Instincts: A Roven Story

Chapter 13: Forgiveness

He was still in front of that window when I returned but this time he was slumped down against it. A gaping hole in the drywall was but a few feet away. "Robin.." My voice quavered as I stared at his miserable form. All he did was look up at me. "Oh Robin." Next thing I knew I had thrown myself into his arms. At first he seemed shocked but then his arms encased me. "Let's get to bed Raven." Slowly he lifted me up and carried me to my room. "Robin I-" He cut me off kissing my forehead. "I forgive you okay? I just hope you can forgive me." He spoke softly and turned to go but I caught his hand. "Stay with me.. Please.. Until I fall asleep." He nodded and crawled next to me. "You don't have to be scared Raven. I'll protect you. I'll always protect you." I fell asleep faster than I had in years. Robins holding me and stroking my hair, just his presence here, put me at ease.

*Raven's bedroom*
I watched her eyelids flutter and finally close, her breathing slowly evened out, her body relax. Once I was sure she was sound asleep I quietly slipped from her bed. I made my way to the door and put my hand up but couldn't bring myself to press it to the sensor. I really just wanted to stay with her. What were her words again?

"At least until I fall asleep..."

The phrase 'at least' stuck out at me. That means she wouldn't mind if I stayed later? I didn't know but I decided to risk it. Without a sound I made my way back to her side and curled beneath the covers. "Goodnight Raven." I mumbled snugging my face into her hair. With her small body held in my arms I felt a peace. Nothing had even seemed more right.

*The Lounge*
"Robin?" Where have you been?" I asked him as he had woken up much later than his usual time. "Sorry Star." I watched him yawn and scratch the back of his neck but he offered no explanation. "Is Raven awake yet?" He shook his head. "Robin?" I couldn't help but ask. "Star please. I don't feel like talking this morning. I'm sorry." With that he turned on his heel and moved back down the hallway. "Oh..."

*Some diner*
"Raven!" Drew called out from the booth he was sitting in. I sauntered over to him. "So I hear you went on an impromptu vacation?" He asked me after we exchanged pleasantries. "Sometimes it's just best to make impulsive decisions. Besides it wasn't that impromptu.. I'd been thinking about going home to see my family for awhile." He raised his eyebrows at my words. "Really? Where does your family live?" I tried to think of the most vague answer that should keep him from questioning any farther. "Southwest Europe." Sadly he continued asking. "Any country I may know of?" I inwardly groaned. "Romania." "That's really cool Raven. Like where Dracula lives?" I felt my breath hitch a bit. "Yes." "So what all did you do there?" It took all my willpower not to tell Drew that this wasn't going to work and walk out of the diner. "Oh you know. There isn't much to do there so I just hung out with my sisters and brother." "That's it?" I let my face fall. "Well actually... My step mother died while I was there.. No one was really sure how long she would be around..." Technically all that is true even if the context I mean it in is not the context he'll take it in. "Oh wow.. Raven I'm sorry."

We talked for another hour, laughing and joking about different things. Everyone stared at the goths that were enjoying themselves but we didn't care. When our date came to a close and he walked me to the door I could help but smile as he leaned in for a kiss. That is.. Until he kissed me. The entire way home I couldn't stop thinking about it. And how it didn't feel right... It didn't feel like Robins.

It was late went I entered the tower. Robin was right where I expected him to be. In front of the big window. "Where have you been? I was starting to wonder if you'd taken off again. I can't keep coming after you... I have to draw the lines somewhere." Never have words hurt so much. I felt tears build in my eyes as he turned to face me. "I was just- I was just on a date." His expression softened somewhat at my pained look. "Raven... Look I'm sorry... I don't..." He wrapped me in a hug. Instead of responding I buried my face in his chest. "I'm so sorry Rave..." I allowed myself a nod. "Me too."

It was nearly 6 by the time we ended the video game we had begun playing and went to bed. In truth I had fallen asleep on robins shoulder around 10 minutes ago so he carried me to bed.

I woke up about 8 feeling unusually warm. I looked to see that not only was I under a thick comforter during the summer but I had a Robin encasing me. Seeing his peaceful sleeping face broke me. Slowly I reached for my phone. Trying to be as quiet as possible I dialed a number. "Drew.. I'm sorry.. I have to keep too many secrets and that's not fair to you. So in light of this event I feel I owe you one truth. I'm in love with someone else... I hope one day maybe we can be friends but I understand if you don't ever want to see me again. Goodbye for now..." I hung up and snuggled back into Robins embrace. One day Star is going to become suspicious of the two of us sleeping in so late and discover this strange setup we have so I might as well enjoy it while I can.