Chapter 2

Music thumped in the background and the chatter of many voices floated over the top. Titans laughed and exchanged greetings to friends they had not seen since the Battle of the Citadel.

Raven sighed quietly as she looked out the common room window over the waters by Jump City. The sun was just beginning to set, the sky turning pink and Raven found it too cheery. She picked up the locket around her neck, gently running her fingers along its surface, feeling the indent of the raven and Beast Boy's heartfelt inscription on the back.

"Melancholy much?" Kid Flash asked, zipping up beside her.

Raven raised an eyebrow at him, dropping her locket back onto her chest. "Annoying much?"

Kid Flash laughed. "Aww, c'mon, Rae, lighten up."

She scowled at him. "You don't get to call me that. It's Raven."

Kid Flash pouted. "Beast Boy gets to call you that all the time."

"Beast Boy is my boyfriend," she stated in her monotonous voice. "You are not. Is there a particular reason you're bothering me right now?"

"You just looked so sad that's all. What kind of friend would I be if I didn't see if I could cheer you up- Woah!" he blurted, pressing his face against the glass. "Did you see that?"

Raven rolled her eyes.

"Was that Starfire and Nightwing?" he asked, trying to angle his head to peer further down toward the ground. "Ah! There they go."

Raven just shook her head as she spotted Starfire and Nightwing zipping across the surface of the water at breakneck speed, throwing up water in their wake, before Starfire sent them spiraling up towards the setting sun.

"Can you fly like that?" Kid Flash asked curiously.

Raven looked at him blandly. "I levitate more than fly. I don't see the point really."

"Looks kinda fun."

"Yeah, I guess if you're a speed demon." She eyed him as he grinned at her cheekily. "Which you are. I'm sure if you asked Starfire for a ride-"

"Nightwing will bite my head off. I'm not that stupid."

Raven snorted. "Really?"

Kid Flash sighed and shook his head. "I think I'll leave you alone, you're in a bad mood."

"Thanks."

A rush of wind fluffed her hair as he took off and Raven raised a hand to smooth it out and continued her gazing out the window at the sunset, picking up her locket to begin fiddling with it once more.

Arms encircled her stomach from behind and Beast Boy's chin rested on her shoulder. She sighed and leaned into his embrace.

"Woah," Beast Boy blurted, concerned. "You're really are out of sorts today. You usually pull away from this when we're in public."

"Jumbled up emotions, I guess."

"Rage?"

Raven nodded.

"I don't get it. Why now? You weren't having any problems before."

She shrugged. "It's taking a lot more concentration to keep my emotions under control since that fight with the Joker. I'm starting to wonder if a little bit of my father did manage to leak through."

"Is there anything we can do?"

She tilted her head in consideration. "There's a few meditation exercises I can do, especially now that we're back. I had to leave most of my aids here. I may even need to take a trip through the mirror to speak with Rage herself, although I think I'd rather just go and ask my mother or Azar."

"Azar? Isn't that your god?"

"Azar was the original founder of the Temple on Azarath, who has since ascended. It has become a title for whoever holds spiritual leadership. The previous Azar was my teacher, although I am unsure who resides in her seat now."

Beast Boy shuffled. "Can I help?"

She smiled and reached up to touch his face. "You're my anchor, remember. Besides, I'd like you to meet my mother."

He seemed to have trouble breathing. "Um… Are you sure?"

Raven nodded. "Don't worry, she'll like you. I'll need to talk to Nightwing first, let him know what's going on. I'll try the meditation tomorrow and if it doesn't work, we'll need a couple of days, since I'd also like to spend time with Mother."

"Okay." Beast Boy raised his head from her shoulder and she glanced at him as he looked around the room. "Have you seen Nightwing?"

Raven gave a small grunt. "Yeah, he and Starfire went for a flight."

"What? Now?"

"Saw them diving over the edge of the Tower before."

Beast Boy chuckled. "Aww well. Guess we're all going to have to wait longer for Nightwing's announcements."

"Howdy y'all!" Cyborg bellowed and Raven turned in Beast Boy's arms to see him entering the common room. "Happy New Year!"

Raven let out a strangled laugh as she saw who entered the room behind Cyborg. "No wonder he's so happy. Look who's here."

Beast Boy turned his head before he began to laugh.

TTTTT

Batgirl loitered just behind Cyborg, feeling strangely shy and confused as to why she felt that way. She was normally quite an outgoing person.

But these were Titans, Nightwing's Titans and she was member of the Bat Family and she wasn't sure how well she would be received. She was certain that most of the Titans knew Batman and Robin had had a falling out at some point, perhaps not the finer details like she had, but most knew.

Cyborg entered the common room first, bellowing out his greeting in his usual jovial manner and she watched as all eyes turned to him and there was a chorus of Titans calling out his name in return. She spotted Raven and Beast Boy by the window and stifled a sigh of relief. She'd know them at least and they did look happy to see her, well, Beast Boy looked happy and Raven was her usual indifferent self. But she couldn't see Nightwing or Starfire anywhere. That was just like Dick, drag her all this way and then not be around to introduce her.

Cyborg turned, grabbed her by the wrist and dragged her forward. "Y'all, this is Batgirl! Batgirl, the Titans."

She straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin, plastering a happy smile on her face as the eyes in the room turned to her. "Hi!"

"Batgirl," a woman exclaimed dressed in yellow and black with strange insect like wings on her back. "I'm so pleased to meet you! Sparky won't shut up about you."

Cyborg grimaced, while Batgirl raised an eyebrow and cast a glance at Cyborg. "Bee, cut it out. Batgirl, this is Bumblebee, I guess you could say she's the annoying little sister I never wanted."

Bumblebee planted her hands on her hips and gave him a cocky smile.

"Sparky?" Batgirl asked curiously.

Cyborg shrugged. "She likes to think she's funny."

"Oh, I know I'm funny," Bumblebe eexclaimed, casting Batgirl a wink.

"Honeybee, are you tormenting the new girl?" a young man asked as he walked up to them, his face hidden by a blue cowl and gray mask and a trumpet attached to his belt. "Hi, I'm Herald."

Batgirl nodded and smiled. "Hi. I've heard of you."

"Really?" he asked, surprised. "Wow. All good things, I hope."

"Friend Cyborg," a man said, wearing a dark green uniform with a large red star splashed across the front and strangely glowing eyes. "I am vatchin' for Starfire. 'ave you seen her?"

"No, Red Star, I haven't seen her. Hang on." Cyborg raised his voice over the chatter of Titans and the music and looked at Beast Boy. "Yo! BB! Where's Starfire at?"

Beast Boy turned his head at the sound of his name, as did a lot of people. Beast Boy smiled before extending his hand to point out the window. "Come and see."

Batgirl cocked her head curiously, before making her way to the window, as several other Titans trotted over to have a look as well.

"Holy shit," someone muttered.

Starfire was carrying Nightwing, her arms wrapped around his chest, tumbling through the sky at breakneck speed. She dove toward the ocean and someone let out a startled gasp as she suddenly pulled an impossible turn and twisted them toward the sky again, spraying up water in her wake. She went straight into a tight loop the loop followed by another rotating dive before skimming along the surface of the water and darting back into the sky.

Batgirl went green, remember the flight she'd had with Starfire over Gotham City.

Titans watching suddenly sucked in a gasp of breath as Starfire released Nightwing. He dropped like a stone, Starfire arching gracefully by his side before his body twisted, performing a series of tumbles and rolls through the air. Batgirl sucked in a startled gasp of breath as she recognised the quadruple somersault, something that she knew he'd was capable of doing, but had never seen it herself. He flung his arms out and Starfire grabbed them immediately, pulling them out of their wayward plummet toward the ocean.

Starfire zoomed upward, heading for the roof and Batgirl got a good look at Nightwing's exhilarated face and chuckled lightly. Starfire had been right when she called him a speed demon.

"I wonder if she offers rides," a ginger-haired, masked boy mused from beside her and Batgirl narrowed her eyes at him.

"Don't let Nightwing here you say that, Speedy," Cyborg remarked, still standing beside Batgirl. "He'll kick your ass."

Speedy snorted. "I can hold my own against him."

Beast Boy laughed. "Not anymore. Trust us, he beat the crap out of a Tamaranian with his bare hands. You haven't got a chance."

Raven snorted. "So did you."

"Yeah, but I can change into animals, Rae. It's a little different. Besides, Rundn was a pushover compared to Torkor. I mean, Nightwing beat the crap out of him with a knife wound in his back."

Raven's expression darkened while Speedy snorted in disbelief.

"Torkor was the one the stabbed Nightwing?" Batgirl asked Cyborg curiously.

"Yeah," Cyborg said, nodding his head. "Don't mention it to Starfire but. She's still sore about that one."

"I can imagine."

The door to the common room opened and a wind tussled and rosy cheeked Nightwing dragged a smiling Starfire into the room. The clapping and wolf whistles began as those Titans that had been mingling near the windows turned toward the door and Starfire went bright red while Nightwing pulled up short and grinned sheepishly.

"Um… hi," Nightwing said, releasing Starfire's hand, casting her an embarrassed look. "We all here?"

"All present and accounted for," Herald called, with a mock salute.

"Okay, well… I have a few announcements first and then we can get down to the partying. So, do you all want to find a seat?"

There was a shuffling of movement as Titans fought over the limited sofa space. Starfire walked to the stereo and turned the music off while Nightwing walked to the window to stand so that everyone could see him. Batgirl crossed the room to Starfire.

A look of surprise and happiness erupted on Starfire's face as she saw Batgirl and she launched herself at her.

"Batgirl," she cried joyously. "Oh it is glorious to see you once again. I did not know you were coming!"

"Yeah," Batgirl replied, trying not to choke as Starfire squeezed her. "Seems Nightwing kept everyone in the dark."

Nightwing stood waiting patiently while everyone found a seat or a place to stand. Starfire sat up on the kitchen bench gesturing for Batgirl to join her.

"Okay," Nightwing said , as silence dipped through the room. "Well, first all, I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. You may have noticed we have an extra here today and I hope that Cyborg took the time to introduce her."

"Sure did, man."

Nightwing grinned cheekily. "Batgirl's going to be joining my team for a while."

"Oh, that is glorious," Starfire squealed, giving Batgirl another bone crushing squeeze. "We can do the painting of nails and journey to the mall of shopping and-" She stopped, looked at Nightwing and blushed, while Batgirl just shook her head.

"Aww," Cyborg complained . "Why'd you keep that secret? You could have told us!"

Nightwing shrugged. "Too damn fun. Besides, it was a last minute thing."

"Why is she joining the Titans?" Speedy asked, his feet up on the coffee table before him, one foot twitching restlessly. "She's part of the Bat Family."

Nightwing narrowed his eyes at Speedy. "So am I."

"Well, yes, but you're the leader of the Titans. You haven't been Batman's partner for a while."

"Batman has requested that Batgirl learn some of the Titan training techniques and strategies as well as being able to work as part of a larger team. He is… let's just say… not equipped to train her like that."

Batgirl snorted.

Nightwing eyed her. "Anyway, she may also spend some time with Titans East and with a few other Titans stationed around the world, but I'll let those of you she will be working with know once I've worked out exactly what she'll be doing." He shrugged. "As I said, this was a last minute thing."

Nightwing took a deep breath and glanced at Starfire. "Also, since this is the first time we've all gotten together since the Battle in the Citadel, I'd just like to say a really big thank you once again to all of you for putting your lives on the line like that at a moments notice and helping Cyborg and me rescue Beast Boy, Raven and Starfire."

"Nightwing," a black-haired, blue uniformed, black-eyed man said sitting beside Speedy. "I'm sure I speak for everyone, we are still very confused at to what actually happened."

Nightwing raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean, Aqualad?"

"Well, for starters, who were the Citadel? And why did they want Starfire?"

"The Citadel have plagued Tamaran for many generations," Starfire said softly, attention in the room instantly turning to her. "I cannot remember a time when they have not threatened Tamaran. They are demented madmen who thrive on causing fear and conquering through brute force. The force you defeated is but a fraction of their true numbers. Tamaran has since banded together with many other planet in the Vegan system to try and destroy the threat they are once and for all."

"And why did they want you?" Aqualad asked.

"Starfire's Tamaran's Princess," Nightwing said, answering for her and Batgirl's mouth dropped open. Starfire was a princess?

"And first in line to the throne," Starfire quietly added.

Nightwing looked at her in surprise, as did Cyborg, Raven and Beast Boy.

"What?" Cyborg asked. "You abdicated."

Starfire shrugged, dropping her eyes. "It is in name only. Galfore requested it, as my people needed a direct line of succession. They wanted an And'r heir. I am hopeful that he will find a more suitable replacement soon."

"When did this happen?" Beast Boy asked. "You never said anything."

"The last day of the xhandal. I signed the required documents that morning. That is part of the reason Galfore was able to declare war on the Citadel so quickly."

Batgirl raised an eyebrow and looked at Nightwing. He didn't seem too happy about this.

"That woman that came and helped us, Blackfire, she is your sister isn't she?" a small pink haired girl asked.

Starfire nodded, seemingly pleased at the change of subject. "Yes Kole."

"She spoke of the Citadel stealing three years of your life."

Starfire seemed to shrivel in on herself, her eyes darting to Nightwing's.

"Look," Nightwing said, drawing attention back on himself. "There are some things that you don't need to know, that still hurt to talk about. The Citadel are very nasty. Let's leave it at that." He glanced at Aqualad. "Anything else?"

Aqualad had his eyes on Starfire, but he turned at Nightwing's voice and shook his head.

Batgirl turned her attention to Starfire. She seemed very upset about something. Batgirl knew something had gone down on Tamaran during the xhandal that Nightwing went to, something that almost killed Starfire, that much she'd gleaned from the conversation she'd heard between Starfire and Nightwing after that training incident. Something that had meant that Starfire had trouble attacking. And something had happened with Beast Boy and Raven in there as well, she remembered Starfire talking about needing to protect them. She must remember to ask Nightwing about it later. And by the looks of it, out of Starfire's hearing.

Batgirl saw Nightwing glance at Starfire again, saw Cyborg, Beast Boy and Raven's eyes on her too, before Starfire gave a small nod and looked up to smile at him. Batgirl resisted the urge to roll her eyes; they must be doing that mind-talking thing.

"Okay," Nightwing said. "Next piece of news. There's been a slight change in teams. Herald has decided to join Titans East under Bumblebee's leadership. This gives them the ability to go global and while they will remain in Steel City, they will be the first team to contact if a situation arises that the solo Titans amongst us cannot handle. Herald's assistance on Titans East means they will be able to get anywhere almost instantaneously, as long as you send coordinates when you ask for help. I don't want this boon that Herald's given us to be overused, so it's only for situations that require immediate assistance, like a bridge collapse or natural disaster. Everything else should still come through me."

There was a chorus of congratulations toward Herald and nods of agreement from the crowd of Titans.

"As you all know, Jinx, Argent, Hotspot, Wildebeest and Kid Flash have been the replacement team for Titans East while they've been replacing us. They have done such a good job that I've decided to make them permanent, under Jinx's leadership."

There was a chorus of clapping and cheering and a pink-haired girl with cat like eyes who had Kid Flash's arm around her waist went bright red. Batgirl guessed this was Jinx.

"Since Argent and Hotspot have their own cities to help protect, I've decided that they will also be the first off-shore team and have the a mobile base of operations so that they can switch between the two cities as the need arises. This will also mean that if any of you need extended help, Jinx's team will be the one helping. They will also be able to replace either Titans East or my team if needed. Congratulations Jinx."

The pink-haired girl smiled and nodded.

"If you and your team come back later on in the week, Cyborg and I should have some plans to show you."

"Thanks, Nightwing."

Nightwing nodded and glanced at Starfire once more. "Okay, last piece of news and then the party can start… uh… well…" He ran a hand through his hair before looking sheepishly at the Titans. "We're all going back to Tamaran in a couple of weeks time."

Batgirl glanced sideways at Starfire again, but she actually looked happy about this piece of news and Batgirl wondered what was going on.

Several Titans sat up straight in their chairs. "What?"

"Why?"

"What for?"

Nightwing smiled and waited for the questions to dissipate. "Starfire and I are getting married."

There was a stunned silence.

Bumblebee burst into laughter and reached over the back of the sofa to whack Speedy on the chest. "I told you! Pay up!"

Speedy grunted and folded his arms across his chest looking sullen.

"Dis is vonderful!" the Russian Batgirl remembered to be Red Star exclaimed. He quickly crossed the room and engulfed Starfire in a hug. "I am da 'appy for you."

She giggled in delight. "I thank you!"

Two twin boys burst into tears, attached themselves to Starfire's legs and spoke rapidly in Spanish. Starfire looked up at Nightwing, startled, before she spoke softly to the boys in Spanish and touched each of their heads.

"You know Spanish?" Batgirl asked curiously.

She nodded. "Nightwing knows Spanish."

Batgirl frowned. "Oh, right. Lip contact. Hey, congratulations, Starfire."

Starfire beamed at her as she continued to try and untangle the boys from her legs. "I thank you." She frowned slightly, looking at her with concern. "You are fine with this?"

Batgirl glanced up at Nightwing, seeing several of the male Titans slapping him heartily on the back. She cocked her head as she studied him, before glancing back at Starfire. "Yup."

A small black and red haired girl approached Starfire. "Congratulations, Starfire, you must be so excited."

"I thank you, Argent," Starfire said, throwing her arms around the girl, still trying to shake her legs free of the twins.

The two pink-haired girls came next, Kole and Jinx as Batgirl recalled, offering their own congratulations and received their own Starfire hug in return. Raven drifted closer, a small smile on her lips, but Batgirl guessed that she'd probably already known. A huge woman lumbered up to them.

"Pantha is very proud," she said, slapping a huge hand down on Starfire's shoulder.

Bumblebee buzzed up to them. "We have to have a hen's night before you get married." She frowned down at the twins and spoke rapidly in Spanish. They looked tearfully up at her and reluctantly let go.

"Actually," Starfire said, rubbing her legs. "There is a Tamaranian tradition for female friends of the bride to undergo and I would be honored if you would all join me."

Raven raised an eyebrow. "What's the tradition?"

Starfire smiled. "It is much like the girls night, only we can journey to the planet of Dracenia and take the mud baths and have relaxing massages and be pampered. It is often used for female bonding."

"Will there be strippers?" Jinx asked with a cheeky smile.

Starfire cocked her head. "I do not understand."

Raven quickly whispered something in Starfire's ear and Starfire went bright red. "No. The inhabitants of Dracenia are eight limbed jelly like creatures. I am sure you do not wish to see them unclothed."

"Eww," Jinx said, with a curl of her lip. "I wonder if we could bring our own then."

The boys began to chant something and Batgirl turned her head to look. Nightwing was bright red and had his hands held out before him in embarrassment.

Starfire floated up into the air, peering at them curiously, as did most of the other girls.

The chanting became louder and Batgirl could finally make out the words. "Kiss, kiss, kiss, kiss." She rolled her eyes.

"Immature," Raven muttered darkly.

Starfire frowned. "Is this an Earth custom?"

"Nah," Jinx replied, rolling her eyes. "I think the boys just wanna watch you making out."

"Guys, stop it," Nightwingc omplained, running a hand through his hair, before he locked eyes with Starfire. He gave a small shrug and stalked over toward them. The boys began to cheer loudly.

Nightwing walked up to Starfire, grabbed her by the back of the neck, wrapped one hand around her waist and dipped her, attaching his lips to hers. Starfire wrapped her hands around Nightwing's neck.

The catcalls and hollering from the boys began before it died off to become an embarrassed silence as Nightwing continued to kiss Starfire. Bumblebee, Kole, Argent and Jinx began to giggle while Raven let out an annoyed sigh.

Batgirl rolled her eyes again as the boys began to blush and mutter amongst themselves, before tapping Nightwing on the shoulder. "You have to breathe sometime, Nightwing."

He pulled his lips away from Starfire long enough to mutter, "Breathing's optional," before he reattached his lips.

"Dude," Beast Boy complained. "Get off her. It's your rule, remember, no making out in the common room."

Batgirl heard Nightwing growl under his breath before he pulled away, righting a starry eyes and floating Starfire.

"Let's get the party started!" Cyborg bellowed, switching on the stereo once more and tossing the remote on the coffee table.

Batgirl turned to the stereo in surprise when the 'Chicken Dance' song wafted out of the speakers.

"What the-?" Cyborg asked, confused, heading over to the stereo.

"Ladies and Gentlemen," Beast Boy yelled loudly and Batgirl looked over at his grinning face while Cyborg froze in shock. "We are proud to present, the latest Tamaranian Dance craze, the Cybernetic Chicken Dance."

"Cock-a-doodle-doo!" the television screen cried as it flicked on over the top of the window. Batgirl burst out laughing as Cyborg appeared on it, flapping his arms and crowing loudly.

"Grass stain!" Cyborg bellowed, lunging for the television remote. "You are so dead!"

White energy encased the remote before Raven levitated it over to her.

Batgirl continued to laugh as she watched the chicken Cyborg scratch around, his head making jerky chicken like motions while his hand were under his armpits, his elbows flapping madly.

"Go Cyborg, go Cyborg!" Kid Flash chanted, the chant gradually being picked up by other Titans.

Robin and Starfire appeared in the shot and someone wolf whistled at Starfire's outfit. It was very different than the one she currently wore; there was so much more skin showing. It was a leotard, with a diamond shape cut out of the stomach, and Batgirl guessed that this was the xhandal uniform she'd heard mentioned.

She glanced at Nightwing, his hands were still on Starfire's waist and he was looking around with narrow eyes trying to determine who whistled.

Up on the screen, chicken Cyborg leapt up onto a sofa and began pawing at it with his feet.

"You'd better stop before he lays an egg, Raven," the Robin on the screen laughed.

The screen went dead and the music ceased although the laughter of the Titans continued. Batgirl brushed the tears of laughter out of her eyes and glanced around, seeing Cyborg had pulled the plug on the television screen as well as the stereo.

"Oh, ha ha," Cyborg muttered sarcastically, scowling at a laughing Beast Boy. "Okay, you've had your fun."

"Are we having eggs for breakfast in the morning?" someone loudly yelled, while several of the other Titans cracked up again.

"Sure are," Cyborg snarled, taking a running leap for Beast Boy who eeped and dashed away. "Gotta catch the bacon that will go with it first."

TTTTT

Nightwing glanced at Starfire before taking the soda she offered him. You never mentioned being heir again.

Starfire blushed and dropped her head. I am sorry, Richard. I meant to discuss it with you after Galfore requested it, but circumstances fell beyond our control.

He nodded, touching her chin to bring her eyes back up to his as he remembered that he'd blasted her for leaving the apartment that the Titans had been staying in on Tamaran without informing anyone. And then the Citadel had taken her.

It is in name only, until Fyria conceives, or the people of Tamaran accept Komand'r once more. I only allowed it because there was unrest amongst the people. They wanted a definite line of succession. Are you angry with me?

He swung his arm around her waist and hugged her. No. I'm surprised and all, but I understand.

"Ahh, so that's what those faces are for," Kid Flash said, his face suddenly alight with understanding. "You two are doing that telepathy thingy."

Nightwing frowned at him. "How did you know we could do that?"

"I was there when Starfire told Batman."

"Oh, yeah… Right."

"It's pretty cool. Is it a Tamaranian thing?"

Nightwing shrugged. "I guess you could say that."

"So can you do it with anyone, Starfire?"

"No," she replied with a sharp shake of her head. "Just Richard." She gave Nightwing a lingering kiss on the cheek. "I must go, Jinx and Bumblebee are anxiously discussing wedding details. They would have you believe they are the ones getting married instead of us. I am having the trouble explaining to them that it will be a traditional Tamaranian wedding. They are discussing things like 'bouquets' and 'flower girls' and 'maids of the bride'. I did not think girls could be made with flowers. And please, what is a 'garter'?"

Nightwing went red while Kid Flash laughed. "Um… I'll explain later. Save me a dance okay?"

She beamed at him as she floated away. "Always."

"You've sent the girls into a wedding frenzy, thanks a lot. Jinx is going to be all cutesy and want to discuss wedding outfits and stuff later. Man, marrying at your age? You're so whipped."

Nightwing raised an eyebrow and waited until Kid Flash took a mouthful of his soda. "You do realise that the girls all going to look at their boyfriends and wonder when they're going to pop the question too."

Kid Flash choked. "You dick, don't do that!" he snapped, coughing to clear his lungs. "That's so gonna be a problem."

"Yup, you're screwed," he replied wickedly.

"Hey, what's the deal with Batgirl?"

Nightwing took a drink of his soda. "What do you mean 'what's the deal with Batgirl'?"

Kid Flash pointed to the group dancing over by the stereo. In amongst the crowd of Titans, Cyborg and Batgirl were dancing together and Cyborg was laughing as he spun Batgirl. "Does Cyborg have a crush on her or something? I mean, isn't she your ex?"

"She was, but that was a long time ago. If he wants a shot at her, I don't mind."

Kid Flash gave him a bland look. "You're pretty calm about it."

Nightwing shrugged. "It's not as though I want to see them making out or anything, but then, seeing Beast Boy and Raven making out is just as disturbing. She's a friend now, that's all. I think it's more concerning that Starfire wants to be her friend and the pair of them swapping stories than Cyborg wanting to date her."

Kid Flash laughed. "Yeah, that'd be pretty scary."

Nightwing scowled at him.

"Nightwing," Raven said softly, coming up to him with Beast Boy in tow. "Can we have a word for a second?" Her eyes flicked around the room. "Privately?

Nightwing cocked his head and looked at her. "Sure. Talk to you later, Wally."

"Righto, Dick. I'll go see if that girl of mine wants a dance."

Raven took hold of his arm and gripped Beast Boy's hand, enveloping them both in her cloak. She deposited them to her bedroom.

"What's up?" Nightwing asked as he looked at her with concern and Raven released his arm.

"Um…"

Nightwing raised an eyebrow. He'd never heard her sound so uncertain before.

"We need some help," Beast Boy said, placing his hand around Raven's waist and squeezing her affectionately.

Nightwing flicked his eyes between the two, not liking where this was heading. "Oh, no… I'm not doing a sex talk with you guys. And I certainly don't want to know if she's pregnant or something like that."

Both Raven and Beast Boy looked instantly mortified.

"Dude!" Beast Boy whined. "That is so not what this is about! Get your mind out of the gutter!"

He placed his hands on his hips. "All right then, what is this about?"

Raven swallowed. "Remember when I took you into my mind after Beast Boy got shot?"

He rubbed his chest briefly. "That's not something I'm going to forget in a hurry."

"Something got loose."

Nightwing was floored. He hadn't been expecting that at all, especially since she had told him it was all under control. "Your father?"

Raven shook her head and he breathed a sigh of relief. "That wasn't him. That was my Rage. When I allow it to take control, it turns into a personification of him. But through my Rage, my father was able to reach me and offer the things he offered. Since then, I've been having trouble meditating, Rage is becoming problematic. It keeps growing on its own, even when there's nothing to be angry about. I'm concerned as to what will happen if it gets to big."

"I haven't seen a difference in your powers."

Raven shook her head. "There isn't one, not yet anyway. But there is a difference in me. I've been unsettled and I need to deal with this before it becomes a problem." She glanced at Beast Boy. "We think what's happened is that I've spent so much time learning to deal with things like love and happiness and making my powers work around them, that I haven't devoted enough time to deal with Rage."

"I see. What do we do about this?"

"There are a few meditation techniques I can try. I'll need a full day to work through them all. If that doesn't work, I'd really like to visit my mother and talk things through with her. Mother always talked of the day when I would be able to express emotions. But that means traveling to Azarath. I can't take you all with me, it's too exhausting, but I would like to take Beast Boy."

Nightwing ran a hand through his hair in thought. "So, you need a few days free of Titan responsibilities? Both of you?"

Raven looked relieved. "Yes."

Nightwing rubbed the back of his neck. "Okay… take the next couple of days then. I'll speak with Bee and get Titans East to remain here for a while to provide backup if needed while you work through this. I want to check on their training anyway. Plus, they probably need a little bit of a holiday too. If they stay here for a while, our team can look after the city while they rest. Batgirl can pick up some of the slack."

"Thank you. I'll try the meditation tomorrow and let you know if it worked or not."

Nightwing smiled at Raven. "Take as long as you need, you may as well do it now while we have replacements available. Go visit your mother just for a visit if you want."

"Really?" Beast Boy asked curiously. "Why are you being so agreeable?"

Nightwing raised an eyebrow. "This is the first time Raven has ever asked for help with her powers. Plus, I did drag you all off to see my family; it's only fair that you both get to see hers. Now c'mon, we're supposed to be partying."

Beast Boy grinned. "Yeah, let's go Rae, let's get funky!"

Raven's lip curled. "I am not getting funky."

Beast Boy's ears dropped. "Not even a little?"

"No," Raven deadpanned.

Nightwing shook his head and headed out of her door and back to the party.

TTTTT

Batgirl frowned as she saw Starfire suddenly pale and place a hand to her head, swaying dangerously, wondering from across the room what was wrong with her friend. She looked around for Nightwing but couldn't seem him and by the time she looked back at Starfire, she was already out the common room door.

Batgirl looked at Cyborg as he danced happily. If it were a Titan alarm, wouldn't he be concerned? Maybe Starfire was just feeling sick or something. She sighed. "I'll be back soon, Cy," she said, giving him a wave.

He nodded and smiled at her. "Okay."

Batgirl picked her way through the crowd, heading out of the room. The corridor beyond was empty and unsure where Starfire would have gone, Batgirl walked down toward her room. She knew that her room was right beside Starfire and Nightwing's so she thought she'd better check that one first.

There was no answer as she knocked on the door.

Batgirl frowned. Maybe she should try the roof. Starfire did like heights, if she were feeling poorly maybe that's where she would go. And if Starfire wasn't there, she would go looking for Nightwing, he'd know where she was.

Starfire was on the roof when she got there, standing on the edge of the Tower but she wasn't alone. Speedy was standing very close to her. Batgirl hesitated in the stairwell doorway, unsure of what to do.

Her mouth dropped open when Speedy leaned forward, cupped Starfire's face and kissed her. Batgirl's eyes went wide and her heart pounded in her chest and she turned and fled back down the staircase.

"Shit, shit, shit… I didn't just see that… Oh god, how could Starfire do that to him?" Batgirl took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. No wonder Speedy had seemed so put out when Nightwing had announced they were getting married.

"Babs?" a voice asked and Batgirl's heart almost exploded in fright as she turned around to see Nightwing walking down the corridor toward her with Raven and Beast Boy not far behind.

"Shit. Dick, you scared me."

Nightwing frowned. "I can see that. Why?"

Batgirl chewed her lip. She couldn't say anything to him while Raven and Beast Boy were here. And it probably wouldn't do to spoil New Years for everyone. She'd tell him tomorrow. But she wasn't sure how she could be friends with Starfire now. "No reason. Just wasn't expecting you that's all."

Nightwing narrowed his eyes. "Okay. Coming back to the party?"

Well, she certainly didn't want to stay here and have either Speedy or Starfire come down those stairs. "Yeah, sure."

Nightwing still didn't look convinced, so she gave him a bright smile and punched his shoulder before heading off in the direction of the common room.

Starfire was just lucky that Batgirl was a good actress.

Batgirl couldn't bring herself to talk to Starfire for the remainder of the night. Starfire appeared in the common room looking frazzled about a minute after she and Nightwing entered, while Speedy did not reappear until close to midnight.

She watched as Starfire spoke to Raven in hushed tones in a corner before Raven urgently shook her head and whispered something in her ear. Starfire spent the rest of the night avoiding Nightwing, but Nightwing didn't seem to notice as he chatted and laughed with his friends.

Batgirl couldn't remember the last time she'd seen Nightwing so relaxed and happy. It was a shame she was going to have to ruin it. But he had to know; he had a right to know his soon to be wife was cheating on him.

TTTTT

"All right! A minute to go!" Cyborg bellowed as the Titans spread out on the roof of the Tower waiting for the midnight fireworks to flare into the sky and welcome in the New Year.

"Here we go, Rae," Beast Boy said into her ear, his arms warm around her waist as he hugged her from behind.

A stray hair wafted in the chilly night time breeze and Raven reached up to brush it away from her face before placing her hand over Beast Boy's once more. "Gar," she said carefully. "I'm not sure we should go to visit my mother just yet."

"Rae, babe, if you're worried about me meeting your mother, I promise to behave."

"No, it just that Starfire-"

"Rae, right now, I think getting your emotions back under control is more important than Starfire. She'll be all right for a few days. Nightwing, Batgirl and Cyborg will look after her. Let's worry about you for a while, okay? We'll try the meditation tomorrow and go from there."

Raven chewed on her lip. That wasn't what she was worried about. But perhaps things would sort themselves out. She nodded.

"Good," Beast Boy said.

"TEN!" Cyborg bellowed, his voice carrying the loudest over the chorus of Titans voices. Raven glanced at the rest of the Titans out of the corner of her eye.

Kid Flash had his arms around Jinx; his face lit up with happiness while Jinx's eyes were rolling playfully.

"NINE!"

Cyborg was standing beside Batgirl; his arm draped around her shoulders affectionately, while Batgirl smiled happily and Raven fought to suppress a sigh. Despite all of their denial, if there wasn't something between them, there soon would be.

"EIGHT!"

Thunder and Lighting slapped each other on the back heartily as they floated on their clouds above the Titans, wishing each other all the best for the New Year.

"SEVEN!"

Hotspot and Argent had retreated a small distance away from the rest of the Titans to greet the New Year privately as they hugged one another.

"SIX!"

Bumblebee and Herald were snuggled up as they sat and dangled their legs over the edge of the Tower, gazing out across the city.

"FIVE!"

Speedy and Aqualad stood side by side companionably and Raven narrowed her eyes. Where were Starfire and Nightwing?

"FOUR!"

Pantha scooped up Wildebeest, rubbing his head affectionately.

"THREE!"

Mas Y Menos were hugging each other as they chanted in Spanish.

"TWO!"

Raven finally spotted Starfire and Nightwing, standing much as she and Beast Boy were, although Nightwing was kissing Starfire's neck and Starfire was trying to conceal an unhappy expression on her face.

"ONE!"

Beast Boy spun her around and attached his lips to hers, kissing her deeply. Raven wrapped her arms around his neck, opening her mouth as his tongue slipped inside.

"HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

Fireworks exploded into the sky, bangs and cracks of their explosions echoed in Raven's ears. Beast Boy pulled away, glancing upward as the sparkling lights drifted down, illuminating his face in their multi colours. Raven grabbed onto the back of his head and cleared her throat and Beast Boy looked back at her in surprise.

"Happy New Year, Gar," she murmured.

"Happy New Year, Rae," he replied before leaning in to kiss her once more.