Chapter 7

"Raven! Oh, Raven, I wish to speak with you!" Starfire called out cheerily, walking towards Raven's room.

Raven opened the door, looking displeased at being disturbed. "Is it important? I'm trying to meditate." she snapped.

Starfire looked hurt by Raven's tone of voice. "No, Raven. It is not important. I shall leave you to your meditation."

Raven noticed the Tamaranean's saddened expression. "Fine Starfire, what is it?" Raven inquired, voice gentle.

"I was wondering if you wanted to go out? Just the two of us."

Raven considered her options. She could easily tell Starfire to leave her alone and Starfire would do so, but would be hurt. Or, Raven could accept Koriand'r's offer and leave the Tower for the first time in two months. "Fine Kory, I accept your offer." Raven decided. "Where are we going?"

"Out to dinner." Starfire replied smiling at the empath.

"When?"

"After the sun sets."

"That should be right about..." Raven looked out her window. "Now." Raven managed to hide her look of pain under an expressionless mask. After a minute had passed and Raven was fully transformed, she waved a glowing hand over herself casting the glamour. "Shall we go?"

"Yes my love, let us go and enjoy ourselves!"

"Uh, Starfire how are we going to get the money to pay for this food?" Raven asked as she and Star began to eat. They were eating at one of the most expensive restaurants in the city.

"It is no problem Raven. I forgot to tell you, but soon after Slade abducted you I was approached by a 'talent agent.' He was able to procure a job for me modeling clothing. I enjoyed it very much, and decided to do it regularly. As enjoyable as it is, I would enjoy being with you far better."

"Sorry Koriand'r. I'm sorry I haven't been spending time with you, I've just been trying to figure out things, to sort things out."

"And have you?"

"Not entirely. I'm not entirely over the past four years, but I'm getting there, Starfire. I'm getting there."

"That is wonderful news! I am very, very, very proud of you."

"Koriand'r, what's Tamaran like?" Raven asked as she and Starfire sat on the roof of their home, looking up at the stars twinkling above them.

Kory smiled. "Tamaran is a beautiful planet, Raven." she then went on to describe in detail the tropical paradise that was her homeworld. "I think you would enjoy yourself there." she finished.

"I think you're right." Raven agreed.

"Raven, one day you and I shall journey to Tamaran. I am sure of it."

"I'll be looking forward to that day Koriand'r."

They stood and went in. After they had both settled themselves comfortably in Starfire's circular bed, Starfire drifted right to sleep. Raven however, lay awake for the next half an hour. But not because of any pain or fear, but because she was figuring things out.

'She really loves me doesn't she?' Raven thought, already knowing the answer was a definite yes. 'I am loved by the most caring, kind, and loving woman in the entire universe. And I love her.'

"Raven, why are you not asleep?" Starfire's sugary-sweet voice asked from beside Raven.

"Same goes for you. Why aren't you still asleep?"" Raven replied.

"Because I was worried about you. I just wanted to make sure that you were not,"

"Dead?" "Yes Raven."

"Star, I will never try to kill myself ever again. I promise." Raven vowed.

"Do you really mean that?"

"Koriand'r, have I ever lied to you?"

"Well no, I just wanted to make sure."

"I promise, I'll never try to kill myself again." Raven said once more.

"I believe you." Starfire stared into Raven's eyes. "And I love you."

"I love you too." Raven said, gazing into Starfire's emerald-green eyes, before pressing her lips to the Tamaranean's.

"Thanks Starfire."

"For what?"

"For never giving up hope that I would return to you. And for accepting me for who and what I am. For loving me. And for you just being you."

"I welcome you."

"You know something Koriand'r? I figured it out."

"What was that?"

"I realize now that you were right all along. You were right when you told me when I killed those people for Slade it wasn't my fault. You were right about everything. And thanks. Thanks for saving my life."

"I welcome you. And that is glorious news!" Starfire said, happy to know that Raven had finally put her past behind her. The two then fell into dreams, warm and safe in each others arms.