Raven was grateful to be out of the Batmobile- out of a confined space where Batman's imposing presence was heavy and concentrated. The half- demoness took a decidedly lengthy moment, once out of the car, to marvel at the wonder that was the Batcave. Why the fuck was there a dinosaur in the corner though? And those suits in glass cases- pretty morbid. And -oh shit- actual bats hanging around the cave.

The witch glanced at her friend. Seeing Batman's back turned, she mouthed 'I love it'. Damian grinned. He knew she would: dark and strange were two words Raven wholeheartedly embraced.

Batman pulled his cowl off and made his way to the BatchairTm in front of his BatcomputerTm. Before sitting he turned to the teens, confirming Raven's theory that he was just as intimidating with or without the mask.

"I have to write the report for tonight's events. Alfred should be here in a moment."

Cue the entrance of Mr Pennyworth himself (not the cat; the butler) holding a silver tray. The gentleman butler raised a refined brow, "Greetings Master Bruce, Master Damian...and I believe this would be Miss Raven." He inspected the witch from head to toe and nodded, "Welcome to Wayne Manor Miss Raven," he glanced around the cave then back to the girl, "rather, the dank caves below the Manor. I assure you Miss Raven, the building itself isn't quite so" he crinkled his nose, "dim."

The butler lifted the lid on his tray and (much to the teens' carefully disguised delight) there sat two comfortably steaming mugs of hot chocolate.

Alfred saw through their masks of indifference, "Though I am well aware that you are partial to a cup of tea, Master Damian, I took the liberty of preparing a non-caffeinated beverage for you both." He lowered the tray for them, "I have been told I'm rather good at hot chocolate."

Raven had heard her friend speak at length of the great Alfred Pennyworth (the butler) whose sharp eye had not dropped with the years, whose talents in chess had bewildered Damian for years, and who had persuaded him not to dismiss all classical literature as 'boring'. She had liked the description of him- the stories Damian told; she liked the man even more. And, from the first sip, she loved his hot chocolate the most.

"Thank you Mr Pennyworth." She smiled, and the butler's eyebrow rose again,

"Ah, I take it Master Damian has mentioned me then?"

Raven nodded, seeing the chance to mildly embarrass her friend (who had been not-so-subtlety glaring at her). "Oh, yes. He says you're an excellent chess player- the best in fact."

Damian indignantly sipped his hot chocolate.

"The best, eh?" Alfred smirked. "I'll be reaffirming that then Master Damian." The butler looked to Batman (busily working on the BatcomputerTM), "If you don't require my services currently, Master Bruce, I shall show these two around the Manor." He smiled at Raven, "You will be staying the night, I presume, Miss Raven?"

With her confirmation of, "Apparently so." Alfred led the teens out of the Batcave in to Wayne Manor.

One night, several weeks ago, Damian had described to Raven (in great length) the grandeur of Wayne Manor. The intricacy of his depictions didn't do it justice. Through corridors littered with renaissance era paintings framed with gold plating; and up grand staircases fitted with rich red carpet; they walked. Alfred narrated their journey through the mansion, commenting on a certain painting, corridor or room with bits of trivia.
Damian had come along, despite knowing his way perfectly around the mansion: he needed to speak to the witch.

They finally stopped in front of a mahogany door, three rooms down from Damian's.

"Miss Raven, you'll find the bedroom and bathroom fully stocked- including a set of pyjamas: spares of Miss Stephanie's, that ought to fit. If you require anything else...if your are at all hungry, perhaps," he probed, "you can find me in the kitchen. I'm sure Master Damian could point you in the direction."

After insisting that she was good to go, Raven bid the butler goodnight.

Once he had disappeared from view, Damian spoke.

"We need to talk."

Considering the corridor to be far too open and awkward a place for private conversation, the two of them stepped inside Raven's room.

***

Raven's stomach felt like an ever-tightening ball of elastic bands as she sat on the armchair Damian offered her. It was a stiff piece of furniture, it's fabric expensive- of high quality- but lacking in the comfort of well-used, homely furniture. She drank her lukewarm hot chocolate and warily eyed her friend.

Damian sat at the end of the bed, putting his mug on the floor by his feet. He rubbed his temples and sighed. Whatever he wanted to say, he couldn't seem to get the words out. Pride recognised its nature in him.

The empath spoke first, "Damian- about the infirmary. I don't know-"

"We should put it behind us. We should forget that whatever it was ever happened. We should ignore it- act like it never happened." His voice wavered. "I don't think I want to."

...well Apophis be damned, Damian. Very well articulated- I think I might be proud, yes, yes, I think I'm proud.

Anubis!

My apologies- please continue.

The half-demoness' mouth was agape; she quickly shut it. Raven searched for spite of humour in his aura and found none. She frowned.

"You aren't serious?"

Raven saw the answer in the look he gave her: a look unbridled with deceit and tact and keen wit; a look of wholesome truth.

"I am." Damian reassured. "Completely and entirely serious." He picked his mug off the floor and stood up. Damian looked like he was going to say something more on the matter, but cut himself short.

He dipped his head to her and curtly said, "Goodnight Raven."

A.N:

Okay so not the best chapter buuuuut...we have some tiny relationship development! Yay!

Anywho... stay fabulous, stay wonderful. I love you all!

Thank you

-Bats O_O