"And the walls kept tumbling down in the city that we love; great clouds roll over the hills, bringing darkness from above." Just a line from a song.
Right?
Raven had always been into the darker music that wasn't quite as uplifting and joyful as Starfire's ideal music about love and good times. It wasn't that she didn't enjoy having good days like those described in the songs, it was just in her nature. The half-demon, though kind and pure-hearted, much preferred shadow to sun and silence to sound. A song called "Pompeii" was her newest favorite, and she listened to it during her meditations. It had a sort of rural, old tribal vibe to it, and she appreciated those themes, so naturally was engrossed in it; entranced by it. A brilliant author of music, she thought. Sitting in mid-air this afternoon, Raven began to play the song. The music played at a low volume, not nearly loud enough to drown out Starfire's loud, excited voice calling her name. Without moving or opening her eyes, Raven used her powers to encase her door in dark energy and pull it open to let Starfire in. "Yes, Starfire?" The empath asked. The alien flew into the room with a plate full of something or another, likely a Tameranean special. She never knew what the redhead's dishes were until told. "Would you like to taste my attempt at the American dish of 'pasta'?" Raven opened her eyes in order to see the fresh so-called pasta she was being offered. It looked so, so... right. Was Starfire finally getting used to American customs and learning properly? Raven took the plate from her teammate as well as the offered fork, taking a small bite. She wished she had taken a larger one. "This is really good, Starfire." Raven complimented, amazed. Starfire beamed brightly. "Oh, glorious! I'm so glad! I finally completed an Earth dish correctly!" Raven nodded in agreement. "Come," the alien grabbed Raven's wrist. "Help me to encourage the others to taste it!" After pausing her music, Raven stepped onto solid ground and ate her plate of pasta as they left her room to go downstairs to the kitchenette, where the rest of the group was, wondering what the mess Starfire had left in the kitchen was for. With the sight of Raven actually eating the food as proof it was edible, the three boys willingly took a plate each and tried it and were amazed by her success. "Wow, Star," Robin smiled after swallowing. "Who taught you?" He asked a tad quietly, afraid of hurting her feelings. But Starfire was in too high of spirits for that question to even register as a possible insult. "I read, and strictly followed the directions of which were required." She told him with a grin. "Either way," Beast Boy chuckled, happily eating the offered food made by their (once) second-worst cook. "Great job, Star." The alien girl clasped her hands and pulled up her knees, floating in her joy. "Thank you, friends!" She said after seeing Cyborg nod in agreement, his mouth full. Raven stood behind everyone sitting at the bar table, proud of her friend. Finally, Starfire was starting to understand, to learn. Things were going well; they hadn't had work in over a week, even. Perhaps, given the time to focus without work on her mind, that was why Starfire had managed this success. Yet... Violet eyes settled on Beast Boy. A whispered, "did you have a hand in this?" gave away to the green-skinned boy that the empath doubted this was really happening of Starfire's sole doing. "Of course not," He said in return, sincere - she could tell. "This is amazing, huh?" He said with that silly grin of his. "Starfire finally understands..." Raven spoke softly to herself, looking down at the tile as she hid beneath her cloak. After everything they had been through... they had never left. Looking up, Raven actually smiled. "I'd like seconds." Starfire nodded happily.

It was the weekend, and Beast Boy was trying to get everyone to go to a local party to celebrate Starfire's cooking, which really was a feat for the alien they knew and loved so, despite her quirks. Everyone, except Raven, right away agreed. But with a pout from Starfire, Raven caved and agreed as well. So the team, all save for Cyborg who was a bit bummed out, went shopping for new clothes. It wasn't a formal party by any means, but now, they couldn't really go in their uniforms. Everyone would be in no such mindset to enjoy themselves, even Robin admitted that. But the mask, he made sure to clarify, wasn't coming off. Robin wore black jeans and a brown t-shirt with a pattern of a bird on the front. Beast Boy wore a purple t-shirt and black slacks, still wearing his grey gloves; perhaps it was a habit to keep him comfortable? Either way, he added a black fedora with a navy blue stripe to the outfit and black sneakers. Starfire had so joyfully scored a bright red, no-sleeve dress that ruffled at the bottom, at her ankles. Raven was refusing to change out of her cloak.

"Please?" Starfire asked Raven again with pleading eyes. "It can be anything, just not your uniform!" The redhead practically begged. "No." Raven said firmly. The empath then had to face Starfire's puppy-dog eyes. She lost. "Fine," the half-demon agreed. "Oh, I have the joy!" Starfire threw her arms around Raven, crushing her in a hug with her strength that far exceeded even Raven's. "Thank you, friend Raven!" She thanked profusely. Raven's eyes fell narrow and un-amused. "Starfire. You're crushing me. And touching me." She breathed, "Please stop."
"Oh, yes." The Titan released her half-blood friend quickly. "Come! We shall find you a beautiful blue dress!" She suggested, whisking Raven away into the women's section of the clothing store.

Three long hours later, all of the Titans were at the mentioned party Beast Boy had led them to. Even Raven, who ultimately was in a dark blue dress that exposed her shoulders, and only fell as low as her knees. It zipped up in the back. Clearly, Starfire had picked it out for the grey-skinned female, as well as the white, inch-high heels she was adorning. But, truth be told, she wore them brilliantly. Beast Boy turned to the group and clenched both fists. "So! Are we all ready for a real great party?" Beast Boy asked his friends - his family - with a smile. Everyone nodded, even the reluctant member, Raven. Inside the building it was loud, lights were flashing, and music was booming, reverberating in their heads. All except Raven were instantly off mingling, having their fun. Beast Boy, however, noticed Raven's absence. She disappeared well in these kind of dark places, but he could always find her. She stood alone in a corner by the entrance. Had she stopped all the way back there? Soon, her teammate was in front of her, extending a grey-gloved hand to her. "Wanna dance?" He asked with a sweet smile. Raven blinked in slight surprise. "With you?" Beast Boy's smile twitched, showing that he had taken offense. "Yeah, sure, with me. Why not?" He asked, never losing his signature smile. A grey-skinned hand slowly travelled through the air, grasping the younger boy's hand, their fingers meshing as he started to lead her away from that depressing corner and onto the dance floor. Taking position to dance, the two began slow, then picked up speed to match the playing song. They both did incredibly well, perfectly in sync with each other, like they had done this many times before. It was thanks to their fighting, they knew each other's foot work well, and how to only compliment those movements to aid in battle. So this came as instinct now.

"Where did you learn to dance, Garfield?" Raven asked. Beast Boy blushed when she spoke his real name, looking at her nervously. "Shh," he chided softly. "I danced with my mom from time to time, when we weren't with the animals." He explained. "And combat practice kind of helps you be light on your feet." He added. Raven, again, only blinked at first. "I wouldn't have guessed that." She admitted. "Do you miss your mother?" Silence was at first her answer, but Beast Boy's smile never faded away. "Yeah, but you know, I have a new family. You guys." Raven cracked a small smile, tilting down her head. "I'm glad we mean so much to you, Garfield." She whispered his name. "I'm glad you guys are in my life." He said in appreciation. Raven's features became gentle rather than firm and strict. "I-" She began to speak; but then the walls came tumbling down.