Always Been You
Chapter 1: Fond Memories
By: Little Creature
Disclaimer: I do not own the Teen Titans or anything associated with them in the past or present, blah, blah, blah...
"Did you hear?"
Tim turned to face the large African American teenager that had come from behind. He was at least a foot taller than him. At least. Captain of the football team. Called Steel Warrior.
"About what?" He asked knowing perfectly well what Victor was referring to.
"Don't play dumb. You're girl's back." He laughed.
"My girl never left. Kori's in the gym."
Victor laughed again as he gleefully smacked Tim on the back before returning to his team.
That left Tim alone. Alone with his thoughts. There had been rumors before about her coming back. Seven different times to be exact. He had been keeping track. Not intentionally really. It just happened. And each time he was disappointed. They had all turned out to be just been rumors. So what made this one different? The excitement in the school. Every one was in a frenzy, waiting to catch a glimpse of the once, very popular, very powerful, very beautiful young woman.
She had been everything the student body loved. Intelligent, witty, quick, strong… and what's more, she was all his. More or less. For three years they were on again, off again. But mostly on again. They were the favored couple. More than that. They were their class officers. President, vice president. She was the captain of the cheerleaders. The school's voice. He was her opposite. Her counter in every way. Where she gave a 'yay' he gave a 'nay'. But they complimented each other wholly. She had a dark wild side, where he was relaxed and patient.
But what the schooled loved the most about them, was their level of accomplishment. Everything they did, together, was a huge success. They stunned the school, student body and staff alike.
He was completely infatuated with her. The look in his eyes when they were together said it all. The way he looked at her with the most adoring innocent puppy love had the school in awe. She was his world. His breath.
And when she moved away, every one was devastated. But none as bad as he. He was crushed.
That was over two years ago. And now, in their senior year of high school, she returns. But what is Tim to do? He's been with Kori now for almost seven months.
"Yo, Tim."
Tim came out of his daze to see the teen with green hair standing in front of him with a devious smirk. Tim could only imagine what was coming next.
"I just talked to Bee. Apparently your girl is back in action. She'll be making her first appearance here tomorrow."
Tim shook his head. "Why are you telling me this? Did you forget about Star?"
The smile Gar wore faded a bit. "I guess. But you can't really expect anyone to believe that you plan on staying with her now that Rae's back."
Tim rolled his eyes. Leave it to Garfield Logan to speak the truth that was on everyone's mind. "We broke up a while ago. There is no 'us' anymore."
"I've heard those words before. You don't actually think we'll believe them, do you?"
Tim turned to see much of Raven's old cheerleading girls standing there. Kara, Donna, Kendra, Karen and Libby. The best of the old cheerleading squad. Raven's crew. Only two were missing.
"Believe it this time. It's been two years." Tim stated.
Libby laughed. "What's your point? We've seen you in huge fights where she was ready to rip you to shreds, and the best party ever seen around here came out of that."
"Yeah, remember the time they broke up because they were spending too much time together?" Karen asked. "The next weekend they set up a car wash. Our class made twenty-three hundred dollars in three hours."
"With your history, you'll be back together by the end of the week." Donna chuckled.
"Yeah, admit it. You're still crazy about her. You know it." Kara said as they turned to leave.
Tim scowled at them as they left.
"They have a point."
Tim turned to see Gar still standing there. Honestly, he had forgotten all about him. "Give it up, Gar. I'm happy with Star. I would never leave her." He said as he walked away.
But as he did, he questioned his own sincerity. In the times they had broken up all those years ago, and dated others, they always wound up together again. Right up till the day she left. Even now, all the old memories of her, of them together were flooding his mind. He found himself smiling. Remembering their first kiss. Their first hug. The way she would look at him when he would say something cocky. Her attitude when he was being annoying. Her blush when he would say something cute. The way she would swat his hand away from her hair in the morning. Oh, how he loved to run his hands through her soft black hair. And how it aggravated her that he would want to be with her all the time.
He remembered her voice over the phone as they said good night every evening. How she would give him that 'come and get me' grin from behind her schoolbooks walking down the hall. How he would get lost in her eyes while they danced. Entranced in her scent while they stood close.
He remembered the softness of her hand across his cheek. How fragile her small body seemed while being tossed in the air during cheerleading. Her demanding, quiet voice always getting the results she was after. She was his everything.
And that's what he kept reminding himself. Was. Not anymore. He had moved on. He was with Star now. Star was beautiful. She had moved here last year. They had been together ever since February vacation that year. Her hair fell to her lower back and was fiery red in color. Her eyes were huge green orbs that seemed to glow when feeling anything particularly strong. She was a few inches taller than just about every boy in the school. Only few exceptions, he was not one.
Tim shook his head and started back towards the school from the football field. He couldn't help but notice all the groups that were gathered around, like usual. But today they were huddled and talking quite quietly. They would eye him with curiosity. Some would smile. Some would giggle. Others just watched strangely.
He paid them no attention as he passed through the front doors. There were signs going up all over. The homecoming dance was well underway. Star was on the committee. That is where she is now.
And that's when it struck him. That's what all the attention was about. Now that Raven was back, they were all expecting them to get together and plan the dance just like they had in the past.
"Not going to happen." Tim mumbled to himself. That ship had sailed. Once she left, he got out of every extra curricular activity except sports. Even then, he was choosy on which he'd participate in.
"It's not healthy to talk to yourself. Its one of the first signs that you're going insane."
Tim smiled. He hadn't heard that voice in a long time. He stopped in his tracks and turned to see the short pink haired girl standing in front of him with a devilish smile.
"Hey Jen." He greeted his ex-girlfriends best friend.
"Hey yourself." She said back with her grin.
"Where you headed?" He asked.
"Same place you are. The gym. Walk with me?" She asked innocently.
Tim narrowed his eyes. Jen was mischievous. She had been anyways. In his giving up his old habits, anything that reminded him of Raven, he had stopped talking to Jen so much too. "Alright."
He turned and Jen linked her arm in his. Another tradition he let go of.
"Have you heard the news?" Jen asked.
"Raven's back. I heard. Believe me, I heard." He said with a chuckle.
"Ah, yes. But I was not referring to Raven."
Tim winced. Great, now I sound eager. He thought.
Jen laughed. "I figured you'd been told. I was actually talking about the game. We play Bounty Boys this year. Just like three years ago."
Tim nodded. "I heard that too."
They walked the halls in silence. Jen felt his uneasiness. And knew what it was about. She felt the same way last week when she got the call from Raven saying she'd be there in two days. She was overwhelmed. So many questions flooding her mind. Would they still be best friends? Had she changed? Would they still have the same interests in common?
Jen waited nervously on Raven's doorstep as the time slowly approached. Soon she would see her best friend in person for the first time in two long years. The car pulled up. Jen stood. She found herself holding her breath and her hands were fidgeting nervously. The young fifteen year old, with long black shiny hair and a thin shapeless body didn't step out. In her place came a dark teenager with short purple hair. She had more than grown up in their time apart. She had changed quite a bit appearance wise. Her eyes were still a deep violet, vividly bottomless. Her once girlish figure was replaced with that of a young woman's. She still stood pretty short, not more than five foot four. She didn't smile. Her look was dark, mysterious, creepy.
For a minute, time seemed to stand still. Jen waited to see how Raven would react. She had changed too. Once Raven's double, now completely different. Still pink hair and pink eyes stole most of the attention from her tiny petit curves. And she was at least three inches shorter than Raven. She had also taken on the dark role. Not quite goth, but not preppy or school-like either.
Raven took a few steps towards her and Jen couldn't fight it anymore. She broke out in a run and collided with Raven. She wrapped her arms around Raven's neck and clutched her in a tight hug all the while trying to hold off tears. Much to her relief, Raven reacted in the same way. She clung tight to Jen's warm embrace. That night they talked for hours, just as they always had.
"You know, she has changed. But she's still the same Raven."
Tim didn't acknowledge her statement.
"It's ok to miss her. We all missed her. Probably not as much as you and I. But we all missed her."
"I did miss her. But I'm over her now."
Jen laughed a little. Tim looked to her. "Why is it that I've gotten that response from every one when I say that?"
They stopped in front of the door to the gymnasium. Jen unlinked her arm from his and faced him. "Because you may be trying to convince yourself… but you're not fooling the rest of us."
With a small smile, Jen walked through the doors leaving Tim with a frown. He couldn't help but wonder if they were all right.
Tim watched through the door as Jen skipped over to the others. Her normal clique stood and greeted her. He watched them for a while. Then he looked to Star. She knelt on the floor painting a large banner with a few of her close friends. Her best friend being Terra. They were complete opposites. Tim couldn't help but wonder why they were friends.
After a few silent minutes in which Tim studied them all, he walked in. Star looked up and greeted him with a wide, model-like smile. She had perfect teeth and the most wonderfully tanned skin. So tanned in fact that she looked to be slightly orange. But it suited her. There was no questioning it… Star was gorgeous.
Tim found himself looking around the room. Searching the familiar faces for one in particular. He knew she wouldn't be here. But that was ok. She was here in memory.
He blinked and the room turned from a brightly lit gym with the dance committee hard at work, to a dimly lit after party that he and Raven had put together. And in the far corner was the wonderful Raven. She sat gracefully on the top of the table with her feet in the chair. She leaned back on one hand while the other lie on her leg. Jen sat on the back of the chair and her feet in the chair with Raven's. They faced each other and were involved in a light giggle-fest.
That is until the younger version of himself came strolling up. Their conversation stopped as Raven turned to him with a soft smile. The smile that made his breath catch in his throat every time he saw it. He walked to her taking her hand in his. His lips moved with silent words. The words that were echoing in his mind.
"You look amazing."
"Only for you." She said back.
He pulled her closer and kissed her gently. Her touch sent a shudder through his body. That same shudder passed through him now.
In an other blink, the dimly lit gym faded into the gym decorated for Valentines Day. The same black-haired beauty sat surrounded by her squad. All clad in their uniforms for the recent pep rally. And there walks Tim. The crowd parted allowing him entrance to her. Raven turned to look at him with cold eyes. Their last big fight before she left. Again the words echoed through his mind.
"Leave me alone, Tim. I don't want to see you right now."
"Raven, talk to me please."
"I have nothing more to say. Go find your new 'princess'. I'm done with you Timothy Drake."
The words still stung even in memory. She dumped him on Valentine's Day. But it was his fault. He had been unknowingly flirting with another, trying to get her attention. In the mean time, he was pushing Raven away without realizing it.
The memory faded as another came. Raven stood in an empty gymnasium. The natural light from the sun shown in majestically around her, framing her like a statue in an art gallery. The music started as Tim came in from behind. The words came again as an echo as he sung to her.
"…Hold me now After all that we've been through
It's hard for me to say I'm sorry
I just want you to stay
I will make it up to you, I promise you
And after all that's been said and done
You're just a part of me I can't let go…"
The memory faded by the tugging on his arm. "Timmy, Timmy. Are you alright?"
After a few mindless blinks he focused on the now. Star stood in front of him with a concerned look. "Is everything alright, Timmy?" She asked again.
With a deep breath he smiled a little. "I'm fine. Just caught up in thought. How's the dance coming?"
Star's concern faded and excitement spilled from her. "Oh, it is going greatly. I am pleased to say that this dance shall be a hit." She beamed.
Tim smiled again and nodded. "Listen, Kor. I'm going to get home. There some things I need to get done before tomorrow."
Star smiled. "Sure." She kissed him on the cheek. "You will call me tonight?"
Tim nodded again.
"Ok. Be safe." And she bounced off after placing a tender kiss on his lips.
Tim watched her for a minute before turning out the door. But not so fast that he didn't catch the look from Jen. Their eyes met briefly. He knew what she was saying to him. 'You know you're dying to see her. She hasn't been off your mind for five minutes since you heard she was really back. Admit it.'
Tim ran both hands through his hair before adjusting his bag on his back. He took the long route home. The route that inadvertently brought him by Raven's house. The house seemed empty. No one was home. Tim some how found himself fill with sorrow. But he was relieved at the same time. What would he have said to her? Would he even recognize her? Jen said she had changed, what did she mean?
Tim forced himself to move on. On his way he scolded himself for even going this route. He was over her. They were finished. Done.
The day was warm. A typical September day. Tim stood at the bleachers waiting for Victor and Gar. Vic showed first.
"You know man, I'm beginning to think graduation is too close."
Tim nodded. High school wasn't too far from ending. "I know. I almost wish it wouldn't end. I like having no responsibilities."
Vic chuckled. "For someone with no responsibilities, you are far from dependant. You must have the most out of anyone in the school."
Tim smirked. "Yea, well…"
"Dude!"
Tim and Vic turned to see Gar jogging towards them. He had a large grin. His eyes were wide with mischief.
"Dude," He repeated once in front of them. "I just saw her. Man are you in for a surprise."
Tim just blinked a few times.
"Jen wasn't kidding when she said changed. She is HOT!"
Vic turned to watch the door. No unusual activity so far.
Tim shrugged and headed for the school, making it a point not to look around. Not that he needed to. He was being watched with every move he made. The conversation died out while he was in hearing distance and then arose again when he had passed. Tim rolled his eyes as he made a direct route to his first class. Fifteen minutes early.
He had made it through almost the whole day with no sign of her. He began to think it was just another rumor. And when the last bell rang, he figured he was home free. A quick visit with Star and he would head home to the safety of his room.
Tim made a pit stop at his locker to find a note tapped there. His heart stopped briefly as he imagined all the possibilities. He opened it carefully and annoyingly slow.
Timmy-I accompanied Terra to her house after school to help with a project. I will try my best to be home for your call tonight.
Take care. I miss you.
Kori A.
Tim sighed. Star. A note from Star.
Forgetting that he needed to empty his bag into his locker, he pocketed the note and headed for the door to meet Vic and Gar for their walk home. Before exiting the building Tim made a quick sweep of the grounds for unusual activity. Finding none, he located his friends. They stood to the side of the building. Vic was leaning against it with his arms folded on his chest. Gar was checking out a few sophomores on their way by with his hands in his pockets.
Tim smirked at them as he made his way over.
"It's about time. Let's get outta here." Gar said heading towards Tim. Vic pushed himself off the wall.
They began their way across the football field. Halfway across, Tim noticed the group of girls headed towards them. But he paid no attention. He kept his hands in his pockets as he walked and faced ahead for the most part. Until he recognized the group. Kara, Karen, Libby, Kendra and Donna.
Tim held his breath as he scanned the group for a glimpse of her. But there were only five of them. No others. He let out his disappointment as they continued on their way.
Vic and Gar were on either side of him consumed in some mindless discussion on whether this dance would be a success or a bust. Tim lost himself in his own world. They stopped at the crosswalk and waited for the walk sign to signify their path was clear.
Then he noticed his two sidekicks were hushed and staring ahead.
Tim looked between the two of them before following their gaze across the road. The familiar pink hair of Jen crossed their path on the other side of the street. Accompanied by none other than Raven. The Raven. They walked by giving no notice of them whatsoever. As hard as Tim tried to look away, his eyes were glued to her.
Her hair was no longer to her mid back and a sleek black. Now jaw length and dark purple. Her slender body was now very lady-like and curvaceous. Her normal everyday casual clothing was replaced by dark colors. She wore a black skirt that only just fell past her behind and a tight midnight blue top. It covered her mid drift but was low cut in the front and back. No sleeves. She wore black combat boots and a chrome chain around her neck.
They had passed them completely now. Just rounding the corner ahead, Raven glanced to him. Not a hidden glance. Their eyes met and held. Her same deep violet to his hard blue. The world seemed to move in slow motion. Her two strides it took to round the corner seemed to take ten minutes. Before she disappeared completely, she graced him with the tiniest trace of a smile. And she was gone.
Tim watched the place where she had gone. He fought with all his might the urge to run after her. Finding it hard to breath, Tim realized he had been holding his breath. He exhaled and crossed the street with his now silent friends trailing along beside him.
That was it. He had seen her. She was everything he remembered and so much more.
No i have not given up on Promised, be patient. needed a new outlet.
-LC