Meeting You

Melancholy Melodies

*Melancholy Melodies*

December 4th: In the future

Jump City, California

Titans West Tower

*Refer to Character Index*

**Possible Trigger Warning**

The only sound in the room was Raven's bare fist striking the black punching bag. Her arms felt heavy and strength rapidly left her body. She panted; gasping for air and she was drenched in sweat as she pushed her limits. Training was the only thing Raven felt she had control over. Robin had suspended her from going on missions but allowed her to attend the team meetings. Her careful meditation had failed to aid her, it was the main reason why she wore the metal device fitted to her ankle.

Cyborg had recreated and remodeled the metal bracelet to neutralize her powers. It was done in hopes to stop her from unintentionally destroying the tower and possibly harming herself and others. The metal device constantly reminded her of what she couldn't do; it was house arrest. Raven punched the heavy bag again despite her knuckles growing sore. The team had left to battle Cinderblock and Plasmas while Cyborg stayed to watch over the kids. It was just enough for Raven to slip away from the watchful eyes of her friends. She wanted to fight just like the rest of them rather than confined to the tower.

"Raven." She heard his voice but didn't acknowledge his presence. They were back sooner than she had thought.

Raven threw a series of punches until her wrists were restrained. Beast boy had approached her from behind and stopped her.

"What is it, Garfield?" She continued to pant, completely out of breath. Irritation had colored her tone from his interference.

"Let's take a shower." He had completely turned her around to face him before he let go of her wrists.

Raven studied the features of Beast boy's composed face. A slimy magenta goo clung to his white and purple uniform and in his green hair. "You go ahead, I'm still training."

Beast boy continued to stare into her face. "C'mon you're already exhausted, Rae."

Raven slowed her breathing and reached for her water bottle on a nearby bench. "I can handle it." She knew he was masking over his emotions for her sake. She could feel the sadness that had been with him since the previous month. Raven knew he was feeling that way because of her and she hated it. "Fine, I'll shower with you."

Her eyes narrowed when his phony smile made an appearance. "Great. I'd rather not be covered in Plasmus right now." He gestured to his uniform for emphasis.

Raven took a sip of the room temperature water and screwed the top back on. "Let's get this over with." Her words were as hollow as she felt.

The tower was empty, even the Ops room where Raven had last seen Cyborg. It only took one glance out the window; they were playing in the snow on the deactivated training course. Toys were strewn all over the floor and the Christmas tree was plugged in with rainbow lights blinking. The couple entered their room and laid out a change of clothing on the large bed. Beast boy's goo covered uniform had been thrown into the washing machine on the way to their room. They entered their conjoined bathroom. Raven sat on the closed toilet lid and fiddled with the chrome knobs until it was at the temperature she wished.

"How about some lunch after we get out?" Beast boy said before he rinsed the goo out of his hair. "I know I'm starving."

Raven lathered her body in soap, "Thanks but no thanks."