from my thoughts. I didn’t answer him. “Look, I saw how you held yourself. Even with your cape, I could tell something was off in your walking.”

“I was hit by an ogre,” I say not looking at him. “It doesn’t matter now because I have rested and it has healed.”

“Even the skin coloration?” He asked.

How did he know that? I haven’t ever told anyone that I heal but the bruising color doesn’t go away. I mean a select people know, but none of them on the Titans. HE READ MY FILE!

“Your snooping now!” I turned to look at him, stopping him in his tracks.

“I need to know about everyone’s weaknesses and strengths on the team. You should too if you were smart.” His words cut through me.

I huffed and started fast walking away. Damian was close on my trail, following me every step. The faster I walk, the faster he did. When I knew I couldn’t outrun him, I knew I had to portal.

I stopped dead in my tracks and back kicked Damian in the chest. He stumbled back.

“Azarath Metrion Zinthos” I conjured the portal and stepped through, letting it close behind me. I was fuming now. How dare he impose on all of our privacy and then accuse us of not being smart to do the same.

I was in my room, pacing out my anger. I knew this was silly of me to let this get to me, but I couldn’t help it. How dare he call me dumb! He had no right to those files. They were only for Kori and any of the Justice League members.

Did Kori give him the files?

No, she wouldn’t have let that happen. She would have stopped Damian if she ever found out. Damian had to have gotten the passwords and stuff from his father.  He was insufferable!

“Raven?” Kori’s soft voice took me out of my thoughts.

I walked over and opened the door to find Kori with a concerned look on her face. I let her in and closed the door behind her.

“I heard your footsteps in the hall. Are you alright?” She asked me.

“No,” I mumbled in anger.

“What happened?” She put a calming arm on my shoulder.

“Damian has access to all the files on every Titan.” I clench my fists together. “He has been reading on all of us.”

“He can’t do that. He doesn’t have the codes.” She tells me.

“He does too. He read up on all of us.” I look her in the eyes. “Those files have private things that I haven’t told anyone. He doesn’t have any right to read those.”

She studied my face. “Look, I will talk to Batman.” He gave me an encouraging smile. “But if he has read up on you, I think it only fair to read up on him.”

“What?”

“Don’t tell Dick, but on Tamaran, it is only fair that if someone has a one-up on you, that you even the playing fields.” She smiled at me. “If you wish, I can give you Damian’s file.”

“Really?” I wasn’t sure if that is what I wanted, but I was interesting.

“Yes, but you can’t tell anyone I gave it to you.” She nodded. “I will give you the file after breakfast if you wish.”

I nodded.

She left the room, giving me one last encouraging smile. When I closed the door I didn’t know if I felt any better. I knew that looking at the files would make us even, but it would also be something that my father would have wanted.

There was another knock at the door. I opened it a crack to see if Kori had forgotten something, but it wasn’t her.

“I am sorry.” He said, pushing the door open wide enough for him to step in.

“Come on in,” I said sarcastically, closing the door.

“Look, what I said… I didn’t mean it like that.” He walked over to my bookshelf and started to look at the collection of books I had created over the years.

“Damian, please go,” I asked him.

“Look, I am sorry. I was angry. I am not sure why, but I said those things from anger.” He turned his head to look at me.

“So it’s not true. You haven’t read all the Titan’s files?” I questioned.

“No, I have.” He nodded. “But you are not dumb for not looking at them yourself.”

“Damian, those files are only for the Justice League, they are not for you!” I came closer to him, giving him a piece of my mind. “There are things that some teammates don’t need to know about each other!”

“That is not what I was raised to believe.” He said a matter of factly.

“I don’t care if you were raised to kiss cows!” I point at him in the chest. “You making that choice to invade our privacy is not ‘cool’ and very unwelcome.”

“I am sorry…” He began.

“Save it!” I held up my hand, stopping him. “I don’t want to hear it. You are just like my father and invading personal space. If I wanted you to know something, I would have told you!”

I stepped back.

He stepped towards me. “That is not my intention.”

I turned so I didn’t have to look at him. I heard him sigh in frustration at me.

“Look, I am sorry. I did it a long time ago when I first join the Titans. I haven’t looked at them since.  I do have picture memory, so I apologize, but I have changed from the boy I was when I first came.” I felt his hand on my shoulder.

I knew I was supposed to be anger at him and push away his touch, but his hand felt warm and welcome. I leaned into his touch for a moment before I realized what I had just done.

I turned to look at him, and our eyes met.

“Raven, I am sorry.” He bent down so our eyes were at the same height. “I only brought it up today because I wanted you to admit you were hurt, but I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“I am not so angry about that as… mortified,” I admitted.

“Mortified?”

“You read my files. The things on there… They are…” I looked away. “My father was ruthless, and what’s on those files is proof that I am weak.”

“Weak?” He pulled my head up so my eyes met his. “No, Raven, when I read those files I was amazed by your strength. You stood up to your father even after all the things he had done to you. You could have easily been his pawn all your life, but you changed that.”

“No…” I began to protest.

“Raven, when I first came on the Teen Titans, the first real call was against your father and the entire Justice League. You stood firm and faced him.” His eyes were hopeful. “You are not weak and those files prove that.”

“They still have all those horrible things I had done before I took the leap to come here.” I protest again.

“Stop it!” He held onto my face, firm. “You are stronger than you give yourself credit for. I don’t care what the file says.”

I sigh and lean my face into his hands. He is strong and holds me, and a feeling of safety comes over me. When I open my eyes again I give a small smile, which he returns.

“Breakfast?” I ask, pulling out of his hands.

“Yes.” He nods and follows me out the door. When we get into the kitchen we sit down and eat our meals in silence. Garth and Jaime are having a fight over who is the best hero to fight in the dead of winter. I tune them out and eat my cereal.

Kori comes in sometime later with a plain folder. She passes it to me when she sits beside me. I take it and hind it under the table. There was no need for Damian to find out about this folder now.

I ate the rest of breakfast in silence and when I am finished, I head up to my room with the folder. When I get inside I look down at the cover of the folder. I don’t really want to look at this now, but something is telling me to hold on to it.

I put it in the top of my desk drawer and put it out of my mind. Damian might have looked at everyone else folders, but I don’t want to be like my father and read it for vengeance. I don’t need to.  

*********************************

Bonus (This takes place in the future of this same storyline)

I teleport into my room, exhausted from the workout Dick put me through. When I got into my room, there was a certain green-eyed boy in my room. I bushed my hand on his shoulder and went to my dresser for my clothes.

I pulled out some PJs and turned to Damian, who had yet to acknowledge me.

“Damian?” I stepped closer to him, looking over his shoulder to see what he was looking at. He had a yellow folder in his hands. Oh shit!

“What’s this?” He turned up to look at me.

“Um…” I was at a loss for words.

“This is my file.” He stood up and looked at me. I was mortified.

“Yes,” I said, not able to look him in the eyes.

“Why do you have my file?” He questioned. “How did you get this?”

“Well, um…” I glanced up at him. “Kori might have given it to me when we had that fight a while back about you reading my file.”

“That was like three months ago.” He looked down at the folder in his hands. “You read this three months ago?”

“No.” I look up at him. I didn’t want him to get the wrong idea. “I haven’t read it. I didn’t want to.”

“Why didn’t you?” He looked surprised.

“It would be something my father would have done.” I didn’t want to hold anything back from him. “I kept it for god knows why, but I promise I didn’t read it.”

He looked at me in silence for a minute, debating something. Probably to yell at me or kill me. Damian had every right to be angry, he did, but I hadn’t even thought about the folder in so long, and I was already so tired.

“Alright.” His voice pulled me from my downward spiral.

“Alright?” I asked.

He handed me the file. “You were quite angry about me reading your file. And I don’t want to hold anything back from you. You may read my file.”

I looked down at the folder and up to him. “What?”

“Raven, I don’t want to hide anything from you. I like you, and if you would like, you may read this file. I will answer any questions you may have.” He nodded and walked over to the bed, laying down.

I walked over and looked down at him. He looked relax.

“Why?” I didn’t understand.

He grabbed my arm and pulled me close to him. “I like you, Rachel Roth. I don’t care if you know what is in that file. I want to be honest with you.” He pulled me for a kiss.

When our lips touched it was like our first kiss all over again. I had been with this boy for a few months but lived with him for years and somehow this boy still managed to sweep me off my feet and surprise me.

I loved him.

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.

POV Raven:

This morning has been slow. Garth has been asking for everyone to go to the new circus in town. I couldn’t care less, but the others seem to want to stay home and be lazy.

I was meditating in the small garden outside when I heard the rustle of leaves. The intruders ora was excited. I couldn’t place where I have seen them from.

“Hello there, beautiful.” The voice sang as he came into view. I opened my eyes to see a boy, about the same age as me, with Superman’s logo on his chest.

“Who are you?” I said, levitating you the ground. I didn’t see the new comer as a threat.

“Where are my manners?” he bowed to me. “I am the new Superman.” He grabbed my hand and kissed it. “And who do I have the pleasure of speaking too?”

“I am Raven.” I took my hand back. “You seem young for a new Superman.”

“Age means nothing.” He stood up. I hit a sore spot.

“What are you doing here?” I stood.

“I am here because the President wishes to have the Teen Titans as her body guard.” He gave me a grin. “I am the Presidents personal body guard.”

“Did she just have the Justice League as her body guards?” I asked, remembering it now.

“Yes, but for public image, she has chosen the Titans as her new guards.” He gave me his arm. “Might I escort you back to the tower?”

“Fine.” I took his arm. “You will need to speak to Kori about all this. She is the one in charge.”

“Then I will do just that.” He smiled down at me.

When we were walking back to the tower, new Super boy tried to make small talk. He was annoyingly charming. Right as we got up onto the main floor, he told a joke.

“What do you call the sun when he’s had too much to drink?” He looked at me and I shrugged. “Moonshine!”

I couldn’t help myself and just as the elevators door opened, I laughed. Everyone turned to look at us. My arm was still wrapped around his and we were both laughing.

When we stopped, super boy released my arm and stepped forward. “Hello Teen Titans. I come here on behalf of the President. Might I speak with Kori?” He looked around for her.

Kori stepped forward and escorted him into a different room to talk. Garth came up to me.

“Who is that?” He gave me a look that I could not read.

“He is the president’s body guard. He says he is the new Superman.” I answered flatly. “What are you doing with your face, Garth?”

“I just think that maybe our Raven has a crush…” Garth smiled at me.

I punched him hard in the shoulder. Then I saw Damian stand up from the couch he was on. We looked at each other, but he turned away and stomped off.

What was his deal.

“I am sticking with my idea.” Garth said, rubbing his arm.

“Garth,” I looked at him. “Shut up.”

He laughed and walked back to the couch and started playing his video games again. I turned and went to my room.

It was about an hour later before there was a knock on my door. I opened it up and there stood Super Boy himself.

“Raven, might I ask for a tour around the tower?” He smiled.

“Sure.” I responded.

I started down the halls, telling him about all the rooms. “The girls live on this wing, and the boys live in the other.” I explained.

“Interesting.” He commented.

“I am sorry, but I can’t keep calling you new Superman. Do you have a name?” I asked. It was bothering me, not knowing what to call him.

“You can call me Conner.” He smiled. “So back to the tour… where do you train?”

“We train on the top floor.” I gestured to the elevator. We got in. “Why do you want to know all this?”

“Well, I have to stay here and brief you all on the plan. I want to know about the place I will be staying.” His voice was calm. It was kind of relaxing.

“Well, Conner,” I smiled. “In order to say you have stayed at the tower, I think it is only fair that you run through the simulator.” I joke.

He loved that idea. “Challenge accepted.” He smiled.

When we got on the floor I set up the simulation for him. Conner wanted me to put it on the highest setting, but I talked him down to the medium setting.

It started off slow and Conner got every machine that came at him. He did have all of Superman’s powers. I leaned on the monitor and watched him.

After Conner had taken down seven robots at once, he turned and winked at me. I blushed. It was about five minutes later that he got the last robot.

“That was fun.” He laughed.

“You did well. You almost beat the top time.” I read off the monitor.

“Who has the record?” He came over to look at the monitor.

“Robin.” I answered without thinking.

“I could beat that time.” Conner said.

“No, we should head back. We have supper soon.” I pointed at the clock. It was almost six.

“Maybe tomorrow.” He shrugged as we got into the elevator.

“Sure.” I said, knowing that as soon as anyone beat Robin’s score, he would beat theirs. I didn’t want to ruin Conners mood though.

When we got to the main floor, the pizza was already on the counter. Everyone already had their food, so I grabbed a plate and got two slices of cheese. Conner came behind me and got some all meet pizza.

“Hello.” Conner greeted everyone. Everyone mumbled back a response. Well accept for Damian who was glaring at Conner.

Did Damian not like Conner? Did they know each other? I would have to ask Damian later, I thought to myself.

“How was your tour?” Kori asked as Conner sat down.

“I had a wonderful tour guide. This place is pretty awesome.” Conner smiled at me.

“I am glad. Conner, when will we be briefed on the mission?” Kori asked.

“Orders come tomorrow at first light. If we could be ready to leave by noon, that would be ideal.” Conner said while ratting. “Make sure you pack for a few days. Maybe four.”

“Where are we going?” Garth asked, stuffing pizza in his mouth.

“DC.” Conner answered. “You will all be staying at the White House.”

“Wow.” Beetle sounded shocked.

“While you are there you will each be paid. For the four days you will be on patrol, and you will take turns around the clock.” Conner said, whipping his mouth.

“What would we be doing?” Damian said in a grim voice.

“You will be guarding her while the  president meets with some tourists . She would like to make a truce.” Conner explained.

“Why is she doing that?” Kori asked.

“She doesn’t want anymore war.” Conner sighed. “She is trying her best, but also taking a huge risk.”

“So we are here because the Justice League can’t?” Beetle asked.

“No, she asked for you guys personally.” Conner leaned back.

“Wow!” Garth jumped up. “The president wants us!”

Conner laughed and agreed. He told us that at first light there will be orders, and that we should all get rest, because it will be a long four days. Kori agreed and told us all to get ready.

“Garth, will you take Super boy to his room?” She asked.

“It’s Superman.” He corrected her.

Kori nodded but I could tell she didn’t agree with the name. Garth led him to his room, and I started on my way to my room. I was alone in the hallway when someone grabbed my arm and pulled me into a storage closet.

“How do you know him?” Damian’s voice was stone cold.

“I met him outside.” I answered annoyed to be pulled away. “Where did you meet him?”

“What?” Damian spat out.

“You are constantly glaring at him. You have to have met him and disliked him.” I point at him. “How do you know Conner?”

“Conner? You know his name?!” Damian sounded livid.

“Damian calm down. I gave him a tour and didn’t feel comfortable calling him Superman.” I explained. “I am not sure why you hate him so much. Is he… bad?”

Damian looked at me for a second. “No. I just don’t trust him.”

“Okay.” I calmed down.

“Okay?” He looked puzzled.

“I just mean okay. I am going to my room. We have a busy day ahead of us.” I opened the door to the closet and turned around. “Are we still going to have tea tomorrow?”

“Yeah.” Damian answered and stormed past me.

I went in my room and got ready for bed. Before I went to sleep I packed some clothes. I packed six outfits just in case.

When I was content with my packing skills, I went to bed. I slept really well that night. When I woke up it was still dark outside.

I got dressed and made my way to the kitchen. Damian was already there, pouring two glasses of tea.

“Morning.” I said, walking over and taking a glass.

“Morning.” He grabbed his cup and walked over to the window.

I sat at the table, sipping on my tea. We did this every morning. We would get up before sunrise and make tea. We would sit in silence and watch the sun com up together.

“How did you sleep?” He asked, not turning away.

“Fine.” I answered. “And you?”

“Fine.”

I finished my cup of tea and before I could stand and get another one, Damian came over and grabbed my glass. He brought me back another cup of tea.

“Thanks.” I said taking it. He sat beside me.

We have been doing this so long that I think he just knows that I like to have two cups of tea in the morning.

“Did you pack?” He asked.

“Yes. I packed for six days.” I said, looking out the window at the rising sun.

“Smart.”

We watched as the sun started to spread over the buildings. It was beautiful and peaceful. I loved watching it.

“Good morning!” Conner came into the kitchen.

“Morning.” I said, not looking his way.

“The orders have arrived.” He went to the counter. “Where’s the coffee?”

“We don’t have coffee.” Damian said plainly.

“What is this?” Conner got up cup and tried it. He spit it out right away. “Yuck.”

“It’s tea.” Damian glared.

Conner poured the rest of the tea down the drain. “You guys need to get coffee. It tastes much better.” I stood up, making both the boys look at me.

“I am going to leave.” I turn to Damian. “I have to pack.” Damian knew that I was lying, but I didn’t think he would out me.

I left the room. A few seconds later I heard someone run up from behind me. When I turned Conner was behind me.

“So I have news! I talked with the president, and you have been invited to be in the room when we have their negotiation.” Conner handed me a piece of paper. “I will be there as well.”

“Wow.” I didn’t know what to say. I was going to meet the president.

“You are going to need to pack professional. Bring a few modest dresses and anything that looks like business. You don’t need to worry about fighting. Your there for keeping the peace.” He told me.

“I am going to have to look threw my closet and find things then.” I started to worry if I had nice enough clothes.

“I will leave you to it then.” He smiled. “I just came to give you the news.”

I smiled and walked into my room. I grabbed my bag and dumped it out. All of these wouldn’t be fit to meet the president. I grabbed my dress that I got when I was shopping with Kori. Other than that I didn’t have any other dresses.

I went to Kori’s room. “Kori, are you awake?”

She hummed and I opened the door. She was packing. She must have just gotten out of the shower because she had her hair up in a towel.

“Do you have any dresses I can borrow?” I asked, looking at my feet.

“Why?” She looked over at me.

“Conner said my order was to be in the room during the debate. I need to dress business like.” I told her.

“I have a few dresses that I grew out of. You can have them if you want.” She pointed over to a box in her closet.

I opened I up and found a gorgeous blue dress on top. I looked at the size and I was perfect. “Is this okay?” I asked Kori.

“That would look perfect on you. Please take it.” She smiled.

I drug through a few more. There was a nice purple one and red one that also looked good. I grabbed the ones and went back to my room.

I packed them as nice as I could. I didn’t want them to get wrinkled. After I got everything packed, I grabbed my bag and brought it to the living room. The boys where already there with their bags when I walked in.

“Did you find some good clothes?” Conner asked.

“Yes.” I nodded.

“When everyone gets here I will brief you all.” Conner turned to the guys.

I walked over and set my stuff on one of the couches. Damian was working on something on his tablet. He didn’t look up.

The Kori walked in. “Good morning everyone!” She cheered. Her energy was tiring.

“Just waiting on Wonder Girl.” Conner said.

As soon as Wonder girl came in Conner started the briefing. He told everyone their plan and station that they would be at. We would be taking turns and switching back and forth.

“Raven will be with me in the meeting.” Conner explained. “And when you see one of us come out of the meeting, be prepared to the meeting to dismiss.”

“What happens when they dismiss?” Garth asked.

“Then you have to watch. If one person acts out, then you take them. Your first priority is protecting the president.” Conner’s voice was firm.

“Ok.” Everyone agreed to the plans.

“There is a car downstairs that is here to take us.” Canned said. We all grabbed our bags and brought them down.

The guys loaded our bags. Conner was about to reach for mine when Damian stepped forward and picked it up.

“Thanks.” I say softly.

He said nothing, but I knew he heard me. After all the bags were packed, we loaded in. I instantly put in my earbuds and started listening to composers.

Kori sat on one side of me, pinning me between the window and her. Garth was asking Conner questions and the others seemed to either be sleeping or playing on their phones.

It was a three hour drive. I used the time to listen to Beethoven and other amazing composers. It was relaxing. I have always loved the classic composers.

What are you listening to, Raven?“ Conner asked.

"Beethoven.” I answered simply.

“Nice.” Was all he said.

I got a text on my phone.

What symphony? Damian had overheard.

I sent back the seventh one. When I looked up our eyes met and she smiled. He know the seventh symphony was my absolute favorite. I looked back down and the rest of the ride I had a small smile on my face.

“We are here!” Conner announced.

I looked out the window and there stood the White House. It was bigger than I pictured, but it was breathtaking.

“Wow.” Kori took the words right out of my mouth.

When we parked we all stubbled out of the car. I let everyone get out before me because of how crazy it was. When I stepped out I went to stand my Damian.

“It’s nice.” I said to him.

“Yeah.” He sounded unexpressed. “I’ve been here before.”

“Really!” I turned to face him.

“I came with father.” He looked over the house. “It was for a mission.”

“You should be the one in the meeting then. You already know the president.” I said, starting to get nervous.

“Don’t worry. You’ll be fine.” He said, encouraging me.

“Thanks.” I gave him a small smile. He returned me with one of his own.

“You guys know your job.” Conner interrupted. “Girls rooms are to the right and boys to the left. Your schedules are in your rooms.”

Kori, Cassie (aka wonder girl) and I went to our shared room. There was three beds for each of us, which was a relief because I didn’t want to share beds.

I found the bed with my schedule and I set my bags on it. I sat down and studied it for a bit. I had a meeting with the president in one hour to meet her.

“Kori,” I walked over to her. “Can you help me get ready. I have to meet the president in an hour and I need to get ready.”

Kori has always been the closet thing to a big sister. I mean I have a sister but she wants to kill me, so I don’t feel she counts.

“Sure!” She got up and started going through my bag. She pulled out a nice top and black pants. “For the first meeting I think you should wear this.”

I took the clothes and changed in the bathroom. When I came out Kori and Cassie looked at me.

“Wow.” Cassie said dropping her clothes she had in her hand. “You look hot.”

“Um… thanks.” I said, unsure of what to say.

“She is right.” Kori smiled. “Here, lets curl your hair a bit.”

Kori grabbed my hands and walked me into the bathroom. She grabbed her curling iron and started to curl the ends of my hair. I looked professional, I thought as she finished.

“You look amazing!” Cassie said from behind me. “Here, I know you don’t like lip stick, but this is your tone.”

She was right. When I put it on it wasn’t too bad. “Thanks” I told both of them. “For helping.”

“It’s nothing.” Kori smiled.

By the time I was all ready, I had about ten minutes before my meeting. I opened the door and walked over to the meeting place. I was supposed to wait until Conner for the meeting.

“Raven?”

I turned and saw Damian. He was starring at me. “Robin.”

“What are you doing?” He came over to me.

“I am going to meet the president.” I explain. “Do I look okay?” I wanted to know his opinion.

“Yes.” He smiled. “Very professional.”

“That’s what I was going for.” I sighed.

“When is this meeting?” He looked at his watch.

“As soon as Conner comes, we will head to it.” I explain.

“Your spending a lot of time with Conner.” He leaned against the wall.

“Only because he and I are on the same detail. It’s just for the mission.” I leaned on the wall across from him.

“Okay.”

“Okay?”

Then Conner came out of no where. “Raven, sorry I am late. We must hurry.”

I followed Conner down some halls and past many doors. I would so get lost in this place. Once we got to this big door, Conner knocked.

It opened.

*****

After meeting the president, I was tried. It was a two hour meeting of taking about what I liked and school. At the end we finally went over the plan for the next few days.

The president was a very kind women. She wanted to know my interests and hobbies. She didn’t judge me when I told her my father was Trigon. I enjoyed meeting her.

It was already eight when I got back to my room. The others were at supper, but I didn’t really feel like eating. There was a knock on the door.

When I opened it, it was Damian. “I saw you didn’t come for supper.”

“I was not hungry.”

“You should eat, Raven.” His voice was soft.

“I am fine, but thank you.” I smiled at him.

He stepped into the room. “Are you okay?”

“I am just tired. But the president was wonderful.” I sat on my bed. Damian came over and leaned against the wall.

“What’s the plan?” Damian looked at the huge painting in this room.

“She just wants us there to keep the peace and make sure no one loses their life. She wants this to go well.” I shrugged.

“Good.” Damian nodded.

I yawn. “Cross your fingers this goes all right.”

He laughed. “I’ll let you get some sleep. Are we meeting for tea?”

“Yeah.” I smiled and lead him to the door. “I’ll meet you in foyer and we can find a place with tea.”

“Ok.” He nodded. “Goodnight Raven.”

“Goodnight Robin.” I said then closed the door. I turned off the light and went to bed.

It was an hour before I heard rustling but it was just Kori and Cassie getting ready for bed. I went back to sleep.

*****

It was four in the morning when I snuck out of the room. I didn’t know how long it would take so I got dressed in my black dress. It was a summery dress, and went to my knees.

I stepped out of the room and closed the door. I quietly stepped in the foyer. I looked around for a second but didn’t see Damian.

Then someone touched my shoulder. I grabbed the hand and flipped the assailant. When I turned Damian was on the ground.

“Nice one.” He smiled and stood up.

“Sorry, you scared me.” I tried to help him.

“It’s fine.” He laughed. Then he noticed my dress. “You look nice.”

“Thanks. I wasn’t sure when we would be done and wanted to be prepared for today.” I shrugged.

“I looked around and there is a place we can try.” Damian held out his arm for me.

“Sounds good.” I took it and we walked. I wasn’t sure of where we were going, but I followed him.

When we got there I went to grab us a table and Damian went up to the counter and ordered. I found a nice place outside, with a umbrella to give us shelter.

Damian came over a few minutes later with two cups. He handed me one cup and sat in the chair across from me.

“Thank you.” I took a sip. It was amazing tea. “How much do I owe you?”

“I charged it to my father.” He took a sip.

“Oh.”

“He will be paying for our tea and anything else I want for a while.” Damian had a devious look.

“What did the bat do?” I smirked.

“He told me no.” Damian smirked back.

I laughed and sipped my tea. “Well thank your father for this amazing tea.” I picked my cup up and cheered.

“Hey, I was the one to pick the tea.” He laughed.

“Well you didn’t pay.” I mock him.

We laughed. He finished his cup and watched the sky. The sun was just coming up past the trees. I looked over at Damian and smiled.

“What?” He turned to me.

“Nothing.” I looked away.

“Do you want a refill?” He nodded to my empty cup.

“Yes.” He took my cup and went to the counter. When he came back he had a grim look on his face. “What happened?”

“The cashier wanted me to give you this.” He handed me a piece of paper with a phone number on it.

I laughed. “That is stupid.” And I tossed the paper behind me.

We sat there for another few minutes and I drank the rest of my second tea. Damian and I said nothing to each other, but we didn’t need to. The morning was lovely.

We headed back to the foyer together. Damian and I were both in better moods when we arrived. Everyone else gathered soon after and then we split up for our daily tasks.

Soon it was just Conner and I.

“Good morning Raven.” He smiled at me.

“Good morning.” I nodded.

I followed Conner to a building where the meeting would be held. We had an hour before the meeting would start so I did a scan of the room.

“Everything seems good. Nothing out of the ordinary.” I told Conner.

“Good.” He said playing on his phone.

He wasn’t really taking anything serious was he. How could he be the president’s body guard? I shook off the thought and continued to walk the room.

Damian taught me to always scan the room. I remember the day he insisted on teaching me. I had just failed a sneak attack simulation, and he spent the whole day teaching me how to avoid that again.

About twenty minutes later people started to file into the room. Conner left to escort the president in, while I helped the people get seated.

“Raven, aren’t you in the Teen Titans?” One of the people I was helping asked.

“Yes, but we also serve our president.” I answered how Conner taught us to.

“Amazing.” He sounded shocked.

Then the president came in. “Hello everyone!” She smiled. “As I am sure you are aware, the Teen Titans are here today. Can we all give them a warm welcome.” She started clapping and soon the entire room was.

“Raven over here is going to be joining us in our meeting. She has a bright mind, so if you could, no mean talk folks.” She gestured to me and I gave a shy wave to everyone who was staring.

“Alright, lets begin!”

*****

The first day of the meeting was rough. People were talking over people and names where called. I sank into the background and observed. No one seemed angry enough to fight, so all in all we had a good day.

I could barely stand on my feet by the time Conner and I were dismissed. All I wanted to do was sit down.

“How was that for a first day?” Conner asked, laughing.

“I don’t know how you can stand.” I sighed.

“I am going to tell you a secret…” he leaned towards me. “I flew for a bit to give my feet a break.”

“Now you tell me.” I laugh.

“Try it tomorrow.” He offered.

“Thanks.” I was so going to use that trick. Not only did I have to dress nice, but I was also wearing sensible heels.

As soon as I got to the foyer I headed straight to my room. When I got in Kori and Cassie where laughing.

“What happened to you?” Cassie asked as I walked through the door.

“I stood on my feet and watch grown ups call each other names for five hours.” I plopped on my bed.

“You where standing the whole time?” Kori asked.

“Yeah.” I mumbled into my bed.

“Wow. I couldn’t do that.” Cassie laughed.

The girls told me how there day was flying above the building while the boys took turns matching it. Garth was so bored he even took a nap. Well, until Robin woke him up.

“That sounds much better than my day.” I rolled over to look at the ceiling.

“But you got to meet the president.” Cassie argued.

“It’s so boring though.” I yawned.

“We have an hour before supper, how about you rest and we will come get you.” Kori suggested.

“Yes!” I agreed.

The girls left to talk with the boys. I was so tired that I didn’t even climb into bed. I just laid on the comforter.

An hour passed, and just like they said, the girls came and got me. We made our way out to the dinning room and got our food.

“Raven, how was the meeting?” Garth asked.

“I didn’t much care for it.” I sat down.

“What? Why?” Beetle asked.

“Watching grown men fight over who is better while calling each other names is not my idea of fun.” I looked at Beetle.

They all laugh, but I was being completely serious. I finished my meal fast, and then sat around to hear all about Garths dream he had while sleeping on the job.

He said that he saw himself as a goose and all the fish in the pond where following him. Garth’s dreams are always animal filled and meaninglessness, but many find amusement in it.

I sat down at the couch that was in the room, and soon everyone came and sat around. Eventually Damian came over and sat beside me.

I didn’t laugh at any of the stories. It was strange to hear everything that went on in Garth’s mind. He had an odd soul.

Conner walked into the room. “Hey guys, how did your first day go?”

Garth told him all about his dream, leaving out the part that he had it while on the job. And the. Everyone else was giving a run down of the day.

“Remember to fill out your report and turn it in before you leave for work tomorrow.” Conner handed everyone a piece of paper.

I looked over the paper. It was simple enough. I stood up and headed to my room. I wanted to get my report done before bed.

“Robin, where are you going?” Kori asked, making me turn around. Damian was behind me.

“I am going to work on my report.” Damian’s tone was glumly.

We walked together down the hall. Before I turned down my wing, I turned to him.

“Tea?” He asked.

“Yes.” I nodded and walked down to my room.

*****

The next day was much like the first. I used Conner’s trick of levitating right above the ground to save my feet the pain.

Five hours of boring debate later, I was finally free to go back to my room. Today I wasn’t as tired so I meditated on my bed until Kori and Cassie came back from their shift.

“How was your day Raven?” Cassie said when she saw I was done meditating.

“It was fine.” I got up.

“I think I might go explore.” I stood and walked to the door.

“There is a nice garden on the East end.” Kori recommended.

I nodded and walked out. I followed Kori’s instructions and walked to the East doors. When I stepped out, I noticed someone else was there.

“Damian?” I stepped forward.

He turned to look up at me. He stood up from the ground he was on.

“Raven.”

“I am sorry if I interrupted.” I started back inside.

“No, it’s fine.”

I turned to make sure it was fine. I walked over to see what he was looking at. There was this beautiful blue flower on the ground. It was strange. I had seen this before, but not on earth.

“This is a alien plant.” I mumbled.

“How do you know?”

“I saw this on a planet when my father still used me as a warning.” I bent down and touched the plant. “This isn’t supposed to be here. How is this alive?”

“I don’t know.” He bent beside me and got a soil sample.

I looked at him.

“What? I’m curious.” He shrugged.

Soon after, it was time to eat. Right after I filled out my report, I went to bed.

The next few days where the same. There was no purposed for us being here other than show. It was the final day. Conner handed us all a book.

“As a thank you from the president herself, here is a signed copy of her book.” Conner smirked. “The car will be here in an hour. Please know your checks will be following in the next few days.”

Kori said goodbye to Conner and we all grabbed our bags and brought them to the main area. I was reading a book when the car came.

Everyone piled in. I read a book and listened to music the whole ride back. Overall I think this mission was childish and worthless, but I can now say I met the president.

It was three hours before we arrived at home. We spent the next few hours unpacking and doing laundry. It was eight o'clock when I was finished with everything.

The next morning I woke up and got up like normal. When I went to the kitchen for tea, Damian wasn’t there. I decided to make the tea for us both.

“Morning!” I turned to see Conner.

“Conner?” I was surprised. “Is everything ok?”

“Yeah, I just came to see if you wanted to get coffee sometime?” He smiled and came closer to me.

“She doesn’t like coffee.” Damian stepped in front of Conner. “Why don’t you go and ask Lex Luther to get some coffee. You know as father and son.”

“What?” I didn’t know Conner was Lex’s son.

“He didn’t tell you? He was engineered to be Superman with the real Superman’s DNA and Lex’s.” Damian stared down Conner.

“What’s your deal man?” Conner was getting angry.

“I don’t like seeing you hit on Raven.” Damian poked his chest. “You should go now.”

Conner looked at me. “It didn’t matter what he thinks. Do you want coffee?”

“No.” I answered.

Then Conner’s phone started ringing.

“Daddy’s calling.” Damian smirked.

Conner looked at me and when he knew I wasn’t going with him, he left. He stormed away very angry. When I turned to Damian, he had a look of triumph.

“Tea?” I handed him a cup.

He took it and smiled. “Sorry I was late. Father was telling me about Conner’s background.”

“No worries. I thought I would make the tea for once.” I walked over to the table. Damian sat in the chair next to mine.

“This is good.” He complimented.

“It’s not as good as yours.” I said after I took a sip.

He grabbed my cup and dumped mine down the sink. Then he started making his tea. I sat back and thanked him.

“I’ll let you make the tea.” I said as he gave me a cup.

“Only if you choose where to sit.” He smiled. “Then deal.”

“Deal.”