Author's Note: Thanks again to everybody for the amazing comments and favs! Keep reading and I'd really appreciate if you took a minute to post a review. Feedback is always welcome.

I apologize beforehand if this chapter doesn't seem too good. Facing writer's block waaaaah. I know what I want to say...just not how to write it. Oh well...try and try some more I suppose.

Little recap of Tamaranian for you all:

J'aan- darling/dearest

DISCLAIMER: I own nothing...* le sigh*


Beastboy stood alone by the balcony, facing the capital city. Tomorrow the male Titans would be accompanying Starfire and Raven to the sanctuary for the land'ha. He had just finished packing a bag for the journey and took this free time to be by himself.

His nose twitched as it registered a familiar scent. He didn't turn round as Starfire walked over to him. She didn't say anything, but simply stood beside him. She leaned her back against the railing, as she faced their common room. Wordlessly, she placed a warm hand on his arm. He finally looked at her, smiling just a little.

'You are the okay Beastboy?' she asked, her eyes searching his face.

'Yeah.' He turned slightly to face her. 'Why do you ask?'

Starfire phrased herself carefully. 'Nau, I am simply inquiring. I have been so busy with preparing and completing the land'ha, that I have not had the opportunity to spend much time with you.' Her tone took a lighter tone as she continued, 'I miss our bonding sessions. I have not rubbed your cat belly in many days.'

Beastboy chuckled lightly. 'I think that particular task has been taken over by someone else.'

'Speaking of which, where is Raven?'

'She's meditating in her room. All her stuff's packed. I'll bring it out as soon as she's done.'

'Oh...that is good.' Starfire lapsed into silence. Things had become a little tense between the two of them ever since she had refused to inform Galfore about their investigation. Neither one of them enjoyed being so civil towards each other, and Starfire missed the old, fun-loving Beastboy. Awkward silences had never been a problem for them before. They almost always found something to joke about. Laugh about. This tension was an unfamiliar feeling for them both, and neither liked it.

'Are you angry at me?' she asked softly.

'Huh?' Beastboy was genuinely surprised. He wasn't sure where this was coming from. 'What are you talking about?'

She repeated the question before continuing, 'You have been doing the avoiding of me. We do not talk as much anymore. We almost never disagree on any issues. And yet...' she trailed off, not wanting to bring up her reluctance to worry Galfore with their covert investigation. 'Is it because I asked Raven to join the land'ha? You are upset with me because I put the woman you care most about into harm's way...am I correct?'

Beastboy stared at Starfire. Had his attitude been that transparent? From the start he had been upset with the arrangement, but he had been careful to hide his true feelings. Had he not helped with their training? Had he not cooked meals for them when they had worked themselves to the point of exhaustion? He wasn't happy with Raven's participation, but he certainly hadn't said anything to Starfire either. Clearly, though, he had done a bad job of supporting Starfire. A feeling of guilt crept up into him. He had been so preoccupied with Raven he had never thought what the Tamaranian was going through.

He placed both hands on her shoulders. 'I'm sorry Starfire. I'm not angry at you.' She looked at him, unconvinced. 'I'm just a little on edge. I guess, maybe... I was a bit mad initially. Raven and I...we've been making so much progress lately. The past few months have been slow, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Every minute I've spent with her so far has been amazing. But then, she's been so busy for nearly three months with the land'ha, I felt like I wasn't getting enough time with her. I guess I may have been irritated around you.' He gave her shoulders a reassuring squeeze. 'But I know now that this is very important. For the both of you. So, again, I'm not angry.' He flashed her a grin. 'How can I be mad at my big sis eh?'

Starfire gave a slow smile. It made her feel better knowing the truth. His arms moved down from her shoulders to her waist. He brought her in for a hug, and Starfire was more than happy to reciprocate. Before breaking the embrace he have her a light peck on the forehead. He didn't remove his arms around her immediately. 'How have you been? I never asked.' He looked at her with searching eyes, and she was touched by his concern.

'I am alright. For now. It is stressful, and I find myself constantly doubting my own decisions, but I am already halfway through the land'ha so that is good. Raven has been truly exceptional. She has helped every step on the way to share this burden that weighs heavily on me.'

'That's my girl.' The pride in his voice made Starfire smile.

She shifted the topic of their conversation. 'You are happy then?'

'Yes. A lot. I hope she is too.' He looked a little nervous.

Starfire cupped his face affectionately. 'I know she is. We have many of the girl talk, even after you two started dating.' She teased him. 'My little Beastboy. In a relationship. With Raven no less. Who would have guessed? Oh wait...I did.' She tugged his ears playfully.

'Hey,' he said in mock indignation. 'Who you callin' little? I'll have you know everything underneath this suit is above the age of consent.'

'Barely,' Starfire said containing a laugh.

'You're just jealous 'cause you can't have any of this. Stuck with gel boy'

Starfire rolled her eyes. 'Of course. That is why.'

'Well, I'm sorry. You had plenty of chances to run away with me and have a hundred and one babies. But this particular hunk of manly goodness is off the market.' He winked at her mischievously, bringing her in for a close hug. 'Admit it. You've always wanted me.'

'Oh dear.' Starfire batted her eyelashes flirtatiously at him. 'You have seen right through my charade. What shall I do now?' She leaned heavily against him. Beastboy responded by tickling her ribs. 'Too late. This bronco has already been tamed.' He lowered his voice and said in a conspiratorial tone, 'But a little cat belly rub now and then is always appreciated.'

'I thought you said Raven-'

He shushed her. He looked comically around before whispering far too loudly. 'What she doesn't know won't hurt her.'

'Why Beastboy,' Starfire said, a look of fake shock on her face. 'You surprise me.' Unable to hold in their mirth anymore, they both doubled over in laughter. Just like the old times. Beastboy slung an arm loosely on her shoulders. Starfire gave him a sweet smile. 'Thank you. I have not laughed like this in a long time.' She placed a chaste kiss on his cheek.

'Starfire!' Beastboy said scandalized. 'Somebody will see us. We have to be discrete if we're gonna be secret lovers.' He rolled the last word off his tongue with a poor French accent.

Starfire simply elbowed him in the ribs.

TTTTTTT

Raven floated back down to the ground as she finished her meditation. Her eyes opened and she took a deep breath. Her headaches had subsided a little over the last few months, but suddenly she found herself suffering from them again. She walked over to her bed. A small ornate mirror lay on the edge, sunlight glinting off its sleek surface.

She picked up the mirror, gazing at her reflection. Unconsciously, her fingers tightened their grip on the handle. She hadn't made a visit to Nevermore in a while. A journey there was long overdue. She closed her eyes and whispered a spell under her breath.

Azarath...Metrion...Zinthos.

A swirl of dark magic engulfed her and within seconds she was in the land of her emotional doppelgangers. Courage already stood to greet her. 'About damn time,' she said, hands on hips. 'We're gathered at the temple. Come on.' She gestured to Raven to follow her.

The temple was figuratively, the centre of Raven's mind. When she was to have a discussion with herself, or rather her selves, this was their meeting point. The temple was a large stone structure that resembled a Gothic castle of the mid 14th century. It was complete with steeples and stained glass images that portrayed her most poignant memories. The images changed over the years, each time depicting new portraits. She didn't fail to notice that this time, a few contained Beastboy in them. No surprise there.

'Is everybody here?' Raven asked. She pulled her hood away from her head.

'Yup, all here. Except for Rage. On account of her being chained in her cave and all.'

Raven frowned. She believed she had pretty good control of Rage. After Trigon's defeat, she didn't see any more reason for containing the fiery emotion so tightly. 'I don't remember ordering anything of the sort. Whose idea was it to lock her up again?'

'Knowledge and Wisdom. There were some...uh...' Courage phrased the next part of her reply carefully, 'security issues. Nothing too bad. Routine stuff really.' Raven pinched the bridge of her nose. She knew exactly why Knowledge and Wisdom would take such an action. 'It's because of my fight with Starfire about that ambush, isn't it?' she asked.

They reached the doorway of the temple. Courage ignored Raven's question and opened the door to the temple entrance. Raven walked past her. A quick glance around told her that Courage was right. 7 emotions were present, sitting in various places in the temple hall. But her attention was drawn almost instantly to the orb that hovered in the middle of the emotions.

'Is that...' Raven's voice trailed off, her eyes never leaving the bobbing orb.

'Yup,' Happy chirped. 'That's our newest roomie.'

Raven swivelled on her heels facing her emotions. 'What?' she said, her voice tight. 'How is that possible? I thought you all embodied every emotion I was capable of feeling.' Knowledge cleared her throat and stepped forward. 'That was what we have been led to believe so far. But, you must understand something Raven. All the information we've received was years ago. You were a young teenager. Times have changed. You've changed. You're not the same person you used to be.'

'I don't understand.'

'Consider this. By all accounts you weren't supposed to survive becoming the portal. It should have destroyed your human body.'

Raven was silent. She remembered very well the prophecy that foretold the end of the world.

The gem was born of evil's fire, the gem shall be his portal.

He comes to claim, he comes to sire.

The end of all things mortal

Had the monks of Azar not said it was her fate? Had they not trained her in preparation, knowing that she would never avoid the apocalyptic future. They had tried and failed for years to do so.

'And yet,' Knowledge continued, interrupting Raven's thoughts, 'against all odds, you survived. You secreted part of your soul to your friends. Did you ever stop to wonder where you came to possess such great power? Splitting and leaving your soul behind like that required tremendous amount of magic.'

'I don't know,' Raven said. In that moment of desperation she had made one final, wild gambit. She hadn't realized it would work.

'It was Hope,' said Wisdom quietly. 'Pure. Mad. Desperate Hope.' Courage stood to speak. 'She came from Happy. It was her sister emotion, you might say. Happy wasn't feeling much joy except for hope. So, together we helped bring Hope into form.'

Raven asked, 'Then where is she now?'

'She was absorbed back into Happy. After Trigon's defeat there was no need for her form to be maintained.'

Raven listened carefully. It made sense. She had been so busy trying to defeat her father she hadn't really ventured into Nevermore much during that time. Any changes could have taken place, and since it was her subconscious she wouldn't have been any the wiser. Now she turned back to the orb. She walked close to it, watching it with wary eyes. Her eyes glowed with magic as she checked it. If this was some trick by Trigon to get control of her, she didn't want to be caught off guard. Satisfied there were no traces of her father's influence she asked nobody in particular. 'So, who's this one from?'

There was a slight pause from everybody. A little uncomfortable shifting. Some furtive glances. Courage finally spoke up, 'It's from Affection.'

Raven stilled. Her eyes swivelled to the offending emotion who returned the empath's penetrating gaze with a quiet calmness. At length Affection said, 'I was feeling strained. I could sense something far deeper than affection bubbling in me. I tried containing it, but it's grown too strong now.'

'You know why It's here,' Wisdom said softly.

Raven raised a hand to rub her face tiredly. 'It's too soon. This wasn't supposed to happen so fast. I need more time.' It was Rude's turn to snort loudly. 'Really? Because that orb being here says otherwise.' Raven opened her mouth to give a sharp retort, but nothing came out. What was she to say?

Courage cried out in exasperation, 'Damn it Raven! You're doing it again! Stop trying to fight the changes. You've grown. You've matured. You've survived becoming the portal. So, none of us anticipated what was going to happen next. Sue us! But now there's something good...something wonderful that's happening to you. I get you're scared, you've never been in this position before. But don't run away from this. Not now.'

Wisdom added to Courage's speech. 'She right Raven. You know why that orbs here. It's because of Beastboy. It's because he's opened you the possibility of feeling, and most importantly, of expressing. That's why you're always so open to his emotions...susceptible most to his passion. Because deep down, you want to experience everything that you have blocked yourself off from for so long.'

It was Timid that really drove the point home.

'Don't you wa-wa-want to wear white again?'

TTTTTTT

Robin picked up all the papers on his table. He separated them into different folders and slipped it into his duffel bag. He had been pouring over the details of the two Ku'ya members. He wasn't sure exactly, but there was something that just didn't seem right about it all. He couldn't exactly put his finger on it yet, but he hoped with a little more time, he'd find the missing pieces and find out exactly was going on. Since Starfire's return from Yavnor, they had discussed in detail the ambush, and he had poured over the maps, seeing the differences. Starfire had pointed out the black line that she claimed hadn't been these initially. Further analysis had revealed a worrying answer to him. He hadn't told Starfire yet, but to him it was reminiscent of a tunnel that had been artificially created. Maybe some sort of heavy machinery? That might explain the presence of the Tamaranian ship in the satellite images. Could some type of mining equipment have been used to borrow into the mountain? But that still left the sudden tremors and avalanche to be explained. What could have triggered it? And what about the Col'tek and Bolkasin? Were they somehow connected to the sabotage attempts during the land'ha?

No...there's no link between the two, Robin thought silently. Not yet...

As he pondered over the facts, he heard a knock on the door. 'Hey Rob!' came Cyborg's voice from the other door. 'The guards are here to take our stuff to the ship. They wanna have everything ready before our flight to the sanctuary tomorrow.' Robin moved to quickly grab his and Starfire's bag, 'I'm coming out.' He called out towards the bathroom. 'Kori! Come on, let's go!'

Starfire emerged quickly from the bathroom. She flashed him a smile that made his heart flutter like a little school boy. 'Thank you.' She brushed past him, grabbing the bags from his hand. She opened the door and strode out. The Imperial guards present quickly snapped to attention, spears held erectly in hand. Starfire handed them the bags, and gave a quick command. They bowed their heads in respect. Picking up the rest of the bags, they quickly marched out.

'Raven,' Starfire called out to the empath. 'Come, we must accompany them to make sure everything is in order'. Raven nodded her head. She pulled up her hood and followed the guards out. As they walked through the cavernous halls that weaved through the palace. As they rounded a corner, they were both surprised to find Col'tek leaning against one of the pillars. He immediately stood straight as the girls approached. Raven had not seen any images of him, simply read the reports made by Beastboy and Cyborg. Right now, up close, she could see why he seemed to have so many female Tamaranians fawning over him. She doubted he would escape such attention even on Earth. His face was the same orange tanned, but with chiselled features. He had sharp golden eyes that seemed to see right through to Raven's soul. A scar ran across his cheek, but instead of marring his good looks, it only served to add to an aura of mystery around him.

'Princess Koriand'r, Bondho Raven,' his deep voice was smooth.

'Col'tek,' Starfire replied in greeting. The guards stopped, but Starfire motioned them to continue onwards. The head guard nodded, and continued marching ahead, the rest of his company following him.

'I apologize Princess for not extending my heartiest congratulations upon your return from Yavnor,' he spoke crisply and clearly in English for Raven's benefit. 'Might I add that your entrance was truly spectacular. I have never seen such a display of light before. Did you learn it on Earth?'

'Yes. I was inspired by something Earthlings call fireworks. A truly marvellous combination of science and creativity.'

'No doubt,' he replied glancing at Raven. He smiled warmly. 'Your father would have been proud.'

Raven could feel a spike of annoyance in Starfire, but the alien princesses' expression of cordiality didn't change. She wisely ignored the last comment and asked, 'Is there something you needed Col'tek?'

'Nothing of importance Princess. It has simply been a long time since I have last seen you, and indeed, gained an audience in your presence. I simply wished to join you to the flyer, and assist you with readying yourself for the journey to the sanctuary tomorrow.' Starfire observed him with a quick glance. 'Thank you for your understanding. It is appreciated. Come then.'

He nodded and fell in step with the female Titans as they continued walking onwards. Raven reached out surreptitiously with her powers, finding out what he was truly feeling. Not sensing anything out of the ordinary, she remained silent.

'How has your training been so far?' Col'tek asked nonchalantly.

'It has gone well. We have been working hard over the last week as well,' replied Starfire.

'I have heard. I understand you alone are responsible for strategizing a plan of action for the next part?'

'Yes,' said Starfire.

'Princess, should there be an aid you require I-'

Starfire stopped him. 'Councilman Col'tek. While your concern is appreciated, you must remember that the successful completion of this stage is dependent solely on me. I cannot discuss it with anyone outside of Raven and must also not accept help from anyone.'

'Of course Princess Koriand'r' said Col'tek, his tone apologetic. 'I forget my place. Forgive my...forwardness. I meant no disrespect.'

'It is fine. If you do not mind, I believe Raven and I are able enough to oversee the preparation of our vessel. I shall see you later tonight.' Starfire left no room for Col'tek to argue as she dismissed him subtly. Col'tek took the hint. He bowed his head respectfully to Starfire and left without a word.

Both continued walking down the hall. The guards had long ago gone ahead, and the girls quickened their pace to catch up to them. Raven didn't say anything to Starfire, but she had sensed that Col'tek had an ulterior motive. His expressions and words didn't match his feelings. She sensed that Col'tek was hiding something, but without a full sweep of his mind, she wasn't sure exactly what his thoughts were.

'Starfire. I think Beastboy may be right. I don't trust Col'tek. He's hiding something. I can feel it.'

'I think you are right Raven. I think once we are done organizing our supplies, we should pay Galfore a little visit.'

TTTTTTT

After dinner that night, Starfire and Raven went took the short walk over to Galfore's home. Starfire fiddled with the holographic device in hand, betraying her nervousness. She knew Galfore wouldn't take kindly to anyone trying to hurt his bumgorf. She hoped that Lymia was at home to keep him calm.

Raven stood behind Starfire as she knocked loudly at Galfore's door. After a few moments, a voice asked something in Tamaranian to which Starfire replied. The door opened and they were greeted by Galfore's young son Vyfore. He eyes shone and smile spread across his face. He raised both arms towards Starfire who immediately scooped him up in her arms. She cooed a few words to him which he responded to by giggling.

'Koriand'r!' bellowed Galfore. 'What brings you here? You should be resting! We are flying to the sanctuary tomorrow!' Starfire bent down, gently depositing Vyfore to the floor. He waddled over to his mother who had just appeared behind her husband. 'Koriand'r, what a pleasant surprise. Sit down,' she gestured to the table.

Raven cleared her throat, and Starfire knew that was her saying 'Stop procrastinating.' Starfire turned to Galfore and said, 'K'norfka. There is some important things I need to tell you...'She and Raven spent the next half hour detailing their journey to Yavnor and told Galfore everything, from the ambush to the sudden explosion. Starfire even used the holographic device to show Galfore the tunnel like structure on the map. Unbeknownst to Raven, she even pulled out a charred bronze coloured piece of metal and handed to Galfore.

'And I found this while I was in the cave looking for the metal. Do you know what that is?'

Galfore examined the fragment in his large hands. His eyebrows knotted together in confusion. 'I do not know Koriand'r. I shall have to study it further.' He laid the fragment down and looked at his bumgorf. 'Why did you not inform me immediately? I would have postponed the land'ha. Announced a formal investigation. Found out who is responsible.'

'At the cost of us having to go back to Yavnor again. You know the law decrees the trails to begin again if it is postponed for any unavoidable circumstances.'

Galfore was silent, knowing that Starfire had made a fair point. Starfire took this opportunity to inform Galfore about their investigation into Col'tek and Bolkasin. As she predicted, he echoed her concern of accusing two powerful and influential Ku'ya members. As Grand Ruler to the Council, Galfore was still bound by tradition to show them respect and adhere to their decision. 'If what you say is true bumgorf, then you have two potentially dangerous reasons to be on your guard. X'hal protect you if they try again to harm you both. In the sanctuary, we can only watch you. There is nothing we can do to help. That you know.'

Starfire nodded. 'I understand, but now, you are aware of the situation. Can you see if there is anything we are missing? What the motive is for the attack?' Galfore stood up and placed a large warm hand on Starfire. His gaze was soft and full of kindness. 'Bumgorf, I will do everything in my power to bring whoever is responsible to justice. You have my kawth'a, my word.'

'Thank you k'norfka. I knew I could trust you.'

TTTTTTTT

When Starfire and Raven returned later in the night to their suite, they found only Beastboy in the common room, curled up as a cat and dozing lightly. Starfire smiled slightly, but wordlessly slipped away towards her room letting Raven walk over the sleeping changeling. Raven stroked the cat, awakening him gently from his slumber. Beastboy shifted back to his human form, yawning. 'Hey Raven. I was waiting up for you. How'd the talk with Galfore go?'

'It went well. He was furious obviously, when we told him about the ambush, but Lymia calmed his down. He promised to investigate, and said he'd take all the information you guys gathered to make a stronger case should he have to take it to the Ku'ya.'

Beastboy smiled tiredly. 'That's awesome news.' He yawned again. 'Sorry babe, I'm beat today. I think I'll head to bed now.' Raven stood up with him. She walked with him to his door, and leaned forward to kiss him good night. 'By the way,' he said, just before entering his room. 'I saw you didn't eat much for dinner. Figured you might get hungry later, so I left a little something in your room for you. Happy munching.' He winked before closing the door to his bedroom.

Raven was touched. A small smile played across her lips. When he had become so thoughtful and observant escaped her. Not that she was complaining. She walked into her room, and her eyes were drawn to the bedside table. On it stood a grilled cheese sandwich, a small thermos cup containing herbal tea, and a red apple. She saw a small note beside the apple, and looked at it curiously.

For the apple of my eye. Forbidden or not.

The gesture was simple, thoughtful, and personal. Raven took a bite of the apple, her mind drifting as she relished its sweet tangy flavour...

Raven walked out into common room, nose buried in a book. She ignored the boisterous yelling of the boys as they played their games. Starfire was near the kitchen table. One hand stroked Silkie and the other was flipped idly through a magazine. She looked up when Raven walked over to her.

'X'hal,' she murmured quietly to Raven. 'Forget Kitten...that gaming console is my biggest competition.'

Cupboards opened magically as Raven waved her hand. A cup, hot water, and a bag of herbal tea floated over. Raven put the book down on the table. 'How long have they been at it?' Starfire paused as more yelling erupted from the boys. She answered in a moment of relative quiet, 'I am not sure. 4...5 hours perhaps?' Raven rolled her eyes. 'And Beastboy complains I ignore him. At least I take a break every 2 hours from my reading. I don't think he even remembers our date later today.'

'I haven't forgotten!' Beastboy cried suddenly from his position on the couch. He looked at Raven, a hurtful expression on his face. She was caught a bit off guard that he had heard her, until he tapped his ear. Damn. She'd forgotten about his exceptional hearing abilities for a second. She was still getting used to being a relationship, let alone remembering small details about her boyfriend. She felt a pang of guilt. They'd been dating for almost 4 months now, so she really didn't have a good excuse.

'Aaah...sorry' she mumbled stupidly. Damn it again. Why did he always make her speechless at the most inopportune moments? Before they began dating she could easily shot back a retort, but now she found herself less and less able to do so. She knew now she no longer wanted to hurt his feelings.

Beastboy tossed his controller to Robin, and moved to join the girls. He took a glass from one of the cupboards and helped himself to some water, before sitting down beside Raven. Ignoring her, he focused his attention on drinking. He took slow, deliberate gulps, and for a second Raven lost interest in her tea. She watched as his head leaned back, his throat moving up and down with each swallow. A small drop of water escaped from his lips, and leisurely made its down his neck. Unconsciously Raven's hand moved to wipe it away. But instead of retracting her hand, it remained on his neck. She felt his pulse, steady and strong, beat under her fingertips. His eyes turned to lock on hers...

A loud slurping noise pulled Raven's attention away from the changeling. Starfire innocently wiped mustard from her lips, as she set down a jar on the table. 'Oh...I am sorry,' her tone not the least bit apologetic. She picked up Silkie and joined Robin and Cyborg. Beastboy turned to Raven, and leaned over to say quietly, 'We're still up for that picnic in the park. I'm going ahead now to set things up. Join me in an hour?' Raven nodded her head. Beastboy glanced over his shoulder to make sure all the other Titans' attention was still focused on the video game. Satisfied with their preoccupation, he turned around, and quickly leaned over to Raven, kissing her on lips. A cracking sound behind Beastboy told him Cyborg's beloved waffle-maker had taken the brunt of Raven's momentary loss of control. When Beastboy pulled away, Raven couldn't help the blush that now creeped up her cheeks. He winked at her, only adding to the flush, and strode out the room. Raven muttered a curse under breath, as she pulled her hood up to cover her flaming face. She quickly repaired the damaged waffle-maker and buried her nose in the book. She tried passing the hour by reading, but she found herself barely remembering a word she read as her mind kept running ahead in anticipation of their date.

In exactly an hour, Raven flew into a secluded area of the park. Landing unnoticed among the trees, she pressed a button on her hologram ring, and instantly her grey skin and purple hair was replaced by a fair white complexion and midnight black tresses respectively. Even her eyes were camouflaged into dark blue. Needless to say, after being caught a few times by the press, they decided the best way to enjoy their dates was to be disguised as normal humans. It wasn't an arrangement they preferred, but both valued their privacy, and decided upon this compromise. At least, they could dress for the occasion, without depending on the hologram to create an outfit. Right now, Raven nervously smoothened the cream dress she wore, hoping the changeling would like it. Not that she cared...much. Not seeing him in their rendezvous point, she frowned. Where was the boy?

Not too far off, Raven heard the laughter of children. But, what really caught her attention was the loud laughter of her tardy boyfriend. Curiosity got the better of her and she walked towards the sound. Through the trees, she saw a large open field, where there were lots of young children running around. She observed unnoticed among the trees' shadow, as Beastboy yelled instructions, a football cocked in his hand. He tossed it high, but not too far across the field to a young boy. The little child ran as fast as he could on his short legs, and caught the ball for a winning touchdown. Several of the kids ran over to the changeling screaming with joy. Beastboy basked in their triumph, high fiving some of them.

Silently, Raven continued watching for the next 10 minutes as Beastboy ran, tumbled, and laughed as much as the next child. While she had seen the lighter side of him almost on a daily basis, this was a totally different part of him. His expression of joy was identical to the children he played with. Raven had never seen him let go to this extent, almost as if he was experiencing such merriment for the first time. She saw Beastboy catch the ball and run towards the other side of the field, at a deliberately slow pace. Several of the children caught with him and he tumbled to the ground on purpose. The kids took the opportunity to pile onto the fallen changeling, grabbing onto his legs and jumping on his back. Suddenly, he shifted into a terrier and slipped out from their grips. Shifting back just as quickly to his human form, he ran to the end of the field and raised both arms in victory.

'Alright! TOUCHDOWN!'

'Awww...Beastboy...you cheated!' cried a small girl indignantly, untangling herself form the pile of youngsters. 'You shifted!'

'What?' cried Beastboy huffing. 'I'm a Titan. I'm incapable of cheating. Besides, everything's fair in love and war...and football.'

'Alright kids,' a woman's voice said suddenly. 'It's time to go. Let's say thank you to Beastboy, and pick up all our stuff okay?' A resounding 'Thank you Beastboy' echoed from the youngsters, and Beastboy ruffled the hair of a few of the boys. 'Any time little dudes and dudettes. Stay cool till next week 'kay?'

Raven watched through narrowed eyes as the attractive young African-American woman came over to speak a few words lowly to the changeling. Raven's eye twitched in annoyance as the woman lay her hand on his shoulder. They both shared a laugh before Beastboy waved once more to the departing children and quickly morphed into a bird and flew up into the sky. Raven knew he'd be flying back to their picnic spot and she quickly turned to retrace her steps.

Just as she arrived in the clearing, she heard Beastboy call out, 'Raven?' His voice came from behind a large tree. 'Yes, it's me,' she deadpanned in response. 'Hang on a sec. I'll be right out,' he said. After a few seconds, he emerged from behind the thick trunk, a picnic basket in hand. It took Raven a second to register the voice with the handsome man that now stood before her. Beastboy's hologram ring had disguised him with a tanned skin and light brown hair that fell over his forehead and unelongated ears. But his eyes still twinkled green. He wore a light blue shirt, a pair of khaki shorts, and loafers.

'Heya,' he said. Even the charming grin felt a bit different without his fang poking out. Not a bad different, she decided inwardly. A pleasant different. 'Sorry I'm late.' He quickly laid out the a blanket on the ground. She sat down beside him as he started laying the food out. A tofu hot dog, a chicken sandwich, a big bag of chips, and some wine coolers. She softened a little when she saw how much effort he had taken to prepare for this outing. She took a nibble of the sandwich, appreciating that he made a non-vegetarian alternative for her.

'So, what do you think?' he asked her between bites of his tofu hot dog.

'Hmmm?' she said.

'Of the game? You saw a bit of it, right? I smelt you close by.' He grinned at her. 'By the way, love the lavender incense.' Raven blushed, but she continued to act nonchalantly. 'It was cute. I didn't know you played with the children here.'

'I started about a year ago. Cyborg, actually got me into it. The woman you probably saw...that was Sarah. His ex. He's been meeting her for the past 2 years now, right when she moved to Jump City. They've been getting pretty close again, and I think Cy's still interested in her, what with their relationship ending with his accident and all...but...uh...that's another story. Anyway, those kids, they're all orphans.'

Now Raven looked up from her sandwich. Beastboy continued, 'They come here to play, and you know, get the chance to be kids...escape from the pain, even if's just for a couple of hours. I join them because...' he swallowed, and Raven was silent, waiting for him to continue. 'I know what it's like to lose the ones you love. But just for a few moments, they get to be kids. And I get to be one with them.'

That familiar sorrow welled up in him. She could sense it. Felt the ache it brought. 'I lost my childhood the day my parents died in that boating accident. And there wasn't any chance for a break with the Doom Patrol either. Mento always insisted on discipline and following orders. Rita tried to make me feel like a kid...balance out Mento's training. There were Thanksgivings dinners, Christmas presents, and dressing up as Han Solo for Halloween, but...the mood's kinda spoiled when your interrupted from it all to help avert another global catastrophe, or stop the Brain again.' He gestured with his arm as he continued, 'But these kids don't have to worry about all that. We have something in common, so we can relate to each other. With them, I can forget that I didn't have any of this when I was growing up. I can make my own memories of hide and seek and playing tag. I'm just...a few years late. That's all.'

Raven could feel her own past echoed in his words. The distance her mother was forced to maintain, countless hours spent reading about the prophecy in the Temple Library, learning meditating techniques for years...had she not endured it all with complaint? Accepted that this was her life, and that being the portal was her only future? There had been no time for play dates, or playing with dolls.

A lost childhood.

That was what brought them all together in the first place.

Raven reached over to hold his hand. 'I know how that feels too Gar,' she said softly. And before she knew it, she spilled the story of her own painful past. He listened attentively, asking questions sparingly. With each passing moment, Raven found the burden that had weighed so heavily on her become less and less difficult to bear. After she finished, she found him sitting very close to her, his thumb gently stroking her hand as he never let go of it. His eyes were compassionate as he said, 'Feels good doesn't it? To share the load...'

'Yes...it certainly does,' she said.

'Thank you Rae.'

'For what?' she said, her voice betraying her confusion.

'For opening up a bit more. I know it takes a lot for you to talk about your past.' He smiled at her, and Raven found herself imagining his fang poking out. 'I hope...everyday you'll let me in a bit more, because I care about you. I want to make you happy, if you'll let me. Every moment I've spent with you, every date we've been on so far, I've discovered something new about you each time. And, I want to keep going.'

The part of Raven that would have shied away was blissfully silent. 'I'd like that,' she said softly. 'I care about you too Gar. You've been nothing but sweet and understanding, and...you make feel things I've never felt before. Sometimes it's scary, but I don't want it to stop either.' Beastboy grinned madly at her, as his hand rose affectionately to push a lock of her hair behind her ear.

'Sweet!'

Raven barely contained a laugh. Such a Beastboy thing to say.

'Just so you know, you look beautiful in that dress.'

So he had noticed. 'Thank you.'

'Oooh,' Beastboy released her hands, much to Raven's regret and stood up. 'I almost forgot about dessert. There's some vanilla ice cream in the basket.' Raven looked up as he walked back towards the large tree. 'Where are you going?'

'To get something to go with the ice cream.'

'Right now? What is it?' she asked, curiosity getting the better of her.

'You'll see,' he replied enigmatically.

A few seconds later, a rustling in the tree drew Raven's attention. Looking up, she saw a green snake slithering among the branches. In its mouth was cradled a large red apple. Raven got up and walked over to the low hanging branch. She watched as the snake unwrapped itself a little from the tree limb, and extended the apple towards Raven.

'You know,' she said, 'I am a little hesitant to accept an apple...especially one that's offered to me by a snake, no less.' The green snake simply bobbed it's head in annoyance. Raven took the apple, and sliced a small piece with her powers. As soon as Beastboy shifted back into human form, she completed the allusion by offering him the piece she had bitten into.

'Come here,' he beckoned her back to their resting spot. 'You gotta try it with the ice cream.' She sat down as he quickly extracted the carton of vanilla ice cream. 'Now, just take a small bite...not too big, and don't start chewing yet.' She raised an eyebrow at the unusual request but listened to him anyway. Taking a small spoonful of the ice cream, he suddenly pulled her in and kissed her. Raven was caught off guard for a moment, but her eyes closed and she parted her lips. She immediately felt the coolness of the ice cream followed by the warmth of his tongue enter her mouth. Together they savoured flavour and the experience.

Forbidden fruit had never tasted so sinfully sweet before.

Back in the present time, Raven suddenly had a monstrous craving for vanilla ice cream.