With Or Without You (fourth in Destiny Series)

1) Proposal

Changeling woke up slowly. He breathed in and smiled. He knew what he would find when he opened his eyes, and sure enough he was greeted by her bare shoulder.

Changeling scooted closer, and pressed his lips fervently to her grey skin. She murmured something, and Changeling ran his fingers through her soft purple hair.

She stirred slightly, and Changeling ran his lips up her neck.

"Morning," he murmured in her ear. She grunted, and swatted at him half-heartedly. Changeling chuckled. "You're always much more agreeable in the mornings."

He pressed on her shoulder, rolling her over. Her eyes were closed, and her brows furrowed. Changeling smiled and ran his lips down over her collar-bone.

She gasped slightly as his lips travelled over the sensitive skin there. Changeling smiled and continued to run his lips up toward her face.

She gasped again as he ran his lips over her own. Keeping his lips there, Changeling ran his hands back up her body, and cupped her soft curves.

He massaged the sensitive skin with his thumbs. She moaned softly. Changeling kissed the gemstone on her forehead. Her eyes were still closed, but she was biting her lip.

He pressed his lips hungrily to hers and she returned the kiss. Her dark eyes finally opened as they moved together.

"This is always easier when you're half asleep," Changeling said with affection. She embraced him softly in her granite arms.

"Raven." He whispered her name. "There's something important I want to ask you."

"What?" her gravelly voice still contained hints of sleepiness. Changeling gazed down at her.

"Raven," he said her name, all his love for her evident in his husky voice. Before he could ask her what he wanted, the bedroom door was thrown open. In the doorway stood the Grim Reaper. 

Changeling could feel Raven being pulled away from him. He latched his arms around her body. "No!" He cried.

"Sorry dear boy," the voice was soft, and malicious. Raven was dragged out of Changeling's embrace. He grabbed her hand, and held on with all his might.

"You've had your fun." The voice was familiar. Changeling gritted his teeth, and tried to pull Raven back towards him. Her fingers slipped, and she was dragged towards the Grim Reaper who grabbed her by the neck.

The Grim Reaper reached up and pulled down his hood. The half black half orange mask stared at Changeling with its one eye. "She's mine now!"

- Scene Break -

"Raven!" Changeling sat up in bed panting. His body was covered in sweat. He shut his eyes, trying to block out the pain that was beginning to descend.

He lay back down and took in a ragged breath. Her scent still lingered, even half a year later. Half a year. To Changeling it felt like an eternity since The Tragedy as the Titans were calling it now. 

Half a year since Raven had left him. Half a year since he had realized he loved her. Half a year since he had held her in his arms. Half a year since she died.