"Sure..." Came the monotone reply. Choked surprise.
"Truely?" Her voice was at least an octave higher than normal.
"Do you really want to pass this up?" She thickly veiled her amusement. Starfire would understand. That's what Starfire was good at, and Raven herself could use a little understanding every once in a while.
"We can go to the bookstore in the mall. And the quaint shop of coffe that you enjoy. I will have Cyborg program some holo-rings to use as discuises." Starfire's words were rushed with it was, on que. An offer to go to the mall (one Starfire most obviously expected her to refuse) instantly became something that she would actually enjoy doing. It shifted into something that wasn't even a trip to the mall! The bookstore, one of Raven's most famous haunts. The coffee shop, small, quiet and out of the way of prying eyes. And the discuises. Starfire knew her hate of large flocking crowds, her despise of being in the midst of a throng of people.
This was the kind of thing that made her want to open up to Starfire, to show a side that she didn't allow to come out. One that she hid at any cost. Spells, magic and sorcery to help keep in control. Constant meditation and solitude. When Starfire came along, it seemed like she could forget about that, if just for a few mintues, and be normal.
Not that any of the people she spent her time with could, by any means, be considered normal. Cyborg, and his obvious mechanics and his big heart. Beast Boy with his green skin and his adversion to meat. Robin and his hard, macho facad and sensitive past. And, of course, Starfire. The girl shone in more ways than one, and her looks were impossible to hide.
"Forget the holo-rings. Lets go get manicures." Starfire's jaw shot down like an anchor in the sea.
"You...You are sure?" She wouldn't insult Raven by asking her if she was feeling just right, but she was clearly baffled, the poor thing. Raven took pity. Her hand shot out and snaked around Starfire's. She quickly transported them to her own room, rather than having this conversation in the middle of the hallway, where eavesdroppers were sure to be lurking.
"Raven, is everything-"
"I just want to try something different, okay?" Raven decided then, this was the turning point. No more hiding. She had sent Starfire away, saddened and disheartened more times than she could count. She had locked out a willing and adament friend one too many times. Starfire had taken to asking other Titan girls to go with her. She would always invite Raven, had always hoped, but had always been denied this access. It was a big step for both.
"Of course."She said politely. "If there is anything you wish to speak of, I-"
Raven cut her off again "Soon, I might just take you up on that."
Starfire could no longer hold back. Though she knew Raven was loathe to physical contact, she could not stop herself. This was more than she had ever dreamed Raven would say. She threw herself at Raven and clasped her with the alien strength hug she was infamous for.
Raven sighed. She could not believe she did not see that coming.
With a squeel of delight Starfire exclaimed, "Oh Raven, this is most wonderful! I cannot wait!"
Raven smiled, just the barest hint of something.
Starfire emmulated the kind of person she admired (though she'd never admit so, especially in the presence of a certain changeling). Though she knew she'd never be nearly as expressive as Starfire, never so outward, energetic or forward.
Starfire made to leave, weaving and bobbing through the air in happiness. "I'm looking forward to it, Starfire."
"As am I!" She left promtly, but not without sneaking a final hug. Raven hugged back, for once. They stayed that way for a short moment, before Starfire whispered, "I have always wanted a sister." Then Starfire, beaming and happy as a clam, swooped out, most likely to spread the news.
Raven stood for a moment, contemplating her new resolution to reach out, and not to let life pass without enjoying it. "Me too." She mumered quietly, wrapping herself in her cloak, and reaching for her things.
This would be a good day, she could feel it. This would, afterall, be the first time she went out with her sister.