Best Foot Forward
By Eric Hollingsworth
Early morning, Titan's Tower…
Silent
in my sanity
I live safe inside my cell
In the darkness that
surrounds me
I see my own special hell
Comfort in my suffering
Feeling warm inside this pain
Before I was coming down on me
I
come on down again
Odd how Aenoch's appreciation for all things dark carried over to his human side. Will's day just didn't seem complete without listening to something from Rae's depressing music collection.
He carefully poked at the steaming scrambled eggs with his white plastic spatula: just about there. He took the pepper shaker and added a dash.
"Maybe a bit more." He smiled while adding another pinch.
Will wasn't the strongest of the Titans (rated third after Cyborg) or the fastest (third after Robin too). Nope he wasn't the best at much of anything in any category save for one: Gastronomy. Yup he was one hell of a cook and in that he had a serious advantage over the others.
The living room's double doors slid open and Cyborg stumbled inside. Will switched off the boom box.
"Morning." He said without turning away from the stove
"Hey" Cy yawned
He shook off his sleepiness and eagerly eyed the pan of waffles and eggs on the cupboard. Funny how food seemed to be the center of all life here. No matter how dire the situation, an oink fest was always a necessity.
"Help yourself: there's plenty"
But Cyborg needed no such urging as he began grabbing waffles off the platter. He carefully sniffed them.
"What kind are these?"
"Banana. Found some old ones in the cupboard."
Cyborg's eye began to water and his lower lip trembled.
"God bless you." He sighed happily while filling his plate
Will had taken all the Home Economics courses in school. At the time they were just to pad out his elective requirements but little did he know his skill would be used to please his fellow superheroes.
As Cy settled in the nook and began chowing down, Robin, Beast Boy and Starfire appeared as well. They all paused to sniff the air. The Tamaranian pranced into the kitchen and looked over Will's shoulder.
"And what artistry are you committing with the unfertilized chicken embryos this morning William?" She asked excitedly
"Eggs ala Aenoch."
"And what exactly is an Eggs ala Aenoch?" Robin asked dubiously
"Garden variety eggs, green onions and Tabasco."
They all eagerly filled their plates. It felt good to cook. And a minor miracle it was too considering what happened the last time they let him near a spatula. Of course he was under the mind control of Klarion at the time but try to convince the others that. But they were indeed an understanding bunch and allowed him to experiment every once in awhile. Besides, this sure as hell beat Wheaties and cold pizza any day.
As he emptied the pan onto the platter, BB sniffed the pile of steaming eggs with his miniscule green nose and grimaced
"Hello? Vegetarian here."
Will peeked at the others to make sure they were not being listened to.
"They're tofu." He whispered
"Really?" The changeling asked dubiously
"Really. 'He confirmed' but don't tell Cy."
"Gotcha." He smiled and winked
Will's father had a weak heart. Because of that his mother experimented with all kinds of low-cholesterol recipes. Tofu was pretty versatile providing one can add enough spices and onions to hide the bland taste and gooey texture. Well, besides that he just wanted one stinking morning without the real versus fake food debate.
Will perked. Even if he could swap places with Aenoch at will, some abilities remained no matter who was in the driver seat. And a special ability the Spirit Drinker shared with Will was his knack of sensing emotions. And someone special was just making her way to the door.
Sure enough, the double doors slid open and Raven sashayed in. He sighed sadly at the sight of her. In another life she would have been completely out of his league and in a lot of ways, still was.
"Good morning Rae." He bid
She just yawned.
"Tea's ready."
Originally she bought it herself. But in his efforts to make her happy(ish) after the tattoos, he fished through the garbage and found the brand. It was a special organic blend specially picked from the dark and monster-infested hills of Transylvania and available only on the internet. To be safe he secured an armful of the stuff. Did she notice? Who could tell?
The girl silently filled her "Life Sucks" mug and joined the others. She ate very little as compared to Starfire who shoveled it in with both hands. Both looked great for such odd noshing habits.
He piled some of the eggs and waffles on a plate and eased in the nook opposite Rae. As Will picked at his breakfast, he watched the girl with the cup of tea. Her eyes never left her mug. Of course if it was Aenoch sitting here, things would be different.
"I salute your experimentation." Starfire said through a mouthful of waffle and eggs.
"Huh? Oh, you're welcome."
Will pushed his plate away. Rae avoiding his gaze ruined his appetite. He rubbed his tattoos together and swapped places with Aenoch.
"Good morning Raven." Aenoch droned
She looked up at him and raised an eyebrow.
"Morning…again" Raven replied with a tinge of beleaguered irritation.
The Spirit Drinker pondered the evidence. He received a vocal reply while his human counterpart got a yawn. Maybe his theory was correct and truly it was Aenoch she cared for and not Will.
It had been a month since Will got the tattoos and ever since he had been getting the sneaking suspicion that Raven's affection was a bit one-sided. Yes she said the "L" word but to whom was it directed to? She had known the Spirit Drinker for over five years while Will only a few weeks. And the only previous example of the real him wasn't exactly the best. Well, to be honest it sucked.
He needed guidance. And there was only one person here who had some experience in the area and the maturity to point Will in the right direction.
Later that morning, in Cyborgs garage…
Cy was busily adjusting the suspension to the T Car's rear passenger side wheel. The other day it was pulling a little to the left: utterly unacceptable.
He was just retightening the bolts when he heard some one approach. Judging by the stomping and pace, it had to be Will in those Frankenstein boots of his. Kinda odd, even with the tattoos he stayed as Aenoch most of the time. There had to be something on his mind.
"What's up? 'Cy asked, not turning from his work' If you're looking to joy ride you're out of luck."
The feet behind him shifted. Funny how Will was such an odd contrast to Aenoch. The Spirit Drinker could look Slade in the face without flinching while Will was such a shy and introspective fellow. Sure they were basically the same guy but the differences were still dramatic. He had gotten better though. Robin had figured he would need some time to adjust.
"Do you think Rae likes me?"
This was certainly out of the blue. Cy turned away from his car.
"Say what?"
"Do you think she likes me?" He reiterated
"Dude? She lets you in her room. What more show of affection do you want?"
"She lets Aenoch into her room, not me."
Now this little visit made sense. Cyborg stood and faced him.
"Sure she does. Your depressing poetry readings, trips to the Goth Garage at the mall."
"Both Aenoch."
Cyborg considered.
"Well she did meet you before, that Klarion thing."
Will sighed sadly and turned away.
"But that wasn't me and…I was a bit of a schnook."
"You do have a point. 'he snickered' you blew raspberries on her cheek."
"And walked in on her while she was showering."
"Really?" Cyborg gasped
Wow. Now that took some serious chutzpah. Anyone else trying that would have probably been launched into orbit.
"The only way she knows me is being a perverted dope. She doesn't know the REAL me."
"Oh I'm sure you're just being paranoid dude. Just ask."
"Rae?" He chuckled
Another valid point.
Cyborg considered the evidence and carefully weighed Will's options.
"Well that just leaves one thing then."
"What? I'll do anything."
"A date."
"A WHAT?"
"A date. Take her to a movie, maybe to a decent restaurant and then you'll have your answer."
"Is she really a "date" person? I mean: a trip to the malt shop just doesn't seem to, umm, fit."
"Eh, all girls are man. Just take her someplace she would like. You know: a depressing movie, a dank coffee shop, the graveyard. It worked for me and Bumblebee."
Well frightening notion it may be, but Cy was right. He had to put his best foot forward and see where it landed. What was the worse that could happen? He'd just stay as Aenoch. Yup, seeing and not feeling, never eating again, being the eternal butt of BB's juvenile pranks…oh Christ.
He took a deep breath and steeled himself.
"I'll do it." Will said resolutely and turned to leave.
Cyborg returned to his project.
"Oh, umm? 'Will smiled' what happened with Bumblebee? If you don't mind me asking."
"You didn't really think I was going to the hardware store every weekend did you?" He smiled devilishly
Later, in Will's room…
Movie: check.
Restaurant: check
Now the hard part: the invitation. He had never asked a girl out before and this was all unexplored territory. And his prospective date being Rae didn't exactly help matters. She disliked going out and doing things so this was going to be tricky.
"Are you busy tonight?" Will asked his image in the mirror
He cringed. That won't do. She would just give an enigmatic affirmative and close the door.
"Hey. Would you be interested in seeing a movie with me?"
He gagged. She doesn't like doing anything besides reading and meditating. It would just illicit another "no".
Will checked the clock on his dresser. Well time was running out. He stepped out his door and made his way to Raven's room. Instinctively he made to rub his wrist tattoos together.
"No Will: today you are doing this yourself."
At one time Aenoch had dreamt of feeling again. But after the last couple of weeks, he had come to realize that perhaps Raven was right and emotions were indeed a weakness. Today was a perfect example.
He stood in front of her door. Why was it always ten degrees colder around here? He made to knock, only an inch stood between his knuckles and the thick steel of her door. But his hand retreated.
Good Christ! Some superhero he turned out to be. He was ready to wet himself over asking a girl who already confessed his love for him out on a date.
Will stepped back from her door. He pictured her sitting on her bed, reading one of her ancient tomes and pondering her place in the universe. God those eyes of hers. He wondered if anyone here besides him ever appreciated her eyes. Even Aenoch, who couldn't tell the difference between a tickle and an ice pick in the nuts enjoyed them. They were the color of the ocean at its deepest point. Pretty symbolic of how complex and enigmatic she was.
He turned tail and ran, ducked inside his room and threw himself on the bed. Well maybe another night would be better. And what then? He would just retreat again and postpone it another night.
Will turned and sat on his bed side. Well heck, if he couldn't utter the words. He opened his end table drawer and found a pad of paper and a pen. He laid back on his bed and thought to himself. Something official would be better, nothing fluffy or cute.
To: Raven of Azarath
From: William Erickson
Re: Movie
I do hereby invite you to a meal and cinematic…
He tore the page off his pad, crumpled it into a wad and tossed it away. It was a date not a business proposal. Maybe he should lighten up a bit.
Would you be interested in a movie? Wicked Scary 3 is playing downtown and perhaps we can eat before? No super powers….Will
There: simple, to the point and very little fluff. It was a bit on the begging side but maybe a more submissive tone would be better.
He folded the note in half. Now all that was left was to slip it under her door. Will once again left his room and walked down the hall. Her door had not changed since his last visit. He double checked his note for spelling errors: none.
Squatting down, he made to slip it under her door.
"Hello William" Starfire bid from behind.
He cringed and stood. The Tamaranian stood before him with a wide grin.
"Good God Star. 'He gasped' Don't sneak up on me like that."
"What are you doing?"
"I…umm…dropped my cookie."
She looked around the floor by Will's feet and no pastries of any kind were evident. Funny how people seemed to misplace their desserts around Raven's door.
"Well, good luck on recovering your cookie." She bid and walked away.
He watched the Tamaranian until she disappeared around the corner. Once again he squatted down and made to slip the note under her door. Holding his breath, he stuffed it in. Will stood and walked back to his room. Now the ball was officially in her court.
Will laid back on his bed and stretched. Well heck, it did feel kinda liberating making the step. Even if she says no, just the notion of what he achieved…
The note slipped back under his door. He slid off his bed, trotted up to his door and picked up the note. Well here we go! Was it yea or nay? Will unfolded the note.
Would you be interested in a movie? Wicked Scary 3 is playing downtown and perhaps we can eat before? No super powers.
Will
Sure
"Oh wow."
Later…
Will carefully added another coat of polish to the steel tips of his boots. He took a rag and carefully buffed them to a mirror shine. Geez! Any more of this and he would be able to peek under Star's skirt.
He stood and checked his black pants and shirt again. Yes his fly was closed and all his buttons were buttoned. The clothes were brand new and still smelled like starch. Did he get all the pins out? At this point he probably wouldn't have noticed them sticking them anyway.
According to the clock on his dresser it was going on four. The movie started at seven and he wanted to make the restaurant before the dinner rush. He reached for the black trench coat draped over his bed but paused.
"Not today Annie." He whispered
His note said no powers and with his coat at home, he would be less apt to switch over. Should that include his Shadow Blade too? Heaven knows what might happen when out in public. But he wanted to show Raven the real him and besides, with a weapon he would be more apt to look for trouble. Nope, it was staying here.
He peeked outside his room and looked both ways down the hallway. No one around. They were probably in the living room playing Game Station. God only knows what BB would say if he knew what was transpiring.
Taking carefully measured steps, he approached Raven's door. He stood up straight and summoned his best neutral look. He was over forty years old, now to act the part.
Suddenly the door swished open. Raven, with her hood pulled over her radiant face, stood before him. Hmm, no evidence of nervousness or anxiety of any kind. But of course. This was Raven of Azarath we were talking about
"Ready?" He asked
She silently walked by him and Will took her side.
"I was thinking maybe Herman's? It's a restaurant on the wharf."
"As long as they don't sell pizza, waffles or tofu."
Fishermen's Wharf…
"Ah San Francisco." He sighed contentedly to himself
Will and his parents had made it a point to stop by every Christmas to see the decorations and go shopping. It was the highlight of his mostly wasted childhood. He couldn't visit much these days what with super villains and evil aliens running about. It felt nice to come here on an entirely informal basis.
The smell of the ocean air and seafood was a welcome change to the body odor and stale pizza at the tower. Families and couples leisurely walked about the wharf, enjoying the atmosphere as well. And along with them were the street performers. Mimes, minstrels and magicians of all types and levels of competence practiced their acts for the applauding and laughing visitors.
A long haired guitar player dressed in a tuxedo was playing to a gathered crowd. The musician recognized the couple and abruptly changed the song.
"When there's trouble you know who to call: Teen Titans. From their tower they can see it all: Teen Titans." The guitar player wailed.
Will left Ravens side and made his way through the crowd. He reached inside his pants pocket and produced his wallet.
"Five bucks for another song." Will said, showing him the bill
"Deal."
He dropped the fiver in the open guitar case.
"Spiderman, Spiderman, does whatever a Spider can…" The musician continued
He rejoined his date.
"I never liked our theme." Will explained as they walked away
"I prefer the Japanese version myself." She agreed
Although the wharf's layout was the same, just about everything else was different. All the stores and restaurants he visited in his salad days were now gone.
"So much has changed." Will sighed
"It HAS been a quarter of a century." She reminded him
They reached what was supposed to be Herman's but instead a Sushi Restaurant was in its place. Above the entrance in blinking blue and red neon was "The Sullied Sumo".
"Wow." He managed
That totally sucked! He had been SO looking forward to one of Herman's Shrimp Louis Salads.
"Up for Sushi?" He asked uneasily
"Raw fish is for baiting hooks, not eating."
"Agreed." He laughed.
Will looked around for an alternative. Aha!
Later…
"We used to eat here while waiting for the Alcatraz ferry, when there was an Alcatraz." Will explained
Yes Herman's was history. But as luck would have it, the little outdoor cafe down the pier was still around. Their specialties were foods meant to ward off the cool bay air and a favorite of Will's was their chili. But instead of using a bowls or cups, they use round hollowed-out loaves of Sour Dough bread. The portions were pretty large so they shared one although it looked like he was doing most of the eating.
"Pretty good?" He asked while taking another spoonful
She nodded and took a fork full.
As they ate, he carefully watched her. She didn't look bored or irritated so he was sorta succeeding. And he had to admit his behavior has so far been outstanding. No bad jokes or talking shop. During their walk here he had been tempted to take her hand but perhaps could save that for later.
He nodded towards a Starbucks across the pier.
"That used to be an arcade. Back when games were a quarter, they were everywhere. I used to…"
"Stop thief!" A woman screamed
Will and Rae turned to see a young man rapidly approaching with a pilfered purse under his arm. Behind him a policeman and woman were in pursuit.
"Wanna flip for it?" He sighed
"You go ahead. 'She said taking another fork full' I'm taking the night off."
Will kicked the empty nearby stool out into the thief's path. And right on cue the punk tripped on it and crash-landed face first on the pier. While the woman retrieved her purse, the cop handcuffed the semi conscious thief.
"Serves you right dip shit." The woman admonished and kicked the prone punk in the crotch
They watched as the policeman dragged the would-be thief away.
"No rest for the wicked." Will sighed sadly
Outside the Paramax Odeon Megaplex…
Luckily Wicked Scary 3 had been in the theatres for a while and the line was relatively short. Will also shared Aenoch's dislike of crowds. He stepped up to the box office.
"Two for Wicked Scary."
"Sixteen fifty."
Geez this was expensive.
He slipped a twenty in the slot and she traded it for two tickets and change. Will trotted ahead and held the door open for Rae.
"After you"
She gave the slightest of smirks and entered first.
Will paused at the threshold and took in the sights and sounds. Sure they had free cable and watched DVDs all the time back home but nothing could match the ambiance of an authentic theatre experience. Being human again had rekindled Will's appreciation for the little things that make life somewhat bearable: sounds, color and particularly cute girls.
He handed the tickets to the usher who promptly ripped them in half.
"Shame we didn't bring BB, we could've gotten him a child's discount." He snickered
"I think he's banned here."
"Was it this place?"
Unwilling to shell out the money for popcorn, monkey-boy had tried to smuggle in a five pound bag of vegetarian cocktail weenies. Well, needless to say, management caught on and exposed his little attempted coup. A melee ensued, resulting in BB nearly stomping the place flat. Robin had to personally go to the police station and bail the twerp out.
Sure enough, a Polaroid of Beast Boy's impish Kelly-green mug was taped to the Ushers station. Under the picture, written in magic marker was: FOR GODS SAKE- DO NOT ADMIT!
They pushed their way through the turnstile.
"Want some popcorn?" He asked
"Maybe later."
With his stress over the situation, he did feel a bit parched. He purchased a small Cherry Splunky and stabbed the lid with two straws just in case Rae got a liking to partake.
They stepped inside the auditorium. Stadium seating was a nice change from the theatres in Will's time. Here, no matter where one sits, a decent view could be had. Only half of the seats were filled. He considered the best vantage point.
"Front or back?"
She looked around and pondered.
"Center"
"Neutrality it is." He smiled
They snagged good aisle seats and settled in. It looked like most of the patrons were young couples. A group of cub scouts had usurped the entire back row. Wasn't this rated R?
The house lights dimmed and the curtains parted.
The following preview has been rated G by the motion picture association of America." The screen announced.
The first coming attraction appeared to be a cartoon. A figure of a young girl, silhouetted by the sun, stood on the tip of a high mountain peak overlooking a lush green valley. The camera slowly closed in.
"Only once in a generation does such a film come…a film that spans so many generations and nations. A movie that tugs at the heart strings…" The narrator blathered as the camera pulled in closer to the girl
"Oh good god" Rae sighed
Suddenly the girl turns to face the camera, revealing her green eyes, trademark red hair with single pony tail, yellow half shirt and high cut jean shorts.
"And now the world is going to pay." Misty growled
POKEMON 11: MISTY'S REVENGE: This time it's real, REAL personal!
A giant egg-shapedTogapei creature was stomping Tokyo flat with its yellow three toed feet, sending crowds of screaming locals fleeing in its wake. On its head stood Misty, laughing at the carnage.
"Run you maggots!" She screamed
COMING THIS CHRISTMAS
The audience moaned in disgust with the exception of distinctive chortles coming from the front row.
"Is it me or does that sound familiar?" Will whispered into Rae's ear
"Impossible. No one's THAT stupid." Raven disagreed.
Thirty minutes later…
An animated cup of soda, bag of popcorn and candy bar were dancing up a theatre aisle.
"Let's go down to the lobby…let's go down to the lobby…let's go down to the lobby and get ourselves a snack." The trio happily sang
"Before the movie, please try our fresh and buttery popcorn. And no popcorn is complete with a cool refreshing soda and box of candy."
"YEAH!" The same heckler from the front row giggled
Will ducked out of his seat and sneaked up the center aisle to the front row. A familiar tubby fellow with long red hair, dressed in a Klingon overcoat and Tuskan Raider shirt was stuffing his round and pimpled face with handfuls of popcorn and Gummy Worms. Control Freak? But they locked his flabby butt away last week. Will quickly retreated back to their seat.
"It's him." Will whispered
"Well apparently he IS that stupid."
"How do you want to handle it?" He asked
"You handle it. I'm taking the night off."
His invitation promised no powers. But that didn't include psychological warfare and taking advantage of the mob mentality. They were just as good as or better than any superpower. Tension was running pretty high over the plethora of coming attractions; all he needed was the right spark to set the mob off.
A still photo of the Sullied Sumo restaurant popped up on the screen.
"Like Sushi or just the desire to try something exotic? Then try us. Just one mile from the cinema on the wharf. Bring your ticket stubs for a free squid roll."
"Get on with the movie." Control Freak yelled at the screen
"Hey! Shut up tubby." Will yelled
Control Freak stood, turned to the audience and attempted to spot the heckler. The lights were out and he couldn't see a thing.
"Who said that?" He sneered
No one spoke up. Satisfied, he settled back in his seat.
"And now: for our feature presentation." The screen announced
The theatre applauded and cheered. But instead of the movie, a picture of a phone appeared.
"If that is what you would like to hear, dial 1 800 FILM and discover…"
"Boo!" The villain yelled while throwing a handful of popcorn at the screen.
Will pulled off the lid of his pop and took a handful of ice cubes.
"Eh shut your cakehole." Will yelled and threw the ice at Control Freaks head
He stood and again confronted the innocent looking audience.
"Who threw that."
Still no one would fess up. Some of the crowd was beginning to titter though. For someone trying to frighten a group of people, Control Freak wasn't exactly dressed for it. Seeing his power beginning to wane, he reached inside his overcoat pocket and produced one of his souped-up television remotes.
"Okay wise guys. 'He smiled, pointing the remote at the screen and pressing a button' Since you wanna play rough…"
The telephone on the screen sprouted legs, large glowing eyes and its number pad erupted in a gaping maw studded with sharp teeth. It jumped off the screen and stood behind Control Freak.
"Now then…"
"Oh wow. A big telephone. HOW SCAAAARRRY!" Will laughed
The rest of the audience began to giggle, making Control Freak panic. Come on! It was a giant man eating telephone he had here.
"Shut up."
"Does it have call waiting?" A woman from behind Will added
"No, shut up."
"A real phone-y" One of the Cub Scouts yelled
"That's it! 'Control Freak roared' Tear this place apart!"
The giant mutant telephone began to roar and stomp, making the audience gasp. Oops, the mob was losing their focus. Will had to keep them on target.
"This movie cost me almost nine bucks. You gonna give us a refund?" Will added
Instead of running away, the audience began to hiss and boo. When in doubt, make the subject money…it always works.
"Yeah. Sit down and shut up." A man to Will's left agreed
"We hadda sell a thousand boxes of cookies to pay for this." The Cub Scouts yelled
The auditorium exploded in a chorus of boos and jeers while tubs of popcorn, cups of pop and candy began pelting the villain and his demonic telephone. He dove behind the row of seats, ducking the barrage.
"You creeps. 'Control Freak bawled from his hiding space' You'll all pay for this."
Now for the finale. Will turned to the group of giggling scouts in the back row.
"You going to take that? Show'em what happens when me messes with the Cub Scouts."
Troop 673 stood from their seats.
"Get him!" They screamed and stampeded up the center row.
"Titans go." Will whispered and left his seat
Now he was being pummeled by a group of irate scouts. It must be pretty embarrassing for a super villain. The rest of the audience joined in the fracas and dove in as well, all except Raven who had not uttered a word since the melee began.
A battered and garbage plastered Control Freak scrambled out from underneath the pile of theatre patrons. He produced his remote.
"You will all pay for this outrage." He sniffled
He aimed it at the screen and pressed a button…nothing. His giant carnivorous phone was gone as well.
"The hell?" He asked, slapping his remote.
"Looking for these?" Will asked, holding out a pair of Duracell batteries.
"Ah poo-doo."
Later…
With Will, Raven and the troop of irate cub scouts looking on, a shackled Control Freak was being led into the back of a waiting patty wagon.
"I didn't even get to see the movie." He sniffled.
Just as they slammed the wagon doors, the T Car pulled up to the theatre and their friends jumped out.
"Aw hell." Will moaned
Robin readied his Bo staff.
"Titans GO!" He yelled
Cyborg took notice of Will and Rae and the idling patty wagon.
"Um guy? I think it's already taken care of."
"But how'd you get here so fast? 'Beast Boy added' We just got the call five minutes ago."
"Umm, well" Will said uncomfortably
Raven stepped forward
"WE are on a date. 'She defiantly volunteered while taking Will's arm' And the movie should just be starting…let's go Will."
Without another word, she led him back inside the theatre much to the shock of their comrades. Raven on a date? Now they had seen it all.
"How cute." Starfire sighed whimsically
"Man. 'Cyborg whistled' Do I know my stuff or what?"
Later that night, back at the pier…
All the shops and restaurants were closing for the night and the pier was abandoned and quiet. Raven sat on edge of the dock and watched the roaring surf.
"Here ya go." Will said, handing her a steaming Starbuck's cup.
She took the cup and carefully sipped it.
"They carry my tea?" She asked
"Yeah. Lucky huh?"
But she knew the truth: Will had brought some teabags along. He hunkered down beside her and sipped his coffee. Together they quietly watched the scene. None of their teammates appreciated sights like this.
"Back during my wandering? I sat in this exact spot for two straight days watching the surf."
"Why?"
"Not entirely sure. I think subconsciously it came to symbolize my existence back then. Nothing changes; the world went on even if I didn't. The Atlantic didn't impress me as much though. Smaller waves I guess."
They fell silent.
"Over the last month though, I've come to realize that Aenoch and I appreciate the same things." He said and sipped his coffee
"Such as?"
"Mystery, sophistication…beautiful dark blue eyes."
She smirked and blushed. Now THAT was the true Will, the Will she met all those years ago and had hoped to meet once again. Aenoch cared for her too but such thoughtfulness was a bit beyond him.
As they quietly meditated, a small warm hand took his and he rubbed it with his thumb. The feeling was mutual.
Later, back at the tower…
Will walked Rae back to her door. The place was dead quiet save for snoring coming from the other bedrooms. He had been worried that the others might wait up but they apparently got the hint.
"Well, here you are ma'am." He said and bowed
She opened her door.
"Perhaps next weekend? 'She asked' My treat…no powers."
"I would be honored."
He bent forward to kiss her cheek but she shrunk away.
"Let's take it slow." Rae reiterated and offered her hand.
"Until next time then?" He asked taking her delicate hand and giving it a soft yet deliberate shake.
"Next time." She agreed
She turned and disappeared inside the dark netherworld of her room. Smiling from ear to ear, he returned to his own.
Everything was just as he left it. All that is save for one thing…
He had his answer.
Epilogue…
Earlier that same morning…
After a year of having to push her bedroom door back into place, Raven was bound and determined to fix the wretched thing. Of course she had no hardware of her own so instead she borrowed Cyborg's. He was pretty protective of his tools and lent her his ratchet set under her most sacred vow they would be returned that morning.
The doors to Cy's garage obediently swished open for her. Oops!
"Well she did meet you before, that Klarion thing."
Apparently she had walked in on a Will and Cyborg "heart to heart" chat and it was about her. She hung back and listened. Raven wasn't an eavesdropper by nature but was curious on where this was leading. Aenoch's odd behavior at breakfast had piqued her interest.
"But that wasn't me. 'Will sighed' And…I was a bit of a schnook."
Oh that day was permanently etched in her mind: the drippy smooch, him walking in during her shower and that whole poisoning thing. But she knew it wasn't the real Will. Why else would she lock herself in her room until it wore off? Yeah he acted like a boob but who wouldn't after being an emotionless blank for a quarter of a century.
Besides, she had communicated with the real William before. During her trips into his subconscious when Aenoch first appeared and when he tried to kill himself, she had met and talked with him. The genuine article was mature and caring, not the neurotic mess the potion brought out. What fool couldn't tell the difference? All the tea she bought for her? His respect for her beliefs and space? Both Aenoch and Will cared deeply for her…one could show it, one couldn't.
"Well that just leaves one thing then."
"What? I'll do anything."
"A date."
"A WHAT?"
"A date. Take her to a movie, maybe to a decent restaurant and then you'll have your answer."
Raven shuddered. No one had dared ask her before. God the whole notion made her shiver. The love between herself and Aenoch was implied. It never occurred to her that Will might need something more concrete besides her saying it. Why must everything be this complicated?
"Is she really a "date" person? I mean: a trip to the malt shop just doesn't seem to, umm, fit."
"Eh, all girls are man. Just take her someplace she would like. You know: a depressing movie, a dank coffee shop, the graveyard. It worked for me and Bumblebee."
"I'll do it." Will said resolutely
Her mission to return his tools forgotten, Raven turned tail and ran back to her room. She dove inside and slammed the door.
The girl held her breath and waited for his knock. And what would she say? By Azar let her not screw this up. She almost killed him once before, god only knows what might happen if she spurned him again. But then, she didn't want to sound desperate.
A pair of feet approached her door and stopped. Okay, here we go. She stood by the door and waited. The plan was to wait a second before answering, to make him think she was meditating.
The minutes dragged on.
But quickly as they came, the footsteps ran away. He had chickened out and retreated. Good god was she really THAT spooky? Granted it was probably his first time asking anyone out. Will had said he was shy and awkward in school.
She sat on the side of her bed. Will would be back. Rae had been communing with him for years and knew the guy inside and out.
Sure enough, the footsteps returned. Odd, it Sounded like Will was having a conversation outside with Starfire. It was muffled and nearly inaudible but Rae could make out the word "cookie". Then the Tamaranian walked away.
A folded note slipped under her door. Raven picked the letter off the floor and read it.
Would you be interested in a movie? Wicked Scary 3 is playing downtown and perhaps we can eat before? No super powers.
Will
This was new but not entirely unexpected. She took a pen off her dresser and made to write a reply. It shouldn't be too desperate or too cold. Holding her breath, she carefully scribed:
Sure
Was that good enough? Man this stuff is hard. This was her first date too and she had never replied to a written invitation before. She refolded the note and opened her door. The hallway was deserted. Oh if only the others had a clue on what drama was taking place right under their noses! BB would giggle, Starfire would sigh how cute it was and Cyborg would give one of his patented Boo-Yahs.
She tiptoed across the hallway to Will's door. Bending down, she stuffed the note under his door. Rae quickly retreated back to her room and ducked inside.
Well, now that was done, she had to get ready. She opened her trunk and pulled out a clean uniform. Part of her was tempted to wear civilian clothes but chances were Will would come casual. Besides, neither one liked to wear civvies.
Later…
Raven didn't keep a vanity mirror but instead relied on a small handheld one. While holding it before her, she ran a brush through her blue hair.
She heard his door open. Here he comes! She trotted up to her door. Hmm, he might still be pretty nervous, it might be better to make the first step.
Taking a deep breath, she opened the door. There stood Will, the only man she had ever confessed feelings for. He was wearing a brand new uniform and his boots were polished impeccably. Her knees began to shake. Instead of continuing the stalemate and maybe him witness her anxiety, she walked by him. Will took her side.
"I was thinking maybe Herman's? It's a restaurant on the wharf."
"As long as they don't sell pizza, waffles or tofu."
The End