Starfire smoothed down her deep purple bandage dress. It hugged her in all the right places & made the most of her curves. She paired it with black pantyhose & black sky high stilettos. She wore gold dangly chandelier earrings & a thick black bangle on her right wrist.

She turned in her mirror, satisfied with her attire then picked up her faux mink stole & shiny purple clutch. She turned off the lights & left to Terra's room. She knocked lightly & waited.

The door hissed open & Terra stood in the doorway. "Hey! You look great!"

"I thank you, friend!" Starfire turned to give the full effect.

"You look hot, Star!" Bumble Bee's voice traveled to the pair. They turned to view her & marveled over her appearance. She was wearing a black & gold horizontally striped off-the-shoulder cashmere sweater with black skinny jeans & motorcycle boots with silver buckles. Her hair was free from her braids & was up in a curly high ponytail. She wore large silver hoop earrings & nude lipstick.

"You look most wondrous, friend!"

"Not as good as you! You need to take a few pics to remember this by!" Bumble Bee took her arm & showed her off. "Girl, you are workin that dress!"

Starfire floated a little higher in pleasure. "Thank you so very much, Bumble Bee! I simply adore your attire as well!"

"Thanks, hot mama!"

"Ooh! That's right!" Jinx switched down the hall. "You both look great to have kids!"

"You look like you wanna make some!" Bumble Bee dropped Starfire's arm to fly around Jinx.

The pink haired sorceress was wearing a long sleeved midriff baring pink thin sweater with red trousers & black suspenders with kitten heels. Her hair was in her usual ponytails but she was wearing a bolo hat & large orange triangle earrings.

Jinx waved a hand. "He wants me."

"He should!" Terra giggled. "You sure like showing off your belly!"

Jinx looked down at her bare tummy. She poked the jewel there & smirked. "It drives him crazy."

"What are you doing here?" Bumble Bee asked. "Shouldn't you be on your way out?"

"Yeah but I wanted to see you guys. Where's Rae?"

"Here." The smoky tone came from behind her.

"Friend Raven!" Starfire gasped. "You look the amazing!"

Raven, wearing a black mini dress with a sheer overlay skirt & black socks & booties, tugged on her white blazer with black inlay. She buttoned it & adjusted it so it lay right. The earrings Changeling had given her for Christmas twinkled in her ears. "So do you."

"Where are you two going?" Jinx walked around her.

"The roof."

The girls looked at her. "The roof?!"

"Yes. He said to dress for something else though but yes, the roof."

"We're going to John's Clam Shanty." Jinx rolled her eyes. "He said there were a few stops after but to still dress causal."

"Ugh! I'm supposed to meet Sparky in the kitchen. Though JCS isn't that impressive, it's still going out!" Bumble Bee spoke.

"Nightwing has not told me where we are to dine but he said that we were to go dancing afterwards." Starfire loved that.

"See?! Dancing?!"

Terra laughed. "I'm staying in my room with a bunch of kids!"

Bumble Bee sighed. "I guess."

"It will must assuredly be cozy?" Starfire asked.

"I think it will be." Terra nearly floated.

"It's getting late." Jinx reminded them. "It's already after seven."

"Ooh!" Bumble Bee started. "Okay let's say goodnight to the kids."

"Remember to put them to bed at eight." Raven said as the girls went into Terra's room.

The kids had been fed at six & given baths so that it'd be easier to get them into bed.

"I know. I know." Terra swore.

"Mommy!" Three voices cried as their little bodies tottered to their mothers.

Christopher, in Batman pajamas, leapt into Starfire's arms. "You look so pretty!"

"Thank you, my little bumgorf!"

"Your dress is pretty." Charlotte tugged on her mother's blazer.

"Thank you." Raven picked her up. "Be good for Aunt Tara & Uncle Garth. Go to bed when they say. Daddy & I will see you in the morning."

Charlotte nodded.

Calvin held onto Bumble Bee's jean clad legs until she picked him up. He tried to grab her hoops but she just shook her head. "No. Be a good boy, will you?"

"Are you staying?" Christopher asked.

"No, little one," Starfire told him. "I & your father will be leaving very soon."

He pouted. "I want to go, too!"

"You must stay here. I will see you on the morrow."

He encircled her legs & buried his face. "Okay."

"Try to have the fun & I will see you soon enough."

Bumble Bee, Raven & Starfire gave them last hugs before handing them off to Terra. Then they waved to Aqualad, who was fighting with the DVD player on the other side of the room & left.

The quartet walked to the elevator to go to the common room, where four nervous guys were waiting.

Nightwing was wearing a black suit without the jacket but with a waistcoat & the sleeves pushed up to his elbows. He had his hair fully gelled back with an expensive watch & shoes. His eyes were covered with aviators.

Changeling was wearing a dark green long sleeved Henley shirt with black jeans & converses. He had a bomber jacket on & a silver chain around his neck.

Cyborg wore a dinner jacket & tie.

Kid Flash was wearing a shirt with a classic tuxedo image printed on it with a dinner jacket & nice jeans with brown boots & a belt.

The guys stopped talking once the girls entered the room, each in awe over their girlfriend. Raven went to Changeling, Bumble Bee went to Cyborg, Jinx went to Kid Flash & Starfire went to Nightwing as the time flashed 7:09.

"Ready?" Changeling held out his arm.

Raven nodded & took it. "Let's go."

The two took the stairs up to the roof.

"We'll be taking the Wing-cycle." Nightwing offered his arm to his girlfriend.

"Will my hair be the alright?" She worried.

"It'll be best if you wore the helmet anyway."

She pouted but conceded. They took the elevator to the garage.

Kid Flash turned to Jinx. "Is it okay if you ride on my back?"

"When is it ever not?" Jinx rolled her eyes with a smirk. "Come on."

He escorted her out.

Cyborg turned to Bumble Bee. "Are you ready for dinner?"

"I suppose so." She looked him over, liking the loose tie.

"You look really good." He was unused to paying her honest compliments but he really loved her & figured today was the day for it.

"Thank you."

He went to the table she hadn't seen & pulled out a chair. The table was bistro styled & set with white cloth & tapered candles. & even real silverware.

She walked to the table & let him seat her. He pushed her in & walked into the kitchen. She looked around the common room while she waited for him to return.

The room was cleaned & filled with scented candles, ablaze. It smelled really good & soothing. It was dark otherwise with the lights from the city crossing the ocean.

Cyborg came back with a bottle. He opened it & poured her glass half full.

"What's that?" She frowned in confusion.

"Sparkling cider." He poured himself a glass then set the bottle in an ice bucket.

She sat up, interested. She loved cider so sparkling cider was a good move. "Ooh! Thank you!"

He lifted his glass & toasted her. "To you."

"To me?" She gulped down the swallow she'd taken. He'd taken her by surprise.

"To the strongest most beautiful woman I've met since my mother."

She flushed. "Really?"

"Yes. & that's why I've gotten you these." He handed her a brown box.

She pulled on a string & opened the box. She recognized it immediately & was awash in anticipation to find out what was inside. "Chocolate?"

"Chocolate covered potato chips." He informed her.

She squealed. "Yay! I love these!"

"I know." He smiled.

"Thank you, Vic!"

His heart gave a particularly hearty thump. "I'll be right back."

She smiled at his back. He was really sweet sometimes.

He took two oven mitts & shoved them on his hands so they wouldn't retain heat & burn her if they touched. He took two plates from the oven & walked back to the table, where he delivered them with flair.

She squeaked in happiness. "My favorite food! Manicotti!"

"Yes, ma'am!" He patted himself on the back for a job well done.

"Mashed potatoes? Green beans? Greek salad?" She put her hands to her face in joy.

"The potatoes are actually twice baked with garlic, butter & parm cheese. The green beans are fresh from the garden & have roasted red pepper, sea salt & black pepper on them. I even made the salad fresh."

Bumble Bee took a deep breath. "It smells really good."

"Try a roll. I used honey butter & sweet potato."

She reached for one & broke up the slightly sticky bun. It tore apart beautifully, flaking & steaming. She popped a piece in her mouth & her tongue came alive with flavor. "It's so good."

"I'm glad." He took his seat. "Let's eat."

/3

Starfire, who'd ridden side saddle, slid off the back of the Wing-cycle & took off her helmet. Her hair still looked fabulous so she was glad.

Nightwing climbed off his bike & took off his helmet. He shook his head to get his hair back to its previous stature then put both riding headgear in the bike.

He took her hand. "Ready?"

"I am, yes." She smiled.

He pulled her from the parking lot & to the front door of the hustling hot spot. They bypassed the line & went straight to the hostess stand.

"Name." The bored hostess with bright blue hair & facial rings popped her gum.

"Nightwing."

Her still black brows bunched. "Ooh! You're that hot superhero!"

Starfire, who'd been surveying the edgy artwork, swerved to glare at her. "Yes!"

Nightwing squeezed her hand. "I am Nightwing. Reservation for two at seven thirty."

The hostess smirked. "Right here. Follow me." She led them around various tables until she found one with two empty spots. The tables were square with six spots & in the middle were stations for chefs to prepare the food.

"Here you go. Enjoy." She winked at him.

Nightwing held Starfire back. "It's not important. Let's just have fun."

Starfire's eyes still glowed but she allowed him to pull out her chair & seat her. "I suppose you are right. There is no reason for our night to be spoiled."

"None at all." He agreed as he sat beside her.

The two other couples at their table gawked & spoke behind their hands at seeing the two heroes out. Nightwing & Starfire ignored them, just happy to be out together.

Their chef walked up & bowed. "Hello! I am your chef for the evening, Michael Swaim."

"Hello, Chef." Starfire greeted warmly.

"Miss Starfire & Mr. Nightwing. You honor me with your presence tonight."

Nightwing gave a nod. "It's an honor to be here."

Chef Michael introduced himself to the other couples at the table before he started cooking. A waitress stopped at their table & took their drink orders. Nightwing & Starfire both ordered green teas.

Nightwing observed Starfire from behind his shades as her face lit up from watching Chef Michael prepare their meal. Her innocent eyes were huge & her mouth hung open in a wide smile as she eyed his every move. It made him happy to see her so happy from such a little thing.

/3

Raven brushed crumbs from her fingertips. "That's not true."

"I swear it is." Changeling promised. "I can touch my tongue to my elbow."

"It's physically impossible."

He shrugged off his jacket then rolled up his right sleeve. He stuck out his tongue then reached to his elbow. He flicked the organ & literally licked his elbow.

"You cheated!"

He laughed. "Did not!"

"You used your snake tongue!"

He rolled his sleeve back down. "You never said I couldn't."

She smacked his arm.

He grinned. "Did you like dinner?"

They had eaten chicken salad in lettuce cups with fruits & veggies. They'd had sparkling peach tea & mints.

"I did. Who made it?"

He clutched his chest. "Ouch! You wound me, milady!"

"Seriously? You made it?" She was surprised.

"Yes! I know you love chicken salad so I made my own little recipe. I even left out the tofu."

She leaned over & kissed his cheek. "Thank you very much."

"You wanna clean up & get outta here?" He inclined his head.

"Where are we going?" She was suspicious.

"Help me clean up & I'll tell you."

Raven put the dirty containers in the basket he'd packed then stood up to fold the blanket they were on. She'd even ripped the blanket from under him to do so. She made sure everything that was taken out of the basket was put back in. "There. Now tell me!"

He laughed as he climbed to his feet. "Okay, alright. Have you ever heard of a poet named Maya Angelou?"

"Yes. How have you?" She gave him a wary look.

"Don't be rude or I won't take you to her reading at Bookends in ten minutes." He pulled out the tickets & waved them in the air.

Something exploded as she took in a lot of air. Her eyes were wide & her mouth was open as her hands moved restlessly.

"Are you okay?" He asked a moment of her gaping like a fish.

She screamed lowly & something else went boom. "Gar!"

"What?!" He thought this was a good idea but maybe it wasn't.

"Maya! Angelou!"

"You don't want to go?"

"Don't even joke about something like that!" She hit him.

He reared back. "Ow! What do you want from me?!"

"I want us to go! Now!" She broke character & leapt into his arms.

He laughed & spun around. "Okay let's go!" He set her down before pocketing the tickets & shifting into a bird. He took to the sky, her following right behind.

/3

Kid Flash squeezed Jinx's hand as they walked from the restaurant. "Want to hop on now? We gotta jet."

She climbed onto his back & held on tight as he started running. She felt the familiar pitch in her stomach at the sensation as if she were being pushed in one direction then yanked in another as he skidded to a stop.

She swallowed the lump in her throat & shook her head before climbing off her boyfriend. "Where are we?"

"The museum." He grinned widely with his arms outstretched.

"What's here?" She let him lead her inside.

"The Indian exhibit." He walked around aimlessly for a while until he found the right corridor. "Aha! Here we are!"

"Why would you bring me to an Indian exhibit?"

"I thought it was something different & new. You don't like it."

She gave him a mysterious smile. "You're really thinking outside the box, aren't you?"

He wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not. "I wanted this night to be special."

She turned him to face her & gave him a kiss that let him know it was appreciated. When she let him breathe, he almost fainted. It made her smirk.

"Uh…" His eyes were glazed over.

"I think the show is about to start."

He snapped to attention. "Yes! This way, sweet stuff!"

She bypassed his low bow & cocky grin to walk into the room, where the tour was starting.

He followed behind, wiggling his eyebrows. "Oh yeah!"

/3

Terra tiptoed from Calvin's room to Christopher's. Aqualad had just exited & they were going to put on a movie. "Hey?" She whispered. "Is he asleep?"

"Yeah." He whispered back. "He ran around the room a few times then crashed. I think it just caught up to him."

"Do you want to order or do you want me to?" She walked back to her room.

"Have you ever had Thai?"

"Yeah. I like to go to this spot whenever I can. It's really good."

"I've never had it so you order. I'll pick out the movie." He compromised.

"Okay. I have the menu in here." She pressed the button to open her door then walked through it. She went to her desk to rifle through it & find the menu for the Thai place. She found it & waved it high. "Got it!"

Aqualad looked through her movies. "Cool. What are you in the mood for? You have a lot of action."

"It doesn't matter. Whatever you choose." She used her communicator to place the order. When she was done, she curled up in her bed.

"Okay. How about Austin Powers: the Spy Who Shagged Me?"

She laughed. "I love that movie!"

"Austin Powers it is!" He popped it in.

"I called it in. They'll be here in 30 minutes."

"Want anything to drink?" They had plenty of drinks in her room so they wouldn't interrupt the couple upstairs.

"Yeah. I'll take pomegranate juice."

He handed her the bottle of Pom. "So what'd you order?"

/3

Starfire screamed with joy as she twirled in the air. She was having so much fun!

Nightwing spun her back into his embrace & dipped her. His left eyebrow jumped at her astonished face. He grinned. He liked showing her his fun side every once in a while.

When he pulled her up, she wrapped her arms around his neck & clung to him, shimmying her body up & down. Her hair was a wave that slapped him in the face but he didn't mind. It actually cooled him off in the hot club.

She moved her body wildly but in tune to the hard rhythm. She had to lean close so he could hear. "I very much love this! Thank you for bringing me here!"

"You're welcome!" He had to shout to be heard.

"May we come here every night?!"

He laughed. "No! But every so often is okay!"

"Yes!" Starfire flew into the air before settling back on her feet.

He chuckled then spun her out again & loved when she screamed.

/3

"Tada!" Kid Flash showed off the building behind himself.

Jinx leaned over & laughed. "I love it!"

He was feeling pretty good about himself. "Let's go in. We're on the last tour of the night."

She took his hand & dragged him into Blue Goat Ice Creamery. She loved their Spiced Pumpkin Latte ice cream flavor. She didn't know where to go next but luckily there was talking so she followed it.

The hallway opened up into a large room that held multiple people.

"Hello!" A man called out. "Are you here for the tour?"

"Yes!" Jinx grinned.

"Welcome aboard! We're about to leave." He turned & began walking from the room to another hallway. "This is where we store our fresh goat milk."

/3

Bumble Bee reclined on the couch with more sparkling cider, waiting for Cyborg to make the popcorn. She'd eaten her fill & they'd talked about any & everything. It was a pleasant night. She hoped it could continue.

"Hey?" He called out.

She turned back to face him. "What?"

"There's a box on the floor for you. Open it."

She frowned as she turned to look for a box she hadn't seen. It took her a moment to realize it was on the floor so she put down her flute & picked it up.

It was in the shape of a house. It was strange to her but she was able to open it with no problems. There was a page inside but she couldn't read it.

She leaned forward to grab a candle off the table & held it up so she could read. "Anita? Who's Anita?"

"My mom."

Bumble Bee blinked. They rarely spoke about parents. It was a taboo subject for all Titans. "Your mom?"

"Anita Stone." He brought over the jumbo bowl of popcorn.

"I don't understand."

"My mother was the best woman I knew... Until I met you."

She smiled but tears lined her lashes. She sniffed. "Thank you."

"Keep digging." He popped a piece of corn into his mouth.

She set aside the paper carefully & the candle before digging into the box once more. She pulled out a stuffed whale. Her heart melted. "Aww!"

"I want you to think of me whenever you see her so I named her after someone important to me."

She leaned over & kissed his cheek. "This is amazing."

He grew warm at her sparkly gaze so he picked up the remote & turned on the TV. "I have something else for you, too."

"What?" She tried to pull in her emotions before she did something weak… like cried.

He just nodded his head to the screen. It didn't take long before a man sitting on a bench showed up.

She squealed. "No way!"

Cyborg just grinned & wrapped his arm around her as she hugged Anita to her chest.

/3

Raven touched down on the grass & held out one of the containers in her hands.

Changeling shifted back to human form & took it before taking her hand & leading her onto the beach. "How's your Tahitian Vanilla?"

They'd stopped for frozen yogurt on the way to the beach.

"Satisfying. How is your… mess?"

He laughed. He'd gotten a mix of several… seasonal flavors with a host of toppings. "It's fun."

"You have a cast-iron stomach."

He kept laughing. "Maybe?"

She took a deep calming breath. "Tonight has been amazing."

"So you liked the reading?" He knew she did. He just wanted to hear her admit it.

"It was so soothing!" Her eyes glazed over. "Her voice is like magic."

He'd enjoyed himself, too. "It was like she was speaking just to you. Like you were old friends having a private conversation."

"Yes! Exactly like that." She blinked happily & nothing blew up because they were on the beach.

Though sand swirled around their ankles...

Changeling tugged her to a hill & sat down. She sat beside him but he tugged her between his legs. "Nope! I want you close!"

She blushed lightly but ignored him. She ate her yogurt in peace & simply stared up at the stars. "I could stay here forever."

"I could cater to you." He offered. "I'd build you sand castles & protect your property from evil pirates. You'd be my queen & I'd serve you faithfully."

His husky breath in her ear gave her shivers. "You'd be a loyal subject?"

"Most loyal." He swore.

"& trusted?"

"Most trusted." He promised.

"& you'd love no other as you love me?" Her insecurity shone.

"I couldn't if I tried." He stated a fact. "You are my queen, my angel & I couldn't find someone better if I lived a thousand years."

His words filled her with happiness & the sand kicked up. "I love you, Gar."

"& I love you, Raven."

/3

Nightwing pointed to a bench. "Want to sit here?"

Starfire nodded. She just wanted to get off her feet. The stilettos were killing her.

They sat on the bench, his arm immediately going around her shoulder & ate their late night doughnuts. The open late bakery they'd gone to was edgy & had a doughnut for every type of person, from Nightwing & his classic raspberry to Starfire & her exotic mustard crème.

They relaxed & simply soaked in the peace & tranquility. They had no words to describe how well the date had gone & were okay with that. Words could not do it justice.

They finished their treats & he threw away the trash in a can situated by a nearby tree to cut down on littering. He came back & they resumed their relaxed pose.

"Tonight has been most wonderful & I thank you for it."

Nightwing started. He'd been so accustomed to the silence that he was surprised when she spoke. "I told you before, you're welcome."

She sighed & laid her head on his shoulder. "Tonight has been the perfect."

"I'm glad I could make it that for you."

"You make everyday such."

He turned to face her & found she was already looking at him. She removed his glasses & stared at him for a moment before giving him a long kiss.

When they parted, she snuggled back into his side. "I am very happy with you."

"I'm glad, Star. I'm glad."

/3

Terra started as she woke up fully & realized she'd fallen asleep on Aqualad. She looked up at him & noticed his half lidded gaze on the TV but it wasn't Austin Powers: Goldmember; the movie they'd put in after the other had gone off. "Hey."

He looked down. "Hey, sleepyhead. I thought you were down for the night."

She needed to stretch but didn't want to move away from him. "I didn't even mean to go."

"It's alright."

She breathed deeply. "What are you watching?"

"Pink Panther."

She chuckled. "I love that movie!"

"I bet you do." He shifted so she'd be more comfortable. "Are you sure you want to be awake?"

"I am kinda tired." She admitted.

"Well here." He gently deposited her onto a pillow before turning off the TV & making sure the trash was all cleaned up. Then he kissed her softly. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight." She climbed under the covers. He left the room & she closed her eyes. Today was a good day.

/3

Kid Flash raced across the water to the tower he called home. He stopped on a dime right outside the door & let Jinx climb off his back. "You okay?"

"Yeah." She clutched his hand & went inside, where they used the elevator to go up to the rooms. She went down one corridor then another to reach her room. "I had a really awesome time."

"Me too. It wasn't too random?"

She shook her head with a grin. "It was just random enough."

"Good." He backed her into the door. "How's about letting me in for a nightcap?"

"How's about I give you a kiss & don't hex you into oblivion?" She countered.

He fake pouted. "You don't like me anymore."

"Can't stand you." She giggled.

He leaned close & pressed his mouth to hers. "That's bad."

"How bad?" She whispered.

"Very bad." He pressed closer.

It took a few moments but she finally broke away. "I'm a bad girl."

He stared her down as she moved into her room. "Jinx. Jinx."

She gave him that mysterious smile as she shut the door on him & he could hear her chuckling. He stood there a moment to get his bearings before leaving.

On the other side of the door, she chewed on her bottom lip in happiness before going to grab her pajamas & changing into them & taking off her makeup & out her jewelry.

Then she climbed into bed & thought about her lovely date. From beginning to end, it was amazing. Yeah. Today was a good day.

/3

Cyborg & Bumble Bee passed Aqualad on the elevator. They were going down to the rooms & he was going up to throw away the trash that had accumulated throughout the night.

Cyborg walked her to Calvin's room, where they checked on the infant before walking her to her room.

She turned to face him before going in. "Thank you for Anita."

"You're welcome. You're just as good a mom as she was."

"Thank you." She flew up to kiss his cheek before going for his mouth. Things got a little heated so she had to pump the brakes. "I need to get to sleep."

"Dream of me, will ya?"

She laughed. "In your dreams!"

As she went into her room, he whisper-yelled. "That's not a no!"

She rolled her eyes & closed the door before going through her night routine & climbing into bed. She grabbed Anita & hugged her to her chest. Today was a good day.

/3

Nightwing & Starfire parked the Wing-cycle in the garage & got off in good spirits. They put away the helmets & he took her hand to lead her up to the elevator. They rode up in comfortable silence & got off at the right floor.

Cyborg looked surprised to see them but silently got on & waved.

Starfire giggled & waved back as the doors shut. Nightwing pulled her to Christopher's room, where they checked on the sleeping tot. Then he took her to her room.

"Have a pleasant night, Koriand'r."

"You as well, Richard." Her eyes seemed to illuminate as she twisted from side to side.

He gave her an amazing kiss before heading to the elevator.

She watched him & floated until he was out of sight. Then she entered her room. She looked at all the gifts he'd given her & squealed happily, zooming through her nightly routine before picking up Silky & Princess Sarah.

She arranged the covers around herself & settled in to tell the mutant larvae & stuffed tiger all about her night. Today was a good day.

/3

Changeling & Raven landed on the roof as he shifted. Silently, they walked through the roof's access & to the elevator, where they rode down to the bedrooms.

They checked in on Charlotte before he walked her to her room & laid against the wall. "Good night."

She was suddenly shy. "Goodnight, Changeling."

"Aww, nobody's around."

She blushed. "Goodnight, Gar."

"That's better." He leaned in for a kiss & got more than he bargained for. She toyed with the edge of her control before letting him go. "Are you trying to get me to stay?"

She pushed him away & twisted her mouth. "Go away."

"But you're so much better than my pillow."

"Never forget it." She pressed open her room.

He blew a kiss at her & winked. "Never."

She shook her head with a blush. "Goodnight, Changeling!"

As she went into her room, he called out, "I thought we went over this?"

"Go away." The door hissed shut.

"Love you, too!"

She rolled her eyes. He was such an idiot. But he was her idiot. She got ready for bed & grabbed a book off her nightstand. She'd gotten sand everywhere & would have to clean it up in the morning but that was then. For now, she was going to read about a knight in shining armor while hers went somewhere else in their home.

But that was okay. She'd see him soon enough… in her dreams. She set the stuffed lion he'd given her right next to her as she opened the book. Today was a good day.

/3

By pure happenstance, the guys all met up in the common room & decided to play video games.

"Let me get this straight; you forgot all about it until yesterday was half over?" Aqualad had to have heard them wrong.

"Didn't know a thing about it." Changeling shook his head.

"That is sad."

"But we had a great time so I'm sure she doesn't care."

"Then again, she doesn't know."

"There's that." Cyborg agreed. "But I like to think of it as blowing their minds with a little deadline."

"I like that." Kid Flash said. "I'ma steal that."

"By all means."

"I say today was a success." Nightwing shrugged. "Kid, look up, will you?!"

"How do I even do that?!" Kid Flash was clicking hard.

Aqualad stole his controller. "Here."

"I think we're gonna do it!" Cyborg was once again out of his seat.

Nightwing was on the edge. "Almost there!"

Changeling had blocked out everything but the screen & his hands. "Four yards & not a zombie in sight!"

"Watch out, C!" Cyborg yelled.

"I got you!" Aqualad killed the zombie that had slipped through.

"Thanks, dude." Changeling hit buttons.

"Oh! Oh! Oh!" Cyborg was feverish now. "Twelve feet! Ten feet! Five feet!"

The word safe was plastered across the screen as victory music played. The word winner quickly followed with a shot of all four characters jumping in celebration.

Nightwing, Changeling, Cyborg & Aqualad all jumped up, mimicking their characters. It was their first time winning this game & they were especially proud. Today was a good day.