You people wouldn't believe the trouble fan gave me with these past two chapters. But I won't worry any of you with my computer problems. All that matters is that the chapter is done and it's here for you to read. And even better news, chapter 11 should be done before Saturday. Can we say "Date Night!"

This chapter introduces Aqualad. His real name is actually Garth, but I felt that that was too close to Garfield for my liking. So Aqualad will endearingly be referred to as 'Al'. Isn't that cute?

Disclaimer: I don't own the Titans or 'Les Mis'.

Stage Presence

Chp. 10

Peeking her head from behind the door, a smile spread across Raven's lips as she caught site of the two silhouettes leaning casually against the far wall. Half way through practice she noticed him slipping from the auditorium, cell phone pressed against his ear. Everyone had probably assumed he was on an important call with Bruce, or some other business shit like that. But Raven knew better. If Richard Grayson thought for one second that he could shirk his responsibilities to hang with his drinking buddy, he had another thing coming.

And she wasn't happy.

Nearing the pair, she began to catch snips of their conversation.

"I'm taking her out this Saturday," Richard spoke, obviously in the middle of an explanation.

"Oh, is that the pretty little thing that's had you so spacey these past few weeks?"

"What? I haven't been spacey."

Raven rolled her eyes as she listened to her friends half-ass defense. He probably didn't even believe himself.

"She's cute," the other man continued. "Not your type…but cute."

"How is she not my type? I wasn't aware that I even had a type."

"He's right you know," Raven voiced, coming into view of the two men. "You have a type."

She leaned closer to Dick, a smirk gracing her features.

"She's not your type."

Making a scene, he turned and conked his head against the plaster a couple of times, muttering under his breath. Again, she rolled her eyes, wondering why she even came out here to begin with.

"I think our little man needs a nap," the taller man simpered, sharing a grin with the goth girl. She straightened slightly, one hand tucking loose strands of violet behind her ear.

"You're… Victor, right?"

"Yeah. We met at one of Mr. Wayne's swanky affairs."

"Yeah, some muesem opening or something…" She agreed in her somber tone.

It had actually been a gala opening, an event that Richard had all but begged Raven to come to having not been able to find a date on time. She had reluctantly agreed, and regretted that decision the moment she arrived.

"Yup! And see, I told you I look better without the tux." He winked, dusting the sides of his shirt.

She nodded, not quite sure what else there was for her to do. When it came to throwing insults out or discussing a recent book of poetry she felt completely at ease, but flirting had never been one of Raven's talents. The best she could muster was a weak nod, and a ghost of a smile in the tall man's direction.

None of that seemed to have a damper on his spirits.

Dick wasn't much help in the matter either, his eyebrows arched awkwardly in her direction.

"Better be careful, Dicky boy, your face might stick that way," the black man nudged him, the same cocky grin still in place.

Richard shot him a glare, gesturing rudely with one finger.

"Did you two conspire against me or something?"

"That's exactly it," she deadpanned, clapping her hands together. "In fact, it's not just me and Vic, but the whole entire cast. We're all secretly plotting against you, all part of some freaky conspiracy against Richard Grayson."

"Aha! Ahahaha! That's cute, Rae."

Victor was still doubled over in laughter, something brought a growl from the other man's throat.

"I'm sorry man…." he choked out. "It's just… she's funny…"

Richard shook his head, obviously dismayed by the sight before him.

"Don't you have a job to be getting back to, Vic?"

"Yeah, yeah," he waved his large hand as he turned to leave. "Try not to get yourself into too much trouble, Dick. And Raven?"

She looked up, again reaching up to tuck her hair behind her ears.

"I'll see you around."

She nodded.

"Yeah. I guess you will."

After Victor had gone, she turned back to Richard, crossing her arms over her chest in hopes to come across as authoritative as possible.

"You ditched the rehearsal."

He didn't counter her accusation, just smirked, his eyes holding a curious sparkle.

"What?"

"Nothing," he answered with a chuckle. For a moment she regarded him before turning to back to where she came.

"I'd love to do this now, but we both have jobs we should be doing."

"Don't remind me," he muttered, falling in step beside her.

"Did you write your report for Bruce yet?"

"No," he answered, rubbing the back of his neck, and she noted the lines of stress marking his young features. They had been worse before…almost impossible to miss. Though they were still there, she had to search for them. A comforting fact for the goth girl. "I figured I'd get it done tonight."

She nodded, holding back a grin. She couldn't help the words that came out next.

"Don't forget to put that you'll soon be introducing one of the stars to your sheets."

He managed a chuckle as he threw an arm around her shoulder.

"Oh, Rae, I'm gonna miss that sense of humor of yours after I kill you."

"And I'm going to kill you if you don't get back into that auditorium."

"Well, how 'bout you meet me in the parking lot when all this is done and you can put your words to the test."

"I'll be there with bells on," she retorted, pushing him through the double doors. With one last look behind her, she followed suite.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

"Hey Eponine, what's up today?

I haven't seen you much about."

Kori stepped closer to Roy, a coy smile playing on her lips.

"Here you can always catch me in," she sang, her voice laced in sugar.

"Mind the police don't catch you out."

The two continued their combat, a teasing ambiance taking over Kori's eyes.

"Here what you do with all them books?

I could've been a student too.

Don't judge a girl on how she looks,

I know a lot things, I do."

Roy hid his grin well, enjoying the play-off he was having with the normally wholesome red-head. To Kori's own surprise, she too was enjoying the effect the words of the song were having on her attitude.

"Poor Eponine, the things you know

You wouldn't find in books like these."

"I like the way you grow your hair," she sang, brushing her fingertips against his own fiery locks.

"Oh, I like the way you always tease!"

"Little he knows," she turned away from the young man next to her.

"Little he sees."

From the audience seats below them, the director called out.

"Not terrible for your first run through, but you both still have a lot of work to do."

Kori nodded, not at all astonished by Slade Wilson's admonishments. From the beginning, she knew he would be a hard man to please. It would just take time. At least that's what she was telling herself for now.

Preparing herself for more critique, she strode off stage only to come face to face with Jinx.

"Pretty good," she remarked, her eyes trailing up and down her body. "You certainly don't act like any Eponine I've ever seen off stage, but I guess that's why they call it acting."

"I guess so," Kori agreed, tugging at the sleeve of her sweater.

"Just don't forget who your character is, ok? The last thing we need is a Miss goodie two-shoes for our heart-broken thief."

Jinx moved on to Roy, leaving a stunned Kori standing at the edge of the stage.

"She sure knows how to tear people apart, eh?"

She looked down to meet the dark of eyes of Al Penbrooke. He smiled, giving her a comforting pat on the shoulder.

"I wouldn't take it to heart. Eponine suits you perfectly."

"Thank you." She gave a smile of her own, glad to have the support.

Al was a woman's dream: jet black hair that dusted his shoulders, dark eyes that seemed to hold all the secrets of the universe, and a body that the Greek Gods envied. And it was obvious that Kori wasn't the only one to notice his features, Terra coming to join them a few seconds later, her arms linking around Al's own.

"Enjolras, you aren't hitting on my daughter are you?"

He laughed, nudging the blonde girl with his elbow.

"Well, I do have a soft spot for red-heads, but I'm sorry to say that Kori isn't really my type."

Kori pretended to look offended, clutching at her heart.

"Oh, Al! I thought we had something special!"

The trio immediately burst into giggles, catching the attention of Roy. He ambled over, stopping to rest his arm on Kori's head, never missing an opportunity to prove her shortness.

"What's so funny, gang?"

"We were discussing Al's taste in woman," Terra spoke up, sparing a shy glance at the dark haired man. Roy tilted his head back, regarding the three of them with raised eyebrows. Instantly, he burst into giggles.

"You're right. That is funny!"

Al wrinkled his nose in the other man's direction, but he made no comment. Terra shot a glare in Roy's direction, but immediately went back to batting her eyelashes in the dark-eyed man's direction.

Kori, feeling somewhat repulsed, scanned the backstage in hopes to find her green skinned friend. He at least deserved to be the one to catch his girlfriend in such an insulting position. But to her dismay, he was on stage accepting his own feedback from the director.

As casually as possible, she nudged the subject in his direction.

"Terra, do you and Garfield have any plans tonight?"

"Huh? Oh…no not tonight," she answered with a blush.

"That's too bad," she offered, wringing her hands together.

"Yeah…well, we'll probably do something tomorrow night." She disentangled herself from Al, taking a step back from the group. "If you'll excuse me," she started, "I should probably start getting my stuff together. Practice is almost over."

Once she was gone, Roy and Al burst into laughter for the third time. Both men threw and arm over Kori's shoulders, chuckles still slipping from their lips.

"Who knew the kid had such spunk! When did you get so smart, pim?" Roy teased, tickling her side.

"I bet it's the city air," Al suggested with a grin. "It's 50 percent oxygen, 50 percent bitch."

"Ah! I am not a bitch!"

"Suuuuuuure," Al ragged, with an innocent roll of his eyes.

"You," she searched for an insult of her own, "mean boys!"

Again they laughed.

Bitch indeed.

Tbc

Hooray! I loved that chapter. It was just so much fun to right!

Oh, and remember when I told you to check out that 'Les Mis' link. Yeah, it might be good for you to go do that some time soon.

Thanks! See you next chapter!