Couple

"Robin?"

Her voice was frail, weak. He picked up his head, eying her as she lay on the hospital bed. Her skin was paper white, eyes dull and shadowed with pain. She was dying.

He had been the one to find her that night. Raven had gotten into some trouble with Slade, really big trouble. She went after him alone, an needed up getting hurt.

He had stabbed her multiple times, then set fire to the warehouse they were in. She dragged herself out of the building, her cloak burnt to a crisp. It had been obvious she would need more than what Cyborg or Robin could give her, so Robin rushed her to the Jump City hospital.

She had been stabbed in the chest six times, twice in the stomach, four times in the back. Her internal organs were partially damaged, her heart had lost a lot of blood. As for the burns? She had 3rd degree burns all down her back, on her legs, and on her left cheek.

The doctors had told him her chances of survival were slim. Very slim. She had been fatally wounded.

The others had visited in the past week, which is how long she had been here. Robin had been spending the nights here, keeping an eye on his girlfriend, his soulmate.

He smiled sadly at her, taking her hand in his. It was cold and thin, with bandages wrapped around it.

"Yes, Raven?"

She looked him straight in the eyes, even through the mask. Even when she was so close to death, she acted so strong.

"I'm going to die. Today."

Robin gulped, a tear slipping down his cheek. She was so close to the end, he knew that. He didn't want this. She didn't deserve to die! Slade did! This was his fault!

"I'm going to kill Slade. For you, Raven."

She lay her head back down carefully, looking up at the ceiling. He knew that she would be leaving soon. Leaving him behind. But not really. She knew she would always look after him, even in death.

"Robin, promise me you won't kill him."

"What?"

"Bring him to justice. But do not kill him. That's not you, not us. That reminds me....please, get the others in here."

Robin nodded, kissing her forehead before calling the other three in. Cyborg walked in, head down, tears flowing.

Beast Boy was biting his lip, his eyes wet with unshed tears. Starfire had her hands clasped together, her eyes pouring.

They all stood by Raven's bed, waiting. For a long time everyone was silent, but then the dying demoness spoke, voice small as ever.

"Cyborg. I want you to know that you have been the best 'big brother' anyone could ask for. You always kept me in your thoughts and tried to include me in things. I don't want you to feel like I'm gone, because I'm not leaving, I'll be back, just not in a tangible form. Please, keep fixing things. For me, because you helped fix my soul."

She laid a hand on his metal shoulder as he leaned down to kiss her frail forehead.

"You're the best 'sister' ever, Rae. My 'Dark Girl'. I love you."

Raven nodded, smiling. She looked at Beast Boy, who came forward. He looked down at her, holding her hand as she spoke.

"Every time you told a joke, I actually did find your trying a little bit funny. All those stank ball games you had me in, I liked. I want you to never forget about Terra, because she will remember you and her powers. I know this. Beast Boy, no matter how tough life is, remember I'm still laughing at you."

Beast Boy smiled, hugging her softly, his voice shaky.

"Raven, I'm gonna miss you, but I know you'll always be near. Your sarcastic comments always made me smile and try harder. I love you."

Raven felt herself weaken as she tried to squeeze his hand. She closed her eyes for a second, hearing Starfire's footsteps. She opened her eyes, smiling at the alien.

"Star, even though I acted like I didn't, I actually enjoyed the mall trips with you. I enjoyed getting to be alone with you, and laughing with you. You're always so happy, so promise me you'll always stay happy, if not for yourself, then for me. Your smile makes this world a better place."

Starfire began to cry harder, holding the dying girl in front of her.

"Oh, Friend Raven, it has been an enjoyable ride with you. I will miss our times together. You're the friend I always wanted. The sister I needed. Please, remember us all as you leave this world."

"I will Star, I will."

Starfire let go, allowing Robin to step forward. He kissed her lips ever so lightly, pushing back a strand of her violet hair. He removed his mask, kissing her once again. Raven smiled weakly, speaking to him.

"This will be our last kiss, Robin. But that's okay, you've given me enough to last forever. Robin, stay the way you are, because that's why I fell in love with you. I love your eyes, your attitude, your hair, I love everything about you. You saved me so many times, but you can't save me this time. Please, do not blame my passing on yourself, because you couldn't have prevented it. I want you to keep being such a great detective, and I want you to know I will always be by your side, in spirit. I fell in love with you, and I'm still in love with you. You are the reason I dared to hope. You are the reason I destroyed Trigon. You are my everything. Please, Robin, Cyborg, Starfire, Beast Boy, remember, death is not the end of a book, it is only the end of a chapter."

Robin nodded slowly, feeling her grip fade.

"I love you, Rae, goodbye."

And just like that, Raven, Rachael Roth, was gone.