Look who's still alive! I am also sorry. Dedicated to everyone who sent me encouragement over the last year. Hopefully, it'll be a shorter interval between updates this time.
Cleaned my closet so I probably own less than I did last year. - JM
Efficacious: Some days are obviously harder for Raven. That's when he changes his approach. Instead of jokes, he opts for small and soft. Sure, it makes him easier to brush off. But sometimes, she'll let him sit close and stroke at his fur in silence. He can only hope it helps.
Long-term: They agree to one date. Just to get this ridiculous idea out of everybody's heads. There isn't anything more lingering between them. They're just friends! So one date, just to prove how terrible they would be together. Expecting anything else would be silly. There's no pressure. It's just one date.
Icy:Beast Boy knows what they have is different without all the well-meaning rumors. She doesn't hold his hand at dinner (or anywhere else). They don't cuddle on the couch or get caught kissing in the hallway. He knows they think she's cold. But those murmurers don't see behind closed doors.
Protective: His optimism, his fighting spirit, everything she's learned to love. These tiny bundles she's been handed already radiate life just like him, have the same silly pointy ears. Somehow, they've swaddled her favorite parts of him up in blankets and gummy smiles. She thought her possessive streak was bad before.
Silent: "What does it take to get a moment of peace?" Apparently the answer was the Brotherhood of Evil. Just like that, her biggest irritation was whisked halfway across the globe. Finally, she had her long awaited quiet. Only to realize in his absence how much she missed (loved) the noise.
Remunerate: All he wants is a smile. Technically, he's not asking for much. Raven knows he could ask for more after all his effort. But Beast Boy won't because it's not for him. It's all about her and her happiness. So no, he isn't asking for much. Except it's actually everything.
Left-overs: He's already been yelled at multiple times for trying to bring stray animals to the Tower. The tiny room he's been given is slowly filling with abandoned odds and ends. It should bother her more. But the green boy's habit of valuing what no one else wants is strangely endearing.
Bargain: After casting away her half-human weaknesses, ruling the world is the natural next step. She expects resistance. But he comes with an offer instead. In exchange for peace, he would be hers. Foolish boy didn't realize. It didn't matter what she was, he was always going to belong to her.
Telephone: Robin's report read the two had gotten a late dinner after patrol. Starfire heard they went to dinner and had not returned until late. Cyborg gleefully spread that they were out all night after getting dinner. Beast Boy and Raven were surprised to hear secondhand about their apparently successful date.
Grateful: She won't bother anyone with her issues. But she thinks that Beast Boy can sometimes see through the act. On the darker days, he'll turn into something quietly cuddly. Then just stay that way until she'll stop petting him. It's silly, but she wonders if hope can passed through touch.