lothirielswandc - Tumblr blog

lothirielswandc · 6 months

Text

GOOD EASILY FADES AWAY [VILLAIN, Ch. II)

Read on AO3 here!

Finally given room to breathe, Damian returned to his position at Raven’s side. He placed a gentle hand at her lower back. “Mother, this is my Raven.”

Bruce Wayne coughed into his elbow.

“That escalated quickly,” Selina muttered into her wine glass. “Alfred, be a dear and top this off.”

“Only if you save some for me, Miss Kyle.”

Selina and Alfred both watched with the rapt attention of opera attendees as Talia looked between Damian and Raven.

“It’s nice to finally meet you,” Raven said. “Damian’s told me a lot about you.”

“I would hope so.” Those similar jade eyes drifted back to Damian. Then to Raven.

Raven prodded ever so slightly with spectral senses at Talia’s emotions. She felt absolutely nothing from her. The underlying love and adoration Talia felt for Damian had a strong presence in the room. But there was nothing else. No hint of annoyance or delight. Like Talia was only made of logic.

It should’ve been a comfort to Raven, not to have her senses overwhelmed with every single person in the room, but a new wariness rose. Being an empath had its rare perks. She could sense things in conversation that others couldn't. Raven had no idea what irritated Talia, what she liked…

“I have something for you. Come,” Talia gestured languidly with her arm, a movement that rivaled the sleekness of a raindrop gliding down skin. Talia danced to her seat. There was no word close enough to describe her inhumanly-fine grace.

“Why is she seated at the head of the table in your house?” Selina hissed to Bruce.

“She’s only in town for the evening. She’ll be gone soon. Just let her do what she wants.”

“Last time you did that, she drugged you and forced you into conceiving that,” Selina’s gaze slipped toward Damian. They glared daggers at one another.

Bruce sighed, “You won't let that go, will you?”

“Alfred! More wine!”

Alfred sprinted to the rescue, uncorking a new bottle. Raven and Damian stood across from Bruce and Selina, about to sit down.

“I was hoping she’d sit by me, beloved,” Talia said.

Raven and Damian exchanged a look. Bruce audibly gulped.

“Okay,” Raven said, ignoring the intensity of the room as she moved over one. Damian seated her before taking the chair across from Selina.

“Damian told me you were incredibly well-read. I thought you might appreciate these,” Talia set a stack of three hardcover books on the table, tied with a green bow. “Excuse the plainness, I’m not much of a gift wrapper.”

“No, her expertise is chloroform and handcuffs,” said Selina, rolling her eyes.

Alfred moved to fill Selina’s wine glass. Bruce raised a hand, “We’ll take a break for now, Alfred.”

“Thank you,” Raven ignored their exchange and undid the bow to her gift. She studied the golden inscription along the spines.

“They’re some of the rarest novels from my father’s library. Ra’s had some collections delivered directly from Alexandria’s Library,” Talia said proudly.

Damian peeked over Raven’s shoulder at the titles. They exchanged a small glance. Raven begged him silently not to open his mouth.

“They’re lovely,” Raven said.

Talia’s acute awareness of her son was uncanny. “Something on your mind, beloved?”

Raven’s hands curled into her napkin beneath the table. When this is over, we’re establishing new pet names.

“She’s read all of those already,” Damian said quietly.

“Ah,” Talia leaned back in her chair.

“It’s a wonderful gift. I enjoyed them very much — it’s nice to have physical copies,” Raven said.

“Yes. Perhaps you can visit me and we’ll look at Ra’s books together,” Talia said. Something Raven couldn't identify seeped into Talia’s tone. “I only wish I had met you sooner. It would’ve been nice to show you Damian’s home.”

“My home is here.” Damian said. His hand found Raven’s knee beneath the table. “You decided long ago that it was best for me to stay with father.”

Talia’s mouth opened right as the double doors burst.

“ ‘Ello, Batsy!” John Constantine bounded into the room with a bottle of champagne under each arm. His boyfriend, Nanue, was on his left, Zatanna Zatara on his right.

Zatanna gasped as soon as she saw Raven. She skirted the table to swoop down for a hug. “Look at you! Your hair looks so pretty —! You look so cute in bangs. Someone might mistake us as mother and daughter!”

Zee’s soft laugh filled the uncomfortable silence of the room along with John’s loud voice and Nanaue’s thundering footsteps. John’s eyes met Raven’s as he set the champagne down, suddenly seeming to read the frostiness of the room.

“Little stiff in here, eh?” Constantine nudged Selina with an elbow. Raven could’ve sworn she heard a hiss.

“These are your parents…?” Talia’s voice cut clearly across the noise.

Raven’s brain was already tongue-tied, trying to map out the answer to the question.

Zatanna turned away from Raven. “Oh! You’re Talia, it’s so nice to see you again! We met after one of my performances, didn't we? Bruce took you —”

“Of course he did,” Selina muttered. She uncorked one of the champagne bottles with a batarang. A vein was showing on Bruce’s forehead.

Talia’s slender finger pointed at Zatanna. “You’re the magician. The entertainer. Ah, yes, I remember you. You specialized in making elephants float.”

“She can do a lot more than that, love,” John winked. The sound of a chair groaning across the floor followed as John dragged it to the head of the table, wedging himself between Raven and Talia. It was hard for Raven to discern why John would sit there of all places, but he usually found himself directly in the line of fire, anyway.

“Selina, always a delight! Damian! You look as yummy as ever!” Nanaue licked his rows of razor-sharp teeth.

Damian shuddered and looked away. Bruce raised his empty wine glass, “Alfred?”

“Coming, Master Bruce.”

“What are those?” John flipped open one of the books Talia had given Raven. “Oh, Alexandria’s stuff, yeah? I have the real copies at the House.”

“Excuse me?” Talia said. Her perfectly-curved eyebrows knit together like knives clashing.

“Yeah. Couple of fake copies out in the world. You can tell these three are some of them due to the binding on the spines,” John shrugged.

When he saw Raven’s look of disdain, his head turned slightly to the side. Raven could hear the gears clicking in his brain. “Oh, bollocks! It’s gift-giving time! We have something for Demon Boy, don't we —? Zee, Nan, stop flirting with the teenage boy.”

“We’re not!” The two said.

Both hovered over Damian. Zee’s hand was on Damian’s bicep, “Wow, that is authentic.”

“And he smells like a sweet potato pie!” Nanaue chuckled.

Bruce said, “Alfred, more wine.”

“I’m afraid we’re out, sir.”

“...Damn.” the strong, well-collected Batman pouted over his empty wine glass.

“We’ve got something for the Demon Boy, alright,” John Constantine stood, “Follow me, Baby Bat.”

John strolled along the table to the large french windows lining one of the walls. Damian looked at Raven as if to say, do I have to? before standing upright.

Damian joined the dark arts master at the windowsill. The windows looked out at the pure black night — but some red still bled along the tips of the sky.

Damian’s back grew rigid.

“What is that?” he said.

Constantine smiled, but it wasn't a true, happy smile. It was his mocking, I’m-being-an-ass-and-I-know-it smile.

“Your present. From me, to you. I heard you’re into hellspawn,” Constantine said.

Raven shoved her napkin aside. The exuberant feelings wafting off of Constantine worried her. She briskly made her way towards them, “John —”

A loud roar came from outside. The building shook. Glasses rattled (there were many empty wine bottles on the table now, courtesy of Bruce and Selina). Dust hissed from a ceiling crevice.

Steel shrieked in the air.

“What have you done?” Talia said. When Raven looked back, Damian’s mother had drawn a long sword. She stood on the table.

“So dramatic,” Selina rolled her eyes. “Could’ve at least chosen one with a hilt that matched your dress. Some thought into an outfit goes a long way.”

Raven reached the windowsill. The sight before her almost coaxed a scream from her lips. The reddened sky wasn't from the sunset — it was fire .

Flames spouted from a massive dragon bat destroying the grounds. It pounced on the shrubs cut into animals and left the grass scorching. Its long claws scarred the ground. Crimson-leathery wings stretched outward, fanning the flames.

Raven’s fingers clenched the windowpane with a grip so tight it hurt. She looked back to Damian’s face — her breath caught in her throat. A look of wonder crossed Damian’s face. There was a small smile on his lips.

“I like him.”

Raven looked back and forth between the smoldering lawn and the flames reflected in her boyfriend’s eyes.

“You want to keep him?” Raven said.

Damian’s nod was slow. He was still transfixed by the beast.

Constantine chuckled to himself.

Raven shot him a glare. Why would he give Damian anything at all? Raven didn't mention gifts. Constantine had already voiced his hatred of Damian Wayne. So why —?

“Go on, say hi,” Constantine urged.

Damian raced to the far right window and threw it open. A precarious rope swayed before him. He took hold and slipped down the building.

“Who put that rope there?” Bruce said.

Alfred shifted from one foot to another. “You have a lot of rebellious children, Master Bruce. Perhaps someone wanted to ignore a curfew…”

Raven and Talia reached the window at the same time. She gripped her sword tight.

“This is what happens when I leave my habibti in the hands of his father,” Talia growled.

Constantine’s laughter continued. Raven turned to him and the full-out grin on his face.

“Why would you…?” Raven paused. A sick, disgusting answer dawned on her.

No. That can't be true. That’s insane.

And incredibly hilarious.

Raven ignored her father’s voice in her head. She took a step towards Constantine.

“You didn't.” she said.

“Uhuh.” John was still smirking.

“I can't believe you!” A crack jutted up the glass window between them as Raven’s voice rose.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Raven closed the distance between them until only inches remained between John’s face and hers. “You hate my boyfriend so much you tried to kill him?”

Damn. I think this is the one time I’m rooting for that glorified quack of a magician.

SHUT UP!

“Kill is a strong word. Scare, maim perhaps —” Constantine’s tone remained nonchalant, and that angered her more.

“You can’t respect my decision to be with him?” Raven snapped. The house shook once more, but not from the demon bat outside.

“Respect the decision of a teenager? Boy, never thought you to be the delusional type, love,” Constantine said.

“And I suppose your bold move to threaten Batman’s son is completely logical.”

Constantine sighed. He slapped his hands over his eyes and slowly dragged them down, stretching his face. “Oi, kids are a headache. Look, love. You come from the realm of magic, monsters, and mayhem. Baby Bat deserves to know —”

Raven interrupted him. “He already does! We were in my head a month ago, for Azar’s sake!”

Constantine shook his head. Zatanna approached them. She shot a scowl at Constantine that faded into an uneasy expression.

“Unleashing a demon bat on Robin was dumb, John. But…you do have a point,” Zee looked at Raven. Her unspoken apology was written in her blue-gray eyes.

Raven’s eyes darted between them. Zatanna didn't simply remain in John Constantine’s life. A moment when John held Zatanna’s hand once in Raven’s head flashed across her mind.

“Funny. You’re judging my romantic partners when a lot could be said about yours.” Raven said.

Constantine’s face filled her vision. His voice lowered to a threatening timber. “Don't go there, love. You’ll regret that.”

“Like I’ll regret asking you here tonight?”

“By the gods,” Talia’s plea cut them off.

Everyone’s gaze trickled back to the window. All warmth left Raven. She had let her attention stray from Damian. He was strong. But could he hold off a huge, fire-breathing monster —?

Raven and Constantine looked out the window together, frozen.

“What the bloody fuck.”

The dragon bat pounded the ground with its claws. Dirt went flying in all directions. Its eyes were intent on the massive branch in Damian’s hand.

When he threw it, the beast trampled what little stood in the gardens. Its footsteps boomed like thunder. The demon bat jumped in midair, leather wings slapping the air as a mouth full of massive teeth clamped on the stick —

“What do you know? He really hits it off with hellspawn!” Constantine said, amazed.

Raven and Zatanna glared at him. Zee shook her head at him, “When this night is over, we’re taking a parenting class.”

Selina approached the window with her empty glass of wine. She skimmed the destruction outside with little care. A cruel smile came to her lips as she looked over at Talia, gaping as her son played fetch with the giant monster.

“Books seem like a pretty lame gift now,” said Selina.

Talia sighed. “I knew I should’ve given her the cursed swords instead…”

Bruce banged his head against the table in the background.

Damian waved at the broken dinner party from the ground. The demon bat charged towards him and sat by his side, drooling over the tree branch.

Damian’s eyes met Raven’s, “Rachel — this is our child now! Come meet Goliath!”

— O U T S I D E T H E D I N I N G R O O M —

The Batfamily lingered outside the door to the dining room, stuffing hands into their mouths to muffle laughter.

“You think we should call for help?” said Tim from his hiding spot behind the drapes.

Jason Todd snickered as he studied the new hellscape of a lawn. “I like the drunk magician’s style. They’re gonna be dope-ass in-laws!”

“Do you think we should go and help them?” Stephanie asked.

The Batkids looked at one another.

“Nah. They’re fine.”

Jason glanced over at Dick, “Hey, Dildo. If I order Doordash, will Demon Boy’s new pet chase the delivery guy?”

“There are women present, Todd. Clean up your language,” Cass said. “And order some ice cream, we’re out.”

Read on AO3 here!

76 notes · View notes

lothirielswandc · 6 months

Text

WE ALL PRETEND TO BE THE HEROES ON THE GOOD SIDE [VILLAIN, Ch. I]

Read on AO3 here!

— W A Y N E M A N O R —

The crescent moon was weak. The night’s soft smirk was useless against the shadows that slithered across the magnificent lawn. Blood-red skies were the only true light left; the death of the day.

Raven’s fingers trailed along the cool stone step. It was smooth; marble, not concrete. Knowing Alfred Pennyworth, the steps were probably clean enough to eat on, let alone sit on.

Warm gold light pooled across the steps as the doors creaked open. A shadow crept across the stone.

“Are you nervous?” the shadow asked. The voice was soft and deep. It’s usual demanding undertone was gone.

He sat down on the step beside her. Pine filled the air. Their knees brushed together. A small, delightful tremor ran through her body at the slightest touch.

His hand sought hers, quick to envelope it in warmth.

Raven shrugged, “A little, I suppose.”

“You have nothing to be afraid of.”

“You think I’m concerned for myself?” Raven met his emerald gaze. The green was darker in the dim light, its depths fathomless.

“I’ve met Constantine before,” he said.

Raven looked back at the dying sky. The blood was seeping away, fading to black. The birth of the night. Dread pooled in her stomach. Constantine had made his feelings clear before tonight.

‘He’s a menace! Everything that comes out of his mouth is an insult or a critique. He doesn't know the first thing about putting someone before himself.

‘I don't approve, love.’

His hand squeezing her made Raven look back.

“We don't have to do this if you don't want to,” he said.

Raven was shaking her head before he finished his sentence. “No. You’ve wanted to do this since we left. Besides, your mom is a part of your life.”

If Raven canceled, she feared that would send the wrong message. Looking cowardly wasn't her concern. Raven would not come between Talia al Ghul and her only son.

The heavy double doors opened once more. Alfred cleared his throat, “Master Wayne, Miss Roth, it's time.”

They stood as the butler added, “Last chance to run for the hills if need be.”

“Is that what you recommend, Alfred?” Raven smiled.

“I certainly would if I were you, Miss Roth.”

“Not funny, Pennyworth.” The stark utter beside Raven made Alfred chuckle.

They climbed the steps together. Light from inside chased the remnants of the night away. A hand stretched out towards Raven as she hesitated at the door.

“Ready to meet my parents?” Damian said.

Raven’s fingers slipped back into his, where they belonged. “As long as you can take mine.”

“Please. Zatanna’s infatuated with me,” Damian rolled his eyes.

“And King Shark still thinks you taste delicious,” she added.

“I prefer to keep that kind of commentary between us and no one else.”

They passed Alfred at the door and slipped inside. Raven didn't miss how the butler’s eyebrows were raised to his hairline.

Everyone had a baffled look on their faces recently. Raven always assumed it was because of her and her weirdness. Nowadays, she couldn't tell who the stare was meant for.

Damian’s hand held hers as they walked. The old-fashioned oil lamps along the walls filled the great entrance hall with warmth. Damian’s skin shone like bronze in the golden glow. He walked without the slightest hesitation; he didn't fear whatever the evening held.

“Depending on how the evening goes, I’ll tell them to do a closed casket,” Dick Grayson’s voice traveled across the parlor.

Dick stood at the bottom of the elegant staircase. Raven’s eyes started to travel down to Dick’s arm in a sling — she forced herself to look away. She focused on Koriand’r instead, who towered over Dick and everyone else. Kory’s great mane of curls shimmered like hungry flames as she bounced on the balls of her feet.

“I’m so happy for you! Meeting the parents is quite a show of intimacy, I’ve heard,” said Kory, clasping her hands together. Her tone made it sound like a compliment.

“Yeah, got that right,” Dick muttered. He shot what almost seemed like a questioning look at Damian.

Raven glanced at her shoes. She knew it was sudden. It had only been a week since they had returned from Europe. They stayed at Wayne Manor ever since.

In terms of gossip, a scandal probably lurked around the corner. But it was Batman’s family. As famous as they were, Bruce Wayne liked privacy. He kept to himself.

Catwoman was a different story.

“I’m truly joyful that you both have this,” Kory beamed at Raven and Damian. Her glowing green eyes settled on Raven, “and I’m happy we have more ties to one another. That we’ll always be connected…”

If we’re not connected by the Titans, Raven finished her sentence silently. Raven still hadn't forgotten the conversation Kory and Zatanna had in her head about whether the Titans were a good fit for Raven. Or, rather, if Raven was a good fit for them .

“You’ll have to tell me how tonight goes at our next double date!” Kory said. “Maybe we’ll get fondue…? I’ve heard mini-golf is a popular pastime!”

Dick stifled a laugh as Damian’s face froze with horror, “That sounds like a great idea, babe.”

Alfred cleared his throat. “Miss Roth? Your death awaits — ahem , excuse me. I have a toad in my throat. Your dinner party awaits.”

Damian glared at the butler.

“Thank you, Alfred,” Raven said. She resisted the urge for her lips to curve up and failed.

They followed Alfred down a gothic-style corridor. The scent of expensive wood polish and old-fashioned oil lamps simmered in the air.

Alfred slowed his pace, lingering at Raven’s unoccupied side. His voice dropped to a murmur, “If, by some particular matter, you must leave early tonight due to unforeseen difficulties, I have arranged a rope outside the far right window of the room, for a quick departure.”

“Pennyworth!”

“All in jest, little master, all in jest,” Alfred raised a gloved hand to cover his mouth from Damian’s sight and mouthed the words, no it's not .

“You know I can teleport, right?” said Raven.

“Yes. And Mr. Wayne is Batman. And I punched Superman in the face. We all have our talents, Miss Roth. But it’s best to have backup plans.” Alfred faced forward after that, resuming his quick pace ahead.

Raven glanced at Damian. He frowned at the butler’s back.

“You pay him enough, right?” she asked.

“I have my own townhouse in Paris,” Alfred said.

Damian sighed.

They reached the double doors to their doom — the dining room (Alfred’s commentary was wearing off on her). The butler paused at the entrance, casting one last pointed look at Raven.

“Open the door, Pennyworth,” Damian said.

“What’s the magic word?”

“Azarath Metrion Zinthos.”

“That's three, little master. Not one.”

It took all of Raven’s willpower not to laugh on the spot. She squeezed Damian’s hand, feeling his deep urge to not obey Alfred.

So stubborn . Raven turned away from Alfred. She leaned up on her toes and whispered in Damian’s ear, “You know I’ll still find you attractive if you're nice to him.”

The deep force of opposition emitted from him wavered, but it was still intact.

“I could show you how attractive I think you are…later,” her lips brushed against the bottom of his earlobe, “if you behave.”

“Please,” Damian blurted the word.

Raven sank back onto her heels. When she faced Alfred, he was staring at her like he had just witnessed divine interference.

“You truly are magical, Miss Roth.”

“I know.”

Alfred bowed his head. “I hope you survive. You’d make an interesting addition to this family.”

He turned away and threw the double doors open wide.

Dining room was a modest description. Dining hall fit better. A long table was stretched beneath a massive map of Gotham on the high ceilings. Long enough to house all of the children Bruce Wayne had adopted.

Three were already seated at the table.

Raven let Damian lead as she took them in. Bruce and Selina Kyle sat side by side along the edge. Selina’s gaze trickled down Raven. It always lingered at the gem embedded to her forehead, which Raven tried to hide lately with bangs. Her eyes sliced across the rest of her, as if preparing quips critiquing her fashion choice and goth tendencies.

Raven’s eyes shifted to the head of the table, where an even more penetrating stare cut across the room.

“My son,” Talia al Ghul rose like the night seeping up to embrace the moon. She moved across the room swifter than a light breeze towards Damian.

Raven stood awkwardly to the side as Talia enveloped him in a warm embrace. She stared over his shoulder at Raven.

“Hi,” Raven said.

Talia parted from Damian and stood before her. Gorgeous didn't begin to do her justice. Models would’ve felt self-conscious in Talia’s wake, dressed in a green gown perfect for a red carpet appearance. Familiar bronze skin shone beneath the chandelier, completely scarless. The Lazarus Pit’s work, no doubt.

“So,” Talia’s eyes, a shade of green Raven knew well, seared into her. “You’re the demon girl.”

Read on AO3 here

37 notes · View notes

lothirielswandc · 7 months

Text

A sneak peak at LOVE + FEAR's sequel, VILLAIN, is here.

The first chapter will be released October 31.

~*~

“You think we should call for help?” said Tim from his hiding spot behind the drapes.

Jason Todd snickered as he studied the new hellscape of a lawn. “I like the drunk magician’s style. They’re gonna be dope-ass in-laws!”

“Do you think we should go and help them?” Stephanie asked.

The Batkids looked at one another.

“Nah. They’re fine.”

Jason glanced over at Dick, “Hey, Dildo. If I order Doordash, will Demon Boy’s new pet chase the delivery guy?”

“There are women present, Todd. Clean up your language,” Cass said. “And order some ice cream, we’re out.”

#dc #rachel roth #damian wayne #damirae #raven roth #raven #damian x raven #teen titans #dc multiverse #robin #batfamily #batfam #jason todd #dick grayson #cassandra cain #tim drake #love + fear #love + fear sequel #dc comics

61 notes · View notes

lothirielswandc · 7 months

Text

(Draft i)

(Draft ii)

Rememberwhenipromisedtowriteshortstorieswhilewewaitforthesequelbutistarteditandimhavingtoomuchfunandnowifeelbadabouttheshortstoriesbutimaycaveandreleasetheloveandfearsequelinoctober

#i have issues #sneak peak #dc #rachel roth #damian wayne #raven roth #damirae #raven #damian x raven #teen titans #dc multiverse #robin #demonbirds #love + fear #love + fear sequel

40 notes · View notes

lothirielswandc · 9 months

Text

1940’s inspired

224 notes · View notes

lothirielswandc · 10 months

Text

“Welcome to the multiverse,

A colorful place

With garnet and gold

Warm skin and lace

Come.

Look inside,

Peer through the emerald leaves

The gems have nothing to hide.”

— Etrigan

While we’re waiting for the release of LOVE + FEAR’s sequel, I thought we’d have some fun with some one-shots/mini-series of our favorite pairing! Stay tuned!! c:

#ten pages into the sequel and im spewing my tea over my computer laughing #were gonna have so much fun #and enjoy some au’s while we wait c:#dc #rachel roth #damian wayne #raven roth #damirae #raven #damian x raven #teen titans #dc multiverse #robin #demonbirds #batfam #dick grayson #jason todd

37 notes · View notes

lothirielswandc · 10 months

Text

HOMEWRECKER (LOVE + FEAR)

Read on AO3 here!

— E P I L O G U E —

— L E G I O N O F D O O M H Q —

The ghostly pallor seared his eyes. Holograms hummed around him. They made it easier to pretend Lex wasn't there.

“You won't let this go, will you?” Lex appeared spectral, bathed in the moonlike shine. An annoying figment of his imagination.

Conner ignored him. He continued to scribble physics formulas across the touchscreen table. That was one of the perks of being Lex’s spawn. The whole brainiac part.

“I can fix everything,” Conner murmured. It was more of a personal assurance than actually talking to Lex.

“Hmph.” Lex stared at the blue text. “I’ll admit, I see the potential. But it’s a total reset. You have to be willing to sacrifice everything to do it.”

Kon kept writing.

“Not to mention, everyone else would have to start over, too.”

His pen flew across the touchpad, shrieking in protest.

“Which, I suppose, is the point. You and your fixations…you must acquire that from me.”

Conner focused on the hum of the screens. It was doable — with the right technology. It would cost a bajillion dollars, but thankfully Luthor genes were expensive. Kon could make blueprints easy —

Lex’s hand slammed against the table. He leaned over to be eye level with Conner. “Are you listening to me?”

Conner just nodded along. He already knew the warnings that Lex was throwing at him. He didn't care. “I know.”

Lex looked away with a miffed expression. For a minute there, he almost looked like a father.

Mercy shifted from the shadows of the room. She put a hand on Lex’s arm and he shrugged her off.

Mercy looked at Conner. Her lips parted like she was about to say something, but then sharply closed them. Her heels clicked as she left the room.

Conner kept writing. He stole a glance every now and then at Lex. Lex stood at the window, looking out. Lots of the headquarters were missing. It was more of a large, abstract art piece of workmen on wooden panels at this point. The drilling sounds from people putting the building back together were annoying.

They’re still trying to fix the destruction from —

Kon flinched away from the thought. All of his focus went into the small, fluid movements of his hand.

“I know you were infatuated with my assistant,” Lex said carefully. “But all of this, just for one girl. One dead girl…”

Small snapping sounds caught Conner’s attention. Tiny cracks bloomed across the stylus. Like wounds. Conner laxed his grip.

That was the lie they sold to lex. Rachel Grey died by the hands of Raven. Ironic. What’s sad was how true it was.

Ray.

The love monster from her head shortly followed whenever Conner thought of her. He shuddered to think of that walking freakshow, but that was all the proof he needed that he was doing the right thing. Love wasn't monstrous. It wasn't supposed to be.

‘Let’s just stick with being happy for now.’

That was the real lie. How could Conner make her happy at all, with things the way they were? How could Conner make Raven when it wasn't just Raven anymore? It was Raven and Da —

No. Conner would only cause her pain now. He was sure of that.

Kon set the deformed stylus down and rubbed at his eyes. “If I could go back — even before then. To the minute we met…”

‘Sorry for crashing your party.’

‘Don’t apologize. I don't mind.’

No, even before then. Save Raven from all the timeline heartache. Terra’s betrayal. Trigon’s invasion. Azarath’s demise.

If it was to preserve the most beautiful thing Conner had ever seen — Raven’s smile — it was worth it.

Lex turned back to him. His face was twisted…in pain. “I know I’m not the best father figure. But this comes from a place of love. Perhaps…it might be best to move on? I know you won't like that. But personality defects aside, you have good looks. You have manners. People like you. You’re…good. It wouldn't be hard to meet someone else.”

Conner shook his head. This wasn't some stupid crush. He owed Raven everything. She was the first to go out of her way and do something nice for him, no ulterior motive. The first to skate down the halls with him and not complain about scuff marks on the floor. Everything about her calmed his senses and made them all go haywire at the same time.

And now she probably doesn't even want to see me. The way things are…she doesn't deserve that. It’s better this way. To start over.

“No. It's the right thing to do.” Conner looked up at the blue screen. S.T.A.R. Labs documents were scrawled across every electronic surface. Detailing one theory.

The Flashpoint.

Clear the board. Start again.

THE TITANS WILL RETURN.

33 notes · View notes