Chapter Text
Chapter I: Unexpected invitation
Raven was on her way back from the training room. She was wearing a pair of sports shorts, showing her pale but toned legs, and a loose shirt. She’d spent some time after lunch with Donna. The Amazonian was kind and very enthusiastic, specifically now that she’d agreed to accept her help. Donna told her high-speed, circuit training with bodyweight exercises among other things would increase her fighting stamina. Naturally, Robin was still her training partner, but needless to say he’s much more skilled than her and very quick. She massaged her neck gently, feeling the burning sensation in her muscles and soreness after a strenuous workout. Nothing a hot bath and her new essential oils set wouldn’t solve.
The image of Damian standing in front of her room’s door startled her for a minute. Damian stared at her, unblinking, intensely, his emerald eyes always studying her.
Damian ruffled his hair nervous but resolved. “Raven, I was hoping to have a word with you.”
She used a small towel to wipe her face. Seems like her bath would have to wait. “Of course, come in.” She smiled brightly and proceeded to open the door.
“Ladies first.” He replied instantly. “It won’t take long.”
He followed her silently after she walked into her room. She wondered what he wanted to talk about. They had been dozens of times in her room before, but the atmosphere felt somehow different, highly charged with nervous tension. Strange.
She bit her lower lip balancing the mixed emotions. Maybe she was exhausted after all the exercises. There was a brief pause before she heard him speak.
“Father called me this morning, The Wayne Foundation Gala will take place in a couple of days as scheduled, and I’ve been informed my presence is required.” His voice calm and clear, standing up straight, arms still crossed.
Oh. That means he will be gone for the weekend. Leaving for Gotham. Wouldn’t be the first time. But. Her heart sank. Disappointment overwhelmed her. Why? It’s only a weekend. They usually spent their spare time together,or with everyone else, having some ‘mandatory fun’. It was natural to miss your best friend, once in a while, right?
He coughed, clearing his deep voice and getting back her attention. “Fortunately, Father suggested it would be a good idea to bring someone as my guest for the event.”
He took in a deep breath, hesitated momentarily. “I was thinking of asking you, if you wish to accompany me to the Gala. There isn’t anyone else I’d like to take.” His jaw tightened, his hands now shoved in his jeans pockets, eyes focused on her face. Awaiting her response undoubtedly.
Her eyes widened. She stood there, stunned and speechless. Damian Wayne was asking her to be her date for a Gala? Words stuck in her throat at the moment. We this really happening? It was hard to think of saying anything without sounding ridiculous. Dead silence. Azar, say anything she told herself mentally.
Damian was sharp enough to interpret her internal conflict. “Unless you have other plans, or have no interest in joining me.” He looked away, trying to conceal his discontentment at the idea of her saying no.
Instantly, she reacted. “Damian. No! No! That’s not it.” She said firmly, shaking her head. “I just didn’t expect you to invite me, out of all our friends.” She has to explain properly, but also ask him. “Uhmm….You mean as a date?” Raven felt her muscles tense again, her cheeks flushed, no doubt. She’d never been asked out before. She wasn’t close to anyone to show interest, except for her friends. Not that way at least.
“It’s up to you, consider it as whatever you want it to be. Going as friend, if you want a courtship trial. I’ll respect your decision.” There he was again staring deep into her eyes, as if saying I’ve-never-been-this-serious-in-my-life type of serious. All her shields down now. “However I’d be delighted if you chose to think of it as a date.” He added with his smooth and confident voice.
Those mixed emotions again, along with something fluttering in her stomach. Heat from his penetrating gaze warmed her up and made her nervous, simultaneously. His presence has always been commanding. Damian Wayne was wary and observant, at times quiet. But he was allowing her to see new sides of him. She asked herself if she truly wanted this. Her racing pulse and every bone in her body was urging her to accept his proposal. “Alright, Damian. I’ll go with you. One condition. If it’s okay with you, I want to take it easy, this is all new to me. I’d never want to ruin what we have. It means so much to me.” He saw the fear in her eyes.
“Raven, I’d assume you know me enough to understand, whatever the outcome is. Whatever happens, I won’t hold it against you. I give you my word, nothing will change.” The hardness in his eyes softened, a faint smile played at the corner of his full lips. She trusts him and the promise of his words.
She let out a sigh of relief when realization hit her. They’d be going to a social event together, surrounded by people and media. Together. This was his private life, not a Titans business. “Will you be okay taking me with you? It’s a public event. You know I’m different.” I look different. She thought keeping it to herself. “What I mean is. I’m afraid I don’t have a suitable outfit for the occasion.” Thinking of her limited wardrobe. Did she even own a dress? She looked down, awkwardly biting her lower lip.
His green eyes narrowed, as if trying to see through her cover, her poor excuse. He grinned broadly, determination glittering in his eyes. “No need to worry about it. It can be handled easily. I will provide anything you need for this trip.” His calculating mind already planning to make some calls for necessary arrangements. “Don’t even try to fight me on this. I insist, you’re my guest.” He folded his arms, his penetrating gaze again pushing her to agree. He wouldn’t give up.
“You win, Boy Wonder. Only because I wasn’t prepared for this.” She said sighting in defeat. Rubbing her temples and smiling unconsciously. A part of her still hesitant because of her insecurities surging.
“It’s settled then. I’ll let you know the details later.” He said, walking towards the door slowly. A pleased and proud smile plastered on his face.
“I guess I’ll see you later then. “She rubbed the nape of her neck, anxious. Looking around the corners of her room, anywhere but him.
“I have some things to take care of but I’ll see you at dinner, I suppose.” Damian left the room, not without glancing back at her one last time. She was hiding something. He was certain.
As soon as she heard the close door. She threw herself across her bed. What was happening to her, dealing with all these new emotions was draining her. She felt out of control for the first time in a long time. She needed that bath badly, her tense muscles aching. The question is how did she exactly feel about Damian Wayne? A date. Oh Azar.