After Apokolips

Chapter 8

"Good," he nods. 

"Did you get any sleep?" I asked, taking a tentative step forward. 

"Enough," he grumbles, clearly signaling he was lying. 

"Damian, if you want to be of any use to us, you have to remember to take care of yourself. You have been up for two days straight. You need to rest." I cross my arms and hold firm in my opinion. 

"I will be fine. I have trained for much worse conditions." He rolls his eyes in annoyance. 

"Fine," I huff. "I guess I will just inform Kori of your lack of sleep so she makes sure you don't go on the mission with us." 

"You wouldn't," he glares but I can see the playfulness in his eyes. 

"I would," I glare back, showing how serious I am about this matter. But his anger was still apparent so he wasn't going to fully smile. 

"Raven, I don't believe you." He turns around and grabs his bag. 

"Sure," I shrug. "You can test this theory if you want, but I promise you that I will keep my word." I lean against the wall, not backing away from a challenge. 

"Fine," He waves his hands above his head. "I will go. I will take a small nap if that satisfies you." 

"It will," I nod in satisfaction. 

He leaves the room in a storm of frustration, leaving me alone in a large gym. I sigh, knowing that I should have apologized and maybe not made him so angry. I came in here with hopes to get back to common grounds with him, but now I realize that I did this all wrong. 

I sigh and flip off the lights as I leave the room, shutting the door behind me. When I look up I notice Damian leaning on the wall across from me. 

He sighs and stands up straighter. "I am sorry. I should have just apologized. You were right. I am tired and my emotions are clouded and I am... I am really sorry." He comes over and takes my hands in his. 

"I didn't mean to pry about your sleeping habits. I was just worried." I apologize. 

"You don't have to be sorry. I messed up. I am sorry." He looks me in the eyes with his deep emerald green eyes. 

"Will you get some sleep then?" I tentatively ask. 

"I will," he concedes. 

"Good," I smile. He lets go of one of my hands and uses the other to pull me with him. "Where are you going?" I notice we are going down the sleeping quarter's hall. 

"If I must sleep, you must too." He smirks. 

"I already slept all night," I roll my eyes. 

"As long as you sleep, I will sleep." He bargains. 

"Why do I have to sleep?" I pout. 

"Because it is only fair." He smirks back, knowing he was already going to win the argument. I was weak when it came to his puppy dog eyes, and I knew I could still sleep if I wanted. Really, what was so bad about this plan? 

"Fine," I give in. 

I follow him into a near room and Damian takes off his Robin costume and weapons as I undo my cloak. When I set it on the nearby chair I move to the left side of the bed and lift the covers. As I settle into bed I look over at Damian. 

"What?" I shrug. "If I have to sleep I am going to sleep comfortably." 

"Nothing," He clears his throat. He sinks into the spot beside me and flips off the lights. "Are you comfortable?" 

"Yes," I say, facing the wall. 

"I... I am sorry about before," his voice is soft and comforting. "I got frustrated with all that has been happening and I didn't face it well." 

"I know," I sigh. "I shouldn't have left the way I did. I was tired and just couldn't handle it anymore, so instead of talking about it, I left." 

"I don't blame you," I felt his fingers tracing my arm. "You must be tired with all of those episodes. We haven't slept in a while and I think we should just forgive this whole thing and move past this." 

"I like that idea," I said as I flipped onto my other side to face him. He placed his hand on my arm and continued to trace it. 

"Good," A small smirk shows on his face. 

"Goodnight," I smirk, placing one hand on his warm chest. 

"Night," He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me into his chest. I didn't fight it as I enjoyed the warm comfort of his body. I took a deep inhale before closing my eyes and giving in to my need to rest.