Fireworks
"Do you believe in fireworks?"
Raven jerked and looked over at Aqualad. They were standing on the roof of the tower, watching as the world around them rang in the New Year. Inside the tower there was screaming and off-key singing of "Auld Lang Syne" that could be heard from miles and miles around (mostly from Beast Boy).
"Do I believe in fireworks?" Raven cocked a hip to the side and stared at her friend. "As in, do they exist? Because I believe there are some bursting over the bay right now. Unless those bright flashes of light are some other kind of phenomenon."
He laughed and stood next to her, and Raven smelled the sweet, salty scent of the sea. He glanced down at her and smiled. "Not real fireworks. The kind you get when you kiss someone for the first time. Do you believe in those?"
Raven shrugged and looked back at the fireworks still bursting over her head. "I'd have to kiss someone to know, and in case you were unaware, I am extremely lacking in that department."
"You've never been kissed?"
"No." Raven looked over at him and rolled her eyes. "Don't act so surprised, Garth. I'm the creepy half-demon from the Titans, no one wants to take me out. Hell, Beast Boy has seen more action than me."
"I'm out here with you now."
Color flooded her face and Raven glanced around to see how very alone they were. She swallowed hard and tried to keep her face blank. "Is that supposed to mean something to me?"
He smiled and leaned down over her petite body. "Happy New Year, Raven… I wish you the best in the months, weeks, days, hours, and minutes to come." Without waiting for her response, he pressed his lips to her own and kissed her full on the mouth. His lips moved over hers slowly, coaxing a response from her, and running his fingers through her hair.
Raven kissed him back, seeing bright flashes of colored light behind her eyes. Her hands fisted his uniform, and she pulled him closer, wanting to see the show for a little longer.
He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled back, just enough to look into her eyes. "Any changes in your beliefs?"
"You're slowly changing my mind…" Raven's hands moved toward the back of his neck to touch his hair. "But I'll have to see some more proof before I make an informed decision."
He smiled and leaned back down, letting her see the fireworks one more time.
