Chapter Thirty Eight

"You have other friends dude" The other complained in an irritated manner to Carson bringing up Raven like he was the only friend Carson had even while they were out as a group.

Carson paused for a moment looking down to his agitated teammate. He almost clicked his tongue with irritation however it wasn't worth his time at the moment to get into an argument with them. Glancing away to not show his aggravation he agreed, "Yeah..." muttering softly he let it go knowing the food nor company would kill him.

Raven froze knowing just by the tone of voice he held Carson was not in a good mood. If he were to see Robin out of the house while she was supposed to be taking care of Raven there was a chance he would investigate it for himself. Raven huffed, he should have known that Carson would have been among the group since he wasn't there to bail him out of joining the rest like usual.

"Hey, Robin what's wrong?" Asher inquired speaking up louder to catch Raven's attention since he became both curious and concerned about Raven's sudden change.

"Don't say my name" Raven warned glancing back over his shoulder to see if Carson heard his name being called. Thankfully he seemed to be too occupied with the rest of the team as the caused a ruckus about the food selection to have heard anything from across the restaurant.

"I need to go" Raven claimed looking back to Asher without answering why.

Asher arched a brow as his eyes follower where Raven had looked seeing the group as they talked among each other, "You know those guys" he pointed out knowing that Raven was making it rather obvious.

Raven held his breath knowing he had been to obvious, only pausing for a moment before shaking his head yes he hoped he was right to assume Asher wouldn't try to do anything for his sake.

Asher glanced back to Raven giving a smirk to the turn of events, "Alright, give me one mo-"

"Now" Raven ordered standing from his chair not willing to risk being their any longer than he had to.

"Hey, wait don't be reckless" Asher scolded as he reached out grabbing Raven's arm, "Let them get further away from the door first then we'll sneak out" He explained trying to calm Raven from just rushing out the door. He waited till Raven seemed to calm down before he released the hand he held within his grasp.

Even when Raven conceded to his plan Asher could still see the nervous tension Raven held while waiting longer than he wanted. "I see them, so you have no need to look back" Asher assured trying to calm Raven as he gathered the things to throw away.

Raven huffed knowing Asher's words weren't soothing to hear since he could care less about the rest of the guys. It was only one in particular that he didn't want to be seen by and there was no way Asher would know to watch him without being told. However Asher was right about one thing, if they left in a hurry now, like he was just about to do, it would cause too much of a scene and he would likely been caught by Carson.

"Alright they are distracted at the counter, I'll throw these items away while you head out. Wait for me at the door, okay?" Asher informed as he confirmed that Raven doesn't have any other plans on trying to leave him behind after they get outside.

Raven scoffed as he would rather not wait but looking up at the bags Asher was already grabbing them as a security. Raven huffed giving a nod as he waited for the signal for him to leave. Asher slowly stood from his seat walking past Raven with the tray in hand and tapped on Raven's shoulder as he passed, "Go, I'll meet you out there" He claimed before walking away with Raven's bags still in hand.

Raven slowly looked over his shoulder seeing that they really were all focused at the counter even Carson seemed to be searching for something to eat. Not taking any more time he stood and went towards the door glancing their way to keep an eye on them without causing too much attention.

When he made it to the door he couldn't believe for once luck was on his side, he had gotten all the way to the door and wasn't seen. Relief washed over him as he looked back to see if Asher was already heading his way when the door in front of him opened.

"Here you go miss" The young man offered as Raven froze once again looking back to the voice.

As he figured it was Dimitri standing at the door holding it open like the gentleman he was for Raven to pass. Raven couldn't respond if there was anyone who would have been as bad as Carson it was Dimitri. He would surely see the similarities like Carson had and point it out, Raven knew he needed to do something but now he didn't know how to respond.

"Th-thanks" He muttered out while about to walk past him looking away but just as he took his first step he felt a burning in his chest. Reaching up to the pain clutching at his shirt he stopped unable to move being too afraid of what will happen when he looks anyone's way.

"No... problem" Dimitri mumbled in response as he looked down at the young woman before him a little confused. For the brief moment when he saw her face before she looked away from him he was sure that what he had just seen looked like Raven.

Staring at her for a bit he went to step closer to look at her face just as someone blocked his path. Asher placed his hand on Raven's shoulder causing him to jump but when he looked up all he could see was Asher standing between them thanking Dimitri as he nudged Raven to pass.

Only finding little comfort as they walked away from Dimitri, Raven was happy that he was getting further away from his classmates however now he seemed to face another threat. He was afraid to look over to Asher, even moving from his grasp not wanting to be too close. The burning in his chest was still stirring inside him scaring Raven to think that if he did look at Asher in that moment something would happen.

"Alright mind telling me what that was about?" Asher questioned as he spoke up demanding an answer for why they had to leave so suddenly because of a group of guys after glancing down to Raven who was obviously nervous of something.

"That's m-my cousin's best friend" Raven stammered out to say almost calling Carson his best friend after having just spoke of him in the restaurant. He feared that when Asher got to the school he would connect the dots and mistake the two when Carson wasn't Robin's best friend at all.

"Your cousin huh?" He questioned as he stopped walking pulling the bags from his shoulder, "Why did you need to hide from" As Asher went to further inquire on what Raven was so afraid of a crack of lightning shortly after followed by thunder rippling through the sky.

This caused the two to look up at the dark clouds just as a wall of water began to fall over their heads. "It's raining, follow me" Asher claimed grabbing Raven's hand and ran towards the alley close by before Raven could even protest.

Raven didn't care to argue as the burning in his chest was beginning to grow and he couldn't think of how he was going to answer Asher's question. With the need to feed growing stronger the rain was clearly the least of his worries as he followed Asher further to a secluded area.

They finally came to a stop under a small shelter to an employee entrance door at the back of some stores. Raven rubbed his hand over his face whipping the water from his eyes trying to focus on what he would do from here. Raven looked around and was pulled from his daze realizing he had followed Asher to what would seem like an extremely isolated area with no view from the road they came from.

Looking over he wanted to see what state Asher was in wondering how far along he had gotten. Asher was running his hand back through his hair shaking the water from himself paying Raven no mind at that moment. Raven sighed with relief that he wasn't giving off the pheromones like Menay said he would to the point of being attacked like he was before. He hoped this meant he had time to figure out what or where he was going to go from here.

"When the rain stops we'll go somewhere to change our clothes" he stated softly while pulling his jacket off.

When he looked over, Raven and him made eye contact for a moment till the pain in Raven's chest caused him to panic. He quickly looked away fearing he had already messed up. Though Asher didn't seem to notice as he scoffed to being a bit irritated that he was obviously being ignored, "You're don't look like the trusting type, following me so obediently... did I leave that good of an impression?" he taunted also pointing out that Raven was now acting strange.

"I... " Raven wanted to but couldn't argue. He did exactly Asher said, following without thinking he knew it had something to do with how Asher gave off the same air around him as Carson even so it didn't matter. With how things were coming together it was like he didn't have much of a say at all when it came to what was happening to his body.

"Thank you for everything today but when the rain stops I'm going home from here" Raven informed not wanting to risk being out there any longer.

Asher looked over as he dropped the bags at Raven's feet without saying a word. Raven arched his brows confused, he thought for sure this guy would put up an argument to keep him there longer. Thinking about it, it wasn't like Raven was being the best of company and with the scene he caused because of Carson and the others he wondered if this meant that Asher finally lost interest.

Raven leaned over to reach for his bag when Asher's leg blocked him causing him to draw back as Asher got closer standing directing in front of him, "What are you doing?" Raven questioned as he pulled back further becoming cautious of looking at him again.

Without answering or moving closer Asher got adjusted to where he was standing in front of Raven. He glanced down gesturing towards where he was standing before he moved, "I was getting wet where I was standing," he explained.

Raven questioned how calm Asher sounded looking up to see that he didn't seem to have changed, there was no pink in his cheeks or daze in his eyes like the others had before. However, Raven wasn't believing for a moment in his excuse that he was just stepping closer due to the rain, "I'll stand where you were then" He claimed as he went to move.

Asher placed his hand up on Raven's shoulder keeping him where he stood, "Nah, right here is fine" he claims clearly not about to let Raven get away from him now.

Raven snarled as he wasn't about to let him continue to think he could tell him what to do only because they had a few tolerable moments, "L..." Raven stumbled unable to finish his words feeling the burn in his chest crippling him from speaking as he reached up to pull on his shirt once more.

Asher narrowed his brow reaching down to steady Raven from falling as he looked Raven over, "Are you okay?" He questioned while moving his hand to Raven's face to get a better look at what was wrong.

Raven hated it but the burning heat was beginning to spread through his body and he couldn't stop or push Asher away from him. Asher's very touch was burning his skin just like it had before when he was touched while in this state.

Looking up at him he knew Asher was about to do something though he still seemed un-wavered by Raven's pheromones, nothing like the zombie people who flocked to him before. He seemed just as immune as Carson was to his body change, even somewhat looked concerned but still willing to take advantage of the situation. This made Raven curious as to what it was that made these two different than the rest.

While he was thinking that it may have something to do with their experience he noticed Asher's face getting closer to his own. "I- what are you...ngh" Raven's question was interrupted by a groan caused by the pain coming from the burning of Asher's grasp. Which was only getting tighter as his hand moved down Raven's jawline to hook around the back of his neck.

"Hey... I- don't" Raven grumbled out unable to focus his thoughts to protest as Asher's breath brushed across his lips.

Asher didn't hesitate his advancements watching Raven squirm since he was not moving away, "But you're asking for me to kiss you right now" he claimed pointing out how Raven's lips were parted like they were calling for Asher to continue.

Raven wanted to protest that he wasn't but he knew his body was. He didn't want to be kissed by a man again, especially not this one knowing he wanted nothing more to do with him sense they would be going to the same school soon. Though he couldn't fight it, the burning only worsened the more he was touched as if his body knew there was someone close for him to feed on.

Without another word shared the warmth of Asher's wet lips touched his own as they locked together. Raven's mind became clouded by the regret but the burning was already leaving his body as his mouth moved on it's own to the way Asher was kissing him. He couldn't stop the sensation he felt pulsing through his body from being relieved of his pain once again. He was content with what was happening at least until he felt Asher's grip around his waist turning them so that he could pull Raven closer while he supported himself on the wall.

Just like Carson Asher's hands were going where they pleased and with the burning no longer present Raven had regained his strength and able to move away. When he went to move however Asher pulled him closer tightening his grip so that Raven couldn't pull away from him.

Raven's brow narrowed with anger that this guy would try and hold him there while continuing to do as he pleased. Gasping for air he pulled his head back, "You bastard" Raven shouts hearing that his voice was still that of a woman's. He knew it was only a matter of time before he changed back.

"You don't want to leave now, we're just getting to know each other" Asher claimed as his grip moved lower on Raven's body rubbing and grasping him where he had never been touched before.

Raven snarled hearing his words and feeling his grip trying to prevent him from leaving. This attempt irritated him however Asher was nowhere near the same strength as Carson. It almost insulted him that someone like Asher would even try forcing him to stay, jerking back he balled up his fist and swung it right into Asher's stomach.

The second he made contact Asher grunted letting go of his grasp moving it to his stomach instead having not expected to be punched. The surprise actually knocked the wind out of him for the moment.

Raven stepped back as he couldn't help but watch Asher being curious when he would pass out, sure it would be any moment now, just like the others. However as Asher regained himself looking back over to Raven with a confused angered expression this sent fear down Raven's spin. He wasn't passing out yet and not only would he be angered by being punched but Raven feared he was about to change back into a male where Asher would be able to see him.

Panicking he picked up his bags and shambled to run away from him, more than willing to leave Asher there to pass out in the street alone. Without stopping he kept running in the rain further into the back roads of the stores with no destination in mind.

Leaning over as he ran out of breath he let out a sigh, "Ugh, what am I doing?" He groaned knowing that if he kept using his energy to run he would be wasting what he just gained to be a man again.

Standing up straight he realized his voice was his voice again, touching his stomach patting up his body to his face he chuckled with excitement to have his original body back. He was delighted by this but now he was lost with no idea of how he was going to get back home in this rain and without any money left for the bus. He was beginning to notice he really should start thinking things through more before going with his half thought out plans.

"Raven I lost sight of you when it began to rain, I'm by the store called 'Fast Sweets' I'll change back to my human form, meet me in the front before you get hurt." Menay's voice echoed through Raven's head.

Raven jumped surprised by the voice but he knew who it was right away feeling the fear from his day wash away to know that Menay was close enough to have been watching the whole time. Pushing the bras and underwear into his book bag he hid them there so that it wasn't so noticeable as to what he carried.

Looking up at the store he stood behind he was happy to see that the name was the very same that Menay mentioned he would be standing at waiting for him. With a smile he started walking up to the front of the store happy that all of this was almost over even if it took a turn that he didn't expect. Though he had fed off another student, which he hated, now he could relax and go home with Menay. At least until he saw Menay's angered expression glaring down at him when he rounded the corner.

"I told you to wait, you can't just act like a brat anymore you could have been hurt" He growled in an aggravated tone clearly upset that Raven had ran off alone.

Raven's eyes glanced him over for a moment seeing how drenched his clothes was he wondered just how long he was standing in the rain when he recalled Menay said he lost sight of him earlier. Though he was happy a moment ago Raven became agitated by the thought that if he was being watched the entire time he should have let him know sooner, "Why are you even here?" he snapped.

"Tsk" Menay hissed to Raven's attitude clearly ignoring the warning he gave about acting like a brat, "Of course it's because I was watching over you, like I'm supposed to" he responds in an arrogant manner clearly irritated by how the conversation had turned after being so worried.

Raven huffed crossing his arms finding irony in the comment, "You did a poor job of it" He grunts

"Well if you hadn't run off in the first place" Menay growled as he went to scold Raven but paused as he looked Raven over seeing him shiver slightly being wet and cold from the weather, "Raven... at least you're back to being a boy" he claimed calming down trying to see the bright side of what happened.

"Yeah" Raven mumbled looking down at himself not as enthused as he felt he should be to be a guy again, "Menay, nothing's ever going to be the same again is it?" he asked knowing the answer for himself.

Menay let out a sigh knowing answering him would do neither of them any good, "Raven, let's go back home before you really get sick" he claimed placing his forehead onto Raven's.

Raven looked up at him surprised by the sudden touch though it wasn't repulsive as Menay's forehead was surprisingly warm and comforting, "I don't get sick" he muttered trying to deny that he had calmed down because of Menay's touch.

"I know, come on I parked the car just around the block." He claimed pulling back from Raven as he began to walk in that direction.

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