Starting To Believe

I do not own the Teen Titans or any or the DC characters.

Chapter 2: Surprise!

"Garfield, you'd better walk that dog. He has not walked properly for the whole week."

"Ys…I comn"

"And get off of that bed!" An authoritative male's voice hurried.

Garfield stood up, rubbed his eyes and changed his clothes. It was Saturday and the weather was perfect for a walk. As predicted, lots of his neighbors looked at the dog with strange eyes, but every time he would just grin and shoot them a polite 'Good morning'.

He would make them accept him, but if not… as if he cared!

Titan started to walk faster causing troubles to Garfield and as if it weren't enough, the phone rang… again. Now, he had learned his lesson, he went to the local park, tied the dog and returned the call.

"Hey Dick! 'sup?"

"Ammm.. you busy tomorrow tonight?"

(*)

"Oh, hi Raven!" An old lady greeted while sweeping her entrance. "Dear, where are you going so early on a Saturday?"

"Morning Mrs. Willson. Ammm… there are some errands I need to take care of." She managed to say while rushing to her private gate.

"Honey, let the girl be." Mr. Willson defended. Raven waved good-bye and left the private. "You know she's got it tough." The old man finished.

"Oh yes. That poor girl." The old lady commented as Raven disappeared in the distance.

Raven was far from friendly or outgoing, but if there was a person worth waiting at the airport that was her old best friend Kory Anders. Now, normally she would have refused, but since it had been a year since the last time they saw each other- and Kory almost begged for it- she found herself unable to decline and now there she was on her way to the International Airport.

After two hours, a tall red head girl came to sight. She spotted Raven and waved enthusiastically. She had, to Raven's surprise only one handbag and a big suitcase. She approached the taller girl who immediately put her arms around Raven.

"K- Kory.. no- please. You know- what I think about hugs."

"Oh friend! It's most glorious to see you!"

Raven gave a weak smile. "It is, Kory."

The way back home in the taxi was… interesting. Kory was that kind of girl who would just talk for hours. Now either it was a good thing for Raven, who preferred to remain quiet, or a bad thing for Raven, who loved silence. Anyway, it was so nice to see her old friend again. When they were at Raven's home, it was finally Raven's turn to speak.

"This is it." She said motioning to her one-story house. It was pretty big, considering she was the only one inhabiting the house. Two dorms at the back, each one with its bathroom. A small garden in the front and a small yard at the back. The rest of the house was a mix of the kitchen, dining room and living room altogether in a perfect harmony.

Kory smiled sadly. "It's probably too lonely."

Raven didn't react to her comment at all, instead she kept walking. "May I show you your room?" Kory followed. "How is that you only brought a suitcase and your hand bag?" The shorter girl inquired.

Kory grinned widely causing Raven to sweatdrop. "Shopping!"

Somewhere else...

"…So, I'm sorry that I told you just now. Today she'll be arriving to Jump city, but she told me she was going to live with a friend. She needs to go, install herself, and rest for today. But tomorrow, we'll go out. So, at night, we'll give her the surprise. I also asked Victor."

"Sounds good to me, Richard." Garfield said with his signature smile. "So, it's been a year already, huh?"

"Yeah..."

Richard was preparing the surprise party for his girlfriend who had been overseas studying the first year of College. Now she was returning for good. Garfield was there to help out.

"You sure you want to invite Roy? Remember he used to like Kory."

Richard smirked. "That's why he's coming. To rub it in his silly face."

"Oh, come on! You two were always competing, but this…?"

"I'm kidding. Kory's no prize or anything. Roy never held a grudge nor did I. And as far as I know, he's got a girlfriend too. So, why not?"

"Great! He's cool. Oh and what about….."

They continued making phone calls and arrangements for Kory's surprise party. He invited all of their mutual friends: Roy Harper, Wally West, Garth, Kole Weathers, Megan Morse and of course Garfield. They were all high school friends which didn't include Victor, but since they had become really good friends he decided to invite him and his girlfriend Karen.

"Well. I think everything's ready for the big day!" Garfield said satisfied.

"I think it is." Richard smiled.

"So, where is she staying, dude?"

"She said she would live for a while with an old friend."

"Huh… she pretty?" Richard glared at him but Gar just laughed. "Just kidding, you know I don't do that anymore."

Then Richard drew a hand under his chin. "I'm not sure if I understood correctly, but I think she is in our same University."

"Is she?" Garfield asked vaguely. "Well, too bad we don't know her. We could have invited her to the party."

Richard just shrugged.

Garfield glanced at his watch and stood up. "I told my parents I would be there for dinner so… see you tomorrow, Dick. And good luck."

Next afternoon...

"Oh I'm most excited! Today I will finally see Richard." Kory was jumping up and down then she suddenly froze. "Oh no. What should I wear?!"

Raven put down her tea and glanced at her quirking an eyebrow. "Seriously. Out of all the clothes you dragged me to buy with you, and some of them even trying them myself, you've got nothing to wear?"

"But I don't know the circumstances, I don't know if we're just going for a walk or maybe to one of those expensive places for dinner, or perhaps a club-"

Raven gently put a hand over her mouth. "Kory, you're causing me a headache." She said massaging her temple with her free hand. "Just take something casual but elegant and you'll be fine. He's probably thinking the same. Why don't you take an extra pair of shoes? Just to be prepared."

"Perhaps you are right!" Then Kory came out with an idea. "Don't you want to meet him?!" She asked with hope in her eyes.

Raven smiled but said no with her head. "I do, but today's your day. Enjoy yourself and there are going to be other days to meet him."

By the City Hall's Clock...

Richard was getting uneasy. Boy, was he nervous! But Kory was just as excited. After a year of long phone calls and some chatting online, they were finally going to see each other in person.

There he was, wearing a casual outfit, just as Raven predicted. He glanced at his watch for the millionth time when a gentle hand rested on his shoulder. He looked up only to find a pair of deep green eyes and a shy smile. Richard found his mouth unable to move, so his arms did. He hugged her as if there was no tomorrow and she giggled while hugging back. How he had missed her, after all it was Kory Andres, sweetness and beauty all perfectly combined, she was about to say something when he passionately pressed his lips to hers.

When they finally separated, not too soon, they started talking then walking, and everything seemed just perfect. Everything she said was exciting and her happiness was contagious. But sooner than he expected, the time to put his plan into action came.

Unnoticed by Kory, he sent a message to Garfield to start the show.

"So…" He cleared his throat. "Where do you wanna go for dinner?" [Phone ringing] "Ammm… excuse me…" He answered. "Sorry Gar, today… Yeah but don't you remember I was going to meet Kory to- WHAT! Are you alright? I- I'll be there."

"Amm, Kory. I don't know what happ-"

"Oh no! Is our friend Garfield alright?!" She put her hand upon her lips in angst. "Let us go, hurry!"

Kory started walking ahead. She didn't even know what was going on but she was worried about one of her oldest friends too. Richard stayed behind and just smiled in amazement. She really cared about her friends. How he loved that woman!

When they finally got there, Kory knocked furiously at the door.

"Please, open up. It's me, Kory!"

To her surprise the door was open, and when she walked in…

"Surprisee!"

"SURPRISE!"

She was really taken aback and found herself open mouthed not completely realizing what was going on. Then Richard came from behind and held her hand. "Welcome back Kory." He whispered.

Her eyes were watering from happiness but it soon faded as her friends were all surrounding her hugging her and making her laugh.

"Kory." Richard interrupted. "I want you to meet Victor…" And so the introducing started. "… And this is Karen…"

That was going to be a great night!

They started talking, laughing and then making questions about her journey.

"… Oh, indeed. It was beautiful!" Kory was being asked about the city she lived in. "Specially the malls." She giggled and so did the other girls. Then they stood up together to dance to the rhythm playing in the background.

Richard came by later and asked for her attention. "I'm sorry I didn't take you out for dinner." He smiled.

"Dick! This is the best present you could ever give me! I'm having so much fun!"

"Well.. I did all the hard work." Garfield approached shortly after and rested an arm on Richard's shoulder. Then he turned to Kory. "You are staying for a while longer, right?"

"Yes. I-" She gasped suddenly worried. "Just let me call Raven!"

Garfield shook his head. "Raven?"

"My roommate. I need to let her know."

"Why don't you invite her?" Richard suggested.

"Of course I will. But I'm sure she's not coming. She's quiet the reserved girl."

Garfield couldn't help but thinking it was just a coincidence but… Reserved girl, from same College, named Raven? That was too much for coincidences.

Kory took the phone and dialed her number.

"Oh. Good evening Raven! Guess what-?" She stopped. "Oh, sorry I interrupted your meditation…"

He chuckled to himself at this. He was a 99% sure she was talking about the same Raven he met a few days ago. What were the odds? He couldn't help but imagine Raven annoyed posture on the other side.

"Richard organized a surprise party for me! Isn't it wonderful? Anyway, I wanted you to know and, well you are most welcome to come if you… Oh." Kory's smile disappeared and Garfield decided to break in. He without warning took the phone from her hands and drew it to his ear.

"Hi! Garfield here."

Raven held the phone further in surprise blinking a few times, then put it back. "Who?"

Garfield chuckled recognizing her voice. "You know… From College… charismatic guy, really handsome and athletic…"

"You forgot annoying."

"Come on, Rae, you should come!" Kory and Richard glanced at one another in confusion. "The party's just started. It'll be fun. Kory's here, Richard's a great guy and I'm sure you'll like the rest of us."

"You've got the wrong girl. I don't do fun. And my name's Raven!"

"Well, then don't do it for the fun, do it for Kory! You'll finally get to know Richard in person. You had to do it anyway and Kory will be truly happy." Kory smiled at this point glad to have such nice friends. "C'mon. It's her welcome party!"

"It sounds appealing but-"

"No buts! Tell you what… we'll go find you at your place in… ten minutes! K? You can't miss this!"

With no chance to respond, Garfield hung up smiled for a second, then looked back at his friends puzzled faces. "Aaamm.. sorry about that!" He sheepishly rubbed the back of his head.

"Oh no! That is so appreciated! Thanks for convincing her over. Let me show you the way!" She started to walk to the entrance followed by Garfield.

Richard scratched his forehead in confusion but followed anyways, then announced. "Guys, we'll be back in a few minutes! Please enjoy the party!"

And for you guys, I hope you're enjoying the party, I mean, the story too n.n

BBRae is in the making.

Thanks for reading. Ü