Titan Tower, Daylight.
Raven wakes up early to find everyone else is still asleep in their beds. She decides to take advantage of the peace and quiet though to claim the television to herself though, and do what she always does when she gets opportunities like this…
Watch some Pretty Pretty Pegasus on Fletnix.
A faint smile encroaches on her face as she loses herself in the bright flashy colors, childish humor, and simplistic story telling of her favorite cartoon. It's not as great as the original series from the 2000s, and most everyone else in the fandom despises it for it stark departure from the source material; but she doesn't care. She likes the reboot.
"Heh… Heh heh heh," she sort of laughs as the show continues.
She doesn't even notice Starfire peeking out of her bedroom door. The Tamaranian princess sneaks over to the end of the hallway to check the living area, and sees Raven engaging in her pastime.
And a smile now encroaches her face as she realizes two things.
One: this show is pretty stupid, and it's pretty funny that Raven actually likes it.
And two: she has the perfect opportunity to put her plan into action.
She giddily hurries back to her room, and Raven is in too much of a Pony induced trance to even notice any of this.
Starfire comes back to her safe little spot at the end of the hallway, this time wearing a purple cloak just like Raven's. She tries to put on a serious face, but giggles because of how much fun she's having putting herself in Raven's shoes. Or, cloak rather.
She shakes herself of this though as she remembers that it's all for the love of Raven, and that she has got to be the bestest of friends to her.
So, she takes a deep breath, and morosely maneuvers her way over to the couch to join her.
"Sigh," she says, rather than actually sighing.
It scares the bejesus out of Raven, who hops off her butt before desperately trying to change the channel.
"Jeez! Uhm, hey Star. Uhm, I was just flipping through channels while waiting for the news to come on… Yeah…" she insists with a nervous look on her face.
But Starfire is able to maintain her composure as she takes a seat on the couch as gloomily as possible.
"It is indeed a dreadful show. So much is dreadful," she moans, quickly glancing at her friend from the corner of her eye before focusing on the nothingness before her as an emo would.
Raven becomes visibly perplexed by her unusual behavior, and the fact that she's wearing one of her cloaks, and takes a seat back on the couch,
"Uhm… Starfire, why are you wearing that? And what are you doing up at... six in the morning?" she asks as she peers at the nearest clock.
"Time is merely a construct, as is all of existence. We are merely dust that floats in the wind," Starfire continues.
Raven gets wide-eyed at her… depressing remark.
"Are you feeling okay?" Raven now asks.
Belatedly, Star responds. "I am ambivalent to all things, just as you are, friend Raven." She then glances at her friend again, perking up ever so slightly. "Perhaps you would wish to talk about things that upset us now."
Raven considers her words for a moment with a puzzled look on her face, but it soon shifts into an angry frown as she begins drawing conclusions.
"Okay, Starfire. What is going on?" she sternly asks.
"I do not understand what you mean," Starfire tires to defend, but Raven isn't buying it.
"What is this? Is this some kind of joke?" she continues, growing more excitable as she stands up. Starfire just skittishly watches on as she gets on her tirade.
"Did Beast Boy and Cyborg put you up to this? Oh, I bet they're laughing it up right now, huh. They probably have a hidden camera or something around here, don't they? Is Robin in on this too? Because I have dirt on him, you know. I've seen his browser history before, and let me tell you- you think what I like about Triple P is weird? You should see what he looks up for Crowd House! I'm going to find that camera, and I'm gonna find those three goons, and I'm going to take their stupid little joke, and shove it right up their-!"
"Raven!" Starfire shouts to cut her off. She stands up from the couch and pulls down her hood to reveal her face, then defensively raises her hands up. "It is not a joke of the practical nature! Please put the table down!"
Raven looks to her, then to the table she telepathically lifted up for smashing purposes, then back to Starfire. With an apathetic expression, she eases the table down, then points her finger at Star.
"Alright, start explaining," she orders.
Starfire sighs for real this time, then takes a seat back on the couch.
"Raven, I am sorry for deceiving you, and for taking your surprisingly fragrant cloak," she pitifully begins, sneaking in a quick whiff of said cloak. "I wished to influence you into talking to me about your sadness over Beast Boy, and Blackfire suggested that I behave more like you to do so… She also suggested that I not heed the advice of someone who has consumed so many frosted beverages."
Raven relaxes, and the frown on her face is replaced by a look of concern. "Starfire… Why would you do that?" she asks.
"Because she also said that I am what the earthlings call 'a spaz.' And, after much thought, I have realized that this is true…" she bemoans, eyeing the ground.
Raven's eyes convey a certain new sadness. "Starfire… That's… That's ridiculous," she says. Starfire then looks up from the ground to meet her eyes, and Raven takes a seat on the couch a comfortable distance from her.
"You may be a little… eccentric sometimes, but you're not a spaz," she tells her. Another little smile comes to her face now, but not because of cartoon ponies. "I'm flattered that you would go through so much trouble to get me to open up to you about my feelings. It means a lot to me… But Beast Boy and I have actually talked about this."
"You have?" Starfire says, brightening up a little.
Raven simply nods. "Things might be a little weird for a few more days, but we've decided to do our best to try and make things work as friends…"
It's her turn to eye the ground now as her cheeks redden just a little. "Actually, I told him the same thing you told me about how we could make things better."
Starfire smiles wide now. "This is most wonderful, friend Raven! I am very happy to hear that things will be alright for you and Beast Boy!" she proclaims.
Raven coolly shrugs. "Yeah, well… What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, I guess," she says.
For a moment, the two girls just smile at one another, but Starfire then brightens up even more as she giddily shakes her hands.
"Ooooo! We should celebrate!" she suggests.
"Celebrate? For what?" Raven replies, still keeping it chill.
"For the resolution of the courtship conflict!" Starfire answers. "Ooo! I know! We should go to the- wait…" she stops herself, still ever so joyful.
"What? What is it?" Raven eggs on, her curiosity genuinely piqued.
Starfire bites her bottom lip she's so excited. "I know the perfect surprise! It will be a most enjoyable and F. O. N. fun experience! You will love it!" she promises.
"It's F. U. N… But, uhm…" Raven starts, her excitement nowhere near as high as her confidante's.
But, she sees how thrilled Starfire is just to have learned about Raven's resolve, and she is truly touched by her gesture to try and help out, just as she said to her.
So, even though it may prove to be a mistake, she decides that the day is young, things are copacetic, and maybe there is reason to celebrate.
"Alright, I'm interested. Let me go change into a good cloak and we'll head out. But, where are we going?"
"I cannot say, or it will spoil the surprise," Starfire tells her. "I can promise you that it will be a most enjoyable and-"
"Yeah, you already said that," Raven interrupts.
"Oh… Well I will remind you that it shall," Starfire endearingly says.
The two girls exchange another smile, and then make their way off the couch for Raven's room.
"You really must tell me what laundry detergent you use," Starfire inquires on the way.
Later that day, Starfire and Raven are walking through a crowd of people on their way to the cleverly named Beach Amusement Park. The sun is shining, and everyone seems happy to be here, including Starfire. She smiles widely, waving at some of the more inviting pedestrians who pass by, oohing and awwing at a few of the amenities.
Meanwhile, Raven grits her teeth and tries to keep her complete lack of enthusiasm to herself.
"Whatever this is that Starfire has planned… It can't be worth being in this heat. And, oh man, why is everyone here so happy? What do you all have to smile about? Especially the children… I hate kids."
Eventually, she decides she has to speak up, even if it risks potentially hurting Starfire's feelings.
"Ugh… Starfire… What are we doing here?" she groans.
"You shall soon see," Starfire gladly answers.
Raven rolls her eyes at her vague answer, but Starfire excitedly perks up.
"Yes! It is this way!" she proclaims, and she begins rushing ahead. Raven doesn't quite get as hasty though, and just mullingly follows.
Starfire stops herself to look back to her slow moving companion, and raises a brow. Raven returns the gesture with indifference, wearing her usual listless expression.
"Come on! You will love it! You'll see!" Starfire insists, and she goes back to take Raven by the hand and make her hurry along.
The momentum makes Raven's hood fly back, and she gets wide-eyed by the sudden excitement. "Woah! Starfire! Chill out!" she hollers, but it's fruitless, as Starfire keeps pulling her along until they've gotten to the center of the amusement park.
Once they've halted, Raven scowls at Starfire, who is still as happy as can be.
"Okay, enough games. Tell me what we're doing here!" she demands.
Starfire giggles a little into her hands, then points at a sign. "Look!" she as she does.
Raven follows her finger to the sign.
You're never too old to believe in MAGIC!
"What the-?" Raven says with a disgusted look on her face. She then wanders her eyes to some similar propaganda plastered all around.
Believe in yourself, and you can believe in ANYTHING!
Anything is possible with the power of FRIENDSHIP!
Please do not leave your pets and children UNSUPERVISED in your vehicle!
Beyond all of the signs, there are streamers, balloons, T-Shirt vendors...
And cutouts of colorful Pony princesses.
…
Starfire is anxiously shaking her fists against her face, barely containing her enthusiasm.
"Do you love it?!" she asks.
Raven… Well…
"What the heck is it?" she asks while retaining her sickly grimace.
"It is Pega-Con!" Starfire cheerfully announces. "It is the single largest gathering of the Pretty Pretty Pegasus fans... 'Bronies,' that the West Coast has to offer!"
Raven is absolutely stunned. Yes, she loves Triple P, but… she does not love conventions. She does not love the heat. She does not love the people. And she does not love any of this.
And she decides that, she isn't going to be shy about letting Starfire know how she feels.
"Are you kidding? I-"
Before she can get another word out, Starfire is tightly squeezing her with a great big hug. The poor goth's eyes practically bug out.
"Oh, I am so glad you like it! I was worried we would not be able to make it in time for the Q and the A, and I was not even sure you would be willing to come with your earlier despodence… But we are here! Thank goodness!" she exclaims as she releases Raven from her loving death grip.
Raven just eyes her up and down for a moment as she allows the air to come back to her lungs, thinking about how she could probably set this whole place on fire if she wanted to.
But… That would make Starfire sad. And the girl did apparently put a lot of thought into all of this…
So, she buries her hatred within the darkest corners of her brain, mustering all the strength she can to endure what is sure to be an experience that completely contrasts with 'F. O. N. fun.'
"Okay, Star… Where do we begin?" she reluctantly asks while gritting her teeth.
"Ooo! Let us purchase the breaded wieners! We will need thorough sustenance to last us the whole day!" she declares.
"The whole day?..." Raven heartbrokenly repeats.
But before she can say anything to maybe change the course of events, Starfire is whisking her away again to go get those wieners.
Meanwhile, back at Titan Tower…
Shortly after waking, Robin makes his way out of his bedroom and into the hallway. He takes a deep breath as he approaches Starfire's door.
"Okay… I can do this. You're Robin! You've beaten up all the toughest villains! You were Batman's sidekick! You almost had your own spot in that movie instead of Cyborg!"
He knocks on the door. "Starfire? Are you awake? It's me, Robin."
No answer.
He raises a brow, and tries knocking again.
"Star?"
He decides to go ahead and open the door, and discovers that no one is inside expect for her pet alien worm, Silkie. The little dude is happily sleeping away at the edge of the bed.
"Huh," Robin utters before closing the door and returning to the hall. He makes his way into the living area, where he finds Beast Boy and Cyborg making blueberry waffles and discussing one of their usual Bro topics.
"...That's why you gotta start the quest and then send an SOS flare. That devil unicorn ain't no joke," Robin catches Cyborg saying.
"Eh, that's why I stopped playing. It's pretty embarrassing telling your friends you keep getting killed by a pony," Beast Boy replies.
"Uhm, hey guys," Robin intervenes. "Have either of you seen Starfire?"
"Why? You finally gonna man up and ask her out?" Cyborg quips.
"I- I may have thought about asking her to hang out later. Not that it's any of your business," he defensively responds while closing his eyes and folding his arms.
"Awww… Robin and Starfire, sittin' in a tree! N-" Beast Boy begins before being cut off by the team leader.
"Shouldn't you be singing a song about waffles or something?" he retorts.
"Well, that is something I would do," he thoughtfully says. He then smiles at Cyborg. "You thinkin' what I'm thinkin'?"
"Aww yeah! Waffle song time!" Cyborg agrees, and they proceed to break into song celebrating their favorite breakfast dish.
Robin disregards them to continue his newest investigation though, which leads him to Raven's door next.
"Maybe she knows where Starfire is."
"Raven! Are you in there?" he yells, but he gets no response. Like before, he opens the door to see a girl he's looking for is gone, much like what happens to that one author on the internet that everyone loves.
"Really? No Raven either?" he thinks aloud.
"What're you doin', yo?" Beast Boy asks as he makes his way over with Cyborg.
"I'm trying to find Starfire, but I can't find her or Raven anywhere," he reveals.
"Half the tower isn't everywhere, but alright," Cyborg ripostes.
"Maybe they went out?" Beast Boy wonders.
"Out? You mean- like 'out?'" Robin worriedly responds. "Is that why you guys broke up? Because she likes Starfire?!"
"What? Nah, dude," Beast Boy asserts.
"Alright, I'm gettin' to the waffle of this," Cyborg states as he pulls out his communicator.
"Uhm, lame pun, dude," Beast Boy lets him know.
"I wasn't making a pun," Cyborg refutes. "I just can't stop thinking about waffles."
He dials up Starfire…
*Hello!* she cheerfully greets.
"Starfire, hey," Cyborg says back. "Listen, I'm standing here with the boys, and we're trying to-"
*I am unable to get to the electronic communication device at the moment. I am very sorry to have missed your call! However, if this is an emergency, or you simply wish to talk about the kitties, leave your name, number-*
"Dang it," Cyborg groans as he hangs up. "She didn't pick up."
"Weak," Beast Boy comments.
"Alright. I'll try Raven," Robin says, and he calls her up.
She answers after a few rings.
"Robin!" she greets with desperation in her voice.
"Raven! Where are you at? Are you with Starfire?" he frantically asks.
"Oh, I'm with her," she responds from the amusement park. She stands a safe distance away from Starfire, who is buying some overpriced T-shirts from a vendor named Hatoralo.
"Are you guys out? Like, 'out' out?" Robin neurotically adds.
"What? Do you mean-? No, you idiot! We're at the amusement park."
The three gents all exchange peculiar expressions.
"I thought you hated the amusement park?" Beast Boy questions.
"I do!" Raven barks.
"Then what are you doing there?" Cyborg asks.
Raven steels herself as she dreads answering.
"We're at Pega-Con…"
"Pega-Con? You mean…?" Robin begins.
Then, as expected, the three boys laugh hysterically at her expense.
She just pinches the bridge of her nose as thinks about fire and burning things again.
"You're at a convention! What a nerd!" Cyborg teases.
"Listen you imbeciles," she sharply retorts, "I'm doing this for Starfire, so if any of you mentions this ever again, I swear to Zod I'll-"
"Raven!" Starfire exuberantly calls out from the vendor's stand. "Raven!"
"Oh no…" Raven moans.
"Uhm, is everything alright over there?" Beast Boy asks.
"Sure. If alright had another meaning," Raven complains.
"Raven!" Starfire shouts again as she makes her way over with two colorful T-Shirts. "I have used money to barter for these commemorative body blankets!" she adds as she waves them in Raven's face.
She looks at the shirts, and barely refrains from letting a "bluh" escape her mouth.
"You do wear a small, correct?" Starfire asks.
"I don't wear tie-dye," Raven bluntly states, but Starfire gives her the shirt anyway.
She puts her own on, all while smiling her same bright smile. "Oh, how wonderful! We can now be Pegasus Pals!"
"Joy…" Raven sarcastically utters.
Starfire keeps staring at her and eagerly smiling. "Well?"
"What?" Raven tartly rebuts.
"Aren't you going to put it on?"
Despite everything that Starfire has done for Raven, she just can't keep this up. The heat, the people, yeah. They're terrible. But tie-dye T-Shirts? A line has to be drawn somewhere.
"Starfire…" she starts.
But… She stops smiling. Instead, the Tamaranian girl is quivering her lower lip, and looking at her with the most pitiful puppy eyes a girl can work up.
Those big, glossy green eyes...
…
Raven rigidly frowns, but she removes her cloak and throws on her stupid colorful Pegasus shirt in almost one swift movement.
Starfire excitedly claps as her smile returns to her. "Yay! We are now Pegasus Pals!"
From the other end of her communicator, Raven can hear the other Teen Titans laughing hysterically again.
*Pegasus Pals! That's too funny!*
Raven eyes the other girl with true apathy.
"Please don't say that ever again."
Fletnix strikes back, b-words. Ah yeah. And Kirin sucks. Just sayin'.
Now try and guess what my favorite food is and I'll mail you a No-Prize. I'll give you a hint. It rhymes with "Awful." You know, like all of my jokes.
Okay, so for reals now, the next chapter will see a little more significant development. I wasn't lying when I said Slow Burn y'all. Haven't you read all my other stuff?
However, I'm shaking things up this time around with my yuri formula. So stay tuned to find out how;) Thanks for reading as always, and stay thirsty, my friends.