Well, here is the next chapter. I apologize for the lateness, but the combination of writer's block and a crashing computer hard drive did little to speed the process up. No matter, I managed to get it out just in time for the big day. Well almost in time...Oh well, better late then never. I hope you enjoy it.

I don't own Teen Titans.


Chapter 7

When the sun started to shine through her window blinds, Raven knew she had to get up. Her body was stiff from sleeping in a cramped position and her eyes were slightly red from crying.

Raven got up slowly and stared around her room. A few of her things were scattered along the floor, thanks to another nightmare, but she didn't complain as she put everything back into place. At least nothing was broken this time around.

When she made herself presentable, Raven sleepily walked out of her room to fetch a nice cup of hot tea. It had been a hard night and she looked forward to the caffeine boost the tea would give.

As she made her way towards the kitchen however, Raven stopped in mid step and began to consider whether or not to turn back.

All around the room, splattered globs of pink frosting dripped from the walls. A flour covered Starfire flew to and fro, adding new decorations to the large cake she had recently baked.

Raven watched in disbelief, already turning back towards the door, but unfortunately, Starfire saw her and smiled brightly. "Raven! You have awoken at last! Now you can help me bake! We could do the 'hanging out' together!"

Groaning under her breath, Raven stopped and greeted her friend. "Hi Starfire. Do you mind telling me why you are baking a cake this early in the morning? Is it for someone's birthday I have forgotten about?"

"What? A Day of Birth already? I'm not prepared for that!" Starfire gasped in surprise. "I have yet to buy the gifts and I will need more cake batter and…"

"Starfire calm down. I was just using an expression. It's just a little unusual to see someone up this early doing some...intense baking." Raven explained, carefully.

Starfire sighed with relief. "Good. I have much preparations to make for the Valentine's Day party. It would be most stressful to get ready for another. Though, I admit it would have been much fun."

"A Valentine's Day party?" Raven asked. "What party? Doesn't Robin think those are a waste of time?"

Starfire hesitated a little, blushing softly. "Well yesterday, friend Bumble Bee told us the joyful news. Robin was going to reject the offer but after a little...convincing he changed his mind. So, we will be going to Titans East this afternoon. Surely you are coming, are you not Raven?"

"No." Raven said bluntly. "I don't have time for parties. Today I would prefer to spend my time alone."

"Not go? How could you not? I have heard your secret admirer set it all up, just for you!" Starfire exclaimed with disbelief.

Raven simply rolled her eyes and headed towards the exit. "Then that boy is wasting his time. I'm not going, plain and simple."

As she turned towards the hallway, Starfire called "Well if you change your mind, I would enjoy your company!"

Raven made a point to ignore her friend and started to walk down the hallway towards the stairwell. Instead of tea, she decided to try a little meditating. Raven hoped it would revive her, if anything, give her some peace and quiet.

With Starfire on her baking spree, who knew what chaos could happen if she stayed in the tower! Raven sighed; she couldn't wait till all this excitement was over, so she could get on with her life.

When she opened the doorway leading to the top floor, Raven was surprised to see Beast Boy standing by the window looking out towards the city. He was unusually quiet, and seemed almost lost in thought.

"Beast Boy? Are you okay?" Raven asked, as she walked closer. When he didn't respond, Raven just shrugged indifferently and went to get her meditation mat.

As she began her meditations, Raven couldn't help but kept one eye open, staring at Beast Boy. He had a strange expression on his face. His dark green eyes were so intense. As if he was excited and worried about something at the same time.

It concerned her greatly, but Raven decided to let it go. If Beast Boy wanted to talk he would when he was ready. By the way Beast Boy was acting; he obviously wanted some time to think.

"Azarath, Metrione, Zinthos." She began to chant softly. "Azarath, Metrione, Zinthos." Soon after a few minutes, Raven was floating above the ground, lost in a peaceful bliss. Her nightmares had ceased to torment her and the confusing thoughts of the day vanished.

While Raven was in deep meditation, a quiet voice broke into her thoughts.

"Raven? Can I talk to you? Look, I know you are meditating but I could use some advice." Beast Boy said, looking at her nervously.

Raven opened her eyes and regained her composer. "I guess we can talk but did you have to ask me now? I've been looking forward to a good meditation." She complained irritably.

Beast Boy shrugged. "Sorry. I just wanted to talk to you about that Valentine's Day party. Do you think I should go? 'Cause right now, I'm not so sure."

"You don't want to go?" Raven asked, thoroughly confused. "How come?"

Beast Boy looked down, not meeting her eyes. "I don't know. I guess it's because the girl I like may not be there. It's all the way at Titan's East. Maybe I would be just wasting my time."

Raven snorted impatiently. "Well, if you like the girl so much, you should go. You're there to have fun and no one should tell you otherwise. Besides, if that girl likes you back, she'll be there too."

Beast Boy looked thoughtful for a moment, before grinning broadly. "Hey, you're right! Maybe I'm just worrying over nothing. I knew you could think of some good advice. Thanks Rae!"

"Glad to have helped. Now can I get back to my meditating?" Raven asked impatiently.

"Oh, yeah...sure. Hey Raven?"

Raven rolled her eyes and sighed. "Yes, what now?"

"Can you come with us to the party? I might need your support. It's not like I can ask anyone else. Besides, your really smart about this kind of thing." Beast Boy asked, smiling mischievously.

Raven raised an eyebrow. "I'll think about it but don't get your hopes up. Parties aren't my kind of thing. Besides, why would I celebrate today? There's nothing to be happy for."

Beast Boy looked at her softly. "That's where you're wrong. Just...please come. You won't regret it."

Raven didn't answer, so Beast Boy just walked back inside. She watched him go, feeling very torn. Should she go? It seemed like everybody wanted her there. Raven rubbed her forehead, thinking of the options.

Despite all of Wisdom's advice against it, Raven could feel another emotion starting to make itself known. Her heart was telling her to go with Beast Boy.