Notes: No! There's only going to be about one or two chapters left after this one. As much as I hate for it to end, I know that it must.

Disclaimer: I don't own Teen Titans or anything by Charles Schulz. I do however, actually own a copy of the book mentioned in this chapter. It was a gift to me, so I figured that it was appropriate. I also don't own The Nightmare Before Christmas or any other Christmas movie.

Christmas Eve

"What is that thing on your head," were the first words spoken to Beast Boy as he joined the others at the breakfast table. Cyborg was the person in question, pointing his large finger at the object.

Beast Boy grinned, flicking his fingers at the bell that had been sown to the tip of the elf-like hat. It sounded out gently every time the changeling moved, but he failed to look embarrassed by it, "It's my Christmas hat. Jealous? You know you like it."

"Christmas isn't even until tomorrow," Cyborg groaned, "And I would never be caught dead wearing that."

"Your loss," Beast Boy replied with a grin. It was official: he had caught a bad case of the Christmas bug…the one that only occurred the day before, thrown into the hype of the upcoming day.

Starfire was the only one who seemed impressed with the strange hat. She hovered over his head, delighting in every time it sounded, "It is wonderful Beast Boy. What a way to spread the joyous spirit of the day of Christmas."

"To be honest," Raven spoke up, a rare occasion in the morning, "I think it would better suit Robin. The bright green matches his uniform."

Robin turned to her, flabbergasted, mouth moving but forming no words. He finally found the will to speak, "But Beast Boy has the ears…" It was a weak argument, but caused everybody to burst out laughing.

The lid of the kettle shot into the air and Raven stood suddenly, "Tea's ready." She walked over, poured herself a cup and left, headed back to her room.

Raven sighed as the door shut behind her. Her eyes darted around the room, closing once she saw that she was completely alone. Her hand reached out, setting the cup on a nearby shelf.

Why had she spoken up like that? Yes, it had been a true statement, but voicing it was completely different than thinking it. She supposed that Beast Boy had been rubbing off on her, but something told her that he wasn't, not to that extent at least.

Still, something inside her had wanted to defend Beast Boy. It wasn't that she didn't find the hat a bit ridiculous, though kind of adorable in it's own way. She couldn't believe that she was using that word to describe it, but it was true. The bright grin, happy disposition and pointy ears had made Beast Boy appear to be quite the adorable elf.

As quickly as they had come, Raven shook the thoughts out of her head. She raised a hand and her closet door opened. Four items came floating out, landing at her feet, ready to be wrapped. Those items came next, hidden under her bed.

Most of her gift ideas were good choices. Cyborg's was an extra controller for the GameStation…she had been there to witness when he had broken the fourth one by accident, getting way too into the game. With a bit of reorganization, nobody else had noticed, but she knew that it might happen again.

Robin's had been somewhat difficult, but only because she had made it herself. Though he would never openly admit it, he found history to be exciting, specifically when it came to the team. Unknowingly, Raven had been saving up any newspaper articles dealing with their adventures. She found a large photo album and placed them inside by date, giving brief descriptions if the newspaper failed to do so.

Starfire was to receive a book that Raven had picked up a few weeks ago. It was a by a famous cartoonist named Charles Schulz. The story itself was called 'Happiness is a Warm Puppy'. Raven knew just by the title that Starfire would love it. Besides, it spoke of a simple joy, much like what Starfire had.

All of the gifts were wrapped in that person's signature color. Raven hesitantly placed a pink bow on Starfire's present, which was wrapped in purple.

She saved Beast Boy's gift for last, wondering whether or not to put it under the tree. Raven contemplated giving it to him privately, but eventually decided against it. She wrote a short note on the back of the cover. The book she had picked up was wrapped with the greatest care in green paper.

The only names written were the recipient's own. It was a tradition in the Tower that they would try to guess who got everybody what gift. That was why certain colors of wrapping paper were used as well. It made the gifts a little less embarrassing to give, unless the person guessed correctly. On the issue of Beast Boy's gift though, you had to guess before you flipped through the book. Only his eyes would see the name on the inside.

On the opposite side of the wall, Beast Boy had just finished wrapping his gifts as well, except of course, for one. Raven's gift was not quite completed yet. He had decided this once he had finished not one, but two poems. His original idea had been some sort of book of poetry, but now his mind was going in a different direction. He had to make just one more stop and he'd have everything he needed. Most stores were closing early for the night and he had to hurry. One more trip to the bookstore ought to do it.

"You guys sure do come in here a lot, don't you," a female voice asked as Beast Boy poured over the shelves quickly. The girl who worked behind the counter walked up to him, "Is there anything in particular that you're looking for?"

"A journal of some kind," Beast Boy replied, "Maybe with a lock on it."

"You mean like a diary," the girl laughed.

"Yes," he exclaimed, before calming down considerably fast, especially for him, "It's for a friend." She led him over to a small section on the other side of the store, "I'm thinking it should be a dark color. Blue or black."

"Well, have a look around. Take your time."

Beast Boy was there for about ten more minutes before it caught his eyes. On the very bottom shelf was a medium-sized diary, a dark blue in color. He picked it up and knew that it was the perfect choice. The fabric on front had a velvety feel to it, the word 'Diary' etched into its surface in gold. A small golden latch kept it closed, the keys small, but intricate. The backing and spine were smooth black leather. A small piece of elastic kept a beautiful black pen in place beside the opening to the pages. Beast Boy paid for it and left the bookstore, feeling satisfied with his purchase.

"You know, Raven's usually the one to stay inside her room all day, not you," Cyborg commented hours later, "It's just weird, okay?"

Beast Boy turned his head to glare at his friend, who involuntarily took a step back.

"You've been spending way too much time on this Raven stuff," Cyborg told him, "You're starting to scare me a bit."

Beast Boy's eyes softened at this and he sighed, "Sorry dude. It's just that I'm almost done and everyone keeps interrupting me. If I mess it up, I can't fix it."

"I'm sure it's not that bad," Cyborg stated, but the green Titan cut him off.

"No, I'm writing something in this," he only acknowledged the object without showing it, "If I don't do it perfect, I'd have to tear it out. I can't afford to do that."

"Okay. I'll leave you alone," Cyborg said, "but at least come join us for our movie marathon. You know how much Raven loves 'The Nightmare Before Christmas'. And of course we're also watching 'The Grinch' and 'Rudolph'."

"Is Starfire still scared of the Oogie Boogie," Beast Boy asked.

"Nah, we finally convinced her that it was really just a movie," Cyborg replied, "but even if we hadn't, we have to do something to make Raven come out of her room on Christmas Eve. She'd stay in there all night if we let her."

Shortly after Beast Boy finished, he joined the rest of the group in the living area. They were already there, about to start Raven's movie. Glancing over at her, Beast Boy noted the lack of a book in her hands, her eyes turned towards the television screen. In fact, completely unlike her, Raven was leaning back on the couch in a half-slouched position. For these few moments, she was letting her guard down.

Aside from Starfire gasping when the Oogie Boogie came into view, the movie marathon went off without a problem. However, everyone was surprised when Raven stayed for Rudolph. It was common knowledge that she wasn't fond of it, finding it too cheesy and simple for her tastes. Nobody said a word about it though, just glad that she decided that their company was better than staying in her room all night.

After the movies they headed off to bed and began to plan for the next phase of Christmas.