Chapter Twelve: Guilty By Design

It was warm and bright inside the bridal boutique, but also empty. There were no other worried brides-to-be milling about, or staffers looking to close a sale on a pricey satin wedding gown. They had the entire boutique to themselves, with just one staff person on retainer by the register to assist them with any purchase or requested alteration. The lighting was bright, and seemed to reflect off the cornucopia of white formal wedding attire adorning the mannequins and racks, further enhances by reflection from the mirrors that were all around the room at different, tri-paneled stations. The most central of which she now occupied.

The dress fit her snugly, a tight fit across her muscular breasts and ribs, loosening into the traditional flow as it trailed off into a train behind her, the headpiece mixing with her blonde hair wonderfully, giving it a gossamer sheen. She felt like a girl playing dress up, only this was much more important.

"You have no idea how happy you're making me." Terra spun in her bridal gown, her arms branching out for balance.

"Oh, I think I have an idea." Robin grinned, dressed in his street attire, jeans and a white T-shirt displaying the logo of Jump City's illustrious baseball team. "Isn't this bad luck, me seeing the dress?"

"No way!" Terra giggled, clutching onto him. "You're the only one I want to model this for. It's not like it's going to be a big wedding. No one's coming."

"Given the circumstances, it's probably for the best."

"I don't care." Terra pouted, letting go of her fiancé's shoulders. "If it's just you and me against the world, it's enough."

"You're pretty when you're defiant." Robin smirked, lacing their fingers together.

"I was made for you, Dick. I always wanted you to see that. You can trust me with your heart. I will never leave."

"Everyone else did."

"Do you blame them?" Terra sighed, crestfallen.

"No. And it's not worth asking forgiveness. But I miss my little girl."

"Do you blame me?" Terra asked, dreading the answer.

Instead of using words, he enveloped her in his arms, holding her tight, inhaling the rich scent of her hair, the earnestness of her voice. He knew more than ever when he held her that she wouldn't let go of him even to save her own life. "Would I be here if I did?"

"And you'll marry me?" She asked again. "Just plain Terra? The girl who has been a plague on your life since you first laid eyes on her."

"You are not a plague. I make my own decisions."

"I will give you the family you lost." She whispered into his ear, squeezing his hands tightly, pressing them against her abdomen. "Plant as many children in me as you need to be satisfied, I'll have them all."

"Terra, shhh. That's not why I'm marrying you."

"I know. But I just want you to know that I'll do anything you ask. This is all I've wanted for so long. Don't hold back anything from me."

"What I want is you Terra."

"If you only knew how long I've wanted you to say that. I love you so much, Robin. You'll never really know how much…"

"What about on the honeymoon?"

"Hmm, well, I wasn't planning on packing anything but my toothbrush…I thought we could spend our time in the room…"

"You really don't want to see Niagara Falls?" Robin asked.

"You're the only natural wonder I plan to look at." She blushed, earning herself an incredulous look from Robin. "Alright, alright, I suppose I can do both. But I'm going to need around the clock attention." Terra giggled, taking his hands away from her abdomen and holding them in her own, clenched between the two of them. "I know I'm not your first love, Robin, and I'm perfectly okay with that. But I want to be your last love. I want to give you everything you've lost and so much more. You complete me, Boy Wonder. And one of my vows to you is to spend every day trying to bring you even a fraction of the happiness you've bought into my life. You chose me, and I'll never let you regret it, Dick. You are my first, last, greatest, and one true love."

"You keep this up, and there won't be anything left for the wedding!" Robin smirked.

"I'd marry you here in this boutique, right now, given the chance."

"Try to hold out a little longer, love. It's only next week…"

The blonde girl nodded solemnly, spinning in her dress once more. "So, be honest. What do you think?"

"What do I think?" Robin asked, drinking in the way the dress hugged at all of Terra's athletic curves, hiding her strong, slender legs and caressing her modest chest in a way Robin found both enticing and conservative, a white and grey sheen hiding much of her lower body from him. "I think that if you wear this dress, then someone is going to marry you." He whispered into her ear, inhaling her tantalizing scent once more as he nibbled at her earlobe.

"Anyone in particular?" She asked, her breath catching.

"Someone who looks fabulous in a mask and cape…" He teased, breathing into her ear canal.

Terra quivered at the sensation, being expertly manipulated by her fiancé. "I never knew Speedy was into me." She chided. "Now I have two men to choose from."

"Oh, trying to play coy after that speech you gave me?" Robin asked, lifting her into his arms, bridal style.

Terra actually beamed at the treatment, realizing how perfectly she fit into his arms. She didn't feel awkward in the slightest. "Okay, okay, I surrender!" She cried, taking a breath to extend the moment. "I yield!"

"Hmm, maybe I'll get a bit of a jumpstart on that honeymoon!"

Terra laughed, making her entire body shake, and she cried out in mock protest. "Help! Oh help! A ruthless cad has ahold of me! Someone save me before her absconds with my virtue!" She called, making little banging motions with her fists against his shoulders like a true, helpless damsel in distress.

"Huh, I was just going to take you out to a fine dinner, but that sounds like it has so many more possibilities." He grinned wolfishly, curling her close to nibble at her neck.

The action made her squeal, her breath coming in pants. "You're going to ruin the dress…"

"You're only going to wear it once anyway. Two hours to put it on properly, two minutes to rip it off."

"So much for the romance!"

"Says who? I could setup the room anyway you like. Wine, rose petals, scented candles…"

"Anywhere is fine as long as it's with you. Everything it's taken just to get here, everything you've given up."

"I've got you, though."

"Yes. And you always will. I just…never meant for there to be this much suffering. I'm sorry."

"You don't have to be. I chose to leave."

"I know. But it was my fault."

"Loving me was not your fault. I didn't have to reciprocate. I could've stayed with Raven. I could've helped her."

"Yes. That's what I'm sorry for. I pushed you towards her all those years ago. Because I could feel those emotions in you so strongly. I shouldn't have done that. I should have pushed you towards me. Then none of this would have happened, not like this. Maybe Beast Boy would still be hurt and Starfire would still be upset…but you wouldn't have had to make Raven and Rain suffer."

"Rain probably wouldn't even exist."

"Yeah." The blonde shuddered slightly. "I'm sorry. I don't wish for her to not have been born. I just…all I ever do is make others suffer."

"As it turns out, I'm not much better. Every time I tried to do right by you, by my family, by my team, I only hurt them more. I am responsible for what Raven has become. Not you."

"We are both responsible. And we always will be. I know she hates me and I understand that, accept it. God, I welcome it. What I did to her was unforgiveable."

"Shhh. Come on, it's alright. I'm here."

"You're the only good thing about me, Robin. You are my salvation. Save me."

"Terra…this isn't good for you."

"Yes it is. It's the only thing that's good for me."

"No. It's not healthy."

"Robin."

"Terra. You can't use me like some kind of rosary to sleep better at night. I exist in your mind to be your guide. I've indulged your dreams in unconsciousness…but I believe that it does more harm than good for you to continue to come here."

"No. Don't take this away. Please, no!" The lighting within the intimate dress boutique seemed to dim somewhat, like a thunderstorm threatening to wreak havoc on the power grid. The subdued lighting seemed to cast dark shadows around the previously bright interior, making it feel more cramped and confining. She looked in abject horror at the reflection they cast, seeing Robin begin to fade from it. She clutched at him more tightly, pressing herself into him in desperation. "This is all I have! Let me dream in peace. Just hold me here. Love me, take me. It can be enough. It doesn't have to be reality. It's real enough to me when I shut my eyes and curl up into a ball beneath my blankets."

"And what would the Terra that exists in Robin's mind say? Would she not want to stay out of the way? You cannot keep shutting your eyes and closing your ears to the truth."

"Who says I am? I ran away because I was coming between them. I never want to do that. I know it will destroy a family. I'm not that selfish. I'm not this selfish in real life. Please don't take this away from me. If I can have what I want in my dreams and fantasies I can stay alive. Don't take away my only solace."

"This isn't right for you, Terra. The tighter you hold onto what cannot be, the lonelier you'll become. You have to move on."

"I can't." She whispered. "This is it for me. The end."

"No. It's a beginning. You're such a beautiful, tortured soul. I should know. But there is a place for you. Don't doubt that."

"This is my place. In your arms. His arms. Can't he see that? Aren't I worth something?"

"Love takes different forms, Terra. He only wants what's best for you. He doesn't want to hurt you. Like you don't want to her Beast Boy."

"I know. I get it. I do. But this is what my heart wants. You know it. You feel it."

The echo of Robin that resided within her mind did. "Yes. I do."

"Then be him for me. Hold me the way he won't, please! Don't make me be alone. I can't bear it alone anymore! Leave me something to escape to."

"Alright. I won't try to stop you any longer." The image in her mind resigned, reaching out to her."

"And don't hold back." Terra pressed. "Convince me it's real. Make me long for my bed each night and my reunion with you."

"You don't think that's unhealthy?"

"Maybe it is. I just don't want to live a lie anymore." She whispered.

"What about Rain? She cares for you. You're very special to her."

"I won't abandon her. But I need your strength to keep putting myself in that situation. To be so close to that little girl. To stand next to him. To feel Raven bearing down on me. She knows, now. I never wanted her to hate me. I don't hate her. Envy, perhaps. But not hate. She helped me. She trusted me. And in my heart I know…I know she'll never forgive me."

"You have done nothing wrong. You never acted on your feelings. You never tried to replace Raven as a mother or a mate. You're innocent."

"That doesn't make it go away."

"Time and patience, Terra. You still have so much more to do in life. So much more love to give."

"And where am I supposed to put it?"

"Here, for now." He reached out to her, enveloping her small, lithe form in his arms, unable to deny that she fit there so perfectly. Like a mate that had been made for him. Or maybe that was Terra's doing. He was an echo of the real Robin, certainly. But this was her mind. She had control. But did it matter? Her mind was his reality, and that was all that really mattered. He would hold Terra because no one else could, not in the way she needed. He just had to hope that it would be enough.

XoXoXoXoXoXoXoXoXo

"You don't mind missing the auction?" Raven asked.

"Cyborg can manage without me. It's you I'm worried about."

"Worried?" Raven responded with a bit of trepidation in her voice.

"I want to make sure my family is okay."

"In the greater scheme of things." Raven responded, but her response was delayed just enough to concern the Boy Wonder.

"You're still hung up on Rain and Terra, aren't you?"

"Richard?"

"Yes?"

"Do you think that I'm…bad at living?"

"Bad at living?" Robin pondered the words, trying to gauge their meaning.

"Am I too distant?" She tried again. "From you, from our daughter."

"Rae, I understand that you have limitations. We talked about this back in Gotham. When I told you I wanted you, it wasn't just some words I said to get into your panties."

"I know." Raven tapped her head. "Empathy, remember? If I had detected any deception in you, I would've led you on and then shot you down just to teach you a lesson."

"Remind me never to cross you." Robin smirked.

"Too late." The sorceress inclined her head. "Now, don't avoid the question. Am I distant?"

"Were you distant when you were playing with Rain earlier? Were you distant when we were cuddled up in bed this afternoon?"

Raven shook her head sadly. "Even after all this time, I am still…not good with interpreting all my emotions. I have to dwell on them, categorize them, study them. But I can only feel them in the faintest of ways. I understand what my feelings are, why I have them. But I can never just allow myself to truly revel in an emotion, express it more openly. The first time we made love in Gotham the Tiffany lamp shattered because you whispered something in my ear. Do you remember that?"

"Yes."

"You said…"

"I know."

"You said it was enough. Just to lie there with me. I wasn't even certain we could without…problems."

"Raven, don't you know that by now? I would want you even if we never could've made love, could never had Rain together. I made a promise to you that it was enough. It wasn't just something I said."

"That's exactly the problem, Richard."

"Okay, now I'm confused." He threw his arms up into the air.

"You don't just say things. Platitudes. You mean what you say and you do it."

"I wouldn't ask you to trust me with your heart if I didn't."

"So then tell me now, Boy Wonder. Can you keep your promises to Terra without breaking your promises to me?"

"What are you talking about? It's not nearly the same! You're my mate, Raven. My soul."

"I'm not accusing you." Raven reached out for his hand, guiding him to sit next to her on their bed. "But you have made promises to that girl. Promises that are keeping her alive. Only a fool would deny what she feels for you."

"I haven't betrayed your trust, Raven."

"I am not saying you have. But we need to discuss this. Terra's ultimate happiness is dependent upon your reciprocation of her romantic feelings."

"I let her down easy."

"You promised to make her happy, Robin. To protect her. You're hurting her, now. She will not speak of it, not to you. But she came to me, asked me to help her. But I cannot. To truly help her, I would have to alter her memories. I don't think it's an ethical thing to do."

"So then what?"

"I never planned on needing someone." Raven said quietly. "I grew up alone, believed I was best off on my own. When we met, all those years ago, you taught me that I was wrong to think that. That being alone is not the answer. Our friendship has meant more to me than I ever thought possible. Upgrading it…there was something that just seemed right about that. In spite of the inherent risks involved. Perhaps even against my better judgment."

"You're everything, Raven. You of all people should know that."

"And yet you are everything to someone else whether you choose to acknowledge it or not."

"That's not fair, Raven."

"No, it isn't. To any of us. And yet it is the truth."

"Are you breaking up with me?"

She fixed him with a look, pursing her lips with a frown. "Do you wish me to?"

"Of course not!"

"I see."

"Stop playing word games Raven. Tell me what you're thinking."

"I'm thinking that I am involved with a man who has the best intentions." Raven offered. "Yet there are other lives involved here. Most of all Rain's." She motioned to their daughter, who currently sat on the floor across the room, playing with a small collection of Pretty Pretty Pegasus toys.

"Okay, hit the brakes, backup. I am totally committed to our little girl."

"I'm not doubting you, Richard. Neither your intentions towards me or our daughter."

"Then why do I feel like I'm being dumped?!"

"You are not being dumped. We aren't breaking up. I'm not asking you to leave. Don't worry."

"You start a windup to what sounds like a breakup speech and I'm not supposed to worry?"

"If I wanted you out, you would be out. What I want to know is what you plan to do about Terra."

"I don't intend to do anything. I get that she loves me. I feel for her. Hell, I feel responsible for her. But that doesn't mean I'm obligated to love her."

"No, it does not." Raven agreed. "Be that as it may, the fact remains that you do love her, Robin."

"What?" He sputtered, taken aback.

"You have feelings for that girl. They are not the same that you share for me. For what it's worth, I don't believe that they are intentionally romantic in nature. However, you have a strong connection with Terra. I have known this for a long time. You held her in your arms when she was recovering years ago. Made promises to her that you would give her a reason to live as she drifted in and out of consciousness. You are sworn to her in spirit. The evidence suggests that she does have a claim to you."

"Raven, this is crazy."

"No, it isn't. It's logical."

"But I never promised her my heart."

"And I believe you. If I thought you had, we would be having a much different discussion. Despite my earlier outburst towards Terra, I too feel responsibility for her. I linked your minds together."

"Under my orders."

"That is not an excuse. I also chose to enter into this relationship with you, in spite of forging that prior bond. I could have refused. As you have admitted, it was your arrogance at play that made you give me the order, made you believe you were right. But it was my own selfish desires that allowed me to share all of this with you…" She gestured to the apartment around them and the family they had forged, "…in spite of knowing that there were risks. So I also bear responsibility. If I had acted less emotionally, I would have refused this. Unfortunately, it is too late for that. And as I said, we have Rain to consider."

"What does Rain have to do with any of this? She is our child. We conceived her, you birthed her, we've raised her…"

"With considerable assistance from Terra."

"Yeah! And considerable assistance from Starfire and Cyborg and Beast Boy too! She is still our child."

"And she will continue to be. I am not proposing a dissolution of our relationship. I am merely recognizing that Terra has a claim to you."

"So what? I let you two fight over me? Sounds like some kind of soap opera."

"Hardly. I do not wish to share. And you are not allowed to have a harem." The hint of a smirk on her face at that decision seemed to resonate with the hero. For Raven, these were rather strong declarations. She did not speak of her feelings openly. And she was now as much as admitting that she would not give him up without a fight.

This knowledge seemed to spark something within the Boy Wonder, reminding him of why he had always desired her. She never gave anything away with ease and constantly challenged him to be better than he was. She was his warrior woman in every sense of the term. A sparring partner and confidante. But also fiercely loyal and, running deep inside of her were her passions, chief among them the little girl that had given her life such purpose. "I only need one Queen, Rae. You know that. You know it's you."

"No, I don't." The sorceress sighed.

"What?" His voice lowered to a whisper.

"I am certain that you believe what you are saying to me. My doubt is not a question of your devotion to either me or Rain. It is about your obligations. Terra weighs heavy on your mind. And you are…a large part of her aura, occupying her thoughts, her hopes, and her dreams. This is not some schoolgirl crush. She is a woman in love and she is bonded to you. That is not something that can just be wiped away. Time and patience is required."

"And what if-?"

"No. There will be no 'what ifs.' Raven admonished. "What will be, will be."

"You're serious."

"I am always serious." Raven cocked an eyebrow. "Do you love me?"

"Raven, there is a part of me that has been falling in love with you since we met. You remind me so much of myself. And yet, at the same time, you can be so different."

"That's good to know. I wouldn't want you dating a mirror."

"I'm scared of losing you, Rae."

"That's also good. It means you have impeccable taste." An awkward silence fell between them until Robin found himself embracing his Intended, which she begrudgingly accepted, folding her arms around him. "Relax. Deep breaths. It will be alright."

"But what if it isn't?! What if I…I…"

"Do you love Terra?"

"Rae, I…."

"Speak truthfully." She insisted.

"I don't even know. It's so different. Terra…I have this unending desire to protect her. She's part of me. Like you. Like Rain. I can't just…let something happen to her. Let her be alone. Let her…"

"You won't. One way or another."

"At the cost of you? Raven, I know that I can't have it both ways. I'm telling you—you are what I want. I care about that fragile, broken, earnest, earth-moving young girl a great deal. I know her pain. But I don't want to put her in your place. And as much as I want to save her, I'm not willing to just let go of you or Rain in order to do that."

"She will come for you, Robin. And she will beg. She will plead. She will do these things not out of a desire to break you and I apart, but out of a desire to complete the bond within her heart. A bond you forged with her. A promise you made to her."

"I'll say no."

"Perhaps." Raven nodded. "But even so, it will come to pass. I believe my best option is to allow it."

"You can't be serious. You would not want me to be unfaithful to you."

"No. However, we were not completely honest with each other when this relationship began. The reckoning for that will come. And on that night, the night you don't come home to Rain and I, your bond with Terra will be completed. This is a boon that I grant you, without malice or strings attached, provided that it only happen the one time. On that night, and that night only, whenever it may come, I permit you to be with her."

"Why?"

"Because I love you. And I understand it is what you need. Not just for Terra. For yourself."

"I need to betray you? To take the promise that you would be my one and only, and attach clauses and mitigating circumstances to it? That's what you're saying?"

"I do appreciate your desire to be faithful to me, Richard. And I believe your sincerity. However, I have also come to appreciate that this is something that must happen. It may be the only way that Terra can be free. I share responsibility for her current state, and so I will allow you to do what is necessary to help her. Because I believe you will return to me."

"Then why does this feel wrong?"

"Because you are a good man. Trust me in this." She reached her arms up to his shoulders, looking at him. "We will be alright. We will get through this. We will survive it because we choose to."

"You're not even giving me a choice."

"Fine then. Talk with her. Explain my proposal to Terra. Look her in the eye and tell her you can't give this to her—a gift from both of us. And then we'll talk."

"That's dirty pool, Raven."

"Where your stubbornness is concerned, I have no scruples. It is a match for my own, after all."

"And how can I just do this?"

"Be with her. When that time comes, think about her. I absolve you in advance of any wrong-doing. We are both to blame for this situation. Her claim to you is valid, at least in part, and I will honor it. But this does not mean that we have to give up what we share. I would prefer that our child have two parents. Perhaps three if we count Terra.

"Is that your idea of a joke?"

"Beast Boy doesn't get to be the only comedian around here. Besides, Terra has largely been a blessing with Rain. I owe her an apology for the way I acted. It was immature."

"I think you're entitled to a little immaturity." Robin smirked. "Especially considering your proposal."

"As long as it is only the one time."

"What about Beast Boy?"

"Nothing happens without his knowledge and approval. He has a right to know. But I think he'll be okay with it."

"I don't know if I'd put those words in his mouth. If it were a situation where we were together and there was something between you and him that could only be resolved by…"

"I forbid you to finish that sentence. The very though is nauseating."

"I dunno, Rae. Maybe it could work if you were like some kind of dominatrix."

The sorceress held a hand up to her forehead. "Honestly, Richard. It's like you're asking me to do physical harm to you. I'll have to meditate and extra hour tomorrow just to exorcise that image from my mind."

"Well, you could always try it out on me first…" Robin gently rubbed her free hand, circling the soft, smooth skin with his thumb. I want you tonight."

"You say that now. But we both know you'll want me tomorrow night too. And the night after that."

"Hey, I only get to be young this once. From where I'm sitting, I need to enjoy it. If these are the best years of my life, I want to spend them with you."

"Then I suppose I'll have to accommodate you. After Rain goes to bed."

"Isn't it past her bedtime?"

"Let her be awhile longer. Anticipation." She whispered the last work in his ear, releasing him. "I'm going to go and take a bath. I'll see you later, Boy Wonder."

Robin stared after her as Raven sauntered out of the room with an added swagger to her hips, toying with his emotions. "Did you see that, Rain?" He asked his daughter, who was still occupied with her building blocks. "Your daddy calls that cheating."

Rain looked up, small black tresses bobbing slightly. She gave her father an expression resembling puzzlement and disinterest before returning to the assorted winged horses she was playing with, the rug starting to look like a stable with its myriad of accessories and pastel-hued beasts of burden. Rain laughed as she kept pushing Butterbean and Sparkleface together, causing Robin to wonder if his daughter was precocious and perceptive enough at her age to be making a joke at her parents' expense.

"Oh, sure, laugh it up." Robin crossed over to his daughter, picking her up. "You're on her side. Don't think I don't know it."

Rain stared up into her father's eyes as he held her in front of him, sticking out her tongue. The effect caused both parent and child to chuckle. Robin swung her onto his shoulder, steadying her to ensure she wouldn't fall. "Okay little princess. I think it's time for pajamas and a bedtime story."

"Rupblrg!" Rain smiled gleefully as she was carried off, looking up over Robin's shoulder to see where she'd been. Her little hands clung to his shoulder blade tightly, making her feel more secure.

Robin carried his daughter into her bedroom, sitting her on the bed while he pulled some toddler-sized pajamas out of a dresser drawer. The outfit he selected was one meant to resemble Raven's usual attire—a soft, silk pull over, jet black like Rain's hair, adorned with a little row of embroidered jewels near the waste. A tiny pair of little black shorts accompanied it. Much to his surprise, Rain did not fuss or squirm as her day outfit was peeled off and replaced with the pajamas, although she seemed to find some amusement in her father's efforts to pull her shorts up all the way, Robin finally resorting to hoisting her into them like a sack of potatoes. "You might find that amusing, baby girl, but nothing is easy with you. You are definitely your mother's daughter."

Rain looked up in awe at that comment, then began to tug on Robin's sleeves, wanting to be picked up again. Knowing he had the time to spend, Robin acquiesced, lifting her up and grinning. "You want to dance, don't you?"

The little girl's response was to grip tighter to her father. "Okay, but one day you're gonna be too heavy."

Rain shook her head furiously, something Robin found to be adorable. Whatever her difficulty with speaking, she seemed to understand language well enough. "Alright Rain, just for you. Let's just hope Mommy doesn't catch us." Robin cleared his throat, recalling from his detective memory the simple lyrics she loved so much.

"Well you may go to college
You may go to school
You may have a pink Cadillac

But don't you be nobody's fool

Now baby

Come back baby come back

Come back baby come back

Come back baby

I wanna play house with you"

Robin moved in time with the tune in his head, swaggering his hips slightly and bouncing Rain up and down and side to side in the manner she loved, the little girl giggling all the while as though her father was the greatest musical amusement park ride in existence.

"Now listen and I'll tell you baby

What I'm talkin' about

Come on back to me, little girl

So we can play some house

Now baby

Come back baby come back

Come back baby come back

C'mon back baby

I wanna play house with you"

Robin lifted Rain outward at the chorus, holding her waist steady and spinning around. Her eyes widened in pure glee as she got treated to the sensation of flight for the second time that day, and Robin could only imagine what she was thinking when she looked so happy and content.

"Now this is one thing baby

That I want you to know

Come on back and let's play a little house

And we can act like we did before

Now baby

Come back baby come back

Come back baby come back

Come on back baby

I wanna play house with you

Yeah!"

Robin wasn't too certain about his career as an Elvis impersonator, but Rain wasn't a very harsh critic. She loved the classics. He wondered if it had to do with that hospital in Gotham that played all those oldies tunes. Raven had spent a lot of time in and out of there during her pregnancy. And its possible her developing newborn form remembered certain notes and impressions from her time in the nursery before coming home. At least he had the hair for a pompadour hairstyle if he ever wanted to go all the way. It might be worth it just to get a rise out of Raven.

Attentive to his daughter's amusement, Robin crossed to the bed and knelt in front of it, setting Rain's little feet down on the mattress so they could mock dance together, he moved her arms and she allowed herself to be pulled in silly motions, adding jumps to the mix.

"Now listen to me baby

Try to understand
I'd rather see you dead little girl

Than to be with another man

Now baby

Come back baby come back

Come back baby come back

C'mon back baby

I wanna play house with you

Oh baby, baby, baby

Baby baby baby b-b-b-b-b-b baby baby baby
Baby baby baby baby

C'mon back baby

I wanna play house with you!"

Robin finished in a fit of laughter all his own, tipping Rain gently backwards onto the bed and tickling her tummy, the dark-haired tot squealing with laughter. "There we are! Who loves you little girl?" He relented, allowing Rain to catch her breath, he stroked her hair gently, coaxing her into settling down after all that play. "You're gonna grow up so fast, you know that Rain? Today you're barely talking at all and before I know it you'll be begging me for a cell phone. Coming home with boys for me to scare off with an exploding Birdarang." He mussed her hair slightly. "You changed everything, you know. I never even thought about being a father. Now I can't even imagine a life without you. I didn't realize how empty it was before. So thanks for being here." He leaned down and kissed her forehead. "Okay, time for bed Rain. Let's pick you out a good story for dreamland."

"Do you mind if I cut in?" Raven asked, standing in the doorway holding a book with a warm-colored leather cover.

"How long have you been there?"

"Since the second chorus. Speaking of, aren't I the one you should be serenading with a song like that?"

"I can't help it if she has good taste in music."

"Be nice and we'll keep playing house." Raven touched his cheek gently as she passed before sitting on the edge of the bed where their daughter lay, Rain gazing up at both of her parents somehow expectantly.

"She looks so much like you, Rae. She's got my hair, I know. But she's got your eyes, your cheeks…"

"She is ours. The one thing I'm certain we did right."

"We've done plenty right, Raven. Rain is just the best one."

Raven turned to him, slightly flushed. "I…appreciate your feelings. Go on and light some candles. I…want to talk to you before we…"

Robin placed his hands on Raven's shoulders. "I'll see you in a bit, Rae. Goodnight, Rain. Sweet dreams okay?" Robin cast a worried glance at the mirror over the dresser that he had covered earlier in paper wrapping.

"Buh." Rain smiled happily, making a modest waving gesture. It was enough to make her meaning clear, Robin exchanging a pleased expression with his mate before departing.

"You who were born to such ridiculous people as your father and I." Raven tried for a smile in her expression, wanting to appear warmer to her daughter. "You're alrighr, kid. How about a fairytale from my homeland? It's a part of you too, you know."

"Gupqrtz." Rain nodded her head, hanging on her mother's every word as she opened the book with reverence, beginning to recite. She did not begin to nod off until moments before Raven had reached the end.

XoXoXoXoXoXoXoXoXo

The first thing she felt was an unexpected warmth on her face. Like a glow, or a faint, hot breeze. She ignored it, settling back into unconsciousness, a thumping sound that seemed to occur intermittently—sometimes close, sometimes far away, lulling her back into blissful rest and dreams that were far more enjoyable than reality.

The next thing she felt was somehow familiar, strands of hair being parted from her face, a hand that was somehow both rough and gentle caressing her skin. "Wakey wakey, eggs and bakey!" The unmistakable voice of Jinx called her back to consciousness. The purveyor of hexes looked down upon her quarry, straddled over the blonde demurely. "Come on, Blondie, it's time to get up. You don't need this much beauty sleep. I mean, you're not that ugly!"

"Not on the outside." Terra rubbed at her eyes, looking up into the mischievous face of the witch.

Jinx was clad in a simple black number that was like some kind of cross between a tank-top and lingerie—bare arms through little more than straps on her shoulder, held together in back by the familiar clasp of a bra, but covering past the girl's modest breasts to just above the navel. A grin split her face. "You sleep like the dead. You were smiling, though."

"Sometimes I feel like the dead." Terra sighed. "Are you going to stay on top of me all day?"

"I just wanted to get your attention." Jinx announced, rolling backwards and vaulting the arm of the couch behind her, sticking her landing admirably. "Time for breakfast."

"Another day in my life." The blonde girl rolled her eyes, debating between getting some food and rolling back over into blissful sleep and the arms of a man who only came to her in dreams. While the latter was sorely tempting, pissing Jinx off seemed like a markedly bad move. She had nowhere else to go.

Terra counted backwards from ten, and in one fluid movement, rocked backwards and used the inertia to pull herself out of her lying down position into an awkward, slumped form of sitting. She stretched her arms wide, letting out a catlike yawn and rubbing some sleep from her eyes. "What's for breakfast?"

"Eggs and bacon, like I said." Jinx chided. "And some toast. I've got orange and cranberry juice. And-"

"Coffee." Terra finished, starting at the percolator with something resembling affection. "Yeah, that will really hit the spot."

The earth-mover stood, pulling up her beige cotton sleep shorts and tucking her simple but functional blue t-shirt into the elastic band of the shorts. Pretty bare feet making soft padding sounds on the finished hardwood floor. "So a breakfast spread, huh? How positively—"

"Don't say it!" Jinx pleaded.

"…Domestic." Terra drew her response out, grinning malevolently as she snatched a slice of lightly buttered toast.

"I despise you!" Jinx responded, dropping herself into a chair.

"As you say, I call them like I see them. You are so in love." Terra kicked out her feet, stretching her legs onto the seat across from her, directly next to Jinx.

"I don't have to take that from someone who is madly in love with someone else's fiancé" Jinx pouted, lashing out.

"Ouch. First thing in the morning?" Terra asked, feeling a little gloomy.

"Ugh. Fine. I'm sorry. That was a little below the belt. But you started it!"

"And yet you're the one who went to all the trouble to make us this breakfast. Which, obviously, was not done for my benefit. You made this for Flash." Terra narrowed her eyes. "I'm just a convenient excuse."

"Oh, shut up!" Jinx spat, stabbing a fork into the scrambled eggs she had already set onto her plate, the warm smell of fluffy eggs beaten into milk and cheddar cheese and done on a gas range making Terra's stomach growl.

"Hey, I don't mind being used. Your couch is pretty nice. So where's Flash anyway?"

"He ate and ran. Literally." Jinx worked the food from the fork into her mouth with something resembling violence before stabbing at her plate again. Terra had a distinct impression Jinx was imagining a certain arrogant red-head's face was in her plate. "Ungrateful bastard. I rather wanted to have a nice cozy breakfast, you included. It's good for couples to do things with other people, right?"

"Yeah, I guess. I dunno, I don't do much. Beast boy and I are technically an item, and I do spend time with him. But whether we're alone or with the others, it doesn't feel like this thing, you know? It's not like we're entertaining guests. We all live under the same roof."

"You need to get out more." Jinx set down her fork, crossing her arms.

"You need to tell him how you feel. Really tell him. Make him listen. You know he cares. If you thought he didn't, you'd be too busy hexing him right now."

"He makes me weak." Jinx groaned. "I didn't use to be this way. This being good stuff has so many rules. I thought it would be easier. Don't steal, don't hurt other people. I had to break a few habits, but I got the hang of that. But making myself vulnerable to someone else, it just…isn't me."

"Nobody likes being vulnerable. What little girl thinks of herself as being helpless without a man to save her? Maybe hundreds of years ago? But we're way past that. Hell, what guy would want to be helpless? We all are from time-to-time…heaven only knows what a mess I am. But still, even when I only had the most cursory control of my powers, when I truly did feel helpless, I never wanted to. I hated it. And I hated myself. There's nothing worse than feeling like you can't do anything right, like your only reason for existing is to hurt other people. And every time someone comes into your life and shows you a little kindness, you push them away. You make them hate you. Because you're so frightened of hurting them. Or worse. So making them hate you, leave you alone…it becomes your only defense. But still it poisons your soul. When Robin saved me, I dreamed. A lot. I drifted in and out of consciousness for a week or so. I remember trying to understand how I could have betrayed them all. What happened to me, to make me want to hurt the only people who showed me real kindness. Who trusted me. Who took a chance on me. How could I have been fooled so completely by Slade? But it was easy for him. He saw all my fears, all my weaknesses. He played me like a fiddle. But even so, I should have known better. I ran from the Titans after we first met. All because Robin knew I couldn't control my powers. I ran in fear and anger, thinking Beast Boy had betrayed the trust I put in him. But now I know that he didn't. Robin just figured it out. He always does that. Figures things out. Figures me out. He knew me better than BB did even back then. All he ever wanted was to help me. And I am like a plague on his life…I can't even stop myself from-"

"Stop it." Jinx insisted, her eyes widening at Terra's monologue. "Geez, Blondie. All you did was fall in love with a man. Who, while I hate to admit it, has some pretty good qualities. He took a chance on me too, you know. I wouldn't have. What is it with me and guys in masks, anyway? Kid Flash courts me, Robin rescues me…I'm surprised Speedy hasn't knocked on my door and asked me if I've heard the good word about the Titan way."

"Or at least coerced you into fixing breakfast for them." Terra sipped her coffee, savoring the comfort as it eased its way down her throat, soothing her. She gently stabbed at some of the fluffy eggs on her plate, forking them into her mouth greedily. "I'm starved."

"How can you be starved after we gorged ourselves on Happy Garden last night? Between the egg rolls and to Moo Goo Gai Pan and the scallops and the General Tso's chicken and those Chinese donut things, I thought I was going to give birth last night."

"Natural food. You get hungry after the initial feeling of being stuffed passes. Besides, if you're going to keep making eggs like this, I'm going to keep eating here."

"Great. Maybe I can always quit the hero business and just open up a luncheonette."

Terra clamped a hand over her mouth, stifling a large giggle.

"Oh, knock it off, Blondie. You already complimented my food, don't act like it's making you gag."

"It's….not…..that." Terra worked out in between gasps for air, finally doubling over in laughter.

"What's so funny? I'd better find it amusing!"

"You…are so….domestic!" Terra spit out in between laughing fits, causing the witch across from her to blanch.

"Okay, that's it! I'm going to hex you into next Tuesday!"

Terra waved her arms in front of her face in surrender. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. It's just…come on, you know I'm right."

"Yeah? Will I still be so domestic if I kick you off of my couch and tell you to find another place to hide from your problems?"

"Now you're being mean."

"Jinx…I'm not making fun of you."

"That's not it. I'm just…sensitive about this sort of thing, I guess. I told you. I don't like feeling vulnerable. Sometimes I think about how I really want to make Flash happy. I want him to be proud of me. And that thought really sickens me. It just…isn't who I am."

"It's alright to want to please someone. It's not alright to please someone at the expense of hating yourself."

"I don't hate myself. It's just…I'm used to being independent. Let's face it, I couldn't exactly rely on the rest of the H.I.V.E. Five when I was with them. It was everyone for themselves. I had to be the brains of the outfit. And they never exactly thanked me for it. Idiot boys. My wants back then were pretty simple. Now I find I want this entirely different life. And I don't really miss the old one. I'm no goody two-shoes. I doubt that I ever will be. But I don't really care about being bad either. I just want to be happy. And I want Flash to be happy. And, though I really hate admitting it, it feels kind of good to make a positive difference sometimes. I never believed that I could. I used to think that I was born into this. But the reality is that we do have choices. Robin did teach me that. People like him, like Flash, they see that people like us can be more. Annoying, isn't it?"

"That someone sees better of you?"

"That they're right. I used to really hate Flash for that. But he was so persistent. Sometimes I still turn around and find roses waiting for me."

"What's that old saying, a good man is hard to find?"

"And harder to keep. But I'm trying."

Terra picked at her eggs, trying to savor the meal. "Did I ever tell you about my scars?"

"Your scars?" Jinx asked.

Terra nodded in response. "From after Robin was in my mind. They're on my neck."

Jinx blinked, then leaned across the table for a better look, embarrassing the blonde slightly, but she craned her neck.

"I thought those were tattoos." Jinx said at length. "You know. Butterflies. They suit you. You're like a butterfly. That whole mental trip you went on was like a chrysalis."

"But that's not how I got the scars. They're from one of the times I almost died, shortly after that fateful night."

"Someone tried to kill you."

"I tried to make Robin kill me. These butterfly wings of mine are really just his handprints."

"He choked you?" Jinx raised her eyebrows. "Terra!"

"I used the mental link we still shared at the time to control him. I just…I just wanted to die. Sometimes I still do. Why am I still alive? What do I hope to accomplish by living? All my life has ever done is hurt other people. A cycle of samsara. So many people I've hurt. I keep course correcting, but it always ends up in tears. I was so ready to die, then. And I wanted him to kill me. Robin made me feel safe. And I just knew that if he ushered me out of this existence, I could go peacefully. I wanted to feel him. That's why I seduced him into choking me. But Raven found out and stopped it. My throat was so bruised for weeks. I had to drink this horrible stuff to heal it. Raven used her magic, but it could only do so much. And the scars…I asked her to leave them. They remind me of him. My butterfly wings. A permanent impression from the hands of a man who cared for me enough to kill me. But I should have known better. He won't let me die. Robin. Slade. Beast Boy. They'll never let me. So I try to keep finding reasons to stay alive. Lately, I feel like I'm running out."

"Blondie…come on, there are so many reasons. My cooking, for one."

"I'm sorry, I don't know why I get like this. Really, I'm okay." Terra rubbed at her eyes. "Thank you. For…for accepting me. I am such a mess. And your cooking is really good. I'm sorry I'm not being a very polite guest."

"Hey, you've got problems. Look, not that I'm some kind of social worker. But unburdening yourself on me has to be better than trying to talk it out with your housemates. I'm here for you."

"I don't know why. But I'm grateful, Jinx."

"Yeah, well, as long as you don't go blabbing to the world about it. I have my image to maintain."

"I'm sorry I teased you about the whole domestic thing. Honestly, I think you're pretty brave. It all has to be new to you. But you're not afraid to explore it and learn. You're giving yourself the chance to be more."

"It's easier for others to forgive us than to forgive ourselves. It's only recently in my life that I've realized how much time I've wasted. Being inside the H.I.V.E., it may have been fun. I won't lie. I kind of enjoyed doing some of the bad things I did, exploring how far I could push my bad luck powers. But there was something missing. It was empty. I didn't feel like I had a purpose. I just waited for Brother Blood to give me assignments. Then after his defeat, I just did random crimes with my team. But they never really appreciated me. I was the brains and the beauty of the outfit, but they were just typical teenage boys, really. All they cared about was girls and video games and food. They never saw the big picture that I did. As a villainess, I wanted to be someone. And as a heroine, I'm the same way. Maybe I'm not like most heroes. I don't know. It's not glory I'm after. I just want the world to know that I was here. Speak of me good. Speak of me bad. But speak of me."

Terra clapped her hands softly in applause. "I envy you. At least you know the road you're travelling down."

"You'll figure it out for yourself. It doesn't happen overnight. Besides, I had some help. He's a cocky and arrogant do-gooder. But I guess it works. I admire his persistence. And let's be straight, most guys would be too afraid to approach me. Especially in my darker days. He just kept coming back like a kicked puppy—no matter how many times I pushed him away. He wanted me. And he hasn't left. I got kind of worried that he would some time ago, after I got this place. You know how it is. After you let a guy into your panties, you feel more insecure than when you decided to let him in the first place."

"Um…not really." The blonde blushed profusely.

Jinx sputtered, taken aback. "What?! You mean, all this time?! All this time, and you and the Wild Child never-"

Terra shook her head. "No. I mean, I've slept with him. But I haven't…slept with him. It just felt wrong. I have these feelings for someone else and he knows. I care about BB. I don't want to do it with him under those circumstances. It wouldn't be fair to either of us."

"Well, I'm no prude, but yeah, no point in punching your V-card for something you don't really feel. It should mean something to you."

"I offered it to Robin once. Years ago. Before he was with Raven. He turned me down."

"That's because he's a Boy Scout. He didn't know a good thing when he saw it."

"He doesn't love me. Not like that. Certainly not back then. I don't know. Honestly, I know he's never going to be mine. But I'd settle for him being my first. Then at least I'd know he loves me, in some manner. It would be enough. You know, the saddest thing about all of this is that in another life, we would've ended up together. I'm positive. We're the ones who survived being with Slade. We belong together. That's what keeps me going. Because I know that somewhere, in another time, in another place, I'm in his arms. And for that to happen, I have to go without him in this universe to be with him in that other one. Maybe it's silly. But…it feels right. Makes it more bearable. Honestly, as much as it hurts…it's not as bad as you'd think. I never thought anyone could ever love me. But Beast Boy has had nothing but an open heart for me since the moment we met. And Robin does love me in his own way—he loved me enough to save me, risk everything for me. Maybe it's not exactly the love I've come to desire from him. But it's something. And then there's Rain. She has so much wonder in her beautiful eyes. She always looks up at me expectantly. I don't want to let her down. But I don't want to confuse her either."

"She'll understand when she gets older. You know that."

Terra nodded. "But I don't know if Raven does. I'm sure she gets it logically. But Rain is her little girl. Honestly she took it better than I would have if our roles were reversed. The two of us really need to talk. I know Raven, and I know she wants what is best for her daughter. And…maybe I am in the way. I don't even know what to do anymore? 'Raven, hi, so your daughter thinks of me as her mother and oh yeah I still want to get into the pants of your mate. How's your day going?' The fact that she hasn't tried to outright dispose of me is proof of her patience."

"Give her some time. She knows you're not trying to hurt her. She's probably upset, but in your defense it's not like you tried to take Robin or Rain from her. But then, I'm not the one you really need to tell all these feelings of yours too. I'm just the sounding board. The Gloomy Chick is the one who deserves to hear them."

"But what if I can't face her?"

"What if I go with you? I'm not on anyone's side. I care about you, Blondie. Probably because you're kind of like me in some ways. But I'm not out to break up any families. And I know that in your heart, no matter what you might desire, you wouldn't hurt someone you care so much about like that."

"You would do this? For me?" The Earth Mover's eyes teared up again.

"Hey, hey, watch the waterworks! I just don't have anything better to do with my time!"

"Why is everyone so kind to me when I create nothing but problems?"

"Because you're cute." Jinx shrugged, reaching across the table and mussing Terra's hair. "And, I think that in spite of your mistakes, everyone can see the sweet and lost little girl who just wants to give back to the people that take chances on her. You're so convinced that you're this terrible person, but you're not. If you were, you'd just take the things you want and not care about the consequences to others. You know, the kind of girl I used to be." Jinx smirked. "Guess we're lucky to have the same benefactors."

Terra blinked, looking down at her plate. "I'm sorry. I hardly even ate. I guess Flash wasn't the only rude one."

Jinx sighed in response. "Some things just weren't meant to be. But you owe me a breakfast Blondie. One where you're not so weepy and emotional, perhaps?"

"I get this way a lot lately."

"So if we go hug things out with Gloomy and Bird Boy, you'll get better?"

"I guess I'm willing to try anything at this point."

"Then why don't you try taking a shower? I set out some guest towels. They're soft and fluffy since I don't normally have overnight guests."

"Not even Flash?!"

"He has his own towel. Not that he needs it. The air dries him faster than any towel could with his abilities."

"Thanks again for all your hospitality."

"Hey, it helps me grow too, right? The towels are on top of the hamper. There's 3 handles in the shower. The left one is for hot water, the right one for cold, and the middle one diverts the water from the faucet to showerhead. You'll figure it out. Oh, and the showerhead is detachable. That I insisted on." The pale witch smirked.

Terra backed her chair away from the table, standing up. "Thanks. I…may be awhile. I've got a lot to wash away."

"Start with the guilt. If you don't get rid of that, you'll never really live."

"I'll try." Terra stated with more energy than she felt, disappearing into the hallway, the faint clicking sound of a door closing indicating she had entered the bathroom.

"Cute kid. Crazy and a real project, but cute." Jinx took her communicator out of a nearby drawer and turned it on, cycling through frequencies until she came to that of the imposing Titan Leader, she depressed the send button, waiting for a response. It was with some surprise that she was greeted by the sight of her opposite number, Raven.

"I trust this is a social call?" The sorceress deadpanned.

"Oh, you know me. I just called to chat about the soaps with you."

"I don't do television. Try Starfire."

"Hey, be nice, Gloomy. I found something you obviously lost."

"The prodigal daughter? Keep her."

"You don't mean that."

"Try me."

"Oh, Raven, let's spare each other the bickering and bantering. You've got Bird Boy for that. Terra needs help."

"Yes, I'm aware. I have already spoken to Robin about…an accommodation."

"Do I even want to know?"

"Likely not."

"Look, however the three of you decide to work this out is your business. But go easy on the kid, okay? She's got a big heart. She's just…"

"Lost?"

"Yeah, that pretty much sums it up."

"You were once like her." Raven reminded the petite witch.

"Yeah, and look how great I turned out in the end!"

"Yes. Somehow you prove to be even more obsequious and annoying as an ally than you did as an enemy."

"Thank you! Now, where's Robin?"

"Clearing his head."

"It's already full of hot air. How can he tell when it gets clear?"

An imperceptible smirk crossed Robin's lips. "Consider your services engaged. You're coming by with Terra?"

"Soon enough. She's…getting herself together at the moment."

"Take your time. I won't bother signaling Robin about this until he's done. The break is good for him."

"What about the comedian?"

"I've enjoyed having him out of the Tower. But I suppose not notifying him of Terra's whereabouts would cross the line into cruelty."

"No, don't tell him she's here. Let her come back on her own. Just tell him she's been found and is coming back."

"Agreed. If I may ask, why are you getting involved?"

"She reminds me of me, in some ways. Anyway, we girls need to stick together. She's a good kid underneath it all. You know that, Raven. Don't give her a hard time."

"I do regret my recent outburst. If you'll understand, my calmer nature tends to flee from me when matters involve my only child."

"A regular Mama Bear, huh? You know Terra loves that little girl like her own. Ugh, maybe that was the wrong thing to say…"

"No. It is accurate. And despite this…situation, I am ultimately grateful to have someone who looks after my daughter in such a manner. I don't have to worry about Rain when she is in Terra's care. And that is both a relief and a frustration."

"Tell Rain her Auntie Jinx is coming to visit."

"She incorruptible, you know."

"We'll see. I'll catch you in a few hours after I've made Blondie presentable."

"I'll ask Robin to fix something." Raven inclined her head, terminating the conversation.

Jinx dropped her communicator onto the counter. "Gabby as ever, that one. The more things change, the more they stay the same."

XoXoXoXoXoXoXoXoXo

"Wake up." Raven nudged her mate gently, tracing a finger across his shoulder.

"Don't wanna." Robin replied groggily, tightening himself into a ball. "Sunday. Gimme another half hour."

"Still feeling worn out from last night?"

"Dehydrated is more like it."

"Well then we should work on replacing those precious bodily fluids." Raven smirked. "Take one of the sports drinks I save for Rain. I need you to cook breakfast. We have company coming."

"Jinx invited herself over?"

"Not exactly. She found Terra for us."

"Beast Boy is gonna feel bad it wasn't him."

"Given the situation, she may have only run away from him anyway. Jinx may be a pain, but I'll give you credit for this one—she's done well for herself. I wasn't likely to see the good in her."

"You're too much like her." Robin yawned, stretching. "Anyway, it was Kid Flash who really believed in her. I just gave her the second chance when she really needed it."

"You did more than that. You encouraged her."

"I simply helped her see the big picture, before, she was trying to do good because of someone else—for Kid Flash. That's why she had the setback when they fought. She had to want it for herself. And I believe she did want it, that night. She's a pain in the ass, sometimes, I know. But sometimes it's good to have people around who give it to you straight. You've always excelled at that, Rae."

"And does this mean that I am also a 'pain in the ass?" Raven asked, causing her mate to sigh.

"That's a loaded question and you know it." He rolled over, so that his front was facing her instead of his back, reaching for one of her hands, he stroked along her fingers. "You really are sometimes. But, I wouldn't want you to change. Because I know you care. And I know you also push me to be the best man I can be. And I have to be the best, to be worthy of you and our little girl."

"You are worthy." Raven touched his cheek in a display of affection. "You are also in need of a shave." She smirked.

"Can't we cuddle for a little while?"

"You want to cuddle? Usually you're obsessed with sex. How much can you have, anyway?"

Robin stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I don't know. I haven't maxed out yet. But I'm still a little drained from last night. A cuddle is enough."

"A few minutes, I suppose. Terra's going to be coming home, courtesy of Jinx. I need you to be a good host and cook."

"Why can't you do it?"

"Because I can only successfully make very simple meals like pastina, oatmeal, and macaroni and cheese." Raven reminded him. "That would not be a very good spread for our guests."

"You ever seen Terra eat? She's as bad as Beast Boy or Cyborg."

"Then let's refrain from giving Jinx something else to tease me about."

"Alright, alright, I'll do it." Robin relented, wrapping his arms around her.

"This isn't meal preparation."

"I need to soak up some of your strength first."

"What about my strength? One of us has to wake up our daughter."

"You volunteered me for kitchen duty, remember?"

"Maybe a few more minutes then." Almost unconsciously, she tightened her grip on her lover, twining her legs with his. "You weaken me, Mr. Grayson."

"I won't tell anyone about your ability to show affection of you won't." He grinned, stroking her hair.

"I'll only share you once, Richard. Remember that. After this matter with Terra is…dealt with," she hesitated for the right words. "Once it is over, I want all of you for myself. I won't share you with anyone else."

"You won't have to. Raven, you don't have to share me now. We can find some other way."

"There are times a woman knows what must be done. I permit you to do what is necessary. I even permit you to enjoy yourself. I won't say that I do not feel jealousy…but I believe you are faithful to me. If I did not, I would dissolve this relationship." She silenced his effort to protest with a finger to his lips. "Richard, enjoy what she longs so much to give you. Accept her love for what it is. Consummate it. And then hold onto her for the night. In the morning, when you let her go, let her know that you will always care for her, and that while you cannot be hers, you will always have that night. She will be saddened when it is over. But she will also feel complete."

"But what about you?"

"I will not interfere, nor will I pry into your emotions or your aura. But I may need a little more attention than normal."

"This feels wrong, Rae."

The sorceress sighed. "It is not my first choice. But I believe it is for the best. You asked me to trust you with my heart in Gotham. I still do. I will even trust you with it while we walk through this fire."

"What about Beast Boy."

"That's what today is about. We speak with him and see if he'll agree to my proposal."

"And if not?"

"I don't know. I don't have a plan B yet. I'm only agreeing to share you so that Rain and I can have you back, fully."

"You can't foist me off on Terra, you know that? I'll be back for you, Rae."

"I'm counting on it. While you're pleasuring the blonde, I'm going to make a list of chores for you to do when you get back."

"And what about you?"

"I'm a chore?" She asked in a threatening voice.

"No, but you'll need to get done too. If this really happens, I want to rededicate myself to you in every way when it's over."

"I think that can be arranged. You'd better enjoy that girl—because I'm going to make you forget her. I can be rather persuasive, Boy Wonder."

"Of that, I have no doubt." Robin found himself yawning, caught between his need to start his day and his desire to hold his love and drift back into unconsciousness. "Ten more minutes?"

"How about an even fifteen," Raven murmured quietly, settling into their embrace and shutting her eyes. Sunday could wait just a little bit longer to start.

XoXoXoXoXoXoXoXoXo

Author's Notes

Yeah, I know, I didn't include some of the characters like Starfire and Cyborg or Beast Boy in this particular chapter—but I haven't forgotten about them. I'm kind of building to something with the next chapter—where I'll bring the absent Titans back into the fold in some exciting ways. I guess this was mostly an expository chapter. Still, I don't want to just throw stuff out there—I like to detail the thought processes of the characters and what they're going through, while still making time for some fun. In spite of the drama, I had a lot of fun with Jinx and Terra, and I had wanted to do something completely silly and ridiculous with Robin and Rain for some time! Sometimes I can have trouble telling the difference between what is cute and what is idiotic, so hopefully I didn't miss the mark too hard with that one. Or at the very least, that the cuddling scene at the end made up for it.

I know this chapter took a good four months or so to do. I've been caught up in a variety of different things, although I have been penning this latest chapter on and off for some time. I tend to work really hard on Seized. I know that it doesn't have a lot of readers, but it is important to me that the characters ring true and that the material that I ultimately present to you, the reader, isn't half-assed. I've always said that I wanted the story to be unique, and I've gotten feedback that it is. But just because something is unique, doesn't mean it is useful. I have to take the time to cook the chapters and make sure that they meet with my approval before I send them out of the proverbial kitchen for you to taste. Sometimes, it takes me longer than others to feel like I've hit all the right notes. Like I mentioned above, I ultimately chose to leave some of the characters out of this installment—I really didn't have anything for Starfire or Cyborg or even Beast Boy to do that was of any consequence. And while I enjoy working with their characters, I don't want to insert pointless scenes into the story that pull things off track. I have some fun ideas for BB in the next chapter and something cute with Star. I'll probably let Cyborg be the long suffering guy—he just comes across that way sometimes and it makes him really fun to write.

The other reason it can take so long sometimes is because I focus on making these chapters relatively long experiences for you to enjoy. I don't feel that you get the most bang for your buck (metaphorically as you don't pay admission for fanfics) if the whole experience is over within five minutes. I like to make sure there's enough material for you to digest and mull over. To want to know what happens next not because it was so short, but because I left off in just the right place to leave you wanting more. I like to take the time to craft the best experience that I can for you as the reader. I don't pretend to be some kind of mighty fanfiction god. Lord knows if I was trying to achieve popularity, I wouldn't consistently update this fic—by far the least popular ongoing title I have ever committed too. But as I have said numerous times, the fic is relevant to me most of all, so if even one other person is getting a captivating experience out of it, I'm coming out ahead.

I don't know where I get the ideas for some of this stuff. I can't tell you how many times I've been staring at a blank page, waiting for something to fill it. Sometimes I just have to let go and trust that something will come to me. And then it does, sooner or later. Oftentimes I will just throw two characters together and let them talk. Their voices always come out and I am almost always pleased with the result. I always allow the characters to dictate the story. I only give basic setups and let the characters do as they will. Who am I to tell them how to react?

I think this brings us around to the end. If you follow my work in detail, I am making a heroic effort to pen a new chapter of Instant Gratification. You know, that fic I haven't updated in about six years? My most popular work of all time? I've recently taken great inspiration from the film that I helped to Kickstart, Wish I Was Here. Most of my HA work was influenced by Zach Braff's first feature film, Garden State. Now that the spiritual successor is going to be released into theaters next month, I just feel it's high time to face up to my HA roots again and try to do something with that story. This doesn't mean that I'm stopping production on Seized, just that the next thing I publish will hopefully be an update to IG. After that, we'll just see what happens. But I'm already rather excited about the next chapter of Seized. I really want to see how that inevitable four-way conversation between Beast Boy, Robin, Raven, and Terra comes out. Because I don't entirely know myself. Like I said, I just document what the characters say and do—I don't decide for them. But I'm sure it will be a lot of fun. And maybe a bit dramatic and angsty too. I've recently talked with my pre-reader and editor about trying something a little different with the next chapter, a unique perspective. I don't want to say anything in case it doesn't work. But if it does, I think I'll be able to say without question that I really nailed that whole unique thing down.

Alright, end of the file, ladies and germs. Please don't forget to tell the author how he is doing! Read, review, and as always, send me your questions, comments, compliments, complaints, love letters, death threats, marriage proposals, and ransom demands

Lord Malachite

6/17/14

10:04PM, EST

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