Alright, alright. I got some convincing arguments from a few FanFiction friends (especially my loyal reader TeenTitansGirl), so I've decided to make this a full length story. Not completely sure where this is going, so don't trust me when I say that it will ONLY be a short story, no more than four or five chapters wrong, okay? And don't be surprised if the chapters are absurdly short! I generally go for a nice, hm, twenty page chapter, but I'm in a hurry to post things, and working on much more than my love for FanFiction. Now, I'd also like to mention that there will be angst, romance, and a whole bunch of bad language. If you're okay with that, then keep reading (please?) but if you are not, I recommend leaving now. On a third note, I do not own the Teen Titans or anything related to DC Comics, though I wish I did and will one day buy them (except for Superman. Marvel can have him). Now, for those who actually read the lengthy author's note: President Zachary Taylor died from eating cold cherries and iced milk. Chew on THAT, why dontcha?
Chapter Two: The Trickle Down Effect
She could not believe that she was doing this. She was understandably frustrated – what the hell did casual mean? Casual for her was her Titan uniform – apparently not normal attire for a teenage girl. She sighed; jeans and a tee shirt would have to do.
She pulled on her jeans – Starfire forced her to buy those dreaded type, oh what were they? Skinny jeans? She hated them with a fury so painful that it belonged in Hades with her father. A plain black top sufficed and a pair of red Chuck Taylors would have to do as well. He wanted casual? He'd get casual! She stepped in front of her full length mirror, tugging on a lock of her purple hair. She frowned and then exited her candle lit room, mildly satisfied with her appearance. She considered what she was doing as she made her way to the common room, stopping in her tracks when she realized that Beast Boy had returned from his wild excursion. He was playing Monkey Ninja Speed Racer, his game of choice, and did not seem to notice her at first. She was surprised – she hadn't heard him return.
The changling's ears twitched and he glanced up, catching the eyes of the Titan's resident sorceress. His ears – so feline in appearance – perked up as he saw her, dressed down. His mouth parted in shock. "Raven?" he asked incredulously. She felt the blood rush to her cheeks but said nothing, still making her way toward her freedom – the front door.
"You look…weird." This kind statement came from the green skinned changeling and Raven wasn't shocked. She barely wore anything other hand her uniform. She had a closet full of clothes that she had bought with the overly-enthusiastic Starfire, but had never worn most of them. From stripper clothes to a schoolgirl outfit, Raven had every possible outfit an undercover agent could dream of.
"Thanks," she muttered to the boy, obviously uncomfortable.
"Where are you going?" Beast Boy asked, seemingly lonely. Raven could empathize.
"What are you doing back?" Raven asked, avoiding the question. She was almost at the door – her sweet escape, a salvation from the embarrassment painted over her face. Beast Boy's ears drooped – obviously no luck with the girls.
She decided to answer his question: "I'm going out."
"It's Valentine's Day," the changeling stated, realization crossing his face. A few more feet to the door…
"Are you going out with someone? On a date?" he asked, speaking the question she hoped that he dared not utter to her. She reached the door as he asked the query. Opening it, she felt his disappointment – he believed that she wasn't going to answer. She turned to the boy.
"It's not a date," she said, uttering the loathsome word almost painfully. No one wanted to date a witch. Speedy just didn't want to be alone, that was all. "But yes," she concluded in a perfect monotone. She let the door slide closed, the two Titans on opposing sides, blocking his face from her view. She left the Tower by way of flight – she had briefly considered taking Robin's undercover motorcycle, but decided that she would rather face a fierce wind than the wrath of their fearless leader.
She was headed to the aptly named Joe's Diner – a small, out of the way restaurant owned by a man named Joe. Raven was just thankful that it wasn't the typical pizza dinner.
She reached the well-kept diner in a matter of minutes. The flight had been cold – cool winds were still floating off the bay – and she entered nervously, wishing she had her cloak so that she could cover her blushing face with her hood. Too bad, a small, sneaky voice said in her head.
She glanced around, a head of red hair catching her eye instantly. It was him, and he was raising his eyebrows at her. He then raised one hand and gestured her over. She immediately walked over and as she did, she caught a sniff of his cologne – French perhaps. Whatever it was, it made her walk faster, her stomach flipping upside down.
"Roy," she said, sitting across from the cocky, womanizing archer. Why was she there again? As she sat, she realized that he was not wearing his mask or his outfit. Instead, he was wearing jeans and a black sweater, which clung to his well-muscled frame.
"Raven," he said smoothly, giving her a smile that would make any normal, human girl swoon.
Thankfully, she was half demon. Her knees did feel a little weak, though.
"How are you?" Speedy asked, flashing another killer smile at her. He wanted small talk, but she wanted answers.
"Why did you ask me here, Roy?" she asked, reverting to his true name for effect. He raised his eyebrows at her. "I told you," he said, "in the note."
She remembered, but she wanted to hear it herself, to make everything understandable in her mind. She raised her eyebrows as well, performing the same piercing stare that she had made famous. Speedy crumpled under the weight. He sighed dramatically.
"It's Valentine's Day, Rae," he said, muttering her name, hoping that no one in this out of the way diner would recognize her as one of the heroes that graced their television screens every single night.
"I didn't want you, or me, to be alone."
Speedy was smooth, she had to give him that. As he delivered that line, he had looked her right in the eye, attempting to project sincerity. Sadly, the Emerald Archer's former sidekick had forgotten that Raven had more than just telekinesis in her arsenal. Her empathy was telling her that he was sincere, yes, but there was more motivation than just loneliness.
"That's not all," she stated, after the awkward silence had made them both fall silent, looking in opposite directions. Speedy smiled at her and said, "And what am I leaving out, oh great one?" That cocky smile was back – her stomach was prepped and ready for the summer Olympics.
"I don't know," she muttered to the boy, who leaned forward. He was closer to her than ever and it made her feel breathless. What was wrong with her, goddammit?!
"Let's get out of here," he said, breathing his sweet breath across her pale skin. She crumpled her forehead: "But we haven't even ordered." He shrugged and stood, and the demoness followed suit. They exited the café, her following after him, his cologne washing across her petite frame. And, for the billionth time that evening, she wondered what the hell she was doing with Speedy, with Roy, the conceited, ignorant player that had never taken a second glance at her. At least, not while she was paying attention. They moved into the cool February air, her cheeks tingeing pink from the biting wind. Heading left, Speedy wrapped his arm around her small body, shielding her from the cold. She glanced up at him, as he was almost a foot taller than her, but he only smiled at her, the cold making him flush as well.
"I don't like being lonely," he said, pressing her tighter to him. She pulled away. She was not ready for even a friendship like this. But she smiled.
Because for the first time in oh-so-long, the first time since her father had come to her adoptive planet, she felt wholly and truly happy.
Sorry about this chapter; not my best work, but I'm tired as all get out. Also, barely any cursing! I am AMAZED. Please enjoy and review!
Titangirl797
