Blossom

Mark and Raven trudged through the heavily damaged forest, both limping as they made their way back to the house. The fight had taken everything out of them. They were both battered and bruised, but Mark, being the less injured, wrapped Raven's arm around his neck, holding her up as they slowly moved forward. Each step was heavy, and the exhaustion hung between them like a weight, but they pushed on, too stubborn to give up.

Raven's guilt grew with every step. As they passed through the destruction, she couldn't avoid seeing the damage she had caused—the trees shattered, the ground torn apart, and the remnants of their battle scattered all around. But it wasn't just the forest that weighed on her; it was Mark's labored breathing beside her, the way he winced with every other step. She had done this to him, pushed him to this point. And now, she was forcing him to support her as well.

When they finally reached the house, the sight that greeted them made Raven's chest tighten. The home they had shared—built up from the ruins, a place that had brought them both comfort—was damaged. Walls were cracked, windows shattered, the door hanging off its hinges. It was a reflection of what she had done, not just to the house but to everything that had made her feel a glimmer of happiness.

Her emotions, long suppressed and dulled, surged to the surface with overwhelming intensity. Tears welled in her eyes as she pulled away from Mark, shaking her head. "I'm sorry... I'm so sorry, Mark," she choked out, her voice trembling as tears streamed down her face. She couldn't control it anymore. The guilt, the regret—it was all too much.

Mark, seeing the tears in her eyes, immediately moved to her side, his hands resting gently on her shoulders. "Hey, it's okay," he said softly, trying to reassure her. But Raven couldn't hold back. She covered her face with her hands, her sobs wracking her body. She wasn't used to this, to feeling so much at once. For years, she had kept her emotions locked away, numbed them to the point of nothingness. But now, they were pouring out of her like a flood, and she had no idea how to stop it.

Mark wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close as they sank down onto the porch. She was practically in his lap, her tears soaking into his shirt as she cried into his chest. "You don't deserve this," she whispered between sobs. "You should leave. It's not safe around me. I'll only hurt you again."

Mark held her tighter, rubbing her back in slow, soothing circles. "Raven, it's fine. We're fine," he said firmly, his voice steady even though he was exhausted. "You didn't hurt me any more than I can take. And besides, I'm pretty sure I won that fight," he added with a small smirk, trying to lighten the mood.

Raven didn't respond to his attempt at humor; she just kept sobbing into his chest. Mark let her cry it out, sitting in silence with her, only the sound of her sobs and their heavy breathing filling the air.

After a while, when her sobs had quieted down to sniffles, Mark spoke up again, his voice low. "You know, something strange happened during the fight," he said. "When you hit me real hard, I was out for a few seconds. But in that time, I actually remembered something."

Raven lifted her head slightly, her tear-streaked face looking up at him. "What did you remember?" she asked, her voice shaky.

Mark took a deep breath, his expression serious. "It wasn't anything big, really. Just something someone told me once. You wanna hear it?"

Raven nodded, still sniffling. Mark cleared his throat, trying to keep a straight face. "Okay, so four nuns die and go to heaven, right? They stand in front of Saint Peter, and he beckons the first nun to come up. He asks her, 'Have you ever touched a penis?' She blushes and says, 'Only with the tip of my finger.' Saint Peter says, 'Okay, dip your finger in the holy water and you can go in.' So she does. The next one comes up, and he asks her the same question. She says, 'My whole hand.' He says, 'Alright, same deal—dip it in the bowl and you're good.' Then he beckons for the third nun, but before she can step forward, the fourth one starts freaking out, screaming and getting all angry."

Raven stared at him, her tear-stained cheeks lifting slightly as she waited for the punchline.

Mark continued, "Saint Peter tries to calm her down, telling her this is heaven and she needs to chill. But she yells, 'If you think I'm gonna gargle that water after she sits in it, you're out of your damn mind!'"

For a moment, the porch was silent. Then Mark chuckled softly, feeling a little embarrassed for telling such a crude joke at a time like this. But then, to his surprise, he heard Raven chuckle too. It started as a small, hesitant sound, but it quickly grew louder, turning into a full-on belly laugh. Mark joined in, the sound of their laughter filling the air around them.

As the laughter died down, Mark looked down at Raven, still holding her close. "Raven, you need to stop worrying about hurting me or about me leaving," he said, his voice steady and sure. "I can't be hurt, and I'm not going anywhere." Raven paused, her eyes searching his face for any sign of doubt. She frowned slightly, the worry creeping back in. "But what about your memories? What if they come back? What if you could get them back by going back to civilization?"

Mark reached up, his fingers gently brushing through her hair. He tucked a loose strand behind her ear, his touch soft and reassuring. "I won't go anywhere without you," he said firmly, his eyes locked on hers.

For a moment, they both went quiet. The air between them felt charged, thick with something unspoken. Mark noticed the tension, his mind racing as he wondered if he'd upset her again. But before he could say anything else, Raven moved closer. Her breath was warm against his skin as she hesitated for just a heartbeat, then she leaned in, her lips pressing against his.

The kiss was firm, direct. Her lips were soft but there was a raw intensity in the way she kissed him. Mark felt the warmth of her mouth, the slight pressure as she leaned into him more. His hands instinctively tightened around her, one hand sliding up to cradle the back of her head, his fingers tangling in her hair. Raven's lips parted slightly, and Mark responded without thinking, his tongue brushing against hers. The taste of her was electric. There was nothing gentle about it, nothing slow. It was hungry, almost desperate, as if they were both trying to convey everything they couldn't say with words.

Mark felt her hands grip his shoulders, pulling him closer as her body pressed against his. He could feel her heartbeat against his chest, fast and hard, matching his own. The kiss deepened, their movements becoming more urgent. Her nails dug into his skin, but he didn't mind, he loved the way her hands felt against him.

They both gasped for breath but didn't pull away, their mouths moving against each other with a rhythm that was natural, unplanned. Mark's other hand slid down her back, pulling her closer until there was no space left between them. Her body was warm, almost feverish against his, and he could feel every shiver that ran through her. Finally, when they both needed air, Raven pulled back slightly, their lips parting with a soft, wet sound. Her eyes were half-lidded, her breathing heavy as she looked up at him. Mark kept his hand in her hair, his thumb brushing along her jawline. They sat together in silence after the kiss, both catching their breath. Raven leaned into Mark's chest, her body relaxed against his, as they looked out across the quiet town of Bayview. The air was still, and the sounds of the night were beginning to fade as the first hints of dawn crept into the sky.

"It feels so strange..." Raven said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mark glanced down at her, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "What does?"

"My whole life, it's like I've had to hold a river back with nothing but my body," she began. "Like every muscle in my body has been contracted... but now I feel... relaxed. I'm able to feel my emotions without my power flaring."

She looked up at him, and for the first time in what felt like forever, she smiled—a real, unguarded smile. "It feels amazing," she said, her eyes softening as she met his gaze. "I've never been able to feel my emotions so deeply without having to worry about destroying everything."

But as quickly as her smile came, it faltered. She looked down, the weight of her thoughts returning. Mark noticed and gently placed his finger under her chin, lifting her face back up to his. "What's with the sad look?" he asked, his voice gentle but firm.

"It won't last, will it?" Raven asked, though she already knew the answer. Her voice was quiet, almost resigned. "My power reserves are low now, but they'll keep building, and my emotions will only make it worse. I'll go back to how I was before..."

Mark shook his head, refusing to accept that. "Don't worry, it won't come to that," he said, "You just need to start practicing. Start at lower levels and work your way up. If your power increases too quickly, we can have a little spar and bring it back down again. It'll take some time, but you'll be able to control your full power while experiencing your emotions. I guarantee it."

Raven looked at him, her eyes searching his for any sign of doubt. But all she saw was his unwavering confidence. She smiled again, this time more genuinely, before leaning up to peck him on the lips. "Thank you, Mark," she whispered.

Mark's grip tightened around her, pulling her even closer. She melted into his embrace, her body fitting against his as if they were made to be together. They sat there for a while longer, the world around them quiet and still, as they watched the first light of the sun creeping over the horizon.

The sun slowly emerged, a sliver of orange breaking the darkness. It rose steadily, casting its warm glow across the ocean. The water shimmered, reflecting the sunlight in a thousand different directions, turning the entire scene into a stunning display of gold and orange. The rays of light stretched out across the sky, pushing back the remnants of night and bringing the world to life.

Raven watched in silence, captivated by the simple beauty of the moment. The sun's reflection on the ocean, the way the light danced on the water—it was all so peaceful, so perfect. She sighed softly, leaning her head against Mark's shoulder.

"One of the best moments of my life was you walking through those doors," she said quietly, her voice full of sincerity. They both sat there, watching the sun slowly rise, bathing the world in its warm light. But as the sun climbed higher, Raven felt her eyes starting to get heavy again, the exhaustion from their fight creeping back in.

"Will you stay with me tonight?" she asked, her voice quiet as she looked up at Mark.

"Of course," Mark replied without hesitation.

Without another word, he scooped her up into a bridal carry. Raven blushed at the sudden closeness, feeling a warmth spread through her that had nothing to do with the rising sun. Mark carried her effortlessly, stepping through the broken front door and into the house.

He carried her up the stairs, each step creaking slightly under his weight. When they reached her room, he used his powers to move the blankets aside, laying them neatly on the bed. Then, with careful movements, he set her down on the mattress, making sure she was comfortable before climbing in beside her. Once he was settled, he wrapped his arms around her from behind, pulling her close. Raven wiggled against him, pushing herself as close to his chest as she could, seeking his warmth and comfort. The exhaustion pulled at her, making her eyelids droop even more.

"I'm scared this is all a dream," she whispered, her voice small and vulnerable.

Mark tightened his arms around her, pressing a gentle kiss to the back of her neck. "Then let's hope we never wake up," he murmured into her ear.

Raven smiled softly, her body relaxing completely against his. "Goodnight, Mark," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Goodnight, Raven," he replied, his breath warm against her skin.

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Raven found herself standing on a beach, the sun casting a warm glow over everything. The waves crashed gently against the shore, and the sea breeze brushed against her skin. She'd never felt so at peace before. The smell of saltwater filled the air, and the sound of the ocean was soothing, almost like a lullaby. She watched the waves for a while, feeling the sand between her toes, completely relaxed.

But then, as dreams often do, everything shifted. She woke up suddenly, her heart racing. For a moment, she was disoriented, panic rising in her chest. She felt arms wrapped around her and stiffened, but then she remembered who it was. Mark. The tension melted away as she realized where she was, and a smile tugged at her lips, her heart skipping a beat.

She pushed herself deeper into his embrace, savoring the warmth of his body against hers. Her fingers began to trace along his arms, feeling the strength in them, the way they held her protectively. Her face heated up as she felt his grip tighten around her stomach, pulling her closer. She could feel herself getting a bit too warm, a flush spreading across her cheeks. Her thighs rubbed together slightly as she tried to calm herself down, but it was hard when Mark was so close.

His breath brushed against the back of her neck, making her shiver slightly. Then Mark shifted in his sleep, his body pressing closer against hers. Raven froze, her eyes widening as she felt something hard poking between her bum cheeks, settling there. Her blush deepened, spreading down her neck as she tried to keep still, but the embarrassment was too much.

She carefully slid out of his grasp, her body tingling from where he had touched her. Once she was free, she stood by the bed, panting slightly as she looked down at him. His face was peaceful, completely unaware of the effect he was having on her. She bit her lip, trying to get a hold of herself before turning and leaving the room.

She made her way downstairs, her mind racing as she walked into the kitchen. "Is Mark my boyfriend now?" she wondered out loud, the thought making her stomach twist in knots. She'd never had a boyfriend before, never allowed herself to get close to anyone. The closest she'd ever come was Garfield, and that... that didn't end well. Her mind briefly wandered to the painful memories of that time, and she started to sink into despair, her chest tightening.

"No," she said to herself firmly, shaking her head. "I can't hurt Mark like that." She needed to stay focused, needed to keep herself from slipping back into that darkness. A small smile crept onto her face as she remembered how she felt lying on her back after their fight, completely spent but... happy. "I can't hurt Mark..." she reassured herself again, her voice softer this time.

She walked into the kitchen, glancing around. Cooking wasn't something she was particularly good at, but she wanted to make something for both of them. She started looking through the cabinets, trying to decide what to make. It didn't have to be fancy, just something to show that she cared.

Meanwhile, back upstairs, Mark was dreaming too, but his dream wasn't as peaceful. He was wandering through a sewer system, the walls damp and the air thick with the smell of decay. He looked around, feeling a sense of familiarity but not knowing why. The echo of his footsteps on the wet ground was the only sound, making the place feel even more unsettling.

As he continued walking, he noticed something moving in the water. His heart pounded in his chest as he stared at the ripples, trying to figure out what was lurking beneath the surface. Then, without warning, a large humanoid crocodile emerged from the water, its massive form casting a shadow over him. Mark almost jumped out of his skin, barely holding back a yelp.

But the creature didn't attack. It just stood there, towering over him, before slowly sitting down on the edge of the sewer, dipping its claws back into the murky water.

"Are you going to eat that?" the crocodile asked in a deep, rumbling voice, sounding almost bored.

Mark blinked, confused, but then looked down and saw that he was holding two burgers, their greasy wrappers crinkling in his hands. The smell of fast food filled his nose, and he realized he must have been holding them the whole time. "Uh... help yourself," Mark said, still trying to wrap his head around what was happening.

The crocodile didn't need to be told twice. It snatched the burgers from his hands and tossed them into its massive jaws, barely chewing before swallowing them whole. Mark laughed nervously, trying to ease the tension. "So... who are you?" he asked, hoping for some kind of explanation.

The crocodile shrugged, its massive shoulders heaving. "I found this form in your deep subconscious. Analyzed positive emotions associated with it," it replied, its voice as casual as if they were discussing the weather.

Mark's confusion only deepened. "You can access my memories? Can you tell me who I am, where I'm from?" he pleaded, stepping closer, desperation creeping into his voice.

The crocodile turned its head toward Mark, its yellow eyes locking onto his. "You are in danger... take the necklace off! Take it off! Take it off!" the creature suddenly roared, grabbing Mark by the shoulders and shaking him, its claws digging into his skin. The sewer echoed with the command, the words hammering into his skull.

Mark jolted awake, his body drenched in sweat. He sat up in bed, his breathing heavy as he tried to make sense of what had just happened. "What the hell was that?" he muttered to himself, his heart still racing as the remnants of the dream clung to his mind. Mark yawned as he sat up in bed, stretching his arms above his head and feeling the soreness in his muscles. His body was bruised and aching from the fight with Raven, but he noticed most of the bruises were already starting to fade. He rubbed his eyes, still trying to shake off the strange dream he'd just had, and then looked down at himself. He was still in his ruined clothes from yesterday, the fabric torn and dirty.

He could hear sounds coming from downstairs, the faint clatter of dishes and the soft murmur of Raven moving around. It was a comforting noise, knowing she was okay and busy with something. With a sigh, Mark got out of bed, his joints popping as he stretched again, and made his way to the bathroom.

The hot water from the shower felt like a blessing, washing away the grime and tension from his body. Mark stood under the stream, letting it cascade over him, his thoughts wandering back to the fight, to Raven, and to the strange mix of emotions he felt. He ran his hands through his hair, the water sluicing over his skin, soothing the remaining aches. After scrubbing himself down and rinsing off, he stepped out, grabbing a towel to dry off.

He pulled on a clean pair of jeans and a fitted black shirt, feeling more like himself as he looked in the mirror. The bruises were almost gone now, just faint shadows on his skin. Mark took a deep breath, feeling refreshed and ready for whatever the day had in store. He made his way downstairs, following the smell of food that drifted up to greet him.

When he walked into the kitchen, he was greeted by a bit of a mess. There were dishes scattered across the counter, some ingredients left out, and a few smudges of flour on the table. But what caught his attention most was Raven, standing at the table with two plates of breakfast ready. She turned to him as he entered, her expression a little shy but proud.

"Good morning," Mark said, surprised as he came closer and sat down at the table, his eyes taking in the sight of the food. "What's all this?"

Raven shrugged slightly, looking at him through her lashes. "You've always cooked for me, so I thought it might be nice to do the same in return," she said, a small smile playing on her lips.

Mark couldn't help but stare at her for a moment. Raven was wearing an apron over her clothes, the ties cinching it snugly at her waist, accentuating her figure. The apron, combined with the way her dark hair framed her face, made her look incredibly attractive. There was something about seeing her like this, doing something so domestic, that sent a jolt through him. She looked effortlessly sexy, and it took him a moment to snap out of it.

"Thanks," he said, finally tearing his gaze away from her and focusing on the food. He picked up his fork and took a bite, his eyes widening in surprise as the flavors hit his tongue. "This is good," he said, clearly impressed. "How'd you make it?"

Raven's lips twitched into a small, pleased smile. "It was easy," she replied, reaching over and floating a book towards him with her powers. It was the same one he often used to learn how to make different meals. "All I had to do was follow the recipe."

Mark chuckled, looking at the familiar book. "I guess it's settled, then," he said with a grin. "You're the cook from now on."

They ate in comfortable silence for a while, but Mark could sense that Raven had something on her mind. She kept glancing at him, her lips parting as if she wanted to say something but then thinking better of it. Finally, they both spoke at the same time, their words overlapping. Mark laughed, motioning for her to go first.

Raven hesitated, her eyes flicking down to her plate before she met his gaze again. "Mark... about last night," she started, her voice unsure. She took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "That kiss... did it mean something? I mean... are we...?" Her words trailed off, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she struggled to articulate what she wanted to ask.

She looked down again, clearly frustrated with herself, but before she could continue, Mark leaned over the table and kissed her deeply. His lips pressed against hers with a firm, sure pressure, and Raven's eyes fluttered shut as she melted into the kiss. His hand reached up, cupping the back of her head, his fingers threading through her hair as he deepened the kiss. Raven's heart raced, and she kissed him back, her hands resting on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath her palms.

When Mark finally pulled back, they were both breathing a little harder, the tension in the air having shifted into something warmer, more intimate. Mark kept his hand on the back of her head, his thumb brushing lightly against her temple. He looked into her eyes, his expression serious but soft.

"We'll take it a day at a time," he said, his voice low but steady. "No need to rush anything. We'll figure it out together."

Raven nodded, her heart still pounding, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Okay," she whispered, her voice barely audible, but the relief in her tone was clear.

(AN: So Raven and Mark are finally together, it took long enough, well tbh I'm tired of this arc so it's time to start shit. Next chapter will be time skippy and it'll close with the main villain finally appearing. Woooooo. I hope you enjoyed it.)

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