Finally! i had to cut some stuff to make all this make sense but hopfeully no one will notice anything missing.

anyways, yes this chapter was hard and theres a lot going on, so pay attention now.

on with thr show

Chapter 2: Ethan Connors

Ravens jaw hit the floor. "Wow. I mean, it's about time, but, wow. And how long has this been going on?"

Beast Boy shrugged. "Couple of weeks I think?"

"And they just came out and told you guys they've been sleeping together?"

He rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Well, not exactly."

She knew her boyfriend well, and with a heavy sigh and an eye roll asked the question, "What did you do?"

He held his hand to his chest and gaped at her. "I am appalled that you think I had anything to do with—well it's not my fault I can smell the hormones a mile away. Human girls is one thing, but Starfire is like a beacon of sex ya know."

"Can't say that I do." She droned, then it appeared that something occurred to her. "Wait does that mean you can smell when it's her time of the month, ovulating…. oh god and … me?" He bit his lip, giving her the answer she needed.

"If it makes you feel any better it doesn't smell bad or anything." With her cheeks as red as ripe tomatoes she hurriedly looked around her bedroom back in San Francisco to make sure her family wasn't eavesdropping. He cleared his throat. "So any idea when you'll be back."

Her face was still a faint shade of red, but she was thankful for the subject change. "It's looking like xI'll be able to come home much sooner than I thought. Once I explained to Constantine that me without my powers is sort of a bad thing, he went right to work to try and get my sentence commuted."

He heaved a sigh of relief and happiness, rubbing the sides of the computer screen, wishing that could hold her instead. "I wish you could come back now. Hey how about I try to kill Cy, that should work."

Her face went blank. "Don't joke about that. Ever."

He held up his hands. "Your right. Bad time. On the plus side, he's doing fine. Definitely doing a lot of work on the tower with his dad and especially Sarah."

"It's about time. He needs someone in his life. What about Ryand'r, Drake and Jacqueline."

He shrugged. "Ryand'r's good. Learning fast on how to be a hero. Drake seems grumpier than usual, and Jack Frost is exactly like him. You almost need a red sticker on the real Drake to tell them apart."

"I know. Now there's two."

He laughed. "I said the same thing! Ya know I love these guys, but seeing Rob and Star, and even Cy, moving on with things makes me wonder if I should get my own place or something."

She let out a dry laugh and an eye roll. "Oh yes indeed. Floor to ceiling Television and video games to last you a lifetime."

He chuckled. "Don't forget a walk in pantry with tea as far as the eye can see."

Her face went serious again, this time with alarm. "Uh, what do you mean by that?"

He shuffled his shoulders as if trying to build his nerve. "Well, uh, you know, we ain't gonna be Titans forever, and it's getting crowded here. I've got money saved, so maybe, when you get back, we could, I dunno, look for a place."

She was silent, her mouth open slightly. "Like…. together?"

He swallowed a basketball that had grown in his throat. "Well, yes."

—:0:—

"Yes together!" Beast Boy shouted to the ceiling, "her answer? She'll 'think about it'. What the heck is that supposed to mean? I love her, she loves me, this should be a no brainer, the next step in our relationship. Hell I promised her an entire pantry for her tea. That should have sealed the the deal!... are you even listening?!"

The dragon knight had been scribbling onto a piece of paper against the wall of his room with his back towards him. "Well I'm trying not to, but some of it's still getting through."

"Dude! I'm having an extraterrestrial crisis here, your supposed to be my bro!"

Drake rolled his eyes. "Lucky me. Why aren't you pestering Cyborg?"

Beast Boy flopped onto the couch overlooking the enormous window. "He's either fixing the tower, with his dad or Sarah." He wiped away a fake year. "I'm just glad I have a bro like you." Once again, an eye roll. "But am I wrong here? Why wouldn't she want to move in with me. Get our own awesome place wherever she wants, what's not to like about that?"

Drake finished writing on his piece of paper and tacked it into the wall. Frustrated with his questions, and presence, he turned to face him. "Contrary to the belief held by many, myself included, your not an idiot. Ask yourself if Raven is the kind of person that goes for huge, life changing gestures like that?"

He sputtered, pathetically trying to defend his decision, but ultimately heaved a long sigh. "But, we love each other."

"I don't doubt that. All I'm saying is that you can't just throw something like that onto Raven. Hell you two haven't even slept together."

"Hey! We've slept together plenty—"

"SEX you dingbat."

"...oh. Yeah we haven't done that."

Drake grabbed fistfuls if his hair and tugged slightly. "Just give her time is all. You're impulsive and rarely think before you act, she's methodical and slow, so just slow down. I know you know this."

He sighed again, slinking deeper into the couch. "Yeah I do. I just don't wanna be without her again. I've missed her like crazy."

Drake placed his hand on his shoulder sympathetically. "We've all been there man, and yeah it sucks, but you'll make it." He moved to the door talking over his shoulder. "If nothing else you can say that you have a team that cares about you. Now get the hell out."

He laughed, but figured he didn't want to be burnt alive and decided to listen to him. "Alright, but when I do move out your going to miss—" The door slid shut on his face finally giving Drake peace and quiet.

—:0:—

Steele City

The Titans East leader, Bumble Bee, buzzed her way to the common room of her tower heading for the main computer counsel. Typing a few commands she activated the P.A. System throughout the tower.

"Calling Titans East, get your butts to the common room. I've got something to tell y'all."

Once her announcement was made, she leaned against the computers and let out a long breath. What she had to tell her team would very much change the status of the Titans in Steele city, and likely leave them homeless.

One by one, each member of her team made their way to the common room. Terra was first, followed by Wonder girl and lastly Kid Flash.

"How is it your last, Kid?" Bumble Bee arched a brow.

Kid Flash simply shrugged. "Well I had to get dressed. Unless you want me to come in nothing but my undies."

"No thanks," She held up her hand, "I'm good." She took a quick head count and sighed with frustration. "Anyone know where Aqualad is?"

Her team exchanged glances before individually shrugging. "Since he's not here," Terra began, "anyone else notice how much of a dick he's been lately?"

"Yup," Bumble Bee answer was instant, "don't even remind me how he almost got me killed on our last mission."

"Come on guys," Kid Flash cut in, "he's been through a lot. Dying, coming back, it's gotta take a lot out of a guy."

"That excuse can only last him so long," Wonder girl scowled, "he's my friend too, but I also can see how he has changed."

It was clear on Kid Flash's face that he wanted to stand by his friend, but ultimately kept his mouth shut seeing as how he couldn't argue with them.

"Okay, he's changed, but what are we gonna do about it?" He asked.

All eyes went to Bumble Bee. Seeing as how she was the leader of their team, surely she had all the answers, however they only got a blank stare in return.

"I want to find out what's up with him, I do, but I've had other things going on. Which is why I've called y'all here." She took a deep breath and released it slowly. "Tonight, Mayor Rasmussen is passing that Metahuman bill."

There was silence for a moment until Kid Flash scoffed. "Why didn't we fight harder against it."

"Pfft. Why should we?" Terra exclaimed. "This law will keep the meta psychos we fight against in prison much longer then simply walking out con a technicality."

"Sure, but at what cost?" His rising tone got everyone's attention. "This law their trying to put together is going to brand on Metahuman criminals. Doesn't that sound familiar to anyone?"

"It's completely different." Bumble Bee was rubbing her forehead in exasperation from the conversation. "This new law will help create new ones so that Metahumans will stop simply going in and out of prison. It's difficult to put someone on trial when they don't technically qualify as 'human' most of the time."

"This way innocent people will stop getting caught in the crossfire of our battles." Terra added.

"That's all well and good, but today it starts with criminals, tomorrow it could be us being branded. What have we done to deserve that? Just help people." Noticing Wonder girl had been silent, he turned to her. "Donna, your with me right?"

She narrowed her eyes. "I may have spent much of my life on Themyscira, but I am well aware of this world's tendencies to repeat its history. However I can't ignore the fact that, like Terra, I've seen the fallout our battles have, and if I see a chance to lesson that, I must take it."

He scoffed again, then seemed to remember something. "Batman once said that criminals don't always need prison, they need help. Prisons aren't really known for their rehabilitation efforts."

The group went silent until Bumble Bee cleared her throat. "Either way, it's being signed tonight and the mayor has requested that we join In case anyone is against this if you know what I mean."

They looked at her oddly. "I wasn't aware we were in his good graces?"

"Mayor Rasmussen has always liked us, even before we saved his wife and daughter last year." Terra commented, "plus he's just a good guy. It's everyone else who isn't a fan of us."

"Ah yes. The big four." Kid Flash rolled his eyes.

Wonder girl shook her head. "I am still unclear as to why those men are so important."

"Welcome to a man's world." Bumble bee grinned sarcastically. "Basically they're the four most powerful people in Steele City. Mayor Rasmussen and his BFF John Delehart who owns half of the city. You got the District Attorney, Alister Walker, and the police commissioner, William Thornton."

"Ah yes." Wonder girl rolled her eyes. "A man's world indeed."

"Question," Kid Flash raised a finger, "What happens to us when things get quiet Metahuman wise."

Once again, all eyes on Bumble Bee. "That's a bridge we'll cross when we get there. But uh, keep your options open. Heck, maybe you can join Jinx up at Titans North."

His head hung backwards so he could look up at the ceiling in a stary eyed daze. "Man I miss her. Why did she have to take that leadership position of the North?"

Bumble Bee was already making her way out of the common room, but managed to put a hand on his shoulder. "It's not like you can't zip over and see her whenever you want." As if he had been waiting for permission, he bolted from the common room. "Be back before seven!" She shook her head, but clearly began to be weighed down when thinking of her next task. "So who wants to check on Aqualad with me?"

—:0:—

Bumble Bee, along with Wonder Girl, stood outside Aqualads bedroom door, both hesitant, and somewhat nervous, to find what was on the other side. Wonder girl had her arms folded and eyes narrowed, and with a curt nod to her team leader told her to open the door. Remembering that she was the "tough as nails" leader of the Titans East, Bumble Bee at her face into a steely glare and pounded on his door.

"Aqualad! It's Bee!" Clattering broke the silence from his room, but still took a while for the door to finally open.

Aqualad peered from the crack in his door with a weary smile. Even though he appeared tired, he still held on to his handsome and tanned features, especially a bright white toothed smile. He leaned against the doorframe blocking them from seeing into his room.

"Hey Bee. Donna. What's up?"

Geez. He sounds like he hadn't slept in days. "Tonight is the mayor's signing of the metahuman bill. You need to make sure your there."

He slapped his hand over his face. "Awe man is that tonight? I completely forgot."

She folded her arms. "Well good thing I reminded you then. Make sure your ready—"

"Sorry Bee, I won't be able to make it. I'm just so beat. From training, and there was a thing last night, I don't think I'll be able to make it."

Wonder girl scoffed. "'A thing'? Another big party in the city?"

Aqualad chuckled to himself as he remembered the previous evening. "Something like that."

Wonder Girl was ready to start screaming when they heard more rustling coming from his room.

"Aqualad," someone sang, "I'm getting lonely."

Aqualad paled, pursing his lips as soon as he heard the voice, Wonder Girl however stormed past him and turned on the lights. The redhead on his bed squealed in shock, covered herself with the bedsheet and moved away as if she was about to be attacked.

With a stern voice, Wonder Girl ordered, "Get dressed and leave at once." There was more rustling under the bed sheets as another, young blonde woman sleepily emerged from beneath. "You too!"

Wide awake, both woman scrambled for their clothing and bolted for the door, with Bumble Bee following behind them saying she would get them an Uber home. With just Wonder Girl and Aqualad alone, she folded her arms and stared daggers.

"This is why you skip on your responsibilities? Concubines?"

Aqualad rubbed his hands through his hair. Once long had now been cut so that it was shoulder length, and tied back into a small ponytail. "I'm not really in the mood for a lecture right now."

Wonder Girl grit her teeth and began counting her fingers. "You miss trainings, you stay out all night doing Zeus knows what, you are sloppy during missions to the point of almost getting your team killed," he blanched at her words, shrinking away until he slumped onto his bed.

"I know, I've been a mess lately, but I'm dealing with it."

She barked a laugh. "How exactly?"

He glared and threw up his hands. "I just am okay. I don't need this right now. Your not my mother."

She was about to start screaming again, but thought for a moment. After taking a few breaths she calmly reminded him, "No I'm not. I'm your friend, one of your oldest, and would think you'd trust me enough to talk to me."

He rolled his eyes. "Like you'd have any idea what I'm going through."

"How can I?" She approached him, hands outstretched as if beckoning him in some way, "when you won't talk to me. Or anyone."

He looked away from her, shaking his head, but in his heart he knew she was right. How could she, or anyone, help him if he didn't ask for it.

"I will, but… not now. I'm, going through things and need to sort them out."

She clenched her jaw. "That's not good enough."

"I know," he got to his feet and approached her, "I know it's not what you wanna hear and I know you could make me talk any time you wanted." His eyes darted to the lasso she carried on her belt. "But I'm asking you to trust me on this. When I'm ready I will come to you."

Her gaze was fixed with anger. "You mean when you've had your fun? When you've used up all the whine, woman and song to your liking?" He met her gaze, but wasn't denying her accusation. "That's what I thought." She spun on her heel and exited his room, making sure her black locks slapped him across the face as she moved.

—:0:—

"Can I ask you something?"

With the blonde on her way, Bumble Bee was calling another Uber for the red head when her question caught her off guard. "Um. Yeah. Shoot."

The red head fiddled with her fingers that were hidden beneath her jacket. "Well, this probably isn't any of my business, but is there like and age where super heroes retire or something." Bumble Bee tilted her head in confusion so she continued. "Well we didn't get much sleep last night, if you know what I mean, but when we did he was talking in his sleep and he sounded terrified. I was just thinking, maybe he needs to stop the hero thing."

Bumble Bee narrowed her eyes, making the girl realize she had overstepped her bounds. "Your concerns will be taken into consideration." She said through her teeth.

The red head smiled nervously and sat on the chair as she waited for her ride. Bumble Bee was about to leave her be when she thought of a question herself.

"Did he say what he was terrified of?"

She shook her head. "Not when he woke up, but while he was sleeping he was talking about white empty eyes. Whatever that means."

—:0:—

Bring him home. From the Les Misérables soundtrack, was by far one of his favorite pieces to play on the piano. Maybe it was because he could identify with such a sweet melody as the notes poured from his fingertips onto the Snow White keys. Ethan Connors was often called a master pianist since he played not just with his hands, but with his whole soul, however he never saw anything unique about his playing. To him he simply lost himself in the music as each note touched his heart.

On some occasions he would get so lost in his playing he would forget that the outside world even existed. For example when he was supposed to be teaching a piano lesson.

The final notes flew from the instrument and into the morning light, followed by ecstatic clapping that returned him back to earth. As he blushed from the attention he was receiving from his student, he realized that earth wasn't so bad right now.

"Okay, Okay," he motioned with his hands to settle their applause, "I've played. Now it's time to start your lesson."

The blonde, brown eyed beauty pouted from her spot on the couch by the massive window. "Awe, but I want to hear you play again."

He laughed. "Now what kind of teacher would I be if I let you skip your lessons?" He moved over on the piano bench and motioned for her to join him.

She stood, hands behind her back and rocking mischievously on the balls of her feet as she took a seat beside him. "That right. Your the teacher," she leaned closer so that her voice dropped to a husky whisper, "and I'm the naughty schoolgirl that didn't finish her homework."

Now the piano served as an area for the pair to begin ravaging each other. He hated the power she had over him, and yet always found himself giving in. Maybe it was the danger of what they were doing, or the fact that she genuinely cared about him, but he couldn't resist her or her lips whenever the chance arose.

Unfortunately such moments pass quickly.

Knock knock knock. "Emily? Ethan? You guys in there?"

Giggling curses the pair separated and took positions at the piano. "Come on dad!" Emily called.

Her father, Mayor Samuel Rasmussen, smiles brightly from beneath his short beard as he entered the room. "And How is our lessons going this morning?"

Ethan chuckled. Sneaking around for so long had made him much less nervous about making out with his daughter. "Well, if Emily ever gets around to stop procrastinating."

He frowned at his daughter. "Come on Em, how do you expect to be as amazing at this instrument if you don't practice?" He placed a hand on Ethan's shoulder. "I pay for the best after all."

Ethan blanched at his touch. Sure he didn't mind when he was with Emily, but he still didn't like being touched. He had to remind himself that Samuel was a good man, unlike some that he knew.

"You flatter me," he grinned a fake grin, "but I wouldn't q say master, just a guy who enjoys music."

"Oh pish tosh. You have a gift my boy, might as well flaunt it to all those stuffed shirts that grace my home."

"Alright dad," Emily gave her father a gentle shove, "Your embarrassing him. Now I really do need to practice."

His grin dropped to a bored scowl. "Yeah about that. Speaking of stuffed shirts, I've got a lot to do before the gala tonight and your mother needs some help, so you'll have to miss your lessons today."

Both teens felt a heavy sadness fall over them, but not for missing piano lessons.

They stood from the bench. "And what would you have me do this evening sir." Ethan asked. "The usual I presume?"

He smiled. "You man the piano, my boy. And this time I'll make sure that bowl of tip money is piled high."

Ethan laughed. "Once again your too good to me." Rasmussen led his daughter out of the music room, but not before she glanced over her shoulder and winked at her teacher.

As much as he loved being close to her, he did enjoy the company of the grand piano when he was alone. Deciding that he still had time before he had to prepare for the gala tonight, he went back to the piano and began fiddling with the piano, until the smell of smoke tickled his nose.

"Damn it." Looking down at the keys he, once again, somehow left burn marks on the white ivory.