Of proms and promises - Just one...
"Remind me again why we're chaperoning at this prom?" Raven angrily grumbled, surveying the dance floor. She lifted up her dress. Although Raven hated getting dolled up, she felt sophisticated in a short, strapless ivory dress with a sweetheart neckline. Simple, yet elegant. Starfire opted for the more attention-grabbing peach empire-waist gown with one strap, receiving jealous stares from the prom queen hopefuls.
"Because we're on a patrol mission to check for any suspicious behavior. I've gotten several reports to watch for potential threats," Robin reminded. Beast Boy and Cyborg shuffled in their tuxedoes.
"More like he wanted to take Star out. There's nothing dangerous about a prom," Cyborg whispered. Robin frowned and continued to stare down the room.
"I think it's awesome. We never really had the high school experience! You know, besides home school and our mailed diplomas. But this is sweet!" Beast Boy cheered. He made sure not to move too much, tucking his hand inside his pocket.
Raven watched in a grimaced face as the teens moved their bodies awfully close to one another during a high tempo song. "Well this is pointless. I'm going for some air," she shrugged, leaving the hall. The teammates paying no mind to the cantankerous empath, except one. All Titans minus Raven patrolled the room, Starfire bobbing her head to the music. She began to sway, an idea lingering in her mind.
"Friends, allow us to partake in the dancing!" Starfire excitedly declared. Beast Boy and Cyborg nervously declined, leaving her to grab Robin's hands. "Come, boyfriend Robin!" He groaned and followed. They reached the dance floor, with Robin miserably attempting to shuffle, while Starfire spun around, whipping girls in the face with her long hair.
The two best friends cackled at the scene before them. Beast Boy's fingers discreetly circled around his pocket; Cyborg took note of his actions, and nudged the green male. "Go get her," Cyborg teased. Beast Boy stopped fidgeting to look at his mechanical friend. He rubbed the back of his neck.
"What?" he inquired, trying to sound as oblivious as possible.
Cyborg shoved Beast Boy away. "Man, please. That's the only reason you can't keep still. Unless you really have to pee." Beast Boy gave a toothy grin. "Go, before it's too late."
The changeling fumbled with his legs. He listened carefully, weighing his options. "I can't just leave you here, dude. That's totally lonely and depressing."
Cyborg crossed his arms casually. "Don't worry about me, grass stain. Believe me, I won't be lonely." Beast Boy questioningly eyed the punch bowl then back at his friend.
"Oh? You've got something to keep you busy?" he joked. Cyborg lifted his shoulders.
"Something like that." Beast Boy nodded and they both watched the strobe lights illuminating the room, teens enjoying the hypnotic music. Cyborg checked the time then cleared his throat. It was time. "Yo, BB, would you go already? Stop stallin'." With a forceful shove, Beast Boy stumbled over his feet, beginning his journey. He straightened his back and sauntered toward the exit.
Once Beast Boy was out of sight, Cyborg walked to the dance floor. He pushed a few people aside, until he finally found her. Her back was turned, long yellow dress sparkling in the light, she wore her hair in a delicate bun. The metal man regained composure, practicing deep breathing, and reached for her hand. She faced him, providing a small smile, wings rapidly flapping. "Bee, you made it.."
"Hey Sparky, guess I did."
Raven squeezed her eyes shut, pinching her nose. All these high school seniors were overwhelming her with their fluctuating auras, she couldn't handle it. Softly placing a stray hair behind her ear, she rested her hands on the edge of the lit gazebo she waited in and hung her head. She took the precious moment to amazingly observe each twinkling light. How they reminded her of stars. It was a beautiful set up, she had to admit.
The peaceful ambiance quickly turned sour when she sensed his determined emotions. Without having much of a choice, she watched as he confidently strode to the dimly lit gazebo and once he reached the steps, tripped over his feet. He immediately glanced up, embarrassed, and Raven suppressed a laugh.
"Smooth," she quipped in a monotone. Beast Boy dusted himself off and stood next to the empath, mentally cursing himself for looking foolish in front of her. He watched carefully as she stared into space. They stayed silent for five minutes. Tapping his pocket, he toyed with the item inside, nervously looking back to his tuxedo then to her. "What's in your pocket?"
"Uh..nothin' much. It's kinda stupid," he began.
Raven rolled her eyes, gently massaging a temple. "Try me." In all honesty, if anything beat the stupidity of babysitting a prom for a mission, she wouldn't believe it.
"Well. Um. You know, I figured since we all haven't been to prom before, you might want one of these..." He coughed and with trembling hands pulled out a box. Inside, a corsage covered with white orchids to match perfectly with her dress. It looked stunning. Her face remained stoic and she fought the urge to smile. This was one of the sweetest things anyone had done for her. Just for her. "I mean..if you don't want it you don't have to-"
"No, it's..lovely. Thank you, Gar." The two awkwardly looked away and Raven slipped the corsage on her wrist, sliding an index finger around the petal of the orchid. He scratched his head, unsure of what to say. She actually liked it. He wanted to victory dance but thought against it. Maybe she'd...
"Want to dance?" Beast Boy bluntly stated. His eyes widened. He didn't mean for his thoughts to be said aloud. "I..um..yeah. So, what do you say?"
"I'll have to decline. I'm not a very good dancer," Raven confessed.
"Oh.." He held his breath. "You could learn."
"I don't dance, Beast Boy."
"Just one," he suggested. Raven sternly glared at the changeling who gave a wide grin. "One dance. That's all."
"One?" she questioned.
"Just one. No strings attached, I promise." He smiled to assure his seriousness and bowed murmuring, "May I have this dance, Lady Raven?"
She pursed her lips, and looked over her shoulder. Contemplating. He wouldn't stop bugging her until she agreed. Besides, it was one dance. No harm, right? "Fine."
The empath caved and rested an arm on his shoulder the other clasped in his hand. He cautiously placed his hand on the small of her back and began to gently glide to the music. Much to Raven's surprise he was light on his feet, as if he'd practiced before. She was pretty glad that this dance occurred outside and not the sweaty gymnasium.
"See," he started. "Not so bad?"
"So far," Raven retorted. He laughed and continued to carefully move about the secluded area of the gazebo. His eyes would often trail over the lights, they reminded him of stars he'd see in the sky when he lived in Africa. Accented with white roses, small candles, he felt secure. "Decorations are nice."
"Yeah they are!" he proclaimed. "These lights kinda remind me of stars. The kind I'd see as a little dude in Africa." His head pointed toward the night sky, admiring each little thing. "I uh..I miss it there, sometimes."
"Would you ever go back someday to live?" Her question caught him off guard, he tensed, and looked down.
"As much as I miss it there, Rae, honestly I'm enjoying my time here. Right now." She listened intently, not saying another word.
He kept silent, not provoking an angry mood with consistent chatter, focused on remaining content. The way Raven's amethyst eyes shone in the light made him nervous, as he almost broke his stance. She stared back into his emerald eyes. They followed her every moment. So pure. The green boy bending slightly, since he towered over her. Forehead leant against hers.
He placed a soft chaste peck on the bridge of her nose, slowly moving lower. Heartbeat skipping. Her emotions encouraged on. She leaned in closer, eyes flitting shut. Excitement and curiosity taking over. She wanted this. His hands descending to her waist, inching her closer against him. She gracefully lifted her arms, wrapping them around his neck and stood tiptoed to reach his height. Her fingertips tracing his shoulder blades, the boy anxiously shuddering with each tap. Raven became hesitant before growing angry.
She pushed him back, the changeling stumbled a little. He continued in his same spot, unfazed by her actions. "You said this wasn't your style," she snapped. Beast Boy chuckled, lips almost brushed against her own with each word.
"I said it wasn't my style to kiss before the first date, actually," he corrected. Her eyebrows scrunched together, confused.
"But-"
"Consider this a first date," Beast Boy coerced, breathing heavily. She bit her lip in frustration.
His smile breaking into a smirk. A date. No pretending. No interruptions. He shut his eyes, cupping her chin, pad of his thumb caressed her cheek. Her mouth quivered. Beast Boy's gently pressed against her own, light as a feather, yet delicate and tender. The warm sensation of a tiny kiss, profound and mesmerizing. Butterflies in their stomach, fingertips tingling. Lips melded. For a moment, the two felt time froze, as they were the only ones there.
Beast Boy pushed forward to deepen the kiss when his communicator buzzed. Raven instantly pulled away from his grasp, stroking her arms, ridding herself of goosebumps. Both lightheaded and impatient for more. He gave a primal growl, angrily flipped the device open. "Damn it! What?!"
"Robin calling Raven and Beast Boy!" Robin shouted. Commotion and kids running around appeared behind the leader. He paused at Beast Boy's sharp tone. "What's up with you?"
"I was in the middle of something!" he bitterly snarled, fangs protruding, making sure to emphasize each word.
"Well there's no time for that, you need to be back here pronto," Robin sternly demanded.
Beast Boy's face began to heat up, he gritted his teeth and hissed, "Dude. Can it wait?!"
Raven began to walk to the gymnasium, Beast Boy desperately glancing at her. "No, it can't. The prom court nominees all disappeared and I think Mad Mod's behind it. Whatever's up with you isn't important right now. We need you guys here quick, and that's an order. Robin out!"
He shut the communicator and chased after Raven. "Rae, wait!" She continued walking, twisting her corsage around. "Let's just rewind for a minute. Real quick!" he begged. Raven slowed her walking pace, allowing him to firmly grab her hand. Raven removed his interlocked fingers from hers. She knew this was bound to happen. That it was all wrong.
"Let's go. You heard Robin. In case you've forgotten...This isn't leisure time, Gar, we're here on a mission." He balled his fists. Oh, Robin was going to get it..
"Can't we just..try again?!" He watched in agony as she ignored his frustration, conjuring a flying disc. "Raven, say something!"
"Maybe the second date," she called, speeding into the gym, flying disc in tow.
"Promise?" he shouted. Beast Boy snatched his green locks, causing his hair to tousle. She was gone. He impatiently stomped his foot when realization dawned on him. "Wait... second date?!"
*I think you deserved a kiss after all this tension. Hope you didn't mind the BBRae fluff, hehehe.
