Five Years

Epilogue

My body feels hot and yet cold at the same time. I feel like I've been asleep for so long, but I feel so tired. Where am I? I open my eyes. A lot of steam shadows my vision like a veil. I hear a groan to my... right? Maybe my left.

The steam clears enough for me to see. The room is a solid white. A small strip of window in front of me reveals people staring into the room. A door behind me opens and the echo of footsteps fills the room. 

"How are you two feeling?" A soft feminine voice asks. 

I can only let out a grunt. The multiple groans next to me shows I'm not the only one.

"It's okay. Your bodies are still readjusting. Do you think you can get up?" She asks.

With a bit of a struggle I can raise my arm. My whole body feels like it is hundreds of pounds heavier. Someone comes over and puts my arm over their shoulder, carrying me out of the room.

"How do you feel?" The person carrying me asks. 

His voice sounds familiar. I look up and focus on his face. One side of his face is a familiar mechanical silver and blue. The other is flesh. He looks older than I remember. Some forehead and eye wrinkles are slowly coming in.

"I think I'm okay." I manage to mumble.

"That's good BB. Get some rest and I'll get you some food. What do you want? It's my treat." He says steadily.

I can't think of any food to have right now. There is only one thing on my mind.

"Rae..." I trail off, falling into a deep sleep.
______________________________________

I wake up in a grey room. My body feels lighter, more normal. I sit up and look around. A photo on the bedside table catches my eye. 

It's of BumbleBee and Cy. BumbleBee is in an elegant white wedding dress, staring up at a Cy who is in a sleek black suit. They're standing in front of a large white triple tiered cake with silver chocolate bees spread around. 

Another picture, most likely from the wedding, is of everyone... everyone but me. BumbleBee and Cy are the center of the photo, Nightwing and Star are holding hands and looking shy, and Raven. Raven is in a beautiful long black dress that hugs her curves. Her dark hair pulled up into a loose bun. She looks so... lonely. I made her feel alone.

I sigh and then notice the date on the photo. The photo was taken six years after the events of Raven going missing. What is the date today?! 

The door sliding open startles me. Familiar dark hair and deep purple eyes cause me to choke up. I can see tears forming at the edge of her eyes as she comes closer.

I quickly get out of bed and stand up. My legs are still weak though and they start to give out. Rae's arms wrap around my waist, hugging and holding me up.

I hold her tightly. I don't even remember how long it's been since I've had her in my arms. I don't ever want to let go of her ever again.

I can hear her quiet sobs and feel my shirt getting wet. I don't even care. I just want to stay like this.

"I've missed you so much. You don't know how long I've waited for you." She sniffles.

"I'm sorry. I made you so lonely." I say burying my face in her neck.

"It's been almost eight years." She says quietly.

My chest tightens. Eight years? I've lost eight years... I'm not losing another second anymore.

"Rae, maybe this is impulsive, but let's get married. We'll have a nice wedding with everyone. You can get any dress you want and we'll be together. No more lost time." I say quietly.

She sobs and nods against my chest.

In another eight years the person I was attached to as a crystal will be one of the most powerful heroes. His heroics and goodwill will be spread on newspapers everywhere. Nightwing and Star will be engaged. Cy and BumbleBee will be raising two kids while teaching at Batman's hero school.

As for Rae and I? Well, we'll have a little boy and another on the way by then. Happily helping at the school and running a small bookshop together.