It was unfortunate that Raven wasn't capable of growing up in a supportive environment to function like a normal young woman. Throughout her teen years she should have developed an understanding of befriending others, teasing others, or flirting with the other half. In her early 20s she should have already had a few experiments here and there. She wasn't accustomed to having such close ties with another. Giving and receiving affection was something she was unfamiliar with, but she was learning slowly, ever slowly. Raven was trying to learn as much as she possibly could in such a short time span. Touch was something she despised at such a young age. Touch equaled pain. It had taken so many tries from Tobi to show her that his touch would never harm her. In the back of the mind she couldn't get rid of the terrified thought, that this would be the time he would slap her, hit her, and harm her. He was out of control sometimes with his anger, and she knew, one day he would abuse her as her former pack did, but he proved her wrong. Not once was he ever mean to her. His touches were gentle, so uncommon and unbelievable, and yet she grew to love his touches. His fingers trailing along her grooved skin was rather comforting. He was being patient with her, giving her the time to test and process things, giving her the chance to see that as the touches grew from gentle affection to that primal and instinctual need for more, he gave her time to adjust and to enjoy. Yes, she was nervous, and she was shy, but she was also afraid...afraid that one day that he would harm her.

It was in her nature to be timid. It was typical of her to shy away from, well, anything. She was hidden deep within her shell, afraid to come out. Luckily Tobias knew how to gently lead her out and see that there was no need to hide herself away. Flirting and teasing was a new frontier for her. In the Ark she observed how others reacted, she listened to what they said, learning and watching what they do. Simple social customs, and not so simple social customs, was something she was starting to understand. Reading books and watching tv shows or movies could only get her so far, but actually seeing things in public helped her grasp what she could and should not do. Flirting, it would seem, was a good thing to do in a relationship. Raven was aware that flirting and teasing may not go so well with his other half, but when he was, as he was tonight, she was assured that he would understand what she was trying to do. She would not be trying this out if she knew it would fail. So, without hesitation, Raven boldly took that leap. Hearing her mate inhale a breath of air, she noticed how he flinched. For a moment she thought she did something wrong, and her eyes widen slightly as she slowly lifted her hand away. Seeing that crooked grin appear on his handsomely chiseled face, reassured her of all fears, happy to see that her attempt was met with approval. As his hand reached for her own she allowed him to press his lips firmly against her own, allowing him to deepen the kiss, and not willing to be outdone, she retaliated in turn.

As he broke the kiss her blue-grey eyes appeared darken as she looked intently into his own darkened golden gaze. His hands resting on either side of her neck, she watched as he leaned away, whispering his own response. Pink lips pulled back into a small smirk as she leaned forward and stole a quick kiss from him, one hand gently resting a top where the button should be to his pants. She tugged the bottom of his shirt ever so gently, almost as if silently encouraging him to prove her wrong. This was new ground, this teasing and flirting, and Raven was slowly starting to grasp as to why this was actually a good thing. Of course she made sure she looked presentable when they met the man in charge of the event. It was a wonderful thing, to finally know his last name, the name in which one day, might possibly be her own. As the topic led to the idea of having a decent meal on this particular date, she welcomed his arm wrapped around her waist, walking at his gate, leaning into him enjoying this touch. This particular touch showed everyone that she belonged at his side, that she was protected, and that she was his. Happily she took the plate he offered to her, noticing he passed the cutlery, one eye brow raising but she didn't say a thing. He wasn't allowed to use cutlery so it wasn't surprising that he wouldn't. Happily she grabbed for the white meat from the turkey, piling on some mash potatoes, and corn, and green beans. Raven hadn't eaten much since Tetradore's left, and it would seem tonight she was willing to eat, the girl putting more on her plate than usual.

Taking her place at his side to eat at the table she quietly dug into her meal. Slowly she ate one piece at a time, savoring the taste and flavor. After all she was accustomed to always being the one to cook meals. It was nice for a change to know what it was like to eat someone else's meal, even if it was all catered. As the speeches began she had already finished her meal, clapping softly and appearing as if she understood everything that was going on. When she felt the light squeeze upon her knee she turned to him and quietly got up to leave. Taking her hand into his own she moved beside him, not daring to look at anyone in the face. This was it. They were going to steal. Not borrow. They were going to steal. As he opened the room, she was pleased that the door was silent, quickly going inside. She could see an enormous pile of gifts upon the table, noticing the door that was on the other side of the room. Everything appeared so fine. She listened to him explain and when he turned off the lights, her eyes widen when she saw the crimson glowing lines. Whirling around her eyes and mouth were open in absolute shock, as a look of terror filled her eyes. This was ludicrous. Absolutely ludicrous! This was insane! They were going to get caught, they were going to be in trouble, they were SO going to go to jail. They were not going to be unscathed. Oh no, they were going to be scathed! There was no way, just no way. Her voice was a loud whisperer, understanding they were needing to be quiet, but oh if they were in another room and she was allowed to yell â€" she would be.

"Tobias Cain! Lasers...lasers...lasers! You want me to go through all of that!"

Seeing him just stand there was enough for her to understand he wasn't lying to her. This was it. This was true. Already her nerves were setting her off. She was terrified and anxious, and just...she just couldn't believe it! Her fingers instantly began to twist and turn around each other, as she stared worriedly at the lasers. There was a huge difference between running over wood and poles, with the terrain being sand. This was different. These were lasers. She knew well enough that if she misstep or jumped, they would be caught by the trigger of the alarm. There wasn't much time, she knew, and yet this was a lot to take in. She couldn't stay like this forever. With a heavy sigh she allowed the change to take over. Now that she was of proper size for him to get on her back, her ebony dial turned to him. With a heavy sigh she looked worriedly to her mate uncertain if they were really going to pull through this. Weakly her voice pressed into his own, the poor girl needing some comfort.

"You really think I can do this? What if I mess up and we get caught?"

Raven Clocksworth.