The Other Line
Epilogue

-o-

The rain outside the window pattered against the window, making it sound almost as if the world was far away from their little corner of the universe. Everything felt slower and quieter, the rain washing giving her solace after a long day of work. Raven sighed and she curled her hand through her hair, listening to the low voice on the other end of the phone, a bit tired and gruff.

"It's only for two more days, and then I'm back."

She smiled and rolled onto her side. "Just two more days? I think I can make it."

Dick chuckled. "I don't know, you were pretty upset yesterday morning when I had to leave."

Raven flicked her eyes up to the ceiling and she sighed again. Her heart skipped a few beats and she felt her cheeks flushed. She had been upset when he left the comfort of her bed yesterday, leaving her cold and alone in a bed that suddenly felt too big for just herself. She chewed on her lower lip and hummed softly, trying to collect her thoughts enough to speak. "Can you really blame me though? You and I just… I mean… we-"

"Were exploring our relationship?" Dick supplied with a smile. Raven heard him shift, as if he were readjusting himself along the length of himself along his bed. "Look, Raven, we've both been playing this game a little too hard, Jinx tricked you into calling me and we both fell right into her little matchmaking trap." He gave a sheepish laugh, and Raven could practically see him blushing. "I mean, not that I'm complaining, though. I think I really needed a push from someone to actually admit my feelings to you… I just didn't think… ya know, it would be quite so…"

"Carnal?" Raven licked her lips and closed her eyes. "That either of us would be talking about devouring each other?"

Dick made a strange noise of agreement. "Yeah, I think we got so caught up in the feelings that we forgot that the whole reason we were playing the game: because we liked each other." He shifted again, giving a little, tentative cough as he moved. "I mean, you do like me, right?"

"Yesterday wasn't an indication?" Raven tried to ignore the way her heart beat in her chest, and opened her eyes again, staring at the place where he slept just a few nights ago. Her skin flushed and she pulled the edge of the comforter over her shoulders, blocking out what little light existed in the room. "Or the dozen inappropriate voicemails I left you? Or any number of indications that mean that I actually like you in a way that isn't just friendship?"

"Okay, okay." Dick laughed again. "I see your point."

"So…"

"So…" He took a slow breath, as if trying to calm himself down. "When I get back into town do you want to… um… go on a date?"

"Richard Grayson, are you asking me out?" Raven smirked, her voice low and teasing. "After showing me nude photos of yourself? I'm appalled." She paused for his laughter and her heart skipped again as something warm flooded through her. For a single moment in time, everything felt strangely… right. She chewed on her lower lip again and nodded, her eyes closing again. "Alright, I agree. I would enjoy going out on a date with you."

"Whew. Good, now I know that's out of the way." He laughed again, his voice turning low and dangerous. "Exactly what were you saying before we got sidetracked? That you liked my body, and I had the biggest-"

"Dick!"

"Right. That. So? Continue."

Raven just blushed and buried her head in her pillow. Just what had she gotten herself into?

Thank you so much for being with me on this ride! I'm just glad it was enjoyed!

Thanks for being awesome!