Cyborg released Raven from the infirmary the next day, but she stayed away from Changeling's room for a couple of days. Raven waited a couple of days, and when Changeling didn't show for any meals, she went down to the rocks at the foot of the tower. She saw him, facing the water, back to her, skipping stones.
"Hey," she said.
He lifted a shoulder and dropped it, acknowledging her.
"So, you gonna be okay?"
"Eventually. I guess. That's what everybody says. You get over it. Raven," he said, turning suddenly, "what am I doing wrong?"
She blinked, and a drop of sweat popped up on her forehead.
"Umm . . . you're asking me for romantic advice? I've never even had a date."
"Sorry. Good point."
"But I don't think you're track record's that bad, really."
"How so? I've been dumped three out of three."
"Viki didn't want a romance getting in the way of her career. And that's not really a bad decision to make at our age. It had nothing to do with you."
"Maybe if I'd treated her differently . . ."
"No. Don't second guess yourself. You treat women with respect without being distant. You're affectionate without being cloying. You're passionate, gentle, caring, and you never lie. Don't change anything. Viki just wasn't at the right time in her life. Fritzi - wasn't cut out to be a policeman's wife. And Mitzi was . . . my fault. So as far as I can tell, you're doing fine. You'll find the right girl one day."
"If you say so."
Waves crashed on the rocks, throwing a cool mist into the air. The sky was growing dark.
"Storm on the way," Raven observed.
"It's already passed for me."
"You comin' up for dinner? Cyborg said he'd make 'roast tofudabeast,' whatever that is."
Changeling paused. "Ok."
He stood up and faced her. She looked at him closely. His face showed good color, if a little swollen. He'd lost the gaunt look people get when they're dehydrated. His balance was good and he moved smoothly and with confidence. He was recovered, at least physically.
"There's one more thing," she said.
Then she stepped back with her right foot and balanced her weight on her hips evenly. She reached back with her right arm and swung from the shoulder.
"Smack!" Her open hand impacted Changeling's jaw and spun his whole body around.
He spun back, cheek reddening and he started to speak, but was over-ridden by her shout.
"What the hell did you think you were doing? You almost died, you idiot! What on earth would make you do such a stupid, idiotic thing? WHY? Who asked you to take bullets for me? You have no right to put that kind of obligation on me. I can take care of myself. I am a together, independent woman of the new millennium!"
In the sudden silence that fell be blinked. And blinked again, raising his hand to his cheek.
"Well?" she shouted again, waving her arms in the air.
He smiled and spoke quietly. "I wasn't thinking anything. I just acted."
She stared at him for a moment, and then swept him up in a hug.
"Don't ever do that again. We almost lost you," she whispered.
He held her close for one heartbeat. The two. Then three. The scent of her filled his senses. As she'd physically matured, Raven's scent had become more complex, just as her personality had gained the shades and textures of an adult woman. Sandalwood. Myrrh. Musk. Books and candles. And then he gently pushed her to arm's length, before he could get himself into trouble.
