As dawn creeps into the room, Raven finds herself awake, lying beside beastboy, who is still deep in sleep. She watches him, his usually animated face softened in the quiet, his green hair slightly tousled across his forehead. There’s something strangely calming about seeing him like this—so peaceful, without his usual jokes and boundless energy.

She lets herself linger in the moment, feeling a quiet warmth she’s rarely allowed herself to acknowledge. Being with him, just like this, feels… safe. Almost normal. She never thought she’d find comfort in someone so different from herself, someone who embraces the lightness and joy in life that she often pushes away.

Gar shifts slightly, murmuring something in his sleep, and she finds herself suppressing a small smile. She reaches out carefully, brushing a strand of hair from his face, feeling a soft, unexpected tenderness.

Maybe, she thinks, just maybe, there’s a part of her that needs this—needs him.